To make myself clear, United States of America and West owes to Ukraine additional $240 billion USD as to what Russian foreign investments into NATO countries added to.







America government allocated more than $26 billion Dollars for nothing more than killing Palestinian civilians - cash for extermination/genocide through which JEWMERICA DEMANDED FROM PEOPLE OF UKRAINE TO SEE ITSELF IN IT AS AT OWN DOORSTEPS.... In the case of Israel which will get a lion share of $91 billion USD, United States ofAmerica government allocated more than $26 billion Dollars for nothing more than killing Palestinian civilians - cash for extermination/genocide through which JEWMERICA DEMANDED FROM PEOPLE OF UKRAINE TO SEE ITSELF IN IT AS AT OWN DOORSTEPS....







Germany as to what Israel/Netanyahu are about and/or financing of the war. West didn't pay free breakfast to Ukraine, but Ukraine paid for poverty West imposed on one (non EU and non NATO - deliberately kept out) so we could have war games in Ukraine. Don't you date to compare Ukrainian cause with second coming of Adolf Hitler and naziGermany as to what Israel/Netanyahu are about and/or financing of the war. West didn't pay free breakfast to Ukraine, but Ukraine paid for poverty West imposed on oneso we could have war games in Ukraine.





@USA AND EUROPEAN UNION - PAY WHAT YOU OWE SCUM. PAY WHAT YOU OWE JEWMERICA AND DON'T EVER INCLUDE UKRAINE ON THE SAME BILL AS TO THE ONE THAT APPLIES TO YOUR COLONIAL NEONAZI MIDEASTERN AGENDA EVER AGAIN. Thats not money from your multimillionaire Zelensky, but from Ukraine https://ausertimes.blogspot.com/2024/04/us-supreme-court.html and Ukraine from what I see is bleeding because you deliberately bleed one.





REPEAT AFTER ME - GERMAN BRITON DUTCH OR JEW, SAME IS THE TRUTH !!! Americas were asking me what Jewmerica is...whole world can see WHAT JEWMERICA IS. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT JEWMERICA IS BY NOW, YOU ARE LESS THAN ILLITERATE https://ausertimes.blogspot.com/2024/03/german-or-jew-same-is-truth-here-is-who.html NOW





GERMAN BRITON DUTCH OR JEW, SAME IS THE TRUTH !!!

Heres whats in the foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel





By Katie Lobosco, Tami Luhby and Brian Fung, CNN 5 minute read Updated 9:55 PM EDT, Tue April 23, 2024The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, D.C., March 28, 2024. Francis Chung/POLITICO/APCNN The Senate passed a foreign aid package Tuesday that includes money for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region.The House passed the aid package, in the form of four separate bills, on Saturday  months after the Senate first passed legislation with aid for Ukraine and Israel.The new legislation, which will now go to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature, also includes a number of House GOP priorities, including sanctions on Iran, the seizure of frozen Russian sovereign assets and a measure that could lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok.The aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region adds up to about $95 billion  the same amount that the earlier Senate bill passed in February would have provided  with an adjustment that $10 billion in Ukraine economic assistance is in the form of a repayable loanHeres whats included in the foreign aid package, according to summaries provided by House Republicans:Nearly $61 billion for UkraineThe legislation includes a total of nearly $61 billion to assist Ukraine and others in the region fight Russia  about the same that was included in the earlier Senate bill.Of that total, about $23 billion would be used to replenish US weapons, stockpiles and facilities, and more than $11 billion would fund current US military operations in the region.Nearly $14 billion included in the bill would help Ukraine buy advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.More than $26 billion for IsraelThe package would provide $26.4 billion to aid Israel, specifying that the funds are to support its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse US military operations in response to recent attacks, according to a summary of the legislation.The funding includes $4 billion for the Iron Dome and Davids Sling missile defense systems and $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system, which counters short-range rockets and mortar threats.It would also provide $4.4 billion to replenish defense items and services provided to Israel and $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems and other items through the Foreign Military Financing Program. Plus, it would provide additional flexibility for transfers of defense items to Israel from US stockpiles held in other countries and would prohibit sending funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency , or UNRWA, which supports Palestinian refugees and has come under fire after Israel alleged some of its staff were involved in Hamas October 7 attack.Also included is $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance  including emergency food, shelter and basic services  to populations suffering crises.The earlier Senate bill, by comparison, would have provided $14.1 billion in assistance to Israel, including funds for missile defense systems and foreign military financing to help Israel reestablish territorial security and deterrence, and $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid.More than $8 billion for Indo-Pacific securityThe package includes $8.1 billion to counter Chinas actions in the Indo-Pacific region. It includes $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, $2 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan and other key allies, and $1.9 billion to replenish defense items and services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.The earlier Senate bill contained very similar provisions to bolster security in the region.Potential TikTok banOne hot-button provision of the package could lead to a possible nationwide ban of TikTok, the popular social media app with links to China.An earlier version of the TikTok bill sailed through the House in March. By including it in the aid package, House Republicans hoped to force the Senate to a quick vote on a measure supporters say is necessary to protect Americans personal data from the Chinese government. Opponents, including TikTok and a range of civil society groups, argue that the bill risks violating the First Amendment rights of TikToks users.The legislation passed Tuesday sets out a nine-month timeframe for the apps Chinese parent, ByteDance, to sell the social media company. If it misses the deadline, TikTok would be banned from US app stores. The proposed time limit is longer than the roughly six months considered in previous legislation . And it would give the president the option to extend the deadline by another 90 days if he determines theres been progress toward a sale.The changes appear aimed at addressing concerns by some senators that the original six-month deadline may have been too short.Iran sanctions, Russian assetsThe legislation also contains what House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul calls the most comprehensive sanctions against Iran Congress has passed in years.It would place sanctions on ports and refineries that receive and process Iranian oil and on anyone involved in activity covered under the UN missile embargo on Iran that lapsed last year or in the supply or sale of Irans missiles and drones. It would also further restrict the export of goods and technology of US origin to Iran.Plus, the legislation would empower the executive branch to seize and transfer frozen Russian assets held in the US to Ukraine to help it fight and rebuild. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that he was considering the measure  known as the REPO Act  as a way to aid Ukraine. Top Biden administration officials have also been working with G7 allies  which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union  to explore the novel strategy to help Ukraine, which would require congressional approval. The vast majority of Russias central bank assets that were frozen by the G7 and the EU are held by the EU, with the US only holding around $5 billion worth, officials told CNN.In addition, the package would place mandatory sanctions on Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian terrorist groups.This headline and story have been updated with additional information.
Chinese navy commander proposes improved cooperation between navies

Xinhua) 09:58, April 24, 2024

QINGDAO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Navy Commander Hu Zhongming on Tuesday called on navies of all countries to improve communication and exchanges, enhance the quality and effectiveness of cooperation, strengthen operational coordination, and expand public goods.

The general put forward the initiatives at a high-level symposium of the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium, which opened on Monday in the port city of Qingdao in Shandong Province, east China.

Navies of all countries should work together in four aspects: improving communication and exchanges; enhancing the quality and effectiveness of cooperation; strengthening operational coordination; and expanding public goods, according to the general.

He reviewed the Chinese navy's efforts in practicing the concept of building a maritime community with a shared future over the past five years, and summarized the concept with the acronym "SHIP," which stands for security, harmony, inclusiveness, and partner.

Noting that maritime forces of all countries bear the important responsibility to maintain peace and good order in the oceans, he called on the navies to push forward pragmatic cooperation.

The Chinese navy is willing to work together with other navies to contribute to the peaceful development of the sea, said Hu.

Representatives from 29 countries attended the symposium.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Anime culture is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of GuGu Home, a platform launched in Beijing on April 20, poised to reshape the landscape of anime-related cultural industries.

Photo showing a part of GuGu Home, a platform integrating anime IPs and providing anime-related cultural engagement, in Beijing, April 20, 2024. [Photo courtesy of GuGuGuGu]

GuGu Home represents a new model in comprehensive chain operation that integrates the anime IP store brand with content, products and an interactive experience industry chain. This store collaborates with high-quality IPs both domestically and internationally to launch a variety of anime products and immersive IP experiences, creating a high-quality and comprehensive trendy toy paradise. It was developed by GuGuGuGu, a company founded by Road Pictures aiming to integrate and operate resources from major franchises.

Besides the Beijing location, two other such stores also opened on April 20 in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

On Saturday, merchandise, installations and decorations inspired by "Suzume," "Spy x Family Code: White," "Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle," "Paradox Live," as well as the Chinese franchise "The Legend of Hei," were showcased for excited fans and customers at the launch event for the Beijing store.

Cai Gongming, president and CEO of Road Pictures and GuGuGuGu, speaks at the opening of GuGu Home in Beijing, April 20, 2024. [Photo courtesy of GuGuGuGu]

At its core, GuGu Home is a hub for the anime community to gather, connect and immerse themselves in their shared passion. Cai Gongming, president and CEO of Road Pictures and GuGuGuGu, expressed that the company's name is a collective testament from fans, ensuring that the essence of anime culture remains at the forefront of the platform's identity.

"GuGuGuGu is a brand that exists because of its fans. I hope it can become a home for fans to enjoy, build and protect together," Cai said.

This store will also host offline activities with a focus on anime elements, creating a gathering place for "content + experience + products + socializing." This will emotionally resonate with the anime community, inviting fans to create together and jointly build a home for the two-dimensional community, allowing all anime fans to go hand in hand with their passion.

An immersive premiere for Japanese animated feature "Spy x Family Code: White" is held in Beijing, April 20, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Road Pictures]

In addition to GuGu Home, GuGuGuGu has also collaborated with 29 theaters nationwide to open GuGu HotSpot stores inside these venues. On April 20, its parent company, Road Pictures, held an immersive premiere for "Spy x Family Code: White," set for an April 30 release. Including an outdoor screening, a large space of Beijing's Solana business district was transformed into an interactive and leisure zone full of elements from the film franchise, demonstrating the company's strength in pioneering the operation of animation IPs.
KANAGAWA, Apr 24 (News On Japan) - Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture has launched a new initiative to disseminate information in English using generative AI technology.

Katsuaki Uechi, the mayor of Yokosuka City, who does not speak fluent English, has been portrayed speaking English in a new video. However, the video was not actually featuring him speaking but was created using generative AI technology. The process involves training the AI with videos of the mayor speaking Japanese, after which English text is input to produce a video that appears to show the mayor speaking English.

Yokosuka City plans to use this AI technology not only for their monthly press conferences but also for broadcasting disaster-related information and tourist details in English. The city aims to ensure that "no one is left uninformed" by reaching a broader audience through this innovative use of technology.

Source: NEWS
TOKYO, Apr 24 (News On Japan) - Major American IT companies like Microsoft and Oracle have announced substantial investments totalling 4 trillion yen ($26 billion) in data centers in Japan, sparking concerns about digital sovereignty and AI development.

Initiatives such as 'Digital Government' promoted by Japan's Digital Agency are believed to play a role.

With Japanese companies also joining the fray, a future where data centers' power consumption exceeds current production is anticipated. Will this development impede AI advancement in Japan?

Furthermore, under American cloud laws, the reach of criminal investigation extends even to U.S. companies' data centers located within Japan, prompting concerns about the safeguarding of Japanese data sovereignty.

Professor Ichiro Sato from the National Institute of Informatics, offering a comprehensive perspective.

The facilities in the video are data centers for installing servers and networking equipment. Major U.S. IT companies are rapidly establishing these data centers in Japan. Oracle, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft, familiar names in Japan, are among the giant U.S. IT firms that have announced plans this year to build data centers in Japan. The total investment amounts to a staggering four trillion yen.

Professor Sato, why are these American companies now so intent on establishing data centers in Japan?

There are several reasons, but one is that these data centers are intended for cloud services. Currently, there's a move in Japan to shift administrative systems of central government agencies and local governments to the clouda new trend. Because these are government systems, there's a preference to have them located within Japan. Private companies feel the same way. Even if using American clouds, if the data centers are in Japan, Japanese law applies more broadly, so there's a growing demand to keep such facilities in Japan.

The graph here predicts the market size of data centers by country; America and China dominate while Japan appears quite small in comparison. However, by 2028, it's expected to increase by 1.4 times from 2023, reaching a market size of 24 billion dollars, or 3.7 trillion yen.

Professor Sato, do you think there's an oversupply of data centers in Japan, or how do you see the demand?

Globally, data is expected to double every three years, increasing by about 1.3 times annually. Not all this data will be processed, but as data increases, so does the need for computation, and much of this will be done in data centers, so the demand for data centers is expected to rise.

There was a mention earlier about government cloud. How do data centers differ from clouds?

Clouds are realized through multiple data centers. Especially American clouds are automated so that one administrator can manage over ten thousand servers, which is commonplace. In Japan, there's hardly any service that coordinates data centers, and in Japanese data centers, it's more about companies placing and running their own servers, so automation is minimal.

In this context, Japanese companies are also planning to build new data centers. Daiwa House is planning a large-scale facility equipped with power supplies and racks. Sakura Internet can support government and local government cloud services and will eventually support generative AI. SoftBank plans to use data centers for its own AI development and cloud services.

With such moves by Japanese companies to build data centers, how do you view this?

For example, Daiwa House would be quite literally about providing a place for companies to operate their servers. Sakura Internet runs its servers but rents them out to companies. SoftBank is likely focusing on its own use.

Each has its intended purpose, but the fact that American companies are building data centers in Japan indicates significant demand. Is it difficult for Japanese companies to meet this demand?

As Japan digitalizes, the use of servers will increase whether through clouds or local data centers, boosting server demand. This increase might lead to competition between Japanese data centers and those overseas. It's likely to happen, as owning servers or renting cloud services has significant cost implications that vary with usage. Generally, using the same service naturally leads to competition.

So, the situation is not as simple as being universally welcomed. While there are benefits to having data centers in Japan, challenges remain.

Source: BIZ
TOKYO, Apr 24 (News On Japan) - There have been multiple reports of a mysterious black animal in downtown Tokyo, with the enigmatic creature captured on video looking around nervously before noticing the camera and staring it down for about 15 seconds, then running away.

The video was taken about 150 meters from Zoshigaya Station on the Tokyo Fukutoshin Line, in a quiet residential area lush with greenery.

Further investigation revealed that the animal was suffering from a physical anomaly. The person who recorded the video shared their initial thoughts: "The first impression was that it was a cat. It probably wanted to go in my direction, but I stopped and crouched to film it. It seemed to give up and went the other way."

Other witnesses were also present.

Another witness commented, "I thought it might be a civet at first, but it looked different, which was strange. It was around 1 AM; you see it darting around occasionally."

The true identity of the animal has been confirmed by Kouhei Yamakawa, the head of Japan Pet Clinic, "It is a raccoon dog suffering from scabies, a parasitic disease causing severe hair loss and baldness."

Scabies, an infection caused by mites, leads to severe itching and a rough skin texture. This disease can also infect dogs, cats, and humans, requiring caution.

Dr. Yamakawa advises, "Please do not touch it. It's particularly sad if it spreads to pets like dogs or cats. While I understand the sympathy one might feel for the raccoon dog, it's crucial to consult with public health centers first."

While not a life-threatening disease, it is important to consult a physician immediately if symptoms are suspected.

Source: FNN
Apr 25 (News On Japan) - The official trailer for Studio Colorido's latest animated film, "Even If I Hate, I Love," has been unveiled, with a worldwide exclusive release on Netflix and a theatrical premiere in Japan scheduled for May 24.

Studio Colorido, renowned for attracting up-and-coming creators and producing hits like "Penguin Highway," "A Whisker Away," and "Drifting Home," brings a new feature-length anime movie. This latest creation tells the enchanting story of a boy who fears being disliked and a carefree demon girl.

Directed by Tomohiko Shibayama, who made his feature directorial debut with "A Whisker Away," the film boasts a script by Yuko Kakihara.

Story

Hiiragi, a first-year high school student, has developed a personality where he cannot refuse others' requests, driven by his desire to be liked by everyone. Despite his efforts to live for others, he finds himself without close friends.

One unusual summer day with out-of-season snowfall, Hiiragi tries his best as usual but feels something is still amiss. On his way home, feeling somewhat disillusioned, he helps Tsumugi, a girl with nowhere to stay. However, that night, an incident occurs. Hiiragi almost argues with his father but hides his true feelings instead. Overwhelmed by unspoken emotions, he dozes off only to be awakened by the cold as his room is inexplicably freezing. Suddenly attacked by a mysterious masked monster, Hiiragi is saved by Tsumugi, and they flee the room together.

Catching their breath, Hiiragi notices something astonishingTsumugi has horns on her head! She reveals she is a demon looking for her mother, whom she was separated from at a young age. Moreover, the "snow-like" substance emanating from Hiiragi is actually "small demons" produced by humans who hide their true feelings, and those who produce too many are destined to become demons themselves. Unable to refuse Tsumugi's request to help find her mother, Hiiragi joins her on a journey. Meanwhile, back in Tsumugi's homeland, the hidden village of demons, another incident is unfolding.

Source: TWIN ENGINE
Metros buses are some of the biggest vehicles rolling throughout town and now metropolitan area students have a chance to make them their biggest canvas yet.

Middle and high school students in the Council Bluffs-Omaha metro area can submit their best entries in the Wheel Appeal contest, according to a news release.

Public art shows off whats best about a city like Omaha: the talent its future generations bring to the table to carry on a vibrant legacy while rolling us into a future filled with creativity and community, Metro CEO Lauren Cencic said in the release. Its even better when that art is displayed on a canvas as large as a 35-foot bus rolling around town. I cant wait to see the talent Omahas youth has shown over and over again.

Metro is looking for original designs that celebrate Omaha while highlighting the benefits public transit brings to the community. Students can interpret that any way they want that can be incorporated into art.

One middle school and one high school winner will be selected to have their artwork transformed into a full bus wrap, which will traverse the community for up to a year.

Submissions are due May 13 by 4:30 p.m. Details  including contest rules, templates and entry forms  can be found at ometro.com/wheelappeal.
You are here: Business

Air China, the national flag carrier, will launch and resume four international routes starting from April 28, the company announced on Tuesday.

The company will resume two routes, namely Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo, and Beijing-Madrid-Havana. Two new routes that will be opened are Beijing-Riyadh and Beijing-Dhaka.

The Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo route will be resumed starting from Sunday, and the airline will operate two round-trip flights every week.

The Beijing-Madrid-Havana route will be resumed on May 17 with two round-trip flights every week.

From May 6, the airline will open the Beijing-Riyadh route with three round-trip flights every week, while the Beijing-Dhaka route is to open in June with four round-trip flights every week.

By then, Air China will be operating 452 routes in total, including 112 international and regional routes, according to the company.
Weather Alert

...FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 31 will result in frost formation. * WHERE...Portions of southwest and west central Iowa and east central, northeast, and southeast Nebraska. * WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. &&
Paris is looking forward to learning from Moroccos extensive Imam training experience as it plans to stop hiring religious preachers from abroad, French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said.

Darmanin visited Rabat on April 22 and met both interior minister Abdelouafi Laftit and Moroccos religious affairs minister Ahmed Taoufiq.

Following talks with Taoufiq, Darmanin said the meeting was a chance to raise Islam in France, he said, adding that the two officials also discussed French decision to stop hiring Imams.

We are very interested in training Imams and the ways Morocco could help in that regard, he said.

President Macron has ordered French authorities to train imams locally instead of relying on religious staff from Morocco, Algeria, or Turkey.

Building on its moderate school of Islam as a bulwark against extremism conducive to pre-empting radicalism at home and abroad, Morocco has extended the project of the Mohammed VI Institute, created in 2015, for the training of Imams to respond to the growing demand from a number of countries.

The Institute has offered training, accommodation and stipends to hundreds of Imams who are now practicing in their homelands spreading the lofty values of the religion.
Chairman of Libyas Presidential Council Mohamed Yunes El-Menfi has sent a written message to King Mohammed VI following the 2nd tripartite summit convened by Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya in the absence of Morocco and Mauritania.

The Libyan message was handed over to Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita by El-Menfis brother and personal envoy during a meeting held Tuesday in Rabat.

According to Assahifa daily, the Tripoli message, which comes in less than 24 hours after the Tunis tripartite summit, affirms that there is no Arab Maghreb without Morocco and Mauritania, dealing a hard blow to those seeking to break up the Arab Maghreb Union and steering it into unchartered waters.

In his message, Mohamed El Menfi expressed the Libyan Presidential Councils attachment to the revival of the Arab Maghreb Union as the ONLY framework for Maghreb countries seeking integration, stability and prosperity, said the paper.

This is the 2nd time that Libya stands firm against the Algerian regimes destabilizing plots, sowing more divisions in the Maghreb, fueling more tension in the region, and threatening peace and stability.

On the sidelines of a forum of gas exporting countries held last month in Algiers, the Presidents of Algeria, Tunisia and Head of Libyas Presidential Council held a meeting described by Algerian state media as a prelude to the establishment of a new Maghreb, excluding Rabat and Nouakchott.

In a statement published lately by Al-Marsad newspaper, the Libyan Presidential Council had said: We were surprised by Algerian Presidents talk to the media about an agreement reached with him and Tunisia to form a Maghreb entity gathering the three countries.

A Presidential Council source, cited by the daily, had said the first tripartite summit convened in Algiers focused on joint security and economic cooperation, borders management and various other issues, especially the situation in Gaza.

The Libyan Presidential Council had also affirmed that it stands on the same distance from all brothers in the Maghreb countries and supports their unity, sovereignty and the settlement of differences through constructive dialogue and rejects any dispute that will affect the region in general and Libya in particular.

Following the meeting between Sami El Menfi and Bourita, Libyas Charge dAffaires in Rabat Aboubaker Ibrahim Ataweel told the media that the Libyan envoys visit reaffirms the excellence of the brotherlyrelations between Libya and Morocco.

He expressed his countrys gratitude to Morocco for its constant and ongoing support, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, for the Libyan issue, which is reflected through the multiple agreements on Libya concluded in the Kingdom, especially those of Skhirat, Bouznika, and Tangier.

Morocco has actively contributed to the resolution of the Libyan crisis and provided full support for the conclusion of a series of agreements, he recalled, noting that the Skhirat Agreement in 2015 remains the cornerstone and a reference for resolving the Libyan issue.
African leaders have called for more regional cooperation in fighting terrorism at a high-level summit in Abuja, with Nigerias president accusing the global community of being responsible for the disturbing rise in illegal mining, illicit funds flow and terrorism funding in the continent.

The High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Conference, with the theme Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism in Africa, gathered various stakeholders, to deliberate on the root causes of the security challenges faced by the region, aiming to look for African-led solutions, including creating a possible regional military force. The epicenter of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East and North Africa into sub-Saharan Africa concentrated largely in the Sahel, UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed told the counter-terrorism summit. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined his counterparts Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe to urge more regional cooperation, intelligence sharing and work to create a standby military force.

Speaking at the opening session, Tinubu accused the global community of being responsible for the disturbing rise in illegal mining, illicit funds flow and terrorism funding in Africa, saying they owe the continent and must be ready to help in the fight to eradicate the menace. Look at the illegal mining that plagues so many of our nations today. Those who think illegal mining has no connection with financing terrorism are sorely mistaken, the Nigerian president said, adding that the international community has both the moral and legal obligation to help in this cause because it is outside money not African money that fuels the illegal operations. But he also emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and institution-building to address the evolving threat of terrorism on the continent, stating that key to our collective efforts against terrorism is the urgent need for a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre.
The human rights situation in Algeria deteriorated in 2023 due to increased repression and violation of the freedoms of expression, press, assembly, and association, says the U.S State Department in its latest annual country report on the human rights situation in Algeria.

The report cites documented cases of torture, arbitrary arrests, and inhuman treatment of militants by members of Algerian security forces in addition to unfair judicial system, prosecutions of journalists, censorship, and enforcement of criminal libel laws to limit freedom of expression.

The Algerian authorities continue to violate religious freedom, impose serious restrictions on internet and undermine the freedom of peaceful assembly and the freedom of association through overly restrictive laws imposed on nongovernmental and civil society organizations.

The U.S. report denounces extrajudicial killings of political opponents, the harassment of domestic & international human rights organizations operating in Algeria, the extensive gender-based violence, expanding human trafficking, the use of excessive force by Algerian police against pro-democracy protesters and whistleblowers exercising their right to free speech.

Furthermore, prison conditions in Algeria are degrading and life threatening due to physical abuse and inadequate medical care. Algerian security agents make arrests without following procedures for warrants and summons.

Algerian authorities use vaguely worded provisions criminalizing inciting an unarmed gathering, harming national unity, publishing fake news, or insulting a government body to arrest and detain individuals they considered to be disturbing public order or criticizing the government.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other prominent human rights organizations criticized laws prohibiting unauthorized gatherings and criminalizing actions that harm national unity as significant sources of arbitrary arrests intended to suppress political activism. Police arrest protesters for violating the law against unregistered public gatherings.

According to human rights watchdogs, hundreds of activists have been arbitrarily detained for expressing their opinion. International human rights organizations and local civil society groups continue to call on the Algerian government to release all political prisoners, detained hirak militants, journalists, and protestors.

The Algerian authorities use antiterrorism laws and restrictive laws on freedom of expression and public assembly to detain political activists and outspoken critics of the government, while several Algerian journalists suffered harassment and reported selective prosecutions served as a mechanism for intimidation, the report says.
The year-old war in Sudan has triggered a crisis of epic proportions fueled by material support from foreign supporters who continue to flout United Nations sanctions, top United Nations and African Union officials warned on Friday (19 April).

That the rival generals vying for power in Sudan have been able to sustain their confrontation, it is in no small part thanks to the material support they receive from outside the Sudan, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peace-building Affairs, Rosemary Anne DiCarlo, said as she briefed the Security Council. These external actors continue to flout the sanctions regime imposed by the Council to support a political settlement, thereby fueling the conflict. This is illegal, it is immoral and it must stop, DiCarlo added. The sanctions regime imposed on Sudan by the resolution 1591 includes an embargo on arms and ammunition as well as asset freezes.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chair of the African Union panel on Sudan and high representative for its Silence the Guns in Africa initiative, denounced external support in terms of supply of war materiel and other needs, calling it a major factor compounding both the efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and to stop the war. However, neither DiCarlo nor Chambas named any of the foreign supporters. DiCarlo said the UN stands ready to double down on efforts with its multilateral partners, including the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority for Development, the League of Arab States, to help end hostilities and foster inclusive and effective international mediation.
Photo taken on Jan. 21, 2019 shows the computer room of Tianhe-1 at the National SuperCompute Center in Tianjin, north China. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei computability network, powered by China's high-speed Tianhe Supercomputer, was launched in Tianjin on Tuesday.



Initial investment in the network is set to reach 500 million yuan ($69 million) this year, with expectations for it to surge to 1 billion yuan next year, as announced at the 2024 Tianhe SuperComputability Ecology Conference by the National SuperComputer Center in Tianjin.

Meng Xiangfei, Party secretary of the center, said, "The network, funded by various organizations and companies, aims to enhance the region's presence in the country's computability network and facilitate multilevel coordination among regional governments and companies."

During the conference, a partnership signing ceremony took place among participating organizations and companies.

"Leveraging the power of the Tianhe Supercomputer, this initiative is poised to elevate computing capabilities in the region and extend its impact to other areas," Meng said.

The National SuperComputer Center in Tianjin is renowned for developing and deploying China's top-ranking supercomputers, including the world-renowned Tianhe-1 and the Tianhe new generation.

The center has revealed ambitious targets to achieve computing capabilities ranging from 200 quintillion to 300 quintillion petaflops, resulting in a supercomputing capacity exceeding 100 quintillion calculations per second, an intelligent computing capacity surpassing 100 quintillion calculations per second, and a data management capacity of 100 quintillion bytes per second.

The center signifies China's commitment to self-reliance and advancement in supercomputing technology, and is currently the most widely applied, highest performing and largest output supercomputing center in the country.

Qian Depei, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and head of the National Supercomputing Network Team, said, "Tianhe represents the country's continuous innovation capability, and we urge its broader applications in various fields across China."

In alignment with Qian's vision, a partnership was established between Tianhe and over 30 State-owned enterprises, and the formation of a generative intelligence innovation conglomerate was inaugurated during the conference.

Zhu Ruijun, deputy chief engineer at China ENFI Engineering Co Ltd, said: "With the support of Tianhe, we are enhancing our quality and productivity. It enables us to explore minerals at depths of 2,000-3,000 meters with safety, precision and efficiency."

Yu Long, chief engineer at the Research Academy of Offshore Oil Engineering Co Ltd, based in Tianjin, said, "Our company has been collaborating with Tianhe since 2016, and we will continue our partnership in advancing computing capabilities for deeper sea exploration, undersea pipeline development, human resources training and research."
With geopolitical confrontation and tensions deepening, the key global players are swiftly turning their focus on Africa, experts and observers note, with some of them warning African leaders to exercise prudence in forging international alliances, in particular with countries led by such power-drunk leader(s) like Putin.

As African leaders are making strategic choices based on their respective development paradigms, they are naturally exploring ways for effective external collaboration to transform untapped resources, modernize agriculture or, for example, boost employment. While many African leaders have maintained extensive bilateral relationships with their former colonial powers, on the other hand, Russia and China have been critical of Western and European connections to Africa. But according to Kester Kenn Klomegah, expert on African affairs in the EurAsian region and former Soviet republics, following anti-Western slogans will definitely not guarantee or facilitate the expected development.

Anti-Western slogans are still prevalent in Russian communication to Africa, which still clearly have some relevance and resonance, says Steven Gruzd of South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). But, Africa needs trade and investment more than anti-Western slogans and mere policy rhetoric to turn the economic fortunes of the continent around. This is especially the case with Russia, which is still a very small economic player in Africa, with the size of its $17 billion trade with the continent in 2021 being many times smaller than that of Chinas and the European Unions.

Also another Africa expert, Cristiano Volpi, argues that African leaders need to be acutely aware the potential consequences of international alliances and of the necessity to navigate these alliances carefully. To that end, he urges Nigerian leaders to refrain from engaging with the BRICS alliance, particularly due to concerns around the reliability of President Putin of Russia. He goes as far as warning of the potential dangers of becoming entangled with the aggressive policies of a power-drunk leader like Putin, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for Nigeria and, by extension, to other African states.
Lawmakers in Togo have given final approval to a constitutional reform linked to presidential term limits and how presidents are elected, which some opposition politicians and civil society groups have denounced as a constitutional coup.

Togos parliament had already adopted the amendments on 25 March, but following a backlash by the opposition who fear the changes would allow President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his 19-year-rule indefinitely, the latter called for further consultations and a second parliamentary vote. Gnassingbe succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who seized power via a coup in 1967 and then ruled the coastal West African country for nearly four decades. The lawmakers approved the reform on Friday (19 April), just days before the 29 April legislative elections that had also been pushed back due to the issues around the constitutional amendments.

According to the new system, the president will no longer be elected by universal suffrage, but by members of parliament. The amendments also introduced a parliamentary system of government and shortened presidential terms to four years from five with a two-term limit. While the current constitution would only allow Gnassingbe to run for one last term in 2025, the amended constitution could enable Gnassingbe to stay in power until 2033, if re-elected in 2025, a highly likely scenario as his party controls parliament. In a statement on Saturday (20 April), an opposition coalition and other signatories described the latest vote in the National Assembly as a coup detat, saying the constitutional changes were a political maneuver to allow Gnassingbe to extend his tenure for life.
The United States has agreed to withdraw its about 1,000 troops from Niger, where it built and operated a major drone base in the desert city of Agadez, in a move that effectively marks a new regional gain for Russia.

Washington has accepted the call to pull out its troops from Nigeria and is committed to begin the planning of an orderly and responsible withdrawal of its troops from the West African country, according to reports released after a meeting between US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerian Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine on Friday (19 April). The two sides reportedly agreed that a US delegation would head within days to the capital Niamey to arrange an orderly withdrawal of US soldiers, upending its posture in the West African region where Nigeria was home to a major base for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations. Built in Agadez at the cost of $100m, the Air Base 201 was used to combat armed groups that pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) in the Sahel region.

Niger was long a linchpin in the US and French strategy to combat jihadists in West Africa. But only four months after the visit to Niger of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who sought to bolster democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum, a stalwart Western ally, the latter was sacked in a military coup in July 2023. While the junta quickly kicked out troops from former colonial power France, it initially sounded an openness to maintaining its longtime defense relationship with the US. But with Joe Bidens administration insisting on the return of civilian rule and Bazoums release, Niger announced in March that it had suspended a military agreement with the US. This comes as Niger and also other Sahel countries, Mali and Burkina Faso, have now turned to Russia for military support.
The Wall Street Journal highlighted the independence declaration by Kabylias MAK movement after years of repression under the Algerian regime.

After half a century of working with human-rights and democratic groups in Algeria to liberalize the one-party police state, Kabyle spokesmen, including Mr. Mehenni, brought the case for decolonization to the U.N. A few days before the New York demonstration, Mr. Mehenni spoke before a U.N. committee, drawing words of support from Emirati, Moroccan and Spanish diplomats, Roger Kaplan wrote on the WSJ.

Ferhat Mhenni, who leads Kabylias independence movement MAK, declared independence in front of the UN, holding the international community witness to Algerias repression and double-speak in refusing to accept self-determination for the restive region.

At the rally in front of the U.N., Ferhat Mehenni, who heads the movement, said that a people without a state is defenseless and doomed to perish, Kaplan said.

At least 500 MAK activists are jailed on bogus charges in Algeria, which has branded the MAK as a terrorist group.

Most of MAK activists have been forced to exile, mostly in France where they operate and have a strong support base among the Kabylian diaspora.

During Bouteflika era, the movement was asking for autonomy and has been gathering tens of thousands on marches on the Amazigh Spring demanding self-rule. But the intransigence of the military rulers in Algiers pushed the MAK to demand outright independence as the only option to safeguard the economic, cultural rights of the Kabylian people.

The Kabyle reject the Algiers governments charge of separatism and insist that they represent a distinct nation, Kaplan said.

From their mountain strongholds, the Kabyle for centuries resisted the Romans, Arabs and Turksuntil French colonizers finally defeated them in the 1870s. Notwithstanding their active participation in the anticolonial war, the MAK argues that their region was later forcibly recolonized by Algeria, first in a short war immediately following Algerias independence from France in 1962, and later in regular campaigns of repression, he recalled.
In the wake of the most recent spree of antisemitic harassment, President Biden made a statement denouncing the harassment of Jews, while gesturing toward sympathy for the plight of Palestinian Arabs: I condemn the antisemitic protests. Thats why Ive set up a program to deal with that. I also condemn those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians.

Unsurprisingly, this caused an outrage response from the eliminationist left. Somewhat more surprisingly, unless you are familiar with this particular pathology, Bidens statement also generated outrage on the political right.

Biden condemns antisemitic protests, and those who dont understand Palestinians in echo of Trump both sides remark, blared the New York Post. The Federalist (Joe Biden Says There Are Very Fine People On Both Sides Of The Oct. 7 Debate), The Wall Street Journals op-ed page (Biden Has a Very Fine People Moment), and other conservative media have repeated the theme.

This is a familiar anti-anti-Trump tactic: finding Trumps most indefensible moments and then attempting to blow up a minor or imagined Biden infraction to an equivalent size to neutralize the issue. In this case, they are pretending Bidens expression of sympathy for Palestinians is the equivalent of Donald Trump calling the pro-Confederate demonstrators in Charlottesville very fine people.

But there was nothing in Bidens remark that hinted of sympathy for the antisemitic protests he was denouncing. He was remarking that Palestinian people are suffering and deserve sympathy and attention, and not allowing his radical critics to take ownership of that sentiment.

Since both sides has now become an epithet used by, well, both sides, it is worth making a defense of the general construct. The term both sides became sarcastic shorthand for a common practice in the mainstream media of pretending offenses that were solely committed by the Republican Party were being shared by Democrats. You could find this trope in stories about subjects like, say, the debt ceiling, where fake neutrality would cause reporters to pretend both parties were using hostage tactics.

Yet the general idea of adopting a broad moral framework and balancing competing moral principles remains correct. The error is to misapply it to situations in which all fault is concentrated in a single party. But I do not think that is a useful way to approach all political conflict. And it is an especially poor one for the conflict in the Middle East.

Biden has taken abuse from all directions for attempting to hold multiple values in his head at once. The president has, at various times, expressed the following ideas:

1. Terrorist attacks on civilians are wrong.

2. Israel has a right to self-defense that is bounded by a requirement to minimize civilian casualties.

3. Bigotry against Jews, Muslims, or Arabs is categorically wrong.

Now, one might object that, in praising Biden for these morally intuitive positions, I have set the bar too low. And it is a low bar indeed. But the pertinent thing is that Biden and his allies are the only faction in American politics that has managed to clear this low bar.

The groups leading the left-wing protests against Biden not only refuse to condemn Hamass butchery of Israeli civilians, they actively glorify it. The Republican Party has overlooked or justified Trumps naked bigotry against Muslims and frequently dismissed the idea that Israels counterterrorist attack needs to follow any standard of care for civilian life.

Trump defenders Alan Dershowitz and Andrew Stein, writing in the Journal, blame Biden for the politicization of a clear moral issue:

Mr. Biden should unqualifiedly condemn antisemitism and harassment and violence against Jews. Trying to balance that justified condemnation by suggesting a false moral equivalence is wrong and will hurt him politically. Most Americans understand the difference between the murderers and rapists of Hamas and the defenders of Israel, even if they sometimes fault Israeli actions. If Mr. Biden fails to understand that difference  or, worse, understands but deliberately blurs it  voters will see through his politicization of a clear moral issue.

Many of these antisemitic rioters are as anti-American as they are anti-Israel. Their chants include Death to America, Revolution, and Genocide Joe. Some openly support Iran.

The sheer chutzpah of this passage is astonishing. They are blaming the president for slogans being used by anti-Biden protesters. Meanwhile, Trump has been delighting in chants of Genocide Joe at his rallies. Yet Trumps defenders have somehow transmogrified the blame for an attack line used against Biden, and taken up by Trump, onto Biden himself.

Devising an effective and moral response to a terrorist group that deliberately maximizes civilian casualties is hard. Influencing policy in another country, even one that is subject to your leverage, is even harder. It is fair to fault Biden for having failed to stanch the conflict.

But its easy to devise a solution when youre free to ignore the humanity of one side of the conflict. Biden is struggling to create and carry out a vision because he is trying to do something morally complex. That is a basic standard of decency his critics on the left and right alike have failed to clear.
Photo: Kirby Lee via AP

Last week, the NYPD arrived on Columbia Universitys campus and arrested students involved in a pro-Palestine encampment. Earlier this week, police officers arrested demonstrators at Yale and the University of Minnesota. And on Wednesday, law enforcement broke up protests at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Southern California.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters gathered on UT Austins campus as part of a scheduled class walkout by the schools chapter of the Palestine Solidarity Committee. The event called for participants to occupy the universitys South Lawn as they demanded the administration divest from companies linked to Israel. Ahead of the planned protest, school officials notified the event organizers that their event was not allowed and that participants might be subject to arrest and suspensions.

Roughly 50 state troopers in riot gear have arrived, seven of which are on horseback. pic.twitter.com/CnZxA0s1I2  The Daily Texan (@thedailytexan) April 24, 2024

Footage from KXAN, a local NBC affiliate, shows Texas state troopers in riot gear arresting protesters after giving the crowd a warning to disperse. The Texas Tribune reports that at least ten people were arrested during the standoff.

Police attempt to push the crowd, arresting one.



This is happening directly under the UT Tower. Went here for 4 years, never saw anything like this. pic.twitter.com/EaYBphtTzh  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

A similar scene unfolded at the University of Southern California, where more than a hundred protesters took part in a pro-Palestine encampment of the universitys Alumni Park. During the protest, organized by the schools Divest From Death coalition, students frequently picked up and moved their tents so they wouldnt run afoul of the schools rule barring on-campus camping, per the Los Angeles Times. USC has recently been at the center of controversy after barring the 2024 class valedictorian from speaking following criticism of one of her social-media posts by pro-Israel groups. In footage from the Times, officers from the universitys department of public safety can be seen grappling with protesters and even pulling out batons.

DPS officers put their hands on a @USC student; take out batons pic.twitter.com/gPx8TwSqqj  angie (@angorellanah) April 24, 2024

One person was detained by law enforcement, but was reportedly let go after students surrounded the car they were being transported in.

A protester is thrown to the ground and detained by several officers. pic.twitter.com/G1wlnhx2RH  Jeremy Lindenfeld (@jeremotographs) April 24, 2024

The scene at #USC right now - students demanding one of the protesters detained by campus police be released @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/cvkghJGzef  Josh Haskell (@abc7JoshHaskell) April 24, 2024

Also Wednesday, pro-Palestine students whose organization had been banned established a small encampment at Harvard, setting up a likely clash with administrators.

Incredible video from @HarvardPSC



Just yesterday, Harvard University placed the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) under suspension. Less than 24 hours later, students launched a Gaza solidarity encampment.



THE MORE THEY TRY TO SILENCE US THE LOUDER WE WILL BE pic.twitter.com/SnWTuiAan7  National Students for Justice in Palestine (@NationalSJP) April 24, 2024
Demonstrators face police on the NYU campus on Monday, where more than 150 were arrested. Photo: Alex Kent/AFP via Getty Images

What is a university for? At Columbia University and its affiliated womens college, Barnard, it is ostensibly to value critical thought, a broad mind, and a commitment to reason. Only look at their websites, as any prospective student might do. Columbias says the school wants to educate future generations, create knowledge that will take humanity forward, and invest in community, both locally and globally, adding that it will teach students how to think, not what to think. Or so it claims. Platitudes often fall short of reality, and thats true at Columbia, too. Over the past several months, it has gradually restricted pro-Palestinian activism on campus, culminating in a drastic police action last week.

By the time the schools president, Minouche Shafik, authorized a police raid to break up a pro-Palestinian encampment last Thursday, Columbia had already suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations for allegedly violating policies on holding campus events. Shafik later justified her decision to send in the police by telling the NYPD that protesters posed a clear and present danger to the substantial functioning of the university, the Columbia Spectator reported on Thursday. The NYPD undermined her claims. To put this in perspective, the students that were arrested were peaceful, offered no resistance whatsoever, and were saying what they wanted to say in a peaceful manner, Chief John Chell told the student newspaper.

If the students posed no real threat, then Columbia was merely repressing pro-Palestinian speech and action. Difficult or controversial moments tend to reveal an institutions true commitments, and universities like Columbia, it seems, dont value critical thought as much as they value business as usual.

A day before the police raid, Shafik telegraphed her move during a House hearing. When Republican Rick Allen, for instance, asked her if she wanted her campus to be cursed by God for abandoning Israel, Shafik said she didnt. Later, on Thursday morning, she suspended three students involved in the encampment, including Isra Hirsi, whose mother, Representative Ilhan Omar, had asked Shafik hours earlier why the university had repeatedly repressed pro-Palestinian activism on campus. The university warned that anyone else who participated in the encampment faced suspension too.

Its clear now that Shafik miscalculated. A new encampment has sprung up at Columbia, and protests have spread to Cal Poly Humboldt, NYU, the New School, and the University of Michigan, among others. So have arrests. At Yale, campus police arrested over 45 demonstrators on campus early on Monday, but it hasnt deterred others from protesting. On Monday evening, the NYPD arrested around 150 people, including faculty, on the NYU campus and maced protesters.

The past weeks protests follow months of student organizing  and repression  around the country. Brown University had students arrested last November after they conducted a sit-in at a campus building. Teen Vogue reported that earlier this month, Vanderbilt University expelled three pro-Palestinian students, put another 22 on probation, and suspended one after they, too, occupied a building. Twenty Pomona College students were arrested the same month because they also occupied a building, this time to protest the removal of a pro-Palestinian art installation. The University of Southern California has even prohibited valedictorian Asna Tabassum, who is Muslim, from delivering a commencement speech after pro-Israel groups on campus complained. Her offense was to link to a page criticizing Zionism as a racist settler-colonial ideology.

Administrators should perhaps use the intellectual skills that students themselves are expected to learn. It is patently unreasonable to equate all anti-Zionist political activity with antisemitism when many of the demonstrators are Jewish themselves. Any protest can attract bad actors, but thats no reason to stop organizing. Members of Columbia University Apartheid Divest and Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine released a statement saying they reject any form of hate or bigotry, including antisemitism. Shafiks escalation further puts students at risk  not just from arrest but from retaliation. Over the past several days, figures like Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League and Senator Tom Cotton have called for the National Guard to step in  never mind the Kent State massacre of antiwar protesters in 1970. Others make comparisons to the white-nationalist march in Charlottesville in 2017, where a neo-Nazi murdered a progressive counterprotester with his car.

As long as students remain peaceful, they are guilty of one thing only: embarrassing their universities by applying their education to the real world. At Columbia, they are not calling for violence but for the university to divest from companies that profit from Israeli occupation. And they have good reason to do so. As pundits wring their hands over the protests, students remind onlookers that the real horror is not on the American campus but in Gaza. Israels catastrophic assault has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, maybe more as the effects of famine set in. As of January, most victims in Gaza were women and children, according to the United Nations. Israel has destroyed hospitals and killed dozens of journalists, academics, and aid workers. On Monday, the Gaza Civil Defense reported finding a mass grave holding nearly 300 bodies at the Nasser Medical Complex. Anyone who thinks deeply about the world should form an opinion on Gaza, and thats precisely what these students have done. Columbia and Barnard may wish the protesters had arrived at different opinions, but they cant  or at least shouldnt  deny that students are exercising critical thought, even empathy.

As a staff editorial in the Spectator put it on Friday, Shafiks commitment to a qualified form of freedom of speech is insincere, and feeling uncomfortable is not the same as being unsafe. Nor does Shafik truly believe in education. With teach-ins organized by protesters being repeatedly targeted by the administration, it is apparent that Shafik holds a narrow vision for education, only approving of it when it furthers the ideologies the administration agrees with and supports, students wrote. Because Columbia is a private university, it enjoys the freedom to define its identity as it sees fit. But it has chosen to do so in particular ways. Students are correct to point out that Shafiks actions fall short of the ideals that she and the university claim to represent.

At the New York Times, columnist Pamela Paul wrote that she found the self-righteous sentiment on display at Columbia chilling and added that for Jewish students on campus, for supporters of Israel, or for anyone who doesnt subscribe to the simplistic good-versus-evil narrative of the anti-settler-colonialism crowd, it must be unimaginably painful. Paul ignores the fact that some Jewish students are among the protesters and insists that many students are at the university to learn in a safe and tolerant environment. Students have an absolute right to physical safety but not to a space free of intellectual challenge. The mere presence of anti-Zionist protest does not threaten public safety, and university administrators and faculty should say as much.

This is not 1968, at least not yet. Todays protests are milder, for example. But something is happening, and administrators like Shafik may find it difficult to repress. Instead of calling the cops, they could try to learn from their students. Isnt education what a university is for?

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.
Crude oil prices ticked higher today after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported an estimated decline of 6.4 million barrels in inventories for the week to April 19.

This compared with an inventory build of 2.7 million barrels for the previous week, which pressured prices last week.

It also compared with an inventory draw of 3.23 million barrels as estimated by the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday, with the group also reporting a gasoline inventory decline of about half a million barrels. Analysts had expected an inventory build in crude oil.

In fuels, the EIA estimated mixed inventory changes in the reporting period.

Gasoline inventories shed 600,000 barrels in the week to April 19, with production averaging 9.1 million barrels daily.

This compared with an inventory decline of 1.2 million barrels for the previous week, when production averaged 9.4 million barrels daily.

In middle distillates, the EIA estimated an inventory build of 1.6 million barrels for the week to April 19, with production averaging 4.8 million barrels daily.

This compared with an inventory draw of 2.8 million barrels for the previous week, when production averaged 4.6 million barrels daily.

Oil prices rose earlier on Wednesday, driven by the surprise draw in inventories estimated by the API on Tuesday, recouping some of the losses made earlier in the week as tensions in the Middle East appeared to have quietened.

"Recent reports suggest that both Iran and Israel consider the current operations concluded against one another, with no follow-up action required for now," ING said in a note quoted by Reuters, adding "The US and Europe are preparing for new sanctions against Iran  although these may not have a material impact on oil supply in the immediate term."

Separately, the Dutch banks head of commodity strategy Waren Patterson wrote that the upward potential for oil prices appeared limited thanks to spare capacity.

The market is obviously of the view that spare OPEC production capacity will come into play in the event of any supply shocks, or that ongoing tension is unlikely to lead to significant supply losses, he said Monday.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Slowing U.S. crude oil production growth and changed global oil flows have stalled projects by pipeline giants and oil majors to have deepwater ports built off the Texas coast to handle the loading of supertankers.

Four projects were planned offshore Texas before multiple crises hit the industry in the 2020s and changed trade oil flows. But only one of these projects has received a license from the U.S. Administrationand its not certain it would soon have long-term customer commitments or partners to underpin a final investment decision.

Texas Offshore Port for Supertankers

The first approval of a Texas deepwater port came earlier this month when the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued the deepwater port license for the Sea Port Oil Terminal (SPOT) to Enterprise Products Partners. The SPOT offshore platform is planned to be located approximately 30 nautical miles off Brazoria County, Texas, in 115 feet of water, and is designed to load very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and other crude oil tankers up to a rate of 85,000 barrels per hour.

With a direct connection to Enterprises Houston ECHO terminal, as well as the companys extensive integrated midstream network, SPOT would offer access to more than 40 distinct grades of crude oil, including Midland WTI, Enterprise Products Partners says. Related: White House Aims to Keep Gasoline Prices in Check

The U.S. currently has only one operational offshore export port capable of handling VLCCs, or supertankers, which have the capacity to load and ship 2 million barrels of crude oil. This is the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), which handles mostly crude produced in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Texas offshore ports for supertankers are planned to be able to export crude from the top oil-producing basin in the United States, the Permian.

Stalled Development

However, slowing growth in U.S. crude oil production in recent months and a shift of the record U.S. crude exports to Europe after the Russian invasion of Ukraine have weakened the case for Texas offshore ports for supertankers, as evidenced by the recent struggles of Enterprises SPOT project to take off.

The plans were submitted in 2019when U.S. crude oil production was soaring by more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) per year  and had the backing of supermajor Chevron, which said at the time that The SPOT facility provides opportunity to significantly expand our export capacity and access multiple market centers as we increase our crude oil produced out of the Permian.

But Chevron has backed out of the project due to the delays in license approvals, which only came earlier this month, while Enbridge, Canadas pipeline giant, has dropped an option to buy a stake in SPOT, Enterprise told Reuters.

The project is also struggling to secure long-term customers or partners that would allow Enterprise to make a final investment decision, industry executives, sources, and analysts have told Reuters.

Moreover, oil producers and traders are unwilling to pay higher loading fees, as the SPOT project reportedly would offer, even if they are able to load supertankers close to the Texas coast, energy industry executives told Reuters.

Last but not least, the top destination of U.S. oil exports is now Europe, where smaller tankers are better suited to ship the crude from America.

U.S. Exports to Europe Surge

As U.S. crude oil production defied forecasts of a significant slowdown in growth last year and hit new highs, again, exports from America increasedto a record-high level since the U.S. ban on most crude oil exports was lifted in 2015.

U.S. crude oil exports averaged an all-time high of 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) last year, having jumped by 13%, or by 482,000 bpd, from the previous record set a year earlier, in 2022, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed last month. Except for 2021, U.S. crude oil exports have increased every year since the ban on most exports was lifted in 2015.

Last year, Europe became the largest buyer of U.S. crude oil, following the Western sanctions on OPEC+ producer Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The inclusion of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil in Dated Brent pricing also spurred buying of the U.S. crude variety in Europe.

The WTI crude oil included in determining the Dated Brent price is delivered into Rotterdam, a large crude oil storage and trading hub in the Netherlands. As a result, the Netherlands received more U.S. crude oil exports than any other country in 2023, averaging 652,000 bpd, per EIA estimates.

In total, U.S. crude oil exports to Europe averaged 1.8 million bpd last year, slightly more than the combined U.S. crude exports to Asia and Oceania of 1.7 million bpd. American crude has replaced a large portion of Russian crude, which Europe imported before 2023.

At the same time, the EIA  which is typically very conservative in its output estimates  expects U.S. crude oil production growth to slow to just around 300,000 bpd this year compared to 2023.

The short-term dynamic is less need for big ship capacity, which actually fits the current U.S. export capacity a lot better, Colin Parfitt, vice president of Midstream for Chevron, told Reuters in an interview last month.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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You are here: Business

Workers unload durians and other tropical fruits in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 19, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The China-Laos Railway had handled over 8 million tonnes of import and export goods as of Sunday, said Kunming Customs.

On Sunday, durian imports from Thailand were shipped into China via the Lancang-Mekong Express service of the China-Laos Railway. Compared with the same period last year, durian imports via the China-Laos railway so far this year surged by more than 7 times.

The import and export goods transported via the China-Laos Railway include fruits, grains, frozen seafood, electronic and mechanical products, mineral products and new energy vehicles.

As a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the 1,035-km China-Laos Railway connects Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with the Laotian capital Vientiane. It began operations in December 2021.
Poland has upped the nuclear rhetoric with Russia, on Monday suggesting NATO nuclear warheads could soon be positioned on its territory. It comes amid general NATO euphoria in the wake of the US House finally passing Biden's giant aid package for Ukraine, despite widespread acknowledgment that Ukrainian forces are being beaten by Russia.

Polish President Andrzej Duda declared in a fresh and hugely provocative statement that Poland is "ready" to host nuclear weapons should NATO decide to do so as reinforcement of its eastern flank. The words were issued in an interview published Monday by Polish outlet Fakt.

"Russia is increasingly militarizing the Konigsberg oblast (Kaliningrad). Recently, it has beenrelocating its nuclear weapons to Belarus, Duda continued, apparently wanting to match and mirror Russian moves.

"If our allies decide to deploy nuclear weapons as part of nuclear sharing on our territory as well, in order to strengthen the security of NATO's eastern flank, we are ready for it," he added.

Duda additionally said while discussing the topic of NATO's nuclear sharing program in the interview that Warsaw and Washington have been in talks "for some time."

"I've already talked about it several times. I must admit that when asked about it, I declared our readiness," he emphasized.

But the reality is Brussels and Washington are likely to be deeply hesitant based on the nuclear threats emanating from Moscow of late. Moving NATO warheads to Polish soil would most certainly greatly intensify the already somewhat high nuclear tensions, and at the moment the proxy war in Ukraine shows no signs of abating.

While three NATO members are officially nuclear weapons states - the United States, France and the United Kingdom  others are authorized to host nukes (typically 'tactical' nuclear weapons). They are Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey.

Apparently, Poland is now throwing its name in the hat for NATO's nuclear-sharing program, which would expand Western nuke placement right up to Russia's backyard...

You will find more infographics at Statista

In the new Polish media interview, President Duda also addressed his positive relationship with Republican frontrunner and former President Donald Trump. He spoke fondly of Trump, saying the two find agreement on "a lot of common topics."

He is a politician with whom I directly cooperated with the United States for four years when he was the president of the United States, Duda said. "I want to emphasize very strongly that we have been friends since then. I really like talking to him, because he is an extremely interesting personality and has a lot of experience, both political and business."

By Zerohedge.com

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Higher oil prices are expected to double Russias oil and gas revenues in April compared to the same month last year, according to Reuters calculations based on data from industry sources and official statistics on oil and gas production and supply.

This month, Russia is expected to pocket $14 billion (1.292 trillion Russian rubles) from oil and gas, according to the estimates. Thats double compared to the $7 billion (648 billion rubles) Russia received from oil and gas in April last year.

This months Russian oil and gas revenues are set to slightly drop from $14.15 billion (1.308 trillion rubles) in March 2024, according to the Reuters calculations.

Russias oil and gas revenues slumped by 23.9% last year compared to 2022 as lower oil prices and reduced pipeline gas exports weighed on budget income from fossil fuels, Russian Finance Ministry data showed in early January. The decline was the result of lower oil prices compared to 2022, lower prices for Russias flagship crude grade Urals in early 2023, and lower natural gas prices and exports, the Russian finance ministry said at the time.

Reuters estimates that Russias revenues from oil and gas for 2024 would be 30% higher compared to 2023.

The billions of U.S. dollars still flowing to Russias budget highlight the difficulties the West sees in the attempts to stifle Putins revenues to use in the war in Ukraine.

Banned in the West, Russian crude finds buyers in China and India, while Russian LNG  not sanctioned by the EU or the U.S.  is arriving at European ports, which have increased the intake of LNG cargoes in the past two years, including from Russian LNG export facilities.

The EU is uncertain how to handle LNG imports from Russia in the short term.

Meanwhile, Russia was estimated to have exported the highest level of oil from its ports in 11 months in the week to April 14, as export terminals likely shipped more crude that couldnt be processed at refineries knocked offline by Ukrainian drone attacks, tanker-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg showed last week.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Chinas fiscal woes are likely to drag on economies across the Caucasus and Central Asia over the next two years, the World Bank is forecasting.

The Banks economic update for 2024-25 says the entire area spanning Europe and Central Asia faces multiple headwinds, including Chinas lackluster recovery and moderating commodity prices. With heightened geopolitical risks and substantial policy uncertainty, investment growth  could weaken further, especially if progress in advancing structural reforms remains sluggish, according to the Bank.

In the Caucasus, Azerbaijan is set to see a slight uptick in growth during 2024-25, thanks to increasing European demand for its energy exports. The Bank notes that Georgia and Armenia had been among the regions strongest performers in recent years, but are now facing a decline in economic performance.

Growth is set to ease in Armenia and Georgia reflecting heightened geopolitical risks, moderating exports, and the fading boost to growth from the large inflows of migrants and capital from Russia, the report states. Growth in Azerbaijan is likely to be stronger as the downturn in the oil industry eases, oil revenues continue to support investment, and amid progress on structural reforms to diversify the economy.

A slowing economy has potentially significant implications for Georgia, which is set to hold parliamentary elections in October. At present, the ruling Georgian Dream coalition is widely expected to retain power, but a sputtering economy could focus attention on policies that, critics contend, are undermining the countrys chances of joining the European Union.

A 2022 poll showed that a majority of Georgian respondents favor EU membership, seeing it as a vehicle for strong economic growth. However, Georgian Dream policies, including the recent re-introduction of legislation that has the potential to curtail basic rights, threaten to derail the countrys EU bid.

Asked whether an economic downturn could shake things up ahead of the election, Alex Melikishvili, a country risk expert for the Caucasus and Central Asia, was doubtful. In the run up to the elections, the ruling Georgian Dream will unveil a slew of generous government spending to curry favor with the electorate and to safeguard political survival, he said. The Georgian government is positioned quite well for this, as Georgias sovereign reserves are at [a] record level with [the] central bank recently even buying gold for the first time in post-Soviet history of Georgia.

The World Bank report predicts varying results in Central Asia: it forecasts big drops in Kyrgyz and Tajik growth rates, and marginal increases for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Bank did not have sufficient data to predict Turkmenistans economic prospects. Central Asias poorest states are highly vulnerable to geopolitical factors relating to Russia; a downturn in Russia, for example, can have considerable impact on labor migration, a major source of income for many Kyrgyz and Tajik families. Other significant risks include rising food costs and global warming.

Signs of economic pitfalls are already emerging across the region. In Kyrgyzstan, for instance, Russias war in Ukraine has disrupted supply chains and raised the price of imports; in the Caucasus, Russians who fled conscription at home in 2022 and hurriedly resettled in cities like Tbilisi and Yerevan are now starting to move on to other countries, taking their savings with them.

Even better-off states in the region have reason to worry about the near future. In Kazakhstans case, the Bank report says that revitalizing economic growth will require a reduction of the governments role in the private sector, alongside strengthening human capital and policies to support decarbonization.

Melikishvili, the risk analyst, told Eurasianet that the World Banks projections are not necessarily the best metrics to predict trade trends. China-EU relations, the sanctions environment, the situation in the Red Sea and, more broadly speaking, the growing Iran-Israel conflict in the Middle East are more important factors to consider, he said.

The World Bank report dwells at length on Chinas struggles, but makes only a couple of fleeting references to the turbulent situation in the Middle East and to Red Sea piracy.

China has been sending confusing signals to international markets in recent months, at times appearing on the cusp of an economic crisis and, at others, outperforming expectations. Some experts believe China is using command-style tactics to solve strategic economic problems, deploying large sums of state funds to produce near-term results without addressing structural flaws. Such an approach, they add, can cover up problems for a while, but not solve them.

Central Asian nations will surely be watching for signals coming from Beijing. Since 2022, countries in the region have revived interest in the development of an East-West trade route known as the Middle Corridor. Such diversification can hedge against troubles with the Chinese or Russian economies, which Central Asian nations have historically been dependent on. But even so, poor economic developments in Beijing can send shockwaves rippling across the route all the way to Europe.

Lower growth in major trading partners, like China (and Russia), poses a substantial external risk for both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Bank says.

By Brawley Benson via Eurasianet.org

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Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Hungary, Serbia, and France on a high-profile tour in early May, marking his first trip to Europe since the pandemic.

Here's what to watch.

Finding Perspective: The trip will be rich in symbolism and comes at a crucial time with Russia advancing on the battlefield in Ukraine, escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels, and potential fallout from November's U.S. election.

Against this backdrop, Xi will be looking to repair some of the damage done to the relationship with Europe since his last trip to the continent. In particular, he'll be aiming to unwind some of the European Union's moves toward de-risking, which Beijing sees as an unwelcome alignment between Brussels and Washington.

Another thing on the agenda will be China's participation at the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland about the war in Ukraine set for mid-June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been trying to court China to participate, as was German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Beijing last week.

EU officials say Beijing has been pushing for Russia to have a seat at the table as well, something Kyiv (and perhaps even Moscow) is not willing to accept at the moment. With that in mind, it's unclear if China will participate or boycott the talks.

One Thing To Watch: The dates of the tour have not been publicly announced, but various European officials have pointed toward May 7 as a starting day, a date that has also been reported by Serbian media as when Xi could visit Belgrade.

The date makes sense as it falls on the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade, which serves as a major event in the countries' relations.

The destroyed embassy has since been transformed into an expansive Chinese cultural center that is set to be the largest in Europe.

When I reported about the center during a trip to Belgrade in 2022, it was already completed and staff could be seen going in and out of the building. However, it's still not officially opened, and it has been speculated that Serbian and Chinese officials were waiting for a visit from Xi to mark the occasion.

Xi also visited the site the last time he went to Serbia in 2016, laying flowers and making a speech at a monument on the compound in honor of the Chinese diplomats who were killed in the 1999 bombing.

Why It Matters: While the visit to Paris is an opportunity to focus on China's wider relationship with Europe, the stops in Hungary and Serbia will allow Beijing to show that its influence in Central and Eastern Europe is still intact.

Over the last few years, the 17+1 (China's diplomatic grouping to engage with the region) has seen members leave, making it the 16+1, while other Central and Eastern European countries have downgraded and deprioritized the bloc.

Showing its stature in an EU member like Hungary also sends an important message. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has courted Chinese investment and closer ties as he's sparred with Brussels. In February, Budapest announced a new security deal with China that could see Chinese police patrols in the country.

Meanwhile, Hungarian and Chinese officials are active in the leadup to the visit, likely looking to announce new initiatives and progress on long delayed projects.

Hungarian Economy Minister Marton Nagy received a Chinese delegation on April 18 where they discussed, among other things, the status of the Chinese-financed $1.9 billion Budapest-Belgrade railway project.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

A Russian Oligarch Looks To China

Vladimir Potanin, one of Russia's richest men, announced plans to launch a new mineral venture in China a week after the United States and Britain levied sanctions on Russia's mineral industry, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

What It Means: Potanin, who made much of his initial money in the 1990s through Russia's loan-for-shares program, said on April 22 that Norilsk Nickel, the billion-dollar mining and smelting company, will open a joint venture in China, where it will supply copper.

Potanin told Interfax the company has been having issues with processing international payments and sanctions have seen the company lose up to 20 percent of its prewar revenue.

The announcement of the new business in China came shortly after London and Washington banned the supply of Russian copper, nickel, and aluminum from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the London Metal Exchange, as well as any direct imports of the minerals from Russia.

A Diplomatic Fumble In Georgia

For unknown reasons, the Chinese Embassy in Georgia's website used a photo of a Russian landmark in its welcome banner on its homepage, my colleague Luka Pertaia reported for RFE/RL's Georgian Service.

The Details: As part of a banner on its landing page, the Chinese Embassy featured four photos: two from Georgia, one from China, and one of Dormition Cathedral, which is located inside the Kremlin complex in Moscow.

No explanation was given, and the embassy did not respond to Luka when he reached out for comment, but shortly afterward publication of the article all the photos were removed from the website.

The use of the photos is a small but clumsy error on the part of the embassy, especially considering sensitivities with Russia in Georgia after Moscow's 2008 invasion. The Kremlin has also militarily and diplomatically propped up the breakaway authorities in the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Georgians say is an occupation.

Chinese Spies In Europe

On the same day that Germany arrested three of its nationals for allegedly working for China's security services, Britain also charged two of its nationals for spying for Beijing.

What You Need To Know: Christopher Cash, a parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged with spying on April 22 and both will appear in court later this week in London.

Cash is accused of obtaining, collecting, recording, publishing, or communicating notes, documents or information "calculated to be, might be, or were intended to be, directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy" between January 2022 and February 2023, according to a statement by Britain's Crown Prosecution Service.

Berry is charged with the same offenses of Britain's Official Secrets Act from December 2021 to February 2023.

In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police Service said the foreign state in question for both men was China.

German prosecutors arrested three nationals on April 22 who they said are "strongly suspected of having worked for a Chinese secret service," including one accused of being an agent for China's spy agency, the State Security Ministry.

After the news broke, Reuters also reported on April 23 that German police had arrested an aide to a German lawmaker in the European Parliament from the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) on suspicion of spying for China and passing information about opposition legislators to Chinese handlers.

By RFE/RL

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China's coal market is poised for a significant uptick in prices, according to fresh insights from the China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association (CCTD). General Manager Han Lei of CCTD's research department highlighted that domestic thermal coal prices have surpassed 800 yuan ($110.41) per metric ton, which is seen by many in the industry as marking the bottom for the year.

Current coal market dynamics suggest a trend of stabilization and resurgence in prices. Despite expectations for relatively flat coal output this year compared to a modest growth of 2.9% in the previous year, the lower output forecasts are expected to bolster near-term prices.

Furthermore, recent economic stimulus initiatives by the Chinese government are anticipated to inject momentum into coal demand, potentially offsetting the negative impact of a slowdown in sectors like cement production. Notably, the cement industry has witnessed a decline in capacity utilization, from 80% to 50% over the past year, attributing the slump in coal demand partly to the prolonged downturn in real estate.

However, amidst these challenges, there are silver linings for the Chinese coal market. While demand from sectors like cement may have dipped, stability in coal consumption persists within the power sector. Additionally, signs of recovery are visible in sectors such as chemicals, indicating a modest uptick in coal consumption.

Nevertheless, disruptions in freight routes, particularly in the Red Sea, have inflated import costs, rendering imports from countries like Indonesia and Australia more expensive. Despite China's status as the largest global consumer of coal, imports are expected to remain stagnant or even decline in 2024, despite the overall uptick in demand.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said in a statement on Wednesday that the group is looking forward to the prospect of a partnership with Namibia, the hottest new oil frontier after Guyana, with new discoveries lining up and first production of 2.6 billion barrels planned for 2030.

"We are excited about the potential of the Namibian OPEC partnership and stand ready to offer support at this crucial juncture," Al Ghais said in a pre-recorded message at an international energy conference in Namibia.

"We are enthused by the discoveries in Namibia. Namibian oil and energy will be essential to meeting future demand, Al Ghais said, adding that the cartel encourages potential investors to dig deep into the venue.

Namibia, which now has OPECs verbal support for potential cartel membership, would make up for the withdrawal of Angola last year due to production quotas designed to keep oil prices in check.

By the next decade, Namibia could be producing around 700,000 barrels per day of peak production capacity, Reuters reported, citing Rystad Energy. Angola, on the other hand, was producing 1.1 million bpd at the time of its exit from OPEC in December, the report noted.

On Monday, shares of Portugals Galp Energia (OTCPK:GLPEF) (OTCPK:GLPEY) popped more than 20% after the company announced that the first phase of its exploration in the Mopane field in offshore Namibia could contain at least 10B barrels of oil. The Mopane field is located in the Orange Basin, where Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL) and TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE) have made several oil and gas discoveries. Galp produced an average of just over 122,000 barrels of oil-equivalent per day in 2023.

Galps discovery is comparable to the more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas contained in Guyanas Stabroek block, owned by Exxon, Hess and Chinas CNOOC.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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As well productivity in the U.S. shale patch has declined in the past two years, producers are looking to deploy new technology to reverse these declines, but small companies often cannot afford the high upfront costs, industry executives and analysts have told Reuters.

While shale production pushed U.S. crude oil output to record highs in recent months to above 13 million barrels per day (bpd), the rate of productivity declines has steepened since 2020 as the fracking of closely located wells has interfered with geology and pressure, resulting in more difficult extraction of the resources.

Oil decline profiles have steepened across U.S. shale oil plays over the last decade, Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR) said in a report in August 2023.

Weve observed that decline curves, meaning the rate at which production falls over time, are getting steeper as well density increases, Dane Gregoris, report author and managing director at EIR, commented at the time.

Summed up, the industrys treadmill is speeding up and this will make production growth more difficult than it was in the past.

But advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies have increased well productivity over the past year, helping U.S. producers extract more crude oil from new wells drilled while maintaining production from legacy wells, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said last month.

One of these technologies, simultaneous fracking technology, or simul-frac, can achieve over double the gains in lateral footage, in less time, compared to zipper-frac operations, says Halliburton, the leader in the U.S. fracking services market.

The simul-frac tech, however, needs a lot of wells drilled beforehand and then fracked simultaneously. This requires a lot of investment before oil can flow from the wellsand not all companies can afford that.

That's $100 million in the ground before you see any revenue, Mike Oestmann, chief executive at small company Tall City Exploration told Reuters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Disruptions to global oil product flows, still strong refining margins, and lowered U.S. refinery utilization are expected to have bolstered the quarterly earnings of American oil refiners in the first quarter of 2024, analysts told Reuters.

Profits are expected to be lower than in 2022 when the Russian invasion of Ukraine upended markets and pushed up refining margins, but U.S. refiners are still set to report in the coming days strong earnings for the first quarter of the year.

It is going to be another really strong quarter, TD Cowen analyst Jason Gabelman told Reuters.

As fuel demand grows in the summer, the quarterly profits in the second and third quarters are expected to rise compared to Q1, analysts say.

The lower Russian refining capacity due to Ukrainian drone attacks has pushed global refining margins higher at the start of this year and has tightened some regional fuel markets.

In addition, margins in the U.S. were also boosted by planned and unplanned outages at refineries, including the Whiting, Indiana, refinery of BP, which was shut for most of February and half of March after a power outage prompted a temporary shut down of the facility. The 435,000 barrels-per-day refinery, the largest refining complex in the Midwest, was offline for around six weeks, pushing U.S. fuel supply and refinery utilization lower in the first quarter of 2024.

U.S. refinery utilization fell to as low as 81% during the two weeks ending February 9 and February 16, and briefly dropped below the five-year (201923) low. The sharp decline in refinery utilization was the result of reduced plant operations in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions and more intense seasonal patterns, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said last month.

All these factors are expected to have boosted refining margins for U.S. refiners, which begin reporting Q1 earnings on Thursday with Valero Energy.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The electric vehicle, Artificial Intelligence (AI), power infrastructure and automation boom will drive at least 10 million metric tons of additional copper demand by 2035, Swiss multinational commodity trading company Trafigura has predicted. According to Graeme Train, Trafiguras head of metals analysis, one third of the 10 million tons of new demand will come from the electric vehicle sector, "A third is electricity generation, transmission and distribution, and the rest is for things like automation, manufacturing capex and cooling systems within data centers," he said.

A couple of weeks ago, Saad Rahim, Trafiguras chief economist, projected that AI alone has the potential to add one million tonnes per annum of copper demand by 2030,

If you look at the demand that is coming from data centers and related to that from AI, that growth has suddenly exploded, said Rahim. That one million tonnes is on top of what we have as 4-5 million tonne deficit gap by 2030 anyway. Thats not something that anyone has actually factored into a lot of these supply and demand balances. the analyst added.

Copper futures have rallied close to a five-year high at $4.46 per pound ($9,812/t) , and Wall Street is growing increasingly bullish. Citi has predicted that the metal has entered its second secular bull market this century, "driven by booming decarbonization related demand growth,  adding that "only higher prices will solve these deficits."

Citi notes that the last copper mega-bull market was in the 2000s when prices increased 5x in three years during copper's bull market of the 2000s, driven by rapid urbanization and industrialization in China. Citi has advised corporate consumers to hedge their copper exposures because there is potential for "explosive price upside" again over the next three years.

Citi says copper prices could hit $10,500/t over the next three months, raising its Q2 and Q3 price average to $10k/t versus $9.5k/t previously estimated. Copper reached Citi's $9,741/t target on Thursday. Citi's new near-term bull case has copper prices skyrocketing to $12k/t over that time frame, with LME and SHFE copper stocks falling sharply over the next three months.

Meanwhile, Bank of America metals strategists say the copper supply crisis is already here, thanks to the "lack of mine projects becoming an increasing issue for copper. This, along with investment in green technologies and a rebound of the global economy, should lift prices to US$10,250/ton by Q4, 8% higher than their previous view.

Copper supplies are coming under pressure as Chinese smelters approach their regulatory approval to cut output, with supply shortage resulting from disruptions in key mines across major producing regions. Rising U.S. PMIs and supply disruptions, due to drought in Zambia, are also bullish for near-term prices. Adding to the supply disruption, the U.S. and the UK have prohibited metal-trading exchanges from accepting new aluminum, copper and nickel produced by Russia, a move likely to further increase price volatility and supply uncertainty. Russia is a major metals producer, while China is the world's largest producer and consumer of copper.

Copper Stocks Rally

Unlike their lithium peers, copper mining stocks are handily outperforming the market, with Global X Copper Miners ETF (NYSEARCA:COPX) having returned 19.2% compared to 14.4% by the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLE) and 6.3% by the S&P 500 in the year-to-date.

On Tuesday, Phoenix, Arizona-based Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) reported Q1 2024 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.32, $0.04 above the Wall Street consensus while revenue of $6.32B (+17.3% Y/Y) beat by $620M. The companys consolidated production during the quarter totaled 1.1 billion pounds of copper, 549 thousand ounces of gold and 18 million pounds of molybdenum while average realized prices were $3.94 per pound for copper, $2,145 per ounce for gold and $20.38 per pound for molybdenum. For the second quarter, the company expects to report sales of 1.0 billion pounds of copper, 500 thousand ounces of gold and 21 million pounds of molybdenum, and expects to post consolidated sales of ~4.15 billion pounds of copper, 2.0 million ounces of gold and 84 million pounds of molybdenum for the full year 2024. FCX shares are up 22.4% over the past 12 months.

Shares of Canadian-based First Quantum Minerals Ltd (OTCPK:FQVLF) are on the mend, rallying nearly 40% in the year-to-date as mining giants Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO), Saudi Arabia's Manara Minerals Investment Co., and scores of Japanese trading houses consider a stake in First Quantum Minerals' Zambia copper mines.

According to Bloomberg, First Quantum is looking to sell a minority stake in its Sentinel and Kansanshi mines in Zambia after it was forced to close its flagship copper mine in Panama last year. The Zambia assets could also attract interest from Chinese miners including Zijin Mining (OTCPK:ZIJMF) (OTCPK:ZIJMY) and Jiangxi Copper (OTCPK:JIAXF), First Quantum's second-largest shareholder. Last year, Zambia accounted for roughly half of First Quantum's copper production and revenue, and also delivered more than $450M in operating profit.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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A 23-year-old Omaha man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of two counts of first-degree assault in connection with the shooting of two men in the Benson business district.

The man was also arrested on suspicion of two counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony. He was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before midnight.

An Omaha police spokesman said Wednesday the man is accused of firing the shots that injured Johnathan Rife, 21, and Killian Rife, 22. Officers went to the area of 60th Avenue and Maple Street about 1:30 a.m. on April 13 to investigate a report of shots fired.

Both men went to the Nebraska Medical Center by private vehicle with injuries that were not life threatening. The investigation is ongoing, police said.
Volunteers greet tourists at Tianshui South Railway Station in Tianshui City, northwest China's Gansu Province, April 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's tourism sector is seeing another booking frenzy ahead of the five-day May Day holiday, with long-haul domestic trips and outbound tours being particularly sought by visitors, industry players said.



The number of flyers is expected to reach a new high during the holiday period from May 1 to May 5.

Economy-class flight tickets on several popular routes are sold out and only business-class tickets are still available, said Beijing-based travel agency Qunar.

The average price of a domestic flight ticket during the holiday was 990 yuan ($136.6), slightly higher than the rates recorded in the same period last year and about 60 percent more than the offseason price in March, according to Qunar.

"Demand for travel during the May Day holiday this year has been strong, and there are insufficient flight tickets on some routes. We suggest that passengers wishing to travel purchase their flight tickets as soon as possible," said Xiao Peng, a researcher with the big data research institute of Qunar.

The travel peak is expected to commence as early as Saturday, as some workers may take three days off, from April 28 to 30, to extend that into an eight-day-long holiday period.

Bookings of packaged tourism products such as group tours, self-driving tours and cruise voyages have been climbing, said Tuniu, a Nanjing, Jiangsu province-based online travel agency.

Shanghai; Beijing; Sanya, Hainan province; Nanjing, Jiangsu province; and Guangzhou, Guangdong province are among the popular tourist destinations.

Other cities with a unique cultural charm, trendy style, seaside scenery and distinctive cuisine have also attracted bookings from many young travelers, Tuniu said.

"Japan, the Maldives, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand have witnessed robust bookings. Some European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Germany, France and Switzerland are also hot picks by Chinese travelers," said Qi Chunguang, vice-president of Tuniu.

The search volumes for flight tickets have also increased significantly.

For instance, on April 16, the search volume surged 130 percent over the level of April 15, according to VariFlight, an aviation data and solution services provider.

Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore are hot outbound tour destinations as far as flight searches go.

Japan saw the highest search volumes. With the depreciation of the Japanese yen, it is forecast that Japan as a tourist destination will become even more popular, Vari-Flight said.

As of April 16, the number of passenger flights connecting China and Japan had recovered to more than 70 percent of the level seen during the pre-COVID period of 2019.

The number of flights connecting China and Singapore has approached close to the 2019 level, VariFlight found.
A 22-year-old Omaha man was sentenced Tuesday to about 40 years in prison for the shooting death of a woman in 2022.

Davon Brown was credited with 619 days in time served by Douglas County District Court Judge J. Russell Derr. Brown pleaded no contest to manslaughter and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. Brown was originally charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Browns sentence stems from the Aug. 12, 2022, incident in which he shot and killed Shalonna Houston in an apartment in the Florence Tower near 21st Street and Florence Boulevard.

According to testimony from an Omaha police detective during Browns preliminary hearing, Brown was messing around with a rifle in front of Houston. The rifle belonged to another man who lived in the apartment. The man said Brown and Houston were play fighting and arguing.

The detective testified that Houston and the man told Brown to stop messing around with the gun. As Houston tried to grab the gun, Brown shot her in the forehead, killing her.

Houston left behind many family members, including a daughter who is now in kindergarten.

Houstons mother, Tamiko Jones, described Houston as my angel.

She deserved so much more, Jones said, her voice breaking.

Browns attorney, Douglas County assistant public defender Bethany Stensrud, called the shooting an accidental tragedy. Stensrud and clinical health psychologist Bridget Larson described Brown as someone with a low intellect on par with a disability and someone who suffered from substance abuse and ADHD.

Larson testified Brown had a history of violence and anti-social behavior with a checkered employment history. But given therapy and structural support, including vocational training, Brown would be a candidate for probation, Larson said. Stensrud read an apology letter to Houstons family on Browns behalf. In the letter, Brown expressed remorse and called Houston the love of his life.

In arguing for Brown to be sentenced to prison, a Douglas County prosecutor said Brown, during his presentence investigation, did not take responsibility for pulling the trigger. Instead, the prosecutor said, Brown repeatedly claimed the gun went off. The prosecutor also said probation would not be sufficient due to the loss of life from Browns reckless actions.

Derr agreed with the prosecution in sentencing Brown to two consecutive prison terms ranging from 19 years and 364 days to 20 years.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is collaborating with the World Bank, Dangote Foundation and other development agencies to provide special support for female entrepreneurs to expand their businesses in the state.

The governor disclosed this when he met with the executives of the Benin Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) at the Edo Production Centre, in Benin City.

He noted that a team has been constituted to identify and assess the areas of support for businesses owned by women across the 192 wards in the state, adding that the initiative would be finalised within a week to allow for its implementation across the 18 local councils of the state.

READ ALSO: US backs Edo States anti-human trafficking model

The enumeration of women in business would be done from ward-to-ward to know the type of businesses they do and where they are located because we have found out that women contribute much to the economy of this state, he added.

He stated that the initiative will assist women in expanding and linking their businesses to the necessary infrastructure and financing to go to scale, noting, We want to come up with ways to support these female entrepreneurs in terms of infrastructure, connecting roads to the communities where they farm and do their businesses.
BLOOMINGTON  The Bloomington-Normal Black History Project announced a two-day book tour with author Menah Pratt Clarke discussing race, gender and class in America.

Clarke will discuss her work "A Black Woman's Journey From Cotton Picking to College Professor: Lessons About Race, Class and Gender in America" from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday on the second floor of the McLean County Museum of History.

The book focuses on Clarke's mother, Mildred Pratt, and her journey from the Texas cotton fields to the halls of Illinois State University as a professor.

A public book signing for "Blackwildgirl: A Writer's Journey To Take Back Her Superpower" will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday inside Illinois Wesleyan University's Young Main Lounge at 104 E. University Ave.

Both events are free. More information can be found at mchistory.org or by emailing dpina@iwu.edu.

Students celebrate Black History Month with spirit week Bloomington High windows BHS students BHS students NCHS students and staff University High School students Normal West decoratiosn Normal Community High School decorations Normal Community students
The capitals of four democracies were strengthened Saturday when the U.S. House finally passed long-stalled foreign-aid bills. The three overseas capitals  Kyiv, Jerusalem and Taipei  were boosted by the $95 billion invested in security for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

But just as consequentially, the capital of our country, Washington, D.C., was strengthened by bipartisan legislation led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who risked his role to do the right thing. Accordingly, just as most Democratic House members had his back on the aid bills, members of both parties should reject Republican extremists who threaten to topple him for doing what the U.S.  and until recently, Republicans  have long done: be a beacon for democracies in their enduring struggle against autocracy.

Johnson wasn't an early convert. He had to be convinced, particularly on the most immediate need: $60.8 billion to aid Ukraine's fight against Russia. The speaker reportedly listened to seasoned, reasoned voices, such as CIA Director William Burns, who used intelligence estimates to show Ukraine's growing military disadvantage as well as the specter that Russian revanchism wouldn't stop at Ukraine's borders.

"I really do believe the intel," Johnson told reporters in Washington last week. "I think that [Russian President] Vladimir Putin would continue to march through Europe if he were allowed. I think he might go to the Baltics next. I think he might have a showdown with Poland or one of our NATO allies."

New York Times: Putin's Russia jails journalists for saying truth The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented that at least 320 members of the press were behind bars around the globe as 2024 began. In Vladimir Putins police state, at least 22 journalists are jailed, most for committing that most elemental of journalistic duties, speaking the truth.

If so, that would draw this country into direct conflict with Russia. Which is why NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was right to tell the "PBS NewsHour" after the vote that the aid "is not charity. Military support for Ukraine is an investment in our own security, and is an investment in U.S. security."

Fortunately, every Democrat who voted on Saturday agreed. Unfortunately, 112 of 214 Republican representatives voted "no." Many came of political age in an era of Republican reverence for Reagan-era resolve against Soviet expansionism. But when it came to Russia's invasion against a sovereign nation, their votes aligned more with Marjorie Taylor Greene, the former QAnon conspiracy theorist and current Georgia Republican representative who's leading the effort to force out Johnson. ...

Many GOP opponents of aid to Ukraine may cite the failure to pass a major bill on border security. But the bipartisan landmark legislation to do just that, which was crafted by a Republican senator, Oklahoma's James Lankford, was spiked by congressional GOPers at the behest of former President Donald Trump, who is more interested in a divisive campaign issue than uniting the country by addressing one of its key challenges.

It was equally disappointing that Fifth District Democrat Ilhan Omar was the only Minnesota representative to vote against aid to Israel. Explaining her vote in a statement, Omar said "I do not support unconditional military aid that further escalates the already horrific humanitarian situation."

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is indeed tragic and is a legitimate issue. As a result, the bill includes $9 billion for humanitarian aid, while $17 billion was approved to help Israel defeat Hamas  whose Oct. 7 terrorist attack started the war  and also address threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, various groups operating out of Syria and, most dangerously, directly from Iran, which recently launched a missile and drone attack against Israel.

Tehran, Moscow and Beijing are three capitals of authoritarian nations that were weakened by Saturday's vote. And while approving aid in no way guarantees victory or even protection for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, failure to pass these aid bills would have sent a signal far beyond any of these capitals. That includes Washington, where House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Saturday "House Democrats have risen to the occasion, President [Joe] Biden has risen to the occasion, traditional conservatives led by Speaker Mike Johnson have risen to the occasion."

For his part, Johnson said, accurately, "I think we did our work here, and I think history will judge it well."
Maybe youve heard  measles is back.

Twenty-four years after the disease was eradicated in the U.S., measles is back.

Sixty-one years after the first measles vaccine was available to the public, measles is back.

And while some people may think the illness is back only in Chicago, think again. DuPage County reported its first measles case. Lake, Kane and suburban Cook counties have all reported cases in the past few weeks, too.

Another troubling statistic from the Illinois State Board of Education  more than 690 schools statewide fall below the 95% vaccination rate that triggers herd immunity.

As of April 15, 64 cases have been reported in Illinois this year, with a total of 121 cases reported in the U.S.

Now, the Illinois Department of Health wants to control any potential outbreaks, especially in schools.

On April 8, the IDPH sent a letter to state regional offices of education asking that schools review immunization records for all students, then contact parents of children not up-to-date on the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. If students havent had the vaccine, or dont have evidence of immunity to measles, schools will remind parents of the exclusion policy if there is an outbreak.

This would include students who are not completely vaccinated due to religious exemption, medical exemption, McKinney-Vento exception, on an approved schedule, or noncompliance with measles vaccination, according to the IDPH.

Some may see this as controversial. Why punish kids when its not their fault? When kids are excluded from school, its like putting a scarlet letter on their backs. Everyone will know.

So, schools must handle with tact issues that arise. After all, parents made the decision, not the kids.

But the goal of the IDPH and schools around the state also must be to protect all kids  kids who cant be vaccinated for medical reasons or who havent finished the full series of the vaccine.

We support these efforts. After 60-plus years, the MMR vaccine has proven itself safe. And measles has proven to be an awful disease, often causing hospitalization and even death. No one who is able to get this vaccine should be turning it down. But people are, and now were in a situation where a once-eradicated disease is spreading  and it should not be. This is a preventable illness, and no one should suffer its wrath when they dont have to.

Remember, its not just about you. Yes, vaccines protect you, but they also protect infants too young to be vaccinated or anyone with weak or failing immune systems, like people with cancer or HIV/AIDS.

Lets hope we dont have any outbreaks at our schools or elsewhere. We hope parents made responsible decisions at pediatrician well visits so their children are up to date on all vaccines. Doctors recommend a schedule for these immunizations, and parents should follow it.

For those who dont, the IDPH is doing whats necessary to protect everyone. We applaud the schools efforts in checking health records, reaching out to parents of unvaccinated children and, in situations where outbreaks threaten to spread the disease, keeping these kids out of the classroom.

Because vaccines are not just about protecting you. They protect all of us.

Arlington Heights Daily Herald
The Africa Center for Democracy and Socio Economic Development, CDS Africa has conducted a study on the sentiments of Ghanaians towards LGBTQ+ activities and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 (Anti-Gay Bill).



According to the report and the research revealed by CDS Africa, 80 percent of Ghanaians expressed negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ activities while 20 percent of them expressed acceptance or support attitudes towards LGBTQ+ activities.



The study sought to bring to light general concerns from Ghanaians and whether or not President Akufo- Addo should assent to the bill.



The Advocacy and Public Engagement Coordinator at Africa Center for Democracy and Socio economic Development, CDS Africa, Ms Celestine Damoah in an interview with Peace FM News said the study uncovered a profound portrait of attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, revealing both the shadows of discrimination and acceptance.



According to her, the study also observed that religious beliefs, cultural norms, and perceptions of morality were profound reasons and factors influencing attitudes toward LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.



Religious conservatism emerged as a prominent factor influencing negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals with several respondents citing religious teachings and doctrines that condemn homosexuality.



She added that the survey conducted by CDS Africa indicates that the youth do not see anything against the LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana and they do support it, and the adults also stand against it.



The study highlighted both challenges and opportunities in advocacy efforts aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in Ghana.



While there were instances of resistance to LGBTQ+ advocacy initiatives, particularly from conservative religious and cultural groups, there were also signs of positive change as some Ghanaians were of the view that there should be an open conversation about LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana rather than criminalizing the act.



With a predominant presence of anti-gay sentiments among the surveyed population, CDS Africa gathered that Ghanaians are divided on issues relating to LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.



The study uncovered various factors influencing these attitudes, including religious beliefs, cultural norms, and perceptions of morality.



Despite the prevailing anti-gay sentiments, the study also revealed pockets of empathy and understanding, particularly among younger generations and urban populations.











Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Gold Fields Ghana Foundation under its Cocoa Farmers Support Programme is investing over US$28,000 to support a total of 120 farmers this year, 2024.



These farmers will receive COCOBOD-approved fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides to enhance their cocoa production.



Speaking to one of the beneficiaries of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme, Mr Baaba Sintim from the Bompieso community told the media that he has benefited from the programme for three consecutive years.



He added that before the programme, like many of his fellow farmers, he struggled to get farm inputs for his cocoa farm production; however, with the introduction of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme, everything has changed.



I used to harvest about 8 to 10 bags from my two-acre cocoa farm each season, just enough to sustain myself and my immediate family, but never enough to truly prosper.



For three consecutive years, I have received fertilizer, pesticides and fungicides from the programme. These farm inputs have been my allies, empowering me to nurture my cocoa trees like never before.



He stressed that With each application, I could see the difference in the health and vigour of my crops.



I now proudly harvest around 18 to 20 bags of cocoa each season from the same farm. This significant increase has not only improved my standard of living but has also filled me with a newfound sense of pride and accomplishment, he said.



Another beneficiary of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme, Madam Esther Aggrey also from Bompieso said her cocoa tress suffered diseases and pests attacks as she could not afford to buy fungicides and pesticides to help her crops.



She mentioned that she received pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers to help her reclaim her cocoa farm from pests and diseases.



She added that everything got better for her when she was enrolled on the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme in 2022; thus, she no longer had to stand by helplessly as her farm suffered.



With the support from the programme, I received pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers to help me reclaim my cocoa farm from pests and diseases.



I now harvest more than 12 bags of cocoa from my farm as compared to the previous 3  5 bags I used to harvest.



For the first time in a long while, I feel hopeful about my cocoa farm. Every season, my farm gets better and better. I am getting more cocoa than I ever thought possible. What used to be a hard struggle to keep my farm alive has turned into a journey of success and growth, she narrated.



Madam Aggrey also said the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme did not only save her farm but also gave her hope for the future.



In 2021, the Foundation donated spraying machines to the farmers to aid in the application of agrochemicals.



The Foundation indicated that the programme was hatched to support farmers efforts in obtaining inputs.



The introduction of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme according to Gold Fields Ghana Foundation was a demonstration that mining can coexist with agriculture and even go a step further to boost agricultural production if carried out sustainably.



The Cocoa Farmers Support Programme which was launched in host communities of the Damang Mine in 2018 has supported a total of 600 farmers.



These farmers have received COCOBOD-approved fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides to enhance their cocoa production.



The programme has since its inception been executed in partnership with the Cocoa Health and Extension Division, the Huni Valley Cocoa Farmers Association of Ghana, the Cocoa Coffee Shea Nut Farmers Association, and the Damang Mine Consultative Farmers Association (DMCFA).



Gold Fields Ghana Foundation since its founding in 2002, has invested over US$ 6.9 million in enterprise development in its host communities. This includes various livelihood support programmes such as the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on boosting the development of China's western region in the new era in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed further efforts to usher in a new stage in the development of China's western region featuring well-coordinated environmental conservation, greater openness and high-quality development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while chairing a symposium on boosting the development of China's western region in the new era.

At the symposium, he called for action to write a new chapter in the development of the western region.

China's western region has seen significant achievements on eco-environmental conservation and restoration over the past five years, but the region's development is still faced with difficulties and challenges, Xi pointed out.

Developing industries that leverage local strengths should be the main focus, he said, adding that efforts are needed to adopt a region-specific approach in developing emerging industries and expedite industrial transformation and upgrade in the western region.

Xi highlighted the imperative to strengthen integration between sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation, and strive for breakthroughs in a batch of core technologies in key fields.

Measures should be taken to speed up technological upgrade of traditional industries, advance equipment renewals in major industries, and sharpen the competitive edge of traditional industries, he noted.

Xi stressed fostering new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, exploring the development of modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries, and mapping out plans for developing industries of the future to nurture new growth drivers for the region.

He underscored the importance of high-level ecological protection in sustaining high-quality development, and the significance of safeguarding national ecological security.

Vigorous efforts should be made to promote energy saving and carbon reduction in traditional sectors, as well as the clean and efficient usage of coal, he added.

Xi underscored boosting the development of the western region with greater openness and expanding opening up both within the country and to the outside world.

He considered it imperative to promote the construction of the new western land-sea corridor, and advance the development and openness of regions along the corridor to help them deeply integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative.

More should be done to optimize the layout of industrial parks, economic cooperation zones in border areas, and cross-border economic cooperation zones, and promote the high-quality development of pilot free trade zones, Xi said.

He said it is essential to steadily expand institutional opening up and foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.

Xi emphasized the necessity of coordinating development and security, and of enhancing China's ability to ensure the security of energy and other resources.

He urged efforts to boost the capacity of the west-to-east power transmission program and accelerate the formation of national exploitation and processing bases of mineral resources.

He also urged vigorously promoting the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

It is necessary to promote new urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization in a coordinated way, and to safeguard and improve people's well-being in the course of development, Xi stressed.

Xi pointed out that it is necessary to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and to effectively safeguard ethnic unity and border stability.

He called for action to help the border areas prosper and enrich local residents in the new era, strengthen the construction of infrastructure and public service facilities in border areas, and boost border tourism and other industries.

Li Qiang, premier, Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier, attended the symposium. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Li said that the development of the western region should be planned and promoted during the process of Chinese modernization, and targeted measures should be taken in a region-specific and category-based manner.

He urged coordinated efforts to both defuse local government debt risks and ensure stable development, expand opening up both within the country and to the outside world, align the development of the western region to other regional development strategies, and engage the western region in the international circulation.

Ding demanded continued steps to prevent and control pollution in an accurate, scientific and law-based approach to further improve the ecology and the environment.

He also called for action to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of economic growth, develop new quality productive forces in a region-specific manner, and actively yet prudently work toward peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.
Former Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah has dismissed calls on Energy Minister to release a load-shedding time table.



According to him, the calls on the Energy Minister are misplaced and born out of dislike for the Minister.



Clearly the likes of Osafo-Maafo want to shift the blame on Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh just because he is in contention in the NPP running mate agenda. For me there is a higher authority and that higher authority is not Matthew Opoku Prempeh to release the timetable, he said on TV3s New Day show.



Mr. Mornahs comment is a direct reply to Senior Advisor to the President, Yaw Osafo-Maafos call on the Energy Minister to publish a load-shedding time table and the demand by the Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi, for the dismissal of the Minister.



To him, the Minister is not the higher authority on this issue and that he cannot refuse the release of a timetable if the relevant authorities make the decision.

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.

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Daniel Asiedu, the young man accused of murdering the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North, Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu, has filed an application before a High Court in Accra to subpoena four people, including two New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, Kennedy Agyapong and Ursula Owusu-Ekufful to testify in his trial.



The accused has been ordered to open his defence after the court found that the prosecution has made a case against him to warrant a defence.



The two other persons named in the subpoena application include Ivy Boakye Danquah-Adu, wife of the late MP as well as Jennifer Achana who was the house-help at the time of the murder.



The application indicated that subpoenaing these four persons who were mentioned by prosecution witnesses but never testified in the trial will be in the interest of justice to the populace.



Justifying the reason for the move to subpoena the four, the application indicates that during the cross-examination of witnesses in the case, it came to light that Ivy Boakye Danquah Adu, the wife of the late JB Danquah-Adu, was in the house at the time of the late MPs death yet the prosecution failed to call upon her to testify in the case though her statement was taken during investigation.



It avers that Jennifer Achana, the house-help, who opened the door to the house for the supposed unidentified police officers to have access to the building after the incident, was not called upon to testify, yet her statement was disclosed in the case.



Touching on the two MPs, the subpoena indicates that Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West and Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, was the one who took two prosecution witnesses in her car to hand them over to a Police Officer at Kanda Highways for investigations.



It avers that, no statement was taken from her neither was any explanation provided as to how she came across the two witnesses and what transpired between them before handing them over to the police officer at the Kanda Highways.



In the case of the MP for Assin Central, the application said Mr. Agyapong granted media interviews which have information pertaining to the incident, yet the investigator and his investigating team in the matter did not invite him to aid in their investigations on this current trial.



These individuals have relevant information, if called upon to testify in this case, will assist the court and the jury to expedite the delivery of justice, the application adds.



Meanwhile, the court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo has ruled that to subpoena a witness to testify on behalf of any party would be done by the registrar of the court at the request of any party and there is therefore, no need for any motion to be filed for an order.



This was after the court refused an oral application asking it to indulge the defence to call the subpoenaed witnesses to testify before Daniel Asiedu files his witness statement.



The case has been adjourned to April 29, 2024 for the accused to open his defence.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, has stated that transparency is needed in the declaration of assets owned by public officials.



According to him, the current asset declaration regime remains opaque, with declared assets kept confidential between the Auditor-General and the asserter.



During a forum on open government partnerships and transparency in Accra, Mr. Osafo-Maafo denounced the Public Office Holders Declaration of Assets and Disqualification Act 1998 (Act 550), stating that he had never liked it.



In Ghana, when you become a Minister of State or a public sector worker at certain levels, the first thing you do is to declare your assets and file the same to the Auditor-General.



What I personally dont like about this law is that after you declare your assets, everything is kept confidential between the Auditor-General and yourself, and therefore, it becomes difficult for anybody to challenge the authenticity of the declaration, he asserted.



He highlighted the underpinning cultural and societal norms surrounding inheritance, which he claimed, caused individuals to resist transparency during the formulation of Act 550.



Osafo-Maafo stated that while he supports asset declaration, there should be some amount of transparency in the arrangement so that the public may access it.



I happened to be consulting for somebody when we were drawing up the constitution of the Republic, and I was championing the publication of the assets declared and the chiefs were so furious with me and said they would be killed when people knew what they had, he noted.



Mr. Osafo-Maafo said the time is ripe for assets declared by public officials to be made public as the opaque regime is not helping accountability and open governance.



Article 286 (1) of the 1992 Constitution states that: A person who holds a public office mentioned in clause (5) of this Article shall submit to the Auditor-General a written declaration of all property or assets owned by or liabilities owed by him, whether directly or indirectly.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Atik Mohammed has slammed the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, and the company for failing to be transparent to Ghanaians over the cause of the current power crisis.



The nation is saddled with irregular power supply with many communities having to endure darkness for hours to days due to what is generally termed as dumsor.



Ghanaians have been demanding an explanation to what is happening and for the ECG boss to tell them the truth.



Also, they call for a load-shedding timetable to guide them in their daily activities but the electricity distributor has refused to draw a schedule for the nation.



Addressing the issue on Peace FMs Kokrokoo show, Atik Mohammed implored the ECG management to disclose the true state of the situation to keep the citizens abreast with the magnitude of the challenge.



According to him, all these suggestions and demands for timetable and so forth are a function of knowing the true state of the crisis.



He vehemently admonished the ECG stressing, we need to bear out the truth so that the Ghanaians we are working with, well get their buy-inWe need to tell ourselves the truth and lets know the extent of the problem.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Merlin Rajah, Head of Equities Electronic Product at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking believes that technological integration is key to allowing the world to access Africas trading market  helping to break down barriers to entry and unlock important investment opportunities.



Historically, Africa has been perceived as a continent brimming with untapped potential. Yet in recent years, significant strides in technology, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks have propelled it into the spotlight of international financial markets. Today, Africa stands at the intersection of opportunity and innovation, leveraging its vast resources, growing consumer base, and strategic geographical position to forge new pathways in global financial trading.



Countries on the continent have been focusing on building sophisticated electronic trading capabilities  powered by historical and real-time data  to strengthen the bridge between Africa and other global markets, offer more bespoke trading solutions to clients, and meet evolving requirements.



At the forefront of electronic trading in Africa is South Africa, where brokers are harnessing the power of machine learning to gain deeper insights, optimise trading strategies, and enhance key decision-making processes  such as risk management, text analysis, and microstructure analysis.



But while South Africa has successfully positioned itself to rival developed markets, access to and between other African markets has previously proven challenging for global buy-side institutions. Whats more, like several other jurisdictions, many African markets have witnessed a decline in liquidity over the past year as investment shifts towards the United States, Asia, and the Middle East.



Yet liquidity moves in cycles, and international investors are prepared to tackle long-term trends and high-growth investments. We are witnessing a growing trend where investors require electronic access to markets across the continent. The digital wave is placing the South African ecosystem as the ideal venue to act as a hub of connectivity throughout Africa, enhancing transparency and presenting a wealth of opportunities for savvy brokers and investors.



Data is the lifeblood of trading



Data can be likened to the lifeblood of trading strategies  fuelling decision-making, helping to give deeper insights into market trends, and mitigating risk more effectively. One of the most powerful tools at the disposal of traders in the South African market is the use of algorithms. This technology enables investors to make informed, yet automated, decisions and executions based on a wealth of historical and real-time data. Armed with advanced analytical tools, traders can have 360-degree visibility over how a stock is performing during certain periods: data which can then be collected to help clients make more strategic investments, input into research, or form the basis of a trading strategy. Trade automation and enrichment are also sweeping through South Africa, driving the region forward to the next stage of electronic trading and bringing the market to a level playing field with other, more developed nations.



South African brokers are harnessing the power of machine learning to automate crucial steps within the trade lifecycle and smooth out key processes into streamlined digital workflows.



Fast access to quality, accurate data is also crucial in managing risk. As firms become more sophisticated in their trading practices, regulation often follows suit, and rules around pre-trade checks and risk monitoring are expected to become tighter in South Africa to align with global norms. For brokers, this means that internal or client-automated trading strategies must be completely separate and independent from the risk management layer to ensure appropriate risk controls, with full knowledge it will introduce a few nanoseconds of additional latency in the order entry and execution report paths.



The advent of smart order routing technology has also revolutionised the way that trades are executed in South Africa, enabling investors to access liquidity across multiple exchanges and dark pools in the country. This not only enhances market efficiency, but also provides investors with greater flexibility and control over their cost management, providing best execution to their trading strategies.



Building new levels of global connectivity



As the South African ecosystem continues to advance its electronic trading infrastructure, it is becoming a market to watch for overseas investors. Attention is particularly drawn as liquidity cycles evolve, numerous listings are planned for 2024, and certain countries contemplate repatriating funds into the country. International investors are voicing their growing need for electronic market connectivity across the African continent, an area that the South African ecosystem is primed to fulfil.



In 2023, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) introduced Colocation 2.0, which removes connectivity barriers of entry into South Africa for various types of firms looking for an easy entry into the marketplace. This datacentre offers both virtual and physical server options, with comprehensive connectivity to SE services at a minimal monthly cost.



Ideal for software vendors or proprietary trading firms, this solution allows for testing in the JSE environment, live market data collection, and testing some basic strategies before deploying more sophisticated hardware. Many African exchanges should look to follow suit as the South African blueprint proves successful.



There is a growing number of global financial institutions looking to trade products across the continent. The next wave is to roll out electronic trading capabilities further, helping investors to access lucrative  yet often untapped  markets. For instance, Kenya is a fast-growing, dynamic economy, with a wealth of raw materials and infrastructure needs that make it an ideal destination for overseas investment.



Egypt, Botswana, and Mauritius are also key regions to develop electronic trading capabilities, particularly as demand to access these markets continues to grow. For example, the Namibia Stock Exchange could significantly boost its trading value by embracing change and enabling direct market access. As this exchange is currently hosted by the JSE, this move would greatly simplify market integration and access for vendors, liquidity providers, and banks, potentially transforming its financial landscape.



Yet for international investors to get the most from the opportunities on the continent, they must seek out a partner that understands the nuances of African markets, across borders, languages, and cultures. While technology is acting as a bridge between the continent and global markets, the human touch in these markets is still essential to ensure high standards of governance, seek out liquidity, best execution and best market practice.



Seizing the technology opportunity



Trading is almost unrecognisable from what it was twenty years ago. Todays African traders have access to powerful machine learning tools, a suite of algorithms, and advanced pools of liquidity, helping to improve global connectivity and unlock new markets for international investors.



Advancements in technology are paving the way for a new era of international collaboration, enabling African markets to tap into the global market, and vice versa. Africas trading ecosystem serves as the gateway to unlocking the huge potential of untapped markets for international investors.













Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah says the comment by Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo that the Energy Minister is the only person to order for the publication of a dumsor timetable is an attempt to derail the Ministers opportunity to become Running Mate to the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



According to Bernard Mornah, the Akyem mafia in the NPP is against the Energy Minister because he blocked their shady deals and for that, they plot to ruin his chances of ascending the partys hierarchy.



Why would Osafo-Maafo say this at this material point in time? I think it is meant to scuttle the chances of the Energy Minister in the Running Mate agenda because they dont like him, he said to Berla Mundi on TV3.



He continued; Clearly the likes of Osafo-Maafo want to shift the blame on Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh just because he is in contention in the NPP Running Mate agenda. For me, there is a higher authority and that higher authority is not Matthew Opoku Prempeh to bring out the timetable.



Mr. Mornahs response comes on the heels of the Senior Advisor to the President, Yaw Osafo-Maafos call on the Energy Minister to publish a load-shedding timetable and a similar demand from the Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi who says the Minister needs to be removed from office.



Mr. Mornah described the calls as not being in good faith but rather a political agenda solely against the Energy Minister.

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.

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outdoor Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of its flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.



Speaking at her outdooring ceremony at the UPSA auditorium on April 24, 2024, she promised to give her all in assisting Mahama put the country back on track.



Among the issues raised in her address, she indicated that an NDC administration will persecute anyone who participated "in the plunder of the state"



"This is not a threat; it is a promise, premised on the wishes of our citizens across the various political and social divides, and hinged on the principle of accountability".



She further mocked the NPP saying: "I envisage a report of the administration of HE John Dramani Mahama on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress which justifies his return. The report would have no reference to the following:



1. A multi-million-dollar dugout; I dont know about you but the image I get looking at the trench is that of a hole in utter shock that anyone could believe it was intended as a thanksgiving gift to the Almighty, Invisible, God Only Wise.



2. A free SHS at war, with the battle fought on the grounds of food, shelter, space, calendar, teaching and learning materials, or those who spend a couple of weeks at school and several months idling at home; past questions instead of textbooks and science equipment, or an atmosphere that suppresses learning.



3. Free water and electricity to a few that turns out to be most expensive for all.



Such a report would not find:



4. Covid money shared for partisan political campaign purposes, while people die from a lack of support at our health facilities.



5. An Agyapa-like manifesto under the NDC led by JDM.



It would not include:





6. A president clearing malfeasance and writing love letters to prejudge a bad situation



It would not find:



7. Unemployment that has jumped from 8 to 14% (check out the actual numbers), a GDP that has gone AWOL or a cedi that refuses to be tamed. Or,



8. Weak efforts to hide the truth of dumsor.



The report would not include:



9. Scandals surrounding the PDS; Australian Visas; Kelni GVG; Bost Contaminated Fuel; excavators and aboboyaa tricycles that can fly swifter than nkonfem; or the loss of some GHS 60.8 at a central bank, or



10. Unfulfilled promises of one village one dam; one million dollars per constituency per year; 350 secondary schools from scratch and too, too many betrayals.



It would not see:



11. A tracker in hiding, too embarrassed to expose its plagiarized content.





12. In truth, such an investigation would not reveal over 100 scandals, and counting, during the tenure of the NDC under JDM.













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Nigeria's movie industry is mourning yet another loss as veteran actor Pa Zulu Adigwe has reportedly passed away.



Known for his memorable roles, often portraying uncles or wicked relatives, as well as native doctors, Pa Zulu Adigwe's death adds to the string of losses experienced in the Nigerian film industry recently including Junior Pope, Mr Ibu, Amaechi, Saint Obi among others.



The sad news was shared on Instagram by movie producer Stanley Nwoke, professionally known as Stanley Ontop on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.



However, details surrounding the cause of the silver screen star's passing remain undisclosed.



The movie producer sharing the news simply expressed his sorrow, stating, "I regret to announce the passing of a veteran actor. Late Mr. Zulu Adigwe."



Since the announcement surfaced last night, an outpouring of condolences has flooded in from the actor's colleagues in the movie industry and his fans alike, extending heartfelt sympathies to his family during this difficult time.

Source: Graphiconline









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Ghanaian Gospel musician, Kofi Sarpong has disclosed that it was never his interest to be popular considering his profession as a police officer.



However, as fate would have it, he stumbled on music when he heeded to persistent pressure from his manager, Kwesi Ernest, at the time to join commercial music.



In a recent interview on Joy Prime, Kofi Sarpong stated that his initial stance not to go into commercial music was because of his passion for the security services.



I declined out rightly and told him, You heard my name as deputy superintendent of police. How could that be possible? And for me, I love the police. If Im working and Im not paid, it would be enough for me. I also wasnt ready to leave the police. But he persevered.



He came to see me one day, and I asked him, Ive seen people holding CDs looking for producers, so why wont you help them? And he told me, 'Papa, Ive seen you from afar. You dont know me, but I know you, and I want the world to see whats in you, so please give me the opportunity. After he left, I had to apply to the Inspector General of Police, and approval came through."



He disclosed how terrified he was after putting in the request and the relief he felt when the IGPs secretary informed him that his request was approved.



I breathed a sigh of relief. I called my manager and told him this was the situation, and he was so happy, jumping all over. A few hours later, I heard a knock on my door, and it was him with someone holding a piano following him, and it was Akwaboah Jnr. I asked why, and he said, Papa, we are starting today.



He revealed that his first song was rehearsed the first day Kwesi Ernest visited his office with Akwaboah Jnr, the writer of the song.

Source: Graphiconline









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Ghanaian playwright, Latif Abubakar has partnered with the Embassy of Italy in Accra to stage an adaptation of "The License" by Italian Novelist, Luigi Pirandello.



Having previously partnered the Embassy of Spain in Ghana to adapt and stage two Spanish plays into Afrocentric versions, myself, the celebrated Playwright and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Globe Productions Limited is also partnering the Embassy of Italy to adapt "The License" into an Afrocentric version.



The play explores themes of bureaucracy, absurdity, and an individual's struggle against oppressive systems.



Speaking at the launch of the play at her residence in Accra, the Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Daniela d'Orlandi, said the partnership stemmed from the quality of plays from the camp of Mr Abubakar.



She said, having witnessed the adaptation of other European plays by Mr Abubakar, she was impressed by the quality of the performance as well as the response of the audience.



That, she said, encouraged her to also take the initiative to promote Italian theater, and consequently the Italian culture in Ghana.



Ms d'Orlandi who expressed excitement that for the first time in Ghana, the embassy was having an initiative in the theatre industry, said the collaboration between Ghana and Italy in the theatre industry was a move in the right direction as it would help ensure exchange of culture between both countries.



I do hope that this will not be a one-time thing, but lead to more plays," she said.



"I also hope that this will set an example for other foreign countries to follow," Mrs d'Orlandi added.



Commitment



In his address, the Playwright and CEO, of Globe Productions Limited, who reiterated his commitment to projecting Ghanas theatre industry to the world, is of the belief that the partnership will deepen the Italy-Ghana relationship beyond traditional trade to arts and culture.



"This partnership, like the others we have, would once again set our country on another world stage and I am pleased to be a part of this collaboration," he said.



As pacesetters of virtual live play on COVID-19 with a record 3.5 million live views, and credited with hosting one of Africa's biggest theatrical ventures; The Second Coming of Nkrumah, with over 500 cast and crew which created about a 1000 direct and indirect jobs, the celebrated playwright said, his dreams and passion of projecting Ghanas theatre industry beyond continent remains a reality with the launch of this play.



The playwright stated that his journey with the Embassy of Italy has been a sturdy work in progress, and as such, he was deliberate about putting in stronger efforts for the mutual benefits of both parties and countries.



The License



Written by Italian dramatist, novelist and poet, Luigi Pirandello The License was first published in a newspaper in 1911, and later adapted into a theatrical work, appearing on stage in 1917 in a Sicilian adaptation.



Touching on a series of familiar Pirandellian tropes, the play speaks to the author's realist interest in representing the actual ways in which law and social custom combine to limit or define the horizons of life for individuals, who are subject to the law.



The play which is being adapted into an Afrocentric version for the first time by myself and the team at Globe Productions Limited will show at the Accra International Conference Center on the 4th, 5th, and 6th May, 2024.







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Min Jiangtao, a 34-year-old junior officer in China's navy, has witnessed the launch of all three aircraft carriers of China, dubbed Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian.

About seven decades ago when the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy had just been established, then naval commander Xiao Jinguang had to take a fishing boat to inspect Liugong Island, about 2.1 nautical miles from the coast of China's Shandong Province, a fact recorded in a stele inscription on the island.

This year marks the 75th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy. Over the decades, the PLA Navy has undergone steady development, starting from scratch and growing into a strategic force consisting of five services, armed with both nuclear and conventional weapons.

Poised to become a world-class naval force, the PLA Navy is determined to gain the capability to fulfill its missions and tasks in the new era, and to contribute more to maintaining peace in the world.

Toward a world-class navy

The PLA Navy's weaponry and equipment development has come a long way. In the early days of the establishment of the navy, the total tonnage of its vessels was just a few thousand tonnes, which was less than a single destroyer in the navy of a major power.

The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012 marked the start of a "golden period" for the navy's development. The achievements included the launching of the first amphibious assault ship independently developed by China in September 2019 and the commissioning of the new 10,000-tonne destroyer Nanchang in January 2020.

In June 2022, the first ejection aircraft carrier independently designed and built by China, the Fujian, was launched and named.

Commitment to peace

The Chinese Navy owes its development to peace and is going beyond the national borders for peace.

The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, a commerce and trade hub in east China's Zhejiang Province, has witnessed the many departures of the Chinese naval hospital ship "Peace Ark" on its various humanitarian missions.

The ship has provided medical services for more than 290,000 patients from 45 countries and regions since its commissioning in 2008.

As the main maritime force of the country, the PLA Navy plays an active role in maritime public affairs, maintaining maritime peace, tranquility and order, while continuously providing public security products to the international community.

In April 2023, the Chinese navy participated in the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan following the outbreak of armed conflict in the country.

It was the third overseas evacuation of civilians carried out by the Chinese navy in recent years, following two previous operations in Libya and Yemen in 2011 and 2015, respectively.

During the overseas evacuation of civilians, the Chinese navy demonstrated its commitment to international humanitarian assistance by helping hundreds of foreigners leave the crisis-torn countries.

Over the years, the Chinese navy has been active in carrying out the country's assistance to other countries, including delivering 960 tonnes of fresh water to the Maldives during a water crisis caused by a fire incident in 2014, and sailing over 5,200 nautical miles to assist in disaster relief efforts in the wake of a volcanic eruption in Tonga in 2022.

In the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, Chinese naval ships have been carrying out vessel protection operations since December 2008.

Over the years, 46 consecutive fleets with over 150 vessels of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, helping transform the area once known as "the world's most dangerous area" into a "golden waterway."

The 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) is being held in east China's port city of Qingdao, gathering delegations from 29 countries. This is the second time the WPNS has been held in China after the country first hosted the event in 2014.

Addressing the opening event on Monday, Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that China's armed forces have actively participated in international cooperation of maritime security and provided maritime public security goods, adding that China will play a more positive and open role in international military cooperation.
Ghanaian media personality Gifty Anti has spoken out about the challenges of marriage, describing it as tough and requiring lots of emotional and mental strength.



In an interview with GhOne TV and monitored by Graphic Showbiz, Gifty Anti shared her insights on what it takes to be prepared for marriage.



Marriage is tough, it takes a lot of work. It takes a lot of emotions, and mental dexterity, you need to be mentally, emotionally, psychologically prepared, she said.



Gifty Anti and Nana Ansah Kwao IV, Chief of Akwamu Adumasas married in 2015. However, the union which is blessed with a daughter has been fraught with ceaseless rumours of separation.



In May last year, the distinguished media personality was forced to come out to debunk rumours of her separation from her husband.



At the time, she noted that she had decided not to pay attention to the negative news about her marriage but stay focused since she has always been a target in the marriage.



We have decided to talk at the appropriate time. Its not the first time this had happened and obviously, I am the target.



The people talking about me do not know me. They dont know anything about me. So, what should I do? Go round telling everybody about it? I stay focused because these things can derail me. I am hurt, and disappointed, she is quoted to have said at the time.

Source: Graphiconline









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A green leafy plant with its roots exposed on a background of abstract computer imagery representing SLEAP. Credit: Salk Institute

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has declared that removing carbon from the atmosphere is now essential to fighting climate change and limiting global temperature rise. To support these efforts, Salk Institute scientists are harnessing plants' natural ability to draw carbon dioxide out of the air by optimizing their root systems to store more carbon for a longer period of time.

To design these climate-saving plants, scientists in Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative are using a sophisticated new research tool called SLEAPan easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) software that tracks multiple features of root growth. Created by Salk Fellow Talmo Pereira, SLEAP was initially designed to track animal movement in the lab. Now, Pereira has teamed up with plant scientist and Salk colleague Professor Wolfgang Busch to apply SLEAP to plants.

In a study published in Plant Phenomics, Busch and Pereira debut a new protocol for using SLEAP to analyze plant root phenotypeshow deep and wide they grow, how massive their root systems become, and other physical qualities thatprior to SLEAPwere tedious to measure. The application of SLEAP to plants has already enabled researchers to establish the most extensive catalog of plant root system phenotypes to date.

Moreover, tracking these physical root system characteristics helps scientists find genes affiliated with those characteristics, as well as whether multiple root characteristics are determined by the same genes or independently. This allows the Salk team to determine which genes are most beneficial to their plant designs.

"This collaboration is truly a testament to what makes Salk science so special and impactful," says Pereira. "We're not just 'borrowing' from different disciplineswe're really putting them on equal footing in order to create something greater than the sum of its parts."

Prior to using SLEAP, tracking the physical characteristics of both plants and animals required a lot of labor that slowed the scientific process. If researchers wanted to analyze an image of a plant, they would need to manually flag the parts of the image that were and weren't plantframe by frame, part by part, pixel by pixel. Only then could older AI models be applied to process the image and gather data about the plant's structure.

SLEAP and sleap-roots automatically detect landmarks across the entire root system architecture. Credit: Salk Institute

What sets SLEAP apart is its unique use of both computer vision (the ability for computers to understand images) and deep learning (an AI approach for training a computer to learn and work like the human brain). This combination allows researchers to process images without moving pixel by pixel, instead skipping this intermediate labor-intensive step to jump straight from image input to defined plant features.

"We created a robust protocol validated in multiple plant types that cuts down on analysis time and human error, while emphasizing accessibility and ease-of-useand it required no changes to the actual SLEAP software," says first author Elizabeth Berrigan, a bioinformatics analyst in Busch's lab.

Without modifying the baseline technology of SLEAP, the researchers developed a downloadable toolkit for SLEAP called sleap-roots (available as open-source software here). With sleap-roots, SLEAP can process biological traits of root systems like depth, mass, and angle of growth.

The team tested the sleap-roots package in a variety of plants, including crop plants like soybeans, rice, and canola, as well as the model plant species Arabidopsis thalianaa flowering weed in the mustard family. Across the variety of plants trialed, they found that the novel SLEAP-based method outperformed existing practices by annotating 1.5 times faster, training the AI model 10 times faster, and predicting plant structure on new data 10 times faster, all with the same or better accuracy than before.

Together with massive genome sequencing efforts for elucidating the genotype data in large numbers of crop varieties, these phenotypic data, such as a plant's root system growing especially deep in soil, can be extrapolated to understand the genes responsible for creating that especially deep root system.

This stepconnecting phenotype and genotypeis crucial in Salk's mission to create plants that hold on to more carbon and for longer, as those plants will need root systems designed to be deeper and more robust. Implementing this accurate and efficient software will allow the Harnessing Plants Initiative to connect desirable phenotypes to targetable genes with groundbreaking ease and speed.

SLEAP and sleap-roots predict how the different parts of plant roots connect to each other by analyzing the geometry of the roots. Credit: Salk Institute

"We have already been able to create the most extensive catalogue of plant root system phenotypes to date, which is really accelerating our research to create carbon-capturing plants that fight climate change," says Busch, the Hess Chair in Plant Science at Salk. "SLEAP has been so easy to apply and use, thanks to Talmo's professional software design, and it's going to be an indispensable tool in my lab moving forward."

Accessibility and reproducibility were at the forefront of Pereira's mind when creating both SLEAP and sleap-roots. Because the software and sleap-roots toolkit are free to use, the researchers are excited to see how sleap-roots will be used around the world. Already, they have begun discussions with NASA scientists hoping to utilize the tool not only to help guide carbon-sequestering plants on Earth, but also to study plants in space.

At Salk, the collaborative team is not yet ready to disbandthey are already embarking on a new challenge of analyzing 3D data with SLEAP. Efforts to refine, expand, and share SLEAP and sleap-roots will continue for years to come, but its use in Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative is already accelerating plant designs and helping the Institute make an impact on climate change.

Other authors include Lin Wang, Hannah Carrillo, Kimberly Echegoyen, Mikayla Kappes, Jorge Torres, Angel Ai-Perreira, Erica McCoy, Emily Shane, Charles Copeland, Lauren Ragel, Charidimos Georgousakis, Sanghwa Lee, Dawn Reynolds, Avery Talgo, Juan Gonzalez, Ling Zhang, Ashish Rajurkar, Michel Ruiz, Erin Daniels, Liezl Maree, and Shree Pariyar of Salk.

More information: Elizabeth M. Berrigan et al, Fast and Efficient Root Phenotyping via Pose Estimation, Plant Phenomics (2024). DOI: 10.34133/plantphenomics.0175
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The bamboo octocoral Isidella sp. displaying bioluminescence in the Bahamas in 2009. Credit: Sonke Johnsen

Bioluminescence first evolved in animals at least 540 million years ago in a group of marine invertebrates called octocorals, according to the results of a new study from scientists with the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

The results, published April 23, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, push back the previous record for the luminous trait's oldest dated emergence in animals by nearly 300 million years, and could one day help scientists decode why the ability to produce light evolved in the first place.

Bioluminescencethe ability of living things to produce light via chemical reactionshas independently evolved at least 94 times in nature and is involved in a huge range of behaviors including camouflage, courtship, communication and hunting. Until now, the earliest dated origin of bioluminescence in animals was thought to be around 267 million years ago in small marine crustaceans called ostracods.

But for a trait that is literally illuminating, bioluminescence's origins have remained shadowy.

"Nobody quite knows why it first evolved in animals," said Andrea Quattrini, the museum's curator of corals and senior author on the study.

But for Quattrini and lead author Danielle DeLeo, a museum research associate and former postdoctoral fellow, to eventually tackle the larger question of why bioluminescence evolved, they needed to know when the ability first appeared in animals.

In search of the trait's earliest origins, the researchers decided to peer back into the evolutionary history of the octocorals, an evolutionarily ancient and frequently bioluminescent group of animals that includes soft corals, sea fans and sea pens.

Like hard corals, octocorals are tiny colonial polyps that secrete a framework that becomes their refuge, but unlike their stony relatives, that structure is usually soft. Octocorals that glow typically only do so when bumped or otherwise disturbed, leaving the precise function of their ability to produce light a bit mysterious.

"We wanted to figure out the timing of the origin of bioluminescence, and octocorals are one of the oldest groups of animals on the planet known to bioluminesce," DeLeo said. "So, the question was when did they develop this ability?"

A diversity of bamboo corals and golden corals in the central Pacific Ocean, deep-sea octocorals that are known to be bioluminescent. Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research

Not coincidentally, Quattrini and Catherine McFadden with Harvey Mudd College had completed an extremely detailed, well-supported evolutionary tree of the octocorals in 2022. Quattrini and her collaborators created this map of evolutionary relationships, or phylogeny, using genetic data from 185 species of octocorals.

With this evolutionary tree grounded in genetic evidence, DeLeo and Quattrini then situated two octocoral fossils of known ages within the tree according to their physical features. The scientists were able to use the fossils' ages and their respective positions in the octocoral evolutionary tree to date to figure out roughly when octocoral lineages split apart to become two or more branches.

Next, the team mapped out the branches of the phylogeny that featured living bioluminescent species.

With the evolutionary tree dated and the branches that contained luminous species labeled, the team then used a series of statistical techniques to perform an analysis called ancestral state reconstruction.

"If we know these species of octocorals living today are bioluminescent, we can use statistics to infer whether their ancestors were highly probable to be bioluminescent or not," Quattrini said. "The more living species with the shared trait, the higher the probability that as you move back in time that those ancestors likely had that trait as well."

The researchers used numerous different statistical methods for their ancestral state reconstruction, but all arrived at the same result: Some 540 million years ago, the common ancestor of all octocorals were very likely bioluminescent. That is 273 million years earlier than the glowing ostracod crustaceans that previously held the title of earliest evolution of bioluminescence in animals.

DeLeo and Quattrini said that the octocorals' thousands of living representatives and relatively high incidence of bioluminescence suggests the trait has played a role in the group's evolutionary success. While this further begs the question of what exactly octocorals are using bioluminescence for, the researchers said the fact that it has been retained for so long highlights how important this form of communication has become for their fitness and survival.

Now that the researchers know the common ancestor of all octocorals likely already had the ability to produce its own light, they are interested in a more thorough accounting of which of the group's more than 3,000 living species can still light up and which have lost the trait. This could help zero in on a set of ecological circumstances that correlate with the ability to bioluminesce and potentially illuminate its function.

To this end, DeLeo said she and some of her co-authors are working on creating a genetic test to determine if an octocoral species has functional copies of the genes underlying luciferase, an enzyme involved in bioluminescence. For species of unknown luminosity, such a test would enable researchers to get an answer one way or the other more rapidly and more easily.

A magnificent coral Iridogorgia magnispiralis, a deep-sea octocorals that are known to be bioluminescent. Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Deepwater Wonders of Wake

Aside from shedding light on the origins of bioluminescence, this study also offers evolutionary context and insight that can inform monitoring and management of these corals today. Octocorals are threatened by climate change and resource-extraction activities, particularly fishing, oil and gas extraction and spills, and more recently by marine mineral mining.

This research supports the museum's Ocean Science Center, which aims to advance and share knowledge of the ocean with the world. DeLeo and Quattrini said there is still much more to learn before scientists can understand why the ability to produce light first evolved, and though their results place its origins deep in evolutionary time, the possibility remains that future studies will discover that bioluminescence is even more ancient.

This study includes authors affiliated with Florida International University, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Nagoya University, Harvey Mudd College and University of California, Santa Cruz.

Provided by Smithsonian
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Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-18 mission Ye Guangfu, center, Li Guangsu, left, and Li Cong attend a meeting with the press at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

China's space agency is making final preparations to send a new crew to its space station on Thursday as part of its ambitious program that aims to put people on the moon by 2030.

The three-member crew of the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft will relieve the current team who have been manning China's Tiangong space station since last October.

China built its own space station after being excluded from the International Space Station, largely due to the United States' concerns over the People's Liberation Army'sthe Chinese Communist Party's military arm'sinvolvement in the program. This year, the station is slated for two cargo spacecraft missions and two manned spaceflight missions.

In a press conference on Wednesday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) introduced the three astronauts: Commander Ye Guangfu, 43, a veteran astronaut who was part of the Shenzhou-13 mission in 2021; and astronauts Li Cong, 34, and Li Guangsu, 36, who will go to space for the first time.

The Shenzhou-18 crew will spend about six months on the space station. They will conduct scientific tests, install space debris protection equipment on the space station, carry out payload experiments, and popularize science education, among other things, according to Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA.

Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-18 mission Ye Guangfu, center, Li Guangsu, left, and Li Cong attend a meeting with the press at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

Lin also said China was working toward eventually offering access to its space station to foreign astronauts and space tourists.

"We will accelerate the research and promotion of the participation of foreign astronauts and space tourists in flights with China's space station," he said. "We definitely expect to see astronauts of different identities on China's space station."

The crew is set for lift-off at 1259 GMT from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in the country's northwest.

China conducted its first manned space mission in 2003, becoming the third country after the former Soviet Union and the U.S. to put a person into space using its own resources.

The U.S. space program is believed to still hold a significant edge over China's due to its spending, supply chains and capabilities. However, China has broken out in some areas, bringing samples back from the lunar surface for the first time in decades and landing a rover on the less explored far side of the moon.

Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-18 mission, from left, Li Guangsu, Ye Guangfu and Li Cong wave as they arrive for a meeting with the press at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-18 mission, from left, Li Guangsu, Ye Guangfu and Li Cong wave as they arrive for a meeting with the press at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

The U.S.the only country to have previously put astronauts on the moonaims to put a crew back on the lunar surface by the end of 2025 as part of a renewed commitment to crewed missions, aided by private sector players such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Only four countries, the U.S., Russia, China and India, have landed spacecraft on the moon.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Evolution and strength of the 2021 PNW heat dome. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01346-2

As a massive heat dome lingered over the Pacific Northwest three years ago, swaths of North America simmeredand then burned. Wildfires charred more than 18.5 million acres across the continent, with the most land burned in Canada and California.

A new study has revealed the extent to which human-caused climate change intensified the extraordinary event, with researchers theorizing the heat dome was 34% larger and lasted nearly 60% longer than it would have in the absence of global warming. The heat dome, in turn, was associated with up to a third of the area burned in North America that year, according to the study, published in Communications Earth & Environment.

"What happens is you get a stagnated weather patternit's very hot and very dry," said study author Piyush Jain, research scientist with Natural Resources Canada. "And it dries out all the vegetation and makes whatever is on the ground extremely flammable."

The study adds to a body of literature documenting how the fingerprints of climate change can be detected in events such as heat waves, droughts and wildfires.

Jain was living in Edmonton in late June 2021 when the mercury in North America's northernmost million-resident city topped 100 degrees. "I was blown away," he said. "I'd never experienced those temperatures anywhere I'd lived."

Farther south, the town of Lytton, British Columbia, on June 29 experienced Canada's hottest recorded temperature, 119 degrees, and was largely destroyed by a wildfire the next day.

The heat dome persisted for a staggering 27 days, from June 18 to July 14, with skyrocketing temperatures across the western United States and Canada killing hundreds of people, resulting in mass die-offs of marine life, devastating crop and timber yields and damaging infrastructure, buckling highways in Washington and melting train power lines in Portland.

Over a five-day period in June, locations in seven U.S. states, including California, surpassed all-time maximum temperature records, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The heat wave also ratcheted up fire danger, breaking a slew of fire weather records over a broad area and helping to stoke blazes in British Columbia, California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Montana. More than 7.9 million acres burned in North America in July aloneat that time, the greatest area in a single month since record-keeping began, according to the study. Smoke traveled across the continent, triggering air quality alerts across much of the East Coast.

Jain had previously worked with other researchers to develop a method for evaluating such extreme weather events by looking at anomalies in geopotential heights, which indicate whether there are high or low pressure systems in the upper atmosphere. High pressure systems that persist for a long time tend to correspond with heat waves and increased fire risk, he said. And climate change has contributed to a trend of rising heights, potentially magnifying these events.

In this study, Jain and his colleagues analyzed what the heat dome would have looked like without this trend. They estimated that it would have been 34% smaller, 59% shorter and had a 6% lower magnitude.

The researchers also found strong links between the extreme heat and wildfire activity in 2021. That year, 21% of the land burned in North America was scorched by fires that started during and within the heat dome, with that figure rising to 34% when taking into account fires that started within 10 days, the researchers found.

The size of the heat dome made it particularly troubling because it resulted in what the study authors called widespread synchronous burning, with many disparate areas igniting at the same time. That posed a challenge to fire agencies because they tend to ask for help from other places when they don't have enough resources locally.

"If other areas are also experiencing the same resource strain, you can reach a bottleneck at some point," Jain said.

When there aren't enough resources to attack fires when they first start, blazes that might have otherwise been snuffed out when they were small grow large and difficult to contain, resulting in the need for yet more resources, said John Abatzoglou, a professor of climatology at UC Merced who also worked on the study.

If this type of synchronous activity persists in future years, it could force fire managers to reevaluate the reliability of resource-sharing arrangements, he said.

The study did not look specifically at how the heat dome, which extended into Northern California, affected the state's fire season. That summer, the 963,000-acre Dixie fire, which started July 13, became the first to burn from one side of the Sierra Nevada to the other, followed in short order by the 221,000-acre Caldor fire.

In general, it's difficult to completely attribute a fire to any individual factor, because flames are often fueled by a complex interplay of conditionsanything from overstocked forests to wind, Abatzoglou said. Still, in 2021, California had its hottest June to July in the observational period, and researchers have established a strong relationship between warm, dry summers and area burned in the state's forests, he said.

"It's obviously difficult to say how much the heat dome itself was responsible for those fires," Abatzoglou said. "But based on the hellaciously warm temperatures in that month, the significant heat wave events, we can say that those conditions certainly helped enable fuels to become incredibly available and provided less resistance to fire, once a fire started."

The findings add to the understanding of how climate change can affect extreme weather eventsand the potential role these events can play in fire activity.

"This is the latest in a growing body of evidence about the causes of wildfire conditions globally but in particular in western North America," said Noah Diffenbaugh, a climate scientist at Stanford University who was not involved in the study. "I think this, in particular, is an advance in linking record-breaking fire weather conditions to the specific atmospheric conditions for a specific event."

It's important to untangle climate change's influence on extreme weather events like the heat dome, which are increasing in frequency and intensity, Diffenbaugh said. A lot of infrastructure and risk management systems are built around assumptions about how these events will play out, so if that changes, those systems become stressed, he said.

"The linking, through this careful analysis, of the contribution of climate change to the record-breaking fire weather conditions associated with the heat dome is a really great example of the kind of research that we need to accurately quantify the risk of climate change," Diffenbaugh said.

"Both the climate change that we're already living with, and the climate change that we can expect to happen in the future, even if the world's ambitious global warming goals are achieved."

Studies that attempt to quantify the role of climate change in individual events can also help calculate the health costs and financial toll of planetary heating from carbon emissions, which have been cited by a growing number of lawsuits seeking damages.

Learning under what conditions these events occur can also help people understand how a warming climate can lead to more extremes in the future, Jain said.

And all indications suggest that that future is approaching quickly. Since the study was written, Canada's 2021 wildfire season was dwarfed by that of 2023, which saw more than 45 million acres burn. Jain now has a preprint examining how heat waves played a role. Although there was no single event as extreme as 2021's heat dome, some regions of Canada saw many more heat events than on average, he said.

"So 2023 was not dominated by a single event, but when you looked overall at the number of these events that occurred, it was a very extreme year in terms of heat waves," he said. "And, of course, 2023 was the warmest year on record globally."

More information: Piyush Jain et al, Record-breaking fire weather in North America in 2021 was initiated by the Pacific northwest heat dome, Communications Earth & Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01346-2 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Electron microscopy image of a photonic crystal. The diameter of the triangular holes is 300 nanometers. The curvature of the crystal array stops the light waves in the crystal from moving. Credit: AMOLF

AMOLF researchers, in collaboration with Delft University of Technology, have succeeded in bringing light waves to a halt by deforming the two-dimensional photonic crystal that contains them. The researchers show that even a subtle deformation can have a substantial effect on photons in the crystal. This resembles the effect that a magnetic field has on electrons.

"This principle offers a new approach to slow down light fields and thereby enhance their strength. Realizing this on a chip is particularly important for many applications," says AMOLF-group leader Ewold Verhagen.

The researchers have published their findings in the journal Nature Photonics. Simultaneously, a research team from Pennsylvania State University has published an article in the same journal about how they demonstratedindependently from the Dutch teaman identical effect.

Manipulating the flow of light in a material at small scales is beneficial for the development of nanophotonic chips. For electrons, such manipulation can be realized using magnetic fields; the Lorentz force steers the motion of electrons. However, this is impossible for photons because they do not have charge.

Researchers in the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF are looking for techniques and materials that would enable them to apply forces to photons that resemble the effects of magnetic fields.

Electrons

"We looked for inspiration at the way in which electrons behave in materials. In a conductor, electrons can in principle move freely, but an external magnetic field can stop this. The circular movement caused by the magnetic field stops conduction and as such electrons can only exist in the material if they have very specific energies. These energy levels are called Landau levels, and they are characteristic for electrons in a magnetic field," says Verhagen.

"But, in the two-dimensional material graphenethat consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a crystalthese Landau levels can also be caused by a different mechanism than a magnetic field. In general, graphene is a good electronic conductor, but this changes when the crystal array is deformed, for instance by stretching it like elastics.

"Such mechanical deformation stops conduction; the material turns into an insulator and consequently the electrons are bound to Landau levels. Hence, the deformation of graphene has a similar effect on electrons in a material as a magnetic field, even without a magnet. We asked ourselves if a similar approach would also work for photons."

Photonic crystal

In a collaboration with Kobus Kuipers of Delft University of Technology, the group of Verhagen indeed demonstrated a similar effect for light in a photonic crystal.

"A photonic crystal normally consists of a regulartwo dimensionalpattern of holes in a silicon layer. Light can move freely in this material, just like electrons in graphene," says first author Rene Barczyk who successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis on this topic in 2023. "Breaking this regularity in exactly the right manner will deform the array and consequently lock the photons. This is how we create Landau levels for photons."

In Landau levels light waves no longer move; they do not flow through the crystal but stand still. The researchers succeeded in demonstrating this, showing that the deformation of the crystal array has a similar effect on photons as a magnetic field on electrons.

Verhagen says, "By playing with the deformation pattern, we even managed to establish various types of effective magnetic fields in one material. As a result, photons can move through certain parts of the material but not in others. Hence, these insights also provide new ways to steer light on a chip."

Simultaneous experiments

The work of Verhagen and his team was inspired by theoretical predictions of researchers at Pennsylvania State University and Columbia University. Verhagen recalls, "When we were doing our first measurements, I happened to speak to one of the authors of this other study. When it turned out that they were also looking for experimental evidence of the effect, we decided not to compete in being first to publish but instead to submit the work simultaneously to the publisher."

While some details in the approach differed, both teams were able to stop light waves from moving and observe Landau levels by deforming a two-dimensional photonic crystal.

"This brings on-chip applications closer," says Verhagen. "If we can confine light at the nanoscale and bring it to a halt like this, its strength will be enhanced tremendously. And not only at one location, but over the entire crystal surface. Such light concentration is very important in nanophotonic devices, for example for the development of efficient lasers or quantum light sources."

More information: Rene Barczyk et al, Observation of Landau levels and chiral edge states in photonic crystals through pseudomagnetic fields induced by synthetic strain, Nature Photonics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01412-3 Journal information: Nature Photonics

Provided by AMOLF
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A study of policing at WorldPride and Mardi Gras events in 2023 found it was heavy-handed and damaging to its relationship with the LGBTQIA+ community.

A group of law academics, legal professionals and advocates has called for a scaling back of police operations at future Mardi Gras events after a study of policing at Sydney World Pride and Mardi Gras venues in 2023 found it to be excessively aggressive, invasive and in some cases, potentially unlawful.

The study was authored by academics from UNSW Sydney, the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle and was published recently in the journal Current Issues in Criminal Justice. It comes in the wake of increased scrutiny of policing in relation to the LGBTQIA+ communities following the decision by Mardi Gras organizers to ask NSW Police to not wear their uniforms in this year's parade.

Associate Professor Vicki Sentas from UNSW Law & Justice says policing outside the Domain Dance party, the Mardi Gras after party and the closing ceremony Rainbow Republic during World Pride events in 2023 was characterized by invasive questioning of patrons, a dubious use of drug detection dog patrols, humiliating and potentially unlawful searches, and instances of use of force.

"Police drug detection operations at WorldPride and Mardi Gras events in 2023 were large in scale, heavy-handed and not justified," A/Prof. Sentas says.

"More than 200 police were deployed solely for drug detection at the three parties we studied, but drug charges were overwhelmingly for possession, not supply.

"This flies in the face of harm minimization principles which emphasize that police target supply, not possession."

According to the data available to the researchers from police records, drug possession represented 88% (or 50 charges) of all drugs charges during the World Pride events, and 58% (or 95 fines) of all fines issued. But just seven charges were for supply.

Use of drug detection dogs

The researchers say that prior studies of the effectiveness of drug detection dogs between 2002 and 2023 showed that an indication by a dog for drugs was wrong in about 75% of cases.

Laws around the use of drug dogs state that a positive indication from a drug dog was not enough grounds to conduct a search. The law says police additionally need reasonable suspicion to go ahead and conduct a search, such as witnessing a potential drug deal taking place.

But observations by volunteer organization Fair Playa group of volunteer lawyers and advocates trained by the Inner City Legal Center (ICLC) to scrutinize police conduct outside the World Pride venues, as well as informing party-goers of their civilian rightsfound that police used drug dogs as a pretext to search party-goers and to pressure them into answering questions.

The researchers say that police use of drug dogs in this way compromises fairness of search from the start of the encounter, and that it amounted to the targeting of a "suspect community."

"Police's decision to deploy drug detection dogs in a particular place means police use dogs to sniff people before police had formed reasonable suspicion that the individual possessed drugs," says A/Prof. Sentas.

"This is an example of deliberate group-based targeting. Police used dogs to sniff or linger around a person without visible indication as a way to commence questioning and search."

Further, say the researchers, previous studies show how the use of drug detection dogs at festivals actually undermines harm minimization by inducing panic ingestion of drugs by festival-goers, preloading with much larger doses to avoid having them in their possession, or the purchasing of less-known drugs inside the festival grounds.

Coercive questioning

The study also found police used aggressive, intimidating, presumptive questioning techniques, based on observational and documentary evidence relayed by Fair Play, and police records themselves. It was common for groups of three to five police to surround an individual and submit them to a barrage of rapid-fire questions.

Examples included: "Where are the drugs? Have you ever taken drugs? Have you taken some this week? Do you take drugs? Are you affected by drugs? Have your friends taken drugs? Where were you before? Were there drugs being taken at the venue you were at? Why do you think the dog indicated, then?"

Legally, police are restricted from questioning during a search, but questioning pre-search is not subject to any rules, say the researchers. So intimidating was this experience for many that some attendees voluntarily confessed to having drugs, while others consented to being searched for fear of being arrested.

The researchers report that even an experienced criminal lawyer who attended the party answered police questions and submitted to search. An observer was quoted as saying "Sure you can say, 'I'm not consenting,' or, 'I don't want to give my ID,'But ultimately then you run the risk of being arrested."

Observers also reported that police lied about possessing a "new infrared technology" that had picked up that they possessed drugs, and in another case "thermal imaging technology" that could detect if "you are secreting something."

Study co-author Dr. Louise Boon-Kuo from the University of Sydney says the methods used by police to effect a search raise questions about their legality.

"Many party-goers felt bullied into answering questioning and submitting to search, and we are concerned that in effect, aggressive questioning undermines legal requirements on police which are intended to protect individuals from unjustified search," Dr. Boon-Kuo says.

The lawfulness of searches

Police searched 350 people and strip-searched 33 people in WorldPride & Mardi Gras events in 2023. The researchers say that while the "find rates"the rate of detecting drugswere 40 percent overall, the vast majority of searches found nothing.

"We found that police practice shows misunderstanding of the limits of police power to search and strip search," Dr. Boon-Kuo says.

"In fact, police records and observer accounts show that search was at times triggered by factors that police policy, LECC investigations, statute, or the courts have said are unreliable, such as drug dog indication even when coupled with a nervous demeanor of the person."

Meanwhile, strip search legal requirements state that it only be used in "serious and urgent" circumstances, such as when there are fears the person is concealing a dangerous weapon or device that could cause immediate harm to others or themselves. Consequently, most of the strip searches at World Pride 2023 are highly likely to be unlawful given that 50 out of 57 drug charges were for drug possession only, which is not a serious offense.

Traumatic impact on individuals

Fair Play observers of the policing of party-goers say they were seriously concerned about intimidating police practices when searching party-goers.

Searches, particularly strip searches, were lengthy, some lasting up to an hour. In many cases the searches were distressing, which left many party-goers visibly shaken and "reduced to tears."

ICLC lawyer Katie Green says Fair Play members themselves were shaken after interacting with police, leaving them "quite traumatized." Such was the negative experience the group encountered, that Fair Play opted not to participate in Mardi Gras this year, having been observers since 2014.

Ms Green also cited concerns about the additional pressure that Fair Play has placed upon the ICLC.

"We are a tiny little community legal center with just eight staff," she says.

"During Sydney World Pride we were all working overtime and on weekends in a feeble attempt to hold the police to account, but you realize when there are just 15 of you out there with nothing but clipboards and you are up against 50 officers with guns, vehicles, dogs and scheduled rest breaks, that you are completely outnumbered. It was really disempowering."

Green is currently campaigning for increased resourcing of Community Legal Centers, which play an important role in supporting community members who have complaints about police conduct.

"Last year the NSW Government invested more than $5 billion in the NSW Police force and less than $20 million in Community Legal Centers. We are calling on the NSW Government to urgently invest in our programs, which provide legal support to people who are traumatized after invasive searches and questioning."

Conflicting images

A/Prof. Sentas says that while many see LGBTQIA+ police members marching in the parade last year and LGBTIQ+ Police Liaison Officers as positive, this is at odds with the intimidating experience of police drug operations going on outside WorldPride and Mardi Gras venues.

"The consequence of intensive policing at Mardi Gras events is that it normalizes Mardi Gras as a site for LGBTQAI+ communities to be criminalized. In order to prevent harms, drug dog operations should cease and the police footprint needs to shrink," she says.

More information: Vicki Sentas et al, Policing WorldPride: gatekeepers at the festival turnstiles, Current Issues in Criminal Justice (2024). DOI: 10.1080/10345329.2024.2319912
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The driver of a horse-drawn carriage takes shelter under a tree as he waits for tourists during a heat wave in the Philippine capital Manila.

Extreme heat scorched parts of South and Southeast Asia Wednesday, prompting schools across the Philippines to suspend classes, heat warnings in the Thai capital and worshippers in Bangladesh to pray for rain.

The high temperatures were recorded just a day after the United Nations said Asia was the region that suffered the most disasters from climate and weather hazards in 2023, with floods and storms the chief causes of casualties and economic losses.

Extensive scientific research has found climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

"It's so hot you can't breathe," said Erlin Tumaron, 60, who works at a Philippine seaside resort in Cavite province, south of Manila, where the heat index reached 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.

"It's surprising our pools are still empty. You would expect people to come and take a swim, but it seems they're reluctant to leave their homes because of the heat."

March, April and May are typically the hottest and driest months in the archipelago but conditions this year have been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The heat index was expected to reach the "danger" level of 42C (108F) or higher in at least 30 cities and municipalities on Wednesday, the state weather forecaster said.

The heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.

The Philippine Department of Education, which oversees more than 47,600 schools, said nearly 6,700 schools suspended in-person classes on Wednesday.

There was also a 50 percent chance of the heat intensifying in the coming days, Ana Solis, chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster, told AFP.

She said people needed to limit the time they spent outdoors, drink plenty of water and take umbrellas and hats when going outdoors to guard against the "extreme heat".

Muslims offer special prayers for rain in Dhaka, with Bangladesh in the middle of an extreme heat wave.

Severe heat waves

Global temperatures hit record highs last year and the UN's World Meteorological Organization said Asia was warming at a particularly rapid pace, with the impact of heat waves in the region becoming more severe.

The WMO's State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report found Asia was warming faster than the global average, with temperatures last year nearly two degrees Celsius above the 1961 to 1990 average.

"Many countries in the region experienced their hottest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heat waves to floods and storms," said WMO chief Celeste Saulo, who described the report as "sobering".

WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett said, "Extreme heat is increasingly becoming the big silent killer".

The report highlighted the accelerating rate of key climate change indicators such as surface temperature, glacier retreat and sea level rise, saying they would have serious repercussions for societies, economies and ecosystems in the region.

But "heat-related mortality is widely under-reported and so the true scale of premature deaths and economic costs... is not accurately reflected in the statistics," Barrett said Wednesday.

In Bangladesh, thousands gathered in Dhaka to pray for rain as an extreme heat wave forced authorities to shut schools around the country.

Bangladesh's weather bureau said average maximum temperatures in the capital over the past week have been 4-5C (7.2-9F) higher than the 30-year average for the same period.

"Praying for rains is a tradition of our prophet. We repented for our sins and prayed for his blessings for rains," said Muhammad Abu Yusuf, an Islamic cleric who led a morning prayer service for 1,000 people in central Dhaka.

"Life has become unbearable due to lack of rains," he told AFP. "Poor people are suffering immensely."

Similar prayer services were held in other parts of Bangladesh, police said.

Tourists in this file photo shield themselves from the sun outside the Wat Pho Buddhist temple in Bangkok, where authorities have issued an extreme heat warning.

'It's terrible'

The Indian Meteorological Department said in a news release severe heat wave conditions were likely in the eastern and southern states of Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim and Karnataka over the next five days.

Thai authorities in Bangkok issued an extreme heat warning and urged people to stay indoors for their own safety.

Temperatures were forecast to hit 39C (102F) in the sprawling Thai capital, while the heat index rose above 52C (126F).

"Warning: the heat index today is 'extremely dangerous'. Please avoid activities outdoors," the Bangkok city environment department wrote on Facebook.

Thailand sweltered through a heat wave this week that pushed the mercury in the northern province of Lampang close to a national record of 44.6C (112.3F) on Monday.

The Philippines ranks among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and around half of its provinces are drought-stricken.

Mary Ann Gener, a government worker in Occidental Mindoro province, said people working indoors with air conditioning were fine.

"But it's terrible for those outside," she said.

"You get a headache immediately after you go out. You really need to hydrate."

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The Himalayas are home to a vast diversity of species, consisting of 10,000 vascular plants, 979 birds and 300 mammals, including the snow leopard, the red panda, the Himalayan tahr and the Himalayan monal.

The region represents a huge mountain system extending 2,400 kilometers across Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Myanmar and Afghanistan. It has a number of climate types and ecological zones, from tropical to alpine ecosystems including ice and rocks in the uppermost zone. All these ecological zones are compressed within a short elevation span. The Himalayasalong with the related Tibetan Plateauprovide considerable ecosystem services and as the "third pole" are also the source of most of Asia's major rivers, a fact that has earned it the additional moniker of "the world's water tower."

It is of urgent importance that these fragile ecosystems are conserved and protected.

Flourishing diversity

How do mountains, and the Himalayas specifically, support such biodiversity? Put simply, the steep differences in elevation provide unusually large temperature bandsand environmental conditionsthat help support a diversity of life.

In the central Himalayas, the average temperature changes by about one degree Celsius every 190 meters up or down. By comparison, in the northern hemisphere, the same degree of temperature change occurs roughly every 150 kilometersand every 197 kilometers in the southern hemispherealong a north-south line.

While hiking on the mountains, one can easily notice the distinct changes in vegetation within a fairly small change in elevation. The biodiversity changes are most noticeable where the treeline gives way to alpine grasslands.

During the course of our recent comprehensive field study in Kangchenjunga, Nepal we recorded approximately 4,170 trees belonging to 126 different species every 100 meters in elevation change from 80 to 4,200 meters above sea level. We also found that the middle elevations from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level had higher levels of biodiversity compared with the mountain top and bottom.

Such high diversity is the result of a dynamic balance between warm temperatures and abundant precipitation.

A video showing the Himalayan monal.

Forests as carbon sinks

Trees are one of the main carbon sinks in the Himalayas, storing about 62% of total forest carbon. The cooler forest soils in the northern biomes, including boreal forest and tundra, allow for further carbon storage as undecomposed organic matter.

Biomass represents the overall carbon stored in plants.

Our study found that communities with higher plant diversity produce more biomass and thus store more carbon. Different species have different needs and ways of using resources such as water, sunlight and nutrients.

In species-rich communities, each one can more efficiently profit from the resources available, leading to higher exploitation and larger biomass accumulation. For example, where there are many different tree species, each can occupy different parts of the canopy and their roots can utilize different soil layers, reducing the competition among individual trees.

At higher elevations, where the climate is harsh and nutrients are scarce, species can help each other rather than compete for resources. This co-operation, called facilitation, can promote positive species interactions and enhance growth and biomass production.

The dilemma

Like other regions of the Earth, the Himalayas are currently exposed to a rise in temperature. The warming rate in this area is three times higher than the global average, with an estimated increase of 0.6C per decade.

These warming conditions force many species to move towards cooler sites at higher elevations. However, this movement can increase competition for resources and space, particularly at higher elevations, leading to biodiversity risks.

Human-caused climate warming and increasing deforestation have also fueled an invasion of non-native species. For example, the crofton weed poses a real risk to the native Himalayan pine trees (Pinus roxburghii).

In the long run, the exclusion of native and dominant species could dramatically impact people's livelihood and biomass accumulation in local forests.

The local human communities of the Himalayas rely largely on natural resources. As such, the desired and urgent priority of biodiversity conservation can be seen as at odds with local development.

It is crucial to adopt respectful approaches that consider both the ecological needs of these fragile ecosystems and the economic interestsand socio-cultural perspectivesof the people who live there. Solutions must originate from a serious and deep discussion among the major players, representing global and local interests.

Himalayan biodiversity matters

The Himalayas are one of 36 biodiversity hotspots, with around 3,160 rare, endemic and sensitive plant varieties that hold special medicinal properties.

Conserving its biodiversity is crucial in maintaining a wide range of ecosystem services. The mountains help lessen the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by sequestering carbon within plant biomass and is home to a beautiful array of wildlife.

The Convention on Biological Diversity, an international organization dedicated to preserving biodiversity worldwide, has identified the Himalayas as one of its priorities.

By preserving this magnificent and delicate landscape, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy its beauty and wilderness and benefit from the services that these ecosystems provide. Thus, the conservation of biodiversity in the Himalayas is a matter of concern for both global and local communities.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

While Chicagoans were alarmed to learn the spotted lanternfly had been found in Illinois last year, experts say spring is the time to take action against that insectas well as another damaging invasive species that has made far more inroads and gotten less attention.

The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, has been in Illinois for decades and can strip leaves and kill trees, sometimes defoliating large swaths of land.

Kathryn Bronsky, a national policy manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said while it's important to stop spongy moths from killing trees in the 20 states in which they are currently established, it's even more important to limit the insect's expansion across the United States.

Bronsky said spongy moths usually spread around the country in the form of egg masses.

"Egg masses get laid on everything," Bronsky said. "They can lay them on your barbecue or your backyard grill, on your patio furniture, things you'd think there's no way caterpillars could be on."

Egg masses are usually a cream color, according to Greg Dwyer, a professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Chicago, and appear spongy, with small holes across the surface. Both the spotted lanternfly and the spongy moth lay eggs in masses, but where the lanternfly may lay as many as 60 eggs, the moth can lay up to 1,000.

These eggs begin hatching in spring, and the USDA is encouraging residents to report and destroy any eggs they find before the insects enter more destructive phases.

Dwyer said spongy moths feed on a variety of hardwood trees, including oaks. In some states, including Michigan, the moth has caused significant damage to hundreds of thousands of acres of forest.

"The spongy moth is extremely voracious," Dwyer said. "And sometimes it gets up to very, very high numbers, and will deploy to vast areas."

While Dwyer said many insects feed on foliage and trees, the moth poses a particular danger because of its sheer numbers and its preference for hardwood trees. Enough moths can eat the foliage on an entire tree, killing it over several years.

The spotted lanternfly, on the other hand, prefers items like grapes, hops and some hardwoods like walnut trees, according to Matthew Travis, the spotted lanternfly national policy manager at the USDA.

"These things are really important to a lot of communities, certainly to agricultural communities," Travis said. "People rely on what those plants provide, whether that's grape juice or wine, and certainly hops and beer. So the spotted lanternfly has been known to really act as a big stressor."

Travis said the spotted lanternfly reached Chicago in 2023 and was found near railroads  a primary pathway for invasive species. While it's not yet clear to what extent Chicagoans will see the lanternfly this summer, Travis said it's important to keep an eye out for the insect's harder, darker egg masses.

"Just this weekend, we saw hatching potential in New Jersey and Pennsylvania," Travis said. "It'll be some time before hatching hits the Chicago area, but in May people can start looking for the insects and reporting those insects to their state department of agriculture."

Tricia Bethke, the Morton Arboretum's forest pest outreach coordinator, said spongy moths are best eliminated as eggs. As soon as they hatch, they can feed off millions of trees due to their numbers. While they aren't the only factor that can contribute to a decline in forest areas, spongy moths make a significant impact when paired with other ecological threats like climate change.

"It becomes a one-two punch," Bethke said. "If the tree is being defoliated every single year, it will grow back smaller. It's like a bank account where you're taking out more money than you're putting in."

Spongy moths usually exist in their caterpillar stage for about seven weeks, and are most active in the early summer months, according to Bethke. Adults emerge after one or two weeks and live just long enough to mate and lay eggs.

Dead or dying trees have not been as much of a problem in Illinois as in surrounding states, Bethke said, because of a partnership between the USDA, the U.S. Forest Service and the Illinois Department of Agriculture that calculates which of the state's counties are seeing the most moths. Early-stage moths in those counties are sprayed with bacteria, preventing them from spreading.

This year, Jo Daviess County and Carroll County were identified as counties with elevated moth counts, Bethke said. Cook and DuPage counties have previously engaged in preemptive spraying, according to Bethke, and are now seeing fewer spongy moths. That preemptive spraying, as well as pheromone spraying and trapping which stops the moths from mating, is why spongy moth numbers in Illinois have tended to stay low, Dwyer said.

"The reason why we're talking about it now is because the spring seasons are when we see the eggs forming," Dwyer said. "The insect only got to the Midwest in the 1980s, and has been gradually spreading across the country. The more moths that hatch, the more danger there is."

When spongy moths are eliminated in the egg stage, there is also less chance people might accidentally spread them, Bronsky said.

She said it's important for Illinois residents to keep an eye out for these masses, removing them from trees as well as outdoor items and furniture and disposing of them in a sealed container.

"They are excellent hitchhikers," Bronsky said. "People don't even know that they're spreading them to new areas. It's really mandatory to look for these egg masses, scrape them off, and certify that you're moving household goods free of spongy moth egg masses."

2024 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Sixty years of China-France diplomatic ties and 155 years of the discovery of the giant panda by the scientific community was celebrated in an apt way with the "Giant Panda origin tracing tour" on April 22.

The inaugural ceremony of the International Panda Culture Communication Center.

More than 100 scholars, experts, government officials and young people from 10 countries attended the event in Ya'an, Sichuan Province in southwest China, organized by Dialogue Chine-France, a magazine published by the Center for Europe and Africa (China Today) under the China International Communications Group (CICG), and the Baoxing County government.

In his speech, CICG Vice President Yu Yunquan calls the giant panda a key cultural link between China and the rest of the world.

CICG Vice President Yu Yunquan said the giant panda is a messenger of peace and friendship. Since the scientific discovery of the giant panda 155 years ago, it has captivated people all over the world with its unique appearance and become an unrivaled symbol of cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Yu also called the panda a natural bond in youth exchanges, strengthening the tie between younger generations. With CICG being committed to the international dissemination of Chinese culture as well as the exchange and mutual learning of Chinese and foreign civilizations, he hoped the event would promote the world's understanding of the giant panda culture.

Nie Ying speaks about the origin of the panda culture in Baoxing.

Nie Ying, head of the Publicity Department of the Ya'an Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, said the panda culture originated in Baoxing. More than 130 captive pandas in China are from the county and 13 of them have been given to other countries as a symbol of friendship. Ya'an is committed to promoting the giant panda culture, carrying out more giant panda-based cultural exchanges with other countries, and building Ya'an into an important tourist destination for the giant panda culture.

Erik Solheim emphasizes the importance of international communication on wildlife conservation in his video message.

In his video speech former Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Erik Solheim emphasized that international communication on wildlife conservation is necessary. A range of cooperation projects in panda breeding and protection between China and France have yielded good results. Communication on wildlife conservation has also strengthened the friendship among China, France and other countries.

French author and China expert Sonia Bressler highlights how the giant panda plays a vital role in China-France cultural exchanges.

French author and China expert Sonia Bressler said in her video message that the giant panda plays a vital role in China-France cultural exchanges. Even though geopolitical tensions are rising, the China-France friendship continues to contribute to world peace. She called the event a good opportunity to strengthen the bond between the two countries, create more bilateral dialogues, and raise public awareness of biodiversity.

Professor Meng Man calls the giant panda the embodiment of the Chinese spirit of advocating peace and harmonious coexistence with nature in her speech.

Meng Man, a professor at the College of History and Culture, Minzu University of China, said the giant panda embodies the Chinese people's spirit of advocating peace and the harmonious coexistence between human and nature. The rooster, which represents French resourcefulness, bravery and the pursuit of freedom, and the cultural symbols of other countries, reflect the inclusiveness of human civilizations.

Margot Chevestrier hopes the youth representatives would enjoy the beautiful natural beauty and local culture in Baoxing.

Margot Chevestrier from France, a youth representative, described her happiness on being able to return to the panda's hometown one year after a previous trip. She hoped all the young people on the tour would enjoy the beautiful natural beauty and local culture in Baoxing, and learn the fascinating stories of people and pandas coexisting harmoniously.

Contemporary Chinese poet Shu Ting and Deputy Chief of the Publicity Department of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee Fang Xiaohu also attended the event.

CICG's Center for Europe and Africa International Communications Base is inaugurated.

CICG's Center for Europe and Africa International Communications Base was also inaugurated during the event by Zhang Juan, deputy editor-in-chief of CICG's Center for Europe and Africa, together with the heads of the publicity departments from Jungar Banner in Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; Songyang County in Lishui, Zhejiang Province; and Ya'an's Media Center.

International youth representatives attend a cultural salon and plant the "International Youth Forest," calling on more people to join the efforts of panda conservation.

In the ensuing panda culture salon, 14 international youth representatives from France, Germany, Britain, Italy, the United States and other countries interacted with Chinese scholars on giant panda protection and fostering the giant panda culture. They also jointly signed the Initiative for Global Youth Action for Giant Panda Conservation, planted trees for the "International Youth Forest," and called on more young people to contribute to giant panda conservation and global biodiversity protection.
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Single-molecule orientationlocalization microscopy captures fluorescence from Nile red molecules as they transiently bind to fibrils composed of engineered KFE8 peptides. Credit: Weiyan Zhou

A new imaging technique developed by engineers at Washington University in St. Louis can give scientists a much closer look at fibril assembliesstacks of peptides that include amyloid beta, most notably associated with Alzheimer's disease.

These cross- fibril assemblies are also useful building blocks within designer biomaterials for medical applications, but their resemblance to their amyloid beta cousins, whose tangles are a symptom of neurodegenerative disease, is concerning. Researchers want to learn how different sequences of these peptides are linked to their varying toxicity and function, for both naturally occurring peptides and their synthetically engineered cousins.

Now, scientists can get a close enough look at fibril assemblies to see there are notable differences in how synthetic peptides stack compared with amyloid beta. These results stem from a fruitful collaboration between lead author Matthew Lew, an associate professor of electrical and systems engineering, and Jai Rudra, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, in WashU's McKelvey School of Engineering.

"We engineer microscopes to enable better nanoscale measurements so that the science can move forward," Lew said.

In a paper published recently in ACS Nano, Lew and colleagues outline how they used the Nile red chemical probe to light up cross- fibrils. Their technique, called single-molecule orientationlocalization microscopy (SMOLM), uses the flashes of light from Nile red to visualize the fiber structures formed by synthetic peptides and by amyloid beta.

The bottom line: These assemblies are much more complicated and heterogenous than anticipated. That's good news because it means there's more than one way to safely stack proteins. With better measurements and images of fibril assemblies, bioengineers can better understand the rules that dictate how protein grammar affects toxicity and biological function, leading to more effective and less toxic therapeutics.

First, scientists need to see the difference between them, something very challenging because of the tiny scale of these assemblies.

"The helical twist of these fibers is impossible to discern using an optical microscope, or even some super-resolution microscopes, because these things are just too small," Lew said.

With high-dimensional imaging technology developed in Lew's lab the past couple years, they are able to see the differences.

A typical fluorescence microscope uses florescent molecules as light bulbs to highlight certain aspects of a biological target. In the case of this work, they used one of those probes, Nile red, as a sensor for what was around it. As Nile red randomly explores its environment and collides with the fibrils, it emits flashes of light that they can measure to determine where the fluorescent probe is and its orientation. From that data, they can piece together the full picture of engineered fibrils that stack very differently from natural ones such as amyloid beta.

Their image of these fibril assemblies made the cover of ACS Nano and was put together by first author Weiyan Zhou, who color-coded the image based on where the Nile reds were pointing. The resulting image is a bluish red flowing assembly of peptides that looks like a river valley.

The researchers plan to continue to develop techniques such as SMOLM to open new avenues of studying biological structures and processes at the nanoscale.

"We are seeing things you can't see with existing technology," Lew said.

More information: Weiyan Zhou et al, Resolving the Nanoscale Structure of -Sheet Peptide Self-Assemblies Using Single-Molecule OrientationLocalization Microscopy, ACS Nano (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11771 Journal information: ACS Nano
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Visual summary of compressed sensing of field-resolved molecular fingerprints. Credit: Ultrafast Science (2024). DOI: 10.34133/ultrafastscience.0062

Ultrashort pulses play a significant role in spectroscopic applications. Their broad spectral bandwidth enables simultaneous characterization of the sample at various frequencies, eliminating the need for repeated measurements or laser tuning. Moreover, their extreme temporal confinement allows for temporal isolation of the sample's response from the main excitation pulse.

This response, which carries comprehensive spectroscopic information, lasts from tens of femtoseconds to nanoseconds (1015 to 109 seconds) and is commonly probed by a shorter pulse at various time delays. When merged with other techniques, such as multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy or hyperspectral imaging, ultrafast spectroscopy facilitates the identification of unknown constituents.

However, the ambition of real-time measurements faces obstacles, primarily due to the extensive data recording required across the high bandwidth spectrum for each pixel, introducing considerable delays in data capture, extending processing time, and increasing data volume.

Researchers have developed a technique to speed up spectroscopic analysis. Kilian Scheffter, a doctoral student working with Hanieh Fattahi, head of the "Femtosecond Fieldoscopy" group at MPL, explains, "The response of molecules to ultrashort excitation pulses is typically sparse in many samples, which implies that the response occurs only at specific frequencies known as molecular fingerprints."

"By strategically randomizing the measurement points in time, an established approach called compressed sensing can efficiently reconstruct the signal by using fewer data points than the limit dictated by the Nyquist criterion. However, the main challenge has been to change the temporal overlap of the probe pulses and the femtosecond excitation pulses randomly."

"Collaborating with our partners in Germany and France, we've successfully employed acoustic waves to modulate this temporal overlap randomly. This innovation expands the application of compressed sensing to real-time spectroscopic measurement."

"Accelerating time domain spectroscopy offers several advantages, for example, in simplifying the label-free imaging of fragile specimens, real-time environmental monitoring and open-air diagnostics of toxic and hazardous gases, and molecular endoscopy," says Dr. Hanieh Fattahi.

The work is published in the journal Ultrafast Science.

More information: Hanieh Fattahi et al, Compressed Sensing of Field-resolved Molecular Fingerprint Beyond the Nyquist Frequency, Ultrafast Science (2024). DOI: 10.34133/ultrafastscience.0062
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Credit: Chandra X-ray Center

New movies of two of the most famous objects in the skythe Crab Nebula and Cassiopeia Aare being released from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. Each includes X-ray data collected by Chandra over about two decades. They show dramatic changes in the debris and radiation remaining after the explosion of two massive stars in our galaxy.

The Crab Nebula, the result of a bright supernova explosion seen by Chinese and other astronomers in the year 1054, is 6,500 light-years from Earth. At its center is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse.

As the young pulsar slows down, large amounts of energy are injected into its surroundings. In particular, a high-speed wind of matter and anti-matter particles plows into the surrounding nebula, creating a shock wave that forms the expanding ring seen in the movie. Jets from the poles of the pulsar spew X-ray-emitting matter and antimatter particles in a direction perpendicular to the ring.

Over 22 years, Chandra has made many observations of the Crab Nebula. With this long runtime, astronomers see clear changes in both the ring and the jets in the new movie. Previous Chandra movies showed images taken from much shorter time periodsa 5-month period between 2000 and 2001 and over 7 months between 2010 and 2011 for another.

The longer timeframe highlights mesmerizing fluctuations, including whip-like variations in the X-ray jet that are only seen in this much longer movie. A new set of Chandra observations will be conducted later this year to follow changes in the jet since the last Chandra data was obtained in early 2022.

Crab Nebula timelapse: Credit: Chandra X-ray Center

The second billing in this doubleheader is just as spectacular. Cassiopeia A (Cas A for short) is the remains of a supernova that is estimated to have exploded about 340 years ago in Earth's sky. While other Chandra movies of Cas A have previously been released, including one with data extending from 2000 to 2013, this new movie is substantially longer, featuring data from 2000 through to 2019.

The outer region of Cas A shows the expanding blast wave of the explosion. The blast wave is composed of shock waves, similar to the sonic booms generated by a supersonic aircraft. These expanding shock waves are sites where particles are being accelerated to energies that are higher than the most powerful accelerator on Earth, the Large Hadron Collider.

As the blast wave travels outwards, it encounters surrounding material and slows down, generating a second shock wave that travels backward relative to the blast wave, analogous to a traffic jam traveling backward from the scene of an accident on a highway.

Cas A has been one of the most highly observed targets and publicly released images from the Chandra mission. It was Chandra's official first light image in 1999 after the Space Shuttle Columbia launched into orbit and quickly discovered a point source of X-rays in Cas A's center for the first time, later confirmed to be a neutron star.

Over the years, astronomers have used Chandra to discover evidence for "superfluid" inside Cas A's neutron star, to reveal that the original massive star may have turned inside out as it exploded, and to take an important step in pinpointing how giant stars explode.

Chandra has also mapped the elements forged inside the star, which are now moving into space to help seed the next generation of stars and planets. More recently, Chandra data was combined with data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to help determine the origin of mysterious structures within the remnant.

Cassiopeia A timelapse: Credit: Chandra X-ray Center

The images used in the latest Cas A movie have been processed using a state-of-the-art processing technique led by Yusuke from Rikkyo University in Japan to capitalize on Chandra's sharp X-ray vision fully. The paper describing their work was published in The Astrophysical Journal and is available online.

These two movies show Chandra's capabilities of documenting changes in astronomical objects over human timeframes. Such movies would not be possible without Chandra's archives, which serve as public repositories for the data collected over Chandra's nearly 25 years of operations.

Credit: Chandra X-ray Center

More information: Yusuke Sakai et al, RichardsonLucy Deconvolution with a Spatially Variant Point-spread Function of Chandra: Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A as an Example, The Astrophysical Journal (2023). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/acd9b3 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal
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Scientists working at the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR at the Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, South Dakota. Credit: Matthew Kapust, Sanford Underground Research Facility

In a new study published inNature Physics, scientists at the MAJORANA Collaboration have tested the stringency of charge conservation and Pauli's exclusion principles using underground detectors. Alessio Porcelli has published a News & Views piece on the research in the same journal.

Today, the Standard Model of particle physics is one of two pillars on which modern physics rests. It successfully explains three out of the four fundamental forces and how subatomic particles behave.

Pauli's exclusion principle and the conservation of charge are two of the principles arising from the symmetries in the Standard Model. They have withstood many theoretical challenges and have repeatedly proven to the point where they are considered axiomatic.

Now, researchers believe that small violations of these principles could lead to physics beyond the Standard Model, such as exotic forms of matter.

The MAJORANA Collaboration is one such experiment. The project aims to explore neutrinoless double beta decay, a type of radioactive decay, hoping to establish if neutrinos are Majorana particles.

The research is an international collaboration of scientists, including Dr. Clint Wiseman from the University of Washington and Dr. Inwook Kim from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, who co-authored the Nature study.

Speaking to Phys.org, Dr. Wiseman shared his motivation behind this pursuit, "When I first learned quantum mechanics, I was taught to question things presented as unshakable principles. The principles of quantum mechanicsthe bedrock of the Standard Modelare heavily ingrained in us because they have borne out to be true again and again.

"As we look for areas of new physics to explore in the 21st century, it can be worthwhile to go back to those principles and attempt to push the limits of their correctness."

Symmetries, conservations and Majorana particles

The deep connection between symmetry and conservation laws was revealed by the mathematician Emmy Noether. According to Noether's theorem, every conservation law is deeply connected to an underlying symmetry in nature.

"Our inability to create or destroy charge without accounting for it elsewhere is related to a symmetry of this kind. The inability of more than two electrons to share the same quantum state represents an equally important anti-symmetry of nature that plays an essential role in the large-scale behavior of atomic matter," explained Dr. Wiseman.

If these principles were shown to be violated, it would mean the breaking of fundamental symmetries.

"The fact that the photons are experimentally verified as massless is often considered the evidence that the charge conservation fundamentally holds. However, theoretical extensions of the Standard Model, like certain quantum gravity models, could potentially include mechanisms that violate charge conservation.

"The Pauli exclusion principle is mathematically derived directly from the antisymmetric property of fermionic wavefunctions. As in the case of charge conservation, this could be violated in a beyond-the-standard-model framework," Dr. Kim told Phys.org.

How does this relate to the work being done by the MAJORANA project? The Majorana particle, if it exists, would be its own particle. This is, at the moment, purely conjecture, but the neutrino might fit the description.

The neutrino is a very elusive particle, making it difficult to detect and study its properties. One of the things scientists have been unable to establish is whether it is its own antiparticle, i.e., a Majorana particle.

The MAJORANA project is working towards this goal by searching for an ultra-rare process known as neutrinoless double beta decay.

Beta decay and underground detectors

Beta decay, as mentioned earlier, is a radioactive decay process. In this process, neutrons decay into protons, positrons (which are known as beta particles and are the antielectrons), and antineutrinos.

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR consists of highly pure germanium (Ge) detectors deep underground to avoid radiations, such as cosmic rays, which could interfere with it. The Ge detectors are highly sensitive to energies released during these beta decay reactions.

In a double beta decay, we have two beta decays happening simultaneously, and we get two antineutrinos along with the protons and beta particles. However, in the neutrinoless case, we would observe no neutrinos, as the name suggests.

This is because if the neutrino were a Majorana particle, the neutrino from one beta decay would cancel out the emissions from the antineutrino (from the other decay), resulting in no neutrino emissions, which the MAJORANA demonstrator is set to detect.

The dataset taken by the detector array formed the basis for the researchers to study the limits of the charge conservation and Pauli's exclusion principle.

An inside view of the copper vacuum cryostat of the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR. The strings of turquoise are the germanium detectors. Credit: Nepahwin/Wikimedia Commons.

Testing the limits

The researchers focused on three scenarios, with the first one testing charge conservation and the other two testing Pauli's exclusion principle.

Let's start with the first test: charge non-conservation. In this scenario, the researchers were exploring electron decay within a Ge atom. If an electron were to decay, it would leave a vacancy in the atom's orbital, which is filled by an electron from a different orbital.

This process results in the emission of a photon or X-ray, indicating that the charge is balanced. However, the lack of emission would indicate a non-conservation of charge.

For the case of Pauli's exclusion principle, the researchers focused on type I and type III interactions of fermions (in this case, electrons).

In type I interactions, we have interaction between a newly created electron and a system of fermions. This electron is created using pair production from gamma rays.

The aim was now to observe if this newly created electron would occupy a fully completed atomic orbital (as is the case for Ge atoms), violating Pauli's exclusion principle about fermions occupying the same state. If this did indeed happen, they would observe an X-ray emission.

For the final scenario, type III interactions, the interactions are between fermions in the same system, i.e., electrons within the Ge atom. If an electron were to transition from its orbital to another filled orbital unexpectedly, a photon or X-ray would be emitted, and Pauli's principle would be in violation.

The combined 228Th calibration spectrum from all active detectors in the Majorana Demonstrator. Prominent features include the full-energy peak from 208Tl, the associated SEP and DEP, and a strong 212Bi line near the DEP. Credit: Nature Physics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-024-02437-9

Setting new constraints and forming LEGEND

The researchers found that all three scenarios panned out as they were supposed to, with no violations.

"We found no evidence that the principles are violated, setting more stringent limits on new theories of physics. The charge conservation limit is the most stringent of its kind since 1999," said Dr. Wiseman.

The limit Dr. Wiseman is referring to here is on the mean lifetime of the electron decaying to three neutrinos (or dark matter), which they established to be greater than 2.83  1025 years, indicating the high stability of electrons.

Further, Dr. Kim added, "Our finding of no signature suggests that these two principles hold to a very high precisionat least to the extent that current state-of-the-art technology can detect. This further strengthens our confidence in the validity of these principles."

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR dataset proved to be incredibly versatile. The experiment is expanding by forming a larger collaboration called LEGEND by merging with another Ge-based detector, Gerda.

"By operating high-resolution germanium detectors in an ultraclean environment, LEGEND will further investigate various unexpected signatures from beyond the Standard Model physics," said Dr. Kim.

Dr. Wiseman concluded by saying, "The current results validate quantum mechanics' accuracy and provide more stringent constraints on future efforts to construct new theories of physics. This will require more imagination, or as Feynman put it: imagination in a straitjacket."

 2024 Science X Network
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A gray-scale image of the galaxy EGS_31125 at 10.6 billion years ago as seen by the James Webb Space Telescope. The galaxy's bar can be seen (outlined in the center image in a thick solid purple line with the spiral arms shown as faint purple lines). Credit: Zoe Le Conte

The universe's early galaxies were less chaotic and developed much faster than previously thought, according to new research looking back more than ten billion years in time. An international team of astronomers led by Durham University, UK, has used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to find evidence of bar formation when the universe was only a few billion years old.

This latest research is published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Bars are elongated strips of stars found in disk or spiral galaxies like our Milky Way. As bars develop, they regulate star formation within a galaxy, pushing gas into the galaxy's central region, and their presence tells scientists that galaxies have entered a settled, mature phase.

Previous studies carried out using the Hubble Space Telescope had been able to detect bar forming galaxies up to eight or nine billion years ago. But the increased sensitivity and wavelength range offered by the JWST means researchers have been able to see the phenomenon happening even further back in time. This means that scientists might have to rethink their theories about galaxy evolution in the early stages of the universe's formation.

Lead author Zoe Le Conte, a Ph.D. researcher in the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy, Department of Physics, Durham University, said, "Galaxies in the early universe are maturing much faster than we thought. This is a real surprise because you would expect the universe at that stage to be very turbulent with lots of collisions between galaxies and a lot of gas that hasn't yet transformed into stars.

A gray-scale image of the galaxy EGS_31125 at 10.6 billion years ago, visually classified as strongly barred (outlined in the center image in a thick solid purple line with the spiral arms shown as faint purple lines). From left to right: Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 F160W and James Webb Space Telescope NIRCam F356W and F444W. This filter comparison demonstrates the effects of Point Spread Function (PSF), sensitivity and wavelength range on a galaxy image, particularly in the context of bars. Credit: Zoe Le Conte

"However, thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope we are seeing a lot of these bars much earlier in the life of the universe which means that galaxies were at a more settled stage in their evolution than previously thought. This means we will have to adjust our views on early galaxy evolution."

The researchers used the JWST to look for bar formation in galaxies as they would have been seen between eight to 11.5 billion years ago. The universe itself is 13.7 billion years old.

Of 368 disk galaxies observed, the researchers saw that almost 20% had barstwice as many than observed by Hubble.

Co-author Dr. Dimitri Gadotti, in the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy, Department of Physics, Durham University, noted, "We find that many more bars were present in the early universe than previously found in Hubble studies, implying that bar-driven galaxy evolution has been happening for much longer than previously thought. The fact that there are a lot more bars is what's very exciting.

A gray-scale image of the galaxy EGS_31125 at 10.6 billion years ago as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. The galaxy's bar cannot be seen. Credit: Zoe Le Conte

"The simulations of the universe now need to be scrutinized to see if we get the same results as the observations we've made with James Webb. We have to think outside of what we thought we knew."

As the researchers looked further back in time, they were able to see fewer and fewer bar-forming galaxies.

They say this might be because galaxies at an even earlier stage of the universe might not be as well formed. There is also currently no way to see shorter bars of stars, which are less easy to spot, even with the increased telescopic power offered by the JWST.

The researchers say they now want to investigate even more galaxies in the early universe to see if they have also formed bars. They hope to eventually look further back in time12.2 billion yearsto look at bar-growth over time and what the mechanisms are behind this growth.

Artist's impression showing the structure of the Milky Way. The bar is the yellowish elongated structure crossing the center of the galaxy. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ESO/R. Hurt

Artist's impression of the James Webb Space Telescope showing its primary mirror pointing into the cosmos. Credit: TRW-Ball

The JWST is the replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope and is the largest, most powerful space telescope ever built.

Durham University's Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy was involved in the telescope's scientific development, including the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which is used to probe galaxies and black holes. Durham's Centre for Advanced Instrumentation also made some of the optics for the JWST's Near Infrared Spectrograph's (NIRSpec) Integral Field Unit instrument.

The latest study also included scientists from Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology, University of Victoria, Canada; Jodrell Bank Centre for AstrophysicsUniversity of Manchester, UK; the European Southern Observatory; the Department of Astronomy and Atmospheric Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Republic of Korea; the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Germany; Aix Marseille University, France.
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Southern California's rivers and creeks once teemed with large, silvery fish that arrived from the ocean and swam upstream to spawn. But today, these fish are seldom seen.

Southern California steelhead trout have been pushed to the brink of extinction as their river habitats have been altered by development and fragmented by barriers and dams.

Their numbers have been declining for decades, and last week California's Fish and Game Commission voted to list Southern California steelhead trout as endangered.

Conservation advocates said they hope the designation will accelerate efforts to save the fish and the aquatic ecosystems on which they depend.

"Historically, tens of thousands of these fish swam in Southern California rivers and streams," said Sandra Jacobson, director of the South Coast region for California Trout, an organization that advocated for the listing.

"Their numbers have dipped dangerously low due to impacts from habitat loss, fragmentation and urbanization," Jacobson said. "This landmark decision provides critically important protections for this iconic species."

The distinct Southern California population is one of eight varieties of steelhead trout in the state. They live in coastal waters and rivers from southern San Luis Obispo County to around the U.S.-Mexico border.

Steelhead trout are the same species as rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, but unlike their freshwater-dwelling relatives, steelheads spend much of their lives feeding in the ocean and return to their natal streams to spawn.

Steelheads typically grow to 2 or 3 feet and sometimes larger.

The fish migrate upstream when winter and spring rains send high flows coursing through rivers and creeks. They travel to spawning habitats as far as 30 miles inlandas long as they don't encounter a barrier along the way.

Unlike salmon, which are part of the same family, steelheads often spawn multiple times before they die.

Southern California steelheads were once caught by Indigenous people. In the early 20th century, anglers found that the fish were abundant in the Ventura and other rivers.

But over the past century, the Los Angeles River and other waterways were lined with concrete. Coastal marshes were hemmed in by development, and barriers and dams fragmented streams.

The Southern California steelhead population was declared endangered by the federal government in 1997. Reviews by federal and state agencies have found that the population has continued to suffer since then.

"The negative trend toward extinction has not reversed," Jacobson said.

In a 2020 study, researchers found that there had been only 177 documented sightings of Southern California steelhead in the previous 25 years.

California Trout submitted a petition in 2021 urging the state to list the steelhead population as endangered.

Small numbers of fish continue to return to the Santa Clara and Santa Ynez rivers, as well as Malibu Creek, Topanga Creek and other streams from Santa Barbara to San Diego County.

Jacobson and other conservationists have been advocating for accelerating plans to remove obsolete dams that block fish, including Matilija Dam in the Ventura River watershed and Rindge Dam in the Malibu Creek canyon. They've also been seeking to expedite the removal of barriers on Trabuco Creek and the Santa Margarita River.

Other efforts to help steelhead trout include removing non-native species, reducing water diversions and groundwater pumping to ensure sufficient flows in streams and restoring watersheds' natural ecosystems, Jacobson said.

"Southern steelhead are crucial indicators of watershed health," Jacobson said.

She said restoring the "aquatic highways" the fish use to reach their spawning habitats will also bring benefits for people, including safeguarding sources of clean drinking water.

"I am hopeful for steelhead recovery," Jacobson said. California's classification of the population as endangered, she said, will help advance a state conservation plan and add urgency to the work of removing barriers in rivers.

The steelhead trout that remain in Southern California face other threats, including warmer waters and more intense droughts and wildfires as a result of climate change.

"These are populations that are experiencing the warmest conditions, really on the leading edge of climate change effects. And then you layer on top of that just how densely populated Southern California is," said Andrew Rypel, a professor of fish ecology and director of UC Davis' Center for Watershed Sciences. "All of these steelhead streams in Southern California are extremely impacted."

He said that with so many factors weighing against the steelhead trout, the additional protections could make a significant difference.

"It's like the most challenging fish conservation issue I can imagine," Rypel said. "How do you manage a whole landscape for fish conservation in the middle of one of the biggest urban areas in the world? It's very challenging."

This population of steelhead, he said, is effectively "up against the clock."

Removal of barriers to spawning areas is key, he said.

"It's a really cool fish. It's a Southern California fish, and it's up to the people of that region to watch out for it and to ensure that future generations are going to be able to watch this cool fish and protect itand by way of doing that, protect the ecosystem."

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Muslims offer special prayers for rain in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka as an extreme heatwave hit the country.

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heat wave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country.

Extensive scientific research has found climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

Bangladesh's weather bureau says that average maximum temperatures in the capital Dhaka over the past week have been 4-5 degrees Celsius (7.2-9 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the 30-year average for the same period.

Muslim worshippers gathered in city mosques and rural fields to pray for relief from the scorching heat, which forecasters expect to continue for at least another week.

"Praying for rains is a tradition of our prophet. We repented for our sins and prayed for his blessings for rains," Muhammad Abu Yusuf, an Islamic cleric who led a morning prayer service for 1,000 people in central Dhaka, told AFP.

"Life has become unbearable due to lack of rains," he said. "Poor people are suffering immensely."

Police said similarly sized prayer services were held in several other parts of Bangladesh.

The country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, issued a statement calling its members to join the prayer services planned for Wednesday and Thursday.

'All linked to climate change'

Authorities ordered all schools last week to cancel classes until the end of the month.

The UN children's agency said it was "urging parents to be extra vigilant in keeping their children hydrated and safe" through the heat wave.

"The severity of this heat wave underscores the urgent need for action to protect children from the worsening impacts of climate change," UNICEF said in a statement.

Temperatures across Bangladesh have reached more than 42C (108F) in the past week.

"April is usually the hottest month in Bangladesh. But this April has been one of the hottest since the country's independence (in 1971)," government forecaster Tariful Newaz Kabir told AFP.

Kabir said fewer rainstorms than average for the period had contributed to the heat.

"We expect the high temperature will remain until the end of this month," he said.

Hospitals in the southern coastal district of Patuakhali had recorded local outbreaks of diarrhea due to higher temperatures and the resulting increased salinity of local water sources, state medical officer Bhupen Chandra Mondal told AFP.

"The number of diarrhea patients is very high this year," he said. "This is all linked to climate change."

 2024 AFP
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Wood Frog in Kabekona Lake, Minnesota. Credit: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

When we think of evolution, we think of a process that happens over hundreds or thousands of years. In research published in Ecology and Evolution a team led by Rick Relyea, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences and David M. Darrin Senior Endowed Chair at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, found a species of frog that has evolved over the course of merely 25 years. The adaptation was spurred on by something many assume is innocuous: salt.

"We've been applying de-icing salts to reduce car accidents in snowy and icy conditions in the United States for 80 years, and we currently apply four times more road salt than we did in the 1970s," said Relyea. "However, the number of studies on its impacts to our environment are relatively few. We're beginning to learn that when salt drains into fresh water, it can kill animals, stunt the growth of fish, cause sex changes in frogs, and make animals more prone to diseases."

"Amphibians like to breed in wetlands, which have smaller water volumes than lakes, so the salt concentrations in wetlands can accumulate to very high levels," said Relyea.

"In our study, the highest salt concentration was found in a wetland adjacent to a parking lot that's been there for 25 years, where the salt concentrations are nearly 100 times higher than in pristine wetlands. We found that over the course of just 10 generations, these wood frogs evolved a much higher salt tolerance."

The research team collected frog eggs from nine populations and allowed them to hatch into tadpoles. Then the team examined whether populations of tadpoles from more salt-polluted waters had evolved higher salt tolerance.

Tadpoles collected from the saltiest wetland experienced a notably longer time until death when exposed to salt than the eight other populations collected from other areas close to roads and with varying levels of salt, suggesting an evolved tolerance. However, the frogs' ability to adapt does not mean that we should expect them to survive if salt levels increase even more.

Relyea hopes that insights gained from this study will help protect many species of plants and animals that are being exposed to salt pollution.

"The fact that these amphibians rapidly evolved to deal with high salt levels suggests that we have time to avoid extinction, in this species and probably many other species," said Relyea.

"Fortunately, cities and towns around the country are learning how they can apply less salt with the same level of safety, by applying it in smarter ways. Everyone across the political spectrum can agree to this win-win proposition: we can apply less salt and protect the environment, while maintaining safe roads and saving money for governments and taxpayers."

"The effects of human activity on our environment must be understood and mitigated," said Curt Breneman, Ph.D., dean of Rensselaer's School of Science.

"Thanks to Professor Relyea's research, we have evidence of the effect of road salt on one species. Fortunately, while these results show that certain amphibians can adapt quickly to some environmental toxins, they also provide a warning that scientific and policy solutions must be found to mitigate such pollution."

Relyea was joined in research by Brian Mattes, Candace Schermerhorn, and Isaac Shepard of Rensselaer.

More information: Rick Relyea et al, Freshwater salinization and the evolved tolerance of amphibians, Ecology and Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11069 Journal information: Ecology and Evolution
Participants attend the Dialogue on the International Image Innovation of the CPC (2024) and the Workshop and Exchanges for the Heads of Media Affairs of Global Political Parties, in Beijing, April 23, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The Dialogue on the International Image Innovation of the CPC (2024) and the Workshop and Exchanges for the Heads of Media Affairs of Global Political Parties were held in Beijing on Tuesday. The event focused on the theme "China's Path to Modernization: China's New Development and The World's New Opportunities." In total, 30 heads of publicity and media affairs of political parties from 25 countries attended, along with around 90 other participants from politics, media outlets, universities and other sectors.

The event was co-organized by China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Bureau of Public Information and Communication of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC).

Presided over by Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of the China Internet Information Center, the dialogue aimed to strengthen international media collaboration and enhance understanding of China's modernization efforts among global political parties.

Chen Shi, deputy editor-in-chief of CICG and director of the CICG China Center for International Communication Development, said that Chinese modernization combines universal aspects of modernization with unique characteristics shaped by China's specific conditions.

She further noted: "As a major contributor to global development, China enhances stability in an uncertain world. To truly understand China, one must understand the Communist Party of China and Chinese modernization.

"Discussions like today's dialogue will deepen the exchange of experiences in governance among nations, enhance the leadership capabilities of political parties, and are of great significance for advancing national development and building a community with a shared future for mankind," she added.

Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson of the IDCPC and director-general of the Bureau of Public Information and Communication of the IDCPC, emphasized the necessity for developing nations to reject blind faith in the Western development model. Instead, they should bolster confidence in their own paths, challenge hegemonic narratives and assert their voices on the global stage.

He recommended visiting China, engaging with Chinese media and increasing exchanges with the CPC to better understand China's path.

The spokesperson added that media exchanges and collaboration provide a new channel for mutual learning between the CPC and political parties worldwide, which are crucial for deepening mutual understanding.

Daudh Ahmed, deputy minister of transport and civil aviation and media coordinator of the People's National Congress of the Maldives, praised the equitable partnership between China and the Maldives. He remarked, "Despite our modest size, China has consistently treated us with the dignity of equals, exemplifying a partnership built on mutual respect and shared principles."

He further elaborated on numerous collaborative projects between the two nations, emphasizing their significance. "All these projects are a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the people," he said. "They align with the core principles of Chinese-style modernization, which include high-quality development, achieving common prosperity, harmonious co-existence between humanity and nature, and a shared future for humankind."

Ahmed also noted that the partnership provides a stable foundation that enhances the Maldives' appeal as an economic hub in South Asia and an attractive investment destination, demonstrating the global opportunities that arise from Chinese modernization.

Following the keynote speeches, participants engaged in themed discussions centered on high-quality development and the communication strategies of political parties.

Fai Mesa, a member of the Committee of Public Communication at the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship, praised China's emphasis on high-quality development. He said, "The plan of the Chinese government and the CPC, to go for the high-quality development, by focusing on the quality to achieve greater efficiency, equity, green development and security, is somewhat undeniably a leading initiative for humanity as a whole."

Mesa further highlighted China's credibility and influence in fostering modernization globally, adding, "So far, China has been playing a very important role with big credibility in leading the modernization, other initiatives with its own characteristic, and helping other developing countries to be more developed in many possible ways. Thus, high-quality development is another new hope for the developing countries around the world for their people in the long-term."

Rosa Valiente Argudo, a member of the Political Commission of the Central Committee of the Spanish Communist Party (PCE) and deputy chair of the "Ideological Area" of the PCE, discussed how technology reshapes political communication. She said, "We have been experiencing a massive technological revolution that has changed the way we interact, get informed and express ourselves. Social media, while not replacing audiovisual content, broadens its platform."
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ATLANTIC CITY  The citys high school principal, who is facing official misconduct charges after allegedly failing to report child abuse, waived her first court appearance Tuesday.

Constance Days-Chapman is now scheduled to appear in front of Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury at 9 a.m. May 20 for a pre-indictment conference.

She was charged March 28 with official misconduct, hindering apprehension of another, obstruction of justice and failure to report child abuse.

The citys Board of Education was expected to appoint Secondary Education Director Donald Harris as the high schools acting principal during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Earlier this year, the teenage daughter of Mayor Marty Small Sr. and Superintendent LaQuetta Small told school officials she was being physically and mentally abused at home, according to a court document.

The claim set off an investigation that saw Days-Chapman charged with failing to report the alleged abuse and the Smalls charged with endangering the welfare of a child over allegations they assaulted their teenage daughter.

According to prosecutors, a staff member informed Days-Chapman about the daughters abuse claim. Days-Chapman said she would report the issue to the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

Days-Chapman then allegedly met with the girls parents at their home and informed them the student had told staff about the abuse, authorities have said.

But it was later determined that Days-Chapman failed to report the abuse, as required by law and school district policy, according to the Prosecutors Office.

Court documents allege Days-Chapman didnt report the incident to protect the girls parents from being investigated.

Days-Chapman headed up Mayor Smalls reelection campaign in 2021, and the affidavit of probable cause against the Smalls lists her name several times.

She also is the president of the citys Democratic Committee but was asked to take a leave of absence pending the outcome of her case.

Days-Chapman is being represented by attorney Lee Vartan.
New Jersey firefighters have fully contained a wildfire that burned in the area of Jackson Road in Wharton State Forest Wednesday into Thursday, officials said.

The fire, which is burning in Waterford Township, Camden County, and Shamong Township, Burlington County, was about 510 acres and 100% contained as of 8 a.m., according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Jackson Road, which was closed from Tremont Avenue to Atsion Road in the area of the fire, reopened at 6 p.m. Wednesday night, officials said.

WILDFIRE UPDATE: County Line Wildfire  Wharton State Forest



At 8 a.m., April 25, @njdepforestfire reached 100% containment of a 510-acre wildfire in the area of Jackson Rd. in Wharton SF. The fire burned in both Waterford Twp, Camden County and Shamong Twp, Burlington County. pic.twitter.com/QK1bf9pHjA  New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 25, 2024

The Goshen Campground was evacuated and will remain closed until Sunday as was the Burnt Mill, Goshen Pond and Sleeper Creek trails. Those areas remain closed until conditions are assessed by the State Park Service and Forest Fire Service, officials said.

Crews have attacked the fire from the ground and via an observation helicopter. No structures were threatened by the wildfire, officials said.

Forest Fire Service staff are expected to remain on scene to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant rainfall occurs to ensure public safety, officials said.

Motorists traveling through this area are encouraged to exercise caution due to smoke and firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on the shoulders.

No injuries were reported and the cause remains under investigation, officials said.

Staff Writers John Russo and John O'Connor contributed to this report.
Eldridge's utility board is considering, but has not yet acted on, rescinding authorization for a third-party investigation into the city's complaints against two utility employees.

The three current members of the Eldridge Electric and Water Utility Board on Tuesday ultimately decided to delay voting on an item that would rescind the board's authorization for law firm Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen to engage any third party investigator.

It's expected to come up again at the board's next regular meeting on May 7.

In the past few months, four board members have been ordered off the utilities board and two utility employees were placed on leave pending investigations by the city.

The utility board on April 1 unanimously voted to hire an HR investigations firm to independently investigate the city's claims against the two employees placed on leave.

On April 5, the mayor sent two of the board members who voted for the investigation, Barb O'Brien and Paula Steward, letters informing them of their removals from the board. O'Brien resigned April 10 instead of appeal her removal.

On Monday, the city council appointed O'Brien's replacement, Rachael Padavich at a meeting Monday.

Steward and another board member that was removed, James Skadal, have hearings before the council scheduled for April 29 regarding their removal.

Padavich's appointment allowed the board to meet the quorum requirements for the five-member board to meet Tuesday. Craig Gehrls and Jeff Hamilton are the other two board members. They also are relatively new to the utility board.

Brock Kroeger, the former board chair who the city removed because he no longer lived within Eldridge city limits and who is contesting that removal in court, urged the board to move forward with a third-party investigation.

"I don't see why there would be an issue with having a third party look at this investigation, as opposed to just the in-house investigation from the city," Kroeger said from the audience.

Kroeger said an investigator could review documents without bias and come to an independent conclusion and make a recommendation to the board for its utility employees. Another investigation could "make sure that what the city did was above board," he said.

Hamilton expressed some concern with the costs of hiring an outside investigator. The quoted amount was $200 an hour for 20-40 hours of work.

Padavich said she saw some conflicts of interest, and suggested the board have continued discussions.

At a city council meeting on Monday, City Administrator Nevada Lemke said an investigation by a third party would be duplicating the one the city is doing.

The three utility board members did, however, vote to rescind authorization for the legal firm to do a review of the city's employee handbook. Gehrls said he'd submitted some comments himself and felt they didn't need to hire a legal firm to make suggestions.

During an administration update, Lemke told the board an electric employee had submitted his resignation and was moving to another municipality in Tennessee.

She said that created a vacancy, but said one of the water department employees planned to fill that vacancy once another electric employee tested for his journeyman license.

After the meeting Hamilton told a reporter he wants to allow the city to finish its investigation and decide whether further action is needed by the utility board.

"If they have proof of different things, which I think they do," Hamilton said. "If it doesn't look like it's legit, then we'll call for an investigation."

Padavich agreed.

"We're just not going to make rash decisions," she said.

Thomas Geyer contributed to this report.

Which states have the highest utility rates? Which states have the highest utility rates? Who has the highest utility rates in the U.S.? What states have the lowest cost of utilities?
Rapid City Area Schools Monday announced they would adopt a new state-mandated salary increase starting July 1.

The South Dakota legislature mandated an increase in minimum teacher salaries to $45,000, starting in the 2024-2025 school year. However, districts will not be held accountable for meeting the requirement until the 2026-2027 school year. Which means that while the salary base is set to rise next year, penalties for non-compliance will not be enforced immediately. The $45,000 base salary will also be subject to annual increases based on the state finance formula over the next two years. By the time accountability measures kick in, the actual minimum salary will reflect the incremental increases.

A collaborative approach known as interest-based bargaining is being employed to streamline negotiations across various employee groups, the district said. The method provides a cooperative environment rather than confrontational bargaining, aiming to align the interests of RCAS with those of its employees, according to district officials.

"The intent behind interest-based bargaining is moving away from the 'us versus them' idea that is present in traditional bargaining. It revolves around trying to find shared interests among the groups, developing solutions as a group and ultimately focusing on how we move into the future in a productive way," said Coy Sasse, RCAS chief financial and operations officer.

The district dedicates 85-90% of its budget to salaries and benefits. The outcomes of the recent discussions include across-the-board salary increases for both new and existing employees, set to take effect next fiscal year.

"I think negotiations are an incredibly important process. We are 100% a people business. This has deep financial implications, Sasse said.

In terms of specific adjustments, various employee groups such as educators, bus drivers, and administrative staff have received pay increases tailored to their unique roles and needs. For instance, starting wages for teachers were increased from $41,100 to $45,000, a 9.5% raise. Meanwhile, starting wages for deans, counselors, and social workers were boosted from $46,100 to $50,000, marking an 8.5% increase.

Additionally, the formation of a Leave Task Force aims to address issues related to leave policies and substitute teacher arrangements, ensuring management of potential challenges. Human resources will organize and direct the new task force, with RCAS appointing members and human resources selecting its employees, sub-office staff, and various administrators for the discussions. The task force will prepare a final report and make recommendations, with an initial meeting scheduled before the end of April 2024.

Legislation affecting teacher compensation has significantly influenced the districts strategic financial decisions. Rapid City has chosen to implement new salary requirements ahead of schedule, starting July 1, to maintain competitiveness and prevent future financial strain, officials said.

The district continues to contribute stably to employee insurance premiums, maintaining a competitive benefits package. The strategic decision aligns with the district's goal of prioritizing employee welfare beyond salaries, Sasse explained.

The complexities of budgeting and strategic planning were acknowledged, particularly the balance between immediate operational needs and long-term financial health.

I think that consistency in trying to move the starting wage forward is key. Because if you completely turn your focus to one aspect or another, you start to lose ground, and then we have to make very large leaps that are costly and difficult to implement, Sasse said. So, my philosophy, until you tell me differently, is to try to consistently move us forward."
President Joe Biden has nominated Montana attorney Danna Jackson to the U.S. District Court in Montana.

If confirmed, Jackson would take the federal bench to replace Judge Dana Christensen, who in late 2022 announced he was taking senior status.

Jackson, a first-generation Kootenai descendant, would be the first Native American to serve as a federal judge in Montana.

A tribal attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Jackson was former chief legal counsel to the Montana Department of Natural Resources from 2016 to 2021 following six years as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Following her time with the Montana DNRC, Jackson worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior as senior counselor to the director of Bureau of Land Management and then senior counselor to the assistant secretary for water and science from 2021 to 2023.

A notice from DOI in 2021 states she had spent her entire legal career in the natural resources and Indian law arenas. It notes she grew up on a cattle ranch on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Jackson has been counsel to the CSKT in Pablo since 2023. She received her law degree from the University of Montana in 1996.

"I work alongside Ivy Leaguers who aint got nothing on a Griz," she wrote in an alumni spotlight with the University of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law in May 2021.

Jackson, at the time a senior counselor to the Bureau of Land Management director, said she is unique as a lawyer who has both litigated and served in policy positions.

CSKT Tribal Council Chairman Michael Dolson released a statement on the nomination through a spokesperson:

"We have followed Danna throughout her career  and as a CSKT descendant who hales from our community, we are very proud of her accomplishments," Dolson said Wednesday. "Danna brings considerable expertise and depth of knowledge to her work in the legal system, and is an excellent candidate for the federal bench. We are glad for her nomination and support her confirmation."

Biden announced Jackson as a nominee Wednesday among six others.

A White House release provided early to the Montana State News Bureau states the nominees reflect Bidens promise to ensure that the nations courts reflect the diversity of the nation. This will be the 48th round of nominees Biden has made to the federal bench, bringing the total of federal judicial nominees to 236. As of April 10, 193 of those nominees have been confirmed.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester on Wednesday applauded Jackson's nomination and said he'd work to confirm the nominee.

"Danna Jackson has a proven track record of applying the law with fairness and integrity throughout her legal career, and I have no doubt that shell bring these high standards to the federal judiciary and District of Montana," he said in a statement. "As a born-and-raised Montanan, her extensive experience at every level of Montanas legal system makes her well qualified to serve our state and Im looking forward to getting her nomination across the finish line with bipartisan support in the Senate."

Montana's Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines blasted Biden for failing to confer with his office prior to Wednesday's announcement, but refrained from making an immediate judgement call on Jackson's qualifications.

"Federal judges in Montana are crushing our way of life because they legislate from the bench," Daines said in a statement. "Montanans want judges who will bring balance to our courts and uphold the Constitution. Unfortunately, President Biden failed to seriously consult with me prior to making this nomination. This is inexcusable and a missed opportunity. I look forward to reviewing Ms. Jacksons background and record to evaluate if this nomination is the right fit for Montana."

Its an election year, and the path to Jacksons confirmation will be through a tightly wound U.S. Senate with a thin Democratic majority and a GOP focused on reclaiming the chamber. Montanas two senators occupy seats on either side of the partisan aisle, presenting a potential split in support for advancing a Democratic presidents nominee through the upper chamber.

Tester in 2023 supported Montanan Anthony Johnstone's nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, while Daines opposed the appointment.

Carl Tobias at the University of Richmond School of Law taught for 20 years at the University of Montana and remembered Jackson among the ranks of law school students.

"I know she made an impact on people when she was at the law school and the work she's done since then has just been incredible," he said.

Natural resources, public lands and American Indian law combine for a potent background on issues specific to Montana's federal courts, Tobias added, particularly federal land policy in the state and the Indian Child Welfare Act.

"All of those things will be important," Tobias said. "She'll appreciate what happens at the interior department, or the (Bureau of Indian Affairs), or BLM, which holds a lot of land in Montana."

The National Congress of American Indians, the Native American Rights Fund and the National Native American Bar Association all heralded Jackson's nomination Wednesday.

The three organizations have long advocated for better representation of Native communities in the federal court system. NARF said Jackson is the fifth Native American Biden has nominated to a federal judgeship.

"Danna Jackson has a long track record of public service, extensive federal legal experience, and is well qualified to be a federal judge," Native American Rights Fund Executive Director John Echohawk said in an emailed statement. "We commend the Biden Administrations selection of this historic nominee and exhort her confirmation. She will be a strong addition to the federal judiciary in Montana."

Jackson's confirmation process may unearth some of Jackson's work in policy arenas that senators may find objectionable, Tobias said, but in large part the Senate Judiciary Committee and the upper chamber at large will likely look to the nominee's home state senators for their cue.

Tobias said Jackson's hearing to be vetted by the Senate Judiciary Committee could be as early as next month.

"It could happen this summer," he added. "There are very few nominees ahead of her.  I'm cautiously optimistic that could happen, or in any event it could happen in June."

Christensen, who is based in Missoula, had served as chief judge of the federal courts in Montana from 2013 to 2020. Judge Brian Morris, in Great Falls, has held that title in the four years since. Christensen and Morris were both nominated by former President Barack Obama.
Chesterfield County police on Wednesday announced four additional arrests and charges in an ongoing investigation into sexually illicit massage businesses authorities say are linked to a Chinese criminal organization that uses slave labor.

Nine people  eight of whom came from Flushing, New York  now have been charged in connection with the probe since it was announced in late February. And the problem is not limited to Chesterfield, Lt. Edward Pierpont told the Richmond Times-Dispatch; it is tied to a broader commercial human trafficking ring along the East Coast.

Its a national problem, Pierpont said. Its happening in Henrico (County), ... and in Richmond.

The latest arrests in Chesterfield came Monday, when officers conducted undercover operations at Massage for You, located at 1710 East Hundred Road, and International Spa, located at 247 East Hundred Road. A masseuse at each location offered to perform illicit sexual acts for additional pay, police said.

Officers arrested Huayan Zhang, 44, and Quiyan Zhang, 42, at Massage for You; and Yujuan Zhang, 41, and Qiuhong Yan, 58, at International Spa. All four women are from Flushing, New York, according to police.

Huayan and Quiyan Zhang are sisters, police said, and currently live in Chester. Quiyan Zhang is the owner of Massage for You.

Huayan Zhang has been charged with prostitution, keeping or residing in a bawdy place and performing a massage without proper permitting, according to court records. She is next scheduled to appear in court on June 25.

Quiyan Zhang has been charged with keeping or residing in a bawdy place and permitting massages without proper permitting. Her next court date could not immediately be determined.

Yujuan Zhang has been charged with prostitution and keeping or residing in a bawdy place. She is next scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Qiuhong Yan has been charged with performing a massage without proper permitting. She is next scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Massage parlors are not the only businesses involved, Pierpont said. The victims who travel to the U.S. also end up in other industries, such as food service. Pierpont could not say how many trafficking victims are believed to be working at Chesterfield businesses.

Pierpont said the victims are often hesitant to come forward due to fear of retribution. Another complicating factor is that many of the victims are shuttled from place to place, making it difficult to track them, he said. They will stay in one place for a few days or weeks before being taken to another location.

Virginia today, New York tomorrow, maybe North Carolina next week, Pierpont said.

He added that Chesterfield police have been careful to share details related to the investigation with the public in order to protect residents from sexual assault or harassment, and to signal to the suspects that they will be arrested if they continue. The FBI and Virginia State Police are assisting in the effort, he said.

Chesterfield Police Capt. Richard McCullough previously told The Times-Dispatch that the illicit sexual services offered at the businesses could be related to human trafficking, adding that the fact that many of the suspects came from Flushing is not a coincidence.

Flushing appears to be a common nexus, McCullough said, where people will arrive from outside the country, perhaps obtain a massage therapy license and be transported by a courier from New York to Virginia.

McCullough said that, in some cases, the individuals involved report that they dont want to be there, theyre not allowed to leave (and) theyre being forced to perform these acts.

And on March 8, officers arrested Jinlan Liao, 61, of Flushing; Jihong Zhang, 52, of Flushing; and Fang Wang, 57, of Chesterfield  all of whom were employed by Ocean Spa located at 9935 Hull Street Road  after a masseuse at the business allegedly offered an undercover detective sexual acts for an additional cost.

Chesterfield police have been looking into this for years, McCullough said. The tips have come from a variety of sources, he said, but he declined to specify how detectives had learned of the illicit practices.
The principal of New Kent County High School is accused by authorities of having alcohol in his vehicle parked on school grounds.

Christopher Valdrigh was cited with a class 2 misdemeanor, the sheriffs office said.

The office assisted school staff with an investigation on Tuesday, and Valdrigh was released on a summons with a pending court date in New Kent General District Court.

Valdrighi has been at New Kent High School since 2009. He was also principal at Middlesex High School in Saluda and held positions with Rappahannock Community Colleges Workforce Development Office.
NE China's Liaoning strives for full revitalization

Xinhua) 10:02, April 24, 2024

Provincial officials of northeast China's Liaoning Province attend a press briefing on writing a new chapter in Liaoning's full revitalization with greater responsibilities and efforts in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Pan Xu)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Liaoning Province, located in the country's former heavy industry heartland, is striving to achieve high-quality development to recapture its glory, provincial officials announced on Tuesday.

Li Lecheng, governor of Liaoning, told a press briefing in Beijing that efforts will be made to transform the province into a major supporting area for national strategies, a key source of technological innovation, a competitive hub for advanced manufacturing industries, a pioneer in the development of modern agriculture, a demonstration area for the integrated development of high-quality culture, sports, and tourism, and a core region for opening up and cooperation in Northeast Asia.

Last year, the province's GDP grew by 5.3 percent -- surpassing the national growth rate for the first time in a decade.

In the first quarter of 2024, Liaoning's growth rate increased to 5.4 percent, demonstrating even stronger resilience, vitality and creativity in high-quality development, Li said.

To write a new chapter in the story of comprehensive revitalization in Liaoning, the province will focus on developing new quality productive forces, making breakthroughs in deepening reform and opening up, consolidating advantages in promoting green development and improving the well-being of the people, he added.

Gao Tao, vice governor of Liaoning, stressed that innovation is the key to achieving high-quality development in Liaoning. "We must persist in driving development through both technological and institutional innovation."

This year, Liaoning will focus on building key industrial clusters and key laboratory clusters, further promoting the deep integration of scientific, technological and industrial innovation, Gao said.

Liaoning will also promote high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, and strengthen research in core technologies and key fields such as chemistry, materials, new energy, high-end equipment and integrated circuit equipment, Gao noted.

As a heavy industrial base, Liaoning will also accelerate its green and low-carbon transformation, said Wang Jian, executive vice governor of Liaoning.

Currently, clean energy installed capacity in Liaoning accounts for 49.5 percent of the province's total installed electricity generation capacity, and is expected to exceed 50 percent by the end of 2024. When the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) reaches its end, the proportion of clean energy installed capacity in the province is projected to reach 56.8 percent, according to Wang.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Lego Group is bringing more than its trademark toy bricks to Chesterfield.

Its also contributing to the planting of 1,440 trees across the county.

The Denmark-based toy production company is investing more than $700,000 in the parkland reforestation project that will add trees to 11 locations across eight park sites in Chesterfield.

As construction continues on the $1 billion manufacturing facility at Meadowville Technology Park, Lego is taking steps to contribute to the community it now calls home.

The Lego Group and our factory is so much more than just another factory, Lego Group Vice President Preben Elnef said. We are doing a lot of sustainability and community engagement.

On Wednesday, Lego and Chesterfield County officials gathered at Rockwood Park  the oldest park system in the county  for a tree-planting ceremony. The plantings will include 17 different tree species.

It is a very environmentally focused long play, Chesterfield Director of Parks and Recreation Neil Luther said. We are making purposeful reinvestments in all of our existing parks, in coming back and planting trees that are native to this area.

According to Luther, the trees will take in 8 million tons of carbon dioxide and pull 2.5 million gallons of stormwater runoff.

It helps the world, Elnef said. It helps to reduce the carbon, and it also makes pleasure for the eyes when youre out walking and running.

James River Nurseries has planted trees at four of the Chesterfield locations as the spring planting period wraps up. The county hopes to complete the rest of the project in the fall when the plantings resume.

Legos goal of helping the environment within the region is occurring not only with the reforestation project, but also in building its new factory.

The 1.7 million square-foot facility is slated to include office spaces, molding, processing, packing buildings and a warehouse.

The campus is being designed with sustainability in mind, which includes carbon neutral manufacturing, zero waste to landfill, renewable energy and water reuse.

I commend Lego for their aim to ensure that the factory has a minimal impact on the environment, Chesterfield Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Holland said.

Elnef, who also serves as program lead for the factory project, said the factory remains on track for full production in early 2027.

Lego plans to hire more than 1,760 people to professional and production positions associated with the Chesterfield factory. Since November, the company has operated a temporary external packing facility at Walthall Interchange Industrial Park in Chesterfield that employs around 250 people.

Elnef said connecting with the Chesterfield community will help Legos vision of running a long-term business in the area.

We are building the factory to last for the next 100 years or even more than that, Elnef said. We are interested to build a community; therefore, we also care about the parks and recreational areas.

Collection: Inaugural Chesterfield Outdoor Fest
The University of Virginia has suspended two fraternity chapters and terminated another one entirely after reports of significant hazing activity.

Theta Chi and Sigma Alpha Mu have had their fraternal organization agreements, or FOAs, with UVa suspended, while Pi Kappa Alpha has had its FOA terminated for at least four years. In addition, Pi Kappa Alphas national leadership has announced it will be pursuing civil litigation of several brothers at UVa.

The university has yet to disclose any additional details, including when the alleged violations of the schools hazing policy took place or when the school made its decision.

University spokeswoman Bethanie Glover told The Daily Progress Tuesday that information will be published online in coming weeks. Glover also said she was not aware of any hospitalizations connected to the alleged hazing incidents.

UVas Kappa Sigma chapter was suspended at the beginning of March due to a reported hazing incident that resulted in the hospitalization of a second-year transfer student who fell down a set of stairs and hit his head on a wall. There has not been an update on the students medical condition.

The University does not tolerate hazing activity, and we act quickly to investigate and pursue necessary disciplinary action when reports are made, Glover said in a statement.

A division of UVa Student Affairs is investigating Pi Kappa Alpha, Theta Chi and Sigma Alpha Mu, as well as 20 individual members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for their alleged involvement in hazing, according to the university. The cases will then be adjudicated according to the procedures of the University Judiciary Committee, which could result in expulsion.

Justin Buck, executive vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha national, issued a strongly worded rebuke of his UVa brothers. UVas is the founding chapter of the organization.

In a video posted to YouTube on April 17, Buck calls his brothers there an embarrassment and says they have sullied and degraded the organizations good name.

For the first time since March 1, 1868  the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at the University of Virginia had its charter suspended and revoked, says Buck. This action was taken following the confirmed abhorrent and detestable hazing activities by individuals.

The details of those abhorrent and detestable hazing activities will eventually be published to the UVa Hazing Misconduct Report online, where they will remain for the next 10 years as required by Adams Law, which mandates hazing training at all Virginia colleges. The names of the individuals involved in the hazing cases will not be released, though Buck says that they should be.

The fraternity will be pursuing civil litigation against the president, the new member educator, the new member education team and several others who were directly involved and responsible for violating the terms of their membership agreement as well as for financial and reputational damages, he says in the video.

Should the investigations find no evidence of wrongdoing by either Theta Chi or Sigma Alpha Mu, the university can restore their fraternal organization agreements, allowing them to resume activities at the school.

On the other hand, if UVa finds that the fraternities violated university policies or its standards of conduct, the school can terminate their FOAs or refer the case to the University Judiciary Committee for further investigation and sanctioning.

This is not the first time that Pi Kappa Alphas fraternal organization agreement has been revoked by the university. The UVa student newspaper, the Cavalier Daily, reported that the fraternity was terminated in 2014 due to hazing violations, though it appealed the decision and had accepted new brothers by 2015.

With the recent charge against Pi Kappa Alpha, UVa has now terminated three of its fraternity organizations in just two years. Phi Gamma Delta and Kappa Alpha were terminated in the spring of 2022 after investigations confirmed hazing allegations against the groups.

April 14, 2024, will forever be a historic day in Pi Kappa Alpha but not a day that we will celebrate, Buck says in the video. It will be a day that we remember for losing the two oldest and longest continuously operating chapters in our history. Men, we must do better.

The most common undergraduate degrees awarded in Virginia The most common undergraduate degrees awarded in Virginia
Virginia Democrats are falling in line and falling in love.

With Levar Stoneys strategic retreat  rather than risk a pasting for the 2025 gubernatorial nomination, hes risking a pasting for the 2025 lieutenant governors nomination  Democrats are forgoing a contest for their top spot to rally behind Abigail Spanberger, whose politics and posturing seem to give almost everyone in a party still whining over Glenn Youngkins squeaker victory in 2021 something to cheer about.

Beyond discouraging polling and even more discouraging fundraising, Stoneys gubernatorial ambitions were a casualty of his over-ambition as a 40-something whos worked only in politics  even when he wasnt.

The Richmond mayoralty, which Stoney twice won by plurality in 2016 and 2020, is proving for him what it was for his predecessors since the city returned to a popularly elected chief executive in 2004: a dead-end job. Its not that the majority-minority city is ungovernable; its that its problems  including grinding, enduring poverty that contrasts sharply with its glittery, youthful vibe  are confounding and interrelated.

Theyre made more so by a continuing conflict over where mayoral authority ends and councilmanic authority begins; a tax base limited by the seemingly unlimited and tax-exempt presence of state government and the blame reflexively affixed to whomevers mayor because  when it comes to local government  residents dont care about politics and personalities. They want to know streets are safe and clean, schools work and that bureaucrats at City Hall can untie knots often of their own making.

Stoney also wasnt helped by the company he keeps. As a protege of Terry McAuliffe, Stoney  unfairly or not  was a convenient substitute target for Democrats relitigating the ever-ebullient Mackers slender loss to Youngkin for a second nonconsecutive term as governor. That fed Democrats appetite for a fresh face and one whos demonstrated  as Spanberger has over three terms in Congress, since defeating a MAGA incumbent in the anti-Trump tsunami of 2018  an ability to simultaneously engage voters, friendly and hostile.

Spanberger, having established bases in the vote-rich, blue-trending Richmond and Northern Virginia suburbs, checks lots of boxes.

For those who are certain politics has an enduring seamy side, shes been pushing restrictions on stock trading by members of Congress. For those angry over expensive prescription drugs, shes been an advocate for price caps. For those convinced congressional Democrats are captive to the left, she opposed Nancy Pelosi for House speaker.

As a pistol-packing U.S. Postal Service inspector and, later, a CIA operative, shes not exactly a wimp on firearms. As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee  and in its Democratic minority, to boot  she watches out for the countryside, never mind that most of it is wedged into Republican districts whose representatives seem more concerned about God, gays and guns.

And dont underestimate the lift Spanberger gets from the call of history: Virginia has yet to elect a woman as governor. To borrow a term popular in swinging 1920s London and Hollywood, Spanberger is the it girl  new, clever, a source of curiosity.

Currently, 12 states and one U.S. territory have female governors  nine Democrats and four Republicans. Forty-nine women have been become governors since the first was elected nearly 100 years ago. Virginia has breached the racial redoubt, installing the first elective Black governor in 1989 and three times electing people of color as lieutenant governor. That includes the incumbent, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, herself considering a run for governor that could make her the first woman elected to the job.

Should Earle-Sears be her partys nominee next year  shell have to get past Attorney General Jason Miyares, the first Hispanic person elected statewide in Virginia  it raises the intriguing prospect of a two-woman contest in a Southern state between a Black Republican and a white Democrat. To entice election-deciding independents, both work assiduously to blur the crisp distinctions demanded by contemporary, either-or politics.

Earle-Sears, whose handlers have been circulating since late March friendly polling that shows her stronger among Republican activists than Miyares, wants the GOP to move on from former President Donald Trump, though she stands firm on such Trumpy non-negotiables for her party, such as gun rights. Its a stance illustrated by that widely circulated photo of Earle-Sears, a former Marine, brandishing a military-style rifle.

That 19 months before Virginians choose their next governor, Democrats have  in Spanberger  a putative nominee who is well financed and widely supported, may instill a measure of panic among members of both parties, fearing that the primaries will needlessly burn cash and leave losers and their voters feeling burned.

Thus, Democrats might press for consensus candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Republicans conceivably have all three statewide nominations to settle should Earle-Sears and Miyares battle for the gubernatorial perch. But neither party should fear competition, recognizing that the perils, notwithstanding, primaries are tools for enlisting and energizing voters and testing and refining ideas.

In 1985, a bitter and lengthy fight for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination between Lt. Gov. Dick Davis and Attorney General Jerry Baliles  it was decided by caucus and convention, the equivalent of hand-to-hand trench warfare  dispirited activists. But Baliles went on to lead a Democratic sweep, winning by 110,000 votes and carrying every congressional district.

Nearly 40 years on, Spanberger is likened by some to Baliles, sharing a serious, no-nonsense approach to policy, a surprising wit and knack for functioning comfortably in a variety of settings. That she speaks several languages, including Spanish, allows her to campaign among New Virginians in their preferred tongue.

And in 2021, Youngkin  an unknown political rookie whose Croesus wealth accumulated on Wall Street allowed him to become known in a hurry  turned back six opponents for the Republican nomination, including a former House speaker, in drive-through caucuses during the coronavirus pandemic. Excitement over Youngkins surprise victory spilled into the general election fight with McAuliffe, who  even Democrats acknowledged  ran as a retread more interested in talking about what he did as Virginias 72nd governor than what he would do as its 74th.

For Youngkin, Republicans  desperate to end their statewide losing streak  quickly fell in line. Almost four years later, its not clear they fell in love.
Chetumal high school student under fire for selling explicit AI photos of classmates

Chetumal, Q.R.  A young Chetumal high school student has been suspended after releasing sexually altered photos of classmates. The social media photos, which are sexual in nature, are reported to have been altered with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

The AI photos (deepfakes) of classmates were reportedly sold online by the student who is a minor. Parents who became aware of the situation protested outside the school Tuesday after teachers, who were informed of the situation the week before, failed to notify authorities.

However, after the protest, state officials were made aware of the AI altered photos of students taken from their social media accounts by a male Chetumal student. The young man alleged responsible has been suspended.

The Fiscalia General del Estado (FGE) did make a brief statement Wednesday saying the FGE of Quintana Roo reports the beginning of an investigation related to an alleged case of child pornography in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco.

This autonomous body, through the Special Prosecutors Office for the Investigation of Crimes Committed by Adolescents, works in coordination with the authorities of the educational sector and victim care, applying the corresponding protocols.

It should be noted that in this event, the State Attorney Generals Office is comprehensively investigating the alleged aggressor as well as the application of the action protocols of the campus and the teaching staff for the demarcation of responsibilities arising from the investigations.

The school where the alleged aggressor was a student, Colegio de Bachilleres Quintana Roo, released its own statement.

The Management of the Quintana Roo High School College (Cobaqroo) informs that derived from the complaint made due to an accusation of child pornography against students by a colleague from the same school in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco, on April 17, 2024, Cobaqroo activated the Protocol for the Prevention, Attention and Punishment of Sexual Harassment, which in this case was suspending the indicated student as a measure to protect the victims.

It is important to note that Cobaqroos essential commitment is to the protection and safeguarding of the rights of the young people of its student community. Likewise, it is working in a coordinated manner with the State Attorney Generals Office, providing full collaboration to clarify the facts and reiterates its commitment and willingness with the corresponding authorities to put a stop to this type of behavior that is unacceptable for the institution.
Half of the illegal migrants found inside Isla Mujeres hostel being returned to home country

Isla Mujeres, Q.R.  The National Migration Institute (INM) is readying 34 migrants for a return to their country. Those being returned are part of the 76 people located abducted inside an Isla Mujeres hostel last week.

The 34, all men, have been trasnferred from the INM office in Cancun to the INM office in Chetumal from where they will be repatriated.

Last week, a police operation found the 76 illegal people being held against their will inside a Punta Sam hostel on the mainland of Isla Mujeres. At the time of the discovery, local authorities reported 72 of them were from India, while one was found to be from Peru.

The initial transfer to Chetumal is in part, due to overcrowding at the facilities in Cancun. Officials have not said what will happen with the remaining migrants. It is not known if some have qualified for a temporary residency on humanitarian grounds or if they too, will be sent back to their country of origin.
Mahahual settlers protest after learning of land donation

Mahahual, Q.R.  Dozens of frustrated settlers from Mahahual protested outside government offices Monday after learning of the construction of a new school. The new school, they said, is to be built on the land they currently live on.

The land, which is reported to have been donated to the government for the construction of a new school, is home to dozens of squatters. Residents from the irregular Flamingo settlement took to the office of the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) in Chetumal in protest.

Angry residents demanded talks as well as the intervention of authorities to regularize the land, since according to at least one protester, that land is considered national territory.

Protester Leticia Lizarraga, a Flamingo resident, said they have gotten wind of the donation of the land for a school. She says she, along with dozens of others, have occupied that land for around six years since it is national land.

It doesnt seem fair to us that they want to take it away from us just for the sake of it, she said adding there are around 300 people that would be affected. Now they are saying that there are owners.

Federal Police were sent to the Chetumal building protest Monday since office officials did not appear for talks as requested. The angry group has vowed to resort to more extreme measures to be heard.
Private boat requires rescue to dock at Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras, Q.R.  A private vessel reported adrift off the coast of Puerto Aventuras was towed to land through a rescue by the Secretaria de Marina. The rescue happened late Monday.

Personnel from the Fifteenth Naval Zone based in Isla Mujeres provided support to a vessel that was adrift in the vicinity of Puerto Aventuras, they reported.

The action was carried out when a report was received in the Command and Control Room of the Fifteenth Naval Zone about a recreational fishing vessel named No Name 2 with six crew members.

The six Mexicans on board found themselves without propulsion after an engine failure left them stranded. They were located near the shore, however, only about 300 meters from land.

Marina personnel deployed a smaller Thunderbird-type vessel with specialized personnel on board, which located the aforementioned vessel with all its crew members in good health , proceeding to provide towing support to Puerto Aventuras, they added.
Taxi driver arrested for charging Canadian tourist $1000 USD between Cancun airport terminals

Cancun, Q.R.  The taxi driver accused of charging a Canadian man $1,050.00 USD to travel between terminals at the Cancun airport has been arrested. On Monday night, Eduardo G was located and arrested from his unit on Cancun streets on charges of extortion.

Eduardo G was filmed by a young Canadian man who, on Sunday night, took an airport taxi from terminal 4 to terminal 3. Once at terminal 3, the taxi driver is heard requesting $1,000.000 USD from the man for the fare.

French Canadian tourist Xavier C initially refused to pay the requested amount and demanded the driver call police at which time the cab driver attempted to flee with the young mans luggage. In a bid to not loose his belongings, he hopped inside the cab and grabbed his bags, saying on video he nearly broke a leg while doing so. He also reported the cab driver charged him $1,050.00 USD for the short ride.

The Cancun airport taxi driver is seen here on the night of the overcharge refusing to call police. Photo: April 21, 2024.

His credit card was charged at least $1,000.000 USD for the transfer between the Cancun terminals, and while police never arrived (because they were never called as requested by the Canadian man), airport security did make an appearance but nothing was done to assist the Canadian traveler.

This taxi stole a thousand dollars from terminal 4 to terminal 3. While I called security, he tried to escape with my suitcase. By good luck I was able to jump into the cab to grab my bags, he said on video.

The day after his video went viral, the Cancun airport taxi driver was located and taken into custody. He was arrested from his marked airport taxi by Cancun police around 11:00 p.m. Monday night as he continued to offer his services.

He is being charged by the State Attorney Generals Office for extortion.

He was located and arrested late Monday from his airport taxi unit. Photo: April 22, 2024.

On Tuesday, State Secretary Cristina Torres said the money charged to the credit card by the airport taxi driver has been reimbursed.

What I understand is that the tourist made a complaint against the person who transported him to the terminal () the charge has been returned to the user, she said.

The taxi drivers car was seized by authorities and towed during the Monday night arrest. Photo: April 22, 2024.

Torres said an investigation by state and federal authorities is underway since the Cancun airport is located in an area of federal jurisdiction. She said the investigation will prevent this type of situation from occurring in the future.

Xavier C called the taxi fare a scam and said he would never return to Mexico. I will never return to Mexico again. This is crazy, he said in his self-filmed phone video.

Mexicos Guardia Nacional arrested the taxi driver Monday night. Photo:

Due to its size and distance between the four terminals, the Cancun International Airport offers complimentary shuttle services for travelers who need to get from one terminal to another.
Producing more with less: AI-powered solutions are revolutionising agriculture. But financial and environmental benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. Some rural areas are also betting on artificial intelligence to counter depopulation: "Technology is the way to go. If we miss this opportunity, we'll be stuck in the past"

Together with his parents, Niko spends part of his day running a small family farm, which produces 40 to 50 tons of fruit per year. The Dubrovnik-Neretva County where he lives is the southernmost and one of the richest in Croatia. Yet, local growers and producers suffer from both its peculiar geography and its strong disparities: "Coastal areas benefit from a strong tourist sector," he confirms. "Whilst in the Neretva Valley and on the islands there are no industries, and all economic activities relate to agriculture." One of the problems Niko has to cope with is that while fruits that stay fresh for a longer time as mandarins can be sold nationwide or exported to neighbouring countries, others, like peaches, spoil in just a few days. "As our county is miles away from the rest of the country, we can only sell them locally. As a consequence, some of our products have a very limited market and only during the 3 to 4 months of the tourist season." Hence the challenge that Niko Bojbasa has been taking up as junior project manager for the City of Metkovic: improving the quality of life and reviving the local economy through artificial intelligence-based applications for agriculture.

Together with Elmibit, Cropt is one of two start-ups that have been selected to provide these kinds of services within dRural, a European project aimed at tackling the depopulation of rural areas by boosting the development and the attractiveness of rural communities. Cropt's co-founder Oskar Marco and his teams criss-crossed the countryside to sound out the needs of local farmers. "Following the Ukraine war, the prices of fertilizers and pesticides in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County have literally skyrocketed, putting the farmers under a huge pressure, and forcing them to produce more and more to be competitive on a market which has become increasingly global since Croatia's entry into the EU," he explains. Hence the idea of leveraging satellite and climate service data to tailor a crop monitoring service. This would enable farmers to cut costs and increase production by responding promptly to the specific needs of their plants and optimizing the use of resources. "We can't see it the way we did it 50 years ago when we applied more pesticides and fertilizers. Now we need to be more sustainable and reduce our environmental footprint, and the only way to do it is to be more efficient by making smart decisions based on data," states Marco.

Picture: Zen Chung on Pexels

Cutting costs and carbon emissions, whilst increasing the competitiveness of local farm produce is also the goal of eOrchard and eVineyard, two applications tailored for Croatian farmers by Elmibit. "They help them not only analyse the time and cost of each production step but also optimise their practices by suggesting when and how much water and fertilizers to apply, thus resulting in both financial savings and environmental benefits," explains its founder Matic Serc. Both apps automatically collect a whole set of information like weather and water evaporation data, and assist the farmers along the whole crop's lifecycle from decision-making and planning to reporting the interventions on the field. The pivotal role of AI is to connect all available inputs and to translate them into valuable insights, like the analysis of production costs and irrigation needs, but also into "yield prediction". "Yield prediction allows us to provide farmers with recommendations on the use of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides proportional to the yield but also with information on how much produce they'll get," explains Marco. "This will be valuable not only for optimising logistics, distribution, and sales but also for assessing the value of the farmland and calculating the farmers' expected revenue, which is a precious estimation for banks and insurance companies, for both granting loans and refunding them in case of damage."

These kinds of advantages are among the reasons why the global market of AI-powered solutions to agriculture is expected to almost triple by 2028 and experts agree they could significantly contribute to taking up the challenge of feeding a world population, set to reach 10 billion by 2050. Yet, as stressed by the recent EU study "Artificial intelligence in the agri-food sectorApplications, risks, and impacts," such solutions also raise a number of concerns. Josse De Baerdemaeker, emeritus professor from the University of Leuven, in Belgium, is among its authors. "We should train farmers to really work with and not for artificial intelligence. One thing we should pay attention to is for instance how it will be used by intermediaries, such as distributors and retailers," he warns. "What is at stake is preserving the freedom of choice of both consumers and farmers, and making sure that they will keep operating independently. We should avoid coming to a point where farmers become just employees of retailers. Will they end up forcing farmers to produce what they know the consumers want? And does it mean that one day we will only have one variety of apple or grain, at the expense of biodiversity?"

One more concern raised by De Baerdemaeker is the "societal responsibility", as he calls it, to make the benefits of artificial intelligence accessible to all. "So far, European agriculture has been largely characterised by a large number of small farms, but its structure may be affected as well. It will all depend on who can afford the technology. Farmers' organisations, national governments, and EU policies must make sure that there is a coordinated effort to leave no farmer behind," he argues.

Picture: JESHOOTS.com on Pexels

The solution, he points out, is to invest in digital infrastructure and training "to empower farmers and farm-workers with equal opportunities that may otherwise only be accessible to big corporations." This is why Niko Bojbasa and his colleagues scheduled a "regional info day" in Metkovic to inform farmers and citizens of all the available services. "What is now needed is to go more on the ground, to show them how these applications work and how they can best take advantage of them, but this is only the beginning," he says. As agriculture, in the region, is still mainly based on traditional methods, it will then be crucial to gain their trust and foster a new mindset, explains his colleague Romana Popovic, senior advisor for the Dubrovnik-Neretva County: "There's a lot of work on modernisation and awareness-raising to be done. The possibility is there, but we need to reassure people and explain to them that technology is the way to go. Change is luckily underway and little by little their mindset is evolving, but we need to 'think modern'. If we miss this opportunity, we'll be stuck in the past."

Contacts:

Coordinator: Myriam Martin, TICbiomed, myriam.martin@ticbiomed.net

Communication Officer: Federica Fusco, ICONS, federica.fusco@icons.it

Project website: HomepagedRural

Twitter: @drural_eu

Linkedin: dRural

Provided by iCube Programme
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

An innovative, safer, simpler, patient-friendly oral medicine to treat visceral leishmaniasis has entered Phase II clinical development in a trial conducted in Ethiopia by the not-for-profit research organization Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and its partners.

Also known as kala-azar, visceral leishmaniasis is the world's deadliest parasitic killer after malaria.

It causes fever, weight loss, spleen and liver enlargement, and, if not treated, death. Kala-azar is transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies and is endemic in 80 countries, mainly in Eastern Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

One billion people are at risk globally and Eastern Africa has currently the highest number of cases. As for other vector-borne diseases, climate change is changing the epidemiology of leishmaniasis and could lead to its expansion to new areas. An estimated 50,000 to 90,000 new cases occur worldwide annually, and half are children under 15.

In Africa, the current treatment for visceral leishmaniasis includes painful injections given at hospital daily for 17 days, a treatment that may also present rare but life-threatening side effects, including to the heart, liver, and pancreas. In contrast, the new molecule under study in Ethiopia, called LXE408, is administered in the form of oral pills and is expected to be safer than the current treatment.

"This is very significant that Ethiopia, an endemic country, is conducting a Phase II clinical trial on a new chemical entitya novel molecule with the potential to safely and effectively treat visceral leishmaniasis," said Dr. Eleni Ayele, co-Principal Investigator of the clinical trial at the Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment Center (LRTC), University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

"Current treatment options in Ethiopia have severe limitations: they are potentially toxic, necessitate injections and cold-chain supplies, and require our patients to travel to faraway hospitals and be hospitalized for long periods."

"Our hope is that this new oral treatment will be efficacious and less toxic and can be given to patients at the primary health care level, close to their homes. This would help them access treatment earlier, which could significantly decrease morbidity and transmission. If the trial is successful, it could go a long way toward enabling the sustainable elimination of this terrible disease."

The molecule is tested alongside the standard of care in Ethiopia (a combination of daily injections of sodium stibogluconate and paromomycin administered for 17 days); 52 adults from 18 to 44 years will join the study.

A similar Phase II trial to test LXE408 alongside the standard of care is also being conducted in India. Patients in Eastern Africa and South Asia may respond differently to treatments, which is one of the reasons why finding new medicines is particularly difficult and why studies on both continents are necessary.

"We are moving towards a new generation of treatments for leishmaniasis. Finding new treatments is key if we want to sustainably eliminate visceral leishmaniasis in all parts of the world, including in African countries where the burden remains high. We need medical innovation," said Dr. Fabiana Alves, Director of Leishmaniasis program at DNDi.

"We hope this new clinical trial will contribute to deliver better, patient-friendly, effective medicines that are accessible to everyone, with no exception."

LXE408 was initially discovered by Novartis. DNDi and Novartis initiated a collaboration and license agreement in early 2020 to jointly develop LXE408. Novartis was responsible for completing pre-clinical development and a Phase I study, is in charge of chemical manufacturing and control, will drive regulatory submissions, andif trial results are positive and if the new treatment is approved for market usehas committed to distributing the drug on an affordable basis worldwide, with a focus on maximizing access in endemic countries.

Discovery of LXE408 and preparatory work to advance LXE408 to clinical evaluation in kala-azar patients were financially supported by Wellcome. The clinical trial in Ethiopia is financially supported by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), as part of the VL-INNO project, bringing together a wide range of partners.

Eastern African countries are currently laying out plans to sustainably eliminate visceral leishmaniasis, a disease that can potentially see a resurgence due to climate and environmental changes. Achieving and sustaining elimination also hinges on the development of better treatments. If proven to be effective, LXE408 could therefore contribute significantly to these elimination goals.

"Visceral leishmaniasis is a severe and potentially fatal disease that primarily impacts vulnerable groups such as children. We urgently need to eliminate it, which would greatly help lift affected communities out of poverty", said Dr. Saurabh Jain, Scientist and Focal Point for Visceral Leishmaniasis at the World Health Organization (WHO).

"One of the targets in our roadmap for neglected tropical diseases is the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem by 2030. Developing better diagnostics and treatments is one of the critical actions to reach and sustain that objective."

Provided by Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative
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Ivan Heng says the play also looks at how power and authority is wielded.

It may not be set in Singapore, but Wild Rices re-staging of French playwright Moliere's satire Tartuffe: The Imposter has much food for thought for local audiences.

For the unfamiliar, Tartuffe: The Imposter is a dark comedy about a wealthy family who unravels under the machinations of a seductive con man Tartuffe. He masquerades as a man of faith who charms his way into the heart (home and bank account) of Orgon, the head of the household, despite the protestations of Orgons entire family.

One of the most chilling things near the ending stands out for professional thespian Pam Oei, who plays a dual role in the play - and its when he says hes just a concerned citizen.

In an interview with Yahoo Southeast Asia on Wednesday (17 April), the 52-year-old said, And we have a lot of concerned citizens, not just in Singapore, everywhere. Everyone has a f****** camera, right? Everyone can record everything. So its the people who complain.

And because theyre so scared of the people who complain, the people in authority want to cover their own ass. So everyone just doesn't dare to do anything and everyone is afraid of the concerned citizen who complains. The complainer is very, very powerful in Singapore.

Echoing a line the titular character says at the end, Oei added, One Tartuffe, we can deal with, right? What happens when its many Tartuffes, an army of Tartuffes? Then it becomes a legion, right?

How power is wielded

Ivan Heng, founding artistic director of Wild Rice and a prolific name in local theatre, thinks that the play is very important in Singapore because we kind of tend to privilege the faithful.

The 60-year-old, who plays Orgon, explained that having a multi-religious society is seen as a sign of social harmony and we are very glad and grateful for that.

But it feels almost like you privilege the faithful, he added. Once you have a faith, you actually have a moral compass. That you kind of dont question things. Likewise, I think our relationship to authority is quite unquestioning.

That idea of how authority is wielded and power is wielded - that has really come up for me, Heng said.

To illustrate the point, he pointed out the way Orgon wields his power in the household when he runs roughshed over womens viewpoints and treats them as just property to be married off, or just ignores them.

To the undiscerning viewer, Orgon might just come off like someone who just does what he is told and follows the rules.

But, to Heng, its more nuanced than that as its a look at how people weaponise religion in order to keep others down.

He explained, Case in point, I think Section 377A took 15 years to repeal and has the world ended? Have we suddenly gone down the path of Sodom and Gomorrah?... What has actually happened since then?

Oei added, Now, it's a whole other fight on how do we ensure equality for the LGBTQ community - like real equality - and not just doing away with a law that couldn't be executed in the first place?

A change in the ending

Having the ear of the king is something Tartuffe mentions at the end, when the family goes to see the King, hoping he can set things right.

We wont spoil the ending, but the adaptation - written by Joel Tan - is different from Molieres version.

Director Glen Goei previously told The Straits Times in 2022 (when Tartuffe was first staged) that he believes it was the final scene that Moliere wanted to write but wasn't allowed to put on.

On the sobering ending, Heng said, The question here we want to ask is, are the Tartuffes in jail? Or where are the Tartuffes? We know that the Tartuffes are among us today. I think thats what is more powerful.

What is so really delicious about it is that when you come to this production, its like a passion fruit macaron with a razor blade in it. It's delicious. It's sweet. It's candy coloured. It's amazing. You laugh and then you have to think about it. That's the best kind of theatre.

He added, Its themes about hypocrisy and deception, and the way we regard authority, is timeless. In fact, now more timely than ever. Its timeless and more timely than ever.

Oei shared that there are also themes of gender equality and feminism in the play, but at the end, who has the ear of your king?

Who is whispering to him? And, you know, how do we manage our relationship with authority, as citizens? How do we view it? How do we manage it? How do we act upon it, or not act upon it? How do we vote? I think all these are kind of themes that are running inside the play that you can go home and slowly think about it, she said with a chuckle.

Tartuffe: The Imposter ends on 28 April and you can book tickets here.

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On a recent Thursday night, Chuck Prior taught nearly 50 clownfish, tang fish and a giant sea turtle how to swim.

Was Prior a marine biologist located off of Australias Great Barrier Reef? No, he is the codirector (along with his wife Andi Prior) of a live theatrical production based on the 2003 Pixar Animation Studio movie Finding Nemo.

And the sea creature wannabes lined up on the stage at Briar Cliff University? They are the artists and mentors who will be performing in this New Stage Players-produced show for the Penguin Project.

Created nationally by developmental pediatrician Andrew Morgan, the Penguin Project gives young people with developmental disabilities/special needs the opportunity to develop creative and social skills while participating in a fully-realized musical production.

The Penguin Project presents "Finding Nemo" Actors rehearse a scene from the Penguin Project's "Finding Nemo" with the help of director Chuck Prior, left, hosted by New Stage Players at 

This is the fourth time that the South Sioux City-based New Stage Players has partnered with the Penguin Project. The cast for Finding Nemo is made up of area kids with Downs syndrome, autism, Aspergers and other neurological, developmental and physical disorders.

The Penguin Projects Finding Nemo: Kids will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday; and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the theater on the campus of Briar Cliff University, 3303 Rebecca St.

Director Chuck Prior, who also teaches drama for the Lawton-Bronson School District, said a cast comprised of students with developmental disabilities may be challenging at times but it is worth it.

"We started rehearsals in January, he explained. To see how their self-confidence has grown has been amazing."

Which is the entire point of the Penguin Project. By providing access to community theater, the program demonstrates that the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a childs ability to participate in life experience, like the performing arts.

When Kristy Tremayne helped found the New Stage Players in 2016, she wanted to make theater accessible to everyone, including performers with special needs.

A child with a developmental disability doesnt ordinarily get a chance to hear applause or laughter or be in the spotlight, she said. The Penguin Project gives them that chance.

Those children (who are called artists) are joined on stage by kids (called mentors) who are the same age but with no disabilities. The artists and mentors work side-by-side with one another during rehearsals all the way through the final performance.

Sometimes, those relationships last way beyond the run of the play, Tremayne said. Weve seen a lot of lasting friendships start among our artists and mentors.

The Penguin Project presents "Finding Nemo" Actors rehearse a scene for the Penguin Project's "Finding Nemo" hosted by New Stage Players at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City.

At age 12, Julian Kimbell is already a veteran Penguin Project performer. Last year, he was one of the 101 Dalmatians. This year, he has the title role of Nemo in Finding Nemo.

In 101 Dalmatians, I only had a a few lines but in Nemo, I have so much more to do, Julian said with a shrug.

So, is he nervous about tackling such a big part?

Not really, Julian said a few minutes before the start of a dress rehearsal.

The kids a pro, Tremayne said with obvious admiration. I dont think I could have done what he does when I was his age.

Over the years, Tremayne has directed, designed sets, costumed and acted in countless productions for various theater groups. She has also taught in several elementary classrooms and has worked at a youth theater director.

But few things have been as meaningful as being involved with the Penguin Project.

Not only is New Stage Players the exclusive home for the Penguin Project, we are also only the 26th chapter in the United States to offer the program, she said. To see a project like this succeed says a lot about our community.

The Penguin Project presents "Finding Nemo" Actors strike a fish pose during a rehearsal for the Penguin Project's "Finding Nemo."

Indeed, it was the success of previous productions that led Tremayne to move the Penguin Project production to the large stage at Briar Cliff.

Weve had some sold-out shows in the past and we dont like to turn away audience members, she said. Briar Cliff was generous enough when it came to providing us with their theater and it really works well for us.

As Prior puts his cast of 25 artists and 25 mentors through their paces during a rehearsal, Tremayne sits smiling inside the theater.

Seeing these young performers get their first taste of performing is so heartwarming, she said. They deserve to be in the spotlight.

Details WHAT: New Stage Players present the Penguin Project's "Finding Nemo: Kids" WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday WHERE: Briar Cliff University Theatre, 33093 Rebecca St., Sioux City
This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valere Sosou

Market gardening site of the Itchelere de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoume (Image credit: Megan Valere Sossou)

For the residents of Dassa-Zoume, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough food has become a worrying dilemma.

Last year, our horticultural production plummeted due to water scarcity, said Chantal Agbangla, a farmer residing in Soclogbo, a town located about 30 minutes by car from the capital of Dassa-Zoume. We had to travel nine kilometers to find water, mainly for our agricultural and domestic needs.

Family farming, a pillar of the economy in Dassa-Zoume, is more threatened than ever by climate change. Small-scale farms cover only about 2% of cultivable land in the area of Dassa-Zoume, and their very survival seems threatened because water has become an increasingly precious commodity. Residents can no longer rely on the rainy season, as the irregularity of precipitation has made it an unreliable water source. Instead, they have embraced agroecological horticulture as a contingency plan against climate change. Agroecology emphasizes sustainable farming practices that prioritize water retention in the soil, making this type of farming more resistant to drought.

How climate change is affecting Benin

Benin is already facing climate change impacts like long periods of drought followed by intense downpours resulting in flooding. Despite its marginal contribution to heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions, representing only 0.05% of the global total, Benin is among the nations most vulnerable to climate change.

The commune of Dassa experiences extreme rainfall variability, exacerbated by climate change. Said Romanic OGOUWALE, a professor and researcher in geography specializing in climatology at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benins principal public university. A situation aggravated by rising temperatures and decreasing water resources in recent times.

In 2010, the country experienced severe flooding that affected crop production. In response to these challenges, the Beninese government is actively engaged in the implementation of strategies to reduce the countrys contribution to climate change and adapt to its effects, including providing farmers with short-cycle crop seeds that can be harvested every two months like corn, soy, peanuts, beans.

How women are responding

In Benin, women are increasingly involved in the creation of agricultural cooperatives to promote empowerment and engagement, as women play a crucial role in the agricultural sector. Like other regions of the country, in Dassa-Zoume, several womens agricultural cooperatives offer help to local farmers, such as the Itchelere agricultural cooperative in Dassa.

Even traditionally humid areas now suffer from drought, said Yves GBEDJI from the Itchelere agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoume. We must seek alternative water sources, sometimes traveling long distances to obtain it. The LIFO and Olodjo rivers can supply water, but they are more than five kilometers away from these rural populations, making them difficult to access, especially without transport.

Women are often faced with the dilemma of having to choose between using water for household chores such as washing dishes and laundry, or for irrigating their vegetable crops.

At times, we are forced to use water intended for our domestic needs to irrigate our horticultural crops, leading to conflicts within households, said Chantal Agbangla.

The commune of Dassa experiences extreme rainfall variability, exacerbated by climate change.

A situation aggravated by rising temperatures and decreasing water resources in recent times.

Josephine KOBA is one of the many women turning to horticulture. She is in her forties, a mother of five children and is involved in the Itchelere de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoume. She is a trainer at the cooperative on the production of compost from agricultural waste. With the instability of the rainy season, we opted for horticulture to provide food year-round, especially in the dry season, she said. We grow tomatoes, peppers, vegetables, okra, and many other essential products.

Before agroecological practices were implemented, most crops were produced with chemical fertilizers. Now, locally made compost feeds these crops. However, access to water remains a major obstacle, especially in areas where the granite rock bed makes well construction difficult.

Building wells

Several projects and programs have been launched to help these vulnerable populations of Dassa Zoume, particularly young people and women of Soclogbo, better cope with climate change. One recent project enabled farmers to install wells for irrigation, said Yves GBEDJI, a 30-year-old local farmer. The well program is funded by the Dutch Embassy in Benin. It aims to improve the food and nutritional security of rural populations through increasing agricultural productivity and increasing income.

As for the Benkadi project, it trained us in sustainable techniques such as reforestation, building ditches, and rational water resource management, said GBEDJI. The Benkadi project is led by a consortium of civil society organizations grouped in four different West African countries including Benin, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Mali with a Dutch partner, Woord end Daad. This project aims to strengthen the resilience and adaptation of local populations in the face of climate change.

Whats next?

This quest for water affects vulnerable individuals in rural communities of Dassa-Zoume, notably children, women, people with disabilities, and young people.

For Marie Odile HOUNTONDJI, gender and social inclusion expert with the Benkadi project of the Civil Society Actors Platform in Benin, more vulnerable individuals should be involved in the conversations about how to face this problem. The objective, she said, is to achieve inclusive efforts to reduce the effects of climate change, especially in agriculture.

As the residents of Dassa-Zoume struggle daily to access water, vital for their survival and that of their crops, one truth remains evident: In the face of the urgency posed by climate change, their resilience and determination stand as their most valuable assets.
I was knee-deep in twice-weekly therapyindividual and couples sessionsworking hard and reading all the books, trying to muscle my way back to a marriage that felt right. This was back in 2011, and I can still access the heavy, panicky feelings of stuckness. I was worn-out, unsteady, and mistrustful of my instincts. I didnt know what to do next.

Enter woo-woo.

Three separate intuitive readingsone in a church, one with a therapist, one in a barall confirmed what my gut knew but my ashamed head and heart were still trying to deny: It was OK to call it and move on.

I wasnt necessarily new to the spirit realm at this point in my life. I was in high school when The Craft came out. In early-90s fashion, one of my closest friends had collected a journal of crystals and spells that wed pore over while listening to Tori Amos. We wanted to cause something in the universe to shift to make something happen. Anything! At our high-performing public school, pre-9/11 and pre-Columbine, my closest friends and I had big feelings and wells of angst with no actual life drama to hang it all on. We were ready for our lives of romance and adventure. Maybe the crystals would jump-start something.

Turning to magic for fun became a vacation go-to through my teens and 20s. I was always down for a palm reading on a touristy swing through Savannah, a pop into a storefront psychic in New York City, a reading in a mediums living room during a weekend trip to Salem, Massachusetts. When I stepped away from my day job, psychics were a place to cast away my impatience and insecurities and collect clues about what was to come. Someone with blond hair whose name starts with R. Hmmm. Id come into some money in the fall. Great! I was going to find purpose in teaching, or was it health care? Some kind of service. That sounds close enough, maybe?

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None of these predictions came to life exactly as described. But they did give me some peace.

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I didnt mind their imprecision, because it was all a bit of a joke. I also came of age alongside 1-900 numbers for psychics and Ouija boards at slumber parties where you could guess which of your friends was nudging it. Magic was fun but nothing truly to count on.

Same with faith generally. I grew up going to church, but it was a Unitarian one founded by a bunch of engineers and chemists whod landed in West Virginia to work for chemical companies. Finding themselves in the Bible Belt, they needed a place to have coffee and talk about reason. Humanist was how some defined themselves. Stubbornly atheist would also be apt. It was a wonderful multigenerational community where I learned about doing your part and showing up consistently. Any reference to a higher power was scoffed at from the back. Prayer felt like playacting.

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And then, in 2011, when I was 30 years old and didnt know what to do, these psychics started showing up in my life.

First was the therapist, whom a friend recommended when things were just beginning to get rough in my marriage. Shes intuitive, my friend told me. Like, really intuitive. Was I into that? Heck yes, I was. On and off, for more than a year, Id have sessions with my intuitive therapist. We would start out in regular therapy mode, and then she would start drawing a sort of swirl on her pad of paper and stop me short during my monologue of the latest updates in my life. Sometimes her comments were innocuous, sometimes encouraging. That job interview, you know that went really well, right? The interviewer really liked you.

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And then, as my marriage continued to sour: When you asked him that, did you notice how his facial expression changed? Or, You say that, but you dont really feel that way, right? Her way of seeing, of interrupting, pushed me to admit things out loud that I was keeping not just from my therapist, but from myself. Like the ways two people whod once cared so much for one another became more and more oblique with each other to hide how much had changed.

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Like many divorces, ours started that way. We felt out of sync, and then were frustrated with each other, but it didnt seem like there was a looming end. There was too much bound up, so much history. Plus, I didnt want to get divorced. Or rather, I didnt want to think of myself as someone who would get divorced.

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I started going back to church. I drove over to a Unitarian church in Flushing from Brooklyn every other week with my friend Danielle. She was newly sober and in the throes of online dating, and wed talk on our drive about all the new tools she was learning in meetings, and wed try to apply them to my general unhappiness. One Sunday, we stayed after the service, and a fellow churchgoera woman in her 60soffered to do a tarot reading for both of us right there in the sanctuary. At one point, she flipped over the Divorce card. I gasped. She and I both nodded. There it was.

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At least, thats how my memory has recorded that moment. Is there even a divorce card? Maybe not. It was probably Death, with its haunting image of a cloaked figure in black, hunched over. But the effect of seeing that card was like a teaspoon tap-tap-tapping on the top of an eggshell.

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Before that reading, I was trudging through, head down and resolute. Afterward, I could finally admit that these cracks would likely bring the whole thing down.

That opening kept getting wider. What were once good-faith conversations about what I needed and what he needed morphed into barbed back-and-forths and knowing cheap shots. The joint therapy sessions stopped delivering those moments of afterglow, and at home, it started to feel suffocating to be in the same space. This wasnt great, seeing as we lived in a studio. I tried to find reasons to stay out after work. He went away on an unplanned road trip.

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And I think this is how, not long after my church-sanctuary tarot reading, I ended up in a bar with a friend in the East Village and noticed a drag queen with tarot cards set up on a folding table.

Would I like a reading? Heck yes, I would!

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This last reading confirmed the first two assessments. I was at an ending, but what I remember in that dark, loud bar was how this beautiful, wigged woman emphasized all that was coming next. The cards had wings and carriages, and there was a lot of talk about tapping into the universes current of grace and abundance. I was going to be OK, she told me.

Yes, this was a sad ending, all these readings confirmed. But it was time to stop trying to outrun it. That thing youre most scared of? You can walk through it.

Three out of three psychic readings agreed: Let it go. Let it go. Let it go.

Once I accepted that my marriage had run its course and my ex and I faced that reality together, the conversations between us got kinder. (He even eventually let me interview him for my book.) I started asking around for pointers from co-workers Id heard had gotten divorced. I collected referrals for lawyers and finally landed on an affordable and merciful nonprofit called the New Start Project. We got our paperwork filed. He moved out. We moved on.

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Still, my future-sensing angels didnt insulate me from more mess. I stayed on my sisters floor for a visit to San Francisco and flirted too aggressively with the art-supply store clerk and wept in her Pilates class during hip openers. I crumpled on a stoop with my co-worker Steven, who gave me a cigarette after we got out of the taxi after a too-many-rounds happy hour, and I exhaled into a puddle of tears that started one of the deepest friendships Ive forged since. And I explored new romances in fits and startsincluding with my now-husband Arthur, who revived our romance after I let it stall out because I was afraid I couldnt see our path ahead with enough clarity. I was afraid to trust. I learned to trust a little more. And I got brave enough to look at my life with clear eyes.

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Thats why Ive come to have such respect for intuitive readings. Not for the hair color of my next savior or the timeline for a coming windfall. I want someone to shake me out of my denial and rigidity. I want someone who has the cards in front of them to tell me honestly what they see leaking out. What Im evading and what Im holding too tightly.

Like I did back then, I still need help recognizing where I need help.

Today, 13 years after that spring of psychics, Im knee-deep in my second draft of adulthood this one built out with a second marriage, two kids, and two dogs. It is full and untidy and not easy, but a world away from that tightly wound sadness I knew before.

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Still, when I started 2024, I was back getting another reading, this time with Rebecca Auman, a self-identified witch. Id been knocked back in my professional lifethe podcast Id made was facing cancellation, and I was freaked out about money and my creative future, like a lot of podcast makers whose livelihoods shifted with a fickle ad market. I was scared and frantic again, unsure about what to change and how much to try to build on familiar foundations.

Youre efforting, Rebecca told me. Were going to consider flow and surrender.

Flow and surrenderholding things loosely and letting them unfold in their timeare not the hallmarks of my style of working parenthood. Producing and executing are more my modes. This works when youre planning the grocery needs for the week. Figuring out how to mourn market forces is not so to-do-listable. Neither is balancing disappointment with trying again.

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The cards messages were different this year; less stark, but similarly soothing. If you let up on the worry, youll find that you know. Youve got what you need right inside you: little Anna with her propulsive appetite for adventure, grown-up Anna whos gotten good at managing a lot, and alongside them, that little mystery guide nudging her toward what she cant yet see.

Unfurl a little, Anna, she urged me. Let it all happen.

Anna Sale is the host of Death, Sex & Money, an interview show that moved to Slate earlier this year. Hear part of her year-ahead tarot reading and an interview with Rebecca Auman in Death, Sex & Moneys latest episode.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett famously provided the crucial fifth vote to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. So if you are arguing in favor of an abortion ban, you probably dont want to alienate Barrettby, say, condescendingly dismissing her concerns when she points out that your legal theory doesnt make any sense. Yet that is what Joshua Turner did on Wednesday while defending Idahos draconian abortion restrictions, and much to Barretts evident irritation. Turnerwho represented the Idaho solicitor generals office in the second major abortion case to come before the high court after it promised us in its Dobbs opinion that the court was out of the abortion business in 2022might just have lost his case by repeatedly mansplaining his self-contradictory position to Barrett and the other three women justices. In his toneless, dispassionate telling, his entirely incomprehensible position was just too complex for them to understand. And so he just kept repeating it, over and over. These justices, including Barrett, sounded increasingly fed up with his chin-stroking dissembling on an issue thats literally life-or-death for pregnant women in red states. If the courts male members noticed Turners dismissive attitude toward their colleagues, they didnt care. The gender divide on the court has never been so revealing.

Perhaps because Dobbs was a threat to unknown future women, whereas real women are now being left to hemorrhage, lose the functioning of their reproductive organs, or be popped onto helicopters to receive out-of-state stabilizing care, none of the life-and-death harms being experienced in red states around the country feel very theoretical to anyone who has thought about pregnancy in a serious way. Yet, for male justices more worried about harms to the spending clause, nothing about potentially lethal pregnancies warranted even a moments pause.

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Wednesdays case, Moyle v. United States, revolves around a clash between Idaho law and a 1986 federal statute called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (or EMTALA). Idahos abortion ban has no exception for the health of the patient; rather, it criminalizes abortion unless its necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman. EMTALA, meanwhile, requires virtually all hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment for any condition that could reasonably be expected to put the patients health in serious jeopardy, as well as any condition that could seriously impair bodily functions or organs.

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Related From Slate The Most Infuriating SCOTUS Case Since Dobbs Read More

The Biden administration argues theres a conflict between Idaho law and EMTALA: Where Idaho allows termination only when the patient is at the brink of death, EMTALA mandates intervention earlier, to stabilize the patient before she is literally dying, including situations in which she is facing organ damage, infertility, or other serious harms. So the administration sued the state, and a federal judge issued an injunction compelling Idaho to allow emergency abortions to preserve a patients health. Now SCOTUS must decide whether the federal statute limits the ability of states like Idaho to criminalize abortions that are health-sparing but not necessarily lifesaving. And that means slipping into their white coats and stethoscopes and explaining to Americas emergency physicians how to do their jobs without risking two to five years in prison and a loss of licensure for making poor guesses about what stabilizing care involves.

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Turner, representing Idaho on Wednesday, made a hodgepodge of his states arguments that are frankly difficult to harmonize. He seemed to make three central claims: First, that EMTALA does not mandate any particular standard of care (despite prescribing one pretty clearly); second, that even if it did, Idahos law would comport with that standard (even though it criminalizes abortion as stabilizing treatment); and third, that abortion is never a standard of care under Idaho law. Except for when it is, which is when its necessary to save a patients life. Which is a narrower standard than what EMTALA mandates. Which is irrelevant, because, according to Turner, EMTALA doesnt mandate anything at all. But also, that there is a difference between the care demanded by EMTALA and Idaho, but also that there is no difference, but also that physicians shouldnt sweat this because beneficent prosecutors probably wont jail them on the basis of a close call.

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Confused? So were the justices. Progressive Justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor all took turns trying to draw out a single scrap of consistent logic from Turners rhetorical detritus. Kagan pressed him to admit that EMTALA sets forth an objective standard of carethe stabilization of a patientthat sometimes includes abortion. He refused. She sounded aghast. Does the statute, she asked, at least require states to permit abortions for ectopic pregnancies, which will cause death if not terminated? No, Turner responded, adding: That understanding is a humble one with respect to the federalism rule of states. To which Kagan in turn responded: It may be too humble for womens health.

Jackson questioned Turners insistence that EMTALA does not require anything that Idaho prohibits, rebuking his strange declaration that the states trigger ban simply defers to the medical judgment of state legislatures rather than doctors. And Sotomayor pummeled Turner with real stories, all ripped from the headlines, of women denied abortions and then forced to bleed out in agony, then asked him whether these women would be allowed to terminate under Idaho law. When Turner refused to give a yes-or-no answer, Barrett finally stepped in. Im kind of shocked, actually, she told Turner, because I thought your own expert had said below that these kinds of cases were covered. And youre now saying theyre not? Turner responded that he wasnt, to which Barrett retorted: Well, youre hedging. I mean, Justice Sotomayor is asking you, Would this be covered or not, and it was my understanding that the legislatures witnesses said that these would be covered. Turner told her, in short, not quitethe witnesses said that, in exercising their medical judgment, they could in good faith determine that lifesaving care was necessary. Barrett sounded irritated. But some doctors might reach a contrary conclusion, I think is what Justice Sotomayor is asking you, she told him. If they reached the conclusion that the legislatures doctors did, would they be prosecuted under Idaho law?

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Turner said no, but Barrett wasnt convinced. What if the prosecutor thought differently? she went on. What if the prosecutor thought, well, I dont think any good-faith doctor could draw that conclusion, Im going to put on my expert? Remarkably, Turner told her thats the nature of prosecutorial discretionmeaning prosecutors might well bring charges anyway. At that point, doctors would have to defend their decision in court while facing a two-to-five- year prison sentence. (And ER doctors also face lawsuits if they defer lifesaving care.) So in Idaho you can pretty much just decide how to end your career, while spinning the wheel until someone sues you. No wonder physicians are bolting from the state.

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Barrett was, to put it mildly, not satisfied. Later, when Turner tried to blame the Department of Justice for launching this case, she again put him in his place. Well, hold on a second, she said. Youre here because theres an injunction precluding you from enforcing your law. And if your law can fully operate because EMTALA doesnt curb Idahos authority to enforce its law  But she couldnt finish her thought, because Turner interrupted her. It was one of many interruptions she would face from the Idaho attorney. And as the morning went on, she was less and less indulgent of his let-me-explain-this-like-youre-a-toddler style of argument. When Turner accused the solicitor general of taking an overly aggressive litigation posture, Barrett declined to engage, instead sharply informing him: OK, well, I would like to hear the solicitor generals response to that, and moving on. When she called out one of his silliest claimsthat the Justice Department demanded emergency abortions to treat a mental health conditionBarrett sounded fed up. Turner hemmed and hawed, butchering the statute so badly that she had to step in to remind him of what it actually said.

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When Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar had her turn at the lectern, she faced a barrage of questions from Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch about whether Congress had run afoul of the spending clause when it passed EMTALA, an issue that was not briefed and should not be in the case. Samuel Alito, who brought all of his dictionary-wielding and woman-erasing skills from his star turn in Dobbs to bear, devoted his time to defending the unborn child whoin his viewwas the real goal of EMTALAs drafters, laying the groundwork for fetal personhood arguments that were too radioactive even for Turner to take on. Alito hectored Prelogar about her grasp of preemption, her reading of text, and her understanding of the term unborn child, casting her as some drunk lunatic who had staggered into court without any comprehension of the law.

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Throughout the day doctors were referenced as he whereas every nurse was a she. Women were, as Alito conceded, individuals, but man, oh man, are they ever whiny and demanding. Alito also breathlessly cited Ronald Reagan as the deity who signed EMTALA and would never have wanted it to undermine the precious rights of unborn children. And a little temporary organ damage, he mused, might not be so bad if suffered for the benefit of a fetus. The task fell to Kagan to remind everyone that in the few months that Idaho has enforced its near-total ban, six women have already been airlifted to other states to receive emergency abortions that are criminal under Idaho law. Real women, flown out in great pain and at great expense, to get treatment that is objectively recognized as the standard of care.

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Its not clear where this case will land: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked a handful of breezy questions but didnt tip their hands. Its odd, though, that Wednesdays arguments didnt fully break through the news cycle (as tomorrows in the Donald Trump immunity case surely will). As Turner conceded, none of this madness will stop at Idaho; at least five other states, including Texas, have nearly identical bans. But for anyone who listened to these arguments, the symmetry was striking: Turner could spew whatever nonsense he wanted, ignoring serious questions from female interlocutors or evading them because they were invisible to himjust as the pregnant women who will get sicker and lose blood and be turned away at hospitals are invisible to the state he represents.
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.

The nascent pogroms at Columbia have to stop TODAY, before our Jewish brethren sit for Passover Seder tonight. If Eric Adams wont send the NYPD and Kathy Hochul wont send the National Guard, Joe Biden has a duty to take charge and break up these mobs. Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, in a Monday tweet

What do you suppose gets Sen. Tom Cotton out of bed every morning? Is it the birthday cakes topped with ice cream that he consumes on a daily basis? The lines of racist questions he reserves for Asian tech CEOs and Muslim judicial nominees? Or is it the clear, bloodthirsty pleasure he takes in repeatedly calling for the National Guard to attack law-abiding protestersBill of Rights and the lessons of Kent State be damned?

Doubtless you are aware by now of the anti-war and pro-Palestinian campouts that kicked off at Columbia University last week, on the same day that its president testified at yet another one of these congressional hearings meant to heap terrible PR on elite college campuses. The protests have only spread to other schools since then, in large part because Columbias president, Nemat Shafik, elected to suspend all the participants and have them arrested by the New York Police Department for trespassing. (Shafik cited clear and present danger, although the NYPD, not exactly known for being favorable to protesters, undercut that claim by stating that the students that were arrested were peaceful and offered no resistance whatsoever.)

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The suspensions and arrests of at least 108 students spurred outrage from a significant portion of the faculty and student bodies at Columbia and Barnard College. Solidarity gatherings then popped up not just at neighboring schools like New York Universitywhose students were also violently dispersed by the NYPDbut at schools as far as the University of New Mexico, California State Polytechnic University, and even Sciences Po Paris, an international Columbia affiliate.

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What, then, was Cottons unsolicited counsel? It was, basically, to send in the troopsno matter that it was this very kind of escalation that had helped inspire further resistance in the first place. Worse still, Cotton cynically invoked nascent pogroms at Columbia and the start of Passover as justification for deploying the National Guard, even though plenty of Jewish students and professors participated in these campouts, and nothing about those peaceful gatherings even remotely shares any resemblance with actual pogroms. (Frankly, its a bit rich for Cotton to say he cares so much about antisemitism when hes time and again refused to speak out against fellow Republicans, like Donald Trump, whove embraced prominent antisemites.)

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The recent rise in American antisemitism, on campus and off, is very real. But Cotton and his ilk are much less interested in addressing that than in demonizing protesters (many of whom are themselves Jewish) angered by Israels brutal ravaging of Gaza and pushing Columbia University to divest its endowment, and any other investments, from Israeli-linked businesses and institutions.

The situation has only been worsened by the glaring spotlight shined on the school by national media outlets, which Columbia students say have misrepresented the events of the past week and presented constitutionally protected gatherings as violent takeovers. This cheap hysteria has allowed observers to conflate the campus demonstrations with the horrific antisemitic incidents that did occur in New York City over the weekend, as some groups of nonstudent bigots took advantage of the confusion to parrot anti-Jewish slogans. The Columbia student protesters and Jewish Voice for Peace condemned these incidents, but the resulting agitation helped to further a narrative of out-of-control antisemitism in American institutions of higher learning. A right-wing media narrative took off about a Yale Jewish student being stabbed in the eyeeven though video evidence demonstrated unambiguously that no such thing had happened. Meanwhile, the Columbia students and faculty have continued peaceful protests as well as negotiations with the administration, while Jewish students have referred to their involvement in pro-Palestinian actions as an extension of their faith.

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Jewish students @Columbia: If we didnt do everything in our power to end the genocidal violence Israel is unleashing upon Gaza, we would not have fulfilled the requirements of the Passover Seder.



Watch/share this @CNN report on Passover at the Gaza solidarity encampment. pic.twitter.com/nQn6Pu9r8z  Kashif Chaudhry (@KashifMD) April 24, 2024

Cotton wasnt alone in his hysterical call to arms. Columbia assistant professor Shai Davidai has also repeatedly demanded that the National Guard come to campus in a video that  showed students peacefully praying in the campus encampment, thus spurring commentators from across the ideological spectrum to express their skepticism. Commentary editor-in-chief John Podhoretz claimed, If you think the National Guard shouldnt be sent in, you dont give a shit about Jewish kids. (Many Columbia Jewish students disagree with that assessment.) Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, whose organization has disingenuously characterized protests against Israeli militancy as antisemitism, relied on his own errant stats to likewise request National Guard assistance. House Speaker Mike Johnson also claimed Wednesday that there may be an appropriate time for the National Guard to arrive.

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Although Columbias administration did threaten on Tuesday night to call the National Guard on the encampment, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has thus far maintained that there is no need to escalate in such a manner. Cotton has upped the ante by demanding that protesters on student visas be deported. (Hes a real font of good ideas, this guy.)

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Its worth remembering the time the hawkish lawmaker made the case, in a 2020 New York Times op-ed, that the government should likewise send in the troops to quell racial justice protests in the wake of George Floyds death. It was an odd, violent screed in which Cotton called for no quarter in the context of a military incursion, which literally constitutes mass killing and a war crimeand it was undercut by ample documentation that police forces were far more responsible for fomenting street violence that summer than any unruly rioters were. This spurred much internal dissent at the Times, and the paper later stated that the op-ed had not been properly vetted or edited, leading the section editor (who admitted to not having even read the piece prepublication) to resign.

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In the years since, some pundits have attempted to claim that the backlash was an overreaction to a simple expression of opinion. But just a scanning of Cottons words outside newsprint should be more than enough to dispel any notion that the far-right senator is interested solely in law and order. Last week, after pro-Palestinian protesters blocked highways in major cities, Cotton tweeted out a lie that these dissenters were pro-Hamas and encouraged those stuck in the ensuing traffic to take matters into your own handsbefore editing the tweet to add that people should take matters into your own hands to get them out of the way. Back in 2020, the country saw a rash of vigilante drivers purposefully ramming into peaceful antipolice brutality protesters. So theres not really much ambiguity as to what Cotton wants vigilantesor the troopsto do, especially as cops clad in riot gear have begun to descend on other universities.

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WASHINGTON (April 22, 2024)In what advocates call the most important case on homelessness in 40 years, the Supreme Court must decide whether cities can punish the unhoused for sleeping in public when they have nowhere else to go.



The case comes from the small Oregon city of Grants Pass, which prohibits sleeping in public with so much as a blanket. After three homeless people filed a complaint, courts have blocked the city from enforcing the rule.



Grants Pass, supported by dozens of other cities and states, wants the Supreme Court to overturn a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that punishing homeless people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go violates the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.



Theane Evangelis, the lawyer representing Grants Pass, told the justices in oral arguments Monday that the city needs to protect its public spaces, but the lower court's ruling has tied its hands to address public health and safety.



If the Supreme Court affirms the decision, the city will have to "surrender public space" while local shelter beds go unused, she said.



Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, who make up the liberal minority, appeared to strongly oppose the city's fines for homeless people sleeping on public property.



Evangelis argued that the camping ban, which includes setting down a blanket to sleep, applied to everyone. Sotomayor rejected that claim, citing the testimony of the Grants Pass police officers, saying they hadn't ticketed anyone who wasn't homeless.



Much of the discussion revolved around whether sleeping in public is an inextricable part of being homeless or a behavior that can be outlawed.



Evangelis insisted that "sleeping outside is considered conduct."



"You could say breathing is conduct too, but presumably, you would not think it's okay to criminalize breathing in public," Kagan replied.



Sotomayor asked what would happen if all cities and states passed laws like the city's public sleeping ban.



"Where are (homeless people) supposed so sleep? Are they supposed to kill themselves (by) not sleeping?" Sotomayor said.



Department of Justice Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler, who represented the United States at the hearing, said that Grants Pass made it "a crime to be homeless while living in Grants Pass" and accused the city of banishing its homeless residents.



Chief Justice John Roberts asked if it was reasonable to expect someone to take a shelter bed just outside the city, or even 30 miles away. He was skeptical that cities should be held to build more local shelters.



"What if there are lead pipes Do you build the homeless shelter or do you take care of the lead pipes?" he asked.



If sleeping is protected from fines because it is a biological necessity, the ruling could have broader implications, parties siding with Grants Pass argue.



"Its next logical application is urination and defecation, which are 'biologically compelled' no less than sleep is," said a brief signed by 24 states that was filed with the high court.



Justice Brett Kavanaugh wanted to know if someone suffering from hunger could be prosecuted for stealing food.



Justice Neil Gorsuch expanded that argument and asked if public urination and defecation would be protected if there were no public bathrooms.



Kelsi Corkran, who represented the homeless people of Grants Pass, argued that stealing food or urinating in public are not inextricably linked to the state of being homeless, but sleeping outside is.



She pointed out that cities can still punish homeless people for refusing to go to a shelter if a space is available to them.



All justices seemed to agree that fines and imprisonment will not solve the homelessness crisis.



"When you get out of jail what's going to happen then?" Kavanaugh asked. "You still don't have a bed available. So how does this help?"



Nevertheless, the conservative majority seemed skeptical of blocking city laws that deal with homelessness.



Maryland is among six states in the case supporting the Grants Pass people experiencing homelessness. A brief filed by Attorney General Anthony Brown states that policies criminalizing sleeping in public "just move the problem elsewhere" and might even increase homelessness by imposing debts through fines and creating criminal records.



Maryland is outside the Ninth Circuit Court's jurisdiction. But if the Supreme Court sides with the homeless residents of Grants Pass, Maryland cities would be blocked from punishing homeless people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go.



At least one Maryland city has such a law on the books.



The city of Frederick's ordinances prohibit laying down bedding and sleeping in public. A violation of these rules is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or six months in jail.



It is unclear whether the city enforces the law. The communications department didn't return multiple emails and calls asking about enforcement.



The nation has seen unprecedented levels of people living and sleeping outside. Unsheltered homelessness affected over 250,000 people on any given night in 2023, according to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A rain warning issued for Bratislava, a selective understanding of Slovakia's history by some Czechs, and a fake Pellegrini story.

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Hello. Here is the Tuesday, April 23 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

SNS MP scores his own goal in parliament

SNS MP Roman Michelko (l) in parliament. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco)

Experts wont decide which projects will receive financial support from the Slovak Arts Council (FPU), an independently-managed arts fund, after the coalition-controlled parliament approve changes put forward by Slovenska Narodna Strana (SNS), a far-right coalition party, on Wednesday. Instead, a board under the influence of the Culture Ministry, controlled by the SNS, will make these decisions.

Its absurd for the SNS, which represents 5.6 percent of the electorate, to solely impose its point of view on Slovak culture, KDH MP Frantisek Miklosko said.

In the chamber last week, SNS MP Roman Michelko read excerpts from a 160-page book supported by the fund. He decided to specifically read those passages that talked about masturbation, burping and defecation. Michelko didnt name the author, nor the title. But it has surfaced that the book, Blaho, was written by Dalimir Stano.

This is the high culture supported by the FPU, the lawmaker said, ironically.

The book was published by the Slovak Writers Association last year. Ironically, Michelko acted as the associations statutory officer and had to be aware of the fact that the book had received money from the fund.

video //www.youtube.com/embed/Y6FsyW9u_Qs

Related: Dozens of experts in commissions deciding on the applications sent to the FPU have threatened to leave if changes to the FPU are approved. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (SNS nom.) has told the television news channel TA3 that others will come after them. The minister wants to see the fund support more (truly Slovak) projects in regions.

MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE

Politics: On a Czech news website, a hacker posts a fake story about the Ukrainians trying to assassinate president-elect Peter Pellegrini.

On a Czech news website, a hacker posts a fake story about the Ukrainians trying to assassinate president-elect Peter Pellegrini. Travel: Kosice Region has introduced a new attraction for adrenaline junkies.

Kosice Region has introduced a new attraction for adrenaline junkies. Culture: Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova criticised a Slovak exhibition at the Venice arts festival.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

OPINION

A Czech Slovakia: A country destined by history to fail

"Viribus Unitis" artwork by Matus Matatko (2019). (Source: M. M./The Slovak Spectator)

Are Slovak people destined for their failures by historical development because they never existed, were always only Upper Hungary (the northern part of the Kingdom of Hungary, ed.), to which theyre gradually returning thanks to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans influence? Some Czechs think so, writes theologian Michal Havran.

EVENT IN BRATISLAVA

Profesia Days

Profesia Days at Incheba in Bratislava in 2020. (Source: Facebook/Profesia Days)

Profesia Days, the biggest job fair festival in Slovakia, will take place at the Old Market Hall in Bratislava on April 24-25. The doors will open at 10:00 on both days. The admission is free, but visitors can register their free ticket online and win different prizes. More than 80 employers will attend the event.

IN OTHER NEWS

On the night from Wednesday to Thursday, tickets for ZSSK trains can only be purchased from the train staff or via SMS . Both the online store and the ZSSK application will be unavailable from 22:30 to 4:30 due to maintenance.

The opposition is criticising the government bill on strategic investments, which is supposed to speed up the processes related to these investments . It intervenes with peoples property rights, the opposition parties argue. They say that the bill as it looks is drafted to help friends of the coalition parties. The coalition aims to pass the bill in a fast-track legislative procedure, of which the opposition is also critical. Moreover, the Progresivne Slovensko party notes that an amendment to the public procurement law opens up a door for the non-transparent allocation of half a billion euros, and that an amendment to the Act on Environmental Impact Assessment restricts public access to the entire assessment process. (TASR)

In eight days, more than 3.5 million have been fundraised in Slovakia for ammunition for Ukraine . More than 54,000 donors have participated in the campaign. The crowdfunding campaign will continue until its absolutely necessary. Our special contributor Michaela Terenzani wrote about the initiative in her column, Last Week in Slovakia, on Monday. If youd like to contribute, be careful. A fake website - www.municiEpreukrajinu.sk - has already appeared on the internet. A geyser in the village of Herlany in the district of Kosice on April 13, 2024. (Source: TASR - Frantisek Ivan)

The government will hold its Wednesday meeting at a farm in Dolna Krupa, near Trnava. The farm belongs to the family of former populist Czech PM Andrej Babis. The Babis family is one of the largest investors in Slovak agriculture. The Smer party has been on good terms with Babis for a long time. In Dolna Krupa, Putin supporter Jozef Hambalek, who has been removed from the EUs sanctions list upon PM Ficos request, also runs his para-military camp. (Dennik N)

Regional prosecutors have publicly defended General Prosecutor Maros Zilinka. He is their superior. On Monday, a group of elite prosecutors from the abolished Special Prosecutors Office (USP) published a letter in which they criticise Zilinka for chaos after their former workplace was cancelled, as well as for his personnel policy. The general prosecutor, who did not oppose the abolition of the anti-corruption body, perceives the letter as the groups media attack. Former USP prosecutors, who used to work on corruption and organised crime cases, work at the General Prosecutors Office today, handling the agendas that they have no experience in. Two have announced that they would quit their job in June due to Zilinkas undemocratic methods.

WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: The meteorological office has issued rain warnings for the Bratislava, Pezinok and Senec districts. The highest daytime temperatures will range from 5C to 10C. Rain is expected in many regions. (SHMU)

APRIL 24 NAME'S DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Juraj.

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook and Instagram (@slovakspectator).
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240423/lack-of-us-response-to-israeli-attacks-against-iran-may-boomerang-us-embassies-1118081125.html

Lack of US Response to Israeli Attacks Against Iran May Boomerang US Embassies

Lack of US Response to Israeli Attacks Against Iran May Boomerang US Embassies

Sputnik International

The US failing to condemn the Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria puts its own embassy in Ukraine at risk of Russian attack, former security policy analyst for the Secretary of Defense told radio Sputnik on Monday.

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michael maloof

israel

russia

iran

ebrahim raisi

pentagon

nato

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Russia could theoretically use the same justification Israel used to attack Iran's embassy in Syria to attack the US embassy in Kiev, Michael Maloof, a former security policy analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, told Sputniks The Critical Hour on Monday.On April 1, Israel attacked the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, marking an act of war against two sovereign nations at once: Iran and Syria. Two days later, the United States, France and Britain opposed a Russian-drafted statement crafted to condemn the attack. When Iran responded to the attack two weeks later, it said it may have been avoided if the UN had issued a condemnation of the attack.There has been no indication by Russia that it would target diplomatic facilities. NATO mercenaries operating under the guise of volunteers have already been killed in Russian advances in Kharkov amid the special military operation.Russia has repeatedly warned the West against further escalation, warning that US military personnel operating in Ukraine are legitimate military targets.The Wests support of Israels attack on the Iranian consulate showcases how willing they are to flaunt international law and put its assets at risk to maintain its control of the world.I think what were seeing is a desperation on the part of the West now in trying to reestablish its supremacy and its failing at every turn and its pathetic, Maloof said.Embassies are considered sovereign ground of the countries they represent, and an attack is considered a violation of that nation's sovereignty.At press time, Israel has only responded to Iran with a drone attack that, according to the Iranian foreign minister, caused no damage or casualties. Iranian leadership has indicated it has no plans to respond to that attack. On Tuesday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Israel that if it makes a mistake and attacks Iran, it is not clear whether anything will remain of [the Israeli] regime.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/russian-strike-destroys-building-in-kharkov-hosting-french-mercenaries---defense-ministry-1116232392.html

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Ian DeMartino

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israel attack on iranian embassy, war in ukraine, nato troops to ukraine, us advisors in ukraine,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/battlefield-in-ukraine-became-graveyard-of-weapons-bragged-about-by-us-nato---pyongyang-1118082653.html

N. Korea: Battlefield in Ukraine Became 'Graveyard' of Weapons Bragged About by US, NATO

N. Korea: Battlefield in Ukraine Became 'Graveyard' of Weapons Bragged About by US, NATO

Sputnik International

Battlefields in Ukraine have long become a "graveyard" of various weaponry bragged about by the US and NATO, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister in charge of Russian affairs Im Chon Il said.

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world

volodymyr zelensky

ukraine

korean central news agency (kcna)

nato

us arms for ukraine

ukrainian crisis

ukrainian conflict

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"The Ukrainian battlefields have long been a 'graveyard' of various weaponry bragged about by the US and the NATO," the official said in a statement published by North Korean state-run news agency KCNA. The North Korean official also called Zelensky a "star acting his part well according to the film script written by the US, rather than president of a country," adding that Zelensky's statements about his will to continue resistance against Russia "cannot but be viewed as sheer hysteria of a 'Don Quixote in the 21st century' utterly ignorant of his opponent."The vice foreign minister also said that any US military aid to Ukraine "can never block the advance of the heroic Russian army and people all out for a sacred war of justice for safeguarding the sovereign rights and security of their country." Last Saturday, the US House of Representatives passed a $61 billion aid bill for Ukraine and a draft law providing for the confiscation of Russia's frozen sovereign assets.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/political-clown-zelensky-may-be-ukraines-last-president---ukrainian-politician-1117946593.html

ukraine

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north korean vice foreign minister in charge of russian affairs im chon il, us nato tanks in ukraine, ukraine military losses, what is happening in ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/biden-to-sign-95bln-aid-package-on-wednesday-to-start-sending-arms-to-ukraine-this-week-1118083581.html

Biden to Sign $95Bln Aid Package on Wednesday to Start Sending Arms to Ukraine This Week

Biden to Sign $95Bln Aid Package on Wednesday to Start Sending Arms to Ukraine This Week

Sputnik International

US President Joe Biden said in a statement that he will sign a foreign aid package with some $95 billion in funding for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region.

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americas

joe biden

ukraine

israel

senate

us senate

us

military aid

taiwan

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On Tuesday, the US Senate passed the $95 billion legislation with approximately $61 billion in Ukraine-related funding, $26 billion in Israel-related funding and $8 billion for Indo-Pacific security initiatives in a vote of 79-18. The Biden administration is reportedly readying a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine sourced from the legislation. "I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," Biden said on Tuesday. The US president added that the situation requires urgent steps on the part of Washington as not only Ukraine but also Israel, as well as numerous refugees and those impacted by conflicts in the Gaza Strip, Sudan and Haiti need assistance. "I want to thank [Senate Majority] Leader [Chuck ] Schumer, [Senate Minority] Leader [Mitch] McConnell, and all of the bipartisan lawmakers in the Senate who voted for this bill. This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure." Biden said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240423/ukraine-israel-aid-bill-abomination-that-will-prolong-suffering---former-us-diplomat-1118067699.html

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ukraine aid, joe biden, more money for war, aid to taiwan, aid to israel
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/eu-not-going-to-seize-frozen-russian-assets-for-now-due-to-lack-of-legal-clarity---borrell-1118083725.html

EU Not Going to Seize Frozen Russian Assets for Now Due to Lack of Legal Clarity - Borrell

EU Not Going to Seize Frozen Russian Assets for Now Due to Lack of Legal Clarity - Borrell

Sputnik International

The EU is not going to seize frozen Russian assets for "the time being" for military support of Ukraine due to the lack of clarity on legal issues in this regard, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

2024-04-24T03:52+0000

2024-04-24T03:52+0000

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economy

josep borrell

russia

ukraine

european union (eu)

european parliament

frozen funds

frozen assets

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Earlier in the day, the largest political group in the European Parliament, the European People's Party, urged the bloc to seize all frozen Russian assets to fund reparations for Ukraine following Saturday's vote by the US House of Representatives to pass a draft law providing for the confiscation of Russia's frozen assets. After the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in 2022, the EU and G7 froze almost half of Russia's foreign currency reserves amounting to about 300 billion euros ($320.8 billion). The EU is discussing ways to use frozen Russian assets to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine. The European Central Bank warned that this could pose reputational risks to the European currency in the long term, and advocated looking beyond that isolated conflict. Moscow has on many occasions said that any attempts to confiscate frozen Russian assets are an expropriation of property and a violation of international law. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik that Russia would do everything possible to return the seized assets.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240313/theft-of-frozen-russian-assets-may-lead-to-financial-crisis-in-the-west-1117312032.html

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ukraine

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russian assets in eu, eu foreign policy chief josep borrell, will eu seize russian assets, eu economy crisis, eu sanctions against russia
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/national-st-george-ribbon-campaign-to-commemorate-wwii-victory-in-full-swing-across-russia-1118092236.html

National St. George Ribbon Campaign to Commemorate WWII Victory in Full Swing Across Russia

National St. George Ribbon Campaign to Commemorate WWII Victory in Full Swing Across Russia

Sputnik International

Cities across Russia have launched a highly-anticipated St. George Ribbon campaign dedicated to celebrating the country's military glory and WWII Victory Day.

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great patriotic war

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Dmitry Kiselev, the director general of Sputnik's parent media group Rossiya Segodnya, has launched the St. George Ribbon campaign in Russias capital."The importance of this event has grown, because the St. George Ribbon, as we perceive it, carries the victorious legacy that gives us strength. If you think about it, this is the most important time for all of us, be it on the front lines or at home," Kiselev said, commenting on the importance of the campaign.Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent media group Rossiya Segodnya, pointed out that the St. George Ribbon has become a symbol of the strive for the upcoming victory in a dedicated video.Check out Sputnik's gallery for a sneak peek into one of the most important events in Russia's public life!

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st. george ribbon campaign, georgian campaign in russia, what is st. george ribbon
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/nato-maneuvers-near-russian-borders-raise-risks-of-possible-military-incidents---zakharova-1118084731.html

NATO Maneuvers Near Russian Borders Raise Risks of Possible Military Incidents - Zakharova

NATO Maneuvers Near Russian Borders Raise Risks of Possible Military Incidents - Zakharova

Sputnik International

The NATO maneuvers near Russia's borders scheduled to kick off on Friday in Finland increase the risks of possible military incidents, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has told Sputnik.

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2024-04-24T05:06+0000

world

maria zakharova

russia

finland

nato

russian foreign ministry

west

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"The alliance continues its practical military exploration of a once neutral state, a respected participant in discussions on strengthening stability and security. The mentioned maneuvers near Russia's borders increase the risks of possible military incidents," Zakharova said. Russia, for its part, is closely monitoring "the aggressive actions of the collective West," she said. "Beyond any doubt, all necessary measures of political, military and technical nature to counter threats to the defense capability of our country will be taken," Zakharova said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240422/nato-pressuring-greece-and-spain-to-to-give-remaining-air-defense-systems-away-to-ukraine-1118058204.html

russia

finland

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the nato maneuvers near russia's borders scheduled to kick off on friday in finland increase the risks of possible military incidents, russian foreign ministry spokeswoman maria zakharova has told sputnik.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/russia-hosts-international-meeting-of-high-representatives-for-security-issues-1118085686.html

Russia Hosts International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues

Russia Hosts International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues

Sputnik International

The gathering, which has been held under the aegis of the Russian Security Council since 2010, was once touted by President Vladimir Putin as an event that helped resolve many regional and global problems.

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An international meeting of high representatives for security issues commences today in St. Petersburg and will last until April 25.The meeting will be attended by secretaries of security councils, national security advisers, deputy prime ministers, heads of security and intelligence agencies, as well as representatives of international organizations. The Russian delegation will be headed by the Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev.Participants will discuss a range of issues, including ensuring information security in the polycentric world order. Also on the table will be the preservation of national identity and traditional values as an indispensable element in maintaining international security, peace and stability.Follow Sputnik to keep an eye on the event.

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The Security Council of Russia holds the XII international meeting of high representatives in charge of security issues Sputnik International The Security Council of Russia holds the XII international meeting of high representatives in charge of security issues 2024-04-24T06:34+0000 true PT136M03S

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Russia's Special Envoy, Afghan Officials Note Need to Unfreeze Kabul's Assets

Russia's Special Envoy, Afghan Officials Note Need to Unfreeze Kabul's Assets

Sputnik International

Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov and Afghan officials noted the need to unfreeze the country's national assets and transfer them to Kabul.

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"On April 23, Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov met with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for political affairs Abdul Kabir, Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani in Kabul," the ministry said on Tuesday. The meetings discussed Moscow-Kabul cooperation in various areas and the establishment of regional cooperation with Afghanistan within the framework of the Moscow format, the release said. The meeting also discussed "the responsibility of the United States and its allies for the negative consequences of the 20-year presence in Afghanistan," the release said. The Taliban* came to power in August 2021, toppling a US-backed government as NATO troops were leaving after almost 20 years of military presence in Afghanistan. Numerous countries and international organizations responded to the militant takeover by cutting aid and ties with Kabul.* designated extremists by the UN

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240424/s-korea-us-conduct-joint-space-drills-against-perceived-threats-from-n-korea---reports-1118089132.html

S. Korea, US Conduct Joint Space Drills Against Perceived Threats From N. Korea - Reports

S. Korea, US Conduct Joint Space Drills Against Perceived Threats From N. Korea - Reports

Sputnik International

South Korea and the United States have conducted joint space exercises aimed at addressing North Korea's alleged jamming attacks on global positioning system (GPS) and other space-based threats as part of annual air drills, South Korean media reported on Wednesday, citing the air force.

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The Space Operation Squadron of South Korea's air force and the US Space Forces Korea have simulated scenarios to withstand satellite communication interference and boost the GPS accuracy against perceived threats from North Korea during the Korea Flying Training drills, the Yonhap news agency reported. The allies also discussed integration of South Korean intelligence satellites in real missions and operations to prepare for their future deployment, the report said. The two-week Korea Flying Training is taking place from April 12 at an air base in the South Korean city of Gunsan, the report said. The Space Operation Squadron was created in December 2022 as an integrated unit for space operations and surveillance against Pyongyang's developing space capabilities, the news agency reported. Seoul's second military satellite launch under South Korea's plan to put five reconnaissance satellites into orbit by 2025 to monitor North Korea's activities took place on April 8. The move comes as North Korea allegedly boosts efforts to develop space reconnaissance capabilities, which could potentially enhance its "precision strike capability" against major targets in South Korea and the United States, media reported.

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Senators Doubt US Economy Will Benefit From 'Support Ukraine' Bill

Senators Doubt US Economy Will Benefit From 'Support Ukraine' Bill

Sputnik International

US President Joe Biden has signed into law a $95 billion Support Ukraine bill. Will the US economy benefit from it? Even the dissenting senators know for sure: the real winners should be looked for elsewhere

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Here are the main arguments against the Ukraine bill voiced by the US senators themselves.The first argument is that the bill will not lead to Ukraines victory or Israels security, and that as such the US will not achieve any of its foreign policy goals by adding the expense to its already huge debt.Thomas Tuberville, Republican senator from Alabama, was even more outspoken during the debate in the Senate: I cant believe that the Republican leadership sold out the country and that the House signed a bill that sends $95 billion to other countries  It undermines our interests abroad and paves our nations path to bankruptcy  This is on top of the $120 billion that we already sent to that black hole without accountability [named Ukraine]. And we are a country that is $35 trillion in debt!The second argument against the bill is procedural.The bill was forced through the senate without due discussion, with some arguments in favor being obvious lies. For example, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) claimed that Ukraine has taken back about half of the territory Russia took in 2022, and that in this situation giving Ukraine $60 billion in all kinds of aid would be a typical peace through strength act.A mere look at the map and a simple calculation are enough to see that this is simply not true, and that in Vance's words, Ukraine has no chance of winning.Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) decried the fact that they were initially forced to vote on the bill in a package, without presenting amendments and separating good and bad points.Sanders said he did not want to finance [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahus war machine with billions of taxpayer money after Netanyahu killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and wounded 77,000 others, with 70% of the casualties being women and children. Israel is now set to get $26.4 billion, since senators have approved expenditures on both military and civilian projects.The third argument against the Ukraine bill is the lack of accountability.Sen. Mike Lee complained about the lack of oversight, reminding his colleagues how previously earmarked funds vanished in Ukraine. The Utah senator criticized the packages proponents for defeating an effort led by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to increase accountability and oversight of the aid  by at least appointing an inspector general.Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) further noted the Biden administration just cant seem to get its priorities straight:Instead of debating the legislation to close our borders and fix the economy, we are about to send money to one of the most corrupt countries in the world, Tuberville said, urging his fellow senators not to be fooled by the usage of the word loan, which both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson used to sell the bill.In the long run, financed by deficit spending, the bill will benefit the arms giants and prolong the conflict, Tuberville said.Indeed, the military-industrial complex of the US is benefitting handsomely now, and it has all the reasons to welcome the $60 billion worth Ukrainian bill, $23.2 billion from which will be spent on replenishing Pentagon stocks, $13.8 billion on purchasing weapons for Ukraine and $11.3 billion on financing US military activity in the region.The Nation reported that Americas biggest military contractor, Lockheed Martin, paid its CEO John Taiclet $22.8 million in 2023. The salaries of the CEOs of Northrop Grumman, RTX and Boeing ranged from $14.5 million to $22.5 million.So, these people are doing well and can be expected to profit from the new bill, too. But, can they be called the US economy? Arent the bills proponents confusing them with average Americans?

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240423/us-congressman-says-facing-500-fine-for-sharing-video-of-lawmakers-waving-ukrainian-flag-1118082014.html

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What's Known About Iran-North Korea Relations?

What's Known About Iran-North Korea Relations?

Sputnik International

A high-level North Korean economic delegation embarked on a trip to the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 23, as per the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) Central News Agency.

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The DPRK delegation led by Minister of External Economic Relations Yun Jung-ho traveled to Iran on Wednesday for the first time since 2019.The top-level meeting immediately prompted speculations in the Western mainstream press that Tehran and Pyongyang's encounter has something to do with military cooperation.While G7 members have no scruples about delivering weapons to warring parties all over the world, their respective media rushed to demonize Yun's trip to Tehran despite nothing suggesting that the economy minister went to the Islamic Republic to talk about security issues."While North Korea is unlikely to disclose further details about the trip, it highlights the military cooperation between the two countries and their defiance of the US over the years," Time Magazine claimed.In What Spheres Do Iran & North Korea Cooperate?The latest known visit of a North Korean delegation to Iran took place in 2019, ahead of the coronavirus pandemic. The group was led by Pak Chol-min, vice chair of the DPRK parliament, and lasted a week.Subjected to unprecedented sanctions from the collective West and its allies, the two countries have maintained ties in energy trade, banking, agriculture, hi-tech, and cultural exchanges, to name but a few. Tehran and Pyongyang also conducted active diplomatic exchanges until the pandemic forced the DPRK to seal its borders.Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the two joined ranks to tackle the emerging challenge under the conditions of harsh sanctions. According to the Tehran Times, the former head of Irans Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Hamid Zadboum met with the North Korean Ambassador Han Song-u in September 2020 to discuss the expansion of banking and trade ties.In particular, the two emphasized creating a favorable environment for their respective private sectors to boost economic development. The DPRK delegation also proposed that Irans Trade Promotion Organization and the North Korean Trade Development Committee establish a Joint Trade Committee to expand trade between the two sides.How US Policies Pushed Iran and North Korea TogetherIran established diplomatic relations with the DPRK in 1973, whereas the Islamic Revolution of 1979 strengthened these ties which still had seen ups and downs in subsequent decades.The Trump administration's Mideast and Asia policies accelerated Iran-North Korean rapprochement.During his first term, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani  who inked the Iran nuclear deal with his American counterparts and several world powers in 2015  moved to boost ties with South Korea and even subjected Pyongyang to criticism.However, after Trump announced his intention to axe the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) commonly known as the nuclear deal, the Iranian leadership opted to join ranks with the DPRK. In August 2017, Kim Yong-nam, head of the DPRK's Supreme Peoples Assembly, the nation's legislature, went on a ten-day tour to Tehran and attended Rouhani's second inauguration ceremony, a move that was largely seen as a sign of restored relations.After the US withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and reinstated anti-Iran sanctions in August 2018, DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho took part in a high-profile summit with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Tehran to discuss joint efforts to thwart US sanctions and their negative consequences.Ebrahim Raisi's win in the Iranian presidential elections in June 2021 further strengthened Iran-DPRK ties.In December 2022, the two countries agreed to enhance academic, scientific and technological cooperation. According to the Tehran Times, Hashem Dadashpour, the Iranian deputy science minister, and DPRK Ambassador Han Song-u particularly discussed the exchange of professors and students, the promotion of the Persian language in North Korea and cultural exchanges.In February 2022, the US Congressional Research Service claimed that North Korea had been indirectly supplied by Iranian crude as Pyongyang never pledged to abide by sanctions against Tehran following Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal. The US placed curbs on Iranian oil exports to strangulate the Islamic Republic's economy.Iran and the DPRK could also join ranks to boost Syria's reconstruction. As per Al-Monitor, the Syrian-Korean Joint Technical Committee for Joint Industrial Cooperation held talks in August 2022 on restoring Syrias production lines and machinery damaged during the Syrian war, whereas Iran has been providing construction materials to rebuild the Arab Republic's infrastructure.'Axis of Evil': West's Deliberate DemonizationFollowing the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Iran and North Korea were accused by the West of selling military equipment and munitions to Moscow. However, no evidence to back the allegations has ever been presented by Washington or its allies.The Western press has also speculated about the Iran-DPRK military, nuclear and ballistic missile cooperation. 38North, a program of the Stimson Center focused on North Korea, alleges that the two countries exchanged technologies and designs to drive their ballistic missile programs.A February 2021 UN panel of experts report argued that Irans Shahid Hemat Industrial Group (SHIG) could have had ties with North Korean entities and industries creating ballistic missiles. Iran's UN Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi shredded the accusations and condemned the UN Panel of Experts for using "false information and fabricated data."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240331/moscow-says-activities-of-un-group-of-experts-on-north-korea-not-impartial-1117665542.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240421/lesson-for-america-iran-deploys-army-to-secure-southeastern-border-1118044703.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230704/violation-of-iran-nuclear-deal-shows-us-and-europe-never-sincere-about-agreements---scholar-1111656290.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240416/pain-at-the-pump-why-military-action-or-sanctions-against-iran-may-backfire-on-us--allies-1117960384.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240401/north-korea-plans-to-launch-more-reconnaissance-satellites-1117680128.html

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Students attend a job fair in Tsinghua University in Beijing on March 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Youth serve as a major economic asset for a country, and can help propel its growth and development endeavors to new heights. Given China's push for a series of technological and industrial upgrades, there is enormous room to spur new employment opportunities which in turn will advance technological progress.



China is expected to see about 11.79 million college graduates this year, and has benefited from continuous growth among its young, job-seeking population. Emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles (NEVs) and artificial intelligence (AI) provide new market opportunities and platforms for young employees to show their talents. For instance, many employers are already targeting talent with knowledge and understanding of logistics and modern manufacturing. These are sectors that demonstrate a forward-looking vision for development and value-added growth.

By aligning skillsets with emerging sector needs and expectations, China stands better positioned to accelerate an influx of young talent into competitive fields. These are fields that stand to drive the country's pursuit for high-quality development. Moreover, emerging industries end up strengthening the case for more robust academic-industrial collaboration to tap into China's fast-expanding pool of qualified young talent, bringing with it opportunities in enormous human resources.

In addition, China's high-tech manufacturing also continues to maintain strong momentum, demonstrating consistency in growth. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, investment in high-tech manufacturing sectors witnessed a growth of nearly 11% in the first quarter. This is promising for China's graduates, enabling them to contemplate more secure employment prospects across sectors that are witnessing consistent growth, investment and market stability.

It is important to note that the Chinese government has already put its policy weight behind nurturing opportunities for the expansion of emerging sectors. These include the development of new industries, promotion of new quality productive forces and sizeable equipment upgrades to serve business interests, which in turn will feed into long-term employment opportunities for China's youth.

China's job market has prioritized employment for young people. It shows in China's commitment to creating over 12 million urban jobs in 2024, underscoring long-term support to meet rising demand with conducive job conditions on the ground. Meanwhile, emerging industries are playing a significant role in providing job opportunities for young people. This was evident in the special recruitment events and other employment initiatives held this spring.

Constant industrial progress and technological gains are another major win for the youth. These advancements have the potential to provide better job opportunities. It is evident in the current job opportunity boom that is stretching across many emerging industrial sectors in China, leading to a surge in employers seeking skilled, high-tech professionals. This is yet another positive development for China's millions of graduates, as it opens doors for them to enter industries that are regarded as both domestically and internationally competitive.

Growth of emerging sectors such as NEVs can promote stronger economic mobility for China's youth, and enable them to contribute to the country's national growth. With China's emerging sectors promising a steady increase in employment opportunities for its youth, the number of young college graduates is also surging, marking a win-win opportunity.

The rapid development of industries like NEVs can boost China's economic growth and create more and better job opportunities for young people. As more jobs become available in China's emerging industries, more and more college graduates will get a chance to contribute to cutting-edge fields and help boost the country's development.

These trends indicate significant career advancement, new employment opportunities and a growing emphasis on industrial support for young people. Booming high-tech fields have become important drivers of steady job growth in China, highlighting their potential to create exciting new opportunities in competitive markets.

The author is a foreign affairs commentator, author and recipient of the Fulbright Award.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
The Atlantic Standardbred Breeders Association (ASBA) announced at its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, April 21 that the Atlantic Sires Stakes would see the Nova Scotia funding contribution nearly double, increasing from $220,000 to $400,000 in 2024.

ASBA President Rosanne Langille stated this is great news for the Sires Stakes program.

"On behalf of the ASBA directors, we want to thank the NSHRIA [Nova Scotia Harness Racing Association]," said Langille. "We would like to especially thank the Honourable Minister Greg Morrow and Honourable Minister Allan MacMaster, for their support to the Nova Scotia harness racing industry. It has been greatly appreciated during the last two years."

The Sires Stakes boost follows previous Nova Scotia funding announcements that were made by the NSHRIA at the Inverness Raceway annual awards banquet on April 12. Greg Morrow, Minister of Agriculture, had announced that the Government of Nova Scotia is providing an additional $350,000 to enhance the current $1 million fund, which includes stakes and overnight purses at all three Nova Scotia tracks. Allan MacMaster, Finance Minister, had also announced that the Irish Road Horsemens Association in Port Hood would be receiving a grant of $55,000 for improvements around the training track.

"This is welcoming news to the NSHRIA and good news to our owners, drivers, trainers, grooms, volunteers and fans who support our industry," said Debbie Francis, NSHRIA Chairperson. "These investments go directly back to the rural economy through the purse money, feed purchases, breeding and veterinary fees."

(With files from NSHRIA)
Sonadora quarter-poled to the point and held off late challengers inside and outside to preserve her 8-1 upset in Wednesdays $26,712 final of the Ruby Cook Memorial Pace for three-year-old fillies at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

Once Sonadora reached the top, her work was far from over, as she faced threats outside from Birdie Said and in the Lightning Lane from Muse La Rouge, who had captured the series two preliminary legs. But Sonadore dug in for Brady Brown, triumphing in a career-best 1:54.2. Birdie Said was a head back in second, with Muse La Rouge third.

Nathan Bresnahan trains Sonadora, a daughter of Sweet Lou-Belle Boyd, for Matthew Miller.

Elsewhere on Wednesdays card, millionaire Marloe Hanover overwhelmed a strong field in the $26,301 Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pace, prevailing easily on the front end in 1:51.1 for Dave Palone, trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. and owners Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Odds On Racing. The seven-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous-Mesmerize Bluechip now has banked $1,193,599. The pocket-sitting Lydeo was second, beaten 2-3/4 lengths, with Always Gonna B You third.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. piloted four winners on the 13-race card.

During Wednesday's card, The Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association honoured Hunter Myers on the occasion of the 2,000th winning drive of his career. Myers, who splits his time between The Meadows and Ohio tracks, notched the milestone victory on Saturday at MGM Northfield Park. The 26-year-old Myers began driving in 2014 and in that year collected his first three pari-mutuel wins  all on the same card  at Ohios Jackson County Fair. Making the presentation were Pastor Joe DiDonato, The Meadows track chaplain, and Tasha McCormick, MSOA director of marketing.



Thursdays 13-race program at The Meadows features the $17,300 USD final of the Margaret Provost Memorial Trot for three-year-old fillies. On the wagering front, the card offers an $806.67 carryover in the Lucky7 (Race 3). First post is 12:45 p.m.

(With files from Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)
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A Douglas DC-4 airplane has crashed into a river in Fairbanks in U.S. state of Alaska on Tuesday, authorities said.

First responders were conducting an "active rescue" Tuesday morning after the plane crashed in the area of the Tanana River in Fairbanks, according to local officials.

Clint Johnson, Alaska chief of the National Transportation Safety Board, said it was not clear how many people were on the Douglas DC-4 when it crashed around 10:30 a.m. shortly after departure south of Fairbanks International Airport.

"We acknowledge the ongoing situation involving the Douglas DC-4 aircraft on the Tanana River near Kallenberg Road," the airport said in a statement. "Alaska State Troopers are actively leading the response and we are cooperating with them."

A spokesman for Fairbanks International Airport urged the public to avoid the area.

Alaska State Troopers, along with local, state and federal agencies, were responding to the crash near Kallenberg Road on Tuesday morning.

A witness said he heard a loud explosion and saw a plane overhead with an engine on fire, according to a report by the Anchorage Daily News.
Qualcomm Technologies expands the leading Snapdragon X Series platform portfolio with Snapdragon X Plus.

Snapdragon X Plus features the state-of-the-art Qualcomm Oryon CPU, a custom-integrated processor that delivers up to 37% faster CPU performance compared to competitors, while consuming up to 54% less power. This remarkable advancement in CPU performance sets a new standard in mobile computing, enabling users to accomplish more with greater efficiency. Snapdragon X Plus is also designed to meet the demands of on-device AI-driven applications, powered by the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU capable of 45 TOPS, making it the worlds fastest NPU for laptops. This platform is a significant leap in computing innovation and is set to transform the PC industry.

Kedar Kondap, senior vice president and general manager of compute and gaming, Qualcomm Technologies, said, Snapdragon X Series platforms deliver leading experiences and are positioned to revolutionize the PC industry. Snapdragon X Plus will power AI-Supercharged PCs that enable even more users to excel as radical new AI experiences emerge in this period of rapid development and deployment. By delivering leading CPU performance, AI capabilities, and power efficiency, we are once again pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mobile computing.

For the launch of the Snapdragon X Plus, Qualcomm Technologies demonstrated new AI- optimized applications and features running on the 45 TOPS NPU, including:

 Code generation in Visual Studio Code from Codegen, to assist programmers by generating fresh code instantly with on-device generative AI.

 Music generation in Audacity, using Riffusion on-device AI, to generate new music from prompts or pre-existing music.

 Live captions in OBS Studio, to provide automatic translation of 100 spoken languages into live captions in 100 languages using Whisper on-device, in real-time during livestreams.

OEMs are expected to launch PCs powered by Snapdragon X Plus alongside devices powered by Snapdragon X Elite starting mid-2024.
Nokia announced that the first Buy America-compliant products have rolled off the Sanmina manufacturing line. This significant milestone underscores the companys commitment to providing BEAD applicants with the broadband technology needed for critical infrastructure projects that will help close the digital divide. After announcing its plans with Sanmina, Nokia was able to deliver on its commitment to manufacture Buy America-compliant products in the United States in a record-breaking time.

The first Nokia products to come off the Sanmina manufacturing line are its Optical Line Terminal (OLT) cards, which help connect users to fast, reliable gigabit data services. These devices are critical in fiber networks, ensuring broadband data gets to and from homes or businesses.

Nokia will self-certify each product according to NTIA specifications to ensure that listed vendors comply with the final guidelines. The Nokia OLTs can be ordered as individual products or as part of Nokias Network-in-a-Box program.

Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, said, As leaders in broadband, were excited to announce a significant milestone: our Buy America-compliant products are now rolling off the production line, giving BEAD applicants and infrastructure providers access to technology that will be critical to bridging the digital divide. By aligning with Buy American guidelines, were actively contributing to the U.S. governments mission of expanding nationwide broadband access.

Charlie Mason, Executive Vice President Worldwide Sales at Sanmina, said, It has been an exciting journey working alongside Nokia to produce the critical fiber-optic technology that will help power the broadband networks of the future. Drawing on more than 40 years of manufacturing experience in the U.S., our team was able to ramp up production in record time and deliver quality products that meet both Nokias and NTIAs Buy America requirements.

Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, said, Having access to technology that is built in the U.S. is an important requirement for states and infrastructure players seeking to participate in BEAD and the $42.45bn of available broadband funding. The general availability of Buy America-compliant products from leading FBA members like Nokia will be a key contributor to fiber broadband operators completing their mission to connect every American to the power of fiber broadband.

Currently, Nokia powers seventy percent of fiber broadband lines in North America.

Nokia Buy America Compliant fiber-optic products include:
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Australia's top spy on Wednesday urged greater cooperation from the big tech companies, asking them to break a long-held industry taboo by providing access to encrypted messages.

Intelligence chief Mike Burgess said encrypted messaging had compromised the ability to root out threats, and said tech companies had a duty to break encryption when asked.

"Without their help in very limited and strictly controlled circumstances, encryption is unaccountable," said Burgess, from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Many tech platforms pride themselves on the ability to guarantee privacy through encrypted messaging channels, and providing access to law enforcement has long been seen as off-limits.

Companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft have rebuffed similar calls in the past, labeling them a threat to cyber security and user privacy.

"Encryption is clearly a good thing, a positive for our democracy and our economy," Burgess said.

But, he added, "It also protects terrorists and spies, saboteurs and abhorrent criminals".

"I'm asking, urging, the tech companies to work with us to resolve this challenge.

"I'm not asking for new laws. I'm not asking for new powers. I'm asking for the tech companies to do more."

Burgess said intelligence agencies were currently investigating a "racist extremist network" using encrypted messaging.

"Sharing vile propaganda, posting tips about homemade weapons and discussing how to provoke a race war," he said.

Speaking alongside Burgess, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw singled out Meta, which has been rolling out end-to-end encryption for Facebook and Facebook Messenger.

End-to-end encryption stops law enforcement from intercepting messages, meaning only the sender and recipient are able to read their contents.

Kershaw said this would severely hamper investigations, calling the lack of cooperation with authorities "a disgrace".

Apple notably resisted a legal effort to weaken iPhone encryption to allow authorities to read messages from a suspect in a 2015 bombing in San Bernardino, California.

Police officials worldwide say encryption can protect criminals, terrorists and pornographers even when authorities have a legal warrant for an investigation.

But civil rights and privacy advocates, along with cybersecurity professionals, advocate encrypting data to protect against wrongful snooping by authorities as well as hackers.

 2024 AFP
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Crossing roads for children can be a risky calculation, especially when the vehicles are self-driven. In a new study, University of Iowa researchers determined pre-teenage children are safest when self-driving vehicles signaled their intent to yield with a green light when they arrived at the intersection, then stopped. Credit: Tim Schoon, University of Iowa

Crossing a busy street safely typically is a result of a social exchange. Pedestrians look for cuesa wave, a head nod, a winking flash of the headlights, and, of course, a full vehicle stopto know it's safe to cross.

But those clues could be absent or different with self-driving vehicles. How will children and adults know when it's safe to cross the road?

In a new study, University of Iowa researchers investigated how pre-teenage children determined when it was safe to cross a residential street with oncoming self-driving cars. The researchers found children made the safest choices when self-driving cars indicated via a green light on top of the vehicle that it was safe to cross when the vehicle arrived at the intersection, then stopped.

When self-driving cars turned on the green light farther away from the crossing pointand even when they slowed downchildren engaged in riskier intersection crossings, the researchers learned.

"Children exhibited much safer behavior when the light turned green later," says Jodie Plumert, professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the study's senior author.

"They seemed to treat it like a walk light and waited for that light to come on before starting to cross. Our recommendation, then, for autonomous vehicle design is that their signals should turn on when the car comes to a stop, but not before."

The difference in the timing of the green light signal from the self-driving car is important: Children are inclined to use the light as the vehicle's clearance to go ahead and cross, trusting that it will stop as it gets closer to the intersection. But as Plumert and co-author Elizabeth O'Neal point out, that could invite peril.

"This could be dangerous if the car for some reason does not stop, though pedestrians will have the benefit of getting across the road sooner," says Plumert, who is the Russell B. and Florence D. Day Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

"So, even though it may be tempting to make the traffic flow more efficient by having these signals come on early, it's probably pretty dangerous for kids in particular," adds O'Neal, assistant professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health and the study's corresponding author.

Some may see self-driving vehicles as a futuristic technology, but they are operating right now in American cities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety projects there will be 3.5 million vehicles with self-driving functionality on U.S. roads by next year, and 4.5 million by 2030. This year, an autonomous-vehicle taxi service, called Waymo One, will operate in four cities, including new routes in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas.

This comes as pedestrian deaths from motor vehicles remains a serious concern. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed by drivers in 2022, a 40-year high.

"The fact is drivers don't always come to a complete stop, even with stop signs," notes Plumert, who has studied vehicle-pedestrian interactions since 2012. "People are running stop signs all the time. Sometimes drivers don't see people. Sometimes they're just spacing out."

The researchers aimed to understand how children respond to two different cues from self-driving cars when deciding when to cross a road: gradual versus a sudden (later) slowing; and the distance from the crossing point when a green light signal atop the vehicle was activated.

The researchers placed nearly 100 children ages 8 to 12 in a realistic simulated environment and asked them to cross one lane of a road with oncoming driverless vehicles. The crossings took place in an immersive, 3D interactive space at the Hank Virtual Environments Lab on the UI campus.

Researchers observed and recorded the children's crossing actions and spoke with them after the sessions to learn more about how they responded to the green light signaling and the timing of the vehicle slowing.

One major difference in crossing behavior: When the car's green light turned on farther away from the crossing point, child participants entered the intersection on average 1.5 seconds sooner than the kids whose scenario included the light coming on later and the vehicle had stopped at the crossing point.

"That time difference is actually quite significant," Plumert notes. "A green light signal that flashes early is potentially dangerous because kids and even adults will use it as a cue to begin crossing, trusting that the car is going to come to a stop."

The results build on findings published in 2017 by Plumert and O'Neal that children up to their early teenage years had difficulty consistently crossing a street safely in a virtual environment, with accident rates as high as 8% with 6-year-olds.

That danger underscores the need for clear, easy-to-understand signaling to children from self-driving vehicles, the researchers say. Researchers are testing various communicative signals, including flashing lights, projecting eyes on the windshield, splashing racer stripes on the edge of the windshield, and written words (like walk/don't walk).

"All have some utility, but children are a special case," says O'Neal, who earned a doctorate in psychology at Iowa in 2018 and had been working as a postdoctoral researcher in Plumert's lab before joining the faculty in the College of Public Health. "They may not always be able to incorporate a flashing light or a racing light to indicate that it's slowing or that it's going to yield to you."

Children naturally understood signaling using a green light and a red light, the researchers found. But timing is critical, they learned.

"We think vehicle manufacturers should not consider the idea of turning the light on early or having the signal present early," Plumert says, "because people will definitely use that, and they'll get out there in front of the approaching vehicle. People hate to wait."

The study is titled, "Deciding when to cross in front of an autonomous vehicle: How child and adult pedestrians respond to eHMI timing and vehicle kinematics." It published online on April 24 in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.

Lakshmi Subramanian, who earned a doctorate from Iowa and now is at Kean University in New Jersey, shares first authorship on the study. Joseph Kearney, professor emeritus in the Department of Computer Science, is a senior author. Contributing authors include Nam-Yoon Kim and Megan Noonan in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.

More information: Deciding when to cross in front of an autonomous vehicle: How child and adult pedestrians respond to eHMI timing and vehicle kinematics, Accident Analysis & Prevention (2024).
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ASML employs around 42,000 in the world.

Frenchman Christophe Fouquet takes the reins of Dutch chip giant ASML on Wednesday with a daunting to-do list, top of which will be steering business with China as semiconductors become a geopolitical battleground.

ASML's strategic importance in manufacturing machines to make ultra-thin microchips that power much of the world's advanced technology has given it a role far beyond the commercial.

Fouquet will have to navigate choppy political waters as Western powers led by the United States want to crimp Chinese access to such technology fearing it could be used for weapons.

Analysts do not expect a radical shift for ASML under Fouquetafter a 16-year career at the firm, he was the continuity candidate to replace current CEO Peter Wennink.

"There should be no expectations that I will be turning the tables. I think that what we have been working on for many, many years is still what we want to achieve with ASML," said Fouquet when appointed.

Patting him affectionately on the arm in a corporate video, Wennink said of his 50-year-old successor: "He's been with the company for so long and he knows all our customers, suppliers, people, shareholders."

"He's a known entity."

Born in 1973, Fouquet studied physics in the southeastern French city of Grenoble, giving him the strong theoretical skills required to run a tech company of ASML's stature.

After stints at semiconductor firms KLA Tencor and Applied Materials, he joined ASML in 2008, holding various positions in marketing and product management.

Fouquet spent years running the firm's EUV (extreme ultraviolet) program of cutting-edge machines that print ultra-thin chips critical for the development of artificial intelligence.

And since 2022, he has been a key right-hand man for Wennink as vice president and chief business officer.

"Insider Christophe Fouquet is continuity in the flesh," said specialist publication Bits&Chips.

"The Frenchman knows both the company and the industry like the back of his hand."

Simon Coles, ASML analyst at Barclays, told AFP: "I would not expect a change in direction. The new CEO helped set and plan the current strategy, so we'd expect to see a continuation."

'Little dark corner'

Top of Fouquet's concerns will be China. In January, the Dutch government revoked licenses for some of ASML's advanced machines, sparking fury in Beijing.

ASML's latest quarterly results showed China accounted for 49 percent of sales but overall orders were weaker than expected, sparking a slump in shares.

Fouquet has previously said it is "extremely difficult and extremely expensive" to decouple the industry's supply chain.

"It's a matter of time until people realize that the only way to be successful in semiconductors is through cooperation," he told financial news outlet Nikkei Asia last year.

"The idea that we could go back to a little dark corner and do it all alone is most probably a very challenging concept."

Closer to home, Fouquet will inevitably become embroiled in a domestic political debate about the future of ASML's headquarters in Veldhoven, seen as the Dutch "Silicon Valley".

After far-right leader Geert Wilders won elections on a pledge to halt immigration, Wennink ruffled feathers by warning that ASML could look elsewhere if it could not find talented immigrant staff.

The Dutch government then unveiled "Operation Beethoven", a charm offensive worth 2.5 billion euros ($2.6 billion) designed to keep companies like ASML in the Netherlands.

"ASML is our (Argentine striker Lionel) Messi and such a star player brings a whole team along with them," said Economy Minister Micky Adriaansens when presenting the plan.

The firm and the region around Veldhoven are exploring plans to house around 20,000 employees in the area despite a growing Dutch outcry about expats hogging housing in a crowded Netherlands.

Fouquet is the second Frenchman to run the Dutch firm, after Eric Meurice, and trade publication Bits&Chips said his nationality could cut both ways.

While he could be at a disadvantage dealing with Dutch politicians, "his French origins could help on the international stage, on which geopolitical storms continue wreaking havoc", it wrote.

"France stands for a proud and self-confident Europe, so when it comes to curbing American interference, such as export measures, the new ASML CEO will invariably find the French president on his side."

 2024 AFP
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Rescuers work among the rubble after a missile attack in Pecherskyi district, Kiev, Ukraine, March 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Ukraine would soon get the largest-ever military aid package from Britain worth 500 million pounds (619 million U.S. dollars).

The package will contain Storm Shadow and other types of missiles, hundreds of armored vehicles and watercraft, and ammunition, he said on Telegram after a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Zelensky said they also discussed bilateral defense cooperation, focusing on maritime and long-range capabilities.

One of the leading donors to Ukraine, Britain has pledged almost 12 billion pounds in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which 7.1 billion is for military assistance, according to the British parliament.
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Chinese students at an e-commerce school rehearse selling hijabs and abayas into a smartphone.

Donning hijabs and floor-length abaya gowns over shorts and tank tops, Chinese students at an e-commerce school perform into a smartphone camera as they learn how to sell the clothes to overseas TikTok users.

It is the final day of a two-week course on selling products abroad via the short video appwhich despite being blocked in China is a platform more and more Chinese vendors are turning to.

Succeeding on TikTok requires tools for bypassing internet restrictions as well as foreign-language skills, challenges that have prompted a boom in courses and consulting services.

At the school in Guangzhou in southern Guangdong province, an instructor holds up the Middle Eastern-inspired garments to the camera and rattles off prices and sizing information for Muslim buyers in the UK.

"This is chiffon, it's really breathable!" she gushes in English as her proteges model the goods and sort through racks of satin robes under stark studio lights.

"We teach people which products are selling better, and which markets are more suitable for their current stages," 27-year-old Wang Yaxuan, another instructor at the school, tells AFP.

Guangdong is home to thousands of factories making a mindboggling variety of products, from the abayas to espresso machine parts to wigs made of human hair.

Instructor Wang Yaxuan uses her phone to livestream on TikTok at Mede Education Technology's e-commerce school in Guangzhou.

After decades of producing goods for export, Chinese companies are increasingly seeking to cut out the middleman and market themselves at lower prices, directly to overseas consumers.

Shein, the China-founded fast fashion giant, has effectively taken over the lower-end Western market using this strategy, with TikTok a key facet of its selling network.

TikTok Shop launched in the United States late last year, and e-commerce features have previously been rolled out in places like Britain and Southeast Asia.

A casual scroll on the hugely popular app's "Live" tab can land users on multiple shopping livestreams within minutes.

But with TikTok unavailable in Chinaparent company Bytedance operates the more strictly censored sister app Douyin domesticallysmaller businesses there are at a disadvantage.

Courses like the one at Mede Education Technology's e-commerce school help by covering everything from the basics of creating a TikTok account to handling shipping and analyzing sales data.

Instructor Wang Yaxuan (C) giving feedback after a student's livestream on TikTok.

Fees start at around 9,000 yuan ($1,244) for a six-day course.

Students, who range from factory owners to fresh graduates, often take classes for multiple foreign shopping platforms including Amazon and Southeast Asia's Shopee.

Information gap

Qiu Zhouwen, a course participant in his 30s, works for a Guangzhou cosmetics company.

He says his company enrolled him because they are hoping to eventually sell their skincare range through TikTok.

"Information is part of the cost (of doing business) now, and if you don't have the information that's appropriate to the market, your cost will be way too high," Qiu says.

Wang, the Mede instructor, attended university in the United States and says it can be challenging for Chinese sellers to adapt to different consumer tastes abroad.

Chemical manufacturer Donghua Jinlong spawned viral memes on TikTok this month after overseas social media users found absurdist humour in the company's matter-of-fact videos about industrial-grade glycine featuring AI-generated voiceovers.

Students at the school take classes for multiple shopping platforms, including Southeast Asia's Shopee (upper R).

There are also significant technical hurdles.

Accessing TikTok from China requires VPN software to bypass the country's virtual "Great Firewall", while dodging the app's own curbs on users manipulating their IP addresses.

VPNs are a legal gray area in China, with authorities occasionally cracking down while generally tolerating their use for business purposes.

TikTok is also caught up in global geopolitical tensionsthe US Congress is threatening to ban the app entirely over concerns it could share personal data with the Chinese government.

Wang is unfazed by the prospect of a US TikTok ban.

"Our students are not just selling to the US market... the current trend for TikTok for Southeast Asia is also very good," she tells AFP.

Wang says it's not the first time this situation has happened, adding that she feels the United States was trying to "take this huge cake and split up the market".

Guangzhou-based Mede is one of many organisations running classes on international e-commerce.

Catchphrases and clicks

Mede is one of many organizations running TikTok classes, including others based in Guangdong, where authorities have hung up propaganda banners promoting international e-commerce.

Those not willing to shell out steep course fees can also seek advice from e-commerce veterans who have built a following on Chinese social apps by sharing TikTok tips.

Molly Zhao, a 23-year-old TikTok livestreamer, has been selling products including clothing and electronics online since 2022.

Zhao, who studied in Italy and speaks Italian and English, told AFP her foreign-language skills have earned her livestreaming jobs paying as much as 20,000 yuan ($2,760) each month.

She regularly posts videos for domestic viewers on Douyin, covering topics including common English phrases and how to explain shipping rates clearly.

Accessing TikTok from China requires using VPN software, a legal grey area that is generally tolerated for business purposes.

"You must build up the atmosphere," she explains in one video, adding that using a catchphrase can "make a deeper impression on customers".

In another video, a smiling, dancing Zhao shares her warmup routine before a livestream session selling gemstones and crystals to US viewers.

"Time to earn Americans' money," she says in a deadpan caption. "I'll put on some music to hype myself up."

 2024 AFP
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Emerging green value chains and the associated production steps, feedstock flows and trade options. Credit: Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01492-z

Countries with limited potential for renewables could save up to 20% of costs for green steel and up to 40% for green chemicals from green hydrogen if they relocated their energy-intensive production and would import from countries where renewable energy is cheaper, finds a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

This 'renewables pull' would create strong incentives for businesses to invest in low-emission production facilities in these renewable-rich countries. Renewable-scarce countries could put all focus on down-stream production and refinement as the smart way to secure industrial competitiveness.

"Our new study shows that renewable-scarce countries like parts of the EU, Japan and South Korea could save between 18 to 38 percent in production costs," explains Philipp Verpoort, scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and lead author of the study published in Nature Energy.

"They could do so by relocating their production of industrial basic materials like green steel and chemicals based on green hydrogen to countries where renewable energy is cheap."

The use of renewable electricity and green hydrogen is a key solution to cut greenhouse gas emissions when producing steel and chemicals. However, not all industrialized countries would be able to produce these in sufficient quantities and at competitive prices in the long term due to their geographical conditions.

"If these countries focus on producing green hydrogen domestically or importing it, this will be costly for both industry and society. It could even become a dead-end as it results in a lack of long-term competitiveness on global markets. Importing industrial intermediate goods such as iron sponge, ammonia, or methanol and focusing on downstream production and refinement could be a cheaper and more robust strategy for securing competitiveness," explains Verpoort.

Importing hydrogen via ship could hinder long-term competitiveness of hydrogen-based value chains

To arrive at these results, the scientists looked at the green value chains of three primary basic materials: steel, urea and ethylene. They argue that an electricity-price difference of 4ct/kWh between some existing renewable-scarce industrial production sites (e.g. Germany, Japan or South Korea) and favorable locations elsewhere on the globe (e.g. Australia, Chile, South Africa) can be expected in 2040.

The researchers then assessed the cost effectiveness of competing decarbonization strategies by comparing different trade optionsimport of industrial products, import of intermediate products, import of hydrogen, and no imports (i.e. full domestic production). Their research demonstrates that cost savings in case of relocation could be huge and that importing hydrogen does not seem to be a cost-effective strategyespecially when imports occur via ship.

The study also discusses other factors that will influence the investment decisions of companies, such as benefits of short and integrated value chains, reliability of supply chains, quality requirements, and public subsidies for low-emission production. However, according to the authors, those alone are unlikely to prevent a partial 'green relocation' of production, given the magnitude of cost savings derived in the study.

Green relocation: Transforming trade patterns can be a global win-win scenario

"We anticipate a global reconfiguration of trade and production in energy-intensive industry sectors. Production will likely shift towards countries abundant in renewable resources while moving away from regions facing constraints in this regard. This shift is often labeled as 'deindustrialization' by proponents of costly, permanent industrial policies aimed at protecting national production. However, this term is both inaccurate and misleading," explains Falko Ueckerdt, Senior Scientist at PIK and co-author of the study.

"It is only the first few steps of the long value chains of energy-intensive basic materials that will likely be relocated. This shift presents a potential win-win scenario for both importing and exporting countries. Developing countries with cheap access to renewables, for instance, stand to become exporters and reap the benefits of industrialization.

"At the same time, industrialized countries can focus on their economic strengths by specializing in those industrial activities that create the most economic value from scarce and expensive green energy, such as making green steel from sponge iron and processing it further."

More information: Impact of global heterogeneity of renewable energy supply on heavy industrial production and green value chains., Nature Energy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01492-z Journal information: Nature Energy
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Credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

The European Parliament on Wednesday endorsed rules to strengthen the rights of workers in the gig economy on digital platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo.

Supporters hope the rules will allow some workers to be reclassified as employed, giving greater access to labor rights.

The legislation, backed in a vote by 554 EU lawmakers, with 56 against and 24 abstaining, will become law following final approval by the EU's 27 member states.

When the EU began work on the text in 2021, the aim was to set uniform rules that supporters hoped would improve conditions for workers for outfits such as ride-sharing group Uber by fixing norms under which they would be legally seen as employees.

French-led resistance stopped the text in its tracks in December despite an agreement struck by EU negotiators.

Not wanting to give up, negotiators returned to the table in February and agreed on a new draft with scaled-back rules that the parliament has now approved.

The new text scrapped the idea of any EU-level list of criteria, leaving it up to each country instead. Some argued that effectively maintained the status quo.

There are around 28 million gig workers dependent on online platforms in Europe, and the European Parliament believes at least 5.5 million could be wrongly classified as self-employed.

Jeremy Wick, a Deliveroo and Uber Eats worker in the French city of Bordeaux, hailed the vote.

"It's a resounding victory for us and a stinging defeat for the platforms. It sends a strong message to thousands of colleagues throughout Europe even if it will take time to apply," said Wick, 34.

He attended an event with workers from Austria, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Spain organized by the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party.

 2024 AFP
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China's Leap into Low-Altitude Airspace Management: A Journey Toward Integrated UAS Operations. Credit: GREEN ENERGY AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION

As China propels itself into a new era of aviation with its significant advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the nation is on the brink of a transformative shift in low-altitude airspace management. These changes are driven by an urgent need to integrate a burgeoning number of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace, posing unique challenges and opportunities for regulation, technology, and industry practices.

At the forefront of this evolution are the challenges presented by the digital, networked, and intelligent nature of UAS operations. Traditional aviation regulations and technical systems are under pressure to evolve rapidly to ensure safe, efficient, and integrated airspace usage by a diverse array of new players, including commercial drones for logistics, environmental monitoring, and potentially passenger transport.

China has historically maintained a complex airspace classification system, traditionally dominated by military and commercial aviation. However, since 2010, the reform for low-altitude airspace management has been initiated to incorporate general aviation and now UAS. This includes establishing low-altitude flight service support systems spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

One of the notable developments in this area is the explosive growth of the UAS industry, which has seen China become a world leader in drone manufacturing. Drones in China are now widely used in several sectors, significantly impacting the logistics, agriculture, and environmental sectors. The flight hours of UAS have notably surpassed those of manned aircraft, highlighting the shift toward unmanned aviation.

The integration of UAS into the national airspace is multifaceted, involving the adaptation of UAS traffic management systems, technological tests, and verification of new operational concepts. China is exploring and taking cues from international practices, to shape its regulatory framework and operational strategies. This includes the adoption of advanced traffic management systems to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of both manned and unmanned aircraft in shared airspace.

The operational scenarios for UAS in China are diverse, ranging from UAS logistics in urban and rural settings to coordinated operations with manned aircraft. The benefits of UAS in logistics are particularly pronounced, offering high efficiency and reduced costs compared to traditional methods. In urban areas, drones deliver everything from consumer goods to emergency medical supplies, showcasing their critical role during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the rapid integration of drones into populated urban areas and busy flight corridors brings significant challenges. These include ensuring the safety of manned and unmanned aircraft, integrating advanced traffic management technologies, and developing operational standards that accommodate the unique needs of UAS operations.

Looking forward, China is poised to expand the role of UAS significantly. This includes broader applications in passenger transport and increased use in international logistics, necessitating continuous advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and efficiency.

As China continues to refine its approach to low-altitude airspace management, the global aviation industry watches closely. The country's journey toward fully integrated UAS operations not only highlights its technological prowess but also its potential to set international standards in unmanned aviation.

With ongoing research, development, and regulatory adjustments, China is setting the stage for a future where drones are a central element of the national airspace ecosystem. The work is published in the journal Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation.

More information: Xiangmin Guan et al, The exploration and practice of low-altitude airspace flight service and traffic management in China, Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.geits.2024.100149

Provided by Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd
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Schematic comparing the traditional deposition and passivation processes (top row) and the integrated deposition and passivation strategy to form 2D passivated 3D halide perovskite films (bottom row). a) With the traditional procedure, the 3D perovskite is first deposited using antisolvent-assisted spin coating and subsequent annealing. Then, in a second step, the completed perovskite film is spin-coated again to deposit a bulky molecule, that is, PEACl in IPA, before annealing a second time. b) Using the integrated deposition and passivation strategy, the PEACl is added to the antisolvent and deposited onto the rotating wet film during the first (and only) spin coating process. The mixed 2D/3D film is then annealed on a hotplate. The inset in the bottom right illustrates the crystal structure of a 2D/3D (n = 1) and a quasi-2D/3D (n > 1) film. Credit: Advanced Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309154

For Michael Saliba and Mahdi Malekshahi, it was one of those moments in science when good experimental results raised more questions. The University of Stuttgart researchers recently developed a new process to make solar cells with perovskitesadvanced crystalline materials with the potential to revolutionize solar technology. Their cells were very efficient and stable, but there was one catch: they did not have a detailed understanding of why this process worked so well.

Saliba and Malekshahi reached out to researchers at the Molecular Foundry, a Department of Energy Office of Science user facility located at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

Fast forward several months, and the Berkeley Lab team has applied a set of techniques to reveal changes in the crystalline structures of perovskite solar cell materials in real-time as they were being fabricated with Saliba's process. The results, published in a recent Advanced Materials paper, provide researchers with a deeper understanding of how to make better perovskite solar cells.

"Material fabrication is often a black box," said Carolin Sutter-Fella, a Molecular Foundry staff scientist and one of the paper's corresponding authors. "You can't see what is happening as the material transforms from its initial building blocks to the final state. We built several capabilities that allow us to watch the formation of perovskite and other printable solar cell materials in fine detail. The insights from this work can help researchers address key barriers to commercializing this promising technology."

"By continuously taking measurements while depositing the material, we can visually follow how its functional properties evolve," said Tim Kodalle, a Berkeley Lab postdoctoral researcher at the Molecular Foundry and the study's lead author. "It's like watching a video."

The work was also conducted at the Advanced Light Source, a Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility located at Berkeley Lab.

Berkeley Lab researchers hit perovskite solar cell materials with X-rays as the materials were being fabricated. These videos, based on the scattering of the X-rays, show the structural changes happening in two different perovskite samples. The video on the left shows changes in a sample treated with an organic molecule called PEACl. The video on the right shows changes in a sample without PEACl. The red areas in the left video indicate the formation of a protective layer on the perovskite. Credit: Tim Kodalle, Berkeley Lab

A potential game-changer for solar

Perovskites have numerous advantages over the traditional silicon-based solar panels that dominate the solar industry today. For one, they absorb light much more efficiently. As a result, they can be made 100 times thinner and even printed on surfaces. Because they require less material and lower temperatures to process, they are potentially less expensive to produce. Unlike silicon or other semiconductor panels, perovskites perform well with material impurities.

The elemental composition of perovskites can easily be changed so that they absorb different parts of the sun's spectrum, which opens exciting opportunities to apply thin perovskite films to silicon panels. The resulting "tandem" panels could be significantly more efficient than today's panels, potentially enabling cost savings to accelerate the clean energy transition.

Despite these advantages, perovskite solar panels are not commercially viable yet. The main barrier is a lack of stability and durability. Solar panels must be able to last for 20 to 30 years in all kinds of weather. Perovskites attract water and degrade quickly in humid conditions, limiting their long-term durability in the field. Because of their sensitivity to environmental conditions, it's also difficult to fabricate perovskite cells with consistent quality.

"Two different labs may use the same process to make perovskites with significantly different quality," said Sutter-Fella. "This makes it hard for researchers to reproduce experiments, compare results, and figure out why some solar cells perform better than others."

A protective barrier to keep out moisture

One approach to improve durability involves fabricating a perovskite solar cell and then depositing an organic molecule called phenethylammonium chloride or PEACl on its surface. Researchers studying this two-step process have found that the PEACl forms a thin protective barrier that is effective at keeping out moisture.

Saliba's team at the University of Stuttgart improved this process by integrating perovskite cell fabrication and PEACl deposition into a single step. "Such a simplified process can enable researchers to make cells with more consistent quality," said Kodalle. "Longer term, the process can potentially reduce the costs and energy consumption of perovskite cell manufacturing."

Saliba's lab found that cells made with his process were more durable and efficient than cells made without PEACl. The collaboration with Berkeley Lab provided a more detailed explanation of this observation, characterizing how the perovskite materials evolved structurally as they were made.

Probing perovskites with X-rays, laser beams, and white light

In an approach known as multimodal imaging, the Berkeley Lab team applied three techniques to probe perovskite solar cell materials during fabrication, observing the evolution of their properties as they formed. Two materials were evaluatedone treated with PEACl using the process from Saliba's lab and the other without PEACl. The results revealed critical differences in the evolution of the two samples.

The first technique, known as grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, was conducted at the Advanced Light Source, a circular particle accelerator that generates bright X-ray beams. The technique involved illuminating the samples with a beam of X-rays at a shallow angle and measuring the resulting pattern of the X-rays as they scatter off of the atoms in the sample. This information revealed changes in the crystalline structures during the formation of the perovskite layers.

The second technique, called photoluminescence spectroscopy, measured the light emitted by the samples when illuminated by a laser. The changes in the energy of the light emitted by the samples provided insight into their crystal quality. A third technique, conducted at the Molecular Foundry, involved shining white light on the samples and determining the portion of light absorbed by the samples.

This technique revealed complementary information to the photoluminescence spectra and X-ray scattering patterns, providing additional insights into the crystal structure of the samples. The researchers then correlated the data streams from the three techniques to produce a detailed understanding of the temporal evolution of the crystalline structure of the samples.

The techniques revealed that the crystals in the PEACl-treated samples grew more slowly and were of higher quality, with a protective PEACl-rich layer forming at their surface. The team believes these findings explain the cells' improved efficiency and stable operation for over a month.

Sutter-Fella envisions several possible next research steps. "We can treat perovskites with other molecules and see how they affect durability and efficiency," she said. "We also need to monitor the cell's stability over a longer period of operation and under more realistic environmental conditions. The idea would be to understand which material combinations improve the cell's stability and thus can extend its lifetime."

More information: Tim Kodalle et al, An Integrated Deposition and Passivation Strategy for Controlled Crystallization of 2D/3D Halide Perovskite Films, Advanced Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309154 Journal information: Advanced Materials
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

How do algorithms determine the way we interact with our memories?

It's a uniquely 21st-century kind of question, and it is far from settled.

In a new paper in the journal Memory, Mind & Media, Concordia Ph.D. candidate Chrys Vilvang argues that the way tech companies store, package and share personal content back to users is opaque. And, given one recent controversy, it's open to important questions about selection and representation.

Vilvang's paper looks at the discussion stemming from an April 2022 article on 9to5Mac, a tech news site dedicated to all things Apple. Its journalists were given access to the iOS 15.5 beta update, and they discovered it was blocking photographs from a dozen specific locations from appearing in the iPhone Photos app's Memories. This is the function that creates short playback albums set to music usually designed to elicit smiles and tug on heartstrings.

The journalists quickly found that the dozen sites were all related to the Holocaust. Several were actual concentration camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka and Dachau. But others were Holocaust memorial sites such as Yad Vashem in Israel, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.

Vilvang turned to the article's comments section to analyze the evolving public perception of automated memory technologies and their potential consequences. 9to5Mac readers are deeply invested in technology matters, and Vilvang was struck by the near universal skepticism of Apple's decision.

"Most seemed very leery of what this could indicate for the future or how it could be used to privilege a certain kind of representation," he says. "But I was impressed by how deeply people were willing to go to express their unique issues with it and how they were willing to speculate what it could indicate, without speaking specifically about the Holocaust."

My photos, my agency

Vilvang quotes several commenters in his paper, most of whom express annoyance at the removal of their power to decide what they can and cannot see.

"I don't want someone else deciding what is 'sensitive'  and perhaps I WANT a memory of a particularly moving place to keep me grounded," writes one.

"[Let] people be in charge of their memories," writes another. "I, for one, have visited Dachau and have shot pictures. It doesn't bother me in the slightest when they appear. Quite the opposite, they serve as a powerful reminder."

Vilvang says he has not heard any comment from Apple regarding the update, but he suspects that it came from a place of good faith.

"The motivation I think is probably well intentioned and probably straightforward: I assume that they did not think that topics that have such a degree of gravity should be represented in a tool that is largely geared toward positive interactions."

As advanced as technology is today, he adds, Apple's algorithms still cannot decide what might be subjectively relevant to one individual over another. By trying to keep the Memories function associated with happiness, it is deliberately making choices on its users' behalf by blocking photos from sites that it deems problematic.

The future for this kind of application remains as murky as its present algorithms, Vilvang adds. If Apple decides to block Holocaust-themed photos, what might it block next?

"This illustrates the degree of intervention and intention that goes into blocking these specific sites for reasons that have not been articulated. And if we know companies are willing to intervene in these kinds of ways, then we need to critically question our own interactions with our past, knowing that it is being mediated by something over which we have no control."

More information: Chrys Vilvang, Between automated memory and history: blocking 'sensitive locations' from Apple Memories, Memory, Mind & Media (2024). DOI: 10.1017/mem.2024.4
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The Spitfire after being recovered from a peat bog in Norway. Credit: Tony Hoskins, AA810 Spitfire Project.

Engine parts from a rare Second World War Photo Reconnaissance Spitfire that was shot down by German armed forces in 1942 and lost until being recovered from a Norwegian peat bog 76 years later are being rebuilt at the University of Sydney.

The Spitfire's Royal Air Force pilot, Flight Lieutenant Alastair "Sandy" Gunn, escaped the fiery Norwegian crash but was captured and later executed by the German army for his role in the prisoner of war camp break out immortalized by actor Steve McQueen in the 1963 film The Great Escape.

After more than 80 years, the long-lost Spitfire is being entirely rebuilt by an international team headquartered in the United Kingdom in the hopes it will take to the sky again in 2025.

At the University of Sydney, Chief Engineer at the Sydney Manufacturing Hub, Bruce McLean, and his team are rebuilding the aircraft's Rolls Royce Merlin V12 exhaust manifolds using industrial 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing.

"The Spitfire is iconic. It is one of the machines that won the war. The aircraft we are helping restore is very special indeed as a rare PR-IV model," said Mr. McLean, who has worked for several decades in aeronautical engineering.

"The Sydney Manufacturing Hub is supporting the AA810 Restoration Project using advanced digital scanning technology, computer-aided design and additive manufacturing to reverse engineer and restore the six original exhaust stacks from the aircraft in a modern superalloy material known as Inconel.

"These were originally handmade articles that were damaged almost beyond recognition in the crash and are unobtainable today. Using modern manufacturing tools enables faithful and fully functional replicas to be manufactured and eventually flown on the restored Spitfire AA810 airframe," he said.

Bruce Mclean, Chief Engineer at the Sydney Manufacturing Hub who is leading the restoration of Sandy's Spitfire recovered by the AA810 Spitfire Project. He is pictured with the one of the aircraft's original manifolds, which was flown to Australia in April. Credit: Luisa Low, University of Sydney

One of the original manifolds salvaged from the wreckage arrived in Sydney this month. It, and a set of exhausts from a Spitfire that flew in the Battle of Britain, have been scanned at ultra-high resolution by the University's Zeiss partner Scan-Xpress. These scans will help Mr. McLean's team at the Sydney Manufacturing Hub to develop a blueprint for the restored engine exhausts.

AA810 Spitfire Project remembers forgotten Australian airmen

Close to 1700 airmen who flew in the Royal Air Force's unarmed Photographic Reconnaissance Units have been identified, but only 652 have been confirmed as having survived the war.

Australia contributed 96 airmen to the unit, the second highest number of nations involved in this highly clandestine work. Tragically, at least 37 of these men died during the war.

Robert Tomlinson taxies Spitfire AA810 at RAF Wick on 29 January, 1942, just 5 weeks later the aircraft wouldbe shot down with Sandy Gunn at the controls. Credit: Tomlinson family  for use with this story only.

Alongside the project's ambitious restoration of the rare PR.IV Spitfire, the team is commemorating the airmen whose work provided about 80% of the intelligence information used in the tactical planning of the Allied campaign.

Tony Hoskins, who orchestrated the Spitfire's salvage and is now leading the project from Britain said the project is about people. "Researching the people behind such a secretive mission is a great challenge and few people realize there were so many Australians who played a pivotal role," he said.

"Take, for example, Australian actor Bud Tingwell. He was known and loved as a popular film and TV star, but Bud also flew 75 reconnaissance operations in Spitfire and Mosquito aircraft over Italy from 1944. Finding out what other stories are out there and being able to record them for future generations is what makes this project so rewarding."

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) Professor Simon Ringer, commended the team on their efforts. "We are delighted to contribute to this global project to achieve an historic restoration," he said.

"This is a fascinating case of reverse engineering. We're using state-of-the-art design, materials science and manufacturing technologies to build this engine system.

Sandy Gunn seated in Spitfire AA793 preparing for his trip from Wick on the 19 February 1942. Credit: Peter Arnold collection

"Apart from the learning opportunities for our engineers, it is a very special way to honor the service and sacrifice of the people involved at such a difficult time in history. Nearly 150 pilots of WW2's Royal Air Force Photographic Reconnaissance Unit were from Australia and New Zealand."

The AA810 Spitfire project is appealing for families of Royal Australian Air Force airmen seconded to fly Royal Air Force Reconnaissance missions during the Second World War to come forward to help identify the 11 Australian nationals that the project holds incomplete data on.

25 April is the national day of commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and for recognition of the role of their armed forces.
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Arthur Mensch, cofounder and CEO of Mistral AI, attends the UK Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit in Bletchley, England on Nov. 2, 2023. The Competition and Markets Authority said it's looking into Microsoft's partnership with France's Mistral AI and the company's hiring of key staff from another startup, Inflection AI. Credit: Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP, File

British competition regulators said Wednesday they'll scrutinize recent artificial intelligence deals by Microsoft and Amazon over concerns that the moves could thwart competition in the AI industry.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it's looking into Microsoft's partnership with France's Mistral AI and the company's hiring of key staff from another startup, Inflection AI. The watchdog also separately announced that it's investigating Amazon's $4 billion investment in San Francisco-based Anthropic.

Big Tech companies have been pouring money into generative AI startups amid growing public and business interest in the technology, but the investments have also drawn attention from antitrust authorities.

The U.K. watchdog said it was seeking comments from "interested third parties," before deciding whether to carry out an in-depth antitrust investigation.

"We will assess, objectively and impartially, whether each of these three deals fall within U.K. merger rules and, if they do, whether they have any impact on competition in the U.K.," the watchdog's executive director of mergers, Joel Bamford, said in a statement.

Microsoft said it will provide the watchdog with the information it needs to carry out its inquiries.

"We remain confident that common business practices such as the hiring of talent or making a fractional investment in an AI start-up promote competition and are not the same as a merger, the company said.

Microsoft last month hired Mustafa Suleyman, who co-founded Google's DeepMind AI research lab, to head up its consumer artificial intelligence business, along with the chief scientist and several top engineers and researchers from Inflection, his AI startup.

Microsoft also teamed up earlier this year with Mistral, which has become France's AI darling after being founded only last year. That followed Microsoft's previous existing partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which is also facing scrutiny from the CMA.

Mistral said it's "fully committed to cooperating with the CMA throughout this process to ensure that our long-term independence and access to the market are upheld."

Amazon, meanwhile, has spent billions for a minority stake in Anthropic. The two companies are collaborating to develop so-called foundation models, which underpin the generative AI systems that have captured global attention.

"It's unprecedented for the CMA to review a collaboration of this type," Amazon said in a statement. "Unlike partnerships between other AI startups and large technology companies, our collaboration with Anthropic includes a limited investment, doesn't give Amazon a board director or observer role, and continues to have Anthropic running its models on multiple cloud providers."

The CMA said it's stepping up its scrutiny of the market for foundation models after it published a report that highlighted the risk that powerful companies could use partnerships with key AI players to strengthen their positions.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Students at Texas A&M University joined other college students across the country in protesting against the conflict in Gaza on Tuesday.

The afternoon protest in Rudder Plaza was organized by the Texas A&M branch of the Young Democratic Socialists of America (TAMUYDSA). Protestors wearing face scarves and face masks marched around A&Ms campus holding hand-painted anti-Zionist signs while shouting chants against the invasion of Gaza  which began after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. Since the subsequent Israeli military response, over 30,000 Palestinians are reported to have died in Gaza.

Akkad Ajam, the outreach coordinator for TAMUYDSA, said the protest was part of a series of monthlong events in support of Palestinians.

We had eight events planned for, as we called it, Palestine Awareness Month, he said. We wanted to do it during Ramadan.  We had a mic night, a visual, a movie night and then [Monday] during the festival we read poetry.

The events were also set up as a means to raise money for a family that Ajam said is currently stuck in Rafah in southern Gaza and is trying to escape to Egypt. According to Ajam, this can be a very expensive process.

Fatma and her family  a mother, father and son  are just trying to evacuate, he said. In order to evacuate, you need to pay $5,000 per person. So they need $15,000 and an extra $5,000 for getting through and for starting a new life once in Egypt.

So far, Ajam said the GoFundMe account has raised nearly $5,000.

The protest on Texas A&Ms campus comes just days after 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University in New York. Many have accused the pro-Palestinian student protests of spreading antisemitism and President Joe Biden told reporters shouting questions Monday in Virginia that he condemned the antisemitic protests on college campuses.

Ajam said the protest on Texas A&Ms campus was not antisemitic in nature and was only trying to raise awareness about the conflict.

If you look up the definitions of them, theyre inherently different. I think the Jewish Voices for Peace group proves that its not a Semitic issue, its a Zionist issue, he said of the difference between being against Israels political policies and being against the Jewish people. They have different names for a reason because they seek something different. There are rabbis all over the world who are criticizing it and do not believe that it lines up with Judaism in any way.

On March 27, Gov. Greg Abbott passed an executive order directing all public universities in the state to re-evaluate their free speech policy and to establish punishments for antisemitic rhetoric. Universities were given 90 days to review their policies.

In a statement announcing the order, Abbott said that Texas must ensure that college campuses are safe for all students.

The State of Texas stands with the Jewish community, and we must escalate our efforts to protect against antisemitism at Texas colleges and universities and across our state, Abbott said.

Although Ajam said the protesters did have some worries about whether the university would interfere with their protest, he said they faced no resistance from the Texas A&M Division of Risk, Ethics and Compliance.

Weve been working with them with the festival, they help us set it up, he said. They were very unbiased towards the matter and just wanted to make sure our voices were heard.

Before the march began, Issam Ismail, a third-year microbiology Ph.D. student, spoke to the protesters. He said that both his parents were originally from Palestine and accused of being inhumane to Palestinian civilians.

The Israeli government is using starvation as a weapon of war, collectively punishing the entire population of Gaza, he said. This is no accident but a direct policy. As Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Minister of Defense, stated on Oct. 9, [2023], I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel. Everything is closed.

Ismail said the U.S. is equally to blame for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, sighting the recent multibillion dollar military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that passed the House and passed the Senate late Tuesday.

The Biden administration is just as complicit as the Israeli government is in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, he said. No amount of airdrops or ports building can cover our shame for our ironclad support for what the International Court of Justice has declared as a plausible genocide. Biden knows exactly what has occurred in Gaza.  And yet just two days ago, Congress approved $26 billion to be sent to Israel.
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China firmly rejects U.S. groundless accusations over its normal trade and economic exchanges with Russia, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday.

The United States keeps making groundless accusations over the normal trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia, while passing a bill providing large amount of aid for Ukraine, Wang told a regular news briefing when asked to comment on U.S. accusations and possible sanctions regarding the issue.

"Fueling the flames while shifting blame to others, this is just hypocritical and highly irresponsible. China firmly rejects this," he said.

Wang said that on the Ukraine issue, China's position has always been just and objective. China has made efforts to promote talks for peace and a political settlement. The Chinese government regulates the export of dual-use articles in accordance with the laws and regulations.

"China is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it. We never fan the flames or seek selfish gains, and we will certainly not accept being the scapegoat," Wang said.

Wang stressed again that based on equality and mutual benefit, China's right to conduct normal trade and economic exchanges with Russia and other countries should not be interfered with or disrupted. "China's legitimate and lawful rights and interests should not be infringed on."

It is not the right way to solve the Ukraine issue by fanning the flames or smearing others, Wang said, adding that only accommodating the legitimate security concerns of all parties and creating a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and negotiation is the right way forward.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to the first China-Latin American and Caribbean States Space Cooperation Forum.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum jointly announced by the leaders of the two sides, Xi said that China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries have seen prosperous development over the past decade in their cooperation in various fields within the framework of the China-CELAC Forum to usher in a new era featuring equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and tangible benefits for the people.

Xi said China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries have yielded fruitful results in space cooperation in recent years, including new progresses in the fields of remote sensing satellites, communication satellites and the deep space station network, which has played an important role in promoting scientific and technological progress, strengthening regional connectivity and improving people's wellbeing.

China is ready to work with the Latin American and Caribbean countries to build a high-level space cooperation partnership, promote space technology to better benefit both peoples, and continue to promote the building of a community of China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries with a shared future, said Xi.

The space cooperation forum, co-hosted by the China National Space Administration and the Hubei provincial government, started on Wednesday in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province.
Experts, execs attribute edge in exports to tech strength

10:05, April 24, 2024 By Zhong Nan ( China Daily

A visitor tries a racing game during the 135th session of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, April 15, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's export advantage arises from its competitive strength in the global market, said scholars and exporters, dismissing some Western nations' "overcapacity" narrative, which was generated by anxiety and insecurities about their own deficiencies in certain industries.

The observers said that the "China overcapacity" narrative, particularly propagated by the United States, serves as a political tool to curb the growth of the Chinese economy.

Mao Yanhua, a professor specializing in regional economic development at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, said the narrative lacks economic understanding. Globally, Chinese products are highly popular because of their technological elements, durability and high quality, Mao said.

For example, the competitive edge of China's new energy industries is not a result of subsidies. Rather, it arises from the country's integrated industrial chain and a substantial pool of high-end technical professionals, he said.

Lu Feng, a professor of economics at Peking University's National School of Development, said, "In the advancement of emerging sectors like new energy vehicles, certain Western countries maintain a zero-sum mentality."

Highlighting those countries' industrial policies, Lu said that they often contravene economic laws and intentionally destabilize global industrial and supply chain networks with "de-risking" measures.

He said such actions obstruct the efficient distribution of global resources and stifle the growth of their own industry players.

The ongoing 135th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, exemplifies China's innovation strength and commitment to providing affordable products to the global market.

Dayun Group, an auto manufacturer based in Yuncheng, Shanxi province, secured export orders for hundreds of pickups and trucks worth over 60 million yuan ($8.28 million) on the first day of the Canton Fair. Most of the vehicles will be shipped to the African market.

Yuan Qinshan, chairman of Dayun Group, said Chinese trucks are generally more affordable than their counterparts from Europe, Japan and the US. This price advantage makes them attractive to African businesses and governments, especially in a context in which budget constraints are common, Yuan said.

Lin Jiantian, director of the General Administration of Customs' Department of Enterprise Management and Audit-based Control, said that by integrating new technologies and methods, Chinese manufacturers are gradually able to pass on the advantages of these cost savings to downstream consumers.

The Canton Fair, which started on April 15 and will run through May 5, attracted 125,440 overseas buyers  up 23.2 percent year-on-year  from 212 countries and regions during the first five days, according to the Guangzhou-based China Foreign Trade Center, one of the organizers.

Meanwhile, Yu Hanfen, vice-president of Ningbo Borine ElectricAppliance Co, said that accusations aimed at China's substantial low-priced exports are unfounded.

Reasonable prices result from thorough competition in the market, Yu said. "For instance, our Malaysian and Turkish rivals may sell a type of automatic coffee machine in the European market for between $100 and $200, but we sell it for $300."

"We are willing to invest in improving the brewing system, thereby enhancing the taste, and entrust German and Italian institutions to conduct product evaluations," he said, adding that the company's research and development cycle might be as long as two years, but the final products can be used for more than a decade.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Monday sanctioned two firms and four individuals for their involvement in malicious cyber activities on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC) from at least 2016 to April 2021.

This includes the front companies Mehrsam Andisheh Saz Nik (MASN) and Dadeh Afzar Arman (DAA), as well as the Iranian nationals Alireza Shafie Nasab, Reza Kazemifar Rahman, Hossein Mohammad Harooni, and Komeil Baradaran Salmani.

"These actors targeted more than a dozen U.S. companies and government entities through cyber operations, including spear-phishing and malware attacks," the Treasury Department said.

Concurrent with the sanctions, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) unsealed an indictment against the four individuals for orchestrating cyber attacks targeting the U.S. government and private entities.

Furthermore, a reward of up to $10 million has been announced as part of the U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice program for information leading to the identification or location of the group and the defendants.

It's worth noting that Nasab, who worked for MASN, was charged in a previous indictment that was unsealed on February 29, 2024. The defendants remain at large.

Rahman, also employed by MASN, is alleged to have worked on testing malware intended to target job seekers with a focus on military veterans. He also purportedly worked for the Iranian Organization for Electronic Warfare and Cyber Defense (EWCD), a component of IRGC, from about 2014 through 2020.

MASN (formerly Mahak Rayan Afraz and Dehkadeh Telecommunication and Security Company) is tracked by the cybersecurity community under the name Tortoiseshell and is one of the many contracting companies that act as a cover for malicious campaigns carried out by IRGC. It was liquidated in June 2023.

The U.S. Treasury Department said the second sanctioned company also "engaged in malicious cyber campaigns on behalf of the IRGC-CEC," noting that Harooni was employed by DAA and has carried out spear-phishing and social engineering attacks against U.S. organizations.

Salmani is said to be associated with multiple IRGC-CEC front companies, including MASN, and involved in spear-phishing campaigns targeting U.S. entities. Nasab, Harooni, and Salmani have also been responsible for procuring and maintaining the online network infrastructure used to facilitate the intrusions, the DoJ said.

In all, the coordinated multi-year hacking spree conducted by the defendants primarily singled out private sector defense contractors and other government entities, ultimately compromising more than 200,000 employee accounts.

Each of the defendants has been charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison for the computer fraud conspiracy, and up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Furthermore, Harooni has been charged with knowingly damaging a protected computer, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Nasab, Harooni, and Salmani have also been charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison.

"Criminal activity originating from Iran poses a grave threat to America's national security and economic stability," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement.

"These defendants are alleged to have engaged in a coordinated, multi-year hacking campaign from Iran targeting more than a dozen American companies and the U.S. Treasury and State Departments."

The development comes amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East after an Israeli air strike bombed Iran's embassy in Syria, prompting the latter to launch a drone-and-missile attack on Israel, which, in turn, led to an Israeli missile strike hitting an air defense radar system near Isfahan.
Jewelry mogul Doji expands investment portfolio beyond gold

By Huy Ngoc, Hai Yen Wed, April 24, 2024 | 9:42 am GMT+7

Doji Gold & Gems Group JSC, Vietnams leading jewelry maker, has expanded its investment portfolio, ranging from its pillar arm of gold and silver to finance, banking, and real estate.

Founded in 2007 by Do Minh Phu, Doji, listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) as OTC, currently has 14 subsidiaries, 50 branches, nearly 200 stores, and over 400 agents and selling points. Its CEO and legal representative is Do Vu Phuong Anh, the daughter of Phu, who now serves as chairman of Doji's founding council.

Alongside his success in the jewelry market, Phu, along with his younger brother Do Anh Tu, has also made a name for himself in the hygiene produce sector through Diana Unicharm JSC, formerly known as Viet Y Technical Development and Investment Company Limited. In 2011, the Japanese maker of baby and feminine care products Unicharm acquired a 95% stake in Viet Y for $184 million.

Doji Tower at 5 Le Duan street, Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the Doji Group.

Using the proceeds, Phu invested in Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank, or TPBank (HoSE: TPB), one of the nine struggling banks at that time. With substantial support, TPB underwent a remarkable transformation from a heavily indebted institution to a lucrative lender.

In expanding the financial ecosystem, the Doji founder incorporated Tien Phong Securities JSC (TPS) into TPBbanks ecosystem. As of March, TPB held a 9% stake in TPS, yet serves as the primary growth driver for this securities company. A report showed that in 2023, out of TPSs total loans of VND13.86 trillion ($544.7 million), VND8.8 trillion was lent by the bank.

Doji Groups financial ecosystem was solidified with the completion of a merger and acquisition (M&A) deal involving Vietnam Fortune Capital (VFC INC.). Currently, TPBank holds a 75% stake in VFC following a private placement earlier this year at an issuance price of VND10,000 ($0.39) per share. The remaining three shareholders at VFC are Nguyen Anh Vu (14.5%), Ho Thi Thuy Giang (6%), and Nguyen Thanh Huong (4.5%).

Specifically, Nguyen Anh Vu is the legal representative of both West Lake Luxury JSC and Red River Service Investment JSC, whose 79.5% stake was held by Doji Land Real Estate Investment Company Limited (Doji Land Co.,Ltd) as of March 2021. Doji Land cooperated with Hanoi Trade Joint Stock Corporation (Hapro) to develop Doji Tower at 5 Le Duan street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi.

Doji Land used to be the controlling shareholder of Artex Saigon Import-Export JSC for Fine Arts Handicrafts and Small Industry Products (Artext Saigon), which owned several prime properties in Ho Chi Minh City.

Among those were the 798-square-meter Opera View office building at 161 Dong Khoi street and a 511-sqm office building at 236-238 Nguyen Cong Tru street. In 2017, Doji Land divested from Artex Saigon, and the ownership of these prestigious properties was transferred to Van Thinh Phat Group led by Truong My Lan.

At present, Doji Land is making substantial investments in northern localities, such as Hai Phong city, and Quang Ninh and Vinh Phuc provinces, while exploring opportunities in other areas.

The financial sector plays a crucial role in Doji Groups ecosystem. Not only is the firm itself influential, but TPBank, TPS, and VFC also serve as vital capital partners for many renowned domestic corporations.

Notably, TPBank and TPS were involved in facilitating R&H Groups issuance of bonds totaling VND8.15 trillion ($334.4 million) in late 2021 and early 2022. Last year, when R&H Group faced significant pressure to repay a bond debt of VND2.5 trillion, TPBank financed VINAHUD Urban and Housing Development Investment JSC VND1.7 trillion, enabling it to acquire projects from R&H Group.

In the south, Dojis primary partner is the renowned real estate developer Hung Thinh Corporation (HoSE: HTN). In 2021, TPS arranged the issuance of four tranches of bonds, totaling VND7.1 trillion ($279 million), to a consortium of real estate businesses affiliated with HTN. Additionally, TPBank branches have accepted mortgages for many HTN-developed large-scale projects.

In addition, the TPBank-TPS duo have been involved in arranging capital for renewable energy developer Bamboo Capital (HoSE: BCG), Phuc Khang Corp, and Song Tien Real Estate Corp, which was transferred to legal entities tied with Hung Thinh Corporation.

In 2023, Doji Group recorded VND491 billion ($19.3 million) in net profit, down 50% year-on-year. Its equity hiked by nearly VND400 billion to VND6.74 trillion ($265 million) as of late 2023 from early last year. The firms liabilities had surged to VND15.85 trillion ($622.91 million) as of end-2023.
Thailands Super Energy told to complete paperwork first, construct wind power project later

By Tri Duc Wed, April 24, 2024 | 3:32 pm GMT+7

Super Wind Energy Congly Bac Lieu JSC, under Thailands renewable energy developer Super Energy, is looking to restart its 141-MW Bac Lieu wind power plant phase III in Vietnams Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu.

A delegation of the firm, led by CEO Supa Waisayarat, delivered its plan to Bac Lieu authorities at a meeting early this week, emphasizing the target of completing the project by 2025.

Work on the phase III of the project started in January 2018, however, little progress has been made. The first two phases of 99.2 MW are now operational after construction began in September 2010.

In reply, Bac Lieu Chairman Pham Van Thieu said the province would back investments in line with the current legal framework, but he rejected Super Energys suggestion of progressing construction and administrative procedures simultaneously.

Thieu also directed relevant provincial agencies to cooperate with the firm to process the project. Bac Lieu will connect the firm with relevant ministries and the government to progress tasks under the jurisdiction of higher authorities, he added.

HBRE Chu Prong wind farm in Gia Lai province, Vietnams Central Highlands. Photo courtesy of ATS JSC.

Thailands Super Energy Corporation recorded 2023 revenue of THB3,655.6 million ($102.1 million) in Vietnam, down 0.07% year-on-year, according to the firms financial statement.

Regarding its wind power portfolio, the company's only operational project is the 50-MW HBRE Chu Prong wind farm in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Gia Lai. The project reached a commercial operations date in June 2019, with power being purchased by state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for 8.5 U.S. cents per kWh.

Its under-development projects include four in Vietnam and two in Thailand. The four in Vietnam are the 30-MW Cong Ly Soc Trang wind power plant phase I in Soc Trang province, the 50-MW Bac Lieu wind power plant phase III in Bac Lieu province, the 200-MW HBRE An Tho wind farm in Phu Yen province, and the Asia Dak Song 1 wind farm in Dak Nong province.
Precision agriculture uses cutting-edge technology to make farms more efficient.

With experts predicting technology will brighten farmings future, Clemson University academics, Cooperative Extension Service and research station faculty and staff are joining forces to prepare a skilled workforce for this primary sector of the economy.

Precision ag field day Michael Plumblee, Clemson Extension corn and soybean specialist, tells Clemson Precision Ag Field Day participants today's technology allows h

The Clemson Precision Agriculture Student Field Day is one example of this collaboration. Held at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, this years field day gave students in the Clemson Agricultural Mechanization and Business Program, as well as students from Piedmont Technical College and Barnwell County Career Center, an opportunity to see technology used in agriculture.

The Clemson Agricultural Mechanization and Business Program (Ag Mech) is part of the Clemson College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Sciences. Kendall Kirk, a former instructor in the program and director of the Clemson University Center for Agricultural Technology, helped organize the event.

This field day gives them a chance to see larger equipment, as well as drones, sensors and other types of electronic equipment being used, Kirk said. Theyve learned about these things in class, and this field day gives them a chance to see them in action.

Anna Moore, Andrew Chapman and Carrington Knotts participated in the field day. Moore and Chapman are Clemson students. Knotts is a junior at Strom Thurmond High School and participates in the diversified agriculture program at Piedmont Tech.

Moore, who is from Evergreen, begins her career in the sawmill industry when she graduates in May. She participated in the field day to see how equipment and technologies she studied in class are used in the field.

Although the sawmill industry isnt exactly farming, there are a few things that overlap with precision agriculture, Moore said. In both industries, people must obtain accurate and precise data to ensure that they make the best possible management decisions.

Moore benefited from her participation by getting hands-on experience with various precision agriculture tools and meeting people who are experts in the field.

One thing that was reinforced during the field day was the importance of proper management in precision agriculture and how creating accurate soil maps is a key part of good management, she said.

Chapmans interests in precision ag and GIS

Chapman, a native of Hartsville, intends to graduate by May 2025. His involvement in the Clemson Ag Mech program has led him to realize his true passion.

Over the past year and a half, I have found that my true interest is in precision agriculture and geographic information systems, Chapman said. I hope to pursue a job that deals with precision agriculture technology after graduation.

Participating in the field day introduced Chapman to potential avenues for precision agriculture planter attachments and implementing variable rate irrigation.

Many aspects from the field day were influential to me, Chapman said. Looking into the future with precision agriculture, much of the information presented during the field day struggles to make it to rural farms that may truly need it the most. I find that getting this key information to farmers and educating them on certain practices will provide major benefits for growers in the future.

Chapman plans to work in a precision agriculture-related job after he graduates. He, too, benefitted by attending the field day.

I am pleased to have been able to meet some of the Clemson Extension researchers and learn about their studies, he said. Going forward, when I may have a question, these Extension employees will be there to help when an issue may arise with a crop or piece of machinery.

Curiosity, desire drive Knotts to agriculture

Curiosity and a desire to learn more about research conducted at the Edisto REC are part of the reason Knotts participated in the field day. She plans to be a crop consultant.

Game-winning turf: Clemson ag lab preps fields for spring sports Its spring and sports talk turns to baseball, softball and golf. But before a bat cracks or a club swings, Clemson University Agricultural Service Laboratory staff help prepare the fields and courses for play.

We used to pass by the REC when we were going to the Lowcountry, Knotts said. I would see the crops growing in the fields and would talk about how I wanted to work in agriculture. I attended this field day because I wanted to learn more about the research being conducted here and get information related to working in agriculture.

Technological advancements allow todays farms and agricultural operations to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly. As a land-grant university, Clemson is charged with providing agricultural education and information through classes on its main campus, the work of Extension agents and researchers across South Carolina, as well as research conducted at its Research and Education Centers strategically located throughout the state.

The three-sector model in economics divides economies into three sectors: primary, secondary and tertiary. The primary sector includes businesses that produce energy or basic materials, such as coal, oil, metals and crops. Businesses in the secondary sector manufacture goods. The tertiary sector includes businesses that provide services.
A house fire claimed the lives of a grandmother and her grandson.

Shona Clark, 46, and KyMere Shivers, 3, died on Monday at a hospital where they were receiving treatment, according to Orangeburg County Coroner Samuetta Marshall.

Clark woke up the rest of her household members when she noticed the fire and got them out of the house, according to Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Battalion Chief Jonathan Winningham.

When firefighters found Clark, her grandson was underneath her and it appeared as if she was trying to protect him, Winningham said.

A total of 12 people lived in their one-story, 1,485-square-foot home on Sharperson Street. Its not clear how many of the occupants were in the home when the fire erupted.

The fire started around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, according to an ODPS fire report.

As firefighters were on the way there, a dispatcher radioed that two occupants were still inside the home.

Firefighters arrived and found heavy smoke and flames coming from all the windows and main entrance door on the front of the house.

Two firefighters entered the back of the home to get to a bedroom and found Clark and Shivers there.

One of the firefighters carried Shivers out of the home and handed him to another firefighter, who started CPR.

Two firefighters carried Clark from the burning home. Two of the firefighters fighting the blaze stopped to help perform CPR.

One of the firefighters performing CPR was bitten by a dog that was chained in the backyard. The bite didnt break the firefighters skin.

Another firefighter rendering CPR was injured when embers fell from the home onto the back of his shirt and burned him.

Neither of the firefighters wanted to be treated by EMS afterwards.

Members of the Cordova fire department responded to help combat the fire.

The fire was brought under control at 7 a.m. and fire crews left the scene two hours later.

The Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office assisted with crowd control at the scene.

The Bolentown and Jamison fire departments provided coverage at the citys fire stations while ODPS firefighters were at the house fire.

The fire was accidental and was ignited by electrical arcing of an extension cord in the living room, the report states.

Clark and Shivers causes of death are pending autopsy reports, Marshall said.

The American Red Cross is assisting other residents of the home.
State Rep. Russell Otts work for the South Carolina Farm Bureau is getting hit in the latest salvo of whats turning into a contentious District 26 state Senate Democratic primary race.

Ott, a Democratic lawmaker from Calhoun County, is looking to move into the upper chamber and is running against state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland.

Harpootlian was drawn into the same district, which includes parts of Calhoun, Lexington and Richland counties, as state Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington, who is not running for reelection.

Before being elected to replace his father, Harry Ott, Russell Ott worked for the South Carolina Farm Bureau where his role included lobbying the state Legislature. Harry Ott is now president of the farm bureau, a role hes held since 2015.

In a new television advertisement, Harpootlian hits Ott for earning $800,000 from special interests, pointing to the pay he received from the farm bureau. The ad claims the farm bureau doubled Otts annual pay.

You can advocate for those folks now question about it, but the question is should you be paid $800,000 to advocate for those folks. I get approached all the time, they want me to take a position that I agree is the appropriate position to take, Harpootlian said. The question is not whether he agrees with those positions or even his constituents. The question is should he be paid $75,000 a year, $800,000, to advocate those positions. Hes being paid $10,000 a year just like I am.

In an interview, Harpootlian also pointed to how the farm bureau, in a weekly update to members, touted legislation sponsored by Ott.

But Ott called the ad more smoke and mirrors, more half truths and outright lies.

Ott, who worked for the farm bureau from 2004 to 2013, where his role included coordinating a fundraiser for the farm bureau foundation to help pay for scholarships, human resources type work such as writing job descriptions and keeping up with its strategic plan.

Its a whole host of things that I have worked on for a very long time, Ott said.

The job also included lobbying the state Legislature. Groups that lobby the general assembly must disclose how much they pay lobbyists and the farm bureau reported paying Ott about $35,000 a year for the lobbying part of his job, even though his total salary was higher.

Ott left the farm bureau after being elected in 2013 and started Center Hill Consulting to continue his work for the farm bureau. He said his $75,000 a year contract with the farm bureau includes all of his previous jobs with the agency, except for lobbying. Ott says he took a pay cut when he ran for the State House.

According to the Farm Bureaus ethics filing, the organization discloses it pays Ott for non-lobbying services.

Representative Ott, a former long-term employee of SCFB and currently an active farmer, serves as an independent contractor and consults on agribusiness development, farm commodities, and agribusiness issues the farm bureau said in its most recent filing. He also assists in strategic planning, developing leadership training programs and organizing young farmer groups.

The ad also criticizes Ott for sponsoring agriculture related legislation.

It raises questions about who does he work for. The people of his district or for the farm bureau who he lobbied for? Harpootilian said.

Harpootlian said Ott should recuse himself from all agriculture related legislation.

Harpootlian, who is a trial lawyer, said its OK for him to vote on legal-related bills because he doesnt get paid by the S.C. Association for Justice, which advocates to strengthen the judicial system and was started by a group of trial lawyers.

The ad specifically cites two pieces of legislation: H. 3951 in 2023, a bill that adds the Commissioner of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation to the e South Carolina Conservation Bank board, and H. 3539 in 2021, a bill dealing with the transportation of live swine. Both bills passed overwhelmingly and neither bill was sponsored or co-sponsored by Ott. He did vote for both of them in the House, as did Harpootlian in the Senate.

Ott defended his participation on those votes.

I am 100% clean and clear to vote on any general agricultural legislation, what I would recuse myself on is any vote that impacted (the) farm bureau directly. Thats no different than funeral directors that are in the House voting on issues with morticians, Ott said. Or pharmacists that vote on general legislation dealing with pharmacists, or guess what lawyers who are voting on legislation dealing with the law that they then go try cases on.
Congressman Jim Clyburn announced Wednesday that hes endorsing Sen. Brad Huttos re-election bid for the state Senate District 40 seat.

Kendrick Brown is running against Hutto in the June 11 Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican Sharon Carter in November.

Clyburn said, Sen. Hutto has been an invaluable partner in my work to deliver for the 6th Congressional District and the people of South Carolina.

He is a champion for rural South Carolina and has helped to deliver millions to our schools to build and improve buildings and classrooms, re-build local roads and infrastructure, attract good businesses and jobs to Orangeburg and the surrounding counties, and ensure every South Carolinian can access good, quality health care.

Most importantly, he has never backed down from fighting against extreme laws that restricted womens access to lifesaving health care or gun laws that make our communities less safe.

Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said I am honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Clyburn. The congressmans work to deliver for Senate District 40 and the people of South Carolina is immeasurable. Its been an honor to work with him to help families and communities throughout my district and the state. We are all so lucky to have his leadership and vision.

I look forward to continuing to share the work I have done in the Senate in collaboration with Congressman Clyburn with voters throughout the district ahead of the June primary election.

District 40 includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Orangeburg counties.
South Carolina State Universitys trustees approved four new degree programs last week: three in undergraduate engineering specialties and a masters degree in cybersecurity.

South Carolina State University refuses to sit still, S.C. State President Alexander Conyers said in a release. I thank the Board of Trustees for responding to the workforce development needs of our industrial partners and the advancement needs of students.

As we continue to recruit across the nation, we hear from potential students who want these programs. So, we are glad we are able to deliver the types of programs todays students desire and need to succeed.

Supported by a $1 million grant from Dominion Energy, the new undergraduate programs include bachelor of science degrees in:

 Mechanical engineering

 Electrical engineering

 Computer engineering

The new programs must still be approved by the state Commission on Higher Education.

The graduate program in cybersecuritys curriculum will be delivered 100% online.

Mechanical and electrical engineering

The mechanical and electrical engineering programs will complete S.C. States shift from engineering technology to full engineering degrees, which allows students to sit for engineering licensure exams.

S.C. States Department of Engineering already has evolved its programs in industrial and civil engineering, while its nuclear engineering and mechatronics engineering programs always have been full engineering degrees. S.C. State also offers a fire protection engineering concentration within its civil engineering program.

Students already enrolled in the engineering technology programs will be eligible to complete those degrees or transfer into the full engineering programs.

Computer engineering

If approved by the CHE, the computer engineering program will be a new discipline at S.C. State while using elements from the curricula in S.C. States existing departments of Engineering and Computer Science and Mathematics.

In combination with co-op experience, it opens students to opportunities in engineering practice, advanced training engineering, or other professions, as well as an entry into business and administration.

Cybersecurity

With its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, S.C. State already offers a major in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity and a minor in cybersecurity for undergraduate students.

The graduate program would accelerate the cybersecurity opportunities at S.C. State.
(TBTCO) - Theo cac chuyen gia tu DKRA Consulting, trong quy III/2024, thi truong bat ong san nha o TP. Ho Chi Minh va vung phu can ghi nhan nhieu dien bien tich cuc o cac phan khuc at nen; nha pho, biet thu. Mat bang gia so cap duy tri xu huong i ngang so voi thoi iem au nam. Du bao quy IV/2024, tinh hinh tang truong se ro net hon o mot so phan khuc voi su tac ong cua cac yeu to ve kinh te va chinh sach thi truong.
By turns cunning and brutally honest, Slovak literary man Jan Rozners fictionalized autobiography also works as a depiction of his times.

Seven Days to the Funeral, by Jan Rozner. Translated from the Slovak by Julia and Peter Sherwood. Karolinum Press, 2024. 488 pages.

No one except historians will miss the 20th century, which went out, aptly, in the throes of the end-times fantasy of the Millennium Bug. There was bloody conflict almost every year, with an estimated 231 million people dying as a result. And the century also gave us the communist regime of the former Soviet Union, which managed to impose its cruel, and often absurd, rule for nearly 70 years and took the lives of an estimated 60 million civilians.

But these are only numbers. Horrific as they are, they dont tell us anything useful about the everyday humiliations inflicted on those who tried to live productive lives under communist rule  and paid the price. For that, Jan Rozners Seven Days to the Funeral is an excellent guide. A Slovak writer, critic, dramaturg, editor, and translator  and the husband of Zora Jesenska, one of the most important Slovak translators of the 20th century  Rozner was perfectly placed to witness the sinister machinations of the Czechoslovak regime.

He was also the ideal observer because he was an outsider. His father was Jewish and his mother of German descent, which led to a brutal comedy of errors when he and his brother were rounded up by Slovak police under the Nazi-allied government because of their father  and then released because of their mother. But being an outsider inevitably affected his personality: There must have been some flaw in him, something that made him so withdrawn, buttoned up, unable to break the glass wall between himself and others, he says about himself. That glass wall gave him the ideal window on Slovak society  and on himself. One of the fascinating aspects of Seven Days to the Funeral is that it is an autobiography written in the third person and in the form of a novel  but, unlike its contemporary literary cousin, autofiction, Rozner was scrupulous about telling it the way it truly was.

The Increased Difficulty of Translation

In the indispensable afterword, Ivana Taranenkova quotes Rozners Slovak publisher as saying that he wanted  to write a Joycean novel, without paragraph breaks, comprised of long sentences, a continuous narrative.  We can probably thank his second wife, Slava Roznerova, who edited the book after his death in 2006, that it isnt. Instead, it is more a Proustian work, in which Rozner uses Jesenskas death from leukemia in December 1972, and the ensuing preparations for her funeral, as a pretext to examine his past, much the same way the author of A la recherche du temps perdu used the taste of a madeleine tea cake.

Jesenska had been a renowned translator of Russian books, such as And Quiet Flows the Don, by Mikhail Sholokhov, and Boris Pasternaks Doctor Zhivago. Both translations upset the authorities and eventually contributed to her being exiled from Czechoslovakias cultural affairs, as was Rozner, after the strangling of the Prague Spring, which they had both publicly supported, in 1969. As Rozner puts it: Shed been expunged from public life and it was forbidden  to mention her name anywhere. The same applied to him. The invaluable added material at the end of the book includes a brief article by Jesenska, The First Resolute Show of Force by the Police of the Slovak Socialist Republic, which describes her being beaten up by police officers during a public demonstration.

Seven Days to the Funeral begins with the days leading up to her death, proceeds with an account of the week leading up to it, and ends a few days later, when Rozner discovers that hed been cheated by the funeral home. Rozner must have been scrupulous, self-deprecating, and sly, and that is how he writes. That he was scrupulous appears from all the detail he provides about his daily life:

They crossed the hospital courtyard and went to an annexe, where her office was located on the first floor. He lit up and noticing her mocking glance, offered her one too, and lit it for her. Coffee? she asked as always, as that too was a ritual of their get-togethers. Standing behind him, she put a mini immersion heater into a pot and waited for the water to come to a boil.

So the book requires a bit of patience on the part of a reader used to the streamlined works of writers weaned on social media. Rozner was, in fact, so scrupulous that he worked on the book for 30 years and was never sufficiently satisfied with it to call it finished. It took his second wife to prepare it for publication three years after his death.

Rozner is self-deprecating because he is constantly criticizing his passivity, indecisiveness, and lack of social skills  and he ends the book by questioning the source of its material, his memory. [H]is memory, he writes in the books final paragraph, was like a sieve, making things up or changing details of things he was trying to recollect.

Or was that just one more sly attempt to convince us of his honesty? Because Rozner was a very cunning writer. His constant self-criticism, for example, could be a clever ruse to convince us of his obsessive honesty. He is sly also through the way he introduces the main theme of the book, the oppression under which he, his wife, and their friends were forced to live after 1969. It is casually, almost incidentally (and not until page 25), as he is reminiscing about how he and his wife used to spend New Years Eve, without people or watching TV.

And then, all of a sudden, she started musing about life, wondered if there was any point to it, and said that she kept coming to the conclusion that it was pointless. He knew she didnt say this because she couldnt work, because shed been deprived of every opportunity to work, she whose entire life up to that point had been filled with work.

And then he quickly  slyly  moves on to something else. That is the first mention of anything political in the book.

Just Piano Music

Rozner is also ingenious about how he finally settles his scores with past friends and colleagues who betrayed him and his wife. The reminiscences are triggered by his having to decide which of their acquaintances are to receive formal notices of Zoras death. It is a brilliant device that allows Rozner to offer a broad catalog of government oppression and personal betrayal:

Then there was Matuska, the high priest of literary criticism, who once used to deliver lengthy and exhausting tirades in their old flat, and the more he drank, the more he would curse the Hungarians, the Czechs, and, coincidentally, also the Jews.  In the summer of 1968 everyone listened reverently, as if he were Confucius, to his wise speeches at meetings of writers, his bitterness mingling with unconcealed outrage as he declaimed in a trembling voice: Nothing is good enough for these democratizers of ours, not even Husak is good enough for them. [Gustav Husak was named first secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia in 1969, replacing the architect of the Prague Spring, Alexander Dubcek.]

The book helpfully provides a Whos Who list that identifies many of the people he mentions, some of whom are provided with only an initial by Rozner, so that we learn that this excerpt refers to literary critic Alexander Matuska (1910-1975).

When the funeral finally arrives, it begins with a Kafkaesque scene in which two shabbily dressed secret police agents interrogate him about all aspects of the ceremony, including the music, before officially approving it. After a lengthy and irritating cross-examination, the two men  who have never heard of the renowned Czech composer Leos Janacek  tell him that the music he has chosen is not allowed. He finally explains what the music is.

The two men asked almost simultaneously, So its just piano music?

Yes, only the piano. And the other record, the Moravian songs, is for solo female voice.

For some reason, this made them throw in the towel.

At the funeral itself, the man who delivered the eulogy  a distinguished translator and professor of classical literature  was harassed by one of the officers before making the speech and later lost his university job because of his participation at the funeral. And many of Jesenskas friends were sent memos telling them to stay away from the ceremony. All this causes Rozner to angrily exclaim three or four times: These bastards, they have to stick their nose into everything. No more succinct definition of authoritarian oppression has ever been written.

There are many reasons to read Seven Days to the Funeral, not least because Rozner was an excellent writer. He also had the posthumous fortune to have the book translated by Julia and Peter Sherwood, who have firsthand knowledge (in the case of Julia) of the period and are excellent writers themselves, as translators must be. They certainly deserve a great deal of credit for turning 450 pages of detailed rumination and recollection into a fascinating and, yes, entertaining read by wisely allowing Rozners unique personality to drive the narrative.



Siegfried Mortkowitz worked in journalism for more than 30 years, both as a reporter for Newsweek, Politico Europe, and other publications and as culture editor for The Prague Post. He is also a poet whose work has been published in several literary magazines and in the chapbook Eating Brains (After Hours Press). He currently lives in Prague with his talking orange tabby, Joe.
In 2022, a 72-year-old Wyoming hunter with a penchant for venison was suddenly beset by bouts of confusion and aggression, which later proved to be the symptoms of a central nervous system disorder known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or CJD, which took the mans life.

Shortly after, another hunter from the same community also died of CJD, and when it became known that both men had a history of consuming meat from deer populations afflicted by chronic wasting disease (CWD), a cervid-specific neurological disease, it raised red flags with neurologists.

Because both CWD and CJD are the result of misfolded proteins known as prions, some experts feared the hunters had contracted CWD after consuming infected meatwhich would mark the first known deer-to-human contraction since the disease was first recorded in 1967.

A team of neurologists set out in search of answers, but last week published findings that were inconclusive.

Although causation remains unproven, this cluster emphasizes the need for further investigation into the potential risks of consuming CWD-infected deer and its implications for public health, according to a report in the from journal Neurology.

And yet, even as the findings were less than compelling, outlets pounced on the story with sensational headlines that may have created unnecessary anxiety among sportsmen. Sault News ran a story titled Death of 2 hunters in US raises fear of zombie deer. The Daily Mails online version went further, saying, Two hunters become first Americans to die from ZOMBIE DEER disease.

Wildlife biologists in Wyoming say those accounts are overblown.

Definitely some of the headlines kind of seemed a little bit more fear mongering, said Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Disease Specialist Jessica Jennings I think people are getting concerned about it, but its a report with pretty sparse information.

Jennings says the report lacks critical information about the health history of the individuals, and other contributing factors that could have led to CJD. Nor did the researchers conduct specific prion protein analysis, which is essential in establishing a link. The reports authors could not be reached for comment.

I think it leads to more questions than answers, Jennings said of the report.

Prion diseases are normally species specific, but concerns over jumping were elevated with the discovery of the transmissible Mad Cow Disease, a prion-based neurological disease that spread to humans. Elsewhere studies using primates and mice have shown that cross-species CJD is possible.

Even as the journal Neurologys report fails to establish a link, Jennings and other biologists agree the risk that CWD may jump to humans is real, and that more research is needed as the disease increases in herds across the continent.

The report comes just weeks after the release of WGFs annual CWD Surveillance Report, which shows the disease has increased in mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk state-wide, using as a reference hunter-harvested, adult male animals.

The prevalence was especially high in central Wyomings Project mule deer herd, where 65% of hunter-harvest males tested positive for CWD. Other high prevalence rates showed up in the Greybull River herd, with 46.2%, and the Shoshone River herd at 39.%

First discovered in southeast Wyoming in 1985, the surveillance effort highlights the diseases westward spread, and this year was detected in three new deer hunt areas, four new elk hunt areas, and a national park. Although, Jennings said increased prevalence also reflects the growth of the program itself, which has expanded to hitherto monitored cervid herds. Still, the data speaks for itself.

This raises concern that this disease is becoming established in feedground utilized populations and it raises questions about how this may affect deer and elk populations in the future, Game and Fish says of the surveillance findings.

In response, local herd managers are working on CWD management plans that may involve extending hunting seasons, or encouraging hunters to target specific herd demographics, according to Jennings.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO is in advanced negotiations to acquire the gas-rich Loran field from Venezuela, Energy Minister Stuart Young has revealed.

Young made the announcement during the recently concluded budget debate which took place in the House of Representatives.

The Loran-Manatee cross-border reservoir was discovered in 1983 and is estimated to contain ten trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas.
How you want this to go? You want me to kill you and your son, or you want me just kill you alone?

This was the question posed to 40-year-old Anna Ellis yesterday, when she was attacked by a man known to her at her home on Dibe Road, St James.

Ellis, who was stabbed multiple times, was able to speak with reporters yesterday afternoon while police were conducting a search for her 12-year-old son, who was kidnapped following the confrontation.
One juror, who refused to acquit Nogales rancher George Alan Kelly, was the lone holdout in the closely watched murder trial, according to Kellys defense team.

The jury was split 7 to 1 in favor of acquittal, defense attorney Kathy Lowthorp confirmed to the Arizona Daily Star on Tuesday.

Kelly is accused of killing an unarmed migrant on his property last year. Lowthorp said hes received a ton of support and the Kelly family is grateful and optimistic, despite facing the possibility of a retrial, she said.

They would have loved to have an ending to this story, she said. They know it was a victory, but not the 100% victory they were hoping for.

Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink declared a mistrial Monday due to the deadlock. Jurors had deliberated for about 16 hours following the nearly four-week trial, which drew national attention.

Prosecutor Kim Hunley, chief deputy Santa Cruz county attorney, is expected to announce at a Monday status hearing whether the case is headed for a retrial or not. Kelly is charged with second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Fink had instructed the jury that they could consider lesser charges of manslaughter or negligent homicide, if they couldnt agree to convict on the second-degree murder charge.

Hunley declined to comment after the mistrial ruling. Prosecutor Mike Jette said Tuesday he couldnt comment on the case at this time.

Representatives from the Mexican consulate in Nogales, Arizona followed the case closely and have been supporting the family of Mexican national Gabriel Cuen Buitimea, whom prosecutors say was killed by a bullet from Kellys AK-47 last year.

Cuen Buitimeas body was found 115 yards from Kellys patio, where law enforcement recovered nine spent bullet casings from Kellys AK-47. The bullet that killed Cuen Buitimea was never found.

Nogales Consul General Marcos Moreno Baez said his office was surprised by Mondays outcome but trusts justice will prevail.

We will continue to accompany Mr. Cuen Buitimeas family very closely, Moreno Baez said in a Tuesday email. Both the young daughters of Mr. Cuen Buitimea are devastated but they will continue to seek justice.

Moreno Baez said the prosecution showed Cuen Buitimea was an innocent victim, despite defense attorneys efforts to paint him as involved in criminal activities.

In the 17 days of hearings, and the concluding remarks of both parties, it was clear that Mr. Gabriel Cuen Buitimea was no threat to anyone, he said. He was walking unarmed towards Mexico and there was nothing to suggest his involvement in alleged illegal activities. He was shot in the back with an AK-47, an unprovoked deadly attack while being hundred yards from the suspects residence.

On Tuesday, Lowthorp reiterated the defenses argument that the investigation into Cuen Buitimeas death was biased from the start. She said the Border Patrol ranch liaison, to whom Kelly reported Cuen Buitimeas body, falsely conveyed to the sheriffs office that Kelly had said he shot someone. So detectives came into the investigation believing Kelly had stated that he shot someone and failed to investigate other possible culprits, she said.

It was that old game of telephone. From then on, the investigation was shot, Lowthorp said.

During the trial, prosecutors Hunley and Jette argued Kelly was evasive and inconsistent when he reported finding Cuen Buitimeas body to a Border Patrol ranch liaison, suggesting Kelly thought the matter could be brushed under the rug.

Later, speaking with a 911 dispatcher, prosecutors say Kelly tried hard to avoid saying hed found a dead person on his property. Instead, Kelly described Cuen Buitimeas body as that of an animal  its not a vegetable or a mineral.

Kelly only admitted that he had fired his AK-47 about 30 minutes into a 50-minute interview with detectives that night, prosecutors said. That was after also failing to tell other law enforcement officers on his property earlier in the day that he had fired his weapon.

Defense attorneys said Santa Cruz County detectives browbeat Kelly during an interrogation. But prosecutors quoted Kelly telling detectives they were very professional.

Lowthorp told the Star she got to speak to two jurors, who voted to acquit, for about 30 minutes after court recessed on Monday. The jurors conveyed they thought the defenses narrative was effective and thorough, she said. Still, Lowthorp said the defense might adjust its strategy somewhat if the prosecutors decide to re-try the case.

You gotta do something to keep them (prosecutors) on their toes, she said.

Lowthorp said the only other hung jury shes encountered in her 24-year career resulted in a retrial and eventual acquittal for her client.

She said she hopes people say some prayers for Monday, that we dont have to go through this again.
Due to safety concerns, University of Arizona officials are actively monitoring campus events billed as Israeli Apartheid Week being held by Students for Justice in Palestine during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Many students, parents and members of the campus community have expressed concerns about safety particularly because of the passionate and divergent beliefs held by many on this topic, UA Vice President and Chief Safety Officer Steve Patterson wrote in a campus-wide email Friday.

The events this week are being marketed by Students for Justice in Palestine, an anti-Israel group stationed on many college campuses across the country, as a learning experience that will consist of seminars every day and a rally on Thursday. They come at a time of increasing tensions on college campuses about the Israel-Palestine war.

The UA, Patterson wrote, upholds the right to free expression, which is afforded to all members of our community and student groups but has a commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment.

He added that the threat assessment and management team at the university is actively monitoring the SJP events this week.

Despite concern from university leadership, leaders at SJP say the events are purely about education.

During Israeli Apartheid Week, we seek to educate people on how Israels apartheid system violates Palestinians human rights, a student spokesperson for the group told the Arizona Daily Star. Thursdays rally will draw attention to Israels genocide against the Palestinian people, including its systemic destruction of schools and universities in Gaza.

SJP was set to host a rally at UA last October but canceled it just hours before it was scheduled to take place after UA President Robert C. Robbins released a statement calling it antithetical to the schools beliefs. Now, it seems, the group is prepared to go through with the rally.

Maha Nassar, a professor of Middle Eastern and North African Studies and the faculty advisor for SJP, told the Star she was so impressed with the students thoughtfulness in planning this weeks events.

They have been careful to follow university policies and to ensure everyone stays safe, Nassar said. The university must continue to protect them and their first amendment right to speech.

UA Hillel, a Jewish campus organization, said it is working with Pattersons team to make sure Jewish students remain safe during the week.

At this time, there is no indication that there is any increased threat of physical violence against Jewish students, the Hillel group wrote last week.

The group wrote about the emotional impact the week, and rally, may have on some pro-Israel Jewish students.

We recognize that beyond the physical safety of students, several aspects of the week ahead are deeply troubling and upsetting to many Jewish students at the university, the group wrote, noting that the events coincide with both the week of Passover and the week before final exams.

When we and our Israeli and Jewish students hear slogans chanted on the mall like From the River to the Sea, we hear a call for the displacement of Jews from our historical homeland, and the erasure of Israeli culture, the organization continued. When we see signs that say End All U.S. Aid to Israel just weeks after the Iron Dome deflected hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles targeting Israeli population centers, its horrifying to think about the casualties that would happen in consequence if that aid were not there.

The group is also encouraging its students to rise above.

Know that if you feel unsafe, troubled, confused, angry, or any other of the hundreds of emotions we too are experiencing, you always have a home here at Hillel, the email stated. During this time, we encourage you to attend our upcoming Passover programming, which will be dedicated to expressing our love for Judaism in a safe and healthy way.
PHOENIX  Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs quashed another 10 measures Tuesday sent to her by the Republican-controlled Legislature, including:

 Legislation that could have barred students from other states, attending college in Arizona, from voting in elections here;

 Defining who can shower with whom in public schools;

 Setting up new procedures to deal with squatters invading homes;

 Requiring enhanced sentences for those convicted of multiple incidents of organized retail theft.

But Hobbs found more areas of agreement with GOP lawmakers than disagreements on Tuesday, signing 12 measures. Still, the days vetoes brought the number of bills she has rejected this legislative session to 52.

State residency rules

House Bill 2581, the measure that could have affected college students voting, was being pushed by Rep. John Gillette.

The Kingman Republican said there is no clear standard in state law when someone becomes a resident. That can create problems when determining the rights and responsibilities of an individual, he said.

He cited an email he got from a snowbird who normally lives in Pennsylvania. Gillette said she got into an accident and was questioned about why she didnt have an Arizona drivers license.

The problem, he said, is laws on who is a resident conflict.

For example, the Motor Vehicle Code says individuals have to register their vehicles and get an Arizona license immediately if they work here other than in a seasonal agricultural job, register to vote, or place children in public schools without paying the tuition rate of a nonresident.

Mohave County Assessor Jeanne Kentch told lawmakers there are other issues, such as, when is someone who has a house here entitled to special treatment like an assessment freeze available to some seniors? Ditto who is entitled to have a home in Arizona designated as a primary residence.

Gillette said his bill would have standardized that by defining resident as someone who has actual physical presence in the state for at least 181 days with intent to remain.

But Alex Gulotta said he sees a different motive.

This is designed to keep college students from voting in Arizona, said the state director of All Voting is Local. He said it would override existing laws that allow individuals to register to vote 29 days before the election.

Gillette acknowledged the measure could have prevented a student from registering to vote in Arizona. But he said thats not his primary concern. Thats heartburn on the Left, he said.

They live with their parents, Gillette said of students from out of state. But theyre on vacation to school essentially.

He said those students should cast an absentee ballot in their home state.

But Gillette noted the exceptions in his legislation to that 181-day rule.

For example, Gillette said, someone could show an intent to be a resident by taking certain actions, like getting a job, buying or renting residential property, or enrolling children in a school district or charter school. And if the individual met one of the conditions of showing residency, that 181-day requirement to register to vote would not apply.

But Gulotta said it shouldnt be necessary for those who move here and want to participate in voting to have to take any of those actions to be considered a resident and be entitled to cast a ballot.

Its very likely they cant even meet the exceptions, he said.

He said its not just about students.

Even the snowbird who moves here from wherever, theyre not eligible to vote until they establish that theyre eligible to vote, Gulotta said.

Hobbs, in her veto message, agreed.

This bill creates additional, unnecessary barriers for individuals registering to vote, she wrote.

School showers

The vetoed legislation on showers was the latest bid by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, to address the question of transgender students attending public schools.

His first proposal, going back a decade, would have made it a crime for someone to enter a restroom or locker room that did not match the persons biological gender. That bill went nowhere.

Last year Kavanagh was back with a plan to say that a public school must provide a reasonable accommodation to any person who is, for any reason, unwilling or unable to use a multi-occupant restroom or changing facility designed for their sex.

That was defined to include any single-occupancy or employee restroom or changing facility. It precluded any facility designed for use by individuals of the opposite sex while persons of the opposite sex are or could be present.

Hobbs vetoed that last year, calling it yet another discrminatory act against LBGBTQ+ youth.

So Kavanagh was back this year with Senate Bill 1182, which narrowed the scope of the law to showers, defining sex as determined by anatomy, physiology, genetics and hormones existing at the time of the persons birth.

It is inappropriate for a 15-year-old female high school co-ed to have to stand next to a 20-year-old biological male who identifies as female in the same shower, Kavanagh said during the Senate vote.

But Hobbs said it was no more acceptable than what she rejected last year.

As I have said time and time again, I will not sign legislation that attacks Arizonans, she wrote.

Squatters

The bill on squatters, SB 1129, was crafted by Sen. Wendy Rogers. The Flagstaff Republican said existing laws allowing a homeowner to evict a tenant are inadequate to deal with situations where homeless people have invaded someones house and wrecked the premises.

It would have set up a situation where police, acting on an owners affidavit, could immediately go in and have someone evicted. But it drew concerns from some Democrats who feared it could be used in domestic violence situations to kick someone out of a house.

Hobbs agreed with those concerns.

This bill fails to leverage existing legal mechanisms, respect the due process rights of lawful tenants, and minimize unintended consequences, such as for victims of domestic violence, she said in her veto message.

There also were concerns raised by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns about police having to immediately respond to homeowner complaints and then remain on standby while the property owner changed the locks.

Retail theft

The measure on organized retail theft, SB 1414, was a bid to curb what retailers said is an increasing number of incidents where individuals are shoplifting not strictly to get items for personal use but as part of crime rings for resale. Backers said the enhanced penalty of up to 7.5 years in prison and a $150,000 fine was designed to deter the practice.

Hobbs, however, said she wants to wait for the findings of the Organized Retail Task Force, saying its recommendations could provide balanced policies for this matter.

Other vetoes

Other bills the governor rejected Tuesday include:

 SB 1340 prohibiting the investment of public funds in any state-owned or company domiciled within a foreign adversary as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under federal law. That includes China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuelan politician Nicolas Maduro. It also would bar putting money into a bank that has a principal place of business in a foreign adversary.

 SB 1060 which would have given candidates for federal office the ability to send an observer to watch the ballot-counting process. That is now limited to those designated by political parties.

 HB 2328 would have allowed mobile food vendors to set up on private property in residential areas, something now prohibited. Rep. Kevin Payne, R-Peoria, said it included safeguards, including requiring the permission of the property owner who would have to remain at the site.

These will be new laws

Among the measures Hobbs signed are:

 SB 1063 allowing political signs to be erected 71 days before an election, up from 45.

 SB 1196 permitting off-duty police officers who are working on private traffic control duty to have red and blue lights on a vehicle.

 SB 2637 letting the Arizona State Parks Board use certain funds to purchase drones to clean plastic, algae and other floating trash from lakes and waterways.
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

Diverse Tulsa alt rock band Groucho announced the Wednesday release of a two-part EP and new single titled A Minor Complex supported by the instrumental track Sea to Shining Sea.

The EP presents itself as a single unit, meant to be listened to in one sitting, or broken up by song, for the listeners taste, according to a news release.

Groucho has spent much of 2023 and early 2024 touring with dates in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. The band is booked for a select number of shows and festivals in the area, including Norman Music Festival, Vanguard Tulsa (supporting The Black Moods on May 22) and the Rock the Equinox Fest late in September. Check Grouchos social media and website for more information and dates.

Groucho (Dustin Howard, Royce Buckmaster and Layne Farmen) takes pride in genre blending and envelope pushing in creating music. The band hopes to reinvigorate a modern rock sound, with hints of the past and a nod to the future.

Said a news release: With gripping live performances and versatile skill sets, the three-piece band approach the possible limitations of working in a small ensemble as an opportunity to stretch 90s rock, alternative indie rock and guitar-heavy music into psychedelic/prog and post-rock atmospheres. They arent afraid to take their music in many directions.

Grouchos lyrics tackle topics ranging from addiction and recovery to aliens and spirituality, musing and even laughing at the human condition at times.

For the new release, Groucho once again worked with Grammy award-winning Trent Bell (Flaming Lips, Rainbows Are Free, Starlight Mints) of Bell Labs in Norman.

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Kevin Canfield Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Kevin Canfield 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

An immigration bill headed to the governors desk has seemingly left Mayor G.T. Bynum with more questions than answers.

Bynum, who responded to questions from the Tulsa World about House Bill 4156 before it sailed through the Senate late Tuesday afternoon, said the measure does not address any concerns hes hearing from Tulsa police officers.

The issues I am hearing concern about from police officers include individuals suffering from mental illness, violent crime, unsafe motorists, and homeless individuals engaged in illegal activities. These are the same issues we are hearing about in TPDs surveys of public sentiment, Bynum said. So we have not pursued this legislation, nor have we opposed it. It just isnt relevant to the present-day realities we are seeing in the field.

The proposed legislation, which Gov. Kevin Stitt is expected to sign, is intended to address the crisis of unauthorized people, or aliens  defined as any person not a citizen or national of the United States  by prohibiting them from entering or residing in the state.

The measure would not apply to those granted asylum by the federal government or those allowed into the country under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program from June 15, 2012, to July 16, 2021.

Like the Texas legislation upon which it is modeled, HB 4156 would enlist local and state law enforcement to detain illegal immigrants. But Bynum said hes unaware of any state lawmaker who has reached out to Tulsa Police Department leaders to discuss how the new law would affect officers ability to protect Tulsans.

I know Tulsa Police Department leadership has concerns this legislation would make our immigrant communities more hesitant to report crimes, which could in turn make them more likely to be targeted as victims of crime, Bynum said. I have no problem with us helping check the immigration status of criminals. My concern is with the comfort of crime victims in reaching out to law enforcement.

If a child is molested, I want their parents to call the Tulsa Police Department so we can get the molester behind bars  regardless of the citizenship status of the parents reporting the crime.

Bynum was clear when asked whether Tulsa police would now be left to contravene existing TPD policy by using race, national origin or cultural group as the sole factor in determining probable cause for arrest or suspicion of an offense or an investigatory stop of a vehicle.

The Tulsa Police Department will always place the United States Constitution first, he said. Officers will not detain a person solely based on the color of their skin, ethnicity or national origin.

As it is, Bynum noted, the Tulsa Police Department does not have enough manpower or resources to fulfill its current responsibilities at the level it would like, let alone to take on a new responsibility which is supposed to be carried out by the federal government.

If officers encounter persons committing criminal acts, they will arrest them for those criminal acts  as they have always done, Bynum said. There is already a process in place to determine immigration status, but TPD is not part of that process. TPD does not have immediate access to an immigration database.



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Ho Chi Minh City aims to attract remittances for infrastructure development projects because of its substantial infrastructure demands and consistently high remittance inflows to the city, heard a seminar in the southern metropolis on Tuesday.

At the 'Drawing Remittances to Infrastructure' seminar held by Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper, the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs reported that incoming remittances to Vietnam totaled US$206 billion between 1993 and 2023.

More than 5.3 million Vietnamese nationals are living abroad, including some 2.3 million people who are connected to Ho Chi Minh City.

As a result, remittances to the southern metropolis made up a large proportion of the countrys total.

Last year alone, Vietnam received remittances totaling some $16 billion with around $9.46 billion sent to Ho Chi Minh City, surging 43.3 percent year on year and triple the foreign investment in the city.

In the first quarter of this year, remittances to Ho Chi Minh City neared $2.9 billion, up over 35 percent year on year, the highest growth rate in three years.

Meanwhile, the city's infrastructure development faces many hindrances owing to a dearth of capital.

Bui Xuan Cuong, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, said that the city's population exceeds 10 million people, emphasizing the substantial demand for traffic infrastructure, schools, hospitals, housing, and parks.

Vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Bui Xuan Cuong informed that remittances were three times the foreign investment in the city in 2023. Photo: A.H. / Tuoi Tre

Remittances make up a large resource for the citys development, Cuong added.

Many overseas Vietnamese expressed their expectation to invest further in their homeland, especially Ho Chi Minh City, the official informed.

Early last year, the city assigned the Ho Chi Minh City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs to draw up a plan to attract and effectively use remittances.

Vu Thi Huynh Mai, head of the committee, stated that one of the main purposes of the plan was to draw remittances to infrastructure, production, and business.

Once the plan is executed, at least five projects in the city will be financed with such remittances.

The plan will also feature the issuance of remittance bonds.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu, head of the Institute of Research and Development of Global Financial and Real Estate Markets, overseas Vietnamese account for only five percent of the total number of Vietnamese and Vietnamese-born people in the world, but they have contributed considerably to the homelands development.

He estimated the income of the 5.3 million overseas Vietnamese people at $100 billion, or one fourth of Vietnams GDP.

In the past, overseas Vietnamese tended to deposit U.S. dollars at banks for profits.

However, local banks have offered no interest for deposits in U.S. dollars over the past few years, so Vietnamese people abroad are hesitant to send remittances to Vietnam.

Therefore, the city should issue remittance bonds early, Hieu proposed.

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Despite challenges posed by the volatile consumer market influenced by both macroeconomic and microeconomic factors, WinCommerce (WCM) perseveres, sustaining its growth trajectory as it advances into 2024 with robust foundations and strategic initiatives in place.

Retail chain undergoes continuous expansion, renovation

Starting from the onset of 2023, WinCommerce's leadership foresaw the challenges ahead for the modern retail sector in Vietnam, particularly amid a downturn in overall market demand during the initial months of the year. Consequently, WinCommerce strategically pivoted its focus from sheer network expansion to prioritizing store renovations and enhancing operational efficiency.

WCM concluded the year 2023 with the opening of 312 new convenience stores (WinMart+), expanding the total nationwide sales points to 3,633, solidifying its status as Vietnam's largest retail chain.

The company expedited store renovations, upgrading a total of 1,615 stores, which accounted for 46 percent of the convenience store network.

During the latter half of 2023, WCM refurbished 309 WIN stores and 1,100 WinMart+ Rural outlets, surpassing the initial target of 250 WIN stores and 676 WinMart+ Rural locations.

Last year, WCM continued to launch new business models, especially recognizing the success of WinMart Phu My Hung (HCMC) and WinMart Le Van Thiem (Hanoi), two high-end European-style stores with design support from Frances Malherbe Company  the showroom design unit for famous brands such as Dior and Louis Vuitton.

WinMart Phu My Hung is bustling with shoppers.

Prioritizing the shopping experience for high-income customers, WCM offers spacious supermarket space, smart linked shelves and maximum use of natural light to help goods stand out, combined with elegant colors, so that customers feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the shopping journey.

Thanks to this strategy, WCM's customer file has expanded to all segments, making its mark as a retail brand that is constantly innovating, growing, overcoming economic difficulties, and firmly maintaining its position as the system that owns the largest number of selling points in Vietnam.

Implementing effective pricing strategy to aid consumers

In addition to renovating and expanding sales points to introduce new experiences, WCM also delves into the genuine needs of users through a range of pricing strategies and products tailored to the challenging market conditions.

In 2023, with activities promoting the Vietnamese people using Vietnamese products culture, WCM developed specific labels, creating essential shopping baskets of good quality and at affordable prices for customers.

Along with that, promotions, WIN Membership programs, and periodic incentive programs twice a month are being implemented throughout 2023 and 2024.

WinCommerce's specific label product group is 10-20% cheaper than other products in the same segment on the market, so it is suitable for people's budgets.

This can be considered the leading Vietnamese retail brand's commitment to accompany consumers in a difficult economic context.

The WinEco farm system meets international standards, allowing WinCommerce to proactively source fresh vegetables.

Moreover, WinCommerce has lowered the price of one of its primary on-shelf products, MEATDeli chilled meat, through the WIN membership program, thereby reducing the price disparity with traditional markets and providing consumers with an opportunity to shop more economically.

Private brands such as WinMart Good (dry food), WinMart Cook (processed food), and WinMart Care (personal care) are developed simultaneously, bringing great advantages to the WinMart/WinMart+ chain with a diverse supply and meeting customers' shopping needs.

At WinMart+ locations in rural provinces, the brand implemented islands showcasing 100 products at competitive prices, particularly focusing on food items, household essentials, and indispensable goods such as Ngoc Nuong rice, Chin-Su soy sauce, Kokomi noodles, tissue paper, laundry detergent, and conditioner, among others.

Japanese consumers eagerly embrace the new Chin-Su Sriracha chili sauce product.

High-tech logistics platform contributes to sustaining growth momentum

One of the factors that create a boost in distribution speed and support cost reduction for WCM is Supra's internal logistics chain.

Commencing operations in 2022 with 10 cold storage and dry storage clusters across all three regions, Supra has demonstrated its crucial role in WCM's business efficiency. By utilizing the unit's warehouse system, logistics costs for goods have been reduced by up to 13 percent.

Every day, Supra's cold storage transports approximately 275 metric tons, while dry storage handles 454 metric tons, collectively constituting 60 percent of WinCommerce's total goods output.

By employing AI technology in order placement, delivery, warehouse sorting, and product selection, as well as in quality control from origin to destination, Supra not only guarantees the quality of transported goods but also optimizes routes and orders to minimize costs. This approach enables WCM to uphold competitive pricing strategies for customers, enhance distribution speed, and ensure shelf diversity in supermarkets.

In 2024, WCM expects to achieve VND32,500-34,000 billion (US$1.28-1.34 billion) in net revenue, an 8-13-percent rise year on year. The business plans to open 400-700 new stores.

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Over the past few years, many local enterprises have poured trillions of Vietnamese dong (VND1 trillion = US$39.3 million) into data center projects meeting international standards, giving major businesses and banks in Vietnam alternatives to overseas data centers.

Vietnamese military-run telecom group Viettel opened its 14th data center in the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi on April 10.

The center, whose floor area is 21,000 square meters, has 60,000 servers, over 2,400 racks, and a total electrical capacity of 30 megawatts. This is the largest data center in Vietnam.

The groups 14 data centers have a total floor space of 81,000 square meters, 230 servers, 11,500 racks, and 87 megawatts of electricity capacity -- equivalent to other large data centers in the world.

Viettels 14th data center is also the first in Vietnam to commit to using renewable energy to meet 30 percent of its electricity consumption.

According to some sources, the center carries a price tag of VND6 trillion ($236.4 million).

In October last year, VNPT, another Vietnamese telecom giant, put into operation its eighth data center in the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. The center spans 23,000 square meters and has some 2,000 racks.

The facility has achieved the Uptime Tier III Certification for construction, installation, and design and will soon be certified for operational sustainability.

Uptime Tier III is the second-highest level of the globally recognized standard for data center reliability and overall performance.

Earlier, VNG Corporation also inaugurated its data center meeting Uptime Tier III standards, covering a floor area of 12,400 square meters and including 1,600 racks.

FPT, another local tech giant, is constructing its fourth data center in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.

At present, the firm is operating three data centers with a total floor area of 17,000 square meters and 4,000 racks.

According to Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnam is currently home to 32 small and medium data centers with over 20,000 racks and a combined capacity of 145 megawatts.

With the boom of digital transformation in the Southeast Asian country, local enterprises have plans to develop more data centers with a higher scale to meet data storage demand.

Tao Duc Thang, chairman and general director of Viettel, said the group would invest an additional VND10 trillion ($394 million) in expanding its data centers to boast 17,000 racks by 2025.

By 2030, the investment will be increased to VND40 trillion ($1.57 billion) so that the firm will own 34,000 racks.

VNPT general director Huynh Quang Liem said the group would continue seeking opportunities to cooperate with partners and investors to build more region- and world-class data centers using green and sustainable technology with the aim of becoming a digital hub in the region.

Foreign rivals engagement

According to several international organizations, the annual growth of Vietnam's data center market is over 15 percent. The country is one of the 10 emerging data center markets in the world.

However, the local data center market remains modest compared with Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Vietnamese enterprises are assumed to be inexperienced in operating data centers in comparison with behemoths like Google and Amazon.

As a result, the competition is increasingly fierce, said Nguyen Thanh Danh, CEO of VNG Data Center.

Vietnamese companies encounter several challenges: their data center brands lack recognition in the global market, their infrastructure does not meet the requirements of foreign partners, and their finance and interactions with international customers are constrained.

Nevertheless, domestic firms have a deep understanding of the local market and regulations. They also have advantages in prompt customer services and lower service prices.

Foreign companies have yet to develop their own data centers in Vietnam but have shaken hands with local firms to do the job, which has helped improve the quality of such data centers and their competitiveness, Danh said.

Le Hoai Nam, deputy director of Viettel IDC, said when data centers had yet to develop in Vietnam, many Big Tech companies had plans to build them in the country.

However, local giants, such as Viettel, FPT, VNPT, VNG, and CMC, have launched large data centers over the past three years.

Bid Tech firms have reconsidered their plans, Nam noted, adding that they found cooperation with domestic firms the most feasible solution.

Viettel and Microsoft have recently entered into an agreement on deploying cloud computing by combining Viettel Cloud infrastructure and Microsoft Azure Cloud, one of the fourth-largest cloud ecosystems in the world, to distribute Microsoft apps in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Viettel Cloud will help Azure Cloud solve problems of customers in the public governance segment thanks to the formers data centers and understanding about the domestic market.

Data centers are considered the heart of the Internet and the backbone of the digital economy, and play a crucial role in data storage, processing, and management.

Vietnams data centers have proved their role in the economy with a sharp increase in revenue and the creation of jobs for local laborers.

Major customers of local data centers are game, e-commerce, finance, and stock companies, as well as banks.

Research and Markets, the worlds largest market research store, estimated Vietnams data center market to reach $1.03 billion by 2028 and over $1.26 billion by 2030 with an average growth rate of 10.8 percent per year.

The strong development of data centers poses challenges in water and power supply, carbon emissions, and waste treatment.

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Vincom Retail executives have just stated that the company has no plans to change its name, despite it no longer being a subsidiary of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup and the introduction of a new group of shareholders.

Pham Thi Thu Hien, CEO of Vincom Retail, made the announcement at the 2024 annual meeting on Tuesday, amidst shareholder concerns about the impacts of Vingroups divestment, the direction under the new shareholder group, and potential changes to the business name.

Earlier this month, Vingroup announced the transfer of 55 percent of the charter capital of SDI Trading Development and Investment JSC.

SDI holds 99 percent of the shares in Sado Trading Commercial JSC, which is a major shareholder owning 41.5 percent of Vincom Retail.

Following the transaction, Vincom Retail is no longer a subsidiary of Vingroup.

During Tuesdays meeting, a shareholder inquired whether the company intended to remove the Vin element from its name following Vingroups divestment.

Vincom Retail has no intention of altering its name, Hien, who was just reappointed CEO on Monday, responded affirmatively, citing the strong brand value of Vincom to consumers.

Tran Mai Hoa, still deputy chairwoman at Vincom Retail when the meeting was organized, highlighted the intrinsic value and pride associated with the Vincom brand, noting its 20-year legacy as a Vietnamese pioneer of shopping center chains in the country.

From left: CFO Pham Thi Ngoc Ha, then-deputy chairwoman Tran Mai Hoa, and CEO Pham Thi Thu Hien at the 2024 annual meeting of Vincom Retail, April 23, 2024. Photo: N.L. / Tuoi Tre

Vincom operated as a network of shopping centers under the same name, managed by Vincom Retail.

Additionally, it was among the first legal entities established after Vingroup transitioned its operating model to a corporation.

Addressing queries regarding the post-divestment relationship between Vincom Retail and Vingroup, Hoa reassured that existing collaborations, including those involving deposits made with Vingroup and its residential real estate company Vinhomes, will continue to benefit from preferential policies.

Vingroup will continue to collaborate closely with Vincom Retail, ensuring the Vincom shopping centers remain integral to the Vingroup ecosystem, Hoa added.

Concerning the impact of the new shareholder Nguyen Hoai Nam, Hoa noted that while Nam lacks direct experience in managing shopping centers, his substantial retail expertise could significantly benefit Vincom Retail, particularly in retail development and operational management.

Nam is related to one of four businesses in Ho Chi Minh City that have acquired a 55-percent stake in SID.

They include Thien Phuc Service and Trading Development Investment Company and NP Business Investment JSC, each acquiring 16 percent of SDIs capital, Falcon Investment and Development Company Limited, holding 12.5 percent, and Emerald Business Investment and Development Company Limited, owning 10.5 percent.

Tran Mai Hoa, then-deputy chairwoman of Vincom Retail, at the 2024 annual meeting, April 23, 2024. Photo: N.Linh / Tuoi Tre

Nam, holding a 90-percent stake in NP Business Investment JSC and serving as the CEO of property developer Berjaya Vietnam, was elected to Vincom Retails board of directors for the 2023-28 term with unanimous approval, following the dismissal of two other board members, Le Mai Lan and chairwoman Thai Thi Thanh Hai.

Following the meeting, Hoa was announced as the new chairwoman of Vincom Retail on Wednesday morning.

For 2024, Vincom Retail targets a revenue of VND9.5 trillion (US$373.8 million) and a profit after tax of VND4.42 trillion ($173.9 million).

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its portfolio by developing larger Vincom Mega Malls within major residential projects that cater to substantial populations.

By the end of 2023, Vincom Retail managed 83 shopping centers nationwide, covering 44 provinces and cities with a total retail floor space of 1.75 million square meters, according to news site VnExpress.

The company aims to inaugurate six new centers this year, increasing its footprint to 89 shopping centers across 48 provinces and cities.

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Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien and his South Korean counterpart Kim Seon Ho co-chaired the 11th Vietnam-South Korea defense policy dialogue in Hanoi on Tuesday.

During the event, the participants reviewed the outcomes of both countries cooperation in the field, discussed issues of mutual concern, and reached a consensus on their cooperation plan.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien said that the Vietnam-South Korea relations have been consolidated and kept advancing in various spheres, including national defense, since both countries elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022.

The Vietnam-South Korea defense cooperation has been promoted and achieved pragmatic, outstanding outcomes, thanks to support from top defense officials of both nations.

Vietnam appreciates the support of the government and people of South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency in overcoming the consequences of post-war bombs and landmines.

The senior Vietnamese defense official suggested that the two sides continue to boost their cooperation, with a focus on such fields as delegation exchanges, education and training, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, defense and arms industries, war remediation, and UN peacekeeping.

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense is open to hosting senior South Korean officers in Vietnam for training courses at the National Defense Academy and Vietnamese language courses at the Military Science Academy.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Kim affirmed that South Korea looks to expand its defense cooperation with Vietnam and suggested that both nations explore opportunities to collaborate in new disciplines.

Both sides also discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern during the defense policy dialogue.

Regarding issues related to the East Vietnam Sea, Deputy Minister Chien stressed that Vietnam remains consistent in resolving all disputes by peaceful means based on international law and commitments in the region, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the ASEAN six-point principles on the East Vietnam Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the waterway (DOC), and the promotion of substantive and effective negotiations on a Code of Conduct for the sea (COC).

As for issues linked to the Korean peninsula, Vietnam maintains its stance against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, endorses the denuclearization of the peninsula and the peaceful settlement of disputes, Chien added.

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Certain border areas in Vietnams Central Highlands that are facing water shortages are getting a helping hand, as police and military officers have delivered fresh water to drought-stricken residents in recent days.

The military-run Company 72 under the Army Corps 15 has sent tank trucks carrying fresh water to Ia Nan, a border commune in Duc Co District, Gia Lai Province over the past week.

More than 100 households with 400 people in the communes Duc Hung Hamlet are confronted by a dearth of fresh water, according to the hamlets leader Hoang Van Ga.

Prior to the arrival of these tank trucks, local inhabitants had no choice but to buy fresh water at up to VND100,000 (US$4) per cubic meter for cooking and drinking.

Many affected residents also sought help from families that have well water for bathing and washing.

The supply of fresh water from Company 72 has made their daily lives less challenging, the hamlet head said.

Locals prepare buckets and washing tubs to get fresh water offered by police and military forces in Ia Nan Commune, Duc Co District, Gia Lai Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands. Photo: Van Dan / Tuoi Tre

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Ha Trong Bao, a director at Company 72, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the firm donates fresh water to Ia Nan every year in the dry season.

This year, the company sends three tank trucks daily containing some 18 cubic meters of fresh water each to Duc Hung Hamlet to help ease the water stress.

Aside from requesting the company to supply free fresh water, the Peoples Committee of Duc Co District has earmarked VND150 million ($5,900) for drilling water wells to serve the locals, according to Vu Manh Dinh, chairman at the district administration.

Moreover, a charity organization is considering a plan to build a water storage reservoir and set up a water filtration system in Duc Co.

Military officers refill containers with fresh water in Vietnams Central Highlands. Photo: Van Dan / Tuoi Tre

Residents in the border district of Ea Sup in Dak Lak Province are facing the same fate as lots of wells in their area already dried up due to a months-long heatwave, prompting them to rely on the fresh water supply by police and military forces.

The water shortage has hit more than 100 households across four hamlets in Ea Sups Ia Rve Commune.

Among the affected residents, Lo Van Kieu, 42, and Vy Thi Mun, 55, both expressed their joyfulness when receiving fresh water from the Economic-Defense Unit 737, under the Vietnam Peoples Armys Military Region 5, and the police agency in Ea Sup.

The forces have provided fresh water for Ea Sup for almost one month.

Traffic police officers distribute fresh water to deprived areas in Ea Sup District, Dak Lak Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands. Photo: Van Dan / Tuoi Tre

Major Doan Huy Tuong, head of the police agency in Ea RVe Commune, Ea Sup District, Dak Lak Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands, joins a task force to provide fresh water for local residents. Photo: Trung Tan / Tuoi Tre

Vy Thi Mun, a 55-year-old resident in Ea RVe Commune, Ea Sup District, Dak Lak Province, located in Vietnams Central Highlands, gets fresh water offered by police forces. Photo: Trung Tan / Tuoi Tre

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On Sunday 7News Spotlights Sarah Greenhalgh investigates the dark underbelly of social media sextortion impacting teenagers and hears from the family of Rohan Cosgriff, who took his own life at the age of just 17.

Sarah said: The importance of this story cant be overstated. Sextortion is one of the fastest growing crimes against children in our country, with families across Australia and the world left devastated by its impact.

All the parents we interviewed who have lost their sons had open, honest conversations with them about the dangers of social media, but it wasnt enough, Sarah said.

Were incredibly grateful to Beck and Anthony Cosgriff for bravely sharing Rohans story. We have no doubt they will help save lives.

Rohan Cosgriff, 17, had everything to live for, but within hours of the Victorian teenager sharing an explicit photo on social media with a Nigerian scammer posing as a young, attractive girl, Rohan was blackmailed and pressured into taking his own life.

The Australian Federal Police estimate that as many as 3,000 cases of sextortion occur in our country every month, with teenage boys left ashamed and scared. What starts as a simple hello in a direct online message quickly escalates into a terrifying ordeal involving private photos and ruthless extortion. Like Rohan, some of these cases have tragic consequences.

Determined to expose the criminals behind sextortion, Sarah travels 15,000km to Lagos, Nigeria, coming face-to-face with a sextortionist who explains in chilling detail how and he and his colleagues target their victims.

In a heart-wrenching interview, Rohans parents share their sons story publicly for the first time. Recounting the tragic circumstances that led to his death, the Cosgriffs hope to prevent other Australian families experiencing the same tragedy.

7NEWS Spotlight also focuses on Meta and other tech giants, demanding they step up and take responsibility to protect children from these heinous crimes. Sarah goes to the US searching for answers from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg over Instagrams involvement in these scams. And what she exposes is a chilling truth: no child is safe.

8:30pm Sunday on Seven

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

cyber.gov.au
Australian Story meets a 2012 Farmer Wants a Wife winner and Mrs Australia winner who has turned her talents to writing and starring in a feature film Just a Farmer, alongside Joel Jackson, Robert Taylor, Damian Walshe-Howling and Susan Prior.

The film directed by Simon Lyndon just earned a shout-out from Hugh Jackman on Instagram.

Leila McDougall, who has also appeared on Today Extra.

Off the page, Leila McDougalls life reads like a blockbuster, full of obstacles, adversity, triumph, loss and love.

The young farmer from Victoria has overcome dyslexia, beaten cancer, won Mrs Australia and Farmer Wants a Wife, and started a charity event to get farmers talking about mental health.

Determined to draw attention to the issues her community faces, Leila struck a cunning plan, bluffing her way into acting school as the first step in making her own feature film about life on the land.

I just made up a resume saying Id done all these courses and sent it in and somehow they passed it and let me in, Leila says.

Leilas husband was right behind her. Together the couple stumped up $500,000 to help produce the film.

When someone does die by suicide, we dont talk about it, like its still a taboo subject, Sean McDougall says.

Leila ended up starring in the film, which was directed by Chopper actor Simon Lyndon, who has also battled his own demons.

One of the reasons why I connected so much with this film is because I had been having some pretty severe personal mental health struggles of my own, the first-time director says.

The film Just a Farmer premiered earlier this year and received a shout-out from acting royalty Hugh Jackman.

Its a remarkable achievement from someone with no background in film.

The odds of someone who is not an actor or a writer getting a feature film off the ground are 1 in 7 trillion, acting coach, Damian Walshe-Howling says.

8pm Monday on ABC.
Sustainable Screens Australia is nearing its first birthday and on the hunt for its first Board members.

But the Not for Profit body is somewhat perplexed where are all the men?

The organisation which was founded by three industry women -Anna Kaplan (Regen Studios), Tanzy Owen (formerly Endemol Shine Australia) and Art Department / Producer Jennifer McAuliffe  with 5 female directors on its interim Board and 3 women of 4 employees.

My sense is that women have a sense of care for people and for place. We understand it, its almost like a mothering, I guess, of the Earth, executive director Maree Cochrane tells TV Tonight.

I feels to me like its very easy for women to take on the responsibility, but its actually such a collective responsibility. If I look at the production departments that really need to be thinking about reducing carbon emissions, they tend to be led by men.

Sustainable Screens Australia aims to transform the production industry to one that integrates sustainability into everyday practices, and reduce environmental footprints.

Using the UK-created Albert carbon calculator, there are already Australian productions which have been certified for responsible production practices.

They include ITVs Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Alone Australia, The Voice, My Kitchen Rules, Logie Awards, Love Island, The Chase; Fremantles Heartbreak High, Rock Island Mysteries, Heat, Restoration Australia, Grand Designs: Transformations; plus The Portable Door, Poker Face!, Wizards and Polar Bear Film. This week SBS Food series The Cookup with Adam Liaw became the first production to measure its carbon footprint using the Albert calculator, approved by SSA.

SSA has licensed tools from BAFTA to apply to the Australian industry through its members including ABC, AFTRS, BBC Studios, 10 / Paramount +, Nine / Stan, CJZ, Disney Studios, Docklands Studios Melbourne, Dreamchaser, Endemol Shine Australia, Film Art Media, ITV Studios (incl Lingo Pictures), Lune Media, Mashup Pictures, Matchbox Pictures, National Film and Sound Archive, Netflix, Pogue Productions, Regen Studios, SBS, Screen Australia, Screen NSW (under Create NSW), Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Vic Screen, Victorian College of the Arts (Uni of Melbourne).

In the UK, theres sustainability coordinators and sustainability managers and some large productions might have a whole team. There might be three or four members of a sustainability or environmental crew, she continues.

All the broadcasters in the UK have made it mandatory that anything broadcast requires Alberts certification. But its not mandatory here.

Were localising the tools for the Australian industry, says Cochrane.

Weve got sustainable production methods and weve also got sustainability on screen, which is about looking at all the different ways you can incorporate things into narrative or a theme or character or the background of shot.

They could have all of these elements that support or inspire audiences to act more sustainably. So its just normalising sustainable behaviour.

SSA, which officially launched at the 2023 Sydney Film Festival, has big ambitions for the year ahead including training at universities in sustainable practices for the screen sector, and training accountants in sustainability.

Theres so many ways we can tackle this. Some of them are really simple and some of them are cheap. Some of them make the whole process more cost-effective and efficient, Cochrane explains.

Weve got no data in Australia, really, apart from Fremantle and ITV in terms of what emissions look like here. So we can make some assumptions.

We assume that its going to be travel and transport that are the largest emitters in Australia because were such a decentralised country, and we do a lot of travel and we dont have a lot of public transport infrastructure, outside cities. But wed love to have that data to understand how we can start talking to government about how we can shift shift some things in terms of infrastructure.

The call out for new Board members closes on 26 May 2024 and Cochrane is hopeful more men will raise their hand.

In terms of applications I had two men apply for roles with us. The people that come to our working group conversations consistently are women. I can count on one hand, how many men I see in our working group discussions which are every two months, and previously once every month, she recalls.

But Ive never seen a lot of men in these conversations about sustainability.

Terms of Reference

Board of Directors Expressions of Interest
Updated: Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Pledger. Police said the actor was known to frequent Northcote, in inner Melbourne, and the surrounding areas. They described him as approximately 170 centimetres tall with brown hair and a tanned complexion.

Earlier:

Former Home & Away and Neighbours actor Orpheus Pledger is at large after he was due in court on serious assault charges.

Pledger, 30, faces serious charges related to an alleged assault and causing injury. He has been on remand since March 27th and appeared via video link last week when his matter was mentioned briefly.

Yesterday Pledger was sent under police escort to Royal Melbourne Hospital about 3.30am to undergo a mental health assessment and was due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court.

Pledgers lawyer, Jasper MacCuspie, said there is no way to contact him.

Pledgers bail was revoked for his case to be heard again on May 10 and an application for an arrest warrant was made to court.

Pledger who played Mason Morgan on Home & Away from 20162019 drew headlines in mid-2018 after saving a woman from a violent assault by a hooded predator in Surry Hills.

He later appeared in SAS Australia in 2022.

Source: news.com.au, Daily Mail, The Age.
Gordon Ramsays Food Stars last night awarded NSWs Sophie Hood and Victorian Troy Benjamin (Team Gordon) with $250,000 each and a years worth of business mentorship.

Troy Benjamin won chef Gordon Ramsay over with his Indigenous tea product Blak Brews, defeating finalist Aaron from South Australia who created cocktails in a bag, MXTology.

Sophie Hood convinced Janine Allis with her hangover relief Seoul Tonic, edging out WA stepfather Mason and his event-friendly health drinks Kommunity Brew.

All four finalists were beverage products despite the series choosing 14 products across food and drink.

The grand final saw the 4 finalists pitching their products and business plans to an audience at The Edge, Federation Square.

But after 10 episodes it was Sophie and Troy who convinced the shows hosts to back them for 12 months.

No words! I just think that this is going to be huge and theres no better person to be able to take this to the next level with, said Sophie Hood.

Troy Benjamin told Gordon Ramsay, Super excited to work with you and, listen and learn. Tthats what our culture is about. So well have a nice little campfire together.
Brenda Blethyn will play the role of Vera Stanhope for one final series, bringing the hit UK detective series to a close.

ITV have commissioned 54 episodes to date before recently confirming a further 2 x 120min which will be the dramas 14th and final series.

Brenda Blethyn Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and Im sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. Ill be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and Im going to miss them, but I wont forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Silverprint Pictures Creative Director Kate Bartlett (Shetland, Vera, Flesh and Blood, The Long Call) said, It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And  of course  the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope. We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.

ITVs Huw Kennair Jones added, Led by the incomparable Brenda Blethyn, from the moment Vera arrived on our screens in 2011 audiences have been enthralled by her many adventures. And whilst were sad shes hanging up her Mac, were hugely grateful for 14 brilliant series. Everyone at ITV would like to thank Brenda, Ann Cleeves, Silverprint Pictures and the amazing cast and crew that have made Vera such a continued success.

Vera screens in Australia on ABC, 7TWO and BritBox.
TCN News

New Delhi: It is reasonable to assume that the outcry following Prime Minister Narendra Modis overtly anti-Muslim speech in Rajasthan, where he warned people that the Congress would distribute peoples hard-earned money and property to infiltrators and those who have more children and that it would not even leave gold and mangalsutra of mothers and sisters.

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Even though the prime minister framed his story around the assertion that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had once made and used it to suggest that the grand old party supports Muslims, this flagrant dog whistling revealed the desperation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shortly after the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections ended.

Singh made the aforementioned remarks on December 9, 2006, during the National Development Council meeting. He had stated that funds needed to support the advancement of women, children, minorities, backward classes and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes must be set aside. According to him, India needs a plan for the development of minorities so that they, especially the Muslim minority, are empowered to share equitably the fruits of development.

According to the Model Code of Conduct, no party or candidate may engage in any actions that could exacerbate already-existing animosities, foster hostility amongst groups or lead to conflict between various castes and communities, whether they be linguistic or religious.

No caste or communal sentiments may be invoked to win support. Places of worship, such as churches, mosques or temples are not permitted to serve as platforms for election propaganda.

Furthermore, under Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951, it is considered a corrupt electoral practice when a candidate or any other person with the approval of a candidate appeals to vote or not to vote on the basis of that candidates race, religion, caste, community or language. Any attempt by a candidate to incite animosity or hostility among voters on these grounds during an election has been denounced under Section 123(3A). A person convicted of using corrupt electoral practices may be prohibited from running for office for a maximum of six years.

During his electoral meeting on April 22 in Banswara, Rajasthan, Modi flagrantly broke both this code and the RPA, 1951, with the intention of not only appealing to communal feelings, but also inciting anti-Muslim sentiments.

Why would Modi, whose party hopes to win over 400 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, make such a strong effort to demonise the Congress by publicly opposing Muslims in a way that would look outrageous even by the deplorable standards of his own party members?

The BJP has been openly mocking the Congress and the INDIA alliance and seems sure of a third term for Modi even as a cautious stance that raises questions about what might happen if the Congress wins seems strange at this juncture.

Modi choosing to speak in a harsh, Hindutva-laden tone and not even hesitating to publicly naming the Muslim community by referring them as those with more children is consistent with the fact that the speech was given at a time when voter turnout in states like Rajasthan for the Lok Sabha elections has declined in comparison to the 2019 general elections.

For instance, on April 19, Rajasthan registered about 58% polling. In 2019, when the BJP secured all 25 seats in the state when the voter turnout was 63.71%, which was a significantly higher percentage.

Is the BJP concerned about the significantly lower voter turnout? Had the response to the query been negative and the BJP had been confident of a landslide victory, no one would not have witnessed the saffron brigades attempts to center the elections agenda around Hindutva, which culminated in Modis address.

It is important to acknowledge that Modi had to use such divisive language, but it is also true that the BJP and Congress are no longer facing off as one-sided as it was in 2019.

At Banswara, where Modi delivered the controversial speech, the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), which is attracting sizable crowds in support of its candidate and sitting MLA from Chorasi, Rajkumar Roat, has got backing from the Congress.

Peoples support for Roat cannot be disregarded, even though the BJP is depending on Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, a Congress turncoat.

Had it been done by an Opposition leader, the Election Commission would have taken note of the controversial remarks. The contentious parts of his speech, which violated the Model Code of Conduct, would not have been removed from the lengthy English-language synopsis of Modis speech.

However, the EC refrained from commenting on the matter.

Despite being rocked by bank account freezing, searches by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and leaders deserting the party, the Congress managed to come up with a progressive electoral manifesto.

The BJPs desperate attempt to quell polarization is evident in the contrived way that Modi infused his address with a communal bent, even going so far as to declare that womens wealth will be redistributed after taking a stock of their gold holdings.

During his administration, an extraordinary move, Modi oversaw the first-ever sale and mortgage of gold jewellery belonging to Indian women.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently noted that Indias households now have the greatest levels of debt (40% of GDP) due to economic calamities like demonetisation, an ill-conceived GST, an unannounced lockout and inadequate COVID rescue measures. Net savings or 5% of GDP are at an all-time low. Families are in a distressed and desperate situation because they are compelled to sell their gold or take out loans by mortgaging it.

Modis tenure will be remembered for overseeing the unprecedented sale and mortgage of gold jewellery owned by women. They were forced to forfeit gold worth more than Rs 60,000 crore as collateral during the epidemic alone as a result of the Centres utter incompetence, carelessness and neglect. People put their gold up for sale with full-page advertisements, he said.
Starting this week, the market will experience a significant influx of financial disclosures from energy companies, with two leading integrated energy giants, Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM and Chevron Corporation CVX, slated to report earnings on Apr 26. Most investors are likely contemplating which stock is in a better position ahead of first-quarter 2024 earnings.

XOMs Price Performance Solid, CVX Lags

ExxonMobil has proven to be incredibly rewarding since the beginning of the year, gaining 22.2% year to date, surpassing the 13.5% rise of the composite stocks belonging to the Zacks Oil and Gas Integrated International industry. A solid pipeline of profitable upstream projects centered around the prolific Permian and Guyana assets is among the key factors that are leading to the outperformance.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Highly favorable oil prices, as evidenced by the average spot West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices per barrel in January, February and March of $74.15, $77.25, and $81.28, respectively, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administrations data, are also bolstering the energy major's price performance, and might have backed XOMs first-quarter earnings.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings per share stands at $2.19, with revenues estimated at $86.6 billion. Notably, our proven model predicts an earnings beat for ExxonMobil this time around because the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. XOM has an Earnings ESP of +0.13% and a Zacks Rank #3.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Contrary to expectations, despite gaining 10.3% so far this year, Chevron is currently trailing behind both ExxonMobil and the industry, as depicted by the price chart. This could be attributed to the pivotal role that favorable oil prices and its Permian assets play in driving the stock price, while the uncertainty surrounding Chevron's acquisition of Hess Corporation HES acts as a deterrent.

Also, our proprietary model does not predict an earnings beat for Chevron this time around, as CVX has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings per share stands at $2.84, with revenues estimated at close to $50 billion.

Prudent Approach: Waiting for Ideal Entry Points for Both Stocks

ExxonMobil's price chart may continue to show strength, given the company's anticipated closure of its substantial $59.5 billion all-stock acquisition deal with Pioneer Natural Resources PXD in the second quarter of 2024. This deal closure is poised to enhance ExxonMobil's presence in the Permian Basin, the most prolific basin in the United States, as Pioneer Natural is a leading oil producer in the region.

Story continues

ExxonMobil's Permian production is thus set to more than double to 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMBoE/D). Additionally, the company has projected that this production figure will increase to an impressive 2 MMBoE/D by 2027.

Numerous major discoveries in the Stabroek Block, situated off the coast of Guyana, have also contributed to ExxonMobil's notable progress in its production outlook. The growth projects in Guyana offer advantages in terms of lower greenhouse gas intensity compared to many other oil and gas-producing resources worldwide.

Despite the positive developments favoring the stock, investors should wait for a better entry point. This is because shares are somewhat expensive on a relative basis, with the current 6.50X trailing 12-month Enterprise Value/Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization sitting above the 6.14X five-year median. Also, the company is trading at a premium to the Zacks Oil and Gas International Integrated industry average of 4.04X.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Now, let's delve into Chevron's story. A strong presence in low-cost oil and gas resources like the Permian is benefiting the stock. Being one of the largest producers of oil and gas in the most prolific basin, CVX holds a solid track record of disciplined capital expenditure, which supports its substantial cash flow generation.

Despite the positive aspects, investors are troubled by the uncertainty regarding Chevron's acquisition of Hess. Hess, with its robust presence in the promising Guyana's Stabroek Block, could greatly enhance Chevron's business. However, legal complications involving assets in Guyana, where its major competitor ExxonMobil is also engaged, are probably jeopardizing the pending $53 billion deal.

On the valuation front, CVX is also somewhat expensive on a relative basis, with the current 6.22X trailing 12-month Enterprise Value/Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization above the 5.96X five-year median.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Capping Off

Considering the current uncertainty surrounding CVXs acquisition of Hess, we can say that ExxonMobil is on a better footing than Chevron. However, investors should refrain from rushing to buy XOM, which is lagging behind its peers in terms of shareholder returns, before Apr 26. Instead, they should monitor the stock closely for a more appropriate entry point.

Aside from the acquisition threat, numerous fundamental factors, such as low-cost assets, capital discipline, and a robust management team, favor CVX. A sturdy balance sheet will help sustain the stock during challenging business conditions. Therefore, investors should closely monitor it and wait till the uncertainty surrounding the acquisition is resolved.

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HA NOI  Fruit and vegetable export turnover reached over US$1.8 billion in the first four months this year, up 32.9 per cent from the same period last year.

A preliminary report from General Department of Customs showed that fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to reach about $539.8 million this month, an increase of nearly 14.9 per cent over last month and a year-on-year increase of 37.8 per cent.

The largest import markets of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the four-month period remain China, South Korea, the US and Thailand.

In addition, fruit and vegetable imports reached nearly $150 million this month, down nearly 4 per cent compared to the previous month but up 6.4 per cent over the same period last year.

In the first four months of the year, fruit and vegetable imports reached $642 million, rising by 12.6 per year-on-year.

The Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said it expected the export of fruits and vegetables, including durian, to grow even more this year because more codes of growing areas and packaging facilities could be certified, creating favourable conditions for export.

It is expected that four more products will officially be exported to China, including medicinal herbs, coconuts, frozen fruits and watermelons.

In addition, with positive signals from the market, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development forecasts that the fruit and vegetable industry will continue to set new records this year with an estimated export turnover of $6 - 6.5 billion, growing at 15 - 20 per cent compared to last year.

China will continue to be a potential market for Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products because of its geographical advantages and similarities in culinary culture.  VNS
HA NOI  The 6th International Mining & Minerals Recovery Exhibition for Vietnam  Mining Vietnam 2024 officially starts today at the National Exhibition Construction Center (NECC) in Ha Noi.

To create dynamic and sustainable development momentum for the mining and construction industry, Mining Vietnam 2024 returns with the participation of 200 exhibiting companies from 17 countries and regions, occupying a space of up to 6,000 sq.m.

The three-day event is expected to attract over 3,000 industrial visitors and promises to be an ideal trading destination for businesses operating in mining and construction.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ben Wong, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Vietnam, said Viet Nam was one of the largest mineral producers in ASEAN, having a world-class reserve of coal, bauxite, chromite, titanium, iron ores and rare earth metals.

However, how can Viet Nam progress towards a netzero economy, transitioning to greener technologies and resources, while ensuring efficient resource utilisation? The key lies in continued investment in innovation, science and technology to enhance mining processes, ensure safety, and reduce carbon emissions. This vision drives our aspirations for the industry, a vision we aim to realise through Mining Vietnam. We position it as a pivotal event that will undoubtedly shape the future of mining in the Indochina region, said Ben Wong.

Viet Nam is renowned for its diverse mineral resources, boasting over 5,000 mines containing 60 different types of minerals, including coal, bauxite, apatite, titanium, rare earths and more. With a rich history spanning nearly 180 years, Vietnam's coal industry has been a cornerstone of national energy security. Furthermore, Viet Nam's substantial bauxite reserves, estimated at 5.8 million tonnes, solidify its position as the world's secondlargest holder of bauxite ore potential (United States Geological Survey, 2023).

In recent years, the Vietnamese Government has implemented preferential policies designed to encourage more enterprises to participate in the mining and construction sectors. These policies prioritise sustainability and optimisation of mineral resources.

Notable initiatives include auction to exploit minerals right, the amended Environmental Protection Law, and the planning for exploration, extraction, processing and use of minerals used as building materials for the period of 2021  30, with vision to 2050. These measures clearly outline the goal of transforming the mining industry into a modern sector by applying science, technology and innovation in equipment to produce high value-added products with positive environmental impact and resource conservation.

Besides mining, the domestic construction market in Viet Nam is also thriving, with a market size expected to reach US$69.20 billion in 2024 and an annual growth rate projected to exceed 8.10 per cent from 2024-29 (Mordor Intelligence, 2023). This growth has caught the attention of foreign investors. The master plan for the road network from 2021 to 2030, further boosts this potential. The event was organised by Informa PLC, a corporation headquartered in England.  VNS
HA NOI  Viettel Post (a member unit of Viettel Group) will deploy intermodal train services invested by Viettel and "customs clearance inspection" at 30 centers located deep in the interior of Viet Nam.

This was announced at a meeting between Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group - Major General Tao uc Thang and delegates from Nanning City government (China) led by Nong Sheng Wen - Secretary of Nanning City Party Committee. The two sides have discussed investment opportunities in logistics, trade, digital transformation, smart border gates and other potential fields.

The co-operation between Viettel Group and Nanning City in logistics and cross-border transport is expected to halve connection time between Nanning and Ha Noi to only 12 hours, optimally reducing logistics costs by at least 30 per cent. This optimisation will contribute to promoting trade in goods between the two countries, especially in agriculture and fisheries.

The two sides have reached agreements in co-operation to establish the Viet Nam - China Association of Logistics and Trade Enterprises.

The completion of cross-border logistics infrastructure connecting Viet Nam and China will be the premise for Viet Nam to become a regional logistics centre, increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agriculture and fisheries in the Chinese market. The reduction in time and transportation costs compared to agricultural products from other countries is the key factor to this outcome.

Wen said: "In recent years, Nanning City has become a important transit route between China and Asean, chosen by many Chinese and Asean businesses. This creates an urgency to upgrade transportation and logistics infrastructure to connect the two regions strongly and effectively."

Thang said: "Viettel Group will invest heavily in human, financial and technological resources to participate in building national logistics infrastructure - thus, contribute to making Viet Nam a regional and international logistics center, in addition to the two national infrastructure systems that Viettel has built on the largest scale in Viet Nam: telecommunications infrastructure and digital infrastructure.

Viettel Post is the first enterprise in Viet Nam to sign a co-operation agreement with Nanning government - a logistics hub city connecting Vietnamese and Asian goods to mainland China and vice versa.

In early March, Viettel Post signed an agreement with the government and businesses in Nanning and Pingxiang on the establishment of a representative office and the construction of a China - Asean agricultural product trading centre and logistics centre.  VNS
HCM CITY  More than 20,000 export-ready products are on display at the 2024 Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam that opened in HCM City on Wednesday.

The expo has brought together more than 400 exhibitors, 70 per cent of them Vietnamese and the rest from Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, South Korea, and China.

Products on display include home and furniture items, gifts and handicrafts, fashion and accessories, and textiles and fashion supplies.

The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 buyers from some 150 countries and territories.

At Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam, our singular focus on international sourcing sets us apart, Hu Wei, CEO of Global Sources, the events organiser, said.

While other events may be regionally oriented, we attract exhibitors from across Asia and beyond, catering to global buyers with sourcing demand spanning Viet Nam and the Asian market.

The fair provides a unique online-to-offline service for connecting with verified suppliers, exploring new products, and establishing valuable business partnerships.

As consumers demand more environmentally responsible options, the fair is at the forefront of embracing this trend, featuring a wide range of sustainable offerings across various categories.

It offers activities designed to enhance the experience for buyers and suppliers, such as fashion parades, virtual shows, and factory tours.

A business-matching programme will facilitate more than 1,000 one-on-one meetings between exhibitors and buyers, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and business expansion.

The expo, being held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, will run until April 26.  VNS
OTTAWA  A delegation of Vietnamese negotiators joined those from 176 countries worldwide at the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) on plastic waste in Ottawa on April 23.

This session is to work towards finalising an agreement on a global treaty to eliminate plastic pollution by the end of this year. To achieve this goal, negotiators will need to reach a comprehensive legally binding compromise on plastic waste.

In his opening speech, Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault said plastic has become a microcosm of consumer culture since the mid-20th century, adding that the world has depended on this culture. He underlined the necessity to forge a new consensus to eliminate this, putting an end to the waste, expense, and harm of plastic.

On the threshold of the meeting, Guilbeault said the meeting's goal is to achieve consensus on 60-70% of the treaty's content.

Vietnamese head delegate, Director of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) Le Ngoc Tuan said Viet Nam supports the current approach to tackling plastic pollution, but noted that to prepare for negotiations in this session and the next one, specific assessments of future impacts when participating in the agreement are necessary.

As a developing country, Viet Nam seeks a balance where, alongside control measures, consideration should be given to implementation methods, including financial, technological, and capacity aspects, he said.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency in Canada, Tuan said Viet Nam and other member countries all support building a legally binding global agreement to address plastic pollution.

He noted that this will serve as a legal framework for member countries to develop actions to reduce plastic pollution and collectively address environmental challenges.

Anthony Merante, a plastic waste campaigner from Oceana Canada, asserted that the world cannot delay resolving this crisis any longer.

Plastic pollution knows no borders and is the second most urgent environmental issue after climate change, he said, noting that the devastation caused by plastic pollution in the ocean is undeniable.

Methods and implementation roadmaps are also crucial because each country has its level of development and unique circumstances, making it impossible to apply a one-size-fits-all formula, he stressed

Statistics show that annual plastic production has more than doubled over the past 20 years to 460 million tonnes, and is on track to triple. Only 9 per cent of the total is recycled.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the "contribution" of plastic to global warming is likely to more than double by 2060.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasised the urgency for a treaty and specific actions to combat plastic pollution, affirming that time is running out for both finalising a treaty and for the earth's resilience.  VNS
Acclaimed Indonesian musicians Endah N Rhesa and Navicula have been selected to join other world musicians to recognize nature as a "musician" in their works to help generate conservation funding.

As part of a global initiative by the Museum for the United Nations - UN Live called Sounds Right, the sounds of nature will now have an official artist page called NATURE on major streaming platforms.

Musicians can start listing them on their songs as a feature to split their revenues with a registered charity from the initiative.

At least 50 percent of the royalties from streaming of songs featuring NATURE will be directed to biodiversity conservation and restoration projects worldwide. Sounds Rights expert advisory panel mentioned Indo-Burma, India, Myanmar and the Tropical Andes as some of the key regions to be donated to.

Artists across the globe, from the United Kingdom to Indonesia, have joined the initiative by releasing new tracks or remixing old hits to feature NATURE. Some prominent names include electronic musician Brian Eno with the late David Bowie, pop stars Ellie Goulding, AURORA and UMI with V of K-pop outfit BTS.

Big acts from other parts of the world including Colombian band Bomba Estereo and Kenyan musician Blinky Bill also joined the movement.

Endah N Rhesa and Navicula, each dabbling in different genres, collaborated for this initiative and released a song in English last Thursday called Segara Gunung that features NATURE.

It includes sounds of birdsong from the archipelagos tropical rainforests and oceans. Both Navicula and Endah N Rhesa have long been outspoken in urging climate change action through their music and activism.

Bali-hailing Navicula is an influential rock band in the country while Endah N Rhesa is a prominent indie duo making their name since the 2000s. Nature is our source and biggest influence in everything we doin our work, our art and our lives, Endah, one-half of the indie outfit, said on the importance of the initiative in a statement.

Celebrated musician Brian Eno said this was a way to give back to nature [and] help preserve the planet. Eno remixed the track Get Real, which he cowrote with David Bowie in the mid-1990s, to include the sounds of wild animals.

The initiative was launched to commemorate Earth Day, which falls on Monday, and aims to help music listeners partake in combating climate change simply by streaming songs featuring NATURE. - The Jakarta Post
LONDON  Viet Nam and the UK signed a joint statement of cooperation in London on Wednesday to increase cooperation in tackling illegal migration.

Colonel Vu Van Hung, deputy director of the Immigration Department at Viet Nams Ministry of Public Security, and Michael Tomlinson, the UKs Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, signed a joint statement of cooperation to reaffirm the two countries strong partnership.

Under the joint statement, collaboration on deterrence communication campaigns to stop dangerous journeys in small boats will be strengthened. They will also increase intelligence-sharing to tackle visa abuse and continue to facilitate the process for the return of those with no right to remain in the UK.

A Joint Action Plan in tackling human trafficking to disrupt people trafficking will also be developed.

According to the joint statement, Viet Nam and the UK will continue to maintain direct and effective mechanisms and communication channels to share information, and promote legal routes.

The joint statement follows a dialogue on April 15 between Vietnamese Minister of Public Security, General To Lam, and the UKs Home Secretary James Cleverly who agreed on a set of strong measures to tackle visa abuse, increase intelligence sharing, deterrence messages, and continue a successful process of returning illegal migrants from the UK to their home country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hung said Viet Nam and the UK share a strong strategic partnership and are celebrating 51 years of diplomatic relations. Apart from collaborations in trade, education, research, technology innovation and climate change, tackling illegal migration and human trafficking is hugely important and mutually beneficial to both countries. The two sides are committed to working together on ensuring safe and legal routes and protecting victims of human trafficking.

Tomlinson said illegal migration is a global problem that requires global solutions. This agreement is an important step with a valued partner to ensure both sides are working in lockstep to end exploitation by people-smuggling gangs, and to save lives.

He believed only through continued close cooperation with international partners will the UK dismantle the criminal networks profiting from this evil trade, and stop the boats.

In March, the UKs Home Office launched a social media campaign in Viet Nam to highlight the risks of crossing the Channel in small boats.

In October 2019, a lorry was discovered in Essex, UK, with the dead bodies of 39 Vietnamese migrants in the container section.  VNS
HA NOI  Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Pehin Erywan Yusof in Ha Noi on April 23, as the latter has been in Viet Nam to attend the ASEAN Future Forum 2024.

Both officials expressed their delight at the positive development of the Viet Nam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership over the past time and agreed to facilitate all-level visits in the coming time, with a particular focus on preparations for the Viet Nam visit by the Sultan of Brunei.

They also concurred on the importance of soon convening the third session of the Vietnam-Brunei Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation to review the overall bilateral relationship, and ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to Brunei in February 2023, particularly the Action Plan on the implementation of the Viet Nam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership in the 2023-2027 period.

In addition to accelerating the effective implementation of four key areas, including oil and gas, chemicals, Halal products, tourism and people-to-people exchange, Son proposed Brunei work closely on implementing bilateral agreements on food security and promptly finalise new deals in agriculture, fisheries, finance, trade, economy, investment and education.

Agreeing with Sons proposals, Yusof suggested enhancing cooperation in potential areas such as oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism, including the "6 countries, 1 destination" initiative. Both sides also vowed to strengthen cooperation in other important areas such as national defence, education, increasing the number of scholarships, and short-term student exchanges.

On global and regional issues of shared concern, they affirmed support for Laos as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. They also vowed to hasten the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, fostering ASEAN's solidarity and central role in addressing regional issues, including maintaining its common stance on the East Sea issue and promoting the implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on the Myanmar issue.

At a working session with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on the same day, Son suggested the ASEAN Secretariat further enhance its effectiveness in supporting member countries, increase research and forecasting efforts, improve inter-sectoral and inter-pillar coordination, and pool resources for the Secretariat's activities.

Kao expressed support for Viet Nam's stance on strengthening broader and more substantive dialogue relations between ASEAN and its partners.

He also pledged to collaborate with Viet Nam to successfully conclude its term as coordinator for ASEAN-Republic of Korea relations and assume its new roles as coordinator for ASEAN-UK and ASEAN-New Zealand relations. VNS
HA NOI  Acting State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on Wednesday hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Yamada Takio who came to bid farewell to her.

Congratulating Yamada on his successful tenure, Xuan spoke highly of his efforts to bolster the Viet Nam-Japan relations in various domains.

She described the time-honoured ties as a foundation for the two Governments and peoples to overcome formidable challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked the Japanese diplomat for taking bold steps to get the Japanese Government to give COVID-19 vaccine and medical equipment support to Viet Nam.

Xuan went on to say that political trust between the two countries has been increasingly consolidated, with the highlight being the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Welcoming the ambassadors coordination to organise and preside over many activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations, Xuan said that the opera Princess Anio staged by Yamada helped the two peoples get a deeper insight into the time-tested relations.

She expressed her delight at the deep and practical cooperation across economy and trade, adding Japan has maintained its position as a leading economic partner of Viet Nam for years and the two countries are expanding collaboration in such new areas as high technology, semiconductor, and IT.

Regarding people-to-people exchange, Xuan said the Vietnamese community in Japan has been growing and become the second largest foreign community there with more than 520,000 members, while there are around 23,000 Japanese nationals in Viet Nam.

According to Xuan, they have an important role to play in promoting and maintaining the strong bonds between the two nations.

She expressed her hope that with his experience, understanding of, and sentiment for Viet Nam, the ambassador will continue contributing to the bilateral relations, especially in the fields of economy, investment, human resources training, people-to-people exchange, and tourism development.

Yamada, for his part, laid a stress on the robust cooperative ties over the past years which he said have been developed on the basis of the two nations similarities in culture and history.

The Japanese Government is interested in innovation  the area that Viet Nam is pioritising, he said, suggesting the two countries work together in the field in the coming time.

He affirmed that he will make his utmost efforts to back the development of the Viet Nam-Japan friendship, helping deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.  VNS
BUENOS AIRES  The newspapers Resumen Latinoamericano of Argentina and El Popular of the Communist Party of Uruguay have published interviews with Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet, who said that Viet Nams ien Bien Phu Victory 70 years ago is a triumph of intense patriotism, unwavering willpower and resilience of Vietnamese people forged over thousands of years of history.

According to the Vietnamese diplomat, it is also a victory of the sound and creative resistance and military policies of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) led by President Ho Chi Minh

In the interview published on the Resumen Latinoamericano on April 13, Ambassador Nguyet asserted the important leadership role of the CPV and President Ho Chi Minh in the people's resistance war, mobilising the national great unity, and upholding patriotism and revolutionary heroism to achieve the victory in the northern province of ien Bien.

She noted that during the protracted and arduous resistance war, Vietnamese people received strong support and valuable assistance from other socialist nations, as well as the solidarity of oppressed peoples in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, especially the combat alliance of the three Indochinese countries and the struggle movement of progressive people in the world, including those in France, she said.

The diplomat highlighted the historical significance of the ien Bien Phu Victory, stressing that the battle at ien Bien Phu represented the pinnacle of the resistance against French colonialism, laying the fundamental and decisive groundwork for the signing of the Geneva Accords on the cessation of hostilities in Viet Nam, opening up a new revolutionary phase, propelling North Viet Nam towards socialism and strengthening the support for the struggle to fully liberate the South and achieve national reunification.

The victory testified to the CPV's correct and creative strategy in the resistance war and demonstrated the strength and maturity of the Viet Nam People's Army (VPA), which laid the foundation for the entire Party, people, and army to defeat the invading American imperialism, fully liberating the South and reunified the country.

According to the ambassador, the victory marked the end of French colonial domination in the three Indochinese countries and initiated the process of the collapse of old colonialism worldwide. This triumph awakened and inspired oppressed people worldwide to rise up in struggles for independence and freedom, compelling the French government to grant independence to many Asian and African countries. Viet Nam led the way and became a shining symbol in the national liberation movement, overthrowing the old colonialism, and opening a new chapter in human history, contributing to changing the global landscape.

In the interview published by El Popular on April 22, Ambassador Nguyet said that following the victory at ien Bien Phu in 1954, the Vietnamese people continued to compose a brilliant epic in the Ho Chi Minh era, achieving remarkable feats such as the Ha Noi  ien Bien Phu Victory in the air in 1972, and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.

The Vietnamese people continued their efforts to build socialism, firmly safeguarding independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, the diplomat said.

She said the ien Bien Phu Victory will forever be a pride and a source of immense strength, inspiring the Vietnamese people to strive for the successful implementation of the National Construction Platform in the transitional period to socialism and the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress toward realising the aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang on Wednesday received Deputy Defence Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Kim Seon Ho, who is in Viet Nam to attend the 11th Viet Nam-RoK defence policy dialogue.

Giang affirmed that Viet Nam consistently values its diplomatic relations with the RoK, and wants to work with the country to further deepen bilateral ties for the common benefits of their people, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He acknowledged the RoKs care and support for Viet Nam's efforts to overcome war consequences, especially the removal of unexploded ordnance for the RoK-Viet Nam Peace Village project to clean up areas still contaminated with mines and bombs in Viet Nam.

He proposed the two sides continue to promote and actively implement effective cooperation in addressing war consequences in Viet Nam and defence industry.

The minister took this occasion to invite the Korean Defence Ministrys leaders and Korean defence enterprises to attend the second International Defence Exhibition slated for this December.

Speaking highly of the two countries defence relations, Kim Seon Ho agreed to fully implement the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between the two defence ministries, and important cooperation activities agreed upon by the two ministers during Giangs visit to the RoK in 2023.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Wednesday discussed measures to further strengthen the robust Strategic Partnership between the two countries across various fields.

Talks took place as the two co-chaired the 5th session of the Viet Nam-Indonesia Bilateral Cooperation Committee (JCBC) in Ha Noi.

Minister Son said he highly values the significance of his counterpart's visit, which aims to promote the implementation of high-level agreements, especially following the state visit to Viet Nam by the President of Indonesia in January 2024, and as both countries prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Minister Son congratulated Indonesia on the successful general elections held earlier this year and expressed confidence that Indonesia will continue to prosper, rise in international stature and become a developed nation by 2045, their 100th founding anniversary.

Minister Retno Marsudi expressed his delight in visiting once again and congratulated Viet Nam on its achievements in development across all aspects. She affirmed Indonesia's value for and desire to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam.

Both ministers agreed that the cooperation between the two countries is deepening and growing, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations and contributing positively to peace, stability and development in the region.

The ministers were pleased to note the remarkable development of economic and trade cooperation in recent years. Bilateral trade reached US$14 billion in 2023 and $3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2024, a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Within ASEAN, Indonesia is presently Viet Nam's third-largest trading partner, and Viet Nam is Indonesia's fourth-largest. Trade turnover has nearly tripled after 10 years of establishing the Strategic Partnership framework in June 2013.

The two ministers agreed to continue promoting high-level exchanges and interactions, enhancing the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, completing the 2024-28 Action Plan and enhancing political trust. They aim to deepen and substantiate bilateral cooperation in various fields, aiming to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.

Towards the goal of achieving bilateral trade of $18 billion by 2028 in a more balanced manner, the two sides plan to organise trade promotion activities, facilitate trade connections, and support businesses in accessing each other's markets and expand investment, especially in new, promising areas such as fisheries, infrastructure, renewable energy, semiconductor, electrical vehicles and digital transformation.

Minister Son asked to limit the imposition of technical barriers against exported Vietnamese products and goods and to facilitate the entry and consumption of Vietnamese-made halal products in the Indonesian market.

Both agreed to enhance cooperation in defence-security, coordinate in combating transnational crimes, including cybercrime, high-tech crime and human trafficking.

They encourage promoting air connectivity, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) and Myanmar.

They said they are committed to continue coordinating and supporting each other in multilateral and regional organisations and forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN and Mekong cooperation.

They concurred to coordinate to maintain unity and the agreed-upon ASEAN principles in the East Sea issue to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, that are in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), promote the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and actively promote the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and UNCLOS 1982.

At the end of the meeting, the two foreign ministers signed the minutes and agreed that the sixth meeting will be held in Indonesia in 2026.

In the early morning of Wednesday, foreign minister Son invited the Indonesian guest for a stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and to enjoy pho and coffee in Ha Noi as a way to kick-start their new day of work.  VNS
HA NOI  In recent years, Viet Nam has seen a drop birth rates, impacting population structure and size, leading to a shrinking workforce and accelerated ageing.

As per data from the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the average number of children per woman of childbearing age in Viet Nam was 2.33 in 1999.

Since 2009, the birth rate has hovered around replacement level of 2.1 children, showing slight fluctuations.

However, the recent statistics for 2023 reveal that each woman in Viet Nam now has 1.9 children on average, marking the lowest figure recorded.

Viet Nam is currently grappling with specific challenges, particularly concerning the target for 2030, which aims to sustain a steady replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, while anticipating a population size of approximately 104 million people.

Population director Le Thanh Dung from the Ministry of Health explained that replacement fertility signifies the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime to sustain the population size. Once the total fertility rate hits 2.1 children per woman, it meets this replacement level.

A decline in fertility rates impacts various aspects including population size, age distribution, reduction in the working-age population, migration trends and acceleration of population aging. It also hampers the potential of demographic dividends.

Presently, there's a notable gap in fertility rates across different regions and provinces. Twenty-one provinces and cities exhibit low fertility rates, with some areas experiencing exceptionally low rates, particularly concentrated in the southeast, Mekong Delta, and central coastal regions.

The southeast region has witnessed a significant drop, from 2.9 children per woman in 1999 to a mere 1.56 children at present.

Low fertility isn't confined to urban areas with advanced economies but also prevalent in provinces grappling with economic and social challenges, such as the Mekong Delta region, pivotal in agricultural production and national food security.

Provinces with low fertility rates make up approximately 39.4 per cent of the national population, significantly influencing the country's path toward sustainable development, Dung said.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Minh Thi, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Family and Gender Studies, countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, which share socio-cultural similarities with Viet Nam and prioritise cultural values and the significance of children and family, have all encountered the challenge of declining birth rates in recent years.

Despite numerous efforts to address this issue and increase birth rates, none has yielded successful results.

In recent years, the female labour force has seen a significant growth, making up over 70 per cent.

In Vietnamese culture, women often take on the primary caregiving role within families. Consequently, a declining birth rate will inevitably worsen these issues further.

Director Le Thanh Dung highlighted that beyond various factors contributing to declining birth rates, societal dynamics play a significant role. The rapid pace of urbanisation, combined with socio-economic growth, engulfs the younger generation in a relentless whirlwind of progress, leaving them little time for pause.

The challenges of finding suitable housing, managing family expenses, and covering the costs of raising children add significant pressures, leading to uncertainties regarding marriage and childbearing.

Urban areas, industrial zones, healthcare, social services, and educational facilities often face shortages and inadequacies. Despite population density calculations per district, the available services often remain insufficient to meet the needs of the residents.

The widespread occurrence of abortion in both public and private healthcare facilities persists as a problem lacking stringent control measures, potentially resulting in infertility or secondary infertility. Alongside the declining birth rate, the population's age distribution is shifting towards aging.

In 2019, the ratio was one elderly person for every two children; by 2069, this ratio is projected to shift to three people over 60 years old for every two children.

So Viet Nam will confront with two overarching challenges impacting socio-economic development: low birth rate and an aging population. The consequence of these challenges will have enduring effects on the lives of individuals, families, and society as a whole, he said.

Ensuring birth rate and future workforce

To address the disparities in birth rates among regions and uphold replacement-level fertility, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved the Birth Rate Adjustment Programme suitable for different regions and target groups by 2030.

The decision sets clear targets: increasing the total fertility rate by 10 per cent in low-birth-rate areas and reducing it by 10 per cent in high-birth-rate areas, while maintaining replacement-level fertility in other regions.

In addressing the declining birth rate, Mai Trung Son from the Population Department highlighted four proposed measures in the draft Population Law to encourage two-child families in areas with low birth rates.

These measures include offering one-time financial support for second-child births, reducing or exempting school fees, and aiding education expenses for young children.

Additionally, organisations, institutions, and businesses will provide counselling and family support services, taking advantage of encouraged healthcare policies.

The proposal also emphasises creating a supportive environment for couples to raise two children, ensuring proper childcare and shared family responsibilities. Employers are also urged to take social responsibility towards workers with young children.

Professor Nguyen inh Cu stressed the need for policy adjustments and flexible communication to address the declining birth rate.

Population policies should shift focus towards family planning rather than solely reducing births, requiring the removal of outdated policies. Tailored regional policies are necessary; areas with low birth rates should have specific measures, while those needing increased birth rates should relax regulations and encourage higher birth rates.

Sustaining a stable working-age population proportion will prolong the "golden population" phase and improve overall population quality.

Viet Nam is in the process of drafting the Population Law, a critical phase where researchers and policymakers need to consider population and development policies that positively impact future workforce issues and the nation's long-term sustainability.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Health (MoH) has asked hospitals nationwide to ensure they are ready for emergency care, medical examinations and treatment of patients in time for the upcoming holiday.

The five-day break for Reunification Day April 30 and Labour Day May 1 will fall next week.

In a letter sent to hospitals, provinces and cities, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan told all medical facilities must perform their duties in full at a number of levels: leadership duty, professional duty, administrative  logistics duty and security  self-defence duty.

This follows the Prime Ministers Official Dispatch No 36/C-TTg issued on April 11 about ensuring social order and safety for the people during the holiday April 30 - May 1 and the summer period.

If hospital transfers are needed, the hospital which received the patient must give him/her first aid before moving.

The MoH also requested hospitals to assign permanent out-of-hospital emergency services, to be ready and urgently respond in case of mass accidents, serious traffic accidents, or other disasters involving a large number of people.

At the same time, they must ensure food safety and hygiene, prevent food poisoning, drowning and give warning of accidents at crowded tourism locations.

Also in the letter, the MoH also demanded an 24-hour hotline to be ready to direct, coordinate, provide support and rescue.

In case of special disasters occur such as mass accidents, or food poisoning with many victims, hospitals must report to the management agency via the hotline.

They should also report in documents for necessary resolution.

Medical examination and treatment facilities report daily data on their medical examination and treatment situation on cdc.kcb.vn at 8am from April 27 to May 2.

The MoH emphasised that if no problem happens, a report must still be submitted.

Provincial and municipal departments of health must send an overall report on the entire holiday at 8am on May 2 on the online reporting page cdc.kcb.vn.

The MoH requests all units to enhance their sense of responsibility and proactively fully implement the above contents to ensure medical work during the holiday for the people.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Health is in the process of drafting a decree aimed at better-managing cosmetics.

The goal is to streamline administrative procedures in the industry while also boosting the quality of locally-made cosmetics to compete more effectively with imported products.

Chu Quoc Thinh, head of the cosmetics management board at the Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health, said that currently, 70 per cent of cosmetics available in Viet Nam are imported.

Despite the industry's potential, local production still faces challenges such as small-scale operations and outdated technology.

Out of 965 domestic production facilities, only 35 meet the standards set by ASEAN for good manufacturing practices.

The rapid expansion of the cosmetics retail industry is posing growing challenges for regulatory oversight. Data from 2012 to 2022 indicates that the Drug Administration Department has intensified post-market monitoring efforts, examining 309 domestic and imported cosmetics manufacturers.

During this period, they had taken such actions as recalling more than 3,310 cosmetic products, suspending their circulation, and withdrawing 519 items deemed substandard.

The Ministry of Health's assessment indicates that foreign cosmetic companies, backed by robust communication strategies, dominate much of the market.

Vietnamese cosmetic enterprises currently only account for 30 per cent of the declared cosmetic products, largely confined to the lower-priced segment.

Data from the Drug Administration Department and provincial Health Departments over eight years from 2015 to 2022 show that out of over 296,110 cosmetic product declaration certificates issued, 70 per cent were for imported cosmetics.

Foreign investors are increasingly eyeing Viet Nam for production ventures and expanding distribution networks. This influx is squeezing out local cosmetic brands.

The industry is also grappling with stringent environmental, safety and quality standards.

Thinh warned that amid the rise of new cosmetic brands, intense competition is making it tough for companies to retain customers. With an influx of products of dubious origin, especially via e-commerce platforms like Zalo and Facebook, consumers must be vigilant about choosing safe, quality products.

The surge in interest in natural and organic cosmetic products is propelling new trends.

Demand for cosmetics among Vietnamese consumers is on the rise, given the country's sizable population of nearly 100 million. Viet Nam ranks 13th globally in terms of population, making it an attractive market for cosmetic manufacturers and distributors.

A survey by EuroMonitor International revealed that the Vietnamese cosmetics market is growing steadily at an average rate of 6 per cent annually, reaching nearly US$2.7 billion in 2021 from $2 billion in 2016. Projections suggest total industry revenue could hit $3.5 billion by 2026.

According to Thinh, despite challenges, Viet Nam holds promise for exporting cosmetics, including skincare, haircare, oral hygiene and personal care products, as well as luxury items like perfumes and makeup.

To bolster cosmetics market management, the Drug Administration Department is collaborating with relevant bodies under the Ministry of Health to draft a decree expected to be consulted and issued by 2025.

This decree is set to include three primary policy provisions.

Firstly, there's a focus on strengthening regulations regarding cosmetics product declaration to ensure alignment with international standards and the ASEAN Cosmetics Regulatory Scheme. This entails tightening pre-market assessments by closely overseeing documentation related to product features, functions, and overseas manufacturing.

Secondly, there's an emphasis on enhancing post-market surveillance to adapt to Fourth Industrial Revolution trends and leverage information technology in cosmetics management. This includes streamlining administrative processes to support businesses while safeguarding consumer rights. Measures include establishing a national cosmetics management database, simplifying administrative procedures through e-government services, and empowering cosmetics regulatory agencies with enhanced legal enforcement authority.

Thirdly, efforts are directed towards improving the quality of domestically produced cosmetics by implementing ASEAN Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards. This involves bolstering quality management, tracing product origins, adjusting business practices, recalling online products, and introducing cosmetic identification codes.

Forcasts indicate that Viet Nam's cosmetics market will sustain rapid growth in 2024 and beyond.

However, to flourish, businesses must prioritise aspects like product quality, sustainability, technological advancements, and online customer engagement, experts said. Furthermore, maintaining competitiveness and adaptability to evolving consumer needs are most important.

For emerging brands eyeing market entry, establishing trust and credibility among customers is essential. This can be achieved by leveraging natural ingredients and safe components that ensure user health. Equally crucial is providing accurate information about product attributes and benefits to entice potential buyers.

At present, there's a noticeable shift in market preferences towards organic and naturally sourced cosmetics. Consequently, brands must innovate and refine their offerings to align with this evolving consumer demand.  VNS
HA NOI  Many activities were carried out across the nation during the Viet Nams Youth Month, an annual festivity taking place in March to celebrate the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU), contributing to the nations socio-economic development, heard a conference held by the union's Central Committee in Ha Noi on April 23.

Nearly 9,000 activities to support over 136,000 vulnerable adolescents and kids and the lonely elderly, worth some VN97 billion (US$3.81 million), were carried out in the month, attracting more than 210,000 members.

Over 94,000 youth-initiated works valued more than VN400 billion were constructed across the nation during the month.

The youths also joined hands to organise nearly 1,700 voluntary blood donation drives which collected over 201,000 units of blood, while arranging over 3,700 career orientation and admissions counselling activities for secondary- and high-school students and those of centres for vocational training and continuing education.

The youth unions at all levels paid due attention to supporting Vietnamese youths startups, with more than 8,800 activities carried out for nearly 51,000 members, and focused on assisting ethnic minority groups.

On the occasion, the committee presented certificates of merit to 22 youth unions, five organisations and 14 individuals with standout achievements during the Youth Month.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the designation of March as the Youth Month. Over the past years, more than 100 million youth union members have participated in activities, collectively spearheading nearly 700,000 projects and initiatives across the country. Their efforts have helped improve the lives of millions.  VNS
A NANG  More than 70 regional and international officials and experts in fisheries law enforcement from around the world have joined the regional workshop on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the central city.

Representatives taking part are from the United States, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The workshop, which was organised by the US Mission in Viet Nam, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the US Coast Guard, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries Surveillance of Viet Nam, is the third iteration of successful INL-funded regional IUU fishing workshops previously held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September 2022 and Cebu, Philippines in May 2023.

Participants shared discussions and updates on global IUU fishing trends, challenges facing the regions fishing sector, information sharing initiatives, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) overview, and fishing vessel monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) tools.

They also shared insights on how to address domestic and overseas IUU fishing violations through practical exercises based on realistic scenarios.

This regional workshop also presents a platform for partners to meet and exchange information on the current context of maritime law enforcement and seek opportunities to strengthen partnerships that help combat IUU fishing effectively.

This workshop is an example of how the new US-Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership can address shared challenges in ways that make a lasting impact on future prosperity, as the US is committed to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific and a strong, prosperous, independent and resilient Viet Nam, according to the US Embassy.

Last year, the fishery industry in 28 coastal provinces of Viet Nam committed to take severe measures to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, to remove the 'yellow card' warning issued by the European Commission.

The Government, ministries and local authorities have been improving legal enforcement, supervision on the implementation of the law and traceability requirements through heavier fines for illegal fishing, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The ministry asked local authorities and fishery agencies to clarify the responsibilities of fishing boat management, reporting on the punishment of IUU-violated vessels and sharing information and data on fishing boat registration and catch among local authorities.

The government, ministries and local authorities determined to implement anti-IUU fishing measures to affirm Viet Nam as a trust and responsibility partner.

A report from the ministry said 11 out of 28 provinces now monitor fishing boats more than 6m in length, while 28,739 out of 29,827 fishing vessels (96.35 per cent) have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

The number of fishing boats on the National Fisheries Database (Vnfishbase) was identified at 74,521, down 14,024 boats since September 2022, and 86.7 per cent of fishing vessels are officially registered.  VNS
Male embroiderer shatters expectations through success in a traditionally female pursuit

People's Daily Online) 10:15, April 24, 2024

At 43 years old, Wang Xinyuan stands as a distinguished and accomplished master of Guangdong embroidery, an art form deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of south Chinas Guangdong Province. With a rich embroidery career spanning three decades, Wangs experience has earned him the honor of being a renowned representative and prominent figure in the craft and art of Guangdong embroidery.

Despite Wangs success, as a man who loves embroidery, he has encountered skepticism and ridicule. Nevertheless, his unwavering passion has carried him through these challenges.

Photo shows a piece of embroidery work by Wang Xinyuan. (Photo/CCTV News)

To achieve the desired thickness for his artwork and perfect his craft, Wang keeps his nails meticulously sharp and smooth, a necessity for splitting silk threads to the required thinness. This unique requirement frequently takes him to nail salons for specialized care, which sometimes leads to misunderstandings and bemused reactions among those around him.

Wangs journey into the world of embroidery, needles, and threads began in his childhood in a village in east China's Jiangxi Province, influenced by his familys tailoring background. At just 13 years old, he discovered his passion for embroidery, though his interest and hobby often subjected him to curious stares and judgment from others.

After graduating from high school, Wang made the decision to join the military to demonstrate his toughness and duty to serve his country all while nurturing his love and capability for needlework.

Following his retirement from the military, Wang moved to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, to seek employment.

It was during this time that he was exposed to Guangdong embroidery, reigniting his long-buried passion for embroidery. He shared his deep affection for embroidery with renowned masters of Guangdong embroidery, Liang Guoxing and Wu Yuzhen, who were impressed by his dedication. Liang invited Wang to receive a rare opportunity to be formally trained, a proposition that initially made Wang hesitant.

Photo shows a piece of embroidery work by Wang Xinyuan. (Photo/CCTV News)

After two or three months, Wang mustered the courage to visit Liang and began his formal training.

For three years, Wang commuted between Foshan and Guangzhou three times a week to learn the intricacies of embroidery under his mentors, who lauded his talent and exceptional sense of color.

"While others may use three or four colors to embroider a petal of a red silk-cotton flower, I would use more than 10, creating a seamless and flawless color transition," Wang remarked.

As Wang honed his skills and mastered the fundamental techniques of Guangdong embroidery, he began incorporating his passion for historical artifacts into his embroidery, leading to groundbreaking innovations.

His pursuit of authenticity drove him to spend three months visiting museums, studying bronze artifacts to understand how to translate their aged quality and capture their sense of vicissitudes into his embroidery using color layering and thread thickness adjustments.

By layering multiple colors, sometimes up to four layers, and adjusting the thickness of the silk thread, Wang discovered he could achieve a natural effect. One of his bronze artifact pieces featured an extraordinary palette of 1,176 different colors.

The creation of such detailed works required months or even years, with Wang dedicating over 10 hours a day carving out every detail to complete his embroidery.

With such intense dedication, his craftsmanship flourished, but at the detriment to his health. Therefore, Wang made the decision to leave his previous job and open an embroidery shop.

Photo shows a piece of embroidery work by Wang Xinyuan. (Photo/CCTV News)

Despite initial doubts about his new path as an embroidery artist, Wangs confidence was solidified when he made his first sale three months later. From then on, he fully embraced his role and identity, and his embroidery journey took a significant turn for the better. He began taking on apprentices, recognizing it as his duty to preserve and advance this time-honored craft.

In recent years, Wang has been actively promoting Guangdong embroidery among the youth, capitalizing on the growing national emphasis on safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage. He has also been instrumental in expanding career opportunities for other practitioners of Guangdong embroidery.

Recognizing the educational value of this art, in Guangdong, many primary and secondary schools have incorporated Guangdong embroidery as a selective course. Collaborating with over 10 schools, Wang's team has introduced Guangdong embroidery into the classrooms, enabling students to engage with this traditional craft firsthand.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Apple has just announced a list of its supply partners for the fiscal year 2023 (which ended September 2023). The Apple supplier list represents 98 per cent of Apple's direct spend on materials, manufacturing, and assembly of its products worldwide for fiscal year 2023.

The report reveals that the majority of its suppliers have factories in Southeast Asia, India, and South Asia.

In Vietnam, Apple added eight new partners to bring the total to 35, ranking first in Southeast Asia. Vietnam ranks fourth in Apple's global supplier list, trailing behind China (158), Taiwan (49), and Japan (44), and followed by the United States (26), and South Korea (34). Last year, Vietnam came second in the region behind Thailand and seventh in the world.

Over the past eight years, Vietnam has experienced a sharp increase in the number of Apple suppliers. The country is home to major Apple suppliers like Foxconn, Luxshare, Samsung, Intel, and LG.

China took the lead in Apple's supplier list and contributed 42 per cent to Apple's annual production. Chinese suppliers offer high cost efficiency and a low turn-around time for production, despite the recent impact of the US-China trade war.

In Southeast Asia, Apple suppliers are also present in Thailand (24), Singapore (23), Malaysia (19), and the Philippines (17). Indonesia, where CEO Tim Cook plans a new manufacturing facility, has one supplier.

Vietnam currently has large factories specialising in assembling Apple devices such as AirPods, iPads, and Apple Watches. Analysts estimate that Vietnam will contribute 20 per cent of all iPad and Apple Watch productions, 5 per cent of MacBooks, and 65 per cent of AirPods by 2025.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Apple CEO Tim Cook last week during the CEO's two-day visit to Vietnam. Cook suggested promoting cooperation and high-quality investments. He also made commitments to increasing spending on Vietnam-based suppliers, along with support for innovation.

Apple has provided jobs for about 200,000 workers through its supply chain and the iOS app economy. The US tech titan has so far invested VND400 trillion ($15.8 billion) in the country through its local supply chain partners since 2019.

Apple announces Vietnam spending boost as CEO visits Hanoi Tech giant Apple said Monday it would increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam, a key production hub, as CEO Tim Cook arrived in the country for a two-day visit.

Vietnam asks Apple to make it global production base Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Apple CEO Tim Cook on April 16 and asked him to identify Vietnam as a manufacturing base to engage in the iPhone maker's global production chain.
CARE International in Vietnam is funded by the Canadian government and has provided stoves, cooking utensils, food-storage cabinets, and blankets so schools can implement boarding for students.

There were no cooks previously at these schools, but now the children's parents are the cooks. Every parent is obliged to work in the kitchen at least once a month to prepare vegetables, while meat is bought from the market.

Previously, only the largest kindergartens had kitchens that were funded through the state budget, while smaller branches had to make do with either inadequate facilities or no kitchens at all.

But recently, thanks to support from the AWEEV project, school kitchen facilities have improved greatly, enabling preparation of lunches on site and full-day care for children.

"Previously, I had to pick up my children at noon each day and bring them home for lunch and a nap, then take them back to school. It is several kilometres from my house to the school, and I had to go there and come back twice every day," said a parent of one of the students.

"Now I send my children to school in the morning and take them home at the end of the afternoon, saving a lot of time and effort, so we can spend more time doing housework or farming," he added.

Principal of Xuan Hoa Kindergarten Bui Hong Hanh appreciates the effectiveness of the model and would like to receive more funds to deploy it at other branches.

"Thanks to the support of the CARE and AWEEV project, more parents are sending their children to school. Children are taken care of better, while parents have much more time to work and improve their situation," Hanh said.

CARE coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct a survey on unpaid care work in small population communities in the AWEEV project area and nationwide in 2021. Following this, the charity proposed solutions to reduce and reassign unpaid care work, to be deployed in two districts of Ha Giang and Lai Chau provinces.

One of the recommended solutions was to improve the quality of preschool services to reduce the burden of child care and enable women to have more time to do paid work.

The AWEEV is a gender-responsive and integrated project that contributes to the economic wellbeing of ethnic-minority women in Vietnam by increasing participation in paid economic activities and enhancing the promotion of economic rights, particularly in poor rural and mountainous communities.

Sustainable livelihoods for female coffee producers in Son La province A new initiative aimed at providing technical support to female coffee producers in the northern moutainous province of Son La will bolster their already substantial contribution to tackling climate change.
This was the message heard at a recent consultation workshop in Hanoi on how to increase public awareness in energy transition, held by the Energy Transition Partner of the United Nations Office for Project Services on April 23, in collaboration with the Department of Industry and Trade under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The event specifically aimed to increase community awareness and individual responsibility through media to drive sustainable behaviour change among the public. It also promoted policy changes and established a favourable legal environment to encourage the adoption of sustainable energy habits within communities.

"A communication strategy that increases community knowledge about energy transition is crucial because awareness is an essential tool in building consensus, mobilising participation, and promoting practical action on the energy-transition journey. Such a strategy needs to be comprehensive and diverse, focusing on delivering a clear, persuasive, and accessible message," said Nguyen Sy Dung, former vice-chairman of the National Assembly Office.

Workshop organisers also conducted direct feedback surveys with guests and delegates on potential themes and topics related to the energy-transition process. Their input will contribute to the practicality, effectiveness, and success of future implementations of similar initiatives.

Studies underway to guide Vietnams energy transition Vietnam is being encouraged to craft a clear roadmap for the transition of Vietnams coal-fired power plants, which are facing risks of closure.

Global aid for energy transition ramps up Vietnam has earned a great deal of financial and technical assistance from the international community in recent months for its energy transition.
Smaller businesses are much more prone to economic market shocks, photo Le Toan

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee last week agreed to supplement previous discussions of the draft amendments to the Law on Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and to the Law on Special Consumption Tax, in a bid to help remove difficulties in business performance and ensure stability of state budget revenues.

One of the biggest highlights in the draft amendments to the CIT is that the NA Committee for Finance and Budgets showed consensus to some new specific policies, such as the supplementation of regulations for the application of lower CIT for small- and micro-sized enterprises, at 17 and 15 per cent, respectively.

It is expected that this policy will be adopted at the 15th NAs ninth session, which will be held in Hanoi during May and June 2025.

In Vietnam under the Law on Support for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises, small enterprises refer to those with 10-49 people employed, and total annual revenue and total capital of VND50 billion ($2.08 million) and VND20 billion (more than $833,300), respectively. Micro-enterprises refer to those with from one to nine employees, and total annual revenue and total capital of VND3 billion ($125,000).

At present in Vietnam, all taxes are imposed at the national level and the standard CIT rate is 20 per cent. Enterprises operating in the oil and gas industry are subject to rates ranging from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, depending on each contract.

Enterprises engaging in prospecting, exploration, and exploitation of certain mineral resources are subject to rates ranging from 32 to 50 per cent, depending on each project. Preferential rates of 10, 15, and 17 per cent are available where certain criteria are met.

Vietnam is now home to about 800,000 enterprises, of which more than 98 per cent are medium-sized or smaller and are often cash-strapped and lack output markets, with weak competitiveness.

Figures from the General Statistics Office showed that in 2023, just over 89,000 businesses halted operations, up 20.7 per cent as compared to the previous year. Around 65,500 enterprises stopped operations and waited for dissolution procedures, up 28.9 per cent, and 18,000 enterprises completed such procedures. On average, 14,400 enterprises left the market every month.

The first quarter of 2024 saw 53,400 businesses with suspended operations, up 24.5 per cent on-year; 15,500 businesses stopped operations waiting for dissolution procedures, up 21.7 per cent; and 5,100 enterprises completed such procedures.

Nguyen Cong Bang, director of Cong Bang Foodstuff Co., Ltd. based in the outskirts of Hanoi, told VIR that currently like thousands of other businesses, his company is faced with massive difficulties.

Prices of input materials like sugar, gas, beans, and cooking oil have increased by an average 15 per cent since late October, while we still have to pay many types of taxes including a CIT rate of 20 per cent costing about VND24 million ($1,000) per month, said Bang, whose company employs 30 people.

If the tax is reduced to 17 per cent, we can save about $30 a month and $360 a year. The sum is not so big, but it demonstrates the states support to small-sized enterprises like us, Bang said.

However, according to Dang Dinh Quyet, vice director of Hoang Ngoc Trading JSC in Hanoi, specialised in trading rice and agricultural products, there is an urgent need to reduce assorted taxes including CIT for micro and small enterprises that are often vulnerable to shocks in the market.

For example, a reduction can be offered to those with total revenue of below VND10 billion ($416,000) a year and this should be divided into different levels for application. For instance, a CIT rate of 15 per cent is offered to a revenue of more than VND5 billion ($208,000) and a rate of 10 per cent is offered to a revenue of below that figure, Quyet said.

According to the Ministry of Finance which compiles the draft amendments to the CIT law, the government has also proposed to amend and supplement a number of regulations on determining payment in the direction of allowing enterprises with losses from conducting production and business activities (currently receiving CIT incentives) to be offset by profits earned from real estate transfer, project transfer, and transfer of rights to participate in ventures.

The Ministry of Finance last month submitted a proposal to amend the CIT law to the government. The proposal aims to meet practical requirements and new development demands, contribute to restructuring the state budget, create a fair business environment, ensure consistency of the legal system, and enhance international cooperation. The government has agreed on seven policies in the proposal to amend the law. These are improving regulations related to taxpayers and taxable income; exempted income; determination of taxable income and tax calculation methods; determination of deductible and non-deductible expenses; CIT incentives; adjusting tax rates for certain groups to align with new requirements; and applying supplementary tax to prevent global tax erosion.

Banking organisations seek VAT reduction addition The Vietnam Banks Association has proposed a 2 per cent VAT reduction for the entire banking sector, which is currently excluded from the list of sectors entitled to the tax cut.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) meets with visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on April 23, 2024. Cambodia and Laos on Tuesday vowed to boost their bilateral relations and regional cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit. (Photo by Ra Ni/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Laos on Tuesday vowed to boost their bilateral relations and regional cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Peace Palace in the capital Phnom Penh.

Both sides agreed to further promote bilateral cooperation in a number of major areas including energy, connectivity, border affairs, combating transnational crime, defense and security, as well as people-to-people exchanges, the news release said.

The two leaders also agreed to further promote the comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership for the common prosperity of the two countries and peoples.

According to the news release, during the meeting, Thongloun expressed his thanks to Cambodia for supporting the Lao chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2024.

He said Laos is looking forward to welcoming Hun Manet to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in October in Vientiane.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Thongloun arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday morning for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. 
One of the strong attracting sectors for East Asian investors is the processing, manufacturing, and export industry. Not only limited to the industrial sector, East Asian countries are also making strong investments in the service sector, particularly in IT and tourism.

Le Net, lawyer, LNT & Partners

With 65.4 per cent of the total foreign direct investment in Vietnam in 2023, Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan are leading investors for Vietnam as they are attracted to the nations favourable business climate, skilled labour force, and improving infrastructure.

Besides the advantageous nature-based conditions, the attraction results from Vietnams participation in bilateral and regional trade agreements. With a strong international agreement basis, East Asia economies view Vietnam as a gateway to tap into the Southeast Asian market and leverage its economic growth for mutual benefit and long-term business expansion.

To boost the overseas funding flow into the country, the Vietnamese government has concretely concentrated on developing several sectors due to its international commitment and national aims, which sets a variety of investment incentives. For example, projects that develop and use renewable energy sources will receive tax and funding credit incentives.

On April 9, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) submitted a proposal dossier on the development of rooftop solar power. With the emphasis on expediting activities for soliciting feedback and refining drafts, the MoIT aims to promptly submit them to the government by early May.

In addition, in April the digital transformation plan for the energy sector for next year was signed off, with a vision towards 2030. The objective of the plan is to ensure that the proportion of administrative procedure files related to the energy sector (electricity, petroleum, petroleum products, and coal) processed through the MoITs Public Service Portal reaches 90 per cent. The digitalisation rate of administrative procedure implementation files, and the digitalisation of results related to administrative procedures in the energy sector, are expected to reach 100 per cent.

This new approach has set a more simplified procedure within the local energy sector, contributing to the stable growth not only for local but also East Asian enterprises in Vietnam.

Aside from incentives granted by the government, investors from the East Asian region should be aware of certain challenges in Vietnam. Vietnam is now under the effects of international tax by committing to the global corporate minimum tax at a rate of 15 per cent for multinational corporations.

This movement can potentially discourage investments in low-tax jurisdictions like Vietnam, as the tax advantages would be diminished. Those subject to this tax will be required to pay corporate income tax in Vietnam.

While this tax is primarily aimed at large multinational corporations with significant revenues, there is a possibility that smaller foreign-invested enterprises, which are part of the supply chain of a large multinational conglomerate, could also be indirectly affected to some extent.

According to a review by the General Department of Taxation, it is estimated that around 120 multinational corporations investing in Vietnam (with over 1,000 related enterprises) will be affected. To respond promptly to such a scheme, Vietnam is in the process of drafting regulations to establish an investment support fund from the government towards enterprises with ventures in high-tech product manufacturing with high capital.

Furthermore, despite the dynamic market, Vietnams treatment towards foreign investors in the whole retains certain challenges. Firstly, the regulatory framework in the country can be complex and subject to frequent changes. Navigating through bureaucratic procedures, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with regulations can be time-consuming and challenging for foreign investors.

Secondly, while Vietnam has been making significant progress in infrastructure development, there are still gaps and limitations in areas such as transportation, logistics, and energy. Insufficient infrastructure can impact the efficiency of operations and increase costs.

Lastly, while Vietnam has a young and rapidly growing workforce, there may still be a shortage of skilled labour in certain industries. It can be a challenge for East Asian investors to find and retain qualified employees with the necessary technical expertise.

Investing entails navigating through a landscape of highs and lows, where opportunities intertwine with challenges. To ensure successful business ventures, financiers must grasp the nuances of this fluctuating narrative. They need to anticipate and prepare for both the promising prospects and the formidable hurdles they may encounter along the way.

Amidst this dynamic backdrop, Vietnam maintains a steadfast commitment to expanding its market presence on a global scale. The country offers a stable policy environment, signalling its dedication to fostering an atmosphere conducive to international business engagement.

Japan's CADDi invests in Vietnam's fast-growing manufacturing industry CADDi, a leading manufacturing solutions provider from Japan, is banking on Vietnam's manufacturing industry with the recent launch of its CADDi Drawer, a flagship product innovation to accelerate the digital transformation process in Vietnam. Daisuke Takei, CEO of CADDi Vietnam, spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about Vietnam's manufacturing market and the company's expansion plan.
According to Goodwin Gaw, chairman, managing principal and co-founder of Gaw Capital Partners, US-China trade tensions could continue to be an issue for the next 10-15 years.

I want to invest in countries that are the biggest beneficiaries of the China+1 strategy like Vietnam and Mexico because they welcome Chinese firms setting up production facilities. The biggest beneficiaries will be those who allow Chinese factories to open up and hire local labour to produce the same goods for foreign clients, Gaw said.

Goodwin Gaw, chairman, managing principal and co-founder of Gaw Capital Partners

In Vietnam, via a joint venture named Gaw NP Capital, Gaw Capital Partners' investments span the entire spectrum of the real estate sector, including residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, industrial, and internet data centres.

Gaw NP Capital has shown a keen interest in developing its industrial platform (known as Gaw NP Industrial), especially in the north of Vietnam. The platform is currently managing nearly 500,000 sq.m of ready-built factories and warehouses in key locations such as Thai Nguyen, Haiphong, and Ha Nam.

GNP Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Center, located within Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Haiphong, has successfully attracted numerous foreign investors engaged in electronics, cleaning equipment, and other industries to its ready-built facilities.

The industrial centre has achieved a significant occupancy rate of 50 per cent after only eight months of operation.

In Ha Nam's Dong Van 3 Industrial Park, GNP Dong Van 3 is also getting ready to mark its inauguration and welcome its anchor tenant AUO Corporation, an optoelectronic corporation from Taiwan.

GNP Nam Dinh Vu recorded an impressive 50 per cent occupancy rate after eight months of operation

In Vietnam, despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges and uncertainties, Gaw NP Industrial remains steadfast in its commitment to strategically expand its investment portfolio in industrial real estate. This includes the selective pursuit of opportunities, alongside the prudent restructuring of mature operating assets.

Our conservative methodical underwriting strategy and disciplined investment practices, combined with our extensive local expertise in executing projects in the Vietnam market, has enabled us to maximise economic benefits for both our clients, tenants and investors, said Vo Sy Nhan, CEO and co-founder of Gaw NP Capital.

Gaw Capital Partners is a uniquely positioned private equity fund management company focusing on real estate markets in Asia Pacific and other high barrier-to-entry markets globally.

Specialising in adding strategic value to under-utilised real estate through redesign and repositioning, Gaw Capital runs an integrated business model with its own in-house asset management operating platforms in commercial, hospitality, property development, logistics, and education. It has raised equity of $22.3 billion since 2005 with assets of $33.7 billion under management as of Q3 of 2023.

Gaw NP Industrial is a prestigious development by Gaw NP Capital  a joint venture between Gaw Capital Partners and NP Capital.

Backed by global expertise and local know-how, Gaw NP Industrial pioneers in one-stop-shop solutions, catering to the ever rising demand for modern warehousing and factory spaces from customers in the e-commerce, supply chain, and manufacturing industries.

It has an extensive premium industrial product portfolio across Vietnam, including ready-built factories and warehouses, built-to-suit facilities, and logistic hubs, tailored to customers diverse business requirements and growth journeys.

Investment sentiment upbeat in industrial property arena The logistics sector has seen a number of large-scale investments in the first months of the year as it experiences a period of significant growth that is vital to the ongoing development of the countrys economic recovery.
However, it is crucial to consider the cost aspect of high-quality education, which originates standards from well-established education systems worldwide. This concern remains an issue that many parents and students worry about, not only in distant provinces, but also in central cities.

To maintain quality infrastructure and teaching staff that meet international standards, international universities tend to invest more than usual, approaching the levels seen in foreign institutions in certain aspects. Meanwhile, the average income of Vietnamese citizens still significantly differs from the overall average of people in developed countries.

Opportunities for all talents

Understanding the rightful aspirations of parents and students with progressive visions, many international universities have implemented programmes to support students in accessing financial aid mechanisms to pursue studies at their institutions. Among these, the British University Vietnam (BUV) stands out with its annual scholarship fund dedicated to the mission Here for the future of Vietnam.

According to BUV's announcement, the scholarship fund is awarded annually to a diverse range of domestic and international students, with various criteria tailored to each group of candidates.

The outstanding scholarship awardees in the first round ceremony by BUV

For example, candidates with outstanding academic achievements and rich community engagement experiences would be eligible for the British Ambassador Scholarship. Meanwhile, candidates with excellent academic records and leadership potential will be given priority consideration for the Founder's Scholarship.

For those facing difficult circumstances but demonstrating resilience in their academic pursuits, the Lion's Heart Scholarship, symbolising unwavering support, will accompany them through challenges. The Talent Scholarship is a programme for talented candidates who have excelled academically and in extracurricular activities, demonstrating outstanding achievements in their fields of expertise.

Not confined to academic achievements alone, the scholarship fund is distributed across diverse schools at BUV, including the School of Business, School of Computing and Innovative Technologies, School of Communications and Creative Industries, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism, as well as bachelor's and master's degrees catered to candidates with diverse passions.

Depending on the candidates potential, the scholarship programme offers various tiers of tuition fee support, with the highest levels reaching up to 75 per cent or even 100 per cent, equivalent to more than $41,000. The total scholarship fund for 2024 amounts to around $3.6 million.

The most outstanding candidates selected by the BUV Scholarship Fund shined brightly in the first round of awards in 2024, coming from reputable schools nationwide, including specialised high schools like Hanoi - Amsterdam High School, Phan Boi Chau High School (Nghe An), Thai Binh Specialised High School, Vinh Phuc Specialised High School, at the 12th grade and post-secondary levels.

Among them are many students living in challenging circumstances who continuously strive for academic excellence. Additionally, there are students with ample material resources, warm hearts, and enthusiasm for social activities, contributing positive values within the community right from their school days.

Vibrant testimonials

Professor Raymond Gordon, vice chancellor and president of BUV, noted, We are delighted to see the young talents supported by BUV continue to excel not only academically but also in social activities, aligning with the values that BUV aims to instil.

We aspire to develop highly employable graduates who are first and foremost good human beings with ethics of kindness and caring. They will serve as vibrant testimonials to BUV's commitment to the Vietnamese education system, aiming for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Professor Raymond Gordon delivering remarks at the first-round scholarship award

Over 100 scholarships will be awarded in the second round of the event in May 2024, promising to identify more breakthrough talents from high schools nationwide.

After six years of continuous operation, the BUV Scholarship Fund has granted thousands of scholarships and financial aid worth around $104 million, enlightening outstanding individuals from provinces nationwide, regardless of their backgrounds and strengths.

Scholarship recipients have continued to demonstrate remarkable achievements during their time at BUV and beyond graduation. This initiative continues to be the cornerstone of fulfilling the aspirations of numerous young talents aspiring to pursue a world-class international education programme right here in Vietnam.

The programme aims to create opportunities for talented candidates with outstanding strengths in various fields and different starting points to access international education standards and pursue a premium British degree.

The British University Vietnam (BUV) awards bachelor's degrees directly from the University of London, Staffordshire University, the University of Stirling, and the Arts University Bournemouth, which are globally recognised institutions. BUV provides a quality and reputable education system from the UK along with an internationally standardised learning experience for Vietnamese students BUV officially became the first and only university in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, one of the 22 universities outside the UK, to achieve QAA accreditation as an independent education institution. QAA is an independent quality assurance agency for higher education, responsible for assuring standards and enhancing the quality of universities in the UK and UK higher education providers worldwide. Currently, BUV is also the first and only university in Vietnam to be awarded the comprehensive QS Stars 5-star standard based on eight criteria, ranging from teaching quality and facilities, to employment opportunities for students. For more information, please access: www.buv.edu.vn

$2.56 billion International University Urban Area ready for construction Following nearly 15 years of stagnation, Berjaya Vietnam International University Town LLC plans to start the construction of its International University Urban Area project in the Hoc Mon district of Ho Chi Minh City in the first quarter of 2024.

BUV announces new programmes awarded by top UK universities British University Vietnam (BUV) has introduced new undergraduate programmes that are awarded by prestigious universities in the UK, and announced a $3.7 million scholarship fund for 2024, fostering opportunities for local students to engage in an international-standard learning environment in Vietnam.
During the meeting, Dung shared information about Vietnam's strategies for developing the semiconductor and AI industries, plans for human resource development in the semiconductor industry, the investment environment in Vietnam, and policies to support high-tech projects in Vietnam.

The Nvidia delegation later visited the National Innovation Centre at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park (NIC Hoa Lac). Nvidia's vice president is also scheduled to meet with several ministries, local authorities, and businesses in Vietnam.

The Nvidia vice president will also conduct surveys in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City in search of investment opportunities and cooperation in the AI and semiconductor sectors.

In Ho Chi Minh City, on April 25 and 26, the Nvidia delegation will have four working sessions with the management board of Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park, Ho Chi Minh City National University, CMC Corporation, and Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to discuss investment in the semiconductor industry.

In December 2023, Nvidia president Jensen Huang also visited Vietnam. Participating in a seminar themed Development trends in the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence, and opportunities for Vietnam Huang highly appreciated Vietnam's potential in the semiconductor and AI industries, especially its workforce.

"AI is a new and bigger wave than PC, internet, and cloud computing, it will revolutionise every industry. Building a culture focused on STEM activities, a strong team of software engineers, robust infrastructure in technology manufacturing, and the strong determination of the government in transforming the country through technology, Vietnam is positioned to lead the new AI wave. We aim to make Vietnam a major production and innovation centre for Nvidia's AI," Huang said.

Nvidia delegation to explore opportunities in Vietnam Leaders of Nvidia, one of the worlds top chip manufacturers, will visit Vietnam from April 22 to 26 to explore investment opportunities in the semiconductor industry.

FPT partners with NVIDIA to shape the future of AI and Cloud on global scale IT firm FPT signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with an American technology corporation NVIDIA on April 23, aiming to offer a one-stop shop for AI and cloud products, GPU infrastructure, tech experts, and domain expertise for clients in Vietnam and FPTs overseas markets.
How will trade and investment cooperation be featured at the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF)?

Themed Towards fast and sustainable growth of a people-centred ASEAN Community, the AFF 2024 is expected to feature speeches by PM Pham Minh Chinh, Laotian PM Sonexay Siphandone as ASEAN chair for 2024, the ASEAN secretary-general, and a recorded message from the United Nations secretary-general.

Do Hung Viet - deputy minister of Foreign Affairs

The AFF will feature participation from a large number of enterprises and investors from member states and ASEANs partner states, representatives from international organisations, high-profile experts, and scholars.

The event is focused on rapid and sustainable development, which is only achieved with the significant role played by the investors and businesses community with specific and feasible projects.

The AFF will exclusively see a dedicated roundtable for investors and enterprises on taking advantage of opportunities in digital transformation for development. Both Vietnamese and Laotian PMs will co-host this roundtable, which will also be joined by many scholars and businesses and investors from Vietnam, ASEAN member states, and the blocs partner states.

This will be a huge opportunity for investors and enterprises to meet and share their ideas and search for new cooperation deals and projects.

At the event, will there be any updates of ASEANs trade-related agreements, such as a new version of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement?

This will depend on the panellists. For example, the event will see a recorded message from the Indian minister of external affairs, who may mention some kind of update. At present, ASEAN and India are reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, with a new version expected to benefit both ASEAN and India. However, lets wait for what is said at the AFF.

The AFF will aim to build up a people-centred ASEAN community. This is a principal need of ASEAN, given the bloc is facing massive challenges in economic and trade development and investment expansion, as well as non-traditional challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, and supply chain disruptions.

How important is the AFF 2024 to promoting the role of Vietnam within ASEAN?

This year, the AFF will be the largest multilateral event of Vietnam. It demonstrates the countrys active and proactive move in contributing to ASEANs sustainable development, and the nations wish to make bigger contributions to the blocs efforts in enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

I do believe that Vietnam will successfully organise this event, laying a big foundation for the country to continue organising the similar events in the next years. As we expect, the AFF will be used by participating nations, experts, investors, and businesses to advance new ideas, so that regional leaders can use as an input for formulating and implementing strategies and visions of ASEAN.

This event is not for nations to make new trade and investment commitments, but instead to make new ideas and proposals to promote intra-bloc trade and investment ties. New commitments will be made at upcoming events at ministerial and prime ministerial level events.

At the end of the event there will be a report on the results of discussions, which will be sent to regional leaders and ministers for consideration. There will also a shared proposal of ASEAN sent to the United Nations, which will organise its Summit of the Future on September 22-23.

The AFF, to be organised in Hanoi on April 23, seeks to provide a platform for ASEAN member states, partners, and stakeholders to shape the blocs future trajectory as it enters a pivotal stage of development. Discussions will focus on the future of ASEAN in light of rapid and complex developments around the world. The plan to organise the event was announced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in September 2023.Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Canada, ASEAN consolidate climate change response, economic cooperation The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) and the ASEAN Alliance on Carbon Markets (AACM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the implementation of carbon crediting programmes across Southeast Asia.
The Inno Vietnam-Japan Meetup will open on April 23 as part of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative in the New Era, which was launched in March.

At the event co-organised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Vietnams National Innovation Centre, a dialogue session from Japanese businesses with experience investing in startups will be held, with innovation discussions included.

Innovation and digital transformation, and sustainable development are key interests among Japanese businesses in Vietnam. Green and new energy is also a sector to watch, although the industry fluctuates, according to JETRO.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said, The joint initiative will continue to promote innovation as well as develop manufacturing and supporting industries in Vietnam to build a sustainable value-added chain system.

Businesses from East Asian economies like mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea are moving to seek new opportunities in Vietnam. At the Horasis China Meeting 2024 held in the southern province of Binh Duong last week, participants discussed the trend of Chinese investment in Vietnam.

According to the event, the fields that are attracting Chinese investment include electronics, IT, AI, and biotechnology. An emerging industry that China is focusing on developing is healthcare services for the elderly.

Veronica Shim, founder of E-Alliance, Currently, China and Vietnam are at different stages of development, but in terms of financial investment, the two countries have similarities, which is the states management role in financial activities, including banking activities. Both countries have developed financial markets. However, to promote development, more open financial policies are needed.

Not an exception in this trend, more than 2,000 Taiwanese enterprises gathered at the Vietnam-Taiwan Business Forum in early April to seek partners.

So far, Vietnam has welcomed many powerful Taiwan investors such as Foxconn, Wistron, Qisda, Pegatron, Compal, and Quanta. More Taiwanese businesses are expanding their manufacturing plants in many fields, especially the high-tech industry, the forum heard.

Le Net, lawyer at LNT & Partners told VIR, Taiwanese investments are part of its New Southbound Policy in which Vietnam is a key partner. These policies are economic strategies that incentivise Taiwanese entrepreneurship in the ASEAN region, particularly in Southeast Asian markets.

Similarly, investment in high-tech, chips and semiconductors continues to be an important field in the South Korean investment structure in Vietnam.

In the near future, there will be more diversity in South Korean investments in Vietnam, not only in the production and manufacturing but also in billion-dollar energy projects, said Hong Sun, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam.

During recent high-level talks, the two sides mentioned promoting many new areas of cooperation, especially in energy, considering it a firm foundation to attract South Korean investment inflows into Vietnam. It is a perfect opportunity for our investment in Vietnam, Sun added.

According to experts, this strong interest is backed by their governments southern policies. For instance, the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative is the expansion of the Japanese governments southern policies, in which Vietnam is a key target country for cooperation.

In 2003, the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative began. In that time, it has completed eight phases, contributing to a 20-fold increase in investment from Japan to Vietnam.

Vaibhav Saxena, foreign counsel at Vilaf, highlighted that the significance of the southern region policies implemented by governments play a pivotal role in supporting businesses as they expand southward.

By diversifying their supply chains and reducing reliance on specific countries, these policies attract investment flows to the region, with Vietnam emerging as a prime target. The countrys dynamic economy, and favorable investment climate continue to make it an attractive destination for East Asian investors, Saxena said.

Japan, South Korea, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have been the biggest foreign investors in Vietnam in recent years. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, in 2023, Japanese investors poured nearly $6.57 billion into Vietnam, accounting for more than 17.9 per cent of the countrys total capital, and rising 37.3 per cent on-year, placing it second among those investing here.

The growth momentum continued to rise in the first quarter of 2024, when Japan was in the top five biggest foreign investors in the Southeast Asian nation.

Last year, global foreign direct investment flows tended to decrease, but funding from Taiwan into Vietnam reached nearly $2.88 billion. Cumulatively, Taiwan currently ranks fourth out of 105 markets pouring money into Vietnam, with nearly 3,200 projects and a total registered capital of over $39.5 billion.
VAT rate changes are likely to help support segments like fertiliser productions, photo Le Toan

A draft VAT amendment law will be proposed to the National Assembly (NA) for comments in the seventh session taking place in May and June, before being able to be approved at the eighth working session scheduled to take place in October.

Last December, the National Assembly Standing Committee ratified a resolution on adjustment of the programme on development of laws and ordinances in 2024, in which the VAT law was included.

One of the highlights of the draft amendments is proposals for new VAT rates. Specifically, they shall limit the category of exported services subject to 0 per cent VAT to specifically cover three groups of services provided to foreign organisations and individuals: rental of vehicles for use outside Vietnams territory; international transportation; and aviation and maritime services provided directly for international transportation purposes.

Besides that, the draft shall reclassify fertiliser products, fishing vessels, and specialised machinery and equipment used for agricultural production to being subject to 5 per cent VAT instead of not being subject to VAT as currently.

Various obstructions

According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), which drafts the amendments, since changes made in 2016, the implementation of the revised law has revealed numerous shortcomings affecting enterprises performance.

For example, all enterprises engaging in production and trade in goods used for agricultural and fishery production, such as fertiliser, specialised machinery, and fishing vessels, have been free from paying VAT.

However, they are not allowed to declare and deduct it for their input goods and services, including activities involving investment and fixed assets purchase for their own performance, stated an MoF report on the draft amendments submitted to the government last week.

Instead, VAT payment is made for costs of products, leading to a rise in selling prices and a reduction in profits, meaning the items are less competitive than imported similar items.

Because they are not allowed to deduct it for input goods and services, enterprises do not want to expand investment, goods purchase, repair, and grade fixed assets to create high-quality products, the MoF stated.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, from the Institute for Banking and Finance under the National Economic University, commented that in the fertiliser production industry, Vietnam currently has to import a great deal volume of fertiliser from foreign markets where this item is subject to assorted VAT levels.

When exporting fertiliser products into Vietnam, these exporters are refunded input VAT. Meanwhile, when imported into Vietnam, they are free from the tax, so foreign firms can lower selling prices, which have created unfair competition with items produced in Vietnam, Duong analysed.

What is more, the state has lost an amount of revenue due to failure in collecting VAT from imported products, while import tariffs are either very low or reduced to zero, Duong said.

This would mean local producers will continue facing difficulties. When fertiliser products are not subject to VAT, as a matter of fact, enterprises cannot deduct input VAT when selling them domestically, while the majority of input materials are subject to 10 per cent, she continued.

As a result, enterprises have to increase production costs and suffer from a profit reduction, and they do not want to invest into renewing fixed assets, she explained.

Additionally, enterprises also shift to exporting products because exportation can help them have VAT refunded thanks to a zero rate. This would lead to a reduction in fertiliser supply, meaning a rise in prices in the domestic market.

Under the draft amendments to the law, when it comes to agricultural machinery and equipment, animal feed, and fishing vessels, at presents, these items are not subject to VAT.

However, this has made it difficult for producers in these sectors. They cannot declare and deduct VAT of input goods and services, including all activities about investing and purchasing fixed assets for production and business performance. And instead they have to increase costs and selling prices, meaning a reduction of profits. Finally, customers will have to buy products at high prices.

Meanwhile, according to the MoF, many types of machinery and equipment are used for many purposes in addition to agricultural production, such as water pumps, warming machinery, and diesel engine.

This means it is difficult to determine which types of machines are subject to a 5 or 10 per cent VAT rate when they make correct declarations of the tax they have to pay. Moreover, tax and customs agencies also cannot control the usage purposes of the machines and equipment to impose a suitable rate, the MoF stated.

Public post and telecommunications, internet services, and services that take care of zoos, public parks, and public lighting are currently not subject to VAT.

According to the MoF, many enterprises have been providing these services, but the fact that the businesses are not subject to VAT is not suitable any longer because they cannot deduct it for input VAT and enjoy input a refund.

A way out

According to the draft amendments to the law, the legislative body will revise the list of goods and services subject to VAT in a direction of reducing the number of such goods and services.

For instance, the MoF has been asked by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Fertiliser Association, and domestic fertiliser producers to shift fertiliser products from not being subject to VAT to 5 per cent.

Fertiliser should be subject to a 5 per cent VAT rate to support the industry. However, it is necessary to harmonise this rate with other types of taxes on fertiliser such as import and export taxes, said Duong from the Institute for Banking and Finance. The government also needs to control fertiliser export activities to prevent bad impacts on the domestic supplies. The export tariff for fertiliser needs to be maintained at a level of higher than 0 per cent.

The MoF has also suggested that to help enterprises producing agricultural machinery and equipment, and fishing vessel out of difficulties and to help them achieve equal competition with imported similar items, it is necessary for the NA to revise related regulations on these home-made products appropriately.

Assessment of existing 10 per cent VAT rate Clause 2 of Article 3 of the existing Law on Value-Added Tax stipulates a preferential rate of 5 per cent and a common one of 10 per cent. Vietnam is boosting its economic restructuring with the key task of promoting restructuring of budget revenues and expenditures, ensuring the safety of public debt and national finance. Vietnams revenues from imports and exports have decreased due to the implementation of tariff reduction commitments that Vietnam has signed in free trade agreements, along with reduced revenues from crude oil exports, and a reduction in the corporate income tax (CIT) from 32 to 20 per cent, which is aimed to increase the competitiveness of the economy. This has had a significant impact on the revenue structure of the state budget. Specifically, the proportion of crude oil revenue and revenue from export and import activities went down from about 39.1 per cent of total state budget revenue (equivalent to 10.3 per cent of GDP) on average in the 2006-2010 period to about 30.8 per cent of total state budget revenue on average in 2011-2015, and to around 14.5 per cent of total state budget revenue on average in 2016-2020. International practices show that many nations worldwide are now in a trend of restructuring state budget revenues, in which they strengthen the role of VAT, and gradually reduce import taxes in order to fulfill their commitments in the international community, while also gradually reducing CIT so as to increase the attractiveness of their investment environment. The number of nations applying VAT or goods and services taxes (GST) is on the rise, from about 140 countries in 2004 to 195 in 2020. According to International Monetary Fund statistics on tax rates of 164 countries and territories in 2020, there were 122 countries with common tax rates from 13 to 27 per cent; 26 countries have common taxes ranging from 10 to below 13 per cent; and 16 countries impose a common rate of below 10 per cent. Vietnams neighbouring countries such as Laos, Indonesia, and Cambodia also have a common tax rate of 10 per cent, China 13 per cent, and the Philippines 12 per cent. In some other countries, such as Canada, in addition to the federal government collecting GST, some state governments also collect this type of tax. To implement the Partys policies and guidelines, in accordance with international VAT reform practices and trends, it is necessary to be research and apply an appropriate common tax rate. Source: Government report to the National Assembly Standing Committee

Ninh Thuan inspired to form effective agriculture As Vietnam is stepping up efforts to cope with climate change, investment into adaptation activities will produce positive impacts in the short and long term.

Phu Yen is on the journey to develop high-tech agriculture Agricultural production areas are being created in Phu Yen province with favourable natural conditions and high-tech agriculture.

Sustainable livelihoods for female coffee producers in Son La province A new initiative aimed at providing technical support to female coffee producers in the northern moutainous province of Son La will bolster their already substantial contribution to tackling climate change.

Canadian businesses focus on green energy and agriculture in Vietnam Canada's business community is looking forward to cooporating in agriculture, energy, and green and clean technology with Vietnam, said Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.
The drug producers await a National Assembly (NA) decision on passing the law amending and supplementing some articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations. When the amended law is approved, there will be shortened orders and procedures on clarifying veterinary drug conformity, which is likely to save producers a great deal of money a year.

Veterinary drugmakers seek time and cost-saving policies, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

The cost of sample analysis and testing alone is huge, said Nguyen Nhu So, chairman of the board at Dabaco Group and chairman of the Vietnam Animal Feed Association.

For example, veterinary medicine ranges from $82-165 per product and $415-830 per vaccine product during the accreditation assessment. In addition, the testing also is repeated during the circulation of three years of the products, So said. If a facility has hundreds of veterinary drugs and thousands of products, the cost for completing procedures for declaration of conformity skyrockets.

In late March, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reported to the government about inadequacies in declaring veterinary drug conformity. The MARD proposed to the government to allow the ministry to amend rules regulating the management of veterinary drugs according to the compacted procedures.

These amendments will ensure the declaration of veterinary drug conformity according to regulations, which does not require annual sampling to monitor product quality assessment, and does not require production process assessment, contributing to reducing production and business costs, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said.

The MARD also asked the government to issue a document which requires temporarily suspending or not sanctioning administrative violations for the production, import, and circulation of veterinary drugs that have been granted a certificate of circulation in Vietnam but have not declared conformity since February 14. These temporary suspensions may be slated until the NA passes the law in question, and it takes effect.

In the long term, the MARD proposed that the government consider requesting the NA to amend and supplement the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations in the direction of excluding veterinary drugs from having to declare conformity, Tien said.

In the last two weeks, livestock industry groups such as the Vietnam Livestock Association, the Vietnam Large Cattle Breeding Association, the Vietnam Poultry Farming Association, and the Vietnam Animal Feed Association submitted a petition to the prime minister and the chairman of the NA to address issues in the industry.

The associations said that the production of veterinary medicine is a conditional business, and so production and trading establishments of these items must meet the conditions assessed and appraised by state agencies for issuance of certificates before production, and annually take the agencys maintenance supervision assessment.

In addition, there are periodic and irregular inspections, as well as inspections by other authorities of the ministry or locality. Thus, the assessment and declaration of conformity by various bodies are duplicated and overlapping.

In general, the declaration of conformity is formalistic and confrontational because veterinary medicine facility often has hundreds of products registered for circulation. However, the certification organisations just evaluate the production process of a few products and just take some samples for testing, the associations wrote. Meanwhile, in reality, many producers also mixed and prepared available samples by themselves so that certification organisations can take these samples for analysis, which means that the declaration of conformity is invaluable work.

While waiting for the law to be amended, the associations expect the temporary suspension of the declaration of conformity for veterinary medicine products, or otherwise must shoulder a huge financial burden.

Drugmakers prepare to offer home vaccines to the world As Vietnam is stepping up its homegrown vaccine development, there is a high chance for Vietnamese vaccine producers to expand their presence in the global pharmaceuticals market.

Drug giants gaining with fresh products While Vietnams drugmakers are heading to develop new products to increase efficiency and sustain sustainable growth, competition from imported drugs is making their road tougher.

Drugmakers yearning for MA clarity Despite the governments strong request for facilitation of marketing authorisation renewal, foreign drugmakers are still waiting for the renewal of expired authorisations, triggering concerns over a possible future shortfall of drugs.
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Guests attend the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, April 22, 2024. Government leaders and policymakers assembling here on Monday pledged to embrace digital opportunities and tap into emerging technologies and digital innovation for sustainable development. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

BANGKOK, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Government leaders and policymakers from Asia-Pacific countries assembling here on Monday pledged to embrace digital opportunities and tap into emerging technologies and digital innovation for sustainable development.

The prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu were among the some 800 participants of the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) convened to deliberate on digital pathways to accelerate the region's sustainable development.

"Intelligently deployed and properly governed digital solutions, based on a common understanding, shared approaches and collaborative governance, form the foundations for the collective push necessary for the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary of ESCAP, said in her opening speech.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin noted that for many agriculture-based countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Thailand, digital transformation is critical to ensuring food security for all.

"We need to leverage digital technologies to promote agricultural innovation. This will help to ensure a sustainable food system, climate-smart farming, and environmental sustainability," he added.

In a speech at the general debate, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu noted that in the face of complicated situations, all parties should practice multilateralism, promote an equal and orderly world multipolarity and inclusive economic globalization, and work together to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

He emphasized the need to adhere to opening up and cooperation to further promote the process of regional economic integration, to stay committed to innovation-driven development to maintain the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains, and to create an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory innovation environment to fully unleash the potential of economic growth.

In addition, he called for strengthening the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative with the ESCAP agenda to inject strong impetus into Asia-Pacific connectivity as well as inclusive and sustainable development.

Participants at the meeting discussed how to take full advantage of the digital innovation while guarding against potential risks, calling for carrying out inclusive policies to bridge the digital divide and persistent inequalities, properly addressing issues such as cybersecurity and data privacy, and strengthening regional cooperation to ensure that digital innovation benefits all.

Taking place from April 22 to 26, the 80th session of the ESCAP is guided by the theme Leveraging Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.

ESCAP, founded in 1947, is the regional development arm of the United Nations in Asia and the Pacific, representing more than 60 percent of the world's population. 

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu delivers a speech at the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, April 22, 2024. Government leaders and policymakers assembling here on Monday pledged to embrace digital opportunities and tap into emerging technologies and digital innovation for sustainable development. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu delivers a speech at the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, April 22, 2024. Government leaders and policymakers assembling here on Monday pledged to embrace digital opportunities and tap into emerging technologies and digital innovation for sustainable development. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
Six candidates are running in the May 4 election to fill three newly created positions on the McLennan Central Appraisal District board, a move made necessary when Texas voters in November passed a state constitutional amendment.

The amendment, which also raised homestead exemptions from $40,000 to $100,000, requires counties with at least 75,000 residents to elect three members to their appraisal boards. The five remaining spots will continue to be filled by appointees picked by the elected boards of the largest taxing entities in the county, those being the city of Waco, McLennan County, Waco Independent School District, Midway ISD and La Vega ISD.

Board members receive no pay, but candidates this year must pay a $400 filing fee. The board hires the chief appraiser, sets the budget for the appraisal office and can influence policy. It does not set property values or hear protests from taxpayers displeased with appraisals.

Interestingly, voters will fill three positions on the board, but only two races are contested.

Place 1

Former Waco City Council Member John Kinnaird, 44, a vice president and portfolio manager at Community Bank & Trust, is running unopposed for Place 1 on the board, having served six years as an appointed member.

I just thought it would be a place where I could be of some service and help as a prior Waco City Council member and a board member six years, chairing it for five, Kinnaird said.

The board as now comprised or when new members take their seats could face a decision on choosing a new chief appraiser. Jim Halbert has served as interim chief appraiser since his boss, Joe Don Bobbitt, accepted a job last year as chief appraiser at the Tarrant Appraisal District.

Kinnaird said he knows Halbert from Kinnairds appointed time on the board, describing him as highly competent and able.

Kinnaird said he wants the public to know and understand the boards roles and responsibilities as a governing board with oversight.

Appraised values are not something the board has input in, he said. But I do understand property taxes within the state  and I do understand concerns expressed by individuals and corporations about our tax burden, and appreciate efforts to reduce that burden on our taxpayers.

Place 2

Candidates for the Place 2 seat are Waco attorney David R. Schleicher, 57, whose civic experience includes serving as a Waco Independent School District trustee, and Perry Felton, 53, senior vice president at Community Bank & Trust. Felton began his career not in banking but in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning business, but decided I didnt want to spend the rest of my life in Houston, so I moved back to Waco. He said he became a banker, having learned much by osmosis from his father, Scott Felton, a longtime local banker now serving as McLennan County judge.

It was brought to my attention the Texas Legislature created three new spots on the board, Felton said. I had several people ask if I would be willing to serve and run for that spot. I thought it would be a good way to get involved in my community, to be of service.  Ive been in the banking business about 18 years, as senior vice president at Community Bank & Trust, and I deal with the county appraisal district quite a bit, doing research on land values and real estate collateral.

Felton said he sees his election creating no conflict with his fathers position in county government, saying the McLennan Central Appraisal District is kind of an independent entity, and it would be a misconception to think the county commissioners court (over which Scott Felton presides) has any say-so over how the operation is run. Its just another taxing entity, along with the city of Waco, WISD and others.

The appraisal district even recently changed its name from the McLennan County Appraisal District to the McLennan Central Appraisal District to highlight its independence from the county.

Schleicher said he enjoys holding government accountable and making sure it is responsible, which is why he enjoyed his time as president of the Waco ISD Board of Trustees and is seeking to serve on the appraisal district board. He seeks to solve problems and make peoples lives better, he said.

Schleicher said he wonders, considering the thousands who formally protest their property appraisals each year, if appraisal district staffers spend enough time in training, or if the district needs more staffers.

He said Webb County, home to Laredo, and Jefferson County, home to Beaumont, are comparable in size to McLennan County but spend more on operating their respective appraisal districts. He said he wants to make sure local staffers have all they need in terms of continuing education.

Place 3

For Place 3, Dennis DeGraff, Linda Hatchel and William (Bill) W. Vernon Jr. have entered their names for consideration. DeGraff, 65, is a retired Air Force colonel whose resume includes working as a shop foreman at a local Allen Samuels automobile dealership. The past three years he has been a substitute teacher for Waco ISD, spending hours at Waco High, University High, intermediate schools and elementary schools, he said.

The military taught him service before self, and he believes his background and life experiences would serve him well on the board, DeGraff said.

Vernon, 59, an agent with Keller Williams Realty, said his experience in real estate and the fact he owns investment property give him a unique perspective that might make the board a little bit better. He said as a Christian, he believes he owes his community time and talent.

I heard that in another county they were having problems finding people to run. I thought, Maybe its time for me to step up and serve, Vernon said. This is my first time to run for public office, but I think having real estate experience gives me some idea of whats going on. Another reason Im running is that I want to represent the citizenry on the board.  Im not saying it was bad the way it was, but I think this makes it more representative directly.

Hatchel, 77, has a background that includes teaching English, serving on the boards of the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Waco Symphony Association. Most germane to the board seat she is seeking, she served six years on the Texas State Board of Tax Professional Examiners, an oversight entity for the education and licensing of tax appraisers and collectors. The Legislature in 2009 abolished the Board of Tax Professional Examiners and transferred its functions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Asked about passage of the constitutional amendment requiring appraisal district board elections, Hatchel said, People are not happy with paying taxes. I think Austin is trying to address all issues, and putting those from non-taxing entities on the board gives representation. They wanted someone from the outside. I ask a lot of questions, some that tax experts may not think to ask, some that John Q. Public wants to ask.

Early voting

Early voting started Monday for the May 4 elections and will continue through April 30.

Polling places for early voting will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 26, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 27, 1 to 6 p.m. April 28 and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 29-30.
ISLAMABAD, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Three terrorists were killed and one other arrested in a military operation in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, the country's army said in a statement on Tuesday night.

The incident happened on the night of Monday to the wee hours of Tuesday morning in Pishin area where security forces conducted the operation by acting on an intelligence tip-off, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in the statement.

The three terrorists were killed after an intense exchange of fire while their accomplice had been injured and arrested, the ISPR added.

A huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives was recovered during the operation, the statement added. 
https://www.rt.com/news/596494-north-korea-iran-trade/

US and UK undies will be getting twisted into one massive knot over this meeting between Iran and NK. For you see, it is time for the East to keep plodding along toward the new world

Look for western media and western governments to be screaming,  ~~ Iran and NK plotting to overthrow the world. ~~ 

Except, methinks the USA and UK are already trying to do just that

Do da, Do da

WtR
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (23 April 2024)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

The Zapad Group of Forces units seized more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on the 63rd Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) near Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and one 152-mm D-20 howitzer.

The Yug Group of Forces units improved the tactical position along the front line as a result of active actions and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 79th Air Assault and 46th Airmobile brigades near Konstantinovka, Paraskoviyevka, and Ostroye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 500 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, five motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, as well as three field ammunition depots.

The Tsentr Group of Forces units improved the tactical situation and repelled nine counter-attacks of the assault groups of the 25th Airborne, 59th Motorised Infantry, 68th and 71st jaeger, 23rd, 24th, 100th and 115th mechanised brigades of the AFU near Rozovka, Umanskoye, Novobakhmutovka, Pervomayskoye, Ocheretino, Netaylovo, Berdychi, and Semyonovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses included up to 360 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one 105-mm U.S.-made M101 gun.

The Vostok Group of Forces units captured more advantageous lines and defeated the 59th Motorised Infantry, 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 128th Territorial Defence Brigades close to Staromayorskoye, Vodyanoye, and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 95 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one 155-mm French-made CAESAR self-propelled artillery system, as well as one Nota electronic warfare station.

The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have 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), Berislav and Zolotaya Balka (Kherson region).

The enemy lost up to 70 Ukrainian troops, one armoured personnel carrier and two pick-up trucks, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have obliterated one U.S.-made MIM23 HAWK anti-aircraft missile launcher and hit a drone depot of the 113th Territorial Defence Brigade, AFU manpower and hardware in 115 areas.

Air defence systems shot down 104 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, one Tochka-U tactical missile, six U.S.-made HIMARS and Olkha missiles, as well as four French-made Hammer guided air-to-surface bombs during the day.

In total, 592 airplanes, 270 helicopters, 22,633 unmanned aerial vehicles, 509 air-to-air missile systems, 15,824 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,269 MLRS combat vehicles, 9,065 field artillery guns and mortars, and 21,252 special military vehicles have been neutralised since the beginning of the special military operation.

Tags:

WtR
This is and will be a documentation as how the fascism and Nazism supporters were in the majority in the USA Government

USA House lawmakers waving Ukrainian flags during a passage vote on a bill with nearly $61 billion in Ukraine-related funding

My my what a sick country the USA is. Ukraine flag the new USA flag?

Russia, they and they means, literally everyone in the USA and UK are in a, Kill Russia, even if we go broke!, psycho mood

WtR
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ADDIS ABABA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Africa has been facing multiple crises, including a 183 percent increase in debt since 2010, roughly four times the region's growth rate, said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

Speaking at the opening session of the 10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Mohammed said Africa faces "all-time" high debt servicing that has frozen the continent's economic drive, expenditure, and investment in sustainable development.

She said Africa has passed the midway point in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the UN 2030 Agenda, and yet progress on most SDGs is off track. It is either moving too slowly or has regressed below the 2015 baseline.

Noting that the continent is endowed with vast natural resources and a 70 percent youth population, Mohammed said achieving the SDGs by the 2030 deadline requires concrete action by African governments.

Mohammed underscored the need for African countries to consider strategic interventions that leverage the continent's vast natural and renewable resources, which are essential for the transition to green economies.

"Africa is home to 50 percent of the world's solar energy resources, but the continent has attracted only two percent of global investment in renewable energy over the past two decades," she said, highlighting that African countries, however, are making tangible progress in securing access to sustainable energy over the past six years.

She said the forum presented an opportunity for African leaders to advocate for a fairer global financial system and to secure increased investment and debt relief.

Recalling UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for an SDG stimulus of at least 500 billion U.S. dollars per year to scale up affordable long-term financing for developing countries, Mohammed said Africa's leadership and collective voice will be essential to make the stimulus a reality.

The 10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development is being held on April 23-25 under the theme of "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions." 
CANstruction is back at the Meadowood Mall! It's a competition where teams build sculptures out of canned food.

There are ten teams participating in the 21st running of the event this year, with five of those being student teams.

This years CANstruction event started Wednesday, May 1 and will run through Sunday May 5. The structures will be built during a twelve-hour period on Wednesday, May 1. Teams will build in the mall, keeping the structure inside a 10x10x10 area.

The structures will be judged on Thursday afternoon by a panel of jurors in 5 categories.

Teams will be competing for the following awards:

* Best Original Design

* Structural Ingenuity

* Best Meal

* Best Use of Labels and Most Cans.

A public award ceremony will be held in Center Court on Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. All entries will be submitted to the national level of CANstruction to be judged.

The public is invited to vote in the Peoples Choice award from 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1 through Monday, May 6. Each vote is $1 and all of the money goes to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada where $1 helps to deliver 3 meals to those who need them.

"Right now we're helping about 153,000 people," said Jocelyn Lantrip, the Director of Marketing for the FBNN. "That number is about 27 and a half percent higher than it was even two years ago."

Lantrip explains how the CANstruction event represents 12,000 meals donated which is almost 17,500 cans of food.

"I feel really good," said Freddy Boyer, a student participant from at Sky Ranch Middle School. "It reminds me of 6th grade when we did Global Citizen. I like helping people out and providing for people who cant get the food themselves."

Lantrip explains how some who face food insecurity choose to pay expenses or feed their families before themselves.

"It's very difficult to solve other problems you may have in your life when you're hungry," she said.

Peoples choice voting will take place virtually with a ($10 vote minimum) at fbnn.org.

(Food Bank of Northern Nevada contributed to this report.)
An industrial welding robot of Siasun Robot and Automation Co., Ltd. is seen at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 22, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People talk at the booth of Jiangsu Nanfang Precision Co., Ltd. at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People walk past the booth of Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

A staff member of Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd. (1st R) demonstrates a robotic dog at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 22, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

This photo taken on April 22, 2024 shows the booth of Taicang, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Visitors walk past the booth of Invest in China at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 22, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)
MEXICO CITY, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday accused the United States of trampling on other countries' sovereignty with its report on the state of human rights around the globe.

"We do not issue a letter of good conduct because it is not our responsibility," Lopez Obrador told his daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"But they were left with this mania from 200 years ago, since the Monroe Doctrine," he said, referring to the 19th-century U.S. policy of interfering in the internal affairs of Latin American and Caribbean countries to protect the U.S. interests.

According to Lopez Obrador, U.S. leaders consider themselves to be "the judges of the world."

His statements came a day after the U.S. State Department issued a report alleging human rights violations prevail in Mexico.

Lopez Obrador maintained that his administration has been respectful of U.S. internal affairs since coming to power in December 2018 and expects the same from the United States.

"They should be respectful of us," said the president.

The U.S. report assesses around 200 countries in the world regarding individual, political, civil and labor rights. 
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
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Yerlan Koshanov, speaker of the Mazhilis, or lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Yerlan Koshanov, speaker of the Mazhilis, or lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Noting China and Kazakhstan have started the next "golden 30 years" in bilateral ties, Han said China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other on issues related to each other's core interests and major concerns, and deepen the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Kazakhstan's new economic policies.

Han called for promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative and the practice of true multilateralism.

Koshanov noted this year marks the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, saying that Kazakhstan will enhance practical cooperation with China, deepen the friendship between the two peoples and boost bilateral ties. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Yerlan Koshanov, speaker of the Mazhilis, or lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
Teenager's killing puts juvenile crime back in the spotlight

10:17, April 24, 2024 By Cao Yin ( China Daily

A show is held in Shijingshan district of Beijing to make minors aware of school bullying and other campus problems. The poster on the wall says "Let's join hands to say no to school bullying!" CHINA DAILY

A recent case in which three boys have been held on suspicion of killing their classmate has shocked the country and put the issue of juvenile crime in the national spotlight once again.

On March 10, the victim, a seventh-grade student surnamed Wang, was allegedly killed in Feixiang district of Handan, Hebei province. The next day, three suspects surnamed Zhang, Li and Ma, whose ages range from 12 to 14, were detained by police, according to a statement released by the provincial authorities.

The body of Wang, 13, was found buried in an abandoned vegetable greenhouse in the district's Zhangzhuang village, about 100 meters from the home of one of the suspects, media outlets reported.

After a preliminary investigation and autopsy, Li Yafeng, an official from the district's public security bureau, told China Central Television on March 18 that it was a "premeditated crime", and "no evidence was discovered that indicated the involvement of adults in the offense".

The suspects dug a hole in the greenhouse on March 9 and 10 to bury the body, Li also alleged.

News of the killing went viral on social media platforms, sparking huge debate and widespread outrage over juvenile crime, especially cruel and severe acts committed by minors.

China's top procuratorate, in line with the Chinese Criminal Law, recently approved the prosecution of the three minors.

However, some stakeholders such as legal professionals, have expressed their concern about the effectiveness of the rehabilitation of young offenders, and called for relevant professionals to become more involved to rectify the long-term behavior of such offenders.

Although minors, the suspects are expected to be held criminally liable.

Details of the prosecution and how it will be handled were disclosed by the Hebei Provincial People's Procuratorate in a statement released on April 8.

District police handed the case over to local prosecutors on March 21 to decide whether the suspects should be prosecuted, the statement said. After reviewing the case, the prosecutors concluded that the three minors should be held criminally responsible as the suspects all met the legal age threshold of criminal liability, and the circumstances of the killing were severe.

China's age of criminal liability was lowered to 12 on March 1, 2021, when the amended Criminal Law took effect.

Since then, children aged 12 to 14 can be held criminally liable for intentional killing by extremely cruel means, or for intentional injury that leads to death or severely disables others. However, the law also stresses that the decision to prosecute must be approved by the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Before the amendment, the age of criminal liability was 14 to 16, and children could be held responsible for committing serious and violent offenses, including rape, robbery, intentional injury, and intentional homicide.

"The adjustment in age was made considering new situations and problems with juvenile delinquency," said He Ting, a law professor at Beijing Normal University. "Lowering the threshold to 12 in special circumstances has provided a legal channel to fight severe offenses committed by very young individuals."

Zhao Li, a criminal lawyer at Beijing Jingsh Law Firm, highlighted the significance of special and stringent circumstances under the law. "They indicate that Chinese judicial authorities are still prudent when dealing with juvenile offenses," he said.

This prudence is reflected in the fact that the provision only applies to suspects between the ages of 12 and 14 who commit either intentional homicide or intentional injury, and the consequences of the offense must be serious, Zhao said.

"The law also gives the SPP the right to determine whether to continue the judicial process, which is also an indication of the careful handling of crimes committed by the very young," he added.

Imposing penalties is the last resort in combating juvenile offenses, as the problem cannot be resolved solely by punishment, both He and Zhao said.

Combating juvenile crime is a complex and systematic job that demands varying levels of intervention, corrective measures and prevention of juvenile delinquency, they added.

A juvenile offender hugs his mother at a rehabilitation institution in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. LIU ZHANKUN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Preventive measures

While lowering the age threshold, China has also optimized supporting measures through legislation revised in 2020 to deal with juvenile crimes and strengthen the rehabilitation of young offenders.

The revised Law on Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency, which came into effect in June 2021, states that minors convicted of crimes but exempt from criminal punishment  such as those under the age of 12 or whose offense is not violent  should receive education and rehabilitation.

Data released by the SPP in 2022 showed that the number of juveniles prosecuted for committing offenses in 2021 increased by 24.2 percent from 2017, and the criminal charges mainly involved theft, rape, affray and robbery.

Crimes committed by offenders between the ages of 14 and 16, or even younger, became more frequent during the 4-year period, with the number of minors involved in telecom fraud rapidly rising.

Yuan Ningning, an associate law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, told China Youth Daily that before juveniles commit crimes, most have been involved in illegal behavior that was not stopped by effective and early intervention.

To solve the problem, the 2021 prevention law requires stronger management of minors, and stipulates that children who seriously misbehave should be educated and rehabilitated in special correctional schools.

Whether to send delinquent minors to correctional schools needs to be jointly decided by education and public security departments. It also must be clarified that the rehabilitation process has closed, and public security and justice agencies are in charge.

These stipulations are measures complementary to criminal punishment, Yuan said, adding that delinquent minors of all ages can be regulated by the rule of law in this way.

"Adolescents are inseparable from their families and schools. If they are simply detained, it will not be conducive to their socialization and could easily lead to greater security risks after they are released," Yuan told China Youth Daily.

Best intentions

However, implementation of the revised Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency Law has not been straightforward.

Yuan said some public security departments have only provided basic education to minors, instead of special corrective measures, after learning that the children did not meet the age threshold for criminal liability.

At the same time, the number of professionals who can provide corrective measures such as judicial social workers, along with the number of special correctional schools where young offenders can receive psychological help and behavioral rehabilitation, are also inadequate, he said.

Guidance on specific laws, and rules on what corrective measures should be provided to help delinquent children are also falling short, he added. Public security, judicial, and educational agencies should specify the provisions related to the special corrective measures to make their implementation more practical, Yuan said.

Zhao, the Beijing lawyer, said more social organizations should be encouraged to help in the rehabilitation of young offenders, with a greater focus on problems related to left-behind children and school bullying.

As of April last year, China had about 233,500 social workers. Of those, nearly 30 percent worked in judicial affairs, conducting social research and providing psychological assistance, according to the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China.

The league has also invited about 5,000 legal and psychology specialists to attend its think tanks to answer questions from children and their guardians.

"Children, especially the very young, need more care, attention, and aid while growing up. The law, or punishment, is just one of many ways to help them tackle their issues, but it is not the only way," Zhao said.

"When compared with punishment, it is more important to establish a work system with enough team members and practical measures to help delinquent children identify and solve their mistakes, so they can return to and integrate back into society," he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
An artist plays Chinese music piece "Jasmine Flower" during an event that promotes culture and tourism of north China's Shanxi Province in Rabat, Morocco, April 22, 2024. The event was held here on Monday to showcase Shanxi Province to the Moroccan public, where artists from Shanxi showcased intangible cultural heritage works such as paper-cutting and dough sculpture. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

RABAT, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A culture and tourism promotion event was held in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, on Monday to showcase north China's Shanxi Province to the Moroccan public.

Noting that China was about to hold a new meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation this year, Jin Xiangjun, governor of Shanxi Province, said the promotion event was a chance to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in such areas as culture and tourism.

Mustapha Messoudi, secretary general of the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communications, expressed the hope that this event could be an opportunity to facilitate communication between Arab countries and China.

Li Changlin, China's ambassador to Morocco, stressed that the China-Morocco relationship is currently at its best period in history, presenting numerous opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

At the promotion event, artists from Shanxi showcased intangible cultural heritage works such as paper-cutting and dough sculpture. 

A pastry chef shows a welcome banner during an event that promotes culture and tourism of north China's Shanxi Province in Rabat, Morocco, April 22, 2024. The event was held here on Monday to showcase Shanxi Province to the Moroccan public, where artists from Shanxi showcased intangible cultural heritage works such as paper-cutting and dough sculpture. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)

An artist demonstrates dough modelling during an event that promotes culture and tourism of north China's Shanxi Province in Rabat, Morocco, April 22, 2024. The event was held here on Monday to showcase Shanxi Province to the Moroccan public, where artists from Shanxi showcased intangible cultural heritage works such as paper-cutting and dough sculpture. (Xinhua/Huo Jing)
Auto Sectors ad impressions on Digital increased by almost 5x during Y 2023 over Y 2019, while indexed ad volume on Radio reflected growth of 51% in Y 2023 over Y 2019, as per TAM Medias report on Auto sector advertising in 2023. However, Television ad volumes of Auto Sector declined by 18% during the same period, even as ad space/ publication on Print of Auto Sector witnessed de-growth of 20%.

Television

Ad volumes for Auto Sector on Television had decreased by 23%, 16%, 30% and 18% during Y 2020, Y 2021, Y 2022 and Y 2023, respectively, over Y 2019. Whereas, compared to Y 2022, there was growth of 17% in ad volumes for Auto Sector during Y 2023. While Analyzing Quarterly Trends of Y 2023, Q2, Q3 and Q4 witnessed de-growth of 21%, 16% and 22% compared to Q1. Auto Sector observed the highest ad volumes share during Oct23 and Mar23 at 11.8% and 11%, respectively, whereas, Dec23 had the lowest share of ad volumes of 5.2%.

The top 5 categories contributed 96% share of the ad volumes on TV, with Cars being the leading Category. Automotive Fuel rose to the 5th position during Y 2023 compared to its 14th position in Y 2022. Among Advertisers, Maruti Suzuki India ascended to the 1st position with 12% share of the ad volumes. Together, the Top 10 advertisers covered 65% share of the ad volumes. Hero Motorcycle India and MG Motor India entered the top advertisers list and secured 7th and 10th positions during Y 2023 over Y 2022.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V dominated the brand list in Y 2023 compared to its 308th position in Y 2022. The Top 10 brands from the Auto Sector collectively added 21% share of the ad volumes on TV. Among the Top 10 brands, five of them were exclusive and three were new entrants during Y 2023 over Y 2022. During Y 2023, Suzuki Avenis descended to the 3rd position after dominating the brand list in Y 2022.

News was the most preferred Channel Genre by the Auto Sector advertisers with 58% share of the ad volumes in Y 2023, followed by Movies with 17% share and GEC with 11% share. News and Movies Channel Genres together added 75% share of the ad volumes.

News Bulletin genre was highly preferred for promoting Auto brands on Television during Y 2023. The Top 2 program genres  News Bulletin and Feature Films  covered 62% to the total ad volume share of Auto sector on TV.

Prime Time was the most preferred time-band on TV, followed by Afternoon and Morning time-bands. Together, Prime time, Afternoon and Morning time bands accounted for 72% share of the ad volumes.

Advertisers of Auto sector preferred 20-40 seconds ad size on TV. 20-40 seconds and <20 seconds ads together covered 91% share in Y 2023.

Print

Indexed Ad Space/ Publication for the Auto Sector reflected de-growth of 26%, 30%, 33% and 20% during Y 2020, Y 2021, Y 2022 and Y 2023, respectively, compared to Y 2019. When comparing Y 2023 with Y 2022, ad space/ publication reflected growth of 20%. While understanding Quarterly Trends of Y 2023, it was discovered that there was de-growth in Q2 and Q3 of 29% and 15%, respectively, compared to Q1. However, ad space in Q4 displayed significant growth of 62% over Q1.

Auto Sectors ad space was reflected highest during Oct23, followed by Nov23 with share of 15.3% and 14%, respectively. Lowest share of ad space for the Auto Sector was registered during Apr23 at 5%.

In Auto Sector, Cars and Two Wheelers continued to dominate their top 2 positions during Y 2023 over Y 2022 in Print. Also, the Top 5 categories in Y 2023 added more than 90% share of the ad space. Maruti Suzuki India was the top advertiser from the Auto Sector with 18% share of the ad space. Together, the Top 10 advertisers covered 68% share of the ad space. Among the Top 10 advertisers, MG Motor India and Volkswagen Group Sales India entered the list during Y 2023 over Y 2022.

Maruti Car Range was the top brand from Auto Sector with 6% share of the ad space. Among the Top 10 brands, Honda Shine 100 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx were exclusive brands present in Y 2023 over Y 2022. Also, there were four brands that upheaved their way in the Top 10 brand list during Y 2023 over Y 2022. The Top 10 brands from the Auto Sector together accounted for 24% share of the ad space.

Hindi was the top publication language for Auto Sector in Print with 41% share of the ad space in Y 2023, followed by English at a distant second place with 18% share. The Top 5 publication language had a combined share of 82%. General Interest publication genre added 97.6% share of the Auto sectors Ad Volume.

Among the four zones, North secured 1st position for Auto advertising, with 32% share of the sector in Print during Y 2023. New Delhi and Mumbai were top 2 cities in overall India during Y 2023.

Sales Promotion for the Auto Sector accounted for 58% share of the ad space in the Print medium. Among Sales Promotions, Multiple Promotion occupied 68% share of the pie, followed by Discount Promotion with 26% share in Y 2023.

Radio

Ad volumes on Radio registered de-growth of 24% and 16% during Y 2020 and Y 2021, respectively, compared to Y 2019, whereas, Y 2022 and Y 2023 reflected growth of 4% and 51%, respectively, over Y 2019. Additionally, compared to Y 2022, there was 45% growth in ad volumes of the Auto Sector on Radio in Y 2023. The Quarterly Trends of Y 2023 reflected 10% de-growth in Q2 over Q1. But, ad volumes increased in Q3 and Q4 by 9% and 31%, respectively, over Q1.

Monthly ad volume trend of the Auto Sector was at its highest during Oct23 and Dec23, with share of 10.6% and 10.5%, respectively. The lowest was observed in Apr23 at 5.2%.

On Radio, Cars was the top category with 57% share of the ad volumes in Y 2023, followed by Ret Cars with 16% share. The Top 5 categories on Radio had 91% share of the ad volumes. Maruti Suzuki India remained the top advertiser on Radio for the Auto Sector, with 19% share of ad volumes in Y 2023 over Y 2022. The top Auto Sector advertisers on Radio added 60% share of the ad volumes in Y 2023.

Nissan Magnite ascended to the 1st position and became the top brand from the Auto Sector during Y 2023 over Y 2022. During Y 2023, Maruti Suzuki Fronx was an exclusive brand with 2% share of the ad volume over Y 2022. Together, the Top 10 brands added 29% share of the ad volumes on Radio. Out of the Top 10 brands from the Auto Sector, four of them belonged to Maruti Suzuki India.

For Auto Sector advertising, Gujarat dominated with 19% share of the ad volumes in Y 2023, compared to its 2nd position in Y 2022. The Top 5 states on Radio for Auto advertising contributed 66% share of the ad volumes during Y 2023.

Advertising for the Auto sector was preferred in the Evening and Morning time-bands on Radio. 79% share of the Auto ad volumes were in the Morning and Evening time-bands collectively in Y 2023.

Digital

Advertising on the Digital medium for the Auto Sector witnessed massive growth of almost 3x in Y 2022 and 5x in Y 2023 compared to Y 2019. Ad impressions increased by 43% during Y 2021 over Y 2019. Compared to Y 2022, there was significant increase in ad impressions of Auto Sector by 62% in Y 2023. Ad impressions during Q3 and Q4 of Y 2023 observed growth of 35% and 48%, respectively, compared to Q1 of Y 2023. Whereas, Q2 reflected a decline in ad impressions by 25% compared to Q1.

While analyzing monthly share of digital ad impressions, Oct23 reflected the highest share of 16.1% and Apr23 had the lowest share of 5%.

In Categories, Cars secured the 1st position with 55% share of the ad impressions, followed by Two Wheelers with 26% share in Y 2023. Tractors ascended to the 8th position in Y 2023, compared to its 12th position in Y 2022. The Top 5 Categories from the Auto Sector together covered 93% share of ad impressions. Among Advertisers, Kia Motors Corporation made headway to the 1st position in Y 2023 with 14% share of the ad impressions over its 12th position in Y 2022. Also, there were five new entrants in the top advertisers list during Y 2023 over Y 2022. The Top 10 advertisers from the Auto Sector accounted for 71% share of ad impressions in Y 2023.

Among the Top 10 brands, Honda Elevate was the only exclusive brand present from the Auto Sector on Digital during Y 2023 over Y 2022. Apart from Honda Elevate, rest of the 9 brands were new entrants compared to Y 2022. On Digital, the Top 10 brands from the Auto Sector added 37% share of the ad impressions.

Programmatic transaction method topped with 76% share of the impressions for Digital advertising of the Auto sector in Y 2023. Programmatic and Programmatic/ Ad Network transaction methods together added 87% share of the sectors ad impressions.
Bacardi India Private Limited, the world's largest privately held spirits company, has announced the elevation of Sameeksha Uniyal to Regional Head of Brand for AMEA (Asia, Middle East & Africa) this April, in a bid to amplify business growth in the region.

Shaping the success of Bacardi Indias rum portfolio since 2016, Sameeksha previously served as the Brand Lead for BACARDI in India and led growth for the associated brands in the country. During her seven year tenure at the company, she has spearheaded a variety of major marketing initiatives; most recently directing the rollout of BACARDIs Its A Mood campaign in India. In her new role, she will manage marketing and business operations for BACARDIs rum brands across the greater AMEA region.

Speaking about her new role, Sameeksha said, In my professional journey, my time at Bacardi has been driven by passion and the ambition to break new ground; I am beyond delighted to be collaboratively building the Bacardi brand portfolio across the AMEA region. It is a new beginning to a very exciting journey, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to work with our exceptional teams and drive greater consumer affection and passion for our brands across diverse cultures and markets.

Taking up the baton from Sameeksha, Ashish Jha will now lead the BACARDI rum portfolio in India, moving up from his previous position as Senior Brand Manager for BACARDI rums & BREEZER.
The latest episode of Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 took an unexpectedly poignant turn as host Mohanlal seized the platform to raise awareness about organ donation. Amidst the usual drama and conflict, viewers were treated to a heartfelt performance by contestants Sreerekha and Sibin, shedding light on the profound impact of organ donation. Their emotional act depicted a mother visiting the recipient of her deceased sons heart, leaving both viewers and fellow participants in tears. Touched by the powerful message conveyed, Mohanlal commended the participants for their contribution in spreading awareness on this crucial issue.

What a beautiful act it was. You have spread such a great message about organ donation to society, Mohanlal commented during the weekend episode. I have signed my entire body for donation. I also have an award from IMA for registering the largest number of eye donors.

The veteran actor turned presenter went on to address common misconceptions surrounding organ donation, emphasizing the importance of altruism and the profound impact it can have on saving lives. Many people still have inhibitions about organ donation. If we die, all the organs will be useless. But if they can reach the needy, it will help them. That is the greatest humanity, I would say, Mohanlal stated. Recognizing the importance of vision, Mohanlal emphasized the transformative power of donating eyes, saying, We see with two eyes, the same can give vision to two.

This unexpected moment of reflection on a reality show platform highlights the potential of media to spark meaningful conversations and promote positive societal change.
DashLoc, a trailblazing company in India specializing in hyperlocal discovery and growth, has announced a strategic partnership with Godrej, a renowned name in the appliance industry. This collaboration aims to redefine the retail domain by creating an ecosystem that seamlessly connects Godrej Appliance Stores with local communities, enhancing discovery, engagement, and revenue growth.

Through this B2B partnership, DashLoc and Godrej are dedicated to empowering local communities with convenient access to appliance-related products. Over the upcoming six months, both entities will work together to leverage digital solutions, enhancing customer engagement and extending the reach of Godrejs retail outlets. Notably, this strategic endeavour intends to generate organic leads for Godrej and increase their conversion rates effectively.

Speaking about the partnership, Sumit Singh, CEO and Co-founder at DashLoc, commented, We are excited to join forces with Godrej to revolutionize the retail experience for both customers and retailers. By leveraging our hyperlocal discovery platform, we aim not only to drive foot traffic to Godrej Appliance stores but also to enhance their online presence.

He added, In todays digital age, where consumers rely heavily on online platforms for product discovery and purchasing decisions, leveraging hyperlocal discovery platforms like ours has become imperative for businesses. By availing such services, companies can not only increase their visibility and reach but also stay ahead of the competition by offering personalized and convenient experiences to their customers.

Swati Rathi, Head of Marketing at Godrej expressed enthusiasm, stating, This partnership with DashLoc aligns with our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. We are confident that by leveraging DashLocs expertise, we will enhance the accessibility of our products to local communities and drive growth for our retail outlets. We look forward to working closely with DashLoc to maximize the benefits of this collaboration and deliver exceptional value to our customers.

Through this partnership, DashLoc and Godrej are spearheading a range of collaborative digital initiatives aimed at ensuring the omnipresence of retail outlets. DashLoc will provide services such as listing management, microsites for retail outlets, review management, organic lead generation, call tracking, and lead management, among others. The key benefits of these services include easy connectivity for local communities, dynamic microsites for dealers, and organic lead generation, leading to higher conversions.

What sets this partnership apart is its focus on creating a sustainable organic digital ecosystem for retail businesses, with a strong emphasis on achieving a high return on investment. DashLoc will play a crucial role in providing ongoing support by supplying relevant local content to engage the community throughout the period of partnership for Godrej Inspire Hub shops.
In a ground-breaking initiative to celebrate the unsung heroes of rural India, Amul unveils "Floating Stories," a unique campaign shedding light on the extraordinary journey of women dairy farmers who have defied odds and transformed their lives.

At the heart of this campaign lies a remarkable fact: Amul, world's largest farmer owned dairy cooperative, is powered by women. Not just any women, but 3.6 million women farmers who have shattered stereotypes and emerged as the backbone of India's dairy industry. In a landscape where women often face systemic barriers, these farmers stand tall, rewriting the narrative of empowerment and success.

To motivate, inspire, and change the lives of Indian women, Floating Stories is a unique, first-time-ever, exhibition of photostories that were printed on milk of financially and socially successful Amul-women-dairy-farmers. This innovative approach not only adds a layer of novelty but also serves as a poignant reminder that just as these women have breathed life into milk, so too does milk now breathe life into their narratives. It's a full-circle tribute, illustrating how their stories can inspire and empower other women.

Through a mesmerizing blend of hydrographic printing and interactive storytelling, the campaign invites viewers to pour a few spoonful of milk into troughs filled with water, unleashing a symphony of visuals and emotions. As milk merges with water, black-and-white portraits of women dairy farmers come to life, illuminating the path of progress and possibility.

Video:

Commenting on the campaign, Vandana Joshi, President and Head of Office, FCB Ulka, Mumbai, said, " Inspired by the visionary words of Dr Kurien, who envisioned Amul as an "empowerment mission," the campaign aims to ignite hope and aspiration among millions of women across India. These are not tales of urban glamour but narratives of resilience from the heartland, where women have turned challenges into opportunities and cowsheds into cornerstones of prosperity."

"The essence of Amul's mission lies in the belief that every drop of milk symbolizes a story of transformation. Hence, the innovative approach of "Floating Stories" was born, weaving together art, technology, and tradition to captivate audiences and spark conversations," she adds.

Jayen Mehta, the Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), also said at the core of Amuls mission lies the well-being of farmers. With 3.6 million dedicated women dairy farmers driving the success of Amul, they epitomize empowerment. Their tireless commitment serves as the bedrock of our cooperative, inspiring us each day. Amuls dedicated to enhancing societal happiness and advancing India's progress, is palpable and unwavering.

In recognition of Amul's steadfast efforts to champion gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive growth, Floating Stories emerges as a beacon of hope, education, and inspiration in a country rich with narratives. As the ripples of these tales spread far and wide, they pave the way for a brighter future, more inclusive India. And as a first-time-ever exhibition like this, it is a very poetic way to salute these women and their stories. How just a spoonful of milk can bring their stories to life.
The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club have announced the theme for Goafest 2024  The Age of Adaptability. This premier event, scheduled to take place from May 29-31 at Westin Powai, Mumbai, aims to highlight the resilience and innovative spirit of the advertising and marketing industries in an era defined by rapid change.

Goafest 2024 is set to bring together the brightest minds from across advertising, marketing, media, and business to explore how adaptability is not just a skill, but an essential strategy in todays dynamic market landscape. As industries continue to face unprecedented shifts influenced by technology, consumer behavior, and global economic factors, The Age of Adaptability will serve as a platform to showcase and discuss how embracing change is crucial for success.

The theme for Goafest 2024, The Age Of Adaptability, was chosen to reflect the current ethos of our industry. Adaptability is at the core of what we do - from adjusting to new media platforms to adopting innovative marketing strategies, explained Jaideep Gandhi, Chairperson of the Goafest Organising Committee. This festival will not only celebrate creativity, but also the ability to pivot and thrive amidst challenges.

This year, at Goafest 2024, our central theme  The Age of Adaptability  has a chameleon as a mascot. The chameleon is a creature known for its remarkable adaptive prowess. Like the chameleon, which adjusts its colors to match its environment, our industry too must continuously evolve its strategies and creative approaches to thrive in changing landscapes. This years festival will celebrate and cultivate the chameleon-like ability to adapt swiftly and effectively, ensuring our practices remain on the cutting-edge of creativity and relevance. The Age Of Adaptability concept has been created and designed by the young and very talented team at Abnormal Design Studios, elaborated Rohit Ohri, Chairperson, Goafest Content Committee.

This years festival will feature a series of keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops led by international thought leaders and innovators. Attendees can look forward to gaining insightful perspectives on topics such as digital transformation, consumer engagement in the digital age, sustainable marketing practices, and the evolution of content creation.

Moreover, Goafest 2024 will continue to host the prestigious Abby Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in advertising. This celebration of creativity is expected to draw participants from all corners of India and beyond, setting the stage for networking opportunities and partnerships that shape the future of the industry.
Greenpanel, Indias No. 1 MDF company, announces the launch of its new TVC, featuring Delhi Capitals commendable players  Rishabh Pant, David Warner, and Anrich Nortje. The commercial launch is a part of the brands association with the IPL franchise as its Principal Sponsor. It is a strategic marketing move aimed at increasing brand visibility and amplifying marketing initiatives while leveraging IPL sponsorship.





Crafted by (L&K Saatchi & Saatchi), this television commercial adopts a whimsical and light-hearted tone, offering viewers a peek into the entertaining chaos behind the scenes of an ad shoot. From navigating unexpected challenges to witnessing moments of camaraderie among the cast and crew, the commercial captures the essence of the filmmaking process. It humorously portrays the efforts of the crew in guiding the players out of their comfort zones to deliver authentic performances. The TVC culminates with a clever analogy drawn by the players, likening their newfound acting prowess to the water-resistant qualities of Greenpanels HDWR MDF boards, cleverly weaving in the brand's messaging. (the tagline/messaging: MDF Ka Doosra Naam)

The integrated marketing plan for the commercial launch includes a combination of ATL, BTL, and digital initiatives. A high-frequency campaign has been curated to promote the commercial which is live on prominent television channels and OTT platforms and will run throughout the IPL season. Aligned with the ongoing elections, the brand has secured impactful and prime advertising spots on renowned TV channels for both polling and election days. In the digital space, Greenpanel has launched paid campaigns on social media and developed digital films featuring the players. It is also promoting the partnership and TVC launch through social media marketing. Additionally, the brand has a strong on-ground presence via POSM and stadium and merchandise branding in Delhi Capitals home matches.

Arvind Joshi, VP, Marketing, Greenpanel, said, This time around, we've opted for a fresh and innovative approach by conceptualizing the commercial in a behind-the-scenes (BTS) format. We hope this will be a fresh kind of viewing experience and will break the clutter. Our latest TVC showcases our superior quality product offering and talks about our water resistant HDWR boards and reinforces Greenpanels leadership position.

Shayak Roy, Director added It was the first and the best 1 hour of shooting of my life. Kudos to the team at Greenpanel for buying into such a fun idea which probably many brands at their level wouldnt have dared to take up. Cheers to everyone involved, when all the parties are aligned its always a six.



Rohit Malkani, Chief Creative Officer L&K Saatchi & Saatchi : "After the hilarious and hugely popular Greenpanel IPL film last year, the pressure was back on to do another winner. We had Greenpanel toss us a product (Greenpanel Water resistant HDWR) that started off an explosion of fun ideas. But finally, we honed in on a film-in-film technique that uses Delhi Capital players to do what theyre best at, having fun!
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), a leading manufacturer of two-wheelers in the country, today announced a significant milestone in the vibrant eastern region of India. Continuously raising the bar, HMSI has achieved the remarkable feat of selling 8 million units in Eastern India, reaffirming its status as favored choice for two-wheeler buyers in the region.

This achievement underscores HMSI's commitment to providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable two-wheelers to customers across the Eastern region which consists of states like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and North-East India. With a diverse portfolio of products spread across segments tailored to meet the unique needs of consumers in this region, HMSI has established itself as a trusted brand synonymous with performance, style, and durability.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, Reaching the milestone of 8 million sales in the Eastern region is a testament to the trust and confidence that customers have placed in Honda. We are deeply grateful to our customers & dealer partners for their continued trust and loyalty. Through constant innovation, customer-centric initiatives, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, HMSI remains committed to exceeding customer expectations and driving the growth of two-wheeler industry in the Eastern region.

Delighting customers with quality products and service:

Catering to rising personal mobility needs of customers, HMSI commands an overall market share of 24.2% in the two-wheeler market in the eastern region (including both scooters and motorcycles). The SP125 and Activa continues to be Hondas best-selling products in the region. Also, thanks to rapid urbanization and customers becoming tech-savvy, the sales of SP125 have more than doubled in the last 5 years. HMSI has even ramped up its digital marketing efforts to meet customer aspirations for online booking of vehicles while ensuring enhanced experience across its dealerships at the same time.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India in Eastern region:

HMSI has a strong presence in the Eastern states of India with an extensive network of over 1100 touchpoints. Providing the joy of riding to customers are Hondas diverse range of scooters which comprises of Activa+Special Edition, Dio, Activa 125 & Dio 125+Repsol Edition and motorcycles like Shine 100, CD 110 Dream Deluxe, Livo, Shine 125, SP125+Sports Edition, Unicorn, SP160, Hornet 2.0+Repsol Edition and CB200X which are available at RedWing outlets.

Simultaneously, Hondas premium motorcycles are exclusively available through the BigWing Topline (300cc - 1800cc) in top metros and BigWing (300cc  500cc mid-size motorcycles) in other demand centers. The companys BigWing product range includes CB300F, CB300R, CB350, Hness CB350, CB350RS, NX500, XL750 Transalp, Africa Twin and Gold Wing Tour.
PeepalCo's latest offering, the stock investing platform Lemonn, has rolled out its inaugural campaign aimed at first-time investors. The campaign underscores Lemonn's dedication to empower investors to make informed and prudent investing choices.

Emphasizing the daunting nature of the investment journey for new investors, the campaign revolves around the theme of 'hiring the right CEO,' equating the right CEO with the right stock choice. The brand aims to communicate that purchasing a stock means acquiring a small stake in the organization. Therefore, conducting thorough research is imperative, hence urging investors to refrain from being influenced solely by marketing ploys. Talking about the campaign, Devam Sardana, Business Head, Lemonn said, The essence of this campaign is to arm investors with the tools to make calculated and informed choices. We believe that high-performing companies often operate quietly; their CEOs focus on solid execution rather than hype. To identify such companies, investors need a tool like Lemonn, that can simplify discovery and decision-making without the unnecessary noise

The campaign was rolled out in phases to amplify visibility and support the app launch.

Phase 1: Before the app launch

A unique approach involved posting classified ads in prominent newspapers and a deceptive LinkedIn post advertising CEO job opening. The job description overtly detailed the unsuitable attributes for the role, catching immediate attention. Moreover, omission of the brand name heightened curiosity among LinkedIn users and influencers, leading to engaging conversations as individuals sought to unveil the narrative behind these intriguing ads.

Phase 2: On the day of the app launch

A series of brand films were unveiled in collaboration with Clink Films, emphasizing the significance of taking informed investment decisions. The film underscored the importance of educating oneself to discern the preferred stocks for investment, rather than being swayed by superficial promises made by companies.

Both phases captured the interest of prominent figures on LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Reddit across industries. A lighthearted social media post attracted significant attention, prompting interactions with renowned brands such as IKEA, Dominos, and Cleartrip.

The classified ads and LinkedIn job posting generated 300 applications from senior CXOs in the country. These outcomes underscore the campaign's triumph in enhancing the new app's visibility and eliciting organic engagement from established influencers. The campaign achieved a total reach of 130 million across all platforms, solidifying its impact.

Lemonn aims to broaden Indias financial participation by onboarding a new wave of investors. The campaign effectively conveys the message that selecting the stocks should be a decision based on factors beyond a company's social image, marketing campaigns, or leadership profile.
To reshape the landscape of technology integration in the beverage industry, Microsoft and The Coca-Cola Company have announced a monumental five-year strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to revolutionize Coca-Cola's core technology infrastructure, driving innovation and productivity on a global scale.

At the heart of this partnership lies Coca-Cola's commitment of $1.1 billion to harness the power of Microsoft Cloud and its cutting-edge generative AI capabilities. Microsoft Cloud will serve as Coca-Cola's preferred global platform for cloud services and AI, signaling a strategic shift towards transformative technology adoption.

Joint endeavours between the two industry giants will include experimental initiatives leveraging Azure OpenAI service to pioneer innovative generative AI applications across diverse business functions. From marketing to manufacturing and supply chain management, this collaboration promises to unlock new realms of efficiency and competitiveness.



Judson Althoff, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to drive systemic AI transformation. "Through our long-term partnership, we have made significant progress to accelerate system-wide AI transformation across The Coca-Cola Company and its network of independent bottlers worldwide," Althoff stated.

Coca-Cola's pioneering strides in generative AI have already yielded tangible results, with Azure OpenAI Service empowering the company to reimagine marketing strategies, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences. Now, the company is poised to explore the deployment of AI-powered digital assistants to further elevate efficiency and unlock untapped growth opportunities.

Coca-Cola's latest foray into AI-driven marketing has captivated consumers worldwide. The introduction of a groundbreaking typography, revealing hidden letters within every bottle, can, and glass of its Zero Sugar line, has sparked intrigue and engagement. Leveraging object detection algorithms trained on a vast dataset, Coca-Cola has transformed mundane elements like condensation and bubbles into dynamic messaging platforms, inviting consumers to experience the product in innovative new ways.

As this transformative partnership unfolds, the fusion of Microsoft's technological prowess and Coca-Cola's iconic brand promises to redefine the boundaries of innovation in the beverage industry, setting a new standard for digital transformation and customer engagement.
Three scientists receiving the 2024 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences pose for a group photo with award presenters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 23, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Tuesday that three scientists from China, Egypt, and Greece won the 2024 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences.

Qiao Jie of China, Mohamed Ali Farag of Egypt, and Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos of Greece received the awards for their outstanding contributions to improving the quality of human life through scientific research at a ceremony held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. (Chinese mission to the African Union/Handout via Xinhua)

ADDIS ABABA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Tuesday that three scientists from China, Egypt, and Greece won the 2024 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences.

Qiao Jie of China, Mohamed Ali Farag of Egypt, and Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos of Greece received the awards for their outstanding contributions to improving the quality of human life through scientific research at a ceremony held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.

"You have not only advanced the understanding of science, but also improved the lives, health, and well-being of the world's people," said Qu Xing, UNESCO deputy director-general, while applauding the prize winners.

Appreciating the government of Equatorial Guinea for organizing such a prize that annually recognizes the efforts and achievements of renowned researchers and scientists, Qu said the award has a lasting impact and underlines that science is a common good that one must support for the betterment of human life.

Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, said on the occasion that the prize serves as a catalyst to promote scientific excellence and future relations of scientists across the continent.

She said the prize honors those who have dedicated themselves to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges around the world.

"Your exemplary accomplishments are inspirational to all of us and a testament to the power of dedication and research. You are lighting up the path for others to follow," said Nsanzabaganwa, hailing the prize winners for their scientific achievements and dedication to human life.

Qiao, a specialist in reproductive medicine, won the prize for helping couples conceive healthy babies and improving reproductive health, especially for women.

She studied the detailed genetic processes and developed innovative techniques for preimplantation genetic diagnosis, a procedure that can dramatically improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and help avoid the transmission of genetic diseases through IVF. Her most revolutionary contribution to improving women's reproductive health has been her discovery of microbiomes that cure reproductive disorders among females.

Farag is a specialist in metabolomics and one of the pioneers in this field in Africa. He has developed a metabolomic platform, which is the first of its kind in Africa.

His discovery has enabled scientists to observe volatile compounds emitted by microbes for both medical and agricultural applications. It was noted at the ceremony that Farag's seminal work in agrochemical discovery using metabolomics has already aided in identifying novel biocontrol agents from soil bacteria that can boost plant growth.

Stylianopoulos is spearheading research into cancer therapies. He won the prize for his research that leveraged the principles of biomechanics, blending physics and biology to improve the delivery and efficacy of cancer treatments for patients who face the grim prognosis of solid tumors.

The prize, funded by Equatorial Guinea, is given annually to a maximum of three laureates. This year's winners received a monetary award of 350,000 U.S. dollars, divided equally among them, to help further their research.

The prize was established by UNESCO's Executive Board to support the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as UNESCO's global priorities. 

Qiao Jie (R, front), a specialist in reproductive medicine, receives the 2024 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 23, 2024. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Tuesday that three scientists from China, Egypt, and Greece won the 2024 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences.

Qiao Jie of China, Mohamed Ali Farag of Egypt, and Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos of Greece received the awards for their outstanding contributions to improving the quality of human life through scientific research at a ceremony held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 10th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. (Chinese mission to the African Union/Handout via Xinhua)
Microsoft has unveiled Phi-3-mini, an innovative, small language model for businesses seeking cost-effective AI solutions. This model excels at content creation and social media post generation, all while requiring less data compared to traditional AI models.

Despite its compact size, Phi-3-mini punches above its weight. Microsoft claims it outperforms models double its size on various benchmarks assessing language, coding, and mathematical capabilities.

Phi-3-mini caters specifically to businesses with limited resources. Its focus on simpler tasks like document summarization and market research trend extraction makes it a practical and efficient solution.

Microsoft is making Phi-3-mini readily available across several platforms. Users can find it on the Azure AI model catalog (Microsoft's cloud service platform), the machine learning model platform Hugging Face, and Ollama (a framework for running models locally).

This launch comes on the heels of Microsoft's recent $1.5 billion investment in UAE-based AI firm G42. Additionally, their partnership with French startup Mistral AI makes their models available through Azure.
Mehul Purohit, the Dynamic Entrepreneur, has revolutionised the Digital Branding landscape with his company Multiphase Digital. Catering to businesses and individuals, he offers premium branding services at accessible rates, aiding them in crafting a robust online identity. Mehul Purohit's inspiring journey has reached millions through platforms like Josh Talks and Tedx, garnering immense affection and appreciation from the audience.

Mehul's journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From facing challenges to achieving milestones, he has emerged as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Recently, he was named Asia's youngest entrepreneur in 2022, a well-deserved recognition for his hard work and dedication.

Born and raised in Bikaner, He did his schooling from Ramesh English School, Bikaner, which is among the top schools of Bikaner. Mehul had always been fascinated by the world of business. After completing his education, Mehul started his career in the field of Digital Marketing. He gained experience working with various companies, but he soon realized that his true passion lay in helping small businesses and individuals grow their brand online. This led him to start his own company, Multiphase Digital, in 2018.

Starting a business is never easy, and Mehul faced his fair share of challenges in the initial years.

The digital branding industry was already saturated, and it was challenging to make a mark in such a competitive market. However, Mehul was determined to succeed, and he persisted through the tough times. He invested in his team, constantly upgrading their skills and staying up-to-date with the latest digital marketing trends. This paid off, and Multiphase Digital soon gained a reputation for providing high-quality services that delivered results.

Mehul's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, he was named Asia's youngest entrepreneur, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of PR Marketing & Also the India's Best PR Company by Zee Biz. This award has only motivated Mehul to work harder and achieve even greater heights. But for Mehul, success is not just about personal achievements. He believes in giving back to society and helping others grow along with him. He has been actively involved in various initiatives that help budding entrepreneurs and small businesses establish their brands online. Through webinars and workshops, Mehul shares his expertise and knowledge with others, empowering them to grow their businesses and achieve success.

Mehul's vision for Multiphase Digital is to become the go-to agency for small businesses and individuals looking to establish a strong online presence and Recently Launched His Owned New Magazine Brand Multiphase India. He wants to provide affordable branding solutions that deliver real results, helping businesses grow and reach their full potential. With his innovative ideas and dedication to his work, Mehul is well on his way to achieving this goal, and Multiphase Digital Comes to India's Best PR Company.
Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company, introduced the global initiative  Kids Witness News in India. As the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the programme aims to raise awareness around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals among school students by upskilling youth with digital storytelling skills and creating advocates of change.

As part of the Kids Witness News (KWN) program, Panasonic Life Solutions India has partnered with five leading schools, including Lancers International School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Shalom Hills International School, Lotus Valley International School, and Scottish High International School in Delhi NCR region. Beginning April 25th, Panasonic will conduct KWN workshops, providing state-of-the-art Panasonic Lumix cameras and other equipment to participating school students. With these tools, students are equipped to bring their thoughts on SDGs to life, expand their understanding of the world, and positively impact the society. From the entries, one video will be selected from India to be showcased at Panasonics Kid Witness News Global Summit as part of a global contest scheduled later in the year.

Speaking on the launch of the KWN program, Pooja Garg Khan, Head of Corporate Communications & CSR at Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) said, At Panasonic, we prioritize community engagement and work towards inspiring the next generation to act as agents of change. Through the KWN program, students will learn skills in video production and journalism, creating videos on topics themed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program includes workshops/ training in camera operation, editing, and other aspects of video production while helping them develop critical thinking skills and giving them a voice to express their ideas related to community issues and environmental concerns, or social justice.

The Kid Witness News (KWN) is a global program that was launched by Panasonic in 1989 to provide students with opportunities to explore the world of digital storytelling and media production. The initiative is aimed at empowering young people by giving them access to technology and training in the fields of video production and digital media. The KWN has been successful in fostering creativity and media literacy among young people, providing them with valuable skills that can be useful in their future careers. The program has been implemented in various countries around the world and continues to be a part of Panasonic's efforts to support education and community development.
The Sleep Company, Indias leading comfort-tech brand, has today announced the launch of its new chair brand, ErgoSmart By The Sleep Company. Over the last couple of years, the company has moved beyond its SmartGRID mattress to offer various products like smart recliner beds, pillows and recliner sofas. With the launch of its chair brand, the company aims to establish itself as House of Brands to further foray into multiple categories. This significant launch underlines the companys dedication to delivering state-of-the-art sitting solutions across diverse settings. ErgoSmart Chairs are set to transform the way people sit, making comfort and productivity better everywhere.

ErgoSmart by The Sleep Company

Engineered with human-centered design thinking and patented body-adaptive technology, these chairs offer Smarter Designs for Smarter You. Crafted to ensure superior comfort and support during extended sitting hours, they prioritize well-being with ergonomic excellence. ErgoSmart Chairs have patented SmartGRID technology for even pressure distribution that gives adaptive comfort and postural perfection that redefines the standards of seating excellence.

Priyanka Salot, Co-founder of The Sleep Company, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch, stating, "This is a milestone launch for us as we take pride in the fact that The Sleep Company is now a House of Brands. We have witnessed a remarkable 10x growth since the inception of our chair category and are looking to double our market share in the next 24 months with this new launch. This novel idea represents The Sleep Companys commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the comfort space. As we anticipate even greater success in the future, we remain steadfast in our dedication to pushing the boundaries of comfort and productivity. We are excited to embark on this new journey and redefine the standards of sitting comfort."

The top eight metro cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune, among others, currently account for roughly 40-45% of the company's demand for their chair category. With the launch of this new category, the company hopes to completely transform the chair market with more intelligent designs, better ergonomics, and exceptional comfort.
Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., a prominent agri-tech enterprise and subsidiary of the esteemed Jhaver Group which has a business turnover exceeding USD 800 million and operations in 20 countries, has chosen Streetlight Media as its strategic communication partner. Headquartered in Chennai, Tropical Agro has selected Streetlight Media to oversee its brand communication, recognizing the agency's distinguished track record and its dedicated team in Chennai.

Established in 1969, Tropical Agro leads the Indian crop protection and plant nutrition industry, covering both Chemical and Organic segments. Committed to uplifting farming communities nationwide, the company's decision to collaborate with Streetlight Media is founded on the agency's extensive rural outreach, unwavering commitments, and demonstrated ability to deliver strategic results.

Under this partnership, Streetlight Media will develop and execute an innovative communication strategy for Tropical Agro, effectively engaging with media outlets in major cities and rural regions alike. Leveraging its profound understanding of the Indian agricultural landscape, the agency will highlight the efficacy of each product in enhancing agricultural yields, strengthening the brand's reputation, expanding market presence, and fostering robust connections with the target audience.

Chandrika Rodrigues, General Manager  Branding & Communication at Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd., expressed confidence in Streetlight Media, citing their exceptional track record observed during her tenure at Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. She emphasized the agency's unparalleled comprehension of rural economies and farming ecosystems as essential for executing impactful communication campaigns.

Tushar Santra, Managing Director of Streetlight Media, remarked, "India is envisaging to be the 'Food Basket of the World' with its potential to emerge as a global agricultural powerhouse. Tropical Agro, as a key player in the agri-input space, has significantly contributed to innovative and sustainable farming solutions aimed at boosting harvests, improving soil health, and safeguarding crops. It is our pleasure to collaborate with Tropical Agro and further communicate the groups vision for the growth of our farmers and objectives to change the socio-economic status to make India a Vikshit Bharat."
It's time for celebration for &TV's Atal as the show completes its 100th episode milestone! Launched in December 2023, the show's storyline is set against British colonial rule in India, offering insights into the formative years of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's life. To mark this achievement, the stellar cast comprising Neha Joshi (Krishna Devi Vajpayee), Vyom Thakkar (Young Atal), Ashutosh Kulkarni (Krishan Bihari Vajpayee), Milind Dastane (Shyam Lal Vajpayee), Prachittee Ahhirrao (Vimla), among others, gathered to commemorate this joyous occasion and reflect on their remarkable journey through 100 episodes. Sharing her joy on the 100-episode completion, Neha Joshi, essaying Krishna Devi Vajpayee, says, Completing the 100-episode mark is a big moment for us, and we are quite excited. First, thank our audience for this unwavering love and support for the show. And not to forget my co-stars and the dedicated crew behind the scenes, whose seamless coordination and hard work made it all possible. This journey has afforded me countless opportunities to delve into a spectrum of emotions as an actor, and reaching this milestone fills me with gratitude. The outpouring of affection from our audience is heartening and serves as a driving force for each of us. Recently, during our visit to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to seek blessings for our show's success and celebrate Ram Navami, we were humbled by the overwhelming love of our fans, who expressed their adoration for the show and its characters. We marked this celebration with our 'Atal' team on set, reflecting on the shared experiences that have shaped our journey together. Vyom Thakkar, essaying Young Atal, says, This is such a special moment for all of us! I am so happy that we have completed 100 episodes. It has been a wonderful journey, and we have become like an extended family. Congratulations to everyone for this incredible achievement!

Ashutosh Kulkarni, essaying Krishan Bihari Vajpayee, says, My journey with Atal has been incredible. The warmth and appreciation from our audience towards my character bring me immense happiness. I consistently receive messages expressing their appreciation of our show and the characters. The collective effort of our dedicated team has made the show a success, and reaching the milestone of 100 episodes is a big moment for us. Heartiest Congratulations to everyone. We marked this special occasion with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony. Heres to more such milestones to come!

Watch Atal at 8:00 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
The phasing out of third-party cookies by Google has been delayed yet again. Google provided an update on the plan for third-party cookie deprecation on Chrome in a post on Privacy Sandbox News on April 23, 2024 as it gears up to publish its quarterly report for Q1 2024. The UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will also publish its quarterly report shortly.

In its post Google stated, We recognize that there are ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators and developers, and will continue to engage closely with the entire ecosystem.

Google added, It's also critical that the CMA has sufficient time to review all evidence including results from industry tests, which the CMA has asked market participants to provide by the end of June. Given both of these significant considerations, we will not complete third-party cookie deprecation during the second half of Q4.

Google reiterated its commitment to engaging closely with the CMA and ICO and was hopeful of concluding that process this year. Assuming we can reach an agreement, we envision proceeding with third-party cookie deprecation starting early next year, it added.

Google had set a deadline of January 2020 to phase out third-party cookies, which was delayed. The next deadline was set for 2024, where the phase-out was supposed to take place in a phased manner.

Now, as per the latest update, the third-party cookies phase-out has been pushed to 2025.
Zaroori nahi hai har baar baat-cheet honi chahiye .. jung ke maidaan mein aakhir jung honi chahiye - when it comes to war against terror, the whole nation stands united. This Sunday, Zee Cinema brings to you unparalleled patriotism and high-octane action with the World Television Premiere of Tejas on Sunday, 28th April at 12 PM. Starring the versatile Kangana Ranaut, Tejas delves into the heart of a nation's constant resolve against terrorism.

A fearless Air Force pilot, a dangerous mission, and an enemy threat lurking in the shadows - the stakes couldn't be higher, with the fate of a nation hanging in the balance. Directed by Sarvesh Mewara, the film also features Anshul Chauhan, Ashish Vidyarthi, Varun Mitra, Vishak Nair in significant roles. With thrilling aerial sequences and carefully crafted action shots, Tejas promises to take viewers on a rollercoaster ride of thrill, suspense and patriotism.

The film tells the story of a valiant fighter pilot, Tejas, and her unrelenting desire to serve her nation through death defying rescue missions. We see her evolve from a stubborn Air Force academy cadet to a die-hard patriot whilst she battles with her devastating past trauma. Along with her ally and co-pilot, Aafia, Tejas must foil a terrorist attack that could shake the nation. Will she be successful?

Mark your calendars to know! Tune into Tejas on Sunday, 28th April at 12pm only on Zee Cinema!
A bipartisan effort to give Alabama teachers paid parental leave is moving forward in the state legislature  but with some big changes.

After tense debate, a Senate committee voted 8-7 Wednesday to substitute a bill, SB305, that would give public school educators 12 weeks of parental leave. The new version of the bill will cut leave down to six weeks, and limit eligibility to women who give birth.

The substitute also does not cover leave for miscarriages, stillbirths or adoption for both parents.

All of those things carry emotional and physical things with it for the woman especially, but also for that father to be there for that support, said Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, the bills sponsor. That is so important, and with the way that were always talking about pushing family and families bonding and staying as a unit, I think we need to do that.

Currently, Alabama educators and school employees must build up a bank of sick leave days or take unpaid leave to care for a newborn or adopted child. Public school teachers generally are given 10 sick days each year.

Committee chair Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said he proposed the substitute to match recent changes to another bill in the House, HB309, which is geared toward state employees.

State employees are currently required to use sick leave and personal days for parental leave but are given two weeks of paid leave in the case of adoption. In committee last week, lawmakers voted to cut the eight weeks of leave promised in HB309 down to six, and to limit eligibility to women.

We get into this problem where one gets something and the other doesnt, and we get into this back and forth, Orr told the committee.

With five days left in the session, theres not a lot of time to make changes to newer bills like Figures. SB305 must still pass through both chambers before it can head to the governors desk.

Before the vote Wednesday, Figures said she was willing to negotiate the number of weeks of paid leave offered, but was blindsided by lawmakers decision to exclude men from the policy. She asked to postpone the changes until the bill goes to the full chamber, but was voted down.

I think this is a hell of a thing that you are substituting my bill and Ive told you my desires, Figures told the committee. I think its total disrespect. I brought this bill on behalf of school employees, and I brought it because I feel that its the right thing to do.

Not only do teachers not get paid leave after adding a new person to their family, but in order to keep their health insurance, currently teachers have to pay the full amount of the premium.

SB305 would require employers to pay their portion of health insurance premiums during an employees parental leave. However, the bill would allow the employer to recover the cost of those health care premiums if an employee does not return to work after taking parental leave or leaves the employer within two years.

Paid parental leave for educators differs among states, and is offered in some of the nations largest school districts. Georgia and Tennessee recently passed laws giving educators six weeks of paid parental leave. Both states provide leave to both parents.

Under the Senate bill, employers would have to give the employee the same or an equivalent position upon returning from leave.

The leave would have to be taken within 12 months of a new childs addition or it would be forfeited. The entire leave would have to be taken in a block unless the employer agrees to allow the employee to do otherwise.

If approved, the law becomes effective Jan. 1, 2025.

SB305 now awaits a vote on the Senate floor before it goes to the House. An amended version of HB309 will head to the Senate for final passage.
Families of some 21 million children who usually get free meals at school will be eligible for $40 a month to help pay for groceries in the summer, through the federal summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program.

Not in Alabama, though  and lawmakers currently cant agree about whether, after passing on the chance to do summer EBT this year, to fund it for the summer of 2025. State advocates say the state shouldnt miss out on the chance to feed more children.

Its a huge return on investment, and wed hate to leave that money on the table that could help so many people, Laura Lester, CEO of Feeding Alabama, told AL.com recently.

The Alabama House of Representatives tabled an amendment last week that would allocate $13 million from the states education budget to administer the federal summer EBT program, which provides families with $40 a month for each eligible child, or $120 over the course of the summer.

About half a million Alabama children would be eligible to receive the benefits, according to the Food Research and Action Center.

The topic is expected to come up again in the Senate as soon as Wednesday, where a committee will have a final chance to approve start-up funds. If the state puts in $10 to $15 million, according to estimates, the federal government would send an estimated $65 million in benefits to Alabama families.

Congress created summer EBT in 2023 to provide children regular access to meals while school is out over the summer months. States are required to opt in to the program and front half of the administrative cost, and in return, the feds will fund benefits that parents can spend on groceries and meals.

That front-end investment could bring more than $100 million in economic activity to grocers and farmers in the state, according to a recent analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

But so far, Alabama has failed to budget the money needed to start the program. Alabama is one of just 14 states that declined to opt in to summer 2024 benefits, and could again miss out on federal funds for 2025 if lawmakers dont approve the budget proposal during the current legislative session.

Budget sponsor Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, told lawmakers on the floor last Tuesday that he is not opposed to state support for the program, but needs more time to understand how the process will work.

Shortly after the House voted to table the proposal, Senate Democrats brought the issue to the chamber floor, calling on their colleagues to rethink their priorities.

Children are going hungry over the summer, but were going to be willing to give these organizations like this all the tax breaks that they want, Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said on the floor, referring to a bill to fund a multimillion dollar farm center.

Summer EBT is a meal replacement program that is separate from federal summer meal programs, which are often administered by local organizations. But few Alabama children appear to be taking advantage of those programs.

According to the Food Research and Action Center, only 6% of Alabama children who rely on free school meals received summer lunches. An AL.com report also found that many rural communities in the state had no access to free meal programs last year.

The Alabama State Department of Education did not respond to questions about the state of local meal programs, or whether it supported summer EBT.

LaTrell Clifford Wood, a hunger policy advocate with Alabama Arise, said the issue comes down to access: Current summer meal programs are often well-intentioned, but are sometimes unreachable for families. When parents work during the day, it can be hard to pick up lunch and breakfast during the programs limited time frames, she said.

Summer EBT provides an alternative to in-person meal services. She said it could give families a level of autonomy and dignity to buy food that they know their children will eat.

Cayce Davis, a child nutrition director at Elmore County Schools, said about half of her districts students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch, meaning many also rely on free meals throughout the summer.

Her community, she said, is lucky to have quality summer meal programs, which can take a lot of work to run.

If the EBT program is approved, she said, lawmakers should consider how to make the process smoother for school staff. Schools dont administer the EBT benefits, but are often called on to provide student data. Theyre also who parents tend to call if things go wrong.

If theres even one child thats got their needs met, to me its a great thing, she said. But there has to be proper support for administering it, because youve got to find the path to get those benefits to the ones that are eligible for them, and thats some of the difficulty.

Advocates also are discussing ways to increase state support for breakfast and lunch programs throughout the school year.
As the Global Christian Forum (GCF) concluded in Ghana this past week, the 250 participants from more than 60 countries and all streams of Christianity sent a message reflecting on their joint experience in Accra, Ghana. They had met from April 16-19 for the fourth GCF global gathering, with part of the program including a day trip to slave castles in Cape Coast where they offered a special service of lamentation.

Commemorating its 25th anniversary this year, the GCF message first highlighted the role the forum has played over the years, saying, Throughout its existence, the GCF has been a unique space for all major streams of Christianity to be together for encounter and prayer. It is the broadest expression of Christian faith and one that reflects the movement of the majority of churches from the global north to the global south.

Referring to the theme So That the World May Know, the message said, We want the world to know and to do so we must live the gospel in unity.

The charism of the Global Christian Forum is the sharing of faith stories. These personal stories act as bridges that help us foster mutual respect and embrace diversity by recognising Christ in the other. They help us move beyond a posture of us and them.

In an interview with Christian Daily International preceding the event, GCF Secretary Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah acknowledged the various divisions among the more than 45,000 denominations and recognized that there are differences and challenges, historically and today. Yet, GCFs approach of sharing stories allows conversations to move from the institutional to the personal, which changes the attitudes in peoples hearts and brings them closer together.

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As we begin to share those stories, there are bridges that we are able to cross and walls that we are able to tear down just because we realized that there's a lot of similarity, he said, adding that there's a lot that we work with as a result of our ethnicities, as a result of our denominations, as a result of our nations. But when you focus on who you are in Christ and what Christ has done for you, all of sudden you look at that person who is wearing a robe that you're not familiar with and say, oh my goodness, that's a brother!

During the global gathering, participants also visited the slave castles in Cape Coast where African slaves were shipped to the West, and offered a lamentation service.

The message reiterated some of the reflections, saying During our time together in Ghana, we walked in the footsteps, on the sweat and blood, of millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. We stood in the dark, stifling dungeons, spaces made more horrifying by the presence of a church directly above. Those above invoked blessings for the ships that would forcibly take the captives to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

Sadly, as we continued to share amongst ourselves, we heard stories of continuing dehumanisation across the world today. Where human beings are oppressed and marginalised, there is a failure to recognise the image and likeness of God in one another, the message continued.

That the historical injustice continues to impact people today was highlighted by Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, Vice Moderator of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches and General Secretary of Jamaica Baptist Union. Preaching at Wesley Cathedral, she echoed Psalm 137 lamenting that, Many of us in the African diaspora still chant, By the rivers of Babylon there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. For the wicked carried us away to captivity, required from us a song. How shall we sing the Lords song in a strange land?

And while the issue of slavery might feel like history from past centuries for many, Rev. Dr. Richard Howell from the Evangelical Church of God in India, shared in his reflection after the visit that the discrimination on the basis of skin colour and gender remain prevalent. One example is his home country India where the caste system still exists.

Pointing to Jesus Christ as the only hope for healing, the GCF message then continued, As the broken  and yet reconciling - Body of Christ, we can clearly hear the voice of the Shepherd who heals all wounds. Through the testimonies of pain and ever-enduring hope, God is speaking, calling us to deeper conversion and unity.

And it concluded by referring to the Trinity, saying, In lamentation, may our hearts be broken by that which breaks Gods heart. In Christ, may we experience healing and reconciliation. And in the Holy Spirit, may we be sent out with boldness and humility, to make Gods transforming Spirit of forgiveness, justice, healing, restoration, grace, and salvation known.
The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a bill to allow some immigrants who are in the country illegally to attend state colleges and universities in Alabama.

The bill by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, provides an exception to a law passed in 2011 that said people in the country illegally are prohibited from enrolling in state community colleges or public four-year colleges.

Ingrams bill said the ban on college enrollment does not apply to a person in the country illegally if they have satisfied either of the following:

Attended a high school for three or more years and graduated from a high school, earned a GED or completed other equivalent education in this state.

Applied for lawful presence in the United States.

Ingram said the purpose of the bill is to provide an opportunity for people who, although they are not in the country legally, have taken the steps to show they want to better themselves and become productive citizens.

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, chairman of the House education budget committee, noted that the state invests money to support the education of the students in the country illegally in K-12 schools. Garrett said it makes sense to give those students who graduate high school in Alabama an opportunity to pursue a college education in Alabama. Otherwise, many leave to attend college in other states and are unlikely to return, Garrett said.

The prohibition on college attendance by people in the country illegally was part of a sweeping bill on illegal immigration the Legislature passed in 2011. Much of that law was blocked by courts.

Ingrams bill passed by a vote of 89-10. It moves to the Senate.

Alabama and national politics.
This is an opinion column.

A well-crafted spreadsheet can spoil a mystery with a bar chart.

On July 23, 2010, one such spreadsheet landed in my email inbox.

It told a story that important, powerful people in Birmingham wanted to keep quiet  that my alma mater, Birmingham-Southern College, was bleeding to death.

It showed in clear terms that the story the college had been telling  that its financial woes were due to a miscalculation of Pell Grants  just wasnt true.

It proved the problem was much bigger and had been going on for much longer than college administrators had said.

It was also a warning. The college was in danger of closing and the people in charge couldnt be trusted to fix it.

The sender  a faculty member  asked to remain anonymous. If I had questions, I should call Marietta Cameron, a computer science professor at the college, the person said.

It was Cameron who had made the spreadsheet, and she had shared it with the entire school.

I sent it to the entire campus with my name on it, knowing full well that somebody was going to send it to the media, and everybody would think it was me, she said when I spoke with her again last week. I would just wait. And then you called.

Back in 2010, Cameron asked to remain anonymous, too, but she walked me through the data and explained to me where she had gotten it.

Fourteen years later  after the college announced its years of financial struggles would force it to close  I asked Cameron if I could tell this story again, this time with her name on the record.

A discovery she didnt want to find

At BSC, Cameron was an anomaly in several ways. She was a computer science professor at a college that favored humanities and business majors. She wasnt only a faculty member, but also an alum. And at the time, she was the only faculty member who was Black.

Like a lot of BSC students, she first attended the college as a summer scholar  a program for rising high school seniors looking for college credit. Cameron says she planned to go to UAB, but one math professor changed her mind, Dr. Lola Kiser. Dr. Kiser was such a supportive person and took such an interest in me that, if all of the professors at Birmingham-Southern would be like Dr. Kiser, I wanted to be at Birmingham Southern College, too, Cameron says.

Later, it was those same friendships with Kiser and other faculty that drew her back to become a professor. In 1991, she left her job at Blue Cross Blue Shield to join the faculty.

The colleges computer science program had often been in danger during lean years, Cameron said. Between her graduation and her return as a professor, the program had been cut once already.

At a liberal arts institution, there was a bias against what people perceived to be pre-professional, she says.

In 2010, computer science became a target for budget cuts again.

BSC administrators began 2010 with assurances to faculty that the colleges financial picture was strong, according to faculty meeting minutes which the college now keeps online. That February, the provost even teased the possibility of raises, a prospect that had disappeared with the Great Recession.

But by late spring, those administrators were telling a different story, and by June they warned the faculty that the school might have to cut staff or even whole courses of study.

At first they said the college had a $3 million hole in its budget.

Then $5 million.

Then $10 million.

The administration blamed miscalculations in financial aid to students.

The faculty formed an advisory committee to figure out the extent of the problem, but members complained they werent being given access to the colleges financial data.

And thats when I said, I know how you could get numbers, Cameron recalls.

Nonprofits are exempt from paying taxes but not from filing financial data with the IRS. They must disclose that information publicly in a form called a 990.

Cameron retrieved several years worth of the colleges disclosures and began using the information to build her spreadsheet.

What I found instead was  Oh, shoot, this is not $10 million, she recalls.

The college, according to the data, had been running at a $10 million deficit three years earlier, and those deficits had been growing. Nonprofits file their 990s the year after their books close, so the most recent fiscal year was still a mystery.

The rate we were going up  with a nice little regression line, I estimated that we were most likely at $30 million, Cameron says.

Her estimate would turn out to be much closer to the truth than what administrators had shared.

Under BSCs new president, David Pollick, the college had gone on a spending spree, building new dorms, an alumni welcome center and what could either be described as a large pond or a small lake. Amid the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the college had spent money on a water feature to attract students.

The college paid for much of this from its endowment, cashing out investments when the markets were in a slump. It was, in effect, buying high and selling low.

The day Camerons spreadsheet landed in my inbox, I first reached out to Cameron by phone, leaving a voicemail at her office, then by Facebook messenger, which 14 years later still memorializes our first exchange.

I am happy that someone forwarded to you. However, if I am to fight a battle in Thursdays faculty meeting I should not make a comment just yet, she wrote.

Cameron was about to have that battle with the colleges then-president, David Pollick.

Under Birmingham-Southern College President David Pollick the college added new amenities, including a water feature in the middle of the Great Recession. In three years the college's endowment plunged from more than $113 million to $54 million. (The Birmingham News / Mark Almond)BN FTP

Showdown with the president

Time can corrode memory, but 14 years later Cameron can recall what was said in that faculty meeting with remarkable precision, and the meeting minutes kept by the college show she remembers some comments verbatim.

Let me begin, though, by saying that I have told you things over the course, particularly in the last year, that were not true. I have never lied to you, Pollick said, according to those minutes. There is a fundamental difference between that.

Pollick told the faculty that he and college trustees had been duped by the finance department. A summary of the colleges finances, called a green sheet, had not been accurate, he said.

Further, he told them, the college had been taking out unauthorized bridge loans from Regions Bank, unbeknownst to him or Dowd Ritter, the board president and also then-CEO of Regions Bank.

Still, Pollick tried to argue that the colleges 990s were inaccurate and misrepresented the colleges true financial position.

So we misrepresented on a tax form? Cameron asked, according to the minutes.

The information on the 990s is accurate, the vice-president of administration, Lane Estes interjected.

Pollick asked for calm and said the college could recover through austerity. Other administrators, including the colleges spokesperson, gave additional reports. Cameron began to think Pollick was trying to run out the clock, she recalls.

I would like to make a resolution as follows: due to either intentional negligence or incompetence or malfeasance or all of the above, I call for a vote of no confidence in our President and in the Executive Committee of the Board, she said.

Pollick left the room and several faculty members balked at the resolution.

I went to Birmingham-Southern  before Pollick and before the crash  where I had classes with many of the people in the room that day. Today, its heartbreaking to read these faculty minutes, to see professors I respect leave Cameron stranded at such an important moment in the colleges history.

She had taken a stand, but few were ready to stand with her.

One moved to table the motion until more faculty could take part in the discussion. A history professor moved to table the motion for good.

If word gets out that we have set a meeting certain to discuss a motion of no confidence on this president  if that gets into the press, which it will  it is a disaster for this college, he said. I move to table it period.

Camerons motion was tabled by a vote, 54-to-14.

Loneliness of a whistleblower

In the end, the vote didnt save Pollick. Camerons spreadsheet had exposed the truth and neither he nor the college could fully dispute what it revealed. Two weeks after that faculty meeting, Pollick resigned.

In the years since, Pollick has insisted the colleges financial problems were not his doing and that he and the board had been deceived.

Even if that is true, its still damning.

The most charitable interpretation of the facts is that a computer science professor uncovered in a day of digging what the college president, the board and the board president  himself the CEO of one of the nations largest banks  didnt see during six years on the job.

However, Camerons discovery didnt save her department. The college cut the computer science program.

And Cameron with it.

Today, Cameron serves as dean of Natural Sciences at the University of North Carolina-Asheville.

I asked her how her experience at BSC changed her.

My experience at Birmingham-Southern has made me be more aware of university operations and governance, she says. It forced me to say that theres a part that faculty need to play in it.

When she reflects on her last days at BSC, she struggles with disappointment in some of her colleagues who, she says, kept quiet because they were afraid. After she shared her spreadsheet, one professor pulled the colleges 990s from a cabinet in his office and commended her for having put them in a form everyone could understand.

And Im like, why are you not saying something? You have more influence. Youve been here longer than I have, she recalls. I had tenure at the time, but this person had been my professor.

Camerons struggle to find allies in her last days at the college is a story Ive seen play out in other places  at HealthSouth during its financial fraud, at Jefferson County before its largest-in-U.S.-history bankruptcy, in a governors office trapped the in the quicksand of a sex scandal.

In a crisis, it can feel safer to do nothing. To let someone else step forward and speak up.

Rather than rallying a rescue effort from the inside, whistleblowers often wind up alienated, ostracized, or even blamed for the crisis itself.

A lot of them just sat back and let me speak because they did not believe that the only Black faculty member was going to be fired, she says.

Camerons spreadsheet and her push to censure Pollick didnt create the disaster at BSC. She alerted the world that a disaster was in progress  so somebody could do something about it. In the end, Camerons spreadsheet didnt save the college, but had she not forced the issue when she did, its easy to imagine the college going under much earlier. In the last 14 years, thousands of students have passed through BSC  something that might not have happened had the colleges financial problems been left to fester that summer in 2010.

Cameron has any number of reasons to be bitter about her time at BSC  racism she endured as a student, her departments odd fit within the liberal arts and sciences, her colleagues silence at such a perilous moment. Despite all that, she still feels an attachment to the school and a sadness that it will soon be gone. I love Birmingham-Southern like a child, as if it were a family member, she says. Even when I left, at the time, I thought I would probably one day go back and be part of the leadership. Like a lot of other alumni Ive spoken with in recent months, she lets herself daydream theres a happy ending waiting.

I fantasize about finding the miracle money to save the college, she says. I still do. I still pray and hope that some miracle happens.

But Cameron already did her part to save the college when many others stood frozen in place.

When no one listens to whistleblowers, the only consolation left for them is getting to have the last word.

Kyle Whitmire is the 2023 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Subscribe to his weekly newsletter, Alabamafication.
A former researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was sentenced Tuesday to 35 years in prison for the killing of a Yale University graduate student found shot outside his car on a Connecticut street.

Qinxuan Pan, 33, who pleaded guilty to murder in February, apologized during a hearing in a New Haven courtroom packed with family and friends of the victim, Kevin Jiang.

I feel sorry for what my actions caused and for everyone affected, Pan said. I fully accept my penalties.

See also: Qinxuan Pan, suspect in killing of Yale student, captured in Alabama after months on the run

Jiang, 26, a U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Chicago and a graduate student at Yales School of the Environment, had just left his fiancees apartment in New Haven on the evening of Feb. 6, 2021, when he was shot multiple times by Pan, according to police and prosecutors. The couple had just gotten engaged days earlier.

Several of Jiangs relatives and friends spoke in court before the judge handed down the sentence, which Pan agreed to as part of his plea bargain.

My son was a remarkable young man who cherished life and held deep (belief) in God. He had a bright future ahead  one that promised to spread Gods love far and wide, said Jiangs father, Mingchen Jiang.

A motive for the killing was never made entirely clear. Investigators said they discovered that Pan and Jiangs fiancee were connected on social media and had met while at MIT, where both had graduated from and where Pan was working as a researcher at the time of the shooting.

According to the documents, Jiangs fiancee told authorities she and Pan never had a romantic or sexual relationship, they were just friends, but she did get a feeling that he was interested in her during that time.

After the shooting, Pan fled the scene and eluded police for three months before being apprehended in Alabama, where officials said he was caught living under a fake name with $19,000 in cash, a passport and several cellphones.
Nearly seven months after an officer shot and killed a Black man in his front yard in the dark of night, a north Alabama city is still reeling with protests and reckoning with how it wants to be policed.

The police officer who killed Stephen Perkins in September faces a murder charge, as a federal lawsuit looms over the city of Decatur and the towing company that repossessed his truck on the night of the shooting.

In January, police Chief Todd Pinion announced after an internal review that officers are no longer allowed to assist with vehicle repossessions.

Protesters continue to demand change, even though dozens of them have been arrested and despite the mayors attempt to quell their demonstrations near his home. Residents continue to pack city council meetings, saying the reforms do not go far enough and calling for Mayor Tab Bowling to fire the chief.

Now, the council is considering an ordinance to codify how police should interact with tow truck drivers attempting repossessions.

Perkins widow, Catrela, said its not enough. She was among three people arrested at a protest over the weekend , calling for the chiefs firing.

Catrela Perkins, widow of Stephen PerkinsKayode Crown

if youve got corrupt officers in the department, theyre still not going to follow the ordinance, she told AL.com.

Youve got to have the right officers in there thats going to abide by the ordinance. So you can put in 10,000 ordinances, but that doesnt mean that they will abide by it.

The shooting

After midnight on Sept. 29, a tow truck driver told police that Perkins threatened him with a gun as he tried to repossess his truck.

An hour later, security camera footage showed the tow truck return to Perkins house with police. No video records showed the police turn on their emergency lights, knock on Perkins door or otherwise announce their presence. As the tow truck driver again began repossessing the truck, Perkins ran outside shining a bright light  state investigators later said he brandished a handgun equipped with a light  and told him to drop the vehicle.

An officer, identified as Bailey Marquette, emerged from a dark corner and shouted, Hey, hey, police, get on the ground. Marquette shot Perkins multiple times, according to court records. Bullets also flew into a neighboring home, narrowly missing Justin Shepherd, an Army veteran who was Perkins friend and gym trainee.

Decatur lawyer Carl Cole argued that the police should not have helped with the repossession of Perkins truck.

Alabama law does not allow the police to assist in a repossession unless the party seeking repossession obtains a court order, Cole told AL.com.

The fact that they brought the tow truck driver back out there makes it clear that they were aiding in a repossession, and thats not allowed under Alabama law, absent a court order.

The Decatur Police Department declined to comment for this story.

Police killed Stephen Clay Perkins in his front yard.Photo via Facebook, Kayode Crown

A video obtained and published by the conservative website 1819 News includes body camera footage that provides a closer look at some of Perkins last moments, as he begged for an ambulance.

I cant breathe, Perkins said as he lay bleeding on the ground while an officer put him in handcuffs.

Please tell them to hurry up were some of his last words.

He died soon after. He was 39, a gym enthusiast, a father of two.

Following an internal review, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling in December fired three officers involved in the shooting and sent a fourth on administrative leave.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the shooting and handed over the findings to Scott Anderson, the district attorney of Morgan County. A grand jury in January indicted former Officer Marquette on a murder charge.

But protesters continue to march and call for more reform. And some are now calling for the firing of the police chief.

I want the removal of Todd Pinion, Mike Stovall, one of the protesters, told AL.com. I dont feel like Todd knows what hes doing. I dont feel like hes good for our city.

New ordinance

Meanwhile, the city is taking steps to make sure the unusual circumstances of the fatal shooting are not repeated. The Decatur City Council next month will vote on an ordinance aimed at making vehicle repossession attempts safer. Heres what it does:

Limits repossession attempts to once in a 24-hour period, except on judicial order.

Requires police notification of a repossession attempt 30 minutes before.

Clarifies that state law mandates that a repossessor must stop once there is a risk of injury.

Violators risk business license suspension, a fine up to $500 and up to six months in jail.

City Attorney Herman H. Marks, Jr said the city considered input from the community but did not go beyond state law in crafting the ordinance.

We just put in place what we think is the law, and it just clarifies and gives a reinforcement that thats what we expect, Marks told AL.com.

If the city council approves the ordinance at its next meeting on May 6, the new vehicle repossession law will be in force from June.

Anthony Victor, a Decatur car dealer, said he supports the cause of seeking justice for Perkins. But he doesnt think the ordinance will make a difference.

If you look at the history of this whole town, theres probably never been a problem with any repo or something, he told AL.com. So now were going after something and trying to change ordinances because we havent disciplined the company and the cops that broke rules that night and murdered somebody.

Perkins family is suing Allstar Recovery, the towing company that repossessed his truck, and Pentagon Federal Credit Union, which financed the vehicle. Allstar Recovery did not respond to requests for comments for this story. An attorney for Pentagon Federal Credit Union told AL.com on Tuesday that the firm has responded to the lawsuit in court and declined further comments for this story. The company argued in a filing on April 5 that the court should compel the family to move the case to arbitration. The family filed a response on April 19 asking the court to reject the motion.

Decatur resident Claudette Owens, a pastor, said a group of pastors and myself, were instrumental in leading the repossession ordinance changes and hopes it will save lives.

Claudette Owens.Kayode Crown

It is not exactly what we want, but its much better than what it was originally, she told AL.com. We think it brings a little bit more accountability to the people that are going to be repossessing.

Owens said she wishes that the ordinance included a restriction on repossession at night.

We really wanted to have a restriction from any time after midnight to 5 a.m., Owens told AL.com. But that is something the bankers and the car dealers that depend on bankers do not want to do because they say it would make it harder for people to get cars, harder for them to repossess their properties.

Calls for reform

Chief Pinion in January prohibited officers involvement in vehicle repossession.

In the event of repossession, officers are to take no action and can have no participation in the repossession, Pinion said in a Jan. 25 written directive to the officers. The officers sole responsibility is to keep the peace between all parties.

The new directive also said reasonable attempts should be made to ensure all parties involved are aware of police involvement/presence.

If a debtor refuses to relinquish the property, or if there is or was a breach of peace, the bank or plaintiff must stop the repossession process and be referred to the courts, the document said.

The directive prohibits officers from entering a residence or private property without legal authority and requires officers to encourage involved parties to seek the assistance of resolution services, legal counsel or take the matter to the civil courts and that officers should not take any enforcement action unless a crime is apparent.

But the unrest continues.

Anytime we have a protest up here, were going to be harassed, said Stovall. We were having something down the street. They had three drones out there. Then had undercover cars following us. And, come on now. Did that make sense? So, thats what I said. We just want Todd Pinion to go.

Mayor Bowling had enough of protesting near his home at night and, late in December, declared that protesters must have permits or risk arrest.

The city reversed the move after adopting a new ordinance in February, which allows protests without permits as long as they do not block traffic.

Alvin Moseley, who knew Perkins, did not regard the protest ordinance as a win.

Alvin Moseley.Kayode Crown

There havent been any real changes made, he said. It was already a right of ours to protest.

Many protesters have been arrested in Decatur for disorderly conduct since the night of Perkins killing.

Police arrested Alainah Dailey for disorderly conduct while protesting near the mayors house weeks ago. Dailey told AL.com that protesters do not feel safe and continue to face intimidation by police.

Protesters are still getting attacked, she said. One was attacked literally three weeks ago and she got tackled to the ground as a woman, by four grown men, grown police officers.

Moseley also called for the police chiefs removal.

First thing that needs to be done is we need a new police chief, he said. If they are not willing to give us a new police chief, he needs oversight, like a commissioner. I dont see any other way that our community can even begin healing if we dont have that. If we dont have those things, what can we do?

The culture of the police department, if it does not change and theyre not going to be putting those policies or practices into play, which ultimately means none of us are safe.
A man with a magnet who was fishing in a Middle Georgia creek discovered items linked to the 2015 killings of a metro Atlanta couple who drove 200 miles in the hopes of buying their classic dream car, authorities said.

The GBI said Monday that the man found a .22-caliber rifle on April 14 while magnet fishing in Horse Creek on Old Prison Camp Road in McRae-Helena. Two days later, he pulled up a bag containing drivers licenses and credit cards belonging to Bud and June Runion, along with what authorities believe was the couples cellphone.

Investigators said they executed multiple search warrants last week at a home in the 400 block of Webb Cemetery Road and that the items collected will be analyzed at the agencys crime lab. Officials would not say exactly what was taken from the home or who lived there.

Magnet fishers use a large magnet to scour bodies of water for metal debris, often as a hobby.

In January 2015, investigators charged Ronnie Jay Towns in the Runions deaths and armed robbery. After more than nine years, his trial is tentatively scheduled to start in August or September. Tim Vaughn, the district attorney for the six-county Oconee Judicial Circuit, said Tuesday that he is still seeking the death penalty.

Towns was initially indicted in March 2015, but that indictment was quashed when a judge determined the grand jury was improperly constituted, Vaughn said. On the day the grand jury was convened, only 15 people showed up. So the clerk called in additional grand jurors from the countys trial jury list.

Towns case was reindicted in January 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic brought judicial proceedings to a standstill, Vaughn said. Pre-trial motions in the case resumed last year, he said, acknowledging that its been a long process.

The Runions had lived for more than three decades in their Marietta home, where they raised their children and had recently become grandparents, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.

June, 66, was a longtime second grade teacher in Cobb County and was working as a preschool instructor at Johnson Ferry Baptist. Bud, retired from AT&T, used to collect old bicycle parts, restore them and build new bikes that he would deliver to underprivileged children at Christmas. He was 69.

Family members said the couple had driven to Telfair County to see, and hopefully buy, their dream car  a 1966 Ford Mustang.

But there was no car, authorities said. Instead, investigators believe that Towns tricked them into thinking he would sell them the Mustang after seeing the couples past Craigslist posts looking for that exact vehicle.

The Runions were reported missing and their bodies were found four days later hidden along a dirt road in Telfair County, near where Towns parents live. The two had been shot in the head, according to police. Cellphone records indicated that Towns was the last person to talk to the Runions before their deaths, authorities said at the time.

The AJC has reached out to Towns defense attorney for comment.

2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Mountain Brook doctor charged in the traffic crash death of her 10-year-old daughter while allegedly fleeing police made her first court appearance Wednesday after being indicted two months ago.

A Jefferson County grand jury in February issued indictments against Dr. Sarah Kathleen Cumbest Mullican, a 45-year-old anesthesiologist, on charges of reckless manslaughter and felony attempting to elude in the July 22, 2023, death of Annabelle Mullican.

Mullican was initially arrested on the two felony charges on Sept. 15, 2023.

Mullican was arraigned before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Craig Owens. She pleaded not guilty.

A trial date has not been set.

Today was an arraignment which, by law, is the time a citizen accused typically enters a plea of not guilty,' said attorney Tommy Spina.

Discussions regarding resolution are ongoing with the District Attorneys Office and I am satisfied that a resolution of this case will be reached that is acceptable to all parties impacted by this horrible tragedy,' Spina said.

According to charging documents, Mullican did recklessly cause the death of (Annabelle) by operating a motor vehiclein excess of posted speed limits, and/or by attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, and/or while under the influence of controlled substances, thereby causing the death of (Annabelle) who was a passenger in the vehicle.

The affidavit does not state what substances police say Mullican was under the influence of at the time.

She is also represented by Brett Bloomston and Ben Preston, all of whom were in court with her on Wednesday.

Read full coverage of the case here

The crash happened about 5:30 p.m. that Saturday on Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook.

According to a police report, an officer was parked in the driveway of a residence on Old Leeds Road when he saw a white Toyota Highlander coming toward him from Crosshill Road on Old Leeds Road at a high rate of speed.

The officer clocked Mullican driving 47 mph in a 30-mph zone.

The officer followed the SUV and saw it swerve out of its lane several times, the report states.

It then turned left onto Cherokee Road, nearly striking a vehicle that it turned in front of, the report states.

The officer then activated his emergency equipment and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

The officer saw the driver throw a cup out the window along with another unidentified object in the 3500 block of Cherokee Road, police have said.

The vehicle appeared to accelerate after (the officer) turned his lights and siren on, the report states.

The SUV then negotiated the curve as the roadway curved to the right. As the roadway curved back to the left, the vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway.

It then struck several trees and overturned before coming to a stop in the ditch on the right side of the road.

The crash was recorded on the officers dash cam.

It showed that when the SUV ran off the right side of the road, the passengers side of the vehicle struck a tree. The vehicle began spinning before it struck another tree on the passengers side.

The vehicle then spun around and overturned as it struck another tree while sliding further down the ditch, according to the report.

The SUV then hit a fourth tree with its front bumper before coming to a stop while it was still overturned.

A juvenile girl was killed and two other people injured Saturday, July 22, 2023, in a single-vehicle crash on Cherokee Road in Mountain Brook. (Carol Robinson)

Mullican had several abrasions on her arms and legs. She was treated by Mountain Brook Fire on the scene and released.

Callie Mullican, 8, also suffered abrasions on her arms and legs. Police believe she was seated in the passengers side backseat, with her seatbelt locked in place, records state.

She was taken to Childrens of Alabama.

Annabelle was seated in the drivers side back seat. Her seat belt was not locked in place indicating that she was not wearing her seatbelt, according to the report.

Annabelle had a major head injury and was unresponsive at the scene, the officer wrote.

She was taken to Childrens of Alabama where she was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. The Jefferson County Coroners Office told police Annabelles fatal injuries included a skull fracture.

The report says Dr. Mullican was taken by police to Childrens of Alabama.

A search warrant for Dr. Mullicans blood and saliva was later carried out at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center.

Dr. Mullican was admitted to Brookwood for a psychiatric evaluation and issued a traffic citation by police for reckless driving.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person(s) responsible for the shooting death of a juvenile dolphin last month.

According to a release from NOAA, a member of the public reported a dead bottlenose dolphin to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline. The dolphin was found on West Maes Beach in Cameron Parish, along the western coast of Louisiana.

The juvenile dolphin had injuries consistent with being shot. The Audubon Aquarium Rescue recovered the body and transported it to the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans for a necropsy.

The necropsy found multiple bullets lodged in the dolphins body, including in the brain, spinal cord and heart, NOAA said.

The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972 and enforced by NOAA, prohibits the killing of marine mammals in U.S. waters and is punishable by up to a year in prison and fines up to $100,000.

NOAA is asking anyone with information on this case to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964. Tips may be left anonymously, but only those who leave their name and contact information would be eligible for the $20,000.

NOAA is looking for information leading to:

Successful identification and/or

Successful prosecution for the person(s) responsible

Arrest, conviction, or civil penalty assessment

Stranded or injured marine mammals should be reported to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 877-942-5243.
Raytheon commenced a $115 million expansion of its Redstone Raytheon Missile Integration Facility in Huntsville Tuesday.

When the 26,000-square-foot project is finished, it will increase the factorys space by more than 50% and bring an estimated 185 new jobs.

Construction is scheduled to conclude next year.

Raytheons Redstone facility is the final integration point for many missile programs for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy, and other defense customers.

Huntsville handles integration of nine varieties of the Standard Missile family, including Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6, and will produce additional defense programs, such as the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), which takes on hypersonic glide vehicles.

The Redstone Raytheon Missile Integration Facility first opened in 2012.

This important investment in the Huntsville region will help us meet the growing needs of our military customers and service members, Raytheon President Phil Jasper said. It will also ready our operations to accelerate delivery of our vital counter-hypersonic solution.

Gov. Kay Ivey, attending the groundbreaking, said watching the companys Huntsville growth and evolution fills me with immense pride for our state.

Alabama has always been a beacon for innovation across all industries, especially in the realm of defense, she said. With our rich history in aerospace and flight, it comes as no surprise that Raytheon has once again chosen Alabama  and specifically, Huntsville  for this expansion. Some people call it the Rocket City. Ill raise that and say: the brightest minds in aerospace and defense call it home.

Raytheon and its parent company RTX in Alabama employ more than 2,200 people.

Raytheons missile integration center, its Huntsville employees and the innovative products that are assembled at the facility are important national assets, Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. The security of our country could one day depend on these technologies, and Im proud that they come to life in Alabama.
A 100-page report released Tuesday was highly critical of the Mobile Police Departments use of force, particularly within the citys Black community.

Among the more damning allegations:

A series of unnecessary deaths of Black men

The beating of a handcuffed suspect

Detainment of families, including a 6-year-old child

Frequent use of swearing

The inability to de-escalate altercations with Black suspects

Details of the report and Mobiles police department -- turned upside down this month amid a swell of criticism between Police Chief Paul Prine and Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpsons administration -- were outlined Tuesday night during a lengthy news conference at Government Plaza.

The report outlined findings from six altercations with Black people, four of which resulted in a death. The report was the culmination of work by an investigative team led by former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown and focused on the policies and procedures during the use of force within the agency.

And the report directs blame at the top of the agency, and on Prine specifically. It concludes that Prines recent behavior since being placed on paid administrative leave on April 9, was emblematic of his autocratic tendencies that can be connected to creating a police culture that included unconstitutional and demeaning behavior toward Mobiles Black community.

There are numerous constitutional violations including the beating of a handcuffed suspect, the going into or the attempt to go into cell phones repeatedly, the denigration of suspects of deadly force during press conferences, the illegal and unconstitutional detentions without probable cause, Brown said. Thats a litany (of allegations) I see an outside agency like the (Department of Justice) being interested in.

Brown said he felt there is no reason for the DOJ to investigate the citys police department, citing his report as evidence that the city wants to make changes and move the agency in a more transparent and acceptable direction.

He added, I think its important that MPD have the ability and demonstrate the ability to be introspective, review their policies, be more  so the public can review the guidelines police are led by.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson speaks during a news conference about the city's policies and procedures as it relates to the city's police department's use of force on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala.John Sharp

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said the report represented an effort to get out in front of a serious situation that Brown said -- if left unaddressed -- could lead to a federal takeover of the citys policing, and a loss of local control over the agency.

This is maybe like going to your heart doctor and they tell you, you need to do things differently or you will have a heart attack, Stimpson said. I am confident the men and women in the police department will move in the right direction. They know the mayor is behind them. Ive never shunned this responsibility. Thats why we took the action we were taking. If leadership is the problem ... we will change leadership.

Chiefs criticism

Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine seat next to his wife, Kay, at the Mobile City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala.John Sharp

Prine, in a statement to AL.com, criticized the report and its allegations about unconstitutional behavior under his leadership as Mr. Kenyen Browns opinion, and blamed some of that activity under the intelligence command unit that is not under the chiefs oversight. Stimpson pointed out that the report does not allege unconstitutional behavior by the cyber unit.

Prine said that Brown gave a lot of opinions based on inferences and not real metrics.

I guess when you pay someone $1,000 an hour, you pay for the report you get, Prine said. Brown has been paid approximately $79,000 for the work.

This is nothing more than the administrations attempt to turn the Black community on the police department, Prine said, calling the report a document aimed to oust the chief and a sideshow to his allegations about improprieties within the administrations contracting and administration of cyber intelligence, which he claims he had no oversight.

Prine could be fired by the Mobile City Council next week. The council could also vote to commence a third-party investigation into Prines allegations about the mayors administration.

Council members said earlier Tuesday they were hopeful that Prine and the Stimpson administration could reach a separation agreement, though Prine said he has not gotten any new severance package in writing.

Prine, 53, a Prichard native, has been Mobiles chief since 2021. Prine was seeking $600,000, an amount Stimpson said was unacceptable. The mayor said he was attempting to assemble a more competitive separation agreement that was more in line with Prines existing salary. Prine currently earns $146,208 as police chief.

Prine said he has filed grievances with the citys Chief of Staff James Barber and Executive Director of Public Safety Rob Lasky. The only grievance the city has forwarded to the media was filed in January against Lasky, alleging inappropriate dressing down of the police chief in front of a subordinate.

Prine claims it was Barber who released an autopsy report of 36-year-old Jawan Dallas to a local TV station, calling the action unethical.

Dallas was one of the six cases reviewed by Browns team, and arguably the most high-profile as it has led a $36 million federal lawsuit filed against the city.

Its a farce report, Prine said. It was to do nothing more but to oust the Chief of Police and make the PD the scapegoat so they can make the changes they want to make.

Reviewing six incidences

Browns report dives into six incidences, all of which he described as including an improper use of force by police or another questionable circumstance such as seizing cell phones or detaining family members during police raids.

It also includes interviews from the public, including at a community meeting that was held in March. Also highlighted within the report was a preconceived notion from investigators that Mobile police had a view that everybody they deal with is armed with a gun, has a history of violence and are a convicted felon.

The incidences and touches by law enforcement, by our observation, tended to be in the African American communities, Brown said.

The report is redacted, meaning names of officers and other officials were removed and a great deal of information was removed from public viewing.

Bishop William Barber II, president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, was joined by members of Jawan Dallas' family and their attorneys, for an emergency community meeting on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Mobile, Ala. The meeting's purpose was to demand justice and call for action in the aftermath of devastating details surfacing about Dallas' death after a fatal encounter with Mobile police on July 2, 2023. Dallas' family members recently got to watch the police-worn body cam footage of Dallas' death. The family's attorney, Harry Daniels of Atlanta, said that the 36-year-old Mobile man was brutally killed by police officers in "one of the worst videos I've ever seen."John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

The findings of the six incidences detailed by Brown included:
Mobiles suspended police chief called on the Mobile City Council Tuesday to approve a resolution that would allow for a third-party investigation into his claims about alleged improprieties within Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpsons administration.

The investigation, Police Chief Paul Prine told the media, could dig down into allegations made by the mayors staff about him, including claims that he packed his bags and left his job as chief earlier this month.

The council held off for at least one week on a vote to fire the chief, at the recommendation of Stimpson. It also voted to hold off on whether to pursue a third-party to investigate a myriad of claims that Prine made questionable contracting and improper administration of intelligence-led policing.

The council meeting took place amid the cloud of the police chiefs status hanging over it, and with multiple residents speaking out to defend Prine. Neither Stimpson nor Chief of Staff James Barber were in attendance.

Ive been careful not to go tit-for-tat with the administration because so much information gets lost to the public, Prine said. This argument that I went AWOL. Its a theme that has been pushed over the last couple of weeks. An investigation will give me an opportunity to express to the council where some of this is coming from.

Prine has been on paid administrative leave since April 9, when he began a series of TV media interviews blasting the Stimpson administration. Stimpson, on Friday, called for the council to vote to terminate the chief from his job -- an unusual request that has not occurred in Mobile in recent memory.

Whether its done today or three months from today, Im a short termer, Prine said. But the idea that somehow or another everyone is waiting for me to retire and this all goes away. It doesnt go away.

Prine said he has had discussions about a revised separation agreement with the city, something which has occurred only in recent days. But he said he has not gotten an official offer.

Prine, 53, is a Prichard native and has been Mobiles chief since 2021. He was seeking $600,000, while the mayor said he was attempting to assemble a more competitive separation agreement that was more in line with his existing salary. Prine currently earns $146,208 as police chief.

The situation with Prine also comes ahead of the release of a report from former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown on the policies and procedures on the use of force within the police department.

Council members, who met with Brown earlier in the day during a closed-door executive session, said that report has nothing to do with Prine. The report is expected to be released publicly tonight.

But the report is sparking much of the fallout with the chief. In Stimpsons statement from earlier this month, 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 a statement from two weeks ago.

Stimpson said the information uncovered led him to make a change.

Council members, earlier in the day during a pre-conference meeting, said he was hopeful that the administration and Prine could work out their differences without the council getting involved with a decision on whether to fire the chief.

They continued with those comments after some members of the public called on the council to investigate the claims Prine made about suspected improprieties within the administration.

The administration needs to be held accountable. Every department in the city, Councilman Cory Penn said. Im sad to see what is taking place in our city.

Some council members and City Attorney Ricardo Woods thanked the police officers for the job they are doing at a time the agencys leadership is in upheaval.

Its a tough time for them and they do a difficult job, Woods said.
A high court in Pakistan last week ordered a provincial government to remove gender-based age distinction in its child marriage law, a move aimed at deterring forced conversions and forced marriages of girls, sources said.

Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim on April 15 declared as discriminatory Punjab Province's Child Marriage Act of 1929, which fixed 18 and 16 years as legal ages for marriage for boys and girls respectively.

The verdict arose from petitioner Azka Wahid seeking amendments to the Child Marriage Act to avert harmful gender distinctions in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistans guarantee of equal rights for men and women.

Justice Karim wrote in his five-page verdict that the different ages for marriage for male and females, being unconstitutional, are held to be without lawful authority and of no legal effect. They are struck down.

He directed the government of Punjab Province to issue the revised version of 1929 Act (based on this judgment) within the next 15 days and shall also upload that version on its website for information.

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Though the aforementioned law has been replaced by the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 2015 to criminalize child marriage in Punjab, girls and women in Pakistan are often forced to marry against their will, in some cases even before reaching the legal age for marriage. This is especially true for minorities such as Christians and Hindus.

Christian and Hindu women and girls are particularly vulnerable as they belong to marginalized minority groups and are routinely targeted for sexual exploitation in the guise of forced marriages and forced religious conversions, activists say.

The judge observed there was a need to take effective steps against child marriages as Pakistans marriage laws were meant to primarily keep in view the social, economic and educational factors rather than religious.

Referring to Article 25 of the constitution, the judge stated that all citizens were equal before the law and were entitled to equal legal protection.

The definition of child in the 1929 Act while making a distinction on the basis of age, is not based on an intelligible criteria, Justice Karim ruled. The definition is indeed a special provision for the protection of women, but in the process it tends to afford greater protection to males by keeping their age of marriage higher than females.

The judge noted that a brief filed by the Punjab advocate generals office made a reference to Islamic jurisprudence regarding the age of puberty as the traditional interpretative toolkit. The report by the advocate general stated several factors behind the legislation, saying that in Pakistan, many children are victims of child marriage, and the burden of child marriage is disproportionately borne by girls as opposed to boys.

The report says that early marriage excludes children from education and makes them vulnerable to various health complications. It points out that as many as 21 percent of girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18, and 3 percent before reaching 15, according to Unicef database 2016, based on Demographic Health Survey of Pakistan 2012-2013.

The report also quotes the recent Demographic Health Survey of Pakistan (2017-2018), which shows on average an increase in the age of girls marrying, but also that child marriage at the age of 15 years has increased from 1.6 to 1.8 percent. Justice Karim observed that this made a compelling case to take effective measures to counter the debilitating effects of child marriage.

We, as a nation, woefully lag behind in all major indicators, and half of our population cannot be lost to child-bearing at an early age while its potential remains untapped, the judge lamented.

He maintained that equal opportunities for females means equal restraint on marriage as for males. The judge further said the 1929 Act and its amendments help fulfill state duties under Article 35, which provides that it shall protect marriage, family, mother and child.

Right Direction

Church leaders and rights activists welcomed the high courts judgment, saying it had resolved the age difference issue and would help in achieving a deterrent against forced faith conversions and forced marriages of underage minority girls, including Christians.

Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall lauded the verdict, saying the Punjab government must amend the Child Marriage Restraint Act through the Punjab Assembly to enforce the ruling.

This verdict is the first step towards recognition of the severity of the issues related to child marriages, especially those belonging to the minority Christian and Hindu communities, Marshall told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

He said the church had been demanding the enforcement of a uniform minimum age for marriage for both boys and girls to be set at 18 years across Pakistan as a deterrent against forced conversions of underage Christian girls in guise of Islamic marriage.

Punjab Provincial Assemblys Christian member Ejaz Alam Augustine said it was unlikely that the Punjab government would appeal against the courts decision.

I dont think the provincial government will challenge this decision as the amended Act will provide protection to all women and girls irrespective of their faith affiliations, he said.

U.N. human rights experts on April 11 called on Pakistan to make legal changes in light of continued vulnerability of women and girls of minority faiths to forced marriages and religious conversions. The U.N. special rapporteurs called on Pakistan to raise the legal age for girls to marry to 18 as a deterrent against exploitation in the 96-percent Muslim country.

The exposure of young women and girls belonging to religious minority communities to such heinous human rights violations, and the impunity of such crimes, can no longer be tolerated or justified, they said in a statement issued in Geneva.

The experts stressed that child, early and forced marriages could not be justified on religious or cultural grounds. They underscored that, under international law, consent was irrelevant when the victim was a child under the age of 18.

At present Sindh Province is the only one in Pakistan where the legal marriage age for both girls and boys is 18 years, while in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, the minimum for girls is still 16 years.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.
The United Methodist Church, while declining for decades in its American version, has been growing exponentially in Africa.

As part of United Methodists worldwide, Africans have a large say in what happens in the denomination.

Africans have generally opposed efforts to update the traditional Christian stance of marriage as between a man and a woman.

While U.S. church leaders have increasingly pushed for full LGBTQ inclusion, calling for an end to bans on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ clergy, Africans have pushed back against those efforts.

The United Methodist General Conference opened on Tuesday in Charlotte, and as it continues through May 3, those tensions will be in play.

Breaking: United Methodist General Conference repeals ban on same-sex marriage, ordaining openly LGBTQ clergy

See also:

As a way of resolving this clash, U.S. leaders have been advancing a new effort to offer regional autonomy  for U.S. churches, and for conferences in other countries, including those in Africa.

That would allow the U.S. church to adopt rules that reflect its own culture  such as embracing same-sex marriage, while African churches keep their bans against acceptance of same-sex relationships.

We are not suddenly overnight a progressive denomination, when a third of the delegates are coming out of Africa, said the Rev. Brian Erickson, senior pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood, a reserve delegate to General Conference.

This will be the last General Conference where the Americans have a majority, and its a slim majority.

For U.S. progressives, the matter is urgent. This may be the last General Conference where Americans outnumber United Methodists from other countries.

In 2000, the international delegates made up around 16 percent of voting delegates, Erickson said. This go-around, they make up 44 percent.

Since so many churches have left the U.S. denomination through disaffiliation, U.S. church decline will be reflected in the size of delegations and Americans will likely be the minority.

After a large exodus of American conservatives who have left the denomination the past two years  about a quarter of all churches and more than half in Alabama  progressives may have a slight numbers advantage at this General Conference, a window that could close fast.

We havent redone those delegation representative numbers since disaffiliation, Erickson said.

So, whatever the next conference is, all of us will be realigned with the new numbers. The American church is going to have less of a voice the next go-around. They (Americans) still will have a slight majority at this one. This will be the last one for the foreseeable future.

The proposal for regionalization calls for the seven central conferences in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States  three of them in Africa - to each have the same authority to pass legislation for their own regions. Its already made it out of committee and will be voted on next week.

It will require a two-thirds majority to pass at General Conference, then would also require two-thirds vote in the regional conferences. Such a proposal has previously failed at the regional level.

We passed it at General Conference, but it didnt pass the ratification process, Erickson said.

The issue of African participation in this General Conference has already been a major theme going into day two. Many of the African voting delegates expected to attend are not in Charlotte. Only 87 percent of 862 delegates were on hand as the conference opened.

The Rev. David Livingston, a delegate from the Great Plains Conference of Kansas and Nebraska, on Tuesday requested a full accounting of letters of invitation, flight arrangements and an explanation for the missing delegates from Africa.

An African delegate complained that official documents have been presented mostly in English and are not immediately available in the other three official languages of the meeting: French, Portuguese and Kiswahili.

One African delegate complained that per diem funding for African delegations they have received in the past has not been given this time, and Africans did not have access to food that was culturally acceptable.

A lot of folks in Africa and Asia see our structure as colonial, and it is in many ways, Erickson said.

Our jurisdictional structure is a holdover from the racism of the Deep South in 1939. Part of the challenge of being a church thats been around for so long is weve got to deal with some of these skeletons in the closet of the ways we made decisions in the past, and how theyre not only not efficient and effective for the modern era, theyre also laden with sinful and short-sighted thinking. We need some reform.

The denomination has touted wide-ranging inclusive input on its proposed new Social Principles statement, which would eliminate some of the old language such as homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, which dates to 1972, the first General Conference after a merger created the United Methodist Church in 1968.

Africans, Asians and Europeans have shared in the drafting of the new summary of social beliefs for the worldwide church that will be voted on next week.

We understand that all of us may not agree on every statement, but our goal was to find language to reach across diverse contexts to encourage conversation and put our faith into action, the Rev. Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria told the conference on Wednesday morning.

In opening the conference on Tuesday, Bishop Thomas Bickerton of New York, president of the Council of Bishops, urged delegates to work to revitalize the denomination.

Dont you tell us we dont believe in scripture, in the doctrine of the church, in the resurrection of Jesus Christ or claim that we dont believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, Bickerton said.

Update: A petition to amend the constitution to allow regionalization got the necessary two-thirds majority on Thursday, with 586 yes votes and 164 no, but still requires further two-thirds approval by all conferences.

See also: United Methodist General Conference votes to allow churches in Russia, Belarus to leave
Two Alabama high schools, one in Mobile and one in Brewton, were again applauded by new U.S. News & World Report rankings, released Wednesday.

T.R. Miller High School in Brewton City hit the list of top 25 high schools in Alabama this year. Last year, the news service ranked it at No. 58. And W.P. Davidson High School in Mobile County made the top 25 list again this year.

See the statewide list here.
It didnt take long for team leader Melissa Howell, 19 years on the job at Mercedes-Benz in Vance, to realize that this latest attempt to organize under the United Auto Workers was different.

Theres wasnt one, single moment, Howell said. It was just quick, a short period of time. I realized, this is serious this time.

Jay White, in supplier quality operations, said he knew from the number of people openly talking about a union.

Jeff Cheek, after 11 years with the company, said hes not sure how next months union election among the auto factorys 6,000 employees will go.

Ill say this, he chuckled, if the threat of a union gets us more money, I aint gonna turn that down.

Voting is scheduled to take place May 13 and 17 on whether workers at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) will join the UAW. Vote totals are expected May 17.

The election is the capper to a whirlwind six months where the union was able to gather a supermajority of the workforce to sign union cards and petition for an election. With an estimated 5,200 signing cards, one would assume the outcome of the election will follow that of Volkswagens Chattanooga plant, which overwhelmingly voted for the UAW last week.

Pro-union workers at the plant attribute their success in organizing this time - after several unsuccessful attempts - to national leaderships willingness to let them carry out their own strategy.

UAW President Shawn Fain said in an interview this weekend he thinks workers at Mercedes definitely want a union, and I believe a big majority there will vote in favor.

But for some long-time employees at the auto plant, the union promises ring hollow. White attributes the UAWs success so far to the amount of money behind it.

Cheek said his fathers experience in the United Transportation Union has made him wary of the UAW, and White has friends who have belonged to unions.

I speak for myself, White said. I dont need anyone else to speak for me. My success or failure is ultimately up to me. Its my personal responsibility. The side effects of the union are things like shop stewards, and pushing you out if you have skills but dont have seniority.

All three employees said they believe much of the union push is coming from young workers hired in recent years who hear the union promises of better pay and benefits. They also say Mercedes-Benz brought some of the pushback on itself by policies in recent years.

The company is at fault, for sure, Howell said. There are times they were going after the almighty buck. The company has got some responsibility for how this push is going so hard. People arent happy.

Mercedes-Benz US International plant in Vance, Ala., in an undated shot provided by the company.

Specifically, they name a few of the issues raised by union supporters - two-tier pay, temp workers, lump sums instead of raises. White said two-tier pay is no longer an issue, while temps were an industry wide response to the Great Recession of more than a decade ago.

But Cheek said measures like these changed the character of the plants workforce and made a union possible.

The past few years, Mercedes has hired people they wouldnt normally have hired, he said.

When Mercedes brought temps in, they started hiring at lower pay grades. Instead of getting people who are changing careers, youre getting people from McDonalds.

A younger workforce, White said, some on their first, best job, are relying on the promises of what a union will bring them.

But the union drive has also caught up older employees, they say. White was surprised to see one long-time employee on pro-union literature, while Howell said she encountered a co-worker whose support surprised her.

I said, tell me whats happening. He gave me specifics. Im the type person that, even if I dont agree with you, Im going to listen to you because its going to help me solve the problem, she said. Some of them have valid concerns. There are some of them talking about things that just arent going to happen.

White said he feels there will be a significant pushback when the vote happens next month, but he was caught off guard by how many workers voted in the Chattanooga election. About 3,600 employees of the plants 5,500 workforce participated in the election, with the UAW garnering 73% of the vote.

Howell said she knows a co-worker who signed a union card, but has said she plans to vote against the UAW after reading up on the union.

From my point of view, I and my friends dont want a union, and were making a push that everybody votes. That everyone has their voice heard.

Cheek said he believes some employees see the vote as a way to get back at the company, but he does not believe the union is the lesser of two evils.

For me and a bunch of my co-workers, the UAW is not the answer, he said. The UAWs history is kinda crooked. They dont have the best track record. Theyve always eyeballed the South as like a crown jewel. As unhappy as I may be, its not for me to invite them to come in. Thats unnecessary.
Helena Mayor Brian Puckett said Monday he is the target of an Alabama Ethics Commission investigation into the awarding of thousands of dollars of grant money to teachers of a private school in the city where Puckett is a board member.

Puckett earlier claimed to AL.com that he recused himself from voting on grant applications for The Hillsboro School, describing himself as an inactive trustee. The Montessori schools website lists him as one of five board members.

The mayor is a member of a three-person committee that doles out grants to schools along with Helena City Council President Alice Lobell and city library director Daniel Dearing.

The Teachers Assistant Grants funding was awarded in April and was initially reported as $500, but was actually $7,076.67, the city posted on its Facebook page. The post, which did not explain the discrepancy, also said three teachers at the school were awarded $11,144.27 in November.

We wanted to clarify the funds awarded to the Hillsboro School teachers under the TAG program. The initial report of... Posted by City of Helena-Helena, Alabama on Tuesday, April 23, 2024

The Hillsboro School returned the funds amid public backlash of public money going to private school teachers.

At a city council meeting, Puckett claimed there was no conflict of interest as some residents called on him to resign as mayor.

Did I receive anything of financial gain or any type of benefits for this money going to these teachers? No, I did not. Do I have a child or have children that are at the schoolbecause that was mentioned that I do? I do not, Puckett said at Mondays city council meeting, according to the Shelby County Reporter.

I served in a volunteer, non-paid role as a volunteer on the Board of Directors for the Hillsboro School. An inactive member, now.

The city council said it would reevaluate how the grant money is distributed in light of the controversy.
More Alabama-made missiles heading to Ukraine in aid package, Biden says

An aid package to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian invasion will also deliver economic benefits to the U.S., including in Alabama, President Joe Biden said today.

Biden, during remarks immediately following his signing of $61 billion in Ukrainian aid, noted that missiles made in Alabama are among the weapons heading to bolster Ukrainian defense.

The total aid bill approved by Congress is $95.3 billion and includes foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

This package is literally an investment not only in Ukraines security, but in Europes security and our own security, Biden said from the White House. We are sending Ukraine the equipment from our own stockpile, then we will replace those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America: Patriot missiles made in Arizona, Javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In other words, we are helping Ukraine while at the same time investing in our own industrial base, strengthening our own national security, and supporting jobs in nearly 40 states all across America.

The Javelin anti-tank missiles are manufactured near Troy at the Lockheed Martin plant. Biden visited the plant in July 2022.

The complex is 4,000 acres of land with 52 buildings. Nearly 600 employees there handle final assembly of missiles, including the Javelin. The NATO secretary general also visited the facility in 2024.

The Senate on Tuesday passed the aid agreement following an earlier vote in the House of Representatives.
The penultimate stolen-election argument of Democrats is roughly as follows.

Premise 1: Trump says the 2020 election was stolen.

Premise 2: Trumps testimony is untrustworthy.

Premise 3: It's unreasonable to accept testimony thats untrustworthy.

Conclusion: Its unreasonable to believe that the 2020 election was stolen.

The conclusion doesnt quite follow, because even if Trumps testimony were untrustworthy, Daves testimony might be trustworthy, even though Dave is another election denier. (Its a sign of Trump Derangement Syndrome that Democrats totally believe arguments like this.) Anyway, this penultimate Democrat argument leads right on to their ultimate argument, in which the conclusion of the first argument becomes a premise.

Premise 1: Its unreasonable to believe that the 2020 election was stolen.

Premise 2: The unreasonableness of a belief is an indication of the presumptive falsity of the belief.

Conclusion: The 2020 election presumptively was not stolen.

For Democrats and other anti-Trump types, this is the considered (although generally implicit) view, with presumptively as a qualifier because thats what strictly follows from the second premise, and also because its necessitated by the woefully inadequate election fraud investigations of the government. The latter alone makes it impossible to justify the stronger claim that the election wasnt stolen, period.

This argument is, however, little more than a magic trick. Logically, its a fallacy.

The informal logical fallacy here is that of begging the question. The Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy explains that this is where a circular argument has been used to disguise or cover up a failure to fulfill a burden of proof. Such a failure occurs when the conclusion that was supposed to be proved is presumed within the premises to be granted by the respondent of the argument. (The respondent is the person to whom the argument is addressed.) Question-begging exists if the person to whom the argument is directed would believe one of the premises only if he already believed the conclusion  a magic trick, indeed! Whereas with any epistemically serious argument, there should be a way in which we can learn the truth of the premises, somebody rightly said.

Obviously, we cant do that in the Democrats ultimate argument. Question-begging precludes the possibility of doing it, even while making the problem seemingly vanish with a wave of the magicians wand.

Plainly, the special counsel, Jack Smith, is on perilous logical ground in his election case indictments. The premise that its unreasonable to believe that the 2020 election was stolen takes for granted that the election presumptively was not stolen, instead of proving it by properly fulfilling the burden of proof. Smith, as an avid proponent of the Democrats ultimate argument, is trying to force us to accede to his conclusion (Dont be a dummy who thinks the election was stolen) without making it seem as though he is doing anything argumentatively improper. The fallacy essentially involves using a sophistical tactic to shut off criticism about the conclusion of the argument  namely, that the 2020 election is to be presumed not to have been stolen. The unreasonableness postulate  Premise 1, in the ultimate argument  effectively blocks the demand to find independent evidence. The matter has been decided; to talk of a stolen 2020 election is election denialism. Or so we are supposed to believe, and without any further discussion.

Theres no problem with the second premise of the ultimate argument. The problem entirely concerns the questionable (read: sophistical) relationship between the conclusion and the first premise in that argument. Basically, what that relationship amounts to is Shut up, he explained. There you have Jack Smith in a nutshell.

Such a devious form of argumentation does not necessarily mean that Jack Smith is trying to deceive, but rather that the argumentative tactic hes using is deceptive, regardless of his intent. (In theory, he could be as pure as the driven snow.) I suspect that Smiths team is trying to deceive and, along with the entire Democrat party, is forever hiding behind a question-begging fallacy. Even so, the tactic of argumentation is deceptive simply by virtue of being question-begging, and not necessarily because of any nefarious intent.

Now, to say Trumps opponents argument is fallacious is to say its null and void. This seriously, and probably fatally, undermines every evidential facet of the election-related case against Trump, from alternate slates of electors to the phone call with Mike Pence. Moreover, it has the same import for Trumps private actions as it does for his official actions as president. In a brief submitted to SCOTUS two weeks ago, the special counsel urged the Court to allow Trump to be charged as a private actor, should the Court decide that he possesses criminal immunity for his official actions: At the core of the charged conspiracies, according to Smith, is a private scheme with private actors to achieve a private end: petitioners effort to remain in power by fraud. Those allegations of private misconduct are more than sufficient to support the indictment. The question-begging part of this is petitioners effort to remain in power by fraud.

Keep your eyes on the ball. Thats the ball. The question-begging phrasing varies, naturally, across the Democrat and NeverTrump parallel universes.

Its truly remarkable how important petitio principii is to the Democrats modus operandi. Later on down the road, at trial, the judge must take care to isolate and segregate the Unreasonableness View, as expressed by Premise 1, so that it doesnt distort the facts (evidentiary findings) and their real significance. This includes weeding out potential jurors who think its unreasonable to believe that the 2020 election was stolen. Otherwise, Trump will inevitably, and probably deliberately, be getting railroaded. Thus does philosophy, in the form of informal logical fallacies, enable us to ramp up the attack on Democrat lawfare.

In a strange way, the pervasiveness of the Unreasonableness View among Trump skeptics is a good thing. It means that 61 trial court judges, and the Supreme Court in the election case brought by Texas  where, in every courtroom, the lawsuits were dismissed without proceeding to the merits (the constitutional merits in SCOTUSs case)  need not necessarily be considered corrupt upholders of the status quo. The Judiciary may simply have unthinkingly bought in to the Unreasonableness View. That, and not corruption, conceivably explains the heedlessness of those judges as to the wild irregularities (to put it mildly) of the 2020 election. Arguments or points of view that are question-begging, or otherwise seriously flawed, can be beguiling, and they can fool anyone.

But while that may be true  its the way of all flesh, and we see through a glass darkly  its still hard to know exactly why the deceptive and sophistical reasoning of the Democrats ultimate argument has not been widely mocked and repudiated. Maybe because the Unreasonableness View (Premise 1 of this fallacious argument) has such great political value for Democrats and, to a lesser extent, for some establishment Republicans. The fallacy, which the Unreasonableness View makes possible, says to all purportedly good and right-minded people: do whatever it takes to defeat Trump and save our democracy  even if what it takes is the subversion of reason and logic in the law.

Welcome, banana republic!

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The 16-year-old boy who allegedly knifed Eastern Syriac Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel in Australia on April 15 was part of an extremist group of teenagers, and authorities arrested seven of them on Wednesday (April 24), news media reported.

Members of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JTT) raided 13 sites in Sydney and Goulburn in a joint effort that included state and federal police and Australias domestic intelligence agency to make the arrests in what authorities say was a religiously-motivated attack on the bishop and at least three others, according to Reuters.

The detained youths believed in a religious, violent extremist ideology, according to police, who reportedly said they posed an unacceptable risk to society. Five other youths were reportedly being questioned in the ongoing operation.

Emmanuel and the others were stabbed as he presided over a worship service in Wakeley, a suburb of Sydney, that was being livestreamed on April 15. Video footage of the livestream shows an assailant approaching Emmanuel and thrusting what appeared to be a knife at him at least six times as the ultra-conservative preacher addressed the Christ the Good Shepherd Church congregation.

More than 400 police and security personnel were involved in the raids, police said.

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New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb has indicated the attack was a religiously motivated terrorist incident.

Emmanuel reportedly said in an audio message on social media that he forgave his assailant and those who may have sent him. Charbel Saliba, deputy mayor of Fairfield City, a suburb of western Sydney, told CNN that a witness said Emmanuel while bleeding put his hand on the man that stabbed him and said something like, May the Lord Jesus Christ Save you.

In a statement, Christ the Good Shepherd Church said Emmanuel suffered several blows to his head and body, and the Rev. Isaac Royel, a parish priest, was also injured, along with two parish members.

A prominent leader of an ultra-conservative wing of the Assyrian Orthodox, Emmanuel reportedly gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for criticizing lockdowns and vaccines. Livestreaming his preaching on YouTube and other social media, he reportedly opposed LGBTQ ideology and voiced hardline views on U.S. and Russian issues.

Born Robert Shlimon in 1970 in Iraq, Emmanuel was ordained a priest in 2009. He adopted the episcopal name Mari Emmanuel when he was he was ordained a bishop in 2011 in the Ancient Church of the East. In 2015, he established an independent, Eastern Syriac church.
Its not just Columbia University thats in the news. Yale has also made headlines because it, too, has had hundreds of students marching around supporting Hamas:

Hundreds of Yale students have been protesting on campus in recent days, calling on the university to divest from companies that produce military weapons they say play a role in the Israel-Hamas war. Its one of various pro-Palestinian protests happening on college campuses across the country.

Back in 2023, Yale made the news in an even uglier way when its student newspaper refused to acknowledge the October 7 massacre:

Yales campus newspaper is being criticized for censoring a pro-Israel columnist by removing what it called unsubstantiated claims that Hamas raped women and beheaded men. The Yale Daily News last week cut out the reference from an Oct. 12 column by sophomore Sahar Tartak titled Is Yalies4Palestine a hate group?

The Yale Daily News (YDN) maintained this position despite all the video, testimonial, and eyewitness evidence of Hamas savagery, much of which Hamas terrorists proudly filmed and published. (See here, here, here, here, here, and here for just some examples.)

Meanwhile, YDN strongly supports the concept of Palestinians and the existence of a Palestinian State. It does so even though neither exists nor has ever existed. The irony is that, notwithstanding the YDNs articles and editorials, Yale itself stands firmly in the Israel-is-for-the-Jews column, whether the college and the students realize it.

This is the Yale coat of arms:

The Hebrew script in the open book is pronounced in English as Urim veThummim. Urim veThummim (Hebrew:  ) is a Hebrew phrase that means lights and perfections. The Torah uses the term to describe a device that the high priest of Israel used to seek guidance from God on a variety of matters, including military campaigns, legal disputes, and religious rituals. It is mentioned in the Torah on several occasions, e.g., Exodus 28:30, Numbers 27:21, and Deuteronomy 33:8. The Urim veThummims significance is emphasized in various historical accounts and religious texts from ancient Israelite tradition.

The Urim veThummim comprised two objects that were kept in the breastplate of the High Priest of the ancient Israelites. The breastplate was also inlaid with 12 precious stones, each of which was engraved with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

According to historical and biblical accounts, the Urim veThummim were primarily used during the period of ancient Israelite history, specifically during the time of the Tabernacle and, later, the First Temple in Jerusalem. This period is generally believed to have spanned from approximately the 14th century BCE to the 6th century BCE (references for the above appear at the end of this essay).

As the Urim veThummim were used by the Israelite (that is, Jewish),, high priest from the 14th to the 6th centuries BCE, they are a testament to the fact that Jews have had a presence in the land dating back at least 35 centuries.

Further, this time period includes the United Kingdom of Israel under King David and his son, King Solomon. The United Kingdom of Israel comprised the lands of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judea, which separated into independent entities following King Solomons reign.

The State of Israel is situated within the boundaries of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Thus, through its coat of arms, Yale places the Jewish people in the land of Israel, at a minimum, 3,500 years ago.

And what about the so-called Palestinians (SCPs), whose claim to the land the YDN touts? They are a construct of the 1960s:

Historically, the Palestinian desire for statehood and need for liberation was invented in large part by the Soviet Union. It is no coincidence that the blueprint for the PLO Charter was drafted in Moscow in 1964 and was approved by 422 Palestinian representative hand selected by the KGB To understand the PLOs conception of a Palestinian state, it is instructive to examine Article 24 of the original PLO Charter. It reads: this Organization [the PLO] does not exercise any regional sovereignty over the West Bank in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in the Gaza Strip or the Himmah area. If not the West Bank and Gaza, then what exactly what did, the PLO claim? The Palestine that the PLO wanted was in fact the State of Israel The fact is that after the War of 1967, Israel inherited Arab refugees living in the West Bank and Gaza that were forced to live there in the period of Egyptian and Jordanian control from 1948 to 1967. Israel immediately offered to return the lands it won in 1967 (West Bank, Gaza, Sinai, and the Golan Heights) in return for a peace treaty. This offer was rejected by the Arab countries in the Khartoum Conference (Aug. 29- Sep. 1, 1967). In Arafats authorized biography, Arafat: Terrorist or Peace Maker, Arafat claims this moment as one of his greatest diplomatic victories Palestinian nationalism is therefore a historical fabrication born out of a communist thirst for expansion and an Arab resentment of the existence of Israel. The need and desire for Palestinian is a veiled expression of the need and desire to end Israels existence.

Zuheir Mohsen, leader of the Palestinian terror group As Saiqa, concurs. In a 1970 interview with James Dorsey for the Dutch newspaper Trouw, he explained why the Palestinian people had been invented:

The Palestinian people do not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity. In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct Palestinian people to oppose Zionism. Yes, the existence of a separate Palestinian identity exists only for tactical reasons, Jordan, which is a sovereign state with defined borders, cannot raise claims to Haifa and Jaffa, while as a Palestinian, I can undoubtedly demand Haifa, Jaffa, Beer-Sheva and Jerusalem. However, the moment we reclaim our right to all of Palestine, we will not wait even a minute to unite Palestine and Jordan.

So, lets do the math.

Yale institutionally acknowledges the Jewish presence in Israel for at least 3,500 years.

A leader of the SCPs admits that the people he represents had a politically useful identity created from whole cloth about 60 years ago.

3,500 years of inhabitance by the Jews vs 60 years, by the SCPs.

The colonizers of Mandatory Palestine are the Muslims and SCPs. The indigenous people are the Jews.

This raises a very simple question for YDN: How are you claiming that the demands of the SCPs are substantiated?

The same question can be asked of the entire anti-Israel/antisemitic world.

A perfect UPDATE from Jack Kemp:

References

1. The Oxford Companion to the Bible edited by Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan

2. The Bible Unearthed by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman

3. Ancient Israel: The Former Prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings: A Translation with Commentary by Robert Alter

4. A History of Ancient Israel and Judah by J. Maxwell Miller and John H. Hayes

5. The Land of Israel in Bible, History, and Theology by Shimon Bakon
Tuesday was a bad day for junk justice in Arizona.

According to ABC News:

A judge has declared a mistrial in the criminal case against 75-year-old Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly, accused of fatally shooting a migrant on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border, the court confirmed Monday night. Jurors had been deliberating since Thursday afternoon. Kelly was charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the Jan. 30, 2023, fatal shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, 48, a migrant who lived across the border in Nogales, Mexico. He had pleaded not guilty. Law enforcement officials said Cuen-Buitimea was traveling with a group of migrants who ran when they saw border patrol agents in the area. Cuen-Buitimea and another migrant were allegedly heading back to the southern side of the border when they passed through Kelly's cattle ranch. It's then that prosecutors alleged Kelly recklessly fired his AK-47 from a distance of about 115 yards, fatally striking Cuen-Buitimea in the back.

Left unsaid in the report, Kelly's ranch on the U.S.-Mexico border had become a free-for-all for cartel criminals of the worst kind, the kind that smuggle drugs, guns and human cargo, running from the Border Patrol whenever they are seen. The man Kelly apparently shot was a known criminal. As his defense argued, just the fact that he was on the property was an obvious threat, as these are not just illegals looking for free stuff, but hardened criminals affiliated with Mexico's monstrous cartels, the kind who grind up their opponents in vats of acid and hang their enemies partially dismembered from freeway overpasses.

Anything could have happened with those people on his property and he had to assume the worst. That he fired warning shots at some and may have hit one. (This was never proven, by the way, I wonder if the criminal shot himself with his own gun and a confederate made off with it in the melee.) But even if he did, the criminals traversing his property was an inherently threatening situation and to ignore it and allow them to build a base or use the ranch as a crossing point for body-burying or whatever crimes they were doing is unthinkable.

He was an old man and had an elderly wife to protect.

And that brings up the real problem here: That the criminals should have never had even the opportunity to access his property. The federal government failed to do its job and decided to let the old man with the ranch take the consequences. If that isn't the real outrage here, nothing is.

Apparently the federal government, which failed to do it job, and the local government, which brought the charges, wanted him to just let it go that cartel members were operating on his property and too bad if anyone got hurt. That's a violation of the man's property rights and his right to live in peace without bothering anyone.

It was clear this man was no criminal from the start, and bringing charges was an outrage. Bandits understand the law of the Wild West and know where not to go based on the kinds of consequences for them. That a D.A. sought to bring charges anyway sends a terrible message to bandits that while they will never be picked up for their crimes, anyone resisting them will be.

This is what things have come to in the world of Joe Biden's open borders, two-tier justice where the law-abiding rancher pays for defending himself, and the illegals breaking every law under the sun run free.

While the local lawmen still have the opportunity to try the old rancher again, it's obvious that this prosecution is unpopular with the general public. They should drop the matter as a case that never should have been brought in the first place and move on to real crimes with real criminals. I can't say if they will based on what is known now, but that would be the only just resolution.

Image: Screenshot from Fox10 video, via YouTube
The famous child psychologist Erik Erikson talked about generativity versus stagnation in middle age. (Childhood and Society, 1950). Generativity involves the need for individuals to guide the next generation. This may take the form of successfully raising children and mentoring and teaching the next generation.

Faculty members and administrators at American universities seem devoid of effective generativity and leadership. They are failing their students, their institutions, and America. Leadership by a college professor requires more than excellent research, publications, and preparation of lectures.

For decades, universities have been evolving away from the free exchange and discussion of ideas about charged topics such as Marxism, socialism, communism, fascism, Islamism, Democracy, and religious faiths and theologies, or lack of faith, and toward radical indoctrination with applied Marxism, antisemitism blurred with antizionism, anti-Israeli bias, and recently, pro-Hamas Islamofascism conflated with the pro-Palestinian statehood cause. Many university professors, rather than leading lively debate and exchange of ideas seem to give subliminal or overt support for one side of the issue, often the violent radical action slogans. Rather than moderating thought and debate, they spearhead the radical action, interpersonal violence, or civil disobedience.

University administrators are not providing firm, safe-space boundaries for study, vigorous discussion, and debate but fecklessly wait for rebellious, inappropriate protest behavior to escalate to personal threats, assault, and intimidation of peers that have gone far beyond effective enforcement of personal safety and dignity. Effective learning and intellectual, spiritual growth cannot survive in the atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Adolescents and young adults will live and even die for worthy causes and leaders. Youths need mature adult leaders who provide noble ideals, goals, and spiritual values. An important corollary is adults value being admired and respected by youths. It helps adults to imagine and create good things for their personal legacy, and the future of their community. Such adult leadership is intellectual and spiritual in nature. For authentic ideals and values to endure, they must be taught by patient example not preached. They best transcend the importance of a leaders personal wealth, power, or prestige. These are crucial forms of the power, mystery, and vulnerability of love as leadership.

When a healthy group, large or small, has an ethical, rational, strong, and caring leader, it functions smoothly. An effective political or academic leader helps facilitate rational decision-making within the group. The leader must exhibit incorruptible honesty, objective empathy, realism, and strength. Such shared academic leadership cultivates it in student members of the group, so they develop respect for each other in the university community. In these times of great stress, healthy leadership matters even more. Think of New York City on 9/11 when leaders and people pulled together to help victims of the terrorist attack. Student rioters on American university campuses have become terrorist attackers. Where have all their leaders gone?

Image: Montecruz Foto
Who says crime doesn't pay?

Break into someone else's country, accept a free plane ride to a rich man's vacation playground, take the free food and shelter, and all of a sudden, you've got a work permit and a U-visa as a pitiful victim of a crime, with a green card on the way.

That's Joe Biden for you, twisting a small federal law about protecting crime victims into a political tool to stick it to Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, who flew a planeload of illegals to Martha's Vineyard to bring the border to the sanctuary cities of the left. That's something every city, red and blue, is doing now, shifting migrants on a voluntary basis to control costs.

According to National Review:

Some of the illegal immigrants that Florida governor Ron DeSantis flew to Marthas Vineyard in September 2022 now qualify for crime-victim visas, allowing them to legally work in the U.S. At least three of the 49 immigrants applied for U-visas last year, claiming to be victims of a crime. They allege DeSantis and other Florida officials tricked them into taking part in the flight operation two years ago with false promises of work and housing. The two charter flights took off from San Antonio, Texas, and made a pit stop in Florida before reaching their final destination at Marthas Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts. Immigration attorney Rachel Self said three of the original group of 49 Venezuelan nationals received bona fide determinations for their U-visa applications, meaning they can find jobs and stay in the U.S. without being deported while waiting for their special visas to come through.

So now they're creatively-interpreted victims of a 'crime' as if the flight itself that they willingly accepted was a criminal operation, done by the governor of Florida.

Where's the prosecution for this 'crime'? (A judge threw the matter out, actually, though the migrants were allowed to civilly sue the private charter plane company.)

Considering all the cartels and coyotes these illegals may have paid thousands to for their illegal passage into the U.S., calling this the 'crime,' even though nobody was mistreated, flights and meals were free, and the island advertised itself as a sanctuary is absurd.

A contract may have been violated, but the only people who breached the contract here are those who sent them packing from their sanctuary, the denizens of the wealthy island itself, who sent them free of charge to Boston for more free stuff.

Now that all states and cities are doing this to get the migrant costs off their hands -- New York, Chicago, and more -- it's pretty clear the migrant-moving was never a crime.What is an actual crime is that the unvetted migrants broke and entered illegally into this country.

Commit that crime, and Joe Biden is going to reward you.

Let's just say what this really is: Joe Biden is now granting de facto amnesty to illegal lawbreakers in order to Get De Santis. Biden loathes Republicans and their quest for rule of law, their willingness to expose leftist hypocrisy, and their politically embarassing him in the course of that, which is why he's doing this. The law for Biden is just a tool for achieving his own political ends. And that political end is to replace Republican voters with those in his political debt.

That's why he'll use anything he can to bring more illegals in and incentivize more to follow.

By Biden's logic, anyone victimized by crime, legal or not, is eligible for a U-visa. Word of that will get out and suddenly, all of them will be victims of crime, and don't think he won't hand out millions of U-visas in response.

He's done this before, so he knows the ropes. Biden already has blatantly abused parole authority to enact catch-and-release for millions of illegal migrants, all of whose entry into the U.S. is "in the national interest" or a special "humanitarian" consideration. Parole for illegal border crossers is supposed to be used extremely sparingly, but Biden has made it stamp-and-go standard operating procedure, gumming up all Border Patrol operations.

Now he's doing the same with U-visas, granting them to illegal migrants, supposedly because they are victims of crimes. That should include all of them, every child laborer laboring in factories, every human trafficking victim including those who signed up willingly, and every military-aged young foreign national who has paid a cartel to cross illegally, and now especially, every migrant who got onto Ron De Santis's flight.

This, too, has been part of his playbook. Recall how he attempted to pay out $200,000 payments to migrant families separated at the border after breaking the law a couple years ago until word got out among the public. More rewarding of lawbreaking here, in this case, to Get Trump and paint him as a criminal.

The ultimate message of this playbook is that anyone resisting Biden's open borders is now a criminal, and they shouldn't cross him; he'll whip out the amnesty in two seconds if they do and paint them as 'criminals.'

Never mind the fate of the country. For Joe, his continued grip on power is his real game and these outrageous visas show it.

Image: Screen shot from 60 Minutes video, via YouTube
Pro-Hamas protestors, not all of whom are students, have creating a living nightmare for Columbia University's students and the working element of its faculty and administration.

Jewish students have been targeted and threatened. University pathways have been blocked. Smelly tent cities not up to anyone's code have gone up. Trash is visible. The university lawn has been trampled. Classes have moved to Zoom for the remainder of the semester, making Columbia the world's priciest online school. And yes, there is a public relations price for the school to pay for this mayhem, the school's name stinks.

Students who go to Columbia to study and faculty and researchers who work at Columbia to increase knowledge can't do what they need to do. But no matter.

While about a hundred of them from the Barnard College branch of the school have been suspended, including Rep. Ilhan Omar's whiny "P.C. police" daughter, the rest of the baying pro-Hamas campers remain.

The school needs to finish its job and shut this crap down.

Instead, they're negotiating with the "students" as New York Police Department riot police stand in the background and it's not going well.

According to the New York Post:

Columbia University will continue discussions with anti-Israel student protesters to reach an agreement on a plan to dismantle their encampment for the next 48 hours after a midnight deadline passed without a resolution, according to a report. Riot police were seen assembling overnight as a University spokesperson said university administrators made important progress with representatives of the student encampment, the Columbia Spectator reported. University President Minouche Shafik initially set a midnight deadline on Wednesday for them to clear out before the school would consider alternative options to remove the tent city. However, just past midnight, the Students for Justice in Palestine, Columbia University Apartheid Divest posted on X that they had left talks with the school until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.

What's to negotiate here? They protested, they made a mess, now it's time to get out and go home. No go, well, here come the cops. Punto.

The idea of negotiating with these fools is ridiculous, because the school is the one in charge and responsible for the safety and functioning of the university. The university isn't functioning much, many of the kids are unsafe, the university holds all the cards here, yet these protestors have got the university administrators wrapped around their little finger, doing like Hamas does, by extending, and extending, and extending the deadline to buy time until reinforcements come.

It's a wasted chance, and probably will make matters worse. Why the university is afraid instead of resolute is beyond understanding. I doubt that polls would show much public sympathy for the protestors, particularly after the antisemitic videos have emerged of them, even among Democrats.

The self-centered, self-righteous pro-Hamas protestors are buying time because they want to shut the entire school down until it divests its endowment of Israeli goods, which is frankly impossible, given that you can't open a refrigerator door without encountering Israeli parts, and shutting down Google for the school or telling the medical center it can't implant artificial hearts anymore isn't going to happen. Israeli goods and the products of Israeli brainpower are absolutely all over the doings of the civilized world, so the demands are pie-in-the-sky gibberish, the kinds of outrageous things terrorists in the 1970s used to demand.

But that's the nominal cause for negotiation here, the real cause is to make the school hostile territory for Jewish students, put Hamas's propaganda out front as 'settled science,' and force the rest of the school into its dhimmitude. The protestors cite the "heritage" of the school, its 1968 protests, as some kind of justification for their takeover. I got news for them: That takeover was not good for the school, either.

All of this is good reason for Columbia to tell the protestors to cut the crap, get the heck out, and then resume normal operations at the university. The great Ronald Reagan once made a political name for himself when as governor in 1969, he sent the cops in after the hippies who were 'occupying' a strip of University of California - Berkeley land known as People's Park. He got that job done and eventually went on to become president, succeeding the weakling Jimmy Carter.

Columbia thus far is not so lucky. Instead of a tough stance on antisemitism, we see "negotiations" with supporters of terrorists. This is complete cowardice. The university needs to make its deadlines to these menacing squatters as tough as its admissions deadlines and send the cops in immediately.

As for People's Park, the leftist U.C. Berkeley has finally figured out that this year was time to get rid of the "park" because it was such a plague, chopping it up for parking lots and student housing.

Columbia should wise up and rather than hem and haw with these clowns, Be Like Berkeley. There's nothing to negotiate here.

Image: Screen shot from Forbes Breaking News video, via YouTube
In the worst anti-Jewish college campus protests since...well, maybe ever, the oldest virus is spreading from university to university in a copycat pattern that should make every American ashamed. Worse, the Biden administration is paying lip service when action is required. And the virus continues to spread in the process. Why not? There has been no treatment provided.

Our president is green-lighting the anti-Jewish harassment by responding with nothing but talk. Surprisingly, Americans  both non-Jewish and even Jewish  are not condemning this anti-Jewish unrest. The subject should be on the front page of every newspaper. But no...speaking out against our president is not en vogue.

Enough is enough. We are witnessing a lack of leadership! Our president is allowing pogroms on college campuses. The N.Y. Post reported, Columbia rabbi warns Jewish students to go home, dont come back to campus because of extreme antisemitism. A Jewish Columbia University professor requested a police escort onto campus and got denied. He then was even denied access to the campus. His comment: This is 1938. According to the Free Press, chants of go back to Poland were cast at Jewish counter-protesters at Columbia, along with Burn Tel Aviv to the ground. This from the so-called ceasefire crowd.

According to the Boston Globe, Emerson, MIT, Tufts students camp out in solidarity with Columbia pro-Palestinian protest.

Meanwhile, the White House issued a press release from the deputy press secretary! You read that right  a message from just the deputy press secretary. Not even the press secretary. Did she refuse? This campus unrest, this intimidation of Jewish students, is happening on the Biden administrations watch.

The presidents Passover message came this week. Ironically, he implicated himself in the countrywide campus conflagration: we must speak out against the alarming surge of antisemitism  in our schools, communities, and online. Silence is complicity. Yes, silence is complicity, Mr. President.

And why does he say we? What are you doing, Mr. President? Talk is useless. We need action.

Americans think that criticizing the president means you support the orange-haired monster. So with that, people are silent. But what really does one thing have to do with another? If the abuse experienced by Jews were directed at any other minority group, there would be unanimous condemnation. It is not acceptable to any Jew  on campus or off. And as they say, what happens to the Jews is a key indicator of what will happen to others. What starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews.

By not directly protesting and stopping what is going on at college campuses, we are saying the offensive behavior  and what it represents  is okay. The green light stays on. What is going on is 1930s Germany: pogroms on campuses, Jewish students blocked from going to classes, Jewish students intimidated, Jewish students attacked, Jewish students injured. All we get from the president on Passover is that we should speak out.

This Jew-hating behavior, once deemed unimaginable, now seems permissible due to the presidents inaction. We all need to wrap our heads around the nature of the problem. It is not about politics. It is about the safety of Jews, and ultimately, of us all.

Dr. Michael Berenhaus is a freelance activist who works to combat anti-Israel bias in the media. He has been widely published in news sources such as The Economist, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

Image: hendricjabs via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Today I came across an exclusive report by Frankie Stockes and published over at the National File, revealing that the Susan B. Anthony List (SBA) had endorsed Representative Carol Miller, a Republican incumbent from West Virginia. Heres the groups announcement, posted to X last week:

Congresswoman @CarolMillerWV never stops fighting for West Virginia's pro-life values in Congress. That's why she has a perfect A+ on our scorecard and endorsing her for re-election is an easy call. Thank you for your pro-life, pro-MOM advocacy!  SBA Pro-Life America (@sbaprolife) April 17, 2024

A little contradictory, when you consider Millers voting record; here are the details, via Stockes:

Groups that claim to be pro-life and claim to be fighting to protect pre-born babies are issuing 2024 congressional endorsements to candidates like West Virginia GOP Rep. Carol Miller, whos voted to expand abortion and fund it with taxpayer dollars.

This didnt surprise me in the least.

Arizonas Martha McSally, one of the slimiest RINOs to ever make it to Washington D.C., repeatedly voted for bills that included funding for Planned Parenthood (PP); she made headlines for breaking with Republican hold-outs pushing for a government shutdown because PP was still included as a recipient of taxpayer funds. She even argued that sure, the abortion business does murder a lot of babies, and it apparently does harvest organs from living infants, but it also provides necessary health care to her constituents, and it certainly wasnt worth a government shutdown. Now, McSally also had an A+ rating from the SBA, having received the groups endorsement on a number of occasions.

Furthermore, McSally was one of the few Republicans in the Senate who refused to sign an amicus brief petitioning the SCOTUS to revisit Roe v. Wade and consider overturning what was so obviously judicial activism (this was pre-reversal); as you might have guessed, she found herself allied with other pro-aborts, including Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, and RINOs like Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham. (If youre for abortion in any capacity, then youre not actually pro-life, youre just limited-abortion.)

Oh, and when Arizona Republicans saw the writing on the wall in early 2022, realizing that Roe was probably going to be reversed (it was), they quickly passed legislation to limit abortion in Arizona through the first 15 weekswhich just meant that they enshrined it into law through the first 15 weeks, which is when a majority of aborted children in AZ are aborted; SBA touted that bill as a win. Heres this, from SBA itself, discovered by Stockes and shared with me earlier today:

The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) celebrated today as the Arizona Legislature passed S.B. 1164, legislation to stop late abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The bill now heads to Governor Doug Ducey (R) for his signature.

Prior to the passing of this bill, the reversal of Roe would have meant that abortion would have been almost totally outlawed in the state, because Arizona already had an abortion law on the booksthe very same one thats been causing all the ruckus in the state over the past few weeksits an 1864 statute with severe restrictions on a mothers ability to pay for the murder of her preborn child. Heaven forbid, right?

As a national advocacy group weighing in on Arizona politics, I can only assume SBA knew about the 1864 pro-life law, which means I can only assume supporting the 15-weeks hall pass was intentional.

So, lets just take the opportunity to remind ourselves that too many pro-life groups dont really want abortion to end.

Were it not for a reality in which a government allows innocent and precious babies in the womb to be starved, poisoned, sucked apart, or drawn and quartered by the abortionists serrated clamps, massive pro-life foundations would be out of business, and those millions of dollars raised to end abortion would dry right up. Is it even surprising that pro-life groups wouldnt want the gravy train to come to a screeching halt? I mean, they are a business after all, and like any other business, do the people making money want to be out of a job? Of course not. What about when its a highly-lucrative job, like pro-life advocacy at SBA? Again, not a chance.

Lets just take a look at the 2022 year: SBA brought in $22,120,154 in revenueyes, thats more than 22 million dollarswith almost all the key employees and officers (executives) making six-figure salaries; the charitys president alone raked in $424,827this is literally a bigger salary than the president of the United Statestaking home another $14,003 in other (benefits, bonuses).

This is exactly why the Republican Partyboth the national apparatus and state-level ones toonever fight for true conservatives, and why they sabotage grassroots movements. If an avalanche of conservatives were to make it into office, like most voters want, that means problems would be solved, the border would be closed, and the spending sprees, kickbacks, lining of pockets, and slush funds would come to a grisly end.

A neck-and-neck back-and-forth, with nothing ever more than a slim majority for either party (lets be honest, two parties is an illusion), is where the money is. Were always on the cusp of either totally losing something precious to the Democrat left for good, or were about to finally conquer and secure our rights for goodall it takes is just a rush of donations, just a little more money for the politicians and activists (who immediately sell out our values at the first chance they get) waging the battles about which we care.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
As Jews wake up to the reality that the Democrat party has broken its decades long implied promise to protect the Jews from another Holocaust, Joe Biden may be doubling down on an effort to placate the Hamas wing of the Democrat party. According to an Israeli reporter who has highly placed contacts at the Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is planning to arrest senior Israeli officials, something it would do only if it had the Biden administrations permission.

Caroline Glick, who is very connected to information about the Israeli government, broke the news to English-language speakers:

Here's the entire translation of Segal's report.

**Imminent internarional arrest warrants for Israeli officials: " _It would not have been possible without a 'green light' from the U.S_ ."*



Senior officials in The Hague reportedly explained that the chief prosecutor at the IC  Caroline Glick (@CarolineGlick) April 24, 2024

As you can see, in the second tweet, Caroline Glick has translated the report. Heres a summary of the core point:

Karim Asad Ahmad Kahn, who comes from Englands Pakistani community, is the chief prosecutor at the ICC, a position he obtained thanks to backing from the Biden administration. It is he who will allegedly issue arrest warrants against senior Israeli officials, including Netanyahu himself. The charges are presumably based upon alleged war crimes...that is, killing civilians. That Hamas placed itself among civilians, thereby turning them into military targets, apparently isnt a war crime.

Image: Biden stabbing Netanyahu in the back, by Andrea Widburg using AI.

Everyone knows, of course, that the ICC, like every other European institution, is hostile to Israel. (As the old saying goes, the Europeans have never forgiven Israel for Auschwitz.) What makes the alleged upcoming arrest warrants so significant is that the ICC will be targeting Israels highest politicians while they are in the midst of waging a war against an enemy that is open about its intention to eliminate Israeli Jews from the face of the earth.

Even for the ICC, this is a bold move. That the ICC has the courage to make this move is allegedly because of Joe Biden:

Regarding the intention to issue arrest warrants for senior Israelis, the sources at The Hague said that it is impossible that the chief prosecutor would have decided on such a dramatic step - in a war that is still ongoing - with very little evidence, if he had not at least gotten a green light from the Americans. If true, this is yet another unprecedented low in relations between Israel and the United States at a very sensitive time on the eve of the ground operation into Rafah.

The U.S. government has blown hot and cold to Israel over the years. However, since 1973, when Richard Nixon came to Israels rescue during the Yom Kippur War, the American government has been mostly consistent in its support for Israel. Starting with Barack Obama, though, that support began to fade rapidly on the left. I wrote about that here so I wont repeat myself.

Suffice it to say that the Democrats have made common cause with Islam. Each is using the other to obtain political power. When this unholy alliance finally achieves total political power, one will destroy the other. My bet is on Islam, which still recognizes biological reality, rather than on the fragile flowers in academia, the screaming drag queens and other LGBTQ+ activists, the angry black TikTokers, and the hysterical women who make up so much of the Democrat partys current political strength in America.

Martin Fletcher has written that the situation for world Jewry is actually worse today than it was in the 1930s. Thats because in the 1930s, only Germany was on the move against the Jews (although, of course, by the 1940s, it managed to erase almost the entirety of Europes ancient Jewish population). Its different, he says, in 2024:

Today, Jews are afraid in Australia, South Africa, all over Europe, as the useful idiots march, curse and verbally and sometimes physically abuse innocent Jews, in the name of protecting Palestinians. Its always in the name of something. As someone wrote, antisemitism is a light sleeper.

Fletcher understates the matter because its even worse than that. If the Biden administration is conspiring against the Israeli government, there is no safe place in the world for Jews at all. Every nation has become Nazi Germany, including America.
Back in 1992, then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton had his Sister Souljah moment when he publicly confronted a black woman who made a racist remark. Clinton was right in challenging such a remark and benefitted politically because those were the days when the Democrats could say those things.

Could President Biden issue such a statement today calling out people who say "Death to America" or "We are Hamas"? Just read what The White House said:

While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable and dangerous -- they have absolutely no place on any college campus or anywhere in the United States of America, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said. And echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organizations, especially in the wake of the worst massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is despicable.

Okay, that's nice -- but where was President Biden? Where was the speech to the nation saying that those people do not belong in the Democrat Party or among his supporters? Or calling on the Hamas supporters that they are misguided and should not vote for him?

So far we have not heard that. It was a statement, but not directly from the President.

Why? Maybe it has something to do with Michigan, the place where 13% or 100,000 voted uncommitted as advised by Congressman Rashida Tlalib.

Are those voters going to stay home if President Biden had his own Sister Rashida moment? Or call on Democrats to drop her from the party? Does President Biden have that kind of backbone? Don't bet on it.

So we often hear that parties change over the years. They do and the party that nominated Clinton-Gore is no more.

Today's Biden party is afraid of Muslim Arab American voters in Michigan, immigration activists, and Democrats who are letting crime run rampant in our cities.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Pexels
Carl Galletti, Cliff Greene and Stacey Jones talk outside a neighbors home at the Sunglo Townhomes. They have sued over alleged construction defects. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Six lawsuits were filed against the builders of a townhouse project over alleged construction defects at Sunglo Townhomes. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Stacey Jones and Cliff Greene show water damage in their home at the Sunglo Townhomes. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Some siding was removed at Sunglo Townhomes so that damage caused by alleged construction defects could be determined. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Attorney John Muller and Stacey Jones talk outside a neighbors home at Sunglo Townhomes. Muller is representing Jones, her husband and five other families in lawsuits over alleged construction defects. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Attorney John Muller looks over protective covering that had been placed where siding was removed to inspect for defects at the Sunglo Townhomes. He represents six families who have filed lawsuits over alleged construction defects. Kaylee Greenlee Beal A portion of a townhouse where siding was removed to inspect for damages is seen. Homeowners at Sunglo Townhomes have sued the builders for alleged construction defects. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Some siding was removed at Sunglo Townhomes so that damage caused by alleged construction defects could be determined. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Attorney John Muller, Carl Galletti and Cliff Greene look over the exterior of a unit at Sunglo Townhomes. Kaylee Greenlee Beal Mold grows on the ceiling of a bathroom in a unit at the Sunglo Townhomes. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Stacey Jones and Cliff Greene talk to attorney John Muller outside of a neighbors home at the Sunglo Townhomes. Muller represents the couple and others in lawsuits over alleged construction defects at the development. KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL

Stacey Jones and Clifford Greene were so enamored with their new $499,000 Southtown townhouse that they got married on its roof about a week after buying it in February 2022.

But the honeymoon period with their home has been anything but bliss.

They are among a group of homeowners in the Sunglo Townhomes project that have filed six lawsuits against builders alleging an array of construction defects. The plaintiffs say inexperienced persons were used to build the townhouses.

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The builders failed to construct the building envelope, stucco veneer and window flashing to prevent moisture penetration and allow for drainage, Jones and Greene say in their suit.

To say its been nothing short of disappointing is the understatement of the century, Jones said in an interview. Rain has come through windows and the air conditioning system doesnt cool the house, she added.

Its created more than disappointment, their suit says: These latent defects have now caused significant water damage that has compromised (the) structural integrity of the Property and made it unsafe, unsanitary, and unfit for human habitation.

Among those named as defendants in the complaints are Harris Bay Sunglo Urban Homes LLC; its general partners, Jacob Jake Harris and Anton Bayer; Varga Endeavor LLC; and principal Efraim Varga, a local developer. State corporate records show Harris Bay Sunglo ceased operating in December while Varga Endeavor had its certificate of registration forfeited last year.

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The defendants didnt respond to messages requesting comment. Five of the suits were filed this month, and the other was filed in December in state District Court in San Antonio.

Reputable builder

The townhouse development consists of 10 three-story units on property in the 1500 block of South Presa Street. Its name reflects the location, where a Sunglo gas station once operated.

According to the lawsuit, a Harris Bay company based in California and Varga Endeavor of San Antonio formed a joint venture to develop the project.

The property was certainly promoted to be under construction by Harris Bay, which is a large, reputable builder, said San Antonio attorney John Muller, who represents the plaintiffs. But when it came time to actually build them, someone else did it. And if the plaintiffs had known that they werent going to get Harris Bay quality construction by true Harris Bay representatives, they wouldnt have entered into these transactions.

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Varga and his businesses were exclusively involved in the construction of the townhouses, the lawsuits allege. He used a number of inexperienced and unqualified subcontractors who abandoned the project after he refused to pay them, the suit says.

Varga then feigned completion of the Project by hiring his siblings, cousins, and other inexperienced persons to perform faulty substandard services for deeply discounted compensation, the complaints allege.

In addition, Varga sought to save money by using substandard materials or by simply refusing to install necessary materials. The properties were built without door and window flashing, the suits add. Flashing is a type of waterproofing used to cover crevices, seams and gaps where moisture could collect.

Damages sought

The homeowners who filed suit paid about $500,000 for their townhouses. Each of the lawsuits seeks more than $1 million in damages.

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They are suing for fraudulent misrepresentation and concealment, conspiracy and violations of the states Deceptive Trade Practices Act, among other claims.

To the extent that the plaintiffs were induced into making these very large purchases based on false representations or omissions of material information, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act allows for the plaintiffs to recover treble damages, in addition to their actual damages, as well as attorneys fees costs in having to prosecute the claim, Muller said.

In 2017, about the time construction on the townhouses was underway, Varga and Harris teamed to build a mixed-use development at Essex and Cherry streets in the Denver Heights neighborhood east of downtown.

They described the development as a $150 million project with apartments, condominiums, townhouses, offices, retail, a food hall, a rock climbing wall, murals and vertical farms with vegetables for restaurants. They dubbed it Essex Modern City.

Construction was supposed to begin in 2017, but it never happened.

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Varga ended his involvement in Essex Modern City in 2019, and Harris Bay put the property up for sale in 2022. Harris has attributed the lack of progress to difficulties having the area, which is bordered by railroad tracks, designated as a quiet zone.
Amazon launched a new grocery delivery subscription in the US today. The new plan will cater to Prime members and EBT cardholders in over 3500 cities nationwide.

The new grocery delivery subscription caters to Prime members and SNAP beneficiaries

Prime members can get unlimited grocery delivery at just $9.99 per month with the new subscription. However, this comes with a condition, the total order value must exceed $35. The new plan is applicable if customers order from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Markets. Amazon also mentioned that subscribers can order groceries from local grocery and specialty retailers on their website.

Amazons new grocery delivery subscription is even more beneficial for registered EBT cardholders in the United States. The company is offering the same benefits to the customers enrolled in SNAP at just $4.99 per month. It is worth noting that the EBT card is issued to low-income citizens who rely on the governments Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The company says that with this move it extends support to customers in low-income classes. Not to forget, EBT card-holding customers can avail of the benefit even if they havent subscribed to the Prime subscription. Amazon also includes a 30-day free trial so that customers get an idea of how the subscription works initially.

The company earlier trialed the delivery subscription

Well, its not that Amazon launched this grocery delivery subscription all of a sudden. Before the official unveiling, the company launched the same plan late last year as a trial in the capital of three states including Ohio, Colorado, and California. Amazon says that the feedback from 85% of customers enrolled in the plan was extremely positive leading to the official announcement.

The recent move is Amazons effort to solidify its existence in the market already occupied by some familiar names like Walmart and Target. Both offer a paid membership plan for grocery delivery. For reference, Walmart charges $12.95 per month to its customers who order groceries with a Plus plan. So, a low-cost grocery delivery subscription might work in favor of Amazon.
Samsung recently ended software update support for the first-gen Galaxy Z Flip. Its 5G version, meanwhile, still has some left in it and is picking up the April 2024 security update in the US. The latest security patch is also rolling out to the Galaxy F15, a new budget phone from the Korean firm.

Galaxy Z Flip 5G grabs the April 2024 update in the US

Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip in early 2020, around the same time as the Galaxy S20 series. The company promised three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches for these devices. As of March 2024, it delivered the promised updates. The Korean firm then extended security support for the Galaxy S20 trio into a fifth year but didnt treat the original clamshell foldable similarly. The Galaxy Z Flip is officially done getting updates.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5G, on the other hand, debuted in July 2020 and turns four this July. It has a few more months of life left in it. While feature updates have stopped coming since Android 13 (it arrived with Android 10), the device is still picking up security patches once in a while. Samsung has just released the latest SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the device. It is available for carrier-locked and unlocked variants in the US. A global rollout may follow soon.

First reported by SamMobile, the April 2024 update for the Galaxy Z Flip 5G comes with the firmware build numbers F707USQS7IXC1 (locked) and F707U1UES7IXC1 (unlocked). The official changelog supplied by Samsung confirms that the update doesnt contain anything more than the latest security fixes. The April SMR patches more than 40 vulnerabilities across the Galaxy family, including at least one critical Android OS flaw patched by Google.

If you are holding onto this aging Samsung foldable, it is about time you upgrade to a newer phone. Samsungs clamshell foldables have changed a lot in recent years. You now get a larger cover screen, stronger build, better cameras, and more improvements. The next model, Galaxy Z Flip 6, is expected to arrive in July this year with more improvements. The Korean company may also launch a more affordable foldable called the Galaxy Z Flip FE this year.

These security fixes are also rolling out to the Galaxy F15

Samsungs April 2024 security patches are also rolling out to the Galaxy F15. The F series is largely confined to India and surrounding countries, so it shouldnt be long before the company updates all eligible units. The device is just over a month old, so there may not be many units to update. The new firmware build number for this budget handset is E156BXXS1AXD3. This is the first update for the Galaxy F15, which ran Android 14 out of the box.
Google has been firing employees who are protesting against the companys military contracts with Israel. The company has let 20 employees go this week.

Google terminates 20 employees for disruptive activities inside buildings

Google has terminated the employment of 20 of its employees this week. This is the second such round of mass layoffs for going against the companys contracts with Israel.

According to The Washington Post, Google fired at least 20 more employees from its offices in Sunnyvale and New York. These workers were let go effective 16th April 2024.

Google had already fired 28 employees last week. All these terminations were in connection to protests organized in Googles offices. These employees had actively participated in sit-in protests.

NEW: Google fires at least 20 more of its employees after the anti-Israel protest; bringing the total number terminated to around 50 This comes after Google fired about 30 employees last week after they were arrested for protesting at the company's offices in Sunnyvale, pic.twitter.com/wOnl1cJVA3  Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) April 23, 2024

A Google spokesperson has reportedly confirmed the company fired more workers as part of its investigation into the demonstration. The company, has, however, stressed that every single one of those whose employment was terminated was personally and definitively involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings,

Google has claimed it conducted a detailed investigation into the matter. The company has carefully confirmed and reconfirmed, the terminated employees active participation and involvement. Our investigation into these events is now concluded, the spokesperson added.

What is Project Nimbus and why are Google workers losing their jobs?

Google recently fired 28 employees from its offices in New York and California. The search giant has terminated the employment of several dozen employees over a single topic.

Specifically speaking, every employee, from the 48 Google has fired so far, participated in protests organized inside the companys offices. These employees have been protesting Googles cloud computing project called Project Nimbus.

Google fires 28 employees for protesting the companys cloud contract with #Israel, following 9 employees arrests. Full memo to Google employees warns that"if youre one of the few who are tempted to think were going to overlook conduct that violates our policies, think again" pic.twitter.com/T5pdmp1dGD  Nour Naim|  (@NourNaim88) April 18, 2024

Valued at $1.2 billion, Project Nimbus started in 2021. Time magazine had indicated Project Nimbus is a civilian project. It will allegedly help improve public sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and education.

The same report further stressed that Project Nimbus is not involved in highly sensitive or classified military workloads relevant to weapons or intelligence services.

Project Nimbus isnt open for public scrutiny, and hence, shrouded in mystery. Some speculate it could bolster, or perhaps weaponize AI (Artificial Intelligence), for the Israeli military.

Google is working with another cloud computing giant Amazon to fulfill the contractual obligations of Project Nimbus. Google CEO Sundar Pichai issued a memo stating the company is open to debate and discussions but there are limitations to the same.

Even Googles head of security, Chris Rackow reportedly issued a memo which added, If youre one of the few tempted to think were going to overlook conduct that violates our policies, think again. This strongly indicates Google wont cease stringent action against employees who participate in protests on the companys premises.
President Joe Biden just signed off on the foreign aid package that recently passed through the House and Senate. Normally, this would mean nothing to us here at AndroidHeadlines. However, there is an interesting tidbit in that bill.

This bill also includes a TikTok ban. Basically, TikToks parent company, ByteDance, has a year to divest its ownership in the app, or the app will be banned in the US. This means that the divest-or-ban bill is now law in the United States.

ByteDance will have the initial nine months to sort out a deal, though the president does have the ability to extend that another three months if theres enough progress.

Initially, it looked like this bill would stall out in the Senate. However, the House bundled it in with foreign aid to US allies, which forced the Senate to pick it up sooner than expected. The longer divestment period for ByteDance also helped get some other lawmakers on board.

Whats next for TikTok?

Now that the bill is law, whats next for TikTok? Well, TikToks spokesperson, Alex Haurek, said in a statement that the company is planning to challenge the law in the courts. This could ultimately extend the timeline should the courts delay enforcement pending a resolution.

Another question for this new law is how China will respond. That includes if it would let ByteDance sell TikTok and, more importantly, let it sell its important algorithm that keeps users coming back to the app.

Haurek said, As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired.

There has been some speculation about who ByteDance could sell TikTok to. Keep in mind that TikTok is a pretty major app these days, so there are not a lot of companies that would even have the money to purchase the platform. However, some names that have floated around include Microsoft and, more recently, Shopify.

Why does the US Government want TikTok to be sold?

The US government, specifically the US House and Senate, have been trying to ban TikTok for years. Many believe that it threatens national security because of all of the information that TikTok is collecting from Americans. The government also believes that China is using TikTok to influence the US public and interfere in elections covertly.

TikTok has already been banned in India, as well as a few smaller governments and militaries banning it from devices. The real question is, why is all of this attention on TikTok and not Facebook or Google? Who do basically the same thing. The answer is, those are American companies, so its okay. TikTok is owned by a Chinese company  but based in Singapore  and therefore it is not okay.
TikTok is a step closer to facing a nationwide ban in the US. The bill that could ban the Chinese-origin social media app has passed the Senate. It is almost certainly to become law as President Joe Biden said he would sign the legislation. Once signed into law, TikToks Chinese owner will have to sell its US arm or face a ban in the country.

TikTok ban bill passes the US Senate with an overwhelming majority

Last month, the US House of Representatives voted 352-65 to pass a bill that could ban or divest TikTok in the country. Once Biden turns the bill into law, TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance will have six months to decide whether to sell its US business unit or close shop. However, the bill stalled in the Senate. The upper house hasnt been decisive about it.

In the meantime, the House introduced another bill with similar terms. It received a more favorable vote of 360-58, likely because it gives ByteDance a divestment period of one year instead of six months. The new bill was bundled with other foreign aid bills of urgency in nature. As such, the Senate swiftly moved it across. The bill passed the upper house with an overwhelming majority vote of 79-18.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act will now head to Joe Bidens office. Since Biden is prepared to sign it, it shouldnt be long before the US has a law to ban TikTok on security grounds. That is unless ByteDance finds an American buyer for the US arm of the platform within a year. Considering TikToks popularity, it shouldnt be a tough job.

It is still far from a done deal

TikTok has always denied allegations that it is a national security threat to the US. The company claims the Chinese government doesnt have access to its user data, though its CEO refused to explicitly state whether China has any influence over TikTok. The bottom line is that the firm wont accept its fate without a fight. It has vowed to legally challenge this bill, which it called unconstitutional.

ByteDance has also received support from content creators, free speech and digital rights groups, and even some lawmakers. They opposed the bill saying that the US government should work on stronger privacy laws rather than ban the app. While ByteDance might eventually be forced to sell or close the US arm of TikTok, these legal procedures could delay the inevitable.
Vivo has announced BlueImage, a new branding for its camera tech. This new branding will likely debut on the Vivo X100 Ultra. Vivo did not confirm that at all, but the timing of this announcement fits.

Vivo has announced BlueImage, its new branding for camera tech

The Vivo X100 Ultra is rumored to arrive next month. That phone will become the companys new flagship handset. It is expected to have an even more compelling camera setup than the Vivo X100 Pro.

BlueImage will include tech like the V-series of imaging chips. The latest of which is the Vivo V3, and it was utilized in the Vivo X100 series of phones. It will almost certainly be included in the Vivo X100 Ultra too.

On top of that, Vivo has a ton of image processing algorithms, which will be a part of BlueImage too. Well, basically anything you can think of photography-wise will be included here, as long as it comes from Vivo.

Now, it is worth noting that Vivo has also been a long-term partner of ZEISS. ZEISS provides its optics for Vivos phones, along with its expertise in all camera-related fields. That managed to help Vivo become a rather sought-after name when it comes to smartphone photography.

Vivo & ZEISS will continue their partnership, and enter a new chapter

Whats more, Vivo and ZEISS will continue their partnership. In fact, the two companies will co-develop lenses for Vivo smartphones. Vivos VP in charge of Branding and Marketing, Jia Jingdong, promised that the cooperating will enter a new chapter.

With that in mind, The Vivo X100 Ultra is the phone in focus here. Vivo still hasnt confirmed its name, but it will almost certainly carry this name. One of the most prominent tipsters in the business did confirm it. A companys exec also said that an upcoming phone will be a professional camera that can make calls.

The Vivo X100 Ultra is expected to have four cameras on the back, led by the Sony LYT-900, the companys 50-megapixel 1-inch type sensor. A 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera (4.3x optical zoom) is also expected.
Nicky Diamonds has toured with the Black Opry Revue and played a number of festivals. Oscar Moreno

For more than a decade, Nick Long made music with the San Antonio indie folk-rock duo Lonely Horse, with Long on guitar and vocals, and Travis Hild on drums. They achieved some notable success  the band released an album called Desert Sons and played the second Maverick Music Festival  and interest from major labels, but ultimately the duo split up and Long became disillusioned with life and music, and left town.

After dealing with health problems and heartbreak, he decided to return to music but with a new sound, country music, and a new name, Nicky Diamonds.

La Semana Alegre What: A relaunch of the long-running music Fiesta week music festival When: 5-11 p.m. Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday Where: Hemisfair, 630 E. Nueva St. Details: $15 per day in advance, $20 day of, lasemanaalegre.com. Lineup highlights Thursday: Toadies, Girl in a Coma, Lonely Horse, Chavela Friday: Ozomatli, Legs Diamond, Innver Wave, Joe King Carrasco, Nicky Diamonds, Heartless Bastards

Nicky Diamonds is making an impact. He released his first album, Perdido en La Salsa, in March. He joined Alicia Keys onstage at the Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tenn., and played with Willie Nelson at the Luck Reunion. He also has linked up with Black Opry, a group devoted to Black musicians who play country and roots music, and stages concerts across the country.

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Annie Nelson, Willie Nelsons wife, invited him to record in Nelsons personal studio, where he worked with Steve Chadie, Nelsons longtime engineer, on songs for a future album.

I got a chance to see what it was like to be in Papa Willies shoes; it was pretty amazing, he said. There will be some pretty cool features, and its going to be a blues album.

Nicky Diamonds will be playing the revived La Semana Alegre music festival on Friday. Hes also playing occasional shows with Lonely Horse; they are on the lineup for Thursday.

He recently talked about his career, and how Nicky Diamonds came to be, over lunch at Station Cafe, a sandwich shop in Southtown. A carpenter by trade, he had just finished building a deck and was wearing a flannel shirt, dirty work pants and boots to match.

The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

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Q. Who is Nicky Diamonds, and who is Nick Long?

A. Theyre the same person. I was working in Hawaii and pride myself on being a good worker. They used to call me Nicky Diamonds: Nicky Diamonds, hes a diamond in the rough. Its hard to find a good worker here. I was there for, like, three months working on (a) house.

Ive always been into country music, folk music, roots and blues, so I was, like, Im going to write all the songs I want to do. Im going to try music again, and Nicky Diamonds sounds like a good name to start.

Q. When you were in Hawaii, were you not doing music?



A. When Lonely Horse disbanded, I moved to El Paso for a few years, and when I was out there, I was just writing songs, not really taking it seriously at all. I was, like, Screw music, Im going to go work on the border and help immigrants.

I was out there, met a girl, fell deep in love, got my heart destroyed, and I moved back to San Antonio right in the middle of COVID.

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Right around then, I got the opportunity to work in Hawaii. I was really trying to find myself, so I left for a few months and got really inspired. My dads from Hawaii; I have roots and family out there. It was good to be somewhere else and get inspired by life again.

When I came back home, I decided to try music one more time, and I settled on Nicky Diamonds.



Q. Rock n roll and country music have deep roots in Black culture but are primarily represented by white artists. Do you ever feel youre vying for acknowledgment or visibility with specific audiences?

Lonley Horse performs at the Maverick Music Festival in 2014. File photo

A. Its crazy, man, breaking into the country space as a Black artist because its been gatekept for so long. Its cool doing this kind of music because it really changes a lot of peoples perception of you. Ive walked into places in Nashville or somewhere in Alabama, and Im playing a show with nothing but white faces in the crowd.

I roll in there, got my Texas gentleman suit on, and got my Stetson on. I go in there, and people look at me like Im a crazy person. Then I get to play my music, and I literally see barriers crumble. To me, its more of a challenge, like how can I reach these people?



Q. Can you explain the Black Opry and how it has contributed to your emergence?



A. Black Opry is great! Its just like a space that advocates for people of color, puts them in spotlights and showcases their music in audiences they probably wouldnt usually have access to. My friend Holly (G.) runs it; theyre doing huge things, man; I was lucky to be a part of some of those things.

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I love the Black Opry; theyve helped me out a lot. I hope they continue to grow.



Q. What was the transition from Lonely Horse to Nicky Diamonds like for you?



A. Pretty cool. I think the transition has been nuts because I never thought it would happen as quickly as it did. I started Lonely Horse in 2009 or 10, and then in 2016, we were at our pinnacle. We were in a bidding war with Warner and Atlantic Records, and we really did a great job. Then it all kind of crumbled, and I had a nervous breakdown. I think I stopped playing music at 29 or maybe 30.

So I knew what it takes to get yourself going in music and to start all over. I was, like, What am I doing? This is going to take me forever. But I was resilient; I took what I learned from Lonely Horse and sort of just figured out the formula of success. I wrote good songs, put them on the internet, and next thing you know, Im on stage with Alicia Keys.

Q. You also shared a stage with country legend Willie Nelson. Tell me more about that.



A. That was such a great experience. I had performed earlier in the day, so going from nobody really knowing who you are to a couple thousand people knowing you, and then they see you get on stage with Willie Nelson.

To this day, bro, I can be anywhere in Texas, and someone will say, Man, youre Nicky Diamonds; I seen you play with Willie Nelson!

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Lawyers for Alec Baldwin have accused the state of a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power as they urge the court to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter case against the actor.

US star Baldwin is set to face a trial scheduled in July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the western film set of Rust in October 2021  after a prop gun held by Baldwin went off.

Baldwin will face a maximum of 18 months in prison if convicted after trial.

This was the sentence Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was given last week after she was found guilty by a jury on the same charge.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter (Luis Sanchez Saturno/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP)

In March, Baldwins lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case, alleging violations of court orders and other legal faults by the prosecution in the grand jury process.

The actors legal team  led by Luke Nikas  has now filed new papers supporting their views, after the prosecution filed counter claims.

His lawyers have alleged that the prosecutions reasoning for pursuing an indictment are completely divorced from the public interest and reflect a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power.

The States response to Baldwins motion consists almost entirely of irrelevant, false, unsupported, and highly prejudicial statements that serve no legitimate purpose, the new motion stated.

It also argues that a misdemeanor plea offer, that would carry no prison time for Baldwin, was withdrawn last year due to the prosecutions mistaken assumption that the actor had commissioned a documentary film about Rust and sought to interview witnesses.

Alec Baldwin practising drawing his revolver on the set of the Rust movie (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA)

Baldwins lawyers claim that the information that led to the prosecution rescinding the plea offer was inaccurate.

Baldwin never commissioned a documentary about Rust or Hutchins death, the new documents state.

In their initial response, the prosecution claimed Baldwins lawyers had lied and misled the court, and insisted Baldwin should stand trial for his role in Ms Hutchins death.

The prosecution, led by Kari Morrissey, have been contacted for comment.

It comes after a video of Baldwin began circulating on social media, which saw the actor confronted by an anti-Israel protestor in a coffee shop in New York.
Dogs are pretty funny. You never know what they're going to pick up from us. We know that Praveen was cracking up when she noticed the adorable thing her Maltese does every time she calls for him. And people online agreed it was pretty darn cute.

Something tells us these two have done this before. As the video on Praveen's social media page shows, her pup has an unusual habit whenever she calls for him.

To demonstrate, the woman held her Maltese on her lap and proceeded to call for him.

Related: Maltese's Pure Love for Her 85-Year-Old Neighbor Has Everyone in Their Feelings

"Let's go!" she called. "Let's go inside. Come on, I have a treat!" These are very normal things for a pet owner to yell at their dog when they want them to come in from a walk. But what really had her rolling were the tiny squeaks her dog made in response. It was almost like he was mimicking the sounds she was making. So cute!

The comments section got a good chuckle from the dog copying his mama. "Along with you, I believe, he is looking himself too!" one person exclaimed. "I dont think he even knows where he is," someone else teased. "Pup: I don't know why shes yelling for me but ima help her heyyyyyyy come oonnn!!!" another person kidded. "The best feeling is when you are one with your pet," one commenter added. That's certainly true for these two, although it's hard to argue that the Maltese actually knows what they're doing.

Dogs Are Copycats

It sounds so wrong, right? But the truth is that dogs do mimic human behaviors. You might even call them copycats! A study from 2013 showed that dogs can copy their owner's behaviors as long as 10 minutes after it happens. What's more is that this behavior is actually sort of mentally demanding. Before the study, it was believed that only humans and apes could copy other species' behavior. But now we know that isn't true.

The discovery was found by researchers Adam Miklosi and Claudia Fugazza who found that dogs do this because dogs are social by nature. Dogs also learn from us, meaning they are going to watch what we're doing and give it a try too.

This could actually come in handy when training your dog. You could teach them how to fetch things like the mail or your slippers. Or maybe like this Maltese, you can show them how to call your dog in. The possibilities are endless.

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 original script for romantic comedy Love Actually is being put up for sale along with personal items from Ed Sheeran and Olivia Colman to raise money for a charity caring for children in war-torn Gaza and Ukraine.

More than 70 people from music and film have donated exclusive signed items, which include director Emerald Fennells limited edition Saltburn script signed by the cast and the signed guitars of musicians Sheeran and Nile Rodgers.

The cash will go to the War Child charity, which says it will help children learn and give them psychological support in 14 countries affected by conflict, including Ukraine, Gaza and Syria.

War Child ambassador and Saltburn star Carey Mulligan said: Right now more children are living through conflict than ever before.

Having worked with War Child for more than 10 years, I am grateful to have witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact of providing vulnerable children and families with the resources they so desperately need.

It is amazing what the creative industry can achieve when we come together, and I hope as many people as possible choose to help War Child by bidding on these rare items which have been lovingly donated.

Other stars contributing include Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo, rapper Aitch, rock band Coldplay and actress Gillian Anderson.

Oscar-winner Colman said: The psychological impact of conflict can be devastating for a child.

War Childs work is vital in providing support as early as possible to help children to heal, for the chance of a brighter future.

War Child was founded in 1993 by filmmakers David Wilson and Bill Leeson and activist Willemijn Verloop, and has worked with high-profile artists to raise awareness and funding for children in conflict over the past 30 years.
MPs have voted in favour of proscribing an online terror network, the first time an online group has received the designation in the UK.

Terrorgram will become the sixth extreme right wing terrorist group to be banned in the UK, on the list of 81 banned organisations.

It has published propaganda designed to incite followers to commit violence, and was credited by an attacker who killed two people in an LGBT nightclub shooting in Slovakia in 2022.

Support for the group will be illegal, with punishments of up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine.

During the debate on the motion in the Commons on Wednesday, Home Office minister Tom Tugendhat described Terrorgram as a transnational, online network of neo-fascist terrorists who produce and disseminate violent propaganda with the aim of radicalising readers and encouraging individuals to commit acts of terrorism,

He told MPs: The message of hatred they preach is one of extreme white supremacism. They call not just for death and violence, but the collapse of western democracy itself, so that they might build a whites-only world in its place.

He added: The decision to proscribe Terrorgram demonstrates this Governments commitment to defend the security of the LGBT community.

Terrorgram hold vile antisemitic views. They have published propaganda material aimed at inciting violence against Jewish communities and the state of Israel, and most recently celebrated Hamas attacks on Israel, including endorsing the use of terrorism to target Israel and Jewish communities.

Shadow Home Office minister Dan Jarvis welcomed the move and said more online groups should be proscribed in future if necessary.

He said: We approve of this innovative action that will lead to the rightful prescription of Terrorgram because within legal frameworks, there must be an approach that is relentless, agile and cunning to defeat terrorist groups.

And this applies to all terrorist groups as, regardless of whatever warped ideology they peddle, violent extremists across the spectrum continue to use online platforms to radicalise their support base and organise their activities, so we must prepare to prescribe more online groups if that is necessary.

SNP home affairs spokeswoman Alison Thewliss highlighted that those who are radicalised by extremist online content begin with exposure to lower level content.

She said: Extremism doesnt begin with organisations like Terrorgram and the atrocities that people inspired by Terrorgram have committed, it starts at a much lower level when people via the algorithms that these sites use, get exposed to more and more extremist content.

The motion passed unopposed.
Four people taken to hospital after military horses bolt through central London

Military horses have bolted through central London, leaving four people needing hospital treatment.

A number of people, including Army personnel, were injured when total mayhem erupted on Wednesday as several of the animals got loose.

The London Ambulance Service said it had treated four people across three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square and the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, after the horses ran amok.

A serviceman was thrown from his horse in Buckingham Palace Road and one of the loose animals smashed into a taxi waiting outside the Clermont Hotel, shattering the windows.

LBC spoke to the driver, Faraz, who said a white horse had collided with his Mercedes people carrier, leaving blood spattered down the side.

Two horses were seen running in the road near Aldwych, one of which appeared to be covered in blood, and later near the Limehouse tunnel, before they were recaptured by City of London Police.

The casualties were treated in three incidents that took place in the space of just 10 minutes.

Two horses on the loose near Aldwych (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

A horse also crashed into a parked double-decker tour bus, smashing the windscreen, and one crashed into a taxi, but no-one was hurt.

Roland, a worker for tour bus company Tootbus, described the chaotic scenes near Victoria.

I saw horses come from the bus station in front of Victoria run around in a frenzy, he said.

People were running around to avoid them  it was total mayhem.

A second tour bus worker, named only as Mr Mahmood, said: One of the horses bumped into a bus, then everything got out of control.

I saw two horses without riders gallop away. One rider managed to calm his horse down.

An ambulance went to assist another rider who had been injured.

Two horses on the loose bolt through the streets of London near Aldwych (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

An Army spokesperson said: A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning.

All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.

A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.

Pictures and videos of two of the animals running amok around London were shared on social media, one of which showed a black 44 with blue lights following two of the animals between Tower Bridge and Limehouse tunnel.

City of London Police said on X: At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City.

Our officers have contained two horses on the highway near Limehouse. An Army horse box collected the horses and transported them to veterinary care.
Ukraines allies should pile the pressure on Vladimir Putin, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said on a visit to Kyiv.

Mr Hunts trip to Ukraine came after the Government announced a 500 million package of military aid and Rishi Sunak committed to long-term support as part of a move to increase the UKs defence budget.

Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky told Mr Hunt that the crucial support was very important as the pair met in Kyiv.

The Chancellor said: War in Ukraine has raged on for longer than many feared, but today I saw that the resolve of its people remains absolute.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps have carried out a series of European engagements to highlight the Governments defence announcements (Henry Nicholls/PA)

The onus is now on its friends to pile the pressure on Putin and help restore peace and prosperity in Europe  were determined to play our leading part.

Ukraines security is our security and the billions in funding and equipment Britain has provided to date is just the start of a longer-term commitment to supporting them in their struggle with Russia for as long as it takes.

Mr Zelensky said: I want to thank you, your team, government, Prime Minister, Parliament and people of the United Kingdom that you are with us  with Ukraine  from the first days of full-scale war. We count on you. We are real partners.

The Chancellor visited Saint Michaels Square and laid flowers at the memorial to the soldiers killed in the war.

He also visited St Michaels golden-domed monastery and lit a candle in their memory.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron used his tour of central Asian states to discuss measures to prevent sanctions on Russia being flouted.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron is touring central Asia (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The UK and allies have imposed tough measures aimed at crippling the Kremlins war machine and preventing the flow of luxury goods to Mr Putins allies in the Russian elite.

Concerns have been raised that items could be exported to Russias neighbours before being moved across borders.

Speaking to the PA news agency in Kazakhstan, Lord Cameron said: All my interlocutors have said this is something we recognise, well work with you to try and deal with.

They have ways of intervening to stop things being moved if theyre in contravention of sanctions.

In fact in Turkmenistan specifically, one of the ministers I was talking to said we do intervene, we dont want this to happen and so Im confident that its right to raise this and it will be ongoing action.

Everyone Ive spoken to said they are committed (to tackling circumvention).

Measures to make it harder to circumvent the rules could include extra bureaucratic checks and the use of an online tracking system which traces where goods are going and details the sanctions which are in place.
The Home Secretary has said work the Italians have done to stop migrant boats mirrors that of the UK, adding that the Government will be implementing some of their ideas after he compared notes with his Italian counterpart.

James Cleverly visited the small island of Lampedusa on Wednesday  Italys busiest migration hotspot last year.

The Home Office said around 110,000 migrants landed on the island in 2023, and evidence of recent small boat crossings could be seen in its harbour, with abandoned vessels and items of clothing scattered along the beaches.

Mr Cleverly said: Our friends and colleagues in the Italian authorities are very much in the front line of the European fight against people smuggling, illegal migration.

Mr Cleverly climbs on to a Guardia di Finanza police boat in Lampedusa Port (Victoria Jones/PA)

Were only a few kilometres from the Tunisian border and the only way that were going to successfully stop the boats in the UK is by working with our international partners.

Just this week weve seen another five fatalities in the Channel. In the Mediterranean they have dozens of fatalities in a year, sometimes hundreds.

So we have a real moral imperative to stop the boats, to break the business model of the people smuggling gangs.

The Italians are being innovative, theyre coming up with ideas, theyre working very hard.

Ive come here to compare notes with my Italian counterpart  and of course well be implementing some of the ideas that weve been discussing, back in the UK.

Mr Cleverly had a tour of a police vessel and was given an operational briefing on how agencies respond to mass landings during his brief stay on the island.

He spoke to the International Organisation for Migration, the International Red Cross and was shown the medical centre, family accommodation and the registration office at the site.

Home Secretary James Cleverly speaks with staff from the International Red Cross (Victoria Jones/PA)

Earlier in the week, the Home Secretary spent time in Rome  visiting the General Command of the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and was shown the technology used by the Italian Coast Guard during complex search and rescue operations.

Mr Cleverly met interior minister Matteo Piantedosi in the Italian capital, with both parties promising to step up efforts and do more in source and transit countries.

Asked what ideas he could take back to the UK from his Italian counterpart, Mr Cleverly said: Italy has a different set of circumstances to the UK.

Theyve been working with north Africa, theyve been working with countries in the western Balkans, theyve come up with an arrangement with Albania which theyll be operationalising.

Its not the same as our Rwanda scheme, but it is about having a credible deterrent, its about trying to stabilise the countries from which people are coming, working with countries that they are coming through, and also targeting the supply chains of the people smugglers  going after their money, going after their boats, going after their engines.

So a lot of what they are doing in Italy mirrors what were doing in the UK to stop the boats.
Araceli Bermea, from left to right, Jeanette Lopez and Marisol Lopez enjoy chicken on a stick with their friends at NIOSA at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Rey Feo LXXV John McFadden, right, and King Antonio CI Scott Christy, left, throw confetti to kick off the opening night of NIOSA at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Fiesta-goers crowd La Villita Historic Arts Village on Tuesday evening, opening night of A Night In Old San Antonio, or NIOSA. It runs through Friday. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A passerby cracks a cascaron over Monica Duck, left, on Tuesday evening at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Volunteers Domingo Zuniga, left, and Joe Santos, right, cook chicken fajitas Tuesday evening at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Pat Shreder shows off her medals Tuesday night at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News People attend the opening night of NIOSA at La Villita Historic Arts Village on Tuesday evening. Over 85,000 people are expected to attend during the events four-day run. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Daniela Catano, right, cracks a cascaron on Monica Ducks head during NIOSAs opening night. It runs through Friday evening. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Henry De La Cruz walks through the crowd while wearing a homemade Victor Wembanyama-theme Fiesta hat during NIOSAs opening night. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Order of the Alamo Queen Paige Johnson, right, and Order of the Alamo Princess Maggie Kelleher, left, pass out medals during NIOSAs opening night. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Volunteer Robert Valdez cooks steak kebabs during the opening night of A Night In Old San Antonio, held at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Fiesta attendees wait in line for chicken on a stick during the opening night of NIOSA. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Henry De La Cruz enjoys steer on a stick while wearing a homemade Wemby-theme Fiesta hat Tuesday evening at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A Fiesta attendee enjoys a chicken on a stick at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Michele Flores shows off her handmade Fiesta hat during NIOSAs opening night. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Eddie Hinojosa wears a homemade Big Red Fiesta hat Tuesday evening, opening night of NIOSA, at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Rossy Roberts, 2, waves to the crowd from atop dad Adam Roberts shoulders during NIOSAs opening night. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Ron Nuremberg attends NIOSAs opening night, billed as the nations top fundraiser for historic preservation. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Shanon Wood, left, and Josue Robles, right, take a selfie Tuesday night, opening night of NIOSA. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Guy Pritchard, left, and Tye Wichert, right, show off their homemade Fiesta hats Tuesday evening, opening night of NIOSA, at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Volunteer Robert Valdez cooks steak kebabs Tuesday evening. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Confetti and eggshells from cascarones litter the ground during NIOSA's opening night Tuesday evening. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Fiesta-goers crowded into La Villita Historic Arts Village for opening night of A Night in Old San Antonio, also known as NIOSA.

Fiestas most popular street party is expected to draw tens of thousands of people downtown over its four-night run, Tuesday through Friday. Its open from 5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly. This is the 76th year that the San Antonio Conservation Society has put on the event, billed as the nations top fundraiser for historic preservation.

Fiesta-goers crowded into La Villita Historic Arts Village for opening night of A Night in Old San Antonio, also known as NIOSA. Salgu Wissmath

Heres a by-the-numbers look at the party, according to NIOSA.

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Clockwise from left: Fiesta-goers attend NIOSA's opening night. Rossy Roberts, 2, waves to the crowd from atop dad Adam Roberts shoulders. Steak kebabs cooking on the grill. Salgu Wissmath/Staff photographer From top to bottom: Fiesta-goers attend NIOSA's opening night. Rossy Roberts, 2, waves to the crowd from atop dad Adam Roberts shoulders. Steak kebabs cooking on the grill. Salgu Wissmath/Staff photographer

FIESTA 2024: Get the scoop on all things Fiesta

12 x 12 x 6 inches: Maximum size of backpacks, diaper bags and other bags allowed at NIOSA

14: Cultural areas at NIOSA

160+: Food, drink and atmosphere booths and stages

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$336.11: Amount raised for the Conservation Society by the 1938 predecessor of NIOSA

800: Pounds of guacamole

1,300: Pounds of shrimp and fish

3,400: Pounds of ice cream

3,500: Average number of gorditas sold in the Haymarket area

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3,800: Turkey legs sold

4,200: Pounds of sausage

5,300: Tamales sold

6,600: Average number of Marias Tortillas servings sold in the Haymarket area

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6,600: Egg rolls sold in Chinatown (average)

6,800: Average number of steer-on-a-stick servings sold in Frontier Town

10,200: Average servings of anticuchos sold in the Mexican Market area

11,000: Pounds of chicken

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11,200: Pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables

13,500: Pounds of beef

16,000: Volunteers needed to stage the event

22,000: Average number of Mr. Chicken servings sold in Froggy Bottom

At left, Michele Flores shows off her handmade Fiesta hat Tuesday evening, NIOSA's opening night. Right, confetti and eggshells from cascarones litter the ground at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/Staff photographer Top, Michele Flores shows off her handmade Fiesta hat Tuesday evening, NIOSA's opening night. Above, confetti and eggshells from cascarones litter the ground at La Villita Historic Arts Village. Salgu Wissmath/Staff photographer

23,000: Tortillas, both corn and flour

23,000: Beignets sold in the French Quarter (average)

85,000+: Revelers expected over the four-day run

$12 million+: Amount that NIOSA raised for the Conservation Society from 2010-20
Jet2 has signalled that post-pandemic price increases for holidays may be starting to ease heading into the summer as competition heats up across the sector.

The tour operator and airline said that, while trips booked for the coming summer have seen a modest increase in cost compared with last year, prices have recently become more competitive, particularly for April and May departures.

In a trading update, Jet2 added that package holiday and flight-only bookings are up 13% and 18% respectively for the summer period versus this time last year.

The update will give consumers hope that holiday price rises may be less dramatic this year than last.

In November, Jet2 said the average price of one of its trips had increased 11%, while some airlines reported price rises of as much as 26% last summer.

Russ Mould, an analyst at AJ Bell, said: This could be a sign that the pricing power enjoyed by the sector, with people prepared to pay whatever it takes to get their week in the sun, is starting to ease.

Jet2 shares fell 5% in Wednesday morning trading as investors were spooked by the companys pricing comments.

The group said demand is proving strong for the peak season, revealing it has sold 55% of its plane tickets and package holidays for the summer season and has 12.3% more seats available than last year, at 17.1 million.

It added that it has bought 90% of its fuel for the forthcoming season, and more than 80% for the full financial year, meaning it is less exposed to tensions in the Middle East which could affect oil prices.

After rising last week amid fears that attacks between Iran and Israel would flare up further, oil has retreated in recent days amid an apparent easing in tensions.

Jet2 added that it is still mindful of the current macro-economic and geo-political environments and how these may impact future consumer spending.

It said that, with nearly half of the summer tickets still to sell, it could not give guidance on the 2024-25 full year.

However, it said pre-tax profit for the year ending March 31 2024 is on course to come in about one-third higher than the previous year, at between 515 million and 520 million.

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said: Although still very early in full-year 2025, we remain confident that customers will continue to travel with us from our rainy island to the sun spots of the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and to European leisure cities.
Labour will pledge to renationalise the railways if elected, in what the party will call the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation.

A Labour government would expect to transfer rail networks to public ownership within its first term by folding existing private passenger rail contracts into a new body as they expire, shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh will say at a launch event on Thursday.

The plan will nationalise the network without the taxpayer paying a penny in compensation costs, the party will say.

The Governments own proposals for rail reform, published in a draft Bill in February, include the creation of a new public sector body named Great British Railways (GBR) to hold responsibility for rail infrastructure and awarding contracts to operate trains.

But a Labour government would create a unified, publicly owned, accountable and arms length version of GBR led by rail experts rather than Whitehall, Ms Haigh will say.

Labour also plans to establish a watchdog, the Passenger Standards Authority, to hold GBR to account.

Ms Haigh will say: With Labours bold reforms, a publicly owned railway will be single-mindedly focused on delivering for passengers and will be held to account on delivering reliable, safe, efficient, accessible, affordable and quality services.

Shadow secretary for transport Louise Haigh will set out the details at a launch event on Thursday (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)

Labours detailed plans will get our railways back on track; driving up standards for passengers, bringing down costs for taxpayers, driving growth and getting Britain moving.

The Government estimated in its 2021 reform plan that it could save 1.5 billion annually after five years by ending inefficiency and fragmentation.

Labour says, citing its own analysis, that transitioning to public ownership could save money by cutting out franchise bidding costs, reducing the duplication of resources and lessening friction between operators.

The party also plans to bring in automatic delay and cancellation refunds, make digital season tickets available on all networks, and make timetables, tickets and fares more integrated. It also proposes moving mobile service on trains towards 5G and improving the integration of rail travel with bus and cycle hire services.

The Governments reform plans were based on recommendations from a review carried out by former British Airways chief executive Keith Williams.

Mr Williams said of Labours plans: I welcome Labours intention, if they are elected, to take forward the substance of my recommendations to deliver a better railway for passengers and freight by creating a rail body with an integrated profit and loss account, at arms length from government.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, said: We have seen more positivity in this stunning Labour Party vision for rail than anything at any time from the Tories during their failed privatisation and subsequent incoherent rail reform programme.

The Labour commitment delivers for the economy, for the taxpayer, for passengers, and for staff.

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: Labours commitment to bring the train operating companies into a new unified and publicly owned rail network is in the best interests of railway workers, passengers and the taxpayer.

He added: This announcement however should be a first step to completely integrating all of our railway into public ownership.

Andy Bagnall, chief executive at Rail Partners, an industry group of train operators and freight groups, said: Train companies agree that change is needed for the railways, but nationalisation is a political rather than a practical solution which will increase costs over time.

Rail minister Huw Merriman criticised Labours plans, claiming only the Tories had a plan to continue investing record amounts in our rail network.

He added: Labour have confirmed they would push forward with their pointless, unfunded rail nationalisation that will do nothing to improve train reliability or affordability for passengers.

Just like their unfunded 28 billion a year decarbonisation promise, they dont have a plan to pay for the bill attached to their rail nationalisation. Without a plan to pay for this, it means one thing: taxes will rise on hard working people.

Labours plans would still leave a role for the private sector on Britains railways.

Open access operators, like Hull Trains and Lumo, will be able to continue to compete to improve the offer to passengers, the party said.

Labour also hopes to crowd in private investment to stimulate innovation in the rail sector.

SNP transport spokesman Gavin Newlands said: This is just the latest in a long list of U-turns from Sir Keir Starmer, this time on his commitment to nationalise the railways.

Instead of putting the national railway service in the hands of the people, as the SNP Scottish Government have done, Sir Keir Starmers Labour Party will instead increase private investment into another public service, just like their plans for the NHS.
Boarding facilities can be hard for dogs. That's not to say that they don't receive a lot of love and care, but when a dog is away from its owners it can sort of get to them. But not Maggie. Maggie is a Labrador Retriever who lets nothing get her down. As can be seen in an adorable video The Pawms Pet Resort shared themselves.

Let's just say that we know Maggie is a ray of sunshine when she's at home. Because there's no way that dog has ever been sad a day in her life.

One of the employees at The Pawms went over to the Labrador Retriever to say hello one morning and Maggie had the warmest greeting for her. Her smile was huge! You can tell it was morning because her eyes were still closed and her tail was wagging so fast.

Related: Labrador Fitting in with Pups at Dalmatian Dog Meet-Up Is Everything

"Good morning, Maggie!" the woman said from behind the camera. You can hear her practically melting from behind the camera. "Oh my goodness!"

You can say that again. Maggie is everything. "Maggies family gets to wake up to this cutie pie everyday," one person in the comments section agreed. "As a pet owner, Id be so freaking happy to get this video and see how happy my baby was," another commenter added. "Id get fired for sneaking in the rooms for puppy cuddles," admitted someone else. "The smiliest dog I have ever seen," added one commenter.

More About the Pawms Pet Resort

Maggie is most likely not the only happy camper at Pawms Pet Resort. The daycare, boarding, grooming, and training company has locations across Alabama and could be just the place to give your dog a little puppy vacation.

According to their website, dogs who board at The Pawms are given spacious kennels that are about 4 ft. X 12 ft. and have large runs in case families want their two or three dogs to stay together.

If you're more of a cat person, The Pawms has facilities for you. Cats are more than welcome at The Pawms and live in a separate facility, away from the dogs, that is indoor and climate controlled.

If you really want your dog to live the good life, the Pawms offer a 100 square foot kennel at their Vestavia Hills location. It's basically like getting them a penthouse suite. Dogs even get their own TV!

Being away from your dog can be hard, but it doesn't have to be so bad if they're living the life of a celebrity.

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.
State congresswomen Stephanie Stahl Hamilton and Anna Hernandez celebrate after the house vote. Photograph: Rebecca Noble/Reuters

Lawmakers in the Arizona house have voted to repeal a controversial 1864 law banning nearly all abortions, amid mounting pressure on the states Republicans.

Three Republicans joined with all 29 Democrats on Wednesday to support the repeal of the law, which predates Arizonas statehood and provides no exceptions for rape or incest.

The move follows weeks of effort by Democrats in the state legislature to undo the law, while the issue increasingly put Republicans on the defensive in a key battleground state.

The measure will now head to the state senate, where it is expected to pass, and then to the governors desk.

Related: Have you signed yet?: Arizona activists battle to overturn near-total abortion ban

The Arizona supreme court earlier this month concluded the state could enforce a long-dormant law that permits abortions only to save the pregnant patients life. The ruling suggested doctors could be prosecuted under the law, first approved in 1864, and that anyone who assists in an abortion could face two to five years in prison.

The ruling put enormous pressure on Republicans in the state, who are under fire from some conservatives in their base who firmly support the abortion ban, and from swing voters who strongly oppose the measure and will decide crucial races including the presidency, the US Senate and the GOPs control of the legislature.

Some prominent Republicans, including the GOP candidate for Senate, Kari Lake, have come out against the ban. But Republicans in the statehouse repeatedly blocked efforts by Democratic lawmakers to repeal the law.

A week ago, one Republican in the Arizona house joined 29 Democrats to bring the repeal measure to a vote, but the effort failed twice on 30-30 votes.

The office of the Arizona attorney general, Kris Mayes, on Tuesday had asked the state supreme court to reconsider its decision, the Arizona Republic reported.

On Wednesday, dozens of people gathered outside the state capitol before the House and Senate were scheduled to meet, many of them carrying signs or wearing shirts showing their opposition to abortion rights.

Anti-abortion protesters sang Amazing Grace and chanted shame on you, Jeremy Duda of Axios reported.

The AZ House doesnt convene until 10am, but the gallery is already full. Pro-life folks are making the most of their ability to make noise before lawmakers come to the floor, singing Amazing Grace and chanting Shame on you! pic.twitter.com/sFDf2rxsCl  Jeremy Duda (@jeremyduda) April 24, 2024

Some Republicans were critical of their colleagues move to side with Democrats in repealing the ban.

I am disgusted today, said Rachel Jones, a Republican representative who voted against repeal. Life is one of the tenets of our Republican platform. To see people go back on that value is egregious to me.

The civil-war era law had been blocked since the US supreme courts 1973 Roe v Wade decision guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion nationwide.

After Roe v Wade was overturned in June 2022, the then Arizona attorney general, Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge that the 1864 ban could be enforced. The law had not actually been enforced while the case made its way through the courts.

If the proposed repeal is signed into law by the Democratic governor Katie Hobbs, a 2022 statute banning the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy would become the prevailing abortion law.

Many abortion providers in the state had vowed to continue providing the procedure until the ban went into effect. In neighboring California, providers were gearing up to treat Arizona patients seeking abortion care.

The battle over abortion access in Arizona will ultimately be decided in November. Abortion-rights advocates are pushing to ask Arizona voters to create a constitutional right to abortion. They have collected about 500,000 signatures, more than the almost 384,000 needed to put it on the ballot.

The proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee abortion rights until a fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks. It also would allow later abortions to save the parents life, or to protect her physical or mental health.

Republican lawmakers, in turn, are considering putting one or more competing abortion proposals on the November ballot.

A leaked planning document outlined the approaches being considered by house Republicans, such as codifying existing abortion regulations, proposing a 14-week ban that would be disguised as a 15-week law because it would allow abortions until the beginning of the 15th week, and a measure that would prohibit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many people know they are pregnant.

House Republicans have not yet publicly released any such proposed ballot measures.

Reproductive rights advocates say the issue has mobilized voters and report that people are seeking out signature-gatherers and asking about locations where their friends and family can sign to put abortion access on the ballot.

Ive had women come up with three kids, and theyre signing. And I tell them, moms are the most important signature here, because they understand what this issue is, and what pregnancy does to the body, what pregnancy does to your life, Susan Anthony, who has been gathering signatures in Arizona, told the Guardian.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
Helen McEntee, the justice minister, described the increase in migrants as a 'challenge' - LIAM McBURNEY/PA WIRE

More than 80 per cent of asylum seekers in Ireland cross into the country from the UK, an Irish government minister has said.

Tensions over immigration have risen in Ireland amid an increase in migrant arrivals and an acute housing crisis that has forced some asylum seekers to sleep in tents.

Migrants and refugees were crossing the border with Northern Ireland, Helen McEntee, the justice minister, told an Irish Parliament scrutiny committee.

This is the challenge that we have, that we have advocated for an open border on this island, she said. It is absolutely a challenge.

As she gave evidence on Irelands decision to opt into new EU asylum rules that aim to speed up migrant returns, the minister added: I would say its higher than 80 per cent.

The UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area, which predates both countries membership of the EU.

Infrastructure on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland has gradually been dismantled since the Good Friday Agreement more than 25 years ago.

During the Brexit negotiations, Dublin insisted that the border on the island of Ireland be kept invisible, without infrastructure such as checkpoints. It argued this would protect the peace process and safeguard Irelands place in the EUs Single Market. Brexiteers accused Dublin of weaponising the border.

The UK and EU eventually agreed to create an Irish Sea border for British goods and animals entering Northern Ireland to prevent a hard Irish border. Northern Ireland continues to follow hundreds of EU rules as part of the agreement, which enraged some Unionists.

The Irish Times reported a Department of Justice source as saying it was difficult to be exact about the numbers crossing into Ireland from Northern Ireland.

The source said more than 80 per cent of asylum claims were made at the International Protection Office in Dublin, without an application being first made at a port or airport.

The Irish Government believes that almost all those people have arrived from the UK. A significant number are thought to be Nigerians, and there has been a spike in asylum claims from Nigeria.

There is a returns agreement with the UK, which would allow Ireland to return migrants with refugee status in Britain.

Last month, Irelands High Court ruled that a decision by the Irish government to list the UK as a safe country to return asylum seekers to was unlawful. A judge found that Ms McEntee had exceeded her powers in designating the UK as a safe country after Brexit took legal effect.

She is now bringing forward legislation to remedy the deadlock, which comes amid controversy over the UKs Rwanda plan. In 2022, the Irish government blamed the Rwanda plan for a surge in the numbers of migrants arriving in Ireland.

In October, Leo Varadkar, who was the prime minister at the time, warned that Ireland had reached the limit of support it could offer to refugees.

Dublin moved to tighten its rules after Mr Varadkar claimed Ireland made a better offering to migrants than countries such as the UK.

There were anti-immigration riots in Dublin in November, and asylum seeker centres in Ireland have been targeted with arson attacks.

Ireland, a country of about five million people that welcomed more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees after Vladimir Putins illegal invasion.

Data released last year showed that there were 13,651 non-Ukranian applications for international protection in Ireland in 2022  a 186 per cent increase from 2019, the last comparable year before the pandemic.
Police line the streets outside the campus where more than 100 students have been arrested - Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

Youre f------ baby killers, thats what you are, a protester wearing a red-and-white keffiyeh bellows at a Jewish Columbia alumnus outside the Ivy League universitys gates.

Its not even 10am on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and expletives are already being traded across the metal barriers set up by police to pen in pro-Palestinian protesters.

I dont support the Israeli state but I dont support the slaughter of Jewish people, Elliott, 76, who graduated from Columbia in 1968, shouts in response.

The chant from the river to the sea means end the occupation, replies Lee Ali, a demonstrator who drove an hour and a half from Pennsylvania to protest outside the school. Im not going to talk to a f------ Nazi, he continues.

While the central protest is going on inside the campus, non-student pro-Palestinian protesters have been gathering outside the gates each day to show their support. The terse exchange is an example of tensions spilling out beyond the grounds of one of the United States most prestigious universities, where hundreds of students have for days been occupying the campuss main lawn to demand Columbia cut ties with anything related to Israel.

Months of student demonstrations against the war in Gaza have reached a crescendo and now dozens of New York Police Department officers and private security staff line the streets outside.

The arrest of more than 100 students last week failed to deter the Gaza Solidarity Encampment protesters, who have made it clear they will not budge.

Students have been occupying the campus's main lawn for days - Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images

On Wednesday morning, Minouche Shafik, the universitys president, delivered a stark warning that the camp would be dismantled if the protesters did not disperse by 8am. The deadline was later extended by 48 hours to give more time for university bosses and student representatives to negotiate throughout the day and night.

Protesters have demanded the university divest from any financial interests connected to Israel and administrators offer amnesty to those involved with the protest. The weeks-long demonstration has upended learning at the university, with students at Barack Obamas former university told they dont have to attend classes on campus for the rest of the term. It sparked similar protests at institutions across the US. Police officers arrested at least four pro-Palestinian protesters who were demonstrating at the University of Texas campus on Wednesday.

Dozens of Texas Department of Public Safety officers in riot gear were deployed to disperse the crowd of protesters. Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, another Ivy League school, warned on Wednesday that more than 90 protesters camped out on university grounds to disperse or face conduct proceedings.

Encampments have also sprung up at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley, while riot police arrested more than 60 people at Yale on Monday and more than 150 people in downtown Manhattan at New York University.

The effects of the protests are visible across the city - REUTERS

The fevered protests on university campuses have in recent days become a political flashpoint stretching from the White House to the Middle East.

On Wednesday, Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, called the protests anti-Semitic and claimed they incite terrorism. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister also waded in, saying more has to be done to stop pro-Palestinian protests that have spread across US campuses.

Whats happening in Americas college campuses is horrific, he said in a recorded statement, accusing anti-Semitic mobs of taking over leading universities. Its unconscionable. It has to be stopped. It has to be condemned and condemned unequivocally, he said. The response of several university presidents was shameful. Now, fortunately, state, local, federal officials, many of them have responded differently but there has to be more. More has to be done.

I condemn the anti-Semitic protests, Joe Biden told reporters on Monday. I also condemn those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mike Johnson, the House Speaker who was among a string of Republicans who called for Baroness Shafik to resign, visited Columbia to speak to Jewish students.

Despite all the chaos and hostility surrounding the demonstration that has gripped the country, the students holed up on the universitys south lawn seemed anything but concerned. Visibly relaxed, protesters emerged from dozens of tents peppering the carefully cut grass to apply sun cream in the April heat.

We will not be stopped and we will not be moved, one student dressed in a green cardigan and a keffiyeh shouted from a megaphone at the centre of the encampment. We must continue to be disciplined, she said to a rapturous applause.

The Gaza Solidarity Encampment is a well-oiled machine, one protester said. There are several different committees, including a media team  that will only speak to the press at a specific time  and a security group. There have been poetry readings, guest speakers and a Passover celebration held in the encampment, which one protester described as a festival of peace.

Demonstrators face off with police outside the university's main entrance - REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

But the demonstration has been less pleasant for some Jewish students on campus. A group of 133 Israeli students this week wrote to Baroness Shafik, a former president of the London School of Economics, saying that they feared for their lives.

The campus has become a place I dread entering, one signatory told The Telegraph. Over the last few days Ive feared speaking in Hebrew on campus, telling anyone that Im Jewish or interacting with my professors, they said.

Another student who wished to remain anonymous said he felt unsafe and had fled to London to join family.

It is the fear felt by Jewish students that prompted Elliott to grill Mr Ali outside the university gates about the meaning of the chant often used by pro-Palestinian protesters.

The retired lawyer and Columbia donor still attends two classes a week at his old university, where he heard from a Jewish classmate that they felt uncomfortable on campus. On Wednesday morning, he was on his way to a seminar on Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky when he had the altercation outside the school gates.

Elliott, who did not want to give his last name, said he was arrested at Columbia as a student in 1968 for opposing the Vietnam war.

You could argue that what we did was wrong, and I would have that argument, but there was never an instance where anyone was singled out for their ethnicity, he told The Telegraph.

Despite the bedlam engulfing Columbia that saw the former student branded a baby killer and Nazi outside the university gates, Elliott says he has been inspired to increase rather than cut off his donations to his former school.

I think the university, I think Minouche [Shafik] has done as good a job as she can, he said.
Commercial baked food, such as cakes, could contain the artificial sweetener neotame. Photograph: RuthBlack/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A sweetener used in cakes, soft drinks and chewing gum can seriously damage peoples health by weakening the gut, a new study has found.

Consumption of even a small amount of the sweetener neotame can lead to someone starting to suffer irritable bowel syndrome, insulin resistance, and even sepsis, a condition that kills about 40,000 in Britain a year.

The findings underlined that some of a new generation of sweeteners that give food products a super-sweet taste can have a toxic effect on health, the researchers said.

Dr Havovi Chichger , the senior author of the study, said that while sweeteners could be a healthier alternative to sugar, some could harm consumers.

Neotame was developed in 2002 as a substitute for aspartame, a sweetener which has aroused concerns, and has become widely used in recent years in drinks and foodstuffs sold in the UK. It is often referred to as E961 on the list of ingredients found on labels of products.

Chichger, an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University, and the studys co-author, Dr Aparna Shil, of Jahangirnagar University, in Bangladesh, said neotame carried a threat to health because it could damage the intestine by causing good bacteria to become diseased and invade the gut wall. In the process that could lead to illness because the epithelial barrier, part of the gut wall, could break down.

They published their findings, which they said are the first to show that neotame can have that damaging impact on healthy gut bacteria, in the medical journal Frontiers in Nutrition.

Previous research, including by Chichger, found that other common sweeteners  such as saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame  can also have that harmful effect.

Chichger said: There is now growing awareness of the health impacts of sweeteners such as saccharin, sucralose and aspartame, with our own previous work demonstrating the problems they can cause to the wall of the intestine and the damage to the good bacteria which form in our gut.

This can lead to a range of potential health issues including diarrhoea, intestinal inflammation, and even infections such as septicaemia if the bacteria were to enter the blood stream. Therefore, it is important to also study sweeteners that have been introduced more recently, and our new research demonstrates that neotame causes similar problems, including gut bacteria becoming diseased.

The co-authors said further research was needed to look into the toxic effects of some of the artificial sweeteners that have been developed more recently, given their widespread use. Some of the newest sweeteners in use produce a sweet taste that is 1,000 times sweeter than sugar.

Even a low intake of neotame might be harmful, Chichger stressed. Even when we studied neotame at very low concentrations, 10 times lower than the acceptable daily intake, we saw the breakdown of the gut barrier and a shift in bacteria to a more damaging behaviour, including increased invasion of healthy gut cells leading to cell death. This can be linked to issues such as irritable bowel diseases and sepsis, she said.

The European Food Safety Authority ruled in 2010 that neotame was safe for use. It has since been approved for use in more than 35 countries. But Efsa is now reviewing the safety of neotame as part of what Chichger said is a series of evidence-based risk assessments which may lead to a reassessment of certain sweeteners.
UK EU

They may share a special relationship, but the UK and US now appear to be headed down increasingly different economic paths.

Years of ballooning public expenditure mean Britain today more closely resembles France than its buccaneering ally across the Atlantic, the World Banks chief economist has said.

The country that used to be most like the United States in all of Europe was the UK. And you guys decided to go and become a lot more like continental Europe, Indermit Gill told The Telegraph.

But just how far has the UK fallen behind its closest ally? And does it increasingly resemble its high-spending, low-growth continental neighbours in Europe? We crunched the numbers to find out.

Public spending

The UK has particularly diverged from the US when it comes to public spending, Mr Gill said, becoming more like European economies in the process.

Spurred on by the pandemic, Britains public spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) has grown at a faster rate than in any other major European economy since 2019, aside from Italy.

Today, the UK spends 44 per cent of its GDP on public spending. Outlay in the US, by comparison, has not shifted since before the pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, the gap between the US and the UK in relative public spending had been hovering at its lowest level since the early-2000s, the result of more than a decade of austerity.

Where the USA and UK were spending 36 and 39 per cent of GDP respectively in 2019, France, Belgium and Italy were spending at least 49 per cent each.

GDP growth and debt

Unlike the US, the UK has been unable to turbocharge its economy post-pandemic.

So while overall public spending has gone up, namely on public sector wages, pensions and benefits, the overall size of the economy that such outlay is measured against has barely shifted.

It wasnt always like this. For decades, starting in the 1980s onwards, the UK proved better able than France and Germany at growing its economy, tacking closer to the US than either of its continental counterparts.

But since 2020, average economic growth has for the first time in recent decades fallen to below half of that recorded in the US.

And in yet another warning sign, Britain is also now lagging behind when compared with other parts of western Europe too.

The UKs anaemic rate of growth  at 0.8 per cent  has seen it surpassed by Italy, Portugal and Belgium, whose economies grew by 1 per cent, 1.4 per cent and 1.5 per cent on average across the 2020s.

While France and Germany have fared worse since 2020, the IMF has predicted the UK will fall behind France in 2024 with a predicted growth rate of just 0.5 per cent: a quarter of what the US is expected to achieve.

Productivity

A key contributor to the stagnation afflicting the UK economy is low productivity.

The issue has always been a weak spot for Britain, with the country falling not just behind the US, but many European nations too for decades.

Pre-pandemic, every hour worked in the UK contributed $66 (53) towards GDP, compared to $78 in France and Germany, and $87 in the US.

Since Covid, the disparity with the US has only grown.

Economic growth per hour worked has increased by just $13 in the past five years, a similar rate to the one recorded in France, but 15 per cent slower than in the US.

Inactivity overall

This inability to make work pay has been matched by another major drag on the UK economy: the increasing number of Britons seemingly unable or unwilling to work at all.

While European countries have, in general, seen the number of men classed as economically inactive fall since 2019, the rate in the UK has slowly been ticking upward.

Germany and France, for example, have witnessed falls in the number of working-age men not looking for work  who are not covered by unemployment statistics  of 9 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. In the UK, that figure has climbed by 5 per cent.

Today, it stands at 17 per cent among British men. This still remains significantly below France (23 per cent) and even the USA (at 21 per cent). But the UKs trend-busting move upwards is further evidence of a country moving closer to the high inactivity rates more typically seen among its European neighbours.

Meanwhile, the UKs unemployment rate  made up of people seeking jobs but unable to find one  compares poorly against both Germany and the US, at 4.3 per cent compared with 3.1 and 3.7 per cent respectively.

France measures worse still, with 7.3 per cent of the working age population looking for jobs.

Economic inactivity among over-55s

The economic inactivity gap between Britain and other parts of Europe is clearest amongst adults just shy of retirement age.

Some 37 per cent of French men aged 55 to 64 are economically inactive, compared to 28 per cent in the UK and US.

But a decade of reforms in France have slowly begun to close the gap between the two countries. Where France has seen effective early retirement fall by 7 per cent since 2019, the UK has recorded a jump of 5 per cent.

Both, meanwhile, can look enviously towards Germany where just 20 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds are economically inactive.

On average, people tend to officially retire later in the US than in western Europe, at 64.9 years of age. In the UK, they do so at 63.6 on average, far behind France, at 60.4, but marginally older than in Germany, where the figure stands at 63.1 years of age.
China's range of counter-space weapons 'a threat to US space capabilities' - Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua News Agency/eyevine

China is developing anti-satellite weapons as part of a breathtaking military expansion, US defence experts have warned.

Gen Stephen Whiting, the head of the US Space Command, said Beijing had tripled the number of intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance satellites on orbit in just six years.

Frankly, the Peoples Republic of China is moving at breathtaking speed in space and they are rapidly developing a range of counter-space weapons to hold at risk our space capabilities, Gen Whiting said.

Counter-space attacks range from disruption of GPS signals or spoofing, to destroying a satellite by detonating a missile in space.

Experts have long warned of Beijings misuse of anti-satellite weapons and the need to clean up space from an environmental perspective. Debris still lingers in space from the ballistic missile China fired in 2007 to destroy an orbiting satellite.

China using space to improve lethality

Gen Whiting added that China had used space capabilities to improve the lethality, the precision and the range of their terrestrial forces.

Speaking at the US embassy in London, Col Raj Agrawal, commander of Americas Space Delta 2 force, also warned that China had shown a clear intent to project its power through space and stressed the precision with which it could strike targets thousands of miles away, beyond the curve of the Earth.

Lt Col Travis Anderson, head of a Space Force intelligence squadron, also said its fleet of 350 satellites had increased by 300 per cent since 2018.

It allows them to look into the Indo-Pacific and find the US and allied forces ships, he said.

Last week, Beijing announced the creation of an information support force within the Peoples Liberation Army, which will reform the way cyber, information, logistics and space operations are run.

Gen Whiting said these changes further enhance the importance of space and information warfare and cyber operations in Chinas military.

Serious national security threat

Beijing has invested billions of dollars into its military-run space programme in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia.

In February, US intelligence indicated that Russia had a desire to put a nuclear weapon into space, in what was described as a serious national security threat.

The intelligence warned the weapon could be used to target Western satellites in space which could disrupt communications and military targeting systems.

Last year, Gen B Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations of the US Space Force, said the danger posed by Chinas anti-satellite missile capabilities was one of the biggest challenges it faced.
Claudette Johnsons with her portrait of the African American Sarah Parker Remond, which was part of her New York show Drawn Out. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Claudette Johnson has been nominated for this years Turner prize for her work, which includes a portrait of the African-American slavery abolitionist Sarah Parker Remond commissioned as part of the Guardians award-winning Cotton Capital series.

Pio Abad, Johnson, Jasleen Kaur and Delaine Le Bas will compete for the 25,000 prize, while the nominated artists will each collect 10,000 as the prize returns to Tate Britain for the first time in six years.

Colonialism, migration, nationalism and identity politics are the key themes running through the 40th edition of the Turner prize, which the jury described as showing contemporary British art is appealing and dynamic as ever.

Alex Farquharson, the director of Tate Britain and chair of the Turner prize jury, said this years nominees were exploring ideas of identity and would be exhibited from 25 September, before the jurys final choice.

He said: This years shortlisted artists can be broadly characterised as exploring questions of identity, autobiography, community and the self in relation to memory, or history or myth.

The Turner prize, regarded as one of the art worlds most prestigious awards, is presented to an artist born or working in Britain for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work over the previous year.

Abad was nominated for his solo exhibition To Those Sitting in Darkness at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, with the jury commenting on the precision and elegance of his work, which takes its title from a Mark Twain poem of a similar name that critiques American imperialism the Philippines, his homeland.

The show also contains references to the Benin Bronzes, after Abad discovered that the punitive expedition of 1897  during which British troops sacked Benin City and looted thousands of objects, of which about 900 are in the British Museum  set off from his home, Woolwich, in south London.

Johnson was nominated for her solo Presence exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery, which the Guardian said brilliantly questions depictions of non-white figures by such revered painters as Gauguin and Picasso. She was also recognised for her New York show, Drawn Out, at Ortuzar Projects, which included her Redmond portrait.

She is the latest black female artist who emerged in the Black Art Movement of the 1980s to be recognised by the Turner prize, following in the footsteps of Lubaina Himid (2017 winner) and Veronica Ryan (2022), while Ingrid Pollard and Barbara Walker have both been nominated.

The jury said Johnson had been nominated because of the renewal of her practice, after she stopped making work in the 1990s, and the fact she was still taking risks and trying new forms of practice.

Kaurs work in the exhibition Alter Altar, which was shown at Tramway in Glasgow, features sculptures and soundscapes, including a red Ford Escort covered in a huge doily, which references her fathers first car and ideas of migration and belonging in Britain.

Kaur grew up in Glasgows Sikh community in Pollokshields, and the jury said the exhibition was a breakout show that was generous, celebratory, moving and alive to timely issues, speaking imaginatively to how we might live together in a world increasingly marked by nationalism, division and social control.

Le Bass work, shown at the Vienna Secession exhibition, was described as a response to social and political turmoil and includes immersive performance art with theatrical costumes and sculptures.

Farquharson said there was a chance the show may travel to Bradford during its City of Culture year, following the precedent set by Coventry, which hosted the awards in 2021, although that was still to be confirmed.
Here's a tip: If you're going to try and eat your way through Pullman Market, be sure to wear your stretchy pants.

The new 40,000-square-foot foodie paradise from the Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, which made its Pearl debut Tuesday, takes its mission to be "the largest culinary market in the Southwest" seriously. With five quick-service food counters, a full bar and what ultimately will be four full-service restaurants under one roof, Pullman Market can satisfy just about any appetite.

In one visit, it's difficult to wrap your head around Pullman Market, which draws inspiration from the famous marketplace Eataly with a Texas twist. A typical restaurant in San Antonio might clock in at 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. At Pullman, you've got that more than 10 times over in a historic building that once housed the Samuels Glass Co.

And it's not just restaurants. If you need to stock up on exotic mushrooms, fancy soap, maybe some top-shelf cat food, there's a substantial grocery department filled with specialty home and food products.

Pullman Market is well-stocked with a wide range of grocery items. Paul Stephen/Staff

"Pullman Market is the first project of its kind in San Antonio and the region. Were most excited about providing a space for guests to get a taste of the ideals that make this city great: community, hospitality and high-quality food," Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group partner Kevin Fink said in a media release. "Theres something for everyone at Pullman Market. You can grab a quick bite, stay awhile at one of our restaurants, discover fresh local ingredients or grab something premade to make mealtime easy  knowing its all been sourced with a commitment to quality and sustainability in an effort to offer the best we can for our community."

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The produce department at Pullman Market is well-stocked with Texas-grown items. Paul Stephen/Staff

Fresh produce is the first thing most visitors will notice. The main entrance is a few steps away from the Pearl's Food Hall at Bottling Department, and leads directly into a display of fruits, vegetables and other kitchen staples.

A toasty aroma of fresh bread hangs over the whole space, wafting from a nearby bakery department overseen by Sandeep Gyawali, who previously managed the culinary development program at Whole Foods.

At first glance, Pullman Market has the feel of barely controlled chaos. But there's a natural flow to the layout. A massive and lovingly restored rotisserie oven loaded with chicken and pork anchors a sandwich counter just feet away from the bakery. Here, that fresh bread is transformed into eggy breakfast sandwiches, classic cold-cut heroes and the terrific pressed El Cubano loaded with pork from the rotisserie, among other hot and cold sandwiches.

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Pullman Market has a full-animal butchery department. Photos by Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market has a full-animal butchery department. Photos by Paul Stephen/Staff

It's the same in the meat and seafood departments. A selection of fresh fish caught from Texas waters gleams from a bright display case. Next to that is a ceviche and taco counter, where you may spot James Beard Award semifinalist Alex Paredes quietly marrying diced shrimp and snapper with citrus juice into five different preparations. You can pick up oysters to bring home, or they'll shuck them for you to enjoy on the spot.

The meat counter looks modest at first, but closer examination reveals it's merely the face of a sprawling whole-animal butchery program that supplies beef, pork and more to all the various restaurant operations inside Pullman Market, along with rib-eye steaks, housemade charcuterie and more for retail sale.

And two steps over, you'll find the sizzling griddles of Burgers By The Butcher, where freshly ground wagyu and Angus beef become a lineup of over-the-top burgers served on spongy milk buns.

MORE MARKETS: 7 food and beverage vendors are now open at the Make Ready Market food hall in downtown San Antonio

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Top left: The Cowboy Burger at Pullman Market is topped with thick bacon, crispy onions and house-made pickles. Top right: Fife & Farro at Pullman Market serves pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes. Bottom left: The Cuban sandwich at Pullman Market made with freshly baked bread and rotisserie-cooked pork. Bottom right: Pullman Market sells several types of ceviche that can be eaten on the spot or taken to go. Photos by Paul Stephen/Staff 1. The Cowboy Burger at Pullman Market is topped with thick bacon, crispy onions and house-made pickles. 2. Fife & Farro at Pullman Market serves pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes. 3. The Cuban sandwich at Pullman Market made with freshly baked bread and rotisserie-cooked pork. 4. Pullman Market sells several types of ceviche that can be eaten on the spot or taken to go. Photos by Paul Stephen/Staff

Two of Pullman's four full restaurant concepts are currently open. Fife & Farro leans Italian, with a focus on sourdough pizzas cooked in wood-burning ovens and housemade pasta prepared with heritage grains. That fresh pasta is also available for retail purchase in display cases just outside Fife & Farro in one of the many areas where restaurant blends seamlessly into grocery store.

The restaurant Mezquite anchors the back end of the market, with the shopping experience transitioning into an open dining space equipped with a large bar dubbed Mezcaleria just outside its boundaries.

Customers can bring their burger or ceviche to the bar, overseen by Houston Eaves, who previously served as beverage director at The Esquire Tavern, and enjoy their meal with a bright margarita or paloma, or have a seat in the restaurant proper to sample a menu focused on the Sonoran region of Fink's native Tucson. The flour tortillas are worth noting here, made with heritage Sonoran wheat and, naturally, also available in the market's tortilla department over by the ceviche counter.

A full bar at Pullman Market is located in the center of the shopping area. Paul Stephen/Staff

Two additional restaurants, Isadore and Nicosi, are set to open this summer.

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The former will be a Texas-centric fine-dining affair that promises to showcase a regularly rotating menu of the best produce and meats the state has to offer, along with a wine and spirits list to accompany those Lone Star treats. Nicosi will deliver a unique multicourse dessert tasting experience for up to 20 guests  but you won't be able to share it on Instagram. Nicosi will be a device-free space without the distraction of cellphones.

Pullman Market features several quiet seating areas. Paul Stephen/Staff

As if you won't be distracted enough by the bounty of food, Pullman Market is also a visual treat. The sprawling building has mile-high ceilings, tons of exposed brick and interesting architectural details, such as a pair of towering doors that once opened into a train loading dock.

Oh, yeah, and there's a train, too. A vintage engine sits on the disused rails behind the market. A covered patio provides ample outdoor seating, and a small lounge area near the bar features several cozy sofas and chairs arranged around low tables.

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Pullman Market includes a vast wine selection. Paul Stephen/Staff Fresh pasta is rolled out at Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Fresh tortillas are made daily at Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market's bakery features a number of desserts. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is well-stocked with a wide range of grocery items. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff A full bar is well-stocked at Fife & Farro inside Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Fife & Farro is one of four full-service restaurants located within Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is well-stocked with a wide range of grocery items. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market sells fresh pasta. Paul Stephen/Staff A full bar at Pullman Market is located in the center of the shopping area. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market sells burgers at a counter by the butchery department. Paul Stephen/Staff Fife & Farro is one of four restaurants within Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market is located at 221 Newell Ave. at Pearl. Paul Stephen/Staff Pullman Market includes a large outdoor patio seating area. Paul Stephen/Staff Mezquite is one of four full-service restaurants located within Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Mezquite is one of four full-service restaurants located within Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff Mezquite is one of four full-service restaurants located within Pullman Market. Paul Stephen/Staff The Pullman Market staff poses for a team photo. Paul Stephen/Staff

Honestly, a good pair of walking shoes is recommended. There's a lot to explore here, and you can probably get most of your day's steps in without leaving the grounds.

Whether you're visiting Pullman Market to stock up on the week's groceries, grab a coffee  of course, they roast their own  and scoop of ice cream from celebrated pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph or enjoy a big date-night dinner, there's something for everyone here. Just be sure to bring an appetite. You're going to need it.

Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave., 210-759-0086, pullmanmarket.com.

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Jacob Rees-Mogg suggests the 'extraordinary' rise in sickness is a management problem, not a health one - Geoff Pugh

The number of council staff off work on long-term sick leave has risen by a fifth since the pandemic.

Almost 10,000 town hall workers are currently off work through long-term sickness, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.

Six in 10 councils have seen a rise in the number of staff off on long-term sick leave since 2019, the year before the Covid outbreak.

Long-term sick leave is classed by the Government as four or more weeks of absence because of sickness.

Critics said the increase since the pandemic highlighted the need to crack down on those using poor health as a reason not to work.

Work may need health warning

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, said: Perhaps working from home is not so healthy after all.

The extraordinary rise in sickness in the public sector is surely a management problem rather than a health one.

Otherwise, working for the state will need a health warning.

However, the Lib Dems said the figures showed that the Government needed to do far more to reduce NHS waiting lists so people get the healthcare they need.

The party sent a Freedom of Information request to all councils in England, with responses provided by 185 out of 317.

The responses show there were 9,979 council staff currently on long-term sick leave, up 18 per cent from 8,441 in 2019.

Some 58 per cent of councils had seen a rise in staff being off on long-term sickness compared to 2019, while 98 of the 185 councils also showed a year-on-year rise between 2023 and 2024.

Birmingham, the countrys largest council, has the highest number on long-term sick with 561 staff in this position, up from 390 in 2019.

The council declared itself effectively bankrupt last year, and is putting up its council tax by 21 per cent over two years.

At Leeds, there are 425 currently off, up from 254 in 2019.

Only four councils had no staff on long-term sick leave: West Oxfordshire, Staffordshire, Rushmoor and Copeland.

Across the country, a record 2.8 million people are out of work owing to long-term sickness.

Taxpayers are fed up

Previous data from the Lib Dems revealed almost 12,000 key workers across the UK including nurses, police officers and firefighters were stuck on long-term sick leave.

Darwin Friend, head of research at the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Taxpayers are fed up with the sick leave culture that has spread like an epidemic from Whitehall to town halls.

The public sector posts far higher sick leave than the private sector, which is shocking given hours tend to be shorter, annual leave is more generous, and flexible working is more common.

Local government should ensure that this system is not being abused, and should aim to bring levels in line with the private sector.

Helen Morgan, the Lib Dems local government spokesman, called on ministers to cut waiting lists and ensure people receive good quality care so they can return to work faster.

These figures reveal a long-term sickness epidemic hitting local councils across the country, she said.

Government is to blame

Council staff are working hard every day to deliver for their local communities while facing the stress of government funding cuts and having to operate on a shoestring.

Under the Conservatives, more people are going off with long-term sickness and not getting the support they need.

Rishi Sunak is happy to point the finger at staff who are ill while ignoring the serious issues caused by his governments neglect of the NHS.

The NHS is as stretched as its ever been and this government is to blame - theyre failing patients and hurting our local services at the same time.

Ministers need to tackle waiting lists and give workers across the country the high quality care they deserve.
The police scene at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Sydneys Wakley after the stabbing attack last week. Photograph: Jaimi Joy/Reuters

Seven juveniles have been arrested as part of extensive counter-terrorism raids across south-western Sydney, with police alleging they adhere to a religiously motivated violent extremist ideology.

New South Wales police said 13 search warrants were executed on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of seven juveniles including 15, 16 and 17-year-olds. Five others are assisting police with their inquiries.

The arrests come amid the ongoing investigation into the alleged stabbing of bishop Mar Mari Emmanual at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church in Wakeley last week. A 16-year-old has been charged with a terrorist offence over the alleged attack.

Deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett of the Australian federal police, who were aiding investigations and in the execution of the warrants, said that there was no evidence of any planned attack.

She said the arrests come as part of the NSW joint counter-terrorism teams (JCTT) investigation into the alleged offender and his associates.

We identified links between the alleged offender and a network of associates and peers who would believe shared a similar violent extremist ideology.

At this time, we have no evidence of specific locations, times, or targets of a violent act, she said.

The NSW police deputy commissioner, David Hudson, said that the arrests come amid concerns that it was likely that an attack might ensue.

It was considered that the group, subject of our attention, posed an unacceptable risk to the people of New South Wales, and our current purely investigative strategies could not adequately ensure public safety.

Their behaviour, whilst under that surveillance, led us to believe that, if they were to commit any act, we would not be able to prevent that.

Related: Sydney church stabbing: police charge 16-year-old boy with terrorism offence

He repeated that police investigations had failed to identify if the group had any specific target, adding that the group was loose in nature.

No specific targets had been nominated. However, its just the ongoing threat and loose nature of the group as well. Whilst coordinated to some degree, there were splinter factions doing their own thing as well.

Hudson said more than 400 members of the joint counter-terrorism team from the state and federal police forces, as well as the NSW crime commission, were part of the action that began at about 11.15am.

Both Hudson and Barrett said there was no current ongoing threat to community.

Hudson said the group all come from the same area when asked if they all attended the same school.

Theyre all obviously from very similar areas in the community. And theres a crossover on individuals between different groups. But they are all known to each other  some quite closely, some loosely.

The JCTT that is investigating the alleged attack last week comprises of the NSW police, the Australian federal police, Asio and the NSW Crime Commission.

At a National Press Club address on Wednesday, the Australian federal police commissioner, Reece Kershaw, confirmed the raids were in relation to the alleged attack by a 16-year-old boy at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd church.

The bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly stabbed during a livestreamed memorial service at the church, sparking a riot outside the church. The stabbing incident was later designated a terror incident.

Mike Burgess, the director general of Asio, was also at the National Press Club on Wednesday and said his officers were involved in the investigation.

Asio is a part of the joint counter-terrorism in every state and territory, he said. My officers are connected and involved and embedded inside the joint counter-terrorism team.
The Australian Human Rights Commissions Respect@Work report has concluded that gender inequality is causing unsafe work environments for some women in sections of the ABF. Photograph: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

Bullying and harassment are normalised in some sections of the Australian Border Force according to a damning report suggesting cultural issues are not confined to its marine unit.

The Australian Human Rights Commissions Respect@Work report for the ABF concluded that gender inequality persists in the ABF, creating unsafe work environments for some women.

On Wednesday Guardian Australia revealed a secret AHRC report on the ABFs marine unit had found that 100% of women who responded to a survey witnessed sex discrimination, sexual  and/or sex-based harassment and 78% had personally experienced that behaviour.

Related: Secret report warns Australian Border Forces marine unit is not safe for women

A broader Respect@Work report on the ABF, a summary of which has been seen by Guardian Australia, also details examples of potentially unlawful conduct or inappropriate behaviour raised by ABF officers.

These included alleged sexual discrimination, such as:

Comments from a team leader about wanting to get rid of all his part-time workers who were all women;

misogynistic and belittling comments by a male supervisor to a female officer to the effect that she belonged in the kitchen;

a female officer constantly told to smile while working on sensitive issues;

co-workers withholding information from a pregnant officer on the basis that she was not going to be around;

leaders commenting that some women are not suitable for certain roles because of their childcare responsibilities.

Alleged sexual harassment uncovered included: sexual images sent to female officers by a male officer, sexual innuendo seen as banter as commonplace in some teams, and a senior male leader sending multiple junior female officers numerous, unwelcome personal messages and calls after hours.

The report also warned of bullying and other discriminatory conduct such as yelling, screaming and belittling behaviours by high-ranking officers and use of discriminatory language directed at clients from specific nationalities.

The AHRC Respect@Work report was based on 30 focus groups with 143 participants, 29 interviews and workshops with 45 participants across a range of ABF groups including customs, detention management, maritime border command, and regional and remote operations.

Some ABF officers expressed limited confidence in senior leaderships ability or desire to address unlawful or inappropriate conduct, the report said.

They noted that consistent, visible action was needed, and that oneoff communication of expected behavioural standards is ineffective.

In a section on culture, the report noted a lack of consistency by senior leaders and people leaders [at the APS 46 levels and EL1 and 2 levels] in setting standards expected in the workplace and in taking action to address unlawful conduct and other inappropriate behaviours.

Related: Australian Human Rights Commission to crack down on employers who fail to actively prevent workplace sexual harassment

Despite some examples of positive leadership, the report also heard complaints of a lack of leadership action and accountability in response to unlawful and inappropriate behaviour, with a tendency to sweep matters under the carpet and leave officers to deal with their own matters and that individuals who engaged in unlawful or inappropriate conduct, including sexual harassment, were allowed to behave inappropriately without consequences.

The AHRC found that reporting options are perceived as unsafe, lacking confidentiality and lengthy, discouraging officers from reporting.

Fear of victimisation was raised as a further barrier to reporting.

Officers spoke of negative career impacts and retaliation such as unfavourable rostering and reputational damage.

Women officers reporting sexual harassment spoke of facing dismissal of their allegations based on supposed he said, she said scenarios, highlighting that reporting can lead to judgment and a lack of empathy towards those reporting.

Officers also complained of a relatively high threshold for formal sanctions and a perception that current processes focus on individual incidents and not prior  or [a] series of incidents, which may highlight patterns of behaviour.

The AHRC recommended the ABF develop a monitoring and evaluation framework  to understand the prevalence of unlawful conduct and inappropriate behaviours.

It also called for reporting systems to be redesigned for a person-centred and trauma-informed practice.

The Community and Public Sector Union national secretary, Melissa Donnelly, said the cultural issues are deeply concerning, but not surprising.

Donnelly said her members had been working for years to raise and address issues that were allowed to fester and grow but were largely ignored or silenced.

Our members are relieved to see new leadership no longer turning a blind eye to the issues that plague their workplaces and compromise their safety.

The union understands that this investigation is the first of many that will occur as the Department of Home Affairs works to address deeply entrenched cultural issues.

Both the Respect@Work report and deep dive into the marine unit were produced by the AHRC as part of a five-year partnership with the ABF, which the commissioner, Michael Outram, said he had proactively commissioned in April 2022.

Outram responded to the reports by telling staff the reported behaviours were confronting and disturbing and run counter to our ABF values.

Outram has accepted all 42 recommendations of the reports and promised a detailed implementation plan.

I am resolutely committed to working with the AHRC to establish ABF as an exemplar in providing a safe, equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and workplace, he told Guardian Australia.

The home affairs minister, Clare ONeil, said she shared the commissioners concerns with the findings of the report and note the ABF has accepted all recommendations.
David Marquand: he believed that the democratic Left should not try to abolish market forces, but rather make them 'the servants instead of the masters of democratic politics' - Malcolm Gilson/Shutterstock

David Marquand, who has died aged 89, was a Europhile social democrat who resigned as a Labour MP to follow Roy Jenkins to Brussels and was a prime mover in founding the SDP before returning to his roots in academia, and eventually to the Labour Party.

As professor of politics at Salford and Sheffield Universities, joint editor for a decade of the Political Quarterly and ultimately principal of Mansfield College, Oxford, he made an important contribution to debate on the late-20th-century British political system and its ability to cope.

Marquands political life, and his outlook, was summed up in the title of his book The Progressive Dilemma (1991). He believed the democratic Left should aim to make market forces the servants instead of the masters of democratic politics, rather than attempting to abolish them. In The Unprincipled Society (1988) he argued that Thatcherism had eroded a sense of community that had to be rebuilt.

Not all his pronouncements went unchallenged; when in 1992 he wrote in The Guardian that the Tories had been re-elected through fear rather than hope, his sister Diana, a social worker in Sussex, retorted in print that the voters had gone for John Major as a model of decency coupled with determination.

An early advocate, with Jenkins, of a new centrist party, Marquand moved on from the eclipse of the SDP to influence the think-tanks that gave rise to Blairism: the Institute for Public Policy Research, Demos and the Social Justice Commission set up by John Smith. He rejoined Labour in 1995, supporting the Blair-Ashdown discussions over Liberal Democrat involvement in the 1997 Labour government and encouraging Labour to deregulate and privatise further.

The cerebral Marquand was probably the ablest of Labours gifted 1966 parliamentary intake never to become a minister  due to his uncompromising moderation and his readiness to say the (in Labour circles) unsayable. His insistence that surplus industrial capacity concealed the true level of unemployment, culminating in his refusal to support the 1975 government bail-out for Chrysler, did not play well.

He caused further upset by arguing in his 1977 biography of Ramsay Macdonald that, rather than engineering a Great Betrayal in 1931, Macdonald had done everything possible to keep the Labour government together.

Some Westminster colleagues believed Marquand would be better suited to an Oxford common room. Others felt that, in denying him a job, Harold Wilson was settling an old score because he had not got on with Marquands father Hilary, his junior minister at the Board of Trade.

Marquand did serve briefly on the opposition front bench before being sacked for supporting Edward Heaths application to join the Common Market; others dismissed were later forgiven. Marquand himself said: I was arrogant enough to believe that I could have been promoted quite easily if I had set my mind to it.

Whatever the reason, his contribution over 11 years in the Commons was not fully appreciated. Jenkins, bidding farewell to the parliamentary party, declared with his inimitable pronunciation that he was leaving without bitterness and without wancour. A voice from the back exclaimed: We thought you were taking Marquand with you.

David Marquand: some felt that, in denying him a job, Harold Wilson was settling an old score because he had not got on with Marquand's father Hilary, his junior minister at the Board of Trade - Shutterstock

David Ian Marquand was born at Cardiff on September 20 1934 to Hilary Marquand and his wife, the former Rachel Rees, a schoolteacher. As well as a sister, David had a younger brother, Richard, who would become a director of Hollywood films, notably Star Wars: Episode VI  Return of the Jedi.

David was educated at Emanuel School, Battersea, and Magdalen and St Antonys colleges, Oxford, taking a First in modern history and chairing the University Labour Club.

He taught at the University of California before joining the Guardian in 1959 as a leader writer on the recommendation of AJP Taylor, steering the paper toward support for Labour after its anti-Bevan, Conservative-leaning period in the 1950s. Three years later he returned to St Antonys as a research fellow, and in 1964 became lecturer in politics at Sussex University.

A committed Gaitskellite and Fabian, Marquand was active in the doctrinal battles which came to a head over nuclear disarmament at Labours 1960 conference, his first. At the 1964 election he more than halved the Conservative majority at Barry, and 18 months later he won the Nottinghamshire mining seat of Ashfield on the retirement of William Warbey, an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War about which Marquand also had reservations.

In the Commons he championed procedural reform, serving on a committee whose revolutionary recommendation that Prayers should start 10 minutes early to allow more time for questions was not adopted. In 1967 he became PPS to Reg Prentice, Minister for Public Building and Works and subsequently for Overseas Development. But the Labour benches were awash with young talent, and it was early 1971 before Wilson gave him a job, as junior spokesman on the economy.

Marquand had been closer to Anthony Crosland than to Jenkins, but Croslands temporising on Europe drove him into Jenkins camp as he became a delegate to the Council of Europe and rapporteur for its economic affairs committee. When Wilson completed his U-turn on Europe in 1972 and Labour MPs were instructed to oppose Heaths application, he rebelled.

With Labour back in power and lurching Leftward, Marquand in December 1974 co-founded the Manifesto Group, the rallying-point of party moderates which was a force until the breakaway to form the SDP.

Marquands move to Brussels as chief advisor to the European Commissions Secretariat-General did not go smoothly. Jenkins wanted him, but the Commission queried his job description and Marquand worked part-time for three months before his appointment was cleared.

As the Callaghan governments majority had evaporated, he was encouraged to remain an MP as long as possible. This aroused controversy, as did his appointment being announced before he could tell his constituency party. Marquand also upset local miners by skipping their conference because he was on an intensive French course.

With the government highly unpopular, a by-election in a constituency that had never warmed to its MP, caused by his departure for a not over-popular Europe, was a debacle waiting to happen. On April 28 1977, Marquands majority of 22,915 was overturned by the Conservative Tim Smith, the worst of a rash of results (Jenkinss seat was also lost) that tilted the parliamentary arithmetic toward Margaret Thatcher.

Marquand went to Brussels as Jenkinss principal liaison man with the European Parliament and political parties in the member countries. But the job proved unsatisfying; rumours of his departure were circulating within weeks and in April 1978 he was appointed professor of contemporary history and politics at Salford University, at half his Brussels salary.

His relationship with Jenkins survived his departure, and he raised the banner of a new centrist party on Jenkinss behalf on the fringe of the 1980 Liberal Assembly. His analysis of Labours 1979 election defeat in Encounter, arguing that Labour was incapable of reforming the Welfare State, won him the 1980 George Orwell Memorial Prize.

When the SDP launched in March 1981, Marquand was on its steering committee. He represented the party, along with the Gang of Four, in difficult negotiations over an electoral pact with the Liberals, and was the first SDP candidate selected for the 1983 election, at High Peak; he pushed Labour into third place.

Marquand shared David Owens belief in the need for the SDP to emulate Mrs Thatchers boldness, but when David Steel split the alliance after its 1987 election defeat by advocating a Liberal/SDP merger, Marquand sided with him. He went on to serve on the merged partys initial policy committee and advise Paddy Ashdown, sharing his view that Labour was again becoming electable and the Lib Dems best hope was some form of working arrangement.

In 1991 he moved to Sheffield University as professor of politics (and from 1993 director of its Political Economy Research Centre); on his appointment as principal of Mansfield in 1996, Sheffield awarded him an honorary professorship. He retired from Mansfield in 2002, remaining an honorary fellow.

David Marquand married Judith Reed in 1959; they had a son and a daughter.

David Marquand, born September 20 1934, died April 23 2024
Angela Rayner faced Oliver Dowden at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday because Rishi Sunak was on a visit to Poland - JESSICA TAYLOR/UK PARLIAMENT

Oliver Dowden has suggested that Angela Rayner should resign over the row over her council house.

During Prime Ministers Questions, the deputy prime minister referred to the Labour deputy leaders previous calls for Boris Johnson to quit over lockdown parties in Downing Street, and urged her to follow her own advice.

But Ms Rayner said that the Tories should stop their obsession with her living arrangements.

Mr Dowden, standing in for Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, said: As ever, the deputy leader is always looking to attack others failures, but never the one to take responsibility for her own.

She once said you shouldnt be waiting for the police to bang on your door. If you did it, then you shouldnt be doing your job.

The Rt Hon landlady should forget her tax advice and follow her own advice.

Ms Rayner has been accused of lying about her former home in Vicarage Road, Stockport, which she bought in 2007 using the right to buy scheme before making a 48,500 profit when she sold it eight years later.

She was registered at the property for five years after she married Mark Rayner in 2010, while he was listed at a different address in Lowndes Lane, a mile away.

The confusion over which property was her principal residence has led to questions over whether she avoided capital gains tax by retaining the property for half a decade.

Police are investigating multiple allegations against Ms Rayner, with at least a dozen officers assigned to the case.

Ms Rayner claims to have taken expert advice to make sure she hadnt done anything wrong and said the advice categorically stated that she did not owe any tax on her Vicarage Road property.

Mr Dowden on Wednesday appeared to be quoting words spoken by Ms Rayner in an interview with ITVs Good Morning Britain about Mr Johnsons role in the partygate scandal.

Oliver Dowden, the deputy prime minister, challenged Angela Rayner over her words at the height of the partygate scandal - JESSICA TAYLOR/UK PARLIAMENT

Ms Rayner, who was one of the loudest voices calling for the then-prime minister to quit, said in January 2022: He shouldnt be waiting until the Met police bang on his door, its pretty simple. Did you do it, yes or no? If you did it, then you shouldnt be in your job.

She told the Tories in the Commons on Wednesday: Now instead of obsessing over my house, when will he get a grip and show the same obsession with ending no fault evictions?

Attacking Mr Dowden over the progress of the Renters Reform Bill, to be voted on by MPs later on Wednesday, she said: I know the party opposite is desperate to talk about my living arrangements, but the public wants to know what this Government is going to do about theirs?

The deputy prime minister joked in response: Well, to begin with, it is a pleasure to have another exchange with the Right Honourable lady in this house, our fifth in 12 months.

Any more of these and shell be claiming it as her principal residence.

Ms Rayner is facing scrutiny over whether she or her husband paid the right amount of capital gains tax when two properties they owned simultaneously during their marriage were sold; whether she broke electoral law by registering the wrong address as her permanent address; and whether a single persons discount on council tax was wrongly claimed at one of the properties.

She has insisted she has done nothing wrong, but has declined to publish details of her tax affairs. She has said she will do the right thing and step down if she is found to have committed a criminal offence.

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.

03:41 PM BST

Sir Michael Fallon: UK putting down a marker on defence spending

Sir Michael Fallon, a former defence secretary, said the Governments pledge to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence represented a big move.

He told Sky News the move to 2.5 per cent by 2030 represented a pretty big uplift in defence spending and it needs to be because the world has now entered a much more dangerous period.

What Britain is doing now is putting down a marker in front of that big [Nato] summit in Washington in the summer, saying the new target for everybody should now be 2.5 per cent and I welcome that leadership, he said.

03:33 PM BST

Millions must pay more into pensions to prevent retirement crisis

Private sector workers and their employers must put more money into their pensions to stave off a retirement catastrophe, ministers have been warned.

Minimum pension contribution rates need to rise immediately, from 5 per cent for employees and 3 per cent for employers to 6 per cent for both groups, because millions of people are not paying in enough, according to a new report.

You can read the full story here.

03:16 PM BST

Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Nancy Pelosi to Labour HQ

Sir Keir Starmer welcomes former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to the Labour Party headquarters in central London this afternoon - Carl Court /Getty Images Europe

02:55 PM BST

Shapps: Russian victory in Ukraine would have horrendous consequences for UK economy

Grant Shapps warned Russia winning its war against Ukraine would have absolutely horrendous implications for the UK economy.

The Defence Secretary said spending more on defence now should be seen as an investment rather than a cost and it would help to send a message to despotic leaders that they cannot try it on with Britain.

Mr Shapps made the comments in response to a question from Tobias Ellwood, the Tory former defence minister, who told the House of Commons: State on state conflict has returned in Europe. The world is more dangerous, more contested, more polarised.

Could he expand a little on the consequences to UK security and to the UK economy if Russia wins?

Mr Shapps replied: The implication of Russia winning this war would be absolutely horrendous. The costs would make the costs of, for example, what this country had to put up with with Covid seem small by comparison to what could then happen if other autocratic states decide to take a chunk of other peoples land which could have a direct impact on our own economy.

And therefore it is absolutely right, this is not in my view money that we are spending, this is money that we are investing in our own security to make sure that Russia and other despotic leaders like Putin never think they can try it on with us.

02:31 PM BST

Sunak to challenge Nato countries to match 2.5pc defence spending

Rishi Sunak will use a summit to mark the 75th anniversary of Nato to lobby European countries to match Britains pledge to spend 2.5 per cent of national wealth on defence.

The Prime Minister will tell countries on the continent, including France and Germany, that they must dramatically increase their military budgets by the end of the decade.

Leaders from the 32-country alliance will gather in Washington DC in July against the backdrop of Russias ongoing war in Ukraine and Irans aggression against Israel.

You can read the full story here.

01:59 PM BST

Pictured: Lord Cameron visits the National Carpet Museum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Lord Cameron visits the National Carpet Museum in Ashgabat in Turkmenistan during his five day visit to Central Asia - Stefan Rousseau/PA

01:45 PM BST

Shapps criticises Labour over failure to back 2030 defence spending pledge

Grant Shapps criticised Labour for failing to commit to the Governments pledge of spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030.

Responding to John Healey in the House of Commons, the Defence Secretary said: He [the shadow defence secretary] says that he welcomes this announcement today and then spends all of his time explaining or rather avoiding explaining why they themselves are not backing 2.5 per cent with a schedule, with a timescale, with figures which have been published and are in the document produced yesterday and laid in the library of the House.

Mr Shapps suggested Labour could not be trusted on defence as he referred to Labour frontbenchers voting against the renewal of the UKs Trident nuclear deterrent.

The Cabinet minister said: He says judge us by our action, not our words. You know what? We will, because 11 members of that sides frontbench voted against Trident

01:26 PM BST

Labour claims Sunaks defence spending boost is not fully-funded

John Healey said Labour shared the Governments ambition to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent. But he claimed Rishi Sunaks 2030 timeline had not been fully-costed or fully-funded.

The shadow defence secretary told the House of Commons this afternoon that Labour will always do what is required, spend what is required, on defence.

He said: We share the same [2.5 per cent] ambition as the Government because we must do more to deal with the growing threats. We want this to be fully-costed and fully-funded, we want it to be set out in the governments baseline budgets.

This 2030 target is not. It is in a press release. Why was this 2030 plan not in last months Budget or any of the other five Budgets and Autumn Statements since the Government first promised to spend 2.5 per cent by 2030 two years ago?

He added: Where is the additional money coming from? How much from which other R&D budgets? How much from cutting how many civil servants in which departments? They have tried this trick before.

01:10 PM BST

Shapps: 2.5 per cent must be new baseline for all Nato members

Grant Shapps said spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence must become the new baseline for Nato members.

The Defence Secretary told the House of Commons: In a more dangerous world when we face an axis of authoritarian states 2.5 per cent must now become the new baseline for the entire alliance.

If we are to deter, lead and defend that is what is required of us.

01:07 PM BST

Shapps: Hopeful thinking not enough to deliver peace

Grant Shapps said hopeful thinking will not deliver peace as he hailed a funding boost for the Armed Forces as a turning point for UK defence.

Delivering a statement in the House of Commons, the Defence Secretary said: This is a turning point in UK defence. We must spend more because defence of the realm is the first duty of every government.

And on this side of the House we recognise that fact. But whilst I want to see peace and of course international order being restored I am also absolutely convinced that it is hopeful thinking, even complacency, to imagine that we can do that without ensuring that we are better protected.

12:58 PM BST

World becoming even more dangerous, warns Shapps

Grant Shapps is delivering a statement in the House of Commons on Rishi Sunaks pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.

The Defence Secretary said that since January the world has become even more dangerous, not less and we increasingly need our Armed Forces and we increasingly are asking more of them.

Mr Shapps said funding boost announced by Mr Sunak will ensure the UK remains by far the largest European defence spender in Nato.

12:45 PM BST

SNP urges UK Government to suspend arms sales to Israel

Oliver Dowden was urged by the SNP to halt the export of weapons to Israel amid reports of mass graves at Gaza hospital sites.

Mhairi Black, the SNP deputy Westminster leader, said during PMQs: Three hundred bodies, including the elderly and the injured, some of which had been stripped naked, mutilated, with their hands tied behind their backs.

The UKs own arms policy states that if there is even a risk that war crimes may be taking place, then that is reason enough to halt the sale of arms. Given all we know, why then is the Prime Minister yet to do so?

The Deputy Prime Minister replied: We continue to urge the Israeli government to investigate any allegations of misconduct. The difference though is that we can trust the Israeli government, a democratically elected government, to properly investigate those things.

Of course we keep the advice under review. The Foreign Secretary has recently made it clear that he has conducted a determination and has not changed his advice regarding export licences and I think that is the correct decision.

12:30 PM BST

Dowden suggests Rayner should quit over house sale row

Angela Rayner labelled Rishi Sunak a pint-sized loser as she grilled Oliver Dowden on the timing of the next general election.

But the Deputy Prime Minister hit back and suggested Ms Rayner should quit over her council house sale row.

The Labour deputy leader said: I read with interest that the right honourable gentleman has been urging his neighbour in No 10 to call an election because he is worried they might get wiped out.

Has he finally realised that when he stabbed Boris Johnson in the back to get his mate into No 10 he was ditching their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser?

Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister, is pictured today during PMQs

Mr Dowden replied: I think the whole House will have heard despite all the bluster from the lady opposite not a single word on whether she would actually back our plans to invest in our Armed Forces.

No plans in a dangerous world and of course as ever the deputy leader is always looking to attack others failures.

But never the one to take responsibility for her own. She once said you shouldnt be waiting for the police to bang on your door, if you did it then you shouldnt be doing your job. The right honourable landlady should forget her tax advice and follow her own advice.

12:20 PM BST

Dowden and Rayner clash over claims of housing failure

Angela Rayner accused the Tories of failure on housing issues.

She said that leaseholds are a rip off and a con but a proposed Government ban would only apply to houses and not to flats.

Angela Rayner, the Labour deputy leader, is pictured today during PMQs in the House of Commons

She said: What is the point of a ban on new leaseholds if it wont apply to flats?

Oliver Dowden said: The right honourable lady is talking about legislation introduced by this Government which the party opposite totally failed to introduce in their entire time in office. 

12:11 PM BST

Rayner claims Tories are obsessed with her living arrangements

Angela Rayner started PMQs by referring to the scrutiny of her living arrangements a decade ago.

The Labour deputy leader said the Tories were desperate to talk about my living arrangements but the public want to know what this Government is going to do about theirs.

She asked Oliver Dowden when the Tories will stop obsessing about her house and show the same obsession with ending no fault evictions.

Mr Dowden replied: It is a pleasure to have another exchange with the right honourable lady in this House, our fifth in 12 months.

Any more of these and she will be claiming it as her principal residence.

Angela Rayner, the Labour deputy leader, gestures today during PMQs in the House of Commons

12:05 PM BST

Dowden pays tribute to outstanding parliamentarian Lord Field

Oliver Dowden started PMQs by offering his condolences to the family and friends of Lord Field.

The Deputy Prime Minister described the peer as an outstanding parliamentarian.

12:02 PM BST

Dowden receives warm welcome from Tory MPs ahead of PMQs

Oliver Dowden was given a warm welcome by Tory MPs as he entered the House of Commons chamber ahead of PMQs.

The Deputy Prime Minister was cheered as he took his seat on the government frontbench.

Angela Rayner, the Labour deputy leader, is also now in her place on the opposition frontbench, with PMQs set to get underway imminently.

11:56 AM BST

US Secretary of State praises UK over defence spending boost

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has welcomed Rishi Sunaks announcement on increasing UK defence spending.

Mr Blinken tweeted:

We welcome the UK's announcement that they will increase defense spending to 2.5% of their GDP by 2030, in addition to sending $620 million in new military aid to Ukraine. We applaud the UK for their commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine amid Russia's war of aggression.  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 24, 2024

11:52 AM BST

Sunak arrives at chancellery in Berlin for talks with Scholz

Rishi Sunak has arrived at the chancellery in Berlin for talks with Germanys Olaf Scholz during his first visit to the German capital as Prime Minister.

The leaders were greeted by officials and military honours in the chancellery forecourt, with the two countries national anthems played by the military band.

Protesters outside the fence could be heard shouting free, free Palestine.

Rishi Sunak and Olaf Scholz shake hands in Berlin today - Krisztian Bocsi /Bloomberg

11:48 AM BST

More than 400 migrants crossed Channel the day after Rwanda Bill was agreed

Some 402 people were detected crossing the English Channel yesterday, according to provisional figures published this morning by the Home Office.

The cumulative number of arrivals by small boats in 2024 now stands at a provisional total of 6,667.

This is 20 per cent higher than the total at the equivalent point last year, which was 5,546, but slightly lower (down 0.4 per cent) than the total at this stage in 2022, which was 6,691.

The latest small boat arrivals came after Rishi Sunaks Rwanda Bill finally cleared Parliament at the start of this week, with the PM promising deportation flights will take off in 10 to 12 weeks.

11:35 AM BST

Sunak pays tribute to great parliamentarian Lord Field

Frank Field was a decent, moral, and thoughtful man. He was a great parliamentarian - he made our politics better and raised the level of national debate in this country.



My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 24, 2024

11:30 AM BST

Pictured: Sunak meets German troops during visit to Berlin

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, is pictured today shaking hands with soldiers of the German armed forces as he visited troops at the Julius Leber Barracks in Berlin - Henry Nicholls/AFP

11:18 AM BST

Defence spending is ethical, Sunak tells investors

Rishi Sunak has urged investors to back defence companies amid concerns that they are being spurned by environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds.

In a statement accompanying a rise in military and industrial spending, the Prime Minister stressed that supporting western arms companies was compatible with so-called ethical investing practices.

He said: There is nothing more ethical than defending our way of life from those who threaten it.

You can read the full story here.

11:14 AM BST

Starmer pays tribute to Lord Field

Sir Keir Starmer said Frank Field had dedicated his life to being a voice for the most vulnerable as the Labour leader paid tribute to the veteran politician.

The Labour leader said: The death of Lord Frank Field is a profound loss to politics and to our nation.

Frank dedicated his life to being a voice for the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the country.

Frank was principled, courageous, and independent-minded. He cared about the people he served, thought deeply about the issues he championed, and worked entirely for the good of the people of Birkenhead as their MP for 40 years. His honour and integrity were well known and admired.

On behalf of the Labour Party, my thoughts are with his family.

11:03 AM BST

Dowden and Rayner set to clash at PMQs

Rishi Sunak is in Berlin for talks with the German chancellor which means todays edition of Prime Ministers Questions will feature the deputies.

Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister, will stand in for Mr Sunak while Angela Rayner, the Labour deputy leader, will be asking the questions instead of Sir Keir Starmer.

Ms Rayners prominent role at noon comes as she continues to face scrutiny over the sale of her council house a decade ago.

Mr Dowden may well choose to reference the row in an attempt to take the sting out of Ms Rayners questions.

Greater Manchester Police announced earlier this month that it was investigating Ms Rayner. She has been accused of wrongly declaring her permanent address on the electoral register, which is an offence.

Ms Rayner has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims against her as a stream of smears by the Tories.

10:56 AM BST

Pictured: Starmer puts the bins out ahead of PMQs at noon

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, is pictured this morning putting his bins out ahead of PMQs at noon - Jeremy Selwyn/SelwynPics

10:46 AM BST

Sir Ed Davey accuses Rishi Sunak of empty promises on defence

Sir Ed Davey accused Rishi Sunak of making empty promises on defence as he reacted to the Prime Ministers promise to hike spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats claimed no one can believe a word from Mr Sunak on the issue.

He said: Rishi Sunaks empty promises on defence mean nothing when he is cutting 10,000 troops from the Army.

At this critical time with war raging on our continent we need to spend more on defence, but no one can believe a word from Rishi Sunak or the Conservatives on this.

If the Government is really serious about defence, they should prove it by immediately starting to reverse their troop cuts. The future of our country, our NATO allies and Ukraine is at stake.

10:35 AM BST

House of Commons: Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower now functioning as normal

The House of Commons said work to get the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben back on time had been completed.

A spokesman for the Commons said: We are aware that the clock dials on the Elizabeth Tower were temporarily displaying the incorrect time this morning. Teams worked quickly to rectify the issue and carried out servicing to the mechanism, which has now completed.

The clock dials of the Elizabeth Tower are currently functioning as normal and no risks to the integrity of the mechanism have been identified.

Following the historic refurbishment of the Great Clock, rigorous and regular servicing takes place in line with horological industry standards, to ensure the clock can continue to function correctly.

10:22 AM BST

Big Ben back to normal

Big Ben appears to be back to normal.

All four of the clock faces on the Elizabeth Tower are now showing the correct time and the famous Westminster Chimes sounded at 10.15am to mark the quarter hour.

10:10 AM BST

Big Ben malfunctions as clock stops and bongs are wrong

Big Ben appears to be in some difficulty this morning.

At least two of the Elizabeth Towers four clock faces got stuck showing 9am.

Meanwhile, the clock performed 11 bongs at 10.06am.

It's 9.55am and Big Ben's clock has stopped at 9am. What is going on? pic.twitter.com/oAtoHq3Nxn  Christopher Hope (@christopherhope) April 24, 2024

10:08 AM BST

Tories criticise Labour for failing to match Sunak defence pledge

The Tories criticised Labour for failing to match Rishi Sunaks pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.

Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general, said Labour would look to hit the number when circumstances allow (see the post below at 09.30).

Johnny Mercer, the minister for veterans affairs, said: This morning, Labour again refused to back our plan to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

Instead, they want to spend years holding a review as the world gets more dangerous while refusing to act to keep the British people safe.

This is the same old Labour Party that sent our Armed Forces into battle with appalling equipment. The idea they can be trusted on defence - only a few years after trying to put Jeremy Corbyn into Downing Street - is absurd.

09:48 AM BST

Sunak in Berlin for defence and security talks with Scholz

Rishi Sunak is in Berlin today to hold talks with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor.

Defence and security will be the focus.

The Prime Ministers visit comes after his trip to Poland yesterday when he announced the UKs defence budget will increase to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.

Mr Sunak said in a tweet this morning that Britain and Germany stand side by side to preserve security and prosperity at home and abroad.

Together, we are stronger 



I'm in Berlin to deepen our defence and security cooperation.



The UK and Germany stand side by side to preserve security and prosperity at home and abroad. pic.twitter.com/kkgmXfp2W0  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 24, 2024

09:30 AM BST

Labour will not make same defence spending pledge as Tories, says Thornberry

Emily Thornberry said Labour will not make the same commitment on defence spending as the Tories.

The shadow attorney general said Labour will seek to hit the 2.5 per cent target when circumstances allow.

Rishi Sunak has given a firm commitment that the number will be hit by 2030 under his leadership.

Asked if Labour would continue with the 2.5 per cent target as and when the party comes to power, Ms Thornberry told Sky News: Not as and when we come to power but as and when we can. So when circumstances allow.

We want to move towards 2.5 per cent. It was 2.5 per cent when we were last in power. But we need to move towards that and we are not going to say that we are going to do it by 2030, as the Government have said, unless there is a plan that makes sense.

The Labour frontbencher claimed the Tories had failed to set out how they would pay for the increase in defence spending as she labelled the pledge a gimmick.

09:20 AM BST

Sir Lindsay Hoyle pays tribute to Frank Field

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker, has paid tribute to Lord Field following his death at the age of 81.

Sir Lindsay said in a statement: As a former colleague, I watched in admiration as Frank Field navigated a career as a formidable MP, and as a minister, tasked with thinking the unthinkable on social care.

He was neither cowed by the establishment or whips - which made his campaigns against hunger and food poverty, for climate change and for the church, even more effective.

He was the driving force behind Parliaments commitment to prevent slavery and human trafficking within our supply chains. Having worked with him on the modern slavery advisory group, and made him its chair, I was in no doubt of his commitment to save many lives nationwide from this shameful criminal activity. Suffice to say, he was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed.

09:12 AM BST

Ben Wallace: Russia is UKs biggest threat

Russia is the biggest direct threat to Britain, a former defence secretary said.

Ben Wallace said Moscow was already active against us.

Asked what he believed was the biggest threat to the UK, Mr Wallace told Sky News: Right now the biggest direct threat to the United Kingdom would be Russia.

Russia is already active against us. We saw it in Salisbury. We have seen it in numerous cyber attacks, we see it in cyber crime.

08:59 AM BST

Treasury behaved like corporate raider against MOD, says Wallace

The Treasury acted like a corporate raider after the end of the Cold War as it took money away from the UKs Armed Forces, Ben Wallace argued this morning.

The former defence secretary told Sky News: In 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed it was quite right the taxpayer got a peace dividend. We had spent 4, 5, 6 per cent of GDP over the decades, the world became safer and they got a peace dividend and we reduced the size of our Armed Forces.

The problem was the Treasury then became a corporate raider and we kept on taking at the time the signals were starting to grow.

08:40 AM BST

Wallace: Peace was taken for granted and it is coming to an end

Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, said the peace enjoyed between 1991 and now had been taken for granted and it is coming to an end.

Asked which period in history he would compare now to, Mr Wallace told Sky News: I think you could definitely say you are in the 1930s but with an added challenge of terrorism, an added challenge of unconventional warfare, so disinformation campaigns, the enemies in this country using cyber to divide us, to rob from us, to spy on us and to create frictions in our society, is far greater than it used to be because we all have a mobile phone and we can all be manipulated if they try to.

So I think we are in a world where the peace we sort of took for granted from 1991 to now is coming to an end and that was the abstract rather than the norm.

And what I am pleased about the announcement is that it continues the sense that since 2019 that we are on a journey to bring defence away from the sort of discretionary end of government, the sort of have a bit of money if there is anything left, into the core of government spending which it used to be.

08:30 AM BST

I could not spend 3pc defence budget domestically, says Shapps

Grant Shapps said he would not be able to spend a defence budget of 3 per cent of GDP domestically at the moment.

The Defence Secretary stressed the importance of increasing the UKs industrial capacity.

Told that some people are pushing for the defence budget to be increased to 3 per cent, not the 2.5 per cent that Rishi Sunak has announced, Mr Shapps said: For starters, I can tell you as a fact as Defence Secretary, if somebody gave me 3 per cent tomorrow I wouldnt be able to spend that, at least not domestically, so I would be forced to simply go around the world and buy kit from other people.

One of the things that the Prime Minister outlined yesterday and I have been talking about a lot is the desire and need to have our own industrial capacity for defence increased again and so you need that sort of linear increase and 2.5 per cent is a very good approach for making sure we are doing it domestically.

Mr Shapps made the comments during an interview on Times Radio.

08:23 AM BST

Frank Field, former Labour minister, dies aged 81

Frank Field, the former Labour minister and crossbench peer, has died aged 81, his family has announced.

A statement from Lord Field of Birkenheads family, issued by his Parliamentary office, said: Frank Field has died at the age of 81 following a period of illness. [He] is survived by two brothers. He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.

Lord Field took his seat in the upper chamber in October 2020 after being elected 10 times to represent Birkenhead in the House of Commons between 1979 and 2019.

You can read the full story here.

08:13 AM BST

Lord Cameron: Not necessary to leave ECHR to stop the boats

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights is not necessary to prevent small boat crossings, Lord Cameron has said amid Tory divisions over the UKs membership of the ECHR.

Rishi Sunaks Rwanda Bill is poised to become law but ministers are braced for legal challenges to the plan.

The Prime Minister has previously hinted he would be willing to leave the ECHR if it blocked his Rwanda flights.

But speaking to ITVs Peston show, Lord Cameron said: I dont think its necessary to leave the ECHR, I dont think that needs to happen to make this policy work.

08:10 AM BST

Shapps tells Europe 2.5pc is the new 2pc on defence spending

Grant Shapps has told Britains Nato allies that 2.5 per cent is the new 2 per cent on defence spending as he urged them to follow the UKs lead.

Nato countries are supposed to spend at least 2 per cent of GDP on defence but many are below that threshold.

Rishi Sunak announced yesterday that the UK will get to 2.5 per cent by 2030.

Mr Shapps, the Defence Secretary, told Times Radio: We are already the second biggest spender in Nato and as the Nato secretary general [Jens Stoltenberg] was saying yesterday when the Prime Minister announced this, we are by far and away the biggest spender in Europe.

Our intention is to get others to follow our lead. The UK was instrumental 10 years ago at a Welsh Nato summit in setting 2 per cent as the minimum, now the majority but certainly not all yet of countries have followed us to 2 per cent.

We are now saying the new target is 2.5 per cent, come and follow us again. If they did it would be like 135 billion more per year in the Nato defence budget.

08:02 AM BST

UK will need to go further than 2.5pc on defence spending, says Heappey

The UK will still need to go further in the coming years and increase the defence budget above Rishi Sunaks new target of 2.5 per cent of national wealth, a former Armed Forces minister said.

James Heappey has been urging the Government to commit to a target of 3 per cent in the medium term.

Asked if he was pleased by Mr Sunaks announcement, Mr Heappey told Sky News: I am. To be clear and to get the punch in first, I had been saying that we should go further and I think over the next decade or so there is a conversation about that.

07:58 AM BST

Ex-minister gobsmacked by Sunaks defence funding increase

James Heappey said he was gobsmacked when Rishi Sunak told him he was increasing the UKs defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.

The former Armed Forces minister told Sky News: Sometimes in politics it is so easy to just tear everything down, demand more, this isnt good enough.

This is one of those days where the Prime Minister phoned me first thing [yesterday] morning before he went to Poland and he told me what he was going to do and I was just genuinely gobsmacked.

I didnt think, if I am honest, in an election year defence would end up being the priority and it is and that is fantastic. That is the correct decision.

"We should go further."



Former armed forces minister @JSHeappey speaks on the tens of billions of pounds in extra defence funding announced by Rishi Sunak.#PoliticsHub https://t.co/GlTNastFii



 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/eZk8GQ6TdV  Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge (@SkyPoliticsHub) April 23, 2024

07:52 AM BST

Heappey: Defence budget boost will not increase size of UKs Armed Forces

Rishi Sunaks plan to increase the defence budget to 2.5 per cent of GDP will not result in the UKs Armed Forces growing in size, a former minister has warned.

James Heappey, who stood down as Armed Forces minister in March this year, welcomed the Prime Ministers announcement of 75 billion in new funding for the Ministry of Defence.

But he told Sky News: What 2.5 per cent will do is allow the current armed forces - the army, navy, air force - at its current size to be correctly enabled i.e. the engineers, the medics, logistics, to have the stockpiles to put our defence industrial base onto a sort of permanent manufacturing scale that underpins our strategic resilience and our ability to supply the force in war.

So all of that is fantastic. Anybody who thinks that 2.5 per cent is going to bring with it a growth in the navy or a growth in the air force or a growth in the army doesnt really understand just how expensive all this stuff is.

And in time I can see the need to have that conversation. But it would be so churlish [to complain now].
An overloaded migrant dinghy is seen in French waters soon after five people had died on a boat near Wimeraux - Steve Finn

A father watched his seven-year-old daughter being crushed to death in a stampede on board on an overloaded inflatable migrant boat setting off across the Channel from France.

Incredibly, after her body and those of the four other people who died were taken back to the French shore, the boat began its journey again.

Just as the father had witnessed his own daughters death, the French navy watched the dinghy set sail a second time, not stopping it from making the dangerous crossing to Britain.

More than half those on board declined the French navys offer to be rescued, and instead made their way to the UK.

A few hours after Rishi Sunak had secured his Rwanda Bill, the scale of the migrant boat crisis was all too clear. Five death had not been a deterrent. Nor had the attention of the French authorities, who had watched as the boat set off for a second time.

About six hours later, more than 50 of the migrants had made it to Dover, having been picked up in English waters by an RNLI lifeboat.

It was a little after 6am on Tuesday when the flimsy boat, with more than 112 people on board, was launched close to the fishing village of Wimereux, about three miles north of Boulogne. Normally, such boats take as many as 60 passengers at a time. But it appeared two different groups had clambered into the one craft.

Its departure was witnessed by a BBC TV news crew. Andrew Harding, a BBC correspondent, watched flares and fire crackers being thrown at the French police to keep them at bay. The authorities kept their distance.

Harding, writing on the BBC website, described the scene as it turned suddenly violent, skirmishes breaking out, accompanied by loud explosions and white smoke that drifted across the beach.

He watched as the crowd clustered around the inflatable boat to protect it from the police, with at least two men wielding large sticks or rods and appearing to threaten the police with them.

Within two minutes, he said, the boat was in shallow water and people started to clamber aboard.

A police officer at the scene told Harding: What else could we do? as he watched it launch, explaining that officers are prohibited from following the migrants into the sea.

Migrants speaking to journalists said police punctured almost all the boats seeking to cross the Channel that morning, either before they had left the shore or within walking distance of the shore.

But they do not do so once a vessel is out of depth, for fear of endangering the lives of those on board.

Within half an hour, the engine had cut out, the overloaded boat seemingly stuck on a sand bank. Two people fell from the vessel and panic took hold. Five of the asylum seekers  three men, one woman and the seven-year-old girl  were trampled or crushed to death.

The girls father, who is Kurdish, watched her die, according to charity workers who found him on the beach at Wimereux.

He was in tears. We know him well because we often see him here. These are people who have tried to cross several times, an aid worker told La Voix du Nord, a local newspaper.

We have photos of her with a big smile on her face in the hope of a better life. But now its all over. The father fell into our arms just now. Hes crying, in a daze. He saw his little daughter die in front of his eyes.

The local prefect said 112 people in a single boat had never been seen before, a sign of the increasing desperation of migrants to reach the UK.

A French patrol boat sent to rescue the migrants found several people who were unconscious and taken back to the shore at Wimereux to be treated by emergency services. Despite attempts to resuscitate them, five died, said Jacques Billant, the Pas-de-Calais prefect.

According to authorities, 58 people who were still in the inflatable remained on board, refusing the offer of the French patrol boat to rescue them. A further 49 agreed to go back to Boulogne.

They managed to restart the engine and decided to continue their sea route towards Great Britain under the surveillance of course of the French Navy, said Mr Billant.

By 11.30am, the boat had made it into English waters, where a lifeboat intercepted it and rescued the survivors. By 1pm, the lifeboat had made it into safe harbour.

Tuesdays tragedy shines a light on the French interpretation of maritime law which means they will not intervene to stop or turn back the migrants at sea unless they request assistance because of risk to life.

When the dinghy set off at 6am from the French coast, the conditions had been good. Several dozen boats carrying migrants were reported to have left the beaches around Calais as people smugglers exploited low winds and the relative calm of the sea.

Rishi Sunak, speaking on a flight to Poland, said the deaths underscores why you need a deterrent. He added: This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and thats why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally.

Amnesty International said the deaths showed that the Rwanda scheme wont save lives while in Wimereux, local politicians were blaming the UK.

Jean-Luc Dubaele, the towns mayor, said: Its all because of the English. Why do migrants want to go to England? Its because theyre welcomed there. They are offered a bank account, a contract of employment... The English pay us to stop them crossing, but they welcome them.
The burnt-out car in which three IRA men were shot dead by the SAS in Coagh in 1991

A former SAS serviceman who took part in a deadly ambush of IRA terrorists has had his jail sentence quashed.

The former special forces operative had been ordered to spend six months behind bars for contempt of court after he refused to travel to Northern Ireland to give evidence in an inquest about the mission.

The coroner had called the man, who can only be identified as Soldier F, to give his account of the June 1991 incident.

Three suspected terrorists who were believed to be travelling to murder a member of the security services were intercepted and killed.

He refused to appear, claiming he had received medical advice that travelling to Northern Ireland and facing questions could worsen mental health issues he was grappling with as a result of his military service.

A six-month jail sentence for contempt was imposed at the Court of Session earlier this year.

This was revoked by three appeal judges on Wednesday who instead imposed a 5,000 fine.

The court has previously heard how Solder F was involved in planning the operation and had opened fire in the ambush that led to Peter Ryan, Tony Doris and Lawrence McNally losing their lives in Coagh, Co Tyrone.

Doris was a cousin of Michelle ONeill, the current Northern Irish First Minister.

Lady Dorrian, along with Lord Beckett and Lord Matthews, quashed the jail sentence after hearing that Soldier F had been initially willing to give evidence in the inquest, which was investigating whether lethal force was justified.

He was then advised by a doctor that doing so could worsen symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Flashbacks and nightmares

There are features of the respondents illness, which are directly linked with his military service, which give rise to the real possibility that a period of imprisonment would be more punitive for him than for others, Lady Dorrian said, in a written judgment.

Specifically, these are the flashbacks and nightmares; his hyper vigilance; and his fear of reprisals consequent upon his service in Northern Ireland.

In this case, there is substantial mitigation in the form of the respondents hitherto good character, his distinguished and decorated military service [and] the fact that his mental health difficulties appear to have resulted from that service.

Soldier F was a member of an arrest group in the Coagh incident.

Up to 150 rounds were fired during the confrontation and Solider F fired eight of them.

He is not the same person as the Soldier F who is facing two charges of murder over the shooting of 13 civil rights protesters in Londonderry in 1972, an event known as Bloody Sunday.

He is also a different Solder F to the person charged earlier this year with murdering a man in Belfast in 1972.

A distinguished soldier

At the hearing earlier this month, Donald Findlay KC, representing Soldier F in the Scottish case, described his client as a distinguished soldier who served his country for a period of a number of years with great distinction and operated in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.

He added: Are we really saying that a man who has given so much to his country can really be sent to prison for six months because he has taken his doctors advice?

Lady Dorrian also wrote of how the impact of the former SAS soldiers mental health had impacted his life.

She said he lived with highly distressing nightmares and was unable to properly socialise.

She added that his decision not to comply with the order to give evidence was deliberate but influenced by his apprehension of his condition and not by an intention to undermine the proceedings, or to refuse entirely to engage.
Household Cavalry horses rampaged through central London on Wednesday morning after being spooked by noisy construction work, leaving four people injured.

Five military horses from a group of seven bolted during an exercise in Belgravia, where builders were moving concrete rubble.

The horses charged through the streets, smashing into a double-decker tour bus and a Mercedes-Benz people carrier, and some galloped five miles through rush hour traffic to the east of the capital.

The animals threw their riders, Lifeguards and Blues and Royals servicemen, while they were leaving Hyde Park Barracks during preparations for rehearsals for the Kings birthday parade in June.

After the riders lost control, the horses bolted into Wilton Crescent and then into Belgrave Square, leaving hoof marks in the tarmac, before entering Buckingham Palace Road.

A parked tourist bus in Buckingham Palace Road was damaged after being hit by one of the horses

Outside London Victoria station, a soldier was thrown from his saddle to the ground. Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, said: I saw a soldier falling down into the street after the horse ran into a car. The man hit the floor hard  he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car.

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of 10 minutes. Three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.

Two of the horses, one covered in blood, then charged at pace through busy streets around Tower Bridge and the Strand for five miles until eventually being stopped in Limehouse.

Video footage taken by shocked onlookers showed commuters on e-scooters narrowly dodging being run over, a pedestrian falling on the pavement and many running to avoid the animals in scenes described as total mayhem.

All five of the horses, one of which was shown on video being calmed by members of the public, were later recovered and assessed by Army vets.

Lt Col Matt Woodward, Commanding Officer, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, said: A small group of horses were spooked by construction work in a quiet side street in Belgravia, where building materials were dropped from height right next to them. The ensuing shock caused all horses to bolt and unseated some riders.

One of the horses was calmed by a member of the public on Buckingham Palace Road

Inspector Myles Hilbery, of City of London Police, said: This was a dynamic incident, and the courageous actions taken by police officers from our roads policing team prevented further harm and distress to the horses and members of the public.

Police Constables Lucy Hawes and Daniel McKeown risked their own safety to provide first aid to the injured and anxious horses. They kept the horses calm while waiting for a horse box and veterinary team to arrive.

PCs Brett Daniels and Chris Wilson took over management of traffic control on the busy arterial road, enabling PCs Rob Bray and Shaun Gurney on motorbikes to create a clear path for the horses to be safely led into the horse box and escorted back to the Army barracks for urgent medical care. Our thoughts are with those people and horses injured in the incident.

02:55 PM BST

Round-up of todays events

Hello, thank you for following our coverage of todays events.

Here is a summary of what we know so far.

Five horses from the Household Cavalry bolted after throwing off their riders during their morning exercise in Belgravia when they were spooked by nearby builders moving rubble.

Some of the horses collided with traffic and at least two of them suffered injuries.

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of only 10 minutes.

All five horses were captured, two of which in Limehouse - five miles away from where the incident began.

Three soldiers were assessed in hospital for their injuries, which were not thought to be serious.

02:38 PM BST

White horse was drenched in blood, says witness

A management consultant from London who saw two military horses bolt through the capital said it was gruesome and like a weird dream.

Tula, 28, from south London, was on the 172 bus to Aldwych when she saw two horses gallop past her and said members of the public looked shocked at the incident.

She told the PA news agency: I got off the 172 bus which ends at Aldwych and two horses went flying past. One black, one white.

The white one was drenched in blood from the chest down and they were galloping through the traffic at speed.

People were stopping in the street shocked. The horses were running into fast-moving traffic and seemed terrified. Some unmarked police cars were chasing after them, which didnt seem to be helping.

I felt shocked. It was pretty gruesome. Felt like a weird dream.

A group of seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry were on an extended exercise in Belgravia, central London, on Wednesday when chaos erupted.

Ambulance crews treated four people in three separate incidents in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of just 10

01:48 PM BST

BBC travel presenter contemplated throwing herself into the path of runaway horses

Bobbie Pryor, a travel presenter for BBC Radio Two, said she contemplated throwing herself in the path of two of the runaway horses

She recounted witnessing the horses charging through the street outside Charing Cross station as she was on her morning commute.

She told Jeremy Vines lunchtime radio programme: As I looked to the left I saw two horses coming towards me, I ran just to get across the road.

It was coming at such a speed, I thought, I need to stop those horses, I need to stop those horses but they are huge and coming at speed.

Asked by Jeremy Vine how she would have attempted to stop them, she replied: I have been around horses before but normally you try and put yourself in the way, if it is safe to do so.

There was a clear road ahead and I was thinking if I dont stop them they are going to go straight into those buses up there and that is really upsetting.

Also you cant get in the way, in the fact at least they are running in a straight line, you have got people either side, you have got glass windows, you could create a worse situation.

At least if they run for a bit they may be able to run out of breath.

01:31 PM BST

Photographer describes bloodied horse charging past him

A photographer has said he was surprised to see a bloodstained riderless white horse charge past him in central London on Wednesday morning.

Jordan Pettitt, 26, who works for the PA news agency, said: There were two horses which came hurtling past.

The horse on the right, as I was looking towards it, was jet black and had a saddle on it. The one to the left, which also had a saddle, was a really distinct white colour.

It had a really distinct red underbelly which we later found out was blood but it was so sharp and vivid that it seemed unlike blood as it was so saturated and rich.

It was just two bright colours hurtling down this road and it went straight past me.

It is probably the most unusual thing I have seen in central London so far. Seeing two riderless horses bolting down an empty A road in London is certainly unique and took me very much by surprise today.

01:13 PM BST

Eyewitness account of horses injuries

An eyewitness has described seeing one of the injured horses being restrained by police officers during her morning commute.

Megan Maurer told BBC Radio 2: I saw three police officers or security guards running down the middle of Buckingham Palace Road, quite frantically, I would say.

I looked up and I saw a horse being led in the direction coming towards me and the horse was very bloody. The poor thing looked like it was in really rough shape there was blood all over its legs and on its head.

There looked like there was some form of injury on its head but it had been captured.

She added: It was not completely incapacitated, it was walking but it was covered in blood, it was such a confusing sight to see, it looked like it had an injury above its right eye.

12:22 PM BST

Four soldiers thrown off by their mounts, Telegraph understands

The Telegraph understands that seven military working horses in total were on an exercise routine controlled by six riders.

Four riders were thrown off their horses when they became spooked, possibly by the sound of nearby building work.

Five horses escaped and ran out of control through London.

The two remaining riders were able to keep control of their mounts.

11:58 AM BST

Horses ploughed through row of bicycles

Henry Bodkin, reporting from the eastern corner of Belgrave Square, said an electricity box has been knocked over along with three hire bikes and one hire scooter.

There are lots of metallic looking scuffs on the pavement in the size and shape of horse shoes as well as plenty of horse dung.



11:56 AM BST

Witnesses describe total mayhem on streets of London

Roland, a worker for tour bus company, Toot Bus, said the scene was total mayhem.

I saw horses come from the bus station in front of Victoria run around in a frenzy, he said.

People were running around to avoid them - it was total mayhem.

11:54 AM BST

Horses may have been spooked by builders moving concrete

The runaway horses are believed to have been first spooked by the sound of nearby builders moving concrete, according to reports.

The BBC said work being carried out by builders in Belgravia caused the horses from the Household Cavalry to bolt and unseat their riders while exercising this morning.

Two of the horses seen bolting through Aldwych - PA

11:36 AM BST

Taxi driver feared for passengers after narrowly avoiding crash

A taxi driver said he worried for his passengers when the horses narrowly avoided hitting his cab.

Black cab driver Robbie told BBC Radio London: I was just outside Buckingham Palace on the Mall and heard loads of galloping and looked behind and there were about three or four horses.

Two of them were sprinting up towards Trafalgar Square and there was a white one covered in blood as well.

I looked in the rear mirror and saw them coming right up behind me, and at the time I had two punters in the back so I was worried about them, he added.

Luckily they swerved towards the middle of the road and carried on, but they were going at some speed.

11:33 AM BST

Ambulance service received three phone calls about runaway horses

The London Ambulance Service has said it received three horse-related calls.

The first was at 8.25am about a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road.

The patient was taken to hospital.

Two minutes later medics were called to nearby Belgrave Square and found two people injured by horses and took them to hospital.

A further call was made at 8.35am at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street and a fourth person was taken to hospital

11:24 AM BST

White horse bloodied from smashing into Mercedes, says driver

The owner of a silver Mercedes-Benz people carrier has said one of the horses cut itself when it smashed into the cars windscreen.

Faraz, who was picking up a client outside the Clermont Hotel by Victoria Station, told LBC that a white horse was injured from the impact.

Photos of the car show droplets of blood across its side door.

He told LBC: I was just sitting by the car with my passenger.. I didnt see the horse hit my car, I was like, smashed senseless, the people just came by my car to check are you ok.

It was just like a smash, his head hit it very hard and then [went] down. I saw about three, four horses, and I think it was the white horse which hit my car.

NEW



Faraz is the owner of the Mercedes people carrier, his car windows were smashed



He was waiting to pick up a client at the Clermont Hotel by Victoria Station, when he was jolted by the horses running into his car @LBC pic.twitter.com/rVphIZmSBM  Henry Riley (@HenryRiley1) April 24, 2024

11:22 AM BST

More pictures from our photographer

Cyclists in shock as horse bolts

10:48 AM BST

All five horses recovered

One horse was captured near Limehouse, east London, at least five miles from Hyde Park Barracks where the incident began.

A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention. Army spokesman

Were pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army. Westminster Police

10:45 AM BST

Hero who calmed injured horse

This man was the first member of the public to approach an injured horse on Buckingham Palace Road

One of the horses bleeding on Buckingham Palace Road

10:27 AM BST

What we know about injuries

Four people have been injured in three separate locations across central London.

One soldier was heard screaming in pain after he was thrown from his horse outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria.

Another man was seen lying on the pavement in Fleet Street after two horses were pictured galloping down the road.

10:21 AM BST

Two horses caught

City of London Police said two of the escaped horses have been contained.

The force said officers were waiting for an Army horse box to collect the animals and take them to a vet.

At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had become loose and were travelling through the City. Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse. Were waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care. City of London Police

10:19 AM BST

What we know so far

Five Household Cavalry horses bolted during exercises on Horse Guards Parade this morning

Four people have been injured in three separate locations in central London

One soldier was thrown from his horse outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria

One horse was filmed near Tower Bridge with blood on its neck, chest and legs

All horses have been recovered - two were caught by police near Limehouse, east London

10:13 AM BST

What is the Household Cavalry?

The Household Cavalry is made up of the two most senior units in the British army: The Life Guards and The Blues & Royals.

The Regiment is divided between the operational unit, equipped with armoured vehicles, and the ceremonial mounted unit, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, garrisoned at Hyde Park Barracks in London.

All members of the Household Cavalry are taught to ride as they will rotate between the operational and ceremonial units throughout their careers.

The Mounted Regiment is often seen in public performing ceremonial duties on State and Royal occasions.

Duties include the provision of a Sovereigns Escort, most commonly seen on The Kings Birthday Parade (better known as Trooping the Colour) which takes place in June each year.

The Mounted Regiment will also take part in other occasions including state visits by visiting heads of state, royal weddings and coronations.

Whilst every soldier will have been taught to ride, the uniforms worn even when exercising the horses can be heavy and restrictive making control of the horse challenging for less experienced riders.

10:06 AM BST

Horse ran into tour bus

Big Bus Tours has confirmed that a horse ran into one of its parked buses. The company said none of its staff were injured.

We confirm that one of our stationary buses sustained damage this morning during an incident involving horses from the Household Cavalry. One of the horses ran into the front of our parked vehicle. Fortunately, none of our team members were injured. Our primary concern lies with the welfare of the riders and animals involved in the incident. We are currently coordinating closely with Emergency Services to assist in any way possible. At this stage, we have no further comments to provide. Big Bus Tours

The horse that collided with the bus was calmed by pedestrians who petted its nose and led it away from the road.

Tyne Marie, 19, who works for Big Bus Tours, said: It completely smashed the windscreen while the driver was inside.

He was not injured but he was very shocked. Apparently they lost control of the horses in Knightsbridge.

The damaged bus being towed away near Buckingham Palace

Damage to a tour bus

09:52 AM BST

London Ambulance Service statement

We were called at 8:25am today (April 24) to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W. We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, and an incident response officer. Our first paramedic was on the scene in five minutes. The incident is still ongoing and we are working with our emergency services partners.

09:49 AM BST

Horse bleeding over its chest

Csilla, an employee at a coffee shop in central Londons Strand, witnessed the horses running down Fleet Street, in the direction of St Pauls Cathedral.

I saw a white horse running, he was bleeding all over his chest, she said.

A few moments later I saw another horse - a black one - running after him. And then a police car went down the road after them.

Csilla said the horses were running near the pavement and pedestrians were forced to jump out of the way to avoid injury.

horse

09:49 AM BST

Mapped: Where horses were seen

09:48 AM BST

Watch: Horses running at speed through London

09:45 AM BST

Met Police statement

We are aware of a number of horses that are currently loose in central London and are working with colleagues, including the Army, to locate them.

09:41 AM BST

Watch: Bloodied horse spotted

09:40 AM BST

Pictured: Horses in the Victoria area

A horse is calmed by members of the public on Buckingham Palace Road

At least one soldier was hurt after a spooked horse smashed into cars outside the Clermont Hotel on Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria

A pedestrian calming one of the horses in Victoria

A blue tarpaulin tent was erected while ambulance workers attended to an injured serviceman outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria

Emergency services outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria

09:37 AM BST

Pictured: Horses in the Aldwych area

Two horses on the loose bolt through the streets of London near Aldwych

An injured man sits on the pavement after horses ran in an eastward direction along Aldwych

A white horse on the loose bolts through the streets of London near Aldwych

A black horse collides with a London Taxi after bolting down the A4 near Aldwych

Bloodied horses from the mounted regiment of the Household Cavalry run in an eastward direction along Aldwych

09:33 AM BST

Witness saw soldier falling down into the street

A witness to the incident on Buckingham Palace Road said a horse bolted across the street into a parked car before galloping away. Bystanders screamed and ran as the animal raced towards them, witnesses claimed.

Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, said: I saw a soldier falling down into the street after the horse ran into a car. One of my colleagues called the police.

The man hit the floor hard, he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car.

The horses come down this route every day, but today the horse looked stressed or panicked. I saw the horse run away after it hit a bus. People were screaming and running all over.

Mr Aden, who lives in Canary Wharf, east London, added: The injuries looked very serious he looked really hurt.

09:28 AM BST

Buckingham Palace Road closed - serviceman treated

Pictures show a soldier lying in the street receiving treatment outside the Clermont Hotel in Victoria.

Buckingham Palace Road was closed following the incident with a cordon erected at the scene.

A blue tarpaulin tent was erected while ambulance workers attended to the injured serviceman.

A black horse was seen close to the incident in Victoria, and a silver Mercedes-Benz people carrier had suffered severe damage to its side panel with two of its rear windows smashed.
Lord Field was director of the Child Poverty Action Group between 1969 and 1979 - David Rose

Frank Field, the former Labour minister and crossbench peer, has died aged 81, his family has announced.

Lord Field of Birkenhead passed away in a London care home on Tuesday night following a long battle with cancer, and is survived by two brothers.

A statement from his family, issued by his parliamentary office and posted on X, said: Through a long battle with cancer, Frank Field remained resilient and engaged with life until the end.

He will be enormously missed by his family and wide circle of friends.

Frank was an extraordinary individual who spent his life fighting poverty, injustice and environmental destruction. His decency and faith in peoples self-interested altruism made a unique contribution to British politics.

After 40 years of dedicated public service, Frank will be mourned by admirers across the political divide. But above all, he will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.

Lord Field served for nearly four decades as Labour MP for Birkenhead before resigning the whip in 2018 over anti-Semitism and nastiness in the party under Jeremy Corbyns leadership, sitting as an independent MP until the 2019 election.

He had been a leading voice on welfare reform, taking on responsibility for the issue as a minister in Sir Tony Blairs first government in 1997 and was chairman of the work and pensions select committee.

He joined the Lords as a non-affiliated peer in 2020 and was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2021, describing the latter as a terrific privilege.

Prior to joining the upper chamber, he clashed with the Lords over Brexit  threatening to abolish the House in its current form if it insisted on watering down Theresa Mays plans for leaving the EU.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised the long-serving politician as a decent, moral, and thoughtful man.

He was a great parliamentarian, he made our politics better and raised the level of national debate in this country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today, he said.

Profound loss

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was a profound loss to politics and to our nation.

Frank dedicated his life to being a voice for the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the country, he said.

Frank was principled, courageous, and independent-minded. He cared about the people he served, thought deeply about the issues he championed, and worked entirely for the good of the people of Birkenhead as their MP for 40 years. His honour and integrity were well known and admired.

On behalf of the Labour Party, my thoughts are with his family.

Writing in The Telegraph in 2018, Lord Field said an attempt by peers to defy the Commons by reinstating a series of amendments to Ms Mays Brexit legislation that had been rejected by MPs would amount to an act of insurrection.

In a warning to those accused of seeking to thwart the UKs exit from the European Union, he introduced a bill which would radically overhaul the chamber and replace it with a hybrid senate of experts and elected representatives from across the country.

The Brexiteer said he would be seeking the governments support for the move in readiness for peers preventing good passage of laws to implement the referendum decision.

He went on to lose a no confidence ballot within his Birkenhead Constituency Labour Party for siding with the Tory government in key Brexit votes.

Last February, he was cheered as he made his first appearance in the House of Lords for almost two years, arriving in the chamber in a wheelchair to pledge allegiance to the King.

He had spoken of his determination to take the oath  something all peers are obliged to do after the death of a monarch.

Tributes to the peer from across the political spectrum poured in on Wednesday morning.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker, called Lord Field a formidable MP who was neither cowed by the establishment or whips, and was the driving force behind Parliaments commitment to prevent slavery and human trafficking within its supply chains.

Having worked with him on the modern slavery advisory group, and made him its chair, I am in no doubt his efforts saved many lives nationwide from this shameful criminal activity, the Speaker said.

Suffice to say, he was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed.

Massive impact

Lucy Powell, the shadow Commons leader, said the peer taught and helped me greatly. She recalled working with him on early years and education, adding that he made a massive impact on the lives of many children.

Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said: Rest in peace, Frank Field. A great parliamentarian, crusader for social justice and source of wise counsel.

Dame Priti Patel, the former home secretary, said he had an unwavering moral compass.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Frank Field, she said. Frank was a kind and compassionate man and a great parliamentarian.

His unwavering moral compass, commitment to working cross-party and unshakable principles defined him and will be greatly missed.

Veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman added: At Franks core was the conviction that poverty was never to be accepted and could be ended. Clever, persistent and caring, he held that argument high across decades RIP.
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Frank Field, who has died at the age of 81, should have had a far greater impact on public policy than he actually did. The failure was not his; rather it arose from the timidity of a political establishment that recognised the truth of his analysis yet feared to implement his solutions.

Field was frequently misunderstood by his opponents, both within his own party and outside it. It would be lazy and inaccurate to describe him as Right-wing; yes, he supported leaving the EU in 2016, but so did many of his working class constituents who would fiercely reject such a description.

His reputation as an opponent of the hard-Left was born from his battles with Trotskyites in his own Merseyside constituency in the 1980s. But it was his determination to recognise the impact of welfare dependency on the poorest people in the country that established his reputation as a maverick.

There was no contradiction whatever in Fields commitment to combatting real, grinding poverty among those now labelled the underclass and his clarion call to end the cycle of benefit dependency. Instead, perhaps influenced by his faith, he recognised that Labours original mission was to raise the standard of living of ordinary people by providing them with paid employment, not offering state subsidy in perpetuity. The dignity of the working classes, Field believed, could only be restored by a programme to wean the economically inactive off benefits and into work.

In the massive increase of former workers claiming disability benefits during Margaret Thatchers first term in office, he recognised a long-term threat to Britains social cohesion and economic prosperity. As the 1981 recession tore through traditional industries, ministers saw the benefits of a political sleight-of-hand that hid the true scale of unemployment.

Field was not fooled. But whereas many, in both Labour and the Tories, were content to focus on the official unemployment rate, essentially offering formal approval to the ballooning of the well-hidden ranks of disability claimants, he was not. This made him a pariah in certain parts of the Labour movement, particularly those who regarded any suggestion that pressure might be used to increase the size of the workforce. But the arguments he made, based on his many years representing some of the poorest communities in the country, proved persuasive, at least for a short period of time.

On taking office as prime minister in 1997, Tony Blair surprised many by appointing Field as welfare reform minister. Unexpectedly, the chance to implement his vision presented itself. But a year later, following clashes with his boss, Harriet Harman, frustration at the governments timidity, and a loss of faith by Blair in the practicality of Fields solutions, he left government, never to return. It was a missed opportunity that many would have cause to regret, including ministers today who recognise the dangers of the sick note culture that has resulted in historically high numbers of individuals subsisting on benefits, even as employers decry a national labour shortage.

With a majority of 180, Blair could have forced through radical reform and transformed the welfare state for the long term, even at the risk of temporary unpopularity among some voters. But it has always been middle class, wealthier interests who have opposed such reforms; in the working class communities represented by Field and other colleagues, the despondency and indignity of worklessness was recognised as a curse, even by those living cheek by jowl with those so afflicted.

As a backbencher, I sought  and received  Fields support after I was criticised for suggesting that young working class girls life chances would be hugely improved if they avoided motherhood until they were older and in a settled relationship. Having incurred the wrath of the benefits industry and those with a vested, often financial interest in perpetuating welfare dependency, even at the expense of the future of millions of people, it was Field who defended me. It was Field who understood the vile injustice that life-long state subsidy for worklessness imposes on communities.

But his legacy may not have died. Senior Labour politicians, including the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, claim to have recognised the truth of Fields view that Labour must be the party of work, not benefit claimants. Yet without his measured, informed, experienced voice to guide them, the party is without the intellectual and moral ballast that he provided.
The chicken-fried steak extended beyond the dinner plate, one edge curled up, forming a bow for the massive battered boat smothered in thick cream gravy.

According to owner Kesia Jackson, Grumpys Mexican Cafe serves about 200 hand-breaded chicken-fried steaks weekly. That number doesnt include the steak for the hand-breaded steak finger basket, which doesnt actually include a basket, because the steak fingers wouldnt fit.

San Antonio's No. 1 country cafe is big on portions and hospitality. Monte Bach, Staff

Every single chicken-fried steak starts out as a fresh 8- to 10-ounce cutlet from San Antonio-based meat processor Braun Food Service. On a recent Thursday, Jacksons husband, Alfred Perez, dipped a steak cutlet into seasoned flour, then into an egg wash with buttermilk and seasonings before repeating the process. He patted it down so the breading would stick before it went into the deep fryer basket.

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It cooks 3 minutes, Jackson said.

But there are no timers in the kitchen: They just know when its ready.

I see when its golden brown, perfect, said Perez, who learned from the best, restaurant founder Abdoh Grumpy Azzoz.

Since Jackson took over Grumpys three years ago, Perez has traded days as a truck driver for food preparation and washing dishes.

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Grumpy's Mexican Cafe owner Kesia Jackson and husband Alfred Perez, left, hang out with founder Abdoh "Grumpy" Azzoz at the restaurant. Monte Bach / Staff

We have the best fajita burger, best in the universe. We use ground-up beef fajita meat; the process is long. We grind all the meat in-house. He took that job from me, Azzoz said of Perez.

The far North Side restaurant, just off Nacogdoches Road, is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Monday. So thats the day Jackson and Perez, who met 12 years ago, got married this year  on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day  at Azzozs house in New Braunfels. (Since retiring, hes raising goats and managing rental properties.)

Onion rings are just one of the sides available at Grumpy's. Monte Bach / Staff

The restaurant serves thousands of customers each week, from tourists to San Antonio residents, including those in the nearby communities of Bracken, Selma and Schertz  where Azzoz once served as a city councilman. Walls are filled with photos of those whove befriended the restaurant, from elected officials to customers, including Brenda Strong of Desperate Housewives fame.

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Grumpy's Mexican Cafe owner Kesia Jackson and husband Alfred Perez, right, have been running the restaurant since founder Abdoh "Grumpy" Azzoz retired in August 2021. Monte Bach / Staff Alfred Perez and other staff members wrap up another day's service at Grumpy's. Monte Bach / Staff Grumpy's Mexican Cafe has been serving breakfast, country cooking and Tex-Mex favorites in San Antonio for nearly 25 years. Monte Bach / Staff

Everyone at Grumpys Mexican Cafe has a different story, but they all share one thing in common: They came for the food, and they stayed for the people  and they keep coming back for both. Its in this quaint building where customers become regulars who become employees.

I wouldnt go anywhere else. Its the best restaurant; they treat you like family, said Pamela Lindenberg, who has worked at Grumpys since 2011.

Whether or not Azzoz is at the restaurant, its as if nothing has changed  and that was his hope. Before he retired in August 2021, he knew Jackson was the one person who could carry on his vision.

I said, You dont have the money, but Im going to sell it to you,  said Azzoz, who wanted Grumpys to retain its character. After all, the building has his name on it, a nickname given to him by his wife, Tammy.

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Tex-Mex favorites include the Mexican plate with a crispy beef taco in a housemade shell, cheese enchilada with Monterey jack and cheddar, a bean and cheese chalupa and housemade refried beans and Mexican rice. Monte Bach / Staff

Jackson promised Azzoz shed keep the menu, a unique blend of country cooking and Tex-Mex, exactly the same. The kitchen has no scales to weigh or portion.

I always said to use your best judgement to give the customer a lot of food, Azzoz said.

And that mindset has continued, particularly when Twisters are involved. The fried potato twists are the result of Azzozs potato spiral invention, which he came up with more than 20 years ago. His original Twister machine design is in the Grumpys kitchen. A Craftsman drill powers the top of the contraption, turning a russet potato into thin spirals that go into the deep fryer basket to come out as strands of connected potato chips.

Azzoz said the kitchen has always been where he does some of his best, and most creative, thinking. He also has a patent for a Foodservice Container Caddy, which prevents food-service containers from coming into contact with dining-room surfaces to protect them from contamination, according to the Patent Application Publication published Jan. 24, 2013.

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Grumpy's Mexican Cafe serves breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday. Monte Bach / Staff

Twisters sit atop the chicken and waffles, chicken strips on top of a housemade waffle, sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup. Its the best of country cooking and breakfast.

With plates piled so high, you might wonder if splitting meals at Grumpys is the norm. No, everyone goes big at Grumpys and everyone takes home at least one to-go box.

Customers very seldom split, Azzoz said with a laugh. Theyre selfish and want to take the rest home; they know theyre going to have it for dinner.

On my first visit, my husband didnt share his chicken-fried steak, and I didnt share any of my four steak fingers. The fries served as vehicles for dipping in the thick country gravy. The buttered toast with its moistened yellow sheen harkened back to a favorite of childhood, and I was compelled to tuck part of a steak finger inside the bread. No basket, no problem.

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One steak finger with fries required its own take-home box. Measuring at -inch thick, it was crispy and tender, and weighed in on my home scale at 3.15 ounces. Craving more of the saltiness and seasoning, I finished it nearly an hour after walking back in the door.

After eating and eating, three-fourths of my husbands plate was still filled with chicken-fried steak, and that steak filled an entire to-go box. We each worked on that chicken-fried steak in the days after that, though I didnt ask permission.

The hardest decision during that first visit was whether to go for country cooking, Tex-Mex or breakfast, with smells of pancakes, waffles and syrup at the next table, where a child tried to wrap the cheese around his fork from the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese enchiladas. The girl who was eating those pancakes stood up and declared it was the best day ever.

According to Jackson, the cafe goes through 22 cases of eggs a week: in batter, breakfast tacos, egg enchiladas, Mexican and country-style breakfast plates, omelets and pies. Everything is made in-house at Grumpys except the flour tortillas, which come from a local bakery.

Lupe Alanis was a customer for eight years, then she met her husband and started coming two to three times a week. Since November, shes been helping with the freshly baked pies: apple, blueberry, cherry, chocolate, coconut, fruits of the forest (apple, rhubarb, blackberry, strawberry), lemon meringue, peach, strawberry rhubarb and seasonal pumpkin and pecan.

This is my family, she said.

The staff at Grumpy's Mexican Cafe is one big family, ready to welcome everyone who comes inside. Monte Bach / Staff

Linda Barela, whom Jackson referred to as a veteran waitress, has been at Grumpys since before Jackson started.

Jackson met Azzoz and his wife at the restaurant 17 years ago, when she and her children moved back from San Diego, Calif. The San Antonio native quickly won the couple over.

I just came in, and he took me under his wing, Jackson said.

She began as a server, then worked her way up to management within a couple of years, from kitchen manager to general manager before becoming owner.

I told her you got to know everything about the business, including washing dishes, said Azzoz, who had that work ethic even before settling in at Grumpys.

As director of operations for more than 13 years at Jims Restaurants, owned by San Antonio-based Frontier Enterprises, Azzoz did everything from washing dishes to cooking.

All five of Jacksons children have worked at Grumpys, each getting their official starts in the restaurant business at age 15. Three of her four daughters still work there, while her son, Daniel Rodriguez, is now an executive chef in Georgetown.

Im super proud of her and her accomplishments, daughter Laci Rodriguez, 19, said.

Jacksons daughter Desiree Chavarria has been working at Grumpys for 15 years and enjoys delivering smiles to the customers.

Azzozs vision for what this restaurant could become started across the street nearly 25 years ago.

There were just cattle and donkeys out here, Azzoz said. Everyone thought Id lost my mind.

He had a handful of tables, which he admits he had trouble filling at first, but then he decided to add more tables and expand about a year later. He moved across the street to his current building, where Grumpys now has 42 tables.

We hold 126 people; it stays full all the time, Jackson said.

Chicken-fried chicken is topped with a housemade biscuit and smothered in sausage gravy. Monte Bach / Staff

Her favorite plate? Hand-breaded chicken-fried chicken, topped with a freshly made biscuit and smothered with sausage gravy, served alongside two eggs and hash browns.
Displaced Palestinians sheltering in a Unrwa-affiliated school in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, after fleeing Israeli airstrikes. Photograph: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

Germany has said it will restore cooperation and funding to Unrwa operations in the Gaza Strip after an independent review said Israel had not provided evidence to back up claims that hundreds of employees of the UN agency for Palestinians were members of terrorist organisations.

Berlins foreign and development ministries said in a joint statement on Wednesday that following Mondays publication of the review, conducted by the former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, the German government would soon resume cooperation with the UNs Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa).

Germanys decision follows those made earlier by several other major donors, including Australia, Canada, Sweden and Japan, to restore ties with Unwra after the Israeli government claimed in January that members of the agency had been involved in planning and carrying out the Hamas attack of 7 October that triggered the now-six-month-old war in Gaza.

The absence so far of evidence presented to underpin Israels allegations has raised questions about the snap decision by 19 donor governments to cut millions of dollars of funding to Unrwa, the main channel for humanitarian support for Palestinians, even as the death toll in Gaza soared, the health system collapsed and famine began to loom.

In the UK, ministers have said they would await publication of the Colonna report to make a decision on resuming funding: the UK provided 35m last financial year to Unrwa, including 16m extra for humanitarian aid. The US, previously the agencys biggest donor, provided 340m to the agency in 2023  nearly 30% of its total funds  but further financial support has been blocked by Congress for at least a year in the wake of Israels allegations.

Colonnas report, which was commissioned by the UN, found that Unrwa had regularly supplied Israel with lists of its employees for vetting, and that the Israeli government has not informed Unrwa of any concerns relating to any Unrwa staff based on these staff lists since 2011.

Berlin on Wednesday urged Unrwa to swiftly implement the reports recommendations, which include strengthening its internal audit function and improving external oversight of project management.

Germany had already restored funding for Unrwas work with Palestinian refugee communities outside Gaza. A separate investigation is being carried out into the 7 October attack by the UNs office of internal oversight services. The UN said that inquiry had not yet been completed.

In response to the reports publication on Monday, an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson, Oren Marmorstein, accused more than 2,135 Unrwa workers of being members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He said the Colonna review was insufficient and an effort to avoid the problem and not address it head on.

The Colonna review comes as Israel prepares to send troops into Gazas southernmost town of Rafah, the only corner of the strip that has not seen fierce ground fighting and where more than half of the Palestinian territorys population of 2.3 millions have sought shelter. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his war cabinet are expected to meet in the next two weeks to authorise civilian evacuations, which are expected to take about a month, as the first stage of the Rafah offensive.

More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the latest war between Israel and Hamas, according to the health ministry in the militant-run territory. About 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage in the 7 October attacks that sparked the war, according to Israeli data.
Gillian Keegan said: Having now spoken to experts and professionals, like many, my understanding has evolved' - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Gillian Keegan has said she will no longer use the phrase trans women are women, explaining that her understanding of the issue has evolved.

In 2020, in response to a question from an LGBT+ forum in her Chichester constituency, the Education Secretary made the statement that trans women are women, adding that trans people should have equal access to safe spaces.

But she told The Telegraph she had since learnt a huge amount more about this complex and challenging subject.

It comes after Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said he had been wrong to use the phrase trans women are women, get over it.

His U-turn came in the wake of the Cass Review, which found that much gender medicine was built on shaky foundations and warned against the use of puberty blockers for children and young people.

Ms Keegans remarks followed Whitehall concern that she has not been strong enough, as Education Secretary, in standing up to the influence of trans rights activists in schools.

Four years ago, in her response to the Chichester LGBT+ forum, she said: I recognise that more must be done to help transgender people with the unique and difficult challenges that they face.

Trans women are women and trans people deserve equal and fair access to healthcare, safe spaces and opportunities, as well as to live their life with dignity.

But she told The Telegraph: Since becoming an MP and later a minister I have learnt a huge amount more about this complex and challenging subject.

At the time of writing that response, I didnt have any direct experience of this topic and took advice on how best to respond, given the complexities surrounding individual cases. Having now spoken to experts and professionals, like many, my understanding has evolved.

I have since been crystal clear about my concerns that women are being erased in this debate, and have always been clear that women do not have, nor have ever had, a penis.

Her comments were welcomed by Sex Matters, a womens rights group. Maya Forstater, its chief executive, said: This change in position by Gillian Keegan is a welcome development and sets an example for other politicians to start using clear, serious language rather than trans activist slogans.

For several years, trans activist lobby groups pushed the use of phrases such as trans women are women as a tactic to silence debate and fair questions about how gender self-identification clashes with womens rights.

Many didnt recognise the dangers of these slogans early on, including politicians who doubtless thought they were simply supporting a good cause. It takes guts to publicly change your mind. Womens rights and the safeguarding of children are serious issues that need to be addressed with clear and accurate language.

In December, Ms Keegan published draft trans guidance for schools, which said pupils should only be allowed to change pronouns in rare circumstances and parents should be consulted on their childs wishes to change their gender identity.

Teaching unions and trans rights groups reacted angrily to the guidance, which is now out for consultation.

There are concerns in Whitehall that Ms Keegan may water it down in response to negative comments. There are also worries that the Department for Educations long-awaited relationships and sex education guidance for schools has still not been published.

Last week, The Telegraph revealed that Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, had met Stonewall in the past despite criticising the charity over its role in the puberty blockers controversy.

The Health Secretary met representatives of the LGBT+ charity in 2018, when she was equalities minister, and her team met them four times. But earlier this week, she said those who refused to follow all the recommendations of the Cass Review were following Stonewall.

Stonewall has supported the use of the drugs by young people wanting to change gender, and told schools to shred a research pack from another charity that said there were risks to puberty blockers.

But Ms Atkins cited its research in the Commons and said she was working closely with it when she was a minister in the Home Office.
Jonathan Creswell who was accused of raping and murdering Katie Simpson (pictured) was found dead before the second day of his trial

A horse trainer who was accused of the murder and rape of a showjumper he was in an illicit relationship with has been found dead before the second day of his trial was set to begin.

Jonathan Creswell, 36, had denied the murder and rape of Katie Simpson, 21, who died at the home he shared with Ms Simpsons sister in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, Northern Ireland on Aug 3 2020.

Creswell is reported to have lived there with Ms Simpsons sister Christina Simpson, with whom he had been in a long-term relationship.

Londonderry Crown Court sitting in Coleraine was told he had become jealous after Katie entered a relationship with someone else.

The pair were said by prosecutors to have met while he was a jockey at Darton Ree Stables in Tynan, Co Armagh.

Prosecutors had said he had tried to claim she died from suicide before claiming he had discovered the body.

On Wednesday morning, jurors were told Creswell was found deceased at his home this morning. He was on bail.

A police officer told the jury a man had been found dead at around 9am on Wednesday morning and that his identity had been confirmed by a family member.

The death is being treated as non-suspicious and the coroner has been notified.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said: Police attended the sudden death of a man at an address in the Waterside area of Londonderry this morning. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Two women are accused of perverting the course of justice in relation to the case while a third woman faces a charge of withholding information and they will be sentenced next month, the BBC reported.
Baroness Jenny Chapman still maintained she thinks it is the 'wrong policy and it's hugely expensive' - JULIAN SIMMONDS

Labour could keep Rishi Sunaks Rwanda policy if it is successful, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer has suggested.

Baroness Jenny Chapman, a frontbencher who was Sir Keirs political secretary, was asked whether Labour would axe the scheme if 10,000 migrants had been flown to Rwanda by the time of the election.

The peer, who was a member of the shadow cabinet, replied: If it did, as a major major leap with a thought experiment, then we might be having a different conversation but there is absolutely no evidence this is going to work.

Her comments, on GB Newss PMQs live show, leave open a door that Sir Keir has firmly tried to shut by declaring that he would scrap the Rwanda deportation scheme even if it succeeded in slashing small boat arrivals.

Yes. I think its the wrong policy, its hugely expensive. Its a tiny number of individuals who would go to Rwanda and the real problem is at source, he said.

Rishi Sunak's Safety of Rwanda Act is due to get royal assent on Thursday - ANADOLU

The Tories are gearing up for the election with the slogan: The Tories stop the boats, Labour stops the flights.

Labour played down Baroness Chapmans comments, emphasising that she did not think the policy would be a success. We dont believe it will work, said a Labour source.

The Safety of Rwanda Act, aimed at blocking further setbacks to the Governments controversial deportation scheme, is due to get royal assent on Thursday after passing through Parliament following months of wrangling between MPs and peers.

It comes as a report, published on Thursday, warned that the Government faces an accommodation bill of 17 million a day for some 90,000 migrants left in limbo by the Rwanda scheme.

The analysis by the Refugee Council forecast 93,931 people will be stuck in permanent limbo, having had their asylum claim declared permanently inadmissible, but not having been removed from the UK.

It said that even if the Government were able to remove 5,000 people to Rwanda by the end of 2024, there would be just over 90,000 people left in this situation.

This would leave the Home Office having to spend 17.1 million per day to provide accommodation, the vast majority likely to be in hotels. That would be more than double the 8 million a day at the peak of the asylum hotel crisis and equivalent to 6.2 billion a year.

Downing Street believes European countries will follow Britain's lead and adopt a Rwanda-style deportation scheme - ASON ALDEN/POOL/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Enver Solomon, the councils chief executive, said: It will lead to another entirely avoidable system meltdown. Instead of operating an effective and fair asylum system, the Government has recklessly brought in this misguided legislation without any apparent thought to its staggering costs and long-term consequences.

Amid reports that the Government has struggled to find an airline to deport migrants to Rwanda, Michael OLeary, Ryanairs chief executive, on Wednesday said he would happily offer Rwanda deportation flights from the UK if he had the available aircraft.

Mr Sunak said on Monday the Home Office had already booked specific slots for private commercial flights but Mr OLeary said that he would happily quote for the business if it was the winter schedule and we had spare aircraft sitting around.

Downing Street said on Wednesday that it believed European countries will follow Britains lead and adopt Rwanda-style deportation schemes once the first flights get underway.

No 10 has been approached by several nations on the continent which are interested in replicating the plan to tackle illegal migration if it succeeds. Some like Denmark and Austria have already said they are considering striking similar deals with third countries and whilst others are privately interested.

Mr Sunak discussed the Europe-wide fight against illegal migration with the leaders of Germany and Poland during a two-day visit to the continent.

James Cleverly, the Home Security, met Matteo Piantedosi, his Italian counterpart, in Rome on Wednesday during a two-day visit including time in Lampedusa, where 110,000 illegal migrants landed last year after crossing the Mediterranean.

They agreed closer cooperation in the battle to stem illegal migration and discussed innovative approaches. Where the UK has its Rwanda scheme, Italy has an offshoring deal with Albania where asylum-seekers who arrive in Italy are removed to have their claims processed there.
Lord Cameron's comments come just two days after Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill passed through Parliament - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Britain can no longer return Channel migrants to France because of Brexit, Lord Cameron has indicated.

The Foreign Secretary said a migrant returns agreement with France to help break up smuggling gangs and stop people making the perilous journey across the Channel was simply not possible.

He said the situation were in means a deal that was in place when he was Prime Minister to send migrants back to France when they landed in Britain could not be replicated.

Asked whether this was because of Brexit, he said: Because of the situation were in, because of the attitude of others and all the rest of it.

The pre-Brexit Dublin Agreement allowed the UK to return migrants to safe EU countries where they should have claimed asylum if they had passed through them. This was scrapped under Brexit but has not been replaced.

His comments come just two days after Rishi Sunaks Rwanda Bill, aimed at blocking further setbacks to the Governments controversial deportation scheme, passed through Parliament following months of wrangling between MPs and peers.

Asked whether he would have pursued the Rwanda policy while he was prime minister, Lord Cameron told ITVs Peston show: We had a totally different situation because [we] could return people directly to France.

Now, Id love that situation to be the case again  thats the most sensible thing. People land on a beach in Kent, you take them straight back to France, you therefore break the model of the people smugglers. Thats not available at the moment. Its simply not possible.

Emmanuel Macron, the French president, has made it clear that France will not make any bilateral returns deal with the UK, saying instead that it would have to be negotiated on an EU-wide basis.

Following Lord Camerons comments, a Downing Street spokesman said there was no returns deal with the EU on the table.

The spokesman indicated there was little prospect of one being negotiated because the new pan-European migration agreement on returning migrants depended on member states accepting quotas of migrants, adding: On returns agreements, we would never accept quotas in return for that.

Despite calls by some senior Tories for the UK to quit the European Convention on Human Rights, Lord Cameron said that leaving the ECHR would not be necessary to prevent small boat crossings.

The Foreign Secretary said Mr Sunaks deportation policy would work without the UK needing to leave the ECHR. The Prime Minister had previously hinted that he would be willing to leave the convention if it prevented the implementation of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Lord Cameron told the Peston show: I dont think its necessary to leave the ECHR. I dont think that needs to happen to make this policy work.

The Safety of Rwanda Act aims to limit legal challenges by migrants against their deportation to exceptional cases, and gives ministers powers to ignore rule 39 orders by the European Court of Human Rights that were used to block the first flights to Rwanda in June 2022.

In the past week Liz Truss, the former prime minister, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, and Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister have called for the UK to quit the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mrs Braverman urged Mr Sunak to quit the convention now, or risk losing the chance to do so for a decade.

She told the National Conservatism conference in Brussels earlier this month that leaving the ECHR was not just the right and necessary thing to do but also the politically expedient option for the Government.
Princess Beatrice with Paolo Liuzzo. The pair began dating when she was 17

Princess Beatrices ex-boyfriend Paolo Liuzzo was found dead in a Miami hotel room following a suspected overdose, it has been reported.

Liuzzo, 42, was discovered at the citizenM Worldcenter hotel, a four-star hotel in downtown Miami shortly after 3pm on February 7, the Miami Police Department told The Sun.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

However, Michael Vega, an officer with the Miami police department, said Liuzzos death was being investigated as an overdose death, and the inquiry remains ongoing.

Police attended the room at 3.22pm on February 7 and Liuzzos time of death was given as 3.34pm, he said.

Insiders suggested Liuzzo had struggled with drugs for some time, and been plunged into a vicious cycle of gambling-related debt.

Paolo was not doing great on a personal level, one friend told The Sun.

It was a very fast lifestyle and we all feared it would catch up with him eventually.

Paolo Liuzzo at a court appearance in 2006 - SHUTTERSTOCK

Liuzzo had repeated run-ins with the law, including being arrested and charged with cocaine possession in Australia in 2009.

His death certificate listed his residence as an apartment building close to the citizenM hotel.

He was listed as single and his occupation as an art industry consultant, according to The Sun.

Princess Beatrice is reported to have been informed of her former boyfriends death just weeks after her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with skin cancer.

Princess Beatrice with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - GETTY IMAGES

The royal was just 17 years old when she began dating Liuzzo in 2005.

The relationship became public when he joined Princess Beatrices family ski trip to Verbier, Switzerland the following year.

Princess Beatrice is reported to have been the one to end the romance, and spent most of her 20s dating Uber executive Dave Clark.

She married the multi-millionaire property developer Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020, with whom she has a daughter, Sienna.
Jim Hoft, publisher of Gateway Pundit, at the White House on 11 July 2019. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

The Gateway Pundit, a rightwing website known for spreading election conspiracies, will declare bankruptcy as it faces lawsuits for defamation.

The sites parent company, TGP Communications, will file for bankruptcy in Florida as a result of the progressive liberal lawfare attacks against our media outlet, founder Jim Hoft wrote on the website.

Those lawsuits include one from the Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who sued the organization in Missouri, where it is based, after the website perpetuated false claims that the two had been involved in election fraud in Georgia.

In a separate case, Freeman and Moss secured a $148m judgment against Rudy Giuliani for spreading election lies about them and defaming them. After the verdict, the former New York City mayor and Trump attorney filed for bankruptcy, complicating whether or how Freeman and Moss can get paid.

The Gateway Pundit also faces a suit in Colorado from a former Dominion Voting Systems employee, Eric Coomer, who alleges the outlet defamed him by claiming he rigged the election against Trump.

Election offices have faced waves of harassing messages after Gateway Pundit stories have been published, often targeting staff members with threatening and abusive language.

The defamation lawsuits are one strategy pro-democracy groups, private companies and individuals are using to attempt to hold people and organizations accountable for spreading election lies, especially ones that cause harm to people like Freeman, Moss and Coomer. Those on the defense often refer to these lawsuits as lawfare.

Hoft said that the company seeking bankruptcy protection was not an admission of fault or culpability, but instead a way to reorganize and consolidate lawsuits when attacks are coming from all sides. The company will be able to put the lawsuits it faces into one court, he wrote.

Even though the Gateway Pundit is based in Missouri, its parent company filed paperwork last week to become a limited liability company in Florida, where the bankruptcy claim was filed.

The Gateway Pundit said in its bankruptcy filing that it had between $500,000 and $1m in assets and between $100,001 and $500,000 in liabilities. A list of its 20 largest creditors contained mostly anonymous individuals.

RonNell Andersen Jones, a first amendment scholar at the University of Utah, said that maneuvering to declare bankruptcy showed the challenges of using defamation law to try and hold those who spread misinformation accountable.

It seems to be an increasingly common maneuver for outlets accused of widespread libelous disinformation to declare bankruptcy in an effort to avoid or delay defamation damages, she said. Bankruptcy after trial is frustrating to defamation plaintiffs because it robs them of the chance to quickly and fully recover for their loss. Bankruptcy before trial is surely all the more frustrating.

These moves keep us from being able to use libel law as a public truth-finding mechanism, she added. The goal here seems clear: for the defamer to essentially make itself judgment-proof rather than facing the libel trial and the potentially staggering consequences for the lie.
Flowers, candles and photos of Alexei Navalny left in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin after news of his death in February. Photograph: John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images

A Russian priest who presided over a memorial for the opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended from leading services and ordered to serve three years of penance, as persecution of people associated with Navalny has continued even after his death.

Dmitry Safronov had read several memorial services, called panikhida in Russian, at Navalnys grave and led a service last month to mark 40 days since his death at a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Moscow diocese of the Russian Orthodox church said Safronov would be demoted to psalm reader, forbidden from wearing a cross and sent to another Moscow-region church where he would serve a three-year penance.

Related: Lithuania blames Putin for Vilnius hammer attack on Navalny aide

At the end of that period a decision would be made regarding whether he could be formally defrocked depending on feedback from his place of service, the document said.

No formal reason was given for the punishment. Safronov could not immediately be reached for comment.

In the absence of official information, the ban can be linked only with the memorial service that it is said Father Dmitry served for Alexei Navalny, wrote Ioann Burdin, a priest who was fined and then defrocked after criticising the war in Ukraine.

In a post on social media, Yulia Navalnaya, the late opposition leaders wife, confirmed that Safronov had conducted a memorial service at his graveside and called for his supporters to give donations to Safronovs family. I am very grateful to him, she wrote. Lets help him and his family.

Another priest who has spoken out against the Russian war in Ukraine was also punished in the church decree. Several Russian priests have been punished with fines or demotion after signing an open letter against the war in 2022. In several cases they were informed upon by members of their own congregations.

Russia has continued to persecute supporters of Navalny. Hundreds were arrested at impromptu vigils in cities across Russia in the days after his death.

Leonid Volkov, a close ally of Navalnys, was targeted in a hammer attack near his home in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he lives in exile. Polish authorities have arrested three people in relation to the attack.

Russia has charged two journalists who covered Navalnys trials with extremism, which carries a jail term of up to six years in prison.

The pair, Antonina Favorskaya and Olga Komleva, were detained last month. Favorskaya published footage of Navalny at a trial hearing in mid-February that was the last video of the opposition leader before his death. She was charged for her work with Navalnys FBK anti-corruption foundation, which was labelled an extremist organisation by the Russian government in 2021.
The video showing hostage Hersch Goldberg-Polin seemed to have been recorded recently

Around half of the remaining Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas have been killed in Gaza, an Israeli-American captive said in a rare proof-of-life video.

Hamas released a two-minute video on Wednesday night showing 24-year-old Hersch Goldberg-Polin appealing to the Israeli government to bring him home.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas that would have included a hostage swap and pause in fighting have collapsed.

The video was released as Israel is preparing to move Palestinian civilians out of Rafah ahead of a major offensive. Hamas has warned that an attack would risk the lives of more hostages.

Israel's promised assault on Rafah has raised fears for the safety of its remaining hostages - MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images

Mr Goldberg-Polin, born in California, was kidnapped from the Nova festival, where he lost an arm in a grenade attack.

The video was likely made under duress, and Mr Goldberg-Polin appeared sickly, pale and thin as he read at least part of his statement from a teleprompter.

It was not clear when the video was recorded but it appears to have been very recent as Mr Goldberg-Polin spoke about 200 days of captivity, which he would have marked earlier this week, and the festival of Passover, which began on Monday evening. He spoke about living in underground hell without water, food, sun or medical treatment.

He said at least 70 of the remaining 130 or so hostages have been killed in Gaza in Israeli bombings, he said, likely repeating a line given to him by his captors. Official Israeli estimates have put the number closer to 35.

A White House spokesman confirmed it had received the video, the first Hamas has publicly released of a US hostage.

An official said the FBI and hostage rescue experts have been analysing the footage to ascertain if they can glean anything from it.

Mr Goldberg-Polin, whose family has been one of the most active advocates of a hostage deal with Hamas, said Benjamin Netanyahu and his government should be ashamed of themselves for not stopping the war in Gaza.

Mr Goldberg-Polin told his parents in the video I love you and I miss you so much and wished them a happy Passover.

His family have mounted a campaign pushing for his release, with posters showing him smiling and displaying the slogan Bring Hersch home often seen on the walls of Israeli towns.

His family did not have an immediate comment but said it would release a statement later.

Mr Goldberg-Polin's mother Rachel Goldberg, centre, and her family have been campaigning for his release - AP Photo/Susan Walsh

A group representing the families of some of the hostages said on Wednesday that the family has agreed for the media to use the video which they said underlines their sons plight.

Hershs cry is the collective cry of all the hostages - their time is rapidly running out, the group said in a statement.

We cannot afford to waste any more time; the hostages must be the top priority.

Hamas has repeatedly admitted that it is not aware of the whereabouts of all 133 hostages who are currently in captivity in Gaza as some of them were abducted by Palestinian civilians rather than Hamas fighters.

In recent ceasefire negotiations, Hamas refused to share a list of all living hostages with Israel, raising fears there are fewer survivors than previously thought.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israels army chief Herzl Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar went to Cairo to discuss with Egyptian intelligence officers Israels plans for a Rafah operation, as well as efforts to reach a hostage deal with Hamas.

The US and the West has clashed with Israel over its Rafah plans, and has also been pressuring the Israeli government over illegal settlements

The US State Department on Wednesday described as dangerous and reckless reports that Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli finance minister, was pushing to legalise dozens of settler outposts in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
A group of doctors join abortion rights supporters at a rally outside the supreme court in Washington on Wednesday. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The supreme court heard its second abortion rights case of the term on Wednesday, this one focused on how states can regulate emergency abortions  exceedingly rare procedures that often save a womans life or her future fertility.

The case may seem technical because it focuses on a small subset of emergency abortions and federal law that governs emergency room care.

However, if the court finds in favor of anti-abortion states, it could upend emergency care for millions of pregnant women and undermine the federal governments ability to regulate emergency medicine.

Heres what you need to know about the law

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (Emtala) is a federal law that requires doctors and hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment to patients facing serious threats to life and limb, regardless of their ability to pay, or lose federal funding.

The law grew out of patient dumping in the 1980s, when private hospitals transferred patients who could not pay, including women in active labor, to public counterparts.

Related: Anti-abortion states are targeting an emergency healthcare law. Will the supreme court side with them?

Idahos strict abortion ban only allows doctors to intervene in near-death cases

Emtala requires doctors to stabilize patients if they face a threat to life or limb. If a patients health could be seriously impaired in the future  for example, if a pregnant woman could lose her uterus unless she receives an abortion  an emergency room must make an effort to treat that threat to health.

This requirement directly conflicts with Idahos abortion ban, which only allows doctors to terminate a pregnancy to prevent death. Otherwise, doctors could face prosecution and loss of their medical license.

So, how can healthcare providers comply with Emtala and Idahos law? Lawyers for Idaho say there is no conflict. Because doctors must work within the bounds of state licensing boards, Idahos attorneys said they could comply with Emtala by simply following Idahos imminent death standard.

Female justices appeared especially skeptical. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a member of the conservative wing, asked Idahos deputy solicitor general, Joshua Turner, if a doctor would face criminal charges if they treated a woman who could lose her uterus but not die. Not if a doctor was exercising their medical judgment to determine life-saving care was necessary, Turner said.

What if the prosecutor thought differently? asked Coney Barrett.

That is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, said Turner.

The federal government says Idahos law is dangerous

Lawyers for the federal government vehemently disagreed and Turners assurances that doctors could exercise medical judgment do not square with reality, said the Biden administrations solicitor general, Elizabeth Prelogar.

Idaho has directly interfered with the ability of hospitals to accept these federal funds and fulfill Congresss desire that no matter where you are in this country you can go to an ER and be stabilized, said Prelogar.

Doctors in Idaho are so scared of treating pregnant patients that the states largest emergency care department is regularly airlifting women to Utah, Prelogar said. Utah also has an abortion ban, but it makes an exception for womens health, and therefore does not conflict with Emtala. At least six more states have abortion bans that do not make an exception for womens health, Prelogar said, though not all are in effect.

Herein lies some of this cases most pernicious implications  if doctors do not feel safe, then treating any pregnant patient in an abortion ban state becomes a high-risk proposition. It means women will be and already are being turned away from emergency rooms  endangering one of the populations Congress sought to protect.

The court appears divided

Whether the court will side with anti-abortion states or the federal government is unclear. The courts three liberals are almost certain to vote against anti-abortion states. At least one conservative, Coney Barrett, also appeared skeptical.

The conservative justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas appeared supportive of Idaho. The votes of three more conservative justices are less clear. Liberals will need at least two conservatives to join them to protect emergency care as Americans know it today.
Senior CPC official meets Aspen Institute delegation

Xinhua) 10:34, April 24, 2024

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with a delegation of the Aspen Institute led by Joseph Nye, co-chair of the Aspen Strategy Group and professor emeritus at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, in Beijing on Tuesday.

The two sides exchanged in-depth views on jointly implementing the consensus reached at the San Francisco summit between the heads of state of China and the United States and promoting the steady development of bilateral relations as well as on international and regional issues of common interest.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Roy R. Pachecano is author of "A Passion for Places (Texas Edition)." Arianna M.K. Pachecano

Back when he was a boy, Roy Pachecanos mother would give him pencils and paper to keep him quiet in church. He's been sketching ever since, even as his career as an architect, real estate developer and private contractor for the U.S. State Department overseeing construction of American embassies, has taken him across the globe.

Wherever Pachecano goes, he brings a traveling sketchbook with him to draw the architectural treasures of both the Old World and the New, including many in Texas. During the pandemic, as the world slowed and Pachecano began reassessing these drawings  more than 1,000 of them  a theme began to emerge, one that eventually coalesced into his soon-to-be published book, A Passion for Places (Texas Edition)" ($75 hardcover, $55 Kindle).

Signings and readings May 1: 5:30-7 p.m. at The Twig Book Shop, 306 Pearl Parkway, Ste., 106. May 2: 6-8 p.m. at The Guadalupe Latino Bookstore, 1300 Guadalupe St.

The book is about how many Texas buildings and landmarks are connected to other buildings and landmarks around the world, he said.

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Pachecano, who was born and raised in San Antonio, said Texas is unique in this way.

Texas has always had a rich history, he explained. Its been heavily influenced by our European ancestors in a way most other states arent. When you layer French history, Spanish history, German, Czech and other histories, you get an interesting mix, one that can be seen in these connected architectural styles.

Stitched together by Pachecanos words and illustrations, the book explores how so many Texas buildings and landmarks have been translated, modified and reimagined from architecture elsewhere in the world, many a few hundred years older, others more than a thousand.

The glossy, 187-page coffee table book includes 109 of Pachecanos drawings, ranging from office buildings, churches and palazzos to railroad depots, water towers and the SpaceX assembly building. Side-by-side comparisons allow the reader to visualize and understand the similarities between the antecedents and what followed.

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Roy R. Pachecano's "A Passion for Places" will be available May 1. Roy Pachecano

While many comparisons appear obvious even to the untrained eye  churches in the U.S. often mimic their European counterparts  Pachecanos book makes a number of other eyebrow-raising connections. He pairs the Colosseum in Rome with the Astrodome in Houston, arguing that the two wonders of the world that eventually became outdated both exhibit facades built using an efficient, repetitive structural system.

The comparisons are not always exact, he conceded. They dont have to be.

But, Pachecano said, one can argue that those who designed many of the Texas buildings he spotlights were fluent in the same architectural language that informed the original designers. And in such a way, it stands to reason that individual pieces of architecture are influenced by another.

MAKING A SPLASH: Mini pools a hit with San Antonio homeowners

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Most of Pachecanos illustrations, done with a combination of pencil, ink and a watercolor wash, were drawn, at least initially, en plein air, which made each session a unique experience.

I remember it being cold in Paris, he said. Working watercolor in the cold is something you can do, but Id much rather pencil it out real quick and then finish it later. It was hot in Italy, so I had more time to lay in the perspective.

On occasion, he has also found himself at odds with officials or other authorities, although that was usually nothing more worrisome than a tired museum docent or security guard telling him it was closing time and to pack up his drawing supplies.

In one of the books many endnotes, however, he tells of the time, years ago while on a tour of the White House, a Secret Service agent approached him while he was sketching the first floor Cross Hall and confiscated his sketchbook.

After a harrowing 30 minutes, Pachecano said, the agent returned and started asking questions. Fortunately, the book contained drawings of other landmarks hed sketched, and he and the book were soon back on the street, ready to start sketching again.

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Texas pairings

Many of the facade details in San Antonio's 1929 Tower-Life Building reflect those found in the 15th century Ca'd'Oro in Venice, including the pointed arches and the tri-foil motifs. The lantern at the top of the building perhaps best reflects the Venetian palazzos styling, which is itself drawn from Moorish architecture. Roy Pachecano

Palazzo Ca d'Oro, Venice (15th century)/Tower-Life Building, San Antonio (1929). Many facade details of the downtown high-rise (originally the Smith-Young Tower), are not easily seen from ground level, but they reflect those found in the Venetian palazzo (also called the Palazzo Santa Sofia), including the pointed arches, the trefoil motifs and the lantern at the very top. Another similarity: Both share a waterfront presence: on Venices Grand Canal and the San Antonio River.

The Gothic spires and strong vertical lines seen in downtown San Antonio's St. Joseph Catholic Church (1876) strongly echo the ecclesiastical architecture common throughout Eastern European, most notably in the dual-towered Church of Our Lady before Tyn that has dominated Pragues Old Town Square for more than six centuries. Roy Pachecano

Church of Our Lady before Tyn, Prague (14th century)/St. Joseph Catholic Church, San Antonio (1876). The Gothic spires and strong vertical lines seen in this downtown San Antonio landmark strongly echo the ecclesiastical architecture common throughout Eastern European, most notably in the dual-towered Church of Our Lady before Tyn that has dominated Pragues Old Town Square for more than six centuries.

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Both the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan (1877) and Galleria in Dallas (1982) have large open space and lofty, glass enclosed atria that allow natural light to flood in. While Milan's Italian Gothic galleria is open air, its Dallas counterpart, owing to Texas stifling summers, is fully air conditioned. Roy Pachecano

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan (1877)/Galleria, Dallas (1982). Both of these grand shopping plazas have large open (and unrentable) space and lofty, glass enclosed atria that allow natural light to flood in. While Milan's Italian Gothic galleria is open air, its Dallas counterpart, owing to Texas stifling summers, is fully air conditioned, yet both are designed so shoppers feel they are at once inside and out.

It may seem a stretch to compare Musee du Louvre (1793) in Paris with a brewery, but the San Antonio Brewing Association building (1894) at the heart of Pearl development shares with the Louvre such design details as mansard roof lines, flanking vertical elements and strong symmetrical massing. Roy Pachecano

Musee du Louvre, Paris (1793)/San Antonio Brewing Association building, San Antonio (1894). It may seem a stretch to compare a worlds most famous museum with a brewery, but the building at the heart of Pearl development shares with the Louvre such design details as mansard rooflines, flanking vertical elements and strong symmetrical massing.

On Romes Janiculcum Hill, the 16th century Tempietto is a commemorative tomb marking the traditional site of St. Peters crucifixion. The structures monumental dome, supported by a two-tier drum, has for hundreds of years been the template for countless domes throughout the Western world  including at the State Capitol in Austin (1888). Roy Pachecano
Emergency services vehicles outside Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Wales. Photograph: Wales News Service

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a school in south-west Wales.

Dyfed-Powys police said the injuries were not life-threatening and officers were continuing to investigate the incident after they were called to Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Carmarthenshire at 11.20am on Wednesday.

Supt Ross Evans, the Carmarthenshire commander, said: Emergency services immediately attended and the school was locked down for the safety of all on the premises. Three people  two teachers and a teenage pupil  have been taken to hospital with stab wounds.

The family members of all those injured have been informed. A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody. A knife has been recovered in evidence.

Evans said police were working with the school and other agencies to ensure support was available after the very distressing incident. He asked that people stop circulating footage of the incident on social media to avoid contempt of court and causing further distress. He added that officers would be in the area in the coming days.

By Wednesday evening, only a few police vehicles remained behind the school gates as calm descended on the small former mining town.

One mother of two children at the school who arrived at the neighbouring leisure centre said they were shaken by the day but saw and heard very little other than the gossip of schoolmates.

They know that two teachers were hurt, theres speculation as to who did what to who, she said. Were just relieved it wasnt them who were hurt  You would never expect something like this to happen here.

The schools headteacher said he was proud of students response to the incident. In a statement posted on the school website, James Durbridge said: Today has been a very difficult day for us all in the school. It goes without saying that my thoughts are with the three individuals and their families, who have been affected by todays incident.

I wish to commend all staff and pupils for their calm and mature response during todays lockdown. We are proud to have witnessed pupils embodying the schools core values while supporting their peers and staff.

The BBC named one of the injured teachers as Fiona Elias, the head of year seven.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, which translates as Amman Valley school, would remain closed on Thursday to allow police to carry out investigations, said Darren Price, the leader of Carmarthenshire county council. Praising the schools response to the shocking incident, he said wellbeing support would be available for pupils, parents and staff, and that lessons would be moved online.

Emergency services were at the scene throughout Wednesday. The Welsh ambulance service sent four emergency ambulances and a hazardous area response team to the scene. Air ambulance helicopters also attended.

The school released pupils at 3.20pm, where they were hugged by tearful parents who had gathered to wait for them.

The first minister of Wales, Vaughan Gething, said on X that he was shocked by the incident. A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch [thank you] to first responders, he added.

The UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said he was shocked at the news, while the home secretary, James Cleverly, praised police and medical services for acting so promptly and asserted that the school system and life in the UK were very safe. Jonathan Edwards, the independent MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said the incident was a huge shock and he could not recall anything like it happening in Wales before.

Adam Price, the Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, who attended the school, said it was an excellent school in a really close-knit community. He said there would be lessons to learn from the incident to minimise  as far as is ever humanly possible  the chances of this ever happening again in Ammanford, or any other community in Wales.

Social media posts sent from the scene showed a heavy police presence as well as a large number of people waiting outside the school gates. Further footage showed air ambulance helicopters taking off from the school grounds.

One parent, Charlotte Rogers, who was waiting for her daughter to leave the school, said: She said she was scared. Shes a tough cookie, so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe. This shouldnt have happened. At the end of the day, they should have had measures in place beforehand, when they first opened the school, to make sure it was safe for them.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is a bilingual and mixed-gender comprehensive school with about 2,000 pupils. It is known for the sporting prowess of its alumni, who include the former Welsh rugby international Shane Williams, the England rugby player Harry Randall and the Wales rugby captains Hannah Jones and Jac Morgan.

Dyfed-Powys police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys police through a dedicated public portal.
Agnes Callamard, the French head of Amnesty, warned of alarming human rights repression and prolific rule-breaking as she launched the annual world report. Photograph: J Tallis/AFP/Getty

The UK has been accused by Amnesty International of deliberately destabilising human rights on the global stage for its own political ends.

In its annual global report, released today, the organisation said Britain was weakening human rights protections nationally and globally, amid a near-breakdown of international law.

The UK is deliberately destabilising the entire concept of universal human rights through its appalling domestic policies and politicking, said Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UKs chief executive.

The damning Amnesty report said that with UK government policies targeting asylum seekers and other migrants, along with protesters, Britain had breached its international human rights commitments and curtailed protections at a particularly perilous time in global history. It said new legislation further eroded the freedom of assembly and expression.

The UKs Illegal Migration Act, and government rhetoric around it, were in conflict with the UN refugee convention and the European convention on human rights, Amnesty said. The government had in effect ended the universal application of human rights by switching off protections for refugees. Both of these carve outs from protections ran contrary to the universal principles of human rights, it said.

The report also specifically condemns the UK for failing to use its leadership role within the UN to prevent human rights violations in Gaza and its weak support for the international criminal court (ICC) investigation into human rights violations in Israel and Palestine. It also highlights Britains involvement in arming Israel.

Deshmukh said of Israel: Weve got a very deep concern about the UKs practice of supplying arms and significant components for arms. About 15% of finished F-35 warplanes, used by Israel, are likely to contain UK parts or components, he said.

Theres no doubt in my mind that the UK will be judged harshly by history for its failure to help prevent civilian slaughter in Gaza, Deshmukh said.

The report also more widely criticises Israels allies for the failure to stop the indescribable civilian bloodshed in Gaza. In a stark warning to world leaders, the organisation said the world was reaping a harvest of terrifying consequences from escalating conflict and the near-breakdown of international law.

Referencing the development of international law and civilian protections after the second world war, Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals general secretary, said: In 2023, we were plunged back into a future we dont want, back to a future we were promised never again.

The 418-page report points to the USs use of its veto to paralyse the UN security council for months by blocking the passing of a much-needed resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, while it continues to arm Israel with weapons used to commit what may constitute war crimes.

Amnesty highlights the grotesque double standards of powerful western countries, including the UK and Germany, continuing to shield and thus bolster the actions of Israel, given those states well-founded protests over war crimes by Russia and Hamas.

The report paints a bleak picture of the state of human rights across the world, warning that the breakdown of the rule of law is likely to accelerate with the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence, which coupled with the dominance of big technology companies, risked supercharging human rights violations if regulation continues to lag behind technological advancement.

Alongside flagrant rule-breaking by Russian forces during their invasion of Ukraine, the growing number of conflicts and human rights violations witnessed in Sudan, where nearly 15,000 people have died in the civil war, as well as in Ethiopia and Myanmar, where more than 1,000 civilians died in conflict in 2023, are cited as major factors in the intensifying deterioration of global protection for civilians.

Neither Myanmars military nor the Russian authorities, both of which have received help from China, have agreed to investigate reports of violations.

Related: UKs draft refugee and police laws are human rights vandalism, says Amnesty

Speaking at a press conference to launch the report, Callamard said: When the powerful flout the rule of law, the shield of the law weakens. When the powerful state themselves [to be] above the law, betrayal of the law becomes a response by many more.

Amnestys report found an increasing number of attacks on women, LGBTQ+ people and marginalised communities for political or electoral gain.

It predicted that, during a landmark year of elections around the world and amid increasingly stiff opposition to regulation by big tech companies, technological advances  such as spyware and facial recognition  could be weaponised to discriminate and disinform. For example, Amnesty exposed how Facebooks algorithms had contributed to ethnically based violence in Ethiopia during the conflict in the countrys Tigray region.

He said that he was also deeply worried by the Rwanda scheme to send asylum seekers to the African country, after the bill, which excludes the ability of courts to scrutinise issues brought before them, passed its parliamentary stages earlier this week.

History will look back and say that we gave succour to those governments with authoritarian regimes and others who want to avoid the rule of law said Deshmukh. It is deeply worrying and its repercussions could be felt for years to come.

Callamard said: Amnesty Internationals report paints a dismal picture of alarming human rights repression and prolific rule-breaking, all in the midst of deepening global inequality, superpowers vying for supremacy and an escalating climate crisis.
Ukraine is waiting on a big consignment of military aid from America - Reuters

After months of delay, Ukraine soon should be getting a big new consignment of long-range precision missiles from the United States. With these farther-flying Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and other Western-made deep-strike munitions, Ukraine finally is in a position to do what its been threatening to do for years now: drop the strategic Kerch Bridges, which connect southern Russia to Russian-occupied Crimea and provide a vital supply line for Russian forces in southern Ukraine.

When Russian forces captured much of southern Ukraine in the early weeks of Russias wider war on Ukraine, more than two years ago, their logistical situation was vulnerable.

There was an inland railroad threading from Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine to Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, but it was so close to the front line that even Ukraines short-range howitzers could hit it. So food, fuel, ammunition and other vital supplies for the tens of thousands of Russians in the southern army came to them in two main ways.

Some critical ammo came by ship, from ports in southern Russian across the Black Sea to ports in Crimea. The Russian navys Black Sea Fleet devoted around a dozen amphibious landing ships to the ammo runs.

Other supplies came by rail and road over the new Kerch bridges, which span the Kerch Strait connecting Russia to Crimea. For as long as a few ships and those two bridges were logistical chokepoints for the Russians, the same ships and bridges were also top targets for the Ukrainians.

The thinking, in Kyiv, was that sinking the ships and damaging or destroying the bridge cut off Russian troops in the south from their best supply lines, making them easy to overcome in a southern counteroffensive  one that would aim to cut south across Russian-held oblasts and isolate Crimea. The counter-offensive would be hitting Russian troops whose supplies would be coming all the way from Russia by truck. As a result they would be short of shells and fuel  the two primary needs of armies fighting this kind of war. If the Ukrainians could reach the Azov, the western half of the Russian invasion army would then be totally cut off and forced to surrender. The war would be all but won.

That strategy explains what happened next. The Ukrainian navy and air force began hunting down and sinking  with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and explosive drone boats  the Black Sea Fleets landing ships. Twenty-six months into the wider war, the Ukrainians have at least damaged, if not sunk, eight of the landing ships  a majority of the flotilla. Theyve also made the port of Sevastopol, the main one in Crimea, so dangerous that the Russians mostly cant use it any more.

Attacks on the Kerch Bridges were less successful. A Ukrainian raid in October 2022 damaged one span but didnt fully close the supply line. Another raid  this one by an exploding drone boat  damaged the bridges a second time back in July. As repairs were underway, the Ukrainians lobbed two ballistic missiles, but missed.

A shortage of appropriate munitions constrains Ukrainian forces aiming to drop the 11-mile, steel-and-concrete Kerch bridge with its parallel spans for trains and automobiles. A bridge is a tough target: too tough for munitions that are designed to kill or injure troops or damage comparatively lightly-built vehicles.

One of Ukraines best deep-strike munitions  the American-made M39 ATACMS  dispenses hundreds of tiny submunitions that explode with the firepower of a hand grenade. The precision-guided M39 is great for taking out radars, command posts and aircraft on the ground at their bases.

It would barely scratch the Kerch Bridges. Not that that matters when a 100-mile-range M39 cant even reach the bridge, which lies 160 miles from the front line. The French and British supplied Storm Shadow can reach the bridge, but its bunker busting warhead is also unsuitable for taking it down.

But the newer M57 ATACMS ranges 190 miles with a 470-pound unitary warhead: one big blast instead of hundreds of small ones. An M57 could badly damage the Kerch Bridge. A barrage of several M57s might even drop a section of it.

On the eve of a long-delayed final vote approving another $61 billion in US aid to Ukraine, US government sources confirmed to various media that future aid packages would include longer-range ATACMS. That could mean a farther-flying version of the M39. But it could also mean the M57: the possible bridge-killer.

All that is to say, Ukraine has already mostly cut the first original supply line into Crimea  the landing-ship shuttle  and could soon have munitions suitable for cutting the second original supply line, the Kerch Bridge. After more than two years, that plan for strangling Russias forces in southern Ukraine could finally come to fruition. Next years Ukrainian counter-offensive would have a real chance of success.

The plan is obsolete, however. Apparently appreciating their logistical vulnerability, the Russians spent much of 2023 laying a new rail line that connects Rostov, in southern Russia, to Mariupol in occupied southern Ukraine, and lies outside the range of Ukrainian artillery.

This new rail line went into use this spring. It would be a simple matter for Ukraine to hit the line with an M57 ATACMS or a Storm Shadow or another long-ranging weapon. But its an even simpler matter for Russia to send up a train with some engineers, earth-moving equipment and new lengths of rail and repair it. Unlike ships, harbours and bridges, overland railways are extremely hard to knock out for any length of time.

So the Ukrainians could sink the last few surviving Russian landing ships and knock down the Kerch Bridges with ATACMS and still fail to throttle the flow of supplies to the Russians on the line in Zaporizhzhia and along the Dnipro. A logistics-first strategy for weakening Russias southern forces was viable in 2022 and 2023. Its probably not viable in 2024.

Which isnt to say Ukraine wont keep trying to liberate its occupied territory. It almost certainly will. But Ukrainian brigades will once again be compelled to attack into formidable Russian fortifications amply supplied with ammunition, fuel, rations and everything else they need  instead of winning the war elegantly, by cutting off the Russians supplies. The delay in sending longer-range weapons has potentially saved Putin from losing his war.
The US Senate voted resoundingly on Tuesday to approve $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, as a bipartisan super-majority united to send the long-stalled package to Joe Bidens desk for signature. The final vote was 79 to 18.

The bill easily cleared a key procedural hurdle earlier in the day. The Senate overwhelmingly voted to advance the measure in a step hailed by the majority leader as one of the greatest achievements the Senate has faced in years.

Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need, said Chuck Schumer in a floor speech on Tuesday afternoon.

Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin, he continued. We are showing Putin that betting against America is always, always a grave mistake.

After months of delays and setbacks, the House last week approved four bills to rush funding to three American allies while approving a conservative proposal that could lead to a nationwide ban of the social media platform TikTok. The measures were combined into one large package that the Senate approved on Tuesday.

The legislation includes $60.8bn to replenish Ukraines war chest as it seeks to repel Russia from its territory; $26.3bn for Israel and humanitarian relief for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza; and $8.1bn for the Indo-Pacific region to bolster its defenses against China.

Reacting to the funding for Taiwan, China said it urged the US to fulfil its commitment to not support Taiwan independence with concrete actions, and stop arming it in any way, a spokesperson for its Taiwan Affairs Office said.

Taiwans military said on Sunday it intended to discuss with the US how to use the money.

Israels foreign minister, Israel Katz, also reacted to its portion of the funding, saying it sent a strong message to the countrys enemies.

In a call on Monday, Biden informed the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, that he would move quickly to send desperately needed military aid, including air defense weaponry, to the country after the bills passage by the Senate.

In a move to bolster Republican support, the GOP-controlled House added a provision that would see TikTok blocked in the US unless its Chinese-owned parent company divests from the social media platform within a year. Much of the foreign aid section of the bill mirrors what the Senate passed in February, with the addition of a measure mandating the president seek repayment from Kyiv for roughly $10bn in economic assistance in the form of forgivable loans, an idea first floated by Donald Trump, who was initially opposed to aiding Ukraine.

Although the foreign aid package largely resembles the measure passed by the Senate in February, several Republican senators who voted against it then reversed course and on Tuesday gave their approval.

Among them was Lindsey Graham, a longtime defense hawk who previously opposed the Senates foreign aid package because it wasnt paired with border legislation but on Tuesday voted to advance it. After a visit to Ukraine earlier this year, Graham endorsed Trumps loan plan and has since pointed to Irans aerial attack on Israel as a reason send aid to the country.

Israel needs the US Senate now. No excuses, Graham wrote on X before voting to advance the bill.

The Senates passage of the aid package caps a tortured odyssey on Capitol Hill that began last year with a request for the White House for a fresh round of funding for Ukraine and for Israel, reeling from the 7 October cross-border attack by Hamas.

Despite broad congressional support, the effort almost immediately stalled as a faction of Republicans, increasingly skeptical of US involvement in foreign entanglements, resisted sending more aid to Ukraine. Conservatives began insisting that any funding to foreign countries be paired with legislation aimed at stemming the rise of people arriving at the US-Mexico border.

When a bipartisan border and national security bill negotiated in the Senate collapsed, Schumer proceeded to move forward with a vote on the foreign aid bill up for a vote. It passed overwhelmingly in a 70-29 vote in February, but had no clear path forward in the Republican-controlled House, where the new speaker, Mike Johnson, dithered as Ukraine suffered battlefield losses.

Personal entreaties from Biden, congressional leaders and European heads of state, participation in high-level intelligence briefings as House speaker, and prayer eventually persuaded Johnson to act. The decision may come at a political cost: his job.

History judges us for what we do, Johnson said at an emotional press conference last week, after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers passed the aid package by lopsided margins.

In remarks on Tuesday, Schumer praised Johnson, who he said rose to the occasion, as well as Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader with whom the Democrat said he had worked hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.

A lot of people inside and outside the Congress wanted this package to fail, Schumer said. But today those in Congress who stand on the side of democracy are winning the day.

McConnell has made funding Ukraines war effort a legacy-building quest, after announcing his decision to step down as the long-serving Senate Republican leader. In a lengthy floor speech on Tuesday, McConnell confronted the strain of America first isolationism favored by Trump and his loyalists in Congress that is rife and growing within the Republican party.

Todays action is overdue, but our work does not end here, he said. Trust in American resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy doesnt just happen by magic.
The US supreme court in Washington. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

For the second time in a month, the US supreme court on Wednesday heard arguments in a major abortion-rights case, the second to reach the justices since they overturned Roe v Wade two years ago.

Wednesdays case involves a 1986 federal law called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or Emtala, which requires hospitals that receive federal dollars to stabilize the health of patients who show up at their emergency rooms with medical emergencies. The Biden administration has sued the state of Idaho, arguing that its ban clashes with Emtala because Idaho only permits abortions in medical emergencies if a womans life is at risk  a higher threshold than Emtala.

Related: US supreme court seems skeptical of arguments against abortion drug mifepristone

Tensions flared at multiple moments during the two-hour hearing. The courts three liberal justices  all of whom are women  spent several minutes emphasizing the medical and legal dilemmas unleashed by bans like Idahos, while conservative justice Samuel Alito raised an anti-abortion theory that would ultimately lead to the end of abortion writ large. By the end of the hearing, conservative justice Amy Coney Barrett appeared to be the most skeptical of Idahos arguments, but the court seemed largely divided along ideological lines.

Elizabeth Prelogar, the US solicitor general, emphasized the danger now facing women who show up in crisis at Idaho emergency rooms.

If a woman comes to an emergency room facing a grave threat to her health, but she isnt yet facing death, doctors either have to delay treatment and allow her condition to materially deteriorate, or theyre airlifting her out of the state so she can get the emergency care that she needs, Prelogar said. One hospital system in Idaho says that, right now, its having to transfer pregnant woman in medical crisis out of the state about once every other week. Thats untenable and Emtala does not countenance it.

The case is a test of one of the Biden administrations chief efforts to protect abortion rights. Shortly after the supreme court overturned Roe and allowed states to outlaw abortion, the administration issued guidance clarifying that Emtala requires hospitals everywhere to perform abortions if patients need them in emergencies.

A federal judge initially sided with the Biden administration, stopping Idaho from enforcing the parts of the ban that conflicted with Emtala. But the supreme court in January issued an order allowing Idahos full abortion ban to take effect.

Idaho, which is also represented in the case by the powerful Christian law firm the Alliance Defending Freedom, has argued in court papers that its ban does not conflict with Emtala, in part because Emtala does not mention abortion and cannot compel doctors to offer care that is illegal under state law.

Liberal justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor hammered Joshua N Turner, a lawyer for Idaho, on when and if doctors could intervene in cases where a womans health is at risk but her life is not yet threatened. At one point, Sotomayor read off a list of cases of women whose healthcare was delayed due to abortion bans, including the story of a woman whose abortion was delayed to the point that she lost her pregnancy and then had to get a hysterectomy.

Youre telling me the doctor there couldnt have done the abortion earlier? Sotomayor asked Turner.

It goes back to whether a doctor can in good faith medical judgment   Turner started to say.

Related: Anti-abortion states are targeting an emergency healthcare law. Will the supreme court side with them?

Thats a lot for the doctor to risk, Sotomayor interrupted. A provider who violates Idahos ban could face up to five years in prison.

Coney Barrett, the sole woman among the conservative majority, seemed taken aback by Turners claim that doctor could be prosecuted for performing an abortion in order to protect a womans health. While Turner insisted that Idahos state legislature did not mean for its ban to apply to doctors acting in good faith to save a womans life, Coney Barrett asked: What if a prosecutor thought differently?

That, Your Honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner replied. And it may result in a case.

Idaho is one of seven states with laws on the books that require a patients life to be at risk before an emergency abortion can be performed.

Idaho has also argued that Emtala requires providers to treat an unborn child. Justice Samuel Alito, a diehard conservative, brought up that phrase, indicating that Emtala is meant to imply that doctors have two equal patients when a pregnant woman shows up at an ER: the woman and her fetus.

It seems that the plain meaning is that the hospital must try to eliminate any immediate threat to the child, but performing an abortion is antithetical to that duty, Alito said.

Prelogar insisted that phrase, added to Emtala in 1989, was meant to ensure that hospitals treated women whose fetuses were in crisis while they were not.

The statute did nothing to displace the woman herself as an individual with an emergency medical condition, Prelogar replied. And in many of the cases youre thinking about, there is no possible way to stabilize the unborn child because the fetus is sufficiently before viability that its inevitable that the pregnancy is going to be lost.

The pair went back and forth for several minutes before Alito added: Nobody is suggesting that a woman isnt an individual, that she doesnt deserve stabilization.

But the exchange evoked the specter of fetal personhood, a priority of the anti-abortion movement that aims to endow fetuses with full legal rights and protections  even if those rights conflict with those of the woman carrying the fetus. Enshrining fetal personhood across the US  which is also a goal of the anti-abortion movement  would dramatically rewrite vast swaths of US law and ban abortion entirely.

The consequences for abortions in medical emergencies, like those at issue in the Wednesday arguments, are unclear; although anti-abortion activists have spent years pursuing fetal personhood, the end of Roe has forced them  and the rest of the nation  to reckon for the first time with its real-world consequences.

Wednesdays hearing comes just weeks after the court heard arguments in another abortion rights case, which involved the availability of a common abortion pill and the Food and Drug Administrations ability to regulate it. Lawyers for the Alliance Defending Freedom also argued that case on behalf of anti-abortion activists. Both arguments have significant implications for the federal governments power to regulate healthcare.

If anti-abortion states prevail, youre basically deconstructing the entire way that we manage health nationally in this country, said Gerson Smoger, chair of the Physicians for Human Rights board of directors anda co-author of an amicus brief in the Idaho case. There has to be some baseline that we have, nationally.

Rulings in both the Emtala and abortion pill cases are expected in June.
A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a secondary school in south-west Wales on Wednesday morning.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the three victims were being treated in hospital for stab wounds following the incident at Amman Valley School, in Carmarthenshire.

In a statement delivered outside the school in the small market town of Ammanford, Superintendent Ross Evans said their injuries were not life-threatening.

Officers recovered a knife from the scene as evidence and the teenage girl remains in police custody, he said.

One of those injured is understood to be Fiona Elias, who teaches Welsh and drama.

Teachers had placed the co-educational school, which has 1,800 pupils, into lockdown for four hours as dozens of police cars and helicopters arrived at the scene following reports of the attack at 11.20am.

Four emergency ambulances and two helicopters were deployed to treat the victims, the Welsh Ambulance Service said.

Hundreds of parents who had lined up outside the school gates as news of the attack broke on social media were seen tearfully hugging their children when they were finally allowed to leave at 3.30pm.

Amman Valley School, which is also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and rated Good by Ofsted, said in a statement that the victims families had been informed and the incident has been contained.

Carmarthenshire County Council said the school would be closed on Thursday, with pupils taking lessons online to help officers further carry out their investigations.

Forensic officers were seen examining an area by the main building of the school, with police officers present by the main entrance and on the nearby street.

Darren Price, the leader of the council, praised the teachers, staff and pupils for the way they responded to this shocking incident and said: As a council, our priority now is to do all that we can over the coming days and weeks to support the pupils and staff in the aftermath.

More than 10 police cars and two air ambulance helicopters were sent to Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire after reports of a stabbing - Wales News Service

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, and Vaughan Gething, the Welsh First Minister, said they were shocked by the attack.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Sunak said his thoughts are with all those affected and thanked the police and emergency services for their response. Mr Gething said it was a deeply worrying time for the school, families and the local community.

James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, described the stabbing as horrifying but reassured the public that schools in the UK are very safe and said violent crime had reduced significantly.

He said: Obviously my thoughts are with the individuals who have been hurt and their friends and family, and what must have been an incredibly difficult and scary situation for the young people involved.

Knife crime offences in Wales have more than doubled in the last decade, according to analysis carried out by Welsh Labour.

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that such crimes have risen from 598 in 2013 to more than 1,500 a decade later.

07:08 PM BST

Round up of todays events

Hello and thank you for following our coverage of todays events:

Here is what we know:

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at Amman Valley School in south-west Wales.

Officers recovered a knife from the scene as evidence.

The injuries of the three victims are not serious, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, and James Cleverley, the Home Secretary have expressed their shock at the horrifying attack on Wednesday morning.

One teacher has been discharged from hospital with injuries to their hand, the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr said.

06:36 PM BST

Home Secretary: Stabbing was horrifying but schools are very safe

Home Secretary James Cleverly described the stabbing of two teachers and a pupil at Amman Valley School in Wales as horrifying, while adding that schools in the UK are very safe and violent crime has reduced significantly.

Mr Cleverly said: Ive been receiving updates about this terrible situation whilst Ive been here in Italy.

Obviously my thoughts are with the individuals who have been hurt and their friends and family, and what must have been an incredibly difficult and scary situation for the young people involved.

Praising the police and medical services for acting so promptly following the incident, he added: We should remember that the school system in the UK, indeed life in the UK, is very safe - violent crime has been reduced significantly.

Because of the increase in police numbers that weve seen in the UK, violent crime has reduced dramatically.

Obviously when we see incidents like this, it is horrifying, of course it is, and we will look at the details of what happened.

But, of course, we should remember that the UK is a safe country, Im very proud of that, and we will do everything we can to ensure that remains the case.

06:30 PM BST

School will close to help police with investigation, says council

Amman Valley School will be closed on Thursday to allow police to further carry out their investigations after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed.

Darren Price, leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, told press outside the school: To support Dyfed-Powys Police, Ysgol Dyffryn Aman will be closed tomorrow to all pupils and staff in order for officers to further carry out their investigations.

Although the school will be closed, I want to reassure pupils, parents and staff that wellbeing support is available to anyone whos been affected. The school will continue its lessons online.

Mr Price praised the teachers, staff and pupils for the way they responded to this shocking incident.

He added: As a council, our priority now is to do all that we can over the coming days and weeks to support the pupils and staff in the aftermath.

06:18 PM BST

Police working to provide support to victims families and pupils

Supt Evans added that police were working with the school and other agencies to provide support to those involved.

This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened, he said.

06:04 PM BST

Questions to answer over safety of pupils, says Plaid Cymru MS

Adam Price, the Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said there would be questions to answer in coming days to ensure Amman Valley School staff and pupils felt safe.

He said: I think what more can we do to ensure the safety of everyone in the school community, what are the lessons from this particular incident, what could we do that we arent currently doing that could actually minimise - as far as is ever humanly possible - the chances of this ever happening again in Ammanford, or any other community in Wales.

Those are the kind of questions I think we should be asking at the proper time, so that we can learn any lessons and prevent this kind of very traumatic incident ever happening again as much as possible.

Mr Price, who attended the school - also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman - between 1980 and 1987, described the incident as a bolt from the blue.

He said: It is my hometown, my school, and it is an excellent school in a really close-knit community. So, a knife attack like this is not something you associate with our community.

Mr Price added: It was my only secondary school and it is a school that is right at the heart of the community. It is a very big secondary school, a very big comprehensive, and it has a very strong ethos and history going back over 100 years.

05:59 PM BST

Knife recovered and victims injuries are not life-threatening, say police

Dyfed-Powys Police have said the injuries of the three victims are not life threatening and said a teenage girl remains in custody.

A knife has also been recovered in evidence, the force said in statement read outside the school.

05:57 PM BST

Rishi Sunak: My thoughts are with all those affected

Rishi Sunak the Prime Minister, has expressed condolences to the victims of the attack and the community in Amman Valley.

https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1783119543625257309

05:35 PM BST

Teacher discharged from hospital with injuries to hand, says MP

Jonathan Edwards, the Independent MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said he could not recall anything like the incident happening in Wales before.

He told Channel 5 News: There has been a stabbing of one of the students, and then teachers have tried to intervene and unfortunately also some of the teachers have been stabbed.

Mr Edwards added: I believe two teachers have been sent to hospital, one has been released with injuries to the arm and the hand, and I believe the other teacher unfortunately has been transferred ... to Cardiff, to the Heath Hospital, and that situation is far more serious.

It is a huge shock, isnt it really? Id never think that anything like this could possibly happen in Carmarthenshire, in the Amman Valley where I am from, I cant recall anything like this ever happening in Wales before.

Mr Edwards said it would not be helpful to make a judgment about the incident and paid tribute to the emergency services.

04:26 PM BST

School leaders send messages of condolences

Eithne Hughes, director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said: While we dont know the full details of what has happened, this is clearly a horrifying incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at the school and in the wider community.

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, described the incident as extremely distressing.

Politicians across Wales and the UK have also been responding to the incident with shock.

Shocked to hear news of serious incident in Rhydaman. Newyddion ofnadwy am ddigwyddiad difrifol yn Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.



A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch to first responders. Dw i'n meddwl am y gymuned wrth i ni geisio canfod mwy o wybodaeth.  Vaughan Gething  (@PrifWeinidog) April 24, 2024

04:12 PM BST

My daughter is a tough cookie - says parent

Charlotte Rogers, who was waiting for her daughter to come out of Ammonford school, said: She said that one teacher and two pupils had been stabbed, thats all I know.

She said she was scared. Shes a tough cookie so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe. This shouldnt have happened.

At the end of the day, they should have had measures in place beforehand, when they first opened the school, to make sure it was safe for them.

03:40 PM BST

Pictured: Police at the scene

Police at the school

Police at the school

03:33 PM BST

Children reunited with parents after being released from school

Pupils are now being released from the school after a lockdown was imposed following the stabbings.

Many parents gathered outside the school and tearfully hugged their children after they walked out of the school gates from 3.20pm.

03:14 PM BST

Several ambulances and response crews sent to scene, Welsh Ambulance Service confirms

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said: We were called shortly after 11.15am to an incident on Margaret Street in Ammanford.

We sent four emergency ambulances and the hazardous area response team to the scene, where crews were supported by two Cymru high acuity response unit paramedics and an operational manager.

Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in two Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters.

Separately, a spokesman for Wales Air Ambulance service confirmed that three critical care teams were deployed. I can confirm that the Wales Air Ambulance attended an incident in that region today. We mobilised three critical care teams at 11:30.

Our Dafen and Welshpool crew were mobilised by air and our Cardiff-based crew was mobilised by road. Unfortunately, we cannot comment any further, they said.

03:08 PM BST

Amman Valley School statement

A statement on the Amman Valley School website said: You will be aware of the incident that has taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman today.

The family members of all injured persons have been informed. We would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has been contained.

03:07 PM BST

This is a horrifying incident, says Welsh teaching union

Describing the attack, Eithne Hughes, director of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru, said: While we dont know the full details of what has happened, this is clearly a horrifying incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at the school and in the wider community.

03:00 PM BST

Where is Amman Valley School?

02:54 PM BST

I want my daughter home, says distressed mother

Adele Skidmore, a concerned mother at the school, told ITV News: My daughter has phoned me and told me theres been an incident with a stabbing. Shes 15 and Im feeling a bit stressed about it, I want her home.

02:51 PM BST

Ammanford church offering hot drinks to parents at school gates

The Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies, has expressed his concern following reports of a stabbing at Dyffryn Amman School in Ammanford.

He says: This is a truly dreadful incident, and my thoughts and prayers are with the injured, the staff, pupils and families of all at Dyffryn Amman School. The Church of All Saints, Ammanford, has been open to offer help and pastoral support in response to what has happened.

Members of The Church of All Saints are providing tea and coffee to anxious parents at the school gates and the church is open for anyone who wants to light a candle or say a prayer.

02:49 PM BST

Pictured: Emergency services at the scene

The scene at Amman Valley School in Ammanford

Air ambulance at the scene

The scene at Amman Valley School in Ammanford

02:46 PM BST

Starmer reacts to awful reports

Awful news coming from Ammanford.



My thoughts are with parents, teachers and staff at the school and all of the students. Grateful to the emergency services who are responding.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 24, 2024

02:42 PM BST

Concerning and worrying incident, says Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Education

Lynne Neagle has said she is very concerned about the incident in Ammanford.

Writing on X, she said: I am very concerned to hear about the worrying incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and my thoughts are with everyone involved. I am being kept informed of developments and offer my thanks and support to the local authority and emergency services.

02:40 PM BST

Parents wait anxiously for their children

Hundreds of parents are gathered outside the school gates after hearing about the stabbing on social media

One parent said: We are all praying for the teacher  I heard she was stabbed in the neck in front of pupils.

Everyone is worried sick but the police have assured parents at the school gates that they have it contained and someone has been arrested.

Apparently its a girl who hasnt been at the school very long.

02:40 PM BST

You send your children to school and think they will be safe

Lisa Barrett, whose daughter attends the school, said: She sent me a text to say the school was in lockdown. Its really worrying.

You hear from your child saying someone has been stabbed, you dont know what to do for the best.

You just dont expect it, you send your children to school and think they will be safe.

She added: Its just a waiting game. I dont know whether to go down there or not.

02:21 PM BST

Sunak shocked by stabbing reports

Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, said he was shocked at the news of an incident at the Ammanford school.

Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today.



I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 24, 2024

02:19 PM BST

Thoughts are with the school and all those involved, says Cleverly

I am being kept informed about the events in Ammanford, Wales.



My thoughts are with the school and all those involved.



I want to thank the police & emergency service for their ongoing response. It is important they are given the space to carry out their investigations.  James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) April 24, 2024

02:12 PM BST

School on code red

A mother outside the school told ITV Cymru Wales: Theyre keeping the school on lockdown  code red as theyre calling it  and the police will be speaking to the classes individually, then take them to get their lunch, then take them back to their classrooms.

01:58 PM BST

Incident involved two girls, staff say

Two girls were involved in the incident before two members of staff intervened, witnesses reportedly said this afternoon.

A senior educational professional, who does not work at the school, but has spoken to those who do, told WalesOnline: I understand that two learners, two girls, were involved and that two members of staff intervened.

I dont know how serious the injuries are but it is awful. I have that from someone who works in the school.

01:55 PM BST

Two staff members injured

Cllr Karen Davies, an LEA governor at the school, told WalesOnline two members of staff had been stabbed. She did not know whether any children had been injured.

She added: I have been told someone has been arrested and that two members of staff have been stabbed, but have no confirmation on how serious the injuries are.

I send my thoughts to those injured and all the people there. I know how well the school rehearsed lockdown and I am sure everything is under control.

01:44 PM BST

Parents wait for children outside gates

Hundreds of parents anxiously wait outside the school gates for their children, who remain in their classrooms. No one appears to know exactly what happened, the BBC reports.

01:39 PM BST

This is deeply worrying, says Welsh First Minister

Shocked to hear news of serious incident in Rhydaman. Newyddion ofnadwy am ddigwyddiad difrifol yn Ysgol Dyffryn Aman.



A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch to first responders. Dw i'n meddwl am y gymuned wrth i ni geisio canfod mwy o wybodaeth.  Vaughan Gething  (@PrifWeinidog) April 24, 2024

01:37 PM BST

Extremely concerning incident

Responding to reports, Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said on X:

The reports emerging from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman are extremely concerning.



My thoughts are with all the staff and pupils at the school, and we thank the emergency services for their work.  Andrew RT Davies (@AndrewRTDavies) April 24, 2024

01:27 PM BST

One arrested and three injured

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed its officers are responding to an incident at the school.

It said in a statement: Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment.

One person has been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the school has been closed while investigations continue.

We are working closely with the school and Carmarthenshire County Council. We are aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media.

We would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected. We would ask the people do not to speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.

01:24 PM BST

Number of people injured

Several people have been injured following the alleged stabbing, according to the BBC. One parent said a female teacher was one of the victims.

01:20 PM BST

Thoughts with staff and students

Robert James, who represents the Lliedi ward in Carmarthenshire, said: My thoughts are with the head teacher, teaching staff, parents and pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after todays major incident. I have been in contact with Carmarthenshire council and will provide any support I can to the school during this difficult time.

David TC Davies MP said: The news emerging from Ammanford this afternoon is deeply concerning. My thoughts are with the people, parents and teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, the emergency services and the wider community during this extremely worrying time.

01:12 PM BST

Large emergency response

David Llywelyn, who lives opposite the school, told S4C News he saw two air ambulances on the school field as well as up to 10 police cars and five or six ambulances.

01:11 PM BST

Classrooms on lockdown

Teachers and pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman, a bilingual secondary school and sixth form, are currently being held in their classrooms. They have been asked not to use their phones, local media reports.

01:07 PM BST

Air ambulances respond to stabbing

Two air ambulances have responded to the incident at Ysgol Dyffryn Amman, according to BBC Cymru. A reporter at the scene said that one was heading towards the University Hospital in Cardiff while the other remained at the school.
Pro-Palestinian protesters hold a small rally outside of Columbia University

There is a fatal contradiction at the heart of Western societies, a nihilistic impulse, a pathological self-loathing that threatens to destroy our way of life. We live in the freest, wealthiest, healthiest, fairest and most technologically advanced polities in history, and yet millions of young people are being taught to hate the West, to despise the liberties that make their lifestyles possible, to tear down every institution and tradition.

Marx was wrong: it is not the working classes that are alienated by modernity but the bourgeoisie, and especially their morally adrift children, many of whom genuinely believe that the West is an evil hellhole. The revolutionary urge emanates from the universities, and their guilt-ridden graduates. Too many have turned themselves into woke indoctrination camps, with hard-Left administrators encouraging post-modern academics to brainwash a generation.

There is now a striking correlation between levels of education and holding stupid, destructive ideas, between being highly credentialled and falling for every fashionable conspiracy theory, every tribalistic affliction, every online fad.

This madness has culminated in the explosion of anti-Semitic hatred on campuses across America, in scenes that should not be acceptable in any civilised country. They include the harassment of Jewish students, blockades, threats of violence and pro-Hamas and pro-Iran sloganeering by activists camped out in tents.

These protests are even more toxic than those of 1968: todays woke ideology is totalitarian, racist, anti-Semitic, anti-family, anti-capitalist and collectivist. It rejects as illegitimate not just conservatism but also Left-liberalism and democracy. It promotes anti-white hatred and Israelophobia. Its supporters loathe the West and automatically back our enemies. They demonise successful minorities as white adjacent.

Shai Davidai, a Jewish academic at Columbia, the worst affected institution, compares the protests to 1938 Germany; a rabbi advised Jewish students to go home and the university has cancelled all in-person lectures. The calls for Minouche Shafik, Columbias president, to quit are growing, in my opinion she has been far too soft on the protesters and has failed to do enough to protect Jewish students, many of whom are starting to believe they no longer have a future in the West.

Shafik almost became governor of the Bank of England in 2019. She was inexplicably backed by some Tories; her consolation prize was to be elevated to the Lords. Lady Shafik was one of four economists summoned by Boris Johnson in 2022 when he was seeking to relaunch his premiership post-Covid; luckily, Johnson ignored her advice.

In her eminently forgettable What We Owe Each Other: A New Social Contract, endorsed by Ursula von der Leyen, she calls for more redistribution, praises the French Marxist Thomas Piketty, and argues that a promising strand of research suggests that a wealth tax of 2-3 per cent a year would allow governments to increase efficiency, promote economic growth and reduce inequality all at once. In theory, Shafik cares about social justice; in practice, as the (extremely well-paid) president of Columbia, it appears she has allowed the mob to run riot. She needs to resign or be fired.

The past six months have exposed the Wests Left-wing elites as fakes: they virtue-signal about inclusion and diversity but dont mean it. It is a gigantic lie. A movement obsessed with seeing microaggressions everywhere downplays real acts of violence, such as that meted out to a Jewish woman stabbed in the eye at Yale. A movement committed to paranoid safetyism is unconcerned about the actual safety of the wrong kind of people.

A movement that claims to be feminist refuses to condemn mass rape by terrorists. A movement that says it cares about the rights of Muslims has no interest in defending the Uyghurs in China, the Rohingya in Myanmar or any other genuinely persecuted community. A movement that believes in cancelling anybody with conservative, libertarian or Christian viewpoints is happy to embrace Islamist chants, or calls to wipe Israel off the map. A movement that pretends to be anti-racist is willing to chase away Jewish students, condones anti-white and anti-Asian racism and rejects Martin Luther Kings colour-blind vision.

The hypocrisy is unconscionable. The woke ideology is incompatible with the preservation of the West  and yet it is this philosophy that we are allowing universities to indoctrinate our children with.

Wokery has made massive progress in Britain, and there have been some horrible demonstrations of it on UK campuses. With the exception of the excellent University of Buckingham, where pluralism reigns, every other university in the UK employs almost exclusively Left-wing academics, a bias that wasnt anything like as pronounced even 25 years ago.

We have some safeguards: opposition to critical race theory and gender ideology are protected philosophical beliefs under the Equality Act. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act is one of the few genuinely good Tory reforms of the past 14 years. Arif Ahmed, the inaugural director for freedom of speech and academic freedom, has said that calls for genocide, or speech that incites violence, will not be protected under any circumstances, but that he will defend genuine plurality of opinion when the new regime begins in August.

Yet this isnt enough. In 1581, Oxford University decided that no student would be allowed to matriculate unless they swore oaths to the Queen and the Church of England. It took until the 1871 Universities Tests Act to liberate Catholics, Jews and others to study, graduate and work at Oxford, Cambridge and Durham.

In 2024, Left-wing ideology is the new secular religion. Do we need another Universities Test Act? How do we drastically increase the percentage of non-Left-wing academics? Is the answer to launch new non-woke institutions, like the University of Austin? Or to terminate all subsidies on non-scientific subjects that are more prone to politicisation? In the US, the Ivy League will be hit by multi-billion dollar lawsuits for discrimination. Some are targeting their huge endowments, arguing that this is the time for a new Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Whichever way we go, we cannot grant the Left a permanent monopoly on universities. The West has no future if our youth are taught to hate our civilisation.
TikTok is facing unprecedented pressure over its ownership and business model after the US moved ever closer to passing legislation that would force its China-based parent company to sell the platform or be banned.

Legislation that would force parent firm ByteDance to sell TikToks US business within a year or face being banned in the country has passed through the US Congress, and now only needs President Joe Bidens signature to become law.

Here is a closer look at the troubles facing the social media giant.

A TikTok content creator, sits outside the US Capitol (Mariam Zuhaib/AP)

 What has the US done?

The US Senate has passed legislation that would force ByteDance, the China-based parent company of TikTok, to sell the platform within nine months, plus a three-month extension if a sale is in progress, or face being banned in the United States.

The highly controversial legislation was included in a package of bills alongside foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel to help smooth its passage through Congress and on to President Joe Bidens desk to be signed into law.

However, the Bill is expected to face a fight from ByteDance, as well as extensive legal challenges from users and others before it is ever enacted.

 Why have US lawmakers done this?

The Bill is the culmination of years of concerns expressed in the US over possible Chinese government control of TikTok, and fears personal data from the app, which is used by around 170 million Americans, could be handed over to Beijing.

Officials in the US have repeatedly expressed concerns that the Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over US user data, or make attempts to influence app users by forcing the promotion of certain content on the platform.

TikTok has always denied that it is in any way influenced or controlled by the Chinese government, or that it would cooperate with any demands for data.

The TikTok building in Culver City, California (Damian Dovarganes/AP)

 Are concerns about TikTok held elsewhere?

Yes, the US is not alone in raising fears about potential Chinese influence on TikTok.

A number of other governments, including the UK, have banned the app from government devices over fears of Chinese influence.

The platform is also facing wider scrutiny over its business.

The EU is currently threatening to ban a new rewards programme launched on the Lite version of the app in France and Spain, which pays users to spend time on the app.

European Commissioner Thierry Breton has called the feature toxic and addictive, with the European Commission opening formal proceedings against TikTok to assess whether it has broken EU law.

Under new rules which came into force last year, the biggest platforms have to produce a risk assessment before they make major changes to their products.

 What does all this mean for the platform and users?

TikTok users in the US, and in particular creators on the platform, face potentially huge disruption to the service and their income streams should any ban ever take effect.

Critics of the ban say it violates a users right to freedom of expression by taking away a vehicle for it and have threatened legal action in response to the Bill.

Many content creators and small businesses who rely on the sites growing e-commerce platform would also see their income substantially impacted.

What remains unclear is whether other countries will follow the USs lead and also move to ban the app completely, potentially impacting access to the app elsewhere.

Even if a others do not follow the US, the loss of its largest market would no doubt have an impact on the influence of the platform, with many American users likely turning to rival sites for their social media output and making it much harder for TikTok to compete.
When you think about a 'dog rescue story,' you may be thinking about a stray dog finding their second lease on life when brought to the animal shelter. Maybe you think of a rescue dog you know and what happened on their journey, but sometimes, 'dog rescue' means something else entirely.

Just ask Rocky the Golden Retriever! This sweet senior dog found himself in a precarious situation back in February, and officers from the Humane Law Enforcement team in San Diego wasted no time jumping into action. Later, on April 18, the San Diego Humane Society shared an officer's bodycam footage from the heartwarming rescue in an effort to spotlight the selfless work the Humane Law Enforcement officers do every day. Check out how they helped Rocky find his way back into his family's arms!

These folks are heroes to so many animals like Rocky and the people who love them. Whether they're investigating a potential neglect case or helping a pet out of a tough spot, there's zero doubt that they are passionate about what they do. The female officer who approached the scared senior dog is the perfect example!

Related: California Lifeguards Rescue Small Dog From the Ocean and Hope to Find Its Humans

It's so touching to see the way she takes her time and speaks softly to the scared dog. She moves slowly in case he's hurt or afraid, and she knows the best techniques for keeping him safe, comfortable, and calm. In the end, the rescued Golden Retriever was totally unharmed after his ordeal, and it's largely thanks to the diligence of this officer and her team.

Commenter @elbrus2501 had it right when she called these officers "heroes." Their dedication to the animals they rescue every day pays off in the most beautiful ways. Thanks to them, Rocky and his worried family were quickly reunited!

What is Humane Law Enforcement?

Humane Law Enforcement officers like the ones in this video are "employed by a humane society or SPCA" and are responsible for many animal welfare concerns that local law enforcement receives. They often investigate calls about potential animal abuse or neglect, and they enforce animal welfare rules such as leash laws. They may even help with educating the public about animals and the legalities of pet ownership!

An Animal Control officer, on the other hand, is typically employed by law enforcement or local government. Their responsibility is to protect the safety of both people and animals in regard to animal-related concerns. They share many of the same duties as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer, including stray dog rescues, animal hoarding calls, and heroic dog rescues like Rocky's.

To Humane Law Enforcement and Animal Control officers everywhere--thank you for everything you do!

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A poodle had to be rescued by specialist firefighters after it became trapped under a home.

The crew were forced to tunnel under the property in Parkmill in Swansea, South Wales, to reach the three-year-old black dog named Jock, after being called out at 7.11am on Tuesday.

Undated handout photo issued by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service of their rescue of a small poodle called Jock (Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue/PA)

They removed a large number of patio slabs at the rear of the home, hoping to get to the poodle.

Unable to find him, specially trained officers from the Wales Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team were called in.

Earlier today, the Swansea West crew and Wales Urban Search and Rescue Team rescued Jock, a three-year-old Poodle, who had become stuck under a property. Crews successfully managed to rescue Jock who was alive and well! Read the full story here  https://t.co/PorPAXvG4U pic.twitter.com/Myx8SMlRhO  Tan CGC / MAWW Fire (@mawwfire) April 23, 2024

Using seismic detection equipment and technical search cameras they were able to help pinpoint the dogs exact location and a second tunnel was dug under the propertys kitchen.

A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: Crews proceeded to remove a large quantity of patio slabs and earth at the rear of the property for access and started digging a tunnel under the propertys kitchen.

Rescuers at work (Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service/PA)

The USAR Team utilised Delsar listening and seismic detection equipment and technical search cameras to pinpoint the dogs exact location.

A second access point was created through the propertys kitchen floor.

Crews successfully managed to rescue Jock, a three-year-old black poodle, who was alive and well, and was reunited with his owner.
Artist Joshua Lakey Hinson writes out the words Happy Pride Month as he makes a rainbow chalk art piece June 15, 2023, at Gorrell Memorial Park in San Antonio. Sam Owens/Staff photographer

A local artist who was wrongfully detained in Leon Valley less than a year ago for creating sidewalk chalk art has had a similar case in San Antonio dismissed after an arrest for using washable chalk at a VIA bus stop.

Street artist Joshua Lakey Hinson, 37, was arrested Feb. 8 by VIA Transit Police, who accused him of trespassing after he drew his signature chalk designs near the public transit agencys Centro Plaza.

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Hinson filmed the moments when a VIA officer asked him to stop and then arrested him, saying he was causing an inconvenience to workers who clean the bus stops.

Creating in this spot should be a good thing, he told the San Antonio Express-News. Its not near as illegal as a lot of the things that are happening out here.

He was facing a charge of trespassing on private property, but the case was dismissed April 10 by prosecutors. His lawyer, William Davidson, believes the case was dropped because prosecutors were afraid Hinson would sue the city.

Last summer, Hinson reached a $16,500 settlement with the city of Leon Valley and received an apology from the city manager after police wrongfully detained him for making chalk art on a sidewalk.

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His recent arrest isnt the first time Hinson has faced pushback for his art in San Antonio. He also is fighting a citation for criminal mischief issued just two days before his Feb. 8 arrest.

On Feb. 6, Hinson was detained by a VIA officer while drawing with chalk at the Fredericksburg and Woodlawn bus stop, he said. He was livestreaming during the incident, and said he was given a ticket and banned from that bus stop for a year.

In a statement, VIA said graffiti is regularly cleaned from its stops and shelters, and high-traffic stops get cleaned almost every day.

If someone is observed making markings, they will be asked to stop. If they do not, they may be cited by police or detained, VIA said.

One of Hinsons former attorneys, Brandon Grable, said that there is no legitimate basis in law for VIA to assert that it owns and controls sidewalks and streets.

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The law is clear, Grable said. A sidewalk is a traditional public forum where people are allowed to peacefully be at."

VIAs statement said all stops are cleaned weekly, but Hinson noticed some of his chalk drawings have remained for over a month.

This is how us poorer people or people who care about saving energy, this is how we have to travel in this city, Hinson said.

He called the detainment on Feb. 6 traumatizing, but it hasnt deterred him from continuing to create.

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Sunak defends plan to prioritise defence as he declines to rule out other cuts

Rishi Sunak said he has made a choice to prioritise defence as he declined to rule out cuts to other spending areas outside the NHS and schools, defending his pledge as fully funded.

The Prime Minister has committed to reaching 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, spending more than 75 billion more on defence over the next six years compared with current levels.

The commitment will be funded by slashing 72,000 civil service jobs, but economists have warned it will also require deep cuts in other areas of public spending.

Asked at a press conference in Berlin whether his defence increase will mean tax rises and deep cuts, he said that was not a fair characterisation.

The plan that I announced yesterday is fully funded. Its funded rightly by a reduction in the civil service headcount back to 2019 levels combined with an uplift in R&D spending.

But youre right. We are making a choice to prioritise defence. I think thats the right thing because, whether we like it or not, the world is more dangerous than at any moment since the Cold War.

Pressed to rule out further cuts, the Prime Minister said: We have record investment in our public services, including the NHS  thats not going to change, its going to continue.

Mr Sunak and Mr Scholz held a joint press conference in Berlin (Alastair Grant/PA)

We have record investment in our schools  thats not going to change, its going to continue to increase. And alongside that we are able to cut peoples taxes.

Without mentioning spending in other areas outside health and education, he continued: I am not going to get into writing the next manifesto here and now, but what I am confident about is that if you have a strong plan for the economy as we have, and that plan is working, we stick to that plan we will be able to continue increasing defence spending.

It is a completely funded plan. We have got a very clear idea of how to reduce civil service headcount which has grown considerably over the last few years, and we can bring that back and use that to fund what I announced yesterday.

Alongside that, continue to invest in public services and cut peoples taxes.

The Prime Minister also said it was entirely reasonable for the US to call for more European defence spending.

At the joint presser with Mr Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed confidence in Natos long-term future, when asked about the prospect of alliance-sceptic Donald Trump returning to the White House.

Mr Sunak will use a summit marking the 75th anniversary of Nato to lobby allies to match his defence spending commitment.

At the Washington DC summit in July, the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will argue that spending 2.5% of GDP should be the benchmark for members of the alliance.

The current Nato target for defence spending is 2%  although only 11 members of the alliance met that goal in 2023.

The UK Government wants that benchmark to increase to 2.5%, which would add 140 billion to the Nato budget if met by all 32 members.

Were now saying we think that should be 2.5%. We think in a more dangerous world that would make sense, Mr Shapps told Times Radio.

He told Sky News: I will be arguing that, and I know that the Prime Minister feels strongly about it, when we go to the Nato 75th anniversary summit which is in Washington DC.

The 2% target was set 10 years ago when we didnt have the significant rise of China, North Korea now nuclear-armed, Iran attacking and using its proxies to attack, and a very much less stable world given Russias full scale invasion of Ukraine, Mr Shapps said.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said unprotected areas of public spending will now face cuts of around 4% a year after 2025 to help meet the defence commitment.

For decades, steady reductions in the amount spent on defence allowed for extra spending on things like the NHS without a need to increase taxes. In essence, we replaced a warfare state with a welfare state, IFS economist Ben Zaranko said.

The challenge now is that were going to have to pay for both.

Downing Street said the plan would cost 4.5 billion in 2028/29, of which 2.9 billion would come from savings due to the reduction in the size of the civil service, with 1.6 billion coming from the research and development budget.

There has been work under way with the Treasury and departments on that plan after announcing that we would cap headcount to pre-pandemic levels. What weve now done is come forward with the costings associated with that and confirmed that that will be reallocated to the defence budget, a No 10 spokeswoman said.

For decades, steady reductions in the amount spent on defence allowed for extra spending on things like the NHS without a need to increase taxes. In essence, we replaced a warfare state with a welfare state. The challenge now is that we're going to have to pay for both. pic.twitter.com/dku96KuxTg  Ben Zaranko (@BenZaranko) April 23, 2024

But No 10 would not give any further details of where jobs would be lost or whether the reduction in headcount could be achieved through natural wastage or if it would require redundancies.

Details would be set out at a future spending review, the spokeswoman said.

Some of the reduction in civil service numbers could be offset through the use of technology including artificial intelligence, she said.

The Tories hope the Prime Ministers commitment will be a key dividing line with Labour at the general election.

Labour has promised to conduct a strategic defence and security review in its first year in office to understand the resources required to meet the threats facing the UK, but has also committed to a 2.5% target when finances allow.

Mr Shapps said he was very disappointed by the Oppositions response.

But shadow defence secretary John Healey said the Tories have shown time and time again that they cannot be trusted, and since 2010, the Conservatives have wasted more than 15 billion mismanaging defence procurement, shrunk the army to its smallest size since Napoleon, missed their recruitment targets every year, and allowed morale to fall to record lows.
Teenage girl remains in custody after teachers and pupil stabbed at Welsh school

A teenage girl remains in custody being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of two teachers and a pupil at a Welsh school.

Amman Valley School, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, in Carmarthenshire, went into lockdown just after 11.20am on Wednesday after the stabbing at the end of morning break.

Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds but their injuries are not life-threatening, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

A knife has also been recovered.

Police and forensic investigators at Amman Valley school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire (Ben Birchall/PA)

The teachers were stabbed while trying to help when a pupil was attacked, Jonathan Edwards, Independent MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, told Channel 5 News.

He said two teachers were taken to hospital, one of whom has since been released with injuries to the arm and hand, while the other has been transferred to Cardiff as the situation is far more serious.

One teacher, Darrel Campbell, is said to have intervened and disarmed a girl before emergency services arrived, according to reports.

He is said to have not been harmed during the incident.

The south-west Wales school was placed into lockdown for several hours before pupils were able to leave at about 3.20pm. It will not open on Thursday to allow police to continue their investigation.

Headteacher James Durbridge praised staff and pupils for their calm and mature response to the lockdown in a message on the schools website.

(PA Graphics)

Parents who gathered outside the school as news of the incident emerged were seen tearfully hugging their children after they walked through the gates.

Investigators in white forensic suits were seen examining an area by the main building of the school, with police by the main entrance and nearby streets.

Police have asked for footage of the incident, circulating on social media, to be removed to avoid distress to those affected.

The force has also asked people not to speculate while their investigation is ongoing.

Dafydd Llywelyn, police and crime commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, said he was deeply shocked.

Mr Llywelyn said: My thoughts go out to all those affected, including the pupils, teachers and staff who were involved or witnessed this terrifying ordeal. Our thoughts are also with the families and friends of those injured.

I want to commend those at the scene that ensured that the situation was brought under control and the emergency services who attended to safeguard the scene and reassure the public.

Mr Llywelyn added: I want to assure the public that the police investigation is ongoing, and that officers and staff will work tirelessly to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The Church of All Saints will be open for anyone who wants to light a candle or say a prayer over the coming days.

Dorrien Davies, the Bishop of St Davids, plans to visit Ammanford on Friday.

Politicians across Wales and the UK have described their shock at what happened.

Shocked to hear news of serious incident in Rhydaman. Newyddion ofnadwy am ddigwyddiad difrifol yn Ysgol Dyffryn Aman. A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch to first responders. Dw i'n meddwl am y gymuned wrth i ni geisio canfod mwy o wybodaeth.  Vaughan Gething  (@PrifWeinidog) April 24, 2024

First Minister Vaughan Gething posted on X, formerly Twitter, that it was a deeply worrying time for the school, families and community.

Also on X, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak thanked the police and emergency services for their work.

Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 24, 2024

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, who attended the school between 1980 and 1987, described the incident as a bolt from the blue.

He told the PA news agency there would be lessons to learn to minimise the chances of such an incident happening again.

Mair Wyn, who has been a governor at Amman Valley School for 34 years, said times have changed and a teachers job is very dangerous.

She said: It is a complete shock for the community.

Its an excellent school, the pupils are such lovely children and I cant understand why this issue has happened, its unbelievable really.

Police and forensic investigators at Amman Valley School, in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire. Picture date: Wednesday April 24, 2024. (Ben Birchall/PA)

She added: Its a very big concern what the future will hold. The discipline has gone from schools. Times have changed. Things are happening now, a teachers job is very dangerous.

I fear now for these two teachers that have been injured. Times have changed in the last 10 years.

You looked up to a teacher in my time, you were afraid of a teacher. But I think every school is under danger really when you think about it, you dont know whats around the corner.

Amman Valley School is a bilingual comprehensive school for pupils aged between 11 and 18.

It is maintained by Carmarthenshire County Council and provides education to 1,450 school pupils, in addition to 270 sixth form pupils.
Ashleigh-Louise Adams, 28, is a freelance virtual assistant and business mentor from Southampton. Her partner Ryan Justice, 32, is a rail operative from Hampshire. They were just friends for several months before their TikTok followers insisted they seemed like the perfect match. Here, starting with Ashleigh-Louise, they share their unusual love story...

Ashleigh-Louise Adams was shocked at first when her followers commented on 'the way he looks at you' referring to her then friend Ryan Justice. (Supplied) (Supplied)

"Texting my friend after a wonderful date with a gorgeous man I typed: 'Ive met this guy, hes a dream.' We had been to a driving range, had a lovely walk in the park and even shared a kiss on a bench. Afterwards, we swapped Instagrams and said wed stay in touch. But it was in the middle of 2020, the pandemic year, and with everything that was going on, we just seemed to lose touch and go our separate ways. Weirdly, three years on, I'd completely forgotten we'd even been on a date together.

In 2021, I moved to Cornwall and met a guy who I dated for a couple of years. Ryan met someone too and moved in with her. We both stopped following each other on Instagram as it didnt seem right to stay in touch if we were with other people. But by last summer, we were both single again. For my part, none of my ex-boyfriends had been 'The One'. I wanted the relationship my parents had. They met at 15 and have been married for 30 years. They share the same values and sense of humour. I once posted a video of them laughing and dancing on my TikTok and it went completely viral. People could sense the love they have for each other.

Ashleigh-Louise Adams was friends with Ryan Justice for several months before their TikTok followers spotted the chemistry between them. (Supplied) (Supplied)

Blast from the past

In September 2023, I joined a dating app again which is when Ryan spotted me again and got in touch. I remember thinking: 'Oh its that guy who used to like my posts on Instagram' but that was it. I honestly didnt recall a thing about that first date and only believed wed been on a date when I looked back on my text messages to see my old texts to my friend. This time Ryan and I exchanged a few messages and seemed to have so much to catch up on that I suggested we went for dinner.

He would regularly come over to my house for a drink or a meal. He met my parents, and they got on with him really well. It felt so natural but  honestly  only like a friendship.

Hed already mentioned that he was planning to go travelling for a long time so there was no point starting any kind of relationship. I simply thought he was a nice guy and perhaps we could be friends?

The dinner date was lovely. We chatted non-stop for three hours, getting kicked out at the end because the restaurant needed to close. It was as if Id known him forever. After that, he would regularly come over to my house for a drink or a meal. He met my parents, and they got on with him really well. Sometimes wed meet up just to chat. It felt so natural but  honestly  only like a friendship.

Ashleigh-Louise Adams and Ryan Justice compare their story to When Harry Met Sally. (Supplied) (Supplied)

But not everyone was convinced. I have a TikTok following of 68,000 people and one day I posted a video of Ryan and I dancing around the kitchen. Apparently it annoyed some of the girls hed been casually dating. And the comments from my followers were revealing: 'That is your man,' said one. 'The way he looks at you and your chemistry!' said another. Both Ryan and I were shocked. Neither of us felt anything more than friendship. We even talked to each other about the dates we were going on or the people we were seeing, to get a different perspective. It was like When Harry Met Sally.

A gradual realisation

But one day late last year I was at a wedding and Id been chatting with a barman. I texted Ryan at one point saying: 'Shall I get this barmans number?' He seemed very cool and had said he was going out for dinner with another girl but something must have clicked.

He told me that he was deleting all his dating apps, that he really did like me and could we see what happens next?

Next day, he arrived on my doorstep and had something to say. He told me that he was deleting all his dating apps, that he really did like me and could we see what happens next? Of course, it took me by surprise but why wouldnt I say yes? Here was this gorgeous man, my best friend, telling me he wanted to be with me all the time. Not long afterwards, we announced that we were together on TikTok and everyone was thrilled! 'We knew it!' they said. It seems that everyone knew we were meant to be together, before even we did.

Ryan is so lovely. He supports me in everything I do. Weve talked about moving in together and even having children one day. It feels like Ive finally found 'The One'. And as for the long-haul trip that hed planned to do  going to Singapore, Bali, Thailand and Australia. Im packing my bags and going with him."

Eventually Ryan Justice confessed his feelings for Ashleigh-Louise Adams. (Supplied) (Supplied)

Ryan says:

"Little did I know when I planned this trip that Id be going with the love of my life. Id been determined to do this on my own, to challenge myself and be brave but now that its come down to it, Im actually really pleased that Ashleigh will be by my side. Its going to be an adventure.

It is really odd that she literally doesnt remember a thing about our first date because I remember everything about it. I cant have made much of an impression but she did with me! She is obviously very attractive and really bubbly. I felt so content around her, a feeling that Ive never felt around other women. Even now, we say we wish wed made more of an effort to stay in touch because we could have had another three years of time together. But fate had other ideas.

Friendship chemistry

When I saw her again on the dating app last year, I was really surprised. I was under the impression  after following her on social media previously  that shed been in a really happy relationship. But social media doesnt always reflect whats happening in real life and when I messaged her to say hi, it turned out that shed split with her partner.

Something changed and I felt like: 'Oh, if I dont say something now, I may lose this girl. I may lose that closeness and that feeling of contentment.'

We had that dinner together and I felt the same feeling of contentment Id felt on that first date. But as I was going away on the long trip, we both made a sort of silent agreement that this was just a friendship. Besides, it was really nice to have a friend of the opposite sex, someone I could confide in about relationships. And I didnt want to lead her on. We talked about her visiting me when I was abroad, but that was it.

The couple announced they were together on TikTok, much to their fans' delight. (Supplied) (Yahoo Life UK)

Taking the plunge

Until I got that text about the barman. Something changed that instant and I felt like: 'Oh, if I dont say something now, I may lose this girl. I may lose that closeness and that feeling of contentment.' Wed already had so many good times as friends and I really didnt want to lose her to anyone else.

So I took the plunge and next day admitted my feelings. It was a risk but I had to take that chance. Thankfully she said yes and weve been together ever since. She makes me so happy.

It seems that weve also got a TikTok audience rooting for us too. I remember saying to her that if she got a million views for that dancing video then Id marry her and she keeps sending me screenshots as the number of views goes up. So well have to see! Whatever happens, I know Im going to be with her for life because Ive found my soulmate."

Read more

I fell in love on holiday and moved from Scotland to Turkey to be with him (11-min read, Yahoo Life UK)

Co-parenting with my best friend has been the happiest relationship of my life (8-min read, Yahoo Life UK)

My husband is 30 years older than me and he's been mistaken for my dad (7-min read, Yahoo)
Green groups from the RSPB and National Trust to Extinction Rebellion will take to the streets of London for a march in June calling for action to restore nature now.

TV presenter Chris Packham, who will be joining the wide range of groups including the Woodland Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, WWF-UK and the Climate Coalition for the protest, said it was time for everyone to take to the streets to demand action from leaders.

Members of Extinction Rebellion, who use non-violent direct action to campaign for environmental action, are also joining the legal, family-friendly protest which organisers say could be the biggest ever march for nature.

The organisations are calling for all political parties to commit to greater funding for nature-friendly farming, making polluters pay, more space for nature, an Environmental Rights Bill and fair and effective climate action.

Mr Packham said: As conservationists and environmental groups, we have to accept that the dire state of nature  both in the UK and globally  has happened on our watch.

So nows the time for bolder action, stronger demands, braver tactics and a new way of working  together.

Ticking a box, signing a petition, sharing a post  its simply not enough when we are facing the collapse of our living systems.

Its time for all of us to take to the streets, shoulder to shoulder, whoever we are and demand our leaders Restore Nature Now.

The wildlife and environment organisations who are supporting the march warn the general election expected later in the year must be a turning point for nature, before it is too late  with the UK described as one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth.

They are encouraging members of the public to unite for nature by joining the demonstration on the streets of central London to Parliament Square

Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said people in the UK cared deeply about nature, but last years state of nature report, which is drawn up by conservationists, government agencies and academics, showed there had no let-up in the decline of our wildlife over recent decades.

One in six species were now at risk of being lost from our shores, she said.

But there is hope: while we know the threats, we also know the solutions.

But we simply arent acting fast enough or at a big enough scale to tackle the nature and climate crisis.

Were calling for urgent action and a much stronger commitment to natures recovery from politicians of all parties because we cannot afford to wait any longer.

Etienne Stott, Olympian and Extinction Rebellion UK spokesperson said: Im really excited that Extinction Rebellion UK is going to be out on the streets with such a great variety of friends and allies who are all passionate about protecting and restoring nature.

Biodiversity loss, habitat destruction and climate breakdown are now at breaking point.

Im deeply worried and I know huge numbers of others are too. The only way we are going to do anything about it is if we all come together and pull in the same direction.

He said the demonstration was a start to bringing the fight to the mainstream and getting everyone who cares about our planet and all life on Earth to bring about radical and urgent change.
Oklahoma City police investigate in the 2800 block of Mirage Street after 5 were found dead in a home near Yukon in Oklahoma City, on Monday, April 22, 2024.

A 10-year-old boy woke up to find his mom, dad and three older brothers shot to death in what police believe to be a murder-suicide in Oklahoma City, authorities say.

The Oklahoma City Police Department said they believe the boy's father "systematically" went through the house between Sunday night and Monday morning shooting his sons after he shot his wife multiple times.

"Those children were hunted down and killed," said Master Sgt. Gary Knight, the assistant public information officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department, at a press conference Tuesday morning.

However, police say that the father left his youngest son, the 10-year-old who later called the police, unharmed.

"We don't know why he was left unharmed," said Knight. "I know that's the question everybody has, that's the question we have, too. In the end, nobody's ever gonna know the answer to that."

Murder-suicide investigation: Astrologer suspected of double murder-suicide on eclipse day thought 'apocalypse is here'

Who was killed?

According to police, the following were killed in the shooting:

39-year-old female - Police say she was the mother of the children and wife of the suspect.

42-year-old male - Suspect who police say died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he shot his wife and three oldest sons.

18-year-old male- The oldest son of the couple. He would've turned 19 next month.

14-year-old male- Son of the couple who was also shot.

12-year-old male- Son of the couple and youngest murder victim. He just turned 12 in March.

What happened?

Around 9:35 a.m. Monday morning, the child called police and alerted them to the incident at the house near Yukon, roughly 20 miles west of downtown Oklahoma City.

When police arrived, Knight said they found the 10-year-old outside before they went into the house, where they found the five bodies that belonged to the people listed above.

After confirming they could not save anyone in the house, Knight said they left and waited for a warrant so they could process the scene.

Knight adds that the boy was placed in the custody of a relative, but did not specify who.

According to Knight, investigators determined that the suspected shooter got into an altercation with his wife. It ended when he armed himself with a gun and shot her multiple times.

Police say victims were found in different parts of the home

He then went through the house and killed his sons. The motive for the killings is unknown, said Knight. He added that the bodies were found in different areas of the two-story house.

One of the male victims and the female victim were found downstairs, while two of the male victims were found upstairs. At least one of the male victims was shot in bed, Knight told USA TODAY. But, aside from the female victim, he is not sure who was shot where.

Knight told USA TODAY that police believe the suspected shooter began his rampage downstairs, then went upstairs before returning to the first floor and killing himself.

Oklahoma City police investigate after 5 were found dead in a home near Yukon in Oklahoma City, on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Family was flying 'under the radar', Sgt. Knight says

At the press conference, Knight added that there was no known history of domestic problems between the couple, but said police are going to speak with friends and family to see if they know of anything else about their relationship.

He told USA TODAY that police had no calls or reports of any domestic violence from the family.

"We had no indication that anything like this was going to happen," said Knight.

He said usually when people "annihilate" their families like this, there is a history of domestic violence reports and protection orders, but he said this family was "really flying under the radar."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City suspected murder-suicide: 10-year-old is sole survivor
Tornadoes are some of the most extreme weather events on Earth, and just like snowflakes, no two tornadoes are the same.

No matter their shape or size, every type of twister can be dangerous, with the most powerful capable of wiping out an entire town in mere minutes. Here are 10 different types of tornadoes that have been documented across North America.

The smallest type of tornado can be short-lived, lasting just a few minutes, but that is not always the case. Rope tornadoes, named after their long, thin appearance, can be just the start of the evolution of a twister.

A rope tornado spotted near LaGrange, Wyoming, on June 5, 2009. (NOAA/VORTEX II)

Even a thin rope tornado can cause damage, although the path of destruction tends to be narrow compared to other kinds of whirlwinds.

Some of the most iconic photos of tornadoes are those depicting cone tornadoes. These twisters are larger than rope tornadoes and can be far more destructive.

A cone tornado near Seymour, Texas, on April 10, 1979. (NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/NSSL)

As their name suggests, they are shaped like an ice cream cone and become narrower as they extend downward toward the ground.

In the tornado family tree, the stovepipe is the cousin to the cone tornado. The two types are similar in size but differ in shape.

While the width of a cone tornado tapers as it extends downward, stovepipes are about the same width from where they meet the ground up to where they connect with the base of the parent thunderstorm.

Meteorologists use strange terms to describe different phenomena, ranging from bear's cage to turkey towers. One type of twister falls under this category.

An elephant trunk is about the same size as a cone or stovepipe, but instead of being vertical, it curves like the trunk of an elephant.

A tornado near Keenesburg, Colorado, on June 19, 2018. (AccuWeather/Reed Timmer)

On June 18, 2018, Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timer intercepted a tornado near Keenesburg, Colorado, northeast of Denver, that started as a rope, grew into a cone and then became tilted and elongated to form an elephant trunk. This footage is a textbook example of how tornadoes can take on many forms throughout their lifespan.

The most destructive and catastrophic tornadoes are the massive wedge tornadoes, which can grow to be over a mile in diameter.

Some of the most notorious twisters in U.S. history were wedge tornadoes, including the EF5 that leveled Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011, and the El Reno tornado, which was a jaw-dropping 2.6 miles wide as it raced across central Oklahoma on May 31, 2013.

A large tornado spinning near Morton, Texas, on May 23, 2022. (Marcus Diaz via Storyful)

Wedge tornadoes have several nicknames, including ground scrubbers, as they often scour the Earth along their path. Additionally, EF5 wedge tornadoes are sometimes referred to as the "finger of God" due to their destructive power, a term popularized in the storm-chasing vernacular following the debut of the 1996 movie Twister.

Powerful tornadoes can be more than just a single spinning column of air. Some twisters, especially those that are large, can have multiple areas of rotation embedded in the primary funnel.

It may be impossible to see the different vortexes swirling around the tornado while it's happening, but the various vortexes can be evident during post-storm damage surveys.

Intense tornadoes can occasionally be accompanied by smaller funnels, known as satellite tornadoes, that rotate around the primary area of circulation, similar to the way satellites orbit the Earth.

Because of the similarities, satellite tornadoes can sometimes be misidentified as multi-vortex tornadoes.

One of the rarest tornadic phenomena that even some veteran storm chasers have never witnessed are twins when two bona fide tornadoes form side by side. This is different from multi-vortex or satellite tornadoes as twins develop from two distinct areas of circulation.

Twin tornadoes can also be referred to as sisters.

In this file photo from June 16, 2014, two tornados approach Pilger, Neb. (AP Photo/Eric Anderson, File)

One of the most iconic examples of twin tornadoes took place near Pilger, Nebraska, on June 16, 2014. More recently, twins were spotted near Richland, Iowa, during a severe weather outbreak on March 31, 2023.

A landspout can look like a tornado at a glance, but a closer look reveals that the two differ in origins.

Unlike tornadoes spawned by rotating thunderstorms, landspouts start as a column of spinning air near the ground and are not connected to the base of a rotating thunderstorm. They tend to be weak and short-lived, but stronger landspouts can produce damage similar to tornadoes.

Landspouts are also different from dust devils, which can form on warm, sunny days when no thunderstorm is in sight.

Whirlwinds are not limited to land. When inclement weather unfolds over water, it can lead to the formation of a waterspout.

Any tornado that occurs over water is classified as a waterspout, and when one moves over land, it is designated as a tornado.

A cargo ship sails near the path of a waterspout near the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 as thunderstorms move into the area. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

Waterspouts are generally weak and look similar to rope tornadoes, but they can form without the help of a supercell thunderstorm. When the conditions are right, any thunderstorm or strong rain shower can generate a waterspout. In some instances, multiple waterspouts can form in close proximity to one another.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
The Senate passed a foreign aid package Tuesday that includes money for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region.

The House passed the aid package, in the form of four separate bills, on Saturday  months after the Senate first passed legislation with aid for Ukraine and Israel.

The new legislation, which will now go to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature, also includes a number of House GOP priorities, including sanctions on Iran, the seizure of frozen Russian sovereign assets and a measure that could lead to a nationwide ban of TikTok.

The aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region adds up to about $95 billion  the same amount that the earlier Senate bill passed in February would have provided  with an adjustment that $10 billion in Ukraine economic assistance is in the form of a repayable loan

Heres whats included in the foreign aid package, according to summaries provided by House Republicans:

Nearly $61 billion for Ukraine

The legislation includes a total of nearly $61 billion to assist Ukraine and others in the region fight Russia  about the same that was included in the earlier Senate bill.

Of that total, about $23 billion would be used to replenish US weapons, stockpiles and facilities, and more than $11 billion would fund current US military operations in the region.

Nearly $14 billion included in the bill would help Ukraine buy advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.

More than $26 billion for Israel

The package would provide $26.4 billion to aid Israel, specifying that the funds are to support its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse US military operations in response to recent attacks, according to a summary of the legislation.

The funding includes $4 billion for the Iron Dome and Davids Sling missile defense systems and $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system, which counters short-range rockets and mortar threats.

It would also provide $4.4 billion to replenish defense items and services provided to Israel and $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems and other items through the Foreign Military Financing Program. Plus, it would provide additional flexibility for transfers of defense items to Israel from US stockpiles held in other countries and would prohibit sending funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA, which supports Palestinian refugees and has come under fire after Israel alleged some of its staff were involved in Hamas October 7 attack.

Also included is $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance  including emergency food, shelter and basic services  to populations suffering crises.

The earlier Senate bill, by comparison, would have provided $14.1 billion in assistance to Israel, including funds for missile defense systems and foreign military financing to help Israel reestablish territorial security and deterrence, and $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid.

More than $8 billion for Indo-Pacific security

The package includes $8.1 billion to counter Chinas actions in the Indo-Pacific region. It includes $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, $2 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan and other key allies, and $1.9 billion to replenish defense items and services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.

The earlier Senate bill contained very similar provisions to bolster security in the region.

Potential TikTok ban

One hot-button provision of the package could lead to a possible nationwide ban of TikTok, the popular social media app with links to China.

An earlier version of the TikTok bill sailed through the House in March. By including it in the aid package, House Republicans hoped to force the Senate to a quick vote on a measure supporters say is necessary to protect Americans personal data from the Chinese government. Opponents, including TikTok and a range of civil society groups, argue that the bill risks violating the First Amendment rights of TikToks users.

The legislation passed Tuesday sets out a nine-month timeframe for the apps Chinese parent, ByteDance, to sell the social media company. If it misses the deadline, TikTok would be banned from US app stores. The proposed time limit is longer than the roughly six months considered in previous legislation. And it would give the president the option to extend the deadline by another 90 days if he determines theres been progress toward a sale.

The changes appear aimed at addressing concerns by some senators that the original six-month deadline may have been too short.

Iran sanctions, Russian assets

The legislation also contains what House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul calls the most comprehensive sanctions against Iran Congress has passed in years.

It would place sanctions on ports and refineries that receive and process Iranian oil and on anyone involved in activity covered under the UN missile embargo on Iran that lapsed last year or in the supply or sale of Irans missiles and drones. It would also further restrict the export of goods and technology of US origin to Iran.

Plus, the legislation would empower the executive branch to seize and transfer frozen Russian assets held in the US to Ukraine to help it fight and rebuild. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that he was considering the measure  known as the REPO Act  as a way to aid Ukraine.

Top Biden administration officials have also been working with G7 allies  which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union  to explore the novel strategy to help Ukraine, which would require congressional approval. The vast majority of Russias central bank assets that were frozen by the G7 and the EU are held by the EU, with the US only holding around $5 billion worth, officials told CNN.

In addition, the package would place mandatory sanctions on Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian terrorist groups.

This headline and story have been updated with additional information.

CNNs Lauren Fox, Haley Talbot, Melanie Zanona and Natasha Bertrand contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Wildfires in North America made international headlines in 2023 as millions of people were cast under thick clouds of smoke from massive infernos. Air quality plummeted to dangerous levels and transformed famous skylines into views more akin to an apocalyptic horror movie.

The 2024 wildfire season is underway, and although AccuWeather meteorologists are not expecting a record-shattering season, it may still bring air quality risks similar to what was experienced last year across the continent.

Last year, wildfires in the United States burned 2,693,910 acres of land, significantly lower than the historical average of around 7 million acres. It was also the fewest acres burned since 1998, when around 1.3 million acres were scorched, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

A much different story unfolded across Canada, which experienced an unprecedented wildfire season with fallout that reached areas thousands of miles away. More than 45.7 million acres of land were scorched amid historic blazes, nearly three times higher than the previous record of 17.5 million acres burned in Canada in 1995.

Massive clouds of smoke shrouded parts of Ontario, Quebec, the Midwest and the Northeast unlike anything seen in recent history.

A man pauses to look at the smoke and haze shrouding One World Trade Center building in New York City, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a haze, turning the air acrid and the sky yellowish gray. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

In the United States, the worst fire of 2023 occurred in Lahaina, Hawaii, located on the island of Maui. The firestorm was the deadliest blaze in the U.S. in over a century, killing 101 people.

The 2024 U.S. wildfire season is expected to be below the historical average in terms of the number of fires and acres burned, AccuWeather's Wildfire Team said. Fires across the country are predicted to burn between 4 and 6 million acres of land in 2024, below the historical average of around 7 million acres.

Similar to last year, fire activity is projected to be higher across Canada.

The Canadian wildfire season is expected to be near to above average overall in terms of the number of fires and well above average in terms of the acreage burned. However, the numbers will be much less than those of the record-shattering season of 2023.

There are concerns that air quality could be impacted periodically due to larger blazes that may break out.

Air quality across Canada and the northern U.S. could worsen at times during the summer, affecting people outside, especially those with breathing conditions, AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia has already impacted air quality in regions of Canada and the central U.S., with "unhealthy" levels reported on Monday, May 13, and Tuesday, May 14.

People can find a detailed air quality forecast for their area by visiting AccuWeather's Air Quality Center, powered by Plume Labs.

The western half of the U.S. typically accounts for some of the largest wildfires across the country. This year, it may take some time for the wildfire season to ramp up across the West Coast states and Rocky Mountains.

Stormy weather lingering over the Northwest into the latter part of spring will put a lid on both wildfires and measures humans take to suppress the fire danger. "Prescribed burns may be put on hold in the Northwest during May and early June due to above-average precipitation," Buckingham said.

Conditions will gradually become more conducive for fires by midsummer in the Northwest and northern Rockies. Wildfire season in these regions will begin to kick into gear in July and persist into early autumn.

The annual monsoon across the southwestern U.S. is one of the key factors in fire activity across the region.

Monsoon-induced thunderstorms can be a double-edged sword. Downpours and an uptick in humidity can help crews battle and contain wildfires while lightning strikes can trigger new infernos. The start of the monsoon in 2024 is likely to be slow at first before picking up in July and August.

Any fires that do break out early in the summer might burn longer due to this delayed start to the monsoon. High heat, dry conditions and high evaporation rates are expected in June and July for the interior Southwest, which can raise the fire risk significantly.

The Oak Fire burns near the Jerseydale community of Mariposa County, Calif., on Saturday, July 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

California has been home to some of the worst fires in the U.S. over the past decade, but following a wet and stormy winter, wildfires will likely be limited until later in the summer. Peak fire season in California is expected from September into November.

However, people in California should remain vigilant, as there is still a chance of fires breaking out earlier in the year.

"If extended streaks of heat and dryness occur in May and June, the risk of wildfires can start earlier during the summer, increasing rapidly into the fall for more significant fires," AccuWeather Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok warned. "The combination of 2023 and 2024 wet seasons will contribute to extensive growth of new fuels."

The largest fire so far this year was in Texas, where a rapidly spreading grassfire fueled by powerful winds scorched more than 1 million acres, left at least two people dead and killed at least 7,000 head of cattle.

AccuWeather meteorologists say this region of the Texas Panhandle and other nearby areas of the southern Plains face a high to extreme risk of significant fires in 2024.

Significant fires could also break out around Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and northwestern Ontario, due in part to weather patterns across the region dating back to late last year.

"The risk of wildfires could increase quickly across the Upper Midwest in the second half of spring because of the record-breaking warmth and dryness across the region this past winter," Pastelok explained. Some precipitation in the Midwest and Great Lakes could briefly reduce the fire threat during the spring months, but as summer arrives, the risk will rise even higher.

June and July pose a particularly elevated fire risk for these areas due to an uptick in thunderstorm activity. Lightning from storms can potentially spark some fires.

In the Northeast, significant greening will prevent late-spring and early-summer fires, Buckingham said. This is much different from 2023 when New Jersey had its worst wildfire season in 20 years.

"If it becomes drier for a significant amount of time for the middle to late summer in the Northeast, then the risk of fires can elevate heading into the fall," Buckingham added.

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Smoke from fires may billow across the Midwest and the eastern U.S., once again raising air quality concerns, especially for those with conditions such as asthma or emphysema.

Experts recommend preparing for the upcoming wildfire season now so that when a fire does break out, people at risk know what to do and how to escape safely.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden signed a hard-fought bill into law on Wednesday that provides billions of dollars of new U.S. aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia, notching a rare bipartisan victory for the president as he seeks reelection and ending months of wrangling with Republicans in Congress.

"It gives vital support to America 's partners so they can defend themselves from threats to their sovereignty," Biden said.

Biden also signed a separate bill tied to the legislation that bans TikTok in the United States if its owner, the Chinese tech firm ByteDance, fails to divest the popular short video app over the next nine months to a year.

The social media platform is particularly popular with left-leaning young Americans, a group crucial to Biden's victory in November.

Biden, a Democrat who is expected to face Republican former President Donald Trump in the November election, has pressed lawmakers for six months to approve more funding for Ukraine, which has been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two years. Trump objected to the Ukraine aid, and some Republicans in Congress refused to back it.

That ended when the Republican-controlled House of Representatives abruptly changed course and approved four bills that included funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific on Saturday.

Biden and House Speaker Mike Johnson held intense talks about Ukraine in February and the president has both pleaded with Republicans to back the package and scolded them for not doing so. Johnson, who faces calls by some right-leaning Republicans to oust him for his turnaround on aid, met with Trump in Florida earlier this month; the former president said Johnson was "doing a really good job."

The U.S. Senate followed the House on Tuesday evening, passing a sweeping bill that provides $61 billion in aid to the country, which has suffered setbacks in the war that supporters blame on the delay in getting the additional U.S. funding.

"Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: We stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression," Biden said in a statement after the Senate vote on Tuesday.

He said he would sign the bill on Wednesday.

Heather Conley, an expert on European affairs, said the victory for U.S. allies and for Biden was tempered by effects that the delay has had for Kiev on the battlefield.

"This is a strong message of American leadership at a time of enormous instability, but the delay created cracks in that credibility," said Conley, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "As we start rolling into the election, that credibility will continue to be under close scrutiny."

Biden has argued that he helped restore U.S. credibility on the world stage after Trump's tumultuous four-year tenure, in part by strengthening the NATO alliance and providing a united front against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump has argued for an "America First" policy and has threatened to let NATO allies fend for themselves if they do not increase their defense spending.

Biden's administration is already preparing a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, the first to be sourced from the bill, two U.S. officials told Reuters.

Republicans who backed the aid package said it was not a vote for Biden but a reflection of their partys values.

Peace through strength. That's our tradition," Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, said in a Senate speech. "To my Republican colleagues and friends in the Senate, our tradition is much more serious. It's prouder. And I will tell you this: It's much more supported by the American people. Peace through strength, not American retreat."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Stephen Coates and Jonathan Oatis)
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The best skin care routine for your 50s, according to dermatologists

I've been writing about skin care for nearly a decade, and while the anti-aging trends come and go, the advice I hear from the experts stays the same: Hydrate, wear sunscreen and target problem areas at the first sign. But even if their advice is solid, most women don't begin to notice the more dramatic signs of aging until perimenopause, when hormonal changes begin to take hold both inside and out.

Your 50s can be an especially complex time in your life, especially if you're experiencing menopause and all of the hormonal, mental, emotional and physical changes that come along with it. It's also the decade where much of your lived life begins to show up on your face, thanks to the plethora of changes going on below the surface of your skin. "The rapid drop in estrogen that occurs during perimenopause is a significant contributor to skin aging," said Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist and clinical instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. "This leads to reduced hydration and compromised barrier function, loss of elasticity and resiliency." Basically, as if menopause wasnt challenging enough to navigate on its own, youll also have to deal with skin thats aging at an increasingly rapid pace. Cool!

But its not all bad news. The experts agree that you still have time to begin targeting those early signs of aging in your 50s when you first spot them, unlike in your 60s when it's often too late to reverse any of those signs of aging. Whether you're noticing new dark spots or more pronounced wrinkles and sagging skin, all of the hormonal changes you're going through could mean that your skin care routine needs an overhaul to tackle your skin's new normal.

To help you find the best products for your lifestyle and budget, I spoke with eight dermatologists and skin care experts about how menopause affects the skin, what ingredients are best for aging skin and how to build a skin care routine that actually works for your needs. There's a lot to dig into, so we'll jump right in on the right products to look for, from face washes and serums to moisturizers and beyond.

In this article: Face Wash | Toners | Serums & Treatments | Retinoids | Eye Creams | Moisturizers | SPF | Chemical Exfoliators | Skin Care Devices

Face wash & cleansers

CeraVe Best overall face wash CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser Texture: Thick, hydrating gel | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Other benefits: Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic Start your skin care routine with a gentle, hydrating facial cleanser like CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which was recommended by several experts I spoke with. Because skin undergoes many changes in your 50s, experts agree that the hyaluronic acid and ceramides found in this cleanser are essential for gently cleansing away impurities while leaving skin hydrated and plump while retaining its natural oils. Thats because hyaluronic acid draws in moisture and prevents moisture loss, while ceramides are lipid molecules that strengthen the skins barrier while also working to prevent moisture loss. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, then your face wash is likely too aggressive and might be stripping too many of your skin's precious oils. Consider cleansing your face only at night if your skin feels too dry in the morning for a second cleanse. $14 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $14 at Walmart

La Roche-Posay Best barrier-boosting face wash La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser Texture: Thick, hydrating gel | Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides | Other benefits: Oil free, fragrance free, paraben free, sulfate free Niacinamide  the technical name for vitamin B3  is a well-known ingredient that's essential for improving skin elasticity, increasing barrier function and evening out skin tone. Ceramides are lipid molecules that increase hydration and prevent moisture loss. La Roche-Posays Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser contains plenty of both. When combined, these two powerhouse ingredients target several of the biggest skin concerns in your 50s, according to Lindsay Holdorf, resident esthetician at Dermstore. "As the skin produces less oil in your 50s, it becomes drier and may be more sensitive," she said. "Look for hydrating cleansers and moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. These ingredients help to maintain moisture without irritating the skin." $15 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $18 at Dermstore

Toners

THAYERS Best overall toner Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner (Unscented) Texture: Watery liquid | Ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe | Other benefits: Alcohol free Experts recommend using a gentle toner immediately after cleansing to prepare your skin for your serums and moisturizer. After all, hydrating toners are an important part of your skin care routine, especially as you age. But forget the drying, alcohol-heavy toners of your youth. Instead, reach for gentle toners with non-stripping ingredients like witch hazel and aloe to restore any moisture removed during cleansing, even out your skin tone, remove any lingering impurities and prepare your skin for the next part of your routine. Because menopause can exacerbate symptoms like dryness, dehydration and discoloration, Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, a dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs recommends Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner, which is designed specifically without drying ingredients. $8 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $11 at Ulta Beauty$14 at CVS Pharmacy

SON&PARK Best gentle exfoliating toner SON & PARK Beauty Water Texture: Watery liquid | Ingredients: Witch hazel, rose water, lavender extract, orange fruit extract, papaya fruit extract, antioxidants | Other benefits: Gently exfoliating, alcohol free For a toner that both hydrates and very gently exfoliates, Dr. Chaudhry also recommends Son & Park Beauty Water. It's a multipurpose toner that acts as the final line in your cleansing routine to hydrate, exfoliate, refresh and prepare skin for your serums, treatments and moisturizers. It's made with naturally soothing ingredients like lavender and rose, a well as ingredients for gentle exfoliation like papaya fruit extract. While you might not think that using a toner is an essential in your skin care routine, nearly every expert I spoke with said that it's an important step after cleansing, especially if you're targeting different concerns with each product you use. "The key is layering hydrating and reparative products that address multiple concerns without overwhelming sensitive skin," Dr. Chaudhry said. $25 at Amazon

Serums & treatments

Amazon Best hyaluronic acid serum The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Texture: Liquid serum | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Other benefits: Fragrance free Serums and treatments should be applied after toning and before moisturizing. And hyaluronic acid, in particular, is the key ingredient in skin care for moisturized skin. It infuses loads of hydration and plumps up the skin in the process. It's a miracle little ingredient that can be found in everything from eye creams to facial cleansers. This serum from THE ORDINARY is nothing but the good stuff  just a 2% formulation of pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. "Reevaluating your skincare in your 50s is all about adapting to your skin's evolving needs, ensuring that it stays healthy, protected, and nourished," Holdorf said. "Consider layering products such as using both a hydrating serum and a cream to lock in moisture." The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an ideal lightweight serum because it can be layered under your favorite night cream or SPF moisturizer during the day. $10 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $10 at Sephora

Dermstore Best vitamin C serum SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Texture: Liquid serum | Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin B5, vitamin E, Ferulic acid | Other benefits: Alcohol free, fragrance free, paraben free, silicone free You might think of vitamin C as an ingredient to brighten dull, drab skin, but it can also be used to help boost collagen production. This formulation by SkinCeuticals has remained the top-recommended vitamin C serum by dermatologists for all of the years I've been reporting on beauty, due to its rich serum that's full of antioxidants and hydrating B5. "It significantly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improves firmness, and brightens the complexion," Holdorf said. All of that said, it's worth noting that vitamin C can oxidize over time, leading to discoloration and a faint scent. This is completely normal and a very well documented phenomenon of vitamin C serums. $182 at Dermstore Explore More Buying Options $182 at SkinCeuticals

Cetaphil Best peptide serum Cetaphil Healthy Renew Retinol Alternative Peptide Serum Texture: Viscous serum | Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides (retinol alternative) | Other benefits: Fragrance free, non-comedogenic One of the most important ingredients you should add to your skin care routine in your 50s (if you haven't already) is a retinoid. Retinol, a type of retinoid, is one of the most common, but for those who prefer gentler alternatives to retinoids, a peptide-heavy serum could be a good option. Peptides work by building up proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for firm and elastic skin. Peptides, like retinoids and antioxidants, minimize the appearance of wrinkles and promote skin renewal, Dr. Singh said. "Renewing and repairing ingredients like retinoids or retinol is essential. It can help with cell turnover and help combat fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Peptides and antioxidants, like vitamin C or niacinamide, can also stimulate collagen production and help improve skin firmness." $23 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $23 at Walmart$29 at Ulta Beauty

Retinoids

Neutrogena Best overall retinol moisturizer Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer Texture: Rich cream | Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Other benefits: Paraben free, dye free, mineral oil free Retinol is a "potent anti-aging" type of retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A, that boosts your skin's collagen production and plumps up the skin in the process, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to Holdorf. As for how to begin using a retinol, our experts agreed that you should introduce it into your routine slowly a couple of times a week at first to let your skin acclimate. "A retinoid treatment should be used in the evening to boost collagen production and accelerate cell turnover, helping to smooth wrinkles and improve skin texture," said Dr. Simran Sethi, dermatologist and founder of skin. All of the experts we spoke with agreed that one should take special precautions to wear sunscreen throughout the day when using retinols (and every day) since retinol makes the skin very sensitive to the sun. For this reason, always use retinols in the evening and don't use them on the same days you use an exfoliant. $22 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $22 at Walmart

Sephora Best gentle retinoid serum THE ORDINARY Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Texture: Creamy serum | Ingredients: Retinoid active (retinol alternative) | Other benefits: Paraben free, fragrance free If you find that retinols are too harsh for your skin, a retinoid alternative might be your best option. This serum from THE ORDINARY is made of 2% hydroxypinacolone retinoate, which is a gentler form of vitamin A, the key active ingredient in retinols. The gentler formulation means it's likely to have fewer side effects as well. To use, apply a small amount to your face in the evening, before your heavier treatments. Keep in mind that retinoids make your skin sensitive to UV light, which is why it's important to wear SPF all the time, but especially the morning after using a retinoid. Remember not to use a retinoid on the same day as an exfoliant. $12 at Sephora

La Roche-Posay Best exfoliating retinol cream La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream Texture: Creamy, fluid serum | Ingredients: Retinol, lipo-hydroxy acid | Other benefits: Fragrance free, oil free, non-comedogenic If targeting the signs of aging is your top priority in your skin care routine, it's time to introduce a retinol. "Retinol boosts collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, helping smooth wrinkles and skin texture," said Dr. Sethi. But because you shouldn't use a chemical exfoliant alongside a retinol, La Roche-Posay's Redermic R Anti-Aging cream has a solution. The formula includes lipo-hdydroxy acid  LHAs  which gently renews the skin cell-by-cell to lead to surface exfoliation that unveils brighter skin with fewer wrinkles and age spots. The formula also targets premature sun damage, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. To use, apply at night either with or without a moisturizer. Space out usage if skin is sensitive after the first time, but remember to wear SPF the morning after (and every day!). $55 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $55 at Ulta Beauty$55 at BeautifiedYou.com

Nordstrom Best targeted retinol serum PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment Texture: Viscous serum | Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, peptides, orange stem cell extract | Other benefits: Paraben free, sulfate free, fragrance free, mineral oil free Both Dr. Chaudhry and Holdorf recommend PCA Skin's anti-aging serums to target several of the most common signs of mature skin: dryness, sensitivity, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and thinning skin. PCA Skin's Intensive Age Refining Treatment targets many of these concerns in one easy-to-use serum that's loaded with replenishing ingredients like skin brightening niacinamide, plumping peptides and antioxidant and collagen-boosting orange stem cell extract. According to Holdorf, this serum "helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles while refining the skin to improve the tone and texture for a more youthful glow." $118 at Nordstrom Explore More Buying Options $118 at Dermstore

Eye creams

RoC Best overall eye cream RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream Texture: Silky cream | Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, B5, peptides | Other benefits: Sulfate free, paraben free, fragrance free As we age, deeper wrinkles form around our eyes, mouth and forehead, which is why both Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D. and dermatologist in Miami, and Dr. Chaudhry recommend RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for targeting fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. Eye creams with ingredients like peptides, caffeine and retinol are useful for targeting signs of aging like wrinkles, puffiness and discoloration. "Rich eye creams or gels can help diminish fine lines and provide additional hydration to the sensitive eye area while enhancing radiance," said Dr. Sethi. RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream includes retinol, niacinamide, B5 and peptides for plumping the skin, filling out fine lines and wrinkles and for brightening those dark under-eye areas. $21 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $22 at Walmart

Dermstore Best caffeine eye cream SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream Texture: Silky balm | Ingredients: Retinol, blueberry extract, peptides, caffeine | Other benefits: Fragrance free, paraben free, dye free The experts we spoke with agree that, when it comes to an eye cream, look for ones with retinol, peptides and caffeine to target the most common signs of aging. SkinCeuticals's A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream is designed for all skin types, and includes those powerful ingredients to fight crow's feet, puffiness, and dark circles. Holdorf recommends SkinCeuticals's A.G.E Advanced Eye Cream because of its mix of ingredients. "Retinoids are potent anti-aging ingredients that increase cell turnover, boost collagen production, and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots," while the peptides "help in building proteins in the skin like collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity." $116 at Dermstore Explore More Buying Options $116 at SkinCeuticals

Nordstrom Best brightening eye cream Perricone MD Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream Texture: Silky balm | Ingredients: Antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids | Other benefits: Fragrance free Even if you think the eye cream you've used for 20 years is good, Dr. Chaudhry said it might be time to reevaluate when your body goes through all of the changes that menopause brings. "With these changes, it's important to reevaluate and adjust one's skincare routine. Products that worked well in your 40s may no longer be as effective," he said. Dr. Chaudhry recommends Perricone MD Smoothing & Brightening Under-Eye Cream for its potent mix of antioxidants, plumping amino acids and fatty acids to support your under-eye skin's barrier and improve radiance and glow. $125 at Nordstrom Explore More Buying Options $125 at Dermstore$100 at Amazon

Moisturizers

Olay Best (budget) overall moisturizer Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Texture: Rich cream | Ingredients: Niacinamide, B3 vitamins, hyaluronic acid | Other benefits: Fragrance free When reaching for a moisturizer after cleansing, you might've noticed that many anti-aging moisturizers are quite thick and creamy. There's a simple reason for that: They lock in more moisture than lighter creams. Because mature skin is drier, you'll want to layer on a thick and emollient moisturizer to lock in hydration for as long as possible. But what you reach for ultimately depends on your skin type and personal preference. This moisturizer, recommended by both Dr. Singh and Dr. Chacon, includes many ingredients experts agree are important to restoring youthful skin in your 50s: niacinamide, B3 vitamins, hyaluronic acid and even skin-plumping peptides. $22 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $25 at Walmart

Nordstrom Best (splurge) overall moisturizer Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid (1 ounce) Texture: Rich cream | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, time-released retinol, vitamins C and E, peptides | Other benefits: Free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates Alternatively, you can reach for a moisturizer with anti-aging retinol in it. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that's used to improve skin's texture by speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which in turns helps with reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin's elasticity and fades some hyperpigmentation. Dr. King recommends Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream for one simple reason: "A good moisturizer contains humectants to hydrate, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in the moisture  and this product contains all three." $64 at Nordstrom Explore More Buying Options $65 at Sephora

La Roche-Posay Best lightweight moisturizer La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Texture: Lightweight cream | Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide | Other benefits: Oil free, fragrance free, non-comedogenic When it's finally time to slather on a moisturizer, you'll want to reach for a rich moisturizer with a sensitive formula, like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair moisturizer, recommended by Dr. Singh. "Incorporate rich moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and fatty acids to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin barrier," Dr. Singh said. "Opt for gentler formulations to minimize irritation and sensitivity as the skin becomes more delicate." This moisturizer has a lightweight yet creamy formula that's gentle enough for sensitive skin, but because it's made with ceramides and niacinamide it locks in moisture and restores its vitality for a healthy skin barrier. $19 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $19 at Walmart

Dermstore Best deep hydration moisturizer SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Texture: Rich cream | Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids | Other benefits: Paraben free, alcohol free, fragrance free For deep hydration and restoration, Holdor recommends SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, which is made of 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids. "These ingredients help to restore the skins natural barrier, support natural repair, and improve overall skin smoothness and radiance," Holdorf said. Lipids like ceramides and fatty acids are ideal for mature skin types as they work to strengthen the skin's barrier and boost hydration by preventing moisture loss. "Since the skin tends to lose moisture more readily in your 50s, enhancing hydration is crucial," she said. 'Switch to richer, more emollient moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. Consider layering products such as using both a hydrating serum and a cream to lock in moisture." $155 at Dermstore Explore More Buying Options $155 at SkinCeuticals

SPF

La Roche-Posay Best mineral sunscreen La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen SPF 50 Texture: Fluid lotion | Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide | Other Benefits: SPF 50, broad spectrum, water resistant Whether you're looking for a sunscreen for that's kid and baby safe, or want something free of chemicals for your sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are the way to go. Dr. Ashley Magovern of Manhattan Dermatology and resident dermatologist for Dermstore recommends La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen because it includes both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. As for whether chemical or mineral sunscreens are better, experts say it can be a matter of personal preference and your skin's unique needs. "Personally, I prefer mineral-based sunscreen because I like the idea of less absorption of chemicals," Dr. Magovern said. "I'm happy if people just find a sunscreen that they enjoy to use and use it regularly." $30 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $37 at Dermstore

Dermstore Best tinted face sunscreen EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Texture: Tinted lotion | Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide | Other benefits: SPF 50, broad spectrum If layering on moisturizer, SPF and makeup feels like too much, try reaching for a multi-product. EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum can triple as sunscreen, skin care and a skin tint, which makes it a particularly smart choice for those who want an easy skin care routine that doesn't require much thought or effort. Plus, it's an easy way to ensure you wear sunscreen each and every day. "I recommend wearing sunscreen to your face and neck daily as part of your daily routine to help prevent premature aging and skin cancers on the face," Dr. Magovern said. "If you are going to be in direct sun and have a chance of sunburn, I recommend applying it to all exposed areas as well." $45 at Dermstore Explore More Buying Options $45 at Amazon

Gentle Chemical Exfoliators

Paula's Choice Best overall exfoliant Paula's Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA Serum Texture: Viscous serum | Ingredients: AHAs such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid; BHAs such as salicylic acid; peptides, ceramides | Other benefits: Paraben free, fragrance free Nearly all of the experts we spoke with agreed that using a gentle chemical exfoliator a few times a week  after cleansing and before toning  is important for to encourage cell turnover for brighter, younger-looking skin. While over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, sensitivity and damaged skin, our experts said that it's still important to use gentle chemical exfoliators  as opposed to physical exfoliants and scrubs  to maintain skin's glow. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) use different acids to gently slough away dead skin and encourage new cell turnover for brighter, more younger-looking skin. Acids like lactic acid and glycolic acid are AHAs, while salicylic acid is a BHA. "Getting rid of those older cells will not only restore your glow, but it will help your moisturizers work better because they are not trying to fight their way through a thick layer of surface cells," Dr. Magovern said. Paula's Choice Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA Serum is made up of AHAs such as glycolic, lactic and malic acids that, when used once or twice a week, shrinks and unclogs pores, targets wrinkles and fine lines and sweeps away flaky, dull skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Keep in mind that you should not use an exfoliant on the same nights you use a retinoid. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, experts recommend introducing one into your routine slowly so your skin can gradually build up tolerance. $39 at Amazon

La Roche-Posay Best exfoliating serum La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum Texture: Lightweight serum | Ingredients: Glycolic acid (AHA), vitamin B5, kojic acid, amino acids| Other benefits: Oil free, non-comedogenic As we mentioned above, AHAs and BHAs are made up of different types of acids, both of which work to gently slough away dead skin and encourage new cell turnover for brighter, more younger-looking skin. Acids like lactic acid and glycolic acid are AHAs, which means they are water soluble and work well on the skin's surface, while salicylic acid is a BHA and is oil soluble, meaning it works on the skin's surface as well as below and deep into the pores. That might feel like a lot to know, but here's the most important thing to remember: As you age, your skin's ability to turn over newer, younger cells slows down, which is what leads to dull, textured skin. "Because that cell turnover slows, its not a bad idea to use a product like a gentle AHA," Dr. Magovern said. "Glycolic acid is my fave, which will help to increase cell turnover and keep those new, fresh, healthy cells coming to the top." $45 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $47 at Ulta Beauty$45 at CVS Pharmacy

Sephora Best hydrating exfoliant Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum Texture: Creamy serum | Ingredients: Lactic acid (AHA), squalane, clover | Other benefits: Fragrance free, non-comedogenic Squalane is a weightless, plant-derived oil that moisturizes the skin and increases hydration. When using an AHA, it's not a bad idea to pair it with a hydrating oil like squalane that won't clog the pores in the process of bringing new skin cells to the top of your complexion. This Resurfacing Serum from Biossance is made with 10% lactic acid that gently exfoliates away dead, flaky, dull skin cells to reveal smooth skin and a glowing complexion. Remember: You should not use an exfoliant on the same nights you use a retinoid. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, experts recommend introducing one into your routine slowly so your skin can gradually build up tolerance. $65 at Sephora

Skin Care Devices

SolaWave Best (budget) red light device Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand Technology: Red light therapy | Price: $$ | Benefits: Portable, affordable, easy to use, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, prevents acne flare-ups, reduces redness and inflammation Skin care devices might seem unnecessary, but for targeting specific skin care concerns, experts agree that they're a good investment. The body undergoes many hormonal changes during menopause, which can trigger increased melanin production and increased hyperpigmentation in the skin, in addition to everything else, according to Dr. Magovern. But light therapies are a convenient way to tackle the problem. "Im a big fan of light therapies and red light therapy to make the skin healthier, less sensitive and younger-appearing," Dr. Magovern said. "I still love my lasers, and a lot of people are laser-focused, but I believe in the power of light. To me, its the hidden gem. And, its so easy." Red light therapy uses low wavelength red light to stimulate cellular activity that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars, acne and redness. The Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand is a red light therapy device that is best used daily when paired with your preferred serums to stimulate collagen, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and decrease redness and inflammation of the skin. It's a more affordable alternative to pricey red light therapy masks that sit on your skin. Like all red light therapy devices, the Solawave should be used in conjunction with your favorite serums to improve your skin's texture and appearance. Use it after cleansing and toning, with your preferred serum, and layer on moisturizer after use. $169 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $169 at Ulta

Dr Dennis Gross Best (splurge) red light device Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro Technology: Red Light Therapy | Price: $$$$ | Benefits: Portable, easy to use, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, firms skin, prevents acne flare-ups, reduces redness and inflammation As people continue seeking out professional-level treatments at home, red light devices have grown increasingly popular, especially for those who have sensitive skin that might not tolerate more invasive anti-aging procedures. "I love the idea of home devices," Dr. Magovern said. "Consistency is key, but the science is good, and everyone should be using red light therapy on their skin." Holdorf recommends the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite specifically because of its ability to use red and blue LED lights "to support natural collagen and zap acne-causing bacteria." Though a pricier option, it's a foolproof red light device that sits atop the skin to deliver both red- and blue-light therapy across the skin in equal measure. The red light works to smooth wrinkles, firm skin and reduce hyperpigmentation, while the blue light targets acne flareups. $455 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $455 at Dermstore

NuFACE Best facial toning device NuFACE Trinity Starter Kit Technology: Microcurrents | Price: $$$$ | Benefits: Portable, fast and easy to use, at-home face lift For those who want pain-free alternatives to invasive clinical treatments, several experts we spoke with recommend the NuFACE Trinity, a microcurrent device that's like getting an at-home face lift. The NuFACE Trinity created what's been dubbed the "five minute face lift" thanks to the microcurrents within the tiny device that mimic the body's natural electrical charge and strengthen facial muscles over time. When used five times a week for over a couple of months, the devices can improve your facial contour, elasticity, skin tone and lead to wrinkle reduction. "I love the idea of mimicking the bodys natural electrical current and charge, and I see improvement in my patients using these products consistently," Dr. Magovern said. That said, as with many new products, consider talking with a dermatologist if you have extremely sensitive skin, as an expert will be able to provide you with more targeted treatments. "I recommend professionally administered treatments initially before considering at-home devices for maintenance," Dr. Chaudhry said. $245 at NuFACE Explore More Buying Options $350 at Walmart

How does your skin change in your 50s?

Menopause has a huge impact on your body. Not only are hormonal changes impacting you from the inside, but your skin is undergoing profound changes as well.

"Oh man, it really changes," said Dr. Ashley Magovern of Manhattan Dermatology and resident dermatologist for Dermstore. "In particular, estrogen decreases, which causes a decrease in oil production and leads to skin dullness and dryness, which leads to texture changes and the loss of that 'glow,'" she said. "Ive found that even using lights, lasers, skincare products, it becomes harder and harder to restore that glow without that estrogen."

The loss in estrogen due to menopause causes decreased skin elasticity, hydration, oil production, collagen production and even thickness. As skin thins, the fat pads within the face also diminish, which can highlight wrinkles, accentuate sagging skin and lead to a "hollowed look," according to Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, dermatologist at Scandinavian Biolabs. If that wasn't enough, all of these hormonal changes can even trigger increased melanin production during menopause, which causes dark spots and blotchiness.

All of these changes can mean that the products and skin care routine that you might've stood behind for years may no longer work for you as you enter your 50s and beyond.

"Reevaluating your skin care in your 50s is all about adapting to your skin's evolving needs, ensuring that it stays healthy, protected and nourished," said Lindsay Holdorf, resident esthetician at Dermstore. "These changes mean that skin care products and routines that worked well in earlier decades might no longer be as effective."

What changes should you make to your skin care routine in your 50s?

All of the experts we spoke with agreed that transitioning your skin care routine for your 50s is all about hydration and investing in target treatments for your changing skin's specific needs. Swapping to hydrating cleansers, using moisture-boosting serums, and investing in stronger anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, niacinamides and ceramides should become a priority.

"As skin concerns become more pronounced, it's essential to incorporate targeted treatments to address issues such as loss of firmness, hyperpigmentation and dryness," said Dr. T. N. Rekha Singh, dermatologist at Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic.

Another important change to think about? Paying more attention to your nighttime routine generally. "I know we are all tired at night and sometimes find excuses to skip the nighttime routine, but it becomes even more important as you age," Dr. Magovern said. "Our skin regenerates, restores and repairs itself at night, so giving it all the nutrients it needs is critical."

What skin care ingredients should you look for in your 50s?

Hyaluronic acid : A hydrating and plumping ingredient that draws in moisture and prevents moisture loss

Retinoids : Potent anti-aging ingredients that increase cell turnover, boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots

Peptides : AKA amino acids that support proteins in the skin like collagen and elastin, which are needed for firmness and elasticity

Niacinamide : AKA vitamin B3, which improves skin's elasticity, increases barrier function and tackles hyperpigmentation

Ceramides : Lipid molecules that strengthen the skins barrier and prevent moisture loss

AHAs: Chemical exfoliants, typically made of lactic acids or glycolic acids, that gently slough away dead skin and encourage new cell turnover for improved tone and texture

BHAs : Chemical exfoliants, typically salicylic acid, that gently slough away dead skin and encourage new cell turnover for improved tone and texture

Antioxidants : Vitamins C, E and ferulic acid, among others, that aid in protecting the skin from environmental damage, brighten skin and promote collagen production

SPF: Sun protection, arguably the most important ingredient in your skin care routine to prevent the noticeable signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and discoloration

Fortunately, there are several proven powerhouse ingredients  and products!  that dermatologists and skin care experts agree should be part of your arsenal as you build an anti-aging skin care routine. Take a look at their recommendations below.

Meet our experts
A man, who is part of a group of immigrants that had just arrived, flashes a thumbs up Wednesday Sept. 14, 2022, in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday flew two planes of immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, escalating a tactic by Republican governors to draw attention to what they consider to be the Biden administration's failed border policies. (Ray Ewing/Vineyard Gazette via AP) Ray Ewing/Associated Press A Venezuelan migrant reacts as he is led onto a bus at St. Andrews Episcopal Church on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on the island of Marthas Vineyard. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/TNS) MATIAS J. OCNER/TNS A woman, who is part of a group of immigrants that had just arrived, holds a child as they are fed outside St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Wednesday Sept. 14, 2022, in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday flew two planes of immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, escalating a tactic by Republican governors to draw attention to what they consider to be the Biden administration's failed border policies. (Ray Ewing/Vineyard Gazette via AP) Ray Ewing/Associated Press FILE - Migrants, who arrived on a flight sent by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, gather with their belongings outside St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Wednesday Sept. 14, 2022, in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard. A Texas sheriff on Monday, Sept. 19 opened an investigation into two flights of migrants sent to Martha's Vineyard by DeSantis, but did not say what laws may have been broken in putting 48 Venezuelans on private planes last week from San Antonio. (Ray Ewing/Vineyard Gazette via AP, File) Ray Ewing/Associated Press Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the University of Miami Health System Don Soffer Clinical Research Center on May 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images/TNS) Joe Raedle/TNS Immigrants gather with their belongings outside St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Wednesday Sept. 14, 2022, in Edgartown, Mass., on Martha's Vineyard. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday flew two planes of immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, escalating a tactic by Republican governors to draw attention to what they consider to be the Biden administration's failed border policies. (Ray Ewing/Vineyard Gazette via AP) Ray Ewing/Associated Press

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' flights of 49 migrants from San Antonio to Marthas Vineyard in September 2022 may have had an unintended consequence  legal status for the asylum-seekers.

A lawyer for several of the migrants said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has begun issuing letters saying they have bona fide claims that they were crime victims and granting them work permits.

The determination comes after Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar certified the migrants in October 2022 as victims of crimes resulting in mental or physical abuse. Lawyers for the migrants allege contractors working for DeSantis made false promises to lure the immigrants onto two chartered flights to Marthas Vineyard.

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DeSantis was following the lead of fellow Republican Gov. Greg Abott of Texas, who has bused thousands of migrants from the Texas-Mexico border to Chicago, New York, Denver, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

We are grateful that the migrants' cooperation with the Bexar County Sheriffs Office has been recognized, Rachel Self, a Boston attorney representing several of the immigrants, said in a statement.

Despite Sheriff Salazar and his team conducting a thorough investigation across multiple states with more than fifty witnesses, and providing the findings and recommending prosecution to Bexar County District Attorney Gonzales over eight months ago, no action has been taken, she said.

MORE COVERAGE: Bexar Sheriff Javier Salazar sends criminal case on DeSantis migrant flights to the DA

But Pete Gallego, a spokesman for DA Joe Gonzales, said prosecutors havent been sitting on their hands.

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Our staff carefully reviews every case, but we are particularly careful in reviewing all the evidence at our disposal when a case is unique and generates more interest than is typical, he said in a statement. This particular has taken significant time because of the number of witness interviews that were done and the statements that were taken.

Translating witness statements and interview transcripts from Spanish to English took a significant amount of time, he said.

Once our office completes a full analysis of the evidence that has been provided to us, the office will move closer to a decision on whether sufficient evidence exists to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred, Gallego said.

CIS, the federal immigration agency, says if a petitioner receives a determination that they were victims of a crime in the U.S., and he or she merits a favorable exercise of discretion, the migrant will be issued a work permit and placed in line for so-called U non-immigrant status  which can lead to permanent residency if the applicant meets certain conditions.

These petitioners will not have to go through a waiting list adjudication unless new adverse information impacts their ability to maintain a bona fide determination, CIS said.

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Most of the 49 migrants flown to Marthas Vineyard were from Venezuela.

Mum on potential charges

Salazar wont say what charges, if any, he recommended that Gonzales office pursue or whether his recommendations included prosecuting former San Antonio resident Perla Huerta, who became the public face of the controversy.

Huerta and others working with her are accused of lying to the South American immigrants, getting them to board the flights on Sept. 14 with bogus promises of assistance or employment. Salazar has said he was not investigating DeSantis but only those who had contact with the immigrants in Bexar County.

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Most of the migrants were recruited for the flights outside the city of San Antonios Migrant Resource Center on San Pedro Avenue.

Separately, Huerta, DeSantis and members of his administration were named as defendants in a federal lawsuit filed by some of the migrants and an immigrant advocacy group over the flights.

The suit alleges the migrants were led to believe they were headed to a large city in the Northeast where jobs, housing, and legal assistance would be waiting for them. Instead, they were dumped at Marthas Vineyard, a vacation spot for the wealthy off the Massachusetts coast, where no job, housing or legal assistance awaited them, the suit alleges.

All defendants denied the allegations, and their lawyers filed motions to dismiss.

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In March, a federal judge in Boston dismissed Huerta, DeSantis and his aides from the litigation, leaving only as a defendant Huertas employer, Vertol Systems Company Inc., which contracted with the state of Florida to find charter planes for the flights and recruit migrants for the trips.
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick are officially set to face off in Pennsylvanias high-stakes Senate battle this fall after winning their uncontested primaries on Tuesday.

Casey, a three-term incumbent, and McCormick, who rallied the Pennsylvania GOP establishment behind his candidacy after announcing his bid last year, will now sprint toward the November election in one of the most bitterly contested, expensive Senate races in the country. The race is among a handful that could tip the balance of power in Congress upper chamber.

Pennsylvania deserves better than Bob Casey, McCormick said during a victory speech on Tuesday. At every single time where he couldve been a leader instead of a follower, hes chosen to be a follower.

For McCormick, a hedge fund executive and former official in President George W. Bushs Treasury Department, his 2024 run comes on the heels of a failed 2022 bid against celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, who narrowly defeated him in a Republican primary with former President Donald Trumps backing. Oz went on to lose to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election.

This time around, McCormick has the support of Trump, as well as GOP leaders across Pennsylvania.

Its a big day in Pennsylvania and we hope the people get out there and vote, Trump said outside his criminal hush money trial in New York on Tuesday. Its important to vote to let them know that were coming on November 5th. Were coming big. Todays preliminary but still its very important and maybe theyll think also about the very good person whos running for the Senate in Pennsylvania, Dave McCormick.

But even with a unified GOP behind him, McCormick faces an uphill battle. Republicans have lost race after race in the Keystone State following Trumps shocking upset victory there in 2016. And Casey, the son of the states former governor, often polls ahead of President Joe Biden in the state.

Oh, the guy from Connecticut? Fetterman told NBC News of McCormick, who Democrats have lambasted for maintaining a Connecticut residence. He loves Connecticut and he loves working and investing in Chinese companies. And I dont think thats a winner in Pennsylvania, but I guess were going to find out. Bob Casey is going to smoke him.

Presidential primary protest votes

The top of the ticket in Pennsylvania on Tuesday lacked drama, as not only were both Casey and McCormick running unopposed, but the presidential primary amounted to a formality as well, with both Trump and Biden having already clinched their partys nominations. NBC News projected that both men would win their partys primaries in Pennsylvania.

But there was intrigue beneath the surface, as voters on both sides had the chance to submit protest votes on Tuesday. There was an organized effort to get Democratic voters to write in uncommitted on their presidential primary ballots to express opposition to Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. And Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race in early March, still appeared on the Republican ballot.

Initial vote totals looked like Trump faced a more substantial protest vote than Biden. With roughly 95% of the expected vote counted on Wednesday morning, about 16% of Republican primary voters backed Haley  more than 150,000 in total. Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, so only registered Republicans could vote in that contest, unlike earlier primaries where Democrats and independents had a chance to cast ballots.

But on the Democratic side, with 96% of the expected vote counted on Wednesday, about 5% went to write-ins. Biden, meanwhile, garnered about 88% of the vote while Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., got about 6% support after ending his candidacy last month. Not all counties tabulate write-in votes on election night, so the full scope of any write-in campaign might not be clear until all votes are counted. Still, more than 55,000 write-in votes were cast.

Organizers backing an uncommitted vote protesting Biden's handling of the war between Israel and Hamas hoped to garner at least 40,000 write-in votes in their campaign. Its unclear how many write-in votes were associated with the effort.

The Democratic primary is also only open to registered party members.

In total, more than 163,000 Republican primary voters either voted for Haley or cast write-in votes. On the Democratic side, at least 123,000 voters chose Phillips or submitted a write-in.

Biden eclipsed former President Barack Obama's vote total in the 2012 Democratic primary, the last time an incumbent Democrat ran for reelection. Biden won more than 926,000 votes in this year's primary, compared to about 616,000 for Obama in 2012. That year, about 19,000 Democratic primary voters cast write-in votes.

Biden's raw vote total looks to have exceeded Trump's, who as of Wednesday morning had about 788,000 votes for him counted. In Pennsylvania's 2020 GOP primary, when Trump was an incumbent and did not face a serious primary challenge, he won just north of 1 million votes.

With votes still being counted, Democrats looked to have an edge about about 100,000 voters turn out in their primary compared to the GOP contest. A similar number of votes remain to be counted in each race.

The battle for the House

Further down the ballot, there were a few races of significant intrigue. Chief among them was a House Democratic primary in the Pittsburgh area, where NBC News projects Rep. Summer Lee defeated Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel.

The race tested the power of sentiment over the war in Gaza, as Lee is the first among the progressive lawmakers who have been staunch critics of the Israeli war effort to face down a primary. And part of her district includes a prominent historically Jewish neighborhood, Squirrel Hill, that was home to the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history in 2018.

But Lee, a member of the Squad along with fellow progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the House, was widely seen as a favorite ahead of Tuesdays contest, as pro-Israel groups that spent against her in her initial 2022 primary opted against doing so this time.

Lees opponent, Bhavini Patel, was boosted by an outside expenditure from GOP megadonor Jeffrey Yass. Patel denounced Yass, but Lee and allies portrayed her as a conservative Democrat because of Yass involvement. Pennsylvanias 12th District is solidly Democratic.

In eastern Pennsylvania, another House primary shaped up as one of the more important battles of the night as Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick fought off a GOP primary challenge from anti-abortion-rights activist Mark Houck. It wasn't the first time Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican and former FBI agent, has faced a challenge from the right in the 1st District, which Biden carried in 2020.

Fitzpatrick will now face Democrat Ashley Ehasz, an Army veteran whom he defeated by 10 points in 2022, again this fall.

Several general election matchups in competitive House races were also set in Pennsylvania, as Republicans nationally are aiming to hold onto a razor-thin majority in the lower chamber this year.

In the 7th District north of Philadelphia, state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie won the GOP primary, advancing to the what's expected to be a hotly contested general election against Democratic Rep. Susan Wild. Wild won a third term in 2022 by just 2 points after Biden won her district by less than 1 point in 2020.

In the 10th District, which includes Harrisburg, former local TV news anchor Janelle Stelson won a six-way Democratic primary to take on GOP Rep. Scott Perry, the former chairman of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus who was involved in Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Stelson had the support of EMILYs List, a group that backs female candidates who support abortion rights. Trump carried the district by 4 points in 2020.

Elsewhere, Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright will face Republican businessman Rob Bresnahan in the Scranton-area 8th District, which Trump carried four years ago. And Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio will take on GOP state Rep. Rob Mercuri in the 17th District in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, which Biden won by 6 points.
Protests have broken out at colleges and universities across the country in connection with the war in Gaza.

Many pro-Palestinian protesters are calling for their colleges to divest of funds from Israeli military operations, while some Jewish students on the campuses have called the protests antisemitic and said they are scared for their safety.

The student protests -- some of which have turned into around-the-clock encampments -- have erupted throughout the nation following arrests and student removals at Columbia University in New York City. Students at schools including Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California and more have launched protests.





Latest Developments





Apr 25, 5:54 PM

Columbia University enhancing security due to planned protests

Columbia University said it is enhancing security along the campus' perimeter after it was made aware of several "potentially significant" protests planned outside the gates of its Manhattan campus Thursday evening.



The New York City Police Department is adding officers "to maintain safety" and people are being asked to avoid the area, the university said in a message to the school community. The protests are expected to start around 6 p.m. ET., it said.



The campus remains restricted to Columbia University ID holders.



The university is in formal discussions with student protesters regarding dismantling an encampment on campus, a university spokesperson said.





Apr 25, 4:40 PM

UT demonstrators arrested Wednesday won't face charges at this time

Demonstrators who were arrested Wednesday at the University of Texas will not be facing charges at this time and have been ordered released due to deficiencies in probable cause, according to the Travis County Attorneys Office.



Fifty-five people were arrested -- 26 of whom were unaffiliated with UT Austin -- the university said Thursday.



"This outside group presence is what we've seen from the affiliated national organization's efforts to disrupt and create disorder," the university said in a statement.



PHOTO: A student quietly stares at a row of Texas State Troopers as pro-Palestinian students protest the Israel-Hamas war on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, on April 24, 2024. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)



The attorney's office said it received several cases Wednesday after the demonstration at UT Austin.



"Legal concerns were raised by defense counsel. We individually reviewed each case that was presented and agreed there were deficiencies in the probable cause affidavits. The Court affirmed and ordered the release of those individuals. We will continue to individually review all cases presented to our office to determine whether prosecution is factually and legally appropriate," the Travis County Attorney's Office said in a statement.





Apr 25, 4:16 PM

Northeastern says it will 'take action' against demonstrators

Northeastern University in Boston said it will "take action accordingly" against pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrating on its Centennial Quad on Thursday.



"The quads on Northeastern's Boston campus are reserved by the division of Student Life for scheduled university events," a university spokesperson said in a statement. "Students currently demonstrating on Centennial Quad do not have authorization and are in violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Those who are not affiliated with Northeastern are trespassing. The university will take action accordingly."

PHOTO: Police respond to an encampment started by students protesting the war in Gaza at Northeastern University in Boston, April 25, 2024. (WCVB)





Apr 25, 3:59 PM

Main USC graduation ceremony canceled

The University of Southern California has canceled its main graduation ceremony, the school announced Thursday.



"With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially," the school said in a statement. "As a result, we will not be able to host the main stage ceremony that traditionally brings 65,000 students, families, and friends to our campus all at the same time and during a short window from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m."



The individual school commencement ceremonies will continue as planned, it said.



The decision comes after USC had previously canceled this year's valedictorian speech while citing potential threats regarding the selection of the valedictorian, who expressed pro-Palestinian views on social media. It subsequently canceled all commencement speakers.





Apr 25, 3:49 PM

Emory encampment cleared after dozens taken into custody: University

Law enforcement cleared a quad at Emory University where students had erected an encampment, the Atlanta university said.



A "couple of dozen people" were taken into custody, the university said. It did not have information on exactly how many people were taken into custody or what charges, if any, have been filed.

PHOTO: Georgia State Patrol officers detain a demonstrator on the campus of Emory University during a pro-Palestinian demonstration, April 25, 2024, in Atlanta. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Emory previously said that dozens of protesters who were not part of the school community had trespassed onto the campus early Thursday morning and erected tents on the quad. Some members of the school community later joined, it said.

PHOTO: Authorities detain a protester on the campus of Emory University during a pro-Palestinian demonstration, April 25, 2024, in Atlanta. (Mike Stewart/AP)

"Emory Police issued multiple warnings asking the crowd to disperse. When those requests were ignored, Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol assisted Emory Police with clearing the Quad," the university said.



Footage showed officers escorting detained protesters off campus, including in one case appearing to deploy a stun gun on an individual handcuffed on the ground.





Apr 25, 3:14 PM

Encampment erected at UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles said it is "actively monitoring" a demonstration after students erected an encampment Thursday morning.



"Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our entire Bruin community," Mary Osako, a UCLA spokesperson, said in a statement. "We're actively monitoring this situation to support a peaceful campus environment that respects our community's right to free expression while minimizing disruption to our teaching and learning mission."

PHOTO: Tents stand in an encampment, where students are protesting in support of Palestinians, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at the University of California in Los Angeles, April 25, 2024. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

Access to the campus' Royce Hall and Powell Library has been restricted to students who present ID, the university said.



Students for Justice in Palestine, University of California Los Angeles, one of the organizers of the encampment, called on the university to divest of funds from Israeli military operations and said in a social media post that they are "staying until our demands are met."





Apr 25, 2:24 PM

Brown University students start encampment, will face conduct proceedings

Brown University students began an encampment on campus Wednesday, with a student group warning other students that the university is threatening to crack down on protesters.



"Brown admin is using unprecedented repressive tactics to prevent peaceful student protest. They are doing random ID sweeps to identify people and threatening disciplinary action," the Brown Divest Coalition said in a statement on Instagram.



Students participating in the encampment "have been informed they will face conduct proceedings," Brown said in a statement to ABC News, because the encampment on the university's "greens" is a violation of policies. Brown added it has supported previous protests and activism on campus, including a hunger strike, that were "within the bounds of our policies."



"Protest is an acceptable means of expression at Brown, but it becomes unacceptable when it violates University policies that are intended to ensure the safety and security of members of the Brown community and that there is no interference in the rights of others to engage in the regular operations of the university. Early on Wednesday and periodically since, the University asked all participants in the encampment to present their Brown IDs to verify association with Brown for safety and security reasons and to appropriately address violations of policy," Brown said in a statement to ABC News.



"University administrators and the Department of Public Safety will continually monitor the situation and act as necessary. We have been troubled by reports of violence, harassment and intimidation at some encampments on other campuses, but we have not seen that kind of behavior at Brown. Any such behavior would not be tolerated," Brown said.



-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab





Apr 25, 12:21 PM

Video shows several people being detained by police at Emory University

Videos show several people being detained by police at Emory University in Atlanta on Thursday.



Student groups say they launched an encampment for Gaza at 7:30 a.m., demanding a "total divestment from Israeli apartheid and cop city," in a post on Instagram. The group said the encampment is "open to everyone."

PHOTO: Georgia State Patrol officers detain a protester on the campus of Emory University during an Israel Palestinian demonstration, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Atlanta. (Mike Stewart/AP)

The Emory Police Department contacted Atlanta police and Georgia State Patrol for assistance, according to Emory.



"Several dozen protesters trespassed into Emory Universitys campus early Thursday morning and set up tents on the Quad. These individuals are not members of our community. They are activists attempting to disrupt our university as our students finish classes and prepare for finals," Emory University said in a statement to ABC News.



"Emory does not tolerate vandalism or other criminal activity on campus," Emory said.



-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab and Kerem Inal





Apr 25, 11:38 AM

Northwestern University students set up pro-Palestinian encampment

Students at Northwestern University began setting up an encampment on campus grounds Thursday morning, joining the growing list of students across the country demanding their schools divest from Israel and companies that support its campaign on Gaza.



Northwestern says setting up a tent encampment is "prohibited" under university policies and campus police are at the encampment, working to have the tents removed.



"Students who refuse to remove their tents will be subject to arrest and their tents will be removed by the University. Community members who do not adhere to University policies will face discipline," Northwestern University told ABC News in a statement.



PHOTO: Students protesting the war in Gaza started an encampment at Northwestern University in Evansville, Ill., on Thursday, April 25, 2024. (WLS)



"Northwestern is committed to the principles of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly  and to protecting the safety of all members of our community, as well as limiting disruptions to University operations," Northwestern said.



The Northwestern University Divestment Coalition, a student group, says protesters are refusing to leave their encampment.



Videos and posts posted by other student groups on Instagram show police responding to the scene, warning students that they will begin issuing citations and arrests if they do not leave.



-ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab





Apr 25, 9:09 AM

Princeton students begin encampment on campus

Princeton University students began a Gaza solidarity encampment on Thursday, demanding the university divest from Israel and that Israel end its campaign on Gaza.



The students are also calling for an academic boycott of Israel and Israeli universities -- including ending study abroad programs with Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, students said in a statement.



"Princeton students stand in solidarity with Columbia University's Gaza Solidarity Encampment, launched on April 17. They strongly condemn the decisions of Columbia University, Yale University, New York University, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and Cal Poly Humboldt's administrations to employ militarized police against their own students and demand the immediate release of all arrested students, the immediate dropping of all charges, and the immediate revocation of suspensions and evictions," students said in a statement.



"Despite the systematic repression of pro-Palestinian voices, students will continue to stand their ground," students said.

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Voters went to the polls for the Pennsylvania primaries Tuesday, cementing races up and down the ticket in what will be one of the critical swing states in November.

President Biden and former President Trump glided to victory in their respective contests, as expected, though both men faced protest votes. The Keystone State is one of the seven major battlegrounds that will decide who wins the Oval Office on Nov. 5.

Pennsylvania will also be the site of one of the most closely watched Senate races in the fall, as Republican David McCormick, who scored Trumps backing despite their past friction with each other, looks to unseat Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)

Meanwhile, Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), a staunch progressive who has been critical of Israels war against Hamas, managed to fend off a primary challenge from the center in an important victory for the left.

Here are five major takeaways from Tuesday nights primaries.

Its game on for Biden and Trump in the Keystone State

Biden and Trump were all but ensured to win their respective primaries Tuesday night. Still, their victories serve as a starting gun of sorts in what will be a critical state for both men as they look to win the White House.

Trump currently leads Biden in Pennsylvania by a sliver, at 47 percent to 46 percent, according to an aggregate of polls from Decision Desk HQ and The Hill.

In a sign of how important the Keystone State is in the presidential race, Biden took part in a three-city tour there just a week ago, visiting his birthplace of Scranton, where he pitched his tax plan to blue-collar workers, before stopping in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Trump, meanwhile, held a rally in Schnecksville, Pa., earlier this month, just two days before he was set to go on trial in a case involving alleged hush money payments to a porn actress.

Their dueling visits underscore the significance of Pennsylvania, which went for Biden in 2020 by roughly 1 percentage point.

If the polls are any indication, the race this year will be another squeaker.

A sleepy start to a crucial Senate race

McCormicks expected victory in the Republican Senate primary solidifies his matchup with Casey, the Democratic incumbent, in a race that could determine who controls the upper chamber next year.

The GOP lost out on a potential pickup in the Keystone State last cycle when Sen. John Fetterman (D) defeated Trump-backed Mehmet Oz, who had won out over McCormick in the primary.

Now, Republicans are hoping the more establishment-aligned McCormick will give them a boost in a state that has so far slipped through their fingers when it has come to major races. In a sign of the partys readiness to coalesce around a candidate, Trump himself backed McCormick just a couple of weeks ago, despite some bad blood between the two men.

Casey currently leads McCormick 46 percent to 37 percent, according to an aggregate of polls from Decision Desk HQ and The Hill.

Republicans acknowledge the uphill climb their candidate faces but remain optimistic that he can prevail despite Caseys name recognition  the Democrats father, Bob Casey Sr., was a two-term governor of the Keystone State.

Progressives have staying power

The left wing has faced persistent questions about its near-term future after many Democrats took issue with progressives stance toward the Israel-Hamas war.

Lee, who on Tuesday easily defended her seat against Bhavini Patel, a moderate councilmember from Edgewood, in Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District, rebuked the theory that progressive officeholders are among the most vulnerable this cycle.

Her primary victory was, in fact, stronger than her first congressional race, when she barely won against a wave of attacks from special interest groups who spent millions to defeat her. Unlike in that race, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and aligned organizations did not significantly wade into Tuesdays contest.

Lee brought in thousands of small dollar donations and ultimately amassed $2.5 million, the campaign reported on primary day.

Her win was a success for the grassroots model of campaigning that progressives have popularized within the House, sending unlikely candidates to office and protecting liberal incumbents who Democrats insisted were on shaky standing.

It also gave a much-needed energy jolt to the left flank of the party, which has pushed back against centrists who say they have been unhelpful  or downright harmful  to Bidens first-term agenda and his position around the Middle East.

Protest votes underscore dissatisfaction with Biden, Trump

In a cycle where voters dont love whats in front of them, observers were watching closely to see how many protest votes were cast against both Biden and Trump.

Because vote-counting Tuesday did not include the number of uncommitted votes, it might be some time before the number of protest ballots cast in the Democratic primary becomes clear. A relatively small number of votes were also cast for Bidens former primary challenger, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.).

What was more evident were signs of apparent discontent on the GOP side. Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the Republican primary earlier this year and has yet to endorse Trump, had garnered a vote share in the double digits as of Tuesday night.

While that number didnt impact Trumps victory Tuesday, it could indicate some potential problems for the former president in November.

Pennsylvania is one of the top swing states this cycle, with both Biden and Trump factoring it into their calculations as part of their paths to 270. And in a state where Biden beat his rival in 2020 by roughly a percentage point, every vote counts  suggesting Trumps allies might have reason to worry that Haley supporters could vote against him or sit out the election entirely.

Biden fared much better than Trump in his respective primary Tuesday, earning the vast majority  94.8 percent  of support over Phillips, a fellow moderate. But Phillipss 5.2 percent should not go unnoticed. The slim number represents a broader problem for Biden  that a chunk of his own Democratic base, including centrists, do not want to see him reelected.

While the breakdown of the uncommitted faction is still being determined, the fact that Pennsylvania voters are willing to put forward protest votes in each major party could spell trouble for both presumptive nominees angling for the White House with little fanfare.

Incumbents have a good night

There was some speculation heading into Tuesday that incumbents in both parties could get the boot.

That didnt happen.

The most high-profile example was the progressive Lee, who easily fended off a challenge from the center of her party.

But Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick also faced a notable primary challenger, in this case from a hard-liner in his party.

Anti-abortion activist Matt Houck was looking to unseat the moderate incumbent, a former FBI agent who represents a suburban county outside Philadelphia.

Ultimately, it wasnt even really a contest: Fitzpatrick glided to victory in a district that would have become far more competitive in November had Houck won. The Cook Political Report currently has Fitzpatricks seat as likely Republican, meaning Democrats face a steep climb in flipping it come November.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., went after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., on Tuesday, saying that Greene was a threat to the Republican Party and was "dragging our brand down."

"I think she's uninformed. She is a total waste of time," Tillis said in a recording reported by CNN and aired Tuesday evening.

"She is a horrible leader. She is dragging our brand down. She  not the Democrats  are the biggest risk to us getting back to a majority," the senator added.

Tillis' comments come after Greene has criticized the House's move to pass a long-stalled foreign aid bill. The $95 billion bill, which was passed by the Senate on Tuesday and signed by President Joe Biden on Wednesday, includes aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as well as provisions that could bring about a national ban on the popular video-sharing app TikTok.

The package sets aside $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian relief in Gaza. An additional $8 billion would go toward security in Taiwan and around the Indo-Pacific. The new legislation would also give TikTok's Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the platform or be banned in the U.S., a time frame that Biden could extend to a year.

Greene did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment on Tillis' remarks. She has adamantly opposed further aid to Ukraine, calling Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., a "traitor to our country" after the House passed the bill and introducing a motion to oust him as speaker for his role in advancing the funding.

"Mike Johnson betrayed America once again," Greene wrote in a post on X following the House's passage of the aid on Saturday.

"House Republicans and the American people would be stronger without his disloyalty and betrayal of his principles," Greene continued. "We need a new Speaker of the House!"

Greene had also criticized her GOP colleagues, writing on X, "Here are the 139 Republicans who just voted against my amendment to strip every penny of your tax dollars from Mike Johnsons $61 BILLION Ukraine war spending bill."

Johnson on Saturday said: "Ive done here what I believe to be the right thing, and that is to allow the House to work its will. And as Ive said, you do the right thing, and you let the chips fall where they may, and Ill continue to do that.
Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump campaigned in Pennsylvania in the days leading to Tuesdays primary elections  a reflection of the prominent role the state is expected to play in November and a move that traditionally has helped boost down-ballot candidates in key battleground states.

But analysts say the key to winning Pennsylvanias high-stakes Senate contest may be in the candidates ability to outrun the downward pull of a presidential race led by two deeply unpopular figures.

Its a pretty heavy gravity thats pulling you down, said Chris Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Allentown. Borick said the race will largely be defined by how the two Senate candidates navigate the political headwinds created by the presidential race.

A lot of your fate is tied to whatever is number one on that ticket, he said.

Although there was little drama in Tuesdays primary election  neither of the Senate or presidential candidates faced a challenger  the results officially set the stage for a critical faceoff between incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. and Republican challenger David McCormick that will help determine control of the U.S. Senate.

The dynamics of the race, which is expected to be one of the most expensive and closely watched in the country, are also deeply intertwined with the race for president as Pennsylvania once again stands poised to decide who occupies the White House.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. and Republican challenger David McCormick are engaged in a critical faceoff in Pennsylvania that will help determine control of the U.S. Senate.

More: President Biden rips 'Mar-a-Lago values' on trail in Pennsylvania with Trump in court

It's going to be a competitive one, said Jessica Taylor, Senate editor and analyst for Cook Political Report. But the good news for Democrats is that of the (Senate) swing states that also overlap with the presidential race, this is where Biden is polling the best. But it's going to be such an expensive race that Democrats absolutely cannot take it for granted.

Cook Political Report rates the Senate race as leaning in favor of Democrats. But it says the presidential contest is closer, calling it one of only six true toss-up races in the country.

The ratings reflect the conventional wisdom that Casey is better positioned than Biden to do well in Pennsylvania.

Thats a belief also borne out by political polling conducted in recent months showing Casey consistently leading McCormick by anywhere from 5 to 17 percentage points, but with murkier showings for Biden.

Some polling shows Trump ahead by as much as 4 percentage points and others show Biden leading by as much as 10 percentage points. A Real Clear Politics rolling average of presidential polling in Pennsylvania puts Biden at 46.5% with Trump at 46%.

US President Joe Biden walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, April 17, 2024, after a 2-day campaign trip to Pennsylvania.

But even with Casey currently running ahead of Biden, Taylor said presidential politics is a strong predictor of how down-ballot candidates perform.

She noted that in 2016, every state that voted for a Republican for president also voted for the Republican Senate candidate, a trend that also held true for Democrats.

More: The dynamics of the brewing tug-of-war with David McCormick over Bob Casey's Senate seat

In 2020, Maine was the only state where voters selected candidates of different parties for U.S. Senate and president when it picked Republican Susan Collins for Senate and Biden for president.

What we're seeing across the board is that in almost every state, Senate Democrats are outrunning Biden, and that's the case (in Pennsylvania) from what I've seen so far, Taylor said. But we see the presidential race so closely aligned with Senate races, that I still think that's one of the best predictors we have, at least as of now.

Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump dances as he departs after speaking at a rally outside Schnecksville Fire Hall on April 13, 2024. Hundreds of supporters waited hours in a line stretching for more than a mile to see Trump speak in a suburb of Allentown, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley.

Can Bob Casey Jr. persuade enough people to split their tickets in Pennsylvania Senate race?

Casey is well known in Pennsylvania politics with deep roots in the state. The son of a two-term governor, he served as state auditor and treasurer before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006 and is now seeking a fourth term.

A close ally of Bidens  the pair are both from Scranton  Casey has supported the presidents top priorities in Congress while maintaining a moderate approach to policy.

Nobody looks at Bob Casey and, you know, thinks that he is going bowling with AOC, said J.J. Balaban, a Democratic strategist and political ad maker, referencing firebrand progressive U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

Caseys is a must-hold seat for Democrats who currently control the chamber by a slim 51-to-49 majority and have no room for error while navigating a tricky election map.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., speaks during a hearing on protecting public health and the environment in the wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio, Thursday, March 9, 2023 in Washington, D.C.

Balaban said Casey typically has appealed more to swing voters, which could help him persuade some Trump supporters to split their tickets  an increasingly difficult task in the age of polarized politics.

You have seen in every state in the country, the number of people willing to split their ticket has significantly decreased from what it was several decades ago, he said. But it's still not down to zero.

But he said Caseys electoral track record shows hes able to overperform other Democrats on the ticket.

It seems likely that he will do that again, Balaban said. The question is, to what extent.

According to a March Wall Street Journal poll, Biden is viewed favorably by 36% of registered voters in Pennsylvania and unfavorably by far more  59%.

I feel significantly better about Sen. Casey's reelection than about the president's reelection in the state, because he's just been on the ballot a lot and shown an ability to overperform. And, you know, that is what it will take, Balaban said.

But that doesnt mean hes taking it for granted.

I fully expect this to be a well-funded, competitive, heated campaign, he said.

More: McCormick has loaned his campaign $2 million so far but lags Casey on campaign cash

David McCormick accepts Donald Trumps endorsement but doesnt cling too closely

McCormick is a former hedge fund CEO who spent about $14 million of his own money in a 2022 GOP Senate primary, only to lose to Trump-endorsed celebrity surgeon Mehmet Oz.

Oz ultimately lost to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, and many believed McCormick would have been a stronger challenger.

This year, he was able to clear the Republican field, clearing the way for him to begin attacking his opponent and building his war chest rather than running a potentially damaging primary campaign.

With his vast personal wealth and proven fundraising ability, McCormick is seen as Caseys strongest Republican challenger yet.

Dave McCormick, the Republican candidate for US Senate in Pennsylvania in Tuesday's primary, shares a laugh with state Sen. Frank Farry of Langhorne, right, and Vietnam War hero Dave Christian at a polling place at Bensalem High School on April 23, 2024.

Already he has worked to tie Casey to Biden, hammering him as a rubber stamp for the president and the ultimately political insider.

But he too will need to walk a fine line in dealing with the presidential ticket.

McCormick earned Trumps endorsement earlier this month while the former president was campaigning in Pennsylvania  both a blessing as McCormick seeks to shore up the MAGA base and possibly a curse as he works to win over suburban women and moderates that have fled Trump in recent years.

Its a turnaround for Trump, who savaged McCormick during his 2022 primary race against Oz as the candidate of special interests and globalists and the Washington establishment.

McCormick was not on hand at the rally, quietly underscoring the need to both embrace Trumps support while creating distance.

According to Politico, McCormicks campaign has said it intends to build a wide coalition and bring in moderate and independent voters from the suburbs that Trump has typically failed to win over, while also relying on Trump to drive turnout with his base.

If Trump doesn't perform well, it makes his path all the more difficult. That's just reality, Borick said.

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She is also covering the 2024 presidential race for USA TODAY as a senior national campaign correspondent. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Presidential politics weighs on high-stakes Pennsylvania Senate race
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer was eager to take the reins of a high-stakes investigation into President Joe Biden and his family, seen as central to the House Republican agenda  a coveted perch that brought the added benefit of elevating his national profile.

But after 15 months of coming up short in proving some of his biggest claims against the president, Comer recently approached one of his Republican colleagues and made a blunt admission: He was ready to be done with the impeachment inquiry into Biden, according to the lawmaker who relayed the conversation to CNN.

Comer has grown increasingly frustrated as his investigation appears to be at a dead end, with Republicans resigned to the reality that they dont have the votes to impeach the president, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told CNN.

Sources say the Kentucky Republican is now focused on tactfully wrapping up his work  all while Comer, a five-term congressman, has another matter on his mind: ambitions to run for higher office one day, including potentially running for governor, according to lawmakers who have spoken to him.

Comer is hoping Jesus comes so he can get out, one of the GOP lawmakers who spoke to Comer told CNN. He is fed up.

Even the House GOPs impeachment of another favorite target, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, ultimately fizzled out, with the House narrowly impeaching him and the Senate quickly dispatching the charges without a trial.

When pressed on whether he would have done anything differently, Comer  who has defended his handling of the Biden probe  told CNN, Not that I can think of. And a House Oversight Committee spokesperson maintains that the impeachment inquiry is ongoing and impeachment is 100% still on the table.

GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna  who serves on the House Oversight Committee and supports impeachment  has told Comer she believes the panel should have issued subpoenas faster. She also believes the committee should have held the presidents son, Hunter Biden, in contempt of Congress the moment he defied his initial subpoena for closed-door testimony, instead of engaging in a long back-and-forth  a sentiment shared by many of her colleagues.

I feel like this was slow-rolled, and its been very frustrating for me as a new member because I feel like theres way more that we could have done, and it just hasnt been done in a timely fashion, Luna said.

Asked whether any of his Republican peers had privately voiced frustrations to him about the inquiry, Comer grew defensive and took a swipe at CNN, echoing complaints sources say he has made privately to colleagues about the media coverage.

I dont even want to talk to you, he said. If you dont think they were influence-peddling, theres nothing to say. My God.

Embarking on a high-stakes GOP investigation into the president and his family in an election year with a divided, paper-thin majority was always going to be an uphill climb. Comer and his fellow top Republicans leading the probe have consistently been caught between the far-right wings early demands for impeachment and skeptical Republicans in vulnerable districts, all amid Democrats relentless efforts to dismantle their work.

But a series of missteps has left the probe stalled and without clear consensus on what a successful conclusion looks like, according to interviews with more than a dozen Republican lawmakers and sources.

To me, success is impeachment from the House, GOP Rep. Brian Mast said.

Blame game heats up

While there are three Republican chairmen co-leading the inquiry, Comer has arguably quarterbacked the most controversial pillar of the probe  millions of dollars worth of business dealings by the Biden family. Through that work, Comer has made sweeping claims that the president was involved in bribery and influence-peddling schemes that compromised his job.

While Comer maintains his goal has never been to impeach, it has not stopped some of his colleagues from pointing fingers at who is to blame for how Republicans got to this point. And some of Comers tactics have come under the most scrutiny inside the conference.

Some in the House GOP, granted the anonymity to speak freely, said they felt he often overpromised and underdelivered, with one GOP source who worked on the investigation telling CNN that people wished Comer had reined in his rhetoric. Instead of quietly building a case, Comer was quick to make bold accusations on friendly right-wing cable news platforms, sources said, which frustrated some members.

I think early on, the most important thing to do is to let the evidence lead the investigation. And I think some of the earlier statements got a little more aspirational than the evidence really allowed, one of the GOP lawmakers told CNN.

Another GOP lawmaker who spoke with Comer throughout the investigation reflected: He seemed to think he had a lot of stuff that just seemed to indicate some things that needed to be investigated. I dont know what happened.

Despite the internal criticism, Comer still maintains the confidence of Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team. Comers co-leads, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, are also fully behind the work.

Chairman Comer has done extraordinary work leading a fair investigation and carefully following the facts where they lead, Johnson, who has worked to tamp down concerns that the investigation has not moved fast enough, said in a statement to CNN.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed that sentiment, saying Comers tireless work to deliver transparency, accountability, and the truth for the American people should be commended, while GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik credited Comer with helping to expose one of the biggest political corruption scandals in our nations history and delivering on the promise of accountability and transparency that House Republicans ran on.

And Comer has also seen a massive boost in his profile  and war chest  since getting the Oversight Committee gavel. The Kentucky Republican has raised $5 million since the beginning of last year, up from the $1.65 million he raised in the entire previous cycle, according to Federal Election Commission data.

Impeachment inquiry gets off to a rocky start

Shortly after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unilaterally launched the inquiry, Comer held his first hearing in September, hoping to deliver a splashy opening salvo to set the tone for the investigation and bring to the forefront months of behind-the-scenes work.

It did not go as planned.

The expert GOP witnesses testified they supported the opening of the inquiry, but the takeaway became their acknowledgement that Republicans did not yet have the evidence to prove the accusations they were leveling.

There was a lot of theater going on that day, Bruce Dubinsky, one of the GOPs hearing witnesses, who has a 40-plus-year career as a fraud investigator, told CNN. Everybody was trying to get their five minutes of fame in.

Afterward, some Republicans complained that Comer should have collected more evidence and vetted the witnesses more closely before putting his investigation under the spotlight. One GOP source at the time called it an unmitigated disaster.

Less than a month later, the House removed McCarthy as speaker, leading to three weeks of chaos and paralysis, which put the inquiry on hold at a moment when the pressure to deliver was building.

Hunter Biden, second from the left, arrives for a closed-door deposition before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the House Judiciary Committee on February 28, 2024, in Washington, DC. - Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Republicans get a boost

The October election of Johnson, who was fully supportive of the investigation, provided a glimmer of hope.

Republicans finally issued subpoenas and interview invitations to their top witness targets, including the presidents son, brother and business associates of the family.

Another boost of momentum came when Republicans united to formally authorize the inquiry after a clash with the White House, which claimed Republicans subpoenas for testimony and records were invalid without a floor vote.

At the same time, Republicans finally went after their top witness, Hunter Biden, who was at the center of their allegations about his father.

Republicans announced they would hold him in criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with his subpoena for a closed-door deposition, sending lawmakers back to their districts at the end of 2023 with a huge win.

Allegations start to fall apart

But that high did not last long.

Witness after witness brought in for closed-door interviews in January and February built a pile of testimony that refuted core tenants of the inquiry. While their testimony sometimes put the president closer to his familys business partners than previously known, including through surface-level interactions and phone calls, the chorus of firsthand accounts said Biden was not involved in his familys business dealings, nor did he make policy decisions based on them.

There is certainly influence-peddling, but that happens in this town unfortunately too often. I dont think thats an impeachable offense, GOP Rep. Jodey Arrington said. I think its too important of a matter to presume until the process is done.

In February, Republicans were dealt a massive blow when it was announced that the individual who brought forward the bribery allegations about the president and his son memorialized in an unverified FBI document  which Republicans had been warned not to bank on  was charged with lying about the Bidens.

Republicans charged ahead, insisting they had a closed-door deposition with Hunter Biden to prepare for, even though they had repeatedly put those unverified claims at the center of their case.

But even without cameras, the presidents son failed to deliver the smoking gun Republicans were hoping for, leaving the inquiry at a standstill. Even GOP Rep. Darrell Issa remarked after the first hour of questioning that Hunter Biden was prepared for the interview.

It needs to be a high bar, and if we are contemplating that on the president  I dont think we are there yet, GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa reflected to CNN when asked whether he believed Republicans had uncovered evidence of an impeachable offense by the president.

Meanwhile, the impeachment of Mayorkas was a wake-up call. After a failed first attempt and a narrow victory, and with articles quickly dismissed by the Democratic-controlled Senate, Republicans realized the prospects of impeaching the president, seen internally as a much heavier lift, were increasingly unlikely.

If we cant impeach Mayorkas, I dont know who else we can impeach, Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas said ahead of the short-lived Senate trial.

When presented with those who do not believe the investigation has uncovered impeachable offenses by the president, Comer said: Our investigation is ongoing and our findings will be laid out in a final report.

GOP wrestles with how to end investigation

Now, Republicans leading the investigation are actively deliberating how to conclude the inquiry.

Even though GOP Rep. Austin Scott said he would vote to impeach, he noted, With the margins that we have, we dont have the votes to impeach the president on the floor.

Comer has said he wants to send criminal referrals to the Department of Justice in the hopes that former President Donald Trump is elected and can capitalize on them.

Jordan, who described criminal referrals as on the table, told CNN, The Constitution doesnt put a time limit on oversight. So, were going to do our job thoroughly and then at some point the House of Representatives will decide if were going to move forward with articles of impeachment.

And then there are those, particularly in competitive districts, who think it is time to move on.

Its April. Theres an election in seven months from now, GOP Rep. Nick LaLota, who represents a New York district Biden won in 2020, told CNN. It would be wise for folks to pump the brakes on the legal accusations being made against the two major-party candidates, and I think were close enough to the election to allow the people to decide the future.

Meanwhile, Comer single-handedly invited the president to testify at a hearing. After the White House declined the invitation, he dropped his invitation for a hearing and instead focused on his request for documents and written answers.

The tension spilled into public view last week when Comer and the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin, got into a sparring match over the status of the investigation at an unrelated hearing.

Raskin posited, You have not identified a single crime. What is the crime that you want to impeach Joe Biden for and keep this nonsense going?

Youre about to find out very soon, Comer replied.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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Actor Josh Duhamel has shared that his beloved step father George Kemper has died.

On Instagram, Duhamel shared a photo of himself April 22 on a plane holding the program from Kempers funeral. Said goodbye today to my step father George Kemper, Duhamel told his followers.

The actor called his step father an incredible man, with a larger than life personality and a laugh that filled the room. He went on to say that Kemper saved him and his family when he met Duhamels mom.

He pulled my mother Bonny, my sister Ashlee, and myself from the wrong side of the tracks into a life with possibility, Duhamel wrote, also thanking Kemper for giving him two other beautiful sisters, McKenzee and Kassidy.

We will miss this man dearly, he continued. Thank you for all you did for us Big George.

In the comments, people praised Kemper for being a good man. Not many men stick around for their own blood, much less anothers. Sounds like a good hearted man. My condolences. May God bring you peace through remembrance.

Fellow actor, Olivia Munn, also shared her thoughts, writing, Sending my love to you and your family.

You were very fortunate to have such a wonderful stepfather! Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family, another commenter added.

According to his obituary, Kemper died on April 9 following a battle with brain cancer. He was 74 years old.

Kemper owned Kemper Construction, hailed as one of the oldest, multigenerational, family-owned construction companies in North Dakota and celebrated its 100th anniversary in business in 2007.

Duhamel became a dad of two earlier this year after welcoming son, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel, into the world in January with his wife Audra Mari.

He also shares son Axel with ex-wife, pop star Fergie.
Larry Ellison, Oracle's chairman, said Tuesday the company is planning a campus in Nashville. Kimberly White/Stringer/Getty

Oracle head Larry Ellison said Tuesday the company is planning a move to Nashville, Tennessee.

The company relocated from Silicon Valley to Austin in 2020.

Ellison said he now wants the company to be closer to the center of the healthcare sector.

Oracle is headed to Nashville.

Larry Ellison, the software giant's cofounder and chairman announced plans Tuesday for a "huge campus" in Nashville, "which will ultimately be our world headquarters."

"It's the center of the industry we're most concerned about, which is the healthcare industry," Ellison said at the Oracle Health Summit in Nashville, according to CNBC.

Oracle did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

In 2020, in the thick of the pandemic, the company relocated from Silicon Valley  its home since 1977  to Austin, Texas. At the time, the company said it would help offer workers more flexibility.

The announcement follows Oracle's recent shift to the healthcare industry. In 2022, the company bought the medical records company Cerner for about $28 billion.

Other health companies in the Nashville area include HCA, HealthStream, and Change Healthcare. The healthcare companies in the city generate more than $97 billion in revenue, according to the Nashville Health Care Council.

Oracle had already announced plans for its $1.2 million office space in Nashville. It will cash in on incentives from the city and state for its expansion, including tax reimbursements and grants. It is set to join other tech giants such as Meta, Apple, and Amazon that have expanded into the Music City.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Biden signed a landmark bill Wednesday morning that gives China's ByteDance up to one year to divest TikTok or face a US ban on the app.

The long-debated measure is fraught with political implications for the 2024 election and will also kick off a complex set of steps over the coming 12 months likely to take place both in boardrooms and in courtrooms.

The bill gives the company 270 days to sell, but the president can extend the deadline up to a year. The process could end with a ban on an app that is currently used by more than 170 million monthly users in the US.

"This is another front in the ongoing US-China trade war that started during the Trump administration," Georgetown business professor Stephen Weymouth said in an interview this week.

He noted that the aggressive law will likely spur reactions from many fronts  including possible retaliation by the Chinese government. Previously, "Congress has had a relatively hands-off approach to tech regulation overall," he said.

The effort comes after lawmakers and the Biden administration have repeatedly charged that TikTok poses an urgent national security threat because the Chinese government could compel the company to share its data.

There are also concerns about the Chinese governments ability to use the app to influence American public opinion by adjusting what millions of users see when they open the app.

"We hope that TikTok will continue under new ownership, American or otherwise," Sen. Mark Warner said on the Senate floor during the final debate. The Virginia Democrat, who is one of the effort's champions, added: "It just needs to be no longer controlled by an adversary."

The bill previously passed the US House 360-58 and then proceeded to Biden's desk with another strongly bipartisan vote of 79-18 in the Senate. The TikTok provision is part of a larger package of aid bills that will also send new funds to support Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific.

TikTok offices in Culver City, California seen in March. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama via Getty Images)

The key question: Will ByteDance try to sell?

TikTok itself has denied the Biden administrations charges and insists it would never share US data. It responded Biden's signing of the bill by charging that "this unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court."

TikTok and ByteDance have said previously that they have no intention of trying to sell adding Wednesday's statement that the law could "devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans."

But it's unclear if the company will change tack and look for buyers now that the law is on the books. By its own accounting, ByteDance is 60% owned by institutional investors who would have a powerful financial incentive to keep the app in front of the American market one way or another.

And there are potential buyers. Steven Mnuchin, who was Donald Trump's Treasury secretary, has publicly expressed interest and says he was assembling an investor group with the goal of making a bid.

Whats unclear is whether Mnuchin or anyone else would have the ability to raise the necessary funds. Dan Ives, a managing director at Wedbush Securities, has said the app could be worth "$100 billion-plus" if the underlying algorithm is included.

On top of that, even if the money and willingness to sell are there, it also remains an open question whether ByteDance could sell the algorithm even if it wanted to.

TikTok users cames to Washington to express their support for the app as Congress debated the foreign aid package that incouded legislation that would require the sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or ban the app in the United States. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images)

In recent years, China has exerted greater control by adding content recommendation algorithms to its export control lists. And China's Commerce Ministry has already said it "firmly opposes'' the idea of selling and that any deal "would have to seek government approval," according to a Wall Street Journal translation.

Without the underlying algorithm  often described as TikTok's "secret sauce"  the value of the app could fall precipitously, and buyer interest could dry up quickly.

"I don't envision a buyer who would be interested without some of that intellectual property," said professor Weymouth, adding, "a sale of the brand doesn't seem likely."

Another key front: The courts

The issue is also sure to end up in the courts. ByteDance has signaled it would sue to challenge the law, arguing that it could be overturned on multiple legal fronts.

One legal dispute could center around the First Amendment.

A recent analysis from the Economist Intelligence Unit predicted that free speech grounds could take a challenge to the law all the way to the US Supreme Court and could easily result in it being overturned, noting that the high court "is increasingly the ultimate decider of technology policy for the US."

Others agree. Congressman Ro Khanna of California  an opponent of the bill  recently told ABC, "I don't think it's going to pass First Amendment scrutiny because I think there are less restrictive alternatives."

He also reminded that a similar effort from then-President Trump to ban the app was also struck down in court.

"I doubt it survives scrutiny," he added.

Another front likely to be the subject of litigation is whether the bill unfairly targets a single company.

The final bill appears to have edited down direct mentions of the company but still directly names both TikTok and ByteDance in the legislation itself.

The app is termed a "foreign adversary controlled application" in the bill, an unusual move that could open it up to legal challenges under the legal concept of a "bill of attainder." The concept prohibits a party from being declared guilty of an offense without first going through the trial process.

"That is a problem," Mark MacCarthy of the Brookings Institution noted in a recent interview before the bill passed, saying there is established precedent against having a "legal consequence based on nothing other than your name."

This post has been updated.

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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By Patricia Zengerle and Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A sweeping foreign aid package easily passed the U.S. Congress late on Tuesday after months of delay, clearing the way for billions of dollars in fresh Ukraine funding amid advances from Russia's invasion force and Kyiv's shortages of military supplies.

The Senate approved by 79 to 18 four bills passed by the House of Representatives on Saturday, after House Republican leaders abruptly switched course last week and allowed a vote on the $95 billion in mostly military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific.

The four bills were combined into one package in the Senate, which President Joe Biden said he would sign into law on Wednesday.

The largest provides $61 billion in critically needed funding for Ukraine; a second provides $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones around the world, and a third mandates $8.12 billion to "counter communist China" in the Indo-Pacific.

A fourth, which the House added to the package last week, includes a potential ban on the Chinese-controlled social media app TikTok, measures for the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine and new sanctions on Iran.

Biden's administration is already preparing a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, the first sourced from the bill, two U.S. officials told Reuters. It includes vehicles, Stinger air defense munitions, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 155 millimeter artillery ammunition, TOW and Javelin anti-tank munitions and other weapons that can immediately be put to use on the battlefield.

The Senate's Democratic and Republican leaders predicted that Congress had turned the corner in putting Russian President Vladimir Putin and other foreign adversaries on notice that Washington will continue supporting Ukraine and other foreign partners.

"This national security bill is one of the most important measures Congress has passed in a very long time to protect American security and the security of Western democracy,"

Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told a news conference after the vote.

The aid package could be the last approved for Ukraine until after elections in November when the White House, House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for grabs.

Much of the opposition to the security assistance in both the House and Senate has come from Republicans with close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump, a Ukraine aid skeptic who has stressed "America First" policies as he seeks a second term.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a strong advocate for assisting Ukraine, expressed regret about the delay, largely due to hardline Republicans' objections to adding more to the $113 billion Washington had authorized for Kyiv since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"I think weve turned the corner on the isolationist movement," McConnell told a news conference.

Some of the Ukraine money - $10 billion in economic support - comes in the form of a loan, which Trump had suggested. But the bill lets the president forgive the loan starting in 2026.

'NOW GO WIN THE FIGHT'

The influx of weapons should improve Kyiv's chances of averting a major breakthrough in the east by Russian invaders, although it would have been more helpful if the aid had come closer to when Biden requested it last year, analysts said.

Schumer said he left a message for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday night, telling him, "OK, we got it done. Now go win the fight."

It was not immediately clear how the money for Israel would affect the conflict in Gaza. Israel already receives billions of dollars in annual U.S. security assistance, but it more recently has faced its first direct aerial attack by Iran.

Aid supporters hope the humanitarian assistance will help Palestinians in Gaza, which has been devastated by Israel's campaign against Hamas to retaliate for Oct. 7 attacks that killed 1,200 people.

Gaza health authorities say the campaign has led to the deaths of more than 34,000 civilians in the Palestinian enclave.

It was the second time this year that the Democratic-led Senate passed security aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific. The last bill, more than two months ago, garnered 70% support in the 100-member chamber from Republicans and Democrats. But leaders of the Republican-controlled House would not allow a vote on the foreign aid until last week.

The legislation's progress has been closely watched by industry, with U.S. defense firms up for major contracts to supply equipment for Ukraine and other U.S. partners.

Experts expect the supplemental spending to boost the order backlog of RTX Corp along with other major companies that receive government contracts, such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman.

The House passed the Ukraine funding by 311-112, with all "no" votes coming from Republicans, many of whom were bitterly opposed to further assistance for Kyiv. Only 101 Republicans voted for it, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson to rely on Democratic support and prompting calls for his ouster as House leader.

However, the House left Washington for a week-long recess, without triggering a vote to remove Johnson.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Richard Cowan; additional reporting by Makini Brice, Mike Stone and Steve Holland; editing by David Gregorio, Richard Chang and Stephen Coates)
People use the portable toilets Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, outside the city of San Antonio-owned Airport Transfer Center onESkyplace Blvd and NE Entrance Road on the north side of the San Antonio International Airport. William Luther

With a recent drop in border crossings and fewer asylum-seekers passing through South Texas, the city of San Antonio is shutting down a facility where migrants await their flights out of town.

The Airport Transfer Center  which operates out of a city-owned building on the northern edge of San Antonio International Airports 2,600-acre property  will close May 1.

City officials also are cutting the number of police officers at the airport and the 700-bed Migrant Resource Center on San Pedro Avenue, which provides food, clothing, showers, temporary shelter and legal guidance to asylum-seekers.

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The city pays rent on the resource center, which is also called Centro de Bienvenida, and covers the costs of janitorial and security services. Catholic Charities of San Antonio runs day-to-day operations.

The changes are meant to align operational needs with the current number of arrivals, City Manager Erik Walsh said in a memo to Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Council on Friday.

San Antonio is shutting down temporary migrant holding facility at airport as travelers dwindle. Courtesy of the City of San Antonio

Migrant crossings into Texas began plunging in January. Since then, the number of asylum-seekers making their way through San Antonio has declined 77%, Walsh said.

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From January through this month, nearly 24,000 migrants have come through the city, according to a city dashboard, compared with 44,000 migrants in the same period last year.

More than 228,000 asylum-seekers passed through San Antonio in 2023.

The city opened the Airport Transfer Center on May 12 of last year, the day after the end of Title 42, a pandemic-era federal public health policy that was used to quickly expel asylum-seekers from the United States. City officials were worried that the policys demise would lead to a sharp increase in the number of people crossing the border and put the airport  which was already crowded with migrants  under even more pressure.

When the Migrant Resource Center hit its maximum capacity, some of the overflow went to the transfer center.

Under normal conditions, migrants were shuttled to the transfer center six hours before their flights, but some had to stay there for up to two days because of flight delays.

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When the airport facility is closed, Catholic Charities will be responsible for instructing migrants at the MRC on what to do when they arrive at the airport. CEO Antonio Fernandez said the nonprofit is still sorting out how it will contend with the May 1 changes.

Its going to be a lot more work for us, but we will make it happen, Fernandez said.

San Antonio is shutting down temporary migrant holding facility at airport as travelers dwindle. Courtesy of the City of San Antonio

Walsh said in his memo that theres a chance, based on historical trends, that more asylum-seekers will come through San Antonio in the fall. He said the city will be prepared to expand local services if necessary, though he didnt say whether that would include reopening the transfer center.

Temporary workers who were hired to run the Airport Transfer Center and to assist migrants when they got to the airport have been told their jobs will end next week, according to the city manager.

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Longer waits in S.A.

The Airport Transfer Center operated largely under the radar until December when District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte railed against it in the Daily Mail. The London tabloid described the facility as a secret migrant camp.

The Northeast Side councilman has called for the city to shut down the Migrant Resource Center.

City officials opened the resource center nearly two years ago as an alternative to having migrants spend days waiting at the airport or Greyhound bus station downtown as they tried to secure transportation out of town.

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Catholic Charities began running the facility at the end of 2022, and used some of the federal grants it received for providing migrant services to pay for bus and plane tickets for asylum-seekers.

But as local officials began to worry about potential cuts in federal funding, Fernandez said, Catholic Charities stopped covering migrants' travel expenses in January.

Though the organization is slated to receive $10.8 million in federal funds to continue operating the MRC, Fernandez said his organization will spend the money on food, clothing and legal assistance for migrants  but not travel.

With the funding we have, we need to prioritize other services, he said.

The latest round of funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Shelter and Services Program, which reimburses cities, counties and states for the costs of providing migrant services.

Fernandez said migrants have been staying in San Antonio longer now that Catholic Charities doesnt pay for bus tickets and airfare. Where the center used to cycle migrants in and out in 72 hours or less, they now stay for up to three weeks as they try to scrape together funds to travel to destinations in other states.

Fernandez estimates the latest round of federal dollars, announced earlier this month, could keep the Migrant Resource Center open through September 2025. But how long that money lasts will depend on how many asylum-seekers pass through San Antonio. A major spike in border crossings could force the organization to spend the funds faster than anticipated.

Before landing its latest federal grant, Fernandez said Catholic Charities had only enough funds to operate the resource center through December.

In addition to Catholic Charities, other local recipients of new FEMA funding include the city ($3 million), the San Antonio Food Bank ($2.4 million), the San Antonio-based Episcopal Diocese of West Texas ($1 million) and Interfaith Welcome Coalition ($500,000)  for a total of more than $17 million.
A man accused of assaulting random women in New York City was arrested Tuesday, police said.

Daquan Armstead, 31, of East Bronx, was taken into custody on suspicion of hate-motivated assaults on seven women from late March to mid-April in Lower Manhattan, police said.

Authorities allege he punched women, sometimes in the face, on their heads, or on their backs.

When asked about the allegations while being taken out of the New York Police Departments Hate Crimes Task Force office, Armstead responded, "They spit at me." Police refuted the suspects claim that victims had spit on him.

It wasn't clear Tuesday evening if he has retained legal counsel. New York County Defender Services, which provides defense attorneys for many criminal cases, noted that a public record of his arrest was unavailable.

Armstead was arrested on suspicion of hate crime/assault; suspicion of attempted hate crime; and suspicion of aggravated harassment, according to the NYPD's Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information.

Police told NBC New York there have been 95 unprovoked assaults in Manhattan so far this year, with 50 of them involving victims who are women.

At least one arrest was made previously in connection with a series of attacks earlier this spring that gained attention after some of the women told their stories on TikTok.

The allegations involving Armstead do not appear to be any of the attacks seen on social media.

The department released a timeline of alleged attacks:

About 8 p.m. March 24, police received a report of a 30-year-old woman who was struck on her face in the Lower East Side, the NYPD said. It was a hard enough hit that it caused dizziness, but she refused medical attention, it said.

The next day, shortly after 10 a.m., officers responded a few blocks to the northwest based on a report that a 36-year-old woman was struck on the back, the NYPD said. She also refused medical treatment.

Shortly after 8 a.m. April 2, officers responded to an incident in which "an unknown individual" struck a 38-year-old woman on the back of the head in Greenwich Village, the NYPD said. She also refused medical attention, it said.

About 12:25 p.m. April 5, officers responded to the Lower East Side, where it was reported someone struck a 25-year-old woman on the right side of her face, the NYPD said. She refused treatment, it said.

A few minutes later and a few blocks away, officers responded to the Lower East Side after it was reported that someone struck a 44-year-old woman on the right side of her face, the department said. She also refused treatment.

About 9:45 a.m. April 8, police responded to a report of a 24-year-old woman struck on the back of her head on the Lower East Side, the NYPD said. She refused medical attention, it said.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. April 17, police responded to a report of a 27-year-old woman struck on the head by an "unknown individual" in Lower Manhattan, the department said. She refused medical attention, it said.
Meteorologist Craig "Ceecee" Croskery has spent the last two years identifying, verifying and logging buildings that he described as "almost impossible" for the average citizen to easily find, despite the fact that they are meant to be places of refuge in life-threatening severe weather events.

Mere seconds can mean the difference between life and death when a tornado strikes -- and time matters even more when seeking out the closest public storm shelter.

"It matters because oftentimes seconds count, and that extra time can help people get to safe shelter," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

However, Croskery found many were difficult to locate and others that were listed as storm shelters weren't built to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) code.

"It's almost impossible in many cases unless they drive by it or unless they get an exact address, and even then, the GPS isn't that great," Croskery told AccuWeather Managing Editor of Content and Specials Monica Danielle in an interview.

Croskery, a Ph.D. student at Mississippi State University, has taken it upon himself to create a state-by-state database of tornado shelters.

(Findyourtornadoshelter.com)

The dots he uses to identify each location are color-coded. The colors help identify if a shelter isn't wheelchair accessible, the building type, its capacity and other details.

These spaces are open to everyone, whether those seeking them out live in a foundation-based home or a mobile home.

On average, 72% of all tornado-related fatalities occur in homes, 54% of which are in mobile homes, according to the National Weather Service. Someone in a mobile home is 15 to 20 times more likely to be killed than their counterparts sheltering in a site-built home.

Mobile homes provide little to no shelter from tornadoes, so residents should have an emergency preparedness plan ready and research the closest community tornado shelter, experts say.

In the case that you and your family are unable to make it to a storm shelter in time, here are some other ways to take shelter.

Rooms like closets, bathrooms and other rooms without windows are typically the go-to shelter location for people in on-site homes during a tornado. The best place to go, if possible, would be a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level.

AccuWeather Senior On-Air Meteorologist Geoff Cornish explained that knowing the acronym DUCK could be life-saving.

D - get Down to the lowest level.

U - get Under something sturdy.

C - Cover your head.

K - Keep in a shelter until the storm has passed.

"If you have a basement, that's the best place to be when a tornado warning is issued," said Cornish. "If you don't have a basement, and that's the case for many in the Midwest, get into a small interior room like a bathroom or closet that does not have windows [and has] multiple walls between you and the outside world."

While there is no guaranteed safe place to take shelter in a tornado, staying in a mobile home during severe weather is extremely dangerous, even if it's tied down properly. Residents should have a plan in place to give themselves plenty of time to drive to a shelter.

However, Croskery has noted that many tornado shelters don't open until there is an active tornado warning.

"Thirteen minutes is the average lead time for a tornado. That's not a lot of time to get there, get in, get even out of bed in some cases," he said. "And that can be something that emergency managers have to work on going forward."

Part of having a tornado plan ready should include visiting the closest tornado shelter to become familiar with where to go and how to get there rather than relying on GPS.

Experts advise motorists to stay off the road until severe weather clears; however, there are ways to lessen any danger if it strikes while driving.

AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist William Clark warned there aren't any completely safe options if someone is driving near a tornado, just less dangerous ones.

This includes never seeking shelter under a bridge or overpass, which can amplify the speeds of the winds and offer little to no protection from flying debris.

Gene Fulton and his family were driving home in his truck when a tornado on Friday, March 24, flipped the vehicle. Both Fulton and his family made it out of the tornado with no major injuries. (AccuWeather/Bill Wadell)

"The safest option is always to seek shelter in a sturdy structure, especially underground," Clark said. "This can be achieved if the tornado is visible at a far distance and there is light traffic, by driving at right angles to the perceived path of the tornado and seeking shelter in a sturdy building off the roadway."

If reaching a structure is not possible, experts recommend staying in the car with your seat belt on, getting as low as possible and finding cover. It's essential to protect your head.

"If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine," the National Weather Service recommends. Other hazards to be aware of when seeking shelter in a ditch is there can be debris and flooding dangers. Covering your head is still essential in this scenario.

Additional reporting by AccuWeather Managing Editor Monica Danielle and AccuWeather National Reporter Emmy Victor.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Aerial view of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) on April 27, 2022, in Cedar Fork Township, North Carolina.

A small medical plane crashed at a North Carolina airport on Wednesday, injuring the pilot and a doctor on board.

The aircraft came to a complete stop in grass after crashing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) at around 10:10 a.m. ET. The doctor and the pilot were taken to a separate hospitals, according to UNC Health.

UNC Health has learned that one of its UNC Air Operations medical planes crashed this morning at RDU. The plane was carrying one physician and the pilot. Both have been taken to the hospital. We are working to gather more information.https://t.co/XSUpGKWWhU  UNC Health (@UNC_Health_Care) April 24, 2024

The general aviation aircraft was arriving at the airport from Wilmington, North Carolina, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, halting planes from departing from the airport and diverting arriving flights to other airports. The stoppage was lifted around 11:30 a.m.

There are conflicting reports about the plane type. The FAA told USA TODAY its aircraft registry lists the aircraft type as a single-engine Socata TBM-700 while the tail number records say it's a TBM-850.

Physician identified as Dr. Paul Chelminski

The physician on the plane has been identified as Dr. Paul Chelminski, who is in internal medicine at UNC Health. He was taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and has since been released, UNC Health news director Alan M. Wolf said.

Chelminski, a professor of medicine and pharmacy, was returning from Wilmington after giving a lecture at the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

The pilot, identified as Art Johnson, was taken to Duke University Hospital in Durham and was in fair condition, Wolf added.

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the accident.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: North Carolina medical plane crashes, injuring doctor and pilot
The Minnesota state senator who was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary said the incident unfolded at the home of a relative with dementia as she was trying to sneak in to retrieve her father's ashes.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 49, was arrested early Monday morning after being found inside a home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis and the suburban district Mitchell represents.

In a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, Mitchell said she was visiting a family member with Alzheimer's after learning medical information that prompted her to check on the person. Mitchell added that her family is "dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline."

"Over the weekend, I learned of medical information which caused me grave concern and prompted me to check on that family member. I entered a home I have come and gone from countless times in the past 20 years, where my son even once had his own room," Mitchell wrote.

"Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny."

The state capitol of Minnesota is seen on June 29, 2021.

Mitchell calls incident a 'private matter'

The Democratic elected official thanked her friends and colleagues of both parties for supportive words and for "trusting my character before I had a chance to respond."

"This has been a true tragedy for our family, and my hope is it can return to being a private matter."

Mitchell was booked at Becker County Jail on Monday and the attorney's office charged her with first-degree burglary, Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd told USA TODAY.

Mitchell says she was picking up father's ashes

Mitchell told officers who found her in the home that she was picking up her father's ashes as well as pictures, a flannel shirt and other sentimental items, according to the criminal complaint.

She was reportedly wearing all black clothing and a black hat.

"I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore," Mitchell told the victim, according to the complaint.

The complaint says Mitchell told officers she had "just gotten into the house" and said "clearly I'm not good at this." She said she left her Woodbury home at around 1 a.m. to drive to Detroit Lakes and entered the family member's home through the window.

She added that she had gotten into an argument with the relative and that they had stopped speaking.

County property tax records show that in 2022, Mitchells stepmother and her father lived on the block where the suspected burglary occurred, the Star Tribune reported.

Mitchell faces calls to resign from opponents

Mitchell, who has been serving her first term since elected in 2022, is facing calls to resign from opponents.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson called for Mitchell to resign immediately because the complaint detailed how she took extensive preparation to burglarize a family member's home.

"I understand the difficult situation her family is facing however the actions taken by Sen. Mitchell are disturbing," Johnson said in a statement. "This behavior is unbecoming of a member of the Legislature and she needs to resign from the Senate immediately."

Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said in a news release that if Mitchell does not resign then the state Senate must expel her from the body. In the same news release, Senior Vice President Rob Doar said the charges raise serious concerns about her ability to evaluate public safety issues.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell's arrest linked to relative's dementia
The race between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump has been incredibly stable, but a quarter of all voters are still open to changing their minds on the candidate they plan to support, according to newly released results from the latest national NBC News poll.

With more than six months until Election Day, 26% of registered voters say there is a chance they could vote for a different presidential candidate come November, while 66% of those surveyed say they have made up their minds.

Almost the same share of voters currently backing Biden (81%) or Trump (78%) also say they do not plan to change their vote. But many voters who support third-party candidates right now are open to picking a different contender.

That includes 61% of voters who say they support independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Kennedy garnered support from 13% of those surveyed in a hypothetical matchup with Biden, Trump, Green Party candidate Jill Stein and independent candidate Cornel West.)

Its not like hes capturing, really, hearts and minds, Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates said of Kennedy. Horwitt conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies.

Its the opposite of that, Horwitt said. Hes capturing the dissatisfaction that these voters have toward the other two options.

The share of voters who could change their minds is consistent with recent election cycles at similar points in the year.

In March 2020, for example, 32% of likely voters said in a Grinnell College national poll conducted by J. Ann Selzer that they could still be persuaded to support a different candidate.

But it is still notable that a quarter of voters said they could change their minds, since both Trump and Biden are already extremely well known. Just 10% had neutral feelings about Biden and 9% about Trump, and just a few of the 1,000 registered voters surveyed said they did not know the candidates names or were not sure how they felt about them.

This year, voters who say they are open to changing their minds tend to be younger, particularly younger women, independents and voters who have negative feelings about both Trump and Biden.

About 4 in 10 voters ages 18 to 34 say they could change their vote, along with 37% of women ages 18-49. These voters are also slightly more likely to be people of color, with 32% of Hispanic voters saying they could change their minds, followed by 29% of Black voters and 25% of white voters.

The group of voters who say they could change their minds include a higher share of independents (37%) compared to Republicans (25%) and Democrats (38%). And the group also includes 39% of voters who say they voted in the GOP presidential primary for someone other than Trump, and 60% of voters who say they somewhat disapprove of Bidens job as president.

The NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters nationwide  891 contacted via cellphone  was conducted April 12-16 and has an overall margin of error of plus-minus 3.1 percentage points.
Is there a consensus on whether its better to store hot sauce in the fridge or the pantry?

I think there are very few dishes that are not improved by the addition of hot sauce. Whether it be fried eggs, hot chicken, tacos, or Bloody Marys, Im breaking out a bottle of hot sauce to add a zing of acidic spice and balance my meals.

I undoubtedly work my way through the bottles pretty quickly, which means I havent given much thought to how long hot sauce lasts, much less how to store it. As a kid, all the hot sauce was kept in the door of our refrigerator, a tradition Ive maintained as an adult. But recently, at a friend's place, theirs was in the pantry along with other shelf-stable condiments, which got me wondering: What is the best way to store hot sauce?

I sought out some answers by chatting with the experts over at Tabasco, one of the most iconic hot sauce brands out there, to get their expertise.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

What Is the Best Way To Store My Hot Sauce?

Tabasco recommends storing hot sauce in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, like a cupboard or pantry. In the fridge is a-OK too. The most important thing, they say, is that you store your bottle in close reach so its easily accessible! Agreed.

As it turns out, storing hot sauce in the fridge vs. the pantry is a personal preference. The taste wont be affected using either storage method. At the end of the day, says Tabasco, its up to personal preference whether you enjoy your condiment at room temperature or cooled slightly in the refrigerator.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

How Long Does Hot Sauce Last?

While Tabasco hot sauce is made from just three ingredientsoak-barrel-aged peppers, non-iodized salt, and distilled white vinegarthe salt and vinegar act as natural preservatives, resulting in a shelf life of five years, say the experts at the brand.

Curtis Braun, a food safety specialist at South Dakota State University, further explains that the acid in vinegar is what helps to keep these ubiquitous condiments shelf stable for so long.

The acid "can be used to prevent the sauce from oxidizing and also decreasing the pH." Pathogens can easily grow if the pH gets too high, so ingredients are key in determining how long your hot sauce will last. For example, hot sauces with a large percentage of fruit might turn more quickly.

How Do I Know When Hot Sauce Has Gone Bad?

Like any other ingredient in your kitchen, first and foremost, check the expiration date and use that as an indication of when its time to toss. Most hot sauces have a multi-year shelf life, as long as you keep an eye on the label, it is safe to consume even if its color changes over time.

Color changes can be prevented by keeping hot sauces in the fridge (especially for those fruit-heavy selections). But remember, the discoloration process is a purely aesthetic change, reminds Tabasco. If you see mold, it's time to toss it.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.
All eyes were on Pennsylvania on Tuesday as the key swing state held pivotal elections that could send a clear message for November's race for the White House.

While former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden already locked down their respective party nominations, they both swiftly won the Republican and Democratic primaries in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, garnering even more support.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Penn., and David McCormick, a businessman, won the Democratic and Republican Senate primaries, and they'll face off in the fall in what's expected to be a close race.

Rep. Summer Lee, D-Penn., won a tough primary battle in the state's 12th congressional district against Bhavini Patel, a member of the Edgewood Borough Council in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

But those weren't the only tight races on Tuesday. Here's a recap of the USA TODAY Network's live coverage of the latest primaries.

Eugene DePasquale secures Democratic bid for attorney general

Eugene DePasquale, the former state auditor general, beat a crowded field of opponents to win the Democratic primary for the open attorney general seat. He will face Republican David Sunday in whats expected to be competitive general election race.

-Karissa Waddick

David Sunday wins GOP attorney general primary

David Sunday, a York County district attorney, beat state house member Craig Williams in the Republican primary. Hes set to face off against Democrat Eugene DePasquale in the November election.

-Karissa Waddick

Republican Ryan McKenzie wins primary in Pennsylvania's 7th District

Ryan McKenzie won the GOP primary to challenge Democratic Rep. Susan Wild for the Lehigh, Pennsylvania, area congressional seat in November. The seat in the states 7th District is a top target for Republicans in November.

-Karissa Waddick

Janelle Stelson to face GOP Rep. Scott Perry in PAs 10th District

Democrat Janelle Stelson will challenge Republican Rep. Scott Perry for Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional seat in November. Stelson beat five Democratic competitors in the primary.

A former news anchor, Stelson is aiming to win over independents and moderate conservatives in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, district to defeat Perry in the general election. The Cook Political Report has labeled the race as leaning in Perrys favor.

-Karissa Waddick

Rep. Summer Lee fights off challenger in PAs 12th District

Democratic Rep. Summer Lee beat Bhavini Patel in the primary for the states 12th district. Her win comes as a potential positive sign for other progressives in Congress who are facing challenges from moderate Democrats over their opposition to additional U.S. military aid for Israel.

Lees advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza became a central theme of the campaign. Her opponent argued that Lees criticism of Israel hurt Bidens reelection efforts. But those arguments ultimately did not win over voters.

-Karissa Waddick

Moderate Republican Brian Fitzpatrick fends off challenger in GOP race for 1st District

Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick defeated right-wing challenger Mark Houck in the Bucks County congressional primary, according to a call by the Associated Press.

The race was viewed as a test of how important the issue of abortion could be for the Republican Partys base in 2024. Fitzpatrick is a widely regarded as a moderate Republican. Houck advocated for a near total ban on abortions, while Fitzpatrick has called for compromise.

 Karissa Waddick

David McCormick clinches GOP primary for closely watched Senate seat

David McCormick won the Republican nomination for Senate in Pennsylvania. He ran unopposed in the race and will face incumbent Sen. Bob Casey in the general election.

 Karissa Waddick

Donald Trump, Joe Biden lock down Republican and Democratic primaries

Donald Trump and Joe Biden won their respective party primaries in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, picking up dozens of additional delegates as they both seek a second term in the White House.

 Marina Pitofsky

Sen. Bob Casey wins Democratic Senate primary

Longtime Democratic Sen. Bob Casey won his partys nomination for the U.S. Senate, after not facing any competition in the race. He will face Republican David McCormick in whats expected to be a competitive, high dollar general election battle,

 Karissa Waddick

Where can I find Pennsylvania primary results?

Keep up with the latest results from the Keystone State here:

More: Pennsylvania Statewide and Presidential Primary Results

 Marina Pitofsky

Where are Biden and Trump?

Neither Joe Biden nor Donald Trump campaigned in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, despite it being a major general election target for both candidates.

Instead, Trump appeared in a New York City courtroom for the second day of witness testimony in his hush money trial. And Biden delivered a speech in Tampa, Florida, attempting to tie Trump to the southern states law banning abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy.

Both candidates traveled to Pennsylvania last week for major campaign stops ahead of the primary.

 Karissa Waddick

Is Dean Phillips on the Pennsylvania ballot?

Yes  but the Minnesota congressman is no longer running against Joe Biden for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination. Phillips, the former chair of the Talenti gelato empire, suspended his longshot bid against Biden in early March after suffering a string of double-digit defeats.

Pennsylvania was in the process of printing its primary ballots at the time he dropped out.

 Karissa Waddick

Will Pennsylvania Democrats vote uncommitted over Israel-Gaza war?

Pennsylvania does not have an uncommitted option on its presidential primary ballot like other states. But that isnt likely to stop Democrats who plan to cast a protest vote opposing Joe Bidens handling of the Israel and Hamas war.

The group Uncommitted PA is encouraging Democrats to write-in uncommitted on their ballot to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in the war. However, it may be difficult to gauge the impact of the effort. The state election office is unlikely to report a tally of the write-in votes.

 Karissa Waddick

Will Pennsylvania Democrats vote uncommitted over Gaza war?

Pennsylvania does not have an uncommitted option on its presidential primary ballot like other states. But that isnt likely to stop Democrats who plan to cast a protest vote opposing Joe Bidens handling of the Israel and Hamas war.

The group Uncommitted PA is encouraging Democrats to write-in uncommitted on their ballot to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in the war. However, it may be difficult to gauge the impact of the effort. The state election office is unlikely to report a tally of the write-in votes.

 Karissa Waddick

Donald Trump endorsed David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate primary

Before he entered the courtroom for his New York hush money trial on Tuesday, Trump urged voters to the polls in Pennsylvania.

Trump supported GOP Senate candidate David McCormick in his campaign to unseat Democratic Sen. Bob Casey.

Its very important to let them that were coming on Nov. 5, were coming big, Trump said. Pennsylvania get out and vote.

 Karissa Waddick

Polling shows Trump and Biden in virtual tie

With less than seven months until the general election, a RealClearPolitics average of national polls shows the presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in a dead heat.

The average, calculated based on polls published between mid-March and mid-April, has Trump as 44.6% and Biden at 44.4%. The margin of error of +/- 0.2 is equal to the gap between the two candidates.

 Karissa Waddick

Who is Janelle Stelson?

Janelle Stelson, a former new anchor, is running as a Democrat in the state's 10th Congressional District. Her name recognition means she's looking like the frontrunner in the race, though she was also a longtime registered Republican who switched her registration last year.

 Marina Pitofsky

Moderate Republican fights to keep seat as GOP battles over abortion

In Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District, longtime Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is being challenged on his right flank by a candidate who believes abortions should be banned in nearly all circumstances  including in cases of rape and incest.

Mark Houck, Fitzpatricks opponent, was acquitted of criminal charges stemming from an altercation at an abortion clinic. The incident reportedly inspired him to run for public office. A devout Catholic, Houck co-founded the men's religious group The King's Men. He's worked as an author, motivational speaker and human resources manager.

Fitzpatrick is a moderate Republican. He is one of a handful of Republican representatives serving in districts that Biden won in 2020.

The primary race could demonstrate just how important the issue of abortion is for the Republican Partys base.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden aren't the only candidates competing in 2024

The rematch between Joe Biden and President Donald Trump is top of mind for most voters across the country this election season. But down-ballot races  including congressional and state-level races  are also sure to have a major impact.

And some already are.

In a competitive special election for a state house seat in deep-red Alabama last month, Democrat Marilyn Lands won by nearly 25-points. Lands made abortion and in-vitro fertilization access a central point of her campaign. Her win was seen as a testament to the salience of those issues for voters in 2024.

 Karissa Waddick

Rep. Summer Lee faces primary challenger over Israel-Hamas war

A Democratic primary for Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District could reveal just how salient the Israel and Hamas war is for Democratic voters  particularly in swing areas of the country.

First-term progressive Rep. Summer Lee, who was among the early advocates calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, is facing a primary challenge from moderate Bhavini Patel over her opposition to the war.

Patel, a 29-year-old municipal council member, has framed the incumbent's criticism of Israel as detrimental to Bidens re-election efforts

 Karissa Waddick

Malcolm Kenyatta and Mark Pinsley fight to compete against Tim DeFoor

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley are the two Democrats competing to face off against Pennsylvania's Auditor General Tim DeFoor.

Kenyatta previously ran for Senate in Pennsylvania, finishing third in the primary now-Sen. John Fetterman won in 2022.

 Marina Pitofsky

TAMPA, FLORIDAAPRIL 23: President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign stop at Hillsborough Community Colleges Dale Mabry campus on April 23, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. During the event, President Biden spoke about the issue of abortion rights. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776135626 ORIG FILE ID: 2149871422

How many delegates does Joe Biden have?

Joe Biden has picked up 3,078 delegates as he seeks another term in the White House. He needed 1,968 to clinch the Democratic nomination.

Biden is widely expected to win the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, which would grant him 159 additional delegates.

 Marina Pitofsky

When are the 2024 conventions?

The Republican Convention will run from July 15-18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Democratic Convention will take place a month later, from August 19-22, in Chicago, Illinois.

 Karissa Waddick

Which states havent held primaries yet?

While the results of the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries are all but set, a number of states still havent voted in either partys race. Those states include Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. The District of Columbia held its GOP primary in March, but Democrats in the territory will cast their ballots in June.

 Karissa Waddick

Can I vote in Pennsylvania?

First-time voters or individuals who are casting a ballot in a new precinct will need to show identification, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Acceptable identification includes a driver's license, student ID, a firearm permit, a current paycheck and more.

It is a closed primary, meaning that only voters who are registered Democratic or Republican may vote on candidates in their respective parties.

 Teresa Boeckel

President Joe Biden speaks during an event at the United Steelworkers Headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 17, 2024. Biden is urging a tripling of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum, citing "unfair competition" while seeking to win blue-collar votes in November's election.

What are the key Pennsylvania House races to watch?

1st District: Longtime Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is being challenged on his right flank by Mark Houk, a candidate who believes abortions should be banned in nearly all circumstances  including in cases of rape and incest. The primary race could demonstrate just how important the issue of abortion is for the Republican Partys base.

7th District: Three Republicans  Kevin Dellicker, Ryan Mackenzie and Maria Montero  are competing to take on Democratic Rep. Susan Wild. Her seat is a top target for the GOP in November.

10th District: Six Democrats are vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge GOP Rep. Scott Perry in the November election. Perry was a former chair of the Freedom Caucus, one of the most conservative factions of the Republican Party and was a key figure in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Democrats see an opportunity to flip the seat in the general election.

12th District: Bhavini Patel is running against incumbent Rep. Summer Lee with a message centered on the Israel and Hamas war. Patel has cast herself as a more moderate, pro-Israel candidate and has criticized Lee for her opposition to providing U.S. military aid to Israel.

Who is running for Pennsylvania Attorney General?

Five Democrats and two Republicans are also battling for the open state attorney general position, once held by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. Michelle Henry, who is completing the remainder of Shapiros term since he was elected governor in 2022, is not running for the position.

Candidates in the Democratic primary include Eugene DePasquale, Keir Bradford-Grey, Joe Khan, Jared Solomon and Jack Stollsteimer.

On the Republican side, state house member Craig Williams is facing off against York County District Attorney Dave Sunday.

 Karissa Waddick

Can independents vote in primaries in Pennsylvania?

No, only registered Republicans and Democrats can cast their ballots in their party primaries. However, independent voters can vote on ballot questions.

 Marina Pitofsky

How many delegates does Donald Trump have?

Donald Trump has picked up 1,915 delegates as he seeks another term in office. He needed 1,215 delegates to lock down the 2024 Republican nomination.

The former president is expected to pick up 67 delegates in Pennsylvania's GOP primary on Tuesday.

 Marina Pitofsky

Former President Donald Trump displays a stack of papers while departing a New York City criminal court on April 23, 2024.

Abortion fight plays out in Pennsylvania attorney general election

Abortion has roiled down-ballot races across the country, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Reproductive rights have been a major topic in the attorney generals race.

All five Democratic candidates for attorney general have committed to protecting the right to abortion and access to FDA-approved medications such as mifepristone. Meanwhile, the Republican candidates have said that they do not believe the state constitution guarantees the right to an abortion.

As attorney general, both sides would leave the issue for the state legislature to decide.

 Karissa Waddick

What time do the polls close in Pennsylvania?

Polls close in Pennsylvania at 8 p.m. ET. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. can vote.

Absentee and mail-in ballots also must be returned and received by election officials by 8 p.m.

 Karissa Waddick

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) (2nd R) speaks as Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and other participants listen during a news conference on the Green New Deal in front of the U.S. Capitol on April 20, 2023, in Washington, DC. The lawmakers held a news conference to reintroduce the "Green New Deal Resolution," which was first introduced on April 20, 2021, as a non-binding resolution titled, "Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Biden clinch Pennsylvania victory; Summer Lee beats challenger
A plane crashed onto the Tanana River around seven miles south of the Fairbanks International Airport Tuesday, April 23, 2024

A plane carrying two people crashed in Alaska and burst into flames on Tuesday.

A Douglas DC-4 took off from the Fairbanks International Airport before crashing 7 miles south into the Tanana River, Alaska State Troopers said in a news release. No survivors have been found.

The aircraft caught fire after it "slid into a steep hill on the bank of the river," troopers said. Officials received reports of the crash at 10:03 a.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Witness captures crash site from the air

Michaela Matherne captured a photo of the crash site at 10:08 a.m. during her flight from Galena, Alaska to Fairbanks.

"We were just a few minutes from landing in Fairbanks when I saw the smoke and flames. It was right on the river," Matherne told USA TODAY via Facebook Messenger. "It mustve just happened when we passed it."

She said their pilot was sent to verify the coordinates of the crash.

A plane carrying two people crashed into the Tanana River in Alaska Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Plane was a military aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the plane as a Douglas C-54 while troopers referred to it as a DC-4, a military aircraft known to have been used during World War II.

The plane fits a flight crew of three and offers standard passenger seating for 44 with a maximum of 86, according to Airliners.net, a community of aviation photography enthusiasts. Most of that type of aircraft have been altered to freighters, the group says.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Plane crashes, bursts into flames in Alaska; no survivors found
Pro-Palestinian student protesters across the country occupied campuses in tent encampments this week in a campaign to urge their universities to divest, an action students over the decades have demanded from their schools' administrators.

The word "divest" refers to diverting money from a university's endowment  the pool of money a college has and tries to grow through investments. Some of the biggest university endowments in the country total nearly $50 billion and comprise thousands of funds.

The protesters opposed to Israel's military attacks in Gaza say they want their schools to stop funneling endowment money to Israeli companies and other businesses, like weapons manufacturers, that profit from the war in Gaza.

"It's like, why is our money being used to fund bombs overseas?," said Layla Saliba, a student protester researching endowment investments with the group Columbia University Apartheid Divestment. "Let's reinvest this money in our community instead," she said.

Columbia University's endowment is more than $13 billion; it ranks among the top 15 largest endowments in the country. The school did not respond to a request for comment.

The protests began in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, triggered by the militant group's assault on Israeli communities Oct. 7 that killed almost 1,200 people. Israel's subsequent bombardment and invasion of Gaza has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians  militants and civilians; men, women and children  and has fueled a dire humanitarian crisis.

In addition to divestment, protesters across the U.S. are calling for a cease-fire and student governments at some colleges have also passed resolutions in recent weeks calling for an end to academic partnerships with Israel.

A man walks past Israeli and US flags alongside portraits of Israelis taken hostage by the militant Palestinian group Hamas in front of the pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University in New York on April 23, 2024.

Are universities investing in Israel?

Protesters have called for a halt to investments in Israel, but experts say that might be too simplified a take on what colleges have done with their funds. To begin with, it's difficult to define what an "investment" in Israel entails, said economist Sandy Baum, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute who studies college finances.

She said bigger investments are more obvious than smaller ones tucked away in mutual funds  an investment tool that pools money and spreads it out over many assets, and a type of financial tool many colleges rely on.

Universities hire private companies to manage their endowments to preserve their funds over the long run, Baum said.

Debates about the investments of college endowments are complicated, Baum said, because some university stakeholders argue the money needs to produce the biggest return on investment possible to fund teaching and necessary programming and services.

"The purpose of the endowment is to have money that will allow the university to permanently provide educational opportunities so that they don't have to go out and raise new money every year to continue operating," she said.

The bigger a university's endowment, the more is at stake. That's one reason why pro-Palestinian student protesters at wealthy universities are fighting so hard this week, she said. There's a lot of money involved.

"There are always going to be differences of opinion about what you don't want to invest in," Baum said.

When else have protesters demanded divestment?

Student-led movements for university divestitures aren't new.

For over a decade, students at Princeton University have urged the school to divest from the fossil fuel industry, citing concerns about the environment and climate change. In 2022, advocates landed a major win when the school agreed to divest from publicly traded oil and gas companies, according to Sunrise Princeton, a longtime climate divestment group on campus.

In 1969, Princeton University students occupied a prominent campus building to demand the school divest from South Africa, where the government operated a punitive and often violent system of apartheid that segregated people by race. Nearly a decade later, Princeton University enacted "selective divestment" from South Africa, the Daily Princetonian reported, where the university's financial shares could be withdrawn if companies failed to meet its standards.

This week, about 100 protesters gathered in a central courtyard at the New Jersey campus to demand the school divest from companies associated with the Israeli military, the student newspaper reported. Unlike at Columbia, where many student protesters have been arrested, Princeton students have not faced arrest or disciplinary action from the university, the campus publication said.

"Divestment sends a moral signal that institutions of higher learning, especially those with prestige, will not tolerate certain injustices," said Alex Norbrook, co-leader of Sunrise Princeton.

Director of Media Relations Jennifer Morrill referred to a statement Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber has issued regarding divestment, saying any divestment would only occur after years of sustained campus interested, and in situations where the community can come to a consensus.

The current push for universities to stop doing business with companies profiting by investing in Israel and by extension in the country's war in Gaza mirrors grassroots efforts in recent years to urge U.S. organizations to boycott Israeli companies.

Since 2005, the Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement has organized around "withdrawing support" for Israel's treatment of Gaza and urges banks, municipalities, pension funds, religious groups and universities to remove their investments from Israel, according to the BDS website.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does it mean to "divest"? What pro-Palestinian protesters mean.
WASHINGTON  Pro-Palestinian protesters are looking to puncture the festive bubble this weekend surrounding the White House Correspondents Association Dinner  one of the capitals biggest parties of the year, with attendees including President Joe Biden, top government officials and leading journalists.

Activists are expecting several hundred people at a rally in Kalorama Park, just two blocks from the Washington Hilton, which is hosting the event. The protesters will criticize Biden for his support for Israel in its war in Gaza and the U.S. news medias coverage of it, according to organizers.

The gathering is being branded as an effort to shut down the dinner, according to a social media post announcing the demonstration.

A group of Palestinian journalists wrote an open letter this month calling on their American counterparts to boycott the annual dinner as an act of solidarity with us  your fellow journalists.

The New York City-based Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 97 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israel and the Palestinian territories since the war began after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, while the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate places the number higher, at 125.

The Palestinian journalist group claims many were targeted intentionally by the Israeli military during its operation. Israel has mostly denied intentionally targeting journalists, while saying some of those killed belonged to militant groups and were therefore legitimate targets. And it previously said it could not guarantee the safety of journalists covering the dangerous conflict.

To sit and schmooze with the president while he sends billions of dollars in weapons to Israel to kill their colleagues in Gaza is unethical and immoral, said Sandra Tamari, executive director of Adalah Justice Project, the U.S.-based Palestinian advocacy organization that helped organize and release the letter. To dine with him as he allows Palestinians to die of starvation by cutting off funding to critical humanitarian aid is despicable.

Criticism about the dinner and its surrounding festivities, where reporters and media executives mingle with people they cover, is nothing new. The debate reached a fever pitch during the presidency of Donald Trump, who labeled independent journalists the enemy of the people, but was neutralized in part when Trump and officials in his administration decided not to attend the event.

This culture of being invited to rub shoulders with the administration is problematic as is, but only more so now, said Eman Mohammed, a freelance photojournalist from Gaza who is now based in the U.S. and plans to attend the rally Saturday.

She argued that there is some bias at play when Western journalists champion the causes of American or European reporters kidnapped, arrested, prosecuted or killed abroad while, she said, seemingly looking the other way when nonwhite journalists are harmed.

More than 100-plus journalists have been killed because they are exposing war crimes. And theres been the bare minimum of speaking up for them from the Western media, she said.

The White House Correspondents Association declined to comment. NBC News Senior White House Correspondent Kelly ODonnell is serving as the groups 2023-24 president and will preside over the dinner.

The concentration of lawmakers, media personalities and the president and his retinue in one place have long made the dinner an attractive target for activists looking to take advantage of a high-profile Washington event.

Last year, climate protesters occupied the sidewalks around the hotel and temporarily blocked its main driveway, forcing guests to depart their vehicles early and walk past the picketers into the venue.

Protests inside the event itself are much less common and perhaps unprecedented, given the tight security, and people involved in organizing the protests said they knew of no plans to try to infiltrate the exclusive invite-only dinner.

The Secret Service, which controls security at any event the president attends, is prepared for any possibility, since Biden has consistently drawn protesters at nearly every public event he has held in the past few months, including at a private fundraiser in New York City in late March with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Were kind of used to them, said a Secret Service official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The D.C. Metropolitan Police will be responsible for securing crowds outside the venue and at the nearby rally.

The president visits the Washington Hilton frequently, and the Secret Service has the security operation there down to a science, according to the official. The hotel was the site of the assassination attempt on then-President Ronald Reagan in 1981, an event that led to many changes in presidential security protocols.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks at a news conference in Dallas on June 22, 2017. Tony Gutierrez/AP Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton tapes an endorsement for a Texas Court of Criminal Appeals candidate during a campaign rally on Feb. 7, 2024, in Wylie, Texas. Paxton's office is seeking access to urban-area district attorneys' case files and policy documents in certain instances. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News/TNS) Smiley N. Pool/TNS

Seattle Childrens Hospital will not have to release records about Texas transgender children who may have received transition care after it reached a settlement with the Texas attorney general this week.

The hospital had sued Attorney General Ken Paxton in December after his office requested the information, calling the investigation a sham and saying it does not employ staff in Texas who treat patients here, either in-person or via telemedicine.

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Protecting the privacy of our patients is our top priority and Seattle Childrens successfully fought the Texas Attorney Generals overreaching demands to obtain confidential patient information, a hospital spokesperson said in a statement. As a result, the Texas Attorney General withdrew his request.

Paxtons request came nearly two months after the state enacted a ban on all transition care for Texas minors. He sent a similar request to a Georgia telehealth clinic that offers gender transition care to young people in Texas and other states where the treatment has been banned, the Houston Chronicle first reported in January.

Paxton in a statement also framed the settlement as a win.

When we merely began asking questions, they decided to leave the State of Texas and forfeit the opportunity to do business here, he said. Let this make our position clear: medical providers in Texas must abide by our laws. In Texas, we vigorously protect children from damaging, experimental gender transition treatments that can have life-altering negative consequences.

As part of the settlement, the hospital will voluntarily withdraw its registration to transact business in Texas, which officials had said in court filings was limited.

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The hospital employs a small number of remote administrative employees in Texas, but none of them work with the hospitals gender clinic, according to the lawsuit. The hospital also does not advertise transition care or market it to minors in Texas, and it has not used any public money from Texas to support those treatments.

As the largest pediatric care provider in the Pacific Northwest, we comply with all applicable laws and take those obligations seriously, the hospital spokesperson said in its statement on the settlement Monday.

The attorney general had sought records of the number of Texas children the hospital treated, what they were diagnosed with and what medications they were prescribed. He also asked the hospital to describe its treatment protocol for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

Its unclear how many of these administrative subpoenas the attorney general may have issued to other hospitals and health care facilities around the country.

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Progressive Rep. Summer Lee fended off a primary challenge from Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel, NBC News projects, in a race that served as an early test of how Democratic voters feel about the Israel-Hamas war and concerns over rising antisemitism at home.

With 99% of the expected vote counted, Lee held a 21-point edge over Patel.

In a victory speech in Pittsburgh, Lee said, "This movement is stronger than whatever they want to throw at us" and is "stronger than every GOP billionaire." She called for peace "from Pittsburgh to Palestine."

Our movement is expansive enough and big enough for each and every one of us, she said in a call out to those who opposed her during the primary. We wont be ashamed and put our heads down when we say that we want no more wars, when we say that people deserve dignity and human rights and self-determination whether they are Jewish or Muslim or Black or white or if theyre in Gaza or in Pakistan or in Haiti.

Following her defeat, Patel said in a statement that while the result was disappointing, the race was far from a loss.

This race was about so much more than me or my opponent, she said. It was about passing common sense laws that put money in working families pockets. It was about standing up to hate and stopping antisemitism. And it was about making sure President Biden gets reelected in November.

Lee, a member of the Squad in the House, has been critical of Israels handling of the war and was one of the first lawmakers to call for a cease-fire in Gaza last year. Patel painted Lees advocacy as harmful to Bidens re-election chances and out of step with her district.

The Pittsburgh-area 12th District is also home to Squirrel Hill, one of the nations most prominent historically Jewish neighborhoods and where the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre, the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history, took place.

Lee, who condemned Hamas and has spoken out against antisemitism, has accused the Israeli government of committing war crimes and called for an end to unconditional military aid to the country. On Saturday, she joined 36 Democrats and 21 Republicans in voting against an aid package to Israel, which passed overwhelmingly. Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh have expressed unease with how she has handled and discussed issues pertaining to Israel.

But Lee was seen as a prohibitive favorite ahead of Tuesday. The first Black woman ever elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, Lee overcame significant spending from pro-Israel groups during her first primary bid in 2022 before winning the general election. Those same groups did not get involved in her race this time around, even as Israel became a much more salient issue, seeing the effort to topple her as a steep climb.

Well-defined in the district, Lee framed her race around fighting Donald Trump-aligned Republicans, bringing federal dollars to the district and bringing new voters into the Democratic fold.

Its a testament to her strength that shes in a good position, Nick Gavio, a progressive strategist with the Working Families Party, which spent $320,000 in digital and TV ads on Lees behalf.

Meanwhile, about a dozen Jewish voters in the district who spoke with NBC News almost universally said their votes in November, regardless of if they were backing Lee or Patel, would be driven by issues beyond Israel, saying that the Jewish electorate isnt a monolith and that democracy, abortion rights and the economy weighed heavily on them. Most said they would be voting for President Joe Biden.

At an event launching her Jews for Summer coalition earlier this month, Lee framed her primary as a covert Republican effort to divide a multiethnic, cross-religious support base by using splits over Israel. Even though groups aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee did not get involved in the race, an outside group largely funded by GOP megadonor Jeffrey Yass spent more than $500,000 to boost Patel  a fact Lee and allies hammered home in the closing days of the contest.

We have communities that are hurting. The Jewish community is one of them. And there are people who are  not going to agree 100% on everything that you say, Lee said in an interview with NBC News, adding she has been very clear and very upfront about her cease-fire position. I have condemned Hamas. Weve worked with the families of hostages; weve done everything that I think is necessary to do that. And at the end of the day, we disagree.

Patel, who denounced Yass and said the attacks over the donation were a distraction, framed her challenge to Lee around who offers Biden the most support. She criticized Lee for not denouncing activists and groups calling for Democratic primary voters to vote uncommitted in the presidential primary.

Its essentially playing with fire, Patel said in an interview, arguing it could boost Trump.

Lee said she voted for Biden on Tuesday and at her Jews for Summer event earlier this month said: Were going to make sure that the person whos sitting in the White House is not going to be replaced. At a Pittsburgh campaign stop last week, Biden shouted out Lee as someone who had my back.

On voters casting uncommitted ballots, Lee told NBC News: I totally respect that.
It comes with a dozen dinner rolls with sweet cinnamon butter, grilled chicken breasts, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, plus a 'party tray size' salad.

dbdurden / Getty Images

Texas Roadhouse, the Louisville-based chain restaurant known for its steaks, fall-off-the-bone racks of ribs, and fresh rolls served with a generous amount of cinnamon butter, has also become the go-to for anyone looking for a solid deal on a family-sized meal.

It seems like every few months, someone on TikTok discovers Texas Roadhouses Family Meal Deals and goes viral after sharing the massive amount of food theyve just scored for approximately $40 (although the actual price may vary based on location).

Related: 18 Prime Steak Destinations in the U.S.

Last April, TikToker @foundurmatcha posted a video of her Texas-sized haul, which included four grilled chicken breasts, a party tray size of house salad, a dozen freshly baked rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and that signature sweet butter. All of this was only $40 dollars, she said. Forty bucks!

And earlier this year, another Tiktoker posted about her own takeout order, which she ordered because she doesnt cook on Wednesdays. When @autumnhitthejackpot went to Texas Roadhouse, she got the chains Chicken Critter meal, which is its version of chicken tenders. Look at how many chicken critters this is, she said, tilting a foil pan filled with breaded chicken towards the camera. And they gave us five cups of ranch and four cups of honey mustard [dipping sauces.]

Related: Are Croissant Trends Getting Out of Control?

She said that her family meal had a base price of $45, and that theres tax and tip on top of it, which brought the total to $55.

The gargantuan-sized meals appear to be for pick-up orders only and cannot be ordered in the restaurant and, again, the availability and price-point can vary from location to location. At the Texas Roadhouse in my own southern American city, the meals are listed under the Legendary Features section of the menu, and range in price from $34.99 for the Family Value Chicken Critters Meal  which comes with 20 critters  to $59.99 for a Family Value Ribeyes Meal that includes three 12-ounce ribeye steaks.

Related: The Best Places to Eat Filipino Food in Every State

The other meals available include Family Value Beef Tips ($44.99 for two pounds of steak); Family Value Pork Chops ($29.99 for four 7-ounce chops); Family Value Ribs ($44.99 for three half-slabs); and Family Value Sirloins ($47.99 for two 8-ounce steaks and two 6-ounce steaks). Three other Family Value meals  including seafood, cheeseburgers, and pulled pork  are currently listed as unavailable at this location but they are on the menu at other Texas Roadhouses throughout the state.

As the TikTokers mentioned, each family-sized meal also comes with a choice of a House or Caesar salad, four individual side dishes, and a whole lot of fresh rolls. You can also add a side order of shrimp or ribs for an additional fee.

Related: Being a B Corp Restaurant Isnt Easy, But to Hawksmoor, Its Entirely Worth It

Whether you have a hungry family to feed, just dont feel like cooking your own dinner, or want Texas Roadhouse to help you meal-prep for the workweek, these family meals seem like quite a value.

Plus, its fun to say chicken critters out loud.



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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has filed felony charges against the man accused of breaking into Mayor Karen Bass home on Sunday morning.

The suspect  Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29  was charged with felony residential burglary with a person present charge, felony vandalism charge and one prior strike from a previous case in Massachusetts, Gascon said. Hunter was being arraigned Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect allegedly shattered a glass door at the Getty House in the Hancock Park neighborhood in Los Angeles Sunday morning and broke in while Bass, her daughter, son-in-law and grandchild were inside, according to investigators.

PHOTO: Karen Bass speaks at a news conference (Brian Van Der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag)

Hunter allegedly caused $5,000 to $10,000 in damage and left bloodstains from a cut he sustained during the alleged incident around the home, the DA's office said.

"There were no injuries to the occupants during this incident," the LAPD said in a statement Sunday, adding, "The suspect was taken into custody without incident."

MORE: 3 men experiencing homelessness fatally shot by potential serial killer in Los Angeles: Police

Gascon says his team believes Hunter was targeting the mayor based on his actions.

Attorney information for the suspect was not immediately available. The investigation is ongoing, officials said.

The mayor's spokesman, Zach Seidl, released a statement Sunday, saying, "The mayor is grateful to LAPD for responding and arresting the suspect."

ABC News' Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.

LA District Attorney Gascon files felony charges against suspect in break-in at Mayor Karen Bass' home originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Ben Blanchard and Liz Lee

TAIPEI/BEIJING (Reuters) -Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday she was happy the U.S. Congress had passed a sweeping foreign aid package which includes arms support for the island, as China urged Washington to stop selling weapons to Taipei.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly demanded arms sales stop.

The Senate approved by 79 to 18 four bills passed by the House of Representatives on Saturday, after House Republican leaders abruptly switched course last week and allowed a vote on the $95 billion in mostly military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Meeting visiting U.S. lawmakers at the presidential office in Taipei, Tsai referred to the passage of the bills at the weekend.

"We are also very happy that the Senate has just passed these bills," she said.

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said areas where the money is to be spent, such as training or equipment, would be discussed with the United States.

"The United States has expressed goodwill, and it needs to be negotiated between us," he told parliament.

China says Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, is a purely internal matter and the most sensitive and important issue in ties with the United States.

In Beijing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office expressed anger at the bills, which President Joe Biden said he would sign into law on Wednesday.

The bills "send the wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces, and we are resolutely opposed to it", spokesperson Zhu Fenglian told reporters.

"We urge the United States to take concrete actions to fulfil its commitment not to support Taiwan independence and to stop arming Taiwan in any way," she added.

The strengthening of "military collusion" between the United States and Taiwan would not bring security for the island, China's foreign ministry said.

"It will only push up tensions and the risk of conflict and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait," said spokesperson Wang Wenbin.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in China on Wednesday for a visit, with Taiwan likely to be one of the topics for discussion.

Taiwan has protested for the past four years about stepped up Chinese military activity near the island, including almost daily missions by Chinese warplanes and warships.

However, since 2022, Taiwan has complained of delays in deliveries of U.S. weapons such as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, as manufacturers focused on supplying Ukraine to help it battle invading Russian forces.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Liz Lee; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.

Long sought by Ukrainian leaders, the new missiles give Ukraine nearly double the striking distance  up to 300 kilometers (190 miles)  that it had with the mid-range version of the weapon that it received from the U.S. last October. One of the officials said the U.S. is providing more of these missiles in a new military aid package signed by President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Biden approved delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, in February, and then in March the U.S. included a significant number of them in a $300 million aid package announced, one official said.

The two U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the delivery before it became public, would not provide the exact number of missiles given last month or in the latest aid package, which totals about $1 billion.

Ukraine has been forced to ration its weapons and is facing increasing Russian attacks. Ukraine had been begging for the long-range system because the missiles provide a critical ability to strike Russian targets that are farther away, allowing Ukrainian forces to stay safely out of range.

Information about the delivery was kept so quiet that lawmakers and others in recent days have been demanding that the U.S. send the weapons  not knowing they were already in Ukraine.

For months, the U.S. resisted sending Ukraine the long-range missiles out of concern that Kyiv could use them to hit deep into Russian territory, enraging Moscow and escalating the conflict. That was a key reason the administration sent the mid-range version, with a range of about 160 kilometers (roughly 100 miles), in October instead.

Adm. Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Wednesday that the White House and military planners looked carefully at the risks of providing long-range fires to Ukraine and determined that the time was right to provide them now.

He told The Associated Press in an interview that long-range weapons will help Ukraine take out Russian logistics nodes and troop concentrations that are not on the front lines. Grady declined to identify what specific weapons were being provided but said they will be very disruptive if used properly, and Im confident they will be.

Like many of the other sophisticated weapons systems provided to Ukraine, the administration weighed whether their use would risk further escalating the conflict. The administration is continuing to make clear that the weapons cannot be used to hit targets inside Russia. At the State Department, spokesman Vedant Patel said Wednesday that Biden directed his national security team to send the ATACMS specifying that they be used inside Ukrainian sovereign territory.

I think the time is right, and the boss (Biden) made the decision the time is right to provide these based on where the fight is right now, Grady said Wednesday. I think it was a very well considered decision, and we really wrung it out  but again, any time you introduce a new system, any change  into a battlefield, you have to think through the escalatory nature of it.

Ukrainian officials havent publicly acknowledged the receipt or use of long-range ATACMS. But in thanking Congress for passing the new aid bill Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted on the social platform X that Ukraines long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are extremely important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace.

One of the U.S. officials said the Biden administration warned Russia last year that if Moscow acquired and used long-range ballistic missiles in Ukraine, Washington would provide the same capability to Kyiv.

Russia got some of those weapons from North Korea and has used them on the battlefield in Ukraine, said the official, prompting the Biden administration to greenlight the new long-range missiles.

The U.S. had refused to confirm that the long-range missiles were given to Ukraine until they were actually used on the battlefield and Kyiv leaders approved the public release. One official said the weapons were used early last week to strike the airfield in Dzhankoi, a city in Crimea, a peninsula that Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014. They were used again overnight east of the occupied city of Berdyansk.

Videos on social media last week showed the explosions at the military airfield, but officials at the time would not confirm it was the ATACMS.

Ukraines first use of the weapon came as political gridlock in Congress had delayed approval of a $95 billion foreign aid package for months, including funding for Ukraine, Israel and other allies. Facing acute shortages of artillery and air defense systems, Ukraine has been rationing its munitions as U.S. funding was delayed.

With the war now in its third year, Russia used the delay in U.S. weapons deliveries and its own edge in firepower and personnel to step up attacks across eastern Ukraine. It has increasingly used satellite-guided gliding bombs  dropped from planes from a safe distance  to pummel Ukrainian forces beset by a shortage of troops and ammunition.

The mid-range missiles provided last year, and some of the long-range ones sent more recently, carry cluster munitions that open in the air when fired, releasing hundreds of bomblets rather than a single warhead. Others sent recently have a single warhead.

One critical factor in the March decision to send the weapons was the U.S. Armys ability to begin replacing the older ATACMS. The Army is now buying the Precision Strike Missile, so is more comfortable taking ATACMS off the shelves to provide to Ukraine, the official said.

___

Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.
By John Kruzel and Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Supreme Court justices, wading back into the battle over abortion access, appeared divided on Wednesday in a case pitting Idaho's strict Republican-backed abortion ban against a federal law that ensures that patients can receive emergency care.

The justices heard arguments in an appeal by Idaho officials of a lower court's ruling that found that the 1986 U.S. law at issue, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), supersedes the state's near-total ban in the relatively rare circumstances when the two conflict.

President Joe Biden's administration, which sued Idaho over the abortion law, has urged the justices to uphold that ruling.

The court has a 6-3 conservative majority. No consensus seemed to emerge among the conservative justices, who expressed concerns including what protections federal law extends to "unborn children" and whether Congress had clearly spelled out that EMTALA can mandate abortion in certain emergency cases.

Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the administration, to respond to Idaho's argument that EMTALA was meant to prevent emergency rooms from so-called patient dumping - turning away uninsured patients - instead of addressing "abortion or other specific kinds of care."

Prelogar said Congress used EMTALA to set a "baseline national standard of care" to ensure urgent conditions are addressed.

"Idaho cannot criminalize the essential care that EMTALA requires," Prelogar added.

The case has led the Supreme Court to revisit the fraught legal landscape it created with its June 2022 decision overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that had legalized abortion nationwide.

Idaho is one of seven states to put in place in the past two years a near-total abortion ban with no exception to protect the health of pregnant patients, Prelogar said.

Idaho's so-called abortion "trigger" law, adopted in 2020, automatically took effect upon Roe's reversal. The state law bans nearly all abortions unless needed to prevent a mother's death, threatening doctors who violate it with two to five years in prison and loss of their medical license.

At the same time, EMTALA requires hospitals that receive funding under the federal Medicare program to "stabilize" patients with emergency medical conditions. Hospitals that violate EMTALA can face lawsuits by injured patients, civil fines and potentially the loss of Medicare funding.

The liberal justices pressed Joshua Turner, the lawyer for Idaho, to explain why the state permits emergency abortions to prevent the woman's death but not to protect her health.

Terminating a pregnancy may be needed to address numerous conditions in the woman that could lead to seizures, stroke, organ damage or the loss of her uterus, according to medical experts.

"Within rare cases, there's a significant number where the woman ... her life is not in peril but she's going to lose her reproductive organs, she's going to lose the ability to have children in the future, unless an abortion takes place," liberal Justice Elena Kagan said.

In such cases, Kagan added, "Idaho says, 'Sorry no abortion here,' and the result is that these patients are now helicoptered out of state."

Turner called these "difficult" situations that raise "tough medical questions that implicate deeply theological and moral questions."

Following Roe's demise, the Biden administration issued federal guidance stating that EMTALA takes precedence over state abortion bans when the two conflict.

The Supreme Court in January let Idaho enforce its law while also agreeing to decide its legality.

At issue in the case is whether Idaho's ban must yield to EMTALA when a doctor determines that the necessary "stabilizing care" is an abortion that would not meet Idaho's narrow exception for preventing the mother's death.

The liberal justices posed sharp questions to Turner over his contention that EMTALA can only require emergency care that a state chooses to make available.

Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor told Turner his argument put "preemption on its head," referring to the general principle that federal law trumps contradictory state laws.

Prelogar pushed back against Idaho's claim that doctors could comply with both the state and federal requirements, arguing that "the situation on the ground in Idaho is showing the devastating consequences" due to the "gap" between the two laws.

"One hospital system in Idaho says that right now it's having to transfer pregnant women in medical crisis out of the state about once every other week," Prelogar said. "That's untenable and EMTALA does not countenance it."

'ANTITHETICAL TO THAT DUTY'

The conservative justices voiced concerns concerning the Biden administration's legal challenge, though it was not clear which legal theory might garner a majority in the eventual ruling.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito told Prelogar that EMTALA also requires stabilizing care to be given to a woman's "unborn child."

"Performing an abortion is antithetical to that duty," Alito added.

Prelogar said that provision of EMTALA did not displace the woman herself "as an individual with an emergency medical condition" when her health is in danger. Prelogar added that in many pregnancy emergencies there is no way to stabilize the unborn child because, before viability, "it's inevitable that the pregnancy is going to be lost. But Idaho would deny women treatment in that circumstance even though it's senseless."

Questioned by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, Prelogar said the administration's stance would not require religiously affiliated hospitals with emergency rooms to perform abortions, nor would it require individual doctors who oppose to abortion to perform the procedure.

"Our position is that EMTALA does not override either set of conscience protections," Prelogar said.

Boise-based U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill in 2022 blocked enforcement of Idaho's law in cases of abortions needed to avoid putting the woman's health in "serious jeopardy" or risking "serious impairment to bodily functions."

(Reporting by John Kruzel and Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
Some of Wall Streets most powerful bosses are facing new proposals this spring that would strip them of power by separating their CEO and chairman seats.

Shareholders at Goldman Sachs (GS) and Bank of America (BAC) will decide on such a proposal Wednesday, ruling on whether David Solomon and Brian Moynihan get to keep their dual roles.

In May, JPMorgan Chases (JPM) Jamie Dimon and BlackRocks (BLK) Larry Fink will also face such tallies. And Citigroup (C) shareholders will vote next week to formalize a CEO-chair split in its bylaws, even though the company has had an independent board chair since 2009.

David Solomon, CEO and chairman of Goldman Sachs. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) (Tom Williams via Getty Images)

Its not just Wall Street facing new calls for CEOs to give up some of their power. Thus far in 2024, shareholders have submitted 29 such proposals at S&P 500 companies, and more are expected, according to data provider ISS-Corporate.

Other well-known financial sector companies facing such proposals this year are insurance giants American International Group (AIG), Allstate Corporation (ALL), and Prudential Financial (PRU) along with NYSE parent company Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). The same goes for Cleveland regional bank KeyCorp (KEY).

'Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't'

Whether to split the CEO and chairman positions has long been the subject of hot debate within the corporate world, pushed by activists who argue that it reduces conflicts within an organization.

Companies often push back by arguing that a lead director can offer just as much independent oversight.

The pressure to split the CEO and chairman roles in the US really ramped up in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Between 2010 and 2023, 76 companies within the S&P 500 did so, according to ISS. By the end of 2023, nearly 60% of S&P 500 companies had those roles split.

Last year 69 companies in the S&P 500 faced such a proposal, nearly twice as many as in 2022.

All, however, failed.

The push to separate the CEO and chair roles "tends to go up when stock prices don't go over well at a company, and shareholders are looking for something to rattle management," Shivaram Rajgopal, a Columbia Business School professor of accounting and corporate finance, told Yahoo Finance.

Bank of America chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS / Reuters)

"Sometimes it helps. Sometimes it doesn't, and the reason why that happens is because it's not the institution per se, it is probably the individual and how he or she exercises power in the company," Rajgopal added.

Many of these proposals are not typically successful and face long odds. Last year, the proposals at Goldman and Bank of America, for example, garnered just 16% and 26% support.

Investors will be watching to see how much support the new proposals get this year, especially at Goldman.

Solomon is emerging from his most challenging year ever as boss as dealmaking slowed across Wall Street and he grappled with a costly exit from consumer banking as well as a series of high-profile departures from the firm.

The firms profit declined by 24% and Solomons annual compensation still rose by the same percentage  to $31 million.

ISS and Glass Lewis are advising shareholders to cast votes Wednesday in favor of separating Solomons roles.

'An inherent conflict of interest'

Another vote that could get a lot of attention is at BlackRock, where Larry Fink will face the same proposal.

The head of the worlds largest money manager has become a target of political critics who charge that he and his firm are the preeminent examples of "woke investing," as well as others who say BlackRock is not living up to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments.

The shareholder that placed the proposal on this years ballot, Bluebell Capital Partners, falls into the latter camp. It said in its submission that "there is an inherent conflict of interest for a CEO to act as her or his own oversight as chair."

BlackRock CEO and chairman Larry Fink. (Photo by JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images) (JOEL SAGET via Getty Images)

For Dimon and JPMorgan Chase, however, the proposal to revoke dual roles is certainly nothing new.

The countrys biggest bank has faced some kind of proposal calling for shareholders to vote for an independent chairman for all but three of the years since Dimon first held both the CEO and chair seats in 2007, according to JPMorgan's filings.

It is possible that it could happen one day, even if this years vote does not approve such a split. In 2022, JPMorgans board adopted a general policy to separate the chair and CEO positions once the 68-year-old Dimon steps down  "subject to the boards determination."

"The odds are Jamie will become chairman" once he leaves as CEO, a person familiar with the situation told Yahoo Finance last year.

Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. REUTERS/Mike Segar (Reuters / Reuters)

Dimon has made it clear he is not a fan of these proposals or the role played by proxy advisers Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, which recommend how shareholders should vote on these proposals.

He criticized the firms for what he called a tendency to "automatically judge directors unfavorably if they have a long tenure on the board" and recommend "[splitting] the chairman and CEO role when there is no evidence this makes a company better off."

Wells Fargo banking analyst Mike Mayo said he questions some of those points made by Dimon.

"We think that proxy advisors give an extra voice to shareholders who otherwise have much less clout than envisioned in theory," Mayo said in a note released Wednesday, and that "'lead directors' do not always provide a substitute for an independent chair."

David Hollerith is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance covering banking, crypto, and other areas in finance.

Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices.

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
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Remember having knock-down-drag-out tickle fights as a kid? At the time, they seemed like a normal part of play. But for most adults, the thought of being tickled is annoying at best. And yet, its near impossible not to crack a smile if a perpetrator dares to enter tickle territory. This dichotomy helps researchers understand what little they know about ticklishness.

Meet the Expert: Xinzhong Dong, Ph.D., an assistant professor of neuroscience at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine whose research specializes in gentle touch, itch, and nerve injury.

Below, we get into the details that help answer the question: Why are we ticklish?

The two types of ticklishness

For research purposes, tickling is characterized by the action of tickling and the reaction it elicits. As established by psychologist G. Stanley Hall, there are two types: knismesis, a light, feathery touch likened to hair brushed over the skin, which rarely prompts laughter, and gargalesis, the heavy tickling responsible for a guttural, visceral tickle reaction.

According to Xinzhong Dong, Ph.D., an assistant professor of neuroscience at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine whose research specializes in gentle touch, itch, and nerve injury, both types of tickling are mainly mediated by sensory nerves, he says, which perceive the tickles and signal the brain to react. However, research shows that the intensity of said reaction is dependent on the ticklees mood. If theyre upset or anxious, theyre less likely to respond with laughter.



Why are we ticklish?

Its difficult to pinpoint a purpose for ticklishness. I dont think people have a real conclusion, Dong says. But there are quite a few, albeit incomplete, theories on why ticklishness exists.

Its a defense mechanism

One theory says that the tickling response is evolutionary, because a version of it has been observed in primates. With that in mind, theres thought that tickling could be used by caregivers to help children develop defense skills for survival. Children could be taught to portray laughter, rather than discomfort, as not to display weakness.



Another way of seeing it: Think of the feeling you get when you *think* a bug is crawling on your arm, Dong says. Fight or flight instantly sets in as a form of self-defense.

Its used as social bonding

Tickling may help facilitate the bond between parent and child, because it usually involves both parties smiling and connecting, which creates a positive social interaction. However, this theory fails to explain why so many adults hate being tickled.

It helps us understand humor

Researchers Alan Fridlund and Jennifer Loftis proposed that the tickle reflex may be many babies first training in humor; that they mirror the laughter and smiles seen in the faces of ticklers. This may train them to laugh at other similar stimuli and develop their understanding for whats considered funny.

Its reflexive

Like Ivan Pavlovs dogs, who salivated at the sound of a bell that was associated with food, humans may be conditioned to laugh when tickled because the tickler is always laughing. This may also explain why some people laugh and squirm preemptively at the threat of being tickled, before theyre ever even touched.

Why are there ticklish spots?

Both Dong and studies concur that the most common ticklish spots in humans are the soles of the feet, armpits, and ribcage, likely because theres a higher density of sensory nerves in those areas, Dong says, making the stimulation more easily detected. But more research is needed to confirm that.

Why some people are more ticklish than others

Some people are physically more sensitive than others, or as Dong puts it: Everyone has different nerve density. He adds that genetics could also play a part in ticklishness.

Dong does, however, believe you can train yourself to be less ticklish. Essentially, it takes a concerted, in-the-moment effort. Remain relaxed, focused, and controlled, he recommends. And deep breathing through it can help, too, he adds.

Why we cant tickle ourselves



It may seem obvious, but we cant tickle ourselves because when we do, its predictable. And when we can foresee the sensation, it cancels out the laugh reaction, Dong says.

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U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, center, speaks to attendants during a campaign stop and endorsement from the Federation of Independent Business at Brothers Pizza, at their northwest location Tuesday, Apr. 2, 2024 in Houston. Michael Wyke/Contributor

WASHINGTON  The peculiar payment scheme behind U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs popular podcast has raised ethical questions and drawn complaints about election law violations.

Now tax experts say the deal involving a massive radio network that picked up the Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast in 2022 and a super PAC supporting the Texas Republicans reelection effort could also raise red flags for the IRS.

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While Cruz says he makes no money off the hosting gig, iHeartMedia has sent more than $630,000 in ad revenue from the podcast to the Truth and Courage PAC, which produces the show and says it owns it. The exact terms of the arrangement are unclear, and no parties involved have been willing to disclose them.

But tax experts say Cruz may still need to report income on his tax forms, even if he isnt pocketing any cash. Thats because the law requires income to be taxed to the person who does the work. In this case, they say, that would be Cruz serving as the host of his podcast.

Its still going to be his income, because hes the one who 'earned it,' said Brian Galle, a tax law professor at Georgetown University. This isnt like a charity that auctions off one hour of free accountant time or something.  This was a payment for a series of appearances by Ted Cruz and not by anybody else.

Galle, a former federal prosecutor in the Department of Justices tax division, said the arrangement is similar to a nun who works in a hospital and sends their pay back to the church because they have taken a vow of poverty. The nun is entitled to a salary for her services, even if she doesnt collect it. The IRS has said the nun still has taxable income, Galle said.

You cant tell the government its not my money if youre the one who earned it, he said. It doesnt matter where the money goes.

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A spokesman for Cruzs campaign said the senator does not receive any income in connection with the podcast, nor did he direct revenues to be paid to anyone.

A spokesman for the Truth and Courage PAC, which is barred under federal law from coordinating with Cruz or his campaign, said it owns the podcast and pays all associated taxes for it. He did not respond to questions about the PACs ownership of the show, which the PAC has spent millions of dollars producing over the past several years.

At least one tax expert was less sure Cruz would be on the hook for any tax liability from the show. Andy Grewal, an income tax law professor at the University of Iowa, said it would only be a violation if Cruz was entitled to a payment for the podcast and told iHeart to pay the super PAC instead.

If hes just showing up, I dont see it, Grewal said.

READ MORE: Ted Cruz at center of FEC complaint over podcast payments

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And without seeing the actual agreements behind the podcasting deal, or how the money is being reported to the IRS, it is impossible to know if there have been any violations, he said.

But Calvin Johnson, a tax professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said the arrangement appears to allow Cruz to shift payments from one pocket to another pocket. While he isnt taking personal compensation, he is still benefiting from the money going to the PAC that is already running ads supporting his reelection efforts. Cruz is running for a third term and faces U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a Dallas-area Democrat, in the November election.

The tax statute is perfectly clear that transfers in connection with performance of services  and thats what this is  get taxed to the services, Johnson said, meaning Cruz.

The rule dates back to a landmark 1930 ruling in which the Supreme Court held that the fruits are attributed to a different tree from that on which they grew.

In that case, a married couple had entered into a contract specifying that the husbands earnings as a lawyer were owned jointly by the couple. The arrangement would have potentially saved a hefty tax bill by splitting the husbands income between the two.

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The Supreme Court ruled that there was no doubt that the statute could tax salaries to those who earned them and provide that the tax could not be escaped by anticipatory arrangements and contracts however skillfully devised to prevent the salary when paid from vesting even for a second in the man who earned it.

Ethics and campaign finance experts have said the iHeart payments appear to blur the lines between what is allowed under campaign finance law and Senate ethics rules. Cruz is the top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee that oversees the communications industry, in which iHeart is a major player. The company is based in San Antonio.

Earlier this month, the groups End Citizens United and Campaign Legal Center filed an ethics complaint with the Federal Elections Commission, saying Cruz appears to have brazenly violated campaign finance laws by soliciting donations to the Truth and Courage PAC from iHeartMedia.

The payments total about a third of the $2 million the Truth and Courage PAC reported raising since the start of 2023, according to recent Federal Election Commission data.

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YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. On the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Swedish-Armenian Friendship Group in the Swedish Parliament will arrange a ceremony with the Armenian Ambassador to Stockholm and other guests, Member of the Swedish Parliament, Erik Hellsborn said.

Here in the Swedish Parliament, the Swedish-Armenian Friendship Group will arrange a ceremony with the Armenian Ambassador to Stockholm and other guests. Sadly, this year's Remembrance Day feels more relevant than it has been in several years,said Hellsborn.

Drawing comparisons between the Armenian Genocide and the ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, he noted:  With last year's ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, the world was reminded of how destructive pan-Turkic ideology can be.

Therefore, this is my promise to you. I will continue to use the platform I have been given to shine light on what has happened and what continues to happen in the region and to continue to build ties and closer relations between the peoples of Europe and the people of Armenia for a brighter future, Member of the Swedish Parliament, Erik Hellsborn.
YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Genocide is a historical fact, so the more states do recognize that, the more Turkey will remain isolated in this regard and at some point will have to accept the truth, Jon Inarritu, a member of the Spanish parliament, told Armenpress on the occasion of the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

- This year marks the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. How do you assess the process of recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide by the international community?

Nowadays, 34 States recognize the Armenian Genocide. In recent years, several European Union States such as Portugal and Italy have done so and the United States did in 2021 as well. Although it comes late, I think it is positive that more and more States recognize the first genocide of the 20th century. These years we have seen how the persecutions against Armenians have continued. It is important to remember and recognize to prevent it from happening again.

- Although many countries and international organizations have recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide, Turkey continues its denial policy after 109 years. What do you think the international community should do? Do you see the need for other actions besides calls and exhortations?

In fact, not only Turkey does not recognize the Armenian genocide, but it also puts pressure and threats against states so that they do not recognize it. Turkey would do well to embrace its history, just as other states have done. I consider that Germany is an example of how a historical fact can be assumed. For Turkey recognizing the facts, could help improve relations in the region and would make this State a better State.

- In your opinion, under what circumstances or under what conditions will Turkey finally face the historical truth recognizing the Armenian Genocide?

In my opinion, the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact, so the more states do recognize that, the more Turkey will remain isolated in this regard and at some point will have to accept the truth.

- A dialogue between Armenia and Turkey is taking place these days. In your opinion, in what way can this process have an impact on the issue of the Armenian Genocide?

As I mentioned previously, I believe that accepting this historical fact would help improve relations with Armenia and even with the Armenians of the diaspora, largely descendants of the survivors. But it would also make Turkey a better country.

- When touching on the subject of the Armenian Genocide, the phrase "Never again" has often been uttered by various famous figures, but history shows that it apears that the world has not learned enough lessons, as unpunished crimes tend to repeat themselves. What do you think advanced humanity needs to do to make "Never Again" practically visible?

Indeed, the extermination of the Armenians that occurred during the last years of the Ottoman Empire must be recognized not only to remember the victims but also to prevent similar events from occurring again in the future. Unfortunately, with regard to the Armenian people, we see how we have once again seen images of extermination, persecution and expulsion of Armenians from their ancestral land, in Nagorno Karabak. As if that were not enough, now the threats do not stop. Never again cannot be a phrase without commitment. The international community must go further and protect.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Armenian Genocide Memorial Day on April 24.

Below is the full statement released by Trudeaus office.

Today, we join Armenian communities in Canada and around the world to mark Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. We reflect on this dark chapter in history, honour the victims who lost their lives, and reflect on the trauma that so many still endure.

Twenty years ago, the Government of Canada joined members of the international community in officially recognizing the historic and tragic reality of the Armenian Genocide. This recognition carries a deep significance for many Canadians, and especially Armenian-Canadians. Together, we will ensure the stories of those affected are never forgotten.

In Canada, April marks Genocide, Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month, which reminds us of the consequences of indifference. We must remember and honour the memories of the victims lost to the Armenian Genocide. We must stand up against hate and stand for diversity, inclusion, and human rights  it is our shared, collective responsibility.

Armenian Genocide Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. As we observe this solemn day, I encourage all Canadians to learn about the events that led to this senseless loss of humanity. Lets build a society where everyone feels safe from discrimination and violence.
New Delhi: As the Congress on Wednesday distanced itself from its leader Sam Pitroda's "inheritance tax" remarks, saying sensationalising them are attempts at diverting attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "malicious" poll campaign, the BJP slammed the grand old party, calling it yet another brazen display of the "anti-India, anti-people" mindset of the Congress.

Amid the ongoing debate, the Congress asserted that it has no plans whatsoever to introduce an inheritance tax and cited BJP leader and former Union minister Jayant Sinha's remarks to allege that it is the Modi government that wanted to do so.

Mr Pitroda, the president of the Congress' overseas wing, talked about the inheritance tax law in the United States while answering a query on the "redistribution of wealth" issue. Seeking to make it an election issue, Mr Modi on Wednesday attacked the Congress over Mr Pitroda's "inheritance tax" remark, saying the grand old party's "dangerous intentions" of snatching away the assets and rights of people have come out in the open.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary incharge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the Congress has no plan whatsoever to introduce an inheritance tax. In fact, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had abolished estate duty in 1985, he said, adding that it is the Modi government that wanted to do so. Mr Ramesh also claimed that BJP leader Amit Malviya had also tweeted in favour of the views of Mr Sinha.

Clarifying his position after his remarks triggering a political row, Mr Pitroda said on X, "It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies the PM is spreading about the Congress manifesto."

Labelling Mr Pitroda's "inheritance tax" remarks as a "nefarious design" to rob common people of their hard-earned money and property, the BJP claimed that the Congress "high tech guru" has made it clear that both the lives and wealth of the people of the country are in danger. The ruling party claimed that the concept of the US' inheritance tax, as mentioned by Mr Pitroda, is against Indian family values and Indian heritage, noting that India is a functional society.

Union home minister Amit Shah flayed Mr Pitrodas remarks, saying, The appeasement politics of the Congress stand exposed today with Mr Pitrodas statement on wealth redistribution. He reaffirmed the partys intention to seize the property of the majority and distribute it among the minority.

Mr Shah further said: It yet again brings to the fore that the empowerment of Indias poor, dalits, youth, tribes and backward classes was never on the Congresss agenda.

BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Mr Pitroda has done an "X-ray" of the Congress manifesto, which mentions wealth redistribution, and asked which foreign forces have influenced the Congress's manifesto and its intention of imposing inheritance tax.

Mr Trivedi also asked the Opposition party to clarify to whom it plans to redistribute the hard-earned money of the common man while mentioning how the Congress gave power to the Waqf Board, the Ranganath Mishra Commission report and the Congress's 2012 manifesto for the UP Assembly polls promising 4.5 per cent reservation to Muslims.

Provided with fresh ammunition against the Congress after Mr Pitroda's remarks, the BJP Rajya Sabha MP said, Mr Pitroda has elaborated the nefarious design of the Congress. We are a saving-based economy. In India, one generation (of a family) earns by doing hard work. The second generation builds on that and then the third generation gets some comfort.
Raipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday waded into the raging debate on inheritance tax, triggered by Congress leader Sam Pitroda, saying that the grand old party wants to loot the common people by imposing it. Mr Modi used the row to whip the Congress with the "zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi" (during lifetime and after death) jibe.

Addressing a rally in Ambikapur, district headquarters of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh, the Prime Minister also said that the "votebank hungry" Congress wants to implement reservations on the basis of religion.

The Congress is about to set a dangerous precedent by imposing an inheritance tax that aims to impose unreasonable taxes on everything and anything, depriving people of their wealth. This will shatter the financial backbone of ordinary people, he said.

At the rally, Mr Modi cautioned that by implementing inheritance tax, the Congress wants to loot the people zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi.

The dangerous intentions of the Congress are now out in the open as it toys with the idea of introducing inheritance tax, he said and warned, They (the Congress) want to snatch your assets and rights of your children."

Congress veteran Sam Pitroda has mooted the idea of implementing an inheritance tax. His party, however, distanced itself from Mr Pitroda's suggestion, saying that it is his personal view.

Taking a dig at the Congress for "planning" to implement reservations on the basis of religion, Mr Modi called it a Muslim League mindset.

Today, when I have come to Surguja, I want to present the Muslim League mindset of the Congress in front of the country. When their manifesto was released, on the same day I had said and am saying today also, that the Congress manifesto has the imprint of the Muslim League," he said.

The Prime Minister maintained that when the Constitution was being drafted, intellectuals and great personalities under the leadership of Babasaheb Ambedkar decided that there will be no reservation on the basis of religion in India.

If there is a reservation, then it will be for my dalit and tribal brothers and sisters, he said, adding, But the votebank-hungry Congress never bothered about the words of the great personalities, the sanctity of the Constitution or the words of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Years ago, the Congress made an attempt to implement reservations on the basis of religion in Andhra Pradesh. Thereafter, the Congress had planned to implement it in the entire country," he said.

Mr Modi said that the Congress plans to implement 15 per cent reservation on the basis of religion by curtailing the quotas of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes.

The Congress had made similar pledges in its 2009 election and in the 2014 manifestos and had pledged not to leave the issue, Mr Modi said, adding that the Congress would curtail reservation quotas for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes to implement reservation on the basis of religion.

The Prime Minister pointed out that earlier, a Congress government in Karnataka had implemented reservations on the basis of religion. But it was quashed by the BJP government later.

The present Congress government in Karnataka has not only implemented reservations on the basis of religion but also included all the castes of the Muslim community in the OBC category, he said, adding that this has hurt the OBC community.

The Congress trampled social justice, murdered it and killed secularism there (Karnataka). This model of Karnataka is what the Congress wants to implement in the entire country. The Congress wants to give the rights of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes to its votebank by changing the Constitution, Mr Modi said.

It is the BJP alone that can protect the reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes," he said.

Mr Modi said that the Congress has also set its eye on the earnings, houses, farms and other properties of the common people.

The Shehzada of the Congress (apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi) says they will conduct an X-ray of the property of every house and every family in the country. The Congress will snatch all these things from you and they say that they will equally distribute them," Mr Modi said while addressing the public meeting.

Do you know to whom they will distribute it after looting from you? Mr Modi asked, to which people replied in the affirmative.

I need not tell you to whom they will distribute it," he said.
Abortion-rights groups march outside the Supreme Court, March 26, 2024, in Washington. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could determine whether doctors can provide abortions to pregnant women with medical emergencies in states that enact abortion bans. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/AP Anti-Abortion and Abortion-rights activists rally outside the Supreme Court, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Washington. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in its first abortion case since conservative justices overturned the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago. At stake in Tuesday's arguments is the ease of access to a medication used last year in nearly two-thirds of U.S. abortions. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) Jose Luis Magana/Associated Press

The U.S. Supreme Court is taking up a major abortion case today that could determine when hospitals can perform the procedure during medical emergencies.

The case involves Idahos abortion ban but will have implications for Texas, where abortions are similarly prohibited in nearly all circumstances.

READ ALSO: What's EMTALA, the patient protection law at the center of Supreme Court abortion arguments?

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Hospitals are required to provide emergency medical care under a federal law known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA. The Biden Administration has told hospitals since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 that they are still required to provide abortions to patients in medical emergencies, even if their state more narrowly defines what classifies as a medical emergency.

Idaho sued to block the guidance, spurring the arguments before the court this morning.

Texas has separately sued the Biden administration over the EMTALA guidance, arguing it cant be used to compel providers to perform abortions and would transform every emergency room in the country into a walk-in abortion clinic.

A federal judge sided with Texas, and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed. The Biden administration has appealed to the Supreme Court.

Heres what to know about EMTALA and where emergency abortion access stands in Texas ahead of the arguments.

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What is EMTALA?

EMTALA was enacted by Congress in 1986 to prevent hospitals that accept Medicare from denying patients with emergency medical needs solely for their inability to pay, said Seema Mohapatra, a law professor at Southern Methodist University

What was literally happening is women were in labor, and when they (a hospital) found out the woman didnt have insurance, theyd be like, OK, go to the public hospital down the street, she said.

Under the law, hospitals that turn patients away can lose federal Medicare funding.

When are emergency abortions allowed in Texas?

State law bans all abortions except to save a pregnant persons life or prevent substantial impairment of major bodily function.

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EMTALA requires doctors to act when the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in the patients health being in serious jeopardy. For pregnant patients who are having contractions, that includes situations where there isnt enough time to allow for a safe transfer to another hospital before delivery.

EMTALAs definition of what it means to stabilize a person includes a broader set of situations than Texas law or Idaho law, said Mohapatra, the SMU law professor.

Critics of Texas law have said it is so vague that hospitals are reluctant to intervene unless a patient is dangerously far into a health emergency.

Last year, 56 abortions were performed at Texas hospitals under the states emergency exception, according to state data. Most of those were for Hispanic and Black women, and most were for women between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant.

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Kari White, who leads Resound Research for Reproductive Health, formerly the Texas Public Evaluation Project, said that number comes with caveats.

We dont know if there are other people presenting for care who are receiving treatment that just may not be coded as an abortion because a provider isnt thinking about it in that way but it still has the same outcome, White said. What we certainly know is people who need care arent able to get it.

White said a major inhibitor for researchers in trying to obtain data on how many people in Texas are able to access emergency abortions is the climate of fear in health care delivery that had not been there.

It's hard to tell whether or not that is knowable with the amount of fear that people are experiencing, White said.

Her research group is currently working on a study, in conjunction with the University of California San Francisco, about how clinical care has changed in states where new abortion laws have been enacted since Roe was overturned. The group will be collecting stories of health care workers anonymously because White said many would not be willing to share otherwise.

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What do we know about people who have been denied access to emergency abortions?

In December, the Texas Supreme Court struck down a lower court ruling that had allowed Kate Cox, a 31-year-old Dallas woman whose fetus was diagnosed with a typically fatal disorder, to get an abortion. Cox was unable to wait until the states highest civil court ruled and had already had the abortion out-of-state by the time the decision came down.

The justices ruled doctors must use their reasonable medical judgment to determine when a patient qualifies for an abortion and declined to weigh in on Coxs specific circumstance, saying it would be an overreach.

In another case, Zurawski v. Texas, 22 plaintiffs shared their stories of being denied abortions because their physicians did not feel their medical conditions, however dire, met the standard required by Texas law. They allege the law is overly vague and have asked the courts to provide clarification.

Amanda Zurawski, the lead plaintiff, was unable to get an abortion at a Catholic hospital in Austin after her water broke prematurely because doctors could still detect a heartbeat  even though the condition can cause serious, sometimes-fatal complications for the mother and survival rates for the fetus are low.

Days later, she developed sepsis, a life-threatening condition that is the bodys extreme response to an infection, and eventually doctors performed an abortion. Zurawski continued fighting the infection for three days in the intensive care unit, during which time one of her fallopian tubes had to be closed, which made it harder for her to conceive.

The Associated Press reported last week that complaints of pregnant patients being turned away from emergency rooms rose sharply in 2022 after Roe was struck down.

The report detailed complaints including a Texas woman who miscarried in a restroom toilet in a Houston freestanding emergency room lobby after front desk staff refused to check her in. Her husband, meanwhile, called 911 for help.

Other stories included a woman in North Carolina with stomach pain who was denied an ultrasound and was not informed about the extent of the risk to her health if she left the hospital without being stabilized. She gave birth to her baby while en route to another hospital 45 minutes away. The baby later died.

Yet another woman, this one in Florida, was turned away from a triage area because she had brought a child with her. She returned the next day, but the medical staff could not locate a fetal heartbeat.

What has Texas told doctors about providing emergency abortions?

The Texas Medical Board proposed rules last month to clarify when doctors can intervene and provide abortions in medical emergencies.

But some advocates, including the two lawyers who requested the rule change, say the proposed changes arent specific enough to make a real difference. The rules do not include a list of qualifying conditions, as some other states have done.

Dr. Sherif Zaafran, a Houston anesthesiologist who is president of the board, said at the time that such a list would cause more harm than good.
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying those who call themselves "deshbhakt" are scared of the "X-ray" of the caste census but "no force" can stop it.

Addressing the "Samajik Nyay Sammelan" in the national capital, Mr Gandhi said he is not interested in caste but in "nyay" (justice) and asserted that it is his life's mission to ensure justice for the 90 per cent of the population against whom injustice has been done.

As soon as our government is formed, the first thing that will be done is a caste census," he said.

Mr Gandhi said the Congress manifesto talks about the X-ray and the income

inequality created by the Modi government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transferred '16-lakh crores to select business people and the Congress is going to return a small amount to 90 per cent of the population.

"We have calculated...What we felt is justice and that help should be given, we put it down in the manifesto," the former Congress president said of the party's guarantees mentioned in its manifesto.

"What does a deshbhakt want? A deshbhakt wants justice in the country. A deshbhakt wants India to move forward and become a superpower. So if you want to become a superpower and move ahead of China, one has to use the strength of 90 per cent of the population. Those who call themselves deshbhakt are scared of X-ray," he said.

For 10 years, Mr Modi said he is an OBC, but as soon as I talked about the caste census, he said 'there are no castes'. If there are no castes, how are you an OBC? Then you should have said I have no caste. He then says there are two castes -- rich and poor... If you say so, I say take out the list of poor and you will get (the population of) dalits, adivasis and backwards," Mr Gandhi said.

The Congress leader asserted that ensuring justice for 90 per cent of the population is not about politics but is his life's mission. There is a difference between life's mission and politics, as one can compromise in politics but not in life's mission, Mr Gandhi said, alleging that the BJP's aim is to divert the attention of the dalits, OBCs, tribals by raising Pakistan, China and Bollywood.
In the middle of the Lok Sabha elections frenzy, the Haryana government finds itself tangled in a peculiar accusation of discriminatory practices and bureaucratic tangles. Y. Puran Kumar, a senior IPS officer with a knack for details, has written a whimsical complaint to chief secretary T.V.S.N. Prasad. His lament? The rather lacklustre car he has been allotted.

Its a tale as old as time, Puran Kumar is upset that while his counterparts and peers zip around in shiny new Innovas, hes been handed the keys to a relic  a seven-year-old Honda City  with more character than reliability.

Now, in a profession governed by strict protocols and meticulously crafted rules, the choice of official transportation holds more worth than one might think. The choice of car becomes a symbol of status and prestige. And it is here that Puran Kumar feels shortchanged. He accuses the system of playing favourites. Barely two weeks after parting ways with his previous official ride, he wrote to the Sarkar alleging favouritism and selective distribution among the IPS elite.

The aggrieved IPS officer has implored the chief secretary to investigate the murky world of staff cars and operational vehicles, hoping to unravel the mystery behind the wheels of fortune. However, he may have got the timing wrong, with the senior members of the state administration more concerned with the elections than an aggrieved babu nervous about his status.

Retired IRS officer re-elected to prestigious INCB, gets third term

This bit of good news seems to have got lost in the heat and dust of the poll fray. It is now certain that retired IRS officer Jagjit Pavadia is going to keep her seat on the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for another term. She has been re-elected for the 2025-2030 stint, and it appears like she has many backers in the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and back home. In fact, external affairs minister S Jaishankar was quick to spread the good news on social media, letting everyone know about Mr Pavadias victory in the Big Apple. Former permanent representative of India at the UN, Syed Akbaruddin, also tweeted

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations couldnt be more grateful, expressing their thanks to all the member states who had our back and threw their support behind Indias nominee. Mr Pavadia reportedly received the highest number of votes among all the 15 candidates for this position. Her victory ensures that Mr Pavadia will get an unprecedented third term on the prestigious board.

Meanwhile, in another win, India was re-elected to the executive board of the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) for another three years, 2025-2027.

Senior IAS appointments signal focus beyond elections

The government may be focused on the currently underway Lok Sabha elections, but the government's business continues. The recent appointment of senior IAS officers to additional secretary positions reflects the governments aim to restructure the bureaucracy and bolster key departments with experienced leadership.

With Rakesh Kumar Verma taking charge in the department of water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation, Suman Billa assuming responsibilities in the ministry of tourism, and Aradhana Patnail joining the department of health and family welfare, there is a clear emphasis on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in critical sectors.

Additionally, the in-situ upgradation of officers like Hemani Pande and Kamal Kishore Soan further underscores the government's commitment to optimising administrative capacities.

These appointments bring fresh perspectives and signify a proactive approach to governance. Readers will recall that just before the announcement of elections and hitting the poll trail, Prime Minister Modi had instructed babus to prepare and be ready with a 100-day programme, to be implemented once his government is re-elected. Overconfidence? Perhaps, but this drive to look ahead and keep pushing has been a hallmark of the Modi Sarkar.
While the country is getting ready to welcome Pope Francis in September, amendments have been proposed to assert the countrys Christian identity. For the Catholic Bishops' Conference, this is a dangerous step that obscures and even erases our unique Melanesian identity [. . .] rather than acknowledge, celebrate and perfect it through the Gospel. The backers of the constitutional changes are the same groups that got the King James Bible inside parliament in 2015, promising blessings and riches.

Port Moresby (AsiaNews)  For the Catholic Church, it is anachronistic and disruptive" to recognise the country's Christian identity through constitutional amendments that would turn Papua New Guinea (PNG) into a confessional state.

Amid preparations to welcome Pope Francis in September, the countrys Catholic Bishops' Conference recently sent an official letter to the Constitutional Law & Reform Commission on a matter that informs the place of religion in society.

Signed by Card John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby (president of the local Council of Churches), Bishop Otto Separy of Bereina (president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands), and lawyer Paul Harricknen (president of the Catholic Professional Society), the letter expresses in a timely fashion the objections of the Catholic Church to recent proposals to modify some articles of the constitution.

Changes to the preamble contain errors about the Trinity, which, in a proposed amendment, becomes the source of political authority. The country would be called the "Independent and Christian State of Papua New Guinea" and people would be under social obligations" to respect, observe and protect Christian Principles.

Papua New Guineas population is largely Christian, but with a variety of confessions and a complex relationship with the Melanesian traditions and cultures.

Pushing for this strong assertion of the Christian identity are the same US-based Evangelical groups that promote the so-called prosperity theology and successfully lobbied the PNG parliament in 2015 to place a copy of the King James Bible in a place of honour in the building even though this Protestant version of the Christian Holy Book, which dates back to the early 17th century, is not used by most Christian groups in the country.

Now the same groups are trying to get PNG political leaders to change the 1975 constitution, without even formally involving other and local Churches, including the Catholic Church, which represents 27 per cent of the population.

In the letter, the Bishops' Conference writes that the new articles are tantamount to an alteration of the nature of the state by making Papua New Guinea a confessional one, which means that a version of Christianity will be the official religion recognized by the state and will take precedence over all other religions, beliefs and practices including our traditional cultural values and ways of life.

The inclusion of the expression "Christian principles" in Goal 5 (on Papua New Guineas identity) is seen as dangerous and concerning for It obscures and even erases our unique Melanesian identity (values) rather than acknowledge, celebrate and perfect it (them) through the Gospel of Christ.

The proposed changes appear to deny our primordial self-identity. We are proud to be ethnically and culturally Melanesians who have freely embraced the Gospel of Christ and made it our own.

Papua New Guinea is a nation already united in its diversity. This is our strength, our blessing and the heart of our national identity. We are a nation of a thousand tribes, cultures, languages, traditions, and beliefs with a variety of Christian denominations. Section 45 of the Constitution provides the protection for such diversity. Anything else will be unconstitutional, unchristian and undemocratic.

The letter notes that matters of faith and morals cannot be legislated and coerced or forced on people to accept by law. Faith and morals can only be shown by peoples lives and not by law.

What is more, While PNG already has the KJV Bible in the House since 2015 and boasts about being over 90% Christian, we see no reduction in corruption, violence, lawlessness, and offensive conduct of parliamentary debate.

The proposed bill and the whole reform have been pushed by a group of unrepresentative pastors and professionals without wider consultation and transparency among Churches.

It is basically a minority theological view offering a false promise and empty hope of blessings and riches in having the KJV Bible in the Parliament, aligning with Israel by opening the Embassy in Jerusalem and now proposing to declare PNG a Christian state. This is not the way to lift people out of poverty, unemployment, provide better health and education, and strengthen law and order.

In rejecting the proposed constitutional amendments, the Catholic Church recognises the need to reflect on social cohesion and national identity in a time of dramatic changes and uncertainty over the future. At the same time, it believes that the solution does not lie in the rejection of our traditions, the transformation into a confessional state, the promotion of religious fundamentalism, Christian nationalism, or an ideology of that sort.

Instead, what is needed is a laborious process of education and discernment, in national harmony and unity, of what is best from the cultures of our ancestors, the Christian values introduced by the missionaries and the positivity that the modern world can offer.

If this is done, it will be possible to build the robust social, cultural and spiritual profile of the Papua New Guinean of the third millennium; a person who acts out of freedom and personal responsibility, not within the dictates of a predetermined ideological frame.

Any other way is deceptive and cultist, eventually futile.
by Sumon Corraya

Three cases are still pending in court following the tragedy in which over 1,000 textile workers died. At the beginning of the year, the Supreme Court intervened, ordering the judicial process to be closed by July. The victims say they were left to their own devices, while only Sohel Rana, the owner of the building, is in prison.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - 11 years after the collapse of Rana Plaza, the judicial process in which the main defendant remains the owner of the property, Sohel Rana, has not yet concluded. And in Bangladesh, the second largest exporter of textile products in the world after China, the conditions of workers in the sector have not seen much improvement.

On April 24, 2013, the tenth floor of the building, located in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, collapsed, trapping around 5,000 textile industry workers. It took days to recover the bodies crushed by the rubble: 1,135 people, mostly women, were killed and over 2,000 people were injured, many disablingly.

Three cases were filed immediately after the accident: one for premeditated murder, one under the technical building regulations, and one for alleged corruption in the design of the building. None of these cases have yet been concluded.

Initially designed to house small shops, over the years the building, in which clothing was produced for the largest international brands, saw the addition - without regular permits - of at least two floors. The day before the tragedy, cracks and irregularities had been reported, ignored by Sohel Rana, who, on the contrary, forced the workers to continue production.

In January this year, the Dhaka High Court granted bail to the owner of the property, which was later revoked at the request of the State. The Supreme Court intervened, suspending bail and ordering the case to be concluded in six months, with a ruling expected in July this year.

But along with Sohel Rana, dozens of other people are accused of premeditated murder, including the former mayor of Savar. A review of the documents revealed the reasons for the slowdowns in the judicial process: some defendants, public employees, were first included, then eliminated and then again included in the charge sheets.

A separate trial, just to understand who should be included in the prosecution registers, caused a delay of at least five years, so the hearing of testimonies began only in 2022, almost 10 years after the tragedy. Of the 594 witnesses listed in the case, 84 completed their testimony. And at the moment only Sohel Rana is reported to be in prison.

According to some commentators, the delays risk not bringing justice to the victims of the accident. Nilufa Begum, one of the workers who was the victim of the Rana Plaza collapse, expressed her frustrations to AsiaNews: "11 years have passed and no one is supporting us today."

Lei nilufa has undergone 11 surgeries on her leg and is waiting to raise enough money to face yet another. Although the government compensated her with 330 thousand taka (about 2,869 euros), she underlined how large industries, the owners of the building and the government ignored her plight and that of all the other victims.

Trade unionist Taslima Akhter claims that, despite some progress seen in textile factories today, workers' lives have not improved. Instead, big brands and the government prevented protests and hindered the achievement of justice after the Rana Plaza collapse, she added.

Further efforts are needed to improve economic and worker conditions, and we need to remember those who died as we continue the fight for those who are here with us today, she said.
The Calcutta High Court ordered new appointments within 15 days, directing concerned school staff to return paid salaries with interest. The State administration led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to the Supreme Court. Some state officials have been arrested on corruption charges, while assets worth millions of rupees have been confiscated.

Kolkata (AsiaNews)  The West Bengal government went before the Supreme Court of India this morning after the Calcutta High Court decided to cancel the school job recruitment selection of 2016. More than 24,000 teaching and non-teaching staff are at risk of losing their job.

Earlier this week, the court declared null and void the 2016 selection process, directed the School Service Commission, which handles recruitment, to make new appointments within 15 days, and ordered the staff to return the salary they received within six weeks, plus interest.

In 2014 the West Bengal government announced that it would recruit public school staff through competitive examinations.

After the State Level Selection Test was held, several candidates reported a series of irregularities, complaining that some people with low scores ranked higher while some applicants who were not even in the merit list still got an appointment letter.

The case was front-page news in July 2022, when a former West Bengal Education Minister, Partha Chatterjee, was arrested.

Before he joined the Trinamool Congress, the party led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he was a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Chatterjee is suspected, along with others, of receiving kickbacks from people who were then fraudulently hired.

During its investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Indian government agency that deals with financial fraud, seized several million rupees and jewels, found in the residence of one of Chatterjee's closest associates. Several properties and land worth hundreds of millions of rupees were also confiscated by the ED.

In a related case, the School Service Commission has been accused of hiring primary school teachers who had failed the eligibility test.

Local media report that after the test, the Calcutta High Court received about 500 petitions alleging corruption in the state commission. Some of the candidates allegedly submitted blank exam papers, with only their personal details.

An advisor to the School Service Commission and an alleged middleman were arrested earlier this month and are currently in custody.

For some observers, the case is likely to have negative repercussions for the local administration, in particular Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has so far stated that teachers affected by the court's ruling will receive support from the state (it is not clear if it will financial as well).

We will stand by those who lost jobs," said the Trinamool Congress leader, adding that the BJP, which is hoping for a victory in the current national elections, has influenced the judiciary and the outcome of the rulings.
Today's news: Appeal hearing for Cardinal Zen and other pro-democracy activists in the appeal against convictions set for January; A North Korean delegation is in Iran; The Taliban's Afghanistan continues to export coal to Pakistan; In Russia, floods also devastated old uranium mines.

MYANMAR  THAILAND

The ethnic militias who had conquered the city of Myawaddy, on the border with Thailand, retreated following the counter-offensive by the army. The news was given by a spokesperson for the Karen National Union, the local ethnic organisation, who spoke of a "temporary withdrawal". Images circulated on social media of some soldiers hoisting the Myanmar flag at a military base that the resistance had taken control of.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen and four other pro-democracy activists will appeal against convictions they received in November 2022 for failing to register their fund as a company, as required by the city's Companies Ordinance. The judiciary's website states that their appeal will be heard on January 8, 2025 and is expected to last approximately three days.

NORTH KOREA  IRAN

A North Korean delegation led by the minister of international trade is visiting Iran, state media reported on Tuesday. This is a rare public announcement: Pyongyang and Tehran have long been suspected of cooperating in the development of nuclear programs, exchanging components and technical expertise. Yesterday, North Korea carried out its first nuclear counterattack exercises.

INDIA

The prison guards at Tihar prison, in the capital New Delhi, after having denied it for several days, administered a first dose of insulin to the city's chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, arrested on charges of being involved in a money laundering case. money. Party members fear for his health, while the financial crime agency has accused Kejriwal of eating mangoes and sweets to raise his sugar levels, so he could use diabetes as a reason to get bail.

AFGHANISTAN  PAKISTAN

The Taliban Industry Minister has started talks with a Pakistani company, Abbas Afridi, to discuss the export of Afghan coal to Pakistan. However, the company was involved in a money laundering and fraud case worth 50 billion Pakistani rupees in the past. Since the Taliban returned to power, Pakistan has become the main importer of Afghan coal. According to the Taliban Finance Ministry, Afghanistan earned more than 0 million from coal exports to Pakistan in the first 10 months of 2022.

RUSSIA

In the Russian Kurgan region, the floods have also devastated the old uranium mines of the Dobrovolnoe site managed by the Rosatom agency, and the uranium waste is pouring into the Tobol river which has overflowed its banks, as Agenstvo writes based on information from the local " Foundation for social control over environmental conditions and common well-being.

ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN

The deputy prime minister of Armenia, Mger Grigoryan, received the US ambassador in Yerevan, Kristina Kvien, to discuss the issue of border demarcation with Azerbaijan, for which some features were agreed upon in the last meeting on 19 April of the border through a series of inhabited centers, which must be ratified by June 1st.
by Melani Manel Perera

A quick visit to the island for the Iranian leader on his return from Pakistan. The focus of the day was the signing of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and the inauguration of a hydroelectric power plant. Analysts underline the Islamic Republic's attempt to strengthen relations with South Asia at a time of tensions in the Middle East, with heavy repercussions on international trade.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Strengthening bilateral ties thanks to the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and inaugurating a 514 million dollar hydroelectric power plant, the "Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project".

These are the themes at the center of the short official visit scheduled today by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Colombo at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, after spending three days in Pakistan on a tour dedicated to the countries of South Asia. The main event of the day will be the official opening of the energy plant, better known by the acronym Uomdp, during a public ceremony.

Raisi's visit is the first visit by a president of the Islamic Republic to the island since 2008, when the ultra-conservative leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was at the helm of Iran. Analysts and commentators in Sri Lanka underline Raisi's decision to stop on the island in a phase of profound tension in the Middle East and the Gulf, with serious repercussions on international trade which affect Colombo itself, in particular for tea trafficking. Nonetheless, Raisi's presence is a sign of "the importance" attributed by the Islamic Republic to the island.

The hydroelectric plant project dates back to 2010, although the process that led to its construction has suffered delays and obstacles over time, starting with the drying up of funds after an initial allocation of 50 million dollars due to US sanctions on Tehran.

The restrictive measures of the Western chancelleries have in fact made the transfer of money more difficult and forced Colombo to finance the remaining part of the work. Added to this were further delays linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, fears linked to the environmental impact of the project itself and protests from the inhabitants of the villages affected. In particular, for the construction of a tunnel connecting the reservoir to the power plant, which resulted in serious drainage of groundwater, landslides in at least 10 villages of Bandarawela and 1200 damaged houses.

The Oma Oya complex consists of dams along the Dalgolla Oya river and channeling water through a 4km tunnel in Mathatilla Oya where there is another dam to convey water to the Uma Oya power station.

The project will add 120 megawatts to the national grid, providing water to 6 thousand hectares of agricultural land and drinking water to thousands of families in three districts, as explained in a statement by the president's office in Colombo. The [inauguration] ceremony, presided by the presidents of Iran and Sri Lanka, will symbolize the cooperation - concludes the note from Colombo - between the two nations in this significant infrastructural effort".
Everything You Should Know About AI Porn

5 Worrying Concerns About the Prospect of AI Porn Gaining Popularity

The rise of artificial intelligence has been hard to ignore.

Significant leaps forward in the capacity of new software has meant that generating text and images, seemingly at the push of a button, is easier than it ever has been before.

RELATED: How to Prepare for the Impact of AI on the Job Market

Today, its hard to find an industry where AI is not impacting the way things function. So it shouldnt come as a surprise that the question of AI porn has arisen, too.

Pornography, notoriously, is an industry that has a long and storied relationship to cutting-edge technology. So long as people are developing ways to depict and transmit visual content, porn, it seems, will be doing its best to figure out a way to make use of it  whether thats silent film, VCRs, mpg video files, or virtual reality.

But, as with many of the other industries facing an onslaught of computer-generated content, theres no shortage of ethical questions when it comes to sites producing AI pornography. What does it mean for the future of X-rated content that you can now create it without ever hiring a single human being?

In order to better understand the impact and implications of AI porn, as the technologies involved are likely to only get more popular and sophisticated, AskMen spoke to a number of people in the adult industry. Heres what they had to say:

5 Concerns About the Prospect of AI Porn

1. AI Porn May Worsen Porns Young People Problem

As it stands, porn is facing serious issues around the reality that lots of minors begin watching it well before they turn 18.

This means that they can begin streaming hundreds of hours of X-rated content for adults before they have the cognitive capacity to process what theyre seeing, as well as before theyre exposed to quality sex education at school (if they ever are) and before theyve developed relationships with their own bodies or those of others.

For instance, its not hard to see that the highly aestheticized bodies of porn stars can produce an impact on who and what seems sexy to young people today.

RELATED: Why Porn Is a Terrible Form of Sex Education

But, untethered from actual human bodies, will porn eroticize even more unrealistic things? And how will young people exposed to AI porn feel about their bodies when they grow up used to seeing private parts that are even more unrealistic than the already unrealistic real ones on screen today?

2. AI Porn May Be Soulless and Repetitive

Theres also the issue of the fact that porn, even though it may feel commercial first and foremost, is still a space for artistic expression.

Computer-generating takes away any personal touch and completely turns it into an automated Siri at best, says porn performer Sugar Love. Even when AI is good enough to communicate with a human, do we want that? Do we as a society want to void all human connection?

RELATED: Contemporary Porn Trends, Explained & Unpacked

For anyone whos ever found themselves especially connecting with a specific directors aesthetic choices or vibed to a scene or clip that they felt stood out from the rest, well, AI porn is the absolute opposite direction of that experience  building the new out of reconstituted parts of the old, rather than genuine human creativity and expression.

3. AI Porn Will Likely Be Bad for Porn Workers

Will a glut of AI-generated porn depress the wages and worsen the working conditions of people in the adult industry even more than the explosion of tube sites already has?

As a creator I see the value, and have explored the possibility of having an AI clone of myself created, says porn performer Rae Richmond. But, she says, after careful consideration, Ive decided against it.

Its a slippery slope, she notes. I think the realistic AI models could potentially replace creators someday as the technology grows, and as such, Im not in favor. It would be detrimental to the industry as a whole.

RELATED: Porn Industry Secrets, Revealed

In the meantime, AI is already being used to write scripts and hasten some aspects of production, says porn scriptwriter Maddy Barton. I dont necessarily have a big issue with using artificial intelligence to make work easier, even if its usability is often overstated because its really finicky, and the results are not always great.

However, the overall prospect of AI porn and the way it could blur the line between real and fake scares me a bit, says porn star Lexi Luna.

First, there could be AI porn of me I didnt license, which is both a personal and a copyright violation, she notes. Second, that porn could show me doing things I would never actually do.

Just as congress is moving fast to pass a law outlawing AI use in political ads, I think we need laws to protect actors, both porn and mainstream, from deep fakes, Luna concludes.

4. AI Porn of Illegal Acts Raises Complex Questions

The rise of AI porn will certainly bring with it questions about pornography that depicts illegal acts, as that will surely emerge as a new cutting-edge ethical debate, Barton says.

For instance, will AI-generated porn depicting disturbing scenes that skirt the boundaries of sexual consent raise complicated moral questions that consensually produced porn does not?

This is not an especially far-fetched hypothetical, as porn depicting staged non-consensual acts is hardly uncommon today  and were already seeing evidence of concerning requests being made of AI porn generators.

How does this genre of porn exist in the future? Is an AI-generated rape scene more or less concerning than one featuring fully consenting human actors, who are only pretending to engage in non-consensual acts?

RELATED: Understanding Consensual Non-Consent

After all, in the AI version, no one is being expected to pretend they are a participant in non-consensual activities, but on the flipside, there is no actual consenting team of actors involved. The anguish on the faces of AI-generated characters could therefore be both more and less real simultaneously.

Barton believes that tech companies are already dealing with these concerns in the field of AI chatbots, by attempting to get kind of ahead of major issues of abuse or violence, but worries that their efforts will be, by nature, imperfect.

5. AI Porn May Be Hard to Regulate

Honestly, its such uncharted territory, I dont even know where theyd begin to regulate it, Barton says. It frightens me because were witnessing in real time the collapse of places like Google, as reliable and ethical websites that no longer prioritize accurate information or useability.

RELATED: British Porn's Banned Sex Acts

Even if companies do their best to minimize the worst consequences, theres no reason to believe everyone will follow suit, she adds. Also, its a situation that Im not too trusting when it comes to government regulation, as they have a terrible record when it comes to porn and protecting people; often instituting policies that cause more harm.

We can look to the way that things like deep fakes and revenge porn have been handled to get a glimpse of what regulations on AI porn might look like  too little, too late, while real peoples reputations, livelihoods and lives are harmed in the process.

AI is soulless and based on stolen images says Sugar Love. This opens up the door for [situations where] they change one or two details on the AI to be different from the human its based on. In the future if this persists, I see a large bout of identity/content theft and turning your favorite porn stars into AI

AI Wont Replace Real Porn. But

Ultimately, as with a lot of AI, I worry about some of the trickle effects, says Barton.

Shes concerned about the blurring of the boundary between reality and fiction, how developing this technology will hurt innocent bystanders due to bad actors, and the overall impact on sex workers, who may deal with an increasingly more difficult clientele and/or find their work even more legally precarious.

RELATED: Why You Should Start Paying for Your Porn

In my experience as a human being, I think there will always be a market for non-AI porn because the excitement derives from engaging with a real person  even if they are presenting a fantasy, Barton concludes.

But, she notes, as AI porn grows in popularity, there will be a parallel market  and I dont think that the impact will just be financial for human sex workers.

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Anthony Franze is a native Texan and very passionate about covering any weather that is thrown at him. He can be reached at anthony.franze@express-news.net.

Anthony earned a degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University in 2017. He has worked as a broadcast meteorologist for six years, one at NBC Montana and the next five at NewsWest 9 in Midland before joining the Express-News in July 2023.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys watching sports, checking out local restaurants and breweries, and getting outside whenever the heat allows for it. If you have any story ideas, questions about the weather or restaurant suggestions, drop him a line.
Karim and Stevie J discovered each other in the wild west of the digital art platform Hic et Nunc back in 2021. Stevie was blown away by one of Karims pieces, Little Red Riding Hood, and a creative friendship was immediately formed.

It would only be a matter of time before Stevie and his musical partner Jules Maxwell collaborated with Karim to provide a soundtrack to his piece The Trial  a dark interactive interpretation of chapter one of Franz Kafkas novel of the same name, in late 2021. By this stage, Karim had produced a number of these immersive worlds inspired by horror stories and dark tales, and he had the idea to tie them all together in some way  thus The Cursed Library was born.

Intro

Stories and ideas

In The Cursed Library, there are six worlds in total. Three of them come directly from Karims questionable imagination: The Ogre of the Hill, The Hidden Wolf and The Night Taking Over The Kingdom.

From left to right : The Ogre of the Hill, The Hidden Wolf, The Night Taking over The Kingdom

The others are Karims personal interpretations of existing books or stories: Little Red Riding Hood, Bluebeard (Charles Perreault) and The Trial (Franz Kafka).

From left to right : Little Red Riding Hood, The House of Bluebeard, The Trial

Each world was modelled as a space with multiple viewpoints which needed to be thought out carefully. It was important to find cinematic views of each scene from different angles. The 3D aspect made the task quite complex as cheating was simply not an option  each viewpoint had to tell a slightly different story while looking spectacular in its own right.

It was important to make every scene look cinematic from every angle."

The Soundtrack

Having already composed soundtracks for two of Karims pieces, Stevie and Jules set about writing and recording music for all of the remaining worlds, and finding a way to incorporate them into the piece in a way that enhanced the narrative and atmosphere.

We recorded improvisations while watching screen capture recordings that Karim sent us, just like scoring a movie."

Stevie deconstructed the parts into much smaller elements  loops and one-shot sounds  that could be composed in different ways and shared between different scenes to keep the file size as small as possible and let us build all the scenes for all the worlds from configuration files. The biggest challenge on the audio side was keeping the file size down, since the 3D model files were already pretty hefty and, after the initial loading stage, we never wanted to show a Loading message or wait for audio to load.

To achieve this, Stevie built a custom audio engine for the piece, based on the open-source WebAudio library ToneJS. The concept was fairly simple  to set up groups of sounds that shared as many elements as possible, using a crossfade technique to smoothly change the ambient sound as the viewer moved around each world.

Occasionally the engine would also choose random options from pools of sounds at the various camera viewpoints so it wasnt always the same.

For example, in the Kafka world, there are 6 gnarly tremolo guitar lines in a kind of Marc Ribot / Tom Waits style. If a scene has a guitar in it, the engine chooses from the pool of guitar sounds for that scene. Once the sound has played, it can chain on to the next sound, play another random one or just stop. Having various options in the configuration files, meant we had quite a bit of flexibility to try out different arrangements without ever having to create any new audio files.

The engine became more and more advanced as the project went on, eventually providing options for voiceovers, multiple music layers, background world sounds, gesture audio, effects and a white noise generator.

One of our favourite uses of the engine is the gory layering of sound effects to create rhythms in The House of Bluebeard. Stevie took sound effects like chains, axes, blood dripping and his own evil grunting sounds to create a morphing rhythmic loop that accompanies the viewer through the visuals of the house. Accompanied by Jules and Stevies drunken accordion song, it makes for a pretty unusual soundtrack.

Narration

Karim thought that the project would benefit from some narration, or at least some words on the screen, as the whole project was about books. Not being a native English speaker, he turned to the internets favourite poet - ChatGPT - to create a poem for each scene.

ChatGPT is amazing at many things, but alas poetry is not one of them."

To a native English speaker, the poems written by ChatGPT were terrible, with no musical rhythm and some excruciatingly angular rhymes! Stevie insisted that the only way to do it was the old-fashioned way  sitting in his favourite cafes of south east London and writing them all by hand in his notebook. He decided to make them all four lines long, the bare minimum to set the scene so the graphics and music could do the rest.

Intro poem  Chat GPT

In the cursed library, beware!

Scary books are everywhere,

Spectres haunt the dusty shelves,

Whispers fill the spooky delves.

Each book holds a scary tale,

With curses and spells that never fail,

But if you're brave and do not fear,

You'll find adventure lurking near.

So come and see the cursed hall,

But watch your step, don't trip or fall,

For in this library, the scary books,

Will leave you with spooky looks.

Intro poem  Stevie J

In this library dark and cursed

lies more than meets the eye

Portals six are hidden here

To find them you must try

Stevie recorded the spoken poems in his deep Northern Irish voice, adding a touch of formant shifting to push the vocals into pure horror territory. The final decision was to have both text on the screen and the spoken word as audio since English spoken in a Northern Irish accent may as well be some ancient language from Lord of The Rings; the Belgian test listeners had no idea what he was saying. Stevie did also provide the option to remove the voiceovers for a minimal experience (ie. to shut himself up once and for all).

3D tricks

Karim: The idea of a library that hosts the 3D worlds hidden in its shelves seemed obvious to me. I wanted an old place with a dense atmosphere, dust and scary shadows.

The library was initially modelled as a confined space, but I ended up orienting the shelves to the outside as it was much easier for the user to navigate around. Sometimes I had to make hard decisions and occasionally ended up trading the sense of claustrophobia for usability.

The library was initially modelled as a confined space

Render of an older version of the library

Render of the final version of the library

The library is filled with hundreds of books, arranged in controlled chaos. To do so, Karim roughly placed the books on the shelves and used Blender's physics simulation to stack them naturally. That saved a few days of manually placing each book and avoiding unpleasant intersections.

Books stacking with blender physics simulation

Most of the books were simple cubes, but for others that needed to be opened and closed, Karim created a more sophisticated model driven by a few "bones". These books were animated in Blender and share the same geometry, but are textured dynamically with ThreeJS.

Open/Close book animation with blender

Lighting

For every single WebGL project, there is that same question that raises itself over and over regarding lighting:

Should we go with dynamic lighting, calculated at runtime, which allows switching between different ambiences at will, or should we stick with baked (precalculated) lighting which guarantees a boost of performance and tightly controlled art direction?

There's this thing we call "Belgian compromise" that Karim learned to embrace, albeit not without difficulty. For this project, the atmosphere in the library was key. Karim wanted living lights and shadows, as if they were secondary actors. However, getting a real-time shadow to render in WebGL was too demanding in terms of performance especially for some devices, so dynamic lighting wasnt an option.

The solution he ended up using was baking lightmaps (precalculated rendering) of three different lighting setups.

The fact that this whole project was mainly black and white allowed these three lightmaps to be combined in one texture, simply by encoding each lightmap in a different RGB channel.

This is how it looks in Blender:

Red, Green and Blue colours represent the result of 3 different lighting setups

In ThreeJS, a custom shader translates the values for each RGB channel to grayscale and mixes them in a pseudo-random way to simulate the dynamic lighting.

In Three.js these colours are translated to grayscale and are randomly mixed to simulate a dynamic lighting

Textures

One signature of Karims illustrations is a grainy hatched effect which comes from his early days illustrating children's books with scratchboards.

Initially inspired by the work of Jaume Sanchez and his cross-hatching experiments applied on screen space (https://spite.github.io/sketch/cross-hatch-i/index.html) Karim wrote a custom shader that mimics that scratchboard effect, but this time applied on object space which permitted each element to have a different texture, grain density and lighting reaction.

On the right side: the wolf textured with baked light (and a bit of hand-painting). On the far right: textures with different grayscale values are applied at runtime to bring the hatching effect.

Portals

Making portals is probably one of the most trending subjects among creative developers nowadays. Its a tricky effect that involves a good understanding of ThreeJS, its renderer, render targets and how cameras work.

The principle is quite easy to understand, though. Lets say on one side we have a main scene that contains a portal made of a simple plane and a basic material, and on the other we have a virtual scene that we want to show through the portal.

In each frame, the trick is to:

Sync the cameras of both scenes, make them share the same position and rotation; Make the virtual camera frame the corners of the portal (this part is the hardest to grasp, but fortunately ThreeJS is kind enough to offer a CameraUtils.frameCorners() function that calculates this for us); Render the virtual scene and draw the result into a render target; Use that render target as a texture for the portal; Render the main scene, now it looks like the virtual scene is inside the main scene; Repeat for each frame

An example of a portal transition. The image in the frame is a texture rendered from a virtual scene. Once the camera goes through the portal, the virtual scene becomes the real scene perhaps illustrated best by the following Codepen

This is a demo on codepen of a simpler piece that showcases the portals effect.

[codepen : demo of infinite portals]

Conclusion

The Cursed Library was a challenging project to make for a multitude of reasons, not least the fact that statistically speaking, passion projects have very low chances of ever seeing the light of day. Nevertheless, Karim and Stevie succeeded in finding a smooth way to work together remotely from different countries, coding with four hands and catching up about twice a month to keep things moving. The project ended up being a spectacular blend of immersion, visuals and music.

Frontend Frameworks and Libraries: ThreeJS, GSAP, ToneJS

Tools: Blender, Photoshop, Visual Studio Code, Github, paper and pencils

Company Info

EPIC is a digital agency co-founded by Karim. It offers strategy, development and branding services to its clients. It also traditionally creates a space besides its clients work to experiment and push further the latest technologies. The Cursed Library is one of its side projects.

Karim Maaloul is a Creative Director, illustrator and coder. Despite the darkness of his illustrations, hes surprisingly an optimistic and cheerful guy most of the time.

Stevie J Jones is a musician and creative coder based in London. He has recorded and toured with artists such as AIR, Brian Eno, Bryan Ferry and David Holmes. Hes happiest in the place where code meets music.

Jules Maxwell is a composer and musician from Northern Ireland, and has been a close friend and collaborator of Stevies for many years.
In a statement issued on the occasion, Pashinian claimed that the enduring trauma prevents many of them from objectively assessing international affairs and challenges facing Armenia.

Maybe this is also a reason why we get new shocks, reliving the trauma of the Armenian Genocide as a legacy and as a tradition, he said, risking more opposition allegations that he is helping Turkey deny the 1915 genocide as part of Yerevans ongoing rapprochement with Ankara.

The unusually worded statement came as tens of thousands of people marched to the Tsitsernakabert memorial in Yerevan to commemorate the genocide victims.

The daylong procession followed an official wreath-laying ceremony at the hilltop memorial led by Pashinian, parliament speaker Alen Simonian and President Vahagn Khachaturian. Catholicos Garegin II, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church increasingly at odds with Pashinians government, was again excluded from the annual ceremony.

The genocide began with mass arrests on April 24, 1915 of Armenian intellectuals and activists in Constantinople. An estimated 1.5 million Armenian subjects of the Ottoman Empire were massacred or starved to death in the following months and years. About three dozen nations, including Russia, France, Germany and the United States, have recognized the genocide.

U.S. President Joe Biden has repeatedly used the word genocide to describe the mass killings and deportations. By contrast, his predecessors anxious to not anger Turkey used only the Armenian phrase Meds Yeghern (Great Crime) in reference to the events of 1915.

Pashinian seemed to put the emphasis on Meds Yeghern in his latest April 24 statement. The 440-word statement mentions the term for 11 times, compared with four references to the genocide.

Pashinian also did not condemn the regime of the so-called Young Turks that ruled the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. He said instead that Ottoman Armenians became victims of geopolitical intrigues and false promises.

For us, commemoration of the martyrs of the Meds Yeghern should symbolize not the lost homeland but the found and real homeland, the Republic of Armenia, whose competitive, legitimate, thoughtful and creative policies can preclude a repeat [of the genocide,] Pashinian went on.

Never again. We should say this to not to others but to ourselves. And this is not an accusation against us at all but a point of view where we, only we, are responsible for and in charge of our destiny.

Earlier this month, a senior Armenian pro-government lawmaker allied to Pashinian, Andranik Kocharian, called for verifying the number of the genocide victims and ascertaining the circumstances of their deaths. Kocharian said Pashinian wants to make the entire list of compatriots subjected to genocide more objective.

The remarks sparked uproar from Armenian government critics, civil society figures and genocide scholars. They accused Kocharian of echoing the official Turkish narrative that Armenians had died in much smaller numbers and not as a result of a premediated Ottoman government policy.

Kocharian stated the following day that he expressed his personal opinion, rather than the Pashinian governments position. He denied casting doubt on the Armenian genocide. Opposition leaders dismissed the explanation, continuing to accuse Pashinian of planning another far-reaching concession to Ankara.

Pashinians wife, Anna Hakobian, was jeered by several dozen people when she visited the Tsitsernakabert memorial later on Wednesday. The hecklers, who apparently included opposition supporters, chanted Genocidal Nikol! and Nikol the Turk! as Hakobian and one of her daughters surrounded by bodyguards laid flowers by the memorials eternal fire.
During the spring and summer, the peak hours for sunlight are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is also when the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is the highest because the sun is directly overhead, resulting in a higher risk for sunburn. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

With sunnier skies likely ahead of us in San Antonio, dermatologists are spreading awareness of the importance of sunscreen and the dangers of sunburn  even when its not blazing hot.

Here are some lesser-known aspects of sunscreen and sunburn, according to experts.

Surprising stat

Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which is usually emitted by the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. More than 33,000 sunburns requiring emergency room visits are reported annually in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Ultraviolet radiation also can place people at risk for skin cancer and eye disease.

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Angle of the sun

During the spring and summer, the peak hours for sunlight are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This also is when the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is the highest because the sun is directly overhead, resulting in a higher risk for sunburn.

If I go out and my shadow is a lot shorter than I am tall, that means the sun is almost directly overhead. That means the sunburn risk is really high, said Hal Needham, an extreme weather and disaster scientist in Galveston. Thats why even if its April, the angle of the sun is really high in the sky but the temperature may only be 65 degrees, but you can still get fried.

Dr. Camila Antia, a dermatologist at The Skin People, a clinic in Bellaire, said to apply sunscreen outside the peak sunlight hours, too, because there is still a chance of burning. Antia suggested consulting the local UV index before going outside.

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TEXAS WEATHER: Ranking the worst hurricane seasons in Texas in the past 15 years

If its anything above 3, you should be using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing and seeking shade, Antia said. She also said many people dont realize they can still get sunburned on a cloudy day, as more than 90% of ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds.

Man with reddened, itchy skin after sunburn. Skin care and protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Cream protection RobertoDavid/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Once is not enough

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, said Dr. Catherine Degesys, dermatologist for the Mayo Clinic in Florida.

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Although a sunscreens sun protection factor, or SPF, indicates how well it blocks the suns ultraviolet rays, it doesnt indicate how long a person is protected.

An SPF of 30 blocks approximately 97% of the radiation from the suns rays, an SPF of 50 blocks about 98% of the suns rays, but they both last the same amount of time, Degesys said. Putting on sunscreen in the morning doesnt mean youre protected for the day.

Dermatologists say people should reapply sunscreen every two hours if they are spending a lot of time outside and more frequently if they are swimming and sweating.

Degesys also said people often dont put on enough sunscreen. She recommends adults apply 2 to 3 tablespoons  enough for a shot glass  of sunscreen per application over the entire body.

She also aid people often do not apply sunscreen at the same density throughout the body, so they may not be getting as much protection from the sun as they believe.

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Darker skin at risk, too

Although people with lighter skin tones, eye color and hair color burn more easily than those with more melanin in their skin, skin cancers can affect people of all skin tones, and everyone should wear sunscreen and sun protection while exposed to the sun, Degesys said.

Many studies have shown that people with darker skin have lower reports of skin cancer than people with fairer skin, but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer accounts for up to 2% of cancers in Black people.

Darker skin tone does offer some protection against ultraviolet rays, but it's only the equivalent of SPF 13, which doesnt fully protect the skin (dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above).

The suns ultraviolet radiation is responsible not only for sunburns and skin cancers but also photodamage that results in skin aging, such as freckling, sagging skin and wrinkles, Degesys said. Everyone should wear sunscreen and sun protection when exposed to the sun.

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Fatigue, flu-like symptoms

People who experience sunburns develop symptoms beyond painful and inflamed skin.

The stronger the sunburn, the more you are going to feel like you have the flu, Antia said.

After a day in the sun, a person is going to feel dehydrated because the blood vessels in their skin dilate to release heat and because they sweat more. The feeling of dehydration could result in fatigue and flu-like symptoms.
Riot police arrested five of them late on Tuesday while clashing with protesters who blocked a road junction close to Armenias main border crossing with Georgia. They remained in custody as of Wednesday evening.

The detainees included Suren Petrosian, a Yerevan-based political activist and analyst who has emerged as one of the leaders of the protests mainly involving residents of four Tavush villages that would be seriously affected by the planned handover. News reports said that he could be charged with hooliganism.

Armenias Investigative Committee did not clarify whether Petrosian and the four other men will be indicted or released without charge.

Another active participant of the protests, retired army Colonel Mihran Makhsudian, was hospitalized shortly after the dispersal of Tuesdays protest. According to his wife Rita Grigorian, he suffered a serious injury to his head while being taken to a local police station.

Makhsudian is a resident of Voskepar, one of the border villages in question. He bitterly argued with Interior Minister Vahe Ghazarian on Monday at a section of a national highway passing through Tavush.

Azerbaijan is due to gain control over the road section adjacent to the village of Kirants and three nearby areas under the terms of a controversial border delimitation deal announced by Baku and Yerevan last Friday. Hundreds of protesters continued to block the section for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday. Security forces have so far made no attempts to disperse them.

We drew the border in the 1990s, one of the protesters told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. Our older generation did that. People, young men died for that.

Also risking prosecution were seven other men affiliated with Combat Brotherhood, a Yerevan-based group also strongly opposed to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians fresh territorial concession to Baku. They were arrested on Monday after clashing with the driver of a military vehicle that tried to drive through another road blocked by protesters. Videos posted on social media showed the driver jumping onto the crowd from the roof of the SUV belonging to the Yerkrapah militia led by Sasun Mikaelian, a political ally of Pashinian.

Mikaelian accused the protesters of attacking the Yerkrapah member and damaging his car. Investigators have backed this version of events disputed by Combat Brotherhood. A member of the group, Ruben Dallakian, insisted that his detained comrades tried to stop the Yerkrapah vehicle from running over them and other protesters.

The same vehicle reportedly rammed into another protesting crowd on Tuesday, sparking more allegations that Yerkrapah is executing government orders to intimidate the protesters. Mikaelian denied that.

Armenias human rights ombudswoman, Anahit Manasian, expressed concern over those incidents. Speaking to RFE/RLs Armenian Service she said her office has demanded that law-enforcement authorities adequately investigate them.

Manasian also said that office representatives have visited Petrosian and other arrested activists in jail. She did not comment on opposition claims that they are subjected to political persecution.
24 April 2024 15:17 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

On 24 April 2024, ADA University hosted the international forum themed COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, attended the forum and responded to questions from the event participants. The Azerbaijani President touched on many key points in his speech, mentioning various issues regarding domestic and foreign policy, as well as the role of Azerbaijan in the global economy.

According to President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan's economy is actually self-sufficient, demonstrating sustainable growth even during periods of crisis.

Commenting on the Azerbaijani President's speech, British expert Neil Watson stated in his remarks to Azernews that under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and his son, President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has pursued the most independent economic policy of any former Soviet Republic since regaining its independence in 1991.

"This is, of course, due to the significant oil and gas deposits in the country, but also attributable to the way in which the oil wealth has been managed since the signing of the Contract of the Century with a bp-led consortium in 1994. This has enabled Azerbaijan to retain much of the revenues accruing from its hydrocarbons, explore new markets beyond the former Soviet space, and benefit from the latest Western techniques of exploitation and conveyance. The SOFAZ state oil fund and other initiatives have retained much of the wealth, serving as a shock absorber in the face of global economic crises and keeping Azerbaijan as the economic powerhouse of the South Caucasus."

Watson mentioned that the key factors are the successful retention of hydrocarbon revenues and the gradual diversification of the economy.

"Despite the decrease in oil prices since 2015 and the increasing impact of renewable energy strategies across the globe, the President has led initiatives to diversify the economy into many areas, including IT and tourism. Obviously, the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict and housing one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been a tremendous drain on the Azerbaijani economy. In the post-war scenario, there is much demining and reconstruction to do, which will cost billions of AZN. However, this will eventually end, and the liberated territories will also contribute to Azerbaijani GDP."

"Adept management of hydrocarbon wealth has been key to minimizing foreign debt and achieving economic development goals. The Azerbaijani government always seeks to realize achievable programs and goals in many sectors, including IT and tourism, and always seeks to implement Western technologies and methodologies.

Furthermore, it has a literate and educated demographically young population and is blessed with other environmental benefits, including wind, solar, and wave energy, as well as exemplary agriculture. Naturally, further economic diversification is necessary, but the success in liberating Garabagh has proven that when the Azerbaijani government under President Aliyev formulates a strategy, victory is certain to follow," the British expert added.

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24 April 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Economic relations between China and Azerbaijan are deepening day by day. The trade turnover between the two countries has increased recently, and China has risen to the first ranks in Azerbaijan's imports. The Chinese market is lucrative for Azerbaijan, especially with regard to agriculture products. That is why, Azerbaijan is interested in this market and has opened five trading houses in the different cities of China.

Besides, Chinese companies operate in Azerbaijan, especially in the liberated territories. Furthermore, China and Azerbaijan started to cooperate in the production of renewable energy sector. Thus, China has committed to the construction of 230 MW power plants in Garabagh. The relationships are based on a long-term perspective.

Speaking to Azernews economist Natig Jafarly noted that China ranks at the top three in the list of imported products of Azerbaijan for the last 10 years. He recalled that in the first three months of this year, 20 percent of Azerbaijan's imported products came from China. In other words, quite serious economic relations with China have been established for a long time, and these relations are deepening.

Since the beginning of 2024, Azerbaijani state representatives have been visiting China, and there are negotiations and certain agreements with China regarding the establishment of relations and the implementation of new projects. Of course, the prospects for expanding relations in this field are extremely high. One of the directions that China will set an example for Azerbaijan's economy is to pay more attention to production, Natig Jafarly said.

He added that as is known, China is a manufacturing country. The Economist emphasized that considering this point of view, it is possible to achieve quite successful results if Azerbaijan cooperates with China on the implementation of certain new projects in order to increase production and create added value. As for green energy, Natig Jafarly said that China is currently the world leader in the production of green energy and equipment.

For example, the European Union recently realized that 90 percent of the solar panels used in Europe come from China. This indicates that China is becoming a world leader in the transition to green energy or renewable energy. It also took the first place in the world in the production of electric cars. In other words, considering this point of view, China has serious successes, and these successes are based on a serious strategy of investing in the economy with the support of the state. Not long ago, while the transition to green energy was being discussed around the world, China did real work in this field, proving that the transition to green energy is a reality. Even today, China is reaping the benefits of this strategy. Of course, Azerbaijan and China can seriously cooperate in this field as well. Because Azerbaijan has a great potential. Basically, the potential of Azerbaijan in acquiring solar energy is extremely high. Natural conditions allow it. There are areas of Azerbaijan where 260-270 days of the year are completely sunny. This also creates opportunities to widely use the potential of solar energy, Natig Jafarly concluded.

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Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

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24 April 2024 10:51 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Rovshan Najaf, president of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), met with British ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Old, and Emma Thomas, co-chair of the United Kingdom Export Finance Department (UKEF) on global origin, Azernews reports, citing the SOCAR.

SOCAR noted that at the meeting the cooperation relations between the two countries have been successfully continued in various fields, including the energy sector. The long-term and effective activity of British companies in Azerbaijan was noted. The important role of the global energy projects implemented at the initiative of Azerbaijan in the energy security of the region, including Europe, was discussed.

During the conversation, SOCAR's projects implemented in Azerbaijan and various countries, its transformation from an oil and gas company to an international energy company, and other strategic goals defined in the Corporate Strategy until 2035 were reported.

Within the framework of the meeting, views were exchanged on renewable energy, fair energy transition, decarbonization, "Net Zero", digitization and development of human capital, and other issues of mutual interest.

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24 April 2024 11:42 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) under the Azerbaijan Economy Ministry is ready to provide support to business entities that want to start operations in Azerbaijan, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of SMBDA, said at the Azerbaijan- Bashkortostan Business Forum held in Baku, Azernews reports.

He emphasized that there are prospects for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Bashkortostan: "We actively cooperate with the Russian Trade Mission in Azerbaijan, the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The purpose of this cooperation is to promote business initiatives of entrepreneurs, create favorable conditions for business cooperation and ensure necessary coordination."

Mammadov recalled that he remembers well the visit of the delegation of Bashkortostan to the Agency in February 2022: "We initially discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of SMEs, interaction with the relevant departments of Bashkortostan, organization of potential joint events, exchange of information in investment."

The chairman also pointed out that SMBDA considers it important to maintain relations with the regions of the Russian Federation and direct B2B relations: "We see future prospects of interaction at the institutional level, as well as in the format of providing permanent networking for businessmen."

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24 April 2024 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Three documents were signed between Azerbaijan and the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan at the Azerbaijan- Bashkortostan Business Forum held in Baku on April 24, Azernews reports.

The parties concluded two cooperation agreements - between the Azerbaijan Exhibition Organizers Association and the Bashkortostan Exhibition Company, and between Azerbaijan's "MT Group" and Bashkortostan's "Bashinkom" company, as well as a memorandum of understanding between the "AEF" company and "Davlekonovskiy Bread Factory".

During the signing ceremony, Deputy Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Tural Hacl noted that the purpose of today's event is to develop the non-oil sector between Azerbaijan and Bashkortostan. According to him, the aim of these signed documents is to promote relations between the two countries.

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24 April 2024 13:56 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The Republic of Bashkortostan (Russia) counts on the development of trade operations with Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic Ilshat Fazrakhmanov said at the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan business forum, Azernews reports.

We came here with the hope of long-term cooperation, so that the business circles of Bashkortostan and Azerbaijan would find each other. This is a two-way street. We are ready to export Bashkir products to Azerbaijan and organize imports into Bashkortostan of goods not produced in our Republic, said Fazrakhmanov.

He added that the geographic location of Bashkortostan makes it possible to expand the geography of supplies of products from Azerbaijan to nearby regions (Chelny, St. Petersburg, Izhevsk, etc.).

Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Azerbaijan Ruslan Mirsayapov, in turn, said that the delegation of Bashkortostan arrived in Azerbaijan with the aim of expanding cooperation.

The delegation arrived with good proposals for the supply of non-energy products and in the hope of finding partners here, he noted.

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24 April 2024 14:32 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The Small and Medium Business Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy is ready to provide support to business subjects who want to start operations in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KOBIA, said this at the Azerbaijan-Bashkirstan Business Forum held in Baku.

He emphasized that there are prospects for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Bashkortostan: "We are actively cooperating with the Russian Trade Mission in Azerbaijan, the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The purpose of this cooperation is to promote business initiatives of entrepreneurs, create favorable conditions for business cooperation and ensure necessary coordination."

He recalled that he remembers well the visit of the delegation of Bashkortostan to the Agency in February 2022: "We initially discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of SMEs, interaction with the relevant departments of Bashkortostan, organization of potential joint events, exchange of information in the field of investment."

O. Mammadov said that KOBIA considers it important to maintain relations with the regions of the Russian Federation and direct B2B relations: "We see future prospects of interaction at the institutional level, as well as in the format of providing permanent networking for businessmen."

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24 April 2024 15:51 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Baku took third place in the list of the fastest growing cities with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2023, Azernews reports, citing FDI Intelligence.

Ranked third was Azerbaijans capital Baku, which last year recorded its highest number of FDI projects since 2017. Alongside several logistics FDI projects, Hungary-based Hell Group plans to invest $211 million into an aluminum beverage can plant in the citys Alat Free Economic Zone, reads the report.

The leading city for FDI growth in 2023 was the university hub of Mannheim in southwest Germany, where a number of existing investors like pharma giant Roche have decided to expand their presence.

Craiova, the city home to carmaker Ford in Romania, had the second highest growth of FDI, largely due to a 125 million euros shopping center built by NEPI Rockcastle, which attracted several foreign-branded retail stores.

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24 April 2024 17:31 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Azerbaijan's Lachin has great potential for hydropower development, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin district Masim Mammadov said at a conference within the framework of the International Forum themed "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan", Azernews reports.

Four new hydroelectric power plants have been constructed in the area so far. Four more power stations are anticipated to be erected before the end of the year. We are also working to build a new reservoir with a capacity of 26.7 million cubic meters. It will be utilized for irrigation in the nearby Gubadli and Zangilan districts he noted.

Mammadov also stated that another project is underway to construct a massive reservoir on the Hakari river with a capacity of 91 million cubic meters, which will be utilized not only for irrigation but also to provide drinking water to other regions, maybe including Baku.

The International Forum's conference on "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan" has begun in Lachin, with 64 authoritative specialists from 30 nations in attendance.

Academics, former ambassadors, and officials from international think tanks offered their expertise in sustainable development and green energy during a conference co-organized by ADA University and the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR).

On April 23, they took part in the international forum on the above theme at ADA University and directed questions to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
Shown is the projected upper atmosphere weather pattern for Thursday night. A low pressure system is expected over Colorado, New Mexico, and the northern Texas Panhandle. Pivotal Weather

All week long, southerly winds will be carrying moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, straight into South Texas. Thats going to cause higher humidity levels and lead to more cloud cover in San Antonio.

To get significant rain chances, though, we need more than just high moisture levels. We also need an atmospheric disturbance, like a low pressure system, to interact with the moisture in the atmosphere.

This week, models do indicate a couple of low pressure systems that will move over parts of the southern Plains. However, theyre likely to move too far to the north to give San Antonio a significant chance of heavy rain or thunderstorms. Instead, areas in the northern and western parts of Texas are far more likely to see heavy rainfall and severe weather.

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Still, San Antonio will have a chance for some rainfall by the second half of this week and into the weekend. Heres a look at what you can expect.

Wednesdays forecast

Expect a humid, muggy start to the day on Wednesday. Morning temperatures will only be in the middle to upper 60s with low clouds and patchy fog across the region. The best chance for fog will occur between 3 and 9 a.m. across the Hill Country and along the Interstate 35 corridor. Mist or drizzle may also develop, but heavy rainfall is not expected.

Mostly cloudy skies will stick around through much of the morning and early afternoon, causing temperatures to increase only very slowly. San Antonio will still be in the 70s through 1 to 2 p.m. Temperatures are expected to reach the low 80s by the late afternoon, thanks to some peeks of sunshine.

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If youre planning on attending NIOSA during Fiesta on Wednesday evening, the weather should not cause any problems. Temperatures will fall back to the 70s after 7 p.m. Even though humidity will persist, no rain is expected to spoil the fun.

Slight rain chances enter the forecast

Thursdays forecast will be very similar. A muggy, potentially foggy morning will transition to a warm and mostly cloudy afternoon as highs rise into the mid-80s.

However, a system of low atmospheric pressure will be moving across Colorado, New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle by Thursday evening. Its going to increase chances of severe thunderstorms for parts of West and North Texas. Here in South Texas, though, showers and storm chances will be very low, only at 10 to 20% Thursday night.

Shown is expected rainfall from Wednesday through Sunday, according to the National Blend of Models. The highest rainfall amounts are expected in North Texas. Pivotal Weather

Those chances will increase a bit on Friday, though. In the morning and afternoon, San Antonio rain chances will rise to between 20% and 30%. Still, the heaviest rainfall and highest chance of severe weather is expected to stay to the north, in parts of Central and North Texas.

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How about the weekend?

Another similar low pressure system will move across nearly the same locations on Saturday. This will once again increase thunderstorm chances across parts of North and West Texas, keeping South Texas rain chances relatively low. Temperatures will increase, however, and reach the upper 80s in San Antonio by Saturday.
24 April 2024 17:16 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Samir Mammadov, and the Regional Head of the Caucasus for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Alkis Vriennios Drakinos discussed boosting the green economy transition from 2024 through 2029, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.

The parties also discussed the preliminary draft of the new country strategy of the bank for Azerbaijan for the above period, including considerations for the transport sector.

"Drakinos informed the Azerbaijani side about the preliminary draft of the new country strategy of the bank, which reflects the priorities and goals of Azerbaijan for 2024-2029, including in the fields of digitalization and transport," the ministry noted.

The meeting also hosted an exchange of opinions on facilitating economic diversification through providing greater support to private sector management and state-owned enterprises in the transport sector and expanding regional opportunities.

"During the meeting, Mammadov discussed the work done in the digitalization and diversification of the transport sector in the country, the development of transport corridors, and other issues, as well as existing projects and plans for the future," the information stated.

To note, the EBRD actively finances infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan, and mutual cooperation has been successfully developing since 1992.

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24 April 2024 14:14 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Sumgayit State Drama Theater has presented Ali Amirli's play "After Twenty Years" in Baku, Azernews reports.

The production was staged under the project carried out by the Culture Ministry and Azerbaijan Theater Workers' Union as part of the "Guest Theater" project.

Firudin Maharramov (director of the play), Sevinj Hasanova (artistic director) and Ph.D. in Art Studies Telman Ganiyev (music composer) worked on the production.

After the performance, Azerbaijan Theater Workers' Union awarded the author of the play, Honored Art Worker, Professor Ali Amirli with the Order of Honor for the original literary material of the play.

Through its activities, the Sumgayit State Drama Theater has significantly contributed to the country's theater art.

The drama theater opened its curtain with Mirza Fatali Akhundzade's "Monsieur Jordan the Botanist and Dervish Mastali-shah", directed by Jannat Salimova.

The theaters repertoire includes the plays of classic and contemporary Azerbaijani, Russian and foreign playwrights.

The Sumgayit State Drama Theater celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Prominent public figures, representatives of culture and art attended the event.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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24 April 2024 11:07 (UTC+04:00)

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) fully maintains its obligations towards Armenia, despite the official decision to limit Yerevan's participation in the union's work, Secretary-General of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said, Azernews reports.

"Armenia has really limited its participation in the work of the CSTO, but the main mechanisms of interaction are functioning, the work on the organization's agenda continues," he said.

Tasmagambetov emphasized that all obligations of the CSTO towards Armenia are kept in full compliance with the organization's charter goals and principles.

The secretary-general also pointed out that Yerevan's choice - to remain within the organization or to leave the organization - will be the sovereign decision of this independent state.

"Another issue is how the current leadership of Armenia assesses the national security threats and risks faced by the country," he added.

According to him, the analysts of the Secretariat of the organization note that if Armenia leaves the CSTO, the balance of power in the South Caucasus may change, but it is very difficult to predict or calculate the effect of regional security factors in this situation.

"As for about the possibility of Armenia's confrontation with the CSTO, I hope that this is nothing more than a hypothesis. It is necessary to take into account the resource base and real capabilities of the parties, therefore the issue cannot be classified as extremely urgent at the moment, it requires analysis," Tasmagambetov stressed.

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24 April 2024 11:25 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The visit of the participants of the "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan" international forum to the Garabagh region has begun, Azernews reports.

The representatives of 64 think tanks from 30 countries are participating in the visit.

The guests first visited the city of Zangilan, where they got acquainted with the Zangilan International Airport. The experts will also visit the city of Lachin, where the international forum that started a day ago in Baku will continue its work.

The participants of the forum will discuss preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in Baku in November this year, and Azerbaijan's activities in the field of "green energy".

It should be noted that the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev declared 2024 as the "Year of Solidarity for the Green World" in the country.

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24 April 2024 14:41 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

A meeting of foreign experts with the youth was held at the ADA University under the international forum on "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan" jointly organized by the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ADA University and Azerbaijani Students and Alumni Platform (ASAP), Azernews reports.

Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fuad Muradov and acting director of the Youth Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan Gadir Khalilov attended in the meeting.

Opening the event, Fariz Ismayilzade, Vice-Rector of ADA University, stated that the COP29 event to be held in Baku will not be just a meeting to discuss environmental problems but also a significant global forum where important steps will be taken together to solve the issues in the mentioned field.

During the interactive discussion, which involved 64 experts from 30 countries, the capabilities of Azerbaijan to collaborate with other countries and global organizations in developing robust methods for addressing current ecological problems were highlighted. It was noted that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan reflects the country's active role in targeting climate change and supporting global initiatives aimed at promoting green practices. The fact that Azerbaijan is a participant of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement demonstrates its commitment to combating climate change.

In the continuation of the meeting, young participants shared their views with international experts on the general attitude of youth towards climate issues, initiatives in this direction, the impact of the current geopolitical situation and the development dynamics of trends related to the environment with new generation innovations, and addressed their questions to the experts.

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24 April 2024 20:30 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Yesterday, ADA University hosted the international forum themed COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the forum and responded to questions from the event participants.

In his speech, President said that today we see groundless attacks on Azerbaijan by some countries. We are taking retaliatory measures. Emphasizing that these countries have actually started a cold war against Azerbaijan, the president said: "We take mirror measures and do not cross red lines."

In a comment for Azernews on the issue, Elkhan Shahinoghlu, analyst and head of Baku-based Atlas Research Centre noted that France is on the first place in the list of countries that the Azerbaijani President intended.

"When the head of state expressed his opinion about countries that have a cold attitude towards Azerbaijan, he most likely meant France. France-Azerbaijan relations developed in the 90s. Relations were normal," he said.

The expert linked the tension of French-Azerbaijani relations with Emmanuel Macron's coming to power in France. Thus, Macron spoiled the relations between the countries.

"After Emmanuel Macron was elected president in France, everything changed. As soon as he came to power, he made his pro-Armenian position clear. In the Second Garabagh war, he demonstrated his direct support to Armenia, made anti-Azerbaijani statements, and burned bridges between the countries," Shahinoghlu added.

The political scientist said that French-Azerbaijani relations are currently bad. He also reminded the recall of the official ambassador of Paris to Baku. It is worth noting that Paris has recalled its ambassador in Baku on april 17 "for consultations". Official Paris unjustly accused official Baku of undermining bilateral relations. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has rejected accusations of these unilateral actions.

"Azerbaijan-France relations have hit rock bottom, and they even recalled the Paris ambassador. The West is to blame for this destruction of relations," expert said.

Elkhan Sahinoglu also mentioned other institutions that are biased against Azerbaijan. He said that the United States, in turn, is among the countries waging a cold war.

"France is not the only country that takes a biased position against Azerbaijan. For example, the American Congress still intends to adopt anti-Azerbaijani resolutions and documents under the influence of the Armenian lobby," he added.

The expert drew attention to the biased position of the United States in the region. He mentioned the aid package that Washington will send to Ukraine in the near future.

"Currently, Ukraine is fighting for its territorial integrity. The American Congress allocates 61 billion dollars to Ukraine. However, when Azerbaijan ensures its territorial integrity, the attitude is completely different. This is clearly bias. President Ilham Aliyev also meant such centres, which waged a cold war against Azerbaijan.

I am grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today.



I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell @LeaderMcConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2024

It should be noted that during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the US president Joseph Biden promised to "move quickly" to send Ukraine fresh military aid, as part of a new $61bn (49bn) support package. And today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared a post on his X account in which he thanked the US President.

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24 April 2024 16:59 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijan continues contributing to peace, security and prosperity through diplomacy and multilateralism, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizada, on his official "X"account.

"Today is the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. Multilateralism is both a method of cooperation & a form of organization of the international system," he added.

Today is the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.



Multilateralism is both a method of cooperation & a form of organization of the international system.



 continues contributing to peace, security and prosperity through diplomacy and multilateralism. pic.twitter.com/1I0GqyfYy7  Aykhan Hajizada (@Aykhanh) April 24, 2024

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24 April 2024 16:10 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijani Energy Ministry held the 4th meeting of the Working Group on Energy between the Azerbaijani and Hungarian Governments in a hybrid format, Azernews reports.

Zaur Mammadov, the co-chairman of the Working Group, and the chief of staff of the Energy Ministry, made a speech and noted that the political relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary are at a high level, and mutual visits at the highest level contribute to the development of cooperation. He emphasized that the meetings held at various levels and the signed documents contributed to the development of cooperation in the field of both traditional energy and green energy, the work done and the results achieved were ahead of the plans.

Ms. Isabella Feierabend, the co-chair of the meeting, and the head of the Department of Energy and Climate Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, shared her views on the current state of cooperation within the framework of the Working Group and the steps to be taken in the current year.

At the meeting, detailed information was provided on the work done during the past period since the 3rd meeting of the Working Group, presentations on projects implemented in the fields of oil and gas cooperation, renewable energy, energy regulation and energy efficiency were heard. In June of last year, the issues arising from the agreement on natural gas supply concluded between the energy companies of the two countries were reviewed, interest was expressed in continuing discussions on medium and long-term gas trade.

The results of the ministerial meetings held for the implementation of the Agreement on strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary were referred to, and it was noted that this cooperation platform contributed to the implementation of the green agenda of both countries.

The meeting also encouraged the continuation of mutual training and seminars between the regulatory bodies of the countries, exchanged ideas on the exchange of experience in the field of energy efficiency and the management of energy efficiency funds.

At the end of the meeting, the Protocol on the conclusions of the 4th meeting of the Working Group on Energy was signed. It was decided to hold the next meeting of the working group in Budapest next year.

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24 April 2024 19:41 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov have attended an unveiling ceremony of a monument to prominent Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the event, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich.

Dear guests, dear friends.

It is a significant day in the history of brotherly relations between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan today. We are unveiling a monument to the great son of the Kyrgyz people, Chingiz Aitmatov. I am sure that it will serve as yet another symbol of our friendship, our brotherhood and our unity.

Chingiz Aitmatov is a world-famous writer, a prominent son of the Kyrgyz people who, throughout his life, represented his nation both within the Soviet Union and on a global scale with dignity.

People in Azerbaijan loved his works and respected him as a person for his active civic position, national spirit and attachment to his roots. I remember that he visited Azerbaijan shortly before his demise and I had the opportunity to meet and had a lengthy conversation with him on many issues. On that day, I presented to him a high order of the Azerbaijani state, the Dostlug order, as a sign of respect and in recognition of his merits in strengthening our relations. He has always been on the side of justice. It is no coincidence that he earned tremendous respect both in the former USSR and globally not only as a writer, but also as a public figure. The memory of him, of course, lives in the hearts of the Kyrgyz people and all brotherly nations.

While on a state visit to Kyrgyzstan, I visited his grave and paid tribute of the Azerbaijani people to his memory.

It is significant that the monument is to be unveiled as part of the state visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan. Today, we held very fruitful and important negotiations on many issues, including humanitarian cooperation. As you may know, Baku is hosting the Days of Culture of Kyrgyzstan these days, and it is quite symbolic that it is within the framework of such official events and the state visit that we are participating in this ceremony today in one of the central streets of Baku, Azadlig Street.

I would like to congratulate the Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz peoples on this significant occasion. The monument to Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku will symbolize our unity, our friendship and our brotherhood. And I would also like to note that I am sure that the entire Turkic world is proud of its worthy representative and the only thing we all regret about, of course, is that he passed away too early. And nothing foreshadowed that. As I have already mentioned, I met him in Baku shortly before his passing, just a few months before, and he was full of energy as always and looked good. He told me about his plans. It was 2008, but I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Once again, I congratulate all of us and say the words welcome again  Welcome, distinguished Mr. President. I am sure that the friendship and brotherhood between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan, between our peoples will be eternal. Thank you.

XXX

President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov said.

- Dear Ilham Heydarovich.

Dear friends. Today we are gathered in the beautiful city of Baku to mark an important event  the unveiling of a monument to the outstanding Kyrgyz writer and son of all Turkic people who illuminated our world with his talent and deep understanding of human soul.

On behalf of Kyrgyzstan, I would like to express gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev, for his reverent attitude to our country and Chingiz Aitmatov. This monument is an expression of respect and recognition of Chingiz Aitmatov's creative heritage.

Dear Ilham Heydarovich, dear friends. I am glad that the Azerbaijani side pays great attention to the cultural ties between our countries. This is extremely important from the point of view of bringing our peoples closer together. The commemoration of Chingiz Aitmatov is a landmark event in our relations. We know that Chingiz Aitmatov was a great friend of Azerbaijan, and I would like to specifically highlight his friendship with the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. Their relations were unique and strong. Both personalities left an indelible mark in history. Heydar Aliyev highly valued him as a writer and intellectual. He used to say that Chingiz Aitmatov, who gave remarkable works to the treasury of world literature, was the pride of both Kyrgyzstan and the entire Turkic world.

Dear Ilham Heydarovich, we also appreciate your personal contribution to the high-level organization of Chingiz Aitmatov's birthday anniversary in brotherly Azerbaijan. According to your decree, Chingiz Aitmatov was the first to be awarded the high order of Dostlug on February 25, 2008. Chingiz Torekulovich wasnt just a writer, he was a true genius of word whose works penetrate to the inner depths of the soul, making us think about the meaning of life, love and human destiny. His works, such as Jamila and White Ship are not only amazing due to their beauty and wisdom, but also cause delight and admiration with the great creative talent. The establishment of this monument in Baku is a symbol of strong bonds between the brotherly peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. It is a confirmation that the works of Chingiz Aitmatov unite us all in a common aspiration to beauty, wisdom and harmony. It is important for the younger generation to know and understand the history of relations between our countries, the role of historic personalities and leaders who predetermined the current level of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In the context of bilateral relations, I would like to note that the first visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Kyrgyzstan was made by Heydar Aliyev in 1995 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Manas epic. At that time, he said sacred words: We feel and understand each other with our hearts. With this short but very touching and sincere phrase, he meant that Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are truly brotherly nations. The monument we are unveiling today will become a place where everyone will be able to come in contact with the great writer, honor his memory and be inspired by his work. Let it be a reminder of the greatness of the human spirit and the power of word.

Please allow me to express my deep gratitude to all those who invested their energy, talent and resources in the creation of this monument. May it become a symbol of our unity and eternal attachment to the values that Chingiz Aitmatov so beautifully reflected in his works.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijani side and wish the brotherly Azerbaijani people peace, happiness and prosperity. Thank you for your attention.

XXX

The heads of state unveiled the monument to Chingiz Aitmatov.

The bronze monument of Chinghiz Aitmatov stands nearly 3 meters tall and weighs approximately 6 tons. An accompanying information plaque, written in both Azerbaijani and English, is installed in front of the monument.

XXX

Later, the heads of state met and conversed with prominent cultural and artistic figures from Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.

Then, they posed for photographs.

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24 April 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Russian automaker AvtoVAZ is working on a strategy for returning to the Uzbekistan market this year. The companys export director, Ilya Savinov, spoke about this in an interview with Spot on April 22 at the industrial exhibition INNOPROM. Central Asia, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

Now we are working on a strategy for entering the Uzbekistan market  returning to Uzbekistan. Today, negotiations are underway with partners who will represent the Lada brand  these are distributors and importers. We are identifying partners with whom we will continue our cooperation. Now, during the negotiations, unfortunately, we are not yet ready to disclose the details, he shared.

According to Ilya Savinov, the Russian company plans to localize car production and is negotiating on this topic with local partners, whom the AvtoVAZ representative refused to name.

The automakers immediate plans include introducing the Lada Niva Legend, Granta, Vesta SW Cross and Largus car models to the local market.

In addition, the export director of AvtoVAZ positively assessed the restrictions on the import of cars into the republic introduced on April 1.

This is a good solution that allows us to control and regulate the automobile market, support local automakers, as they create jobs and generate additional tax revenues, and, of course, it is important to control the flow of imports. I personally assess the decision as absolutely correct, Ilya Savinov summed up.

He also emphasized that having the status of an official distributor or importer is an important condition for importing cars into any market.

Large-scale assembly (SKD) of Lada in Uzbekistan started in October 2021. At the ADM Jizzakh plant of the Roodell company, three models were produced for the local market  Vesta, Largus, XRay.

In June 2022, it was reported that Roodell was preparing to launch the full production cycle of Lada. On the territory of the plant, construction of new premises for workshops was underway, where it was planned to produce new models.

In April last year, AvtoVAZ President Maxim Sokolov spoke about plans to launch the production of a new Lada Vesta model in Uzbekistan. The concern planned to produce up to 30 thousand cars annually at the Jizzakh site.

In September of the same year, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury included AvtoVAZ on the sanctions list (SDN list).

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Japanese politicians visit notorious war-linked Yasukuni shrine despite opposition

Xinhua) 10:46, April 24, 2024

TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, despite strong opposition both at home and abroad, on Tuesday visited the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of the country's past brutal militarism.

The politician, well-known for her hawkish views on security issues, paid the visit on the second day of the country's three-day spring festival ceremony at the war-linked shrine in central Tokyo's Chiyoda district.

More than 90 Japanese lawmakers, including some senior vice ministers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, also visited the shrine on Tuesday.

The Yasukuni Shrine, widely seen as a spiritual tool and a symbol of the Japanese militarists responsible for the war of aggression, honors 14 convicted Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II and has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.

Tuesday's visits came after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, alongside the speaker of Japan's House of Representatives and the president of Japan's House of Councillors, sent ritual offerings to the shrine on Sunday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday said China firmly rejects Japan's negative actions related to the Yasukuni Shrine.

"China urges Japan to earnestly honor its words and commitment to face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression, make a clean break from militarism, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson with the ministry.

The South Korean government also expressed its deep disappointment and regret over Japan's responsible leaders once again sending offerings to and paying respects at the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's war of aggression and enshrines war criminals, according to a foreign ministry statement.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A mistrial was declared in the case against an Arizona farmer who was accused of using an AK-47 to shoot and kill a migrant who trespassed on his property near the Mexican border.

George Alan Kelly, 75, was charged with the second-degree murder of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea. The 48-year-old victim resided in the Mexican border city of Nogales.

Defense Attorney Kathy Lowthorp told reporters outside the courthouse that seven jurors voted for acquittal, while one believed he was guilty. Deliberations began on Thursday and lasted for more than two days.

Law enforcement alleges that Cuen-Buitimea and other migrants were attempting to re-enter Mexico, when they spotted border patrol agents and fled. The victim and fellow migrant Daniel Ramirez entered Kelly's property while they were trying to leave the United States.

Prosecutors allege that Kelly shot the unarmed migrant in the back from 115 yards away. He then allegedly gave inconsistent answers to law enforcement officers who questioned him about Cuen-Buitimea's death.

"When you see two unarmed migrants walking southbound beyond two fence lines and you take your AK-47, you walk out and don't say a word, point it at them and you shoot, would that be what a reasonable person would do in that situation," prosecutor Mike Jette asked the jury. "The answer has to be no."

The prosecution also pointed to Kelly's text messages as proof of his attitude towards migrants. The suspect allegedly told friends that his AK-47 was getting "a lot of work" due to the presence of migrants in the area. He also allegedly sent messages where he said he planned to spend Thanksgiving "patroln [sic] the border."

"Shoot straight," the friend responded.

"OR SHOOT MANY ROUNDS!" Kelly said.

Kelly's attorneys claimed that he was acting in self defense and fired warning shots at the migrants - arguing that law enforcement failed to follow other leads. They also alleged that police incorrectly claimed that Kelly admitted to shooting at multiple migrants.

"That was not true, Alan never said that. Law enforcement wasn't listening and they didn't care, they already decided that he was guilty," attorney Brenna Larkin said.

Kelly's wife, Wanda, wrote that her husband was "accused of a serious crime, killing a Cartel member on our property and he is innocent," on the fundraising platform GiveSendGo. Ramirez denied that the men were moving drugs during his testimony, while admitting he had brought marijuana into the United States in the past. Kelly was also charged with aggravated assault against Ramirez.
24 April 2024 23:25 (UTC+04:00)

Asaka Motors aims to begin the production of Hyundai vehicles at its plant in the Syrdarya region, according to the regional administrations press service, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

The company has signed an agreement with the South Korean automotive giant to establish the production of vehicles under its brand in Uzbekistan. Considering the necessity to assess the demand for the new marque, the process will be organized in two phases.

The first phase will involve the large block assembly of Elantra and Sonata sedans, Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson crossovers, as well as the Staria minivan. The launch of this process is planned for May this year.

By the end of the year, Asaka Motors intends to finish setting up processes for welding, painting, and advanced assembly. The company aims to localize the production of components for Hyundai vehicles.

Parts production will be managed by a special cluster, which is anticipated to be created near the plant. This will allow a reduction in the time for component delivery and related costs.

In May 2023, Shavkat Mirziyoyev launched three projects for vehicle production in collaboration with China. One of these was the assembly workshop for the brand Exeed by Asaka Motors.

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24 April 2024 19:05 (UTC+04:00)

Uzbekistans Ambassador to Iran Faridun Nasriev met with Ahmad Mohammadizadeh, the governor of Bushehr province, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues regarding elevating inter-regional cooperation between the two countries to a new level across various sectors, including trade-economic, investment, tourism, and cultural-humanitarian relations.

Ahmad Mohammadizadeh highlighted that the official visit of Uzbekistans President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tehran in June 2023 was a historic event, and the ongoing dialogue between the leaders is an important step in developing cooperation between the two countries.

Emphasizing the importance of inter-regional collaboration, the governor of Bushehr expressed interest in establishing relationships with regions of Uzbekistan. It was noted that Bushehr has maritime borders with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, offering Uzbekistan an opportunity to access the markets of these countries via the port in Bushehr. The Iranian side expressed readiness to allocate land for Uzbekistan in the "Bushehr" free economic zone.

Moreover, the region is a leader in exporting dates and small shrimp products. In this context, the proposal included organizing reciprocal visits by representatives of the business communities of both countries to the regions and arranging joint art exhibitions to develop mutual trade relations.

The main economic sectors in Bushehr are oil and gas extraction, chemistry, oil refining, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Bushehr also hosts the significant port of Bandar Bushehr - the second most important port in Iran after Bandar Abbas, and a free economic zone.

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24 April 2024 22:28 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish building manufacturer Karmod said on Wednesday that security concerns should outweigh price considerations when purchasing prefabricated homes, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

"Price is an important factor, but it should not compromise the safety and durability of the home," Karmod Sales Director Ozay Kemal Karakucuk said, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the structural integrity and safety features of prefabricated homes.

He warned that cheaper materials could lead to serious safety risks, especially concerning the structural support systems such as steel beams used in construction.

Karakucuk advised buyers to prioritize manufacturers known for their rigorous safety standards and high-quality materials.

"Selecting a reputable manufacturer is crucial. A well-constructed home that adheres to safety standards offers not just shelter, but security," he added, pointing to the importance of post-sales services.

Karakucuk further explained that the variation in prices among prefabricated homes often reflects differences in material quality and adherence to production standards.

"The low prices offered by some manufacturers can be tempting, but they may result in homes that are structurally unsound and potentially hazardous," he cautioned.

He urged potential homeowners to ensure their chosen home meets structural stability standards and to scrutinize the materials used in walls, roofs, and support structures.

"Features such as the electrical system, windows, and insulation should meet local and international certified safety standards set by TSE and ISO," said Karakucuk.

He also highlighted the importance of considering the climatic conditions of the area where the home will be installed.

"The manufacturer must possess expertise in the climatic conditions relevant to the home's location, such as snow load, humidity, rainfall, and wind, and should be equipped with the necessary technical tools," he said.

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24 April 2024 22:28 (UTC+04:00)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday expressed hope Ankara and Berlin would not encounter obstacles and focus on discussing joint production projects, particularly in the defense sector, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

"We hope that Turkiye and Germany will begin to discuss joint production ventures rather than barriers, particularly in defense," Erdogan told a joint press conference with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on an official visit, in Ankara.

"(With Germany) We desire to completely remove the restrictions we face in the defense industry," he added.

Trade between Ankara Berlin

He said Turkiye aims to expand bilateral trade volume with Germany, which has surpassed $50 billion, to $60 billion in a balanced manner.

Erdogan said as NATO allies, Ankara and Berlin have multi-faceted relations in various fields, from security to economy, and culture to science.

I attach special importance to increasing mutual investments. We are also keen to advance our cooperation in the defense industry in a manner consistent with our bilateral relations and the spirit of alliance," he added.

He said bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector is also developing, adding: The strongest common ground and the backbone of our ties are strong human connections. The number of people we bid farewell to from Sirkeci Station 63 years ago has reached 3.5 million. Turkish guest workers boarded trains for Germany from the Istanbul station in 1961.

President Erdogan expressed his belief that the Turkish-German friendship will continue to grow stronger and develop.

He said over the past six decades, the Turkish community has transitioned from being migrants to assuming critical roles in Germany's social, economic, cultural, and academic life.

The Turkish leader said he discussed with the German head of state issues concerning the integration of the Turkish community in Germany, and mentioned the new German citizenship law as a welcome step in this regard.

Erdogan expressed his pleasure in hosting Steinmeier and his delegation in Ankara, saying the visit was valuable as it was his first as president, and coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Turkiye-Germany Friendship Treaty.

Erdogan also expressed his gratitude to Germany and its people for their solidarity during the Feb. 6, 2023 twin earthquakes in southern Turkiye.

Fight against terrorism

The president said Ankara expects "further support and solidarity from German authorities in the fight against terrorism."

He expressed growing concerns about the rise of xenophobic, Islamophobic, far-right, and racist organizations in Germany, along with Europe.

Unfortunately, after 31 years since the Solingen arson attack, we lost two children and four siblings in a similar attack. I have shared our expectations for the full investigation and punishment of those responsible for the heinous incident that occurred on March 25, he added.

Three decades ago, a far-right arson attack in Solingen killed five members of a Turkish immigrant family, in one of the most severe instances of racist violence in modern Germany.

This March, four members of a Turkish-Bulgarian family were killed in a fire, and over a dozen others were injured, some seriously, in the same city.

Germany should see horrific scene in Gaza

Erdogan said they discussed steps to renew Turkiye-EU customs union and visa liberalization, besides other regional and global developments.

The Turkish leader also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, and said Ankara will continue to intensify its efforts to achieve a cease-fire in the enclave, and ensure that uninterrupted and adequate humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian people.

Erdogan said Turkiye has shown a resolute, conscientious, and courageous stance on Gaza from the beginning.

On this occasion, I reiterated our call for an end to the unprecedented oppression that has been ongoing in Gaza for 200 days.

It is evident to everyone that as long as Israel's attacks continue, threats to both regional and global peace escalate. The recent escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel is the latest and most striking example of this, he said.

We are all well aware that the suffering of the innocent, condemned to death, hunger, and destitution, will not be forgotten for generations to come, he continued. The efforts of Israeli administration to hide its atrocities and massacres committed in Gaza should not be allowed."

He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just to prolong his political career, is jeopardizing security of not only his own citizens but the entire region.

Turkiye is no longer sustaining intensive trade relations with Israel, and that chapter is closed, he stressed.

Saying that Israel killed women and children in Gaza, Erdogan urged Germany to see the "horrific scene" in the blockaded enclave.

Steinmeier, for his part, stressed Germany does not have as intense, friendly and familial relations with any other country in the world as it does with Turkiye.

He emphasized that the two countries were indispensable to each other and needed each other.

On the Palestine issue, he said: "Without a political perspective for Palestinians, security cannot be ensured for Israel either. This perspective can only be a two-state solution."

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In 2003, Peralta arrived for a high school teaching position at St. Johns College. She soon became the head of the colleges business department. After that, she was named a dean and then, finally, in 2015, the first-ever female president of St. Johns, which was founded in 1887 by Jesuits. As president, she launched departments of music and civil engineering and also helped develop a software program that brought St. Johns paper-based documentation system into the digital age. Always, she said, she was driven by her deep Catholic faith. Im not the kind of person who goes to church five times a week to pray the rosary, she explained. I have too much energy for that. I like to serve people.

In 2020, Peralta was able to gain St. Johns admittance to the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, a network whose twenty-seven other schools are all situated in the US. That same year, at a gathering of the associations presidents, she found herself eating lunch with BC President William P. Leahy, SJ, whom she said she admires for living the mission of the Society of Jesus. He creates opportunities for people who need it.

But even if Peralta was starstruck, she was also shrewd. Here she was, sitting next to the president of the university thats home to the vaunted Connell School of Nursing. This was her moment, and in bright tones she told Fr. Leahy about her ambitions to launch a nursing school at St. Johns. Whenever youre ready, Fr. Leahy told Peralta, Im ready to help you.

By that time, Peralta had already had similar discussions with two professors at the Connell School, Colleen Simonelli, whom shed met a year earlier, and Donna Cullinan. She knew that the professors had led nursing students on work trips to Haiti, Jamaica, and Chile. Now, with Fr. Leahys commitment of support, she sensedcorrectly, it turned outthat they would be enthusiastic partners in her quest to launch a nursing program.

Its about living out the Jesuit mission of being men and women for and with others, Simonelli said. Its about engaging where we see inequity or injustice.

We want to put ourselves out of a job, Cullinan added. We want to teach the people of the country were serving to take care of themselves.

Peralta had long conversations with Simonelli and Cullinan about what a nursing college needs. Then, emboldened by her new liaisons at BC and working with Solangel Alvarado, dean of the St. Johns College Junior College, and Lydia McCoy, the schools assistant dean of academic affairs, she dug into St. Johns minimal coffers and added a nursing laba mini hospital room with six bedsto a $5.2 million STEM building that was already under construction on the colleges campus.

Early in 2022, BC paid for Simonelli and Cullinan to travel to Belize for five days. With Peralta, they visited a leading private hospital, Belize Healthcare Partners, in Belize City, and convinced administrators to hire nurses who would eventually come out of St. Johns new program. The hospital was expanding, and after years of depending on Nicaraguan and Guatemalan nurses, who often arent proficient in English, there was an eagerness for homegrown professionals. It didnt hurt, Peralta added, that I know the CEO of the hospital personally.

When Simonelli and Cullinan returned to Belize in January 2023, they brought with them four BC nursing students, Megan Borchick, Vidisha Pandey, Aoife Goggin, and Sinead Dunn (who all graduated last year). Dunn, now an oncology nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital, came to understand why Belize was suffering a health care shortage. Nursing students were getting their degrees and then leaving the country for better-paying jobs overseas, she said. Peralta was intent on resolving the problem immediately, Dunn continued.

The second we got off the plane, she said, We can open this nursing school next week. She was the most ambitious person Ive ever met.

It fell to Simonelli and Cullinan to rein Peralta in, to bring a dash of pragmatism to the projecteverything from a more realistic time frame for opening the school to the sort of supplies that St. Johns new nursing lab would need. The BC nursing students spent long days on the trip making lists of those supplies, which included stethoscopes, rubber gloves, and surgical masks. Peralta and the BC professors, meanwhile, considered a weightier question: In a country direly lacking high-level nurses, who was St. Johns going to get to teach at its nursing school? They hit upon a plan: Theyd select four talented nurses within Belize and arrange for them to pursue masters degrees in nursing at BC remotely, via Zoom. These students, whom BC agreed to enroll free of charge, would then become the first faculty members in the St. Johns program and key players in a crucial cultural shift. Here in Belize, Peralta explained, our nurses function more like family doctors in the US. They have to do everything, so its important our students learn from nurses whove worked in Belize and know all the conditions the health care system faces here.

Connell School of Nursing Dean Katherine E. Gregory said it is part of the schools mission to help grow the capacity for nursing education around the world. We are delighted that our partnership with St. Johns will lead to increasing access to nursing education in Belize and Central America, Gregory said. I am grateful to Boston College and especially to our Connell School Faculty and Staff for making this education possible.

The four Belizean students who will become the new programs first faculty membersMarcia Aldana-Lennen, Brithney Ortega, Ingrid Asusenia Gomez, and Areli Rodriguezbegan taking classes in August 2022, and are expected to graduate in May. Rodriguez is currently a nurse supervisor at Belize Healthcare Partners. Working a recent shift, she talked about how her classes at BC have led her to a broader understanding of medical afflictions. You cant just treat the symptoms, she said, summarizing. Maybe there are psychological reasons why theyre having those symptoms. I want the students I teach at St. Johns to think about cultural factors. I want them to get practical experience with patients early on, so they can apply theory as theyre learning.
Police arrested a Minnesota state senator accused of breaking into her stepmom's home to retrieve her dead father's ashes.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 49, was charged with first-degree burglary in connection with a break-in at a Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, home, according to the Becker County Attorney's Office, KARE-TV and WCCO-TV reported.

"I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore," Mitchell allegedly told her stepmom at the time of her arrest early Monday morning, according to WCCO.

Mitchell's stepmother called police to report the burglary, in process.

When officers arrived, they allegedly found Mitchell in the basement, dressed in all-black, with a backpack containing two laptops, a cell phone, Tupperware, and documents.

She allegedly broke into the home through a basement window in an effort to obtain "pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes, and other items of sentimental value," according to the criminal complaint, the station reported.

"Clearly, I'm not good at this," she allegedly told investigators, while admitting, "I know I did something bad," the complaint read.

Mitchell's father, Roderick Mitchell, died in 2023 at the age of 72, according to the Star-Tribune. His nearly $173,000 estate was settled in January and awarded to his surviving spouse, Carol Mitchell.

Mitchell  a former meteorologist and U.S. Air Force veteran  has not yet entered a plea to the charge. Her bail was set at $40,000, according to the paper.

A judge issued a restraining order against Mitchell on behalf of the victim.
By L.A. Williams

Christian Action League

April 19, 2024

Unless abortion is legal without restrictions, pregnant women cannot get quality healthcare. Though a blatantly false statement, this seems to be the theme of President Joe Bidens recent campaign efforts, including a series of pro-abortion roundtables, one of which was hosted earlier this month by North Carolina Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-Chatham).

According to the UNC-Wilmington news site The Seahawk, two women who experienced crisis pregnancies in 2022 (Amanda Zurawski from Austin, Texas, and Kaitlyn Joshua from Baton Rouge, Louisiana) addressed student journalists at the event, both blaming abortion restrictions for their healthcare struggles. Zurawski says medical staff delayed intervention when her cervix dilated prematurely leading to septic shock and a stay in intensive care. Joshua says doctors would not confirm her miscarriage when she began bleeding at about 11 weeks.

While I sympathize with the difficulties experienced by women like Zurawski and Joshua, we cannot overlook the sanctity of life and the inherent value of every human being, including the unborn, said the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. Abortion is not merely a matter of healthcare access; it is a moral issue that demands careful consideration and respect for the rights of an innocent baby.

He said the stories shared during Biden campaign events paint a one-sided picture that overlooks the profound moral and ethical implications involved with destroying a human life.

The popular narrative that abortion regulations enacted in the wake of the Dobbs decision prevent obstetrician/gynecologists from providing needed prenatal care is truly not the case, according to Dr. Susan Bane, a 25-year veteran of the field who practices in North Carolina and has testified before the Supreme Court of the United States on abortion-related issues.

Dr. Bane says too often there is confusion over medical terminology since doctors use the umbrella term abortion to represent any pregnancy that ends prior to 20 weeks gestation. She said cramping or bleeding with a normal exam and ultrasound is considered a threatened abortion or a pregnancy at risk of not surviving, while a spontaneous abortion is a miscarriage that a woman passes on her own after the baby has died. A missed abortion occurs when the woman has no symptoms and has not yet miscarried, but the baby has no heartbeat. An incomplete abortion is when the woman is in the process of miscarrying.

These types of abortion described above are completely different from an induced abortion, which is defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as an intervention performed by a licensed clinician within the limits of state regulations, that is intended to terminate a suspected or ongoing intrauterine pregnancy and does not result in a live birth, Dr. Bane explains. An induced abortion is performed by a health care practitioner with the intention of producing a dead baby. This is not the case with other types of non-induced abortions such as threatened, spontaneous, missed, incomplete, or complete abortions. Caring for patients experiencing these clinical situations is not impacted by the Dobbs decision, whatsoever.

There is not a law that does not allow proper pre-natal care, she says, adding that political campaigns to enshrine the so-called right to abortion into law are often based on fear and disinformation.

The more you can make a state bill look bad, the more people are afraid. And people vote out of fear, Bane told a group of pregnancy resource center directors at a recent conference on medical and social issues. She was not addressing the Biden abortion roundtables but instead describing similar campaigns in states such as Ohio where voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing access to abortion.

Creech said its important to understand whats at stake at this juncture with Biden pushing to enshrine abortion into federal law, while former President Trump is advocating for leaving the matter up to individual states.

Such a course of action would result in a disparate array of abortion policies nationwide, ranging from liberal to highly restrictive. It is imperative that Congress fulfills its duty by safeguarding human lifeabortion must die and not the nations future children, Creech said.

He said that as pro-life lawmakers continue their efforts to halt the loss of innocent lives, it is crucial to bolster alternatives that prioritize the dignity of both women and unborn children.

This entails the provision of comprehensive prenatal care, the facilitation of support services for expectant mothers navigating challenging situations, and the cultivation of a culture that cherishes every human life from its earliest beginnings to its natural conclusion, Creech said. Our endeavors should aim to broaden the availability of these life-affirming alternatives, ultimately contributing to the preservation of precious lives.

Bane said states that have passed abortion regulations in the wake of the defeat of Roe v. Wade will likely look to pass medical education bills similar to one recently approved in South Dakota to ensure that everyone in the medical community understands the regulations. That bill, signed by Gov. Kristi Noem last month, tasks the Department of Health with creating a video explaining the states abortion regulations for health care professionals and the general public.

Kelsey Pritchard, state public affairs director for SBA Pro-Life America, endorsed the bill.

Though every state with a pro-life law allows pregnant women to receive emergency care, the abortion industry has sown confusion on this fact to justify their position of abortion without limits, she told the Catholic news agency OSV. With many in the media refusing to fact-check this obvious lie, other states should look to South Dakota in combatting dangerous abortion misinformation.
A physician in Yuma, Ariz., who pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sexual abuse and assault is facing new charges from patients, local CBS affiliate AZFamily reported April 23.

According to the report, eight new women have come forward against family medicine specialist Edsel Sandoval, MD. He now faces 21 counts and 11 victims.

The alleged abuse took place from April 2022 to March 2023. Dr. Sandoval's license is suspended while the investigation is underway.
A fired resident of Iowa City-based University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is contesting his medical license suspension in court, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported April 22.

The license of Gabriel Hernandez Roman, MD, was suspended in January under an emergency order for allegedly using his physician status to gain private information of individuals he was romantically and sexually involved with. In February, the Iowa Board of Medicine indefinitely suspended his license and imposed a $7,500 penalty.

Board records say that the UIHC staff was informed that Dr. Hernandez Roman accessed the medical records of a woman he was romantically involved with. According to the report, when he discovered she knew he accessed them, he went to her home and threatened her. A hospital investigation revealed he accessed the records of two individuals who were not his patients.

UIHC terminated his participation in its emergency medicine residency program for violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, unsatisfactory performance and recurring lack of professionalism, according to the report.

Dr. Hernandez Roman is seeking a judicial review of the board's actions and challenging the suspension in Polk County District Court. According to the Dispatch, Dr. Hernandez Roman doesn't address the most serious allegations but argues the board imposes sanctions that don't relate to his competency or ethics.

According to the report, Dr. Hernandez Roman alleges he is being punished "for reasons wholly unrelated to a statewide standard of medical care, and instead upon alleged violations of internal policies of the University of Iowa."

State attorneys have denied wrongdoing, according to the report, and said the board will file a more detailed answer to Dr. Hernandez Roman's claims at a later date.

Becker's has reached out to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and will update this story if more information becomes available.
The University of Iowa has earned approval from its board of regents to lease a 24,450-square-foot medical office building in Urbandale, Iowa, according to an April 24 report from The Daily Iowan.

The building will be leased for $14.50 per square foot and will house other UI Health Care clinics in the area. The building currently has 32 exam rooms, five procedure rooms, an X-ray machine and office space.

The 15-year lease agreement will offer two five-year renewal options as well.

The system also sought approval to sell a 39,341-square-foot building in Kanola, Iowa, to Washington (Iowa) Clinics and Hospitals.
Here are four organizations that have recently inked deals to sell ASCs.

Ascension

St. Louis-based Ascension sold four Michigan locations in Saginaw, Tawas and Standish to MyMichigan Health, including an ASC. The four locations include Ascension St. Mary's Towne Center, an ASC, wound care center, emergency department and short stay unit facility; Ascension St. Mary's of Saginaw, a 268-bed acute care inpatient facility; Ascension St. Joseph in Tawas, a 47-bed inpatient facility; and St. Mary's of Standish, a 25-critical access hospital and 29-bed skilled nursing facility.

HCA Healthcare

HCA sold Los Angeles-based West Hills Hospital and Medical Center, which includes a freestanding ASC, to UCLA Health. UCLA Health's acquisition of the 260-bed hospital, which was part of Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare's Far West division, aims to address the academic health system's patient, emergency department and operating room capacity constraints.

SCA Health

SCA Health, Optum's ASC arm, sold equity stakes in San Rafael, Calif.-based Marin Specialty Surgery Center to Greenbrae, Calif.-based MarinHealth Medical Center and San Francisco-based UCSF Health.

Until 2018, the ASC was owned by MarinHealth, 20 local physicians and SCA Health. The center is back to being owned by MarinHealth, UCSF and 11 physician partners as SCA has relinquished its stake to the two health systems.

Additionally, Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente purchased Antelope Valley Surgery Center in Lancaster, Calif., which was previously operated by SCA Health and was set to close in January before Kaiser purchased it.

Tenet Healthcare

Tenet, parent company of United Surgical Partners International, completed the sale of four hospitals and two ASCs in Southern California to Orange, Calif.-based UCI Health.

The acquired hospitals are Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center and Placentia-Linda Hospital. The acquired ASCs are Pacific Endoscopy & Surgery Center in Mountain Valley and Reagan Street Surgery Center in Los Alamitos.
Seven hospitals and health systems have announced plans to lay off employees in the last 20 days amid financial issues and payer contract obstacles.

Layoffs could create a larger talent pool for ASCs and private practices, which often cannot compete with high salaries at hospitals and health systems.

"Fortunately for private practice, we haven't seen the same staffing challenges as hospital systems," Taif Mukhdomi, MD, interventional pain physician at Pain Zero in Columbus, Ohio, told Becker's. "With recent reports alluding to culture in the workplace affecting overall job satisfaction and patient outcomes, private practice is poised for growth."

Here are seven hospitals and health systems cutting jobs since April 4:

1. Pittsburgh-based UPMC will lay off more than 1% of its 100,000 workforce  approximately 1,000 employees.

2. Union Springs, Ala.-based Bullock County Hospital laid off 95 employees April 9.

3. Modesto, Calif.-based Stanislaus Surgical Hospital is laying off 191 employees amid a decision from CMS to end its Medicare contract.

4. Coos Bay, Ore.-based Bay Area Hospital plans to layoff 27 workers in non-patient-facing roles as it outsources its revenue cycle management operations.

5. Miami-based Jackson Health System has laid off fewer than 25 people.

6. Norwalk, Ohio-based Fisher-Titus Medical Center laid off seven workers in nonclinical roles April 1.

7. Manchester, N.H.-based Catholic Medical Center shared plans to cut 142 positions, including 54 layoffs.

8. Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic Health System informed previously furloughed employees, 3% of its workforce, that their employment will end in early May.
Prior to the discovery of missing 12-year-old Jaylen Griffin's necrotized remains in a Buffalo, New York, attic earlier this month, two other dead bodies were discovered in separate instances at the same property in previous years.

Two months before Jaylen disappeared, officers responding to a welfare check at 107 Sheffield Avenue in June 2020 discovered a person's remains inside the home, WIVB-TV reported, citing police records. A cause of death and the victim's identification remain unclear, but resulted in a September 2022 arrest. In August 2023, another body was recovered  this time, in the yard.

Then, on April 12, a maintenance worker servicing the home found Jaylen's remains stuffed in the attic.

In total, police have responded to more than 160 complaints  including domestic violence and mental health calls  at the house since 2007, according to the station.

Unidentified neighbors allege tenants frequently change at the rental property.

"I don't feel safe in my own house," one unidentified neighbor told WKBW-TV, last week.

Court records indicate the home is owned by Sunrise West, LLC.

The company is named co-defendant, alongside Spectrum Health and Human Services  a non-profit, community health organization that helps people struggling with substance abuse find affordable housing  as well as tenant Deanna Withrow, in a 2022 negligence lawsuit.

The plaintiff is a next door neighbor who alleges Withrow caused $130,000 worth of damage to their home when she threw out clothing and debris that caught fire while she and a friend were smoking. As a result, the neighbor's home went up in flames, the documents state.

"Spectrum failed to properly and diligently to vet Ms. Withrow for the subject apartment, despite her propensity for smoking, and the need for Spectrum's services," the records read.

At least one registered sex offender also lived at 107 Sheffield Avenue up until last month, WKBW reported, citing jail records.

Speaking with Headlines & Global News last week, Jaylen's longtime family friend Pastor Tim Newkirk said the neighborhood where the pre-teen was found is a notably "high drug infested area... where there's gun violence, drugs, prostitution, overdoses and all kinds of different weird activities."

Shortly after his family reported him missing, police surmised he willingly disappeared.

"They left it as just a runaway case because of his age and pretty much didn't put that much emphasis on there being a suspect or any type of crime or foul play. They didn't believe that he was in any harm or danger," said Newkirk.

Jaylen's homicide investigation continues.
The Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan plans to purchase the former KMart headquarters in Troy, Mich., to convert the space to a $4.4 million ambulatory and outpatient facility, according to an April 23 report from the Michigan Daily.

The UM board of regents voted to approve the purchase on March 28, and construction on the facility is expected to begin next year.

While the medical center will offer a wider array of services for patients, it may be difficult to find enough employees to fill the space, according to the report.

The care site is expected to open its doors in 2027.
UC San Diego Health is developing an outpatient medical center with a price tag between $175 million and $225 million in San Diego's Rancho Bernardo neighborhood, the San Diego Union Tribune reported April 23.

The 150,000-square-foot facility will offer services including an ASC, imaging and select cancer treatments, Douglas Cates, chief strategy officer at UC Health San Diego, told the Union Tribune. It will also house outpatient clinics for pulmonary, sleep medicine, rheumatology and surgical oncology.

UC Health San Diego officials told the publication they expect all services at its nearby facility in the Via Tazon neighborhood to be relocated to the new facility once it is completed. The center is slated to open in fall 2026, pending public and university approvals.
Stanislaus Surgical Hospital has typically seen more than 400 elective surgeries per month. But the facility is likely to close April 30, when its Medicare contract with CMS is set to terminate. At least one other hospital in Modesto, Calif., has indicated it plans to take on cases originally scheduled at SSH, according to a report from The Modesto Bee.

On April 11, CMS provided a written notice to hospital leadership saying it will terminate its Medicare Provider Agreement with Stanislaus Surgical Hospital April 30  a decision the agency said is based on the hospital's non-compliance with nine conditions of participation. The hospital is appealing the CMS decision, though it's unclear how long the process could take or how long a closure might last.

"We have connected with physicians from Stanislaus Surgical Hospital to evaluate how we can help accommodate procedures from the facility after April 30 so these patients may continue to access care they need," a spokesperson for Sacramento-based Sutter Health, which owns Modesto-based Memorial Medical Center, told the Bee.

On April 22, Rep. John Duarte sent a letter to CMS asking the agency to give the hospital a 45-day extension. According to the Bee, the letter did not dispute findings from hospital surveyors  which cited issues surrounding the hospital's handling of patient emergencies after surgeries, infection prevention and control, and sterilization processes and governance  but argued CMS didn't give Stanislaus Surgical Hospital a fair opportunity to fully address deficiencies.

"If this decision is not overturned, 1,800 patients per month, the majority of whom are Medicare or MediCal beneficiaries, will lose access to necessary care in an underserved community that cannot support this patient load," Patrick Haley, a spokesperson for the hospital, previously told Becker's. "Many of the cited issues have been identified to be false or misleading, and SSH is asking that CMS engage in a reasonable discussion regarding these allegations, and move forward toward a mutually agreeable resolution."

The hospital is planning to lay off nearly 200 employees, effective April 30. It aims to retain up to 20 workers throughout the appeals process.

In a statement to Becker's, CMS said facilities "are given every opportunity" to resolve immediate jeopardy situations and come back into compliance with federal requirements as a Medicare and Medicaid provider.

"Involuntary termination of a Medicare provider agreement is generally the last resort after all other attempts to remedy noncompliance deficiencies at a facility have been exhausted," the agency said.
Oracle plans to move its world headquarters to Nashville, Tenn., to be amid a healthcare epicenter, according to co-founder and chair Larry Ellison.

"It is the center of the industry we're most concerned about, which is the healthcare industry," Mr. Ellison told former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, MD, at an April 23 fireside chat at the Oracle Health Summit, according to a livestream of the event. "It's the center of our future."

Oracle previously said it intended to build a $1.35 billion waterfront campus in the city, which is home to several of the biggest health systems  including the largest, HCA Healthcare, which Dr. Frist's family founded  and healthcare companies in the U.S. But this was the first time a company official said it would be moving its headquarters from Austin, Texas (where it relocated from Silicon Valley in 2020).

"I shouldn't have said that," Mr. Ellison said later in the talk.

Oracle bought Cerner, the nation's second-largest EHR vendor by hospital market share, in 2022 for $28.4 billion. Mr. Ellison said at the event that the new headquarters would include restaurants, hotels and a concert venue, as well as a community clinic where it could put its healthcare technologies to use.
Union Springs, Ala.-based Bullock County Hospital is looking to become a rural emergency hospital and is ending psychiatric services as part of the transition, AL.com reported April 25.

To be designated as a rural emergency hospital, the facility has to close inpatient beds and keep its ER operating. Bullock's chief nursing officer, Amanda Trawick, told the Union Springs Herald the hospital has closed its adult and geriatric psychiatric programs  Bullock laid off 95 employees beginning April 9, according to regulatory documents filed with the state.

Bullock County Hospital is one of Alabamas oldest rural hospitals and treats more than 12,000 patients annually, according to its website.
CEOs for Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems were paid between 96 and 161 times more than the median annual salary for an employee at the health system between 2019 and 2023, according to proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

To identify the median compensated employee, the health system uses base salary as its consistently applied compensation measure.

Wayne Smith served as CEO 2019 and 2020 and Tim Hingtgen has served as CEO since 2021.

Here is how the CEO-to-worker median pay ratio has changed the past five years:

2019

Total CEO compensation: $8,064,410

Median employee compensation: $53,461

Ratio: 151 to 1

2020

Total CEO compensation: $9,078,027

Median employee compensation: $56,231

Ratio: 161 to 1

2021

Total CEO compensation: $9,548,697

Median employee compensation: $60,868

Ratio: 157 to 1

2022

Total CEO compensation: $6,325,212

Median employee compensation: $65,072

Ratio: 97 to 1

2023

Total CEO compensation: $8,370,893

Median employee compensation: $87,176

Ratio: 96 to 1






Centerville, Ohio-based Miami Valley Hospital South, part of Dayton, Ohio-based Premier Health, will discontinue operations at its level 3 trauma center May 1 as part of an ongoing healthcare operations review.

Miami Valley Hospital South provides care for an average of three to four trauma patients daily, a spokesperson for Premier Health said in a statement shared with Becker's.

The hospital's emergency department will still provide 24/7 care with "ready access" to the adult level 1 trauma program at Miami Valley Hospital's main campus in Dayton or the nearest trauma center appropriate under emergency medical services protocol.

Premier Health will maintain level 3 trauma center operations at its Atrium Medical Center in Middletown, Ohio, and Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy, Ohio.

The hospital will work with its EMS partners to ensure a smooth patient care transition prior to the May 1 service change, the statement said.
Nurses took to the streets of San Francisco this week to protest the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. But what were their specific complaints?

In general, they said they were demonstrating against the "untested" technology and the risk it poses to patient safety, and how AI should not replace nurses.

The hundreds of nurses who protested April 22 in front of Kaiser Permanente's San Francisco Medical Center also told local media outlets which programs in particular concerned them.

Some nurses objected to a platform in the Epic EHR that determines nurse staffing based on real-time charting. Cathy Kennedy, RN, neonatal intensive care nurse at Kaiser's Roseville (Calif.) Medical Center and a nursing union leader, told the San Francisco Standard that if nurses don't log charts right away the next shift could be short-staffed. Other nurses said it might not account for their time-sensitive work that can't easily be measured, such as educating patient family members or preparing for chemotherapy treatments before a patient arrives, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

"We are the providers at the bedside, we know how to take care of patients best," Amy Grewal, RN, an oncology nurse at Kaiser Permanente Fresno (Calif.) Medical Center, told the Chronicle. "No algorithm can tell us."

Another nurse complained about an AI chatbot at Kaiser Permanente that patients can talk to instead of a nurse, according to the Standard. But what if a patient is having a heart attack and the chatbot doesn't understand  because it wasn't trained on the correct medical terminology  when a nurse would have? "The AI might direct them to the pharmacy, not to a doctor," Michelle Gutierrez Vo, BSN, RN, a president of the California Nursing Association and registered nurse at Kaiser Permanente Fremont (Calif.) Medical Center, told the news outlet.

Melissa Beebe, RN, an oncology nurse at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif., lamented to the Standard that an AI tool that monitors patient vital signs often issues false alarms. A hospital spokesperson told the news outlet she was "fear-mongering," noting that the platform has been in place since May 2022. "The concern is that this [technology] will take jobs  it will not," the spokesperson said. "It will make their jobs easier."

Kaiser Permanente has an Advance Alert Monitor in place at 21 Northern California hospitals that analyzes EHR data to detect patient deterioration. The Oakland, Calif.-based health system says the tool saves about 500 lives a year, but nurses told KQED it can produce erroneous notifications or miss patients who are in decline. "There's just so much buzz right now that this is the future of healthcare. These healthcare corporations are using this as a shortcut, as a way to handle patient load. And we're saying 'No. You cannot do that without making sure these systems are safe,'" Ms. Gutierrez Vo told the news outlet. "Our patients are not lab rats."

A spokesperson for Kaiser Permanente told Becker's that its technologies "empower" nurses by allowing them to "work more effectively" and that "physicians and care teams are always at the center of decision-making with our patients."

"It's very good to have open discussions because the technology is moving at such a fast pace, and everyone is at a different level of understanding of what it can do and [what] it is," Ashish Atreja, MD, chief information and digital health officer of Sacramento-based UC Davis Health, told KQED. "Many health systems and organizations do have guardrails in place, but perhaps they haven't been shared that widely. That's why there's a knowledge gap."

"We have this mission that no patient, no clinician, no researcher, no employee gets left behind in getting advantage from the latest technologies," he added.
Emma Sandhu, MSN, RN, was named chief quality and patient safety officer of Orange, Calif.-based Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Ms. Sandhu will oversee quality and safety efforts across the health system, reporting to Sandip Godambe, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer.

She has more than 30 years of healthcare experience, most recently serving as chief nursing officer and administrator of CHOC at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif. Prior to joining the system, Ms. Sandhu held leadership roles at UCI Health in Orange, Calif., and St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, according to an April 18 news release.
Emily Blomberg was selected as the next president of St. Paul, Minn.-based Regions Hospital and the Regions Hospital Foundation.

Ms. Blomberg will join Regions in June from Iowa City-based University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, where she serves as COO, according to an April 23 news release.

She will report to Megan Remark, who was Regions' president since 2015 before her appointment in March as COO of the HealthPartners care group, according to the release.

Regions is part of Bloomington, Minn.-based HealthPartners.
The owner of a Houston hotel has responded to a wrongful death lawsuit involving an eight-year-old's passing, claiming the mother is the one responsible for the child's tragic drowning, according to a report.

Aliyah Jaico was swimming at the DoubleTree by Hilton, owned by Unique Crowne Hospitality(UCH), in a lazy river-style pool with family when she somehow got stuck inside a large pipe that feeds into the pool.

The medical examiner said her death was caused by drowning and mechanical asphyxiation, according to Click2Houston.

UCH has denied the allegations made against them, stating that the mother's "negligent actions" and oversight are to blame in a response to the lawsuit filed on April 22.

In the wrongful death suit, the family accuses the hotel of gross negligence, claiming the family's attempts to obtain security footage were denied by management.

Jaico's body was recovered over 12 hours after she disappeared.

Rescuers had to use heavy machinery to break through tile and dirt and eventually recovered Jaico's body around 6:30 a.m.-over 12 hours after the girl disappeared.

The City of Houston's Health Department revealed the pool was not in compliance with federal laws meant to prevent drain entrapment and child drowning in swimming pools.

Attorney Richard Nava, representing the family, said they are seeking over $1 million in damages and requesting a jury trial.
Members of the National Union of Healthcare Workers began a three-day strike April 23 at the Sutter Center for Psychiatry in Sacramento, Calif., according to NBC affiliate KCRA.

The union represents approximately 150 workers at the 73-bed psychiatric hospital, according to the NUHW. The hospital is part of Sutter Health, a 23-hospital system with locations across Northern California.

Union members, which include mental health therapists, social workers, licensed vocational nurses, housekeepers, kitchen staff and patient care support specialists, say they seek a contract that improves wages, preserves affordable health benefits and addresses what they contend are unsafe staffing levels and worsening conditions for patients.

"We haven't had a raise in three years," Kenisha Campbell, a unit secretary and patient care support specialist, said in a union news release. "A lot of us are doing double shifts and working on our days off because we're living paycheck to paycheck and we're so short-staffed."

A Sutter spokesperson shared a statement with Becker's expressing disappointment about the strike.

"This action is unnecessary and falls just after a series of productive bargaining sessions. In addition, we've had constructive conversations regarding wages and benefits, and we want to continue those discussions," the spokesperson said.

Sutter added that it does not anticipate this strike will affect the hospital's ability to provide quality and compassionate care to patients.



NUHW members also held a one-day strike at the hospital in December.
Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health launched a hospital-at-home program thanks to a $2.7 million donation.

The health system rolled out the program in March at its coastal North Carolina region, and said the ideal patient is one likely to need four days or fewer of inpatient care.

"We've received very positive feedback from our initial patients, who have expressed gratitude for being able to be in their own beds and enjoy home-cooked meals," said Christy Spivey, BSN, RN, senior director of hospital-based medicine for Novant Health's coastal region, in an April 23 statement. "We know from our peers across the country that these programs demonstrate strong healthcare outcomes and significantly enhance the patient experience."

Patients, who are monitored by technology around the clock, have 24/7 access to a remotely located registered nurse, receive at least two visits a day from paramedics, and meet virtually with a physician once daily. The program treats patients with chronic disease flare-ups or other "lower-risk conditions" or who are recovering from surgery.

The New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation provided $2.7 million to help with operational startup costs. Novant Health received a waiver from CMS for the program in 2021.

"Hospital at home" is live at Novant Health's New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., a health system spokesperson told Becker's.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently signed a bill into law that shields healthcare providers from being criminally charged for medical errors, making it the first state to do so.

HB 159 ensures that healthcare providers, including nurses, "shall be immune from criminal liability for any harm or damages alleged to arise from an act or omission relating to the provision of health services." It includes exceptions for negligence and intentional harm.

In 2022, RaDonda Vaught, a former nurse at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was convicted for a fatal medication error she made while working as a nurse in 2017. Ms. Vaught lost her nursing license and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. The case garnered national attention and spurred a far-reaching debate surrounding the criminalization and reporting of medical errors and patient safety culture.

In wake of the case, nurses and medical groups nationwide  including the American Nurses Association and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement  have called for systemwide workforce and safety reforms to focus on harm prevention, arguing that the criminalization of errors would discourage workers from reporting mistakes.

Ms. Vaught was scheduled to speak in Kentucky following the passage of HB 159 April 24, according to a Louisville Public Media report.

The Kentucky Hospital Association said it supports the new law.

"HB 159 was a good piece of legislation and we were happy to support it," the group said in a statement to Becker's. "Our nurses should not be held criminally liable for a mere mistake and the legal system already has ample means available to address any true negligence."

Some health systems also anticipate the legislation will support recrutiment and retention efforts.

"This legislation provides reassurance to our caregivers who enter the medical field to help and support our patients that they will not be subject to criminal prosecution for unintentional mistakes," Kit Barry, a spokesperson for Louisville, Ky.-based Baptist Health, told Becker's. "Furthermore, it adds a comfort level that will help in recruitment and encourage reporting of mistakes which is essential to preventing future errors. Willful misconduct will continue to be punished."
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 voted 3-2 to ban noncompete agreements in a move it estimates will save up to $194 billion in healthcare costs over the next decade.

Though the FTC recognized that it does not have jurisdiction over nonprofit entities, it reserved the right to evaluate an entity's nonprofit status, which would include a significant portion of the 6,120 hospitals in the U.S.

Specifically, the agency said that "some portion of the 58% of hospitals that claim tax-exempt status as nonprofits and the 19% of hospitals that are identified as state or local government hospitals in the data cited by [American Hospital Association] likely fall under the commission's jurisdiction and the final rule's purview."

The final rule would have significant implications for the healthcare industry and has been described by Federation of American Hospitals President and CEO Chip Kahn as a "double whammy" against hospitals.

"The ban makes it more difficult to recruit and retain caregivers to care for patients, while at the same time creating an anticompetitive, unlevel playing field between taxpaying and tax-exempt hospitals  a result the FTC rule precisely intended to prevent," Mr. Kahn said in a statement shared with Becker's. "In a time of constant healthcare workforce shortages, the FTC's vote today threatens access to high-quality care for millions of patients."

About 18% of the U.S. workforce, or 30 million people, is covered by noncompete agreements, from senior executives to fast-food workers, according to the FTC. The American Medical Association estimates that between 35% and 45% of physicians are bound by noncompete clauses. Existing noncompetes for most workers will no longer be enforceable once the rule takes effect, but there are exemptions.

Existing noncompetes for senior executives (less than 0.75% of workers) can remain in force. However, employers cannot enter into or attempt to enforce any new noncompetes, even if they involve senior executives, which the FTC defines as workers earning more than $151,164 a year and who are in policymaking positions.

"Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new ideas and rob the American economy of dynamism, including from the more than 8,500 new startups that would be created a year once noncompetes are banned," FTC Chair Lina Khan said in an April 23 news release. "The FTC's final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business or bring a new idea to market."

The FTC expects the final rule to drive innovation, leading to an estimated average increase of 17,000 to 29,000 more patents a year over the next 10 years.

In the U.S. economy overall, the FTC projects that banning noncompetes will drive 2.7% growth in new businesses per year. It also expects the ban to spur higher pay for workers, with estimated earnings increasing for the average worker by an additional $524 annually.

The AHA had urged the FTC to withdraw the noncompete ban or exempt the hospital field amid staffing shortages that are projected to affect hospitals and health systems far beyond the pandemic. It also argued that the agency erred by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule for employees across all industries.

"The agency's stubborn insistence on issuing this sweeping rule  despite mountains of contrary legal precedent and evidence about its adverse impacts on the healthcare markets  is further proof that the agency has little regard for its place in our constitutional order," AHA General Counsel Chad Golder said in an April 23 statement shared with Becker's. "Three unelected officials should not be permitted to regulate the entire U.S. economy and stretch their authority far beyond what Congress granted it  including by claiming the power to regulate certain tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations."

The AHA added that in its estimation, the only saving grace is that the rule will likely be short-lived, with courts expected to weigh in on the rule before it can do damage to hospitals' ability to care for their patients and communities. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has indicated that it will challenge the rule.

The FTC said it received more than 26,000 comments on the proposed rule, with over 25,000 in support of the noncompete ban, which is set to take effect 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

Read the 570-page rule in full here.
A 31-year-old man was shot and killed by an officer in Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville, Ga., April 23, after what local officials describe as an attempted escape from correctional officers.

State officials are investigating the officer-involved shooting, which occurred just before 9 p.m. ET April 23.

Georgia Department of Corrections officers and inmate Jacob Henson presented to the 56-bed hospital for medical treatment for Mr. Henson's stabbing injuries, which were sustained earlier in the day during a fight at Washington State Prison.

During the course of medical treatment, a confrontation ensued between one corrections officer and Mr. Henson, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a news release. The Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that "the inmate failed to comply with correctional officers and a struggle ensued."

The bureau said Mr. Henson gained control over the officer and seized the officer's pepper spray canister, subsequently using it to incapacitate the officer.

As Mr. Henson advanced toward the second officer, he still held the canister and sprayed pepper spray while moving toward her, according to the state agency. The second officer fired her gun, shooting Mr. Henson. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The county sheriff's office said the incident "appeared to be an escape attempt." It is not clear where Mr. Henson was being treated in the hospital, where the altercation with officers took place, and if the shooting took place in close proximity to other patients, visitors or staff.

The GBI reported one officer injury and is investigating the incident and the officer's use of her firearm; it will subsequently provide its findings to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.

The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating the earlier incident at the prison where Mr. Henson was stabbed.
A civil case between the Kowalski family and St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital entered mediation, but according to court documents, it has been unsuccessful, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported April 24.

The documents state that efforts to address motions for outstanding sanctions, costs and attorney fees have proven unsuccessful, prompting the family's attorney, Greg Anderson, to request judicial intervention.

Mr. Anderson said the mediation was held on April 15 and lasted two and a half hours despite being scheduled for a full day.

"It was spectacularly unsuccessful  even as to fees and costs," he told the publication in an emailed statement.

According to court records, there is another hearing scheduled for August to review the family's requests for bar referral and attorney fees.

The Kowalski family sued Johns Hopkins All Children's in 2018 after the hospital reported Beata Kowalski, the mother of Maya Kowalski, who was a patient at the hospital, for suspected child abuse in 2016 after she requested ketamine to treat her daughter for chronic pain. The girl was removed by the state and sheltered at the hospital for three months, a time during which Beata Kowalski died by suicide.

A Netflix documentary titled "Take Care of Maya," released in June, covered the incident and was viewed nearly 14 million times in the first two weeks of its debut.

In court, a jury's verdict found that the hospital was guilty of inflicting emotional distress on the Kowalski family and contributing to Beata Kowalski's suicide. The hospital was ordered to pay the family compensatory and punitive damages of $208,451,176, according to the newspaper.

The hospital has not disbursed the awarded amount to the family as Johns Hopkins appealed the case, citing "clear and prejudicial errors."

"We will pursue the appeals process for as long as necessary to reach a final, just conclusion for the physicians, nurses and staff of Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and all those who are legally and morally obligated to speak up for the most vulnerable among us if they suspect abuse," Ethen Shapiro, co-counsel for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, told the publication.
A Senate committee opened an investigation into Novo Nordisk's list prices for Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo Nordisk's diabetes and weight loss drugs.

In an April 24 letter to Novo Nordisk's CEO, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions said Ozempic and Wegovy are "exorbitantly expensive," which restricts access to the drugs for millions of Americans.

In the U.S., a four-week supply of Ozempic costs $969, and Wegovy is $1,349. That's up to 15 times more than what Novo Nordisk charges in Canada, Europe and Japan, the letter said.

In 2023, pharmacies, clinics and hospitals spent more than $38 billion on the two products, which contain the same drug, semaglutide. They were the No. 1 pharmaceutical expense for U.S. healthcare, according to research published April 24.

In March, the FDA approved Wegovy for obese and overweight adults with heart disease; 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries are in the expanded patient population. A few weeks later, researchers published findings that indicated semaglutide could remain profitable at a lower price since it costs less than $5 to manufacture.

Uproar ensued.

"If the prices for these products are not substantially reduced they [...] have the potential to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid and our entire healthcare system," the April 24 letter said.

For Ozempic, Wegovy and other glucagon-like peptide-1 drugs, Medicare spending reached $5.2 billion in 2022. Four years prior, the medicines cost Medicare $57 million.

The committee asked Novo Nordisk to explain financial data on Ozempic and Wegovy, and the Denmark-based drugmaker was asked if it plans to lower the list prices.

"It's easy to oversimplify the science that goes into understanding disease and developing and producing new treatments, as well as the intricacies of U.S. and global healthcare systems," a Novo Nordisk spokesperson told Becker's. "However, the public debate doesn't always take into account this extremely complex reality."

The spokesperson said the company agrees that Ozempic and Wegovy should be available to patients with Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurance and that it is working with policymakers on access and affordability.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is asking a federal court to halt the Federal Trade Commission's noncompete ban, alleging it violates the law in "numerous ways."

The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 voted to ban noncompete agreements in a move it estimates will save up to $194 billion in healthcare costs over the next decade. The ban is set to take effect 120 days after its publication in the Federal Register.

Shortly after the announcement, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a statement blasting the ban and said it would sue to block "this unnecessary and unlawful rule and put other agencies on notice that such overreach will not go unchecked."

The organization made good on the promise, filing a lawsuit in the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on April 24.

In its lawsuit, the Chamber of Commerce alleges that the FTC lacks the authority to issue regulations proscribing "unfair methods of competition." It also alleges that even if it did, the "noncompete rule would still be unlawful because noncompete agreements are not categorically unlawful under Section 5."

The lawsuit also alleges that the rule is "impermissibly retroactive" and reflects an "arbitrary and capricious exercise" of the FTC's power.

"The commission's categorical ban on virtually all noncompetes amounts to a vast overhaul of the national economy and applies to a host of contracts that could not harm competition in any way," the lawsuit alleges.

The Chamber of Commerce is seeking an order "vacating and setting aside the noncompete rule in its entirety" and an order permanently enjoin the FC from enforcing the rule against the plaintiffs in the case. Along with the chamber, the Business Roundtable, the Texas Association of Business and the Longview Chamber of Commerce are named as plaintiffs.

The groups are also seeking an order to delay the effective date and implementation of the noncompete ban until the conclusion of the case.

FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar told Becker's the commission's legal authority is "crystal clear."

"In the FTC Act, Congress specifically 'empowered and directed' the FTC to prevent 'unfair methods of competition' and to 'make rules and regulations for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of' the FTC Act," Mr. Farrar said. "This authority has repeatedly been upheld by courts and reaffirmed by Congress. Addressing noncompetes that curtail Americans' economic freedom is at the very heart of our mandate, and we look forward to winning in court."

The rule has also been met with opposition from the American Hospital Association and Federation of American Hospitals. FAH CEO Chip Kahn said the ban "makes it more difficult to recruit and retain caregivers to care for patients, while at the same time creating an anti-competitive, unlevel playing field between taxpaying and tax-exempt hospitals  a result the FTC rule precisely intended to prevent."

Becker's spoke with several surgeons regarding the ban. Among them was Zoher Ghogawala, MD, chairman of neurosurgery at Burlington, Mass.-based Lahey Medical Center and president of the North American Spine Society. He said noncompete clauses in contracts "prevent patients from having access to their doctor of choice in many cases."

"A doctor should be allowed to practice in an environment that allows them to be productive and have access to his/her patients, regardless of whether or not the doctor was previously working in another practice in the community," Dr. Ghogawala said. "The action by the FTC is in service of patients and provides greater access to doctors."
The workforce is top of mind for hospitals and health systems, and executives are investing in retention and upskilling to address shortages and reduce reliance on contract labor. While leaders understand they must address short-term workforce needs, they also understand they must build a robust talent pipeline with candidates who are ready to fill roles years down the road.

"We've got to start thinking about it differently and probably getting to people a lot earlier than we do now," Laura Hurst, administrator for Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority, an affiliate of Birmingham, Ala.-based UAB Health System, told Becker's. "We probably have to start focusing on our high school students and medical school students, introducing them to some of these [healthcare] fields."

Ms. Hurst said this may include implementing a summer initiative for high school students that incorporates hands-on learning opportunities related to healthcare, or using virtual reality to introduce community members to a "day in the life" of a pharmacy technician or certified nursing assistant.

Cooper Green has also integrated physician interns from the UAB program into the clinic, all of whom spend a month at Cooper Green, according to Raegan Durant, MD, medical director of Cooper Green.

"Our hope is that more than one of those interns when they're done with residency may be interested in Cooper Green," Dr. Durant said.

These efforts come as the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the U.S. could see a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. The group also warned that, without continued investments in graduate medical education, the nation will end up seeing a greater shortfall.

Additionally, a Sept. 29 report from McKinsey & Co. found that projections show the U.S. will need more than a million more nurses by 2031, but more than 80% of positions will be left vacant.

With these and other projected shortages in mind, Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health is looking at short-term (next one to two years), mid-term (four to five years) and long-term (beyond five years) strategies, according to Adrienne Sims, PsyD, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at the health system.

These strategies include working more closely with high schools, community colleges and other schools to help provide instruction and support and highlight the benefits of working in healthcare.

"For a lot of our high school students, it's about exposure and helping them understand the benefits of working in healthcare," Dr. Sims said.

IU Health is also doubling efforts in existing programs or creating new partnerships. For example, the health system has a fellowship program with Crispus Attucks High School, a local high school, to help students prepare for healthcare careers, said Dr. Sims.

"By the time they graduate and complete the program, they can come out as a medical assistant or patient care tech and assistant," she said. "We're funding that program and have been in partnership with them for four or five years.

"The first cohort of graduates are coming out now. Some will go on to seek additional two-year or four-year degrees, and some we're placing for employment now."

Dr. Sims views the program as a short-term pipeline for roles such as medical assistants, but also as a way to support individuals going on to additional degrees, with the hope they come back to IU Health once they've completed their education.

There is also the Mosaic Center, a community-based unit within IU Health committed to helping underemployed and unemployed people in the community prepare for careers with IU Health or another institution. Dr. Sims said the center offers resume support, childcare support, and other support related to helping individuals think about their career options in healthcare and equipping them with financial awareness skills, certification opportunities and job placement opportunities.

"Ideally, we want them employed at IU Health, but more importantly, we want to ensure they have meaningful employment, so we're preparing them for all of those things," she said.

IU Health also has six internal certification programs that target the pipelines of talent the health system has at the entry level. This includes those who are coming into food/nutrition roles and those who are coming into facilities roles or housekeeping.

"We're saying to them, 'We have opportunities where we can train you while paying you,'" Dr. Sims said, adding that this could include training to become a medical assistant or an emergency medical technician, for example.

"It creates another pipeline of talent internally," she said. "Taking those already in the organization who are underemployed and have potential to do more, certifying them while paying them."

IU Health will also partner with other hospitals and health systems in Indiana on an apprenticeship program as part of a broader effort at the state level.

Overall, "this is a time where we have to be examining all the roles we have in healthcare and really challenging ourselves to look at the requirements and make sure we have not built out requirements for jobs that are too restrictive," Dr. Sims said. "I think the industry and the nature of work has moved beyond just relying on degrees [and requires] focusing more on skills-based competencies and certifications and making sure we have job descriptions that are appropriate to the levels of competencies required for the role."

Michael Brown, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Houston Methodist, expressed similar sentiments, telling Becker's his organization is moving to a skills-based architecture to organize its workforce.

"In doing so, we're starting to put a focus on skills needed for roles and weigh those more so than you might traditionally weigh years of experience. It will expand our talent pool for talent for critical roles, and it helps employees and their manager do a better job of career planning, knowing that employees expect they will be developed in an organization as an attempt to retain them for years to come," Mr. Brown said.

He said Houston Methodist is also continuing to explore partnerships with local colleges to develop skills for the future and to upskill its workforce. It is also considering potentially expanding tuition reimbursement to cover certifications, instead of only degrees, and it is expanding hiring into other states to employ workers who would want to join Houston Methodist in select roles.

"It's expanding that talent pool, looking not just in your geography, but looking for where it makes sense to find talent for specific roles," Mr. Brown said.

"We're also focused on retaining the talent we have. We continue to believe our culture and values are the differentiator for us being able to attract, retain talent."
The FTC voted April 23 to ban noncompete agreements in employment, a move that has yielded mixed reaction from spine surgeons.

It would be nationwide, but four states  California, Minnesota, North Dakota and Oklahoma  have already enacted noncompete bans.

Brian Gantwerker, MD, of The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, discussed what a noncompete ban looks like in his state for physicians.

Note: This conversation was lightly edited for clarity.

Question: Do you think California's landscape for physicians and especially spine and orthopedic surgeons is a good model of how things could look like then for other states, once this fully takes effect nationwide?

Dr. Brian Gantwerker: California is kind of a patchwork of good things and bad things. For the good things the noncompete clause being unenforceable  not just for the for profit businesses but not for profit as well  is something the state of California has done very well and effectively. The other thing is it does a decent job of offering consumer protections.

But California does not safeguard its patients' access very well. There are also laws that came down that essentially undid more than 40 years of tort reform that the state of California had under the threat of a legal battle with a very large syndicated private practice malpractice firm that makes a job of suing doctors from state to state. That has raised the cost of care here in California significantly. And malpractice premiums will go up and physicians will leave, and that will drive up the cost of care as more physicians join large groups or get bought out or do co-management agreements with private equity and venture capital.

They've also not done really well in terms of state income tax. Fortunately there was a recent city initiative in Sacramento that tried to specifically target physician practices to raise taxes. That measure was defeated. But a state like California that's the fourth largest economy in the world should really focus more on access and allowing people to open up their independent small businesses and running practices in peace, rather than trying to get a piece of everyone's action and driving up the cost of healthcare.

Other states are not as large of an economic juggernaut like California. But if you ask me, tort reform will keep the cost down. Having noncompetes unenforceable not just for not just for profit, but not for profit is obviously something that can work.

I think the bad things that happen in California are independent of noncompetes. We've had that ban on noncompetes since well before I started practice, and those those have actually done very well for the state and certainly it allows small practices like mine to flourish.

While the Federal Trade Commission can't enforce this on not for profits, I think it should be written into law that hospital systems and charity-based organizations should not be allowed to engage in unfair employment practices. Another thing that's going to be coming is more physicians will be joining collective bargaining units. Whether that's a guild or a union or a co-op remains to be seen. But ultimately, it's these unfair employment practices that have led physicians to do this. Really, it's the large healthcare systems and private equity that have done this to themselves, and I really harbor very little pity for them.
Nine people were arrested at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday when campus police broke up a pro-Palestinian encampment shortly after it was set up -- prompting hundreds of students to walk out of their classes in protest as encampments continued sweeping across U.S. colleges.

Tents and signs were erected on the Northrop Mall of the Twin Cities campus around 4 a.m. and the cops showed up about two hours later, the Star Tribune reported.

"The group was asked to disperse by 7 a.m. and told they would be arrested if they chose to stay past that time," the university said in a statement. "Some of those present chose to disperse and continue peacefully protesting, but nine chose to remain and were arrested without incident."

Student organizer Merline Van Alstine told Minnesota Public Radio that the arrested activists "were sitting in the middle of the encampment with their arms crossed together and chanting for Gaza, and then one by one they pulled them off."

Campus police removed the tents and Hennepin County jail records showed nine people were booked on misdemeanor trespassing charges, according to the Star Tribune.

On Tuesday afternoon, about 300 people staged a walkout at the school, with junior Mirabai Dornfest telling MPR she left her Sociology of Gender class to oppose the police action and show support for those who were arrested.

Dornfest, who is Jewish, said the move was "in line with my morals as a person, as a student, as someone who feels in solidarity with oppressed peoples, as a person whose family is a bunch of immigrants."

Last week, more than 100 protesters were arrested when the New York City police broke up encampment at Columbia University but the protest there has continued and the encampment is bigger than ever, overhead images show.

On Monday, 133 people were arrested outside an encampment at New York University in New York City and 60 people, including 47 students, were arrested after refusing to leave an encampment at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, according to the Associated Press.

Three protesters were also arrested at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, after demonstrators occupied a building Monday night, AP said.
NASCAR driver Erik Jones was taken to UAB University Hospital in Birmingham, Ala., after suffering a compression fracture in a lower vertebra in his spine following a crash at Talladega Superspeedway, according to an April 23 report from The Tennessean.

Mr. Jones complained of back pain immediately following his crash on April 21. He suffered a hard hit to the outside wall of the track during a multi-car crash.

He was treated at UAB, released the same day, and returned the next day for follow ups with a specialist, according to the report.

Mr. Jones will miss the next race in NASCAR's Cup Series to recover from the injury. He is a three-time Cup Series winner and was seeded 20th for this year's tournament at the time of his injury.
Fine dining venue Blank in south Belfast is to close due to financial strains including the rising cost of produce and escalating wages, its owners have announced.

But Christina and Jonny Taylor, who also own Shed Bistro on the citys Ormeau Road, said they will open a new, cheaper venue in Blanks old location.

Blank specialised in a tasting menu of high-end dishes, with each course a mystery until it was set in front of diners.

Its the latest fine dining venue in Belfast to announce an overhaul after Michelin-starred Deanes Eipic closed late last year.

In a statement, the couple said: Blank introduced a unique dining experience to the city when it opened on Malone Road in October 2021 and along with winning multiple culinary awards, the restaurant was recognised in the Michelin Guide in January 2023.

"However, the financial strains of operating the restaurant, exacerbated by escalating wages and the rising costs of local produce  a commitment the team staunchly upheld  have ultimately rendered Blank financially unviable and the venue will close its doors in June this year.

Mrs Taylor said the couple regretted their difficult decision.

We took a gamble in October 2021 with the opening of Blank which was a new dining concept for a restaurant in Northern Ireland and for more than two years it has worked.

"However the ever increasing cost of doing business and the amount of staff we need on site simply renders Blank unviable. The cumulative pressure has become too much and we feel we need to redesign the restaurant offer at that site.

The margins in operating such a fine dining restaurant are very finely balanced. While we have always been very busy at weekends, it has been more difficult to attract customers midweek and far too often we get last minute cancellations, often of more than one table.

"When that happens it makes that days trading unviable. I really hope customers take this on board, and give a restaurant booking the same status and respect that goes with a theatre or a concert booking.

Blank will remain open until June 8 and I urge anyone who wants to have the Blank experience to do so in the 6 weeks we have left of trading. All Blank vouchers should be used in that period too.

She added: All of the staff from Blank will be transitioning to our new restaurant which we are determined to make a success.

Unlike Blank, this new venue will offer a more casual and accessible dining experience with an order-from-the-menu concept.

"The Blank experience is hard to accept but we will be part of the restaurant scene in Belfast and in Northern Ireland for the long term.

Tables for Blanks new restaurant, which is yet to be named, will be available to book from Friday May 3.

News Catch Up: Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Northern Irelands top chefs are commanding salaries of as much as 90,000 making them the best-paid people in hospitality, according to a pay survey.

Excel Recruitment said labour shortages in Northern Ireland had contributed to rising salaries for staff in restaurants, hotels and the catering industry.

Its Hotel and Catering Salary Guide 2024 said a salary of 50,000 would be low for an executive chef, while 70,000 is the average  but the highest-paid chefs were on 90,000 a year.

Executive chefs are out-earning regional managers in catering on 46,000 to 60,000 a year, according to Excel, which is based in Dublin.

Head chef salaries are ranging from 40,000 in a lower-paid role, 55,000 on average and 65,000 at the top end.

As well as labour shortages pushing up salaries for experienced staff, increases in the minimum wage have also played a role.

While lower-level staff benefit directly from minimum wage increases, many employers then apply an uplift to more senior staff to level out any disparities resulting from the wage increase.

The National Living Wage for over-21s rose to 11.44 an hour at the start of this month, while the national minimum wage went up to 8.60 for 18 to 20-year-olds.

Caorlan McAllister, the co-owner of restaurant The Halfway House in Banbridge, Co Down, said the departure of workers from the EU following Brexit had contributed to staff shortages and salary increases.

And he said the Covid-19 pandemic had also cut off a flow of younger workers into hospitality. When I worked in Titanic Belfast, we had a very strong workforce from Europe, but due to a combination of Brexit and Covid, a lot of people decided to go home.

Covid-19 also broke a cycle, as the generation of people who were 17 or 18 at that time and would have otherwise had jobs in hospitality, didnt get to work at that age due to lockdowns. They are now gotten used to not being in work, but instilling that work ethic at a young age is important.

He said he was unsurprised that chefs were able to command such good salaries. Its probably a reflection of how difficult it is to get people. Theres quite a small niche of chefs who'll climb to executive chef level but the salary rises do put more pressure on small businesses.

Mr McAllister said minimum wage rises had added up to an extra 500 a week to its payroll. "Thats a sheer cost and theres nothing we can do to mitigate it.

Damien Davis, hospitality recruitment consultant at Excel Recruitment, said sales in hospitality had risen to pre-Covid levels.

However, there has also been a continued struggle to bring people into the industry, which has persistently faced difficulty attracting staff on various levels, but especially in the kitchen, with chefs of all levels continually in short supply.

"The average salary for chefs has continually grown over the years since Covid, and this is expected to continue this year. With the minimum wage pushing up the entry levels chefs, this is causing a knock-on effect on salaries all the way up the grades in the kitchen.

He said a starting salary for a chef de partie in charge of their own section was now 26,000.
Baroness Floella Benjamin has been announced as a recipient of the Bafta Fellowship (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Baroness Floella Benjamin will receive the Bafta Fellowship for her tireless support of children and young people and for her unwavering championing of diversity.

The former childrens TV presenter, known for her work on Play School and Play Away in the 1970s and 1980s, has become an author, charity campaigner and peer in recent years.

On Wednesday, Bafta announced her as a recipient of the highest accolade the awards organisation can give.

Floella Benjamin. (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Lady Benjamin said: My heart is full of joy and happiness.

I feel as if Im standing on the summit of lifes mountain, looking down at the wonderful experiences I have had in my career in the television industry for over 50 years.

Its been an adventurous journey, with many challenges and adversities, but here I am, receiving the highest accolade Bafta can bestow. I am delighted that my work, which has predominantly been for children, is being recognised and celebrated in this way.

Lady Benjamin was born in Trinidad before emigrating to the UK as a 10-year-old, and acting in several stage musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar and Black Mikado.

She then had a 12-year spell on Play School, aimed at pre-school children, which featured songs, stories and activities with the different presenters.

Also with a stint on the sister programme Play Away, she became one of the most recognisable childrens TV presenters in the country.

Sara Putt, chairwoman of Bafta (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Sara Putt, chairwoman of Bafta, said: We are honoured to present Baroness Benjamin the Bafta Fellowship for her tireless support of children and young people, her impact on television broadcasting, and for her unwavering championing of diversity.

She is an unstoppable force for good with a determination to create opportunities and positive role models for future generations that has seen her effect a tremendous amount of positive change over 50 years and counting.

Lady Benjamin has supported and campaigned for charities including Barnardos, Sickle Cell Society and Beating Bowel Cancer.

In 2010, she was introduced to the House of Lords and given the full title of Baroness Benjamin, of Beckenham in the County of Kent after being nominated by the Liberal Democrats.

She collected her damehood for her services to charity at Buckingham Palace in 2020.

Lady Benjamin has also chaired the Windrush Commemoration Committee and has advocated for tax relief of childrens TV in the House of Lords.

Her 1995 memoir Coming To England was adapted into an award-winning TV movie.
There are calls for Scotland to become a Rewilding Nation (Yui Mok/PA)

A campaign calling for Scotland to become the first Rewilding Nation in the world, backed by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, has raised more than 200,000 in less than a week.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 organisations, is urging the Scottish Government to declare Scotland a Rewilding Nation in an effort to boost conservation strategies.

Alliance member Rewilding Britain set out to raise 200,000 for the Rewilding Nation campaign as part of this years Big Give Green Match Fund, which runs until midday on April 25, with all donations up to 100,000 matched by Big Give.

The fundraising drive, launched at midday on April 18, raised 200,000 in just six days  24 hours ahead of its original one-week target.

The Alliance said its Rewilding Nation Charter, calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation, has been signed by thousands of people.

Kevin Cumming, Rewilding Britains rewilding director and a steering group member of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said: The outpouring of support for our ground-breaking Rewilding Nation campaign  through donations and by signing the Rewilding Nation Charter  shows how much Scotlands rewilding journey is inspiring people from all walks of life.

Huge thanks to the thousands of people who have donated and signed the Charter. Scotland has a real moment of choice and opportunity here  offering hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, while creating a cascade of benefits for people and local communities.

That includes better health, new jobs, food security, and healthy rivers and seas.

Leonardo DiCaprio visited Scotland during the Cop26 climate talks (Jane Barlow/PA)

Earlier this month, Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio backed the Rewilding Nation campaign in an Instagram post which has been liked almost 100,000 times, saying: With this campaign, Scotland could be a world leader in rewilding its landscapes, ensuring clean air and water, storing carbon, reducing flooding, restoring wildlife, and improving the lives of locals.

The alliance said that Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world but believes that it is possible to rewild 30% of it by restoring habitats including peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers and seas, with no loss of productive farmland.

Funds raised during the Big Give week will support outreach work such as events with communities, meetings with politicians and policy makers, a new community rewilding guide, and making the campaign widely accessible in Gaelic.

Alliance member Trees for Life has invited Leonardo DiCaprio to visit the charitys Dundreggan Rewilding Centre near Loch Ness in the Highlands.

The centre celebrates rewilding and Gaelic culture, and offers a gateway for visitors to explore Trees for Lifes Dundreggan estate, part of Affric Highlands, the UKs biggest rewilding landscape.

Anyone wishing to sign the charter can do so at https://www.rewild.scot/charter.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: Restoring Scotlands natural environment is a key way that we can help address the twin challenges of nature loss and climate change, including many of the interventions championed by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.

Our 65 million Nature Restoration Fund has committed nearly 40 million since 2021 to unlock the full potential that nature restoration projects can bring to communities.

The Fund has supported local businesses to boost nature tourism, helped landowners with pollinator projects to boost food production and supported improved access to both green spaces and our marine environment throughout Scotland.
President Biden has approved a bill that could lead to the eventual ban of TikTok in the United States. The legislation was tied to a foreign aid bill to provide money to Ukraine and Israel.

More than 170 million Americans use the social media app, which features short videos. The company says it has 7,000 employees in the U.S.

The measure gives China-based ByteDance nine months to sell the company, with a possible additional three months if a sale is in progress.

If the company chooses not to sell TikTok, the popular social media app will be banned in the U.S.

TikTok said it will challenge the legislation in court.

"Rest assured, we are not going anywhere," the TikTok CEO said in a video message after Biden signed the bill into law.

If the ban goes into effect, the app would not automatically disappear from phones but it would be removed from the app stores.

That means new users would not be able to download it and updates would not be able to be sent to users in the United States.

The U.S. isn't the first country to ban TikTok. India banned it in 2020 after a border clash between the militaries of the two countries, according to the Associated Press.

Google created YouTube Shorts and Instagram created Reels to capture users.
Allegations facing Lagan Valley MP  which he denies  span period of more than 20 years

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has had his bail conditions relaxed as he appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face historical sex charges.

The ex-DUP leader was in the dock for a brief first appearance hearing this morning.

Donaldson was seen with his arms folded in what was a packed courtroom, separated from his wife  co-accused Lady Eleanor Donaldson (58) separated by security staff who sat on either side.

During a short hearing which lasted around seven minutes, it was agreed that bail conditions prohibiting contact between Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson could be removed.

Given the significant media and public presence on the court video link, ahead of the short hearing Judge Eamonn King warned that any potential recording of the proceedings would see the online broadcast stopped.

Donaldson (61), faces 11 charges including one of rape, one of committing an act of gross indecency and nine of indecent assault on dates between 1985 and 2006.

His wife also appeared charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault, as well as two counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

The aiding and abetting charges relate to alleged incidents between January 1 1985 and December 31 1991, as well as a specific count of the charge on January 1 1985.

One cruelty charge is alleged to have occurred between January 1 1985 and December 31 1991, while the other alleged offence occurred between January 1 1998 and December 31 2004.

Detective Sergeant Fleming indicated he could connect the accused to the charges.

When presented with the charges in court and whether they understood them, both defendants responded I do.

Neither defendant was asked to formally enter a plea.

It was agreed that there could be a variation of bail conditions meaning the current no contact between both defendants can be removed.

Neither defendant is allowed contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Each defendant was released on their own bail of 350, with the matter back before the court on May 22 for mention.

It is not required that they appear at that hearing next month.

Donaldson arrived at the courthouse this morning amid chaotic scenes, and was wearing a grey suit and surrounded by photographers as he walked in around 9.30am.

Donaldson made no comment as he walked from a car through the front entrance.

Both are strenuously contesting the allegations.

Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry courthouse on Wednesday morning (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Follow todays court hearing in our live blog:
The new head of the Education Authority (EA) told Stormonts Education Committee he could give no guarantees that funding will be available for the body to do what it needs to in the short term.

During the session, Richard Pengelly came under fire from MLAs just eight days after taking over as chief executive following his secondment by Education Minister Paul Givan from his previous role as permanent secretary at the Department of Justice.

The appointment of Mr Pengelly, husband of DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, has come under scrutiny, with six members of the EA Board registering opposition to the move and questions being asked over his removal from the Justice Department, headed by Alliance Minister Naomi Long.

Were not going to have a financial settlement that solves the problems in education, he told MLAs.

It will be hunkering down for a year or two. I worry services will rapidly approach the stage where they are unsustainable.

The Executive hasnt been back for long. They will inevitably start to think about medium- and long-term solutions. Its about survival in the near future.

Mr Pengelly said he was still very new in the post and doesnt yet have a great knowledge of the education sector but was acutely aware of the negative noise.

He also admitted that relationships need to be repaired between the EA and the Department of Education, before backtracking on what he called probably a poor choice of words and saying relationships would need to be refreshed.

Sinn Feins deputy chair of the committee Pat Sheehan quizzed Mr Pengelly further on the breakdown between the EA and the department, citing incidents where EA staff morale was low and staff were reported to have been crying at their desks.

Over the last number of years, the EA has shipped some serious reputational damage, the West Belfast MLA added.

As an external observer, I have heard very strong criticism of EA, said Mr Pengelly.

Im not going to disagree with that, but the point Im making is this is working day [number] eight and I have personally not encountered any of that.

Im not saying it doesnt exist, but Ive been struck by the positivity Ive found.

We do need to address the reputational point, but this is a strong organisation.

People try to set department against EA. We need to work together. I am not aware of tension or confrontations.

Mr Pengelly was also quizzed on plans to ease the pressure on the special education needs (SEN) sector, but denied it was facing another crisis this summer in trying to find appropriate places for children.

Officials from the Department of Education has previously denied another crisis was approaching, insisting they knew the challenge ahead, with 1,000 more places needing to be found ahead of the new school year in September.

Committee chair Nick Mathison told Mr Pengelly that simply because officials say they know about what lies ahead doesnt negate the fact there is a crisis.

Mr Pengelly responded: Members of the committee will have a depth of knowledge greatly surpassing my own. But from conversations Ive had, I would be more comfortable with the words critical strategic challenge, not crisis.

I can understand for an individual it feels like a crisis, he admitted.

We need to up our game in dialogue and communication so parents dont feel the need to reach out to us so frequently.

Referring to a letter from the permanent secretary to all schools about providing provision for SEN pupils in the year ahead, he said it wasnt a knee-jerk, desperation effort.

Despite that, EA official Dale Hanna admitted that not every child will be placed by the end of June.

The process will continue throughout the summer and families will feel pressure and anxiety, he said.

We are confident we will find places for those children. In all likelihood it will take us this summer and into the start of the next school year.

Mr Pengelly was also pressed on the cuts made to EA services, including the ending of holiday hunger payments, the Engage programme and the Healthy Happy Minds service.

I will have to wait to see the budget settlement put in place, he said.

Then I will work with the board to put priorities in place. I have to stop short of guarantees.
Peter Livingstone, from Ormeau Road, Belfast, is one member of the public who has provided video evidence to the NI Covid-19 inquiry team through the online portal. He is pictured with Covid-19 Inquiry Secretary Ben Connah at Ulster Museum

The stories of more than 2,000 people from Northern Ireland will feature as the UK Covid-19 Inquiry team arrive in Belfast for a three-week hearing.

Among those expected to give evidence will be former First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister at the time of the pandemic Michelle ONeill and Health Minister Robin Swann.

They are likely to be joined in facing questioning by Northern Irelands Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride.

Inquiry Secretary Ben Connah arrived in Belfast ahead of next Tuesdays opening day and said anyone who has yet to come forward to tell their own story still has time to have their voice heard.

Among those showing the courage to step forward is Belfast man Peter Livingstone.

Living close to his parents in Mencap independent housing on Belfasts Ormeau Road, Peter, who has learning and communication difficulties, said decisions made at government level saw all the family support  which he had been relying on as he moved to live on his own  taken from him when it was needed most.

It was hard for me, he said, reflecting on the isolation he felt throughout the Covid lockdowns. I thought it was important to tell how Covid affected me. I wasnt able to see family or friends. I found that very difficult. I had relied on them so much.

The inquiry needs to hear from people like me. It still hurts when I wasnt able to do anything, go anywhere and I saw politicians doing what they liked. I think I need to know why I was treated differently.

Praising Peter for having the courage to tell his story, which he did via the inquirys online Every Story Matters portal, Mr Connah said there are still many, many more who could help provide a more complete picture of how the Covid-19 pandemic was handled in Northern Ireland.

Baroness Hallett, who is chairing the inquiry, has been clear from the start she will be looking at decisions made across all four home nations, he said.

Weve been in Cardiff, Edinburgh before that and heard about the very different approaches taken in each country.

We know Northern Ireland will be different again, not least because of the different political context, the land border with the Republic of Ireland.

Weve got three weeks of intensive hearings. We will hear from those impacted, families who lost loved ones, scientists and politicians.

Weve heard from 34,000 people already, more than 2,000 from Northern Ireland, he added. It shows how engaged the public here is and how fresh the memory of Covid remains.

The stories can be hard to listen to, and even harder to deliver, he said. The courage of people telling their stories, often for the first time, is incredible to see.

The religious context in Northern Ireland is different too. Theres a sincerity and gravity in the way families mark death in Northern Ireland that doesnt exist in other parts of the UK.

Were really going to get into depth about the core political decisions that were taken from March 2020 through the pandemic, about the restrictions that applied to all the people that live in Northern Ireland, the way that they were changed over time, and the other really important decisions that were taken there.

At a preliminary hearing in December, it emerged that WhatsApp messages sent by former Stormont ministers during the pandemic have been lost after government-issued electronic devices were wiped.

Those included the devices of Baroness Foster and Ms ONeill, who could also face questions on her attendance at the funeral of prominent republican Bobby Storey at a time when gatherings were restricted.

Im pretty confident that the hearings over the next three weeks will have access to a lot of the evidence that they need, said Mr Connah.

Enda McGarrity, from the Covid Bereaved Families for Justice, which represents 160 families who lost loved ones, has been designated as a core participant in the hearings which he said will be a pivotal point for the families.

Its a really significant moment, notably because the inquiry came about as a result of their campaigning, he said.

Hearings will be held in the Clayton Hotel from April 30 until May 16.
Belfast Council has made an appeal to Stormont to give city centre organisation Trademarket a lifeline while they look for a new site to trade on.

Elected members at a City Hall committee have supported a call to the Department for Infrastructure to allow another short meanwhile lease for Trademarket beside its current temporary Dublin Road site, to give the traders association time to look for a new place in the city to set up shop.

Last week, the food and retail market launched a campaign to save the business as its lease on the site of the old Movie House Cinema comes to an end on July 31.

Earlier this month Belfast City Council gave the green light for two major developments on the site: digital technology company Kainos new Bankmore Exchange HQ and a new Queens University student accommodation block.

The construction of the new Kainos headquarters is set to begin in September and the project is scheduled for completion within 24 months, with Kainos aiming to take occupancy in early 2027. Queens hope to have their building ready for the 2026/27 term.

Trademarket is appealing for the public to support them in a plan to move their businesses next door to Bankmore Square.

They said: It is with a very heavy heart that we must announce the closure of Trademarket from the end of Summer 2024.

Trademarket has always been a hub for independent businesses and has over 20 spaces for grassroots enterprise and has employed 100+ people.

"We always knew that our time at 14 Dublin Road, Belfast, was limited, but we expected to make this announcement with a plan for the future.

The statement said that the permanent closure of Trademarket would be unnecessary as they believed it could be housed at the Bankmore Square site, a space they describe as a natural fit for the business.

This appeal faces a major hurdle as the Stormont department already has plans to develop Bankmore Square for the planned north/south Glider route.

It emerged at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee meeting earlier this month that Kainos had offered to spend considerable sums of money to regenerate public realm space around Bankmore Square when it builds its HQ, only to be told not to by the Department for Infrastructure.

The Square, which has a small park, has been unsightly for many years, with poor pavements and an unkempt green space, long before the demolition of the Movie House Cinema.

However, despite the departments plans, at the councils recent meeting of its Strategic Policy and Resources committee, elected members agreed that if the market shifted sideways from the Movie House site to Bankmore Square for a short period before work began on the Glider Route, it could give them enough time to find a permanent home.

Green Councillor Brian Smyth, who proposed the plan, told the committee: We have seen how this area has grown since Covid, how popular it is. It means a lot to a lot of people here, and I would like us to write to DfI, to the Minister, to say we are supportive of finding a space at Bankmore.

Alliance Councillor Micky Murray, said: I have worked quite a long time to get a long term home for them, but now they need a temporary one, and that is where Bankmore Square comes in.

They have made pretty detailed plans on how to move the business to Bankmore Square, in a way that protects the local businesses and increases the biodiversity of the land there by over 300%. They have letters of support from all political parties and local businesses as well.

At the moment, as the Linen Quarter Bid has said in their response, they hold the lease until March 2025, and have stated in their response they would be willing to consider surrendering the lease if approached by DfI with a project.

DfI have plans for Bankmore Square for the Glider route, so we know it is going to be a temporary solution, but it will be enough time to get Trademarket a long-term home, and to navigate getting new licences etcetera.

He said: Anyone that works for a South Belfast MLA or MP will know that they have had thousands of emails in, and that (the response) has crashed email systems. And there are thousands more to come, from people who just want to see this collection of small businesses be saved.

He proposed the council write to the Infrastructure Minister to communicate City Halls support for Trademarket moving to Bankmore Square as an independent catalyst for local business activity with a unique offering for tourists.

The letter will on the department to allow the traders a lease at Bankmore Square from July 2024 until the Linen Quarter Bid lease runs out in March.
Dame Joan Harbison passed away in London on Sunday.

Dame Joan Harbison passed away in London on Sunday.

Dame Joan Harbison passed away in London on Sunday.

The daughter of distinguished public servant Dame Joan Harbison has paid tribute to her mum who was both fierce and a force of compassion and kindness.

The first Equality Commissioner for NI passed away peacefully in a London hospice on Sunday, a year after being diagnosed with melanoma.

The 86-year-old, who moved to the city two years ago, was surrounded by her family when she passed, including her daughter Janet Lyness (47).

"She was a force of compassion and kindness and she was fierce, Mrs Lyness told the Belfast Telegraph.

She was candidly unlike anyone I have ever come across.

I have got a huge amount of pride in her.

I have come across all sorts of people in all walks of life and can say there aren't many people in the world like my mother.

Dame Joan Harbison passed away in London on Sunday.

She had a soft power and huge amount of influence.

She moved to London at the age of 84 and the influence she managed to garner in a few years was pretty incredible.

Most older people wouldn't move at that age to start a new life, but mum managed to do just that.

Mrs Harbison enjoyed a long career working in senior public roles, including as chair of the Commission for Racial Equality for Northern Ireland.

She also served as vice chair of the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights (SACHR).

The former teacher and lecturer was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma seven years ago shortly after her husband died.

She made made a full recovery before being diagnosed with skin cancer for which she underwent two rounds of treatment which were unsuccessful.

We had known it was a terminal illness but she was in great form right up until the end, Mrs Lyness said.

She spent five days in the hospice  we were all there last Friday and had a cheese board and champagne.

So she was fierce until the end  she had a fabulous last couple of years.

She was in Paris at a restaurant for her birthday in January and Mayfair a few weeks ago.

In 2004, Mrs Harbison was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contribution to creating equal opportunities in Northern Ireland.

Other roles included being a member of the General Dental Council for the United Kingdom and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in addition to serving on the Financial Services Authority Consumer Advisory Panel.

Ms Harbison also chaired the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) from 1994 to 1995 and remained active in the organisation following her departure.

Mrs Lyness recalled how her mum once spoke at an International Womens Day event at Jefferies, the firm where she works as an investment banker.

"She made quite an impact  I still get people saying to me, I only heard your mum speak once, but her words have stayed with me forever, she recalled.

Dame Joan Harbison passed away in London on Sunday.

Mrs Lyness expressed an enormous amount of pride in her mother whose life centred around family and faith.

She was a Presbyterian and very involved in church her entire life, she explained.

She passionately believed in inclusion and diversity and as a very strong advocate for the LGBT+ community she definitely didn't agree with certain doctrines.

I remember vividly she opened one of the Pride marches in Belfast wearing a denim jacket covered with LGBT flags.

We have several family members who are gay and she believed they should be included in the church.

She actually stopped going to her local church at one point because she felt so strongly.

Mrs Lyness has been inundated with emails from the many people her mother impacted in life, including former Conservative shadow minister for Northern Ireland Malcom Moss and Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger.

In the latter part of her career, Mrs Harbison was a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission for NI and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority health watchdog.

The former Older Peoples Advocate was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D) from the University of Ulster in 2005 for her contributions to public life  the recognition came 13 years after she was appointed a CBE.

Mrs Harbison served on the board of Extra Care as well as being vice chair of Victoria College Belfast right up until she moved to London.

But Mrs Lyness said ensuring much more equal treatment in the PSNI was among her mothers most ground-breaking achievements.
The PSNI attended the scene of a sudden death in Coleraine (Niall Carson/PA)

A number of items including cash and suspected class B and C drugs have been seized in Co Down during an operation targeting West Belfast UDA.

Officers from the PSNIs Paramilitary Crime Task Force conducted the raid in Donaghadee on Wednesday as part of an ongoing probe into criminality linked to the loyalist gang.

A property was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Mobile phones, cash, and quantities of suspected class B and class C controlled drugs were taken from the scene for further forensic examinations.

Detective Inspector Corrigan said: The Paramilitary Crime Task Force will continue to seize and remove dangerous and harmful drugs from the streets, whilst also disrupting finance streams linked to the sale of these drugs.

"I would ask anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs to contact police on 101 and assist us in our efforts to make this country a safer place for all.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
The PSNIs Organised Crime Unit has seized around 240,000 in cash and made two arrests following searches carried out in the Belfast and Sprucefield areas over the past two days

Detective Inspector Sweeney said: Approximately 200,000 in cash was seized during a search of a property in the west Belfast area today as part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminality.

A 62-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property, and remains in police custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.

Detectives also carried out searches of a number of vehicles and properties in the Sprucefield and Belfast areas yesterday and seized approximately 40,000 in cash.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.

He has since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

Detective Inspector Sweeney added: Organised crime gangs engage in a wide range of criminality, including drug dealing, extortion and violence.

These activities cause untold misery to local communities, and the gangs do this for one reason only  for financial gain.

The PSNIs Organised Crime Unit remains determined to prevent organised crime gangs from continuing to profit from and prey on the vulnerability of others.

"We rely on information from the communities affected to allow us to make such seizures and continue to disrupt organised criminality.

"If you have any information about this type of activity, please contact us on 101.

You can also make a report at psni.police.uk/report, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and crimestoppers-uk.org/
A former Co Down car salesman was today jailed for a year for repeatedly flouting the terms of a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO).

Andrew George Tinsley (48), of Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, pleaded guilty to ten counts of breaching his SOPO by accessing computers in public libraries across Northern Ireland.

He had previously been convicted in June 2021 of possessing voyeurism images and indecent images which had been found on his phone.

Part of the SOPO conditions imposed on him by the court was that he was not to access computers or the internet without the prior approval of his designated risk manager (DRM).

Prosecution counsel David McNeill told Belfast Crown Court that 161 images were found on Tinsleys phone, the vast majority of which were taken by the defendant while out of jurisdiction on holiday in Italy.

He told Judge Philip Gilpin that among the images were 21 movies depicting indecent images of children. The remaining 140 images related to adult males.

The court heard that following his conviction, Tinsley breached his SOPO on four further occasions between April and September 2022 and received suspended sentences.

Mr McNeill said that between November 26, 2022, and February 15, 2023, Tinsley further breached his SOPO by visiting libraries in Armagh, Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Belfast, Lisburn, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown to use their computers.

Tinsley claimed to police he had permission from his DRM to access the library computers. When contacted by police, the DRM adamantly denied this.

This is repeated and deliberate flouting of a court order. He has shown a complete disregard for the terms of that order, said Mr McNeill.

We say culpability is high but harm is low, as no harm was eventuated. However, when somebody repeatedly and deliberately breaches a SOPO which gives rise to a risk, those breaches require a penalty.

Defence counsel Taylor Campbell said the breaches of the SOPO could be described as technical, as the defendant had been accessing online news websites and was not searching for or downloading indecent images.

He said the original court case related to Tinsley taking voyeuristic pictures of adult males and children in toilets either over the top of a toilet cubicle or underneath the cubicle.

It was opportunistic whether they were adults or children and it wasnt really a paedophile case. He had this compulsion to take these pictures of people either showering or going to the toilet. He wasnt remotely behaving like a paedophile.

In relation to accessing the library computers, Mr Campbell contended: What he did was trivial in the extreme. This man went to a public area, he used his library card and he looked at entirely harmless [news] websites.

Judge Gilpin said the custody threshold had been passed in the case.

Imposing a 12-month prison sentence, Judge Gilpin told Tinsley: I am satisfied that your offending was repeated and it was deliberate and it involved a flouting of the court order.

Tinsley will remain the subject of a SOPO until June 2026.
Police carried out a controlled explosion after a substance was located at Wellington College in Belfast.

A local councillor has said the incident related to a substance in a chemistry lab.

The grammar school, which opened in 1989, is located on the Carolan Road in the south of the city.

In a statement the PSNI said: Due to a report of a substance located at a premises, the Carolan Road area of Belfast has been closed this afternoon for the attendance of emergency service colleagues.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey, but the road has since reopened.

Police then added: Officers attended and a controlled explosion was carried out on the substance, which has been removed.

Councillor Seamas de Faoite said he has spoken to the police in relation to the incident and it was confirmed that it is connected to Wellington College.

My understanding is that its nothing sinister, he explained.

I think it may be something related to the chemistry lab in the school.

Hopefully local residents have nothing to worry about and its something that will be resolved quickly and without any further complications.

Schools quite rightly have to take precautions around hazardous materials. There will be all sorts of protocols in place. Its just a process they have to follow.

Its a busy spot, next to the Ormeau Road and there is the risk of further disruption but I would hope that because its nothing sinister that things can be resolved fairly quickly.

Wellington College has been contacted for comment.
Tayto has announced the reopening of the Famous Tayto Castle tours

The Famous Tayto Castle tours will return for the summer

You will get the chance to meet Mr Tayto on the tours which are reopening for the summer

Tayto has announced the reopening of its famous castle tours, just in time for the summer.

Visitors will have the chance to tour the factory in the grounds of Tayto Castle in Tandragee, where more than 250 people work. It has the capacity to make a million packets of crisps every day.

Tours at the factory closed in 2020 due to the pandemic but Tayto said it is the right time to open their doors to the public once again.

Tayto has announced the reopening of the Famous Tayto Castle tours

Elly Hunter, marketing director at Tayto, said she was excited to welcome visitors to the factory.

Following a NI wide search for tour guides, were delighted to report that we have found some incredibly enthusiastic people to join the Tayto team and ensure visitors have the best time possible when theyre with us, she said.

Tayto tours are especially popular with school groups, colleges, universities, clubs and societies, together with family groups, and can accommodate all ages from five upwards.

Elly said Tayto are expecting to welcome visitors from across the world.

Weve welcomed people from all over the globe, with a large number from GB, Canada, the USA and as far away as Australia and South Africa. People will go a long way for Tayto crisps.

Its lovely to see families on the tour and more often than not mum and dad did the same tour when they were children. Its very touching to see them passing on the tradition.

Elly hopes many people across Northern Ireland and beyond can enjoy the experience this summer.

The Famous Tayto Castle tours will return for the summer

The Tayto factory is located within the grounds of a 500-year-old castle in Tandragee. A truly unique and stunning setting for everyone who comes to see us.

On a tour, visitors will see first hand how our famous crisps and snacks are made and get the chance to meet Mr Tayto.

"They will see the production process from start to finish, witnessing the transformation of our local potatoes into packaged, delicious Tayto crisps. They will also see how our snacks and popcorn are made.

We are so looking forward to welcoming visitors back once again and introducing a new generation of Tayto fans to our famous Tour. concluded Elly.

Tayto Tours will be running from May 7. There are two tours daily from Monday to Friday.
Thousands of students and staff at the University of Minnesota have walked out of their classes and onto campus a day after nine people were arrested attempting to build a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.

Scholar Nick Estes who teaches at the University of Minnesota joined the student protest for Gaza at Coffman Union, where the new encampment is located.

Posting to X, accompanied with footage from the scene, Estes wrote, "More than a thousand students, faculty, and staff walked out of class today at the U of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus in solidarity with the 9 arrested this morning-7 were students-for trying to setup an anti-genocide encampment. Beautiful. #FreePalestine."

Nine people were arrested at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday when campus police broke up a pro-Palestinian encampment shortly after it was set up. Tents and signs were erected on the Northrop Mall of the Twin Cities campus around 4 a.m. and the cops showed up about two hours later, the Star Tribune reported.



Pro-Palestinian encampments have popped up on multiple college campuses since last week's crackdown on a large encampment on Columbia University's campus in New York City, where police arrested hundreds of protesters, sparking even further tensions. The school recently extended the deadline to allow protesters to leave on thier own before taking "alternative" measures. Columbia has threatened to call the National Guard to assist in the removal of the protesters, but only has the ability to ask for their assistance.







-With reporting from TMX.
Jim Allister, Baroness Kate Hoey and Ben Habib were involved in a legal challenge against the Northern Ireland Protocol (Michael Cooper/PA)

TUV leader Jim Allister says he wont be lectured by anyone who is in partnership with Sinn Fein after Ben Habib claimed migrants should absolutely be allowed to drown in the English Channel.

The deputy leader of Nigel Farages Reform UK, which has formed an official partnership with the TUV for the upcoming general election, sparked outrage on Wednesday after claiming that Britain should let asylum seekers drown.

Mr Habib, the partys Wellingborough parliamentary candidate, said those trying to reach UK shores in small boats should suffer the consequences of their decision.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said legal and illegal immigration is an issue to be taken very seriously with a particular focus on people traffickers.

"But for anyone to say that its right to sit and watch people drown is absolutely appalling, he said. Its extraordinary and awful.

Mr Beattie called on Mr Allister to clarify if he agrees with his new partner.

"If Jim Allister disagrees with Mr Habib he should come out and say so, he should say the comments were wrong and address them with his new partner. But thats up to Jim, he said.

Mr Habib has been severely criticised on social media for the remarks made on TalkTVs Julia Hartley-Brewer programme just a day after a seven-year-old girl was among five migrants killed after being crushed on an overcrowded boat during an attempted crossing.

Jim Allister, Baroness Kate Hoey and Ben Habib were involved in a legal challenge against the Northern Ireland Protocol (Michael Cooper/PA)

Lets not infantilise these people, they have free will, Mr Habib said.

Im not going to be held to ransom by their claim that they deserve protection as soon as they get into our territorial waters.

If they choose to scupper that dinghy, then yes, they have to suffer the consequences of their actions.

When the host asked then you would leave them to drown?, Mr Habib responded saying absolutely.

They cannot be infantalised to the point that we become hostage to fortune.

Ms Hartley-Brewer expressed shock as she said the policy is not one a civilised country should endorse.

Mr Allister insisted Mr Habibs comments must be seen in the context they were made.

They are not comments I would have chosen to make, but his words must not be seen in isolation, the North Antrim MLA said.

"But I wont be taking any lectures from Doug Beattie or anyone else who is in partnership with Sinn Fein given the horrendous things they have said about violence and terror.

Mr Allister said Mr Habib was talking specifically about a situation in which boats are intentionally damaged.

The controversial interview comes after Mr Sunaks Rwanda deportation bill finally cleared parliament, with the Prime Minister promising to send asylum seekers to the east African nation in 10-12 weeks.

The bill is a key plank of the PMs promise to stop the boats, which he has so far failed at, with crossings at a record high so far this year.

Mr Allister announced a formal partnership with Reform last month as its leader Richard Tice attended the TUV's annual conference in Co Antrim.

Both leaders signed a "memorandum of understanding" at the conference which will "agree candidates" for constituencies in Northern Ireland.

UUP leader Doug Beattie (Oliver McVeigh/PA)

A spokesman for Reform said: Our policy is clear and simple: pick up and safely take back to France.

"Ben was having a conceptual debate about the theory of defending borders. Our policy will stop the boats and save lives.
Almost 250k seized and two arrested in Co Antrim in raids targeting organised crime.

Two people including a 62-year-old woman have been arrested after almost a quarter of a million pounds was seized in Co Antrim.

Detectives from PSNIs Organised Crime Unit recovered approximately 240,000 in cash and also detained a 28-year-old man following searches in the Belfast and Sprucefield areas over the past two days.

Around 200,000 was located in a property in the west Belfast area on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminality.

The 62-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property, and remains in police custody.

A number of vehicles and properties in the Sprucefield and Belfast areas were subjected to raids on Tuesday resulting in approximately 40,000 in cash being recovered.

The 28-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property and has since been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.

PSNI Detective Inspector Sweeney said organised crime gangs engage in a wide range of criminality, including drug dealing, extortion and violence.

These activities cause untold misery to local communities, and the gangs do this for one reason only - for financial gain, they added.

The Police Service of Northern Irelands Organised Crime Unit remains determined to prevent organised crime gangs from continuing to profit from and prey on the vulnerability of others.

"We rely on information from the communities affected to allow us to make such seizures and continue to disrupt organised criminality.

"If you have any information about this type of activity, please contact us on 101.
SDLP MP Claire Hanna said people in Northern Ireland were frustrated at the lack of pace of delivery by the Executive (Liam McBurney/PA)

The Northern Ireland Executive should be taking urgent action on releasing a programme for Government and a budget, which have not been presented 12 weeks on from the restoration of devolution, an SDLP MP has said.

There was no functioning devolved administration in Northern Ireland for two years due to the DUPs boycott of Stormont in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Following extended negotiations with the DUP, the UK Government pledged a 3.3 billion package to support the return of devolution in Northern Ireland earlier this year.

SDLP MP Claire Hanna said people in Northern Ireland were frustrated

Last week Stormonts Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald said that the resource and capital bids made by ministers are far in excess of the funds available to her.

During Northern Ireland questions in the Commons, SDLP MP Claire Hanna (Belfast South) said people in Northern Ireland were frustrated at the lack of pace of delivery by the Executive, and called for an imminent programme for government and budget to be released.

She told MPs: After a two-year void, theyre saying they dont want to be hurried to deliver for Northern Ireland. Healthcare staff who are pressed, people waiting for special educational needs and people watching Lough Neagh face another summer of algae bloom are very much in a hurry for action.

Northern Ireland urgently needs a delivery plan, it needs a programme for Government and it needs a budget.

Yes, resources are a part of that, can the Minister update on any negotiations on the fiscal framework and can he impress on the Executive the need for urgent action and not just warm words?

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said that civil servants were working with Stormont to upgrade public services (James Manning/PA)

Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris replied: The one thing I did pick up from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister last week is they too want to act in all the ways that (Ms Hanna) said and their priorities include creating a programme for Government which will include the vital work of public service transformation.

Theyre only 12 weeks in and I do look forward to good results in the short, medium and long term.

Earlier in the session Mr Heaton-Harris said Whitehall civil servants would collaborate with Stormont in their efforts to upgrade public services in the region.

He said: There is now a fantastic opportunity and we are trying to take it, for the UK Government to collaborate with and support the Northern Ireland Executive to transform public services.

The UK Government has high hopes that ministers in the Executive will deliver on their commitments to set up a transformation board and the Government is excited to work with Northern Ireland ministers to produce plans that will deliver that transformation for Northern Ireland.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers asked whether Northern Ireland could be levelled up (Yui Mok/PA)

Responding to a question from Theresa Villiers on whether Northern Ireland could be levelled up, Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker reiterated the Governments expectation of revenue-raising at Stormont.

He told the Commons: It is a fact that the Executive needs to both transform public services and improve revenue-raising so that everything there can be on a sustainable basis.

Also in the session, Mr Heaton-Harris said the Government is working to figure out how much the renovation of Casement Park will cost, with recent prices significantly higher than they were a year ago.

There has been uncertainty around funding for the redevelopment after reports suggested it could cost as much as 308 million.

The Government is working to figure out the renovation of Casement Park after reports suggested it could cost as much as 308 million (Niall Carson/PA)

In 2011, the Stormont Executive committed 62.5 million to the project.

In February, the Irish Government offered 40 million towards it, and the GAA has said it will contribute 15 million.

Last week First Minister Michelle ONeill said they were awaiting the UK Governments decision on plugging the remaining funding gap.

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn told the Commons: The UKs successful bid to host with Ireland the 2028 Euros is a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland, but with just three years left to build the Casement Park Stadium, the Executive has yet to invite tenders.

He added: Given the clock is now clicking how does (Mr Heaton-Harris) intend, with others, to honour that guarantee so the stadium gets built on time?

Mr Heaton-Harris replied: I really do want to see these Euro games played at Casement Park. I made clear that I would like to see Euro 2028 games take place in Casement Park, however, the latest costs that Ive seen are significantly higher than the ones they were a year ago.

And any tax-payer contribution to the Casement Park project will need to be made on a value-for-money basis, and Ive said also many times there is no blank cheque here, especially when there is no contractor appointed yet, we do not want to artificially inflate a price.

The Northern Ireland Executive will also need to decide on whether and how it will underwrite any future increases in cost, so we are all, all partners are working together to try and figure out what the number is and how we can deliver on it.
The Alliance surge is clearly over but partys voters may have ultimate says on whether NI continues to exist
General secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge brands move disgraceful

Irish protesters told they are not allowed to speak Irish by German police at pro-Palestine protest camp near the Reichstag in Berlin

Irish protesters were told they are not allowed to speak or sing in Irish at the pro-Palestine protest camp near the Reichstag in Berlin.

About 40 activists were attending the ciorcal comhra (conversation circle) event as Gaeilge when large numbers of police arrived and told them to stop and move on.

They also sang songs in English and Irish, including traditional favourite Oro Se Do Bheatha Abhaile.

Police broke up the Irish language event attended by about 40 Irish people living in the German capital, under rules that only allow English and German, and in some cases Arabic, to be used during protests.

German authorities have been increasingly restricting pro-Palestine protests against the governments support for Israel amid its war in Gaza. The ban on languages other than English and German, in Berlin without a designated translator present to interpret for police is seen as mainly targeting Arabic speakers, and therefore Palestine supporters.

Irish is an official language of the EU, with equal status to the 23 other official languages of the EU since January 2022.

Irish woman Caoimhe McAllister, who was attending the protest, said the group of approximately 40 people gathered at 6pm at the protest camp in front of the German parliament, the Reichstag, on Friday evening, April 19.

Berlin police at the Irish Bloc Ciorcal Comhra

At that camp, especially in the last days of Ramadan, there was a crackdown on any Arabic-speaking, including arresting someone, she said.

So we decided to highlight what we see as a really worrying human rights concern. We just had to highlight this by speaking in Irish.

Ms McAllister has been living in Berlin for 14 years and is originally from Belfast. She is a member of the Irish Bloc, a group based in Berlin supporting Palestine.

The police expressed concern that people might be discussing terrorist activity, or what they call incitement to violence, Ms McAllister said.

"They were worried that we, in Irish, would say something that glorified terrorism or incited violence and therefore we were required to have an interpreter to clarify that for the police officers there.

"And because we didn't have one, we were banned from speaking in Irish.

Ms McAllister told the Irish Independent there was already a very heavy police presence when the group arrived at the camp.

She said they were immediately stopped from carrying flags and a handmade banner that said Saoirse don Phalaistin  Bheirlin (Freedom for Palestine  Berlin) and police wouldnt let them display it as it was too political in nature.

The meeting was structured by the group as a discussion or a conversation circle plus songs.

We decided that we were going to have a small workshop  we had printed out sheets with Irish vocabulary on them, so that was the way to make the event inclusive for people who weren't also fluent Irish speakers, she said.

"We had pieces of cardboard and markers and we were going to get them to make little signs about peace and human rights translated into Irish.

Soon after, police arrived and divided the group into smaller groups of five or six people, and made them move away from the camp, as they said the group was too large.

They told us that if we didn't vacate the vicinity immediately, they would begin arresting us, Ms McAllister said.

She said the group walked to a nearby museum, and were followed by a large group of police.

Berlin police at the Irish Bloc Ciorcal Comhra

"They followed us up and down the steps for quite some time. It was very threatening. They were silent, they wouldn't speak to us, they were just following us, maybe 10 or 12 of them in full gear, she said.

Ms McAllister said the group kept complying with polices instructions.

It was very clear that they were waiting on instructions from their superiors. They were filming us very closely, she said.

We were very careful about the choice of songs because some rebel songs might have some words in them that might be seen as incitement to violence.

"So we made sure that we didn't do anything that could reflect badly on us. And still, they refused to let us speak. And at this point, it was just pure intimidation, she added.

She said she feels shocked by the experience and frightened on the behalf of the Muslim friends.

This repression is a side effect of the levels of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in Germany. It's important to continue to highlight that this is not really a repression of Irish culture. It's the repression of Irish solidarity with Palestine.

If we had just gathered in a different park at a different time to speak Irish, there wouldn't have been a single cop there.

They're trying to portray Irish people as terrorist sympathisers in order to repress and silence our solidarity with Palestine and that I find very frightening, she added.

The Irish Bloc said in a statement that this action interferes with our fundamental rights as European citizens to assemble and speak our native language.

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The group said in its statement that the actions of the police amounted to intimidation and that Irish people are all to familiar with having their language repressed, adding: We are painfully aware that if we were not a predominantly white-Irish group, this situation would have mostly likely unfolded very differently.

Berlin police confirmed to the Irish Independent that there is a restriction in that speeches can only be made in German and English and at certain times also in Arabic, and that no exclamations or chants may be made in Hebrew or Gaelic.

"This was also the case on Friday. This requirement is always communicated to the people leading the assembly by the police, a Berlin police spokesperson said.

"The assembly leaders must ensure that these requirements are implemented and that all participants adhere to them. Otherwise, it is a violation of the Berlin Freedom of Assembly Act and an administrative offense.

"The background to the requirement is that a police forecast/assessment for the assembly has shown that there could be speeches or chants glorifying violence with potentially punishable content during the assembly and the police must of course be able to understand them in order to be able to punish them and initiate appropriate investigative proceedings.

"For most languages, this is only possible with interpreters - and if none are available, appropriate conditions can be imposed in advance.

"In principle, the Berlin police must always have a certain lead time to be able to request such police-approved interpreters, as they are not available for all languages at all times, they added.

Irish freelance journalist based in Berlin Ruairi Casey, who spoke with the Berlin police yesterday, said only English and German can be spoken at the protest camp in front of the Bundestag, and Arabic after 6pm.

To make sure that there weren't any violations, that there weren't any offences, or potential hate speech and things like this. Anything that isn't English or German or Arabic after 6pm was prohibited, Mr Casey told the Irish Independent.

General secretary of Irish language promotion body Conradh na Gaeilge, Julian de Spainn, said it was disgraceful behaviour by the German police.

We can see no reason as to why anyone would be compelled to use only German or English while attending a Palestine solidarity protest in Germany, Mr de Spainn said.

"In this case, we have been informed that a number of Irish speakers attending the protest were told that they must not use Irish, an official language of the European Union.

"In our opinion, this is disgraceful behaviour by the German police who, we believe, should uphold EU citizens language rights instead of denying them.

"The Conradh believes that there should be an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Palestine and dont see any reason people should not advocate for this as Gaeilge.
D-Day veteran Bill Gladden, who has died at the age of 100 (Family photo/ PA)

A one in a million D-Day veteran who flew into Normandy on a military glider and survived being shot by a tank has died at home aged 100.

Bill Gladden, of Haverhill, Suffolk, was just 20 years old when he arrived on a Hamilcar glider carrying a tank and six motorbikes on June 6, 1944.

He moved to an orchard just outside the French village of Ranville, near the strategically important Pegasus Bridge that the 6th Airborne Reconnaissance Regiment was tasked with protecting.

While holed up on June 17 he carried two of his fellow soldiers, who were wounded, into a barn that was being used as a medical post.

They died of their injuries and are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Ranville.

Mr Gladden was himself injured by machine gun fire from a Panzer tank two days later, while brewing tea, and was carried into the same barn.

D-Day veteran Bill Gladden with daughter Linda Durrant arriving at the surprise party for his 100th birthday in Haverhill, Suffolk (Sam Russell/ PA)

He was flown back to the UK with a severe leg injury and spent the following three years in hospital.

His family threw him a surprise party for his 100th birthday in January of this year and Mr Gladden was open-mouthed as a crowd sang Happy Birthday to him.

As people set off party poppers the veteran, who was brought into the party venue in a wheelchair, raised his cupped palms to his sides and mouthed thank you.

When asked later by a guest if he had any idea about the surprise, he replied: No idea whatsoever.

Mr Gladden died at home on Wednesday.

He was a regular on trips to Normandy and the Netherlands, as well as to events in the UK, with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Bill Gladden (left) and Ted Pieri sit in the back of a black cab at Wellington Barracks, London, ahead of their veterans trip to northern France with the Taxi Charity (Victoria Jones/ PA)

Dick Goodwin, honorary secretary of the Taxi Charity, said: Bill was one in a million who was adored by everyone he met.

He had a wonderful gentle voice and loved nothing more than singing some of his favourite wartime songs.

Earlier this year we had the joy of celebrating his 100 birthday in Haverhill and testament to the man he was, the hall was packed with all those who knew and loved him.

Stand easy Sir, your duty is done.

London cab driver and Taxi Charity for Military Veterans volunteer Paul Cook said it was one of the biggest privileges in my life to have known Bill.

I will miss him dearly, he said.

D-Day veteran Bill Gladden meeting local French schoolchildren at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer in France (Gareth Fuller/ PA)

He was one of our greatest heroes and also my friend. Travel well Bill.

Mr Gladden, who grew up in Woolwich, south-east London, had volunteered for airborne duties and flew into Normandy from the former RAF Tarrant Rushton in Dorset.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Durrant and her husband Kenny, and his niece Kaye Thorpe and her husband Alan who cared for him in his later years.

Speaking earlier this year at Mr Gladdens birthday party, Mrs Thorpe described the veteran as a legend.

She said: He always says he didnt do much because he got injured, he got wounded.

He was only over there for about 12 days then he was three years in hospital.

D-Day veteran Bill Gladden arrives at the surprise party for his 100th birthday in Haverhill, Suffolk (Sam Russell/ PA)

He had his ankle virtually blown off, shot off.

It was hanging on by the Achilles heel. He was in a bad way.

Mr Gladden was in the building trade before the war and subsequently worked in various jobs in factories and in payroll, Mrs Thorpe said.

She said he loved singing and painting, and had created watercolour artworks from his memories of the Second World War.
When Tony Blair entered No 10 following Labours landslide general election victory of 1997, one of his first acts was to appoint Frank Field as a social security minister with a brief to think the unthinkable on the thorny issue of welfare reform.

It was a surprising  and to many onlookers  a bold choice. The MP for Birkenhead had a reputation as an independent voice with a burning commitment both to tackling poverty and to ending benefit dependence.

To the new prime minister determined to curb the ballooning welfare bill while pursuing Labours traditional commitment to social justice, it appeared to be the ideal combination.

In the event it proved to be a disaster. In office, Mr Field clashed repeatedly with both his immediate boss, social security secretary Harriet Harman, and the all-powerful chancellor Gordon Brown who bridled at the cost of his proposals.

In little over a year, he was back on the backbenches, choosing to resign rather than to accept a move to another Whitehall department in a ministerial reshuffle.

Frank Field speaking in the House of Commons (PA)

Looking back in his autobiography, Sir Tony reflected ruefully that Mr Fields ideas were not so much unthinkable as unfathomable  adding that while some MPs were made for government, he wasnt. Simple as that.

It was to be his one brush with ministerial office, but over the course of four decades as an MP he made a far greater impact than many who dedicated their careers to climbing the greasy pole of political preferment.

Always highly principled, his belief in the virtues of self-reliance and self-improvement was rooted in his deeply-held Anglican faith, at times lending his pronouncements the air of a 19th century evangelical reformer.

As a highly effective chairman of the Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee for four years from 2015, he relished holding the powerful to account.

When Sir Philip Green threatened to sue him in the wake of an excoriating report into the collapse of BHS, he told the tycoon to stop firing off lawyers letters and instead write a big cheque to cover the 571 million black hole in its pension fund.

A genuine maverick, he was the least tribal of politicians, numbering Margaret Thatcher  who he always called Mrs T  among his friends.

Following Michael Heseltines 1990 leadership challenge, he quietly slipped into No 10 to urge her to resign with dignity rather than to suffer the humiliation of being forced out.

Frank Field as director of the Child Poverty Action Group (PA)

He later teamed up with the Tory MP Sir Nicholas Soames to form a cross-party group on balanced migration, citing concerns about the impact of immigration on wages in his Merseyside constituency.

Such alliances did not always sit well with those in his own side, and he spent many years as an MP engaged in a toxic battle with Militant Tendency and the hard left in his local party.

He was nevertheless one of 35 MPs to nominate Jeremy Corbyn in the 2015 Labour leadership contest to ensure, under party rules, he was able to make it onto the ballot paper, even though he had no intention of voting for him.

Mr Corbyns surprise victory was to precipitate his final break with the party: in 2018 he quit the Labour whip over its toleration of antisemitism as well as the culture of intolerance, nastiness and intimidation within the party.

Frank Ernest Field, was born in Edmonton, Middlesex, on July 16 1942, the second of three sons. It was not a happy childhood.

He later described how he was subjected to persistent bullying by his father, a factory worker, who loathed him from his earliest days.

Aged 15, he finally snapped when his father came at him with a hammer, snatching the implement from him and warning that he would use it on him if he ever did it again. It was an important lesson in the need to stand up to arbitrary power.

Frank Field with David Cameron who appointed him to head an independent review into poverty (Fiona Hanson/PA)

After school at St Clement Danes in Hammersmith, west London, he gained a place at the University of Hull to study economics, becoming the first member of his family to enter higher education.

Initially a Young Conservative, as a teenager he soon switched to Labour over his opposition to apartheid in South Africa.

After university, he took a job teaching in a further education college while gaining election to Hounslow borough council.

In 1969, he became director of the Child Poverty Action Group, a post he held for the next decade establishing a reputation as a highly effective campaigner.

After one unsuccessful attempt to stand for Parliament, he finally secured election as MP for the safe Labour seat of Birkenhead in the 1979 general election.

Frank Field in his Westminster office (Yui Mok/PA)

He was briefly made a frontbench spokesman by Michael Foot and then again by Neil Kinnock, but neither appointment stuck.

More successfully, in 1987 he became chairman of the social services committee (later the social security committee), a post he held for 10 years until he became a minister.

His idiosyncratic, highly personal set of beliefs did not always sit easily at Westminster, where his views did not fit the traditional left-right divide.

He called for the return of national service to instil a sense of order and patriotism in Britains young, but also voted for gay marriage and other gay rights legislation.

In 2009, he put himself forward as a candidate for Commons Speaker, but withdrew due to a lack of support among fellow Labour MPs.

Following the 2010 general election, he was invited by David Cameron to head an independent review into poverty, only to experience disappointment once again, complaining that his recommendations had been ignored by the coalition government.

His growing detachment from his own party was underlined by the 2016 Brexit referendum, when he was just one of two Labour MPs to declare for Leave, again over concerns about immigration.

After resigning the Labour whip, Mr Field announced he would be standing for the Birkenhead Social Justice Party at the next general election, only to be roundly defeated by Labour when Boris Johnson went to the country in December 2019.

Following the election, he was made a life peer as Baron Field of Birkenhead.

In 2021, his friend and fellow crossbench peer Baroness Meacher read out a statement on his behalf in the House of Lords which revealed that he was terminally ill and declaring his support for the Assisted Dying Bill which peers were debating.

He subsequently disclosed that he had been suffering from prostate cancer for around 10 years, telling the Guardian: Its a strange experience taking so long to die.
Khaled Hajsaad was appearing at City of London Magistrates Court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

A man accused of wearing a headband in support of Hamas told police it was a statement of faith, a court has heard.

Khaled Hajsaad, 24, who has been living in Birmingham, wore the clothing at a pro-Palestine rally in central London where he was arrested by police, prosecutors say.

The headband had the Shahada written on it  the basic statement of the Islamic faith, the court was told previously.

Hajsaad appeared at the City of London Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he denied the charge.

According to a transcript of a police interview with Hajsaad the day after he was arrested, the defendant told officers he was wearing a headband with a Saudi Arabian flag.

The document, which was read to the court by prosecutor Gareth Weetman, detailed how Hajsaad told police: I was supporting Palestine and I was wearing an item of Saudi Arabia.

This is a Shahada, which is a statement of faith.

I was wearing it because I am a Muslim and this is my statement of faith.

Khaled Hajsaad wore the clothing at a pro-Palestine rally in central London, prosecutors say (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Hajsaad, described as an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK a year ago, said: I dont care about (Hamas). I dont support (the group) and I have never supported (them).

I came here to live in safety.

Hajsaad is accused of wearing the clothing at Trafalgar Square on November 25 last year in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion he was supporting Hamas  an illegal act in the UK where it is designated a terrorist group.

Experts called to attend the court were split on the headbands likeness to either the flag of Hamas or Saudi Arabia.

District Judge Nina Tempia adjourned the trial until Thursday.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after five migrants including a child died while trying to cross the Channel (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after five migrants including a child died while trying to cross the Channel.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said investigators are questioning two men from Sudan, aged 19 and 22, and a third 22-year-old suspect from south Sudan over the tragedy.

They were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally.

The 55 surviving boat passengers have already been interviewed and are expected to be spoken to further in the coming days.

More than 400 migrants arrived in the UK on the day the group died.

The crossings took place as the tragedy off the coast of northern France unfolded, just hours after Parliament passed legislation aimed at getting the Governments plan to give asylum seekers a one-way ticket to Rwanda off the ground.

A dinghy carrying more than 100 people set off from Wimereux at around 6am on Tuesday but got into difficulty.

Three men, a woman and a girl died, according to the French coastguard.

Some 49 people were rescued but 58 others refused to leave the boat and continued their journey towards the UK, the coastguard said in a statement, with several other boats later embarking on the crossing.

(PA Graphics)

The incident reportedly took place as rival migrant groups all tried to scramble into the boat, causing it to become heavily overcrowded.

According to Sky News, one group had taken the boat down to the waters edge and were about to move into the sea when they were attacked by a second group who stormed the vessel.

The boat hit a sandbar as it embarked on its journey, at which point the woman and child went overboard and drowned, but it is not yet clear how the other three people died, the broadcaster reported.

BBC footage of the scene on the beach showed groups of people, some with sticks, crowding a boat and letting off fire crackers in a bid to keep police at bay, with cries of Help later appearing to come from the boat as it floated out to sea.

Asked by a BBC reporter if they could have done more to stop the boat from launching, a police officer said they are not allowed to enter the water and had to be careful because there were children present as well as migrants with sticks.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover in Kent by Border Force officers following a small boat incident in the Channel (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Home Office figures show 402 people made the journey in seven boats that same day after an eight-day break in activity in the Channel, which suggests there was an average of around 57 people per boat.

Young children and babies were among those seen being taken ashore in Dover, Kent, while witnesses saw crews carrying someone on a stretcher from a lifeboat to an ambulance.

The latest crossings take the provisional total for the year so far to 6,667  20% higher than this time last year (5,546) but slightly lower (down 0.4%) than the figure recorded at this stage in 2022 (6,691).

Some 29,437 people made the journey in 2023, down 36% on a record 45,774 arrivals in 2022.

Campaigners said the Rwanda plan will not save lives as they lamented the news of more deaths due to the treacherous journey and called for the Channel not to become a graveyard for children.

But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the incident underscores the need for the deterrent the Government hopes sending migrants to the east African nation if they arrive illegally in the UK will bring.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps arrive at Warsaw Chopin airport in Warsaw during a visit to Poland and Germany. Picture date: Tuesday April 23, 2024.

Rishi Sunak will use a summit marking the 75th anniversary of Nato to lobby allies to match his defence spending commitment.

At the Washington DC summit in July, the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will argue that spending 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) should be the benchmark for members of the alliance.

Mr Sunak has committed to reaching 2.5% by 2030, spending more than 75 billion more on defence over the next six years compared with current levels.

The commitment will be funded by slashing 72,000 civil service jobs, but economists have warned it will also require deep cuts in other areas of public spending.

That actually will take the civil service back to where it was before Covid, so I think that is a very reasonable thing to do, Mr Shapps told Times Radio.

Grant Shapps said defence of the realm is the top priority (Peter Byrne/PA)

And were simply saying that defence of the realm is the absolute number one priority, it comes before everything else and if we dont defend the nation, then everything else becomes slightly less of an issue.

The current Nato target for defence spending is 2%  although only 11 members of the alliance met that goal in 2023.

The UK Government wants that benchmark to increase to 2.5%, which would add 140 billion to the Nato budget if met by all 32 members.

Were now saying we think that should be 2.5%. We think in a more dangerous world that would make sense, Mr Shapps said.

He told Sky News: I will be arguing that, and I know that the Prime Minister feels strongly about it, when we go to the Nato 75th anniversary summit which is in Washington DC.

The 2% target was set 10 ago when we didnt have the significant rise of China, North Korea now nuclear-armed, Iran attacking and using its proxies to attack, and a very much less stable world given Russias full scale invasion of Ukraine, Mr Shapps said.

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The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said unprotected areas of public spending will now face cuts of around 4% a year after 2025 to help meet the defence commitment.

For decades, steady reductions in the amount spent on defence allowed for extra spending on things like the NHS without a need to increase taxes. In essence, we replaced a warfare state with a welfare state, IFS economist Ben Zaranko said.

The challenge now is that were going to have to pay for both.

The Tories hope the Prime Ministers commitment will be a key dividing line with Labour at the general election.

Labour has promised to conduct a strategic defence and security review in its first year in office to understand the resources required to meet the threats facing the UK, but has also committed to a 2.5% target when finances allow.

Mr Shapps said he was very disappointed by the Oppositions response.

But shadow defence secretary John Healey said the Tories have shown time and time again that they cannot be trusted, and since 2010, the Conservatives have wasted more than 15 billion mismanaging defence procurement, shrunk the army to its smallest size since Napoleon, missed their recruitment targets every year, and allowed morale to fall to record lows.
An elderly West Virignia man confessed to a 24-year-old cold case and revealed where he hid two bodies, just days before he died from an unspecified "medical episode," according to a report.

Larry Webb, who was in his 80s, was first indicted on murder charges last October, more than two decades after Susan Carter, 41, and her 10-year-old daughter Alex disappeared. The pair were living with Webb before their deaths - but as recently as last fall he professed his continued affection for the mother and daughter.

"I've looked for them, over the years, I even went to Cleveland and looked for them," Webb, who was suffering from dementia, told WVNS. "I don't know. I just know I loved her with all my heart, and I loved that little girl, too."

Eighteen months ago, however, federal and state authorities discovered a bullet embedded in Alex's bedroom wall. When the bullet was tested for DNA, investigators matched it to Alex. Though he was indicted last year, Webb was not taken into custody until earlier this month.

Webb, who was being held at the Mount Olive Correctional Complex, confessed to the police that he had killed Susan during an argument over money. He then "knew he had ruined his life forever" and killed Alex to cover up the first death, according to WSAZ.

Investigators discovered Alex and Susan's bodies, wrapped in bed linens, and buried in a shallow grave in Webb's back yard. Their bodies were found on the third day of searching - the same day that Webb died in a nearby hospital.

--with reporting by TMX
Student protests in America over the war in Gaza have created a new and unpredictable challenge for President Joe Biden as he resists calls to cut off US support for Israel while trying to hold together the coalition of voters he needs for re-election.

The protests at Columbia University in New York and other campuses have captured global media attention and raised questions about Mr Bidens lagging support among young voters.

Columbia University said on Wednesday that it was making important progress with pro-Palestinian student protesters who set up a tent encampment and that it was extending a deadline to clear out.

However, stand-offs remain tense on the Ivy League campus in upper Manhattan.

NYPD officers guard officials during the protests (AP)

Student protesters have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents, the university said in a statement. A smaller encampment remained on campus Wednesday morning.

Across the country, protesters at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, some 300 miles north of San Francisco, started using furniture, tents, chains and zip ties to block the buildings entrances on Monday evening.

Both campuses are part of intensifying demonstrations over Israels war with Hamas by university students demanding that the institutions cut any financial ties to Israel and divest from companies that are enabling the conflict. Dozens have been arrested on charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct.

Mr Bidens handling of the Middle East conflict is also being closely watched by both Jewish and Arab American voters in key swing states.

Mr Biden is seeking re-election in the autumn (AP)

At best for Mr Biden, the protests are a passing distraction while the White House presses forward with negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas while pushing Israel to limit casualties with more than 34,000 Palestinians dead.

At worst, they build momentum toward the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, potentially triggering scenes of violence that could recall the unrest of protests against the Vietnam War during the partys convention there in 1968.

If it ends with Columbia, thats one thing, said Angus Johnston, a historian focused on campus activism. If this sends the national student movement to a new place, thats a very different situation.

Already, Mr Bidens aides have had to work to minimise disruptions from anti-war protesters, holding smaller campaign events and tightly controlling access.

Demonstrators forced his motorcade to change routes to the Capitol on his way to deliver the State of the Union address, and they have thrown a red substance intended to symbolise blood near his home in Delaware.

The US President could face more confrontations with students this spring. Morehouse College said on Tuesday that Mr Biden would appear at the iconic historically black campus in May to deliver a commencement address that could draw protests.

More than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators camped out at Columbia were arrested, with dozens more people arrested at other campuses. Many now face charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct.

The protesters have demanded that their universities condemn Israels assault on Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack and divest from companies that do business with Israel.

Student protesters rally on Broadway near the Pro-Palestinians protest encampment at the Columbia University campus in New York (AP)

Some people have reported antisemitic chants and messages at and around the Columbia campus, and similar concerns have been reported at other universities. Some Jewish students say theyve felt unsafe on campus.

The White House, in a message Sunday to mark the Passover holiday, denounced what it called an alarming surge of antisemitism, saying it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country.

Former president Donald Trump, Mr Bidens presumptive Republican opponent in the presidential election this November, pointed to the headlines and images coming out of Columbia to redirect focus from his criminal hush money trial in New York, telling reporters in the courthouse Tuesday that Mr Biden bears the blame for the unrest.

If this were me, youd be after me. Youd be after me so much, he said. But theyre trying to give him a pass. But whats going on is a disgrace to our country, and its all Bidens fault and everybody knows it.

Mr Biden has been endorsed this year by many leading youth activist organisations and built his campaign around key social issues  such as defending abortion rights, combating climate change and cancelling student debt for millions  that they believe can energise voters under 30 who are more likely to be concerned about his approach to Gaza.
Indonesias electoral commission has formally declared Prabowo Subianto president-elect in a ceremony, after the countrys highest court rejected challenges to his landslide victory lodged by two losing presidential candidates.

Mr Subianto, who is currently defence minister, won the election with 58.6% of the votes, or more than 96 million ballots, more than twice the amount received by either of the other two candidates.

But his rivals alleged that his victory had depended on large-scale fraud and widespread state interference.

Authorities blocked streets leading to the General Election Commission compound, where more than 4,200 police and soldiers were deployed.

Mr Subianto won the election in a landslide (AP)

Wearing matching long-sleeved white shirts, Mr Subianto and vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka waved to their supporters as they arrived at the building.

The race has finished  the tough contest, with sometimes heated debates, is over, Mr Subianto said during the ceremony, attended by the countrys political elite, including rival candidate Anies Baswedan and his running mate Muhaimin Iskandar.

And now our people demand that political leaders must work together and collaborate for the peoples welfare and to eliminate poverty and corruption in Indonesia, he added.

Mr Subianto will take office in October, succeeding the popular Joko Widodo, the countrys first president from outside the Jakarta elite.

The General Election Commission certified the election results on March 20, but the formal declaration ceremony was put on hold following legal challenges from rival candidates, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo, who sought to annul the result and demand a revote.

Subianto and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka  the eldest son of Indonesian President JokoWidodo (AP)

They also alleged nepotism, challenging the candidacy of outgoing President Joko Widodos eldest son, Mr Raka, as Mr Subiantos running mate.

Mr Baswedan and Mr Pranowo argued that Mr Raka, 37, should have been disqualified because the minimum age for candidates is 40, and they asked the court to bar him from a revote.

A long-serving commander in Indonesias Kopassus special forces, Mr Subianto was discharged from the military in 1998 after Kopassus soldiers tortured activists who opposed the dictator Suharto, his father-in-law.

He never faced a trial and vehemently denies any involvement, although several of his men were tried and convicted.

Mr Subianto went into self-exile in Jordan before returning and founding the Gerindra Party in early 2008.

In the past, he worked closely with hard-line Islamists to undermine his opponents and previously made three bids for the presidency, twice unsuccessfully challenging his own losses to Mr Widodo.

Mr Subiantos refusal to accept the results of the 2019 presidential election led to violence that left nine people dead in Jakarta, but he joined the cabinet after Widodo offered him the defence ministry in a bid for unity.
The US Senate has passed legislation that would force TikToks China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban.

It is a contentious move by US lawmakers that is expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.

The TikTok legislation was included as part of a larger 95 billion dollar (76 billion) package that provides foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and was passed 79-18.

It now goes to President Joe Biden, who said in a statement immediately after passage that he will sign it on Wednesday.

A decision made by House Republicans last week to attach the TikTok bill to the high-priority package helped expedite its passage in Congress and came after negotiations with the Senate, where an earlier version of the Bill had stalled.

It is a contentious move by US lawmakers that is expected to face legal challenges (Damian Dovarganes/AP, File)

That version had given TikToks parent company, ByteDance, six months to divest its stakes in the platform. But it drew scepticism from some key lawmakers concerned it was too short of a window for a complex deal that could be worth tens of billions of dollars.

The revised legislation extends the deadline, giving ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, and a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress.

The Bill would also bar the company from controlling TikToks secret sauce: the algorithm that feeds users videos based on their interests and has made the platform a trendsetting phenomenon.

TikTok did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night.

The passage of the legislation is a culmination of long-held bipartisan fears in Washington over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans.

For years, lawmakers and administration officials have expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over US user data, or influence Americans by suppressing or promoting certain content on TikTok.

Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company, Senate Commerce Committee chairwoman Maria Cantwell said.

Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our US government personnel.

Opponents of the Bill say the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, including through commercial data brokers that traffic in personal information.

The foreign aid package includes a provision that makes it illegal for data brokers to sell or rent personally identifiable sensitive data to North Korea, China, Russia, Iran or entities in those countries.

But it has encountered some pushback, including from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the language is written too broadly and could sweep in journalists and others who publish personal information.

Many opponents of the TikTok measure argue the best way to protect US consumers is through implementing a comprehensive federal data privacy law that targets all companies regardless of their origin.

They also note the US has not provided public evidence that shows TikTok sharing US user information with Chinese authorities, or that Chinese officials have ever tinkered with its algorithm.

Banning TikTok would be an extraordinary step that requires extraordinary justification, said Becca Branum, a deputy director at the Washington-based Centre for Democracy & Technology, which advocates for digital rights.

Extending the divestiture deadline neither justifies the urgency of the threat to the public nor addresses the legislations fundamental constitutional flaws.

A man carries a Free TikTok sign in front of the courthouse where the hush-money trial of Donald Trump got underway on April 15 in New York (Ted Shaffrey/AP, File)

Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat who voted for the legislation, said he has concerns about TikTok, but he has also worried the Bill could have negative effects on free speech, does not do enough to protect consumer privacy and could potentially be abused by a future administration to violate First Amendment rights.

I plan to watchdog how this legislation is implemented, Mr Wyden said in a statement.

China has previously said it would oppose a forced sale of TikTok, and has signalled its opposition this time around. TikTok, which has long denied it is a security threat, is also preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation.

At the stage that the Bill is signed, we will move to the courts for a legal challenge, Michael Beckerman, TikToks head of public policy for the Americas, wrote in a memo sent to employees on Saturday and obtained by The Associated Press (AP).

This is the beginning, not the end of this long process.

The company has seen some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never sought to prevent federal legislation from going into effect.

In November, a federal judge blocked a Montana law that would ban TikTok use across the state after the company and five content creators who use the platform sued.

Three years before that, federal courts blocked an executive order issued by then-president Donald Trump to ban TikTok after the company sued on the grounds that the order violated free speech and due process rights.

The Trump administration then brokered a deal that had US corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok. But the sale never went through.

Mr Trump, who is running for president again this year, now says he opposes the potential ban.

Since then, TikTok has been in negotiations about its future with the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a little-known government agency tasked with investigating corporate deals for national security concerns.

On Sunday, Erich Andersen, a top attorney for ByteDance who led talks with the US government for years, told his team that he was stepping down from his role.

As I started to reflect some months ago on the stresses of the last few years and the new generation of challenges that lie ahead, I decided that the time was right to pass the baton to a new leader, Mr Andersen wrote in an internal memo that was obtained by the AP.

He said the decision to step down was entirely his and was decided months ago in a discussion with the companys senior leaders.

Meanwhile, TikTok content creators who rely on the app have been trying to make their voices heard. Earlier on Tuesday, some creators congregated in front the Capitol building to speak out against the Bill and carry signs that read Im 1 of the 170 million Americans on TikTok, among other things.

Tiffany Cianci, a content creator who has more than 140,000 followers on the platform and had encouraged people to show up, said she spent Monday night picking up creators from airports in the DC area.

Some came from as far as Nevada and California. Others drove overnight from South Carolina or took a bus from upstate New York.

If our data is not safe on TikTok, I would ask why the president is on TikTok, she said.
Professor Siobhan ONeill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland, writes about the importance of having inclusive Relationships and Sexuality Education in our schools

A key purpose of RSE is to give young people the information and skills to have healthy relationships.

Healthy relationships are the foundation of good mental health; they promote emotional regulation and protect us from mental ill health.

Our friends support us through difficult times and a healthy relationship is associated with good mental health.

However, strong relationships require skills that often do not come naturally, particularly for people who have had difficult relationships with their own parents.

There have been calls for mental health in the educational curriculum, and education about relationships is an important element of this.

It is therefore positive that Mondays motion calling for standardised, inclusive Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in all schools was supported.

A key purpose of RSE is to give young people the information and skills to have healthy relationships.

Professor Siobhan O'Neill, Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland

In primary school, it is about how to make friends, how to be a good friend, and how to communicate our needs in a respectful way.

It also covers how we respond when things go wrong and coping with rejection. This is particularly relevant in adolescence.

The evidence shows that by the age of 16, 58% of males and 55% of females had dated, and in our 2023 survey of young people, problems or arguments with friends were a source of stress and worry for 39.8% of 16-year-olds.

Many of our most vulnerable young people have not had role models for healthy relationships. As a result, they can have difficulty navigating consent, and recognising and responding to abuse and intimate partner violence.

Education and open discussion around these issues is beneficial to mental health.

A recent study from University College London showed the elimination of sexual harassment would lead to a reduction of 16.8% in the rates of serious mental health problems in girls.

RSE is also an important way in which we can reduce the rates of violence against females.

In an interview with the BBC, following his review of serious sexual offences here, Sir John Gillen said: Im a firm believer that children as young as five and six should be introduced, at a child-friendly level, to the concepts of consent, to the concepts of responsibility in relations with the opposite or same sex, as the case may be.

Unfortunately, it seems that the current teaching of RSE is woefully inadequate. The Secondary Students Union of Northern Irelands survey found that 77% had not heard of RSE and only 22.8% had been adequately taught about consent.

In research conducted by the Belfast Youth Forum, young people described the RSE they received in school to be basic, unhelpful, useless and biased.

Several studies show that pupils would like to know more about LGBT+ identities, and that these subjects were delivered poorly or not at all.

It is vital that essential elements of RSE, consent and boundaries; and in adolescence, information about reproduction, sexuality and gender, are delivered in a consistent manner across all schools.

Last year the Secretary of State made age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, a compulsory component of curriculum for adolescents.

This is a positive development which should result in all our children and young people accessing information.

However, misinformation regarding the content of RSE abounds, and many subscribe to the myth that RSE will result in an increase in sexual activity.

Of course, the opposite is true. Most young people already have access to online information including pornography, and by equipping young people with communication skills and accurate information, good quality RSE reduces early sexual activity and unplanned pregnancy.

The reality is that high proportions of young people are engaging in risky sexual activity, and a strong consistent RSE programme is necessary to reduce the associated health risks and protect young peoples wellbeing.

To promote wellbeing (and in fact to promote peace-building) schools should also be places that celebrate diversity.

In RSE and elsewhere, schools should proactively promote inclusion, particularly for LGBT+ young people, many of whom are bullied and report feeling marginalised and unsafe.

The messages that young people receive at school about issues such as sexuality and family structures contribute to this.

It is therefore also a cause for concern that the current guidelines state that schools may continue to provide a commentary regarding the topics discussed in RSE.

It is vital that parents are fully involved in RSE, they need to be made aware of what is discussed so that important conversations can continue at home.

However, it is again worrying that there are proposals to allow parents to exclude a young person from accessing information about abortion and the prevention of early pregnancy.

All our young people have a right to this information and to a high quality inclusive RSE curriculum.

By delivering this well across all our school, we promote mental health and positive social relationships.

Professor Siobhan ONeill is Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland
The alleged Hindu mob in last weeks incident suspected that the two victims had set fire to the temple.

Demonstrators block a highway with tree stumps and by lighting fires to protest a mob last week beating to death two men in the central Faridpur district of Bangladesh, April 24.

Religious tensions were high in a central Bangladesh district as hundreds of demonstrators started fires and blocked roads on Wednesday to protest last weeks deadly beating of two Muslims by a mob, allegedly of Hindus, police said.

The residents of Krishnanagar, a village in the sub-district of Modhukhali in Faridpur, set upon the victims  two young Muslim brothers  on Thursday (April 18) suspecting they had set a fire in a Hindu temple in the area that same day, police added.

The situation was under control, said a press note issued Wednesday by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), which also said that four platoons of its paramilitary personnel were deployed in Modhukhali and the larger Faridpur area.

Twelve people have been arrested over the last four days on suspicion of being part of the deadly mob, said Md. Mizanur Rahman, an assistant police commissioner of the Modhukhali police, told BenarNews.

[The arrested] are all Hindus. But the masterminds of the incident have been absconding, Rahman said, adding all 12 had been produced before court, which sent them to jail.

Leaders of Bangladeshs minority-Hindu community as well as its Muslim-majority community condemned the deadly beating and urged a fair investigation.

According to CCTV footage seen by police, the two absconders were the ones who allegedly led the mob  Asaduzzaman, a Muslim, for whom police gave one name, and a Hindu man, Ajit Kumar. Both suspects are local council members, and Asaduzzaman is the chairman.

Police had not determined yet whether the temple fire was an accident or a case of arson, but learned a few things from initial investigation, Rahman said.

Our primary investigation proved that [the] two slain construction workers were innocent. The two local level leaders were involved in the incident, he said.

The brothers had been working on some construction at a primary school adjacent to the Hindu temple.

There is anger and frustration among the local people about the lynching, Rahman said.

[While] we do not obstruct their peaceful protest, we will not allow any violence.

Police remove a tree stump from a road that demonstrators blocked to protest the beating death of two men in the central Faridpur district, Bangladesh, April 24. [BenarNews]

Kajol Debnath, a member of the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhists, Christians Unity Council, called last weeks happenings painful.

The people behind the incident, which was aimed at disrupting the communal harmony, must face legal actions. We urge law enforcers to ensure that no innocent people are harassed, he told BenarNews.

A vice president of the conservative hardline Islamic group Hefazat-e-Islam, Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, deplored deaths caused merely on the basis of suspicion.

We want an immediate judicial investigation into the incident, and to bring the culprits under judicial process so they get an exemplary punishment, " he told BenarNews.

Meanwhile, a Muslim resident of Modhukhali, Rashed Ahmed, said people should be careful to not blame the entire minority community for the deadly beating.

This is so painful that two innocent people were killed just on the basis of suspicion. The local people want justice for the killing, he told BenarNews.

We are not against the Hindus, we are against the culprits no matter which religion they belong to. The culprits are culprits; they have no religion. We must not blame the Hindu community for the incident.
Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare [left] is pictured at Honiaras airport on July 17, 2023 after returning from an official visit to China.

Manasseh Sogavare, the pro-Beijing prime minister of the Solomon Islands, commands the largest bloc in Parliament after elections last week, but fell short of a majority and faces several rivals for leadership of the Pacific island country.

A consecutive term for Sogavare is a possible flashpoint for the economically struggling country where many voters are frustrated by stagnating living standards. The outcome is also being watched by governments from China to Australia and the United States as they jostle for influence in the Pacific.

Sogavares Ownership Unity Responsibility Party, known as OUR, won 15 seats in the 50-member Parliament, state media and election commentators said Wednesday  well short of the numbers needed to elect Sogavare prime minister after independents and opposition parties unseated some of his loyalists.

At a minimum the message is pro-change, Jaydee Nomisasa, a commentator on Solomon Islands politics, told BenarNews.

Predominantly its the dissatisfaction with the way things have been going economically  a 20 kilo bag of rice, which was costing 90 [Solomon Islands] dollars, 100 dollars five years ago, is now something like 200 dollars.

The Apr. 17 election in the country of 700,000 people was the first since Sogavare switched diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 2019 and signed a security pact with the superpower. Dissatisfaction with the diplomatic switch culminated in economically ruinous riots in the capital Honiara in late 2021.

Sogavare retained his East Choiseul constituency in a close first-past-the-post race. His share of votes in the seat was down more than 10 percentage points from 2019, official results show.

He acknowledged his very small winning margin, in an interview broadcast by Solomon Islands news site Tavuli News on Wednesday, and appeared to blame the U.S. and its allies for the decline in his support.

There have been a number of decisions [by the Cabinet] that did not go down well with the international community, especially the Western allies led by the United States of America, he said.

Campaigning in the constituency included claims the U.S. would be doing a lot of things for East Choiseul, would be building this, building that, Sogavare said.

Despite the apparent backlash against the government, Sogavare still seems in a strong position to be prime minister again, said Nomisasa, who estimates he already has at least 19 members of Parliament in his camp.

The Solomon Islands Parliament is seen from a street in Honiara on Nov. 19., 2022. [Stephen Wright/BenarNews]

Mihai Sora, a Pacific analyst at the Lowy Institute think tank, said Sogavare, former prime minister Gordon Darcy Lilo  who won the Central Honiara constituency with a landslide majority  and Sogavares Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele are considered contenders to become prime minister.

Matthew Wale, who was opposition leader in the last Parliament, and Peter Kenilorea Jr., son of the Solomon Islands first independence-era prime minister, are also in the picture, he said.

If opposition figures like Peter Kenilorea Jr. or Matthew Wale are successful in forming a government, there is some scope to slow or reverse the trend of increasing Chinese influence in the country. But in some ways that horse has bolted, said Sora.

Much still depends on how the new government is formed, who takes the top job, and what promises were made along the way.

Wales Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment, known as CARE, has 13 seats in Parliament and Keniloreas United Party won seven. Both parties substantially increased their share of the vote from the 2019 election.

Independents hold 10 seats and the remainder is shared among smaller parties.

There are no figures from the 2019 election for the OUR party. Sogavare was elected as an independent in 2019 and subsequently brought together independents and others to form a majority under the banner of OUR, which was registered as a party following the election.

Going into last weeks polls, voters interviewed by BenarNews in Honiara and other areas of Guadalcanal said they were frustrated by the governments ineffectiveness in providing basic services and preoccupied by the daily struggle to earn enough to get by.

Crumbling roads and run down health clinics were a common complaint as were high prices in mostly Chinese-owned shops in Honiara. In a village kilometers from the capital, one resident said he hoped the community could get bore water and proper toilets rather than having to dig pits in the ground.

Anti-China sentiment appeared to be a factor in voting in Malaita, the most populous province, where a prominent Beijing critic, Daniel Suidani, was reelected to the provincial assembly after being ousted as premier last year.

Hundreds of police and troops from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand provided security for the national and provincial elections, which were also monitored by nearly 400 independent observers.

Based on past experience, there could be prolonged negotiating and horse trading among members of Parliament to choose a prime minister and form a government, analysts said.

At this very early stage in the political bargaining process, its still anyones game to win, said Sora, a former diplomat in the region.
But an expert said ministers comments may not be enough to restore public confidence in border security.

Thai Minister of Defense Sutin Klungsang (right), Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara (center) and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul (left) give a press conference at Mae Sot International Airport on April 23, 2024.

Thailand has warned Myanmars junta and rebel groups against using its territory for their own sake, the countrys defense minister said, amid fears that fighting in eastern Myanmar could spill over the border.

Over the weekend, Myanmar junta forces and anti-junta insurgents clashed in the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy, opposite the Thai town of Mae Sot, a major conduit for trade between the neighbors.

The escalating violence in Myanmar has sent refugees fleeing across the border into Thailand. Junta air strikes on Saturday and Sunday, in response to the capture by rebels of junta strongholds in Myawaddy, sent about 3,000 people over the Thai border seeking safety.

Today, we were able to have a discussion and send a message to the other side [Myanmar junta and ethnic groups] regarding whether there are planes to be flown in the area, Thailands minister of defense, Sutin Klungsang, told a conference with other senior government officials on Tuesday.

We would have the capacity to intercept those planes. It was a friendly message, but meant as somewhat of a warning.

Myanmars neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have tried to promote a resolution of the crisis in Myanmar which began when the military overthrew an elected government in early 2021. But Myanmars generals have largely ignored ASEANs efforts.

Thailand has established a committee to handle the crisis but political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn believes this only indicates that previous mechanisms are not working.

It suggests to you that the normal mechanism at the office for the National Security Council doesnt work, its quite problematic, Panitan told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

He said Thai government statements on protecting sovereignty, and on humanitarian aid and neutrality may not be enough to restore public confidence in border security and reactions were too slow and general.

This is not enough to calm down the panic or the worries of the people, of the traders, of the international community and ASEAN, he said, emphasizing that Thailands defense system also needed to be improved.

We need to move more quickly to exert our power and push the position to get more things done.

Thai media outlets reported more clashes in Myawaddy as of Tuesday, but Thai government ministers said they were hopeful that the situation was returning to normal.

On Wednesday, there were reports that the anti-junta Karen National Liberation Army had withdrawn temporarily from Myawaddy following a counteroffensive by the junta.

The situation has improved in the past couple of days and we are happy to see it under the good care of the agencies on the ground, said Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul at Tuesdays conference. We look forward to the normalcy that will come in the days ahead.

Anutin added that tourists could safely visit Mae Sot and that border trade was still flowing.

This is Thai sovereign territory and we are well-prepared to respond to any eventuality, he said.

Radio Free Asia is a news service affiliated with BenarNews.
Mae Sot residents keep up with the news, but we arent scared, worker says.

A Thai farmer tends his land near the Moei river in Mae Sot, along Thailands border with Myanmar, April 24, 2024.

Despite fighting between Burmese junta troops and rebels raging nearby in Myanmars Kayin state in recent weeks, life in the Thai border district of Mae Sot goes on with a semblance of normalcy.

Mae Sot, located in Tak province directly across the Moei river from the Myanmar town of Myawaddy, has become a crucial hub for welcoming refugees as it is a strategic point for the Thai government to provide humanitarian aid.

Lately, on the Myanmar side of the river, armed ethnic rebel groups have seized territory while junta forces have intensified efforts to reclaim lost towns.

Tak provincial Gov. Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj told reporters that while the conflict in Myanmar continues, its intensity had decreased since last weekend, allowing over 3,000 Myanmar nationals who had fled to temporary shelters in Tak to begin returning home. He expects the remaining refugees to leave by Thursday.

In Myawaddy, residents have moved into refugee camps where they wait for humanitarian aid while trying to go about their lives as normally as possible.

Still, even as the sounds of gunfire and explosions drift across the river and temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), locals on the Mae Sot side are not deterred in going about their daily routines.

They are fighting on that side, life here goes on as usual. People still visit, maybe a bit less on weekdays, but weekends are busier. We keep up with the news, but we arent scared, Mali, a service worker in Mae Sot who asked that her surname be withheld, told BenarNews.

A woman living at a temporary refugee camp in Myawaddy bathes in the Moei river separating the Myanmar town from Mae Sot in Thailand, April 24, 2024. [Nontarat Phaicharoen/BenarNews]

Teenagers at a temporary refugee camp in Myawaddy, Myanmar, celebrate the Songkran Festival. April 17, 2024. [Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA]

Children and others at a temporary refugee camp in Myawaddy, Myanmar, wait for humanitarian aid to arrive, April 17, 2024. [Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA]

The Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone in Myanmar is seen from a playground coffee shop in Mae Sot, Thailand, across the Moei river, April 23, 2024. [Nontarat Phaicharoen/BenarNews]

A Thai soldier stands guard at the Rim Moei Market in Mae Sot, Thailand, April 23, 2024. [Nontarat Phaicharoen/BenarNews]

A civilian in Mae Sot district takes a photo with Thai soldiers stationed under the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, April 12, 2024. [Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA]

Zin Ma U holds her toddler at the Pa Law Ta Moe camp in Kayin state, Myanmar, April 17, 2024. [Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA]

Karen rebels rest following a mission near a temporary refugee camp in Myawaddy, Myanmar, April 17, 2024. [Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA]

A truck transports Burmese refugees from Myawaddy to a temporary shelter on Thailands side of the border, April 20, 2024. [Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA]
A battery storage yard at the Blue Jay solar and storage plant in Iola. ERCOT and clean energy developers disagree on how to remedy flaws in some resources that could lead to "immediate catastrophic grid failure." Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Wind turbines producing energy behind a cotton field in Mart. ERCOT and clean energy developers disagree on how to remedy flaws in some resources that could lead to "immediate catastrophic grid failure." Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Flaws in some solar, wind and battery storage resources on the Texas power grid could lead to issues that could cause immediate catastrophic grid failure if they are not addressed, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas said.

ERCOT, the states power grid operator, and owners of clean energy resources havent been able to reach consensus on what to do about the problem despite months of negotiation. An industry proposal was tabled by ERCOTs board Tuesday to allow both sides to address ERCOT staffs concerns, despite protest from developers that its proposals and continued regulatory uncertainty with the delay could chill investment in Texas.

Retroactive implementations of any market rules without any technical or commercially feasible path to compliance sends a very clear signal and chilling effect to any additional investment, Omar Martino, executive vice president of markets and regulatory for energy developer Invenergy, said at an April ERCOT subcommittee meeting on the issue.

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As renewable energy makes up a greater share of the grid, ERCOT said it has posed new challenges too, such as power availability that depends more on weather conditions. Clean energy developers, meanwhile, have accused ERCOT of discriminatory policy before, most recently for utility-scale battery storage.

The latest debate centers around a device required by wind, solar and battery resources called an inverter. This device converts the direct-current power these resources produce to alternating-current, the electricity that comes out of a wall outlet.

When there is a voltage or frequency disturbance on the grid, caused by lightning strikes or equipment failures, ERCOT expects power generators to ride through the disturbances and continue producing power. But inverter-based resources such as wind, solar and batteries  especially the oldest ones  may sometimes not be able to ride through the disturbance and could trip offline and disconnect from the grid. This could lead to a domino effect of other generators tripping offline, which could in a worst-case scenario result in the rapid collapse of part of or all the ERCOT system, according to ERCOT.

ERCOT has experienced a growing number of these inverter-based resource failures, particularly in West Texas. In 2021 and again in 2022, more than 1,000 megawatts of solar resources tripped offline near Odessa, prompting the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC), an international regulatory authority, to recommend ERCOT rectify the risk.

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Whats a future problem for most of the world is an existing problem, a current problem in ERCOT, said Dan Woodfin, its vice president of system operations, at the April subcommittee meeting.

Grid standards

Both ERCOT and clean energy developers agree on the need to address the problem. What they disagree on is the scope to which hardware and software upgrades should be required.

ERCOT wants to impose ride-through guidance from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, an international standards association, on wind, solar and battery storage resources that have signed an agreement to connect to the grid by June 2023. Developers argue that the effective date for the new requirements should be June 2024, or after the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the state utility regulator, approves them.

ERCOT is concerned that 20 to 30 gigawatts of resources would be exempted from the new requirements with a June 2024 effective date, leaving too much risk. Developers argue that retroactive requirements would jeopardize already-approved financing and construction plans. Developers say these newest resources pose minimal risk to the grid and that verification standards for the new IEEE guidelines are still in development.

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Existing resources on the grid, meanwhile, would have to be evaluated to ensure they comply with current ride-through requirements; if not, developers would need to implement upgrades to remedy the flaws. Both sides have agreed that all software upgrades are commercially reasonable.

Ryan Quint, a former NERC engineer who was the primary author on nearly all of the organizations reports on the issue, is now a consultant working with Clearway Energy, one of the developers. In comments to ERCOT, Quint wrote that nearly 90% of the resources can address their issues with commercially reasonable fixes such as software upgrades, including the vast majority of solar issues in both of the Odessa events.

Disagreements remain on hardware upgrades, which developers say could cost millions for the oldest resources on the grid, potentially forcing developers to retire these assets early instead of make uneconomic investments. Clean energy developers have outlined a process to apply for exemptions, rather than exemptions granted at ERCOTs discretion. ERCOT staff, however, are wary.

My question is, what is the point of a standard when anytime you fail it, you can ask for an exemption to set a lower standard going forward? That doesnt seem to make sense, ERCOTs Woodfin said at the April subcommittee meeting.

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We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
Two people sent to the hospital after a rollover crash on Holmes Road in Lenox
Houston native Emilio Garcia worked as a cameraman for Megan Thee Stallion. courtesy Houston native Emilio Garcia worked as a cameraman for Megan Thee Stallion. courtesy Houston native Emilio Garcia worked as a cameraman for Megan Thee Stallion. courtesy Emilio "Coochie" courtesy

A Houston-based cameraman is suing Megan Thee Stallion for sexual harassment that includes forcing him to watch her have sex with another woman, along with creating "an unbearable hostile work environment" and failing to pay him properly.

Emilio Garcia is seeking "in excess of six figures" in court papers filed Monday at Los Angeles County Superior Court. He began working with the Houston rapper in July 2018 and left his day job in September of that same year to become Megan's full-time personal cameraman. Around June of last year, Roc Nation, Megan's management company, told Garcia "his services would no longer be required."

MORE FROM JOEY GUERRA: Hundreds of fans turned away from Grammy winner Laufey's show in Houston because of fake tickets

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"This is an employment claim for money  with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her," Alex Spiro, Megan's lawyer, told the Chronicle in a statement. "We will deal with this in court."

In the complaint, Garcia says he was traveling on tour with Megan in Ibiza, Spain around June 2022. Garcia alleges that after a night out, Megan and another woman began having sex right beside him in a SUV. The filing states that "Plaintiff could not get out of the car as it was both moving and he was in the middle of nowhere in a foreign country. Plaintiff was embarrassed, mortified and offended throughout the whole ordeal."

The lawsuit alleges that the next day, Megan told Garcia, "Don't ever discuss what you saw." He told NBC News that he felt "degraded" after the experience.

"I felt uncomfortable. I was kind of frozen, and I was shocked. At kind of just be the overall audacity to do this right, right beside me," he said.

Houston native Emilio Garcia worked as a cameraman for Megan Thee Stallion. courtesy

After the incident in Ibiza, Garcia alleges he was treated differently and saw less bookings for work. Garcia says Megan also fat-shamed him by calling him "fat bitch" and telling him to "spit your food out" and "you don't need to be eating." He alleges that he "endured a barrage of relentless sexual and fat-shaming comments" throughout his employment with Megan.

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"Megan just needs to pay our client what he's due, own up to her behavior and quit this sort of sexual harassment and fat shaming conduct," said Ron Zambrano, Garcia's attorney. "Inappropriate is putting it lightly. Exposing this behavior to employees is definitely illegal."

The allegations are at odds with the image Megan has crafted of a body-positive role model and mental health advocate who empowers women and men of all shapes and sizes. She's on the cover of Women's Health annual Body Issue and discusses learning to love her body in the accompanying interview. Last week, she was honored by Planned Parenthood because her "music and performances have shined a light on womens empowerment, mental health and social justice."

Megan Thee Stallion comes home June 14 and 15 for shows at Toyota Center as part of her Hot Girl Summer Tour.

Rapper Emilio Coochie used to work for Megan Thee Stallion. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

Garcia says he also contemplated quitting "due to Stallion's possessiveness combined with lack of appropriate pay for the amount of time asked of him." He claims she contacted him "at all hours" and forbid him from taking any outside assignments. He was paid a flat rate of $4,000 a month until Aug. 22, when Roc Nation changed it to a pay-per-task system. Garcia alleges he was required to work the same amount of time for significantly less pay and was denied meal and rest breaks. The filing says he was misclassified as an independent contractor "so that he was effectively denied any of the protections an employee would have under California law," including health insurance.

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During travel, Garcia says he was required to stay at the hotel and be on standby at all times. "Any attempt to use the hotel's amenities would prompt Stallion to reach out and request his immediate return," the lawsuit states.
Morris Elementary in Lenox has dedicated its new playground as school leadership calls it an important part of the kids day and of growing up.
A total of 20 lots near Berkshire Trout Pond in Sheffield will be auctioned off next month in a bid to recoup unpaid taxes on the parcels. Above, one of the private roads adjacent to the land.
Bowling Green State University nursing student Olivia Riggs aspires to build a career at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, learning and working alongside the best and brightest in healthcare.

Her experience in the BGSU School of Nursing, known for its knowledgeable professors and supportive environment, is helping set her on a pathway to achieving that goal and following in the footsteps of several BGSU alumni.

This summer, Riggs, who is from Cincinnati, is completing a 10-week nursing externship in labor and delivery at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. She credits the comprehensive education and hands-on training in the BGSU Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program with helping her land a dream opportunity.
Apollo continues to invest in genomics technology and research for better patient care

Apollo, the worlds largest vertically integrated healthcare provider, has announced the expansion of the Apollo Genomics Institute with the launch of Gujarats first facility in Ahmedabad. Doubling down on its investments in genomics, Apollo Genomics Institute was earlier launched in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

The Apollo Genomics Institute aims to transform medical practice by bringing genomic services within the reach of every clinician & patient.

The institute in Ahmedabad will host a range of genomic services including genetic evaluation, clinical diagnostics, obstetric genetics, cancer genomics, prenatal genetic screening capabilities and more, empowering patients with information to manage and prevent genetic disorders.

Dr Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO Hospital Division, Apollo Hospitals Group said, Constantly increasing availability of real-world data sources coupled with patient-centric analytics offer deeper insights into how they are diagnosed, treated and beyond. Genomics is one such area. On the back of increasing NCDs, the greater availability of patient-level data helps practitioners better understand the patients journey. This also enables personalisation in medicine by leveraging genetic insights is immensely impacting decisions made regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases."

Dr Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals said, Genetics plays a crucial role in understanding various diseases and conditions, and with the establishment of Apollo Genomics Institutes, we are poised to offer comprehensive genetic testing, counselling, and personalized treatment options to our patients."
CPC delegation visits Belarus

Xinhua) 10:49, April 24, 2024

MINSK, April 23 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Administration of the President of Belarus, a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) visited Belarus from Saturday to Tuesday.

During the visit, the Chinese delegation, led by Chen Zhou, deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, held meetings with Chairman of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko and First Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Belarus Maksim Ryzhenkov, respectively.

Discussions were also held between the delegation and leaders of major Belarusian political parties, local authorities, and heads of think tanks.

During the meetings, the delegation briefed the Belarusian side about Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and exchanged views on China-Belarus relations and cooperation in various fields.

The Belarusian side highly commended the achievements of China in the new era and expressed a willingness to deepen exchanges of experience on governance with the CPC and promote the continuous development of Belarus-China relations.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
For my money  which, in this case, is a painful $4 a pop  Clarks Oyster Bar is all about the half-shell oysters.

Since I would choose raw oysters as my last meal, the fact that the Houston edition of Austin-based Clarks has served leapingly fresh, immaculately opened bivalves on each of three visits matters intensely to me. They havent put a foot or an oyster knife wrong.

Oven roasted Gulf oysters on the half shell at Clark's Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Basque cake is visible at Clarks Oyster House Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Pan Roasted Mexican Red Grouper at Clark's Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Key Lime Tart at Clarks Oyster House Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Paper Plane cocktail at Clarks Oyster Bar Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Clark Crush cocktail at Clarks Oyster Bar Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Crudo plate at Clark's Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Clarks Oyster Bar has two outdoor patio seating areas. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Clarks Oyster Bar has two outdoor patio seating areas. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The dining room at Clarks Oyster Bar in Montrose Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

So varied and exhilarating have been 19 kinds of oysters sourced from Canada, Maine and beyond that I took to ritually marking down their qualities on the little printed cheat sheet that arrives with each iced-down platter. My penmanship grew overexcited in places and blurred by ice melt, but I can decipher some of it.

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WHAT TO KNOW Clarks Oyster Bar, 3807 Montrose, 713-347-8180 Food: New England-inspired seafood strong on halfshell oysters and plainly cooked, well-sourced, fresh daily fish. Vibe: Sleek, convivial dining car with a sense of occasion, animated by a lively bar, community table and covered patio. Prices: Halfshell oysters & clams, $4 each; cold bar $24-$26; soups & salads, $14-$17; entrees $22-$48; sides $10-$17; desserts $10-$13 Hours: Lunch and dinner daily. Weekend brunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Happy Hour/bar menu weekdays 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Reservations: Via OpenTable; walk-in opportunities at bar and at up-front community table. Whos there: Monied, Inner Loopy crowd ranging from casual to dressy, youngish to oldish. What to order: Halfshell oysters, roasted oysters, shoestring fries, crudo plate, crab cake, daily catch; affogato, key lime tart, Basque cake. Service: Truly lovely and attentive staff, with excellent wine service, too. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options: Not marked as such on menu, but plenty of gluten-free seafood preparations, cold and hot; plus a salad and a half-dozen or so VG/V side options. Noise level: Can get loud inside the narrow dining room; moderate on the patios. Parking: Valet only on site; some street parking around the block. Ventilation: Could be more robust in the narrow dining room. Outdoor dining: Expansive covered patio and narrow, covered front terrace seating.

Brine with an umami bloom, I wrote of the Opus variety from New Brunswick; delicate salt, of the Peters Creek from Prince Edward Island; elegant, brisk salt with a vegetal finish, of the Blue Hill Bays from Maine. Of the Mermaid Tears, farmed in Galveston Bay, I chicken-scratched, Sweetness and softness, with a very gentle minerality.

I didnt use any of the lemon, or the grated horseradish fluffed high, or the cocktail sauce and restrained mignonette dressing that decorated the platter. But they were faultless. An oyster enthusiast who accompanied me even praised the saltines, served two-by-two in glassine envelopes, for their resolute freshness.

Shellfish-suitable wines of more than usual interest, by the glass and bottle, impressed, too, as did a festive slate of bubbles and martinis  including a super-smooth Vesper that James Bond might have liked.

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Im not on board with all of the cooking here, but with its top-notch service and sleek, fresh adaptation of a former auto shop, Clarks is a welcome addition to its corner of Montrose. The staff is simply lovely, a tribute to the training Moorman, McGuire & Lambert Hospitality group is known for.

Five months into its life, Clarks is still a see-and-be-seen venue, especially on its expansive covered patio, with its vaulting portico and electronic screens of gauzy linen.

Roll up in your freshly detailed and buffed vehicle, perform the valet ritual, and on your way to the host station (you did book, didnt you?), you might pass a table of young lawyers shrugging out of their suit jackets; a prom couple; a young family with a high-end stroller; a group of young women in jeans and spring florals. Its an occasion. One on which you will want to make sure your credit card is not near its limit.

As a former Yankee, Ill admit to a degree of amusement that New England-style seafood is treated in Texas as if it were some kind of foreign cuisine. (Hudson House, in the River Oaks Shopping Center by way of Dallas, does this, too.)

At first blush, I admired Clarks clam chowder, with its springy clams and surprise twinge of chervil. But on a second try, the texture seemed sludgier, and the swirl of Tabasco  one of Clarks various efforts to cater to Texans robust palates  was overdone.

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Theres a famous bowlful of mussels and clams steamed in a red chile-spiked white-wine broth until their shells open, but the heat factor overwhelmed the shellfish for me. Sopping up the broth with a slab of toasted sourdough heightened that effect.

Another Texas (make that Texican) touch, a red snapper ceviche, seemed choppy and overmarinated  especially after having recently marveled over the pristine, well-defined versions at MF Lobster & Ceviche.

Clarks lobster roll similarly suffered in comparison to the exalted specimen at MF Lobster & Ceviche, identically priced at $38. It wasnt the perfectly fresh lobster I objected to; it was the way an enormous frond of bibb lettuce shielded the lobster from its bun cradle, eliminating any swoony pillowed effect, and the dress it yourself with drawn butter proposition. Give me an attitude. Give me a fleshed-out idea.

Thats the thing about our recent influx of high-flying seafood houses: suddenly, comparisons are much easier to draw. At Littles Oyster Bar and Navy Blue, for instance, the fish dishes are carefully thought out, so that sauces and garnitures seem made expressly for the sea creature at hand. Clarks constantly changing daily-catch platters (most $43-$48) are more of a mix-and-match proposition, and sometimes you miss.

A meaty slab of grilled cobia emerged perfectly singed, with a fine, firm flake. But the laid-back-sounding smoked paprika vinaigrette we picked turned out to be more like a Chinese red-chile sauce. It tromped the poor fish. On another day, a gorgeous hunk of black bass fared better with a little garlic butter and just a jot of intense salsa verde.

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The matches were OK, but hardly inspired. In each case, though, the accompaniment of lightly dressed Belgian endive and watercress salad that comes with the fish was tart and perfect.

Clarks does a jumbo shrimp cocktail that seemed just dandy  until I remembered how much more finely detailed the one at Littles Oyster Bar is, with its evanescent gloss of olive oil brightened with lemon zest and chive. And whats with Clarks shrimp toast, slabs of bread with hunks of shrimp tucked inside and a ribbon of shrimp paste down the middle? I didnt get it.

Shoestring fries with rosemary and garlic at Clark's Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

What I did appreciate was the glorious haymow of matchstick potatoes threaded with surprise needles of rosemary and tiny petals of garlic. You must order them.

Also terrific: roasted Gulf oysters that neatly avoid the cliches of Rockefeller while staying within that wheelhouse; a classic crabcake; and a low-key daily mixed crudo plate that might even feature wahoo, with its firm, satiny deep-sea flake.

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Desserts, too, to my surprise  a category for which I generally hold no great expectations. Theres a vivid Key lime tart flanked by angel wings of soft, baked meringue; a surprising and savory Basque cheesecake bumped up with sour cherries; and a lovely affogato version based on brandied vanilla ice cream.

Do not be tempted by the overly sweet butterscotch pot de creme. But do take a chance on the sorbet du jour, because the blueberry ice I sampled was riveting.
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center on Friday, April 12, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

The families of three patients who died before they could receive liver transplants are seeking a temporary restraining order against a Memorial Hermann  Texas Medical Center doctor accused of manipulating records in a way that potentially prevented some patients from receiving life-saving organs.

The request, filed Tuesday in Harris County 295th District Court, asks a judge to prevent Dr. J. Steve Bynon from deleting or destroying critical evidence that may be relevant to a potential wrongful death claim in the future.

The application has not yet received a hearing, Harris County civil court clerk Sasha Prince said Tuesday afternoon.

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A hospital spokesperson was made aware of the filing Tuesday afternoon but did not immediately issue a response. Hastings Law Firm, a Houston law firm that specializes in medical malpractice, is representing the families.

The first step of accountability is transparency, the firms founder, attorney Tommy Hastings, said in a news release. We will ensure our clients get the answers they deserve and will push for full disclosure for all patients."

The law firm said the families will discuss the court filing at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

READ MORE: Memorial Hermann liver, kidney transplant patients left in limbo while lifesaving programs are halted

The court filing comes less than two weeks after Memorial Hermann revealed it found evidence that a doctor was manipulating information in a national organ-sharing database. Hospital officials said the doctor changed donor acceptance criteria, which includes the age and weight of donors whose organs would be considered for transplant, in a way that effectively inactivated patients from the waiting list.

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The hospital called the changes "inappropriate" and said the patients "did not/were not able to receive organ donation offers while inactive.

The hospital declined to identify the doctor. The New York Times reported he is Bynon, a prominent surgeon who took over the hospitals abdominal transplant program in 2011. Bynon treats patients at Memorial Hermann but is formally employed by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

UTHealth Houston could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.

The plaintiffs seeking the temporary restraining order are Sonia Garcia, whose son Richard Mostacci died in 2023; Robert Osuna Jr., whose father Robert Osuna died in 2023; and Dianelys Corrales, whose father Daniel Rodriguez Alvarez died this month at age 61, according to court filings.

Mostacci was placed on the liver transplant waiting list in the fall of 2021. By 2022, he was told he had moved up to third on the list and was admitted to the hospital while awaiting a transplant. He was later told he was too sick for a transplant and was sent home, according to the court filing. He died last year at age 43.

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Osuna was placed on the waiting list in 2022 and was hospitalized when his condition worsened in December 2023. He was scheduled to receive a liver transplant on Dec. 23, 2023, but Bynon later told him that he would not be able to receive the liver, according to court filings.

Rodriguez Alvarez was placed on the waiting list in 2021 but died on April 9, 2024, according to the court filing.

Memorial Hermann announced April 4 that it inactivated its liver transplant program, then halted kidney transplants days later. The hospital had 38 patients on its liver transplant waiting list and 346 patients on its kidney transplant waiting list when it made the decision to inactivate the programs.

All of the liver transplant candidates are being transitioned to other hospitals, said a statement issued Friday by Memorial Hermann, and the hospital has expedited the process for those most in need of a transplant. Most of the kidney transplant candidates have opted to remain on the waiting list at Memorial Hermann, the statement added.

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Memorial Hermann said in a statement Friday that it is working toward reopening its kidney transplant program in the near future, though it has not specified when operations could resume. There is no timetable for resuming liver transplants, the statement said.
Boeing said it has lost $355 million (321 million) on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from whistleblowers.

The chief executive of Boeing said the firm is in a tough moment, and its focus is on fixing its manufacturing issues, not the financial results.

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Company executives have been forced to talk more about safety and less about finances since a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight over the US in January, leaving a gaping hole in the plane.

The accident halted progress that Boeing seemed to be making while recovering from two deadly crashes of Max jets in 2018 and 2019.

Now those crashes are back in the spotlight, with families of some of the 346 people killed in the crashes scheduled to meet US justice department officials.

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Family members have tried unsuccessfully to undo a 2021 settlement between the department and Boeing that let the company avoid criminal prosecution.

Boeing chief executive David Calhoun told employees in a memo on Wednesday: Although we report first-quarter financial results today, our focus remains on the sweeping actions we are taking following the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident.

Mr Calhoun ticked off a series of actions the company is taking and reported significant progress in improving manufacturing quality, much of it as a result of slowing down production, which means fewer planes for its airline customers.

Near term, yes, we are in a tough moment, he wrote. Lower deliveries can be difficult for our customers and for our financials. But safety and quality must and will come above all else.

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Since January, we've organized Quality Stand Downs across our sites, pausing production and deliveries for a day to focus on our safety and quality processes.



Collaborating and learning together is helping us create plans to enhance quality and compliance across our programs. pic.twitter.com/ed3UaYscsu  Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) April 12, 2024

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Mr Calhoun, who will step down at the end of the year, said again he is fully confident the company will recover.

Boeing said the first-quarter loss, excluding special items came to $1.13 per share, which was better than the loss of $1.63 per share that analysts had forecast, according to a FactSet survey.

Revenue fell 7.5%, to $16.57 billion.

Company shares gained more than 3% in premarket trading.

Boeing stock has plunged by about one-third since the Alaska Airlines door-plug blowout.

The US Federal Aviation Administration has stepped up its oversight and given Boeing until late May to produce a plan to fix its problems.

Airline customers are unhappy about not getting all the new planes that they had ordered because of delivery disruptions.

Boeing, however, has a couple of things in its favour.

Along with Airbus, Boeing forms one-half of a duopoly that dominates the manufacturing of large passenger planes. And it is a major defence contractor for the Pentagon and governments around the world.

Richard Aboulafia, a long-standing industry analyst and consultant at AeroDynamic Advisory, said despite all the setbacks Boeing still has a powerful mix of products in high demand, technology and people.

He said: Even if they are number two and have major issues, they are still in a very strong market and an industry that has very high barriers to entry.

And despite massive losses  about $24 billion in the last five years  the company is not at risk of failing, Mr Aboulafia said.

This isnt General Motors in 2008 or Lockheed in 1971, Mr Aboulafia said, referring to two iconic corporations that needed massive government bailouts or loan guarantees to survive.

All of those factors help explain why 20 analysts in a FactSet survey rate Boeing shares as Buy or Overweight and only two have Sell ratings, though five have Hold ratings.
Megan Thee Stallion has been accused of creating an intolerable work environment in a new lawsuit.

The Californian lawsuit was filed by former cameraman Emilio Garcia, who claimed he worked for the US rapper from 2018 for five years, and alleges he was subject to fat shaming, unpaid wages, and wrongful termination during that time.

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The allegations also claim that Megan Thee Stallion  real name Megan Pete  had sex in a moving car right beside Mr Garcia who could not get out, during a tour trip to Ibiza in 2022. He claims the alleged incident left him embarrassed, mortified and offended.

Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion perform on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards 2023. Photo: Doug Peters/PA.

In a statement given to the AP news agency, Megan Thee Stallions lawyer said they would deal with the lawsuit in court.

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This is an employment claim for money  with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her, US lawyer Alex Spiro said.

During the same trip to Spain, Mr Garcia claimed he was subject to fat-shaming taunts, including spit your food out and you dont need to be eating, the documents said.

The lawsuit also includes a host of workplace related claims, including Mr Garcia being misclassified as an independent contractor, which allegedly deprived him of healthcare.

He also claims he was forced to take on a myriad of duties and work much longer hours and denied overtime pay as well as breaks for rests and meals.

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Defendant (Megan Thee) Stallions conduct created a hostile work environment for Plaintiff, making the conditions of his employment intolerable, the court documents said.

The lawsuit also claims that his compensation structure was changed in 2022 from a monthly rate to a pay-per-task system which resulted in him earning significantly less.

Mr Garcia has claimed that in June 2023 he was told his services would no longer be required which he has alleged was in retaliation for his complaints of wage and hour violations.

Plaintiff grapples with mounting anxiety, depression, and physical distress stemming from the toxic work environment, compounded by the trauma of unpaid work, the lawsuit stated.
Synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys prove they have still got it as they enter the fifth decade of their career, while French electronic outfit Justice explore disco and funk sounds in their latest release.

 Pet Shop Boys  Nonetheless

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Forty years on from their first single, the original version of West End Girls, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe release their 15th studio album with a return to the Parlaphone label. but a new producer in James Ford. who has worked with Arctic Monkeys, Blur and The Last Dinner Party.

This mix of old and new appears to be a key feature of Nonetheless, which has a certain familiarity from the first listen, with tracks that hint at past songs by the UKs most successful music duo of all time.

Yet rather than Nonetheless sounding recycled or stale, nods to their previous work creates an almost cosy feeling for fans.

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Much of the optimistic, upbeat yet sometimes dreamy album was created during the Covid lockdown period when Tennant and Lowe were unable to share their ideas in person.

Why Am I Dancing? reflects on the times when Tennant, and many others, danced alone in their kitchen, while New London Boy appears to take inspiration from David Bowies The London Boys to tell Tennants own story of moving from the North East.

An emotion-packed album which gets better with every listen.

Score: 8/10

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(Review by Beverley Rouse)

 Justice  Hyperdrama

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by JUSTICE (@etjusticepourtous)

If asked to name a French electronic duo, most people would probably say Daft Punk because of their international fame, though Justice, who achieved some success in the noughties with their Simian remix We Are Your Friends and some singles from their debut album Cross, offer a more unique sound and are out to prove they have still got it.

Their first studio album in seven years, the boys pair electronic music with disco and funk elements.

The twosome have teamed up with Australian psychedelic musician Tame Impala on a couple of tracks, a collaboration that works well, especially on lead single One Night/All Night as Parkers dreamy vocals play over the electronic beat. Generator is the highlight though as it carries Justices trademark heavier electronic sound.

Unfortunately, some tracks see the disco and funk influences make for a much lighter sound and it feels as though they are losing a grip on the heavier beat that sets them apart from their EDM contemporaries.

Justice demonstrate their skill as talented producers once again, but only a handful of the songs could fire up a club.

Score: 6/10

(Review by Mason Oldridge)

-St Vincent  All Born Screaming

Annie Clarks seventh album under her St Vincent persona is the heaviest, and perhaps most unsettling, to date.

A suitably sinister intro to Hell Is Near sets the tone but it is the percussive battering in the second half of Reckless which kicks the album into gear. Coupled with glitchy electronica it creates a constantly unsettling soundscape  witnessed to even greater effect on Broken Man with its three flesh-and-blood drummers, including Dave Grohl, along with Clarks drum programming.

The albums first half is powered by some of the fiercest, hardest-rocking guitar work of Clarks idiosyncratic career, before the second branches out into a range of styles  Violent Times features an arresting brass hook and an astonishing vocal performance, while The Powers Out feels like a resurfaced wireless transmission from a dystopian past.

Nirvana and Foo Fighters mainstay Grohl is one of several notable guest stars, with his current Foos bandmate Josh Freese and Warpaints respected gun for hire Stella Mozgawa taking turns on the kit while Cate Le Bon features frequently. Clark takes on solo production duties for the first time and has clearly taken notes from long-time collaborator John Congleton, whose horror-movie style as well as his own pAper chAse project are echoed here.

Score: 8/10

(Review by Tom White)

 Neil Young with Crazy Horse  Fu##in Up

Ragged glory indeed  Neil Youngs latest album is as raw as youll ever hear from a mainstream artist, yet makes complete sense.

Full of feedback, extended guitar solos and tracks stretched out up to 15 minutes, Fu##in Up sounds spontaneous and exciting.

Young and his band Crazy Horse have rerecorded their grunge-inspired 1990 album Ragged Glory, the songs in the same order but with different titles, though final track Mother Earth is missing.

Opener City Life blasts in on a blizzard of guitars, Feels Like A Railroad sees Youngs plaintive voice struggling to be heard and the title track, Heart Of Steel here, is heavily distorted.

To Follow Ones Own Dream, inspired by Bob Dylans My Back Pages, sees Young unleash his harmonica, and the one cover, Farmer John, is as rough as when his teenage garage band played it.

Best of all is epic final track A Chance On Love (originally Love And Only Love), over 15 minutes here, though Young has been known to play it for twice as long live.

Aimed at Young completists and fanatics, Fu##in Up crackles with energy and power as these songs gain a new lease of life.

7/10

(Review by Matthew George)
The sister of jailed teacher Enoch Burke has been accused of obstructing a garda during an incident outside the Four Courts last year.

Solicitor Ammi Burke, 33, of Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, was summonsed to appear at Dublin District Court on a charge of resisting, wilfully obstructing or impeding a Garda in the execution of his duty.

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The incident allegedly occurred at Inns Quay on March 7th, 2023.

The charge is contrary to section 19 of the Public Order Act, which, on conviction, carries a possible six-month sentence and a fine.

The offence date coincides with the day her brother Enoch was involved in a legal dispute before the Court of Appeal over transgenderism and his sacking by Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath.

Her case was adjourned and will resume on May 9th, and also on that date, her father, Sean, is to contest a charge of assaulting a garda, said to have taken place on March 7th last year.

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That prosecution is under section two of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

A conviction can result in a fine and a six-month jail sentence.

In January, Mr Burke, representing himself, had said he would contest the case and secured an order to obtain disclosure of prosecution evidence, including CCTV footage.

The presiding judge advised him to study the evidence furnished so far and correspond with the prosecution if he required additional evidence.

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The judge also told him to apply to the court for an order if he sought further video footage from the prosecution.

No evidence concerning the events on the date of the alleged offence was heard.

Enoch Burke, who taught history and German, has spent more than 300 days in Mountjoy Prison after the secondary school teacher defied a High Court order to stay away from his former workplace.

Last year, Enoch's brother, Simeon, then a barrister at law student in Kings Inns, was fined 300 at Dublin District Court.

He was convicted of threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour after Enoch Burke's proceedings on March 7th last year.

However, he consistently maintained his innocence and was subsequently cleared on appeal.

He had spent 41 days in custody on remand in the run-up to his District Court hearing after repeatedly refusing to sign a bail bond with a condition to stay away from the Four Courts.
Gardai involved in the fatal shooting of George Nkencho outside his home in Dublin will not be prosecuted, the Director of Prosecutions (DPP) has said.

As the Irish Examiner reports, the shooting was investigated by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) and a file had been sent to the DPP, which has decided not to prosecute.

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Mr Nkencho (27) was shot dead outside his family home in Clonee, Dublin 15, on December 30th, 2020.

Mr Nkencho was shot multiple times by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit after he appeared to lunge at gardai with a knife. The incident happened after he was alleged involved in an earlier assault at a nearby shop.

Mr Nkenchos family said he was suffering from mental health issues and have been highly critical of the level of force used by gardai, and had welcomed the investigation into the circumstances which led to his death.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Gsoc said it was notified by the DPP of its decision not to direct a prosecution.

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"GSOC can confirm that it has been notified by the DPP of its decision not to direct a prosecution in the case of the tragic death of Mr George Nkencho, who was shot and killed by a member of the Garda Siochana Armed Support unit outside his family home in West Dublin on December 30th, 2020.

"The incident was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by GSOC, which concluded in June 2023 with the submission by GSOC of an investigative file to the DPP.

"GSOC has noted the DPPs decision, and has notified interested parties in the case, including the Nkencho family and Garda Members involved.

"GSOC has further notified the Nkencho family of their entitlement under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 to a summary of reasons from the DPP for its decision not to prosecute, as well as their statutory entitlement to request a review of the decision."

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A Garda statement added: "An Garda Siochana notes the decision of the DPP.

"Commissioner [Drew] Harris re-iterates today his and the organisations sympathy with the family of George Nkencho.

"An Garda Siochana will await further information from Gsoc on its next steps before commenting further."

An inquest into Mr Nkencho's death had been adjourned while the investigation was ongoing.
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at Newry Magistrates Court to face historical sex charges.

The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March.

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He did not speak as he arrived at the court accompanied by his solicitor on Wednesday.

Police officers attempted to keep the roadway clear during the large media scrum for his arrival.

A 58-year-old woman has been charged with aiding and abetting additional offences in relation to the same police investigation.

Mr Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process.

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It is understood that in a letter to party officers, he made clear he would be strenuously contesting all charges against him.

East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson was appointed interim party leader.

Mr Donaldson has so far remained as MP for Lagan Valley.
Aaron Brady, who murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, was an enhanced prisoner in Mountjoy, with unique access to a laptop, when he is alleged to have conspired with another inmate to prevent a witness giving evidence at Brady's trial, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

Prison officer Pat Ferris told the trial of Dean Byrne, Brady's alleged conspirator, that he knew Brady as a prisoner in 2020.

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The witness told prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC that Brady was housed in the D-wing on the basement floor, an area reserved for prisoners who enjoy special privileges for good behaviour.

The trial previously heard that Mr Byrne was on a different floor of the same wing.

Mr Ferris explained those in the basement would have jobs or attend education courses, and have more freedom to move around. They also receive extra phone calls and would get extra money for the tuck shop.

He said Brady was in Cell 20, a single-occupancy cell in the basement of the D-wing.

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The court heard Brady was a volunteer with the Red Cross, and in that role would sometimes bring leaflets to the cells on all four landings of the D-wing.

Mr Ferris told defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC that he could not recall if Brady carried out a leaflet drop in April or May 2020.

Laptop

Deputy governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Quinn, recalled that during Brady's trial the court ordered that the prison provide Brady with access to a laptop to allow him to review his book of evidence.

This was the first time that had happened, he explained, so the prison developed a protocol whereby Brady could use the laptop only when he was locked into his cell on his own. The laptop did not have access to the internet, the court heard.

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In late March 2020, the prison went into lockdown due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Enhanced prisoner duties were suspended during this time, Mr Quinn said, but Red Cross volunteers were still allowed to do leaflet drops because that provided a way to communicate without direct contact.

In August 2020, Brady (33), formerly of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, was convicted by a jury of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe during a robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth on January 25th, 2013.

He was due to be tried with Mr Byrne, but before the trial started, Brady pleaded guilty to the charge that on a date between February 20th and May 7th, 2020, within the State, he embarked on a course of conduct intended to pervert the course of justice.

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Brady accepted that he was responsible for recording a video of witness Ronan Flynn giving a statement to gardai that later appeared on social media accusing Mr Flynn of "touting".

Dean Byrne (30), from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin, is on trial accused of conspiring with Brady in Mountjoy Prison between April 8th and June 22nd, 2020, to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's murder trial, a course of conduct with had a tendency to and which was intended to pervert the course of justice.

He has pleaded not guilty to the single charge.
President Michael D Higgins suffered a "mild stroke" in February that necessitated his admission to hospital for a week, the president said in an interview on Wednesday.

President Higgins' office said at the time that he experienced a mild transient weakness from which he was expected to make a full recovery. The widely popular Higgins, who turned 83 last week, returned to official duties immediately after his release.

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"I'm fine now. What I had was a form of mild stroke. It didn't affect my cognitive abilities. It affected simply my motor side, which was on the left-hand side," President Higgins told The Irish Times in his first interview since the hospitalisation.

"My left hand is fully back. But (the stroke) somehow exacerbated stuff that I had in my lower back. I'm getting that fixed in the next week."

President Higgins is scheduled to complete his second and final seven-year term in the largely ceremonial role next year.
Seabrook Cheese Co. opened last December in a house in historic Seabrook. Seabrook Cheese Co. Patrons can take in an afternoon or evening of wine as they sample an assortment of exotic and exclusive cheeses set on hand-crated charcuterie platters that are customized by selection. Seabrook Cheese Co. The og kristal cheese is a Belgian gouda aged 21 months in a cave and characterized by a tangy flavor and crystal-like textures. Seabrook Cheese Co. The variety of bleu, aged cheddars, and brie and soft cheeses are not something found in a deli case at a neighborhood market or store, said owner Russell Hatfield. Seabrook Cheese Co.

When Russell Hatfield was let go from his corporate job in May of 2023, he said he could have made a lateral move to a different company but decided that would have been too easy.

Instead, Hatfield and his wife, Kristi, took a different turn, and by December, they had opened Seabrook Cheese Co., a cheese and wine eatery housed in a cottage-style home in the citys historic district on Main Street., formerly Second St.

I had asked myself if I wanted to jump back into corporate fishbowl, said Hatfield, 51. I chose to put my entrepreneurial hat on, take our vision and run with it.

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Since opening, the small shop has been welcoming patrons to take in an afternoon or evening of wine as they sample an assortment of exotic and exclusive cheeses set on hand-crafted charcuterie platters that are customized by selection.

SEABROOK'S $1.4 MILLION ROAD PROJECT: Seabrook partners with TxDOT on a $1.4 million beautification project along Texas 146

The variety of bleu, aged cheddars, and brie and soft cheeses are not something found in a deli case at a neighborhood market or store, said Hatfield, who grew up in Pasadena.

Its hard to describe, I cant really break it down, said Hatfield, trying to explain the addictive and seductive qualities of good cheese.

Hatfield can however describe the effects of the shops cheeses have on patrons.

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For example, the og kristal cheese is a Belgian gouda aged 21 months in a cave and characterized by a tangy flavor and crystal-like textures.

The taste punches and hits people in every part of their tongue, Hatfield said.

Another Seabrook Cheese Co. favorite, a goat chevre called Junes Joy, has a similarly powerful effect. It's a soft cheese whipped with thyme, honey and black pepper and comes straight from a dairy farm, Pure Luck Dairy, in Dripping Springs, Texas, has a similarly powerful effect.

It makes peoples knees buckle, Hatfield said.

Many of the boutiques cheeses come from Houston Dairy Maid, which sources a variety of cheeses from Texas and elsewhere.

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Cheese selections are rotating and often seasonal, Hatfield said.

The wine menu is ever-changing and includes more than 20 red varieties, and close to 30 white, rose, sparking varieties at any given time of the year that can complement the shops artisan flatbreads.

The success of the Seabrook Cheese Co. is a something of a full-circle event for the Hatfields, who both worked in the restaurant industry before joining the corporate sector and have ties to restaurant landmarks in the region.

Kristi Hatfields grandfather, Emery Waite, was a shrimper and opened two Seabrook staples, Waites Wharf and Emerys Seafood; while Hatfields uncle Frank Bobo owned the San Jacinto Inn near the San Jacinto Monument in La Porte.

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Hatfield credits his wife for the original vision for Seabrook Cheese Co., inspired by her visits to boutique wine bars and cheese shops in the Hill Country and Round Top.

She kept talking and talking about it, and would say, Lets put our money where our mouth is, said Russell Hatfield.

Losing his corporate job, he said, presented him the perfect segue into a new career.

When customers ask me what inspired us to open the wine and cheese shop, I tell them that getting laid off definitely helped in the decision-making process, said Hatfield.

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Seabrook Cheese Co, which seats 48 guests and takes up every room in the renovated cottage-style house built in 1949, has settled comfortably into the small-business spirit of Seabrooks historic district, said Hatfield.
A man has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty by allegedly endangering the life of a "small black kitten" in Dublin.

Gheorghe Negoita (44), of Belgard Road, Tallaght, is accused of an offence under section 12 of the Animal, Health and Welfare Act.

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The charge alleges the accused endangered "the life of a small black kitten" during an incident on October 11th, 2022, at North King Street in Dublin city centre.

Garda Aine McQuillan told Dublin District Court she had charged him last month with an offence under section 12 of the Animal, Health and Welfare Act.

He has pleaded not guilty, and Judge Mark O'Connell adjourned the case for mention in May, when he will be given a hearing date.

Gda McQuillan told the court the waste collection worker, who listened to the proceedings with the help of a Romanian interpreter, "was given a true copy of the charge sheet, and made no reply to the charge".

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Earlier, the garda applied to the court to impose a bail term which required him not to have "any protected animal in his care".

However, Mr Negoita's solicitor successfully objected, noting his client had already been granted bail without conditions when he was charged.

None of the facts of the alleged incident were given at the hearing.

A conviction under the animal cruelty legislation at the District Court level can result in a maximum six-month sentence and a 5,000 fine. Prosecution for the offence can also result in an individual being banned from having an animal in their care.
The mother of an 11-year-old girl who died by suicide has described how her daughter had struggled, adding the family had sought help in the eight weeks before her death, but her voice had not been heard.

Weeks before taking her own life, Milly Tuomey posted the date on which she intended to die on Instagram, her mother Fiona told the High Court.

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Ms Tuomey said she and Milly's father sought to access help for their daughter, but described the State's mental health services as "woefully inadequate".

"We want her voice to be heard now," Ms Tuomey told the court.

"Her voice was not heard during that eight weeks she struggled. We cant bring our child back but by bringing this case for her it will be a small justice for Milly and there will be some change to the services provided."

Ms Tuomey was speaking in the High Court as her family settled an action over Milly's death in January 2016 for 65,000.

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During the eight weeks in which the family sought assistance, a suicide diary was found, and there was an urgent referral to mental health services in December 2015. However, an appointment was only given for January 5th, 2016, a day after Milly died.

'Systemic wide series of errors'

Counsel for Milly's family, Pearse Sreenan SC instructed by Cantillons Solicitors, told the High Court it was their case that there was "systemic wide series of errors" by all involved in Millys care between November 2015 and January 2016.

He told the court that eight weeks after the family first sought help by bringing Milly to a doctor, she was found by her sister Daisy at home. Milly was taken to hospital, where she died later.

He said experts on their side were highly critical of the way the system let down Milly and the Tuomey family, adding that the family were not taking legal proceedings to seek monetary compensation, but to highlight the issues in the mental health system.

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Ms Tuomey, of Cypress Downs, Tempelogue, Dublin, had on behalf of her family brought the action against the HSE, a doctor, an art therapist, private clinic An Cuan Centre for Psychological Services, trading as An Cuan, with registered offices at Rathgar Avenue, Dublin, and St John of God Community Services Company Ltd, trading as Lucena Clinic Services with registered offices in Stillorgan, Dublin.

In the proceedings, it was claimed that Milly took her own life having allegedly not been properly or adequately referred, treated or assessed.

The HSE and St John of God Community Services admitted they failed to provide treatment to Milly within an acceptable timeframe, but it was denied that her untimely death was caused by alleged negligence on their part.

The doctor denied all claims.

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Mr Justice Paul Coffey was told a settlement had been reached after mediation and an order could be made against the HSE, the doctor and St John of God Community Services.

Counsel asked for judgement against An Cuan Centre for Psychological Services, as it had entered no appearance.

Deficits in care

In an apology read to the court, the management of St John of God Community Services apologised for the deficits in care provided to Milly.

"She was not provided with treatment within an acceptable timeframe, and we appreciate this gave rise to a missed opportunity in respect of her care."

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It added: "We acknowledge the profound and devastating impact that Millys death has had on you all."

The letter, which was signed by chief executive Clare Dempsey, offered sincere condolences to Millys family, and said that following Milly's tragic death, a waiting list initiative was introduced to streamline assessments and treatment paths to reduce waiting times.

It also stated Lucena Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) has now implemented its own clinical governance group and the service is now linked in with Health Link.

It explained the Camhs hub has been established as part of a national clinical programme which reviews urgent referrals, and response time to urgent referrals is within 72 hours.

Ms Tuomey told the court that Milly sparkled and had an abundance of gifts.

"She was deeply loved, not just by her parents and her sister Daisy, but her grandparents, cousins, and all her family, and she had many friends, but that did not protect her from going through a mental health crisis," Milly's mother said.

Ms Tuomey added: "Milly has left an enormous void in our lives."

Noting the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was a most tragic and heartbreaking case, and offered his sympathies to the Tuomey family.

Outside the Four Courts in Dublin, Ms Tuomey said: "Today, Millys voice was heard."

Referring to the apology offered in court, she said apologies mean very little unless they are followed up with real change.

"Unfortunately, in the seven years since Milly died by suicide, many have died by suicide. I would like to see real change.

"It is too late for our child, but hopefully it will not be too late for other children."

"Mental health in this country has been undervalued, and it needs to be addressed by the Minister for Health," Ms Tuomey said.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can freephone the Samaritans 24 hours a day for confidential support at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

Alternatively, the contact information for a range of mental health supports is available at mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support.

In the case of an emergency, or if you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 999/112.
The state apology to the relatives of the victims of the Stardust fire is among the front pages in Wednesday's papers.

The Irish Times leads with the headline "We failed you when you needed us the most", which Simon Harris said in his speech to the Stardust families.

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The Irish Examiner leads with an interview with a woman who escaped with her family from Gaza, as she described the struggles as they wait in Rafah.

The Echo reports two parties hosted by University College Cork cost 28,000 between them.

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The Irish Independent reports a rise in victims of domestic abuse becoming homeless due to the housing crisis.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with findings of a survey that show almost two thirds of the public believe the public is not in control of immigration.

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Both the Irish Daily Mirror and the Irish Daily Star lead with the apology to the Stardust families from Taoiseach Simon Harris.

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The biggest boost for defence in a generation features among a variety of stories on the front pages of Britains newspapers on Wednesday.

The Telegraph, the i and the Daily Mail lead with the increase in Britains defence spending to put the nation on a war footing.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:



'War footing as PM ramps up defence spending'#TomorrowsPapersToday



Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/EhTwtKsSNF Advertisement  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) April 23, 2024

Daily Mail: Biggest boost for defence in a generation #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/J3zR85ZNnL  George Mann (@sgfmann) April 23, 2024

The Times and the Guardian say Mr Sunak will boost defence funding to 2.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

The Times: Child among five killed in Channel dinghy accident #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/j4tHzYSrDI  George Mann (@sgfmann) April 23, 2024

The Guardian: PM to raise defence spending and

put arms industry on war footing #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/OL2QBDYD4i  George Mann (@sgfmann) April 23, 2024

While the Daily Express says the Prime Minister will cut 70,000 civil service jobs to be able to fund the defence spending.

Wednesday's front page: About time too! Civil service job cuts to pay for defence boost#TomorrowsPapersTodayhttps://t.co/y9ebfoYeiC pic.twitter.com/PLdbvw4fDV  Daily Express (@Daily_Express) April 23, 2024

The Independent asks the Prime Minister to think again after the recent passing of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.

The Metro reports on a seven-year-old girl who was one of five people who died amid panic on a dinghy in the Channel, saying let this be last channel tragedy.

Tomorrow's Papers Today 



LET THIS BE LAST CHANNEL TRAGEDY



 Five hours after Rwanda bill passes#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/B3OsWGlWTz  Metro (@MetroUK) April 23, 2024

The Daily Mirror continues its coverage of Jill Dandos death in 1999, with a key witness claiming they saw a Serbian assassin near the crime scene.

The Bank of England has warned that lenders are in the dark over private equity risk, the Financial Times reports.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Wednesday 24 April https://t.co/0E9lrxuONR pic.twitter.com/U3dG6IZUTW  Financial Times (@FT) April 23, 2024

The Sun leads with a photo of Prince Louis after his sixth birthday.

On tomorrow's front page: Adorable photo of Prince Louis taken by Princess Kate is shared to celebrate his sixth birthday https://t.co/SpPgtm2BD2 pic.twitter.com/Q5aNy5PoRl  The Sun (@TheSun) April 23, 2024

And the Daily Star says Alan Titchmarsh does not like slugs.
Its 20 years since his debut novel Starter For Ten launched David Nicholls hugely successful career as a bestselling novelist and screenwriter, followed by top romantic tales including One Day and Us, which were adapted for screen.

The recent Netflix adaptation of One Day, starring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as friends-to-lovers Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, has once again thrust the shy author into the spotlight and, in the nicest possible way, you get the feeling hed rather be on a long walk than rambling on about what makes him tick.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Nicholls (@davidnichollswriter) Advertisement

In fact, the idea for his latest novel, You Are Here  a love story in which two very different characters form a friendship on the Coast to Coast walk across northern England  was sparked partly by his love of solitary walks.

Nicholls, 57, does them to alleviate anxiety and think clearly, leaving his art historian partner Hannah and their two children, Max, 18 and Romy, 16, at home in north London. He likes to do 25-mile treks, Hannah prefers to go slower and admire the scenery, he explains.

I love being outdoors and solitude. Being by myself is a personal conscious decision, something I need to do every now and then just to think of ideas and work out what I want to write, and de-stress.

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The walking is therapeutic for Nicholls, who has suffered anxiety and insomnia for much of his life.

I wake up at four or five or six at the latest. Six is a lie-in for me now. There are two kinds of anxieties. Theres a kind of healthy worry about your work and a concern about everyone in the family being happy and healthy.

(Alamy/PA)

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Beyond that, theres the 4am terror that isnt necessarily rational and is a bit less constructive and more unhealthy. And I still get that. I still wake in a panic at four in the morning or worry a lot about my work in an irrational way.

His success hasnt made the anxiety worse  its just always been there, he says simply.

I find the lead-up to publication very stressful. I always worry if it (the book) is as good as it can be, how people will respond to it, whether people will buy it.

I worry about them because I want people to enjoy it, but Im very careful with the work now and I work hard to make sure that everything is as good as it can be, whether its a TV project or a novel.

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Hes managed to keep his work life separate from his family life, he says.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sceptre Books - Publisher (@sceptrebooks)

Ive never told the kids to be quiet because Im writing . Ive always found a way to keep it separate from the rest of my life. So the only thing that overlaps is the worry.

He shouldnt fret. He may have written just six novels in 20 years, but theyve all been bestsellers. His fourth, Us  about a man trying to save his 20-year marriage by embarking on the holiday of a lifetime with his wife and son  was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction and Nicholls wrote the TV adaptation starring Tom Hollander and Saskia Reeves.

In his parallel career as a scriptwriter, he has contributed to the ITV series Cold Feet, written the screenplays for the movie adaptations of his books Starter For Ten (which has also now been turned into a stage musical) and One Day (which starred Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess), and adaptations of Far From The Madding Crowd and the TV drama Patrick Melrose, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

You Are Here centres on two lonely strangers  Marnie, a copy editor aged 38, and geography teacher Michael, 42, both with their share of emotional baggage  who are brought together by a well-meaning mutual friend to embark on the windswept, rain-lashed Coast to Coast walk across northern England.

What a pleasure to meet @DavidNWriter at @SReadBooks today! He signed a copy of #OneDay & told me his new novel #YouAreHere is set on the #CoasttoCoast walk including a scene in a North Yorkshire pub (where I worked for 10 years!) I can't wait to read this. Out April 24th. pic.twitter.com/0kWDSljWEe  Witchmountain (@KimTillyer) March 27, 2024

Gradually, despite the driving rain and soggy clothing, they develop a gentle, warm friendship, opening up about their lives, the loves lost, the paths they chose, as they make their way towards the end of their journey  and towards new beginnings.

Once a year I go on long walks. Id always wanted to write about walking and find a way to put it into a book. So many things happen to you. You always get a little bit lost or rained on or theres always something unexpected. I liked the idea of using it as the setting for a love story.

I did a number of walks to work out what might fit. I had a really lovely time researching it and a great time writing it as well.

Two days trying and failing to dodge rain in the Lakes. This was the highlight, the exquisite Honister Pass. Early #YouAreHere readers, this is where Marnie swears the most, then catches the bus. pic.twitter.com/fhEWViwbYm  David Nicholls (@DavidNWriter) March 28, 2024

He did the Coast to Coast walk in three stages, because it takes 12 days and he cant be away from his family for that long, he explains.

I did the first stage in February and it was very wet. I got rained on and snowed on and blown about. There are some hard climbs, but other stretches are long, flat and quite boring in places.

Theres always a backdrop of humour in his books, but much of Nicholls writing centres on human emotions, love and how flawed characters make mistakes and come out the other side.

You could do Coast to Coast walk OR enjoy @DavidNWriter new love story of Michael & Marnie which unfolds as they walk from Lakes to N Yorks Moors David appearing #Scarborough Fri 7 June 7.30pm. Tix here-https://t.co/HflA4c6MbZ@louisecc #YouAreHere @BooksUpNorth @nylibraries pic.twitter.com/ZPU2cy98dM  Books by the Beach (@scarboroughbook) March 24, 2024

He says You Are Here is the most grown-up book hes written.

Its the one Ive really tried to polish. Im not writing about characters in their 20s or teenagers in this one, Im writing about grown-ups with grown-up emotions and flaws.

As with all Nicholls tales, theres pathos and poignant moments, heartache and humour, as the reader follows the will-they-wont-they journeying couple.

He doubts hell ever top One Day in sales  it has to date sold 3 million copies in the UK and 6 million worldwide  while the Netflix series has earned him legions of new fans.

He commented recently that if somebody says to him, Oh, I liked your book, he knows they will be referring to One Day, but it doesnt bother him.

Im sure that that will be the most successful thing I ever write, but I think that You Are Here is a much better book.

Over his career, he has at times featured elements of himself and his experiences in his work. His previous novel The Understudy centred on the eponymous hero, a nod to Nicholls early career as an actor.

The Hampshire-born writer studied English literature and drama at Bristol University, before winning a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.

For eight years he struggled, spending most of his time understudying lead roles or playing minor parts. He gave it up for writing because he simply wasnt a very good actor, he has said.

Over an eight-year stretch, I was employed for about three-and-a-half years, and the rest of the time I was working in bookshops or pubs. I was sitting around worrying in bedsits. It was a very stressful time.

These days, he gets starstruck around the actors he has provided scripts for, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Helena Bonham Carter and Carey Mulligan.

David Nicholls says he feels in awe of actors hes worked with, including Benedict Cumberbatch (Alamy/PA)

I get very shy around actors, Im in awe of what they do and that these actors Ive admired for so long are saying my words and talking about my script. Its strange  and very exciting. Im not at all relaxed about it.

You Are Here by David Nicholls is published by Sceptre. Available now
Angela Rayner labelled Rishi Sunak a pint-sized loser after urging the Conservatives to stop obsessing about her living arrangements.

Labours deputy leader also accused Oliver Dowden of having stabbed the Tories biggest election winner Boris Johnson in the back in order to get his mate into No 10.

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UK deputy prime minister Mr Dowden countered the jibes by suggesting right honourable landlady Ms Rayner should step down, adding the Labour MP might start claiming the House of Commons as her principal residence if the pair were required to deputise again at Prime Ministers Questions.

UK deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

Ms Rayner has faced scrutiny about whether she paid the right amount of tax on the 2015 sale of her Stockport council house because of confusion over whether it was her principal residence.

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Labours deputy leader has said she will do the right thing and step down if she is found to have committed a crime in relation to her living situation a decade ago, but remains confident she has followed the law at all times.

With Mr Sunak in Berlin, Ms Rayner and deputy prime minister Mr Dowden took centre stage in the Commons on Wednesday.

But Ms Rayner pre-empted an attack line against her and opened the session by saying: I know this party opposite is desperate to talk about my living arrangements, but the public want to know what this Government is going to do about theirs.

She raised the case of a Brighton woman served with two no-fault eviction notices in 18 months, adding: She joins nearly a million families at risk of homelessness due to his partys failure to ban this cruel practice.

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Now instead of obsessing over my house, when will he get a grip and show the same obsession with ending no-fault evictions?

Mr Dowden replied: To begin with, it is a pleasure to have another exchange with (Ms Rayner) in this House, our fifth in 12 months, anymore of these and shell be claiming it as her principal residence.

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Mr Dowden later highlighted the UK governments plans to boost defence spending, with Ms Rayner saying: We all want to see 2.5 per cent, the difference is that we havent cut the army to its smallest size since Napoleon.

Never mind some secretive deep state, its the state of the Tory party thats the problem. Theyre in a deep state of sewage.

After 14 years theyve failed renters, theyve failed leaseholders and theyve failed mortgage-holders.

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But I read with interest that (Mr Dowden) has been urging his neighbour in No 10 to call an election because hes worried they might get wiped out.

Has he finally realised that when he stabbed Boris Johnson in the back to get his mate into No 10 he was ditching their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser?

Mr Dowden replied: I think the whole House will have heard, despite all the bluster from the lady opposite, not a single word on whether she would actually back our plans to invest in our armed forces, no plans in a dangerous world.

And of course, as ever, the deputy leader is always looking to attack others failures but never the one to take responsibility for her own.

She once said you shouldnt be waiting for the police to bang on your door, if you did it then you shouldnt be doing your job.

The right honourable landlady should forget her tax advice and follow her own advice.

Earlier, Ms Rayner pressed the UK government over its plans to reform leasehold and the pair clashed over mayoral election candidates  including in the West Midlands.

Mr Dowden also said: Her policy to repeal every single Conservative trade union law in the first 100 days would open the door to French-style wildcat strikes.

Ms Rayner joked she was expecting better from Mr Dowden, adding: He seems to be a bit worn out, maybe its the 3am calls from the bad men that have been keeping him up at night.

She added: Their ban on leasehold wont apply to the majority of people. Its like banning non-doms but exempting Tory prime ministers.

Ms Rayner went on to accuse Conservative former prime minister Liz Truss of going on a twisted victory lap promoting her new book.
One person has been arrested following a horrifying incident in a school in Wales in which three people were injured.

Emergency services were called to Amman Valley School, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, in Carmarthenshire shortly after 11am on Wednesday.

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Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were dealing with the incident which, according to parents outside the school, was a stabbing.

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Police did not give the ages of the arrested person, or those injured, or their condition, but said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A school governor, as well as parents who had gathered outside the school, said the incident was a stabbing  with at least one member of staff injured.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has said he is shocked to hear of the incident, while British home secretary James Cleverly said he was being kept informed.

In a statement on its website, Amman Valley School said: You will be aware of the incident that has taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman today.

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The family members of all injured persons have been informed. We would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has been contained.

One parent, Charlotte Rogers, waiting for her daughter, said: She said that one teacher and two pupils had been stabbed, thats all I know.

People talk through the gates at the scene of Amman Valley school after an arrest was made and three people were injured (George Thompson/PA)

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She said she was scared. Shes a tough cookie so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe. This shouldnt have happened.

At the end of the day, they should have had measures in place beforehand, when they first opened the school, to make sure it was safe for them.

In an interview with WalesOnline, Cllr Karen Davies  a LEA governor at the school  said she had been told the incident involved a stabbing.

I have been told someone has been arrested and that two members of staff have been stabbed, but have no confirmation on how serious the injuries are, Cllr Davies said.

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I send my thoughts to those injured and all the people there. I know how well the school rehearsed lockdown and I am sure everything is under control.

It is shocking. You hear about these things happening in Manchester and London but it is literally our comprehensive here.

Pupils were released from the school from 3.20pm, with many greeted with tearful hugs from concerned parents who had been waiting outside.
A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a Welsh school.

Emergency services attended Amman Valley School, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, in Carmarthenshire, south-west Wales, just after 11.20am on Wednesday.

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Superintendent Ross Evans, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: Three people  two teachers and a teenage pupil  have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The family members of all those injured have been informed.

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.

He said the incident had concluded and pupils had left the school, which was placed into lockdown following the incident.

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Police and Forensic investigators at Amman Valley school, in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire (Ben Birchall/PA)

Parents who had gathered outside the school as news of the incident emerged were seen tearfully hugging their children as they were allowed to leave at about 3.20pm.

Supt Evans added that police were working with the school and other agencies to provide support to those involved.

This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened, he said.

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Police have asked for footage of the incident, currently circulating on social media, to be removed to avoid distress to those affected.

The force has also urged people not to speculate while their investigation is ongoing.

Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today.



I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected. Advertisement  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 24, 2024

In a statement on its website, Amman Valley School said the family members of those injured had been informed.

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It added: We would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has been contained.

Politicians across Wales and the UK have described their shock at what happened, with Home Secretary James Cleverly receiving updates.

First Minister Vaughan Gething posted on X, formerly Twitter, that it was a deeply worrying time for the school, families and community.

Also on X, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak thanked the police and emergency services for their work.
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said on Wednesday.

Long sought by Ukrainian leaders, the new missiles give Ukraine nearly double the striking distance, up to 190 miles, that it had with the mid-range version of the weapon that it received from the US last October.

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One of the officials said the US is providing more of these missiles in a new military aid package signed by President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Mr Biden approved delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, in early March, and the US included a significant number of them in a 300 million dollar (241 million) aid package announced at the time, one official said.

The two US officials would not provide the exact number of missiles given last month or in the latest aid package.

Ukraine has been forced to ration its weapons and is facing increasing Russian attacks.

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US officials say Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles, striking a Russian military airfield in Crimea (Mstyslav Chernov/AP)

The key now is speed, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted. He urged quick deployment of the hardware that Kyiv expects to receive in the coming weeks and months.

Ukraine had been begging for the long-range system because the missiles provide a critical ability to strike Russian targets that are farther away, allowing Ukrainian forces to stay safely out of range.

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Information about the delivery was kept so quiet that lawmakers and others in recent days have been demanding that the US send the weapons  not knowing they were already in Ukraine.

For months, the US resisted sending Ukraine the long-range missiles out of concern that Kyiv could use them to hit deep into Russian territory, enraging Moscow and escalating the conflict.

That was a key reason the administration sent the mid-range version, with a range of about 100 miles, in October instead.

A senior US military official said on Wednesday that the White House and military planners looked carefully at the risks of providing long-range missile to Ukraine and determined that the time was right to provide them now.

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Admiral Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told The Associated Press in an interview that long-range weapons will help Ukraine take out Russian logistics nodes and troop concentrations that are not on the front lines.





President Biden signed into law today the support package approved by Congress, which includes Ukraine aid. We completed this half-year path. Regardless of what anyone says, we are gaining the support we need to continue protecting lives from Russian attacks.



Over the past few  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2024 Advertisement

He declined to identify what specific weapons were being provided but said they will be very disruptive if used properly, and Im confident they will be.

Ukrainian officials have not publicly acknowledged the receipt or use of long-range ATACMS.

But in thanking Congress for passing the new aid Bill on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted that Ukraines long-range capabilities, artillery and air defence are extremely important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace.

The US had refused to confirm that the long-range missiles were given to Ukraine until they were actually used on the battlefield and Kyiv leaders approved the public release.

One official said the weapons were used early last week to strike the airfield in Dzhankoi, a city in Crimea, a peninsula that Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014. They were used again overnight east of the occupied city of Berdyansk.

Videos on social media last week showed the explosions at the military airfield, but officials at the time would not confirm it was the ATACMS.
Ukrainian officials have expressed thanks for a fresh batch of US military aid that threw Kyivs armed forces a lifeline in their war with Russia  although the supplies are not expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield.

Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defence systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months.

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This allowed the Kremlins forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine by sheer weight of troop numbers and firepower in what has largely become a war of attrition.

The US decision came as the Kremlins army extended its bombardment of the north-eastern Kharkiv region and Ukrainian long-range drones struck more fuel and energy facilities inside Russia.





The key now is speed. The speed of implementing agreements with partners on the supply of weapons for our warriors. The speed of eliminating all Russian schemes to circumvent sanctions. The speed of finding political solutions to protect lives from Russian terror. Every leader pic.twitter.com/hEG5cKJmO3 Advertisement  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the US senate for approving the 61 billion-dollar (49.1 billion) aid package late on Tuesday.

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Mr Zelensky said on X: Ukraines long-range capabilities, artillery and air defence are extremely important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace.

He urged quick deployment of the hardware that Kyiv expects to receive in the coming weeks and months.

The key now is speed, he said in a later post.

Two Russian S-300 missiles struck Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city near the border with Russia, during the night, injuring six people, and another two hit the Kharkiv region town of Zolochiv where no casualties were reported, local officials said.

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Ukrainian officials hope the US aid can be deployed quickly (Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office/ via AP)

Another missile hit the southern city of Odesa, injuring one woman, mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

Ukrainian drones, meanwhile, targeted Russian infrastructure, setting ablaze two energy facilities in the western Smolensk region.

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Regional head Vasily Anokhin said the attack struck civilian fuel and energy facilities but provided no further details.

Russias defence ministry said that eight drones were shot down overnight in the Belgorod, Smolensk, Kursk and Voronezh regions.
Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday he will suspend public duties until next week to decide whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a business corruption probe into his wife's private dealings.

Mr Sanchez, who last year secured another term for his Socialist party as leader of a minority coalition government, said he would appear before the media on Monday, April 29th to announce his decision.

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"I need to pause and think," he wrote in a letter shared on his X account. "I urgently need an answer to the question of whether it is worthwhile (...) whether I should continue to lead the government or renounce this honour."

The shock announcement came after a Spanish court said earlier on Wednesday it was launching a preliminary investigation into whether Mr Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez committed a crime of influence peddling and corruption in business in her private dealings.

Mr Sanchez said the seriousness of the attacks against him and his wife merited a measured response. He said his wife would cooperate with the investigation and defend her innocence.

The court investigating Ms Gomez did not provide further details as the case is sealed and preliminary, only saying it followed a complaint raised by anti-graft campaign group Manos Limpias - Clean Hands - whose leader has links to the far-right.

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Manos Limpias said Ms Gomez used her influence as the wife of the prime minister to allegedly secure sponsors for a university master's degree course that she ran.

Mr Sanchez also took aim at opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the People's Party and Santiago Abascal of the far-right Vox party, saying they had "collaborated" with those circulating the claims against his wife.

His ministers came out in support, with energy minister Teresa Ribera saying: "We have a first rate prime minister. Neither he nor his family deserve this."

Known risk-taker

The announcement is in keeping with Mr Sanchez's knack for keeping Spaniards on their toes. The 52-year-old, known as "El Guapo" (Mr Handsome), is a known risk-taker who has frequently defied the odds to secure or maintain power.

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Last year, he called a snap election after his Socialist party (PSOE) performed poorly in regional elections. After the PP won the most seats but failed to reach a majority in the July national election, he forged a controversial deal with smaller regional parties to govern that included an amnesty for Catalans who were involved in the 2017 independence push.

That decision has further soured an already-polarised political atmosphere and resulted in repeated attacks on him and his party from not only opposition leaders but also the judiciary and business groups.

If Mr Sanchez were to step down its possible parliament could choose another prime minister but given its fractured nature it seems unlikely anyone would prevail, said Lluis Orriols, a professor in political science at the Carlos III University in Madrid. More likely would be another general election, Prof Orriols said.

A source in Spain's far-right party Vox said the prime minister was "playing the victim" and repeated its claim that he had bought his government "by amnestying criminals", referring to activists involved in Catalonia's independence drive. "If he wants to reflect, let him do so, but after resigning," the source added.
Galveston is not only known for its beaches and seaside views, but also its wealth of museums displaying the history of the town and its residents.

From the storied Moody Mansion to full-sized WWII fighting vessels, here is a guide to the museums of Galveston:

Bishops Palace  1402 Broadway Ave. J, Galveston

The Gold Room at the 1892 Bishop's Palace in Galveston. Bishops Palace, built in the late 1800s, is a National Historic Landmark and time capsule into the Victorian age due to its architectural style. Galveston Historical Foundation

Bishops Palace, built in the late 1800s, is a National Historic Landmark and time capsule into the Victorian age due to its architectural style. The American Institute of Architects has declared the palace one of the 100 most important buildings in the United States

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Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday

The Bryan Museum  1315 21st Street, Galveston

Historian and collector, J.P. Bryan, founder of The Bryan Museum in Galveston stops to observe a 17th century carved Christian cross displayed in the colonial times section of the museum. Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

The Bryan Museum houses the Bryan Collection, which boasts more than 12,000 years of artifacts, documents, books and more from Texas and the American West. Visitors can see Spanish, German and indigenous history through a variety of objects like guns, art, maps and more.

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Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday

TURKEY LEG HUT: Turkey Leg Hut co-founder Lyndell Price charged in connection with fight that left man unconscious

Galveston Childrens Museum  2618 Broadway Ave. J, Galveston

The Galvestons Children Museum invites kids to learn and explore their imagination with exhibits focused on problem solving and creativity. Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

The Galvestons Children Museum invites kids to learn and explore their imagination with exhibits focused on problem solving and creativity. Throughout the year the museum hosts camps and events for all ages like their three-day robotics camps and weekly building block learning sessions.

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Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday

Galveston Naval Museum  100 Seawolf Park Boulevard, Galveston

The USS Stewart is part of the Galveston Naval Museum. Featuring restored naval vessels, weaponry and other artifacts, the Galveston Naval Museum embeds visitors in the ships themselves. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Featuring restored naval vessels, weaponry and other artifacts, the Galveston Naval Museum embeds visitors in the ships themselves. Visitors can take a hard hat tour and learn more about the WWII fighting vessels and learn about the operations and tradition surrounding the Navy.

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Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday

Galveston Railroad Museum  2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston

See restored and repurposed locomotives at the Galveston Railroad Museum while getting a peek into Galvestons history along the way. Galveston Railroad Museum

See restored and repurposed locomotives at the Galveston Railroad Museum while getting a peek into Galvestons history along the way. The museum hosts exhibits on pullman porters, railroad porcelain china and passenger cars that visitors can walk through. From restored steam engine locomotives to insight into modern train design, the Galveston Railroad Museum covers everything to do with trains.

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Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday

Lone Star Flight Museum  11551 Aerospace Avenue, Houston

From the second floor overlooking the various kinds of planes in one of the hangars, it provides an impressive display of what can be viewed at the Lone Star Flight Museum. Robert Avery

The Lone Star Flight Museum gets up close and personal with aircraft, including flight simulations, more than 20 aircraft on-site and educational tours. The museum also has a Space Gallery and a look at the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; Noon-5 p.m. Sunday

Moody Mansion  2618 Broadway Ave. J, Galveston

Built in 1893, the Moody Mansion is a Romanesque mansion on the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of Interior. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Built in 1893, the Moody Mansion is a Romanesque mansion on the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of Interior. The 20-room mansion features exhibits about the Moody family and the homes architectural design.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum  2002 Wharf Road, Galveston

Visitors look at one of the displays at the Ocean Star Museum in Galveston. Learn all about offshore drilling on The Ocean Star, a retired drilling rig from the 1980s. Kim Christensen/Special to the Chronicle

Learn all about offshore drilling on The Ocean Star, a retired drilling rig from the 1980s. Featuring drilling equipment and interactive displays, The Ocean Star gives visitors a look into oil drilling.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday

Rosenberg Library Museum  2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston

Galvestons Rosenberg Library also has its own museum dedicated to Galveston-specific history like exhibits on cemeteries, local pioneers, the citys architectural design and literary history. Leslie Plaza Johnson, Freelancer / Contributor

Galvestons Rosenberg Library also has its own museum dedicated to Galveston-specific history like exhibits on cemeteries, local pioneers, the citys architectural design and literary history.

Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, Friday-Saturday

Space Center Houston  1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston

Members of the USA Cricket Team look at astronaut mannequins as they toured Space Center Houston on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Houston. Learn about the history of space exploration and Houstons part in it just outside of Galveston at the Space Center Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Learn about the history of space exploration and Houstons part in it just outside of Galveston at the Space Center Houston. With constantly rotating exhibits keeping up with the newest innovations in space travel, a collection of spacesuits and a chance to see spacecraft artifacts, visitors have the chance to learn the ins and outs of space.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday-Saturday

Texas Seaport Museum  2200 Wharf Road, Galveston

The 1877 Elissa sails past a jetty along the seawall during the Parade of Sail to kick off the 2023 Tall Ships Galveston festival on Thursday, April 13, 2023 in Galveston. The Seaport Museum features the 1877 ship Elissa, which visitors can tour on their own while admiring the restoration work done on the ship. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The Seaport Museum features the 1877 ship Elissa, which visitors can tour on their own while admiring the restoration work done on the ship. Learn about sailing an early immigrants throughout the museum.
The Senate has passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.

The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelming 79-18 vote late on Tuesday after the House had approved the package on Saturday.

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Mr Biden, who worked with congressional leaders to win support, is expected to quickly sign the legislation and start the process of sending weapons to Ukraine, which has been struggling to hold its front lines against Russia.

The legislation would also send $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP.

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US officials said about $1 billion dollars worth of the aid could be on its way shortly, with the bulk following in coming weeks.

In an interview with The Associated Press shortly before the vote, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said that if Congress had not passed the aid, America would have paid a price economically, politically, militarily.

Very few things we have done have risen to this level of historic importance, he said, he said.

On the Senate floor, Mr Schumer said the Senate was sending a message to US allies: We will stand with you.

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Mr Schumer and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made passage of the legislation a top priority, agreeing to tie the Ukraine and Israel aid to help ensure passage and arguing there could be dire consequences for the United States and many of its global allies if Russian President Vladimir Putins aggression is left unchecked.

Activists supporting Ukraine, demonstrate outside the Capitol in Washington. Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP.

They worked with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, to overcome seemingly intractable Republican opposition to the Ukraine aid, in particular  eventually winning large majorities in both chambers.

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Mr McConnell said in a separate interview before the vote that it is one of the biggest days in the time that Ive been here.

At least on this episode, I think we turned the tables on the isolationists, Mr McConnell said.

The House approved the package in a series of four votes on Saturday, with the Ukraine portion passing 311-112.

The $61 billion for Ukraine comes as the war-torn country desperately needs new firepower and as Mr Putin has stepped up his attacks.

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Ukrainian soldiers have struggled as Russia has seized the momentum on the battlefield and gained significant territory.

Mr Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday the US will send badly needed air defence weaponry as soon as the legislation is passed.

The President has assured me that the package will be approved quickly and that it will be powerful, strengthening our air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities, Mr Zelensky said in a post on X on Monday.

In an effort to gain more votes, Republicans in the House majority also added a bill to the foreign aid package that could ban the social media app TikTok in the US if its Chinese owners do not sell their stake within a year.

That legislation had wide bipartisan support in both chambers.

The TikTok bill was one of several tweaks Mr Johnson added to the package the Senate passed in February as he tried to move the bill through the House despite significant opposition within his conference.

Other additions include a stipulation that $9 billion of the economic assistance to Ukraine is in the form of forgivable loans; provisions that allow the US to seize frozen Russian central bank assets to rebuild Ukraine; and bills to impose sanctions on Iran, Russia, China and criminal organisations that traffic fentanyl.
Eric Cohen - "LOVE" | INOV8 Public Relations

Nashville, TN (April 23, 2024) - Today marks a significant milestone for Missouri-based hip-hop artist Eric Cohen as his hit single "L O V E" releases to Christian Rhythmic and CHH radio stations worldwide. Originally released as part of his collection of uplifting singles, "L O V E" has already captivated streaming audiences with its powerful message of unity and redemption.

With production collaboration from Ryan Upton, Eric Cohen crafts "L O V E" as more than just a songit's a clarion call to foster love and community in challenging times. As Eric's verses spell out an anthem of hope, the track invites listeners to sing along and embrace a collective spirit of resilience and compassion.

Eric, who has been nominated for four Rhythm Of Gospel awards in 2024, continues to use his music as a platform for change, drawing from his own experiences of overcoming adversity through faith and music. His partnership with Sony Orchard for distribution has already broadened his influence, and this radio release is set to amplify his uplifting message to an even wider audience.

This radio debut of "L O V E" underscores Eric's role as a beacon of hope in the Christian music community. His involvement with Kansas City's Undrafted CHH Group and recent signing with New Tribe Records have solidified his standing as a significant voice in shaping the future of Christian Hip-hop.

Radio listeners can now join Eric's growing fanbase in experiencing "L O V E," a song that stands as a testament to the power of faith and fellowship in overcoming division and hatred.

About Eric Cohen:

Eric Cohen is a trailblazer in the Christian Hip-hop scene, known for his heartfelt narratives and vibrant beats. His journey from a challenging upbringing to musical acclaim shapes his empathetic and engaging sound, inviting listeners to partake in a journey of healing and spiritual discovery.

Connect with Eric Cohen:

https://www.ericcohenmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/eric.cohen.581

https://www.instagram.com/eric_cohen_music/

https://twitter.com/ericlc25
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The haunting theme of next months Melbourne Writers Festival will find local and international guests gathering round to talk about ghosts of all kinds  from the characters that linger long after the last page to the withering modern phenomenon of ghosting. As the festivals artistic director, Michaela McGuire, puts it: Ghosts are a classic literary trope, and many different spectres haunt our lives and imaginations. Political ghosts, the ghosts of past wrongs and mistakes, the ghosts of history. Well also learn about the preoccupations, themes and stories that have haunted writers throughout their careers. In the following essays, four festival guests peer into the shadows... Ghost Prose by Leslie Jamison Credit: New York Times A few drafts into my memoir, I realised I was using the word ghost too much. It was everywhere, especially if you counted its adjacent kin and kind: spectral, haunting, haunted. This was hardly surprising; the book was about divorce. A kind of death. But what surprised me was the way this obsession with ghosts and haunting moved through the prose like a contagion. Everything infected by it. The embarrassment of hearing myself repeating the same word was not unrelated to the embarrassment of repetition that sprung up like a weed native to the landscape of divorce itself: hearing myself airing the same grievances, reciting the same litanies. Where did my ghosts appear? They showed up in my infant daughters nursery, in museums, on rooftops and early morning runs. They showed up during the pandemic, when our city became a ghost town. They showed up in my daughters voice, in her throat, when she sang the songs her father taught her in a home that was not my home. When does absence become so powerful it starts to feel like presence? Ghosts were a way I wrote about feeling the presence of what was absent. The first night I spent away from my daughter, during our early separation, I could not sleep. I wrote, Id woken to her crying so many times, I had a special kind of hearing like a ghost limb  now I heard her crying in the silence. I wrote, her rustling body, her needs, her smell  these things were ghosts in the darkness. Her fleece sleep suit wasnt sending up sparks of electric light. I brought it close to my face, smelling fresh-baked bread and the faint tang of urine, the ghost of her perfect skin.

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During the first few years of my daughters life, I took her to museums  for hours at a time, a way to pass our long days  and I started to see ghosts in the galleries as well. At an exhibition of Garry Winogrands colour photographs at the Brooklyn Museum, one of the captions told me that Winogrand had taken many of his early photographs on weekends he spent with his children, during his own divorce  bringing them on outings to the New York Aquarium and the Central Park Zoo. I wrote, I could see the ghost of this backstory in how these photographs held pain and wonder side by side. The ghosts werent just other people. They were me. When my daughter spent Thanksgiving with her father, I stayed with a friend and woke up early to run five kilometres through the cold autumn morning, my hands numb in the early cold, lungs burning with chilled wind, and here was another ghost, the ghost of a teenage girl inside  the one who raced on the cross-country team, who pushed up hills  now doing battle with the 36-year-old woman Id become, who smoked on the nights her daughter was with her father. Credit: iStock Why was that ghost showing up, the ghost of my younger self? She was informing me of another reckoning that the book was secretly conducting, without my knowledge or permission  the way that I was afraid that in ending my marriage, Id disappointed all the prior versions of myself that had dreamed of a certain life; that had always imagined things working out a certain way. Loading Some nights after I tucked my daughter into bed, she sang songs I hadnt taught her. It made me imagine her father singing them in his apartment across town. They were like stowaways, these shards of melody lilting from her darkened bedroom: C is for cookie, its good enough for me  C is for cupcake, its good enough for me  Hearing his inflections embedded in her voice was like feeling the slight wind in the hallway  that shiver. Another ghost. The most present ghost of all. What I realised, as I went ghost-hunting in the pages of the book I had written, is that these ghosts mapped the questions I hadnt even understood the book was asking: How do we still live in the company of people weve left behind? When does absence become so powerful it starts to feel like presence?

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Tracing the word ghost through my own prose, I began to realise that what Id initially understood as a story of failure and culpability  about the end of my marriage, and the raising of my daughter between two homes  was actually an exploration of how the things we think are lost are never really lost. Its a blessing and a curse, at once. This is the mystery at the heart of any ghost story: Why do they stick around? To hurt, to console us, to remind us, to punish us, to save us  to remind us that they are with us most acutely, most undeniably, whenever we are aware that they are gone. Leslie Jamisons latest book is her memoir, Splinters. She takes part in three festival events on May 11, 12 and 13. Myself and Other Ghosts by Andrew OHagan Credit: Getty Images I see a ghost almost every day. Thats what novelists do: we develop a gift for seeing people who arent exactly there; we give solidity to immaterial objects; and regularly we feel the breath of lost time on the backs of our necks. Thats the job when its going well. And sitting at the desk, mid-career, you can begin to sense the accumulated presence of all those apparitions, all those characters whom you made visit. Theres a famous drawing of Dickens in his writing room at Gads Hill Place, with his many creations shown wisping and curling and dissolving around his head like plumes of smoke. Dickens Dream, 1875, by Robert Buss. Credit: Getty Images Twelve years ago, one of my would-be characters, Arthur Taplin, a young Englishman who died in World War I, gleamed into life  an actual ghost. As with many ghost stories, the tale of his manifestation seems mainly to underscore the fiction-makers art, and when I say I saw him I might only mean that I made him too real. It must have been May in 2012. I had rented a house in the Cotswolds village of Paxford, one of those old villages with honeyed stone, cradled beneath rolling hills and with a stream that seemed the essence of calm. My house was called The Old Bakery and it had a large metal Hovis sign along the front, advertising the famous British brand of bread. All of this was playing in my head that weekend. I had been on my own at the cottage for some days, working on a new idea.

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At the bottom of the village, next to the pub, there was a war memorial. I had noticed the surname Taplin came up more than once on the memorial, and discovered the boys had lived in the Old Bakery before the war. Im a demon for the public records, and I then found some private papers, and began to imagine the life of one man in particular, Arthur Taplin, who had died when he was just 22. Loading We were only two years shy of the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War, and I imagined a story I might write to coincide with it, the story of Arthur and also the others, the unknown ghosts of that typical English village. I thought I might write a biography of the memorial itself and all that it sought to preserve, but it was Arthur who kept coming back to me. One night, I worked too many hours on the history of Arthur Taplin. I discovered that hed spent winters shovelling bread at the in-built oven behind me. Hed lived and loved and looked up at the same stars I saw when I looked out the window. He was in the Machine Gun Corps and he died at Flanders on June 21, 1917. This night I went too far, and as I went up to bed it was cold on the stairs... I stared at so many graves and read so many histories that normal time began to fade, and there was a blizzard of time past and time present before I began to see footprints on the blank page. Thats what its like when you really write a story. Youre making life with magical thinking. But this night I went too far, and as I went up to bed it was cold on the stairs. Before turning the old handle on the bedroom door, something compelled me to glance downwards, and I saw the unmistakeable gleam of an army helmet shading the face of a young man. Arthur. I knew then that I would never write the story. I had already done the work and the result was published in the dark of the stairwell. All that DNA that goes into the making of a fiction, the making of a figment, had gone into the character I thought I had seen, and when I woke in the morning I realised his imprint, like that of most ghosts, was not in the room or in the house or even any more in the history of that small village. It was in my own mind.

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Clearing the papers from my desk, I remembered that the Hovis advert was something Id watched as a child with my father, and all notions of duty, all notions of bravery and sacrifice, were tied for me to the memory of that advert. In an instant I realised it was in fact me who was the ghost who had haunted young Arthurs house. Andrew OHagans latest novel is Caledonian Road. He appears at two festival events on May 12. On Being Spirited Away By Alexis Wright Credit: Justin McManus There is a spectacular panoramic opening scene in The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, the Coen brothers film inspired by gunslinging violence in the old American West. Its a haunting scene where you watch a lone gun-slinger riding his horse through an arid landscape leading into a desolate rocky canyon. This is Buster Scruggs, dressed in white country and western gear and a wide-brimmed hat, riding his ghostly white horse slowly towards you. The gun-slinger is probably a ghost, or soon to become one and you cannot believe what you are hearing .. All day I face the barren waste  Hey! That ghost is actually singing the 1930s Bob Nolan classic Cool Water better than any version you have heard, and you have heard plenty of this all-time family favourite stored deep in childhood memories. The singing grows louder  Without the taste of water, cool clear water 

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Nurse Michelle Wolff was on the phone to her daughter after working late when a man deliberately drove head-on into her vehicle.

The mother-of-four died at the scene on the DAguilar Highway at Harlin, north-west of Brisbane  not far from the turn-off to her family farm  in December 2021.

The family and friends of victim Michelle Wolff arrive at the Brisbane Supreme Court. Credit: AAP Image/Darren England

The other driver, Jacob Paul Johnston, admitted in Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday to killing the 49-year-old when he drove across the centre of the road, deliberately crashing into her car travelling in the opposite direction.

The now 23-year-old was airlifted to hospital, then charged about three months later when police uncovered messages in which he referred to taking his own life.
A Cobram man is facing various charges of assault and causing injury in relation to the death of 49-year-old woman Emma Bates.

Police charged John Torney, 39, on Wednesday night with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault.

John Torney when he was released after his trial in 2016. Credit: Sunraysia Daily

Torney was previously found not guilty of murdering a toddler in Mildura in 2015.

He is expected to attend an out-of-session hearing at court late on Wednesday night, where police will seek to remand him to face Shepparton Magistrates Court on Friday.
A council in Melbournes south-east is proposing to ban residents from pruning or cutting down trees in their own yards without a permit as it attempts to increase greenery.

Last month, Glen Eira City Council closed a survey on its planned canopy tree protection law, which is aimed at protecting and increasing canopy cover in response to an alarming reduction of cover in the area.

Caulfield East resident Tamara De Silva backs the proposed canopy cover law. Credit: Wayne Taylor

If adopted, the new law would require residents to obtain a permit from the council before they are allowed to prune or remove trees over a certain size on their properties in suburbs including Caulfield, Brighton East, St Kilda East and Elsternwick.

Our tree canopy coverage has reduced by an alarming 50 per cent between 2000 and 2021, the council wrote in its survey.
The Sydney bishop allegedly stabbed by a young terrorist has sided with Elon Musk in the billionaires censorship war with Australia, arguing video of the assault should remain online.

Meanwhile, the nations top spy, ASIO boss Mike Burgess, has backed age limits to stop young children being exposed to social media.

Lawyers for Musks social media platform, X, are in talks with one of Australias top silks, Bret Walker, SC  who is known to charge $25,000 a day  to have him argue their case in a dispute the company described as a globally significant fight against the Australian regulators order to take down graphic content.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel supports Elon Musks attempts to keep the video of his attack online.

Ahead of a full Federal Court hearing on May 10, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has provided X with an affidavit supporting the images remaining on the platform.
The Anzac spirit  especially the resonance of mateship, endurance and courage  settled over the United States Congress this week. Anzac is a powerful export.

Finally, Congress has passed the bill which releases desperately needed aid for Ukraine. How close has Ukraine been to defeat? Volodymyr Zelensky told PBS last week, I can tell you, frankly, without this support, we will have no chance of winning. He just got 60 billion new reasons to keep fighting  and to start pushing the Russians back.

US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday. Credit: AP

Republican Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it plainly: We cannot be afraid of this moment. We have to do whats right. Evil is on the march. History is calling and now is the time to act. History will judge us by our actions here today. As we deliberate on this vote, you have to ask yourself this question: Am I Chamberlain or Churchill?

It took the Republicans a long time to get it. In the seven months since President Joe Biden asked Congress to keep the faith and defeat the Russians in Ukraine, Donald Trump rose, once again, to completely dominate the Republican Party. Trump eviscerated all his competitors, and acted as president-in-waiting by dictating terms to Republicans in Congress on what they should do on his key hot button issues, especially immigration and Ukraine.
Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow in Connecticut. She spent the first part of her fellowship at the Houston Chronicle.

Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants.
Earlier this month, a senior government official in Sri Lanka stated that their application for membership to the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) was awaiting approval and that they were in discussion with the RCEP members as they evolved an accession mechanism for new members. Sri Lanka had formally conveyed its intent to join the 15-member mega-regional trade agreement in 2023. In addition, Sri Lanka signed a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Thailand in February this year. Clearly, the island economy is working on a growth strategy that emphasises outward orientation and integration with the East Asian regional/global value chain (RVC/GVC)

Disclaimer: These are personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of These are personal views of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of www.business-standard.com or the Business Standard newspaper
Arlene Alvarezs dad, Armando Alvarez, whispers to his son, Armando Alvarez Jr., 9, with wife Wendy during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Arlene Alvarez undated family photos Alvarez family photo Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg speaks along with the family of Arlene Alvarez speaks during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy for Crime Stoppers, discusses Arlene Alvarezs case during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg speaks along with the family of Arlene Alvarez during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Advocacy, for Crime Stoppers, speaks next to the family of Arlene Alvarez during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Sgt. Mark Holbrook speaks along with the family of Arlene Alvarez during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Special prosecutor Warren Diepraam speaks along with the family of Arlene Alvarez during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Arlene Alvarezs dad, Armando Alvarez, puts his arm around his son, Armando Alvarez Jr., 9, with wife Wendy during a press conference to discuss the indictment of Tony Earls in the death of the 9-year-old in 2022 at Crime Stoppers on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg holds up photos of a robbery suspect during a press conference, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Crime Stoppers in Houston. A grand jury has declined to indict a Houston man on charges related to the death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, who was inadvertently shot by the man after he was robbed and fired his weapon into the Alvarezas car. Crime Stoppers has presser seeking information on the robber related to the shooting. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer Wendy Alvarez, mother of Arlene Alvarez, 9, who died after being shot in February of this year, embraces Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, following a press conference, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Crime Stoppers in Houston. A grand jury has declined to indict a Houston man on charges related to the death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, who was inadvertently shot by the man after he was robbed and fired his weapon into the Alvarezs car. Crime Stoppers has presser seeking information on the robber related to the shooting. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Tony Earls was indicted Tuesday on a murder charge, after what Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg described as months of additional investigating into the Valentines Day shooting centered on his decision to open fire on a fleeing, armed robber. He was originally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Earls was not in custody as of Wednesday and charging documents were not available either.

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Ogg said in July 2022 that she would not task another grand jury to review Earls case unless new evidence was found.

Special prosecutor, Warren Diepraam, whom Oggs office hired in March 2023, did not specify the new evidence since grand jury proceedings are secret by law. He credited the work of an FBI firearms expert who took a fresh look at the physical evidence. The expert recorded measurements at the scene and watched surveillance footage from the shooting, he said.

He also credited evidence found amid the family's pending civil litigation related to the shooting.

"Earls had a clear view of the robber as he was getting away, and a clear view of the Alvarez vehicle," Diepraam said during a news conference later on Wednesday. "Earls should have never fired into that car."

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At the time of the shooting, Earls told police that someone robbed him and his wife, who was driving and taking out money, outside a Chase Bank in Houstons Gulfgate neighborhood. He mistakenly believed the armed man was fleeing in the familys vehicle on Winkler Drive and opened fire, striking the back window, authorities said. He fatally struck Arlene as she sat in the back seat with headphones on.

The armed thief was never apprehended, despite efforts by Houston homicide detectives to seek tips in identifying and finding him. Thousands of dollars were offered in reward money and surveillance footage of the fleeing robber was widely shared. Police have reviewed several tips related to his identity but have yet to name a suspect.

Girl Shot-Houston Tony D. Earls is escorted from the Harris County 263rd District Criminal Court Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Houston. He is accused of shooting and killing 9-year-old, Arlene Alvarez, while firing at what he thought was a robbery suspect's vehicle as her father drove her and her siblings by a Chase bank. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via AP) Melissa Phillip, MBI / Associated Press

Chief Troy Finner, at the time of the grand jurys decision to not indict Earls, identified the armed man as being ultimately responsible for the events leading up to Arlenes death.

The childs family lamented the grand jury's first decision and urged the district attorney's office to take the case to a grand jury again.

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The child's mother, Wendy Alvarez, said Arlene's death was still fresh in her mind. The girl's aunt, April Aguirre, said their family refused to accept the grand jury's original decision. Since the shooting, Aguirre has gone on to decry bail practices and lend her name to efforts to unseat Democratic judges.

Ogg, in her own remarks, said Arlene's family has "been through hell."

More from Nicole Hensley: For this veteran Houston lawyer who's handled horrific cases, none compare to Brian Coulter

Earls wanted on two charges

Earls has been wanted in Harris County since May 2023 when prosecutors accepted an aggravated assault of a family member charge on an assertion that March that he threatened a relative at gunpoint.

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Houston police Sgt. Mark Holbrook said Earls is likely still in southeast Houston, around where the shooting took place.

Earls' wife, Deyonna Hines has been in communication with police, Holbrook continued, but authorities are relying on additional tips to find her husband. Diepraam said Hines' account of the shooting, rather than Earls, would likely be needed to prosecute the robber.

"He didn't see (the robber) the way she did," Diepraam said.

During a news conference that followed the 2022 shooting, Hines sat alongside Earls, free on bond, as he cried and appeared shaken as others discussed the criminal case against him.

One of his then lawyers said Earls believed the robber fired at least one shot and that he returned fire in apparent self-defense.

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Hines read a statement addressing her husbands role in the childs death.

"My husband told me he felt the same desire to protect us, Hines said at the time.

Wendy Alvarez, mother of Arlene Alvarez, 9, who died after being shot in February of this year, speaks during a press conference, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Crime Stoppers in Houston. A grand jury has declined to indict a Houston man on charges related to the death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez, who was inadvertently shot by the man after he was robbed and fired his weapon into the Alvarezas car. Crime Stoppers has presser seeking information on the robber related to the shooting. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer

Andy Kahan, director of victim services for Crime Stoppers of Houston, said a $5,000 reward has been offered for the whereabouts for Earls and the armed robber. A reward of $30,000 was initially offered in 2022 for the suspected thief, with financial help from billionaire Tilman Fertitta, but that amount expired after a year, Kahan said.

Special prosecutor at work

Diepraam, the special prosecutor behind the indictment, said he plans to ask a judge to set Earls' bail at $250,000 once apprehended.

The former Harris County prosecutor signed a contract with Oggs office in March 2023 to work the Earls case and another, according to invoices and other county records. The other case involved Mansoor Abbasi for his role in a fatal hit-and-run that prompted questions from Oggs leadership about a two-year pre-trial intervention agreement that outgoing prosecutor Sean Teare signed off on.

Teare went on to win the Democratic primary against Ogg and is facing off with Republican Dan Simons in November.

The office derided Teares agreement with Abbasis attorneys as a sweetheart deal, while Teare warned of weak evidence in the case. He casted their opposition as a political hit. By that point, he was on the verge of announcing his bid for district attorney.

Within weeks of Teares departure, Oggs office hired Diepraam and asked him to review both cases. His contract was amended the following month to task Diepraam with temporarily running the vehicular crimes division, which Teare previously lead for years, and for him to audit it, according to county records.
Autel Energy, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions and services, proudly announces the successful conclusion of its first EVergreen Global Tree Planting Initiative, which saw hundreds of participants around the globe plant an estimated 5,000 trees in the initial phase. This activity offsets an estimated 2,190,000 kilograms of carbon emissions (CO2), and emphasizes Autel Energy's and partners' commitment to their ESG goals towards a sustainable tomorrow.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423142946/en/

Autel Energys Global ESG Launch A Success (Graphic: Business Wire)

Partner Experience and NGO Feedback

Reflecting on the Initiative, one partner remarked, We show the world we are not only talking about a better world and clean energy, but we are really taking steps by putting shovels in the ground.

The non-governmental organizations (NGO) involved expressed sincere gratitude for the proactive approach towards environmental conservation.

Beyond Tree Planting: An Organic Approach to ESG

Autel Energy champions a comprehensive ESG strategy, prioritizing environmental sustainability in its core principle, ranging from production to operations to achieve its ESG goals. The launch of the eco-conscious Wood Grain Edition MaxiCharger AC Lite on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3VSaogT), with its 100% recyclable body and 95% recyclable packaging, alongside a 60% reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Besides, Autel also strives to reduce harmful emissions organization-wide, implement employee wellness programs, reduce single-use plastics, and adhere to stringent environmental protocols through progressive sustainable policies. These actions reflect Autels dedication to integrating sustainable practices at every level, demonstrating its contribution to a greener planet.

Introducing EVergreen App Feature: Charge Your EV, Plant a Tree

Building on this momentum, Autel Energy unveils the EVergreen Challenge feature in the Autel Charge App, enabling customers to contribute to environmental conservation simply by charging their EVs. When they reach their CO2 reduction goals, Autel will plant a tree on their behalf, making a real-life impact.

An Ongoing Journey Towards Sustainability

Autel Energy, through its visionary EVergreen Initiative, stands as a beacon of sustainability and pro-environmental consciousness. Championing a significant reduction in corporate emissions, forging synergistic partnerships, and embodying its sustainability aspirations in every facet of business, Autel Energy is not merely navigating towards a more sustainable industry but is redefining it. This endeavor is just the beginning to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, heralding in a new and enlightened era of environmental sustainability.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423142946/en/
MidOcean Energy (MidOcean or the Company), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, today announced the completion of its previously announced agreement to acquire SK earthons (SK) 20 percent interest in Peru LNG (PLNG), owner and operator of the first LNG export facility in South America.

PLNGs assets comprise a natural gas liquefaction plant with 4.45 mmtpa processing capacity, a fully-owned 408km-long pipeline with 1,290 mmcf/d capacity, two 130,000 m3 storage tanks, a fully-owned 1.4 km-long marine terminal and a truck loading facility with capacity of up to 19.2 mmcf/d. PLNG, operated by Hunt Oil Company, is one of only two LNG production facilities in Latin America, located in Pampa Melchorita, 170km south of Lima.

De la Rey Venter, MidOcean Energys CEO, said, The completion of this investment is an important milestone in our efforts to create a global, diversified and resilient portfolio of LNG assets. As the only LNG export facility in South America, PLNG is uniquely positioned in the global marketplace. PLNG also plays an important role in providing gas and LNG to customers in Peru. We look forward to a strong partnership with the PLNG co-venturers and our work towards sustaining PLNGs positive impact for many years to come.

The completion of this transaction follows MidOceans recent announcement of a strategic investment by Mitsubishi Corporation and the completion of its acquisition of Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.s interests in a portfolio of Australian integrated LNG projects.

Morgan Stanley acted as exclusive financial advisor to MidOcean on the transaction. Latham & Watkins acted as legal advisor to MidOcean on the transaction.

About EIG

EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors with $22.9 billion under management as of December 31, 2023. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 41-year history, EIG has committed over $47.1 billion to the energy sector through over 405 projects or companies in 42 countries on six continents. EIGs clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul.

About MidOcean Energy

MidOcean Energy, an LNG company formed and managed by EIG, seeks to build a diversified, resilient, cost and carbon competitive global LNG portfolio. It reflects EIGs belief in LNG as a critical enabler of the energy transition and the growing importance of LNG as a geopolitically strategic energy resource. MidOcean Energy is headed by De la Rey Venter, a 26-year industry veteran who has held a variety of senior executive roles, including Global Head of LNG for Shell Plc.

For additional information, please visit EIGs website at www.eigpartners.com or MidOcean Energys website at www.midoceanenergy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240422689680/en/
University of St. Thomas Freshman Aaron Hinojosa, 18, moves in on freshmen move-in day to start the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

University of St. Thomas students who are upset about deep cuts in the communication program said Monday that they left a two hour meeting with the school president with no resolution to their frustration, the administration.

I just feel like he skirted around the issues a lot and there wasnt any real directness to it, graduate student Giovanna Ramirez said.

The meeting was streamed live on Instagram, and got off to a tense start by President Richard Ludwick, who could be seen asking parents and faculty to leave the meeting. The students are angry at the administration for what the say are a lack of class offerings, limited faculty to teach classes and questions about the future of the department.

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Im happy to meet with parents and the faculty individually, because I think thats where we need to focus is on our students and on their needs, Ludwick said before the meeting. Im really excited about doing that. Weve already had a student ask us to remove these things, so lets remove those too. What Id like to do is provide a space thats available for everyone to talk.

The meeting came after students published a video on social media last week detailing their concerns with not only administration, but also the communication department itself. The students claimed that by hollowing out the communication program, the school had not delivered a high-quality education that was promised when they enrolled and that administrators failed to support their needs.

"Monday, I hosted a forum with our communications students to hear and address their concerns in a candid and open discussion," said Ludwick in an email to the Chronicle. "As a University, we are prioritizing engagement and have offered several opportunities for our students to participate and provide feedback. We are working with our students, faculty and staff to build a program that aligns with future communications needs.

In an email last week, Ludwick invited students to a meeting to discuss the concerns expressed in the YouTube video. The video was viewed almost 10,000 times since first being shared.

On Monday, Ludwick asked students multiple times to refrain from recording the conversation.

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Despite his requests, parents and faculty remained and students continued recording and televising the meeting.

Cesare Wright, an assistant professor in the department, stood with the crowd to see if Ludwicks responses would ease students anxiety.

This meeting was a farce, he said. The president was combative and insulting to students and failed to substantially address any of the concerns raised.

During the meeting, Ludwick faced repeated questions about the direction of the department. About a year ago, the communication department merged with the English department. Wright told the Chronicle that the administration eliminated nearly two-thirds of communication courses for the fall semester and most of the communication department faculty members left the university. Wright's contract ends in May and he said the administration told him in December they would not renew it.

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Students read off a list of demands to Ludwick, including the reinstatement of Wright.

Ludwick issued a statement Wednesday, saying the school wanted to address concerns in a "candid and open discussion."

"As a university, we are prioritizing engagement and have offered several opportunities for our students to participate and provide feedback," he said. "We are working with our students, faculty and staff to build a program that aligns with future communications needs.

Jacquelyn Jordan, who alleged one of the professors created a hostile learning environment for non-Catholics, asked Ludwick about the ongoing investigation into the matter. Her parents attended the meeting, too. She insisted on an apology from an assistant professor who she said treated her differently because of her Protestant faith.

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The fact that I, a 32-year-old woman in graduate school had to have her mommy and daddy basically call out the president privately for him to comply with me getting an apology is pretty pathetic, Jordan said.

A first-year graduate student, Ramirez said she now wonders about her future in the Master of Digital Media and Emerging Technology program. She told the Chronicle with the school year just days away from ending, she hasnt been able to enroll for the fall semester. Ramirez completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communication in May 2023 and hoped to get another degree from the Catholic institution under the tutelage of Wright.

CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP: St. Thomas to review hiring practices after controversy over dean who allegedly lied about education

I havent signed up for classes for the fall semester, because I dont know what classes are available, she said. I dont have an advisor assigned to me. When I do search for classes, it doesnt show up.

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Ramirez asked Ludwick about the program's continuation in the meeting, and he responded, were working on it.
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.
If theres one car that can be considered as the king of reinvention, its the Hyundai Santa Fe. In the five generations its been around, e...
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee listens to a question during a press conference responding to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons lawsuit challenging the Uplift Harris program, the guaranteed income program, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Guaranteed income program

Regarding Harris County guaranteed income program can move forward, judge rules, (April 18): So conservative opposition to the guaranteed income program is racist (again), per Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee? He said Harris County had been targeted because the participants in our program are low-income Black and brown folks. Do the Democrats ever have an intellectual response to another point of view other than this tired canard?

Opposition to this giveaway has nothing to do with prejudice or racism. It has to do with spending funds on a program that seems to have no accountability and no real solution to the overarching issue of why people are in a disadvantaged economic situation to begin with. The biblical adage Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life is still applicable today. This is the approach we need, not endless giveaways that change little for anyone long-term.

Carole Paul Vesely, Houston

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Regarding Paxton sues over guaranteed income for poor  but allows corporate giveaways | Editorial, (April 16): The editorial on Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suing Harris County over its small-dollar guaranteed income pilot program for poor Texans while he simultaneously has no issues with billions in tax breaks for a big corporation (Samsung) is well done, but it doesnt cover the full extent of the hypocrisy and double standard at work here.

The countys $20.5 million guaranteed income program is to be funded with unspent COVID relief funds. COVID money also funded the much-abused federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP), which provided forgivable loans to business owners in the earliest days of the pandemic. A major beneficiary of the PPP was none other than Paxtons wingman and chief protector during his recent impeachment trial, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick Broadcasting received $179,000 in PPP money. Another fierce critic of the countys pilot program has been state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, whose company received $623,000 in PPP funds.

Paxtons argument is that it is unconstitutional to give away public money. Im struggling to see how providing $500 to a family living below the poverty line should be seen as a gift, while providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in the form of forgivable loans to business owners  from the same pot of money  is something other than a gift.

David Bradley, Spring

Defunding public schools

Regarding Houston TikTokers reading lessons for toddlers answer many parents' prayers, (April 21): Joy Sewings recent article about Spencer Russell and his approach to teaching children how to read was fantastic and exciting. I took advantage of such an opportunity to teach my 4-year-old granddaughter Lyla how to read when she stayed with us during the pandemic. We sat daily and used an excellent computer program for students studying remotely. We also read before she went to bed. I knew we were on to something when she started to ask me where I was, because she was tracking the words. We began to trade off reading, and then she began to correct me when I missed something! She subsequently astonished a group of parents at a childrens birthday party when she was able to read birthday cards to them at the age of 5.

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Lyla had an adult who spent time with her. Parents should not expect success by propping a computer program in front of a child and walking away. Russells strategy relies on one key ingredient: time invested by a caring adult in the success of a child. There is no substitute for that time invested, whether it be by a family member or a teacher, into the future of our nations most precious resource, our children.

Unfortunately, many parents are working multiple shifts or jobs just to feed and house their children, thus relying more than ever on public school teachers such as Russell to be that person. Gov. Greg Abbotts voucher program will destroy public education and virtually wipe out many of our childrens greatest advocates: teachers. Parents, I hope you are ready to shoulder the load by yourselves.

William Carlton, Tyler

Regarding Patrick move to eliminate Texas property taxes would destroy public schools, (April 16): Our governor and lieutenant governor are determined (with the monetary backing of several billionaires) to cripple public education in Texas. The state has refused to adequately fund and overhaul the allocation methodology for public school education in Texas. Now the governor is demanding school vouchers to add insult to injury.

Spring Branch ISD, along with other school districts, are cutting programs, reducing staff and closing schools. Teachers are underpaid and, as a result, school districts are forced to hire personnel without teaching certificates.

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The governor and lieutenant governor now want to eliminate local school taxes altogether. What a great idea. Lets put all the funding in the hands of the state leaders who have done such a miserable job of funding public schools. Instead of eliminating property taxes, why not eliminate the states portion of the sales tax? That would benefit everybody. The solution to this terrible situation is to vote the governor, lieutenant governor and the folks who are going along with them out of office.

Larry Neal, Houston
Innovandi GCCA meeting attracts a global network of scientists to Lausanne

Peter Bell By 24 April 2024

A network of 450 scientists and industry leaders from around world have met in Switzerland to drive decarbonisation of cement. Leading academics and industry players from around the world are gathering in Lausanne, in Switzerland, aiming to reduce CO 2 emissions in the production of cement and concrete to ultimately reach net zero.

They are taking part in the Innovandi Global Cement and Concrete Research Network (GCCRN) annual gathering. The network brings 450 researchers and scientists from more than 40 world leading universities and academic institutions, together with business-leaders from some of the industrys top manufacturers and suppliers. They are collaborating on critical research and initiatives focused on achieving net zero concrete, in line with the GCCAs 2050 Roadmap.

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: A student is arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palenstine demonstation. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Students rally together during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Students watch from a classroom as others participate in a pro-Palestine demonstration at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Students rally together during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Law enforcement work to secure a demonstration during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Students are arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Students rally together during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class and gathered in protest during a pro-Palestine demonstration. Protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Brandon Bell/Getty Images

State troopers on Wednesday arrested dozens of demonstrators at the University of Texas at Austin during what appeared to be a peaceful protest of the war in Gaza.

Reporters witnessed several arrests, including demonstrators being pinned to the ground by troopers. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety said it made 34 arrests as of 9 p.m., most of them for criminal trespass. They said the agency had been sent at the request of the university and Gov. Greg Abbott to support UT police.

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University officials had warned organizers Tuesday against holding the event because it appeared meant to violate our policies and rules and disrupt our campus operations. They said any protesters would be subject to discipline, including suspension, and people unaffiliated with the university would be asked to leave or face arrest.

About 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Gregory Gymnasium just before noon and marched down a main campus walkway. Many were chanting free Palestine and Palestine will be free. Shortly after, several dozen state troopers arrived and began blocking off their path as local law enforcement announced that protestors had a few minutes to disperse.

Around 2 p.m., some protesters could be seen setting up tents on the South Mall in front of the UT Tower. Law enforcement began methodically corralling students away from the tower and removing tents. By just after 3 p.m., they had been pushed to the outskirts of the lawn.

Campus police later called for a full evacuation of the South Mall, saying occupants would be arrested for disorderly conduct, rioting and obstructing a Highway or other passageway.

Yara Bitar, a Palestinian student and protester, said the demonstrations were meant to call attention to the violence against Palestinians and that it seemed like law enforcement was looking for people to arrest.

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I just hope people try to understand that were not trying to be disruptive for no reason and that they try to listen to us, Bitar said. There are more important things than getting to class to do an assignment. People are dying and we cant just ignore that.

The student-led Palestine Solidarity Committee advertised the event Tuesday on Instagram, invoking similar demonstrations at campuses in New Jersey, New York and other states and calling on the university to cut financial ties with Israel. The group had said it planned to take back our university by occupying the South Lawn, prompting swift warnings from university administrators.

Simply put, The University of Texas at Austin will not allow this campus to be taken and protesters to derail our mission, wrote Dr. Aaron Voyles, executive director of student involvement, and Melissa Jones-Wommack, acting executive director of student conduct and academic integrity.

The arrests come as large pro-Palestine protest encampments have cropped up and demonstrators have clashed with law enforcement and counterprotesters at universities across the country.

Much of the activity has centered around Ivy League schools, and those tensions reached new heights this week with security concerns prompting Columbia University to move classes to a hybrid format until the end of the semester.

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Other student arrests have been reported at schools including Yale University and New York University. At NYU, school officials said they asked the city police to intervene after receiving reports of intimidating chants and antisemitic incidents, according to CNN. President Joe Biden said Sunday that the blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous.

Campus protesters have meanwhile invoked their right to protest  many of them at UT and elsewhere, insisting they have done so peacefully.

The freedom to protest is integral to our democracy, the ACLU of Texas posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. UT Austin students have a First Amendment right to freely express their political opinions  without threats of arrest and violence.

Student demonstrators also gathered at Rice University and University of Houston on Tuesday and Wednesday. Those demonstrations stayed smaller than UTs, with students arriving for pop-in educational sessions throughout each day. No arrests occurred at Rice, although a non-student was escorted off campus, a school spokesman confirmed.

Abbott, a Republican, said on Wednesday the UT student protestors belong in jail and arrests would continue until the crowd dispersed.

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Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled, he wrote on social media, without specifying any particular incident of antisemitism during the demonstration.

Last month, Abbott called out the Palestine Solidarity Committee in an executive order, in which he required Texas colleges to set new policies to crack down on demonstrations that proliferate antisemitism.

The order directed public universities to update their free speech policies to include the states definition of antisemitism and to establish appropriate punishments, including expulsion from the institution for those who spread anti-Jewish sentiments on campus.

Jewish and Israeli students around the country have voiced concerns to their administrations about Palestinian protests on their campuses, many saying they feel unsafe given the demonstrators' chanting and presence. The Texas Hillel, the universitys Jewish student organization, in a statement Tuesday said that it was working with campus partners to ensure Jewish students safety.

The timing of this protest is not lost on us  making use of a Jewish holiday and observance to promote a hateful agenda, the group wrote, referring to Passover, which began Monday evening.

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Several students carrying Israeli flags were grouped on the outskirts of the protest Tuesday, singing and chanting for demonstrators to get to class.

Several demonstrators declined to be interviewed. One graduate student named Caitlyn, who asked that her last name not be used because it could jeopardize future job prospects, said she came to the protest after hearing about it on social media to show solidarity for the free Palestine movement. She said the goal of the protest is to show support for Palestinian people under unjust occupation.

Barri Setz, 19, said he showed up to peacefully watch the protests and not necessarily to counterprotest, though she disagrees with the pro-Palestine protesters. She said she believed the protesters were calling for violence against Jews.

This protest is trying to rid me and some of what I believe in from this university and Im here to show (that) my presence and the presence of my beliefs cant be diminished, Setz said. I think as a flagship university in the state of Texas, this violates everything we stand for.

The protests come six months after Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, when militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. During the ensuing war, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the local health ministry, which is run by Hamas and doesnt distinguish between combatants and noncombatants but says at least two-thirds of the dead are children and women.

The war has sparked fear among some Palestinian, Muslim and Arab populations on campuses, especially regarding Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate crimes. Near UT-Austin, a Palestinian American man was stabbed in February while walking home from a rally calling for a ceasefire. A Travis County grand jury decided that the incident should not be tried as a hate crime, overlooking a recommendation from the mans family and the Austin police, KUT reported Wednesday.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at UT had already pushed against UTs response to their activity on campus after two teaching assistants were relieved of their positions in December for sending a message to students about mental health resources amid the conflict. The school was also investigating four students who entered a deans office in protest of the teaching assistants removals, according to the student publication The Daily Texan.
Swiss media: Western complaint over 'China's overcapacity' hypocritical, shortsighted

Ecns.cn) 10:50, April 24, 2024

(ECNS) -- Peter Fischer, chief economist at Neue Zurcher Zeitung, penned an article on Friday titled "China's 'overcapacity': Western complaint is hypocritical and shortsighted," criticizing the bias of some Western countries.

"What does overcapacity mean? Are Western exports to Asia also called overcapacity? What kind of trade would it be if every country only produced for its own market?" asked Fischer.

Italian and French car manufacturers have long taken the upcoming switch to electromobility too lightly. Now they are demanding that the EU Commission restrict the import of Chinese electric cars, claiming these are being dumped on the market at dumping prices, he noted.

Something similar is happening in the U.S., Fischer cited examples like Tesla.

Elon Musk's Tesla basked in (marketing) success for a long time. Now, the company is being overtaken in the Chinese market by new manufacturers that offer a broader range of models, understand the car as more than just a vehicle, and have caught up in processing quality.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is also very concerned that China's industry is "producing too much and could therefore flood the world market with cheaper industrial products."

He called for competition to do its work. "China has developed rapidly over the past decades with export-driven growth. As a result, it has become too expensive as a location for the production of inexpensive goods."

He also pointed out that complaining about Chinese subsidies is quite hypocritical.

The Global Trade Alert of the University of St. Gallen and New Industrial Policy Observatory meticulously track protectionist measures. If a few years ago the U.S. was more subsidy-friendly than EU countries, the tide has since turned. China, on the other hand, has not kept up in terms of quantity, Fischer said.

He suggested that if the West can purchase solar panels and wind turbines at lower prices and if innovative Chinese electric cars force European manufacturers to improve, consumers should be pleased.

Fischer said the best thing Western countries could do is to face the competition.

"Overcapacity is a temporary phenomenon that the market would correct if you let it be. Protectionism prevents this," Fischer concluded.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A car parked at a meter along Gray Street near Bagby in the Midtown area of Houston on March 30, 2022. City officials on April 5 approved a parking benefits district for Midtown, which allows the area to recoup some parking meter revenues for local improvements such as bike racks and landscaping for sidewalks. Meters in the area would operate beyond 6 p.m., and the Midtown area would keep 60 percent of the revenue collected after 6 p.m. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A parking meter on Gray Street near Bagby in the Midtown area of Houston on March 30, 2022. City leaders were considering a proposal which would have extended metered hours from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, as a way to potentially create more revenue for the city. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard speaks during a meeting Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, in the city council chambers at city hall in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A driver pays for parking along Gray Street near Bagby in the Midtown area of Houston on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer

Proposals to make it easier to extend parking meter enforcement hours and install speed cushions did not advance at Houstons inaugural Proposition A committee meeting Tuesday, after both failed to meet the quorum requirement for voting.

Council Member Edward Pollard, who introduced both proposals, said he wants to indefinitely table the parking meter item, but continue to pursue the speed cushion item because of its importance to his constituents.

He said he would rather council members tag items brought under Proposition A, which allows any three members to put an item on the agenda, in weekly council meetings than send them to languish in committee.

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At no point in time do I believe going through a made-up committee is reaching the intention of the voters, Pollard told the Chronicle Tuesday.

The committee meeting, he said, was a way for Mayor John Whitmires administration to control the process of bringing items forward under Proposition A. Whitmire says he created the committee to help vet Proposition A proposals, but critics say the committee process leads to unnecessary red tape and may go against the spirit of the historic city charter change.

PROP A TENSION: Tensions flare at Houston City Council over voter-approved historic rule change

On Tuesday, council members could not reach a consensus on how the committee should work. While they still had a quorum, they voted to table the discussion to their May meeting. When the discussion turned to Pollards proposals, some members left and quorum could no longer be met.

Parking meters

When Pollards parking meter proposal was introduced in committee, his office pulled the agenda item and said he had decided not to pursue it any further. Pollard chose not to attend, citing his general disbelief in the committee process.

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As the city faces a projected $230 million to $280 million budget deficit, Pollard said he pushed the proposal, which would have extended metered hours from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, as a way to potentially create more revenue for the city.

Maria Irshad, deputy director of ParkHouston, told the committee the proposal would have generated about $1.4 million to $2.4 million in revenue for the city.

Council members who represent districts that contain the majority of the citys parking meters, including Joaquin Martinez and Mario Castillo, have spoken out against the proposal after they said little feedback was sought from community stakeholders who would be impacted by any changes to parking.

Additionally, leaders in Houstons performing arts scene and in the citys downtown expressed concerns about how it would impact not only patrons, but service industry workers who primarily use street parking.

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Speed cushions

While Pollard was willing to let go of his parking meters proposal, he said the speed cushion proposal is worth fighting for  given all the work his constituents had already put into the project.

Under current guidelines, residents must petition Houston Public Works for any new speed cushion. Public Works then completes a study on the impacts of a new speed cushion and creates an installation plan, before the final proposal comes before City Council for a vote. Council members usually use their district funds to cover the costs of the installation.

According to Pollards chief of staff, Paul Young, residents near Sutton Elementary in his district have been asking for speed cushions to better ensure the safety of children around the school, but the process for applying for these cushions has been so cumbersome that Pollard has not been able to deliver.

HITTING SPEED BUMP: Tensions flare at Houston City Council over voter-approved historic rule change

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Residents filed a petition to Public Works and included a letter of support from the school. Pollards team initially requested five speed cushions be installed around the school for $25,000, Jones said. But after Public Works sent out a mandatory half-mile notice to residents around the school about the speed cushions proposal, those residents came to the department and said they wanted even more speed cushions. That raised the total project cost to $100,000, Public Work spokesperson Erin Jones said.

Pollards proposal would create priority areas in the speed cushion application process, give the Public Works director more power to limit the scope or boundaries of a project and allow for phased implementation of projects based on funding availability.

Public Works representatives told the committee the proposal comes with some drawbacks. It could shift traffic problems from one part of a neighborhood to another by not taking into consideration a larger area prior to installation. And, if the projects are only partially funded, some projects might never be completed even though they have been approved.

The speed bump proposal may be heard at the next Proposition A committee meeting in May, but Young said it will come down to the discretion of its chair, Council Member Mary Nan Huffman.
The Grand Jury met from January-April and submitted the following report. They recommended increasing the salaries of correctional officers and also addressing some of the crime classifications.

We, the grand jury seated with Foreperson Jimmy Anderson for the period January through April 2024, would like to commend all the Hamilton County and city of Chattanooga officials and officers that participate in the grand jury process and commit to the professionalism and importance of the grand jury function in our criminal justice system. Having now served as grand jurors, we appreciate the importance of this role and its contribution as a check and balance of the various components of the justice system.



When we were first called to service, it was important for the pool of potential grand jurors to hear court officials discuss the role of the grand jury and the importance of this type of service prior to becoming grand jurors. We appreciated it and consider this dissemination of information to have been important in inspiring us in our service. Hearing from each of the criminal court judges  Judge Steelman, Judge Patterson and Judge Dunn  as well as District Attorney Coty Wamp, was also valuable to our understanding of the system. We greatly appreciated the time they took to talk to us and answer our questions. It is clear they understand the importance of their roles, and of ours.

We were pleased to hear of the recent positive progress in the county court system whereby assistant district attorneys remain the prosecuting attorney for a particular case throughout both Sessions Court and Criminal Court to prevent defendants from shopping the courts for a more favorable prosecutor. This has the effect of resolving matters in a timelier manner and putting less strain on the criminal justice system.

We have all been honored to serve and would like to submit the following comments and suggestions from the perspective of the grand jury gleaned from our visits to the Hamilton County Jail, the Juvenile Justice Court and Detention Center, and our service within the Hamilton County Courthouse.

1. We recommend the salaries of the correctional officers at the juvenile detention facility be increased so they are paid competitive wages. These officers are serving an important function with the youth in our society and occasionally face dangerous situations. We recommend market research be conducted to arrive at a fair and competitive wage.

2. It came to our attention during service that some of the crime classifications may need to be re-addressed soon with respect to the dissemination of misdemeanors and felonies and sentencing structures. This was particularly apparent in the case of domestic assault misdemeanors. We are concerned that some assaults that should rise to the level of felonies are not being adequately recognized. We recommend the Tennessee Sentencing Commission be reinstated and improved through the involvement of members of the justice system, including past members of grand juries, who can offer a necessary perspective on categories of crime and sentencing guidelines.

3. Regarding weapons that are legal versus illegal in Tennessee, this grand jury recommends the Tennessee legislature review the list of authorized weapons to allow those that could be used in defending a criminal act adequately but are not necessarily lethal. For example, a woman walking to her car cannot wear brass knuckles to defend herself against an attack, but she can use a gun. This poses a concern for some people (due to their faith or otherwise) who do not want to use deadly force against another person but want to keep adequate hold on their defense weapon of choice. We would recommend that in looking at such weapons, legal authorization for use against another person only be allowed for defensive purposes.

4. One thing we came to learn was the importance of the evidence presented by the arresting officer that was provided to the grand jury. It is important for the grand jury to hear evidence that the crime charged was committed, but also that the person charged was linked to the crime in the evidence. It would be especially helpful to the grand jury if an officer in charge of presenting the cases of many officers would become familiar with the reports before presentment so that any gaps in the report can be addressed prior to coming to the grand jury. This is particularly important as grand jurors typically do not have the background in the criminal justice system that the officers have and cannot infer information from a report beyond what is presented.

5. Since the Hamilton County Court is now wholly housed at the Silverdale site, there is no adequate holding facility closer to the courthouse for officers to hold charged defendants awaiting booking or arraignment. We recommend the county look at a facility closer to the courthouse that could be used for this purpose.

6. It was heartening to see and hear of the positive developments in rehabilitation of offenders through the drug court in Hamilton County, the mental health program, and the vocational training provided at the county jail. We recommend more resources be put into these programs as they have been shown to help reduce recidivism rates.

7. We recommend more money be available to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for testing resources, and that a study be done on how to increase efficiencies and turnaround times for all forms of testing involved in alleged crimes.

8. We have heard first-hand the poor results of privately-run detention facilities. For this reason and in support of the troubled youth in Tennessee in hopes of their rehabilitation, we strongly urge the Tennessee legislature to not allow juvenile detention facilities to be privately run, and to expand the number of publicly run juvenile facilities available in Tennessee to adequately address youth incarceration.

9. In the Hamilton County Jail, it concerned this grand jury that so many defendants are put in one room with so many other defendants for eating, sleeping, living on a 24/7 basis. If there is a way to separate the inmates more to not entangle so many together, we believe this would lead to better results in terms of issues at the jail, injuries and reduced recidivism.

10. Given the continued backlog of cases, it might be useful to have one more criminal court judge.

11. With respect to the grand jury specifically, we recommend that the pay for grand jurors be raised above $13 per day. While some of us were fortunate enough to be able to donate this stipend to the Victims Compensation Fund, others of us were disadvantaged financially by grand jury service. Understanding that gas and lunch are often needed on days in service, a raise in the daily stipend would be helpful for future grand jurors.

12. Finally, the grand jury room is cold and can be uncomfortable as a result. We recommend addressing this issue for the comfort of all who use it

Again, we appreciate the opportunity to serve the community and the court system with our service. As temporary grand jurors, we were consistently impressed and appreciate the leadership of Foreperson Jimmy Anderson, who brought thoughtful insight and experience to our proceedings. We are thankful for all the people who serve this community day in and day out in the relentless pursuit of justice. We were impressed with the humanity shown by those in the system in whose hands it is most important. While the justice system may be as imperfect as the humans it touches, here in Hamilton County, Tennessee, the majority of those we met want to make it better with their contributions.

Grand Jury heard 350 total cases, 50 presentments, three no bills and 262 true bills.
The Bradley County Juvenile Court would bring to the public's attention the law regarding reporting of child abuse. Tennessee law requires every person to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

Tennessee Code Ann. 37-1-403 states that "any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition shall report such harm immediately if the harm is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality, abuse or neglect .... " Further, Tennessee Code Ann. 37-1-605 states that "any person ... who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been sexually abused shall report such knowledge or suspicion .... "

The reports may be made to: (1) the Juvenile Court judge with jurisdiction over the child; (2) the Department of Children's Services; (3) the sheriff of the county where the child resides; or ( 4) the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the child resides.

The Department of Children's Services Child Abuse Hotline is: 1-877-237-0004, or 1-877-542-2873. The Bradley County Sheriff's Department nonemergency number is 728-7311. The Cleveland Police Department's nonemergency number is 476-7511. The Charleston City Police Department's non-emergency number is 728-7311. The number of the office of the Bradley County Juvenile Court Judge is 728-7046. Reports can be made on-line via the DCS website. Of course, if the matter is an emergency, please call 911.

A failure to report child abuse is a misdemeanor under both statutes. Please understand that we take these matters seriously and need you to be sure to report allegations of abuse. The court will take every step necessary to ensure that the children of Bradley County are protected and kept safe.

Andrew B. Morgan, Bradley County Juvenile Court Judge


Bobby Parker, the owner of Parker's Automotive and Gasoline Station on Brainerd Road, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Memorial Hospital.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Nov. 2, 1952, he was a 1971 graduate of Brainerd High School and has been married to Lee Ann Tate Parker for 42 wonderful years.

Bobby came from a family of service station owners and began working from a very early age with his grandfather, Harry T. Wilhoit. Bobby took over the station upon his grandfather's death in 1973. This year, 2024, marks the 90th year the station has been in his family. As many people in the community know, the service station was Bobby's life and he absolutely loved his customers who he considered part of his family. During the last three years of cancer treatment, his customers are what have kept him determined to continue working every day.

As a young man, Bobby was a member of Central Baptist Church in Woodmore where the Reverend Fate Thomas made a positive impact on his life.

He was a past president and 32 year member of Hamilton Place Rotary Club.

Bobby was blessed to have an incredible team working with him at the station. Billy, Wayne, Larry, Mike, Thomas, Ryan and Colin have been an amazing support to him. Bobby loved each of them and was so thankful for their love, friendship, and hard work in making Parker's the place it is.

Since Bobby's favorite words were "Let's eat out!", he and Lee Ann were very regular customers at the Epicurean Restaurant in East Ridge where he had a wonderful group of friends who he looked forward to seeing every day.

To all of Bobby's friends of a lifetime, you were all so special to him.

Bobby greatly appreciated his amazing team of physicians: Dr. Nathan Warren, Dr. Edward Arrowsmith, Dr. Eric Ellis, Dr. Todd Fowler, Dr. Tareck Kadrie, and Dr. Ben Geddes. Bobby's family would also like to thank Memorial MICU, especially nurses Bryce and Crystal, for providing the best and most compassionate care to Bobby as well as his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lee Ann, and his sister, Leacia Newell, nieces and nephews, Amy (Colin) Pyle, Alan (Amanda) Newell, Thomas (Debbee) Parker, Ryan Parker, Andy Goodrich, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved so much. He is predeceased by his parents, B. Frank Parker and Faye Lou Parker and his brother Billy Parker.

Although Bobby will be greatly missed and there is a huge hole in our hearts, his prayers were answered and God took him home quickly, and with that beautiful smile he always had on his face.

Arrangements will be announced at a later date for a celebration of Bobby's life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Hamilton Place Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, Chambliss Center for Children or a charity of your choice.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Joseph William Cook, Jr. died on April 20, 2024, at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson, with family by his side.

He was 96 years old and blessed with a relatively sound body until the last few months, and a sound mind until the very end. Joe, or GrandJoe to his family, is survived by three children, Wynne Brady (Dennis), Jay Cook (Tammy), and Pattye McNally (Steve). He also has two grandchildren, Callie Harney (Anthony) and Ellie McNally, and two great-grandchildren, Barrett and Cannon Harney.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bette Cook, or Gummie to her family, who he obediently followed since their marriage in 1953. He was also predeceased by his sister, Nancy Morgan.

Joe was born on Nov. 26, 1927, in Chattanooga, to Joseph W. Cook, Sr. and Flora Taylor Cook, and graduated from the University of Chattanooga in 1950. He was drafted into the Army as the Korean conflict began and served two years at Fort Jackson, SC, where his typing and language skills probably saved him from the Korean meatgrinder. As a Corporal and Company Clerk of the Headquarters Company, 8th Infantry Division, Joe had the unending task of processing recruits into a mobilizing Army as well as processing the casualties who returned home. Shortly after discharge from the Army, he married Bette Sylvia Bobo, whom he met at work. Bette and family happily defined his life for the next seven decades, and they eventually retired to Bettes old homestead in Falling Water.

Joe worked for Sears Roebuck and Co. in downtown Chattanooga and then transitioned to running the data processing department at Volunteer State Life Insurance Company. He took the Tab Department from punch cards to magnetic tape to digital storage, attending early IBM training sessions in New York and elsewhere. Many of Joes lasting friends came from this time with Volunteer, and he relished talking about them until the very end. Joe and Bette were also completely devoted to Hixson United Methodist Church, serving on several trips as mission workers to the refugee camp in Tilaran, Costa Rica during the Contra Wars, and also as church representatives to the Holston Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska. This church continued to minister to Joe as his health declined. His family is grateful for this unending love and loyalty.

When the meek inherit the earth, GrandJoe will be first in line. He was a thoughtful, quiet, humble, and gentle man, but also loyal and tenacious when it came to the defense of his family, coworkers, and friends. We will miss him, but it was time. Bette has plenty of assignments for Corporal Cook in heaven, and he will be delighted to once again comply.

Joe and Bette will be buried at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. A private service will be conducted at that time, but please consider making a donation in their memory to Hixson United Methodist Church, 5301 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Osage Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear (center) and Cherokee Chief Chuck Hoskins Jr. (right) spoke Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Tulsa Regional Chambers State of the Tribal Nations event.
Thousands of years ago, someone dropped a copper dagger in the forests of Poland. Now, a metal detectorist has unearthed the ancient weapon near the town of Korzenica.

The 4,000-year-old dagger most likely belonged to a warrior of high status. It is a rare find, as no other metal dagger of its kind has been discovered in the region before.

The Korzenica dagger is so far the oldest metal dagger discovered [in] southeastern Poland, Marcin Burghardt, an archaeologist at the Orsetti Tenement House Museum in Poland, told Live Science. The only similar dagger in Poland was uncovered in the [1960s], so the new find comes as a great surprise.

The metal detectorist, Piotr Gorlach of the Historical and Exploration Association Grupa Jarosaw, had been conducting a search in Jarosaw Forest, hoping to locate military artifacts from World War One and Two.

He had just finished his exploration for the day and had just returned to his car when his metal detector picked up a signal. As he dug up the forest floor, he came across a flat metal object.

I quickly realized I was dealing with something much older than the military items from World War One and Two that I was looking for in the area, Gorlach said.

Gorlach immediately informed archaeologists from the Orsetti House Museum in Jarosaw about his discovery. A team of researchers examined the area where the dagger was detected but could find no traces of any other artifacts.

Due to the lack of additional artifacts, they are unable to connect the dagger to a specific civilization or culture.

Archaeologists dated the dagger by comparing it to ones that have been found in Central Europe and the Ukrainian forest-steppe. They concluded that it was from the third millennium B.C.

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After lobbying from fellow Southern Baptists and Christians affected by the war, the House speaker moves a package forward.

When deciding whether to protect his place in leadership as House speaker or go against his party to do what he believed was right, Mike Johnson turned to prayer.

After weeks of hearing intelligence briefings and pleas from fellow Christians, Johnson ultimately sided with his convictions rather than conceding to the Republican Partys isolationist wing. He backed a $95 billion foreign aid package that, despite the opposition of 112 GOP legislators, overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives last weekend.

Like many of his fellow Republicans, Johnson had initially opposed further aid to Ukraine, voting against it prior to becoming speaker and waiting months to move forward with an aid package after the Senate approved its version in February.

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He went through a transformation, according to one GOP colleague, House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul. The shift may have come in part due to the influence of Ukrainian evangelicals, fellow Christian leaders, and his personal faith.

He got down on his knees, and he prayed for guidance and said, Look, tell me. What is the right thing to do here? the Texas congressman told NOTUSs Haley Byrd Wilt. The next day, Johnson said to McCaul, I want to be on the right side of history.

The House vote on the Ukraine provisions, around $61 billion, was 311 to 112; a majority of Johnsons colleagues voted against the measure, while aid to Israel and Taiwan had broader support. The Senate cleared the package Tuesday in a bipartisan 7918 vote. Now the measure heads to President Joe Bidens desk.

Ukrainian leadership had grown more vocal about depleted weapons two years into the war with Russia, and Christian leaders had asked Johnson to move forward with authorizing further aid.

In addition to hearing intelligence briefings from national security advisors, the Louisiana congressman met with Ukrainian Christians, who detailed the horrors in the war-torn country. Pavlo Unguryan told the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) that in speaking last week with Johnson, he painted the war as a spiritual struggle.

Another Christian, Serhii Haidarzhy, spoke to Johnson through an interpreter and shared how his wife and his four-month-old son Timofee had been killed due to a Russian drone strike.

Johnson reportedly embraced Haidarzhy and prayed for him, according to CBN.

During a press call earlier in the month, a group of evangelicalsincluding Patriot Voices chairman Rick Santorum, Faith and Freedom Coalitions founder Ralph Reed, and Sandy Hagee Parker, chairwoman of Christians United for Israelurged the speaker to offer support for Ukraine and Israel.

A group of influential Baptist leaders also wrote to Johnson to highlight the plight of Ukrainian Christians, saying, We believe that God has put you in this position for such a time as this.

The letter highlighted how, during the war, the Russian army has destroyed Baptist churches and threatened, tortured, and removed pastors from their positions. Signatories included Richard Land, the former president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC).

Current ERLC president Brent Leatherwood also wrote to the speaker, a fellow Southern Baptist, with concerns about the plight of Ukrainian Christians in Russian-controlled territories.

Our fellow Baptists have faced particularly intense persecution and have had over 400 churches destroyed by Russian attacks, he wrote. Leatherwood urged Johnson and Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries to end the paralysis that gripped the House on the issue.

Johnson served as an ERLC trustee for two terms, and Leatherwood has sought to maintain friendly relations with the Louisiana lawmaker.

He was at my first meeting in Washington as president of the ERLC, Leatherwood told CT in an interview last year. Hes obviously got that past, that historical connection with our entity, and I wanted to open a dialogue with him because he is such a prominent Southern Baptist on Capitol Hill.

I was struck in that meeting, because here is someone who is devoted to our convention. A number of the issues that he has publicly spoken about are issues that are very important to Southern Baptists. I think that kind of denominational history is very evident in the profile that he carved out as a member of the House of Representatives and now as speaker of the House.

In February, the Senate passed a national security package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with similar contours to the current package, but Johnson stalled acting on it in the House for two months.

Though aid for Israel remains strong on the right, supporting embattled nations in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region is expected to come with a cost.

Johnson acknowledged that it was a tough political decision: I could make a selfish decision and do something different, but Im doing here what I believe to be the right thing, he told reporters last week.

The move angered some Republicans, not least because it took votes from Democrats to get the foreign aid package across the line. There has been a pile-on by some influential voices on the right.

Trump ally Steve Bannon said that Johnson must go just like Kevin McCarthy, the former House speaker. Tucker Carlson lambasted the move and described Johnson as weak and susceptible to evil.

Meanwhile, Johnsons GOP colleagues on the Hill are considering a motion to vacate, a procedural move to bring up a vote to demote Johnson. So far, they have yet to act on it.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnsons most outspoken critic at the moment, has taken to the airwaves to vow that Johnsons time as speaker is over.

People are fed up, Greene said about the amount of money spent out of Washington. Hes absolutely working for the Democrats, passing the Biden administrations agenda. This is a speakership that is completely over with.

But the criticism has been muted by bipartisan praise.

After the package was passed, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted his gratitude on the social platform X: I thank everyone who supported our package, this is a solution for protecting life. I personally thank Speaker Mike Johnson and all American hearts who believe, as we do in Ukraine, that Russian evil must not be winning.

There has also been support in unlikely, and influential, quarters.

Donald Trump has so far declined to join the criticism, which may protect Johnson from dissatisfaction spreading among the majority of House Republicans. Last week, the former president told reporters during a joint press conference with Johnson that I stand with the speaker, and, after the House passed Ukraine aid, Trump also rallied to Johnsons defense.

On Monday, while addressing reporters in the midst of his legal trial, Trump noted that House Republicans have a razor-thin majority. Its not like he can go and do whatever he wants to do, Trump told reporters. I think hes a very good person.

His stance may be to prevent the House from being thrown into another chaotic speaker election in the lead-up to November. The perceptionif it growsthat Republicans are unable to govern may hurt their ability to hang onto their slim and unruly majority come November, as some conservatives have pointed out.

In December, Leatherwood had forecasted that the speakers faith would play a significant role in his tenure.

You can have two Baptists in a room and get seven different opinions. Its very possible, in fact, likely, that theres not going to be agreement on everything. And thats just with Baptists, Leatherwood said.

But personally, in meeting with [Johnson] and interacting with him last year, I got the sense that this is a faithful Christian who has a history of being engaged in Baptist life and who believes, like I do, that our faith can inform and guide us to good policy that ends up actually serving and benefiting every American.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a press conference held at City Hall Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Kingwood homeowners could see their property tax liability decrease after Humble ISD lowered the tax rate this year. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Homes on South MacGregor Way are seen on Friday, May 13, 2022, in Third Ward. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer

Mayor John Whitmires administration has been floating an increase to Houstons property tax rate, both as a way to assist in paying for its landmark $1.5 billion settlement with the firefighters union and as a means to help stabilize the citys budget.

While the mayor and other City Hall officials have discussed a potential rate hike publicly, they have not made a final decision on how  or even whether  to increase the rate. Whitmire said he also is looking to the state for more resources, among other potential revenues.

Theres no proposal for any tax increase as we talk, Whitmire told reporters after a council meeting this month. I ran for mayor knowing the huge (budget) challenge and responsibilities. Houstonians will share that challenge with me; well do it together. Were going to put everything on the table; were looking at everything possible.

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Given the citys recent settlement with firefighters and dire financial outlook in the near future, though, Whitmires administration will have to find new resources somewhere. And several administration officials, including Whitmire himself, have suggested increasing property taxes.

In early April, Whitmire told former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett in a public forum that he could seek a potential increase of about $15 a month, or $180 a year, for public safety spending.

Houston has not increased its property tax rate in decades, and doing so would require voter approval. The city operates under two property tax revenue caps  one approved by city voters in 2004, and another imposed by the Texas Legislature in 2019  and it has been forced to cut its tax rate in nine of the last 10 years. However, homeowners bills usually rise due to the steady rise of property values.

In the last decade, the citys tax rate has fallen from 63.88 cents per $100 in value to 51.92 cents. Thats the difference of about $250 this year for the median Houston home, with an appraisal value of roughly $255,000, according to Harris Central Appraisal District.

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The city could ask voters to approve a higher tax rate as soon as November, but it would have to wait until 2026 to actually amend the revenue cap.

Traditionally, the city has accounted for between 25% and 30% of a homeowners tax bill, with a greater share heading to the local school district. After the Texas Legislature approved a tax relief package aimed at schools, the city now makes up the largest portion of the bill for some homeowners, accounting for about a third of the total cost, according to estimates from the Harris County Tax Office.

About a quarter of the bill goes to the school district, around 20% to Harris County and the remainder is filled out by other taxing entities, such as the Port of Houston, the Harris County Hospital District and Houston Community College, depending on the property.

If Whitmires administration puts a rate hike on the ballot and it wins approval, it would only affect the citys portion of the tax bill.

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And if the mayors suggested $15 increase were applied to the average Houston home  valued at about $255,000 in 2023  that would mean a tax rate of about 60 cents. That figure would amount to a hike of about 9 cents, or 17%, above the current tax rate.
Home News Candace Owens joins the Catholic Church: Going 'home'

A prominent conservative political commentator has announced that she has joined the Catholic Church, vowing to provide more details about what led to her conversion in the future.

Candace Owens, a conservative political commentator who formerly worked for The Daily Wire, took to X on Monday to announce that Recently, I made the decision to go home. While she did not explicitly elaborate on what she meant in her post, images accompanying her announcement show Owens standing next to a Catholic priest at a Catholic Church.

There is of course so much more that went into this decision and that I plan to share in the future, Owens added. But for now, praise be to God for His gentle, but relentless guiding of my heart toward Truth.

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Owens shared the Bible passage Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. She concluded her post by proclaiming, I do not fear, adding, Christ is king, accompanied by a symbol of the cross.

Many practicing Catholics left comments on Owens post welcoming her into the Catholic Church. Pro-life activist Abby Johnson posted a response stating, Welcome home, Candace.

Owens did not specify when the pictures were taken, although it's possible they were captured during the Easter Vigil Mass the evening before Easter Sunday, which is one of the most common occasions where new Catholics are baptized into the Church. The picture was definitely taken after March 9, when Owens responded to a question asking if she was Catholic by replying, Almost there, accompanied by a symbol of the cross.

Catholic News World reported that the pictures featured in her post documented the internet personality standing next to Fr. Julian Large at the Brompton Oratory, described by the outlet as a Latin mass community in London, United Kingdom. The publication also noted that Owens is married to a Catholic British activist and entrepreneur named George Farmer who previously identified as a Reformed Evangelical Protestant.

Owens social media post revealing her conversion to Catholicism comes a month after her employment with The Daily Wire ended amid a months-long clash with Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro due to a disagreement between the two over Israels actions following the Oct. 7 terror attacks carried out by the terror organization Hamas. As many as 1,163 people, including 31 Americans, were slaughtered that day, and around 240 people were taken hostage into Gaza.

Some of Owens' critics derided as antisemitic her claim that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians following the attacks.

While her conversion to Catholicism marks a new development in her spiritual journey, Owens has frequently discussed her Christian faith since entering the public arena in 2017. During a 2018 speech at Liberty University, she detailed how she strayed from her Christian roots, embraced alcoholism and suffered from anorexia after experiencing a childhood defined by poverty, abuse and racial threats from classmates that prompted the FBI to open an investigation.

Owens also suggested that the audience had an obligation to participate in the culture war engulfing the United States: I believe in you. You can do it without government handouts. You can do it based off of good ideas. You can do it based off of hard work. You can do it with Jesus Christ.

At the moment that you believe in yourself, at the moment that you get back to your center, that you align yourself  with God, the universe will open itself up to you. It certainly did for me, she said.

More recently, Owens has warned that the term Christian nationalism has been used in a sinister way as part of an effort to put Christianity in the same vein as white supremacy. She characterized the increased use of the term in popular culture as a new attempt to divide and brainwash Christians, which is something that has gone on for decades.
Home News US set to withdraw from Niger as report reveals American troops 'stranded' amid military coup Niger prohibiting allies from providing relief, support to US troops

The United States is set to withdraw its military presence from Niger following the release of a report raising questions about U.S. military operations in the African country and warning that troops are on the verge of running out of basic necessities as they remain stranded there amid a military coup.

CNN reported Friday that the U.S. would withdraw from Niger, while not providing details about a timeline for the process.

"We can confirm the beginning of discussions between the U.S. and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country, a U.S. Department of Defense official told the cable news outlet. The DoD is providing a small delegation from the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command to participate in the discussions. In terms of departure timing, we do not want to speculate and get ahead of the planning discussions.

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This development comes after Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., released a report last week titled Unwelcome in Niger that details what he describes as an American troop crisis in the African country. The congressman compiled the document after his staff conducted interviews of active duty U.S. troops stationed there.

Since the hostility within the government of Niger that took over in mid-2023, the Department of Defense is unable to execute planned troop rotations or deliver mail, medical supplies, equipment, and other materials, the report stated. The Biden Administration is actively suppressing intelligence reports about the atmospherics of the Nigerian position to avoid embarrassment for investing hundreds of millions of dollars in a nation where U.S. forces are no longer welcome.

The report noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken characterized Niger as being really an extraordinary model at a time of great challenge  a model of democracy, a model of cooperation in March 2023. It explained how the military took over the country in the following months, leading to deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Niger.

Stating that the junta announced a cancellation of military accords with the United States last month, the document maintained, This deterioration of diplomatic arrangements has led to our servicemembers being caught in the middle of a standoff between an inept Department of State and a U.S.-trained Nigerien coup-force.

Consequences of the deterioration of relations between the U.S. and Niger listed in the report include total cessation of diplomatic clearance overflights, preventing the delivery of mail, necessary medical supplies, blood to replenish the blood bank (which requires constant turnover due to expiration windows), equipment and repair supplies; and other routine [material] from the United States.

Personnel rotations for servicemembers have been halted, leaving our troops stranded without any indication of relief or return home, as replacements arent authorized to enter Niger," the report adds. "American contractors have also been prohibited from entering the country, and contracted support staff are quickly vacating when their visas (ineligible for renewal) lapse. This has led to a crisis as the base deteriorates and contracts, such as for the installation maintenance, are called into question.

The new government of Niger also apparently prohibits our other allies in the country  Germany and Italy  from providing any relief or logistics support to our troops. There is no end in sight, the report continued. The document also shared predictions from service members on the ground that medication for individual troops on the ground in Niger is slated to run out in May.

In addition to raising concerns about the situation facing U.S. troops on the Niger, the report also alleges that the Biden administration has provided false reports to Congress. Specifically, Gaetz contended that Biden told House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., that 648 soldiers remained in Niger as of December 2023, while that number was actually closer to 1,100.

The report included testimony from one service member who asserted, When our AFRICOM leaders look to us to provide atmospherics on the ground, they go to the Embassy first and hear a watered down or false story than what is being reported. He also told Gaetzs office that I know of at least [three] reports from [the Office of Special Investigations] about Nigerien sentiment that have been discredited by the Embassy and turned out to be 100% true.

After reiterating how troops are finding themselves running low on medication, safe water and other necessities, the document concluded with letters to Executive Branch agencies and officials working for the governments of our European allies marked as exhibits. The first letter, addressed to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on April 17, coincided with the release of the report.

In the letter, Gaetz asked Austin to answer a series of questions pertaining to the current status of the U.S. security cooperation and status of forces agreement with Niger as well as asking if the U.S. had been instructed to leave Niger, seeking information about the presence of Russian troops there, requesting clarification about the status of needed supplies in the country and other information about the situation on the ground relayed to him by service members in addition to inquiring about how much money the U.S. was spending on military operations there.

The second letter, addressed to Blinken, asked similar questions of the Secretary of State in addition to asking top State Department officials to provide their assessment of the situation on the ground. The third letter, addressed to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, asked the Ambassador to describe any operational assistance you currently provide to the United States and efforts by the Nigerien government to hinder such operations. A fourth letter asked similar questions of the Embassy of Italy.

Gaetz gave Blinken and Austin until May 15 to submit a report containing answers to his questions while requesting responses from the Italian and German ambassadors to the U.S. by April 26.
Home News 5 charged for Australian church riot after Assyrian bishop's stabbing

Police have charged at least five people for their involvement in a violent protest that broke out at a church in Wakeley, Australia, after the stabbing of an Assyrian bishop while he was preaching a sermon.

Last Monday, following the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of Wakeley's Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd Church, thousands of demonstrators lined the front way of the church to protest the violent incident.

The demonstration, which turned violent against the police and their emergency vehicles, has led police to search for anyone who engaged in any form of violence against the police's safety force and for those who engaged in other related crimes at the protest.

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After investigators released images of 12 different men whom they believe were involved in the riot, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that 23-year-old Nikolaj Mikic turned himself in at the Fairfield Police Station this week. He is the fourth man charged with riot-related crimes. He made a court appearance via videolink as he was charged with rioting and attempted aggravated break and enter with intent.

"The defendant's [alleged] participation is where he is seen on CCTV, he grabs a ladder and embarks with another unknown person to break into the church, which police say was an attempt to gain entry into the church, because of the anger that was raised in regards to the attack on the bishop," Sergeant Jacky Lozanoska was quoted as saying during the court meeting.

Magistrate Anthony Spence said the prosecution's case was "very strong" and described the scenes outside the Christ The Good Shepherd Church as "appalling."

"We all saw that riot occurring and it was disgraceful," Magistrate Spence stated, according to ABC.

"A lot of violence against police and police cars.  We all saw that on television, the ladder.  And he's accused of being a part of that."

During his court appearance, Mikic, who owns an air-conditioning business, was not charged with any offenses involving physical harm to a police officer and he was not charged for damage to any police vehicles.

His defense lawyer shared in his argument that the "livestream of the alleged terror attack amid Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel's sermon 'flamed passions'" of community members involved.

If convicted, Mikic would face up to 15 years in jail. He was granted bail under conditions that he would have to report to the police three times per week, abide by a curfew, and can't participate in any events or services held at Christ The Good Shepherd Church. His family posted a $10,000 security.

Prosecutors asked the court not to grant Mikic bail because of tensions "brewing in the community." Sgt. Lozanoska argued that while the stabbing was a heinous crime, the government can't appear to be "condoning or accepting vigilante work."

"[It] was an extraordinary event.  A lot of people attended with the best of intentions and then it got out of hand," Mikic's attorney was quoted as saying.

"He's so young, never been in custody before.  [And] even if he were convicted, while certainly on the cards, it's not inevitable."

Among others charged with crimes related to the riot was a 17-year-old boy who turned himself in at Fairfield Police Station on Tuesday morning, ABC notes. The boy was charged with rioting, destroying or damaging property and possession of an unauthorized pistol.

The teen was refused bail and appeared in juvenile court Wednesday.

Three demonstrators previously charged with riot-related crimes were: Issa Haddad, 28; Dani Mansour, 19; and Sam Haddad, 45. The three were all granted bail.

The 16-year-old boy, who allegedly stabbed 53-year-old bishop Emmanuel, has been charged with a terrorism offense. The boy's identity has not been released.

On Wednesday, authorities arrested seven teenagers accused of being part of an extremist network that also included the 16-year-old teen charged in the church stabbing, according to The Associated Press. Meanwhile, five other teens were still being questioned by the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team as of late Wednesday.

With the suspects deemed to be immediate threats, the arrests came as hundreds of police officers executed 13 search warrants of properties across southwest Sydney.

"We will allege that these individuals adhered to a religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology," New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told media.

"It was considered that the group ... posed an unacceptable risk and threat to the people of New South Wales, and our current purely investigative strategies could not adequately ensure public safety."
Home News Episcopal House of Deputies president opponent wants to end 'unhealthy corporate culture'

The president of The Episcopal Church House of Deputies is facing an election opponent who is seeking to end what she describes as an unhealthy corporate culture within the denomination.

The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, vice president of the House of Deputies, announced on Sunday that she would run against House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris.

Through the lens of over 30 years of experience in organizational assessment and development, I am disheartened by what I have experienced and observed over the two years that I have served as vice president of the House of Deputies, said Taber-Hamilton.

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Behind the prose and photos that are public facing, there are unaddressed internal dynamics that, in my professional opinion, are contributing to an unhealthy corporate culture, jeopardizing our ability for forming the collaborative relationships necessary for effectively moving forward in the crucial work of The General Convention.

Taber-Hamilton went on to note that there were those who are exhausted from expending the amount of emotional labor it takes to function within compromised management systems.

Goals that she has for changing things in the denomination include efforts to proactively develop safe and intentional opportunities for truth telling, and care about the human development and spiritual wellbeing of our staff and the diverse volunteer members of our governing bodies.

Taber-Hamilton also wants to promote leaders who are skilled in emotional intelligence, as well as leaders who are competent in leading crucial conversations in moments of conflict, take personal responsibility, promote and communicate transparent processes, and who include even dissenting voices and challenging perspectives into decision making processes.

We need compassionate and skilled leaders of every order who understand that our corporate journey is not about controlling for self interest but about empowering all of us for authentic community, she added.

In response to this challenge, Ayala Harris told Episcopal News Service that she considers the enduring strength of our churchs commitment to democratic principles and processes to be one of the many great gifts of our polity.

This summer, our deputies will continue discerning where the Holy Spirit is calling the church through democratic elections, including that of the president of the House of Deputies, Ayala Harris continued.

Im so proud to be part of a church where we have the power to shape our own future and to inspire generations of church leaders to come with our governance rooted in democracy, faith, and our listening to the Holy Spirit.

The Episcopal Church General Convention authority is divided between a House of Bishops and a House of Deputies, the latter of which is comprised of clergy and lay leaders.

Ayala Harris was elected president in 2022, having succeeded the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, who had served in the role since 2012, and was unopposed for reelection in 2015 and 2018, reported ENS.

Last year, Harris wrote a public letter accusing an unnamed former bishop of physical and verbal harassment, alleging that the actions took place shortly after she was elected.

Ayala Harris submitted a Title IV complaint under the purview of the Disciplinary Board for Bishops against the retired bishop, later identified as retired Oklahoma Bishop Ed Konieczny. For his part, Konieczny has denied the allegations.
Home News DOJ clears FBI of targeting 'radical-traditionalist Catholics' in controversial memo

The U.S. Department of Justice's Inspector General Michael Horowitz maintains that the FBI did not commit any wrongdoing or demonstrate hostility toward religion by circulating an internal document warning about connections between "racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists" and "radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology."

Horowitz submitted a report to several committees of U.S. Congress Thursday. The document looks into the "actions and events, including any underlying policy direction" that served as the basis for the FBI Richmond Field Office circulating a memo in January 2023 addressing a purported link between "Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists (RMVEs) and 'Radical Traditionalist Catholic (RTC)' ideology."

The report follows outrage from lawmakers over the report declaring that "the increasingly observed interest of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) in radical-traditionalist Catholic ideology almost certainly presents opportunities for threat mitigation through the exploration of new avenues for tripwire and source development."

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When listing examples of radical-traditionalist Catholic groups, the FBI document cited the far-left activist group Southern Poverty Law Center, which has developed a reputation for labeling organizations with traditional beliefs about marriage, sexuality and abortion as "hate groups."

Groups listed include Catholic Apologetics International in Greenville, Pennsylvania; Catholic Family News/Catholic Family Ministries, Inc. in Niagara Falls, New York; Christ or Chaos in Corsicana, Texas, and Culture Wars/Fidelity Press in South Bend, Indiana.

The FBI initially apologized after the memo was leaked by a former FBI special agent, insisting that it did not meet the "exacting standards of the FBI." Congress authorized a review of "any orders or direction regarding the [domain product] from any official in any field office concerning purported proximate links between any religion, any political affiliation, or the intent of this report" as part of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

The inspector general's report detailed how the domain product circulated in the FBI Richmond Field Office early last year was predicated on an investigation into an unnamed defendant who made "online statements advocating civil war and the murder of politicians" that began in 2019. The man was arrested in 2020 "after he vandalized and slashed the tires of a parked car."

While he was released from jail a year later, the FBI kept an eye on him and discovered a social media page affiliated with the defendant containing "Nazi symbols and rhetoric, as well as posts advocating killing police officers, 'ganging up on and beating' racial and religious minorities, conducting a mass shooting at a school for special needs children, taking up armed resistance against the government, learning how to manufacture pipe bombs, and using untraceable means to purchase supplies to manufacture 3D-printed weapons."

"In early 2022, Defendant A began to attend a church (Church 1) associated with an international religious society that advocates traditional Catholic theology and liturgy but is not considered by the Vatican to be in full communion with the Catholic Church (Organization 1)," the report stated.

In one social media post made by the defendant, he lamented that he "had to deal with the priest and some (thankfully not all) the parishioners talking about how 'Hitler bad' though thankfully they do actually acknowledge that the allies were evil."

"The FBI task force investigation found that Defendant A 'became more and more overt' in discussing plans to carry out attacks, including making comments to others at Church 1 about his intent to commit violence," the report states.

"Defendant A's advocacy of violence included communications with two individuals who attended Church 1 in which he made antisemitic comments, discussed the purchase of a pressure cooker, and used terminology consistent with building a pressure cooker bomb."

After the defendant was arrested again in November 2022 following the discovery of "ammunition, a firearms build kit, a 3D printer, multiple Molotov cocktail-type improvised incendiary devices, and lockpicking devices" at his residence, the FBI interviewed several people at the church he attended.

Those who spoke with the law enforcement agency noted the defendant's "'unusual' and 'concerning' behavior and openly racist views."

While FBI intelligence analysts considered creating a domain product based on what they described as the "increasing intersection of rad-trad (radical-traditional) Catholics and [Domestic Violent Extremists]," one of the analysts told investigators that "he found it "completely incongruous" that an RMVE was attempting "to find common ground or find a community with this particular faith community.'"

Although he conceded that "there was no evidence that Defendant A was being radicalized at Church 1, because he had been on the FBI's radar 'as an unstable, dangerous individual' before 'any association with any Catholic related entity whatsoever,'" the analyst expressed concern that "Defendant A was attending Church 1 and 'interacting with a group of people who  may not understand, or know what to do with someone of his caliber or  his mindset,' and that other RMVEs similarly might be attracted to other parishes."

"Analyst 1 stated that the intended focus of the proposed DP was on Defendant A and other similar RMVEs, not on a particular church or religion," the report noted. "Both Analysts 1 and 2 denied targeting any individual for holding or practicing a specific religious faith. Analyst 1 acknowledged that all religious beliefs are protected by the First Amendment and called any suggestion that he was motivated by anti-Catholic bias 'patently false.'"

When asked to explain why they chose to use the phrase "radical-traditionalist Catholic" in the domain product, the analysts cited the defendant's description of himself as a "rad-trad Catholic clerical fascist" as the reason for embracing such terminology.

Regarding "references in the DP to outside organizations [such as SPLC] and sources that use the term 'RTC' to describe certain religious entities and ideologies that these organizations and sources have designated as hate groups," the analysts acknowledged that "there were concerns about perceived bias on the part of those organizations and sources." However, they stressed that "the evidence supporting the DP was not based on any information from these outside organizations."

The report concluded by maintaining that the FBI's creation of the domain product did not amount to unfairly targeting a religion.

"Our review did not find evidence that anyone ordered or directed Analyst 1 or 2 to find a link between RMVEs and any specific religion or political affiliation, including Church 1, or that there was any underlying policy direction concerning such a link," it asserted.

"Additionally, our review of emails, instant messages, and text messages for Analysts 1 and 2 during the relevant time period did not identify any evidence of discriminatory or inappropriate comments by them about Church 1, or individuals who practiced a particular religious faith or held specific political beliefs," the report continued.

"Our review of evidence concerning the development and finalization of the DP did not find evidence that FBI Richmond took investigative steps involving Church 1 or any other church beyond those authorized in the investigation of Defendant A  namely, using a CHS to monitor Defendant A's interactions with others at Church 1 to determine whether he was planning or inciting violence, and interviewing church personnel about Defendant A after his arrest."

The report praised the FBI's corrective actions implemented amid the backlash to the memo, including "expanding training on analytical tradecraft standards and domestic terrorism terminology, enhancing review and approval requirements for intelligence products involving a sensitive investigative matter, and formally admonishing the employees involved."
Home News Ilhan Omar's daughter claims she's homeless, has no food after suspension for anti-Israel protest

Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omars daughter, Isra Hirsi, claims she's been locked out of her housing on campus and can no longer use her dining plan for meals following her suspension as a result of her participation in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, where Hirsi was one of over 100 people arrested last week for refusing to leave an encampment.

Hirsi, an organizer with Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, was suspended from Barnard College last week alongside two of her classmates. The daughter of the Minnesota congresswoman was part of a Gaza Solidarity Encampment set up by anti-Israel demonstrators last Wednesday.

The following day, Columbia President Minouche Shafik authorized the New York Police Department to clear the encampment, and the authorities arrested dozens of students, including Hirsi.

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In an interview with Teen Vogue, the 21-year-old student said that as a result of her suspension, she has been locked out of her on-campus housing, and she can no longer eat meals at her schools dining hall.

I was a little bit frantic, like, where am I going to sleep? Where am I gonna go? And also all of my s*** is thrown in a random lot. Its pretty horrible, she said. I don't know when I can go home, and I dont know if I ever will be able to.

The student also complained about her lack of food following her suspension. Hirsi added that Columbia University students who were suspended hadn't been subjected to the same level of punishment as Barnard students.

I cannot go to the dining hall. I sent them an email like, Hey, I rely on campus for my meals, I rely on my dining plan, and they were like, Oh, you can come pick up a prepackaged bag of food, a full 48 hours after I was suspended, Hirsi said. There was no food support, no nothing. The Columbia students still have access to a dining hall and to their homes; they can't go anywhere else, but they can go home and to one dining hall.

Rep. Omar responded last week to the news about her daughter, writing in a Friday X post that she's enormously proud of Hirsi.

She has always led with courage and compassion, from organizing a statewide school walk out on the 20th anniversary of Columbine at the age of 15, to leading the biggest youth climate rally at our nations Capitol at 16, and now pushing her school to stand against genocide, Omar wrote.

Stepping up to change what you cant tolerate is why we as a country have the right to speech, assembly, and petition enshrined in our constitution, she added.

In a Monday statement, Barnard President Laura Rosenbury offered to lift the interim suspension of students who don't have a previous record of misconduct if they agree to abide by the campus rules during a probationary period.

If these students choose this path, neither the interim suspension nor the probationary period will appear on the students academic transcripts and these sanctions will not become part of students reportable disciplinary records barring a finding of responsibility under the Student Code of Conduct for future misconduct, the statement read.

The remaining students on interim suspension have previously received notices regarding misconduct, and the College is committed to addressing these situations quickly yet thoughtfully through our conduct process.

The ongoing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University have prompted Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to lead a delegation calling for Shafiks resignation. In the letter, the congressional leaders cited the presidents failure to dismantle the encampment and address antisemitic harassment on campus as the reasons why they've lost faith in her ability to lead.

One of the reports the delegation cited was a warning from Rabbi Elie Buechler, director of the campus Orthodox Union-Jewish Learning Initiative, who advised Jewish students to return home as soon as possible due to the situation at Columbia University.

The events of the past few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia Universitys Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy, the rabbi wrote.
Home News RFK Jr. unveils new abortion platform: 'More choices, more life'

The leading third-party candidate for president of the United States has revealed a new position on abortion that includes a proposal to expand childcare benefits, prompting mixed reactions from pro-life groups.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is pursuing an independent bid for the presidency in the 2024 presidential election, released an updated abortion platform on his website last week. The platform, titled More Choices, More Life, is plugged as a way to dramatically reduce abortion in this country.

The candidate is calling for a massive subsidized daycare initiative while vowing to safeguard womens reproductive rights. He vows that the policy will pay 100% of care for the three million children under five who live beneath our poverty line while capping the cost of daycare at 10% of family income for everyone else.

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These payments will not be available to corporate daycare chains or the hedge funds that own them, the campaign clarified. They will fund only single-location small businesses  as well as parents who decide to stay home with their children.

The campaign predicted that since economics is a major driver of abortion, this policy will do more to lower abortion rates than any coercive measure ever could. The policy proposal identifies the redirection of funds being spent on the war in Ukraine to pay for the massive undertaking.

In addition to the daycare initiative, the More Choices, More Life agenda calls for a strengthened adoption infrastructure consisting of an increased child tax credit and funding sanctuaries for women in need to have babies, places like Angies House where they get support not just in pregnancy and birth but also in those precious months afterwards.

The campaign asserted that the funding of such organizations would ensure women that their only choice isnt abortion.

Under the policy, the campaign contended, women will find that they have another choice, a viable choice to give birth.

The campaign added, Abortion is one of the most divisive issues in American politics where Americans are offered two positions  pro-life and pro-choice  with hardly any room between or outside them. Democrats, led by President Joe Biden, have embraced the pro-choice position that enables women to have abortions throughout most or all of pregnancy.

While pro-life groups opposed to abortion have generally gotten behind former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, some pro-life advocacy groups have expressed concerns over Trumps position that abortion should be up to the states to decide. Pro-life organizations offered differing reactions to the Kennedy campaigns newly unveiled abortion policy.

Brian Burch, president of the pro-life advocacy group CatholicVote, reacted to the candidates policy proposal in a statement published Tuesday. RFK Jr.s abortion policy offers a stark contrast to the shout your abortion extremism coming from the Biden campaign, he said. While RFK Jr. is wrong for pledging to continue to protect the right to destroy innocent lives, he deserves credit for not ducking the need to help women choose life.

[Kennedy] also deserves credit for recognizing the unique role of stay at home parents by proposing that any daycare subsidies equally apply to mothers or fathers who choose to stay home to raise their children, he added. Kennedys position, while problematic in principle, aims in the right direction.

Emily Erin Davis, vice president of communications for the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, offered similar analysis in a statement shared with The Christian Post: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though not a pro-life candidate, at least acknowledges the truth that Joe Biden and the Democrats sweep under the rug.

While praising Kennedy for suggesting that the majority of women whove had abortions would rather have kept their child if theyd had adequate emotional or financial support, Davis stressed that We still have major differences with Kennedy on the human rights of the unborn. She specifically expressed concern that He is not listing a single limit or boundary he would place on abortion.

In a statement shared with The Christian Post, National Right to Life President Carol Tobias stressed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports unlimited abortion throughout pregnancy and he wants taxpayer dollars to pay for it. He does not believe states should be able to protect preborn children at any stage of development and supports tax funding of Planned Parenthood, the nations largest abortion chain.

It is hypocritical, then, to pretend to care about helping women in difficult circumstances when those same women are being encouraged by a culture that tells them to kill their children, Tobias contended. Far better are the candidates who care about, and are willing to help, both mother and child.

At the beginning of the Kennedy campaign, its official website didn't contain an entire section devoted to abortion. Instead, the candidates position on abortion was included on a page illustrating his vow to Heal the Divide. The campaign stated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has clear positions on most of todays divisive trigger issues like abortion, guns, and immigration, but he knows that both sides have legitimate concerns and legitimate moral positions.

Few relish the thought of dead fetuses, nor do they want to force women to have unwanted babies, the website declared. Robert F. Kennedy will draw on the broad moral agreements beneath our divisions. He will model careful listening, and create conditions where each group can hear the stories of the other. He will lead the way toward national reconciliation, respectful dialog, and willingness to change, to grow, and to forgive.

The RealClearPolitics average of polls asking voters who they would support in a five-way race, based on surveys taken from March 27-April 18, shows Kennedy capturing 8.8% of the vote, coming in far behind Trumps 41.6% and Bidens 40.6%, while finishing ahead of independent candidate Cornel Wests 1.7% and potential Green Party nominee Jill Steins 1.0%.

However, Kennedys presence on the ballot in each of the 50 states, or lack thereof, will define the impact or success of his candidacy. As of Tuesday, the Kennedy campaign has secured ballot access in nine states that boast a combined 66 electoral votes, coming up short of the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency: Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Utah.
Home News Elementary school accused of discrimination for rejecting creation of interfaith prayer club

An elementary school in Washington state has been accused of discrimination for prohibiting the creation of an interfaith prayer student club while allowing a pride student group to meet on campus.

The First Liberty Institute (FLI) sent a complaint letter to the Board of Directors of Issaquah School District 411 on behalf of two students, identified as L.A.W. and J.W. earlier this month.

At issue was a decision by Creekside Elementary School of Issaquah to reject an application for an interfaith prayer club, even though several other non-religious student clubs have been approved.

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FLI Associate Counsel Kayla Toney, one of the two signatories of the complaint letter, told The Christian Post on Monday that her organization became aware of the situation shortly after the application was rejected.

After L.A.W.s prayer club was denied, her family reached out to a friend of ours in the religious liberty movement, and he connected them with us, she said.

Toney also told CP she believes public schools have often excluded religious activity because of a phantom fear of violating the Establishment Clause, based on misguided theories.

The Supreme Court held in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District that the long-criticized Lemon Test was officially overruled and must no longer be used to erase religion from public life, particularly in public schools, Toney said.

Even before Kennedy, the Supreme Court consistently upheld the long tradition of voluntary student-led religious activity in public schools. For example, in Good News Club v. Milford Central School in 2001, the Court found that a public school violated the First Amendment when it excluded a Christian club from an elementary school while allowing other non-curricular clubs.

Toney noted that the tradition of allowing religious activity on public school property means that L.A.W. and J.W. have a constitutionally protected right to start an interfaith prayer club, with the same recognition and benefits that other clubs enjoy.

In an email to CP, Lesha Engels, a spokesperson for the Issaquah School District, said officials were in the process of responding to FLI's letter.

Please know that we take our commitment to uphold student rights seriously; this includes those rights associated with religious exercise and liberty, Engels said.

Engels noted that at Creekside Elementary, there is a schedule for approving student clubs, which is described as a shared decision-making process between teachers and principals.

A student club interest survey was conducted last October, with approval as well as budgeting and distribution of student group advisor time made in November.

A handful of advisor-led clubs were requested after this process concluded in the winter of 2024; these requests were all denied, she continued. The interfaith prayer club was requested in February 2024, after the deadline shared above.

In response to an allegation of a First Amendment violation in April 2024, the district initiated an investigation, and will include feedback from the community and students in our process review.
Home News Stefanik calls for Columbia pres. to resign after Jewish professor locked out, students terrorized

With Jewish students at Columbia University being advised to remain home for their safety, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led a letter calling on the universitys president, Minouche Shafik, to resign for failing to dismantle an anti-Israel encampment on campus and stop antisemitic harassment.

In a Monday letter to Shafik, Stefanik and other congressional members blamed the situation at Columbia on the university presidents policies and misguided decisions. The New York Republican representative and her colleagues stated that, based on recent events, the lawmakers have no confidence in Shafiks leadership of this once esteemed institution.

Last week, Shafik testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about how the university addresses Jewish hatred and disciplines faculty members who have made antisemitic remarks. As the university president testified on Capitol Hill, Columbia University students set up a Gaza Solidarity Encampment last Wednesday morning.

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The delegation behind the letter took issue with the fact that it took two days before the New York Police Department was authorized to clear the encampment. The police arrested over 100 people, including the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., after they refused to leave the encampment.

Citing media reports about the situation at Columbia, the letter noted that, despite the arrests, students have resettled the encampment, and the school hasn't asked the NYPD to return.

This unsanctioned mob of students and agitators being permitted to target Jewish students has led to several documented incidents of despicable antisemitic harassment and calls for violence and terrorism since your testimony about enforcing the consequences, the letter stated.

According to the Columbia Spectator, Rabbi Elie Buechler, director of the campus Orthodox Union-Jewish Learning Initiative, advised 290 students in a group chat to avoid the university.

The events of the past few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia Universitys Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy, the rabbi wrote.

It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved, Buechler added. It is not our job as Jews to ensure our own safety on campus.

A group of 10 pro-Israel counter-protestors stood at the Sundial on campus waving Israeli and U.S. flags. The group also played Jewish music and the U.S. national anthem through a loudspeaker. One of the anti-Israel demonstrators stood in front of the Sundial with a sign that read, Al-Qasams Next Targets.

On Monday, journalist Neria Kraus shared a video on X that was filmed by an undergraduate student. According to Kraus, the person who filmed it said she and the Jewish students hadn't said anything to the demonstrators, but when they saw one of the filmmakers friends was wearing a Star of David necklace, the protestors began threatening them.

In the video, the anti-Israel protestors can be heard shouting, We have Zionists who have entered the camp. Multiple demonstrators then repeated the calls from one of the protest leaders to form a human chain and walk forward to push them out of the camp.

Columbia University did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

Stefanik blamed the ongoing situation at Columbia on Shafiks continued lax enforcement of policy and clear double standards.

Your failure to enforce the rules on campus has created an environment in which students and outside agitators know they are able to operate with impunity and without any accountability, the letter stated. While the rot is systemic, the responsibility rests squarely on your shoulders. It is time for Columbia University to turn the page on this shameful chapter. This can only be done through the restoration of order and your prompt resignation.

The university also denied entry to Shai Davidai, an Israeli-American business professor, from entering the area where the anti-Israel protestors had set up the encampment. In a Monday X post, the professor had advertised a peaceful sit in at the area occupied by the anti-Israel demonstrators. Columbia University responded by deactivating Davidais ID card.

In an email obtained this week by The National Review, Columbia's COO Cas Holloway told the professor that to maintain the safety of the Columbia community, Davidai could not be permitted to enter the West Lawn.

Following the incident, Davidai wrote on X that the last time he had heard of a university denying one of its professors access to campus was in Nazi Germany.
Home News UMC regional body can keep breakaway congregation's property, judge rules

A regional body of the United Methodist Church is the rightful owner of an Arkansas church property that belonged to a congregation whose dissafiliation vote was rejected by the conference, a judge has ruled.

The UMC Arkansas Annual Conference announced Tuesday that Special Circuit Judge Gary Arnold ruled in its favor in litigation involving the disputed property of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro.

"Permanent possession of the historic church campus located at 801 S. Main St. in Jonesboro, Arkansas has been granted to the Arkansas Conference. Special Circuit Judge Gary Arnold will release written in the coming weeks," stated the conference.

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Pastor John Miles, the leader of the First Methodist Church of Jonesboro, the breakaway congregation seeking to control the property, said in a video message Monday that he plans to appeal the ruling.

"Unfortunately, the judge ruled against us," said Miles. "This means that we will not be able to resume occupation of 801 South Main for the foreseeable future."

"Our judge has been quite clear that he did not think we had a case from the beginning. Now, I just want to be absolutely clear with you we believe he's in error. We believe we have a strong case. We have our appeal all set up, and we will proceed with that appeal."

FUMC Jonesboro, part of the congregation that remained with the denomination, released a brief statement on its Facebook page approving of the latest decision in the property dispute.

"First United Methodist Church is most grateful for yesterday's Court ruling in favor of the Arkansas Conference and FUMCJ. As we journey forward together, we remain unwavering in our commitment to reconciliation and unity," they stated.

In July 2022, following an 18-month-long discernment process, First UMC voted to disaffiliate from the UMC, with 69% of 1,300 voting members in favor and 31% opposed.

The vote came as the UMC created a pathway for congregations to disaffiliate amid a longstanding debate over the mainline Protestant denomination's stance on homosexuality. In the last few years, over 7,500 churches nationwide have disaffiliated from the UMC, with the approval of their regional conferences.

In November 2022, the Arkansas Conference rejected the results of the First UMC dissafiliation vote while approving the disaffiliation votes of 35 other congregations in the regional body.

The conference also rejected the disaffiliation requests of the First United Methodist Church of Cabot and First United Methodist Church of Searcy. In 2023, the Arkansas Conference would approve the disaffiliation votes of 129 other churches, according to UM News.

In December 2022, the Jonesboro church filed suit against the conference after a second dissafiliation vote was rejected. The UMC conference also suspended Pastor Miles, arguing a second disafiliation vote violated the UMC Book of Discipline.

The breakaway congregation contends that the UMC doesn't have "any legal, beneficial, or equitable interest in any of the real or personal property held by the Jonesboro Church."

Shortly after the church filed the suit, 12 judges recused themselves from the case, citing conflicts of interest or the need to avoid an appearance of impropriety.

The Craighead Circuit Clerk's Office had to request the Arkansas State Supreme Court to assign a special judge to preside over the litigation.

In March 2023, Judge Arnold allowed the lawsuit against the conference to proceed, rejecting a motion to dismiss the complaint and scheduling a trial for January 2024.
Home News Christian woman who survived concentration camp prepares to die in US prison over FACE Act charges

A Christian woman who survived a communist concentration camp in Eastern Europe recently explained how she is making preparations to die in an American prison after being charged by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for protesting at abortion clinics.

Eva Edl, 88, was among the 11 protesters the Biden DOJ slapped with charges for allegedly violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act when they protested outside the Carafem Health Center Clinic near Nashville on March 15, 2021.

In October 2022, the DOJ accused them of intimidating and interfering "with employees of the clinic and a patient who was seeking reproductive health services" at the clinic. A federal judge found her and four others guilty earlier this month, and she awaits sentencing on July 30.

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Edl also faces charges stemming from an August 2020 protest at an abortion clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and an April 2021 protest at a clinic in Saginaw, Michigan. Collectively, Edl potentially faces 11 years in prison and $350,000 in fines.

Edl told The Daily Signal that she is already resigned to the possibility that she will be imprisoned until the end of her life for her protests, during which she and others attempted to dissuade women from going through with their planned abortions.

"When I was indicted, I began to prepare to die there," she said. "Right now, I am ambivalent.  Im doing the best I can to get ready. Havent talked to a funeral director yet."

"Im just being sensible," she added. "Theres no guarantee that I survive it."

Edl further warned that the U.S. government is increasingly resembling the communist regime her family escaped, recalling to the outlet how she was only 9 years old when she and her family were taken in cattle cars to the Gakovo concentration camp in what was then Yugoslavia.

Edl's family were Danube Swabians, a German-speaking ethnic group in Yugoslavia that was targeted for extermination in the wake of World War II by Josip Broz, the country's communist president.

"We were packed body to body, and being a small child, I could hardly breathe," she remembered. "We had no food, no water." She added that her mother found it inconceivable that the government would persecute them until it happened, which she suggested should be a cautionary tale for Americans today.

According to her website, Edl was rescued from Gakovo, escaped to Austria and ultimately wound up in the U.S., where she became involved in the pro-life movement after learning about what she has described as America's "death camps." She has been arrested 46 times since the 1980s for her protests at abortion clinics, which she said never involved violence.

She recalled that she was even arrested on the order of former Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., when she went to his office in the 1990s to complain about his support for the FACE Act, the repeal of which some Republicans have lately been calling for amid the increasing number of pro-life activists who are being charged under it during the Biden presidency.

Edl's vivid memories of being rounded up and hauled off to Gakovo for extermination have animated her protests and steeled her against her arrests, she told The Daily Signal. She likened the situation to her fellow Yugoslavians who allowed their fear to prevent them from doing all they could to stand in the way of a wicked government perpetrating evil.

"What if citizens of my country would have overcome their fear, and a number of them stood on those railroad tracks between the gate of the entrance to the death camp and the train?" she said. "The train would have to stop. And while the guards on those trains would be busy rounding up the ones that were in front of the train, another group could have come in, pried open our cattle car and possibly set us free, but nobody did."

She noted that some openly wept as the cattle cars carrying the victims rumbled along the train tracks toward the death camp, but their tears proved ultimately useless because nobody actually took a stand.

"So, when we place our bodies between the woman and the clinic, we buy time to get our sidewalk counselors the opportunity to speak with women, and hopefully open their hearts with love for their babies and let their babies live," she said regarding the goals of the tactics she and others take when they protest.

"I feel very strongly, because of my background, that human life is sacred," Edl said. "Government does not have the authority to permit what God forbids. And murder is forbidden by God."

Former President Donald Trump mentioned Edl's case during a speech at the National Religious Broadcasters 2024 International Christian Media Convention in Nashville in February.

Trump presented the treatment of Edl and the other defendants in Tennessee as an example of Biden's DOJ exhibiting communist-like tactics by targeting Christians, even as they leave the southern border wide open while allowing many criminals to break the law with impunity.

"This is a communist state, just so you understand," Trump said. "This is the beginning of a communist state, whether it's [my indictments] or any one of another thousand things that are going on. This is the only way they're going to be able to stay in office because they're running a regime that is so incompetent. Nobody's ever seen anything like it."
Home Opinion Iran in Bible prophecy and its rise in aggression against Israel

Iran, without warning, aggressively launched over 300 ballistic missiles into Israel without provocation last week. After days of contemplation, Israel decided to retaliate against Iran's lethal aggression by striking key targets in the Isfahan region.

Days following Israel's strategic strike in the Isfahan region, several security sources have reported that drones and rockets have targeted U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria in two separate attacks.

However, Jonathan Lord, head of the Middle East security program at the Center for a New American Security, a U.S. think tank, said that it "seems to indicate that Iran is seeking to step down off the ledge, minimize the impact of the attack, and perhaps walk back down the escalation ladder from here."

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According to Scripture, a time will come when Iran, with the help of other nations, will attempt to destroy Israel. While Mr. Lord may hold a different perspective now, it is important to note the significance of this prophecy and its potential implications for the future.

Iran in Bible Prophecy

What is taking place between Israel and Iran is setting up a future battle that Ezekiel mentioned over 2,600 years ago.

According to bible prophecy, Iran will be a part of a surprising attack; most bible scholars and prophecy experts refer to it as the "Russian-Islamic Invasion on Israel."

Ezekiel 38:1-6, "The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes  many peoples are with you."

Prophecy expert and prolific author Dr. Mark Hitchcock brings some much-needed clarity to Persia, as mentioned by the prophet Ezekiel:

"Verses five and six complete the allies that will attack Israel with their leader Gog. The identity of the first ally appears to be very clear since its ancient name is widely known down through history, even in our own day. Persia refers to the Persian people who make up a majority of the modern country of Iran. There is consensus among futurists that historic Persia clearly refers to modern Iran. The name Persia, which was written all over the pages of ancient history, was changed to Iran in foreign usage in March 1935."

The alliance that has been forming for years between Russia and Muslim nations is undoubtedly setting the stage for the eventual fulfillment of the prophecy Ezekiel envisioned over 2,600 years ago.

Iran may not be currently planning another large-scale attack on Israel, but as we see in prophetic Scripture, the conflict between the two countries will only worsen in the future. Thus, we must take to heart the words Jesus warned in the Olivet Discourse, "So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near" (Lk. 21:28).

We may not know everything that will happen or when it will take place, but we do know that God has a plan to protect and redeem His chosen people. In the meantime, it is our responsibility to pray for peace in the Middle East and to share the Gospel of Christ with people in that region, regardless of whether they are Jewish or Muslim.
Home Opinion The unwavering goodness and faithfulness of God

Pastor A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) wrote, The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend. And author Jerry Bridges shared this insight: The very first temptation in the history of mankind was the temptation to be discontent  that is exactly what discontentment is  a questioning of the goodness of God.

Whenever our heart feels unsettled and restless, it is helpful to turn our attention once again toward the goodness of God. There is absolutely no limit to the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. The French theologian and Protestant reformer John Calvin (1509-1564) wrote, Joy is a quiet gladness of heart as one contemplates the goodness of Gods saving grace in Christ Jesus.

What in the world can even begin to compare to Gods saving grace? David penned these beautiful words: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit (Psalm 32:1-2).

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Are you living with deceit in your heart? If so, it is preventing you from rejoicing in the goodness and faithfulness of God. Grace is never appreciated and enjoyed by those who are living a double-minded life, or by someone who is completely sold out to sin. On the flip side, the grace of God floods our soul with peace and power whenever our heart is contrite and humble before the Lord. If there is some hidden sin in your life right now, ask God to forgive you as you turn away from anything that is grieving the Holy Spirit.

Since believers are both saints and sinners, we continue to struggle with our sinful nature (see Galatians 5:16-18). It is a daily battle that calls for vigilance and self-control. The moment we step outside of Gods will with our thoughts, words or deeds, we instantly lose the joy of our salvation and the gladness that comes from walking closely with the Lord and from contemplating the goodness and faithfulness of God.

You see, Gods goodness and faithfulness are unwavering, even though we sometimes cut ourselves off from the joy of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is essential for those of us who know Christ to keep short accounts with God. The instant our soul begins dabbling with a sinful thought, we need to bring it to the Lord as we seek to walk in obedience and purity. Gossip, grudges, greed, jealously, lust, fits of rage and selfish ambition are some of the sins that prevent believers from rejoicing in the goodness and faithfulness of God.

And yet the more we celebrate Gods amazing attributes, the more power we experience to say No to those thoughts and sinful tendencies that come from the world, the devil and our own sinful nature. Our heart can remain pure to the extent that we say No to ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:12). The Lord wants to fill us continually with His joy and peace, and this of course requires that we think about those things that are wholesome and noble.

David wrote, Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:12-14).

While our focus wavers at times, such is not the case with God. As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless (Psalm 18:30). There has never been a single instance where God has wavered in His ability to handle everything perfectly. The fact that we do not fully understand our present circumstances in no way diminishes God's perfection, beauty, goodness and faithfulness. Wherever there is a difficulty in understanding something, it is always on our end. And since none of us are all-wise and all-knowing, we are called to trust the Lord even when we do not understand what is going on around us.

Are you confused today by certain developments in your life? It is perfectly natural to experience such confusion. Thankfully, the Lord loves us unconditionally in spite of our fears, doubts and confusion. Our challenge is to meditate on good things while earnestly seeking to avoid ungodly thoughts and bad behavior. With that in mind, how have things been going lately in your thought life?

The Apostle Paul wrote, Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable  if anything is excellent or praiseworthy  think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Perhaps you are currently living as a prodigal son or prodigal daughter. God has not forgotten you or stopped loving you, in spite of your current rebellion. You can come home to the place where your heart will once again be at peace with God. Pastor Max Lucado said, The difference between mercy and grace is that mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance, while grace gave him a feast.

Would you like to once again feast on the goodness and faithfulness of God? It is available to any wayward son or daughter who comes to their senses and returns home to the heart of the Father. Perhaps you are a great distance from the Lord today. Come near to God and He will come near to you (James 4:8). The closer you walk with Christ, the greater the contentment in your heart.

You can confess your sins to the Lord right now and begin praising Him for His goodness, mercy, grace and faithfulness. The choice is up to you.

What would you like to experience in your heart and mind? Restlessness, or peace? Overwhelming anxiety, or the joy of the Lord? If you have been allowing your mind to drift and waver lately, you will be pleasantly surprised when you once again begin to focus your attention upon the unwavering goodness and faithfulness of God.
Kate Bottley on what faith means to her

Priest and broadcaster Kate Bottley has said she believes that faith is not "one size fits all" and that it looks like "different things to different people".

She was speaking at St Paul's Cathedral on the topic of what faith means to her, inspired by her book, Have a Little Faith: Life Lessons on Love, Death and How Lasagne Always Helps.

Rev Bottley shared her journey into faith, describing it initially as a "coat in my wardrobe that I didn't really wear often".

"It felt like I stepped into my faith, like it was something that was always there in the background that I'd never really tried and worn out," she said.

She continued: "I think for lots of people faith is just something that is there in the background but not something that they perhaps wear out very often."

She also recalled struggling with the feeling that she was not "holy enough" a lot of the time in church.

"I didn't feel clever enough or spiritual enough," she said.

Despite these doubts, she has risen to become the presenter of Good Morning Sunday on BBC Radio 2 and a regular on BBC1's Songs of Praise.

Her talk was organised by the St Paul's Adult Learning Department which runs events throughout the year exploring the challenges and joys of Christian life today. Dr Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor at St Paul's Cathedral, chaired the talk and opened the floor for questions.

When asked about her coping strategy for times of disbelief, Rev Bottley's advice was to engage with the church community.

"I find other people's words helpful. That's what it is to be a community of faith. If you can't believe it today, then perhaps somebody else can believe it for you," she said

She stressed the importance of staying connected, stating that being human is to be "connected to the self, connected with other humans and to be connected to something bigger than themselves".

Asked about her thoughts on sin, she responded that all fall short, including herself but that God still continues to love us.

"I don't believe in a vengeful God, I believe in a loving God that loves us so much," she said.

She continued: "I also believe I shouldn't worry too much about what happens next. My job is to serve and to love my neighbour as I love myself, which means you have to love yourself."
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The ban on TikTok in the US has been in the process of becoming law for a while now, and while the initial bill ground to a halt in the Senate, the revised version is moving at a much faster speed and is on its way to banning TikTok for good.

Senate Passes the TikTok Ban Bill

The revised version, which was part of a package of foreign aid legislation, is on its way to the President of the United States to be signed. Once that's done, ByteDance will have no other choice but to divest or have the app banned in the US.

The "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," saw a 79-18 vote in the Senate, and it was quick to be approved by the US House of Representatives as well. While there is one final hurdle to go through, the bill is all but passed into law.

US President Joe Biden already said that he would sign the bill, as mentioned in Enagdget, even before the first version was even passed to the Senate. That means that the Senate's rejection of the bill was TikTok's last real chance.

In the new bill, ByteDance will have up to 12 months to divest with TikTok, which was previously only six months. Several legislators were unconvinced that it was not enough time for a smooth process, but the extension swayed a couple of votes who were previously against the ban.

The TikTok parent company said that the bill was unconstitutional and that it was in violation of the First Amendment. With that said, ByteDance intends to challenge the bill legally, which could delay the ban even after the US President approves it.

It's unclear how the divestiture would work, particularly how the US business of TikTok would be separated from the rest of the global operation. Still, ByteDance and the approved buyers would have it out as the alternative is not having access to TikTok at all.

Read Also : US House Passes Revised US TikTok Ban Bill

Why It's Being Banned

With the growing tension between China and the US, both continue to be cautious about the potential national security risks dealt by the other, and TikTok is caught in the mess. US government officials believe that TikTok's US user data is being collected by the Chinese government.

On top of that, China is also being accused of spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories through the social media platform. ByteDance has denied these claims countless times, but the accusations persist and are the main grounds for the ban bill.

It didn't help that back in 2022, ByteDance employees accessed the data of two US journalists in an attempt to track down their sources. The employees involved in the unauthorized access have already been fired or resigned, according to The Guardian.

Reports say that the employees accessed data such as IP addresses to determine if they were in the same location as the employees suspected of leaking information. What's worse is that TikTok previously said that it could not monitor US users that way when the report first surfaced.
What is a CTO?

The chief technology officer (CTO) is the senior executive who focuses on the technological requirements, opportunities, and challenges within an organization. The CTO role has emerged as a key player in the enterprise C-suite, especially with digital transformation being such a high strategic priority for so many organizations.

What does a CTO do?

These executives, in many cases working in collaboration with CIOs, are oftentimes at the forefront of innovative technology products and services. And they can help steer their organizations toward greater efficiencies and better performance by adopting these tools.

As such, CTOs are among the most important hires organizations are making today, and it can be challenging finding the right person who possesses all the right skills.
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The Media Trust

TikTok has launched an initiative that will give over 100 charities the chance to receive three weeks of free training on how to use the platform.

In partnership with Media Trust, the training will focus on how charities can use TikTok for fundraising, advocacy and driving positive change.

The TikTok Charity Academy will run from 1 to 19 July and is open to applications from today, with the deadline to enter on 21 May.

Media Trust will host online sessions where charities will learn practical content creation strategies, engagement techniques and best practice for maximising their presence on the app.

Registered charities based in the UK are eligible to apply. They must have buy-in from senior management for the charity to be active on TikTok and resources to implement its presence on the app.

TikTok said that if the programme is oversubscribed, it will prioritise allocating 25 places for user-led organisations.

Media Trust: We want charities to become influential voices on TikTok

Su-Mei Thompson, chief executive of Media Trust, said: We want charities to become influential voices on TikTok, using the platform to create better outcomes for both people and the planet.

TikTok is a unique space where we see younger audiences engaging in the most pressing societal conversations.

Thats why Media Trust, in partnership with TikTok, will launch the TikTok Charity Academy, equipping charities to create authentic, positive and impactful content.

And using the platform to combat harmful misinformation and amplify the voices of marginalised communities.

Olenka Hodge, social impact lead at TikTok EMEA, said: Its a pleasure to be working in collaboration with Media Trust on the TikTok Charity Academy, an initiative that aims to support and empower charities to use TikTok to drive positive change.

Every single day over one billion people come together on TikTok to share their voice, discover communities and learn something new.

Through this programme we hope that charities across the UK will be able to reach and educate new audiences with their invaluable work.

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The Charity Commissions outgoing chief executive Helen Stephenson has said that sector leaders are coming under disproportionately intense, unpleasant, and sometimes unfair personal scrutiny in a speech today.

Speaking at Civil Society Medias Trustee Exchange , Helen Stephenson warned that public debate on social issues in the UK has become too charged, polarised, and often simply nasty.

Stephenson said that while charity leaders should be critiqued for their decisions, she was worried that unrelenting scrutiny was putting people off taking sector leadership roles.

Reflecting on her seven years as CEO, a position she is set to leave in July , Stephenson said expectations of what the regulator can do had become increasingly unrealistic.

She said the Commission would have to work hard to clarify and explain its limitations after her departure.

On trial, just for doing their job

Stephenson voiced concern that charity leaders are facing disproportionately intense, unpleasant, and sometimes unfair personal scrutiny  often from both within their charities, and externally.

She said that while people may want to raise concerns and complaints via mainstream or social media, she was worried that what charity leaders face can stretch beyond legitimate scrutiny.

I am now concerned that potential candidates may be put off taking on leadership of charities because they are not prepared to bear their lives to the harsh light of unrelenting scrutiny, she said.

Leading a large charity is never going to be easy. It involves overseeing complex, sensitive work supporting the most disadvantaged people in our society or operating in challenging environments around the world.

But what is putting people off is not the work, responsibility or the relatively modest pay. Its the sense that they are on trial, just for doing their job.

Expectation creep

Stephenson said she was also apprehensive about the Commissions resources relative to the size of the charity sector, and growing expectations as to the nature and extent of our oversight.

Over recent years, we have experienced what you might term expectation creep, she said.

Growing expectations that we serve not just as regulator, but as a charity ombudsman, able to offer some kind of remedy for those who feel that they have not had the service from a charity that they might have expected.

Or as an inspectorate that visits every charity on a regular basis, auditing its processes and impact.

Neither of these expectations is realistic or manageable under the current framework, and this worries me.

Over coming years, the Commission is going to have to work hard to explain its role  what it can do, and what it cant and wont.

Former Commission deputy CEO David Holdsworth is set to take over from Stephenson in July.

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Some fans of girl group NewJeans staged a protest outside the building of K-pop giant HYBE in Seoul on Wednesday, deploying a "protest truck" to voice their grievances against the chief of its sub-label in an escalating conflict with the parent company.

"Min Hee-jin should no longer use NewJeans and its family," blared an electronic billboard mounted on the truck sent by the members of Bunnies, the group's fandom. Min is the CEO of Ador.

Other messages repeatedly flashed included, "Min immediately stop disparaging other artists" and "Bunnies support NewJeans under HYBE."

Min has been locking horns with HYBE, claiming that ILLIT, a new girl group launched by another sub-label of HYBE last month, copied NewJeans, a product of her label's creativity.

She raised the issue once again in a statement released Monday after HYBE launched an audit into her and her aides over their alleged attempt to seize management control of their company. She has denied the allegations.

NewJeans is scheduled to drop a new single titled "How Sweet" on May 24. (Yonhap)
Shutterstock

The government has been urged to intervene as new research shows that payroll giving has declined by 7% year-on-year in the UK.

A report by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) shows that the total amount donated to charities via its Give As You Earn scheme fell from 137m in 2021 to 128m in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available.

The latest figures reveal that the number of employees using the salary sacrifice scheme has fallen by 13% since 2020 to 516,000, which is nearly 2% of the 30 million potentially eligible workers on PAYE in the UK.

CAF found that fewer employers are now offering payroll giving to their staff  around 4,000 out of more than 45,000 in the UK who could do so.

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) and CAF both said the decline in payroll giving was concerning and called on the government to help encourage more donations.

Concerning decline

CIoF director of policy and communications Claire Stanley said: Payroll giving is such a valuable form of fundraising for our members, so its concerning to see it is not being utilised the way it could be.

For those who are able to give, its tax-free so is even more relevant during tougher economic times.

We are calling on the government  both current and next  to further enhance and promote incentives around payroll giving, highlighting the benefits of the scheme to employers and employees alike.

Businesses can work with professional fundraising organisations or charity partners for support  who will handle the necessary documentation if payroll giving is promoted through initiatives like themed campaigns  and they could also offer to provide match funding opportunities for added motivation.

It is a simple yet effective scheme that can hugely benefit charities with vital regular monthly incomes, allowing them to plan ahead with the funds they know are coming.

Lack of public awareness

CAF also found 59% of people had not heard of payroll giving, which it said pointed to a need to increase knowledge and understanding among the general public.

Chief executive Neil Heslop said: Its concerning that the number of employers and employees taking advantage of this valuable benefit is declining.

Payroll giving provides an incredibly powerful platform for companies to support their giving in the workplace and can be a lifeline for charities at a time when their incomes are squeezed.

Thats why we would like to see a renewed and joined-up focus on promoting payroll giving from providers, employers and the government.

For individuals who can afford to give, its a simple way to donate regularly or even on an ad-hoc basis to causes that matter to you.

Government: We strongly support payroll giving

A government spokesperson said: Charities are a vital part of our society, and the government continues to support them and their donors, including through the 1.6bn in gift aid paid to charities in the tax year ending 2023.

We are currently working across government to further unlock the potential of philanthropy in the UK and celebrate those who give back to their communities.

We strongly support payroll giving and are working closely with the Association of Payroll Giving Organisations to champion its National Payroll Giving awards, celebrating organisations dedicated to tax-free giving.

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A refugee charity leader has said her organisations campaigning against the governments scheme to send refugees to Rwanda has made it a target.

Sonya Sceats, chief executive of Freedom from Torture, told an event yesterday that the charity has enemies because of the high profile and really effective campaigning work that we have been doing, including our Stop the Flights campaign.

Sceats said Freedom from Torture is currently staying away from writing for politically partisan media publications because the Rwanda policy is central to the upcoming general election.

Freedom from Torture was one of 251 organisations that wrote to prime ministe r Rishi Sunak this week after his Rwanda bill finally passed through the House of Lords.

We are not telling people how to vote

Freedom from Tortures Stop the Flights campaign won the Overall Award for Excellence at the Charity Awards last year after it convinced four airlines to rule themselves out of the governments scheme to deport refugees to Rwanda.

It recently relaunched the campaign to call on AirTanker to refuse to take part in the scheme.

Sceats told the webinar hosted by law firm Russell-Cooke that the charity has been extremely sensitive to the risk of its campaigning being perceived as party political.

On some particular sub-issues, there is only one party, the Conservative party, that is taking a stance that were opposed to, she said.

Im thinking in particular of the Rwanda scheme, which is opposed by all of the other major political parties.

Sceats said the charity is at risk of indirectly sending a signal to voters about how to cast their votes in the upcoming general election.

We are not telling people how to vote and weve got no interest in doing so, she said.

And were taking particular care to avoid anything that could be seen as signalling to people about how they should be behaving in the ballot box.

Fear around campaigning rules

Despite the risks of running the charitys Stop the Flights campaign, Sceats said not running it would pose risks to the charity as well.

She said: Theres reputational risk for us as well, if we just suddenly go silent at a time when the rights of refugees in this country have never been under a stronger political attack. So there were risks either way.

Freedom from Tortures campaigns team has trained its staff on best practice when campaigning, with a strapline of dont be scared, be prepared.

Dont stop doing what were here to do, just because there is an abundance of fear about being caught by the electoral rules, she said.

The charity took legal advice on the issues that it thought may put it at risk of conflict with the Electoral Commission, Sceats said.

Sceats told attendees that at Freedom from Torture staff avoided discussing partisan politics altogether.

Just dont talk about voting. Dont even allude to voting. Dont say things about there being a new dawn coming or a chance to have your say on this at the ballot box, she said.

We are staying well away from anything like that. Were being scrupulously careful to avoid talking about any partisan views when responding to political developments.

Caution in engaging with MPs once election is called

Clare Laxton, a communications and influencing consultant for the charity sector, also spoke at the event and urged charities not to be frightened to campaign on issues that further their charitable purpose in the election period.

The general election is such a great opportunity for campaigning and for change and for your supporters and campaigners to see that you are continuing to talk about things that they care about, she said.

However, Laxton encouraged caution in engaging with local MPs once the election is called.

During an election campaign, there is no local MP, theres only parliamentary candidates, she said.

So, while you know a local service or charity shop might have a great relationship with their local MP, its so important for them to know, actually, for that period of the campaign, they are a candidate.

This means that by engaging with them regularly or giving them a platform, the charity could risk endorsing the political candidate or their political party, she warned.

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Last week, the congressional spotlight fell on Minouche Shafik, the president of Columbia University, who followed the acts of Claudine Gay (formerly Harvards president) and Elizabeth Magill (formerly Penns). Gay and Magill were asked to speak in December to a House committee about their schools climates since October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel and Israel launched a siege on Gaza; both presidents tenures unraveled shortly after. Shafik, who had other plans the day of their testimony, was now called back to the stage. Do you want Columbia to be cursed by God? Rick Allen, a Republican of Georgia, asked her. Definitely not, she replied. Back on campus, hundreds of students convened on a section of lawn; since the scholarly hour of 4am they had been pitching tents, constructing a Gaza Solidarity Encampment.

The next day, Shafik summoned the higher power of the New York Police Department, which conducted a sweep, arresting more than a hundred protesters. (The students that were arrested were peaceful, offered no resistance whatsoever, and were saying what they wanted to say in a peaceful manner, John Chell, the NYPD chief of patrol, told reporters.) The gates were mostly closed, a security measure imposed by the universitys department of public safety; some members of the press found themselves locked out. As the action swelled, the Columbia Daily Spectator, the campus newspaper, was positioned to be the main source of information about events that soon reverberated across the world.

The Specs editor in chief, Isabella Ramirez, who is twenty, and managing editor, Esha Karam, twenty-one, steered the reporting. We were really trying to cover as much as we possibly could, Karam told me. They sprinted to DC, for the hearing, then back to New York, maneuvering their way through crowds on campus and off, where the Spectatoran independent publicationhas an office on the fourth floor of Riverside Church. Classes were a maybe, though concern for that dimmed somewhat thanks to a wee-hours-of-Monday email from Shafik announcing that all classes would be held virtually. Ramirez and Karam spoke to mea former Speccie, now a fellow member of Columbias independent journalism scenelater on Monday, when they found a moment to catch their breath. Then it was back to work and wee-hour emails. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.



BM: Has anyone been making it to class?

IR: Umm sure we are, yeah.

EK: Actually, I did today. It was nice that they were on Zoom so I could be working on a couple things.

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IR: I did not go to class, but not necessarily of my own volition. My Spanish professor canceled my class the day before we received a surprise 1:15am email from Minouche Shafik. I have other professors I havent heard much from. I think the implication is: Were not hosting class at this time. I dont quite know every single professors reasons.

Getting any sleep?

IR: These past few days weve been running close to a twenty-four-hour scheduleas close as I could possibly imagine. It truly started, I would argue, on Tuesday. We had our regular production night from 6 to 12. We were running a lot on the hearing, in preparation, with a lot of preview stories, and just doing a lot of prep for a trip to DC. Production ended at 12, and almost immediately after, we headed to the station. We took a 1am bus with our university news editors; a photographer and a reporter were taking a train a little bit later on. That same time that we were on the bus we were running some stories that spilled over into the middle of the night. We had already received knowledge about a significant demonstration. The details of it were still very, very under wraps. But we had received some information more than a week in advance, so we were quote-unquote prepared when we got on this bus, and a team in New York was keeping their eye out for something. We ended up breaking that storyI believe it published around 5amthat suddenly there was this massive setup on the lawn.

We took what we could in terms of naps. But we soon arrived in DC, around 6 or 7am. At Union Station, we were finally able to get breakfast and change into our suits. We got ready very high schoolstyle, in the train station bathroom, putting our makeup on.

Eventually we set up in the Rayburn Building, where the hearing was being held. Our reporter and photographer who had taken the train met up with us, and from there we were running live updates all day on the hearing. At the same time, of course, back in New York City we were trying to keep up with the encampment and protest activitya humongous juggling act.

We returned, same day, to New York City from DC. I believe we got to New York past midnight, so it was almost, at that point, more than twenty-four hours awake, doing work. And then we had to go to bed. We wake up the next morning, and that day is Thursday, which is the day Shafik authorized the New York Police Department to sweep the encampment. So many peoplereporters, writers; young students, of coursewere up for ungodly amounts of time.

Thats a lot.

IR: It is, especially because other journalists have had a very challenging time getting onto the Columbia campus at the moment. Theres been some movement from the administration and the Journalism School to assist press into getting on campusbecause of course that is an incredibly important right. But ultimately weve had the biggest access. So were currently thinking through how to juggle that while we need to take care of ourselves. How do we maintain this student-journalist dual identity that we have?

EK: We also have been covering this for many, many months, right? Weve been talking to these studentsthe same students who are now receiving this national attention. So we have uniquely developed relationships with these students and sources in a way that has allowed us, I think, to report with a greater level of nuance.

Have you all felt safe while reporting? Have you had any run-ins with school security or police officers?

EK: Weve felt relatively safe. We have had to make makeshift press badges for our staff. And we make sure that whoevers on the ground is staying in pairs. I think there was one incident the other night when there was a large police presence, and I believe our reporters at some point felt a little bit unsafe when they were on the ground at a particular protest. But for the large part, I think weve felt comfortable reporting.

IR: Weve been reporting on this since October 7. Weve learned a lot about how to safely cover protestshow to avoid confrontations with sources or with people that weve attempted to speak to. It is definitely scary, despite the safety measuresespecially for journalists on staff for whom this might be their first introduction to journalism. Thats an incredibly intimidating and scary thing.

We often emphasize: Make sure you have very visible markers, make sure that youre with other people, that we always have your phone number, your ringer is on; make it easy for us to contact you and text us your updates. Reporters are often sending us videos and photos so that were up to date; if were not physically there, at least we know what theyre seeing, and maybe can give advice on the spot. We tell them to be continuously cautious of their surroundings.

How has it been just getting around the campus, getting back and forth from your dorms to the office, getting pizza?

EK: We havent had that many problems getting around. The university has limited what exits and entrances are open at a given time. It is, I would say, an inconvenienceyou dont know which entrances are open at what time, and they close entrances when they need to, or when protests are happening, particularly outside of campus. Over the weekend, we were sort of stationed in one of the libraries on campus.

IR: We have Columbia IDs. We can just swipe in. Which I think is a really huge advantage for us.

How has production of the paper gone?

IR: We typically run on a biweekly schedule, although this semester weve actually been closer to weekly. So we already had plans for a print edition slated for last week. We typically do our print nightsthats what we call themon Wednesdays, and then on Thursdays it gets sent to print. We usually receive it on Thursdays, and then its distributed on Fridays. However, in anticipation of the hearing we had actually pushed our print night from Wednesday to Thursday. When the sweep happened, on Thursday, we knew it had to go innot just for the importance to our community but also for the archive.

For us, this print edition was maybe one of the best examples of how print has remained relevant for our student publication and for our community. We ran that print night on Thursday; we got it delivered to us on Friday afternoon, and that Friday afternoon we started distributing it on campus. We went and we distributed it on the lawns. We distributed it at the protests.

How many people are at work covering the news on campus now?

EK: Upwards of fifty: Our copyediting team. Our news teams. Weve also had some arts and culture writers pitch in. Of course, our photography team. Our videography team. Our audio-journalism team.

IR: We have our engagement team, which has been working overtime to post every single thing on our social media platforms. We typically post on X, Facebook, Linkedinevery single story. With Instagram thats usually not the case, but we shifted that because of how much we saw people were looking to Instagram to receive their news. Our Instagram page has ballooned.

How is traffic on the Spectator site?

IR: Pretty crazywhich is, honestly, really great to see. I think over the past seven days it was over four hundred thousand page views. Somewhere between that and half a million page views in just the past seven or fewer days. I think when I first joined Spectator, we got two to three million page views a year.

What has the response been like from readers?

EK: Weve heard, umm a wide variety of responses. We have heard both negative and positive feedback. We try to encourage our writers and reporters to stay off social media as much as possible.

IR: People should really know that we are in a constant state of learningwhich I believe all journalists are at all times. But especially for us, as students. Although weve been covering this story line since October 7, we are not experts on the Middle East or global affairs. So this is certainly an introduction, in the sense that Columbias campus has become a sort of proxy for these issues, or a place in which these issues arise.

Were considering our role as journalists; how were different, of course, from the activists on campus and other people who are contributing in important ways to the campus discourse. Were always evaluating: What is our specific role as journalists? How do we maintain objectivity? Being a Spec reporter is being an arbiter of the truth on our campus, as much as we can. Its a really interesting dynamic that we have with our community, where were simultaneously embedded in the community, but were alsoas a play on our namespectators to a lot of it. We maintain a certain level of intimacy and distance that is really interesting to navigate.

Some of you have friends, roommates, classmates, professors who are grading your papers who are in the mix here. Have you talked as a staff about your own relationships to the story and your relationships to people involved in the story?

EK: I think every newsroom in this moment is facing the challenges of objectivity and maintaining that in coverage. As students, were reporting on everything thats been going on as weve experienced it. Its hard when its so emotionally charged on campus, and we all have personal relationships that are affected by this coverage. Weve really just tried to put our reporters first and listen to their needs. Give them the space to process. Weve emphasized that reporting is a way that we help our community.

IR: Weve also tried to offer ourselves more and more as a resource, in terms of Spectator as a community space. Which I think is really crucial, especially because were independent. We have a space outside of campus that people can come to and reflect and speak.

I definitely have friends involved in many different aspects of the story. We have a policy: you dont interview your friends and your professors. But my friends and my professors are the people I speak to all the timeoff the record or on background, in a way. We get into conversations that do inform my reporting, because Im hearing a very specific perspective that I otherwise wouldnt have access to. Im not interviewing them. But were in a community and listening to people that are close to us, and were able to represent and tap into our set of relationships.

Has anyone not wanted to talk with the Spectator?

EK: Some people have wanted to be anonymous, or not fully on the record, because of concerns of doxxing or harassment. But I think one thing that has helped us on that front has been our continued relationships with our sources. Weve been talking to these students since October 7.

What about Minouche Shafik?

EK: Weve been trying to, honestlythis whole semester, last semester. Weve requested to sit down with her and have had no luck so far.

IR: Even prior to the hearing, we were like, Lets set something up, lets catch you. Weve been chasing you for a while. I mean, if Claudine Gay could speak to the Harvard Crimson two days after her hearing, that felt like a pretty good reason to bring our president to the table, too. She was very adamantor, I dont know, maybe the team surrounding herthat she not speak to the press prior to the hearing. So we were like, Okay, after the hearing, thats a perfect time, right? There wasnt a very clear answer. And then the next day came the authorization of the New York Police Department.

Its been really hard. Esha and I were among the first students to meet her, when she was announced as president. It was one of the first assignments that we had together, actually, covering her coming into the presidency. And then we spoke to her for a casual, fun interview on the day of move-in for freshmen. That was the last time we talked to her. (I also covered her inaugurationwhich was October 4. So, three days before October 7.) Since then, weve been in pretty close touch with the communications office. The line of dialogue between the administration and the student newspaper is an incredibly important one. We dont know what the future holds.

What is the outside media getting wrong?

EK: Columbia has restricted access inside of its campus to Columbia ID-holders. And there have been protests outside of the gates that have brought many people from across the city to Columbias campus. I think the distinction is not always so clear in the national reporting that Ive seen, what the difference is between the outside versus the inside.

IR: It is so crucial to avoid overgeneralizationsthe temptation to say that this one particular incident reflects either group involved. If youre only coming in during these times, youve seen a very different campus than Esha or I have seen. We know a Columbia before this. We may know a Columbia after this.



Other notable stories:

In other news about student journalism, the Kansas Reflector spoke with high school reporters in Lawrence who successfully fought for their school district to remove student journalists from a surveillance program ostensibly aimed at monitoring students for signs of mental-health crises, drug use, and other problems; the reporters are now fighting for other students privacy rights. Elsewhere, The Oaklandside reports on the controversy that ensued after a student paper serving a community college district in California published reporting that derailed a multimillion-dollar campus security contract. And dozens of students in New York gathered at City Hall last week to press local officials to expand their support for journalism programs and student newspapers in public high schools, most of which lack such infrastructure. City Limits has more details.

Yesterday, David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, continued to testify in Donald Trumps hush money trial in New York, outlining in detail how the tabloid worked with Trump and his associates to catch and kill embarrassing stories about Trump and promote stories attacking his rivals in the run-up to the presidential election; at one point, Pecker said, the Enquirer paid off a man looking to sell a story about Trump fathering a child out of wedlock even though the tabloid believed the story to be false. (Pecker will continue testifying tomorrow.) Meanwhile, prosecutors argued that Trump should be held in contempt for violating the terms of a gag order, including in comments to the media outside court. The judge did not rule, but did scold Trumps lawyer.

KQED, a public radio station in the Bay Area, is offering buyouts to some staffers in a bid to reduce costs, and could implement layoffs or a hiring freeze if the plan doesnt work; SFGate has more details. In other media business news, Rhode Islands attorney general approved a merger between The Publics Radio, a station formerly known as Rhode Island Public Radio, and the states PBS affiliate after checking its compliance with a state law regulating the commercialization of public broadcasting; the Rhode Island Current has more. And CNNs Oliver Darcy reports that Scripps News has been hoovering up talent from Vice after the latter company cuts swaths of its news division.

And for CJR, Laura Kukkonen dissects a controversy in Finland, where Matti Kuusela, a veteran reporter for the newspaper Aamulehti, wrote an autobiography in which he acknowledgedalmost in passingthat as a reporter, he had created details out of whole cloth, or made it look like he had interviewed people he hadnt. In response, Aamulehti removed most of his work from its website. Everyone would like me to say that I regret tremendously telling the truth in the book, he said. But its not who I am.

New from CJR: AIs Most Pressing Ethics Problem

Correction: This article has been corrected to identify the state that Rick Allen represents in Congress.

Betsy Morais is the managing editor of CJR.
Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter.

Recent New York Times investigative reporting has shed new light on the ethics of developing artificial intelligence systems at OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Meta. It revealed that in creating the latest generative AI, companies changed their own privacy policies and considered flouting copyright law in order to ingest the trillions of words available on the internet.

More important, the reporting reiterated claims from current industry leaders, like Sam AltmanOpenAIs notorious CEOthat the main problem facing the development of more advanced AI is that these systems will soon run out of available data to devour. Thus, the largest AI companies in the world are increasingly turning to synthetic data, or information generated by AI itself, rather than humans, to continue to train their systems.

As a tech policy expert, I believe the use of synthetic data presents one of the greatest ethical issues with the future of AI. Using it to train new AI only compounds the problems of bias from the past. And, coupled with generative AIs tendency to create false information, the use of synthetic data has the potential for AI to devolve into its own dangerous feedback loop.

AI is only as good as the data that it is trained on. Or, as the computer science saying goes: garbage in, garbage out. Years before the release of ChatGPT, groundbreaking internet studies scholar and endowed professor Safiya Noble argued that early search algorithms displayed bias based on data discrimination that produced racist and sexist results. And AI policy pioneer and civil rights lawyer Rashida Richardson wrote that based on historical practices of segregation and discrimination, the training databases available to early predictive AI systems were often full of dirty data or information that is inaccurate, skewed, or systemically biased.

Computer scientist and AI researcher Timnit Gebru warned that the racist and misogynistic views prevalent on the internet were overrepresented in the training data of early AI language models. She predicted that by encoding bias, generative AI would be set up to further amplify biases and harms. While Gebru was ousted from Google for her research, it proved to be prescient as more powerful generative AI was soon unleashed into the world in 2022.

Last month, one year after the release of Copilot Designer, Microsofts AI image generator, an engineer named Shane Jones confirmed that Noble, Richardson, and Gebrus foresight had become fact and urged the company to remove the product from public use. Jones said that while testing the AI system, he found that without much prompting, he was easily able to generate volumes of racist, misogynistic, and violent content. He also said the ease of creating these images gave him insight into what the training dataset probably was.

Not only are AI systems consuming and replicating biasAI that is trained on biased data has a tendency to hallucinate, or generate incomplete or wholly inaccurate information. Recently, AI chatbots have created nonexistent court cases to cite as legal precedent and developed fake academic citations including authors, dates, and journal names for research. AI chatbots have also encouraged business owners to break the law and offered fictitious discounts to airline customers. These hallucinations are so widespread that the Washington Post observed that they have come to seem more like a feature than a bug.

Its clear that current generative AI systems have shown that based on their original training data, their output is to replicate bias and create false information. The pathway of training new systems with synthetic data would mean constantly feeding biased and inaccurate outputs back into the system as new training data. Without intervention, this cycle ensures that the system will only double down on its own biases and inaccuracies. One only needs to look at the echo chamber of hate speech and misinformation created by less intelligent social media technology to understand where such an infinite loop can lead.

I believe that, now more than ever, its time for people to organize and demand that AI companies pause their advance toward deploying more powerful systems and work to fix the technologys current failures. While it may seem like a far-fetched idea, in February, Google decided to suspend its AI chatbot after it was enveloped in a public scandal. And just last month, in the wake of reporting about a rise in scams using the cloned voices of loved ones to solicit ransom, OpenAI announced it would not be releasing its new AI voice generator, citing its potential for synthetic voice misuse.

But I believe that society cant just rely on the promises of American tech companies that have a history of putting profits and power above people. Thats why I argue that Congress needs to create an agency to regulate the industry. In the realm of AI, this agency should address potential harms by prohibiting the use of synthetic data and by requiring companies to audit and clean the original training data being used by their systems.

AI is now an omnipresent part of our lives. If we pause to fix the mistakes of the past and create new ethical guidelines and guardrails, it doesnt have to become an existential threat to our future.

Anika Collier Navaroli is a senior fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University and a Public Voices Fellow on technology in the public interest with the OpEd Project. She previously held senior policy positions at Twitter and Twitch.
The US Federal Trade Commission voted Tuesday to adopt a near-total ban on non-compete provisions that prohibit workers from switching jobs within an industry, a rule the Chamber of Commerce vowed to immediately challenge in court.

The high-stakes legal showdown comes three years after President Joseph Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FTC to limit non-compete agreements, which affect roughly one in five Americans.

Robbing people of their economic liberty also robs them of all sorts of other freedoms, Chair Lina Khan said Tuesday. Arguing that the FTC lacks rulemaking authority requires ignoring the most straightforward reading of the law.

We need to be honoring what courts have said over what courts in the future might say, she added.

The antitrust and consumer protection agency voted 3-2 to issue a final rule Tuesday after a nearly hour-long debate in an open meeting of the FTCs five commissioners. The proposal would ban most new non-compete agreements including those of senior executives.

Existing non-competes for executives who earn more than $151,164 a year in a policy making position can remain in place.

Existing non-competes with lower-level workers would become unenforceable after the rule goes into effect in six months. The agency estimated that it would increase US earnings by at least $400 billion over the next 10 years. The rule wouldnt apply to employees of not-for-profit entities or franchises.

The Chamber of Commerce, the nations largest business lobby, earlier told reporters it plans to sue over the rule as soon as Wednesday.

Union Backing

The FTC first proposed a non-compete ban in January 2023, arguing the restrictions unfairly block workers from switching jobs and undermine labor competition. The proposal has the backing of labor organizations AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union, Democratic senators and attorneys general from California, Illinois and 17 other states. Of the 26,000 public comments the FTC received about the proposal, the agency said that 25,000 of them were in support of a ban.

But business groups oppose the ban, arguing that its overly broad and limits the ability of companies to protect confidential information.

Tuesdays vote fell along partisan lines with the FTCs three Democrats in favor and the agencys Republicans opposed. Melissa Holyoak, the former solicitor general of Utah who joined the agency last month, said she was opposed to the rule because there was no clear congressional authorization for the FTC to issue it. Republican Andrew Ferguson also voted against the rule, saying he was sympathetic to the policy in the rule but doesnt believe courts will uphold the FTCs rulemaking authority.

The administrative state cannot legislate because Congress declines to do so, Ferguson said.

In a call with reporters Monday, the Chambers Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley said the FTC doesnt have the authority to issue the rule.

Micromanaging Economy

The rule opens up a Pandoras box where this commission or future commissions could be literally micromanaging every aspect of the economy, Bradley said. Agencies cant exercise authority that Congress hasnt given them. Congress has not given the FTC the ability to write regulations with respect to competition.

The agencys Democrats, however, maintain that the FTC does have authority to issue rules defining unfair methods of competition. The final rule also rejected the idea that the agency doesnt have the authority to issue the rule because it represents a major question, citing a 1973 case that upheld the agencys rulemaking authority.

The Supreme Courts conservative majority has shown deep skepticism toward what it views as agency overreach. In a 2022 case involving efforts to stifle greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, a sharply divided court said regulators must have clear congressional authorization before acting on major questions.

The last time the FTC issued a standalone rule defining an unfair method of competition was in 1968, known as the Men and Boys Tailored Clothing Rule. The rule, repealed in 1994, required clothing companies to provide equal treatment in promotions to all sellers. The agency has issued dozens of other rules that rely both on its unfair methods of competition authority and its ability to define unfair or deceptive practices.

The FTC has some good arguments on why this isnt a major question but a topic that fits comfortably in its authority, said Sandeep Vaheesan, a lawyer with advocacy group Open Markets Institute who filed the initial petition for a non-compete ban in 2019. If this isnt a restraint of trade, what is?

Top photo: Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, July 13, 2023. Khan is set for a grilling by House Republicans whove been sharply critical of her approach to antitrust and are sure to raise what they say are management missteps and ethical issues.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
UnitedHealth Group Inc. found files containing private information on a vast number of Americans whose data may have been compromised in a February cyberattack that upended the US health system.

A sample of the breached files found they contain personal information, including health data, that could cover a substantial proportion of people in America, according to a statement on the companys website Monday.

The disclosure suggests the attack could be one of the largest health-care data breaches on record. Before the hack, Change Healthcare said it processed $2 trillion in health claims and handled 15 billion transactions per year. The disclosure is likely to add to pressure on the company from Washington to explain what led to the hack and how the company responded.

Two months after the attack on the companys Change Healthcare unit came to light, the health-care system is still dealing with the repercussions. Among the many unanswered questions is how many peoples private data may have been exposed.

Tallying the privacy impacts may take months, UnitedHealth said. The company has not yet found evidence that doctors charts or full medical histories were exposed. It set up a website and call center to assist people with credit monitoring.

Companies typically have 60 days to report data breaches to the Department of Health and Human Services under health privacy rules. The agency opened an investigation into the incident last month.

Late last week, the HHS office that oversees data breach reporting said it hadnt received notice from UnitedHealth, Change Healthcare, or other affected entities, according to its website.

Ransom Paid

Earlier Monday, the company said it paid a ransom in the attack as part of the companys commitment to do all it could to protect patient data from disclosure, a company spokesperson said in an email. UnitedHealth declined to provide more details.

UnitedHealth said last week that the attack could reduce its earnings by as much as $1.6 billion this year, though most of that is one-time costs excluded from adjusted results.

The hackers breached Change Healthcares systems more than a week before they were detected, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing a person familiar with the investigation. They gained access through compromised credentials that didnt have multi-factor authentication checks designed to thwart attackers, the paper said.

UnitedHealth declined to comment to Bloomberg on the report.

Some doctors and hospitals say theyre still facing cash-flow interruptions weeks after UnitedHealth started bringing downed systems back online. Chief Executive Officer Andrew Witty is expected to testify before Congress next week about the attack.

Wired reported last month that a hacking group involved in the attack got a $22 million bitcoin payment on March 1. UnitedHealth previously declined to comment on the ransom payment.

Top photo: The UnitedHealth website on a laptop arranged in New York, US, on Friday, July 7, 2023. UnitedHealth Group Inc. is scheduled to release earnings figures on July 14.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
COLLIER COUNTY, Florida  A man who discovered a neighbor being dragged by an alligator toward a pond used his vehicle to run over the alligator, forcing it to release its victim, reports say.

Walter Rudder tells WDAM Channel 7 that the victim, Rick Fingeret, begged him to run over the 11-foot alligator, which had Fingeret by the leg. The alligator attacked Fingeret as he was walking his two dogs, reports say.

I was driving back to our house when I saw someone laying on the ground, waving his arm, Rudder tells WINK. I drove over and did not realize that an alligator had bitten him on the leg and had his leg in its mouth.

Rudder tells WINK he backed his car out and ran over the alligator. The alligator let go of Fingeret and ran back into the nearby pond.

Fingeret tells WINK he hit the alligator on the head several times but it would not let go until Rudder intervened. Fingeret currently is recovering in a hospital and his two dogs, both labradors, were not harmed, WDAM reports.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission captured the alligator and relocated it to another area, WDAM reports.
DELAWARE, Ohio  An member of the Ohio National Guard has been arrested and jail on multiple counts of rape and other charges.

Delaware County Common Pleas Court records show Steven Vicario, 39, of Delaware, is charged with three counts of rape, one count of gross sexual imposition and one count of tampering with evidence. All are felonies. Records show he is being held in the Delaware County Jail.

An indictment filed last week shows the accused assaults occurred in October 2022 and November 2023. Records show Vicario was arrested on April 18. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning.

Vicario currently is a lieutenant colonel and mobilization officer with the Ohio National Guard, according to a social media profile.
Hanwha Life to invest in Nobu Bank

By Yoon Ja-young

Hanwha Life will get a 40 percent stake in Nobu Bank in Indonesia, under a plan to expand into Southeast Asia and leap as a global financial group.

The life insurer announced that its extraordinary board meeting on Tuesday approved the Indonesia investment, in which it will get a 40 percent stake in Nobu Bank currently held by Indonesias Lippo Group.

The investment is part of Hanwhas plan to leap from the life and general insurance business to banking in Indonesia, getting closer to its goal of becoming a Global Integrated Financial Group. It chose Indonesia, which has both a growing economy and population, as a major base for expanding into the Southeast Asian market.

Founded in 1990, Nobu Bank is a mid-sized local bank, ranking within the top 30 by assets which totaled 2.3 trillion won ($1.68 billion) as of the end of 2023. It is part of Lippo Group, the sixth-largest conglomerate in Indonesia, which operates in various business sectors including finance, real estate and retail, and has strong brand recognition locally.

The bank operates in 119 locations and employs more than 1,200 staff as of 2023, specializing in personal mortgage loans and working capital loans for small and medium-sized enterprises. It has been noted for maintaining capital adequacy and growth even during the pandemic on strong branch operations.

Behind the deal is the effort of Hanwha Life President and Chief Global Officer (CGO) Kim Dong-won, who has actively led the companys expansion into the global market since assuming the role of CGO in February last year. Based on his extensive global network, he had a crucial discussion with Lippo Group CEO John Riady at the Davos Forum in January regarding the investment and potential strategies for cooperation between the two companies. The two have been fostering collaborative partnership for years, which includes Hanwha Life Indonesias investment in Lippo General Insurance in March last year.

The life insurer said it plans to integrate its digital expertise with Lippo Groups knowhow in banking operations, to swiftly bolster its footing in the industry. It will especially focus on creating a hybrid channel that enhances traditional in-person channels with digital banking, spreading a mobile-based business environment.

Hanwha Life has already maintained a leading position in the domestic market, but accelerating our global strategy is essential to ensure continuous growth, Hanwha Life Vice Chairman and CEO Yeo Seung-joo said.

The investment will be finalized after the two companies sign a contract and the regulatory authorities in both countries grant approval.
By Lee Yeon-woo

Crypto.com's entry into the Korean market has been delayed indefinitely due to regulatory issues.

On Tuesday evening, the global cryptocurrency exchange announced that it was delaying its launch in Korea, which had initially been scheduled for April 29.

The announcement followed the launch of an emergency on-site inspection by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) on Crypto.com on the same day.

The FIU, an agency responsible for monitoring unlawful financial activities under the Financial Services Commission, reported identifying suspicious elements in Crypto.com's anti-money laundering practices. It explained that certain aspects of the documents submitted by the exchange necessitated on-site verification.

Crypto.com was slated to officially launch its app in Korea next week, ultimately aiming to enter the Korean won-based trading market in the future. For preparation, it acquired 100 percent ownership of domestic exchange OKBit in 2022. Earlier this month, Crypto.com President Eric Anziani personally announced the plan at a press conference in Korea.

In response to money-laundering concerns, Crypto.com vowed to detail its comprehensive policies, procedures, systems and regulations to the financial authorities.

"Crypto.com operates according to the industry's highest standards for money laundering prevention," the exchange stated. "Although entering the Korean market is challenging for a global crypto exchange, our firm will continue to responsibly develop the industry in collaboration with Korean regulatory authorities."

This isn't the first instance of financial authorities effectively blocking a the establishment of a foreign virtual asset exchange in Korea. Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, attempted to enter the Korean market by acquiring a stake in GOPAX last January. However, the FIU has been withholding its approval, citing legal risks associated with Binance's management.

"The FIU has maintained a very strict stance on the money laundering risks associated with exchanges. It seems unlikely it will easily allow foreign exchanges to enter the market," an industry official said.
If an airline cancels your flight, remember that you're entitled to a full refund.

The Biden administration on Wednesday unveiled two new rules that will directly affect millions of Americans who fly commercially every year. The first rule requires airlines to be more transparent about extra fees, and the second to issue cash refunds automatically, rather than in response to customer requests.

The various provisions of the new rules, issued by the Department of Transportation, will be implemented on different timelines ranging from six months to two years.

"Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them  without headaches or haggling," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a press release on the new refund rule.

The rule mandates that airlines automatically give passengers their full money back in several cases: when flights are canceled or significantly changed, when baggage return is delayed significantly, or when customers do not receive in-flight amenities they paid for like Wi-Fi.

Speaking at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, Buttigieg said the DOT's consumer protection team has imposed "multimillion-dollar penalties" on airlines in the past when passengers do not receive refunds they are owed.

The other rule aims to eliminate so-called "surprise junk fees."

"Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers' business  not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees," Buttigieg said in another release announcing the second rule.

It will require that airlines list and explain all extra fees "clearly, conspicuously, and accurately" on their web platforms or when they provide fare prices offline.

This junk fee transparency rule also includes a provision to eliminate "discount bait-and-switch tactics," which the Biden administration in the release defined as the practice of offering discounts that may appear to apply to the whole flight price but in reality apply only to a portion of the ticket cost.

The Wednesday announcements from the White House come after several airline incidents involving Boeing plane malfunctions that have spurred regulatory probes and forced major carriers like Southwest, Alaska Airlines and United to reevaluate their business expectations.

"To be clear, we want the airline sector to thrive," Buttigieg said at the Reagan airport. "It's why we're being so rigorous on passenger protection. This will build confidence in air travel at a time when airlines need to do more to secure passengers' trust."

Buttigieg on April 16 said that the White House would partner with state attorneys general to accelerate the response to customer complaints against airline and ticket agencies. Technically, only the federal government has the power to enforce passenger protections even though state attorneys receive many reports of customer grievances.

Along with the two new rules announced Wednesday, the White House is proposing rules banning extra seating fees for parents trying to sit next to their children. The White House is also seeking to make certain amenities mandatory and to expand accommodations for passengers who use wheelchairs.

The new airline rules are the latest action in President Joe Biden's broader battle against what the White House calls "corporate rip-offs."

"There are tens of billions of dollars in other junk fees across the economy, and I've directed my administration to reduce or eliminate them," Biden said in October 2022.

That directive has turned into a multifront crackdown on hidden fees from different government agencies targeting various sectors including banking, cable and financial products like retirement savings accounts.
Biden had signaled his intention to sign the bill into law after the House passed the proposal on Saturday. The Senate gave its own green light late Tuesday night in an overwhelmingly bipartisan 79-18 vote, sending it to Biden's desk for his signature.

"The path to my desk was a difficult path. It should have been easier and it should've gotten there sooner," Biden said Wednesday after signing the bill. "But in the end we did what America always does, we rose to the moment."

Biden's official approval ends a six-month saga of tense political battles on Capitol Hill that led to a deadlock on the issue of foreign aid.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law measures to provide aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan , as well as to compel Chinese TikTok parent company ByteDance to sell the social media platform or face a national ban.

US President Joe Biden speaks after signing the foreign aid bill at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2024.

The law earmarks roughly $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8 billion for security in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. It also requires ByteDance to sell TikTok within nine months  or a year, if Biden invokes a 90-day extension  or else face a nationwide ban in the U.S.

TikTok has already vowed to fight the measure.

"This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court," the company wrote in a Wednesday statement on X following Biden's signing.

"This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans," the company added in its statement.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew posted a video response to the enactment of the TikTok bill, calling it a "disappointing moment" and reiterating the company's commitment to challenge it.

Despite Biden's official support of the TikTok bill, his 2024 reelection campaign told NBC News Wednesday that it would continue using the social media platform to reach voters for at least the next year. Notably, the nine-month to one-year deadline for ByteDance allows it to maintain ownership of TikTok through the November election.

Along with TikTok's pushback, the bill had been the subject of heated political attacks, including threats to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., from hardline Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

Those threats were part of the reason that Johnson stalled the foreign aid even after the Senate, in February, passed a similar $95 billion version of the bill to fund Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. That bill, however, did not include the TikTok provisions.

But last week, with that pink slip still looming, Johnson decided to end the House's foreign aid stalemate following Iran's attempted strike on Israel on April 13, which triggered fresh bipartisan pressure for the U.S. to help its allies.

In the following days, Johnson put four separate bills to a House vote, three of which would provide foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and a fourth, which would include other foreign policy proposals, such as the TikTok bill.

Though Johnson's move came with professional risks, the speaker has so far stood by it, boosted by public support from former President Donald Trump.

"I know that history is going to judge this well," Johnson said Wednesday morning in a radio interview on "The Hugh Hewitt Show." "It was the right thing to do."
We have a divided market, especially in tech. It was a major theme in the Club's April Monthly Meeting . There are companies that everyone loves and companies everyone is on the fence about, and then the company that everyone hates. Let's start with the beloved. I'm talking about Meta Platforms , which delivers earnings on Wednesday evening, as well as Alphabet and Microsoft , which are out late Thursday. Amazon is next week. META YTD mountain Meta Platforms YTD Meta has the biggest tailwind on Earth being dangled in front of it  the newly signed law that says Chinese company ByteDance must sell TikTok or face a U.S. ban on the short-form video platform. It's a total windfall because Reels will become the de facto short funny video place to go. Instagram is becoming more and more of a place where consumer packaged goods companies are going. Still, nothing on the Metaverse. But I hope we get a little color on the worth of WhatsApp. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has much up his sleeve given how many Nvidia chips he's bought. I like it here but don't want to play Meta roulette and tell you to buy it ahead of earnings, which come out after the closing bell on Wednesday. GOOGL YTD mountain Alphabet YTD On Thursday evening, we have the once-hated, now-loved Google-parent Alphabet, and I admit that it has to do several things to justify this move out of the doghouse. First I would love to see $10 billion in Google Cloud revenue. Second, I would want to see some breakouts: YouTube and Waymo. Third, I would like to see a dividend. Last quarter, Meta was the latest of our Super Six stocks to declare a dividend. Without these, I fear that we will be in some sort of feedback loop  just like the old days, except this time it is Search versus Google's AI Gemini and we don't want to go down that rabbit hole, which is why I am glad we sold some Alphabet stock this year. MSFT YTD mountain Microsoft YTD Microsoft is so loved that it could be the one that Wall Street comes for unless it can say some reassuring things about AI and demonstrate continued gains in the Azure cloud. Microsoft can when it reports after the bell on Thursday. I also want to know more about the AI button it's going to put on new personal computers, starting in July, keeping in mind that this version of the Co-pilot AI assistant strategy is not part of a business-to-business effort. Can Microsoft just keep hitting it out of the park? I don't see what is stopping it. AMZN YTD mountain Amazon YTD Amazon is also in the loved category but reports this coming Tuesday. CEO Andy Jassy will tell a calm, strong story about the Amazon Web Services cloud, the growing advertising business, and some stuff about Prime. It's not clear if the company is going to be mining the Anthropic business, which has Claude AI, in part because Google also owns a big stake. I do believe, however, that Amazon will try to do something with Alexa and artificial intelligence  if only to justify the money pit that's been. Amazon's business model is so perfect for what I am calling the new frugality, the desire for people to bargain hunt for everything but still travel. The next category is the fence-sitters . That's Nvidia , Broadcom and Salesforce . NVDA YTD mountain Nvidia YTD I have no idea how Nvidia got to be a fence-sitter. I think it is because everyone is allegedly making up competitors to Nvidia and that's simply untrue. The chips that the others are making do not measure up to what Nvidia has. I want you to go to an Oregon State symposium where CEO Jensen Huang spoke. Right before it was over, he discussed why we are in an industrial revolution and everything we know about computing is about to change. Only Nvidia can change it. The company has almost the entire market to itself. It is sold out of everything it makes before it makes it. Nvidia's new Blackwell-powered supercomputer will be able to create lifelike robots, that can do anything a human can do, and it will be able to be trained by the movies. I am not kidding. This will be the breakout machine that can do so many things that we can do  and yet, people act as if the current chips are already being beaten by what Meta or Amazon has going. Oh please. Go watch the video. Nvidia reports earnings late next month. AVGO YTD mountain Broadcom YTD Broadcom is iffy. It still hasn't reaped the benefits of the VMWare acquisition, and it's still stuck with a cellphone cycle that is incredibly stubborn and just plain awful. I don't know how CEO Hock Tan will be able to once again say do not worry the turn will soon be at hand but in the meanwhile enjoy our AI partnership with Nvidia. That's the message from last quarter, which was out in March. But he's going to try it. He must rationalize VMWare and do something so it can be justified and give us a better narrative until the AI calvary becomes big enough to overwhelm everything else, which, of course, is why we like it. Broadcom doesn't report earnings again until June. CRM YTD mountain Salesforce YTD Salesforce has become mighty complicated. While I believe it's doing incredibly well and has a terrific handle on its generative artificial intelligence offerings for its clients, I do not like it when a company we own suddenly starts talking about doing a merger that I think is a little off kilter, like buying the so-so property that is Informatica . Here, I am thinking about what happened when a flailing PayPal started talking about buying Pinterest a couple of years ago, when we owned shares in that losing business that was PayPal, which, for the record, is finally starting to turn. Earlier this week, there were media reports that Salesforce was backing away from the Informatica talks. I want to believe the Informatica episode was a momentary lapse in discipline and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has enough of a suite on his hands to grow the company north of 10% still. Salesforce, though, is in the penalty box for certain now. The stock everyone seems to want hate. That's Apple right now. AAPL YTD mountain Apple YTD What can I say about Apple other than what's been said: that it's a no-growth stock that's hostage to China and is incapable of coming up with anything to replace the iPhone; the string has run out and there's nothing left. However, here's my problem with this now in-vogue analysis. There are only a handful of stocks in the entire S & P 500 that are facing a flat or down year, and we save low single-digit price-to-earnings multiples for them. That would put Apple in the neighborhood of about $135 per share. As we said in a commentary earlier this week , that's not going to happen. I arbitrarily picked $160 as a battleground level. That seems to be ages ago. It has hung in. I don't try to sell it and buy it back. We aren't a hedge fund. But I will tell you this, if Apple does have something and I think they do, something AI connected to the next iPhone iteration due out in September, you will not be able to get back in anywhere near where you can sell it now. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long META, GOOGL, MSFT, AMZN, NVDA, AVGO, CRM, and AAPL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

A man takes a selfie in front of a sign of Meta, the new name for the company formerly known as Facebook, at its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S. October 28, 2021. Carlos Barria | Reuters
Unstamped brown eggs. Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images

Bird flu fears are driving up egg prices again. After having subsided for most of 2023, a recent resurgence of avian influenza in poultry facilities across the U.S., Japan and other nations have caused prices of eggs to jump again. The virus, commonly referred to as bird flu, is extremely contagious and lethal among birds, has been detected in dairy herds in recent days. "The reason for the big surge in egg prices is HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) hitting egg farms and killing chickens and cutting egg production," said David Anderson, a professor and food economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University. In the U.S., more than 14 million egg-laying chickens died in November and December as a result of avian flu. In the last 30 days, more than 8 million birds among America's commercial flocks remain infected, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

We have had record high beef, pork and chicken retail prices so eggs can be a substitute, meaning that egg prices would increase. David Anderson professor at Texas A&M University

Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images
US SEC seeks $5.3 bil. fine on Kwon, Terraform Labs

By Yi Whan-woo

Fallen crypto mogul Do Kwon of Terraform Labs wants to avoid extradition to the United States and be sent to his native Korea, protesting a Montenegrin court's decision to leave the door wide open for potential extradition to the U.S.

Kwon's lawyers in Montenegro appealed the Podgorica High Court's ruling on April 10 that conditions for his extradition to both the U.S. and Korea were met, according to Montenegrin media outlets, Tuesday.

The Montenegrin capital of Podgorica is where Kwon was arrested and has been detained since March 2023 after he was wanted by both Korean and U.S. authorities for multibillion-dollar fraud.

The case centers on the now-defunct Terraform Labs that Kwon co-founded and his algorithmic stablecoin Terra, as well as its sister token Luna, which crashed and shook global cryptocurrency markets in 2022.

The crash was estimated to have wiped out more than $40 billion.

The Podgorica High Court's ruling was the latest decision concerning Kwon's fate.

The courts and prosecutor's offices in Montenegro  both at the high and lower levels  have been challenging one another's decisions for months over where the Korean fugitive should be extradited.

Kwon's legal representatives, according to sources familiar with the matter, have been pushing for his extradition to Korea in hopes of receiving a lighter sentence.

In their appeals, the representatives said that the Podgorica High Court's April 10 decision was "unfounded and illegal."

They said relevant legal provisions were interpreted in a bizarre manner by the high court and the Supreme Court in an attempt to satisfy the wishes of Montenegrin Justice Minister Andrej Milovic.

Milovic will make the final call on the destination for Kwon's extradition. He expressed his desire to hand him over to the U.S. authorities multiple times.

The disgraced crypto tycoon already faces hefty financial trouble from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

On April 19, the U.S. SEC filed a motion against Kwon, demanding that he receive $5.3 billion in fines following the commission's win in a civil fraud trial in New York.

The amount includes nearly $4.7 billion in disgorgement and prejudgment interest following the Terra-Luna case.

Kwon will also have to forfeit $100 million of his own money in civil penalties, while Terraform Labs will have to pay $420 million, respectively.

Severe criminal punishment against Kwon in case of his extradition to the U.S. is expected, especially after another failed crypto mogul, Sam Bankman-Fried, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The founder of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, Bankman-Fried, received the jail term, March 28, after being convicted of stealing billions of dollars from customers.
An aerial photo shows Boeing 737 Max airplanes parked on the tarmac at the Boeing Factory in Renton, Washington, on March 21, 2019.

Boeing on Wednesday reported a better-than-expected quarter but continued to burn cash as it tries to stabilize production following a near-catastrophic door blowout on a 737 Max earlier this year.

Boeing burned through $3.9 billion in the first quarter, beating a previous company forecast and Wall Street analysts' expectations for a cash burn of as much as $4.5 billion for the three-month period.

"Near term, yes, we are in a tough moment," CEO Dave Calhoun, who announced in March that he would step down by year-end, said in a note to employees Wednesday. "Lower deliveries can be difficult for our customers and for our financials. But safety and quality must and will come above all else. We are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to make certain our regulators, customers, employees, and the flying public are 100 percent confident in Boeing."

Boeing has been hamstrung in ramping up production, especially of its bestselling 737 Max planes, and instead has lowered output. After the door plug blew out on the Alaska Airlines Max 9 on Jan. 5, the Federal Aviation Administration has barred Boeing from increasing production. The FAA also said it found numerous issues of noncompliance along Boeing's supply chain and on Feb. 28, gave Boeing 90 days to come up with a quality control improvement plan.

Calhoun reiterated Wednesday that the company's 737 Max production has dropped below 38 Max jets per month and the company said the rate would stay there for at least through the first half of the year. Deliveries have slowed sharply this quarter. Boeing earlier this week told staff that it expects slower production increases and deliveries of its 787 Dreamliners because of parts shortages.

Boeing's all-important commercial airplane unit revenue dropped 31% to $4.65 billion in the quarter compared with last year, with negative margins widening to 24.6% from 9.2%, including the impact of $443 million in compensation to Boeing customers because of the Jan. 5 accident and temporary grounding of the planes.

The company will have a "sizable use of cash" in the second quarter too, said CFO Brian West on an earnings call Wednesday.

Ratings agency Moody's on Wednesday downgraded Boeing, citing its cash shortfall and said Boeing will have to issue more debt to pay more than $4 billion due in 2025.

"We are using this period, as difficult as it is, to deliberately slow the system, stabilize the supply chain, fortify our factory operations and position Boeing to deliver with the predictability and quality our customers demand for the long term," Calhoun said. "As these efforts begin to take hold, we're seeing early signs of more predictable, stable and efficient cycle times in our 737 factory, and expect this will continue to slowly improve."

Boeing lost $355 million in the first quarter, or 56 cents a share, down from a $425 million, or 69 cent per-share, loss a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, including pension costs, The company lost $388 million, or $1.13 a share.

Revenue fell 8% to $16.57 million, slightly ahead of analysts' estimates.

Here's what the company reported compared with what Wall Street analysts surveyed by LSEG were expecting:

Loss per share: $1.13 adjusted, vs. estimated adjusted loss $1.76

$1.13 adjusted, vs. estimated adjusted loss $1.76 Revenue: $16.57 billion, vs. estimated $16.23 billion

Calhoun on Wednesday stood by the company's goal of $10 billion in annual free cash flow in the 2025-2026 period, but said hitting that target would likely be delayed by about six months.

"I believe it, I just do," Calhoun said of the $10 billion goal.

Boeing has been scrambling to reduce what is known as "traveled work," when manufacturing steps occur out of order because of defects. Calhoun told CNBC in an interview Wednesday that the company's fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems will "only ship a conforming fuselage."

Boeing has been in talks to buy back Spirit, which it spun off almost 20 years ago. The Wichita, Kansas-based company also supplies Airbus, and conversations around how to address non-Boeing customers are key to an acquisition deal.

Calhoun said it is "more than likely" that the companies reach a deal during the second quarter.

"Spirit, in working with its other customers, is taking actions to ensure that all of those relationships are what they need to be," he told CNBC. "We're going to be patient and let them get their job done with their respective customers and we'll get a deal done."

 CNBC's Phil Lebeau contributed to this report.
FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan testifies during a budget hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, April 18, 2023.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other business groups on Wednesday sued the Federal Trade Commission in Texas federal court over the commission's vote to ban noncompete clauses, which are used to block employees from leaving to work for competitors in the same industry.

On Tuesday, the FTC voted to enact the ban on the basis that noncompete clauses stifle the efficiency of the labor market, hinder competition and can lead to higher prices for consumers. Noncompete agreements often prevent workers from pursuing other jobs in their industry, and the better pay those jobs would offer.

The ban is set to take effect 120 days after the rule is officially published in the Federal Register.

In the meantime, the business groups are seeking to block the ban, claiming the FTC does not have the authority to implement the rule, and the rule itself is too wide in scope.

"The sheer economic and political significance of a nationwide noncompete ban demonstrates that this is a question for Congress to decide, rather than an agency," the U.S. Chamber, which represents roughly 3 million companies, wrote in the lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Texas.

The business groups claimed that the FTC's ban, "breaks with centuries of state and federal law." In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, Texas Association of Business and Longview Chamber of Commerce are all plaintiffs in the suit.

They allege that noncompete agreements are essential to protecting internal company secrets and proprietary information. The FTC suggested that instead of relying on noncompete clauses, companies should look to other safeguards of information, like nondisclosure agreements.

The FTC rejected the allegation that it is overstepping its legal bounds.

"Our legal authority is crystal clear," FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar told CNBC in a statement. "Addressing noncompetes that curtail Americans' economic freedom is at the very heart of our mandate, and we look forward to winning in court."

The commission estimates that around 30 million U.S. employees, or 18% of the American workforce, are currently subject to a noncompete clause.
A pumpjack is shown outside the Midland-Odessa area in the Permian basin in Texas, July 17, 2018.

U.S. crude oil hovered below $83 a barrel on Wednesday, pulling back slightly after rallying nearly 2% in the prior session.

Traders' focus has shifted back to supply and demand fundamentals as the threat of war between Israel and Iran has faded.

The market looks somewhat bearish at the moment with global oil inventories rising as crude that was stuck on the water due in part to Red Sea disruptions is now unloading, according to a Goldman Sachs note from Tuesday. This is reducing tightness in the market, according to the bank.

Goldman also sees the geopolitical risk premium factored into prices easing by another $5 to $10 a barrel in the coming months.

Here are Wednesday's closing energy prices:

U.S. commercial crude stockpiles, which exclude the strategic petroleum reserve, fell by 6.4 million barrels last week, the largest drawdown since mid-January, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

And President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a foreign aid package that would expand sanctions against Iranian oil by targeting ports, vessels and refineries that knowingly accept the Islamic Republic's crude exports.
NASA released photos of parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi before and after the United Arab Emirates was hit by record rainfall last week that caused dangerous floods and paralyzed much of the country.

The images, taken by the NASA Earth Observatory on Friday using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, show large patches of water all over the desert and urban landscape of the UAE where previously there was none  almost looking as if small lakes had appeared.

"Some areas remained flooded on April 19, when Landsat 9 passed over the region for the first time since the storms," NASA wrote on its Earth Observatory website.

Flash floods that formed on April 16 led to water engulfing cars, in some areas fully submerging them, leading hundreds of drivers to abandon their vehicles on roads to escape the rising water levels.

The normally dry desert country in the Gulf was pummeled with roughly a year's worth of rain in less than a day, more than it has ever seen in a single storm since records for the UAE began in 1949.
"When India as a market gets attention, more and more players and investments will come in. [Tesla] will definitely help in developing the ecosystem and some consumers will go for them," Chaba said.

The Indian government's goal of achieving 30% EV sales by 2030 "looks stretched at this point of time," Chaba said  however, anywhere between 20% to 30% may be possible if there are more government policies attracting foreign automakers, he added.

According to Bain & Company , EVs make up about 5% of India's automobile sector.

"Competition is limited at this point of time. Numbers are still constrained because consumers don't have compelling choices," Chaba told CNBC's Sri Jegarajah in Gurugram, India.

India's electric vehicle sector still lacks competition, but entry from international automakers like Tesla will level the playing field, MG Motor India's CEO Emeritus Rajeev Chaba said.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk postponed a scheduled trip to India this week where he was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing "heavy Tesla obligations."

Just last month, the government announced that import tariffs on certain EVs will be cut to 15% if the carmakers meet certain requirements. India currently imposes import tax of 70% or 100% for foreign EVs, according to Reuters.

According to India's new policy, automakers that invest at least $500 million and set up manufacturing facilities in India within three years, will be eligible to import up to 8,000 EVs that cost $35,000 or more a year, at a lower tax rate.

The move is good news for Tesla, which has been trying to break into the India market, and has been lobbying for lower import duties for years.

Domestic carmakers such as Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, as well as Maruti Suzuki, have reportedly expressed concerns before.

He also said: "I wish more and more players come, with more and more choices. Because that will give consumer a chance to look at the various options and go for it. And collectively, we will also educate the customer and address the issues and certain 'myths,'" said Chaba.

"Tesla is really welcome. It'll be good for the industry, good news for the country, and for serious players like us."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously said he was "incredibly excited about the future of India," adding it has "more promise than any large country in the world."

However, investments into the South Asian country may not be Tesla's priority right now.

Musk postponed a scheduled trip to India this week where he was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and cited "heavy Tesla obligations" for why he could not come.

Multiple media reports last week said Musk was expected to announce a $2 billion to $3 billion investment in India to build a new factory. Tesla has also already started looking for showroom space in New Delhi and Mumbai, according to Reuters.
JPMorgan Chase CEO and Chairman Jamie Dimon gestures as he speaks during the U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee oversight hearing on Wall Street firms, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.



A Russian court sided with state-run lender VTB Bank in its efforts to recoup $439.5 million from JPMorgan Chase that the American lender froze in U.S. accounts after the Ukraine invasion.

The court ordered the seizure of funds in JPMorgan's Russian accounts and "movable and immovable property," including the bank's stake in a Russian subsidiary, according to a court order published Wednesday.

The order came after VTB filed a suit last week in a St. Petersburg arbitration court, seeking to be made whole for funds frozen in the U.S., and asking for relief because JPMorgan has said it plans to exit Russia.

The next hearing in the Russian case is July 17.

JPMorgan declined to comment. VTB did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

The order was the latest example of American banks getting caught between the demands of Western sanctions regimes and overseas interests. JPMorgan is the biggest U.S. bank by assets and run by veteran CEO Jamie Dimon.

Two years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Biden administration has mounted an unprecedented set of sanctions, oil price caps and trade restrictions designed to weaken Moscow's military machine.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed into law a sweeping foreign aid bill that includes new powers for U.S. officials to locate and seize Russian assets in the U.S. It also boosted an ongoing American effort to convince European allies to release Russian state assets to assist Ukraine.

In its own lawsuit against VTB last week in the Southern District of New York, JPMorgan sought to block VTB's effort, noting that U.S. law prohibits the bank from releasing VTB's $439.5 million.

This leaves JPMorgan exposed to a nearly half-billion-dollar loss, for abiding by U.S. sanctions.

The American bank, seeking to block VTB's effort, said the Russian company broke its contractual promise to seek relief in American courts, instead finding a friendlier venue in Russia.

JPMorgan said Russian courts have enabled similar efforts by Russian lenders against American or European banks at least a half dozen other times.

JPMorgan said it faced "certain and irreparable harm" from VTB's efforts.
The new Gucci store on Bond Street on 27th September 2023 in London, United Kingdom.

Shares of French luxury group Kering sank more than 9% at open on Wednesday, after the company warned it expects a sharp downturn in first-half profits as a result of waning demand for its Gucci brand.

The group on Tuesday said it anticipates a decline of 40% to 45% in first-half operating income, compared with the same period in 2023, as it struggles to retain share of the pocket in the increasingly discerning luxury market.

The stock pared losses slightly to trade down by 7.8% by 9:15 a.m. London time.

Kering Chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault on Tuesday said the warning comes after the company's performance "worsened considerably" in the first quarter.

"While we had anticipated a challenging start to the year, sluggish market conditions, notably in China, and the strategic repositioning of certain of our Houses, starting with Gucci, exacerbated downward pressures on our topline," Pinault said in a statement.

"In view of this revenue decline, together with our firm determination to continue investing selectively in the long-term appeal and distinctiveness of our brands, we now expect to deliver sharply lower operating profit in the first half of this year."

Group sales fell to 4.5 billion euros ($4.8 billion) in the first quarter, down 10% on a comparable basis.

The Paris-based company flagged the anticipated downturn in a rare profit warning last month, noting that the shortfall would be led by declining Gucci sales, particularly in Asia.
The U.S. Senate has launched an investigation into the high price of Novo Nordisk 's popular weight loss and diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States.

The investigation into the Danish drugmaker was announced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

"The scientists at Novo Nordisk deserve great credit for developing these drugs that have the potential to be a game changer for millions of Americans struggling with type 2 diabetes and obesity," Sanders said in a Wednesday letter to CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen.

"As important as these drugs are, they will not do any good for the millions of patients who cannot afford them," wrote Sanders.

Sanders also laid out in stark terms the dilemma facing American insurers, including the government, given how high the costs are for the potentially life-changing drugs. "If the prices for these products are not substantially reduced they also have the potential to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and our entire health care system," he wrote.

Sanders noted that Novo Nordisk charges far less for the same drugs in other countries. The company "charges $969 in the United States for one month of Ozempic but just $155 in Canada and just $59 in Germany."

Wegovy, which is even more expensive than Ozempic, is subject to similarly disparate pricing overseas, wrote Sanders. A study last month said that Ozempic could be manufactured for less than $5 a month.

The powerful progressive senator also made a simple request of the drug company CEO: "Will Novo Nordisk substantially reduce both the list price and the net price of both Ozempic and Wegovy?"

Sanders asked Jrgensen in his letter how the price of the drugs is determined and to make clear the amount the pharmaceutical company spends on research and development. He gave Novo Nordisk until May 8 to answer a series of questions about the drug's pricing.
Starbucks and the union that represents its baristas will resume contract negotiations on Wednesday, ending an extended stalemate.

The two sides' return to the bargaining table follows their February announcement that they found a "constructive path forward" during mediation discussions related to litigation over the union's use of Starbucks' branding. It marked a major pivot for Starbucks, which had spent the previous two years battling Workers United and the broader movement to unionize its cafes.

Roughly 400 company-owned Starbucks in the U.S. have voted to unionize under Workers United since the first elections in December 2021, according to a tally from the National Labor Relations Board, as of Monday. But none of those locations, which make up a small fraction of total U.S. footprint, have come close to a collective bargaining agreement.

Starbucks and the union, which is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union, have previously met to bargain, but those talks quickly ended in stalemate. Both sides have accused the other of sabotaging the talks.

Starbucks had previously insisted on face-to-face negotiations, with no representatives appearing via Zoom. The union has accused Starbucks of using that excuse as a stalling tactic. This time around, about 150 union representatives will appear in person to bargain, while several hundred more will weigh in remotely outside of the face-to-face meetings.

Store agreements will be negotiated and ratified separately, but the union might make proposals that could affect all of the Starbucks workers it represents. Workers United has broadly pushed for higher wages and more consistent scheduling, among a range of other priorities.

Labor laws do not require that the employer and union reach a collective bargaining agreement, only that both bargain in good faith. After a year, workers who lose faith in the union can petition to decertify, putting a ticking clock on negotiations.

The NLRB has 19 pending petitions to decertify. Citing unfair labor practices by Starbucks, the labor board has denied 18 other petitions to decertify.

The company said it has also been negotiating with other unions that represent its cafes, such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which is bargaining for a store outside of Pittsburgh.

The resumption of contract negotiations comes a day after another significant moment for both Starbucks and unions. On Tuesday, the company appeared before the Supreme Court to appeal a lower court's approval of an injunction sought by the NLRB to reinstate seven fired workers at a Memphis cafe.

Starbucks argued that other agencies seeking injunctions have a higher threshold to receive one than the labor board does. Experts have said that the Supreme Court's eventual ruling could weaken the NLRB  and organized labor. The court is expected to release its decision this summer.

Starbucks could share more about the union negotiations during its quarterly earnings call. The coffee giant is expected to report its results on Tuesday.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell. Boeing  Shares jumped 3% after Boeing posted a narrower-than-expected loss in its latest results. In its first quarter, the company reported an adjusted loss of $1.13 per share, better than the adjusted loss of $1.76 per share estimated by the LSEG analyst poll. Revenue of $16.57 billion topped the expected $16.23 billion. Airbnb  The vacation property rental platform added nearly 2% following an upgrade by Mizuho to buy from neutral. Mizuho noted a number of catalysts, including the potential launch of sponsored listings and incremental demand from Summer Olympics. Its new price target of $200 suggests 24% upside. Biogen  The stock rose more than 6% premarket after the drug maker posted earnings of $3.67 per share, beating the LSEG analyst estimates of $3.45 per share. The company cited its cost-cutting efforts and higher-than-expected sales of its Alzheimer's drug Leqembi. Tesla  Shares of the beaten-down electric vehicle maker jumped 12% in premarket trading after CEO Elon Musk said Tesla plans to start production of a new affordable EV model by early 2025. Tesla disappointed on first-quarter earnings, however, posting 45 cents in adjusted earnings per share on $21.3 billion in revenue, while analysts polled by LSEG expected 51 cents in earnings per share and $22.15 billion in revenue. Tesla's revenue drop  the steepest year-over-year decline since 2012  came amid slowing EV sales growth across the industry, which has led Tesla to implement price cuts in an attempt to spur demand. Visa  Shares of the payment company rose more than 2% after stronger than expected results for the second fiscal quarter. Visa earned an adjusted $2.51 per share on $8.78 billion of revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG had penciled in $2.44 per share on $8.63 billion of revenue. Revenue was up 10% year over year. Texas Instruments  The technology stock jumped 6.8% after exceeding first-quarter expectations. Texas Instruments posted $1.20 per share on $3.66 billion in revenue, beating analysts' projections of $1.07 and $3.61 billion, respectively, per LSEG. The company also gave ranges for current-quarter performance that included consensus forecasts from analysts. Sea Limited  Shares of the Southeast Asian tech giant advanced 3.2% after Loop Capital upgraded shares to buy from hold, saying the company is headed towards a "shift to sustained profitable growth." Mattel  The toymaker's stock price added 2.7% after losses per share came out narrower than expected. Mattel said it gave up 5 cents per share in the first quarter, less than the 12 cents anticipated by analysts polled by LSEG. Mattel saw $810 million in revenue during the quarterly period, which was less than the consensus estimate of $832 million. Enphase Energy  The solar stock tumbled nearly 7% on the back of an earnings miss and downbeat current-quarter revenue outlook. The company reported earnings of 35 cents per share on revenue of $263 million in the first quarter, while analysts were respectively anticipating 40 cents and $280 million, according to LSEG. Enphase said to expect second-quarter revenue between $290 million and $330 million, under the consensus forecast of $349 million.  CNBC's Alex Harring, Samantha Subin, Jesse Pound, Brian Evans, Yun Li, Sarah Min, and Michelle Fox Theobald contributed reporting.
North Korea has sent an economic delegation to Iran, Pyongyang's state media reported Wednesday, a rare trip that raises suspicions of cooperation between the two nations over weapons programs.

The delegation, headed by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho, left Pyongyang the previous day to visit Iran, the Korean Central News Agency said in a one-sentence dispatch.

It is rare for a ranking North Korean official to visit Iran. In 2019, Pak Chol-min, then North Korean vice chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly, visited Iran to discuss cooperation.

Having established diplomatic ties in 1973, Pyongyang and Tehran are known to have close ties while under international sanctions for their weapons programs. The countries have been suspected of exchanging ballistic missile parts and technology, especially during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.

The trip raises speculation that along with economic cooperation, North Korea may seek to deepen military ties with Iran amid Russia's war with Ukraine. Pyongyang and Tehran are known to be key providers of weapons to Moscow to support the war.

Following Iran's recent launch of more than 300 drones and missiles toward Israel, speculation has arisen that North Korean parts or military technology could have been used for Iran's missile salvo against Israel, citing close military cooperation between Pyongyang and Tehran.

In 2006, the chief commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards publicly acknowledged that his country had obtained Scud-B and Scud-C missiles from North Korea during the war, but no longer needs Pyongyang's assistance.

A 2019 report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency showed Iran's Shahab-3 ballistic missiles were developed based on North Korea's midrange Rodong missiles. The Khorramshahr missile that Iran has developed is believed to be technically linked to North Korea's Musudan missiles.

Experts said the North could seek help from Iran over solid-fuel missile technology, such as a ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic warhead.

In February, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said North Korea has shipped about 6,700 containers carrying millions of munitions to Russia since July 2023 to support its war against Ukraine in exchange for food and other necessities.

Iran is also suspected of having provided Russia with drones for the war, with Kyiv saying that Russia had launched around 3,700 Iranian-made Shahed-136 attack drones at targets in Ukraine as of the end of last year. (Yonhap)
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The Junior Achievement Free Enterprise Center located in Greenwood Village, Colorado, is where high school students can explore careers and develop a plan to pursue their goals. The center aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a common goal for younger people. More than half, or 54%, of Gen Z adults say that they think they'd be happier owning their own business than working a normal day job, according to CNBC and SurveyMonkey's new Workforce Survey. The survey polled 5,993 U.S. adults in the workforce in early April  including 770 Gen Z respondents age 27 and younger.

"There's a recipe for finding your path to purpose," said Robin Wise, the president and CEO of Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain. "It's seeing people do things that you might want to do. It's knowing yourself." In partnership with Junior Achievement, CNBC brought together business leaders in the Denver area to speak with students about their journey in founding a company. Here are five key pieces of advice that they shared:

'Embrace what makes you different'

Mowe Haile, Founder of Sky Blue Builders, Darian Simon Cofounder of Be a Good Person, and Robin Thurston, Founder and CEO of Outside Interactive, Inc. speak with students about entrepreneurship. Caitlin Steuben | CNBC

Darian Simon co-founded the clothing company Be a Good Person in 2015 to inspire positivity. He advises young people to "embrace what makes you different." Simon was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, at age 28. Now 30, he said he rejects the "disorder" part of the diagnosis and embraces it as his superpower. "My greatest strengths are my neurodivergence because I have less inhibitive space in my brain, therefore I can ideate better," he said. "Therefore the box doesn't really exist in the same ways."

Value adaptability

Robin Thurston sold his digital fitness technology start-up to Under Armour for $150 million in 2013. He recently founded Outside Interactive, a network of media brands in endurance sports, the outdoors and healthy living. He compares starting a business to going on a difficult hike and advises keeping that analogy in mind as you embark on the journey  you'll need to embrace the unknown, recognize that things are unlikely to go according to plan and work through inevitable difficulties, he said. "That's what great entrepreneurs do," Thurston said. "They're resilient, and they work their way through those challenges."

Recognize challenges 'as opportunities'

Camila Uzcategui co-founded Vitro3D, a company that uses 3D printing-like technology in advanced manufacturing spaces, in 2020. She said her background in physics and interest in experimenting with technology taught her the value of failure. "In all of those challenges, I like to see them as opportunities to either pivot into a potentially new direction or pivot into a better way of understanding something," Uzcategui said.

Expect excellence from your team

Mowa Haile founded Sky Blue Builders, a construction company, during the Great Recession in 2009. He said it's important to surround yourself with people who share your passion  and always expect excellence from them. "When you're an entrepreneur and you have a team, you're there to coach them and lead them and encourage them," he said.

Surround yourself with the right people
Tech stocks are heavily exposed to China, which could put gains at risk, according to Piper Sandler. S & P 500 large-cap companies have a near-record reliance to sales in China at a time when the country is still contending with a slump in the real estate industry, as well as a greater push by Beijing to buy domestic, the firm's chief global economist Nancy Lazar wrote in a Wednesday note. Tech companies are especially vulnerable to any weakness in China, with semiconductor businesses notably generating more than 30% of their sales in the country, the note read. Earlier this month, for example, The Wall Street Journal reported China is ordering its largest telecommunications carriers to halt the use of foreign chips. In April, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has dropped about 7%, underperforming the S & P 500's more than 3% decline during the same period. Shares of Advanced Micro Devices and Intel have plunged more than 15% and 21%, respectively, this month. "S & P large caps have near-record exposure to a China that is wobbly economically, with an increasingly authoritarian Heavy Hand of regulation," Lazar wrote Wednesday. "Some sectors/companies look particularly vulnerable." Investor concerns are increasing as the world's second-largest economy deals with the fallout from a correction in the property sector, which once accounted for roughly one-fifth or more of the Chinese economy. The Shanghai Composite is down 7% over the past 12 months. This year, the index is higher by roughly 2%. S & P Global Ratings this week noted the country could be in for a new wave of bond defaults that could come as soon as next year, further fueling those worries.  CNBC's Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report.
US President Joe Biden speaks after signing the foreign aid bill at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2024.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a bill into law that provides billions of dollars of additional aid to Ukraine to help it repel Russia's onslaught, bringing an end to a protracted political battle over urgently needed assistance.

Biden said the first tranche of military equipment would be sent to Ukraine within the next few hours. He described the U.S. aid as an investment not only in Ukraine and Europe's security but also U.S. security.

"America stands with our friends, we stand up against dictators. We bow to no one, to no one. Certainly not [Russian President] Vladimir Putin," Biden said.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was grateful to the U.S. Senate for approving aid to the war-torn country.

Russia, meanwhile, has said its forces will intensify attacks on Ukraine's Western weapons.

 Sam Meredith
(This is CNBC Pro's live coverage of Wednesday's analyst calls and Wall Street chatter. Please refresh every 20-30 minutes to view the latest posts.) Tesla and Airbnb were among the biggest analyst calls for Wednesday. Analysts around the Street reacted to Tesla's latest quarterly results. While shares rallied on the back on the report, many of those covering the EV maker remained skeptical on the company's prospects going forward. Elsewhere, Mizuho upgraded Airbnb to buy. Check out the latest calls and chatter below. All times ET. 8:22 a.m.: Guggenheim downgrades Enphase Energy after earnings miss It's going to be tough for Enphase Energy to pull out of its slide after a rough first quarter, according to Guggenheim. Enphase reported 35 cents in adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter, below the 40 cents expected by analysts polled by LSEG. Revenue was also softer than expected. Guggenheim analyst Joseph Osha downgraded Enphase Energy to sell from neutral, saying that rebound scenarios look increasingly unlikely. "What is harder for us to see is how ENPH's end demand accelerates once the much anticipated inventory draw down is over with. The company faces some fundamental challenges that are not changing in our opinion, or are in some cases getting worse," Osha said in a note to clients. Osha added that Enphase could lose market share in the U.S. going forward. Guggenheim set a price target of $92 per share for Enphase Energy, which is about 20% below where the stock closed Tuesday.  Jesse Pound 8:20 a.m.: CyberArk could be a beneficiary of IBM's reported acquisition of HashiCorp, Bank of America says CyberArk is a possible beneficiary if IBM's reported acquisition of HashiCorp goes through, according to Bank of America Securities. Analyst Tal Liani said CyberArk could benefit from easing pricing pressures if IBM acquires HashiCorp, which was reported by the Wall Street Journal this week using unnamed sources. CyberArk and HashiCorp are competitors in the secrets management market, securing developer secrets such as application programming interface keys (API). "IBM's potential acquisition of HashiCorp could alleviate the competitive pressure, as historical trends indicate disruptive companies typically experience a slowdown in innovation as well as disruptions in GTM (go-to-market) efforts when acquired by large, legacy tech firms such as IBM," Liani wrote. The analyst maintained a buy rating on CyberArk with a $315 price target implying more than 30% upside. Shares are up more than 9% this year. They rose 1.2% in premarket trading. "We believe the acquisition will create a unique opportunity for CyberArk to expand its market share, stabilize pricing and reinforce its position as an industry leader in the Secrets Management space as HashiCorp will likely face friction from the acquisition," Liani added.  Sarah Min 8:10 a.m.: Deutsche Bank upgrades MSCI MSCI's slide after a disappointing earnings report has created a compelling entry point for long-term shareholders, Deutsche Bank said Wednesday. The provider of investment indexes reported revenue that missed analysts' expectations on Tuesday, sending the stock down more than 13%. "We see the issues that manifested in the quarter as largely cyclical, as opposed to structural," analyst Faiza Alwy wrote in a note. She expects net new sales to accelerate from here since the first quarter is typically a seasonally weak period. "The pipeline seems to be solid, and cancellation trends should improve noting $7m of impact from Swiss banks consolidation," Alwy said. Shares of MSCI were up 2.8% in premarket trading.  Michelle Fox 7:43 a.m.: KBW upgrades Globe Life, citing 'meaningful value' despite risks Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded the insurance company Globe Life on Wednesday, despite recent weakness in the stock stemming from a DOJ subpoena and a short report alleging fraud. "We acknowledge ongoing risk from these accusations, but feel better following GL's response on the 1Q24 call that included a willingness to accelerate and possibly increase buybacks," KBW's Ryan Krueger said in a note. "Our updated analysis estimates GL's run-off value at ~$80 in a distressed run-off scenario that we assign a 35% weighting for valuation purposes." KBW upgraded Globe Life to outperform from market perform, but lowered its price target to $110 from $130. The shares rose more than 1% in premarket trading. The shares have fallen about 35% for the month. On Tuesday they gained 14%.  Tanaya Macheel 7:34 a.m.: Redburn Atlantic stands by sell rating for Disney Walt Disney is likely to face a challenging future, at least in the near-term, according to Redburn Atlantic. The investment firm reiterated its sell rating on the entertainment giant. Analyst Hamilton Faber did lift his price target to $100 from $82, which implies that shares of Disney could slide 12% from their Tuesday closing price. "We believe the majority of major catalysts are now in the past (e.g. activist attention, cost cutting), and the debate will refocus on top line trends," he wrote. Shares of Disney have rallied 26% this year. Faber thinks the company is more likely to miss consensus expectations than meet them, which will lead to near-term multiple pressure. For instance, consensus estimates that Disney will grow its direct-to-consumer revenue by 11% on average over the four years, which the analyst said would be "a challenge." "Disney+ engagement needs to be higher for pricing growth to be a material long-term growth driver." Faber added. Meanwhile, Disney faces another challenge as it balances making new content on lower budgets, with Faber citing "superhero fatigue" as a potential obstacle for the company. "The near-term decision to limit franchise releases will likely impact near-term streaming volume performance but does seem to be the right move for longer-term franchise health," he said.  Lisa Kailai Han 7:17 a.m.: Citi downgrades Molson Coors Notable beverage company Molson Coors is showing signs of a downward inflection, according to Citi. The firm downgraded shares to sell from neutral and lowered its target price to $56 from $66, implying shares falling 12.7% from Tuesday's close. Although Molson Coors had a record year in 2023  benefiting heavily from competitor Anheuser-Busch's Bud Light controversy  it will be difficult to follow up such growth, according to analyst Filippo Falorni. "While TAP has sounded bullish on Q1 trends (still on normal comps) and spring shelf space resets, we believe cycling a record topline/profit year (TAP indicated it realized six years of profit growth in 2023) could be extremely difficult," said Falorni. "Scanner data for early April suggest sales/volume trends for TAP's beer brands have turned negative, which we expect to continue as comparisons get more difficult," he added. Shares of Molson Coors are up just 4.8% year to date, slightly lagging behind the S & P 500's 6.3% rise.  Hakyung Kim 6:48 a.m.: Loop Capital upgrades Sea Limited Southeast Asian tech giant Sea Limited could see a turnaround toward profitable growth, said Loop Capital. Analyst Rob Sanderson upgraded shares to buy from hold. He also hiked his price target to $92 from $59, suggesting shares rallying 48.3% from where they closed on Tuesday. The company, which has e-commerce, financial services and gaming businesses, has struggled with valuation pressure over the last two years due to share loss to TikTok and strong competition, Sanderson said. However, it posted its first profitable year in March 2023. CEO and chairman Forrest Li said he also expects 2024 to be a profitable year. However, the "recent announcement of a commission rate increase by the combined TikTok-Tokopedia, its first move since merging to satisfy Indonesian regulators, has sparked a revaluation in the stock. In our view, this signals that the shift to sustained profitable growth is finally underway and serves as a significant catalyst for revaluation of the stock," Sanderson wrote in a Wednesday note. Shares gained nearly 4% Wednesday before the bell.  Hakyung Kim 6:43 a.m.: Bank of America stays bullish on Spotify Bank of America reiterated its buy rating on Spotify after the streaming service posted a record quarterly profit. Spotify announced its first-quarter results on Tuesday, beating on top and bottom lines following a year of cost cutting and streamlining efforts. Analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich raised her price target to $370 from $315, suggesting 22% upside from Tuesday's close. "SPOT is at an inflection point in profitability and free cash flow," the analyst said in a Tuesday note. She cited improving advertising and deeper penetration in existing markets. In addition, forthcoming price hikes, capital returns potential and new business lines also strengthen the story around Spotify, she added.  Hakyung Kim 6:04 a.m.: Citi raises price target on Amazon Amazon is becoming a more profitable organization, according to Citi. Analyst Ronald Josey raised his price target to $235 from $215, implying nearly 31% upside from Tuesday's close. He maintained his buy rating on the stock. The price target increase comes on the heels of Amazon's new grocery delivery subscription launch. "Amazon remains one of our top picks across the Internet sector," Josey said in a Wednesday note. He cited increased operating income projections amid strong top-line trends for his price target increase. Heading into the company's first quarter earnings release on April 30, Josey said he is focusing e-commerce strength, improving demand trends for Amazon Web Services and retail margin expansion. Advertising demand in its Prime Video segment and Grocery segment performance are also key focus areas, the analyst added. "Given faster shipping speeds, we believe conversion rates are improving as Amazon's retail business benefits from its regionalization approach with shorter transport distances as the overall cost to serve comes down," said Josey. "While on AWS, demand for new instances appears to be improving, led by GenAI, as optimizations wane."  Hakyung Kim 5:48 a.m.: Wall Street remains skeptical on Tesla Tesla shares are up 10% following its first quarter earnings announcement  but Wall Street analysts aren't feeling as enthusiastic on the stock. The electric vehicle maker missed on both top and bottom lines. Revenue fell 9% on a yearly basis, the steepest annual decline since 2012. Nonetheless, "the report was better than relatively low investor expectations," according to Goldman Sachs. Automatic non-GAAP gross margins, despite decline on a sequential and yearly basis, still topped estimates, per analyst Mark Delaney. Tesla's update that it is planning on launching a low-cost model  not the Model 2  using elements from existing lines to "pull-in timing should help to mitigate intermediate to longer-term growth concerns," Delaney wrote in a note. TSLA YTD mountain TSLA year to date Goldman is sticking with its neutral rating on the stock due to ongoing questions and concerns around vehicle volumes, robotaxi outlook and concerns surrounding competition and demand. Its $175 price target suggests 21% upside from Tuesday's close. UBS is also staying on the sidelines. Analyst Joseph Spak reiterated his neutral rating while notching down his price target to $147 from $160. Spak believes near-term visibility is cloudy due to its pivot to AI. "TSLA took the ultimate bear case off the table as there is a new, lower-cost product coming," Spak said in a Tuesday note. But, "while we see improvement from 1Q24 levels, we see limited growth for [the] current lineup and lack of clarity on what these "new vehicles" could bring. "There are still several unanswered questions around the new low-cost vehicle," Spak noted. Wells Fargo's Colin Langan is more bearish. He kept his underweight rating on the stock following the quarterly results, citing rushed timing of the new models and a weak fundamental backdrop. "We suspect the release of deferred [full self-driving] sales explains most of the Q1 beat. Post call excitement, fundamental risks around demand & px pressure continue," Langan said in a client note on Tuesday.  Hakyung Kim 5:48 a.m.: Mizuho upgrades Airbnb Airbnb is on a roll, and Mizuho expects even more gains ahead. Analyst James Lee upgraded the short-term housing rental company to buy from neutral. His new price target of $200, up from $150, implies upside of 24%. Shares were up more than 1% in the premarket. The stock has been on fire this year, soaring 18.2%. ABNB YTD mountain ABNB year to date Lee cited three drivers for the upgrade. First, "we expect the potential launch of sponsored listings to generate double-digit EBITDA upside long-term; (2) We believe FY24E consensus room night growth has been de-risked, leaving limited downside concerns; (3) We see opportunities to beat room night growth with incremental demand from Summer Olympics and share gains from elevated hotel pricing."  Fred Imbert
Millions more Americans could become eligible for overtime pay. The Biden-Harris administration announced a final rule Tuesday that raises the minimum salary threshold to qualify for time-and-a-half pay after 40 hours of work in a week. Proponents say the new limit will mean lower-paid workers are fairly compensated for long hours, and business groups are expected to legally challenge it. Here's what to know:

The new salary limits

Starting July 1, 2024, people earning less than $43,888 per year, or $844 per week, would be eligible for overtime pay. By Jan. 1, 2025, that salary threshold would increase to $58,656 per year, or $1,128 per week. The rule also includes automatic increases to that salary eligibility level every three years, starting in 2027, to keep pace with the changing labor market and wages. The current salary threshold to qualify for overtime pay is $35,568 per year based on a limit set by the Trump administration in 2019  the first increase since 2004.

More money or time back to workers

Proponents say the new rule will ensure people, particularly in lower-paid roles, get paid for their time if they work longer than a traditional workweek. "Too often, lower-paid salaried workers are doing the same job as their hourly counterparts but are spending more time away from their families for no additional pay," Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said in a press release. It could also cause businesses to adjust their procedures so people work fewer overtime hours, giving employees more time back.

Who's impacted

Overtime pay protections in the Fair Labor Standards Act say almost all hourly workers qualify for 1.5 times their pay after 40 hours worked in a week. The new Labor Department rule applies to salaried workers under a certain salary level. The overtime boost is expected to impact 4.3 million workers, 56% of whom are women and 24% of whom are workers of color, according to the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute. Most workers impacted are employed in professional and business services, health care and social services, and financial activities. Roughly 15% of salaried workers are currently entitled to overtime pay, and that will roughly double under the new salary limits. However, it's far lower than the 60% of salaried workers who were entitled to overtime pay in the 1970s, per the EPI. Since then, the threshold has not kept pace with wage growth, experts say.

More worker protections on the way
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The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday lambasted joint military drills between South Korea and the United States and vowed to strengthen the North's military power against hostile forces.

The statement by Kim Yo-jong, who serves as the vice department director of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee, came as Seoul and Washington are conducting a two-week joint annual exercise to strengthen readiness against the North's military threats.

"Entering this year, the U.S. has staged more than 80 rounds of military drills with its lackeys and those individually staged by the ROK puppets total more than 60," Kim said in the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), using the acronym of South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

"This evidently shows who the arch criminals straining the regional situation are."

Kim also accused the allies and Japan of heightening tensions in the region "like a kindled detonating fuse" by holding trilateral military drills, according to the KCNA.

"We will continue to build up our overwhelming and most powerful military muscle to defend our sovereignty and security and regional peace. No one can break our determination," she said.

In another KCNA statement by the chief of the foreign news section of the Department of Press and Information at the North's foreign ministry, the North called on Seoul and Washington to immediately halt their ongoing exercise.

The official defended the North's tactical drill simulating a nuclear counterattack earlier this week as a "legitimate exercise of the right to self-defense" to deter a war.

The North has used joint South Korea-U.S. drills as a pretext for its military provocations while ramping up provocative acts, including weapons tests and aggressive rhetoric.

On Monday, North Korea conducted a tactical drill simulating a nuclear counterattack involving super-large multiple rocket launchers, which are assessed as short-range missiles that could put the entire South Korean territory within range. (Yonhap)
In Sichuan province, southwestern China, an 18-year-old girl, referred to as Xiaoyu, has been diagnosed with "love brain" syndrome after incessantly calling her boyfriend over 100 times a day.

Local news outlet Yueniu News reported the girl's obsession with her boyfriend severely affected her mental health and made her boyfriend's life miserable.

Xiaoyu and her boyfriend cultivated a close bond, yet he began to feel uneasy and suffocated as she grew overly reliant on him, constantly seeking his presence.

She not only persistently inquired about his whereabouts but also expected immediate responses to her messages, regardless of the time.

Dr. Du Na from The Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu noted Xiaoyu's dependency on her boyfriend and the detrimental impact it had on both of their lives.

"He was expected to reply to her messages immediately," Du told the local outlet, according to South China Morning Post.

In a widely circulated video, Xiaoyu is depicted sending multiple messages to her boyfriend, urging him to activate his WeChat camera. Despite his lack of response, she persists in making video calls, all of which go unanswered.

On one occasion, she phoned him over 100 times without receiving a reply. This led to her becoming extremely upset and enraged, resulting in her throwing household items and causing damage.

Eventually, the boyfriend contacted the authorities, who arrived just as Xiaoyu threatened to jump from a balcony. She was subsequently taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, often colloquially referred to as "love brain."

Du mentioned that the condition could potentially be present alongside other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

While Du refrained from divulging the specific cause of Xiaoyu's ailment, she noted that it frequently manifested in individuals who had experienced unhealthy parental relationships during childhood.

She further explained that people with a milder manifestation of the condition, whose daily lives remained relatively unaffected, could achieve self-recovery by acquiring skills to regulate their emotions.
Understanding the intricate workings of the human brain's memory functions has long been a pursuit of scientific inquiry.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington delves into this realm, uncovering a potential link between pupil dilation and working memory performance.

Working memory, a crucial aspect of the brain's executive functions, enables individuals to process and retain information, both in the short term for immediate tasks and in the long term for future use.

Despite its significance, working memory abilities vary widely among individuals, prompting researchers to explore the underlying factors contributing to this variability.

Led by Assistant Professor of Psychology Matthew Robison and doctoral student Lauren D. Garner, the study aimed to investigate whether pupil dilation, observed through continuous eye-tracking, could serve as a reliable indicator of working memory performance.

Published in Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, the study involved 179 undergraduate students at UT Arlington who participated in various working memory tasks.

Participants' pupils were continuously monitored using an eye tracker while they engaged in tasks requiring them to retain and recall information over short intervals.

The findings revealed a compelling correlation between pupil dilation and working memory performance. Notably, participants who exhibited greater pupil dilation during cognitive tasks tended to perform better on tests assessing their working memory abilities.

"What we found was that the lowest performers on the tasks showed less pupil dilation," Robison said, according to Neuroscience News.

Robison noted that individuals with higher working memory performance demonstrated both larger overall pupil dilations and heightened sensitivity of pupil response compared to lower-performing counterparts.

This suggests that pupil dilation may serve as a marker of attention and cognitive engagement, offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of working memory.

The study's implications extend beyond academic curiosity, offering potential applications in understanding and enhancing cognitive performance. By elucidating the relationship between pupil dilation and working memory, researchers take a significant step toward unraveling the mysteries of memory variability among individuals.

"This is exciting research because it adds another valuable piece of the puzzle to our understanding of why working memory varies between individuals," Robison said.
Jack and Jill may not be anyones favorite Adam Sandler movie, but it does contain the greatest 50 seconds in the history of cinema

You generally wont find Jack and Jill on many lists of the best Adam Sandler movies. (It has a three percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.) Even less likely would be finding it on a list of anyones favorite Al Pacino movies. (It won a total of 10 Razzies.) And yet, Jack and Jill contains one of the funniest, most viral and random scenes in the history of film.

Jack and Jill is the 2011 comedy in which Adam Sandler plays Jack, an advertising executive who is pretty much like the real Sandler, as well as his obnoxious twin sister, Jill. The film is mostly about Jack and Jill rekindling their bond as siblings, but Jill also becomes the object of affection for Pacino, who plays himself. Sensing a marketing opportunity, Jack decides to use Pacinos attraction to Jill to get him to star in a commercial for Dunkin Donuts, resulting in Pacino rapping in an ad for the Dunkaccino, a real-life drink from Dunkin Donuts that blended coffee and hot chocolate (until, at least, it was discontinued in 2023).

The Dunkaccino scene has since taken on a life of its own as a meme, with many people mistaking it for a genuine commercial. But again, its not. Its just a fantastic piece of comedy thought up by Robert Smigel, the legendary writer best known as the man behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Don't Miss

I recently caught up with Smigel, as well as some of the other creatives who worked on Jack and Jill, to discuss all things Dunkaccino, including the original drink they planned to use, the classic commercial that inspired the scene and just how committed Pacino was to the bit.

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Steve Koren, co-screenwriter of Jack and Jill: The original script for Jack and Jill was written by Ben Zook. Producer Todd Garner thought it would be great for Sandler. Sandler liked it, so we rewrote it together. After that, Tim Herlihy did a pass. After him, Robert Smigel did a pass. Robert didnt get screen credit, but he contributed a lot of great stuff, including Dunkaccino.

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Robert Smigel, co-screenwriter of Jack and Jill (uncredited): I was writing another movie for Adam  it was a completely different movie where Adam played a twin  and I was imagining Jennifer Aniston for the twin sister. I wrote a whole script about that, but he was writing Jack and Jill with Steve Koren and the studio preferred Jack and Jill. Then Adam asked me to do a big rewrite on it. My rewrite was primarily involving the Al Pacino character, fleshing out his role in the third act especially.

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When I came on, though, Pacino hadnt been cast yet. He was hesitating, and Adam was like, Lets just go to his house. How many people could get away with that? Just knocking on the door and saying, Hey Al, whats the deal? Adam could because he has that incredible combination of being incredibly charming and funny and also being an incredibly powerful movie star.

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Anyway, Adam found out that Pacino was at home, and he brought me. Pacino was delighted to see Adam show up at his door, as many people would be. He let us in, and we had a great time. Pacino was incredibly charming. We went to dinner, and he started to get deeper into the script.

Al Pacino is obviously one of the greatest actors of the last 50 years, but he was also as much fun as anyone Ive ever worked with. He completely threw himself into this movie. You would think an Academy Award-winning actor doing an Adam Sandler comedy might not take it very seriously, but he did. He had us come to his house and wed start with the script, but then Adam and he would improvise. It was all about finding the character for him. Id get phone calls from him at night. I saved those voicemails  Robert, its Al, I had a thought about the Don Quixote aspect of it, please call me. Everything about Don Quixote and Jill being his Dulcinea came from him.

I just loved how much Pacino cared. He just emanated joy because he was so excited and committed to making his part as funny as it could be.

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Dennis Dugan, director of Jack and Jill: Pacino was all-in. When Pacino does King Lear in the park, he does it  same thing for The Godfather. Then he does this silly thing where he falls in love with Adam Sandlers bizarre twin, and hes exactly as committed. He took the comedy seriously, which youve got to do.

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Koren: Al Pacino took everything incredibly seriously and gave every scene he did 100 percent. It wasnt just some silly thing to him. Also, being a former Saturday Night Live writer, its amazing to get a big star to make fun of themselves like that. Its incredibly cool that Al Pacino was so willing to do that. Plus, hes never hosted Saturday Night Live, so this is like the closest thing to what he could possibly do on that show.

Smigel: The Dunkaccino thing was just something I thought of while I was doing the rewrite. The whole premise was already there  that Adam worked at an ad agency and needed a famous actor for a corny product tie-in and the only way hes able to get the guy is that hes smitten by his twin sister. Dunkin Donuts wasnt originally in the script though. The original idea was Starbucks, and the drink was Frappuccino.

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Every now and then, Ive looked at the scene on YouTube, and there are a lot of comments that say, If hes changing his name to Al, shouldnt it be Dunk Pacino? The most perfect, goofiest concept would have been a song about Frappuccino  because it has the p  but Starbucks wasnt interested. They didnt have a sense of humor about cornifying their product. Whereas, with Dunkaccino, I dont think Dunkin Donuts takes themselves quite as seriously as a place like Starbucks might.

At the end of the day, its funnier that Al Pacino did a commercial for Dunkin Donuts. That way theres no pretense that he ever thought this was a classy gig.

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I dont remember the exact birth of the actual Frappuccino idea, though. In the script, there was some other corny juxtaposition, and when we got Pacino, Frappuccino became the obvious one  Im changing my name to Frap! When I was a kid, Chapstick ran a series of ads with an Olympic champion named Suzy Chaffee, and in the commercials, she would say, Call me Suzy Chapstick. Thats probably what the inspiration was.

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When I got to writing it, I thought, Whats the corniest thing he could possibly do? Well, any white person doing bad rap is up there. Then, sticking all his catchphrases in as though its supposed to be charming, but its incredibly cringey and sad, that was just for my own enjoyment. Al Pacino has been associated with so many catchphrases, and the idea of getting him to actually do this was head-spinningly exciting. Of course, he completely got it and went for it.

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Dugan: He knew the Pacino we wanted  the hoo-aah! guy.

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Jamal Sims, choreographer on Jack and Jill: I knew I was doing an Adam Sandler movie, but I didnt know the scene I was choreographing was with Al Pacino until after I was hired. It was a huge surprise, but it was also scary because Al Pacino isnt known for being a dancer. I went and watched a bunch of Pacino movies to see how he walks and moves. I noticed that he has a certain physicality to him where he walks with his shoulders up  hes kind of hunched over a little bit  so I catered the choreography to the way he moves naturally. Also, the song is hip hop, so I did it in a Broadway hip-hop style.

You never know what youre going to get. You dont even know if the actor is going to want to dance very much. But after I had a day of rehearsal with the dancers, Pacino came in to watch it, and he loved it: Show me where you want me. Show me what you want me to do. He was so game for anything. He was able to pick up the choreography pretty quickly, and he was into it! He had so much energy. He kept saying, Lets do it again!

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Andy Goldenberg, actor playing Dunkin Donuts employee who says Dunkaccino? and Adam Sandler performance double in Jack and Jill: We shot the Dunkin Donuts scene on January 27, 2011.

Dugan: That scene was filmed at the Sony studio lot. We built a Dunkin Donuts set. We had the big swinging donuts and stuff, so we had to have the space.

Smigel: They beautifully recreated Dunkin Donuts to the point where I couldnt remember if we were actually in one.

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Goldenberg: When I walked on the set that day, it was like an actual Dunkin Donuts store. They even airlifted in fresh donuts.

Smigel: Dunkaccino was a very controlled bit. It was like filming a comedy sketch. There werent many variables. We knew where the jokes were; everybody knew how to perform it. All the extras knew how to deliver the lines in a super-corny, whitebread kind of way, and Al just sunk his teeth into it. I didnt know he was that good a dancer! Working with him every day was a joy, but that day in particular was heaven. Writing that song and seeing him do it was one of my favorite moments in show business.

Dugan: The first day of shooting with Pacino on Jack and Jill, we go in, we rehearse, then we shoot until Adam has what he wanted and I had what I wanted. Then Id say Okay, lets move on. So, first scene, first day, both Sandler and I have what we wanted, but Pacino shouts No! and the whole place gets real quiet. He smiles and goes, One more for free. Who knows what we might get? So we did one more. He did that every couple of weeks  hed go, One more for free.

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We get to Dunkaccino, which was the last thing we did, and it was a lot of exercise and a lot of sweat and a lot of him dancing and stuff. But he kept going, Lets do it again! He loved the dancing and the singing. I finally had to tell him, Weve got it! I was afraid I was going to kill him.

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Goldenberg: During one of the takes, Pacino flubbed a line or a dance move, and he jokingly said, This is going to ruin me. I cant believe you got me to do this. It was like that scene in the movie right after the Dunkaccino scene where he says to Sandler, Burn this.

Smigel: It was very important to Pacino that we have that scene at the end where he was like, Burn this. He definitely wanted that in the movie. He didnt want for it to end with him completely selling out, and we didnt either. We thought the Burn this scene was very funny, and it was mostly improvised.

Dugan: Pacino cracked Adam Sandler up in that scene. You can hear Sandler laughing in that  thats just Sandler laughing at Pacino.

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Smigel: Im trying to think if theres anything Pacino had any hesitation about. He purposefully overplayed it a bit  which I had no problem with. He made a point to do it slightly cornier than he would have had he really been paid to do it, just in case anyone were to think its real, if the scene was ever seen out-of-context, which, of course, it was. Funny enough, online, there are people who are like, What is this? He did a commercial? There are people who think that its real.

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Don Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Know Your Meme: As a meme, Dunkaccino became a big deal with a lot of people really appreciating it and remixing it in various ways. It became a fun scene on YouTube for people to be silly with the edits of. One of the best is Dunkaccino spliced in with Al Pacino winning an Oscar.

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Its also funny because, if you look at the reactions to it on Reddit or YouTube, youll find all these haters ripping on Al Pacino for doing it, thinking its a real commercial, not even understanding that its from a movie. Then, way down in the comments, people are like, You realize this is from a movie, right?

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From the comments, its pretty clear a lot more people have seen the meme than the movie.

Goldenberg: Its incredible that that scene keeps coming back. During the pandemic, there was a Twitter handle called Daily Dunkaccino that, every single day for a year, posted a re-edited version of the commercial.

Caldwell: Search queries for the term dunkaccino saw their largest spike in the past five years in March 2023, around the time the actual Dunkaccino was discontinued by Dunkin Donuts. Along with this came a number of articles remarking on the drinks association with the Al Pacino meme, including those published by Today, The Daily Mail, Time Out and The New York Post. The news also made its way to TikTok, where some creators lamented the demise of the drink and even asked, Al Pacino, how could you let this happen?!

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Goldenberg: Then, this year, during the Super Bowl, Dunkin did that DunKings commercial with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and people were like, What about Dunkaccino?

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Joe Oddo, a guy selling the donut-lined Dunkaccino jacket on eBay: After the production, Al Pacinos donut jacket had been given away. The donut vest was lost, but in 2019 or 2020, I got the jacket from an auction and verified it was authentic through the prop master. Recently, I decided to throw it up on eBay to see if I could get a good deal on it. Jack and Jill may not be Pacinos greatest film, but that Dunkaccino scene is funny as hell.
Ukraine to get largest-ever military aid package from UK: Zelensky

Xinhua) 10:51, April 24, 2024

KIEV, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Ukraine would soon get the largest-ever military aid package from Britain worth 500 million pounds (619 million U.S. dollars).

The package will contain Storm Shadow and other types of missiles, hundreds of armored vehicles and watercraft, and ammunition, he said on Telegram after a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Zelensky said they also discussed bilateral defense cooperation, focusing on maritime and long-range capabilities.

One of the leading donors to Ukraine, Britain has pledged almost 12 billion pounds in support to Ukraine since February 2022, of which 7.1 billion is for military assistance, according to the British parliament.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
North Korea on Wednesday called a U.S. aid package to war-torn Ukraine awaiting final approval a "hallucinogen," saying that such support cannot put a brake on Kiev's war with Russia.

The statement by North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon-il came amid Pyongyang's deepening military cooperation with Moscow that has spawned speculation over their arms deal for Russia's use in the war.

"The U.S. bill on additional military aid... is merely a hallucinogen that temporarily eases the fears of the Zelenskyy cabal that is driven to a corner day by day," Im said in the statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.

Im claimed any military aid from the United States will not be able to halt the Russian military's fight to defend its sovereignty and safety.

Late Tuesday (local time), the U.S. Senate passed the $61 billion aid package for Kiev that now only awaits U.S. President Joe Biden's signature. (Yonhap)
The commander of the United States Space Command said Wednesday that North Korea's satellite launch violates U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and its preparations for additional launches have been under close watch.

Gen. Stephen Whiting made the remarks following his two-day trip to South Korea, where discussions focused on enhancing space and missile capabilities, amid speculation about Pyeongyang's preparations for a second spy satellite launch.

The North succeeded in placing its first spy satellite into orbit in November following two failed attempts and vowed to send three more this year.

"Obviously, we are keenly watching North Korea's missile developments and their space aspirations," Whiting said in a digital press briefing.

He was speaking from Japan, the second leg of his Asia trip. It marks his first overseas trip since assuming the command in January.

Whiting denounced Pyeongyang's launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and spy satellites as violations of UNSC resolutions that ban the use of ballistic missile technology, and called for it to cease such activities.

"Every time they launch into space or launch one of their ICBM or missile tests, they are violating United Nations resolutions because they are not supposed to use intercontinental ballistic missile technology. So you know, we call on them to stop," Whiting said.

During his visit to South Korea, Whiting met Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo, members of the Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel to bolster the integration of space assets within the broader defense framework of the Korean Peninsula, the USFK said.

He emphasized the importance of joint coordination and collaboration with South Korea and Japan to deter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats, highlighting the activation of a trilateral real-time system for sharing data on tracking North Korean missile launches in December.

"We need to continue the excellent work in the trilateral agreement between the United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan to share missile warning information so that all three countries fully understand anytime North Korea launches a missile where that missile is headed, and we can provide warning and to our to our national leadership to our military forces and to our populations," he said, referring to South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

His trip comes at a time when Seoul and Washington have been exploring avenues to expand their coordination in the realm of space, which was demonstrated by the launch of the U.S. Space Forces Korea, a component unit under the USFK, in December 2022.

Meanwhile, USFK Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera, who accompanied Whiting on the trip in South Korea, stressed the importance of the allies' close coordination in the space domain to adapt to the changing landscape of modern warfare.

"Our increased efforts in space are meant to prevent adversaries from gaining advantages, and to enable our forces with the full resources of our military and civilian space agencies and departments," LaCamera said in a release. (Yonhap)
The Armenian Students Association is hosting a week to commemorate and raise awareness of the Armenian Genocide in front of Doe Library. ASUC Senator and ASA member Tony Ordoukhanian will speak during todays ASUC Senate meeting to recognize the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
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Russia's agriculture minister on Wednesday discussed deepening ties with North Korea with one of Pyeongyang's top agriculture officials, the Russian ministry said.

Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev was shown greeting vice premier of the cabinet, Ri Chol-man, in Moscow, along with Russian officials from other agricultural agencies.

"The Russian Federation and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have long-standing friendly relations," Patrushev said. "Currently, we note the intensification of contacts, including in most areas of agriculture."

North Korea has long grappled with food shortages, in part due to prolonged UN sanctions over its weapons programmes and seasonal natural disasters.

China is the world's biggest wheat producer but Russia is usually the top exporter of wheat. Russian total agricultural exports totalled more than $45 billion in 2023, a record. (Reuters)
By Jon Dunbar

Poor communication, oversight, accountability and responsibilities led to the failures behind the organization and execution of last year's World Scout Jamboree in Korea, according to a report authored by an independent review panel of Scouting leaders from around the world, and released April 16.

The Jamboree, which ran early last August, saw the participation of 43,000 Scouts from over 150 countries. The event was already a disaster before it began, and as time went on, its failure made worldwide headlines. The site, located on reclaimed land in North Jeolla Province's Saemangeum, had to be evacuated prior to the closing ceremony due to an approaching typhoon.

The report, authored by six Scouting leaders from Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Sweden, Colombia and Singapore, identifies many of the problems experienced by participants, and analyzes how they became unmanageable.

Participants, both Scouts and adult volunteers, faced adversity due to a lack of basics, such as sufficient food, sanitation facilities, shelter and medical support.

"There were significant challenges and deficiencies, as well as a failure to consistently deliver core services  at the standard promised by the host, and legitimately expected by the key stakeholders and essential to keep all youth participants and adult volunteers safe," the report said.

It further highlighted how Saemangeum was a "demonstrably high-risk site as was evident from the bidding stage," citing that the required infrastructure work, including planting more trees, had not been completed in the planning phase.

Another major problem was site access, both for people walking on foot and road vehicles. This became an especially serious issue during the opening ceremony on Aug. 2.

The medical facilities and resources offered at the campsite were "severely inadequate," with some clinics reportedly lacking even electricity in the early days. Heat-related issues and insect bites represented a significant portion of the case load, and worries emerged over the potential spread of waterborne diseases.

Although the host of the Jamboree was officially the Korea Scout Association, the report identified the Korean government as the "de facto" organizer "because of the large funding provided," which it said went "against past practice and guidelines."

"This exacerbated the existing event organization challenges and caused a number of structural and coordination complications," the report read.

It also cited communication difficulties at all levels, and while much of this was attributed to language barriers, it added that the host "deliberately misled" the World Scout Committee, World Scout Bureau, and National Scout Organizations in its communications regarding preparations.

The facts laid out in the report are damning, although its authors emphasized that the panel's "objective is not to assign blame to individual actors or bodies," but rather to "identify current institutional deficiencies and to propose forward-looking strategies."

"It is essential to emphasize that any references to responsibility and accountability in this report do not entail a legal analysis or assessment of legal liability," the report said.

However, it added that the review was conducted without any Korean government support.

"Regrettably, notwithstanding the panels efforts, the Korean government officials involved in the organizing of the 25th World Scout Jamboree were unable to provide the panel much-needed information, especially on the financial statements relating to the event, which would have made the process far more transparent for everyone," it said.

The panel also acknowledged that some level of adversity should be accepted at Scouting events, and the host should not be expected to "provide five-star facilities."

"Scouting is, by its nature, an adventure activity," it said. "However, the host must ensure that the basics, such as shelter, food, water, medical, safety and hygiene are met universally."

David Venn, global director of communications for the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), told The Korea Times that the "safety and well-being of Scouts continues to be our highest priority."

He acknowledged the thorough review by the panel, and said WOSM will implement a series of comprehensive measures to "substantially strengthen the governance, supervision, and management of our World Scout events."

"These measures are being put in place to ensure that future World Scout events are safer and more transformative educational experiences for young people and volunteers," he said.

Regarding the host, he added, "The Korea Scout Association is a valued member of WOSM, and we will continue to closely collaborate and support them to offer quality Scouting programs to young people."

As to the report, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, which was one of government bodies jointly in charge of the event organization, claimed it is not true that government involvement was a cause of the Jamborees failure.

We were never asked to provide information during the WOSMs process of drawing up the report, and weve never had consultation about how to form the panel and what its role is, the ministry said in a statement. As to problems that occurred at the early stage of the event, we resolved them promptly through cooperation with local governments and private companies.
Korea's health ministry on Wednesday expressed regret over medical professors' decision to take a weekly day off starting next week and urged them to engage in dialogue rather than resort to collective action amid the prolonged medical vacuum in the country.

On the previous day, an emergency committee of medical professors vowed to have a day off next week, claiming their fatigue has reached the utmost limit amid a prolonged walkout by trainee doctors.

"The government expresses regret over the decision by medical professors to take a weekly day off while vowing to resign as scheduled," Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters.

About 12,000 trainee doctors have left their worksites since Feb. 20 in protest of the government's plan to boost the number of medical students, forcing major hospitals to delay or cancel surgeries and other public health services.

In support of the walkout by junior doctors, medical professors submitted their resignations last month as well.

Park urged the medical professors to approach the negotiation table with a rational and unified proposal, emphasizing that the government has made efforts, including accommodating a request from the heads of national universities for flexibility in expanding the medical school enrollment quota.

Under the decision announced last week that is largely considered a compromise, universities will be permitted to increase their admission quotas freely, with the range of the annual increase ranging between 50 percent and 100 percent.

"The government is open to holding one-on-one discussions with the medical community, including the emergency committee of medical professors, and will continue making efforts to seek communication," Park added.

While some professors vowed to begin stepping down Thursday, a month after submitting letters of resignation in collective action, Park reiterated that the resignations will not be processed automatically.

"According to education authorities, there are no instances where resignation letters have been officially submitted to universities for processing," the second vice health minister said. (Yonhap)
After the dramatic passage of his flagship Rwanda Bill through Parliament early yesterday morning, Rishi Sunak was in defiant mood. 'Nothing is going to stand in our way,' he declared.

Just a few months ago, such a statement might have smacked of hubris, but the Prime Minister took a huge risk in staking his authority on this measure, and the gamble appears  right now, at least  to have worked.

The moment the Bill was finally passed was not only a decisive victory for the Government, but also his own very personal triumph.

The Prime Minister took a huge risk in staking his authority on Rwanda policy, and the gamble appears  right now, at least  to have worked

Some members of his Cabinet thought he was dangerously misguided in focusing so much energy and political capital on his Rwanda plan, which aims to deter crossings of the English Channel by ensuring illegal migrants are sent to the central African republic.

'He is a really bad politician,' said one minister just before Christmas, arguing that Sunak had chosen the wrong battleground.

Threat

But unlike his critics, the Prime Minister recognised that radical action is needed to close down the illicit cross-Channel trade run by the people-trafficking gangs.

Not only have the numbers become unsustainable, but the route represents a mortal threat to the safety of vulnerable people desperate to make it to our shores, a risk that was thrown into sharp relief only yesterday by the death of five migrants  including a little girl  who'd attempted the crossing.

It cannot be denied that many hurdles lie ahead. Left-wing lawyers representing migrants who seek to avoid deportation will comb the small print of the legislation in search of any loophole that might serve their cause. Opponents of a crackdown, who love to proclaim their supposedly humanitarian values, will seek to win in the court of public opinion.

The PM, pictured talking to reporters en route to Poland yesterday, recognised that radical action is needed to close down the illicit cross-Channel trade run by people-trafficking gangs

But voters are heartily fed up with the toleration of a racket that allows migrants  most of them fit, young men  to jump the queue to enter Britain.

Through his determination to stick to his plan, the Prime Minister has also exposed the emptiness of Labour's opposition. Beyond trumpeting their moral superiority, Labour has nothing to offer. The Opposition talks about 'smashing the gangs'  as if that had never been tried  and about 'safe routes', but this is meaningless code for open borders.

The reality is that against all odds, the Prime Minister has driven through an initiative that could have a real impact.

And if the planes do start to take off for Rwanda with scores of deportees on board, the narrative will be transformed. The Tories could begin to eat into Labour's 20-point lead in the polls.

Yet even before any aircraft take to the skies, Sunak's own image has been enhanced by his resolute handling of this issue. For months he has been written off as a dithering technocrat, too immersed in the detail of policy to make decisive interventions.

But now an alternative picture is emerging: that of a leader of uncompromising perseverance whose work ethic is matched by an inner steel. And despite the admittedly dismal prospects of the Tories, Sunak seems to have grown in stature.

Yesterday, as part of his new, tougher approach, he announced that defence spending will increase to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030  an uplift of at least 75 billion on the current budget and a victory for this paper in its powerful campaign against the neglect of the Armed forces.

This announcement followed his pledge last week to tackle the 'sick-note culture' which is undermining our economy by providing perverse incentives to the unemployed and fostering a spirit of welfare dependency.

In the same vein, his Government has been strong in its defence of Israel and Ukraine, and he and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt have brought back stability to the economy after Liz Truss's disastrous spell in charge.

In contrast to her recklessness, which threatened a financial meltdown, Sunak's economic stewardship is built on Tory principles of sound money, the promotion of enterprise and living within one's means.

It was always a myth  cultivated by his enemies in the party  that he is not a 'true Conservative'.

In fact, he is a stronger believer in fiscal restraint than either Truss or her predecessor Boris Johnson, who once compared his fondness for big-state infrastructure projects with that of the arch interventionist Michael Heseltine. 'I'm a Brexity Hezza,' he declared.

It took a man of Sunak's guts to bring the HS2 gravy train to a halt  and put the brakes on the mad dash to Net Zero.

In fact, much of the diminishing of the PM's reputation is built on a caricature. His detractors insist that he leads a 'zombie' government without a sense of purpose but, in truth, his record in office is more impressive than is usually admitted.

It could be argued that he has done more than any other politician in the past 20 years to save the union between England and Scotland.

For it was his decision to block the Scottish Nationalists' Gender Recognition Bill which had been passed by the Scottish parliament and would have made Scotland the first part of the UK to introduce a self-identification system for people who want to change gender.

Migrants cross the Channel on a dangerously overloaded small boat in March

It was a highly controversial move and ultimately led to the downfall of Nicola Sturgeon. The SNP has been in crisis ever since.

Yet at the time, Sunak came in for severe criticism, even from his own party, for challenging the Scottish Nationalists' policy.

A Tory member of the Scottish Parliament, Jamie Greene, described his move as a 'gift to proponents of independence', and the One-Nation Tory Reform Group said his block on Sturgeon's legislation was 'deeply concerning' and would 'play into the hands of the SNP'.

How wrong they were. Sunak's sound judgment was also evident in his negotiation of the Windsor Framework, which settled the terms of the EU's trade relations with post-Brexit Northern Ireland and paved the way for the return of the devolved assembly in Belfast.

In reconciling the divergent approaches of the Tories, the EU, Sinn Fein and, ultimately, the Democratic Unionists, he revealed himself to be a true political operator.

Predictions of a major rebellion by Tory Euro-sceptics never materialised, for Sunak had read the room better than his critics.

He is far from out of the woods yet, of course. Westminster is constantly abuzz with speculation about leadership bids, and such talk will no doubt be renewed when the party endures another hammering at the local elections next week.

Sunak can certainly come across as wooden and over-rehearsed, but none of his potential successors  such as business secretary Kemi Badenoch, defence secretary Grant Shapps or leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt  has anything like his authority, intellectual firepower or sense of purpose.

'He is a complete machine. I have never seen anything like it,' says one official who worked at the Treasury when Sunak was Chancellor.

William Hague, his predecessor as MP for Richmond (Yorks), is certain of the Prime Minister's qualities: 'I struggle to recall anyone with stronger attributes of intelligence, thoughtfulness and self-discipline.' And, as his recent pronouncements have shown, he is committed to Tory principles.

The Conservative cause may well be doomed, but at least under Sunak they will go down fighting.
Rishi Sunak's pledge to spend billions more on defence in the face of chilling global threats is hugely significant  and to be warmly welcomed.

Since the end of the Cold War, successive governments have wound down the Armed Forces they so readily send into battle.

So it's good the Prime Minister is serious about expanding and modernising our woefully ill-equipped military.

This uplift is a victory for the Mail's Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign, which was launched after defence did not receive a single penny in last month's Budget.

In an impressive address in Poland, Mr Sunak vowed to boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent by 2030  to 87billion a year.

Rishi Sunak's pledge to spend billions more on defence in the face of chilling global threats is hugely significant  and to be warmly welcomed

In an impressive address in Poland, Mr Sunak vowed to boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent by 2030  to 87billion a year

Amounting to 75billion extra for the Army, Navy and RAF, his commitment replaces his previous woolly caveat to reach the target when 'economic conditions allow'.

The world is more dangerous and unstable than it has been for decades, threatening Britain's interests and security.

Given we live in such a volatile time, it would have been extremely negligent for the Government not to improve the military's ability to defend the nation.

True, money is tight. But look at the billions we waste  on everything from the unreformed NHS to dubious aid projects.

Securing Britain's place as Europe's largest defence power should encourage Nato allies to follow suit. Too many are happy skimping on security, opting instead to piggy-back on America's military might.

Mr Sunak's pledge also draws a stark dividing line with Sir Keir Starmer, who has set no date to increase defence spending.

Yes, Labour's leader has pledged to protect and expand the UK's nuclear capability. But let's not forget: He fought tooth and nail to put Jeremy Corbyn in No10, a dangerous Marxist who wanted to turn our army into an impotent peace corps.

Strong national defence has been an instinctively Tory issue for over a century.

Winston Churchill recognised that far from provoking war, this instead deterred dictators. It's reassuring Mr Sunak has reached the same conclusion.

Criminal naivety

The drowning of five migrants trying to reach the UK in a flimsy dinghy is a tragic reminder of why the Rwanda scheme has become a moral duty.

In the early hours of yesterday, on a beach near Boulogne, a group of 112 asylum seekers were crammed by people smugglers onto a dangerously overloaded boat.

The vessel had barely left shore when the inevitable occurred. Amid the confusion, three men, a woman and a child fell overboard, perishing in the freezing waters.

The Rwanda plan is an integral part of Mr Sunak's strategy to end the lethal crossings.

If illegal migrants know they might end up in the African nation instead of having a cosy life in Britain at taxpayers' expense, many will think better of dicing with death. This would begin to break the business model of the trafficking gangs.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by the Border Force following the small boat incident in the Channel

After a mammoth tussle with the House of Lords, the PM's flagship legislation has finally been approved by Parliament. The first plane to Kigali is set to take off in July.

This is a humane approach to tackle the nightmarish problem. Yet within minutes of the Bill passing, an unholy coalition of Labour, human rights activists and radical lawyers had vowed to use every legal trick in the book to stop the deportation flights.

By waging war against the Government, they are perpetuating a vile criminal trade that will inevitably lead to more deaths in the Channel. How can these professional virtue-signallers sleep at night?
At Deputy Prime Ministers Question Time we had a rematch of Russell Hartys TV encounter with Grace Jones.

Deputy PM Oliver Olive Dowden, wet as a labradors nose, flashed his eyes and flapped his elbows with ooh-la-la observations.

Meanwhile, the role of the violent, not entirely cogent Grace Jones was sustained by Angela Rayner, property speculator, object of interest to the Manchester constabulary and occasional deputy leader of the Labour party.

Mrs Rayner used her allocation of Commons questions to talk about... housing benefits. Given suspicions that she dodged property taxes, this was a bold if not lunatic decision.

Labour geniuses said that she was leaning into the issue to demonstrate confidence in her position. Given their advice, one can only assume that Sir Keir Starmers people are scheming to get rid of Big Angela.

Today Angela Rayner used her allocation of Commons questions to talk about housing benefits

What do you recommend on todays menu? I believe the often fatally poisonous puffer-fish is rather good, Angela.

Mr Dowden, with powdered campness, called Mrs Rayner the right honourable landlady.

She responded by saying he was the man who stabbed Boris Johnson and caused the Tories to ditch their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser.

Oooh! went the Commons, remembering that Labour used to say Boris was a liability, and also not sure if it was still legal to make gags about midgets. When sketchwriters try such things, we tend to receive a stiff letter from Little People UK.

Mrs Rayner embarked on a riff about the secretive deep state but she could not persuade her tongue to utter the words, or letters, in the right order. Eventually she spat out that the Tories were in a deep state of sewerage.

But the moment the studio audience liked best was when Olive  who is about as menacing as Sooty and Sweeps friend Soo  welcomed Mrs Rayner to the session.

He noted that it was their fifth contest in 12 months in the Commons chamber. Any more of this, gasped Mr Dowden, and shell be claiming this as her principal residence.

Mother duck, what a gas! Every time he cracked a gag, he wiggled his eyebrows and sucked in his cheeks and sat back down on his green leather bench as dainty as a goose on its golden egg.

Penny Mordaunt, watching him from nearby, plainly thought him a total fool. After her final sally, Mrs Rayners nerves were visible.

The doorkeepers passed her the normal envelope to send her notes upstairs to Hansard and her fingers were shaking so much, she could barely insert her script inside it.

Penny Mordaunt, watching Oliver Dowden from nearby, plainly thought him a total fool

The day had begun with Mr Speaker paying tribute to Lord Field, one-time Labour MP for Birkenhead. A succession of bozos, including Mr Dowden, proceeded to get his title wrong, calling him Lord Frank Field.

That would have made him a younger son of a duke, marquess or earl. Please, its either Frank Field or Lord Field. A dear man he was, even if his asides, whispered when we bumped into each other in the cloisters, were sometimes bafflingly cryptic.

READ MORE: QUENTIN LETTS: MPs look down at Lee Anderson rather in the same way Lady Grantham regards her maid Advertisement

In another corruption of protocol, Speaker Hoyle announced that there was a special guest in the gallery, the Speaker of Malaysia.

Referring to the galleries never used to be allowed, and with good reason. The Malaysian stood to bow and wave. No-one waved back.

The Malaysian chap was soon blinking with incomprehension after Jonathan Gullis (Con, Stoke North) put the first question. Mr Gullis speaks at 100 miles an hour, at tremendous length.

He liked to mention various parts of his fine constituency and may well have done so again.

His contribution was, however, impossible to follow, in part owing to the rapidity of its delivery, in part because the longer he continued the more he was heckled by the opposition and cheered by his own side.

Things reached a mad, bellowing vortex before Speaker Hoyle stopped the question. It might otherwise have broken the sound barrier.

Should Mr Gullis lose his seat, he should become a horse-racing commentator.
Every year, ten million people queue for up to two hours to see the Mona Lisa in the Louvre.

And every year, all but a handful come away wondering why they ever bothered.

When they finally get to the room containing the Mona Lisa, visitors find that the painting is placed in the distance, behind a barrier and a protective glass panel.

To catch a glimpse of it, they have to crane between the arms and heads of other people taking selfies.

After 30 seconds, they are moved on by attendants, and a new crowd is ushered in, ready to soak up the dizzying sense of anticlimax.

To catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, visitors find they have to crane between the arms and heads of other people taking selfies. Small wonder that a recent survey found it ranked 'the world's most disappointing masterpiece'

Small wonder that a recent survey found it ranked 'the world's most disappointing masterpiece'.

Some visitors said they had 'never been so disappointed'. Others described the whole experience as 'torture'.

Of course, prolonged queueing increases expectations, and the whole purpose of expectations is to be dashed.

Somehow the word 'queueing' itself conveys the hopelessness of the activity.

U-e-u-e-i: five vowels all crammed together, unable to get out.

To save the bother of all that travel, here's the best way to recreate the experience in your own living room.

1) Buy a postcard of the Mona Lisa.

2) Place it on a shelf.

3) Invite a large group of friends to mill around in front of it.

4) From a far corner of the room, turn a pair of binoculars the wrong way round, and look through them at the postcard.

As famous paintings go, the Mona Lisa is among the most humdrum.

When Marie-Antoinette owned it, she considered it 'too small, too dark' and placed it in the obscurity of a poky back room at Versailles. It was only in the second half of the 19th century that it came to be considered his masterpiece.

Leonardo da Vinci's portrait is of a nondescript mother-of-three called Lisa, the wife of a merchant called Francesco del Giocondo.

Her smile is deemed to be enigmatic, but it might just as easily be called smug or even sly.

Why is she smiling? In 1547, the writer and artist Giorgio Vasari suggested she was smiling because da Vinci had hired clowns to entertain her during the long sitting. But Vasari often made things up.

More recently, another artist has suggested, more mischievously, that hers is the smile of someone who has just broken wind, and is waiting for the smell to hit the painter.

For hundreds of years, it was considered a relatively minor example of Leonardo's art.

When Marie-Antoinette owned it, she considered it 'too small, too dark' and placed it in the obscurity of a poky back room at Versailles.

It was only in the second half of the 19th century that it came to be considered his masterpiece.

The excitable poet Theophile Gaultier spoke of the 'unresolved riddle' of her smile, 'always there smiling with sensuality, mocking her numerous lovers'.

Until then, no one had really noticed either her smile or the riddle, and there was no historic evidence that this dumpy wallflower had any lovers.

But soon other authors followed suit, notably Jules Verne, who made her the subject of a verse play, imagining the Mona Lisa and Leonardo in love.

In 1911, the painting was stolen from the Louvre. Throughout history, people have been mesmerised by things that have gone missing: the Loch Ness Monster, Lord Lucan, Liz Truss's marbles. The Mona Lisa was no exception: she became the subject of a film, popular songs and countless newspaper articles

With his broadcasting career in the doldrums, Piers Morgan's thin-lipped smile might give him a profitable secondary career as a Mona Lisa looky-likey

Then in 1911, the painting was stolen from the Louvre. Throughout history, people have been mesmerised by things that have gone missing: the Loch Ness Monster, Lord Lucan, Liz Truss's marbles.

The Mona Lisa was no exception: she became the subject of a film, popular songs and countless newspaper articles.

In the Louvre, more people came to view the space where she used to hang than had ever visited her when there.

When she was recovered in Italy two years later, thousands gathered in Paris to welcome her back.

She then faced a backlash from intellectuals. Marcel Duchamp painted a picture of her wearing a moustache. Somerset Maugham poured scorn on 'the insipid smile of that prim and sex-starved young woman'.

But, like it or not, the Mona Lisa's position as the world's most famous painting now seems unassailable. After all the visitor complaints, the director of the Louvre has just announced plans to move the Mona Lisa into a bigger room.

It all goes to show that, as Piers Morgan has discovered to his advantage, fame can be fuelled as much by hatred as by love.

In fact, with his broadcasting career in the doldrums, Morgan's thin-lipped smile might give him a profitable secondary career as a Mona Lisa looky-likey.

The Louvre should offer to dress him up in the appropriate garb, ready to greet those visitors unable to squeeze in to the main event.
Before succeeding his mother, King Charles was incandescent when her dresser Angela Kelly published private photographs of the Queen with her hands in her pockets.

Charles had deemed the snaps, taken for a Royal Collection photo shoot, inappropriate and they weren't published.

Kelly used the unseen pics in her 2019 book The Queen, The Dresser and the Wardrobe.

'Her Majesty started striking a series of poses, slipping her hands in and out of her pockets and placing them on to her hips, mimicking the stance of a professional model,' she explained.

Ingrid Seward, in My Mother and I, reveals: 'It was enough to incur Charles's wrath.

Before succeeding his mother, King Charles was said to be incandescent when her dresser Angela Kelly published private photographs of the Queen with her hands in her pockets

Charles had deemed the snaps, taken for a Royal Collection photo shoot, inappropriate and they weren't published

Might the episode explain Angela Kelly's departure, shortly after HM's death, from her grace-and-favour Windsor home to a cottage in the Peak District?

'He thoroughly disliked what he considered was taking advantage of her good nature.'

Might that explain Kelly's departure, shortly after HM's death, from her grace-and-favour Windsor home to a cottage in the Peak District?

Nine-year-old Princess Anne was indifferent when her mother told her she was expecting another baby four months before Andrew was born.

In a handwritten letter to her midwife Sister Helen Rowe  to be auctioned for 4,800 in Germany on Saturday  the 33-year-old Queen wrote that Charles was excited, adding: 'Anne is getting more used to the idea now!'

But was Prince Philip also lukewarm?

'It has taken the parents a long time to get used to the idea, too, being so very much out of the baby world,' added HM.

Sibling love: Princess Anne is all smiles after the birth of her newest brother, Andrew, alongside her parents, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, with eldest son Prince Charles

Texting her undying affection to husband ex-Scottish rugby international Kenny, Gabby Logan tip-tapped 'I love you'.

'I had found the name Kenny in my phone contacts,' she tells Chatabix podcast.

'But I'd just told Kenny Dalglish I loved him.'

Phone pas: Gabby Logan has mistakenly professed her love to Kenny Dalglish instead of rugby international husband Kenny

Clearing her throat to spout at the Paris Olympics, Clare Balding remains haunted by her 2009 Grand National interview with winning jockey Liam Treadwell, asking if he was going to spend his prize money on having his teeth repaired.

'I did an awful thing and I genuinely didn't mean any harm,' she says.

Treadwell, who subsequently got a free set of new teeth from an obliging dentist, died in 2020 from an accidental drug overdose.

'What's happened since makes it very difficult to talk about,' adds a tearful Clare.

'Liam's mum and I are in touch fairly regularly. Sorry, I just can't believe he's not here.'

Clearing her throat to spout at the Paris Olympics, Clare Balding remains haunted by her 2009 Grand National interview with winning jockey Liam Treadwell, asking if he was going to spend his prize money on having his teeth repaired

Former Labour minister Frank Field, who has died aged 81, predicted misfortune for old foe Gordon Brown's premiership just months before the latter became PM.

Cruelly comparing the Scot to the insane character in Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre, Field observed: 'Allowing Gordon Brown into Number 10 would be like letting Mrs Rochester out of the attic.'
A corset addict who wears a steel-bone cincher for 16 hours a day in an attempt to break the record for the tiniest waist has revealed how the accessory has left her suffering from agonizing migraines.

Since 2012, Sarah Vaeth, 48, from Portland, Oregon, has been slowly making her frame smaller by wearing extremely restrictive corsets for hours on end.

The mother-of-one is fiercely determined to break the Guinness World Record for the smallest waist, which is 15 inches - and she's now only half an inch away.

But getting there has not been easy, as she revealed last year that her bizarre obsession has had negative long-term affects on her body that have left her reeling in pain.

A corset addict who wears a steel-bone cincher for 16 hours a day in an attempt to break the record for the tiniest waist has revealed how it has left her suffering from agonizing migraines

Since 2012, Sarah Vaeth, 48, from Portland, Oregon , has been slowly making her frame smaller by wearing extremely restrictive corsets for hours on end

The mother-of-one is fiercely determined to break the Guinness World Record for the smallest waist, which is 15 inches - and she's now only half an inch away

But getting there has not been easy, as she revealed last year that her bizarre obsession has had negative long-term affects on her body that have left her reeling in pain

In an episode of the TLC show Crack Addicts, which premiered in May 2023 but was recently re-uploaded on the network's YouTube channel, Sarah opened up about some of the downsides of wearing the confining piece of clothing while visiting acclaimed chiropractor Dr. Alessandra Colon.

Sarah admitted that she was suffering from severe headaches that felt like an 'ice pick' inside her brain.

'I have experienced migraines for most of my adult life,' Sarah told Dr. Colon in the episode. 'It's a very sharp, very concentrated pain in one spot.'

She then told Dr. Colon about her unusual habit, which left the chiropractor shocked.

'From a doctor's perspective, there's no way you can't think of atrophy and [muscle] weakness,' Dr. Colon told the camera privately. 'How is that hindering the body?'

After looking at her X-rays, the doctor said that Sarah had a 'small slant' on her lower back, and 'so much hypertonicity' in her neck, which she believed was a result of the corset.

'It's going to affect you in the long run,' she warned. 'There's a head tilt going on here, and a little rotation in your spine. So it puts pressure on one side.'

Sarah then took off her top to show Dr. Colon her corset, and the chiropractor couldn't believe how tiny her waist was.

In an episode of the TLC show Crack Addicts, Sarah opened up about some of the downsides of wearing the confining piece of clothing while visiting chiropractor Dr. Alessandra Colon

Sarah admitted that she was suffering from severe headaches that felt like an 'ice pick' inside her brain

After looking at her X-rays, the doctor said that Sarah had a 'small slant' on her lower back, and 'so much hypertonicity' in her neck, which she believed was a result of the corset

'It's going to affect you in the long run,' she warned. 'There's a head tilt going on here, and a little rotation in your spine. So it puts pressure on one side'

She wondered to the camera, 'Where does everything go? Where's the kidney? Where's the liver? For her waist to be this small, it's really gonna affect how the system works'

She wondered to the camera, 'Where does everything go? Where's the kidney?

'Where's the liver? Where's the intestines? For her waist to be this small, it's really gonna affect how the system works.

'It's very clear why she has these headaches. The corset is decreasing her blood flow.'

Dr. Colon then had Sarah take off the corset, and she performed a series of stretches on her to help loosen up her body.

Sarah said she felt so much better afterwards, adding, 'I can't remember when I last felt this way.'

'I think I do need to take this seriously,' she admitted. 'Spending so many hours a day with those muscles immobilized in the corset [is not good].'

A woman named Cathie Jung currently holds the record for the smallest tight-laced waist on a living person at 15 inches, which she earned in 1999 at age 62. As of last year, Sarah's waist measured 15.5 inches.

Sarah previously explained that she first started wearing the cinchers to improve her posture - something that's now ironic considering what Dr. Colon told her - but quickly fell in love with the way she looked in them.

'Once I tried on my first corset, I was surprised by the dramatic effect it had on my appearance, even cinched relatively loosely,' she explained to Jam Press in 2020.

A woman named Cathie Jung currently holds the record for the smallest tight-laced waist on a living person at 15 inches. As of last year, Sarah's waist measured 15.5 inches

Sarah previously explained that she first started wearing the cincher to improve her posture but quickly fell in love with the way she looked in them

'Once I tried on my first corset, I was surprised by the effect it had on my appearance,' she explained in 2020. 'The hyper-feminine curve it created was so different from my figure'

She explained that wearing the corsets has caused her to reposition her lower ribs - but insisted that it wasn't painful at the time

'The hyper-feminine curve it created was so different from my natural figure. The possibility of re-shaping the body was incredibly compelling to me and I was hooked on corsets from that moment on.'

She explained that wearing the corsets has caused her to reposition her lower ribs - but insisted that it wasn't painful at the time.

'The ribs are nudged a little further from the natural wide-splayed orientation towards a more circular one, creating a narrower midsection,' she shared.

'Once my corset and my body are both broken in, the corset just feels like a firm vest  it's supportive and comforting.

'I've only experienced pain with corsets which, as I realized in retrospect, were sized incorrectly for my body, putting inappropriate pressure on the hips or upper torso.'

Despite wearing the tiny garment every day, Sarah also vowed that she is able to eat and drink as normal.

'The corset just feels like a firm vest  it's supportive and comforting,' she said. She's seen left five hours after she took off the corset and right with it on

Despite wearing the tiny garment every day, Sarah also vowed that she is able to eat and drink as normal

She explained: 'The only change I've made is portion control. My calorie intake is the same, but the calories are spread out more evenly throughout the day'

She explained: 'The only change I've made to stay tightly corseted is in terms of portion control.

'My calorie intake is the same, but the calories are spread out more evenly throughout the day.

'I'll eat a small dinner so that I can sleep comfortably in the corset. Consequently, I eat more at breakfast and more snacks than I used to.

'It requires patience and self-discipline. Holding myself to a challenge is something I value in and of itself.'

At the time, she also said her doctor told her that the habit was not 'affecting her organs.'

'I asked him to look over the results of my annual blood panels going back to before I started corseting and everything was normal, there was no change from before corsets to after,' she stated.
A man who has 'Britain's largest penis' says the accolade comes with a number of problems but he doesn't plan on getting size reduction surgery.

Matt Barr, 40, a Cambridge university graduate, first realised he had a bigger penis (measuring in at more than 12 inches) than his peers during showers after PE at school.

But being so well-endowed has actually come with a whole host of problems, including difficulties while dating, and people getting the wrong idea during a yoga class.

However, penis reduction surgery is very rare, complicated and expensive - and is usually only carried out for medical reasons.

During an appearance on This Morning on Tuesday, when host Ben Shephard asked if Matt had considered having an operation to minimise the size of his penis, he explained that he likely wouldn't.

Matt Barr (pictured) has the biggest penis in Britain but has revealed why he isn't getting reduction surgery despite all the problems it brings him

Matt explained: 'I have looked into this - it's very expensive surgery, it costs about 15,000 roughly.

'It's not done very often. It's only done normally, in the cases of tumours and things like that. In the case of normal function, it's not common.

'It's difficult, because it's not something you really spring on people as a surprise, because it just does scare people away generally.

'But obviously [you don't want to be] creepy and bring it up too early. [So] how you start that conversation?'

Reduction corporoplasty is a highly specialised procedure used to reduce the girth and length of a penis.

Matt, who is in the top 0.01% cent of penis sizes, previously appeared on Channel 4 programme 'My Massive C***' where he discussed his surgery options with Dr Nenad Djakovic, a specialist in urology.

He said he'd always wondered about what life would be like if he lost three or four inches from his length.

But after he was told that even losing an inch from his penis could be 'life-changing', he decided against getting surgery.

Matt's penis measures in at more than 12 inches, giving him the biggest penis in Britain (size demonstrated by Ben on This Morning)

Matt, who is in the top 0.01 per cent of penis sizes, previously appeared on Channel 4 programme 'My Massive C***' where he discussed size reduction surgery

Dr Djakovic explained that the surgery would take place while he was erect that they would amputate the amount he wanted gone before reconstructing it.

Matt asked if he could be reduced to nine inches, and have a couple of inches taken away from the girth.

'We can't do a salami technique,' the doctor said. 'Once you've had the surgery, that's it.

HOW DOES PENIS REDUCTION SURGERY WORK? Penis reductions are incredibly rare, complicated and expensive. The first instance only occurred in the US in 2015 - and they have been few and far between ever since. In this case, surgeons embarked on a surgical technique normally used to treat Peyronie's disease, a condition where scar tissue develops along the penis, causing it to bend. The surgeons sliced along an old circumcision scar, unwrapped the skin of the penis, and cut out two segments of tissue from either side. The doctors were able to bypass the urethra - the tube which carries urine through the penis - and all of the nerves that provide sensation. Reduction corporoplasty is a highly specialised procedure used to reduce the girth and length of a penis. Dr Nenad Djakovic, a urologist, told Channel 4's 'My Massive C***' that they would make the penis erect and then amputate the desired amount. Once complete, they would reconstruct it for the final look. Advertisement

'First of all, you should know that they are performed very seldomly because there are no clear statistics regarding success rate nor a clear statistic regarding the complication rate.

'Per year we have two or three patients performing this type of surgery.'

Matt told the Metro: Its super rare actually. It can lead to poor erectile health afterwards, its visually unappealing because of the way they cut away at it - youre left with stitches and scars - and its a very severe choice.

If I was in a long term relationship Id want that to be an option we could pursue, but you also have the thought of what if I get a reduction and then I meet someone who would really like [me] when [I] was big?.

Sometimes, Matt has even felt light-headed when wearing a condom and has struggled to find one that fits him.

While many men around the world have requested enlargements from their plastic surgeons, having the size of a penis reduced is much rarer.

Where reduction surgery can cost 15,000, enlargement surgery costs around 3,000 at its cheapest.

In 2015, a 17-year-old boy became the world's first patient to undergo penis reduction surgery.

The American teen requested the surgery after his penis grew too large and meant he found it difficult to have sex or play competitive sports.

It measured seven inches in length with a circumference of 10 inches while flaccid. It didn't actually grow while erect, but just became firmer.

His surgeon, Rafael Carrion, a urologist at the University of South Florida, said they decided to embark on a surgical technique normally used to treat Peyronie's disease, a condition where scar tissue develops along the penis, causing it to bend.

The surgeons sliced along an old circumcision scar, unwrapped the skin of the penis, and cut out two segments of tissue from either side.

Dr Carrion told MailOnline previously: 'Lord knows there's a global race on how to make it longer and thicker in plastic surgery circles, but very little on how to make it smaller.

'It was a bit like having two side tummy-tucks - that's how we explained it to him.'

The doctors were able to bypass the urethra - the tube which carries urine through the penis - and all of the nerves that provide sensation.

Urologist Dr Nenad Djakovic was honest about the risks of surgery, saying there are no clear statistics about how successful it would be

A 17-year-old boy in Florida is thought to be the first person to undergo penis reduction surgery. The teenager requested the operation after his penis (pictured on an X-ray) grew too large

The teenager spent just two days in hospital before returning home, apparently 'ecstatic' with his new penis.

The doctors did not take final measurements of the penis, although Dr Carrion told MailOnline the result was 'generous'.

'It's slightly longer and slightly thicker than the average male, but now it looks symmetrical, and the patient was very satisfied,' he said.

The teen now has no problem having normal erections and has full sensation.

'It looks cosmetically appealing, and he said it was a life-changing event, he's all smiles,' said Carrion.

Whereas the first teenager had an obvious medical condition that needed treating, performing surgery on someone who is completely healthy but having difficulties with the size of his penis is another matter, said Dr Carrion.

'These are controversial waters we're stepping in,' he added. 'Who is to judge what is a legitimate complaint and what isn't?

'You don't normally have men complaining about this kind of thing. These are very unique cases.'

In the case of the 15-year-old, he had suffered from several bouts of priapism - and unwanted erection - which caused his penis to swell up, leaving it bloated and misshapen.

In Matt's case, he said he'd always had a bigger penis, but that he'd first noticed it aged 12 when getting changed in PE.

And he said that despite the myth that bigger is better, as a shy youngster, he wanted to be 'normal' like his peers.

In addition, he added, the size of his penis comes with its own set of problems, including difficulties when he was dating.

Matt (pictured, right) with This Morning hosts Ben Shephard (pictured, left) and Cat Deeley (pictured, centre)

Matt has looked into penis reduction surgery but it is rare, expensive and risky

He added that the size of his penis had got him into trouble once during a yoga class, when he was asked to leave as it was thought he was aroused due to the size of his appendage.

According to Matt: 'I was wearing a very baggy shirt and shorts [but because of the] yoga positions, people just got the wrong idea.

'And that's the way it sometimes goes, but you can you can dress normally, baggy clothing, and it's not too difficult.'

But that wasn't the worst experience he has had - describing a worse situation, Matt revealed that once he went on a date, during which the woman he was seeing had an 'ulterior motive'.

While Matt thought it was a 'normal date', it turned out he'd been asked out by the woman as she wanted him to appear on her OnlyFans and use him to make money.

With his penis measuring at more than 12 inches, Matt is more than double average size, which in the UK is 5.2 inches while erect.

Speaking about Matt's situation, Ben noted that 'people are very mistaken about what benefits and gives you in life' - and that it must be tricky for Matt to talk about, as he is quite shy and it' an intimate subject.

According to Ben: 'It's fascinating, because you can you can imagine that the majority of people watching will be going "what an absolute gift to be able to stand there and have more than more than enough".

'Would you say having a smaller penis would mean you'd be happier than having you big one?'

Matt jokingly replied that there are more positive qualities a person can have, like 'the good looks of Ben Shephard'.

Matt said he'd always had a bigger penis, but that he'd first noticed it aged 12 when getting changed in PE

Discussing how tricky it is discussing the intimate topic as someone who is shy, he said: 'I'm trying to dispel some of the stigmas.

'I don't see why there's any difference talking about this and talking about your breasts or any other bodily part...it's not sexualised. It's just a fact of life.'

In the Channel 4 documentary, he described a 'degrading' experience where an ex-girlfriend had made him use a penis pump so he would be even larger than usual.

She would then enjoy looking at him while they were doing mundane activities like playing scrabble or watching TV.

Matt said he was 'treated like a piece of meat', especially when she said images of him around without his consent.

To discuss the issue further, Matt has written a book about his predicament, titled A Long Story: Life With One Of The Worlds Largest Penises.

While he has no specific release date as of yet, he revealed it is likely to hit shelves next year.

The world's largest penis is thought to belong to Robert Esquivel Cabrera from Mexico, who has a manhood measuring in at 18.9 inches.
The widow of the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury who paid her brother 100,000 to murder him when he asked for a divorce has moaned the killing 'broke her life too'.

Jamila Ben M'Barek, a former escort who met her husband Anthony Ashley-Cooper when he hired her as a prostitute for the night, has also apologised to the family of her ex-husband after she and her brother Mohammed hatched a plan to kill him.

Speaking in Channel 5 documentary A Very British Sex Scandal: The Earl & The Escort, after being released from prison following a nine-year stint behind bars, and while Mohammed is still serving a 25-year term, she said her late husband was 'really generous'.

During their two-year marriage, M'Barek lived a life of luxury in the Earl's lavish properties in the South of France and was set to inherit 4 million from him. But after a turbulent time in which her husband returned to his old ways of ringing call girls and had an affair with an escort, he asked his wife for a divorce in 2004.

Soon after, in November, the Earl walked out of a hotel bar in Cannes and said he'd return to finish his drink - but he never came back. Five months later, his skeleton was found in a ravine near the city in the South of France, and Jamila and Mohammed were arrested for his murder.

Jamila Ben M'Barek, a former escort who was jailed in 2007 for the murder of her ex-husband the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, has said her life has been 'broken' by the killing

The siblings were sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2007 after being convicted of murdering the 66-year-old aristocrat, however Jamila's sentence was reduced on appeal to 20 years and she was released after nine years.

As she appears in the Channel 5 documentary, Jamila expresses her regret over what happened - but maintains Mohammed killed her ex-husband in self defence.

She describes wanting to apologise for the 'pain' caused to the late Earl's family, including his remaining son Nick, and to 'explain' what had happened.

'I feel sorry for his family because Anthony was a very nice person, really generous. I regret what happened,' she said. 'Of course, it broke my life, too.'

The couple met in 2002 when Anthony, who had already been married twice before to Bianca de Paolis and Christina Montan, with whom he shares two sons, booked her as an escort for the evening.

Appearing in a Channel 5 documentary A Very British Sex Scandal: The Earl & The Escort, Jamila sticks to her story that the Earl was killed by her brother Mohammed in self defence

Jamila was jailed for more than 20 years for the Earl's murder but was released after serving nine years. Her brother remains in prison

During the documentary, Jamila describes how the Pretty Woman-style romance soon turned into a nightmare as he fell into old habits of heavy drinking, drug taking and womanising.

Although their life looked picture-perfect on the outside, the programme reveals how they began living separate lives as he frequented underground bars in Cannes while she remained at home.

Jamila recalled: 'When I got married to Anthony the first year was perfect. I had my house, I had my kids with me, I was in a good way to fulfil my dreams.'

However, she noted her husband was 'lonely' and often cried about his mother, as his relationship with family members, who did not approve of his third marriage, became more distant.

'He was a sad person,' Jamila recalled.

She described his drinking becoming out of control and trying to stop it by looking after him '24 hours' a day.

'My sister and my family said 'you're crazy',' she recalled.

One night, after Jamila went to a party alone in Monte Carlo and returned in the early hours of the morning, she claims she found young women running around the house, wearing 'my clothes'.

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, went missing from Cannes in November 2004

The Earl's second son Nick (pictured with his wife Dinah) is understood to be battling to stop Jamila from using the title 'Countess'

She claims they were rifling through her children's belongings and asked her husband who they were - to which he replied they were his 'friends'.

From this night, the relationship continued to disintegrate, and soon they separated.

By April 2004 he had met another woman he hoped to marry, a nightclub hostess named Nadia Boche.

Within months of meeting her, he bought Nadia a house and showered her with money and gifts - just as he had done to Jamila when they first met.

As their marriage crumbled and he told her in 2004 that he wanted a divorce, she gave him an ominous warning, telling him: 'You'll be sorry.'

Shortly after their angry exchange, the Earl was dead, having been murdered by the Countess' brother Mohammed, who carried out the killing on her order.

They almost got away with the murder with the aristocrat's badly decomposed body not being found for six months.

Speaking about the murder in the documentary, Jamila maintains it was all an accident and Mohammed killed the Earl in self-defence after they got into a fight.

She claims that, after leaving the hotel bar where he had told the bartender he'd be back to his drink, the Earl travelled to her house in a taxi and was 'drunk' on arrival.

Jamila claims she and her then-husband got into an argument, which awoke her brother who was staying with her and sleeping in the next room.

She said: '[Mohammed] woke up and the fight starts. Big fight.'

While the violence continued, Jamila claimed she put her hands over her ears and begged them to stop, but 'nobody wanted to'.

She then claimed the Earl put his hand on Mohammed's throat, and somehow Mohammed ended up on top of him.

Then, without explaining how, she claimed the Earl died suddenly, before Mohammed disposed of his body.

The Earl and Jamila married in Holland in 2002, just months after they met (pictured in a registry office)

Jamila has previously lamented what she believes to be a lack of justice after the court didn't believe her and her brother's version of events.

Speaking to the Daily Mail last year, she said: 'The trial was a joke, there was no justice, the judge just wouldn't accept anything I said. How can it be premeditated? Why would I ask my brother to kill my husband in the house where I live with my children in the middle of the day?

'This is not justice, it's racism, if my name had been Jennifer or Caroline, I wouldn't have been convicted of murder, it's because I am Arabic and because of that I was given 25 years for a murder I didn't commit.'

She insisted: 'It was a fight between two men and it happened in front of me in the hallway of my house. I tried to stop it but there was nothing I could do. They were hitting and punching each other and then Anthony was dead.'

When the case came to trial in 2007, two years after the Earl's body was found, key to the case was a wiretap police had of her talking with her sister about 100,000 she had paid in the weeks leading up to the murder - though her sister had no knowledge of or involvement in the plot.

She dismissed this while speaking to the Mail and said: 'They don't have a proper translation for the recording, I was speaking Arabic slang with my sister, I told her I had paid my brother 100,000 over many years, not in one go and not for killing Anthony.

'We didn't plan anything together, I just wanted my brother to help me tell Anthony to respect me more and not come home with prostitutes and gangsters.'

The Earl's family suffered more tragedy just a month after his body was found when his eldest son, Anthony, died of a heart attack.

Now, as Jamila retains the title of Countess which she boasts on her Instagram page, the Earl's second son Nick, who is now the 11th Earl of Shaftesbury, is understood to have pledged to do all that it takes to strip his stepmother of the title.

She said last year: 'Nick has said he will take the title from me but he won't have it easy. I will take him on in court and I will fight him and I will win.

'He has no right, I married his father and so legally I am the Countess whether he likes it or not. He can pay for all the expensive lawyers he wants but I will still fight him and win.

Speaking today to MailOnline, she added: 'Anthony's death was an accident, I'm sorry he is dead but it wasn't anything to do with me.

'But what I do want from the family is my rightful share of the inheritance, I am his legal spouse and therefore I am entitled to what is mine.

'It is my right, I was convicted, and I have served time, in jail but I am legally entitled to a share of the estate.

This was a quarrel between two men, I didnt have anything to do with.

'I will keep fighting for it and I have lawyers looking into it, I'm sorry for the family but his death was an accident as a result of a fight, and this is not over.'
Prolonged medical standoff makes patients feel like hostages

By Jun Ji-hye

Patients are growing increasingly anxious as medical professors vow to resign or suspend treating patients once a week, amid a protracted health care standoff with the government over the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations plan to increase the medical school admissions quota starting next year.

Last month, medical professors, serving as the most senior and fully trained doctors at Korean hospitals, submitted letters of resignation. This action was in solidarity with the walkout staged by over 90 percent of the countrys 13,000 trainee doctors, who have been protesting the governments plan since Feb. 20. These professors are responsible for teaching students and training future doctors while simultaneously providing patient care.

The collective decision to abstain from treating patients once a week is raising concerns that already significant disruptions in hospital operations could escalate further.

Kim, a mother of a 27-month-old daughter, is among the patients and their families who feel vulnerable amid the escalating government-doctor confrontation.

Her daughter, suffering from kidney disease, has been under treatment at Seoul National University (SNU) Hospital. However, the two pediatricians overseeing her care recently announced their intention to resign in the coming months. They urged parents to look for other hospitals to treat their children.

Kim said she can't shake the feeling that her sick daughter is being held hostage.

I couldn't discern any sense of duty or responsibility in the doctor's demeanor when she advised me to seek care elsewhere, she said.

If my daughter is transferred, we'll have to restart numerous tests from scratch. It feels like both my daughter and I are left to handle all of this alone.

She highlighted that it was unreasonable for the hospital to request 70,000 won ($51) to issue the documents required for her daughter's transfer.

I never intended to transfer my daughter, but I felt compelled to do so. But the hospital still requested payment for the necessary documents, she said.

The Korea Alliance of Patients Organization also issued a statement, urging the medical professors to continue providing treatment.

The concerns came as medical professors at some schools already decided or are moving to suspend treating patients once a week, including those at the medical school of SNU and its affiliated hospital, one of the countrys top five largest medical centers.

Bang Jae-seung, who heads the emergency committee of the SNU medical professors' council, announced Wednesday that they would refrain from treating patients on April 30, with exceptions made for inpatients and those in emergency or critical condition. He said the committee will continue to review whether to take a day off every week.

The decision on the shutdown on April 30 has been made to heal our bodies and minds distressed from continued overwork that has lasted for more than two months (since trainee doctors walked off their jobs), Bang said during a news conference.

He pointed out that SNU professors began submitting letters of resignation on March 25, and each one will take effect 30 days after submission. This implies that some professors are prepared to leave their jobs as early as Thursday.

The professors who submitted their resignation letters believe that their departure will be processed automatically, citing a relevant clause in the civil law. However, the government disagrees with this interpretation.

Professors at the University of Ulsan and its affiliated training hospital, Asan Medical Center, have similarly declared their intention to resign, beginning Thursday. Those unable to resign from the hospital immediately will observe a day off every week starting from May 3.

We have no choice but to reschedule treatments and surgeries due to the mental and physical limitations of professors, they said in a statement.

In a similar move, professors at Chungnam National University Hospital in Daejeon agreed not to receive outpatients every Friday, beginning this week, while those at Wonkwang University Hospital in North Jeolla Province will suspend surgery every Friday from this week and suspend treatments of outpatients every Friday starting next week.

Despite the planned weekly shutdown, all of those hospitals will continue treatments or surgeries for patients in emergency or critical condition. However, this understandably fails to alleviate concerns among patients and their families, especially with the looming possibility of other major hospitals across the country joining the shutdown.

On Tuesday, an emergency committee of medical professors at 20 schools nationwide said after their meeting that they will go ahead with their plan to resign regardless of the governments intention to accept their resignations.

They also announced that they will have a day off sometime next week, and further discussions regarding plans for regular weekly breaks will take place at another meeting.

The government, on its part, expressed regret over the latest decision, urging the professors to engage in dialogue rather than resort to collective action.

During a media briefing, Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo reiterated that the resignations will not be processed automatically.

According to due procedures, there haven't been many resignation letters submitted, and universities currently have no plans to accept them, Park said.
Every week, FEMAIL asks two singletons to report back from their blind date.

This time it's the turn of Miriam, a 38-year-old PHD student, and NHS administrator Chris, 42.

Read on to find out exactly why Cupid's arrow failed to strike...



Miriam, 38

VITAL STATISTICS

Single for nine months, never married and no children.

CURRENT ROLE

PhD student in electrical engineering.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

Someone kind and supportive, family-orientated, who is open to trying new things. A big no to smokers.

PHD student Miriam, 38, felt Chris was 'undermining my intellectual achievements'

Dating Past

My most recent relationships were both long-term  one for over six years and another for five. I took on a lot of the heavy lifting with my last partner. Men now seem to look for adoption rather than a partner.

Pre-Date Nerves?

Yes, Im a bit shy and was meeting someone who sounded way cooler than me on his profile. Hes in a band. Mum was keen to go through her dresses. Shes 74, but looks young for her age and buys beautiful clothes, whereas I tend to go for charity shops. For once, I wore one of my own dresses.

First Impressions?

Chris had a red shirt on, and it struck me hed made an effort. I didnt find him attractive immediately. We did that awkward British thing of not knowing whether to hug or shake hands so bumped into one another. Chris said hed signed up for a blind date because why not, which didnt make me feel very special.

Easy To Talk To?

I told Chris my PHD was on AI and he replied, Oh thats topical, isnt it? Er  yes. I had already told him I was studying for a PHD, but he forgot and referred to it as a Masters. He also made a reference to me learning Welsh rather than speaking it. I felt that he was undermining my intellectual achievements, which I didnt like. I was amazed he had also started a Masters in Psychotherapy, because he isnt very self-aware. It made sense when he admitted he didnt finish the course.

Embarrassing Moments?

I dont think so, which is good because Im normally clumsy.

Did Sparks Fly?

No, if I like someone I get nervous and giggly, and there was no chance of that with Chris. There was no flirting on either side.

'There was no flirting on either side,' said Miriam

See him again?

No, we were together for two hours and we left when I said I had to catch my train back to Wales. We didnt swap numbers.

What do you think he thought of you?

Chris didnt engage with me at all, so I didnt leave the date feeling good about myself.

Would your parents like him?

NO I dont think so. My parents want to see me with someone supportive of my goals.

MIRIAMS VERDICT: 3/10

LIKED? We shared food.

REGRETS? No, its good to go outside my comfort zone.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

Chris, 42

Single for five years, divorced, no children.

CURRENT ROLE

NHS administrator.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

Someone curious about the world, positive, outgoing, quick to laugh. I cant do those materialistic types.

Chris says of his date: 'While it felt like we were on the same wavelength, there was no physical attraction'

Dating Past

I split from my wife of four years just over ten years ago. Since then, Ive been involved in a couple of shorter relationships but nothing recently. Im the youngest of three boys and its just me who is single now. I am keen to settle down.

Pre-Date Nerves?

A little bit but nothing to worry about. I know I have good people skills.

First Impressions?

Positive - I got a good friendly vibe from Miriam. Shes got dark hair and is fairly slim. I found her attractive, although there wasnt any immediate electricity. I gave her a hug and pulled her chair out for her to sit down. She struck me as a very engaging woman.

Easy To Talk To?

'Im the youngest of three boys and its just me who is single now,' says Chris. 'I am keen to settle down'

The small talk was unusual. We covered Miriam learning the Welsh language, which I found fascinating. I was impressed with her studies, too. I think its something to do with AI? Its beyond my level of understanding. She did live in Mexico in between all those years studying with her nose in a book. Miriam asked me about my band, and I explained that I play keyboard and sing backing vocals.

Embarrassing Moments?

No. Miriam did drop her cutlery at one point, but that wasnt embarrassing.

Did Sparks Fly?

I would say no, not in the sense of romance. While it felt like we were on the same wavelength, there was no physical attraction. Afterwards I realised I should have complimented her on her looks. But I didnt, and I put that down to Miriam being so talkative.

See her again?

No, you need a spark. If there had been obvious signs she liked me, then perhaps I would have pursued things, but they werent there. We didnt swap numbers and just had a friendly hug.

What do you think she thought of you?

Id guess she would say that I was easy to talk to because we spent two hours together and the conversation didnt stop.

Would your friends like her?

Yes, Miriam is very grounded with her head screwed on. Shes got good values, too.

CHRISS VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED? Miriam is talkative.

REGRETS? Not really, no.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

Interviews: SAMANTHA BRICK
The royal, 46, attended the opening of the conference on Wednesday morning

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden looked stunning on Wednesday as she attended the opening of the Global Sustainable Tourism conference in Stockholm.

The royal, 46, donned a very bold orange trouser suit as she displayed her very elegant yet eye-catching sense of style.

Victoria looked chic as she arrived at the Cirkus, where the conference was being held.

She paired the look with gold accented jewellery, including a rainbow brooch and simple necklace.

The mother-of-two styled her brunette tresses into her signature elegant up-do, exposing her gorgeous earrings that added a touch of glamour to the look.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden looked stunning on Wednesday as she attended the opening of the Global Sustainable Tourism conference in Stockholm

The royal is due to meet with Muharrem Demirok, the leader of the Swedish Centre Party, as well as the Minister of Social Development and Family.

The four-day conference aims to unite local and global tourism professionals in advocating for sustainable travel.

Attending will be participants from the public sector, hotels, tour operators and agencies.

The conference has named its four focused themes as the environment, social (being welcoming and inclusive), governance and credible assurance.

It's been a busy week for the princess, who was the image of elegance as she and her husband arrived at a gala dinner for the Finnish presidential couple - who are there on a two-day state visit - in Stockholm Palace on Tuesday night.

The royal was effortlessly sophisticated in a flowing white gown which featured a stunning cloak with feather trim detailing.

The opulent design was accessorised with a glamorous pearl clutch and a tiara. She styled her dark brown tresses into a sophisticated updo, and grinned while mingling at the occasion with her husband.

Crown Prince Daniel, 50 was dapper in a sleek black suit as he and his wife arrived arm in arm, joining other royals at the occasion.

The royal, 46, donned a very bold orange trouser suit as she displayed her very elegant yet eye-catching sense of style

Victoria looked chic as she arrived at the Cirkus, where the conference was being held

King Carl Gustaf also looked smart as he welcomed Finland's President and his wife to the palace.

Carl looked smart in a black suit complete with a crisp white shirt and polished shoes as he showcased his medals and badges.

He is the longest-reigning monarch on Swedish history and ascended the throne in 1973, pledging his motto: 'For Sweden  With the times'.

Last week, the Crown Princess appeared to be in great spirits as she visited Store Mosse National Park in Varnamo in the south of the country.

The royal seemed to be having a lot of fun as she donned red plastic snowshoes to wade through a marsh.

She opted for a very casual and practical look, sporting relaxed jeans and a grey parka jacket.

The mother-of-two couldn't hold back her laughter as she nearly fell over in the shoes - while the bottom of her jeans had clearly suffered from falling into the area.

On Tuesday evening Victoria was the image of elegance as she and her husband arrived at a gala dinner for the Finnish presidential couple

The royal was effortlessly sophisticated in a flowing white gown which featured a stunning cloak with feather trim detailing

Victoria opted for a glamorous make-up look which accentuated her dewy skin complexion for the event

She seemed to have opted for a bare-faced look, while her brunette tresses were pulled back into a messy bun.

Victoria, who is the heir apparent to the Swedish throne as the eldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf, later sat down by the edge of a lake to warm up with a hot drink, and spoke to locals working at the reserve.

Speaking to Swedish outlet SVT, she said: 'It's great fun to be here. It's probably the first time I'm here to experience this incredible offering of nature.

'If you don't have a relationship with nature, you won't take care of it either. It is something I constantly want to highlight.'
Prince Louis wore a hand-me-down from his big brother Prince George for his sixth birthday portrait.

The Prince and Princess of Wales released an official portrait of their youngest son yesterday.

In the image, the six-year-old royal is seen lying on a picnic blanket in the grounds of the Windsor estate and beaming at the camera.

Louis was pictured wearing a pair of navy shorts and a blue-and-brown checked shirt from the childrenswear brand Trotters.

The brand's 'Oliver' shirt, which features an embroidered grey elephant, previously belonged to Prince George.

The Prince and Princess of Wales released this portrait of Prince Louis to mark his sixth birthday yesterday

The royal wore it for a portrait with the late Queen and her grandchildren that was taken at Balmoral, Scotland.

In the portrait, George is seen standing behind a green leather sofa next to Princess Charlotte and wearing some black trousers.

The shirt - which was originally 50 but is currently half price in the sale - is available in sizes two to 10 years.

What's more, Trotters has proven to be one of the Princess of Wales' favourite childrenswear shops in recent years.

In June 2018, Prince George and Princess Charlotte were pictured wearing shoes from the brand to watch Prince William in a charity polo match.

Sophie Mirman, founder and CEO of Trotters, told MailOnline at the time they were 'immensely proud' to see the young royals wearing their designs.

The following year, Kate chose a 35 Trotters jumper featuring a puppy on the front for Prince Louis' birthday - resulting in the item selling out within hours.

A month later, the Princess turned to Trotters again for Princess Charlotte's birthday portrait - where the royal wore a 70 floral dress from the brand,

Prince George wore it for a portrait with the late Queen and her grandchildren that was taken at Balmoral , Scotland

The brand's 'Oliver' shirt - which was originally 50 but is currently half price in the sale - is available in sizes two to 10 years

Sophie Mirman and Richard Ross opened the doors to the first Trotters store on the King's Road in Chelsea in 1990, and have since gone on to open six more, win countless awards and numerous high-profile fans.

The Princess of Wales, 42, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, is a keen photographer and traditionally releases a portrait of her children on their birthdays every year.

Sharing the image on Instagram and X, the royal couple wrote: 'Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today.'

The Princess' latest photo suggest Kate is keen to put last month's Photoshop row behind her as she concentrates on her cancer treatment.

In March, royal fans went into meltdown after Associated Press issued a 'kill notice' on a photo of the Princess of Wales and her three children that had been released for Mother's Day.

The Princess of Wales pictured holding a camera as she takes part in a a photography workshop with the charity 'Action for Children' in Kingston in June 2019

This Mother's Day portrait - which Kate later admitted to Photoshopping - was the first official photo that was published of the Princess after she underwent abdominal surgery in January

READ MORE: Kate's passion for photography has seen her capture some of the most touching photos of the royals in recent decades Advertisement

It was the first official photo that was published of Kate after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.

That evening, the Associated Press became the first agency to 'kill' the photo over an 'inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand'.

While AP said there was no suggestion the photo was fake, it retracted it because it said on closer inspection, the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet the agency's photo standards.

The following day, the Princess of Wales admitted that she edited the Mother's Day photo herself and apologised for 'any confusion' it had caused.

A statement from the Princess of Wales said: 'Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.

'I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C'

Two weeks later, the Princess of Wales announced she was battling cancer - amid mounting pressure for the Palace to comment on her condition.

It is believed that the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis on 22 March as this was the day George, Charlotte and Louis broke up from Lambrook School in Bracknell for their Easter break.

The announcement may have been timed so that her children would not immediately face questions in the playground after the news was made public.

The family are reported to have spent the Easter holidays together as they adjust to Kate's diagnosis, which was discovered in post-operative tests following her major abdominal surgery.

In the emotional message, which was filmed in Windsor, Kate revealed the news had come as a 'huge shock' and that she and William 'have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family'.

Earlier this month, Kate revealed in an emotional video message that she has been diagnosed with cancer

The insider also claimed to PEOPLE magazine Kate and William are also prioritising family time as 'having fun together when they can is very important'

Speaking on This Morning in 2020, Kate Middleton, 42, gave tips for anyone looking to experiment with a camera as she launched her Hold Still campaign

Speaking from a bench surrounded by daffodils and spring blossom, she said: 'It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.

'As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

'Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.'

Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a planned operation at The London Clinic in January.

She explained: 'In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,' she said.

'The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

'My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.'
The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales turned six yesterday

The Princess of Wales postponed the release of Prince Louis' birthday portrait because she required 'time, space and privacy', a royal expert has suggested.

The youngest child of Kate and William celebrated turning six yesterday. On such occasions, Kensington Palace typically releases portraits of the Wales children early in the morning to mark their birthdays.

However, in a break with tradition, William and Kate shared a photo of their younger son on Tuesday afternoon rather than at midnight on his birthday as is customary with new royal portraits.

The Mail's Rebecca English revealed that the couple had initially decided not to issue one at all given their recent appeals for privacy at such an unprecedented time for their family, but changed their minds because they wanted to thank fans for their kind wishes to Prince Louis.

And in conversation with The Express royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams added that once they'd decided to release a photo there were likely a lot of discussions about the best approach, given the furore over Kate's edited Mother's Day photo.

Prince Louis' birthday portrait (pictured) was delayed due to Kate needing 'time, space, and privacy', a royal expert has claimed

Overall, Richard said the timing could 'emphasise Kate's need for time, space and privacy.'

Describing the 'vexed' issue of her Mother's Day portrait, he described the backlash as a 'highly embarrassing contretemps'.

He added that not rushing out a birthday photo of Louis could also 'emphasise her need for time, space and privacy which she expressed so movingly' in the video message revealing she has cancer.

Last month, the Princess of Wales detailed how the cancerous cells were discovered, while she was undergoing surgery for a different condition in January.

She explained that she had not spoken out about it earlier because she wanted to have time to 'explain everything' to George, Charlotte and Louis and assure them 'I'm going to be ok'.

William and Kate (pictured in May) shared the image of Prince Louis just after midday on Tuesday

The Princess of Wales pictured holding a camera as she takes part in a a photography workshop with the charity 'Action for Children' in Kingston in June 2019

The Princess' latest photo, which is understood to be unedited, suggest Kate is keen to put last month's Photoshop row behind her as she concentrates on her cancer treatment.

In March, royal fans went into meltdown after Associated Press issued a 'kill notice' on a photo of the Princess of Wales and her three children that had been released for Mother's Day.

It was the first official photo that was published of Kate after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.

That evening, the Associated Press became the first agency to 'kill' the photo over an 'inconsistency in the alignment of Princess Charlotte's left hand'.

While AP said there was no suggestion the photo was fake, it retracted it because it said on closer inspection, the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet the agency's photo standards.

The following day, the Princess of Wales admitted that she edited the Mother's Day photo herself and apologised for 'any confusion' it had caused.

A statement from the Princess of Wales said: 'Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.

This Mother's Day portrait - which Kate later admitted to Photoshopping - was the first official photo that was published of the Princess after she underwent abdominal surgery in January

'I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C'

Two weeks later, the Princess of Wales announced she was battling cancer - amid mounting pressure for the Palace to comment on her condition.

It is believed that the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis on 22 March as this was the day George, Charlotte and Louis broke up from Lambrook School in Bracknell for their Easter break.

The announcement may have been timed so that her children would not immediately face questions in the playground after the news was made public.

The family are reported to have spent the Easter holidays together as they adjust to Kate's diagnosis, which was discovered in post-operative tests following her major abdominal surgery.

In the emotional message, which was filmed in Windsor, Kate revealed the news had come as a 'huge shock' and that she and William 'have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family'.

Earlier this month, Kate revealed in an emotional video message that she has been diagnosed with cancer

Speaking from a bench surrounded by daffodils and spring blossom, she said: 'It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.

'As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

'Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.'

Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a planned operation at The London Clinic in January.

The insider also claimed to PEOPLE magazine Kate and William are also prioritising family time as 'having fun together when they can is very important'

She explained: 'In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,' she said.

'The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

'My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.'

The announcement sent shockwaves around the world and came after weeks of speculation - and wild conspiracy theories - about her health. It also creates a fresh crisis for the British Royal Family at a time where King Charles is also battling cancer. In January Sarah, the Duchess of York, was diagnosed with skin cancer, just six months after being treated for breast cancer.
The mother of a boy with a severe peanut allergy has slammed Manchester airport after they allegedly confiscated life-saving medication during security checks.

Emma Wakefield, from Derby, was anxious at the thought of her 14-year-old son Ben going on a school trip, since his allergies have in the past hospitalised him and left him seriously ill.

In preparation for his journey to Pisa, Italy earlier this month, she packed two batches of medication, a paper prescription, a signed doctor's letter and a copy of Ben's care plan.

He also wore a disability lanyard and was accompanied by a teacher. But in security, his medication was confiscated and allegedly tipped away, without staff consulting his teacher first.

In Italy, Ben had an allergic reaction to an apple, which was treated with a second batch of medication, which was stored in his suitcase.

Emma, from Derby, was anxious about her son Ben (both pictured) going on a school trip to Italy earlier this month due to his severe peanut allergy

Emma packed two batches of medication, a paper prescription, a signed doctor's letter and a copy of Ben's care plan in preparation for his trip. Above: The pair are pictured together

Emma claims that security staff at Manchester Airport (pictured) confiscated Ben's medication and tipped it away

The 44-year-old mother said: 'I was worried about him going away, because of his allergies, and so I followed all the instructions very carefully.

'The security worker didn't check with Ben's teacher, and he didn't consult his doctor's letter or his care plan. He simply saw that Ben had too much liquid and poured it away.

'That decision could have had tragic consequences. Ben got on a flight without all the medication he needed, and he was at risk.

'In the past, he's been extremely ill in hospital with allergies. His condition, and others like his, need to be taken seriously. At the very least, security workers should not be making decisions for children without even letting their adult know.'

Ben's condition was diagnosed aged two, after his arm swelled when he got peanut butter on it. His condition was well-managed but aged 10, he suffered a severe reaction from a nougat bar.

The mother-of-two said Ben has been 'extremely ill' in the past with his allergies and was shocked to hear his medication had allegedly taken away . Above: Emma with her two children, Ben and Izzy

Emma slammed the airport and said alleged action could have had 'tragic consequences Above: The mother pictured with her children Ben and Izzy

Ben needed to take his medication after having a reaction to an apple on the trip to Pisa and luckily had medication in his suitcase. Above: One of Ben's holiday snaps

He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and placed in critical care whilst doctors stabilised his condition.

Emma said: 'There is no doubt they saved his life, and it was a reminder how serious it could be. When the school trip came around, I wanted him to go and have fun, but I was also worried.'

The mother-of-two said she followed Manchester Airport's guidance when packing her teenage son's medication.

'I had packed two lots of medication, one in hand luggage, one in the hold, so if he had any problems in the airport or on the journey, he had his epi-pen and his antihistamine. He also had two inhalers,' Emma said.

In security, Ben and his teacher became separated and a security worker allegedly tipped his bottle of antihistamine away.

The teacher explained: 'Like most 14-year-olds, Ben didn't make a complaint. They made no effort to talk to his teacher and so he just carried on. An aeroplane is a high-risk environment for Ben, there is little ventilation and there are people eating in close proximity.

Emma claimed she followed Manchester Airport's guidance when packing her son's bag. Above: The mother pictured with her children Ben and Izzy

Ben and his teacher got separated during the security checks and his medication was allegedly taken off him. Pictured: The plane in Manchester before take off

Natasha (pictured), who had a deadly nut allergy, died onboard a flight in 2016 after she ate something that contained sesame seeds

'It is terrifying to think he made that journey without the correct medication.'

In 2016, a 15-year-old girl died onboard a flight after she had an allergic reaction to a Pret sandwich.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse had a deadly nut allergy and was travelling with her father and her friend to Nice on July 17, 2016.

Her father Nadim shared an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette with Natasha just before boarding the British Airways flight but within an hour she had lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest.

The high-street chain had failed to label its packaging and disclose that the sandwich contained sesame seeds - a fatal ingredient for Natasha.

Her father Nadim shared an artichoke, olive and tapenade baguette with Natasha just before boarding the British Airways flight but within an hour she had lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest.

He said: 'You just can't imagine having a small amount of something and your child dying in front of you. It's just unthinkable.'

After her horrific death, Natasha's Law was unveiled - a rule which forces food chains to carry proper allergen warnings.

Emma has complained to Manchester Airport but they claim their worker 'was correct in discarding the item.'

Symptoms of a food allergy and what you should do if you have one According to the NHS, common symptoms of a food allergy include: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Itchy skin or a raised rash (hives)

Swelling of the lips, face and eyes (angioedema)

Coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, noisy breathing or a hoarse voice

Sneezing or an itchy, runny or blocked nose

Feeling sick or being sick

Tummy pain

Diarrhoea You could get symptoms straight after eating the food, or days later. Here are steps you should take if you have a food allergy, according to the NHS: Check food labels and restaurant menus carefully to make sure they do not contain the food you're allergic to

Tell friends, family, nursery, school and work about your allergy

Carry 2 adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times, if you need them

Tell staff at restaurants and cafes about your allergy

Tell airlines and cabin staff about your allergy before you fly

Wipe down surfaces in public before eating Source: NHS Advertisement

In their reply to Emma, they said: 'I do understand your concerns regarding the medication, unfortunately we cannot allow this in hand baggage as per the directive of the DfT details and operating procedures we must follow, and I apologise for any upset this has caused you. '

Emma said: 'I'd like them to give an assurance this won't happen again. I want them to change procedure in the future so other children are not put at risk, as Ben was. Next time, their mistake could be fatal.'

A Manchester Airport spokesman said the incident is under investigation.
Conjoined twin Carmen Andrade has shared an adorable clip of her boyfriend gushing over how 'hot' and 'funny' she is while she and her sister Luptia, who is attached to her torso, lounged around in bed.

Carmen and Lupita Andrade, who moved to the US from Mexico when they were two and now live in Connecticut, share everything from a body to a reproductive system and even a blood stream.

While the 23-year-old sisters are as close as it gets, they have made it clear that there is one thing that they don't split - Carmen's boyfriend Daniel.

Carmen - who has been in a relationship with Daniel for nearly four years - frequently makes it clear he is all hers and most recently, took to TikTok to show off just how much her boyfriend adores her by sharing a clip of him swooning over her.

Conjoined twin Carmen Andrade has shared an adorable clip of her boyfriend gushing over how 'hot' and 'funny' she is

Carmen frequently makes it clear he is all hers and most recently, took to TikTok to show off just how much her boyfriend adores her by sharing a clip of him swooning over her

While the 23-year-old sisters are as close as it gets, they have made it clear that there is one thing that they don't split - Carmen's boyfriend Daniel

In the video, which has so far amassed over 17,900 views, Daniel told Carmen that he made a PowerPoint presentation titled, 'Why my girlfriend is so epic.'

He then went slide by slide and raved about his lover's good looks and sense of humor.

'I made you a slide show. Why my girlfriend is epic, so f***ing epic. Reasons she is epic, number one, so freaking cool. She is so cool, so epic, like wow,' he said.

Next, Daniel waxed lyrical about Carmen's stunning appearance.

'She's super hot. My girlfriend is hotter than your girlfriend,' he said pointing to the camera.

And Daniel's enthusiastic praise for the conjoined twin didn't end there as he continued to spill about Carmen's personality.

He added: 'And she's just a silly little girl. She is so silly, cool, and she is funny as f**k. She is so funny, like so f***ing funny, it's funny. She is epic.

'Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk. I love you baby.'

In the video, which has so far amassed over 17,900 views, Daniel told Carmen that he made a PowerPoint presentation titled, 'Why my girlfriend is so epic'

He then went slide by slide and raved about his lover's good looks and sense of humor

Daniel - who met the 23-year-old on dating app Hinge in 2020 - then blew Carmen a kiss as the video came to an end.

People on the web rushed to the comments section to applaud the couple for their loving relationship.

One person said: 'He's a keeper.'

Another user added: 'Golden retriever vibes.'

Someone else commented: 'Omg you guys should do the were sisters of course were gonna trend that would be so fun to watch.'

Carmen started looking for love a few years ago on the dating app Hinge, but she admitted that she received a lot of messages from 'guys with fetishes' after listing that she was a conjoined twin on her profile.

She also said she struggles with 'social anxiety,' which made it hard for her to let new people in.

Daniel - who met the 23-year-old on dating app Hinge in 2020 - then blew Carmen a kiss as the video came to an end

People on the web rushed to the comments section to applaud the couple for their loving relationship

But in October 2020, she met a man named Daniel on the app and the two soon fell in love.

'I knew right off the bat that Daniel was different from the others, because he didnt lead with a question about my condition,' she gushed.

Being in a relationship as a conjoined twin has its own challenges - but Carmen said Daniel and her sister 'get along really well'.

Carmen revealed that her sister and boyfriend even stay up talking to each other sometimes after she falls asleep.

She added that she tries to 'come up with compromises' when she goes on dates with Daniel to make it fair for Lupita, who is forced to come along, by letting her choose where they go to eat or what activity they're going to do.

She also added that Daniel and Lupita, who is asexual, are good friends.

The twins also talked about the potential of having a family one day, revealing they aren't able to have children.

Being in a relationship as a conjoined twin has its own challenges - but Carmen said Daniel and her sister 'get along really well'

When they were born, doctors told their parents that they would likely only live a few days - but they have defied all odds and are now thriving (seen as babies with Tyra Banks)

As babies, they spent years in physical therapy learning how to sit up and work together to use their legs - and when they were four-years-old, they took their first steps together

'We cant have kids, we dont want kids and my partner feels the same way,' Carmen explained.

When they were born, doctors told their parents that they would likely only live a few days - but they have defied all odds and are now thriving.

As babies, they spent years in physical therapy learning how to sit up and work together to use their legs - and when they were four-years-old, they took their first steps together.

Now, 23 years on, they certainly haven't let sharing one body slow them down - and the two of them have expertly adapted to living life with one another.

Both of the sisters have two arms but only one leg each, which means that Carmen - who has control of the right leg - has to do the driving.
The royal spoke passionately about learning Dutch, which close to her heart

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands faced a windy start to her trip to the Taal aan Zee Foundation in the Hague on Wednesday she struggled to hold onto her hat.

The mother-of-three, 52, was visiting the foundation, which translates to 'Language By The Sea' in English, for its tenth anniversary.

The foundation offers Dutch lessons to those for whom it is not their first language, including women, refugees and asylum seekers - and it's a cause very close to the queen's heart.

As Maxima arrived at the language lessons, a large gust of wind nearly stole her hat from the top of her head and she held onto it for the rest of her time outside while laughing.

The royal donned a very eye-catching golden shift dress from Natan couture with a large ruffle decoration on her shoulder.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands faced a windy start to her trip to the Taal aan Zee Foundation in the Hague on Wednesday she struggled to hold onto her hat

It is a recycled item in her wardrobe, as Maxima previously wore it for a state visit to Luxembourg and the christening of the Vox Amalia, a boat named after her daughter Princess Catharina-Amalia - both in 2018.

The form fitting dress has long sleeves and an A-line skirt and was cinched in slightly at the waist, falling just above the knee.

Maxima was glowing in the statement gold colour and added a felt capeline hat from Belgian milliner Fabienne Delvigne.

She added a pair of green earrings to add to the chartreuse ensemble, and kept her make-up as radiant as ever.

Maxima today attended a reading lesson and a lesson for visually impaired non-native speakers.

The Argentine-born Queen also reflected on her own experiences learning Dutch and advised students to ask the Dutch people for help with the language.

'Otherwise you will keep making the same mistake,' she said, as reported in royals outlet Vorsten.

Language By The Sea has more than 330 volunteers to help its 1,400 students.

The royal donned a very eye-catching golden shift dress from Natan couture with a large ruffle decoration on her shoulder

As Maxima arrived at the language lessons, a large gust of wind nearly stole her hat from her head

Maxima today attended a reading lesson and a lesson for visually impaired non-native speakers

Laughing, she made sure to hold onto her hat to stop it from blowing away again

Maxima was glowing in the statement gold colour and added a felt capeline hat from Belgian milliner Fabienne Delvigne

Maxima previously visited the organisation in 2016 and has fostered close ties with the foundation.

In a 2021 interview with NPO in honour of her 50th birthday, she spoke about her own experience learning Dutch in the early days of her relationship with Willem-Alexander.

She said: 'I thought, if I really want or can do this, then I really need to know a lot more about the country, about the position.

'And then I started Dutch lessons in New York... And then I read a lot of books.

'I had a black wig and then I went with my car and a big map and I went all over the Netherlands, alone, and sometimes with a girlfriend.'

Maxima's readiness to learn the Dutch language helped her win popularity with the country when she married Willem-Alexander.

Dutch is her third language: she is also fluent in Spanish and English, and can speak French at a conversational level.

Her visit to the language foundation was the second time this week that Maxima has opted to wear yellow.

Maxima's readiness to learn the Dutch language helped her win popularity with the country when she married Willem-Alexander

The Argentine-born Queen also reflected on her own experiences learning Dutch and advised students to ask the Dutch people for help with the language

She added a pair of green earrings to add to the chartreuse ensemble, and kept her make-up as radiant as ever

She lit up the room in a bright yellow and blue ensemble as she attended the annual King's Day concert in Emmen on Monday.

The mother-of-three was glamorous as ever in a sunny long-sleeve top and satin skirt which cinched at the waist as she joined her husband and other Dutch royals for the celebrated event.

Elsewhere, King Willem-Alexander, 56, looked dapper in a simple black suit and purple tie.

She accessorised with matching pastel heels and a clutch, enhancing her sophisticated look.

Her long, blonde tresses were sleek and straightened and the Maxima opted for a glamorous make-up look that accentuated her eyes.

The King's Day concert is held every year in the days leading up to King Willem-Alexander's birthday. The monarch will turn 57 on 27 April next week.

On his actual birthday, a series of markets and parties are held all across the country.
A former trad wife is sharing her harrowing journey in a bid to warn other women against the lifestyle as it sees a rise in popularity.

For Jennie Gage, from Arizona, this is a life she knows all too well  but one that the 49-year-old gracefully left behind after realizing that she had become 'trapped.'

Now, she's urging young women not to get caught up in the trend, which gets its name from the abbreviated 'traditional wife.'

'Do not ever become a trad wife,' the social media advocate said.

Jennie Gage, 49, grew up in the Mormon church and was taught that women were to stay at home being 'nurturers' and not pursue careers

Jennie is trying to warn girls and young woman to not buy into the fiction that they are only cut out to be wives and mothers

'The greatest tragedy in my story is that I'm smart, capable and hard-working,' Jennie said of being told she couldn't pursue her professional dreams

Though she harbored dreams of becoming a lawyer, she was dissuaded from studying pre-law at her religious college

At the age of 20, Jennie tied the knot with her now-ex-husband, with the wedding doubling as their 11th date

Jennie went on to have four kids with her now-ex-husband, and adopted one more kid with him

'A man is not a plan  he can be your lover, boyfriend, roommate, husband, whatever  but he should never be your financial plan.

'No adult human should ever be dependent on another adult.

'The greatest tragedy in my story is that I'm smart, capable and hard-working.

'It's a dangerous lifestyle that needs to stop being promoted.'

Jennie was raised in a conservative Mormon family, where all the women were taught to stay at home, and attend to domestic duties and childrearing while the men brought home the bacon.

From a young age, she recalls being told that, as a woman, she was sent to Earth to be a wife and mother  nothing else.

And while this way of life was all she knew, Jennie had a different dream in mind.

'I had conflicting emotions, as I loved having a big family, but I dreamed about working,' she said.

'I had conflicting emotions, as I loved having a big family, but I dreamed about working,' Jennie admitted of her time as a trad wife

Even as a college student, Jennie was explicitly told by her guidance counselor not to chase her dreams of becoming a lawyer

'He gave us all the nice stuff: homes, cars and holidays. But I often laid in bed and cried I longed to be happy and couldn't understand why I wasn't,' Jennie said

'I went to college and majored in pre-law classes with the hopes of becoming an international trade attorney.

'When I sat down with my guidance counsellor on the first day, he told me he was afraid that I was taking classes that weren't right for a girl.

'I was switched to learning about dating and marriage, as well as child development, which made me furious.

'Even on dates, when I told boys what I wanted to actually do, they laughed at me.'

In the 1990s, Jennie met her now-ex-husband. The two went on to tie the knot on their 11th date, when she was 20.

Jennie quickly fell into the role of being a housewife, with the pair having four children, now aged 27, 23, 20, and 14.

The mom said: 'I was doing all the laundry, ironing, cooking, childcare and grocery shopping.

Starting in October 2018, Jenny began the process of leaving the Mormon faith and filed for divorce not long after

Since leaving her husband, she's also gained a supportive new partner, who has her back when it comes to her working for money outside of the house

'I now wake up each day with purpose and passion,' said Jennie

'He gave us all the nice stuff: homes, cars and holidays.

'But I often laid in bed and cried. I was stressed and miserable.

'I longed to be happy and couldn't understand why I wasn't.'

Knowing something needed to change, in October 2018, Jenny began the process of leaving the Mormon faith and filed for divorce not long after.

In the years since she's also gained a supportive new partner, who fully has her back when it comes to building her professional life.

Now, she's hoping to raise awareness with her story to stop other women from making the same mistake.

'I had so many fears of being alone, especially with young children, but I had no choice,' Jenny said.

'I now wake up each day with purpose and passion.

'I work three different jobs, which I love, and I'm surviving.

'I was told that women are to be nurturers, not providers; but I'm proof that message is wrong.'
The Dutch TV series about the life of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has been sold to Spain's Atresmedia TV.

The six-part show, which sparked comparisons to The Crown, dramatises the Queen's upbringing in Argentina and recounts how a chance meeting with the then Prince Willem-Alexander, 56, changed the course of her life forever.

The series has already sold to networks in Latin America, Israel and across Europe in Germany, Italy, Croatia and Latvia - however now it has clinched another major territory sale in Spain, according to Variety.

Atresmedia TV has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the much talked about series in the European nation.

Argentinian actress Delfina Chaves plays the lead role, while Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander is played by Martijn Lakemeier.

The Dutch TV series about the life of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is sold to Spain 's Atresmedia TV

Rachel van Bommel, the series' producer and CEO of lead producer Millstreet Films told the outlet: 'Maxima's story is relatable and inspiring, told from the point of view of a strong and independent woman.

'When writing a series based on real events, one has to constantly ask oneself where truth and accuracy lie.

'In this series we tell the story of an emotional journey, from Maximas old life to her new life, and the drama that accompanied it.'

Maxima's father, Juan Antonio Zorreguieta Bonorino, played by Daniel Freire, is also depicted alongside his wife, Cesina Stefanini Borella.

The series will delve into Juan's relationship with his daughter and his controversial political background.

Juan had served as the Minister of Agriculture under the regime of General Jorge Rafael Videla, commander in chief of the army and a member of the right-wing junta that ran Argentina.

On the promotional poster, Maxima's mother, Cesina Stefanini Borella, played by Maria Pame, looked stylish in a chic ensemble.

Willem-Alexander's parents, Beatrix of the Netherlands, played by Elsie de Brauw, and Prince Claus, played by Sebastian Koch, also feature in series.

Maxima has already sold to networks in Latin America, Israel and across Europe in Germany , Italy , Croatia and Latvia , however now it has clinched another major territory sale in Spain, according to Variety

Maxima graduated with a degree in economics from the Universidad Catolica Argentina before moving to the United States to work in a number of banks in New York

The six-part show, which sparked comparisons to The Crown, dramatises the Queen's upbringing in Argentina and how a chance meeting with the then Prince Willem-Alexander , 56, changed the course of her life forever

Crown prince Willem-alexander proudly showed off the ring of his then fiancee Maxima Zorreguieta during a press conference in 2001

It comes after the sizzling trailer for a series was released by Dutch streamer Videoland earlier this year.

Scenes recreating her first meeting with King Willem-Alexander during a fair in Seville in 1999 are interlaced with the couple's highs and lows, including meeting her future in-laws, Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg, and getting engaged.

The two-minute clip started with a narration from Delfina Chaves - who plays the titular role - over footage of a man and his daughter spending time together in a field in Argentina, where Maxima grew up.

'My father always told me I had to reach for the highest, to work hard. He taught me everything,' the voiceover said. 'I am who I am because of him.'

Later, Maxima can be seen taking photos at a party during the annual Seville Spring Fair 25 years ago, sporting a chic scarlet off-the shoulder dress.

'Maxima, here is Wilhelm-Alexander, prince of the Netherlands,' a friend said in introduction.

The drama will cover Queen Maxima 's upbringing in Argentina and how a chance meeting with King Willem-Alexander changed the course of her life forever

A montage of the royals' romantic antics then portray Wilhelm-Alexander showing up with a bouquet of roses, the couple sharing a passionate kiss, and walking up to meet Beatrix of the Netherlands and Claus von Amsberg

Martijn Lakemeier - who plays the monarch - then asked Maxima 'how an Argentinian lady ended up on Wall Street', in reference to her time as vice president of the emerging markets division of Dresdner Kleinwort Benson in New York.

'That's a long story,' she replied. 'Well I have time,' Wilhelm-Alexander quipped back flirtatiously.

Another clip then showed the couple enjoying some drinks together, when Maxima remarked that 'it must be hard being a Crown Prince'.

'It's not the most common question I get on a first date,' he said, flustered, before realising his slip-up and correcting: 'Day, first day.'

A montage of the royals' romantic antics then portray Wilhelm-Alexander showing up with a bouquet of roses, the couple sharing a passionate kiss, and walking up to meet his parents.

Beatrix - then Queen of the Netherlands - can be seen telling Maxima: 'I can see why he likes you.'

Elsewhere, Claus von Amsberg - played by Sebastian Koch - offered his sage wisdom to a fellow non-royal marrying into the family: 'You want some advice from an old veteran? Stay where you are.'

The last scene, set to dramatic music, show Maxima and Wilhelm-Alexander as he can be heard saying: 'Screw everyone - all I care about is you and what makes you happy.'

The drama will cover Queen Maxima's upbringing in Argentina and how a chance meeting with King Willem-Alexander changed the course of her life forever.

Another captured the future Queen as she prepared to announce her engagement to the world in 2001

The future Queen was educated at the English-style Northlands school in the city where she received a bilingual baccalaureate in 1988, speaking fluently in her native Spanish and English. Pictured (right) with friends in Buenos Aires

Maxima and Willem attend the Wedding of Princess Martha Louise of Norway in Trondheim

The newlyweds waving to the crowd on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in February 2002

Delfina, 27, is taking on the role of the Dutch Queen. She is already a mega star in Maxima's home country - having appeared in hit shows such as Love After Loving, Rap Battlefield and The Secret of the Greco Family.

The glitzy adaptation, comprising three directors, Saskia Diesing, Joosje Duk, and Ivan Lopez Nunez, is based on the historical novel of the same name by Marcia Luyten.

It will follow Maxima's transition into royal life and the obstacles she had to overcome along the way, including the tragic death of a sister and Dutch public anger about her father's involvement in the military junta.

Maxima's father was an established politician, serving as the Minister of Agriculture under the regime of General Jorge Rafael Videla, commander in chief of the army and a member of the right-wing junta that ran Argentina.

His involvement in the dictatorship would later become an issue for Maxima to confront. It is remembered as the period of the 'dirty war' against political opponents in Argentina. Up to 30,000 people died.

In April 1999, while on holiday in Seville, Maxima would meet the love of her life.

The pair had both been attending a party at the annual Seville Spring Fair where she bumped into her future husband Prince Willem-Alexander.

Although they were in a serious relationship, Maxima did her best to keep the prince's identity secret.

She said: 'I would tell them something different (about Willem) every time, but at some point, there was nothing for it other than to say: 'He's the Prince of the Netherlands.''

The next year, in May 2000, Maxima relocated to work at the European Union Representative Office of Deutsche Bank in Brussels, Belgium.

Soon after the move, in 2001, Willem proposed to Maxima while ice-skating on a pond near Huis ten Bosch Palace.

The couple were married on 1 February 2002 at Amsterdam's Nieuwe Kerk, however, it was not straightforward leading up to the wedding and her father's past threatened their marriage.

It became a point of national debate in the Netherlands whether Maxima could become part of the royal family because of her father's ties with the right-wing junta that ran Argentina.

Despite ongoing controversies, Willem-Alexander's mother, Queen Beatrix at the time, continued to welcome Maxima into their home.

Maxima and Willem were only allowed to marry after the Dutch parliament investigating her father's past concluded that the future Queen had known nothing of the war atrocities. She had been in primary school during the junta years.

Maxima managed to overcome the controversy surrounding their marriage amazingly, winning over the Dutch people with her smile, charisma and intelligence.

The couple have three children together, Princess Amelia, 19, Princess Alexia, 17 and Princess Ariane, 15.

Told from Maxima's perspective, the series sets out to explain the controversy surrounding her father's political career while she simultaneously navigated her relationship with the crown prince.
The Princess of Wales is known for her musical prowess - having more than once wowed audiences with her skills at the piano.

And it would seem her penchant for the arts has travelled down to her daughter Charlotte, who is turning nine next week.

The young royal - who is sure to be by Kate Middleton's side amid her cancer battle - also reportedly has a special tune that uplifts her mother's spirits.

Last year, in a heartwarming exchange with a little girl in Berkshire last year, Prince William's wife, 42, revealed that Charlotte is a fan of 1987 hymn Shine Jesus Shine.

In October, Kate visited the community centre Vsi Razom Community Hub in Bracknell to help send aid to the people of Ukraine when she struck conversation with the child, named Liza.

Last year, in a heartwarming exchange with a little girl in Berkshire last year, Prince William's wife, 42, revealed that Charlotte (pictured in 2022) is a fan of 1987 hymn Shine Jesus Shine

'I heard my daughter singing this morning and it's a song called Shine Jesus Shine and that made me very happy this morning', she recalled - and the little girl said she knew the tune from Ukraine.

'Do you know that song? Does it have the same tune? I heard that this morning and it made me very happy this morning,' the Princess added. 'I'm going to look up that song in Ukrainian.'

Meanwhile, in contrast her eldest brother George, 10, is a big fan of rock bands AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.

His father, the Prince of Wales, revealed his son's penchant for the oldies when William and Kate greeted Big Lunch attendees in an unannounced walkabout for around 40 minutes on The Long Walk in Windsor last May.

Caroline Mulvihill, from the Rock Choir in Windsor and Maidenhead, spoke to William during the meet and greet.

Recounting their conversation, she said: 'We were talking about the kind of music we do in Rock Choir and Will was telling us in their household they have a very diverse music taste and George is very much into AC/DC and Led Zeppelin.

Charlotte's upcoming birthday is just one week after her younger brother Louis' celebrations.

The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales turned six yesterday - and the couple released an adorable portrait for the occasion.

The young royal - who is sure to be by Kate Middleton 's side amid her cancer battle - also reportedly has a special tune that uplifts her mother's spirits. Both pictured last year

In October, Kate visited the community centre Vsi Razom Community Hub in Bracknell to help send aid to the people of Ukraine when she struck conversation with the child, named Liza

The youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales turned six yesterday - and the couple released an adorable portrait for the occasion

The young royal beamed from ear to ear in the adorable photo released on Tuesday.

Typically, Kensington Palace will release portraits of the Wales children early in the morning to mark their birthdays, however fans were left disappointed this morning when the social media accounts for Kate and William did not feature any photos of the cheeky six-year-old.

In a break with tradition, William and Kate shared a photo of their younger son this afternoon rather than at midnight on his birthday as is customary with new royal portraits. It is understood the photo was released later than usual because the family is going through an 'unprecedented' time.

The photo was taken in the grounds of Adelaide Cottage by his mother, the Princess of Wales, who often photographs her children's birthday portraits. It suggests that, as she recovers from chemotherapy, she is feeling well enough to get back behind the camera.

The caption read: 'Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today.'

Last year, William and Kate marked Charlotte's eighth birthday with a sweet snap featuring her gap-toothed grin to mark the occasion.

Releasing the images, Kensington Palace said: 'The Prince and Princess of Wales are delighted to share a new photograph of Princess Charlotte ahead of her eighth birthday.'
The United States can pursue opportunities for shipbuilding cooperation with Korea and Japan to raise the production rates of American vessels, a top U.S. Navy official said Tuesday, praising the Asian allies' industrial advances.

During a forum, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro made the remarks in response to a question over where the U.S. can consider co-production of ships with the two Asian allies as an option, as he noted the U.S. commercial shipbuilding industry has "atrophied" over recent decades.

"I think it can in some ways and forms ... for example, their abilities for us to be able to build certain modules overseas," he said at the forum hosted by the Stimson Center.

The secretary described an aircraft industry cooperation formula with India as an example.

"In India, for example, we are building aircraft engines, and (we) are applying and re-instituting them here in the U.S.," he said.

"So there are opportunities, I think, that we can pursue and we need to keep open-minded about those opportunities (with Korea and Japan) so that we can actually increase the production rates of our ships and aircraft," he added.

Toro touched on his trip to Korea and Japan in February.

"I was particularly impressed by the amazing amount of capital investment that they made in their own shipyards, not just in the shipyard but in the quality of life and quality of service of their shipyard workers outside the shipyards," he said.

He underlined the existence of recreational facilities, housing and other facilities as well as the digitization of the shipyard operations that he said have enabled workers to "want to stay."

"These are things that I think we could also import here to the U.S. to further strengthen our shipyards, both private and public shipyards," he said.

The secretary pointed out the importance of cooperation with the Asian allies while noting that the U.S. has "conceded" its commercial shipbuilding capability to China although the U.S. has not conceded its naval supremacy.

"Luckily, we have allies in Japan and Korea who also have invested heavily in the commercial shipbuilding side of the house," he said. (Yonhap)
A bizarre video of Kirstie Alley revealing the wild outfits her parents were wearing during a fatal car crash has gone viral.

The clip of the late star resurfaced this week on X, formerly Twitter, as she discussed the tragic incident that saw a drunk driver kill her mother and seriously injure her father during a collision in 1981.

The couple had been on their to a Halloween party at the time and viewers were left stunned when Kirstie revealed their outfits of choice.

The clip was uploaded alongside a caption that read: 'I could give you 1,000 tries to guess and you wouldn't get it right.'

A bizarre video of Kirstie Alley revealing the wild outfits her parents were wearing during a fatal car crash has gone viral

Lillian Maxine Alley, nicknamed 'Mickie,' was thrown from her car while Robert Alley suffered critical chest injuries following the October 1981 crash, but fortunately survived

In the clip, which resurfaced earlier this week, Kirstie can be seen mid interview with Barbara Walters as she discusses arriving at the hospital following the tragic crash.

'We were all sitting in this waiting room and we were sobbing and as I'm crying my sister was there and I wasn't looking at her but I said, "Where were they going?"

'And she said, "To a Halloween party." And I said, "What were they dressed as?" Why would you ask this?' Kirstie reflected in an exasperated tone.

Kirstie's sister told her that their parents had been dressed as 'the odd couple' but after struggling to piece it together she probed further for more precise detail.

'I asked, "What were their costumes exactly?" And she said: "Mom was a black girl and dad was a Ku Klux Klan member."'

The famed actress chuckled and put her hands to her head as she continued: 'We started laughing and the whole family I guess had heard this conversation and we all started laughing.

'And it was the greatest tribute that you could give my mother.'

The clip was flooded with comments as viewers rushed to share their thoughts.

The clip of the late star resurfaced this week on X as she discussed the tragic incident that saw a drunk driver kill her mother and seriously injure her father during a collision in 1981

The clip was flooded with comments as viewers rushed to share their thoughts on the admission

One wrote: 'WHY WOULD YOU EVER ADMIT THIS?'

Another added: '"My mom died doing blackface" is a hell of a thing to say on network TV.'

And a third quipped: '"We were going to a Halloween party" is a great way to get out of trouble if someone sees you dressing this way.'

Kirstie, who succumbed to colon cancer aged 71 in 2022, had refused to meet with the drunk driver in the years that followed.

Cherrie White, now living in Arlington, Texas, had tried to reach out to the Cheers star in 2019 to beg for forgiveness but Kirstie refused to meet with her, RadarOnline previously revealed.

Kirstie had just moved to Los Angeles in 1981 and was preparing for her final audition for the role of Lt. Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan when she received a phone call from sister Colette that their parents were in a fatal crash.

That is how she learned her mother, Lillian Maxine Alley, nicknamed 'Mickie,' was thrown from their vehicle and her father, Robert Alley, was in critical condition with chest injuries after White  then known as Cherie Glymph  crashed into their car.

Colette told her: 'Mom is dead and dad is dying. You need to come home,' Kirstie wrote in her 2005 memoir titled How to Lose Your A** and Regain Your Life: Reluctant Confessions of a Big-butted Star.

Cherrie was just 27-years-old at the time and was working at the Boeing aircraft plant in Kirstie's hometown of Wichita, Kansas, amid a messy divorce.

She said she decided to go for a few drinks on her way home from work the night of October 23, 1981, when she swerved into the Alleys' car along I-135.

'I wish sometimes that the woman that killed my mother that night... had known about my mother's costume, because maybe she, too, would know that my mother was a pretty funny person,' Kirstie wrote in her memoir.

According to court records, Cherrie pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular homicide and was sentenced to one year in county jail and rehab - but Kirstie tweeted last year that she only spent three months behind bars before being released.

Cherrie White, now living in Arlington, Texas, had tried to reach out to the Cheers star in 2019 to beg for forgiveness for the fatal crash when she was 27-years-old

Kirstie tweeted in 2017 that she has 'no sympathy' for people who drive drunk

White pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison plus time in rehab, but was released from jail after only three months, Kirstie said in 2021

Cherrie then tried reaching out to Kirstie in 2019 but the famous actress had refused to meet.

'I can understand why Kirstie doesn't want to talk to me,' Cherrie, who has since retired, told the National Enquirer at the time.

'But if she changed her mind, I would tell Kirstie and her father how truly sorry I am for what happened that night and the pain that I caused them.'

Cherrie, now a grandmother and mother of three, had earlier opened up about the devastating crash in 2011, admitting to the Enquirer: 'I shouldn't have been driving that night. I had a lot of things on my mind and I was intoxicated.

'I was going through a divorce. I stopped by a local club to get something to eat and I had a few drinks.'

She said both she and Robert Alley were trying to avoid an accident involving other cars when they collided.

'I was told later that the other car spun out and rolled over several times, ejecting the female passenger,' she said, noting she 'blacked out.'

'When I came to, I saw a woman's body on the side of the road covered in a sheet,' Cherrie recounted. 'Then I saw paramedics working on the man.

'I was told later that the female passenger had died and the male driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition,' she continued. 'But I never knew the name of the woman I killed. The authorities never told me the victims' names because the driver was still in the hospital and they couldn't release his name.

'For 30 years, I've carried the burden of not knowing who I killed,' she said.

She later wrote a letter to the anonymous survivor of the crash, Robert, as part of her rehab  but never sent it.
When we asked you to nominate the women you truly admire  those making huge differences to their local communities and beyond  we were inundated with hundreds of incredible stories that spoke of bravery, self-sacrifice and astonishing determination.

After much deliberation, our panel of judges chose six worthy winners of this year's Daily Mail Inspirational Women Awards, held in partnership with Marks & Spencer, in support of The WOW Foundation (Women of the World).

Last month, the winners were invited to Buckingham Palace to celebrate their remarkable achievements by WOW, which works globally to promote gender equality, where they met its President, Her Majesty The Queen.

On Monday evening, at a glittering gala ceremony, they each received a trophy from presenters including the Prime Minister's wife Akshata Murty, Angela Rippon and the Mail's Sarah Vine.

Speaking on Monday, Mrs Murty said: 'All the winners tonight are working to up light so many communities across the UK and I am grateful to have met them today.

The Daily Mail's six Inspirational Woman winners (L-R): Muzoon Almellehan, Claire Lilly, Carla Cressy, Clotilde Abe, Lucy Vincent, Tinuke Awe

The six winners at Buckingham Palace last month with Queen Camilla, President of WOW

'It's wonderful that the Daily Mail and WOW come together to celebrate these amazing women and to showcase their extraordinary stories as we strive towards a truly equal world.'

Jude Kelly CBE, WOW's CEO and founder, says: 'It is in the DNA of WOW across the world to meet and support inspirational women, so we are so grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the Inspirational Women Awards. It has been fantastic reading about so many great women, pushing boundaries and making change happen.

'The recipients of this year's Awards are examples of the incredible power of individuals to change circumstances for thousands, and sometimes millions, of others.'

Stuart Machin, M&S chief executive, says: 'M&S is a business powered by inspiring women ... and we support progress towards true gender equity.

'With this in mind, it was a real pleasure to attend and be on the judging panel for the Inspirational Women Awards. Meeting the winners and hearing their personal tales was incredibly moving and reminded me how we can always learn from each other.'

Now, we want you to meet the remarkable women who are making meaningful change in our world today.

CAMPAIGNER FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH

Carla Cressy, The Endometriosis Foundation

When the first calls started coming in to the Endometriosis Foundation's free menstrual health helpline last week it was a full-circle moment for the charity's founder, Carla Cressy.

'I wish I'd had access to something like this as a teenager,' she says. 'If I could have spoken to a nurse fully versed in the symptoms of endometriosis, I'd almost certainly have got diagnosed much sooner, which would have been life-changing for me. I might even be a mother now.'

Instead, and despite being under the care of a gynaecologist at 14, it took 11 years for Carla to get a diagnosis. That delay ultimately led to her needing a total hysterectomy at just 29  leaving her infertile and plunging her into early menopause. Carla also needed major bowel surgery, and a stoma bag for 18 months.

Videos produced by James & Rossella Campbell of Campbells Production Group

It took Carla Cressy 11 years to get a diagnosis for endometriosis, leaving her infertile and dealing with early menopause

'Living with a stoma isn't easy and that has only just been reversed,' says Carla, now 32. 'If I'd been put on a treatment pathway sooner, I doubt I'd have needed so many aggressive surgeries.'

Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes tissue similar to that which makes up the lining of the uterus to grow where it shouldn't. Fibrous scar tissue can then form, causing organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and bowel to stick together. It's thought to affect around one in ten women about the same as the number of people affected by diabetes or asthma.

'My symptoms were obvious and extreme,' says Carla. 'My periods were such agony I often passed out from the pain. I bled so heavily and irregularly, I became severely anaemic. I was hospitalised several times because my bowel would stop working properly.

'Yet it took more than a decade for doctors to join the dots.'

Carla, who lives in Surrey, launched The Endometriosis Foundation last March, with one over-arching goal: to provide women and girls with everything she needed but was never given. That includes easy-to-access information about the condition, advice on how women can best advocate for themselves with clinicians, plus the opportunity to talk to other sufferers.

And now, of course, the freephone helpline, which filled every appointment slot on the day it opened, and has barely stopped ringing since.

Carla (R) launched The Endometriosis Foundation last March, with one over-arching goal: to provide women and girls with everything she needed but was never given

Adds Carla: 'Fundraising is under way with a view to providing free counselling, something women can wait years for on the NHS. I know the profound impact endometriosis can have, both physically and mentally; access to counselling when you're trying to come to terms with that is vital.'

Carla is thrilled to be named one of our Inspirational Women.

'We don't celebrate our wins enough. Having met the other winners, I feel deeply grateful that our very personal causes are being celebrated on such a great scale.'

Of meeting Her Majesty, she adds: 'It was a privilege to meet Camilla. Until then I hadn't realised just what a champion for women the Queen is. She was incredibly passionate about the empowerment of women all over the world and talked about how what I was doing helps achieve that. It was a profound experience.'

theendometriosis foundation.org

MOTHERS FIGHTING FOR BLACK WOMEN

Tinuke Awe and Clotilde Abe, Five X More

Tinuke Awe has a powerful message for maternal health providers across Britain. 'Start listening to black women,' she says. 'Because if you fix the problems we face during pregnancy and childbirth, then you will fix things for all women.'

Tinuke, 32, has been fighting for black women to be heard by maternity services since 2019, when she joined forces with Clotilde Abe, a mental health campaigner with a background in maternity care.

They were appalled by statistics that said black women in the UK were five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than white women.

'Hence the name of our organisation, Five X More,' says Tinuke.

Clotilde Abe and Tinuke Awe started Five X More and are fighting for black women to be heard by maternity services

Today, that number has reduced to being four times more likely. 'We really hope our work has played a part in that,' she adds.

It may well have done. In 2020, their petition calling on the government to improve black maternal health outcomes gained more than 187,000 signatures, leading to a debate on the matter in parliament for the first time.

Today, their focus is largely on empowering black women to make informed choices and advocate for themselves throughout pregnancy and during childbirth.

'This was born out of my own very poor experience of pregnancy and childbirth, as a black woman,' explains Tinuke. 'I put that down to not being listened to.

'I was told all through my pregnancy that I had protein in my urine, which can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Yet nothing was ever done about that until the very end when I was rushed into hospital with dangerously high blood pressure and then induced.

'It was a terrifying experience, made worse by the fact that no-one believed me when I said I was in agonising pain soon after the induction started. They refused to believe I could already be in labour.

The pair were appalled to hear that black women are five times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women and wanted to do something about it

'They left me for hours, without pain relief. When I was finally examined I was almost fully dilated and it was too late for me to be given anything to help with the pain. By then, I was so exhausted I needed an assisted birth. I left the hospital grateful my son was OK, and just glad the experience was behind me.'

It was only when Tinuke began speaking to other black mums about their birth experiences, and discovered they all had similarly distressing stories, that she realised the colour of their skin might play a part. She began to investigate, teaming up with Clotilde to see what changes they could bring about.

Clotilde, 34, says: 'We know the UK has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates globally, but there is a clear disparity in who is dying and suffering from the worst outcomes and that is what we are working to change. This is not a good place for black women to give birth.'

Five X More provides factsheets that spell out birthing rights, and informs on the health issues that can lead to bad maternal outcomes for black women in the first place. 'We arrange hypnobirthing and counselling for black pregnant women, as well as lobbying Parliament and those in power,' says Tinuke. The duo, who live in London, also train maternal health professionals.

Both women are thrilled that their work is being celebrated. 'This proves to us that the work we're doing really is helping create change,' says Clotilde.

Five X More provides factsheets that spell out birthing rights, and informs on the health issues that can lead to bad maternal outcomes for black women in the first place

Tinuke adds: 'It means the world to us  we run the organisation on our own, around working and each raising two small children.

'Sometimes, you can't help but wonder, does anyone notice or even care what we're doing here? But then a moment like this comes along, and we realise we truly are making a difference.

'It felt great to be recognised by the Queen. She pointed out that we were chosen out of hundreds of nominations and that we deserved to be honoured because of the great effort we put into helping others.'

fivexmore.org

PROTECTING OUR VETERANS

Claire Lilly, The Forcer Protocol

Claire says she is honoured to be named one of our Inspirational Women. Sadly, though, the life-saving work she does  helping trace veterans at high risk of suicide who go missing  was born out of great loss to her family.

Claire's ex-husband, Alan, went missing in May 2020. At the time, she struggled to convince the 11 different police officers she spoke to just how vulnerable he was.

A former lance corporal in the Coldstream Guards, Alan suffered from complex post-traumatic stress disorder and previously attempted to take his own life.

'Time was of the essence,' says Claire, 47, a holistic therapist who lives in Essex. 'I told police he was at risk of suicide, that he suffered from paranoia and was drug and alcohol dependent. But the message got diluted.'

Tragically, three days later police found 40-year-old Alan's body in woodland near his home in Stockton-on-Tees.

Claire Lilly (R) started The Forcer Protocol after her ex-husband Alan, went missing in May 2020 and was found dead in a forest

Claire persuaded Greater Manchester Police to implement The Forcer Protocol, named in honour of her husband

After discovering that one veteran a week takes his own life in Britain, Claire set about changing things. The coroner's report highlighted flaws in how police had handled Alan's case and recommended they work with Claire to try to avoid similar tragedies.

With the backing of her local MP, Mark Francois, and Minister of State for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer, Claire persuaded Greater Manchester Police to implement The Forcer Protocol, named in honour of her husband. The strategy aims to quickly locate veterans at risk of self-harm, then ensure they receive the help they need.

Introduced as a pilot scheme in November 2023, it has already successfully traced 79 veterans, potentially saving their lives, and will be rolled out through other police forces next month.

'That increases by up to five each week,' says Claire. 'Every call handler in Manchester now automatically asks if a missing person is a veteran. If they are, police can immediately access an online site that stores potentially life-saving information such as their GP, medication they're on and any previous suicide attempts.

'It saves precious time and helps police properly assess risk. When we go national next month even more lives will be saved. I do it all in memory of Alan.'

safeandfoundonline.co.uk/ forcer-protocol

GIVING GIRLS AN EDUCATION

Muzoon Almellehan, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

From the moment she arrived in a refugee camp aged 14, Muzoon Almellehan has fought for the rights of children  particularly girls  to have an education.

'Education isn't a privilege, it's a right,' says Muzoon, whose life was turned upside down at 11, when war broke out in Syria in March 2011. She fled with her family to Jordan; home became a tent in Zaatari, one of the world's largest refugee camps. A month later, UNICEF supported the opening of the camp's first school.

Studying helped Muzoon focus on her future. But she discovered some girls, even as young as 13, were being married to men in the camp instead of going to school, because their families thought marriage would protect them.

Muzoon Almellehan arrived in a refugee camp age 14 and since then, she's fought for the rights of children  particularly girls  to have an education

Now, aged 25 and with a master's degree in international relations, Muzoon (L) works full-time for her local council in Newcastle helping asylum seekers and migrants

Every day, she toured the camp, talking to parents about sending their children to school, encouraging the girls to attend. 'I told them there is no better protection than education,' she says.

In 2015, Muzoon arrived with her family in Britain, having been given refugee status. Now, aged 25 and with a master's degree in international relations, Muzoon works full-time for her local council in Newcastle helping asylum seekers and migrants, as well as travelling the world as a UNICEF ambassador since 2017, campaigning for children's rights.

She visits refugee camps where she hopes to instil the same passion for education in others. 'I was in their place; I tell them that life will get better,' she says.

Muzoon says being named a Daily Mail Inspirational Women makes her feel grateful and proud. 'It motivates me to raise my voice even louder, as I want to help make an impact and resolve the education challenges faced by so many children worldwide.

'I want to continue to highlight the importance of helping children living in emergencies; they need our support now more than ever.'

unicef.org.uk

HELP FOR PRISONERS THAT HELPS SOCIETY

Lucy Vincent, Food Behind Bars

When you think of a prisoner's day-to-day existence, concern over the quality of their meals might not be at the forefront of your mind. Which makes what former fashion journalist Lucy Vincent now does  working with staff and inmates to promote healthy eating through classes and workshops  all the more important.

Lucy's mission doesn't just make life better for people behind bars. It also benefits society as a whole. Major studies have found that tastier, nutritious food can significantly reduce the risk of reoffending on release.

Former fashion journalist Lucy Vincent works with staff and inmates to promote healthy eating through classes and workshops

Determined to help improve conditions, Lucy (C) launched Food Behind Bars in 2016, with the group becoming a charity in 2020

Denmark, which spends 8 per head a day on prisoners' food, compared with 2.70 in the UK, has one of the lowest reoffending rates in Europe, at 29 per cent. In Britain, where 48 per cent of prisoners re-offend within 12 months, it costs the taxpayer 15 billion a year.

Back in 2016, Lucy, then 24, read a government report about the dire quality of prison meals, often eaten by prisoners alone in their cells, sitting next to the toilet.

She began speaking with prison governors across the country, becoming particularly moved by the plight of female offenders, most likely to be in prison because of shoplifting or other non-violent crimes. Although women make up only four per cent of the prison population, they account for 29 per cent of self-harm incidents.

'They're vulnerable, likely to have been living in care and many are victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence,' says Lucy, now 31, who lives in Essex.

Determined to help improve their plight, she launched Food Behind Bars in 2016, with the group becoming a charity in 2020. It now helps chefs design healthy, cost-efficient menus.

'Women offenders are often mothers and missing their kids  if they're single parents things are even harder. Good food can go a long way to help improve self-esteem, and I'm so happy that this award means I can get this message to many more people.'

Of her visit to Buckingham Palace, she adds: 'Supporting the wellbeing of offenders can be unpopular. Yet Camilla was very supportive of our work. She spoke with genuine interest and understanding, and said what we're doing is really important. It was a proud day.'
New York-based Annie, 74, said she always thought she'd move back to California

The 65-acre estate in Bolinas, California was purchased in 2019 for $7.5 million

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Celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz is selling her 'dream' California farm estate, just five years after purchasing the historic rural property.

Annie, 74, who is known for her high-profile celebrity photos, purchased the sprawling property in 2019 for $7.5 million.

Located in Bolinas, a coastal community about an hour from San Francisco, the 65-acre estate has been listed at $9 million, and has views of Bolinas Lagoon, Stinson Beach, Mount Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco.

The property has been listed by Alexander Lurie and Nick Svenson, and has four structures on the estate: a four bedroom house, a guest house, a caretaker's residence, and a converted garage.

Celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz is selling her 'dream' California farm estate, five years after purchasing the historic rural property

Annie originally purchased the sprawling 65-acre property in Bolinas, California, for $7.5 million in 2019

Annie said when Rolling Stone moved to New York in 1977, she didn't think expect that she would move too - let alone stay

Additionally, there are two barns, one built in the 1930s, and a banquet hall with a performance stage.

'Tucked away in the serenity of Bolinas, California where the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Tamalpais meet, The Hideaway is an extraordinary 65-acre coastal retreat,' the online listing gushes.

'With breathtaking views of the Bolinas Lagoon, Stinson Beach and San Francisco, this iconic property features a rare combination of history, agricultural opportunities and an equestrian paradise. The Hideaway was the site of photographic interest for Ansel Adams in the 1930s and later became hallowed grounds for famed investor and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival founder Warren Hellman.

'Bountiful fields and terraces for sustainable agriculture, livestock stalls and vast pastures decorate the expansive property. An equestrian facility offers a picturesque riding arena next to a seven-stall barn with offices.

'The updated residential compound features a 1920's SFH with four beds, guest house, workshop, and two bed caretaker's residence. The adjacent hay and dairy barns have been transformed into a banquet hall with a performance stage and Hellman's famed recording studio.

'Surrounded by world-class coastal beauty, The Hideaway is moments away from amazing surfing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife preserves. Replete with lush rolling hills, sensational sunrises and sunsets, and sprawling vistas, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.'

New York-based Annie, who is originally from California, admitted she had always thought she'd move back to the West Coast.

'I had always thought of myself as a California person,' she reflected, adding she always 'dreamed' of moving back.

'I went to school there, at the San Francisco Art Institute. I learned to be a photographer there.'

There are four structures on the estate: a four bedroom house, a guest house, a caretaker's residence, and a converted garage

Additionally, there are two barns, one built in the 1930s, and a banquet hall with a performance stage

New York-based Annie, who is originally from California, admitted she had always thought she'd move back to the West Coast

Annie put about $2 million into the property, installing infrastructure upgrades and renovating the 1920s residence, which included adding a new kitchen

Annie made sure to preserve the character and history of the home, keeping many original details

Annie said when Rolling Stone moved to New York in 1977, she didn't expect that she would move too - let alone stay.

'I thought I lived in California. But the work was in New York. Or Europe,' the photographer pointed out.

However, even after spending years living and working in New York, and raising my children on the East Coast, Annie said she always 'dreamed about returning to California.'

Her dream to have a slice of California came true in after she purchased an estate in Bolinas, California, for $7.5 million in 2019.

'We were told of this extraordinary property that from the top of the hill had views of the lagoon and bay and the coast that are magnificent. It has its own special climate,' Annie recalled.

'Everything can grow year round,' she continued. 'There were 65 acres with an old milking barn that Ansel Adams had photographed.

'It had been used as a gathering place for country and folk music concerts in its day.'

Annie put about $2 million into the property, making infrastructure upgrades and renovating the 1920s residence, which included adding a new kitchen.

However, she made sure to preserve the character and history of the home, with a rotary phone still hanging on the wall as an ode to the estate's history.

The previous owner converted an unused farm building on the property into a music studio and another into a music venue to host private concerts

According to the mom-of-three, she bought the home when her eldest daughter was looking at colleges on the West Coast, but her daughters ended up in the Northeast

Prior to Annie's purchase in 2019, the Bolinas farm was owned by Warren Hellman, a San Francisco financier and founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival

In February, Annie sold off her Manhattan apartment for $10.62 million - suffering a near $1 million loss on the pad, which she bought for $11.24 million in 2014

She kept a rotary phone hanging on the wall as an ode to the estate's history

'We planned to partner with a legendary farmer over the hill to bring the place back to its former self as a working and teaching farm,' she added.

According to the mom-of-three, she bought the home when her eldest daughter was looking at colleges on the West Coast. However, when all three of her daughters ended up in the Northeast, she made the decision to sell it.

Prior to Annie's purchase in 2019, the Bolinas farm was owned by Warren Hellman, a San Francisco financier and founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival.

He converted an unused farm building on the property into a music studio and another into a music venue to host private concerts.

Annie, who worked for Rolling Stone for 13 years and whose credits include Vanity Fair and Vogue, is known for portraits of celebrities, including the late John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

In addition to her West Coast abode, Annie has owned several properties in Manhattan, including an Upper West Side apartment she sold for $10.6 million earlier this year and a compound in Manhattans West Village composed of three brick townhouses which sold for $28.5 million in 2013.

However, it's New York's Hudson Valley that her family calls home in a 'wonderful property [along] the river.'
What happened next made her swear off taxis for life

A young woman has vowed to never catch a taxi again after being scarred by a frightening experience with an aggressive driver in Sydney who kept repeating 'it's too late' as soon as she got in the car.

Tabitha Wimmer had just returned to the city from a trip to the Central Coast with friends on September 9 last year.

Instead of walking the 20 minutes home from Central Station, she decided to take a taxi because she wasn't comfortable walking alone at 7pm in the dark.

The 30-year-old marketing coordinator, who now lives in Geelong, hailed a cab and within minutes felt so unsafe she fled the vehicle and ran the rest of the way home.

Detailing the ordeal on TikTok, Ms Wimmer said she had asked the driver if he would be willing to take her home despite it only being a short trip.

On September 9, 2023, Tabitha Wimmer caught a taxi home from Sydney's Central Station and claimed she was yelled at by the driver despite doing 'nothing wrong'

The 30-year-old marketing coordinator, who now lives in Geelong, hailed a cab and within minutes felt so unsafe she fled the vehicle and ran the rest of the way home

'I opened the door, I sat down on the seat, but the door was still open. The [driver] turned around to look at me and said, "Where did you come from?"' she recalled.

'He was really angry - he was huffing and puffing - so I said, "Look, I'll jump out," and he said, "No, it's too late," and really snapped at me.'

Feeling confused, she thought he might have been annoyed because she lived close by and it would be cheap fare.

He had already started driving while continuing to repeat to himself how it was 'too late', which gave Ms Wimmer the chills.

To avoid further conflict, Ms Wimmer kept quiet because she already felt uncomfortable - but the taxi driver was still agitated and continued yelling at her.

She asked if he would prefer if she got out of the taxi, but Ms Wimmer was told again that it was 'too late' - but didn't know what he meant.

The driver kept repeating 'it's too late' and Ms Wimmer had no idea what he meant. Other women have since shared their own similar stories

'Then he said, "You know what the problem with you is..." and he just started shouting at me... I had done nothing disrespectful,' she said.

'I can't even tell you the things he was saying because I think I've blacked it out because of how shocked I was.

'He was rambling and yelling at me about how I shouldn't have jumped into his taxi.'

Ms Wimmer told the driver she was feeling uncomfortable and was happy to exit the vehicle, but the man only got more aggressive and the shouting intensified.

At that point, Ms Wimmer told him to pull over, but he refused. She asked again, only to be told, 'It's too late,' and by this point her heart was racing.

'He refused to pull over so I opened the door of the car, grabbed my stuff and jumped out [once the car wasn't moving],' she said.

'Then he kept yelling saying, "Come back, get back in here now! Get back in here now!"

'I was so frazzled that I just started running. I was like I need to get the f**k out of here, this man is crazy.'

Even when Ms Wimmer was bolting away, the man was still yelling for her to get back in the car and pay him, leaving her utterly distraught.

'I was so scared, I ran the entire way home because I was a nervous wreck.'

Luckily she managed to get away and arrived home safely.

While it's unclear what the driver meant by 'it's too late', some TikTok users suspect taxi companies have a policy that a driver must complete a fare if the customer has already sat down in the vehicle.

In Ms Wimmer's case, the driver seems to have become frustrated because she sat down in the taxi before he realised it would only be a short, low-fare trip.

'I was so scared, I ran the entire way home because I was a nervous wreck,' she said

'I will never use a taxi service again and have have not used a taxi since this incident,' Ms Wimmer told FEMAIL.

'If I cannot get an Uber and the only way home was a taxi, then I would as long as I had a male with me. I don't believe the taxi driver would have been as aggressive as he was with me if I had a male with me.'

She recorded the TikTok video with the intention to alert other women of the horrendous ordeal.

'This man may not have had any ill intent towards me but I wasn't willing to risk finding that out. If your intuition is telling you to run, run,' Ms Wimmer said.

'I'm proud of myself for telling this man he was making me feel uncomfortable and when he did not stop, I'm proud of myself for escaping that situation.'

The video has since been viewed more than 12,000 times and other women shared similar experiences.

'The "too late" is scaring me! Too late for what? That's so scary. They would have CCTV at the train station that might be able to get his cab number,' one woman said.

'Every taxi experience I've had has been dodgy. [I'm] 100 per cent convinced that taxi drivers are trying to scam me. I just use Uber now, so much better,' another added.

'Sorry you experienced this. I've had a similar experience with a taxi. I live close to the airport and get abused every time,' one more wrote.

Another said: 'This is so much more common than you think. It has happened to me in a number of occasions when they are pissed off that you aren't going on a big trip and they aren't going to get much money.'

The New South Wales Government website states if a taxi driver is available they must accept the hire immediately when offered.

Taxi drivers can refuse to pick up a passenger for certain reasons, such as if the passenger refuses to stop smoking or drinking alcohol.

In New South Wales you can contact the Point to Point Transport Commissioner for fare offences and safety issues on 131 727. If you feel as though you are in immediate danger, call emergency services on 000.
Patients are traveling more than 1,000 miles to fill prescriptions for weight loss drugs amid national shortages and a sprint to slim down for summer.

Doctors told DailyMail.com they are struggling to keep up with demand for Wegovy and Ozempic, while the FDA reports Mounjaro and Zepbound are expected to be out of stock until at least July.

Dr Angela Fitch, an obesity medicine expert in New York City, said she has had patients fly in from as far afield as Florida, Virginia and Ohio to fill prescriptions.

She has also had others who have driven to her from Maine, a distance of about 400 miles  or seven hours in the car.

Marlee Bruno, who owns the medical spa Mind Body & Soul Medical in Pensacola, Florida, told DailyMail.com that people are looking to boost their weight-loss goals to get beach ready.

Among those to have used Ozempic to lose weight was Real Housewives of Orange County star Emily Simpson, 47, who lost 40lbs on the drug last year

Among the patients struggling to fill a script is Tara Dykens from Massachusetts who said finding Zepbound was 'very frustrating'. 'I didn't want to mess it up. I didn't want to miss doses,' she added.

Other patients have taken to posting tearful videos on social media when they fill their prescriptions, or empty boxes worrying about getting their next dose.

Ms Bruno told DailyMail.com they have had patients drive out of state to get their doses from her clinic.

'We do try and ship it to patients, but this does increase costs and some of them want to get the named brands,' she said.

'We have patients who drove into Alabama and into Mississippi from here to get Mounjaro, so that's at least a hundred miles.'

Because of the shortages, pharmacies are able to make compound versions  or their own doses  of the drugs.

But many patients are still opting for the brand name versions because they believe they will be more effective for weight loss.

Those who have previously used the drugs to get summer ready include Emily Simpson, 47, from the Real Housewives of Orange County, who lost 40lbs on the drug and was so confident that she posted a snap of herself in a bikini.

Patients are sharing their frustration over being unable to get hold of their doses of Wegovy, Zepbound and other weight loss drugs online

UK TV personality Charlotte Dawson, 31, showed off her incredible 19lbs weight loss as she prepares to get bikini body ready for her holiday eight months postpartum in latest Instagram post on Saturday. She has not confirmed whether she used a weight loss drug

Asked what was behind the surge in demand, Bruno blamed the approach of summer.

'We are in Florida, where it is practically already summer,' she said, 'and people are starting to get into their bikinis and really want to get on the drug so they can lose weight quickly.

'It is possible to lose a significant amount of weight fast on these', she added.

'As standard, patients lose about 1lb a week  but it tends to be a little bit more than that.

'After three months, they may have lost at least 12lbs of fat, which is a significant loss and makes many patients feel much better.'

She warned against 'double dosing' to try to speed weight loss, however, saying this would result in 'terrible side effects' for patients such as problems with bowel movements, diarrhea and constipation.

Patients caught in the shortage include Ms Dykens, who is struggling to fill her prescription of Zepbound.

She told GMA: 'In one given afternoon, I believe I tried to contact between 20 and 25 pharmacies [to get the medication].'

The above shows how Zepbound works and how Wegovy works

Zepbound a new breakthrough weight loss drug is in shortage across the US, health authorities say

Another patient called Hannah Rose, based in Washington State, said she had been searching every pharmacy up to 100miles from her trying to get doses.

'On Saturday, not one in a hundred miles had [Zepbound],' she said, 'but today, they had it in two stores!'.

Another patient, called Celeste and from the US, posted a tearful video online this month when she managed to fill her Zepbound prescription.

And patient Tiana, also from the US and who has lost 40lbs on the drug, described it as a 'mission' when she drove 8miles to a CVS to grab her doses.

Eli Lilly  which is behind Mounjaro and Zepbound  has said that shortages of its drugs could last into 2025.

The group's vice president, Rhonda Pacheco, said: 'For the near term, we are going to be in this limited availability  which may cause delays across some of the doses for both Mounjaro and Zepbound.

'We are working so hard every day to make sure that we increase that capacity as fast as we can to get these medications into patients' hands.'

Lilly is planning to open a new manufacturing facility in Concord, North Carolina, by the end of the year to boost production.

Novo Nordisk  which makes Ozempic and Wegovy  opened a new manufacturing facility in Clayton, North Carolina, last year to expand supply.
Health officials in Colorado are warning Americans to properly refrigerate and heat their food after an exchange worker was paralyzed by a deadly bacteria.

Claudia de Albuquerque Celada, 23, is in hospital on a ventilator after contracting botulism, a rare food-borne pathogen that attacks the body's nerves.

Local health officials traced the Brazilian native's infection back to a pre-packaged soup she bought 'from a major retailer' while working in Aspen in February.

Tests of soup samples from the same grocery store came back negative - leading officials to believe the way Ms Albuquerque Celada stored or cooked it was the issue.

Claudia de Albuquerque Celada, 23, originally from Brazil, was on a work exchange program in Colorado when she became infected with botulism. The disease, which affects about 100 Americans every year, left her paralyzed

It is believed that she contracted the disease from storebought soup stored in a plastic jar, though the health department did not specify a brand or store

It is thought Ms Albuquerque Celada either didn't keep the soup refrigerated at a cold enough temperature, didn't thoroughly reheat it or left leftovers out for too long before refrigerating it again.

A spokesperson for the Pitkin County Health department told DailyMail.com that it was a tragic accident and served as a reminder people need to 'reassess their food handling practices.'

Officials are urging people to keep soup and all perishables refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, ensure that food is completely heated through, and avoid leaving food out on the counter for more than an hour.

The bacteria that causes botulism is found in soil and ocean floors, where it can remain on the surface of foods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings, which are usually harmless.

However, warm and wet tight spaces lacking oxygen - such as plastic jars and cans - can lead to the bacteria to release toxins that attack the central nervous system.

Certain heating, handling and storage conditions can also create an environment for botulism bacteria spores to grow and become deadly.

The CDC estimates that there are just 25 cases of foodborne botulism in the US each year, making it vanishingly rare.

Ms Albuquerque Celada's family has said on social media posts that she is still paralyzed and relies on a ventilator to breathe

The Pitkin County Health Department said that because the food itself tested negative for botulinum bacteria, Ms Albuquerque Celada likely became sick through improper food handling, such as not properly refrigerating or heating

'Because an outbreak was ruled out, we really focus on the prevention aspect,' a representative at Pitkin County Health told DailyMail.com.

'Because there wasn't a common source of exposure that impacted a larger swatch of the population, or if there were multiple cases associated, we really look at food handling as likely being the cause of the infection.'

Ms Albuquerque became ill in February about 15 days after eating the contaminated food.

Her sister, Luisa Albuquerque, wrote on Instagram that her sister left work early after she started suffering dizziness, double vision, and trouble breathing.

Within 24 hours, her entire body was paralyzed.

The health department said that while it cannot 'confirm specifically what products led to the infection,' a suspected soup product was purchased from a major retailer and was stored in a plastic jar.

'It doesn't look like it was a damage can, and it doesn't look like it is the fault of the product itself,' the department said.

'It's nearly impossible to definitively say at what stage there might have been that breakdown.'

The agency said that it sent out samples of a branded soup from two grocery stores in Aspen that Ms Albuquerque Celada was shopping at, which are part of a national chain. The soup had been bought in a plastic, sealed container.

All of the food samples came back negative for botulism.

'This doesn't necessarily mean that the food that the case ate didn't have it, it really means that we're just unable to confirm definitively what the source of the infection was,' a spokesperson said.

The department said that its 'best guess' is that Ms Albuquerque Celada became ill from a combination of three mishandlings.

The first is improper refrigeration, and the agency stressed that items bought from the store marked as refrigerated must be stored like this at home.

This is because temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) make it easier for bacterial spores to form.

Additionally, the health department advised making sure any food that is heated up, such as on the stovetop or in the microwave, is heated all the way through, as heat can kill those spores.

'Sometimes in a microwave, food doesn't always heat all the way through making sure that you're following all those foods instructions for being able to heat that to the appropriate temperature throughout,' the representative said.

Finally, officials recommended making sure food is not left out for long periods of time so it can get back to a cold temperature.

'So not leaving items out sealed on the counter for a few hours. We really want to make sure that those food items get brought to temperature in an appropriate amount of time,' the health department said.

Foods with low acid content are the most common sources of home-canning related botulism cases, according to the CDC, which include asparagus, green beans, beets, corn and potatoes.

The family is raising funds to transport Ms Albuquerque Celada back to her hometown of Sao Paolo, Brazil

It's unclear what Ms Albuquerque Celada's path to recovery will look like, but her family estimates it will take at least six months to a year

Symptoms of botulism include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and trouble moving the eyes, according to the CDC.

Foodborne infection can also cause vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

The CDC estimates that fewer than five out of 100 people with botulism die, though they can be left with lifelong complications like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Ms Albuquerque Celada's family said that she has been hospitalized for about 50 days, and recovery is expected to last six months to a year.

The family has said on social media that she is stable enough to be transported back to her hometown of Sao Paolo, Brazil.
A 20-year-old battling a mysterious UTI has 'lost all hope' of getting NHS treatment after a clueless doctor told her to Google solutions to her crippling symptoms.

Bianca Padurariu, from Crystal Palace, London, suffers a painful burning sensation every time she goes to the toilet or tries to have sex with her partner.

Since the nanny started having symptoms in September 2021, she has been to the GP several times.

After two rounds of antibiotics failed to help, she was even told 'nothing is wrong' after a urine test came back negative.

Unable to get a hospital referral, Miss Padurariu took things into her own hands and paid 700 for a private gynaecologist in September 2023, which confirmed she was suffering from a recurrent urinary tract infection.

Bianca Padurariu, 20, has been trying to find out why she experiences a painful burning sensation every time she goes to the toilet or tries to have sex with her partner

When she finally secured an appointment with a urologist at Queen Marys Hospital in south west London, she claims the specialist asked whether she had heard of the worlds most popular search engine, Google, before suggesting she use that to find answers.

'Now Ive lost all hope that the NHS will do anything about this,' Miss Padurariu said.

'Im not really sure what kind of infection I have at this point.

'It just didnt go away, so Im wondering, is it something more complicated?

'Its quite sad really because I am not OK.'

UTIs are extremely common, with about half of all women in the UK suffering at least one during their lifetime, according to Kidney Research UK. Symptoms typically last less than a week, however.

The nanny from Crystal Palace, south-east London started having symptoms in September 2021 and went to visit the GP several times

Miss Padurariu became concerned in September 2021 when she started going to the toilet more frequently than usual.

'Every time I drank a sip of water, five minutes later I needed the toilet,' she said.

'I waited to see if it would stop but it continued so I booked an appointment with the GP.'

A test confirmed Miss Padurariu had an infection and she was given antibiotics. Yet her symptoms did not subside after completing the five-day course, prompting her to visit her GP a few weeks later.

After doing another urine test, she was prescribed antibiotics for a second time. But, again, this did not solve the problem.

'Nothing changed so I went back and asked for a referral,' Miss Padurariu said. 'They said I would have to do another urine test first.

'When the test came back, they said "Youre fine, nothings wrong".

'I explained that was strange because I was still experiencing the same symptoms and that I would like to see a specialist.

'But they couldnt do that unless the test came back positive for infection.'

She paid 700 for a private gynaecologist in September 2023, which confirmed she was suffering from a recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)

When she finally secured a hospital appointment with a urologist at Queen Mary s Hospital in south-west London, she claims the doctor told her to Google her symptoms

Miss Padurariu said she lived with her symptoms for the next two years.

'I was probably going to the toilet like 10 or 15 times a day,' she said.

'When I was peeing, it was burning a bit. But the main thing which really bothered me was having to go to the toilet every time I drank water.

'It also affected my sex life, because I could not have a normal sexual relationship without it hurting.'

This has heaped a lot of pressure on her current and past relationships.

'I refused to have a sexual relationship with my boyfriend because it hurt,' she said.

'We would try to, but it was burning, so I would have to stop.

'I believe when a couple has a sexual relationship that helps connect them.'

The gynaecologist found high levels of protein in her kidneys and told her to see a doctor immediately

She has given up trying to find answers through the NHS and is now fundraising for private treatment

Miss Padurariu felt like she had no other option but go private and pay for a private gynaecologist in north London.

Tests at the private clinic showed she had a 'recurrent urine infection' and signs of endometriosis, a long-term condition which can cause severe pain in the pelvis, especially during menstruation, intercourse and when going to the toilet.

She also said the gynaecologist found high levels of protein in her kidneys, which can be a sign of kidney damage, and told her to see a doctor immediately.

Going back to the gynaecologist was not an option for Miss Padurariu however, as it was too expensive.

'I dont have this kind of money to spend if I have to come several times,' she said.

Instead, they offered to write to her GP so they could refer her to hospital.

In November 2023, Miss Padurariu visited a urologist at Queen Marys Hospital in Roehampton, south west London.

'The doctor just told me to drink lots of cranberry juice and water,' she said. 'So I did that, but it didnt get any better.'

She lodged a formal complaint with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service about her experience in February

Miss Padurariu returned to the hospital in February determined to get to the bottom of what was wrong with her, but left without any hope.

'She asked me "How have you been?" and I explained that I had followed what she said, but it did not get any better.

'I asked if we could do more tests, but she said they couldnt really do that.

'She said they were here to offer me a plan that I could follow, and if you dont, fine, thats your problem.'

But as Miss Padurariu continued pushing for answers, pointing out that she still experienced a burning feeling every time she peed, she was told to just Google her symptoms.

Miss Padurariu has launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe for 8,000 but said she does not know exactly how much private treatment will cost

'She seemed really bothered that I kept asking questions,' she said.

'Then she was like, "Oh, have you heard of this thing called Google?".

'I said "of course Ive heard of Google" and she was like "then you can find your answers there".'

She left the appointment in tears and still none the wiser about the medical issue she faces.

She lodged a formal complaint with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service about her experience in February, saying: 'I [was] there to speak to a professional regarding my problems. Google will never give me the right answer, it will just make me panic.'

She has given up trying to find answers through the NHS and is now fundraising for private treatment.

Miss Padurariu has launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe for 8,000 but said she does not know exactly how much the private treatment will cost.

'I really appreciate anyone who shares my fundraiser or makes a donation, every little contribution helps,' she said.

A spokesperson at St Georges NHS Hospital said: 'Our staff strive to give expert and compassionate care at all times and we are truly sorry that Ms Padurariu is unhappy with her experience.

'We take all concerns very seriously and have discussed Ms Padurarius experience with her and invited her to make a follow-up appointment.'
Brits are pulling their own teeth out with pliers because of the ever-worsening NHS dental crisis.

Jamie Totterdell said he's been forced to do several DIY extractions because of him being unable to get an appointment over the last 16 years.

He couldn't afford private treatment, although could pay for check-ups.

The only time Mr Totterdell managed to see an NHS dentist was via an emergency appointment after one of his DIY extractions went wrong.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'One extraction I had to go to the dentist after because I'd left [pieces of] teeth in there.'

Mr Totterdell, whose age or location wasn't revealed by the show, added: 'They had to do surgery to rectify that.'

His eye-opening story was told in a section that highlighted how only 1 per cent of practices now offer an NHS appointment on demand.

Eddie Crouch, chair of the British Dental Association (BDA) said he was being contacted every week by people forced to perform DIY dentistry on themselves amid the appointments crisis.

He warned that people were potentially risking their lives due to the complications that can occur from a botched DIY extraction.

Mr Crouch said: 'People hope they'll be able to do it properly but obviously putting a pair of pliers in their mouth, they can't see what they're doing they end up breaking a tooth, leaving a root in that could get really badly infected.

How much will NHS dentistry now cost? There are 3 NHS charge bands with the new prices coming in from April 1: Band 1: 26.80 Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment. Band 2: 73.50 Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions). Band 3: 319.10 Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges. Advertisement

'We've seen people, sadly, with severe infections and are almost going into sepsis. It is shocking what could happen.'

Mr Crouch also revealed DIY dentistry wasn't stopping at extractions, with some Brits resorting to using superglue to fix broken teeth.

Some of the practices GMB contacted had a five-year waiting list for NHS patients.

The findings come despite ministers promising to fix the ever-worsening NHS dental appointments crisis.

Desperate patients have endured mammoth 4am queues in a quest to be seen with others even flying to war-torn Ukraine for cheaper private dentistry.

GMB approached 100 dentists across 10 regions in England to enquire about the availability of NHS and private appointments.

This survey was a repeat of a similar investigation GMB conducted in 2016.

Then, all of the 10 regions had dentists that were able to offer an NHS appointment.

But in the latest survey just three regions had this capacity.

Overall, only 1 per cent of the dentists surveyed could offer an NHS appointment, a massive decrease on 2016's figure of 13 per cent.

But access to private appointments has boomed over the same period.

The most recent survey found that 17 per cent of dental practices were able to offer a private appointment, up from 12 per cent eight years prior.

Private appointments for a basic dental check-up are routinely about 75, almost triple the NHS standard rate of 26.80.

But GMB reportedly found some practices were charging over 250 for urgent same day private appointments.

The investigation found private dental provision has exploded in major cities London.

In 2016 just 40 per cent of dentists in the capital were offering private appointments, but this rose to 70 per cent in the most recent survey.

One practice told GMB a same day appointment for a patient would cost 260.

It was a similar story in other regions of England.

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In Leeds, none of the practices contacted could offer NHS appointments, but half could offer a same day private appointment.

Only one in 10 dental practices in Newcastle could offer an NHS appointment with this falling to zero in Norwich.

One dentist in Southampton told investigators it had a 2,000 strong waiting list for NHS appointments, and another in Leeds said they had a five-year waiting list.

The findings come despite the Government's recently announced 200m dental recovery plan.

This offers dentists cash incentives of up to 50 per new NHS patient they saw as well as providing 20,000 golden hellos to attract them to working in England's so-called 'dental deserts' where taxpayer subsidised dental appointments are lacking.

Minister have hoped the incentives would bring about an additional 2.5million appointments in the next year.

But the plan  unveiled 10 months after it was originally promised  was slammed by dental bosses and politicians for not going far enough.

The BDA has said that it amounted to 'rearranging the deckchairs' and wouldn't bring the desired, and much-needed, change.

Official figures show 24,151 dentists took on NHS work in England in 2022-23, down from 24,272 in the previous financial year  a drop of 121.

The most recent total is roughly 500 fewer than the number of dentists carrying out NHS work in 2019-20, the last year before the Covid pandemic struck.

The BDA fears numbers could drop even further to below 24,000, a figure not recorded since 2014-15.

NHS dentist attendance figures for both adults and children dived off a cliff during the Covid pandemic as practices shut as part of lockdown rules and stopped offering treatments.

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But it has failed to bounce back despite the darkest days of the pandemic being well into the past.

Industry experts suggest this is because offering NHS treatment is not as lucrative as going private.

Old NHS contracts for dentists paid them for batches of work carried out rather than for individual treatments, regardless how complicated a particular case might be.

In practice, this meant NHS dentists were paid the same for treating a patient that needed 10 fillings as for a patient that needed just one.

This resulted in dentists losing money from treating some NHS patients as what they were paid didn't cover the costs of doing the procedure.

While this contact has now been reformed, the BDA estimates thousands of NHS dentists abandoned or vastly scaled back their NHS work post-pandemic.

Compounding the crisis is that as more dentists ditch or vastly reduce their NHS work, those who remain risk become overwhelmed.

A BDA post-pandemic survey of dentists in 2022 suggested three quarters were experiencing burnout, feeling unable to spend sufficient time with their patients to give them the care they needed.

And, much like with the GP appointments crisis, as patients struggle to get access frustrations can boil over.

The same BDA survey found 86 per cent of dentists said their practice had received physical or verbal abuse from patients.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told GMB that the Government's dental recovery plan meant 'more practices are already accepting new adult patients across England.'

The latest figures, for June last year, show roughly 26million adults (about 60 per cent of the population) haven't had a check-up in the last two years.

This is one of the lowest proportions since modern records start in 2006.
When it comes to ways of slashing your risk of prostate cancer, eating more veg or signing up to the gym may immediately spring to mind.

But, according to one expert, there's something else that may help  masturbating.

Sheffield Hallam University's Dr Daniel Kelly, who has carried out numerous studies on prostates, said there is 'evidence' to support the theory.

One Harvard University study found men who ejaculated 21 times a month were up to a third less likely to be struck down with the disease, compared to men who only did so between four and seven times monthly.

The findings, from 2016, held true regardless of whether a man achieved an orgasm through masturbation or sex.

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Frequent ejaculation, Dr Kelly wrote in an article for The Conversation, 'will do no harm' and 'should therefore form part of a mans healthy lifestyle'.

Researchers don't know exactly why ejaculating may help protect against prostate cancer.

Dr Kelly wrote: 'Although the mechanisms are not completely understood, these studies fit with the idea that ejaculation can reduce prostate cancer by decreasing the concentration of toxins and crystal-like structures that can accumulate in the prostate and potentially cause tumours.

'Similarly, ejaculation may alter the immune response within the prostate reducing inflammation  a known risk factor for cancer development  or by increasing immune defence against tumour cells.

'Alternatively, by reducing psychological tension ejaculation may lower the activity of the nervous system which then prevents certain prostate cells from dividing too rapidly and increasing the chance of them becoming cancerous.'

One in eight men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives, charities say. More than 52,000 men in Britain are diagnosed each year.

But thousands are diagnosed once it has already spread, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.

Experts are in agreement that early detection is key to boosting survival rates.

However, with no national screening programme, progress has been slow in bringing numbers down.

In January, an analysis of 11 studies published in the last three decades also found seven reported some beneficial effect of ejaculation on prostate cancer risk.

Writing in the journal Clinical Genitourinary Cancer, scientists said: 'The emerging connection between ejaculation frequency and prostate health underscores the importance of incorporating sexual behavior into patient counselling and healthcare strategies.'

Contrary to years of research, experts now believe men with low testosterone levels have a heightened risk of prostate cancer and worse outcomes.

And because testosterone is known to increase sex drive, a man with low levels may not have the same desire for sexual activity.

Dr Kelly wrote: 'So, it may be testosterone reducing a man's risk of prostate cancer and additionally driving their motivation for sexual activity.'

He added: 'There are benefits of sexual activity and ejaculation beyond the prostate including positive effects on the heart, brain, immune system, sleep and mood.

'So while the link between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer is not fully understood and there is a real need for more research, frequent ejaculation (within reason) will certainly do no harm, probably does good and should therefore form part of a mans healthy lifestyle.'

More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average in the UK, making it the most common cancer in men. Around 12,000 men die every year from the disease  the equivalent of one every 45 minutes

The risk of prostate cancer increases as you age, with most cases developing in men aged 50 or older, the NHS says.

Symptoms can include needing to urinate more often, having to wait longer before you can pass urine, erectile dysfunction, blood in urine, weight loss or any new and unexplained lower back pain.

Celebrities who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer include Stephen Fry, who said he was 'stunned' after finding out he had the disease in 2018.

In 2022 musician Jools Holland revealed he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer after a diagnosis in 2014.

In August, Prostate Cancer UK also announced that referrals for the disease have reached a record high in the last year  rising 17 per cent  thanks to the 'Bill Turnbull' effect.

They said they believe the death of ambassador and presenter encouraged men to go and get tested.
An urgent warning has been issued over a new opioid drug following a spate of overdoses.

Nitazenes have been found in drug samples related to a cluster of about 20 overdoses reported in the Penrith area, in Sydney's west, over the last month.

The synthetic super-strength opioid is similar to fentanyl, which has ravaged parts of the US, leading to addicts staggering around in a drugged-up haze in cities including San Francisco, Sacramento, Philadelphia, and Portland.

But the drug - manufactured in illicit Chinese labs and smuggled overseas - is even more dangerous than fentanyl and hundreds of times more potent than heroin, making users far more likely to overdose.

An urgent warning has been issued over a new opioid drug following a spate of overdoses. Nitazenes have been found in drug samples related to a cluster of about 20 overdoses reported in the Penrith area, in Sydney 's west, over the last month

Synthetic super-strength opioids such as fentanyl and now nitazenes have been blamed for creating 'zombieland' scenes in several major US cities. Pictured, passed out Fentanyl users on the streets of Sacramento, California

What are nitazenes? Nitazenes are a synthetic opioid made in clandestine Chinese labs. They have been blamed for fuelling an 'unusual' increase in overdoses and deaths over the past few months. They are mixed into heroin and has also been detected in oxycodone pills and Xanax powders, according to charities. Nitazenes were originally developed as painkillers by Swiss pharma company Ciba in the 1950s but they never reached the market. Available in powder, tablet and liquid form, they can be injected, swallowed, placed under the tongue, snorted and vaped. The drugs trigger feelings of pain relief, euphoria, relaxation and sleepiness. But they can also lead to sweating, itching and nausea. Advertisement

'Nitazenes are extremely potent,' NSW Health Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist, Dr Hester Wilson, said in a public health statement.

'It is important that people recognise the signs of an opioid overdose early and know how to respond.

'Opioids such as heroin can cause pin-point pupils, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, slowed breathing/snoring and skin turning blue/grey and can be life-threatening.

'One of the dangers of illicit drug supply is the strength and contents of the substance you are getting is unknown and can be inconsistent.

'In light of this detection, people who use drugs such as heroin should carry naloxone.'

Users of synthetic opioids often lie in the streets lost in the throes of substance use. Pictured: a man suspected of being under the influence of drugs in Seattle

The synthetic super-strength opioids are similar to Fentanyl, which has ravaged parts of the US

Synthetic opioid users can remain mobile but in a warped mental state, giving the so-called 'zombielands' their name. This man, believed to have taken drugs, was pictured in San Francisco last year

NSW Health notes that naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose but it has to be delivered rapidly as the drug is more likely to trigger respiratory arrest.

Nitazenes can last longer in the body than heroin and naloxone, therefore higher and repeated doses of naloxone are often required as well as hospital treatment.

The drugs triggers feelings of pain relief, euphoria, relaxation and sleepiness but as well as sweating, itching and nausea.

Anyone who uses naloxone is urged to call Triple Zero for an ambulance immediately after use for follow up care.
Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun left for the Czech Republic on Wednesday as Seoul seeks closer bilateral economic ties, officials said.

Ahn plans to meet his Czech counterpart, Jozef Sikela, and Czech Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura to discuss exchanges and trade, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

During the visit, Ahn is expected to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy, cutting-edge industries and infrastructure with Czech officials.

The two countries are expected to agree on the details of a bilateral trade and investment promotion framework (TIPF) as well.

A TIPF is a nonbinding agreement that calls for enhancing economic ties and facilitating cooperative exchanges in various areas. The agreement, however, does not include tariff-free terms like a traditional free trade agreement.

The industry minister, meanwhile, is also widely expected to promote Korea's nuclear reactors to the European nation.

The Czech government earlier invited bids for its nuclear plant projects from Korea's Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and France's EDF, with a final decision expected to be made in June. (Yonhap)
READ MORE: Man, 62, in Boston is given a genetically modified PIG's kidney

Lisa Pisano, 54, is only the second patient to receive a gene-edited pig kidney

A New Jersey resident is the first woman to receive a pig kidney transplant

A New Jersey woman with just weeks to live was given a first-of-its-kind operation that saw her receive both a pig kidney transplant and an implantation of a heart device.

Lisa Pisano, 54, was getting 'sicker and sicker' from congestive heart and kidney failure, which left her unable to get a traditional organ transplant.

However, as Ms Pisano ran out of options, doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City devised a novel two-part operation: Implant a mechanical pump to keep her heart beating and days later transplant a kidney from a genetically modified pig.

Her surgery was successful and the new kidney began making urine almost immediately, doctors said, recounting cheers in the operating room. The patient has also started to walk, something that was nearly impossible before her procedure.

Ms Pisano is only the second patient to receive a pig kidney, following a landmark transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston last month, and she is the first person to undergo a combination heart procedure and animal organ transplant.

This family photo shows Lisa Pisano, right, and her daughter, Brittany Harvill

Ms Pisano told the Associated Press: 'I was at the end of my rope. I just took a chance. And you know, worst case scenario, if it didn't work for me, it might have worked for someone else and it could have helped the next person.

'It's been transformative.'

The team noted there have been no documented instances of anyone with a mechanical heart pump receiving an organ transplant of any kind.

'It is incredible to consider the scientific achievements that have led to our ability to save Lisas life, and what we are endeavoring to do as a society for everyone in need of a life-saving organ,' said Dr Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute.

He added: 'This could not have been done without the dedication and skill of the many talented physicians, researchers, nurses, health administrators, and perioperative care teams at NYU Langone Health, and the numerous pioneers who came before us.'

Prior to her procedure, it was discovered that Ms Pisano had high levels of harmful antibodies to human tissues, which made it difficult to find a match for a human kidney transplant.

Her medical team said it would have taken years.

However, her antibodies were not harmful to gene-edited pig organs.

In this photo provided by NYU Langone Health, surgeons operate on Lisa Pisano at the hospital in New York on April 12, 2024. Doctors transplanted a pig kidney into Pisano, who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also included a fix for her failing heart

In this photo provided by NYU Langone Health, a surgeon lifts the gene-edited pig kidney out of Lisa Pisano's abdomen to check its function

In this photo provided by NYU Langone Health, a gene-edited pig kidney with thymus is removed from its transport container to be prepared for transplantation at the hospital

Ms Pisano had gone into cardiac arrest multiple times as a result of her condition and had gotten too weak to even play with her grandchildren.

'With this surgery I get to see my wife smile again,' Ms Pisano's husband, Todd Pisano, said.

There's no way to predict Ms Pisano's long-term outcome but she has shown no signs of organ rejection so far, Dr Montgomery said.

The team noted her survival 'could be measured in days or weeks.'

The first-of-its-kind feat took a series of operations over the course of nine days.

In the first procedure, performed on April 4, surgeons implanted the heart pump, also known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). This helps pump blood from the heart's lower chambers to the rest of the body and is typically used in patients who are ineligible for a heart transplant.

On average, this operation takes about four to eight hours. Ms Pisano did not qualify for an LVAD on its own because she was undergoing dialysis for her kidney failure, which weakened her body.

However, because she was going to get a pig kidney transplant, doctors went ahead with the LVAD procedure.

Dr Nader Moazami, chief of the Division of Heart and Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support at NYU, who performed the LVAD procedure, said: 'Without the possibility of a kidney transplant, she would not have been eligible as a candidate for an LVAD due to the high mortality in patients on dialysis with heart pumps.'

'This unique approach is the first time in the world that LVAD surgery has been done on a dialysis patient with a subsequent plan to transplant a kidney.

'The measure for success is a chance at a better quality of life and to give Lisa more time to spend with her family.'

On April 12, a team of surgeons led by Dr Montgomery performed the xenotransplant, a transplant of an organ between different species.

The donor pig's thymus gland, which is responsible for immune functions, was placed under the covering of the kidney to reduce the likelihood of rejection.

This is a single-gene modification known as UThymoKidney. It was approved with emergency authorization from the FDA.

'By using pigs with a single genetic modification, we can better understand the role one key stable change in the genome can have in making xenotransplantation a viable alternative,' Dr Montgomery said.

He added: 'Since these pigs can be bred and do not require cloning like more-complex gene edits, this is a sustainable, scalable solution to the organ shortage. If we want to start saving more lives quickly, using fewer modifications and medications will be the answer.'

Lisa Pisano steps back into her bed while recovering from her surgeries at NYU Langone Health in New York on Monday, April 22, 2024

Lisa Pisano looks at photos of her dog after her surgeries at NYU Langone Health in New York on Monday, April 22, 2024

Other transplant experts are closely watching how the patient fares.

Dr Tatsuo Kawai of Mass General, who performed the first pig kidney transplant last month, said: 'I have to congratulate them.'

He noted noted his own pig kidney patient was healthier overall going into his operation than NYU's patient, so NYU had added challenges.

Dr Kawai said: 'When the heart function is bad, it's really difficult to do a kidney transplant.'

More than 100,000 people are on the US transplant waiting list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting.

In hopes of filling the shortage of donated organs, several biotech companies are genetically modifying pigs so their organs are more humanlike and less likely to be destroyed by people's immune systems.

NYU and other research teams have temporarily transplanted pig kidneys and hearts into brain-dead bodies, with promising results.

The University of Maryland also transplanted pig hearts into two men who had no other feasible medical options. Both died within months.

But Mass General's pig kidney transplant last month raised new hopes. Dr Kawai said the patient, Richard 'Rick' Slayman, experienced an early rejection scare but bounced back enough to go home earlier this month and still is faring well five weeks post-transplant.
Modern mums and dads, bored youngsters in a rural village or unlikely flatmates in their twenties, there are plenty of quirky characters to get to know in classic TV sitcoms.

So our critics have selected some of the best of them to watch On Demand right now - sifting through hundreds of options to save you the bother.

Can't decide what to watch tonight?

Read on to find out which sitcoms will keep you laughing...

Growing pains in Northern Ireland during the Troubles

Year: 2018-2022

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Channel 4

Watch now on Netflix

Fond, funny and foulmouthed, no doubt about it - Derry Girls is a winner.

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland and based on writer Lisa McGee's schooldays, Derry Girls is a comedy about growing up during the Troubles. Not that it's at all political. Life in a warzone is seen as inconvenient to our heroines, what with soldiers boarding school buses and bomb threats interfering with their lives.

But such problems are seemingly dwarfed when compared to the diktat imposed on them by terrifying headmistress Sister Michael (Siobhan McSweeney). (Three series)

Blackadder

Farcical romp through British history with Rowan Atkinson's grasping villain

Year: 1983-1989

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

From the Middle Ages to the First World War, Edmund Blackadder blazed a weasley, conniving trail through British history over four series and a handful of specials.

Written by Rowan Atkinson and Richard Curtis (of Four Weddings fame), it starred Atkinson as Blackadder, a grasping fiend whom we would thoroughly despise were it not for his constant rotten luck.

Always on the wrong side of history, the first series finds Edmund as the accidental assassin of the king, his uncle Richard (Peter Cook). Atkinson's performance is more tongue-flicking snake than man - he's a 'horrid little scabby reptile' who truly earns his name - and the raw edges to series one remind us just how odious Edmund is.

It's in the later series where the show really finds its groove, developing the despicable bromance between Blackadder and his worm of a sidekick Baldrick (Tony Robinson) and featuring a stellar cast of standout guest stars. Miranda Richardson's foot-stomping Queenie steals series II, Hugh Laurie's hopeless Prince Regent preens his way through Blackadder The Third and there's a blistering return for Rik Mayall's Lord Flashheart in the more poignant final series, Blackadder Goes Forth, set in the trenches of Flanders. (4 series)

Ghosts

Heartwarming sitcom set in a haunted house

Year: 2019-2023

Certificate: 12

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Created by the team behind the hit children's show Horrible Histories, Ghosts is the laugh-out-loud story of what you might call the houseshare from hell - where the spooks stuck together in a crumbling old stately home, who all died on the premises, have been there for centuries with no way out.

There's a headless ghost, a poet ghost, a bitter old grand dame spectre, a 1980s youth leader killed with a bow and arrow, a soldier who likes everything to be a battle, a grunting caveman and a Tory MP who died with no trousers on, and they are played by the show's creators Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard. Charlotte Ritchie is the new owner of the house who, after a bump to the head, can see and hear the spirits all around her.

Silliness is an undervalued virtue in comedy, but that what's makes Ghosts so great. It's perfect viewing for the whole family, young and old. (Five series)

Mandy

Diane Morgan's comedy creation has hapless adventures in the job market

Year: 2019-

Certificate: 12

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

You may know her as Philomena Cunk, the moronic presenter of entirely inaccurate history and culture documentaries, or as chaotic single mum Liz in Motherland, but Diane Morgan's oddest creation is all her own. Constantly chewing her lip to grotesque degrees, Mandy is the backcombed heroine of these bitesize episodes who spends her time trying and failing to get gainful employment.

Over three series, she has not learnt a single lesson about how to get on in the world. She's tried working in a banana-processing warehouse, biscuit factory, in a supermarket and a stately home and there are always surreal and outrageous catastrophes, and the odd fatality. Series three appears to have had a bit more budget to play with, enabling some fun special effects when Mandy has leg-lengthening surgery to become an airline hostess. Whether she's flying high or low, Mandy always picks herself up and starts again. (Three series)

Motherland

Painfully funny sitcom about the madness of modern parenting

Year: 2016-2021

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Netflix

Anna Maxwell Martin, Paul Ready, Diane Morgan and Lucy Punch lead the cast of this painfully funny comedy set in the competitive world of parenting.

Mums and dads at home will recognise only too well how brilliantly it captures the joy and pain of being a modern parent.

The trials of parenting were almost too dark to watch in series one but series two is much easier, partly because Julia (Maxwell Martin) isn't so stressed all the time and partly because of new arrival Meg (Tanya Moodie), who brings lots of fun to the party. The third series is probably the best so it came as a surprise when it was announced that it would be the last - but it can only be a matter of time before somebody else picks it up. (Three series)

This Country

Award-winning mockumentary-style sitcom about bored youngsters in a rural village

Year: 2017-2020

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

This BAFTA-winning mockumentary sitcom gives voice to a part of the country that we rarely see or hear. Stuck in an isolated rural village, cousins Kerry and Kurtan don't have much to do or much money to do anything with. It's a show that comes from the heart - its creators and stars Charlie and Daisy May Cooper, who are brother and sister in real life, felt similarly trapped and lacking in direction while living in their parents' home in Cirencester, which is when they started writing the show.

It's funny and absurd, but also rather touching. Daisy May has gone on to great things, starring in US sci-fi comedy Avenue 5 and BBC1 sitcom Am I Being Unreasonable? which she co-created. (Three series, plus a one-off finale special)

Extraordinary

Comedy about the world's only person without a superpower

Year: 2023

Certificate: 18

Watch now on Disney+

Imagine a world in which every adult has a superpower except you. That's the position that sarcastic 25-year-old Jen (Mairead Tyers) finds herself in Disney's fantastical British series. From shapeshifting to flight, from super strength to the ability to make anyone tell the truth, everybody else in the world got a special gift when they turned 18, but Jen is still waiting for hers to arrive.

Can she kick-start the process with the help of her weirdo flatmates? Or is she doomed to be the ordinary one in the world of the extraordinary? The show has some great turns of phrase and some of the riotous spirit of Misfits (available to stream on Channel 4), and it succeeds because it's more about the characters' lives and loves than it is about their powers - many of which are played for laughs. (Two series)

Peep Show

Odd couple flatmates Mitchell and Webb look for love

Year: 2003-2015

Certificate: 18

Watch now on Channel 4

If you like your comedy heroes to be catastrophic failures in life then this is the show for you.

Robert Webb and David Mitchell are 30-somehing flatmates Jeremy and Mar, who are bad at everything, including being each other's friends.

It takes a misanthropic view of the world through Mark and Jeremy's eyes, but there's a kind of weird alchemy at work that, over its seven-series run, you end up empathising with them.

Their various attempts at romance, for example, range from embarrassing to downright icky, but that doesn't mean you don't want them to find the one - even though you would not dream of matching them with anyone you knew.

Big Suze, the 'mental posho' love interest of Robert Webb's Jeremy in series 3-7 was played by Sophie Winkleman, while Olivia Colman has the task of being Mark's long-suffering girlfriend. Winkleman joined the Royal Family upon her marriage to Lord Frederick Windsor, son of Prince Michael of Kent, and Colman went on to Oscar glory. There's some poetic justice there. (Nine series)

Dad's Army

Hilarious Home Guard antics in possibly the greatest sitcom of all time

Year: 1968-1977

Certificate: pg

Watch now on NOW

Watch now on Sky

Ten series and three Christmas specials are available of arguably the greatest sitcom of all time. Hard to believe that the show attracted criticism when it launched on BBC1 in 1968, on the grounds that it mocked the real-life Home Guard, those plucky fellows who had volunteered to defend our island in the face of an impending Nazi invasion.

Over nine years, characters such as Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier) and Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn) became part of the national conversation, their catchphrases still used to this day. Tune in to see Jones shouting, 'Don't panic, don't panic!' while having a meltdown; marvel at the calmness of Wilson as he looks Mainwaring firmly in the face and says, 'Do you really think that's wise, Sir?' and chuckle again as the captain calls Pike, 'You stupid boy.'

Superbly cast, superbly written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry - a true comedy classic. Look out for the lost episodes that were re-created by the GOLD channel on Sky and Now, too, both in live action and animated form. (Ten series, plus three Christmas specials)

Fresh Meat

Meet the mismatched students sharing a house in hit Ch4 comedy drama

Year: 2011-2016

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Channel 4

Jesse Armstrong, the creator of Succession, co-wrote this comedy with his Peep Show collaborator Sam Bain. Set inside a student house, it probably has more in common with Peep Show than Succession, but you can still see seeds here that would grow into the Mephistophelean monstrosity that is the most recent show, the satirical dramedy about a family-run media empire.

Awkwardness abounds, with punches and slaps of the wildly unexpected delivered through sharp dialogue as well as physical humour. Jack Whitehall's character JP and Joe Thomas's Kingsley offer fractious banter similar to that between Tom and Greg (Matthew Macfadyen and Nicholas Braun) in Succession.

Plus it all plays out in a kind of evolution of The Young Ones house - it's got more mod cons and most of its walls are intact - but is similarly populated by a supremely mismatched bunch of students, sharing a house by virtue of an offer via UCAS and that alone. (Four series)

The Inbetweeners

Near-the-knuckle schoolboy comedy that became a smash hit

Year: 2008-2010

Certificate: 18

Watch now on Channel 4

This was E4's first sitcom commission way back in 2008 and went on to become something of a TV phenomenon, running for three seasons and spawning two hugely successful films. Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison and James Buckley are best friends Will, Simon, Neil and Jay, and the comedy follows the antics of this misfit bunch during their final years of school.

Never before has a comedy so perfectly captured the teenage experience, that messiest of times in a boy's life when all they can think about is getting a girl and getting served in the pub. There are some outrageous, downright offensive scenes - Simon's infamous fashion catwalk will have you spluttering out your tea - and the language is filthy, so this is not for the sensitive viewer. But if you want some laugh-out-loud comedy, give this a go. (Three series)

Absolutely Fabulous

The best bits from Jennifer Saunders' classic sitcom

Year: 1992-2012

Certificate: 15

Creator Jennifer Saunders introduces three episodes of the truly scrumptious sitcom, each devoted to characters who revolved around her own, public relations expert Eddie Monsoon.

The first features the best bits of Eddie's great friend Patsy, the chain-smoking, cocktail-drinking former model and actress played by the incomparable Joanna Lumley. Later episodes focus on Eddie's mother, played by June Whitfield, and studious daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha). Seeking anonymity, Jennifer dons a ridiculous black wig to make the introductions, and at one point during the lead-in to the Patsy episode, starts talking incomprehensible French.

Funny but maybe not quite as hilarious as what follows, a series of clips from episodes taken from shows that delighted audiences in the 1990s and 2000s. Curious that there's no episode celebrating the life and times of Jennifer's own character or one devoted to Eddie's equally off-the-wall assistant Bubble (Jane Horrocks). Maybe in time... (One series)

Fleabag

Award-winning comedy about a feisty young woman's chaotic life

Year: 2016-2019

Certificate: 18

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Meet the angry, feisty, chaotic young woman we know only as Fleabag, whose best friend is dead, whose life's a mess and whose behaviour is often inappropriate and self-destructive.

That doesn't sound like a recipe for an award-winning comedy, but writer and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge somehow made us all fall in love with her character. She's joined by Hugh Skinner as Fleabag's on-off, mostly-off boyfriend Harry. Her highly strung, high-achieving sister Claire is played by Sian Clifford (Life After Life, The Suspect), and Oscar-winner Olivia Colman is her godmother turned stepmother who's married to her dad (Auf Wiedersehen, Pet's Bill Paterson). And not forgetting Andrew Scott, the Hot Priest who got everyone's hopes up - would Fleabag get a happy ending?

If you're unafraid of warts-and-all-women who make mistakes, take risks, have sex and smoke and drink too much, but are ultimately trying their best to get through bad times, this is the show for you. There's a frankness to Fleabag that is bold, scary and thoroughly refreshing. (Two series)

The IT Crowd

Computer says... yes! The classic comedy with Richard Ayoade

Year: 2006-2013

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Channel 4

'Have you tried turning it off and again?' Every sitcom needs a catchphrase and, as anyone with a computer knows, this one rings truer than most.

Languishing in the basement of Reynholm Industries, Chris O'Dowd and Richard Ayoade as Roy and Moss are the team who know everything about tech but nothing about life and, with the addition of Katherine Parkinson as Jen, their newly promoted luddite boss, the scene is set for a clash of cultures, knowledge, power, and, well, just about everything.

It positively revels in its ignorance and absurdity, from the idea that the internet is contained within a single box to the episode when Aunt Irma visited.

Always engaging and hilarious, the IT trio have wild and mostly humiliating adventures, especially when they leave the office, and Chris Morris (later replaced by Matt Berry) is the big boss who's definitely not to be trusted with a computer, a company, or a pension fund. (Four series)

Not Going Out

A long-running sitcom that has grown up with its audience

Year: 2006-

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

This sitcom has history - it's evolved over the years in much the same way as its lead character Lee, played by Lee Mack, has grown older, though not necessarily any wiser.

It's a sitcom of two eras - the London Docklands early years, with a guest cast that included Tim Vine, Katy Wix and Miranda Hart, ended with Lee settling down and getting married to Lucy (Beyond Paradise's Sally Bretton).

Then, in series eight, which as if by magic jumped forward eight years, Lee and Lucy had gone from being gooey-eyed newlyweds to harried parents of three children living in the suburbs.

The longest-running sitcom still on air (series 13 will be coming later in 2023), it has certainly become more conventional with the switch to suburbia, but Lee's character is still prone to silly scrapes and plentiful misunderstandings with family, friends and, well, anyone.

There's nothing especially fancy or subversive going on here, but the consistently high gag rate and absence of shocks and surprises makes for pleasingly retro viewing. (12 series)

Catastrophe

Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney star in this caustic TV pregnancy romcom

Year: 2015-2019

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Netflix

Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan star as an American man and an Irish woman thrown together messily in London in a comedy of 'clumsy lust, instant pregnancy and genuine disaster' that is definitely not for the easily offended. It was also a huge hit for Ch4, though, and that's partly because the relationship of Rob and Sharon (Delaney and Horgan) is presented in such an unusually frank fashion by its two stars, whose control over the show was much greater than most actors - not only did they create Catastrophe, they also wrote all 24 episodes.

Look out for Carrie Fisher as Rob's mother in the first three series - this was the last TV role she filmed before her death, in 2016 - and be prepared for some dark but honest turns in the story as the fourth series arrives. Catastrophe hasn't been available on demand for a while, so the addition to Netflix is a welcome development. (Four series)

Dreaming Whilst Black

Jamaican film-maker dreams of making it big in a tough business

Year: 2023

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Kwabena is a struggling film-maker from a Jamaican family. Trying to break into a tough business, he has to swim with sharks, and most of those sharks are white. We follow him as he tries to get a film made, gives up his job, struggles to pay the rent, tries to date while skint and fields casual racism. He doesn't get an easy ride, and often escapes into a fantasy world where he can be more of a winner in life, but no matter what gets thrown at him Kwabena remains a hugely likeable presence in this expertly balanced comedy drama.

Star Adjani Salmon, who created the popular web series this is based on, is one to watch. You might have seen him already in Steve Coogan sitcom Chivalry, and the New Year 2022 episode of Doctor Who, and this show should be the BAFTA-winner's ticket to ride. (Six episodes)

G'Wed

Deeply cheeky sitcom following Scouse teenagers

Year: 2024

Certificate: 15

The title is Scouse slang for 'go ahead' and is used liberally in this rather rude and explicit Liverpool-set comedy that follows a bunch of working-class teenagers. The standout is cheeky scallywag Reece - a bold and unabashed debut for Dylan Thomas Smith (who can also be seen in upcoming Ch4 mystery The Gathering).

Reece is all mouth and constantly in trouble. He's on the verge of expulsion when we first meet him, but underneath all the posing and joking he has a good heart. 'I know I can't do great things, but I can do small things,' he says as he latches on to the posh new boy Christopher, who has recently lost his mum.

Filmed in Liverpool, the show's cast is exclusively local, with young rising stars appearing alongside established names including Ackley Bridge's Sunetra Sarker, Brookside's Louis Emerick and Cold Feet's Leanne Best as Reece's dauntless mum Jo. (Six episodes)

Breeders

Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard endure the trials and tribulations of parenthood

Year: 2020-

Certificate: 18

Watch now on NOW

Watch now on Sky

Comedies about parenting don't usually go as dark as Breeders, but once you know it wasco-created by Chris Addison and Simon Blackwell - of the brutal political comedies The Thick Of It and Veep - the dark tone and frequent swearing start to make a lot more sense. Breeders isn't just trying to shock us with all that ferocity, though.

The show makes a point about the challenges of parenting and it has two great stars who make it. Daisy Haggardand Martin Freeman (also a co-creator) are terrific as the exhausted, struggling, sweary parents Ally and Paul.

READ MORE: The 30 most chilling psychological thrillers to watch right now: Our critics scour the TV streaming platforms to pick the shows that will truly give you goosebumps Advertisement

In the first series children are very young and the couple are at the stage where they dearly love them, but they're also feeling wistful about their relaxed, easy-going pre-kids life.

As the series goes on, the problems with juggling careers, ageing parents and finances get bigger and bigger until their marriage starts to buckle under the strain.

One of the most uncomfortable elements of their story is Paul's anger - when he loses it with the kids, he really loses it. It's something the show has tackled across series two and three.

This final batch of ten episodes has its shocks but is a good deal cheerier and easier to watch than a lot of what has come before, as Paul and Ally deal with the news they're going to be grandparents. It's always been a bold show and, in its swansong, Breeders is also a refreshingly warm and philosophical one. (Four series)

Juice

Sitcom created by and starring rising comedy star Mawaan Rizwan

Year: 2023

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Written by and starring comedian Mawaan Rizwan, who you might recognise from stints on Taskmaster and Live At The Apollo, this is a romcom sitcom that Rizwan developed from his Edinburgh show - which is how Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag got its start.

Rizwan stars as Jamma, a young gay man whose older boyfriend is played by Him & Her veteran Russell Tovey, and is a bit too perfect for the mess of a life that Jamma is currently in. As well as his love life, we also get a close look at Jamma's relationship with his mum, hilariously played by his real mum Shahnaz. A full-on family affair, watch out too for Rizwan's brother Nabhaan (who appeared in Industry) as Jamma's over-achieving brother. It's a bold move to cast your close relatives, but any hints of autobiography melt away with absurd physical comedy and the odd surreal flourish, as Jamma makes his way in the worlds of work, love and family. (Six episodes)

Starstruck

Rose Matafeo stars in a charming, screwball romcom about an unlikely couple

Year: 2021-

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Watch now on Netflix

There's something loveably retro about Rose Matafeo's twentysomething London romcom, especially in its early episodes. It's all about an unlikely couple, Jessie (a charmingly self-deprecating Matafeo), who works at a cinema, and international movie star Tom (Nikesh Patel), and the banter between the two of them has a distinct ring of the old screwball comedies to it.

The show is all about the highs and lows of Jessie and Tom's relationship, and the delight of it isn't in wondering whether or not they actually end up together at the end, but in the fun of what happens along the way.

The latest, third series opens at a wedding with Jessie and Tom at a low point, and Jessie striking up a new style of banter with another, very different man. (Three series on iPlayer, two series on Netflix)

Big Boys

Comedy about two mismatched boys who strike up an unlikely friendship when they're thrown together at university

Year: 2022-

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Channel 4

From the title, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this comedy, set at university, will be all crass humour and testosterone-fuelled antics. Yes, there is sex and the pursuit of it, but the show is, in fact, rather tender and sweet, charting the floundering journey of two boys who are not yet men as they work out who they are and how to make their marks.

Jack (Derry Girls' Dylan Llewellyn) is a shy, sensitive fresher who's still struggling with the grief of losing his dad, and is tentatively emerging from the closet. He is assigned a room in a shed, instead of halls, with the more gregarious lad's lad Danny (a BAFTA-nominated Jon Pointing), and although Danny seems confident, he's got his own sadness weighing him down.

It's written by Jack Rooke, a comic known for exploring grief and mental health in his work, and the balance between laughter and pathos, between poignancy and toilet humour, and between sex and real emotions, is perfectly executed.

The supporting cast includes Jack's doting, glorious mum Peggy (Camille Coduri, who played Rose Tyler's mum in Doctor Who) and Katy Wix, who is perfect as the annoyingly enthusiastic Student Union officer, Jules. (Two series)

Here We Go

Katherine Parkinson and Alison Steadman star in this chaotic family comedy

Year: 2020-

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Just after Christmas 2020, the comedy pilot Pandemonium introduced us to the Jessops, who were trying to enjoy their summer holiday - in Margate, in October - after the pandemic put paid to their plans to go to America. The show reflected how so many of us were feeling then: cash-strapped, fed up and unable to go abroad, but set on making the most of time with our families.

When it returned as a series in 2022 it had a new name but the core cast - Alison Steadman as matriarch Sue, Horrible Histories' Jim Howick as her son Paul, and Katherine Parkinson as Paul's wife Rachel - remained as we followed a year in the lives of the chaotic clan. It was warm, funny and perfectly captured the chaos of modern family life.

In the opener to the latest, second series, mum Rachel grapples with being a 'mature' student, and hosts a seriously uncool party that ends with her head in the toilet. Meanwhile, Paul swans about in a nightie, as embarrassing as ever, and a very stroppy Amy (Freya Parks) is disgruntled at home after returning from her trip to Norway. The gang also get together to head out on the water in Paul's old boat. Well, 'blow-up dinghy' might be a more apt term. (Two series)

Dinosaur

Quirky new show about autistic thirtysomething Nina and her best friend and sister

Year: 2024

Certificate: 12

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Cute, funny and refreshingly honest, this new Scottish show is a breath of fresh air. Thirtysomething palaeontologist Nina (Ashley Storrie) is in for a big shock when her sister and best friend Evie (Kat Ronney) comes home engaged to a man she met just six weeks ago.

Nina, who's autistic, is happy following her structured routines and working with dinosaur bones in the museum (hence the show's title). So unsurprisingly, the new development throws everything into disarray for her - and that's before she's even met the man.

As the series unfolds, Nina must learn to cope with all the big changes it brings to her life, including welcoming Evie's fiance Ranesh (Danny Ashok), in her words 'arguably the most irritating man alive'.

An insight into feeling like an outsider, this series and its protagonist Nina offer a refreshing take on how to accept all your quirks and eccentricities - even when they make you feel just a little out of place. (Six episodes)

Him & Her

A comedy about real-life love in all its lazy, messy glory

Year: 2010-2013

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Some of the best, most original relationship comedies of recent years have been written by Stefan Golaszewski. His most recent was Marriage, starring Nicola Walker and Sean Bean. Before that, he won a BAFTA for Mum, which starred the marvellous Lesley Manville as a suburban widow whose home was filled with well-meaning, if irksome, family and friends.

Him & Her was Golaszewski's first sitcom. Another BAFTA winner, it stars Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani as Steve and Becky - a lacklustre couple living a lockdown lifestyle long before the pandemic.

Even if they hardly leave the house, there is no shortage of witty and hilarious observations made around the most banal of events - and regular visits from their neighbours (such as Joe Wilkinson's Dan) and family, including Becky's sister and her fiance (Kerry Howard and Ricky Champ). Over four wonderful series, they eventually find the energy to get married. (Four series)

Things You Should Have Done

Dysfunctional family sitcom from the unique comedy mind of YouTube star Lucia Keskin

Year: 2024

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Lucia Keskin is one of those DIY talents who started out on YouTube, uploading comedy videos that included a recreation of the Friends pilot episode that was a hit in 2018. This is her first self-penned TV series, and it retains the rough, offbeat edge that she's known for - and it's very, very dark.

Keskin stars as Chi, a 'stay-at-home daughter' in her 20s who relies on her parents for everything. When her parents are killed in a car crash, their will stipulates that in order to inherit the family home, Chi must complete a list of things she should have done.

It includes everything from the banal and everyday like petting a dog, opening a bank account and going camping to bigger, more basic things that Chi should have ticked off long ago, like getting a job, making a friend, or having a first love. Not only has Chi not done these things, but she's also pretty incapable of knowing how to go about doing them. (Six episodes)

Newark, Newark

Morgana Robinson is a pugnacious chip shop manager going through a divorce

Year: 2022

Certificate: 15

Watch now on Sky

Watch now on NOW

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

First shown on UKTV's Gold but later moved to the BBC, this British comedy features some cracking lines for Corrie's Beverley Callard. 'He's got a job, he's got his own teeth, what else do you want?' she asks of daughter Maxine (Morgana Robinson) about useless ex Terry (Gavin and Stacey's Mathew Horne), who Maxine is desperately trying to shake across an earthy show with plenty of character and wit.

The show looks like it's mostly about Maxine - but, as Callard's line implies, everyone gets a chance to shine across a neat three-part run.

At one point, Terry tries to profess his love for Maxine by lighting a petrol-fuelled heart on her lawn, a stunt that, obviously, doesn't end well, and is a lot of fun to watch.

Her son Leslie spends the first episode trying to come out as gay, and is desperate to wring all the drama out of it that he can - unfortunately, everyone has already guessed.

We won't say any more, because it would spoil the rest of the madness. (Three episodes)

Big Mood

Comedy starring Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West as best friends forever

Year: 2024

Watch now on Channel 4

Frequently very funny, and also touching and wild, this millennial comedy celebrates female friendship while reminding us that life for 30-something, not-so-young adults is fraught with chaos and uncertainty. Especially when you suffer from bipolar disorder.

Derry Girls' Nicola Coughlan is perfect casting as Maggie, whose mood slips from way up to deep down in a beat. 'It's not a funk, it's a mood disorder,' she says of her illness, which is never swept under the carpet or treated as a taboo subject. Nor is it trivialised, the reality of living in this precarious state demonstrated by her best friend Eddie (It's A Sin's Lydia West), who takes it in turns to worry, party, cajole and supervise Maggie through her unpredictable states of manic energy or a sofa-cocoon slump.

Coughlan and West make a fantastic double act and we need to see more of them, together and apart. (Six episodes)

Cradle To Grave

Growing up in south London in the 1970s, with Peter Kay's wheeler-dealer dad

Year: 2015

Certificate: 15

Written by radio personality Danny Baker with Jeff Pope (Stan & Olllie, Archie), this coming-of-age comedy drama is based on Baker's autobiography Going To Sea In A Sieve, with Laurie Kynaston (The Doll Factory) starring as the teenage Danny, the youngest of three siblings. But it's Peter Kay who steals the show, as Danny's Del Boy dad Fred Baker, or Spud as he's known to anyone who matters. A London docker whose profession, as well as his many less-than-legal side hustles, is on its last legs, Spud is a real character. Danny's mum Bet (former EastEnder Lucy Speed) holds her own beside Kay, as a housewife yearning to go legit and run the kind of household that drinks wine.

It's sepia-tinged in the colours of the decade - a lot of oranges and browns - but the show is more than well-dressed nostalgia, it also feels current and timeless, with storylines about growing up and family that ring true in any decade.

It's set in Bermondsey, but that part of London is so gentrified today it would be impossible to re-create the 1970s on location, so the series was in fact filmed in Manchester. (Eight episodes)

Avoidance

Romesh Ranganathan plays a father trying to better himself in this bittersweet sitcom

Year: 2022-

Certificate: 12

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

With his NHS specs and hangdog manner, Romesh Ranganathan is the perfect choice to play the useless, conflict-averse and procrastinating Jonathan (the fact he also co-wrote this sitcom would have helped his casting, too). He's one of life's losers, finding it almost impossible to face reality, even when his wife Claire (Jessica Knappett) tells him that she's leaving him.

With his marriage in crisis, can Jonathan finally get a backbone for the sake of his nine-year-old son, Spencer (the excellent Kieran Logendra) - or will he continue to run away from his issues for ever? It's a contemporary family sitcom that is more bittersweet than laugh-out-loud funny. (Two series)
September 3, 2018, is a date that will stick forever in my memory. It was not marked by some joyous occasion  the date one of our two daughters got married, or the safe arrival of a beloved grandchild.

Nor was it the date on which Gareth, 70, my husband of more than 40 years, retired from his job as a ships chief engineer.

No, it was the day we discovered our life savings  300,000  had been stolen. Our world fell apart.

Gareth has worked for decades in a high-pressure job on the ocean to provide a good life for me and our two daughters. His job means he has missed so much time at home with us in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

So, in early 2017, we started to think about his retirement, which would allow us to see more of our daughters and grandchildren.

Court fight: Gareth and Marilyn Hamblin lost their 300,000 life savings to a heartless fraudster and were forced to take his bank to court to recoup some of their cash

We decided to invest our nest egg to help make these retirement dreams a reality. Gareth was browsing online when a company called CEX Markets popped up.

He filled out an application form and by April that year was in regular contact with a man who called himself Paul Kingsley from CEX. Paul talked the talk, but wasnt at all pushy. We found this reassuring.

We were told our investment, which would be in foreign exchange, would generate monthly returns of around 1.48 per cent, tax-free.

Gareth knew the foreign exchange market is volatile, but thought the return was favourable while not being so high as to be unrealistic.

We decided to test the water by depositing 5,000. We were satisfied with our access to the account, the fact we had a point of contact with CEX, and that they werent aggressive salesmen.

Happy with the return on our investment, we invested a further 300,000 by the end of the year in two large deposits.

Although Gareth has always been more comfortable dealing with our major financial issues, I decided to do my own research, including into Moorwand  the company named on our invoices from CEX and to which we transferred our funds.

I searched for Moorwand on Companies House and didnt like what I saw  the business had grown rapidly and had a number of named executives, which made me worry there could have been too much change at the top.

I expressed my concerns to Gareth and he contacted Mr Kingsley at CEX, who assured us the account was regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This apparent air of legitimacy, I admit, gave us peace of mind.

We were further satisfied when Gareth arranged to meet Mr Kingsley in London on shore leave.

The CEX headquarters appeared to be in a swish, shiny office block in the heart of the City, the representatives wore expensive suits, they were knowledgeable and well spoken. Everything had the veneer of respectability.

Fraud kingpin: Jonathan Arafiena squandered his victims' savings on cars, watches, gold bullion and expensive property rentals

Gareth was told Mr Kingsley had been called away on urgent business in Copenhagen  we knew the company had links to Denmark, so it did not seem suspicious.

Anyway, a colleague was able to contact Mr Kingsley on the phone from the office, and all seemed well.

Over the next few months, Gareth continued to monitor the account. Our nest egg was growing, and our retirement dream was edging closer.

But on September 3, 2018, when Gareth had a break while at sea, he tried to log on to the account but could not get on to the website.

CEX then refused to return telephone calls and emails. Our life savings had been stolen. I remember the urgent, frantic phone call from Gareth. Weve been scammed, he said. I could sense the quiet panic in my usually calm husbands voice.

He was so distraught that I was concerned for his safety  especially as we were separated by 6,000 miles. Initially I was too traumatised to believe it could be true. It must be a mistake, I thought. I felt helpless.

But I knew I had to calm down sufficiently to think straight.

Then questions began flooding my head: if it is a scam, what avenues do I have open to me to recover the money? Who should I contact first?

Thats when I decided we were not going to take it lying down. We needed to fight back. And so began a battle for justice.

Scam victims normally go to their bank to ask for reimbursement. But we didnt because we didnt think we would have a case as we could not remember whether we had been given scam warnings by our bank NatWest before we transferred our money.

We also thought it would not be an option because the bank could argue that we transferred our money of our own accord.

We contacted Action Fraud, giving them as much evidence as we could.

We then went to our family solicitors to ask for help. They had no experience in this field, but put us in touch with law firm BrookStreet des Roches and its expert Philip Shaw, who soon recruited his long term counsel, Alex Hill-Smith.

High roller: Arafiena's 205,000 Rolls Royce. He also spent 250,000 to pay off his parents mortgage

At last, there was a breakthrough. Action Fraud began to sense we werent alone, and that there were dozens, scores  hundreds even  of people with a similar experience at the hands of CEX. City of London Police began investigating.

The case was complicated, so it was in February this year, nearly six years after we realised we had been scammed, that we finally got a taste of justice.

Three men were convicted of their role in a sophisticated boiler room fraud, where cold callers coaxed would-be investors into parting with their life savings on the promise of handsome returns.

At least 350 people across the UK were known to have invested in the scam, although police believe others have not come forward due to embarrassment or having died.

Some of us got to know one another, sharing awful stories of how the ordeal has affected us  there was talk of marriage collapse, bankruptcy and suicidal thoughts. Our experiences couldnt have been further away from the lifestyle of the fraud kingpin Jonathan Arafiena.

Those of us who went to Southwark Crown Court to see Arafiena jailed for five years and nine months were aghast to learn that millions of pounds of victims money was blown on expensive cars, luxury holidays and penthouse apartments. He even spent 250,000 to pay off his parents mortgage. Our money was gone.

Looking at the face of Arafiena, it was hard to believe such a seemingly innocuous character, raised in a good family, could be leading a gang of fraudsters who had caused suffering to the lives of so many hundreds of hard-working, honest people.

Arafiena was able to swindle us by giving the impression of running a reputable company. But in reality, investors identities were being used to open sham companies, which would then open bank accounts, to launder the money.

Most banks have robust procedures to prevent this type of fraud. But we felt Moorwand, with whom 160,000 of our money was banked and then withdrawn without our knowledge, did not have an adequate system in place. So we sued them. This was our last chance to get our money back.

We were aware of the scale of the task. We were two pensioners, with little knowledge of the law.

Trinkets: Some of Jonathan Arafiena's collection of expensive watches. In total the fraudster was found to have stolen millions of pounds from around 350 victims

So it was with trepidation that we filed into courtroom 57 at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand in central London over three tense days this month. This claim related to 160,000 that we lost when we invested in the fraudulent scheme operated by CEX Markets.

The sum was paid into an account in the name of RND Global  a sham firm run by fraudsters, and held with Moorwand. It was then withdrawn by the fraudsters, leaving us with nothing.

Our case was that the loss occurred as a result of a breach of duty by Moorwand in what we said were failures to make reasonable inquiries before permitting withdrawals, and that Moorwand was therefore liable to restore the account to the state in which it would have been had the withdrawals not been made.

That would have meant it could refund us the money. When our solicitor first approached Moorwand, its attitude was that we were not a direct customer and so it had no liability for the money we had entrusted to it via CEX.

Tranches of documents were submitted to the judge, His Honour Mark Raeside KC, with both our lawyer Alex and Moorwands representative directing him to previous cases and areas of law.

What to do if you're hit Report it immediately. Sometimes people choose not to because they are embarrassed or fear there is no help available. But anyone can fall victim to a scam  and there is a network of support and information for victims. Tell Action Fraud by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. If there is a crime being committed right now or you are in danger, call the police on 999. If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company. Your bank or card provider has a responsibility to help recover any money lost to fraud. If your bank refuses to reimburse you, you can complain. You can also escalate the issue to the Financial Ombudsman.

No witnesses were called save for me and Gareth. At times it almost felt like we were on trial, the way Moorwands courteous but forensic lawyer picked holes in our argument.

Neither of us would consider ourselves stupid, but we left the courtroom at the end of that first day feeling deflated, as though we had done something wrong when our only error was our perceived foolish naivety, as our own counsel put it.

Our lawyer told the court that Moorwand had behaved in a way which was blind to dishonesty, and said that if there was any justice, it belonged to Gareth and me. Ultimately, the judge ruled yesterday that there was no breach of duty of care by Moorwand and dismissed our claim.

We are of course disappointed. This battle has been stressful, depressing and costly. We believe dirty money is rife in this country and it has to stop.

Going after our own money was always going to be a high-risk strategy, financially.

We were able to have our day in court after our legal team kindly decided to take this case on the basis that we would not pay them if we lost. Before we brought the claim, we knew what the possible outcomes could be. Now, we stand to be charged an enormous sum for the other sides costs.

Sadly, this means bringing this type of action is beyond the reach of many fraud victims as the costs are just too high.

For now, I think, the fight is over. Gareth still plans to retire. And after six years of pain, sleepless nights, self-blame, anger and frustration, we are ready to put this horrid chapter of our lives behind us and enjoy life again.

As told to Ryan Hooper
Reckitt Benckiser shares jumped on Wednesday after the consumer goods giant's sales surpassed forecasts following solid first-quarter demand for its cleaning products.

The group, whose brands include Lemsip and Nurofen, reported like-for-like net turnover growth of 1.5 per cent for the first three months of 2024, beating analyst forecasts of -0.9 per cent.

Growth was primarily driven by its hygiene business, which saw revenues expand by 7.1 per cent, thanks to higher sales of dishwasher detergent Finish and disinfectant brand Lysol.

Better than forecast: Reckitt Benckiser, whose brands include Lemsip and Nurofen, reported that like-for-like net turnover rose by 1.5 per cent in the first three months of 2024

Reckitt was also boosted by increasing sales in Europe, and developing markets like China and South Asia, as well as rising volumes of Durex, Dettol, and non-seasonal over-the-counter brands in its health division.

This offset weaker trade in its nutrition arm resulting from Abbott Laboratories, a major US competitor, resolving supply chain issues related to baby formula production.

When measuring foreign exchange fluctuations, the Slough-based company's first-quarter turnover declined by 4.6 per cent to 3.74billion.

Reckitt Benckiser Group shares jumped 4.5 per cent to 44.41 by lunchtime on Wednesday, making them the FTSE 100 Index's second-biggest riser.

However, the shares have still shrunk by around a quarter in the past six months because of compliance issues in two Middle Eastern markets and controversy over its baby formula products.

Last month, the firm was ordered by a US court to pay $60million (47million) to a mother who said her premature baby died after consuming Enfamil baby formula.

Reckitt rejected the verdict and has vowed to continue selling Enfamil, which is made by Mead Johnson, a company it acquired in 2017 for $17.9billion.

Mead Johnson has also said it plans to appeal the decision.

Enfamil's sales shot up in 2022 when Abbott was forced to shut down its Michigan plant owing to flooding and the discovery of bacteria, leading to a baby formula shortage in America.

Reckitt was subsequently cleared by the US Government to import formula from its manufacturing facilities in Mexico and Singapore.

Kris Licht, chief executive of Reckitt Benckiser, said: 'We are well placed to deliver value creation by leveraging our strong portfolio of brands through investment and innovation.

'This drives our continued strong free cash flow generation, our accelerated share buyback programme, and increased cash returns to shareholders.'

For 2024, Reckitt expects like-for-like net revenue to expand by 2 to 4 per cent, while adjusted operating profits are set to 'grow ahead' of turnover.
Shares in France's Kering fell sharply on Wednesday after the Gucci owner issued a downbeat trading update, sparking fresh concerns for the health of the luxury market.

Kering, led by Francois-Henri Pinault, told investors that dwindling revenues meant first half recurring operating income is expected to come in between 40 to 45 per cent lower compared to the same period last year.

Pinault said the group's performance 'worsened considerably' in the first quarter.

Under pressure: Francois-Henri Pinault is the chief executive of Gucci owner Kering

The group's Paris-listed shares fell over 9 per cent on Wednesday morning, reaching their lowest level in over six years.

This sparked a 2.8 per cent fall in Burberry shares to 1,131.76p, bringing losses to more than 57 per cent over the last year.

Kerings revenue for the first quarter of 2024 fell 10 per cent on a comparable basis to 4.5billion, as sales at its key luxury brand Gucci suffered an 18 per cent slide.

The group said: 'The revenue drop includes a negative currency effect of 3 per cent and a positive scope effect of 2 per cent resulting from the consolidation of Creed.'

Wealthy shoppers curbed spending on products from the group's star brand Gucci, reflecting a wider slowdown in luxury buying.

In the crucial Chinese market, a property crisis and high youth unemployment have weighed on Chinese shoppers' appetite for high end fashion and the company does not expect much improvement in the second quarter.

Downturn: Lower Gucci sales in China have hit Kering's bottom line hard

Gucci, the century-old Italian fashion house, which accounts for half of group sales and two-thirds of profit, is undergoing an overhaul.

Bosses are seeking to reignite sales with an aesthetic reset, led by creative director Sabato de Sarno, and place an emphasis on leather goods.

On Wednesday, executives said early products from the new Ancora collection, which include glossy Jackie bags and chunky, platform loafers, have been well received, but stores will not be fully stocked with the products until later this year.

Pinault, said: 'Kerings performance worsened considerably in the first quarter.

'While we had anticipated a challenging start to the year, sluggish market conditions, notably in China, and the strategic repositioning of certain of our Houses, starting with Gucci, exacerbated downward pressures on our topline.

'In view of this revenue decline, together with our firm determination to continue investing selectively in the long-term appeal and distinctiveness of our brands, we now expect to deliver sharply lower operating profit in the first half of this year.

'All of us are working tirelessly to see Kering through the current challenges and rebuild a solid platform for enduring growth.'

Analysts at Jefferies lowered the retailer's earnings per share estimates by 8 per cent, noting 'triangulating Gucci's renaissance remains a challenging affair'.

While management is positive about margin recovery in the second half as the new Gucci collection becomes more available, analysts at JPMorgan said the execution risk was high.

Analysts at JP Morgan, said: 'We think it is too early to turn more constructive on this turnaround journey.'

Leading labels such as LVMHs Louis Vuitton and Dior, as well as Chanel and Hermes, have been widening their lead with smaller, cheaper brands as high living costs make consumers more reluctant to spend.

Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, said: 'Kering has been struggling with sluggish market conditions particularly in China.

'But theres only so much weakness that can be explained away by China  Kerings shares have sharply underperformed rivals like LVMH and Hermes, both of which have been able to weather the storm much better.

'Kerings unique problem is that fickle fashionistas have been shifting their preferences away from its most important brand, Gucci towards other luxury rivals instead and the Paris group is suffering badly as a consequence.

'Kering shares already tumbled last month after the French conglomerate issued a profit warning. A series of analysts including Morgan Stanley, RBC, Jefferies and JP Morgan have all cut their price targets on the stock today in a worrying sign of diminishing confidence towards the luxury conglomerate.'
An Australian Defence Force hero has hit back at a group of teachers who want to 'dismantle the Anzac legacy'.

Pippa Tandy, a spokesperson for Victorian group Teachers 4 Palestine, said she wants to change how Australia's history is taught in schools because she is 'sick of having to do ideological work for arms companies and the government'.

But veteran Michael von Berg MC OAM told Daily Mail Australia it was a 'slap in the face' to those who had defended the nation and that 'if the Education Minister had any guts, he would come down on this'.

Ms Tandy said in an interview with Tom Elliott on 3AW this week that she was 'concerned about the whole story of Anzac Day'.

'If you look at the history, Anzac troops in the Middle East and in the Ottoman Empire in WWI were involved breaking up Arab territories to divide them among European states, [and] part of that involved clearing out Palestinians,' she said.

War hero Michael von Berg has hit out at Teachers 4 Palestine Victoria who have said they want to 'dismantle the legacy of the Anzacs'

Teachers4Palestine linked Anzac Day to the conflict in Gaza saying it is 'all part of the same Imperial push'

Teachers and School Staff for Palestine Victoria said this week it won't be 'glorifying Australia's military history this Anzac Day'.

Mr von Berg said the day is about commemoration of the tens of thousands of Australian and New Zealand troops who were lost, injured or gave their lives on the battlefield to protect the nation and those who returned mentally scarred.

'It is a sacrosanct day in the Australian calendar.

'The ignorant and apathetic position taken by Teachers4Palestine in boycotting Anzac Day is a slap in the face of all who have served and a total disrespect for those who have spilled blood.'

Mr von Berg was a platoon commander in Vietnam who was awarded a Military Cross for his actions in 1966.

His citation states that he 'showed a complete disregard for his own safety' to lead his troops in successfully driving back an enemy attack after they were ambushed in a ravine, saving their lives.

The Teachers for Palestine Victoria group, which has connections with hundreds of schools across Australia, has linked Anzac Day to the plight of Palestinians including Israel's violent retaliation to terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7.

It has released a teaching booklet focusing on 'the frontier wars, mistreatment of returned soldiers, Australian war crimes in Afghanistan, and the perspectives of Palestinian academics and advocates'.

In particular the group said it would 'foreground' the Sarafand Al-amar massacre in which, according to some sources, between 40 and 137 Palestinians were killed by Anzacs in 1918.

Troops stationed near the village had grown frustrated at petty thefts and occasional murders of their men by locals and, after a New Zealand soldier was killed in a robbery, they set upon the village killing inhabitants and burning buildings.

Teachers 4 Palestine Victoria has said it wants to change the way Anzac history is taught

The group said the military service of Australians should not be 'glorified' in a post showing former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu

Mr von Berg said he was shocked that would be taught to children.

'I've spoken to schoolkids and talk about comradeship, sense of purpose and leadership, we don't about blood and guts.'

'I find that extraordinary.

'The Education Department and the Education Minister should come down on this.

'These woke teachers want to redesign a syllabus to suit their own bias.'

In a fiery clash with Tom Elliott, Ms Tandy said a lot of teachers 'are increasingly concerned about how they present the material we are given'.

'The Middle East situation is a result of empires carving up territories. Just as the scramble for Africa was,' she told the 3AW host.

'Anzac Day is being used for ideological purposes, it's not simply remembering sacrifices.'

Mr Elliott fired back, asking Ms Tandy whether, in her view, countries dragged into those wars had a choice.

'Are you saying in WWII we shouldn't have opposed imperialist Japan or Nazi Germany?' he asked.

'If you study Anzac Day it's anti-war, it's not saying war is wonderful, it's saying it's terrible but sometimes it's necessary.

'Anzac Day started as a way of commemorating the sacrifice of Australian soldiers in Gallipoli and it's grown into a broader commemoration about the sacrifice of generations of young Australian men and women for the greater good.'

Tom Elliott asked Ms Tandy whether countries like Australia had a choice to get involved in some wars and whether the actions of some should discount the sacrifices many made

'I'm not saying every Anzac is a hero but many were,' Mr Elliot said.

'The vast majority of Australians believe Anzac Day is worth commemorating. You're in the minority here.'

Ms Tandy said she knew of hundreds of teachers who had the same views as her.

'We are sick of having to do this ideological work for arms companies and the government.'

Teachers and School Staff for Palestine Victoria has claimed 'schools are deliberate targets for government funded mystification about Australia's roles in wars'.

The 'arms companies' claim is a reference to some of the teaching material about Australia's military history being provided to schools by the Australian War Memorial.

Weapons and defence companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Thales and Boeing have provided funding to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) - Senate figures show about $803,000 was donated between 2021 and 2023.

The AWM council chair, former Labor leader Kim Beazley, has said such sponsorship was 'important for presentations and events of a special character outside the normal operational budget'.

'Our partnership policy does not provide any direction of content by donors,' he said.

RSL Australia said the matter would be one for the education departments and its own role was to 'honour Australians' service'

Mr Elliott put it to Ms Tandy that she appeared to sound like a 'conspiracy theorist' to say arms companies are pushing Anzac Day.

She fired back asking if 'the genocide in Palestine was a conspiracy theory'.

Mr Elliott said that has nothing to do with the Anzacs.

'Yes it does, it's all part of the same Imperial push,' Ms Tandy claimed.

Teachers for Palestine Victoria said it was 'important for students to know the Anzacs left a long and violent historical imprint on Palestine'.

'We have made some suggestions (to the teaching syllabus) that note the actual history of the Anzacs and the American and European domination in the Middle East,' Ms Tandy said.

'So we can teach children what actually happened in an age appropriate way.'

An RSL Australia spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'This appears to be more a matter for the education authorities, not for the RSL to comment.

'Whatever the political, constitutional and international treaty obligations prevailing at the time (WW I), the RSL's role is to represent our veterans and remember and honour their service, commitment and bravery, and encourage all Australians to do the same.

'We do this continually, but particularly on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and on other key commemoration dates.'
She was so ill in her final years that her death was seen as a blessing.

One of her closest friends was 'delighted' when told the news of her passing, only wishing it had come sooner.

Wallis Simpson, the woman who became the Duchess of Windsor after marrying the man who chose love over duty, died on April 24 1986. She was 89.

The American widow of the former King Edward VIII had been beset by illness after her husband's death in 1972 and lived out her final years almost alone in her Paris home, unable to walk or leave a room that had become her world.

The Daily Mail's front page marking the occasion

The Prince and Princess of Wales leave St Georges Chapel after the funeral of the Duchess of Windsor in 1986

he coffin of The Duchess of Windsor is carried from St George's Chapel, watched by Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen Mother and Princess Anne stand to the right

Wallis dining with friends at Paris nightclub, Maxims in 1975

Tended to by devoted nurses but preyed upon by her French lawyer who took advantage of her financially, it was a strangely anonymous, almost tragic, end for someone who had once flirted with becoming the Queen.

And while her funeral service, at Windsor's St George's Chapel, was attended by senior royals including the Queen, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother, her name was not even mentioned during the service .

Afterwards, she was buried alongside her husband at Windsor's Royal Burial Ground, not far from Frogmore cottage.

The divorcee had played a notorious part in the greatest royal controversy for more than a century: Edward VIII's abdication.

He made the decision to give up the throne after being told in no uncertain terms by Stanley Baldwin's government that he would not be allowed to marry a divorced woman and remain as King.

His departure forced his younger brother, the Duke of York, to step up and become King George VI, creating a family wound that never healed.

Wallis was blamed by royals such as the Queen Mother - George VI's wife - for tearing the family apart.

Things were not helped by the fact that there had never been any love lost between the Royal Family and the Duchess, who nicknamed the Queen Mother (then Duchess of York) 'cookie', a disrespectful reference to her weight.

Once free from the weight of responsibility, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor led the life of the idle rich, attending parties in France and America and going on lavish holidays with close friends.

Though she lacked the status of an actual queen, it was the kind of high life that American had always sought.

But when the Duke died aged 77 in 1972, Wallis was left alone, bereft of the man who had worshipped her.

The Queen, with whom she had had minimal contact in the decades since her husband's abdication, put her up as a guest at Buckingham Palace when she came to Windsor for his funeral.

The two had previously met when Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip visited the Duke in Paris in his final days.

It was a sign of the Queen's willingness to put differences to one side for the sake of the greater good.

Wallis Simpson's 1986 funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, attended by The Queen, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Princess Anne and other members of the Royal Family

Wallis Simpson married the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII, after he abdicated in 1936. Above: The couple in the Bahamas in 1942, when the Duke was Governor of the islands

A portrait of the Duke and Duchess with one of their favourite pugs at their French country retreat in 1966

The Duchess of Windsor pictured at her husband's funeral in 1972. Behind her is the Queen Mother, who harboured an intense dislike of Wallis, blaming the divorcee for tearing the family apart

The Duchess of Windsor bats away a wasp on the verandah of her home in the Bois de Boulogne in September 1974. Two months later, she suffered an intestinal haemorrhage

The Duchess of Windsor in September 1974, nearly two years after her husband's death

The main rented home of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in the Bois de Bologne, Paris

Because he had lived largely beyond his means, with his only major source of income coming from a royal allowance that he always complained was too low, the Duke of Windsor left his wife obliged to cut back on the luxurious living to which she had become used.

The French government kindly agreed to defer death duties, while the City of Paris allowed Wallis to live in the Bois de Boulogne home that she and her husband had shared since their marriage at a moderate rent.

She could still, at least, have a comfortable existence with some dignity.

Even so, the Duchess would eventually become a prisoner in her own home, and this was in no small part down to her French lawyer, Suzanne Blum.

What had started out as a business relationship - with Wallis consulting her as and when needed - turned into one of abuse and control.

Historian Hugo Vickers told in his 2011 book how, step by step, Blum dismissed the Duchess's English lawyer and then her staff, who had included a chef, concierge, chauffer and hairdresser.

She gradually banished friends who wanted to come and visit, claiming that the Duchess was too tired or would be too upset to see them.

By then, the Duchess's poor health had left her in a state of immobility.

A diagnosis of atherosclerosis - where the arteries become narrowed - led to periods of confusion, prompting Wallis to believe that her husband was still alive.

She would imagine herself back at her the worst point in her life, when Edward VIII was about to abdicate.

The Duchess of Windsor's French lawyer, Suzanne Blum (pictured), deliberately isolated her

The Duchess of Windsor is seen wearing a long black veil on the day of the Duke's funeral

The Duchess fell out of bed over Christmas in 1972 and was not given appropriate treatment, despite being in considerable pain.

It only emerged in the new year that she had broken her hip. The then 76-year-old needed surgery, but she did recover and was eventually able to walk without a stick.

It was while she was in hospital that Blum dismissed lawyer Godfrey Morley - who had previously handled the Duke's affairs - after persuading her that he was trying to get his hands on her money.

A letter signed by the Duchess then appointed Blum as her sole legal representative.

The lawyer was then advanced in the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest decoration, after the Duchess changed her will so that many of her possessions would be left to the country's great museums.

The move was a gesture of gratitude to the authorities for providing her home at a peppercorn rent.

In November 1975, four months before her 80th birthday, the Duchess was struck down by a huge intestinal haemorrhage, and it was this severe downturn in her health that Blum used to her advantage.

The Duchess had returned from hospital a virtual wreck, unable to move and then later could not even speak.

The Duchess would plead with nurses when in pain, hoping that 'the Good Lord would take her away'.

As Vickers recounted, one of the nurses said: 'It gives me great distress to see HRH, who was once a great lady, admired and feted throughout the world, who showed courage which was widely respected, becoming little by little a lady who suffers terribly.'

Having limited nearly all her visits, Blum even had the Duchess sedated when plastic surgeon Robin Beare did manage to get to see her.

In January 1976, having instilled panic in the Duchess about overspending, Blum announced that her charge had given instructions about what silver and porcelain objects needed to be sold.

Whilst the Duchess initially refused to sign letters authorising the sales, the objects were still distributed.

Swiss banker Maurice Amiguet was given earrings, a bracelet and a necklace, whilst the Duchess's doctor, Jean Thin, was handed watches and gold box.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor on their wedding day in France in June 1937

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are seen together with their pugs Ginseng and Diamond after arriving in New York for Christmas in 1954

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor at their Paris home during filming of a scene for A King's Story, the 1965 documentary that told the story of his life

Blum herself received jewels including a ring adorned with an oval amethyst and diamonds and a Louis XV gold box.

According to Mr Vickers's research, sales in January and March 1976 made around $400,000. Further sales then continued until her death.

Blum later took objects including a pair of ruby earrings, a gold Cartier watch and a gold cigarette box inscribed 'David from Wallis 1935 Christmas'.

They were allegedly set to be handed out as gifts.

The stark state of the Duchess's health was described by Sir Nicholas Henderson, the British ambassador to Paris, who was allowed to see her in 1977.

He wrote: 'Her hands, which caught the eye immediately, were badly contorted in shape, and paralysed.

'Our handshakes were perfunctory. There is nothing in the face to recall that distinct and dominating look known to the whole world.'

He added: 'She was perfectly compos mentis but it was as though living was a big task and could only be coped with for short intervals at a time.'

In October 1977, Blum secured total power of attorney by deception, having used a clerk to get the Duchess's verbal assent.

By the spring of the following year, Wallis had ceased being able to speak and could hardly move without assistance.

The Duchess's butler, Georges, came across the love letters sent between her and the Duke before their marriage.

Whilst she told him to burn them, Blum ensured they were kept and then profited from their publication after the Duchess's death.

Blum later claimed to have had permission from the Duchess to publish any of her papers, but Vickers believes the permission letter she had - signed only with initials - was a forgery.

In an act that would have further deepened her unhappiness, Wallis's beloved pugs, Ginseng and Diamond, were taken away from her over fears they might infect her. The Duchess never saw them again.

Her night nurse, Elvire Gozin, who continued tending her until her death, later told how she 'died in a slum' and had become a 'prisoner in her own home'.

Hairdresser visits had been terminated and expensive creams from Estee Lauder replaced with cheap make-up, whilst bedclothes became tattered.

Although Gozin twice attempted to alert the Queen to the Duchess's plight, she was never able to get access to her or pass on the message.

The Queen and Prince Charles are seen with Wallis at her home in Paris in 1972, when they made a private visit to see the ailing Duke of Windsor. He died just ten days later

The inside pages of the Daily Mail's coverage ahead of the funeral

Gozin took photos of the Duchess in her bed which were published after her death.

They showed her lying amidst the machinery that was keeping her alive, with her head just visible above the sheets.

And, in what was a further indication of her life of utter misery, Dr Thin told a newspaper how he had ordered the Duchess's wedding ring to be 'gently cut off' because of her severe arthritis.

During these last years and months, one consistent visitor was the Right Reverend James Leo, the Dean of the American Cathedral in Paris.

It was he who performed the last rites in April 1986. He said: 'She squeezed my hand during the last rites and again as I read a short passage from the Bible.'

When she did finally pass away, her close friend Lady Diana Mosley said her final years were 'not really a life at all.'

'I'm delighted to hear she has died. I wish she'd died many years ago,' she added.

Her funeral service at St George's Chapel lasted for less than half an hour and was stripped of nearly all the pomp and ceremony that usually marks a Royal passing.

Other members of the 100-strong guest list included the then Prince Charles and his wife Princess Diana, along with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

On her coffin was a single wreath of white, orange and yellow lillies left by the Queen.

Her burial next to her husband outside Frogmore Mausoleum was attended by only the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Diana and eight of Wallis's aides and friends.

The Queen Mother, who had once called Wallis the 'lowest of the low', did not attend the burial, after being asked to stay away by the Queen.

Her burial next to her husband outside Frogmore Mausoleum was attended only by the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Diana and eight of Wallis's aides and friends

However, there was one alleged flicker of emotion that perhaps signalled how, despite all that happened, feelings could be complicated.

According to Princess Diana, the Queen did shed a tear as the Duchess was laid to rest. She claimed it was the only time she had seen the monarch weep.

The laying to rest of the the Duchess of Windsor marked the final chapter in a marriage that had captivated and scandalised in equal measure.

At last, after nearly 15 years of loneliness, vulnerable to the demands of the predatory Blum, Wallis was back by the side of her beloved.
A member of the US Coast Guard has begged the service to hold sexual abusers accountable after accusing them of brushing off allegations he was attacked by a colleague, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Jesse Phillips, 42, claims he was assaulted by a fellow member of the Coast Guard while on a drill weekend in 2022.

The 23-year veteran was told that the USCG had 'no jurisdiction' over the assault, because his alleged attacker was a 'inactive reservist' and there was nothing they could do.

His lawyer, Peter Gleason, claims that the Coast Guard created a 'predatory environment' with 'inadequate sleeping arrangements'  forcing two male members to share a bed.

Jesse Phillips, 42, is a 23-year veteran of the US Coast Guard and claims he was sexually assaulted by a fellow member while on a drill weekend in 2022

Phillips (bottom left) tells DailyMail.com that he was forced to share a hotel bed with another member who pinned him down and began humping him

The accusations come after the service was accused of covering up sexual assaults of cadets, with the Coast Guard's top admiral vowing to make reforms

Phillips, who joined the Coast Guard in 2001 and is currently a Gunner's Mate, told DailyMail.com that he was groped and dry humped by a colleague in April 2022 in New Jersey, when four members were sharing a hotel room.

'We went to lunch, and then went back to our hotel,' he said. 'We were eating, and this individual was drinking a lot. I don't know exactly what he was drinking at that point.

'But after we finished, I said let's go get something else, he got a 12 pack of Yuengling lager, and I got some Budweiser seltzer.

'He was drinking quite a bit. He just kept going and going. He started doing a striptease in front of us, he didn't get naked but took everything off to his shorts  it was a little strange.

'I just wanted to go to sleep, I lay down to go to bed and our buddy was on the other bed. I had my face first into the pillow with my keister up.

'He then runs over and jumps on me, he grabbed me and started to dry hump me. I told him to get off.

'He was drunk, but it felt like he was pinning me down and he finally got off me. That was the end of the night and I just wanted to be done with it.'

Phillips did not report the incident until January 2023, saying he 'compartmentalized' the alleged assault until he was asked to recall the night as part of a separate investigation.

A commander spoke to Phillips and two of his colleagues after a report of 'inappropriate touching' was made by the man who Phillips claims assaulted him.

Phillips aid that they were interrogated by agents, had their lockers and armory scoured in a search for drugs  with the 'ordeal lasting for at least 15 hours'.

'I don't do drugs. It just made all of us feel like crap. After it happened, initially I was stressed, and my psyche was shot,' he said.

'After they asked me to go through it all, that was when I really thought about what happened. I was replaying everything that I could recall.

'And I'm like, wait a minute, this happened to me. I don't trust people anymore. I don't even want to be around people that I don't know.'

Phillips's lawyer Peter Gleason claims that the Coast Guard created a 'predatory environment' with 'inadequate sleeping arrangements'  forcing two male members to share a bed

Gleason is a Coast Guard veteran himself and confirmed that he had reached out to Congress to discuss his client's case, saying they would both be willing to testify

Phillips (far right) claims his colleague 'runs over and jumps on me, he grabbed me and started to dry hump me. I told him to get off. He was drunk, but it felt like he was pinning me down and he finally got off me'

The accusations come after the service was accused of covering up sexual assaults of cadets, with the US Coast Guard's top admiral vowing to make reforms after a report, dubbed Fouled Anchor, came to light.

Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard, ordered the 'buried' report from 2020 to be released in December 2023, which accused the service of fostering a 'permissive environment' for sexual harassment and assault.

The Fouled Anchor report found that 'too many' Coast Guard members don't feel safe and called for a crackdown on 'inappropriate or unhealthy behavior' at the earliest stages, including lewd jokes and comments.

Phillips accused the USCG of failing to do their 'due diligence' when investigating the matter.

He told DailyMail.com that he 'wasn't surprised' when officials told him that they were unable to take any action against his alleged assailant, because he is an 'inactive reservist.

Adm. Linda Fagan, commandant of the Coast Guard, vowed reforms after the service was accused of covering of sexual assaults of cadets

'I can't attest to why they did it,' he added. 'I wasn't surprised that they said they couldn't do anything.

'I was still disappointed, but it wasn't like a big punch in the gut. They put on a facade that they're going to hold everybody accountable.

'Don't tell everybody that they have rules, that this is the bar we're going to hold everyone accountable, but then give some people carte blanche to do what they like.

'It's just very disappointing. It's a failure on their part. My trust is nonexistent. It was detrimental to my psyche. I get mad easier, because of this. My temperament has gotten worse.'

Phillips said that the incident exacerbated his mental health issues and he has started seeing a therapist as well as continuing to take anti-depressants.

He is calling for the USCG to 'hold people accountable', and uphold the standards 'across the board'.

He said he believes his allegations were swept under the rug because his 'sole witness' was initially accused of misconduct.

During his probe he claims that his higher-ups accused him of making up the incident, and trying to defend his friend, which he denies.

'It's crazy' he added. 'I don't make false allegations. You could destroy somebody's life like that. I still want to serve my country, that's never going to be taken away.

'But it's just very disheartening. It's a little tarnished, but I'm not going to downgrade or speak badly about the service.'

The USCG failed to inform Phillips that his alleged attacker would be attending their final board meeting in person, leaving him 'shocked' at his appearance, he said.

He is urging anyone with a similar experience to come forward, even if they feel 'humiliated or embarrassed' by what happened.

The US Coast Guard said in response to DailyMail.com, 'The Coast Guard takes allegations of sexual assault seriously. Each case is investigated and evaluated on its merits.

'Due to changes enacted by Congress and effected in 2024, the Office of the Chief Prosecutor is the final authority that decides whether an allegation of sexual misconduct in violation of UCMJ Article 120 will be tried at court-martial.

'In the case of the referenced servicemember, the Office of the Chief Prosecutor determined that the case against their alleged assailant would not go forward to court-martial. Final disposition of this case is still pending; therefore we cannot comment on pre-decisional matters.'

Adm. Fagan ordered a 'buried' sexual assault report from 2020 to be released in December 2023, which accused the service of fostering a 'permissive environment' for sexual harassment and assault

The Fouled Anchor report, buried for years, found that from the late 1980s through 2006, dozens of allegations of sexual assault at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, were swept under the rug

Following the Fouled Anchor report the Coast Guard confirmed that Congress had launched its own investigation, requesting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) open an independent probe.

'The Coast Guard is fully committed to cooperating with these efforts and will consider all recommendations for additional remedial action or improvement that might be identified,' the statement added.

Phillips's lawyer Gleason confirmed that he had reached out to Congress to discuss his client's case, saying they would both be willing to testify.

He added: 'This scenario is analogous to the manner in which cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy were sexually victimized for decades.

'The Coast Guard did not provide cadets a safe environment. Rather the Coast Guard turned a blind eye to the systematic sexual abuse, and continues to sidestep any and all accountability.

'The Commandant was a student in the Coast Guard Academy during the throes of this Fouled Anchor matter,' added Gleason.

'She was the number two in charge of the entire coast guard when the cover up was occurring.

'To say that she had no knowledge of the cover up when she's the number two person or the executive officer and the Coast Guard, is beyond disingenuous.

'The irony of how Jesse Phillips is being treated is not lost on the notion that many of the individuals, senior officers, that are brushing this matter under the rug or ignoring this matter, are females.

'You would think a female officer, particularly given how females have been treated for the last several decades within the Coast Guard, would want to get to the bottom of this.'
Villagers in rural Surrey have been left terrified by a gang of slingshot-wielding yobs who have smashed up windows, attacked a funeral and blinded wild animals, MailOnline can reveal.

The peaceful village of Godstone has been plagued by the catapult fiends, who have been seen prowling the area at random times of the day to intimidate residents, vandalise homes and hurt the wildlife.

On March 4, police posted a picture of three men they wanted to speak to in connection with the attacks. The force also posted CCTV footage on March 15 of two men wanted in connection with an incident of criminal damage on neighbouring Oxted.

But officers are yet to track down any of the culprits, angering locals who claim they are now living in fear.

One neighbour, who claimed that the yobs are from a former Traveller community, said the police have been handed the names of several youths spotted in the village, but had so far failed to do anything about it.

An 82-year-old widow, who we are not naming to protect her identity, said: 'People are terrified. It's atrocious. Catapults firing ball bearings and suchlike are hugely dangerous. They've damaged the church stained glass windows, targeted mourners at a funeral and blinded a swan. That could easily have been a young child. It doesn't bear thinking about.'

Have YOU been targeted? Email frankie.elliott@mailonline.co.uk

On March4, Police posted a picture of three men they wanted to speak to in connection with the attacks in Godstone

On March 15, police posted CCTV footage of two men wanted in connection with an incident of criminal damage on neighbouring Oxted

The peaceful village of Godstone has been plagued by the catapult fiends, who prowl the area at random times of the day and cause havoc to homes, businesses and wildlife

Catapult attacks have plagued the village randomly since 2018 with perpetrators targeting houses and cars.

READ MORE: Yobs armed with catapults terrorise a quiet Surrey village - and have even targeted a FUNERAL in latest outrage after previously blinding and maiming swans Advertisement

But in the last year the rate of attacks has soared and many residents say police inaction is emboldening the criminals.

'It's turning into a nightmare,' said one woman. 'We're doing our best to help police but they don't seem to be listening.'

Yesterday, a vicar reported damage purposely being perpetrated to St Nicholas Church, including windows being smashed and tiles being shot off the roof. Three cars, including his own, had windows completely shot out.

Furthermore, a local swan sanctuary worker said he saw swans and waterfowl with 'eyes exploded, throats cut, skulls fractured, wings damaged and broken legs' due to catapult attacks.

Councillor Mike Crane of Godstone said: 'It's a huge concern for the whole community because the attacks don't seem to be stopping.

'There one woman who's house was targeted. Her mother-in-law was in bed when a missile came through the window narrowly missing her. She could have been seriously injured. It's pretty shocking.

'As well as targeting the swans on the pond, there have been attacks right across the parish.'

An injured swan recovers after losing his eye when shot with a catapult in Godstone

A vicar has reported damage purposely being perpetrated to St Nicholas Church (pictured)

Surrey Police says it is investigating a series of criminal damage incidents in Godstone and surrounding villages and several arrests were made connection with incidents in 2023.

They are also appealing for information over the identity of several people wanted in connection with acts of criminal damage.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: 'We have received reports of incidents of catapulting offences in the Godstone area. These have included reports of persons catapulting at birds and also catapulting at property and vehicles.'

'The local team is aware of these issues, and officers have increased patrols in the local area but there is no specific peak time or day identified for when these offences typically take place, which makes it harder to target these patrols most effectively.

'We know that catapulting offences are under-reported, and we would encourage people to always report these offences, as well as any reports of people carrying catapults and suspicious behaviour, as it all helps build up a picture of what is going on in the are.

'Following a report of suspicious activity involving persons carrying a catapult, the CCTV was obtained and circulated both internally and on our Facebook page appealing for information to help us identify ID the suspects involved.

'Unfortunately, we have not been unable to identify the individuals in these images so far  if we do, we will look at any interventions which could be put in place.'

MailOnline approached the force for further comment.
One of my most memorable encounters as a former jailbird was with 'Ali', a notorious gangster whom I met days after he was released from a high security prison.

He'd just completed several long sentences for firearms offences and serious violence. We'd become connected through a mutual friend who was one of Ali's neighbours in HMP Belmarsh  home to the UK's most notorious and dangerous criminals.

'Chris, mate,' the friend wrote. 'I found someone you gotta talk to. He's the brother of one of the Beatles.'

I'm a keen music fan and wrote back asking whether it was the sibling of John, Paul, Ringo or George. 'Not those Beatles,' came the reply.

Prison guards break up a fight between inmates in a scene from BBC drama Time starring Sean Bean

It turned out that Ali was the brother of one of the four British extremists who had joined Isis and taken part in horrific terrorist crimes in Syria and Iraq between 2012 and 2018.

The Beatles we're talking about were involved in the kidnapping of 27 people and were given the nickname because of their English accents. They were a monstrous quartet who forced their hostages to stage mock executions and fight one another. They also beat them, electrocuted them with Tasers and placed them in chokeholds until they passed out.

Ali's brother was involved in the murders  by beheading  of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as the killing of aid workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. He was captured and extradited to the US in 2020, where he was convicted of four murders and given a whole life sentence.

Ali, too, might have spent the rest of his life behind bars. He was heavily involved in West London street gangs, and was convicted in 2010 of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

When I was serving in Wandsworth (pictured) I saw the aftermath of several juggings, and the screams of the victims will haunt me for ever, says Chris

He was made a category A prisoner  the highest level of security  and sent to some of the toughest prisons in the country, including Belmarsh, Frankland and Whitemoor.

'I've still got PTSD from my years in there,' he admitted. 'There's two ways to do your time: turn into a kiss-ass and become part of the very thing you hate, or fight the system and allow it to destroy you. I chose the second, and spent all my time fighting, scoring, running drug crimes inside the prison. I caused a lot of blood to be spilled and had revenge attacks on myself. I nearly died several times.'

Why am I telling you all this? Because the next path Ali chose in prison was to convert to Islam and then join a Muslim gang.

And earlier this month, a senior government adviser on terrorism warned that dangerous Islamist gangs have become a serious problem in Britain's prisons after a huge increase in the number of Muslim inmates. Jonathan Hall KC, the Government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, described how convicted Islamist terrorists use gangs to pressurise other inmates into converting and sometimes even to seize control of prison wings, imposing Sharia law on prisoners, including having them flogged.

Captured British Islamic State (IS) group fighters El Shafee el-Sheikh, left, and Alexanda Kotey

Meanwhile, Ministry of Justice figures recently revealed there were 15,584 Muslim prisoners in England and Wales last September, compared with just 3,681 in 1997. The figures disclose that 18 per cent of all inmates now identify as Muslim  nearly three times the 6.5 per cent in the general UK population.

And, as Mr Hall said: 'There is an inevitable pressure in prisons for people to join a group. If the current flavour is Muslim, it could lead to them joining.

'If you have an emir at the top of a prison gang who is a terrorist offender or strongly radicalised, then the risk of people joining this group, even just for protection, could result in them being radicalised.'

But back to Ali. He was happy to talk to me for my book about life as a prisoner: Time After Time because I am also an ex-con  I got five years for tax fraud in 2016.

Prisoners are a cagey bunch but my past has given me unique access to the criminal underworld. Ironically, he told me he decided to convert to Islam in order to lead a better life.

His family was religious and he felt it was time to turn away from crime. But the decision changed everything. His security level by that stage had dropped down to category C. After he converted, he said, 'everyone started getting worried. They thought I was going to turn into a suicide bomber. They sent me right back up to A- Cat and into the dispersal circuit  that's when it got really bad.'

The dispersal system is a ring of ten of the most secure jails in the UK, where terrorists and murderers are moved round constantly to stop them forming connections with each other and fomenting trouble. The problem is that system doesn't work.

Ali had already spent several years inside and developed beefs with highly dangerous inmates who were spread throughout the dispersal circuit.

He was now faced with a stark choice: either struggle on his own and face brutal violence or even death when he encountered his enemies; or join a gang of extremist Muslims for protection. He chose the latter and was plunged into a turf war between Islamist prisoners and a white supremacist gang called the Piranhas.

'The Piranhas were hardcore anti-Muslim types,' he said. 'They were fighting this long-running war with the extreme Muslims, and it was going on out of sight across the dispersal system.

'If the screws moved someone to another jail, the other side would know before they got there as everyone has mobile phones.'

Prison guard behind a locked gate at HMP Pentonville, Islington, north London

The fighting was horrific, as warring inmates would improvise with whatever the prison service provided. A popular tactic was 'jugging'  boiling a kettle and mixing in sugar so it would stick to the skin when it was thrown in someone's face and permanently scar them.

When I was serving in Wandsworth I saw the aftermath of several juggings, and the screams of the victims will haunt me for ever. Another technique was to fashion a makeshift knife by inserting two razor blades into a toothbrush. The double blade would inflict a pair of deep slits that were impossible to sew up.

If inmates felt such an attack was imminent they'd wear several layers of clothing to protect themselves, and I remember seeing prisoners sweating profusely in the exercise yard on a boiling hot summer's day as they were wearing three coats.

To overcome this defence their attackers would use a 'dipper'  a sharpened thin blade a foot long that could be inserted and removed leaving barely a mark.

Overstretched prison officers were rarely able to stop this heinous violence, so terrified inmates would join extremist gangs for protection. But once they were signed up they could soon be sucked into something far more sinister.

Another contact from my time inside, Steve Gallant, knows more than most about the dangers of radicalisation in jails. Steve had bravely confronted the extremist Usman Khan on London Bridge in November 2019 after Khan had carried out a lethal knife attack killing Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones.

Steve led several other bystanders who memorably tackled the terrorist with a fire extinguisher and a narwhal tusk before the police shot Khan dead, and their heroic actions undoubtedly saved further loss of life.

But what makes Steve's story even more remarkable is that he was himself convicted of murder and at the time was serving a life sentence for killing Hull firefighter Barrie Jackson. Steve had been inside for 14 years and had just been allowed out on day release to attend a prisoner rehabilitation conference at Fishmongers' Hall, where Khan began his deadly attack.

Steve has written about his remarkable journey in his book The Road To London Bridge and believes prison radicalisation started to increase drastically as far back as 2005.

'The July 7 bombings had just happened when I first went inside,' he said. 'Suddenly everyone was worked up about what extremists were capable of. We had a Muslim guy come on to our wing who was involved in the failed Shepherd's Bush attack on July 21 [one of four attempted bombings on London's transport network in 2005].

'There were all these white northern gangsters, some of whom had done equally terrible things, who wanted to take revenge on him.

'Someone set his cell on fire, but then some other Muslims retaliated with a stabbing. It all spiralled from there.' By this time Steve had decided to reject violence, but he couldn't hide from the exploding turf war on his wing. 'This tit-for-tat kept escalating. It started to suck in Muslims who weren't terrorists but were naturally affiliated with one side and so they ended up getting radicalised.

'It wasn't split along racial lines, as there were white guys in the Muslim gang and vice versa. The white Muslim converts were often the worst.'

As with street gangs, these religious groups would ensnare vulnerable young minds who were susceptible to exploitation. Steve explained: 'They'd target kids who weren't the full shilling. Get them comfortable at first, and then the next thing they're knifing up a bloke in the showers.'

This is something I saw first- hand in HMP Wandsworth. Staffing cuts meant that most prisoners were stuck in their cells, and inmates would do anything to get out and socialise.

Some Muslims even signed up to Alcoholics Anonymous just to spend some time with their mates, despite being completely teetotal. Friday prayers were completely oversubscribed, and I'd see young impressionable inmates coming back to the wings with some pretty ghastly views.

Much of this radicalisation takes place under the authorities' radar. A lone voice who's been warning about this for years is Ian Acheson, who was head of security at HMP Wandsworth.

'We had a stream of violent young men flowing into the system who were credulous, impulsive and facing a long time in custody,' he said. 'And so they become easy pickings for the extremists who offered them protection and meaning  as long as you join our gang. They'll help you convert to Islam in 15 minutes, and then you become their frontline muscle.'

Ian saw a lot of overlap with street gangs, whose members flood the wings of London prisons such as Wandsworth.

'The power structure is the same in these new Muslim gangs. You have the charismatic brains at the top orchestrating violence, and the young foot soldiers at the bottom who do the dirty work.'

Ian has long campaigned to change the Government's mindset on radicalisation, but he believes that the system has been in denial for years. 'There has been enormous naivete from officials who have been completely blind to the growing scale of the problem.'

One reason violent extremism has spread throughout prisons is an official fear of appearing Islamophobic. 'The system has been crippled by institutional timidity. I remember once visiting HMP Woodhill [a category A prison near Milton Keynes] and watching the staff searching all prisoners going onto yard.

'A Muslim inmate approached wearing long flowing robes and was allowed through unhindered. I was told that it was religious clothing so he couldn't be searched. This struck me as insane  he could have had a Kalashnikov hidden in there.'

There's no doubt that racism is hugely prevalent in British prisons, something I saw on a daily basis in Wandsworth. Young black men are far more likely to face worse conditions, suffer from mental health problems and be the victims of violence.

But rather than address the structural causes of this discrimination, the authorities far too often embark on meaningless token exercises that can backfire.

'The fear of discriminatory behaviour is exploited by the prisoners who look for any way to undermine the system,' admits Ian, author of the book Screwed: Britain's Prison Crisis And How To Escape It. 'I've heard of sex offenders converting to Islam as a way to infiltrate the normal prison population.'

The public might think this doesn't affect them as it's out of sight and out of mind. But this is simply burying our heads in the sand, as radicalised prisoners go on to commit terrorist atrocities in the outside world.

Usman Khan, whom Steve tackled on London Bridge, had previously spent several years in prison for terror offences and tricked the authorities into believing he was rehabilitated.

The inquests into the London Bridge deaths found that Khan had been an 'influential' terrorist prisoner who was involved in 'extremist bullying'.

Ali spent time with Khan in HMP Whitemoor and found him intensely creepy. 'Usman was a nutter, he hated people laughing,' he recalled. 'After the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 he was celebrating, saying we should be getting organised, planning more attacks.

'But one day everything changed. Usman... started doing rehab courses, saying that holy war was wrong and a perversion of Islam. He got a lot of grief from the others, who said he'd gone soft. What they didn't know is he was playing a long game.'

As part of this long game, Khan went on an impressive-sounding rehabilitation course for extremists  The Healthy Identity Intervention programme. He passed the course with flying colours and was subsequently released into the community.

'When London Bridge went down, everyone realised that he'd used the system to do what he did,' Ali explained. 'There was big respect from some of the others, who said that they would copy the same trick.'

Ali has now turned his back on crime and extremism and is living a law-abiding life. But he's forever living in the shadow of his younger 'Beatles' brother who was also lured by extremists and never turned back. A brother who started dabbling in street crime in West London before joining Isis and becoming fully radicalised.

'Drug gangs and terrorism are the two sides of the same coin,' said Ali, 'It looks like a way out but it leads to the same hell.'

CHRIS ATKINS is the author of Time After Time, Repeat Offenders  The Inside Stories
Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo has met Wamkele Mene, the secretary general of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in Seoul and they discussed ways to expand economic ties, officials said.

The AfCFTA, the largest trade bloc in Africa, officially came into force in January 2021.

During the meeting, Cheong said the launch of the AfCFTA is significant considering the growing protectionism around the globe, Seoul's trade ministry said.

The upcoming summit between Korea and African nations, set to be held in Seoul in June, will pave the way for the country's efforts to seek a mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term relationship with Africa, Cheong said.

Cheong also asked Mene to support Korea's push to clinch economic partnership agreements with Morocco, Kenya and Tanzania. (Yonhap)
Rep. Ilhan Omar showed up at a Gaza encampment at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday, making her the first member of Congress to publicly support the protests that Republicans have seized on as anti-semitic.

The Minnesota Democrat praised the student activists for 'putting your bodies on the line to end the genocide in Gaza.'

Omar showed up on campus after nine protesters were arrested on campus as police took down an encampment in front of the library. Hundreds of students had rallied to demand their release.

She tore into President Joe Biden and all elected leaders who have condemned antisemitism at such protests for not focusing more on the now-300 Palestinian bodies now found in a mass grave at a hospital in Khan Younis.

'It's been incredibly painful for last five days to see the discovery while there is a discovery of a mass grave ... that our media, our elected politicians our president every single elected leader is spending time and energy in talking about the protests as if you all are not here to give voice to the genocide that is taking place in Gaza.'

Rep. Ilhan Omar showed up at a Gaza encampment at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday, making her the first member of Congress to publicly support the protests that Republicans have seized on as anti-semitic

The Minnesota Democrat praised the student activists for 'putting your bodies on the line to end the genocide in Gaza'

Omar's daughter was among 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at Columbia University on Thursday.

Isra Hirsi, a 21-year-old Barnard student, was subsequently suspended from the university - and said she was left without food and a place to sleep as she was temporarily banned from campus.

Omar praised the protesters who were arrested along with her daughter as 'brave and patriotic students 'who stood up not on my time are you going to invest in state complacency and genocide not on my watch are you going to forget 34,000 people in Gaza have been massacred ... to allow highest number of children killed in a war in 10 years to take place with our tax dollars.'

Isra Hirsi, the daughter of left-wing Congresswoman Ilhan Omar , says she's has nowhere to live or eat after being suspended for participating in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University

The congresswoman was one of 37 Democrats to vote against Israel aid over the weekend, as the Palestinian death toll in Gaza since October 7 has surpassed 34,000.

Standoffs between students and universities have grown tense as administrators face pressure to crack down on protests that have at times veered into anti-semitic territory.

The protests, marked by tent encampments across campuses, began at Columbia University and have since spread to higher education institutions across the country.

The students are demand their universities boycott and divest from Israel.

On Tuesday night some 200 protesters were arrested for blocking traffic at the Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn near the home of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Isra Hirsi, the daughter of left-wing Congresswoman Ilhan Omar , says she's has nowhere to live or eat after being suspended for participating in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University

The Minnesota Democrat praised the student activists for 'putting your bodies on the line to end the genocide in Gaza'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is backing the large encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters who have overrun Columbia University's campus in recent weeks

And back at Columbia NYPD counterterrorism officers deployed to campus to clear out a days-long encampment.

President Minouche Shafik, under pressure to resign from Republicans, wrote an email to the so-called 'Gaza Plaza' group on Tuesday evening giving an ultimatum to dismantle voluntarily or else be cleared out.

Meanwhile than 130 people were arrested Monday night at a pro-Palestinian protest at New York University.

On Monday Shafik shifted classes to a hybrid, remote option saying that 'over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus.'

While some Jewish students are involved in the pro-Palestine protests, some demonstrators have adopted anti-semitic tactics.

Chabad at Columbia University, a chapter of an international Orthodox Jewish movement, said some protesters had shouted at Jewish students over the weekend 'all you do is colonize' and 'go back to Europe.'
The Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill late Tuesday, now sending the legislation to the president's desk.

The package that passed 79-18 ties together $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and Gaza and around $4 billion for the Indo-Pacific - and a measure that could see TikTok banned in the U.S.

'Getting this done is one of the greatest achievements of the Senate in years, perhaps decades,' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said hours ahead of the bill's final passage.

But the 170 million U.S. fans of TikTok are watching with acute concern as the legislation could lead to the outlaw of their favorite video-sharing platform.

A fourth component of the legislation includes several measures such as requiring TikTok divest from its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance, an effort to obtain seized Russian assets and a lend-lease program for military aid to Ukraine.

The House already passed a bill to force ByteDance to divest from TikTok, but the new catch-all legislation would give TikTok one year rather than six months to separate itself from China - or else be banned in the U.S.

But fans of TikTok are watching with acute concern as the legislation could lead to the outlaw of their favorite video-sharing platform

Package gives billions to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, and could potentially ban TikTok

TikTok has suggested the legislation amounts to a 'total ban in the United States,' hinting that ByteDance isn't interested in selling.

'It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually,' a TikTok spokesperson told DailyMail.com Saturday.

Attaching the measure to the foreign aid forced the Senate to vote on it after Schumer dragged his feet at putting it on the floor.

The so-called 'side car' bill also includes a provision involving the REPO Act, meaning it would seize Russian assets that until now have only been frozen and repurpose them for Ukraine, and one that would involve the Lend-Lease Act, which would require Ukraine to give back U.S. military assets that are not destroyed in war.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., meanwhile raised concerns about a provision in the package that would force Chinese-owned ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a U.S. ban.

'The censors who abound in Congress will likely vote to ban TikTok or force a change in ownership,' he wrote in an op-ed for Reason this week. 'It would violate the First Amendment rights of over 100 million Americans who use TikTok to express themselves.'

The bill passed the House on Saturday in four separate votes before being packaged together for the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson risked his career to get Ukraine aid to the Senate - three Republicans have now signed onto a motion to oust him over the Ukraine aid.

Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who is trying to steer the Republican Party away from its isolationist trend, celebrated the bill's passing and blamed anti-Ukraine sentiment on Tucker Carlson 'who, in my opinion, ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin,' he said.

McConnell said that Carlson's 'enormous audience' convinced 'a lot of rank and file Republicans' that helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia is not important.

President Biden praised the Senate's passing of the legislation and said he would sign it so Ukraine could get the aid 'this week.'

'I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.'

'The need is urgent: for Ukraine, facing unrelenting bombardment from Russia; for Israel, which just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran; for refugees and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti; and for our partners seeking security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.'

The Ukraine bill includes $23 billion for replenishing U.S. stockpiles that have been depleted for the fight in Russia.

Ukrainian soldiers carry shells to fire at Russian positions on the front line - they now will get a multi-billion infusion into their efforts thanks to Congress

Some $11 billion would go to U.S. military operations in the region and $14 billion would go to procuring advanced weapons systems.

Another $26 million would go to oversight and accountability of equipment given to Ukraine.

Two separate economic assistance funds worth $7.85 billion and $1.58 billion would also be offered to Ukraine under a loan structure.

'Make no mistake: delay in providing Ukraine the weapons to defend itself has strained the prospects of defeating Russian aggression. Dithering and hesitation have compounded the challenges we face,' McConnell said ahead of the vote.

The bill includes $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza. This photo shows aid packages dropped over the northern Gaza strip on April 23

'I will not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.'

The Israel security bill will offer $4 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome Missile Defense system and billions more for weapons systems, artillery and munitions, as well as an additional $2.4 billion for U.S. operations in the region.

Nine billion dollars in that bill goes to humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza.

Sen. Bernie Sanders sounded off after his amendment to strip out offensive aid for Israel was taken out of the bill.

'Hamas started this war, that is true. But this stopped being about defending Israel a long time ago,' he said on the Senate floor.

'I am very disappointed, but not surprised, that my amendment to end offensive military aid to Netanyahus war machine  which has killed and wounded over 100,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom are women and children  will not be considered.'

Some 35,000 Palestinians have died in the war between Israel and Hamas, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, after 1,200 Israelis were killed on October 7.

A smoke plume billows following Israeli bombardment north of Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on April 23, 2024

Johnson noted much of the bill is not going directly to any country but is going to backfill U.S. stockpiles that have been depleted for Ukraine and Israel.

The U.S. was heavily involved in defending Israel against Iran's 300 missile strikes last week.

Intelligence officials, meanwhile, have been warning members of Congress of Ukraine's urgent need for U.S. aid. CIA Director Bill Burns warned last week that Ukraine 'could lose on the battlefield by the end of 2024.'

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, urged voters ahead of the bill's advance: 'We Don't Have To Pass This Bill Tell Your Senators To Vote 'No!' #KillTheBill.'

Lee has put forth an amendment to make sure the Ukrainian 'loan' provisions must be repaid (they are forgivable in the House version).

The foreign aid package has laid to bare a rift within the GOP almost as vast as the on between the two parties. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., tore into Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance for his anti-Ukraine aid stance over the weekend.

Vance had written in a New York Times op-ed that Ukraine could not win the fight against Russia even with U.S. aid.

'Ukraine's challenge is not the GOP; it's math. Ukraine needs more soldiers than it can field. And it needs more materiel than the United States can provide,' Vance wrote.

'That is garbage,' Graham shot back on Fox News Sunday.

'Go  I just got back, I was there two weeks ago. They changed their conscription laws. They have all the manpower they need. They need the weapons,' he continued. 'It's one thing to talk about Ukraine over here; it's another thing to go.'

Paul also sounded off about Democrats waving 'corrupt' Ukraine flags on the House floor as they voted on the package.

'Ukrainian flags fly in the chamber of the UNITED STATES House of Representatives as they vote to send more of your hard-earned money to a corrupt foreign regime. And just like that they shout 'UKRAINE! UKRAINE!'while happily working to secure Ukraine's borders, not ours.'
Both say the camp should be cleared to make Jewish students feel safe

They were met with hostility from pro-Palestine crowd, but bedded in

Two Jewish graduates of Columbia University snuck into the campus pro-Palestine encampment with Israeli flags and accused activists of supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

Isidore Karten and his friend, Tomer Brenner, who gained access to the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, also carried a poster with pictures of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. They were confronted by protesters and asked to leave but refused and spent several hours in the encampment staging their own counter protest.

Both told DailyMail.com that the encampment should be immediately removed by university leadership and accused pro-Palestine activists of making Jewish students feel unsafe.

The encampment has been set up on the South Lawn of Columbias Upper West Side campus for around a week. Students involved in the action have refused to leave until the university commits to ending any investments which are linked to Israel.

NYPD cops stormed the grounds several days ago arrested more than 100 students involved in the protests but the encampment of nearly 100 tents has remained firmly in place.

Two Jewish graduates of Columbia University snuck into the campus pro-Palestine encampment with Israeli flags and accused activists of supporting radical Islamic terrorism

Isidore Karten and his friend, Tomer Brenner, who gained access to the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, also carried a poster with pictures of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7

They were confronted by protesters and asked to leave but refused and spent several hours in the encampment staging their own counter protest.

Some Jewish students have joined the encampment in support

Students, many wearing keffiyeh headscarves and face masks, have led chants including from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free - which Jewish groups say is anti-Semitic - and called for intifada, which means uprising.

Karten, who studied architecture and graduated in 2023, said: What they are really doing is supporting Hamas. They are supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

Brenner, 29, from Tel Aviv, who graduated in 2020, added: We are seeing the flags and the symbols that are all about causing maximum violence for Israelis.

They are chanting about intifada.

We dont understand why the administration is not taking them away from here.

He claimed other students have chanted burn Tel Aviv.

The pair said they sneaked into the encampment, which has a gated perimeter and entry points watched over by activists. They claimed pro-Palestine students the surrounded them and told them to leave - but both refused and gave their interview from inside the perimeter.

We got circled, everyone was blocking us because they dont want anybody to, God forbid, see an Israeli flag or an American flag, or posters of hostages [kidnapped by Hamas on October 7], said Brenner.

The encampment has been set up on the South Lawn of Columbias Upper West Side campus for around a week

Students involved in the action have refused to leave until the university commits to ending any investments which are linked to Israel

They are claiming its a safe space, however its only safe for them.

Karten claimed he had seen a Jewish person wearing religious symbols told to go back to Poland.

Its not only about Israel, its about Jews, he said of the encampment.

Im very against what they are doing here, I dont think they should be here.

He said the protests and the encampment were infringing on the education of others and added: I have seen people here supporting intifada, they are screaming for intifada.

He said the encampment and the campus is not a safe place.

This is horrible what they are doing, he said of the encampment. They should not be able to be here. They are making people feel unsafe.

Asked whether he feels unsafe, Karten said: I can defend myself.

He added: Why are there people supporting terrorism here and nobody is doing anything about it?

Im embarrassed to say I graduated from Columbia.

They should be arrested. We have people pushing us, people are blocking us and standing around us telling me I should leave.

Some Jewish students have joined the encampment in support.

The Columbia students also had 'kidnapped' posters from victims of the October 7 attacks by Hamas

Students held flags outside Columbia University

Jared Kannel, a Jewish student inside the perimeter who said he supports the cause, intervened while Brenner and Karten spoke and said: I dont want him speak for all Jews.

Kannel said he fully supported the demands of the protest group that Columbia should divest from Israel.

But Kannel also singled out the university administration for criticism, indicating how leaders have been blasted by both sides over their handling of the protests.

This has been one of the most important experiences of my life, Kannel said.
A new dragon-themed 20mph speed limit sign put up outside schools in Wales has been branded 'dangerous' by furious families who say the design cannot be read.

Opponents of last year's controversial lowering of the limit from 30mph on many of the country's roads claim the new signs are not clearly visible to drivers.

They say they look like a defaced version of the standard signs and only become clearer when motorists are almost upon them - defeating the object of slowing traffic to protect children.

Campaigners argue that these kind of signs, which were designed by schoolboy Noa Williams and have been installed close to schools across Wales, are dangerous and liable to make road safety worse rather than better.

The new signs, which have gone up in recent weeks, are based on the red dragon design that Noa came up with when winning a competition jointly held by the Welsh Government and Road Safety Wales.

However it comes as the Welsh government said this week 20mph limits on residential roads could start going back up to 30mph by the end of the year.

A close-up view of the new dragon-style sign in Victoria Park Road, Barry, near Cadoxton Primary School which has been branded 'dangerous' by furious families who say the design cannot be read

The sign from a few yards away, which some people say is not clear to drivers and looks like it has been defaced

One of the standard new 20mph signs that have been installed across Wales. This one is in Vere Street, Barry

Maria Pitten said on social media: 'I think it's dangerous as it isn't immediately obvious what it is saying so you need to really look at it. Just what you need around schools.'

Peter Ayton, also commenting on social media, said: 'Are they just trying to catch car drivers? You could not make this up!'

According to the Labour-controlled Welsh Government, about 32million was spent on implementing the new go-slow law in villages, towns and cities in Wales.

The Government claims that about 92million per year could be saved by reducing the number of people hurt in accidents.

However, newly-appointed transport secretary Ken Skates has since announced that guidance to councils on which roads can be exempted from the lower speed limit will be revised.

This could see town halls able to return limits to their previous 30mph speeds by the end of the year.

Critics have claimed the 20mph legislation is a 'war on motorists' and say it is not needed, not realistically enforceable and a huge waste of public money.

A petition against it was signed by 469,571 people before being handed in to the Welsh Parliament last month.

Another social media commentator, Ian Haskell, said of the new dragon-style signs: 'Yet more money being wasted by the idiots in control'.

Some Welsh residents questioned the legality of the signs, with Paul Evans asking: 'Could you contest that the 20 is not easy to understand as it's not clear?'

Peter Campbell Davies said he could not see the point in putting up a speed limit sign that was not immediately clearly visible, calling the move 'ridiculous'.

A 20mph sign is pictured covered in spray paint in North Cardiff

A woman holds a sign during a protest against 20mph speed limits on September 23, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales

: A man holds a sign during a protest against 20mph speed limits on September 23, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'The Cabinet Secretary recognises the need to listen and learn from citizens.

'The use of this particular image to promote safer speeds is part of the listening exercise being undertaken by the Welsh Government.

'In the meantime, it is for local highway authorities to determine whether the use of this particular sign is appropriate. It is not designed as an alternative to formal speed limit signs and the use is a matter for councils.'

The Welsh Government says data published by Transport for Wales in February this year showed that speed had reduced by an average of 4mph on main roads since the change took effect on September 17, 2023.

Officials have been using an 'engagement-focused approach' to enforcement, with drivers caught going just over the new limit being given the choice of accepting 'roadside engagement' or points and a fine.

Since January there have been just 15 prosecutions after 49,363 vehicles were monitored, of whom 1,387 were exceeding the limit.
Nationals leader David Littleproud used taxpayers' money to fund his trip to the Gold Coast, just days after buying a luxury $1.4million Surfers Paradise apartment.

David Littleproud broke parliamentary rules when he expensed flights to the Gold Coast and took a government-funded taxi service to Surfers Paradise on February 9 last year.

The Maranoa MP and his wife Amelia bought a two-bedroom apartment with sweeping beachside views in the Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise tower in December 2022, with the settlement being finalised on February 6, 2023 - three days before his trip, reported The Australian.

A probe by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Assurance Review found that 'parliamentary business was not the dominant purpose' for Mr Littleproud's journey.

Mr Littleproud, who has led the Nationals since 2022, eventually paid back the $2,009.76 of public money he spent on three flights and a COMCAR trip from Surfers Paradise to the Gold Coast Airport in March last year.

Because he paid the money back, no further action was taken.

David Littleproud (pictured) broke parliamentary rules when he expensed flights to the Gold Coast and took a government-funded taxi service to Surfers Paradise on February 9 last year.

The expenses guidelines allow MPs to claim 'where travel is undertaken and related expenses claimed are for the dominant purpose of conducting parliamentary business'.

On Tuesday night, Mr Littleproud said he only made the mistake of flying back into the Gold Coast rather than Brisbane.

'The only thing that I did wrong was I came to the wrong port and I admit that and I put my hand up but I wasnt aware that that was wrong,' Mr Littleproud told Sky News.

'But I didnt claim any nights, I wasnt there on the taxpayer, I came home to be with my family, which is what most MPs do and then I didnt just pay what was owed to the taxpayer, I paid more because I didnt want there to be any conjecture.'

The revelation comes after Queensland Premier Steven Miles sparked outrage for chartering two private jets to simultaneously travel to the same destination - just days after passing a bill enforcing a cut in carbon dioxide emissions.

Mr Miles and staff flew in one jet while Police Minister Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski used another for a trip to Townsville to hold a press conference about youth crime.

The private jets, which cost around $6500 an hour to hire, left Brisbane within 15 minutes of each other on Monday afternoon for the 2,800km round-trip.

Mr Miles and his staff flew in a Embraer Phenom 300 while Mr Ryan and Mr Gollschewski travelled in a Cessna Citation CJ2+, the Courier Mail reports.

The Maranoa MP and his wife Amelia bought a two-bedroom luxury apartment with sweeping beachside views in the Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise tower (picture) in December 2022, with the settlement being finalised on February 6, 2023 - three days before his trip

After holding the press conference trumpeting new measures to address Queensland's youth crime epidemic, the trio returned to their separate jets and flew on to Cairns.

Mr Miles appeared on breakfast TV on Tuesday morning before the trio returned to Townsville and travelled down the coast to Hervey Bay.

The jets finally returned to Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon with plans for the premier to return to Cairns on Wednesday.

A government spokeswoman said commercial flights were used when possible but had not been suitable for that journey and it was important he visit regional centres.

'Labor is a government for all of Queensland, not just the South East, so it's critical that both the Premier, ministers and the Commissioner travel into the regions,' she said.
Australia's top cop has lashed social media companies for not doing enough to protect children being targeted by 'a cauldron of extremist poison'.

Australia's Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw has lashed social media giants like X and Meta - which runs Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp - for being 'indifferent' to law enforcement efforts to curb unrestrained 'misinformation', sexual exploitation and criminal activity.

In an address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Mr Kershaw will warn that social media companies are allowing the spread of what authorities regard as misinformation.

'Social media companies are refusing to snuff out the social combustion on their platforms,' the top cop said.

'Instead of putting out the embers that start on their platforms, their indifference and defiance is pouring accelerant on the flames.'

It comes after graphic footage of two stabbings incidents in Sydney spread like wildfire on platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

On April 13, video of Joel Cauchi running through Westfield Bondi Junction as he fatally stabbed six people did the rounds on social media.

Australia's Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw (pictured) warned social media companies like X and Meta are actively spreading misinformation online

Just days later, a Christian bishop was stabbed by an alleged terrorist during a service at a western Sydney church that was being live-streamed.

Mr Kershaw will say footage of these attacks, as well as misinformation that circulated on social media, inflicts harm on Australians.

The top cop also warned young people were at risk of being extorted or sexually exploited on the open or dark web by 'digital-world deceivers'.

'We need to constantly reinforce that people are not always who they claim to be online; and that also applies to images and information,' he will say.

'Criminals, pretending to be someone else, use social media to trick youth into sending intimate images of themselves, and then blackmail them for money.

'Fearing their images will be sent to loved ones, young people have taken their lives.'

His comments comes as X, owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, was ordered by the Australian government via the Federal Court to remove footage of the church attack from its platform.

The company said it had complied with the order in Australia while also taking out a two-day injunction - but argued a global takedown order was over-reach.

X and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant will return to court on Wednesday after the two-day injunction.

Mr Kershaw has lashed social media giants like X and Meta for being 'indifferent' to law enforcement efforts to curb unrestrained misinformation and sexual exploitation

A failure to comply with a court's ruling to remove posts could see X fined almost $800,000 a day and executives be held in contempt of court.

A failure to pay those fines, or a contempt charge, could force the government into blocking access to X in Australia.

Nationals senator Matt Canavan said such a draconian step would do more harm than good and foster the belief that authorities had something to hide.

'You're not going to stop these things from circulating on the internet because the video remains freely available despite what the eSafety commissioner says, on Facebook, on Meta, and of course on Twitter,' Sen. Canavan said on Nine's Today show.

'More people have seen it because of the moral panic over it over the last week. You're not going to stop this, if you try to you'll just fuel the conspiracy theories and so we need more free speech to battle against this, not less.'

On Tuesday, Musk shared a post stating Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had only succeeded in advertising X's virtues when he complained that it was the only social media company not to have bowed to the demands of the eSafety commissioner.

'I'd like to take a moment to thank the PM for informing the public that this platform is the only truthful one,' Mr Musk said.

'Our concern is that if ANY country is allowed to censor content for ALL countries, which is what the Australian "eSafety Commissar" is demanding, then what is to stop any country from controlling the entire Internet.

'We have already censored the content in question for Australia, pending legal appeal, and it is stored only on servers in the USA. Should the eSafety Commissar (an unelected official) in Australia have authority over all countries on Earth?'

Elon Musk has hit back at the eSafety commissioner over attempts to censor content on X

Mr Albanese hit back, branding Mr Musk as 'arrogant' for defying the demands of eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant - a former Twitter employee - which he said were only enforcing 'common decency'.

'He [Mr Musk] is someone who is totally out of touch with the values that Australian families have,' Mr Albanese said.

'He's putting his ego and his dollars towards taking a court case for the right to put more violent content on that will cause distress to people who are on his platform.

'Other social media operators have accepted the decision of the eSafety Commissioner.'

Asked whether the commissioner could be granted stronger powers or if access to X should be cut, he said the government would look at what measures could be taken.

'No one wants censorship here - what we want, though, is the application of a bit of common sense so you don't show and propagate violence online,' Mr Albanese said.
The Kansas grandmother accused of killing her daughter-in-law and another woman is a member of a religious gang and said to be an 'unhinged' conspiracy theorist.

Tifany Adams, 54, her boyfriend Tad Cullum, 43 along with Cole and Cora Twombly, 50 and 44, have been charged with murder over the deaths Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, in March.

The four are members of a gang called 'God's Misfits', an antigovernmental religious sect, according to court documents.

Leanne Webb, who met Adams last year, told The New York Post that Adams is 'unhinged' and would post disturbing messages on her Facebook page.

'She has a lot of weird beliefs, and thinks that the rest of the world is corrupt. It was all conspiracy theories and stuff that didn't make any sense,' said Webb.

Tifany Adams (pictured), 54, accused of murdering her daughter-in-law and another woman is said to be an 'unhinged' conspiracy theorist

Veronica Butler (pictured), 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, were picking up Butler's children on March 30, when they disappeared about three miles from their destination

Butler was going through a nasty divorce and custody battle and Kelley (pictured), a pastor's wife, was one of her supervisors for her visitations with the kids

Webb, who later unfriended Adams, told The Post the grandmother reposted an article in February which claimed modern society was living in a simulation.

'She posted a few times a day sometimes, but it was all stuff like that,' she said.

'It was just bizarre, bizarre stuff, and they were going to raise [her grandkids] to believe the same things.'

The leader of a religious group called 'God's Misfits', who goes by the name Squirrel, denounced the suspects to NewsNation's Ashleigh Banfield.

'Not my God, the God that I serve condemns such hate. I have no relation with them at all,' said Squirrel.

Butler and Kelley were traveling together to pick up Butler's children, ages six and eight, on March 30, when they disappeared about three miles from their destination.

Their bodies were recovered after 'pools of blood' were found next to their empty car. Butler was going through a nasty divorce and custody battle and Kelley, a pastor's wife, was one of her supervisors for her visitations with the kids.

Adams' son, Wrangler Rickman, technically had custody of his and Butler's two children but he was confirmed to be in an Oklahoma rehab facility, leaving the kids largely under Adams' supervision.

Adams (bottom left), her boyfriend Tad Cullum (top left) and fellow gang members Cora (top right) and Cole (bottom right) Twombly and accused of murdering the two women

Butler had wanted more than the weekly mandated visits with her kids but Adams (pictured with Butlers kids)- who was also known to have kept Rickman away from the children - had no desire to give in

Cora and Cole Twombly (pictured) allegedly ordered their daughter to clean the inside of their Chevrolet truck after the killings

Butler had wanted more than the weekly mandated visits with her kids under supervisors such as Kelley, but Adams - who was also known to have kept Rickman away from the children - had no desire to give in.

Adams and Cullum had plotted to kill Butler previously in February, according to a witness.

They created that plan to make it look like an accident, 'because anvils regularly fall off of work vehicles,' records said.

The couple had gone as far as traveling to Butler's Hugoton, Kansas, home to pull off the plan but Butler never left her house, CNN reported.

It appears Adams had a more detailed plan to eliminate the mother of her grandchildren the second time around.

Search records recovered for Adams showed she had looked up the level of pain caused by a taser, various gun shops and how to buy prepaid cell phones.

Adams, later in February, went to a Walmart and bought three prepaid, unregistered phones.

In March, Butler filed a motion to grant her more visitation time with her children. Days later, Adams purchased five stun guns from a nearby gun shop.

On Easter weekend, Butler was set to take the kids to a birthday party with family after picking them up from Adams.

Adams claims Butler told her she could not make the kids visit during a phone call the morning of March 30, but records show Butler was already on her way to picking up Kelley.

Adams and Cullum had plotted to kill Butler previously in February, according to a witness

Bulter and Kelley's bodies were recovered after 'pools of blood' were found next to their empty car

Kelley, it should be noted, is not the regular supervisor of Butler's visits. A woman named Cheryl Brune usually went with Butler, but Butler believed she was unavailable that day.

Burne, however, told police that she had been available but Adams had called her and told her to take a couple of weeks off.

Adams and Cullum left around 9 a.m. to met up with Cora and Cole Twombly, according to Cora's 16-year-old daughter, who said they were on a 'mission.'

The group had all been provided with burner phones so that they wouldn't be using personal devices. Adams had left the grandchildren at the home of another 'God's Misfits' couple that hosted meetings the night before the killings.

Cullum was working the night before on a pasture that he rented to let cattle graze and asked the owner if he could do some heavier work on the land.

The landowner told police he was going to use a skid steer and a bulldozer to remove a tree and bury concrete.

When the Twomblys' daughter woke up on Saturday morning, the day Kelley and Butler went missing, her mother and Cole Twombly were gone.

When they arrived home a couple of hours later, they ordered the girl to clean the inside of their Chevrolet truck. She asked them what had happened and they shockingly admitted to the killings.

They responded the mission had not gone as they planned but they no longer had to worry about Veronica Butler, the girl told police in an April 3 interview.

The two adults said they'd blocked the road to stop Butler and Kelley and lured them to where the other members were waiting for them.

Cora Twombly was asked if they had put the bodies in a well. She responded: 'Something like that.'

The daughter asked why Kelley had to die and Twombly said that her supporting Butler made her guilty by association.

Adams picked up her two grandchildren around the same time the Twomblys got back home on March 30, according to police.

Melissa and Joey Padilla, two relatives of Butler, went out and searched for her after she didn't arrive with the kids at the party.

Around noon, they found the abandoned vehicle along with pools of blood and contacted police, who began their investigation. That sparked a missing person report and a request from the public's help for information.

In March, Butler (pictured) filed a motion to grant her more visitation time with her children. Days later, Adams purchased five stun guns from a nearby gun shop

Kelley, pictured with her pastor husband Heath Kelley, Kelley, is not the regular supervisor of Butler's visits. The regular supervisor said Adams had called her and told her to take a couple of weeks off

Days later, police got search warrants for Adams phone, which unveiled the searches. On April 13, the four suspects were arrested despite not yet finding the bodies.

The next day, police found the bodies as the lack of traffic cameras extended the investigation.

Police had tracked the burner phones to the property Cullum had worked on that night, about eight-and-a-half miles from where Butler's car had been found. Authorities said all three phones were discovered near Butler's car around the time she and Kelley disappeared.

Authorities discovered a hole that was dug, filled back in and covered with hay on the pasture. Inside the hole, they found two sets of remains confirmed to be Butler and Kelley.

Butler's relatives had to be restrained from the accused during their court appearance on April 17, with family members screaming that Adams was a 'f****ing b****' while the others were 'sorry pieces of sh*t'.
Residents along WA's northern coastline have raised concerns that a boatload of Chinese people were able to walk ashore onto an airbase long before they were detected by authorities.

The boat carrying 15 Chinese citizens landed at the remote Mungalalu Truscott Airbase in earlier April, and it took days for an Australian Defence Force operation to track them all down.

It was the fourth people smuggling boat to arrive in the area since November last year, despite the government patrolling the area with unmanned drones launched from the very same airbase the illegal immigrants had wandered onto.

Madeline Gallagher-Dann, the CEO of the mostly Indigenous nearby community of Kalumburu, said she was worried at the possibility of more undetected arrivals.

'It's pretty scary thinking they got this far and made it to land not far from us,' she told the ABC's 7.30.

'(Border protection) could be done a lot better because we are open and vulnerable here.

'Imagine walking down the beach and running into those guys. Not only that, their health could also be an issue, they could harbour viruses or diseases that could impact the people here.'

Madeline Gallagher-Dann, the CEO of the Kalumburu Community near to where a group of illegal immigrants walked ashore undetected, said she is concerned the local Indigenous population is vulnerable to viruses and diseases

A group of around 15 asylum seekers arrived by boat to a remote (pictured) part of Western Australia. Four illegal boats have landed undetected since last November

Unmanned drones have been patrolling the stretch of coastline since December in support of Operation Sovereign Borders after another boatload of illegal immigrants from Pakistan made it to shore a month earlier.

But Exmouth Council Shire President Matthew Nikkula said the drone surveillance was an insufficient 'kneejerk' reaction and there needs to be a permanent presence to guard Australia's north-west coast.

'How on earth did this happen? Is our coast that lightly defended?' he said.

'If a random boat can arrive and people can walk into an airbase, what else is happening in the north?'

He is chair of the North West Defence Alliance - consisting of seven councils along the north-west WA coast - which says residents are at risk of biosecurity breaches, drug drops and potential attacks on the export infrastructure in the Pilbara.

'Yes, four boats have been detected over the last six months but that just raises the question of how many are getting through and just how easy is it to land on the coastline?' Mr Nikkula said.

'We need to see key assets and infrastructure here and a lot more presence.'

Defence Force personnel were dispatched to the area after the Chinese nationals made it to shore and a charter jet flew out from Truscott Airbase to Perth with some of the asylum seekers on board more than 24 hours later.

But at least one of the group was a unaccounted for and was not tracked down until much later.

Exmouth Council President Matthew Nikkula said the north-west WA coast is vulnerable and in need of tightened security (left). One of the Chinese nationals was not found until well after the rest of the group with drones deployed to search for him (right)

A charter jet reportedly flew from Mungalalu Truscott Airbase (pictured) to Perth with some of the asylum seekers but one man was missing and not found until days later

Drones launched from Truscott Airbase have been patrolling the coastline (pictured) since November but the illegal arrivals were still able to walk onto the airbase undetected

Indigenous elder Les French said Indonesian boats regularly conduct illegal fishing around Niiwalarra Island and they can often see boat lights and campfires in the distance.

Some years ago, he found a group of Indonesian men who had turned up on the coast and kept watch on them, armed with a shotgun, until authorities arrived hours later.

His grandson, Lancho Davey, who runs a tourism business taking visitors to Honeymoon Bay, a short distance from Truscott, said he regularly finds piles of rubbish with Indonesian wrappers left behind by the groups.

The pair said not only are locals at risk but so are the immigrants, as they are often piled unprepared onto rickety boats by people smugglers, and when they are dumped ashore there is no food and water plus crocodiles lurking in the mangroves.

Australian Border Force said it had sufficient resources in the area.

'The ABF does not go into specifics about capability assessments and requirements, other than to say that we are adequately resourced and prepared to address  maritime security threats.'

This week the Maritime Border Command, a multi-agency task force utilising Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force assets, said it had stopped three illegal fishing boats in the region last month.

An illegal Indonesian fishing vessel is stopped by Australian authorities off the Kimberley coast in March (pictured)

In partnership with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority it said it had intercepted two of the vessels in the Kimberley Marine Park and the other in the Rowley Shoals Marine Park.

The taskforce seized fishing equipment, 100 kilograms of salt used to preserve the fish, and 20 kilograms of sea cucumber which is known in Indonesia as trepang.

The boats were disposed of at sea with the crew from each vessel transported to Darwin.

Fifteen crew were charged with offences against the Fisheries Management Act and pleaded guilty at Darwin Local Court on April 11.

Authorities said a range of financial penalties were imposed totaling $31,300.
Sunrise host Nat Barr has demanded answers from Australian politicians on what can be done to stop a surge in domestic violence against women after a litany of recent attacks.

So far this year 25 women have been allegedly killed at the hands of their partners or former partners, according to White Ribbon.

Mother-of-one Molly Ticehurst, 28, was found dead inside her home in the NSW town of Forbes, about 370km west of Sydney early on Monday.

Ms Ticehurst's ex-boyfriend Daniel Billings, 29, has been charged with her alleged murder.

Hannah McGuire, 23 was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend Lachlan Young recently in Clunes near Ballarat.

The Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing spree killer appeared to target women, who made up five of the six people killed along with a male security guard.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume joined Sunrise on Wednesday to discuss how to end the violence.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume joined Nat Barr on Sunrise on Wednesday morning to discuss what needed to be done to put an end to the recent surge in violence against women

'We sit here and we do this every week, this is a national crisis, we are looking for answers,' Barr said.

Ms Hume agreed and said that anybody who did not think there was a problem with violence against women in Australia 'needed to wake up'.

'Twenty-five deaths (allegedly) at the hands of intimate partners in one year alone is unacceptable,' she said.

'But the fact that it's only April and that's the number we're looking at should be setting off alarm bells.'

She said while government programs aimed at the problem were in place, but more needed to be done by courts, and by social services.

'Not just done on response but more importantly on prevention. Not just on education but also on those practical, evidencebased approaches to making sure that violent perpetrators cannot reoffend, and don't offend in the first place,' Ms Hume said.

Molly Ticehurst (pictured) was allegedly murdered by her former partner before 2am on Monday morning

'But we can, and we must do better. Not just for young women like the one that we've seen in New South Wales in the last couple of days but for all women around Australia because thousands are living in fear every single day and that's unacceptable in a country like ours.'

Barr asked if courts were granting bail too often, given many women had died while their attackers were awaiting trial.

'Their families, their friends, know about this and then they tell us after the fact that we knew about this, we tried to get help,' the Sunrise host said.

'AVOs [are] obviously useless in many, many cases because we hear that they tried to get help, they went to the police in many circumstances before they were murdered, and they can't do any more.'

Ms O'Neil said it was 'exhausting' to be a woman in Australia with so many news reports circulating of violence.

'It's men and their behaviour that has to change here and we need men to be stepping up, having those conversations with their friends about this matter and trying to talk about how we can change society for the better,' she said.

'Because we just, we just can't go on like this.'

Daniel Billings (pictured) was charged over the alleged murder of his ex-girlfriend, Molly Ticehurst

The calls for more action come after details emerged about Ms Ticehurst's alleged killer.

He appeared at Orange Local Court on Tuesday accused of murdering Ms Ticehurst and breaching an apprehended violence order.

The father-of-one had also faced court for three separate charges of sexual assault, multiple charges of stalking and destruction of property, plus a charge of animal cruelty.

Billings and Ms Ticehurst had been in a relationship for about 18 months until July last year, but they briefly got back together in December.

Billings, originally from Queensland, was on bail for the other charges at the time of Ms Ticehurst's death. He was under court orders not to approach her.
The owner of a country pub in Western Australia that is proudly cash-only says the only complaints she gets are from 'out-of-towners'.

Sam James, 60, who runs King River Tavern, 11km north of Albany, said the decision to accept cash payments only came about by chance when the pub was hit by a major storm 15 years ago.

Damage from the weather event forced Ms James to temporarily close the doors because everything 'had been underwater' and needed replacing, reports 7News.

That brief closing spell gave Ms James time to have a look through the pub's accounts, and she discovered the restaurant part of the business was not making a profit.

So when the pub re-opened, the kitchen was permanently closed and the pricey EFTPOS machine was also punted because the bar area rarely used one, as payments were predominately in cash.

This pub in WA switched to cash-only after a storm 15 years ago when the publican realised the monthly EFTPOS fees were too expensive when most payments in the bar were paid in cash

Publican Sam James, 60, (pictured) said the added benefits of cash-only include being able to operate in a blackout and people donating their change to the local hospice charity tin

'I actually had to pay to give (the EFTPOS machine) back,' she said.

Ms James installed an ATM before going completely cash-only, and although this came with initial costs, she now saves on EFTPOS fees, which cost other local businesses $300 each month.

Another perk she has found is her business can still run during blackouts by lighting a few candles, because she can still take payments while EFTPOS reliant businesses have to close

The business owner said switching to cash-only 'wasn't a big deal' at the time, and it is only now when many people are in the habit of paying by card for everything that she gets grizzles from 'out-of-towners'.

The business owner said switching to cash-only 'wasn't a big deal' at the time, and it is only now people seem to be having a problem with it (stock image)

Ms James recounted the time a man put out his fist to pay, as he was wearing a payment ring - and the publican instead thought he wanted to fist-bump her, and she obliged, leaving them both confused.

'Apparently you can pay with a ring! It just looked like a glass ring to me. Since then, he's come back, and he's very happy with the whole cash situation now. He said that he got rid of the ring,' she said.

A further benefit of being a cash-only business is that the charity tin she has on the counter for the Albany Community Hospice is regularly filled - with $9,000 being raised last year alone.

'Being a cash-only venue, a lot of people say, "Oh, keep the change, keep the change," and I say, "Well I'll chuck it in the hospice tin,"' she said.

Ms James (pictured left) knows that a cash-only payment system wouldn't work for every business and feels lucky it works for hers

Ms James said if she were to go back to a digital payment system, the tin would remain empty.

An Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) spokesperson told 7News that regional areas represent 30 per cent of Australian businesses.

They said many regional businesses need to find the cheapest way to collect payment and do their banking - so cash remains popular.

Ms James said she knows her payment method may not suit some other businesses and feels fortunate it works for her and her customers.
The vice foreign ministers of Korea and Canada held talks Wednesday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy and key minerals, the foreign ministry said.

During the talks in Seoul, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun and her Canadian counterpart, Rob Stewart, also agreed on the need to step up cooperation as Korea and Canada are set to chair the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and Group of Seven (G7) Summit, respectively, next year.

The two sides stressed the need for Seoul to strengthen ties with the G7 countries, according to the ministry. The G7 consists of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Korea was recently excluded from a list of countries invited to the upcoming G7 summit, set to take place in Italy in June, though the country has been pushing for a "G7 Plus" initiative to expand its role and responsibilities as one of the world's major middle powers.

Kang also noted "great potential" for cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of key minerals and high-tech future industries, such as electric vehicles and batteries. (Yonhap)
A mother who allegedly died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend was also allegedly raped, harassed and had her property destroyed by him in a three-month campaign of terror.

Daniel Billings, 29, was charged with murder after police found Molly Ticehurst's dead body at the home they used to share on Young Street in Forbes, about 137km west of Sydney, just before 2am on Monday.

They had been in a relationship for about 18 months until July last year, but briefly got back together in December.

At the time of the alleged murder, Billings had already faced court in Dubbo over a string of alleged abuse levelled at Ms Ticehurst, 28, between January and April this year.

According to court documents, he allegedly raped her three times, stalked and harassed her four times, smashed her car windows, and assaulted her 12-week-old dachshund.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Billings worked for a drilling company in nearby Parkes, but he only had $1.60 when he was arrested over those alleged incidents on April 5.

He was granted conditional bail the following day and was under court orders not to approach Ms Ticehurst. She was dead 15 days later.

In an unearthed Facebook post from 2019, Ms Ticehurst's close friend joked about how the pair had 'many chats about turning lesbian because of the male population'.

Molly Ticehurst is pictured with her six-year-old son. She was allegedly murdered on Monday

Molly Ticehurst was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend Daniel Billings, who worked for a drilling company

Pictured: A man showing where Daniel Billings allegedly murdered Molly Ticehurst in Forbes, where he lived in Parkes and where he allegedly fled to in Fifield

Billings' boss at the drilling company described the alleged incident to Daily Mail Australia as 'horrific'.

'It's a really horrific thing that has happened,' the business owner said.

'He has been known to us, but it's not our place to comment and we need to think of our staff who are struggling right now.'

Billings was charged with murder on Monday before he had his bail revoked at Orange Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

His previous charges were also mentioned during court proceedings.

According to court documents, the first time Billings raped Ms Ticehurst was during a nine-hour period on January 3, a few weeks after the pair briefly rekindled their relationship.

He also allegedly stalked and intimidated her, smashing her pedestal fan at the same time.

On January 14, Billings allegedly stalked and intimidated her in Forbes and smashed her car windows, after which he contacted her and offered to pay for the damage.

On March 4, they met near a Harvey Norman store in Parkes and Billings allegedly drove off with Ms Ticehurst in the car. He then allegedly raped her twice in the back seat.

He allegedly stalked and intimidated her on April 3.

Pictured: An unearthed Facebook post showing the moment Ms Ticehurst's close friend joked about how the pair had had 'many chats about turning lesbian because of the male population'

Billings was charged with aggravated animal cruelty against Ms Ticehurst's 12-week-old dachshund puppy (pictured)

Two days later, he was arrested and charged with ten offences and was granted conditional release by the registrar for $5,000 surety, despite strong opposition by the police prosecutor.

At the time of arrest, he was carrying $1.60, a wallet with a Mastercard, Medicare card and a driver's licence, along with a phone, sunglasses and a hat.

As part of his conditions, Billings had to report to Parkes Police Station once a day, he was not allowed to drink or take drugs, and was banned from going to Forbes and from contacting Ms Ticehurst.

An interim apprehended domestic violence order was also made, banning him from going within one kilometre of her home or work.

His charges and the AVO were mentioned in Parkes Local Court on April 18.

By April 22, just 15 days after he was granted bail, Billings had allegedly breached his bail conditions and the AVO.

Police will allege he drove to Forbes and violently murdered Ms Ticehurst between midnight and 1.50am on April 22.

Emergency services found her body after concerns for her welfare were raised.

A forensics team was seen looking through a broken window at the front of Ms Ticehurst's home

Floral tributes sat outside the home while forensics continued gathering evidence

Billings had allegedly fled to a property in Fifield, more than 100km away from Forbes, even though he had been living in a four-bedroom home in Parkes with other tradesmen.

On Tuesday, one of Ms Ticehurst's neighbours in Forbes told Daily Mail Australia the pair had moved in together about a year ago.

They often heard loud noises coming from the property, but didn't hear anything on the night of the alleged murder.

'I often heard raised voices coming from their joint, but not that night,' the neighbour said.

'She seemed polite. I didn't know her - she kept to herself, but that tattooed bloke was always cursing and muttering to himself.'

Police scoured the home on Tuesday during the investigation into Ms Ticehurst's death.

Members of the local community placed floral tributes in front of her home, which had shattered front windows.

His matter will return to Orange Local Court on June 20.
Shocking footage has captured the moment an elderly learner driver crashed into a school bus with children on board, injuring multiple people.

The crash happened at the intersection of Fonteyn Drive and Giselle Avenue, in Wantirna South, in Melbourne's east, at 3.45pm on Tuesday.

A grandmother who was driving the car, was travelling with her daughter, granddaughter and a driving instructor.

The bus was carrying five children on their way home from school.

An elderly L-plater crashed into a school bus (pictured) from side on at an intersection in south-east Melbourne, on Tuesday afternoon

A security camera from a nearby home captured the car ploughing straight through the T-intersection before colliding with the side of the moving bus.

The impact of the crash sent the bus crashing straight into a power pole, leaving local residents without power for some time.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and assisted the driver of the bus who suffered minor injuries.

None of the children were seriously injured and it is unclear how the collision occurred.

The bus crashed into a power pole (pictured) with the driver of the vehicle suffering minor injuries as a result of the collision

Two passengers who were in the RAC Victoria learner vehicle being driven by the grandmother sustained injuries that required hospital treatment.

All four passengers who were travelling in the car were adults.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that officers are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Post Office boss Paula Vennells has been accused of an 'absolutely Orwellian' rebrand of Horizon's problems after taking her husband's advice to call the system's bugs 'anomalies', the inquiry has heard.

Vennells asked her 'computer literate' husband for a 'non-emotive' way to describe issues with the Horizon IT system, the public inquiry heard yesterday.

His advice led to Post Office executives swapping the word 'bug' for the word 'exception', in a move inquiry counsel Julian Blake branded 'absolutely Orwellian'.

Giving evidence at the inquiry, Susan Crichton, the Post Office's top in-house lawyer before she quit in 2013, agreed that the shift in the language used about Horizon bugs amounted to 'smoke and mirrors' tactics.

The inquiry was shown a July 2013 email in which Mrs Vennells told communications chief Mark R Davies: 'My engineer/computer literate husband sent the following reply to the question: 'What is a non-emotive word for computer bugs, glitches, defects that happen as a matter of course?'

Paula Vennells (pictured) asked her 'computer literate' husband for a 'non-emotive' way to describe issues with the Horizon IT system, the public inquiry heard yesterday

Giving evidence at the inquiry, Susan Crichton, the Post Office's top in-house lawyer before she quit in 2013, agreed that the shift in the language used about Horizon bugs amounted to 'smoke and mirrors' tactics

'Answer: 'Exception or anomaly. You can also say conditional Davies exception/anomaly which only manifests itself under unforeseen circumstances xx.'

Mrs Vennells then asked: 'Does that help?' before adding: '(The xx was for me I think!)'

Mr Davies replied: 'I like exception v much.'

Problems with post office branches were subsequently referred to as 'branch exceptions' rather than 'bugs' in a note prepared for a meeting between the Post Office and Tory MP James Arbuthnot, the inquiry heard.

Mr Blake described the language change as 'absolutely Orwellian' and quizzed Mrs Crichton on whether this demonstrated the use of 'smoke and mirrors'.

She replied: 'It certainly reads in that way, yes.'

When Mr Blake suggested there had been discussion at the 'highest levels' of the Post Office over changing the language around bugs, Mrs Crichton said she could recall no such discussion.

She was later grilled about a July 2013 email in which she wrote it 'wasn't a good idea to mention bugs'.

Problems with post office branches were subsequently referred to as 'branch exceptions' rather than 'bugs' in a note prepared for a meeting between the Post Office and Tory MP James Arbuthnot, the inquiry heard. Pictured: Vennells

Asked if this revealed changing the word 'bugs' was at the 'forefront' of her mind, she replied: 'That's certainly what this email says, yes.'

Auditors Second Sight released an interim report which identified bugs that raised concerns over the reliability of Horizon data used to prosecute subpostmasters in July 2013.

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry heard on Tuesday that senior figures were worried about the organisation's 'national reputation' because of the report, and it also emerged that computer bugs were being described as 'exceptions'.

In a note of a meeting about the investigators, then chairwoman Alice Perkins said: 'The Second Site interim report and the timing of its publication had been potentially very serious indeed for the Post Office in terms of our national reputation and the effect it could have on our funding negotiations with Government.'

The inquiry heard there were concerns among board members that they could be held personally liable, though the organisation's head of corporate finance reassured them this was 'highly unlikely'.

Ms Crichton, giving evidence, suggested Ms Perkins may have expected her to 'manage or manipulate' Second Site's investigations.

She told the inquiry that she believed Mrs Vennells had not understood her reasons for leaving.

She said: 'I don't think she understood my point about [the Second Site interim report] has to be an independent review, we can't manage it or manipulate it in the way that possibly Alice was expecting me to do.

Ms Crichton, (right) giving evidence, suggested Ms Perkins may have expected her to 'manage or manipulate' Second Site's investigations

'This is all supposition on my part.'

In September 2013, Ms Vennells wrote in a note that Ms Crichton was 'possibly more loyal to her professional conduct requirements and put her integrity as a lawyer above the interests of the business'.

Earlier this year, Mrs Vennells, 65, handed back her CBE amid fresh public outrage over the Post Office Scandal following the broadcast of ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office.

The ordained priest, who is due to give evidence to the public inquiry next month, has previously apologised 'for the devastation caused to the Sub-Postmasters and their families, whose lives were torn apart by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted as a result of the Horizon system'.

The Vennells, who share two adult sons, live in a 2 million detached farmhouse near Bedford.
A former television heartthrob on the run from police over assault charges allegedly stomped on a woman's head so hard police could identify the shoes he was wearing.

Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger, 30, is accused of assaulting a woman at a home in Melbourne on March 25, in an incident allegedly caught on a motion-activated camera.

The shocking footage - released after Daily Mail Australia joined legal action to lift reporting restrictions - showed Pledger allegedly grabbing the victim's hair and throwing her to the ground before stomping on her head.

Images of the woman's injuries from the alleged attack show bruises on the side of her face that bore a 'similar resemblance' to the sole pattern of Vans sneakers he owned, police allege.

Pledger was remanded in custody after his arrest on March 27 but was bailed on Monday for a mental health assessment at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

He was required to return to court the following day but is instead alleged to have just got up and walked out, in breach of his bail conditions, and is still on the run.

Police on Wednesday appealed to the public to help locate Pledger, who is known to 'frequent Northcote and surrounding areas.'

Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger is accused of stomping on a woman's head with such force he left an imprint on her face that allegedly bore a 'resemblance' to Vans sneakers that he owned (pictured)

The one-time TV heartthrob (pictured in 'Summer Bay'), is allegedly on the run after breaching bail while charged with assaulting a woman

Police allege the disturbing footage showed Pledger's ninth attack on the victim since 2021 and was an example of an 'an escalation in his propensity for violence'.

Police are appealing for held from the public to locate the former TV star. Above is a police mugshot

The alleged victim was hospitalised overnight for injuries including haematomas (a swelling of clotted blood) to her forehead, cuts to her cheek and bruising to her neck, hand and cheek.

Pledger's alleged victim made a Triple Zero call warning police he was in the midst of a mental health incident, Melbourne Magistrates Court was told on Monday.

The alleged victim was heard saying 'he's coming' before the line cut out, the court was told.

Pledger - who played Mason Morgan on Seven's soap for 339 episodes from 2016 to 2019 - was granted bail on Monday so he could receive the mental health support that 'experts say he needs', his solicitor told the court

Pledger had been expected to undergo the assessment in hospital and return to court on Tuesday to have his bail conditions reassessed.

But when his case was called by Magistrate Justin Foster on Tuesday morning, he could not be found.

He was granted bail to receive a mental health assessment on Monday but is alleged to have instead left the hospital and is yet to be located

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His solicitor, Jasper MacCuspie, told the court his client had escaped the hospital after waiting almost six hours to be seen.

Magistrate Foster fumed that he had 'bent over backwards' to approve the hospital visit.

'This makes me query if I will ever grant this order again,' he told the court on Tuesday.

He said he was also outraged that a suspected mentally-ill patient had been left untreated and unattended for almost six hours.

Pledger's bail was revoked and a warrant for his arrest issued.

Despite previously resisting police action for the alleged prior assaults, the alleged victim told police that she 'believes he will eventually kill her', the court was told.

Police prosecutor Olivia Sparrow had recommended that Pledger remain in custody as he was an 'unacceptable risk' to the community while homeless and allegedly suffering drug and mental health issues.

Ms Sparrow also opposed an in-patient mental health assessment order made during a bail hearing last week, as staff can't physically prevent him from leaving.

Magistrate Foster had also aired his concerns over the order as it meant Pledger could leave without being apprehended.

Clinically he might get on his drugs and whatever treatment he needs and show improvement. Then he can be released into the community,' he said.

The risk of something further happening and having dire consequences is striking.
A politician has called for the introduction of US-style laws that allow home owners to use deadly force against intruders.

The call from Katter's Australia Party MP Nick Dametto, who represents the far north seat of Hinchinbrook in the Queensland parliament, comes as police investigate the alleged fatal stabbing of an axe-wielding intruder by the home owner.

Mr Dametto wants Queensland to adopt a so-called 'Castle Law', which allows a home owner to use deadly force in the event of an invasion of their home.

Queensland Katter's Australia Party MP Nick Dametto wants laws that allow home owners to use deadly force against intruders

Currently Queensland law allows the use of 'like for like' self defence, meaning a home resident may only employ roughly the same amount of force with which an intruder threatens their safety or property.

If a resident exceeds that level of force, they can be charged with assault or even murder.

Mr Dametto argued home owners needed more legal protection than that, given the increased frequency of home invasions; often committed by armed gangs.

'In a split-second decision it can be either fight or flight,' Mr Dametto said.

'When flight is not an option the consequences of their fight response should be protected by legislation, but currently there are gaping holes in that.

'It's dark, you've been woken up, you don't have time to think about what weapon they have or what force you can use.

'For most of us, it's the feeling of being powerless in a situation like this that petrifies us.'

Mr Dametto said a home could be defined as anything with a shutting door, including a car, tent or caravan.

He said the law was not an encouragement to vigilantism but said when police can not quickly arrive, such as in rural areas, it was badly required.

The law in the United States is known as the Castle Doctrine and is part of 'stand-your-ground laws' in several US states.

Mr Dametto argued home owners needed more legal protection if they decide to use force against an intruder (stock image)

In places such as Texas and Florida the laws have no 'duty to retreat' clause, which means a homeowner does not need to first take evasive action by fleeing an intruder before being forced into self-defence.

Katter's Australia Party will try to get the major parties to adopt Castle Law in the next five sitting weeks of parliament before the Queensland election.

NSW police are investigating the fatal stabbing of Trae Laurie, who along with alleged accomplice Desmond Avery, allegedly invaded the home of Allan Kerr, 66, in the northern NSW town of Kingscliff.

Mr Kerr was allegedly struck multiple times with an axe but fought back, allegedly fatally stabbing Laurie, who was a convicted bank robber.
Five migrants trying to get to Britain on a small boat suffocated due to the mass of people already on board, French investigators have said.

A criminal enquiry was underway in France last night following the five deaths - including that of a four-year-old girl - in the English Channel.

Some of themigrants are understood to have suffocated in a gruesome accident on a small boat which then continued on its way to Britain.

People smugglers are suspected of charging up to 1000-a-head to board the inflatable dinghy packed with 112 people, instead of an advised 20.

It got in to difficulty early on Tuesday morning off Wimereux beach, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, flinging around 50 people into the bitterly cold water.

Some of the victims are believed to have fallen on the boat and ended being trampled under foot.

'They were effectively suffocated while struggling to get out of the trap,' said an investigating source.

'Others on board simply wanted to get on with the journey to Britain, and this is exactly what happened.'

The scene in northern France as migrants try to board boats

Once the migrants were in the boat, the officers said there was nothing more they could do

A dingy crammed with migrants was seen arriving in Dover, escorted by a French warship

Three search-and-rescue SAMU helicopters were scouring the sea for survivors

It was escorted by a French warship, while a lifeboat and a Border Force cutter picked it up as it crossed the channel

Guirec Le Bras, the port town's prosecutor, said an enquiry has been launched into 'manslaugher, criminal association, and the assistance of foreigners in an irregular situation'.

Some alleged smugglers were arrested overnight on Monday to Tuesday, and their nautical equipment confiscated, said Mr Le Bras.

This included boats similar to the one used, which are designed for 20 people maximum.

Mr Le Bras also confirmed that police fought running battles in the lead up to the drowning of three men, a woman in her early 30s, and the four-year-old girl.

Video footage showed groups of people heading towards the English Channel as they tried to evade the officers at around 3am.

Once the migrants were in the water police retreated, in accordance with safety regulations, leaving around five boats to head towards England.

The boat with 112 people on board hit a sandbank off Wimereux beach, causing mass panic as the outboad engine stalled.

Jacques Billant, the Pas-de-Calais Prefect, said: 'The boat had set out to sea from the Allemands beach at Wimereux.

'A few hundred meters from the coast, the engine stopped and several people fell into the water.

'The Naval patrol boat Abeille Normandie [Normandy Bee] was immediately scrambled by the Maritime Prefect to rescue the shipwrecked people.

Among the migrants as they arrived in Dover was a woman with a broken leg

Many of the passengers' legs were hanging over the side as they precariously stayed inside

A helicopter of the Emergency medical services takes off from Wimereux on April 23

Emergency vehicles were seen beside an ice cream shop on the beach at Wimereux in France

'At the scene, sailors were able to note the presence in the boat of several inanimate people and in huge trouble.

'Six people were immediately picked up within the patrol boat for initial treatment before being dropped off as quickly as possible on the beach to be treated by firefighters and other emergency services workers.

'Despite attempts at resuscitation, five of them were declared dead at the scene.'

Mr Billant said everything was being done to try to identify the deceased, who were declared dead at around 7am.

Those rescued included Syrians, Iraqis, Turks, Iranians and Kuwaitians.

Mr Billant said: 'Some 112 people were packed into that boat. It was unseaworthy - not properly inflated and completely overcrowded. To send people into the sea in a boat in that state is an act of murder. We arrested five people in relation to human trafficking offences this morning.'

Despite this, 57 people remained on the stricken boat, restarted the engine and were escorted by the French Navy, before arriving in the UK at around midday.

Mr Billant said: 'They remained on board, not wanting to be rescued. They managed to restart the engine and decided to continue their sea route towards Britain under naval surveillance.'

He said he had 'never seen a boat so overcrowded,' adding: 'The smugglers normally pack them with 50 people maximum, but not more than 100.'

By 11am, funeral directors could be seen collecting bodies around Boulogne, while migrants suffering from conditions such as hypothermia were taken to hospital.

The father of the four-year-old girl was rescued by emergency services and taken to Wimereux beach, where he burst into tears and fell into the arms of a refugee charity worker.

Dany Patoux, of the Osmose 62 refugee charity, said: 'We knew the little girl well. We have photos with her, with a big smile on her face, in the hope of a better life.

'But now, everything is ruined. Her father fell into our arms right away. He was crying, in a daze. He saw his little daughter die before his eyes.'

A French emergency services spokesman said: 'Weather conditions are good, and this is one of the reasons that so many small boats set off this morning.'

It came hours after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill to deter migrants from making the perilous crossing was passed in Parliament.

He vowed to let nothing 'stand in our way', as he geared up to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, in Africa, as part of a deportation plan.

Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK, and 29,437 of them came from people who arrived in small boats.

The Prime Minister claimed that the 'tragic' events in France 'underscored' the need for the deterrent effect of the Rwanda plan.

An emergency SAMU air ambulance was one of three that responded to the tragedy

A police officer looks on in Wimereux, near Calais, after migrants died in an attempt to cross the English Channel

Rescue boats were also seen off the coast of northern France as emergency services searched for survivors

Emergency workers rushed to the sea in a bid to save migrants who got in trouble while trying to cross the Channel

It is thought the small boat was launched from Wimereux in northern France, between Boulogne and Calais

He said: 'We want to prevent people making these very dangerous crossings. If you look at what's happening, criminal gangs are exploiting vulnerable people. They are packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies.'

The furious Mayor of Wimereux meanwhile said the latest tragedy was all the fault of the British.

Jean-Luc Dubaele said: 'Five dead in January, five dead in April. What are we waiting for?

'Why do the English welcome them? Why do they absolutely want to travel to England? These are the questions that need to be asked.'

He said: 'It is Britain that is responsible for the boats setting off across the English Channel and the deaths that occur in the sea.

'The English pay us to stop the boats setting off but they look after the migrants when they arrive on their shores.

'The English give them accommodation, food, a bank account, and let them work without regulation.

'It is the English who are responsible for every boat that sails across the Channel to England.

'This has been going on for more than 20 years - migrants crossing to England illegally.

'I have been mayor for four years and I've watched as more and more boats leave from these shores and more people die in the sea.'

A total of 14 UK-bound migrants have drowned in the English Channel so far this year alone.

Mr Dubaele has frequently described Britain as an 'immigrant El Dorado', saying easy access to benefits, and a chance to work in the UK's black economy, attracted thousands from around the world.

Following a similar lethal tragedy at Wimereux in January, Mr Dubaele said: 'At the political level, we will have to change the situation, and bang our fist on the table with the English.

'Migrants today want to go to England because they are well received there, they can work there without problem.'

The deaths deaths followed a night of frenzied activity by French police, as they tried to stop small boats being launched towards England.

Mr Dubaele said four alleged people smugglers were arrested in the Wimereux area.

Officers confirmed they had confiscated nautical equipment including two boats.

One of the helicopters was seen flying low over the beach at Wimereux

Another air ambulance was seen landing at the side of the beach in Wimereux

A member of the French Gendarmerie talks with a driver of a passing car in Wimereux, near Calais

French police stopped another boat (pictured) from leaving northern France

Posting a picture of them on Twitter X, they wrote: 'Last night at Wimereux, the police foiled two deliveries of nautical equipment (2 boats, 2 cans of fuel, 2 engines and life jackets) It was handed over to the police. Our objective - Save Lives'.

The same force - France's National Police - also arrested an individual transporting 14 migrants in a single vehicle.

'He was taken into custody and faces charges,' said a police spokesman.

Five migrants drowned while trying to get to Britain from Wimereux beach on January 14.

In August last year, six people died after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel off the French coast.

And in November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK - the highest recorded number of deaths from a single incident.

Yesterday a dingy crammed with migrants was seen arriving in Dover at lunchtime. It was believed to be the boat containing the remaining survivors.

Many of the passengers' legs were hanging over the side as they precariously stayed inside.

Among the migrants as they arrived in Dover was a woman with a broken leg.

It was escorted by a French warship, while a lifeboat and a Border Force cutter picked it up as it crossed the channel.

French police were beaten back by migrants with sticks and firecrackers moments before the boat capsized in the Channel and left five people dead including the little girl.

Three men, a woman and a four-year-old girl drowned after the dinghy they were on flipped over in the early hours of the morning off the coast of northern France, casting around 112 people into the Channel.

It was one of four that French police stopped from launching

The furious Mayor of Wimereux Jean-Luc Dubaele (pictured) said the latest tragedy was all the fault of the British

The regional governor of the Calais region, Prefet Jacques Billant (pictured), condemned the human traffickers who packed the morning's victims into the boat

Footage showed scores of people running towards the sea as they tried to beat back the French officers on Wimereux beach in northern France early yesterday morning.

Once the migrants were in the water, the French police said there was nothing more they could do as they didn't have a boat.

Moments later, the boat hit a sandbank and caused panic that led to the boat capsizing and five people - including a little girl - drowning.

Only then did French police scramble a boat to save the remaining survivors.

However, when some of the migrants refused to be rescued and restarted the boat's engine, the French Navy instead escorted them onwards towards Britain, which they reached at around lunchtime yesterday.

The migrants had got into difficulty when the dinghy struck a sandbank exposed by the retreating tide.

This sparked panic and caused people to stand up, which unbalanced the boat.

People started falling into the water before the boat capsized, 'flinging everybody into the very cold sea,' a French maritime prefect said.

The French Navy intervention tug the Abeille Normandie (the Normandy Bee) was scrambled and picked up 47 survivors.

They were taken back to France, where four of them were arrested.

Yet 57 people refused to leave the boat, restarted the engine and were escorted towards Britain by the French navy.

Three search-and-rescue SAMU helicopters have been scouring the sea for survivors.

By 11am, funeral directors could be seen collecting bodies around Boulogne, while migrants suffering from conditions such as hypothermia were taken to hospital.

Most of the migrants on board were paying the equivalent of up to 1,000 per head for a voyage, meaning a single boat could be worth 100,000 to a smuggler.

An investigating source based in Boulogne said 'at least five' overcrowded small boats were seen pushing from the beach at Wimereux at around 3am yesterday.

He said: 'Weather conditions were very calm, and hundreds of people were trying to get onto the boats at first light.

'Officers had already dispersed a number of them on Monday night, and confiscated nautical equipment including inflatable boats, outboard engines, life jackets and cans of fuel.'

Despite the police operation, hundreds of men, women and children still managed to launch dinghies.

The source added: 'All the boats were overcrowded, clearly because the people smugglers who organised them wanted to make as much money as possible.

Another overloaded dinghy was pictured in French waters after the incident

Migrants, many of them in life jackets, were seen with their feet dangling in the water

They were escorted by French patrol boat Minck and met in the Channel by a UK Border Force ship

'There were more than 100 people on single boats, which is incredibly dangerous, and the reason they capsized  the boats just can't take the weight of all those people.

'There were lots of children on the boats, including a four-year-old girl who died.'

The little girl's father was rescued by emergency services and taken to Wimereux beach, where he burst into tears and fell into the arms of refugee charity workers 'in a daze'.

The regional governor of the Calais region, Prefet Jacques Billant, condemned the human traffickers who packed the victims into the boat.

He told MailOnline: 'Some 112 souls were packed into that boat. It was unseaworthy  not properly inflated and completely overcrowded.

'To send people into the sea in a boat in that state is an act of murder.

'We arrested five people on human trafficking offences this morning.'

Prefet Billant refused to offer comment on Britain's Rwanda deportation plan.

He said simply: 'My job is to stop the people traffickers and I will use every resource at my disposal to do so.'

A spokesman for the French coastguard said: 'The situation is ongoing and multiple search and rescue teams are in the area.'

Olivier Ternicien, president of Osmose 62, which is based at Boulogne, said: 'A child has died. A third helicopter has just arrived, we fear the worst.'

A criminal investigation into the deaths has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor.

It came just hours after Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill to deter migrants from making the perilous crossing was passed in Parliament.

Rishi Sunak vowed to let nothing 'stand in our way' as he gears up to send Channel migrants to Rwanda within weeks after the Government's deportation plan was finally passed by Parliament.

Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats.

The Rwanda scheme's capacity is 200 people per year. It means if the scheme had been running last year, it would have deported less than 0.7 per cent of small boat migrants.

In terms of the cost of the journey per person, for the first 300 migrants sent to Rwanda, it will cost the Government 1.8million per head, Whitehall's official spending watchdog said.

After the incident, the Prime Minister said the 'tragic' incident reported in the Channel 'underscores' the need for the deterrent effect of the Rwanda plan.

Several dinghies were seen being removed from the water after a series of crossings

Empty dinghies, believed to have carried migrants, are taken off a recovery boat at the Port of Dover

A person is carried on a stretcher as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by the RNLI following a small boat incident in the Channel

He said: 'That is just a reminder of why our plan is so important because there's a certain element of compassion about everything that we're doing.

'We want to prevent people making these very dangerous crossings. If you look at what's happening, criminal gangs are exploiting vulnerable people. They are packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies.

'We've seen an enormous increase in the numbers per boat over the past few years. This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and that's why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally.

'I just want to pay tribute to our Border Force and the French who have cooperated as they always do to rescue people.'

'But as I said it underscores why you need a deterrent very simply. People need to know that if they try and come here illegally they won't be able to stay, they'll be returned either to their own country or Rwanda. And I'm pleased that the Bill has passed through Parliament in the face of lots of Labour opposition, it was a late night.'

Migrants were taken into Dover, Kent, for processing

British officials were seen guiding the migrants in life jackets from the boat

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by the Border Force following a small boat incident in the Channel

However, the furious Mayor of Wimereux said the latest tragedy was all the fault of the British.

Jean-Luc Dubaele said: 'Five dead in January, five dead in April. What are we waiting for? 'Why do the English welcome them? Why do they absolutely want to travel to England? These are the questions that need to be asked.'

He told MailOnline: 'It is Britain who are responsible for the boats setting off across the English Channel and the deaths that occur in the sea.

'The English pay us to stop the boats setting off but they look after the migrants when they arrive on their shores.

'The English give them [migrants] accommodation, food, a bank account, and let them work without regulation.

'It is the English who are responsible for every boat that sails across the Channel to England.

'This has been going on for more than 20 years  migrants crossing to England illegally.

'I have been mayor for four years and I've watched as more and more boats leave from these shores and more people die in the sea.

'This year 14 people have drowned in the sea so far. I've had enough.

'This latest plan to send migrants to Rwanda will do nothing to stop the traffic.

'If the English want to stop the migrants then they should stop looking after them. Stop the free housing, stop the free food, stop the bank accounts, stop letting them work.

'That is how to stop the boats, not making us spend all our resources [the police and the army] of stopping them set off from our beaches.'

The outspoken mayor said he feared a huge increase in small boat crossings this summer when the French law and order authorities will be preoccupied with Olympic Games.

He said: 'I fear what will happen here during the Olympic Games. All of the Forces of Order  the police and the soldiers  will be sent to Paris. So there will be no one to stop the human traffickers.

'There will be more boats, more migrants and more deaths. It will be a catastrophe.'

Mr Dubaele has frequently described Britain as an 'immigrant El Dorado', saying easy access to benefits, and a chance to work in the UK's black economy, attracted thousands from around the world.

The deaths followed a night of frenzied activity by French police, as they tried to stop small boats being launched towards England.

Mr Dubaele said four alleged people smugglers were arrested in he Wimereux areas.

Officers confirmed they had confiscated nautical equipment including two boats at Wimereux.

There were so many people on board that the ship was extremely low in the water

Dozens of migrants were seen on a boat (pictured) in Calais. It is not believed to be the same boat that got into trouble

Another boatload of migrants were seen on an RNLI ship

The migrants were guided to shore by volunteers from the lifeboat charity

The first asylum seekers are expected to be rounded up and detained within days after a political tussle over the controversial law finally ended in the early hours of the morning.

The House of Lords had been engaged in an extended tussle over the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill on Monday, sending it back to the Commons five times in a bid to secure changes.

But they relented just after midnight, paving the way for it to become law and allow delayed flights to start in July, in a move Tories hope will boost the party's hopes of being re-elected later this year.

The news did not appear to have filtered across the Channel, with more migrants boats filmed leaving the French coast near Dunkirk heading for Britain.

In a statement the PM, who is in Poland, said: 'The passing of this legislation will allow us to do that and make it very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay.

'Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.'

Illegal Migration Minister Michael Tomlinson was on Good Morning Britain when it was reported that five migrants had died. He said he was 'absolutely stunned'.

GMB presenter Susanna Reid suggested the Rwanda Bill would do little to stop the issue of migrants crossing in small boats.

The Prime Minister has said 'nothing will stand in our way' of getting flights off the ground after the Government's Rwanda deportation plan passed through Parliament

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Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats. The Government claims the Rwanda scheme will act as a deterrent, however it only has the capacity to send 200 people a year to the East African country

Planes have already been booked and migrants will soon be detained ahead of deportation, he revealed (pictured: staff boarding a plane which was set to be the first to transport migrants to Rwanda in June 2022)

She said: 'If dying in the Channel isn't going to put them off, being sent to Rwanda's not going to defer them.'

Mr Tomlinson said the threat of going to Rwanda was a deterrent. He said: 'I'm determined to stop the boats. The deterrent effect will be up and running.'

'We are doing lots with the French. We want to do more.'

Referring to the tragedy, he said: 'It is absolutely chilling to hear that. We have had fatalities now in the Channel for nine consecutive months.'

The Refugee Council described reports of deaths in the English Channel as 'devastating' and 'all the more tragic' coming just hours after the Rwanda Bill was passed in Parliament.

Enver Solomon, the council's chief executive, said: 'It is shocking to learn of the terrible loss of yet more lives in the Channel. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected.

'This is another devastating human tragedy that could and should have been avoided - and for it to happen just hours after the Government's Rwanda Bill became law makes it all the more tragic.

Pictured: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak leaving Parliament

'The only sustainable way to reduce dangerous journeys across the world's busiest shipping lane is for the Government to reduce the need for desperate people to take desperate actions.

'Instead of hostile, headline-grabbing legislation, we need to see safe routes for those fleeing conflict and persecution, including more options for family reunion, refugee visas, and cooperation with our European neighbours.

'We don't need costly and unworkable laws - we need a fair and humane process that upholds the right to asylum, ensuring refugees are treated with dignity and respect.'

It follows five migrants dying while trying to get to Britain on January 14. Some 29,000 people reached the UK in small boats in 2023, despite the British government saying that stopping them was a priority.

In August last year, six people died after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel off the French coast, while n November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK  the highest recorded number of deaths from a single incident.
A young Queensland family-of-eight has been forced to live in a tent for more than six months as they struggle to find a home amid the worsening rental crisis.

Cameron and Tameka Fletchers never expected they would have to raise their large brood at a campsite in a suburban park north of Brisbane.

They have been living in a tent since last September and say their calls and emails to Queensland's Housing Department have gone unanswered.

'We've always had a house,' Mr Fletchers told 9News.

'We've never done this before, so this is new to us.'

A young Queensland family-of-eight has been forced to live in a tent for more than six months as they struggle to find a home amid the worsening rental crisis (pictured)

Their four-year-old daughter is due to start primary school next year but can't be enrolled because they don't have a permanent address.

The couple, who have six children between the ages of one and 10, are just one of the dozens of families forced into tents amid record low vacancy rates.

'Everyone here is going through the same thing,' Mr Fletchers said.

Everyday tasks such as feeding their children breakfast, keeping the younger ones entertained and washing clothes are difficult.

'We've had to buy these solar camping showers from Kmart,' Ms Fletchers said.

The family are happy to move into a three-bedroom home but the Department of Housing will only offer a five-bedroom property.

A department spokesperson said they had been working with the family since last September, including 'providing accommodation which they chose to leave'.

'As we've been assisting them to find longer-term options, they have declined further offers of accommodation,' the statement said.

The Queensland couple, who have six children between the ages of one and 10, are just one of the dozens of families forced into tents amid record low vacancy rates

However, Ms Fletchers said this was not the case.

'We've been pretty much shut out since last September when we first applied to get help, they don't reply to messages, emails, nothing,' she said.

Mr Fletchers said the 'only way to get help' was erecting a tent in a local campsite.

The department said there were eligibility factors that needed to be met to provide social housing, including income thresholds.

'However, the department continues to work with the family to find a private rental and give any other support they might need,' the spokesperson said.

It comes just weeks after a 'tent city' popped up in Brisbane's south as an increasing number of renters struggle to afford a roof over their heads.

In Musgrave Park, adjacent to the city's idyllic Southbank tourist precinct, more than 60 tents are filled with people seeking permanent accommodation.

The rental vacancy rate across Australia is at a staggering 1 per cent meaning the demand for rental properties is not being met by supply.

The rental vacancy rate across Australia is at a staggering 1 per cent meaning the demand for rental properties is not being met by supply

In Australia's capitals, annual rent growth slowed from 17.8 per cent in 2022 to 13.2 per cent in 2023, while slowing from 11.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent in the regions.

Across the nation, property investors have left the market and while there has been a rebound it is not enough to replenish depleted levels of housing stock.

As a result, rental vacancies have remained near record lows at 1.1 per cent, down from 1.3 per cent in December 2022, forcing prices upwards.

The median cost of renting a house in the combined state capitals has reached a new record of $630 a week, according to Domain.

The first three months of 2024 had the sharpest quarterly gain in 17 years.

Advertised house rents rose five per cent over the quarter, with units also up a solid 3.3 per cent to a new record median asking price of $620.

The prices rises have been caused by a record influx of migrants and the resultant shortage of available housing.

Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith said the nation hasn't been building enough homes to keep pace with record migrant inflows.

The economist wasn't confident the government's goal of building 1.2million homes starting from mid-2024 would be be met, according to recent forecasts.

Mr Smith said it could take years to change, so the shortage in housing and soaring property prices and rents 'will get quite a lot worse before it gets better'.
Indigenous senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has slammed a proposal to ban visitors from Australia's biggest lake to protect its Aboriginal cultural significance.

Thousands of tourists flock to Lake Eyre in South Australia's far north every few years when flooding rains moving down from Queensland transform the normally arid lake bed into into a spectacular kaleidoscope of colours, and attracts animals from far and wide.

It's also a sacred site for the Arabana people, who have lived in the region for millennia and are the lake's native title holders.

Under a proposed management plan, all recreational access to the lake bed will be banned out of respect for Arabana culture.

Swimming, driving, boating and landing aircraft on the lake are already banned, but the new plan would prevent visitors setting foot on its bed without permission.

Senator Nampijinpa Price slammed the move claiming that Indigenous culture had become the 'new religion' and that Australia was 'locking up' tourist hotspots around the country.

Tourists could soon be banned from setting foot on Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in South Australia's far north

The shadow minister for Indigenous Affairs is concerned that another of Australia's natural wonders may soon be put off limits, with access determined by race.

Theres this trend going on around our country, where were locking the place up from visitors being able to see our own backyard,' Senator Nampijinpa Price told 2GB's Ben Fordham on Wednesday.

'We all belong here as Australians, we all belong to this country, we all have a significant connection to this country, especially if were born here, regardless of racial heritage.

'Were shooting ourselves in the foot if we continue down this path where were going to limit access for the potential for tourism, growth and all other things.'

The lake proposal has sparked a divided reaction among Indigenous Aussies, including Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price

The senator also referenced the tourist ban at Mount Warning (known as Wollumbin by Indigenous people) near Murwillumbah in northern NSW.

The tourist spot once welcomed more than 120,000 visitors every year, but it has been off limits since 2020 despite some Indigenous elders questioning its cultural significance.

In the Northern Territory, tourists have been banned from climbing Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, since October 2019.

Senator Nampijinpa Price believes Australian and international visitors should not be deprived access to such sites for no other reason than not possessing the right heritage.

'It opens the opportunity to for those who take advantage of the situation to create their own stories, control the narrative and control access to these places,' Senator Nampijinpa Price continued.

'I don't understand to what end really, why this has to take place.'

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre could be the next Australian natural wonder to be off limits to tourists

'It's almost become a new religion and everyone has to respect it.

'We've all got different cultural backgrounds as Australians and yes, we should respect it in our own way.

'But I was brought up that it was about sharing. It's about sharing understanding and knowledge and having something to be proud of.'

Lake Eyre is one of a number of culturally significant sites in SA to enforce strict rules around entry to visitors, including Koonalda Caves in the Nullarbor, Sacred Canyon in the Flinders Ranges, and Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.

The public can have their say on the proposed management plan until July 19 on the SA Department for Environment and Water website.
A witness who saw a man running from the scene of Jill Dando's murder has claimed that he looks like a Serbian assassin.

The beloved 37-year-old journalist's death after she was shot in the head on her front doorstep in April 1999 has been the subject of countless speculation, but the case hasn't been touched in 10 years.

Barry George's defence lawyer has also claimed police should reopen the case to look at twice-convicted killer Milorad Ulemek, who looks like the mystery man.

Mr George, now 64, was tried and convicted of the TV presenter's murder but after spending eight years in jail, he was cleared.

A facial comparison expert gave 'limited support' to the theory that Ulemek, who is serving 40 years in a Serbian prison, looks like the unidentified person along the gunman's likely escape route.

This is the second lowest on a subjective scale range from 'no support' to 'powerful support'.

And now a witness who reported seeing a man 'running for his life' from the scene has claimed he looks like the notorious assassin.

The Crimewatch star once time admitted that her role on the show left her in fear of retribution from the criminals she sought to expose

Expert Emi Polito found a number of similarities between "Man X" in blurry CCTV and Ulemek

Notorious assassin Milorad Lukovic Ulemek, alias Legija, seen in May 2004

Within hours of her passing, a call claimed it was in response to British planes bombing Serbia

Barry George, now 64, was tried and convicted of the presenter's murder but was later cleared

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told The Mirror he wants Jill's family to get justice

Emi Polito was commissioned by The Mirror to compare the CCTV of Man X to the assassin.

At the time of Jill's death, the 56-year-old hitman led a squad of assassins targeting those opposing dictator Slobodan Milosevic.

The journalist made an appeal for Kosovan refugees dying at the hands of his forces, and within hours of her passing, a call claimed the hit was in response to British planes bombing Serbia.

CCTV of 'sweating' Man X showed a suspect getting on a bus in Fulham, south-west London, shortly after Jill was shot nearby.

Mr Polito alleges the assassin and Man X share a similarly shaped mouth, chin and hairline.

Speaking to a witness who saw the mystery man running from the area, The Mirror quoted her as saying: 'It's him'.

She told the newspaper 'I've no doubt' and said: 'I'm bad for remembering names but I'm good with faces'.

The woman added that she is 'completely and utterly adamant' that they're the same person.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told The Mirror he wants Jill's family to get justice.

The Mirror reports the expert as saying the general shape and sizes of their noses and ear are also the same.

Jill Dando Floral Tributes in Gowan Avenue, Fulham SW6 following her brutal murder

Floods of mourning fans paid tribute to the beloved journalist and laid flowers at the scene

At the time of Jill's death, the 56-year-old hitman led a squad of assassins targeting those opposing dictator Slobodan Milosevic

The journalist's tragic and brutal death has long been the subject of intense speculation

Gowan Avenue, Fulham, London, where Jill Dando was shot dead in 1999

A 9mm Beretta pistol and magazine which was found shortly before midday on the foreshore of the Thames near Putney Bridge in west London, was being examined by forensic experts

But the CCTV imagery was blurry and he clarified that his observations only add 'light weight' to the theory that they're the same person.

When the assassin was asked if he murdered the journalist, his lawyer said 'he is not interested in participating,' The Mirror reported.

The man on the CCTV is a white male with dark hair in a dark suit, thought to have been born in the 60s.

It has long been suspected that she was shot by a professional assassin

He was seen about a mile away from the murder scene, by Putney Bridge underground station. He bought a ticket, went through the barriers but then left the station through another exit.

He was 'sweating heavily' and speaking into a mobile phone when he took the bus to the tube station a few minutes after the incident, according to The Mirror.

The newspaper said that Ulemek was in his 30s at the time and of a similar build.

A month before Jill died, Ulemek was asked to murder a 'leading journalist', a court heard previously. But he declined, he said, because he was needed in Kosovo.

The Crimewatch star once time admitted that her role on the show left her in fear of retribution from the criminals she sought to expose.

And in 1999, she featured on Crimewatch as the victim of a brutal assassination two years later. Her career meant there was an extensive list of suspects.

It has long been suspected that she was shot by a professional assassin.

A blue Range Rover that was parked illegally on the street where she lived, Gowan Avenue, was caught on CCTV driving away at speed from the area.

CCTV footage shows the television presenter on the morning of her death

Locals line the route, as the funeral of Jill Dando makes its way through Weston-super-Mare

Six distinctive marks were found on the cartridge case used by the gunman who killed Jill

The prime suspect in the murder of Jill Dando made his getaway by bus

A police officer at the cordon in Gowan Avenue, Fulham, holds a bunch of flowers that were given to him by a member of the public after the brutal murder

In 1999, Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell was a senior investigating officer in the Met's murder squad, based in Kensington, West London.

He had never met Jill, though she had made an appeal on Crimewatch for one of his old murder inquiries and they had attended the same lunch at Scotland Yard, where she had spoken of her fears of a 'hit' being carried out on a Crimewatch presenter.

When told by a colleague that reports were coming through that a woman had been 'stabbed' in Fulham, Campbell decided to take a sergeant and go see for himself as it it was a 'very unusual' crime for that area of London.

As he drove down, he received a call from his chief superintendent who said to him bluntly, 'that case, that's going to be Jill Dando', it was heard in a Netflix documentary which aired last year.

Scotland Yard told The Mirror that the investigation is 'inactive' but 'no unsolved murder is ever closed'.
Dust from the Sahara Desert turned Athens orange yesterday as clouds blown across the Mediterranean Sea caused the city's famous landmarks to look more like scenes from Mars.

Strong southerly winds coming from north Africa painted southern Greece in the unusual hue as the day wore on.

And world-famous tourist sites took on a unique appearance after the dust cloud swept across the capital.

Landmarks, including the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, the Temple of Apollo and Tourkovounia Hill, as well as the buzzing city centre, were painted orange by the winds.

A couple pictured sitting on the hill looking out at a Mars-like Athens after southerly winds painted the city in an unusual hue

The city of Athens seen from Tourkovounia hill after it turned orange thanks to Sahara Desert dust

The Temple of Apollo in Corinth, Greece, looking orange after dust flew into the southern coast

Martian-like skies pictured over the archaeological site of Acrocorinth in Corinth, Greece yesterday

The Acropolis Hill seen in a different colour yesterday

The Martian-like filter will be short-lived, however, with skies expected to clear by Wednesday as winds shift.

The sudden weather development also caused temperatures to soar with the mercury hitting 30C (86F) on the southern island of Crete - more than 20C (68F) higher than most of northern Greece.

The strong winds have also fanned unseasonal wildfires in the south of the country.

On Tuesday evening, the fire service said that 25 wildfires had broken out across the country in the past 24 hours.

Three people were arrested on the Aegean Sea resort island of Paros on suspicion of accidentally starting a scrub blaze on Monday, the service added.

No significant damage or injuries were reported and the fire was quickly contained.

Another blaze that broke out on Crete near a naval base was brought under control on Tuesday.

World-famous tourist sites took on a unique appearance after the dust cloud swept across the capital (pictured, from above)

The Martian-like filter will be short-lived, however, with skies expected to clear by Wednesday as winds shift (pictured: the Temple of Apollo yesterday)

People across the city took in the spectacular views which were painted a different hue yesterday

A couple pictured sitting on Tourkovounia hill, as southerly winds carried waves of Saharan dust. The Martian-like filter will be short-lived, however, with skies expected to clear by Wednesday as winds shift

The sudden weather development also caused temperatures to soar with the mercury hitting 30C (86F) on the southern island of Crete - more than 20C (68F) higher than most of northern Greece (pictured: people looking up at the orange skies in Athens yesterday)

Greece suffers devastating, and often deadly, forest blazes every summer, and last year the country recorded the European Union's largest wildfire in more than two decades.

Persistent drought, combined with high spring temperatures, has raised fears of a particularly challenging period for firefighters in the coming months.
Courageous Women in War: Interview the Brave Women in Ukraine Whose Husbands Risk Their Lives to Bring Comfort and Hope on the Frontline

Media Advisory



What do you do when everything falls apart?



Is God really there in war, loss and grief?



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)

April 24, 2024



MEDIA ADVISORY, April 24, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- This is your opportunity to cover a unique event for approximately 50 women in Ukraine whose husbands risk their lives every day to help others and bring God's comfort on the frontline of the war. These courageous women and pastors' wives face deadly missile attacks on their own communities day and night.

WHAT: The "Unmet Expectations" gathering April 29 - May 1, 2024 aims to encourage Ukrainian women whose lives and dreams have been torn apart by war.



WHERE: Near Kyiv, Ukraine.



WHO: Key speakers at the event include Oleksandra and Angela, two remarkable Ukrainian women partnering with Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) which is hosting the gathering. Oleksandra counsels young women who've lost a loved one or live every day in fear of being widowed as the war rages on. Oleksandra and her husband are expecting their first child. Angela's husband is an SGA-supported missionary chaplain serving on the frontline.

Both Oleksandra and Angela speak excellent, clear English and are exceptional communicators via audio and video broadcasts. Both women have incredible insights to share with your audience as they "speak from the heart."



Watch Oleksandra here.



Speakers also include Kristi and Eric Mock, an American couple serving with SGA. Eric, SGA's senior vice president, is a frequent visitor to Ukraine where he supports SGA's network of hundreds of local evangelical churches delivering food aid and sharing the Gospel.



MEDIA: To arrange your interview via Zoom, contact:

DeWayne Hamby dhamby@inchristcommunications.com (423) 505-0041 (text or phone)



SOURCE Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)


6th Forum Macao focuses on cooperation between China, Portuguese-speaking countries

Xinhua) 11:03, April 24, 2024

MACAO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The 6th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao, was held here Monday through Tuesday.

During the conference, 20 new initiatives covering six areas were announced, including cooperation in trade and investment, human resources, and healthcare, as well as industrial cooperation, development cooperation, and cooperation regarding Macao as a platform.

Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said at the conference that since its establishment, Forum Macao has actively responded to the common desire of governments and peoples of various countries to strengthen cooperation, leveraging Macao's unique advantages, and has made significant contributions to the mutual benefit, win-win, and common development between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs).

This year's conference not only addressed the key areas of economic and trade cooperation between China and PSCs in the next three years but also underscored Macao's crucial role as a commercial and trade service platform. On Monday, the participating states signed the Strategic Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation (2024-2027).

Another main activity of the conference was the Conference of Entrepreneurs on Tuesday, which featured business-matching sessions, seminars and the signing of 15 projects. Nearly 700 representatives from governments, trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, and enterprises attended the event.

Carlos Alvares, president of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry Macao Delegation, told Xinhua that he saw many agreements signed between entities from PSCs and China, which, in his eyes, would give the businesses more opportunities.

Forum Macao was founded in Macao in October 2003, hosted by the central government of China (Ministry of Commerce), and undertaken by the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Nine PSCs, including Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, and Timor-Leste, joined the forum.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Nicaragua is expected to shut down its embassy in South Korea for a second time, 10 years after its first closure in the 1990s, apparently due to its fiscal deterioration, officials familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

The Nicaraguan government recently informed South Korea of the decision, and the embassy closure is expected to take place soon, a foreign ministry official in Seoul said.

If carried out, it would be the second time that the Central American nation is closing its embassy in Seoul. The country closed its embassy in South Korea in 1997, citing financial difficulties, only two years after the mission was established. The embassy reopened in October 2014.

Nicaragua withdrew the appointment of its ambassador to South Korea, Zhenia Ruth Arce Zepeda, who assumed the post only nine months ago.

Nicaragua is expected to maintain its diplomatic presence in Seoul by having one of its top envoys stationed in the neighboring countries double as the envoy to Seoul.

The move comes at a time when Nicaragua announced an agreement with North Korea to open an embassy in Pyongyang. Nicaragua is known for its hard-line, anti-U.S. foreign policy.

Nicaragua has yet to send its top envoy to the North, a Seoul official said, adding that the country has lately been closing a number of embassies and consulates in major countries, including Germany, the United States, Mexico and Britain. (Yonhap)
A young woman has suffered 'significant' injuries in a dog attack just hours after another Queenslander was mauled and left in a serious condition.

Emergency services were called to a home in Mount Louisa, a suburb of Townsville, about 6.30pm on Tuesday, to treat the victim of a dog mauling.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was treated for a 'significant wound to her leg' before being taken to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition.

Earlier that day, at 6.30am, a woman in her 60s was mauled by a dog at Burpengary, north of Brisbane.

She suffered 'significant' injuries to her hand and arm and was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a serious condition for further treatment.

A woman, aged in her 20s, suffered a 'significant' wound to her leg after she was attacked by a dog at a home in far north Queensland (stock image)

Officers from Moreton Bay Council attended the home and seized the dog, the breed of which has not been revealed.

The attacks come a week after the Queensland parliament introduced tougher laws regarding aggressive dog breeds.

Owners face fines of up to $108,000 and even jail time if they are found to encourage an attack in which their dog inflicts serious injuries or kills a person.

Five breeds - the Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier and the Presa Canario - were banned.

The maximum fines for failing to take reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack has doubled to more than $92,000.

Dog owners in Queensland previously faced maximum potential fines of up to $45,000.

It comes just 12 hours after another woman, aged in her 60s, was rushed to hospital in a serious condition following a dog attack in Burpengary, north of Brisbane

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner backed the changes.

'Queenslanders told us they wanted tougher laws to combat dangerous dogs and the Miles Government has delivered,' Mr Furner said.

'We worked with local governments, the LGAQ and RSPCA Queensland through an Animal Management Taskforce that recommended meaningful changes to these laws.

'Queenslanders backed these changes in their thousands, and we can say to them that the Miles Government has delivered for them  on time and as promised.

'We will keep working with the community to get the message out about these new laws and help people with at-risk dogs to comply to make the community safer.

'We will always put the safety of Queenslanders first and that's what these important reforms will deliver.'

It comes after a spate of dog attacks, including a meter reader who was fatally mauled.

Kane Minion, 42, was killed when two dogs attacked the Energex worker as he tried to read the meter at a home in the Logan suburb of Greenbank in December 2022.

'Queenslanders backed these changes in their thousands, and we can say to them that the Miles Government has delivered for them  on time and as promised,' minister Mark Furner said.

'We will keep working with the community to get the message out about these new laws and help people with at-risk dogs to comply to make the community safer.
A Qantas passenger has slammed the airline after her dream holiday to Fiji was ruined when her luggage was given back to her soaked through.

Shirley Becke, 70, had planned the getaway to celebrate her birthday with her husband and booked a flight from Sydney to the Pacific island on April 5.

Ms Becke claimed her luggage was returned to her still wet after it had been left out in the rain on the tarmac back in Sydney for at least 30 minutes.

The NSW capital experienced one of one of the wettest days on record when the region was pummelled by the heaviest rainfall in four years.

'When we arrived at our hotel and opened our bags, our clothes and toiletries were wet,' Ms Becke told Yahoo.

Shirley Becke (pictured right) had planned a dream holiday with her husband (pictured left) to Fiji to celebrate her birthday, but discovered to her horror that her bags were soaking wet

The 70-year-old was forced to spend the first night of her holiday without any fresh clothes - including her underwear.

Ms Becke said she had to leave her wet clothes and other belongings out to dry on the balcony of the hotel room.

'I didn't have any dry clothing available until the next day as I had to drape all the wet clothing on the furniture located on the balcony,' she said.

Ms Becke took photos of the damage showing wet patches on the suitcase and clothes as well as medication packaging that had gone soggy.

Her husband's luggage however was not affected.

Ms Becke claimed her luggage was left out in the rain, for what she believes was for at least half-an-hour, on the day she boarded her flight from Sydney Airport.

She said several suitcases and even pets were left on a trailer which had been towed onto the tarmac to be loaded onto the aircraft.

'It's totally unacceptable as Qantas would have been aware of the bad weather and surely should have prepared for it,' Ms Becke said.

Mrs Becke claim that her baggage was left on a trailer that was towed onto the tarmac at Sydney airport while it was raining heavily (pictured)

Sydney was hit with 111mm of rain to 9am on April, 5.

After Ms Becke came back to Australia following her week-long holiday, she contacted Qantas to raise the issue directly with them.

She claims she was told by the airline that she should have informed staff at the airport on the day she left.

Ms Becke argued she was not aware of the issue until she got to her hotel in Fiji.

Qantas informed Ms Becke in an email that staff ensure baggage is not left out in the rain for a significant amount of time.

The airline told her they would not be able to compensate her for water damage to her baggage as a result of the incident.

The 70-year-old took photos of several belongings that she had packed for the trip (pictured), which were left with stains from the water after her belongings were drenched

A Qantas spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that staff always put safety first during periods of heavy rainfall.

'When airports are impacted by severe storms, staff may be directed to leave the airport tarmac for a period of time until it is safe to continue working,' she said.

'While every effort is made to ensure bags remain under cover during wet weather, safety is always our first priority.'

The spokeswoman explained that most passengers understand that their bags may get wet as they are being loaded and unloaded.
BBC staff are concerned an internal report into the conduct of one-time top newsreader Huw Edwards has been quietly filed away after the journalist quit the corporation earlier this week.

The veteran reporter, 62, stood down from the BBC months after it emerged that he was the top corporation figure alleged to have paid a young person 35,000 in exchange for explicit pictures.

Edwards, who had been at the forefront of many significant news events including the death of Queen Elizabeth II, disappeared from screens in July after the allegations were first made and has now quit on mental health grounds.

But staff in New Broadcasting House are concerned the results of an internal investigation into Edwards - paused briefly until police confirmed no criminality had taken place - will never be made public.

The BBC has said since it began the probe that there was no assurance of it ever publishing the report, as it would be mindful of its duty of care towards Edwards, who suffered serious mental health problems after the allegations were reported.

Huw Edwards quit the BBC earlier this week months after he was taken off air amid allegations he had paid a younger person for explicit photos

Some staff at the BBC are reportedly concerned his resignation will lead to an inquiry into his behaviour being quietly shelved

Huw Edwards was last seen on the screen on July 5 last year when he covered King Charles' visit to Scotland (pictured). Nine months on he has left the BBC on health grounds

Welsh newsreader Edwards, who was paid around 435,000 a year as of the most recent BBC salary disclosures, was reported to have received the outcome of the inquiry and given a chance to respond in November.

Katie Razzall, the BBC's media editor, said in remarks reported by The Times that she believed the corporation would now consider the matter 'closed' with Edwards' resignation on Monday.

But others within the broadcaster - including some who had made submissions to the internal inquiry - told the newspaper of their surprise to learn Edwards was resigning. They were not given advance notice, the paper reports.

'People are wondering why there hasn't been a proper resolution,' said one individual close to the situation.

'It's difficult for them because while they aren't devastated, it is strange that it won't be completed in some way.'

Another added: 'I dont know if there are lessons to be learnt or not but I do feel that there are a lot of unanswered questions about what the true story is.'

The broadcaster also launched a separate review into how it handles non-editorial complaints after the family of the person who was allegedly in contact with Edwards said their concerns were not taken seriously at an early stage.

That review concluded in February and resulted in a document that set out a plan to ensure that the most serious complaints were fast-tracked by BBC staff.

The scandal erupted last summer when The Sun reported a then-unnamed top BBC star had been paying a young person for explicit photos from the age of 17.

Later versions of the story amended the allegation, only going as far as to say that contact between the two started when the younger person was that age.

The paper had quoted the person's mother as saying her child, who was 20 as of last summer, had used the money to fund a crack cocaine habit.

A lawyer for the young person has since said the accusations were 'rubbish' but the family has stood by the account.

Britain's most famous newsreader, 62, has been off air since last July after he was accused of paying a young person for sexually explicit images. Pictured on BBC News at 10

Edwards, who was born in Bridgend and brought up in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, joined the BBC as a trainee in 1984. Pictured on the six o'clock news in 1999

Edwards, a married father-of-five, worked at the BBC for four decades. He has spoken openly about his mental health and getting fitter in recent years

On Monday, the mother of the young person told The Sun: 'In [Edwards] resigning we are worried we won't get the answers we so desperately need.

'If Huw has been found to have done something wrong no action can be taken against him.'

The young person has claimed, via their lawyer, to be estranged from their family.

Edwards was named by his wife, Vicky Flind, as the person at the centre of the allegations after social media users began falsely suggesting other stars were the individual in the Sun's reports.

She confirmed Edwards had been admitted to hospital to receive care for 'serious mental health issues'.

'I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children,' she said.

The BBC said on Monday: 'Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC.

'After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.

'The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don't believe it appropriate to comment further.'

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Experts have warned homeowners to take extra precautions with the inflatables

The large play structure was yanked off the ground by 'twister-like' winds

A California family were shocked when their bounce house got swept away

A California family watched in horror as 'twister-like' winds snatched their bouncy house and trampoline form the backyard.

Shocking video shows the wild moment the inflatable structure was ripped off the ground and swept into the sky by a dust devil.

In the video, one of the residents is seen trying to grab onto the massive structure as it is yanked up by the intense winds - and he is almost swept up along with it.

Yvonne Iribe, the homeowner, said that her family members were enjoying an afternoon in the sun when the terrifying incident took place.

'We were relaxing in the pool. Next thing you know, a little dust devil, dirt devil comes by and swept our trampoline and our jumper away,' Iribe told ABC.

A California family watched in horror as 'twister-like' winds snatched their bouncy house and trampoline form the backyard

Shocking video shows the wild moment the inflatable structure was ripped off the ground and swept into the sky by a dust devil

Along with the bouncy house, the dust devil also flipped over a large trampoline that had been sitting in the backyard as the family members were playing outside

'The jumper flew up like 100 feet,' Iribe reported - adding that it spun and landed on the neighbor's house.

'It was very dangerous, very scary,' the California homeowner said.

Along with the bouncy house, the dust devil also flipped over a large trampoline that had been sitting in the backyard as the family members were playing outside.

The trampoline was stopped in its path by the family's parked truck - which was cracked by the impact of the flying apparatus.

Experts have issued a word of warning to homeowners with bounce houses. They suggest that stakes are used to secure the play structure to the ground and prevent them from flying away.

Experts also advise that bounce houses should not be used if winds exceed 15 miles per hour.

The safety suggestions come after multiple dangerous incidents that have left children hospitalized.

In the video, one of the residents is seen trying to grab onto the massive structure as it is yanked up by the intense winds - and he is almost swept up along with it

Homeowner Yvonne Iribe said that her family members were enjoying an afternoon in the sun when the terrifying incident took place

Dr. John Knox is a geography professor at the University of Georgia who studied the wind-related bounce house incidents

A University of Georgia study tracked wind-related bounce house incidents from 2000 to 2021 and found that such incidents caused at least 479 injuries and at least 28 deaths.

Dr. John Knox is a geography professor at the University of Georgia who studied the wind-related bounce house incidents.

He said, 'The injuries can be varied. But you can have more severe injuries because even though the bounce houses look cute and cuddly, if they're flying in the air and they hit you, you can suffer a concussion or worse.'
FBI Director Christopher Wray has warned of the heightened possibility of a coordinated terror attack in the US.

Wray told NBC News the FBI is 'increasingly concerned [about] the potential for some kind of coordinated attack here in the homeland.'

Explaining that such an event 'may be not that different from what you saw against the concert hall in Russia a few weeks ago from ISIS-K.'

The attack on a Moscow concert hall on March 22 killed at least 144 people, making it the deadliest terror attack in Russia for 20 years.

Wray has previously raised concerns over the elevated terror threat, telling a House of Representatives panel earlier this month that the current terror threat is the highest he can remember in his career.

FBI director Christopher Wray has issued a stark warning about the heightened possibility of a coordinated terror attack in the US

Wray told NBC such an attack 'may be not that different from what you saw against the concert hall in Russia'

The attack on a Moscow concert hall on March 22 killed at least 144 people, making it the deadliest terror attack in Russia for 20 years

'As I look back over my career in law enforcement, I would 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,' he told the panel.

The FBI had 4,000 international terrorism investigations open at the end of the 2023 fiscal year, according to Wray's testimony.

Wray told NBC the terror threat for the US has increased following Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on October 7.

'We thought that even before October 7' he explained 'that the terrorism threat was already elevated.

'Post-October 7 it has gone to a whole other level.'

Speaking about the increasingly hostile international environment and the potential spill over of terror Wray added: 'Whether it's the threat from China, Russia, Iran, [there are] terrorism threats both foreign terrorism threats and domestic terrorist threats.'

Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, has been campaigning in Congress to receive more funding for his agency.

The FBI's fiscal 2024 budget fell $500 million short of what was needed to maintain its current functions, Reuters reported.

The FBI had 4,000 international terrorism investigations open at the end of the 2023 fiscal year, according to Wray's testimony

Wray and the FBI have been a target for former president Trump's ire, arguing that they have unfairly targeted him in investigations.

Trump recently called on Congress to slash the agency's funding, while calling the FBI and the Justice Department as 'vicious monsters.'

The increasingly heated attacks on the bureau have led to a rise in attacks on its employees and buildings, according to Reuters.

'We have seen a substantial jump in threats towards FBI personnel and facilities from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023,' Wray told Congress.

Adding: 'In fact, we created a dedicated unit to try to deal with those issues.'

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the March attack on Crocus City Hall.

IS released shocking footage of the terrorists firing indiscriminately into the crowd of 6,000 inside the concert hall.

Four suspects were arrested hours after the attack and appeared to have been beaten before appearing before a Russian court.

Footage of brutal interrogation sessions by the Russian security forces appeared online with reports that at least one of the suspects suffered electric shocks, the BBC reported.

President Vladimir Putin said 'we know that the crime was committed by the hands of radical Islamists, followers of an ideology that the Islamic world itself has been fighting against for centuries'.
Millions are set to freeze as a cold front hits the south-east of Australia, causing temperatures to plummet.

The warm autumn weather will be replaced with cooler temperatures and showers across southeast Australia, making its way to NSW before heading to Brisbane for the weekend.

The cold front, which originated in the Great Australian Bight, hit South Australia on Tuesday, bringing winds and cooler temperatures.

The southerly change, due to hit Sydney Wednesday afternoon, has already brought some showers to Melbourne.

People attending Thursday's Anzac Day Dawn Service have been told to rug up in the eastern states - with Melbourne to have possible rain and Hobart getting blustery winds.

Rain, wind and colder temperatures are set for some Australian states and territories

SYDNEY

The city will see a generally mild week, with a southerly change arriving on Wednesday afternoon.

This will see the temperature drop from 25C to 20C when it hits, bringing gusty winds.

The cold front will leave Sydney with a couple of days of relatively cool temperatures, but not significantly below the April average.

Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Konta told Daily Mail Australia people should be rugged up on Thursday morning.

'It will feel chilly at the Anzac Day Dawn Service - it is jacket weather. But it won't be too cold,' he said.

The minimum weather on Thursday is 15C before warming up to a mostly sunny 23C.

There could be some showers on Saturday, although nothing significant, before warming back up on Sunday.

It will stay reasonably warm on Monday for a top of 27C.

Both Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart will experience gusty weather

MELBOURNE

There are some showers about on Wednesday which could carry through to Thursday morning with gusty conditions.

Light rain is forecast for the Dawn Service in the more southern parts of Melbourne, so residents have been advised to go prepared.

The maximum temperatures between Thursday and Saturday will be a cold 16C to 17C maximum, before warming up on Sunday to 20C.

Melbourne will experience colder temperatures and showers late on Monday.

'It's typical in autumn to see this type of weather. The cold front has a high-pressure ridge, moving it along to the other states,' Ms Konta said.

ADELAIDE

Adelaide is much drier than the other states, although it may have an occasional shower.

The week will be relatively mild with a top of 19C on Thursday.

The morning will be cold for the Dawn Service, sitting around a fresh 9C.

Adelaide will slowly warm up towards the weekend, before having a chance of a shower later on Monday after a fairly mild day of 21C.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is looking dry for the rest of Wednesday.

The weather will stay dry for the Anzac Day Dawn Service on Thursday, as well as for the rest of the day.

Anzac Day will have a minimum of 17C before reaching a warm 27C.

However, as the cold front moves up to Queensland and is due late on Thursday, there could be some showers, but it won't get much colder.

Friday will most likely have showers and possibly Saturday as well.

'It's going to be pretty showery, especially for Brisbane's eastern suburbs on Saturday and Sunday but not too much - about 5mm,' Mr Konta said.

Perth has no chance of rain over the couple of days, but a trough could be developing and deliver rain on Monday (pictured Cottesloe Beach)

PERTH

'Perth looks the same as the last couple of months, unfortunately - pretty much no rain for the next couple of days at least,' Mr Konta said.

Overall April's has been warm for this time of year experiencing low to mid 20s, but Friday is expected to reach 28C.

Mr Konta said Monday is an interesting one as there are signs of a weather trough.

'I'm not sure if we'll see any rain in Perth, but it's something to keep an eye on,' he said.

DARWIN

The Top End's capital may have a shower late afternoon on Wednesday, with a possibility of a wet Thursday morning - however it should clear up for the Dawn Service.

The rest of the week should be dry and warm, with temperatures around 35C slightly above average for Darwin.

'But this is common as we go into the dry season as we see increased daylight, right before we get to those winter months,' Mr Konta said.

HOBART

With the cold front passing through, it has been gusty in Hobart.

The winds will only ease back Thursday afternoon with the city warming up for the weekend to 19C on Saturday and Sunday

However, Thursday and Friday will be cold with tops of 15C-16C only and the Dawn Service will be a windy 9C.

On Monday, a new cold front is set to hit Hobart, bringing rain.

People are being told to rug up for Canberra's ANZAC Day Dawn Service, with it expected to be a chilly 4C

CANBERRA

The capital city is expected to hit a chilly 4C for the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

However, Thursday will become warmer, reaching a respectable 19C.

The rest of the week will be mostly sunny and there's no expected rain until Monday, but a chance of a shower is minimal.

Sunday and Monday will be the hottest days in Canberra with the mercury reaching 22C on both days.
A homeless man has been charged with the murder of a 46-year-old man outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Leandro Kaienga, 28, was arrested on Monday in connection with the death of Okechukwu Iweha and will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Kaienga was also charged with the possession of a knife.

Police and paramedics were called to Northumberland Park on the outskirts of the stadium just before 6am on April 7, where Mr Iweha was found dead with a number of stab injuries.

CPR was administered but despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A homeless man has been charged with the murder of 46-year-old Okechukwu Iweha (pictured)

The attack took place on April 7 outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Forensic investigators at the scene of the incident pictured on the morning after

Speaking in the days after the stabbing, Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: 'I am urging anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to please come forward and speak with us.

'We are working hard to build a timeframe to establish what has happened.

'Were you woken up by a disturbance, or did you see anyone running from the area?

'I would ask that you check any private CCTV or dash cam footage to see whether you captured anything that might assist us.

'Another family has been left grieving and we are doing everything we can to find answers to their questions and locate whoever is responsible for this murder.'

Tottenham Hotspur's fixture against Nottingham Forest on the day went ahead as planned and the club posted on X: 'Following an incident in which an individual has lost their life, we are doing everything to accommodate the ongoing Police investigation, which is of the utmost importance.

'This afternoon's Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest will go-ahead as scheduled, however the whole of Northumberland Park Road and Vicarage Road, as well as the north end of Worcester Avenue, will remain closed throughout.

A murder investigation has been launched after Mr Iweha was found dead outside the ground

Forensic investigators at the scene on Northumberland Park in Haringey, after the attack

'We shall update supporters as and when we can, and ask for fans to be patient and allow extra travel time.

'Our thoughts are with the victim's family and all those affected.'

Okechukwus family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
A real estate agent who befriended an elderly client and stole almost $100,000 to fund a lavish lifestyle of high-end fashion, beauty treatments, electronic devices and meals has learned her fate just weeks out from welcoming her second child.

Pregnant mother of-one Hayley Philpot, 29, was sentenced to three months' jail this week after she pleaded guilty to a charge of obtaining an enduring power of attorney to obtain financial advantage.

Shocking details about the theft, which funded dozens of elaborate shopping sprees and left her victim struggling to make ends meet, were laid bare in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

Philpot was working as an agent at Savoy Real Estate Yarra Glen in 2019 when she met her female victim, 80, who wanted to sell her home.

The court heard Philpot helped with the sale and then assisted the woman and her husband in relocating to a nursing home, the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader reported.

Former real estate agent Hayley Philpot was sentenced just weeks before giving birth to her second child

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Philpot was granted power of attorney and then wiped $98,844 from the woman's bank account over a 15-month period up until August 2021, the court heard.

The court heard Philpot blew the stolen funds on a wide range of purchases ranging from an Apple iPhone and a MacBook, hair and beauty treatments and Deliveroo orders, to Uber rides, car repairs, meals out, movie tickets and pet accessories.

The stolen proceeds also funded spending sprees at JB Hi-Fi, Kmart, Bunnings, Kookai, Zara, restaurants and bottle shops.

The victim eventually discovered the money was missing from her account and engaged a lawyer.

The missing funds were then reported to police, which resulted in Philpot's arrest in February 2022.

The court heard Philpot claimed she took the money because her brother needed $40,000 to pay off a 'bikie gang debt'.

Prosecutors told the court Philpot exploited the vulnerability of her elderly victim, who had no family support and was supporting her elderly husband with dementia.

'This is the most egregious breach of the [power of attorney] provision,' the prosecution submitted.

'Trust was a critical element the victim, she will not financially recover from this our community needs to be able to trust our system of attorneys.'

Magistrate David Starvaggi described the thefts as 'one of the most severe examples of a breach of trust'.

Philpot was ordered to repay the $68,844.80 still owed, in addition to the three-month jail sentence.

She left Savoy Real Estate Yarra Glen in 2020 and since has worked for several other real estate agencies.

Philpot described herself on LinkedIn as experienced sales agent with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry.

She lists her current role as a freelance buyers advocate 'in and around Melbourne, anything from luxury homes to standard properties'.

Court records inspected by Daily Mail Australia said that, had she not pleaded guilty, Philpot would have been hit with a five month jail sentence.

She has 45 days to pay the remaining funds she owes in compensation.
Police have arrested 54 people after an annual event which saw chaotic scenes unfold on a Georgia beach when women began brawling.

This year's Orange Crush gathering drew more than 6,000 people to Tybee Island where rowdy spring-breakers inflicted an estimated $220,000 of costs on the community, including for damage and clean-up.

On top of the arrest count, officials also issued 116 citations to attendees and recovered three stolen firearms, as well as a stolen vehicle.

Before the event commenced, Tybee Island Police swelled their ranks with more than 100 law enforcement officers from the Georgia State Police, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and other local police departments.

They did this in a bid to prevent the kind of chaos that characterized the previous Orange Crush event, for which more than 100,000 partiers descended on the three-mile island.

This year's Orange Crush event, which saw a huge brawl erupt on the beach's boardwalk (pictured) resulted in 54 arrests and 116 citations

During the spring-break event, Tybee Island's beach, the largest public beach in Georgia, was littered will all sorts of trash, which was later picked up by volunteers and lifeguards

For this year's event, the small resort town refused to rent out the pier's pavilion, where many of the unruly and troublesome partiers gathered last year. Authorities also locked down the pier and used it as a kind of command post for law enforcement. But despite the city's best efforts, violence still flared up on Saturday.

At one point during the boisterous party, which is part of a spring-break tradition created by students from Savannah State University more than 30 years ago, a vicious fight broke out on the beach's boardwalk.

A video captured the shocking melee, during which several women - some of whom were topless - could be seen violently punching and thrashing one another.

The disturbing footage showed the women pummeling one another while other revelers flank the boardwalk's length and cheer the fighters.

Amid the brawl, some of the women had their tops pulled down or pushed out of place.

Some of the women stopped fighting and attempted to clothe themselves. Another woman, in a green swimsuit, could be seen continuing to fight, even after her breasts were revealed.

During the Orange Crush, the length of the beach was strewn with litter, much of which was ultimately washed into the ocean

The Orange Crush event inflicted an estimated $220,000-worth of costs on the small resort town of Tybee Island

In one horrific moment, a shorter woman with fire-orange hair pulled another woman down to the ground by her hair and then started beating her before being pulled away by other women.

Later in the video, the same woman with orange hair threw a punch at a woman in a green bikini that was so violent it momentarily snapped the other woman's head back.

Throughout the nearly two-and-a-half-minute long video, men and women applaud and shout enthusiastically as the women on the boardwalk exchange blows.

Despite the violence on display, state and local officials insisted that the event was a calm and orderly.

While the event was underway on Saturday, Major Bob Holley of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said: 'The behavior has been pretty good today.'

Orange Crush happens annually. This year, 6,000 attendees descended on Tybee Island for their spring-break bash. During the event, police recovered three stolen firearms, as well as a stolen vehicle

The Orange Crush occurs every year and is predominantly composed of college students. At last year's party, 100,000 partiers descended on the three-mile island, taxing the small town's resources. To prevent a repeat of last year, the Tybee Island police was shored up with officers from other departments

Tybee Island lifeguards and some Orange Crush attendees gathered on the beach Sunday morning to begin cleaning up the beach, which was trashed during the event

Speaking with WSAV, Holley said: 'Weve responded to a few medical calls with the Tybee medical authorities and thats pretty much the extent of what weve done today.'

Tybee Island's mayor, Brian West, adopted a similar tone when speaking with WTOC11 on Monday.

West told the outlet that the weekend was a pleasant experience and that it drew a tamer crowd to the 3-mile-long island.

'I feel like we had the true student body, you know, this year. And it was a pleasant experience for us here on Tybee.'

A video uploaded to TikTok during the event documented the vast amount of trash that had been strewn along Tybee Island's beach- Georgia's largest public beach.

In the video, empty beer cans and liquor bottles, as well as other debris, stretched along the sand and were washed into the ocean.

The video elicited angry responses from some viewers as one commenter wrote: 'Wow, it's not hard to use the trashcan.'

And another person offered this stern rebuke: 'If you can't respect the beach, stay away from the beach.'

On Sunday morning, the day after the event, members of Tybee Island Ocean Rescue and some Orange Crush attendees gathered along the beach, where they worked together to pick up the trash left by the partiers.

The clean-up ended up lasting longer than anticipated, beginning Sunday morning and ending Monday

After the clean-up finished, the Tybee Island Ocean Rescue shared on Facebook that they had removed 10+ cartloads of trash from the shoreline

But the lifeguards and the attendees had their work cut out for them and the clean-up continued into Monday.

Tybee Island Ocean Rescue posted a message to their Facebook that thanked 'everyone who helped the Ocean Rescue lifeguards pick up trash yesterday afternoon!'

According to the post, the lifeguards and volunteers removed enough trash from the shoreline to fill ten all-terrain vehicles.

But even after their strenuous work, with high tide sweeping in at 6:54 pm, much of the trash was washed away into the sea.
A Wyoming Girl Scout and her mother were hit with $400 in fines for selling cookies from a stand in her grandparents driveway.

Erica Fairbanks McCarroll and her 13-year-old daughter Emma were selling cookies after school on Erica's parents property along Main Street in Pinedale when they were approached by a code enforcement officer on March 13.

Fairbanks McCarroll told DailyMail.com the woman, who was driving the town's animal control vehicle and did not identify herself as code enforcement, told them they could not block the sidewalk.

The mother and daughter pulled back their stand and continued to sell cookies for two more days before the woman showed up again and handed them citations.

'We sold for about 1 hour and 30 minutes when she showed up and handed me 3 parking tickets totaling $400,' Fairbanks McCarroll said on Facebook.

Erica Fairbanks McCarroll posted a photo of her daughter's Girl Scout cookie stand from the day they were find for setting up shop in her parents driveway

The mother (right) and daughter (left) were fined $400 for parking on the sidewalk, unlawful obstruction and a municipal code that said there needs to be at least five feet of unobstructed sidewalk

'I responded that I had complied with what she had asked and had moved off the sidewalk. She said the tickets aren't just for being on the sidewalk and that this is for your daughter's safety.'

Fairbanks McCarroll was given a $100 fine for parking on the sidewalk, a $150 fine for unlawful obstruction and another $150 fine for a municipal code that said there needs to be at least five feet of unobstructed passage on the sidewalk.

'Sometimes I just think that government can be unreasonable. It wasn't reasonable to be fined $400 for selling cookies in front on my grandparent's property,' Emma told Cowboy State Daily, who photographed the mother daughter duo.

Emma, who has been a Girl Scout since she was six years old, was aiming to sell 1,200 boxes of cookies so she could receive a $350 credit for summer camp.

Fairbanks McCarroll said, 'She did not identify herself as Code Enforcement, she did not say what I was doing was illegal, she didn't say she would or even could write me a ticket, she didn't even say I couldn't sell there anymore. All she said really was you shouldn't block the sidewalk.'

When the code enforcement officer told her the Fairbanks probably would not like her blocking their property, Fairbanks McCarroll said: 'I responded with 'the Fairbanks are my parents and they don't care.' She then said 'okay well I just recommend you don't block the sidewalk' and left.'

The town of Pinedale released a statement insisting the officer was acting under official capacity when she approached Fairbanks McCarroll and warned her several times to move before issuing the citations.

'She received two verbal requests to relocate her stand outside of the WYDOT right-of-way, off of the sidewalk, and closer to her parents' private property,' the town said.

'Despite these requests, the stand remained on the sidewalk, prompting the issuance of three citations for obstructing the sidewalk.'

Fairbanks McCarroll said her brother got the matter put on the agenda for a town council meeting and at the meeting the mayor dismissed their concerns.

Emma, who has been a Girl Scout since she was six years old, was aiming to sell 1,200 boxes of cookies so she could receive a $350 credit for summer camp

Erica obtained a lawyer and they were able to get two of the tickets dismissed

'The code enforcement officer admitting later to my brother that she was having a bad day on Friday, and that she didn't realize my brother had any siblings,' the mother said.

'Is that to say that if she knew I was really part of the Fairbanks family, she wouldn't have written me the tickets?'

Fairbanks McCarroll obtained a lawyer and they were able to get two of the tickets dismissed. She ended up paying one of the $150 fines rather than go to trial because it would end up being more costly.

'The lack of clear instructions on what I can and cannot do, said I couldn't block the sidewalk and then later at the town hall office said if I had been on the sidewalk, I would have been fine,' Fairbanks McCarroll said.

'Honestly it just sucks that my daughters whole experience around selling cookies was crushed in the small town I grew up in.'
Korea and Britain held ministerial-level talks Wednesday to discuss preparations for a joint artificial intelligence (AI) summit to be held in Seoul next month, Seoul's science ministry said.

Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho and his British counterpart, Michelle Donelan, convened via a video meeting to check the progress of the AI Seoul Summit, slated for May 21 and 22, according to the ministry.

The upcoming summit is a follow-up to the AI Safety Summit held in England last November with the participation of countries including Korea, the United States, Britain, Japan and Germany.

On May 21, the leaders of participating nations will hold a virtual summit to discuss ways to guarantee AI safety, promote innovations and build an inclusive future.

The following day, a ministerial meeting will be held to discuss specific areas of cooperation based on the summit discussions of the previous day, including measures to enhance AI safety in each country and develop sustainable AI.

Also on the day, Korea will host the AI Global Forum with senior officials from countries around the world, key industry leaders and members of academia in attendance, according to the ministry.

"We expect the AI Seoul Summit, scheduled to take place next month, to set a significant milestone in devising global AI principles and governance," Lee said. (Yonhap)
President Joe Biden suffered another gaffe during a speaking event as he tried to paint his opponent, former President Donald Trump, as untrustworthy.

Biden, at 81 years old, the oldest president in American history, appeared before supporters at a community college in Tampa, one week before Florida bans abortions past six weeks.

He called out Trump, his 2024 general election opponent, as the sole person responsible for the 'cruelty and chaos' that's occurred after the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

However, when he did so, he accidentally asked: 'How many times does he have to prove we can't be trusted?'

ABC News tried to cover for the president, replacing the word 'we' with 'he' in describing the speech, though he was clearly heard saying 'we.'

President Joe Biden suffered another gaffe during a speaking event as he tried to paint his opponent, former President Donald Trump, as untrustworthy

Biden, at 81 years old, the oldest president in American history, appeared before supporters at a community college in Tampa, one week before Florida bans abortions past six weeks.

In 2024 alone, Biden has made several flubs, publicly forgetting the name of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny's widow, forgetting a German chancellor he'd spoken to died in 2017 and confusing the leaders of Egypt and Mexico.

Biden was attempting to describe Trump's rhetoric on abortion, blaming him for the end of Roe vs. Wade and any future rollbacks.

'He described the Dobbs decision as a miracle,' Biden said of Trump. 'I think it's coming from that Bible he's trying to sell.'

'I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hell's in it,' Biden added of the $60 purchase.

In January just days before the Iowa caucuses - which Trump easily won - the Republican ex-president participated in a Fox News town hall and boasted of the 'miracle' of ending the constitutional right for women to have an abortion.

Former President Donald Trump, who was in court Tuesday, holds up a Bible he's selling for $60

Trump warned, though, that Republicans who back extreme bans are being 'decimated' in elections.

Biden pointed out that political reality on Tuesday, noting that Trump is 'worried' voters plan to hold the presumptive GOP nominee 'accountable.'

'Donald Trump is worried that voters are going to hold him accountable for the cruelty and chaos he's created,' Biden said.

'The bad news for Trump is we are going to hold him accountable,' Biden continued. 'We are - he should be held accountable.'

Florida voters have the ability to rescind the abortion ban if they approve Amendment 4 in November, which would allow abortions up to the time of viability, which is generally considered around 24 weeks.

That measure needs 60% support from Florida voters.

The Biden campaign is hoping that it will invigorate enough pro-choice voters to give the president a chance to flip the state.

Trump won Florida by a 3.4-point margin in the 2020 campaign, improving on his performance four years earlier when he beat Hillary Clinton in the state by 1.6 points.

'I think Florida is in play, nationally,' Biden said after his prepared remarks.

'This election is a basic old fashioned election,' the president continued, explaining that it will all be about turnout.

The Biden campaign is arguing that once Florida's law goes into place there will effectively be an abortion ban across the entire Southeastern part of the nation.

Almost 7,000 women traveled from out of state last year to receive an abortion performed by doctors in Florida, according to a report from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Florida voters have the ability to rescind the abortion ban if they approve Amendment 4 in November, which would allow abortions up to the time of viability, which is generally considered around 24 weeks.

That measure needs 60% support from voters.

Trump has yet to say how he would vote on Amendment 4.

Abortion is banned in most cases in 14 states.

Another seven states have restrictions that prevent abortion between six and 18 weeks into a pregnancy.
Columbia University anti-Israel protesters are refusing to leave their Gaza encampment despite a midnight deadline to dismantle and NYPD counterterrorism officers gathering at the Ivy League gates.

The Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine group released a statement claiming they backed out of negotiations after the university threatened to call the National Guard on them.

'Columbia University threatened CUAD negotiators to call both the National Guard and NYPD if we do not acquiesce to their demands,' the group said.

'The student negotiating team has left the table and refuses to return until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.

'We remain steadfast in our convictions and will not be intimidated by the University's disturbing threat of an escalation of violence.'

Students meet ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President for student protesters to disband the protest encampment at Columbia University

The area where crowds of people flocked on Tuesday evening was established in support of Palestinians, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

Update: Columbias pro-Palestine protestors will break up into platoons to defend the encampment in the event of arrests. WILL YOU BE READY TO TURN UP FOR YOUR COMRADES? pic.twitter.com/Wn1oeiARVW  Jessica Schwalb (@jessicaschwalb7) April 24, 2024

 ALL OUT TO COLUMBIA NOW! The student organizers of Columbia University are calling on all New Yorkers of conscious to IMMEDIATELY go to Columbia to stand with them after the Universitys Administration threatened to call in the National Guard if an agreement isnt reached pic.twitter.com/mJslwLsPNN  The People's Forum (@PeoplesForumNYC) April 24, 2024

Pro-Palestine group Within Our Lifetime posted to X, formerly Twitter, calling on protesters to return to the university's lawn and ignore threats of law enforcement.

'We will not be intimated by threats by the state,' the group said.

Activist group The People's Forum said on X: 'The student organizers of Columbia University are calling on all New Yorkers of conscious to IMMEDIATELY go to Columbia to stand with them.'

Video posted to social media shows swarms of protesters gathering on campus telling people to brace for the next three days.

'We may need people to turn up quickly, en masse, in front of the encampment to defend the encampment,' one protester said through a megaphone.

'Will you be ready to turn up for your comrades? We are so close to divestment.'

After passing the midnight deadline, photos and videos show members of the NYPD counterterrorism unit gathering at the university gates with zip ties, as protesters and police brace for a potential conflict.

Video posted by the Palestinian Youth Movement shows protesters on campus taunting the police.

Students have prepared to camp overnight as they continue to their protest despite a deadline initially set for midnight by the Ivy League school's president

The NYPD warned protesters they would be arrested for making noise or disturbing makeshift barriers

Tents were seen scattered across the campus while signs with pro-Palestine messages

Demonstrators face off with NYPD officials as they stand in solidarity with the ongoing protests in support of Palestinians

Students break down tents ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President for student protesters to leave the protest encampment

Students raise hands to indicate whether they might be willing to take actions that could lead to arrest ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President

'Oink, oink, piggy, piggy, we're gonna make your life s****y,' the protesters chanted.

The NYPD warned protesters they would be arrested for making noise or disturbing the barrier they set up.

'We are directing you to not disturb the barriers. Any altering or moving of the barriers will result in an arrest,' the NYPD were captured saying on video.

'At this time you are making unreasonable noise. You are directed to stop using sound devices, noise making devices, instruments and makeshift instruments for producing noise.'

President Minouche Shafik announced a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement and dismantle their encampment or she will have to consider 'alternative options.'

The university president said a group of faculty, administrators and University Senators have been negotiating with the student organizers and set a midnight deadline to reach an agreement to dismantle the encampment.

'I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn,' said Shafik.

'The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and hostile environment for our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it,' Shafik said.

'I also want to be clear that we will not tolerate intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior. We are working to identify protestors who violated our policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will be put through appropriate disciplinary processes.'

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on X: 'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act.'

'It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts peoples lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.'

The Ivy League saw its seventh day of protests on Tuesday as students stage a sit-in to demand the university divest from companies profiting from Israel's war and sever academic ties with its universities.

Anti-Israel protesters were arrested outside of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn home on Tuesday night.

So far more than 100 activists have been arrested. The demonstration escalated again on Monday during the Jewish holiday of Passover when staff and students walked out in protest over the NYPD being called in to control protests.

Shafik has been facing mounting calls to resign because she has 'surrendered control to the anti-Semitic fringe' and allowed 'anarchy' after she canceled all in-person classes until the end of the semester.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced there is a midnight deadline for pro-Palestine protesters to dismantle their encampment

Protesters gather as groups call to ignore Columbia University's deadline to dismantle their pro-Palestine encampment

President Minouche Shafik announced there is a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement and dismantle their encampment or she will have to consider 'alternative options'

Pro-Palestine group Within Our Lifetime posted to X, formerly Twitter, calling on protesters to return to the university's lawn before the deadline

In the wake of that decision, Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, tweeted that the president, who has only been in the role since the summer of 2023, had 'surrendered control of Columbia to an antisemitic fringe.'

'If you cannot ensure the safety of your students, then you have no business serving as President of any university... What Columbia University needs is not an appeaser of antisemitism but a leader who will fight with moral clarity against it,' Torres added.

As a result of the growing protests, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced his intention to pull his funding for the school.

'The school I love so much  the one that welcomed me and provided me with so much opportunity  is no longer an institution I recognize,' Kraft said.

'I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus and throughout our country.'

Protesters, many wearing keffiyeh headscarves and face masks, have led chants including from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free - which Jewish groups say is anti-Semitic - and called for intifada, which means uprising.

Two Jewish graduates of Columbia University snuck into the campus pro-Palestine encampment with Israeli flags and accused activists of supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

Isidore Karten and his friend, Tomer Brenner, who gained access to the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, also carried a poster with pictures of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. They were confronted by protesters and asked to leave but refused and spent several hours in the encampment staging their own counter protest.

Both told DailyMail.com that the encampment should be immediately removed by university leadership and accused pro-Palestine activists of making Jewish students feel unsafe.

Karten, who studied architecture and graduated in 2023, said: What they are really doing is supporting Hamas. They are supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

Police arrest protesters near Sen. Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn home

Police arrest protesters as they block traffic during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Brooklyn

Brenner, 29, from Tel Aviv, who graduated in 2020, added: We are seeing the flags and the symbols that are all about causing maximum violence for Israelis.

They are chanting about intifada.

We dont understand why the administration is not taking them away from here.

He claimed other students have chanted burn Tel Aviv.

We got circled, everyone was blocking us because they dont want anybody to, God forbid, see an Israeli flag or an American flag, or posters of hostages [kidnapped by Hamas on October 7], said Brenner.

They are claiming its a safe space, however its only safe for them.

Karten claimed he had seen a Jewish person wearing religious symbols told to go back to Poland.

Its not only about Israel, its about Jews, he said of the encampment.

Im very against what they are doing here, I dont think they should be here.
Counter-terrorism officers have executed a number of search warrants across Sydney in relation to the stabbing attack on a Christian bishop last week.

NSW Police say there is currently no threat to public safety and the raids had no connection to Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to the incident at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, western Sydney, last Monday.

NSW Police's Joint Counter Terrorism Team are executing a number of search warrants across Sydney on Wednesday in relation to an alleged stabbing church stabbing (stock image)

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the security organisation was involved in the operation as a part of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT).

'My officers are connected and involved and embedded inside the joint counter-terrorism team,' Mr Burgess told the National Press Club.

The JCCT also includes Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission.

A 16-year-old male, who can not be identified for legal reasons, is accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 55, while he was delivering a livestreamed sermon in front of parishioners.

The teenager had been charged with terrorism offences and was refused bail.

The use of the term terrorism by police indicates authorities believe the incident was religiously or politically motivated.

Witnesses to the attack said the alleged perpetrator used the Islamic phrase 'Allahu Akbar' and while being detained he allegedly said in Arabic that the bishop had denigrated 'my prophet'.

The stabbing sparked a riot outside the church with about 2,000 people chanting 'bring him out' and 'an eye for an eye' as police kept the youth inside due to fears for his safety.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to an alleged stabbing at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Western Sydney

Dozens of police officers were injured in the subsequent riot outside the church (pictured) which has led to five arrests in the past week

Dozens of police were injured, their cars vandalised and some officers and paramedics sheltered inside the church

Police made their first arrest in relation to the riots just hours prior to the teen being charged with terrorism.

Four others, including a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested and face charges for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Police released images of nine other men they wish to speak to in relation to the riots. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The spill of 350 million litres of raw sewage into a river has sparked health fears over consumption of fish, crabs and prawns taken from the waters.

The contamination of the Albert River on the northern Gold Coast in south-east Queensland has been dubbed 'catastrophic' after a sewage main in a paddock near Macpherson Road at Yatala was found to be leaking into the waterway two weeks ago.

Although the City of Gold Coast Council quickly repaired the pipe, it is estimated around four megalitres of sewage per day has been flowing into the river since mid-January.

That is equal to about 140 Olympic-sized swimming pools of sewage going into the Albert and then onwards into the Logan River.

There are concerns over fish, prawns and crabs taken from a river which has been contaminated with a major sewage leak

Council has warned residents and visitors not to consume 'seafood caught in the tidal reaches of Albert or Logan River until further notice'.

However, they said 'microbial testing' has determined the rivers, which are popular with swimmers and water-skiers, are safe for recreational use.

However, council appeared to step back from that and said the incident needed to be investigated 'in totality'.

Testing is underway at prawn farms along the waterways to see if the crustaceans are safe to eat.

Gold Coast councillor Mark Hammel is astonished this could happen.

'How does such a critical piece of infrastructure fail and it take three months to have possibly known it had failed?' he asked Seven News.

'I have spoken to local prawn farmers who are rightly very concerned that in the middle of harvest time and when the biggest part of their stock is due to be sold, they have state authorities asking questions about whether certain stock should be put on hold,' he said.

Gold Coast Councillor Mark Hammel demanded to know how the leak occurred and remained undetected for months

Prawn farmers along the river are holding their breath as authorities test to see if the crustaceans are OK to consume

Seafood industry representatives told Seven News they had no further comment pending the results of testing.

Council's executive general manager of infrastructure Michael Kahler said a specialised engineering firm has been hired to investigate the leak, how it went undetected, and the effectiveness of the local response.

Mr Kahler said council understood the seriousness of what had occurred and was working with relevant state agencies.

'We know water quality test results over the past two weeks show the river is safe for recreational use, which is extremely good news,' Mr Kahler said.

'During the three months of the spill, we had no identifiable fish kills or adverse environmental impacts come to light.

'This does not mean there have been no impacts, but we now need to focus on what the science tells us.'

Early investigations indicated that recent high flows in the Albert River caused by major rainfall could have helped dilute the sewage and possibly lessened the impact.

There are also concerns about the potential 'catastrophic' effect the leak could have on local wetlands wildlife

'The sensible approach right now is to allow the experts to conduct their investigation and we will continue to update the community as new factual information comes to light,' he said.

It is not just the animals in the water who could be contaminated.

Robert Livingstone from the Eagleby Wetland Community Group said the river-fed wetlands are home to more than 200 native birds and a freshwater lake.

'It could be catastrophic for all the birds if this sewerage leak affects their food source,' Mr Livingstone told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
A Melbourne couple were held at knifepoint as four thugs broke into their home and allegedly stole $160,000 worth of jewellery and watches in what might be a case of mistaken identity.

The four men wearing all black clothes entered the property on Beckett Rd in Donvale in the city's east on June 23 last year while the occupants, a 65-year-old woman and 67-year-old man, were inside.

The pair were assaulted, held at knifepoint and one had their hands tied behind their back while the other had their face covered as the group ransacked the property for more than an hour.

The group demanded access to a safe on the property and made off with items including a Cartier Tank Musk watch, a Tudor Heritage Chronograph watch and several pieces of luxury jewellery including a gold necklace.

Police released images of two men they say can help with their inquiries about the incident

The couple's Melbourne home was ransacked in the ordeal (pictured)

Police hold the view the victims were targeted by mistake and are asking for the public's help to locate two men they believe can assist with their inquiries.

One male is described as of Pacific Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with a solid build and facial hair.

The other is also of Pacific Islander appearance, in his 20s, with a solid build but has a neck tattoo.

Police said the couple was 'stressed' over the incident which appeared to be a case of mistaken identity

A number of luxury items were stolen including a Rolex watch and necklace

Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Mercovich said the incident was 'incredibly stressful' for the couple, and that police were committed to finding who was responsible.

'We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the group in Beckett Rd, Donvale on the night or noticed any suspicious activity in the area.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
A man accused of breaching a restraining order and murdering his ex-girlfriend fled to an old worksite where he often camped after allegedly killing the young mum in a late-night attack.

Daniel Billings, 29, allegedly murdered Molly Ticehurst, 28, at the home they used to share in Forbes, 375km west of Sydney, sometime between midnight and 1.50am on Monday.

Instead of going back to his four-bedroom rental in nearby Parkes after the alleged murder, Billings allegedly fled to a worksite in Fifield - a small town with a population of just 126 about 80km northwest of Ms Ticehurst's home.

Billings was employed by an oil drilling company, Resolution Drilling, based in nearby Parkes.

Daily Mail Australia understands that Billings was arrested at the Fifield site within hours because a local became aware of his arrival and raised the alarm with police.

Molly Ticehurst (pictured with her young son) was allegedly murdered on Monday by her ex-boyfriend

Daniel Billings (pictured) was arrested after he allegedly murdered Molly Ticehurst at her home on Monday

Pictured: A map showing where Daniel Billings allegedly murdered Molly Ticehurst in Forbes, where he lived in Parkes and where he allegedly fled to in Fifield

On Wednesday, locals said the company had an exploration rig set up in the area for a number of weeks and Billings had been known to stay there in a swag.

The manager of The Fifield Hotel - the town's only business - said Billings was once booked in to stay at a room in the pub along with his colleagues, but he opted to sleep at the worksite instead.

Speaking about the night of the alleged murder, one local said Billings didn't know anyone in the Fifield area and the pub was shut.

'He didn't know anyone in town, the pub was closed and we knew he stayed round there (at the drilling site) in a swag before,' the local said.

Another said Billings would often talk to other pub-goers about his troubles at home, and recently revealed that he had been arrested and released on conditional bail for $5,000 surety.

Billings was charged on April 5 with three counts of rape, four counts of stalking and intimidation, two counts of destroying property and one count of animal cruelty - all allegedly in relation to Ms Ticehurst.

The local said: 'He'd come in a number of times and told us he was having problems with his missus and was on five grand bail.'

The local then held up a large pink money box in the shape of a penis and laughed as he said: 'I joked he'd need to get used to this.'

The comment appeared to be a joke about possible consequences of a potential jail sentence.

'When I first met him at the pub he would drink rum and Coke but recently he wasn't drinking and he ordered Gatorade,' the man said.

One of Billings' bail conditions was that he didn't drink or use drugs.

Fifield has a population of 126and is located about an hour north of Forbes. The town has one pub (pictured)

Forensic investigators are pictured at Molly Ticehurst's house on Tuesday. The windows were smashed

On Wednesday evening, the drilling company posted a link to encourage people to donate to White Ribbon Australia - an organisation dedicated to ending male violence.

'In 2024 we are getting behind White Ribbon Australia who are helping to build a nation where every woman is free from all forms of mens violence and abuse,' the site read.

'If you'd like to help support this great cause, just click on the donate button below. Any help is much appreciated and will make a big difference.'

Billings' old boss, who Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to name, said: 'It's a really horrific thing that has happened.

'He has been known to us, but it's not our place to comment and we need to think of our staff who are struggling right now.'

Billings shared a rental with other tradesmen for about six months in suburban Parkes, surrounded by families.

The property was empty on Wednesday with large sheets of aluminum foil covering the windows.

Pictured: Daniel Billings' rental property. He shared it with other tradesmen

The windows at Daniel Billings' house were covered with aluminum foil to block the sun so the occupants - who mostly worked night shifts - could sleep during the day

A neighbour told Daily Mail Australia the home was normally busy with men in high-visibility uniforms, but they rarely made noise and kept to themselves.

'They mostly worked night shifts,' a neighbor said.

'That's why their bedroom windows are blacked out with aluminum foil so they can sleep in the daytime, so we didn't did hear or see much of them.'

Police canvassed the street on Tuesday morning for at least three hours, asking neighbors if they knew Billings or had any interactions with him.

Billings and Ms Ticehurst were in a relationship for about 18 months until July last year, but briefly got back together in December.

At the time of the alleged murder, Billings was on bail following a number of assault charges relating to Ms Ticehurst.

He was also the subject of an apprehended violence order and was not allowed to enter Forbes, or to approach Ms Ticehurst or her place of work.

Billings had been on bail for 15 days before he allegedly drove to Ms Ticehurst's house and murdered her.

His matter was mentioned in Orange Local Court on Tuesday during which his bail was revoked.

The matter will be heard in court again on June 20.
More than 200 pro-Palestine protesters were taken into custody Tuesday night after a 'Seder on the Streets' demonstration held outside the home of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

In Brooklyn on Tuesday, protesters held a Passover Sedar, a ritual holiday meal and service, while urging Schumer, the highest elected Jewish American, to support an end to the US sending weapons for Israel's war in Gaza, organizers said in a statement.

'Hundreds will risk arrest while demanding Senator Schumer, who has recently spoken sharply against Netanyahu, take the next step and stop arming Israel,' the statement said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed to DailyMail.com that 209 people were detained, though an official number of arrests will not be available until later Wednesday morning, as some of the mob may just receive a summons.

Far left groups Jewish Voice for Peace, far-left IfNotNow and Jews for Racial & Economic Justice led the estimated 2,000 protesters at Schumer's Prospect Park home.

Over 200 anti-Israel protesters were taken into custody Tuesday night after a 'Seder on the Streets' demonstration held outside the home of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

In Brooklyn on Tuesday, protesters held a Passover Sedar, a ritual holiday meal and service, while urging Schumer, the highest elected Jewish American, to support an end to providing US weapons for Israel 's war in Gaza

A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed to DailyMail.com that 209 people were detained, though an official number of arrests will not be available until later Wednesday morning, as some of the mob may just receive a summons

Police transport protesters who were arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a permanent cease-fire in Gaza

Videos on social media showed several protesters being zip-tied by police armed in riot gear. Many chanted slogans like 'Cease-fire now' and 'Let Gaza live.'

They sat around a banner that said 'Jews say stop arming Israel,' 'Stop starving Gaza' and 'no one is free until everyone is free.'

Protesters even projected a digital banner onto the Brooklyn public library that declared in all-caps 'Stop arming Israel.'

'Everything in our tradition compels us to bring everything we have to stopping these historic atrocities being done in our names and with our tax dollars,' said Jewish Voice for Peace Executive Director Stefanie Fox to the New York Times.

MTA buses were used by police to transfer the protesters down to 1 Police Plaza.

Senator Schumer was no one near his home Tuesday, as he was leading the passage of a $95billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

The package that passed 79-18 ties together $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and Gaza and around $4 billion for the Indo-Pacific - and a measure that could see TikTok banned in the US.

'The bill the senator's just passed on the floor includes roughly $10 billion for humanitarian aid in Gaza and billions for Ukraine,' Schumer spokesman Angelo Roefaro told the New York Daily News in a statement.

Protesters even projected a digital banner onto the Brooklyn public library that declared in all-caps 'Stop arming Israel'

Jews and supporters hold a Passover Seder to protest the war in Gaza

At least 209 people were detained by the New York Police Department on Monday night

Senator Schumer was no one near his home Tuesday, as he was leading the passage of a $95billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

'Getting this done is one of the greatest achievements of the Senate in years, perhaps decades,' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said hours ahead of the bill's final passage.

Last month, Schumer, said he believes Israel should hold a new election once the war in Gaza winds down.

He gave a scathing critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he put himself in a coalition with 'far-right extremists' and warned 'Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.'

Beth Miller, Jewish Voice for Peace's political director, said those words are meaningless if he continues to fund the Israeli operation.

'Senator Schumer just very recently spoke very harshly about Prime Minister Netanyahu on the Senate floor,' she said.

'For him to do that with one hand, and then on the other hand reward Prime Minister Netanyahu by pushing forward this military funding package, shows that he is not serious about actually shifting US policy to leverage change.'

The Israel security bill will offer $4 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome Missile Defense system and billions more for weapons systems, artillery and munitions, as well as an additional $2.4 billion for US operations in the region.

Nine billion dollars in that bill goes to humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza.

The event, which resulted in dozens of arrests, was held blocks from the residence of Senator Schumer

Police officers detain people as protesters block the street in Prospect Park

Protesters shout slogans during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a permanent cease-fire in Gaza

The Palestinian flag is flown near Prospect Park in Brooklyn

Sen. Bernie Sanders sounded off after his amendment to strip out offensive aid for Israel was taken out of the bill.

'Hamas started this war, that is true. But this stopped being about defending Israel a long time ago,' he said on the Senate floor.

'I am very disappointed, but not surprised, that my amendment to end offensive military aid to Netanyahu's war machine  which has killed and wounded over 100,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom are women and children  will not be considered.'

Some 35,000 Palestinians have died in the war between Israel and Hamas, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, after 1,200 Israelis were killed on October 7.

On college campuses, pro-Palestinian protesters have been camping out and tensions continue to escalate.

Columbia University anti-Israel protesters are calling on New Yorkers to join them as they claim the university threatened to call the National Guard after ignoring a midnight deadline to dismantle their encampment.

At the Ivy League institution, in-person classes have had to be moved online through the end of the Spring semester.

Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine released a statement claiming the university threatened to call the National Guard on them.

A protester in a wheelchair draped with the Palestinian flag is detained by police

Police arrest protesters as they block traffic during a pro-Palestinian demonstration

'Not in Our Name' is a Jewish group against funding Israel's war in Gaza

On college campuses, pro-Palestinian protesters have been camping out and tensions continue to escalate

'Columbia University threatened CUAD negotiators to call both the National Guard and NYPD if we do not acquiesce to their demands,' the group said.

'The student negotiating team has left the table and refuses to return until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.'

'We remain steadfast in our convictions and will not be intimidated by the University's disturbing threat of an escalation of violence.'

Video posted to social media shows swarms of protesters gathering on campus telling people to brace for the next three days.

'We may need people to turn up quickly, en masse, in front of the encampment to defend the encampment,' one protester said through a megaphone.

'Will you be ready to turn up for your comrades? We are so close to divestment.'

Protesters, many wearing keffiyeh headscarves and face masks, have led chants including 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' - which Jewish groups say is anti-Semitic - and called for intifada, which means uprising.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to head to Columbia on Wednesday to meet with Jewish students as some have expressed fear and feeling unsafe with the escalating vitriol reported on campuses.

On college campuses, pro-Palestinian protesters have been camping out and tensions continue to escalate

Columbia University anti-Israel protesters are calling on New Yorkers to join them as they claim the university threatened to call the National Guard after ignoring a midnight deadline to dismantle their encampment

Protesters shout slogans during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a permanent cease-fire

A police officer looks on as thousands of protesters demonstrate in Brooklyn

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to a two-state solution and said he should resign.

She joins Schumer and a growing list of prominent Democrats who have given blistering critiques of the Israeli leader or called for him to step down over his handling of the war in Gaza.

More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 77,000 have been wounded since Israel declared war in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and took hundreds hostage.
Protesters chanted 'blood on your hands' at Tennessee House Republicans on Tuesday after they passed a bill that would allow teachers to be armed.

The 68-28 vote in favor of the bill sent it to Republican Gov. Bill Lee for consideration. If he signs it into law, it would be the biggest expansion of gun access in the state since last year's deadly shooting at a private elementary school in Nashville.

The controversial law would enable teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds, and it would prevent parents and other teachers from knowing who was armed

Members of the public who oppose the bill harangued Republican lawmakers after the vote.

People protested outside the Tennessee House chamber after legislation passed that would allow teachers to be armed in schools without the knowledge of parents and other teachers

State Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, left, listened to debate over his bill, which ended up passing with a 68-28 vote

Frustrated critics of the bill glowered from the galleries and waved signs that said: 'Teachers need supplies, not guns.'

Another held a sign that said '1 year later- Are the kids safer?' seemingly in reference to the Nashville shooting.

And a row of people held up letters that spelled out 'fascist.'

House Speaker Cameron Sexton eventually ordered the galleries to be cleared.

Four House Republicans and all Democrats opposed the bill, which the state Senate previously passed.

The measure would bar disclosing which employees are carrying guns beyond school administrators and police, including to students' parents and even other teachers.

A principal, school district and law enforcement agency would have to agree to let staff carry guns.

The proposal presents a starkly different response to The Covenant School shooting than Gov. Lee proposed last year. Republican legislators quickly dismissed his effort to keep guns away from people deemed a danger to themselves or others.

During the legislation session, critics of the bill stood in the galleries, where they held signs that condemned the bill

Rep. Ryan Williams said that his bill would be 'creating a deterrent' against further shootings

A veto by the governor appears unlikely, since it would be a first for him and lawmakers would only need a simple majority of each chamber's members to override it.

'What youre doing is youre creating a deterrent,' the bills sponsor, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, said before the vote. 'Across our state, we have had challenges as it relates to shootings.'

Republicans rejected a series of Democratic amendments, including parental consent requirements, notification when someone is armed, and the school district assuming civil liability for any injury, damage or death due to staff carrying guns.

'My Republican colleagues continue to hold our state hostage, hold our state at gunpoint to appeal to their donors in the gun industry,' Democratic state Rep. Justin Jones said.

'It is morally insane,' Jones said.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton eventually ordered the galleries to be cleared

Critics of the bill voiced their displeasure after it was passed. Four House Republicans and all Democrats opposed the bill, which the state Senate previously passed

In the chaos after the vote, Democratic and Republican lawmakers accused each other of violating House rules, but only voted to reprimand Jones for recording on his phone.

He was barred from speaking on the floor through Wednesday.

It's unclear if any school districts would take advantage if the bill becomes law. For example, a Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson, Sean Braisted, said the district believes 'it is best and safest for only approved active-duty law enforcement to carry weapons on campus.'

About half of the U.S. states in some form allow teachers or other employees with concealed carry permits to carry guns on school property, according to the Giffords Law Center, a gun control advocacy group.

Iowa's governor signed a bill that the Legislature passed last week creating a professional permit for trained school employees to carry at schools that protects them from criminal or civil liability for use of reasonable force.

The bill will now go before the Tennessee's governor, who is unlikely to veto it

If the governor signs the bill into law, it would be the biggest expansion of gun access in the state since last year's deadly shooting at a private elementary school in Nashville

In Tennessee, a shooter indiscriminately opened fire in March 2023 at The Covenant School - a Christian school in Nashville - and killed three children and three adults before being killed by police.

Despite subsequent coordinated campaigns urging significant gun control measures, lawmakers have largely refused.

They dismissed gun control proposals by Democrats and even by Gov. Lee during regular annual sessions and a special session, even as parents of Covenant students shared heart-breaking accounts of the shooting and its lasting effects.

Under the bill passed Tuesday, a worker who wants to carry a handgun would need to have a handgun carry permit and written authorization from the schools principal and local law enforcement.

They would also need to clear a background check and undergo 40 hours of handgun training. They couldn't carry guns at school events at stadiums, gymnasiums or auditoriums.

Tennessee passed a 2016 law allowing armed school workers in two rural counties, but it wasn't implemented, according to WPLN-FM.

Tennessee Republicans have regularly relaxed gun laws, including a 2021 permit-less carry law for handguns backed by the governor.

The original law allowed residents 21 and older to carry handguns in public without a permit. Two years later, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti struck a deal amid an ongoing lawsuit to extend eligibility to 18- to 20-year-olds.

In the chaos after the vote, Democratic and Republican lawmakers accused each other of violating House rules

Meanwhile, shortly after the shooting last year, Tennessee Republicans passed a law bolstering protections against lawsuits involving gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers and sellers.

Lawmakers and the governor this year have signed off on allowing private schools with pre-kindergarten classes to have guns on campus. Private schools without pre-K already were allowed to decide whether to let people bring guns on their grounds.

They have advanced some narrow gun limitations. One awaiting the governor's signature would involuntarily commit certain criminal defendants for inpatient treatment and temporarily remove their gun rights if they are ruled incompetent for trial due to intellectual disability or mental illness.

Another bill that still needs Senate approval would remove the gun rights of juveniles deemed delinquent due to certain offenses, ranging from aggravated assault to threats of mass violence, until the age of 25.
A teen girl accused of threatening three university students with a knife and forcing one of them to kiss her shoe will apply to be dealt with under mental health law.

The 14-year-old girl faced Port Kembla Children's Court on Tuesday over a slew of attacks which occurred on March 23 last year at the University of Wollongong.

She pleaded guilty to intimidation and three counts of assault with intent to rob while armed with an offensive weapon.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was captured on CCTV cameras arriving at the campus via Northfields Avenue at about 7.30pm along with her 15-year-old co-offender.

The pair sat on a brick wall before the 14-year-old threatened a 53-year-old Asian man with an eight-centimetre knife and demanded money, tendered court documents seen by the Illawarra Mercury revealed.

The 14-year-old girl faced Port Kembla Children's Court (pictured) over a slew of attacks which occurred on March 23, last year, at the University of Wollongong

The man told the girls he did not have any money and walked away while the pair then 'appeared to search for more victims'.

The 14-year-old then approached a 34-year-old woman near the bus stop and yelled at her: 'C***, give me your money', to which she replied that she did not have any.

The woman walked away and flagged down a passing car for help as the girls ran after her and continued to demand money.

Three minutes later, the teens spotted a 25-year-old woman walking alone and approached her from behind.

The 14-year-old waved the knife at the woman's throat and demanded she hand over money.

After the woman, who is a student at the university, said she did not have any money, the teen forced her to kiss her shoe while the 15-year-old laughed and shared the attack via a Facetime call with another friend.

Court documents revealed the 14-year-old told the woman to 'hurry up and kiss my shoe' while holding a knife to her throat.

The 15-year-old girl watched on and laughed as she shared the attack via a Facetime call with another friend.

The woman explained she felt humiliated by the ordeal but complied with the demand because the teens promised to let her go if she kissed the girl's shoe.

Police arrested the pair the next morning after spotting them on campus wearing the same clothes as the night of the attacks - track pants and brightly coloured Nike TNs.

CCTV footage showed the 14-year-old girl, along with her 15-year-old co-offender, enter the University of Wollongong's campus via Northfields Avenue (pictured) before threatening a man with a knife and demanding money

The 15-year-old voluntarily handed over a flick knife after police asked the girls if they had any weapons in their possession.

The 14-year-old's defence lawyer Hannah Dreher confirmed the guilty pleas and told the court an application would be made for her client to be dealt with under mental health law.

She remains in custody at a youth detention centre and will face court again in two weeks for sentencing.

Her 15-year-old co-offender was placed on a 12-month probation order after the court heard she had a background of 'extreme deprivation'.

The court also heard she carried the flick knife for her own protection due to suffering neglect and abuse.
AOC has slammed Columbia University for its decision to call the cops on an encampment of anti-Israel protestors who are calling for the school to cut ties with companies profiting from conflict in the Middle East.

Squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 34, weighed in on the Ivy League University's threats to call NYPD on students after they failed to dismantle their protests before their midnight deadline.

'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act,' she wrote in a post on X.

'It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts peoples lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.'

Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine released a statement claiming the university threatened to call the National Guard on them on Tuesday evening after President Minouche Shafik announced there is a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement and dismantle their encampment.

Squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez(pictured), 34, weighed in on the Ivy League University's threats to call NYPD on students after they failed to dismantle their protests before the midnight deadline

Students raise hands to indicate whether they might be willing to take actions that could lead to arrest ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President

Students break down tents ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President for student protesters to leave the protest encampment

'Columbia University threatened CUAD negotiators to call both the National Guard and NYPD if we do not acquiesce to their demands,' the group said.

'The student negotiating team has left the table and refuses to return until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.'

The Ivy League saw its seventh day of protests on Tuesday as students stage a sit-in to demand the university divest from companies profiting from Israel's war and sever academic ties with its universities.

Anti-Israel protesters were arrested outside of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn home on Tuesday night.

Fellow New York City congressman and 'Squad' member Jamaal Bowman, 48, agreed with AOC. 'I condemn any potential police action on Columbia University's campus,' he posted.

'As an educator who personally experienced the over policing of our schools, this is personal to me,' he continued. 'We must resist right-wing demagoguery and stop suppressing peaceful protest if we are to keep students safe.'

The daughter of 'Squad' member Rep. Ilhan Omar was arrested and then later suspended for taking part in anti-Israel demonstrations on Columbia's campus.

Isra Hirsi, 21, was part of a now days-long protest on the campus of Columbia University in support of Palestine that has drawn heavy condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, including the White House.

She and two of her Barnard College classmates - the college is a sister school with Columbia - are among the more than 100 protestors have been arrested, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com.

Squad' Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's daughter Isra Hirsi(pictured), 21, was part of a now days-long protest on the campus of Columbia University in support of Palestine

Pro-Palestine group Within Our Lifetime posted to X, formerly Twitter, calling on protesters to return to the university's lawn before the deadline

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik (pictured) announced there is a midnight deadline for pro-Palestine protesters to dismantle their encampment

Hirsi says she has been evicted from campus housing and banned from the dining hall following the arrest.

The demonstration escalated again on Monday during the Jewish holiday of Passover when staff and students walked out in protest over the NYPD being called in to control protests.

The university president said a group of faculty, administrators and University Senators have been negotiating with the student organizers and set a midnight deadline to reach an agreement to dismantle the encampment.

'I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn,' said Shafik.

'The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and hostile environment for our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it,' Shafik said.

'I also want to be clear that we will not tolerate intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior. We are working to identify protestors who violated our policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will be put through appropriate disciplinary processes.'

Shafik has been facing mounting calls to resign because she has 'surrendered control to the anti-Semitic fringe' and allowed 'anarchy' after she canceled all in-person classes until the end of the semester.

On Tuesday, two Jewish graduates of Columbia University snuck into the campus pro-Palestine encampment with Israeli flags and accused activists of supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

The Ivy League saw its seventh day of protests on Tuesday as students stage a sit-in to demand the university divest from companies profiting from Israel's war and sever academic ties with its universities

Two Jewish graduates of Columbia University snuck into the campus pro-Palestine encampment with Israeli flags and accused activists of supporting radical Islamic terrorism

Isidore Karten and his friend, Tomer Brenner, who gained access to the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, also carried a poster with pictures of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. They were confronted by protesters and asked to leave but refused and spent several hours in the encampment staging their own counter protest.

Both told DailyMail.com that the encampment should be immediately removed by university leadership and accused pro-Palestine activists of making Jewish students feel unsafe.

The encampment has been set up on the South Lawn of Columbias Upper West Side campus for around a week. Students involved in the action have refused to leave until the university commits to ending any investments which are linked to Israel.
Korea's top diplomat held talks Wednesday with a Chinese party secretary of the northeast province of Liaoning and urged cooperation in the supply chain of raw materials and others, his office said.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the call during his luncheon meeting in Seoul with Hao Peng, communist party secretary of the province of Liaoning, according to the ministry.

Cho noted Hao's leadership in resolving challenges for the operation of Korean companies in Liaoning and expressed hopes that he would continue efforts to create a more stable and predictable environment for investment.

Over 500 Korean companies are currently operating in Liaoning, one of three large provinces in the northeast bordering North Korea.

Cho also stressed the need for Seoul and Beijing to work together to minimize the challenges that the changing geopolitical environment poses to their bilateral relations, saying South Korea has no intention to exclude China from global supply chains.

He then asked for China's cooperation to ensure that the supply chains of raw materials are not disrupted.

Hao's trip marks the first visit to Seoul by a Chinese provincial secretary since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap)
She was on her way home from work

The daughter of a beloved nurse 'deliberately' killed by a man in a horrific crash near Brisbane has revealed the moment she heard the fatal collision while on the phone to her mother.

Kasey Wolff teared up on the stand as she recalled the last conversation she had with her mum, Michelle Wolff, when Jacob Paul Johnston veered into her car on the D'Aguilar Highway at Harlin during a suicide attempt in December 2021.

At one moment she told her mum that she was looking forward to her getting home safe.

That was shattered when Kasey said she heard 'a lot of rattling' - later realising it was her mother's phone being flung around the car in the crash.

Nurse Michelle Wolff (pictured), died during the horror crash, on the on the D'Aguilar Highway at Harlin, in December, 2021

'My mum's life was stolen, she doesn't get to watch her kids grow and start their careers,' Kasey said.

Ms Wolff's family wept in the gallery as Johnston, 23, pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter and attempting to pervert justice.

The court was told Johnston and his then-girlfriend were experiencing problems in their relationship before the crash.

Crown prosecutor Michael Lehane said the pair had discussed plans over text on how to end their lives, including a chilling plan to load gas bottles into a car and crash it, causing an explosion. The then-girlfriend is not accused of any wrongdoing.

In the texts, Johnston had explained they shouldn't feel guilty about how it would impact the safety of others because 'life is not fair', Mr Lehane said.

On December 1, the woman confirmed to Johnston they had broken up.

He responded by driving his car towards Brisbane, eventually approaching Ms Wolff on the highway as she drove in the opposite direction on her way home from work.

The court was told Johnston 'deliberately' drove across the centre line, colliding with Ms Wolff's car.

Her daughter, who was on the phone to her mum at the time, heard the crash over the hands-free Bluetooth.

Ms Wolff died from her injuries.

Johnston was also taken to hospital with serious injuries but told police he 'couldn't remember' the crash, later expressing surprise when asked if it was a suicide attempt.

The family of Ms Wolff (pictured) wept in court after Johnston pleaded guilty to manslaughter

Mr Lehane said police eventually uncovered the messages between Johnston and his ex on his phone.

He said the texts discussing the gas bottles in the car was a 'joke' and in reference to a cartoon.

The court was told Johnston had been playing the song Stan by rapper Eminem - part of the lyrics referring to a suicide attempt while driving.

Reading from her victim impact statement, Kasey said Johnston's decision robbed her of her mother and 'best friend, one of the best human beings who ever existed'.

She revealed her mother had planned to attend her university graduation the same week she was killed.

'My absolute nightmare was anything bad happening to her, and it came true,' Kasey said.

'You took the one person I love the most.'

She spoke of her horror realising there was 'rattling' while she was on the phone to her mother, along with the frantic efforts to call her back.

'We have to drive past (the crash site) every time we go home,' Kasey said.

Johnston's attempts to pervert the course of justice related to his contact with his ex-girlfriend while in custody on remand, urging her to retract her statement to police and help him with his bail application.

Kasey Wolff (pictured) said in her Victim Impact Statement which was red out in court, that Johnston had taken away the one person she loved the most

Johnston's defence barrister said his client had a prejudicial upbringing, tendering a letter of apology he had written to the court.

The court was told Johnston had no immediate family supporting him in Australia, which made his time in custody harder.

He would also be deported to New Zealand upon his sentence being completed.

Supreme Court Justice Peter Freeburn ultimately handed down a 10-year sentence for the manslaughter and a cumulative one-year jail term for the attempt to pervert justice charge.

With time served, Johnston will be eligible for parole in September 2030.

Life Line: 13 111 14
The bishop who was allegedly stabbed by a teen in the middle of a lives-streamed sermon wants the footage of his attack to remain online, lawyers for X have revealed.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was preaching at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, in Sydney's south-west, on April 15 when a 16-year-old boy walked up to the altar and allegedly stabbed him repeatedly.

Eight days on, the Assyrian Orthodox church leader has reportedly leapt to the defence of Elon Musk over the billionaire's refusal to take down footage of the alleged stabbing from X, formerly known as Twitter.

The social media giant is locked in a legal battle with the Australian eSafety Commissioner, which has demanded videos of the alleged stabbing to be removed from online platforms.

Its legal team has detailed an affidavit from Bishop Emmanuel, who they said has given his permission for the content to be shared and remain online.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel (pictured right) has reportedly pleaded for the footage of the alleged stabbing to remain online

X boss Elon Musk is fighting for confronting footage of the alleged stabbing to remain on the platform

READ MORE: Elon Musk calls Senator Jacqui Lambie 'enemy' of the Australian people after she deleted her X account Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured) deleted her X account after Elon Musk refused to remove content of the alleged stabbing of a bishop in a Wakeley church Advertisement

'There's recently been an affidavit  from the bishop, the victim of the attack, stating that he's strongly of the view that the material should be available,' lawyer Marcus Hoyne told the Federal Court during a brief hearing Wednesday.

He added that there would be substantial material filed by his client contesting the orders and the 'exorbitant jurisdiction' claimed by the online safety watchdog.

Blocking clips of Bishop Emmanuel's alleged stabbing for Australian web users was enough, X has argued.

The social media company was looking to retain high-profile barrister Bret Walker SC to represent it in the case, the court heard.

X was ordered by the Federal Court on Monday night to block all users from viewing footage.

Earlier this week, Mr Hoyne urged the court to postpone the matter until he could seek 'sensible and proper instructions' from his San Francisco-based client.

The eSafety commissioner's court application was served at the last possible moment, the lawyer added.

Granting the order would affect international users 'in circumstances where it has no impact on Australia,' Mr Hoyne said.

X lawyers have told the Federal Curt that Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel (pictured) is 'strongly of the view that the material should be available'

Representing the eSafety Commissioner in court on Wednesday, barrister Christopher Tran said there was evidence X had failed to follow an interim order made by the court on Monday.

'Your Honour's order hasn't been complied with,' he told Justice Geoffrey Kennett.

The judge extended the take-down order, in which clips of the alleged attack would be hidden behind a legal notice for all global users.

The order will be in place until an interlocutory hearing set for May 10, when X will be able to contest the prohibitions.

'We do not consent to any injunctions,' Mr Hoyne said.

It comes as eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant was backed by a rare united front of Australian politicians who want the 'extreme violent video content' deleted from servers, as other social media platforms have done.

'To be clear, eSafety's removal notice does not relate to commentary, public debate or other posts about this event - even those which may link to extreme violent content,' a spokesman previously said.

'It only concerns the video of the violent stabbing attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.'

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has been backed by all sides of politics

Mr Musk has continued a war of words by comparing Ms Inman Grant to a communist authority, saying permitting her powers to extend beyond Australia's borders could allow a single country to control the entire internet.

'The Australian people want the truth,' he posted to X on Wednesday morning.

'X is the only one standing up for their rights.'

The maximum penalty for non-compliance with a removal notice for a body corporate is $782,500 per contravention.

Bishop Emmanuel was rushed to Liverpool Hospital following the alleged attack, where he's recovering from his injuries.

He broke his silence from his hospital bed last week to say to that he's doing 'fine' and had forgiven his alleged attacker, who has since been charged.

'I say to him 'You're my son. I love you and I will always pray for you',' Bishop Emmanuel said in the recorded audio message.

'And whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well, in Jesus' mighty name.'

The alleged attack occurred just 48 hours after Joel Cauchi stormed Westfield Bondi Junction and stabbed five women and a shopping centre security guard to death.

Elon Musk is locked in a legal battle with the Australian eSafety Commissioner, which has demanded videos of the alleged stabbing to be removed from online platforms
A Jetstar passenger who was allegedly assaulted and abused by an unruly passenger who caused a flight to Bali to be turned around is livid after the airline denied him any compensation.

Peter Cogan said he was the main target of the female passenger's outbursts and was even physically attacked on the ill-fated Jetstar Flight JQ43 from Melbourne to Bali that turned back six hours into the flight because of the woman's antics.

Mr Cogan said Jetstar's handling of the situation has been 'deplorable' and he has been refused any compensation for the traumatising ordeal, even including a rejected request for an upgrade on another flight.

The chaotic scene inside Jetstar Flight JQ43 from Melbourne to Bali before it turned back six hours into the flight because of the actions of an unruly passenger (pictured, centre)

'I was the one picked on, the whole thing was in shambles - the woman should never have been allowed on the plane, she was punching walls and swearing in the lounge beforehand,' Mr Cogan said.

Mr Cogan said he had to duck a punch thrown at him by the woman, which he mostly dodged but she still knocked his glasses off his face.

He said she also made foul-mouthed threats towards him.

He alleges the woman said: 'I don't care how f***ing old you are, you old c***, stand up so I can bash you.'

'I've never been spoken to or seen anyone abused like that in my life,' Mr Cogan told Sky News.

'I've been around pubs, and managed hotels for years and it was the worst language I have ever heard.

Mr Cogan said he and his partner were left 'traumatised' by the episode, which had even caused nightmares.

He accused Jetstar of compounding their distress by dismissing their complaints.

'Trying to get someone from customer service was impossible,' Mr Cogan said.

'We ended up on a chatline with someone from the Philippines who didn't even know about the incident.

'All this to-ing and fro-ing went on for about four weeks and eventually we were told no compensation was available.

'Anyone on that flight who had a package would have lost their accommodation and Jetstar offered no compensation whatsoever.'

Even a request to upgrade their next Jetstar flight was turned down, Mr Cogan said.

Mr Cogan is preparing to escalate his complaints to the Airline Customer Advocate 'to take it further'.

'It's not only me and I was the most affected on the flight,' he said.

'Everyone on that flight should have got $100 or $200 from Jetstar.'

A Jetstar spokesperson told Sky News every measure was taken to accommodate customers from the flight.

These included rescheduling the flight, providing overnight accommodation in Melbourne and covering meals, adding that they will review further claims on a case-by-case basis.

Kyle Hand, who was also on the aborted flight, said the chaotic scenes started after the woman spent 30 minutes in the toilet.

Jetstar passenger Peter Cogan, who says he was the main target of the woman's verbal and even physical assaults, says the airline has offered no compensation over the traumatising ordeal

Mr Hand added the woman was pacing up and down the aisle of the aircraft before hurling abuse at a man.

'I would say the guy would have been about 75, and that's when it really kicked off,' Mr Hand told Sunrise.

Another passenger claimed the woman went on a tirade mid-flight and even banged on the cockpit door as she believed someone had stolen her phone.

'Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Bali turned back to Melbourne today because a woman went loopy and banged on the cockpit door because she thought someone stole her phone,' the passenger wrote on Facebook.

The unruly passenger began screaming at other travellers before she was eventually restrained.

'I am not sure what happened but she kept abusing a few more people down the back  they ended up restraining her,' Mr Hand said.

Mr Hand said another passenger told him that the woman was acting 'erratically' even before boarding the flight.

'The passengers next to me mentioned that they saw her acting pretty erratically just before she got on the plane,' Hand said.

A Jetstar spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday said the airline 'know' the aborted flight 'was a difficult experience for other customers and our team members'.

The airline said it provided overnight accommodation to any customers who needed it and covered other 'reasonable expenses' such as meals.

Jetstar's policy is to review compensation claims on a case-by-case basis.
Zoe Ball has overcome a series of tragedies and heartbreak that led her to take time away from Radio 2 to focus on her family.

The BBC icon, 53, announced in the early hours of Wednesday morning that her mother Julia had died after a battle with pancreatic cancer following her diagnosis last month.

Posting a tribute to her mother on social media, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama.

'Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts. We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other.'

It is the latest in a string of tragedies the beloved Radio 2 presenter has had to endure.

Her five-and-a-half year relationship with Michael Reed recently broke down, and seven years ago her partner Billy Yates took his own life in May 2017.

Mr Yates' death came after the breakdown of Ms Ball's 18-year marriage to DJ Fatboy Slim, real name Normal Cook.

Taking to social media on Wednesday, Ms Ball, 53, said she would be taking time away from Radio 2 to focus on her family

Zoe wrote: 'I'm trying to be at work on breakfast as often as I can but occasionally need to be home with my Mama' (pictured with her mother Julia in 2010)

The presenter, 53, said she and her family were going through 'tough times' amid her mother's (pictured) diagnosis but praised her for being 'brave'

Zoe Ball pictured with her mother Julia in 2011. The BBC icon announced Julia had passed away today

Zoe Ball announced the death of her 'dear mama' Julia (pictured) in a post on Instagram in the early hours of Wednesday morning

In the tribute posted to Instagram (pictured), Zoe Ball told fans she is 'bereft'

After her mother's death today, the broadcaster's son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram

Woody also mentioned his grandmother's late husband Rick Peckham who died in 2013, as he added: 'I know you're with Rick now, give him a hug from me.'

Following her mother's cancer diagnosis, Ball said she would be taking time away from the station to focus on her family last month.

At the time she said her family were going through 'tough times' but her mother was being extremely 'brave'.

At the start of March she posted a picture of Julia surrounded by family, as well as a second of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, Ms Ball wrote: 'Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with cancer.

'As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

'My brother Jamie and I are completely in awe of the brilliant doctors, nurses and support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.

'Gratitude to our families and our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

'Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis and also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.'

The family has been bedecked by hardship for decades, with Ms Ball's parents Julia and Johnny Ball, a former TV presenter, splitting up in 1972 after just three years of marriage.

Mr Ball remarried his second wife, Dianne Cheryl, in 1976, with the pair remaining together today.

As Zoe's own career took off, she and her husband Fatboy Slim supported one another on their rise to fame, with Slim later describing how she kept him down to earth by 'checking him' for his behaviour.

He told the Changes podcast: 'While you've got licence to break rules, you've always got a lot of people who'll let you get away with murder.

Taking to social media, Zoe shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members

Zoe Ball and her DJ husband Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, announced in 2016 that they had 'come to the end of our rainbow' after 18 years of marriage

Fatboy Slim previously told how Zoe Ball would 'check him' as he rose to fame to ensure he treated people with respect

'Zoe was really good for me for that, because she knew the fame game and we would sort of check each other.

'If I wasn't respectful to people, she'd go: ''Oi, come on, that's not how we behave! Go back and thank them for that.'''

Yet sadly their marriage came to an end in 2016, with the couple announcing they had 'come to the end of their rainbow'.

Although Ms Ball soon found love again in partner Billy Yates, their relationship was also not set to last.

After a long battle with depression, Mr Yates, 40, took his own life in May 2017, at his home in Putney, south west London.

The Radio 2 presenter previously told how she felt 'really grateful' he had said goodbye to her the last time she saw him.

Fighting back tears as she spoke about their final moments together, she said: 'He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him.'

She added: 'It was just that moment and that feeling of ''Oh my god I love him so much, we'll find some help and it will all be okay.'' And I wish I'd told him that.'

Zoe Ball pictured with former partner Billy Yates, who took his own life in May 2017

Zoe Ball wore a T-shirt bearing Billy Yates' name as she returned to work at Radio 2 following his death

Zoe split from her long term partner Michael Reed last year after the couple's relationship broke down over 'silly things'

The couple had reportedly been arguing about very minor aspects of their life, such as Ms Ball spending time on her phone talking to friends

A year after his death, Ms Ball took part in a gruelling Sport Relief challenge to cycle 350 miles in five days in his memory and to raise awareness of mental health issues.

She has consistently marked his death each year and returned to work at Radio 2 following his death wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with his name.

Despite her loss, the presenter found the courage to love again when she began dating former construction worker Michael Reed.

But while friends said he was a 'true gent' at first, their relationship broke down after more than five years in May 2023 after Mr Reed allegedly became 'a bit demanding'.

The couple had reportedly been arguing about very minor aspects of their life, such as Ms Ball spending time on her phone talking to friends.

The presenter soon asked Mr Reed to move out of her home, although the two are said to remain on good terms.

After her mother's recent cancer diagnosis, Ms Ball has been inundated with messages of support from fans.

She reassured them that while she would be in her usual Radio 2 slot as much as possible, she would 'occasionally need to be home with my Mama.'

The radio presenter, who leads the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show from 6.30am to 9.30am, will miss some shows while she helps take care of her mother Julia, with Gaby Roslin filling in in her stead.

After her mother's death today, the broadcaster's son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.

'Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,' the 23-year-old said, sharing a picture of himself with his grandmother.

Woody, who appeared on Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also mentioned his grandmother's late husband Rick Peckham.

He said: 'The only person who always sent me a valentines card. I know you're with Rick now, give him a hug from me.

'I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle 'If you get lost, follow the river!' You'll find him at the end.'

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
The man arrested over the 'violent' death of a woman in the small town of Cobram previously admitted to hiding the body of a toddler in the roof of a home - but was found not guilty of murder.

Emma Bates, 49, was found dead inside her far north Victorian home about 2.15pm on Tuesday, having suffered injuries to her upper-body and face.

She is the 26th women to be killed in Australia this year as the nation grapples with a violence-against-women epidemic.

Footage shows John Torney, 39, being placed in handcuffs by officers in the main street of Cobram on Wednesday. He is currently assisting police with their inquiries.

Daily Mail Australia understands Ms Bates and Torney, who lived next door to each other, had recently begun dating.

Torney, a violent drug addict, has an extensive criminal history with more than 70 court records. He pleaded guilty to domestic violence offences last year and was most recently in court earlier this month.

Pictured: John Torney, who was acquitted of murdering a toddler in 2015

Ms Bates was discovered deceased inside her home (pictured) on Tuesday afternoon

A wheelchair and cat scratching post could be seen sitting unattended in Ms Bates driveway

In 2015, he was accused of murdering his then-partner's two-year-old daughter, Nikki Francis-Coslovich after the toddler, who had been bashed to death, was found hidden in a roof cavity.

Torney - who has the word HATE tattooed on his left hand - admitted putting the child's body in the roof, but claimed it was the little girl's mother, Peta Ann Francis, who had killed her.

Ms Francis was never charged and Torney was acquitted of the toddler's death by a jury - who were never told about his violent and drug-riddled past.

He has also been previously convicted for beating a police officer with a hammer and, a neighbour's statement that he used to 'bash the s*** out of Nikki' was deemed inadmissible in court.

A team of detectives and forensic officers were seen scouring the Campbell Road home for evidence and speaking to neighbours on Wednesday as part of the investigation.

As police trailed in and out of the front door, a wheelchair, cat scratching post tower, and exercise bike could be seen sitting abandoned Ms Bates' undercover car park.

Friend Kylie Mizzi, whose parents lived next door to Ms Bates for many years, told Daily Mail Australia she was a 'beautiful soul'.

'She always helped my elderly parents and had a huge heart, was warm and loving,' she said.

'I'm in total shock that something like this could happen to such a beautiful soul.

John Torney is seen outside a supreme court sitting of Mildura Magistrates Court, in Mildura, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.

Pictured: Nikki Francis-Coslovich

Ms Mizzi affectionately described Ms Bates as a 'crazy cat lady' who 'loved her cats'. A sign dedicated to her pet cats could be seen on her screen door on Wednesday

Forensics teams trailed in and out of the house on Wednesday as the investigation into the tragedy continues

'Something needs to be done about domestic violence. All women should feel safe.'

Ms Mizzi said Ms Bates did not have children, but was a mother to several cats who she adored.

Ms Bates ex-husband, 59, was contacted by The Age on Wednesday but was too distraught to speak.

According to a local news report issued on Wednesday, towns along the NSW-Victorian border are experiencing an unprecedented rise in the number of women seeking help for family and domestic violence issues.

Di Glover, the chief executive of Albury-based community-support organisation Yes Unlimited, said she has never witnessed such high figures over the past 10 years.

'We are seeing 8 to 10 women a week presenting after a domestic violence assault,' Ms Glover told the Border Mail.

'We are really feeling the pinch.'

Police officers are seen taking down crime scene tape at the home on Wednesday afternoon

Two distressed women could be seen watching police working the crime scene

Ms Gloves also noted that domestic-violence related assaults across the Murray River Police District have surged over the past five years.

She said officers from the region had responded to 753 incidents in the past 12 months, including 418 of which were in the Albury Local government area alone.

Speaking to reporters outside her home on Wednesday,Ms Bates' neighbour Kayla Dennis said she no longer feels safe as a woman in Australian society.

'[I'm] really scared. I won't go out on my own,' she said.

'A lot of women in Australia are starting to feel like that too.

'It is really sad.'

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Premier Jacinta Allan pleaded with Victorians to call out bad behaviour towards women as she calls for change to end violence against women.

While she could not speak specifically about the incident in Cobram, as the exact circumstances are yet to be determined, she said too many women have been killed this year.

Kayla Dennis said women across Australia fear for their safety as violence against women continues to climb

Cobram is located in northern Victoria, near the NSW border

'We have seen too many women already, in 2024, lose their life,' Ms Allan said.

'Theyve lost their life, either at the hands of a current or former partner, or theyve lost their life at the hands of a complete stranger who seemed intent on inflicting harm against women.

'This has to stop.'

The tragedy comes as Australia's grim violence-against women death toll continues to mount, with a spate of shocking alleged murders rocking the country in recent weeks.

On Monday, young mother Molly Ticehurst was found dead in a home in Forbes, in Central West NSW - just 10 days after she celebrated her 28th birthday.

Her accused killer had been released on bail just weeks ago after sexually assaulting her - with the staggering revelation prompting the NSW government to launch a review into the case and the state's bail system.

Eleven days ago five women - including Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Pikria Darchia and Yixuan Cheng  were among six people killed in a mass stabbing at Bondi Junction in Sydney.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, the Ballarat region has been at the centre of several shocking and high-profile alleged murder cases in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, Clunes woman Hannah McGuire, 23, was found dead inside a burnt-out car near Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat. Her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had recently bought a home, has since been charged with her alleged murder.

In March, Ballarat man Patrick Stephenson, 28, was charged over the alleged murder of local mother Samantha Murphy, 52, who vanished from the area during a morning jog in February.

Around the same time as Ms Murphy's disappearance, another Ballarat woman, mother-of-five Rebecca Young, 42, was killed in an apparent murder-suicide by her partner, Ian Butler, 55.

Days after Stephenson's arrest, the body of young mother Chaithanya 'Swetha' Madhagani, 30, was found stuffed into a green wheelie bin on Mount Pollock Road in Buckley, west of Geelong.

Her husband Ashok Raj Varikuppala had already flown to India with their son and is being sought by police to be questioned as part of the investigation.

If you or someone you know has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24 hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line.

Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 Supports men and boys who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties. 24/7 telephone and online support an information service for Australian men. Call 1300 789 978 for help.
Tributes poured in today for former Labour minister Frank Field after his death from cancer at the age of 81.

The veteran politician, who spent 40 years as MP for Birkenhead and tried to pioneer welfare reform in the Tory Blair government had revealed a terminal diagnosis in 2021.

His achievements were hailed from figures across Westminster politics. The Prime Minister said Lord Field was a 'decent, moral, and thoughtful man' who 'made our politics better'.

Labour leader Sir Keir said his death was 'a profound loss to politics and our nation'.

Sir Keir said: 'Frank dedicated his life to being a voice for the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the country.

'Frank was principled, courageous and independent-minded.'

Former Labour minister and crossbench peer Frank Field has died aged 81

Frank Field quite the Labour whip in 2018 after he had a row with then leader Jeremy Corbyn

Lord Field (pictured in 1973) served as an MP for 40 years from 1979 to 2019 before joining the House of Lords in 2020

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting saying he was 'a great parliamentarian, crusader for social justice and source of wise counsel.'

'What a blessing to have known him and benefited from his advice and kindness, even as his illness gripped him,' he said.

And Tory former home secretary Priti Patel added that he was a 'kind and compassionate man and a great Parliamentarian'.

She wrote on X: 'His unwavering moral compass, commitment to working cross-party and unshakable principles defined him and will be greatly missed.'

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: 'As a former colleague, I watched in admiration as Frank Field navigated a career as a formidable MP, and as a minister, tasked with 'thinking the unthinkable' on social care.

'He was neither cowed by the establishment or whips - which made his campaigns against hunger and food poverty, for climate change and for the church, even more effective.

'He was the driving force behind Parliament's commitment to prevent slavery and human trafficking within our supply chains. Having worked with him on the modern slavery advisory group, and made him its chair, I was in no doubt of his commitment to save many lives nationwide from this shameful criminal activity.

'Suffice to say, he was one of a kind and he will be sorely missed.'

Lord Field joined the House of Lords in 2020 as a crossbench peer after losing his seat at the 2019 general election, having stood as an independent after quitting Labour in protest at anti-Semitism under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

Labour's Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield said: 'RIP dear Frank Field. He was a wonderful Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, compassionate and incredibly kind with a great sense of humour and always a twinkle in his eye...'

In October 2021, it was revealed in the House of Lords that veteran politician has recently spent time in a hospice and that he was not well enough to attend debates.

Throughout his career, Lord Field built a reputation an one of the most effective backbenchers with curbs on EU immigration and campaigns against poverty.

In 2018, he quit the Labour whip in Parliament after a row with then leader Jeremy Corbyn, who he said was' a force for anti-Semitism in British politics.

The Conservatives made him a non-affiliated crossbench peer by the Conservative government in 2020 after he campaigned in favour of Brexit.

Back in October 2021, the former minister revealed he was terminally will as he urged the House of Lords to ease the law to allow assisted dying.

At the time, Lord Field was too ill to attend Parliament as peers debated changing legislation to enable adults with no hope of recovery to legally seek assistance to end their lives.

In a message read out in the House of Lords at the time, he admitted he had spent time in a hospice and urged them to change the law, citing a friend who had gone through the 'full horror effects' of cancer.

The news came as a shock to many in parliament at the time with Tory former housing secretary Robert Jenrick hailed him as 'one of the politicians I have most admired and respected'.

Baroness Meacher read out the message from the peer, whom she said was 'dying', in which he said: 'I changed my mind on assisted dying when an MP friend dying of cancer wanted to die early before the full horror effects set in, but was denied this opportunity.

Frank Field revealed to the House of Lords in October 2021 that he was diagnosed with a terminal illness

The veteran politician was well respected across parliament. Tory former housing secretary Robert Jenrick hailed him as 'one of the politicians I have most admired and respected'

The Conservatives made Frank Field a non-affiliated crossbench peer by the Conservative government in 2020 after he campaigned in favour of Brexit

'A major argument against the Bill is unfounded. It is thought by some the culture would change and that people would be pressured into ending their lives.

'The number of assisted deaths in the US and Australia remains very low - under 1 per cent - and a former supreme court judge of Victoria, Australia, about pressure from relatives, said it just hasn't been an issue.

'I hope the House will today vote for the Assisted Dying Bill.'

In an interview in January last year, Lord Field said it was 'a strange experience taking so long to die'.

He said: 'I'm pretty tired. It's a strange experience taking so long to die. But there we are.

'It's affected my mouth, as you can see. It began about 10 years ago, when I was told I had prostate cancer.

'The hospital said, we must keep a watching brief on this. And they didn't. It spread everywhere.'

Of his stay in hospice in 2021, Lord Field said he 'expected to be gone in weeks'.

He said in January last year: 'Yes, it was jolly good. They sorted out my medicines. And I wanted to go and see what the place was like.

'I expected to be gone then, within weeks. And the doctors that spoke to me did as well. But life has gone on.'
A Russian deputy defence minister in charge of military construction was detained on Tuesday on suspicion of 'large-scale' bribe-taking, in one of the highest-profile corruption cases since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine.

A brief statement by the Investigative Committee, Russia's top investigative body, said late on Tuesday that Timur Ivanov had been taken into custody.

The statute that the investigators cited for the detention of Ivanov, who has been in his job for eight years, is for accepting bribes 'on a particularly large scale'.

Ivanov was in charge, among other things, of large construction projects rebuilding the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which was heavily bombarded and taken by Russia as part of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The court remanded Ivanov, 48, in custody for two months and said that according to the charges he had put himself in a position to benefit from hiring contractors for the ministry where he oversaw construction activities.

In 2022, Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, alleged that Ivanov and his family led a lavish lifestyle fuelled by outrageous spending on real estate, luxurious trips and designer clothing.

Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov, pictured with his wife Svetlana

Ivanov downs a glass of champagne on a boat tour of Moscow alongside his wife Svetlana

In 2022, Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny , alleged that Ivanov and his family led a lavish lifestyle fuelled by outrageous spending on real estate, luxurious trips and designer clothing

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (C), Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) and Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Timur Ivanov (L) visit the military Patriot Park in Kubinka, outside Moscow, on September 19, 2018

Russian news reports said Ivanov was likely the most senior Russian official to face such charges since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022

Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov with his wife

Timur Viktorovich Ivanov, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russia, has been remanded in custody for a period of two months until 23 June, in Moscow, Russia on April 24, 2024, on charges of corruption

The sudden arrest of an ally of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, whom Putin tasked with fighting the war in Ukraine, triggered speculation about a battle within the elite and of a public crackdown on the corruption which has plagued Russia's post-Soviet armed forces.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian news agencies, said a report on Ivanov's detention had been presented to President Vladimir Putin.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had been informed in advance of his detention, he said.

The daily Izvestia reported this morning that searches were also conducted late last night on some of the minister's properties.

Russian news reports said Ivanov was likely the most senior Russian official to face such charges since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 - and if convicted, could face up to 15 years in prison.

Forbes magazine listed him as an expert in cybernetics and the nuclear industry, as one of the wealthiest men in Russia's security structures.

But during his storied career in Russia's defence ministry, Ivanov was responsible primarily for overseeing the construction and maintenance of key military facilities.

'Lets just say the investigation did not start yesterday, the day before yesterday or even a month ago,' an unidentified Russia law enforcement source told the TASS state news agency.

FSB military counter-intelligence was involved in the investigation into Ivanov's practices, TASS said.

It was not immediately clear why such a senior official with a close association with Shoigu would be targeted.

Russian military bloggers have long accused top generals of corruption and incompetence, especially after the army's hurried withdrawal from parts of Ukraine after seriously over-extending itself during the first days of the invasion.

Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov, pictured with his wife Svetlana in London

Ivanov's wife, Svetlana Ivanova, is a former television presenter and socialite

The pair have been snapped living the high life in the South of France, where they own several properties and luxury vehicles

They came under fire in 2016 - the year Ivanov was appointed deputy defence minister - after Ivanova shared a slew of racy images to social media depicting her scantily clad frolicking on beaches

Ivanov, who could not be reached as he was in detention, has long been linked to the ostentatious opulence which has characterised some sections of the post-Soviet Russian elite, including luxurious real estate and flashy parties.

His wife, Svetlana Ivanova, is a former television presenter and socialite.

The pair have been snapped living the high life in the South of France, where they own several properties and luxury vehicles.

They came under fire in 2016 - the year Ivanov was appointed deputy defence minister - after Ivanova shared a slew of racy images to social media depicting her scantily clad frolicking on French beaches.

Ivanov, who was born in Moscow, graduated with a degree in mathematics from Moscow State University and completed a dissertation in the organisational models for the construction of nuclear power plants.

He rose through the ranks of Russia's state atomic energy sector and worked as an adviser to the energy minister before moving to become the deputy head of Moscow region's government under Shoigu, who was then governor.

He became a deputy minister in 2016.
This is the emotional moment Jeremy Clarkson consoles his girlfriend Lisa Hogan after watching their piglets die on Diddly Squat Farm, after she revealed she could end up with a criminal record over sales at their shop.

In the latest trailer for the third season of Clarkson's Farm , viewers see Hogan crying on the former Top Gear host shoulder as she struggles to come to terms with the death of a drove of rare breed pigs.

Ahead of the new season release, the actress, 50, claimed the new episodes showed that Clarkson, 63, was becoming 'more a man of the land than a man of the road.'

Hogan also admitted that she had been involved in a 'serious conversation' over the produce the couple were allowed to sell in their Oxfordshire farm shop.

She learned through their land agent and advisor Charlie Ireland that the shop could only sell items produced within 16 miles of their farm and failure to comply would lead to a criminal record.

In the latest trailer for the third season of Clarkson's Farm , viewers see Hogan crying on the former Top Gear host shoulder as she struggles to come to terms with the death of drove of rare breed pigs

The couple's close bond with their new piglets created the 'saddest moment' in the show so far, as they struggle with animal deaths on the farm

Hogan said: 'Charlie had to have a serious conversation with me and say that I could end up with a criminal record if I didn't comply.

'It's council regulations which I respect, especially after Charlie explained it to me in his clear and concise way.'

The couple will once again star in a third season of the show which follows their lives on the Diddly Squat Farm alongside Kaleb and Gerald Cooper.

The couple's close bond with their new piglets created the 'saddest moment' in the show so far, as they struggle with animal deaths on the farm.

Opening up about the scenes, Lisa explained: 'It was heart-breaking. Jeremy's always loved pigs, I didnt think Id be that enamoured by pigs but I did get really close to them as people will see. Farmings just sad.'

She continued: 'The animals become your friends and you're isolated  there are certain farms that are really isolated  and the animals become your family. When they become unwell, you're losing members of your animal family.

'If that's how sad we can get in front of a TV crew, imagine the farmers that are alone and having to do it with nobody around them when theyre losing animal after animal. Its so difficult.

Jeremy Clarkson (right) and Lisa Hogan (left) will star again in a third season of Clarkson's Farm, which follows their life on the Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire alongside Kaleb Gerald Cooper

Hogan admitted she was involved in a 'serious conversation' over the produce they wanted to sell in their farm shop (pictured)

'Every day it's emotional whether it's really happy because the weather is perfect and you can get on with the job at hand or its miserable if its raining the crops are failing and you cant do a thing.

READ MORE: ITV bosses offer Jeremy Clarkson a 'lifeline' despite calls to cancel the presenter after controversial Meghan Markle column Advertisement

'Its very difficult to be unemotional about it. So, yes, I dont want to go against what hes said but I definitely think hes becoming more a man of the land than a man of the road.'

Clarkson said he was keen to show viewers 'what real farming is' and warned that life as a farmer is much 'dirtier and harder' in real life.

And scenes of sows firing out their newborns 'like machine guns' being described as 'not for the faint hearted'.

Clarkson added: 'Farming on television has been portrayed as fresh straw, fluffy lambs, agreeable calves: a bit like Babe. I had it in my head that farming was much dirtier and harder, and I always wanted to show it like it actually is.

'Farming doesn't have many happy endings, as we've discovered. We want to show everybody what real farming is.'

Hogan also revealed that the couple's restaurant does not appear in the new season, as it was forced to close down by the local council, but they have been allowed to keep their gourmet food van to 'cook the meat from our animals'.

In another episode, a wedding proposal is mentioned, leading Hogan to reveal she has hopes of getting engaged to the former Top Gear presenter.

The pair met at a party in 2017, after being set up by mutual friends, and went public with their romance at the British GQ Awards that same year.

Clarkson has been married twice before, first to Alexandra James in 1989, but they split six months later.

He then became engaged to Frances Cain and they were together for more than two decades before separating in 2014.

In that time, they had three children together - daughters Emily and Katya and son Finlo.
READ MORE: Counter terrorism team carry out raids across Sydney

Seven young people were arrested, five more are assisting inquiries

Seven young people have been arrested in counter-terrorism raids across Sydney in response to last week's Sydney church stabbing.

More than 400 members of a joint counter-terrorism team from state and federal police forces began kicking down doors at 13 homes in the city's south-west at about 11.15am on Wednesday.

The sweeping raids were carried out in response to the April 15 attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel at the Assyrian church, Christ The Good Shepherd Church, in Wakeley - which was declared a religiously motivated terror incident.

New South Wales Police said there was no specific threat to public safety and the raids had no connection to Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday.

However, the national terrorism threat level remains at 'possible'.

Police have arrested seven young people from south-west Sydney during alleged counter-terrorism raids

The raids were in response to a stabbing at a Wakeley church on April 15 (pictured), an alleged terror incident

New South Wales Police determined there is no specific threat to public safety and the raids had no connection to Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told reporters on Monday 'a number of associates were identified that we believe warranted further close attention and investigation'.

Those arrested were 15, 16 and 17 year-olds.

'We will allege that these individuals adhere to a religiously motivated violent extremist ideology,' Commissioner Hudson said.

'These investigations have been progressing since the incident, the investigations including comprehensive surveillance activities and intensive scrutiny of these individuals.'

The counter-terrorism team determined on Tuesday those arrested allegedly 'posed an unacceptable risk to the people of New South Wales'.

'Our current, purely investigative, strategies could not adequately ensure public safety,' Commissioner Hudson said.

'As a result, we determined that we needed to escalate our activities and that overt action was required.

'I can assure the community there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the action we have taken today has mitigated any risk of future or further harm.'

Another five people are assisting police with inquiries.

Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasised the arrests were not racially or religiously motivated.

'I want to be very clear, we target criminality and not countries. We target radicalisation, not religion,' she said.

'We ask Australians to remain vigilant. I urge people who see or hear something that they feel is not right to contact the National Security Hotline immediately on 1800 123 400.'

A counter-terrorism team arrested seven youths across south-west Sydney after determining they allegedly 'posed an unacceptable risk to the people of New South Wales'

More than 400 members of a joint counter-terrorism team from the state and federal police forces began raiding 13 homes in Sydney's south-west on Wednesday

READ MORE: Chilling audio circulates among Muslims PRAISING alleged teen terrorist Advertisement

Suburbs included in the raids were Bankstown, Prestons, Casula, Lurnea, Rydalmere, Greenacre, Strathfield, Chester Hill and Punchbowl, as well as a property in Goulburn, 195km south-west of Sydney.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to the alleged stabbing at Christ The Good Shepherd Church.

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the security organisation was involved in the operation as a part of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT).

'My officers are connected, involved and embedded inside the joint counter-terrorism team,' Mr Burgess told the National Press Club.

The JCCT also includes Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission.

A 16-year-old male, who can not be identified for legal reasons, is accused of stabbing Bishop Emmanuel, 55, during a livestreamed sermon in front of parishioners.

The teenager was charged with terrorism offences and refused bail.

The use of the term terrorism by police indicates authorities believe the incident was religiously or politically motivated.

The Australian National Security website currently advises the national terrorism threat level is 'possible' due to 'a small number of people in Australia and overseas who want to cause Australia harm'.

'You don't need to change your daily behaviour or activities. Government authorities will tell you if this changes,' it states.

'Local authorities will provide you with the current advice. It is important to stay up to date with them and the threat level.'

Witnesses to last Monday's attack said the alleged perpetrator used the Islamic phrase 'Allahu Akbar' and allegedly said in Arabic that Bishop Emmanuel had denigrated 'my prophet'.

The stabbing sparked a massive riot outside the church with some 2,000 people chanting 'bring him out' and 'an eye for an eye'.

A further five people are assisting police with inquiries with Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett saying: 'I urge people who see or hear something that they feel is not right to contact the National Security Hotline immediately'

The raids were carried out in response to the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel - an alleged terror incident.

Suburbs included in the raids were Bankstown, Prestons, Casula, Lurnea, Rydalmere, Greenacre, Strathfield, Chester Hill and Punchbowl

Police kept the alleged terrorist inside the church during the demonstration, due to fears for his safety.

The large, angry mob saw dozens of officers injured and police property damaged.

Some were forced to take shelter inside the church alongside paramedics.

Police made their first arrest in relation to the riots just hours prior to the teen being charged with terrorism.

Four others, including a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested and face charges for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Police released images of nine other men they wish to speak to in relation to the riots. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers NSW 1800 333 000

National Security Hotline 1800 123 400
A woman who was forced to wait almost an hour in an ambulance outside a hospital before she died told paramedics: 'I can't breathe.'

Anna Vincenza Panella, 76, went into cardiac arrest moments later on April 2019 and was then finally taken inside Royal Adelaide Hospital and into the resuscitation room.

A paramedic who treated Ms Panella told an inquest looking into South Australia's 'ramping' crisis on Wednesday that the lack of beds is 'the worst part of his job' and is jeopardising patient care.

Darren McInerney told the hearing that Ms Panella had a high heart and respiratory rate, but she initially wasn't displaying shortness of breath or chest pain.

But then her condition quickly worsened.

Anna Vincenza Panella, 76, went into cardiac arrest moments later on April 2019 and was taken inside the Royal Adelaide Hospital to the resuscitation room where she later died

WHAT IS RAMPING? Ramping is what happens when ambulances are lined up at hospital emergency departments (ED) but are not able to offload patients because all the beds are full. Advertisement

'Ms Panella then said "I can't breathe, I can't breathe, sit me up",' the paramedic told the inquest, the Advertiser reported.

At that point, 50 minutes after she arrived at the hospital, the patient was taken inside

But she had several more cardiac arrests and was eventually pronounced dead at 12.39am.

The inquest also examined the cases of Bernard Anthony Skeffington, 89, and Graham Henry Jessett, 64.

Like Ms Panella, they also suffered medical complications and died after being ramped for extended periods.

On September 25, 2021, Mr Skeffington was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, three hours and 42 minutes after calling triple-0.

Three ambulances were dispatched to his address but each of them were diverted to what were considered higher priority cases, before one finally picked him up.

Even after he arrived at the hospital, he was still ramped outside and it took another hour and 43 minutes before he was taken into the emergency department, the court heard.

Bernard Skeffington (pictured) had to wait three hours and 42 minutes after calling triple-0 before an ambulance arrived

Mr Skeffington died four days later as a result of aspiration pneumonia secondary to small bowel obstruction.

Mr Evans said in Mr Jessett's case, the patient was ramped for five hours.

He had type 1 diabetes and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease.

'When he sat down, he collapsed onto the (hospital bed) and went into cardiac arrest, CPR commenced immediately,' Darren Evans, the counsel assisting, told the court.

Mr Jessett was pronounced dead at 6pm, after the resuscitation attempt was stopped.

The inquest will determine if the SA Ambulance Service or the individual hospitals were responsible for patients when they were in an ambulance waiting to be taken into an emergency department, deputy state coroner Ian White said.
President Yoon Suk Yeol called on the military Wednesday to maintain a firm readiness posture so North Korea does not dare challenge South Korea, according to his office.

Yoon made the remark during a meeting with Gen. Kang Ho-pil, the new vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following a ceremony to mark the general's promotion and appointment.

"The president stressed that they maintain a firm readiness posture so that North Korea does not dare challenge us at a time when the security situation is more serious than ever," the presidential office said.

During the ceremony, Yoon presented Kang with a ribbon engraved with his position, rank and name and tied it to his "samjeonggeom" sword, which military officers receive upon being promoted to a brigadier general and signify national defense, unification and prosperity. (Yonhap)
French police fear the criminals responsible for the deaths of five migrants including a little girl in the English Channel could already be claiming asylum in Britain.

In the last 24 hours, around 200 migrants have reportedly tried to cross the Channel to reach the UK.

Yesterday, a little girl between the ages of four and seven was one of five migrants who drowned after their rubber dinghy capsized off the coast of northern France.

A massively overcrowded small boat with 112 people on board briefly ran aground off the northern French coast at Wimereux, near Boulogne-sur-Mer.

This caused panic and after people stood up, the boat became unbalanced and flipped over, throwing dozens of people including women and children into the cold water.

The French Maritime Prefecture has published a photo of the boat just after the disaster. It shows mainly men sat on each side of the boat, with one leg inside, and the other touching the water

Some of those onboard appear to be punching the air in triumph and waving at the camera. Those pictured 'include the prime suspects' in the investigation, the French source said

Almost 5,000 migrants have made the crossing over the Channel to Britain so far this year

It is thought the tragedy yesterday happened after a small boat was launched from Wimereux in northern France, between Boulogne and Calais

Yesterday afternoon, dozens of migrants were brought ashore by Border Force and RNLI ships

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Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats. The Government claims the Rwanda scheme will act as a deterrent, however it only has the capacity to send 200 people a year to the East African country

Despite this, 58 people remained onboard and continued on their journey to Britain, under escort by the French Navy.

Now it has emerged that 'a group of young men' thought to be Eritreans or Sudanese 'rushed the boat' just as it set off.

'These are the men who could well be responsible for the deaths,' an investigating source said on Wednesday.

'The problem is that they are already in Britain, and undoubtedly claiming asylum'.

A criminal investigation into the deaths has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor.

It came just hours after Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill to deter migrants from making the perilous crossing was passed in Parliament.

Rishi Sunak vowed to let nothing 'stand in our way' yesterday as he gears up to send Channel migrants to Rwanda by July after the Government's deportation plan was finally passed by Parliament.

Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats.

The Rwanda scheme's capacity is 200 people per year. It means if the scheme had been running last year, it would have deported less than 0.7 per cent of small boat migrants.

In terms of the cost of the journey per person, for the first 300 migrants sent to Rwanda, it will cost the Government 1.8million per head, Whitehall's official spending watchdog said.

Migrants were seen beating back the French police using only wooden sticks and firecrackers

Once the migrants were in the boat, the officers said there was no more they could do

A helicopter of the Emergency medical services takes off from Wimereux on April 23

Emergency vehicles were seen beside an ice cream shop on the beach at Wimereux in France yesterday morning

An emergency SAMU air ambulance was one of three that responded to the tragedy

A police officer looks on in Wimereux, near Calais, after migrants died in an attempt to cross the English Channel

After the incident yesterday, the Prime Minister said the 'tragic' incident reported in the Channel 'underscores' the need for the deterrent effect of the Rwanda plan.

The French Maritime Prefecture has published a photo of the boat just after the disaster.

It shows mainly men sat on each side of the boat, with one leg inside, and the other touching the water.

Some of those onboard appear to be punching the air in triumph and waving at the camera.

Those pictured 'include the prime suspects' in the investigation, the French source said.

Three men, a woman and a little girl drowned after the dinghy they were on flipped over in the early hours of this morning off the coast of northern France, casting around 112 people into the Channel.

Footage of the moments before the boat launched showed scores of people running towards the sea as they tried to beat back the French officers on Wimereux beach in northern France early on Tuesday morning.

Once the migrants were in the water, the French police said there was nothing more they could do as they didn't have a boat.

Moments later, the boat hit a sandbank and caused panic that led to the boat capsizing and five people - including a little girl - drowning.

Rescue boats were also seen off the coast of northern France as emergency services searched for survivors

Emergency workers rushed to the sea in a bid to save migrants who got in trouble while trying to cross the Channel

Only then did French police scramble a boat to save the remaining survivors.

However, when some of the migrants refused to be rescued and restarted the boat's engine, the French Navy instead escorted them onwards towards Britain, which they reached at around lunchtime on Tuesday.

Guirec Le Bras, the Boulogne prosecutor, has opened an enquiry into 'manslaughter, criminal association and the assistance of foreigners in an irregular situation.'

Some alleged smugglers suspected of charging up to 1000-a-head for the voyage to Britain have already been arrested and their nautical equipment confiscated, Mr Le Bras said.

This included boats similar to the one used, which are designed for 20 people maximum.

Mr Le Bras also confirmed that police had fought running battles with police in the lead up to the three men, a woman in her early 30s, and the the girl aged between four and seven drowning.

One of the helicopters was seen flying low over the beach at Wimereux this morning

Another air ambulance was seen landing at the side of the beach in Wimereux

A member of the French Gendarmerie talks with a driver of a passing car in Wimereux, near Calais

The furious Mayor of Wimereux Jean-Luc Dubaele (pictured) said the latest tragedy was all the fault of the British

The regional governor of the Calais region, Prefet Jacques Billant (pictured), condemned the human traffickers who packed victims into the boat

Video footage showed groups of people heading towards the English Channel as they tried to evade the officers between 3am and 6am on Monday.

Once the migrants were in the water, police retreated, in accordance with safety regulations, leaving around five boats to head towards England.

The father of the girl was rescued by emergency services and taken to Wimereux beach, where he burst into tears and fell into the arms of a refugee charity worker.

Several dinghies were seen being removed from the water after a series of crossings today

Empty dinghies, believed to have carried migrants, are taken off a recovery boat at the Port of Dover

A person is carried on a stretcher as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by the RNLI following a small boat incident in the Channel

Migrants were taken into Dover, Kent, for processing yesterday morning

British officials were seen guiding the migrants in life jackets from the boat

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by the Border Force following a small boat incident in the Channel today

The Prime Minister has said 'nothing will stand in our way' of getting flights off the ground after the Government's Rwanda deportation plan passed through Parliament

Dany Patoux, of the Osmose 62 refugee charity, said: 'We knew the little girl well. We have photos with her, with a big smile on her face, in the hope of a better life.

'But now, everything is ruined. Her father fell into our arms right away. He was crying, in a daze. He saw his little daughter die before his eyes.'

The tragedy came hours after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill to deter migrants from making the perilous crossing was passed in Parliament.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak left Parliament at 11.30pm on Monday night (pictured) after his Rwanda Bill passed

Planes have already been booked and migrants will soon be detained ahead of deportation, he revealed (pictured: staff boarding a plane which was set to be the first to transport migrants to Rwanda in June 2022)

He vowed to let nothing 'stand in our way', as he geared up to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, in Africa, as part of a deportation plan.

A total of 14 UK-bound migrants have drowned in the English Channel so far this year alone.

Five migrants drowned while trying to get to Britain from Wimereux beach on January 14.

In August last year, six people died after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel off the French coast, and in November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after a dinghy sank while heading to the UK  the highest recorded number of deaths from a single incident.
Blackpool rock makers have said the iconic sweet is under 'grave and immediate' threat from an influx of cheap Chinese imports and a shortage of skilled workers - and have called for the confection to have a protected status like Cornish pasties.

The seaside resort - where almost all of the UK's sticks of rock are made - has seen the number factories dwindle from around 30 to just 10 in recent years.

And it is feared those numbers will fall further as businesses face rocketing energy costs, forcing some to reduce manufacturing to just three or four days a week.

Makers of the sweet seaside staple say it should be given protected status, similar to that given to Stilton cheese, Cornish pasties and Melton Mowbray pork pies.

'Our industry has been an integral part of the local economy and British tourism sector, employing hardworking individuals and contributing significantly to the cultural heritage and tradition of British confectionery,' confectionary bosses said in a letter to MPs.

Blackpool rock makers have said the iconic sweet is under 'grave and immediate' threat from an influx of cheap Chinese imports and a shortage of skilled workers

Workers pour the heated mixture of sugar and glucose syrup onto a cooled steel plate inside the factory at 'Blackwoods of Blackpool'

'However, the rise of cheap Chinese imported imitations poses a grave and immediate challenge to our industry, jeopardising the livelihoods of our employees and the sustainability of our business.

What is geographically protected food?

Cornish pasties are protected under the geographical indication scheme Food, drink and agricultural products with a geographical connection or that are made using traditional methods can be registered and protected as intellectual property called geographical indication (GI). GI protection guarantees a product's characteristics or reputation, authenticity and origin, the government says, and protects the product name from misuse or imitation. A similar scheme operates in the European Union and protects products such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Many products are protected in the UK, including: Cornish pasty

Melton Mowbray pork pies

Dundee cake

Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese

Stilton white cheese

Kentish ale Advertisement

'Specifically, products that are made in China but call themselves 'Blackpool Rock' or similar.

'The quality and integrity of British confectionery is unparalleled, built upon generations of craftsmanship and expertise.

'However, in recent months, inferior products have flooded our market, undercutting domestic producers and eroding consumer confidence in locally-made goods while giving the impression to consumers that they are buying British products.'

David Thorp, who penned the letter, says companies can't compete with the Chinese imports, which are sold to wholesalers at 3p per stick cheaper than theirs.

This undercutting will see 'at least two' more factories in Blackpool close down in the next year, he fears.

Mr Thorp, who runs Stanton and Novelty Confectioners which was set up by his grandad in 1969, said: 'It's Chinese rock that's really poor quality but it's cheaper than we can sell it for. It's having an affect on sales.

'There's factories that are working three day weeks, everyone is downsizing staff.

'Companies have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of orders.

'It's only 3p a stick cheaper but the wholesalers are putting big orders in.

'Back in the day, there would have been about 30 manufacturers and now there's 10. Next year, it will almost certainly be eight. It's not something that's sustainable.'

Sticks of Blackpool rock have sold to visitors to the seaside resort for more than a century, since appearing in the late Victorian period.

Its origins remain unclear, but most makers believe it evolved from the popular fairground rock of the time, which was a similar shape and size.

Hazel Robson pictured here enjoying her stick of Blackpool Rock on January 29, 1952

Sticks of Blackpool rock have sold to visitors to the seaside resort for more than a century, since appearing in the late Victorian period

Over time, the sugary snack - and its assortment of colours and wording - has become synonymous with the resort.

The history of Blackpool rock The first forms of rock is believed to have been sold at fairgrounds in England in the 19th Century. 'Fair rock' was made when sugar was sugar was common and cheap and it looked similar in size and shape to what we have today, although it did not have the bright colours, stripes or internal lettering we have now. It is now known exactly where Brighton rock first came from. Som sources say an ex-miner from Burnley had the idea when on holiday in Blackpool, and started to make the colourful and lettered sticks at his Yorkshire sweet factory in 1887. He sold the first batch to shops in Blackpool where it often had 'Blackpool Rock' written in the middle. However, other sources have said a Victorian man known as 'Dynamite Dick', who came from Morecambe or Blackpool 'borrowed' the concept from Fair Rock and added internal lettering to the product. Source: Candy UK Advertisement

And it was even immortalised in the George Formby song 'With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock'.

Many people do not realise that almost all the rock purchased at Britain's seaside resorts, whether it be Bournemouth or Margate, is made in Blackpool.

Mr Thorp said 'Today I've made Southend rock - yesterday it was Brighton. A couple of days ago it was Llandudno. But it could be Dymchurch or Skegness.'

He said all the Blackpool factories were already having issues with high energy bills and the cost of raw materials, but the big new threat was cheap Chinese imports of rock.

'It has had a massive effect on all of our turnover. There are some factories working three-day weeks and all of us have had to downsize our staff.

'Some factories if they don't have work on a certain week they have to close until they do get an order in.

'The problem that we're having is that our customers aren't always aware that the rock they are buying is a Chinese imitation.'

There are ten Blackpool rock manufacturers, all signing the letter.

'Fifteen years ago there might have been 30 - next year it will almost certainly be eight' warned Mr Thorp, whose company, Stanton & Novelty, was set up by his grandfather in 1970.

'It is a massively dying art.'

While the town manufacturers make thousands of sticks every day, they fear the imports pose a 'grave and immediate challenge' to the industry.

They said eight factories had closed in recent years and that only 30 people in the country have the skills needed to 'letter' the rock - and most of them are in Blackpool.

The letter called on the MPs to 'take a stand' by supporting an application to the UK geographical indication protected food names scheme.

Finished sticks of rock wait to be wrapped inside the factory at 'Blackwoods of Blackpool'

Blackpool rock made by Stanton and Novelty Confectioners

A wide selection of a traditional Blackpool rock company's range of different flavoured sweets

Tony Farrer, managing director of Rainbow Candies, which employs 11 staff, said he had reduced manufacturing to just four days a week due to 'astronomical' costs.

He said: 'My energy bills have trebled in the last three years, I'm not paying 1,000 a week in just gas and electricity.

'It's only sustainable if you're able to charge what you need to charge for it.

'We're working a four day week on the manufacturing side. That happens over the winter months normally we're back up to five days by February.

'That doesn't look like it's going to be happening any time soon.'
Marks and Spencer have been slammed by shoppers after it emerged they are charging 6 for a 'posh' egg and cress sandwich - with only 51 grams more filling than its more standard version.

A run-of-the-mill egg and watercress sandwich from the retail chain will set you back 2.65 - however its 'posh' counterpart will have you paying over double.

The description of the 6 snack details it as having an entire egg - sliced - doused in salad cream and mayonnaise topped with a hint of pepper and watercress.

Encased by two slices of nine-grain bread, the 'posh' has 166g of filling, compared to the 115g inside the standard version.

But many have been left questioning the reason behind the extortionate price tag and what makes the sandwich so posh.

Customers have hit out at Marks and Spencer after it emerged the retailer was selling a 'posh' egg and mayo watercress for 6 (pictured)

The 'posh' version only has 51 grams extra filling in comparison to the standard egg and watercress sandwich (pictured)

Consumer guru Jane Hawkes said: 'Pushing up prices to cover costs is one thing, but taking the proverbial is another.

'Cost-conscious customers could well decide they are happy with their favourite budget lunchbox filling  at a quarter of the price.'

Others on social media were left enranged after a picture of the 6 sandwich was posted to X, with the caption: 'This country is finished.'

One curious customer asked: 'Where's the un-posh one, and is it cheaper?'

A second fumed: 'Fun fact: The word posh here actually costs you an extra 3 quid!'

'Add the word posh and you can charge what you like,' a third jibbed.

Another chimed in: '6 quid, wt* - that's ridiculous.'

'There's nothing posh about egg,' wrote one baffled user, whilst one exclaimed: '6 for an egg sandwich! World has gone mad.'

The 'posh' egg mayo sandwich was released as part of the retailers deep-filled range earlier in 2024.

A 6 smoked salmon and cream cheese offering as well as a 5.50 prawn and mayo sandwich were also launched as a new addition to the cafe menu.

Marks and Spencer also released a 5.25 gluten free sandwich, as well as a 6 avocado and 'Rainbow Veg' offering.

An M&S spokesperson said: 'Our deep-filled Egg Mayo & Watercress sandwich in our M&S Cafe has over 150g filling which includes luxurious egg mayonnaise combined with salad cream and chives for a richer flavour.

'Paired with an extra layer of chunky slices of free-range egg, fresh baby watercress, and rocket leaves, the filling sits in between thick slices of soft 9-grain bread.

'This indulgent lunchtime option is proving to be a real customer favourite that can be enjoyed in our Cafes or on the go'.

This comes shortly after a group of self styled 'Robin Hoods- bragged on social media about stealing from Marks & Spencer to give products to food banks.

The 'posh' sandwich was released by the retailer as part of its new 'deep-filled' sandwich range earlier in the year (stock)

Customers were left furious on social media, with one penning: 'World has gone mad'

Campaigners from Everybody Eats, a group calling for direct action on food poverty, claim they launched their first raid at an M&S Foodhall in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester.

They also claim they will replicate 'this all across the country' until the government answers their demands on food security, The Telegraph reported.

Everybody Eats claimed that food banks were aware that the goods were stolen and suggested its members had been asked to help.

They posted a picture on X/Twitter of five bags of food including Percy Pig sweets.

The caption read: 'Today we took food from an M&S in Manchester without paying for it. The food will now be distributed straight to people in the community as well as local food banks.

'We cannot sit by as we and our friends, our families, our neighbours starve.'
Sadiq Khan has said that he would offer to pay if he saw a shoplifter stealing nappies from a supermarket.

The Mayor of London also said seeing tags on baby products in shops 'upset him' as the number of shoplifting offences reach their highest level in 20 years.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed more than 402,000 incidents were recorded in the year to September 2023, up from 304,459 in the previous 12 months.

Speaking with The Big Issue magazine, Mr Khan was asked what he would do if he encountered someone shoplifting essentials such as baby food.

He said: 'That's a situation that I'm afraid has increased in the last three years with the cost of living crisis.

Sadiq Khan said seeing tags on baby products in response to people stealing them upset him (Pictured on Monday at LBC Mayoral Debate)

Boots recently put security tags on its baby food as high street shops battle shoplifting epidemic with Co-op, Aldi and Tesco all fitting tags to every essentials

Desperate parents have been turning to extreme measures such as stealing baby formula from UK stores (Pictured: Baby formula with security tags at Boots)

'What upsets me is the tags you have now, on nappies and baby foods, because of the issue that is in relation to somebody who is shoplifting.

'In the hypothetical case, I suspect I'll take my wallet out, and I would pay for it.'

Last year, MailOnline reported how desperate parents were turning to extreme measures such as stealing baby formula from UK stores and selling sexual images amid the cost of living crisis in order to feed their children.

A black market for formula products also sprung up in the UK, where parents are buying products obtained illegally for a lower price.

Figures from First Steps Nutrition showed that even the cheapest brand of baby formula has risen in price by 45 percent in the last two years - leaving parents facing impossible choices as they seek to keep their children from going hungry.

Retailers including Boots and Co-op have put security tags on baby food products as high street shops battle a shoplifting epidemic.

Meanwhile, Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall has told mayor of London Sadiq Khan that 'nobody believes you any more' as they exchanged political blows during a radio debate on Tuesday.

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Shoplifting offences have reached some of their highest levels in the last 20 years (Pictured: Co-op store locks away it's baby milk)

Sadiq Khan said he would offer to pay if he saw a shoplifter stealing baby products from a supermarket

Mr Khan responded to the claims by saying he was 'not in the pocket' of his party leader.

Ahead of the London mayoral election next week, Mr Khan and Ms Hall appeared alongside the Lib Dems and Green Party candidates Rob Blackie and Zoe Garbett to answer questions from callers on a number of issues.

Mr Khan is seeking a historic third term in office, having first been elected in 2016.

Asked about affordable housing during the LBC debate on Tuesday, Mr Khan said he would fund 6,000 rent-control homes and 40,000 council homes and provide free legal advice to tenants.

Ms Hall said rent control would not work because of high rental costs, and that the problem was a lack of housing being built.

She said: 'All you ever do, Sadiq, is throw numbers out there that when people try and analyse them and look into them, you then throw another load of numbers out there. Nobody believes you any more because you don't deliver.'

Put to him by presenter Tom Swarbrick that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer disagrees with him on rent control, Mr Khan said: 'Unlike the Tory candidate, I will stand up to the Labour leader and a Conservative leader.

Conservative party candidate for Mayor of London Susan Hall during the LBC London Mayoral Debate on Tuesday

'It's really important you've got a mayor that is a champion and advocate for the city, not in the pocket of the leader of their party.'

Hall said she had been campaigning with party leader Rishi Sunak in Kensington last month, and that the Prime Minister fully backed her campaign.

Other issues aired by callers included help for struggling families with the cost of living and rough sleeping.

Mr Khan promised to extend universal free school meals in primary schools permanently, while Ms Hall said she would continue the policy as mayor despite previously suggesting the idea was wrong.

Put to him that rough sleeping had increased by 71 percent since 2016, Mr Khan said the issue 'breaks my heart' but that there was 'a conveyor belt of new people' coming on to London's streets, a comment subsequently called out by Ms Garbett and Ms Hall.

Sadiq Khan and Susan Hall clashed on issues including rough sleeping, ULEZ and free school meals

Asked about the ultra low emission zone (Ulez), Ms Hall said the mayor's own impact assessment had 'showed him it would make virtually no difference at all'.

A strong advocate of scrapping the scheme, she refused to spell out where the 200 million in revenue that Ulez brings would instead come from, saying it was 'a long, complicated mix'.

Pressed on his comments in 2021 that Ulez did not need to be expanded, Mr Khan said the World Health Organisation had changed their guidelines on air toxicity levels.

Ms Hall said that the mayor would bring in pay-per-mile charging for vehicles in London and described his policy record as 'absolutely abysmal'.

The Mayor of London described Ms Hall as the 'most dangerous candidate I have fought against' after she said she had 'learnt' from a series of unsavoury social media posts she made about her political rival.

When asked about the Metropolitan Police, all four candidates said they had confidence in Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley amid recent calls for him to resign.

Mr Khan said he thought the Met was ahead of other police services across the country and praised Sir Mark for 'making remarkable progress'.

Ms Hall disagreed and said London was in 'a very serious situation', and that she had been told by those working in the night-time economy about 'gangs running around with machetes'.

He said: 'I think the Tory candidate should stop watching The Wire.'
Two chief fire officers are under investigation over claims they exchanged sexist and derogatory messages about women including talking about killing a female colleague.

Shropshire chief fire officer Simon Hardiman and his deputy Adam Matthews are alleged to have described women in the service as 'lazy' and 'useless' in WhatsApp exchanges sent over more than a year.

Several of the messages - which were leaked to ITV news - targeted Area Manager Jan Morris, who resigned from the service this year.

In one message sent in February last year Matthews reportedly said: 'She does the square root of f*** all.

In March 2023 he added: 'I've got no loyalty to the lazy cow' before sharing a cartoon GIF of someone being thrown under a bus.'

Shropshire chief fire officer Simon Hardiman (left) and his deputy Adam Matthews (right) are alleged to have described women in the service as 'lazy' and 'useless' in WhatsApp exchanges sent over more than a year

Several of the messages targeted Area Manager Jan Morris (pictured) who resigned from the service this year

Both men were promoted to their current roles shortly after sending some of the messages (NOTE: This is a mock-up of the texts and not the actual ones sent)

When Ms Morris posted on LinkedIn the same month asking for help finding a company which made uniforms for female firefighters, Matthews shared the post on WhatsApp and wrote: 'She is having a whinge on LinkedIn again, that's the reason this gender s*** pisses me off, constantly rammed down our throats.'

Mr Hardiman wrote in March 2022: 'At least she had a positive effect on the gender pay gap,' before adding several laughing emojis.

In another message he wrote about sending a job advert to her from another service before asking 'does that look too forceful?'.

In June 2022, Hardiman stated simply: 'I've calmed down now but I could still kill her buddy.'

Both men were promoted to their current roles shortly after sending some of the messages. Ms Morris claims they wanted her to leave the service because she is a woman, despite the fact that she has an unblemished career spanning 26 years.

She said: 'This is not how I wanted to end my career in the fire and rescue service. I should be stepping out the door proud as punch not through the back door because people have forced me into it.'

She described the messages as 'vile and disgusting' but said she was not surprised.

Other women were also allegedly targeted with one female colleague described as 'useless' and 'out of her depth'.

Referring to another, the assistant chief asks: 'Why should we bow down to dog breath instead of telling her to f*** off? If they ain't happy get the lazy cow to do ops [operations].'

Talking about a third woman, Matthews says he'd like to 'launch the cow straight out of the window'.

Ms Morris described the messages as 'vile and disgusting' but said she was not surprised

Dame Diana Johnson MP is currently conducting an inquiry into the culture of the fire and rescue sector

Dame Diana Johnson MP, who is currently conducting an inquiry into the culture of the fire and rescue sector, said: 'The idea has been put forward that this is a 'few bad apples', but actually what this is pointing to is much more about the general culture of those in leadership positions.

'Reading those messages, I'm worried a great deal what the culture is like in that fire service.'

Ms Morris is taking Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to an employment tribunal.

Her solicitor, Helen Moore, told ITV News: 'Jan, as a very senior and well established fire fighter is incredibly brave.

'Unfortunately, up until now those at the top have been untouchable, but with people like Jan Morris speaking out and allowing us to fight on their behalf, this will not continue for much longer.'

Only last month Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said that an independent review had found 'no evidence of current discriminatory practices'.

Speaking at the time, Mr Hardiman said the report was 'hugely encouraging'.

He said: 'It did not find a toxic culture and there was no evidence of current discriminatory practices and/or behaviours.'

In a statement, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware of allegations and had launched an investigation. It added: 'The Service takes all complaints extremely seriously and hold all our staff accountable, regardless of their position.

'We will share any outcomes of these investigations in due course.'

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said it was due to be inspecting the fire service in the next six weeks as part of a pre-planned programme.

A spokesman said: 'The allegations in relation to messages reported to have been shared between senior officers at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are deeply concerning.

'We were aware of the broad nature of these concerns, and that they are being externally and independently investigated.

'It would not be appropriate to comment further on this specific case at this time.

'We take all evidence into account as part of our inspection process.'
Russian troops have reportedly pushed through Ukrainian lines to take the strategic town of Ocheretyne in Donetsk - the latest scoop for Vladimir Putin's forces amid a recent string of gains on the battlefield.

Videos shared on the Telegram messaging app by Russian military bloggers appeared to show the Russian tricolour flying atop a damaged building in the town that once was home to 30,000 Ukrainians.

The town was lost after Ukrainian units fled their positions under heavy fire, Msocow's defence ministry claimed, as a Ukrainian army spokesperson said the invaders were 'using the entire arsenal of weapons available... including chemical poisons,' in their assault.

The capture of Ocheretyne, a local rail hub, is a key milestone on the way to the city of Pokrovsk some 20 miles further west - an intersection of important roads and a railway junction that forms the linchpin of Ukraine's military operations in the region.

Elsewhere, Russian divisions are pummelling towns on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important hill town that would allow them to move toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, key cities Ukraine controls in the eastern region of Donetsk.

And missiles and drones continue to batter energy infrastructure and residential areas in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, which is only about 20 miles from the Russian border.

Moscow's soldiers are pushing forward at several points along the 600-mile front - perhaps to maximise their gains over their depleted and war weary adversaries before new supplies of Western munitions arrive.

It comes as US lawmakers signed off on a new $61 billion military aid package that will soon enable Kyiv's defenders re-equip with sorely needed artillery, long-range missile systems and ammunition.

Russian troops are seen n Ocheretyne after raising the Russian flag atop a building

A local resident walks past apartment buildings destroyed by artillery in the village of Ocheretyne, near the town of Avdiivka, in the Donetsk region, April 15, 2024, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine

A civilian sits on a bench amid debris in the town of Ocheretyne in February. The town has now been overrun by Russian forces

A local resident walks past apartment buildings destroyed by air bomb in the village of Ocheretyne not far from Avdiivka town in the Donetsk region, on April 15, 2024, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine

Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) are coveted by Kyiv as they can strike deep into Russian held territory

Ukrainian soldiers with the 71st Jaeger Brigade fire a M101 howitzer at Russian positions on the front line, near the city of Avdiivka in Ukraine's Donetsk region, on March 22, 2024

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks to the press after the Senate green-lit a new military aid package for Ukraine

US lawmakers signed off on a new $61 billion military aid package that will soon enable Kyiv 's defenders re-equip with sorely needed artillery, long-range missile systems and ammunition

The US House of Representatives approved the new aid package on Saturday after months of delays by some Republicans wary of US involvement overseas.

It was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, and President Joe Biden said he would sign it today.

The difference could be felt within days on the front line in eastern and southern Ukraine, where Russia's much larger army has been slowly taking territory against massively outgunned Ukrainian forces.

Supporters of the $61 billion package say the arms and munitions should enable Ukraine to slow the Russian army's bloody advances and block its strikes on troops and civilians.

It will also buy Ukraine time for long-term planning about how to take back the fifth of the country now under Russian control.

'Ultimately it offers Ukraine the prospect of staying in the war this year,' said Michael Clarke, visiting professor in war studies at King's College London.

'Sometimes in warfare you've just got to stay in it. You've just got to avoid being rolled over.'

The aid approval means Ukraine may be able to release artillery ammunition from dwindling stocks that it has been rationing.

More equipment will come soon from American stocks in Poland and Germany, and later from the US.

The first shipments are expected to arrive by the beginning of next week, said Davyd Arakhamia, a lawmaker with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party.

But opposition lawmaker Vadym Ivchenko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament's National Security, Defence and Intelligence Committee, said logistical challenges and bureaucracy could delay shipments to Ukraine by two to three months, and it would be even longer before they reach the front line.

A US Patriot missile defence system launch. The Patriot system is an integral part of Ukraine's defence against Russian aerial assaults

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has long campaigned for more Western weapons

Activists supporting Ukraine, demonstrate outside the Capitol in Washington, April 20, 2024

A Ukrainian officer observes the firing of a 152-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer 2S3, towards Russian positions at the frontline, near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Monday, March 25, 2024

A Russian tank fires at Ukrainian troops from a position near the border with Ukraine

While details of the shipments are classified, Ukraine's most urgent needs are artillery shells to stop Russian troops from advancing, and anti-aircraft missiles to protect people and infrastructure from missiles, drones and bombs.

What's coming first is not always what front-line commanders need most, said Arakhamia, the Ukrainian lawmaker. He said that even a military giant like the US does not have stockpiles of everything.

'The logic behind this first package was, the US finds our top priorities and then you see what you have in the warehouses,' Arakhamia said. 'And sometimes they do not match.'

Hope for future breakthroughs for Ukraine still hangs on more timely deliveries of Western aid, lawmakers acknowledge.

Many experts believe that both Ukraine and Russia are exhausted by two years of war and won't be able to mount a major offensive - one capable of making big strategic gains - until next year.

Ivchenko said the goal for Ukraine's forces now is to 'hold the line' until the bulk of new supplies arrive by mid-summer. Then, they can focus on trying to recapture territory recently lost in the Donetsk region.

'At the end of summer we'll see some movement, offensive movement of the Ukrainian armed forces,' he said.

Some military experts doubt Ukraine has the resources to mount even small offensives very soon.

The US funding 'can probably only help stabilise the Ukrainian position for this year and begin preparations for operations in 2025,' said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank.

Ukrainian servicemen of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade fire a 120-mm mortar towards Russian troops at a frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine

A Russian army soldier fires a Fagot anti-tank missile system toward Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location

The Biden administration has said it prepared to start moving weapons and equipment into Ukraine within days of the legislation being passed

In the best-case scenario for Ukraine, the American aid will give commanders time to reorganise and train its army - applying lessons learned from its failed summer 2023 offensive. It may also galvanise Ukraine's allies in Europe to increase aid.

'So this just wasn't about Ukraine and the United States, this really affected our entire 51-country coalition,' said US Congressman Bill Keating, a Democrat who visited Kyiv on Monday as part of a four-member congressional delegation.

Zelensky insists Ukraine's war aim is to recapture all its territory from Russia - including Crimea, seized illegally in 2014.

Even if the war ultimately ends through negotiation, as many experts believe, Ukraine wants to do that from as strong a position as possible.

Whatever happens on the battlefield, Ukraine still faces variables beyond its control.

Former US President Donald Trump, who seeks to retake the White House in the November election, has said he would end the war within days of taking office.

And the 27-nation Europe Union includes leaders like Hungarian President Viktor Orban and Slovakian Prime Minister Richard Fico, who have opposed arming Ukraine.

Ukraine's allies have held back from supplying some arms out of concern about escalation or depleting their own stocks.

Ukraine says that to win the war it needs longer-range missiles it could use for potentially game-changing operations such as cutting off occupied Crimea, where's Russia's Black Sea fleet is based.

It wants Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMS, from the US and Taurus cruise missiles from Germany. Both governments have resisted calls to send them because they are capable of striking targets deep within Russian territory.

The new bill authorises the president to send Ukraine ATACMS 'as soon as practicable.' It's unclear what that will mean in practice.

Sometimes, promised weapons have arrived late, or not at all. Zelensky recently pointed out that Ukraine is still waiting for the F-16 fighter jets it was promised a year ago.
The Jane Austen museum has asked fans to help transcribe her brother's 'spidery' handwriting in a rare manuscript never seen before by the public.

Experts believe the memoir, written by her older brother Admiral Sir Francis William Austen, offers an insight into the life of the Pride and Prejudice author.

The task, which will see bookworms working their way through her navy brother's unpublished memoir, has been dubbed literature's version of 'citizen science'.

Austen enthusiasts will be asked to help 'decipher' the writings of her brother and contribute to the first full transcription of the 78-page text.

The memoir was recently acquired by the Jane Austen's House in Chawton, Hampshire, which is launching the 'community project' for fans 'across the world' to transcribe the manuscript biography which will be published online.

The Jane Austen museum has asked fans to help transcribe her brother's 'spidery' handwriting in a rare unpublished manuscript never seen before by the public. Pictured: The author

Austen fans will be asked to decipher what is in the handwritten manuscript by Admiral Sir Francis William Austen'

Admiral Sir Francis William Austen, born in 1774, was one of Jane Austen's six brothers.

Who is Jane Austen's brother? Admiral Sir Francis William Austen, born in 1774, was one of Jane Austen's six brothers. He served in the Navy from the age of 12 before achieving Knighthood and becoming Admiral of a fleet. It is thought her older brother provided inspiration for Austen's mentions of men in the Royal Navy throughout her novels. Throughout his work, he was stationed in different areas of the British Empire when it was based in the Far East and the Indies. He was married twice throughout his life, losing his first wife after she gave birth to their 11th child. Advertisement

Head of Collections, Interpretation and Engagement Sophie Reynolds said: 'It's really, really, rare to have new Austen family material come to light. It's not really fully known what is in there so that's really exciting.'

As well as the unpublished handwritten biography, the museum has acquired an album of his watercolours and drawings from his global travels during his long career in the Royal Navy.

The museum said that the rare manuscript - 'never before seen outside of family ownership' - offers an insight into his life and relations and will provide 'new avenues for research'.

Ms Reynolds added: 'We're putting the manuscript on display and we're going to place a public call out to help us.

'We're going to ask members of the public to contact us and email us to request part of the transcript... I think it's not something that happens very often.

'There is the citizen science... I don't think there is a term where it applies to literature - it's hard to pinpoint exactly how to describe it.'

The 39-year-old said it's 'really exciting' that global Austen fans can help, adding: 'It's also genuinely useful, it's a really valuable thing to do.

'It will need more work to look into it. Reading it now, it's quite painstaking, we have to decipher the handwriting.'

Head of Collections, Interpretation and Engagement Sophie Reynolds pictured holding the previously unseen manuscript

The memoir is written in the third person and the pages towards the end of the book are said to be particularly difficult to read as arthritis made the veteran's handwriting go 'spidery'

Francis Austen's story is said to be 'intrinsically linked to his sister Jane' as he lived with the Austen women in Southampton, Hants, from 1806 to 1809

The memoir is written in the third person and the pages towards the end of the book are said to be particularly difficult to read as arthritis made the veteran's handwriting go 'spidery'.

The head of collections said the memoir offers 'just another piece of the puzzle' about the novelist's upbringing.

She added: 'Jane Austen left so little facts on her life. We have 161 letters and we have the novels and other, really, scribbles of her fiction that weren't published at the time.

'But, we don't really have anything detailed from her so we have to look to the family to see what they were writing and recording.

'This is just another piece of the puzzle that can go into the museum... scholars will find it fascinating to pull things out. It helps fill in some of the details about her world.'

She added: 'It's about filling in some more of the details that sort of surrounded her. We're essentially just filling in aspects of her world so we can take it and see the world a little bit as she would have done.'

Francis Austen's story is said to be 'intrinsically linked to his sister Jane' as he lived with the Austen women in Southampton, Hants, from 1806 to 1809.

According to the museum, Jane used the name of his ship, HMS Elephant, in her Mansfield Park novel - and wrote to him to ask if he would object to it being mentioned.

And, the skilled wood turner, is also thought to have inspired Captain Harville in Persuasion, 1817.

The acquisitions will be displayed at the house to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth.

Chawton is where Austen lived for the last eight years of her life in which time she wrote her novels, including Pride and Prejudice.

Both the manuscript biography and the watercolour album were acquired at auction at Bonham's, Knightsbridge, in June 2023 and were bought by Jane Austen's House with funding from Friends of the National Libraries.
Rishi Sunak has said it will be '10 to 12 weeks' before the first plane carrying asylum seekers takes off on a one-way trip to Rwanda.

The Prime Minister promised 'multiple flights a month through the summer and beyond' and said an airfield was on standby with charter planes booked 'for specific slots'.

Although his Rwanda law finally passed through Parliament on Monday, finding an airline to operate the flights has been a major practical challenge - with the negative publicity around the scheme making it toxic for mainstream carriers.

Instead, ministers have been forced to turn to lesser known charter operators, but these have also faced intense lobbying from human rights groups seeking to scare them off.

Adding to the pressure on potential partners, three United Nations officials warned companies this week that they could be held responsible for any violations of international human rights rules.

The first Rwanda deportation flight on the runway before it was grounded by judges in June 2022. It was operated by UK firm Privilege Style

Aviation expert Julian Bray said operating deportation flights carried many risks for airlines, comparing the scenario to 1997 film Con Air - where a US Ranger finds himself trapped in a prisoner transport plane when the passengers seize control.

He told MailOnline: 'You're taking a number of people who really don't want to go to the destination, so they will be under some form of security or restraint. That poses difficulties in itself.

'There will also need to be spaces for security staff, and because it's a long flight as well so you will need onboard catering.

'Overall, its fraught with problems - many of which have probably not been thought through.

'And of course there's also a commercial risk, because if a passenger airline is associated with the Rwanda flights there will be an awful lot of cancellations from people.'

Below, MailOnline runs through the airlines that have already been linked with the scheme - and reveals which one is currently considered the most likely candidate.

Privilege Style - Hired for Rwanda deportation flights in June 2022

Privilege Style is based in Mallorca and says its VIP customers include major Spanish companies and La Liga teams.

It has also operated deportation flights for various EU countries and in December 2020 allegedly helped remove a group of people from the UK to Jamaica.

Privilege Style was due to deport people to Rwanda in June 2022 before the flight was grounded at the last minute after intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.

The first flight in June was halted following an 11th hour intervention from the European Court of Human Rights

The Mallorca based airline had faced calls and public demonstrations urging it to abandon the arrangement and later confirmed it would not put on any more flights.

In a statement the operator said: 'It's important for us to clarify that we will never operate the flight to Rwanda since the one scheduled in June 2022, the reason for this controversy, was suspended and never flew; that we won't operate flights to Rwanda in the future.'

Freedom from Torture, which led the campaign, said it had received a letter from the airline detailing the decision in which it also asked the charity to now cease 'actions against our brand'.

British ministers may have hoped to find an ally in Rwanda's state airline, which is wholly owned by the Rwandan government.

The east African nation's flag carrier, RwandAir, was approached by British ministers last year, but it declined to take part because of potential damage to their 'brand'.

The same concerns about publicity make it all but certain that other commercial airlines are also off limits.

'RwandAir said ''No' because of the potential damage to their brand,' a Home Office insider told the FT, pointing out the 'irony' of the flag carrier distancing itself from a scheme that Rwanda's government has said it is 'proud' to be a part of.

Rwanda 's state airline RwandAir turned down an offer from the UK Government to operate removals flights due to concerns about its 'brand'

Titan Airways - UK airline with experience of deportations

Based at Stansted Airport, Titan Airways is a charter airline that specialises in leasing planes to other airlines or carrying out charter services for tour operators, companies and governments.

The company, which has around 12 aircraft, has carried out repatriation flights for the Foreign Office and, for two years, operated the South Atlantic Air Bridge to the Falkland Islands.

Titan Airways is also contracted by the Home Office to carry out deportations, including in March 2017 when one of these flights was stopped by a group of human rights activists known as the Stansted 15.

The group cut through the Essex airport's perimeter fence in March 2017 and took smiling selfies as they locked themselves together around the Boeing 767.

Titan Airways took to X in 2022 to deny it planned to operate deportation flights to Rwanda

They were prosecuted under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act, but had their convictions overturned by Court of Appeal judges who agreed the legislation was intended for terrorists rather than protesters.

Titan Airways is one of several charter airlines to have come under pressure to clarify its stance on operating flights to Rwanda by the charity Freedom from Torture.

Taking to Twitter in June 2022, it wrote: 'Many people have expressed concern that Titan Airways may operate flights to Rwanda. Whilst we do not generally comment on our operations we can confirm we are not involved in the flights to Rwanda.'

AirTanker - the leading candidate

Founded in 2007, AirTanker is a British company with a fleet of 14 Airbus A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport aircraft.

The firm mainly works for the UK Government, and in 2008 agreed a 27-year contract to operate its tankers on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The planes are known as Voyagers while in RAF service.

The contract is believed to be worth some 400million a year, and in 2018 became embroiled in controversy after it emerged some of the aircraft were being used by Thomas Cook and Jet2 because the RAF had no use for them.

AirTanker was one of the carriers approached by Freedom from Torture after the first Rwanda flight was grounded in 2022.

AirTanker has a 27-year contract to operate its Airbus A330 MRTTs, known as RAF Voyagers - on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Pictured is a group of soldiers, including Prince Harry, returning from Afghanistan on an RAF Voyager in 2013

It said in January 2023: 'We are aware of the many reports in circulation and can confirm that AirTanker has no intention of operating deportation flights to Rwanda.'

However, reports this month suggested ministers were still hoping to use AirTanker aircraft by activating a clause in its contract that allows the Ministry of Defence to repurpose the aircraft for 'specialist tasks'.

Downing Street has drawn up plans to activate the clause for Rwanda deportation flights, The Times reported. The company has its own pilots and cabin crew, although RAF personnel could also be used.

AirTanker has been the focus of an aggressive publicity campaign by human rights groups for several weeks, but as yet has not responded to any requests for comment.

Freedom from Torture said its activists have repeatedly tried to contact the company about its potential involvement but has been met with silence. An open letter it wrote to the charity received more than 28,000 signatures.

When asked if the government has an airline in place on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell said: 'We have robust operational arrangements in place.'

AirTanker has been the focus of a publicity campaign by human rights groups for several weeks. Pictured is a Tweet from Freedom from Torture

He said the prime minister would set out how the operation would work in greater detail at a press conference later that morning, but Sunak was still scarce on details when asked.

'I can confirm that we've put an airfield on standby, booked commercial charter planes for specific slots and we have 500 highly trained individuals ready to escort illegal migrants all the way to Rwanda, with 300 more trained in the coming weeks,' he told reporters.

When asked about the number of people who would be taken away and any airlines involved, he said he wouldn't go into detail due to a loud minority of people who will do absolutely anything and everything to disrupt this policy from succeeding'.

He said there will be a 'regular rhythm' of 'multiple flights a month through the summer and beyond'.

MailOnline contacted AirTanker for comment.
A major car dealership is shuttering 16 branches across the UK whilst hundreds of jobs are set to be axed.

CarStore, which was bought from Pendragon by US firm Lithia in recent months, announced 250 of its employees will be given the boot.

Whilst 16 sites will be closing their doors for the final time, four CarStore branches will also be re-franchised, The Sun reports.

Seven of CarStore's pods are also set to be transformed into Evan Halshaw Direct Sites.

The US company announced they would be closing the stores to focus their efforts on their two other car dealership brands - Evan Halshaw and Stratstone.

16 CarStore branches throughout the UK are set to shutter as 250 jobs are also axed (pictured: a CarStore branch)

A spokesman for Lithia said: 'Following the acquisition and ongoing merger, we have carried out an initial review across the group.

'As a result of which, we will be going into consultation with a number of our colleagues around potential redundancies.

'All colleagues have been notified today, to explain how they may be impacted.'

They continued: 'We will be closing nine CarStore sites and seven CarStore pods this quarter in order to focus on Evans Halshaw and Stratstone.

'Four CarStore sites will be retained and re-franchised, expanding our retail operations with three existing carmakers, while seven remaining CarStore pods will become Evans Halshaw Direct sites.'

Regional president of Lithia UK, Neil Williamson told Motor Trader: 'The bringing together of Pendragon and Jardine Motors Group under Lithia & Driveway has illustrated the synergies across these two great businesses.

'We are committed to growing in the most efficient way possible as we move through 2024.'

This comes only months after Lithia completed their 397 million acquisition of CarStore, Evans Halshaw and Stratstone from Pendragon.

Pendragon were estimated to previously have around 5,500 in the UK, according to the Mirror.

Evans Halshow deals ten car brands, including Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, Dacia, DS and Citreon.

Stratstone holds dealership for BMW, BYD, Ferrari, Genasis, Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston Maring, Mercedez-Benz, Mini, Porsche and Smart.

Lithia - the US company which bought the car dealership branches - has 340 dealerships dotted around North America.

The US firm is also became the owner of Jardine Motors dealership group in 2022.

Swedish motor firm, Hedin Group, had previously offered to buy Pendragon for 400 million in September 2022 - but no sale came to fruition.

Owner of Hedin Group, Andres Hedin owned over a quarter of Pendragon shares but cut ties with the business a month following their partnership with Lithia, according to The Sun.

US firm PAG International also confirmed they had severed ties with Pendragon following the Lithia takeover.
There are fears Britain could be plunged into a Cava shortage amid the worst drought on record in Catalonia wreaking havoc with grape production.

Freixenet has been forced to furlough 80 per cent of its workers with the drinks giant previously warning the decrease in the number of grapes being harvested would have a 'massive impact on all markets in the world'.

It has already produced declassified sparkling wine for markets in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria as the crisis destroys crops dying of thirst.

One consumer expert fears the drought that has gripped Catalonia in the last four years will hit supplies in the UK and cause prices to be hiked.

The northeastern region of Spain is in the midst of its worst drought on record. A state of emergency has been declared by the area's government which has enforced restrictions in the use of water for crop farming.

There are fears Britain could be plunged into a Cava shortage amid the worst drought on record in Catalonia (Pictured here is the vineyards of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, in the Barcelona region of Atl Penedes, in January 2023)

Freixenet has been forced to furlough 80 per cent of its workers due to the drought in Catalonia

MailOnline understands supermarkets in the UK are yet to notice any supply issues, but Helen Dewdney, The Complaining Cow consumer expert, told MailOnline that logically a shortage is inevitable.

'The last few years has seen huge difficulties in the Cava market,' she said.

'With Freixenet now furloughing 80 per cent of its workers it logically can only mean one thing. That there will be a shortage of Cava and with that prices will inevitably go up.

'Below average rains and record high temperatures on record for the last three years has placed a state of emergency for water in Catalonia. Catalan reservoir levels are the lowest in Spain with the regions eastern basins at 18% of their capacity.'

However, she said: 'Codorniu [a winery producing cava] is not reporting any issues and the supermarkets say that currently there are no supply issues.'

The drought ravaged 70 per cent of growers' crops in the Penedes region last year - which produces about 95 per cent of all Cava.

Vineyards across Catalonia's renowned region are so parched that the roots of 30-year-old vines have died, leaving shrivelled red and green grapes languishing under the intense sun.

Due to a lack of raw materials caused by harsh conditions, Cava giant Freixenet will temporarily layoff as many as 615 of its 778 staff it employs in Catalonia. The furlough will begin in May.

In a statement, the company said: 'The measure, which has been implemented in the interests of responsibility, aims to guarantee the operation of the business and to maintain employability in order to deal with external factors and the force majeure caused by the serious drought,' the company said.

'The furlough, caused by force majeure, is an exceptional measure that has been taken in the current context of a crisis that had been brought about by a lack of raw materials because of the harsh drought that has affected the sector since 2021  and which hit the El Penedes area particularly hard in 2023.'

Cava giant Freixenet will temporarily layoff as many as 615 of its 778 staff it employs in Catalonia

A view of the entrance of Freixenet, a Cava producer, in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, near Barcelona

Speaking in February, Pere Aragones (pictured), the President of Catalonia, described the situation as a 'new climate reality'

The drought impact on the vineyards of Penedes - which produces 95 per cent of all Cava -shown in this picture taken last month

The Cava giant previously warning the decrease in the number of grapes being harvested would have a 'massive impact on all markets in the world'

The vineyards in the wine region of Penedes (pictured in March) are suffering due to the severe drought that Catalonia is experiencing

Josep Palau, production director at Freixenet, told business daily El Economista that 'the sharp decrease in [grapes harvested] will have a massive impact on all markets in the world' (Pictured: the dry vineyards in Penedes)

Tourists visiting Barcelona and the region have been met with a 'drought alert' after the region's government declared a state of emergency

Josep Palau, production director at Freixenet, told business daily El Economista that 'the sharp decrease in [grapes harvested] will have a massive impact on all markets in the world since this serious situation is not expected to be reversed in the short term'.

The president of the Association of Cava Producers, Joaquim Tosas, told the same publication the drought was causing a significant impact on grape production.

READ MORE: A shortage of coffee could hit the UK as supply is affected by rising costs and climate change Advertisement

He told Catalan News agency that he believes that 40 per cent of grapes will be harvested compared to the average, meaning 60 million fewer bottles will be produced this year.

A low water table caused by a lack of rainfall in the Spanish region has seen drastic restrictions imposed on the city, impacting about six million people, as well as hundreds of smaller communities.

Residents have been told by the regional government to cut their water usage by 5%, with supply limited to 200 litres per day per person.

Farmers have been advised to reduce their water consumption by as much as 80%, as well cut use in livestock by half.

Speaking in February, Pere Aragones, the President of Catalonia, described the situation as a 'new climate reality'.

He told a press briefing: 'The drought will be overcome, but we're in a new climate reality in which it's more likely that there'll be new droughts and that they'll be more intense.'

MailOnline has contacted Freixenet for comment.
Montenegrin lawyers of disgraced Korean crypto entrepreneur Do Kwon are struggling to have him extradited to his home country, not the United States, according to local news reports.

Kwon's legal representatives in Montenegro appealed against the Podgorica High Court's recent ruling that found the conditions for his extradition to both Korea and the U.S. were met, local daily Vijesti reported on Tuesday.

In their appeal, the lawyers said that the high court's April 8 decision is "unfounded and illegal" and the relevant legal provisions were interpreted in a bizarre manner by the high court and the Supreme Court in an attempt to satisfy the wishes of the justice minister, the report said.

The country's justice minister is expected to decide where to hand Kwon over to after courts make relevant rulings on the case.

Kwon, co-founder of the cryptocurrency firm Terraform Labs, is wanted both by Korea and the United States, where he faces investigation and indictment on charges connected to the crash of the firm's TerraUSD and Luna coins in May 2022. He was arrested in the European country in March last year after being caught traveling on a fake passport.

Early this month, Montenegro's Supreme Court scrapped Kwon's extradition to Korea and sent the case back to a lower court. (Yonhap)
One of Ireland's most notorious drug dealers, Tony 'King Scum' Felloni, has died of a heart attack at the age of 81 in Dublin.

Born Anthony Carroll, Felloni was deemed one of the worst criminals in the history of the State for flooding Dublin with heroin in the 1980s.

The high-profile dealer was allegedly HIV positive when he died suddenly on Monday, reports the Irish Times, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Felloni was one of the most recognised dealers during the 1980s heroin epidemic and remained a key figure in the drug trade for 20 years.

He gained notoriety when it emerged he used his children to sell drugs after getting them hooked on heroin to ensure his control over them.

Felloni was deemed one of the worst criminals in the history of the State for flooding Dublin with heroin in the 1980s

He died on Monday of a heart attack aged 81, in south inner city Dublin

His son, Luigi Felloni, was jailed for heroin dealing in June 1996 and received a sentence of six years, while daughter Regina was jailed for six years and nine months.

Felloni, who was a heroin user himself, also had a number of convictions for beating his wife and was the first person to receive a life sentence for drug dealing.

His brutality towards women and his family earned him the infamous nickname 'King Scrum'.

The father-of-six had kept a low profile since his release from prison in 2011, after being thrown behind bars in June 1996 for heroin dealing.

While in jail, Felloni was targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau and Revenue Commissioners under money laundering legislation - where it was revealed he had made over 860,000 from drug dealing.

But they reportedly seized around 430,000 of his wealth in 2010.

After being jailed in 1996, Felloni served much of his time in Portlaoise Prison in Mountjoy - his final appeal of his sentence was dismissed by the courts in 1991.

In 1980, Felloni moved to Britain and led a gang of armed robbers before moving into the lucrative drugs trade

However, following a series of probation and psychiatric reports carried out on him at the time, it was revealed the crime boss had become completely institutionalised, was HIV positive, and had managed to obtain drugs in prison.

He was unable to fend for himself for more than two days.

Originally from Lower Dominick Street - one of the earliest Georgian streets in northern Dublin before they were wiped out and turned into flats - Felloni began his long career in crime in the 1960s by seducing women while working as domestic staff in large, wealthy houses.

He would develop his relationships with them and win their trust before snapping compromising photos of them - demanding half of their wages in return for not showing their employers the images.

Along the years, Felloni racked up over 20 convictions, many for burglary and assault, including against his wife.

Following one conviction of that nature in 1980, he moved to Britain, where he began to develop contacts among the criminal underworld and led a gang of armed robbers.

But he quickly outgrew his position as a gang leader and wormed his way into the more lucrative area of drug dealing.

Felloni was arrested in Surrey in 1981 and jailed for four years for conspiracy to import heroin.

Upon his return to Ireland in 1984, he began to take the drugs business more seriously - and although he never earned the title of the top operator, he became well-known as one of the few major dealers who sold Heroin on the streets.

Felloni was also running a professional shop-lifting gang in Dublin city centre.

He was slapped with a 10-year sentence in July 1986 and a decade later was jailed for 20 years.

Felloni only served 15 years of that sentence after remission was factored in.
A mother who found her toddler chewing on a rat's foot has been told the disgusting find likely came from her own home - not the store-bought garlic bread she had initially suspected.

Shannon Bellman had given her 10-month-old boy the garlic bread after buying it from a Pak'nSave supermarket in Te Awamutu, on New Zealand's North Island, on March 22.

'I saw this poking out of his mouth and grabbed it, I couldn't believe it,' Ms Bellman told the NZ Herald at the time, adding that her son suffered an upset stomach after the incident.

The grocery chain immediately recalled that brand of garlic bread from all its stores across the country and an investigation into where the rat's foot came from began.

A mother who discovered her toddler chewing on a rat's foot(pictured) has been told the disgusting find likely came from her own home - not the store-bought garlic bread she had initially suspected

Shannon Bellman had given her 10-months-old boy the snack she purchased from a Pak'nSave supermarket Te Awamutu on New Zealand 's North Island, on March 22

It has now been determined the by New Zealand Food Safety that the rodent's foot 'most likely' came from Ms Bellman's home, with the government body revealing the rat's body part was 'raw' and the garlic bread 'twice cooked'.

This meant it was highly unlikely the foot came to be in the garlic bread at any point of the commercial supply chain.

'We thoroughly investigated the complaint and can now rule out the manufacturer, distributor, distribution centre and retailer as possible sources of the foot,' Vincent Arbuckle, NZFS's deputy director-general said.

Despite this finding, he said the complaint had been made in good faith.

NZFS said the manufacturer had stringent safety procedures in place.

Ms Bellman said she thought Pak'nSave did not take the incident seriously when it happened until images of the rat's foot were posted on Facebook.

She later got an apologetic call from the company.

The grocery chain immediately recalled that brand of garlic bread (pictured) from all its stores across the country and an investigation into where the rat's foot came from began

The horror incident comes as New Zealand plans to exterminate all rats from its islands by 2050.

The ambitious scheme, which also includes getting rid of other nuisance animals such as possums and stoats, was brought in by the then Prime Minister John Key in 2016.

The country is hoping a rat-free countryside will give a boost to native birds, including the iconic kiwi.

Many bird species are threatened with extinction because rats and other pests feast on their eggs and compete with them for food.

'This is the most ambitious conservation project attempted anywhere in the world, but we believe if we all work together as a country we can achieve it,' Mr Key said at the time.
His family saw his body for the first time on Wednesday

The family of a Westfield security guard who was killed in the horrific Sydney stabbing massacre have seen his body for the first time, on what would have been his 31st birthday.

Faraz Tahir, 30, was killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, on April 13 as he tried to protect others.

He died alongside five women: Ashlee Good, 38; Dawn Singleton, 25; Jade Young, 47; Yixuan Cheng, 27; and Pikria Darchia, 55.

The ordeal only came to an end when Cauchi was eventually gunned down by a police officer.

Mr Tahir's family arrived in Australia from Pakistan on Wednesday, ahead of his funeral which will be held on Friday.

The family of Faraz Tahir (pictured) arrived in Australia on Wednesday to see his body for the first time

Mr Tahir was killed while trying to stop Westfield Bondi Junction knifeman Joel Cauchi from stabbing innocent shoppers

'Faraz will be dearly missed by the whole family and community,' older brother Muzafar Tahir said.

'Today is his 31st birthday and the family have seen his body for first time.

'We would like to thank the Australian public for showing love and compassion to a stranger, who became a hero.'

Mr Tahir was working his first daytime shift as a Westfield security guard when he bravely attempted to stop Cauchi's stabbing frenzy against innocent shoppers.

He had moved to Australia as a refugee just one year earlier after fleeing persecution in his home country, Pakistan.

Adnan Qadir, a friend of Mr Tahir, described him as a man who 'keeps other people's interests ahead of his own'.

'Had a lot of ambition for his future ... just settling into his new country,' he told Sunrise.

'He was looking forward to a stable career, to make a family up here.

'It is just sad how it all ended up.'

The security guard was also a 'cherished' member of Australia's Muslim community.

'He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness,' the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said.

Wednesday should have been Mr Tahir's 31st birthday but instead of celebrating, his family saw his body for the first time since he was killed by Joel Cauchi (pictured)

Mr Tahir will be laid to rest on Friday, following the funeral of fellow victim Jade Young on Tuesday (pictured, flowers left outside the shopping centre)

'Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia but also actively contributed to the charitable endeavours of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz's family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.'

His funeral will follow that of Jade Young who was laid to rest at a memorial service on Tuesday.

'The loss of Jade Young at the catastrophic attack at Bondi Junction on the 13th of April has shattered our world,' her family said in a statement.

'While we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and the community, Jade's death has left a gaping hole in our lives.

'Her children were her life, and we do not want their future to be shaped by her death.'
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been released on continuing bail after he appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face a number of historical sex charges, including one count of rape.

The 61-year-old politician, who is Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP, was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March.

Dressed in a grey suit and wearing a blue tie, Sir Jeffrey did not speak as he arrived at the court accompanied by his solicitor on Wednesday.

Police officers attempted to keep the roadway clear during the large media scrum for his arrival.

A 58-year-old woman has also been charged with aiding and abetting additional offences in relation to the same police investigation.

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at court this morning charged with rape and other historical sex offences. He is pictured outside of court

Sir Jeffrey is pictured in the media scrum as he arrives at court, flanked by police officers

Members of the press are pictured gathered outside Newry Magistrates' Court where Sir Jeffrey's court hearing was taking place

Sir Jeffrey was released on continuing bail after making his brief court appearance.

Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party pending the outcome of the judicial process.

The former leader was seen arriving at Newry Magistrates' Court in County Down this morning, where he was pictured by the waiting press outside the justice house.

In a statement following news of his arrest, the DUP said: 'The Party Chairman has received a letter from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP confirming that he has been charged with allegations of an historical nature and indicating that he is stepping down as Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party with immediate effect.

'In accordance with the Party Rules, the Party Officers have suspended Mr Donaldson from membership, pending the outcome of a judicial process.'

It is understood that in a letter to party officers, he made clear he would be 'strenuously contesting' all charges against him.

Sir Jeffrey was arrested at his home in County Down last month and taken to Antrim Police Station for questioning.

In a short statement released following Sir Jeffrey's arrest in March, the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that a 61-year-old man had been charged with 'non-recent sexual offences' and a woman, arrested at the same time, had been charged with 'aiding and abetting' in connection with the offences.

BREAKING: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Magistrates Court.



Our Political Reporter @jamesgould23 is there. pic.twitter.com/iGEnY8u257  Cool FM News (@newsoncool) April 24, 2024

The 61-year-old politician, who is Northern Ireland 's longest-serving MP, was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March

It is understood that in a letter to party officers, he made clear he would be 'strenuously contesting' all charges against him (pictured are the media outside of court today)

Sir Jeffrey has been been MP for Lagan Valley for 27 years and was knighted for his services to politics in 2016.

He has been the DUP's leader since 2021.

Acting as Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP, he was first elected to Parliament in 1997 as a representative of the Ulster Unionist Party.

He left the party in 2003 and joined the DUP due to his long-standing opposition to the Good Friday Agreement and the leadership of David Trimble.

During his time in the DUP he helped to broker the party's 1bn confidence and supply deal with Theresa May's minority Conservative government, when the Tories held the balance of power at Westminster between 2017 and 2019.

More recently, Sir Jeffrey helped steer the DUP back into government in Northern Ireland, ending a two-year boycott of the devolved institutions.

Sir Jeffrey has remained as MP for Lagan Valley.

Following Sir Jeffrey's resignation, East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson was appointed interim party leader for the DUP.
Welsh public bodies could remove 'highly contentious' art from view if it 'insults or hurts' members of the public under new anti-racism guidance.

The Labour-run Welsh Government have finalised guidelines which instructs public bodies on how to ensure statues, plaques and paintings project the 'right historic narrative'.

The guidance, titled Public commemoration in Wales, states art in public spaces should 'celebrate the achievements of our diverse society'.

Public bodies, which include local authorities, town councils and the National Museum of Wales, are being urged to ensure pieces in public view will not 'insult or hurt' and project 'present values'.

The guidance, which applies to both old and new commemorations and artwork and seen by MailOnline, adds: 'In recent times there has been greater recognition that public commemoration should be more wide-ranging.

Statue of the Duke of Wellington in Brecon, South Wales which was identified in a Welsh Government review of monuments linked to slavery

A statue to Admiral Lord Nelson (also identified in the 2020 review) is situated on the shores of the Menai Straits between the Britannia Bridge and the stately home Plas Newydd

Deputy Minister for Arts Dawn Bowden MS signed off the new Welsh Government guidelines

'Wales has a legacy of hundreds of commemorations in various forms. Although these commemorations may have historic or aesthetic interest in themselves, they may not represent the preferences or values of the present.'

In a list of possible actions to public bodies to take, the government guidance states 'highly contentious' art could be 'taken down' and placed 'in storage or in museums' or 'be relocated to a less sensitive location.'

It adds: 'It is worth actively reviewing how earlier commemorations could be presented and accessed so that they form part of the balanced, authentic and decolonised account of the past that public bodies are expected to promote.'

Some of the historic Britons identified in the Wales probe of monuments linked to slavery Francis Drake: Three streets named after him. Thomas Picton: Four monuments, five buildings and 30 streets. Lord Nelson: Seven monuments, six buildings and 18 streets. King William IV: Five buildings and seven streets. Winston Churchill: Two buildings and 13 streets. Duke of Wellington: Two monuments, 14 buildings and 32 streets. William Gladstone: Three monuments, five places, 26 streets. Robert Peel: One street. George Canning: One street. Cecil Rhodes: One street. Advertisement

The guidelines which were signed off by Deputy Minister for Arts Dawn Bowden MS were put forward in response to Black Lives Matter protests as part of a strategy to ensure Wales is 'an anti-racist nation' by 2030.

The term 'decolonisation' in academic and arts circles often refers to actively critiquing the British Empire and those involved with it, while elevating stories about non-white historical figures.

However, the guidance makes clear that it does not seek to push the 'censoring or erasure of the historical record'.

It is suggested that contentious artworks might be addressed through the addition of new information panels which would provide a 'decolonised account of the past' as well as artistic interventions.

Decision-making on what to do with contentious artworks should be 'inclusive' and ensure 'that the voices' of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and those with other protected characteristic 'are amplified and celebrated'.

In 2020, a review commissioned by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford identified 209 monuments, buildings or street names which commemorate people who were 'directly involved' with slavery and the slave trade or opposed its abolition.

The review found commemorations of people connected with the slave trade are often shown without any accompanying context.

Following the review, a statue of a 19th-century slave trader was removed from outside Cardiff City Hall in 2020.

Thomas Picton was a British Army officer killed during the Battle of Waterloo and his statue had stood in the building for 104 years.

But Picton was also known as the 'tyrant of Trinidad' who directly used the slave trade to build up his wealth and was even found guilty of ordering the torture of a 14-year-old girl of mixed-race heritage, Luisa Calderon, in 1806.

The dossier of statues also included explorer Henry Morton Stanley among those who had 'committed crimes against black people'.

The statue of Sir Thomas Picton was removed from Cardiff City Hall in 2020 due to his links to the slave trade

The monument dedicated to Picton stood in Cardiff City Hall since 1916 when it was unveiled by future prime minister David Lloyd George

The 2020 audit identified 209 objects depicting or roads named after historical figures with a direct involvement in the slave trade

The review highlighted statues of historical figures such as Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Francis Drake and the Duke of Wellington, who it said opposed the abolition of the slave trade.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, critisced the guidance and told The Telegraph: 'Labour's new guidance for statues and public commemorations is an affront to our history and puts extreme ideology before the facts.

'This guidance, which places heavy emphasis on 'decolonising' Welsh history, is wrongheaded and divisive.'

A Welsh Government spokesman told MailOnline: 'The guidance on public commemoration in Wales is neither promoting the removal nor retention of contentious historic memorials. Rather, the guidance is to help local authorities, town and community councils, and other public bodies reach well-informed decisions about existing and future public commemorations.

'Public bodies should be clear about what they want to achieve from public commemoration. They should set objectives that define its role in line with the goals of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan to promote authenticity and balance, and a clear and decolonised understanding of the world. This does not mean censoring or erasure of the historical record, but it does mean that historical injustice is acknowledged, reputations are open to debate and narratives that devalue human life do not go unchallenged.'
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Fukushima has been frozen in time for more than a decade since a powerful earthquake triggered a tsunami, causing one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

When the 9.0-magnitude quake struck on March 11, 2011, waves of more than 33ft (10 metres) overcame insufficient sea defences, destroying backup generators and triggering meltdowns in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

It released hydrogen and radioactive materials and some 160,000 residents were evacuated from the surrounding area, many of whom have never been able to return home, abandoning their homes, businesses and belongings.

Entry to some of the zones, which continue to have relatively high radiation levels, remains strictly limited, with 'difficult-to-return' areas only accessible with permission.

Now, a British urban explorer has lifted the lid on the untouched world of the Japanese prefecture's 'red zone' - sneaking into abandoned buildings including the nuclear control room itself, and sharing eerie pictures of what he has discovered.

Urban explorer Lukka Ventures is seen standing in front of an abandoned Sega World, a popular amusement arcade chain in Japan

Businesses in the abandoned area remain shuttered 13 years on from the devastating nuclear accident

Classrooms sit empty, with school bags seen on children's desks exactly where they left them

Lukka snooped round abandoned hospitals, malls and apartments which he said were untouched by time

An empty launderette is seen with pamphlets scattered across the floor after people left in haste

Wrecked cars are seen in an overgrown lot. Some 160,000 residents were evacuated in 2011

Lukka is seen pretending to hold a phone as he sits at what appears to be a control panel

Lukka Ventures, 27, has been exploring abandoned buildings in the UK for four years, and decided to explore the 'red zones' after watching a documentary on the Fukushima disaster.

He snooped round abandoned hospitals, malls and apartments which he said were untouched by time.

Lukka, who is from Manchester, described his visit as 'a very surreal experience.'

'Everything had been left, there were calendars on the wall were fixed on the same date of the disaster,' he said.

'You will walk into a building and there is stuff all over the floor.

'Animals have got in and tried to get food, you can see that the earthquake shook everything onto the floor.'

Lukka, spent four days in the Fukushima red zones in February 2024, sharing his findings on his YouTube channel.

He carried a Geiger counter - an electronic instrument used for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation - to make sure he wasn't exposing himself.

He said: 'We were sneaking through rivers and fences. We had to be really careful of how radiated some of the areas were.

Images from inside what appears to be a child's bedroom showing posters on the wall, soft toys and clothes strewn about

Go Karts are seen at an abandoned race track in the affected area, which now appears to be overgrown

Lukka and friends are seen at a gaming arcade, sitting at consoles and pretending to play

Supermarket shelves still have food on them more than a decade on, with products also seen scattered around the floor

Lukka said: 'Animals have got in and tried to get food, you can see that the earthquake shook everything onto the floor'. Pictured: An abandoned diner

'It was so so surreal. You would go into shopping centres and they would have food on the shelf.

'Everything has been left. Every building we went into was really weird.'

Lukka also found a nuclear bunker in what he suggested was a training centre.

He said: 'We entered a big glass building which had a model of the reactor in the lobby. We were close to the power plant that exploded.

An empty office with rubbish spread across the floor and a doll seen in the corner

A boot, linen and chairs are seen in what appears to be a hospital corridor

A school gymnasium remains as it was when it was left by staff and students for the final time

Books and papers have fallen from shelves, lying in piles on the ground for years

'We walked around the building and there were rooms that had nuclear controllers in there.'

The YouTuber shared pictures of himself pretending to be on the phone in front of what appeared to be a control panel.

Another picture shows him and friends at a gaming arcade, sitting at consoles and pretending to play.

Waves overwhelm a levee, swallowing a seaside village, after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan

Vehicles driving south out of Fukushima Prefecture on March 15, 2011, four days after a powerful earthquake-triggered tsunami hit the country's east coast

Chilling photos show abandoned homes, with images from inside what appears to be a child's bedroom showing posters on the wall, soft toys and clothes strewn about.

Classrooms also sit empty, with school bags seen on children's desks exactly where they left them.

Lukka said he found walking around the hospital a 'scary experience', and shared footage showing unmade beds and medical supplies and papers scattered across the floor.

The display above one shop has fallen down and plants grow out of control around the building

The explorer outside one of the thousands of abandoned buildings in Fukushima, Japan

An empty office, frozen in time after it was left by workers following the 2011 nuclear accident

An empty Subaru branch still has a model in its window. Businesses had to be shuttered as people fled

Stock has been thrown around a dilapidated shop, with signs falling from the ceiling

He said: 'I have never explored an area and been scared but the hospital was really scary.

'Seeing all the stuff, like bags, coats and other belongings gets you upset.

'I am not the type of guy to get upset but I did feel very sad walking around. The whole experience will stay with me forever.'

Lukkas revelations come after new drone footage released last month showed the extent of the damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant for the first time.

The plant's operators, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, or TEPCO, released 12 photos from inside the site.

They are the first ever images from inside the main structural support called the pedestal in the hardest-hit reactor's primary containment vessel, an area directly under the reactor's core.

Mattresses and scrunched-up blankets are seen spread across the floor of one abandoned building

An empty reception area. Lukka said: 'I have never explored an area and been scared but the hospital was really scary'

Hospital beds and patient's belongings remain exactly where they left them. A patch of damp is seen in the ceiling

Eerie pictures show wrecked rooms in the abandoned prefecture after it was evacuated in 2011

Officials had long hoped to reach the area to examine the core and melted nuclear fuel which dripped there when the plant's cooling systems were damaged by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

The high-definition color images captured by the drones show brown objects with various shapes and sizes dangling from various locations in the pedestal.

Parts of the control-rod drive mechanism, which controls the nuclear chain reaction, and other equipment attached to the core were dislodged by the drones.

The Fukushima disaster was one of the world's most devastating nuclear mishaps

The plant's operators, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, or TEPCO, released 12 photos from inside the site

Officials had long hoped to reach the area to examine the core and melted nuclear fuel which dripped there
Sadiq Khan was berated over his record on policing and ULEZ during a bad-tempered London mayor debate last night.

The Labour incumbent came under fire from Tory candidate Susan Hall as they clashed on LBC with just over a week until crucial local elections.

Ms Hall insisted Londoners 'don't feel safe' and told Mr Khan that 'nobody believes you any more' as she went on the attack.

But the mayor hit back by branding Ms Hall the 'most dangerous candidate I have fought against', accusing her of portraying the capital as something out of gritty Baltimore crime drama The Wire.

Polls have suggested Mr Khan is on track to secure a third term on May 2, although the gap has narrowed somewhat.

Sadiq Khan came under fire from Tory candidate Susan Hall as they clashed on LBC with just over a week until crucial local elections

Ms Hall insisted Londoners 'don't feel safe' and told Mr Khan that 'nobody believes you any more' as she went on the attack

The Labour and Tory hopefuls appeared alongside the Lib Dem and Green contenders Rob Blackie and Zoe Garbett.

Pressed on his comments in 2021 that Ulez did not need to be expanded, Mr Khan said the World Health Organisation had changed their guidelines on air toxicity levels.

'I'm not going to apologise at all for cleaning up the air in our city,' she said.

But Ms Hall said the mayor's own impact assessment had shown that ULEZ will 'make virtually no difference at all'.

She said that the mayor would bring in pay-per-mile charging for vehicles in London and described his policy record as 'absolutely abysmal'.

However, she refused to spell out where the 200 million in revenue that Ulez brings would instead come from, saying it was 'a long, complicated mix'.

When asked about the Metropolitan Police, all four candidates said they had confidence in embattled commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.

Mr Khan said he thought the Met was ahead of other police services across the country and praised Sir Mark for 'making remarkable progress'.

Ms Hall disagreed and said London was in 'a very serious situation', and that she had been told by those working in the night-time economy about 'gangs running around with machetes'.

The Tory candidate said Londoners 'cannot see their local police', defending claiming that the capital is 'under seige'.

'Londoners do not feel safe,' she said. 'There's a phone stolen every six minutes in London. You tell that to people who can't wear their watches in London.'

However, Mr Khan said: 'I think the Tory candidate should stop watching The Wire.'

Asked about affordable housing during the LBC debate on Tuesday, Mr Khan said he would fund 6,000 rent-control homes and 40,000 council homes and provide free legal advice to tenants.

Ms Hall said rent control would not work because of high rental costs, and that the problem was a lack of housing being built.

She said: 'All you ever do, Sadiq, is throw numbers out there that when people try and analyse them and look into them, you then throw another load of numbers out there.

'Nobody believes you any more because you don't deliver.'

Put to him by presenter Tom Swarbrick that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer disagrees with him on rent control, Mr Khan said: 'Unlike the Tory candidate, I will stand up to the Labour leader and a Conservative leader.

The Labour and Tory hopefuls appeared alongside the Lib Dem and Green contenders Rob Blackie and Zoe Garbett

'It's really important you've got a mayor that is a champion and advocate for the city, not in the pocket of the leader of their party.'

Hall said she had been campaigning with party leader Rishi Sunak in Kensington last month, and that the Prime Minister fully backed her campaign.

Other issues aired by callers included help for struggling families with the cost of living and rough sleeping.

Mr Khan promised to extend universal free school meals in primary schools permanently, while Ms Hall said she would continue the policy as mayor despite previously suggesting the idea was wrong.

Put to him that rough sleeping had increased by 71 per cent since 2016, Mr Khan said the issue 'breaks my heart' but that there was 'a conveyor belt of new people' coming on to London's streets, a comment subsequently called out by Ms Garbett and Ms Hall.
Hamas commanders planned to invade wider Israel and divide it up between the group's leaders, killing settlers and integrating others into a Palestinian State, according to a former official in the West Bank.

A former high-ranking official in Fatah, a political organisation of Arab Palestinians , told Israeli outlet Haaretz that Hamas had long planned to 'bring Israel down', going so far as to divide the territory into cantons.

'One day, a well-known Hamas figure calls and tells me with pride and joy that they are preparing a full list of committee heads for the cantons that will be created in Palestine,' Iyad (not his real name) told the outlet.

Iyad claimed he did not take talk of of 'the last promise' seriously until 2021, when he realised 'the entire leadership had been taken captive by the [Hamas leader, Yahya] Sinwar group's deranged idea of an all-out battle', per Israeli journalist Shlomi Eldar.

'So strongly did they believe in the idea that Allah was with them, and that they were going to bring Israel down, that they started dividing Israel into cantons, for the day after the conquest,' he said, dubbing Sinwar an 'insane fanatic'.

Yahya Al-Sinwar, Gaza Strip chief of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement, speaks during a rally to mark the annual al-Quds Day, in Gaza, April 14, 2023

Israeli police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel, Saturday, October 7, 2023

People flee following Israeli air strikes on a neighbourhood in the al-Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on November 6, 2023

Iyad told the outlet that he was offered the chairmanship of the Zarnuqa committee after the planned invasion, 'where my family lived before 1948'.

He claimed to have turned down the offer to 'lead the group that would be in charge of rehabilitating the Ramle-Rehovot area' now standing in the region 'on the day after the realisation of 'the last promise''.

'You're out of your minds,' Iyad said he told the Hamas official, asking them not to contact him again.

That year, Sinwar sent a written speech to the Hamas-sponsored 'The Promise of the Hereafter Conference', attended by other Palestinian groups, exploring preparations for the future administration of a wider state of Palestinian after Israel 'disappears'.

The Hamas leader said at the time the conquest of the 'state of the Zionists' was 'closer now than ever before', reiterating efforts to bring about Hamas' 'strategic vision' and plans for 'what will come after it'.

Among the reported plans was a document of independence that would be 'a direct continuation of the Pact of "Umar Bin Al-Khattab" concerning Byzantine Jerusalem's surrender to the Muslim conquerors which took place apparently in 638', a new currency, and a call for a guide for resettling refugees wishing to return.

The conference also recommended rules for dealing with the Jewish population, including defining which would be killed, which would be prosecuted, and which would be allowed to leave or remain and be integrated into a new state, per American research institute MEMRI.

The conference also discussed the risk of a brain drain and how to ensure 'educated Jews and experts in the areas of medicine, engineering, technology and civilian and military industry' stay - by preventing them from leaving.

Sinwar said at the time that Hamas was sponsoring this conference because it is in line with our assessment that victory is nigh' and that 'the full liberation of Palestine from the sea to the river' is 'the heart of Hamas's strategic vision.'

Hamas, formed in 1987 by members of the Muslim Brotherhood, has controlled the Gaza Strip since winning the 2006 parliamentary elections and toppling rival party Fatah in a power struggle during the bloody Battle of Gaza in 2007.

Fatah, the largest faction of the multi-party Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), retained control of the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank through its president and oversees a number of Palestinian refugee camps.

A boy pushes a young girl in a wheelchair past a destroyed building in Gaza City on March 28

Palestinian militants ride an Israeli military vehicle that was seized by gunmen who infiltrated areas of southern Israel, in the northern Gaza Strip October 7, 2023

A Palestinian family rides on the back of a donkey-drawn carriage next to damaged buildings in Khan Yunis on April 8, 2024

Since the Battle of Gaza, Hamas has made a number of reconciliation attempts with Fatah, without lasting agreement.

Hamas usurped the acting authorities in Gaza in 2006 on a campaign against corruption and vowing to reclaim land taken lost to Israel since the latter's founding in 1948. The Palestinians have not held elections since then.

They also won support in promises to resettle Palestinians displaced from their land and property by a series of major massacres during the 1948 war, in which some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their home and about 15,000 were killed in mass atrocities.

While Fatah, a secular organisation looking to build a Palestinian state on 1967 borders, carried out thousands of guerrilla attacks on Israel, the group has worked more to negotiate with Israel in recent years, ruling out armed resistance.

However this remains controversial, with Israel granted full control of the Palestinian economy and security matters in more than 60 per cent of the West Bank.

Hamas, an Islamist organisation that does not recognise Israel but ostensibly accepts a Palestinian state on 1967 borders, remains divisive for its continued use of armed resistance in efforts to - in their view - reclaim Palestinian land.

The group organised its first suicide bombing in 1993, destroying a bus in the West Bank carrying Israeli soldiers, killing the attacker and a Palestinian who worked nearby.

Hamas steadily refined its techniques and engaged in retaliatory attacks on Israel during periods of conflict.

The perceived resistance gained the group support from Palestinians in Gaza - though Fatah would remain more popular until the 21st century.

Horrifying footage shows cars abandoned in the wake of the October 7 attacks in southern Israel, near Kibbutz Re'im

Smoke plumes billow during Israeli air strikes in Gaza City on October 12, 2023

Palestinian father Ashraf cries as he holds the body of one of his two daughters after they were both killed in an overnight Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on April 4, 2024

A poll of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza late last year, after the October 7 attack, found a rise in support for Hamas in spite of the devastation of the Gaza Strip.

The survey found 63 per cent also believed 'armed struggle' to be the most effective strategy for attaining independence - a ten per cent hike in three months.

Only 13 per cent favoured non-violent protest and 20 per cent negotiations with Israel. Support for Hamas spikes during times of conflict and falls during peacetime, pollsters say.

Nearly 90 per cent also believed Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the PNA and chair of the PLO, should resign.

The narrative around the war is somewhat complicated by access to information.

While nearly 80 per cent of Palestinians oppose the killing of Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages, 85 per cent said they have not seen footage of Hamas' atrocities against civilians on October 7.
A former WWII prisoner-of-war camp which once had a reputation for holding some of the most senior Nazi soldiers has been transformed into a thriving community hub.

Cultybraggan Camp, located near Comrie in Scotland, held up to 4,000 prisoners after its construction in WWII.

When the war ended and prisoners were sent to face trial, Cultybraggan was briefly empty, but reopened as a training camp by the Ministry of Defence in 1948.

It was closed by the MoD in 2004 and sold to the Comrie Development Trust just three years later.

The Trust, made up of over 600 volunteers from the village, set about turning the space into a unique community hub to benefit the local community.

Now, the camp houses a mixture of businesses, volunteer groups and boasts a gym, a shop and a museum telling the history of Cultybraggan.

Hut 17 of the former Cultybraggan Camp now belongs to Beetroot and Chocolate event catering company which is owned by Sam Walker

Cultybraggan Camp in Perthshire (pictured) which was first used as a PoW camp in WWII

Hut 65 has now been transformed into Comrie and District Men Shed (pictured)

Sam Walker, co-founder of catering business Beetroot and Chocolate, is a Comrie local who set up shop in the camp in 2017.

He said: 'Cultybraggan used to be an MoD camp when I was growing up.

'There were NATO exercises going on, and the sound of machine gun fire was quite a normal sound to hear in Comrie.

'But then the MoD decided they didn't need it any more, and it was bought by the village.'

Sam and co-owner Jamie Lang jumped at the chance to purchase a plot in Cultybraggan and say that the community is the perfect place to grow a small business.

'They have around 150 huts, and they're the perfect incubators for small businesses,' Sam added.

'We bought our unit here and set about building our kitchen. It's a beautiful setting and the buildings are, for the most part, in half-decent nick.

Hut 55 of Cultybraggan Camp now belongs to CrossFit Cultybraggan owned by Miles Key (pictured)

A row of self-catering accommodation at Cultybraggan Camp in Perthshire, Scotland (pictured)

Inside the self-catering accommodation at the camp, which first house around 4,000 prisoners of war

An aerial view of the camp site which is now a community of small business and has a shop, a gym and a museum

'Everyone gets to know each other, and we see each other going to and from the village all the time.

'Lots of people don't know about it in the slightest - it's hidden away on this little flat plain outside Comrie.

'It's a bit of a strange place - for us, it's become a kind of industrial estate made out of leftovers from the war.

'It's a bit like an open-air museum crossed with an industrial estate and whatever else is going on at any given time - reenactments, camping and caravan clubs, motorbike rallies and all sorts of stuff.'

Also running a business from inside the camp is Miles Key, who has been a CrossFit instructor for nearly 20 years.

Originally from Brighton, he moved to Comrie with his wife during lockdown to be closer to her family and says that Cultybraggan's history and scenery was an important part of his decision.

'I'm proud to live in Comrie - I married a local girl, and we've been coming up to visit her parents here for the last 18 years,' Miles said.

'I used to work in Brighton - and Brighton is lovely - but when you get to work here, and you can see the hills, it's just stunning.

Cultybraggan was used by the Ministry of Defence after WWII as a training camp (pictured)

The WWII camp previously had a reputation for housing some of the most senior Nazi soldiers

A postcard depicting Cultybraggan Camp in 1955 when it was used as a training facility by the MoD

'When it comes to prisoner of war camps - I haven't been in many others, I have to say - but as a location, it's just stunning.

'When people visit the gym and the premises for the first time, they all say, 'wow.' The community is very good - it's a nice place to work.

'Cultybraggan had always been a very interesting place to visit before I worked here because of its history, so to come here every day and be able to run a business here is just fantastic.'

The premises are also home to several non-profit groups - including a Woodland Working Group who maintain and plant trees around the area, and a group who oversee the care of the community orchard onsite.

Around 4,000 prisoners were held at the site in over 100 huts during WWII

Miles Key (pictured) outside Hut 55 which appears slightly weather-beaten but in good shape

A view of the self-catering accommodation at the Cultybraggan site

Ken Haizer was given permission in 2018 to use the space to host a local 'men's shed' - one of over 127 groups across the country designed to allow men to make friends and provide emotional support to each other.

Starting with just five members, Ken and his team used a grant given to them by the Perth & Kinross Council to turn their huts into a warm and inviting space for their group.

'In 2018, we were given these two sheds - the place was absolute rubble,' said Ken.

'The windows were rotten, the doors needed replacing - we had to hire a skip to get the whole lot of rubble out.

The Comrie Development Trust set about transforming the Cultybraggan site into a community hub

'The roof was collapsed in the garage area, so we cleared all that out and put a new one on.

'The MoD had cut the electrics, so we laid electric from the museum into 65 where we are now.

'This was all within the space of a couple of years.'

Ken's work paid off - and the Comrie & District Men's Shed now has over 85 members, who all enjoy spending time in their unique space at Cultybraggan.

'We've got 85 members, of which around 28 are 'hard-core' - coming up on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

'We have a ladies' day on Wednesdays, and on Thursday, we have a maintenance day, where we come in and clean the place up.

'Everyone likes the idea of it being here - we're generally all local, so we know about the place.

'The site is extremely historically important - it's the only one in Scotland. I would like to see more tourism here.

'There's a beautiful view of the mountains - the place is just dying for something in the tourist department.'

Inside Hit 17 which now belongs to the event catering company Beetroot and Chocolate (pictured)

Bob Roseweir, who has worked in the Cultybraggan Camp Museum for two years, believes the camp is deeply important to the local community, serving as both a sign of progress and a link to the area's unique history.

'It's probably the only prisoner of war camp in the country that is in such an original state - but it's had several existences,' Bob said.

'I came for a visit, and when I saw the place and what they were doing with it, I became interested.

'I now act as a tour guide and work in the museum, as well as helping with the administration of the camp.'

Cultybraggan Camp Museum welcomes around 30-40 visitors per day during the summer months - with many tourists even having personal connections to the camp.

Visitors are often shocked by the bustling community that lives on at Cultybraggan - but Bob says that they leave with an appreciation of how the town have utilised the space to help themselves and each other.

'We get people who have some sort of link to the camp - sometimes people who have relatives who were guards there or even prisoners there.

'It's amazing how many people have a link with that and want to come and see the place.

'The visitors are usually very pleased to see the camp - they see that although it still looks the same, there's some good being done from it.

'It's a great community - and great for Comrie particularly.'
An elderly couple have been left 'unable to sleep' after buying a a 600,000 new-build home which they say has almost 200 defects - including wonky floors and ceilings.

Pensioners John and Liz Pritchard say they have been left 'distraught' after moving into the five-bed townhouse in Wellington, Somerset last year.

The couple, who are both in their 70s, have been locked in a battle with Bovis Homes to get the 'bodge job' fixed and claim they've been 'fobbed off, ignored and strung along' by the developer - with little work completed.

They say they were confronted with 'appalling' issues from the moment they stepped foot in the house, after noticing their furniture was wobbling.

The pair are now demanding that Bovis step in to carry out repair work immediately, after alleging their emails and telephone calls were repeatedly ignored by the housing company.

Pensioners John and Liz Pritchard say they have been left 'distraught' after moving into the five-bed townhouse in Wellington, Somerset last year

The couple say they were confronted with 'appalling' issues from the moment they stepped foot in the house

Mr and Mrs Pritchard also highlighted what they described as 'rank amateurish' brickwork on the property

The couple, who are both in their 70s, have been locked in a battle with Bovis Homes to get the 'bodge job' fixed

Mr Pritchard says an independent snagging expert identified almost 200 defects when he carried out an inspection at the property, which could cost tens of thousands of pounds to make right

At first the couple suspected the furniture had been damaged in transit, but on closer inspection discovered the floor of the house was uneven.

Mr Pritchard said ground-workers sent to his home by Bovis assessed that the floor would have to be ripped up and re-laid.

READ MORE: We bought a new build for our first home... but here are the FIVE reasons why we regret it and sold it five years later Advertisement

But weeks later when floor layers arrived, the couple feel they had been instructed to carry out a 'bodge job' and just fill in some problem areas.

He said Bovis later sent an independent surveyor to the home, who allegedly agreed the floor had been laid unevenly and, as a result, the whole house is out of kilter, with uneven walls and ceilings and wonky fixtures and fittings.

The retirees even find it difficult to open their own front door, which they say appears to have been fitted askew.

Mr Pritchard said his multiple complaints had been largely ignored.

He said: 'The floors aren't level, the ceilings aren't level, the doors aren't upright - we've never been able to open and close the front door properly in a year.

'They don't want to fix it. We are being fobbed off and strung along with bodge jobs to make it look good.

'We are fed up that it's not been built properly. They obviously didn't check it properly. The treatment we received from Bovis has been appalling.'

He added that an independent snagging expert identified almost 200 defects when he carried out an inspection at the property, which could cost tens of thousands of pounds to make right.

John and Liz Pritchard's new build home where they claim to have identified many 'defects'

The pair are now demanding that Bovis step in to carry out repair work immediately

Mr Pritchard even said that he couldn't move his dishwasher into the utility room because it was blocked by a kickboard

The retirees even find it difficult to open their own front door, which they say appears to have been fitted askew

The estate containing the Bovis new build which the the couple acquired for 600,000

Mr Pritchard even said that he couldn't move his dishwasher into the utility room because it was blocked by a kickboard, and when he approached Bovis he was allegedly advised to saw it off himself.

He said: 'It's not what you would expect for 600,000. We were sold the house that Jack built.

'Bovis are behaving like cowboy builders. You point out the problems and they don't respond. It's shoddy.'

Mrs Pritchard said the insulation in the property was so poor that guests sitting in the lounge can hear sounds from the upstairs toilet 'as if they were in the same room' which she said could be a cause for embarrassment.

The couple say workers from Bovis moved in to fix the 'badly fitted' kitchen, which remains in part uneven, because the cupboard doors wouldn't close and the sink's tap was so tilted they couldn't even fit a kettle under it.

Mr and Mrs Pritchard also highlighted what they described as 'rank amateurish' brickwork on the property, which was particularly acute in the garage where concrete appears to be falling away from some of the bricks and excess mortar can be seen plastered over the walls.

They said their year-long fight with Bovis to correct the issues had left them 'up night after night, unable to sleep' and described their treatment by the house-builder as 'disgusting and shocking' and alleged their emails and telephone calls were repeatedly ignored.

The couple are now demanding that Bovis step in to carry out snagging works immediately.

The couple say workers from Bovis moved in to fix the 'badly fitted' kitchen, which remains in part uneven, because the cupboard doors wouldn't close and the sink's tap was so tilted they couldn't even fit a kettle under it

They said: 'We want to see Bovis come in and get the work done and have done for the last 12 months but we have been fobbed off, ignored and strung along.

'It's been absolutely awful, they won't even reply to our emails. We have been taken for granted.

'When we found out there were so many problems we even asked for our money back and they said no chance.'

Bovis Homes said: 'We apologise for the issues Mr and Mrs Pritchard have experienced with their property and any disruption and inconvenience it has caused.

'We have been working on a remediation plan and can begin these works at a time that's convenient for our customers.

'As a five-star housebuilder, awarded by the Home Builders Federation, we are committed to delivering high quality homes for our customers and will ensure any issues are fully resolved.'
A former researcher at KT&G, the leading tobacco company in Korea, filed a damages suit Wednesday against his former employer, claiming that he invented the world's first electronic cigarette while working for the firm, but was not properly rewarded.

The plaintiff, Kwak Dae-geun, demanded 2.8 trillion won ($2 billion) in the suit filed with the Daejeon District Court, reportedly the highest amount demanded by an individual in a legal action, excluding collective suits.

According to a copy of the suit, Kwak entered the Korea Ginseng and Tobacco Research Institute, the predecessor of what is now KT&G, in 1991 and began developing a heated tobacco-type electronic cigarette in 2005.

In July that year, he registered his first patent for a prototype e-cigarette device with a heater directly burning the cigarette. In December the following year, he registered another patent for an upgraded device with a controllable heater.

Subsequently, he developed a full e-cigarette set, including a heating element, and registered a patent for part of the device in 2007 before leaving the company in 2010 as part of the firm's restructuring process.

KT&G inherited what Kwak had invented and registered patents for part of his technologies. However, no recognition of employee inventorship was given to Kwak for those technologies, nor has KT&G applied for overseas patents for the technologies he came up with.

Kwak claimed that he had not been properly rewarded for his invention and that a prominent rival global tobacco firm was able to commercialize its internal heating-based e-cigarette model in Korea in 2017 due to the absence of overseas patents.

Kwak's requested damages amount reflects his portion of the revenue KT&G is expected to generate through Kwak's patented technology during the 20-year patent term, as well as what KT&G would have earned if it had registered patents overseas.

An official at Jaeyou Lawfirm, representing Kawk, said: "The total amount of revenue earned and expected to be earned by KT&G through Kwak's inventions, along with the losses incurred by the firm due to the absence of overseas patent, was estimated to be 84.9 trillion won."

"Of that, Kwak demands 2.8 trillion won as his compensation for (unrecognized) employee inventorship," the official said.

In response, KT&G claimed that it has properly rewarded Kwan in the form of offering a technology advisory deal, and Kwak had agreed not to raise any legal issues.

The firm also said the technologies invented by Kwak are not currently used in the products it is selling.

KT&G also countered his claims about overseas patents, saying that the e-cigarettes being sold by the global firm in question did not involve technologies patented by Kwak and it had already commercialized early-model heated tobacco-type products in 1998. (Yonhap)
A top air force commander has blasted Britain's woeful military spending record and warned the RAF would run out of air-to-air missiles in a matter of days if it was dragged into a full-scale war.

Air Marshal Edward Stringer, the UK's former Director General of Joint Force Deployment, warned the nation's military was 'stretched too thinly'.

In a blistering critique, the senior RAF chief lambasted Whitehall bureaucrats for failing to stockpile enough ammunition.

He also branded a 1.7bn project to construct a fleet of 16 unmanned drones a 'waste of money', and claimed the aircraft would be shot down within a matter of days if Britain entered a war with the likes of Russia or China.

Speaking to MailOnline, the RAF veteran said: 'We have pursued a thing called the "balanced force". It's lovely if you've got all the money in the world. But we don't.

'How many days would it take before we ran out of air-to-air missiles  it's perhaps five. It's a matter of days. It's certainly not weeks.'

Britain could run out of vital air-to-air missiles in a matter of days should the nation be dragged into war, a top RAF commander warned (pictured, an RAF jet fires a short-range missile)

Air Marshal Edward Stringer, the UK's former Director General of Joint Force Deployment, warned the nation's military was 'stretched too thinly

The veteran air chief also raised concerns about the RAF's new fleet of Protector drones, which are set to replace the Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles.

Built by General Atomics in the US, the aircraft have a wingspan of about 79ft - bigger than most business jets - and can cruise at 40,000ft for more than 30 hours.

It is also packed with surveillance sensors and is capable of carrying 500lb laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles.

But the cost of the new generation of war machines has ballooned from an estimated lifetime cost in 2016 of 1.25bn to 1.76bn now.

The price hike was revealed in a series of ministerial answers to written parliamentary questions by the Labour party in recent months.

According to documents, a decision by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2021 to delay the project by two years in a bid to save cash added an estimated 187m to the programme.

Other issues that led to cost increases included late design changes, which saw the aircraft's main sensors swapped out to avoid them becoming obsolete.

Commenting on the Protector drones, Air Marshal Stringer warned: 'The RAF is gleefully announcing it's taking the first of the 16 Protector drones.

The veteran air chief also raised concerns about the new 1.7bn fleet of Protector drones (pictured) which are set to replace the Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles

Military chiefs, experts and politicians have previously called for further cash to be spent on improving Britain's air defences, to create an Israeli-style 'Iron Dome'. Pictured is an example of how the UK could react to a large-scale air attack, and the areas that could be protected

Pictured is how Russia could potentially take advantage of an alleged 'gap' in Britain's air defences, as raised by military experts during a conference in London last week

'Billions of pounds have been spent on drones that wouldn't last a week in a war. It's a waste of money.'

He also criticised the UK's 1.4bn Watchkeeper spy drone project, which has been branded an 'unmitigated disaster' after numerous crashes amid claims the devices are too heavy and struggle in poor weather.

The aircraft, which are worth 30m a piece, need their own runway to take off from, before they can start spying on enemy positions, said Air Marshal Stringer.

'How, when you're under Russian artillery fire, how do you expect to be able to take a couple of days to flatten a field to then set up a little airfield to run the little Watchkeeper  without the Russians bombing you,' the Air Marshal added.

'It's not a concept that works in the modern world.'

Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey previously said the soaring cost of Protector was an example of the MoD's 'broken' procurement system and wasteful attitude to taxpayers' money.

Tory MP Mark Francois, a former Armed Forces Minister, was also worried about the state of the RAF.

Mr Francois, who sits on parliament's influential Defence Committee, told MailOnline: 'Not only do we have a limited war reserve of air-to-air missiles, we have no reserve at all of combat aircraft to fire them.

'That is why it's crucial that when the RAF retires its 30 tranche one Typhoons next year it abandons plans to sell them off but instead places them in storage as a 'war reserve fighter wing' of three valuable fighter squadrons instead.

Former defence minister Mark Francois called on the MoD to not to sell off 30 of the UK's oldest Typhoon jets and instead keep them in reserve (pictured is a Typhoon)

'It takes four years to build a Typhoon from scratch so far better to keep them - just in case.'

This week saw Rishi Sunak committing the UK to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030 - as the Prime Minister sought to put the country on a 'war footing'.

The pledge was trumpeted as the biggest defence boost in a generation, equating to an added 75bn going into the MoD.

Hailing a 'turning point' in national security, the PM said military spending boost would make Britain 'by far the largest defence power in Europe'.

The investment proved a major victory for the Mail's 'Don't Leave Britain Defenceless' campaign, which was calling on the Government to stump up billions more to better equip the nation's military.

Last month a former defence minister claimed Britain's military stockpiles were so low, the country would run out of ammunition in 10 days if war broke out.

Labour MP John Spellar, who served as Armed Forces Minister between 1999 and 2001, told Parliament: 'The minister rightly speaks about the ability to sustain fighting, he knows that an exercise conducted with the Americans showed that the British Army would run out of munitions within 10 days.'

MailOnline has approached the MoD for comment.
Republican firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene has earned lavish praise from Russia's top propagandist, who called her a 'blonde fur-wearing beauty.'

The representative for Georgia's 14th congressional district, a vocal critic of sending aid to Ukraine, was complimented by the editor-in-chief of RT, the authoritarian state's propaganda channel.

Media chief Margarita Simonyan told the Russia-1 talk show, 'Evening With Vladimir Solovyov': 'Marjorie Taylor Greene... is a beauty. She is one of a few members of the US Congress who is trying to look like a person in an old-fashioned sense of the word.'

Simoyan, who has been sanctioned by the UK for 'threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine', added: ''She is a blonde, who wears white coats with a fur collar. She is demonstratively heterosexual.'

The media executive said of Greene, who has been dubbed 'Moscow Marjorie' for her refusal to back the massive aid package for Ukraine that was cleared for approval last night:

'As soon as a person says something that shows they are normal, America's enormous media behemoth declares them a conspiracy theorist and a person of extreme right views.

Marjorie Taylor Greene (pictured), the representative for Georgia's 14th congressional district, has been a vocal critic of sending aid to Ukraine

RT's Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan (pictured, right) has been sanctioned by the UK and the EU for her role in spreading propaganda

'The problem is that due to the horrific uprooting of education in America in several recent decades, the horrific dumbification of their nation through the use of mass media and mass culture, there's almost no normal people left who can appreciate the striking contrast and release that a person is a person and which one is a dummy with slogans.

'We are the only ones who can end this war when we decide to do so when our goals will be accomplished to the extent that we find to be satisfactory.'

Greene has consistently opposed sending US aid to Ukraine to supports its fight against Russia.

She was part of a group of hardline Republicans who spent months delayed the foreign aid bill.

She has, on several occasions, threatened to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, most recently on Saturday after he managed to get the bill passed, and described the passage of the bill as a 'total betrayal of Republican voters.'

She said on Monday: 'Mike Johnson still hasn't shown Congress or the American people the proof that Russia intends to invade the rest of Europe after finishing its campaign in Ukraine.'

Green also pushed for an amendment to it that would require lawmakers to enlist in Ukraine's military if they voted for the package. She took to X to say: 'If you want to fund the endless foreign wars, you should have to go fight them.'

Supporters of Ukraine hold flags outside the US Capitol Building after the Senate passed the aid bill

Greene has consistently opposed sending US aid to Ukraine to supports its fight against Russia

Despite the wrangling from the fringe sect of the Republican Party, the bill was last night approved by the Senate, after being passed 79-18 in the House of Representatives on Saturday. US president Joe Biden is expected to sign it today, and aid could reach Ukraine as early as this week.

The aid bill tied together $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and Gaza and around $4 billion for the Indo-Pacific.

The Ukraine bill includes $23 billion for replenishing U.S. stockpiles that have been depleted for the fight in Russia.

Some $11 billion would go to U.S. military operations in the region and $14 billion would go to procuring advanced weapons systems.

Another $26 million would go to oversight and accountability of equipment given to Ukraine.

Two separate economic assistance funds worth $7.85 billion and $1.58 billion would also be offered to Ukraine under a loan structure.

Also included in the bill was a provision involving the REPO Act, which would allow the government to seize Russian assets that, until now, have merely been locked in place by sanctions measures.

She was part of a group of hardline Republicans who spent months delayed the foreign aid bill

US president Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law today

MTG has, on several occasions, threatened to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (pictured)

Ukraine will also be required to hand back American military assets not destroyed by the war when it is over, thanks to an addition to the Land Lease Act.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited Washington in December to plead for fresh aid, quickly thanked US lawmakers for passing the bill, saying on social media that he looks 'forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations.'

'Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner.'

Biden said the bill's approval showed America stands 'resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression,' while the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, said it sends a message that the United States 'will not turn our back on you.'

A Pentagon spokesperson told reporters Tuesday it could deliver fresh aid to Ukraine 'within days.'

Ukraine's military is facing a severe shortage of weapons and new recruits as Moscow exerts constant pressure from the east.

And frontline circumstances are expected to worsen in the coming weeks, with Ukrainian intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov predicting a 'rather difficult situation' beginning mid-May.
They were once a political double act at the top of government. But even the tightest of duos can fall out when their heyday is over.

David Cameron has - playfully - taken aim at his former chancellor George Osborne over the latter's praise for Labour finance chief Rachel Reeves.

Last month Mr Osborne, who is now a businessman and postcaster, praised her fiscal conservatism and suggested she was the 'heir to Cameron/Osborne'.

This caused a bit of a stir, as Lord Cameron is the Foreign Secretary in a Conservative Government trailing Labour badly in the polls.

And it has earned Mr Osborne a gentle rebuke from his friend and former boss. Speaking to ITV on a tour of Asian states Lord Cameron was asked about the analogy.

'George Osborne, since he's been doing this blog (sic) has been nothing but trouble to me, I can tell you,' the minister replied.

'I think the heir to me as leader of the Conservative Party is Rishi Sunak, and he's doing an excellent job.'

Writing in the Spectator last month Mr Osborne (right, with Cameron in 2015), who is now a businessman and postcaster, praised her fiscal conservatism and suggested she was the 'heir to Cameron/Osborne'.

Speaking to ITV on a tour of Asian states Lord Cameron was asked about the analogy. ' George Osborne , since he's been doing this blog (sic) has been nothing but trouble to me, I can tell you,' the minister replied.

Writing in the Spectator in March, Mr Osborne said: 'Reeves is saying she wants to strengthen the Office for Budget Responsibility I introduced, adopt austere fiscal rules and won't put up corporation tax. Is she the heir to Cameron/Osborne? Or have I just lost a listener?'

Writing in the Spectator in March, Mr Osborne said: 'Once, at a private dinner at the 2005 Tory conference hosted by the Daily Telegraph, I suggested that my fellow diner David Cameron was the ''heir to Blair''.

'The Tory refuseniks were appalled. But moving on from lost battles is the key to future success.

'We accepted parts of the Blair inheritance  social liberalism, the minimum wage and so on, just as Blair had before him accepted the Thatcher inheritance of union laws and the market economy.

'Now Reeves is saying she wants to strengthen the Office for Budget Responsibility I introduced, adopt austere fiscal rules and won't put up corporation tax. Is she the heir to Cameron/Osborne? Or have I just lost a listener?'

Lord Cameron also said that leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is not 'necessary' to prevent small boat crossings, Lord David Cameron has said amid Tory divisions over the UK's membership in the treaty.

But the Foreign Secretary appeared to concede a returns agreement with France to break up people-smuggling gangs is 'simply not possible' because of 'the situation we're in'.

It comes as Rishi Sunak's Bill aimed at blocking further setbacks to the Government's controversial Rwanda deportation scheme passed through Parliament following months of wrangling between MPs and peers.

While the legislation is now poised to become law, ministers are braced for legal challenges to the plan and the judiciary has made 25 courtrooms available to deal with cases.

The Prime Minister previously hinted he would be willing to leave the ECHR if it prevented him from implementing his policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda.

But speaking to ITV's Peston show, Lord Cameron said: 'I don't think it's necessary to leave the ECHR, I don't think that needs to happen to make this policy work.'

The Supreme Court ruled last year that the scheme, finding grounds for believing that migrants sent to Kigali would face a risk of ill treatment as a result of being returned to their country of origin.

Refoulement, forcing an asylum seeker to return to a nation where they are likely to face persecution, is prohibited by a number of international treaties, including not just the ECHR but the UN Refugee Convention, the UN Convention against Torture and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

These treaties have been given effect in UK domestic law by the Human Rights Act 1998, the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants etc) Act 2004.

On whether he would have pursued the policy while he was prime minister, he said: 'We had a totally different situation because (we) could return people directly to France.

'Now, I'd love that situation to be the case again, that's the most sensible thing. People land on a beach in Kent, you take them straight back to France, you therefore break the model of the people smugglers. That's not available at the moment. It's simply not possible.'

Asked whether this was because of Brexit, he said: 'Because of the situation we're in, because of the attitude of others and all the rest of it.'

Meanwhile, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the criticism of the Rwanda Bill from the ECHR, who he 'values enormously', is 'out of step'.

'There is a real moral hazard in saying to a nation state government that it cannot manage its own borders, it cannot make decisions about who does or does not live in its own country,' he said while speaking at a think-tank in Rome.

'Because that undermines the integrity of the democratic process in which we live.'
They are the military steeds who act as the King's bodyguards, trained to ignore artillery fire and famed for standing sentinel outside royal palaces as wide-eyed tourists eagerly snap pictures.

The Household Cavalry is one of Britain's most iconic sights, renowned for their immaculate turnout during ceremonial duties and being a classic tourist attraction outside the likes of Buckingham Palace.

But today five horses from the regiment caused mayhem in London, running loose through the capital after throwing off their military riders during their morning exercise, in a rare misstep for the normally well-disciplined animals.

In scenes of pandemonium, the group of steeds were seen bolting through the city centre after becoming spooked during drills at Horse Guards Parade, in Whitehall.

One horse was spotted drenched in blood after it struck a car by Clermont Hotel, in Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria.

The military steeds act as the King's bodyguards and are trained to ignore artillery fire. They are also famed for standing sentinel outside royal palaces (pictured)

The Household Cavalry is one of Britain's most iconic sights, renowned for their immaculate turnout during ceremonial duties (Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment pictured rehearsing for the Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022)

But today, a number of horses were filming bolting through central London, including one drenched in blood - in a rare misstep for the normally well disciplined animals

The horses had become spooked during a training drill, with five charging through the city. One reportedly crashed into a taxi, while another hit a double-decker bus

Meanwhile, five people, including one soldier riding one of the animals, were injured in three separate incidents. Four people have since been taken to hospital.

One of the horses has also seemingly ran into a double-decker bus, smashing its windscreen, while another reportedly crashed into a black cab.

It was a rare misstep for the horses of the elite regiment, who are among the best trained in the world.

Britain has about 500 horses split between The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Carrying a total of around 18 stone easily, these horses are some of the best behaved in the country, as they stand guard day in and day out on Whitehall.

But it takes a patience and dedication to transform them into the well-drilled animals seen outside the likes of Buckingham Palace.

The horses' journey to becoming part of Britain's mounted regiments begins when they are aged four or five.

They are transported from Ireland and broken in the UK, before they begin their work for the Cavalry - a unit they will remain in until retire.

The training each animal receives is intense and helps to transform them into some of the most well-disciplined in the world.

The woman is pictured standing next to the King's Life Guard just before she reaches out to stroke the horse, when she gets much more than she bargained for

Each horse is drilled for between eight to 10 months at the Household Cavalry Training Wing in Windsor and Hyde Park Barracks in London.

It involves the horses being regularly ridden on the streets of the capital to desensitize them to loud noises and heavy traffic.

But they also have to be able to cope with the loud sound of gun salutes and regimental bands, so special training is given to get them used to such shocks.

Once training is complete, they are ready to join everything from State visits and Royal Coronations, to day-to-day duties protecting King Charles and his family.

But the horses - and their riders - have been known to lash out on rare occasions when tourists push their luck and get to close.

Earlier this year, a female tourist who went in search of a photo with one of the famed Guard got a lot more than she bargained for, while the horse in question left no one in any doubt that it was up to the task of protecting the monarch.

In a video clip, the young woman is seen positioned in line with the horse's head, ready for her photo opportunity - before the animal chomps down on her arm when she got too close to it.

In one incident, when a woman went to stroke the horse's face, it bit down on the arm of her jacket. Refusing to let go, it tugged on the jacket and pulled her back and forth and up and down before finally releasing it

The tourist is seen trying to get away from the horse after it clamped down on her jacket - but to no avail

What is the King's Guard and what are the rules around them? The King's Guard is the name given to the group of soldiers responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace. Traditionally, guards stand still while on sentry duty, which lasts for two hours, before they then have a four-hour break. Every ten minutes, they come to attention, slopes arms and do a march of 15 paces across the area of the post. They must work regardless of the weather, and must follow strict rules such as not grinning or laughing, which can result in a 200 fine. The King's Guard are generally not allowed to interact with the public, but may shout if they get too close or present their bayonets if they become aggressive. The soldiers must not let anything distract them from their duties - with toilet breaks banned during two hour shifts - and will march through anyone in their way. While tourists can take photos of them, armed officers stationed near them will step in if they get too close or behave disrespectfully. Advertisement

While a sign next to the guard warns onlookers that horses may kick or bite, the woman can't resist raising her hand in an attempt to stroke the animal when it tilts its head to nuzzle her.

Yet as she does so, the horse bites down on the arm of her black puffer jacket and is soon tugging at it in an increasingly aggressive manner.

Known as Cavalry Blacks, the horses have been helping to guard the Royal Family and joining ceremonial occasions since 1660, when Charles II was restored to the throne.

Historically members of the regiment were required to purchase their own horse and this practice for officers continued up until the Second World War.

The British Army has used horses in a variety of ways, from pulling and carrying supplies and kit, to charging headlong into battle.

Historically, cavalry units  soldiers who fought on horseback  were seen as a critical force that helped to dominate the battlefield.

Cavalry soldiers riding large, heavy and strong horses were used to smash through enemy formations.

Some cavalry, and later mounted infantry, also gave military chiefs mobile firepower on the battlefield.

Small, light and fast horses were used to scout, patrol and chase down the enemy.

Other horses were used to swiftly transport orders between commanders and officers.

By 1793, the animals were being used to cart around artillery as part of the Royal Horse Artillery.

During the First World War, the horses were vital in transporting troops and equipment across to the frontlines.
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Heart-breaking images show elephants scavenging through garbage in Sri Lanka, after being drawn out of their habitat in search for food.

They accidentally consume plastic and waste from the piles of rubbish surrounding the forests in Sri Lanka, endangering their lives. The mammals' increased proximity to locals also causes conflict with the peril that they pose to local villagers by eating crops.

Photographer Damith Danthanarayana captured these shocking images of a herd of elephants in Ampara, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.

He said: 'During our exploration, we encountered a small elephant injured by a homemade explosive. Conflicts between elephants and humans emphasise the need for conservation and proper waste management. Immediate action is crucial to safeguard both wildlife and local communities.'

Elephants eating from the landfill has been a problem in the town in the past and Sri Lanka banned the open dumping of garbage near wildlife sanctuaries in 2017 to discourage elephants from foraging for rotting food scraps.

The government ordered that electric fences be erected around the dumps, but this seems to have been insufficient to keep the animals away.

Elephants are revered in Buddhism, the majority religion in Sri Lanka, and are protected by law. The wild elephant population in Sri Lanka is estimated at about 7,000 - as well as 200 domestic elephants living in the country.

This picture captures the heartbreaking reality of life for elephants as they scavenge through garbage in Sri Lanka

The herd of elephants can be seen scavenging through the piles of garbage while foraging for food

The elephants accidentally consume plastic and chemical waste, which poses a severe threat to their lives

They are joined in their search for food by stray dogs, who also rummage through the rubbish piles in the hopes of finding something edible

The mammals are drawn out of their habitat in search for food by waste surrounding the forests in the eastern part of Sri Lanka

Photographer Damith Danthanarayana captured these shocking images in Ampara, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

The photographer said: 'During our exploration, we encountered a small elephant injured by a homemade explosive'

Danthanarayana said: 'Conflicts between elephants and humans emphasise the need for conservation and proper waste management. Immediate action is crucial to safeguard both wildlife and local communities'

The herd of elephants are not the only ones looking for food in the garbage, as dogs and birds are also picking away at the piles of rubbish

The elephants' increased proximity to locals also causes conflict with the peril that they pose to local villagers by eating crops and attacking people when they feel threatened

The natural habitat of the elephants is shrinking and they are forced to resort to eating garbage to survive
Grant Shapps today swerved questions as to whether Britain could follow the US and ban TikTok amid security fears over the Chinese-owned social media app.

The Defence Secretary said a vote in Washington DC last night was 'interesting' after the US Senate approved hardline legislation.

It means TikTok will be banned in America unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells its stake in the app over the next nine to 12 months.

The bill was passed by Congress as US legislators expressed fears the Chinese government could access the data of TikTok's 170million American users or spy on phones through the software.

It is set to be signed into law by US President Joe Biden today.

Grant Shapps swerved questions as to whether Britain could follow the US and ban TikTok amid security fears over the Chinese-owned social media app

Under new laws passed by Congress, TikTok will be banned in America unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance, sells its stake in the app over the next nine to 12 months

A hardline bill was passed by Congress as US legislators expressed fears the Chinese government could access the data of TikTok's 170million American users

Asked this morning whether Britain should consider passing similar laws, Mr Shapps told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'We've always been very cognisant of the Chinese element of this.

'Because of laws in China, which mean Chinese-owned companies can effectively have that data looked at by the Chinese government.

'It's one of the reasons why I'm extremely cautious about and don't have TikTok installed on any of my devices.'

Mr Shapps said he still has a TikTok account, with more than 20,000 followers, but stressed the app is not installed on his personal devices.

'I do still have a TikTok account, I just don't have it on my devices, I don't post to it personally for exactly those reasons,' he added.

The Defence Secretary suggested it would not be necessary for Britain to take similar action over TikTok should the new US legislation be successful in removing the app's Chinese owners.

'In terms of security, the American decision is that it would be banned in the US unless the ownership is transferred,' he said.

'And if that happens, of course, that would remove those problems.'

Mr Shapps added: 'It will actually be resolved by what the US is doing and we've always been very clear to say to people - not just with TikTok actually but with almost any app you have on your phone, TikTok is not unique about the permissions that it asks for... be careful with your data.

'That's a sensible message to everybody regardless of what they have on their phones.'

Asked how he accessed his TikTok account, if the app is not installed on his personal devices, Mr Shapps replied: 'I just don't.'

Pressed on why he had the app, if he didn't access it himself, the Defence Secretary added: 'It's one of the most popular social media accounts and a lot of people, particularly younger people, use TikTok.

'So it's a question of whether - as somebody who seeks to represent and does represent my constituents - I want to be able to communicate with them where they are.

'But, of course, I do think it's very, very important that security - as you would imagine from the Defence Secretary - is at the heart of everything that we do.

'So I don't have it on my own devices but I think it is pretty important that we make sure this is resolved and so I thought the Congressional vote was interesting.'
A Jewish woman was allegedly raped and threatened with murder by a man who sought to 'avenge Palestine' in France.

A 32-year-old was charged with 'death threats due to religion' and use of narcotics following his arrest in Gennevilliers on Sunday.

The victim, said to have met the suspect through a dating app in 2023, claimed she had been trapped in the suspect's home before counter-terrorism police raided the apartment on avenue Chenard-et-Walker and made the arrest.

Police sources said the suspect had taken the woman's phone and texted her mother and ex-boyfriend. To her parents he wrote: 'Good luck, you will never find your daughter again, you will never see her again, I will desecrate your daughter.'

To the former boyfriend he wrote that he wished to 'avenge Palestine'.

The victim was able to alert police when she recovered her phone on Sunday and called her mother for help, prompting the geolocation of her call and an arrest later that day, initially suspected of kidnapping.

File photo shows French police forces including the Research and Intervention Brigade, who raided the house in Gennevilliers, taking part in counter-terrorism exercises on March 27

The suspect, who has not been named, will be tried in June over the charges against him.

He was initially suspected of kidnapping, but the charge was ultimately not accepted by the prosecution.

The suspect acknowledged the death threats made but described them as mere 'provocations', according to BFMTV.

The victim told investigators she had been raped by the suspect.

It was also reported that the man claimed he would 'prostitute' the victim in texts to her mother.

The man was taken into custody in Nanterre and placed under judicial control with a ban on possessing a weapon and coming into contact with the victim, local media reported.

The rape allegation is still reportedly being investigated.

Police custody was lifted on Tuesday, ahead of the trial on June 21 before the 16th criminal chamber.

The case has sparked national outrage in France, drawing strong reactions from politicians.

Elsa Faucillon, Hauts-de-Seine MP, wrote on Twitter/X that she was 'horrified by this despicable and anti-Semitic act', sharing 'solidarity and moved thought for this woman'.

Former Presidential candidate Marine Le Pen wrote: 'Far-left politicians, who for six months have multiplied inflammatory declarations and speeches of unacceptable violence, bear a heavy responsibility in this climate of anti-Semitic hatred.

'I provide all my support to the victim and to our Jewish compatriots.'

Meyer Habib drew comparisons to the murder of Sarah Halimi, a Jewish woman killed in her apartment in 2017. The case drew outcry nationwide and sparked mass demonstrations

Meyer Habib, Deputy of the French National Assembly, wrote: 'Thank God she managed to escape! As in Toulouse, as for Sarah Halimi and hyperkosher, hatred of Israel kills in France. It is the fuel of anti-Semitism, hatred of Israel is the blade of the Islamist dagger.'

Jewish former kindergarten teacher Sarah Halimi was attacked and killed in her Paris apartment in 2017.

Her assailant, Kobili Traore, a Muslim of Malian origin, chanted verses from the Koran and shouted 'Allahu Akbar' as he attacked her over a 20-30 minute period.

The case similarly sparked outrage in France and raised fears of a growing trend of anti-Semitism.

'Sad and worried for the French Jews but above all, as I keep saying, worried for France!' Habib concluded his post.
Columbia's embattled president Minouche Shafik has crumbled under pressure from pro Palestine protesters and given them a 48 hour extension to disperse after they ignored the original deadline.

It comes as demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard to the campus, which has been besieged by demonstrations since last Wednesday.

In the wake of the alleged threat, one activist called on members of the protest group to 'break up into platoons' in order to defend the encampment.

Shafik capitulated after her midnight deadline came and went with no real signs the camp was dispersing.

Instead, a spokesman for the school told CBS the protestors received an additional two days to move after a 'constructive dialogue', where they pledged to remove a 'significant' number of tents and any non-students from the demonstration.

Columbia has cowed to protesters and allowed their encampment to remain on campus for an additional 48 hours after a deadline to disperse passed. Pictured: The camp early Wednesday morning

It comes as demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard in order to deal with the chaos at the Ivy League campus which continued this morning

An activist told a crowd last night at the campus that they will be needed to gather en masse in the coming days

In the midst of the unrest, Columbia president Minouche Shafik has been faced with calls to resign

On Tuesday night, it was reported that NYPD counterterrorism officers were mobilizing close to the protest.

At least two Republican senators, Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton, called on President Joe Biden to bring in the National Guard to campuses nationwide were Jewish students claim they feel threatened by the growing number of protests.

Missouri Senator Hawley told the president that he must act on his Passover statement in which he said: 'Weve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous.'

'You must immediately mobilize the National Guard and any other authorities necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish American students and citizens,' Hawley wrote.

There is precedent for the president calling in the National Guard., In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called in troops as well as the 101st Airborne Division to protect black students attending Central High School in Arkansas.

Meanwhile, Senator Cotton, of Arkansas, remarked specifically on the protests at Columbia calling them 'nascent pogroms.'

'If Eric Adams wont send the NYPD and Kathy Hochul wont send the National Guard, has a duty to take charge and break up these mobs,' Cotton added.

Also on Tuesday, the Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine group released a statement claiming they backed out of negotiations after the university threatened to call the National Guard on them.

The encampment was given the extension after engaging in a 'constructive dialogue' with the school, according to a spokesman. Pictured: The camp on Wednesday morning

Tents remained on the West Lawn even after the deadline of midnight on Wednesday passed

Students meet ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President for student protesters to disband the protest encampment at Columbia University

The area where crowds of people flocked on Tuesday evening was established in support of Palestinians, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

Update: Columbias pro-Palestine protestors will break up into platoons to defend the encampment in the event of arrests. WILL YOU BE READY TO TURN UP FOR YOUR COMRADES? pic.twitter.com/Wn1oeiARVW  Jessica Schwalb (@jessicaschwalb7) April 24, 2024

 ALL OUT TO COLUMBIA NOW! The student organizers of Columbia University are calling on all New Yorkers of conscious to IMMEDIATELY go to Columbia to stand with them after the Universitys Administration threatened to call in the National Guard if an agreement isnt reached pic.twitter.com/mJslwLsPNN  The People's Forum (@PeoplesForumNYC) April 24, 2024

'Columbia University threatened CUAD negotiators to call both the National Guard and NYPD if we do not acquiesce to their demands,' the group said.

'The student negotiating team has left the table and refuses to return until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.

'We remain steadfast in our convictions and will not be intimidated by the University's disturbing threat of an escalation of violence.'

Pro-Palestine group Within Our Lifetime posted to X, formerly Twitter, calling on protesters to return to the university's lawn and ignore threats of law enforcement.

'We will not be intimated by threats by the state,' the group said.

Activist group The People's Forum said on X: 'The student organizers of Columbia University are calling on all New Yorkers of conscious to IMMEDIATELY go to Columbia to stand with them.'

Video posted to social media shows swarms of protesters gathering on campus telling people to brace for the next three days.

'We may need people to turn up quickly, en masse, in front of the encampment to defend the encampment,' one protester said through a megaphone.

'Will you be ready to turn up for your comrades? We are so close to divestment.'

After passing the midnight deadline, photos and videos show members of the NYPD counterterrorism unit gathering at the university gates with zip ties, as protesters and police brace for a potential conflict.

Video posted by the Palestinian Youth Movement shows protesters on campus taunting the police.

Students have prepared to camp overnight as they continue to their protest despite a deadline initially set for midnight by the Ivy League school's president

The NYPD warned protesters they would be arrested for making noise or disturbing makeshift barriers

Tents were seen scattered across the campus while signs with pro-Palestine messages

Demonstrators face off with NYPD officials as they stand in solidarity with the ongoing protests in support of Palestinians

Students break down tents ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President for student protesters to leave the protest encampment

Students raise hands to indicate whether they might be willing to take actions that could lead to arrest ahead of a midnight deadline set by Columbia President

'Oink, oink, piggy, piggy, we're gonna make your life s****y,' the protesters chanted.

The NYPD warned protesters they would be arrested for making noise or disturbing the barrier they set up.

'We are directing you to not disturb the barriers. Any altering or moving of the barriers will result in an arrest,' the NYPD were captured saying on video.

'At this time you are making unreasonable noise. You are directed to stop using sound devices, noise making devices, instruments and makeshift instruments for producing noise.'

Shafik announced a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement and dismantle their encampment or she will have to consider 'alternative options.'

The university president said a group of faculty, administrators and University Senators have been negotiating with the student organizers and set a midnight deadline to reach an agreement to dismantle the encampment.

'I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn,' said Shafik.

'The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and hostile environment for our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it,' Shafik said.

'I also want to be clear that we will not tolerate intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior. We are working to identify protestors who violated our policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will be put through appropriate disciplinary processes.'

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said on X: 'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act.'

'It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts peoples lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.'

The Ivy League saw its seventh day of protests on Tuesday as students stage a sit-in to demand the university divest from companies profiting from Israel's war and sever academic ties with its universities.

Anti-Israel protesters were arrested outside of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn home on Tuesday night.

So far more than 100 activists have been arrested. The demonstration escalated again on Monday during the Jewish holiday of Passover when staff and students walked out in protest over the NYPD being called in to control protests.

Shafik has been facing mounting calls to resign because she has 'surrendered control to the anti-Semitic fringe' and allowed 'anarchy' after she canceled all in-person classes until the end of the semester.

In the wake of that decision, Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, tweeted that the president, who has only been in the role since the summer of 2023, had 'surrendered control of Columbia to an anti-Semitic fringe.'

'If you cannot ensure the safety of your students, then you have no business serving as President of any university... What Columbia University needs is not an appeaser of antisemitism but a leader who will fight with moral clarity against it,' Torres added.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced there is a midnight deadline for pro-Palestine protesters to dismantle their encampment

Protesters gather as groups call to ignore Columbia University's deadline to dismantle their pro-Palestine encampment

President Minouche Shafik announced there is a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement and dismantle their encampment or she will have to consider 'alternative options'

Pro-Palestine group Within Our Lifetime posted to X, formerly Twitter, calling on protesters to return to the university's lawn before the deadline

As a result of the growing protests, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced his intention to pull his funding for the school.

'The school I love so much  the one that welcomed me and provided me with so much opportunity  is no longer an institution I recognize,' Kraft said.

'I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus and throughout our country.'

Protesters, many wearing keffiyeh headscarves and face masks, have led chants including from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free - which Jewish groups say is anti-Semitic - and called for intifada, which means uprising.

Two Jewish graduates of Columbia University snuck into the campus pro-Palestine encampment with Israeli flags and accused activists of supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

Isidore Karten and his friend, Tomer Brenner, who gained access to the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, also carried a poster with pictures of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on October 7. They were confronted by protesters and asked to leave but refused and spent several hours in the encampment staging their own counter protest.

Both told DailyMail.com that the encampment should be immediately removed by university leadership and accused pro-Palestine activists of making Jewish students feel unsafe.

Karten, who studied architecture and graduated in 2023, said: What they are really doing is supporting Hamas. They are supporting radical Islamic terrorism.

Police arrest protesters near Sen. Chuck Schumer's Brooklyn home

Police arrest protesters as they block traffic during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Brooklyn

Brenner, 29, from Tel Aviv, who graduated in 2020, added: We are seeing the flags and the symbols that are all about causing maximum violence for Israelis.

They are chanting about intifada.

We dont understand why the administration is not taking them away from here.

He claimed other students have chanted burn Tel Aviv.

We got circled, everyone was blocking us because they dont want anybody to, God forbid, see an Israeli flag or an American flag, or posters of hostages [kidnapped by Hamas on October 7], said Brenner.

They are claiming its a safe space, however its only safe for them.

Karten claimed he had seen a Jewish person wearing religious symbols told to go back to Poland.

Its not only about Israel, its about Jews, he said of the encampment.

Im very against what they are doing here, I dont think they should be here.
The child's corpse was found Sunday after she had been missing since April 19

A 12-year-old girl who was on her way to a wedding was kidnapped and raped before being brutally murdered with her head smashed against a boulder in a horrific attack in India.

The tribal girl was attacked and killed on Sunday by unidentified assailants in the village of Deori Taluka, Gondia, Maharashtra.

The Class 6 student's semi-naked body was found decomposing near an armed outpost in Ganutola.

Since the tragic discovery, officers have been left scrambling for clues as they desperately attempt to track down the attacker who fled the scene.

Near the body of the little girl who had been missing since April 19, a blood-smeared boulder was found.

The child's body was found in Deori Taluka, Gondia, Maharashtra, India, on Sunday after she had been missing since April 19

The corpse had injury marks on the head and cuts on the face and neck, reported Times of India.

Cops revealed the boulder had not been moved, suggesting the girl was raised before having her head and face smashed repeatedly against it.

'She's likely to have resisted rape, triggering a violent reaction from perpetrators,' said an officer who is part of the investigation.

'This girl could have threatened to expose them or tried to raise an alarm,' they added.

The girl had allegedly been en-route to a wedding in her neighbourhood, but at around 8pm she was spotted riding on the the back of a bike with someone.

Villagers refused to identify the biker, according to local reports.

It comes as a seven-year-old girl's body was also unearthed in a a drain in Masuri, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Sunday.

The child's body had been hidden from sight by a pile of bricks placed on top of it, as it was laid just 50metres away from her house.

An autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted, before being killed, according to cops, who believe the attacker hit her on the head and dumped her body in the drain.

'The postmortem report has revealed that she suffered some injuries on the head, which resulted in her death,' said Deputy Commissioner of Police Vivek Yadav.

'The report also revealed that the girl was sexually assaulted, after which she was murdered'.

The little girl had been missing since Saturday evening, after she was last spotted by her family playing with other children.

'After it turned dark, her parents started looking for her when she didn't come home,' said Yadav.

'They visited every house in the area but couldn't find her. Then they approached the cops and filed a missing person's complaint,' he added.

According to cops, four teams have been formed in a bid to catch the attacker.

'Police are also scanning CCTV cameras of the nearby areas for clues,' said Yadav.
Britons face weeks of misery after militant unions organised a series of strikes on the railways, in schools, in hospitals and at airports over the next month.

Hot on the heels of industrial action a fortnight ago which brought the country to a standstill, train drivers are set to strike again in early May.

But alongside those walkouts in the coming weeks is more disruption on the London Underground, along with strikes by airport staff, security guards and teachers.

Action involving border control staff just days before the May Bank Holiday is expected to impact thousands of holidaymakers planning a short break.

NHS support staff are also taking action - the latest blow to the health service after months of walkouts by junior doctors.

Here, MailOnline outlines the full scale of the strikes, when they are happening, and how they will affect you.

All of the strikes due to take place over the next four weeks from April 26 to May 19

Hospital NHS support staff

700 staff at Barts Health NHS Trust, in East London (pictured: St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, one of the hospitals managed by the trust) are set to go on strike

BACKGROUND:

Health workers are to stage fresh strikes in a long-running dispute over pay.

Unite said around 700 of its members at Barts NHS Trust and contractor Synergy will walk out from May 7 to 19.

The union said the workers - including cleaners, porters and facilities staff - are taking action over the failure of their employer to pay a lump sum worth more than 1,600 that other NHS workers were offered for working during the pandemic.

Unite said its members worked for another outsourcing company before transferring back into the NHS just after the imposed deadline for staff to receive the payment.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'If Barts thinks that our members have given up on this fight they have another thing coming.

'They have seen their comrades at other trusts rightly win this pay award and there is absolutely no reason for NHS bosses to be continuing to block this payment for our members.'

WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST SAYING?

A spokesperson for Barts Health NHS Trust said: 'We have considered a number of options but, under the terms of the NHS pay award, we are not permitted to make this payment.

'However, we are talking to the unions about alternative arrangements to address the injustice their members feel.'

Train strikes

RMT has announced that National Rail strikes will go ahead over the May Bank Holiday

BACKGROUND:

Train drivers at 16 rail companies are to stage a fresh series of strikes in their long-running pay dispute, disrupting travel in the week of the May bank holiday.

Members of Aslef will walk out on May 7, 8 and 9 at different operators and ban overtime for six days from May 6.

The union said it has not met employers or the Government for more than a year, accusing ministers of 'giving up' trying to resolve the near two-year dispute.

READ MORE: Train strikes 2024: Full list of May dates as Aslef announce drivers at 16 rail companies will stage walkout in fresh travel chaos for commuters Advertisement

Drivers will strike on May 7 at c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

On May 8 there will be strikes at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Aslef members at LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express will strike on May 9.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said that after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said: 'It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.

'We first balloted for industrial action in June 2022, after three years without a pay rise. It took eight one-day strikes to persuade the train operating companies (Tocs) to come to the table and talk.

'Our negotiating team met the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) on eight occasions - the last being on Wednesday April 26 last year.

'That was followed by the Tocs' 'land grab' for all our terms and conditions on Thursday April 27 - which was immediately rejected.

'Since then train drivers have voted, again and again, to take action to get a pay rise.

'That's why Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers would not vote to strike if they thought an offer was acceptable.'

Mr Whelan said the year-old offer of a four percent pay rise followed by a second 4 percent increase is 'dead in the water'.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan on the picket line at Euston train station in London

WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT SAYING?

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group said: 'This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aslef leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses once again, while further damaging the railway at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra 54 million a week just to keep services running.

'We continue to seek a fair agreement with the Aslef leadership which both rewards our people, gives our customers more reliable services and makes sure the railway isn't taking more than its fair share from taxpayers.'

A Department for Transport spokesperson, added: 'Aslef's leadership are acting like a broken record - calling for strike action time and time again while remaining the only rail union continuing to strike, as well as the only union refusing to put a fair and reasonable pay offer to its members for over a year.

'The Transport Secretary and rail minister have done their part to facilitate this pay offer, - one which would take train drivers' salaries up to an average of 65,000 which is almost twice the average salary in the UK.

'Aslef bosses should take the lead of the other rail unions, put this offer to their members and stop their campaign of contempt for passengers.'

Airport strikes

Hundreds of workers at Heathrow Airport are set to go out on strike in a row over outsourcing

BACKGROUND:

Hundreds of workers at Heathrow Airport are to strike in a dispute over outsourcing of jobs.

Unite said around 800 of its members will launch a week of strikes from May 7-13.

The union said workers in passenger services, who assist travellers to catch connecting flights, trolley operations, and security guards will have their jobs outsourced by June.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Heathrow Airport's actions are deplorable. It is raking in massive profits for the bosses while trying to squeeze every last penny out of its workforce.

'Unite is fully focused on defending its members' jobs, pay and conditions, and our members at Heathrow will receive the union's unrelenting support during this dispute.'

In a separate row, workers who refuel airplanes are to strike in a dispute over terms and conditions.

Members of Unite employed by AFS will walk out for 72 hours from May 4.

The union said AFS, a joint venture between oil and gas companies, was planning to cut pension and sickness benefits.

WHAT IS HEATHROW SAYING?:

A Heathrow Airport spokesman said: 'We are reorganising our operations to deliver better results for our customers. There are no job losses as a result of these changes, and we continue to discuss with Unite the implementation of these changes for the small number of colleagues impacted.

'Unite's threats of potential industrial action are unnecessary, and customers can be reassured that we will keep the airport operating smoothly, just like we have in the past.'

On the AFS row, Heathrow said it was working on contingencies with AFS to manage any potential disruption, saying it has 'robust' measures planned. They also said that passengers can book flights from Heathrow with confidence.

Teacher strikes

St Edward's College in West Derby, Liverpool where teachers are set to strike

BACKGROUND:

High school teachers in Merseyside are staging walk-outs in a row over pupil behaviour.

St Edward's College in West Derby, Liverpool, is set to close on Thursday as staff take part in strike action, having already walked out on Tuesday.

The National Education Union (NEU) said 60 of its members will take part in the industrial action after 'negotiations broke down in a trade dispute centred around pupil behaviour last week'.

Other strike days have also been planned for next week which include April 30, May 1 and May 2.

Bora Oktas, regional officer of the NEU said: 'Unfortunately, the college's management of poor pupil behaviour and staff safety has been inadequate.

'Despite our members' efforts to address these issues, the employer's failure to implement agreed-upon resolutions has left staff and pupils at risk. Our members have shown remarkable patience and dedication throughout this process since January.

'They came to the negotiation table with genuine intentions, but unfortunately, the employer has taken their goodwill for granted.'

In January, the NEU said it sent a resolution document to the school outlining how pupil behaviour could be improved effectively and the necessary support and resources required.

Bora added: 'Although the employer signed this agreement in February, progress has been sluggish due to some CLT members dragging their feet in implementation.

'We find it disappointing that the employer has not honoured the spirit of the resolution agreement. We expected the employer to implement the agreement promptly. Instead, they have been consistently finding excuses to delay implementation. Our members deserve better.'

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL SAYING?

A letter from St Edward's College, sent to parents and carers, said the school has met with the NEU many times over the previous term 'to provide action and reassurance about various issues, including behaviour, equipment for teaching and directed time'.

Principal Stephen Morris and Chair of Governors John O'Brien said they felt dialogue was 'positive and constructive' and many matters raised by the NEU had been resolved.

The school said it recognises staff's right to strike but understand parents may be concerned about the damaging effect it will have on pupils, particularly in Year 11 and Year 13.

The school said it is seeking urgent clarification around the matters the NEU believe are unresolved so 'meaningful dialogue' can continue.

St Edward's College said it had agreed to establish a workplace joint union-management negotiation and consultation committee, and scheduled the first meeting of this.

It added: 'Rest assured, we seek to continue our positive engagement with the NEU and earnestly hope that they will engage meaningfully with us.'

Tube strikes

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association will walk out on Friday and then ban overtime until May 5

BACKGROUND:

Customer service managers on London Underground are to stage a fresh strike in a dispute over terms and conditions.

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) will walk out on Friday and then ban overtime until May 5.

The union said the action is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including into Saturday morning.

The workers held a previous strike earlier this month.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: 'It's clear that our customer service managers' strike on April 10 made a real impact, many stations shut at short notice, and we had overwhelming support from the public.

People walk past a closed Euston Underground station during an RMT strike in November 2022

'Because of London Underground's refusal to get back round the negotiating table, we have been forced to take further strike action this week.

'London Underground must now come clean with the public. Their refusal to negotiate seriously and fairly with our union will lead to stations closing at the last minute and other stations being understaffed.

'We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms and conditions to stand unchallenged.

'We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith.'

What is TFL saying?

A Transport for London spokesperson said: 'We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

'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.'

Border force strikes

The University and College Union's (UCU) Higher Education Committee announced new strikes on campus, unhappy with vice-chancellors' responses

BACKGROUND:

Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport have voted to strike in a dispute over changes to shift patterns.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said 300 of its members, who carry out immigration controls and passport checks at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the airport, will walk out from April 29 to May 2.

Around 250 people will lose their jobs at passport control under new roster plans.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: 'Our members are angry and disappointed at being forced out of their jobs.

'While not everyone will be affected, the changes will disproportionately hit those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities.

'The Home Office should be doing all it can to retain experienced, trained staff - not lose them by introducing an unworkable new roster system.'

What has the Home Office said?

The Home Office said it was 'disappointed' with the union's decision but added it remains 'open to discussing a resolution'.

It added: 'The changes we are implementing will bring the working arrangements for Border Force Heathrow staff in line with the way staff work at other ports, provide them with more certainty on working patterns, and improve the service to the travelling public.

'Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority and we have robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption.'

Job centre strikes

The GMB union has said around 1,000 of its members employed by G4S at the Department for Work and Pensions will stage a series of walkouts at different offices on several days

BACKGROUND:

Jobcentres are facing strikes by security staff in a dispute over pay.

The GMB has already announced that more than 1,000 of its members employed by G4S at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will walk out for several days between May 7-29.

The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said on Wednesday that its members working in 700 jobcentres across the UK are to be balloted for strike action in the same dispute.

The union is seeking a rise for all 200 of its members employed by G4S, as well as reinstating a pay differential it says exists between grades.

General secretary Fran Heathcote said: 'Our members work on the front line, playing a critical role in keeping their civil servant colleagues safe, as well as supporting the delivery of vital services to often very vulnerable benefit claimants.

'They put their bodies on the line every day and it's only fair they are fairly rewarded for their work with a decent pay rise.'

The ballot opens on May 1, with the result expected two weeks later.

What is G4S saying?

A G4S spokesperson said after the GMB strike announcement: 'We are continuing to engage with our employees and their union representatives and will continue to try to reach an amicable agreement without the need for industrial action.

'In the event of industrial action, we have contingency plans in place in order to minimise disruption to our customer.'
An anti-corruption monitoring body from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has decided to dispatch an inspection team to Korea over concerns that the country's recent prosecution reform could weaken its anti-corruption capabilities, sources said Wednesday.

The OECD Working Group on Bribery (WGB) reached the decision at its regular meeting session in December in Paris, France, and resolved to dispatch an inspection team to Korea within the first half of the year, legal sources here said.

It is in response to the Korean National Assembly's revisions of the Prosecutors' Office Act and the Criminal Procedure Act, which reduce and ultimately abolish the investigative powers of the prosecution, long accused of abuse of power and political meddling. The revisions took effect in September 2022.

During the December session, member countries of the WGB voiced concerns that the revisions could weaken the country's capacity to respond to corruption and delay investigations.

The sources said that the inspection team will be dispatched to Korea before June to monitor the status of corruption investigations by the police and prosecution and assess how the prosecution reform legislation has affected the country's investigative capabilities.

Since signing the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention in 1997, the WGB has been monitoring Korea's anti-corruption response capabilities and investigative system.

The WGB had previously voiced "serious concerns" over the prosecution reform laws, saying, "The amendments seriously hamper the prosecution's ability to investigate and prosecute foreign bribery offenses." (Yonhap)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has touched down in China to soothe tensions with the nation, after Beijing called the Senate's approval of an $8billion aid package for Taiwan a 'dangerous situation.'

The package was part of a massive $95billion foreign aid bill that was passed by Congress last night, and is expected to be signed into law today by President joe Biden.

The Chinese government is also stewing over the legislation that will force TikTok to divest of its owner ByteDance and rejected allegations the app is a security threat.

The trip by President Joe Biden's top diplomat is aimed at ramping up pressure on China to drop its support for Russian in the Ukraine war.

But the late-night vote on the bill has added more friction to the already strained relations between Washington and Beijing.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken dines at the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant at the Yu Gardens in Shanghai, China, during trip to soothe relations after Congress signed a bill that sent $8billion in aid to Taiwan

China said the $8billion set aside to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific 'seriously violates' US commitments to China and 'sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces'.

A spokesperson for the mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office added that Taiwan's ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which won a third four-year presidential term in January, is willing to 'become a pawn for external forces to use Taiwan to contain China, bringing Taiwan into a dangerous situation'.

Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te told a visiting congressional delegation that the aid package would 'strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain' and 'help ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and also boost confidence in the region'.

China and the United States are the major players in the Indo-Pacific and Washington has become increasingly alarmed by Beijings growing aggressiveness in recent years toward Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries with which it has significant territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

The U.S. has strongly condemned Chinese military exercises threatening Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province and has vowed to reunify with the mainland by force if necessary. Successive U.S. administrations have steadily boosted military support and sales for Taiwan, much to Chinese anger.

A senior State Department official said last week that Blinken would 'underscore, both in private and public, Americas abiding interest in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We think that is vitally important for the region and the world.'

In the South China Sea, the U.S. and others have become increasingly concerned by provocative Chinese actions in and around disputed areas.

Blinken (center) dines with US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink (right) after Beijing called the aid package to Taiwan a 'dangerous situation'

Blinken (pictured center with the US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns) is on a trip to ramp up pressure on its rival over its support for Russia

Blinken and Burns walk through the Yu Gardens in Shanghai

In particular, the U.S. has voiced objections to what it says are Chinese attempts to thwart legitimate maritime activities by others in the sea, notably the Philippines and Vietnam. That was a major topic of concern this month when Biden held a three-way summit with the prime minister of Japan and the president of the Philippines.

On Ukraine, which U.S. officials say will be a primary topic of conversation during Blinken's visit, the Biden administration said that Chinese support has allowed Russia to largely reconstitute its defense industrial base, affecting not only the war in Ukraine but posing a threat to broader European security.

'If China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it cant on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War,' Blinken said last week.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) is greeted by at the Kong Fuan, Director General of the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) is greeted by US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns on his arrival in Shanghai

Crowds line the Bund as the motorcade with Secretary of State Antony Blinken drives past in Shanghai, China

China says it has the right to trade with Russia and accuses the U.S. of fanning the flames by arming and funding Ukraine. 'It is extremely hypocritical and irresponsible for the U.S. to introduce a large-scale aid bill for Ukraine while making groundless accusations against normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Tuesday.

On the Middle East, U.S. officials, from Biden on down, have repeatedly appealed to China to use any leverage it may have with Iran to prevent Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza from spiraling into a wider regional conflict.

He has spoken to his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, several times urging China to tell Iran to restrain the proxy groups it has supported in the region, including Hamas, Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

The senior State Department official said Blinken would reiterate the U.S. interest in China using 'whatever channels or influence it has to try to convey the need for restraint to all parties, including Iran.'

The U.S. and China are also at deep odds over human rights in Chinas western Xinjiang region, Tibet and Hong Kong, as well as the fate of several American citizens that the State Department says have been 'wrongfully detained' by Chinese authorities, and the supply of precursors to make the synthetic opioid fentanyl that is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans.

China has repeatedly rejected the American criticism of its rights record as improper interference in its internal affairs. Yet, Blinken will again raise these issues, according to the State Department official.

Another department official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to preview Blinken's private talks with Chinese officials, said China had made efforts to rein in the export of materials that traffickers use to make fentanyl but that more needs to be done.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves upon his arrival in Shanghai, China

A Taiwanese air force fighter pilot beside his F-CK-1 indigenous defence fighter jet in an undisclosed location in Taiwan

China has repeatedly rejected the American criticism of its rights record as improper interference in its internal affairs

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, June 19, 2023

Taiwanese soldiers operating tanks during a drill in an undisclosed location in Taiwan

The two sides agreed last year to set up a working group to look into ways to combat the surge of production of fentanyl precursors in China and their export abroad. U.S. officials say they believe they had made some limited progress on cracking down on the illicit industry but many producers had found ways to get around new restrictions.

'We need to see continued and sustained progress,' the official said, adding that 'more regular law enforcement' against Chinese precursor producers 'would send a strong signal of Chinas commitment to address this issue.'

China is also understood to be unhappy about the US bill's inclusion of a TikTok crackdown, which could lead to the video-sharing platform being banned in the US.

The foreign aid package includes several measures including TikTok divest from its Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance.

The House already passed a bill to force ByteDance to divest from TikTok, but the new catch-all legislation would give TikTok one year rather than six months to separate itself from China - or else be banned in the U.S.

TikTok has suggested the legislation amounts to a 'total ban in the United States,' hinting that ByteDance isn't interested in selling.

'It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually,' a TikTok spokesperson told DailyMail.com on Saturday
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has appeared in court after being charged with historical sex offences including rape.

The former DUP leader appeared in the dock alongside his wife of 36 years, Lady Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, who is accused of aiding him with rape.

Amid a heightened security presence, the veteran politician, 61, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth inside a packed courtroom at Newry Magistrates' Court this morning.

Donaldson faces 11 charges, relating to two victims, spanning over a 20-year period ending in 2006.

They include one count of rape, one count of gross indecency towards a child and nine counts of indecent assault on a female.

The court heard how Donaldson, on a date between January 1, 1985 and January 1, 1991, 'had unlawful sexual intercourse' with the alleged victim.

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at court this morning charged with rape and other historical sex offences. He is pictured outside of court

The former DUP leader appeared in the dock alongside his wife of 36 years, Lady Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson (pictured), who is accused of aiding him with rape.

Sir Jeffrey is pictured in the media scrum as he arrives at court, flanked by police officers

Another charge alleges Donaldson 'committed an act of gross indecency towards a child' on a date between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006.

His wife Eleanor Donaldson, 58, is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting as well as additional offences.

The four allegations facing Eleanor Donaldson span dates from January 1985 to December 2004.

Amid a heightened security presence, the pair arrived separately but shared the dock together for the duration of the eight-minute hearing, separated by a prison officer.

Donaldson remained silent as weaved his way through a media scrum wearing a grey suit and green tie arriving at Newry Courthouse shortly after 9.30 am.

The pair spoke only to confirm their name and date of birth to District Judge Eamonn King, who read out the charges.

The pair were released on continuing bail with a change in conditions allowing them to communicate with each other.

But there were chaotic scenes as Sir Jeffrey left Newry Courthouse.

Some members of the public shouted abuse and tried to lunge towards him as he left the building.

The police surrounded Sir Jeffrey who briefly re-entered the court building before leaving a second time and departing in a car.

Members of the press are pictured gathered outside Newry Magistrates' Court where Sir Jeffrey's court hearing was taking place

BREAKING: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Magistrates Court.



Our Political Reporter @jamesgould23 is there. pic.twitter.com/iGEnY8u257  Cool FM News (@newsoncool) April 24, 2024

The 61-year-old politician, who is Northern Ireland 's longest-serving MP, was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March

Donaldson was suspended from the DUP pending the outcome of the judicial process, and East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim party leader.

His membership of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland has also been suspended.

Rumours about Sir Jeffrey's political future began swirling overnight when Donaldson's website and social media accounts, including X, Facebook and Instagram, were deleted.

The shock court appearance comes just weeks after Sir Jeffrey made the decision to return the party to powersharing in Northern Ireland.

Sir Jeffrey's leadership saw him steer the party's two-year boycott of Northern Ireland's political institutions, in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.

After protracted negotiations, the DUP agreed to return to Stormont in February after the agreement of a new deal and a series of assurances around Northern Ireland's constitutional position within the United Kingdom.

Sir Jeffrey, who has had an almost 40-year career in politics, became DUP leader in July 2021.

His career started with the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and in 1985, aged 22, he was the youngest person to be elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

His relationship with former UUP leader David Trimble deteriorated when he led a walkout of the 1998 peace talks, after opposing the early release of republican and loyalist prisoners.

He left the party and joined the DUP in January 2004.

He was recognised by the Queen in her 2016 Birthday Honours and was given a knighthood.

It is understood that in a letter to party officers, he made clear he would be 'strenuously contesting' all charges against him (pictured are the media outside of court today)

Gavin Robinson has taken charge of the DUP as the party's interim leader following Sir Jeffrey's resignation (Mr Robinson is pictured on April 4, 2024)

During his time in the DUP he helped to broker the party's 1bn confidence and supply deal with Theresa May's minority Conservative government, when the Tories held the balance of power at Westminster between 2017 and 2019.

East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim party leader.
The package will also provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza

Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan will receive billions in military aid from United States

A mega $95 billion package passed by the Senate on Tuesday will provide military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, replenish U.S. weapons systems and give humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Congress approved on Tuesday the long-delayed legislation - passed with bipartisan support on a 79-18 vote - which also contains a measure to ban TikTok in the United States if the social media app fails to cut ties with its Chinese parent company.

The United States hopes that the foreign aid package will bolster international alliances, fortify defense capabilities and extend humanitarian assistance to regions grappling with conflict and crisis.

President Joe Biden has promised to sign the package Wednesday, and said in a statement shortly after the vote: 'I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.'

At the forefront of the package is a strategic allocation of military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, signaling unwavering support for key allies amid geopolitical tensions - while offering a lifeline of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

Here is a breakdown of the $95 billion foreign aid package and how and where it's being distributed.

A mega $95 billion package passed by the Senate on Tuesday will provide military aid to Ukraine , Israel and Taiwan, replenish U.S. weapons systems and give humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza

Congress approved on Tuesday the legislation - which contains a measure to ban TikTok in the United States if the social media app fails to cut ties with its Chinese parent company

Ukraine

$61 billion of the aid package will be assigned to Ukraine, as well as replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles as the country continues to fall under attack from Russia.

The overall amount provided to Ukraine for the purchase of weapons would be $13.8 billion, which will soon enable Kyiv's defenders re-equip with sorely needed artillery, long-range missile systems and ammunition.

Ukraine would also receive more than $9 billion of economic assistance from the U.S. in the form of "forgivable loans."

Meanwhile, $23.2 billion is dedicated to replenishing weapons and ammunition systems for the U.S. military.

Fierce pushback from some House of Representatives has meant that the Biden administration has not sent an aid package to Kyiv since December.

It comes as Russian troops reportedly pushed through Ukrainian lines to take the strategic town of Ocheretyne in Donetsk earlier today - the latest scoop for Vladimir Putin's forces amid a recent string of gains on the battlefield.

$61 billion of the aid package will be assigned to Ukraine, as well as replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles as the country continues to fall under attack from Russia

Ukraine would also receive more than $9 billion of economic assistance from the U.S. in the form of "forgivable loans"

Israel

Approximately $26 billion of the aid package will go to support for Israel and while offering humanitarian relief for civilians in Gaza.

About $4 billion of that would be dedicated to replenishing Israel's missile defense systems.

More than $9 billion of the total would go toward humanitarian assistance in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The war was sparked by a raid on October 7, 2023, into southern Israel carried out by Hamas and other militant groups that left roughly 1,200 people dead and about 250 hostages taken into Gaza.

Israel have said around 130 hostages remain in the war-torn territory and 30 have died.

However, during Israel's ongoing counter-attack, the Palestinian death toll has topped 34,000 and more than 76,000 have been wounded according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry - with two-thirds reported to be children and women.

It comes as the Israeli government now faces mounting scrutiny from the international community, with critics accusing the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes while calling on U.S. lawmakers to withhold aid.

Approximately $26 billion of the aid package will go to support for Israel and while offering humanitarian relief for civilians in Gaza (pictured, humanitarian aid packages landing in Gaza)

About $4 billion of that would be dedicated to replenishing Israel's missile defense systems

More than $9 billion of the total would go toward humanitarian assistance in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war

Taiwan

Approximately $8 billion of the foreign aid package will go to helping U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region and countering China.

More than $3.3 billion would go toward submarine infrastructure and development, with an additional $1.9 billion to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan and other regional allies.

It comes after Taiwan's defense minister appeared to accidentally admit on Sunday that US troops have been stationed off the coast of China, in what would be a startling escalation of hostilities in the region.

It is believed that if the defense chief, Chiu Kuo-cheng, was correct, the US military would be training Taiwanese forces on small islands close to mainland China, including Kinmen Island.

If US troops are stationed on Kinmen, it would mark a dramatic increase in America's presence in the region. Kinmen Island is over 100 miles from Taiwan's main island, but just three miles from China's coastal city of Xiamen.

Approximately $8 billion of the foreign aid package will go to helping U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region and countering China (pictured: a nuclear-powered missile submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in the South China Sea)

More than $3.3 billion would go toward submarine infrastructure and development, with an additional $1.9 billion to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan and other regional allies (pictured, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) conducting routine operations in the South China Sea)
Rishi Sunak is holding talks with the German Chancellor today as he urges NATO allies to follow Britain's example on defence spending.

The PM was greeted warmly by Olaf Scholz as he arrived for their meeting in Berlin - with discussions expected to focus on security, trade and migration.

At a joint press conference, Mr Scholz said they were committed to supporting Ukraine for 'as long as it takes'.

Mr Sunak said they were opening a 'new chapter' in defence cooperation.

It is Mr Sunak's first visit to Berlin since entering No10, amid reports German diplomats were unhappy he had not made the country a priority.

Rishi Sunak is holding talks with the German Chancellor today as he urges NATO allies to follow Britain's example on defence spending

The PM was greeted warmly by Olaf Scholz as he arrived for their meeting in Berlin - with discussions expected to focus on security, trade and migration

Asked at a press conference in Berlin whether his defence increase will mean tax rises and deep cuts, he said that was 'not a fair characterisation'.

'The plan that I announced yesterday is fully funded. It's funded rightly by a reduction in the civil service headcount back to 2019 levels combined with an uplift in R&D spending.

'But you're right. We are making a choice to prioritise defence. I think that's the right thing because, whether we like it or not, the world is more dangerous than at any moment since the Cold War.'

Pressed to rule out further cuts, the Prime Minister said: 'We have record investment in our public services, including the NHS  that's not going to change, it's going to continue.

'We have record investment in our schools  that's not going to change, it's going to continue to increase. And alongside that we are able to cut people's taxes.'

Without mentioning spending in other areas outside health and education, he continued: 'I am not going to get into writing the next manifesto here and now, but what I am confident about is that if you have a strong plan for the economy as we have, and that plan is working, we stick to that plan we will be able to continue increasing defence spending.

'It is a completely funded plan. We have got a very clear idea of how to reduce civil service headcount which has grown considerably over the last few years, and we can bring that back and use that to fund what I announced yesterday.

'Alongside that, continue to invest in public services and cut people's taxes.'

The PM also said it was 'entirely reasonable' for the US to call for more European defence spending.

At the joint presser with Mr Sunak, Mr Scholz expressed confidence in Nato's long-term future, when asked about the prospect of alliance-sceptic Donald Trump returning to the White House.

Mr Sunak will use a summit marking the 75th anniversary of Nato to lobby allies to match his defence spending commitment.

At the Washington DC summit in July, the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will argue that spending 2.5 per cent of GDP should be the benchmark for members of the alliance.

The two leaders focused heavily on defence in their talks, with both committed to big increases in military spending in the wake of Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

They have unveiled plans to develop a new generation of remote-controlled artillery designed for European defence.

A Government source said the new 155mm howitzer would provide 'battle winning capabilities for future ground warfare' as well as creating hundreds or jobs in both countries.

But the leaders also discussed cooperation on renewable energy and other areas, with German firms like RWE committed to spending billions on developing new wind farms in Britain.

Mr Sunak said: 'The UK and Germany are European powerhouses. Together, we are stronger - whether that is defending against Russian aggression or driving economic growth and technological advance.

'Today we are opening a new chapter in our relationship, one that will make us safer and more prosperous. At this dangerous moment for the world, the UK and Germany are standing side by side to preserve security and prosperity at home and across our continent.'

The two leaders watched a parade before holding their discussions today
NYC Mayor Eric Adams was left flabbergasted on an Americans Airline flight after a woman accosted him and accused him of 'supporting the genocide in Palestine'.

In the clip, which has been shared on social media, the woman can be seen boarding the flight from Miami back to the Big Apple when she hits out at the Mayor.

Adams had been in Miami for the 2024 Concordia Americas Summit and was returning to the city on Monday evening.

'Are you Eric Adams? F**k you', she shouts at the Mayor who appears baffled by the remarks as the man sitting beside Adams stands and puts himself between the two.

The irate woman continues: 'You support the genocide in Palestine, there are homeless people all over New York.'

Throughout the whole interaction, Adams says nothing but his expression does turn sour following her initial remark

Adams had been in Miami for the 2024 Concordia Americas Summit and was returning to the city on Monday evening

She adds: 'You are always partying, you don't actually care about the citizens in New York. Why are you even in Miami?

'There are people being arrested there, people are homeless in New York . People cannot afford afford.

'You keep cutting the education budget so that you can fund the police. That's all you care about, funding the police. Everything is underfunded because of you.'

Other flyers can be heard shouting at the woman for holding up those boarding the flight as she makes her way down the aisle.

Throughout the whole interaction, Adams says nothing but his expression does turn sour following her initial remark.

Spokesman for the Mayor Fabien Levy told DailyMail.com : 'Like the mayor always says, 8 million people, but 35 million opinions.

'Its unfortunate, however, that this individuals opinion was riddled with vulgarities on a public flight and thats why multiple passengers can be heard pushing back on her as she annoyingly held them up.'

'Plenty of other passengers came up to Mayor Adams during the trip and expressed their opinions of support for the mayor.'

Adams is known for his late-night party lifestyle and eating out at high-end restaurants in the city.

Adams speaks during a news conference at the New York City Emergency Management Department on Friday April 5, 2024 in New York

Pro-Palestine protestors, gather at Bowling Green to stage a demonstration and chant slogans against Adams in New York on March 26, 2024

The city has been embroiled in days of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and other campuses, the encampment at Columbia is seen here

Homeless people are seen on 1st Avenue between 20 and 21st street, Manhattan, in January of 2023

In a August 2022 New York Times story, reporters followed Adams for a month and was seen attending restaurant Osteria La Baia 22 times.

He is also known to frequently attend members-only club Zero Bond in NoHo as well as rubbing shoulders with celebrities.

Meanwhile the city has been embroiled in days of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and other campuses.

Protestors inside Columbia have pitched tents to form their 'solidarity for Gaza encampment' and are refusing to move.

On Tuesday, the Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine group said they backed out of negotiations after the school threatened to call in the National Guard.

DailyMail.com has approached American Airlines for comment.
Michael Gove has admitted 'no-fault' evictions might not be banned in England before the general election despite it being a key Tory pledge.

The Housing Secretary said he 'hopes' his Renters (Reform) Bill becomes law, but failed to offer a guarantee it would reach the statute book.

The Conservative manifesto ahead of the 2019 general election promised to end tenants being forced from their homes under Section 21 notices.

But, nearly five years on, the Government has still not fulfilled its pledge to end landlords' ability to evict tenants without needing a reason.

The Renters (Reform) Bill returns to the House of Commons this afternoon for its final stages.

Michael Gove has admitted 'no-fault' evictions might not be banned in England before the general election despite it being a key Tory pledge

The Conservative manifesto ahead of the 2019 general election promised to end tenants being forced from their homes under Section 21 notices

In a TV interview in February, Mr Gove insisted the Government will have outlawed no-fault evictions by the next general election.

But he failed to repeat the promise last night, telling the BBC: 'Everything depends on the House of Lords.

'My determination is to ensure that we get this Bill on the statute book. But it's up to the Lords to decide the rate of progress that we can make.

'If opposition parties are supportive - and I believe that while they have some quibbles, they are supportive of the essential principle that we're bringing forward - then we can have Section 21 ended before the general election. That's the aim.'

The Housing Secretary added: 'It will be a judgement of the Lords as to how this bill progresses.

'But I hope that we can get it on the statute book before the election.'

The Government has indicated it will delay implementation of a ban on no-fault evictions until the courts are assessed to have the capacity to deal with new cases.

This has prompted angry accusations that ministers have abandoned renters and conceded to 'pro-landlord Conservative MPs'.

The 20 charities and campaign groups which form the Renters Reform Coalition (RRC) said several rounds of 'damaging concessions' have 'fundamentally weakened' a Bill which will maintain a 'central power imbalance' in favour of landlords.

Labour said the no-fault eviction ban promised in the Tory manifesto is 'collapsing under the weight of vested interests' and called for the plan to be implemented immediately.

However, a body representing landlords said the Bill delivers a 'fair deal for tenants and responsible landlords' and called for the legislation to pass through Parliament 'in the interests of certainty for the sector'.

Recent research by YouGov commissioned by homelessness charity Shelter showed 943,000 tenants had been served Section 21 notices since April 2019, which is equivalent to more than 500 renters per day.

Nearly 85,000 of these households were put at risk of homelessness as a result, the research found.

Labour's shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycook accused ministers of lacking the 'courage' to protect renters' rights as promised.

He said: 'Instead of ministers having the courage to face down their unruly backbenchers, this weak and divided Conservative Government is appeasing them at the expense of private renters who will see the rights and protections they were promised watered down.

'The long overdue end of no-fault evictions cannot be made dependent on unspecified future court improvements subjectively determined by ministers.

'The Government needs to definitively abolish Section 21 evictions at the point the Renters Reform Bill becomes law or a Labour government will finish the job.'

The RRC has argued for changes to the legislation which it said would strengthen tenant protections, but insisted groups representing private renters had 'not been taken seriously' and claimed ministers had met with lobbyists for landlords and estate agents 'twice as often'.

It added: 'The result of all the Government's backtracking is that we now have a Bill that abolishes Section 21 in name only.

'There is no guarantee it would ever fully abolish Section 21, and even then the new tenancy system set to replace it will be little better.

'This legislation is intended to give the impression of improving conditions for renters, but in fact it preserves the central power imbalance at the root of why renting in England is in crisis.'

Polly Neate, chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, said the Bill will be a 'colossal failure' without 'serious amendments'.

She added: 'Shameful attempts to delay the ban on no-fault evictions and sneak fixed-term tenancies back in must be resisted, otherwise the sound of broken promises will be ringing all too loudly in renters' ears when they finally head for the ballot box.'

Darren Baxter, principal policy adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said the Bill had been repeatedly watered down and was now 'seriously inadequate'.

He called on ministers to reverse the planned delay to the Section 21 ban and ensure a limit on in-tenancy rent increases is put in place.

Siobhan Donnachie, campaigns officer at the London Renters Union, said proposed changes to the Bill would fail to give renters any security.

'After five long years, there is still no end in sight to the slew of evictions forcing tens of thousands of us into homelessness,' she added.

As well as the abolition of Section 21 repossessions, provisions in the Bill as originally drafted would end fixed-term tenancies, introduce a decent home standard, establish a new ombudsman and aim to provide protections for families in receipt of benefits from discrimination.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, backed the Bill in its current form, saying it will provide stability for both tenants and landlords.

He added: 'Going forward, it will always be for the courts to decide if landlords have met the threshold to repossess a property based on a series of legitimate reasons.

'This includes tenant anti-social behaviour, serious rent arrears or where a landlord plans to sell a property.

'That said, the tenant group Generation Rent has rightly warned that landlords selling properties is 'a leading cause of homelessness'.

'The only answer to this is ensuring responsible landlords feel confident enough to stay in the market.

'Greater security for tenants will mean nothing if the rental homes are not there in the first place.'

Mr Beadle also highlighted that a number of amendments to the Bill followed recommendations made by the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee.

Responding to the criticism, levelling up minister Jacob Young said: 'The Renters Reform Bill will deliver our manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and ensure a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords.

'These are the biggest changes to the sector in 30 years  and we will continue to work across the sector to ensure the Bill passes into law as soon as possible.'
The escaped horses that have run loose in central London are from the regiment that singer James Blunt served in.

The animals were spooked during their daily morning exercise on Horse Guards Parade, in Whitehall, at around 8.40am.

Four people were hospitalised. It is understood that three of them are soldiers who have not sustained life-threatening injuries.

The horses are from the Life Guards, one of two regiments of the Army's Household Cavalry.

Blunt served in the regiment in the 1990s after training at Sandhurst military academy and went on to see active service in Kosovo.

Both Prince Harry and Prince William were soldiers in the Household Cavalry's other regiment, the Blues and Royals.

Prince Harry was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the regiment in 2006 before being joined by Prince William later that year.

The escaped horses that have run loose in central London are from the regiment that singer James Blunt served in. Blunt served in the Life Guards in the 1990s after training at Sandhurst military academy and went on to see active service in Kosovo. Above: Blunt in the Life Guards

The animals were spooked during their daily morning exercise on Horse Guards Parade, in Whitehall, at around 8.40am. Five people, including a soldier who was riding one of the horses, were injured

You're Beautiful singer Blunt, 50, served in the Armed Forces for six years.

As a Household Cavalry Life Guard, he stood sentry as the Queen Mother's body lay in state and rode as the Queen's Sovereign Escort on ceremonial escort.

He was also one of the first peacekeepers to enter Pristina, Kosovo's capital, where he encountered chilling evidence of ethnic cleansing.

This experience inspired his song No Bravery.

Speaking of his time in Kosovo in 2021, he told of a tense encounter with Russian forces.

He said: 'I was the lead officer of 30,000 NATO troops.

'We got to an airport where the Russians were there already. I was given instruction to overrun and overpower them.

'Fortunately, a general who had been given that instruction was confronted by our own general who said, "I'm not having my soldiers start World War III and told us to pull back".'

Harry, the Duke of Sussex, rose to the rank of lieutenant in the Blues and Royals before he retrained as an Apache helicopter co-pilot in 2012 for his second tour of Afghanistan.

He chose to wear his regimental uniform when he married Meghan Markle at Windsor's St George's Chapel in 2018.

The duke had been expected to follow his father King Charles and grandfather Prince Philip into the Welsh Guards after graduating from Sandhurst.

He was said to have opted for the Household Cavalry so he could pursue his love of horses.

William, who passed out of Sandhurst military academy after his younger brother, joined his brother in the Household Cavalry because of the variety of roles that the regiment undertakes.

It guards the monarch at Buckingham Palace and acts as the Sovereign's mounted escort on state occasions.

It also provides reconnaissance support to airborne forces on operations.

You're Beautiful singer Blunt, 50, served in the Armed Forces for six years. Above: Blunt serving in Kosovo in 1999

James Blunt live in concert at The AO Arena in Manchester earlier this month

Both Prince Harry and Prince William were soldiers in the Household Cavalry's other regiment, the Blues and Royals. Above: Harry with William in the uniform of the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals regiment on his wedding day in May 2018

Prince Harry wearing the tropical dress of the Blues and Royals as he attends the Anzac Memorial service in Hyde Park in October 2018

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her grandson Prince William, right, exchange smiles, as she inspects graduates during the Sovereign's parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, December 2006

Prince William, foreground, marches with other graduates, during the Sovereign's parade at Sandhurst in 2006

The Palace said that William was attracted by the regiment's record in recent conflicts, including the Falklands War, the 1991 Gulf War and operations in Northern Ireland.

The Blue and Royals and the Life Guards are the oldest and most senior regiments in the Army.

Princess Diana's former lover, James Hewitt, served as a captain in the Life Guards.

Harry left the Army in March 2015 and then had to give up his honorary military appointments after ending his role as a working royal.

Prince William went on to serve with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy before leaving active service in 2013.
A young mother was allegedly suffocated to death by her convicted-murderer partner during a conjugal prison visit.

Gisella Perez Gaspar, 27, is believed to have been killed by Cristian Alexis Rivas Sanchez, 26, in a high-security prison in Palmira, Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, on Sunday during a visit to see her partner.

An alarm was raised three hours after Gaspar entered the prison facility, authorities sent out to respond to reports of 'physical aggression' in a prison yard.

Medics were called on to help Gaspar in the jail's healthcare facility, but they could only determine that she no longer showed vital signs.

Officials later said she died due to the severity of her head wounds.

Her partner, currently in prison for homicide, arms trafficking and conspiracy to commit a crime, is accused of having suffocated her.

Following news of her death, it was reported Gaspar had written heartbreaking messages on social media stressing how they would 'get through this' together after his incarceration, adding 'You know I'm... loyal, even beyond death'.

'It doesn't matter where you are, I will be with you until the end,' a message overlaid on a picture of the couple reads

Gaspar leaves behind a three-year-old daughter following her death at the prison in Colombia

'A gunshot is heard, the community arrives, this young woman is taken to a medical center, but due to the severity of the wound, which was to the head, she died,' recounted Colonel Carlos German Oviedo, commander of the Cali Police.

Sanchez is now expected to be charged with femicide.

Gisella leaves behind a three-year-old daughter, but it is not clear if the suspect is the girl's biological dad.

Gisella had written on social media in February, shortly after Sanchez was jailed in Palmira, Colombia: 'My love, I want you to know I love you.

'I'll be there for you. These are just tests, my love.

'I know that by trusting in God, we'll get through this and much more. Just have a little patience.

'Remember, I'll always be there for you in good times, bad times, and even the worst. I know that you and I can do it, don't let yourself be defeated, my love.

'Remember, we're waiting for you, my love. You know you're my sweetheart. You know I'm steadfast, real, and loyal, even beyond death.'

Palmira official William Andrey Espinosa said: 'We deplore the incident that occurred within the Villa de las Palmas Prison and Penitentiary Centre, where this 27-year-old woman was murdered by her own partner.

'We have asked the authorities, especially the Public Prosecutor's Office, to investigate.'

Reports of femicide in the region have increased in recent years.

Officials in Cali met earlier this year to discuss possible preventative policies aimed at tackling violence against women, with 10 femicides reported in 2023 alone.

'We have seven femicides and four more cases to be classified, including the case that unfortunately occurred yesterday in the city of Palmira,' said Yurani Andrea Ordonez, Secretary of Women, Gender Equality and Sexual Diversity of the Valle del Cauca department.

An undated picture shows Gaspar with her partner Sanchez

'I know that by trusting in God, we'll get through this and much more. Just have a little patience,' Gaspar had written in messages shared on social media

Violence against women in Colombia has seen a dramatic uptick in recent years.

Between 2019 and 2020, the number of reports climbed from 571 to 630.

A further 612 were reported in 2022 alone.

Femicide is defined as the killing of women for their gender.

A lack of resources, high levels of impunity and cultural discrimination have been suggested as reasons for the continuing trend.
A man has been charged with a raft of assault offences after a woman was found dead in her home in rural Victoria.

Emma Bates, 49, was found dead inside her Cobram home, close to the NSW border in Victoria's far north, around 2.15pm on Tuesday, having suffered injuries to her upper-body and face.

She is the 26th women to be killed in Australia this year as the nation grapples with a violence-against-women epidemic.

Police revealed on Wednesday evening charged tattooed John Torney with a range of offences over Ms Bates' death.

'A 39-year-old Cobram man has been charged with intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury, common law assault, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault,' a spokesperson for Victoria Police said.

John Torney (pictured), 39, has been charged with a range of assault offences over the death of 49-year-old Emma Bates

Ms Bates was discovered deceased inside her home (pictured) on Tuesday afternoon

It's understood Torney and Ms Bates had recently struck up a relationship.

Torney is expected to face an out of sessions court hearing on Thursday evening.

Police will seek to remand him before he faces Shepparton Magistrates Court on Friday.

A team of detectives and forensic officers were seen scouring Ms Bates' home for evidence and speaking to neighbours on Wednesday as part of the investigation.

As police trailed in and out of the front door, a wheelchair, cat scratching post tower, and exercise bike could be seen sitting abandoned Ms Bates' undercover car park.

A wheelchair and cat scratching post could be seen sitting unattended in Ms Bates driveway as forensic officers scoured the property on Wednesday afternoon

Friend Kylie Mizzi, whose parents lived next door to Ms Bates for many years, told Daily Mail Australia she was a 'beautiful soul'.

'She always helped my elderly parents and had a huge heart, was warm and loving,' she said.

'I'm in total shock that something like this could happen to such a beautiful soul.'

'Something needs to be done about domestic violence. All women should feel safe.'

Ms Mizzi said Ms Bates did not have children, but was a mother to several cats who she adored.

Ms Bates' family members were too upset to speak on Thursday evening.
Angela Rayner mocked Rishi Sunak's height today as she came under pressure over her historic housing arrangements at Deputy Prime Minister's Questions.

The Labour deputy leader lashed out as she faced jibes from Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and other Tory MPs in the Commons, as they stood in for Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

Ms Rayner is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police over whether she correctly registered to vote at her main home almost a decade ago, amid claims that she lived elsewhere with her husband.

She tackled the subject head-on at the start of DPMQs, using it as a way to attack the Government over leasehold reform.

But she later went on the offensive with an attack on the PM, who is in Germany holding talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Referencing Mr Sunak's resignation in 2022 which is seen as having precipitated the end of Boris Johnson's premiership, she said the Tories had swapped 'their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser'.

Mr Dowden countered the jibes by suggesting the 'right honourable landlady' should step down, adding the Labour MP might start claiming the House of Commons as her principal residence if the pair were required to deputise again at Prime Minister's Questions.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The Labour deputy leader lashed out as she faced jibes from Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and other Tory MPs in the Commons, as they stood in for Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

The PM is in Germany holding talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and to meet UK soldiers based in the country (pictured)

Mr Dowden replied: 'To begin with it, is a pleasure to have another exchange with (Ms Rayner) in this House, our fifth in 12 months, anymore of these and she'll be claiming it as her principal residence.'

With Mr Sunak in Berlin, Ms Rayner and Deputy Prime Minister Mr Dowden took centre stage in the Commons on Wednesday.

But Ms Rayner pre-empted an attack line against her and opened the session by saying: 'I know this party opposite is desperate to talk about my living arrangements, but the public want to know what this Government is going to do about theirs.'

She raised the case of a Brighton woman served with two no-fault eviction notices in 18 months, adding: 'She joins nearly a million families at risk of homelessness due to his party's failure to ban this cruel practice.

'Now instead of obsessing over my house, when will he get a grip and show the same obsession with ending no-fault evictions?'

Mr Dowden replied: 'To begin with, it is a pleasure to have another exchange with (Ms Rayner) in this House, our fifth in 12 months, anymore of these and she'll be claiming it as her principal residence.'

Mr Dowden later highlighted the Government's plans to boost defence spending, with Ms Rayner saying: 'We all want to see 2.5%, the difference is that we haven't cut the army to its smallest size since Napoleon.

'Never mind some secretive deep state, it's the state of the Tory party that's the problem. They're in a deep state of sewage.

'After 14 years they've failed renters, they've failed leaseholders and they've failed mortgage-holders.

At just 5ft 6inches tall, the former Chancellor is the shortest occupant of Number 10 since Winston Churchill. At 5ft 5in, Second World War hero Sir Winston was shorter than Mr Sunak

Mr Sunak, who is now joining the 'under 5ft 7in club' of European leaders. French president Emmanuel Macron is just under 5ft 7in, whilst Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is 5ft 6

'But I read with interest that (Mr Dowden) has been urging his neighbour in No 10 to call an election because he's worried they might get wiped out.

'Has he finally realised that when he stabbed Boris Johnson in the back to get his mate into No 10 he was ditching their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser?'

Mr Dowden replied: 'I think the whole House will have heard, despite all the bluster from the lady opposite, not a single word on whether she would actually back our plans to invest in our armed forces, no plans in a dangerous world.

'And of course, as ever, the deputy leader is always looking to attack others' failures but never the one to take responsibility for her own.

'She once said you shouldn't be waiting for the police to bang on your door, if you did it then you shouldn't be doing your job.

'The right honourable landlady should forget her tax advice and follow her own advice.'
The number of Koreans who moved to different residences in the country fell for the first time in six months, data showed Wednesday.

Around 563,000 people changed residences last month, down 4.4 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.

It marked the first time since September last year that the figure logged an on-year decline.

Home transactions have risen in recent months, but many appeared to have changed their residences in February ahead of the beginning of the new semester and for other reasons, agency officials said.

The number of people who moved to different residences rose 5.2 percent on-year in February.

The population mobility rate, which means the percentage of those relocating per 100 people, inched down 0.5 percentage point on-year to 13 percent last month.

By region, Seoul saw a net outflow of 1,237 people in March, while Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital, and the northwestern port city of Incheon posted net inflows of 3,226 and 3,237, respectively.

In 2023, the number of people who changed residences fell to the lowest level in about 50 years amid population aging and a housing market slump. (Yonhap)
NPR's embattled new chief has broken her silence to accuse critics of 'distorting' her views.

Katherine Maher, who joined the company last month, faced a backlash after an old tweet calling former president Donald Trump 'deranged' emerged.

Maher was also slammed last week after a video began circulating where she claims the First Amendment is the 'number one challenge' when battling 'bad information'.

She was also skewered by her own staff member who blew the whistle on the site's liberal bias in a bombshell article for the Free Press.

But in an interview with the Wall Street Journal she now claims she has a 'robust belief in the First Amendment' and says critics took her comment out of context.

NPR's new CEO Katherine Maher has broken her silence after her old tweets emerged and a longtime editor turned whistleblower accused the station of having a liberal bias

NPR whistleblower editor Uri Berliner resigned after being suspended for blowing the whistle on the company's liberal bias

'It is by no means a personal perspective; it's a very bad faith distortion of a nuanced perspective on a policy landscape issue.

'All of this frankly is a bit of a distraction relative to the transformation our organization needs to undergo in order to best serve our mandate.'

The NPR chief also addressed claims by whistleblower Uri Berliner, who resigned from the station after being suspended over an essay he wrote for the Free Press where he accused the company of having lost its way.

'We have robust conversations across the organization, including in response to the article,' Maher said, citing 'clear and well-reasoned pieces' from reviewers that have 'found that our journalism is really solid.'

Berliner, who claimed the publicly-funded broadcaster became an activist organization obsessed with pushing progressive ideals, called Maher 'divisive' in his resignation.

He sparked a storm when he penned an open essay for The Free Press, where he slammed the outlet for being made up almost entirely of Democrats which he argued 'lost America's trust.'

In response to the 25-year NPR veteran's article, the network suspended him for five days for violating its policy of working or reporting for another outlet without permission.

Berliner announced he submitted his resignation letter to Maher last week.

'I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems I cite in my Free Press essay,' Berliner said.

'I am resigning from NPR, a great American institution where I have worked for 25 years. I don't support calls to defund NPR. I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism.'

Maher insisted in a statement that the company remains committed to 'serving all of the American public.'

'Questioning whether our people are serving our mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning,' she said.

Berliner said in an interview that the emergence of Maher's old tweets undercuts her message.

The tweets in question included a veiled shot at Trump branding him a 'deranged racist sociopath', and sharing her support for President Biden by sharing selfies wearing his campaign hats.

Berliner confirmed his suspension as he sat down for a follow-up interview with NPR, and the network said he would be fired if he overstepped again.

But the business editor argued Maher's tweets make her unable to steer the taxpayer-funded company in a moderate and fair way.

'We're looking for a leader right now who's going to be unifying and bring more people into the tent and have a broader perspective on, sort of, what America is all about,' he said.

'And this seems to be the opposite of that.'

The tweets also included Maher saying: 'I do wish Hillary wouldn't use the language of 'boy and girl' - it's erasing language for non-binary people.'

In November 2020, she tweeted: 'Lots of jokes about leaving the US, and I get it. But as someone with cis white mobility privilege, I'm thinking I'm staying and investing in ridding ourselves of this spectre of tyranny.'

Amid the BLM riots, Maher also contended: 'I mean sure, looting is counterproductive. But it's hard to be mad about protests not prioritizing the private property of a system of oppression founded on treating people's ancestors as private property.'

Before publishing his scathing essay on the state of NPR, Berliner said he tried on numerous occasions to raise his concerns about its liberal tilt.

In particular, he said coverage of issues dominating the last few years had been tainted by NPR's liberal bias, including the Israel-Hamas war, transgenderism and Covid-19.

Berliner added that, in his opinion, other outlets have similar issues, but feels that NPR's public funding and insistence that it is moderate mean it has an obligation to remain impartial.

'I love NPR and feel it's a national trust,' he said. 'We have great journalists here. If they shed their opinions and did the great journalism they're capable of, this would be a much more interesting and fulfilling organization for our listeners.'

In his article for The Free Press, a popular Substack site, Berliner said the rise of 'advocacy' in journalism especially surged at the same time Donald Trump's political career did.

'As in many newsrooms, his election in 2016 was greeted at NPR with a mixture of disbelief, anger, and despair,' he wrote.

Berlinger argued in his article that NPR has 'lost America's trust' because it was filled almost entirely by Democrats

I do wish Hillary wouldn't use the language of "boy and girl" - it's erasing language for non-binary people.  Katherine Maher (@krmaher) October 10, 2016

The new CEO of NPR @krmaher is fully infected by the woke mind virus.



Not a single taxpayer dollar should go to pay this activists salary.



NPR needs to be defunded on day one of Trumps presidency in 2025.



 @njhochman pic.twitter.com/6DbAPzWIxp  Paul A. Szypula  (@Bubblebathgirl) April 14, 2024

Berliner also uncovered how NPR knowingly kept information from its audience during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

He says NPR editors were quick to jump on claims that Donald Trump was a Russian asset - but far more reticent to cover their subsequent debunking.

Berliner has since been slapped with what NPR dubbed a 'final warning', suspending him for five days but cautioning him that if he worked for another outlet without permission, he would be out of the job.

He wrote that when he probed the staffers' voting registrations, he shockingly found that not a single Republican was in a leadership position.

'Concerned by the lack of viewpoint diversity, I looked at voter registration for our newsroom,' he wrote.

'In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans. None.'
A schoolgirl is believed to have been arrested and three people are injured, with one thought to be a female teacher, after they were knifed in a 'horrifying incident' at a school in Wales.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the south Wales county, was placed on 'code red' with unconfirmed reports a stabbing took place this morning.

The incident is said to have involved two girls before two staff intervened, a senior educational professional, who does not work at the school, told Wales Online.

It is thought a female teacher is one of those injured, but this is yet to be confirmed. She was said to have been flown by air ambulance 70 miles to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Terrified students jumped the 7ft-high perimeter fence to escape the horror attack which took place after the mid-morning break, one pupil told The Times.

Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the emergency situation and warned people who had shared footage on social media to remove it 'to avoid contempt of court and distressing those affected'.

Police will be providing an update at 5.30pm today where Supt Ross Evans will be at the school to read a statement.

A person has been arrested after three people were left injured following a 'major incident' at a Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school in Carmarthenshire. A large police and ambulance presence can be seen

Crowds of parents are seen waiting outside the school gates watching as emergency workers attend the incident

More than 10 police cars and two air ambulance helicopters were sent to the school following the incident

Councillor Karen Davies, a governor at the school, believed a stabbing had taken place and that two staff members were hurt.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his 'shock' at the news and thanked emergency services as he said his thoughts are with all those affected. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described it as 'awful news'.

The school was under 'code red' and pupils locked in their classrooms for several hours. They tearfully embraced their parents who had rushed to wait outside as they walked out of the school gates at around 3.20pm.

Carmarthenshire County Council moved to reassured parents to say the incident 'has been contained' and that family members of the injured had been informed.

Teaching union the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru described it as a 'horrifying incident'.

Director Eithne Hughes said: 'While we don't know the full details of what has happened, this is clearly a horrifying incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at the school and in the wider community.'

One parent said: 'This is a quiet area and a nice school with a good community. We just can't figure out what has gone on. My daughter saw an air ambulance land outside. It is unbelievable.'

Cllr Davies told Wales Online: I have no confirmation on how serious the injuries are. I send my thoughts to those injured and all the people there. I know how well the school rehearsed lockdown and I am sure everything is under control.'

Another concerned parent Lisa Barrett said her daughter texted her saying the school had been placed under a lockdown.

She told BBC Wales: 'This is not something you expect - you drive your child to school and think they will be safe. It is good to know that the children are locked in the classrooms.'

An ambulance can be seen outside the school with worried parents standing outside the building

Police speak to worried parents outside the school gates after classrooms were put in 'lockdown' following the incident

One worried parent said officers would be speaking to classrooms individually before lifting the lockdown

The school is currently under 'code red' and pupils have been put in the canteen in order to preserve the crime scene

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and First Minister Vaughan Gething took to X to express their shock

Mrs Barrett said she had not heard anything from the school as of yet.

'I am just waiting,' she added. 'I don't know if I should go down there or not.'

Another mother waiting outside the gates, named Rebecca, told ITV Cymru Wales said the school is being kept on 'code red'.

'Obviously Ive seen the blue lights, and I know we dont blue light unless we have to and Ive seen the air ambulance leave,' she said.

'Theyre keeping the school on lockdown - code red as theyre calling it - and the police will be speaking to the classes individually, then take them to get their lunch, then take them back to their classrooms.'

Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts wrote on X that her heart 'goes out to the pupils, families and staff of the school, and to the emergency services who are responding to the situation'.

While First Minister Vaughan Gething was left 'shocked to hear news of serious incident in Rhydaman'. He wrote on X: 'A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch to first responders.'

Local councillor Rob James said: 'My thoughts are with the headteacher, teaching staff, parents and pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after today's major incident.

'I have been in contact with Carmarthenshire Council and will provide any support I can to the school during this difficult time.'

Local MP Jonathan Edwards, who is the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, expressed his concern about the incident on social media.

'Thoughts are with everyone back home and with the authorities responding,' he wrote.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the west Wales county. Pictured: Two air ambulances on the school field

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupil aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, and a former pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, said his thoughts were with the school.

Mr Price posted on social media platform X: 'As we wait for more information to be released, my thoughts, like the rest of us, are with the school's community.'

The Church of All Saints in Ammanford has opened its doors to offer help and pastoral support in response.

Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies, said: 'My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, the staff, pupils and families of all at Dyffryn Amman School.'

Dyfed-Powys Police and two air ambulances were called to the scene.

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site.

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies described the incident at a school 'extremely concerning'.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in the west Wales county

'Schools should be a place of safety, learning and discovery, ' he said. 'It is deeply sad and distressing that today teachers and pupils have had that safety shattered by a violent incident.

'My thoughts are with all staff and pupils at the school, and we thank the emergency services for their work.'

Formers pupils include ex-Wales and British Lions rugby star Shane Williams and former MP Adam Price.

A spokesperson for the local police force said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police is dealing with an incident at Amman Valley School. Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment.

'One person has been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. Emergency services remain at scene and the school has been closed while investigations continue.

'We are working closely with the school and Carmarthenshire County Council. We are aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media. We would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected. We would ask the people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.'

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called shortly after 11.15am to an incident on Margaret Street in Ammanford.

'We sent four emergency ambulances and the hazardous area response team to the scene, where crews were supported by two Cymru high acuity response unit paramedics and an operational manager.

'Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in two Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters.'
FBI Director Christopher Wray has sounded the alarm over the 'national security threat' posed by TikTok as the platform faces a ban in the US.

While influencers panic over potentially losing their favorite app, the intelligence chief warned last night that users should be concerned their data is being filtered to the 'Chinese intelligence services.'

'TikTok, for us, represents a national security concern. The reason I say that is TikTok's parent company is beholden to the Chinese government,' Wray told NBC Nightly News' Lester Holt.

Wray's stark warning came after Congress passed a potential TikTok ban as part of a wider set of foreign aid legislation, with the platform now forced to divest from its Chinese-based parent company ByteDance within nine months, or face a total ban.

FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that TikTok poses a 'national security concern', particularly due to its Chinese-based parent company's data farming capabilities

TikTok faces a total ban unless it divests from its parent company ByteDance within nine months following the passage of sweeping legislation in Congress

In particular, Wray warned that Americans should change their perception of TikTok due to its Chinese owners' capabilities for data farming.

Wray argued that TikTok users should wake up to 'the power, the access, the capability, the control that TikTok has,' and how that translates not only to ByteDance, but to the 'Chinese intelligence services.'

Pointing out the platform's powerful algorithm that can target users with specific types of videos, Wray said TikTok concerns the FBI because of its ability to 'collect data on millions and millions of users.'

'(TikTok) could use it for all sorts of influence operations, like driving their AI efforts which are not even remotely constrained by the rule of law,' he continued.

'They are currently attempting to steal our AI and hack American technology every day, and when it comes to TikTok we are concerned very specifically about the risks that that poses given China's well demonstrated playbook.'

The warning came in response to uproar on TikTok from influencers who said a total ban could destroy their incomes, and felt that Congress was not working in their interests.

President Biden's support for the ban also angered many, after he had previously embraced the app and invited influencers to the White House.

Keith Edwards, an influencer with over 14,000 followers on TikTok said it was not a good look for Biden, who continues struggling with young voters.

'It's not going to have an electoral impact, because voters don't consider things real until it actually happens,' he said in an interview with the DailyMail.com in March.

'But it's not great we're talking about this when Joe Biden had finally shifted the vibes for him in a positive direction.'

Social media influencer Keith Edwards told DailyMail.com that Biden and Democrats were sending the wrong message to young people by supporting a TikTok ban

President Biden greets digital content creators at the White House

Despite uproar from TiKTok users, the platform now looks set to either be divested or entirely banned following a 360-58 vote this week in the House.

The TikTok measure was part of a wider set of foreign aid legislation that the House passed Saturday afternoon, totaling $95 billion for U.S. partners abroad.

The package in total gives $26 billion to Israel, $60.8 billion to Ukraine and $8 billion to the Indo-Pacific through a combination of military and humanitarian aid.

Lawmakers have been weary of the app's capabilities with one Democrat senator warning it is like 'a gun pointed at Americans' heads.'

A spokesperson for the popular app previously told DailyMail.com that the legislation had a 'predetermined' outcome, which is a 'total ban of TikTok in the United States.'

In response to the most recent vote, a TikTok spokesperson added to DailyMail.com: 'It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans'.

The spokesperson added that the move would 'devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually.'
A mum left her baby girl alone during a bath, then texted and chatted with her friends over Facebook, as the child drowned in a makeshift tub in her sink.

Members of Lavinia Alison Murray's family filled the public gallery of Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday as the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her daughter Trinity in 2021.

They became emotional as Justice Paul Freeman recounted the 'tragic' circumstances, before sentencing Murray to five years in prison.

But the term was suspended after Lavinia was ordered to serve 12 months behind bars.

Murray was bathing the child on February 5, 2021, in preparation to travel to Cairns to visit her mother.

Lavinia Alison Murray (pictured) left her baby girl alone during a bath, then texted and chatted with her friends over Facebook , as the child drowned in a makeshift tub in her laundry sink

The court was told she was facing difficulty looking after Trinity and her other children after her ex-partner Zephaniah Herbert Graham was remanded in custody on unrelated charges in December 2020.

Murray sought assistance from her own family and Graham's family as she was 'not coping' looking after the children, including Trinity.

Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco said Murray placed Trinity in a makeshift tub in the laundry sink with no plug, washing her with soap and a pair of underwear on the day of the offence.

Ms Marco said Murray left the baby in the sink, checking on her other children in the living room and cleaning the house.

She also sent texts to her friends and chatted with them over Facebook Messenger.

Murray checked on Trinity three times in 10 minute intervals  each time seeing the child lying on her back with water running down the drain.

Ms Marco said on the fourth occasion Murray realised the child was not making any noise.

She discovered the underwear had blocked the drain, causing the sink to fill up to Trinity's ears.

The court was told the baby had turned purple and a soapy discharge had come from her mouth.

Murray removed the baby and performed CPR until emergency services arrived, but Trinity could not be revived.

'Such a loss of life is tragic for the local community,' Justice Freeburn said.

In her victim impact statement, Trinity's paternal grandmother Kathleen Combo said she went through a 'significant' amount of grief after losing her granddaughter.

She said she turned to alcohol and drugs and turned away from her family.

Ms Marco said Murray's plea to the charge of manslaughter was on the basis she owed the child a duty of care to avoid danger to the child's life, and her actions amounted to a breach of that duty.

Lavinia Alison Murray pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her daughter Trinity (pictured) in 2021

The court was told Murray was exposed to domestic violence throughout her life.

Murray's defence barrister said his client could not cope with looking after three very young children, evidenced by her plan to leave one of the children in the care of her relatives on the day in question.

'That is a challenging thing for any mother to do,' he said.

Justice Freeburn said there was no connection of the domestic violence she suffered to this offending.

But he accepted that Murray's mental health issues and her mild intellectual disability would have contributed to her stress and inability to care for the children.

A doctor had opined she would likely have been 'more distractible' and unable to complete simple tasks.

Outside court, Trinity's aunt Leila Graham said justice had been served for the family. Trinity is pictured

'You knew of the risks, but you were not coping with your child's demands,' Justice Freeburn said.

Outside court, Trinity's aunt Leila Graham said justice had been served for the family after 'three long years of suffering with the guilt and pain' of losing the baby.

'Now something's been done,' she said.

'I feel bad for my ex-sister-in-law at the same time, but my niece needs justice to be served.'

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937

Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is backing 'nonviolent' pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have disrupted Columbia University by setting up an encampment on the campus grounds in protest of U.S. support for Israel in the war in Gaza.

The New York progressive denounced Columbia President Minouche Shafik for allegedly threatening to call in the National Guard to disperse the group of demonstrators who call themselves the Gaza Solidarity Encampment.

'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act,' AOC wrote on X.

She added: 'It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts people's lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.'

Shafik gave up on her midnight deadline after the group ignored the demand to break up and extended it for another 48 hours after they reportedly pledged to remove a 'significant' number of tents and non-students from the demonstration.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is backing the large encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters who have overrun Columbia University's campus in recent weeks

'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act,' AOC wrote on X Monday evening

AOC (D-N.Y.) says the Manhattan Ivy League school is wrong to try and stop the demonstrators from besieging the campus.

It isn't the first time AOC has praised protesters who oppose Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists in Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

The squad member applauded pro-Palestinian protesters when opening for President Joe Biden at an Earth Day event in Virginia on Monday.

Alongside fellow progressive Sens. Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey, AOC told the crowd: 'It is especially important that we remember the power of young people shaping this country today, of all days, as we once again witness the leadership of those peaceful student-led protests on campuses like Columbia and Yale and Berkeley and many others.'

The daughter of fellow squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was among 100 protesters arrested earlier this week with protesters from Barnard College  a sister university of Columbia.

Isra Hirsi, 21, was part of the days-long anti-Israel protest at Columbia University and says she was evicted from campus housing and banned from the dining hall after the arrest.

'I was a little bit frantic, like, where am I going to sleep? Where am I gonna go? And also all of my s**t is thrown in a random lot. It's pretty horrible,' she told Teen Vogue.

President Shafix wrote an email to the so-called 'Gaza Plaza' group on Tuesday evening giving an ultimatum to dismantle voluntarily or else be cleared out.

In the midst of the unrest, Columbia president Minouche Shafik has been faced with calls to resign. She wrote in an email to the community they need to disperse or face being cleared out

AOC condemned reports of threats for law enforcement or National Guard being called in

Columbia has cowed to protesters and allowed their encampment to remain on campus for an additional 48 hours after a deadline to disperse passed

It was also reported on Tuesday night that NYPD counterterrorism officers were mobilizing to finally put an end to the protest.

Republican Sens. Josh Hawley (Mo.) and Tom Cotton (Ark.) have called on President Joe Biden to bring in the National Guard to any campuses where Jewish students claim they are feeling threatened by growing protests against Israel.

Cotton called the protests at Columbia 'nascent pogroms.'

'If Eric Adams won't send the NYPD and Kathy Hochul won't send the National Guard, Joe Biden has a duty to take charge and break up these mobs,' the senator wrote.

Hawley told the president he must act, writing: 'We've seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous.'

'You must immediately mobilize the National Guard and any other authorities necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish American students and citizens,' Hawley wrote.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower called in troops as well as the 101st Airborne Division to protect black students attending Central High School in Arkansas in 1957.
President Joe Biden is losing ground in key swing states, a new poll shows, as voters continue worrying about the economy.

A new Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll of swing states shows former President Donald Trump leading Biden in six of seven swing states.

Trump is leading by ten points in North Carolina, eight points in Nevada, seven points in Arizona, six points in Georgia, four points in Wisconsin, and one point in Pennsylvania.

Former president Donald J. Trump walks off his plane at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in Atlanta, Georgia.

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the White House

Biden only leads Trump by two points in the state of Michigan.

The April poll shows that Biden is losing his momentum after delivering his State of the Union speech in early March that was met with enthusiasm by Democrats.

Bidens approval rating in the seven swing states remains low as 41 percent give him a very favorable or somewhat favorable rating. Vice President Kamala Harris approval rating is at 40 percent. Trumps approval rating is at 45 percent.

Biden and Harris spent April campaigning extensively in swing states while Trump has spent time in court for his hush money trial in New York City.

Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records after his personal lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels who claimed she had an affair with Trump.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears outside the courtroom during his trial

US President Joe Biden speaks to two children while meeting with campaign volunteers and supporters, after an event about reproductive rights at Hillsborough Community College-Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa, Florida

However, swing state voters appear more focused on the economy.

The economy is the number one issue as 96 percent of voters said it was either very important or somewhat important to their vote in the 2024 election.

Seventy percent believe the economy is going off on the wrong track. Only 30 percent believe the economy is going in the right direction.

When asked who they trusted to handle the issue of the economy, 51 percent chose Trump while 36 percent chose Biden. Thirteen percent of voters selected neither candidate.

Regarding the rising cost of every day goods, 48 percent of voters trust Trump to handle the issue while only 35 percent trust Biden.

Immigration also rates highly among voters as 86 percent cited it as an important issue.

When asked to name their most important issue, 34 percent cited the economy. Immigration came in second at 15 percent. The issue of abortion and Democracy is tied at third place with nine percent.

The Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll surveyed 4,969 registered voters in seven swing states and was conducted April 8-15.
Barakat is allegedly linked to terrorist organization PFLP, which he denies

Columbia University students hosted a pro-Hamas couple who said 'there is nothing wrong with being a Hamas fighter' two weeks before its campus exploded in anti-Israel protests.

Khaled Barakat was invited to present a seminar called 'Resistance 101' along with his wife Charlotte Kates, the international coordinator of Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network.

Barakat is allegedly a senior member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US government for its links to Hamas and Hezbollah.

The PFLP has been involved in several suicide bombings and claimed responsibility for a 2014 attack on a Jerusalem synagogue which killed four rabbis and a policeman. Barakat has denied he is linked to the organization.

However he and Samidoun, and by extension Kates, have been banned from Germany over alleged anti-Semitism, due to the 'celebration of October 7' by Samidoun members. The couple currently reside in Canada.

Columbia University students hosted a pro-Hamas couple who said 'there is nothing wrong with being a Hamas fighter' two weeks before its campus exploded in anti-Israel protests

Charlotte Kates is the international coordinator of Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network which has been banned from Germany after its members allegedly celebrated Oct 7

Kates appeared with her husband Khaled Barakat, who has been accused of being a senior official with the terrorist organization PFLP, an allegation he refutes

The event was titled Resistance 101 and took place on March 24 on campus, with Barakat and Kates attending via video link from Canada

Columbia has been rocked by pro Palestine protests since last Wednesday with an encampment springing up on the West Lawns. As of April 24 the encampment remained (pictured)

During the March 24 seminar, Barakat openly referred to his 'friends at Hamas and Islamic Jihad' during the two hour session, while Kates told attendees, 'there is nothing wrong with being a fighter in Hamas'.

Their event was organized by the Columbia University Apartheid Divest Group which has orchestrated the encampment currently besieging the Ivy League school.

During the meeting, Kates insisted that the designation of certain pro Palestine movements as terrorist organizations is a deliberate tactic to undermine Gaza's resistance movement.

'The fact is, that Hamas is a mass-Palestinian movement that is in a leadership role and there is nothing wrong with being a member of Hamas, being a leader of Hamas, being a fighter in Hamas,' Kates said.

'These are the people that are on the front lines defending Palestine for its liberation.'

Hamas is responsible for the October 7 attack which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 people taken hostage.

Retaliatory strikes by Israel ostensibly to flush out Hamas have since resulted in the death of more than 34,000 innocent Gazans.

In the same seminar, her husband lauded 'heroic' Palestinian militants who hijacked planes in the 1960s and 70s.

The Resistance 101 seminar was scheduled to be held at the Barnard Center for Research on Women, but had to be relocated at the last moment after a complaint, according to organizers

Kates told attendees: 'There is nothing wrong with being a member of Hamas, being a leader of Hamas, being a fighter in Hamas'

Four of the students who attended the seminar were later suspended. Pictured: Pro-Palestine protesters gather on the campus of Columbia on April 23, 2024

President Minouche Shafik condemned the external speakers and has since banned them from campus

'It was one of the most important tactics the Palestinian resistance has engaged in and now one single person was injured or killed, yet when you see Hollywood movies not one person was injured,' Barakat said.

However this is inaccurate, 22-year-old passenger Miriam Anderson was killed following an exchange of gunfire during the Sabena hijacking at Tel Aviv airport in 1972.

A further 21 hostages were also killed during a hijacking in 1986 by assailants linked to the Palestinian Abu Nidal Organization.

The Resistance 101 seminar was scheduled to be held at the Barnard Center for Research on Women, but had to be relocated at the last moment after a complaint, according to its organizers.

Barakat and Kates appeared by video link and the event went ahead elsewhere on the campus.

President Minouche Shafik slammed it for going ahead without the university's permission and strongly condemned as an 'abhorrent breach of our values'.

She stated the speakers were 'known to support terrorism and promote violence' and that the they have since been banned from campus.

A week later, the university suspended four students for their involvement with the event, Columbia Spectator reports.

Columbia has cowed to protesters and allowed their encampment to remain on campus for an additional 48 hours after a deadline to disperse passed. Pictured: The camp early Wednesday morning

In the midst of the unrest, Columbia president Minouche Shafik has been faced with calls to resign

An activist told a crowd at the campus on Tuesday that they will be needed to gather en masse in the coming days

Embattled Shafik is facing renewed calls to resign over the chaotic scenes currently unfolding at her campus.

On Wednesday, it emerged she had crumbled under pressure from pro Palestine protesters and given them a 48 hour extension to disperse after they ignored the original deadline.

It came as demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard to the campus.

In the wake of the alleged threat, one activist called on members of the protest group to 'break up into platoons' in order to defend the encampment.
Minnesota Democrat Nicole Mitchell was hit with a restraining order after she made her first appearance in court, via Zoom, after being arrested for allegedly breaking into the home of her stepmother in the early hours of Monday.

Mitchell, 49, a veteran of both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said that she was trying to retrieve some items that belonged to her late father, Rod, who passed away in March 2023.

The suspect goes on to accuse her stepmother of no longer speaking with her about her father's possessions. In a statement, Mitchell said that her stepmother is suffering with Alzheimer's disease.

The arresting officer wrote in the complaint that he heard Mitchell tell her stepmother 'something to the effect of, 'I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore.'

The complaint charges Mitchell with one count of first-degree burglary, a felony. Becker County Judge Gretchen Thilmony allowed Mitchell to go free on the condition that she not contact her stepmother.

Nicole Mitchell, 49, a Minnesota state senator and a former Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, was arrested for suspected burglary in Detroit Lakes

Nicole Mitchell pictured with her father, Rod, in a photo posted to Facebook in 2011. Rod Mitchell passed away in March 2023

Although Senate Republicans called on Mitchell to resign, she's expected to return to her duties. Her trouble comes at an awkward time for Senate Democrats, who hold just a one-seat majority with just under four weeks left in the legislative session.

Mitchell's attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Sr., said in an interview that the dispute arose out of a 'fractured relationship' between the senator and her stepmother that has been aggravated by age-related issues.

'It's not exactly the wicked stepmother from Cinderella,' Ringstrom said.

Ringstrom said hes sure there will be 'internal discussions' among Senate Democrats regarding her future but that shes entitled to a presumption of innocence.

He said he told her to suppress her instincts 'as a media person, a weather person and politician,' and that she agreed 'to hold her tongue and say nothing.'

But in a post later on Facebook, Mitchell denied stealing. She did not, however, explain why she entered the home without permission in the middle of the night.

'Like so many families, mine is dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimers and associated paranoia. ... This has been a true tragedy for our family and my hope is it can return to being a private matter,' Mitchell wrote.

The senator wore an orange jumpsuit and looked tense but said little during her brief court appearance. She did not enter a plea.

Colleagues expressed shock, noting her Senate work on veterans and climate policies - along with her prior military and TV meteorology career

The Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel was an aerial reconnaissance weather officer with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron

Mitchells father, Rod Mitchell, died in March 2023 at the age of 72, according to his obituary. He had been married to Mitchells stepmother for 40 years, it said.

'I know I did something bad,' the criminal complaint quoted Mitchell as saying.

Mitchell was dressed all in black and wearing a black hat when she was arrested, the complaint said. The officer said he discovered a flashlight near her that was covered with a black sock, apparently modified to control the amount of light coming from it.

Mitchell told the officer she was after pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes and other items, but that her stepmother had cut off all contact with her, according to the complaint.

The lawmaker acknowledged entering through a basement window that had been propped open with a black backpack, the complaint said.

Officers found her Senate ID inside it. She claimed her stepmother had given her a laptop found in her backpack 'way back when,' but the stepmother disputed that. The senator, who has a law degree, also indicated that she got caught soon after entering.

'Clearly I'm not good at this,' it quoted her as saying.

The stepmother said in an interview that she's afraid of her stepdaughter. She also said that although most of her husband's ashes were buried, she sent Mitchell a miniature container with some of them.

Ringstrom, however, said that account is 'not totally accurate.'

Mitchell was born in Fargo and raised in Minnesota, with her family moving to Woodbury in 1986, according to her official bio

Mitchell had been a weather forecaster since the early 2000s

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, called the allegations 'upsetting' but indicated that Mitchell will be allowed to return to her duties.

'We believe in due process, and Senator Mitchell has the right to a full defense of her case in court,' Murphy said in a statement.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, said in a statement that she should step down. The complaint describes allegations of disturbing conduct unbecoming of a legislator, including extensive preparations to burglarize a relatives home, he said.

Mitchell was a meteorologist with the U.S. military, KSTP-TV, Minnesota Public Radio and The Weather Channel before she was elected in 2022 from a suburban St. Paul district.

Mitchells next court appearance is set for June 10.

Mitchell represents the 47th district and 85,000 residents. Her district includes the city of Woodbury outside of St. Paul.

During her time in the Senate, Mitchell has worked on policies relating to veterans, child protection and climate change.

She also helped introduce a bill calling for criminal penalties for those who fail to meet safe firearm storage standards while also co-authoring a bill proposing incarcerated people in the state to be relocated from prisons to their last stated address.

Lt Col. Mitchell was particularly telegenic and would often front pieces to camera when required on behalf of the military

Mitchell would fly on the WC-130J Super Hercules though the eye of active hurricanes to collect weather data using aircraft - known as a team called 'Hurricane Hunters'

On her campaign page, Mitchell noted that for an end-of-session party in 2023 she planned to hold a fundraiser to continue to work on 'reproductive rights, climate change, voting rights, gun safety, trans rights and addressing hunger in Minnesota.'

Mitchell was born in Fargo and raised in Minnesota, with her family moving to Woodbury in 1986, according to her official bio.

She was editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper and was elected Woodbury Days Princess.

'She also grew up with a love of the outdoors, often accompanying her father fishing and her stepfather hiking and camping in various beautiful Minnesota locations. Even after camping and hiking various locations around the world as an adult, the Boundary Waters and North Shore are still favorite locations of hers to hike or camp,' her campaign site reads.

She joined the military out of high school and worked for the Air National Guard as a Weather Observer then forecaster.

During her time in the military she served as a meteorologist for the Air Force's 'Hurricane Hunters' which flies planes into storms to gather details before they impact America.

She flew into hurricanes Charley, Katrina, Wilma and Harvey.

'As both a well-respected communicator, military member, and scientist, Nicole is often personally requested for speaking events and engagement in the military community,' her bio reads.

She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and worked for a TV station in Duluth as an assignment manager. She later started to do the TV weather.

Mitchell worked as a TV meteorologist in Rapid City, South Dakota, South Bend, Indiana and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She then moved on to the Weather Channel before joining Al-Jazeera America and CBS. While working at the Weather Channel, she earned her law degree from Georgia State University.

The Air Force vet moved back to Minnesota in 2016 to start her family - her son is now five - and worked for TV and radio as a meteorologist before running for office.

Mitchell obtained her foster care license in 2018 and provided for six kids in full-time care, including three with special needs.

'In her free time, Nicole has always believed strongly in a commitment to community service and volunteerism,' her bio notes.

'The outreach she has done has included previously volunteering at a shelter for abused women, with children at a homeless shelter, as a Big Sister for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children.'
Is it a bird? Is it a fish? Could it even be...the latest sighting of Nessie?

A monster hunter from County Donegal spotted a dark black shape in the world famous loch - and he believes it is the mythical Nessie.

Eoin O'Faodhagain, 59, said his 'heart jumped' upon seeing a mysterious '18 foot' blob emerge to the surface of the water.

The Irishman, who regularly goes online to watch the lake via a webcam located near Urquhart Castle, thinks he has seen the Loch Ness Monster.

'I noticed a spot in the water causing a disturbance at the edge of the webcam screen to the right,' he said.

'My heart jumped because I thought this disturbance was not the norm.'

Monster hunter Eoin O'Faodhagain believes he may have spotted the Loch Ness Monster via a webcam located on the western shore of the loch (pictured)

The 59-year-old said his 'heart jumped' when he saw the dark shape - which he believes to be 18 feet long - emerge to the surface (pictured: Loch Ness)

Upon investigating the footage further, Eoin explained that the mysterious object in the water only got 'bigger and longer'..

Estimating the disturbance on the surface of the water to be around 18 feet in length, the monster hunter added:

'I examined the footage and I am convinced it is not a surface vessel of any kind, because it keeps changing its appearance.

Have YOU recently spotted 'Nessie'? Email shannon.mcguigan@mailonline.co.uk

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'The sighting of the object in the water is quite distinct, because the surrounding surface water is calm.'

'That in itself puts it into the realm of Nessie - but it needs further analysis.'

Describing the find as 'unusual', he continued: 'There are no known creatures in Loch Ness that size. It could be the Loch Ness Monster.'

The first sighting of the supposed Loch Ness Monster was recorded in November 1933.

However the Nessie mystery could date as far back as 565AD, when Irish missionary Saint Columba was recorded to have encountered a strange water monster in the River Ness, which feeds the famous loch.

According to his centuries-old biography, the water beast had slain one man and attacked another when it fled in terror after Saint Columba made the sign of the cross and ordered it back.

However, in the present day Mr O'Faodhagain isn't too frightened of the rumoured beast.

He regularly logs into a webcam maintained by Mikko Takala from Ness on the Net to keenly watch the loch from his home in Ireland.

Over the years, hes racked up multiple entries in the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register.

However due to recent restrictions on webcam sightings, his most recent findings have been off the record.

Examining the clip 'unusual' further, the Irishman said the dark shape only became longer and bigger

The Irishman will be heading across the sea to Scottish shores in August in a bid to even see the Loch Ness Monster in person during The Quest weekend 2024.

This latest comes shortly after the Loch Ness Centre in the Highlands asked NASA to lend its expertise in a fresh hunt for the supposed 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.'

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.
Another student was suspended after using 'fart spray' during a rally

Hirsi, 21, claimed she was sprayed with 'chemical weapons' during an interview

The daughter of 'Squad' member Ilhan Omar has faced criticism over claims that she was sprayed with chemical weapons during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University.

Irsa Hirsi, 21, appeared on MSNBC alongside another student Monday night to blast the school over its handling of the fallout from the demonstrations.

'There is definitely some hypocrisy here,' Hirsi said. 'You can kind of see it with the students that sprayed us with the chemical weapons and the fact that there is no public information as to what happened to them.'

She asserted the school was making the protests into 'a whole public spectacle... when we havent done anything to physically harm students.'

While it is unclear what 'chemical' Hirsi was referring to, a Jewish student was suspended after spraying a foul-smelling liquid on protesters during a demonstration in January.

Ilhan Omar's daughter, 21-year-old Irsa Hirsi, has faced criticism for claiming that she was sprayed with chemical weapons during a pro-Palestine protest at Columbia University

Hirsi was arrested for refusing to leave an encampment on the campus and subsequently suspended from Barnard College

Hirsi accused the school of treating pro-Palestine demonstrators differently than students on the opposing side

The student, identified only as 'John Doe,' filed a lawsuit against the university last week, claiming he sprayed 'gag gifts' called 'Liquid Ass' and 'Wet Farts' into the air during the rally and 'not directly at any individual.'

Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport hit back at Hirsi's claims on X, formerly Twitter, writing, 'Were heading down Jussie Smollet (sic) Street with this.'

Smollett was convicted on five counts of disorderly conduct in 2021 for staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019, then lying to Chicago police about it.

Rapaport has remained fiercely pro-Israel and made an appearance outside Columbia on Monday to brand protestors on the opposing side as 'bullies' and 'cowards.'

Hirsi, a Barnard College student, was suspended after she was arrested alongside roughly 100 other students for refusing to leave an encampment on the Columbia campus.

'The reason we got suspended so early was due to the fact that we had made ourselves known,' she said during Monday's interview. 'This was expected. We all knew the risks.'

She slammed the school for treating pro-Palestine demonstrators with hostility compared to the counter-protesters.

It is unclear what 'chemical' Hirsi, left, was sprayed with, but a Jewish student filed a lawsuit against the school when he was suspended for spraying 'fart spray' at a rally

The suit claims the unnamed student sprayed 'gag gifts' called 'Liquid Ass' and 'Wet Farts' (pictured) into the air and 'not directly at any individual'

Actor Michael Rapaport indirectly accused Hirsi of lying by drawing a comparison to Jussie Smollett, who was found guilty of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself

'We're heading down Jussie Smollet (sic) Street with this,' Rapaport wrote on X, formerly Twitter

'This is 100 percent targeted,' Hirsi said of the school's meting out of disciplinary warnings

'This is 100 percent targeted,' Hirsi said.

'Every single protest that we have, theres a group of counter-protesters that bring all of their items, their flags and things like that and theyre not seen as having unsanctioned protests, or really received the kind of disciplinary warnings that many of our fellow organizers receive.'

Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, has stood by her daughter, writing that she was 'extremely proud' in a social media post.

'She has always led with courage and compassion, from organizing a statewide school walk out on the 20th anniversary of Columbine at the age of 15, to leading the biggest youth climate rally at our nations Capitol at 16, and now pushing her school to stand against genocide,' Omar wrote.

Columbia has declined to comment on the pending lawsuit, which deems John Doe's actions 'a harmless expression of speech to demonstrate discontent with the pro-Hamas pro-Palestine message through the use of a gag gift, and nothing further.'

The student was placed on an interim suspension on January 21. However, that suspension was made effective through May 2025 after the university found him responsible for disruptive behavior, harassment and endangerment.

Omar has stood by her daughter in the aftermath of her arrest and suspension, praising Hirsi in a post on social media

The Jewish student suing Columbia claims his actions were 'a harmless expression of speech to demonstrate discontent with the pro-Hamas pro-Palestine message'

Hirsi was among more than 100 students arrested for refusing to leave the 'Gaza solidary encampment' on the Columbia grounds

The lawsuit asserts that the school's decision marred the student's reputation, adding that he was doxed by classmates on social media and painted as 'dangerous' in a statement condemning the incident by former interim Provost Dennis Mitchell.

According to the suit, students who filed reports with the public safety office declined medical evaluation and refused counseling.

'To date, there has been no medical or physical evidence to support the assertions of any of the students that claimed they were harmed and/or impacted by the spray,' it reads.

'Indeed, the spray is harmless, non-toxic, and can be purchased by anyone on Amazon.'

In the aftermath of the attack, a handful of students reported burning eyes, headaches and nausea. At least three students claim to have sought medical attention.
Han apparently preps political standalone after rejecting Yoon's invitation for luncheon

By Nam Hyun-woo

The ruling People Power Party's (PPP) former interim leader, Han Dong-hoon, is keeping a distance from President Yoon Suk Yeol after the party's crushing defeat in the April 10 general elections in an apparent move to prepare return to politics without carry-over associations with the beleaguered president.

According to PPP officials, Wednesday, Han had a dinner with the PPP's former emergency committee members on April 16, during which they exchanged words of appreciation for their contributions during the campaign and the election outcome.

The party secured only 108 seats in the 300-member National Assembly.

Days later, Han rejected Yoon's invitation Friday to a luncheon with PPP emergency committee members, citing ill health.

The rejection came amid PPP members' ongoing arguments over who is responsible for the election defeat and who will take the helm of the party to restore the public's trust.

After the election defeat, Yoon on April 16 had a dinner with Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo to discuss post-election political strategies before inviting Han to meet.

Since the dinner, Hong has been spouting harsh criticism against Han, blaming the former justice minister's campaign strategy of promoting his personal charm, saying that it led to the party's defeat.

"It is Han's fault that the PPP suffered a historic defeat," Hong wrote on an online forum he runs on Saturday, adding, "He exploited the general elections for his own presidential ambition."

Hong also wrote on Friday that Han "acted as if he is the heir-apparent of Yoon" but "was abandoned after arrogantly challenging his master."

Hong's criticism is widely perceived to echo Yoon's sentiment, given their clashes over various political agendas during the campaign. Yoon, meanwhile, has avoided taking responsibility for the PPP's electoral defeat, asserting that his policies were correct but failed to resonate with the public.

Han's decline is seen as a move to distance himself from Yoon and strategize his future political endeavors.

Kim Kyung-yul, a former member of the PPP's emergency committee under Han, said during an interview with broadcaster CBS Tuesday that Yoon's dinner with Hong seems "very odd," particularly considering Han's contributions during the campaign period, and Han may have felt disappointed in Yoon.

"I don't know much about [the chairman's] personal character, but he is assumed to be disappointed," Kim said. "After the dinner with Yoon, Mayor Hong's remarks were quite harsh, saying Han is a betrayer. Such words would definitely cause personal distress."

Veteran politician Kim Chong-in also said Tuesday, in a video posted on YouTube, that there will be no political hope for Han unless he distances himself from Yoon.
The criminal proceedings against George Alan Kelly, who was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of a migrant on his Arizona ranch, have ended in a mistrial, a judge declared on Monday, making his defense team optimistic.

Jurors had been in deliberation since last Thursday, capping off a four-week trial, and one holdout could not agree on a verdict. Now, its up to prosecutors whether they want to try Kelly, 75, again or drop the charges.

Kelly's lawyer, Kathy Lowthorp, told NewsNation that Kelly isn't likely to take a plea deal and that prosecutors have 'very little hope that they will be productive in a second trial.'

'He is an innocent man,' Lowthorp said. 'I believe I showed that the state had no evidence and therefore, I was confident I would get a not guilty through the trial.'

The defense wanted the jury to continue deliberations, but the judge decided to end the case. According to Kelly's defense team, seven out of the eight jurors wanted to vote not guilty, which if true, could heavily factor into the state's decision on whether it'd be a good idea to pursue a second trial.

Outside of court on Monday after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision after more than two full days of deliberation, Kelly, seen here, said 'let me go home'

Kelly exits the Santa Cruz County Courthouse with defense attorney Kathy Lowthorp after the first day of his trial on Friday, March 22, 2024

Kelly, 75, was accused of killing Gabriel Cuen-Butimea on January 30, 2023, at his home in Nogales, near the Mexican border

Kelly's defense attorney, Kathy Lowthorp (pictured outside the courthouse Monday), said only one juror wanted to convict and seven jurors wanted to acquit. The defense wanted the jury to continue deliberations, but the judge decided to end the case

Gabriel Cuen-Butimea, 48, was shot dead on January 30, 2023, while on Kelly's land. He was wearing combat boots and was carrying a radio, which the border patrol chief says suggested he was part of the cartel

Kelly's ranch in Nogales is a stone's throw from the border. Nogales is a known hot zone for drug smuggling, where the cartel is 'particularly aggressive,' according to border agents

Kelly is confident he will be acquitted if there's another trial: 'They want ice water in you-know-where. And they ain't got it. So, it is what it is'

George Alan Kellys attorney, Kathy Lowthorp, says she was confident in an acquittal, which is why she wanted jurors to continue deliberating despite the mistrial. MORE: https://t.co/7oRAFzG2BD pic.twitter.com/RXiZI57jJl  NewsNation (@NewsNation) April 24, 2024

Prosecutors said Kelly, 75, fired the shot that killed Mexican migrant Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, 48, on January 30, 2023.

Prosecutors claim that Kelly recklessly fired his AK-47 nine times at a group of migrants 100 yards away that were trespassing on his 170-acre cattle ranch near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The group, which included Cuen-Buitimea, were allegedly running from border patrol agents, according to law enforcement officials. At trial, prosecutors claimed that Kelly's story to border patrol officers kept changing, first saying he returned fire at a five individuals who were shooting him, then saying it was a group of 10 to 15 people armed with AR-styled rifles, ABC News reported.

Kelly said he fired warning shots in the air to scare the group off and never intended to hit, let alone kill anyone. The defense said authorities were lying about Kelly admitting to shooting at multiple people.

'That was not true, Alan never said that,' Kelly's other lawyer Brenna Larkin said.

'Law enforcement wasn't listening and they didn't care, they already decided that he was guilty.'

Kelly was charged with second-degree murder in killing of Cuen-Buitimea, 48, who lived just south of the border. Pictured: Kelly listens to closing arguments on April 18

Kelly has said he fired warning shots in the air, but he didnt shoot directly at anyone. Pictured: Kelly leaving the courthouse on March 22 with his lawyer Kathy Lowthorp

Prosecutors said Kelly recklessly fired nine shots from an AK-47 rifle toward a group of men, including Cuen-Buitimea, about 100 yards (90 meters) away on his cattle ranch

County Attorney Michael Jette addresses jurors during closing arguments

Lowthorp said Kelly is 'in good spirits' and has decided to retain her and Larkin once again if there is to be another trial.

Cuen-Buitimea, who was found with a bullet hole in his back on Kelly's ranch, lived just south of the border in Nogales, Mexico. He had previously entered the US illegally several times and was deported, most recently in 2016, court records show.

Kelly was also charged with aggravated assault against another person in the group that ended up on his property, including a man from Honduras who was living in Mexico and who testified during the trial that he had gone into the U.S. that day seeking work.

A second-degree murder conviction would have mandated a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, and next Monday, lawyers from both sides will meet with the judge to hash out whether a second trial is needed or if the charges should be dismissed.
A welfare check in June 2020 resulted in the discovery of a body at the house

His was the fourth body discovered at 107 Sheffield in the last four years

The house where the body of a 12-year-old boy was found has a chilling past.

Jaylen Griffin's body was discovered last Monday in the attic of 107 Sheffield Avenue in South Buffalo, New York when police discovered his badly-decomposed body in an attic, just months after his own mother's death.

But this house of horrors has a dark history. Griffin was the fourth body found on the property over the last four years, according to WIVB.

A series of 911 logs revealed that the address has been the subject of more than 160 complaints since 2007 - ranging from domestic violence , fire, wellness checks, and the discovery of bodies.





Local police records found that a call for a welfare check at 2:18 pm on June 23, 2020, resulted in the discovery of a dead body at the Upstate New York house.

The house at 107 Sheffield Avenue (pictured) in South Buffalo, New York has a chilling past as seral reports have been made about dead bodies

Jaylen Griffin (pictured), 12, who mysteriously went missing nearly four years ago was discovered in the attic of 107 Sheffield Avenue

Records from 911 logs show that over the last four years, there have been four dead bodies found at the address in Buffalo, New York

Separately, on September 11, 2022, a report of another dead body at 2:27 pm resulted in an arrest.

Another dead body was found in the yard of the house a year later in August 2023 after a call was put into police at 5:27 am - making it the third gruesome discovery.

The identities of these three bodies have yet to be revealed, and it is unclear if the cases which did not result in an arrest were treated as suspicious. DailyMail.com have contacted the local police for further information.

The litany of eerie discoveries comes as it was revealed the address has a long history of troubled residents - including sex offenders and criminals out on parole.

Officials told WIVB that while the multi-room home is not an official halfway house, it has housed people recently out of prison. Jail records show that a sex offender lived in the property until last month.

Neighbors, who chose to remain anonymous, told the outlet they have been in the area long enough to see the house frequently change tenants over the years.

107 Sheffield is owned by Sunrise West LLC, a company that has also been named co-defendant alongside Spectrum Health and Human Services and tenant Deanna Withrow in a 2022 negligence lawsuit.

The plaintiff, a next-door neighbor, claims that while Withrow and her friend were smoking, she tossed out clothing and other items that caught fire, causing $130,000 worth of damage to their house.

Documents claim that as a result, the neighbor's house caught fire.

'Spectrum failed to properly and diligently to vet Ms. Withrow for the subject apartment, despite her propensity for smoking, and the need for Spectrum's services,' the records read.

A spokesperson for Spectrum told WIVB that while they do not have a housing contract with Sunrise West LLC, they believe parolees have lived there in the past. The company is registered to a Hamburg post office box.

The identities of the other three bodies have yet to be revealed and it is unclear if these cases were treated as suspicious.

Neighbors confirmed that the house Griffin's body was found in has been of many police calls

Three bodies were found on the property of 107 Sheffield (pictured) on three separate occasions

Griffin was the most recent body found from that house, concluding a four-year investigation on April 12. His body was so badly decomposed that authorities has to identify him using dental records.

Notably, 107 Sheffield is not where he and his family lived. Him and his family lived around five miles away from this house.

The development came too late for Jaylen's grieving mother, Joann Ponzo, who was laid to rest in September without knowing what had happened to her son.

Ponzo, 48, died at Sisters of Charity Hospital after her health rapidly deteriorated.

It is unclear why she was sick, but friends and loved ones have said they suspect her illness was only aggravated by the loss of her children.

Three months after Jaylen's disappearance, Ponzo's elder son, 18-year-old Jawaan, was gunned down just steps away from the family home.

Kareema Morris, founder of Bury the Violence, worked closely with Ponzo before her death.

Ponzo showed Morris a drawing that she found in their house weeks after Jaylen's disappearance. It was scrawled with a message: 'I'm gone already.'

Jaylen was last seen leaving his home on Warren Avenue in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood. He told his mother that he was heading to a convenience store nearby.

A maintenance worker for 107 Sheffield sounded the alarm when he stumbled upon a body in the attic of the multi-unit home. The worker said he didn't smell decomposing matter.

The new 911 police logs show that the call was made at 10:19am.

Homicide detectives arrived just before 10:30 a.m. and said they would need more time at the scene because of a 'dead on arrival.'

The mother of the 12-year-old boy Joann Ponzo (pictured) passed away before her son's body was discovered due to to illness and a 'broken heart' in September 2023

The discovery has left many people in the area wondering what happened and how did Griffin (pictured) end up dead in an attic

Griffin (pictured) was last seen leaving his home on Warren Avenue in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood. He told his mother that he was heading to a convenience store nearby.

The boy's body was so badly deteriorated that the medical examiner's office had to identify him using dental records

The Buffalo Police Department held a press conference on April 15.

'The body that was located in the house had been there for a significant amount of time,' Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said.

While he was unable to elaborate on how long the body had been there, Gramaglia said it was so deteriorated that the medical examiner's office had to confirm Jaylen's identity using dental records.

'First and foremost, I do want to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family of Jaylen,' Gramaglia said.

'This department has conducted extensive searches and I want Jaylen's family to know that we are working diligently to bring the next closure for the family.'

District Attorney Mike Kane echoed Gramaglia's condolences.

'This is a young boy. He's 15 years old. This is a tragedy and it's a terrible way to bring this search to a conclusion,' he said.

Morris also spoke at the press conference, where she shared a statement from the family thanking the community's combined efforts to bring Jaylen home.

Jaylen would have turned 16 years old on April 22. A birthday memorial service was held in his honor.
NATO drills set to take place close to the Russian border in Finland 'increase the risk of military incidents', Moscow has warned as the alliance prepares for largescale wargames in the Nordic country.

'NATO military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature,' Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, adding: 'Their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force.'

Finland first applied for NATO membership as it sought to shore up its security situation regarding its neighbour following the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin's forces in 2022.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said yesterday that joining the alliance a year ago has transformed his country into a 'front-line state,' given that it has doubled the military bloc's border with Russia. Finland is due to host exercises from April 26.

Over recent months, member states including the UK have been conducting wargames across northern and eastern Europe - with tens of thousands of troops partaking in Steadfast Defender, the largest NATO exercise in decades.

Over 90,000 troops from all 32 NATO Allies will be deployed in the large-scale NATO maneuver 'Steadfast Defender 2024'. Pictured: German armed forces take part last month

'NATO military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature,' Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (pictured) told state media

A fleet of more than a dozen Apache, Wildcat and Chinook helicopters assemble to take-off from Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk for training in Finland and Estonia on Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, on April 23, 2024

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (L) and Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak address a press conference at the Warsaw Armoured Brigade on April 23, 2024

While it has not explicitly named Russia as its potential foe, Exercise Steadfast Defender 24 is testing and refining the alliance's plans for reinforcing European defences against a 'near-peer adversary'.

It has been which is described as the 'largest NATO exercise since the Cold War', with around 20,000 British personnel involved and among 90,000 troops from all 32 members of the alliance.

The training exercise in Finland has been named Exercise Arrow, and the Finnish Ministry of Defence said in a statement that 'a significant number of soldiers from the nations of the alliance will participate.'

Finland, which became the 31st NATO member in April 2023, has a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) land border with Russia that runs mostly through thick forests in the south and rugged landscape in the Arctic north.

President Stubb was visiting neighboring Sweden, which joined NATO last month, and spoke at a joint news conference in Stockholm with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

For decades, the two countries embraced a policy of neutrality, refusing to take sides in wars or join any military alliance, but that changed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

'Sweden and Finland therefore not only share a common history. We very much share a common future,' Kristersson said at the news conference. His country became the 32nd NATO member in March.

'Finland and Sweden play a key role in promoting peace. It sounds paradoxical, but that is precisely why we want a strong military and why we joined NATO,' he added.

Earlier in the day, Stubb, who was elected the Nordic country's president in February, said joining NATO 'was the final step in adopting the Western community of values' for both countries. The two countries joined the European Union in 1995.

Finland first applied for NATO membership as it sought to shore up its security situation regarding its neighbour following the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin's forces in 2022

The two states' membership of NATO will have mounted pressure on the Kremlin as the alliance edges towards Russia's border and increases its influence in the region.

Their accession to the alliance added the final puzzle piece around the shores of the Baltic Sea - a crucial maritime gateway for Russia, making it easier for NATO to exert control and reinforce its vulnerable Baltic states.

'If you look at a map then geographically the Baltic Sea is becoming a NATO lake, yes,' Minna Alander, a research fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, said earlier this year. 'But there is still work to do for NATO.'

As the threat from Russia continues to loom, Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz committed to closer defence cooperation today, with both leaders saying Europe must unite to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Prime Minister hailed closer ties with Germany a day after announcing he would raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP a year by 2030 in what he said was a challenge to other European countries to follow suit.

It comes as a fleet of nine British Army Apache attack helicopters is headed to Finland to join the training mission there.

Rishi Sunak is holding talks with the German Chancellor today as he urges NATO allies to follow Britain's example on defence spending

The Apaches, worth 40 million each, will fly strike missions in support of large-scale Finnish army training, before heading to Estonia for an exercise where they will be joined by more British aircraft.

Four Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters and two RAF Chinook support helicopters, which took flight from Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk together with the Apaches on Wednesday morning, will just go to Estonia and will spend a longer time there.

The exercise in Estonia - with all three types of helicopter - is called Exercise Swift Response.

The helicopters will fly and fight together in the Estonian exercise under the command of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the British Army's global response force.

A pilot prepares an Apache helicopter as a fleet of more than a dozen helicopters prepare to take off

British airborne forces are training with their Estonian, Polish and American counterparts on the latter exercise to practice seizing a foothold against armed opposition.

Air assault operations will see troops and equipment lifted by Chinooks, with the Wildcats' surveillance equipment working with the Apaches' advanced suite of sights and sensors to find and strike targets on the battlefield.

Around 130 vehicles - from fuel tankers to Land Rovers - are travelling by road and rail to the Baltics, with the majority of the 500 air crew, engineers and ground crew that operate the helicopters flying out.

The two leaders watched a parade before holding their discussions today

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Lambert, 4 Regiment Army Air Corps Battlegroup Commander, said: 'Exercise Steadfast Defender is the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War.'

He said it is 'very easy to focus on events in Ukraine' but that 'our role within Nato is to be ready for all threats'.

Lt Col Lambert said it will be the first time the new Apache AH-64E has deployed on overseas operations for the British Army, and added he was 'really looking forward to seeing what it's capable of'.

He continued: 'This is one of the largest overseas helicopter deployments we have done outside of Iraq and Afghanistan - and almost certainly will be the largest thing that most of our people will have done.

'It provides a powerful contribution to support Nato training on Steadfast Defender.

'Led by the state-of-the-art Apache AH-64E, the capabilities we deliver are battle-winning and contribute fully to the combined arms battle.

'The significance of what we are doing is matched by the demanding nature of the deployment - we're deploying helicopters and everything we need to operate them across Europe, to build relationships with our allies, understand their capabilities and procedures, to then plan and carry out missions together.'

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'National security is the first duty of government, which is why we have the capabilities and international alliances in place to protect the UK from both current and future threats.

Aircrew wait as a fleet of more than a dozen Apache, Wildcat and Chinook helicopters assemble to take-off together from Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk

'In a more dangerous world, this deployment shows that the UK is once again demonstrating how we improve Nato's ability to meet the challenge of modern threats.

'The cutting-edge new Apache helicopters will join 20,000 British soldiers, sailors and aviators on Exercise Steadfast Defender, sending an unmistakeable message of our commitment to the alliance.'

The helicopters had been due to set out on Tuesday, with their departure postponed by one day until Wednesday due to adverse weather.
Three people were arrested today on suspicion of immigration offences after five migrants including a child died as they tried to cross the Channel.

The National Crime Agency said investigators are questioning two men from Sudan aged 19 and 22, and a third 22-year-old suspect from south Sudan over the tragedy.

They were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally.

A massively overcrowded small boat with 112 people on board briefly ran aground off the northern French coast at Wimereux, near Boulogne-sur-Mer.

This caused panic and after people stood up, the boat became unbalanced and flipped over, throwing dozens of people including women and children into the cold water.

Despite this, the surviving passengers remained onboard and continued on their journey to Britain, under escort by the French Navy. The girl who died was aged between four and seven.

The French Maritime Prefecture has published a photo of the boat just after the disaster. It shows mainly men sat on each side of the boat, with one leg inside, and the other touching the water

Some of those onboard appear to be punching the air in triumph and waving at the camera

Almost 5,000 migrants have made the crossing over the Channel to Britain so far this year

It is thought the tragedy yesterday happened after a small boat was launched from Wimereux in northern France, between Boulogne and Calais

Craig Turner, deputy director of investigations for the National Crime Agency said today: 'This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and bring into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organising them.

'We will do all we can with partners in the UK and France to secure evidence, identify those responsible for this event, and bring them to justice.'

A group of young men 'rushed the boat' just as it set off, according to claims.

'These are the men who could well be responsible for the deaths,' an investigating source said today.

'The problem is that they are already in Britain, and undoubtedly claiming asylum'.

A criminal investigation into the deaths has been opened by the Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor.

It came just hours after Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill to deter migrants from making the perilous crossing was passed in Parliament.

Rishi Sunak vowed to let nothing 'stand in our way' yesterday as he gears up to send Channel migrants to Rwanda by July after the Government's deportation plan was finally passed by Parliament.

Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats.

The Rwanda scheme's capacity is 200 people per year. It means if the scheme had been running last year, it would have deported less than 0.7 per cent of small boat migrants.

In terms of the cost of the journey per person, for the first 300 migrants sent to Rwanda, it will cost the Government 1.8million per head, Whitehall's official spending watchdog said.

Yesterday afternoon, dozens of migrants were brought ashore by Border Force and RNLI ships

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Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats. The Government claims the Rwanda scheme will act as a deterrent, however it only has the capacity to send 200 people a year to the East African country

Migrants were seen beating back the French police using only wooden sticks and firecrackers

Once the migrants were in the boat, the officers said there was no more they could do

A helicopter of the Emergency medical services takes off from Wimereux on April 23

Emergency vehicles were seen beside an ice cream shop on the beach at Wimereux in France yesterday morning

The Prime Minister said the 'tragic' incident 'underscores' the need for the deterrent effect of the Rwanda plan.

The French Maritime Prefecture has published a photo of the boat just after the disaster.

It shows mainly men sat on each side of the boat, with one leg inside, and the other touching the water.

Some of those onboard appear to be punching the air in triumph and waving at the camera.

Three men, a woman and a little girl drowned after the dinghy they were on flipped over in the early hours of this morning off the coast of northern France, casting around 112 people into the Channel.

Footage of the moments before the boat launched showed scores of people running towards the sea as they tried to beat back the French officers on Wimereux beach in northern France early on Tuesday morning.

Once the migrants were in the water, the French police said there was nothing more they could do as they didn't have a boat.

Moments later, the boat hit a sandbank and caused panic that led to the boat capsizing and five people - including a little girl - drowning.

Rescue boats were also seen off the coast of northern France as emergency services searched for survivors

Emergency workers rushed to the sea in a bid to save migrants who got in trouble while trying to cross the Channel

Only then did French police scramble a boat to save the remaining survivors.

However, when some of the migrants refused to be rescued and restarted the boat's engine, the French Navy instead escorted them onwards towards Britain, which they reached at around lunchtime on Tuesday.

Guirec Le Bras, the Boulogne prosecutor, has opened an enquiry into 'manslaughter, criminal association and the assistance of foreigners in an irregular situation.'

Some alleged smugglers suspected of charging up to 1000-a-head for the voyage to Britain have already been arrested and their nautical equipment confiscated, Mr Le Bras said.

This included boats similar to the one used, which are designed for 20 people maximum.

Mr Le Bras also confirmed that police had fought running battles with police in the lead up to the three men, a woman in her early 30s, and the the girl aged between four and seven drowning.

One of the helicopters was seen flying low over the beach at Wimereux this morning

Another air ambulance was seen landing at the side of the beach in Wimereux

A member of the French Gendarmerie talks with a driver of a passing car in Wimereux, near Calais
The U.S. will send a massive $1 billion military weapons package - including long-range missiles, ammunition, drones and vehicles - to send the Ukraine now that Congress has approved the funding.

The Senate approved a foreign aid package on Tuesday night that includes $61 billion for the war torn Ukraine. The first tranche of weapons is expected to land in Kyiv within days.

'I'm making sure the shipment start right away,' President Joe Biden said Wednesday shortly after he signed the bill at the White House. 'In the next few hours, literally, a few hours.'

Within minutes of Biden's announcement, the Pentagon released a detailed list of weapons and equipment headed toward Kyiv.

The new round of aid comes as it was revealed the Biden administration last month secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine for the first time.

Kyiv has already used the weapon twice to strike deep behind Russian lines, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight.

The new missiles give Ukraine nearly double the striking distance - up to 190 miles - that it had with the mid-range version of the weapon that it received from the U.S. last October.

More long-range missiles are expected to be sent as part of the latest aid package.

Biden approved delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, in early March, and the U.S. included a 'significant' number of them in a $300 million aid package announced at the time, a US official said.

The aid package also includes Bradley fighting vehicles, Stinger air defense munitions, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 155 millimeter artillery ammunition, TOW and Javelin anti-tank munitions, demolition weaponry and other weapons that can immediately be put to use on the battlefield, officials told Reuters.

The overall $95 billion foreign aid package, which including billions for Israel and Taiwan, passed the House on Saturday, after months of frustration.

Speaker Mike Johnson pulled together a bipartisan coalition to approve the legislation as several members of his conservative wing opposed it.

President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Wednesday

Ukrainian servicemen of the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fire a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system towards Russian troops

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon said the U.S. has a robust logistical system in place and is 'doing everything we can to be poised to respond quickly' once the bill is signed.

Ryder said the U.S. has storehouses of military equipment in Europe and can tap into those to get aid into Ukraine within days.

'We certainly understand and appreciate the urgency and are poised to move quickly,' he said.

Russia has increased its bombardment of Ukraine in recent weeks. American military officials have described the situation in Ukraine as 'dire.'

CIA Director Bill Burns testified to Congress earlier this month that Ukraine could lose the war by the end of this year without U.S. support.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers recently that Russia is making gains, as Ukraine struggles with ammunition shortages.

'We're already seeing things on the battlefield begin to shift a bit in Russia's favor. We are seeing them make incremental gains. We're seeing the Ukrainians be challenged in terms of holding the line,' he said.

Ukrainian soldiers carry shells to fire at Russian positions on the front line - they now will get a multi-billion infusion into their efforts thanks to Congress

A man removes shards of glass from broken windows of a store damaged by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine

The latest tranche of weapons will be provided through presidential drawdown authority, or PDA, which pulls systems and munitions from existing U.S. stockpiles and sends them quickly to the war front.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, the U.S. has sent more than $44 billion worth of weapons, maintenance, training and spare parts to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the U.K. on Tuesday, pledged an additional $620 million in new military supplies for Ukraine, including long-range missiles and 4 million rounds of ammunition.
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While a pro-Palestine mob holds her school hostage and their Jewish classmates share their fears of being attacked on campus, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is enjoying round-the-clock private security in the Manhattan mega-mansion she lives in rent free.

DailyMail.com can reveal that a gated perimeter has been set up with a 24-hour guard at the President's House, a 10,000ft palace just a few blocks from the school where her $42,000, red Tesla Y remains parked in the driveway.

The historic six-story mansion was given to the university leader for the duration of her tenure in the role, which has an estimated salary of nearly $5 million per year. Should it ever go on the market, the property would be worth around $16million.

DailyMail.com visited the property on Wednesday but was told by a security guard that no unauthorized visitors were allowed to knock the door or even make a request through the intercom. A security guard who was based at the entrance did not confirm whether Shafik was inside but several members of her staff were seen inside the grounds.

Staffers said she was working from her office on the main campus, which is accessible via a private walkway at the rear of the house, but Shafik was not seen.

The security guard, who works for Allied Universal, said he had been at the property since midnight and would be replaced at 8am. He confirmed the heightened security measures were in response to the recent protests on and around the campus.

While a pro-Palestine mob holds her school hostage and their Jewish classmates share their fears of being attacked on campus, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is enjoying round-the-clock private security

The historic six-story mansion was given to the university leader for the duration of her tenure in the role, which has an estimated salary of nearly $5 million per year

A security guard did not confirm whether Shafik was inside but several members of her staff were seen inside the ground

The Columbia president's $42,000, red Tesla Y remains parked in the driveway - which is seen here being charged

The heightened security measures were in response to the recent protests on and around the campus

A local resident walking her dog also pointed out the new measures, which she said were unfair under the circumstances.

[Shafik] gets protection but the students on campus dont get protection.'

The curtains were drawn at the grandiose property, which is also believed to include offices for Shafiks staff.

The mansion, in a leafy section of Manhattans Upper West Side, is just a block away from the Columbia campus where tensions have flared throughout the past week.

The property boasts views across Morningside Park and underwent a multimillion dollar renovation in 2005 to the tune of $23million.

On campus, emboldened student protesters were enjoying a 48 hour extension on their sit-in.

Shafik, a Muslim-American, fled Alexandria with her family at the age of four in the mid 1960s and moved to Georgia

The curtains were drawn at the grandiose property, which is also believed to include offices for Shafiks staff

There are railings put up outside the college president's home - presumably for safety amid the students' protests

The property boasts views across Morningside Park and underwent a $23million renovation in 2005

DailyMail.com can reveal that a gated perimeter has been set up with a 24-hour guard at the President's House

A local resident walking her dog (not pictured) also pointed out the new security measures at the Columbia president's home

It was not clear on Monday whether Columbia's president was inside the mansion

The NYPD had been primed to clear them out last night but were called off at the last minute. The students were then given until 8am today to make themselves scarce, but that deadline has now been pushed back.

They have remained on the campus green all week, blocking Jewish students and professors while demanding a ceasefire in Palestine.

They say they are angry at Columbia for using tuition to support Israel-linked companies and investments.

Meanwhile, Jewish students and parents are furious that their $90,000-a-year tuition has led to cancelation of all in-person classes.

'I pay a lot of money to go to this school and I can't get access to the same areas... it's absurd,' Jessica Schwalb told Fox's Lauren Ingram last night.

Shafik, 61, became Columbia's first woman president this academic year, succeeding former university boss Lee Bollinger, who stepped down in 2023.

The Egypt-born academic was previously director of the London School of Economics and Political Science and began her career as the youngest vice president ever of the World Bank, at the age of 36.

The inside of the history home of Columbia's president is seen in an image from the Library of Congress, taken in the 1940s

One of the bedrooms inside the 10,000ft New York City palace, which is just a few blocks from the school

Should the mansion ever go on the market, the property would be worth around $16million

The home in uptown Manhattan includes several areas for the Columbia president's staff

The dining room at the historic home is seen above in an image taken in the 1940s and preserved by Congress

Another of the home's many bedrooms is pictured in the above image from the Library of Congress

She's also held leadership positions at the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of England and the UK's Department for International Development.

Shafik, a Muslim-American, fled her native Alexandria with her family at the age of four in the mid 1960s and settled in Savannah, Georgia.

She went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford.

Shafik has been married to molecular biologist Rafael Jovine for 22 years and they share two adult children who are twins

The economist has been married to molecular biologist Rafael Jovine for 22 years and they share two adult children who are twins.

Jovine also has two children from a previous relationship.

In 2020 Shafik became a 'baroness' after being appointed a 'crossbench peer' member of the House of Lords.

Demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard to the campus, which has been besieged by demonstrations since last Wednesday.

Amid the ongoing campus chaos, Shafik has crumbled under pressure from pro Palestine protesters and given them a 48 hour extension to disperse after they ignored the original deadline.

Shafik had announced a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement and dismantle their encampment or she will have to consider 'alternative options.'

The university president said a group of faculty, administrators and University Senators have been negotiating with the student organizers and set a midnight deadline to reach an agreement to dismantle the encampment.

'I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn,' said Shafik.

'The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and hostile environment for our community. It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it,' Shafik said.

Shafik became Columbia's first woman president this academic year, succeeding former university boss Lee Bollinger

Shakif is seen, far right, during a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House in 2017

She attended the University of Massachusetts, the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford

The Muslim-American has held various leadership positions across the world's most important institutions

Shafik is seen with famous South African and theologian Desmond Tutu

The academic is seen in an undated photo shared by Columbia University on their website

'I also want to be clear that we will not tolerate intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior. We are working to identify protestors who violated our policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will be put through appropriate disciplinary processes.'

Shafik capitulated after her midnight deadline came and went with no real signs the camp was dispersing.

Instead, a spokesman for the school told CBS the protestors received an additional two days to move after a 'constructive dialogue', where they pledged to remove a 'significant' number of tents and any non-students from the demonstration.

After passing the midnight deadline, photos and videos show members of the NYPD counterterrorism unit gathering at the university gates with zip ties, as protesters and police brace for a potential conflict.

Video posted by the Palestinian Youth Movement shows protesters on campus taunting the police.

After passing the midnight deadline, photos and videos show members of the NYPD counterterrorism unit gathering at the university gates with zip ties, as protesters and police brace for a potential conflict.

Video posted by the Palestinian Youth Movement shows protesters on campus taunting the police.

Shafik has been facing mounting calls to resign because she has 'surrendered control to the anti-Semitic fringe' and allowed 'anarchy' after she canceled all in-person classes until the end of the semester.

NYPD officers stand guard outside of Columbia University on Wednesday amid the campus commotion

Students continue to maintain a protest encampment in support of Palestinians on the Columbia University campus

Demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard to the campus, which has been besieged by demonstrations since last Wednesday

Shafik has crumbled under pressure from pro Palestine protesters and given them a 48 hour extension to disperse after they ignored the original deadline

Shafik has been facing mounting calls to resign because she has 'surrendered control to the anti-Semitic fringe'

A Pro-Palestine protestor is arrested at the gates of Columbia University on April 22

In the wake of that decision, Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, tweeted that the president, who has only been in the role since the summer of 2023, had 'surrendered control of Columbia to an anti-Semitic fringe.'

'If you cannot ensure the safety of your students, then you have no business serving as President of any university... What Columbia University needs is not an appeaser of antisemitism but a leader who will fight with moral clarity against it,' Torres added.

As a result of the growing protests, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced his intention to pull his funding for the school.

'The school I love so much  the one that welcomed me and provided me with so much opportunity  is no longer an institution I recognize,' Kraft said.

'I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus and throughout our country.'
Despite having been a member of the Labour party since the early 1960s, Frank Field had a soft spot for one particularly famous Tory.

The former MP, who has died from cancer aged 81, was long an admirer of margaret thatcher and even called her 'Mrs T'.

He helped to persuade the three-time election winner to resign as prime minister in November 1990 amid intense pressure from her MPs and ministers.

Lord Field later described how he told Mrs Thatcher that she was 'finished', adding that he was 'sickened' by MPs who 'hated her'.

The politician, who was ennobled in 2020, first became an MP in 1979, at a general election which saw Mrs Thatcher sweep to victory and become prime minister.

Despite having been a member of the Labour party since the early 1960s, Frank Field had a soft spot for one particularly famous Tory. Above: Outside Parliament in 1995

The pair met when Lord Field was lobbying her on behalf of his constituents in Birkenhead.

He wrote in the Daily Mail in 2009: 'When I needed to get something done for my Birkenhead constituency, it seemed obvious that the best way to do it was to lobby the most powerful person in the country on their behalf.

'For some reason, Mrs Thatcher usually agreed to see me. We met frequently during her 11 years in Downing Street and our meetings were usually very formal.'

In 1987, Lord Field caused controversy when he predicted that Mrs Thatcher would win that year's election.

He said Labour's anti-nuclear weapons policy was the Tory leader's 'greatest political asset' and added that her chances of winning revealed 'something quite damning' about his own party.

On his penultimate meeting with the PM before she was forced out of Downing Street, Field recalled how he had 'never seen her so animated'.

She had just flown back from the US following a meeting with the then President George Bush Snr to discuss what to do about Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

'Mrs Thatcher was adamant that the Allies must go to war with Saddam but Mr Bush was agonising over the decision,' he said.

'Pacing around the room, she told me how she had urged him that military action was absolutely vital.'

Despite being preoccupied with the hugely consequential issue, she agreed to provide funding to bring shipping jobs to Birkenhead, Field's constituency.

Lord Field helped to persuade the three-time election winner to resign as prime minister in November 1990 amid intense pressure from her MPs and ministers. Above: Mrs Thatcher makes her final speech outside Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace to resign

He and Mrs Thatcher were grammar school children from modest backgrounds who both shared a belief in self-reliance and personal responsibility.

In 2009, in what was one of Mrs Thatcher's final public appearances, she attended a party to celebrate his 30 years in parliament.

A few weeks later, on the day she had to decide whether to resign as PM and Tory leader amid intense pressure from her MPs and ministers, Field saw her again.

'When I saw how some of her own Conservative MPs hated her and called her 'that woman' it sickened me,' he said.

Despite protests from her staff, Mrs Thatcher agreed to see Field in Downing Street.

She asked him why he had come and he bluntly replied: 'I believe you are finished, Prime Minister.'

He said she told him how 'unfair' it was, but he replied: 'I have not come to discuss fairness, Prime Minister.

'You cannot now go out on a top note, but you can go out on a high note. You must resign before you face the Commons again.

'Otherwise those Tory creeps will tear you apart in public.'

She again insisted that it was 'so unfair' and added: 'I have never lost them an election'.

He added: 'She was briefly back to her old self as she explained how I would be smuggled out of the building so no one knew I had been there.

The politician, who was ennobled in 2020, first became an MP in 1979, at a general election which saw Mrs Thatcher sweep to victory and become prime minister. Above: Field in 1976

Frank Field speaking in the House of Commons in 1998 after resigning as welfare reform minister in Tony Blair's Labour government

"I have arranged for you to go out another way. You will be taken out into Whitehall, not through Downing Street."

Field said he saw her only once more as prime minister, in what was her final appearance at the Dispatch Box in the House of Commons.

He said that her voice was 'different' and guessed it was because she had been 'fighting back the tears'.

Field described Mrs Thatcher's last prime ministerial performance in the Commons as a 'parliamentary triumph'.

She was famously heckled by Labour MP Denis Skinner with a quip that brought roars of laughter from both sides of the House.

'The ranks of Tory MPs behind her cheered as if to cover their murderous intent,' Field said.

'I watched her as I stood at the end of the Chamber and, when I caught her attention, I nodded my approval.

'But I couldn't help wondering whether I would ever see a Prime Minister who was more able in pushing through radical reforms.'
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Stunning images have revealed how China is flooding Britain with an army of cheap electric cars, with thousands arriving into the UK on a single ship.

The striking pictures come amid fears that Beijing could be using the eco-friendly motors to spy on Brits and act as 'Trojan horses' to gather key intelligence on the UK.

The latest batch of e-cars to sail into the UK docked at the Port of Bristol last week. Almost 4,700 arrived on the colossal cargo vessel, the Wisdom Ace.

City transport bosses touted the record-breaking delivery as the single biggest number of vehicles to be brought into the port in a single shipment. 'This arrival has marked a significant milestone in Bristol Port's automotive history,' a spokesman for Bristol Port declared.

But the shipment comes amid concerns that China could secretly hijack its fleet of exported motors, with security minister Tom Tugendhat last week warning that some e-vehicles could 'be easily turned into mobile intelligence gathering platforms'.

Stunning images have revealed how China is flooding Britain with an army of electric cars, with thousands arriving into the UK

The striking pictures come amid fears that Beijing could be use the eco-friendly motors to spy on Brits and act as 'Trojan horses' to spy on people

The latest batch of e-cars to sail into the UK docked at the Port of Bristol last week, with almost 4,700 arriving on a single ship

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden also revealed that a top-level review is under way into whether hostile states could use e-cars as make-shift surveillance devices.

Britain is not the only one worried about the potential of Beijing to use its exports to gather data on Western countries - concerns have also been raised in America, too.

Only last month, the US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, flagged one of the potential dangers behind the new generation of automobile.

'Imagine if there were thousands or hundreds of thousands of Chinese-connected vehicles on American roads that could be immediately and simultaneously disabled by somebody in Beijing,' she said.

China is the world's biggest producer of electric cars and there are fears that its cheaper models could flood US, UK and European roads, with some retailing for as little as 10,000.

Experts fear that some of the sensors used in the vehicles could track people's movements, and covertly send them back to Beijing.

MPs were last month warned about the chilling potential China now had to cause mayhem on Britain's roads, with Beijing potential able to bring motorways to a halt by remotely-stopping Chinese-made electric cars.

The possibility of China remotely controlling electric vehicles (EVs) and stealing drivers' data presents a 'major security threat' that could be exploited if its relationship with the UK badly deteriorated, an expert claimed.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat warned some e-cars could 'be easily turned into mobile intelligence gathering platforms'

Pictured are some of the electrical cars that arrived in Bristol last week as part of a colossal shipment to the city

China is the world's biggest producer of electric cars and there are fears that its cheaper models could flood US, UK and European roads (pictured are the vehicles in Bristol)

Professor Jim Saker, president of the Motor Industry, told MPs that electric vehicles 'flooding into Britain' could be 'the most effective Trojan Horse' at the Chinese Communist Party's disposal.

Professor Saker made the claims in a report submitted to Parliament's National Security Strategy committee, which examines threats to the UK's economic security.

The expert, who is also director of the Centre for Automotive Management at Loughborough University, warned Chinese-made electric cars could give spies access to 'big data' as well as personal data.

'We know that at the moment connected vehicles can be stopped remotely,' he wrote in a submission reported by The Times.

The possibility of China remotely controlling EVs and stealing drivers' data presents a 'major security threat', experts have said

'If this happened on a motorway at 70mph and the automatic braking system was applied to a vehicle the traffic would simply pile in the back. If this occurred at strategic points it could gridlock cities.

'Chinese-connected EV's flooding the country could be the most effective Trojan horse that the Chinese establishment has to impact the UK.'

China is home to BYD, the world's bestselling manufacturer of electric cars. The firm sold 526,409 EVs in the final quarter of last year, compared with 484,507 for Tesla.

Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove is among those warning of the potential threat they pose, and recently called on the government to consider banning government ministers from using Chinese-made electric vehicles.

Last year former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith claimed Chinese tracking devices had been installed on Rishi Sunak's official car, although Number 10 declined to comment.

Sir Richard warned the issue was 'the next Huawei' - a reference to the Chinese telecoms company that was banned from Britain's 5G network due to concerns it could steal consumer data.

Sales of electric cars made by Chinese manufacturers have been rising and Beijing plans to expand its EVs to Europe. Pictured: Former Director of M16 Sir Richard Dearlove

The Chinese-made BYD Atto 3 is equipped with a 150kW motor and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds

But there are fears some of the hi-tech gadgets inside the new generation of electric cars produced by China could be used to track people's movements

Joe Biden announced in February that he was taking steps against Chinese automakers to prevent them from selling EVs in the US due to security risks.

There are currently 2.4 million EVs registered in the US, but Biden warned if China is allowed to flood the EV market, carmakers could easily track consumer data at a time when cars are constantly connected to our phones and navigation systems.

He equated vehicles to 'smartphones on wheels,' and said his administration is investigating the potential impact on national security with the possibility of a future ban on Chinese vehicles making their way into the American market.

China has made strides in recent years to amp up its EV production, accounting for 69 per cent of all new global EV sales in December alone, and roughly nine million EVs sold last year compared to the US's 1.4 million sold in the nation.

The Chinese Embassy said it would never ask a company or individual to collect data against local laws.

China is home to BYD, the world's bestselling manufacturer of electric cars. Pictured: Michael Shu, Managing Director of BYD Europe, speaking at an event

China has made strides in recent years to amp up its EV production, accounting for 69 per cent of all new global EV sales in December alone

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy told MailOnline: 'The popularity of Chinese electric vehicles relies on our technological innovation and superb quality in the midst of global competition.

'Meanwhile, China has abolished all market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing and remains open to international car makers who can fully share in the dividends of Chinas big market.'

They added: 'Economic globalization is a major trend, protectionism is never a good option, and abuse of trade remedies contravenes international trade rules. Only through mutually-beneficial cooperation can we make the pie bigger; only by transcending zero-sum game can we achieve win-win.

'We hope relevant parties will listen carefully to the rational voice from the industry, earnestly observe WTO rules, respect market economy laws, stop turning economic and trade issues into political, security or ideological issues, and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for the investment and operation of businesses from all countries, including China.'
An Iranian man who claimed asylum in Greece first before crossing the Channel in a small boat and settling in Britain says the threat of deportations to Rwanda will not stop migrants from coming here.

Nima Moradi insisted the government's 'stop the boats' plan - which finally passed through Parliament on Monday night - will have hardly any deterrent effect.

He admitted he had been granted asylum in Greece, then pondered a move to Germany before deciding on the UK.

Asylum seekers who have made it have been receiving Home Office letters warning them they risk being flown to Rwanda because they failed to seek asylum in the first 'safe country' they passed through.

But migrants camping in Dunkirk on the northern French coast have been declaring they will still try to cross to UK - and keep coming back even if deported.

Iranian migrant Nima Moradi has criticised the government's Rwanda deportation bill, saying it would not act as a deterrent to many more asylum seekers wanting to cross the Chnanel

The BBC witnessed migrants boarding a small boat south of Calais in the early hours of yesterday morning, later confirmed to be the one which ran aground with five people dying

Mr Moradi believes many more will follow, while also criticising what he called the lack of 'safe routes' being offered for asylum seekers.

He told BBC2's Newsnight programme, hosted by Victoria Derbyshire, last night: 'When I left my country I wasnt thinking about destination, I was thinking about being safe.

When I was in Greece I was thinking to go to Germany, but when I was granted asylum I thought because I can speak English I will go to England.'

When asked whether the Rwanda bill would stop asylum seekers from coming to the UK, he said 'no', adding: 'You see how many people are trying to cross the Channel last night.'

More than 400 people crossed the Channel yesterday despite a tragedy earlier in the day when five migrants including a child died making the attempt.

Three people were arrested today on suspicion of immigration offences in connection with the tragedy.

The new law aims to clear the way to send asylum seekers who cross the Channel in small boats on a one-way flight to Kigali.

Rwanda's government has negotiated a multi-million-pound deal to process asylum applications by people found to have illegally tried to enter the UK.

But Mr Moradi suggested many people would not take the threat seriously.

He said: 'People have access to information, they already know the law has passed but still they will try to do it because they will say, 'Its not going to apply to me".'

Nima Moradi was granted asylum in Greece after fleeing Iran but decided to head to the UK

He told BBC2's Newsnight programme, in an interview with Victoria Derbyshire, that many migrants would believe Rishi Sunak's new Rwanda would 'not apply' to them

Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK. Of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats. The Government claims the Rwanda scheme will act as a deterrent, however it only has the capacity to send 200 people a year to the East African country

Last year, there were 67,337 asylum applications to the UK and, of those, 29,437 came from people who arrived in small boats.

The Rwanda scheme's capacity is 200 people per year, meaning if the scheme had been running last year just 0.7 per cent of small boat migrants would be deported.

Mr Moradi told last night's programme how it took him four attempts to get on a small boat crossing the Channel, paying 3,000 - provided by his family - to people-smugglers organising the trip.

He said: 'When youre there you are so desperate, youre risking your life - you know its dangerous, you might die, but you want to gamble because you have no other option.

It was scary  I cannot swim, I thought I might die. But did I have another option to make it here?

No, there wasnt a safe route - the only way for me to claim asylum was crossing the Channel.

Mr Moradi said he fled Iran because he faced persecution as a critic of the governing regime before being granted asylum in Greece but deciding to move on.

He said: 'I was granted asylum in Greece but I was living in tents without access to electricity, without having access to hygiene facilities.

'If I wanted to get a meal I had to queue for six, seven hours. I had no future, I couldnt integrate to the society.'

Meanwhile, the National Crime Agency today said investigators were questioning two men from Sudan, aged 19 and 22, and a third 22-year-old suspect from south Sudan following yesterday's five deaths in the Channel.

The French Maritime Prefecture has published a photo of the boat involved in yesterday's disaster - it shows mainly men sat on each side of the boat

Yesterday afternoon, dozens of migrants were brought ashore by Border Force and RNLI ships

It is thought the tragedy yesterday happened after a small boat was launched from Wimereux in northern France, between Boulogne and Calais

They were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally in connection with the tragedy.

The 55 surviving boat passengers have already been interviewed and are expected to be spoken to further in the coming days.

A dinghy carrying more than 100 people set off from Wimereux at around 6am on Tuesday but got into difficulty.

Three men, a woman and a girl died, according to the French coastguard.

Some 49 people were rescued but 58 others refused to leave the boat and continued their journey towards the UK, the coastguard said in a statement.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said yesterday the tragedy 'underscores why you need a deterrent'.

He said: 'We want to prevent people making these very dangerous crossings. If you look at what's happening, criminal gangs are exploiting vulnerable people. They are packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies.

'We've seen an enormous increase in the numbers per boat over the past few years.

'This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and that's why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally.'

Rishi Sunak announced 'nothing will stand in our way' as he vowed to get flights to Rwanda started ahead of his 'stop the boats' plan finally being approved by Parliament on Monday

More than 400 people crossed the Channel in small boats on Tuesday including these migrants brought to shore in Kent by the RNLI Dover lifeboat

People believed to be migrants were seen here disembarking from a British Border Force vessel after arriving at Dover yesterday

The UK's Supreme Court has deemed Rwanda an unsafe country for sending migrants to, citing government crackdowns on critics and media, a lack of independence among judges and lawyers and high rejections of asylum claims.

The Rwanda Bill and a new treaty are intended to prevent further legal challenges to the stalled asylum scheme - compelling judges to regard the east African country as safe and giving ministers the power to ignore emergency injunctions.

Some 290million has already been committed to the Rwanda scheme, with a further 100million earmarked over the next two years.

The cost of putting each migrant on a plane is expected to reach 11,000, while Rwanda will get 20,000 for each asylum seeker relocated there and a 120 million top-up once 300 have arrived.
Furious veterans and education officials have slammed a scheme from 'activist' teachers to 'indoctrinate' students against Anzac Day.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare on Wednesday denounced plans shared on the group Teachers and School Staff for Palestine to 'dismantle' 'Anzac Day myth making ceremonies'.

Anzac Day, April 25, marks the 1915 landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers in Gallipoli and serves as a national day of remembrance and reflection for both nation's military veterans.

However, the Teachers and School Staff for Palestine distributed a 40-page 'teaching resource' for pro-Palestinian educators to 'dismantle' the Anzac legacy and link alleged killings by Anzac troops in World War I to the current Israeli-Gaza war.

'In the lead up to the glorification of war of Anzac Day, this is useful resource  describing the Anzac massacre of a Palestinian village, that never gets talked about at school Anzac Day myth making ceremonies,' it stated.

'In the midst of a new genocide, that we are not allowed to talk about in schools, Anzac Day tries to cement forgetting. We insist on remembering.'

Pro-Palestine teachers have planned to 'dismantle' the Anzac legacy while protesters have organised demonstrations in major cities to disrupt Anzac Day events

Mr Clare accused the group of 'attacking our Anzac legacy'.

'It disrespects those that have fought and died in our name,' he said, The Australian reported.

Opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Henderson also condemned the group and said educators should not be 'indoctrinating' students.

'The attempts to link the sacrifice of our Anzacs to this sort of activism is not only misguided but deeply disrespectful to the men and women who served our country,' she said.

'Our classrooms should be places of objective learning, not indoctrination. It is not the role of educators to push political agendas or promote divisive ideologies.'

RSL Victoria president Dr Robert Webster similarly criticised planned student demonstrations across Melbourne.

One group of students will camp out in front of the University of Melbourne Parkville campus on Thursday to demand the institute 'cut all weapons ties'.

Several other pro-Palestine protests are planned throughout the CBD.

The Unimelb for Palestine group wrote online: 'Support the encampment, Anzac Day our way. Solidarity with Gaza'.

'They're choosing to disrespect the veterans of this country who treat tomorrow as our national day. It's going to upset veterans if their day is interrupted,' Dr Webster told the Herald Sun.

RSL Victoria president Dr Robert Webster (pictured) said protesters are 'choosing to disrespect the veterans of this country who treat tomorrow as our national day'

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victoria president Bob Elworthy also called for Anzac Day to be 'left alone'.

'Anzac Day is not about glorifying war, we're paying respect to those who put themselves in harm's way so that people can protest,' he said.

War veteran Lucas Moon asked the protesters to choose a 'better day' to hold their demonstrations.

'These protesters forget the reason they can express their opinion and express their views is because of the men and women, who have defended their freedom,' he said.

Victoria Police are aware of the planned demonstrations and will boost patrols throughout the CBD to ensure smooth sailing for Anzac Day events.

In its 'resources for challenging Anzac Day', Teachers and School Staff for Palestine refers to accounts from the Anzac vigilante attack on the Arab village of Sarafand al-Amar, also known as Surafend, in World War I.

The attack is not mentioned on the Australian War Memorial website, but does appear on the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage history website.

'Relations between the Anzac Mounted Division and Palestinian Arabs reached a new low early on 10 December 1918, when Trooper Leslie Lowry was shot dead after disturbing a thief in his tent,' it states.

Victoria Police have planned to increase patrols in Melbourne's CBD to ensure Anzac Day events aren't disrupted by pro-Palestine protests

'That night a large group of New Zealanders and Australians exacted vigilante justice, burning the nearby Arab village of Sarafand al-Amar to the ground and killing around 40 of its male inhabitants.'

A spokesperson from Teachers and School Staff for Palestine told the Herald the group is 'not planning any actions to disrupt services'.

'We are participating in an anti-war picnic and supporting an anti-war protest,' they said.

Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Barnaby Joyce blamed the 'rise of anti-Anzac sentiment' on the Albanese Government, particularly its choice to make the Anzac Day public holiday optional for some 350,000 public servants.

'If you live in this nation and benefit from the freedoms of this nation, then you better respect the people who fought and died, and those who were maimed, and their families who got turned upside down to give today's generation the right to live life with all of our freedoms and liberties,' he said.
Yoon's close aide likely to run for floor leader position

By Lee Hyo-jin

Despite widespread calls for reform following the ruling People Power Party's (PPP) devastating defeat in the April 10 parliamentary elections, key figures aligned with President Yoon Suk Yeol are apparently aiming to gain control of the party's leadership again.

As the conservative party prepares to select a new floor leader in a general meeting of lawmakers-elect on May 3, Rep. Lee Chul-gyu, a Yoon loyalist, is apparently vying for the position.

Lee secured his third term for the upcoming 22nd National Assembly by winning in the Donghae-Taebaek-Samcheok constituency of Gangwon Province.

Since the elections, Lee has been actively meeting various party members, according to local media reports, including both newly elected and seasoned members, in what appears to be a campaign for the floor leader position.

Lee, who previously served as the PPP's secretary-general, stepped down after the party's crushing defeat in a by-election last October. But he swiftly returned to the party fold as a key member of the party's candidate nomination committee during the parliamentary election campaign. Lee reportedly recruited around 40 new members to the party, with 10 successfully securing seats in the upcoming Assembly.

Aside from Lee, Rep. Park Dae-chul, also categorized as part of the pro-Yoon faction, is being mentioned as a possible candidate. Park secured his fourth term in the elections by winning in the Jinju-A constituency of South Gyeongsang Province.

The new floor leader is expected to play a crucial role in forming an emergency committee following the recent dissolution of the previous committee led by the party's former interim leader Han Dong-hoon, who stepped down after the election defeat.

The floor leader is also tasked with leading negotiations with opposition parties, which are threatening to introduce bills targeting the presidential office as soon as the new Assembly is launched.

In that sense, it was widely expected that the PPP would need to pick a moderate figure who does not closely align with Yoon, for the floor leader position. Also, given that the party's leadership has been dominated by figures from the Gyeongsang provinces  the party's traditional stronghold  there have been calls within the party that the new floor leader should be someone from Seoul or the surrounding regions to present a fresh image.

Lee Jae-young, a PPP member who lost in the recent elections, expressed concerns that if Lee secures the floor leader position, the party would revert to being a "pro-Yoon faction," once more.

"There are concerns that since Rep. Lee is a symbolic figure of the Yoon loyalists, the party would go back to being pro-Yoon again, along the same old path," he said during an interview with local broadcaster SBS, Wednesday.

The PPP suffered a crushing defeat in the recent parliamentary elections, where it secured 108 out of 300 seats, losing to its main rival the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) which clinched victory with 175 seats.

Critics have pointed to the party leadership's overly close relationship with the presidential office, which failed to offer candid advice and critique on Yoon's perceived policy missteps, as a factor contributing to the electoral loss.
Pensioners have said they will not leave their park homes despite a council ruling that they only have permission to stay there 10 months a year - despite claims they were told they could live there permanently.

Occupants of Beverley Park on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent say they bought the properties on the understanding they could stay there 12 months a year.

But they only had permission to live there for 10 months a year, from the beginning of March to the start of January.

The residents had sought permission for the change of use from a holiday park to the siting of 21 residential retirement park homes for use for 12 months.

But this request was refused at a Swale Council planning meeting earlier this month - leaving residents gutted. Although the application was refused by councillors, enforcement action will not be taken against residents as the committee did not support any.

A community of elderly people have lost a battle to stay in their park homes year-round - despite claims they were told they could live there permanently. Wendy Benton, 75, has lived at Beverley Park, on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent for seven years with her husband, 77-year-old Kenneth, and their cat Jesse after moving from Thamesmead upon their retirement

Occupants of Beverley Park (pictured) on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent say they bought the properties on the understanding they could stay there 12 months a year

Those living in Beverley Park argue they are not disruptive tourists, with the majority of occupants aged between 75 and 97.

Wendy Benton, 75, has lived on the site for seven years with her husband, 77-year-old Kenneth, and their cat Jesse after moving from Thamesmead upon their retirement.

The mother-of-five said: 'We bought our home in December 2016 and moved on here in March 2017.

'What we didn't realise was that the planning decision to make it 12 months had been denied.'

At a planning meeting earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Beverley Park Action Group explained why year-long residency should be allowed at the site.

He said: 'A refusal would have significant adverse personal and financial implications for the occupants of the homes on the site.

'This is a system that is working and the applicants are asking to legitimise the situation that has already developed through no fault of their own, who may well have been the victims of some serious mis-selling in the first place.

'If you chuck them out for two months they've got nowhere else to go, it is just going to place more emphasis and more hardship on other council issues.'

Wendy explained she and her neighbours have been paying council tax, voluntarily, for the properties since April 2022.

She added: 'We felt if we were to be believed and taken seriously about everything we were fighting we had to be absolutely legal.

'So we started paying our council tax, and everything like our banks, driving licences, doctors, everything has our Beverley Park address on, we're even on the electoral roll.'

But a legal aide at the meeting explained: 'Just because the residents pay 12 months council tax the council doesn't have an obligation to give them planning permission.'

The site was originally a caravan park which was granted 10 months of holiday use with a planning application in 2011.

Residents said that they believed Beverley Park was not for holiday use and they say this was made very clear to each of them at the time of purchase

Holiday parks on the island hold 10-month residencies as the local council says it 'allows relief to local residents from tourism noise, disturbance and other amenity concerns for two months of the year.'

However, in their application statement, residents said that they believed Beverley Park was not for holiday use and they say this was made very clear to each of them at the time of purchase.

The statement continues to say that in 2015 the park was transformed with residential park homes, which were purchased as lifetime homes made with the promise - from the then owner of the park - that a positive application had been made and planning was imminent.

Recently the park was bought by Cosgrove Leisure Parks, which had no involvement with the alleged mis-selling.

Councillors expressed their concern for the residents but acknowledged their current living predicament did go against the borough's policies.

Cllr James Hunt, a Conservative for the Meads, said: 'It is difficult. We'd love to say no problem, stay there because we know the implication this will have on the residents there but in planning terms, and policies, the officer has got the right recommendation.

'It is a shame it has come to this and that the residents have been mis-sold [by the previous owner].'

The application was refused not only to 'provide relief to local residents' but also because 'the site represents an unsustainable location for permanent year-round residential use by virtue of its remote location within the countryside'.

Conservative councillor Tara Noe, for Sheppey East, said: 'This is a tight-knit community of vulnerable, elderly people.

'The committee showed great sympathy, as have many before them. No one wants to force these pensioners out. While safe from enforcement today, though, they cannot rest easy.

'They haven't the rights that come with residential status and will live in perpetual fear of what's around the corner.'

Wendy added: 'We will be remaining on site all year round while we appeal the decision.'

A Swale Council spokesman said the authority is considering next steps in due course.

The spokesman later added: 'A decision was taken at planning committee on 11 April to refuse the retrospective planning application.

'Whilst sympathy was expressed by officers and councillors for the residents' situation, mis-selling is not a lawful basis for deciding a planning application, and the application itself was contrary to a number of established planning policies, which are set out in the officer's report.

'It is the responsibility of the local planning authority to come to a decision based on planning matters and the applicant has a right to appeal.'
A masked creep has tried to kidnap a nine-year-old boy outside a school by offering him $1,000 to get in his car.

Mother Belinda Van Steeg, 45, said the male stranger offered her boy the huge sum of cash to lure him into his white car near Bellaire Primary School on Cuthbert Ave in Geelong on Tuesday.

The boy was left 'scared and frightened' by the ordeal.

His mum said the boy 'went into panic mode' and rode straight home and the incident was reported to police.

Belinda Van Steeg, 45, said the creep offered her boy $1000 and demanded he get into the white car near Bellaire Primary School (pictured) on Cuthbert Ave in Geelong, Victoria, on Tuesday

'It is every parents worst nightmare,' Ms van Steeg told the Geelong Advertiser.

'(My son) said he was wearing a mask and he couldn't see his face.'

Bellaire Primary School has informed parents about incident.

A Department of Education spokesman confirmed a report was made 'where a student was approached by a man near the school'.

'The school advised the boy's mother to contact Victoria Police and has communicated with the school community about ways students can be safe on the way to and from school,' he said.

'The safety of students is always our number one priority and, while we have no reason to believe at this stage that this is anything more than a one-off occurrence, it is a timely reminder for parents to reinforce safety messages to their children.'

His mum said the boy 'went into panic mode' and rode straight home and the incident was reported to police (stock image)

Ms van Steeg said not a lot could be done without a licence plate number and detailed description of the person but she hopes talking about it will raise awareness.

She said parents often teach their kids about 'stranger danger' not thinking that these things can happen in a split second.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Victoria Police for comment.
Nearly 17 percent of Republican voters in Pennsylvania cast their ballots on Tuesday for former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley  even though she is no longer in the presidential primary race.

The vote was largely a protest against Donald Trump and some worry that Haley's ability to continue to win over primary voters is a sign the former president is a weaker general election candidate than polls suggest.

Although Trump already clinched his third straight Republican nomination last month, Haley, who suspended her campaign in early March, still earned 156,539 votes as of Wednesday morning with just 5 percent left to count.

Trump still dominated the state with 82.8 percent of the vote in the inconsequential primary and every single county in the state voting for the former president.

More than 155,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania cast their ballots for Nikki Haley in Tuesday's presidential primary  even though she dropped out of the race last month

Pennsylvania is a state highly important to the 2024 general election and could ultimately decide the results in November.

President Joe Biden won the swing state in 2020 by 80,500 votes but Trump won Pennsylvania against Hillary Clinton in 2016 by 68,000 votes.

The Keystone State has a closed primary, meaning only those registered with a specific party can participate in that primary election in Pennsylvania.

And even though voters in Pennsylvania knew Haley could not win and was no longer an official candidate, 16.4 percent of Republicans felt it was still worth it to cast their ballot in a sign of voting against Trump earning another White House term.

Zombie voting is not a new phenomenon and is a way for voters to still cast their ballots for preferred candidates  or to protest other candidates still in the running. And Haley's continued sizable minority voting bloc proves effective as a way for anti-Trump Republicans to make their voice heard at the primary ballot box.

Trump and Biden have already earned the number of delegates needed to clinch their respective parties' presidential nominations in 2024  meaning the 2020 rematch that most voters said they didn't want is chugging ahead.

Some warn that the sizable minority of voters still willing to case their ballot against Trump and for Haley is a big warning that the former president is not as a strong of a general election candidate as previously thought

Also in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Biden decisively won his primary with 88.2 percent of the Democratic vote. But Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) earned 6.5 percent in the state from those Democrats who don't want to see Biden earn a second term.

Phillips was one of the only legitimate challengers to Biden and he dropped out of the primary race in early March.

There are still 10 more states left to hold both their Democratic and Republican primaries before the conventions this summer, where the parties will officially nominate their candidates. But no results will have consequences for the November election.
Anthony Albanese will today reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Australian troops at the site of one of the fiercest battles fought by Australians during the Second World War.

During his historic visit to Kokoda, Mr Albanese will join Papua New Guinea's prime minister James Marape at the annual Anzac Day dawn service at the Isurava Memorial Site.

The small village of Isurava was the site of one of several desperate battles fought by Australian and US troops during their retreat along the Kokoda Trail between July and November 1942.

In his speech, Mr Albanese will pay tribute to the perseverance and strength shown by soldiers who fought and died for the country during the bloody campaign.

'We gather today on ground made hallow by Australian sacrifice,' he will say.

Anthony Albanese (right) will join Papua New Guinea's prime minister James Marape (left) at the annual Anzac Day dawn service at the Isurava Memorial Site

The Kokoda campaign, fought between July and November 1942, was part of Japan's attempt to capture Port Moresby

In his speech, the Prime Minister (pictured) will pay tribute to the perseverance and strength shown by soldiers

'Where we now have the privilege of joining together in peace and liberty, Australian soldiers fought to hold back a relentless enemy.

'Six-hundred-and-twenty-five Australians were killed on the Kokoda Track. Of those, 99 fell in the Battle of Isurava and 111 more were wounded.

'And we remember and honour them this morning.'

The Kokoda campaign, fought between July and November 1942, was part of Japan's attempt to capture Port Moresby when it was an Australian territory.

Papuan Infantry Battalion soldiers fought alongside Australians during the battles, while thousands of civilians provided crucial support, delivering supplies, building bases and evacuating the sick and wounded.

Mr Albanese will pay tribute to the unadorned strength of the Australian spirit and honour the 'powerful' bond the nation forged with the people of Papua New Guinea during the conflict.

'We thank every one of them who helped Australians in the face of retribution and sometimes unfathomable cruelty,' the Prime Minister will say.

'The villagers who risked their own lives to feed and guide and shelter Australians in desperate need.

'The stretcher bearers whose courage was matched only by their kindness.

'They were angels walking tall through the hell of war.'

Mr Albanese will thank the nurses and medics who saw the country through the war

Six-hundred-and-twenty-five Australians were killed on the Kokoda Track

Mr Albanese is pictured spending time with the community in Papua New Guinea

Anthony Albanese is pictured with Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape

Mr Albanese will say Anzac Day services held across Australia and the world were a collective act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for those who have enlisted and served.

He will also thank the nation's nurses and medics who saw the country through what former prime minister John Curtin called 'the gravest hour in our history'.

'We gather each Anzac Day because how brightly the eternal flame of memory burns depends on how carefully we tend it,' Mr Albanese will say.

'We come in gratitude. We come in sorrow. A pilgrimage of memory as we keep the long vigil of a grateful nation.

'We hold to the solemn promise our countries made to the fallen all those years ago: We will remember them.'
Jason Hernandez used to sell dime bags of pot out of a Texas convenience store. Then he got a sentence of life without parole.

He was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, distribution of speed, and distributing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.

Now, he has received a pardon from President Joe Biden after demonstrating 'exemplary rehabilitation', after turning that very store that was once the hub of his drug activities 'into a market that provides good quality and affordable food.'

He is one of 16 'deserving individuals' who received clemency Wednesday after the White House released the list.

They are a fraction of the more than 1 million Americans in prison, in an election year where fights parties are clashing over store thefts and violent crime, as well as crime trends and how Americans perceive them.

Biden pardoned 11 people and commuted the sentences of five others.

President Joe Biden pardoned 11 people and commuted the sentences of five others. All were convicted of non-violent drug offenses

Biden is using his authority 'to advance equal justice under law,' according to the White House, with the list focusing on people who either served time or got long sentences under decades-old crime laws that Biden helped shape as a senator.

Brief statements about the people who got pardons, including Bobby Darrell Lowery of Jackson, Mississippi. He was convicted of a non-violent drug offense at 25, but since completing his sentence 'has maintained steady employment and actively volunteers at his church and at various community-based organizations.'

Another church-goer who got a reprieve was Pilar Alejandra Yelicie-Rodriguez of Fairfax, Virginia.

The 48-year-old woman pleaded guilty to a non-violent drug offense, completed her sentence and jail time, and now has 'maintained steady work and has dedicated her time to her family and volunteered at her church.' People call her reliable and a 'devoted mother,' according to the White House.

Jason Hernandez was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, distribution of speed, and distributing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. His sentence was commuted by President Obama and he got a pardon from President Biden. He opened a grocery store at the corner where he used to deal drugs

Hernandez, who turned his drug corner into a story, first got his sentence commuted by President Barack Obama.

The U.S. has 5 percent of the world's population but looks up a fifth of the worldwide total. The White House crafted a policy to reduce 'unnecessary' incarcerations. At the same time, he has faced pressure from congressional Democrats to deschedule marijuana from a list of Schedule 1 controlled substances like heroin and LSD.

'Many of these individuals received disproportionately longer sentences than they would have under current law, policy, and practice,' Biden said in a statement.

Jophaney Hyppolite of Miami, Florida had his sentence commuted, after being convicted of conspiracy to manufacture and to possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams cocaine base, getting a life sentence.

According to court documents, he was part of a crack distribution organization.

His sentence was commuted to 360 months.

Jesse Mosley of Lousiana got 28 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Under current law, the 42-year-old would have gotten a 'significantly lower sentence,' according to the White House.

He served time, then opened a business managing rental properities and working as a realtor. After his arrest, conviction and incarceration, he even 'donates to his local police department fundraising events' and provides groceries to those in need. Now he has a pardon.

'The pardon recipients have demonstrated their commitment to improving their lives and positively transforming their communities. The commutation recipients have shown that they are deserving of forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future for themselves beyond prison walls.

'Like my other clemency actions, these pardons and commutations reflect my overarching commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety. While todays announcement marks important and continued progress, my Administration will continue to review clemency petitions and deliver reforms in a manner that advances equal justice, supports rehabilitation and reentry, and provides meaningful second chances.'
Protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as justices hear a case over whether emergency rooms can provide abortion in medical emergencies in states where abortion is banned.

Protesters both for and against abortion rights gathered in large numbers, making a scene before arguments kicked off.

Some pro-abortion rights protesters held signs that read 'abortion is health care' and 'abortion saves lives' while others went after the Supreme Court which overturned Roe v Wade in 2022.

Others dressed in white and covered in fake blood even participated in a 'die-in' in support of abortion access in emergency rooms.

Anti-abortion protesters had signs that read 'emergency rooms are not abortion clinics.'

It is the first time the country's highest court will hear arguments over the scope of state abortion bans after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022 returning the issue of abortion to states.

Pro-abortion rights protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday ahead of arguments over whether the Idaho abortion ban conflicts with the federal EMTALA

Pro-abortion rights activists participate in a 'die-in' outside the Supreme Court

An anti-abortion activist outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the court hears arguments over the Idaho law that bans abortion in nearly all situations

Oral arguments are taking place in the case of Moyle v United States and Idaho v United States.

The Biden administration argues the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) can in narrow circumstances supersedes state law that criminalizes abortion.

But Idaho rejects the argument, claiming it is a federal power grab and the law does not require doctors to provide specific medical treatments or require hospitals to perform abortions.

This is the second abortion related case the Supreme Court has heard in recent weeks after hearing arguments over the medical abortion drug mifepristone.

An anti-abortion activist holding a sign ahead of oral arguments over the Idaho near-total abortion ban

Pro and anti-abortion rights protesters face off outside the Supreme Court ahead of arguments on Wednesday

Pro-abortion rights activist stands outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning

A group of doctors join pro-abortion rights activists who participated in a 'die-in' outside the Supreme Court as it hears arguments in Idaho v the United States

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe with the Dobbs decision in 2022 ending the constitutional right to an abortion, Idaho was one of more than a dozen states that moved immediately to ban abortion with limited exceptions.

Idaho's law makes it a crime to provide an abortion except in very narrow circumstances including to save the life of the mother, rape or incest. The state's exception is focused on life but not the 'health' of the mother.

The case in question began nearly two years ago when the Biden administration sued. It argued that EMTALA could be used in some narrow cases in the state because it requires emergency rooms provide 'necessary stabilizing treatment.'

A district court agreed and blocked the Idaho law from taking effect in August 2022 to the extent the ban conflicted with EMTALA.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the state's request to put the district court ruling on hold while an appeal proceeded.

The state and its Republican-controlled legislature then took the case to the Supreme Court.
An American father is facing 12 years in prison in Turks and Caicos after ammunition was found in his luggage as he returned home from a vacation with his wife.

Ryan Watson, 40, has remained on the island for weeks following his arrest on April 11 alongside his wife Valerie, 38, who saw her charges dropped on Monday as she was allowed to return home to their two young children.

The couple said they were passing through airport security when four rounds of hunting ammo was found in Ryan's carry-on, which they claim were left by accident.

'We were trying to pack board shorts and flip flops,' Valerie told CBS News. 'Packing ammunition was not at all our intent.'

Ryan Watson and his wife Valerie (pictured together arriving at their Turks and Caicos vacation) were arrested on April 11 after Turks and Caicos airport staff found ammunition in Ryan's luggage

Ryan, an avid hunter and outdoorsman, admitted the ammo was his but insisted it was accidentally left in his bag, in what he described as a 'bonehead mistake'

After weeks stuck on the Caribbean islands, cameras captured the moment Valerie was reunited with the couple's two young children in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma couple were on the Caribbean islands for a friend's 40th birthday, but Valerie said their trip quickly 'went from what was supposed to be a dream vacation to a nightmare.'

A small bag of bullets in a zip-lock bag were found in his luggage, which American TSA had missed on their departing flight.

Ryan said in an interview before his first court hearing that his heart sank as soon as he saw the bullets, which he recognized from a recent white tail deer hunting trip.

'I recognized them and thought, 'what a bonehead mistake,'' he said. 'I had no idea that those were in there.'

The couple were forced to remain on the island as their passports were seized, and Ryan said officials brushed off his pleas that it was a 'complete innocent mistake.'

Despite their insistence that the ammunition was accidentally left from a previous hunting trip, Turks and Caicos prosecutors maintained that the crime is a serious offense in the nation. In 2022, the nation passed stricter laws that mandated a 12-year minimum sentence for ammunition possession.

Valerie said through tears that when she heard the mandatory sentence, she was 'immediately terrified, because we can't be in prison for 12 years, we have kids at home.'

Ryan and Valerie (right) were in Turks and Caicos for a birthday celebration with their friends, which Valerie said quickly 'went from what was supposed to be a dream vacation to a nightmare'

The Oklahoma couple said the ordeal is draining them emotionally and financially, as Ryan said it is something they may 'never recover from'

As an avid outdoorsman and hunter, Ryan said he accidentally left the bullets in his carry-on luggage from a recent deer hunting trip

In an interview before their first court hearing, Valerie said the possibility of facing 12 years in prison left her 'terrified' because they have two young children

Ryan was held in the Chalk Sound police station (pictured) until he posted bail, however he is unable to leave the island as his passport was seized

She spent 11 days on the island facing charges alongside her husband, but saw her charges dropped on April 22 and was allowed to return to their family in Oklahoma.

On Tuesday, cameras captured the heartfelt moment she hugged her children again for the first time in weeks, which she said was bittersweet as her husband's case remains in limbo.

'Ive been thinking about this moment for a while, and I didnt know when it was going to happen. I was prepared to also be arrested yesterday,' she told KOCO.

'I don't know if I even have words to describe it, just getting to hold them again. It just filled my momma heart and made me so happy.

'It just gives me a lot of comfort knowing that I get to be here with them now, but my wife heart is still breaking because Ryan is not with me.'

Valerie said she is still fighting to have her husband released from his criminal charges, with several prominent Oklahoma politicians including Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator Markwayne Mullin also lending their support.

In a letter to Turks and Caicos officials on April 16, Stitt explained that Ryan is an 'avid outdoorsman', and that leaving the ammunition in his bag was an oversight, not an intentional attempt to break the law.

Senator Mullin's office has also said it has been in contact with Watson's family, and is working to secure his freedom and flight back home.

'We know that Gods still working and hes working through us,' Valerie added.

The couple (pictured following their arrests on the island) have received support from several prominent Oklahoma politicians including Governor Kevin Stitt and Senator Markwayne Mullin

As she fights to bring her husband home, Valerie said she has only made it through the ordeal because she believes 'Gods still working and hes working through us'

Despite the outpouring of support, the couple said Ryan's extended stay and legal bills are financially and emotionally draining their family, which he said they may 'never recover from.'

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the couple with the costs, which at the time of writing had exceeded $106,000.

Ryan's social medias also show his passion for the outdoors, as he is seen riding horses and embracing his family in cowboy hats.

In September 2023, US officials issued a travel alert specifically warning Americans about bringing firearms and ammunition into Turks and Caicos due to the escalation in the nation's firearm and ammunition laws.
Republicans are blasting Biden's student loan forgiveness plan for providing millions of taxpayer dollars to the students wreaking havoc at anti-Israel protests nationwide.

Over 200 protestors have been arrested in the last week on the campuses of Columbia University and New York University (NYU) in connection to their aggressive campaigning against the Israel-Hamas war.

The protestors - who are demanding that the universities divest from Israeli entities and for an end to the war in Gaza - have set up camps chock-full of tents, makeshift food distribution areas, sleeping bags and anti-Israel signs.

Now, Republicans are using the protests as a cudgel to slam Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program, claiming that the president wants to pay the protestors' bills.

The GOP criticism comes weeks after Biden wiped out an additional $7.4 billion in debt for 277,000 borrowers, bringing the total he has forgiven to $153 billion.

'The Biden administration wants hardworking taxpayers to pay off the loans of these pro-terrorist antisemites, which in turn funds universities with multibillion-dollar endowments that are refusing to keep Jewish students safe,' House Republican Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., told DailyMail.com in a statement.

NYPD officers face protestors after detaining demonstrators and clearing an encampment set up by pro-Palestinian students and protesters on the campus of New York University

And to think Joe Biden and the Democrats want YOU to pay off these students loans https://t.co/FPDgShmFY3  Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) April 23, 2024

Biden is making you pay for their student loans so they can do this on your dime. https://t.co/PfQC14KMxt  Rep. Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) April 23, 2024

These are the people whose student loans Joe Biden wants you to pay off. https://t.co/NdE5FzqubQ  Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) April 23, 2024

'If the Biden administration cared about the dangerous wave of antisemitic violence on our college campuses, they would reverse their unconstitutional course and instead demand action from these broken institutions.'

'But they dont care; the only thing that matters to Biden is appeasing his radical base,' Emmer added.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., posted a video of the Columbia University encampment showing tents and pro-Palestinian signs and banners on X, 'these are the people whose student loans Joe Biden wants you to pay off,' he wrote.

'Hamas butchered and burned Jews and their babies alive; their bodies paraded around in the streets,' Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., posted on X.

'Today in the US, we have entitled little Ivy League students terrorizing Jews on campus and their punishment? Student loans paid off by American taxpayers. Thanks Joe Biden.'

Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., similarly posted a video of Columbia protestors, writing 'Biden is making you pay for their student loans so they can do this on your dime.'

In total, 4.3 million federal student loan borrowers have seen student loan debt forgiven since Biden took office.

Current students at Columbia and NYU, though, are likely unable to qualify for Biden's recently announced debt forgiveness as it only applies to borrowers in specific cases.

For example, the most recent $7.4 billion in student loan forgiveness has stringent conditions, one of which requires most borrowers to prove they have already been paying off their debts for 10 to 25 years to qualify for relief.

Still, there may be narrow cases in which current students may qualify for the debt forgiveness.

At Columbia, the protests have turned violent and Jewish students at the universities have felt in danger as a result of the campus takeover.

The demonstration at the university have been so heated that the Ivy League institution announced it would carry out classes partially online for the remainder of the academic year.

Hundreds of arrests have occurred as a result of the protesting over the last week on college campuses.

Despite the mass arrests at NYU and Columbia, however, many if not all of those detained will not receive and criminal records, according to the New York Post. Instead, most will get summonses, which will not appear on a wrap sheet.

Police intervene and arrest more than 100 students at NYU who continue their demonstration on campus in solidarity with the students at Columbia University and to oppose Israel's attacks on Gaza

In total, over 200 protestors have been detained by NYPD in connection to campus activism

On Tuesday evening, an additional massive anti-Israel protests erupted outside of Senate Leader Chuck Schumer's New York home.

Notably, Schumer is the highest-ranking Jewish federal official ever elected.

Over 200 anti-Israel demonstrators were taken into NYPD custody after they blocked the roads around the Senate leader's residence, impeding traffic.

Schumer has not spoken publicly about the protests targeting him yet, but did condemn the Columbia and NYU protests in a statement Sunday.

'College campuses must be places of learning and discussion,' he wrote.

'Every American has a right to protest, but when protests shift to antisemitism, verbal abuse, intimidation, or glorification of Oct. 7 violence against Jewish people, that crosses the line. Campuses must remain safe for all students.'

Schumer's office did not respond to a request for comment.
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Downing Street today insisted a migrant returns deal with France was 'not possible' because Britain would have to accept a quota of refugees from the EU in exchange.

Any such agreement is 'not on the table' because the Government 'would not agree to any kind of deal that would require quotas in return', a No10 spokeswoman said.

It came after Foreign Secretary David Cameron praised the pre-Brexit arrangements for sending Channel migrants back to France.

'I'd love that situation to be the case again, that's the most sensible thing,' the former PM said, as he stressed it was 'not available at the moment'.

Rishi Sunak this week saw his Rwanda Bill finally approved by Parliament as he pushes ahead with plans to deport Channel migrants to the east African country.

Just hours after the PM had his new laws approved by both the Commons and Lords, 402 migrants arrived in Britain after crossing the Channel in seven boats on Tuesday.

Five people, including a child, died while trying to make the perilous journey to Britain the same day.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron praised the pre-Brexit arrangements for sending Channel migrants back to France

A group of people travel in an inflatable boat across the Channel, bound for Dover on the south coast of England

Asked whether he might also have pursued the Rwanda policy - which Mr Sunak claims will help deter migrant crossings - when he was in No10 between 2010 and 2016, Lord Cameron told ITV News: 'We had a totally different situation because we had a situation where you could return people directly to France.

'Now, I'd love that situation to be the case again, that's the most sensible thing.

'People land on a beach in Kent, you take them straight back to France, you therefore break the model of the people smugglers.

'That's not available at the moment. It's simply not possible.'

Asked whether this was because of Brexit, the Foreign Secretary said: 'Because of the situation we're in, because of the attitude of others and all the rest of it.

'It's not available at the moment so you've got a choice; do nothing, that is the Keir Starmer choice - talk about it, talk about faster processing, talk about this, but ultimately do nothing.

'Or you take innovative action to say, if you come to Britain illegally on a small boat you're not going to stay so, therefore, don't come. That's the choice.'

Under the EU's 'Dublin Regulation', Britain accepted 714 asylum seekers from EU member states in 2019 out of 2,236 requests for transfers.

In the same year, 263 asylum seekers were sent from Britain to EU member states out of 3,259 transfer requests, with 20 per cent (53) going to France.

The Dublin Regulation ceased to apply to the UK at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.

The EU has created a new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation, due to be introduced this summer, as a replacement to the Dublin Regulation.

The action was prompted by the huge strain on the bloc's asylum network in the face of the 2015 migrant crisis on the continent.

A new 'solidarity mechanism' is aimed at sharing responsibility for refugees across all EU member states.

Asked about Lord Cameron's comments, a No10 spokeswoman told Westminster reporters this afternoon: 'I think what the Foreign Secretary was talking about was returns agreements.

'Obviously, as he said, it is the case that such a returns agreement with the French is not possible and not on the table.

'We would not agree to any kind of deal that would require quotas in return.'

Asked why a returns agreement with France was not possible, when Britain has a returns agreement with Albania, the spokeswoman said: 'We've spoken before returns agreements with the EU and EU countries and we would never accept quotas in return for that, and for that reason that's why it's not on the table.'

She added: 'It's not something we're pursuing.'

The spokeswoman said questions about the future of Britain's returns deal with Albania, should the Balkan country achieve its ambition of EU membership, were better directed towards the Tirana government.
This is the bizarre moment a group of bungling prisoners tunneled their way out of jail only to be met by a team of police officers who were training outside.

Twenty daring suspected criminals were seen realising their error in real time as they emerged from a hole in the wall onto the police headquarters training course in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

The officers were seen helping the red-faced inmates through the tight gap in the wall before leading them back inside the prison.

The situation became nervy for the group of some 30 police who were not carrying weapons.

But police later confirmed that 'everything is now under control', noting three inmates needed treatment for minor injuries sustained during their botched escape.

Whoops! A suspect realises his mistake after burrowing through to the police training course

Some 30 police were on the other side of the wall, ready to apprehend the 20-odd suspects

The clip of the not-so-great escape shows several red-faced men in yellow boiler suits being apprehended after burrowing through the outer wall.

As the tunnel opening was so small, the escapees were only able to squeeze straight into the arms of the waiting cops.

Members of the Bolivarian National Guard, the Bolivarian National Police Corps, Civil Protection and the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service were all reportedly called in to help defuse the situation, according to El Sol de Puebla.

The mayor of Maracaibo, Rafael Ramirez Colina, said later on April 17 that order had been restored.

'In the morning today we have an incident, a fight that broke at 8.30 in the morning.

'That fight came with consequences: three injured.

'At the moment of the three injuries, all the police bodies that live in the region came and acted.

'After that, they proceeded to attend to the injured and I know already they are informing the families that right now there is no reason to doubt our municipal police.

'It is also important to say that there was no escape nor danger of escape from those deprived of liberty.

'Everything is under control,' he concluded.

'There are no deaths in any of the cells, we do not have any seriously injured and the three slightly injured were duly treated by Maracaibo Firefighters.'

Officers are seen holding on to one of the apparent escapees on April 17

Police helped the suspects out of the hole before taking them back inside

In his speech, the mayor made no reference to the hole made in the wall.

Police Chief Commissioner Gustavo Basabe said they are investigating the attempted break-out to prevent a similar situation occurring in the future.

One local commented: 'Only in Venezuela.'

Another said: 'The cops told each of them 'you're nicked, you're nicked, you're nicked...'

Desiree wrote: 'Hahaha, what a thing to happen.'
We Are China

China calls for strengthened flood control in Yangtze, Taihu Lake basins

Xinhua) 11:14, April 24, 2024

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chen Min, vice minister of water resources, on Tuesday called for action to strengthen flood control in the basins of the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake.

Comprehensive flood control preparations should be made, and weak links should be shored up, Chen said.

The official also urged efforts to enhance rain forecasting and flood monitoring capabilities.

Water conservancy projects should be leveraged in a coordinated manner to mitigate flooding, Chen added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President Yoon Suk Yeol hosted a luncheon for outgoing ruling party lawmakers Wednesday and thanked them for their service to the nation while stressing their shared "political fate," his office said.

The luncheon was held at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae two weeks after the ruling People Power Party (PPP) was routed in the general elections, leaving the National Assembly in the control of the main opposition Democratic Party.

"I want to thank all of you who dedicated yourselves to the nation, the people and the party," Yoon said, according to his spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung. "We are a community sharing the same political fate and responsible for people's livelihoods and this country's future."

Yoon asked the attendees to share their thoughts, saying it is his responsibility as president to run state affairs based on the wisdom of lawmakers who have gained experience on the front lines of peoples' livelihood issues and the National Assembly.

A number of lawmakers made suggestions, with Rep. Suh Byung-soo saying the party needs to be more inclusive, given that the outcome of elections hinges on the votes of moderates.

Rep. Tae Young-ho called for contemplating whether the country should maintain its policy of assigning nationality to a newborn child based on the nationality of his or her parents, given the low birth rate.

Around 50 PPP lawmakers attended the luncheon, which was arranged for those who failed to win a nomination to run in the April 10 elections or lost. (Yonhap)
A horse trainer who was on trial accused of killing and raping a female showjumper has been found dead at his home whilst on bail.

Jonathan Creswell, 36, had denied the murder and rape of Katie Simpson. His trial began on Tuesday.

The second day of the trial was due to begin earlier today but the jury was suddenly discharged this morning after police reported that they had found Creswell's body. Officers said the 36-year-old passed away in non-suspicious circumstances.

Londonderry Crown Court sitting in Coleraine heard Creswell had previously had an 'illicit' sexual relations with Ms Simpson. He then became angry after he learned the 21-year-old was in a relationship with someone else.

Sam Magee KC, a lawyer for the prosecution, told the jury that Creswell had raped, strangled and killed Ms Simpson.

Jonathan Creswell (pictured outside court) was found dead after going on trial this week accused of killing and raping a female showjumper

The court also heard that Creswell then tried to 'cover up' what happened by claiming Ms Simpson's death 'was as a result of suicide.'

Creswell then pretended he was 'the unfortunate individual' who discovered Ms Simpson's body, according to the prosecution.

Mr Magee added: 'It is the prosecution case the defendant raped Katie. He murdered her. He made efforts to cover up what he had done by trying to make her death look like a suicide. In the hours leading up to death he was with Katie.

'He strangled her and created a fiction, pretending to others that he found Katie hanging in a stairwell.

'He pretended to medical staff that she had taken her own life. We say he was the individual who did an act of violent rage which took her life at the age of just 21.'

Katie Simpson (pictured) was found dead in August 2020 following an incident at a property near Londonderry

Ms Simpson died on August 3, 2020 following an incident in the home Creswell shared with Katie's sister Christina Simpson. Creswell had been in a long-term relationship with Christina, the court heard.

A Detective Chief Inspector from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was called to the witness box earlier today. He said he had received information that a man had been found dead at 9am at a property in Londonderry.

'A family member confirmed it was Mr Jonathan Creswell,' he said.

A PSNI spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Police attended the sudden death of a man at an address in the Waterside area of Londonderry this morning. The death is not being treated as suspicious.'

Judge Neil Rafferty KC told the jury that the trial process had concluded and discharged them.

He said three co-accused who had pleaded guilty before the beginning of the trial would have their sentencing brought forward. He adjourned the case until May 10.

The trial started was at Londonderry Crown Court sitting in Coleraine (pictured: Coleraine Courthouse)

Mr Creswell's trial had been due to last between six and eight weeks.

On the first day of the trial on Tuesday, the court heard Katie was involved in the equestrian industry and that she and her sister Christina met Creswell when he was a jockey at Darton Ree Stables in Tynan, Co Armagh.

The court heard Christina and Creswell then got together and went on to have two children. Katie later began working with them.

Mr Magee told the court that Katie was in the very early stages of a relationship with another man named Shane McCloskey at the time of her death and she was terrified of Creswell learning this, the Irish Mirror reported.

Sentencing against the three co-accused women will now be brought forward, BBC Northern Ireland reported.

Jill Robinson, 42, from Blackfort Road in Omagh, admitted perverting the course of justice on August 3, 2020.

Hayley Robb, 30, from Weavers Meadow in Banbridge, County Down, admitted two charges of perverting the course of justice and withholding information.

Rose De Montmorency-Wright from Craigantlet Road in Newtownards, County Down, has admitted withholding information between 9 October 2020 and 13 October 2021.

The 22-year-old lived with Creswell and his partner Christina - Katie Simpson's sister at the time.
A 30-year-old man on parole for a 2019 robbery was arrested Tuesday for allegedly raping a woman in her own New York City apartment two days earlier.

The US Marshals Fugitive Task Force took the suspect, Ellow Williams, into custody on the Lower East Side and charged him with the monstrous sexual attack against the 23-year-old victim that police say occurred on Sunday. He denies the accusations.

Police revealed more details about the disturbing case, including that Williams stalked the woman from behind a parked car and allegedly threatened to shoot her after slinking undetected into her apartment building near Thompson Street and Prince Street.

'If you scream, I'll shoot you,' the assailant told the victim, as reported by the NYPD, who released surveillance footage of the suspect entering the building.

PIX11 News filmed the moment Williams was being perp walked to jail by officers after being charged with first-degree rape, burglary, second-degree robbery, first-degree sex abuse and second-degree strangulation.

Williams (pictured) being perp walked by two officers from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force on Tuesday

Williams (pictured center) allegedly said 'If you scream, I'll shoot you,' to the woman whose apartment police say he snuck into Sunday

NYPD say Williams followed her up to the second floor, attacked her from behind, put her in a chokehold and raped her

Ellows allegedly stole $40 before fleeing the scene

Williams denied the charges, telling reporters 'I ain't do nothing' on Tuesday

The surveillance video shows the creep entering the building at around 4:10 pm on Sunday wearing a black hoodie with red lettering forming a heart shape, dark pants and orange sneakers.

Once inside, police say Williams followed her up to the second floor, attacked her from behind, put her in a chokehold and raped her.

'She enters the apartment with her key fob into the lobby. While the door is still open, the perp runs in behind,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said during a press briefing Tuesday.

'She's accosted on the second floor, where she was put into a chokehold. Perp threatens to shoot her, she's sexually assaulted, then the perp leaves. He steals $40 and flees the location,' Kenny added.

Williams denied the rape and the small dollar-theft to reporters while being led out of the NYPD Special Victims Unit headquarters, the New York Post reported.

The suspect (pictured) who police say they've identified as Ellow Williams, is seen on surveillance about to enter the woman's apartment

The man is seen inside the building's hallway

'I ain't do nothing,' Williams said.

Kenny said Williams, who lives in the Lower East Side, was arrested for a robbery he committed in December 2019. For that, he was sentenced to 42 months in prison and another 42 months of supervised release, the New York Post reported.

The New York Post also reported that Williams has been arrested at least 30 times since 2010 for assault, grand larceny, burglary and criminal possession of a weapon.

It is unclear if he entered a plea during his arraignment on Tuesday.
Donald Trump voters are getting younger, according to an exclusive new poll, which shows that a majority of people aged over 40 back him over Joe Biden, 15 years younger than the crossover point at the last election.

The analysis offers the latest evidence of a realignment in the voting population.

And the latest bad news for Biden's reelection campaign.

It comes after a strong of polls suggested that Trump, 77, is gaining ground among young voters, long the preserve of Democratic candidates.

At the same time, 81-year-old Biden's appeal is dropping, in part because of his age and in part opposition to his support for Israel in Gaza.

J.L. Partners ran an analysis of polling results and found that the crossover age for voters is40. Below that they are more likely to vote for Joe Biden; above that Donald Trump

Trump is winning over younger voters than in 2020, when the crossover age was 55. He is seen here leaving Manhattan criminal court on Tuesday at the end of proceedings

To test the impact of age and whether the adage about liberals becoming conservatives as they become older, tied down with mortgages, tax bills and kids at college still holds true, polling firm J.L. Partners asked 1000 voters at the start of the month for their voting intentions.

It then used a complex modeling system (known as a multinomial logistic regression model) to plot where the crossover point lies.

The results pinpointed the age of 40. Below that voters are more likely to plump for Biden; above that the majority picks Trump.

At 18 years of age, some 53 percent back Biden. By around 60, the numbers have reversed with 53 percent backing Trump.

Of course, sex, race, educational attainment and other factors all have an impact.

The data show that the crossover age for women is 71, indicating that Trump continues to struggle to win over female voters.

Callum Hunter, data scientist at J.L. Partners, said the numbers should worry the Biden campaign.

'This new analysis suggests that Biden has lost the majority of voters over the age of 40. A huge setback for a party whose support is mainly found in the younger voters of the US,' he said.

'However, Trump is still struggling to attract women to his cause. Currently, only women over the age of 71 are more likely to vote Trump than Biden - a potential source of problems for Trump later in the campaign.'

Trump supporters gathered in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Saturday. The rally was canceled as a thunderstorm rolled in

At the age of 81, Biden is struggling to hold on to younger voters who traditionally vote Democrat. He may also be losing younger voters because of his stance on Israel and Gaza

For now, Biden is shored up by graduates, he added.

'These voters represent a small island of calm for Biden in a tumultuous sea of changing voting blocs,' said Hunter.

'Independents under the age of 70 are leaning towards Trump, with the gap between the Republican and Democrat at 9 points or less with this group.

'If Biden is to secure a victory in November, he needs to court favor with this key demographic.'

Trump maintains a slim lead over Biden in national voting intention polls.

The most recent J.L. Partners poll for DailyMail.com gave him a four-point lead, with a 3.1-point margin of error.

Student protests, like this one at Columbia University, illustrate how young people oppose Joe Biden's support for the Israeli campaign in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians

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

Since then, other polls have suggested that Biden may have closed the gap as he criss-crosses swing states with campaign visits while Trump spends four days a week in court for the first of his four criminal cases.

A Monmouth University poll published Wednesday showed another steady improvement in Biden's overall job performance rating. It now stands at 42 percent, representing a solid gain from December when he hit an all time low of 34 percent.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a $95.3 billion foreign aid package that sends much needed weapons to the Ukraine and includes a ban on TikTok if its parent company doesn't divest its Chinese ownership within a year.

'This is a good day for America. It's a good day Europe,' Biden said. 'It's going to make America safer. It's going to make the world safer.'

The bill includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine; $26.4 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza; and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, particularly Taiwan. It also includes sanctions against Iranian and Russian officials.

'I'm making sure the shipment start right away,' Biden said of the aid to Ukraine. 'In the next few hours, literally, a few hours.'

He noted the people of the Ukraine were watching the legislation pass in Congress - and cheering it on.

I find this amazing - reports of cheers breaking out of the trenches in eastern Ukraine, Biden said, as they watch the House vote in support for Ukraine. It's not like they don't understand what we've done, its not like they don't understand how critical this is.

President Joe Biden argued the foreign aid bill will keep America safer

The passage of the law capped a fraught and tense six months to get the bill into law. Speaker Mike Johnson pulled together a bipartisan coalition to approve the legislation as several members of his conservative wing opposed it.

Biden's Republican rival for president, Donald Trump, came out against the aid package, setting up a showdown between Johnson and Trump's loyal MAGA followers on Capitol Hill.

In his remarks, Biden blasted 'MAGA Republicans' for blocking the aid as Ukraine ran out of ammunition.

'At the end of the day most of us, whether we're Democrats, Republicans, or independents, believe that America must stand up for what we think is right,' he said.

'We don't walk away from our allies. We stand with them, we don't let tyrants win, we oppose them. We don't really watch global events unfold. We shape them. That's what it means to be the indispensable nation. That's it means to be the world's superpower and the world's leading democracy.'

'Some of our MAGA Republicans reject that vision but this vote makes it clear: there is a bipartisan consensus for that kind of American leadership. That's exactly what we'll continue to deliver.'

House Democrats came to Johnson's aid on Saturday night to get the bill over the finish line. The Senate passed it on Tuesday.

'It was a difficult path. It should have been easier and should have gotten there quickerb but in the end, we do what America always does. We rose to the moment came together and we got it done,' Biden said.

It is the first aid package to the Ukraine in more than a year.

The adminsitration is preparing a massive $1 billion military weapons package - including long-range missiles, ammunition, drones and vehicles - to send the Ukraine now that Congress has approved the funding.

'Getting this done is one of the greatest achievements of the Senate in years, perhaps decades,' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

'Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world,' he noted. 'America will always defend democracy in its hour of need.'

Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, who is trying to steer the Republican Party away from its isolationist trend, celebrated the bill's passing and blamed anti-Ukraine sentiment on Tucker Carlson 'who, in my opinion, ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin,' he said.

McConnell said that Carlson's 'enormous audience' convinced 'a lot of rank and file Republicans' that helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia is not important.

The Senate measure also would force TikTok's Chinese-owned parent company ByteDance to sell off the social media site or face a ban.

TikTok has one year to separate itself from China - or else be banned in the U.S.

Fans of TikTok are watching with acute concern as the legislation could lead to the outlaw of their favorite video-sharing platform

Ukrainian soldiers during assault operations in the Ukraine

TikTok has suggested the legislation amounts to a 'total ban in the United States,' hinting that ByteDance isn't interested in selling.

'It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually,' a TikTok spokesperson told DailyMail.com Saturday.

Attaching the measure to the foreign aid forced the Senate to vote on it after Schumer dragged his feet at putting it on the floor.

The Israel portion of the bill will offer $4 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome Missile Defense system and billions more for weapons systems, artillery and munitions, as well as an additional $2.4 billion for U.S. operations in the region.

Nine billion dollars in that bill goes to humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza.

'I will always make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran,' Biden said.

He also pointed out the aid to Gaza.

'Israel must make sure all this aid reaches a Palestinians in Gaza without delay,' he said. 'And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing this hostages home and securing a ceasefire.'

Democrats remain divided on Biden's Israel strategy and support for Palestine but most of the president's party supported the legislation.

This picture taken from Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip shows destruction in the Palestinian territory

Ukrainian soldiers shoot down enemy drones

The breakdown of what is in the bill:

$61 billion for Ukraine

About $23 billion would be used to replenish US weapons, stockpiles and facilities, and more than $11 billion would fund current US military operations in the region.

Nearly $14 billion included in the bill would help Ukraine buy advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment.

The first tranche of aid - about $1 billion worth - is expected to reach Kyiv within days.

$26 billion for Israel

The package would provide $26.4 billion to aid Israel, which includes $4 billion for the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems and $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system.

It also includes $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance  including emergency food, shelter and basic services  to those suffering from the crisis.

$8 billion for Indo-Pacific

The package includes $8.1 billion to counter Chinas actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

It includes $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, $2 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan and $1.9 billion to replenish defense items and services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.

Possible TikTok Ban

The legislation outlines a nine-month timeframe for the apps Chinese parent, ByteDance, to sell the social media company.

If it misses the deadline, TikTok would be banned from US app stores.

Iran and Russia Sanctions

The bill puts sanctions on ports and refineries that receive and process Iranian oil.

It also restricts the export of goods and technology of US origin to Iran.
A bill proposed by a California Democrat is taking aim at third-party airport security screeners like Clear, citing the unfair advantage they give wealthy travelers.

Clear is a third-party vendor that allows passengers to skip to the head of the airport screening line. For $189 per year, the company verifies passengers' identities and ushers them through security, allowing them to bypass TSA checkpoints.

The bill, the first of its kind in the county, was introduced by California State Senator Josh Newman in February.

It would require vendors like Clear to hire their own TSA screeners through the federal government. Rather than allow passengers to cut in line, the company would be required to create its own dedicated security lane.

The proposal cleared the state's Senate Transportation Committee 8-4 on Tuesday. It must pass the full Senate and Assembly before making its way to Governor Gavin Newsoms desk.

A bill proposed by a California Democrat has cleared the state's Senate Transportation Committee in an 8-4 vote. It aims to prevent passengers paying for services like Clear from skipping the airport security line

The legislation, formerly known as SB-1372, would require vendors like Clear to hire their own TSA screeners through the federal government and create a dedicated screening line

The bill was introduced by Senator Josh Newman in February and aims to keep Clear subscribers from cutting in front of 'general passengers'

Newman promoted the bill in a post to X, formerly Twitter, a day before the vote.

'General passengers dont have anyone cutting in front of them anymore, and CLEAR passengers can still fly through their dedicated security lane. It will speed up security for everyone!' he wrote.

Newman has claimed other customers are often 'pushed aside' for Clear subscribers, who get preferential treatment in the security line.

'Californias airports should of course be encouraged to find creative ways to raise revenues, but not at the expense of the publics interest,' the Democrat wrote in a bill analysis.

In an interview with CBS MoneyWatch, Newman described line-cutting as an 'equity issue.'

'Everyone is beaten down by the travel experience, and if Clear escorts a customer in front of you and tells TSA, "Sorry, I have someone better," it's really frustrating,' he said.

He clarified that the bill, formally known as SB-1372, doesn't seek to 'punish' Clear or 'put it out of business.'

'It wants to create a better traffic flow so customers aren't intersecting with the general public and causing a moment of friction that is so frustrating to the average traveler,' Newman explained.

For $189 per year, Clear verifies passengers' identities and ushers them through security, allowing them to bypass TSA checkpoints

The bill has garnered bipartisan support and is backed by local unions representing TSA officers, but has faced fierce pushback from major airlines who fear the price of airfare will increase as a result

Newman described line-cutting as an 'equity issue,' stating: 'Everyone is beaten down by the travel experience, and if Clear escorts a customer in front of you...it's really frustrating'

SB-1372 has garnered bipartisan support from Republican Senator Janet Nguyen, who represents the state's 36th district.

It is backed by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and the union representing Transportation Security Officers in Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose.

In a letter to Senate Transportation Committee Chair Dave Cortese, AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson said the bill 'would restore equal access and treatment at the airport security checkpoint.'

James Murdock, the president of a union chapter representing TSA agents in Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose and Bakersfield, lambasted the current system in his own letter.

'Clear is nothing more than the luxury resale of upcharge of space in the airport security queue, where those who pay can skip the line at the direct expense of every other traveler,' he wrote.

'While Clear may save time for its paying customers, non-customers suffer from Clear's aggressive sales tactics and longer security queues while they enter an essential security screening process.'

Six major airlines have spoken out against the legislation, claiming it could trigger airfare to increase. But Newman has remained adamant that the bill would improve the travel experience for most passengers.

'It's about dignity in the travel experience of people who don't have money to pay for upsell services,' the senator told CBS. 'If you have money, by all means, but that business shouldn't be at the expense of the average traveler.'

Newman remains adamant that the bill would improve the travel experience for all passengers and doesn't seek to put Clear 'out of business'

Clear allows subscribers to bypass normal airport security using biometric technology like a fingerprint or eye scan

Clear, founded in 2010, allows subscribers to bypass normal airport security using biometric technology.

Subscribers can scan their boarding pass at a dedicated kiosk and confirm their identity using a scan of their eyes or fingerprint. Once the verification process is complete, they are then escorted through security.

An individual membership costs $189 per year, while a family membership costs $189 per year plus $99 per person.

'We are always working with our airline and airport partners as well as local, state, and federal governments to ensure all travelers have a safer, easier checkpoint experience,' a Clear spokesperson said in a statement.

The service is in use at more than 50 airports across the country. It has partnered with nine airports in California as well as Delta, JetBlue, United and Alaska Airlines.
He was named as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of the Year

Azaiza is an acclaimed photojournalist who documented the devastation in Gaza

Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza has appeared at the encampment at Columbia University.

The journalist rose to prominence documenting the horrors seen on the Gaza strip in the wake of Israel's bombardment since October 7.

Azaiza was seen hopping a fence to enter the campus before getting on the mic to speak to students gathered on Tuesday.

'Gaza sees you,' he told the crowd. 'Gaza is seeing what you are doing for Gaza, thank you so much for what you do. This is the first place that make me feel like my work on the ground is action. You are on the right side in this war.'

Azaiza had travelled to the encampment after first visiting NYU to express solidarity in a rally at Washington Square Park.

Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza has appeared at the encampment at Columbia University

The encampment, pictured on Wednesday morning, sprung up last week to demand the university divest from companies profiting from Israel's war

Azaiza also attended a separate rally at NYU. He described being taken for questioning after landing in the Big Apple

He revealed he had been detained at the airport for two hours in the Big Apple prior to his arrival.

He then made his wat over to Columbia where he joined hundreds of students protesting in an attempt to urge the university to divest from companies profiting from Israel's war and to sever ties with the countries academics.

He gained access with apparently relative ease compared to other media outlets who have struggled to gain access to the campus.

Azaiza was named as one of Time's 100 most influential people of 2024 for his work spotlighting Gaza.

He spent 108 days on the Gaza Strip before making the decision to leave for his safety.

He has since turned to raising awareness and calling for international intervention in the crisis.

In an Instagram video, Azaiza stated he 'trying his best to show solidarity' without saying anything which could compromise his visa.

Pictures and video from Columbia show him being greeted liked a celebrity, with protesters lining up to express their gratitude.

Azaiza was named as one of Time's 100 most influential people of 2024 for his work spotlighting Gaza

He spent 108 days on the Gaza Strip before making the decision to leave for his safety. Pictured: Azaiza on the besieged territory

So far, more than 100 activists have been arrested, with protesters refusing to disperse as of Wednesday (pictured)

So far, more than 100 activists have been arrested, with protesters ordered to disperse. The camp pictured on Tuesday

He previously met with Palestinian American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib in Detroit.

Azaiza was among the hundreds of students at the encampment, which sprung up last Wednesday.

So far, more than 100 activists have been arrested, with protesters ordered to disperse.

The group ignored a midnight deadline to vacate the West Lawns and were given an additional 48 hours by president Minouche Shafik.

On Tuesday night, it was reported that NYPD counterterrorism officers were mobilizing close to the protest.

At least two Republican senators, Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton, called on President Joe Biden to bring in the National Guard to campuses nationwide were Jewish students claim they feel threatened by the growing number of protests.

Missouri Senator Hawley told the president that he must act on his Passover statement in which he said: 'Weve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous.'

'You must immediately mobilize the National Guard and any other authorities necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish American students and citizens,' Hawley wrote.
A police bid to 'silence' a Christian street preacher for criticising Hindus, Muslims and atheists, which chiefs later agreed was 'disproportionate', has resulted in taxpayers bearing the brunt of a sizeable legal bill.

Avon & Somerset Police imposed a series of Community Protection Warnings (CPW) on Pastor Dia Moodley, who is a well-known and controversial figure in Broadmead and the city centre, for preaching about a range of issues, including homosexuality, abortion and Islam.

The Evangelist fundamentalist had become known to the police after holding up signs saying 'abortion is murder' and mocking followers of other religions for failing to acknowledge 'God's truth'.

On other occasions the creationist held up signs that read 'all lives matter', 'evolution is a lie' and 'God created them man and woman' - leading to a hostile reaction from passers-by.

But after the Lockleaze-based preacher took legal action, the police have admitted the first order restricting his actions was 'disproportionate'.

A police bid to 'silence' a Christian preacher for criticising Hindus, Muslims and atheists, which chiefs later agreed was 'disproportionate', has resulted in taxpayers bearing brunt of the bill

They have agreed to pay Mr Moodley's legal costs alongside their own.

Mr Moodley first began preaching in Broadmead around seven years ago, and often drew crowds when he preached.

In October 2021, police issued him with a Community Protection Warning, to restrict him from using loudspeakers, megaphones or an amplification system and delivering a sermon or religious address that lasted for more than an hour in any one day.

The warning also banned him from delivering a live or pre-recorded sermon or religious address at a time or place without the prior consent and approval of police, using words or language that 'could be considered to negatively affect public health and morals, or have the effect of inciting crime and disorder'.

He was not allowed to pass comment in his sermons on any other religions, or compare them to Christianity, while addressing the public or preaching in a public place.

Neither could he pass comment on beliefs held by atheists, or those who believe in evolution while addressing the public, or preaching in a public place.

After Mr Moodley's lawyers challenged those restrictions, the police agreed to change them in December 2021, just a couple of months later.

The police dropped a requirement that Mr Moodley has to obtain police consent in advance for where he preaches, and other bans on him talking about other religions and atheism.

The new Community Protection Warning, which was in place from December 2021 and lasted six months, restricted Mr Moodley from using any amplifier or speaker system, or megaphone when delivering a sermon in Bristol, or within 100 metres of an abortion clinic, or playing pre-recorded sermons or religious messages through an amplifier.

The Lockleaze-based preacher took legal action and the police subsequently admitted the first order restricting his actions was 'disproportionate'

He was also banned from encouraging or arranging other preachers to deliver sermons on his behalf or on behalf of his church - the Spirit of Life Reformed Baptist Church in Lockleaze - anywhere in Bristol.

In addition to this, Mr Moodley was banned from displaying graphic images in public that showed mutilated or aborted foetuses, and banned from making derogatory or homophobic remarks about members of the LGBTQ+ community in public.

That CPW ran for six months in the first half of 2022 and Mr Moodley didn't breach it.

In November 2023, a case brought by Mr Moodley was settled out of court, with the police accepting the first set of restrictions were 'disproportionate', and agreeing to pay his costs.

A police spokesperson said the force had tried to get the balance right between Mr Moodley's right to free speech, and the issues caused for people who hear him.

The Evangelist fundamentalist had become known to the police after holding up signs saying 'abortion is murder' and 'all lives matter', leading to a hostile reaction from passers-by

'Officers have worked with a street preacher over many years to balance his right to free speech with the general public's right to work and shop in Bristol without being caused undue distress,' he said.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Moment police visit home of devout British Christian after he told his priest believers must 'rise up and take a stand' after bishop was stabbed by Islamist in Australia Advertisement

'We have had several complaints from members of the public when he preaches on sensitive subjects through a loudspeaker or amplifier in the city's main shopping area.

'For example, patrolling officers have been flagged down by visibly distressed members of the public when he has preached against abortion near sexual health clinics and about LGBTQ+ rights during Pride events.

'We have also investigated complaints about abuse directed towards him while he preaches,' he added.

Mr Moodley continues to preach in Bristol. He said: 'I started preaching in Broadmead about seven years ago, but when I started I wanted to learn from the experiences of the people who had preached there before me, so I was very keen to start a relationship with the police from the beginning.

'I want to engage with the police, and I want to engage with the public.

'My way of doing that when preaching is I want us to have a conversation, let's do a question and answer, let me ask a question and you can ask a question. I am only stating things that are in the Bible,' he told Bristol Live.

'For a number of years I was able to do this hassle-free, but more recently I have been the subject of abuse and attacks, and that's not acceptable.

'I've had racism and people arguing with me, which is fine - everyone has the right to speak as they feel, and I would rather people said what they thought than attack me or chase us away,' he added.

'On one occasion, we were chased into The Galleries and into the car park and attacked.

'When we report things that happen like this to the police, the response we get from the police will be that we somehow deserve it or ask for this,' he added.

'The first restrictions on me were very strict - I was not allowed to speak to or challenge an atheist, no mention of gays or abortion, and I refused to accept it.

'I told my solicitor and we engaged in legal proceedings. The police changed the restrictions, but I wanted them to apologise and acknowledge that it was too restrictive.'
The chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee has said she feels 'very sorry' for Huw Edwards and his family after the BBC newsreader resigned following allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

Britain's most famous newsreader, 62, has been off air since last July after the allegations emerged. He resigned from the corporation earlier this week on advice of his doctors.

The BBC said its star anchor, who broke the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death, left the corporation on health grounds. However, they did not mention claims that he sent more than 35,000 to a teenager in return for sexually explicit photographs.

Dame Caroline Dinenage told the Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) spring conference on Wednesday: 'The BBC are in a really difficult position over things like this because at the point that the allegations were made last summer, it was unclear as to exactly who was making the allegations and exactly what they were.'

Huw Edwards was last seen on the screen on July 5 last year when he covered King Charles' visit to Scotland (pictured)

Caroline Dineage made the comments during the Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) spring conference on Wednesday

A mocked up version of a reported Instagram message exchange between the BBC star and a teenager

'It turns out now, of course, that the way Huw Edwards was conducting himself was outside of work time, on his own equipment, and it was a consensual activity with someone who was of age, so actually nothing, as much as it may be distasteful to some, it was nothing illegal happened and he's entitled to a private life.'

Ms Dineage, who is also the Conservative MP for Gosport, added: 'I feel very sorry for him and I feel particularly sorry for his family.

'Whether there's anything more that the BBC could have done to have changed that, I don't know.

'But it's horrible. It feels fundamentally wrong that someone's whole life has been damaged irreparably by something like that.'

Edwards had been absent from screens since the story first broke and his wife previously said he was receiving in-patient hospital care and suffering "serious mental health issues".

The family of the unnamed young person originally complained to the BBC about Edwards in May 2023, and Edwards was publicly named by his wife as the BBC presenter at the centre of the allegations in July.

In a statement released by Mr Edward's wife Vicky Flind last year, she said that he was receiving in-patient hospital care following the claims first reported in The Sun that he paid a teenager for explicit photographs

Scotland Yard investigated the allegations but later dropped their probe, saying that no criminal offence had taken place.

He was the BBC's highest-paid newsreader, with a pay bracket of 435,000-439,999 in the year 2022/2023, according to the corporation's most recent annual report.

During his career with the broadcaster, Edwards also became a fixture for their coverage of major political events including the general election as well as anchoring the BBC's broadcast of the King's coronation last year.

In February, the BBC apologised to the young person's family, who'd complained about Edwards two months before he was suspended.

In a statement at the time, the corporation acknowledged that there had been 'shortcomings' in the way it had dealt with the case as it reviewed its complaints procedures.

Huw was named by his own wife as the BBC star - minutes after Scotland Yard dropped their probe into the allegations last year.

There had been a frenzy of speculation about the identity of the star. Gary Lineker and Jeremy Vine had felt obliged to deny that they were the man in question.

Vicky Flind then issued the shock statement and revealed her husband was 'suffering from serious mental health issues' following the claims that emerged in The Sun the following day.

Full timeline of Huw Edwards' explicit photos scandal and BBC resignation

April 2023

Police were contacted but 'no criminality was identified'.

May 18, 2023

A family member of the young person, who was 17 at the time, made an in-person complaint about the behaviour of a BBC presenter.

May 19, 2023

A complainant contacted the BBC in a 29-minute call to the BBC's audience services team, and the details were referred to the Corporate Investigations Team.

The family member reportedly asked the broadcaster to stop sending their family member cash.

The Corporate Investigations Team decided the complaint didn't include an allegation of criminality, but merited more investigation.

The investigators email the complainant to get more information but they get no response.

The star anchor's prestigious career involved breaking the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death and both Prince William and Prince Harry 's weddings. Pictured with Justin Welby on May 6, 2023

Huw Edwards attends an exclusive breakfast in March 2019

June 6, 2023

After getting no reply to the email, the Corporate Investigations Team tries to call the complainant but the call does not connect.

However, the Sun reported later that the family said no one from the corporation phoned them for a proper interview after they complained.

The BBC said no more attempts to contact the family were made after this date, but that the case 'remained open'.

July 5, 2023

Huw Edwards is seen for the last time on the BBC as he covered King Charles' visit to Scotland.

July 6, 2023

The Sun informs BBC Press Office about allegations against the star presenter.

The BBC launches an 'incident management group' of top executives after becoming aware of new allegations 'of a different nature' against the presenter.

It is the first time Mr Davie or any executive directors were made aware of the case, according to the BBC.

A senior manager holds the first conversation with the presenter concerned.

It is agreed he should not appear on air while the allegations are investigated.

Huw Edwards was last seen on the screen on July 5 last year when he covered King Charles' visit to Scotland (pictured)

The BBC was under-pressure after the allegation were made public by The Sun on July 7

July 7, 2023

The Sun published its exclusive which alleged that a BBC presenter, unnamed at the time, paid a total of 35,000 for sexual content to someone beginning when they were 17.

But a lawyer acting on behalf of the young person told The Sun that evening there was 'no truth' to the claims.

The BBC said it would investigate and it made contact with the Metropolitan Police.

July 8, 2023

The complainant sends the BBC 'materials related to the complaint'.

There is a frenzy of speculation about the identity of the star. Gary Lineker, Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Nicky Campbell all feel obliged to deny that they were the man in question.

Edwards, who was born in Bridgend and brought up in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, joined the BBC as a trainee in 1984. Pictured on the six o'clock news in 1999

The broadcaster announced that the Queen had died in September 2022

July 9, 2023

The BBC confirms that a male presenter has been suspended from all duties.

The Sun reports that the presenter allegedly made two phone calls to the young person and pleaded with them to call their mother to stop the investigation.

July 10, 2023

BBC representatives and Metropolitan Police detectives meet in the morning to discover if any crimes have been committed.

The young person claims through a lawyer that the allegations are 'rubbish'.

In response, the Sun said it had 'reported a story about two very concerned parents who made a complaint to the BBC about the behaviour of a presenter and the welfare of their child'.

The parents stood by their account to the Sun and the stepfather was quoted in a story saying the allegations were originally put the the BBC 'for an hour'.

July 11, 2023

Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie defends the delay in speaking to the BBC presenter.

But the BBC admits there were 'lessons to be learned' prompting a boss to assess the protocols.

In the afternoon, new claims emerged from the BBC that the presenter sent threatening messages to a second young person.

It is claimed they met on a dating app, before the conversation moved to other platforms where the presenter revealed his identity.

He then allegedly sent a number of 'threatening messages' to the youngster, which the BBC has seen.

The Sun reported the star is also accused of breaking lockdown rules to meet a 23-year-old stranger from a dating site.

Tim Davie spoke on BBC Radio 4 on July 11 about the scandal were he defended the delay in speaking to the BBC presenter

Mr Edwards enjoys a coffee and a pastry with his dog in April 2023 near his south London home

Edwards pictured in 1999. He would go on to become one of the BBC's highest-paid stars

July 12, 2023

Huw Edwards is revealed as the BBC presented by his wife Vicky Flind.

She said he was 'suffering from serious mental health issues'.

The bombshell revelation came just moments after the police said they were 'taking no further action' in the case.

But BBC boss Mr Davie sent an email to staff informing them that an internal investigation would continue even though police were no longer involved.

The BBC reported fresh allegations from two current junior members of staff and one former member of staff who claim they were sent messages that made them uncomfortable.

July 12, 2023

Mr Davie asked for a second review of the BBC's complaints protocols after it was revealed the family were only contacted twice by the corporation - despite the seriousness of the allegations.

February 27, 2024

The BBC apologised to the young person's family, who'd complained about Edwards two months before he was suspended.

An independent report by Deloitte is published into the BBC's complaints handling procedure.

The publicly-funded broadcaster acknowledged that there had been 'shortcomings' in the way it had dealt with the case as it reviewed its complaints procedures.

April, 2024

Edwards took sanctuary in his beloved Wales and was being comforted in Carmarthenshire by his mother Aerona.

The 62-year-old newsreader has taken sanctuary in his beloved Wales and is being comforted in Carmarthenshire by his mother Aerona (pictured)

Mr Edwards is understood to be close with his mother. Pictured together in April 2023

April 22, 2024

Huw Edwards resigns from the BBC.

Broadcasting executive Stewart Purvis CBE said there is 'relief across the BBC' that the 'extraordinarily damaging saga' has been resolved.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Now-resigned Huw Edwards among three BBC presenters who racked up six-figure sums from outside speaking engagements since 2021 Advertisement

He added that Edwards having 'walked from the BBC' will be viewed as 'quite a successful outcome' for the corporation.

Edwards has never publicly commented in the nine months since he was suspended.

MailOnline understands he received no pay off from the BBC - but had been paid his 439,000-a-year salary while he was suspended. He was the fourth highest-paid star on the 2022/23 list.

What happens next?

Although Edwards left with immediate effect - it is not known if the BBC's internal workplace investigation into whether he brought the broadcaster into disrepute was completed.

On the evening of April 22, the family of the young person vowed 'this is not the end' as they declared they will keep fighting for answers despite star's resignation.

Meanwhile Clive Myrie, 59, has been tipped as the news presenter who could front the BBC's election coverage and succeed Edwards as the News at Ten anchor.

Sophie Raworth, Laura Kuenssberg and Nick Robinson are also in contention to host the upcoming election night.
A popular dissident Iranian rapper has been sentenced to death for supporting protests over the death of a woman arrested for wearing an 'improper' hijab.

Toomaj Salehi, 33, will be hanged for charges linked to a period of nationwide unrest following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022, Salehi's lawyer told Iranian newspaper Sharq on Wednesday.

In public statements, Salehi had vocalised support for the wave of 'Women, Life, Freedom' demonstrations, leading to his arrest in October 2022.

He also released songs criticising the Iranian regime and demanding greater liberties and women's rights. Salehi had posted pictures of himself attending some of the protests in support of Iranian-Kurd Mahsa Amini.

Amini died in September 2022 after being arrested for allegedly violating strict hijab rules. Demonstrations since have led to thousands of arrests, as well as reports of torture and death at the hands of the Iranian state.

Salehi was arrested in 2022 over his public statements and music supporting demonstrations

Mahsa Amini, 22, poses in an undated photo. She died in police custody in September 2022

Iranians protests the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the morality police, October 27. 2022

People gathering next to a burning motorcycle in the capital Tehran on October 8, 2022 amid a wave of unrest triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody a month prior

Following his 2022 arrest, Salehi was sentenced last year to six years and three months in prison for 'corruption on Earth', but avoided a death sentence due to a Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme Court found 'flaws in the original sentence' and returned the case to a lower court for re-examination.

'Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of (the central city of) Isfahan in an unprecedented move, did not enforce the Supreme Court's ruling ... and sentenced Salehi to the harshest punishment,' his lawyer Amir Raisian told Sharq.

The Revolutionary Court had accused Salehi of 'assistance in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system and calling for riots',Raisian said.

Iranian judiciary has not confirmed the sentence yet. Salehi has 20 days to appeal the ruling.

'We will definitely appeal this verdict,' his lawyer said.

Salehi has since alleged torture in prison, according to Iran Wire.

The rapper refuted the accusations against him during the trial in March, according to Raisian.

The rapper's page on Twitter/X, managed by his relatives, said at the time the only just verdict would be his full 'acquittal and release'.

'There was no legal and justified citation,' they claimed.

In a social media post prior to his arrest, Salehi wrote: 'You should know that I am not afraid of death, imprisonment, and torture.

'What I fear is to see women sell their bodies out of want and shut my mouth.

'I am afraid of watching people bend into the trash bin up to their waist [to find food] but remain silent; to see you beat a worker and stay quiet; to witness your killing of a protester and torturing of his justice-seeking family, and shut up There's a sea of blood between you and me.'

Salehi was first arrested in September 2021 after his songs about corruption, poverty, executions and violence against protestors went viral.

Protesters hold flags and posters of Iranian hip-hop artist Toomaj Salehi following his arrest in 2021

Salehi refuted the accusations against him during the trial in March, according to his lawyer

A demonstrator raises his arms and makes the victory sign during a protest for Mahsa Amini, in Tehran on September 19, 2022

Demonstrations around the world broke upon news of the death of Mahsa Amini (Buenos Aires pictured in September 2022)

A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration on Istiklal avenue in Istanbul on September 20, 2022

Amnesty International was among many rights groups calling for his release at the time.

'Iran's authorities must immediately and unconditionally release #TomajSalehi, a dissident rap artist detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

'In his songs, he spoke out against repression, corruption, poverty and impunity & called for accountability,' a statement read.

Protests against the Iranian regime have intensified since the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022.

22-year-old Amini had recently been admitted to university and planned to become a lawyer when she was detained by police for improper wearing of a headscarf.

She fell into a coma after her arrest and died in suspicious circumstances in hospital in Tehran on 16 September 2022.

The Islamic Republic's officials told media that Amini suffered a heart attack while detained by 'morality police', denying reports she had been beaten.

Leaked medical scans and assertions of police brutality led observers to believe she had died at the hands of the police.

Iran witnessed its largest protests since at least 2009 in response to her death, amid a clash between a state tending towards stricter observation of inferred religious law and a more liberal Iranian community.

Iranian demonstrators taking to the streets of the capital Tehran on September 21, 2022

People take part in a protest in Trafalgar Square after marching through London on the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amin, on September 13, 2023 in London, England

Iranian 'morality police' have since launched sporadic campaigns to verbally or violently arrest and 're-educate' women found in breach of regulations in response to changing dress codes and norms.

The mandatory wearing of the hijab was introduced by supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini on 7 March 1979, immediately after the Islamic Revolution.

The nation also adopted its 'morality police' around this time to regulate behaviour after a period of secularisation through the mid-20th century.

In the year to March 2014 - the last with data available - patrols stopped nearly three million women for not wearing their hijab in line with regulations.

In 2020, Amnesty International reported the horrors of Iranian interrogation tactics, which included pepper spraying genitals, pulling finger nails and stringing up prisoners in agonising positions.

Nine men have been executed in protest-related cases involving killing and other violence against Iranian security forces, according to The New Arab.
Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer say their thoughts 'are with those affected' following the Ammanford school stabbing that left three people injured.

A person has been arrested after a 'horrifying incident' at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

The school is on 'code red' with unconfirmed reports a stabbing took place this morning, injuring three people, with one thought to be a teacher.

Upon hearing the news, the Prime Minister expressed his 'shock' and thanked emergency services as he said his thoughts are with all those affected.

Labour leader Sir Keir described the incident as 'awful news', adding: 'My thoughts are with parents, teachers and staff at the school and all of the students. Grateful to the emergency services who are responding.'

The incident is said to have involved two girls before two staff intervened, a senior educational professional, who does not work at the school, told Wales Online.

It is thought a teacher is one of those injured, but this is yet to be confirmed, who was flown by air ambulance 70 miles to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the emergency situation and warned people who had shared footage on social media to remove it 'to avoid contempt of court and distressing those affected'.

A person has been arrested after three people were left injured following a 'major incident' at a Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school in Carmarthenshire. A large police and ambulance presence can be seen

More than 10 police cars and two air ambulance helicopters were sent to the school following the incident

Crowds of parents are seen waiting outside the school gates watching as emergency workers attend the incident

Councillor Karen Davies, a governor at the school, believed a stabbing had taken place and that two staff members were hurt.

The school is currently under 'code red' and pupils have been put in the canteen in order to preserve the crime scene.

One worried parent said officers would be speaking to classrooms individually before lifting the lockdown.

Hundreds of worried parents crowded outside the school gates amid earlier unconfirmed reports claimed there had been a knifing at the school, with classrooms being put in 'lockdown'.

Carmarthenshire County Council moved to reassured parents to say the incident 'has been contained' and that family members of the injured had been informed.

Teaching union the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru described it as a 'horrifying incident'.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and First Minister Vaughan Gething took to X to express their shock

An ambulance can be seen outside the school with worried parents standing outside the building

Director Eithne Hughes said: While we don't know the full details of what has happened, this is clearly a horrifying incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at the school and in the wider community.'

One parent said: 'This is a quiet area and a nice school with a good community. We just can't figure out what has gone on. My daughter saw an air ambulance land outside. It is unbelievable.'

Cllr Davies told Wales Online: I have no confirmation on how serious the injuries are. I send my thoughts to those injured and all the people there. I know how well the school rehearsed lockdown and I am sure everything is under control.'

Another concerned parent Lisa Barrett said her daughter texted her saying the school had been placed under a lockdown.

She told BBC Wales: 'This is not something you expect - you drive your child to school and think they will be safe. It is good to know that the children are locked in the classrooms.'

Mrs Barrett said she had not heard anything from the school as of yet.

'I am just waiting,' she added. 'I don't know if I should go down there or not.'

Another mother waiting outside the gates, named Rebecca, told ITV Cymru Wales said the school is being kept on 'code red'.

Police speak to worried parents outside the school gates after classrooms were put in 'lockdown' following the incident

One worried parent said officers would be speaking to classrooms individually before lifting the lockdown

The school is currently under 'code red' and pupils have been put in the canteen in order to preserve the crime scene

'Obviously Ive seen the blue lights, and I know we dont blue light unless we have to and Ive seen the air ambulance leave,' she said.

'Theyre keeping the school on lockdown - code red as theyre calling it - and the police will be speaking to the classes individually, then take them to get their lunch, then take them back to their classrooms.'

Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts wrote on X that her heart 'goes out to the pupils, families and staff of the school, and to the emergency services who are responding to the situation'.

While First Minister Vaughan Gething was left 'shocked to hear news of serious incident in Rhydaman'. He wrote on X: 'A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch to first responders.'

Local councillor Rob James said: 'My thoughts are with the headteacher, teaching staff, parents and pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after today's major incident.

'I have been in contact with Carmarthenshire Council and will provide any support I can to the school during this difficult time.'

Local MP Jonathan Edwards, who is the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, expressed his concern about the incident on social media.

'Thoughts are with everyone back home and with the authorities responding,' he wrote.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the west Wales county. Pictured: Two air ambulances on the school field

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupil aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, and a former pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, said his thoughts were with the school.

Mr Price posted on social media platform X: 'As we wait for more information to be released, my thoughts, like the rest of us, are with the school's community.'

The Church of All Saints in Ammanford has opened its doors to offer help and pastoral support in response.

Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies, said: 'My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, the staff, pupils and families of all at Dyffryn Amman School.'

Dyfed-Powys Police and two air ambulances were called to the scene.

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site.

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies described the incident at a school 'extremely concerning'.

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in the west Wales county

'Schools should be a place of safety, learning and discovery, ' he said. 'It is deeply sad and distressing that today teachers and pupils have had that safety shattered by a violent incident.

'My thoughts are with all staff and pupils at the school, and we thank the emergency services for their work.'

Formers pupils include ex-Wales and British Lions rugby star Shane Williams and former MP Adam Price.

A spokesperson for the local police force said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police is dealing with an incident at Amman Valley School. Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment.

'One person has been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident. Emergency services remain at scene and the school has been closed while investigations continue.

'We are working closely with the school and Carmarthenshire County Council. We are aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media. We would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected. We would ask the people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.'

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called shortly after 11.15am to an incident on Margaret Street in Ammanford.

'We sent four emergency ambulances and the hazardous area response team to the scene, where crews were supported by two Cymru high acuity response unit paramedics and an operational manager.

'Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in two Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters.'
By Kim Se-jeong

Taebaek, a six-year-old male Siberian tiger beloved by visitors to Seoul Grand Park's zoo, died last weekend after months of deteriorating health, according to the zoo.

Siberian tigers are classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources's Red List.

"Since February, Taebaek's condition deteriorated. His appetite decreased drastically, as did his physical movement. On April 15th, it was decided to proceed with treatment and a health assessment under general anesthesia. Through imaging and hematological analysis, it was confirmed that Taebaek's bile duct system and liver function were severely impaired, requiring medication and intravenous treatment," said the zoo in a statement, adding that despite treatment efforts, the tiger's condition did not improve much.

Following Taebaek's death, the zoo conducted an autopsy and is in consultation with experts to determine the exact cause of death.

Taebaek's death marked the fourth death of a Siberian tiger at the zoo in the last 12 months. Two months ago, on Feb. 26th, a 19-year-old female Siberian tiger named Areum died. Although the exact cause of death has not been determined, it is believed to be due to old age, as tigers that live in captivity typically live for 15 to 20 years on average.

In May and August of last year, a female named Parang  a year old  and a male named Suho  10 years old  died successively. Parang, born in April 2022, succumbed to feline panleukopenia, an acute viral disease common in felids. Suho was found to have heart disease and had experienced heat stroke.

The zoo set up a memorial space for Taebaek, which will stay open until Sunday.
A staff member was 'slashed across the neck' earlier today, witnesses said

A teacher who was allegedly stabbed alongside her colleague and a pupil by a teenage schoolgirl has been named as the school's head of year seven.

Drama and Welsh teacher Fiona Elias was revealed to be among the three being treated for non-life threatening injuries after the ordeal this morning.

Police have arrested a teenage girl on suspicion of attempted murder after she allegedly stabbed the two teachers and a young pupil with a butterfly knife.

The 1800-pupil school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was put in lockdown and a 'Code Red' was announced over the speaker system - with children told to shut themselves inside classrooms and keep their heads down until police arrived.

A video taken by a pupil in the playground was posted on social media, showing what appeared to be a stabbing take place before the suspect was overpowered by a male member of staff.

Jonathan Edwards, the Independent MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said the teachers were stabbed while intervening when a pupil was attacked.

'There has been a stabbing of one of the students, and then teachers have tried to intervene and unfortunately also some of the teachers have been stabbed,' he told Channel 5 News.

Drama and Welsh teacher Fiona Elias was revealed to be among the three being treated for non-life threatening injuries after the incident this morning

A teacher is among three people injured after a horror knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman secondary school in south Wales, police revealed today

The staff member at the school, also known as Amman Valley School, was allegedly 'slashed across the neck' in the knife attack shortly after 11.15am

Emergency services including police and two air ambulances raced to the school this morning following reports of a 'major incident'

An aerial view of the scene following the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Aman valley School) stabbing

Teacher Darrel Campbell (pictured) is said to have intervened to wrestle the butterfly knife from the teenage girl

A Year Nine pupil was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken away in handcuffs for questioning, it is understood.

Both teachers were airlifted to hospital following what police called a 'multiple stabbing' at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Aman valley School).

The injuries suffered by the two teachers and the pupil are not life-threatening, Dyfed-Powys Police said.

Eye-witnesses said one was slashed across the throat with a butterfly knife and six paramedics carried her into a helicopter on the school playing field.

Grandmother Maria Davies, 50, said: 'She didn't look very good - there were medics all around her. We are all just praying she pulls through.

'Not long after I saw the schoolgirl in handcuffs being taken into a police car.'

Mrs Davies was among hundreds of worried parents who dashed to the school gates after video of the stabbings was posted on social media.

Dyfed-Powys Police later reassured them saying an arrest had been made and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

A young student who jumped the school fence to escape said: 'It was at the end of the morning break when I heard Code Red being called over the speakers.

'I've never heard one before but I knew what it meant.

'You're supposed to run to a classroom but I was closer to the school fence so me and a few other boys jumped it.'

Some pupils hid in cupboards where they messaged their parents to let them know what was happening inside the bilingual school.

But most were kept inside locked classrooms and told to keep their head down until the danger had passed.

The shocking aftermath of the stabbing was caught on video, in which one boy could be heart shouting: 'That girl's got stabbed.'

The video appears to show two girls on the ground in an outside area before one is pulled away by staff.

One boy can be heard saying: 'What the f***, what the f***?' before a teacher orders the students to 'get to class now'.

A male pupil said: 'It was horrible, there was blood all over the ground but I didn't panic.

The school is currently under 'code red' and pupils have been put in the canteen in order to preserve the crime scene

Police and worried parents waiting at the school gates of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School after a multiple stabbing this afternoon

The school was placed on 'code red' and students were not released from lockdown until officers had spoken to classrooms individually, one parent said

One parent said: 'This is a quiet area and a nice school with a good community. We just can't figure out what has gone on'

'Both teachers were badly hurt but one was stabbed in the neck. She is one of the best teachers here, everybody likes her.'

Hundreds of parents arrived at the school gates after hearing about the stabbing on social media.

Superintendent Ross Evans, Carmarthenshire Commander, said: 'Just after 11.20am this morning we received a call advising us of an incident at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire.

'Emergency services immediately attended and the school was locked down for the safety of all on the premises.

'Three people - two teachers and a teenage pupil - have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The family members of all those injured have been informed.

'A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.

'I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.

'We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.

'This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.

'I am aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media and would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected.

'I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.

'We are working with the school, Carmarthenshire County Council, and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.

Parents waiting outside the school gates waiting outside before they tearfully embraced their sons and daughters when they were released at about 3.20pm

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the west Wales county. Pictured: Two air ambulances on the school field

'Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.'

Councillor Karen Davies, a governor at the school, told WalesOnline she was told that two members of staff had sustained stab wounds.

'It is shocking. You hear about these things happening in Manchester and London but it is literally our comprehensive here,' she said.

One parent, Charlotte Rogers, who waited for her daughter to be released from the school, said she had been told that three people were stabbed.

Referring to her daughter, Ms Rogers added: 'She said she was scared. She's a tough cookie so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe. This shouldn't have happened.'

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, who attended the school between 1980 and 1987, described the incident as a 'bolt from the blue'.

He said there would be lessons to learn to minimise the chances of such an incident happening again.

Mr Price added: 'It is my home town, my school, and it is an excellent school in a really close-knit community. So a knife attack like this is not something you associate with our community.

'It was my only secondary school and it is a school that is right at the heart of the community. It is a very big secondary school, a very big comprehensive, and it has a very strong ethos and history going back over 100 years.'

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupil aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in the west Wales county

Teaching unions have warned that pupil behaviour and violence in schools has worsened in recent years.

Mair Wyn, who has been a governor at Amman Valley School for 34 years, said 'times have changed' and 'a teacher's job is very dangerous'.

She said: 'You looked up to a teacher in my time, you were afraid of a teacher. But I think every school is under danger really when you think about it, you don't know what's around the corner.'

Police put all pupils in the school's canteen as they try to preserve the classroom and surrounding areas as a crime scene.

Children were hugged by their parents after being let out of school at 3.30pm, the usual time.

It is understood both women teachers were flown by air ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales, 70 miles from Ammanford.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: 'Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment.

'One person has been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

'Emergency services remain at the scene and the school has been closed while investigations continue.

'We are working closely with the school and Carmarthenshire County Council. We are aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media.

'We would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected. We would ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.'
Angela Rayner raised eyebrows today as she claimed there has been more strikes 'than at any time before' under the current Tory government.

Labour's under-pressure deputy leader made the remark as she kicked off Deputy Prime Ministers Questions in the Commons this afternoon.

It came as her Tory opposite number Oliver Dowden accused Labour of wanting to 'repeal every single Conservative trade union law' within 100 days of winning the next election, paving the way for 'French-style wildcat strikes.'

She responded to the claim by saying: We have had more strikes under this Governments watch than at any time before.'

Ms Rayner's bare statement is true, but it does not tell the whole story. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that at the peak in March 2023 there were almost 700 stoppages taking place across the UK.

This was almost twice the next highest total in the summer of 1970 and the highest since records began in 1931.

However, when you compare this to the actual impact of strikes, it fades into insignificance compared to historical strike action.

ONS data shows that by far the most number of working days lost to action took place during the General Strike in 1926, followed by the aftermath of the First World War.

More recently there were fare more working days lost during the Labour government of Ian Callaghan in the late 1970s, including the 1979 Winter of Discontent, followed by 1984, when margaret thatcher was in charge for the Miner's Strike.

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Labour's under-pressure deputy leader made the remark as she kicked off Deputy Prime Ministers Questions in the Commons this afternoon.

ONS data shows that by far the most number of working days lost to industrial action took place during the General Strike in 1926, followed by the aftermath of the First World War.

More recently there were fare more working days lost during the Labour government of Ian Callaghan in the late 1970s, including the 1979 Winter of Discontent, followed by 1984, when Margaret Thatcher was in charge for the Miner's Strike (pictured).

Ms Rayner mocked Rishi Sunak's height today as she came under pressure over her historic housing arrangements at Deputy Prime Minister's Questions.

The Labour deputy leader lashed out as she faced jibes from Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and other Tory MPs in the Commons, as they stood in for Mr Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.

Ms Rayner is being investigated by Greater Manchester Police over whether she correctly registered to vote at her main home almost a decade ago, amid claims that she lived elsewhere with her husband.

She tackled the subject head-on at the start of DPMQs, using it as a way to attack the government over leasehold reform.

But she later went on the offensive with an attack on the PM, who is in Germany holding talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Referencing Mr Sunak's resignation in 2022 which is seen as having precipitated the end of Boris Johnson's premiership, she said the Tories had swapped 'their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser'.

Mr Dowden countered the jibes by suggesting the 'right honourable landlady' should step down, adding the Labour MP might start claiming the House of Commons as her principal residence if the pair were required to deputise again at Prime Minister's Questions.

The PM is in Germany holding talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and to meet UK soldiers based in the country (pictured)

Mr Dowden replied: 'To begin with it, is a pleasure to have another exchange with (Ms Rayner) in this House, our fifth in 12 months, anymore of these and she'll be claiming it as her principal residence.'

With Mr Sunak in Berlin, Ms Rayner and Deputy Prime Minister Mr Dowden took centre stage in the Commons on Wednesday.

But Ms Rayner pre-empted an attack line against her and opened the session by saying: 'I know this party opposite is desperate to talk about my living arrangements, but the public want to know what this Government is going to do about theirs.'

She raised the case of a Brighton woman served with two no-fault eviction notices in 18 months, adding: 'She joins nearly a million families at risk of homelessness due to his party's failure to ban this cruel practice.

'Now instead of obsessing over my house, when will he get a grip and show the same obsession with ending no-fault evictions?'

Mr Dowden replied: 'To begin with, it is a pleasure to have another exchange with (Ms Rayner) in this House, our fifth in 12 months, anymore of these and she'll be claiming it as her principal residence.'
A 56-year-old man appeared in court today charged with kidnap, spiking and sexual assault after a nine-year-old girl was 'snatched' from outside Harrods while shopping with her parents.

Robert Prussak, of no fixed abode, was charged with a number of offences after the incident near the famous London department store on Monday.

He appeared in court charged with kidnap, two counts of sexual assault on a female under 13 years old, administering a substance with intention of stupefying or overpowering to enable sexual activity and committing an offence with the intent to commit a sexual offence.

Police said they were called to Brompton Road just at 2.44pm on Monday to reports of a missing child.

A man, 56, has today appeared in court charged with kidnap, spiking and sexual assault after a nine-year-old girl was 'snatched' from outside Harrods while shopping with her parents

An image of the child in the company of a man, taken from CCTV, was circulated to officers and the suspect was stopped three hours later in Old Court Place at 5.40pm.

Prussak was remanded in custody and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.

He was further remanded to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on May 22.

The Met said the child and her family are being supported by specialist officers.

A spokesperson for Harrods said: 'We supported the Metropolitan police with an incident outside Harrods that has now thankfully been resolved.

'We cannot comment any further on the details as it is a police matter, but are thankful the Met Polices swift actions led to this safe resolution.'
Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary today said he would 'happily' put on deportation flights to Rwanda if he had the available aircraft - as speculation continues about which airline ministers will be using.

The outspoken Irishman weighed into the controversy during an interview in London today - shrugging off warnings from the United Nations that companies involved in the scheme could be held responsible for any violations of international law.

Mr O'Leary said the UK Government had not approached Ryanair about the flights but insisted he would have no qualms about taking part.

'If it was the winter schedule and we had spare aircraft sitting around and if the government were looking for additional deportation flights or any other flights, we would happily quote for the business,' he told Bloomberg.

Rishi Sunak has said it will be '10 to 12 weeks' before the first plane carrying asylum seekers takes off on a one-way trip to Rwanda .

Michael O'Leary said today he would 'happily' put on deportation flights to Rwanda if he had the available aircraft

The Prime Minister promised 'multiple flights a month through the summer and beyond' and said an airfield was on standby with charter planes booked 'for specific slots'.

Although his Rwanda law finally passed through Parliament on Monday, finding an airline to operate the flights has been a major practical challenge - with the negative publicity around the scheme making it toxic for mainstream carriers.

Instead, ministers have been forced to turn to lesser known charter operators, but these have also faced intense lobbying from human rights groups seeking to scare them off.

Aviation expert Julian Bray said operating deportation flights carried many risks for airlines, comparing the scenario to 1997 film Con Air - where a US Ranger finds himself trapped in a prisoner transport plane when the passengers seize control.

He told MailOnline: 'You're taking a number of people who really don't want to go to the destination, so they will be under some form of security or restraint. That poses difficulties in itself.

'There will also need to be spaces for security staff, and because it's a long flight as well so you will need onboard catering.

'Overall, its fraught with problems - many of which have probably not been thought through.

'And of course there's also a commercial risk, because if a passenger airline is associated with the Rwanda flights there will be an awful lot of cancellations from people.'

Below, MailOnline runs through the airlines that have already been linked with the scheme - and reveals which one is currently considered the most likely candidate.

Privilege Style - Hired for Rwanda deportation flights in June 2022

Privilege Style is based in Mallorca and says its VIP customers include major Spanish companies and La Liga teams.

It has also operated deportation flights for various EU countries and in December 2020 allegedly helped remove a group of people from the UK to Jamaica.

Privilege Style was due to deport people to Rwanda in June 2022 before the flight was grounded at the last minute after intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.

The first Rwanda deportation flight on the runway before it was grounded by judges in June 2022. It was operated by UK firm Privilege Style

The first flight in June was halted following an 11th hour intervention from the European Court of Human Rights

The Mallorca based airline had faced calls and public demonstrations urging it to abandon the arrangement and later confirmed it would not put on any more flights.

In a statement the operator said: 'It's important for us to clarify that we will never operate the flight to Rwanda since the one scheduled in June 2022, the reason for this controversy, was suspended and never flew; that we won't operate flights to Rwanda in the future.'

Freedom from Torture, which led the campaign, said it had received a letter from the airline detailing the decision in which it also asked the charity to now cease 'actions against our brand'.

British ministers may have hoped to find an ally in Rwanda's state airline, which is wholly owned by the Rwandan government.

The east African nation's flag carrier, RwandAir, was approached by British ministers last year, but it declined to take part because of potential damage to their 'brand'.

The same concerns about publicity make it all but certain that other commercial airlines are also off limits.

'RwandAir said ''No' because of the potential damage to their brand,' a Home Office insider told the FT, pointing out the 'irony' of the flag carrier distancing itself from a scheme that Rwanda's government has said it is 'proud' to be a part of.

Rwanda 's state airline RwandAir turned down an offer from the UK Government to operate removals flights due to concerns about its 'brand'

Titan Airways - UK airline that operates PM's RAF Voyager

Based at Stansted Airport, Titan Airways is a charter airline that specialises in leasing planes to other airlines or carrying out charter services for tour operators, companies and governments.

It's highest profile job is operating the Union flag liveried RAF Voyager that is used by the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family for foreign trips.

The company, which has around 12 aircraft, has carried out repatriation flights for the Foreign Office and, for two years, operated the South Atlantic Air Bridge to the Falkland Islands.

Titan Airways operates the Union flag liveried RAF Voyager that is used by the Prime Minister for foreign trips. It is seen here being refuelled mid-air in 2021

Titan Airways is also contracted by the Home Office to carry out deportations, including in March 2017 when one of these flights was stopped by a group of human rights activists known as the Stansted 15.

The group cut through the Essex airport's perimeter fence in March 2017 and took smiling selfies as they locked themselves together around the Boeing 767.

They were prosecuted under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act, but had their convictions overturned by Court of Appeal judges who agreed the legislation was intended for terrorists rather than protesters.

Titan Airways took to X in 2022 to deny it planned to operate deportation flights to Rwanda

Titan Airways is one of several charter airlines to have come under pressure to clarify its stance on operating flights to Rwanda by the charity Freedom from Torture.

Taking to Twitter in June 2022, it wrote: 'Many people have expressed concern that Titan Airways may operate flights to Rwanda. Whilst we do not generally comment on our operations we can confirm we are not involved in the flights to Rwanda.'

AirTanker - the leading candidate

Founded in 2007, AirTanker is a British company with a fleet of 14 Airbus A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport aircraft.

The firm mainly works for the UK Government, and in 2008 agreed a 27-year contract to operate its tankers on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. The planes are known as Voyagers while in RAF service.

The contract is believed to be worth some 400million a year, and in 2018 became embroiled in controversy after it emerged some of the aircraft were being used by Thomas Cook and Jet2 because the RAF had no use for them.

AirTanker was one of the carriers approached by Freedom from Torture after the first Rwanda flight was grounded in 2022.

AirTanker has a 27-year contract to operate its Airbus A330 MRTTs, known as RAF Voyagers - on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Pictured is a group of soldiers, including Prince Harry, returning from Afghanistan on an RAF Voyager in 2013

It said in January 2023: 'We are aware of the many reports in circulation and can confirm that AirTanker has no intention of operating deportation flights to Rwanda.'

However, reports this month suggested ministers were still hoping to use AirTanker aircraft by activating a clause in its contract that allows the Ministry of Defence to repurpose the aircraft for 'specialist tasks'.

Downing Street has drawn up plans to activate the clause for Rwanda deportation flights, The Times reported. The company has its own pilots and cabin crew, although RAF personnel could also be used.

AirTanker has been the focus of an aggressive publicity campaign by human rights groups for several weeks, but as yet has not responded to any requests for comment.

Freedom from Torture said its activists have repeatedly tried to contact the company about its potential involvement but has been met with silence. An open letter it wrote to the charity received more than 28,000 signatures.

When asked if the government has an airline in place on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell said: 'We have robust operational arrangements in place.'

AirTanker has been the focus of a publicity campaign by human rights groups for several weeks. Pictured is a Tweet from Freedom from Torture

He said the prime minister would set out how the operation would work in greater detail at a press conference later that morning, but Sunak was still scarce on details when asked.

'I can confirm that we've put an airfield on standby, booked commercial charter planes for specific slots and we have 500 highly trained individuals ready to escort illegal migrants all the way to Rwanda, with 300 more trained in the coming weeks,' he told reporters.

When asked about the number of people who would be taken away and any airlines involved, he said he wouldn't go into detail due to a loud minority of people who will do absolutely anything and everything to disrupt this policy from succeeding'.

He said there will be a 'regular rhythm' of 'multiple flights a month through the summer and beyond'.

MailOnline contacted AirTanker for comment.
An online shoe shop has been slammed for selling footwear named after leading Nazis and Joseph Stalin.

India-based firm Luxoro Formello, which has more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, was selling the shoes for 115.

One design was named after Karl Donitz, the Nazi navy chief who briefly succeeded Adolf Hitler as leader of Germany after the dictator's suicide in May 1945.

Another was named in honour of German Second World War general Erwin Rommel - who was nicknamed the 'Desert Fox' - and billed as having 'peerlessly refined overtones'.

A third design named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was described as having an 'appealingly pared-back design'.

The listings were spotted by American historian Dr Waitman Wade Beorn who posted images of them on X.

He asked, 'what the hell is going on here?' and joked: 'Slip on these stylish loafers as you slip out of the Fuhrerbunker with your Nazi pals.'

An online shoe shop has been slammed for selling footwear named after leading Nazis and Joseph Stalin. Above: One design was named after Karl Donitz, the Nazi navy chief who briefly succeeded Adolf Hitler as leader of Germany after the dictator's suicide in May 1945

India-based firm Luxoro Formello, which has more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, was selling the shoes for 115

The firm's owner told MailOnline this afternoon that they took 'immediate action' after being 'made aware' of the names 'associated with controversial historical figures'.

They also insisted that they are committed to 'inclusivity, respect and neutrality'.

Following the backlash on social media, the names of the designs were altered earlier today.

A pair of loafers named after Martin Bormann, who was Hitler's powerful private secretary, is advertised as giving an 'elegant option for any closet'.

There was also a pair of shoes for sale that were named after the Royal Air Force's wartime Bomber Command chief Arthur Harris, who helped direct the deadly bombing of the German city of Dresden.

They were billed as an 'elegant tapered design for a piece of footwear with a gentlemanly soul'.

On their website, Luxuro Formello say their founder Arsh Chhatwal was inspired to start the firm after 'one of his trips to Europe's Iberian Peninsula and Milan.'

They add: 'Luxoro Formello has Spain's rich heritage reinforced by timeless qualities of craftsmanship, service and style dedicated at providing you meticulously handcrafted pair of fine leather shoes.'

Another was named in honour of German Second World War general Erwin Rommel - who was nicknamed the 'Desert Fox' - and billed as having 'peerlessly refined overtones'

A pair of shoes named after Nazi general Heinz Guderian that were for sale on the website of Luxoro Formello

There was also a pair of shoes for sale that were named after the Royal Air Force's wartime Bomber Command chief Arthur Harris, who helped direct the deadly bombing of the German city of Dresden

Owner Jagjot Singh Chhatwal told MailOnline: 'Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the recent content on our website.

'We acknowledge the concerns raised and want to assure you and your readers that Luxoro Formello Shoes is committed to maintaining a brand image that reflects inclusivity, respect, and neutrality.

'Upon being made aware of the use of names associated with controversial historical figures on our website, we took immediate action to rectify the situation. We have since removed and replaced those names with neutral and non-controversial alternatives.

'At Luxoro Formello Shoes, we deeply value diversity and understand the importance of being sensitive to all individuals and communities. It is not our intention to endorse or condone any particular ideology or belief system.

'We appreciate your attention to this matter and welcome any further inquiries you may have.'
As cicadas worm their way up through soil across the U.S., residents from a county in South Carolina began calling the police off the hook to report hearing a 'noise in the air that sounds like a siren, or a whine, or a roar.'

Presumably to stop the flood of 911 calls, the Newberry County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook Tuesday to tell people the sounds they were hearing - which can sometimes be as loud as jet engines - were just male cicadas singing to attract mates after decade of dormancy beneath the ground.

'Although to some, the noise is annoying, they pose no danger to humans or pets. Unfortunately it is the sounds of nature,' the post read.

This year, two broods of cicadas are emerging, perhaps to the dismay of Americans creeped out by the sizable insects with bulging orange eyes.

Brood XIX, which comes out every 13 years, will emerge primarily in Georgia and the southeastern U.S. Brood XIII, emerging every 17 years, will appear in Illinois with a heavy concentration around Chicago.

Areas where cicada broods are expected to pop up. Source: University of Connecticut

A periodical cicada nymph is seen in Macon, Georgia, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Pictured: The same cicada nymph on a person's two fingers

Cicadas across the Southeast and Midwest will be arriving in the trillions, according to the University of Connecticut

A cicada walks through the grass on May 21, 2021, as Brood X or Brood 10 cicadas have begun emerging from the earth after 17 years, in Bloomington, Indiana

CBS News reported that cicadas are already burrowing up to the surface in southern states, like South Carolina, where it warms up faster. The high for Newberry County -where residents were flagging down deputies to ask about the cicada noise - is 76 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday.

That's a far cry from Chicago where temperatures may only pierce the mid forties today. The still-frigid air is why the upper Midwest may not have to deal with cicadas until June.

This will be the first time since 1803 that two broods converged aboveground at the same time. Given the broods' dual emergence, cicadas are set to arrive in the trillions, according to the University of Connecticut.

'Any two specific broods of different life cycles co-emerge only every 221 years,' a University of Connecticut page on cicadas said.

Illinois and Iowa are the lucky states that will primarily see the dual cicada brood emergence, along with parts of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, CBS reported.

TikToker recoils in horror as cicadas take over her patio area

Pictured: Dozens of newly emerged cicadas crawling over a patio

Molted exoskeletons of adult cicadas, now in the mating process aboveground after being dormant for years

As South Carolinians cope with the booming noise of millions, perhaps billions of cicadas, videos of the slow-moving creatures are beginning to gain traction on social media.

One TikTok creator named Sarah Weinberg, who said she lives in the southern U.S., posted several videos in the last few days of cicadas swarming her outdoor patio and gluing themselves to her grill cover.

'I hate them. I hate them. I'm so wigged out,' she said in a video where she panned around her patio.

Another video from her showed countless outer shells of cicadas littering her yard. Cicada nymphs, an immature cicada, often shed their hard exoskeleton to continue growing.

The cicadas crawling around her property, leaving their exoskeletons around and the constant loud noises they make had the TikTok user wishing for the bugs to go away.

It seems she'll have to wait three to four weeks, as that's the lifespan of periodical cicadas such as Brood XIX, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
A British holidaymaker who was mauled by a brown bear in Romania was saved by her 'thick M&S jacket', a friend has revealed.

Moira Gallacher and her fellow tourist Charmian Widdowson were driving on the Transfagarasan mountain road in Arges County on April 22 when they came across a mother bear and its cub.

The 72-year-old from West Lothian was keen to get a picture with the animals, but to her horror one leapt up and tried to get in the car as she wound down the window.

The predator clamped its jaws around her arm, with Ms Widdowson explaining to The Telegraph: 'The mummy bear was hungry, and thought my friend was going to be lunch.'

Fortunately for Ms Gallacher, her pal said, 'she was wearing a thick Marks & Spencer jacket and the poor bear got more jacket than arm.'

Moira Gallacher (pictured) was rushed to a nearby hospital and told local reporters her arm was 'sore'

After deciding she wanted to take a selfie with the bear, Ms Gallacher rolled down her car window but one of the predators had jumped onto its hind legs

The pensioner was rushed to hospital, and ultimately escaped what could have been a deadly encounter.

'I've been very, very lucky,' she said. 'The shock has set in today but everything's OK now.'

Following the attack, the police reportedly organised themselves into several teams to drive the bears away from the area.

They also advised residents and tourists to always keep a safe distance if encountering animals in the wild.

After she was injured she told local reporters: 'We were in the car and we were going to take a picture and the bears came up to the window.'

Speaking from her hospital bed, she added: 'I just wanted to take a picture of him.'

The close encounter comes after a terrifying spate of bear attacks across Europe, including the death of a runner in Italy last year.

Andrea Papi, 26, is believed to have surprised the mother and her cubs as he was running along a woodland path in the Dolomites.

In Slovakia last month, a Belarusian woman, 31, had been walking through the Low Tatras mountain range with a male companion before they were set upon by a bear.

The Scottish tourist, 72, was driving through on a mountain road in Romania when she came across two bears

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According to her male companion, he and the woman fled in different directions, into the surrounding thick forest and steep ravines.

Her body was discovered by the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service in March with the bear still nearby who was frightened off by gun shots from the rescue team.

Then just days later, a brown bear unleashed its terror as it rampaged through the Slovakian town of Liptovsky Mikulas, and attacked two people, leaving them hospitalised.

A 49-year-old woman sustained an injury to her shoulder, while a 72-year-old man was treated for a gash on his head after the pair were targeted by the beast.

A 10-year-old girl and two further adults suffered scratches and bruises, authorities said, while a couple pushing their child in a buggy were 'lucky to escape unharmed'.

The brown bear that wreaked havoc on the streets of Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia, was shot dead on March 27

Officials then declared a state of emergency and locals were urged not to leave their homes while the predator remained at large.

The brown bear was shot dead on March 27 following a 10-day drone hunt.

Bears are common across large parts of Eastern Europe in the areas surrounding the Carpathian mountains, which stretch from Romania to Poland and pass through Slovakia.

In recent years, there have been a number of bear attacks across Eastern Europe, including a fatal attack in Slovakia in 2021.

The Slovakian Environment Ministry said that together with Romania it will propose at the next EU Council of environment ministers that bears should be reclassified on the protected species list because their numbers mean they aren't endangered anymore and could be selectively culled.
A cattle rancher and her lawyer son were captured in on Tuesday after they allegedly shot and killed two elderly people at a home in the west-central Brazilian state of Mato Grosso on Sunday.

Ines Gemilaki and her son Bruno Gemilaki contacted a lawyer, who approached the Mato Grosso Civil Police and told them that they wanted to turn themselves in.

Authorities took them into custody at a family farm, 111 miles from the municipality of Peixoto de Azevedo, where they allegedly invaded the home.

Ines Gemilaki and Bruno Gemilaki were seen on video being escorted to a police station in front a group of reporters and remained quiet as they were peppered with questions.

'They gave themselves up and there was no resistance,' Civil Police chief Anna Marien said, as quoted by UOL Noticias.

A Mato Grosso Civil Police agent escorts Bruno Gemilaki moments after he and his mother turned themselves in Tuesday, two days after they allegedly shot and killed two elderly people at a home in the west-central city of Peixoto de Azevedo

Ines Gemilaki covers her head with a sweater as she is escorted to a police station on Tuesday after she and her son surrendered to authorities after allegedly killing two elderly people

The alleged shooters were identified as cattle rancher Ines Gemilaki, 48, and her son, 28-year-old emergency care doctor Bruno Gemilaki

Authorities also arrested Ines Gemilaki's husband and her son's stepfather, Marcio Goncalves, and her brother-in-law Eder Goncalves on Tuesday morning for their alleged role in the shooting. Marcio Goncalves is being investigated for driving the escape vehicle.

Ines Gemilaki and Bruno Gemilaki are accused of barging inside a residence on Sunday afternoon and killing Pilson Pereira, 80, and Rui Bolgo, 68.

Authorities said the shooting stemmed from alleged threats made by the owner of the home towards Ines Gemilaki and Bruno Gemilaki over a rental contract debt.

Father Jose Domingos was shot in the left hand and underwent surgery. He also had bullet fragments removed from his face.

Surveillance video footage showed a group of people sitting a table enjoying a game of cards when they suddenly scurried for safety. Glass from a door shattered over the ground and a smoky residue filled the air as bullets hit the wall.

Ines Gemilaki then walked inside the home and allegedly aimed her weapon at several people who were lying on the floor.

A surveillance camera mounted outside the home showed her and her son, who was holding a shotgun, allegedly firing at the residence and then running away.

Ines Gemilaki points her gun at a group of people moments after she and her son invaded a home in Peixoto de Azevedo, a city in the west-central Brazilian state of Mato Grosso

Bruno and his mother Ines were seen shopping at a gas station in the municipality of Matupa, eight miles from the home where they allegedly killed two people and wounded a priest

Bruno Gemilaki and his mother were seen shopping at a gas station in the municipality of Matupa, eight miles from the home.

'They were very scared. They brought water, soda and some (alcohol),' the gas station worker told Brazilian news outlet G1. 'There were three of them, one of whom stayed in the truck. The woman wanted him to charge quickly and said: "Charge quickly, I'm in a hurry, charge, come on, quickly, quickly, I'm in a hurry."'

Father Roberto told Brazilian news outlet G1 that Bogo and Ines Gemilaki had shared a hug on April 17 after they ran into each other at an accounting firm where Bogo was preparing his tax return. They knew each other for more than 25 years.

The priest said they were in the middle of playing a second card game when they were shot.

'I heard the bangs, Bruno shooting and shouting that it was revenge for Ines,' Father Roberto said.

'That man she shoots, Pilson, is the father-in-law of the owner of the house. He fell next to me, his blood ran down and soaked my shirt.'
His daughter called him the 'glue of the family' in an Instagram tribute

Multiple Oregon officials arrived at the scene to retrieve his body

A 69-year-old California man has died after he fell to his death while on a coastal trail in Oregon with his wife.

Richard Ehrhart and his wife Susan Kimura were hiking the Natural Bridges coastal trail in Oregon's Curry County on April 21 when the pair somehow separated.

According to Curry County Sheriff's Office, Kimura had returned back to the couple's car in the parking area without Ehrhart in sight.

But at around 2.35pm, another hiker on the trail called 911 and said he had seen a body that appeared to be deceased on the rocks below the trail.

Richard Ehrhart, 69, was found dead 300 feet below the Natural Bridges coastal trail in Oregon's Curry County

According to Curry County Sheriff's Office, Kimura had returned back to the couple's car in the parking area without Ehrhart in sight

Around 2.35pm, another hiker on the trail called 911 and said he had seen a body that appeared to be deceased on the rocks below the trail

Deputies from the Sheriff's Office and an Oregon State Trooper responded to the scene. After arriving and seeing where Ehrhart's body was stuck, the Curry County Sheriffs SAR team were called for help

Deputies from the Sheriff's Office and an Oregon State Trooper responded to the scene. After arriving and seeing where Ehrhart's body was stuck, the Curry County Sheriffs SAR team was called for help.

According to officials, SAR members Andy Stubbs and Tim Hawkins descended about 300 feet down the trail cliff to pick up the elderly man's body.

Due to the location and steep terrain, members of the Cape Ferello and the Brookings Fire Department as well as a USFS Law Enforcement Officer were also called to help lift the body back to the parking area.

A chaplain was called to the scene to help inform Kimura of her husband's death, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

The San Jose man's body was then taken to Redwood Memorial Chapel.

A chaplain was called to the scene to help inform Kimura of her husband's death

Daughter Caitlin Wheeler described her father as 'a devoted husband to my mom, loving father of his three daughters, Mariko, Terumi and me, amazing Papa to Kiana and Evie, and good friend to many'

The San Jose man's body was taken to Redwood Memorial Chapel

According to officials, SAR members Andy Stubbs and Tim Hawkins descended about 300 feet down the trail cliff to pick up the elderly man's body

Due to the location and steep terrain, members of the Cape Ferello and the Brookings Fire Department as well as a USFS Law Enforcement Officer were also called to help lift the body back to the parking area

After Ehrhart's body was returned to his family, his daughter Caitlin Wheeler posted an Instagram tribute to him.

The grief-ridden daughter wrote: 'In loving memory of my dad @rickehrhart...My family and I are in shock and devastated after learning of my dad's passing from a tragic hiking accident doing what he loved (exploring), this Sunday.

'He was a devoted husband to my mom, loving father of his three daughters, Mariko, Terumi and me, amazing Papa to Kiana and Evie and good friend to many. He was the 1 MAN of the house full of women, our leader, and glue to our family.

'He was a one of a kind guy and not afraid to be himself and stand out in a crowd.'

The Sheriff's Office has confirmed that an investigation into his official cause of death is underway.
Supreme Court justices are deeply divided on a critical case about whether emergency room doctors in Idaho, where abortion is nearly banned, can turn away pregnant patients who need the procedure.

The conservative majority on the court appeared conflicted on some aspects of the case which involves overlapping issues and complicated arguments regarding abortion and medical care.

In one gripping moment, Trump-appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett expressed her 'shock' at the risk a doctor would have to take on to provide an emergency abortion to save a life - and potentially be criminally prosecuted.

Her vote will be pivotal to the outcomes of the case in the 6-3 split conservative leaning court.

It is the first time the country's highest court is weighing the scope of a state abortion ban after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022 returning the issue of abortion to states.

Pro-life and pro-abortion protestors gathered outside the historic court to rally supporters ahead of the closely-watched arguments that could impact states with laws similar to Idaho.

Anti-abortion activists rally outside the Supreme Court as the justices hear a case over Idaho's abortion ban with limited exceptions

Pro-abortion rights activists also gathered outside the Supreme Court as arguments took place in Moyle v United States and Idaho v United States

Oral arguments took place in Moyle v United States and Idaho v United States which focused on Idaho's abortion law which bans nearly all abortions with limited exceptions in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

The Biden administration argued the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) can in some circumstances supersedes state law that criminalizes abortion.

But Idaho rejects the argument, claiming the law does not require doctors to provide specific medical treatments or require hospitals to perform abortions.

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe with the Dobbs decision in 2022 ending the constitutional right to an abortion, Idaho was one of more than a dozen states that moved immediately to ban abortion with limited exceptions.

While Idaho's law has an exception for the life of the mother, it does not focus on 'health' of the mother, which was central in the Biden administration's argument and questioning on Wednesday.

The Biden administration argues that EMTALA could be used because it requires emergency rooms provide 'necessary stabilizing treatment.'

'Today, doctors in Idaho and the women in Idaho are in an impossible position,' said Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar.

'If a woman comes to an emergency room facing a grave threat to her health, but she isnt yet facing death, doctors either have to delay treatment and allow her condition to materially deteriorate or theyre airlifting her out of the state so she can get the emergency care that she needs,' she continued.

'In Idaho doctors have to shut their eyes to everything except death,' she later said.

'Whereas under EMTALA, you're supposed to be thinking about things like is she about to loser her fertility, is her uterus going to become incredibly scarred because of the bleeding?'

One line of questioning brought up by conservative justices was whether the claim to serious mental health concerns could be used to receive an abortion under EMTALA.

'Does health mean only physical health or does it also include mental health?' Justice Samuel Alito asked.

'That could never lead to pregnancy termination because that is not the accepted standard of practice to treat any mental health emergency,' said Prelogar.

Supreme Court justices appeared split largely along ideological lines but there were several instances where some conservative justices signaled agreement on specifics with liberal colleagues signaling the ruling may have more nuance

Joshua Turner made arguments on behalf of Idaho. He said nothing in EMTALA preempts the state's power to regulate medicine.

'If ER doctors can perform whatever treatment they determine is appropriate, then doctors can ignore not only state abortion laws, but also state regulations on opioid use and informed consent requirements,' Turner argued.

He claimed it 'leaves emergency rooms unregulated under state law.'

Liberal justices pushed back on the argument of states regulating medicine.

They pressed Turner over whether the state's ban would prevent abortion in a situation where a woman could end up losing an organ or result in serious medical complications.

'Idaho law does say that abortions in that case aren't allowed,' Turner responded to a question from Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

The liberal justices were joined by conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett who at one point said she was 'shocked' and pressed Turner over when doctors could be criminally prosecuted under state law.

'What if the prosecutor thought well "I dont think any good faith doctor could draw that conclusion. Im going to put on my expert,"' Barrett suggested when it comes to determining an emergency.

'That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion and it may result in a case,' Turner responded.

Turner also made the argument brought up by conservatives that if the court upholds the requirement to provide abortions needed in a medical emergency, women could get abortions by claiming the pregnancy is causing them severe mental distress when they arrive in emergency rooms.

Pro-abortion rights activists participate in a 'die-in' outside the Supreme Court as court hears first case on a state's abortion ban after Roe fell

Pro-abortion rights activists rallied outside the Supreme Court as it hears arguments in Idaho v the United States. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urged the Supreme Court not to weaken EMTALA with its decision

An anti-abortion activist outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the court heard arguments over the Idaho law that bans abortion in nearly all situations

Outside the Supreme Court crowds of protesters both for and against abortion rights gathered as arguments were made.

Some pro-abortion rights protesters held signs that read 'abortion is health care' and 'abortion saves lives.' Some protesters dressed in white and covered in fake blood even participated in a 'die-in' in support of abortion access in emergency rooms.

Anti-abortion protesters had signs that read 'emergency rooms are not abortion clinics.'

This is the second abortion related case the Supreme Court has heard in recent weeks. Last month, it heard arguments over the medical abortion drug mifepristone, in a case which could impact access to the drug not just in states that ban abortion but nationally.

The Supreme Court will likely release its ruling in the case in late June before recess.
Police signed an agreement with the government of the southern county of Imsil on Wednesday to facilitate the burial of police dogs at Korea's only animal cemetery in the country to better honor their services.

Under the agreement, the Police Human Resources Development Institute and the government of Imsil, 218 kilometers southwest of Seoul, agreed to cooperate to secure a burial ground for police dogs at the Osu Pet Memorial Park in Imsil and help pay for their funeral costs.

The agreement came amid calls for more respectful treatment of police dogs, given their roles in assisting police with a wide range of tasks from saving lives to helping with scientific investigations.

Park Sung-joo, director of the Police Human Resources Development Institute, said he hopes the agreement will act as the foundation for promoting the respectful treatment of police dogs. (Yonhap)
Are you at the scene?

A hero teacher bravely disarmed a schoolgirl 'going mad' with a knife slashing other teachers and a pupil in the playground.

Darrel Campbell waded into the morning break mayhem to wrestle a butterfly knife from the teenage girl.

An eye-witness said Mr Campbell put the girl into an armlock until police and emergency services arrived. Neither of the injured teachers' or the pupil's injuries are life-threatening.

The 1800-pupil Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was put into lockdown after a 'Code Red' was called over the speaker system.

The girl, a Year Nine pupil, was handcuffed and taken away for questioning into what police described as a 'multiple stabbing'.

Darrel Campbell waded into the morning break mayhem to wrestle a butterfly knife from the teenage girl

Photos show him posing outside the plush Harbourmaster Hotel in Aberaeron

A person has been arrested after three people were left injured following a 'major incident' at a Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school in Carmarthenshire. A large police and ambulance presence can be seen

Pupils were walking back into lessons after their mid-morning break when the teenage suspect allegedly stabbed another girl in the stomach.

Two teachers tried to stop the attack and both were knifed, one was slashed across the throat according to a girl pupil who witnessed the stabbings.

She said: 'Everyone was running and there were screams that the girl had was going mad with a knife.

'Mr Campbell arrived on the scene and put her in a headlock and got the knife off her.'

Mr Campbell, Head of Year 11, was uninjured in the incident at the 1800-pupil bilingual school.

This afternoon Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that two teachers and a teenage pupil had been taken to hospital with stab wounds.

Investigations are continuing surrounding the incident, which took place just after 11.20am this morning.

The teenage girl remains in police custody and she has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Crowds of parents are seen waiting outside the school gates watching as emergency workers attend the incident

More than 10 police cars and two air ambulance helicopters were sent to the school following the incident

The incident is said to have involved two girls before two staff intervened, a senior educational professional, who does not work at the school, told Wales Online.

It is thought a female teacher is one of those injured, but this is yet to be confirmed. She was said to have been flown by air ambulance 70 miles to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Terrified students jumped the 7ft-high perimeter fence to escape the horror attack which took place after the mid-morning break, one pupil told The Times.

Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the emergency situation and warned people who had shared footage on social media to remove it 'to avoid contempt of court and distressing those affected'.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his 'shock' at the news and thanked emergency services as he said his thoughts are with all those affected. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described it as 'awful news'.

The school was under 'code red' and pupils locked in their classrooms for several hours. They tearfully embraced their parents who had rushed to wait outside as they walked out of the school gates at around 3.20pm.

Carmarthenshire County Council moved to reassured parents to say the incident 'has been contained' and that family members of the injured had been informed.

An ambulance can be seen outside the school with worried parents standing outside the building

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, and First Minister Vaughan Gething took to X to express their shock

Teaching union the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru described it as a 'horrifying incident'.

Director Eithne Hughes said: 'While we don't know the full details of what has happened, this is clearly a horrifying incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at the school and in the wider community.'

One parent said: 'This is a quiet area and a nice school with a good community. We just can't figure out what has gone on. My daughter saw an air ambulance land outside. It is unbelievable.'

Cllr Davies told Wales Online: I have no confirmation on how serious the injuries are. I send my thoughts to those injured and all the people there. I know how well the school rehearsed lockdown and I am sure everything is under control.'

Another concerned parent Lisa Barrett said her daughter texted her saying the school had been placed under a lockdown.

She told BBC Wales: 'This is not something you expect - you drive your child to school and think they will be safe. It is good to know that the children are locked in the classrooms.'

Mrs Barrett said she had not heard anything from the school as of yet.

'I am just waiting,' she added. 'I don't know if I should go down there or not.'

Police speak to worried parents outside the school gates after classrooms were put in 'lockdown' following the incident

One worried parent said officers would be speaking to classrooms individually before lifting the lockdown

The school is currently under 'code red' and pupils have been put in the canteen in order to preserve the crime scene

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the west Wales county. Pictured: Two air ambulances on the school field

Another mother waiting outside the gates, named Rebecca, told ITV Cymru Wales said the school is being kept on 'code red'.

'Obviously Ive seen the blue lights, and I know we dont blue light unless we have to and Ive seen the air ambulance leave,' she said.

'Theyre keeping the school on lockdown - code red as theyre calling it - and the police will be speaking to the classes individually, then take them to get their lunch, then take them back to their classrooms.'

Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts wrote on X that her heart 'goes out to the pupils, families and staff of the school, and to the emergency services who are responding to the situation'.

While First Minister Vaughan Gething was left 'shocked to hear news of serious incident in Rhydaman'. He wrote on X: 'A deeply worrying time for the school, families and community. Diolch to first responders.'

Local councillor Rob James said: 'My thoughts are with the headteacher, teaching staff, parents and pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman after today's major incident.

'I have been in contact with Carmarthenshire Council and will provide any support I can to the school during this difficult time.'

Local MP Jonathan Edwards, who is the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, expressed his concern about the incident on social media.

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupil aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in the west Wales county

'Thoughts are with everyone back home and with the authorities responding,' he wrote.

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, and a former pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, said his thoughts were with the school.

Mr Price posted on social media platform X: 'As we wait for more information to be released, my thoughts, like the rest of us, are with the school's community.'

The Church of All Saints in Ammanford has opened its doors to offer help and pastoral support in response.

Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies, said: 'My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, the staff, pupils and families of all at Dyffryn Amman School.'

Dyfed-Powys Police and two air ambulances were called to the scene.

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site.

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies described the incident at a school 'extremely concerning'.
President Joe Biden took the gloves off Wednesday by saying former President Donald Trump deserved to be punched and injected bleach into his hair - while engaging in his own battle with the teleprompter.

Biden addressed the North America's Building Trades Unions conference in Washington, D.C. on the heels of winning the union's endorsement in the 2024 presidential race.

He teased the crowd about what all he could accomplish if given 'four more years,' though read out loud the teleprompter's direction to 'pause,' creating an awkward moment of silence before the audience delivered a 'four more years' chant.

Biden told the droves of union workers that Trump 'looks down on us.'

'Think about the guys you grew up with who you would like to get into the corner and just give them a straight left,' Biden said. 'I'm not suggesting we hit the president. But we all knew guys like that growing up.'

President Joe Biden took the gloves off Wednesday by saying former President Donald Trump deserved to be punched and injected bleach into his hair - while engaging in his own battle with the teleprompter

Members of NABTU hold up signs in support of President Joe Biden after the union offered the Democratic president its endorsement Wednesday

He took another verbal swing at Trump while bringing up the former president's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

'By the way, remember when he was trying to deal with COVID and he said just inject a little bleach in your veins?' Biden asked 'He missed - it all went to his hair.'

That joke got the audience going.

'I shouldn't have said that,' Biden said.

'You guys are a bad influence on me,' the president added laughing.

NABTU's endorsement of Biden was mostly due to him signing the bipartisan infrastructure law, which jumpstarted construction projects across the nation.

Ahead of Biden's appearance the union played a nearly five minute-long video, in which NABTU President Sean McGarvey made the case against Trump to union membership

Biden said Wednesday that Trump 'looks down on us.' 'Think about the guys you grew up with who you would like to get into the corner and just give them a straight left,' Biden said. 'I'm not suggesting we hit the president. But we all knew guys like that growing up'

In the video McGarvey talked about how he's known Trump since the 1980s.

'The only difference between the Donald Trump of the 80s and the Donald Trump of today is he feels totally free to let his dark side out. And his dark side is very very dark and very very dangerous for this country,' McGarvey said.

McGarvey talked about how Trump, as president, promised to help NABTU workers get their pensions fixed.

Trump, however, didn't deliver.

McGarvey also called out Trump for never delivering on an infrastructure package.

'Donald Trump is incapable of running anything, let alone the most powerful country in the history of the wrold and God help us if he gets anywhere near that White House in the future,' the union boss said.

After the event wrapped up, the Trump campaign almost immediately highlighted Biden's teleprompted hiccup.

'Cognitively Impaired Joe Biden Reading Teleprompter: "Four More Years? Pause?"' the Trump campaign's press release read, sharing the short video clip.

Later the Biden campaign issued a statement on the campaign events Trump held on Wednesday - since there's a break every Wednesday in the Stormy Daniels' hush money trial.

'He had none,' said Biden spokesman James Singer.

Trump has complained about the unfairness of his court appearances keeping him from the campaign trail.
This is the heart-stopping moment a brave newsagent fought off a gun-toting robber, using only a computer monitor, after the thug demanded cash.

Daniel Lee, 43, repeatedly battered the newsagent over the head with the butt of a gun after attempting to ransack the till at the store in Shawbrooke Road, Eltham, southeast London, on 10 December last year.

The dramatic CCTV footage released by the Met Police shows the thug, wearing a black hooded jumper and balaclava, make his way behind the counter and grab the till drawer after pointing a gun at the newsagent's' head.

The unflinching shopkeeper can then be seen grabbing the monitor as tries to hit the robber over the head with it.

The skirmish continues with the shopkeeper fighting back with a folding stool before Lee eventually flees outside and makes his getaway on a bicycle clutching the cash drawer.

Daniel Lee, 43, repeatedly battered the newsagent over the head with the butt of a gun after attempting to ransack the till at the store in Shawbrooke Road, Eltham

Lee also managed to make off with an iPhone from the counter and a Samsung phone from the victim's inside jacket pocket.

He was later seen on a footpath near the newsagents trying to break open the cash drawer using the butt of the gun.

Lee discarded a pair of gloves on the footpath later found to contain both his and the victim's DNA.

Officers also found that he had worn the same clothes on previous interactions with police.

The thug, who left his victim nursing minor head injuries, was arrested on 28 December and was later charged.

CCTV footage shows the thug, wearing a black hooded jumper and balaclava, make his way behind the counter and grab the till drawer after pointing a gun at the newsagent's' head

The unflinching shopkeeper can then be seen grabbing the monitor as tries to hit the robber over the head with it

The brave nesagent can be seen courageously fighting off the thug in the armed robbery

Lee was caught on CCTV wearing a black hoodie and balaclava and pointing a gun at the newsagent

The shopkeeper was spotted valiantly defending his store as Lee tried to flee the scene

The skirmish continues with the shopkeeper fighting back with a folding stool before Lee eventually flees outside and makes his getaway on a bicycle

Lee, of no fixed address, admitted robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence.

He was jailed for six years at Woolwich Crown Court.

Judge Francis also gave a Sheriff's Awards for Bravery to the victim as well as another member of the public who sought to intervene.

Detective Constable Sean Keogh of the Met Police's Flying Squad said: 'Criminality of this kind spreads terror through communities and can cause long lasting harm and trauma, all for very little personal benefit.

'I hope this sentence reassures the community that the police will identify and remove these offenders from law abiding society; as well as demonstrating to those who would consider similar actions that they have little to gain, but a lot to lose.'
If your education has been derailed by the protest chaos on US campuses, you could get your money back.

Under federal repayment rules, those who were defrauded or misled by a college can file a claim seeking relief.

Under these rules, known as 'borrower defense,' some people even get loans wiped clean.

The process was traditionally used by students who were ripped off by for-profit colleges, which shuttered at short-notice or misrepresented courses and graduate job opportunities.

Now, a conservative legal group says the same rules apply to colleges that fail to keep order on campus.

Students line up to show identification as they enter the Columbia University campus in New York City, where campus life has been roiled by protests

Pro-Palestinian supporters from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology rally at MIT at an encampment for Palestine at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts

America First Legal (AFL), a group founded by former Trump administration officials, says too many schools are failing to enforce their codes of conduct amid the wave of protests.

AFL lawyer Reed Rubinstein says students can get their money back

Students face no repercussions for blatant harassment on campus, says the group.

Students who assault or intimidate Jewish or Christian classmates too often get away with it, says AFL.

So do those who tear down posters of Hamas hostages, or who disrupt classes or speeches by prominent conservatives.

This, they say, could amount to a 'misrepresentation' by colleges, which present their campuses as orderly and safe in prospectuses.

Reed Rubinstein, AFL lawyer who served in the Trump administration education department, says this can be the basis for a claim under borrower defense.

'We're seeing Colombia and MIT throw away long-standing codes of conduct to protect people who are engaged in the most raw kind of anti-Semitism we've seen the US since the 1930s,' Rubinstein told DailyMail.com.

'The idea that the university administrators would just cut and run on that is not something people contemplate.'

This makes a 'case for fraud,' he added.

Locked gates and extra security are not what many Columbia University students expected when they took out their loans

A protester being detained by Texas troopers at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday

AFL has produced a 'toolkit' of how to request paybacks through the Federal Student Aid website.

It suggests language to use in a claim, with examples for some of the schools that have seen Jewish and other students harassed in recent months.

They include the Cooper Union, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, Harvard University and SUNY Binghamton.

The federal Department of Education did not answer DailyMail.com's request for comment.

The department doesn't publicly release information about the claims.

Colleges are not keen to talk about them, either.

The 'borrower defense' system was seldom used until the mid-2010s.

It's mostly discharged the loans of students who went to for-profit colleges.

Claims are more common now, and are made against a wider range of public, research and religious schools.

The Federal Student Aid website says students can be forgiven debt if their 'school engaged in certain misconduct related to the making of a federal loan or the educational services it provided which caused you harm.'

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik called in New York Police to clear the encampment of protesters

Police arrested demonstrators at UT Austin after warning them they could face criminal charges if they did not disperse

Misconduct can include false promises about central degrees or certificates, career services, earnings prospects, or the transferability of credits to other institutions, it says.

Student protests over the war in Gaza have intensified and expanded over the past week.

Encampments are now in place at colleges including Columbia, Yale, and NYU.

Hundreds of Texas troopers went into the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, in the latest standoff between authorities and pro-Palestine college students.

Students have issued calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US military assistance for Israel, and university divestment from arms suppliers and other companies profiting from the war.

School administrators and local law enforcement have in recent days started cracking down on the wave of protests.

Columbia and the affiliated Barnard College have suspended dozens of students involved in the protests.

More than 100 protesters were arrested at Columbia, where university President Minouche Shafik called in New York Police to clear the encampment, saying it violated campus protest rules. Scores more were arrested at NYU.

Columbia courses are now held online or in person; California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, cancelled classes this week.
Rishi Sunak was branded a 'pint-size loser' during Prime Minister questions today but how does the PM actually measure up against other world leaders?

Mr Sunak at just 5ft 6in tall has been mercilessly mocked online for years over his height, which is significantly shorter than the average height of a British man, about 5ft 10in.

Yet in comparison to other world leaders, he is not significantly shorter than most of them.

Oddly enough a large proportion of world leaders are quite short, both French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian war leader Volodymyr Zelensky, match Mr Sunak's height of just 5ft 6in.

While German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian leader Valdimir Putin are only one inch taller.

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Rishi Sunak at just 5ft 6in next to the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, who is 6ft 3in. Pictured in 2023

Mr Sunak's height is matched by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian war leader Volodymyr Zelensky , who are both just 5ft 6in

Earlier today the Labour deputy leader lashed out as she faced jibes from Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and other Tory MPs in the Commons, as they stood in, while Mr Sunak is in Berlin to discuss security, trade and illegal migration with Chancellor Olaf.

Referencing Mr Sunak's resignation in 2022 which is seen as having precipitated the end of Boris Johnson's premiership, she said the Tories had swapped 'their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser'.

But Mr Sunak's predecessor as PM, Liz Truss is only around 5ft 5in, whilst his former boss Boris Johnson is just under 5ft 8.

Even WWII hero Sir Winston Churchill was shorter than Mr Sunak at just 5ft 5in, the same height as Margaret Thatcher.

The current smallest European leader is Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz who is believed to be around 5ft 5in.

Russia's despot ruler Vladimir Putin is an estimated 5ft 7in, while North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is just 5ft 2in.

However not all world leaders are cursed with short genes, the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama is a whoppy 6ft 7in.

Followed closely by Mark Rutte, the PM of the Netherlands at 6ft 3in and Justin Trudeau who is 6ft 1in. And US President Biden also just scraps in the 6ft club.

German chancellor Olaf Scholz is just 5ft 5in, making him even shorter than Mr Sunak

US President Joe Biden is 6ft, whilst Canada's Justin Trudeau is 6ft 1in

However Mr Sunak has devised clever visual tricks to make him look taller in photographs. For example, when pictured with his ministerial team at the top of the staircase in Downing Street with his taller Ministers below him, making them appear smaller

In 2021 it was alleged by a senior MP that then PM Boris Johnson was purposefully appointing tall Ministers to annoy image-conscious Mr Sunak.

The MP said Mr Johnson  who is only 5ft 8in  was deliberately playing on Rishi Sunak's 'insecurity' over his height and making the then Chancellor look shorter in photographs.

However Mr Sunak has devised clever visual tricks to make him look taller in photographs.

For example, when pictured with his ministerial team in 2021 at the top of the staircase in Downing Street with his taller Ministers below him, making them appear smaller.

Or by wearing shortened trouser hems in his 1,300 tailored suits, which can make him appear taller.
A luxury yacht in Florida was stopped with over two dozen Haitian migrants crammed inside in a shocking smuggling operation.

Miami-Dade County officials stopped the 60-foot vessel last Friday morning near the Stiltsville homes off Cape Florida in Key Biscayne, as reported by the Miami Herald.

It's unclear if the boat was traveling directly from Haiti, or if the 30 migrants had made any previous stops to pay smugglers to bring them to the US.

Marine patrol officers were aided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Border Patrol and Coast Guard and US Customs in the operation.

Border Patrol released an image showing the migrants, mostly men, crammed inside the yacht's interior below deck.

Border Patrol released an image showing the migrants, mostly men, crammed inside the yacht's interior below deck

A luxury yacht in Florida was stopped with over two dozen Haitian migrants crammed inside in a shocking smuggling operation

Marine patrol officers were aided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Border Patrol and Coast Guard and US Customs in the operation

The Coast Guard reportedly put the migrants on another vessel to be returned to Haiti.

One smuggling suspect was turned over to Homeland Security officials.

The bust comes as the US expected a surge of Haitian migrants after several gangs in the country launched coordinated attacks in February.

More than 33,000 people fled Port Au Prince in just under two weeks after gangs began pillaging homes and attacking state institutions.

More than 2,500 people were killed or wounded across Haiti from January to March, a more than 50 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to a recent U.N. report.

The majority of those displaced have traveled to Haitis southern region, which is generally peaceful compared with Port-au-Prince, which has an estimated population of 3 million and remains largely paralyzed by gang violence.

The gang attacks began on February 29, with gunmen targeting police stations and the main international airport.

They also stormed Haitis two biggest prisons and released more than 4,000 inmates.

More than 70 percent of people who fled Port-au-Prince between March 8-20 said gang violence had already left them homeless and that they had been living with relatives or in crowded, makeshift shelters.

The bust comes as the US has seen a surge of Haitian migrants after several gangs in the country launched coordinated attacks in February

More than 2,500 people were killed or wounded across Haiti from January to March, a more than 50 percent increase compared with the same period last year

More than 70 percent of people who fled Port-au-Prince between March 8-20 said gang violence had already left them homeless

Weeks of violence have forced some 18 hospitals to stop working and caused a shortage of medical supplies as Haitis biggest seaport and main international airport remain closed.

Gunfire still echoes daily throughout Port-au-Prince, though the gang violence has somewhat subsided in certain areas.

Haitis largest public hospital, the State University Hospital, is among those closed. Located in downtown Port-au-Prince, it has been seized and looted by gangs that also pillaged nearby pharmacies.

While some private clinics and hospitals are operating, they remain inaccessible to the majority of people in a country where 60 percent of the population earn less than $2 a day.
Scots broadcaster Nicky Campbell has turned to online sleuths to find a web troll who smeared him after claiming that social media giant X had failed to track down the culprit.

Campbell was falsely named as the BBC presenter at the centre of the furore over a teenage boy who was allegedly paid for sexually explicit photographs.

In reality, Huw Edwards, who quit the BBC earlier this week on medical grounds, was the subject of the claims. But before he was named, there was fierce speculation online about the presenters identity.

Last July, Campbell, 63, said he had contacted police about his name appearing online in connection with the story, and was talking with his lawyers in terms of defamation.

On Tuesday he tweeted that it was really upsetting to learn from police that no action could be taken because X allegedly did not respond in time to identify the culprit.

Nicky Campbell is talking to his lawyers

In reality, Huw Edwards was the subject of the claims

Posting a screen-grab of the trolls tweet, Campbell said: At the time of the Huw Edwards saga last year, this was posted.

Heard yesterday Twitter/X didnt respond in time. Whoever this person is, theyve got away with it.

Cops say username in question has been deactivated and the requested data is not available from Twitter/X production tools 30 days after deactivation. The tweet was sent by FPL_Wulf who claimed to be a Blackburn Rovers fan addicted to the beautiful game.

Later Campbell had exchanges with people who apparently know FPL_Wulf, and the broadcaster tweeted that he had managed to find a possible name for the troll.

It is understood that Campbell is now in talks with police and lawyers. He declined to comment further yesterday.

Last year he spoke about a distressing weekend he suffered after he was forced to clear his name following the allegations that he was the presenter involved in the BBC row.

After days of conjecture  and Edwardss name being mentioned repeatedly on social media Edwardss wife Vicky Flind issued a statement to say the father of five was suffering from serious mental health issues and receiving in-patient hospital care.

The Metropolitan Police, which investigated Campbells report, and X were both contacted for comment.

Edwards earned up to 439,999, making him the BBCs highest-paid newsreader.

The Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police both said he had committed no criminal offence.

Edwards was last seen on BBC Ones News At Ten on July 5 last year when he co-presented a special edition live from Edinburgh as the King was honoured.

Earlier this week, Australias prime minister called X owner Elon Musk an arrogant billionaire in an escalating feud over the platforms alleged reluctance to remove footage of a church stabbing.

On Monday, an Australian court ordered the social media company  formerly called Twitter  to hide videos of last weeks attack in Sydney.

X previously said it would comply pending a legal challenge.
GoPro video shot by a Marine at Kabul airport casts doubt on the official Pentagon investigation into a suicide attack that killed 13 Americans and more than 160 Afghans during the chaotic 2021 evacuation.

Ever since then, the Department of Defense has said that the deaths were caused an ISIS-K suicide bomber acting alone.

But the new video, obtained by CNN, raises fresh questions and suggests that far more gunshots were heard in the aftermath than has been admitted.

A dozen American military personnel described the gunfire and one said the first salvo came from an area of U.S. Marines close to the blast site.

'It wasn't onesies and twosies,' the Marine said. 'It was a mass volume of gunfire.'

CNN obtained a video shot by a Marine stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport on the day a suicide bomber killed 13 US personnel and more than 160 Afghans in August, 2021

A local doctor also told the news organization that he pulled bullets from the wounded and that dozens of Afghans died from gunshot wounds.

The Pentagon has dismissed previous claims that some of the victims were killed by gunfire and said troops who reported being fired upon were confused or suffering concussion from the blast.

The attack brought a tragic end to the hurried withdrawal from Afghanistan after a 20-year war.

U.S. troops did their best to protect Hamid Karzai International Airport after the Taliban seized control of the capital in August, 2021, as thousands of foreign nationals and tens of thousands of Afghans tried to flee.

The blast at 5:36 p.m. on August 26 at one of the airport gates was the worst attack on American troops and Afghan nationals in more than a decade.

A suicide bomber with the Islamic State affiliate detonated a backpack filled with ball bearings, creating carnage.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire after the blast.

The official investigation concluded that American and British forces delivered three near-simultaneous bursts of warning shots that did not hit anyone.

U.S. Central Command later ordered a supplemental review amid reports that the bomber had been identified before the blast and the attack could have been stopped.

The Pentagon released overhead images showing the location of the blast by Abbey Gate, as well as areas where British and American forces opened fire

The worst hit were inside a 50-metre blast zone, close to a sniper tower

Afghans trying to flee the Taliban were crowded into a canal, while a line of Marines held back the rest of the crowd. The worst of the casualties were packed into this area beneath the breeze-block sniper tower at the top of this picture, released on Friday by the DoD

It found that the reports were likely mistaken and agreed that a lone ISIS-K bomber was responsible.

The video footage obtained by CNN complicates things. It contains 11 bursts of shooting after the explosion, accounting for nearly four minutes of gunfire, in contrast to the Pentagon description of three 'near simultaneous' episodes.

It shows Marines racing for cover in the aftermath of the blast. At one point they choke on CS gas released from a broken a canister.

One can be heard saying: 'I got that on film, dude.'

An audio forensic expert, who reviewed the footage for CNN, counted a minimum of 43 shots.

Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Rob Lodewick said the two investigations looked into whether the bombing was part of a 'complex attack'the name for a blast followed by gunmen opening fire.

'The Supplemental Review found no new evidence of a complex attack, and uncovered no new assertions of outgoing fire post-blast,' he said. 'Consequently, the Supplemental Review found no materialistic impact to the original findings of the Abbey Gate investigation.'

A British spokesman said its troops had fired warning shots above the crowd to prevent a surge.

The attack came during the operation to evacuate foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghans

CNN previously reported interviews with more than a dozen Afghans who said they had seen or heard gunfire.

'I saw people who were injured in the explosion trying to get up, but they fired on them,' said Shogofa Hamidi, whose sister Morsal was shot in the face.

Dr. Sayeed Ahmadi, the then director of the Wazir Akhbar Khan hospital in Kabul, said: 'Explosion injuries come with severe injuries and lots of holes in the bodies.

'But people who were shot had just one or two holes in the chest or head.'

CNN also spoke to 10 Marines, many of whom described hearing gunshots.

Sgt. Romel Finley, who received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the attack, told the Brrks YouTube channel, which interviews Marines: 'My platoon sergeant running past us, saying "get back on that wall and shoot back at those motherf**kers." So I was like, we are in a gunfight too.'

Christian Sanchez, another Marine survivor, told the same channel: 'All I see is flashes. And all I could hear was ringing. Like all hear is ringing and f**king flashes going on.

'And I start hearing snaps. And I start realizing that that's a f**king dude shooting at me. And I just started shooting at the dude.'
Her memoir is full of shocking revelations that have made headlines for weeks.

So the audience at Edinburghs Usher Hall were no doubt keen to see what Hollywood star Rebel Wilson would say next when she took to the stage there last night.

The Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect actress was in the Scottish capital as part of a series of UK events to promote her book.

After arriving in Britain on Tuesday the star travelled to Edinburgh before sharing a selfie taken in the city yesterday.

The image, posted on social media, showed 44-year-old Ms Wilson wearing a cap and squinting into the sunshine with the cityscape behind her.

On arriving in the UK, the Australian had posted a video in which she held up a photograph of the late Queen, saying: So Ive made it to England.

The Australian actress posts a picture taken in Edinburgh before her show

Rebel Wilsons memoir caused stir

The star seemed to take a shine to haggis pasties, which she posted on her social media feed

Signalling to the portrait of Elizabeth II, she added: Can you tell, cause this sits proudly in my house in England.

Ms Wilson said she would be going to Edinburgh first, where she would be chatting about her life from growing up in the bush to being a teenager and then making it as an actress.

Her appearance last night comes after Ms Wilson claimed a member of the Royal Family invited her to a drug-fuelled orgy at the home of a US tech billionaire.

She did not name the royal in her memoir, Rebel Rising, but gave three hints: he is male; the incident allegedly happened in 2014; and he was fifteenth or twentieth in line to the British throne.

Ms Wilson wrote in her book that she was a virgin at the time and couldnt shake the feeling that the party may have been filmed by hidden cameras.
The man accused of assaulting at least eight women in random attacks in New York City allegedly told investigators you have to check women sometimes.

Daquan Armstead, 31, was arrested just after midnight on Tuesday and charged with third-degree assault and harassment in connection with the incidents this year.

He was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday where prosecutors claimed he identified himself in still images of the assaults.

Prosecutors told the court Armstead was a flight risk having skipped previous court hearings and asked for him to be held on $50,000 bail or $100,000 bond.

While defense attorney Katherine Bajuk requested supervised release as her client suffers from mental health issues. But Judge Michael Ryan decided bail was required and set it at $20,000 cash or $40,000 bond and ordered a mental health assessment.

Prosecutors claimed the spree of attacks on women began on February 12 when Armstead allegedly punched a 30-year-old woman without warning on Elizabeth Street at around 11.50am.

The man accused of assaulting at least eight women in random attacks in New York City allegedly told investigators you have to check women sometimes

Daquan Armstead, 31, was arrested just after midnight on Tuesday and charged with third-degree assault and harassment in connection with the incidents this year

He was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court where prosecutors claimed he identified himself in still images of the assaults

Prosecutors have accused Armstead of launching at least eight unprovoked attacks on women in the city and will present evidence to a grand jury on April 26.

The Manhattan District Attorneys office revealed he has two other bench warrants, the first involving a stranger assault against a woman in 2021 and a second incident in 2024.

He failed to show up for his first court hearing until he was arrested again and was allowed out on supervised release, according to prosecutors.

Armstead allegedly committed seven more stranger assaults against women since being released and identified himself in still images to police.

Prosecutors said: The defendant said Its different with men, they dont challenge you like women do. You have to check women sometimes.

They asked for bail to be set at $50,000 but defense attorney Bajuk argued that Armstead suffered from mental health issues and jail would only make matters worse.

I am asking you to consider supervised release, she said. He has been receiving SSI for a diagnosis - he was also receiving services for mental health but he seems to have fallen through the cracks.

When someone with a mental health concern is incarcerated, nothing good happens for anybody.

The person becomes less connected with the services they need and the outcome for everyone and everything is worse.

Halley Kate, who has over 1 million followers on TikTok, said she lost consciousness and fell to the floor following an assault in the street last month

Judge Ryan agreed that Armstead did pose a flight risk and set bail at $20,000 cash or $40,000 bond but did order a mental health assessment for the defendant. He set a date for the next court hearing for April 26.

Armstead is accused of hitting a 30-year-old woman on the back of the head on Delancey Street at 2am on March 24 before running away.

The next day he is said to have punched a 36-year-old woman in the back at Chrystie and Rivington street.

On April 2, he punched a 38-year-old woman in the back of the head after he asked her for $1 and she said she had no cash, according to prosecutors.

Police also said he punched a 24-year-old woman on Stanton Street who also refused to give him money.

Armstead allegedly attacked two women separately on Delancey Street on April 5 with one 25-year-old hit on the head at 12.25pm and a 44-year-old who was punched in the face five minutes later.

On April 17, he is accused of attacking a 27-year-old administrator at New York University who was struck in the face while walking through Washington Square Park.

Meanwhile authorities are investigating a series of other attacks on women in New York City which have not been linked to Armstead.

The New York Police Department said Skiboky Stora was arrested and charged with assaulting Halley Kate, making it his third arrest in the past six months

Influencer Halley Kate shared a video last month in which she claimed she was assaulted so badly she eventually blacked out.

Skiboky Stora, 40, who has a lengthy criminal history, was arrested in that case.

Another random attack saw a 57-year-old Brooklyn school bus aide have her jaw broken and teeth knocked out after she was punched by a man.

Franz Jeudy, 33, who has a history of mental illness, faces misdemeanor assault charges in relation to the incident.
By William R. Jones

I vowed to no longer accept and attend wedding invitations, because so many I supported with my presence were later lawfully dissolved. However, I reneged on that solemn pledged commitment by attending a good friend's son's most recent civil social union.

The wedding contract is a bond of universal enduring culture. The audience's presence ensures that the knot is tied in a mighty public way. The joint agreement implies that to one person, you may be the world. The couple exited bachelorhood and entered into the basic and primal instinct of matrimony, taking on the garment of respectability.

The couple wooed and went from courtship without haste to marriage in due time. Proof that marriage is never out of fashion in spite of those that are not the marrying brand which is unpleasing to a married ear.

I, personally, was late to enter the civil contract due to an irretrievable loss and failure of my ill-adventured youth. My floundering and foundering in early days due to habits and a misunderstanding of the responsibilities that attend with love, delayed me much. It was long for me to realize that it takes more than a box of chocolates, "I love you" cards, amorous letters and many talks with the same lady to possess her kind attention and prompt her to get the wedding dress ready for me.

Smitten many times over and lonely with singleness, I once asked my mother: "Just what is it? What does a girl want?" Her soft reply was "stability and security." That, indeed, translated to me meant money by way of permanent work. Enduring work I never gained until arriving in South Korea in 2002 at the age of 55. It was one lady's task to prove to me that my intentions were serious, and she did.

Thus, attending my friend's son's bright wedding day inspired awe and reverence and brought tears to my eyes when I thought of how many joys that small circle of a wedding ring brings to couples.

So, seeing the couple's thoughts wedded by speech with the exchange of "I do," I was glad for my friend's son and his betrothed.

Now, as the special gathering did go with affection suitable to it, we all engaged in cheerful, good humor. Although I'm not a comedian, I proposed a rhyming toast to my friend's son: Have you not heard that "When you were single, your pockets would jingle. Now that you are yoked, you shall always be broke!"

I mention that one British writer of long ago quipped, "It doesn't much signify whom one marries, for one is sure to find next morning that it was someone else."

I do believe that I personally did not experience and find this out until a decade later, however, I wonder if I am the only most married man that I ever saw in my life?

The author (wrjones@vsu.edu) published the novella Beyond Harvard and teaches English as a second language.
A new search is underway in connection to the Gilgo Beach murder investigation, according to police sources.

Detectives began searching a wooded area in Manorville, New York on Tuesday, with the sweep continuing through Wednesday.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office declined to comment to the outlet on the specifics of the search.

Rex Heuermann, 60, is charged with murdering four female sex workers whose bodies were found buried on a remote stretch of Gilgo Beach more than 10 years ago.

He was arrested in July and initially charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Lynn Costello 27.

A new search is underway in connection to the Gilgo Beach murder investigation, according to police sources. Rex Heuermann, 60, is charged with murdering four female sex workers

Multiple agencies searching Manorville location in connection with Gilgo Beach investigation

Cops with K-9 units searched the Manorville Woods on Wednesday

The women known as the 'Gilgo Four' were discovered close to Heuermann's Long Island home. However, other bodies - including those of sex workers - have been found in the area

The first victim, 24-year-old Melissa Barthelemy, was discovered by Suffolk County Police on December 11, 2010. The body of Megan Waterman, 22, from Maine, was found two days later

Heuermann is also charged with killing Amber Costello (left) and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (right)

DNA found on the burlap wrapped around Waterman's body was a 99.96 percent match to samples from a discarded pizza crust and napkin in a garbage bin outside Heuermann's firm, police said

In February, he was also charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25.

The searches come after the father-of-two's home in Massapequa was raided following discovery of the bodies.

The women were found wrapped in burlap and buried along the remote stretch of Ocean Parkway on Long Island's South Shore over a decade ago.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all counts and currently remains in jail awaiting trial.

The women's remains were discovered during the search for 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert, an escort from New Jersey who had vanished in May 2010 after making a frantic 911 call.

Her remains were found along the same stretch of coast in December 2011 - and it was her body that led police to the discovery of the 'Gilgo Four'.

No one has ever been charged in Gilbert's death and police said it may have been accidental - but her family believe she was murdered.

The women were among 11 found on the desolate stretch of coastline close to Heuermann's Long Island Home between 2010 and 2011.

All of the victims worked as escorts who advertised themselves on Craigslist.

Heuermann, a father-of-two, has been held in jail without bail since his arrest and has pleaded not guilty

Police confirmed they are probing Heuermann's potential link to the murders of two other sex workers: Valerie Mack, 25, went missing around the summer of 2000. Her remains were located that September, and more remains were discovered nearly 11 years later

The Heuermann family home in Massapequa Park was torn apart by authorities as they combed the property for evidence

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office declined to comment on the nature of the new search. Pictured: Investigators suit up outside Heuermann's home last July

Heuermann was linked to the killings by DNA on the burlap used to transport the bodied which was compared to samples taken from a pizza crust and napkin that were discarded outside his Manhattan architectural firm, police said.

The samples boasted a 99.96 percent match, according to law enforcement.

Prior to testing the DNA, cops said they were alerted to Heuermann as a potential suspect after a witness linked Heuermann's Chevrolet Avalanche to Costello's murder.

The car was then tied to Heuermann's cellphone records, which allegedly linked him to locations related to the murders.

The indictment stated that Heuermann had used different burner phones to contact each of his victims.

Cops also accused Heuermann of using Barthelemy's phone to make taunting phone calls to her family from the comfort of his office.

Her sister Melissa told how she was bombarded with threatening phone calls from the killer who boasted of the killing and was keeping tabs on her movements.

In October, it was revealed that Heuermann is being probed over the slaying of two additional sex workers.

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison confirmed he had assigned additional investigators to the case of two other women, Valerie Mack and Karen Vergata.

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex A. Heuermann, right, appears in Judge Tim Mazzei's courtroom next to his attorney Michael Brown at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on Apri l17

His ex-wife, Asa Ellerup (pictured) was also spotted pulling up in a black Mercedes outside the Long Island courthouse

James Burke, the disgraced former head of Suffolk County Police Department, has been accused of hampering the Gilgo Beach serial killer probe by booting the FBI off the case in its early stages

At the suspected time of the murders, Heuermann's now ex-wife Asa Ellerup was away from home. She filed for divorce less than a week after he husband's arrest.

The accused killer was back in court for a procedural hearing on April 17.

He listened intently to the hearing, which centered around troves of potential evidence seized from various devices related to the case.

Ellerup was also spotted pulling up in a black Mercedes outside the Long Island courthouse.

Heuermann's lawyer is now attempting to shift the blame for the Gilgo Beach murders on to the corrupt former police chief who was previously in charge of the case.

Speaking outside the Long Island courthouse where his accused serial killer client had a hearing last week, attorney Michael Brown said disgraced PC James Burke is 'involved' in the sordid affair.

'We received approximately almost 3,000 leads on this case,' he told reporters outside Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead.

He appeared in court in September accused of several offences including assault, public lewdness and unlawful solicitation after flashing in a park

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos showed disgraced Suffolk police chief James Burke stepping out in public for the first time since a suspect was arrested in the Gilgo Beach murders case

Burke pictured in 2015 outside an FBI office in New York after he was arrested and charged for beating a thief who took a bag of porn and sex toys from his police car then trying to cover up the attack

'There were numerous leads that came into the Suffolk County Police Department, suggesting that Chief Burke was involved in this.'

Burke allegedly led a double life involving crack, cross-dressing and relationships with prostitutes.

He pleaded not guilty several offences including assault, public lewdness and unlawful solicitation after flashing in a park during a court appearance in September last year.

Burke was previously convicted and jailed on federal charges for beating a handcuffed man suspected of stealing pornography, sex toys and other items from his department SUV.

The scandal also toppled the county's longtime district attorney and the county's top corruption prosecutor, who were convicted of helping Burke cover up the beating.
GOP Leader Mitch McConnell insisted that the $60 billion the U.S. is readying to send to Ukraine is 'not a whole lot' for the U.S. but will prove a 'significant' benefit in the battle against Vladimir Putin.

The Senate passed Ukraine funding as part of a $95 billion foreign aid package on Tuesday night.

Pushing through support for Ukraine has become the capstone of McConnell's 15 years in Senate GOP leadership. Pushing back on his own party's isolationist trend has made for a legacy-defining moment.

The Kentucky Republican told Fox News he 'hopes' the money will be enough to push Russia back 'decisively.'

Pushing through support for Ukraine has become the capstone of McConnell's 15 years in Senate GOP leadership. Pushing back on his own party's isolationist trend has made for a legacy-defining moment

'It's not a whole lot of money for us,' McConnell said, noting the $60 billion is around 0.2 percent of the US GDP. 'But it's a very significant step for them because it gives them the more sophisticated weapons.'

McConnell will step down as leader of the Senate Republicans at the end of this Congress. He'll stay on as a rank-and-file senator until the end of his term in 2027.

The package that passed 79-18 ties together $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and Gaza and around $4 billion for the Indo-Pacific - and a measure that could see TikTok banned in the U.S.

The typically stoic Senate leader left no holds barred in a press conference Tuesday, blaming Tucker Carlson for an anti-Ukraine sentiment taking hold among Republicans.

Carlson 'who, in my opinion, ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin,' McConnell said, had convinced 'a lot of rank and file Republicans' that helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia is not important.

The Ukraine bill includes $23 billion for replenishing U.S. stockpiles that have been depleted for the fight in Russia.

Some $11 billion would go to U.S. military operations in the region and $14 billion would go to procuring advanced weapons systems.

U.S. aid to Ukraine will go out after President Biden signs a $95 billion foreign aid package

In this photo provided by the Mayor of Odesa Hennadii Trukhanov in Telegram, firefighters work on the site of a burning building after a Russian drone attack in Odesa, Ukraine, Tuesday, April 23

Another $26 million would go to oversight and accountability of equipment given to Ukraine.

Two separate economic assistance funds worth $7.85 billion and $1.58 billion would also be offered to Ukraine under a loan structure.

'Make no mistake: delay in providing Ukraine the weapons to defend itself has strained the prospects of defeating Russian aggression. Dithering and hesitation have compounded the challenges we face,' McConnell said ahead of the vote.

'I will not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.'

The Israel security bill will offer $4 billion to replenish Israel's Iron Dome Missile Defense system and billions more for weapons systems, artillery and munitions, as well as an additional $2.4 billion for U.S. operations in the region.

Nine billion dollars in that bill goes to humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza.
Biden's gesture infuriated Catholics who saw his gesture as blasphemous

President Joe Biden sparked backlash from pro-life Catholics after he made the Sign of the Cross on Tuesday while listening to a speech about limits on abortion.

Biden made the gesture during a campaign organizing event in Florida with Nikki Fried, the Democratic candidate for governor running against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

During her opening remarks, Fried expressed outrage at DeSantis for signing a ban on abortions over six weeks.

'Then we come back here to the state of Florida where Ron DeSantis felt like he needed to run for president and so 15 weeks was not good enough,' Fried said. 'And then we had to go to six weeks.'

Biden reacted to her statement by making the Sign of the Cross.

President Joe Biden speaks during an organizing event as Nikki Fried laughs

Joe Biden raises his hand to make the Sign of the Cross

US President Joe Biden speaks to two children while meeting with campaign volunteers and supporters

The president's gesture angered politically active Catholics on the issue of abortion.

'Biden's decision to make the Sign of the Cross in support of abortion extremism is a despicable charade that attempts to co-opt a sacred practice in support of his new abortion religion,' Catholic Vote President Brian Burch said to the Washington Examiner, calling Biden 'terribly naive, or senile, or callously indifferent' to Christians on the issue of abortion.

Catholic Vote posted the clip of the moment on social media which shocked and angered Christians and Catholics.

'Absolutely vile, pray for the soul of our president, he is a feeble old man, he needs to prepare to meet his maker' wrote Catholic Bishop Joseph Strickland on social media.

Catholic bishop Joseph Strickland speaks at a protest rally

Supporters of US President Joe Biden cheer as they await his speech about abortion rights

The president, who describes himself as a practicing Catholic, makes the Sign of the Cross on occasion while speaking in public to lighten the mood, either to show the audience he is about to say something awful about someone out of anger or frustration or that he needs God's blessing.

In November, Biden made the Sign of the Cross while mentioning former President Donald Trump, interrupting his speech to suggest he needed absolved for his sinful thoughts about the president.

Biden also made the Sign of the Cross during a September meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, after he remarked the two of them had been friends for 40 years, appearing to be a joke about his age.

'We've been friends for, I've checked it, over 40 years,' Netanyahu said, prompting Biden to make the Sign of the Cross.

U.S. President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Republican Representative from Georgia Marjorie Taylor Greene (2-L) looks on as US President Joe Biden (R) arrives to the House Chamber of the US Capitol

In February 2023, Biden made the Sign of the Cross after he referenced Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

'I'm going to be good. I'm going to be good,' he told the audience who laughed at his gesture.

But the president's religious gesture during a discussion on abortion puzzled and angered Catholics who expressed their outrage on social media.

'This is a complete mockery of God,' Student for Life president Kristan Hawkins wrote on social media. 'EVERY Catholic should be calling this EVIL out.'

Other Christians reacted in horror to Biden's gesture.

'Demonic: Joe Biden makes the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion rally,' wrote William Wolfe, the Executive Director for the Center for Baptist Leadership. 'When I say evil spiritual forces are at play in his administration, I mean it.'

Fried said Democrats were the 'last line of defense' against Trump and Republicans after the Supreme Court repealed Roe V. Wade and Biden agreed.

'This extreme Florida law is going to impact 4 million women in the state,' he said. 'Let's be real clear. There's one person responsible for this nightmare. And he's acknowledged, and he brags about it  Donald Trump.'
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Hundreds of troopers have marched on the University of Texas at Austin before scuffling with pro-Palestine protesters as demonstrations kicked off at campuses across the country.

Police arrested at least four activists - who burst out in tears when they were handcuffed - after warning them they could face criminal charges if they did not disperse.

The rally at the Austin campus was organized by the university's Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSJ) chapter and quickly descended into anarchy.

The group said it was inspired by their 'comrades' at Yale and Columbia University, where in-person classes have been canceled due to the unrest sparked by 'encampments for Gaza.'

It comes as pro-Gaza groups took to universities across the US and clashed with police and Jewish counter-protesters, with furious demonstrators spotted at USC, Harvard, UC Berkeley, Brown and NYU.

Police arrest a student during a pro-Palestine demonstration at the The University of Texas at Austin

Police arrested activists - who burst out in tears when they were handcuffed - after warning them they could face criminal charges if they did not disperse

Students walked out of class and gathered in protest as pro-Gaza groups took to universities across the US and clashed with police

A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers

One of the protesters detained by Texas troopers is seen above

Police have arrested at least four demonstrators at UT Austin after warning them they could face criminal charges if they did not disperse

The rally at the Austin campus was organized by the university's Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSJ) chapter

UT Austin right now. Protesters and DPS in a standoff on the main drag of campus pic.twitter.com/OipxvXDbWC  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

The protesters in Austin asked for 'support' on Instagram as riot police showed up on campus

USC Public Safety officer informs students that they must disperse on Wednesday

Pro-Palestinian supporters from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology rally at MIT at an encampment for Palestine at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The PSC chapter at UT Austin said on Instagram: 'UT administration has called on state troopers in an attempt to scare us into silence.'

They added: 'get these pics off our campus.' Texas Department of Public Safety officers were also seen in horses and riot gear at the protest.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety for additional information. Several pro-Palestine demonstrators were seen sobbing as they watched police enter the scene.

BREAKING: Organizers of the Yale divestment encampment have been informed that those at the encampment can expect arrest, likely sometime between now and early morning.



Repeat: ARRESTS ARE EXPECTED AT YALE.



The crowd of hundred of students is sitting in a circle and singing. pic.twitter.com/yjwdxi0hGF  Thomas Birmingham (@thomasbirm) April 22, 2024

Hundreds of Texas troopers went into the University of Texas at Austin campus to control a pro-Palestine student protest

Demonstrators at UT Austin were seen sobbing as they watched police enter the scene

One of the protesters is seen as he was detained by police

The PSC chapter said on Instagram: 'UT administration has called on state troopers in an attempt to scare us into silence'

They added: 'get these pics off our campus'

The group said it was inspired by their 'comrades' at Rutgers, Yale and Columbia University

The over 200 protesters are demanding UT-Austin divest from any manufacturers supplying Israel with weapons aid the war against Hamas in Gaza.

They gathered at the university's Gregory Gym and marched towards the South Lawn, where they planned to sit for the rest of the day.

One of the demonstrators arrested was one of the protest's organizers, with an officer singling him out saying he would be the first to be arrested, according to the Tribune.

Also on Wednesday, police clashed with protesters at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

University of Southern California protesters carry a tents around Alumni Park

A pro-Palestine protester is detained by police on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin

University of Southern California protesters fight with University Public Safety officers as they try to remove tents

Law enforcement work to contain a crowd during a pro-Palestine demonstration at the The University of Texas at Austin

Officials broke up a tent demonstration after students began camping out for Palestine after a call by USC's Divest from Death Coalition and National Students for Justice in Palestine

Pro-Palestinian protesters set up a tent encampment in front of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus on Monday

Student sand community members support protesters who have locked themselves inside of Siemens Hall protesting in support of Pro-Palestinian at Cal Poly Humboldt on Tuesday

Officials broke up a tent demonstration after students began camping out for Palestine after a call by USC's Divest from Death Coalition and National Students for Justice in Palestine.

It comes as the situation in Columbia University in New York City remained tense with campus officials saying it would continue talks with pro-Palestinian protesters for another 48 hours.

University President Minouche Shafik had set a midnight deadline to reach an agreement on clearing an encampment of protesters on campus but the school extended negotiations, saying it was making 'important progress.'

Student protesters had committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents, the Ivy League university said in a statement.

On Wednesday morning, the encampment appeared calm and a little smaller than the previous day.

Student demonstrators occupy the pro-Palestinian 'Gaza Solidarity Encampment' on the West Lawn of Columbia University on April 24

An encampment protesting the genocide in Gaza, goes into its second day, on the grounds of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States on April 23

Tents stand in an encampment, where students are protesting in support of Palestinians at Emerson College on Wednesday

New York University (NYU) students and faculty participate in a protest against Israel at Washington Square Park on Tuesday

Police first tried to clear the encampment at Columbia last week, when they arrested more than 100 protesters. But the move backfired, acting as an inspiration for other students across the country to set up similar encampments and motivating protesters at Columbia to regroup.

Elsewhere, at the University of Minnesota, Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar attended a protest late Tuesday, hours after nine protesters were arrested on the campus when police took down an encampment in front of the library. Hundreds had rallied in the afternoon to demand their release.

Omar's daughter was among the demonstrators arrested at Columbia last week.

Students at some protests were hiding their identities. At an encampment of about 40 tents at the heart of the University of Michigan's campus in Ann Arbor, almost every student wore a mask, which was handed to them when they entered.

Meanwhile more than 40 protesters were arrested Monday at an encampment at Yale University.

The upwelling of demonstrations has left universities struggling to balance campus safety with free speech rights. Many long tolerated the protests, but are now doling out more heavy-handed discipline, citing safety concerns.
House Speaker Mike Johnson waded into hostile scenes at Columbia University as the Republican confronted a mass of anti-Israel protestors on Wednesday.

Johnson brushed off the boos and jeers of students and instead condemned the protest, the latest in the 'virus of antisemitism'.

He slammed the crowds in Columbia as being 'lawless agitators and radicals' and questioned their ability to become 'leaders of America' - as he praised the Jewish students who remain committed to their education.

'We will not be silent while Jewish students are expected to run for their lives,' Johnson warned.

The crowd yelled and jeered in an attempt to rattle him but Johnson was unperturbed.

'Enjoy your free speech!' he replied as he left before issuing one final slap down: 'Stop wasting your parents money'.

Johnson brushed off the boos and jeers of students and instead condemned the protest, the latest in the 'virus of antisemitism'.

The Louisiana lawmaker arrived at the New York campus on Wednesday afternoon, hours after he called for the Columbia president to resign on a morning radio show.

'What were seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable,' Johnson told The Hugh Hewitt Show.

'Every leader in this country, every political official, every citizen of good conscience has to speak out and say that this is not who we are in America, and we have got to have accountability.'

His decision to challenge protestors in New York came two days after over 100 pro-Palestine students and faculty were arrested by the NYPD in furious scenes on nearby New York University (NYU) campus.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (pictured Saturday) is set to confront pro-Palestine protestors on Columbia University campus, hours after he called for the college's president to resign

Columbia is among dozens of colleges that have become swept up in Israel-Hamas protests in recent weeks

So-called 'Gaza encampments' have become common sights at college campuses across the nation, where students are setting up tents and refusing to move in the face of law enforcement

Columbia is among dozens of colleges that have become swept up in Israel-Hamas protests, with other prestigious universities including Harvard and MIT thrown into chaos.

So-called 'Gaza encampments' have become common sights on campuses in recent weeks, with students setting up tents and refusing to move in the face of law enforcement.

For Johnson, his visit to Columbia University came as a clear sign of his support for Israel in the ongoing conflict, after he ushered through a sweeping foreign aid bill that sent $26 billion to Israel.

He was also set to meet with Jewish students on campus and share a meal with the university's Rabbi Yuda Drizin.

Following his meeting, Johnson's office said he would hold a press conference, where he is expected to double down on his call for Columbia President Nemat Shafik to resign.

On the morning radio show, he slammed her as 'unconscionable', adding that she has 'shown to be a very weak, inept leader.'

'They cannot even guarantee the safety of Jewish students? Theyre expected to run for their lives and stay home from class? Its just, its, its maddening,' he said.

The House Speaker has also called for federal funding to be halted at universities that fail to clamp down on anti-Israel protests.

Johnson's decision to challenge protestors in New York came two days after over 100 pro-Palestine students and faculty were arrested by the NYPD in furious scenes on nearby New York University (NYU) campus (pictured)

Johnson's visit was not welcomed by more than just those on Columbia's campus, as New York Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters on Wednesday that he should stay in Washington.

'I think politicizing this and bringing the entourage to put a spotlight on this is only adding to the division,' Hochul said.

'A speaker worth the title should really be trying to heal people and not divide them, so I don't think it adds to anything.'
A Jewish professor at Columbia University said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an 'agent of chaos' after she put her support behind pro-Palestinian demonstrators whose encampment took over the campus this week.

Shai Davidai was barred from campus after helping lead a pro-Israel counter demonstration and said Jewish students are fleeing Columbia University in New York City because they are scared.

'The University of Columbia has two presidents right now and it's Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar because this is not about Israel, this is about America,' the professor told Fox News in reference to AOC's fellow pro-Palestinian squad members in the House.

He added: 'And the University just decided that they don't care about Jewish safety, they don't care about the Jewish students.'

Jewish Columbia University Professor Shai Davidai was barred from campus for leading a pro-Israel counter demonstration and said Rep. AOC stands for 'agent of chaos' after backing pro-Palestinian protesters

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is backing the large encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters who have overrun Columbia University's campus in recent weeks

Davidai told Fox News on Wednesday that his badge to the school was disabled because he was told that the university could not guarantee his safety at the encampment on campus.

Meanwhile, Jewish students were told they might be more safe attending classes virtually during the demonstrations.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik extended for 48 hours the deadline for anti-Israel protesters to disperse from the so-called Gaza Solidarity Encampment.

This has sparked anger from pro-Israel factions while pro-Palestinian lawmakers are mad at the college president for allegedly threatening police or Natinal Guard activity to clear the demonstrators.

'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act,' AOC wrote on X on Tuesday.

She added: 'It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts people's lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.'

Davidai said if any other group were being targeted like Jewish students on Columbia's campus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams would have already involved the NYPD.

'If this was about the KKK, if this was targeting a race, if this was targeting a sexual orientation, a sexual identity, the NYPD would have found something to do,' he claimed.

'Because this is targeting the Jews, Mayor Eric Adams speaks very highly about how much he cares and does nothing.'

When asked about the New York representatives' tweet, Davidai said that AOC is 'an agent of chaos.'

'Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act,' AOC wrote on X Monday evening

Davidai led a pro-Israel counter protest at Columbia University and shortly after his key card to campus was disabled

'That's the name A-O-C, it's agent of chaos,' he explained. 'And I'm just looking forward to my kids and grandkids reading about this chapter in history and the list of all the rabid anti-Semites and to see her name there.'

'This is not peaceful protest. And she's lying to the people, just like Rashida Tlaib,' the Jewish professor noted in his America Newsroom interview where he donned a Star of David around his neck.

He pushed back on Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) claiming that the protesters were 'nonviolent.'

'This is not about Democrats or Republicans, this is about moderates versus extremists,' Davidai said.

President Shafik gave up on her midnight deadline after the group ignored the demand to break up and extended it for another 48 hours after they reportedly pledged to remove a 'significant' number of tents and non-students from the demonstration.

AOC says the Manhattan Ivy League school is wrong to try and stop the demonstrators from besieging the campus.

In the midst of the unrest, Columbia president Minouche Shafik has been faced with calls to resign. She wrote in an email to the community they need to disperse or face being cleared out

It isn't the first time AOC has praised protesters who oppose Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists in Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

The squad member applauded pro-Palestinian protesters when opening for President Joe Biden at an Earth Day event in Virginia on Monday.

Alongside fellow progressive Sens. Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey, AOC told the crowd: 'It is especially important that we remember the power of young people shaping this country today, of all days, as we once again witness the leadership of those peaceful student-led protests on campuses like Columbia and Yale and Berkeley and many others.'

The daughter of fellow squad member Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) was among 100 protesters arrested earlier this week with protesters from Barnard College  a sister university of Columbia.

Isra Hirsi, 21, was part of the days-long anti-Israel protest at Columbia University and says she was evicted from campus housing and banned from the dining hall after the arrest.

'I was a little bit frantic, like, where am I going to sleep? Where am I gonna go? And also all of my s**t is thrown in a random lot. It's pretty horrible,' she told Teen Vogue.

President Shafix wrote an email to the so-called 'Gaza Plaza' group on Tuesday evening giving an ultimatum to dismantle voluntarily or else be cleared out.

AOC condemned reports of threats for law enforcement or National Guard being called in

Columbia has cowed to protesters and allowed their encampment to remain on campus for an additional 48 hours after a deadline to disperse passed

It was also reported on Tuesday night that NYPD counterterrorism officers were mobilizing to finally put an end to the protest.

Republican Sens. Josh Hawley (Mo.) and Tom Cotton (Ark.) have called on President Joe Biden to bring in the National Guard to any campuses where Jewish students claim they are feeling threatened by growing protests against Israel.

Cotton called the protests at Columbia 'nascent pogroms.'

'If Eric Adams won't send the NYPD and Kathy Hochul won't send the National Guard, Joe Biden has a duty to take charge and break up these mobs,' the senator wrote.

Hawley told the president he must act, writing: 'We've seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous.'

'You must immediately mobilize the National Guard and any other authorities necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish American students and citizens,' Hawley wrote.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower called in troops as well as the 101st Airborne Division to protect black students attending Central High School in Arkansas in 1957.
The Robertson family was forced to say goodbye to their five-month-old son, Brayden, almost exactly one month ago after an employee at his Alabama daycare allegedly caused his death by continued physical abuse.

Police arrested and charged Versa Mae Simmons, 68, who worked at Tender Years Preschool & Nursery, with murder and four counts of child abuse.

Court records obtained by WFSA 12 claims Simmons abused, beat and mistreated Brayden on more than one occasion, which led to his tragic and untimely death on March 25.

In as sit down interview with WFSA 12, a teary-eyed Taylor Robertson, the boy's mother, said she got a call that her son was unresponsive and rushed to the daycare in just three minutes.

'I saw his lifeless body on the changing table as they were trying to do life-saving measures.'

Pictured: The Robertson family all together

Versa Mae Simmons (pictured) worked at Tender Years Preschool & Nursery, now shut down, and is accused of murdering Brayden

Pictured: Taylor and Paul Robertson talk to WFSA 12 about the tragic death of their son, allegedly at the hands of a daycare worker

Pictured: Brayden Robertson, who died on March 25 having not even reached six months old

'No parents should have to watch their child be lowered into the dirt at the hands of somebody else.'

Simmons is that 'somebody else,' according to police, who say that Brayden wasn't her only victim.

Brayden's mother made a plea to other parents of young children to look for warning signs of abuse and be relentlessly vigilant.

'He didn't have a voice. He couldn't tell me, "Momma, I don't want to go here,"' Taylor Robertson said. 'Every afternoon he would light up when we picked him up. I just thought my baby was excited to see me. But now it makes me wonder, was he excited because I was finally taking him away from something that he didn't like.'

'Monsters come in all shapes and sizes and people you never would think. So, dont be fooled,' Taylor Robertson warned.

Taylor Robertson tearfully recounts the day she rushed to her son's daycare only to 'his lifeless body on the changing table as they were trying to do life-saving measures'

Brayden Robertson (pictured) had an autopsy performed after his suspicious death. When it was ruled a homicide, Simmons was arrested shortly after by police

Brayden Robertson (pictured) leaves behind his parents, Taylor and Paul, and his big sister

Paul Robertson (pictured left) said the daycare was quick to tell him and Taylor that any scratches their son would come home with were self-inflicted

Taylor Robertson (pictured left) pleaded with parents to be vigilant and 'ask' when their child comes home with injuries

Paul Robertson, Brayden's father, said the daycare was quick to tell them that any scratches their son would come home with were self-inflicted, which raises questions about the daycare's level of culpability.

The daycare's license has been suspended, WFSA 12 reported.

'Ask all the questions,' Brayden's mother said.

'Ask for video footage. Ask. I wish I could go back and change a lot, but I cant.

'Losing a child is the hardest thing Ive ever had to endure, but losing a child that you shouldnt have lost because they were perfect and they were perfectly healthy is something different,' Braydens mother said. 'And I dont want any other mom or daddy to feel like this.'

Brayden leaves behind his parents and an older sister.

Simmons is being held at Marengo County Detention Center on a $1 billion bond.

It is unclear if she has entered a plea at this time.
Life's two certainties used to be death and taxes.

But in Scotland there is a difference. Death doesnt get worse every time the Scottish Government delivers a Budget.

And yesterdays tax and migration report from HMRC finally, and conclusively, revealed just how much damage the SNPs decision to make Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK is doing.

The governments predictably selective reading of the report trumpeted its finding that thousands more workers moved to Scotland than left since the nation became the highest taxed part of the UK.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison insisted this represented yet more proof that Scotland is an attractive place for people to live and work.

Renowned economist Arthur Laffer said the Scottish Governments high income tax policies were stabbing Scotland in the heart

Unfortunately for the financially illiterate Robison, there isnt any actual evidence to show higher taxes have suddenly become a magnet for workers eager to come to Scotland (and endure some of the worst public services in the UK).

More significantly, the report does not examine the impact of the latest tax hikes in Decembers Scottish Budget, when the tax gap between Scotland and the rest of the UK was significantly widened.

However, what the report shows clearly, and what Robison shamefully ignored, is the impact the SNPs high tax regime is having on higher earners, who in Scotland pay the lions share of income tax.

The HMRC report, which tracked inward migration in the UK through different income levels between 2009 and 2022, revealed a fall among higher rate and top rate taxpayers in Scotland following the tax changes.

The higher rate threshold in Scotland begins at 43,663.

The report states: There is some evidence of a fall in net migration to Scotland for individuals earning over the higher rate threshold, with the size of the fall increasing with income levels.

It estimates there has also been a net loss of 1,030 people on the higher rate of tax, with lost tax of 60.6million.

This direction of travel is deeply worrying for Scotlands economy.

Commenting on the HMRC report, entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter said: The tax system here is a barrier to enterprise.

We really cant afford to lose more than 1,000 top rate and higher rate earners in Scotland.

Its right that those with the broadest shoulders should carry the heaviest burden and we do, but the reality is a high proportion of income tax revenues in Scotland are now increasingly being paid by a small part of the population.

We need to move away from all the spin. Around 11 per cent of Scotlands population contributes around 65 per cent of the tax revenue.

We really cannot afford to lose any of those people if we want a flourishing economy in Scotland.

Professor John Kay, a fellow of the British Academy and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, as well as a former economic adviser to the Scottish Government, said the reports findings on high earners was probably the only demonstrable practical example of the Laffer Curve.

The Laffer curve, originated by renowned economist Arthur Laffer, is the theory that lower taxes boost economic growth and therefore increase tax revenues, while higher taxes reduce growth.

Laffers general theory about taxation was a central plank of the SNPs tax policies under Alex Salmond but was abandoned during Nicola Sturgeons anti-business leadership.

Back in 2016, Ms Sturgeons former finance minister Derek Mackay famously admitted he had never heard of the Laffer Curve during questioning by Holyroods finance committee on his plans to raise taxes.

Earlier this year Laffer said the Scottish Governments high income tax policies were stabbing Scotland in the heart.

The real issue here is not just the SNPs dishonest attempt to spin, or more accurately manipulate, the HMRC report.

It is the fact that employers, trade unions and even business advisers to the SNP  most notably former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Sir George Mathewson, one of the few high-profile businessmen to support independence, who warned as far back as 2017 that the partys policies on taxation would drive high earners and their tax revenues out of Scotland  were consistently ignored.

For the past seven years, successive SNP Budgets have left hard-working Scots  everyone earning more than 29,000 a year  paying higher income tax than their counterparts south of the Tweed.

Most of those people have to suck that up, unless they can avoid the increase by paying more into their pension pot, thus reducing their gross earnings.

Many are doing exactly that, while higher up the scale there can be no doubt now that many top earners are either changing domicile, taking their salary in shares or consulting an expensive accountant to avoid paying the full amount of tax. QED.
A heartbreaking video captured the moment a man mourned the death of his Golden Retriever while the pooch was lying inside a cage at an airport terminal after it went eight hours between flights without water.

Joao Fantazzini initially paid to have the five-year-old pet flown on a Gol Airlines flight from Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in the southeastern city of Sao Paulo to Sinop Municipal Airport in Sinop, a municipality in the west-central state of Mato Grosso on Monday.

The airline, however, mistakenly placed Joca on a different flight - a total of three hours and a half - to Fortaleza International Airport in Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceara.

Joca was given some water while he waited to depart Fortaleza but spent close to 90 minutes on the runway.

The pooch then went three hours and half in the air before landing in Sao Paulo.

Joao Fantazzini's pet Golden Retriever, Joca, died from cardiac arrest Monday after going almost eight hours without drinking water while it flew on two airplanes and stood on the runway inside a kennel

Joao Fantazzini shared a moment with his dog after he found him dead inside the kennel at Sao Paulo/ Guarulhos International Airport on Monday. He had Gol Airlines fly the dog from Sao Paul airport t to Sinop Municipal Airport in Sinop, Mato Grosso, but the airline placed the dog on a flight to Fortaleza International Airport in Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceara

Fantazzini eventually returned to Sao Paulo after learning of the airline's error and was informed by a manager that the dog had fallen ill.

A video released by his family showed him stroking the furry pet while it lay behind the kennel's door.

Fantazzini claimed Joca was dead by the time a manager escorted him to a waiting area.

The dog's death was caused by a cardiac arrest, according to the death certificate.

'My love was murdered, my best choice, love of my life. You were very young!!,' Fantazzini said in an Instagram statement accompanied by a series of pictures of him and Joca.

'I remember the day I got you and our connection was momentary! My son, forgive me for being selfish in wanting you by my side!

'You are the love of my life forever! I will miss you daily! I miss giving you your apple every morning, taking you to the pool and taking care of yourself daily! Thank you for everything my friend!'

Joao Fantazzini cuddles with his pet Golden Retriever, Joca

Gol Airlines accepted responsibility for the dog's death, calling it an 'operational failure'

Fantazzini paid tribute to his dog, Joca, on Instagram: 'I remember the day I got you and our connection was momentary! My son, forgive me for being selfish in wanting you by my side! You are the love of my life forever! I will miss you daily! I miss giving you your apple every morning, taking you to the pool and taking care of yourself daily!'

In a statement to Metropoles, Gol acknowledged that an 'operational failure' led to the dog's death.

'GOL sympathizes with the suffering of Joca's guardian and his family. We understand his pain and are deeply sorry for the loss of your pet,' the airline said.

'The Company is offering all necessary support to the tutor and his family from the outset. The investigation of the details of what happened is being carried out with total priority by our team.'

The airline has since suspended the transportation of animals in the cargo section, but has welcomed them to fly in the cabin with their owners.

Silvio Costa Silva, who heads the Ports and Airports Ministry, said the department joined the National Civil Aviation Agency in the investigation.

During a press conference Wednesday, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wore a tie with print of a dog and urged the National Civil Aviation Agency and Gol Airlines to never let a similar incident happen again.

'The dog died because he spent eight hours without drinking water, trapped inside the plane,' Lula said. 'I think Gol has to be accountable. I think Anac (National Civil Aviation Agency) has to monitor this, and I think we cannot allow this to continue happening in Brazil.'
Crime, litter and declining foot traffic forced the co-owners to step away

However, the neighborhood has failed to rebound since the pandemic

Ken and Ron Brown commanded the business for nearly 50 years

Two brothers have decided to step away from the business they've run for nearly five decades, citing the crime and homelessness plaguing San Francisco.

Ken Brown and his brother Ron headed Franks Fisherman on the city's historic Fisherman's Wharf for nearly 50 years, but struggled to stay afloat as the neighborhood deteriorated around them.

'We just felt kind of neglected down there,' Brown told SFGATE.

Among the brothers' concerns were closures, litter, crime and the appearance of homeless people who seemed to grapple with mental health issues.

Moreover, the area had changed for the worse. 'The wharf went from being a special place to being a place thats like any strip mall across California,' Brown said.

Ken Brown and his brother Ron commanded Franks Fisherman in San Francisco for nearly a decade, but have decided to hand the business over to a new owner

The shop, located on the historic San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, faced new challenges in the form of litter, crime and closures after the pandemic

Brown also noted the presence of homeless people who seemed to struggle with mental health issues

The brothers bought the business in 1977. At that time, the store sold supplies for commercial fishers, but as the industry dwindled, they were able to adapt the business to suit an influx of tourists.

The shop became renowned for its collection of imported knickknacks, from 1800s diving helmets to antique door knockers to engraved wooden canes.

The unique offerings proved popular, leading the brothers to develop a steady stream of customers - that is, until the pandemic hit.

While the Port of San Francisco waived base rent for small businesses for more than a year, the area has 'struggled' to rebound, Brown explained.

He cited declining foot traffic, trash blowing from a nearby fast food chain and people 'screaming gibberish' outside.

'Being a 70-year-old man chasing people down the street is not fun,' Brown lamented. 'Im tired of it. The law and order thing has gotten out of hand. Something needs to change.'

This grim reality is reflected in Yelp reviews condemning crime and decay in the area.

One Australian tourist remarked that the wharf 'smells bad, reeking of uncollected garbage, marijuana or cigarette smoke, or in some places a combination of all three.'

According to Brown, the area has struggled to recover since the pandemic and has struggled with apparent lawlessness in recent years

The brothers took over the business in 1977, originally selling supplies for commercial fishers. It later evolved into a one-stop shop for imported knickknacks and antiques like 1800s diver's helmets

In recent years, Brown says, it has been difficult to turn a profit amid declining foot traffic and deteriorating conditions that have seen people 'screaming gibberish' outside

San Francisco itself has been painted as a city overrun with crime and drug addiction, though crime saw a significant drop in the first quarter of 2024

Another visitor claimed his rental car had been subjected to a smash-and-grab burglary.

'We were literally gone less than 10 minutes, and one of the windows in the rear of the vehicle were broken into and my backpack was stolen anywhere you looked there were homeless,' he wrote.

'People that were literally defecating in the street. It was a horrible experience and I will not go back to downtown San Francisco under any circumstances.'

The city has been the frequent subject of media attention, often portrayed as a lawless land where criminals run rampant.

Crime in San Francisco decreased in most categories last year, albeit slightly, while other types of offenses skyrocketed.

Nearly 2,700 cases of robbery were reported in 2023, a 14.5 percent increase year over year. Motor vehicle theft was also up from a year prior, with 6,571 cases reported compared to 6,222 in 2022, according to San Francisco Police Department data.

So far, crime has been trending downward in 2024. Reports across all categories fell in the first quarter of the year, with robbery rates hitting a six-year-low.

Larceny, a type of theft that including car break-ins, fell the most, plummeting by 35 percent from 8,389 reports to 5,402.

Crime in San Francisco decreased marginally in most categories last year, while robbery rates saw a sharp increase

This year, robbery rates hit a six-year-low, while reports across all categories fell

Tourists blasted the neighborhood in Yelp reviews, with one visitor claiming people were 'literally defecating in the street' and vowing never to return to downtown San Francisco

And there have been efforts to restore Fisherman's Wharf to its pre-pandemic glory. Last year, the port approved a $2.2 million grant to provide rapid investments into the attraction.

The new investments will provide additional staffing for cleaning and safety efforts, 'beautification of the neighborhood,' and the launch of a weekly concert series, according to a press release from July 2023.

But these developments came too late for the brothers, who decided to step away from the business and let a new owner take over in February.

Brown said he gets 'choked up' just talking about it.

'Everybody wants to make a living, and that was a part of it, but the main thing is the journey. And it was a great one,' he said.
By Kaushik Basu

ITHACA, NEW YORK  Democracy is in retreat across much of the world, with authoritarian leaders and extremist movements gaining momentum amid widespread discontent with established political parties and institutions. As democratic governance comes under strain, our most cherished ideals, such as equal freedom and rights for all, are increasingly at risk.

Democratic backsliding has many causes, including the depredations of Big Tech and the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation. But the one that plays a critical role is emerging from a strange concoction of unchecked economic globalization and severe political balkanization. This has enabled major powers like the United States to wield disproportionate influence over the well-being of billions of people worldwide, who have no political voice.

The bedrock principle of democracy is that people affected by the decisions of political leaders should have a say in selecting those leaders. This idea is so fundamental that even authoritarian countries like Russia and North Korea hold elections, ostensibly allowing citizens to choose their leaders. Of course, these elections pose no real threat to the existing regime. In North Koreas 2023 election, for example, Kim Jong-uns Workers Party received 99.91 percent of the votes.

To comprehend the problem, imagine that US presidents were elected solely by voters in the District of Columbia. Every resident of Washington would have the right to vote, and the candidate with the most votes would become president. Even if this process were free from fraud, it would be difficult to consider the US a democracy under such conditions. Elected leaders would naturally prioritize the interests of Washington residents over those of Americans everywhere else, whose well-being would have little to no impact on their chances of being re-elected.

While this scenario may seem far-fetched, people all around the world find themselves in the same position as a disenfranchised Texan or Michigander. The accelerated economic globalization of the past four decades, driven by increasingly interconnected supply chains and the rapid advance of digital technologies, has facilitated the free flow of capital and goods across national borders. But this also means that major powers are now able to affect individuals and communities all over the world with just a few clicks.

As matters stand, the well-being of billions of people hinges on the decisions made by the sitting US president. While American leaders have the power to disrupt numerous economies by severing supply chains or manipulating financial flows, the citizens of these countries have no influence over US elections. Similarly, Ukrainian or Georgian citizens have little say over who rules Russia, even though who rules Russia can have a large influence on their well-being. (of course, even Russians have no say over who rules Russia).

This erosion of global democracy could have far-reaching geopolitical consequences. While the US government puts considerable effort into managing its domestic economy effectively, it has adopted a cavalier approach to foreign policy.

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is a case in point. US President Joe Bidens unconditional support for Israels war against Hamas over the past six months has benefited Israels embattled prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu. But as US Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have pointed out, the goals of ordinary Israelis  who want to end the war and bring home the hostages  differ significantly from those of Netanyahu and his far-right political allies, who seek to prolong the conflict to maintain their hold on power.

This underscores the anti-democratic nature of hegemonic powers. If Israeli citizens could vote in US presidential elections, Americas Middle East policy might have been markedly different. Such a policy would likely have aligned more closely with the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians, rather than with Netanyahus political agenda. I hasten to add that matters would likely be worse if Trump won the US election. But I suspect that the Democratic Party would win, but with a rather different Middle East policy, if ordinary Israelis, and not just Netanyahu and his cronies, had a voice in the U.S. election.

There is no easy solution to this conundrum. Israelis will not be voting in US elections anytime soon, and Ukrainians will not influence the selection of Russias next leader. The advance of digital technology and globalization, and the consequent erosion of global democracy, highlights the trade-offs and vulnerabilities inherent in the current international order.

As I argued in my book The Republic of Beliefs, it is possible to establish binding laws and regulations even without direct state intervention. The key, as Eric Posner and Cass Sunstein have also pointed out, is to foster appropriate norms that are self-enforcing. At the same time, we must strive to create more effective multilateral organizations and international charters aimed at strengthening democratic governance worldwide.

Kaushik Basu, a former chief economist of the World Bank and chief economic adviser to the Government of India, is professor of economics at Cornell University and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate.
The advanced ages of both Trump and Biden sparks more voter interest in who will be the vice president

Harris spent the first part of 2024 reassuring voters she was ready to be president if Biden was unable to perform his duties

A majority of Americans in swing states do not trust Kamala Harris to be president of the United States, according to a new Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll.

Fifty-two percent of respondents said they did not trust Harris to assume the responsibilities of the presidency, while 44 percent said they did trust her. Four percent said they did not know or have an opinion.

Harris has repeatedly tried to reassure voters she is ready to serve as president of the United States if Biden has to step down for whatever reason.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at an event to celebrate Black History Month

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, flanked by Ghana upcoming artist Baaba J, right, visits the Vibration studio

'I am ready to serve. Theres no question about that,' Harris told the Wall Street Journal in February.

But voters in swing states feel differently.

Forty-two percent of voters in the poll said they trusted Harris 'not at all' to serve as president.

The poll contacted registered voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Harris' approval rating in the seven swing states remains low as 40 percent give her either a very favorable or somewhat favorable rating, just one point below Biden's approval rating of 41 percent.

The role of vice president appears to be weighing more on the minds of voters in 2024 as Biden will be 81-years-old on Election Day and Trump will be 78-years-old.

Sixty-two percent of voters said the vice presidential candidate would be more important than past elections while 32 percent said it would neither more or less important. Only six percent said it would less important than past elections.

Biden has stood by Harris as his vice president despite her rocky start in the role during the first three years of the administration.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris host a reception celebrating Black History Month

US President Joe Biden (L) and US Vice President Kamala Harris (R) at the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting in Philadelphia

'Shes going to be my running mate, No. 1. And No. 2, I did put her in charge. I think shes doing a good job,' Biden said in January 2022.

In the fall of 2023, several political columnists called for Biden to replace Harris, arguing that his advanced age and her unpopularity required him to select a stronger running mate.

But leading Democrats have kept their reservations about Harris quiet, unwilling or unable to criticize the nation's historic first woman and first black vice president.

The Democratic National Committee conducted focus groups to try to understand why voters were turned off by Harris, according to CNN.

Some voters in the focus groups said they did not like Harris, specifically citing her laugh for criticism. Others questioned whether Biden even likes her.

The Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll surveyed 4,969 registered voters in seven swing states and was conducted April 8-15.
The US government is investigating a factory in Jordan allegedly using forced labor to make clothes for big name brands such as Under Armour, Columbia and American Eagle, iNews reported on Wednesday.

The US Customs and Border Patrol-led investigation comes after a Bangladeshi migrant worker died by suicide in November to end the brutal mistreatment by her supervisors at the Fine Apparel factory, owned by Jordanian company Needle Craft.

The worker, Tureza Akter, was just 21 when she died, and her suicide prompted three unnamed sources to reveal to iNews that 'forced labor practices are prevalent' at the Fine Apparel factory.

Two people said workers at the factory, located in Zarqa, work seven days a week, 16 hours a day. On top of that, they allegedly suffer sexual harassment, harsh fines and withheld passports.

iNews reported that Akters family in Bangladesh said that she would cry over the phone after being physically 'tortured.'

The Fine Apparel factory in a town in Jordan where forced labor is allegedly perpetuated by managers employed by Needle Craft

A glimpse inside the Fine Apparel factory, where workers reportedly suffer sexual harassment, harsh fines and withheld passports

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) said Akter's suicide 'is far from the first incidence of worker mistreatment and abuse in Jordanian garment factories'

American Eagle is one of the companies that uses the Fine Apparel factory for its clothes

Akter reportedly told her family that she had no way out because she felt that 'no one would listen' if she complained.

Needle Craft, while it hasn't outright admitted fault, has agreed to continue paying Akter's salary to her family for the next two years, iNews reported. It's unknown how much workers make at the factory.

Meanwhile, Under Armour, Columbia and American Eagle, who may have benefitted from this supposed force labor, have launched an independent investigation.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) chairs the House's International Workers Rights Caucus told iNews that Akter's suicide 'is far from the first incidence of worker mistreatment and abuse in Jordanian garment factories.'

She continued: 'Predatory factory operators are taking advantage of migrant workers who are scared and desperate while companies like Under Armour, Columbia, American Eagle and others look the other way.

Under Armour, along with American Eagle and Columbia, have launched an internal investigation into the factory's labor practices

Pictured: Columbia storefront, a clothing company also wrapped up in the forced labor controversy coming out of Jordan

Schakowsky largely discounted the effectiveness of internal investigations by companies, accusing Under Armour, Columbia, American Eagle of looking 'the other way'

'These companies must do more than "investigate"  they must abide by international labor laws and treat their workers with dignity and respect. Workers all over the world deserve to feel empowered and valued Companies need to prioritise their workers over their profits. Enough is enough.'

Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 actually bars American companies from importing any products that have been produced with forced labor in any way. This law necessitated the investigation by Customs and Border Patrol, as the agency enforces these statutes and can interdict any cargo coming into US ports.

The US Department of Labor told iNews that it supports the ongoing investigation by Customs and Border Patrol.

'We will continue to engage with the Jordanian government on these issues given that they have the power and responsibility to close or suspend factory operations for egregiously unsafe working conditions,' the Labor Department said in a statement to the British outlet.

'We urge the Jordanian government to conduct investigations and exercise that power without delay in all cases where similarly egregious violations are found, whether or not they supply American markets.'

Under Armour told DailyMail.com in a statement that its 'deeply concerned' about the claims of brutality and egregious working conditions in the factory in Jordan.

'We expect our factory partners to cultivate a secure working environment for their employees, and these reports are wholly inconsistent with our partnership requirements, standards, and values.

'As a direct response to these reports, Under Armour immediately initiated an independent investigation led by a third-party firm to thoroughly evaluate the living and working conditions at the Needle Craft factory in Jordan. We are resolute in our commitment to take decisive action and will require the Needle Craft factory to undertake all necessary measures to rectify the issues identified during the investigation,' the statement read.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Needle Craft, the company behind the factory allegedly rife with forced labor, and Customs and Border Patrol for comment.

DailyMail.com has also requested comment from American Eagle and Columbia.
Ministers have rejected calls to abolish one-word Ofsted rulings, despite the suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry.

The four-tier system rates schools as 'outstanding', 'good', 'requires improvement', or 'inadequate'.

Mrs Perry, 53, took her own life last year as she awaited publication of an Ofsted report downgrading her school in Reading from 'outstanding' to 'inadequate'.

Her family, teaching unions and the Commons Education Select Committee have all called for the ratings to be scrapped.

They claim that using one word to describe a school is crude.

Ruth Perry, 53, took her own life last year as she awaited publication of an Ofsted report downgrading her school in Reading from 'outstanding' to 'inadequate'

Ministers rejected calls from Ruth Perry's family, teaching unions and the Commons Education Select Committee for the ratings to be scrapped

Paul Whiteman of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'Single-word judgments... are deeply harmful and must be scrapped'

But yesterday, the Department for Education announced that the ratings have 'significant benefits' and will remain in place following a review.

A spokesman said: 'One-word judgments give parents the confidence in choosing the right school for their child and provide a clear basis for taking action to improve underperforming schools.

'We will continue to consider ways to improve the current system, including looking at international approaches.'

In December, a coroner concluded that an Ofsted inspection of Caversham Primary School in November 2022 'contributed' to Mrs Perry's death.

Although most aspects of the school were excellent, inspectors downgraded it because of issues with paperwork over the safeguarding of pupils.

In the aftermath of Mrs Perry's death, the Commons education select committee recommended developing 'an alternative' to single-word judgements that 'better captures the complex nature of a school's performance'.

Last night Mrs Perry's sister, Professor Julia Waters, said it was 'depressing' to see the Government still defending the 'harmful, divisive and counter-productive' ratings.

She added: 'We need to see urgent, root-and-branch reform.'

Paul Whiteman of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'Single-word judgments... are deeply harmful and must be scrapped.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
A Palestine protester outside Columbia University branded a Jewish donor a 'Nazi' in a heated exchange on Wednesday as tensions at the school flared.

The donor, who gave his name only as Elliot, told DailyMail.com he was a 76-year-old lawyer who'd been contributing to the university for years after studying at Columbia in the 1960s.

He recalled protesting the Vietnam war and said he was only curious about today's protest when he heard the crowd chanting 'from the river to the sea', and demanding the entire state of Israel.

When he approached the crowd on 116th Street, the middle aged man in a keffiyeh screamed: 'Im not going to talk to a f***ing Nazi.

While Elliot said he supports the next generation of students right to demonstrate, he felt many have been crossing the line by making Jewish students fear for their safety.

The donor, who gave his name only as Elliot, told DailyMail.com he was a 76-year-old lawyer who'd been contributing to the university for years after studying at Columbia Law in the 1960s

A middle aged man with a keffiyeh wrapped around his head called the Jewish donor a Nazi

Protest all you want, and say that the Zionist regime should be abolished - which I dont agree with - but dont make people feel unsafe because of their ethnicity,' he said.

'Theres no possible justification for that.

Elliot added that hes a big fan of Columbia for many reasons and he donates a small amount to his Alma mater each year.

He said Columbia President Minouche Shafik, who has called for the Gaza plaza encampment to disperse, was doing as good a job as she can.

Its a very tough spot that shes in, he said, adding that he was inclined to increase his donation to the university this year.

People participate in a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Columbia University in New York, the United States, on April 23, 2024

The Columbia encampment, launched last week, sparked similar demonstrations at college campuses across the country, including Yale, Boston and Michigan universities.

Today, students in Austin and USC in California also came to blows.

Dozens of cops clad in riot gear were patrolling the Columbia campus perimeter Wednesday while security guards barred non-students from entering the grounds.

NYPD on Wednesday morning gave the students 48 hours to leave the camp or face arrest.

But defiant students have vowed to stay.

Tahia, a New York resident in her late twenties who was leading the 116 Street curb-side rally said older demonstrators would also take to the surrounding streets for as long as the student camp continued.

An encampment protesting the genocide in Gaza, goes into its second day, on the grounds of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States on April 23

Student demonstrators occupy the pro-Palestinian 'Gaza Solidarity Encampment' on the West Lawn of Columbia University on April 24

Were here in solidarity with the student encampments in Columbia, and in full solidarity with their demands for divestment, for full financial transparency, Tahia, who was wearing a keffiyeh over her hair, told DailyMail.com.

Well be here every day as long as the encampment is going on, she added.

Well be out on the streets for a grander, bigger demand to stop the genocide in Gaza, an end to all US funding in Israel, an end to western complicity in Zionism.

The fact that 40,000 Palestinians have died, have been murdered, and the US is complicit in the 75 year occupation of the Israeli state.

As protesters started chanting genocide Joe has got to go she added: I am by no means voting for Biden.

I think the uncommitted vote speaks for itself.

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are saying that the two party system does not represent them.

Whether its Biden or Trump, both sides are supporters of genocide Biden does not represent us.

Texas took a different tact, removing protestors immediately from the campus

Tahia added that she considered Biden, Hillary Clinton and Eric Adams war criminals.

Speaker Mike Johnson is due to hold a conference at Columbia in support of the Jewish students on Wednesday afternoon after describing the pro-Palestine protests as a sign of a troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on Americas college campuses.

Tahia rejected this characterization, telling DailyMail.com that students are on the right side of history right now.

We know we are on the side of justice and peace and we will stay on that side, she said.

Another protester, Emmanuel, 19, said he didnt even know Palestine was a place until the Hamas attack on Israel last year.

Ever since October 7, thats when I opened myself up to the situation, the teen, who is not a student and lives in upstate New York, told DailyMail.com.

I didnt even know Palestine was a place to begin with until what happened recently.

Its opened my eyes to a lot of stuff thats happening now politically.

Im here just trying to help out the students.
The Arizona House voted to repeal the 1864 law banning abortion in nearly all cases just weeks after the state Supreme Court delivered a controversial decision that sparked outrage nationwide.

The House voted to repeal the 160-year-old law with three Republicans crossing party lines to vote with Democrats. It was the third attempt to repeal the law.

The legislation now heads to the state's Republican controlled Senate.

Arizona's Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has been urging the Republican controlled legislature to pass legislation repealing the Civil War-era law ever since the state Supreme Court's decision came down that the law could be enforced sending shockwaves throughout the country.

Abortion rights protesters gathered outside the Arizona Capitol on April 17, 2024

Anti-abortion rights protesters outside the Arizona State Capitol before the House voted to repeal the 1864 law banning abortion

Democrats in the state legislature have been urging the repeal of the law that was in the books before Arizona even became a state for three weeks.

Two previous efforts to repeal the 1864 law were blocked by Republicans in recent weeks.

On Wednesday, three Republicans in the House voted on HB2677 with Democrats. The final vote was 32 to 28.

One House Democrat returned to the Capitol to cast a vote to repeal the law despite undergoing knee-replacement surgery the day before.

The Senate appears to have the necessary support to repeal the law.

'Im thrilled the House has finally decided to do the right thing and repeal the archaic 1864 near-total abortion ban, which would have jailed doctors & threatened womens lives,' Governor Katie Hobbs posted on X.

'Its time for the Senate to follow suit and send the repeal to my desk. Immediately,' she said.

Onlookers in the gallery say the pledge of allegiance ahead of House Democrats moving to repeal the 1864 law banning nearly all abortion

On April 9, the state's highest court ruled the law could be enforced which bans abortion in early all cases, with limited exceptions to save the life of the mother. The law does not include exceptions for rape or incest.

It paved the way for Arizona to have one of the strictest abortion bans in the country since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2022 ending the federal right to an abortion and returning the issue to states.

After the ruling came down Democrats and some Republican leaders blasted the decision which left lawmakers in the state scrambling.

Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to the state where she laid the blame for the law directly at the feet of former President Trump and accused Republicans for wanting to take the state back to the 1800s.

Trump, while touting the overturning of Roe v Wade by Supreme Court justices he nominated, also said the state court decision went too far.

He suggested lawmakers in the state would move quickly to repeal it but the effort has taken weeks with Republican lawmakers blocking efforts multiple times before Wednesday's House vote.

Arizona's Republican House Speaker Ben Toma pauses too watch the vote tally as House moves to repeal the Arizona near total abortion ban. He voted against the move

In response to Wednesday's vote, Arizona's Republican House Speaker released a statement stating that he disagrees with his Democratic colleagues on the issue.

'I am deeply disappointed. As I have said before, Democrats apparently believe that abortions should occur with no limits and no regulations,' Speaker Ben Toma said.

After the vote, Republicans in the House booted GOP Rep. Matt Gress who voted to repeal the law from his committee assignments.

In a statement after his vote Gress said the House acted on a 'bipartisan basis to repeal our state's territorial abortion law that is unworkable and out of line with the values of Arizonans.'

Advocates in Arizona are working to get the issue of abortion directly on the ballot in November. They have already gathered enough signatures for their petition.

After the House voted with only three Republicans joining Democrats, Arizona for Abortion Access released a statement reiterating the need for the ballot measure.

'We remain committed to taking these decisions out of the hands of extremist politicians and winning at the ballot box this November,' campaign manager Cheryl Bruce said.
An elementary school has canceled an optional lesson teaching students about gender-neutral pronouns after an avalanche of threats.

Schavey Road Elementary School in DeWitt, a town outside Lansing, Michigan, planned the mini-lesson for first-graders in the new few weeks.

The class would have taught children about they/them pronouns, why they should use the ones a classmate preferred, and what to do if they made a mistake.

The session also included reading a book that said children could use whatever pronoun they wanted, or even make up their own like 'ze' or 'tree.'

DeWitt Public Schools superintendent Shanna Spickard announced the lesson was canceled as teachers felt too unsafe to come to work

However, teachers and staff at the school were harassed and their personal details posted online after far-right social media pages caught wind of it.

DeWitt Public Schools superintendent Shanna Spickard announced the lesson was canceled as teachers felt too unsafe to come to work.

'Several of our hard-working school staff members have received inappropriate, angry, and threatening phone calls, emails, and social media messages,' she said.

'Some staff members have had their personal information, including information regarding their families and children, placed online to harass and intimidate them.

'While the vast majority of these inappropriate communications have originated outside of our community, several staff members have expressed feeling anxious, stressed, and even afraid to go to school.'

Spickard said the district reported the harassment to law enforcement and boosted security and police presence at Schavey Road Elementary.

She said the lesson was called off due to 'legitimate safety concerns' expressed by staff and the furor became a 'major disruption'.

'We realize this decision will please some and disappoint others in our school community, and I can assure you we did not reach this decision lightly,' she said.

An April 11 letter sent to parents explaining the session included an exemption form they could sign if they wanted their child excused from the class

The class included reading the children's book They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! by Matthew Sg and Maya Christina Gonzalez

Spickard earlier tried to quell concerns, stressing that the session was optional, not part of the curriculum, and prompted by 'concerns brought to our attention'.

'The purpose is to promote greater understanding, compassion, and kindness regarding gender identity and the use of pronouns,' she said.

'The mini-lesson is not designed to challenge, persuade, or alter family beliefs. Instead, it aims to promote a safe and respectful learning environment where all our students feel valued.

'Parents and guardians were informed in advance and given the opportunity to opt out.'

The April 11 letter sent to parents included an exemption form they could sign if they wanted their child excused from the class.

Students in the session would 'practice using pronouns they/them and what to do if we make a mistake with pronouns', it explained.

They would also 'learn that it is not OK to change someone's pronouns on purpose and to always try to use the pronouns that people want to be called'.

The class included reading the children's book They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! by Matthew Sg and Maya Christina Gonzalez, and discussing its themes.

Schavey Road Elementary School in DeWitt, a town outside Lansing, Michigan , planned the mini-lesson for first-graders in the new few weeks

Publisher Reflection Press described the book as 'a playful narrative about pronouns for kids' that 'shows many gender presentations under each pronoun and invites even more'.

'You can use your own name as a pronoun. You can change pronouns from he to she or she to he,' part of the book reads.

'You can use new ones like ze or create your own like tree! Some people use they, which is a perfect way. There are many more pronouns waiting to be discovered and used.'

Some parents complained about the class to local media and Michigan State Representative Steve Carra joked he should teach the class.

''Little Jack, you're a boy even if you pretend to be a girl. Other people shouldn't be forced to pretend along with you. Your pronouns are he/him.' Great, now back to reading, writing, and arithmetic,' he wrote.
A staff member was 'slashed across the neck' earlier today, witnesses said

A schoolteacher was lucky to be alive on Wednesday night after being stabbed in the neck by a teenage girl during a playground knife rampage.

Armed with a flick knife, the teenager is said to have targeted the teacher, named locally as Liz Hopkin, before a fellow pupil and a teacher intervened.

A colleague then bravely stepped in to disarm the schoolgirl, forcing her to drop the weapon.

The horrifying attack, being treated by police as an 'attempted murder', unfolded in front of terrified pupils who fled screaming as the girl lashed out at a secondary school in Wales during break time.

Shocking footage captured on a pupil's phone showed how heroic rugby teacher Darrel Campbell overpowered the alleged assailant, restraining her in an armlock and pulling her back from one of the victims who crumpled to the ground.

In the 15-second clip being shared on social media, panicked fellow pupils could be heard shouting: 'That girl's got stabbed' before a teacher orders them to, 'Get to class now'.

Hundreds of pupils were locked down in their classrooms as police raced to Amman Valley School in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire shortly after 11.20am.

On Wednesday night detectives were quizzing a Year 9 pupil, who was arrested at the scene. Eyewitnesses described seeing a wounded teacher bleeding from the throat as she was carried by paramedics to an air ambulance which landed on the school playing field.

Liz Hopkin, who works as a special needs teacher, was injured and is said to be recovering in hospital

Drama and Welsh teacher Fiona Elias was revealed to be among the three being treated for non-life threatening injuries

Drama teacher Fiona Elias (left) was injured after intervening when a pupil allegedly targeted her colleague Liz Hopkin

A teacher is among three people injured after a horror knife attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman secondary school in south Wales, police revealed today

The staff member at the school, also known as Amman Valley School, was allegedly 'slashed across the neck' in the knife attack shortly after 11.15am

A second wounded teacher, Fiona Elias, and a pupil were also taken to a local hospital, but police confirmed on Wednesday night that none of the injuries were life threatening.

A source close to the case said: 'The teacher targeted in the attack is lucky to be alive.

'She was stabbed in the neck, it was incredibly serious, but we have been told she will recover.

'A second teacher was also stabbed and a pupil who tried to intervene was stabbed.

'Another teacher then intervened and saved them.

'They acted incredibly bravely, the girl was restrained until police arrived.'

Yesterday a source close to Mr Campbell confirmed his pivotal role, saying: 'Darrel Campbell intervened and was able to disarm the girl, bringing the situation to an end before police arrived. He acted very bravely in the circumstances.'

Pupils hid in toilets and classroom cupboards for hours after hearing a 'Code Red' alarm ring out around the comprehensive also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman. which has 1,800 pupils aged 11-18.

Dyfed-Powys Police later allowed pupils and staff to leave around 3pm after announcing that an arrest had been made and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

Hundreds of parents gathered at the school gates after hearing about the incident on social media when the clip was posted within minutes of the attack.

One male pupil said: 'It was horrible, there was blood all over the ground.

Emergency services including police and two air ambulances raced to the school this morning following reports of a 'major incident'

An aerial view of the scene following the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Aman valley School) stabbing

Teacher Darrel Campbell (pictured) is said to have intervened to wrestle the butterfly knife from the teenage girl

'Both teachers were badly hurt but one was stabbed in the neck. She is one of the best teachers here, everybody likes her.'

On Wednesday night Ms Elias, who also teaches Welsh and is head of year seven at the school, was said to be recovering at home from her injuries.

Her husband, Rhodri, told reporters: 'She's going to be fine.'

Her colleague, named locally as Liz Hopkin, who works as a special needs teacher, was said to be recovering in hospital.

On Wednesday night a governor at the Welsh school said 'a teacher's job is very dangerous'.

Mair Wyn, whose children go to the school where her husband is head of English, said: 'It is a complete shock for the community.

'It's an excellent school, the pupils are such lovely children and I can't understand why this issue has happened, it's unbelievable really.'

She added: 'It's a very big concern what the future will hold. The discipline has gone from schools. Things are happening now, a teacher's job is very dangerous.

'I fear now for these two teachers that have been injured. Times have changed in the last 10 years.

'You looked up to a teacher in my time, you were afraid of a teacher. But I think every school is under danger really when you think about it, you don't know what's around the corner.'

Superintendent Ross Evans, Carmarthenshire Commander, said: 'We received a call just after 11.20am advising us people were injured following an incident at the school.

'Emergency services immediately attended, and the school was locked down for the safety of everyone on the premises.

'Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Their injuries are not life threatening.

'A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.

'A knife has been recovered as evidence.'

Rishi Sunak said he was 'shocked' by the appalling attack.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the Prime Minister said: 'I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected.'

Home Secretary James Cleverly said: 'Clearly, a situation like this is very, very disconcerting.

'It must have been horrific for the children that were hurt, their friends, the teaching staff and their families.

The school is currently under 'code red' and pupils have been put in the canteen in order to preserve the crime scene

Police and worried parents waiting at the school gates of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School after a multiple stabbing this afternoon

The school was placed on 'code red' and students were not released from lockdown until officers had spoken to classrooms individually, one parent said

One parent said: 'This is a quiet area and a nice school with a good community. We just can't figure out what has gone on'

'I'm not going to speculate because there will be an investigatory process which I don't want to do anything to undermine or disrupt.

'But, of course, whenever we see a situation like this we take it very, very seriously.

He added: 'Thankfully this is rare. We should recognise the UK is a very safe country by any international comparator.'

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies MP, said: 'The news emerging from Ammanford this afternoon is deeply concerning.

'My thoughts are with the people, parents and teachers of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, the emergency services and with the wider community during this extremely worrying time.'

Eye-witnesses said one was slashed across the throat with a butterfly knife and six paramedics carried her into a helicopter on the school playing field.

Grandmother Maria Davies, 50, said: 'She didn't look very good - there were medics all around her. We are all just praying she pulls through.

'Not long after I saw the schoolgirl in handcuffs being taken into a police car.'

Mrs Davies was among hundreds of worried parents who dashed to the school gates after video of the stabbings was posted on social media.

Dyfed-Powys Police later reassured them saying an arrest had been made and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

A young student who jumped the school fence to escape said: 'It was at the end of the morning break when I heard Code Red being called over the speakers.

'I've never heard one before but I knew what it meant.

'You're supposed to run to a classroom but I was closer to the school fence so me and a few other boys jumped it.'

Some pupils hid in cupboards where they messaged their parents to let them know what was happening inside the bilingual school.

But most were kept inside locked classrooms and told to keep their head down until the danger had passed.

The shocking aftermath of the stabbing was caught on video, in which one boy could be heart shouting: 'That girl's got stabbed.'

The video appears to show two girls on the ground in an outside area before one is pulled away by staff.

Parents waiting outside the school gates waiting outside before they tearfully embraced their sons and daughters when they were released at about 3.20pm

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the west Wales county. Pictured: Two air ambulances on the school field

The Welsh language school has 1,800 pupil aged 11 to 18. The school is situated in the north of the Ammanford town centre, while the town itself is a few miles north-east of the western terminus of the M4

One boy can be heard saying: 'What the f***, what the f***?' before a teacher orders the students to 'get to class now'.

A male pupil said: 'It was horrible, there was blood all over the ground but I didn't panic.

'Both teachers were badly hurt but one was stabbed in the neck. She is one of the best teachers here, everybody likes her.'

Hundreds of parents arrived at the school gates after hearing about the stabbing on social media.

Superintendent Ross Evans, Carmarthenshire Commander, said: 'Just after 11.20am this morning we received a call advising us of an incident at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire.

'Emergency services immediately attended and the school was locked down for the safety of all on the premises.

'Three people - two teachers and a teenage pupil - have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The family members of all those injured have been informed.

'A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.

'I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school.

'We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.

'This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.

'I am aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media and would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected.

One air ambulance is said to have now left the field and is reportedly flying towards the University Hospital in Cardiff. The second remains on site

The alleged incident is said to have taken place at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford in the west Wales county

'I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.

'We are working with the school, Carmarthenshire County Council, and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.

'Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.'

Councillor Karen Davies, a governor at the school, told WalesOnline she was told that two members of staff had sustained stab wounds.

'It is shocking. You hear about these things happening in Manchester and London but it is literally our comprehensive here,' she said.

One parent, Charlotte Rogers, who waited for her daughter to be released from the school, said she had been told that three people were stabbed.

Referring to her daughter, Ms Rogers added: 'She said she was scared. She's a tough cookie so fingers crossed. I just want to give her a big hug. I just want everyone to be safe. This shouldn't have happened.'

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, who attended the school between 1980 and 1987, described the incident as a 'bolt from the blue'.

He said there would be lessons to learn to minimise the chances of such an incident happening again.

Mr Price added: 'It is my home town, my school, and it is an excellent school in a really close-knit community. So a knife attack like this is not something you associate with our community.

'It was my only secondary school and it is a school that is right at the heart of the community. It is a very big secondary school, a very big comprehensive, and it has a very strong ethos and history going back over 100 years.'

Teaching unions have warned that pupil behaviour and violence in schools has worsened in recent years.

Mair Wyn, who has been a governor at Amman Valley School for 34 years, said 'times have changed' and 'a teacher's job is very dangerous'.

She said: 'You looked up to a teacher in my time, you were afraid of a teacher. But I think every school is under danger really when you think about it, you don't know what's around the corner.'

Police put all pupils in the school's canteen as they try to preserve the classroom and surrounding areas as a crime scene.

Children were hugged by their parents after being let out of school at 3.30pm, the usual time.

It is understood both women teachers were flown by air ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales, 70 miles from Ammanford.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: 'Three people have been injured and are receiving treatment.

'One person has been arrested and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

'Emergency services remain at the scene and the school has been closed while investigations continue.

'We are working closely with the school and Carmarthenshire County Council. We are aware that there is footage of the incident currently circulating on social media.

'We would ask that this is removed to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected. We would ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing.'
Donald Trump's lawyers will get to try to persuade the Supreme Court of his immunity from prosecution from his time as president in a blockbuster hearing Thursday, as Jack Smith tries to get his January 6 case back on track.

Trump and his team have argued that all presidents would be undermined if Trump isn't allowed to assert the immunity from prosecution for 'official acts' as president he claims to enjoy.

'If you dont have immunity youre not going to do anything, youre just going to become a ceremonial president,' Trump said in New York Thursday before his Stormy Daniels trial was set to resume.

His lawyers even told an appeals court a president could order SEAL Team 6 to assassinate a political rival and avoid prosecution.

But legal experts don't expect court's conservative 6-3 majority  including three justices nominated by Trump  to go along with his claim. A decision that burns up time or remands a decision to lower courts to sift through any new immunity test could still play to Trump's benefit.

Trump's trial in Washington, D.C. has ground to a halt pending the his legal claim, which comes amid a series of successful efforts to delay his four criminal trials. It also could impact his three other criminal trials related to his retention of national security information at Mar-a-Lago, his election overturn effort in Georgia, and the Stormy Daniels case.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on former President Donald Trump's claim of absolute immunity from criminal prosecution from actions during his time in office

The court showdown comes as Trump's trial resumes in criminal court in Manhattan over 'hush' payments to the porn star, in just the latest demonstration of how his 2024 campaign is being fought in the courthouse.

Trump's lawyers laid out the spent of the protection they argue he enjoys when an appeals court panel heard the matter in a January hearing.

Judge Florence Pan asked Trump lawyer John Sauer: A yes or no question. Could a president who ordered SEAL Team 6 to assassinate a political rival, who was not impeached, be subject to a criminal prosecution?'

'If he were impeached and convicted first,' responded Sauer.

'So your answer is no, shot back Pan.

'My answer is qualified yes...you'd expect a speedy impeachment and conviction, Sauer said. It was just one of the hypotheticals she put to Trump's team before the panel ruled against his claim.

The Supreme Court in February agreed to hear the matter on an expedited basis. But the move still stalled the January 6 case, having failed to take a speedier action by simply allowing the appeals court's decision to stand. That considerably raised the chance the case would not go to trial before the November elections.

Trump on Thursday said immunity from prosecution was critical. 'We have a big case today, these judges aren't allowing me to go, we have a big case today at the Supreme Court, on presidential immunity. A president has to have immunity, if you don't have immunity you have just a ceremonial president,' he said

There were a smattering of protesters outside the high court following arguments on an abortion issue Wednesday

Trump met with construction workers in New York Thursday morning

The Supreme Court already ruled in Trump's favor after a Colorado Supreme Court ruling kicked him off the ballot there

Trump was indicted in Washington, D.C. over his election overturn effort in 2020

Special Counsel Jack Smith invoked the Nixon pardon in his April brief to the high court

A lawyer for former President Donald Trump (right) faced a blizzard of questions from a three-judge appeals court panel over his claims of presidential immunity  including whether he could use the military to assassinate a political rival

Even a ruling against Trump might not come out until June.

Smith ripped Trump's claim in his filing to the high court.

'The Framers never endorsed criminal immunity for a former President, and all Presidents from the Founding to the modern era have known that after leaving office they faced potential criminal liability for official acts,' he wrote.

'Petitioner asserts a novel and sweeping immunity from the federal criminal laws that govern all citizens conduct,' he wrote.

'No presidential power at issue in this case entitles the President to claim immunity from the general federal criminal prohibitions supporting the charges: fraud against the United States, obstruction of official proceedings, and denial of the right to vote. The Presidents constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed does not entail a general right to violate them,' he wrote.

Smith pointed to a prior constitutional crisis, arguing that Nixon's acceptance of a pardon from Gerald Ford demonstrated the president enjoyed no such immunity.

'The closest historical analogue is President Nixons official conduct in Watergate, and his acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution. 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. Until petitioner.'

Justices are expected to grill lawyers on the application of the 1982 Nixon vs. Fitzgerald, which immunizes a president from private civil damages. But it 'does not extend to federal criminal prosecutions,' according to Smith.

The hearing starts at 10 am and is expected to last two hours  overlapping with Manhattan testimony by ex-National Enquirer CEO David Pecker.

Trump's team argues that the Constitution's Impeachment clause is in their corner. The Impeachment Judgment Clause says an officeholder convicted by the Senate shall nevertheless be 'liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment.'

But Smith's team says it would be ridiculous to require a conviction in the Congress, a political body, in order for prosecution for crimes unrelated to official conduct.

Trump on Thursday said immunity from prosecution was critical, after complaining that New York judge Juan Merchan refused to let him attend the hearing in D.C.

'We have a big case today, these judges aren't allowing me to go, we have a big case today at the Supreme Court, on presidential immunity. A president has to have immunity, if you don't have immunity you have just a ceremonial president,' Trump said.
Official figures on the size of the UK transgender population are too high and 'totally unreliable', critics claim.

University of Oxford associate professor Michael Biggs said the 2021 national census findings, which identified 262,000 trans people, were based on a flawed question.

Professor Biggs, writing in the journal Sociology, added that the question used by the Office for National Statistics was similar to one proposed by trans campaigners in 2007.

It was rejected by researchers because 'non-trans people would not understand' its meaning, especially if English was not their first language, The Times reported.

The census had asked: 'Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?'

Among those who said their gender identity was different to their birth sex and did not write in their own definition, such as 'transgender woman', 13 per cent did not speak English well. Of the 262,000 who indicated they were transgender, 118,000 did not provide further detail.

Official figures on the size of the UK transgender population are too high and 'totally unreliable', critics claim

University of Oxford associate professor Michael Biggs said the 2021 national census findings, which identified 262,000 trans people, were based on a flawed question

Maya Forstater, chief executive of the Sex Matters charity, said Professor Biggs's work had 'exposed that figures produced by the ONS on the transgender population are totally unreliable'.

'The statistics regulator is investigating, and we hope it will declare that the figures on gender identity are not fit to be recognised as 'national statistics'.'

The London boroughs of Newham and Brent recorded the highest proportion of transgender people.

Both have a large number of residents who spoke English as their second language, adding to concerns that the question may have been misinterpreted. The ONS said previously: 'There were clear patterns of trans identification being higher for people born outside the UK and people with lower proficiency in English.'

Professor Biggs said the census question was similar to one proposed in 2007 by Press for Change, a transgender campaign group. When tested, a focus group respondent called the question 'ridiculous trans lingo'.

Professor Biggs said: 'The ONS must have known, or should have known, that this question was completely unsuitable.'

The ONS said: 'The question went through a testing process which involved trans and non-trans people and, through the 2019 census rehearsal, people who did not have English as their main language, before the final wording was confirmed through legislation.'
Joe Biden's administration has rejected a claim that Prince Harry's U.S. visa records should be released because of 'extraordinary' comments by the president's ambassador to the U.K.

It came after Ambassador Jane Hartley recently said that Harry would not be deported from the U.S. while Biden is president.

The Heritage Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, is currently suing Biden's Department of Homeland Security under the Freedom of Information Act for access to the royal's immigration papers.

In a legal salvo earlier this month it said Hartley's comments undermined the Biden administration's position that the documents should be kept secret, and backed up the case for disclosing them.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in Florida at the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, on April 12, 2024

The filing of over 100 pages in Washington D.C. included a full transcript of what the think tank called Hartley's 'extraordinary' comments in an interview with Sky News on March 25.

However, in a new response submitted to Judge Carl Nichols in Washington D.C. lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security refused to accept the argument.

They said Hartley had simply been giving her reaction to previous comments by Donald Trump that he might deport Harry if he becomes president again.

And they said, in doing so, the ambassador had not revealed any private information about the royal's immigration status.

In the filing the U.S. government lawyers also rejected the idea that Hartley had ruled out deportation of Harry regardless of what happened in the future.

Lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security wrote: 'Plaintiffs argue that Jane Hartley, U.S. Ambassador to the Court of Saint James, revealed information about the Dukes immigration status during an interview with Sky News.

'But Hartleys comment was simply a reaction to former President Donald Trump suggesting that, if he is elected to the presidency again, he would consider deporting the Duke.'

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex competes during the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at Grand Champions Polo Club on April 12, 2024 in Wellington, Florida

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kiss as she presents his polo team with the trophy for winning the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, Friday, April 12, 2024

US Ambassador Jane Hartley laughed off the suggestion Harry could be deported, telling Sky News: 'It's not gonna happen in the Biden administration'

They went on: 'Contrary to Plaintiffs representations, Hartleys comments did not reveal any non-public information regarding the Dukes status, and Hartley did not state that the Duke would not be deported "regardless of future circumstances".

'If anything, Hartleys comment that the Duke would not be deported under the Biden Administration is consistent the position that Defendant has taken in this litigation, namely that the Dukes admission to and residence in the United States suggests no government impropriety."

The Heritage Foundation wants Harry's visa records released to see if he confirmed on his application that he had used drugs, and if he was given any special treatment by immigration authorities.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, watches the prize ceremony at the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale, Friday, April 12, 2024, in Wellington, Florida

In a recent interview for GB News with Nigel Farage, Donald Trump said Harry should not get 'special privileges'

Former President Donald Trump speaks to Nigel Farage on GB News

In his memoir Spare, which was published after he moved to America in 2020, he admitted having previously used drugs including marijuana, cocaine and psychedelic mushrooms.

U.S. visa applicants are required to make a disclosure about any history of drug use, which can impact their application.

In its filing the Heritage Foundation said the Biden administration had always maintained that 'none of the information that we have can be released without acknowledging what Prince Harrys immigration status is or tipping our hand as to what it is.

'But on March 25 2024, the Hon. Jane Hartley, the United States Ambassador to the Court of Saint Jamess did just that.

'Hartley spoke directly not only to the Duke of Sussexs current immigration status, but HRHs future immigration status as well.'

District Judge Carl Nichols who is presiding over the case in Washington D.C.

SPARE, the memoir of Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, was published globally on January 10, 2023

The think tank argued that undermined the Biden's administration's argument that the information must be kept secret.

Last month, Donald Trump said if Harry was found to have lied on his visa application about drug-taking he would seek to take 'appropriate action' if he becomes president again.

Trump declined to rule out Harry being deported from the United States.

When asked about Trump's comments Ambassador Hartley said: 'Well its not going to happen in the Biden administration.'
By Baek Byung-yeul

Korea launched its first nanosatellite or mini-satellite, NEONSAT-1, into space, to enhance its surveillance system and better monitor natural disasters on the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry of Science and ICT said, Wednesday.

The space rocket Electron, from the U.S. aerospace company Rocket Lab, launched NEONSAT-1 into orbit at 7:32 a.m. from a spaceport in Mahia, New Zealand.

"The nanosatellite NEONSAT-1 successfully separated from the launch vehicle approximately 50 minutes after launch, at 8:22 a.m.," the ministry said. It added the satellite succeeded in communicating with a ground station in Daejeon at 11:57 a.m.

Furthermore, following communication with a ground station at King Sejong Station in Antarctica at 2:13 p.m. and 3:44 p.m., two-way communication was normal, confirming the successful launch of the satellite, the ministry said. NEONSAT-1 will now commence its initial operational procedures, including functional checks, it added.

The nanosatellite was designed for precise surveillance of the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding seas multiple times a day, serving national security and disaster response purposes. Korea invested 231.4 billion won ($169 million) in the satellite project, which started in 2020 and will take eight years to complete.

NEONSAT-1 was developed by the Satellite Technology Research Center at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), with the participation of Satrec Initiative, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI).

Following this satellite launch, Korea plans to launch an additional five nanosatellites in both 2026 and 2027. The science ministry added those launches will be carried out by Korea's space launch vehicle Nuri.

Upon completion of all the launches, the nanosatellites will operate as a satellite constellation, working as one group. Through the satellite constellation, Korea expects a significant improvement in its ability to respond to crises, even during abnormal weather phenomena or disasters such as typhoons, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts and heavy snowfall, by actively utilizing imagery information.

The nanosatellites, designed with lightweight construction and low-power consumption, will be operated at a low cost. The ministry plans to launch a total of 11 satellites by 2027 to secure images of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding waters with high frequency through cluster operation to enhance national security and prompt and accurate responses to disasters and calamities, the ministry said.

The science ministry added that the satellite launch is expected to have a significant economic impact on Korea's satellite industry.

By securing large volumes of images covering the desired areas, it is expected to meet most of the satellite image demands required in key public sectors so that the country can significantly reduce the costs of image purchases from overseas companies. Furthermore, it is anticipated that revenue can be generated by selling images further afield than the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, the collaborative experience of KAIST, Satrec Initiative and KARI in satellite manufacturing, launching and control is expected to nurture the private sector-led space industry here.

The development and production of the nanosatellites is a desirable model of industry-academia-government cooperation. We hope that this launch will raise the level of space industrialization in Korea and activate the cooperation in space development, Kim Ee-eul, CEO of Satrec Initiative, said.
Donald Trump is more trusted to stand up to China, Russia and Iran than Joe Biden, a new poll shows.

The former US president is ahead of his successor by a margin of 46 per cent to 39 per cent - and leads in every age group.

By a very narrow margin of 43 per cent to 42 per cent, Biden is more trusted with America's nuclear arsenal.

Amongst 18-21-year-olds, Trump however retains a nine per cent lead on the nuclear question.

He is significantly ahead among men, with 51 per cent backing him to 38 per cent entrusting Biden, but women put both contenders at 41 per cent.

Donald Trump has been found to be more trusted to stand up to China, Russia and Iran than Joe Biden

The former US president is ahead of his successor Biden (pictured) by a margin of 46 per cent to 39 per cent - and leads in every age group

The poll comes at a time when the West is increasingly under threat from China, Russia and Iran. Pictured left is Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Chinese President Xi Jinping pictured right

The poll comes at a time when the West is increasingly under threat from China, Russia and Iran.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Joe Biden narrowly leads Donald Trump in the race for the White House in shock poll Advertisement

Whoever wins the race for the White House will be crucial to its defence.

Isolationist Trump has long railed against China and is likely to start a trade war with the country if he returns to power. Biden, however, has vowed to support Taiwan if China invade, which Trump hasn't.

Russia is more difficult for the former US president, as there are fears he would drop the US's support for Ukraine, which Biden has fought hard to keep.

Trump is more likely to heavily sanction Iran and pulled the US out of a landmark nuclear deal with the country in 2018. He also oversaw the assassination of one of its top generals.

Biden has defended Israel against direct attacks from Iran and has sanctioned the country's leaders as the war in Gaza continues.
A long-lost Gustav Klimt painting which resurfaced after 100 years has sold at auction for 26 million.

'Portrait of Fraulein Lieser', which the Austrian modernist artist started in 1917, sold to an unknown buyer at an auction in Vienna yesterday.

The portrait of a young woman was one of Klimt's last works, as the artist died in early 1918 after suffering from a stroke, meaning the painting has small unfinished areas.

The Jewish Lieser family, who had commissioned the painting, received the artwork unfinished, but soon after were forced to flee Austria amid the rise of Hitler and antisemitism.

This means the whereabouts of the painting from 1925 to the 1960s is entirely unknown.

'Portrait of Fraulein Lieser', which the Austrian modernist artist started in 1917, sold to an unknown buyer at an auction in Vienna yesterday

The portrait of a young woman was one of Klimt's (pictured in 1911) last work, as the artist died in early 1918 after suffering from a stroke, meaning the painting has small unfinished parts

The Im Kinsky auction house said that 'a painting of such rarity, artistic significance, and value has not been available on the art market in Central Europe for decades.'

The intensely coloured painting was auctioned on behalf of the current owners, Austrian private citizens whose names were not released, and the legal heirs of Adolf and Henriette Lieser, one of whom is believed to have commissioned the painting. It's not entirely clear which member of the Lieser family was the model.

Bidding started at 28 million euros, and the sale price was at the lower end of an expected range of 30-50 million euros.

Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1938. The auction house says there is no evidence as to whether the painting was confiscated then.

It ended up with the current owners through three successive inheritances.

In view of the uncertainty, the current owners and the Liesers' heirs drew up an agreement to go forward with the sale under the Washington Principles, which were drafted in 1998 to assist in resolving issues related to returning Nazi-confiscated art.

Klimt's art has fetched huge sums at auction in the past.

His Lady with a Fan piece sold for 85.3m at Sotheby's in June 2023, making it the most valuable work of art ever sold at auction in Europe.
Princess Beatrice's ex-boyfriend Paolo Liuzzo has been found dead from a suspected overdose in a Miami hotel room.

Officer Michael Vega, of the Miami Police Department, told The Sun police attended a room at the citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel at 3.22pm on February 7.

The cause of death has not officially been reported, but officer Vega said: 'It was investigated as an overdose death. The investigation is open and ongoing.'

The princess, who is a daughter of the disgraced Prince Andrew, started dating Liuzzo in 2005 when she was aged 17 and he was 24, but the pair separated in 2006.

Insiders have revealed that Liuzzo struggled with gambling as well as drugs, and claimed he had racked up debts with loan sharks, according to The Sun. A friend of Liuzzo told The Sun: 'Paolo was not doing great on a personal level.

Princess Beatrice 's ex-boyfriend Paolo Liuzzo has been found dead from a suspected overdose in a Miami hotel room

The cause of death has not officially been reported, but is being investigated by Miami police as an overdose

Miami police said Luizzo was found dead at citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel

'He began using a lot of pharmaceutical drugs at first but that later led to cocaine and harder drugs. It was a very fast lifestyle and we all feared it would catch up with him eventually.'

Liuzzo had reportedly struggled with drugs and was previously arrested in Australia over a string of offenses including possessing cocaine.

He was arrested on the Gold Coast on September 27, 2009, after crashing an $90,000 black Audi hire car into traffic lights.

The then-27-year-old also failed to pay for accommodation and restaurant bills at Conrad Jupiters casino.

Australian law enforcement charged Liuzzo with fraud, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possessing two grams of cocaine and driving without due care and attention. Liuzzo pleaded guilty and was fined $5,000.

His controversial past began in 2002 when he was charged with the manslaughter of a fellow student at the College of the Holy Cross.

Prince Andrew and Ferguson encouraged Beatrice's romance with Liuzzo, despite the seven year age difference and his criminal past

Liuzzo and Beatrice (pictured) met through mutual friends and began dating in July 2005 and they managed to keep the relationship secret for almost a year

Beatrice (pictured here with her parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson) was reportedly heartbroken when their romance ended and she returned to Goldsmiths, which is part of the University of London

'We all have our own journeys and have to learn our way but Beatrice is a sensible girl, soon to be 18, with many friends including Paolo,' Beatrice's mother Sarah Ferguson (pictured left with Beatrice) when the relationship began

His fellow student, 19-year-old Jonathan R. Duchatellier, died as a result of a fight that took place on May 5, 2002 in an off-campus apartment building at 510 Cambridge St. which involved Liuzzo.

The charge was later reduced to assault and Liuzzo served a community sentence.

Liuzzo, who is from Woodbury, New York, was considered a U.S. socialite at the time of his romance with Beatrice.

Liuzzo and Beatrice met through mutual friends and began dating in July 2005 and they managed to keep the relationship secret for almost a year - but they split in May 2006 when reports of the manslaughter charge surfaced, causing a sensation.

Prince Andrew and Ferguson encouraged Beatrice's romance with Liuzzo, despite the seven year age difference and his criminal past.

'We all have our own journeys and have to learn our way but Beatrice is a sensible girl, soon to be 18, with many friends including Paolo,' Beatrice's mother when the relationship began.

The royal pair invited Liuzzo on a family vacation to the exclusive Swiss ski resort Verbier.

It subsequently emerged that Liuzzo had flouted the conditions of his probation to holiday with the Queen's granddaughter and her family - including Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York - in Switzerland in 2006.

As a result he was hauled back to the U.S. where he had his three-year probation extended by the courts as punishment, forcing Beatrice to end the fledgling romance.

Miami police are investigating the death, which took place on February 7, as a suspected overdose

Liuzzo (pictured in court right) had reportedly struggled with drugs and was previously arrested in Australia over a string of offenses including possessing cocaine

In 2007 he embarrassed the Royal Family by claiming marijuana was smoked in the presence of Beatrice, her sister Eugenie and their mother, Sarah Ferguson, while they were on holiday in Jamaica.

He was among a party of eight including the Princesses who went on a ten-day holiday to the Caribbean in 2005.

The self-described playboy also confessed to cheating on Beatrice during their relationship - and said she had wanted to introduce him to the Queen.

Beatrice was reportedly heartbroken when their romance ended and she returned to Goldsmiths, which is part of the University of London.

Liuzzo's death certificate revealed that he had been working as a consultant in the art industry and had never married.

His body was transported to Long Island, New York, where he grew up and a funeral was held on February 16.
Some alumni of Morehouse College are warning President Joe Biden not give the school's commencement address later this year as White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said she has 'no idea' about the protests happening on campuses across the country.

Protests over the administration's handling Israel's war in Gaza are growing around the nation: from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles to the University of Texas at Austin to Columbia University in New York, where House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on Wednesday.

Biden, on May 19th, will be the commencement speaker at Morehouse College in Georgia, a preeminent historically black school in a state he needs to win in order to defeat Donald Trump in November's election.

But some of the alumni of the Morehouse, where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. graduated from, have criticized the school's decision to invite the president and asking for it to be rescinded.

A person is detained by police as pro-Palestinian students protest the Israel-Hamas war on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin, Texas

Some alumni are circulating an online letter that condemns the invitation and seeks signatures to pressure Morehouse President David Thomas to rescind it.

The letter, obtained by The Associated Press, claimed Biden's approach to Israel effectively supports genocide in Gaza and runs counter to the pacifism that King expressed with his opposition to the Vietnam War.

Jean-Pierre said Biden planned to give the speech and was looking forward to speaking to the students.

'I understand this is a different moment in time that we're in. But [President Biden] always takes this moment as a special time to deliver a message - an encouraging message, a message that's hopefully uplifting to the graduates and their families,' she said at her daily White House press briefing.

But, bizarrely, she claimed to have no idea about what was happening around the country even though the protests are dominating the news cycle.

At the University of Texas at Austin, the state's flagship public university, the police arrested several pro-Palestinian protesters who had gathered south of the university's iconic clock tower.

'I can't speak to what's going on on the ground. I knows what UT, what happened, just happening now, happening today. So I have no idea on how that's been being dealt with on the ground,' Jean-Pierre said.

'Look, we've been very clear we want to see peaceful protests.'

Palestine demonstrators are gathering in protest both inside and outside the locked gates of the Columbia University campus

USC Public Safety Officers take town protesters' tents during a Gaza solidarity occupation on campus

'I have no idea on how that's been being dealt with on the ground,' Karine Jean-Pierre said of the student protests at the University of Texas

The protests are a distraction while the White House presses forward with negotiations over a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas while pushing Israel to limit casualties with more than 34,000 Palestinians dead.

At worst, they build momentum toward the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, potentially triggering scenes of violence that could recall the unrest of protests against the Vietnam War during the partys convention there in 1968.

The protest at Morehouse could have personal political consequences for Biden as he seeks a second term.

It puts Biden's reelection campaign in a difficult position as the president works to court black voters who helped put him in the Oval Office.

'In inviting President Biden to campus, the college affirms a cruel standard that complicity in genocide merits no sanction from the institution that produced one of the towering advocates for nonviolence of the twentieth century,' the alumni letter states, emphasizing King's stance that 'war is a hell that diminishes' humanity as a whole.

'If the college cannot affirm this noble tradition of justice by rescinding its invitation to President Biden, then the college should reconsider its attachment to Dr. King.'

Polling suggests Biden is losing support among black Americans. More than half of Black adults approve of how he is handling his job as president, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in March, but thats down significantly from when he took office and 94% approved of his performance.

Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson, visiting Columbia University, has demanded the White House take action and has even floated the possibility of bringing in the National Guard to quell the protests, which Republicans have called antisemitic.

He said he planned on calling President Biden to talk about the issue.

'There is executive authority that would be appropriate,' he said. 'If these threats are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard. We have to bring order to these campuses.'

Columbia University students are demanding that the university divest from any financial interests connected to Israel and offer amnesty to all activists for their protest actions.

Johnson was booed and heckled during his visit.

'Go back to class, and stop the nonsense,' he told the students. 'Stop wasting your parents' money.'

Students at University of Maryland take part in a sit-in protest on school campus

Speaker Mike Johnson was booed and heckled at Columbia University

President Joe Biden visited Morehouse College in January 2022 to talk about voting rights

Biden is not just being heckled at school campuses. He's been followed to political events, speeches and even his family's Thanksgiving vacation in Nantucket.

The issue has proven vexing for the president. He has long joined the U.S. foreign policy establishment in embracing Israel as an indispensable Middle East ally. Yet he also has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for mounting civilian deaths in Gaza and told him that future U.S. aid depends on Israel taking steps to protect civilians.

The approach has left Biden with vocal critics to his left and right at a time when he has little margin for error in battleground states, including Georgia, that are expected to decide his rematch with Trump.

Biden's speech at Morehouse will mark the second consecutive spring that the president has spoken to the graduating class of a historically Black school.

In 2023, he delivered the commencement address at Howard University. The Washington, D.C., school is the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris , the first Black woman to hold that office.

Morehouse, a private all-male school that is part of the multi-campus Atlanta University Center, also is the alma mater of Sen. Raphael Warnock , Georgia's first Black U.S. senator.
Rishi Sunak yesterday vowed to 'keep cutting taxes' while boosting defence spending  as he insisted that the economy was strong enough to do both.

The Prime Minister dismissed claims from Labour that his dramatic pledge to spend an extra 75 billion on defence by the end of the decade was not fully funded.

At a press conference in Berlin, he said much of it would be paid for by slashing the civil service back to its pre-pandemic size, reducing numbers by 72,000.

He did not rule out cuts to other areas of public spending outside health and education.

But he insisted the Government could still cut taxes while hiking defence spending.

Rishi Sunak pictured at a press conference in Berlin where he vowed to 'keep cutting taxes' while boosting defence spending

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is pictured taking a selfie with German and British troops at the Julius Leber Barrackson April 23

Rishi Sunak speaks with military personnel as he visits troops at the Julius Leber Barracks in Berlin on April 23

'We have record investment in our public services, including the NHS, that's not going to change, it's going to continue. We have record investment in our schools, that's not going to change, it's going to continue to increase. And alongside that we are able to cut people's taxes,' he said.

'But we have made a choice and I am not shying away from that choice. All governing is about prioritising. I have decided to prioritise defence because I think that is the right thing to do for our country.'

He added: 'It is the biggest strengthening of our national defence in a generation. It is fully funded. And it is based on the fact we have a strong working economy and an economic plan that is working.'

Mr Sunak was in Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz which focused on defence and the war in Ukraine.

He hailed a 'new chapter' in the relationship between the UK and Germany, with both countries now investing heavily in military spending.

It came as US President Joe Biden finally signed off a 49billion aid package for Ukraine yesterday  including long-range missiles and air defence systems.

Meanwhile, Mr Sunak also urged European countries to match Britain's promised defence spending boost, as he warned they could not expect the United States to 'pay any price' to protect the continent.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz walks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a meeting in Berlin, Germany on April 24

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend a press conference, at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany on April 24

Currently only three Nato countries in Europe spend more than the UK's new target of 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

'We can't expect the Americans to pay any price, to take any burden if we in Europe are not ourselves prepared to make the sacrifices and make those investments,' he said.

The call was backed by Mr Scholz, who has overseen rapid rises in defence spending since Russia's invasion. Germany has hiked defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP and Mr Scholz said he was committed to hitting 2.5.

British officials were told the German Chancellor would not accept a gift from Mr Sunak during the trip.

One Whitehall source said Mr Scholz was 'not a gift kind of person'.
Rwanda removal flights will continue 'indefinitely' until migrants stop crossing the Channel by small boat, the Home Secretary vowed last night.

James Cleverly insisted that the Home Office's behind-the-scenes planning to initiate the scheme was 'robust'  and confirmed a number of flights had already been booked.

He made his most detailed remarks yet about the impending launch of the Rwanda scheme during a visit to Lampedusa, the tiny Italian island in the southern Mediterranean which lies on the front line of illegal migration from North Africa.

His comments came as it emerged that police had arrested three men over the deaths of five migrants, including a child, who drowned attempting to cross the Channel from France.

The men  two Sudanese nationals aged 22 and 19, and a South Sudan national aged 22  were detained on Tuesday night, the National Crime Agency said.

Rwanda removal flights will continue 'indefinitely' until migrants stop crossing the Channel by small boat, Home Secretary James Cleverly vowed while on a trip to Lampedusa, Italy

He made his most detailed remarks yet about the impending launch of the Rwanda scheme during a visit to the tiny Italian island in the southern Mediterranean which lies on the front line of illegal migration from North Africa

Mr Cleverly pledged that the first deportation flight to Rwanda will leave in 'ten to 12 weeks'

James Cleverly toured a police patrol boat in Lampedusa while discussing illegal migration

Pledging that the first flight will take off in 'ten to 12 weeks', Mr Cleverly told the Mail: 'We have got a legally sound, operationally sound and morally sound plan of action. We've got plans in place that will facilitate multiple flights per month, indefinitely.

READ MORE: Some of the five migrants killed trying to get to Britain were CRUSHED to death on board the tiny boat: French investigators say some victims suffocated while others drowned Advertisement

'We have seen a significant number of individuals and organisations do everything they can to disrupt and delay and to prevent these flights from happening.

'The last thing I want to do is aid them in their disruption of our plan by giving away too much operational detail.

'But the point is that we have booked a number of initial flights and we have got the facility to continue booking flights on a regular drumbeat through the summer.

'There is no limit on the number of flights. This will stop when the boats stop.'

In his first interview since new Rwanda laws cleared their final stages in Parliament earlier this week, the Home Secretary added: 'We absolutely know that our planning is robust.'

Royal Assent of the Safety of Rwanda Bill  expected as early as today  will let the Home Office 'start finalising' the next stages, he said.

The separate treaty with Rwanda  another key element  is due to be ratified in days.

Last night Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary made a cheeky bid for the government contract to carry deportees, telling Bloomberg that in the right circumstances, 'we would happily quote for the business'.
A spokesperson for Columbia University slammed 'untrue and unsubstantiated' claims that the Ivy League institution has called in the National Guard on pro-Palestine encampments on campus.

It comes as demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard to the campus, which has been besieged by protests since last Wednesday.

Ben Chang, the school's VP of Communications, told the press Wednesday of rumors they'd contacted the National Guard: 'Let me be clear: that is untrue and an unsubstantiated claim.'

The university reaffirmed that it protesters last night that they will continue conversations for the next 48 hours after the group ignored a midnight deadline to vacate the West Lawns.

He did say, however, that the protests as things stand are in violation of university rules and that only people with a university ID will be allowed on campus going forward.

A spokesperson for Columbia University slammed 'untrue and unsubstantiated' claims that the Ivy League institution has called in the National Guard on pro-Palestine encampments on campus

It comes as demonstrators claim school officials threatened to call in the National Guard to the campus, which has been besieged by demonstrations since last Wednesday

Ben Chang, the school's VP of Communications, told the press Wednesday of rumors they'd contacted the National Guard: 'Let me be clear: that is untrue and an unsubstantiated claim'

'The safety of our community is our number one priority,' Chang added. 'That includes the safety of the Encampment, which continues to grow.'

'Our goal is to restore order and if we can get there through dialogue, we will,' he continued. The pro-Palestine mob has held the school hostage and their Jewish classmates in fear since they began setting up tents outdoors on campus.

He also confirmed that Columbia University President Minouche Shafik met with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and other members of Congress Tuesday afternoon.

Johnson waded into hostile scenes at Columbia University as the Republican confronted a mass of anti-Israel protestors on Wednesday.

He brushed off the boos and jeers of students and instead condemned the protest, the latest in the 'virus of antisemitism'.

Johnson slammed the crowds in Columbia as being 'lawless agitators and radicals' and questioned their ability to become 'leaders of America' - as he praised the Jewish students who remain committed to their education.

'We will not be silent while Jewish students are expected to run for their lives,' Johnson warned.

The crowd yelled and jeered in an attempt to rattle him but Johnson was unperturbed.

He did say, however, that the protests as things stand are in violation of university rules and that only people with a university ID will be allowed on campus going forward

A spokesperson confirmed that Columbia University President Minouche Shafik met with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and other members of Congress Tuesday afternoon

'Enjoy your free speech!' he replied as he left before issuing one final slap down: 'Stop wasting your parents money'.

The Louisiana lawmaker arrived at the New York campus on Wednesday afternoon, hours after he called for the Columbia president to resign on a morning radio show.

'What we're seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable,' Johnson told The Hugh Hewitt Show.

'Every leader in this country, every political official, every citizen of good conscience has to speak out and say that this is not who we are in America, and we have got to have accountability.'

So far, more than 100 activists have been arrested, with protesters ordered to disperse.

On Tuesday night, it was reported that NYPD counterterrorism officers were mobilizing close to the protest.

At least two Republican senators, Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton, called on President Joe Biden to bring in the National Guard to campuses nationwide were Jewish students claim they feel threatened by the growing number of protests.

Missouri Senator Hawley told the president that he must act on his Passover statement in which he said: 'We've seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous.'

Pro-Palestinian protesters hold a small rally outside of Columbia University on Wednesday

Students continue to maintain a protest encampment in support of Palestinians on the Columbia University campus

Student demonstrators occupy the pro-Palestinian 'Gaza Solidarity Encampment'

'You must immediately mobilize the National Guard and any other authorities necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish American students and citizens,' Hawley wrote.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said that the authorities will continue to detain protesters.

'Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses,' he wrote on social media.

'These protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.'
A drag queen was recorded ordering children to chant 'Free Palestine' during a queer story time event at a Massachusetts art center.

Performer Lil Miss Hot Mess read stories to kids during the Queer Storytime for Palestine event at the Northampton Center for the Arts on April 14.

The event, organized by Valley Families for Palestine, was intended for preschool through upper elementary school aged children.

Lil Miss Hot Mess wore a sparkly red dress, green boa and a large watermelon shaped brooch while reading her book 'If You're a Drag Queen and You Know It.'

'If you're a drag queen and you know it shout "Free Palestine,"' the drag queen said.

Drag queen Lil Miss Hot Mess read her book 'If You're a Drag Queen and You Know It' and had kids chant 'Free Palestine'

The event, organized by Valley Families for Palestine, was intended for preschool through upper elementary school aged children

'Today what we're going to do is we're going to shout "Free Palestine!" Can I hear that?'

'If you're a drag queen and you know it and you really want to show it, if you're a drag queen and you know it, shout "Free Palestine!"

The event included dancing, celebrating Palestine culture, learning about queer heroes and doing arts and crafts.

Authors Hannah Moushabeck, a second-generation Palestinian American, and Sarah Prager also attended.

Lil Miss Hot Mess shared photos from the reading on her Instagram with the caption, 'Last weekend I had the honor of taking part in a Queer Storytime for Palestine.'

'The event was both a wonderful reminder of the power of imagination, community, and organizing, while at the same time heartbreaking in thinking about how we could feel so much joy together while Gazans (and especially Palestinian children) are suffering. Still, I hold out hope in working with children to bring about a just present and liberatory future.'

Moushabeck commented on the drag queen's post, 'It was such an honor and joy to present with you.'

'Thank you for coming to Northampton! My daughter is still talking about the eventand asking some great questions about using her voice, ' said attendee Maha Moushabeck.

'Thank you for coming to Western MA and showing my children and their friends and community what it means to stand up for one another,' said Jill Brevik.

The event organizer Valley Families for Palestine said, 'We came together today in joy and solidarity and learned some important lessons about being ourselves, using our voices to speak out against injustice, and being fabulous while we do it.'

Others slammed the event saying queer pro-Palestine supporters would be treated horribly by Hamas.

'This is insane. And don't get me started about the irony of you defending your potential attacker (if you were to visit in Gaza), ' said Naama Katoa.

The event included dancing, celebrating Palestine culture, learning about queer heroes and doing arts and crafts

Queers for Palestine events and marches have been criticized as a misguided show of support for a regime that does not support gay rights.

The Islamic Middle Eastern state follows sharia law, and as noted by Amnesty International, it is not safe for the queer community.

Palestine is the sixth-worst country in the world for legal rights and freedoms LGBTQ+ people have, ranking 192 out of 197 countries, according to Equaldex's LGBTQ+ Equality Index.

A Hamas terrorist commander, Mahmoud Ishtiwi, was tortured and killed by the organization in 2016 for allegedly having sex with another man.

Ahmad Abu Marhia, a 25-year-old gay Palestinian, was found beheaded after receiving death threats because of his sexual identity.
A state investigator testified Wednesday that he considers former President Donald Trump, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani to be uncharged co-conspirators in the Michigan fake electors plot.

Howard Shock, whose work led to forgery charges against more than a dozen people in Michigan, was being cross-examined Wednesday in Lansing as part of a hearing Wednesday to determine if there's enough evidence to order a trail.

A defense attorney, Duane Silverthorn, offered a series of names and asked Shock if they were 'unindicted co-conspirators,' which means they weren't charged but could have been part of an alleged plot to put Michigan's electoral votes in Trump's column.

Shock responded 'yes' to Trump, Meadows, Giuliani and some high-ranking state Republicans.

In Michigan, authorities said more than a dozen Republicans sent certificates to Congress falsely declaring they were electors and that Trump was the winner of the 2020 election in the state, despite results showing he had lost.

Former President Donald Trump is photographed Tuesday in Manhattan Superior Court during the Stormy Daniels hush money trial. A state investigator said the former president would be considered an 'unindicted co-conspirator' in the Michigan fake electors scheme

The same witness said former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows (left) and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (right), who served as an election lawyer for Trump, would also fit that bill

Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel said the scheme was hatched in the basement of the state Republican Party headquarters.

'I'm surprised the question was even answered,' said Detroit-area attorney Margaret Raben, former head of a statewide association of defense lawyers.

'It's irrelevant - legally and factually irrelevant - that there are other people who could have been charged or should have been charged,' said Raben, who is not involved in the case.

Meadows' lawyer, George Terwilliger, had a similar reaction when reached by The Associated Press.

He declined further comment.

Giuliani political adviser Ted Goodman emailed a response that didn't address the specific issue.

An email seeking comment was sent to a Trump spokesperson.

The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. In Michigan, authorities said more than a dozen Republicans sent certificates to Congress falsely declaring they were electors and that Trump was the winner of the 2020 election in the state, despite results showing he had lost

Trump is in court this week for the Stormy Daniels hush money case after the jury selection process wrapped up last week.

On Wednesdays, however, the Manhattan court doesn't meet.

In Georgia, Trump, Giuliani and others are charged with conspiracy related to the filing of a Republican elector certificate in that state following the 2020 election.

Meadows is also charged in Georgia but not in relation to the elector scheme. They have pleaded not guilty.

An indictment by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith charging Trump with plotting to overturn the election also accuses the former president in a fake elector scheme and identifies six unnamed and unindicted co-conspirators, including Giuliani.
An illegal migrant who spent over two decades frustrating attempts to deport him is not entitled to remain here, the UK's highest court has ruled.

The Belarusian man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered the UK illegally in 1998 and has been fighting deportation ever since.

Even though he racked up a string of criminal convictions, including actual bodily harm and false imprisonment, the Home Office has been unable to deport the man after he repeatedly lied to Belarus government officials over his identity.

The Supreme Court has now ruled the Home Office was right not to grant him leave to remain.

The man, identified only as 'AM', had claimed his human rights were being breached. Since he was unlikely to be removed to Belarus, he argued, the refusal to grant him leave to remain violated his right to a private and family life.

The Belarusian man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered the UK illegally in 1998 and has been fighting deportation ever since. Pictured: The Supreme Court

Even though he racked up a string of criminal convictions, including actual bodily harm and false imprisonment, the Home Office has been unable to deport the man after he repeatedly lied to Belarus government officials over his identity

Both the Immigration Tribunal's upper chamber and the Court of Appeal ruled in AM's favour until the Home Office lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court.

EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Thousands of illegal migrants are skipping their bail checks to avoid the threat of deportation, figures show Advertisement

The case - believed to be the longest one of its type in UK legal history - was heard by five justices of the court in December last year.

The proceedings have been going on for more than half of AM's life - he was just 21 when he arrived in the UK and is thought to be 47 years old.

Questions still remain as to whether the Home Office will now be able to deport AM.

In his ruling, Lord Sales said the Home Secretary 'was plainly entitled to decide that he should be removed'.

Lord Sales said: 'Even if AM had not been a foreign criminal, the factors pointing in favour of his removal would have been overwhelming.

'He is an illegal immigrant with no family life and minimal private life to which little weight is to be attached.

'The Secretary of State was plainly entitled to decide that he should be removed, and that decision involved no violation of article 8 [right to private and family life].

'The public interest in AM's deportation is very strong.'

A Home Office spokesperson said:

We are pleased the Supreme Court has ruled in our favour. It is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases.
SK hynix Inc. said Wednesday it will ramp up production capacity of next-generation DRAMs in response to rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors.

Earlier in the day, the world's second-largest memory chip maker decided in a board meeting to invest 5.3 trillion won ($3.85 billion) to convert a new fab named M15X in Cheongju, approximately 140 kilometers south of Seoul, into a DRAM production base.

In 2022, the chipmaker said it would invest 15 trillion won over the next five years in the construction and equipment installation of the M15X fab, an expansion fab of M15. Construction began in October later that year, but it was suspended in April last year amid the chip downturn.

Construction of the M15X is expected to commence in earnest at the end of this month, with the aim of completion by November next year, SK hynix said in a statement, adding that the long-term investment would total more than 20 trillion won.

The company expected demand for advanced DRAMs, like HBM (High Bandwidth Memory), a core component of high-performance computing and AI applications, to jump more than 60 percent annually. It also anticipated demand for general DRAMs to grow steadily driven by high-capacity DDR5 module products for servers.

SK hynix said it had closely monitored market conditions before deciding to resume construction. (Yonhap)
Rishi Sunak vowed to hit 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030 - an extra 75 billion

Labour came under fire yesterday for refusing to commit to match the Government's plans to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps questioned why Sir Keir Starmer would not back the plan, revealed by the Prime Minister this week, despite claiming his 'changed' party would 'never shut its eyes to the threats our country faces'.

John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, said he shared the Government's 'ambition' to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent but claimed the timeline set out was not fully funded.

And Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney general, said Labour would only raise spending to 2.5 per cent 'when circumstances allow'.

She said: 'You wouldn't expect me to come on and say that we could spend 75 billion by 2030 without having a plan as to where we were going to get the money from.'

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps questioned why Sir Keir Starmer would not back the plan

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak promised to reach 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, spending more than 75 billion extra on defence over the next six years compared with current levels

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak promised to reach 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, spending more than 75 billion extra on defence over the next six years compared with current levels.

It was a victory for the Mail's Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign, launched after there was no new defence cash in last month's Budget. The commitment will be funded by slashing 72,000 civil service jobs  and Mr Shapps said he wanted 'people on the front line, not in the offices'.

Labour has promised to conduct a strategic defence and security review in its first year in office to assess the resources required to meet the threats facing the UK.

In the Commons, Mr Healey accused the Government of producing a 'fake figure' of 75 billion as he questioned how the increase in defence spending will be funded.

'If this 2030 plan had been in a budget, it would have been independently checked, openly costed, and fully funded,' he told MPs. 'So where is the additional money coming from? How much from which other R&D (research and development) budgets? How much from cutting how many civil servants in which departments?'

But Mr Shapps accused the shadow defence secretary of spending 'all his time explaining-or rather, avoiding explaining-why Labour is not backing 2.5 per cent, which has a schedule, a timescale and figures that have been published'.

Labour has promised to conduct a strategic defence and security review in its first year in office to assess the resources required to meet the threats facing the UK

'It is no good for him and the Leader of the Opposition to go up to Barrow and to claim that they are all in favour now of the nuclear defence, because they stood on a platform with a leader who wanted to scrap Trident, pull us out of NATO, and turn the army into a peace corps,' he added.

Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, meanwhile, accused Labour of refusing to back the plan, adding: 'Instead, they want to spend years holding a review as the world gets more dangerous while refusing to act to keep the British people safe.

'This is the same old Labour Party that sent our Armed Forces into battle with appalling equipment. The idea they can be trusted on defence  only a few years after trying to put Jeremy Corbyn into Downing Street  is absurd.'

A fortnight ago, Sir Keir  in an article for the Daily Mail  insisted his party is now 'utterly committed to our nation's defences'. He described his commitment to Nato and the UK's nuclear deterrent as 'unshakeable'.
Panic has broken out on-board an outward bound aeroplane on Anzac Day after the aircraft lost power before takeoff in Perth.

AirAsia flight QZ533 was due to depart Western Australia about 3am on Thursday when passengers reported a power failure while still on the tarmac.

A passenger told Nine News people began crying and struggling to breathe on board the plane bound for Jakarta, Indonesia.

The passenger claimed 17 passengers were offloaded and that they had been stranded without any help from airline staff.

AirAsia flight QZ533 was due to depart Western Australia about 3am on Thursday when passengers reported a power failure while still on the tarmac

The aeroplane had left Australia and was over the Indian Ocean shortly before 8am, according to flight tracking service Flight Aware

A spokesperson for Perth airport confirmed the passengers had voluntarily disembarked the plane following 'technical issues'.

'We had been advised of a technical issue at the airport as the aircraft departed just before 3am,' the spokesperson said.

'It is due to land shortly. We're not aware of what the issue was and we cannot comment on the airline (AirtAsia) specifically'.

The aeroplane had left Australia and was over the Indian Ocean shortly before 8am, according to flight tracking service Flight Aware.

It had departed an hour late according to Flight Aware, and was scheduled to arrive at Jakarta airport more than an hour and a half late.

AirAsia has been contacted for comment.

More to come
After wheeling out the heavy artillery to promise the biggest boost in defence spending for a generation, Rishi Sunak was on manoeuvres in Germany yesterday.

On top of his commendable pledge to bolster our threadbare Armed Forces, the Prime Minister also unveiled plans for deeper military co-operation with Berlin.

In Labour HQ, Mr Sunak's vow to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030 exploded like a howitzer shell.

It was left to shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry to try (and risibly fail) to explain her party's defence policy.

In a toe-curling Radio 4 interview, she refused to commit to match the PM's funding commitment or even say whether Britain should be on a 'war footing'. With Vladimir Putin and other tyrants on the rise, she lamely promised to hold a review.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visits the Tapa NATO forward operating base in Estonia close to the Russian border on December 21, 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is pictured taking a selfie with German and British troops at the Julius Leber Barrackson April 23, 2024

This was a revealing performance. Labour has always been at best ambivalent towards the military, at worst downright hostile.

Sir Keir Starmer himself believed Jeremy Corbyn was fit to hold the highest political office  a man who has spent his entire career opposing everything the British armed forces stands for.

But a fortnight ago, Sir Keir insisted Labour was now 'utterly committed to our nation's defences'. After yesterday's retreat, that tub-thumping rhetoric seems to have misfired as badly as a broken cannon.

Get over it, Dave!

Like a jilted suitor, David Cameron continues to feel bitter about Brexit.

In a television interview, the Foreign Secretary offered only the most grudging support for Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan.

Had Britain not left his beloved EU, he moaned, the small boats crisis would be fully under control.

Illegal migrants could have been plucked from the beaches of Kent on arrival, he said, and 'taken straight back to France'.

As an irreconcilable Remainer, Lord Cameron may be wearing rose-tinted spectacles. Or is he being deliberately disingenuous?

David Cameron addresses students and pro-EU Vote Remain supporters during his final campaign speech at Birmingham University on June 22, 2016

Even when we were in the bloc, the Dublin Regulation  the mechanism for repatriating asylum seekers to the first EU country they set foot in  hardly worked.

Of the tens of thousands who sneaked into the UK in lorries and boats in the three years to 2020, how many did the supine Home Office return? A pathetic 577.

A damning indictment of our porous borders while Lord Cameron was PM is that one minister admitted we were powerless to boot out countless illegal immigrants.

Mr Sunak is trying valiantly to solve the people-smuggling problem. The least Lord Cameron could do is stop the post-Brexit sulking and support him unflinchingly.

Senseless census

The census is the bedrock of statistics. Errors in the data inevitably impede the Government's ability to plan public services.

The 2021 survey was the first to ask about gender identity. Yet an Oxford don has warned the number of people declaring as transgender may be overstated.

The figures showed 262,000 trans people. But curiously, those who spoke English as a second language were far more likely to identify as such.

The problem seems to be that the Office for National Statistics, after pressure from the LBGTQ+ lobby, asked an absurdly convoluted question that confused non-native speakers.

As a result, this critical data can no longer be relied upon. In future, maintaining the integrity of the census must be more important than pandering to trans activists.
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Three people have been arrested following a 'major incident' at a school in Carmarthenshire.

Dyfed-Powys Police said one person had been arrested after they were called to Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, also known as Amman Valley School, in Ammanford in the south Wales county this morning.

Unconfirmed reports claimed there had been a stabbing at the school which had seen classrooms put on 'lockdown'.

A school governor has said she was told two staff members were among the injured with one teacher said to have flown by air ambulance 70 miles to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff..

The force confirmed it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and has asked for all footage of it to be removed from social media to avoid causing distress.

Two air ambulances landed at the secondary school and dozens of police cars have arrived as crowds of parents gather outside the gates.

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The most expensive and cheapest places to buy or to rent in Britain have been revealed.

Aberdeen tops the list of the cheapest cities for first-time buyers, while the most expensive is perhaps no surprise, London, where average prices tend to be higher than the rest of the country.

It is a similar picture for the most expensive places to rent, with the capital ranked top of that list too.

On the flipside, tenants are also required to head north if they want to live in the cheapest city to rent, Carlisle, in Cumbria.

The cheapest cities for first-time buyers and tenants have been identified by Rightmove

The figures were based on monthly mortgage and rent costs.

Home purchase figures calculated by Rightmove assumed that first-time buyers in Scotland and Wales have a 20 per cent deposit, and first-time buyers in England have a 25 per cent deposit.

The size of deposit was based on averages from UK Finance, which revealed that more first-time buyers are choosing longer repayment terms to improve their affordability.

As such, the repayment term used in the Rightmove calculations was 35 years. Rightmove also assumed that the typical first-time buyer property had two bedrooms or less.

Aberdeen tops the list compiled by Rightmove of the cheapest cities for first-time buyers

THE CHEAPEST CITIES TO BUY A TYPICAL FIRST-TIME BUYER PROPERTY Cities Average asking price for a first-time buyer type property (2 bedrooms and fewer) Average monthly mortgage payment (per month)* Average monthly rental payment (per month) Mortgage versus Rent Aberdeen 102,601 406 775 -369 Bradford 107,929 400 714 -314 Sunderland 111,263 413 648 -235 Carlisle 111,268 413 607 -194 Preston 112,273 416 787 -371 Hull 113,920 423 638 -215 Dundee 116,191 460 821 -361 Stoke-On-Trent 117,113 434 701 -266 Durham 125,957 467 796 -328 Doncaster 128,062 475 707 -232 Source: Rightmove

THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES TO BUY A TYPICAL FIRST-TIME BUYER PROPERTY Cities Average asking price for a first-time buyer type property (2 bedrooms and fewer) Average monthly mortgage payment (per month) Average monthly rental payment (per month) Mortgage versus Rent London 501,934 1,862 2,264 -402 St. Albans 391,964 1,454 1,509 -55 Cambridge 361,429 1,341 1,533 -193 Winchester 344,638 1,278 1,332 -53 Oxford 338,085 1,254 1,561 -307 Brighton 335,402 1,244 1,468 -224 Bristol 280,112 1,039 1,336 -297 Chelmsford 262,522 974 1,300 -326 York 244,834 908 1,145 -237 Edinburgh 239,028 946 1,310 -365 Source: Rightmove

The average asking price in Aberdeen is 102,601, with the average monthly mortgage payment at 406 a month.

The most expensive city is followed by Bradford with an average asking price of 107,929 and Sunderland, which is ranked third with an asking price of 111,263.

For those in the rental market, the most expensive place to rent outside of London is Oxford, where an average two-bedroom or small home costs 1,561 a month.

At the other end of the scale, the cheapest city for a tenant who is looking for a two-bedroom or smaller property is Carlisle where such rents are 607 a month.

Mortgage rates are slightly higher than a year ago, but have stabilised since the peak in July 2023.

Rightmove explained that this has helped those looking to move at the start of this year.

The average mortgage payment for a typical first-time buyer looking at a property with two bedrooms or less is 53 more than a year ago, compared to 81 for tenants.

It means that those who can afford to save a good sized deposit of at least 20 per cent, it is cheaper to pay a monthly mortgage than rent in each of the largest cities in Britain.

Winchester is among the most expensive cities for first-time buyers looking for a property with two bedrooms or fewer

Mark Harris, of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: 'We remain a nation of aspirational homeowners, despite higher mortgage rates and the difficulty in raising a deposit.

'Renting may give more flexibility but also less security and crucially ends up costing more than buying your own place.

'However, the high cost of home ownership, particularly in London and the south east means that it's practically impossible to get on the housing ladder without financial assistance from family members.

'Longer mortgage terms are inevitable as borrowers try to make the monthly costs more affordable but of course they will end up making many more payments over an extended period of time.

'It is worth opting for a longer term to help with the affordability calculations and then trying to overpay to reduce the term and interest, as and when you can afford to do so.'

Carlisle in the country of Cumbria is the cheapest city for those looking to rent

THE CHEAPEST CITIES FOR TENANTS Cities Average monthly rental payment (per month) Average asking price for a first-time buyer type property (2 bedrooms and fewer) Average monthly mortgage payment (per month)* Rent versus mortgage Carlisle 607 111,268 413 194 Hull 638 113,920 423 215 Sunderland 648 111,263 413 235 Stoke-On-Trent 701 117,113 434 266 Doncaster 707 128,062 475 232 Bradford 714 107,929 400 314 Wrexham 754 129,649 513 241 Lancaster 764 152,062 564 200 Aberdeen 775 102,601 406 369 Preston 787 112,273 416 371 Source: Rightmove

THE MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES FOR TENANTS Cities Average monthly rental payment (per month) Average asking price for a first-time buyer type property (2 bedrooms and fewer) Average monthly mortgage payment (per month)* Rent versus mortgage London 2,264 501,934 1,862 402 Oxford 1,561 338,085 1,254 307 Cambridge 1,533 361,429 1,341 193 St. Albans 1,509 391,964 1,454 55 Brighton 1,468 335,402 1,244 224 Bristol 1,336 280,112 1,039 297 Winchester 1,332 344,638 1,278 53 Edinburgh 1,310 239,028 946 365 Chelmsford 1,300 262,522 974 326 Milton Keynes 1,239 233,320 865 373 Source: Rightmove

Meanwhile, soaring rents across Britain mean that the cost of renting a two-bedroom or small home has increased by 39 per cent in the last five years.

This compares to a jump of 19 per cent in the cost of buying a similar type of property.

Best mortgage rates and how to find them Mortgage rates have risen substantially over recent years, meaning that those remortgaging or buying a home face higher costs. That makes it even more important to search out the best possible rate for you and get good mortgage advice. To help our readers find the best mortgage, This is Money has partnered with the UK's leading fee-free broker L&C. This is Money and L&C's mortgage calculator can let you compare deals to see which ones suit your home's value and level of deposit. You can compare fixed rate lengths, from two-year fixes, to five-year fixes and ten-year fixes. If youre ready to find your next mortgage, why not use This is Money and L&Cs online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000s of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Advertisement

Rightmove claimed that even if a first-time buyer had a smaller deposit of 15 per cent and sought to repay their mortgage over a shorter mortgage term of 25 years, it would still be cheaper to pay a mortgage than rent in 39 out of Britain's 50 largest cities outside of London.

Rightmove's Tim Bannister said: 'These latest figures highlight why so many people remain determined to get onto the ladder, as the soaring costs of renting has meant buying has remained attractive even with higher mortgage rates.

'Longer mortgage-terms are becoming more common as a way to improve overall affordability and reduce monthly payments, though first-time buyers should be aware of what they are paying in interest compared with their actual mortgage.

'Without improvements to the supply of good quality, affordable rental homes in Great Britain, owning your own home is likely to continue to be the end-goal for those that can get their deposit together, and borrow what they need to from a mortgage lender.'
A project asking people to count squashed bugs on their car number plates suggests flying insects have declined by nearly four-fifths in 20 years.

The citizen science survey led by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife showed a 78 per cent decline in 'bug splats' on number plates across the UK since 2004.

The conservationists warned the dramatic falls in flying insects were a 'red flag' for the state of nature in the UK which should not be ignored.

The Bugs Matter survey is based on the windscreen phenomenon  anecdotal evidence from drivers that they collect fewer moths, flies, aphids, bees and flying beetles on their windscreens than they did in the past.

The conservation groups said insects pollinate crops, provide natural pest control, decompose waste, recycle nutrients and underpin food chains, and without them Earth's ecological systems would collapse.

A project asking people to count squashed bugs on their car number plates suggests flying insects have declined by nearly four-fifths in 20 years

The citizen science survey led by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife showed a 78 per cent decline in 'bug splats' on number plates across the UK since 2004

But they are in decline due to loss and damage of habitats, climate change, pollution and pesticide use  with growing evidence these have caused significant drops in insect numbers in the UK and worldwide, the conservationists warned.

The now-annual survey asks members of the public to record the number of flying insects squashed on their number plate, and compares it with data from an RSPB analysis in 2004 which used the same methods.

Since the original survey in 2004, records from nearly 26,500 journeys across the UK have been analysed.

To take part in the scheme, drivers cleaned their number plate before making an essential journey, recorded the route on their mobile phone, and afterwards counted the insects squashed on it using a 'splatometer grid' supplied as part of the survey.

The Bugs Matter survey is based on the windscreen phenomenon  anecdotal evidence from drivers that they collect fewer moths, flies, aphids, bees and flying beetles on their windscreens than they did in the past. Pictured: a carrot mining bee

READ MORE: England's HEDGES are long enough to go around Earth 10 times Advertisement

They then submitted a photo and count details via the Bugs Matter app and the data was converted into 'splats per mile' to make it comparable between journeys.

Some 6,637 journeys were made in 2023, and the results showed England had the sharpest fall of 83 per cent between 2004 and 2023, with the highest drop recorded in London, where there was a 91 per cent reduction.

Wales saw a 79 per cent decrease and Scotland a 76 per cent drop over the same period, while Northern Ireland  which has limited data  saw a 54 per cent decline between 2021 and 2023, the results revealed.

Dr Lawrence Ball, from Kent Wildlife Trust, said: 'These results are extremely concerning, particularly if insect splats serve as an accurate measure of insect populations.

'This is a red flag for the state of nature in the UK that shouldn't be ignored.

'A decrease in the number of insects sampled of more than 75% in less than two decades is really alarming, and we're seeing fewer insects being sampled every year.'

Andrew Whitehouse, from Buglife, said: 'The latest Bugs Matter data suggests that the abundance of flying insects in our countryside has dramatically fallen.

'The consequences are potentially far-reaching, not only impacting the health of the natural world, but affecting so many of the free services that nature provides for us.'

He said the findings were similar to studies which had documented declines in insect numbers around the world.

Mr Whitehouse added: 'Human activities continue to have a huge impact on nature  habitat loss and damage, pesticide use, pollution, and climate change all contribute to the decline in insects.

'Society must heed the warning signs of ecological collapse, and take urgent action to restore nature.'
The decades-old NASA Voyager 1 spacecraft has begun sending readable communications again after months of transmitting gibberish.

Voyager 1  the most distant human-made object in existence  has been sending back data from interstellar space for nearly 50 years after being launched in 1977.

However, in November a glitch occurred that made the spacecraft's data about its environment and the health of its own systems unintelligible to the NASA scientists monitoring it.

Famous for snapping photos of Jupiter, Saturn and their moons, Voyager 1 then returned readable communications on April 20, confirming it is still safely cruising outer space.

NASA's official Twitter account for the craft posted a light-hearted tweet in celebration: 'Hi, it's me. - V1'.

Voyager 1 is about 136 AU (15 billion miles, or 20 billion kilometers) from Earth, the farthest object created by humans, and moving at a velocity of about 38,000 mph (17.0 kilometers/second) relative to the sun

NASA's official Twitter account for the craft posted a light-hearted tweet in celebration: 'Hi, it's me. - V1'

What is Voyager 1? No spacecraft has gone farther than NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft. Launched in 1977 to fly by Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 1 crossed into interstellar space in August 2012 and continues to collect data. The probe is now in interstellar space, the region outside the heliopause, or the bubble of energetic particles and magnetic fields from the sun. Source: NASA Advertisement

The account also shared a tweet from the official account for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory showing an image of the elated scientists clapping with joy at Voyager 1's latest data set.

'Sounding a little more like yourself, #Voyager1' the account wrote.

'For the first time since November, Voyager 1 is returning useable data about the health and status of its onboard engineering systems,' it explained.

'Next step: Enable the spacecraft to begin returning science data again.'

The Voyager flight team traced the November glitch back to a single chip malfunction in the 'flight data subsystem' (FDS)  the part responsible for sending its data back to Earth.

The broken chip held some of the computer code necessary for transmitting workable data.

'The loss of that code rendered the science and engineering data unusable,' NASA said in a statement on Monday.

'Unable to repair the chip, the team decided to place the affected code elsewhere in the FDS memory.'

Voyager 1 is famous for snapping photos of Jupiter , Saturn and their moons. Pictured, Saturn taken by the craft in November 1980

The decades-old NASA Voyager 1 spacecraft has begun sending readable communications again after months of transmitting gibberish. This artist's illustration depicts the craft in space

Voyager 1 lifted off atop a Titan IIIE launch system from Florida's Cape Canaveral on September 5, 1977

READ MORE Voyager 2 is alive, NASA confirms Deep Space Station 43 in Canberra has been hunting for signals from Voyager 2 Advertisement

Voyager 1 is around 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth, so fixing problems on the craft a is a huge challenge.

It's now so far away it takes twenty-two-and-a-half hours for a signal to cover the vast distance.

However, the team's code experiment worked and the data began to be readable once more.

'Finding solutions to challenges the probes encounter often entails consulting original, decades-old documents written by engineers who didn't anticipate the issues that are arising today,' NASA said in December after the discovery of the glitch.

'During the coming weeks, the team will relocate and adjust the other affected portions of the FDS software,' NASA said in its updated statement on Monday.

'These include the portions that will start returning science data.'

The Voyager was the first human-made object to leave our solar system and enter the space between stars.

It is famous for returning one of the most revered astronomical images of all time  Pale Blue Dot, showing our planet as a spec of dust in the vastness of space.

Its twin, Voyager 2, is 12.6 billion miles (20 billion kilometers) away and is also still functional.

A photo taken by a Voyager 1 spacecraft of Io, Jupiter's moon. As part of NASA's mission in the summer of 1977, two spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 - identical in every detail - were launched within 15 days of each other

This colour picture was acquired by Voyager 1 during its approach of Ganymede, the largest and most massive moon of Jupiter and in the solar system

The radio antenna, protruding from the central circular dish like the antenna on a robotic insect, is equally archaic, emitting as many watts as a refrigerator lightbulb

NASA archival image: Engineers working on vibration acoustics and pyro shock testing of NASA's Voyager 1, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, November 18, 1976

READ MORE Where ARE Voyager 1 and 2? NASA image of Voyager 1 Advertisement

Both Voyagers launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida in 1977  with Voyager 2 departing a month earlier than 1.

They have far exceeded that, however, having been travelling for 46 years.

They were launched to explore all the giant planets of our outer solar system  Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune; 48 of their moons; and the unique system of rings and magnetic fields those planets possess.

NASA had acknowledged that the mighty Voyager mission cannot continue forever.

Yet the team hopes to keep the instruments needed to transmit data about its environment going until at least 2025.

It hopes Voyager 1 will keep travelling through space with NASA able to track its whereabouts until around 2036, when its nuclear batteries are likely to die, after which it will drift on aimlessly.

Some of the systems are indeed becoming dated; for example, it's internal computers have 240,000 times less memory than an iPhone.

The radio antenna, protruding from the central circular dish like the antenna on a robotic insect, is equally archaic, emitting as many watts as a refrigerator lightbulb.

As for the onboard tape recorder, which is constantly on, it differs little from the one in a typical 1970s car.

Jupiter, taken from Voyager 1 at around 12 million miles (20 million kilometres) away in 1979

An annotated image showing the various parts and instruments of NASA's Voyager space probe design. Voyager 1 and its identical sister craft, Voyager 2 were launched in 1977 to study the outer Solar System and eventually interstellar space

As for Voyager 2, engineers expect all five of its science instruments to continue operation through 2026.

Last year, communications with Voyager 2 were lost when a wrong command was given, causing it to point its antenna just two degrees away from Earth.

However, the space agency said a 'heartbeat' signal had been picked up during a regular scan of the sky more than a week later.

Voyager 2 is still the only spacecraft to have visited Uranus and Neptune.
Imagine driving along in a motor car before it starts to gradually soar up into the air.

If this reminds you of the finale of 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', be assured that flying cars are no longer the stuff of the big screen.

In fact, a company called KleinVision has completed the first passenger flight of its flying AirCar  with none other than French musician Jean-Michel Jarre on board.

While seated in the quirky hybrid vehicle, Jarre and a pilot travelled around two miles in the space of 10 minutes over Piestany Airport in Slovakia on April 12.

The two-seater  which could take to British skies as soon as 2026  can release its retractable wings in just 90 seconds as it prepares for take-off.

French composer and pioneer of electronic music Jean-Michel Jarre has become the worlds first passenger to take off in KleinVisions flying AirCar (pictured)

France's Jean-Michel Jarre (pictured centre) with AirCar co-founders Anton Zajac (left) and Stefan Klein

Flying AirCar specs Engine: Prototype 1 has a 160 horsepower fixed-propeller engine but Prototype 2 will be equipped with a 300 horsepower engine. Top speed: 300km/h (186mph) Range: 1,000km (621 miles) Price: 400,000 ($500,000) Advertisement

AirCar can travel through the air at just over 180mph, although it did not reach this top speed during this latest flight test.

It flew for the first time in 2020 and carried out a 35-minute flight between Nitra and Bratislava airports in 2021, although this is the first time it has transported a passenger.

Jean-Michel Jarre, a pioneer in the electronic and ambient music genres, described the experience as like being in a 'Jules Verne book'.

The 19th century novelist is known for sci-fi works including 'Around the World in Eighty Days' and 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'.

'One second you speak to the driver, and next, you are up there in the air  an amazing experience,' Jarre said.

AirCar, which has a 160 horsepower fixed-propeller engine, is the brain child of Professor Stefan Klein, founder and CEO of KleinVision, which is based in Nitra, Slovakia.

The firm said the latest flight marked a 'momentous step towards a future where terrestrial and aerial travel seamlessly converge'.

In the classic film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', the eponymous car has retractable wings that lets it take to the skies

In AirCar, Jean-Michel Jarre and a pilot took off from and landed at Piestany Airport in Slovakia on April 12

Jean-Michel Jarre, a composer, performer and producer, stands against the futuristic flying vehicle, which will cost around 400,000 for the public to buy

It was certified to fly in Slovakia back in 2022 after completing more than 200 take-offs and landings during 70 hours of rigorous flight testing to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.

READ MORE Futuristic European flying 'AirCar' is sold to China Flying cars are slowly but surely becoming a reality Advertisement

'From dreams to reality, we have taken flight together with Jean-Michel, opening a new era of transportation with a touch of magic,' Professor Klein added.

As of this month, AirCar has completed more than 520 takeoffs and 130 flight hours.

It is equipped with a BMW engine, runs on regular petrol-pump fuel and can carry two people to a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet thanks to its propeller between the fuselage and tail.

At the touch of the button, the pilot can unfold and release two wings in preparation for take-off in the space of 90 seconds.

These are safely refolded and stored in the body of the vehicle when it lands when it's reached its destination.

A KleinVision spokesperson said AirCar will start 400,000 ($500,000), depending on specifications, although this could include an intensive pilot course for customers that would last 2-3 months.

It could go on sale in the UK by 2026  so in line with government expectations.

When it does, AirCar will be suited for leisure trips or as a commercial taxi service, its developers say.

Widespread adoption of flying vehicles will utilise space in the air and reduce congestion on roads.

And just like the electric car revolution that is taking place on the ground, most flying taxi will be electric, meaning they won't emit toxic pollutants.

It is equipped with a BMW engine, runs on regular petrol-pump fuel and can carry two people to a maximum altitude of 18,000 feet

In its home country of Slovakia, AirCar received the Certificate of Airworthiness in January 2022, permitting commercial passengers and opening the door for mass production of the vehicle.

Earlier this year it was announced that the technology has been sold to Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company for an undisclosed amount.

This licensing agreement grants the Chinese company exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the car within a 'specific'  yet undisclosed  geographical region.

According to Morgan Stanley, the global market for flying cars is expected to hit $1 trillion in 2040, before jumping to a whopping $9 trillion in 2050.

China is on track to hold 23 per cent of the market by 2050, second only to the US's 27 per cent share.
Many of us try our best to reduce our plastic consumption.

But despite our best efforts, figures suggest that a whopping 220 million tonnes of plastic waste are set to be generated this year.

Now, a study has revealed the popular brands responsible for the vast majority of branded plastic pollution in the world.

The Coca-Cola Company tops the list as the number one polluter, and is responsible for 11 per cent of all branded waste, according to researchers from Dalhousie University.

'This global branded plastic pollution data speaks for itself and demonstrates unequivocally that the world's top global producers are the biggest plastics polluters,' said Dr Tony Walker, co-author of the study.

A study has revealed the popular brands responsible for the vast majority of branded plastic pollution in the world

Many of us try our best to reduce our plastic consumption. But despite our best efforts, figures suggest that a whopping 220 million tonnes of plastic waste are set to be generated this year

Brands that produce the most plastic waste The Coca-Cola Company PepsiCo Nestle Danone Altria Bakhresa Group Wings Unilever Mayora Indah Mondalez International Mars Incorporated Salim Group British American Tobacco Advertisement

In their study, the researchers set out to understand whether or not there is a link between plastic production and plastic pollution.

The team analysed five years of data from 1,576 audit events across 84 countries.

These brand audits are citizen science initiatives, in which volunteers conduct waste cleanups and document the brands collected.

Their analysis revealed a 'clear link' between plastic production and pollution.

In fact, they found a one per cent increase in plastic production resulted in a one per cent increase in pollution.

In terms of specific brands, the researchers found that 56 global companies are responsible for more than 50 per cent of all branded plastic pollution.

The top five producers were The Coca-Cola Company (11 per cent), PepsiCo (five per cent), Nestle (three per cent), Danone (three per cent), and Altria/Philip Morris International (two per cent).

However, more than half of the recovered plastic items were unbranded, which makes the accountable companies difficult to track down.

To prevent this issue in the future, the researchers suggest creating an international, open-access database into which companies are obliged to track and report their products, packaging and brands to the environment.

Overall, the researchers say that the key to curbing plastic pollution is reducing the production of single-use plastic goods.

The team analysed five years of data from 1,576 audit events across 84 countries. These brand audits are citizen science initiatives, in which volunteers conduct waste cleanups and document the brands collected

READ MORE: 220 million tonnes of plastic pollution are set to be generated this year Advertisement

'When I first saw the relationship between production and pollution, I was shocked,' said Win Cowger of the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research.

'Despite all the things big brands say they are doing, we see no positive impact from their efforts.

'But on the other hand, it gives me hope, that reducing plastic production by fast-moving consumer goods companies will have a strong positive impact on the environment.'

A spokesperson at Coca-Cola Great Britain said: 'We care about the impact of every drink we sell and we're working to reduce the amount of plastic packaging we use.

'We have an ambitious goal to collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one we sell by 2030.

'In addition, we support well-designed Deposit Return Schemes across Europe which we know can help us get our packaging back.'

A Nestle spokesperson added: 'Plastic pollution is a serious issue and one that we are working hard to help address.

'We have reduced in the last five years our new (virgin) plastic usage by 14.9%.

'At Nestle, we have more than 220 initiatives to develop well-functioning waste collection, sorting and recycling schemes in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and Latin America. We will continue to pursue this work to keep packaging materials in the circular economy and out of the environment.'

A Pepsi spokesperson said: 'We have made significant investments for more than a decade aiming to reduce the packaging we use, scale reusable models, and partner to further develop collection and recycling systems. Progress is ongoing, however, building a stronger circular economy is complex and requires collaboration.

'As a member of the Business Coalition for a Global Plastic Treaty, we advocate for an ambitious and binding global policy framework to help address plastic pollution and we urge others to seize the opportunity to do the same.'

A Danone spokesperson added: 'Throughout the global Danone family of companies, we strongly support efforts to reduce plastic waste by accelerating recycling and reuse. We continue to strive to reduce our own plastic footprint  between 2018-2023 we reduced our plastic use by 8% equivalent to 62 000 tons and increased the recyclability of our packaging (84% of our packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable). We continue to support and push for improved collection and recycling infrastructures to help consumers recycle.

'However, there are systemic barriers to overcome to reduce plastic waste, such as underdeveloped reuse, collection and recycling infrastructures and the scarcity of recycled materials. This is why Danone has been advocating for an ambitious and binding UN Global Plastic Treaty which would represent a major opportunity to unlock and accelerate progress on plastics circularity.'
Toxic air pollution levels in the US are at the worst levels in the last 25 years, raising health concerns for more than one-third of Americans.

The American Lung Association (ALA) revealed in a new report that 39 percent of Americans are living in regions with unhealthy air pollution levels.

To discern the heightened pollution levels, the ALA looked at the daily and annual averages of particle and ozone pollution, released from plants and refineries.

California was found to have six of the top 10 cities ranked as having the worst air quality - and more than 33.2 million people live in those location.

The report cited climate change as a culprit, sparking wildfires and droughts, but also pointed to combustion sources like cars and manufacturing facilities.

The American Lung Association ranked the top cities that suffer from the worst air quality in the US - affecting roughly 131 million Americans

Last year, the US saw the highest levels of air pollution in 25 years. The report said the cause is likely due to climate change, making temperatures rise and wildfires spread. Pictured: Smog covered the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in 2020 due to ongoing wildfires

The Clean Air Act allows the EPA to impose restrictions on how much emissions can be produced in the US. Pictured: Climate change activists protested outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in 2022

Air pollution causes tens of thousands of deaths every year and short-term exposure can cause respiratory issues like asthma, but long-term exposure could lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or lung cancer.

'When we started doing 'State of the Air' in 2000, I never imagined that in the 25th edition we would be reporting that more than 100 million people are still breathing unhealthy air. It's unacceptable,' said Paul Billings, ALA's senior vice president of public policy.

The ALA's report showed the issue is becoming more severe despite efforts to ramp up efforts to clean air pollution, with more than 131 million people living in hot spots with unhealthy particle pollution in 2023 - 11.7 million more people than the previous year.

Particulate pollution is made up of tiny particles that individually are too small to be visible, but when pollution levels are higher, the air can appear to be thick and hazy - also known as smog.

People living in low-income areas are most at risk from particle pollution because of their close proximity to pollution sources, like industrial sites or mines.

The ALA used a grading system to define particle pollution and ranked 112 counties across 19 US states with an 'F' for their daily particle pollution, impacting 65 million people.

'There is no safe level to particle pollution,' Dr. Kari Nadeau, the John Rock professor of climate and population studies at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told USA TODAY.

'We were not meant to breathe this in as humans.'

The amount of air pollution people are exposed to has skyrocketed over the last decade as wildfires region the West Coast

Bakersfield, California was reported as the worst metro area for air pollution, followed by the Visalia and Fresno, California areas.

Top US Cities with the Worst Air Pollution Bakersfield, California

Visalia, California

Fresno-Madera-Hanford, California

Eugene-Springfield, Oregon

San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California

Los Angeles-Long Beach, California

Sacramento-Roseville, California

Medford-Grants Pass, Oregon

Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona

Fairbanks, Alaska Advertisement

Roughly 2.6 million Californians currently suffer from adult asthma, a major jump from East Coast states like Massachusetts where 660,000 people are diagnosed with the respiratory illness.

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 18,000 Californians died from a stroke compared to 2,200 in Massachusetts.

Other areas affected include Fairbanks, Alaska, Phoenix, and Springfield, Oregon which are home to more than five million people.

The report marks the fifth consecutive year that air pollution levels have increased even though the six National Ambient Air Quality Standards have dropped by 78 percent since 1970, with the EPA attributing it to the amount of smog and wildfire smoke in the air.

Pollution in the US dropped about 40 percent between 1990 and 2020, but the improvements were primarily in East Coast states.

Meanwhile, the West Coast is being hammered by having the most dangerous and very dangerous air quality days in recorded history.

'The severity of the pollution is unprecedented,' Katherine Pruitt, national policy director at the ALA told NPR.

'We've pretty much addressed the easiest ways of reducing pollution,' she said. 'So we have catalytic converters on our vehicles, we have diesel particulate filters on our trucks, we have scrubbers on our power plants.'

Wildfires are causing rising air pollution levels as the smoke spreads, causing people to have major respiratory problems and can cause heart attack, stroke and lung cancer. Pictured: The 2020 Bobcat Fire spread in the Angeles National Forest in California

Smoke from wildfires can spread to neighboring states and cities, covering the area in smog. Pictured: New York City in June 2023 after wildfires broke out in Canada, sending smoke south

'We've pretty much addressed the easiest ways of reducing pollution,' she said. 'So we have catalytic converters on our vehicles, we have diesel particulate filters on our trucks, we have scrubbers on our power plants.'

She confirmed that climate change has become the major issue, adding that it shows we need to tackle both problems at once.

'It just really underscores that we need to do both things at the same time,' Anenberg told the outlet.

'We need to reduce carbon emissions that are causing anthropogenic climate change, and we need to continue to pursue stringent regulations on air pollution emissions.'

Lawmakers' back-and-forth response to addressing air pollution is making it difficult for the EPA to impose regulations and seems poised to block a policy that would reduce the amount of air pollution that crosses from one state to another - called the 'Good Neighbor' rule.

READ MORE: Health groups slam US's new air pollution cap as 'not strong enough' Health groups have warned that the government's new air pollution cap are not strong enough and will lead to more cancers and lung diseases. Advertisement

If implemented, the rule would set a limit for the amount of smokestack emissions power plants and other industrial sources could produce in downwind areas that could carry it over to other states.

Yet the Supreme Court's conservative majority was skeptical of approving the rule in February, calling it costly and ineffective.

Proposed legislative efforts to curb air pollution come after a decades-long fight to protect people from harmful smog.

In 1948, the 'Donora Smog' disaster fueled the movement to take action against air pollution.

The Donora Smog killed 20 people when a temperature inversion - which traps cold air at low altitudes with warmer air above - blew into Donora and Webster, Pennsylvania, causing major respiratory problems for 6,000 of the 14,000 residents.

A storefront sign in Donora reads: 'Clean Air Started Here,' because it kicked off a revolution and ongoing fight to make the air safer to breathe.

Despite the number of people affected, attempts to instate air regulations in the 1950s failed, and it wasn't until the mid-1960s that then-President John F Kennedy called for action.

'In the light of the known damage caused by polluted air, both to our health and to our economy, it is imperative that greater emphasis be given to the control of air pollution by communities, States, and the Federal Government,' Kennedy said at the time.

However, 60 years later, Americans are still suffering from the highest air pollution levels in 25 years.

'A lot of people feel at this point that there's not much that they can do to address it or change it,' Sarah Sharpe, a Fresno resident and the collaborative's deputy executive director told USA TODAY.

'It's just kind of a state of where we either have to live, or we choose to live.'
Hyundai Motor, Kia and two other carmakers will recall over 200,000 vehicles due to faulty components, the transport ministry said Wednesday.

The four companies, including Mercedes-Benz Korea and Stellantis Korea, are voluntarily recalling a total of 206,844 units of 43 different models, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.

The problems that prompted the recall included a manufacturing defect in the engine power transmission control device in 111,307 units of Kia's Niro hybrid models. Some 21,770 units of the company's K9 and 37,059 units of Hyundai's Accent model were found to have poor durability in the electronic control hydraulic unit.

Another problem was the poor fixation of components in the battery units of 12,629 vehicles of Mercedes-Benz's 12 models, including the GLE450 4MATIC model.

Also, 2,483 units of Stellantis' Jeep Cherokee units were subject to corrective action due to a potential fire risk from a design error in the trunk's drainage structure. (Yonhap)
Phrases such as 'like father, like son' suggest it's not just looks that are passed down through the generations.

In fact, we're commonly led to believe that personality traits are inherited from our mum or dad.

But a new study claims that there may actually be little truth to this.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh say we're only slightly more likely to share personality traits with our parents than we are with a random stranger.

They report that it is 'impossible to accurately predict a childs personality traits from those of their mother or father'.

Like father like son? Experts say it is 'impossible' to accurately predict a childs personality traits from those of their parent

READ MORE: Kids do better at school if their fathers read and play with them, study finds Dads contribute to their kid's development when they do any fun activity with them, even if it's a kickabout outside (file photo) Advertisement

'In almost every language, there is a form of the English proverb like father, like son,' lead author Dr Rene Mottus at the University of Edinburgh told MailOnline.

'Many people believe this and sometimes make judgements about people based on their parents.

'But it turns out this proverb is not very accurate when it comes to personality traits  our usual patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving.

'There is only a small chance that people are more similar to their parents than to any random stranger.'

Working with experts at the University of Tartu in Estonia, Dr Mottus and colleagues recruited more than 1,000 pairs of relatives from the Estonian Biobank, a large collection of health information from volunteers in the country.

Participants reported their own levels of the 'big five' traits  openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism, as well as life satisfaction.

The 'big five' personality traits are the best accepted and most commonly used model of personality in academic psychology.

The 'big five' personality traits are the best accepted and most commonly used model of personality in academic psychology

READ MORE: What your face says about you , according to science Scientists say people with down-turned mouths seem less trustworthy. Could this be how Willem Dafoe (pictured) plays such convincing villains? Advertisement

Each person rated their own personality traits, but for more accurate results the researchers got a second opinion from an 'informant'  usually their partner.

'Self-ratings alone are not very trustworthy, but when two people agree on someones traits, they must be onto something,' Dr Mottus said.

The results put the heritability of personality traits and life satisfaction at around 40 per cent.

Although this is up from about the 25 per cent typical in self-report studies, it is not high enough to suggest we're more likely to share personality traits with parents than we are with a random stranger.

The experts further explain their findings with a hypothetical scenario.

Suppose a group of parents and their adult offspring completed a personality test and were placed in either the bottom, middle or top third of the population based on their results.

In this scenario, only 39 per cent of offspring would receive feedback like that of their parent for any given trait  up from 33 per cent in the case of random strangers.

In other words, more than 60 per cent of children are in a different group to their parents in any given personality trait.

Dr Mottus stresses that the findings are 'not to say that personality traits are not heritable at all'  but that this heritability is not significant.

What's more, they are most likely inherited through genes ('nature') rather than through upbringing ('nurture').

'According to the most accurate estimates, about two thirds of the reasons that people have different personality traits have something to do with their genes,' he told MailOnline.

'But this is not enough to make parents and children much more similar than strangers.

Common phrases such as 'like father like son' or 'like mother like daughter' suggest it's not just looks that are passed down between the generations (file photo)

'Besides, there is no evidence that the experiences that come with sharing a family would make people more similar.

'For example, there is no evidence that being adopted into a family makes people's personality traits similar to their foster parents or other children in the family.'

Where exactly our personalities come from has long been a source of fascination for psychologists.

The theory that they're passed down by our parents  either through are genes or external factors  is officially known as 'familial transmission'.

Any similarities between a parent and child may be responsible for reinforcing the notion that familial transmission really does exist, along with proverbs such as 'like father like son' or 'like mother like daughter'.

'Similar proverbs also exist in many other languages, presumably because they are based on simple and abundant real-world observations,' the team say.

'And yet, these proverbs may exaggerate familial transmissions magnitude, as current data suggests that parents and children differ only slightly less than strangers, on average.'

The study has been released as a pre-print on the PsyArXiv server, meaning it's yet to be peer-reviewed.
Rescued cyber slaves have revealed the horrors they experienced while forced to operate online scams inside barbwire covered buildings in South Asia.

Cousins from Pakistan were trafficked by Chinese gangs and unwilling made to scam five people a day, mostly Americans, or be beaten and starved.

The two men fell victim to a job advertisement on social media that promised them good wages and comfortable work environments - but they found themselves trapped inside a Cambodia scam center with more than 1,000 other people.

A United Nations report revealed there are more than 200,000 people being held against their will made to carryout romance-investment scams and crypto fraud.

The Chinese thugs advertise lucrative jobs with good salaries and ideal working conditions on social media platforms, primarily Facebook, hoping to lure in their next victim. The UN reported in 2023 that more than 200,000 people (pictured) are being forced into cyber crime

Experts have warned that crime rings are fueling an 'explosion' of human trafficking that is reaching around the world, earning Chinese thugs $3 trillion a year.

Interpol secretary-general Jurgen Stock said in March: 'Driven by online anonymity, inspired by new business models and accelerated by COVID, these organized crime groups are now working at a scale that was unimaginable a decade ago.'

About $2 trillion to $3 trillion in illicit proceeds are channeled through the global financial system annually, said Stock, adding that an organized crime group can make $50 billion a year.

The Chinese thugs advertise lucrative jobs with good salaries and ideal working conditions on social media platforms, primarily Facebook, hoping to lure in their next victim - and that is how two Pakistan men were taken.

Ali and Ahmad were seeking jobs to escape the economic hardships of their homeland when they came upon a job post for digital marketing positions.

Former cyber slaves have revealed the horrors they experienced while being trafficked by Chinese gangs and forced to operate online scams inside barbwire covered buildings in South Asia. Pictured is a compound in Cambodia that was shutdown by officials

Experts have now warned that crime rings are fueling an 'explosion' of human trafficking that is reaching around the world, earning Chinese thugs $3 trillion a year. Pictured are Chinese nationals arrested in connection with online telecom scam in Cambodia

'I didn't think twice about the offer. They promised to give me a monthly salary of $1,200 and they'll refund all my expenses, including visa fees and air ticket,' Ali told the International Justice Mission (IJM).

The men were promised jobs in Cambodia and borrowed $4,000 from their families to purchase a tourist visa.

Ali and Ahmad traveled to the South Asian country to meet with a broker who they each paid $1,475 for a work visa before being transported to a facility in Phnom Penh.

They were forced to hand over their passports and mobile phones, and stuffed into a room with 60 to 80 people who had also been tricked and trafficked.

There were several floors filled with computers, each with a cyber slave searching for someone to scam, as a man in-charge peered over their shoulders to ensure no one was breaking the rules.

'If we break any rules, they will deduct $50 in each violation,' Ali said.

'Unfortunately, I committed two violations when I tried to call and send an email to our embassy to report our whereabouts. I was not successful. The manager broke my phone, and I was physically beaten.

Inside the scam centers were several floors filled with computers, each with a cyber slave searching for someone to scam, as a man in-charge peered over their shoulders to ensure no one was breaking the rules.

Ali explained that he was paid $1,000 a month when he first started at the scam center, but the payments stopped by the third month.

When he tried to resign, his boss told him he would have to find two more workers to take his place.

'The manager pressured the workers to meet their targets. If they try to escape or resist, they will be starved and beaten as punishment,' Ali explained.

'And if they don't meet the quota, corresponding fines are deducted from their salary.

He told IJM that he was riddled with guilt about taking people's money, but he had no other choice.

One of the workers was able to call the the Cambodia police hotline, helping officials find the secret center and get Ali, Ahmad and five other workers out.

China's Ministry of Public Security captured hundreds of the thugs last year (pictured) trafficking people to do online scams

'Going out from the compound was like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel  it was the best thing that happened to me,' said Ali.

Ali and Ahmad's story surfaced last month, but the Indian government revealed in April that it had rescued 250 of its citizens in Cambodia that had been forced into the slave labor.

Reports have suggested that there are more than 5,000 Indians being held in Cambodia to operate cyber-fraud schemes.

The victims were mostly young and tech savvy, similar to Ali and Ahmad who were both college graduates.

However, Chinese authorities are working behind the scenes to catch criminals.

The problem is an embarrassment for Beijing and is discouraging ordinary Chinese from traveling to Southeast Asia out of fear they might be duped or kidnapped and caught up in a cyber scam operation.

In August 2023, China, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar agreed to set up a joint police operations center to tackle cyber scams in the region.

On October 10, China's Ministry of Public Security announced that its 'Summer Operation' had successfully brought back 2,317 scam suspects from northern Myanmar to China.

The ministry announced that as of the end of September it had caught 387 'important leaders and backbone' criminals in cyber scam syndicates.

It was unclear how many were from overseas-based criminal gangs versus domestic ones.
Often overshadowed by the islands beautiful beaches and mountainous interior, Mallorcas capital makes a great weekend city break.

With Moorish and modernist architecture, the skyline is dominated by the huge Gothic cathedral, towering above the flashy yacht-filled marina.

Besides extensive history, there are world-class galleries and a vibrant food scene.

Often overshadowed by the islands beautiful beaches and mountainous interior, Palma, Mallorcas capital, makes a great weekend city break

Where to stay

Hostal Pons

Charming from the moment you step into the plant-filled courtyard, Hostal Pons is in a building from 1850 with original tile flooring and antique furniture. Its tucked away near the boutique shops on Carrer de Sant Feliu, not far from the harbour.

Doubles from 56 (hostalpons.com).

Hotel Palau Sa Font

Just behind Placa de la Drassanas, a pretty tree-lined square with tapas bars, this handsome raspberry-pink-hued hotel makes a relaxing retreat. Theres a roof terrace, plunge pool and solarium while rooms are both minimal and comfortable.

Doubles from 98 (palausafont.com).

Hotel Ca NAlexandre

Palma can be explored on foot or by bike. Above, colourful houses line the city streets

On an unassuming street just outside the centre, Hotel Ca NAlexandre has exposed walls and beams, large glass windows and pastel-hued furnishings. Theres also a relaxing lounge and small rooftop terrace.

Doubles from 69 (canalexandre.com).

Brondo Architect Hotel

Set in a 17th-century building in the heart of the city, each room at this hotel is named after a famous architect - all coming with wooden four-poster beds and a minimalist feel. Theres a pretty courtyard for breakfast.

Doubles from 97 (brondoarchitectpalmademallorca.com).

What to see and do

Take a wander

Palma's skyline is dominated by the huge Gothic cathedral La Seu, pictured towering above the yacht-filled marina

Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets of the historic district between Placa de Cort and the marina. The highlight is the mammoth 14th Century cathedral known as La Seu, is an impressive golden sandstone building from the outside but its worth venturing inside to see the light stream through the impressive 61 stained-glass windows (tickets from 7.71).

Go for a spin

Palma and its environs are great to explore on two wheels, featuring an abundance of cycle paths and flat geography. From the city centre theres a lovely route along the coastline with sea views all the way. Snoop at the superyachts in the marina, admire the old fishing area of Molinar and end up at the sandy stretch of beach at SArenal. Bikes from 12.80 a day (callandridemallorca.com).

Marvel at Miro

The much-loved Catalan artist Joan Miro moved to Mallorca for the second half of his working life and his home and studios, designed by Josep Lluis Sert, were transformed to Fundacio Miro Mallorca, a museum and art space, in the early Nineties (tickets 8.60). In the suburbs, its a stunning setting with sweeping vistas, a chance to see up close where he worked and an extensive collection of his work (miromallorca.com).

See the unusual castle

Castell de Bellver, Spain's only round castle, sits atop a hill to the west of the city

Spain's only round castle (Castell de Bellver) and former 14th Century royal fortress is amid pine forests atop a hill to the west of the city. While the castle gives an interesting insight into the islands past, the views alone are worth the visit.

Where to eat

Restaurant Casa Julio

Set lunches are about a tenner for three courses and a glass of wine at Casa Julio, a bustling spot on a corner behind the Santa Eulalia church.

Try the Ensaimada - a flaky pastry - from Forn des Teatre (pictured)

Expect classic Mallorcan dishes such as mushroom tortellini and cuttlefish stew. Bag a table outside for sunshine and great people-watching. 4 Carrer de la Previsio.

Forn des Teatre

Ensaimada Mallorquina - a twisted, flaky pastry that can be both sweet and savoury - is a Mallorcan must-try cuisine, and Forn des Teatre is a fine place to do so.

Try the plain Ensaimada (from 1.70); perfect dipped in coffee for breakfast. 9 Placa de Weyler (fornetdelasoca.com).

Mercat DOlivier

With more than 100 stalls, Palmas huge covered market is a veritable treasure trove for foodies, with fresh produce from across the island.

Stock up on treats for a picnic or pull up a bar stool at one of the many restaurants such as Can Jaume, with tasty tapas (3.40 a plate), or Bottega Bolognese for fresh pasta dishes (6.85). Placa de lOlivar.

La Molienda Bisbe

From the centre of Palma there's a 'lovely route' to explore along its coastline, with sea views all the way. Pictured: Platja de Can Pere Antoni, a short walk from Palma's Old Town

For some of Palmas best coffee and good breakfasts/brunches, this friendly cafe is just the ticket. Sit beneath its jacaranda tree and tuck into toast topped with goats cheese, pistachios and strawberries (7). Great cakes. 11 Carrer del Bisbe Campins (lamolienda.es).

Getting there

Easyjet flies from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow to Palma de Mallorca from 15.24 one-way (easyjet.com). The A1 bus runs between the airport and the centre of town (4.30 one way).
Pootling along at six miles an hour was pure pleasure. Not least because, standing at the controls of our cabin cruiser, I faced a choice of three settings: slow, slower and stop.

The previous day wed boarded the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo with our two boys, Noah, 11, and Hector, eight. It will be an adventure, I promised them.

Our destination was Messac, just two hours drive away, where we took possession of our floating home and began a family holiday on the canals of Brittany.

Messac is a medieval town at the hub of an extensive network of canals that spin an enchanting and spidery web throughout the region.

The idea was to explore La France Profonde and read improving novels. Our sons, meanwhile, would delight in the bucolic charms of the countryside.

Pure pleasure: Ticky Hedley-Dent enjoys a canal boat holiday in Brittany with Le Boat

Ahead of the holiday, Ticky wonders how her two 'energetic boys' will manage passing through 'all those terrifying locks'. Pictured: A flight of locks at the Canal de Nantes a Brest, part of the family's journey

But how would two energetic boys manage in a confined space? What about them falling overboard? Never mind passing through all those terrifying locks. But we had a secret weapon aboard: we had invited along our friend, Dave, whos an old canal hand.

Messac is home to Le Boat, a company operating a fleet of pleasure cruisers, and it was here that Francois introduced us to our six-person vessel. Just 12m long by 4m wide, it contained everything we needed: three en-suite cabins, a salon and well-equipped kitchen.

Francois chose to direct all his instructions at my husband, Dan, in a display of Gallic chauvinism. Still, his tutorial didnt take long.

Ticky starts her tour in the medieval town of Messac, before heading onto Redon (pictured)

Above, Redon's 'elegant' 17th-century half-timbered houses

As we faced our first lock, our new-found knowledge was put to the test. Dan manoeuvred us in while the boys kept watch. It was left to Dave and I to stand at either end of the boat and lob the mooring ropes to the lock-keeper. Then, once the chamber had emptied and the gates opened, we could move on. Easy-breezy!

By the end of our first day, we found our shoulders had dropped and we could enjoy the scenery. As early evening fell, we spotted an otter having a swim.

Our itinerary would take us in a leisurely circle westwards to the pretty town of La Gacilly - all stone cottages and twisty streets. We would cruise down the River Vilane, enter the Canal de Nantes a Brest and the River Aff, before returning to Messac.

Ship shape: Ticky, with husband Dan, and their boys Noah, 11, and Hector, eight

Brittanys extensive canals are the legacy of the Napoleonic wars. Because the British Navy had blockaded the French ports, canals became the only way to move supplies around.

An ambitious programme of building ensued, with many canals dug by prisoners of war.

The unhurried pace of life on the water meant we could really appreciate the charms of the countryside. Thats when we werent busy waving. Theyre a friendly lot, canal folk. We soon got used to the etiquette of hailing fellow boaters, cyclists and walkers on the towpath.

Ticky stops in the town of La Gacilly (pictured), which is 'all stone cottages and twisty streets'

TRAVEL FACTS Seven nights self-catered cruise costs from 1,719 per boat based on six sharing. Visit Leboat.co.uk. Fares on Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to St Malo from 458 return, including an ensuite cabin on the outward sailing. Visit brittany-ferries.co.uk for more information. Advertisement

We had one gripe. Popular destinations such as La Gacilly could quickly become overcrowded. Pitch up late and you ran the risk of not getting a berth.

Our first stop was the ancient port of Redon, with its elegant 17th-century half-timbered houses. We docked to stock up at the supermarket.

One of the trickiest moments was easing into a tight berth at La Gacilly, but Dan managed with the help of a friendly French couple in the next-door boat.

That afternoon we explored the town, taking in its photography festival before beginning our journey back along the Aff.

Our best night was spent at Ile-Aux-Pies, a beauty spot known for its sheer cliffs and islets.

Mooring before sunset, we fired up the barbecue and, sipping the local white wine, watched climbers scale the granite cliffs.

Our best memory? A leisurely lunch at La Belle Vilaine, in Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine, where the proprietor, Laurent, served us langoustines, mussels and lamb, and sauvignon blanc from his vineyard.

Back in Messac, preparing to say adieu to Brittany, we all agreed it had indeed been an adventure. And to top it all an otter came out for a twilight swim.
Amber Turner put on a sexy display in a lacy, skintight black dress in photos shared to her Instagram page on Tuesday night.

The former TOWIE star, 30, stood on a brightly lit street as she posed in the dress which featured an opaque and a high leg cut black bodice.

Amber held a stylish black Lady Dior bag and finished her look with heeled black sandals.

She wore the dress, which had a conservative split at the back, to Asian-French fusion restaurant Agatha Dubai.

Amber also gave her almost 900,000 followers a glimpse of the diverse menu Agatha has to offer.

Amber Turner, 30, put on a sexy display in a lacy skintight black dress in photos shared to her Instagram page on Tuesday night

The former TOWIE star stood on a brightly lit street as she posed in the dress which featured an opaque and a high leg cut black bodice

Amber held a stylish black Lady Dior bag with gold detailing and finished her look with heeled black sandals

The restaurant was teeming with people and had a soft dark ambience with yellow lamps dotted around.

She enjoyed her night out with pal Shelby Tribble who contrasted Amber's look by wearing a plunging white dress.

Amber is settling into her new city after sensationally quitting TOWIE seven years on from joining the reality programme.

She had already been living mostly in Dubai since the end of 2023 but regularly returned to Essex.

It is now thought that she will not return to Essex for a good while after she handed her dog over to ex Dan Edgar.

The ex-couple - who were together for six years - was broiled in a bitter custody row over their shared pooch after splitting in 2023, with Amber ending up getting full custody.

Although that left Dan inconsolable, he is now reunited with its beloved pet for good, while Amber plans to spend some time away in Dubai.

Despite emotions being very high, the pair seemed to be closing things in good spirits as they were also seen playing around with Oliver and giggling together, perhaps in memory of the old times.

A source told The Sun: 'Amber made the tough decision to leave Essex after struggling to cope with Dan's new relationship with Ella.

'There's so much history between them and emotions ran high as they met up at the park to say goodbye.'

The source confirmed Amber broke down in tears during the exchange - which was 'really tough to film' for both - but the pair 'parted ways amicably'.

Amber wore the stunning outfit to Pan Asian-French cuisine fusion restaurant Agatha Dubai and gave her followers a glimpse of the menu

The stylish restaurant was teeming with people and had a soft dark ambience with yellow lamps dotted around

She enjoyed her night out with pal Shelby Tribble who contrasted Amber in a plunging white dress

Amber has been openly struggling with the blossoming romance between her ex Dan Edgar, 33, and their TOWIE co-star Ella Rae Wise, 23

Amber has been openly struggling with the blossoming romance between her ex Dan Edgar, 33, and their TOWIE co-star Ella Rae Wise.

Their romance began in March when the cast began filming the thirty-third series of TOWIE in Bali.

In an exceedingly awkward conversation, Amber told Dan that she was fine with he and Ella, 23, cracking on, while Dan was confused as to why she wouldn't be.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Amber had been seeing a guy who was based out in Dubai in recent months, but she recently called it a day with him.

'She realised it was a rebound after her break-up with Dan, and she didn't see a future in the new relationship, so she quietly ended things before she went to Bali to film TOWIE.'

The insider also claimed Amber was hoping to rekindle things with Dan while they are filming the new series of TOWIE abroad but his growing romance with Ella has got in the way.

The source added: 'Amber had a breakdown on camera about it and sobbed to her co-stars, which will all play out on the new series of TOWIE.'

The insider told how Amber wasn't expecting to see Dan move on with another cast member and she found it difficult to watch and now feels 'heartbroken'.

MailOnline has contacted Amber and Dan's reps for comment.

In an exceedingly awkward conversation, Amber told Dan that she was fine with he and Ella, 23, cracking on, while Dan was confused as to why she wouldn't be (pictured in 2021)

Amber told The Sun in March: 'Lets get one thing right - Ellas always had a thing for Dan, she always has. She is single now  naturally she is going to want to go for Dan.

'She doesnt owe me anything. She is not my friend. Dan is a good looking guy...Whatever they get up to is none of my business. It is what it is. Its been a long time.

Amber added: 'He swore on his life he never flirted with her. It has made me feel like he had a thing for her in the past. At the end of day he was my boyfriend of 5 years. Weve got a dog. We lived together.'

Series 33 of The Only Way Is Essex continues every Sunday on ITVBe and ITVX.
Deborah Meaden has revealed she has 'no regrets' with some of her failed investments as she opened up about her life on Tuesday.

The Dragons' Den star, 65, who is married to husband Paul Farmer, has been starring on the BBC show since its third series in 2006.

Speaking to Prima, for their June cover, she said: 'I've made some investments that didn't work out, but do I regret it? Absolutely not.

'And have I missed out on some investments? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. There are other opportunities.'

The businesswoman said she is 'fiercely independent' and always wanted to have her own business to be able to 'build her own life' around it.

Deborah Meaden has revealed she has 'no regrets' with some of her failed investments as she opened up about her life on Tuesday

The Dragons' Den star, 65, who is married to husband Paul Farmer, who she met in the summer of 1985, has been starring on the BBC show since its third series in 2006

Speaking to Prima, for their June cover, she said: 'I've made some investments that didn't work out, but do I regret it? Absolutely not. And have I missed out on some investments? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. There are other opportunities'

She continued: 'I'm fiercely independent I always knew I wanted to have my own business and build my own life, and that it would be my responsibility.

'We started with very little, and with an example of a mother who got on and did it. So it never felt that scary.'

Deborah went on to discuss how she takes no notice of her age as she doesn't want it to 'stop' her from living her life.

She added: 'Age is just not present in my life. If we start labelling ourselves as of a certain age, we stop ourselves from doing things, and all I'm interested in is giving things a go. Paul and I still have dance lessons.'

For her photoshoot, Deborah looked stunning as she donned a glamorous red gown which boasted a full skirt and shirt top.

She seemed in good spirits as she cinched in her waist with a matching belt and kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers.

In another picture, the BBC star turned heads in a white blouse and matching straight legged trousers which she teamed with a pink cape.

Deborah later changing into a blue cape and styled her short blonde tresses in loose waves.

The businesswoman said she is 'fiercely independant' and always wanted to have her own business to be able to 'build her own life' around it

Deborah went on to discuss how she takes no notice of her age as she doesn't want it to 'stop' her from living her life
Jill Duggar and her husband Eric Dillard have laid their stillborn daughter to rest.

The couple, who announced they had lost their 'beautiful baby girl' during the fourth month of pregnancy, held a funeral for the little one.

'Isla Marie, our baby girl. We will love you forever & hold you in our hearts until we hold you in heaven. Laid to rest 4.19.2024,' the grieving parents shared Tuesday, next to a photo of a white box covered with white and pink flowers and a stuffed toy bunny on a table in the sanctuary of their church.

A vase of pink roses and carnations was placed nearby.

The program for the service featured the photo Jill, 32, and Derick, 35, used to announce the loss of the pregnancy with the baby's name Isla Marie Dillard and the words 'Planted on Earth to bloom in Heaven' on the front.

Jill Duggar, 32, and her husband Eric Dillard, 35, have laid their stillborn daughter to rest

'Isla Marie, our baby girl. We will love you forever & hold you in our hearts until we hold you in heaven. Laid to rest 4.19.2024, ' the grieving parents shared Tuesday

The inside of the program included the first four verses of the 23rd Psalm.

At the bottom of the page, they added the meaning of her name - Isla 'Devoted to God' and Marie 'Wished for Child and Beloved.'

At the post-funeral gathering at their home in Arkansas, the couple set up a table with books and toys they had planned to share with Isla, had she lived.

The couple are parents to Israel, nine, Samuel, six, and Frederick, 21 months.

The pair have relied on their faith to get them through.

They shared more Bible verses and a sweet card from the devastated Jill who wrote 'I carried you every second of your life. And I will love you every second of mine.'

A pink heart-shaped cake was placed on the refreshment table.

They offered fellow mourners a parting memento, a paper heart filled with flower seeds they hoped would spring forth in Isla's memory.

The couple shared photos of the program for the funeral for their daughter who was stillborn at in the fourth month of pregnancy

At a post-funeral gathering at their home, the couple shared more Bible verses and a note Duggar wrote to their daughter which read 'I carried you every second of your life. And I will love you every second of mine'

Mourners a parting memento, a paper heart filled with flower seeds they hoped would spring forth in Isla's memory

Jill announced that she suffered a heartbreaking stillbirth earlier this month, when she was four months pregnant.

She and her husband penned an emotional message to share the news with their fans.

'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the stillbirth of our beautiful baby girl, Isla Marie Dillard. Jill was 4 months pregnant (due in August) when we found out that our baby died in utero,' they wrote.

Duggar and Dillard added that they were particularly excited about the prospect of bringing a new member into their family.

'From the moment we found out we were pregnant, we couldn't wait to meet our baby. Isla was much loved from the start, and her 3 big brothers were so excited to introduce her to their world,' they wrote.

The pair concluded by thanking their longtime fans for their continued support as they dealt with the stillbirth of their child.

'We appreciate your prayers as we continue to grieve and heal from the loss of our little Isla Marie,' they wrote.

Duggar and Dillard initially met in 2011, and they went on to tie the knot in June of 2014.

Jill announced that she suffered a heartbreaking stillbirth earlier this month, when she was four months pregnant

Duggar previously had a miscarriage in 2021 with son River Bliss

The pair started a family with the birth of their son Israel, nine, in 2014, and they welcomed two more boys named Samuel, six, and Frederick, one, in 2017 and 2022, respectively

Jill and her family have distanced themselves from the Duggars in recent years and have not spoken to her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar since her memoir was released in 2023

Jim, Michelle and their 19 kids, starred in the TLC series 19 and Counting from 2008 to 2015

Duggar previously had a miscarriage in 2021 with son River Bliss.

Last year Jill candidly spilled how she almost died bringing son Samuel into the world after the then-infant suffered a stroke during labor.

She revealed the harrowing tale of her second child's birth in her bombshell memoir, titled Counting the Cost.

She explained how she was rushed into surgery for an emergency C-section after an uterine rupture before finding out that the newborn had suffered a brain bleed as well.

Newborn Samuel, who had been 'unresponsive at birth,' was transferred to an NICU at a different hospital and Jill was not able to meet him for the first time until four days later.

Duggar, 32, who grew up in front of the camera on the TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting and other iterations of the show including Counting On, has been estranged from her parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar for several years.

There was no mention of Isla's loss on the Duggar Family Instagram account.

In her book, Counting the Cost, Duggar explained the 'secrets and manipulation' that went on behind the scenes of the show and whey they left the religious organization, Institute in Basic Life Principles, in which she and Dillard, 35, had been indoctrinated.

The couple also recounted their story in the documentary Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets.
Philip Seymour Hoffman's sister Emily Anne Barr penned a touching tribute to the actor 10 years after his death.

The last gift the Oscar winner gave his sibling was a two-year subscription to The Paris Review, which is where she honored him with a heartfelt essay published on Monday.

In it she looked back at moments from their childhood while detailing her way of coping with grief, after the Capote star died of an accidental drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment in February 2014, at the age of 46.

She described her brother as 'a cuddly person' and credits him for being able to take them 'away from the chaos of our house' as they were growing up.

'He loved to sit close on a couch, walk arm in arm down the street, and hug big,' she wrote, adding that the legendary actor had 'a lot of loud parts.'

Philip Seymour Hoffman's sister Emily Barr penned a touching tribute to the actor 10 years after his death, in an essay published in The Paris Review on Monday; He is seen in 2014

Anne, a pediatric nurse practitioner, described how in their childhood she and Philip shared a bedroom with bunk beds and would 'stay up reading with our own flashlight and not disturb the other.'

'Phil loved the Encyclopedia Brown books, and he read a lot of Hardy Boys. He really enjoyed a good mystery, especially if it was funny,' she shared.

She added that one of his favorite movies was The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother (1975).

'We grew up like two hamsters making nests out of blankets and books. We burrowed together, especially when things felt scary or loud.'

'We made up stories that took us away from the chaos of our house and into building forts in the woods, rowing boats together on Keuka Lake, or walking to The Brick Oven to eat pizza by ourselves like we were grown-ups.'

She also discussed his acting abilities, writing, 'My brother had a lot of loud parts, like his laughter and big gestures of annoyance.'

'The way he would jump up and dance around when teasing you  even after youd pleaded for him to stop, he just couldnt help poking fun one last time. He knew it was wrong, but he was going to do it anyway, and laugh until you were laughing too.'

At the heart of Anne's essay is an interaction with her and a librarian at a public library near her home, where she finds out old magazines are donated to local schools for kids to cut up and make collages.

She described her brother as 'a cuddly person' and credits him for being able to take them 'away from the chaos of our house' as they were growing up; Hoffman seen in 2013

'He loved to sit close on a couch, walk arm in arm down the street, and hug big,' she wrote, adding that the legendary actor had 'a lot of loud parts'; Seen in 2014

The Capote star died of an accidental drug overdose in his Manhattan apartment in February 2014, at the age of 46; seen in 2014

Hoffman had separated from his longtime partner Mimi O'Donnell in the months leading up to his death because she couldn't handle his heroin addiction said friends; seen in 2009

He and the costume designer share three children together: son Cooper, 21, and two daughters Tallulah, 17, and Willa, 15; seen with two of their kids in 2007

When she discovers this, she checks out all the magazines and takes them home so she can 'cut all the articles and photos of Phil out of each magazine.'

'I didn't want to read these articles. But I didn't want children cutting them up in class next year. More importantly, I didn't want one of my children to be sitting in art class and get handed one of these magazines and open it up to see their uncle Phil.'

After she was done cutting up the magazines, Anne reflected on how her brother would 'think I was ridiculous for doing all this.'

'He'd wrap his big arm around me, and we would walk a little quicker as the temperature dropped and the sun set lower in the sky.'

'We would talk, like when we were kids, imagining the story of Encyclopedia Brown trying to solve The Case of the Vanishing Actor, which takes place in a library with a small wooden door.'

The American actor and father of three was found dead on the bathroom floor of his $10,000 a month West Village apartment. 70 bags of heroin and 20 used needles were found inside his home.

Hoffman's drug habit had allegedly escalated to upwards of $10,000 a month and his preferred narcotics were heroin and the prescription drug Oxycontin.

Hoffman, known for his portrayal of troubled souls, had separated from his longtime partner Mimi O'Donnell in the months leading up to his death because she couldn't handle his heroin addiction said friends.

He and the costume designer share three children together: son Cooper, 21, and two daughters Tallulah, 17, and Willa, 15.

Before his death the critically acclaimed actor admitted struggling with drug addiction in the past and reportedly checked himself into an East Coast rehab center for ten days in May of 2013 to deal with his heroin abuse after having claimed to be free for 23-years.

Hoffman's critically acclaimed performances include Capote (2005), for which he won an Academy Award, Doubt (2008), and The Master (2012); seen in a still from Capote

He also played Freddie Miles, a boisterous American ex-pat living in Italy, in the cult classic The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); seen with Jude Law in a still

According to TMZ, he fell off the wagon in 2012, with his problem starting slowly with prescription pills and recently escalating to snorting heroin.

The popular actor admitted in 2006 to a previously unacknowledged history of substance abuse after he graduated from NYU's drama school when he was 23-years old in 1989.

Hoffman's critically acclaimed performances include Capote (2005), for which he won an Academy Award, Doubt (2008), The Master (2012), and cult classic The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999).

The final film he completed filming was A Most Wanted Man (2014), a spy thriller released after his passing.
Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer and Mark Ruffalo hosted a virtual reunion to celebrate 13 Going On 30's 20th anniversary, and the actresses shared a video from the event on their respective Instagram accounts on Tuesday.

The performers starred as Jenna Rink, Lucy Wyman and Matty Flamhaff, respectively, in the romantic comedy film, which was originally released in 2004.

The actors - whose stars recently recreated one of the film's scenes - penned a short message in her post's caption to let their fans know that they took part in the reunion to show their gratitude for the continued support of their followers.

'Twenty years. We are three Boomers braving zoombecause we want to thank you.' they wrote.

Garner, 52, Greer, 48, and Ruffalo, 56, went on to express that they were happy to see that 13 Going On 30 had become an enduring fan favorite.

Jennifer Garner, 52, Judy Greer, 48, and Mark Ruffalo, 56, hosted a virtual reunion to celebrate 13 Going On 30's 20th anniversary

They wrote: 'To every person who has loved this movie along with us: Thank You. We see you, we appreciate you and we love you back. Forever thirty, flirty and thriving!'

Ruffalo went on to speak about how his biggest fan followings were centered around either his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or his role in the romantic comedy feature.

'There's two kinds of people in the world, there's Hulk people and 13 Going on 30 people,' he stated.

The Zodiac star then corrected himself and remarked that he received 'way more' attention from fans for his role as Flamhaff.

Greer then discussed growing older in the years since the feature was originally released, and she humorously stated that, every time she found a pimple on her face, she became 'so excited because I feel so young.'

The actress was later informed that Brie Larson made a brief appearance in 13 Going On 30 as a Six Chick, to which she reacted with surprise.

Garner went on to illustrate how the feature had made a lasting impact on the lives of its fans, and told her former costars that she had 'met a little baby named Jenna yesterday [named] after the movie.'

The three also attempted to recreate the film's dance scene, which was set to Michael Jackson's hit track Thriller.

The performers starred as Jenna Rink, Lucy Wyman and Matty Flamhaff, respectively, in the romantic comedy film, which was originally released in 2004; Garner and Greer seen in a still

The actors - whose stars recently recreated one of the film's scenes - penned a short message in her post's caption to let their fans know that they took part in the reunion to show their gratitude for the continued support of their followers

Ruffalo went on to speak about how his biggest fan followings were centered around either his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or his role in the romantic comedy feature

The three also attempted to recreate the film's dance scene, which was set to Michael Jackson's hit track Thriller

13 Going On 30, which was directed by Gary Winick, was centered on a 13-year-old girl who unexpectedly found herself in the body of her 30-year-old self

13 Going On 30, which was directed by Gary Winick, was centered on a 13-year-old girl who unexpectedly found herself in the body of her 30-year-old self.

In addition to the feature's three stars, the movie's cast included Andy Serkis, Lynn Collins and Jim Gaffigan.

The movie received generally positive reviews from critics, and it currently holds a score of 64% on Rotten Tomatoes.

A musical adaptation of 13 Going On 30 is currently being developed, and co-writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa recently told The Hollywood Reporter that the project could potentially premiere in 2025.
Naomie Harris and Alessandra Ambrosio dressed to impress as they attended the Icons Shine with OMEGA in Milan on Tuesday night.

Actress Naomie, 47, looked nothing short of sensational in a strapless purple gown as she posed up a storm on the red carpet held at Maka Loft.

The James Bond star put on a very leggy display in the daring number which boasted a thigh high split and a ruffled leather detailing.

She elevated her frame in a pair of black heels and accessorised with a simple silver necklace.

Styling her dark tresses in loose waves, Naomie flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed for photos.

Naomie Harris and Alessandra Ambrosio dressed to impress as they attended the Icons Shine with OMEGA in Milan on Tuesday night

Meanwhile Alessandra, 37, looked incredible in a figure hugging strapless ruched brown midi dress.

The Brazilian model elevated her slim frame in a pair of stylish heels and accessorised with a pair of silver earrings and a watch with a brown strap.

Styling her long brunette tresses loose, Alessandra wore a glamorous palette of makeup to accentuate her beauty.

Elsewhere at the event, Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, 35, cut a dapper figure as he went shirtless under a smart green velvet blazer.

The actor teamed the number with a pair of straight legged white trousers and rocked a pair of bold sunglasses.

Barry Keoghan dressed smart in a black satin oversized shirt which he tucked into a pair of matching trousers.

The Saltburn star, 31, accessorised with a silver necklace and watch and also wore a name bracelet in tribute to his girlfriend Sabrina Carpenter.

He seemed in good spirits as he beamed for photos at the star-studded event.

Last year Naomie revealed she censors herself because she is 'terrified' of cancel culture and said she wants to be part of a society where there is 'discussion'.

Actress Naomie, 47, looked nothing short of sensational in a strapless purple gown as she posed up a storm on the red carpet held at Maka Loft

The James Bond star put on a very leggy display in the daring number which boasted a thigh high split and a ruffled leather detailing

Meanwhile Alessandra, 37, looked incredible in a figure hugging strapless ruched brown midi dress

The stunner accessorised with a pair of silver earrings and a watch with a brown strap

Styling her long brunette tresses loose, Alessandra wore a glamorous palette of makeup to accentuate her beauty

Elsewhere at the event, Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, 35, cut a dapper figure as he went shirtless under a smart green velvet blazer

The actor teamed the number with a pair of straight legged white trousers and rocked a pair of bold sunglasses

Barry Keoghan dressed smart in a black satin oversized shirt which he tucked into a pair of matching trousers

The Saltburn star, 31, accessorised with a silver necklace and watch and also wore a name bracelet in tribute to his girlfriend Sabrina Carpenter

He seemed in good spirits as he beamed for photos at the star-studded event

The Skyfall star admitted that she often doesn't say things that she 'truly believes' because she doesn't feel like she can voice her opinions in a 'safe space'.

She told Amazing magazine: 'I may hate someone's opinion, [but] I'd rather be part of a society in which they are allowed to say it.

'So often I don't say things I truly believe, because I don't feel there is a safe space in which to say them, because people are so quick to call 'cancel'.'

Naomie admitted she is 'absolutely terrified' of the current climate of cancel culture as she appeared as Amazing's Issue Two cover star in a sensational shoot.

She went on to explain that during her career, she has steered clear of playing 'stereotypical' roles and said she admires her younger self for sticking to her beliefs, despite being a 'starving actress'.

'I said I will only play roles that represent positive depictions of black women, which is extraordinary,' she added.
With Sonny down, veterans, young guns step up game for Korea in World Cup qualifying win
Vas J Morgan has been spending time in Australia for a secret project.

And on Monday, The Only Way Is Essex star put on a stylish display as he departed Melbourne.

The 35-year-old fashionista made the terminal his runway, clad in a patch-adorned vintage denim jacket.

Paired with comfortable khaki trousers, Vas showed off a relaxed yet polished look for his flight.

His ensemble was a lesson in balancing comfort with style, a skill Vas has mastered with apparent ease.

Vas J Morgan cut a stylish figure as he was spotted flying out of Melbourne on Monday after attending best friend Rita Ora's beauty launch

The 35-year-old fashionista made the terminal his runway, clad in a patch-adorned vintage denim jacket

Under the brim of his trendy cap, and behind a pair of sleek sunglasses, Vas' travel-ready outfit was accessorised with a practical yet chic black handbag.

After taking a selfie by the departures sign, he was pictured confidently pushing his luggage through the airport.

Daily Mail Australia understands the UK star is planning a June launch with a well-known Aussie celebrity.

Paired with comfortable khaki trousers, Vas showed off a relaxed yet polished look perfect for his flight

His ensemble was a lesson in balancing comfort with stylee, a skill Vas has mastered with apparent ease

Under the brim of his trendy cap, and behind a pair of sleek sunglasses, Vas's travel-ready outfit was accessorised with a practical yet chic black handbag

The sighting comes just days after he was spotted partying with his best friend Rita Ora at the launch of her haircare brand Typebea in Sydney.

Vas was pictured partying with the likes of Tammy Hembrow, Pip Edwards and Married At First Sight bride Janelle Han.

Joining him at the event were Booby Tape owners Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano.

After taking a selfie by the departures sign, Vas was pictured confidently maneuvering his luggage through the airport

Daily Mail Australia understands the UK star is planning a June launch with a well-known Aussie celebrity

The fashionable friends, earlier seen snapping selfies with the Sydney Harbour Bridge as their canvas, have the rumour mill churning.

Sources close to the Melbourne businesswomen have told Daily Mail Australia that the trio have been working on a secret collaboration which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Vas meanwhile has come a long way since he rose to fame as part of the cast of TOWIE in 2014.

The star is now a fully-fledged LA socialite and often hosts exclusive Hollywood Halloween parties with a collection of celebrity pals attending.

His most recent successful event took place last week when he hosted a lavish birthday bash for Rita Ora's husband Taika Waititi in Ibiza, Spain.

The reality star was in Australia helping friend Rita Ora launch her haircare brand Typebea
Arj Barker sparked a huge backlash over ejecting a breastfeeding mother out of his Melbourne Comedy Festival show, but a top comedian has now come to his defence.

American comedian Arj, 49, asked mother-of-three Trish Faranda to leave his show for being disruptive on Saturday, prompting an online discussion about who was in the wrong.

Amid the furore, Australian funnyman Ethan Marrell, better known as Ozzy Man Reviews, has flocked to Arj's defence and revealed his kind unseen backstage act.

The YouTube star, 38, told how Arj went out of his way to make him feel at ease when he was starting out as a comic in the mid-2000s, sharing their backstage interaction.

Giving his view on the recent controversy, Ethan came to Arj's support and insisted he is a 'top bloke' with no 'ego' as he gushed over his supportive nature.

Arj Barker (pictured) sparked a backlash over ejecting a breastfeeding mother out of his Melbourne Comedy Festival show, but a top comedian has now come to his defence

He recalled how Arj spoke to himself and other nervous new comedians before one big show to make sure his material didn't overlap with theirs, and changed parts of his set so he didn't 'step on their shoes'.

According to news.com.au, Arj shared: '[Arj] was altering his material 30 minutes before the show and making sure he didn't step on the toes of the competing budding comics. Is that not bl**dy lovely?'

'My core point is  the bloke does not have an ego, and I learnt from a very young age how f***en cool and nice that was,' he went on.

'He stepped out of his own way to make sure he wasn't taking all the glory as an MC on a night that was likely going to be memorable for lots of us newbies.

'It may not seem like much, but this was a pretty big national competition in the early 2000s, so I've always appreciated and remembered his integrity.'

American comedian Arj (pictured), 49, asked mother-of-three Trish Faranda to leave his show for being disruptive on Saturday night, prompting a huge online furore

Ethan also addressed the furore about the breastfeeding mother being kicked out of Arj's show for being disruptive, insisting the comedian never should have had to address it on stage in the first place.

It comes after Arj responded to the backlash over him ejecting mother-of-three Trish Faranda from his Melbourne Comedy Festival show on Saturday.

The stand-up performer has made a peace offering to the breastfeeding mother he asked to leave his show for being disruptive, but said he also stands by his decision.

Ms Faranda claimed that she was humiliated and reduced to tears when she and her seven-month-old daughter Clara were booted from the theatre.

She claimed Clara 'had a bit of a whinge' before she gave her a feed, with Arj asking her to leave about 15 minutes into the gig because they were 'disrupting his show'.

But Australian funnyman Ethan Marrell (pictured), better known as Ozzy Man Reviews, has since flocked to his defence and revealed Arj's unseen backstage act

However, Arj said on Tuesday that baby Clara should not have been at his over-15s show in the first place.

But he also apologised to Ms Faranda for the embarrassment caused and made a light-hearted attempt to make amends.

'I hope you're doing okay. I'm sorry that that was a difficult situation, and I would like to make peace,' he told Sunrise on Tuesday.

'I would like to meet up with her and have a serious discussion about selling the movie rights and go 50-50.

'Also, to the beautiful baby who I have nothing against, I want to offer that little child a ticket to my show post-dated 2039.'

He went on to admit that it was an unfortunate and tricky situation for everyone involved.

The YouTube star (pictured), 38, told how Arj went out of his way to make him feel at ease when he was starting out as a comic in the mid-2000s, sharing their sweet backstage interaction

'I'm not gonna hide because I want people to know the truth of what happened, at least from my perspective,' he said.

'Both myself and the woman were put in a position we shouldn't have been in.'

Arj insisted he has no issue with public breastfeeding which he described as perfectly natural, and said he did not know that's what she was doing at the time.

'I couldn't see her well enough to know if she was breastfeeding or not - that's something I only heard about two days after the incident,' he continued.

'I want to make that really clear because it's been mentioned so much I had, and if she was, I wouldn't care.'

He acknowledged that the baby was not screaming but that her 'cute' noises were distracting the audience.

It comes after Arj responded to the backlash over him ejecting Trish Faranda and her baby Clara (pictured) from his show, giving a peace offering while also standing by his decision

'It's about the crowd enjoying an immersive experience of watching a comedy show with timing and pauses and getting drawn into the show,' he explained.

'As a performer, I have a right to ask a disruptive audience member to leave the show.

'Unfortunately, it was a cute little baby at this time and nothing to do with the mum or the gender of the parent. If it was a father, I would have said the exact same thing.

'From where I'm standing on stage, I'm merely trying to create a nice environment to perform my show.'
Donnie Wahlberg spoke about he had embraced FaceTime as a way of staying connected to his wife, Jenny McCarthy, during Tuesday's episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.

The 54-year-old performer told the program's host that, as he often had to be apart from his 51-year-old wife, they had utilized the video call app in order to stay connected.

The actor - who recently took his spouse to the 73rd All-Star Game - began by telling Barrymore that he was at a distance from his wife for 'most of the year' due to their work schedules.

However, Wahlberg then stated that he, as well as McCarthy, had made a habit of calling each other over FaceTime just prior to falling asleep.

'We now have the luxury of being able to sleep together when we're apart. So whoever's going to sleep first just calls the other one,' he stated.

Donnie Wahlberg spoke about he had embraced FaceTime as a way of staying connected to his wife, Jenny McCarthy, during Tuesday's episode of The Drew Barrymore Show

Although the show's host reacted with incredulity regarding his statement, the actor remarked that they had grown used to using FaceTime and expressed: 'We love to do it.'

He added: 'It's like, why not? Right? We're going to miss each other, why wake up saying, "Oh my God, I missed you. I woke up at three in the morning."'

Wahlberg then stated that he would often stay up late in an effort to stay connected with his wife.

'I tell her if you wake up at three in the morning and can't sleep, just tap me on the shoulder through the phone and I'll wake up and hang out with you for a while,' he said.

The actor's Blue Bloods costar Bridget Moynahan, who was also featured as a guest on the program, then spoke about how her castmate would often FaceTime his wife during breaks in filming.

The performer affectionately described Wahlberg's spouse as 'kind of like that extra person at the family dinner.'

Wahlberg and McCarthy initially met during a taping of Watch What Happens Live that took place in 2012.

The actor was formerly married to Kimberly Fey from 1999 until 2010, and the pair share two sons named Elijah, 12 and Xavier, 20.

The 54-year-old performer told the program's host that, as he often had to be apart from his 51-year-old wife, they had utilized the video call app in order to stay connected; seen in 2018

Although the show's host reacted with incredulity regarding his statement, the actor remarked that they had grown used to using FaceTime and expressed: 'We love to do it'

The actor's Blue Bloods costar Bridget Moynahan, who was also featured as a guest on the program, then spoke about how her castmate would often FaceTime his wife during breaks in filming

Wahlberg and McCarthy initially met during a taping of Watch What Happens Live that took place in 2012; seen in 2015

The happy couple went on to tie the knot in the model's home state of Illinois in August of 2014; seen in February

The actress was also married to John Asher from 1999 until 2005, and they share a son named Evan, 21, who was born in 2022.

Wahlberg and McCarthy ultimately began dating in 2013, and they made their first red carpet appearance as a couple the following year.

The happy couple went on to tie the knot in the model's home state of Illinois in August of 2014.

The pair renewed their vows in 2021 in order to celebrate their seventh anniversary.
Famke Janssen looked incredible while attending the Boy Kills World premiere at the SVA Theater in New York City on Tuesday.

The Dutch actress, 59, glowed as she showed off her age-defying beauty in a chic white mini dress.

The stylish ensemble showed off her toned arms and legs, an she paired it with silver heels and white socks.

The Taken star  who famously played in the James Bond film GoldenEye alongside Pierce Brosnan in 1995  accessorized with a white clutch and wore her brunette tresses styled in loose locks.

Famke plays Hilda van der Koy  the ruler of the villainous Van der Koy clan  in Boy Kills World, which also stars It actor Bill Skarsgard, 33, as leading man.

Famke Janssen, 59, looked incredible while attending the Boy Kills World premiere at the SVA Theater in New York City on Tuesday

The Dutch actress glowed as she showed off her age-defying beauty in a chic white mini dress

Skarsgard, best known for portraying the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the recent adaptations of Stephen King's horror novel It in 2017 and 2019, cut a handsome figure in an all-black look.

His gothic outfit featured a long coat, a black shirt tucked into dress pants, and pristinely polished dress shoes.

He added a touch of bling to his look with two silver bracelets and a ring.

Skarsgard plays the lead character simply called Boy in the film. His character is deaf and mute, and is seeking revenge after his family's murder.

The Swedish star comes from a long line of actors.

His father is Hollywood legend Stellan Skarsgard, 72, who most recently starred as Baron Harkonnen in Dune 2.

His brother Alexander Skarsgard, recently appeared in Succession and is also known for playing Eric Northman in True Blood and Perry Wright in Big Little Lies.

His other brothers Gustaf and Valter Skarsgard are also actors, with Gustaf appearing in Vikings, and Valter starring in Lords of Chaos.

The ensemble showed off her toned arms and legs, an she paired it with silver heels and white socks

She wore delicate glam for the occasion

She famously played in the James Bond film GoldenEye alongside Pierce Brosnan in 1995; pictured in a still from the film

Bill also posed with director Moritz Mohr, 43, at the premiere.

Moritz showed off his casual cool style in a black blazer, blue jeans and black and green sneakers.

Famke and Bill also posed with co-stars Andrew Koji, 36, and Isaiah Mustafa, 50, at the event.

Andrew sported a black suit over a grey t-shirt and black loafers. Meanwhile Isaiah looked dapper in a deep purple suit.

Also present at the premiere was Isabella Crovetti, 19, who wowed in a pink silk dress with a ruffle trim.

She added height to her frame with shimmering silver heels and wore her light blonde hair down.

Kea Ho sparkled in a form-fitting pink dress with long sleeves. Her raven tresses were styled straight and she wore picture-perfect makeup to accentuate her features.

Melissa Becraft wowed in a delicate iridescent pastel yellow dress and white heels.

The film also stars Bill Skarsgard, 33, as leading man. The actor cut a handsome figure in an all-black gothic look

Skarsgard is best known for portraying the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the recent adaptations of Stephen King's horror novel It in 2017 and 2019

Bill also posed with director Moritz Mohr, 43, at the premiere. Moritz showed off his casual cool style in a black blazer, blue jeans and black and green sneakers

Also present at the premiere was Isabella Crovetti, 19, who wowed in a pink silk dress with a ruffle trim, and Kea Ho who sparkled in a form-fitting pink number with long sleeves

Melissa Becraft wowed in a delicate iridescent pastel yellow dress and white heels

Film producer Zainab Azizi and Quinn Copeland, 12, donned fun looks for the premiere, with Zainab rocking a polka dot pantsuit and Quinn looking vibrant in a purple jumpsuit

Brett Gelman, 47, showed off his distinctive style. The Fleabag star donned a long black coat over a white lace shirt and silk blue pants

Famke and Bill also posed with co-stars Andrew Koji, 36, and Isaiah Mustafa, 50, at the event

Nicholas Crovetti and Cameron Crovetti also posed with the cast, both looking dapper in sharp suits

Famke Janssen plays Hilda van der Koy  the ruler of the villainous Van der Koy clan  in Boy Kills World

The film  set to be released in theaters on April 26  takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a deaf-mute man named Boy (Skarsgard) who is looking to avenge his family

Film producer Zainab Azizi and young star Quinn Copeland, 12, donned fun looks for the premiere, with Zainab rocking a polka dot pantsuit and Quinn looking vibrant in a purple jumpsuit.

Brett Gelman, 47, showed off his distinctive style. The Fleabag star donned a long black coat over a white lace shirt and silk blue pants.

Nicholas Crovetti and Cameron Crovetti also posed with the cast, both looking dapper in sharp suits.

The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a deaf-mute man named Boy (Skarsgard) who is looking to avenge his family, who have been brutally murdered by Hilda (Famke).

He undergoes rigorous training under a mysterious shaman in order to become a deadly assassin.

The film is set to be released in theaters on April 26.
Channel 10 have confirmed Robert Irwin will be returning as co-host for the 2025 season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, a Channel 10 spokesperson vehemently denied reports that suggested Irwin's tenure at the network might be ending.

'What a load of croc! We've heard a lot of furphys over the past 10 seasons, but media reports about Robert no longer hosting I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! take the cake and are completely fake,' they said in a statement.

'We've just wrapped an excellent season and can't wait to do it all again next year.'

The Woman's Day's report, which hinted at a potential move back to rival network Seven, was quickly quashed by our source within Channel 10.

Channel 10 has confirmed that Robert Irwin will be returning as co-host for the 2025 season of I'm A Celebrity in South Africa . (Pictured with co-host Julia Morris)

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, a Channel 10 spokesperson vehemently denied reports that suggested Irwin's tenure at the network might be ending

It comes as an insider at the network praised the wildlife warrior for his recent hosting gig.

'Robert's easygoing and faultless live TV skills have won over the nation. But contrary to reports, his career at Ten is far from over; Robert is definitely staying with us,' they said.

'Robert has been an absolute treasure on the show. His wildlife expertise, and genuine charm has resonated well with viewers, and we're thrilled to have him back.'

'What a load of croc! We've heard a lot of furphys over the past 10 seasons, but media reports about Robert no longer hosting I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! take the cake and are completely fake,' they said in a statement

It appears that the 20-year-old is not ready to leave his current TV home just yet.

'He's very much a part of the Channel 10 family, and everyone is super happy with how he's fitting into the lineup. The rumours of him jumping ship are just that  rumours,' added the source.

Speculation about Irwin's potential exit began when insiders at a rival network hinted at their interest in the conservationist for a new wildlife series.

'His easygoing and faultless live TV skills have won over the nation. But his career at Ten will only be short-lived, and he is heading back to Seven,' a source reportedly told Woman's Day this week.

The strategic negotiation is said to have been orchestrated by Robert's mother Terri Irwin, who has been hailed as the ultimate 'mumager'.

'The Irwins are very smart when it comes to negotiations,' the insider added.

The wild life warrior received rave reviews for his co-hosting skills alongside Julia Morris on this season of the reality series.

The outlet claimed that the decision to join IAC was seen as a one-off opportunity to elevate his mainstream television profile.
As the third season of CBS' FBI: International comes to an end, one of its biggest stars - Luke Kleintank - will be leaving.

The 33-year-old Cincinnati native has starred as one of the show's leads - Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester - since the show debuted in 2021, a spin-off of FBI.

His final episode will air on CBS on Tuesday, May 7, according to Deadline, just a few weeks before the previously-announced Season 3 finale airs on Tuesday, May 21.

'After much thought and consideration, Ive made the difficult decision to leave FBI International,' the actor began.

'This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life,' he added.

As the third season of CBS' FBI : International comes to an end, one of its biggest stars - Luke Kleintank - will be leaving

The 33-year-old Cincinnati native has starred as one of the show's leads - Supervisory Special Agent Scott Forrester - since the show debuted in 2021, a spin-off of FBI

His final episode will air on CBS on Tuesday, May 7, according to Deadline , just a few weeks before the previously-announced Season 3 finale airs on Tuesday, May 21

The actor had welcomed his first child - Ruby Roland Kleintank - with his wife Christina Vignaud.

'Im profoundly thankful for the extraordinary cast and crew of the show, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home,' he added.

'Their unwavering dedication and remarkable talents have made every moment on set an unforgettable journey that has enriched my life in countless ways,' he said.

'Lastly, I would also like to extend my thanks to the fans who have supported us through the first three seasons,' Kleintank concluded.

Kleintank signed on as Scott Forrester back in July 2021, with the series a spin-off of the network's FBI and FBI: Most Wanted.

The series received a straight-to-series order in March 2021, with the series debuting as part of a three-hour crossover episode with FBI and FBI: Most Wanted in September 2021.

The series follows the, 'elite operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigations International Fly Team. based in Budapest.

They are tasked with neutralizing terrorist threats against Americans on foreign soil, with the team lead by Kleintank's Forrester.

The actor had welcomed his first child - Ruby Roland Kleintank - with his wife Christina Vignaud

'Im profoundly thankful for the extraordinary cast and crew of the show, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home,' he added

The character is described as a, 'accomplished and dedicated leader,' who also, 'puts his missions ahead of his personal life.'

The departure comes just weeks after CBS renewed FBI: International for a fourth season, along with FBI (Season 7) and FBI: Most Wanted (Season 6) as well

The character is described as a, 'accomplished and dedicated leader,' who also, 'puts his missions ahead of his personal life.'

The departure comes just weeks after CBS renewed FBI: International for a fourth season, along with FBI (Season 7) and FBI: Most Wanted (Season 6) as well.

The news also comes two months after another star, Heida Reed, who has played Special Agent Jamie Kellett, announced her departure as well.

FBI: International was created by Derek Haas and Dick Wolf, who executive produce with Matt Olmstead, Michael Katleman, Ernesto Alcalde, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski.
Kyle Richards rushed to her daughter Farrah Aldjufrie's side after her Los Angeles home was burglarized in broad daylight on Tuesday.

The RHOBH star, 55, and her eldest daughter, 35, were photographed speaking to LAPD investigators in the driveway and a police report was filed.

According to TMZ, the robbery took place at around 1PM when thieves gained access to the home by forcing open a door. At some point, the WiFi at the home was cut off.

The robbers reportedly made off with a large quantity of high-tag items, including designer purses and jewelry.

Farrah, who is a real estate agent at The Agency, was not home at the time of the incident.

DailyMail.com has reached out to reps for Kyle and Farrah for comment.

Kyle Richards rushed to her daughter Farrah Aldjufrie's side after her Los Angeles home was burglarized in broad daylight on Tuesday

The RHOBH star, 55, and her eldest daughter, 35, were photographed speaking to LAPD investigators in the drivewa

According to TMZ, thieves broke into Farah's (left) home at around 1PM on Tuesday

Farrah was not home at the time of the incident

As of now, no arrests have been made and police have yet to reveal any information they may have about the potential suspect or suspects at large.

As she left the residence, Kyle confirmed to a nearby camerawoman that Farrah is safe and doing 'fine.' She did not reveal any details about the investigation.

This is just the latest in a string of robberies that have plagued cast members of Bravo's hit series The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills in recent years.

Back in December 2017, over $1million in jewelry was stolen from the Encino home that Kyle shares with estranged husband Mauricio Umansky, 53.

The couple  who separated last July after 27 years of marriage  were vacationing with their children in Aspen, Colorado when the robbery occurred.

They had moved into the $8.2 million property just a few months before the break-in and they were in the midst of renovations.

The burglar or burglars  who were never brought to justice  made out with more than a million dollars in jewelry, including $150,000 in watches owned by Umansky and the diamond earrings he famously gifted Kyle on their 20th anniversary.

A police report was filed and an investigation in underway

The thieves made off with high-tag items, including designer purses and jewelry

Clad in blue jeans and a T-shirt, Kyle looked concerned as she hung out outside her daughter's residence

She showed officers something on her iPhone

A ring previously owned by Kyle's late mother Kathleen was also taken, along with other priceless family heirlooms.

A source close to the family told TMZ at the time that they believe the robbery was an 'inside job.' The culprits also did not raid the home and seemingly knew where they could find the expensive items.

'Everything my mother, who passed away, had ever collected and saved to give to me  that I had always envisioned of passing on to my four daughters  was gone,' she told PEOPLE in a statement.

'Even my children's baby bracelets. Obviously those are the things that hurt the most, things that I can't replace. They're completely invaluable.'

She continued: 'The material things, yes they can be replaced, but they also hurt. I feel embarrassed to say that, but those are things that were either given to me by someone that I care about or that I worked really hard for. So it hurts no matter what.'

In 2020, Kyle was convinced that her mother's ring was being worn by a Santa Monica-based psychic, whose hands Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton had posted to Instagram.

But efforts to find the mystery woman proved futile and Kyle has never located the ring.

According to TMZ , the robbery took place at around 1PM when thieves gained access to the home by forcing open a door

At some point, the WiFi at the home was cut off

As of now, no arrests have been made

Kyle was escorted back to her car by an armed officer

Richards told TMZ that Farrah is 'just fine' but did not reveal any details about the investigation

There were four police cars parked outside the West Hollywood home

Kyle's RHOBH co-star Dorit Kemsley became a robbery victim herself in October 2021.

The reality TV star, 47, was held at gunpoint by three burglars who broke into her Encino Hills house while she and her children Phoenix and Jagger, then aged five and seven, were home.

Dorit had recently arrived home from a family wedding in London, and her English husband Paul 'PK' Kemsley was still in the UK.

As a result, she was home alone with her son and daughter when the burglars smashed through the door of the children's classroom.

Sources close to Dorit told DailyMail.com that the men threatened to murder her and plundered her glamorous Encino Hills home.

As two of the burglars made their way into Dorit's bedroom, she pleaded with them: 'Don't hurt my babies. Don't kill me. I'm a mother.'

She and the children ultimately emerged from the ordeal unscathed, but the robbers did make off with jewelry and handbags.

Photos of the masked robbers were released to the public but the people involved have yet to be caught.

Back in December 2017, over $1million in jewelry was stolen from the Encino home that Kyle shares with estranged husband Mauricio Umansky, 53; seen in 2020

The couple  who separated last July after 27 years of marriage  were vacationing with their children in Aspen, Colorado when the robbery occurred; seen in 2015

14 months later, Dorit was robbed of $10,000 in cash by three men who followed her around a store and swiped her purse out of her shopping cart.

She revealed that the theft occurred after she had withdrawn the $10,000 from the bank in order to go Christmas shopping.

She did not realize that her purse had been stolen until she reached the store register, she told RHOBH viewers in 2023.

The Connecticut-born reality star alleged: 'The police came down and they reviewed the video surveillance. They had discovered that I was followed by three men. That threw me right back into the throes of PTSD.'

More recently, RHOBH star Crystal Kung Minkoff had her gated Los Angeles home broken into while she was vacationing with her family in Japan for spring break.

'I posted [on social media I was out of town] and they tried to break in and my housesitters, my friends, had to deal with it face-to-face,' Crystal  who will not return to The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills next season  revealed on SiriusXM's Jeff Lewis Live show on April 12, as transcribed by Us Weekly.

She told viewers that the intruders made their way into the home and quickly found themselves 'face-to-face with my friend and they ran away.

'It was my girlfriend so she was very shaken up. She FaceTimed me and I think was very freaked out. I just felt so bad.'

Kyle's RHOBH co-star Dorit Kemsley became a robbery victim herself in October 2021; seen with husband Paul Kemsley in 2016

The reality TV star, 47, was held at gunpoint by three burglars who broke into her Encino Hills house while she and her children Phoenix and Jagger, then aged five and seven, were home

More recently, RHOBH star Crystal Kung Minkoff had her gated Los Angeles home broken into while she was vacationing with her family in Japan for spring break; seen in 2022

She told Lewis that the intruders got onto her property by hopping over the gates and admits that the home was not armed 'properly' at the time of the break-in.

'I actually have a lot more security that [the houseitters] weren't using but, [it's because] they were our guests  you don't think it's going to happen, especially cause you're at home,' she explained.

Crystal said the situation served as yet another reminder to 'step up' when it comes to her home's security. 'Every time we hear a story, we step it up and [now] we're going to go full on.'

Since the incident, Crystal has had 'heavy duty' gates put in as well as other new security measures.
Anna Paul suffered a wardrobe malfunction in her latest social media post.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 24-year-old TikTok and OnlyFans star bared all in a daring yellow top and skirt drenched from the rain.

The brunette was soaked head to toe while posing outdoors during the wet weather.

In one photo, Anna covered her chest, while another snap showed off more than she'd bargained for.

'Someone just saw your favourite food in the store and almost bought it even though you're far away. Someone else just told a sweet story about you. You're never as alone as you feel,' she captioned her post.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Anna Paul (pictured) bared all in a daring yellow top and skirt drenched from the rain

The model's post was met with hundreds of fans admiring her in the comments.

'Anna's life is a movie and we are all just watching,' one user wrote.

'You belong in a romcom Anna! It literally looks like a scene from a movie,' added another.

However, one troll suggested that her brother Atis took the near-nude snap.

The brunette was soaked head to toe while posing outdoors during the wet weather day. In one photo, Anna covered her chest, while another snap showed off more than she'd bargained for

The model's post was met with hundreds of fans admiring her in the comments. However, one troll suggested that her brother Atis took the near-nude snap

'[Atis] taking the first pic like,' the person commented alongside two eye emojis.

In her brutal response, Anna hit back at the troll for hinting that her brother was somehow involved in the risque photo.

'So true!' she responded sarcastically.

'It's probably normal and healthy to see my nipple in a photo and immediately think of my sibling taking it.. are you okay Kathryn? or whatever the f**k your name is.'

Anna's comment was met with a whopping 15,660 likes from fans and followers.

In her brutal response, Anna hit back at the troll for hinting that her brother was somehow involved in the risque photo

Anna often stuns her followers by posting racy bikini selfies

Anna's racy set of snaps comes after she shared a series of photos from her family holiday, quelling the rumours about her father's wellbeing and alleged lack of support.

Despite the storm of controversy and accusations that have shadowed her, the snaps shared to Instagram revealed a very different story.

The images captured the influencer in high spirits, sporting a striking green and gold bikini, as she revelled in the sun-soaked setting.

Another photo provided a glimpse of familial bonding, with Anna's father, Hanns, and brother Atis unwinding by the pool.

Her father was recently forced to slam claims he is homeless and that Anna does not financially support him despite making millions as a social media star.

Hanns is a nomad and lives and travels around Australia in a modest van.

Anna's racy snap comes after she shared a series of photos from her family holiday , quelling the rumours about her father's wellbeing and alleged lack of support. (Pictured: Anna with her father Hans, brother Atis, and her mother)

Rumours ran rife last month that Hanns struggles to live out of his van while his daughter lives a lavish life filled with overseas trips, fast cars and expensive jewels.

Hanns released a statement to Instagram, slamming the 'gossip' and praising his daughter for being so supportive of his 'dream' lifestyle.

'It has come to my attention that there has been some toxic misinformation going on about my private life and my relationship with my family,' he wrote.

'This is just to set the record straight. I have been living MY dream and my daughter has been nothing but supportive.'
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby spoke out after being accused of using a slur against Lisa Barlow's son during production of the hit show.

The 51-year-old preacher took to her Instagram on Monday to share a photo of her son, Robert Cosby Jr., 20  whom she shares with stepgrandfather-turned-husband Robert Cosby Sr.  and captioned it, 'Two sides to every story!! My Beautiful Son,' per Queens of Bravo fan page.

However, it appears the reality star edited the message shortly afterward. The caption now simply reads: 'My Beautiful Son!'.

Cosby allegedly called Barlow's child Henry, 12, the R-word during an explosive clash on camera for upcoming Season Five.

The 'crazy fight' happened earlier this month, with cast members Heather Gay, Whitney Rose, Meredith Marks and Angie Katsanevas said to be 'perturbed' by Cosby's remarks, according to Page Six.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby has spoken out after being accused of using a slur against Lisa Barlow 's son during production of the hit show; seen in 2021

Cosby allegedly called Barlow's child Henry, 12, t he R-word during an explosive clash on camera for the upcoming Season Five; Barlow in November

'The entire cast  was beyond grossed out,' a source told the outlet, noting that Barlow was, 'very upset' about what Cosby said.

A rep for Cosby said only that Mary 'is on hiatus right now' from the show. DailyMail.com has reached out to Bravo for further comment.

A Bravo rep later clarified that Cosby is, 'on hiatus from her rep, not the show,' though would not comment further.

Barlow shares the 12-year-old - who she affectionately calls 'Baby Gorgeous' - along with his older brother, 19-year-old Jack, with husband John Barlow.

Another source claims that both Cosby and Barlow have put the incident behind them, and they are both currently filming a cast trip in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

'They made amends over the situation and are moving on,' the insider contends of the incident.

There is no indication yet if the incident will be featured this season when the show returns to Bravo.

This is not the first time that Cosby has come under fire for insensitive remarks on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

She called former castmate Jen Shah a 'Mexican thug' in Season 2, though Shah is of both Hawaiian and Tongan descent.

Cosby did apologize to Shah, who was later removed from the show after she was arrested for wire fraud and money laundering.

'I would like to take this opportunity to address a comment I made on the last episode of RHOSLC. I used poor judgment in my choice of words. Please accept my apologies,' Cosby said.

'I was not trying to single out the Mexican culture. I am African American and I know racism first hand,' she continued, adding her words were, 'reckless.'

Just a month later, Cosby made another racially-insensitive remark, saying she liked Season 2 cast member Jennie Nguyen's, 'slanted' eyes.

After news leaked that Mary called Lisa Barlows son the R word, Mary just posted a response: #RHOSLC pic.twitter.com/BKEGTlIldE  Queens of Bravo (@queensofbravo) April 22, 2024

The 51-year-old preacher took to her Instagram on Monday to share a photo of her son, Robert Cosby Jr., 20, and captioned it, 'Two sides to every story!! My Beautiful Son,' per Queens of Bravo fan page

However, it seems the reality star edited the message shortly afterward. It now simply reads: 'My Beautiful Son!'

Barlow shares the 12-year-old (middle right) - who she affectionately calls 'Baby Gorgeous' - along with his older brother, 19-year-old Jack (middle left), with husband John Barlow (left).

Lisa Barlow is all smiles with her 12-year-old son Jack

Another source claims that both Cosby and Barlow have put the incident behind them, and they are both currently filming a cast trip in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico .

This is not the first time that Cosby has come under fire for insensitive remarks on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese descent, said in confession, 'What the hell? Did Mary just say she likes my slanted eyes? Does she not know its inappropriate?'

Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese descent, said in confession, 'What the hell? Did Mary just say she likes my slanted eyes? Does she not know its inappropriate?'

Cosby has also been accused of running her church - Faith Temple Pentecostal Church - like a 'cult,' though she has denied those allegations.

Cosby was a main cast member in Season 1 and 2, before leaving in Season 3 and returning as a 'friend' in Season 4.

Her status for Season 5 has not yet been confirmed at this time, and it's unclear when it may debut on Bravo.
Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney's awaited Something About Her sandwich shop will host a grand opening on May 22, 2024.

It comes nearly three years after the friends and business partners  who star together on Vanderpump Rules  secured their LLC.

A source told the Sun that Ariana, 38, and Katie's, 37, establishment will have soft openings ahead of the official opening date.

Per the publication, the food shop will have a 'big WeHo Pride party' during West Hollywood's annual Pride Weekend Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2.

'The inside of the shop is ready to go. Everything is still in place as it has been teased on the show,' the insider dished.

A person close to the situation revealed to Reality Tea back in January that the pair has spent nearly $1M on the shop as they have been shelling out $8k/month in rent.

Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney's awaited Something About Her sandwich shop will host a grand opening on May 22, 2024; pictured at Bravocon in November 2023

The opening date comes nearly three years after the friends and business partners  who star together on Vanderpump Rules  secured their LLC

Madix and Maloney are reportedly waiting for a storefront sign, and for the patio to be reconstructed after it was taken down due to a permit issue.

It comes after last month Katie assured fans that Something About Her was going to open soon when she appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

On the episode, host Andy, 55, relayed a question from a viewer who asked when the opening will be.

'I don't want to say the opening day because...,' Katie began.

'Right. This year?' Andy then asked.

'Oh, for sure. I told you at the reunion. You know that it's coming very soon. So very soon,' Katie said, giving a final answer.

Ariana and Katie first announced their plans to open a gourmet sandwich shop in 2022.

It was initially slated to launch in May the following year.

Last year the stars made light of the unforeseen circumstances that derailed their schedule, playfully crossing out their '2022' opening and swapping it with '2023'

A source told the US Sun that Ariana, 38, and Katie's, 37, establishment will have soft openings ahead of the official opening date

The shop's launch, however, was hit by numerous delays, with Ariana revealing they had 'a lot of hoops to jump through' to secure the correct permits.

The Instagram page for the shop  which boasts 392,000 followers  is currently idle, with a single January 2022 post lingering.

Meanwhile, Ariana has leaned into her other professional endeavors, including a cocktail recipe book called Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches.

She is also the star of Chicago on Broadway, wowing live audiences with her portrayal of Roxie Hart.
Four major conglomerates saw their combined operating profit plunge 65 percent last year, hit by sluggish sales amid an economic slowdown, a report showed Wednesday.

Some 306 affiliates of four conglomerates  Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG  posted a combined operating profit of 24.51 trillion won ($17.9 billion) in 2023, down from 71.91 trillion won a year earlier, according to the report by the Korea CXO Institute, a corporate data firm.

Samsung Group, the country's biggest conglomerate, suffered the biggest profit decline last year due to a poor performance by its core affiliate Samsung Electronics.

The group's 59 affiliates suffered a whopping 93 percent drop in operating income at 2.83 trillion won last year from 38.74 trillion won a year ago.

In particular, Samsung Electronics shifted to an operating loss of 11.52 trillion won in 2023 from an operating profit of 25.31 trillion won the previous year on lower chip demand.

SK Group's 135 affiliates reported an operating profit of 3.91 trillion won, down 80 percent from 19.14 trillion won during the same period.

Major affiliate SK hynix shifted to an operating loss of 4.67 trillion won from an operating profit of 7.66 trillion won on sluggish chip sales.

LG Group was not the exception. Its 48 affiliates swung to an operating loss of 270.7 billion won from an operating profit of 1.44 trillion won.

In contrast, Hyundai Motor Group came up with solid results helped by strong demand for its SUVs and high-end Genesis models in global markets.

The automotive group's 50 affiliates reported an operating profit of 18.03 trillion won last year, jumping 43 percent from 12.58 trillion won a year ago. (Yonhap)
MasterChef Australia fans have slammed the stingy size of a dish in one of the competition's first challenges.

The second episode of 2024's season saw a service challenge for a group of former contestants including Julie Goodwin, Sashi Cheliah, Khanh Ong and Emelia Jackson.

The purple and burgundy teams worked together under Jamie Oliver to prepare creations that featured mushrooms for entree, cashews and capsicums for main course, and grapefruit for dessert.

While the contestants were put under the pump in the tense challenge, viewers took to social media when they noticed the amount of scallops the burgundy team proposed as entree.

'ONE SCALLOP??' one fan protested on X (formerly Twitter), with many others echoing the sentiment.

MasterChef Australia fans have slammed the stingy size of a dish in one of the competition's first challenges. Pictured left to right: judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe Novelli

'I'm sorry, ONE scallop per person for entree??' wrote another person on X.

Another user posted a gif of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson saying 'are we in hell?' with their own complaint, 'One scallop...no dumplings yet...'

'You can't just serve Khanh one scallop!' wrote another, before referencing Ong's recent appearance on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

While the contestants were put under the pump in the tense challenge, viewers took to social media when they noticed the amount of scallops the burgundy team proposed as entree

'He's just come back from being starved in the jungle!' the X user wrote, despite MasterChef having been filmed before the latest season of I'm A Celebrity.

'I can't believe they thought one scallop was acceptable!!' another incredulous viewer declared.

Meanwhile, someone else made a joke out of the seemingly stingy portion size: 'Cost of living crisis - you get one scallop on MasterChef.'

'You can't just serve Khanh one scallop! He's just come back from being starved in the jungle!' one X user wrote, despite MasterChef having been filmed before the latest season of I'm A Celebrity'

It comes as MasterChef judge Andy Allen returned to the Channel Ten cooking show alongside some new faces in a panel shake-up.

He is joined by French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Melbourne-based food critic Sofia Levin, and MasterChef season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Jamie Oliver is also set to join the 2024 series as a guest judge for a handful of episodes in an exciting twist.

'I can't believe they thought one scallop was acceptable!!' another incredulous viewer declared

Meanwhile, someone else made a joke out of the seemingly stingy portion size: 'Cost of living crisis - you get one scallop on MasterChef'

His two-week stint on the coming season will be the longest appearance by any guest judge in the show's 14-year history.

Jamie first appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef during season four back in 2012.

Poh has replaced Melissa Leong on the 2024 series of MasterChef in a major shake-up as the former judge plans to focus on her show Dessert Masters instead.

Twenty-two contestants took to the screen on Monday to compete for the coveted title and the $250,000 cash prize.

Ten have also teased a mysterious 'priceless prize' for the lucky winner as they will be given as yet-unnamed opportunity of a lifetime.

MasterChef Australia continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play.
Farmer Wants A Wife contestant Angela surprised fans by walking out of the dating experiment on Tuesday night for a very unexpected reason.

Angela was a new arrival on the Seven Network dating show on Tuesday, but very quickly left Tom's farm after struggling with the countryside lifestyle.

Despite the show revolving around farmers finding love, Angela bizarrely decided to go home because she didn't want to live on a farm or be around animals.

In one scene, Angela screamed from the chicken coop, where she was seen trying to frantically clean her new white shoes, as she complained about getting dirty.

'Uh! My brand new white shoes,' she complained while brushing dust and mud off her trainers.

Farmer Wants A Wife contestant Angela surprised fans by walking out of the dating experiment on Tuesday night for a very unexpected reason

She then admitted she didn't want to live on his farm in Nagambie, Victoria, as she said being on the show made her realise 'what's truly' for her in life.

'So what's happened is, I've come to the conclusion that I just don't wanna live on a farm, with lots of animals,' she said to camera.

'I definitely like to be in my beautiful house in the city.'

She then told Tom: 'I do believe that the farm life isn't going to be for me.'

To which he replied: 'If you feel like you're not going to fit in or that's not what you want, that's totally fine.'

New arrival Angela very quickly left Tom's farm on Tuesday after struggling with the countryside lifestyle, complaining about getting her new white trainers dirty in one scene

Angela said she didn't want to rob any of the other women a chance to be with him, when she didn't want to join him in his life working on his cattle and crop farm.

Fans were quick to take to social media to share their confusion about why Angela signed up for the farm-based dating show if she didn't like the countryside.

They said: 'No way! Angela didn't realise her shoes would get dirty??';

'Omfg Angela. are you serious? Have you ever even BEEN to a farm before you decided to go on FARMER wants a wife?!? Wasted opportunity.'

As well as Tom, Farmers Joe, Bert, Dustin and Dean are all looking for love on the 2024 series of Farmer Wants A Wife, hosted by Samantha Armytage

Tuesday's episode saw the farmers' mothers choose two women for their sons to speed-date, with Tom meeting Angela during the set-up.

He decided to take her back to the farm to explore their connection, however their bond wasn't meant to last as Angela made the decision to go home.

As well as Tom, Farmers Joe, Bert, Dustin and Dean are all looking for love on the 2024 series of Farmer Wants A Wife, hosted by Samantha Armytage.
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have quashed rumours their radio show is preparing to be inundated with complaints ahead of their expansion to Melbourne.

Speaking with Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday morning, the radio duo shut down recent reports of the show ramping up censorship ahead of the interstate move.

They revealed nothing will change regarding what's censored on their breakfast program.

Meanwhile, during Wednesday morning's Kyle & Jackie O show, the co-hosts were quick to deny reports that the team at KIIS FM, via parent company ARN, have opened a 'pre-emptive complaints department'.

'That's bulls**t. That's not true!' the 52-year-old said on air.

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have quashed rumours that their radio show is preparing to be inundated with complaints ahead of their expansion to Melbourne. Both pictured

'We own this brand. Nothing happens without us knowing.'

'I thought the complaints department here was just an answering machine that never got answered,' he later said.

Jackie, 49, admitted she's surprised they can 'get away with the things we say'.

'I read it and thought, "Well, I haven't heard that, but then it could be true,"' she added.

The claim came from one of the show's former producers, Craig Bruce.

Speaking with Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday morning, the radio duo shut down recent reports of the show ramping up censorship ahead of the interstate move

'ARN, the parent company of Kyle and Jackie O, have set up a complaints department in preparation for the show starting on April 29,' he wrote in a column for news.com.au.

ARN has also denied those claims.

According to GFK Radio Ratings, Kyle and Jackie O once again landed Sydney's #1 breakfast show in AM and FM for their 42nd consecutive survey, just over a week ahead of their expansion into Melbourne territory.

The latest ratings indicate that Kyle and Jackie O have may strong rivals ahead of their Melbourne launch on April 29

But they have stiff competition ahead as 101.9 The Fox's Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody secured their own crown as Melbourne's most listened to FM breakfast show for their 11th consecutive survey.

KIIS FM Melbourne breakfast show Jase and Lauren was axed to accommodate Kyle and Jackie O's expansion into Melbourne.

The show was dumped by parent company ARN to make way for a syndicated broadcast of The Kyle and Jackie O Show, as part of a $200million deal the pair signed in November.
Larsa Pippen drew confusion from Instagram followers on Tuesday after she posted what appeared to be a heavily edited photo of herself.

The 49-year-old Real Housewives of Miami star  who has rekindled with ex Marcus Jordan  wore a zebra print jumpsuit as she modeled pieces from her eponymous jewelry range Larsa Marie.

Fans did not pay attention to Pippen's sparkling pieces as they compared her image to former BFF Kim Kardashian, 43.

'What in the Kim Kardashian wannabe is going on?' one person asked in the comments.

Another stated, 'At first I thought this was Kylie [Jenner] when I was scrolling. Then I thought it was Kim. But this is definitely not Larsa.'

Larsa Pippen drew confusion from Instagram followers on Tuesday after she posted what appeared to be a heavily edited photo of herself

'What in the Kim Kardashian wannabe is going on?' one person asked in the comments

Another stated, 'At first I thought this was Kylie [Jenner] when I was scrolling. Then I thought it was Kim. But this is definitely not Larsa'

The thought that Larsa did not look quite like herself was nearly unanimous among the comments from her following of 5.4 million.

One comment read, 'Is Larsa in the room?' while another asked, 'Larsa is that you?'

Someone else chimed in, 'Who even is this? AI for the win,' with a crying laughing emoji.

Another critic stated plainly, 'That's not what you look like.'

Despite the criticism, the post has managed to rack up more than 42,000 likes so far.

In the snapshot, Larsa's blonde highlighted hair was swept into a sleek ponytail set at the top of her head.

Her face was fully made up in a full palette of warm-toned, embellishing cosmetics including fluttery lashes and a glossy lip color.

The Kim comparisons come several years after the stars' friendship dissolved.

The thought that Larsa did not look quite like herself was nearly unanimous among the comments from her following of 5.4 million

Someone else chimed in, 'Who even is this? AI for the win,' with a crying laughing emoji

Another critic stated plainly, 'That's not what you look like'

'I don't even know what happened. I was best friends with Kim and I love her and I love Kanye and I just was the person who was stuck in the middle,' Larsa said in 2022

In early 2022 Larsa spoke about what ended her relationship with Kardashian and her family.

On an episode of Real Housewives of Miami she claimed that she was 'too close' to the famous family and bore witness to what went on behind closed doors, which made her 'a problem.'

Larsa revealed: 'I don't even know what happened. I was best friends with [Kim] and I love her and I love [Kim's now-ex-husband Kanye West] and I just was the person who was stuck in the middle.

'I took a beating because I was the friend that was basically there and saw everything and that basically was the demise of our relationship. I knew too much, I was a problem and so whatever. That's kind of what happened.'

It came after she had also said in a November 2020 interview with Hollywood Raw, when Kim was still married to Kanye, 'If Kanye feels like him and Kim are better without me, then let them be without me. I'm okay with that I will survive.'
Steph Claire Smith has revealed a surprising connection to pop megastar Taylor Swift.

The fitness influencer, 29, appeared on Indy Clinton's Sleep Deprived podcast on Tuesday, and related her brush with superstardom on the show.

'I met her when I was living in New York. We had the same personal trainer. And I saw her in the bathroom in the place that does group classes,' said Steph.

'We just got chatting and there was a class going on so there was no one else in the bathroom. Honestly, it was just a really casual girl's bathroom chat,' she added.

Indy then asked if Steph knew who the pop star was, to which Steph answered 'of course.'

Steph Claire Smith (pictured) has revealed a surprising connection to pop megastar Taylor Swift . The fitness influencer, 29, appeared on Indy Clinton's Sleep Deprived podcast recently, and related her brush with superstardom on the show.

'I met her when I was living in New York. We had the same personal trainer. And I saw her in the bathroom in the place that does group classes. Honestly, it was just a really casual girl's bathroom chat,' she added. Pictured: Taylor Swift

'This was in 2014, in her girl gang era. Shake It Off came out in that year,' the fitness guru explained.

Steph, who hosts the KIC Pod along with Lauren Henshaw, also mentioned how Taylor got so taken with chatting that she forgot to introduce herself.

'It was probably like five or ten minutes into our conversation where she reached out her hand and was like "Oh my God, sorry, by the way, I'm Taylor."'

Indy then asked if Steph knew who the pop star was to which Steph answered 'of course.' Pictured: Indy Clinton

Steph later added: 'It was probably like five or ten minutes into our conversation where she reached out her hand and was like "Oh my God, sorry, by the way, I'm Taylor"'

'And I couldn't help myself I was like "I know, I know who you are,"' the influencer said.

It comes as Steph last week enjoyed a loved-up child-free holiday in Byron Bay with her husband Josh Miller.

Last Thursday, the fitness influencer shared photos of the couple lapping up their well-deserved romantic break after speaking about the couple's difficulties parenting their two-year-old toddler Harvey.

It comes as Steph last week enjoyed a loved-up child-free holiday in Byron Bay with her husband Josh Miller. Both pictured

One picture captured the lovebirds posing at a scenic nature spot.

Another showed Steph flaunting her flawless figure in a two-piece bikini in a mirror selfie.

She captioned the gallery: 'We're so fortunate to be away in beautiful Byron Bay. Bliss.'

Steph and Josh welcomed their first child back in May 2021.

The pair married in November 2019 in a festival-themed ceremony along the Murray River, exactly one year after getting engaged at the same location.
Diane Kruger and Nicky Hilton brought the glamour on Tuesday to a VIP dinner hosted by Dr. Barbara Sturm in New York City.

The 47-year-old German actress looked gorgeous in a black-and-white strapless polka dot top with double bows up front for the event at Torrisi.

Diane completed her look with black trousers and accessorized with hoop earrings.

She had her blonde hair pulled back and accentuated her natural beauty with full makeup.

Nicky, 40, rocked a little black dress that showed off her lean legs and finished her outfit with silver-and-black heels.

Diane Kruger brought the glamour on Tuesday to a VIP dinner hosted by Dr. Barbara Sturm in New York City

She covered up with a short black sweater with a white bow tie.

Nicky had her long blonde hair down in loose curls below her shoulders.

Diane posed with skincare guru Dr. Barbara Sturm and her daughter Charly Sturm at the event.

Nicky also joined in on a group photo along with Barbara, Tine Leung and Diane.

Fashion influencer Tina added a pop of color with a short blue dress.

Justin Theroux, 52, also was spotted chatting with Barbara, a renowned skincare expert and founder of her eponymous brand.

The actor also was spotted smiling while hugging a woman with red hair.

English model Sophie Sumner, 34, and model Keke Lindgard, 29, beamed as they got together for a photo at the VIP dinner.

Nicky Hilton rocked a little black dress that showed off her lean legs and finished her outfit with silver-and-black heels

The socialite had her long blonde hair down in loose curls below her shoulders

The 47-year-old German actress looked gorgeous in a black-and-white strapless polka dot top with double bows up front for the event at Torrisi

Diane posed with skincare guru Dr. Barbara Sturm and her daughter Charly Sturm at the event

Nicky also joined in on a group photo along with Barbara, Tine Leung and Diane

Justin Theroux, 52, also was spotted chatting with Barbara, a renowned skincare expert and founder of her eponymous brand

English model Sophie Sumner, 34, and model Keke Lindgard, 29, smiled as they got together for a photo at the VIP dinner

Justin smiled while hugging a woman at the VIP dinner

Diane and Norman Reedus, 55, have a five-year-old daughter together.

She was in a relationship with Joshua Jackson, 45, for 10 years before getting together with Norman in 2016.

Nicky is the younger sister of Paris Hilton, 43, and has been married since 2015 to James Rothschild, 38.

They have daughters Lily-Grace, six, and Theodora 'Teddy' Marilyn, five, as well as one-year-old son Chasen together.
Kirstie Allsopp fumed over plug-in air fresheners on Tuesday, and has branded everyone who uses them 'a moron'.

The Location, Location, Location star, 52, is known for sharing her brutally honest views on the Channel 4 show, and now on social media.

She wrote on X: 'Plug in air fresheners are poison. If you use them you are a moron who is poisoning yourself, your family & your pets. No reason for them whatsoever.'

Air fresheners mask unpleasant odors with vibrant scents, but they come with risks for human health. Many air fresheners rely on chemicals - including harbors toxins - to generate fragrances and make them linger in the air.

Kirstie went on to share several tweets on the topic through out the day and admitted: 'I switch them off, or take out the batteries. I'm an air fresher terrorist.'

Kirstie Allsopp fumed over plug-in air fresheners on Tuesday, and has branded everyone who uses them 'a moron'

Air fresheners mask unpleasant odors with vibrant scents, but they come with risks for human health. Many air fresheners rely on chemicals - including harbors toxins - to generate fragrances and make them linger in the air

She wrote on X: 'Plug in air fresheners are poison. If you use them you are a moron who is poisoning yourself, your family & your pets. No reason for them whatsoever.'

It comes just days after Kirstie vented her frustration after her British Airways flight was delayed for nearly 48 hours.

The delay caused the mother-of-two from London to miss hospital appointments and filming.

Kirstie appears to still be holed up in the unknown getaway location after returning to the airport only to find out that the departure had been delayed yet again.

Fuming, she posted on X: 'I don't think I have ever been so enraged by any company as I have been, and still am, with @British_Airways.

'This latest episode, a delay of over 24 hours with next to no information and missed hospital appointments and filming as a result, is but another in a long line of [poo emoji].'

After an hour-and-a-half's breather, the Channel 4 star returned to social media to add: 'We pitched up at the airport as instructed, 24 hours after our original flight, waited 2 hours to be told that our flight is now delayed by another 21 hours until 5pm local time tomorrow.'

That amounts to a 47-hour wait in total.

She concluded that the delay was 'utter chaos'.

Kirstie's post has been viewed by over 65,000 people, and did get a swift reply from the airline's official X account, inviting the presenter to contact them so they could 'take a closer look' to see if they could arrange an earlier flight.

Kirstie had already seemingly had a disrupted flight with BA in the previous few weeks.

On March 27, she posted on X: 'Has anyone ever had a 'ghost booking' with British Airways, a ticket is booked but 'cos the payment didn't register, through no fault of yours, the ticket disappears and you think you never booked it/are going mad?'

It comes after Kirstie vented her frustration after her British Airways flight was delayed for nearly 48 hours

After being told to return 24 hours after the original flight time, the flight was delayed an extra 23 hours, according to the presenter

Kirstie's post has been viewed by over 65,000 people, and did get a swift reply from the airline's official X account, inviting the presenter to contact them so they could 'take a closer look' to see if they could arrange an earlier flight

Reporting previous incidents which had left her fuming at BA, one follower asked: 'Seriously Kirstie. You constantly criticise BA. Im just wondering why you dont choose a different carrier?'

Her followers reported that similar things had happened to them, causing them to 'lose the plot'.

Kirstie already said that this incident had made her 'beyond angry'.

Understandably, one follower of the housing expert asked: 'Seriously Kirstie. You constantly criticise BA. I'm just wondering why you don't choose a different carrier?'

British Airways said: 'We've been in contact with our customers to apologise for the delay to their flight. This was caused by a technical issue with the aircraft and our teams are working hard to get them on the way as quickly as possible.'

They added that they were covering all accommodation and meal costs for customers affected.
She's just been crowned the Queen of the Jungle, but Skye Wheatley didn't stick around for long in her new kingdom.

The 30-year-old was spotted arriving back in Australia on Wednesday after winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on Sunday.

Skye made a striking entrance, stepping out with her feathered I'm A Celeb crown and sporting Qantas business class complimentary pyjamas.

She completed her look with a Louis Vuitton handbag and a pair of sunglasses which she kept on as she made her way through Sydney Airport.

The former Big Brother Australia star was joined by her partner Lachlan Waugh, and their sons Bear and Forest, who made the trip to South Africa to celebrate her victory.

Skye Wheatley, 30, (pictured) was spotted arriving back in Australia on Wednesday after winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! on Sunday

Skye soared to victory and was crowned the 2024 I'm A Celebrity Australia champion, winning out against Tristan MacManus and Callum Hole in Sunday's final.

The influencer broke down in tears after walking away with the coveted Queen of the Jungle title and $100,000 for her chosen charity, Bully Zero.

'I am so blessed to ever have experienced that. Thank you to everyone here for having me,' she said.

Skye made a striking entrance, stepping out with her feathered I'm A Celeb crown and sporting Qantas business class complimentary pyjamas

The former Big Brother Australia star was joined by her partner Lachlan Waugh, and their sons Bear and Forest, who made the trip to South Africa to celebrate her victory (all pictured)

'I'm really shocked. I will say it again - I feel absolutely blessed to have had this opportunity and to go through the things that I went through and to do it for these three amazing boys and the rest of the world.

'I feel the whole journey, the whole experience has taught me so many things. I cannot wait to apply those in my every day life.'

The former Big Brother Australia star added: 'I just felt like I was being myself the whole time.

She completed her look with a Louis Vuitton handbag and a pair of sunglasses which she kept on as she made her way through Sydney Airport

Skye soared to victory and was crowned the 2024 I'm A Celebrity Australia champion, winning out against Tristan MacManus and Callum Hole in Sunday's final

'I mean there are things happening all the time. You are thrown into situations you've got no idea about' she continued.

'So it is your pure reaction when you are in there and you are like, oh, my gosh, what is happening!

'There have been a lot of different energies I have felt, happiness, I have been fearful, I have been energetic, low, high, everything in between.'
Sydney Sweeney proudly flaunted her incredible figure in a busty brown bikini after jetting to Hawaii for a sunny beach getaway.

After firing back at a producer who bitterly stated she 'wasn't pretty and couldn't act,' the actress, 26, shared a gallery of Instagram snaps from her break.

Showing off her ample cleavage, Sydney posed up a storm in the revealing bikini top and cream trousers.

Riding a speedboat in the scantily-clad Sydney captioned her post: 'Good times and tan lines.'

She then confidently showed off her peachy posterior in a tight bodysuit as she prepared to go wakeboarding in the ocean.

Sydney Sweeney proudly flaunted her incredible figure in a busty brown bikini after jetting to Hawaii for a sunny beach getaway

After firing back at a producer who bitterly stated she 'wasn't pretty and couldn't act,' the actress shared a gallery of Instagram snaps from her break

Sydney took to social media to share a collection of images from her getaway, including a clip of herself dancing on the beach in frilly cream co-ord

The blonde beauty was unfazed by the recent furore surrounding comments made by veteran producer Carol Baum.

Carol has produced 34 films, with stars like Dolly Part, Jennifer Aniston and Michael Douglas starring in the

Carol spoke to Janet Maslin, a New York Times film critic, in front of an audience of fans after a screening of the 1988 film Dead Ringers, which she produced.

Carol, who has also published a book called Creative Producing, randomly brought up Sydney during the panel, saying: 'There's an actress who everybody loves now - Sydney Sweeney.'

Adding: 'I don't get Sydney Sweeney. I was watching on the place Sydney Sweeney's movie because I wanted to watch it,' referring to her hit film Anyone But You.

'I wanted to know who she is and why everybody is talking about her. I watched this unwatchable movie - sorry to people who love this movie - [this] romantic comedy where they hate each other.'

She said during her producing class she teaches at USC's School of Cinematic Arts class, "Explain this girl to me. She's not pretty, she can't act. Why is she so hot?"'

'Nobody had an answer but then the question was asked, "Well if you could get your movie made because she is in it, would you do it?"'

She then confidently showed off her peachy posterior in a tight bodysuit as she prepared to go wakeboarding in the ocean

Sydney showed off her impressive wakeboarding skills as she sped across the ocean

During her trip, she set pulses racing in a skimpy black bikini top layered under a matching blue denim co-ord

The blonde beauty was unfazed by the recent furore surrounding comments made by veteran producer Carol Baum, who said she 'wasn't pretty and can't act'

As well has hitting back at the comments in a cutting statement, Sydney shared an Instagram snap in a grey sweatshirt with the phrase: 'Sorry for having great t*ts'

She continued: 'I said, "Well that's a really good question... that's a very hard question to answer because we all want to get the movie made and who walks away from a green light? Nobody I know. Your job is to get the movie made.'

Soon after her biting remarks, Sydney's representative gave a statement to the Today show about the comments: 'How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience choose instead to attack another woman.

'If that's what she's learned in her decades in the industry and feels is appropriate to teach to her students, that's shameful.'

'To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum's character.'

Sydney herself also appeared to brush off the producer's comments in an Instagram post from her holiday, slipping into a sweatshirt boasting the phrase: 'Sorry for having great t*ts.'
Netflix has axed an upcoming prequel to one of its most successful series as part of its latest string of programming cuts.

Fans of The Witcher were emotional after seeing the lead actor Henry Cavill's final scenes last year and the decision to axe spinoff series The Rats will not help their cause.

The news comes just days after it was announced that there would be two more series of the main show, with Liam Hemsworth taking over the title role, before it reaches a conclusion.

The Rats was going to be focused on the group of renegades Ciri (Freya Allan) joined at the end of season three in a six-to-eight episode season.

It would have been a second prequel series for The Witcher, after 2022's Blood Origin featuring Michelle Yeoh told a backstory 1,200 years prior to the fantasy series.

Netflix has canned a spinoff to hugely successful series The Witcher after announcing there will only be two more series of the main show. Pictured: Henry Cavill as the title character

The Rats was going to give a backstory to the gang of thieves who leave with Ciri (Freya Allan, pictured) at the end of last year's installment of the show

Fronted by Henry as Geralt of Rivia for its first three seasons, The Witcher has given fans of the streaming giant 24 episodes over the last five years.

The story is inspired by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowskis book series of the same name which first landed on shelves in 1990 and was turned into a video game series in 2007.

The final two seasons are said to adapt the remaining of his books Baptism Of Fire, The Tower Of The Swallow, and Lady Of The Lake while promising to offer a conclusion to the series that is both epic and satisfying.

The ensemble cast also includes Anya Chalotra, Eamon Farren, Joey Batey and Anna Shafer, among others.

The latest spinoff had been penciled in two years ago - as they built up to the gang of thieves ending up with Ciri in The Witcher's then-upcoming third season.

However, filming reportedly only lasted two months from May last year, rather than the six expected. This amounted to just one or two of the episodes.

There is a possibility that what was shot last summer will be embedded into The Witcher season four as flashbacks for the renegades who do return to the main show.

It would have been the second spinoff to the Netflix show after Blood Origin featuring Michelle Yeoh (centre) in 2022

Liam Hemsworth (left) will be taking over as The Witcher in the show's next edition, due in the next year or two

Casting director Sophie Holland told Deadline in the build-up to season three: 'I had a really lovely opportunity recently with a very special - almost standalone - episode of season four of The Witcher, which is exploring a completely new group of people.

'We found a boy called Connor Crawford and we were able to put him in this group of kids in The Witcher. You meet the characters in season three and then they come into their own in season four.'

On April 18, The Witcher's X account posted a clip of its new and returning cast members doing a table reading of part of the new season.

Centre-stage was Liam Hemsworth, who has bulked up considerably for his new role, joined by castmembers Anya as the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg, Freya as Geralts ward Ciri, Joey as Jaskier the bard, Cassie Clare as the witch Philippa Eilhart and Mahesh Jadu as the mage Vilgefortz of Roggeveen.

The Witcher season four is expected at either the end of this year or in 2025.
China rejects spying claims made in Germany, reiterates mutual respect and non-interference in relations

By Lu Dong (People's Daily App) 11:27, April 24, 2024

China rejects spying claims made in Germany and emphasizes that China cooperates with European and all other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
SK earthon, a Korean oil exploration and production company, said Wednesday it has sold its entire stake in an oil block in Peru to a U.S. company.

SK earthon has wrapped up a deal to deliver its 20 percent stake in Peru LNG to MidOcean Energy, the liquefied natural gas unit of U.S.-based energy investor EIG, for 350 billion won ($255.4 million) to secure capital for future growth engines, the company said in a statement.

The company said it will use the proceeds from the stake sale to maximize synergies between overseas oil development and future growth drivers.

SK earthon is the wholly owned energy unit of SK innovation, the country's leading refiner, which is part of the chip-to-construction conglomerate SK Group. (Yonhap)
Woody Cook has paid tribute to his beloved grandmother Julia, following her death after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Woody's mother Zoe Ball, confirmed her mother had died with a 5am Instagram post on Wednesday, with DJ Woody, 23, sharing his own social media tribute in the early hours.

Posting a photo from his childhood of himself and sister Nelly with Julia, Woody wrote: 'Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman. The only person who always sent me a valentines card.'

Woody also referenced his grandmothers late husband Rick Peckham who died in 2013, as he added: 'I know youre with Rick now, give him a hug from me.'

Woody Cook has paid tribute to his belove grandmother Julia, following her death after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Posting a photo from his childhood of himself and sister Nelly with Julia, Woody wrote: 'Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman'

'I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle "If you get lost, follow the river!" Youll find him at the end x'

Zoe has told fans she is 'bereft' following the death of her 'dear mama'.

The BBC Radio 2 star announced in early March that her mother had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was being 'incredibly brave'.

Earlier this week, the 53-year-old told her BBC Radio 2 listeners Julia had been transferred to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to paramedics who helped her.

Just before 5am on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother's passing on Instagram. In a tribute, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama.

'Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy. And how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.

It continued: 'We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.'

After announcing her mother's illness last month, Gaby Roslin 'occasionally' stepped in to replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so the pair could spend time together.

Woody also referenced his grandmothers late husband Rick Peckham who died in 2013, as he added: 'I know youre with Rick now, give him a hug from me.'

Woody's mother Zoe Ball , confirmed her mother had died in a 5am Instagram post on Wednesday

Just before 5am on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother's passing on Instagram. In a tribute, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama'

In the tribute posted to Instagram (pictured), Zoe told fans she is 'bereft'

Zoe shared the heartbreaking news last week that Julia was being transferred into hospice care, telling listeners that things were 'pretty tough at the moment for the family.'

She said: 'Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. Love you Mum.'

Zoe revealed her mother's pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, as she told fans on social media she would be taking time away from her BBC show to focus on her family, who were going through 'tough times' - but added her mother was being extremely 'brave'.

Earlier this week, the 53-year-old told her BBC Radio 2 listeners Julia had been transferred to a hospice

The presenter, 53, said she and her family were going through 'tough times' amid her mother's (pictured) diagnosis but praised her for being 'brave'

Despite her mother's diagnosis, Zoe remained positive as she told fans at the time she is 'in awe' of the nurses and doctors in charge of her care.

Posting a picture of Julia surrounded by family last month, as well as a second of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, she wrote: 'Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer.

'As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

'My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.

'Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

'Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.'

Zoe and Julia Ball pictured at the premier after party for Sex and the City 2 back in 2010

Taking to social media last month, Zoe shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members

The family has been bedecked by hardship for decades, with Ms Ball's parents Julia and Johnny Ball, a former TV presenter, splitting up in 1972 after just three years of marriage.

Mr Ball remarried his second wife, Dianne Cheryl, in 1976, with the pair remaining together today.

As Zoe's own career took off, she and her husband Fatboy Slim supported one another on their rise to fame, with Slim later describing how she kept him down to earth by 'checking him' for his behaviour.

He told the Changes podcast at the time: 'While you've got licence to break rules, you've always got a lot of people who'll let you get away with murder.

'Zoe was really good for me for that, because she knew the fame game and we would sort of check each other.

'If I wasn't respectful to people, she'd go: 'Oi, come on, that's not how we behave! Go back and thank them for that'.'

But sadly their marriage came to an end in 2016, with the couple announcing they had 'come to the end of their rainbow'.

Although Zoe soon found love again in partner Billy Yates, their relationship was also not set to last.

After a long battle with depression, Mr Yates, 40, killed himself in May 2017 at his home in Putney, London.

The Radio 2 presenter previously told how she felt 'really grateful' he had said goodbye to her the last time she saw him.

Fighting back tears as she spoke about their final moments together, she said: 'He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him.'

She added: 'It was just that moment and that feeling of ''Oh my god I love him so much, we'll find some help and it will all be okay.''

'And I wish I'd told him that.'

A year after his death, Zoe took part in a gruelling Sport Relief challenge to cycle 350 miles in five days in his memory and to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Zoe Ball pictured with former partner Billy Yates, who killed himself in May 2017

Zoe Ball wore a T-shirt bearing Billy Yates' name as she returned to work at Radio 2 following his death

She has consistently marked his death each year and returned to work at Radio 2 following his death wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with his name.

Despite her loss, the presenter found the courage to love again when she began dating former construction worker Michael Reed.

But while friends said he was a 'true gent' at first, their relationship broke down after more than five years in May 2023 after Mr Reed allegedly became 'a bit demanding'.

The couple had reportedly been arguing about very minor aspects of their life, such as Zoe spending time on her phone talking to friends.

The presenter soon asked Mr Reed to move out of her home, although the two are said to remain on good terms.

After her mother's cancer diagnosis, Zoe was inundated with messages of support from fans.

She reassured them that while she would be in her usual Radio 2 slot as much as possible, she would 'occasionally need to be home with my Mama.'

Gaby Roslin has filled in for the radio presenter on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show from 6.30am to 9.30am while the BBC icon cared for her late mother.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Zara McDermott flashed her taut abs in a skimpy purple bikini as she posed up a storm on a sun lounger in a throwback snap on Tuesday.

The former Love Island star, 27, took to Instagram to post an album of pictures to round-up her month as April comes to an end.

In one snap she flashed her toned legs and tiny frame in an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt as she posed sitting on the pavement.

Zara displayed her bronzed collarbones in a strapless black and white striped co-ord, teamed with brown heeled sandals.

The model teased an upcoming appearance on The Weakest Link as she posed behind the stand for a snap.

Zara McDermott, 27, flashed her taut abs in a skimpy purple bikini as she posed up a storm on a sun lounger in a throwback snap on Tuesday

The former Love Island star took to Instagram to post an album of pictures to round-up her month as April comes to an end

She caught up with fellow Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach for a luxury lunch in London.

She also shared a sweet snap of her beloved boyfriend Sam Thompson holding a fresh bouquet of flowers.

If April was busy enough, Zara supported the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here star at his Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks.

It comes after Zara clapped back at societal expectations of women to get married and have children, saying: 'Women are so much more than child-bearers!'

She recently launched Rise clothing, which pledges to cater for different body types, and secured an exclusive deal with Tesco F&F to sell the range.

During an interview with Hello! magazine, Zara was asked what the next steps for her and Sam were, and if she would consider marriage.

Zara shot back: 'I think there's this expectation that people need to get married, have kids, this fairy-tale experience. Nowadays, women are so much more than people to marry and child-bearers!

'I'm an independent career woman. I'll do these things when I'm ready, not when society tells me to do them. I don't think relationships should be put in a box. I absolutely do not want children anytime soon - right now I'm happy to be selfish.

In one snap she flashed her toned legs and tiny frame in an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt as she posed sitting on the pavement

Zara displayed her bronzed collarbones in a strapless black and white striped co-ord, teamed with brown heeled sandals

The model teased an upcoming appearance on The Weakest Link as she posed behind the stand for a snap

She caught up with fellow Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Leach for a luxury lunch in London

She also shared a sweet snap of her beloved boyfriend Sam Thompson holding a fresh bouquet of flowers

If April was busy enough, Zara supported the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here star at his Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks

The documentary maker is in a long-term relationship with Sam , 31, a presenter on Hits Radio, and both previously appeared in Made In Chelsea

'Sam and I barely get any time together as it is! We're really, really happy as we are and we love our little fur babies Albus and Cedric [their cats].'

Children would also mean less time with the couple's best friend Pete whom Zara happily shared was at the top of her list for who to call when she's in trouble.

Sam and Zara's relationship has been going from strength to strength since they got back together in 2020 following a brief split.

Fans were convinced an engagement announcement was imminent in February, when the couple enjoyed a sun-soaked break in Dubai.
Zoe Ball shared what what prove to be the final photos of her mother Julia during a New Year's break in the Caribbean, four months before her death to pancreatic cancer.

The BBC Radio 2 star confirmed her mother's passing in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning, alongside a photo of Julia in her youth.

Ball, 53, had previously announced her cancer diagnosis in March, shortly after posting what would be the final photo of Julia, taken during a family holiday in Antigua.

The presenter flew to the Caribbean island with her loved ones - among them son Woody, 23, daughter Nelly, 14, and mum Julia - for a tropical New Year break in December.

Taking to social media on January 7, Ball shared a montage of photos and videos from the trip, including one of herself and Julia enjoying a night out.

Zoe Ball shared what what prove to be the final photos of her mother Julia during a New Year's break in the Caribbean, four months before her death to pancreatic cancer

The presenter flew to the Caribbean island with her loved ones - among them son Woody, daughter Nelly, and mum Julia - for a tropical New Year break in December

Captioning the posts, she wrote: 'sons suns & daughters, mums bums & daughters, rum tums & blue waters cracking end to 2023 & splendid start to 2024. feeling mighty blessed, rested & a tad tubby.'

Earlier this week, Ball told her BBC Radio 2 listeners Julia had been transferred to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to paramedics who helped her.

Just before 5am on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother's passing on Instagram. In a tribute, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama.

'Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy. And how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.

It continued: 'We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.'

After announcing her mother's illness last month, Gaby Roslin 'occasionally' stepped in to replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so the pair could spend time together.

Ball shared the heartbreaking news last week that Julia was being transferred into hospice care, telling listeners that things were 'pretty tough at the moment for the family.'

She said: 'Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. Love you Mum.'

Julia in another photo taken during the trip to Antigua. Her death was confirmed by Ball on Wednesday morning

Ball announced the death of her 'dear mama' in the early hours of Wednesday morning alongside a photo of Julia in her youth

Ball's son Woody Cook also referenced his grandmothers late husband Rick Peckham who died in 2013, as he added: 'I know youre with Rick now, give him a hug from me'

BBC presenter Ball is pictured with her mother Julia at London's Dorchester Hotel in 2011

The broadcaster's son Woody, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook - better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim - also shared a tribute on Instagram.

'Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,' he wrote, sharing a younger picture with his grandmother.

Woody, who appeared on Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother's late husband Rick Peckham.

He said: 'The only person who always sent me a valentines card. I know you're with Rick now, give him a hug from me.

'I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle 'If you get lost, follow the river!' You'll find him at the end.'

Ball revealed her mother's pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, as she told fans on social media she would be taking time away from her BBC show to focus on her family, who were going through 'tough times' - but added her mother was being extremely 'brave'.

Despite her mother's diagnosis, Ball remained positive as she told fans at the time she is 'in awe' of the nurses and doctors in charge of her care.

Zoe and Julia Ball pictured at the premier after party for Sex and the City 2 back in 2010

Taking to social media in December, Ball shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members

Posting a picture of Julia surrounded by family last month, as well as a second of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, she wrote: 'Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer.

'As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

'My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.

'Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

'Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.

The family has been bedecked by hardship for decades, with Ball's parents Julia and Johnny Ball, a former TV presenter, splitting up in 1972 after just three years of marriage.

Ball remarried his second wife, Dianne Cheryl, in 1976, with the pair remaining together today.

Ball pictured with former partner Billy Yates, who killed himself in May 2017 at the age of 40

As the BBC radio 2 DJ's own career took off, she and husband Fatboy Slim supported one another on their rise to fame, with Slim later describing how she kept him down to earth by 'checking him' for his behaviour.

He told the Changes podcast at the time: 'While you've got licence to break rules, you've always got a lot of people who'll let you get away with murder.

'Zoe was really good for me for that, because she knew the fame game and we would sort of check each other.

'If I wasn't respectful to people, she'd go: 'Oi, come on, that's not how we behave! Go back and thank them for that'.'

But sadly their marriage came to an end in 2016, with the couple announcing they had 'come to the end of their rainbow'.

Although Ball soon found love again in partner Billy Yates, their relationship was also not set to last.

After a long battle with depression, Yates, 40, killed himself in May 2017 at his home in Putney, London.

The presenter previously told how she felt 'really grateful' he had said goodbye to her the last time she saw him.

Fighting back tears as she spoke about their final moments together, she said: 'He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him.'

She added: 'It was just that moment and that feeling of ''Oh my god I love him so much, we'll find some help and it will all be okay.''

'And I wish I'd told him that.'
Zoe Ball's fans have urged the broadcaster to 'take time in navigating the next few days and weeks' after the death of her mother.

The BBC Radio 2 star announced on Wednesday morning her 'dear mama' Julia had passed away after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Earlier this week, she told listeners Julia had been transferred to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who helped her.

After announcing the sad news, Zoe's followers sent their best wishes and condolences and encouraged her to 'be kind to herself.'

One commented: 'Im so sorry to hear of your loss Zoe. Be kind to yourself, take your time in navigating your way through the next few days and weeks, and know that your lovely Mum will live on in your memories every single day.'

Zoe Ball's fans have urged the broadcaster to 'take time in navigating the next few days and weeks' after the death of her mother (pictured together in 2011)

The BBC Radio 2 star announced on Wednesday morning her 'dear mama' Julia had passed away after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer

Others added: 'Im so sorry for your loss Zoe. My family sends condolences and best wishes to yours x'; 'Oh Zoe I am so sorry. Your mum is at peace ... it is the strangest feeling, wanting the pain to end, but not wanting them to leave. Sending you and your family lots of love.'

'Dear Zoe. With my love and prayers for you and the whole family - may you find strength together in your grief and, even in this moment, joy in the memory of the richness of your mums life, her example and her love for you.'

'Oh Zoe - Im so sorry for your loss- you must be devastated- heartfelt condolences to you and all your family xx'

'So very sorry for your loss. Death ends a life, not a relationship - she will always be your mum & you will always be her daughter. I hope the next few days are filled with happy rememberings & love.'

Just before 5am on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother's passing on Instagram, sharing a photo and some words.

In a tribute, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama.

'Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy. And how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.

'We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. Your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.'

Earlier this week, she told listeners Julia had been transferred to a hospice, as she dedicated a Bon Jovi song to the paramedics who helped her

After announcing the sad news, Zoe's followers sent their best wishes and condolences and encouraged her to 'be kind to herself'

After announcing her mother's illness last month, Gaby Roslin 'occasionally' stepped in to replace her on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show so the pair could spend time together.

Zoe shared the heartbreaking news last week that Julia was being transferred into hospice care, telling listeners that things were 'pretty tough at the moment for the family.'

She said: 'Things are really tough for my mum at the moment, just sending out loads of love. Love you Mum.'

The broadcaster's son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram.

'Today I say goodbye to Granny J, thank you for being a wonderful woman,' the 23-year-old said, sharing a younger picture with his grandmother.

Woody, who appeared on Netflix reality series The Circle in 2019, also referenced his grandmother's late husband Rick Peckham.

He said: 'The only person who always sent me a valentines card. I know you're with Rick now, give him a hug from me.

'I know he said once when you were panicking in a helicopter over the Jungle 'If you get lost, follow the river!' You'll find him at the end.'

Just before 5am on Wednesday, the much-loved broadcaster shared the news of her mother's passing on Instagram, sharing a photo and some words

In a tribute, she said: 'Sleep tight dear Mama. 'Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy'

The broadcaster's son Woody Cook, who she shares with ex-husband Norman Cook better known as British DJ Fatboy Slim, also shared a tribute on Instagram

Zoe revealed her mother's pancreatic cancer diagnosis on March 6, as she told fans on social media she would be taking time away from her BBC show to focus on her family, who were going through 'tough times' - but added her mother was being extremely 'brave'.

Despite her mother's diagnosis, Zoe remained positive as she told fans at the time she is 'in awe' of the nurses and doctors in charge of her care.

Posting a picture of Julia surrounded by family last month, as well as a second of her receiving chemotherapy in hospital, she wrote: 'Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer.

'As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

'My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you.

'Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

'Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.'

The family has been bedecked by hardship for decades, with Ms Ball's parents Julia and Johnny Ball, a former TV presenter, splitting up in 1972 after just three years of marriage.

Zoe and Julia Ball pictured at the premier after party for Sex and the City 2 back in 2010

Taking to social media last month, Zoe shared a photo of her mother surrounded by family members

Mr Ball remarried his second wife, Dianne Cheryl, in 1976, with the pair remaining together today.

As Zoe's own career took off, she and her husband Fatboy Slim supported one another on their rise to fame, with Slim later describing how she kept him down to earth by 'checking him' for his behaviour.

He told the Changes podcast at the time: 'While you've got licence to break rules, you've always got a lot of people who'll let you get away with murder.

'Zoe was really good for me for that, because she knew the fame game and we would sort of check each other.

'If I wasn't respectful to people, she'd go: 'Oi, come on, that's not how we behave! Go back and thank them for that'.'

But sadly their marriage came to an end in 2016, with the couple announcing they had 'come to the end of their rainbow'.

Although Zoe soon found love again in partner Billy Yates, their relationship was also not set to last.

After a long battle with depression, Mr Yates, 40, killed himself in May 2017 at his home in Putney, London.

The Radio 2 presenter previously told how she felt 'really grateful' he had said goodbye to her the last time she saw him.

Fighting back tears as she spoke about their final moments together, she said: 'He got on his bike and he cycled off and he turned round and he blew me a kiss goodbye, and that was the last time I saw him.'

She added: 'It was just that moment and that feeling of ''Oh my god I love him so much, we'll find some help and it will all be okay.''

'And I wish I'd told him that.'

A year after his death, Zoe took part in a gruelling Sport Relief challenge to cycle 350 miles in five days in his memory and to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Zoe Ball pictured with former partner Billy Yates, who killed himself in May 2017

Zoe Ball wore a T-shirt bearing Billy Yates' name as she returned to work at Radio 2 following his death

She has consistently marked his death each year and returned to work at Radio 2 following his death wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with his name.

Despite her loss, the presenter found the courage to love again when she began dating former construction worker Michael Reed.

But while friends said he was a 'true gent' at first, their relationship broke down after more than five years in May 2023 after Mr Reed allegedly became 'a bit demanding'.

The couple had reportedly been arguing about very minor aspects of their life, such as Zoe spending time on her phone talking to friends.

The presenter soon asked Mr Reed to move out of her home, although the two are said to remain on good terms.

After her mother's cancer diagnosis, Zoe was inundated with messages of support from fans.

She reassured them that while she would be in her usual Radio 2 slot as much as possible, she would 'occasionally need to be home with my Mama.'

Gaby Roslin has filled in for the radio presenter on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show from 6.30am to 9.30am while the BBC icon cared for her late mother.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
Jess and Eve Gale have been announced as SOLSKIN's first ever brand ambassadors, MailOnline can reveal.

The Love Island twins, both 24, have signed an exciting new deal with the fake tan brand, which launches on the website on Friday.

And showing off the flawless tan, Jess and Eve stunned in a slew of outfits, lingerie and loungewear.

SOLSKIN, created by the Conder family, best known as YouTube's Dad Vs Girls, is a fake tan designed for sensitive skin.

Jess and Eve showcased their bronzed bodies in skimpy bodysuits and lace white and brown pyjamas.

Jess and Eve Gale, both 24, have been announced as SOLSKIN's first ever brand ambassadors, MailOnline can reveal

The Love Island twins have signed an exciting new deal with the fake tan brand, which launches on the website on Friday

In another shot, the twins stunned in a sequin mini dresses and playfully posed with a huge cake in hand.

Speaking about the collaboration, Jess told MailOnline: 'Were really really excited. Weve tanned for so long and tried a lot of tanning brands but we actually really really love this brand.

'Weve met Kaci and the Conders before so were really excited for the collaboration and feel so lucky that we are the first brand ambassadors.'

Eve added: 'Its a tan that weve always used. Its really good for sensitive skin and really inclusive for all skin types.

'We just really love the tan, its got so many good qualities that we love, nourishing, lasts so long and looks really natural.'

Jess continued: 'We feel so much more confident with a tan so being able to work with a brand that makes us more confident is amazing.

'Being in the public eye and being on TV under scrutiny, there is a lot of pressure and it just makes it easy to doubt yourself.

'And just in general I think there is so much pressure. Self care is really important to making yourself feel really important and taking pride in yourself.'

And showing off the flawless tan, Jess and Eve stunned in a slew of outfits, lingerie and loungewear

Jess and Eve showcased their bronzed bodies in skimpy bodysuits and lace white and brown pyjamas

SOLSKIN , created by the Conder family, best known as YouTube 's Dad Vs Girls, is a fake tan designed for sensitive skin

In another shot, the twins stunned in a sequin mini dresses and playfully posed with a huge cake in hand

Speaking about the collaboration, Jess told MailOnline: 'Were really really excited. Weve tanned for so long and tried a lot of tanning brands but we actually really really love this brand'

'Weve met Kaci and the Conders before so were really excited for the collaboration and feel so lucky that we are the first brand ambassadors', she added

Eve added: 'Its a tan that weve always used. Its really good for sensitive skin and really inclusive for all skin types'

Jess continued: 'We feel so much more confident with a tan so being able to work with a brand that makes us more confident is amazing. Being in the public eye and being on TV under scrutiny, there is a lot of pressure and it just makes it easy to doubt yourself'

Jess and Eve pictured with brand owners Joel and Sarah Conder

The announcement comes after Eve has blossomed a new romance outside the villa with TOWIE star Demi Sims.

The reality star previously appeared on the ITV2 dating series with her twin sister Jess, failed to make a lasting connection but since returning to the UK she has found love elsewhere.

Eve revealed that she and Demi had a flirty friendship for years but have now enjoyed their first date together and are getting on like a house on fire.

A source has told OK!: 'Eve and Demi's date may have come as a surprise, but they've been texting a lot behind the scenes. They quickly realised just how much they liked one another and the attraction took off from there.

'It all started as a friendship and it's allowed them to grow naturally. They know each other well and are always giggling and laughing. Everyone around them is pleased to see them happy.'
Emily Ratajkowski and Alexa Chung were among the glamorous pals who turned out to support Victoria Beckham at the event for her Mango clothing collection launch in Spain on Tuesday.

Proving that the designer's friendship circle remains among the most stylish in showbusiness, the model cut a chic figure in a plunging black trouser suit as she arrived for the swanky dinner in Barcelona.

Posting a gallery of snaps from the evening, Victoria penned the caption: 'Such an amazing night celebrating #VictoriaBeckhamxMango!

'Im wearing the tailored white suit from the new collection. Kisses xx.'

As she headed into the launch, Emily documented her night out by snapping the view on her phone.

Emily Ratajkowski (far right) and Adwoa Aboah were among the pals who turned out to support Victoria Beckham at the event for her Mango collection launch in Spain on Tuesday

While the designer herself opted for a chic white trouser suit, she proudly posed for snaps with Alexa Chung, who was dressed to impress in a skimpy white satin co-ord

After celebrating her 50th birthday over the weekend, Victoria posed for snaps in a chic suit from her brand new collection

Also among those arriving for the event was Adwoa Aboah, who happily embraced Victoria outside the launch.

The British model opted for a muted ensemble, consisting a cream jacket and camel flares, and posed for a fun Instagram snap with Emily at the launch.

During the celebratory evening, Alexa put on a leggy display in a sexy white silk co-ord as she shared a glimpse of herself getting ready for the party held near Girona on the Costa Brava.

She teamed the skimpy co-ord with a smart black blazer, sheer tights and stilettos to boost her height.

Alexa penned in the caption as she got her glam on for the evening out: 'Boop! In my outfit already. The early bird catches the @victorisbeckham @mango collection...'

Dressed in a chic 180 white suit jacket and matching trousers, Victoria proudly posed for promotional snaps and images ahead of the launch event.

She also shared a sweet embrace with her son Romeo Beckham's girlfriend Mia Regan, after the model was noticeably absent from the designer's 50th birthday bash over the weekend.

Her first foray onto the high street, the new collection is priced at just a tenth of the price of Victoria's own label after it's said she wants to become 'more relatable'.

Posting snaps from the evening, Victoria penned the caption: 'Such an amazing night celebrating #VictoriaBeckhamxMango!' (pictured with British Vogue stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois)

Offering music for the party, the DJ trio HALE ZERO took to the decks for the launch

Showing off her chic black trouser suit, Emily posed up a storm at the party alongside Adwoa and Julia

Coming together for a group image, Victoria was proudly supported by fashion's finest as she unveiled her first high street collaboration

Ahead of the launch party, Emly showcased her chic sense of style in a sophisticated black trouser suit

Before heading inside, the former Victoria's Secret Angel documented the outing

Also among those arriving for the event was Adwoa, who happily embraced Victoria outside the launch

Emily eagerly chatted to Victoria as she headed to the launch party, channelling her new collection in a sophisticated black trouser suit

The designer unveiled her first ever high street collaboration, just days after celebrating her 50th birthday with a wild boozy bash

The British model opted for a muted ensemble, consisting a cream jacket and camel flares

Adwoa cut a chic figure in a white paperbag-inspired jacket knotted at the waist, and oversized camel trousers

She and Adwoa chatted as they prepared to pose for snaps together at the launch

During the celebratory evening, Alexa put on a leggy display in a sexy white silk co-ord as she shared a glimpse of herself getting ready for the party

She teamed the look with towering stilettos and an oversized black blazer

After attending Victoria's launch party, Mia Regan shared a gallery of snaps showing off her stylish all-black ensemble

The blonde beauty slipped into a daring mesh skirt and a sheer black shirt to celebrate the launch of Victoria's new range

Mia styled her blonde bob into a chic curled hairstyle in the snaps, which she shared following the launch event in Spain

The look was accessorised with matching thick-strapped leather sandals, as model Mia posed up a storm in her Spanish villa

Mia showed off her eye-catching sense of style in the all-black look as she posed at her Spanish villa

A transparent black silk dress is priced at 210 and she has also launched a range of accessories including 120 leather sandals, 140 high heels and a 60 handbag.

The Spice Girl is focusing on her high street collaboration with Mango, her first foray into the affordable market.

Her trademark slip dresses, knitwear and tailoring have been reacreated at a more purse-friendly price point, compared to the 90 she charges for a t-shirt from her eponymous label, which was launched in 2008.

Victoria revealed in an interview with WWD that she had decided to work with Mango to 'speak to a wider audience in a way that feels relevant to my brand and retains my aesthetic and DNA'.

And in an interview with Vogue last week she insisted she hasn't compromised on quality, promising that 'when you invest in one of these pieces, you won't just wear it for one season, they'll be pieces you'll keep in your wardrobe and wear time and time again.'

Calling the collection 'timeless' Victoria gushed: 'I think people will be very surprised by how strong the fashion message is in every single garment.'

Fans were quick to share their excitement about the collection with many claiming on Victoria's Instagram post to have already bought some items.

'I love the entire collection, just placed my order,' one person commented.

Another said: 'It's absolutely stunning, dresses are so feminine and elegant, just got one!'

And industry experts agree that a move to the high street is exactly what designers like Victoria should be focusing on.

The prices for the new Victoria Beckham Mango collection

Alexa Chung joined fellow models Adwoa and Emily at Victoria's launch event in Spain and documented the occasion on social media

She enjoyed a swanky dinner at the event and shared a video to her Story of Emily and Adwoa sat the table opposite her - who both looked smart in suits

The beauty put on a leggy display in a sexy white silk co-ord as she shared a glimpse getting ready for the party held near Girona on the Costa Brava

After arriving at the event she posed next to some mannequins wearing some pieces from the collection which went live on Tuesday

Emily wore a smart black blazer as Adwoa beamed beside her

She showed off the stunning setting that was lit with dozens of candles as the guests enjoyed food and drink

Victoria was supported by her son Romeo's girlfriend Mia Regan

Mia later took to Instagram to share a snap of her invitation from the occasion

Victoria pictured taking a picture with Adwoa Aboah and Emily Ratajkowski

Victoria pictured in a chic white suit from the collection on the night

Speaking to Harpers Bazaar this week Dr Bethan Alexander, Reader in Fashion Retailing & Marketing at the Fashion Business School, London College of Fashion said there are huge benefits to both the designer and the high street shops.

'A designer collaboration is a viable opportunity to increase market share while the designers maintain their market position,' she explained.

'The luxury market is facing unprecedented challenges right now, so it's especially important. Maintaining sales is difficult, but the quick, relatively easy cash injection from collaborations is appealing.'

The Mail on Sunday revealed Victoria called in 'the mother of all returns' after the collapse of fashion group Matches.

Victoria s team at her own label demanded that the online retailer send back all of their summer stock that she sent to them in March  only to learn days later the company had collapsed.

Victoria Beckham X Mango will be available to shop from 23 April at Mango.com.

Victoria revealed in an interview that she had decided to work with Mango to 'speak to a wider audience in a way that feels relevant to my brand and retains my aesthetic and DNA' (seen at Paris fashion week last year)

This coat retails at 300 and is part of the new high street collection
Alice Evans has admitted she 'didn't react well' when her 'life was uprooted' after her split from ex-husband Ioan Gruffudd.

Following their acrimonious seperation in March 2021, the actors have been locked in a very public legal battle, resulting in slanging matches that threatened to overshadow their respective careers.

Ioan, 50, has since moved on with fiancee Bianca Wallace, 31, who last month launched an extraordinary attack on Alice accusing her of 'stalking, harassing and abusing' Ioan.

Sharing an update to Instagram on Wednesday, Alice, 55, said she was finally beginning to feel like herself again and thanked her fans for their ongoing support.

Alongside an old photo of herself, she wrote: 'Getting the me back! Thank you for all the love and the support. I cant tell you how much I appreciate it.'

Alice Evans, 55, has admitted she 'didn't react well' when her 'life was uprooted' after her split from ex-husband Ioan Gruffudd, 50

She continued: 'My life was uprooted with no warning in 2020. I didnt react well. I applaud the people who do. But Im intact. My girls are intact.

'Loving life and happy. I have offers coming in. Things are looking up. Thank you ALL of you that have stuck by me. I will never, ever forget.'

It comes after Bianca claimed that she has been inundated with messages from followers who claim to have been sent abusive messages from Alice and revealing she feels it's her duty to 'shine a light on bullies and abuse.'

She also repeated Ioan's claims that Alice had set up fake social media accounts with the purpose of harassing them after a restraining order banned her from mentioning him on social media.

In a series of Instagram posts, the Australian actress went on to share 4512 pages worth of social media posts in which Alice had mentioned her or Ioan as well as links to court documents detailing the three-year restraining order he took out against her as a result of the relentless posts.

She began by sharing: 'I want to say thank you so much for the love and support I have received. I believe the time has come to shine a light on bullies and abuse because they only hold power when hidden in the darkness.

'Bullies and people who harass others want us to believe that we are alone, but we are not. Bullying thrives in the darkness. It makes people afraid to do anything lest it get worse.

'I'm encouraging everyone to keep sharing your experiences. Continue reporting to the authorities. Always reach out for support.'

Following their seperation in March 2021, the actors have been locked in a very public legal battle and slanging matches that threatened to overshadow their respective careers (pictured in 2018)

Ioan, 50, has since moved on with fiancee Bianca Wallace, 31, who last month launched an extraordinary attack on Alice accusing her of 'stalking, harassing and abusing' Ioan (pictured together in 2022)

Sharing an update to Instagram on Wednesday, Alice said she was finally beginning to feel like herself again and thanked her fans for their ongoing support

She concluded: 'Although some of what I have mentioned happened over the last few years, I want to be very clear - The harassment and abuse has not ceased. It has continued unabated and is being directed far more broadly than just us.'

Bianca went on to claim that Alice had breached a three-year restraining order put out against her in August 2022.

She continued: 'On 13 November 2023 at 10:56am LA time, I received an email from the detective informing that the current investigations did find this persons phone number linked to at least one of the fake accounts being used to stalk, harass, and post defamatory claims.

'I want to stress that people who do this need to be held accountable for their actions, and as I have mentioned, I won't allow anyone to bully or abuse me ever again.

'If you so wish to view the supporting evidence mentioned in my previous post, most of it, minus what is currently ongoing, is already publicly available.

'I found the following links containing the information on Google and there is a lot more publicly available information.'

Bianca went on to share the links to Ioan's court filings for the Domestic Violence Restraining Order as well as the actor's filings for joint custody with Evans of their daughters Ella, 14, and Elsie, 10.

In a final blow, Bianca shared a link comprised of 4512 pages worth of social media posts in which Evans had mentioned her or Gruffudd.

She ended her series of posts by writing 'Keep being the light.'

Ioan previously claimed in court filings that he believed Alice had breached the order that prevented her from mentioning him on social media for three years.

He said in the papers filed last year: 'There have been a number of anonymous social media accounts set up on Twitter naming Bianca and myself 'child abusers,' and making incredibly slanderous and defamatory claims.

'Alice has slipped up a number of times on these accounts, making clear the 'anonymous' accounts are her accounts.'

It comes after Bianca claimed that she has been inundated with messages from followers who claim to have been sent abusive messages from Alice

She also accused Alice of confronting not just herself and Ioan but other unnamed people for 'decades'

Ioan previously claimed in court filings that he believed Alice had breached the order that prevented her from mentioning him on social media for three years

He added: 'Alice has made thousands of false, threatening and harassing posts about me on social media, and she has made false and harassing statements about me to the media.'

Bianca also accused Alice of confronting not just herself and Ioan but other unnamed people for 'decades.'

She shared: 'This has completely thrown me. What Ian's ex has done to so, so many of you over 20 years is some of the darkest s**t we have seen and finding out that what's happening to us isn't new and has been happening for decades, has been confronting, but also strangely reassuring.

'Thank you so much for sharing your personal stories and experiences of abuse with this same person. We are completely heartbroken to learn what has been going on for so long.

'We knew what was happening to us was bad, but hearing so many of your own stories has made this so much worse.

'Because of the level that this has gone to and the sheer volume of information we have received, I am going to get advice on how to go about this and to ensure that everyone who has been victim to this person feels safe and protected for having come forward.

'If anyone receives anything, including threats and intimidation from this person, the family and supporters, give me everything. I am going to ensure everyone is safe from further harassment, threats and abuse.

'Since working on healing 10 years of DV, abuse, spine surgery, diagnosis', police relocations, public abuse campaign - If I have not already made this clear - I will never be abused or bullied again. The dark is coming into the light now.'

She claimed she was targeted by trolls shortly after confirming her relationship with Ioan, who was still the midst of his acrimonious divorce from Alice when the couple went public in 2021

Bianca and Ioan confirmed their engagement in January with the actress revealing her sparkling diamond ring

She claimed she was targeted by trolls shortly after confirming her relationship with Ioan, who was still the midst of his acrimonious divorce from Alice when the couple went public in 2021.

Bianca wrote: 'Reading the abuse that hundreds (if not thousands!) of you have faced over the past 20 years by the same person who is abusing us has been genuinely confronting and disturbing.

'We can clearly see from you all by your comments and messages that what has happened to us and our families is not new, and definitely not caused by a break up. It is very clear now that this has been happening for decades.'

'We are truly devastated to learn how many of you have suffered over the past 20 years at this person's hands...

'After what I received from everyone yesterday, I need a few days to go through it all and come to terms with what we have now learnt is so much bigger than we realised - your children, careers and lives have also been attacked for so long and for that, it is important that this level of abuse & bullying is revealed.

'In the meantime, I am here for anyone who experiences further abuse because you have told the truth.'

Bianca previously revealed how online trolls sent vile messages in which they hoped her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) would eventually kill her after she made her first appearance with Ioan.

MS is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body and causes nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can be mild in some, and in others more extreme causing severe disability.

She and Gruffudd announced their engagement in January, after three years of dating.

Bianca previously revealed how online trolls sent vile messages in which they hoped her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) would eventually kill her after she made her first appearance with Ioan (pictured in 2019)

In December, The Daily Mail reported that Alice is in dire financial straits and has told friends that she cannot pay her rent or afford food, and is contemplating taking a job at Starbucks

In December, The Daily Mail reported that Alice is in dire financial straits and has told friends that she cannot pay her rent or afford food, and is even contemplating taking a job with coffee chain Starbucks.

She has told friends that the money which she got from the sale of the marital home, believed to amount to $100,000 is all gone, much of it on lawyers, and she is now in a financial crisis.

A friend said: 'Alice has been extremely upset and says that she can't afford to make rent when it is due later this month  at least not if they want to eat - and has just hit a financial rock bottom. She says she has nothing  not even medical insurance.'

They continued: 'She's been told that she should get a job but has not found any acting work and in any case she needs to look after their children who are school age.

'This week she has been discussing trying for a job in Starbucks but she thinks they might not want her as she is probably too old for them at 55. Also her agent doesn't want her to do it in case it looks bad.

'She is feeling desperate and is out of ideas about how she can get along. She has been crying herself to sleep.'

Evans and Gruffudd finally divorced in July 2023 but custody, spousal and child support have yet to be settled, and the next hearing in the case is due in March.

In court filings obtained by DailyMail.com, a judge ordered Evans to take the girls to weekly 'reunification therapy' sessions with their father.

In August, a Los Angeles judge granted the actor's request for the appointment of a child psychiatrist to referee the increasingly bitter battles over the two girls, aged 13 and nine.

Alice had vehemently opposed the move, claiming that it was unnecessary and that Gruffudd had not seen or called his daughters in almost three months.

In an Instagram post which shows Elsie playing in a swimming pool, Evans vowed to reveal all about what she claimed had been a campaign of harassment.

She wrote: 'Posting this moment of joy (which I share with my kids every single day) because I am about to tell my truth about the harassment I have been on the receiving end of for two years now. I cannot sit here and be maligned and lied about on a permanent basis.'

The couple divorced this year, but the issues of spousal and child support as well as child custody still need to be resolved.

It follows the judge's ruling, which came after Gruffudd filed a new 34-page written document - found by DailyMail.com - in which he blasted Evans, accusing her of calling daughter Ella a 'f***ing b****' and telling the teen she 'would be getting a new father soon'.

Evans has denied all her ex's 'abuse' allegations.

In a declaration to the court, Gruffudd described Evans's latest statements opposing the evaluator and criticising him as 'false or grossly misleading'.

He said: 'Circumstances with our daughters Ella and Elsie, and my relationship with them are not as Alice describes.

'Alice has stated in her own words in multiple postings on social media that I have been trying to get at least 50/50 custody of Ella and Elsie and that she does not want this and/or is actively working to preventing it.

'I believe it is imperative that a specific evaluator be appointed at the hearing on August 17 in order to avoid further and potentially significant delays in getting this important process started.'

Gruffudd pointed out that although 'Alice argues that no child custody evaluation is necessary,' the girls' court-appointed attorney and their most recent therapist both support appointing an evaluator.

And he added the therapist wrote: 'I feel that it would be in the best interest of your daughters for Elsie to continue psychotherapy with me and Ella to be evaluated by a child psychiatrist.'

Gruffudd expressed concern that Evans has taken Elsie out of the school she'd been in since kindergarten and placed her in a new one, defying a court order preventing her changing the kids' schools without his agreement. 'I did not agree,' he said.

Talking again about the 'serious emotional harm' he believes Evans is inflicting on their daughters, Gruffudd went on, 'Alice regularly berated, verbally abused and threatened me during our marriage and after separation, often in the presence of Ella and/or Elsie.

'Among other things, Alice told me she had been miserable for years and wanted a divorce, attacked my appearance and my career, threatened to call the police on me and told Ella she would be getting a new father soon.

'I believe it was unhealthy and distressing to the girls to witness this behavior and I believe Alice's conduct was abusive not only to me, but to the girls as well.'

Evans has denied all his 'abuse' allegations and has not responded - so far - to Judge Freeman Stinn's latest ruling against her.

Gruffudd - who met Evans when they co-starred in the 2000 Disney movie, 101 Dalmatians - filed for divorce in March 2021, shortly after the blonde actress claimed on social media that her husband of 14 years was walking out on her and their two daughters.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Evans and Gruffudd for comment.
Alison Hammond sparked outrage among fans after enjoying a 2,000 gifted stay at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent over the weekend.

The This Morning presenter, 49, caused a stir when she flaunted her freebie trip on Instagram with her new Russian boyfriend David Putman, 26.

Alison received heaps of backlash when she shared a video, rounding up her luxurious stay at the charity wildlife park, on Monday.

She captioned her post: 'What a lovely stay at @portlympnepark. A superb hotel and reserve! Staying at the lyons lodge was a dream and truely unforgettable. Thanks for the invite and looking after me. #gifted'

Furious fans were quick to comment on Alison's profile in outrage, claiming she was 'selfish' for taking a free trip instead of 'giving it to a family in who needs it more'.

Alison Hammond, 49, sparked outrage among fans after enjoying a 2,000 gifted stay at a charity wildlife park over the weekend

The This Morning presenter caused a stir when she flaunted her freebie trip on Instagram with her new Russian boyfriend David Putman, 26, (pictured)

According to The Mirror the comments, which now appear to have been deleted, read: 'How can they gift you this when it is a charity organisation yet it is 2,000 a night for us normal folk to stay there?'

'Such a shame it was gifted. The 1,6000 a night it costs to stay there would have helped the animals greatly.'

'Show off. Typical gifted how selfish. Why not give to a family in need of a break?'

The pair reportedly spent the night together in one of the two luxury Lodges which allow visitors to stay with the lions.

MailOnline have contacted Alison's representatives for comment.

Alison is said to have a new lease of life after finding love with hunky 6ft 10in model David, who is 23 years her junior and also a masseur.

Earlier this week, the surprising way the couple met was revealed with their relationship blossoming from the moment Alison booked David for a 150 massage.

According to The Sun, Alison was a client of the professional masseur and it was during a session that the pair first hit it off, with the presenter visiting David in between her busy filming schedule.

Alison received heaps of backlash when she shared a video, rounding up her luxurious stay at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, on Monday

She captioned her post: 'What a lovely stay at @portlympnepark. A superb hotel and reserve! Staying at the lyons lodge was a dream and truely unforgettable. Thanks for the invite and looking after me. #gifted'

Furious fans were quick to comment on Alison's profile in outrage, claiming she was 'selfish' for taking a free trip instead of 'giving it to a family in who needs it more'

According to The Mirror the comments, which now appear to have been deleted, read: 'How can they gift you this when it is a charity organisation yet it is 2,000 a night for us normal folk to stay there?'

Their friendship then reportedly turned romantic at the end of last year, despite the 23 year age gap between the pair.

Originally from Krasnodar in Russia, David left the country for the UK in December 2022 to escape the front line following President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

A friend of David told the publication: ' When the war in Ukraine began David's mother Olga began to worry. She didn't want her boys dragged into it. She wanted them safe like any mother would.'

David therefore moved to the UK, where he now lives with his uncle Nigel Putman, 71, in Slough, but he spends a lot of time in London for work.

The friend explained that David was able to avoid being drafted into the Russian army as his father, also called David, is originally from Slough himself, therefore the young masseur already had British citizenship.

David's father is reportedly a retired welder and panel beater who moved to Russia in the late 1990s after marrying Russian architect Olga Kovalenko following a divorce from his first wife.

David also has two brother, twins Apollo and Sviatoslov, who are three years older than him and were born in England.
Jodie Whittaker fans could be forgiven for thinking an announcement was on the way as she made an appearance in Manchester on Wednesday.

To the casual observer, the actress, best known for her former role as Doctor Who, looked heavily pregnant as she chatted to a friend.

But the baby bump was prosthetic and the friend a co-star, with Whittaker, 41, filming her latest scenes on the set of forthcoming drama Toxic Town.

The new series, set to be aired on Netflix, tells the tragic story of the real life Corby poisonings, one of the UK's biggest environmental scandals in which toxic waste in East Midlands led to birth defects in babies.

Whittaker plays Susan McIntyre, one of three local mothers whose lives are drastically affected by the catastrophe.

Jodie Whittaker fans could be forgiven for thinking an announcement was on the way as she made an appearance in Manchester on Wednesday

To the casual observer, the actress, best known for her former role as Doctor Who , looked heavily pregnant as she chatted to a friend

Returning to work on Tuesday, the actress was joined by co-star Michael Socha as they filmed scenes on a Manchester street.

Socha, who found fame as Bully in director Shane Meadows' 2006 film This Is England, carried an old fashioned child car-seat in keeping with the show's 1990s setting.

Whittaker was later seen pushing a modest looking buggy from the same period while filming additional scenes without her co-star.

The drama focuses on three mothers fighting for justice following toxic waste spillages in the town of Corby in Northamptonshire.

In 1980, the town experienced one of the biggest child poisonings cases and exposed children to a high volume of toxic waste, which saw more birth defects in this period than ever - the worst foetal poisoning scandal since thalidomide.

The local council attempted to remove the waste - an attempt that led to contamination spreading to populated areas, impacting the health of locals.

A case was subsequently brought against Corby Borough Council, which found the waste disposal had led to birth defects, with a far above average number of babies born in Corby with upper-limb defects.

The forthcoming four-episode limited series tells the story of the legal battle between parents of the affected children and the Council.

Alongside Jodie fans will see Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood, Downton Abbey star Brendan Coyle, Robert Carlyle and The Diplomat star Rory Kinnear.

But the baby bump was prosthetic and the friend a co-star, with Whittaker filming her latest scenes on the set of forthcoming drama Toxic Town.

The new series, set to be aired on Netflix , tells the tragic story of the real life Corby poisonings, one of the UK's biggest environmental scandals in which toxic waste in East Midlands led to birth defects in babies

Returning to work on Tuesday morning, the actress was joined by co-star Michael Socha

Reaching out: Lisa and Simone Atkinson (right-left) were affected by the poisionings, as Simone was born with birth defects

The Corby Poisonings The Corby toxic waste case was a court case decided by The Hon. Mr. Justice Akenhead at the High Court of Justice, London, on 29 July 2009 in the case of Corby Group Litigation v. Corby Borough Council. The judge found Corby Borough Council liable in negligence, public nuisance and a breach of statutory duty for its reclamation of a Corby Steelworks in the town of Corby, Northamptonshire, between 1985 and 1997. The landmark decision was historically significant as the first in the world to establish a link between atmospheric toxic waste and birth defects and held implications for other council reclamation programs and the methods of conducting reclamation in England and Wales. In November 2005, expert evidence was submitted to the High Court in London by the mothers of 30 children who claimed that during their pregnancies they were exposed to contamination from the waste removal operations. They sought to bring a legal action to try to prove a link between the mismanagement of toxic waste and birth defects suffered by their children. PICTURED: Parents and children affected by the poisoning releasing balloons in 2020 The case to be heard at the High Court in 2009 represented 18 young people who alleged that toxic waste dumped by Corby Borough Council between 1984 and 1999 was the cause of their deformities. All had serious disabilities, including missing or underdeveloped fingers and deformities of their feet. They alleged that their mothers ingested or inhaled the toxic substances that affected the development of their limbs while they were still in the womb. All of their mothers either lived in or regularly visited Corby between 1984 and 1999 when the work was carried out across the town. The case had taken ten years to reach this point largely because of the difficulties encountered in obtaining disclosure of information from Corby Borough Council. In his ruling, Mr Justice Akenhead said it was clear that the council had permitted toxic waste to disperse into the atmosphere. He also said that there was a "statistically significant" cluster of birth defects between 1989 and 1999, and that, "toxicologically, there were present on and from the Corby Borough Council sites, over the whole period from 1985 (and possibly before) until 1997, the types of contaminants which could cause the birth defects complained of." Advertisement

Socha, who found fame as Bully in director Shane Meadows' 2006 film This Is England, carried an old fashioned child car-seat in keeping with the show's 1990s setting

Whittaker appeared to be in high spirts as she laughed and joked with members of the production team before filming her scenes

Four-episode limited series Toxic Town tells the story of the legal battle between parents of the affected children and the Council

Toxic Town's writer, Jack Thorne, said: 'The Corby toxic Waste case is one of those moments in history that is defining.

'It showed our ability to close our eyes and ears to the safety of our people. It also showed the remarkable way that people will fight for what's right.

'Toxic Town tells the story of these funny, brave, incredible women and the way they scrapped for their children.'

A release date is yet to be announced.

In 2021, Whittaker confirmed she would be leaving Doctor Who, with the BBC revealing that her departure will play out across a three-part special.

The British star, who was the show's first female Doctor, described her four-year stint manning the Tardis as being 'the best job I ever had'.

Ncuti Gatwa was unveiled as the 15th Doctor on the popular sci-fi show in May 2022 after she confirmed her departure from the role.

Whittaker was later seen pushing a rather basic looking pram while filming outdoor scenes

Whittaker also changed her wardrobe for the scene, with her denim jacket and tracksuit bottoms traded for a plaid shirt and leggings

She was seen cradling a baby during a break between scenes on location in Manchester
Two Geordie Shore cast members have quit the reality series after an explosive feud, according to a new report.

Charlotte Crosby, 33, left the show during filming for the 24th series after getting into an argument with Marnie Simpson, 32, over a high chair.

The pair have since unfollowed one another on social media and reportedly haven't spoken since after things got heated.

It has now been reported that both Marnie and her husband Casey Johnson will not be returning, The Sun reports.

A source told the publication: 'Marnie was really unhappy with how the last series went down and how she came across.'

Charlotte Crosby, 33, left Geordie Shore during filming for the 24th series after getting into an argument with Marnie Simpson over a high chair

The pair reportedly haven't spoken since after things got heated. Both Marnie and her husband Casey Johnson (pictured in January) will not be returning, The Sun reports

They added: 'It made her miserable and stressed and she doesn't want to go back. Casey is fully supportive and has had enough too. They want a fresh start and don't feel like they need the show anymore.

'MTV tried to persuade them to come back for another round, as the ratings for the last series skyrocketed with all the drama, but they aren't interested.'

MailOnline has contacted Marnie's representative and Lime Pictures for comment.

Charlotte slammed her Geordie Shore co-stars after quitting the reality series last year, following a furious row.

Breaking her silence on the drama, she shared a lengthy statement to her Instagram, accusing her friends of talking 'behind my back'.

She wrote: 'Hi everyone. I just wanted to pop on to say thanks so much for all the lovely messages I've received over the the last 24 hours. They've meant a lot.

'I haven't had a chance to watch the new eps of Geordie Shore, but I don't think I will. I really was quite clueless as to conversations that were being had behind my back by "Friends".'

She continued: 'Last year whilst filming was going on, I had just had a baby, lost my beloved nana and was trying to be by my mam's side during her cancer diagnosis.

'I know many of you are already fully aware of the roller coaster of emotions we went through as a family that year, so I feel a little saddened I have to bring this up in a bid to try and defend myself.'

Charlotte later slammed her Geordie Shore co-stars after quitting the reality series last year, following a furious row (pictured November 2023)

Breaking her silence on the drama, she shared a lengthy statement to her Instagram, accusing her friends of talking 'behind my back' (pictured together in 2019)

Charlotte admitted that she was still 'hurt' and was attempting to 'move on' in the wake of the feud

Charlotte admitted that she was still 'hurt' and was attempting to 'move on' in the wake of the feud.

She said: 'I was hoping to be really strong when the show aired and try to brush it off like I wasn't bothered, but I am hurt and I can't quite seem to shake it off.

'Life is too short to argue though. I'm going to count my blessings, value my loved ones and move on with my head held high. Love you all lots.'

It comes after Marnie also spoke out about the clash with Charlotte and confirmed their friendship had come to an end.

She said she would be willing to reconcile with her former pal, but would not be willing to make the first move to mend the relationship, citing her desire to protect her mental health from 'negativity'.

Speaking to The Mirror, she said: 'I feel like if I was to ever bump into Charlotte I'd say hello, like I don't hold any grudges.

'But I feel like people do just drift apart. We're not 20 anymore, we're adults with children, getting married and stuff so obviously that happens. Friends can drift apart and become different people.

'I think that for my mental health, I just need to surround myself with positive influences, who lifts us up and support us. I don't want to surround myself with negativity.'

Marnie also spoke to The Sun, where she admitted it was a 'shame' she had lost her friend but that she was 'not losing any sleep over it'.

She said: 'Ive lived in London for seven or eight years, so I never really seen Charlotte that much, I used to talk to her a lot on social media and WhatsApp, but we werent heavily in each others lives.

'I think its a shame because the memories what we got, its a shame that weve lost the friendship but it is what it is.

'It doesnt get us down, Im not losing any sleep over it. Im just focusing on the positive this year, I dont want to focus on any negatives.

'I want to surround myself with people who uplift me and make me feel good and who want the best for us.'

It comes after Marnie also spoke out about the clash with Charlotte and confirmed their friendship had come to an end (Marnie pictured in 2022)

She said she would be willing to reconcile with her former pal, but would not be willing to make the first move to mend the relationship, adding she was 'not losing any sleep over it'

When asked if she would be prepared to reach out first to make amends, Marnie firmly declared: 'No, never.'

Charlotte and Marnie had been friends for several years after starring on the reality series together.

They were often seen celebrating milestones and birthdays together and Charlotte attended Marnie's wedding to Casey Simpson in March 2023.

Fellow Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei recently admitted things are still 'raw' between certain cast members as she discussed the latest series, which takes place in Cyprus.

The star, 34, is Marnies cousin and Charlottes best friend and said it had been 'the worst scenario ever' to be in the middle of the pair's bitter feud.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, she said: 'When Charlotte got upset and left, me and Holly [Hagan] tried everything to keep her there.'

'And then obviously Marnie is upset, and I want to go up to Marnie, too. Being in the middle, you want to be really fair and you dont want to take sides. You just want everyone to get on.'

The reality TV star added the whole thing was 'really tough' and it's 'a shame' things ended up the way they did.

Charlotte and Marnie had been friends for several years after starring on the reality series together and Charlotte attended Marnie's wedding to Casey Simpson in March 2023 (pictured)

Fellow Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei recently admitted things are still 'raw' between certain cast members as she discussed the latest series, which takes place in Cyprus (pictured with Charlotte in September 2023)

She continued: 'Its still obviously really raw. And theyve got to watch it and go through it all again, which isnt going to be nice.'

She insisted 'theres going to be that one day where theyre going to have to be in the same room as each other,' adding: 'Who knows whatll happen?'

Charlotte announced she had quit the long-running MTV series in August, and became emotional as she revealed filming the latest series went 'so terribly wrong'.

The mother-of-one shot to fame on the first series of Geordie Shore in 2011 and stayed until 2016, before returning in 2022.

Charlotte - who shares 16-month-old daughter Alba with fiance Jake Ankers - said she can't bear to watch the new episodes.

The star flew home from Cyprus early after filming the show for just two days last year, and she was left 'sad, paranoid and anxious' about the after-effects of her exit.

Speaking on her Always On podcast, Charlotte said: 'It just ended up going so terribly wrong. I don't know why but the whole series, I later discovered, was a bit weird. I didn't expect it to go the way that it did, and for that reason I am sad.

'I'm sad for loads of reasons. I'm sad that I took Alba and Jake, my family, into a show that I loved so much and it went so badly wrong.

Charlotte announced she had quit the long-running MTV series in August, and became emotional as she revealed filming the latest series went 'so terribly wrong'

The mother-of-one shot to fame on the first series of Geordie Shore in 2011 and stayed until 2016, before returning in 2022 (pictured in 2011)

Charlotte - who shares 16-month-old daughter Alba with fiance Jake Ankers - said she can't bear to watch the new episodes

'I feel like I could cry talking about it. I felt an immense amount of guilt for not knowing better. I just thought we were going to have such a good time.

'We didn't not. We did have some good times. Listen, it was fun. I was only in there for two days, but we had some lovely times in quarantine.

'There was a silly argument, over a high chair of all things, that escalated. And I just left. I just needed to get out of that environment.

'I'd never raised my voice in front of Alba ever, and I did in this argument, and I was like, "Oh God, I feel absolutely terrible." I've never gotten that angry and wound up.'

Becoming emotional, she said: 'As a mam, you feel so guilty. I was riddled with guilt. I felt anxious, I felt guilty. I think in the weeks I came out of the show I just felt awful. I was so worried.

'Had I made a bad decision going in there with my family? I was worried about what everyone was going to be saying about me that I'd left. After that, it all just got worse.'

Charlotte admitted she can't bear to watch the new series: 'If I'm honest, I don't think I will watch the show, because I'm that anxious about it,' but insisted at the time: 'The moral of the story is, I haven't fell out with anyone really. I don't have any ill feelings towards anyone.

'There was just a silly argument. I still very much love them all dearly. You'll just have to watch. It just fills us full of dread. I don't even know why.'

She continued: 'For that reason, I definitely don't think I could be involved going forward again, which is so sad. It's not because of any particular person, and it's not because I wouldn't go back because I don't want to be with them.

'But how I felt after, during and hearing stories about what was going on afterwards - it was so awful. I've never felt that sad and paranoid and anxious ever, and I don't want to feel like that again.

'But there's no big fall outs, no one hates each other. There were some disagreements. These things happen.'

Charlotte also addressed the rumours of a fallout with her co-stars in an Instagram Q&A last year, saying friendships were 'tested' and saying the show had pushed a 'false narrative' on her

Charlotte also addressed the rumours of a fallout with her co-stars in an Instagram Q&A last year, saying friendships were 'tested' and saying the show had pushed a 'false narrative' on her.

She penned: 'There's lots of these questions. I don't [know] really about fallouts, I would go as far to say there were a bunch of misunderstandings," she replied in a lengthy picture caption.

'One very silly argument that escalated. But a lot of confusion I think overall. At this age you don't fall out with people intentionally you kinda just have stuff going on and through those times friendships are tested.

'But I really dread watching the series I'm not sure I will. I have felt a couple of times when filming there has been a false narrative pushed on me something I've never experienced when filming Gshore. Which makes me realise it's not the show for me anymore.'
Hundreds of loved ones and fans gathered at a church in New York City to pay their respects to TikTok star and filmmaker Eva Evans.

The 29-year-old was found hanged in her New York City apartment with a suicide note left behind, law enforcement sources told TMZ.

The outlet reported a friend found her body late Saturday night after previously seeing her on Friday morning, and checked on her as they had a key to her apartment.

On Tuesday afternoon, friends, family and 'anyone who loved Eva' were invited to a memorial at Grace Church.

Picture collages of Eva throughout her life were displayed inside the church, along with an array of flowers. Others were seen wearing shirts with her face on them and petting her dog Slayer.

Hundreds of loved ones gathered at Grace Church on Tuesday afternoon to pay their respects to TikTok star Eva Evans

The 29-year-old was found hanged in her New York City apartment with a suicide note left behind late Saturday night

Picture collages of Eva throughout her life were displayed inside the church, along with an array of flowers

According to a post by her sister, Lila Joy, there was a 'more intimate gathering' after the service for Eva's close friends and immediate family.

One of Eva's friends who attended the service, Brendan Jay Sullivan, posted a video of the somber day on his Instagram account.

'I thought I would wear this suit to your next premiere and silently judge you for being young and hot,' Sullivan said.

'Everyone of us would say you had everything going for you. Im sorry it ended like this as I am happy to hear that you are not in pain anymore. Rest easy, Legend.'

In a separate post of pictures from the memorial, Sullivan said: 'It was a packed house and everyone gave your dog Slayer lots of love and we all know that would have made you happy. We wish you could stick around a little longer.'

Sources said she appeared to have hung herself from the ceiling in her living room. Law enforcement sources claimed that the friend who found Evans told police they didn't know her to be depressed or struggling with poor mental health.

Evans was pronounced dead at the scene, as tributes poured in for the promising influencer.

'Yesterday my family received news that our sweet, fabulous, creative, caring, hilarious Eva, my beautiful sister, has died,' Lila said in a post revealing the tragic news.

One of Eva's friends who attended the service, Brendan Jay Sullivan, posted a video of the somber day on his Instagram. 'Rest easy, Legend,' he said

'After 24 hours, I still find myself in a constant cycle of denial and acceptance, so I know how unbelievable and hard to process this news will be.'

'I wish I had Eva here now to refer to because she would have better words and know how to say what I don't,' she added.

The comments section was filled with an outpouring of love and support from those who knew Evans.

'The loss is unfathomable, to those of us lucky enough to have known her brilliance and goodness, but also to the world, which is not the place it was meant to be without her,' wrote one person.

Another added, 'I'm so so so sorry for your loss. She was one of a kind. Her art and stories brought so many of us NY'rs joy and humor during tough times. This icon will be missed.'

'Heartbreaking. Eva was a beautiful and brilliant soul,' a friend wrote. 'I remember meeting her years ago at 4 in the morning and talking about our favorite works of art. The world has known no one like her and never will.'

Actress Julia Fox also paid a tearful tribute to Eva who she called a 'New York Icon.'

'That was the kind of person that she was, always sticking up for me,' the Uncut Gems star said through tears.

Evans accumulated more than 305,000 followers on TikTok, where she frequently posted about life in New York City as a rising filmmaker

Actress Julia Fox also paid a tearful tribute to Eva who she called a 'New York Icon'

'She passed away and she was so young, still had so much to do in life. But she lived life to the fullest.'

She also lamented that Evans' death came so quickly after that of fellow TikTok star Kyle Marissa Roth who recently died at the age of 36.

'I don't know what is happening because we just lost Kyle,' Fox sobbed. 'I live so much on this app and I feel like you guys are my family sometimes.'

Reality star Lo Bosworth also expressed her condolences under Evans' last Instagram post before her death.

'Rest in peace, angel Eva you were always kind to me when others couldn't be bothered. Will never forget that kindness,' The Hills alum wrote.

Evans accumulated more than 305,000 followers on TikTok, where she frequently posted about life in New York City as a rising filmmaker.

Last year, Evans debuted a five-episode series on Prime Video titled Club Rat, which she wrote, directed and starred in.

She played a 'self-absorbed influencer' who 'attempts to re-enter the chaotic New York City dating scene after a candid video of her humiliating breakup goes viral.'

'I'm so grateful to the cast and crew who not only made some on screen magic, but also made the shoot an unforgettable and special experience in and of itself. I LOVE YOU ALL!!' she wrote on Instagram when production wrapped in June 2023.

The first episode of Club Rat is available to watch for free on Evans' YouTube, and the full series is available to purchase on Prime Video.
Ashley Roberts put on a very racy display in a nude long-sleeve top as she departed Heart FM studios on Wednesday morning.

The former Pussycat Doll, 42, confidently strutted through the streets following her stint on the breakfast show, chatting all things showbiz.

She went braless under her racy T-shirt and complemented her cream ensemble with cargo-style trousers.

The blonde beauty elevated her frame with cream court heels and carried a white quilted bag.

Ashley appeared in high spirits after stepping out of Global studios to continue her busy day ahead.

Ashley Roberts, 42, put on a very racy display in a nude long-sleeve top as she departed Heart FM studios on Wednesday morning

The former Pussycat Doll confidently strutted through the streets following her stint on the breakfast show, chatting all things showbiz

It comes after Ashley shared a heartfelt handwritten note from Ant and Dec as she joined the duo for their final Saturday Night Takeaway.

She took to her Instagram stories with a glimpse of her return to the series which she appeared on between 2013 and 2016.

The presenting duo, both 48, brought an end to the beloved series after 22 years with a supersized two-hour special, featuring a bumper lineup that included Amanda Holden, Holly Willoughby, S Club 7 and Girls Aloud.

And upon arriving at her dressing room Ashley was presented with a huge bouquet of flowers by the hosts alongside a sweet thank you note.

Which read: 'To Ashley, Thank you for coming back to join us for the last episode of this very special 20th series of Saturday Night Takeaway. Love Ant & Dec'.

She also shared a selfie with the duo as well as a glimpse of her skimpy blue co-ord which she modelled in a stylish mirror selfie.

Ashley appeared during the series' final Ant vs Dec segment which who descended into chaos after host Ant injured himself tacking Stephen Mulhern to the ground.

In February, Ashley made her first public appearance with her new boyfriend George Rollinson, who is an artist.

She went braless under her racy T-shirt and complemented her cream ensemble with cargo-style trousers

The blonde beauty elevated her frame with cream court heels and carried a white quilted bag

Ashley appeared in high spirits after stepping out of Global studios to continue her busy day ahead

It comes after Ashley shared a heartfelt handwritten note from Ant and Dec as she joined the duo for their final Saturday Night Takeaway

Upon arriving at her dressing room Ashley was presented with a huge bouquet of flowers by the hosts alongside a sweet thank you note

She also shared throwback snaps from her first appearance on the series

In February, Ashley made her first public appearance with her new boyfriend George Rollinson (pictured above)

The broadcaster has been dating the artist, 25, since last November, MailOnline revealed.

George is Ashley's first serious partner since her split from Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice in 2020.

The artist, who is 17 years Ashley's junior, has previously collaborated with boxer Francis Ngannou for his fight against Tyson Fury, decorating the Cameroonian's boots with his own designs.

He has also created elaborate pieces for the likes of celebrity clients Drake and Anthony Joshua.

A source told MailOnline in November: 'Ashley and George are smitten with each other.

'They have chosen to keep their relationship private for now but gradually have started sharing snippets from their life together on social media.

'George is extremely successful in his own right, creating artwork for massive names and establishing himself in his craft from a young age.

'Ashley isn't at all bothered about their age difference... they have similar interests, and he has inspired her creatively, she hasn't felt this way in a long time.'
Frank Skinner has revealed what he thinks of cancel culture as he discussed what it is like being a comedian in today's society.

The broadcaster, 67, has enjoyed an impressive 40 year long career in comedy, and during an appearance on Loose Women on Wednesday he confessed he doesn't believe cancel culture has negatively effected the industry.

As panellist Coleen Nolan asked whether he finds it more difficult making jokes in the age we are in now, he admitted: 'The things that we are supposedly not allowed to say I don't want to say anyway.'

Fellow comic Ricky Gervais has been incredibly vocal about his disapproval of the woke phenomenon and more recently Jimmy Car said he will never apologise for his comedy.

However Frank had a less outspoken approach as he joked: 'It's not like I am sitting and thinking "Oh I can't use my 40 minutes of racist material" I just want to go out and people have a good time.'

Frank Skinner has revealed what he thinks of cancel culture as he discussed what it is like being a comedian in today's society during Wednesday's episode of Loose Women

Fellow comic Ricky Gervais has been incredibly vocal about his disapproval of the woke phenomenon and more recently Jimmy Car said he will never apologise for his comedy

He continued: 'So I don't really want to hurt anyone's feelings in the audience, I don't want to shock anybody.'

Coleen replied: 'You get a lot of comics saying it's not the same, so it is refreshing to hear that'.

Frank added: 'Yeah well you know, if I am going to shock them it will just be the shock that I'm still alive.'

Back in 2021, Ricky slammed cancel culture and described 'wokeness' as 'a weird sort of fascism' amid calls for 'the free exchange of information and ideas.'

He said: 'There's this new weird sort of fascism of people thinking they know what you can say and what you can't and it's a really weird thing. Just because you're offended it doesn't mean you're right.'

The Afterlife star previously said on talkRadio: 'There's this new trendy myth that people who want free speech want to say awful things all the time.

'It's just isn't true, it protects everyone. If you're mildly left-wing on Twitter, you're suddenly Trotsky, right?

'If you're mildly conservative, you're Hitler and if you're centrist and you look at both arguments, you're a coward. Just because you're offended it doesn't mean you're right.'

As panellist Coleen Nolan asked whether he finds it more difficult making jokes in the age we are now in, he admitted: 'The things that we are supposedly not allowed to say I don't want to say anyway'

He joked: 'It's not like I am sitting and thinking "Oh I can't use my 40 minutes of racist material" I just want to go out and people have a good time'

Frank added: 'Yeah well you know, if I am going to shock them it will just be the shock that I'm still alive'

Ricky said in 2021: 'If you're mildly conservative, you're Hitler and if you're centrist and you look at both arguments, you're a coward. Just because you're offended it doesn't mean you're right'

Meanwhile Jimmy admitted earlier this month that he doesn't engage with criticism regarding his comedy as he argued that jokes 'are like magnets, they attract some people and repel others'.

Appearing on The Development by David Podcast, he said: 'I try not to engage. I try as best as I can to go it's absolutely valid that people don't like some of my jokes.

'Jokes are like magnets, they attract some people and repel others. Some people are repelled by my sense of humour, they do not like it and they don't come to the shows, or watch the Netflix specials.

'But when the new Netflix drops a clip will go up online and it will show up in someone's feed and they'll watch it and go, "Ban this filth, this joke is so terrible I've got to send it to everyone I f***ing know." But you gotta rightsize that.'

He recalled: 'I remember James Corden was very sweet last time I got cancelled. He phoned me and went, "What's happened? No, I'll tell you what's happened. You told a joke and some people didn't like it. That's it. Let's go get lunch".'

In his 2022 Netflix special His Dark Material, Jimmy faced backlash after he joked that the deaths of 'thousands of Gypsies' at the hands of Nazis had been one of 'the positives' of the Holocaust.

He said: 'When people talk about the Holocaust, they talk about the tragedy of 6 million Jewish lives being lost to the Nazi war machine. But they never mention the thousands of Gypsies that were killed by the Nazis.

'No one ever wants to talk about that, because no one ever wants to talk about the positives.'

He then explained why he thought it was a 'good joke', saying that it was 'f**king funny', 'edgy as all hell' and because it had an 'educational quality'. The joke caused widespread backlash and prompted a debate about racism and free speech.
Kendall Jenner was seen sipping the trendy drink of the day: an espresso martini.

But the Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran offered a twist to the instant classic: her own tequila.

On Wednesday it was announced that her brand 818 Tequila and Chamberlain Coffee, Emma Chamberlain's leading coffee lifestyle brand, have teamed up.

They were seen together in a kitchen as they tried to settle the espresso martini 'debate.'

Jenner - who dressed in a chocolate brown crop top that displayed a hint of her toned tummy - insisted that the martini is best with tequila.

'I'm so happy that 818 is collaborating with Chamberlain, Emma and I have been wanting our brands to do something fun together,' said Kendall, Founder of 818 Tequila, told DailyMail.com in a statement.

Kendall Jenner was seen sipping the trendy drink of the day: an espresso martini on Wednesday in photos shared to DailyMail.com

But the Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran offered a twist to the instant classic: her own tequila. On Wednesday it was announced that her brand 818 Tequila and Chamberlain Coffee, Emma Chamberlain's leading coffee lifestyle brand, have teamed up

Jenner added: 'We're not only creating something delicious together - we're settling the debate, once and for all, that espresso martinis taste best when they're made with tequila.'

818 Tequila is an award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand from the reality TV star and Vogue supermodel.

Produced using traditional methods in Jalisco, Mexico at a family-owned-and-operated distillery, the brand features four variations  a Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and its ultra-premium Eight Reserve.

To create the best version of this score-settling cocktail, 818 Tequila and Chamberlain Coffee created limited-edition Candied Pecan Cold Brew Singles inspired by the flavors of 818 Tequila Reposado.

They are also debuting a limited-edition 818 espresso martini bundle on Chamberlain Coffee's website.

'Now, cocktail lovers don't need an espresso maker: they can simply mix the candied pecan cold brew with the tequila for what is officially the cocktail's most delicious rendition,' a press release shared with DailyMail.com shared.

'Starting today, fans can purchase the Espresso Martini Kit Bundle ($72) which features the cold brew singles, a cocktail shaker, and a martini glass on Chamberlain Coffee's website.

They were seen together in a kitchen as they tried to settle the espresso martini 'debate'

Jenner - who dressed in a chocolate brown crop top that displayed a hint of her toned tummy - insisted that the martini is best with tequila

'I'm so happy that 818 is collaborating with Chamberlain, Emma and I have been wanting our brands to do something fun together,' said Kendall, Founder of 818 Tequila, told DailyMail.com in a statement

'Consumers can also purchase bundle items individually, including the Chamberlain Coffee and 818 Candied Pecan cold brew singles ($16), cobranded cocktail shakers ($28), martini glasses ($25), and limited-edition baby tees ($55). The Candied Pecan cold brew singles and 818 Tequila Reposado are also available for purchase on Gopuff in participating cities.'

'Working with Kendall and 818 on this was such a blast,' said Chamberlain Coffee Founder, Creative Director and Investor Emma Chamberlain.

'The whole thing came together naturally because we adore each other and adore espresso martinis with tequila. We played around and ended up creating a unique take on an espresso martini that we know people will love.

'The Chamberlain Coffee Candied Pecan Cold Brew Singles with the 818 Tequila Reposado flavors is nutty and sweet and perfect. I am so excited for people to try it.'

Jenner added: 'We're not only creating something delicious together - we're settling the debate, once and for all, that espresso martinis taste best when they're made with tequila'

818 Tequila is an award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand from the reality TV star and Vogue supermodel. Produced using traditional methods in Jalisco, Mexico at a family-owned-and-operated distillery, the brand features four variations  a Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and its ultra-premium Eight Reserve

To create the best version of this score-settling cocktail, 818 Tequila and Chamberlain Coffee created limited-edition Candied Pecan Cold Brew Singles inspired by the flavors of 818 Tequila Reposado

They are also debuting a limited-edition 818 espresso martini bundle on Chamberlain Coffee's website. 'Now, cocktail lovers don't need an espresso maker: they can simply mix the candied pecan cold brew with the tequila for what is officially the cocktail's most delicious rendition,' a press release shared with DailyMail.com shared

'Starting today, fans can purchase the Espresso Martini Kit Bundle ($72) which features the cold brew singles, a cocktail shaker, and a martini glass on Chamberlain Coffee's website,' the release shared

Fans can shop the collection at ChamberlainCoffee.com or gopuff.com and see how Kendall and Emma bring this cocktail to life on YouTube. Plus keep up with the latest from both brands on Instagram at @chamberlaincoffee and @drink818.

Chamberlain Coffee, a leading producer of specialty coffee, produces high-quality beverages that guarantee a delicious sip everytime.

Made using only the highest quality ingredients, Chamberlain Coffee offers a variety of products, from award-winning ready-to-drink cans and cold brew multi-serve and single-serve packets, to organic 100% arabica whole bean coffee bags, and organic ceremonial grade matcha.

Jenner seen in black lingerie with black heels last month on her Instagram account

The brand, which was founded by YouTuber, Podcaster, and Entrepreneur Emma Chamberlain, has committed to bringing innovative products to the next generation of coffee drinkers. With over 18,000+ 5 star reviews, Chamberlain Coffee products can be purchased online and at over 10,000 retailers nationwide.

'Since its inception, Chamberlain Coffee has been committed to meeting customers' requests and is constantly evolving to introduce new innovative products that appeal to current fans and reach new audiences,' the press release state.

From its 1% for the Planet giveback, to partnering with S.A.C.R.E.D.  a nonprofit that supports Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are made  to working with sustainable suppliers, 818 Tequila keeps the Earth in mind in everything they do.
The son of Anne Heche claims that her estate won't be able to cover the millions that have been requested of it in the wake of her tragic death in August, 2022.

Homer Laffoon, whom the late actress shared with her ex-husband Colman Laffoon, claims that his mother's estate is 'not yet in a condition to be closed,' according to documents obtained by People.

According to the documents, Heche's estate has requests totaling around $6 million, including from the owners of the home that she crashed her car into on August 5, 2022, who are requesting $2 million to cover the damages.

The news of the estate's alleged inability to pay its debts comes just a day after TMZ reported that the home where the fiery crash occurred has been completely refurbished and put on the market for $1.35 million.

Laffoon, 22, who serves as the estates proprietor, said in the documents that his mother's estate consists of a 'modest bank account, royalty payments and other residual income from pre-death projects...'

The late Anne Heche's estate does not have enough money left over to pay off her creditors, according to claims in documents obtained by People; pictured in March 2022 in Beverly Hills

Her son Homer Laffoon, 22, the proprietor of the estate, said in documents that the estate holdings that have so far been appraised only amount to $110K, though more holdings still need to be valud; seen together in 2021 in West Hollywood

She also had a 'corporation' in which she was 'the sole shareholder' that she used for developing 'projects' related to her acting career, and an 'LLC membership interest' for a podcast that she 'helped create,' along with some 'tangible personal property items' of some value.

The report indicates that only some of the assets have so far been valued.

The portions of the estate that have so far been appraised are worth around $110,000, though it is unclear what remains to be valued and how much the estate will be worth all together.

However, Laffoon indicates that Heche's estate won't be able to cover the approximately $6 million that has been requested by interested parties since her death.

The biggest single chunk of requested funds appears to come from three people intimately affected by the Birth star's fiery car crash who are requesting millions.

The couple who owns the home home have filed for $2 million to cover their losses and repairs, while the woman who was renting it at the time  who lost her belongings in the crash and ensuing fire  is also requesting $2 million.

Heche's former partner Thomas Jane, who began dating her in 2019 but had separated from her before the crash, has also requested payment of $149,106.04.

He filed a claim in 2022  six months after Heche's death  over the unpaid balance of a $157,000 loan he paid to Heche, along with the accrued interest.

The estate allegedly has requests of $6 million that it cannot pay

The couple who owned the home Heche crashed into shortly before her death have filed for $2M, while the woman who rented the home and lost her belongings is also seeking $2M; Heche seen with youngest son Atlas Heche Tupper

Heche's ex Thomas Jane has additional requested payment of over $149K for the remaining principal and interest on a $157K loan that she had only payed around $20K of; seen with Homer in 2012

Jane  who costarred with Heche in the HBO comedy Hung  said in his claim that his ex had paid two installments of $10,000 each, but had failed to pay any subsequent installments.

His current request may be even higher than the initial amount he requested, as Jane has said he is also owed $18.77 in additional interest per day.

According Laffoon, the 'anticipated value of the combined Inventories and Appraisals' won't be enough to cover the approximately $6 million that have been requested from the estate.

Heche's posthumous memoir, Call Me Anne, won't be able to make much of a dent in her estate's debts, as her son says that its sales were 'not strong,' which allegedly amounted to less than $25,000 in income for the late Psycho remake star.

Without enough funds to cover the costs from Heche's creditors, Laffoon writes that he has been 'actively engaged in attempts to negotiate appropriate settlements of the claims against the Estate.'

According to him, his efforts have involved 'substantial meet and confer efforts with the creditors in an attempt to avoid protracted and expensive litigation.'

So far, he is 'cautiously optimistic that the creditor claims can all be resolved fairly and without litigation.'

In Heche's deadly crash, she drove her Mini Cooper into the west Los Angeles home just prior to 11 a.m. on August 5, 2022, triggering a fire she wasn't freed from for around 45 minutes, according to Los Angeles City Fire Department records reviewed by KNBC.

In the direct aftermath of the crash, Heche was initially transported to the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center emergency room, and subsequently taken to Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center.

Laffoon also said Heche's posthumous memoir had soft sales and only earned her less than $25K

Heche is survived by son Homer, 22, from her former marriage to Coley Laffoon, 48 (pictured in January 2023 in LA), and son Atlas, 15, with former partner James Tupper, 58

Heche was being probed for felony DUI in the incident, but authorities scuttled any legal maneuvers in that vein following her passing.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical ExaminerCoroner determined Heche's cause of death was a result of injuries from the auto accident, E! News reported, citing official records.

Heche suffered inhalation and thermal injuries, a fractured sternum, a lacerated kidney and severe burns to more than 10 percent of her body, coroners said.

Heche is survived by son Homer, 22, from her former marriage to Coley Laffoon, 48, and son Atlas, 15, with former partner James Tupper, 58.
Anton Danyluk has publicly shut down rumours surrounding a potential romance with Hannah Elizabeth after they were spotted looking close.

Hannah Elizabeth has been spotted supporting Anton, 29, on several occasions since it was reported that he and Georgia Harrison had split up.

Since the breakup, his 'bestie' Hannah, 33, has been a constant source of support, accompanying him to public events and nights out.

They have also been very close on social media as they shared sweet pictures and funny videos of the two of them spending a lot of time together.

In a candid 'Ask Me Anything' video on Instagram Stories, a fan asked Anton to date the blonde scouser as they wrote to the star 'Please date Hannah !!!!'.

Anton Danyluk, 29, has publicly shut down rumours surrounding a potential romance with Hannah Elizabeth, 33

Hannah Elizabeth has been spotted supporting Anton, 29, on several occasions since it was reported that he and Georgia Harrison had split up

The personal trainer replied: 'So this girl deserves the absolute world and any man would be luck to have her.

'Unfortunately, that man is not myself. We are the best of friends but I am more like a brother.'

Hannah re-shared the gentry confession to her own Instagram Stories and captioned it 'Love youuu so much'.

Despite reaching the Love Island All Stars final earlier this year, TV buffs cast doubt over their romance ever since Georgia, 29, said Anton gave her the 'ick'.

But after spending weeks trying to convince the British public that their love was real, the two went their separate ways earlier this month, according to The Sun.

An insider told the publication that the two could not make it work and eventually became 'too much to manage'.

The source told The Sun: 'Georgia and Anton have split. They really tried hard to make the relationship work but ultimately the distance proved to much to manage.'

Since the breakup with Georgia (pictured), his 'bestie' Hannah, 33, has been a constant source of support, accompanying him to public events and glamorous nights out

They have also been very close on social media as they shared sweet pictures and funny videos of the two of them spending a lot of time together

In a candid 'Ask Me Anything' video on Instagram Stories, a fan asked Anton to date the blonde scouser as they wrote to the star 'Please date Hannah !!!!'

Dressed to impress, the Attune You founder and personal trainer replied: 'So this girl deserves the absolute world and any man would be luck to have her. 'Unfortunately, that man is not myself. We are the best of friends but I am more like a brother.'

Georgia resides in Essex, while Anton lives and runs his own business in his native Scotland.

The source added: 'Anton and Georgia are sad they couldn't make things work, but they broke up on good terms and will definitely stay friends.'

MailOnline contacted Georgia's and Anton's representatives for a comment at the time.

But their split may not surprise fans as Anton fuelled rumours of their split days before the reported split as he has spent many days being supported by his friend.

Hannah posted very close snaps of the two of them getting ready for a night out to Instagram.

She also posted an album of the two of them cuddling up to one another, looking incredible for PrettyLittleThing's one-year party.

Despite reaching the Love Island All Stars final earlier this year, TV buffs cast doubt over their romance ever since Georgia, 29, said Anton gave her the 'ick'

But after spending weeks trying to convince the British public that their love was real, the two went their separate ways earlier this month, according to The Sun

An insider told the publication that the two could not make it work and eventually became 'too much to manage'

Anton looked classically handsome as he stepped out in an olive green two-piece suit and a crisp white shirt.

Hannah captioned her supportive post: 'Bestie Behaviour @anton_danyluk @prettylittlething party LN.'

The two have not been hiding their close friendship, as Hannah has appeared to be Anton's pillar of support.

Anton linked arms with the Liverpool native as they headed for dinner at Sheesh in Mayfair.

The pair were in good spirits as Anton was pictured departing a London hotel with the model for a 'date night'.

Anton cut a dapper figure in a tweed blazer, which he wore over a black T-shirt and smart trousers.

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.

The pair, who grew close in the Love Island All Stars South African villa, were joined for the outing by Anton's mum.

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.

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.

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.

But their split may not surprise fans as Anton fuelled rumours of their split days before the reported split as he has spent many days being supported by his Liverpudlian friend

Hannah previouuly posted an album of the two of them cuddling up to one another, looking incredible for PrettyLittleThing's one-year party. Wearing a stunning green jump suit, the blonde beauty looked sensational as she showcased her gorgeous figure and ample assets

Taking to Instagram, Hannah previously shared picture of Anton sat opposite her at the dinner table and wrote: 'Date night @anton_danyluk'

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.'

Despite Anton putting all his effort in Georgia during the show, Anton has seemed to have stayed busy since the rumoured split as he launched his new fitness app Attune You.

Kicking off the app's first summer, Anton is using his 13 years of gym experience to help launch his personal fitness programme.
Selena Gomez was spotted arriving on the New York City set of Only Murders in the Building on Wednesday.

The actress, 31, was seen rocking a bold yellow knit sweater with cropped brown plaid trousers as on the set in the Upper West Side.

Selena wore statement gold hoop earrings with brown boots, rocking wavy tresses loose around her.

Her Only Murders in the Building castmate Martin Short and Steve Martin were also spotted on set.

Selena Gomez was spotted arriving on the New York City set of Only Murders in the Building on Wednesday

The actress, 31, was seen rocking a bold yellow knit sweater with cropped brown plaid trousers as on the set in the Upper West Side

Her Only Murders in the Building castmate Martin Short was also spotted on set

Martin, 74, was seen arriving on set looking dapper in a vest, button up and trousers

Steve Martin, 78, rocked a plaid coat while carrying his hat - as he arrived on set

Steve and Martin on set of Only Murders in The Building together

Last month, Selena and co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short were seen filming in Los Angeles.

It was revealed in February 2024 that season four would be set in both Los Angeles and New York City.

Deadline spoke to Craig Erwich, the Disney Television Group President, about the production updated on a number of projects, with Only Murders in the Building as one of them.

The series centers around friends that live in the same Upper West Side apartment in New York City - The Arconia apartment building - with a shared love of true crime podcasts.

Only Murders in the Building is a comedy mystery series that airs on Hulu.

The series debuted in 2021, going on to receive critical acclaim.

The show has already had three seasons with 10 episodes per season.

It was renewed for a fourth season back in October 2023.

Selena plays the characters Mabel Mora, who lives alone in her aunt's unit and is an artist.

Steve plays Charles-Haden Savage, who is a former actor of a popular crime drama Brazzos.

Selena wore statement gold hoop earrings with brown boots, rocking wavy tresses loose around her

Selena seen heading to her trailer on the set of the series

Selena stayed warm in a striking winter coat in between takes

Selena was very giggly in between takes

She shared a sweet moment with Steve as they prepared for an exciting scene

The duo filmed a scene where they ran out onto the street with luggage in hand

Martin also lugged a large brown suitcase as the trio made their way to a nearby cab

Passersby got a kick out of watching the shoot from the sidelines

The filed into a cab with Steve taking the wheel

Selena was seen bursting into laughter in the front passengers seat

Selena had on her same plaid paints and yellow jacket combo for the scene

Martin rocked a bold purple coat styled with a dapper vest and skinny trousers

For his third outfit change, Martin emerged in short white shorts, a windbreaker jacket and a terrycloth tennis headband

He had an umbrella in one hand as he swiftly made his way down the sidewalk with cameras aimed at him

Martin Short stars as Oliver Putnam , who is a Broadway director that created the podcast and became the director.

Meryl Streep appeared in season three of the show, starring as Loretta Durkin.

Her character Loretta is the love interest of Oliver - Martin's character.

She is reprising her role in season four.

New additions to season four include: Richard Kind, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Catherine Cohen, Jin Ha, Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, Zach Galifianakis, Desmi Borges, Siena Werber, Lilian Rebelo and Molly Shannon, per Deadline.
Camila Mendes has landed on the May cover of Vogue in Mexico and Latin America and she's 'over the moon' about it.

The covers are the first Vogue covers for the Riverdale star, 29. She shared both covers on Instagram.

On the Vogue Mexico cover, the Upgraded actress  who recently also started producing her movies  goes braless under a sheer dress with her hands covering her chest to preserve her modesty.

A tattoo about home could be spied under one of her breasts.

As the sheer dress cascaded down her body, the lower half of it had embroidered flowers and Camila wore full-coverage panties.

Her hair was swept off her face and her makeup was ethereal and sun-kissed with dramatic eyes.

Camila Mendes has landed on the May cover of Vogue in Mexico and Latin America and she's 'over the moon' about it; here is Vogue Mexico

On the Latin America version of the cover Camila wears a gold metal butterfly bra with low-rise, light-wash jeans held up with a black belt

The covers are the first Vogue covers for the Riverdale star, 29. She shared both covers on Instagram

She also sat down for an in-depth interview with Vogue Mexico

The Do Revenge actress also shared the cover for the Latin America version of the cover.

On that issue she wears a gold metal butterfly bra with low-rise, light-wash jeans held up with a black belt.

A yellow flower hangs from one corner of her mouth.

In the caption for this cover, she wrote: 'babys first vogue @voguemexico cover shot by the legend @zoeygrossman. ahh im simply over the moooon!! my year of gold metal bras!!'

Camila is of Brazilian heritage and was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. She moved with her parents to Brazil, Atlanta and finally settled in Miami, where Camila attended sixth through 12th grade.

But prior to movie to Florida, 'I was the only Brazilian girl in my class and I was probably one of the few Latina girls, she told Vogue.

'A lot of my life I felt like I couldn't take advantage of my culture because I didn't have anyone to share it with. It wasn't until I moved to South Florida that I began to meet girls my age who were Brazilian and not just Brazilian, but girls who came from different corners of Latin America: Colombian, Venezuelan, Ecuadorian...

'I was surrounded by Latin culture, I remember that I began to embrace my Brazilian culture and feel more comfortable expressing that part of myself,' she added.

Camila is of Brazilian heritage and was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. She moved with her parents to Brazil, Atlanta and finally settled in Miami, where Camila attended sixth through 12th grade

But prior to movie to Florida, 'I was the only Brazilian girl in my class and I was probably one of the few Latina girls, she told Vogue

'A lot of my life I felt like I couldn't take advantage of my culture because I didn't have anyone to share it with. It wasn't until I moved to South Florida that I began to meet girls my age who were Brazilian and not just Brazilian, but girls who came from different corners of Latin America: Colombian, Venezuelan, Ecuadorian...'

'I was surrounded by Latin culture, I remember that I began to embrace my Brazilian culture and feel more comfortable expressing that part of myself,' she added

Camila recently turned to producing as a way of ensuring she gets to tell her stories, and also not get typecast in the teen role she played on Riverdale.

Camila recently turned to producing as a way of ensuring she gets to tell her stories and stories about her culture.

'I got to be an executive producer on it, so I'm very personally connected to it because I've never been so involved in a project before,' Mendes told WTHR News about her Amazon Prime rom com Upgraded.

'It's so beautiful to see the final product and know the journey it took to get there.'

She also produced Musica which she stars in with her boyfriend Rudy Mancuso.
Suri Cruise stepped out in style as she enjoyed a day in the Big Apple on Wednesday.

Suri donned a billowing tan sweater paired with a leather belt and worn over a layered white skirt.

She strode through the concrete jungle in worn cowboy boots whilst snacking on a bag of chips with a green water bottle in her free hand.

Her long, brunette hair cascaded down her back and featured a center part.

It comes days after Suri - whose parents are Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise - marked her milestone 18th birthday, but without her estranged father.

Suri Cruise stepped out in style as she enjoyed a day in the Big Apple on Wednesday

Tom is currently in London shooting his eighth Mission Impossible movie.

The action star has been mixing work and play during his extended trip to the UK, even partying the night away with his friends the Beckhams at Victoria's 50th birthday bash on Saturday night.

While he was a VIP guest at Victoria's, Tom missed his daughter Suri's milestone 18th birthday last week.

Tom has been estranged from his youngest child since 2013, one year after he and her mother, Katie Holmes divorced.

Suri's 18th birthday also signals the end of Tom's reported $400,000 a year child support payment to Katie as per their divorce agreement.

The last photo of the Top Gun actor out and about with his daughter was a trip to Disneyland in 2012, the year his divorce from Katie was finalised.

At the time of their split, it was reported that Katie had chosen to end the couple's marriage over fears about raising her daughter as a Scientologist - the religion that Tom has been dedicated to for decades.

It was reported last year that Suri is hoping to study fashion in New York from September.

A source told Dailymail.com: 'Suri is applying to schools all over the place. [Katie] really does want her to stay in New York so they can be close to each other.

Cruise snacked on a bag of chips throughout her outing

She donned a tan sweater with layered white skirt and cowboy boots

'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective.'

While Suri looks forward to her future career Tom is still giving his all to his.

The Hollywood star has spent the past few weeks in the UK shooting Mission Impossible 8.

The untitled film - which will likely be called Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part Two - is scheduled to come out May 23, 2025, after Dead Reckoning Part One was released in July last year.

Tom has been mixing work and play during his current trip to London, even partying the night away with his friends the Beckhams at Victoria's 50th birthday bash on Saturday night (pictured departing Victoria's birthday bash)

MI:8 was supposed to hit cinemas this summer, but production had already been delayed due to the Hollywood writers' strike.

Production on the eighth film had originally halted so that the cast could promote Part One, and then the strike began causing further delays.

Scenes for the eighth installment have been shot across Derbyshire, Surrey and central London at landmarks including the Natural History Museum in Kensington and Westminster Bridge.
Emma Louise Connolly and her husband, Oliver Proudlock, have finally celebrated their marriage as they jetted off to the Caribbean's St Lucia for their honeymoon.

The influencer, 32, - who married the former Made In Chelsea star in December 2020, had to wait four years before going on the trip after 'covid stole it from them'.

Sharing an album of sizzling holiday snaps on Wednesday, Emma put on a busty display as she posed up a storm in a black halter-neck floral bikini top.

Flaunting her incredibly toned physique, she paired her stunning swimwear with a pair of khaki green cotton trousers and a simple gold coin necklace.

Clearly embracing honeymoon bliss, Emma also shared a sweet video of Oliver, 35, dancing around in red shorts on the beach.

Emma Louise Connolly and her husband, Oliver Proudlock, have finally celebrated their marriage as they jetted off to the Caribbean's St Lucia for their honeymoon

The influencer, 32, - who married the former Made In Chelsea star in December 2020, had to wait four years before going on the trip after 'covid stole it from them'

Emma also shared a cute four-photo collage of him pretending to sip a cocktail while lounging on a sunbed.

Just two days before posting the lovely moments to social media, Emma excitedly revealed that the love birds were jetting to the island for their long-overdue marriage celebration.

She shared a casual selfie with her husband in the airport as she shared a snap of them ready for duty-free shopping.

She captioned the post: 'Finally going on our honeymoon after covid stole it from us 4 years ago! A little bit of airport window shopping to drool over Chanel & Cartier (that ring though )

'Already missing our tiny cleaner who is living it up with Nanny & Boppy at home most probably eating lots of chocolate, having squillions of snuggles and watching lots of teletubbies. love you mum & dad!xxx'

Emma and Oliver announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden.

They then confirmed they secretly tied the knot during in a small church ceremony in Fulham, London, on December 15 2020, by sharing a series of stunning images from their big day on Instagram.

The model looked stunning in a bespoke Pronovias Atelier gown lace gown with a plunging white slip dress underneath, teamed with a flowing veil, as she said 'I do' to her reality star beau before celebrating with an intimate reception at The Ned.

Clearly embracing honeymoon bliss, Emma also shared a sweet video of Oliver, 35, dancing around in red shorts on the beach

Emma also shared a cute four-photo collage of him pretending to sip a cocktail while lounging on a sunbed

Just two days before posting the lovely moments to social media, Emma excitedly revealed that the love birds were jetting to the island for their long-overdue marriage celebration

The pair married at St Albans Church after previously cancelling three wedding dates due to the global crisis in accordance with government restrictions.

Oliver and Emma planned initially to host 200 guests at Cowdray Park, West Sussex, for a wedding in April 2020.

But their grand plans were reduced to just 15 people.

Their fourth attempt to tie the knot was almost thwarted when Boris Johnson announced plans to plunge London into Tier 4, meaning that all wedding receptions were banned, but Proudlock managed to pull together a last-minute wedding.

After revealing they were expecting their first child together in December 2021, Emma and Oliver welcomed their daughter, Bonnie Lou, in May 2022.

They have since spoken about their journey to getting pregnant, leaving Emma in tears.

The Made In Chelsea star and Emma appeared on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast Happy Mum, Happy Baby to talk about their first child.

When Giovanna asked them about their road to getting pregnant, Ollie candidly admitted that it had been 'tough'.

He said: 'It is so tough, and it is a miracle when it happens. But it is nice so many people talk about it now.'

He explained that he spoke to his mum about it and she had told him that in her day people didn't speak about it.

Emma and Oliver announced their engagement in August 2018 after Oliver got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Gothenburg, Sweden

After revealing they were expecting their first child together in December 2021, Emma and Oliver welcomed their daughter, Bonnie Lou, in May 2022

They then confirmed they secretly tied the knot during in a small church ceremony in Fulham, London, on December 15 2020, by sharing a series of stunning images from their big day on Instagram

Ollie added: 'To have some support and be able to talk about it, I think is so important. The sense of community in talking about it and hearing people's stories and realising what a miracle it is.'

'Everyone has some kind of story. It's very rare to get pregnant first time. Women are so incredible, what you guys go through, unbelievable'.

Emma got emotional and became very teary listening to her husband talk about their journey.

Ollie comforted her and added: 'We're very emotional in this household, because there's so much love up in here!'
By Park Jae-hyuk

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Philly Shipyard agreed to cooperate in the U.S. naval ship market, the HD Hyundai subsidiary said Wednesday, months after the Korean shipbuilders chief rival, Hanwha Ocean, indicated its intention to acquire the Philadelphian shipyard.

The agreement was signed at Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania, April 12 (local time), while HD HHI officials were in the U.S. to attend the Sea Air Space 2024 maritime defense expo in Maryland.

HD Hyundai has already been supplying designs and materials for commercial vessels to Philly since 2005.

Under their latest agreement, the Korean firm seeks to supply designs and materials for naval and public vessels built and maintained by the Philadelphian shipyard for the U.S. government.

We will expand our presence in the global defense industry through our cooperation with the U.S. firm in construction, maintenance, repair and overhaul of naval and public vessels, said Joo Won-ho, head of HD HHIs naval and special ship business unit.

HD Hyundai said its officials had a chance to look around Phillys shipbuilding sites, so that both companies could share their technologies for the construction and maintenance of warships.

Philly Shipyard and HD HHI have a long and gratifying history of working together, and we are honored by the idea of future cooperation on opportunities for U.S. government and commercial shipbuilding projects, Philly Shipyard CEO Steinar Nerbovik said.

As a subsidiary of Norwegian energy firm Aker, Philly Shipyard was founded in 1997 on part of the site of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

Because the U.S. Jones Act prohibits any foreign-built, foreign-owned or foreign-flagged vessels from engaging in coastwise trade within the U.S., Hanwha Ocean has been considering buying Philly Shipyard, amid its intensifying competition with HD HHI in the global naval ship market.

Last year, the Hanwha subsidiary reportedly sent its officials to the Philadelphia shipyard. Hanwha Oceans establishment of its U.S. holding company late last year was also seen as a preparatory step to take over the shipyard.

In February, the Korean company confirmed it had considered acquiring Philly Shipyard.

Securities analysts have also kept a close watch on Hanwha Oceans efforts to acquire Philly Shipyard and Australias Austal, which has supplied naval ships to the navies of the U.S. and Australia.

Hanwha Oceans special ship business will gain momentum, thanks to its anticipated expansion in the global warship construction and maintenance markets through its acquisition of a U.S. shipyard, SK Securities analyst Han Seung-han said in a report published earlier this month.
Shailene Woodley spoke with climate activists Wednesday at the Time 100 Summit panel in New York City.

The focus of the discussion was on clean energy and how a shift to that could also benefit poorer communities.

The star wore a crisp white shirt and black leather slacks with matching boots and her hair down.

Woodley is an actor and environmental activist.

She has worked with Greenpeaceand joined a yearlong expedition on the Esperanza ship in 2019 to research the impact of plastics and microplastics on marine lifeand advocates for climate solutions.

Robert D. Bullard, professor and director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Policy at Texas Southern University, shared his thoughts with the star.

Shailene Woodley spoke with climate activists Wednesday at the Time 100 Summit panel in New York City

The star wore a crisp white shirt and dark slacks with her hair down. Woodley is an actor and environmental activist

Robert D. Bullard (right), professor and director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Policy at Texas Southern University, shared his thoughts with the star

He said poorer communities bear the brunt of health costs and problems associated with facilities that generate pollution but enjoy few of the economic benefits, such as jobs.

Theres no economic renaissance along the fenceline in Louisianas cancer alley or Houstons chemical quarter. Those communities that historically have been left out, their voices have not been in the room when decisions are being made about policy, Bullard said in the Time piece.

Christiana Figueres, co-host of the Outrage+Optimism Podcast, spoke of her time at the United Nations working on climate change issues and urged the international community to invest in clean, renewable energy. And cited recent heat waves in Africa as a toll climate change takes on the world.

'What recourse do these people have? (Women) are tilling land that is everyday more arid, more dry and less fertileWe still do not have the support for people who have not caused climate changethat to me is one of the main injustices.' Figueres said.

The actress has long been an advocate for the environment and has been involved in several organizations that promote clean and renewable energy and other means of protecting and preserving the natural world.

This is not the first time the Ferrari actress has partnered with Time. She wrote a piece for the magazine detailing her arrest experience during the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

She was arrested for criminal trespassing during a livestream on Facebook. She posted bail for the 26 other protesters she was arrested with.

Her arrest mugshot went viral and helped spread awareness about the protests to a wider audience.

The focus of the discussion was on clean energy and how a shift to that could also benefit poorer communities

The star later sponsored Indigenized Energy, a nonprofit founded by another anti-DAPL activist, Cody Two Bears. The organization helps bring renewable energy to Native American communities and create jobs there.

Woodley also became a board member of Our Revolution, a political action organization that grew out of Senator Bernie Sanders's 2016 Presidential campaign.

She was one of the speakers at a National Town Hall the organization hosted in 2018 titled Solving Our Climate Crisis.

The celebrity wrote an op-ed piece on clean and renewable energy for The Hill in 2017 titled US Should Run on Renewable Energy by 2050. She introduced a bill sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley that called for the U.S. to reach 100% clean and renewable power by 2050.

The actress is also an Oceans Ambassador for Greenpeace and wrote a piece for Time called How I'm Changing My Life to Help Save the Seas that discussed her experience spending three weeks in the Sargasso Sea as part of a study on the impact of plastics on sea life.

That study played a role in the adoption of the United Nations Ocean Treaty in 2023, which aims to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030.

She has worked with Greenpeaceand joined a yearlong expedition on the Esperanza ship in 2019 to research the impact of plastics and microplastics on marine lifeand advocates for climate solutions

Woodley, Bullard, and Christiana Figueres

The actress and environmental advocate held a cup of coffee as she headed to the Time 100 Summit in Midtown

She is also a member of Conservation Internationals Leadership Council and did voiceover work for their Nature Is Speaking Series.

According to the Time article, the purpose of the event is spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world.

Speakers at the event were drawn from a number of disciplines including science, health, business, the arts and more. Some speakers included Jane Fonda, John Kerry, Elliot Page, Margaret Atwood and Aja Wilson.
The finale of Friends is about to turn 20-years-old.

The last episode of the hit TV series ended on May 6, 2004 and had over 50m viewers.

The show starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry.

But it is an awkward time for the cast as Perry died last year at the age of 54.

So the stars are trying to decide how to best celebrate the end of the iconic series, a source told UsWeekly.

'The former costars are figuring out how to appropriately mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the finale,' it was shared.

The finale of Friends is about to turn 20-years-old. The last episode of the hit TV series ended on May 6, 2004 and had over 50m viewers; seen during season six

Aniston, who was heartbroken from Matthew Perry's death, seen in February

'They will most certainly be commemorating it somehow,' continued the source, noting that Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc and Schwimmer will likely post something on social media.

'The prospect of having a reunion or a formal get-together without Matthew is bittersweet. There will be a huge void,' said the source in the latest issue of Us Weekly.

'[But] they know Matthew would've wanted them to carry on and celebrate the show. So that's very much on their minds as they move forward.'

The pals chat often: 'They talk via group chats as well as one-on-ones,' said the source. 'Jen and Courteney are in constant contact, and they're both close with Lisa too.'

The actors posted tributes on Instagram after Perry's passing.

'Oh boy, this one has cut deep. [Perry] was such a part of our DNA. We were always the 6 of us,' wrote Aniston.

'She was in pieces for months,' noted the source. 'Even now it's something she finds difficult to reconcile.'

Cox said she missed Perry 'every day.'

Kudrow and Schwimmer thanked him for years of laughter, and LeBlanc said it was an 'honor' to call Perry his friend.

The show - starred Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Perry - is still doing well on streamers

It is an awkward time for the cast as Perry died last year at the age of 54. So the stars are trying to decide how to best celebrate the end of the iconic series, a source told UsWeekly

'I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never,' he added. 'Spread your wings and fly brother, you're finally free.'

The 30th anniversary of the show's 1994 debut will take place in September.)

Perry's castmates are proud of the legacy he left behind on screen and off. 'They're committed to upholding Matthew's values and spreading his message,' says the source. 'So while they miss him terribly, they take comfort in knowing they got to share so much of their lives with such a special human being.'
Drake has sparked the outrage of Tupac's estate after he used AI to recreate the late rapper's voice in his new Kendrick Lamar diss track, Taylor Made Freestyle.

The rapper, 37, used artificial intelligence to clone both Tupac and Snoop Dogg's voices in his second diss track against Lamar - and now the late rapper's estate has sent Drake a cease and desist letter seeking the removal of the song, according to Rolling Stone.

Sent by attorney Howard King, the letter gave Drake 24 hours to take the track down - or else they would pursue legal action against him.

The artificial intelligence usage was branded a 'flagrant violation of Tupacs publicity and the estates legal rights' and 'blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.'

The letter claimed the estate 'would have never' approved of the AI recreation of Tupac.

Drake has sparked the outrage of Tupac's estate after he used AI to recreate the late rapper's voice in his new Kendrick Lamar diss track, Taylor Made Freestyle

The song uses artificial intelligence to recreate both Tupac and Snoop Dogg's voices; Tupac pictured in 1996

The song was released by Drake on Friday but was dropped via a video on social media, and not on streaming services.

Had it been released on streaming services, it could have garnered royalties.

Despite this, the legal letter noted the track still garnered plenty of publicity and listens.

Further causing infuriation was the fact the song was a diss track against 'good friend to the Estate' Kendrick Lamar.

'The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupacs voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult,' the letter stated.

'It is hard to believe that [Tupacs record label]s intellectual property was not scraped to create the fake Tupac AI on the Record,' the letter continues.

King also insists Drake provide an explanation for 'how the sound-alike was created and the persons or company that created it, including all recordings and other data "scraped" or used.'

The letter also noted the song may have violated publicity rights laws, stipulations that 'allow for the protection of a person's likeness,' writes Rolling Stone.

The song was released by Drake on Friday but was dropped via a video on social media, and not on streaming services; Drake pictured 2022

Yet, the outlet notes the laws generally protect against the improper use of someone's likeness and not so much any AI issues.

In making his point that the song violated California's publicity rights law, King stated the track gives the 'false impression that the estate and Tupac promote or endorse the lyrics for the sound-alike.'

Drake's past attempts to stop others from wrongfully using his likeness in the past were also raised in the letter, which included the 2023 song that also used AI to recreate his voice, Heart on My Sleeve.

The letter claimed the estate 'would have never' approved of the AI recreation of Tupac; the late rapper pictured

The song is Drake's second diss track against Lamar and was dropped on Instagram last week.

'Taylor Made Freestyle,' he captioned the post, adding: 'While we wait on you I guess.'

Snoop reacted to the track in humorous fashion on Instagram, stating to the camera: 'They did what? When? How? Are you sure? Y'all have a good night.

'Why everybody calling my phone, blowing me up? What the f**k? What happened? What's going on? I'm going back to bed. Good night.'
Tiffany Haddish hasn't had alcohol in since her November 24, 2023 arrest in LA after cops found her asleep in her car in a Beverly Hills intersection - which marked her second DUI arrest after she got one in George in January 2022.

'I'm very sober. I haven't had a drink since [the incident in November 2023]. When I sit back and look at my life, everything that's crazy that's happened is because somebody or myself had alcohol in their system, she told People.

The actress, 44, is also celibate - revealing that she cut out sex around the same time she cut out alcohol.

Tiffany also said because she stopped drinking alcohol, it helped her also deal with another issue - how she would always deal with people 'you don't need to be dealing with.'

Adding: 'My issue was, I was waking up next to ugly men.'

Tiffany Haddish hasn't had alcohol in since her November 24, 2023 arrest in LA after cops found her asleep in her car in a Beverly Hills intersection - which marked her second DUI arrest after she got one in George in January 2022; seen March 10, 2014

'I'm very sober. I haven't had a drink since [the incident in November 2023]. When I sit back and look at my life, everything that's crazy that's happened is because somebody or myself had alcohol in their system, she told People; seen April 7, 2024

The star's memoir I Curse You With Joy, is set to release on May 7.

She released her first book The Last Black Unicorn in 2017.

[Alcohol and sex] went together. With alcohol, [my mind] would just be like "You're horny, let's just do it,"' she said.

Now that she's sober, Tiffany told the outlet she tells herself: '"Nah, nope."'

She however also said that she's been 'dating multiple guys' and that they all know about each other, and that her abstinence isn't something that's set in stone.

Tiffany revealed that she now feels genuinely happy, noting that her sobriety and celibacy has eliminated 'a lot of people' from her life.

The star said after her second DUI arrests, 'my world fell apart.'

'I've learned to take tomatoes being thrown at me and turn them into tomato sauce. And I'm going to make some spaghetti,' she said.

The actress, 44, is also celibate - revealing that she cut out sex around the same time as she cut out alcohol; pictured April 21

The star said after her second DUI arrests, 'my world fell apart;' seen March 10

The star noted that she wanted to live life a little more and 'get a better understanding' of where she is now, before writing her book.

In January 2022, Tiffany was arrest in Georgia for a DUI after she fell asleep at the wheel - and then again in November 2023 in Beverly Hills after she also fell asleep at the wheel.

Her January 2022 arrest came one month after she lost her beloved dog, her grandmother who had raised her, and her two close friends Bob Saget and Carl Craig.

Tiffany previously dated Common and Reggie Watts and was married to William Stewart.
Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that her children have to break down internet memes for her because she does not understand the concept of their jokes.

The mother-of-two - who recently put on a hot look for the Cultured shoot - told the outlet that she has a hard time putting together most internet memes and reaches out to her son Moses, 18, and daughter Apple, 19 for help.

'This one meme, "I'm baby,"' she said of a meme in question, 'I'm like, "What the f---? What does that mean?" And then everyone tries to explain what "I'm baby" means. I finally got it.'

The 51-year-old Iron Man star added that she is getting more savvy online and is grateful her teenagers keep her in the loop.

When asked how she will manage the internet when her kids go off to college she said, 'Luckily, I talk to my daughter multiple times a day, and Im sure when Moses goes it will be the same.'

Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that her children apple and Moses have to break down internet memes for her because she does not understand the concept of their jokes

When asked how she will manage the internet when her kids go off to college she said, 'Luckily, I talk to my daughter multiple times a day, and Im sure when Moses goes it will be the same'

'But in the meantime, until September, I have my son here to explain to me what all these things that pop up are,' she went on.

'In the fall, Brad [Falchuk] and I have boys that will be going off to university,' the movie star said of her and her new husband's children. 'It'll be interesting to see how the morning routine changes with no kids in the house.'

Still, she says she will miss having them around and coming to her internet rescue.

'On the one hand, incredible sadness. A deep sense of impending grief,' she admitted. 'On the other hand, this is exactly what should be happening.

'Your kids are supposed to be, you know, young adults who can achieve and cope and make connections and be resilient. That's exactly what you want. And that means they leave the house.'

Paltrow shares Moses and Apple with ex-husband Chris Martin from Coldplay.

The pair said 'I do' in 2003 before ending their marriage in 2016.

The Los Angeles native told British Vogue, 'We just didn't quite fit together. But man, did we love our children.

'Between the day that I knew and the day we finally relented to the truth, we tried everything. We did not want to fail. We didn't want to let anyone down. We desperately didn't want to hurt our children. We didn't want to lose our family.'

In 2018, Gwyneth married screenwriter Brad Falchuk after hitting it off on the set of Glee.

When asked if she felt free of the male gaze post divorce, the actress said in an interview: 'I love my husband so much, so thats really shifted things for me.

'I probably dont walk into a room the way I used to walk into a room because of that. I feel really lucky. Hes a great guy, and hes my best friend.'

The actress takes being a mom seriously as she told TODAY that she missed out on some big roles as she prioritized her kids, who she shared with ex-husband Chris.

'There were a lot,' Paltrow admitted.

'I mean its funny because it didnt feel like a sacrifice to me at the time, but if I look back at it through a cultural lens, I think like, wow, if people know that I didnt do this movie or that movie, theyd be quite shocked,' she said.

Paltrow shares Mosesand Apple with ex-husband Chris Martin from Coldplay

The Los Angeles native told British Vogue of her ex-husband , 'We just didn't quite fit together but man, did we love our children'

Gwyneth launched her own wellness and lifestyle brand Goop in 2008.

The company started as a weekly health newsletter which she wrote while she lived in London with her family.

She took the title of CEO in 2016 and promotes the brand frequently on social media.
Walmart is yet to announce plans to remove machines from additional locations

As part of a broader trend, retailers are ditching self-checkout to minimize theft

Walmart is continuing to remove self-checkout machines from its stores in what it claims is an effort to improve the 'in-store experience' for customers.

In two stores - in Shrewsbury, Missouri, and Cleveland, Ohio - the retailer said it would replace kiosks with staffed checkout lanes which will 'give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service.'

In reality, many stores are ditching self-checkout kiosks because they are especially vulnerable to theft, an issue which retailers claim in recent years have been plaguing their businesses and forcing them to shut locations altogether.

'Most of the rollback of self-checkouts is due to retailer concerns over theft,' Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told DailyMail.com.

The U-turn of the world's largest retailer may serve as a landmark moment in what appears to have been a failed self-checkout experiment that lasted years.

Some of the largest retailers have taken steps this year to reverse the failed self-checkout experiment. The machines were designed to cut labor costs but caused increased theft

In two stores, in Missouri and Ohio, Walmart will replace self-checkout machines entirely with 'traditional' staffed lanes, as pictured

Encouraging customers to scan and pay for items themselves was initially presented as a way to reduce lines and improve efficiency, but was driven by retailers wanting to cut down on labor costs.

But, it backfired. 'Theft rates at self-checkouts are reasonably high both because of deliberate actions and accidental mistakes. Forcing more customers to used manned checkouts resolves a lot of these issues and saves retailers money,' added Saunders.

Poll Do you prefer self-checkout machines or staffed lanes? Self-checkout 'Traditional' lane Do you prefer self-checkout machines or staffed lanes? Self-checkout 954 votes

'Traditional' lane 1709 votes Now share your opinion





Not only that, many customers hated them. A study recently found that self-checkout devices in stores were making shoppers less loyal to particular stores.

Researchers from Drexel University in Pennsylvania found the perceived ease of checkout and a sense of being left to do it all themselves irritated customers.

Walmart would not say whether it was going to continue removing self-checkout machines from its more than 4,500 locations, but did not 'currently' have any announcements.

'We've decided to remove self-checkout lanes and replace them with staffed lanes at select locations,' a spokesperson for Walmart told DailyMail.com.

'The decision was based on several factors, including feedback from associates and customers, shopping patterns and business needs in the area,' they added.

Self-checkout lanes are more vulnerable to customer errors while scanning or weighing items.

Some produce - such as fruit, meat and freshly baked goods - do not have barcodes and need to be manually entered into the system. Customers can either intentionally or accidentally key in a cheaper product code creating losses for stores.

It comes after three stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico, did the same thing last year, the Albuquerque Journal reported at the time.

Self-checkout lanes are especially vulnerable to theft, since people are often trusted to pay for the correct items

Target is deploying new scanners to combat theft at its self-checkout machines, which will roll out to all stores by the end of the year

Kroger recently added traditional checkout lanes at a store in Texas where it had previously been offering only self-checkout machines

And a whole host of other retailers are making similar moves, Dollar General is also taking the lanes away altogether.

It was recently revealed that Target was limiting customers to 10 items when using self-checkout machines.

And Missouri-based retailer Schnucks also similarly said it would impose a 10-item cap on machines.

It was also recently reported that Target was introducing sensors to detect thieving. Its new system, called TruScan, uses cameras and sensors to detect items that shoppers fail to scan and will notify them with audio and visual cues.

'Most of the rollback of self-checkouts is due to retailer concerns over theft,' said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData

But the secretive technology - known as TruScan - is different to simply having CCTV cameras trained on the area that security staff watch. Instead, it is thought to use computers powered by artificial intelligence to monitor shoppers as they scan items.

Target started rolling out the cameras several months ago and will equip all stores in the US with them by the end of the year.

Last month, Dollar General announced it was pulling self-checkout stands entirely from 300 of its stores with the highest level of shoplifting and improperly scanned items.

In 9,000 other locations it said it is converting some of its self-checkout registers to regular cashier checkouts, and limiting self-checkout purchases to five items or less in a further 4,500 stores.

The company said the changes would help reduce 'shrink'. This is the retail industry jargon for merchandise losses due to theft, damaged items and administrative errors.

'We believe these actions have the potential to have a material and positive impact on shrink,' Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos told analysts.

Kroger also added traditional checkout lanes at a store in Texas where it had previously been offering only self-checkout machines, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Meanwhile, Costco started placing additional staff in self-checkout areas to supervise shoppers and ensure all items wee being scanned correctly, as well as to ensure membership cards were not being shared.

Target has underwear and socks behind lock and key in two stores in California

Products are locked behind a screen as a person shops at a Target store in Harlem in New York City in September 2023

Other measures stores have taken to mitigate theft include locking up items behinds plastic screens.

While items behind lock and key have typically been expensive electronics and toiletries, this year it was reported that Walmart and Target had begun locking up underwear and socks.

Shoppers at the stores in the Bay Area of California reacted with surprise at the move by two of America's biggest stores.

'It comes to the point of how ghetto does it look that they have to lock up the socks or whatever it is that they have under the key,' shopper Olga Leon told NBC Bay Area.

The station reported that one customer wanting to buy boxer shorts waited ten minutes for a staff member to come and unlock the case containing them.

Chains like Walgreens, Duane Reade and CVS are known to lock pricier toiletries in plastic cages.

Seven in ten retailers think organized shoplifting has been more common in recent years, a survey by the National Retail Federation found.
At the end of an intense battle between the House of Lords and the House of Commons, the British Parliament approved the Safety of Rwanda bill on the night of Monday to Tuesday, April 23, paving the way for the expulsion to this East African country of asylum seekers who arrived illegally in the United Kingdom.

Backed by a new treaty between London and Kigali which provides for the payment of substantial sums to Rwanda in exchange for the reception of asylum seekers, the text aims to respond to the conclusions of the Supreme Court, which ruled in November on illegal initial project.

Its many detractors consider the bill contrary to international law, impossible to implement, immoral, complicated and expensive. Several appeals have been filed in court.

Concluded in April 2022, when former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in office, the partnership with Kigali plans to expel foreigners who arrived illegally or by dangerous or unnecessary means from safe countries to Rwanda. after January 1, 2022, regardless of their origin.

The examination of asylum applications is entrusted to Kigali. If approved, applicants will be allowed to stay in Rwanda. Otherwise, they can ask to settle there for other reasons, or request another safe third country. Whatever the outcome of this review, applicants have no option of returning to the United Kingdom. This is a complete delegation of responsibilities from the UK in relation to the review of applications.

The conservative government of Boris Johnson, at the origin of the initiative, considered it necessary to find new brakes on the increase in asylum requests and illegal arrivals. The project aimed to dissuade foreigners from crossing the Channel at the risk of their lives to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.

More than 45,000 people made the crossing in 2022, which was unprecedented. The figure returned to 30,000 the following year, but a further increase of 20% has been recorded since the start of 2024, with more than 6,200 arrivals, according to the Agence France-Presse count. According to a parliamentary report, more than 67,000 asylum applications were submitted in 2023.

The fight against illegal immigration was at the heart of the Brexit debate in 2016, and, like his Conservative predecessors, the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, made it one of his priorities when he arrived at Downing Street in October 2022. The Tories are counting on the text to reverse the electoral balance of power before the legislative elections which could take place in the fall. Labor currently has a 20-point lead in voting intentions.

Under the agreement reached with Kigali in April 2022, a first flight was scheduled to take off for Rwanda in June 2022, but the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ordered its cancellation at the very last minute. Rishi Sunak promised on Monday to start sending asylum seekers there within ten to twelve weeks, that is to say in July.

According to the BBC, 52,000 asylum seekers could be affected. The head of government did not provide a figure, but promised that there would be several flights per month during the summer and thereafter. Planes have already been reserved and flights scheduled, he added. Five hundred people will be responsible for escorting the deportees to the planes.

In mid-November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled the bill illegal. The highest court ruled that foreigners sent to Rwanda risked being deported back to their country of origin, where their security cannot be guaranteed, which contravenes Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. man on torture and inhuman treatment, to which the United Kingdom is a signatory.

Determined to see the project through, the government presented a new version that defines Rwanda as a safe country and, under a new bilateral treaty signed in December, prevents the return of foreigners expelled there to their country original. The text also forces judicial authorities to ignore certain provisions of British law relating to respect for human rights in order to limit recourse, and frees the government from injunctions from the ECHR.

The right wing of the Conservative Party wanted the government to simply withdraw from several international treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights, to prevent appeals. The House of Lords, where the Conservatives do not have a majority, delayed the final adoption of the text by constantly sending it back to the House of Commons with amendments, which were in turn systematically rejected by the deputies. The Lords, who are not elected, finally bowed to the will of the House of Commons designated by universal suffrage, and decided not to amend the text any further, which allowed its adoption.

With the new version of the text, which recognizes Rwanda as a safe country in terms of asylum, the government intends to limit legal recourse. He nevertheless expects numerous legal challenges, which could in particular be deemed admissible for personal reasons, such as health or sexual orientation.

Rishi Sunak ensures he is ready: according to him, 150 judges and 25 courts have been identified to examine these appeals urgently.

In its November 2023 ruling, the British Supreme Court expressed deep concerns about the respect for human rights and treatment of refugees by Rwandan authorities. The judges, who ruled unanimously against the bill, further point out that the British government in 2021 called on Kigali to conduct transparent, credible and independent investigations into allegations of extrajudicial executions, deaths in detention, enforced disappearances and torture. They also recall that in 2018, Rwandan police opened fire on refugees who were demonstrating, causing the death of twelve people.

Given that Rwanda has ratified numerous international human rights conventions, including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, this raises concerns serious questions about compliance with its international obligations, they add.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has also repeatedly expressed concerns about respect for the right to asylum in Rwanda.

Although no expulsions have yet taken place, the UK has already paid 220 million pounds (256 million euros) to Rwanda. London has also agreed to allocate an additional 150 million pounds over the next three years and 120 million once the first three hundred asylum seekers have been sent there, according to the National Audit Office. To this total are added an additional 20,000 pounds per person expelled and 150,874 for the costs of processing each case.

The British text has sparked strong criticism, particularly at the United Nations (UN), whose High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, believes that it goes against the fundamental principles of human rights. The UN special rapporteurs on human trafficking, migrants rights and torture on Monday warned airlines and authorities that facilitate affected flights that they may be complicit in a violation of guaranteed human rights at an international level .

For its part, the Council of Europe asked London to reconsider its project. I have serious human rights concerns about the UKs Rwanda Bill. Its adoption by the British Parliament raises major questions about the rights of asylum seekers and the rule of law, writes Michael OFlaherty, the Council of Europes commissioner for human rights, in a communicated.

Many human rights movements, such as Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch, were also outraged.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the legacy of Jyotirao Phule, a pioneer in social reform, resonates deeply

India has had a rich treasure of social reformers who contributed immensely to bringing about change in the lives of the people, especially the subaltern class. Jyotirao Phule is one of them who was born in Maharashtra on 11th April and is remembered as a social reformer, author and activist. Though he was born in the 19th century his ideas are still relevant in the 21st century. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly to bring change in the lives of deprived groups, especially women, Shudras and Dalits. He was a visionary par excellence who realised very early that for a nation to progress, the marginalised groups need to be given due recognition.

As Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated, it is high time to take a pause and introspect as to what initiative has been undertaken to realise the dream of reformers like Phule. In recent years, the Government has initiated a series of welfare measures like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Balika Samridhhi Yojana, Sarva Shikha Abhiyan etc. and a series of direct benefit transfer schemes meant for the poorer segment of the population. These schemes are the furtherance of Phules ideas as he visualised long back that these groups/ communities needed to be made self-reliant.

He cudgelled his brain to find the solution to remove the inequalities based on caste, class, gender and religion from society. He understood very early in life that People were kept in the dark and they had been dragged into following the vacuous customs and norms without adequate understanding. He envisioned the furtherance of everyones rights through social empowerment.

Phules philosophy was conceptualised against the backdrop of the polity and society in pre-colonial Maharashtra, which was in a deteriorated state. His critique of the Brahminic religion, scriptures and theories, the founding of Satyashodhak Samaj (truth-seeking society) for the upliftment of the downtrodden to the new moral community and his radical writings which pioneered a reformation movement in Hindu society deserve special attention. He gave the people a voice and a vehicle by establishing the Satyashodhak Samaj which was the first of its kind for social empowerment. It promoted caste equality and was devoted to securing social justice and human rights of low-caste people. Throughout his life, he fought to emancipate women from the clutches of rigid patriarchal order and found education as a tool to address such evils. He rejected the system of regressive hierarchy which engineered divisions and schism among the oppressed Hindus.

Undoubtedly, the action against all age  long traditions was the result of the hard work, grit, determination and tenacity of Phule. Phules dour expression and laconic persona had a long-lasting effect on peoples minds. It is palpable that Phule in his writings had discussed the eclectic range of ideas and concerns about the socio-cultural milieu additionally, giving the solution of establishing an alternative model of Hindu Social order, which was earlier brimmed with hierarchies and pluralities

He engineered the strategy to free society from myriad inequalities, with elan and consequentially, influencing the upcoming reformers in the offing. Phule revamped the traditional family and marriage system and refuted the hackneyed views on the prescribed typecast roles of man and woman. He supported contract marriage as for him; marriage is not a holy sacrament but a holy contract. Additionally, he also rejected the priesthood system. He was far ahead of his time as he opened an orphanage for helpless widows who got pregnant. He left an indelible impression in the field of womens education as he found it a remedial whipcord for nauseating wrong done to the women.

He insisted on compulsory and free primary education and persuaded the British Government to make education compulsory till the age of 12 years. He was also the pioneer of the language formula in schools which was ultimately adopted by the Indian Government after independence. He opined that mother tongue (local language); Hindi and English were the three languages that every person should know.

He also suggested that schools should provide education based on vocational skills. He believed that such a course would attract students and help them in gaining employment.

To maintain the high quality of education, he thought that the curriculum of primary education should meet the needs and requirements of society. The same is also emphasised in the New Education Policy, 2020. Even the United Nations has advocated inclusive, equitable and quality education which Phule emphasised long back.

His ideas and thoughts will remain relevant in the 21st century as he always believed in establishing an egalitarian social order which is the core of any substantive democracy.

The same is being emphasised by the Government through its various welfare policies. It would be a befitting tribute to him if his ideas of inclusion of those who are at the periphery like women; and marginalised groups were given adequate attention. As seats are reserved for women from Panchayat to Loksabha still they are lagging far behind men in terms of their representation. To put it succinctly, it can be said that mainstreaming the periphery should be the motto of Government and by doing so it can fulfill the dream of Mahatma Phule.

Phules establishment of the Satyashodhak Samaj provided a platform for social empowerment and caste equality.

His advocacy for womens education and rejection of regressive customs reshaped societal norms. Phules foresight extended to educational reforms, advocating for vocational training and multilingual education, ideas that resonate with modern policies like the New Education Policy, 2020. In todays pursuit of an egalitarian society, Phules principles remain indispensable. Prioritising the inclusion of marginalised groups, especially women, aligns with his vision of social justice. As we honor Phules legacy, let us commit to mainstreaming the periphery, ensuring that every citizens voice is heard and valued. In doing so, we honor the spirit of Mahatma Phule and pave the way for a truly inclusive society.

(The writer is Assistant Professor in Department of History Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University; views are personal)
Carmaker capable of producing vehicles flexibly in response to consumer demand

By Lee Min-hyung

PYEONGTAEK, Gyeonggi Province  KG Mobility's much-touted new assembly line that can produce both internal combustion and electric vehicles shows the direction the company is pursuing on the production side, as both remain popular at the current stage of the industry's paradigm shift.

In December, the carmaker completed the integration of the formerly assembly lines 2 and 3 at its Pyeongtaek factory and launched hybrid assembly line 3 for both gasoline and electric vehicles with monocoque chassis and body-on-frame cars.

The integrated production line  located in the industrial area of the city, about 65 kilometers south of Seoul  is now manufacturing KG Mobility's flagship SUVs, such as the Torres EVX and the Rexton.

The carmaker spent 50 billion won ($36.5 million) for the renovation of the facility.

During a recent press visit to the renovated production line, diverse vehicles from KG Mboility's SUV lineup, including the two aforementioned models, were lined up for assembly on a conveyor belt.

However, only a few mechanics and workers were seen checking and assembling parts of the KG vehicles, as automated robots and assembly machines have replaced tasks previously done by human labor.

The hybrid production system with humans and robots maximizes operational efficiency for the carmaker while increasing its profitability at a time when it has been only a few years since the company achieved a turnaround.

The Torres EVX is a particularly strategic model for the carmaker, which aims to establish its identity as an SUV powerhouse in the upcoming EV era. The firm's two assembly lines are both capable of building the model.

"We mainly produce the Torres EVX at our assembly line 1, and line 3 also backs up the production for the vehicle," Park Jang-ho, head of production and executive vice president at KG Mobility, told reporters Tuesday. "After we started operation of the renovated assembly line 3, we have been able to maximize production efficiency and respond flexibly to customers' demands."

The carmaker has introduced a set of the latest equipment for the assembly line, such as a battery mounting automation system, for more efficient production of its Torres EVX.

The firm's sales are on the gradual rise after KG Group acquired the formerly cash-strapped SsangYong Motor in 2022, the company said. The rebranded carmaker chalked up 116,000 vehicle sales here and abroad in 2023, up 1.9 percent from the previous year.

KG Mobility's earnings are also on track for a stable recovery after suffering years of deficits.

The company generated an operating profit of 15.1 billion in the first quarter of this year, up 61.1 percent from the previous year, on export growth driven by robust sales of its strategic Torres EVX SUV.

Its net profit came in at 53.9 billion won, up 226.1 percent during the same period.

Of particular note was its export growth. The firm's export between January and March soared by 39.2 percent from a year earlier, the largest quarterly figure in a decade since the first quarter of 2014.

The executive added a swift decision-making process from top management enabled the carmaker to normalize financial soundness, after KG Group acquired it.

"We had a tough time making decisions quickly while we were owned by foreign capital," Park said. "This is not the case anymore."

He added, "We conduct weekly meetings with top management and carry out tasks immediately after we make any certain decisions during the meetings."
Amidst the legal wrangling, a deeper narrative emerges, one of contested ownership, religious desecration and the enduring scars of history

The legal hearings, whether in the court at Varanasi or the Supreme Court, over the past many months regarding the worship at Gyan Vapi, carry ethical interest. The statures of the lawyers of both sides in these courts appear to be comparable. It has occurred to neither lawyers nor laymen that one side argues in defence of their clients rights of worship; the puja in the tehekhana, whereas the opposing side also has argued that they have been the owners of the edifice in question. Also, it has not occurred to the judges, leaders and clients; in fact, no one else that the property is an acquisition by dacoity; i.e., loot in whatever sense. There was no mosque in that vicinity at all, until 17th century Mughal emperor Aurangzeb via a firman (a royal decree) had the Kashi Vishwanath Temple destroyed, except for the western side, which still unmistakably bears the evidence of the structure being originally a temple, in the form of its carved walls.

The fervent followers of the Mughal emperor are not embarrassed that the Hindu devotees of Kashi Viswanath since the mid-17th century and even in independent India, have to worship in a small temple, because of lack of any more space. For over three centuries then, an illegitimate structure stands, welcoming the followers of Aurangzebs bigoted ideology. The judges in this case should soon begin trials. It should be declared that this is a trial over a place of worship that was robbed and desecrated, not a dispute between two equals. The law of adverse possession cannot apply here.

The Europeans should clearly understand that this spirit of Mohammedanism is unchangeable and that, if by any mischance, India should again come into the possession of men of this creed, all the churches and colleges and all the Mission institutions, would not be worth a weeks purchase. So wrote Reverend Mathew Atmore Sherring, an English official. The Muslims did not harm the Christians of British India. But he was so upset at the vandalism he saw in Banaras that he could not help speaking out.

Reverend Sherring was a devout, maybe slightly bigoted evangelist member of the London Missionary Society, dead against idol worship. And yet he said it would not be difficult to find twenty temples in all Banaras of the age of Aurangzeb (l658-1707). This is the case throughout the whole of northern India.

His description of the desecration of temples by the thousand and their blatant conversion into mosques, mausoleums, dargahs, palaces or pleasure houses has to be seen to be believed. In his view, if there is one thing about the Mohammedan period that Hindus remember better than another, it is the insulting pride of the Musalmans (sic), the outrages that they perpetrated upon Hindu religious convictions and the extensive spoliation of their temples and shrines. When we endeavour to ascertain what the Mohammedans have left to the Hindus of their ancient buildings in Banaras, we are startled at the result of our investigations. Although the city is bestrewn with temples, it is unlikely that there are many which are old.

Reverend Sherring continued, that the diminutive size of nearly all the temples in India  except for the south  that exist is another testimony to the stringency of the Mohammedan rule. It seems clear that Mughal emperors forbade the Hindus to build spacious temples and forced them to erect only small structures, of the size of cages, for their idols and those of no pretensions to beauty. The consequence is that the Hindus of the present day, blindly following the example of their predecessors of two centuries ago, commonly build their religious edifices of the same dwarfish size as formerly. These observations speak volumes about the trauma that the Hindu psyche has suffered as a result of the impact of Islam.

Sherring writes that just as Muslims yearn to visit Mecca and the Christians, Jerusalem, the Hindu heart goes out to Banaras. If the Hindus refer to any one city as their holiest, it is Banaras. Aurangzeb tried to change its name to Muhammadabad. The temple of Bisheswar, regarded as the god of all gods, was systematically demolished by Aurangzeb during the 17th century. The new temple was built at the behest of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar long after Aurangzebs desecration. As already explained, all the temples built during the Mohammedan rule in Banaras had to be diminutive in size. It transpires that the demolition of temples was inspired not only by a hatred for idolatry or greed for loot but also by a desire to humiliate the Hindus. Or, else, how does one explain that the masjid built by Aurangzeb is bang next to the Gyan Vapi or the well of knowledge?

Sherring has also referred to Al Baruni, an important source of Indian history of the medieval period. He came to India with Mahmud of Ghazni. Although Sherring casts doubts on Al Barunis contention, nevertheless, he mentions that Ghazni reached as far as Banaras during his ninth incursion into India. In 1194 AD, Shahabuddin, better known as Muhammad Ghori, after defeating the Kannaujian monarch, Jaichand, marched to Banaras where he is reported to have destroyed a thousand Hindu temples.

(The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha; views are personal)
The latest report from the V-Dem Institute categorises India as one of the worst autocracies globally, significantly undermining its democratic reputation

The Gothenburg-based V-Dem Institutes report on Democracy Report 2024 claims that India has been reduced to the status of an electoral autocracy in 2018 and has further downgraded to one of the worst autocracies. The report categorically found that almost all elements of democracy have worsened in more countries than improved and the report also singled out freedom of expression, fair elections and freedom of association/civil society as the three most affected elements of autocracy. There is ostensibly a clarion call for India to take on this global index based on arbitrary methods. The time has come to decolonise the democracy index and frame a domestic democracy index in the global area.

Suffice it to say, that this report based on faulty methods has shaken Indias sentiment. The dichotomy is quite apparent that India has been measured in a biased manner in the scale. The flawed methodology and nonchalant attitude of people who helm the global index have put India on a declining global index. The global criticism has allegedly hurt Indias sovereign ratings. The Indian Government publicly rejected this global democracy index, arguing that Delhi did not need the sermons. India has accused the rank and file of hypocrisy, calling them self-appointed guardians of the world who find it very difficult to stomach the fact that no one in India seeks their approval.

Democracy Index of the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) gives an overview of the State of democracy in 165 independent countries and two territories. This includes almost the entire world population and most of the worlds States (micro States are not counted). Rated on a scale of 0-10, the democracy index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism, Government activity, political participation, political culture and civil liberties. Based on the results of various indicators in these categories, each country is classified into one of four regime types- full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime or authoritarian regime. Note that since 2015, the EIU has observed a decline in democratic standards in India. While democracy can be subjective, the EIU Democracy Index is based on five key indicators - the electoral process and pluralism, the functioning of Government, political participation, political culture and civil liberties. It is criticised that this democracy index sent out faulty information to the entire world.

According to the EIU Democracy Index, Indias civil liberties score was lower than in 2014. Civil liberties are assessed by freedom of expression, freedom of speech, restrictions on the Internet, the independence of the judiciary of the State and the ability of citizens to address their complaints to citizens. The perceptions of human rights, perceptions of religious discrimination and whether the Government uses new risks and threats as an excuse to limit civil liberties. Since 2017, civil liberties scores have been in free fall. It was 7.35 in 2017 and 2018, then dropped to 6.76 in 2019 and bottomed out in 2020 at 5.59.

In 2021 and 2022, Indias civil liberties score was 6.18 and by 2023 it had fallen again to 5.88, the score of Ghana, Thailand, Ecuador and Guatemala, all of which have lower Democracy index scores than India.

While the civil liberties scores of developed countries have not improved over this period, Indias deterioration has meant that India no longer ranks above them in this parameter. Precisely, according to the report declining civil liberties have affected Indias democracy scores. As a result, the Indian Government decided to create its framework for democracy ratings after it was downgraded by international groups and indices. It contacted the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), one of Indias largest think tanks, which has partnered with the Government on several projects and initiatives.

According to the EIU Democracy Index, national elections will be held in 2024 in eight of the worlds ten most populous countries - Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia and the United States. There are no choices in half of them for free and there is no lack of justice and many other prerequisites of democracy, such as freedom of speech and association. Not surprisingly, elections in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Russia - where opposition forces are subject to State repression  do not lead to regime change or democracy. Elections in the United States, Brazil, India and Indonesia - all classified as flawed democracies  at least offer the possibility of change, although they are also likely to see incumbents or anointed followers win. The EIU Democracy Indexs position on Indias elections is problematic in terms of the methodology used in the study.

The World Happiness Report is a publication that contains articles based on respondents ratings of their own lives and national happiness ratings, which the report also correlates with various life (quality of) factors. In March 2024, Finland was declared the happiest country in the world seven times in a row. However, India is currently ranked 126 out of 146 countries with a happiness score of 4,054. India is lower in the happiness index than its neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and China. The decline in happiness levels is closely linked to Indias deepening mental health crisis, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, one can understand the situation in China. Then China can be ahead of India in terms of the happiness index.

In the report, experts from fields such as economics, psychology, survey analysis and national statistics discuss how well-being measures can effectively measure national progress and address other related topics. Each report is structured into chapters that address the issue, delving deeper into topics related to happiness such as mental health, the tangible benefits of happiness, the role of ethics, political implications and links to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) approach to measuring subjective well-being and other international and national initiatives.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) publishes a World Press Freedom Index every year. RSF is an international non-Governmental organisation whose mission is to protect and promote media freedom. It is headquartered in Paris and has consultative status with the United Nations. This annual World Press Freedom Index aims to compare the level of press freedom for journalists and the media in 180 countries and territories with the previous calendar year. The latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report says Indias ranking in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index has fallen to 161 out of 180 countries. In comparison, Pakistan fared better in terms of media freedom, ranking 150th, an improvement from 157th last year. In 2022, India was ranked 150th on the scale. However, the press freedom index of India seems manufactured or could be based on flawed methodology. The history of Pakistani journalism has been turbulent, with periods of relative openness interspersed with severe restrictions on press freedom, especially during the military dictatorship.

Similarly, press freedom in Afghanistan has been dismal for years. Even two years after the fall of Kabul, we hear almost every day from Afghan journalists, both domestic and in exile, about the hostile environment they face.

The Committee to Protect Journalists attempt is to provide support and assistance to journalists in exile. Since 2021, Afghan journalists have become one of the largest groups of journalists in exile receiving annual grants from CPJ, contributing to a 227 per cent jump in the CPJ grants to journalists in exile over the three years 2020-2022. It received increasing reports of Afghan journalists in exile who were targeted in immigration-related incidents. Afghan journalists seeking asylum in Pakistan told us they have been arrested and blackmailed for overstaying their visas and many are living in hiding and in fear. Then how India can be put below Pakistan and Afghanistans press freedom index on the scale of press freedom?

The importance of methodology in any study remains vital. Research methodology is a way of explaining how the researcher intends to conduct his research. It is a logical, systematic plan for solving a research problem.

It provides researchers with a road map to ensure that their research is systematic, rigorous and objective. Without a well-defined research methodology, it is difficult to obtain accurate and reliable results, draw meaningful conclusions and contribute to the data set. Research methodology lends legitimacy to the research and provides scientifically sound results. It also includes a detailed plan to help keep researchers on track, making the process smooth, efficient and manageable. The methodology of the researcher allows the reader to understand the approach and methods of concluding. However, the methodology used in the democracy index has invited numerous issues.At this juncture, when the entire world is conspiring against India in terms of the democracy index, India must decolonise the index.

(The writer is an associate professor at the School of Management, Presidency University Bengaluru; views are personal)
Unlike their macro and celebrity counterparts, they embody the authenticity of everyday people, fostering genuine connections with their audience

In the ever-changing world of social media marketing, nano influencers are becoming a significant presence, giving brands a different way to connect with consumers that focuses on being genuine and establishing personal relationships. Nano influencers, who usually have between 1,000 and 10,000 followers, provide a unique mix of community-focused influence and relatability that sets them apart from larger accounts like macro and celebrity influencers.

Nano influencers are similar to regular people  they are our friends, family and colleagues who share their lives and interests on social media without the polished image usually seen in professional influencer marketing. This authentic form of influence relies on real connections and trust, characteristics that are becoming more important in a crowded marketplace filled with advertisements and endorsements from celebrities.

Authenticity and Engagement is at the core of Nano Influencers

Nano influencers are successful because of their genuine relationships with their followers, who see them as peers rather than distant celebrities. This authenticity makes their product recommendations more effective and trustworthy. By leveraging personal connections, nano influencers can have a significant impact on their audience.

Why are Brands Leaning Towards Nano Influencers?

Smaller brands are starting to see the benefits of working with nano influencers for a few reasons. To start, nano influencers tend to have much higher engagement rates compared to influencers with bigger audiences. This shows that nano influencers have real and personal relationships with their followers. On top of that, collaborating with nano influencers is usually more affordable, which means brands can get more out of their marketing budgets while still connecting with their target audience.

The Pros

1. Hyper-Targeted Marketing: Small-scale influencers typically concentrate on particular niches, enabling brands to reach individuals with specific interests, resulting in more impactful marketing initiatives.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: With reduced hopes for payment, companies have the opportunity to collaborate with numerous nano influencers using the same amount of money they would typically spend on just one macro or celebrity influencer.

3. Higher Quality of Engagement: Nano influencers tend to spark more genuine engagement, resulting in increased levels of interaction such as comments, likes and shares.

4. Authentic Product Endorsements: Recommendations from nano influencers hold the same weight as recommendations from friends and can greatly influence buying choices.

5. Increased Brand Visibility and Community Building: Nano influencers play a crucial role in connecting brands with tightly-knit communities, increasing brand exposure and building a strong sense of connection with potential customers.

The Challenges

Although there are many benefits to working with nano influencers, there are also some challenges to consider. It is important to find influencers who truly connect with the brands values and message. Additionally, brands will need to deal with the logistics of working with a larger group of influencers to reach their target audience effectively.

Brands are always looking for more genuine ways to connect with consumers and nano influencers are becoming a popular choice. These influencers focus on building real relationships and trust with their followers, creating a more authentic connection. This approach is resonating with consumers who are growing tired of traditional advertising and celebrity endorsements.

(The writer is the founder and CEO of iCubesWire; views are personal)
Actor Preity Zinta has started shooting for Rajkumar Santoshi's upcoming directorial venture "Lahore 1947".

Also starring Sunny Deol, the details of the plot of the period drama have been kept under wraps.

Produced by Aamir Khan, "Lahore 1947" will feature music by A R Rahman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

Zinta, whose last Hindi film was 2018's "Bhaiaji Superhit" also co-starring Deol, shared an update about the movie in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

"On set for Lahore 1947 #newmovie #shoot #ting," she captioned a series of pictures from the film set.

Zinta and Deol have also collaborated on films including "Farz" (2001) and "The Hero: Love Story of a Spy" (2003).
India and Oman on Tuesday here reviewed their collaboration in combating transnational illegal activities at sea and promote regional co-operation during the fifth Annual High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG).

Giving details, officials said this meeting follows the institutionalized mechanism as outlined in the

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ICG and ROPGG.

A delegation from the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard led by Colonel Abdul Aziz Mohammed Ali Al Jabri, Assistant Officer Commanding, ROPCG arrived in New Delhi on Monday to participate in the meeting. The high-level discussions were led by Director General Coast Gueard Rakesh Pal.

The meeting focused on bolstering bilateral engagements through capacity-building programme, cross ships visit, implementation of Sea Rider programme, establishing

professional linkages between pollution reporting centers and other collaborative arrangements.

Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing mutual

cooperation in addressing maritime challenges, thereby strengthening the maritime safety and security framework in the region.

A meeting between the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard delegation and representatives from Society of Indian Defence Manufacturer (SIDM) is also planned on Wednesday here to acquaint with Indias shipbuilding capabilities under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The 5 th Annual ICG-ROPCG High-Level Meeting underscores the commitment of both the Coast Guards to jointly address maritime challenges and foster regional cooperation, ultimately contributing to the safety and security of the maritime domain in the region.
Days after the Singapore and Hong Kong red flagged four spices products manufactured by the Indian firms MDH and Everest recalling them from the market, the Union Commerce Ministry has directed Indian embassies in both the countries to send a detailed report in the matter.

In a statement posted on its website on April 5, the Hong Kongs food regulatory authority, Centre for Food Safety (CFS), said that three spice products of MDH  Madras Curry Powder (spice blend for Madras Curry), Sambhar Masala (Mixed Masala Powder), and Curry Powder (Mixed Masala Powder)  along with Everests Fish Curry Masala contain a pesticide, ethylene oxide.

Recalls have been initiated, and the CFS has instructed vendors to cease sales and remove affected products from shelves. Meanwhile, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has ordered a recall of Everests Fish Curry Masala for similar reasons, as per reports.
One of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies of Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad Lok Sabha constituency, considered as one of the most VIP constituencies and a gateway of the State is all set to witness a three-cornered fight between BJP, Congress and BSP for April 26 polls. The Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat has gained a reputation for being a stronghold of the BJP with the partys candidates consistently winning by significant margins in the three elections held in this constituency, and the BJPs vote share increasing with each successive election, further solidifying their position in this constituency.

The Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat will witness a triangular contest in the general elections. The BJP has fielded Atul Garg, replacing sitting MP General (retired) VK Singh. The Congress has given ticket to Dolly Sharma and BSP has pitted Nand Kishor Pundir against the other two. The constituency has been a BJP stronghold and the party will be hoping to repeat its show in the previous two elections. Though the BJP has retained the seat since 2009 and is eyeing win for the fourth consecutive time.

Garg is currently a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Uttar Pradesh from Ghaziabad seat in the district. The party has fielded him on the seat, hoping to hand over the seat once again to the party. The BJP is banking on Modis charisma. Notably, the Rajput Jat community also held a series of maha panchayats across western Uttar Pradesh, calling for a boycott of BJP candidates. Members of the Jat community  considered a traditional voter base of BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)  held two meetings, one in Indirapuram on Sunday and the other near Bamheta on April 18, to discuss their stand during these elections. Their leaders said their list of grievances against the ruling party was a long one.

The Ghaziabad parliamentary seat this time has 14 candidates in the fray and Garg, a Vaish, has a major fight on his hands from Congress candidate Dolly Sharma, a Brahmin, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)s Nandkishor Pundhir, a Thakur. Interestingly, two relatives of Pundhir also in the electoral fray as independent candidates here.

The opposition is trying hard to get Kshatriya discontent in their favour against the ruling party in western Uttar Pradesh when hundreds from the community from Ghaziabad, Hapur, Meerut, Bulandshahr and Gautam Budh Nagar participated in a Kshatirya Swabhiman Mahasammelan in Dhaulana in Hapur district last week. The Dhaulana area is part of Satha-Chaurasi belt which has 60 villages belonging to Shishodia Rajputs while 84 belong to Tomar Rajputs and these villages fall under different parliamentary constituencies of Ghaziabad, Meerut and Gautam Budh Nagar.

The BSP first named Anshay Kalra as its candidate from Ghaziabad but the party took a U-turn on Monday last and named Thakur Nandkishor Pundhir as its candidate. The BSP on March 29 announced Kalras candidacy in the presence of its senior party leaders. According to BSP leaders, Kalra could not fulfill documentary formalities and the party leadership decided to offer the ticket to Pundhir. Meanwhile, change of candidate has provided a weapon to opposition BJP and Congress to criticize the BSP.

The Congress, a part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, has given a chance to Sharma, a local candidate. Sharma, an MBA by qualification, is a member of All India Congress Committee besides being a party spokesperson. She was earlier associated with her own business but joined politics in 2017.

Ghaziabad, was established as a Lok Sabha constituency in 2008 as part of the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies based on the recommendations of the Delimitation Commission of India, which was constituted in 2002.The Ghaziabad constituency comprises five assembly seats namely Loni, Muradnagar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad and Dholana with more than 27 lakh voters during 2019 Lok Sabha elections, this seat comes among the highest number of voters category in the state. The Hapur Lok Sabha seat was renamed as Ghaziabad in 2008. Ghaziabad constituency is a general seat and not reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

There were 27,28,978 voters in the Ghaziabad constituency during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. Out of this, 15,19,938 voters were male and 12,08,931 were female voters. 109 voters belonged to the third gender. 2,564 were postal votes in the constituency. The number of service voters in Ghaziabad in 2019 was 2,846 (2,662 were men and 184 were women).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Ghaziabad witnessed a 55.78% voter turnout in the year 2019. BJPs VK Singh won with a victory margin of 5,01,500 votes, securing 9,44,503 votes. Singh defeated Suresh Bansal of the SP, who got 4,43,003 votes.

In 2014, the total number of voters in the Ghaziabad constituency was 23,57,553. Out of this, 13,33,055 voters were male and 10,24,455 were female voters. 43 voters in this constituency belonged to the others category. There were 653 postal votes in the constituency. The number of service voters in Ghaziabad in 2014 was 1,959 (1,307 were men and 652 were women).
Despite being associated with the jinx, which many considered to have ended the careers of Chief Ministers in Uttar Pradesh, including Mayawati, Yogi Adityanath has held his fort despite having made visits to Noida, soon after he assumed the CMs chair in 2017.

He became the first CM of the State to return after completing a five years term and breaking the Noida jinx in the 2022 Assembly polls. The popular NCR city, which falls under the Gautam Buddha Nagar seat, will go to elections on Friday in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Previously under Khurja Lok Sabha, the Gautam Buddha Nagar Lok Sabha constituency was established in 2008 on the recommendation of the Delimitation Commission of India, is set to witness a three way contest between BJP, SP and BSP for the upcoming elections on April 26.

In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the electoral contest will primarily feature the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Samajwadi Party (SP)-led INDIA Bloc and the BSP. As many as 15 candidates are in the fray to secure the seat with BJP MP Mahesh Sharma, a two-time winner from this seat in Uttar Pradesh, in the battle for the third time.

This new constituency covers Bulandshahar and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts and comprises five Vidhan Sabha constituencies: Noida, Jewar, Dadri, Sikandrabad, and Khurja.

The SP, which is part of the Opposition INDIA alliance, has fielded Mahendra Singh Nagar, a seasoned politician who served as the Congress district president from 1999 to 2016 before joining the SP in 2022. On the other hand, representing the BSP is Rajendra Singh Solanki, who recently joined the party.

Solanki, a former MLA from Bulandshahr, brings substantial political experience, having been associated with both the BJP and the Congress in the past.

Gautam Buddha Nagar has witnessed three Lok Sabha elections so far. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won the inaugural elections in 2009, followed by consecutive victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014 and 2019, establishing it as their stronghold.

BJPs Sharma, who has also served as a Minister of State for Culture and Tourism and Civil Aviation, emerged victorious in both 2019 and 2014. Additionally, he is the richest candidate in the contest with assets worth Rs 83.82 crore as per his filed affidavit. SP candidate has declared assets of Rs 8.76 crore and BSP candidate Solanki has declared assets of Rs 8.44 crore. Voter turnout stood at 13.89 lakh out of 22.97 lakh in 2019, and 11.94 lakh out of 19.86 lakh in 2014. The upper expenditure limit for candidates is Rs 95 lakh, as per Election Commission guidelines.

While there were initially a total of 34 contenders, which includes 25 Independents, only 15 are still contesting following the rejection of 19 applications post-scrutiny. No candidate withdrew their nomination by the deadline. It is said that the Gujjar community in Noida has a political influence, especially in Greater Noida.

Unhappy over the issue of pending registries, homebuyers and residents of several group housing societies in Noida and Greater Noida West have launched a No Registry, No Vote campaign ahead of these elections.

The number of voters in the constituency has gone significantly up compared to the last election cycle. According to officials, a total of 26,20,040 voters will be casting votes this time, up from 22.97 lakh in 2019, which is a considerable increase of over 3 Lakh voters. The Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency comprises five Assembly constituencies which include Noida, Dadri, Jewar, Khurja, and Sikandrabad. Khurja and Sikandrabad, even though they are located in the adjoining Bulandshahr district, form a part of the Gautam Buddh Nagar Lok Sabha constituency.

The total number of voters as of March 15 in Noida is 7,59,418 voters, which comprises 4,25,521 males, 3,33,885 female and 12 third gender. The election process started with the issuance of notification on March 28, in which candidates had until April 4 to file their nominations. Withdrawals could be made until April 8.

The number of voters is 7,04,502 in Dadri and 3,67,046 in Jewar. Additionally, Sikandrabad has 3,97,500 voters and Khurja 3,91,574. The total number of voters in Gautam Buddh Nagar district stands at 18,30,966 barring parts of Bulandshahr. This diverse electorate includes 102 third-gender voters, 10,08,345 men, and 8,22,519 women. The seat comprises 10,502 differently-abled voters, 24,223 first-time voters, 26,353 individuals aged 80 years or above, and 2,906 service voters.

There are a total of 1,826 polling booths in Gautam Buddh Nagar, out of which 51 have been designated as model booths, with seven being managed entirely by women, and four by divyangs (persons with disabilities). Additionally, young officers and personnel will be in charge of five booths. Moreover, seven additional polling booths, in Sector 78 The Manthan School, Kidzee PreSchool Sector 116, community centre Sector 72, Our Little Wonder Sector 116, community centre Sector 122, club house Prateek Laurel Sector 120 and club house Jaypee Wish Town Sector 128, will be set up in Noida constituency.

In a bid to conduct smooth elections, the district has been divided into 120 sectors and 26 zones of which 342 sensitive booths have been identified for special attention. Additionally, more than 5,000 police personnel from the commissionerate will be deployed for election duty, along with personnel from paramilitary forces, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), civil police, home guards, and local security guards.

To monitor expenditure, nine static surveillance teams, nine flying squads, three video surveillance teams, three video-viewing teams, and three assistance expenditure observers will be deployed across Noida, Dadri, and Jewar. Authorities will ensure free, fair, and incident-free polls with maximum voter turnout.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was administered a low dose of insulin on Tuesday in Tihar jail after his blood sugar level spiked.

Meanwhile, a Rouse Avenue court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Kejriwal and BRS leader K Kavitha in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam till May 7.

Kejriwal was given two units of low dose insulin on Monday evening on the advice of AIIMS doctors, a Tihar official said. His blood sugar level reading was found to be 217 around 7 pm, following which the doctors at Tihar looking after him decided to give him the insulin, the official said. The AIIMS specialists, during a video conference with the Chief Minister on April 20, had advised the Tihar doctors that insulin could be given to him if his sugar level crosses a certain level, officials added. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) welcomed this news received on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti and said the development was the result of the blessings of the deity.

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi said in a post on X in Hindi, Jai Bajrang Bali! Good news received on Hanuman Jayanti. Tihar administration finally gave insulin to Arvind Kejriwal. This is the result of the blessings of Hanuman ji and the struggle of the people of Delhi. Even in this time of struggle, the blessings of Bajrang Bali remain on all of us.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that the AAP leaders only political hope was to create public sympathy over the health of Kejriwal in view of the Lok Sabha elections.

No doubt Arvind Kejriwal is a diabetic but his sugar is under control in jail as he didnt raise demand for insulin in the video consultation with the doctors of AIIMS, he said.

Rebuking the charges, the CM, in a letter to the jail administration, said he has raised the issue of insulin for 10 days, every day, multiple times.

Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj who participated in an event in his constituency to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti. A person dressed as Lord Hanuman was carrying vials of insulin with Bharadwaj carrying a mace (gadaa) as they travelled in the area atop a vehicle. Vials of insulin were stuck on the mace.

Hanumanji has given insulin to his devotee Arvind Kejriwal. The court passed the order, the jail denied, but due to Hanumanji, Kejriwal got the insulin. We pray for his good health, long life, and may he soon be released, he said

Earlier in the day, Bharadwaj alleged that the officials were deliberately not giving insulin to Kejriwal.

Today it became clear that the chief minister was right. He needed insulin but the officials under the BJP-led Centre were deliberately not treating him. Tell me about the BJP people! If there was no need for insulin, why are they giving it now? Because the whole world is cursing them, he said in a post on X in Hindi.

Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal visited the temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. May Hanuman Baba give wisdom and prosperity to all. May Hanuman Baba take away everyones trouble and mine too. I will come back with sir (Kejriwal) soon, she told reporters.

It is due to the blessings of Lord Hanuman that Kejriwal was given insulin after 23 days. We had been saying that he needs to be given insulin but he was given insulin only now. The people of Delhi were worried about him but their struggle bore fruit, Singh said. The Delhi chief minister was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the Delhi governments now-scrapped excise policy. He has been lodged in the Tihar jail since April 1.
In his two different election rallies on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his attack on the Congress, addressing the current controversy over wealth redistribution, a dispute over forced Constitution in Goa, and alleging that the grand old party never allows the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and the celebration of Ram Navmi within the Congress-ruled States.

In his Rajasthan tour, Modi said the Congress tried to extend reservation on the basis of religion and give it to Muslims, and once again accused the party of hatching a deep conspiracy to snatch peoples wealth and distribute it among select people.

Modi also charged that it is difficult to follow ones faith under the Congress and that even listening to Hanuman Chalisa becomes crime under that partys rule. His remarks come on a day when the country is celebrating Hanuman Jayanti.

Addressing an election rally in Tonk, the Prime Minister said as soon as the Congress formed the Government at the Centre in 2004, one of its first task was to reduce the SC/ST reservation in Andhra Pradesh and give it to Muslims.

Modi is giving you a guarantee with an open heart that reservation for Dalits and backward tribals will neither end nor will it be allowed to be divided in the name of religion, he said.

Amid a row over his redistribution of wealth remarks, the Prime Minister again charged that the Congress will snatch peoples wealth and distribute it to select people.

Modi said the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given a speech in which he had said that Muslims have the first right on the resources of the country.

There was a pilot project which the Congress wanted to try in the entire country. Between 2004 and 2010, the Congress tried to implement Muslim reservation in Andhra Pradesh four times but due to legal hurdles and the awareness of the Supreme Court, it could not fulfil its intention, Modi claimed.

In 2011, the Congress tried to implement it throughout the country. They played a game of snatching away the rights given to SC, ST and OBC and giving them to others for vote bank politics. The Congress did this deliberately and without caring about the Constitution and B R Ambedkar, he said.

Modi alleged when the BJP Government in Karnataka got an opportunity, the first thing it did was to abolish the Muslim quota which was created by snatching it from ST and SC. The Prime Minister said the constitutional limit for reservation was ending in 2020 and he had extended the reservation of Dalit and tribals for another 10 years. The Congress and INDIA Bloc, Modi said, were peeved after he exposed their vote bank and appeasement politics in his recent address in Rajasthans Banswara.

Attacking the Congress, Modi said, Even listening to Hanuman Chalisa becomes crime under Congress rule and referred to an incident in Congress-ruled Karnataka where a shopkeeper was beaten up for listening to Hanuman Chalisa.

He said during the Congress rule in Rajasthan, those who pelted stones on Ram Navmi procession were given protection and restrictions were imposed on such procession.

However, after the formation of the BJP Government in the State, no one has the courage to question faith.

Now, you will recite Hanuman Chalisa peacefully and also celebrate Ram Navami, this is the guarantee of BJP, he said. The prime minister also accused the Congress of throwing Malpura, Karauli, Chhabra, Tonk and Jodhpur into the fire of riots during its rule.

In another poll rally at Sakti in Chhatisgarh, Modi again hit out at Congress over a remark by its Goa candidate that the Constitution was imposed on the coastal state, and said it was a ploy to break the country.

Congress is not able to digest the participation of Dalits, Adivasis and backward classes in power. Now the party has started a big game. Earlier a Congress MP from Karnataka said south India should be declared a separate country, now a Congress candidate from Goa said the Indian Constitution is not applicable in Goa, he said.

He is saying the Constitution was forced on Goa. He has told this to shehzade (apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi)...Isnt this an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar? Isnt this an insult to the Constitution? Is this not tampering with the Constitution of India? the prime minister asked.

People of Jammu and Kashmir also used to say...You gave blessings (to BJP), now their mouths are shut. Now the Constitution of India is in force there (after the abrogation of Article 370), he said.

The Congress candidate (in Goa) made this statement publicly and said he told his leader about it, which means his leader has given a tacit consent to it, Modi said, in apparent swipe at Rahul Gandhi.

It is a ploy to break the country. A huge part of the country has rejected Congress, and therefore the party wants to create such small islands, he claimed.

The prime minister was referring to Congress candidate from South Goa, Viriato Fernandes, who said on Monday that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had said that Goa will decide its own destiny after it was liberated from Portuguese rule, but this did not happen, and the Indian Constitution was forced on the state.
By Lee Min-hyung

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) has teamed up with MobilityFund  a Germany-based venture capital  to support the sustainable growth of a mobility industrial complex in Korea's southwestern city of Gwangju, the association said Wednesday.

Under the partnership, promising startups and small to medium-sized enterprises at the Gwangju Future Car Industrial Complex will be able to receive support for their global expansion.

MobilityFund invests in future transportation.

KITA will partner with the Gwangju Green Car Promotion Agency and MobilityFund to support overseas expansion and marketing of mobility firms with huge growth potential there. MobilityFund supports car firms such as Daimler and Toyota.

"With the signing of the memorandum of understanding, we hope that promising companies in the Gwangju future car industrial complex will increase their competitiveness in the global market," said Lee Dong-won, director at KITA's Gwangju-South Jeolla Province regional headquarters.

"We will conduct a demonstration project in Vietnam in the first half of this year in collaboration with the Green Car Promotion Agency. We also plan to proceed through the fund, and in the second half of the year, promising firms selected by the agency will participate in German mobility-related exhibitions to discover new business opportunities together with the mobility fund."

The agency and the regional city government are accelerating the construction of an industrial base related to self-driving cars and future mobility to strengthen their role as a core base for the future car industry.
Disrespect on part of the party high command representative who used Get Out on a three time Minister and biggest Dalit leader, Raj Kumar Chauhan, resigned from the Congress after serving the party for nearly three decades.

Brewing dissatisfaction in Delhi Congress over distribution of tickets to outsiders, for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the national capital next month, prominent Dalit leader and three time former minister in the Sheila Dikshit cabinet, Chauhan, resigned from the grand old party accusing those appointed to oversee the Lok Sabha elections in the city of disrespecting him publicly, a day after the meeting of Delhi Congress disciplinary committee.

Chauhan was under fire for allegedly mobilising a section of Congress workers against its North West Delhi candidate, Udit Raj.

On Monday, when its Delhi unit was officially introducing its three Lok Sabha candidates to the media, the protesters raised slogans of Bahari ummeedwar nahi chalega (an outsider candidate will not be allowed), criticising Raj for his affiliation with the BJP till 2019.

Talking to The Pioneer, Chauhan said he has resigned from the party. Chauhan said he had no plan to join any other party including BJP. AICC incharge for Delhi Deepak Babaria called a meeting at his house. When I started speaking in the meeting, Babria asked me to get out and he repeated it four to five times. I was trying to tell him that the candidate, who has been given the ticket (Udit Raj), has been abusing every caste. I am a four-time MLA and a three-time minister (in Delhi government). We have done so much development work for Delhi. An outsider was telling me to get out. Thats why I was angry and sent my resignation to DPCC chief Arvinder Singh Lovely, Chauhan said.

I have resigned because a meeting was calledto discuss the election candidatessome 20 to 25 main leaders from North East Delhi, including Arvinder Singh Lovely, were a part of that meeting. During the meeting, we were trying to put our side forward but we were not allowed to, Chauhan alleged.

We were shouted at and asked to get out of the room. If we cannot express our opinion even in a closed room, where can we? he demanded.

Chauhan said in writing that the Congress is going to lose all three seats in Delhi. They made blunders when the party decided to tie up with the AAP. Now they gave tickets to outsiders. Thirdly, they brought people like Babaria who cannot win a Councillor election, he added.

On Tuesday, Delhi Congress disciplinary committee held a meeting and left it to the AICC to decide on whether to take any action on complaints against Chauhan. During a meeting held on Sunday at the residence of AICC Delhi in-charge Babria, a heated argument had erupted between Babria and Chauhan, sources in the party said.

It was also decided in the disciplinary meeting that the committee will identify those who shouted slogans when the three Congress candidates for the Lok Sabha elections were being introduced to the media at a press conference by the Delhi Congress chief and issue show cause notice to them to maintain discipline in the party.

The disciplinary committee of Delhi Congress, under the chairmanship of Narendra Nath, unanimously decided that the AICC should decide on the complaint against Chauhan.

On Monday, a section of Congress workers also held a protest against the nomination of former BJP MP Udit Raj as the partys Lok Sabha poll candidate from North West Delhi.

The protesters gathered outside the Congress office at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg and raised slogans against outsiders fielded by the party in the elections.

Sources in the Congress said that there are over a dozen former MLAs and councilors who are upset with giving tickets to Kanhaiya Kumar and Udit Raj for the Lok Sabha elections. A Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity that top party leadership have been conveyed their resentment of giving tickets to outsiders in Delhi.

A four-time MLA from Mangolpuri assembly segment, Chauhan was a minister in Sheila Dikshits cabinet for 13 years and held several important portfolios, including PWD and urban development. He had lost the 2013 and 2015 polls to AAPs Rakhi Birla. Chauhan had resigned from the party in 2019 and joined the BJP but within a month he returned to the Congress.
With hardly four days to go for the Lok Sabha election in Kerala, two prominent Christian sects have come out against the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre.

On Monday, Joseph Mar Gregorios, the head of the Jacobite Church, declared that the followers of his sect would vote en masse for candidates fielded by the CPI(M)-led LDF. The LDF Government in Kerala have always supported and helped the Church. The CPI(M) has stood with the demands of the Church and hence we are obliged and bound to help them by electing the LDF candidates, said the Jacobite Church.

But he was evasive when asked about the Congress candidate Benni Behanan, the Congress candidate and a member of the Jacobite Church who is pitted against two Hindu candidates fielded by the CPI(M) and the NDA at Chalakkudi constituency. Let the believers take their own decision after studying the ground realities. The interests of the Church should prevail, said Gregorios.

He also said the Jacobite Church has a lot of issues regarding the control of Churches and it is the CPI(M) that had always stood with the sect. Meanwhile, the Latin Catholic Church, a dominant section along coastal Kerala declared that it would never support the BJP. The Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council, the apex decision making body of the sect declared on Monday that the Central Government has subverted the missionary works (proselytisation, evangelisation and indoctrination) by holding back the funds meant for the Latin Catholic Church.

Even after assuring that the funds meant for the Church would not be held back, the Central Government has withheld two more accounts and this has made missionary works impossible.

The training of young pastors and priests too have been stuck because of the delay in releasing the funds, said the KRLCC in a release issued on Monday.

There are certain heads of Church who are obliged to the State Government for their personal gains and this need to be seen in that background, said Kevin Peter, founder, Christian Alliance and Action for Social Action (CASA), an umbrella organisation of all Christian sects. The days of the laity blindly following the diktats issued by the bishops and archbishops are gone long back. The modern day Christians do not go by what the Church heads say , at least in matters related to politics, said Kevin Peter.

There was a move by some BJP leaders, especially party leaders who were elevated to the position of Governors, to bring the Hindus and Christians together. But it backfired as the Church can never think of a life without proselytisation and evangelisation, said the CASA founder.
Exactly a year after he was arrested from Moga, the incarcerated pro-Khalistan ideologue Amritpal Singh, the self-styled head of Waris Punjab De outfit, currently serving time in Assams Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA), is reportedly eyeing a political foray in Punjab. Sources suggest that he is contemplating contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the panthic seat of Khadoor Sahib as an Independent candidate.

Confirming this development, a former MP and legal counsel for Amritpal Singh Advocate Rajdev Singh Khalsa revealed that his client has expressed a firm intention to contest from the Khadoor Sahib seat. Khalsa, who recently met Amritpal Singh in Dibrugarh, affirmed the latter's resolve to enter the political arena despite his ongoing legal battles.

This potential move has sparked significant interest and debate, given Amritpal Singh's controversial background and past involvement in violent incidents. Notably, his former associate had filed a complaint accusing Amritpal of orchestrating the abduction and assault of an individual named Barinder Singh from Ajnala. Subsequently, in February 2023, he and his supporters allegedly attacked a police station in Ajnala, resulting in injuries to six police officers.

However, amidst these developments, Amritpal Singhs mother, Balwinder Kaur, has refuted the reports of her sons electoral aspirations. She emphasized that no decision has been made regarding his candidacy, despite pressure from the supporters urging him to contest.

Kaur revealed that Amritpal Singhs father is currently in Dibrugarh, and any decision regarding the election would be made after careful consideration and deliberation.

As the political landscape in Punjab continues to evolve, Amritpals potential entry into electoral politics is expected to add a layer of complexity and intrigue. From once advocating for Khalistan  a separate land for Khalsa or Sikhs, and challenging the Indian state, Amritpal now seemed poised to navigate the democratic process within the bounds of the Indian Constitution.

Moreover, his candidacy has raised questions about the support he might garner and the implications for Punjabs political dynamics. While some view his bid as a bold assertion of democratic rights, others express concerns about his controversial past and its impact on Punjabs stability.

In light of these developments, stakeholders across the political spectrum are closely monitoring Amritpals next steps. The possibility of a mainstream party extending support to his candidature further underscored the significance of his entry into electoral politics.

As of now, only Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP have declared their candidates for the Khadoor Sahib segment  currently represented by Congress Jasbir Singh Dimpa Gill. While the Congress is considering not to re-nominate Dimpa from the panthic seat of Khadoor Sahib, Shiromani Akali Dal is in search of a suitable face even as it has declared its candidates for the 12 seats.

AAP has nominated Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar from the seat, while BJP has fielded former SAD MLA Manjeet Singh Manna Mianwind.

On April 23, 2023, the Punjab Police managed to arrest Amritpal Singh ending a 35-day dramatic chase. Amritpal was arrested from Moga districts Rode village  the ancestral village of slain Khalistani militant Sant Jarnail Singh Bindrawale. Revered as Bhindrawale 2.0 by his followers, Amritpal had strategically chosen Rode villages Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sant Khalsa  erected nearly 38 years after Bhindranwale died in Operation Blue Star in 1984  to surrender. It was the same Gurdwara where the ceremony of Amritpals dastarbandi (installation), as the head of Waris Punjab De, was held on September 29, 2022, amidst the slogans of Khalistan Zindabad.

Born in 1993 in Jalandhars Jallupur Kheda village, Amritpal initially pursued business ventures in Dubai after completing his high school education. However, upon returning to India, he became associated with the farmer agitation in Delhi and later founded the Waris Punjab De organization. Initially aimed at engaging youth in Sikhism and awakening Punjab, the organization later faced accusations of radicalizing youth.
Election Commission of India has distributed Voter Information Slips with QR code to all voters in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The voter information slip with QR code, will provide the voters with important information like name of polling station, address, number, voter number in the electoral roll, helpline number of the state and district.

If a voter does not have a voter information slip and his name is in the voter list, then apart from the voter ID card with photo, he/she can cast vote by showing any of these 12 alternative photo documents including Aadhaar card, PAN card, Unique ID card for Persons with disabilities, driving license, MNREGA job card, Pension Document (with photograph), Passport, Passbook (issued by Bank/Post Office with photograph), Service Identity Card with photograph (issued by Central/State Government/PSU/Public Limited Companies), official identity card issued to MPs, MLAs members, smart card issued by RGI under NPR and health insurance smart card (issued under the scheme of Labour Ministry).

Voter guide and voter slips are being distributed to all voters before voting. The Voter Slip with Photo can be used for information/guidance, but not as a proof of identity. If it is not possible to identify the voter due to mismatch in the photograph etc. of the voter in the Photo EPIC, then the voter will have to show any of the 12 optional photo documents to the polling officer.
Eighteen Naxalites, including a Militia Platoon Section Commander and three women, surrendered on Wednesday in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai said that among the 18 were Hidma Oyam (34), who was the Hurrepal Panchayat Militia Platoon (HPMP) Section Commander in the outlawed Maoist group.

The three women were Sambati Oyam (23), a Deputy Commander of HPMP, Gangi Madkam (28), vice president of the Kakadi Panchayat Krantikari Mahila Adivasi Sangthan and Hungi Oyam (20), a member of Hurrepal Panchayat.

"The 18 Naxalites laid down arms in front of the police and CRPF officials. They were part of Bhairamgarh and Malanger area committees of the Maoists in south Bastar," Rai said.

The official said the Naxalites were impressed by the police rehabilitation drive. "These cadres were tasked with digging roads, felling trees to block roads and putting up posters and banners during shutdowns called by Maoists. They will be provided facilities as per the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy," the SP added.

With these surrenders, 738 Maoists, including 177 of them carrying rewards on their heads, have so far joined the mainstream in Dantewada district, officials said.

Security forces have launched a crackdown on Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Agarwal on Wednesday said that through the C-Vigil mobile app, people are keeping a close eye on election violations in the ongoing Lok Sabha election in the State. So far 2423 complaints have been received in Haryana, of which the highest number, 502 complaints, are from Sirsa. As soon as complaints about violations of the Model Code of Conduct are reported, it is being sent to the Election Commission. These complaints are resolved within 100 minutes, he added.



The Chief Electoral Officer said that the general public is ensuring their participation in the system through the "C-Vigil" mobile app, which is a matter of pride. Citizens are cooperating with the Election Commission as election observers to conduct elections impartially and transparently.



Providing district-wise details, he said that 455 complaints have been received from Ambala, 64 from Bhiwani, 264 from Faridabad, 71 from Fatehabad, 140 from Gurugram, 164 from Hisar. Similarly, 30 complaints have been received from Jhajjar, 50 from Jind, 54 from Kaithal, 22 from Karnal, 54 from Kurukshetra, 6 from Mahendragarh, 44 from Mewat, 69 from Palwal, 108 from Panchkula, 13 from Panipat, 28 from Rewari, 89 from Rohtak, 134 from Sonipat, and 62 complaints from Yamunanagar have been received. Among these, 2079 complaints were found to be valid and action was taken accordingly.



Appealing to the people to support in making the elections fair and transparent, Agarwal said that citizens can take photos or record two-minute videos and upload them on this app. The photo or video will be uploaded on the app along with the GPS location. Complaints will be resolved within 100 minutes of registration.



He mentioned that flying squads and static surveillance teams have real-time information and teams will immediately reach the location from where the complaint is received on the C-Vigil app, informed Agarwal.



Emphasizing the significance of voter awareness campaigns, he highlighted their pivotal role in encouraging voter turnout. These campaigns serve as catalysts, fostering a culture of proactive citizenship and democratic engagement among the people. To enhance voter participation in the 18th Lok Sabha General Election, all districts of the state are fervently involved in driving voter awareness initiatives. Notably, various departments, including educational institutions, are actively contributing to these campaigns, thereby playing a crucial role in ensuring voter awareness and engagement.



Agarwal said that this initiative reflects people's dedication to fostering values such as equality, justice, and freedom, while emphasizing the significance of every citizen's right to vote. Through the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, the administration endeavours to connect with every voter, emphasizing the crucial role of citizen responsibility and active participation in the democratic process.



He said that the administration is actively and efficiently fulfilling its responsibility on social media platforms to promote voter awareness and stimulate participation in the electoral process. The significance of every single vote is being elucidated to voters through diverse SVEEP campaigns. Those who may underestimate the impact of their individual vote fail to recognize its crucial role in ensuring the fair and accurate election of public representatives: indeed, each vote holds immense importance. With this perspective in mind, citizens of the state are encouraged to actively engage in the grand festival of democracy on the polling day, May 25, the CEO added.
Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan said that the Model Code of Conduct is effective for the Lok Sabha elections-2024 in the state since March 16. Complaints of violation of Model Code of Conduct are being received from citizens on cVIGIL app.

Total 3 thousand 757 complaints of code of conduct violation have been received on the app between March 16 and April 23. All these complaints have been resolved promptly.

Rajan said that 381 complaints were received on the app in Gwalior, 295 in Sagar, 257 in Ujjain, 224 in Damoh, 184 in Morena, 177 in Rajgarh, 166 in Rewa, 159 in Indore, 119 in Sehore, 112 in Khargone, 109 in Narsinghpur, 106 in Katni, and 104 in Satna district. Similar complaints have been received from other districts of the state also.

Rajan has urged the citizens of the state that to make direct complaints related to violation of Model Code of Conduct in elections, through the cVIGIL app. For this, the concerned citizen will have to go to Google Play Store and download the app.

Action will be taken in 100 minutes

Rajan said that if a citizen has information about any incident related to violation of the code of conduct, he will have to upload the photo or video on the cVIGIL app. After receiving the complaint, action will be taken within the next 100 minutes.

It may be noted that the cVIGIL app has been prepared by the Election Commission of India for redressal of complaints regarding violation of Model Code of Conduct. Through this app, people can prevent political parties or candidates from distributing money, material, clothes, jewellery, etc. in any way to woo voters, threatening voters to vote in their favour, offering or providing their vehicles for transportation to the voters, pasting or putting up election campaign material on a building or walls or premises or getting election advertisements written on the wall without the permission of the building owner besides other complaints.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is conducting a scientific survey at the medieval-era Bhojshala complex in Dhar district on the Madhya Pradesh High Courts direction, has sought eight more weeks to complete the exercise.

The ASI, in an application filed before the Indore bench of the high court on Monday, said it needed some more time to understand the nature of exposed portions of the structures in the disputed premises.

Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ASI-protected 11th-century monument, to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community call it Kamal Maula Mosque.

As per an arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja in the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays.

The high court has already fixed April 29 as the next date for hearing in the Bhojshala dispute case. The ASIs fresh application is also likely to come up for hearing the same day.

The high court had on March 11 ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala-Kamal Moula mosque complex within six weeks.

On the courts direction, the ASI started the survey of the disputed complex on March 22.

The survey was ordered on a plea from an outfit called Hindu Front For Justice (HFJ).

The ASI, in its application, said a detailed survey of the complex and its peripheral area is in progress using scientific tools, and its team is conducting detailed documentation of the entire monument.

Excavation, which is a very systematic and slow process, is also in progress, and more time will be needed to understand the nature of exposed portions of the structures, it said.

On close examination of the monument, it is observed that later filling in the entrance porch is hiding the original features of the structure, and its removal is to be done very carefully, without causing any damage to the original structure, which is a slow and time-taking process, the application stated.

The application also pointed out that the ASI has requested the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to conduct a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey.

A team from the NGRI and their scientists were surveying the entire area regularly, strictly complying with the directions passed by the High Court, it said.
In the memory of the Sikh soldiers from Punjab who were martyred for the British Army in Belgium during the World Wars, a three-day long Akhand Paath is being organized in joint collaboration with Belgium based In Flanders Field Museum (Ypres) and Chandigarh based Sikhya Seekers from April 26.

To mark 325th anniversary of Khalsa Sajna Diwas, the museum management has announced to organize this religious ritual in its museum premises and Sector 34 Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib from April 26 to 28 as an expression of respect and gratitude for the brave demised souls.



Sher Singh, Associate, In Flanders Fields Museum while virtually addressing the media from Belgium at Chandigarh Press Club emphasized that Belgians will always be grateful to those Sikh soldiers who bravely fought against the combined Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire in the First World War. Their bravery helped Belgium to save the nation from the German occupation resulting the Belgian faction of the Allied countries won the WWI. Ypers is an vital phase of Indian and Belgian history wherein unfortunately nearly 1.5 lakh Punjabi soldiers lost their lives in two major wars. The tales of their bravery will remain immortal in Belgium. This Akhand Paath is a tribute by the countrymen of Belgium on the holy festival of Baisakhi month,Sher Singh said.



General KJ Singh (Retd), GOC-in-Chief, Western Command, Chandimandir emphasized the importance of Punjabi soldiers in the First World War and lauded that their act of bravery has changed the course of world polity. "After the months of voyages and landing to an alien world for war, Punjabis left no stone unturned to become the real heroes of World War," he said. He stressed upon the need that the time has come not to forget their dedication but should make them a part of daily remembrance.



In his address, War Veteran Brigadier GJ Singh, while appreciating this initiative, also expressed his concern over the indifference towards the soldiers in two different parts of the world - India & Europe. He recalled that last year, along with Domineik Dendooven, Director, In Flanders Fields Museum, they visited Sultanwind near Amritsar and met the families of martyred Punjabi soldiers. The neglect of these families by the society and the Government and even the abandoned memorials built by the British Government in their respect, now seems to be an insult for demised soldiers. On the other hand, in Belgium, grand monuments have been built in the memory of those soldiers and the mark of respect is given every evening with the retreat. He highlighted that there are thousands of families in the region who are related to the First World War and to cherish their memories Yadgaari Melas should be organized annually.



War Veteran, Col Perminder Singh Randhawa, the key organizer and Founder of Sikhya Seekars, while tracing down the history of World War I and role of Punjabi soldiers said that when soldiers landed on foreign soil, they were termed as 'Gentlemen from India', who could be the last hope for Allied forces against Germanys aggression. Col Randhawas grandfather - Surain Singh Randhawa was also part of the same troop who gave tough resistance to his opponents.

Even after a century, the honor being received from Belgium in this form is a testimony of sweet reminiscent of Europe to Indians. 25 years ago, on the occasion of the tricentennial of Khalsa, I was also part of almost the same gesture from Belgians. This overseas gratitude for the departed souls and Indians is heartwarming. recalls Col Randhawa. Last year, when Domineik Dendooven, Director, In Flanders Fields Museum visited India, he gifted two replicas of the theme of 'Coming World Remember Me' made from the soil of Yepris to the Sikhya Seekers.
In a significant moment in the political landscape of Khunti, Union Minister Arjun Munda filed his nomination for the Khunti Lok Sabha seat. Amidst the auspicious aura of blessings sought from Maa Durga and Bhole Baba, Munda's candidacy resonated deeply with the public, drawing a massive crowd of supporters and party workers. The vibrant display of solidarity underscored the growing momentum behind the BJP in the region.

The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as hundreds of party workers and senior leaders from Jamshedpur rallied behind Munda, reaffirming their commitment to the BJP's cause. Among them stood senior party leader and former party spokesperson Amarpreet Singh Kale, whose presence further galvanized the spirits of the attendees.

In an address to the gathering, Kale lauded Munda not only as an astute politician but also as an exemplary human being, endearing him to the hearts of the people of Khunti. He emphasized the deep-rooted affection and trust that the public holds for Munda, expressing confidence that the compassionate and diligent citizens of Khunti would once again extend their unwavering support and blessings to him.

Beyond the local context, Kale shed light on the broader national sentiment, highlighting the prevailing faith and reverence towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He articulated the widespread belief among countrymen that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is destined to emerge as a developed nation, brimming with happiness, peace, and prosperity.

The event served as a testament to the growing influence and appeal of the BJP in Khunti, with Munda's nomination symbolizing a beacon of hope and progress for the constituents. As the election season unfolds, all eyes are on Khunti, where the winds of change blow in favor of the BJP, propelled by the collective aspirations for a brighter future under the leadership of Arjun Munda and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Samsung Biologics, the biotech arm of Korea's Samsung Group, said Wednesday its net profit jumped 26.5 percent on-year in the first quarter thanks to strong sales.

Its net income came to 179.4 billion won ($130.7 million) in the three months ending in March, compared with 141.8 billion won a year earlier, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Sales soared 31.3 percent on-year to 946.9 billion won, a record high for the January-March period, and operating profit rose 15 percent to 221.3 billion won, also the highest for the period.

The earnings exceeded market expectations. The average estimate of net profit by analysts stood at 177.4 billion won, according to a survey by Yonhap Infomax, the financial data firm of Yonhap News Agency.

The company said its sales from its fourth plant, which began to fully operate last year, increased sharply and its biosimilar products showed strong performance in the U.S. and Europe.

In the first quarter, the company also signed contract manufacturing organization deals with global biopharmaceutical firms, including UCB and MSD.

Shares in Samsung Biologics lost 0.13 percent to 790,000 won on the main Seoul bourse Wednesday, underperforming the broader Korea Composite Stock Price Index's 2.01 percent jump. The earnings results were released after the stock markets closed. (Yonhap)
BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shahdev today hit back at Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which is enjoying power along with the Congress which imposed dictatorship through emergency in the country, is seeing dictatorship in the present government.

Pratul said that Emergency was the darkest chapter of the country when all the constitutional rights were suspended. People were kept in jail for years without bail under the MISA law. In memory of this black law, Lalu Prasad had named his daughter Misa. Today she is also in this Indi alliance. Pratul said that this was the period of emergency when an attempt was made to snatch the powers of the state and the courts by amending the Constitution.

During this emergency period, three senior judges of the Supreme Court were super-seeded and the fourth was made the Chief Justice. He said, how can Jharkhand Mukti Morcha forget the period of emergency sterilization when Congress had shown the cruelest face of dictatorship. Pratul said that today at least Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has accepted that the Congress Party has dictatorial tendencies.

Shahdev said that if the BJP candidate from Surat got elected unopposed, the opposition created an uproar and raised questions on the Election Commission itself. Pratul said where were the morals of these parties at that time when Dimple Yadav was elected unopposed from Kannauj in 2012. Two candidates standing against him had withdrawn their nominations on the last day. Apart from this, candidates have been elected unopposed in the Lok Sabha 44 times in the country. This time, candidates are being elected unopposed in the assembly elections at many places in the North-Eastern states also. Everyone is silent on that. A selective agenda is being set up only on Surat.

After 500 years, Kshatriyas along with the country will always be grateful when Raghuvanshi Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram was taken out of the tent and installed in a grand temple.

Shahdev said that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is shedding crocodile tears for the Kshatriya community today. The Kshatriya community remembers well that for 500 years, the pride of Raghuvansh, Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram was taken out of the tent and placed in the grand temple of Narendra Modi. It was established under the leadership of NDA government itself. Congress had opposed the construction of this temple. Apart from this, till date no tribute has been paid to the immortal martyr freedom fighter Shaheed Thakur Vishwanath Shahdev of Jharkhand or Babu Kunwar Singh of Bihar in any major conference of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Just after watching the elections, he remembered the Kshatriyas because of vote bank politics.
Gems of Wisdom of 90 year old author release

Chandigarh: Col (Dr.) Rajinder Singh, MBBS MD released his book titled Gems of Wisdom on Tuesday. This quote collective, launched on World Book Day, distills the essence of a nonagenarians nine-decade journey through literature, philosophy, and religion. The book was unveiled in the presence of Amar Kulwant Singh, a celebrated social worker, and Vivek Atray, motivational speaker and former IAS officer. The book offers the readers a profound glimpse into the thoughts and musings that have shaped Dr. Singhs life and philosophy.

Former Congress MLA met with an accident



Chandigarh: Punjab Congress former MLA Angad Saini Former MLA Angad Saini, aged 33, met with a major accident on Tuesday in Nawanshahr district when his SUV collided with an ambulance. The incident occurred around 10:30 am near Taunsa village, situated between Kathgarh and Nawanshahr, as Angad was en route to Chandigarh. Angad, along with his driver and gunman, was swiftly transported to a private hospital in Mohali. Fortunately, all three individuals are reported to be out of danger, although the driver sustained a fracture in his hand. Eyewitnesses described the accident as severe, resulting in extensive damage to the front portion of the SUV and the activation of all airbags due to the heavy impact. It was revealed that the ambulance driver ahead suddenly applied the brakes, prompting the SUVs driver to maneuver the vehicle, ultimately leading to the collision.



Haryana ACB arrests excise and taxation official for bribery



Chandigarh: The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested Excise and Taxation Department (ETO) Bhushan Kumar, peon Manoj, and private person Inderjeet alias Chunnillal on charges of bribery. Peon Manoj was arrested red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 5.20 lakh. In this case, a total of Rs 10.84 lakh has been recovered from the accused. The government spokesperson said that the ACB team had received a complaint that Peon Manoj was demanding a bribe of Rs 6.80 lakh through private person Inderjeet at the behest of ETO Bhushan Kumar. Bhushan Kumar was demanding a bribe from the complainant in exchange for reducing the penalty of the vehicle carrying electric motors seized by him. After investigating the facts in the case, the ACB team planned to catch the accused. In this case, the accused Peon was arrested red-handed while taking bribe money from private person Inderjeet. In this case, the house of accused Manoj Kumar was searched and Rs 430,000 was recovered from there. In addition, Rs 1.34 lakh was recovered from the private car of ETO Bhushan Kumar. Thus, a total of Rs 10.84 lakh has been recovered from the accused. A case has been registered against the accused at the Faridabad Anti-Corruption Bureau Police Station and they have been arrested, the spokesperson added.



Prof Sameer Agarwal appointed as President of All India Association of Pelvic Acetabular Surgeons



Chandigarh: Professor Sameer Agarwal, renowned trauma surgeon, was appointed as the President of All India Association of Pelvic Acetabular Surgeons (AOPAS) at 6th Annual Conference of AOPAS held in Kochi. Dr Agarwal is currently serving as a Professor in the Orthopaedics Department at PGIMER Chandigarh. He also holds the position of Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at PGI. Additionally, he serves as the Nodal Officer of the Advanced Trauma Centre and the Firozpur Satellite Centre. Dr. Agarwal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of Trauma Osteosynthesis, serving as the Education Officer of AO Trauma - an international organization for trauma osteosynthesis. He is also the Chairman of International Affairs and Fellowship Committee of the Indian Orthopaedic Association, as well as the Vice President of the North Zone Chapter of the Indian Orthopaedics Association and Faculty Association of PGIMER Chandigarh.

Punjab retired cop Dalli joins BJP



Jalandhar: Making an entry into the political arena, Punjab Polices retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Harvinder Singh Dalli on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). Dalli, who has served in various districts of Punjab including Jalandhar and Kapurthala, was officially inducted into the BJP by state BJP in-charge and Gujarats former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Notably, Dalli has a long-standing association with the Doaba region, particularly in Jalandhar, where he served in prominent positions such as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP). He is known for his efficient handling of several high-profile cases in both urban and rural areas of Punjab.



Will quit politics if AAP secures 13 seats in Punjab: Warring



Chandigarh: Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Tuesday cautioned AAP and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asserting, AAP's claims of securing all 13 seats might well end in a resounding defeat, leaving them unable to face the public following the results. Such audacious assertions require substantive achievements and work, which AAP has failed to deliver during its tenure in Punjab over the past two years. Warring said: I am certain that AAPs 13-0 rhetoric, akin to BJP's '400 Paar' predictions, is likely to be met with electoral disappointment. The absence of tangible progress under AAP governance has only increased the challenges faced by Punjab and its people across various sectors. Punjab's electorate has recognized the detrimental impact of the AAP administration, with the promised badlaav only showcasing negative effects.



Oriya Colony fire incident: BJP Candidate assures to build houses under PMAY



Bathinda: Retired IAS Parampal Kaur Sidhu, BJP candidate from Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, on Tuesday assured the victims of fire at Oriya Colony that she would try to build houses for them under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. After getting information from people of Oriya Colony about the fire incident, Sidhu rushed to the spot, and immediately made arrangements for their food and temporary accommodation for victims. She also talked to local authorities and urged them to help the people. She assured that she would soon try to arrange for the permanent houses for them under the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme. Lashing out at AAP, Congress and Akali Dal, Sidhu said that after the fire incident, in which two innocent children lost their lives, neither the local MLA of the Aam Aadmi Party nor the MP of the Akali Dal deemed fit to meet the victims and tried to know their agony.



Mann Govt has not yet provided farmers with compensation: Bajwa



Chandigarh: The Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Tuesday rebuked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP-led State Government for their failure to provide compensation to the farmers after their crops were damaged by the untimely hailstorm. Before 2022 assembly elections, Punjab CM used to propagate that the farmers would get compensation for their damaged crop even before girdawari is conducted. Meanwhile, it has been around a week since the wheat crops in many areas of the state have been damaged due to hailstorms, however, the farmers haven't been paid, Bajwa added. He pointed out that the farmers continued to protest against Punjab Agriculture Minister and AAP's Lok Sabha candidate from Bathinda Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, and have given the government a week to provide them with compensation. Farmers have threatened to launch a struggle against AAP to get compensation, he added.



Mann spreading political canard to disturb peace in Punjab: Chugh



Chandigarh: Coming down heavily on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for spreading political canard in the state for his cheap electoral gains, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday said that politically, Bhagwant Mann remains as immature as he could ever be because of his background. After crossing all limits in corruption, AAP Chief Minister has started talking about democracyNow, Mann is making frantic efforts to hide his partys corruption and the fact that top leadership is already behind the bars for various corruption cases, said Chugh. BJP leader said that at a time when land, liquor, and sand mafias are ruling Punjab, the Chief Minister is behaving like a helpless stamp of the party convener Arvind Kejriwal. He accused Mann of gravely endangering the security of the border state following which criminals of all shades are ruling the roost.



70343 arms deposited in Himachal Pradesh



Shimla: To ensure free and fair elections in the State, as many as 70343 out of total 100403 licensed weapons in Himachal Pradesh have been deposited till Monday evening, the spokesperson of the State election department said on Tuesday. He said that the numbers of the arms deposited were 1350 in Baddi, 4913 in Bilaspur, 5603 in Chamba, 3898 in Hamirpur, 12468 in Kangra, 1406 in Kinnaur, 4653 in Kullu, 222 in Lahaul-Spiti, 7281 in Mandi, 3954 in Police district Nurpur, 12111 in Shimla, 5791 in Sirmaur, 3877 in Solan and 2816 in Una. Apart from this, since the elections were announced imposing the Model Code of Conduct, 73 complaints were received from across the State through C-Vigil out of which 36 complaints were disposed till Tuesday afternoon, i.e till 23rd April and 37 complaints which were either false or were not found genuine were dropped after scrutiny.
Criticising the Congress for its way of handling terror incidents, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Tuesday that during the Congress government, whenever a terrorist incident occurred, they would put oil in their ears and ignore it.

They would merely say they were watching or would watch, while terrorists continued their activities, he alleged.

Speaking at a public meeting in Hasanpur, Amroha in support of Kanwar Singh Tanwar, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, The Samajwadi Party has crossed the limits of shamelessness. They had the audacity to withdraw cases against terrorists who attacked Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya and the Sankat Mochan Temple in Kashi. However, the judiciary thwarted its intentions.

He continued, The court sharply criticised the SP, warning that if they can withdraw cases against terrorists today, they might tomorrow shamelessly compromise the countrys security by giving them the Padma award. The judiciary will not permit such actions.

CM Yogi said: Today is Hanuman Jayanti. Modi ji has facilitated the installation of Shri Rams idol, who is the idol of Lord Hanuman, in Ayodhya. Therefore, Jo Ram ko laaye hain, hum unko layenge aur kamal khilayenge.

CM Yogi said that prior to 2014, there were frequent terror incidents and bomb blasts, instilling fear among people.

However, terrorism has been effectively curbed since 2014. In 2019, Modi ji took decisive action to revoke Article 370, which was the foundation of terrorism. This led to the eradication of terrorism from India. Now, even when a firecracker explodes, Pakistan promptly denies its involvement. Even our adversaries recognise our strength. They understand that if terror incidents occur in India and innocent lives are lost, they will face the consequences, Yogi remarked.

Asserting that the BJP prioritises development, the CM stated, The distance from Amroha to Delhi is just 165 kms. Before 2014, it took five hours to travel this distance. The Congress failed to appreciate the importance of convenience and time. We are linking Amroha with the Ganga Expressway. Now, one can reach Delhi in just one-and-a-half hours, Lucknow in four hours, and Prayagraj in six hours.

In a jibe at the Congress, CM Yogi remarked that the party had coined the slogan 'Garibi Hatao in 1970 but instead of alleviating poverty, one family gained unfettered access to plunder the nations resources, whether it was the family in Delhi or in Saifai. They indulged in rampant corruption and instigated chaos, he said.

He added: The then Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, had asserted that Muslims had the first right to the countrys resources. So, where does that leave the Dalits, Backward classes, Kharagvanshis, Semis, poor, farmers, mothers, sisters, and youth?"

Accusing the Congress and INDIA bloc members of betraying the country by presenting a deceitful manifesto, he said that their promise to implement strict laws was misleading. He emphasised that India would be governed by the Constitution crafted by Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and not by any arbitrary law.

They claim they will seize public property and then distribute it. Do you want to let the SP and Congress plunder the assets your ancestors worked hard to acquire? Look at the audacity of these people. On one hand, they have their eyes on your property, and on the other, they are reading fatiha on the graves of mafia and criminals, Yogi said.

The chief minister stated that he had also campaigned for Mahendra Kharagvanshi in 2017 and 2022. He is consistently advancing development initiatives. Mahendra Kharagvanshi, along with Kanwar Singh Tanwar, has been tirelessly working towards fulfilling the vision once cherished by Kalyan Singh. In line with Kalyan Singhs sentiments, the Ram temple was constructed in Ayodhya. However, when Kalyan Singh passed away, not a single member from the SP attended his last rites. These people insulted Kalyan Singh, Yogi said.

The chief minister emphasised that the Modi government schemes are now benefiting the poor and the underprivileged, regardless of their caste.

In the 10 years of Modi ji's rule, many works of development and poor welfare have been done. Considering that Congress held power for 65 years, SP had four terms in government, and BSP also had its chance, one must ask what did they truly accomplish? Their priorities appeared to centre more around self-enrichment through corruption than address the needs of the impoverished. There was a lack of genuine concern for the poor. Indira Gandhi had given the slogan 'Garibi Hatao and now her grandson is parroting the same thing, Yogi said.

Underscoring the pivotal role of voting, the chief minister warned people against the consequences of giving power in the wrong hands, which could potentially fuel terrorism.

Conversely, endorsing the BJP ensures a staunch approach to quelling terrorism emanating from across the border. Today, Pakistan acknowledges Indias targeted elimination of terrorists, he added.

The CM said, Last time, there was a betrayal. The MP you elected doesnt even utter Bharat Maa ki jai. Initially supported by the elephant (BSP), he exploited all available resources and now seeks to exploit them with the support of the hand (Congress). It's crucial not to vote for someone who doesnt honour our nation. This nation and its destiny are in your hands. Modis leadership is once again essential for our security, prosperity, and to elevate India as a global powerhouse. Those advocating for Indias progress and prosperity stand in support of PM Modi.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party state office here on Wednesday, accused the Indi Alliance, particularly the Congress, of plotting to undermine the reservation system for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

He expressed concern over the alleged intention of Congress to encroach upon the rights of SCs and STs, stating, The Congress party even intends to encroach upon the rights of SCs and STs. The report of the Sachar Committee commissioned by the United Progressive Alliance government, which had to be withdrawn in the face of stiff opposition from the BJP, bears testimony to this.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi inaugurated the partys media center and addressed various issues pertaining to the upcoming elections.

Yogi Adityanath criticised the Congress manifesto, particularly its mention of conducting property surveys, which he interpreted as a move towards arbitrary redistribution of properties.

He remarked, Congress has mentioned conducting property surveys as one of its agendas in its manifesto. Eventually, they will distribute the properties arbitrarily among themselves.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi referenced former prime minister Manmohan Singhs statements regarding resource allocation during the UPA regime, highlighting what he perceived as preferential treatment towards Muslims.

In contrast, he reiterated BJPs commitment to addressing the concerns of all segments of society without discrimination based on caste, creed or religion.

He emphasised, The Congress partys desperate pursuit of power poses a grave threat to the nations interests. Intending to enforce Sharia law in the country, the party has clearly demonstrated its predilection for the Talibani approach, which allows atrocities on women and carries out destruction.

Chief Minister Yogi raised concerns about Congress alleged support for implementing Sharia law, likening it to the Talibans approach and citing examples such as the support for triple talaq.

He argued that Congress manifesto posed a risk of denigrating a significant portion of the population and posing a threat to national security and sovereignty.

He alleged, Congress espouses the Taliban agenda by advocating for the implementation of Sharia law. The Congress manifesto intends to denigrate half the population.

Drawing parallels to historical events, Chief Minister Yogi cautioned against a return to divisive politics and emphasised the importance of performance-based governance over mere rhetoric. He criticised the lack of tangible outcomes from past promises to eradicate poverty, citing corruption and favouritism in scheme implementation.

He lamented, Despite governing for 65 years, their politics needed a foundation of performance as they encouraged selective implementation of schemes based on personal connections.

Highlighting the significance of the ongoing elections, Chief Minister Yogi urged voters to recognise the power of their ballots in shaping the nations future.

He positioned the BJP as the party of security, effective governance and national sovereignty, urging voters to support its vision for the development of India. He asserted, Each vote cast in favour of the BJP is a vote for security, effective governance, and national sovereignty.

The event was attended by notable figures including BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, minister Asim Arun, media in-charge Manish Dixit, general secretary Anoop Gupta, Harish Srivastava and Himanshu Dubey.
Delhi BJP has galvanised its campaign machinery ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, forming more than 40 teams for voter outreach to different sections, including minorities, as well as to take care of speeches, logistics, data, media, booth work and manifesto among others.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who also heads the election management committee, said these different teams headed by experienced leaders will ensure campaigning goes on smoothly on all seven Lok Sabha seats.

The votes will be polled on the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi on May 25. The nomination papers will be filed by the candidates from April 29 till May 5.

These campaign committees for specific purposes will discharge the dual function of monitoring involvement of leaders and workers of different departments and cells of the party as well as boosting voter outreach in view of the polls, Sachdeva said.

Party MLA from Ghonda Assembly constituency Ajay Mahawar has been appointed as convener of the election management committee of the party along with Rajiv Babbar, Gajendra Yadav and Yogita Singh as co-conveners.

Niraj Tiwari, who heads the Purvanchal campaign committee, said that in view of the polls, the activists of the Purvanchal Morcha have been asked to reach out to voters in their respective Lok Sabha constituencies to spread awareness about the Modi governments welfare works in the city.

Tiwari, who is also co-head of Jhuggi Jhopri (slum settlements) campaign team, said the issue of non implementation of various schemes like Ayushman Bharat health insurance plan and PM Awas Yojana by the Kejriwal government was being spread through the workers.

Senior Delhi BJP leader and MLA Vijender Gupta, who is co-head of the manifesto committee, said that work was underway to launch the document ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Delhi BJP will also bring out a charge sheet against the ruling AAP in Delhi that will focus on various aspects of nine years of chief ministership of Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi, party leaders said.

Heads and incharges of teams for special contacts with professionals and eminent citizens, talking points of speeches of leaders, booth related works, beneficiary contact, transport facilities, publicity material, advertisements through TV, radio, FM channels, contact with women, youth, scheduled caste voters among others have also been deputed, party leaders said.
AAP leader and Delhi Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday had a 30-minute-long meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar, saying he has asked people to not worry about him. Bharadwaj said he met Kejriwal in the mulakat jangla and had a converstaion with him over the phone.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh alleged the Tihar jail administration cancelled Delhi Minister Atishis meeting with Kejriwal at the last moment and said even the British rule did not see this kind of behavior. There was no immediate reaction from the Tihar Jail administration.

Bharadwaj said I had a half-an-hour meeting in the mulakat jangla. He said people should not worry about him. He said he is strong and he will continue his fight with the blessings of the people of Delhi, Delhi minister told reporters after the meeting.

The mulakat jangla 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.

The Delhi Chief Minister who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case on March 21 has not stepped down and the AAP has asserted that he will continue to run the government from jail.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAPs national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak met Kejriwal in Tihar Jail on April 15.

After the meeting, Pathak told reporters that Kejriwal will meet two ministers each week and review the progress of work under their respective departments.

After his arrest, Kejriwal had sent messages to his ministers to address issues such as water supply and availability of medicines in government hospitals. He also asked party MLAs to visit their constituencies and offer help to the people there.

Addressing a press conference, Sanjay Singh said that Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and City Education Minister Atishi were supposed to meet the chief minister in Tihar.

But Atishis meeting was not confirmed yesterday. Delhi Education Minister Atishi applied for the meeting and at the last moment her meeting was cancelled, Singh said.

After her meeting was cancelled, party national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak was supposed to accompany Bharadwaj, but he was informed around 9.30 am today that even his meeting was cancelled, he added.

Singh questioned the reasons behind the move and feared that Kejriwal might not even be allowed to meet his wife in future.

You are cancelling a MPs meeting, a ministers meeting with Kejriwal. You had cancelled my meeting with him earlier. Tomorrow you might cancel the meeting with his wife. Even the British rule did not see this kind of behaviour, he said.

Singh said he would be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena regarding the same.

He is being meted out worse treatment than the one meted out to terrorists or hardcore criminals. They are allowed to meet in person their lawyers and their families but you are stopping his meetings, he said. The AAP leader said no reason was given for cancellation of the meeting.
Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand, K Ravi Kumar today said that the Election Commission is continuously making efforts to increase the voting percentage in urban areas. Especially every possible effort is being made to encourage the elite people to leave their homes and go to the polling booth to vote. He said that cooperation of housing societies etc is also being taken for this.

Under the Voter Awareness Programme, work is being done to continuously contact people and make them aware of the importance of voting and to motivate them to vote. In this regard, the SVEEP program is also continuing. The CEO was holding a regular press briefing at Nirvachan Sadan in Dhurwa on Wednesday.

Kumar said that awareness for voting has increased in urban areas. This is the reason why voter registration applications (Form-6) are being received the most from urban areas. He said that the time period for filling Form-6 for voter registration in the areas of the fourth phase of elections has ended. Appealing to the voters, he said that the voters of the remaining constituencies of other phases should still fill Form-6 for voter registration and participate in the voting.

The CEO said that for the fourth phase of elections, the maximum number of 13 nominations so far among the four Lok Sabha constituencies of the state has been made for Singhbhum region. The lowest number of nominations so far has been 8 for the Palamu region. There have been 10 nominations in Lohardaga and 9 in Khunti. He said that to ensure fair and fear-free elections, various agencies are continuously taking action against illegal drugs, illegal currency transactions and anti-social activities.

So far, the agencies have seized a total of Rs 67 crore, 40 lakh, 75 thousand, 813 rupees. Voters associated with election work and those working in essential services like railways, health, media, fire fighting etc. and they are performing their duties on the day of voting. But due to their residence, they cannot go to the polling station, fill Form 12D and take the application from all those voters and ensure their voting through postal ballot.

Meanwhile, in another meeting the CEO said that officials should work with the aim that not even a single voter who wants to exercise his franchise should be deprived of his right to vote. He was holding a review meeting organized from Nirvachan Sadan with the District Deputy Electoral Officers and District Postal Ballot Nodal Officers of all the districts through video conferencing.

He said that the officials of the Postal Ballot Cell of all the districts should take applications from the voters connected with the essential services of their district and working in the voting work by filling the form prescribed by the Election Commission of India for voting through postal ballot or they should go to the polling station themselves and vote.

If the candidates are willing to do so, then take their/their organization's feedback and submit a report in the format given by the Election Commission. He said that by establishing close coordination with all the concerned officials of the Railways, they should make all the railway workers, vendors, porters and other people aware about the use of voting rights and also make necessary efforts for their easy voting. He said that if there is a possibility of non-cooperation in this matter at any level, then let us know. Similarly, senior citizens above 80 years of age or disabled voters, who are unable to reach the polling booth, can vote through their postal ballot. Complete all necessary preparations for voting on time.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Neha Arora, State Police Postal Ballot Nodal Officer Patel Mayur Kanhaiya Lal, OSD Geeta Choubey and other officials were present.
BSNL, a leading national level mobile service provider, is ready to serve various areas of the country with 4G built with completely indigenous technology. In this series, the first 4G BTS in Jharkhand circle was also commissioned on 22.04.2024 in Kuchu, a remote village of Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, by Chief General Manager Sanjay Kumar in the presence of circle head of TCS and TEJAS, in which 40 Mbps speed was found.

This 4G BTS has been manufactured by the indigenous company TCS. On this occasion, other senior officials PGM CFA Ashish Kumar Das, PGM CM Ramashray Prasad, GM BA Umesh Prasad Sah, GM EB Vijay Kumar Maurya were present.

Another BTS has been commissioned under 4G Saturation Project in Koolmara village of Musabani block of Jamshedpur on Tuesday. This indigenous 4G BTS was inaugurated by Vijay Kumar, General Manager, Jamshedpur.

BSNL has so far constructed 633 towers under the 4G Saturation Project which is spread in remote areas in every corner of the state where even today there is no signal of any operator. All these towers will be started sequentially. Apart from this, BSNL will upgrade its 2G/3G service to 4G on all towers. A target has been set to make 400 BTSs operational with 4G service by the month of May. BSNL Jharkhand circle has always been ready to provide better service to the people of the state.

In the successful commissioning of 4G BTS, Vidyabhushan Deputy General Manager, Rameshwar Prasad Mahato Deputy General Manager, Rakesh Kumar Assistant General Manager, Ramesh Kumar Assistant General Manager, Uttam Kumar Sub Divisional Engineer, Nikhil Kumar Singh Sub Divisional Engineer and the team of Ranchi and Jamshedpur played an important role.
Two years after he shifted loyalties to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Jasveer Singh Jassi Khangura  a former Congress MLA from Ludhiana  on Wednesday tendered his resignation from the ruling party amidst speculation of a potential return to the Congress fold.

Khangura, a prominent hotelier and AAPs senior leader had crossed over to AAP ahead of the 2022 assembly polls. However, his tenure with AAP has come to an abrupt end over alleged dissatisfaction stemming from the denial of a ticket to contest from Ludhiana Lok Sabha constituency.

The decision to resign came hot on the heels of AAPs announcement of Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Parashar Pappi as their candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Ludhiana. Sources close to Khangura revealed that he was deeply disheartened by the partys decision to overlook him for the ticket, prompting his departure.

In his resignation letter addressed to AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Khangura refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind his exit. However, he clarified that his decision was driven by personal factors and expressed no immediate intentions of joining another political outfit. I have quit due to personal reasonsAs of now, I am not thinking about joining another party, he said.

Khanguras political journey has been marked by twists and turns, notably his successful stint as the MLA representing the erstwhile Kila Raipur constituency from 2007 to 2012. His victory broke the Congress stronghold in the predominantly rural constituency, earning him recognition as a formidable leader. Later, the Kila Raipur constituency was disbanded in the delimitation process and most of its area came under Dakha assembly segment, and some parts under Gill.

Despite his electoral prowess, Khanguras hopes for securing the AAP ticket from Ludhiana were dashed, fueling speculation about his next move.

At present, Khangura remained tight-lipped about his future political course, leaving observers intrigued by the unfolding developments.
National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jagat Prakash Nadda addressed the public meeting organized in Tikamgarh, Rewa and Satna of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday and fiercely targeted the opposition, calling the INDI Alliance and its constituent parties a gathering of corruption and nepotism.

In these programs, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Prahlad Patel, BJP State President and Khajuraho candidate Vishnudatt Sharma, Union Minister and Tikamgarh candidate Virendra Kumar, Rewa Lok Sabha candidate were present .

Janardan Mishra, Satna Lok Sabha candidate Ganesh Singh, State General Secretary Ranveer Singh Rawat and other officials were present.

BJP National President Nadda said that we are very fortunate because we are members of the party whose leader is the illustrious Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi completely changed the definition and culture of politics. This election is not just an election to make our candidates win but this election is an election to fulfill the resolve of a developed India through our candidates and that is why we need a strong, stable and decisive government. In 2019, the public had taken a very important decision by pressing the EVM button, which resulted in the formation of a stable government and the difference with the stable government was that the slogan we used to raise since 1951 that two symbols, two Vidhans and two Pradhans will not work in one country and On August 6, 2019, the same BJP MPs elected by you in Parliament abrogated Article 370.

Nadda said that the Bharatiya Janata Party had taken a pledge in 1989 to pave the way for the Ram Temple in Palampur, on 22 January 2024, the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated by the Karakamals of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi after 10 days of difficult rituals. Lord Ramlala was consecrated inside. Modi has changed the culture and definition of politics and today the entire country is moving forward with the determination of a developed India. Under the leadership of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the fifth largest economy from the 10th largest economy, surpassing countries like Japan and Britain. India will become the third largest economy within the next 2 years.

We have moved from fourth to second position in steel production, 97 percent of mobile phones are being manufactured in India today, and we have reached third position in the automobile market.

Nadda said that today, under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Yojana, respected Modi ji has given health insurance of Rs 5 lakh every year to 10 crore 74 lakh families of the country, a total of 55 crore people, which is 40 percent of the total population of India and now Any person above 70 years of age from any section of the country will be provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Nadda told that in Madhya Pradesh, an institute related to Petrochemical Engineering Technology was opened in Gwalior and during the tenure of my Health Minister, a proposal was passed to open 14 medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh, which also includes Tikamgarh, Satna and Chhatarpur.
The United Nations called Tuesday for a clear, transparent and credible investigation of mass graves uncovered at two major hospitals in war-torn Gaza that were raided by Israeli troops.

Credible investigators must have access to the sites, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters, and added that more journalists need to be able to work safely in Gaza to report on the facts.

Earlier Tuesday, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said he was horrified by the destruction of the Shifa medical center in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis as well as the reported discovery of mass graves in and around the facilities after the Israelis left.

He called for independent and transparent investigations into the deaths, saying that given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators.

Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law, Turk said. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat (incapable of engaging in combat) is a war crime.

U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel on Tuesday called the reports of mass graves at the hospitals incredibly troubling and said U.S. officials have asked the Israeli government for information.

The Israeli military said its forces exhumed bodies that Palestinians had buried earlier as part of its search for the remains of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war. The military said bodies were examined in a respectful manner and those not belonging to Israeli hostages were returned to their place.

The Israeli military says it killed or detained hundreds of militants who had taken shelter inside the two hospital complexes, claims that could not be independently verified.

The Palestinian civil defense in the Gaza Strip said Monday that it had uncovered 283 bodies from a temporary burial ground inside the main hospital in Khan Younis that was built when Israeli forces were besieging the facility last month. At the time, people were not able to bury the dead in a cemetery and dug graves in the hospital yard, the group said.

The civil defense said some of the bodies were of people killed during the hospital siege. Others were killed when Israeli forces raided the hospital.

Palestinian health officials say the hospital raids have destroyed Gazas health sector as it tries to cope with the mounting toll from over six months of war.

The issue of who could or should conduct an investigation remains in question.

For the United Nations to conduct an investigation, one of its major bodies would have to authorize it, Dujarric said.

I think its not for anyone to prejudge the results or who would do it, he said. I think it needs to be an investigation where there is access and there is credibility.

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, said after visiting Israel and the West Bank in December that a probe by the court into possible crimes by Hamas militants and Israeli forces is a priority for my office.

The discovery of the graves "is another reason why we need a cease-fire, why we need to see an end to this conflict, why we need to see greater access for humanitarians, for humanitarian goods, greater protection for hospitals and for the release of Israeli hostages, Dujarric said Monday.

In the Hamas attack that launched the war, militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 hostages. Israel says the militants are still holding around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.

In response, Israels air and ground offensive in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas, has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, around two-thirds of them children and women. It has devastated Gazas two largest cities, created a humanitarian crisis and led around 80 percent of the territorys population to flee to other parts of the besieged coastal enclave. (AP)
In a bid to encourage voters, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi has roped in businesses, including hotels and eateries, who are offering discounts to those who will cast their ballots in the Lok Sabha elections. Delhi will go to the polls in the sixth phase of the general elections on May 25.

Restaurants across the city affiliated with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) will give a 20 per cent discount to customers dining in after casting their votes, a statement released by the Delhi civic body said on Tuesday.

The beneficiaries can avail this discount upon presenting their voter ID and their inked finger, it added.

The statement said that various eateries and hotels in different zones of the city -- West, Keshavpuram, Najafgarh, City SP and Karol Bagh -- will also offer discounts to those participating in the elections.

The Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal has also extended a 10 per cent discount to shoppers displaying the indelible ink mark on their finger at establishments registered with the mandal. Shoppers can avail this one-time offer on May 27, according to the statement.

Similarly, the Vyapar Mandal C-4-E Janakpuri Market will offer a 5 per cent discount to shoppers with the voting mark on their fingers, the statement said.

The establishments in the West zone have decided to give discounts varying from 10 per cent to 20 per cent to patrons who exercise their right to vote in the elections. The Select City Walk Mall in Saket has also asked various establishments in the mall to offer discounts to eligible voters.

The establishments in the Keshavpuram zone will offer a 20 to 30 per cent discount to voters who cast their ballots, the statement stated.

The Radisson Blu Hotel in Dwarka area of Najafgarh Zone has announced discounts of 50 per cent on lunch buffets and 30 per cent on dinner buffets for those exercising their right to vote on May 25, it added.
Punjab Police on Tuesday claimed to have averted possible target killing planned by cross-border operatives with the arrest of one member linked to a Pak-based terror module.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused has been identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Picho of Udho Nangal village in Amritsar. Police teams have also recovered one .30-bore automatic Chinese pistol along with a magazine and four live cartridges from his possession.

DGP Yadav said that acting swiftly on the intelligence and human-intelligence inputs, Police teams from Jalandhar Counter Intelligence laid a special naka (checkpoint) in the area of Rama Mandi and arrested the accused person after recovering the sophisticated automatic pistol from his possession.

He said that the probe revealed that the arrested accused was being handled by Pakistan-based operatives, who tasked him to carry out target killing in the Jammu and Kashmir region to create fear and unrest in the society.

Sharing more details, Jalandhar Counter Intelligence SSP Navjot Singh Mahal said that the accused has received money in his bank account via Dubai and procured the pistol along with ammunition from the area of Samba in Jammu and Kashmir. Further investigations are going on, he added.

A case FIR, dated April 22, 2024, has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell, (SSOC) Amritsar.

BJP stalwart Samplas nephew joins AAP

PNS/Chandigarh

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received a substantial boost in Jalandhar as Robin Sampla, the nephew of BJP stalwart and former National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman Vijay Sampla, made a momentous decision on Tuesday. Robin, who held the position of vice president in the BJP's Scheduled Caste wing, bid farewell to the saffron party and officially joined the AAP, marking a noteworthy transition in the political landscape of Punjab.

The induction ceremony, graced by the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and MLA Raman Arora, saw Robin Sampla being warmly welcomed into the AAP fold. Known for his influential presence among the youth of Jalandhar, Robins departure from the BJP represented a significant setback for the party, particularly in Jalandhar region, where his departure may lead to a tangible loss in BJPs vote share.

Robin Sampla, addressing the gathering, emphasized the AAP's commitment to the common people, the poor, and the Dalits, reaffirming his belief in the party's inclusive ideology. Expressing his disillusionment with the BJP, Robin highlighted his decision to join the AAP as a volunteer driven by the party's principles and its dedication to serving every section of Punjab without discrimination. His entry into the AAP is expected to bolster the party's prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jalandhar.

Robin Sampla's association with the BJP's Scheduled Caste wing and his familial ties to Vijay Sampla, a BJP stalwart and former Union Minister, added further weight to his decision to switch sides.

Vijay Sampla, who was reportedly disenchanted with the BJPs decision-making process, had previously been denied a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections in Hoshiarpur. Robin's decision to join the AAP comes at a time when the political landscape of Punjab is witnessing dynamic shifts, with parties actively seeking to consolidate their support base ahead of the elections.

Notably, Robin Sampla's involvement in advocating for the rights of SC families affected by house demolitions in Jalandhar last year had garnered attention both locally and nationally. His efforts to bring justice to the marginalized communities underscored his commitment to social justice and equality, values that resonate with the AAP's core principles.
An agreement has been signed between Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Sciences University, Jabalpur and St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine of Russia.

Under this agreement, the representatives from Russia came on a two-day visit, Vice Rector Professor Dr. Nikitin, Dr Lutik and Harsha Pandrangi visited the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur.

The delegates visited the Animal House in which they learned about the maintenance and management of various laboratory animals. After this, they visited various departments of the veterinary complex.

Took information about testing and treatment of animals suffering from various types of diseases in the veterinary complex. The delegates were given information about advanced diagnostic equipment like ECG, ultrasonography, CT scan and X-ray by the subject experts.

Apart from this, he also visited the Pet Parlour, Operation Theatre, Indoor Ward in the Veterinary Complex, Throat Laboratory present in the Veterinary Medicine Department and Semen Laboratory present in the Animal Gynecology Department and discussed the research work going on in the clinical departments.

During this visit, Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Sita Prasad Tiwari was present along with the representatives from Russia and he discussed in detail about the research work being done in the University.

In the same sequence, the representatives from Russia also met the students studying in different academic years of the college in the college auditorium and exchanged views with them on subjects like studies, innovative ideas, treatment of animals etc.

During this, students asked questions related to the job profile of veterinarians in Russia, future perspective and higher education (post-graduation) from Russian universities. Director Instructions Dr. Madhu Swami and Dean of the college, Dr. Rakhi Vaish had special support in this program.

Dr. Apara Sahi, Dr. Devendra Gupta, Dr. Amita Tiwari, Dr. Brajesh Singh, Dr. Ranbir Singh Jatav, Dr. Satyanidhi Shukla and Dr. Shashi Pradhan were also present.

In the second phase, the Russian team visited the fisheries field of Fisheries Science College where they got information about fish seed production, visited the breeder Katla fish and released the fish hatchlings into the pond. To know the process of fish feed production using a fish feed production machine.

During this, Dean of Fisheries Science College Dr. SK Mahajan, Director Instruction Dr. Madhu Swami, Dr. PK Singh, Field In-charge Dr. Sona Dubey, Field Manager Mr. Shiv Mohan Singh and students of Fisheries Science College were present.
Noida was once known as centre of corruption but it has now transformed into centre of business due to efforts of the double-engine government of the BJP, senior party leader Rajnath Singh said in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Tuesday.

Criminals once dominated this region in western Uttar Pradesh, even forcing people to migrate but all that has now become a thing of the past, the defence minister also said as he slammed previous non-BJP governments in the state.

Rajnath was speaking at an election rally at Bisaha village in Greater Noida while canvassing support for BJPs Gautam Buddh Nagar Lok Sabha candidate Mahesh Sharma ahead of the April 26 voting.

You people know very well about Noida. There was a time when Noida was the centre of corruption for the politicians of Uttar Pradesh. It was said for the officers, too, that if there is any biggest centre of corruption, it is Noida, he said.

But today I can say with pride that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Noida is no longer a centre of corruption but has become a centre of business, he added.

The kind of fear that criminals had in this region, the kind of dominance they had, it was even reported that some people were migrating from here. All these are now things of the past, the BJP leader said hailing the double-engine government in the state.

He said today if there is any place known not only in Uttar Pradesh but in entire India for tourism, law and order, then it is Noida. Today, as far as Uttar Pradesh is concerned, this state is not known for the criminal records but for the huge amount of investment that is coming from every corner of India and other countries of the world, the excellent law and order system, the shining expressways, he added.

Rajnath, a former UP chief minister, also took credit for the Noida International Airport coming up in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Jewar Airport is nearby here. Sisters and brothers, when I was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, I remember very well that I first went to the Government of India with the proposal of Jewar Airport, he said.

In between, other parties formed governments in Uttar Pradesh and the Jewar Airport was put off. But I really want to express my gratitude to PM Modi and CM Yogi who resolved that this land of Jewar will get the largest airport of India and today the work of Jewar Airport is progressing rapidly, he added.

Rajnath said he does not need to go into much detail about the developments that have taken place in the state as the people know it well. He recalled that Uttar Pradesh was once counted as a poor state, but no longer so.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab the next month, adding a palpable buzz to the state's political arena, signaling a pivotal moment as preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections gather steam. With the elections slated for June 1 in Punjab, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is revving up its campaign machinery, with the Prime Minister's presence, sometime in May end, set to inject renewed vigour into their electoral strategy in the State where the saffron brigade is struggling amidst the farmers protest. Also, it is for the first time, after 1966, that the saffron party is entering the poll arena without any alliance.

Preparing for the same, Punjab Government has also issued letters to all department heads, Deputy Commissioners, and police officers regarding security arrangements instructing the officials concerned to ensure compliance with regulations regarding the PMs security arrangements and to ensure that preparations are completed on time.

The, issued by the General Administration Departments protocol branch, emphasized the importance of stringent security measures. The directives also underscored the need for meticulous adherence to security protocols to ensure the Prime Minister's safety during his engagements in the State.

Security arrangements are expected to encompass a range of logistical considerations, including the deployment of barricades, provision of adequate parking facilities, and the establishment of designated helipads. With the elections drawing near, officials concerned have been instructed to expedite their preparations to meet the stringent security requirements outlined by the authorities.

The Prime Minister's visit holds particular significance against the backdrop of the electoral landscape in Punjab, where political parties are intensifying their campaigning efforts. Elections in Punjab will be held in the last and final phase.

In parallel, the Congress partys national leaders are poised to commence their campaign visits to Punjab from the next month, adding to the fervour of political activity in the region. With both parties having announced their candidates for a significant number of seats, the stage is set for a spirited electoral contest in Punjab.

Amidst the preparations, the BJP had earlier appealed to the Election Commission regarding security arrangements for the Prime Ministers visit. The appeal underscored the complexities involved in coordinating with multiple security agencies and emphasized the need for seamless coordination between political party managers and security personnel.

Reflecting on past incidents, concerns regarding security lapses during high-profile visits have come to the fore. Notably, during Prime Minister Modis previous visit to Hussainiwala in January 2022, demonstrators obstructed his route, resulting in a delay in his convoys progression.

In response to the BJP's appeal, the Election Commission has also issued directives to the Punjab government, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard the Prime Minister during his upcoming visit. The directives underscored the shared responsibility of state and district authorities in ensuring comprehensive security arrangements for the Prime Minister's engagements, including meetings, roadshows, and rallies.

As preparations intensify and political activity gains momentum, all eyes are on Punjab as it braces for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Prime Ministers visit is poised to inject further dynamism into the electoral landscape, setting the stage for a spirited contest as political parties vie for electoral supremacy in the State.
The Delhi BJP on Wednesday staged a protest near the Congress party headquarters here, claiming that Rahul Gandhi was indulging in politics to disintegrate India. The BJP also said that the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls was an insult to the culture of the country.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the BJP including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have launched a frontal attack on the Congress alleging its manifesto smacks of appeasement and that if it came to power, it would redistribute peoples wealth and also give reservations to Muslims from the quotas for SC, ST and OBC communities.

Senior BJP leaders, including national general secretary Tarun Chugh, Delhi state president Virendra Sachdeva, and Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha president Richa Pandey, took part in the protest.

Chugh said the manifesto of the Congress conspired to snatch away property and jewellery of women and give it to the minorities.

He alleged the Congress manifesto was an insult to the culture of the country and that Gandhi was indulging in politics to disintegrate India.

The manifesto of Congress is full of appeasement and it will weaken the country, Sachdeva said. He claimed the manifesto includes includes jihadi and appeasement politics.

Addressing a press conference here, Sachdeva slammed the Congress, saying the partys manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections aims to break the country.

The manifesto of the Congress reeks of jihadi thinking and appeasement politics. They have said if we come to power we will survey the assets of the country. Congress should explain which assets they are referring to. Are they talking about the jewellery of our mothers and daughters? he said.

Asking if the Congress wanted to confiscate the assets of mothers and sisters, Sachdeva said, Is it a crime to belong to the majority Hindu community? Is it a crime to wear mangalsutra?

Leader of Opposition in MCD Raja Iqbal Singh also addressed the press conference. He slammed the AAP for delaying the disbursal of funds for purchasing uniforms and books for students in MCD schools.

Sachdeva said all claims of improvement in Delhi governments education system are completely hollow and same has been confirmed by the repeated comments of the Delhi High Court.

The BJP leader said in the past two weeks, the Delhi High Court has exposed the hollow claims of the Arvind Kejriwal governments world-class education system by issuing strict directives on the deterioration of schools run by both the Delhi government and the municipal corporation.

Sachdeva said the Delhi High Court, after the report of the social jurist on government schools in North East Delhi, had condemned the Delhis Education Secretary.

On April 8, the court criticized the Delhi government for running schools in tin sheds and tents with broken desks, dilapidated classrooms, and for accommodating 144 students in a class room, besides expressing concern over the lack of education and play foeld facilities in schools.

Sachdeva said it is regrettable that even after the directives issued by the Delhi High Court two weeks ago, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government and the municipal corporation of Delhi have not started any work for improvement in schools.

It is a criminal negligence of the Kejriwal government that during the hearing of a case on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court had to give strict directives to the Municipal Commissioner for improvement.

The court said that it is alarming that out of more than 7 lakh students studying in municipal schools, 2,73,346 students did not receive last years book, copy, school uniform, bag, etc. The corporation says they do not have bank accounts, while there are clear instructions from the central government that zero balance accounts can be opened for students, he said.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ranjit Chautala on Tuesday skipped a meeting with the Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta who had called him to discuss his resignation as an Independent MLA. The MLA from Rania in Sirsa district had sent his resignation to the Speaker on March 24 and subsequently joined BJP. Currently, Chautala, 78, is contesting Lok Sabha Election on BJP ticket from Hisar Parliamentary Constituency.



Talking to Journalists in Chandigarh, Haryana Assembly Speaker said that Chautala phoned him on Tuesday and requested another date for the meeting as he wouldnt be able to come due to personal reasons. On April 30, he will have to come to clarify so we can decide (on his resignation). The verification of his signature is also required for which he must appear in person.



As Vidhan Sabha Speaker, it is my responsibility that if any member resigns from the Vidhan Sabha, it is for us to verify that the resignation has not been sent under any pressure or compulsion, Gupta had said earlier.



Last month, after BJP replaced Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as the Haryana chief minister, Ranjit Chautala again became the power minister in the Saini-led BJP government. Chautala along with former Congress MP Naveen Jindal joined the saffron party on March 24. Jindal was named a candidate for the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat. As an Independent MLA, Ranjit Chautala had extended support to the BJP when it fell short of a majority on its own after the 2019 assembly elections.
Delhi Police special cell has arrested gangster and sharp shooter of Nasir gang who was wanted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime (MCOC) Act and murder along with his associate.

The accused has been identified as Danish Jamal, the cousin of gangster Nasir who is also lodged in jail under the MCOC Act. He entered into gangdom in the year 2009 with the associates of his cousin Nasir who is a desperate and notorious gangster of North East Delhi.

A few months ago, the city police received information about the movements of Danish Jamal in Delhi. He was arrested from Bhopal along with his associate Gaurav on April 16.

After getting information, it was revealed that Jamal had been hiding in Uttar Pradesh and will be in Delhi. But later we got to know that Jamal along with Gaurav went to Bhopal. Team arrested him from Bhopal on April 16, Deputy Commissioner of Police (special cell) Pratiksha Godara said.

The DCP said that Jamal has a long history of committing heinous crimes for more than 15 years and his associate Gaurav Chuddi is a proclaimed offender in a murder case. Danish kept absconding and along with brothers Adil, Badar took the charge of Nasir gang in the area and the illegal activities of the gang in the area of North East Delhi. Adil and Badar are still absconding, the DCP said.
Bahujan Samaj Party president and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati on Tuesday raised the issue of reservation and alleged that the Samajwadi Party does not want the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) category people to get the benefit of quota.

Mayawati reiterated that if her party came to power at the Centre, western Uttar Pradesh would be made a separate state. Pointing out that Meerut had been demanding a High Court bench for a long time, she said that if voted to power, she would fulfil this demand.

Addressing an election rally in support of party candidate Devvrat Kumar Tyagi at Alipur Maidan in Lohia Nagar area of Meerut, she targeted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, and also sought to put the Congress and SP in the dock over the issue of reservation.

Mayawati said, The reservation given to Dalits and tribals in government jobs has not been completed for years. When the SP government was in power in UP, the reservation in promotion for SC/ST category government employees was completely abolished.

The BSP chief warned the common voters about the SP, saying, Will the SC/ST employees waste their votes on such a party (SP) which is trying its best to do away with your reservation?

The SP does not want the SC/ST people to get the benefit of reservation, she alleged.

The former chief minister said: When the BSP brought an amendment bill in Rajya Sabha to make reservation effective in promotion, the SP MPs tore it. You tell yourself what good can such a party do for Dalits and the exploited?

Targeting the BJP, Congress and its allies, she said all these political parties have meted out injustice to the poor.

The BSP chief also alleged that attempts were being made to tamper with the Constitution.

While reservation for Dalits and extremely backward classes has been tampered with, quota in promotions is not being given to government employees. The BJP government is snatching away the peoples rights to employment by giving them ration two times, Mayawati said.

She also enumerated the work done by her government for the people of UP between 2007 and 2012. She alleged that Dalits and Muslims were being harassed not only in UP but in the entire country.

She said if Dalits, Muslims, extremely backward and general category poor people gave the BSP an opportunity to form the government at the Centre, no one would be given the right to harass them.

Mayawati also promised to form a separate state by combining the western region.

She reminded the people that her government had passed a proposal and sent it to the Central government but the latter did not implement it.

In 2011, the Mayawati government passed a resolution to divide Uttar Pradesh and make Purvanchal, western UP and Bundelkhand separate states. If our party comes to power at the Centre, western UP will be made a separate state, she reiterated.

All unemployed, Dalits, Muslims, poor and youth will be given permanent employment  government jobs, she said. She also assured the sugarcane farmers of western UP that they would get fair prices for their produce.

Mayawati further said that the Congress and BJP had cheated the public every time while releasing election manifesto, and it was the reason why BSP did not bring its manifesto in the election, because it believes in doing, and not in saying.

Mayawati said that if there was no fault in the EVMs this time, the results would be better. She appealed to people to make the BSP candidate win from the Meerut Lok Sabha seat.

On the occasion, BSP candidate Devvrat Tyagi, former minister Haji Yakub Qureshi, and Hafiz Imran honoured Mayawati by presenting her a gold crown.

Voting is scheduled to be held in Meerut on April 26 under the second phase. BJP candidate Arun Govil, SPs Sunita Verma, BSPs Devvrat Kumar Tyagi are in the poll fray from Meerut.
Students of St Aloysious Montessori School , Dr Camil Bulcke Path, Ranchi on Tuesday formed a human chain to spread awareness towards water conservation.

Holding aloft placards carrying valuable messages on why and how to save water, the children from nursery to middle school walked along the footpath of Dr Camil Bulcke Path assisted by their parents and teachers shouting slogans and waving their placards.

It was a treat to the eyes watching the kids talking to the passersby and appealing to them to switch on their taps after ruse, plant more trees and preserve rain water through water harvesting.

Principal Brother Mike said Ranchi like many other cities in India and overseas is staring at an acute water crisis. Hence, in order to educate the students, their families and neighbours, the school decided to organise the event and contribute towards spreading awareness towards the all important issue.
The United States is preparing a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, the first to be sourced from the yet to be signed Ukraine-Israel bill, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Tuesday.

The aid package includes vehicles, Stinger air defense munitions, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 155 millimeter artillery ammunition, TOW and Javelin anti-tank munitions and other weapons that can immediately be put to use on the battlefield, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Joe Biden had asked the U.S. Congress to provide $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine, but the initiative stalled when Republicans in the House of Representatives refused to move the measure forward for months.

On Tuesday the Senate was expected to vote on four bills now passed by the House. One for Ukraine, a second with $26 billion for Israel, a third with $8.12 billion "to counter communist China" in the Indo-Pacific and a fourth that includes a potential ban on the social media app TikTok.

The Ukraine bill also calls for the transfer of ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) with a range of up to 190 miles, which Kyiv has pledged not to use inside Russia's territory.

Russia has increased its long-range bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and its cities in recent weeks, ratcheting up the pressure on Kyiv as Moscow's more numerous and better equipped forces slowly advance on the battlefield in the east.

Once the Ukraine bill is signed, funds to replenish stocks would rebound, alleviating Pentagon concerns that the use of Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to aid Ukraine would compromise U.S. military preparedness.

Tens of billions of dollars in the bill was earmarked to buy replacements for weapons sent to Ukraine along with transportation and administrative overhead.

The bill gives the president $8 billion worth of further Presidential Drawdown Authority. This added to the $3.9 billion remaining from previously authorized PDA means Biden can transfer $11.9 billion worth of excess weapons from U.S. stocks without congressional approval in response to an emergency.

As the replenishment funds are deployed, U.S. defense companies would gain more contracts as the Russia-Ukraine war grinds on.

Experts expect a boost in the order backlog of RTX along with other major companies that receive government contracts, such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, following the passage of the supplemental spending bill. (Reuters)
Thousands of BJP workers gathered at various Hanuman temples across 9745 booths in the national Capital and recited the Hanuman Chalisa on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Tuesday.

Several leaders of Delhi BJP including Lok Sabha election in-charge Om Prakash Dhankhar and State President Virendra Sachdeva, participated in the recitation ceremonies at prominent Hanuman temples in the city.

BJP State Organization Secretary Pawan Rana and many party MP candidates for ensuing Lok Sabha polls also joined in the collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa in different wards alongside party office bearers.

Dhankhar praised the Lord Hanuman devotees in the country as well as the State for participating in the recitation, drawing parallels between Hanumans persistent devotion to Lord Ram and the dedication of BJP workers towards the nation. Echoing similar views, Sachdeva also highlighted the significance of Lord Hanuman, his attributes of truth, determination, dedication, power, and prosperity, stating that worshiping him brings success.

On the occasion, Sachdeva also took the dig at the Kejriwal Government and expressed that corruption in the Delhi government was widely prevalent, causing slowdown in the development in recent years. He expressed hope that collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa will send positive vibes enough to ensure Delhis development and prosperity.

Sachdeva also criticized those who had earlier opposed the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya but now claim to be devout followers of Lord Ram. But the people of Delhi will remember such hypocrisy, he said.

Dhankhar highlighted the bond between Hanuman and Lord Ram, stating that the devotion of BJP workers mirrors that of Hanuman towards Lord Ram. The event concluded with a sense of unity and devotion among BJP workers towards the nations welfare and its prosperity.
Three AAP workers were briefly detained on Wednesday during a protest at ITO Chowk against the alleged mistreatment of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar Jail. The protest of AAP leaders, workers, and doctor wing who gathered at the AAP headquarters around 9 am was led by MLA and East Delhi Lok Sabha candidate Kuldeep Nayak.

Scores of AAP protestors, raising the slogan jail ka jawaab vote se, demanded that insulin to be administered to AAP national convenor while some of the protestors, who were doctors, wore aprons carrying a placard in their hands. The Delhi Police stopped them while they were marching towards DDU Marg. Three of them were detained but Kuldeep Kumar and the rest were dispersed.

Two of the detainees were doctors. They were taken to a nearby police station and later allowed to leave. On the detention, Kumar said that since they were just standing with the placards, they did not need any permission from the administration for it.

People of Delhi are asking why the central government is playing with Kejriwals life in Tihar. Why was he arrested without any proof? The people are ready to answer (the central government) with their votes, Kumar added, stating that people will answer this by votes against the BJP and in favour of the INDIA alliance.

He emphasised the BJPs evasion of fair electoral practices, highlighting the unjust detention and mistreatment of Kejriwal. It has been revealed to the whole country that the BJP is trying to kill him inside the jail. The people of Delhi will answer this with their votes. The BJP should explain why the health of a Chief Minister is being played with in the jail, why was he not given Insulin for 23 days? Why is Delhis son Shri Arvind Kejriwal kept in jail without any proof and recovery? The BJP is running away from fair elections. It is harassing the people of Delhi by arresting CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal, Kumar affirmed.

The AAP chief is lodged in Tihar in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy linked money laundering scam. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21.
Union Minister General VK Singh (retd) attended the nomination of NDA candidate VD Ram in Palamu on Wednesday. He addressed the huge public meeting organized there. On this occasion, General VK Singh said that NDA candidate VD Ram from Palamu has to win with huge votes so that he can get a more responsible post in Delhi. He said that to take Jharkhand forward with the pace of the country, NDA should get complete dominance from here. NDA candidates should win all the 14 seats of Jharkhand.

General Singh said that the PM's dream is to lay a road and rail network in India. Electricity reached every home. A network of roads has been laid. Roads are still being built. He said that the former army general has come here to make a small appeal. Make Palamu candidate VD Ram victorious with such a majority and send him to Delhi that people will be astonished. He said that there was a time when new bridges in Jharkhand used to collapse within a month or two. Now this does not happen.

State BJP President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi said that this time also the NDA coalition government will be formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Palamu should get 10% more votes this time. By pressing the button of lotus symbol, VD Ram has to win with a huge majority.

He said that the development work done under the NDA government is not hidden from anyone. The Prime Minister cares about villages, the poor, women and youth. The Prime Minister has given houses and LPG to the poor. To ensure that the poor do not sleep hungry, they are being given free ration. This will continue for the next 5 years. The Prime Minister has also given Ayushman Card to provide treatment facility in a good hospital in case of illness.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday participated in the nomination of NDA candidate from Lohardaga Sameer Oraon. He also addressed a huge public meeting organized in Gumla. On this occasion, he said that BJP is necessary for the all-round development of tribals, developed India and strictness against the corrupt. BJP is necessary for farmers to continue getting Samman Nidhi, women and daughters to be respected and enemies to remain afraid.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat said that a great festival is being organized to hand over service responsibilities to the world's most popular leader Narendra Modi. The people of Jharkhand should give their full blessings to the BJP in achieving its target of crossing 400 by making the NDA candidate victorious on all 14 seats. He said that this is a festival to shine the fortunes of Jharkhand. Don't miss this. If the public gives blessings in the assembly elections also, then a double engine government will be formed here. After this every guarantee will be fulfilled.

He said that Prime Minister Modi is focusing completely on the development of tribals. He has guaranteed the development of tribal families of Jharkhand. What no one asks, Prime Minister Modi asks. He has done the work of providing a dignified life to the poor. The poor never got loans. Loans are being given to them during the tenure of Prime Minister Modi. Development work has been done in the entire country under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. More than 100 Vande Bharat trains are running across the country, out of which Jharkhand has also got three trains. He said that it is necessary for BJP to come to power to root out Naxalism.

Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri said that Prime Minister Modi has done the work of increasing the pride of Aba Birsa Munda. It has been decided to celebrate the year 2025 as Tribal Pride Year. The PM has pledged for a developed India by 2047. Prime Minister Modi is standing to receive blessings. People should give their blessings.

He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party has capable leadership and organization. There is a resolution and there is also a goal. The opposition parties neither have a leader nor any determination nor any capable leadership. They are fighting the last battle to save the family and lineage. The opposition parties have worked to rob the people of Jharkhand of their rights.

The Leader of Opposition said that the people of Jharkhand should work to give shape to the slogan of 400. Put 14 seats in NDA's bag from Jharkhand.
Weakness in english language hampered her medical studies leaving her in deep depression claimed father of Medical student of Chirayu college who committed suicide by hanging wiht the ceiling at hostel on Monday.

"My daughter had come to Bhopal with the dream of becoming a doctor and had taken admission for medical studies 10 months ago. She was very happy on this day but everything ended within 10 months. We are taking his dead body to our home in Khargone," said Devi Singh father of medical student Rani More, who committed suicide at Chirayu Medical College on Monday.

Devi Singh More said that we live in Lavkush Colony, Khargone. I am a teacher in a government school. I have two daughters and two sons including Rani. Rani's schooling was from Hindi medium. She was always top in the class in school. 10 months ago, Rani had taken admission in Chirayu Medical College. She came to Bhopal with the dream of becoming a doctor.

After admission in college, everything went well for some time. Daughter was always very intelligent in studies. But, due to weak English, her performance started falling short of expectations. She often talked about this. For this reason she was in depression for the last four months.

Father Devi Singh said that his daughter was very serious about her studies, but her performance in college had started deteriorating. She often said that because the course was in English, she could not understand many things. Many times one has to face embarrassment regarding this. Studying medicine in English is very difficult.

Devi Singh last spoke to his daughter on Sunday. Even then the daughter did not mention any problem. She was talking normally. In connection with the conversation regarding studies, he had mentioned the problem due to the syllabus being in English. Rani never mentioned having any kind of problem in college.

In the suicide case of Rani More (22), a first year MBBS student at Chirayu Medical College, the postmortem of the body took place at Hamidia Hospital at 11:30 am on Tuesday. PM was conducted in the presence of her father and other family members who came from Khargone.

Police investigation so far has revealed that the medical student was weak in English. Since the entire syllabus was in English, she was not able to understand anything. Her performance in studies had deteriorated. She started living under stress. Rani often mentioned this while talking to her father Devi Singh.

Head constable Om Prakash Ahirwar, who is investigating the case, said that father Devi Singh had told in his statements that his daughter had studied in Hindi medium. She was feeling difficulty due to the syllabus being in English. Police said that the student's room in the hostel has been searched twice. Suicide note has not been found.

Rani More, a first year MBBS student studying at Chirayu Medical College, Bhopal, committed suicide by hanging on Monday. Her body was recovered by the police from the hostel room at 11:30 am on Monday. Rani lived in room number 14 of the girls hostel of the college. Like every day, she went to the room on Sunday night.

When she did not leave the room till 11 in the morning, the warden went to check. Despite calling several times, there was no response from inside. Then the warden informed the staff. The carpenter was called and the door of the room was broken. Inside, the body was hanging on a noose made of a scarf with the help of a fan. After this the matter was informed to the police. Khajuri Road police station staff sent the body to hamidia Hospital.
The Bareilly district was rocked with four separate murder cases during the last 24 hours. A brick kiln owner in Faridpur and a mining contractor in Bithri Chainpur were shot dead. A woman was beaten to death in Shahi and a farmer was hacked with a sharp-edged weapon in Mirganj.

According to reports, 50-year-old Mohammed Mazhar Khan alias Bobby Advocate, a former head of Dhakni Rajpuri in Faridpur, had a brick kiln in Rahpura village.

On Monday noon, a fight broke out between Salman, a resident of Kalyanpur in Bhuta, and Rehan of Bhure Khan Gauntia over transportation of bricks. Rehan called seven to eight people, including his brother-in-law Irfan, from Gausganj. They started beating Salman and his mother Sitara. When Mazhar reached there, he slapped Rehan and his brother-in-law shot Mazhar in the chest.

An FIR has been registered against Rehan, his brother-in-law Naushad, Irfan and Afsar. Irfan has been arrested.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old Aman Patel, a mining contractor and resident of Maheshpura in Bithri Chainpur, was shot dead in the wee hours of Monday.

During patrolling, police found his body on Chak road ahead of Navadiya Harkishan village. A chat with a girl was also found in Amans mobile. Police said they were interrogating five people, including the girl in question.

In the third incident, a woman of Bhamora in Shahi was beaten to death in a dispute over dumping garbage. Her daughter Kranti had a dispute with a neighbour.

In another case reported on Monday night, a farmer of Karanpur was murdered by attacking with a sharp weapon. He was guarding the tubewell in the field.

Meanwhile, a Delhi-bound bus collided head-on with a truck on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Kannauj district early Tuesday morning, leaving four passengers dead and 21 others injured, police said.

There were about 40 passengers on the bus originating from Gorakhpur. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dr Sansar Singh said the deceased were yet to be identified. The injured were admitted to Shri Bhimrao Ambedkar Government Medical College in Tirwa. Those grievously were referred to Kanpur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the opposition INDIA bloc is contemplating one year, one PM formula to resolve their leadership issue and added the world will ridicule such an arrangement in the largest democracy.

Modi, addressing an election rally at Harda under the Betul Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh, asked if voters were ready for "five prime ministers in five years" formula and called it a dangerous game by the opposition alliance in which the Congress is the biggest constituent.

The BJP's star campaigner doubled down on the Congress's alleged plan to redistribute wealth by what he called "snatching properties of people" and added that an advisor to the party's 'shehzada' (a reference to Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi) has now suggested imposing an inheritance tax. The PM was referring to remarks by Sam Pitroda, president of the Indian Overseas Congress who has talked about the inheritance tax law in the United States while answering a query on the redistribution of wealth issue.

The BJP stalwart said the Congress hates SCs/STs/OBCs to such an extent that it wants to give reservation provided to them in jobs and education to its "most loved community". He said while there is a clarity in the BJP over the leadership issue, the same is missing in the INDIA grouping.

"People should know to whom INDI alliance leaders want to hand over the reins of the country. It is clear in the BJP that it is Modi, but what about them?" he asked the gathering. "There have been media reports that a discussion is going on among INDI alliance people over 'one year, one PM' formula. That means one PM in one year, second PM in the second year, third PM in the third year, fourth PM in the fourth year, fifth PM in the fifth year... They are busy auctioning the PM's chair," he said, lashing out at the opposition bloc. Modi advised people to be alert about these leaders, who he maintained, are daydreaming like 'Mungerilal Ke Sapne'.

He noted the Congress can go to any extent to please its vote-bank, and spoke about "wealth redistribution and inheritance tax" issues to lash out at the main opposition party. "If anyone has more than one car, motorcycle or house, it will be confiscated if a Congress-led government assumes office," Modi opined.

Asking people to vote for the BJP, Modi said their one vote has ensured that Indian economy jumped from the 11th spot to the 5th place in ten years and a grand Ram temple was built in Ayodhya after a wait of 500 years. The PM maintained the Congress manifesto talks about religion-based reservation in jobs and education.

"The Congress Chief Minister of Telangana has just said that he will ensure reservation for Muslims," he said. The PM emphasised that when a Congress-led government was formed at the Centre, they first introduced religion-based quota in Andhra Pradesh.

"Then the Congress was not completely successful in its plan. But the Congress still wants to play that game," he stated. Modi said to dilute reservation for OBCs in Karnataka, the ruling Congress in the southern state has included Muslims under that category. "This action of the Congress is an alarm bell for the OBC communities of the entire country," he cautioned. Modi pointed out that the Constitution makers had clearly decided that reservation cannot be given on the basis of religion.

"This was the basic spirit of our Constitution, but the actions of the Congress are against the basic spirit of the Constitution," he said while accusing the grand old party of constantly trying to erase B R Ambedkar's statute book and snatch reservation from SCs/STs/OBCs.

"The Congress wants to snatch reservation from SCs/STs/OBCs and give it to its special vote-bank," he said. After independence, the biggest opposition to the Congress came from Ambedkar, the chief Constitution maker who was farsighted, the PM stated.

"Baba Saheb had seen at that time how the Congress was taking the country on the path of decline," he said. The BJP stalwart accused the Congress of doing vote-bank politics in the name of secularism and "killing" the idea of social justice.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP candidate from Vidisha, was also present on the occasion. The saffron party has fielded Durgadas Uikey from Betul which along with Vidisha and seven other Lok Sabha seats will vote in the third phase on May 7.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attacked the Congress over its leader Sam Pitroda's "inheritance tax" remark, saying that the grand old party's "dangerous intentions" of snatching the assets and rights of people have come to the fore.

The Congress will loot and equally distribute people's earnings and properties, he claimed while addressing an election rally in Ambikapur, the headquarter of Surguja district, in Chhattisgarh. "The dangerous intentions of Congress are coming to forth one by one and now it says it will impose inheritance tax.

The advisor of 'shehzada' of the 'shahi parivar', who was also the advisor to the shehzada's father, said that more tax should be imposed on the middle class and those who earn by toiling hard," Modi said, apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi and Pitroda.

"He (the advisor) said this publicly. Now they (Congress) have gone a step further and Congress is saying it will impose inheritance tax. It will impose tax on the assets inherited by people from their parents. Now, the 'panja' (Congress poll symbol) will snatch the assets from your children," he said without taking any name. Modi was apparently referring to a statement made by Indian Overseas Congress chairperson Sam Pitroda at Chicago in America over the inheritance tax law.

The PM said the Congress' mantra is "loot of Congress zindagi ke sath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi". "Till you are alive, Congress will impose more tax and after your life ends, it will impose the burden of inheritance tax on you. They (Congress) want to snatch your assets and rights of your children," the PM added. Congress does not want that common Indians give their property to their children. From values to culture, our country is not a consumerist country.

We believe in accumulation, enrichment and preservation, he said. "Today, our nature and environment is protected because of these values. Our old parents, grandparents keep their small ornaments safe thinking that it will be worn by their grandchildren during their wedding. The people of my country are fond of living life by taking loans. People are hard-working and spend as per their needs and have a tendency to accumulate," he said. The Congress is going to attack strongly on the fundamental values and culture of India. The reason why they have given this statement yesterday is that this thinking of theirs is very old, he said.

"Why did a storm trigger in their camp (Congress). When I said that Urban Naxals and Urban Maoists have taken over the Congress, they felt that they should say something to appease America. When Modi made the allegations, they were pretending to turn towards the other side in a bid to balance. But they want to loot your property and snatch the rights of your children. Do you accept it?" he asked and the people replied in the negative.

The PM said that till the Congress was in power in the country, people's money was being looted, but after the BJP government was formed, people's money is being spent on them. "The Congress's eyes are not only on your reservation, but also on your earnings, your houses, shops and farms. The 'shehzada' of Congress (apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi) says they will conduct an X-ray of the property of every house, cupboard and every family in the country. The little wealth and jewellery that our mothers and sisters have, Congress will also get them examined.

In Surguja, our tribals wear tribal ornaments and and mangalsutra. Congress will snatch all this from you and they say that they will equally distribute them," he said. "Do you know to whom they will distribute it after looting it from you? Will you allow me to commit this sin?" Modi asked. Meanwhile, early in the morning, Sam Pitroda in a series of posts on his 'X' handle said his statement was twisted by the "Godi media" to divert the attention from the lies the PM was spreading about Congress manifesto.

"It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PM's comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal," he said. "I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV.

Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with policy of any party including congress," he said. "Who said 55% will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why is BJP and media in panic?," Pitroda added. Meanwhile, the Congress distanced itself from Pitroda's "inheritance tax" remarks, saying sensationalising them are attempts at diverting attention from PM Modi's "malicious" poll campaign.
Apple will hold an event on May 7, the company said on Tuesday, amid reports that it would roll out the long-anticipated revamped versions of iPad Pro and iPad Air next month.

The Cupertino, California-based company did not disclose details about the event that would start at 7 a.m. PT (2 p.m. GMT).

Bloomberg News reported in March that Apple's overseas suppliers had ramped up production of the new iPads and a launch was planned for early May.

The new models would represent Apple's first overhaul to that lineup since 2018. Apple had introduced iPad in January 2010.

The potential launch comes at a time of a decline in iPad sales. The sales dropped 25 percent to $7.02 billion in the first quarter, while those of iPhone, its most popular product, have also been slowing.

It is a safe bet that there will be new iPads launched that day, given the picture of an Apple pencil and art on the invite, said Ben Bajarin, CEO of consulting firm Creative Strategies.

The tablet market is under duress as economic uncertainty looms and consumers cut back on non-essential spending, but Apple expects to combat the slump in demand with new products.

The company already sells five iPad models including the Pro, Air, Mini and the ninth and 10th generations of its regular iPad, according to the company's website.

Apple's iPad sales contributed just 5.9 percent to the company's total net sales of $119.58 billion in the first quarter ended Dec. 30.

Apple is also scheduled to hold its Worldwide Developers Conference from June 10 to June 14. (Reuters)
United States President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump on Tuesday easily won their primaries in the battleground state of Pennsylvania according to Edison Research, but thousands cast votes for former candidate Nikki Haley.

Pennsylvania, with 19 Electoral College votes toward the 270 needed to win, is a top prize and a toss-up in the 2024 presidential election featuring a Biden-Trump rematch.

Tuesday's primary was one of the last tests of voter enthusiasm in a campaign marked by both candidates' low approval ratings.

With 95 percent of the votes counted, Biden got 920,274 votes, or 93.1 percent, according to state election data. Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman who dropped out of the race, got 68,046 votes, or 6.9 percent, state data shows.

Trump got 786,485 votes, or 83.5 percent, with 95 percent of the votes counted, state data showed. Haley, who dropped out the race, got 155,829 votes, or 16.5 percent.

Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador, remained on the Pennsylvania ballot after dropping out of the race in March. Primary voting in the state is confined to registered Republicans, locking out the independent voters who favored her.

Her substantive results show that some chunk of Republicans continues to be unhappy with Trump, who is on trial on 34 criminal counts in New York.

Muslim and Arab-American voters mounted an "Abandon Biden" campaign in Pennsylvania to protest the president's handling of the Gaza crisis. He faced similar efforts in battleground states like Arizona, Wisconsin and North Carolina, with the biggest turnout a 13 percent uncommitted vote in Michigan's primary.

Organizers in Pennsylvania were aiming to get 40,000 write-in "uncommitted" votes.

Those results are not expected to come on Tuesday night because they will have to be entered manually.

Biden clinched the Democratic nomination and Trump secured the Republican nod in early March, and neither faces serious opposition on the primary ballot.

In 2020, Biden won Pennsylvania by less than 1.5 percent, or roughly 80,000 votes. Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton there by fewer than 45,000 votes in 2016. Biden and Trump have visited the state in recent weeks and focused on the general election rather than Tuesday's vote.

Biden was born and spent part of his childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and has for decades been a fixture in the politics of neighboring Delaware.

Incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger, Dave McCormick, were both unopposed in their primaries. The race, which opinion polls show as close, could help decide whether Democrats retain control of the Senate. (Reuters)
China's journey to space: Long March launches

By Sun Tianren, Zhan Huilan, Chen Lidan, Wang Zi, Xie Runjia, Zhang Jian, Zou Yun and Fan Liuyi (People's Daily App) 11:33, April 24, 2024

China celebrates its Space Day on April 24, the anniversary of the launch of its first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, marking China's arrival into the space age. In 1970, a Long March-1 carrier rocket sent the Dongfanghong-1 into orbit. Over the past decades, the Long March rocket family has served as the main carrier for China's spacecraft launches and has fulfilled more than 500 flight missions, a testament to the country's independent capacity and strength in science and technology. It has also demonstrated the nation's confidence and willingness to build a community with a shared future in outer space.

(Data source: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Ukraine received a new 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6 billion) tranche of financial support from the European Union Wednesday and hopes to get another 10 billion euros later this year, officials said.

Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said the EU, which has provided Ukraine with 31 billion euros, had become the biggest donor of budget financing to Ukraine since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022.

The United States, which has approved billions of dollars in a new aid package to Ukraine, is also an important donor.

"International support is a key to ensure macroeconomic stability and build a foundation for economic growth," Marchenko said.

Ukraine faces a $37 billion budget deficit this year and relies heavily on financial aid from its Western partners to be able to finance its social and humanitarian spending.

Kyiv uses most of its state revenues to fund defence efforts as its troops fight a larger and better equipped Russian army.

First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the government looked forward to final approval of the EU's Ukraine Facility lending program worth 50 billion euros and hoped to receive three more tranches this year.

"In fact, we are one step away from the launch of the program and full regular funding under the program," said Svyrydenko.

She said that following the final approval, Kyiv would be able to receive 1.89 billion euros in June and two more tranches worth about 4 billion euros in September and November.

Ukraine will have to implement a number of reforms and meet other program indicators to be able to unlock the tranches.

The steps include measures to improve transparency, fight corruption, improve business environment, and bring the country's legislation closer to the EU. (Reuters)
An illegal migrant from Bangladesh who just came across the English Channel in a rubber dinghy escorted by the French Navy reveals his motivation.

Merci beaucoup my French friends. I am now in the Britain, and I demand to be put up in a 4-star hotel and given free money.

The migrant is then told that he is going to Rwanda by a government immigration official.

Safari holiday of a lifetime

Yes, that is no problem. I go to Rwanda is holiday for me. Giraffe, zebra, gorilla! After 1.8 million free holiday, I come back to France, and they help me come to UK again. By that time, your communist Labour Party will be in charge, and they will allow me in. Its a win-win situation.

It seems that the gimmicky 1.8 million trips to Rwanda are certainly no deterrent to any of the economic migrants coming from France.
US Military Aid to Taiwan Stokes Cross-Strait Tensions

Key Points:

The US has approved an $8 billion military aid package for Taiwan, sparking strong condemnation from China.

Taiwan welcomes the aid, viewing it as crucial for maintaining its defense capabilities and deterring potential Chinese aggression.

The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains tense, with both sides engaging in military activities and diplomatic maneuvering.

Rising Tensions

The recent approval of a substantial US military aid package for Taiwan has ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing sharp criticism from China and further escalating tensions in the already volatile Taiwan Strait. The $95 billion aid package, which also includes support for Ukraine and Israel, allocates $8 billion specifically for bolstering Taiwans defense capabilities. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, views this move as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and a dangerous provocation.

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Chinas Condemnation

The Chinese government, through its Taiwan Affairs Office, has issued a strong rebuke of the recent US military aid package to Taiwan. This response underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and highlights the potential for heightened tensions in the region.

The core of Chinas objection lies in its assertion that the US aid package constitutes a direct infringement upon established agreements and understandings between the two nations. Furthermore, China contends that this action emboldens factions within Taiwan who advocate for full independence from the mainland, a prospect that China views as unacceptable and a direct challenge to its territorial integrity.

Taiwans Perspective

Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian articulated the Chinese governments position, accusing Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party of strategically aligning with foreign entities to constrain Chinas regional influence. This alignment, according to the Chinese perspective, places Taiwan in a precarious position and elevates the risk of conflict.

In contrast to Chinas condemnation, the Taiwanese government has expressed its appreciation for the US military aid package, viewing it as a strategic asset in maintaining regional stability and ensuring its own security. President-elect Lai Ching-te conveyed his gratitude to a visiting delegation from the US Congress, underscoring the significance of the aid in bolstering deterrence against potential aggression within the region.

Taiwans leadership maintains that the aid package contributes to the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The allocation of resources is primarily intended to sustain and enhance Taiwans current military infrastructure and equipment. This initiative complements existing agreements for the acquisition of advanced military technology, including F-16V fighter jets and M1 Abrams tanks, further augmenting Taiwans defense capabilities.

US Domestic Debate

The US military aid package for Taiwan, while enjoying substantial bipartisan backing within the US Congress, has generated debate within the domestic political landscape. A segment of conservative legislators has voiced concerns regarding the extent of US involvement in international conflicts, advocating for a prioritization of domestic concerns, such as border security, over foreign engagements.

Despite these reservations, the Biden administration maintains its commitment to bolstering Taiwans defense capabilities. This commitment is rooted in the recognition of escalating pressure exerted by China and the strategic importance of maintaining stability within the region. The Biden administrations stance reflects a broader US foreign policy objective of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A Delicate Balance

The situation in the Taiwan Strait remains precarious. China continues to conduct regular military exercises around Taiwan, including incursions by warplanes and naval vessels. These actions, coupled with Chinas diplomatic efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally, underscore the ongoing challenge of maintaining peace and stability in the region. The US military aid package adds another layer of complexity to this delicate balance, potentially exacerbating tensions and increasing the risk of miscalculation.
The owners and staff of Spar Magilligan are celebrating a prestigious win for Best Village Shop and Post Office at the recent 2024 Countryside Alliance Ireland Awards.

The accolade was bestowed upon the popular rural shop at the Northern Ireland Finalists awards dinner and ceremony at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Monday March 25.

Spar Magilligan will now proceed to represent Northern Ireland amongst English, Scottish and Welsh finalists in the Village Shop and Post Office category in the National Champions Reception at the House of Lords in June.

George Canning, who owns the popular store along with Harry Canning, expressed his delight at being named Best Village Shop.

"It's great to have been named as the winner of the best village shop and post office at the Countryside Alliance awards, said George.

It was a bit of a surprise when we were first nominated so to go on and be named the winner is really great.

I am so happy for all the staff as they all put so much work in and it is nice to see them get some recognition for all their hard work.

It's also nice for the Magilligan area to get some recognition and it has definitely created a buzz in the area.

Hopefully we can go one step further now and with a bit of luck win the UK finals!

The Countryside Alliance Awards, now in their 17th year, recognise rural businesses for excellence in their category, including best local food, best pub, best rural enterprise and best village shop/post office.

The top honours in each category are chosen from thousands of nominations facing a public vote and represent businesses who have gone the extra mile in their communities.

Spar Magilligan were the only winners selected from County Derry and faced stiff competition from businesses throughout Northern Ireland to grasp the top spot in their category.

George believes the friendliness and helpfulness of his staff was the key to winning the esteemed award.

I think what made us stand out was the willingness to go the extra mile for all our customers, he continued.

We are very lucky to have great staff who are always happy to greet our customers and help them with everything they need."

The team at Magilligan Spar celebrated with a bespoke cake gifted to them by Spar NI.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said: Running a business in a rural community isnt easy, particularly in recent times.

The evening was all about celebrating the valued role that these rural enterprises have in their communities.

Their continuing promotion and defence of Northern Irish produce, skills and life deserves all the credit it gets.

We at Countryside Alliance Ireland are proud to be honouring a group of people who are passionate about their countryside and passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond.

George was keen to thank everyone who voted in the awards.

A massive thank you to all our loyal customers who voted for us over the past few months

We wouldnt have won without all your votes.

Thank you also to our brilliant staff, they put in so much time and effort into the shop and it is them who make the shop what it is.

It really is an honour to win this award and we are all very proud, he added.
British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland (BHF NI) are looking for Heart Heroes and Young Heart Heroes in your community.

Is there someone you know living with a heart condition who has achieved something remarkable? A superstar fundraiser that deserves a thank you?

Nominations are open for the BHFs 2024 Heart Hero Awards and we need your help to find them.

Our Heart Hero Awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond for the charitys cause. From a passerby performing CPR on a stranger, to children with heart conditions who have overcome adversity  the BHF wants to honour them all.

Fearghal McKinney, Head of BHF NI said: I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to celebrate someone who is a heart hero in their local community.

We have had some very worthy past nominees and winners from here, including Mairtin Mac Gabhann who was honoured for his unwavering commitment to the Donate4Daithi campaign, raising awareness of organ donation.

Fearghal added: With categories to suit every kind of hero, there's no better time to shine a spotlight on all the amazing people who've made a difference to those living with heart and circulatory diseases in Northern Ireland.

Make sure the Heart Hero in your life gets the recognition they deserve. Go to bhf.org.uk/heartheroes to nominate your Heart Hero before Tuesday 30 th April.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is proud to announce a landmark agreement that will see some 100m invested in the Borough over the next 10 years. With anticipated Growth Deal funding of 36m from UK Government and the same from the NI Executive, alongside other partner contributions, this deal is set to shape the future trajectory of the region.

The formal signing of the Growth Deal, Heads of Terms agreement, represents a significant milestone in advancing the economy of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.

The official launch took place at Ulster Universitys Coleraine Campus this morning and brought together influential leaders, dignitaries, and stakeholders to celebrate collaborative efforts towards sustainable growth and development. Notable attendees included the First Minister, deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Finance Minister underscoring the importance of this moment for our community.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Steven Callaghan noted the importance of the investment for the future prosperity of the Borough and its citizens.

He stated: Todays event is the culmination of an enormous collective effort which began all the way back in 2019. Many institutions and individuals have contributed towards the development of a package of projects which represents the single largest Government investment in the Causeway Coast and Glens region.

This Growth Deal also demonstrates Councils commitment to collaborative working.

Through a programme of regeneration, we aim to transform our tourism offering and address some of our infrastructural challenges. Our Deals innovative projects will bring new industry to our Borough, providing high-skilled, high-paid employment opportunities for our young people.

This is just the beginning of our journey, and I would like to personally thank all of our delivery and funding partners for helping us get to this stage.

First Minister, Michelle ONeill MLA said it was a great opportunity to showcase the City and Growth Deals initiative.

She added: This is one of four deals covering the whole of the north with 1.3 billion capital investment over the next 10-20 years. Our four City and Growth Deals have the potential to increase the number of good jobs, promote regional balance and raise productivity which is the driver of improving living standards.

"The deals are helping to create a more dynamic and competitive economy here.

Importantly, the deals will have a positive impact on the quality of life for so many including our young people, our businesses, and the many visitors who flock to the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA reaffirmed the Executives support for the City and Growth Deals initiative.

She said: The projects that will be delivered through this deal will help improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities and upskill the local labour force.

The increase in key transport links will also attract more visitors to this beautiful area, creating even more opportunities for economic activity and further positioning Causeway Coast and Glens as a go to area for business and tourism.

This multi-million pound investment is a great example of government, business and academia working together to tackle issues and make a real difference.

Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said he was honoured to sign the Heads of Terms document, adding: This Deal has the potential to provide further economic benefit, innovation and more employment for this fantastic region. I hope it can take us one step further to Northern Ireland being the best place in the world to invest.

The UK Government is committed to ensuring this area thrives, which is why we are investing 36 million to support projects which build on the regions digital and innovation capabilities.

This will see projects such as the Centre for Food and Drug Discovery at Ulster University in Coleraine, the Business Innovation and Incubation Hub at Atlantic Link and the Innovation Hub at North West Regional College all benefit from this investment and bring exciting economic opportunities to the region and Northern Ireland as a whole.

Minister of Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA described the signing of the Heads of Terms document as a significant milestone, adding: Growing up in Coleraine, and now calling the area home, I know the positive impact this funding will have. The substantial injection of 100million into the Causeway Coast and Glens region is a game-changer for

the area.

The exciting and transformative projects that make up the Growth Deal will shape infrastructure, create job opportunities and further increase the skills base. The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal will produce a legacy for generations to come from Cushendall in the east right across the Borough to Dungiven in the west, the benefits will be felt right across the region.

Todays momentous gathering at Ulster Universitys Coleraine Campus provided a platform for those attending to hear how our region will be transformed by this investment and highlighted the collective vision for a vibrant and prosperous Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, contribute to discussions shaping the region's future, and witness firsthand the signing of this historic agreement.

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor, Ulster University said: The Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deal represents an opportunity for transformation for the Coleraine and North Coast area. It is a tremendous opportunity for us all to take the next step, driving forward the innovative ideas that will deliver economic growth for this incredible region. As a strategic partner, we are delighted to host this important event at Ulster University Coleraine, marking this important milestone in the Growth Deal process.

Ulster University will work collaboratively with the Council and other stakeholders to deliver innovation projects and continue to develop a pipeline of talented and innovative graduates, both of which will play a significant role in the development of this region.

If you would like to read Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councils Heads of Terms document and find out which projects are being developed for your area, you can access it via https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/work/strategic-projects/growth-deal or watch our in-depth Growth Deal video at https://youtu.be/o7dkEPI6Cuw
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The Northern Ireland Executive should be taking urgent action on releasing a programme for Government and a budget, which have not been presented 12 weeks on from the restoration of devolution, an SDLP MP has said.

There was no functioning devolved administration in Northern Ireland for two years due to the DUPs boycott of Stormont in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Following extended negotiations with the DUP, the UK Government pledged a 3.3 billion package to support the return of devolution in Northern Ireland earlier this year.

Last week Stormonts Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald said that the resource and capital bids made by ministers are far in excess of the funds available to her.

During Northern Ireland questions in the Commons, SDLP MP Claire Hanna (Belfast South) said people in Northern Ireland were frustrated at the lack of pace of delivery by the Executive, and called for an imminent programme for government and budget to be released.

She told MPs: After a two-year void, theyre saying they dont want to be hurried to deliver for Northern Ireland. Healthcare staff who are pressed, people waiting for special educational needs and people watching Lough Neagh face another summer of algae bloom are very much in a hurry for action.

Northern Ireland urgently needs a delivery plan, it needs a programme for Government and it needs a budget.

Yes, resources are a part of that, can the Minister update on any negotiations on the fiscal framework and can he impress on the Executive the need for urgent action and not just warm words?

Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris replied: The one thing I did pick up from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister last week is they too want to act in all the ways that (Ms Hanna) said and their priorities include creating a programme for Government which will include the vital work of public service transformation.

Theyre only 12 weeks in and I do look forward to good results in the short, medium and long term.

Earlier in the session Mr Heaton-Harris said Whitehall civil servants would collaborate with Stormont in their efforts to upgrade public services in the region.

He said: There is now a fantastic opportunity and we are trying to take it, for the UK Government to collaborate with and support the Northern Ireland Executive to transform public services.

The UK Government has high hopes that ministers in the Executive will deliver on their commitments to set up a transformation board and the Government is excited to work with Northern Ireland ministers to produce plans that will deliver that transformation for Northern Ireland.

Responding to a question from Theresa Villiers on whether Northern Ireland could be levelled up, Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker reiterated the Governments expectation of revenue-raising at Stormont.

He told the Commons: It is a fact that the Executive needs to both transform public services and improve revenue-raising so that everything there can be on a sustainable basis.

Also in the session, Mr Heaton-Harris said the Government is working to figure out how much the renovation of Casement Park will cost, with recent prices significantly higher than they were a year ago.

There has been uncertainty around funding for the redevelopment after reports suggested it could cost as much as 308 million.

In 2011, the Stormont Executive committed 62.5 million to the project.

In February, the Irish Government offered 40 million towards it, and the GAA has said it will contribute 15 million.

Last week First Minister Michelle ONeill said they were awaiting the UK Governments decision on plugging the remaining funding gap.

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn told the Commons: The UKs successful bid to host with Ireland the 2028 Euros is a fantastic opportunity for Northern Ireland, but with just three years left to build the Casement Park Stadium, the Executive has yet to invite tenders.

He added: Given the clock is now clicking how does (Mr Heaton-Harris) intend, with others, to honour that guarantee so the stadium gets built on time?

Mr Heaton-Harris replied: I really do want to see these Euro games played at Casement Park. I made clear that I would like to see Euro 2028 games take place in Casement Park, however, the latest costs that Ive seen are significantly higher than the ones they were a year ago.

And any tax-payer contribution to the Casement Park project will need to be made on a value-for-money basis, and Ive said also many times there is no blank cheque here, especially when there is no contractor appointed yet, we do not want to artificially inflate a price.

The Northern Ireland Executive will also need to decide on whether and how it will underwrite any future increases in cost, so we are all, all partners are working together to try and figure out what the number is and how we can deliver on it.
Microsoft gathers the quartet of South Korean tech titans for high-stakes AI summit

Microsoft touted as the world's largest AI service provider, has reportedly invited several leading figures in the South Korean tech industry to attend a high-level meeting.

Scheduled to take place at the company's headquarters, the three-day Microsoft CEO Summit is anticipated to kickstart on May 14, 2024. Analysts suggest this face-to-face exchange could deepen collaboration between South Korean enterprises and Microsoft, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in the AI domain.

Big league meeting

According to sources cited by Korea Economic Daily and Maekyung, the summit will be co-hosted by the company's founder Bill Gates, and current CEO Satya Nadella. Insiders revealed that the invited attendees include executives such as Kye Hyun Kyung from Samsung's Device Solutions (DS) division, Noh-Jung Kwak, CEO of SK Hynix, Cho Joo-wan, President of LG Electronics, and Yoo Young-Sang, President of SK Telecom (SKT).

The summit aims to facilitate one-on-one discussions between top executives from both sides, exploring potential collaboration opportunities in various AI-related fields. It is reported that discussions at the summit will likely cover topics such as AI semiconductor collaboration between Samsung DS and Microsoft, as well as potential supply partnerships for Samsung's AI inference chips, MACH-1 and MACH-2.

Collaborations goes both ways

Microsoft's global data centers and cloud services present opportunities for collaboration in areas such as DRAM, NAND Flash, High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM), Compute Express Link (CXL), and server data storage equipment.

On the flip side, Microsoft seeks to market its products and services to South Korean enterprises. For instance, Samsung and LG dominate the global smartphone, home appliance, and TV markets, serving as prime channels for Microsoft's AI services to directly reach consumers.

Rumors suggest that LG is interested in establishing an AI alliance with Microsoft. LG sells approximately 100 million home appliances annually and Samsung produces 300 million smartphones each year. Integrating Microsoft's AI services with the South Korean giant's devices could significantly enhance Microsoft's influence in the AI industry, potentially surpassing competitors like Google and Meta.

Regarding SKT, the company already has extensive cooperation with Microsoft, particularly through its leadership in the Global Telco AI Alliance (GTAA), aimed at expanding the influence of the telecom industry. Collaboration with GTAA members like SKT could enhance Microsoft's competitiveness in localized AI solutions.

According to reports, SKT President Yoo Young-Sang will discuss various collaboration plans in broad areas such as AI infrastructure and LLMs with Microsoft executives. In July 2023, SKT, along with Deutsche Telekom, e&, Singtel, and others, established GTAA, with founding members spanning over 50 countries and serving over 1.3 billion users globally.
The mum of Kelly Lynch, whose body was recovered in the Ulster Canal in Monaghan in March, has raised concerns about the Garda investigation into her daughters death.

Kelly Lynchs body was recovered from the Ulster Canal in Monaghan on St Patrick's Day, March 17. The 23-year-old was originally from Gilford in Co Armagh.

Kelly's mum, Julieanne, raised concerns over the investigation into her daughter's death.

"I will not stop pressing for answers. I will not stop speaking out. I will not sit back and accept the narrative of others. Kelly was only 23 years old. She should have had more time on this earth. Weshouldnt have to refer to her in past tense. This is beyond cruel," said Ms Lynch on social media earlier today.

In a previous post, Ms Lynch said she had not been made aware that a State Pathologist performed her daughter's port-mortem.

"An Garda Siochana perhaps there is a breakdown in communication between your Cavan Monaghan Garda Division and the Press Office in Dublin, but this is the first time that we as a family have heard that the State Pathologist performed my daughters postmortem.

"Considering we were told that it was a local pathologist within the hospital in Navan. Surely by now, over 5 weeks since my daughters body was found in Monaghan, facts like these should be relayed to us via our FamilyLiaison Officer? Because as your statement says, weve been informed, I can categorically confirm that such information has not been relayed to us. In fact, the whole process from the moment Kelly was found until now has been greatly mishandled. So many procedures failed. So many discrepancies in what we know. Not to mention the extensive list of failures," she claimed.
Across Louth, the housing crisis has forced 15,970 adults to live at home with their parents with a further 3,630 people renting using the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) who are not counted on the social housing waiting list. This amounts to a "shocking" 20,000 people locked out of a home in Louth, according to the Social Democrats Candidate for the Midlands-Northwest, Rory Hearne.

As a housing expert and longstanding expert on the housing crisis, as well as Author of the book Gaffs, Rory Hearne believes one of the most frustrating aspects of the housing crisis for the Generation Locked Out is the high number of vacant and derelict properties they can see across our cities, towns, and villages while they struggle to rent and purchase affordable homes.

If elected, Mr Hearne says he intends to use his platform in Europe to hold the Government to account for their failed Housing for All Plan, push for a transformative change in housing policy which puts the State back responsible for delivering housing on a major scale, and deliver real solutions to the housing crisis at the EU level.

Speaking on these solutions, Hearne said: Renovating vacant and derelict buildings is the most sustainable form of housing delivery, and the quickest. The Census 2022 identified 3,582 vacant homes in Co. Louth, but that doesnt include derelict buildings, particularly commercial buildings. That is why highlighting the scale of vacancy and dereliction, and the solution to this issue is so important. I am putting this issue central to my European election campaign.

Drogheda and Dundalk have commercial vacancy rates of 19 percent, with a 15 percent commercial vacancy rate in Ardee. These rates are higher than the national commercial vacancy rate which is already shocking at 14 percent. If you look at the number of vacant commercial buildings across Louth, it is twice the number of vacant homes at 6,746. These buildings, which often lay in the heart of towns, could be rapidly converted into housing.

I will be highlighting the solutions to this issue at a public meeting in Drogheda on Thursday and pointing to ways in which all levels of Government, from local authorities to the Irish Government and EU, can play a role in addressing this crisis.

Rory Hearne is scheduled to speak about the issue of housing and dereliction in Drogheda alongside the Dereliction Drogheda Action Group at a sold-out event hosted by the Development Perspectives on Thursday 25th April 2024 at 7pm. Speaking ahead of the event, Bobby McCormack, CEO of Development Perspectives, said:

"Development Perspectives and Derelict Drogheda are eager to tackle the underlying causes of dereliction in Drogheda. For too long, our community has suffered and crumbled before our eyes. Evidence-based decision making is required and the event on the 25th of April is an important opportunity to involve and engage community stakeholders in this critical process. We are delighted to have Rory speak about his work on housing generally and look forward to taking informed action".
Early years settings in Louth donated over 5,000 as part of Early Childhood Irelands 20th National Pyjama Day fundraising event.

Over 1,110 children and educators in 21 Early Years and School Age Care settings put on their cosiest pyjamas to raise vital funds in support of children across Ireland in November of last year.

A total of 287,611.52 was donated to two child-centred projects: autism charity AsIAms Child and Family Support Programme, which provides group-based support and advocacy for autistic children and their families; and a new Eco-Emotions project for Early Years and School Age Care educators in Louth. Developed by Early Childhood Ireland in response to feedback from educators, the programme will support childrens emotional health and develop a sense of environmental responsibility.

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland said: Since its inception, National Pyjama Day activities have raised over 4.3 million for selected projects and charities. As we mark two decades of Pyjama Day magic, we're delighted to see the ripple effect of kindness reaching children nationwide.

We would like to thank our members and all the educators in Louth who put so much time and effort into ensuring the children in their care had the best National Pyjama Day possible and express our gratitude to the generous families who sponsored the young fundraisers in their lives.

The much-needed funds will support children in Louth through two worthwhile causes. The Eco-Emotions initiative will foster the development of a future generation which is both caring and environmentally conscious. While AsIAm's Child and Family Support Programme continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of autistic children and their families across the country."

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm Ireland said: Were delighted to once again be supported by Early Childhood Ireland's National Pyjama Day. The incredible funds raised by children, for children, have enabled us to support thousands of autistic children and families across Ireland including in Louth through our free, group-based support delivered by our Child and Family Support Programme."

Autistic children very often don't enjoy the same chance to live, work and play in the community but National Pyjama Day enables AsIAm to remove barriers and build capacity so that the children we work with can access neuro-affirmative support and social opportunities.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said: Pyjama Day is about turning the generosity of children, parents and members of Early Childhood Ireland into important supports for young people and their families.

"The partnership with AsIAm does this in a way which is not only supportive but also pioneering. It breaks down barriers to specialised care and makes it more accessible to all. On behalf of the Community Foundation, I want to congratulate all who participated in Pyjama Day and look forward to hearing about the transformative work by AsIAm which is now getting underway.
Community Therapy Ireland, a national membership organisation for community therapeutic service providers, is calling on the state to invest in Dundalk counselling Centre to respond to increasing demand and waiting lists for therapy in the North East Region.

On Tuesday, Community Therapy Ireland hosted an event Buswells Hotel with keynote speakers Deputy Gary Gannon, Fiona Coyle, Mental Health Reform CEO, Sarah Jane Hennelly, Community Therapy Ireland CEO, Elizabeth McGuckin, Community Therapy Ireland Chairperson, and Des Bailey, Service Manager for Kerry Adolescent Counselling Service,

Dundalk Counselling Centre is one of 26 member services who attended this event and were supported by many TD's on the day in their call for investment to meet local demand for therapy.

Community Therapy Ireland services are charities that are contracted by the Government to provide counselling and psychotherapy for children and families to the State.

Together since 2014, Community Therapy Ireland services have provided therapy to 84,136 people and delivered over 626,000 counselling sessions on a low cost or free of charge basis. In 2023, they provided therapy to 6,183 people and delivered 55,300 counselling sessions. Dundalk Counselling Centre responded to over 500 people last year, offering over 6,500 therapeutic sessions.

The event welcome elected representatives from across Ireland, including Deputy Mark Ward (SF), Deputy Paul Donnelly (SF), Deputy Alan Farrell (FG), Deputy Padraig OSullivan (FF), Deputy Michael Healy Rea (Ind), Deputy Cathal Berry (Ind), and Senator Jerry Buttimer (FG).

Keynote speaker Deputy Gary Gannon, who spoke recently of his ADHD diagnosis and the importance of affordable therapy said, Community Therapy  well funded and established throughout our cities, towns, and villages, would be transformative to Irish society.

A recent parliamentary question submitted by Community Therapy Ireland showed a total of 3,808 people were waiting for appointments for HSEs Counselling and Primary care services across Ireland, as of January 31st, 2024. Waiting lists are highest in CHO 8, (Laoise, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Louth, Meath) with a total of 808 people on waiting lists.

Sarah Jane Hennelly, Community Therapy Ireland CEO said: Timely access to counselling is vital not just for the person who needs it but also at a clinical level. The earlier therapy can be provided the more likely there is to be a positive outcome in terms of improved client well-being, symptom reduction and reduced psychological distress.

The State alone is not fit to meet the growing demands we are seeing since the pandemic. Its extremely frustrating for our sector. We could do a lot more, but chronic underfunding is limiting our ability to respond.

Centre Manager Liz McGucckin said "The waiting list at the moment for services at Dundalk Counselling Centre are 160 Adults, 164 Child and Adolescent, 13 Families and 28 Couples. We could respond to this in the morning given consistent and sustainable funding".

Sarah Jane continued, We are vital services, but the reality is our members operate with an average annual funding shortfall of 60%. State funding to our services was cut in 2009 by over 40% and its never returned to pre-crash levels. The increase in overhead costs and demand for services is putting us under enormous pressure.

We are offering a solution to the states growing challenges around demand for affordable and accessible therapy. With proper investment and funding security, we can scale up and focus on what we do best  delivering therapy to those who need it, when they need it, regardless of their ability to pay.
Five Dundalk families who were told that their sons had places at a second autism (ASD) unit at the De La Salle College, had the offers for September 2024 withdrawn last month after the school said they were not now able to open another class.

It is believed none of the five students have secured another place at an appropriate unit in Dundalk and the matter was selected for debate as a Topical Issue last week in Leinster House after it was submitted by Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu.

Opening the debate, the Dundalk deputy said the school had written to parents saying it was because the Department of Education had failed to provide the school with an adequate ASD modular unit.

He said Louth County Council had granted planning permission for an extension at the school, which would house an additional ASD unit, in July 2021. Since then, nothing has been built. Deputy O Murchu said: It is now with the Department, at stage 2B.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) had rightly put pressure on the school because it wanted an autism unit, so a teacher and a classroom were given up and the school took in a class in September 2023, although that class has to be made available back to the school for this September.

A modular unit has been provided for that ASD class but there is no room for a modular unit for the planned second ASD class. Perhaps a double modular unit would have worked. I do not know. Either way, there is nothing in play.

He said there were also issues with the School Buildings Programme, where primary schools had wanted to add an extra ASD unit last September and are just hoping it can happen this September.

Deputy O Murchu said: The planning permission for the main extension at the De La Salle was given in 2021. Will the Minister of State examine the issue? The Stage 2B cost report was received by the Department in Q4 2023 and is currently being reviewed.

I will follow it up with the Minister Norma Foley, and the Minister of State Higgins. The five families in question have been given no answers and I have received no answers from the NCSE. There seems to be a theme in the lack of ASD units and the interaction at times between the Department, the NCSE and schools.

There is general information about looking in Dunleer and Drogheda despite this issue relating to Dundalk. Talk to Deputy Imelda Munster, though, and she will say there is no room at the inn in any of the schools there. None of this is good enough and everything is behind time. We need this matter to be addressed to some degree. There are families being put through significant stress.

In response, Minister of State Malcom Noonan said: Regarding De La Salle College, my understanding is that, last October, five students were accepted into its ASD unit for September 2024. However, on 26 March of this year, the school called to state it could no longer offer a place to any of the students.

The reason given to parents was that the Department of Education was not providing the promised classroom. The Department will continue to work with the NCSE, particularly on planning for special classes and special school places in Louth and nationwide  this work is under way  ahead of the 2024-25 school year. The location of new classes for that year will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
Aaron Brady, who murdered Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, was an enhanced prisoner in Mountjoy with unique access to a laptop when he is alleged to have conspired with another inmate to prevent a witness giving evidence at Brady's trial, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

Prison officer Pat Ferris told the trial of Dean Byrne, Brady's alleged conspirator, that he knew Aaron Brady as a prisoner in 2020.

The witness told prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC that Brady was housed on the D-wing on the basement floor, an area reserved for prisoners who enjoy special privileges for good behaviour. The trial has previously heard that Dean Byrne was on a different floor of the same wing.

Those in the basement, Officer Ferris said, would have jobs or attend education courses and have more freedom to move around. They also receive extra phone calls and would get extra money for the tuck shop.

Brady, he said, was in cell 20 in the D-basement, a single occupancy cell. He was a volunteer with the Red Cross and in that role would sometimes bring leaflets to the cells on all four landings on D-wing. Officer Ferris told defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC that he could not recall if Brady carried out a leaflet drop in April or May of 2020.

Deputy governor of Mountjoy, John Quinn, recalled that during Brady's trial the court ordered that the prison provide Brady with access to a laptop so he could review his book of evidence.

This was the first time that had happened so the prison developed a protocol whereby Brady could use the laptop only when he was locked into his cell on his own. The laptop also did not have access to the internet.

In late March, 2020 the prison went into lockdown due to the outbreak of covid. Enhanced prisoner duties were suspended, Mr Quinn said, but Red Cross volunteers would still have been allowed to do leaflet drops because that provided a way to communicate without direct contact.

In August 2020, Brady (33) formerly of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh was convicted by a jury of the murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe during a credit union robbery at Lordship, Bellurgan, Co Louth on January 25, 2013.

He was due to be tried with Mr Byrne but before the trial started, Brady pleaded guilty to the charge that on a date between February 20 and May 7, 2020, within the State, he embarked on a course of conduct intended to pervert the course of justice. Brady accepted that he was responsible for recording a video of witness Ronan Flynn giving a statement to gardai that later appeared on social media accusing Mr Flynn of "touting".



Dean Byrne (30) from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin is on trial accused of conspiring with Aaron Brady in Mountjoy Prison between April 8, 2020 and June 22, 2020 to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence at Brady's murder trial, a course of conduct with had a tendency to and which was intended to pervert the course of justice.

He has pleaded not guilty to the single charge.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) said it was excited to recently hold their first ever 'Girls in Immersive Tech' camp.

The overall aim of this inaugural event was to inspire more young females to pursue an educational journey and career in the Tech industry.

In a recent Digital Creative Industries Roadmap 2024-26 report it highlighted the phenomenal growth opportunities and industry demand for content creation in Ireland which is currently underrepresented by females.

This camp provided participants practical experience of using new emerging technologies, creating immersive arts and animation in a collaborative community of practice with other like-minded individuals and it facilitated learning about new tools and techniques.

The event was a huge success and stimulated great interest and an enjoyable experience for all the young females who attended.

The day commenced with an introduction to immersive technologies and XR (Extended reality).

The participants then had the opportunity for creative practical activities to try the virtual reality headsets and create immersive art in 3D using virtual reality applications such as Google Tilt Brush and Open Brush.

The girls also explored Deep Motion for creating personalised avatars and combined motion capture to create an animated sequence such as a dance or performance.

The group also enjoyed designing animated cartoons in Cartoon Creator as well as producing realistic 3D characters with animation in Character Creator. In addition, there was the opportunity for all to try out Animotive by embodying an avatar in virtual reality. Finally, they explored Frame VR for creating immersive interactive 360 environments and integrating their animated avatars that they had created.

When the students were asked what they learned about on the day the responses included:

I learned how to use the VR headset for the first time, I learned how to make an avatar of myself move in 3D with Deep Motion, I learned about different tech programmes because we dont do that in school, I learnt how vectorize on cartoon creator and animate character using a video as stencil and I learned how to use new software Id never come across before

Jackie Toal DkIT Lecturer highlighted: The workshop provided the opportunity for these young ladies to experiment and to be exposed to many different tools in the immersive technology realm to provide a platform to stimulate interest for future career choices.

"It also gave them opportunity for peer learning and to meet, collaborate with other likeminded females interested in these vocational areas.

"It was fantastic to see them engage and produce lots of imaginative creative outcomes throughout the day, particularly as some participants had not used a VR headset before so it was great to see them experience this for the first time.

The day ended with reflections on future career choices and a presentation of certificates for engagement and participation in the event.

DkIT reported: It was absolutely fantastic to see so many smiling faces at the end of this workshop and we hope we get to welcome these girls back onto campus as students in the future.
Maxi Zoo Ireland has donated 200,000 worth of pet products and food to various charities across Ireland, including in Louth.

Nationally, 25 animal welfare organisations across 15 counties will benefit from this donation, which includes dog food, cat food and non-food products such as bedding, toys, leashes, collars and puppy pads.

Maxi Zoo has 30 stores nationwide, including at the M1 Retail Park in Drogheda, and Dundalk Retail Park. Drogheda Animal Rescue and Louth SPCA will both receive product through this initiative. Drogheda Animal Rescue is a non-profit, voluntary organisation committed to providing shelter and care to abandoned, strayed, neglected, abused and injured dogs, cats, wildlife and other companion animals.

Louth SPCA aims to improve the welfare of all animals  both domestic and wild  through a range of activities, including inspection of reported cases of cruelty, organising the fostering and rehoming of animals, and provision of education on animal welfare.

Enrico De Luca, Managing Director at Maxi Zoo said:

"We were delighted to be in a position to donate this vast array of pet products to dozens of charities across Ireland. As a company deeply invested in the wellbeing of animals, we believe it's our responsibility to support those who work tirelessly to care for animals in need.

"This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of animals and those who care for them. We would like to thank all our Maxi Zoo customers who have been so supportive in each of our 30 stores, and who always get behind our community initiatives."

The campaign is one of many ways in which Maxi Zoo Ireland is involved with the welfare of animals. It also partnered with Husky Rescue Ireland in October of last year, to raise money for the organisation through its Friendship Connects Pendants campaign. Furthermore, the Shelter Wishes campaign, which ran in December 2023, saw Maxi Zoo customers granting 3,839 wishes to animal welfare organisations across 15 counties.
This month, Cork financial advisory company Alpha Wealth celebrates 10 years of providing financial advice to individuals, families, and companies across Ireland.

Founded by Nick Charalambous in 2014, Alpha Wealths client base has expanded to more than 4,000 over the past decade. Each receives tailored advice to meet their financial goals, including asset management, retirement planning, tax advice, and investment strategies.

Headquartered at Little Island, Cork, with offices in Cork and Dublin, Alpha Wealth has established itself as a key player in financial services in Ireland.

It currently manages assets of more than 250 million, demonstrating a capability to deliver economic growth and management.

From an initial team of three, Alpha Wealth is now supported by a team of more than 10 qualified financial advisors with plans for further expansion.

The acquisition of Greg Barrett Financial Services in 2023 accelerated the companys growth and client reach.

Alpha Wealth is focused on continued growth and innovation. It aims to expand its service portfolio and set new industry standards for client engagement and service delivery, including transitioning to digital platforms and introducing financial webinars, Alpha Wealth Managing Director Nick Charalambous said: Celebrating 10 years at Alpha Wealth, I am delighted to look back at what we have achieved.

Our focus has always been on delivering tailored financial solutions to each client.

Im really excited about embracing the future with the excellent team at Alpha Wealth. Our journey from a small team in Penrose Wharf to a leading financial advisory firm is a testament to the dedication of both our clients and employees.

We look forward to shaping the future of financial services with the same passion and commitment in the next decade with our aim to continue to exceed client expectations.

To mark the milestone, on April 26, Alpha Wealth is hosting a 10-year anniversary event at the Alpha Wealth Little Island Office, open for local business owners and members of the public to join from 12.30 - 1.30 pm.

The event will include an insightful address from Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, who will speak briefly about the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and the current financial landscape.

Cork comedian Reggie from The Blackrock Road will also deliver a 15-minute sketch.

Guests will be in with the chance to win two free tickets for Reggies new stand-up show Reggie for President at the Everyman Theatre. There will also be complimentary coffee from local coffee roasters, 5 Mile Coffee, who are currently raising investment through EIIS, as well as food and refreshments.

Book a financial review with Alpha Wealth at www.alphawealth.ie for trusted financial advice on tax savings, pensions, investments, and more.
How did you end up in Berlin?

I made the move to Berlin around eight months ago, following a five-year stint in the UK. Id visited before and was always captivated by the citys energy, culture, and rich history. The main draw for me was definitely the music scene. Theres something here for every musical palate. Its a city full of possibilities.

What is life like in your new home?

Life in my new home is incredible. Im constantly engaged, with events happening every day. The carefree atmosphere and abundance of creatives make every encounter a chance for inspiration. Theres never a shortage of stories.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Navigating Germanys bureaucracy has been quite a challenge, along with the language barrier. Some Germans are hesitant to speak English, so Ive had to rely on my broken German to communicate. It can be quite awkward but I think they appreciate the endeavour.

Sarah OMoore from Glanmire, who has launched her first single Troubled Mind from EP Social Paralysis, set for release at the end of May.

How might you spend your weekends?

My weekends are quite diverse here. Theres a wealth of options to explore: from delving into historic sites and museums to catching a gig, comedy show, or art exhibition. theres always something thrilling to dive into.

With each weekend comes the opportunity to discover something new, to meet interesting people. Its like the city never runs out of surprises, making weekends here an absolute delight!

Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live?

In Berlin, the culture is vibrant, driven by creativity, and characterised by a strong sense of community. Its an artist hub where people are generally carefree and open-minded.

I feel that theres more of a focus on non-traditional values, you can build life in a later stage. Berlin is pretty much a big playground for adults. However, compared to Ireland, theres a noticeable difference in customer service - unlike the warmth and hospitality often found in Ireland, customer service here can sometimes be lacking and even frustrating.

The party culture is also legendary. Berlin can sometimes feel colder, both in temperature and in the demeanour of some Berliners. Despite this, the citys unique energy and acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles make it an exciting place to live.

One of the biggest cultural shocks for me was discovering that supermarkets are closed on Sundays here in Berlin.

Additionally, Germans seem to have a unique obsession with noise - many tenancy agreements include clauses about when youre allowed to make noise in your own apartment. Its a bit surprising at first, but Ive come to appreciate the peace and quiet, especially when it guarantees a good nights sleep.

Sarah is looking forward to diving into the music scene further in Berlin.

Tell us about your experience working on your upcoming releases?

Recently, I launched my first single Troubled Mind from my EP Social Paralysis, set for release by the end of May. The second single, Forget What It Was, is due out on May 4.

Inspired by James Joyces Dubliners, the EP delves into contemporary themes, drawing on the novels motifs. It explores addiction, abuse, and the struggles of isolated youth. I wrote these songs during lockdown, reflecting the uncertainty and stagnation mirrored in the novel.

As a self-release, Im reaching out to various music blogs and radios to promote it. The support received has been rewarding, and I hope to engage a wider audience while addressing significant issues.

How did you start off in music or get into music?

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Our house was always filled with the soulful sounds of Motown, the grandeur of Phil Spectors Wall of Sound, and the timeless tunes of rock legends. But what really drew me in was the way music made me feel -it had this magical ability to transport me to another place entirely.

I found myself captivated by the nuances of vocal performances, like the raw raspiness that some singers possessed.

Around the age of 14 or 15, I realized that I had a knack for singing myself. So, I decided to pursue it further and began taking lessons at the Cork School of Music.

That was just the beginning of my journey into music, and ever since then, Ive been on a quest to explore, learn, and express myself through this incredible art form.

Sarah can't wait to enjoy the summer in Berlin.

Who would you class as your influences?

My musical influences are eclectic and diverse, ranging from the soulful melodies of Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday to the poetic lyricism of Bob Dylan and the timeless soul of Otis Redding.

Ive drawn inspiration from a variety of artists, whether its their vocal technique or their songwriting prowess.

Icons like Joe Cocker, The Beatles, and Paolo Nutini have also left a profound imprint on my musical journey, shaping my sound and style in unique ways.

What is your writing process like?

My writing process usually begins with me strumming some chords on the guitar, allowing melodies to naturally emerge.

I keep my phone handy to capture any moments of inspiration or random lines that pop into my head.

Often, I dont fully grasp the direction of the song until I listen back to these recordings and let the melodies guide me.

Finally, I sit down to pen the lyrics, shaping them to fit the emotion and story behind the music.

What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far?

I was pleasantly surprised to discover such a thriving jazz scene in Berlin. Joining the jazz jam and taking the leap to sing was a true highlight for me. Its a rare joy, especially considering that not many women step forward in such settings. Being acknowledged by such top-class musicians is the highest compliment.

Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork?

Special shout-out to all my family back in Cork! I cant wait to have you over here in Berlin soon. Ill be your guide to the citys hidden gems, and well definitely be having the laugh.

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

In the coming months, Im excited to dive deeper into the music scene here in Berlin and share my music with the city.

Im also looking forward to exploring more of what Berlin has to offer, soaking in its culture and vibrancy.

And, of course, I cant wait to enjoy the summer vibes and make new connections along the way.

You can catch up on previous Corkonians Abroad here
THERE are concerns that no attempts have been made to acquire Corks Vernon Mount by compulsory purchase order despite the city council naming its newest pedestrian bridge after it.

At last Julys meeting of Cork City Council, the decision was taken to name the new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the N40 the Vernon Mount Bridge, after the adjacent derelict Vernon Mount site.

Vernon Mount House, a neo-classical Georgian mansion built in the 1780s and overlooking the South Ring Road, has fallen into extreme dereliction in recent years and was badly damaged in a fire in 2016.

Despite calls last year for the council to compulsorily purchase the Vernon Mount site, City Hall did not answer multiple questions from The Echo as to whether it had followed up on these.

Peter Horgan, the Labour Partys local election candidate in Cork City South East, has consistently called on the city council to purchase Vernon Mount. His party colleague, Cork East TD Sean Sherlock, recently asked the Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe whether the Office of Public Works (OPW) had received any communication from Cork City Council on the issue of acquiring the property.

Vernon Mount.Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Mr Sherlock was told the OPW had been made aware that the property had been placed on the Derelict Sites Register and was in the ownership of a live company.

The Commissioners of Public Works therefore have no legal interest in this building, and are not aware of any attempt by the local authority to compulsorily acquire the property, the reply stated.

In late 2021, Mr Sherlock was told by the then-public expenditure minister Michael McGrath that the lands surrounding the house were owned by a company which had dissolved, meaning these lands may have devolved to the State.

However, Mr McGrath said the house and its immediate curtilage was owned by a separate, live company with up-to-date annual returns and a normal Company Registration Office status.

Mr Horgan said this week it was ironic that the city council had named its newest pedestrian bridge after Vernon Mount, while the historic property had been allowed to fall into dereliction.

Its frankly shocking how disinterested authorities are in this piece of history of Cork. The OPW seem to be making every effort to not get involved, while the onus remains on the council to take the first steps, Mr Horgan said.

We need to protect and enhance our historical houses, along with the stories they hold. If they disappear our history will disappear.

Cork City Council was asked for comment.
ONE of the most anticipated events on the global sailing calendar, Volvo Cork Week, returns this July with an unprecedented number of entries expected.

Hosted in the Royal Cork Yacht Club and surrounds in Crosshaven, the biennial regatta which takes place this year from July 15-19, promises an exciting week for seasoned sailors and shoreside spectators alike.

The event was officially launched over the weekend by the first female admiral of the 304-year-old club, Annamarie Fegan.

My ambition is to get more people on the water and Volvo Cork Week is an incredible showcase for the incredible sport of sailing, she said.

Mark Whitaker, chairman Johnson and Perrott Motor Group, admiral Annamarie Fegan, Royal Cork Yacht Club, Alan Cowley, managing director Volvo Car Ireland, Ross Deasy, event chair of Volvo Cork Week 2024, Maria McInerney, Volvo Car Ireland and Gavin Deane GM of the Royal Cork Yacht Club pictured at the launch of Volvo Cork Week 2024. Photo: Chani Anderson

We have pathways for all ages into sailing from young kids to teens and adults. Every boat needs a crew and we always welcome new people looking to get involved.

More than 200 boats and 10,000 sailors and spectators will descend on the harbour town for this years Volvo Cork Week. Highlights of this years programme include the biggest ever Beaufort Cup, with entries from around the world including USA and Uruguay.

The renowned race for international uniformed service personnel encompasses a race around Fastnet Rock and back to Cork.

Other events include the Volvo Cork Week ladies day charity lunch in aid of Crosshaven RNLI on July 17 with special guests, and a family day on July 14 from 12-5pm.

Also at the launch event was Cork South-Central TD Simon Coveney.

At the heart of Volvo Cork Week lies a tradition of excellence, with participants from across the globe vying for top honours in a series of exhilarating races, he said. But its more than that. Its about a community coming together to celebrate a passion for sailing and our greatest natural asset, our harbour.

Meanwhile, managing director of Volvo Car Ireland, Alan Cowley, said the company is proud and delighted to be associated with the prestigious event.

We are looking forward to an exciting program in Crosshaven in July and welcoming sailors and visitors alike, he added.
ISSUES relating to privacy, infection control, and staffing in some Cork nursing homes were highlighted in new reports issued this week.

The Health Information and Quality Authority issued a non-compliance in the area of premises in an inspection report of Abbeylands Nursing Home in Kildorrery.

Activity rooms were cluttered with equipment and supplies, the inspector noted, and a number of residents bedrooms were missing chairs, a bedroom door was chipped and required repair, paintwork on walls and skirting boards in a number of residents rooms were chipped and marked.

The centre comprises 16 single bedrooms and 17 twin bedrooms, and there had been ongoing privacy issues in the twin rooms.

An issue raised in an inspection on December 13, 2022, was still not rectified, despite the centre saying after that inspection we will install curtain rails and curtains in accordance with the regulation to ensure dignity and privacy to the resident at all times, this will be complete by April 30, 2023.

The inspector explained following the most recent visit: Privacy curtains in the shared rooms did not ensure residents privacy and dignity was promoted at all times as they did not completely enclose the residents personal space when closed, this was a repeat finding.

The centres operators said in the inspection report released this week that privacy curtains have been ordered. The estimated date of delivery was mid-April and they assured all bedrooms will be fitted by 30/05/24.

An issue with the complaints procedure was also identified in Abbeylands, with the inspector noting that it required updating to ensure that written responses provided to complainants included the outcome from investigation of complaint, any learnings and details of the review process available to complainants.

Mount Alvernia Hospital in Mallow also had issues raised about its complaints procedure, with the inspector noting that not all complaints were logged in the centre as required, where residents complained regarding food choices and options these were not consistently recorded.

Infection control

Infection control was an issue also raised in both centres, with Abbeylands report noting a number of commode inserts and urinals on a storage rack within the dirty utility room were visibly unclean, and ineffective decontamination increased the risk of cross infection.

Mount Alvernias report said: Residents who reported respiratory symptoms were not consistently assessed and managed in a timely fashion, in line with guidelines to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

Staffing

The Mount Alvernia report also noted that there were two dedicated activities staff, but on the day of inspection, one of the activity staff was on unplanned leave and due to other staff absences, the remaining activity staff member was assigned to caring duties.

This meant that there was little meaningful activities available for residents during the morning of the inspection.

On the morning of inspection, the inspector saw residents sitting in day rooms with no social stimulation to add meaning to their day.

Staffing also caused issues in Corpus Christi Nursing Home in Mitchelstown, with their report noting, from 11pm to 8am each night there was only one nurse and two care assistants at this time to provide care for 40 residents.

Six residents had been assessed as having maximum level of dependency needs and nine residents had a high level of dependency needs which may require the support of two staff for their care needs.

It noted that since a previous inspection, there had been an increase of seven residents and no corresponding increase in staffing at night.
The jury considering psychiatric evidence in the case against the 43-year-old Carrigaline man accused of murdering his brother and attempting to murder his father found him not guilty by reason of insanity.

The seven men and five women of the jury deliberated for one hour and 43 minutes on the issue and returned to court with their unanimous verdicts this afternoon (April 24).

43-year-old John Murphy Jnr of Seaview Avenue, Carrigaline, County Cork, faced charges of murdering his 27-year-old brother, Shane Murphy, and attempting to murder his father, John Aloysius Weeshie Murphy Snr, who was 75 at the time at the family home on Saturday, March 26 2022, contrary to Common Law.

He was also charged with two related charges of producing a knife during the crimes.

Now on all four charges he has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford thanked the jury for their work on this case which she described as difficult, sad and emotive.

Prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland then applied under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act of 2006 for John Murphy Junior to be examined at the Central Mental Hospital to ascertain his present condition in terms of his mental disorder. Defence senior counsel Tom Creed said that was the appropriate application. Ms Justice Lankford remanded him in custody to the CMH for a report to be presented at 2 p.m. on May 7.

'Acute psychotic state'

Clinical psychiatrists, Dr Stephen Monks and Dr Jamie Walsh, for the defence and prosecution, respectively, testified that the accused man, John Murphy jnr. was in an acute psychotic state as a result of schizophrenic illness at the time, that his judgement was significantly impaired and he was suffering delusions and hallucinations and had lost touch with reality.

Ms Hyland told the jury that in effect there was agreement between the prosecution and defence about the psychiatric evidence in the case.

Background

Detective Garda Ian Breen outlined the background to the events in the early hours of that morning when the accused man stabbed his brother nine times causing his death and stabbed his father multiple times too in attempted murder.

When interviewed by gardai the accused man continuously accused gardai of manipulating airwaves in the interview room. He made a series of allegations against several members of his family, all of which gardai believed were without any basis. These included allegations that his life was being threatened. For instance he said that a week earlier the freezer had been defrosted and that the reason for this was because he was going to be killed and his body was going to be put into the freezer.

As for placing the knife beside Shanes body in the bedroom, he said, I set up to make it look like Shane killed my dad. I am ashamed of that.

Det. Garda Breen said that the late Shane Murphy had acted in a selfless manner to protect his father from a knife attack by his brother, John, and that in so acting he was himself stabbed nine times, one of those wounds -a stab to the heart - being fatal on its own.

In evidence of the tragic nature of the incident at the Murphy family home on that date just over two years ago Det. Garda Breen said it was believed that Shane Murphy died in his bedroom while on a phone call to the emergency services.
PLANNING permission has been refused for a new external ATM at Bank of Irelands premises in Mallow.

Cork County Councils planners denied the bank permission to install the ATM, associated signage and a new surround panel at 150 Bank Place on the Main Street.

A spokesperson for the council told The Echo that the planning was refused due to the character of the existing protected structure and to the established pattern, scale and architectural character of the area, and to the presence of an existing ATM in the building.

The spokesperson continued: It is considered that the proposed insensitive alteration in combination with the existing ATM, would be detrimental to the special character and integrity of the protected structure and would set an undesirable precedent for similar development in the area.

The proposed development would be contrary to the policy objectives HE 16-14 and HE 16-18 of the Cork County Development Plan 2022 and the proper planning and development of the area.

It comes as Bank of Ireland announced a 60 million investment programme at the beginning of this year, which would see a new fleet of state-of-the-art ATMs rolled out in branches across Ireland.

It is expected to be the largest investment in its cash machines in a decade, with new ATMs promised for each branch between 2024 and 2027.
A Mallow woman working as a drugs mule concealed over 8,000 worth of cocaine in a babys nappy and now she has been jailed for 18 months as the sentencing judge said that she was a vital cog in an industry that wreaks havoc on society.

Judge John Martin sentenced 40-year-old Fiona Twomey of Rathcoole, Mallow, County Cork, to two years imprisonment with the last six months suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Detective Garda Shannon Ryan testified that the accused was stopped driving in the Rathcoole area on February 2, 2023.

Approximately 500 worth of cannabis was found during an initial search.

Asked if there were any more drugs in the car she replied that there were none. So a search was started and what appeared to be a used babys nappy was found in the boot of the car.

This was opened by gardai who found the package of cocaine concealed inside. On analysis it consisted of 117 grammes of cocaine with a street value of 8,246.

At this stage in the search the defendant reached into her underwear and handed over cash in the amount of 3,800.

She pleaded guilty to money-laundering in respect of that amount of seized cash. And she also admitted having cocaine for sale or supply and having the smaller amount of cannabis for sale or supply also.

The judge was told that the 40-year-old had addiction issues and was addressing these, that she showed remorse and cooperated with the investigation.

This is not a case where the court has a victim impact statement. But society at large is the victim of drug-dealing  possession of drugs for sale or supply is a serious offence which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. That reflects the gravity of this kind of offending, Judge Martin said.

Unusually, the defendant reached her mid to late 30s before becoming involved in criminality.

Your position was essentially to act as a mule  go out the road, making drop-offs and collecting money. You were an essential cog in the wheel. (Larger drug suppliers) need people like you to do this for them and it wreaks havoc on society at large.

You say you were being paid 300. That suggests a desperation on your part. You were not deterred by the fact that you were before the court for the very same type of offences. I cannot overlook previous convictions for the very same type of criminality, judge Martin said.
A Cork grandmother who became the third beneficiary of a kidney transplant in her family within the space of six months last year has told how her family was filled with hope and gratitude because of the quick succession of transplants in such a short space of time, and has described her new kidney as life-changing.

Buttevant woman Margaret Fitzgerald received a call last November to tell her that she would be having a kidney transplant operation. The call came just seven weeks after her son, Michael Fitzgerald, who lives in Carrigaline, received a kidney from a deceased organ donor.

Hereditary

A hereditary condition, polycystic kidney disease, which claimed the life of Ms Fitzgeralds mother, Elizabeth, who was just 48 years old when she died, was inherited by her and her older brother, Joseph Cott, who had received a kidney transplant three decades ago.

Mr Cott, who also hailed from Buttevant, had passed away in March of last year at the age of 77, but before he died, he received news that his son, Joe, would receive a living donor kidney transplant from his younger brother, Michael.

Ms Fitzgerald was speaking this week during Organ Donor Awareness Week, as the Irish Kidney Association appealed to people to share their wishes with their families.

Dont leave your loved ones in doubt is the weeks key campaign message.

The longevity of my brother Josephs transplant, which lasted over three decades, and the incredible quick succession of transplants our family has received this year leaves us full of hope and gratitude, said Ms Fitzgerald.

Having two successful transplants for my nephew and son close together was so unexpected, but I was in total disbelief when I also got called for a transplant just seven weeks after my sons.

Exhausted

When Ms Fitzgerald received her transplant, her kidney function was below 10%, she was not well and had been feeling exhausted for a very long time.

I had no idea just how much difference a transplant would make, she said.

I could not believe it when I got called, and when I woke up after my transplant operation, it almost felt magical, like poof  a total transformation.

The transplant is life-changing.

Gratitude

Michael Fitzgerald said he could not put into words the extent of his gratitude to the family of his deceased organ donor. The donation of the kidney had transformed his life, freed him from sickness and restrictions, and being tied to dialysis. He had been undergoing that treatment twice a week for 21 months at CUH.

His cousin Joe Cott said he was very lucky not to have had to go on the transplant waiting list.

My younger brother Michael stepped up, and it turned out he was the perfect match, said Joe.

The Irish Kidney Association has urged people to seek an organ donor card and said that more than 600 people are waiting for a transplant in Ireland and that 223 organ donations were carried out in 2023.
U.S. human rights report tramples on countries' sovereignty, says Mexican president

Xinhua) 13:11, April 24, 2024

MEXICO CITY, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday accused the United States of trampling on other countries' sovereignty with its report on the state of human rights around the globe.

"We do not issue a letter of good conduct because it is not our responsibility," Lopez Obrador told his daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"But they were left with this mania from 200 years ago, since the Monroe Doctrine," he said, referring to the 19th-century U.S. policy of interfering in the internal affairs of Latin American and Caribbean countries to protect the U.S. interests.

According to Lopez Obrador, U.S. leaders consider themselves to be "the judges of the world."

His statements came a day after the U.S. State Department issued a report alleging human rights violations prevail in Mexico.

Lopez Obrador maintained that his administration has been respectful of U.S. internal affairs since coming to power in December 2018 and expects the same from the United States.

"They should be respectful of us," said the president.

The U.S. report assesses around 200 countries in the world regarding individual, political, civil and labor rights.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Vivienne Clarke

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said that fewer than 100 people have been deported of the 7,300 refused refugee status since the beginning of 2023.

Speaking on RTE radios News at One, Ms McEntee said that that level of deportations was a higher proportion than the rest of Europe.

We have really improved our time frames over the last number of years. You could have had people in the system for six or seven or eight years. We're now down to probably, the maximum around two years for many of the ordinary decisions. For those who are in accelerated procedures, their first decisions are within about 60 days. But we still have elongated appeals processes.

The Minister pointed out that since the safe countries system was introduced last year, about 80 percent of appeals received negative decisions. What we're going to start to see now is, particularly with the faster processing, is that it will be much easier to remove people, but also they'll be removed much more quickly.

"So you have to remember that we are completely overhauling the system that has for years taken years to actually even get to a deportation. So we're trying to shorten that.

When asked about the number of appeals from people who had been refused refugee status, Ms McEntee said she did not have any appeals before her at present.

I have not signed off on any appeals or refused or rejected any in the last year at least. I know we have a lengthy process. And this is why the pact is so important here.

"This is why it's important for people to understand what we would be bound by are changes that would reduce the time frame. So at the moment we have our first appeal. And I feel beyond that I think elongates the process.

I've not signed off on any of any request since the beginning of last year. I can't give you that figure. But if they haven't come before me, then I don't have a figure to be able to give you. They haven't come before me, in terms of the overall number, I haven't signed off on any in the last year.

"So that shows you that very few that are coming anywhere near me, if I haven't signed off on any in the last year.
SAMANTHA Halpin was six months pregnant when her husband, Ben, received an aggressive cancer diagnosis.

At the time, she was dealing with hyperemesis (crippling nausea), while the couple, who were both 30 at the time, were also working hard to launch their new joint business.

In a moment theyll never forget, and in a stroke of luck given the odds, Sam and Bens son Hugo was born the day after he finished his final round of chemotherapy.

Ben is now cancer-free, and the couple are only just starting to appreciate the epic challenges they overcame and are sharing the life-lessons they learned along the way.

Sam and Ben met on the first day of college in UCC , where they became college sweethearts and, 11 years later, tied the knot in France in 2021.

Ben, originally of Douglas, joined the family business, The Halpin Group, a food logistics and distribution company, in 2013. In 2016, he bought the business, and has since grown, sold and relaunched the same business.

Samantha Halpin and her husband Ben, they were preparing to launch their new business when Ben was diagnosed. Pictured here at their premises at 79 Douglas Road, Cork. Picture Larry Cummins

Sam, originally from Clonakilty, has over ten years experience in finance. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own business at the beginning of 2021, Creative Solutions by Sam, specialising in web design and marketing.

During Covid, we seized the opportunity to embark on a new venture together and set up our own financial advisory company, Halpin Wealth Management, said Sam.

We saw a gap in the market for both young and female finance advisors and wanted to educate the Irish people, who are not taught enough about the practical elements of finance in school, about the importance of financial planning and empowerment.

Post-Covid, both of their own businesses were starting to get busy again, and the couple were eagerly awaiting the outcome of their application with the Central Bank of Ireland for their new business.

In the midst of these preparations, I was six months pregnant with Hugo, recalls Sam, who was also grappling with hyperemesis, a condition marked by intense nausea and vomiting. Cariban, necessary medication for Sam to function, came at a significant cost, around 400-500 per month throughout Sams pregnancy.

Despite the physical and financial toll it took on her, the couple remained focused on the future, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their little one, and at the six-month mark they celebrated with a gender reveal party, learning they were expecting a boy.

Life was good for the Frankfield-based couple.

However, just a week later, our lives were changed forever by the devastating news of my husbands diagnosis with high-grade lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

His diagnosis only came about as the couple do yearly blood tests in a bid to be proactive with their health.

The family. Picture: Larry Cummins

Ben didnt really have any symptoms; he was just back from a stag and had night sweats. He thought this was just the alcohol leaving his system, but this, along with the results of his blood test, led his GP, Dr Tadgh OSullivan, to investigate further. Out of an abundance of caution, he sent Ben to the Mercy hospital for a chest X-ray, said Sam.

From the looks on the junior doctors faces, I knew something was up, remembers Ben, who was told he had a 10cm x 7cm mass in the centre of his chest and that it was presumably cancer.

From there, a full week of testing ensued and Ben was diagnosed with large diffuse b-cell lymphoma (LDBCL) and had to undergo chemotherapy called R-CHOP.

The treatment plan saw him stay in hospital from Monday to Friday, during which time he was on a constant chemo drip.

This was during 2021, when not all Covid restrictions were lifted and heavily pregnant Sam was at times not allowed to visit Ben.

Bens brother, Cian, moved in with Sam on these week-long chemo sessions, to help her, while Ben worked from his hospital bed to keep the businesses going.

He had to do six rounds of chemo and, thanks to Bens consultant, Dr Clodagh Keohane, working closely with Sams consultant, Dr Richard Horgan, Ben finished his final round of chemo on a Thursday evening and Hugo, their son, was born Friday morning by C-section.

At the time the couple were in fight mode, and its only looking back now, they realise what they went through.

We found strength in taking each day as it came. We adopted the mantra just keep swimming from Finding Nemo, said Sam.

Some days were incredibly tough, with Ben experiencing the side-effects of chemotherapy, while others saw me grappling with the effects of pregnancy and my hyperemesis.

Despite the trials, we leaned on each other for support, finding solace in the shared determination to overcome our obstacles.

Surprisingly, maintaining our work commitments provided a sense of normalcy and purpose amidst the chaos. It gave us something concrete to focus on beyond our personal struggles, allowing us to channel our energy into productive endeavours.

The looming date of October 21, when Hugo was due to be born, served as a beacon of hope for the couple.

We held onto the belief that we had to make it to that day for him, and that drove us to persevere through the toughest moments.

Together, we formed an unbreakable unit, facing every obstacle with the unwavering belief that We got this.

This mantra became our rallying cry, a constant reminder that no matter how daunting the challenges seemed, we were stronger together.

We knew that, even on the toughest days, when one of us could only muster 10%, the other would step in with 90%, ensuring that we never faltered in our journey.

Samantha Halpin, Managing Director, Halpin Wealth Management with her husband Ben at the business premises at 79 Douglas Road, Cork. Pic Larry Cummins

It was this mutual commitment to each others wellbeing, and our shared goal of bringing our son, Hugo, into the world, that propelled us forward.

Reflecting on their journey, they know theyre stronger than they ever realised. But practically, they also realise how fortunate they were to be financially protected.

When Ben first started his career, his financial advisor, Jim Barry, ensured that he had all the necessary safeguards in place. They had specified illness protection and private health insurance.

This foresight proved invaluable when Ben received his diagnosis, as the pay-out from Irish Life came through within a remarkably swift three weeks.

This financial safety net allowed us to navigate the challenges of Bens illness with a degree of stability and security that would have been unattainable otherwise.

Having this support meant he could prioritise his health without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

This ethos of being financially prepared for the unexpected is something at the core of Halpin Wealth Management, a firm that actively promotes women in finance and encourages females to take charge of their finances.

When Ben was diagnosed, it was a moment that tested our resolve and determination.

However, instead of derailing our dream of launching Halpin Wealth Management, the diagnosis only strengthened our commitment to helping others navigate lifes uncertainties. The experience reinforced the importance of being financially prepared for the unexpected.

Thanks to our financial advisor, we were as prepared as one can be to face such a challenge.

This realisation deepened our resolve to share our knowledge and expertise with others, helping them to proactively plan for their futures, said Sam.

Ben had a scan in Christmas week and was given the all clear; the couple can now look to a promising future together.

These challenging times undoubtedly had a profound impact on both of us. For me, witnessing Bens strength and resilience taught me the true meaning of courage and perseverance. It deepened my appreciation for the fragility of life and reinforced the importance of cherishing every moment.

I realised just how strong I was and that we could take on anything together.

Becoming a mother in the midst of it all, also transformed me in ways I never imagined. Having someone else to care for, to love, and to cherish gave new depth to my understanding of lifes preciousness. I treasure every moment with Hugo, Ben, and our dogs Hulk, Meatball, and Cassie.

As for Ben, undergoing treatment for cancer only reinforced his steadfast refusal to tolerate anyones nonsense. If anything, it bolstered his resolve even further.

It deepened his appreciation for lifes simple pleasures and underscored the significance of family and relationships.

While the journey has been challenging, Sam admits, it has only fuelled their passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Even on the most challenging days, we persevered. Together, we relentlessly pushed forward, driven by the belief that preparation and determination can overcome any obstacle.

Every effort we made, every business decision, was with Hugos future in mind. Hes our little CEO, inspiring us to reach greater heights.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny)Campaign to stop violence against Christians in India on square in front of United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on June 23, 2021 during a session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The archdiocese of the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram says the Indian Union government has frozen its bank accounts after fishermen protested a project by the Adani port group in Vizhinjam.

The Indian Express reported that the church revelation in Kerala came days before the start of elections for the country's lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha.

A pastoral letter said Sunday that the move came after the fishermen's protest against the Adani group's under-construction seaport at Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram in southwest India.

Vizhinjam witnessed strong protests against the seaport, resulting in violence in November 2022.

The local community is a crucial voting bloc in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat, where national minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is a candidate.

Archbishop Thomas J. Netto, in a pastoral letter read in all churches on April 22, said the archdiocese struggles to meet its routine expenses and cost of training seminarians after the accounts were frozen following protests against the seaport in 2022.

"The archdiocese is facing difficulty receiving even ordinary aid for mission work. The situation remains unchanged," Netto said in the letter urging people to contribute to the diocese's expenses.

In 2022, during a Vizhinjam fishermen's protest demanding the implementation of rehabilitation package facilities for the coastal community, the archdiocese clashed with the local leadership of the BJP, Bharatiya Janata Party, the dominant part of the union government.

Billionaire Gautam Adani's ports business leads the project.

The fisherfolk say the project would cause coastal erosion and damage their livelihoods. the Scroll reported.

Back in November 2022, The Guardian reported that protests then by the primarily Christian fishing community against the project led by Adani's $23 billion ports business had forced the latter to stop work at the Vizhinjam port, seen as a potential and lucrative rival to those in Dubai, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

PROTESTORS HURT

Joseph Johnson, one of the protest leaders, said at the time that at least 46 protesters were hurt. Senior local police official M R Ajith Kumar told Reuters 36 officers were wounded in the clashes.

Building has already been halted for more than three months after villagers blamed the port's development for coastal erosion, which is depriving them of their livelihoods.

They had blocked the entrance to the site by erecting a 111 square meter (1,200 square foot) shelter.

The Guardian reported that Adani has previously faced a backlash in Australia over its Carmichael coal mine.

There, activists concerned about carbon emissions and damage to the Great Barrier Reef forced Adani to downsize production targets and delayed the mine's first coal shipment by six years.
The bill that will force a sale or ban of TikTok in the United States is now law. President Joe Biden signed a package of foreign aid bills that included the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, one day after the legislation was approved by the Senate.

In a statement, TikTok said it would challenge the law in court, which could delay an eventual sale or ban. This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court, the company said. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail. The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans.

The law gives TikToks parent company ByteDance, which is based in China, up to a year to sell the app to a new owner. If the company fails to divest, then TikTok will be banned from US app stores and web hosting services.

Unlike previous attempts to force a sale or ban of the app, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, had overwhelming bipartisan support and was able to move through Congress with remarkable speed. The original version of the bill, which called for a six-month window to divest, passed the House in March, just days after it was introduced. An updated version, which allows up to 12 months for a divestment, passed over the weekend.

In a video shared on TikTok, CEO Shou Chew called it a disappointing moment for the company. Make no mistake, this is a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice, he said. It's actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom.
A bill that could ban TikTok is now all but certain to become law. The Senate approved a measure that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, in a vote of 79 - 18. A package of bills that includes the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, will next head to President Joe Biden, who has said he would sign the legislation into law.

While its far from the first effort to force a ban or divestment of the social media app, the bill managed to draw far more support than previous attempts. The bill was introduced in March and sailed through the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan agreement. A slightly revised version was approved as part of a package of foreign aid legislation on Saturday.

Under the updated terms, TikTok would have up to 12 months to divest from parent company ByteDance or face a ban in US app stores and web hosting services. The company has called the bill unconstitutional and indicated it would mount a legal challenge to such a law, which could further delay an eventual sale or ban.

The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

TikTok has long been viewed with suspicion by lawmakers and the intelligence community. Ahead of votes in the House and Senate, members of Congress were briefed by intelligence officials on the alleged national security threat posed by the app. The exact nature of those concerns is still unclear, though some members of Congress have asked for details from the briefings to be declassified.

At the same time, some lawmakers have expressed skepticism, saying that the alleged threat posed by TikTok is largely hypothetical. Free speech and digital rights groups also oppose the bill, noting that comprehensive privacy legislation would be a more effective way of protecting Americans personal data. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has made a similar argument, telling Congress last year that a forced sale wouldnt resolve data concerns about the app.

But TikToks recent efforts to muster opposition to the bill may have backfired. Lawmakers rebuked the company for sending in-app notifications to users about the bill after the alerts resulted in a flood of calls to Congressional offices. And the app may have drawn even more suspicion when Politico reported last week that Chinese diplomats were lobbying Congressional staffers to oppose the bill. Officials in China have condemned the measure. A Chinese law, passed in 2020, could prevent ByteDance from including TikToks recommendation algorithm in a sale of the app.

Update April 26, 2024, 3:15 PM ET: This story has been updated to clarify that the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was part of a larger package of bills passed by the Senate.
The company said the feature would be available in the Tesla app "in the future."

Tesla has shown off a preview of an upcoming ride-hailing feature in its app ahead of an August robotaxi unveiling. The company released mock-ups of the upcoming feature, which showed the ability to summon a ride from the Tesla app.

The company didnt offer many details about how it would work, but images show Uber-like functionality, with the ability to remotely set the cars temperature ahead of its arrival. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced earlier this month that the company would unveil its long-promised robotaxis August 8.

Tesla has been promising a self-driving ride hailing service for years, with Musk promising the companys robotaxi would start picking up riders back in 2019. For now, its unclear exactly when such a service might launch. We are currently working on ride-hailing functionality that will be available in the future, the company wrote in its latest earnings report. We believe the Tesla software experience is best-in-class across all our products, and plan to seamlessly layer ride-hailing into the Tesla App.

The update was shared in Teslas first-quarter earnings report for 2024. The automaker reported a revenue decline of 9 percent from last year, its steepest loss in more than a decade.

During a call with investors, Musk suggested the ride hailing service, which he referred to as "Cyber Cab," would function like some combination of Airbnb and Uber, so Tesla owners could choose to make their vehicles part of the service. There'll be some number of cars that Tesla owns itself and operates in the fleet, Musk said. There'll be a bunch of cars where they're owned by the end user, but that end user can add or subtract their car to the fleet whenever they want. And they can decide if they want to only let the car be used by friends and family, or only by five star users, or by anyone.
Wendy's wants your hard-working week to end with a bang, declaring in their recent press release that "Fans deserve a pick-me-up" after the work day.

The cult-favorite burger chain is declaring April 19 as "The best FRYday yet," offering free any size Hot & Crispy Fries with any purchase every Friday through the end of the year in the Wendy's app.

"Wendy's has your back with a new meaning to TGIF," the press release stated.

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 @Wendys is offering free fries EVERY Friday! For FRYday! You got it: https://t.co/O1CNnLRLQu  Guilty Eats (@GuiltyEats) April 19, 2024

The weekly giveaway started April 19 with endless combinations "to fry," including the new Orange Dreamsicle Frosty or pair as the perfect sidekick to a classic Dave's Double.

To redeem the offer, simply wait for FRYday to come around, head to the Wendy's app and login or create an account. Once you do, you'll see the offer that can be used in a mobile order, or at a restaurant by loading the offer onto your card before scanning at the register.

RELATED: ENSTARZ EXCLUSIVE: What 'Hip-Hop And The White House' Producer Jordan Benston Wants Artists Of 2024 To Know

The savory promotion comes just weeks after the "Old Fashioned" burger joint introduced their Orange Dreamsicle Frosty inspired by the classic childhood popsicle.

The sweet treat launched on March 19, and is set to replace their traditional Vanilla Frosty for a limited time only.

Find out more about this tasty offer here!
Recent reports allege that King Charles is once more disheartened by the behavior of his son Prince Harry.

The King of England reportedly harbors feelings of hurt following his son's official renouncement of British residency, allegedly deeming it an unnecessary escalation of matters.

King Charles allegedly finds himself puzzled by Prince Harry's decision to publicly declare his disinterest in residing in the UK any longer, as detailed in a recent report. Harry's adamant stance, affirming California as his sole residence and expressing no intentions of returning to his native land, reportedly baffled the monarch.

King Charles, amidst his personal health struggles, reportedly experience a profound sense of disappointment regarding Prince Harry's choice. Given his ongoing battle with cancer, the monarch had hoped for the presence of Prince Harry, his wife Meghan Markle, and their children in the UK, seeking solace and familial support during trying times.

Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan appear steadfast in their avoidance of transatlantic travel, suggesting a deliberate distancing from UK affairs and commitments.

Critics speculate that Prince Harry's decision to make the United States his official residence might have been influenced by Meghan. There's speculation that Meghan, 42, is confident in Harry's commitment to staying in America, despite reports suggesting he may have considered returning to the UK part-time.

Meghan is allegedly determined to ensure that Harry remains in California and has allegedly been vocal about her reported stance: it's either full-time residency in California or nothing at all. The reported ultimatum likely presented Prince Harry with a challenging decision, given the emotional tug-of-war between his royal family in the UK and his immediate family in the US.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024

15 Tips for Authors to Create Successful Book Signings

Forty years ago, when I had my first book signing, I just showed up at the bookstore. All I knew was that there would be a table that I would sit at and books to sign. Oh, I invited friends to come  but it was up to the bookstore to let their customers know. And they did.

No one  NO ONE  prepared me or offered tips and suggestions on what to do before or during the event. Ideas for how to enhance it  to make sure it was successful. All I remember was smilinglotslaughing and having a good time  and just signing my name.

Ill never forget my debut appearance as a blushing newbie author. My signing was at a book store in Palo Alto, California on a Thursday evening in June of 1981. I had just been featured on Good Morning America and had no idea what to expect.

What happened was magicthe store was packed and 100 books were carried out the door in the arms of happy buyers. I was so honored  almost giggly with the evenings outcome. Back then, there was no social media or email. Just plain old-fashioned post card invitations sent out by the book store to their customers and the names and addresses I had given them.

Since then, Ive learned a lot. From the What am I doing to do to prep  to what should I have during the event .. to whats the best way to engage book buyers  to so much more?! And then theres all the logistics  when to do an event, a signing? Should it be a special event in a private home, a tea, brunch, or cocktail gathering  or a bookstore to a conference packed with attendees  where? Ive learned a lot.

Start with:

1. Your Venue

Will it be traditional, as in a book store? How about an alternative site? Think about a restaurant, an art gallery, an outdoors venue, a crafts fair, a private home, a conference you are speaking at  where?

2. Think Props

Yes, your fabulous book is a key prop  but what else? Create a foam board with your book cover and do it in a couple of sizes and 8 x 10 that sits on the table to super-size that could be placed on an easel or taped to a wall. When space allows it, a pull-up floor vertical banner can be an eye-catcher. Oh, and print the cover on both the back and front. Why? Because your signing table may be placed where people can walk behind you. Why not give your book a boost and allow the cover to be visible from the back as well?

Create a door hanger as a giveaway  plus bookmarks  foam boards of your book covers  toys that connect with your book  what else?

3. Think Seasons

A few decorations that are season centric add a sense of fun to your table. To encourage gifting to othersI have pre-cut ribbons for my books and give them to buyersit just takes a few seconds to add a bow around the cover. Why wrap with paper?find a ribbon that compliments one of the colors on your cover and TaDahthe perfect wrapping.

4. Remember, Food Is a Magnet

Your book signing is a celebration. A plate of nibbles, like cookies or some special treat you are known for, are often a way to get casual table visitors to stop and engage with you. Cookbook authors know that a taste from within sells books. Learn from them. When I launched Snappy Sassy Salty-Wise Words for Authors & Writers, I had my local grocery stores bakery create iced cookies for my signers. Yummersand book buyers loved them!

If appropriate, drinks could be offered at an outdoor event where its warm. Thirsty book buyers might welcome a cool drink of water. Cases of 8-ounce bottles can be found at Costco or Sams and cost 10-13 cents each. Just might be the closer to buy a buy a copy of your book.

5. Decide What Page You Will Sign On

You have choices. Sometimes the opening end sheet or a title pagethe most common onis selected. If your title page is crowded, you may want to sign on the inside cover which offers plenty of open space.

6. Select a Signing Pen

Typically, most authors sign with any pen available. Dont. Choose your pen and stick with it. Buy at least a dozen of them. Purple is my color. Sharpies are my choice. I carry at least three with me to signingspens do run out of ink.

7. Pre-Sign Your Books

What? you say. YESpre-sign them  and you will thank me big time. Granted, Ive written a lot of books. At most of my events, several of the titles are offered. Having them pre-signed with my signature phrase and my name for that particular book speeds up the signing process and allows me to actually talk to the buyer face to face versus having my face in the book page signing and thinking, Next  .

When I get to an event and set up my table, I usually have a mug of tea, and I settle in. Boxes are opened. Pens are out. And I start the pre-signing and stacking books on the table along with a few other props I might bring. My signature phrase is added; my name is signed. I am ready. When buyers emerge, I can quickly pick up the book (or books), add the name of who the book is for and have a short conversation with him or her.

Because I always use the same pen and same color, I never have to worry if a pen decides to die in the middle of a signing. And, if I have books left over, they are good to go for the next signingsame pen, same color for when I personalized it with the name of the buyer or even an added message.

8. Personalize Your Message

Ask your buyer if you can add their name. Would you like me to sign this to you or is this a gift for someone else? Use their first name only. Verify spellingyou will learn quickly that there are a variety of ways to spell a simple sounding name.

9. Choose Your Signature Phrase

Ideally, you should have a few phrases that you pull from to sign your book to ease the process, especially when youve got a crowd and havent done any pre- signing! Make your message memorable and tie it into the theme of your book if appropriate.

I had one or two for each of my books.

Other options include:

My best

In gratitude

Warm wishes

Best wishes

Best regards

Thanks for your support

Thanks

In appreciation

Etc..

10. Signing Your Name

Whether you just sign your first name or both first and last name is one of choice. Ive done both. I cherish my personalized copies Ive received from other authors and I admit, if I have one addiction, its books. I love the feel, smell, the contents and design.

Autograph awayits always a good idea if your name is legible.

Is there a right way  or a wrong way to sign a book for an enthusiastic buyer? Or for a gift from the buyer to another?

Answer: The only right way is what works for the author  that allows him or her to create a combo of interacting with the buyer and not turn it into a chore. After all, signing a book for a delighted reader is one of the joys of authoring.

11. Should You Add a Date?

Rarely do I add a date. Okay, Ill admit it. Sometimes I forget what day it is, much less what the true date is. This is a choice of yours to make. I would bypass it.

12. Payments

You dont want to have to personally muck around with anyone paying for a book if you can avoid it. If you are at a retail store, it will handle book sales. If you are at any type of private event, have a helper who takes cash, checks and credit cards. If you dont take credit cards, you will lose at least half of your sales. You are the star at your event, not the money changer.

At my annual Authors Autumn Tea that celebrates 15-20 of the authors that Ive had the pleasure to work with during the year, one of my assistants handles all book sales. That way, the authors can schmooze with attendees who come both for the food (it is a Tea with a large table filled with tasty afternoon delights) and a variety of books and authors to visit withits designed for shopping and shop they do. Checks are sent to them the following week for their sales.

13. Get to Your Event Early

The savvy author arrives at least an hour before the signing begins. Scout it out. Sit down and allow yourself to fully mentally and physically immerse in the surroundings. Set your table up. Be readynot rushed. And stand up to greet your visitors.

14. Invite  Tell Everyone to Come!

Yes  an email blast to your list, post on social media, create an article for your local newspaper or weekly. How about your book club, post it on your local NextDoor.com, Meetups in your area, even your homeowners association. What and where else?

15. My FINAL Suggestion  start with a question when talking with potential book buyers. What kind of books do you like to read? And begin a conversation. If they say they dont read fantasy, fiction, leadership, or they dont have children  do ask: Do you have any friends who do? Would you like to give them a personalized copy of my book?

This is about you and your book. Book signings and autographing your book should be a happy occasion. Enjoy your celebration. And BRAVO from me!

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 45 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction debut The Secret Journey and The Secret Hamlet. Collectively, her books have earned over 50 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences.

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. The AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Marketing podcast is ranked in the TOP 10 podcasts for book marketing by Mashable and Feedspot.

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a Like at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her.

2024 Judith Briles  The Book Shepherd All Rights Reserved

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WASHINGTON, Pa.  A flock of sheep sporting colorful jerseys will race down Main Street in downtown Washington Pennsylvania on May 4 and May 5 for the Washington Business District Authoritys second annual Running of the Wools event.

On top of the much-anticipated race, the event will feature local vendors, a breakfast crawl and sheep-based activities. The Running of the Wools event was created to highlight and celebrate the close relationship between the city of Washington and the farming and sheep industry.

Being able to showcase that the farming industry and agriculture and the sheep industry is still very much a part of, not just our past, but also our present and future is a huge, a huge objective for this event, said Shana Brown, director of Washington Business District Authority. We want to show people its still relevant, its still important and its based on our roots and history.

History

Sheep farming plays a huge role in southwestern Pennsylvanias agriculture industry. In the 19th century, southwest Pennsylvania was considered an epicenter for sheep farming. By the Civil War, Washington County in particular was leading the country in wool production.

This hold on the sheep industry would eventually diminish as oil and coal production became more popular in southwestern Pennsylvania in the 20th century. However, Washington County continues to have a strong sheep farming and agriculture presence.

In 2022, Pennsylvania had a total of 3,076 sheep farms and 102,055 sheep. Washington County had the second-largest sheep farm and sheep population in Pennsylvania, only behind Lancaster County, with 135 farms and 4,491 sheep. Thats why, in part, the Washington Business District Authority created the Running of the Wools.

The idea started about three years ago when Brown was approached by Clay Kilgore, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society, who wanted to promote sheep farming by racing local sheep down Main Street, the busiest street in downtown Washington.

The pair kicked off with a Spread the Ewes fundraiser to fund the event in 2022. The fundraiser generated enough cash that they were able to put on the first Running of the Wools event in 2023. Drew Ross from Ross Farms in Washington, Pennsylvania provided his sheep as runners for the event.

Roughly 3,500 to 4,000 people turned out in downtown Washington for a chance to view one of Rosss sheep cross the finish line in record-setting fashion.

The race

The main event of the day will be the Running of the Wools Race which will take place at 1 p.m. on May 4. This year, 20 sheep will race down Main Street in four heats of five. At 3 p.m., the finalists of each heat will race for the champion title.

All of the sheep racing in the event come from Ross Farms. Ross conditions the sheep by shaking an oat can  almost like a starter gun  signifying to the sheep to run toward him.

On the day of the event, he stands next to the finish line, waits for the gate to be opened and then yells a sheep call and shakes the oat can. Despite the training, the sheep can still be unpredictable and racing is trial and error.

The organizers werent sure about the depth perception of the sheep the first year, and whether they would view the finish line marker as the finish line or a big hole in the ground. Brown says this uncertainty led to lots of laughs during the races last year.

We had one heat that got all the way down to the finish line and then literally stopped and would not go any further, and turned around and went back up the hill, said Brown.

1 of 8

Local businesses can buy a sheep for the race every year and choose a creative, often funny, name. One of the winning sheep last year, from Compassionate Care Unlimited, was named bAAAd company.

A list of this years sheep names and companies is available on the Running of the Wools Facebook page. Additionally, guests get to vote on their favorite sheep name.

Other events

In addition to the race, other activities will take place throughout the day. The event will kick off with a breakfast crawl from 9:30 a.m. to noon where 16 local businesses will serve breakfast.

On the main stage at 10:30 a.m., there will be sheep shearing followed by a sheep-to-shawl demonstration. Little Bo Peep will also do a book reading and act out a play on the main stage.

Additionally, a host of vendors from artists to local businesses to farms will be selling an assortment of items. Brown says specifically incorporating farm vendors was in line with the goals of the event.

Although the sheep (are) obviously the highlight of the day because of the historical roots and the races, its not just about the sheep, its about the farming industry in general, said Brown.

On May 5, the two-day event weekend will end with a community blessing service delivered by local churches from 1- 4 p.m. underneath the pavilion in downtown Washington. All proceeds made go to fund next years Running of the Wools event, ensuring sheep will once again take to the streets of downtown Washington.

Honestly, where else are you ever going to find sheep racing down a main street, said Brown. Weve looked, it doesnt happen anywhere else. Theres pig races, theres wiener dog races, theres horse races, theres not sheep races anywhere else.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.)
Bayer has signed an agreement with UK-based company AlphaBio Control to secure an exclusive license for a new biological insecticide.

The as-yet-unnamed new product will be the first available for arable crops, including oilseed rape and cereals, with an initial launch expected in 2028.

The insecticide, discovered by AlphaBio, has potential for use against coleoptera insects like the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB).

This is a pest insect that can damage oilseed rape crops throughout the growing season and even cause seedling death.

The beetle is widespread in the UK, and damage caused by adult CSFB feeding gives rise to shot-holing symptoms which affect young plants and early leaves, resulting in stunted growth and poor plant health.

Benoit Hartmann, head of biologics at Bayers Crop Science Division, said farmers needed innovative new solutions to tackle such pests.

Biocontrols are a perfect fit to our approach to scaling regenerative agriculture," Mr Hartmann explained.

"Were excited to work to bring a new biological crop protection option to farmers that can be used for arable crops.

Bayer, which sees major growth potential for biological crop protections, is working to achieve more than 1.5 billion euro in biological sales by 2035.

Marta Ruiz, general manager for AlphaBio Control, said the firm was 'delighted' to license Bayer exclusive rights to its latest bioinsecticide.

"It will significantly improve the choices available to arable farmers wishing to reduce the environmental impact of food production."
Farmers growing Elland potatoes can now use key herbicide metribuzin after trials confirmed it can be safely used on the variety.

The list of maincrop potato varieties to which metribuzin can safely be applied as a pre-emergence treatment has been extended with the addition of Elland.

Tests on several other varieties are also showing promising initial results, Adama said, with trials ongoing to assess the crop safety of the firm's 70% w/w metribuzin product, 'SHOTPUT'.

Dr Bill Lankford, ADAMAs herbicides technical specialist, said: Adama UK has spent several years testing a collection of newer potato varieties for metribuzin selection.

As a result, several new varieties have been added to the list of those to which Shotput can be applied at the pre-emergence timing, with Elland (an early maincrop variety from Cygnet PB) the latest to be added.

Several other early and maincrop varieties were also tested in 2023, with initial results indicating that an additional eight varieties displayed no commercially unacceptable symptoms of Metribuzin sensitivity when pre-emergence applications of Shotput were made at both the 0.75kg/ha and 1.5kg/ha rates on sandy loam or clay loam soils.

At present, the latter results are provisional, with more trials scheduled to take in due course to validate the findings, Dr Lankford explained.

So far, the results look very promising, and we are confident that Shotput will soon be approved for growers to use on a wider range of varieties.

"We look forward to publishing an updated list of Shotput-approved varieties once the necessary testing regime has been concluded.
New regulations have been laid which aim to stamp out rogue milk purchasing businesses from abusing their position and exploiting farmers.

The Fair Dealing Obligations Regulations, first announced in June 2023, aim to promote fair business between milk producers and purchasers.

The legislation seeks to bolster the good practice many milk purchasing businesses have developed and acted upon since the introduction of the Voluntary Dairy Code in 2012.

The commencement of the regulations has a date of 9 July 2024 for any new milk purchasing contract.

Concurrently, a period of transition to compliance for existing contracts is to be completed by the 9 July 2025.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) welcomed the news, saying it was hopeful that there would now be a fairer foundation for selling milk across Britain.

FUW Milk Committee Chair, Brian Walters said: The voluntary dairy code was established to stamp out unfair contractual arrangements between milk producers and purchasers which could in turn help stabilise the UK dairy industry.

Despite many processors supporting the values of the voluntary dairy code, the lack of legislation meant that some processors continued with unfair and underhanded contractual expectations leaving dairy farmers extremely vulnerable to market changes.

Processors will now be required to review their contracts over the next twelve months in order to become compliant with these regulations."

The NFU said the new regulations marked a significant step forward in the governments efforts to increase fairness and transparency in the dairy supply chain.

It said: "Unfair milk contracts have held British dairy businesses back, and these changes will give dairy farmers much needed business security and confidence, as well as helping to share risk along the dairy supply chain."
Help to grow British dairy exports in the United States has been given a boost with the appointment of a new in-market specialist.

Victor Willis has been appointed as vice president of market development by AHDB and will be the levy board's new dairy products representative in the US.

The US is the UKs second biggest dairy export market, and analysis has highlighted further opportunities over the next decade with increasing levels of cheese consumption.

Mr Willis has more than 25 years retail and manufacturing experience in the dairy sector.

The role, jointly funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), will see him working with dairy exporters to help grow further opportunities in the US.

It comes after the government launched its new Dairy Export Programme in November, committing to providing specialist resource in priority markets for the sector and maximise the opportunities presented.

The dairy industry already exports over 2bn worth of dairy and products such as whey to more than 135 countries.

But Lucy Randolph, AHDB head of international trade development, said the US was a particularly important market for UK dairy exporters.

"We have identified further long-term opportunities to build on the successes our industry has already achieved," she added.

A key part of driving that growth is the support of having a strong in-market presence and we are delighted that Victor has joined the team to work with UK dairy exporters to help fulfil their full potential in the important US market.

"His wealth of experience in developing market strategy, brand development and product innovation will be invaluable.

Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB international trade development director, added: Our dairy levy payers have told us how much they value AHDBs work to support exports and want to see more of it.

Victors appointment is a further demonstration of our shared commitment to helping ensure our dairy exports thrive on the global stage.
In Indien beten sie fur Kamala Harris

In Indien beten sie fur Kamala Harris

Im Dorf ihrer Groeltern :

In Indien beten sie fur Kamala Harris

Die Prasidentschaftskandidatin der Demokraten war noch nie im Dorf ihrer indischen Groeltern  und ist dort doch prasent. Was sagt man uber sie? Unser Autor hat sich umgehort.
Even though Ive written four novels now, there are some things which dont get easier with each book. Here are seven things I have to re-learn every time I write a book:

Rosie Walker

1) Kill your darlings: Its hard every time! But ultimately, if a scene or character or even a whole narrative thread isnt pushing your plot forward or providing your readers with the most interesting possible story, you might have to hold your breath and press the delete key. (Or, in my case, cut and paste the text into another document in case I need it later*).

* I rarely re-use cut text but it makes me feel better about killing those darlings!

2) Plotting vs pantsing: As much as I love the image of the writer shown in films where they sit down at a computer and just hammer their novel straight onto the page perfectly formed, thats just not me. Im a plotter, and my method of choice is spreadsheets: a row per chapter and columns for tracking timelines, characters, settings and twists. Deep down, I just know that if I wrote-by-the-seat-of-my-pants (aka pantsing) I would get stuck and never reach The End.

3) Editing is hard: No matter how meticulous and detailed my novel plan, there are always extensive rewrites after the first draft. Things get cut, moved and refined, and facing that initially always makes me feel a little like I failed. But the truth is that everyones first drafts need edits, even bestselling authors on their 15th or 20th book.

4) Its a rollercoaster: This is the worst book Ive written, I say to my husband over dinner. He just smirks and shakes his head, saying You say that every time. And then, sure enough, a couple of weeks later I come out of the other side and think Maybe this book is OK after all. (And then a couple of weeks later were back to its the worst again).

5) Its a team effort: Although my name is on the cover of the books I write, theres a huge team of amazing professionals behind every published book, from my literary agent, editor and the editorial team, through to the cover designer, audiobook team, marketing, publicity, operations team, data analysts and rights! I used to skip reading the acknowledgements when I finished reading a novel, but now I read them with as much interest as the story itself  its fascinating to see all the people whose expertise goes into the production of a finished novel.

6) Research is important: I would love to sit down and pluck a book straight out of my head without having to consult anyone else, but unfortunately, every story seems to need the expertise of others to make it really shine. Every time I write a new book I find myself contacting a new series of experts to get their insight so the story feels realistic: social workers, police officers, fire fighters, poison experts, stable hands, doctors the list goes on! It can feel quite daunting to ask for help, but Ive been pleasantly surprised by how enthusiastic and helpful people can be, especially when they hear their knowledge is going to appear in a novel.

7) Character names are tricky: When Im plotting a book, I take short cuts to avoid making decisions about names. But you can only get so far with a main character named Protag before you have to make a decision! Now, I try to avoid names that rhyme with other character names or start with the same letter, and also try to vary the lengths of those names so readers dont get confused. My favourite thing to do is ask my friends and family if theyd like to choose or lend their name (or give me the name of someone they dont like for the villain!).

About Rosie Walker

Author Rosie Walker

Rosie Walker writes psychological thrillers about mysteries, secrets, lies, and strange people. Rosie was born in North Yorkshire and has lived in Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Birmingham, Ohio and Texas, and has yet to live in a house with a secret passageway, hidden basement or a long-forgotten sealed-up room, but still holds out hope. She now lives in Edinburgh with her husband Kevin, their daughter Elsie and their Cypriot rescue dog, Bella. She has a Masters in Creative Writing and a degree in Psychology.

Follow Rosie Here Website Facebook Instagram Twitter

The Book 'My Husbands Ex' publishes on 3rd May 2024

Description:

Hello, stranger, says the beautiful woman on the doorstep. Pushing past me, she throws herself into my husbands arms while I stand frozen in shock. Ive never seen this woman before in my life but how does she know the man I married?

The colour drains from my husbands face as she releases him. When Ted says her name  Alice  my blood runs cold. Because Ive heard her name before. Alice is the woman who broke my kind husbands heart. Ted told me she vanished from his life after their breakup, but has he been lying this whole time?

I stare at him in disbelief, but he swears he never invited her. Can I believe him? Whatever actually happened, I want her out of my house but as thunder cracks and the sky turns dark, a huge storm sets in. Were stuck here: is this my chance to discover the truth?

While everyone is distracted with my two young children in the next room, I search through her coat pockets. I thought shed come to try and steal Ted back but the sharp silver knife I find hidden away changes everything. Looking at the blade, Im more scared than Ive ever been in my life  why does Alice want to hurt us? How can I keep my beloved daughters safe

My heart beats out of my chest, but I have to stay calm. Because I know something Alice doesnt. She has no idea who shes dealing with, who I really am. After all this time, I wont let her take whats mine

This unbelievably gripping psychological thriller will keep you speeding through the pages, with your heart racing, until you reach the final jaw-dropping twist. If you absolutely loved Gone Girl, The Housemaid or The Perfect Marriage, you will be utterly hooked!

Rosies next book, My Husbands Ex, is out on May 3rd from Bookouture

by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk

find me on and follow me on
Ben Stiller was left blindsided for a long time by his Zoolander sequel being a turkey.

Ben Stiller was left blindsided for a long time by his Zoolander sequel being a turkey

The 58-year-old actor, who wrote, produced, directed and starred in the 2016 follow-up to his 2001 male modelling farce, said he thought he had messed up his career and lost the ability to do comedy when it was a commercial and critical flop.

He told The X Files actor David Duchovny, 63, on his upcoming podcast Fail Better about the devastating impact the failure of Zoolander 2 had on his life and mental state: I thought everybody wanted this.

And then it's like, 'Wow, I must have really (messed) this up.

Everybody didn't go to it. And it's gotten these horrible reviews.

It really freaked me out because I was like, 'I didn't know was that bad?'

"What scared me the most on that one was Im losing what I think what's funny, the questioning yourself on Zoolander 2, it was definitely blindsiding to me.

And it definitely affected me for a long time."

Zoolander 2, which saw Owen Wilson, 55, and Will Ferrell, 56, return from the first film, made only $29 million against its $50 million budget.

The sequel also featured cameos from celebrities including Justin Bieber, 30, and 39-year-old Katy Perry.

Ben said the failure gave him the space to kind of sit with myself and have to deal with it and other projects that I had been working on.

When he said he didnt want to pursue anything new amid the failure, David  whose podcast will be available from 7 May  asked him if it was anger holding him back.

Ben replied: It was just hurt. Finding yourself in terms of what creatively you want to be and do, I I always loved directing. I always loved making movies.

I always, in my mind, loved the idea of just directing movies that since I was a kid, and not necessarily comedies.

Ben went on to direct the crime drama Escape at Dannemora in 2018, for which he won a DGA Award for Outstanding Directing  Miniseries or TV Film.

In 2022, he also produced and directed the Emmy-nominated series Severance.
Zooey Deschanels fiance was a blubbering mess while proposing to the actress.

Zooey Deschanels fiance was a blubbering mess while proposing to the actress

The New Girl star, 44, was left so shocked she burst into tears when her partner of more than four years Jonathan Scott, 45, surprised her by asking her to marry him while they were on holiday in Glasgow, Scotland, last year.

Reality TV veteran Jonathan told Page Six about how he got overwhelmed with emotion on the day: We were on a family trip with the kids and I had planned it all in advance, for doing the tour and everything.

And then at the end, we cleared the castle.

We were in Edinburgh Castle and we were the last people on the property. I had it set up so they said, Oh, theres a pipe band playing. You want to go listen? Yeah, great.

We went up to this beautiful bluff overlooking the city, and this pipe band is playing. And then all of a sudden, a guitar steps forward and started playing Neil Young, our song, Harvest Moon.

And (Zooeys) like, Wait, what?

And then the kids pulled up a banner that said, Will you marry me?

She cried and she said Yes.

And Im a blubbering mess. Like the wedding is going to be a disaster because I will not be able to get through.

Also along for the trip and proposal were Zooeys kids  daughter Elsie, eight, and son Charlie, six, who she had with her 51-year-old film producer ex-husband Jacob Pechenik.

The couple announced their engagement in August 2023 after Jonathan popped the question in Scotland with a ring estimated to be worth $250,000.

They also celebrated with a romantic getaway to Paris the same month.

Zooey and Jonathan met while filming an episode of James Cordens Carpool Karaoke on which they appeared alongside their siblings Emily Deschanel and Drew Scott in August 2019.

The pair went public with their relationship in October 2019 when they shared a kiss during a taping of Dancing with the Stars.

Zooeys marriage to Jonathan will be the third time she has walked down the aisle, as she was previously married to Jacob from 2015 to 2020 and Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard from 2009 to 2012.

Jonathan was also previously married to flight coordinator Kelsy Ully, but they broke up in 2010 after three years together, with their divorce finalised in 2013.
Law, justice, and parliamentary affairs minister Anisul Huq announced that workers in any factory in Bangladesh are now permitted to establish labour unions.

Speaking to media following a meeting with the US trade delegation at his office in the secretariat, Huq provided insights into the discussions held.

Anisul Huq, the law, justice and parliamentary affairs minister has said workers of any factory can form a labour union from now on. The minister also said, they informed the US trade delegation about the new decision of keeping no threshold for forming a trade union. Previously, the threshold stood at 30 per cent and was later reduced to 20 per cent.

The primary focus of the meeting revolved around Bangladeshs labour laws, workers rights, and the ongoing amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act even as the US delegation sought information regarding eleven specific issues and the progress made in addressing them, including inquiries about the threshold required for forming a trade union.

Anisul disclosed that they informed the delegation about the recent decision to abolish the threshold for forming trade unions. Previously, the threshold stood at 30 per cent and was later reduced to 20 per cent during the International Labor Organization (ILO) conference in 2017.

Additionally, there were proposals to further decrease the threshold to 15 per cent, applicable only to factories with 3,000 or more workers. However, this limitation has been lifted as well.

The law, justice, and parliamentary affairs minister further added that the US representatives expressed satisfaction upon learning about the labour laws and rights in Bangladesh.

Following the discussions, they conveyed their contentment with the progress made in this regard.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is flowing back into Vietnams garment and textile sector, driven by the nations favourable investment climate, ample workforce, and open economy.

Media reports maintained this citing industry insiders.

Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS), highlighted the expansion of foreign garment and textile producers within Vietnam to capitalise on its market even as he emphasised the pivotal role of free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), in attracting both domestic and foreign investors.

Chairman of VITAS said foreign garment and textile producers are expanding their operations in Vietnam. He held various FTAs, particularly new-generation deals such as CPTPP, EVFTA and RCEP instrumental in attracting domestic and foreign investors. Leading zipper producer YKK Corp. from Japan invested in second plant at Dong Van industrial zone in Ha Nam.

In the first quarter of 2024, Vietnams garment and textile export revenue surpassed $8 billion, with FDI firms contributing over 60 per cent of the total.

Notably, the management board of industrial parks in Nam Dinh province issued an investment certificate to Crystal International Group, based in Hong Kong, for its Yi Da Denim Mill project worth $60 million.

Crystal International Group runs several plants across northern and southern Vietnam, contributing to significant export revenue and job creation.

Similarly, YKK Corp., the worlds leading zipper producer, expanded its operations in Vietnam with a second plant in Ha Nam province.

Moreover, SAB Industrial Vietnam Company Limited, part of China's Weixing group, also inaugurated a $62 million factory in Thanh Hoa province, producing various items like zippers and buttons.

This investment not only reduced reliance on imported raw materials but also enhanced product competitiveness by cutting manufacturing time and transport costs.

The resurgence in FDI underscores Vietnams attractiveness as a manufacturing hub and its strategic position in the global supply chain.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
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.



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ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands 24 April 2024 - IMCD N.V. ("IMCD" or "Company"), a leading distributor of speciality chemicals and ingredients, today announces that IMCD Spain has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Cobapharma, S.L.U, a European distributor in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry.

Established in 2011 and headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, Cobapharma provides an extensive portfolio of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) as well as nutraceutical ingredients. With 20 employees, Cobapharma represents leading suppliers and generated a revenue of approximately EUR 19 million in the financial year that ended December 31, 2023.

'Cobapharma is a rapidly growing distributor in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. Their esteemed reputation for providing high-quality APIs and nutraceutical ingredients perfectly complements our existing portfolio. The alignment of our business models will enhance our ability to serve our customers and partners' comments John Robinson, Business Group Director IMCD Pharmaceuticals.

'We are excited to join IMCD. This acquisition opens new opportunities for Cobapharma to expand its offerings and reach a broader customer base. We look forward to leveraging IMCD's expertise and network to accelerate our growth and value creation to our customers', says Gianluca Galimberti, General Manager Cobapharma.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary (regulatory) closing conditions and is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2024.

Attached, the press release in PDF format, the main visual and photo caption.

Attachments
Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Reports Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides Varoglutamstat and Strategic Updates





In-depth analysis of VIVIAD Phase 2b results is ongoing, including pre-specified and exploratory endpoints; findings to date are consistent with previously announced topline data observing no statistically significant or clinically meaningful effect of varoglutamstat on cognition and function in early AD up to 600mg twice a day (BID) dose

Statistically significant improvement in kidney function observed with varoglutamstat 600mg BID in VIVIAD over two years based on pre-specified analysis of the estimated glomerular filtration rate

Company plans to explore potential of varoglutamstat in kidney disease in a shift of strategic focus towards inflammatory and fibrotic disorders

VIVA-MIND Phase 2 study to be discontinued early, in H2 2024, which will enable accelerated data analysis and inform varoglutamstat development strategy

Company is taking steps to reduce cash utilization and will prioritize resources on exploring varoglutamstat in kidney disease, VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND data analysis, select pipeline programs, and continuing business development

Based on current financial and business plans, including the discontinuation of VIVA-MIND, Company's cash runway is now expected to extend into Q2 2025 without additional financing

Management to host conference call today at 3:00pm CEST (9:00am EDT)





Halle (Saale) / Munich, Germany, April 24, 2024 - Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY; NL00150002Q7) (Vivoryon), a clinical stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule medicines to modulate the activity and stability of pathologically altered proteins, today announced financial results for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2023, and provided varoglutamstat and strategic updates including its pipeline development priorities and financial guidance.

"2023 was a year of clinical progress as we prepared for the readout from our VIVIAD Phase 2b study and advanced our U.S. study, VIVA-MIND, in early Alzheimer's disease. We were very disappointed to report negative results from VIVIAD in March of this year, given the significant unmet need for new disease-modifying therapies. Our ongoing analysis of the topline data confirms that there was no consistent effect of varoglutamstat on cognition and function at the 600mg dose and we are continuing our in-depth analysis to uncover key learnings and inform our long-term strategy in AD. Varoglutamstat's safety profile continues to look encouraging and we are excited to report today that we have observed a statistically significant improvement in kidney function based on pre-specified analysis of the estimated glomerular filtration rate measured in VIVIAD. This is in line with our prior hypothesis and results of pharmacological research on the role of the QPCT/L pathway beyond AD and is a very promising development. We are now prioritizing our resources and research and development activities to maximize value from varoglutamstat and our pipeline, with a focus on exploring its potential role in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, including kidney disease, and determining additionally whether a path forward is viable in AD," said Frank Weber, M.D., CEO of Vivoryon.

He continued, "Based on the VIVIAD analysis, and an assessment of funding needs, we have taken the decision, jointly with our principal investigator, to discontinue the VIVA-MIND study in early AD in the second half of 2024. This will enable us to accelerate analysis of patients treated in the study and explore varoglutamstat's effect on certain endpoints including EEG theta power and kidney function and look for any trends in cognition. We hope the data from VIVA-MIND will increase our understanding of the role of QPCT/L inhibition in AD and evolve the science behind this devastating disease."

In light of recent developments, the Company is today announcing prioritization of its resources into research and development activities it believes have the greatest potential to provide a meaningful impact for patients and for value creation. Key priorities reflect the strategic shift towards a focus on inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and include:

Exploring varoglutamstat's potential in inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, including of the kidney,

Concluding VIVIAD Phase 2b clinical study program for varoglutamstat in Europe, including an in-depth analysis of the results presented on March 4, 2024, and further ongoing biomarker analysis,

Discontinuing VIVA-MIND clinical Phase 2 study with varoglutamstat in the U.S. in the second half of 2024, earlier than planned, enabling accelerated analysis of the results which will contribute to the overall dataset informing varoglutamstat's development strategy moving forward,

Assessing the potential of varoglutamstat in doses higher than 600mg BID orally in early Alzheimer's disease,

Continuing to actively pursue potential business development and financing opportunities.





2023 and Post-Period Updates

Varoglutamstat Clinical Program:

VIVIAD study in early AD

VIVIAD (NCT04498650) is a state-of-the-art Phase 2b study conducted in Europe and designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varoglutamstat in 259 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer's disease (AD).

In March 2024, Vivoryon announced topline data for VIVIAD. The study, which evaluated varoglutamstat up to 600mg BID, did not meet its primary endpoint of a statistically significant difference in cognitive improvement over time, assessed by the combined Z-score of the three elements of the Cogstate 3-item scale, as well as key secondary endpoints measuring cognition and function including the Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB); complete Cogstate neuropsychological test battery (NTB); the Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (A-IADL-Q) and electroencephalogram (EEG) global theta power.

Safety results from the study showed that varoglutamstat was generally well tolerated and showed rates similar to placebo of serious and severe treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), low discontinuation rates due to adverse events and no evidence of symptomatic ARIAs (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) in the clinical setting.

Vivoryon is conducting an in-depth analysis of the VIVIAD data. While these analyses remain ongoing, findings to date confirm the topline results. Additionally, no statistically significant or clinically meaningful effect of varoglutamstat up to 600mg BID was observed on pre-specified subgroups. The only significant difference observed in favor of varoglutamstat was a lower change from baseline in the WAIS IV coding test and the letter fluency test, both measuring cognitive dysfunction, at week 48. Pharmacokinetic and QPCT/L enzyme inhibition data in VIVIAD were consistent with previous results.





VIVIAD study - results from kidney function exploratory analyses

The VIVIAD protocol prospectively specified measurement of certain kidney function biomarkers. This was in line with the Company's previously announced growth strategy to explore varoglutamstat's potential effects on kidney function.

Varoglutamstat 600mg BID increased the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the treatment period up to 96 weeks, indicating a potential benefit of varoglutamstat on kidney function. Analysis is ongoing including a closer analysis of VIVIAD results in patients with different eGFR levels at baseline.

Given these statistically significant and clinically meaningful data, Vivoryon is evaluating a development path including business development and financing opportunities to further explore the potential of varoglutamstat and QPCT/L inhibitors in kidney disease.





VIVA-MIND study in early AD

VIVA-MIND (NCT03919162) is a Phase 2 study conducted in the U.S. evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varoglutamstat in patients with early AD.

Vivoryon announced today that, based on the ongoing review of VIVIAD data published March 4, 2024, and an assessment of funding needs, the Company has decided jointly with its principal investigator, to voluntarily discontinue the Phase 2 VIVA-MIND study in early AD in the U.S. in the second half of 2024. This will enable accelerated analysis of the results and will contribute to the overall dataset informing varoglutamstat's development strategy moving forward. Initial data from the study is anticipated by the end of 2024.

In October 2023, Vivoryon announced the study's independent data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) recommended to continue VIVA-MIND with a 600mg BID dose throughout Phase 2a and 2b, which is an accelerated up-titration protocol compared to the VIVIAD Phase 2b study. This decision followed safety reviews and analyses of treatment-emergent adverse events of special interest (AESI) occurring in skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and hepatobiliary disorders, target occupancy and pharmacokinetic (PK) data.





VIVALONG study

VIVALONG is an open-label extension (OLE) study offering a long-term treatment option to patients after completing VIVIAD or VIVA-MIND protocols.

In line with the Company's cost reduction measures and given the developments of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, Vivoryon has decided to stop VIVALONG OLE study preparation activities.





Early-Stage Pipeline

Vivoryon is revisiting the early-stage opportunities in its R&D activities in line with its strategic shift.

Future pre-clinical activities will involve exploring QPCT/L inhibitors for use in inflammatory and fibrotic disorders as well as in other indications such as oncology and CNS.

Opportunities with meprin inhibitors will continue to be explored, in particular for fibrotic disorders.

The Company's antibody program, PBD-C06, will remain active as a candidate for further potential partnering opportunities.

The Company will continue to explore identification of second generation QPCT/L inhibitors with good blood brain barrier penetration.





Corporate Development Updates

In March 2024, Kugan Sathiyanandarajah and Professor Dr. Morten Asser Karsdal stepped down from Vivoryon's Board of Directors. They had been previously appointed as Non-Executive Directors in June 2023.

In March 2024, Anne Doering, CFA, assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Vivoryon, following her previous position as Chief Strategy & Investor Relations Officer.

In October 2023, Vivoryon hosted a virtual R&D Event with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), focusing on varoglutamstat.

In September 2023, Vivoryon held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) related to the appointment of Frank Weber, MD, as CEO and Executive member of the Board of Directors. He followed Dr. Ulrich Dauer, former CEO of Vivoryon, after Dr. Dauer's announcement in June 2023 to not renew his contract with the Company.

In August 2023, Vivoryon and Scenic Biotech B.V. ("Scenic") reached an agreement regarding the settlement of their patent dispute in connection with certain of Vivoryon's patents related to varoglutamstat (PQ912) and certain other QPCT inhibitors. As part of the settlement, Scenic's affiliate, Scenic Immunology B.V., and Vivoryon have entered into a patent license agreement, under which Scenic Immunology B.V. granted to Vivoryon certain rights to certain patents controlled by Scenic Immunology B.V. in the field of oncology.

In May 2023, Vivoryon successfully raised EUR 25 million through an accelerated bookbuild offering. The private placement totaled 1,785,715 ordinary shares, at an issue price of EUR 14.00 per share.





Financial Results for the Full Year 2023

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, reflected a EUR 3.6 million reversal in license revenue, compared to no revenue in the year ended December 31, 2022. The reversal is related to license revenues recognized in 2021 from a strategic regional licensing partnership with Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. ("Simcere") to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Greater China, which includes a variable compensation for the first milestone. This variable milestone payment of EUR 3.6 million is based on the initiation of the first human clinical trial of varoglutamstat in mainland China. After the end of the reporting period the anticipated first milestone revenues were re-assessed. Due to the VIVIAD Phase 2b study not meeting its primary and key secondary endpoints, it is expected that the first human clinical trial in mainland China will not start before further clarity from an in-depth analysis of the VIVIAD results as well as from additional analysis of the full data and its implications. Therefore, revenues for the variable compensation (first development milestone) are no longer highly probable. As a consequence, the milestone-receivable of EUR 3.6 million was impaired and the respected revenues were reversed, as of December 31, 2023.

Research and development expenses decreased by EUR 2.6 million to EUR 17.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 20.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease is primarily attributable to EUR 2.7 million lower third-party expenses, mainly due to EUR 3.6 million lower manufacturing costs, partially offset by EUR 1.7 million higher clinical costs, mainly due to the progress of the Phase 2b VIVIAD clinical study.

General and administrative expenses were EUR 8.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 8.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of EUR 0.3 million is largely attributable to the release of EUR 2.6 million of previously capitalized capital raising costs in 2022, partially offset by EUR 2.2 million higher expenses for personnel, legal and consulting, as well as costs for Non-Executive Directors. The reasons for the cost increases in personnel and for the Non-Executive Directors of the Board were predominantly caused by accelerated share-option expenses (EUR 0.3 million) and severance payments (EUR 0.6 million) as a result of the 2023 Board changes.

Net loss in the year ended December 31, 2023, was EUR 28.3 million, compared to EUR 28.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022.

The Company held EUR 18.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, plus term deposits of EUR 10.0 million disclosed under current financial assets, compared to cash and cash equivalents of EUR 26.6 million as of December 31, 2022.

Cash flows used in operating activities were EUR 21.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 21.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2022.

Cash flows used in investing activities were EUR 10.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 13 thousand in the year ended December 31, 2022. This difference reflects the net purchase of term deposits in the amount of EUR 10.0 million during 2023.

Cash flows provided from financing activities were EUR 24.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to EUR 33.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2022.

Outlook & Financial Guidance

The Company expects, on the basis of its most recent financial and business plan, that its existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its operating plans, excluding any additional financings, into the second quarter of 2025.

This cash runway guidance reflects an overall reduction in cash utilization including the ramp down of spending on VIVIAD as it approaches its conclusion, the discontinuation of VIVA-MIND, the discontinuation of VIVALONG preparation activities given the developments of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, as well as the streamlining of manufacturing costs and programs for API development. These activities also represent a change in focus of research and development resources towards inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, such as of the kidney, from an emphasis on Alzheimer's disease.

The viability of the Company beyond the second quarter of 2025 is dependent on its ability to raise additional funds to finance its operations which also depends on the success of its research and development activities such as those focusing on exploring opportunities in kidney disease.

The financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company expects to have continuing operating losses for the foreseeable future and the need to raise additional capital to finance its future operations, and, as of April 24, 2024, the Company has concluded that the ability to continue as a going concern in the financial year 2025 depends on the ability to generate additional funding. Please refer to the Company's Annual Report 2023 for further information.





Conference Call and Webcast

Vivoryon will host a conference call and webcast today, April 24, 2024, at 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am EDT). A Q&A session will follow the presentation of the full year results.

A live webcast and slides will be made available at: www.vivoryon.com/investors-news/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/



To join the conference call via phone, participants may pre-register and will receive dedicated dial-in details to easily and quickly access the call via the following website: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI3fef74de02dc40daa7cbe0aac7731e74



It is suggested participants dial into the conference call 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to avoid any delays in attendance.

Approximately one day after the call, a slide-synchronized audio replay of the conference will be available on: www.vivoryon.com/investors-news/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/



###

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Financial Statements

Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

in kEUR, except for share data 2023 2022 Revenue (3,620) - Cost of Sales 525 - Gross profit (3,095) - Research and development expenses (17,637) (20,224) General and administrative expenses (8,600) (8,908) Other operating income 495 19 Other operating expense - - Operating loss (28,837) (29,113) Finance income 726 1,710 Finance expense (465) (952) Finance result 261 758 Result before income taxes (28,576) (28,355) Income taxes 234 199 Net loss for the period (28,342) (28,156) Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability (76) 392 Total other comprehensive (loss) / income (76) 392 Comprehensive loss (28,418) (27,764) Loss per share in EUR (basic and diluted) (1.12) (1.28)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Statements of Financial Position as December 31, 2023 and 2022

in kEUR 2023 2022 ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 40 49 Intangible assets 941 494 Right-of-use assets 36 127 Financial assets - 14 Total non-current assets 1,017 684 Current assets Financial assets 10,165 3,716 Other current assets and prepayments 1,085 423 Cash and cash equivalents 18,562 26,555 Total current assets 29,812 30,694 TOTAL ASSETS 30,829 31,378 Equity Share capital 26,067 24,105 Share premium 135,671 113,382 Other capital reserves 13,599 9,656 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (256) (180) Accumulated deficit (148,799) (120,457) Total equity 26,282 26,506 Non-current liabilities Pension liability 1,353 1,323 Provisions long-term 12 12 Lease liabilities - 38 Deferred tax liabilities - 234 Total non-current liabilities 1,365 1,607 Current liabilities Trade payables 2,894 2,543 Lease liabilities 38 94 Other liabilities 250 628 Total current liabilities 3,182 3,265 Total Liabilities 4,547 4,872 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 30,829 31,378

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

in kEUR Share capital Share premium Other capital reserves Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated deficit Total equity January 1, 2022 20,050 83,211 6,168 (572) (92,300) 16,557 Net loss for the period - - - - (28,156) (28,156) Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability - - - 392 - 392 Comprehensive (loss) / income - - - 392 (28,156) (27,764) Proceeds from the issuance of common shares 4,055 31,945 - - - 36,000 Transaction costs of equity transactions - (1,774) - - - (1,774) Share-based payments - - 3,488 - - 3,488 December 31, 2022 24,105 113,382 9,656 (180) (120,457) 26,506 Net loss for the period - - - - (28,342) (28,342) Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability - - - (76) - (76) Comprehensive (loss) / income - - - (76) (28,342) (28,418) Proceeds from the issuance of common shares 1,786 23,214 - - - 25,000 Transaction costs of equity transactions - (2,095) - - - (2,095) Share-based payments - - 3,943 - - 3,943 Proceeds from exercise of share options 176 1,170 - - - 1,346 December 31, 2023 26,067 135,671 13,599 (256) (148,799) 26,282

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

in kEUR 2023 2022 Operating activities Net loss for the period (28,342) (28,156) Adjustments for: Finance result (261) (758) Depreciation and amortization 167 161 Share based payments 3,943 3,488 Capitalized capital raising costs that were expensed - 2,633 Deferred income tax (234) (199) Reversal of Revenue and Accounts Receivable 3,095 - Changing in Financial assets - 3,090 Other current assets and prepayments (662) 294 Pension liabilities (94) (122) Provisions - (35) Trade payables 538 (1,724) Other liabilities (17) (471) Interest received 328 9 Interest paid (2) (4) Cash flows used in operating activities (21,541) (21,794) Investing activities Purchase of plant and equipment (14) (11) Purchase of intangible assets (500) (2) Purchase of financial assets (19,000) - Proceeds from sale of financial assets 9,000 - Cash flows used in investing activities (10,514) (13) Financing activities Proceeds from the issuance of common shares 25,000 36,000 Transaction costs of equity transactions (2,095) (1,774) Capital raising costs - (753) Payment of lease liabilities (94) (92) Proceeds from exercise of share options 1,346 - Cash flows provided by / (used in) financing activities 24,157 33,381 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7,898) 11,574 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 26,555 14,661 Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash held (95) 320 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 18,562 26,555

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Annual Financial Report 2023

The financial statements of Vivoryon have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.





About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines. Driven by its passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, the Company strives to change the lives of patients in need suffering from severe diseases. The Company leverages its in-depth expertise in understanding post-translational modifications to develop medicines that modulate the activity and stability of proteins which are altered in disease settings. The Company has established a pipeline of orally available small molecule inhibitors for various indications including Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, including of the kidney, and cancer. www.vivoryon.com.

Vivoryon Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the "Company"), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Company's products and forecasts and statements as to when the Company's products may be available. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. The Company's results of operations, cash needs, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, future transactions, strategies or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Company's future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.





For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact

Stern IR

Penelope Belnap

Tel: +1 212-362-1200

Email: penelope.belnap@sternir.com

Media Contact

Trophic Communications

Valeria Fisher

Tel: +49 175 8041816

Email: vivoryon@trophic.eu



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Positive Start of the Year in Q1 2024

Continued Growth Trajectory

Maintaining Healthy Operational KPIs

On Track Toward Full Year Guidance

1.7 Million Reserved Capital Increase

Helen Protopapas Appointed as New Non-Executive Director in Replacement of Mauro Pretolani

Regulatory News:

MotorK plc (AMS: MTRK) ("MotorK" or the "Group") today published a trading update in respect of its financial results for the first quarter of the year, ended March 31, 2024 ("Q1 24"). The Group has delivered another positive start of year, reflecting its track record of consistent growth. The current level of Committed Recurring Revenues confirms a positive tone for the Company's growth in FY 2024.

Q1 24 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) 1 reached 35.1 million, compared to 27.9 million in Q1 23, up 26% year-over-year, confirming the Group's high pace of growth.

reached 35.1 million, compared to 27.9 million in Q1 23, up 26% year-over-year, confirming the Group's high pace of growth. Committed Annual Recurring Revenue (CARR) 2 increased to 39.1 million in Q1 24, up 16% compared to Q1 23, including enterprise deals, backlog and contractual price increases, providing significant visibility for the Group's revenue growth in FY 2024.

increased to 39.1 million in Q1 24, up 16% compared to Q1 23, including enterprise deals, backlog and contractual price increases, providing significant visibility for the Group's revenue growth in FY 2024. Strong operational KPIs , including a low churn rate of 6.3% and Net Revenue Retention ("NRR") 3 of 111.1%, confirming the Group's superior efficiency in cross-selling and upselling to its customer base.

, including a low churn rate of 6.3% and Net Revenue Retention ("NRR") of 111.1%, confirming the Group's superior efficiency in cross-selling and upselling to its customer base. Average annual contract value (ACV) 4 reached 19.7k in Q1 24, up 10% year-over-year ("YoY"), reflecting continued growth in multi-product adoption within customers' base, fueled by continuous innovation in the offer.

reached 19.7k in Q1 24, up 10% year-over-year ("YoY"), reflecting continued growth in multi-product adoption within customers' base, fueled by continuous innovation in the offer. Reported Revenues 5 recorded 11.2 million, stable year-over-year, reflecting a higher proportion of non-immediate-delivery contracts booked in the quarter, that will contribute to the next quarters' revenues.

recorded 11.2 million, stable year-over-year, reflecting a higher proportion of non-immediate-delivery contracts booked in the quarter, that will contribute to the next quarters' revenues. Recurring billings amounted to8.5 million, up 30% from the prior year, and representing 76% of total revenues,demonstrating continued improvement in the revenue mix.

With a 20 million pipeline in Retail and Enterprise segments, MotorK benefits from significant revenue visibility for the year. The current combined level of recognized and committed Annual Recurring

Revenues provides a positive outlook for the Group's recurring revenue growth in FY 2024, confirmed in the trajectory to meet the FY guidance of CARR to reach 50 million.

In tandem with the continued growth of the top-line, the Group is improving its operating leverage, given the mostly fixed nature of its cost base, in line with its communicated objective of achieving Cash EBITDA positivity on a full year basis by FY 24.

Marco Marlia, Co-founder CEO of MotorK said: "In Q1 we delivered another quarter of growth. The year-over-year increase of the ARR confirms our strategy and execution in recent periods. We will work diligently in the next quarters to deliver additional growth and continued discipline on costs, to meet our targets for the full year."

Q1 2024 REVENUES BY PRODUCT AND SERVICES LINE In k Q1 2024 Q1 2023 y-o-y change SaaS platform revenue 8,515 8,741 (3%) Digital marketing revenue 2,364 1,787 32% Other revenue 374 906 (59%) Total revenue 11,253 11,434 (2%) Q1 2024 SAAS PLATFORM REVENUES In k Q1 2024 Q1 2023 y-o-y change SaaS Recurring revenue 8,438 8,633 (2%) Contract start-up revenue 77 108 (29%) SaaS platform revenue 8,515 8,741 (3%) SaaS platform revenue as of total revenue 76% 76% (1%) Q1 2024 REVENUES BY GEOGRAPHY* In k Q1 2024 Q1 2023 y-o-y change Italy 6,977 6,254 12% Spain 1,182 1,272 (7%) France 1,633 1,640 (0%) Germany 719 1,526 (53%) Benelux 742 742 0% Total revenue 11,253 11,434 (2%) * It represents revenues broken down by the countries in which the legal entities are established, independently of the geographical location of the customers.

1.7 MILLION RESERVED CAPITAL INCREASE

Along with the Q1 24 results, MotorK announces the successful implementation of a reserved capital increase totaling approximately 1.7 million, in continuation with the strategy to strengthen its financial position and to welcome new investors, supporting its commitment to the growth strategy and path to profitability.

The reserved capital increase, based on a reference price per share of 4.00, results in the issue of 425,000 new ordinary shares. In addition, these newly-issued shares will be subject to a 6-month lock-up period, underlining the investors' long-term vision and dedication to the Group's success.

NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT

MotorK Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Ms. Helen Protopapas as Non-Executive Director of the Company, after Mauro Pretolani's resignation.

Ms. Protopapas, 56, English, has a proven international background and skills as "Commercial CFO, together with a successful track record in areas such as private equity and venture capital in internet technologies, M&A and fundraising, as well as cash flow management.

Furthermore, the new Director has been selected in accordance with the "Board Profile" and the "Diversity Policy" adopted by the Company. She also meets the independence requirements.

Amir Rosentuler, Executive Chairman of MotorK said: "Mauro Pretolani has been precious in supporting the Company since its early stage and accompanying us to this level of maturity. We are grateful for his contribution and wish him the best for his future professional endeavors.

With Helen Protopapas, we welcome into the Board an accomplished finance professional, who will further strengthen our compliance and governance profile. Also, her appointment improves the Board's gender balance."

The appointment will be submitted to the next AGM on May 30 for confirmation.

NEXT PUBLICATION: HY 2024 RESULTS, 25 JULY 2024

Forward-looking information and disclaimer

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Other than reported financial results and historical information, all statements included in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding our financial position, business strategy and management plans and objectives for future operations, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words "targets", "plans", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects", "will", "may", "would", "could" or "should", or words or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, projections and key assumptions about future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond MotorK's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, the behavior of other market participants and the actions of governmental regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to change without notice. Other than as required by applicable law or the applicable rules of any exchange on which our securities may be traded, we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important information

This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014).

ABOUT MOTORK PLC

MotorK (AMS: MTRK) is a leading software as a service ("SaaS") provider for the automotive retail industry in the EMEA region, with over 440 employees and twelve offices in eight countries (Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Belgium, the UK, and Israel). MotorK empowers car manufacturers and dealers to improve their customer experience through a broad suite of fully integrated digital products and services and has the largest R&D department in the automotive digital sales and marketing industry in Europe. MotorK is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 5th Floor One New Change, London, England, EC4M 9AF Company Registration: 9259000. For more information: www.motork.io or www.investors.motork.io.

_______________________________________

1 Annual Recurring Revenues ("ARR") is defined as the yearly subscription value of the customer base at the end of the reporting period

2 Committed ARR ("CARR") includes ARR and Committed Recurring Revenues ("CRR"). CRR refers to signed contracts to be delivered and billed

3 Net Retention Revenues ("NRR") is defined as the percentage of Recurring Revenues retained from existing customers

4 Core Retail base, excluding recently acquired companies (Dapda, FranceProNet and Fidcar) currently under migration

5 Under IFRS 15, revenue from the applicable subscription agreement is recognized for the entire value of the contract, regardless of its duration, at the time of its delivery; conversely, ARR shows revenue as if it were received on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423448306/en/

Contacts:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

MotorK Investor Relations

Boaz Zilberman

boaz.zilberman@motork.io

+972 532 819 810
Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE) announces that its 85%-owned affiliate, TotalEnergies EP Congo, has signed an agreement with Trident Energy combining the acquisition of an additional 10% interest in the Moho license from Trident Energy and the sale to Trident Energy of its 53.5% interest in the Nkossa and Nsoko II licenses.

Moho is a deep-offshore field located 80 kilometers off the coast of Pointe Noire and operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo. Production increased significantly in 2017 with the startup of the Moho Nord project. Production facilities include two Floating Production Units (FPU), Alima and Likouf, combining for a current output of around 100 kboe/d (100%).

Nkossa and Nsoko II are two offshore fields located 70 kilometers off the coast. Starting respectively in 1996 and 2006, they are mature oil fields currently producing a combined 15 kboe/d (100%).

After completion of these transactions, which are subject to customary conditions precedent, in particular regulatory approvals, and to the completion of Trident Energy's acquisition of Chevron Congo, TotalEnergies EP Congo will hold a 63.5% operated interest in the Moho license alongside Trident Energy (21.5%) and the Societe Nationale des Petroles du Congo (SNPC, 15%). Trident Energy will hold a 85% operated interest in the Nkossa and Nsoko II licenses alongside SNPC (15%).

"With these transactions, TotalEnergies continues to dynamically manage its portfolio. In line with our strategy, we focus on low cost, low emission assets, and leverage our deep offshore expertise", said Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President Africa, Exploration and Production at TotalEnergies. "As a long-term partner of the Republic of Congo, TotalEnergies remains fully committed to the country through our increased stake and operatorship in Moho field, and is preparing for the drilling of an exploration well on the Marine XX license before summer 2024."

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

X: @TotalEnergiesLinkedIn:TotalEnergiesFacebook:TotalEnergiesInstagram:TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423821941/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
SDAX partners with Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company LLC to launch MPMT Gold Token.

Gold tokens in a securitised format issued by an independent trust and backed by physical bullion.

SINGAPORE, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SDAX, Singapore's leading Digital Assets Exchange, has expanded its product offering to include a first of its kind tokenised gold product. In partnership with the Oman-based Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company LLC, the MPMT Gold Token offers investors a gold token in a securitised form, unlike other gold token offerings currently available in the market.

The MPMT Gold Tokens, which are available exclusively on the SDAX Exchange platform offer investors increased protection, being in a securitised form and issued by an independent trust and backed by physical gold bullion held in secure vaults at Le Freeport, Singapore.

This product uses securitisation techniques and offers investors who are seeking an easier way to gain exposure to gold without having to find storage methods for housing the physical bullion. Owners are also able to trade gold tokens for physical settlement with qualified market makers through the SDAX platform.

Commenting on the launch, SDAX CEO, Rachel Chia said, "We saw an opportunity in the market to make owning gold through tokenisation a much more secure proposition for investors. These securitised tokens confer an additional layer of safety, allowing investors greater peace of mind about their investments."

With spot gold prices sitting at record highs, investors are presently faced with a multitude of gold investment options. By securitising the gold tokens, SDAX is providing investors with a convenient, reliable, and most importantly, secure alternative investment approach. The securitised tokens allow for investors to acquire and hold a beneficial ownership interest in a specified quantity of gold legally held by an independent trust for the investors. This is compared to other gold investment options like exchange traded funds (ETFs) or bank issued depository gold certificates where the gold is owned by the ETF provider or the bank.

"As gold prices continue to trade at record highs and with macro-economic forecasts supporting a likely continued trend, we thought it was the perfect time to offer a gold product exclusively to our SDAX users that was unique and not currently available in the market," Chia added.

In partnership with the Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company LLC, Oman's first precious metals trading company that specialises in a range of commodities including gold, silver, and platinum, SDAX is able to provide gold tokens at scale and speed.

"We are excited to be part of this new offering that allows investors to gain secure exposure to the gold market through the MPMT Gold Token. As gold prices rise, driven by safe-haven demand, central bank buying and rising geopolitical risks, it is important for investors to have options, which is why we are happy to work with SDAX on this compelling gold investment alternative. This partnership with SDAX will also allow us to reach a wider base of sophisticated investors on the SDAX platform," said Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company LLC CEO, Shihab Al Busaidi.

The MPMT Gold Token was created with the assistance of global law firm Clifford Chance LLP, London, global trustee APEX, Jin Huang Bullion as bullion agents, and Hydra X as custodian. Walkers advised on the product and offering with respect to Cayman Islands law. BTPLaw LLC provided advice on the tokens from a Singapore law perspective.



Clifford Chance London Securitisation Partner, Kevin Ingram commented: "This product shows how securitisation techniques can add value to new concepts for the benefit of participants. We are delighted to be involved in the creation of this exciting product."

"Hydra X is delighted to partner with SDAX and to provide custodial services and technology solutions to facilitate the tokenisation of real-world assets such as gold. This initiative reflects our commitment to making investment opportunities more accessible and leading the way in setting new standards in a blockchain-enabled, regulated digital asset landscape," added Wee Hao Ng, COO, Hydra X.

The MPMT Gold Token is only available to accredited investors and institutional investors exclusively on the SDAX Exchange platform. For more information on the MPMT Gold Token, visit www.sdax.co/gold.

ABOUT SDAX

Based in Singapore, SDAX is a globally connected, integrated digital financial services platform offering a comprehensive suite of investment opportunities for asset owners and investors to benefit from the world's private markets. Regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, SDAX's exchange platform offers opportunities to access exclusive investments from its ecosystem and secondary market trading via its digital asset exchange.

With SDAX, investors access curated investment opportunities across private equities, funds, real estate and alternatives which have passed SDAX's rigorous due diligence process. SDAX connects markets through partnerships with participants in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, delivering a seamless and efficient cross-border digital assets ecosystem for wealth creation.

SDAX is supported by shareholders with established track records in their respective fields: ESR, the largest real asset manager in APAC; PSA International, Singapore's leading port group; The Straits Trading Company, renowned Singapore conglomerate-investment company; and multi-disciplinary professional services group, RHT Group of Companies.

For more information, visit https://www.sdax.co/.

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Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), a global integrated energy company, and Vanguard Renewables, a U.S. leader in farm-based organics-to-renewable natural gas production and a portfolio company of a fund managed by BlackRock's Diversified Infrastructure business, have signed an agreement to create an equally owned joint venture to develop, build, and operate Farm Poweredrenewable natural gas (RNG) projects in the United States. The signing took place in New York on April 12th 2024 in the presence of Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies and Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock.

TotalEnergies and Vanguard Renewables will advance 10 RNG projects into construction over the next 12 months, with a total annual RNG capacity of 0.8 TWh (2.5 Bcf). The three initial projects in this agreement are currently under construction in Wisconsin and Virginia, each with a unit capacity of nearly 75 GWh (0.25 Bcf) of RNG per year.

Beyond these first 10 projects, the partners will consider investing together in a potential pipeline of about 60 projects across the country for a total capacity of 5 TWh (15 Bcf) per year.

"TotalEnergies is pleased to partner with BlackRock and its portfolio company Vanguard Renewables, to accelerate the development of food biowaste processing into renewable natural gas in the United States. By expanding into this fast-growing market, our joint venture will create value for both companies while benefiting the food and farming sectors as well as providing a ready-to-use solution to industrial companies willing to decarbonize their energy supply. This joint venture is a new step for TotalEnergies in achieving its objective to produce 10 TWh of renewable natural gas by 2030," said Olivier Guerrini, Vice President, Biogas atTotalEnergies.

Vanguard Renewables, a key RNG player in the United States

Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Vanguard Renewables was founded in 2014 and has a workforce of approximately 260. The company currently operates 17 organics-to-renewable energy facilities with an annual capacity of more than 440 GWh (1.5 Bcf) of RNG. Looking beyond 2024, Vanguard Renewables plans to commission over 100 RNG projects by the end of 2028.

In July 2022, Vanguard Renewables was acquired by BlackRock, through a fund managed by its Diversified Infrastructure business ("BlackRock"). BlackRock has partnered with Vanguard Renewables' management team to build upon the company's market-leading track record to drive the next phase of its growth to support the nationwide expansion of its anaerobic digester projects from coast to coast. BlackRock will remain the majority shareholder of Vanguard Renewables.

"We are thrilled to welcome TotalEnergies as a strategic partner, building on our mission of developing farm-based organics-to-renewable natural gas projects across the United States. This collaboration validates Vanguard's leadership position in the RNG space in the U.S. and brings together our expertise with TotalEnergies' extensive experience in large-scale energy development, safety procedures, and global partnerships. These 10 RNG projects, jointly undertaken by TotalEnergies and Vanguard Renewables as co-investment partners, further reinforce our commitment and ability to deliver on our mission of harnessing the power of waste to decarbonize our planet," stated Neil H. Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Vanguard Renewables.

TotalEnergies and Vanguard Renewables, a robust partnership

The joint-venture will benefit from the expertise of both companies:

Thanks to its experienced teams and development platform, Vanguard Renewables will contribute to the JV its ready-to-build projects at scale. It will also manage feedstock supply, the assets, operations, and renewable natural gas sales.

Leveraging its strong position in the European market, especially in France and Poland, TotalEnergies will bring to the JV its industrial expertise, providing technical support on the design and engineering of the facilities, and on the plant's operational performance.

TotalEnergies and Vanguard Renewables will market the RNG through long-term purchase agreements with buyers actively engaged in decarbonization of their industrial processes.

"This exciting partnership brings together TotalEnergies' global experience in scaling and operating renewable gas assets with Vanguard Renewables' market-leading position in the United States, extensive operational history and customer relationships, and robust project portfolio. With TotalEnergies as a strategic partner, Vanguard Renewables will be positioned to achieve even stronger growth and continued success", said Doug Vaccari, Managing Director, Diversified Infrastructure, BlackRock.

Transforming food waste and decarbonizing the production of major US brands

The first 10 projects are based on a model of waste materials recovery from the food and beverage industries, supplemented with dairy manure from dairy farms. The anaerobic digesters will be built on the dairy farms themselves, which will then recover and manage the digestate (a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process) as a low-carbon and nutrient dense fertilizer.

To feed its digesters, Vanguard Renewables has established a major network of leading food industry brands across the US and the groundbreaking Farm Powered Strategic Alliance, which gives Alliance members preferred access to recycle their organic waste generated from manufacturing or retail activities and the potential opportunity to purchase the renewable energy generated at a Vanguard Renewables' facility. The Alliance's members include multi-national corporations across several verticals, including leading food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

In anticipation of the Company's growing portfolio of anaerobic digesters Vanguard Renewables has expanded its food and beverage diversion services and its organics solutions team to provide service throughout the contiguous United States.

The transaction completion is subject to customary conditions precedent.

About Vanguard Renewables

Vanguard Renewables, based in Weston, Massachusetts, is a national leader in developing food and dairy waste-to-renewable energy projects. The Company owns and operates on-farm anaerobic digester facilities in the northeast and currently operates manure-only digesters in the south and west for Dominion Energy. Vanguard Renewables plans to expand nationwide to more than 100 anaerobic digestion facilities by 2028. Vanguard Renewables is committed to advancing decarbonization by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from farms and food waste, generating renewable energy, and supporting regenerative agriculture on partner farms via Farm Powered anaerobic digestion. Vanguard Renewables is a portfolio company of funds managed by BlackRock.

To learn more visit vanguardrenewables.com

TotalEnergies and biogas

TotalEnergies is a leading company in the European biogas segment with production capacity of 1.1 TWh. The Company aims to become a major player in this segment across several key markets, particularly in Europe and the United States by joining forces with leading partners such as Clean Energy and Veolia, to reach its objective of producing 10 TWh of biomethane by 2030. It is active across the entire value chain, from project development to marketing of this renewable gas and its byproducts, including biofertilizers and bioCO2.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

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Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423032154/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations:+33 (0)1 47 44 46 99l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations:+33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com

Vanguard Renewables

Billy Kepner

+1 (607) 331-9806

bkepner@vanguardrenewables.com

BlackRock

Christopher Beattie

+1 (646) 231-8518

christopher.beattie@blackrock.com
STOCKHOLM, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT AB (publ) today announced that the Nomination Committee proposes Richa Goswami as new Board member in EQT AB, bringing experience and expert knowledge within Brand & Marketing.

Richa Goswami has in-depth knowledge and multi-sector experience from leading positions within Brand & Marketing across multiple geographies in the financial services and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industry. Most recently she has worked at Fidelity International as their Group Chief Marketing and Brand Officer based out of Singapore.

Prior to joining Fidelity International, Richa was the Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at HSBC, where she has spent over a decade in various capacities in Asia, Europe and United States. She has also been the Global Chief Digital Officer at Johnson & Johnson and the Global Head, Next Generation Banking, at Standard Chartered Bank and brings vast international experience within her field.

Jacob Wallenberg, Chairperson of the Nomination Committee, comments: "Richa Goswami's experience from building international brands across multiple industries will add vital perspectives to EQT's continued journey. In today's global market it is imperative to have a strong brand to be able to attract future talent and customers."

Johan Forssell has declined re-election, after serving on the Board for nine years. Conni Jonsson, Chairperson of the EQT AB Board, comments: "Johan is the longest serving Board member in EQT and his focus on long-term value creation and ownership has been much appreciated in the Board room. I am grateful for Johan's contributions, especially during the IPO process, his support was instrumental in our first step as a listed company.

Conni Jonsson continues, "I'm very much looking forward to welcoming Richa Goswami to the Board, her energy and multifaceted background will be an excellent addition and will also contribute to a better balance of the Board composition. Richa Goswami's comprehensive track record of building global brands in a wide range of different sectors will strengthen EQT's growth journey. I would also like to thank the members of the Nomination Committee for their dedicated work in this process."

The Nomination Committee's complete proposals to EQT AB's Annual Shareholders' Meeting are included in the notice and the nomination committee's motivated opinion, published on EQT's website. The Annual Shareholders' Meeting will be held on 27 May 2024. The election of Richa Goswami as new Board member is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

The Nomination Committee has been appointed based on the ownership structure as of 31 August 2023, and consists of Jacob Wallenberg (Chairperson), appointed by Investor AB, Harry Klagsbrun, appointed by Bark Partners AB, Cynthia Lee, appointed by Jean Eric Salata, Anders Oscarsson, appointed by AMF Pension & Funds and Conni Jonsson, Chairperson of the Board of EQT AB.

Contact

Olof Svensson, Head of Shareholder Relations, +46 72 989 09 15

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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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

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SES is now deploying O3b mPOWER services worldwide, delivering high throughput, flexibility and low latency

SES announced today that O3b mPOWER, its second-generation software-enabled satellite system, is now operational and can provide high-performance connectivity services around the globe. With the first six O3b mPOWER satellites operating at medium Earth orbit (MEO) or 8,000km away from the Earth and with extensive ground infrastructure built around the world, SES will be introducing services in the coming months to O3b mPOWER customers to deliver reliable connectivity services ranging from tens of Mbps to multiple gigabits per second.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423122963/en/

SES's O3b mPOWER System Starts Providing High-performance Connectivity Services (Photo: Business Wire)

To date, SES has launched six out of 13 O3b mPOWER high-throughput and low-latency satellites, which together with strategically located satellite ground stations, enable SES to serve customers across multiple market segments around the world. With the O3b mPOWER system now operational, SES strengthens its unique MEO network capabilities by complementing its O3b constellation. The launch of the next two O3b mPOWER satellites is expected in late 2024.

In combination with SES's MEO and geostationary (GEO) networks as well as access to low Earth orbit (LEO) solutions via strategic partnerships, SES is uniquely positioned as an all-orbit solutions provider delivering an attractive combination of high data rates, low latency, service reliability, and flexibility to meet customers' requirements anywhere.

"We are very excited that O3b mPOWER is now ready to serve our customers around the world. Over the last few years, our SES team, along with our technology partners across space and ground segments, have worked tirelessly to bring our O3b mPOWER system online. I'm proud to say that all the core infrastructure is deployed, tested and ready on a global basis," said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES. "The demand for O3b mPOWER solutions is very high, and this moment has been long-awaited by our customers. Over the coming weeks we will work with our mobility, government, enterprise and cloud customers on O3b mPOWER onboarding plans. We're eager to empower their operations with reliable, high-performance, and secure services."

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About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates the world's only geosynchronous orbit and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance. By leveraging its vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES's video network carries over 6,400 channels, reaching 363 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423122963/en/

Contacts:

Suzanne Ong

External Communications

Tel. +352 710 725 500

suzanne.ong@ses.com
MILAN, ITALY / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / The Italian group CESI has secured a contract, with options valued at over one hundred million euros over five years, with one of the world's leading companies in the production of space systems. According to the agreement, CESI is tasked with providing hundreds of thousands of solar cells over these five years, enough to equip eight satellites per month.

CESI thin space solar cell

These cells will power American space satellites, providing them with the energy needed to bring the internet to every corner of our planet, including the poles. This is a strategically significant investment that places CESI and Italy at the forefront of the Space Economy.

"The recent contract signed is not just a sign of our technological competence but also of our ability to be an integral part of ambitious projects. Space technologies will increasingly support terrestrial applications, thus contributing to the improvement of life on our planet. This implies profound expertise for their development in the years to come. CESI is ready for this challenge," says the CEO of the Group, Domenico Villani.

Within this context, CESI has leveraged proprietary technologies to design, produce, and test solar cells in its Milan laboratories. These cells now power over a hundred civilian satellites for clients across twenty-five countries worldwide. CESI's solar cells are made from materials like gallium arsenide and indium gallium phosphide, exceptionally suited to the harsh conditions of space, where common terrestrial silicon solar cells would not adequately withstand.

The Italian multinational has developed several groundbreaking technologies, including flexible cells that can conform to the surfaces of satellites or spacecraft, and the Integral Assembly. This innovation focuses on optimizing the cell assembly process, eliminating the need for protective glass and thereby reducing the weight and launch costs of satellites. CESI's cells are qualified for both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites.

Finally, the company stands as one of only four global manufacturers of these products and the sole proprietor with complete European control.

Space solar cells convert solar energy into electricity in harsh environmental conditions, providing power to satellites. They are light, compact, and highly efficient, crucial features for minimizing launch costs and maximizing satellite payload capacity. Moreover, they withstand extreme temperatures and radiation, ensuring stable and continuous power supply. In short, they are an essential element for the functioning of satellites in orbit, devices for which a significant production increase is expected, given their use on various fronts beyond the traditional telecommunications.

CESI For nearly seventy years, CESI has been offering its clients, spread across more than 70 countries, a range of services in innovation, digitalization, testing, engineering, and consultancy for the electrical sector as well as in civil and environmental engineering. CESI is among the few companies globally that develop and produce advanced solar cells for space applications.

Contact Information

Paolo Chighine

Executive Vice President Group External Relations

paolo.chighine@cesi.it

Davide Cospito

Media Manager Group External Relations

davide.cospito@cesi.it

+39 02 2125 5032

SOURCE: CESI SpA

View the original press release on newswire.com.
V-Bio Ventures leads international syndicate which includes Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc., QBIC Fund, Flanders Future Tech Fund, Curie Capital as well as seed investors Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge and BOM

Flindr discovers and develops precision oncology therapeutics with the potential to eradicate tumors in specific patient populations

Lead asset is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of the cancer driver RNF31

OSS, Netherlands, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flindr Therapeutics B.V. ("Flindr" or "the Company"), a precision oncology therapeutics company, today announces a 20 million Series A financing to advance its pipeline of first-in-class, small molecule inhibitors for treatment of cancer. V-Bio Ventures led the financing alongside other new investors Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc. (JJDC), QBIC Fund, Flanders Future Tech Fund and Curie Capital, as well as existing investors Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge and Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM).

Flindr combines world class science and expertise in translational biology, cancer target identification, immuno-oncology and small molecule oncology drug development. The expert team has a successful track record in the identification and development of covalent small molecules inhibitors from discovery to market approval.

The Company utilizes the "ImmunoGram Drug Discovery Engine", which has evolved from seminal work in the laboratories of the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and the Oncode Institute. This approach involves reverse-translating the heterogeneity in tumor-specific and host-specific factors, as commonly seen in patients in the clinic, into lab-based biological models to screen for and select the most important drug targets involved in patient clinical response.

Flindr's lead program is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of RNF31 (also known as HOIP), a protein-stabilizing E3 ubiquitin ligase which is aberrantly activated in solid and hematological malignancies. The Company has already obtained highly promising activity for the drug candidate in preclinical ovarian cancer and B-cell lymphoma models, and identified biomarkers which will help select patients most likely to respond to treatment with RNF31 inhibitors. Flindr will use the funds to progress its lead program to IND, develop an exciting second program, and broaden its pipeline using the ImmunoGram Drug Discovery Engine.

Flindr Therapeutics was created in 2020, with Maarten Ligtenberg as the founding CEO, and initial seed financing from BOM, Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge Capital and Innovatiefonds Noord Holland. In 2023, Flindr joined forces with VIB, Flanders' leading life sciences research institute, and the lab of Professor Rudi Beyaert (of the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research), to leverage their deep expertise of immunology - including RNF31 biology - and development of animal cancer models. Their work with Flindr in these areas will provide further validation of RNF31 as a target and will enable the Company to make safety predictions.

Maarten Ligtenberg, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Flindr, said: "This 20 million Series A financing will help us translate our precision targets into precision therapies, with the ultimate goal of potentially transforming the lives of patients with cancer. The backing of this highly regarded investor syndicate is a strong validation of our unique approach and the potential of our pipeline."

Christina Takke, Managing Partner at V-Bio Ventures, commented: "We strongly believe that a complementary team is crucial for any success. The Flindr team combines well-established identification expertise from the NKI with world class biological insights from VIB, and its deep experience and successful track record in the identification and development of covalent small molecules inhibitors."

Following financing, the Flindr Supervisory Board of Directors will include Christina Takke, V-Bio Ventures, Chris De Jonghe, Oncode Institute, Tine Bekaert, Flanders Future Tech Fund, Cedric van Nevel, QBIC Fund and Allard Kaptein, CEO of Genase Therapeutics and Chief Strategy Officer of IMMIOS, as well as a representative of JJDC.

About Flindr Therapeutics

Flindr Therapeutics, based in Oss in the Netherlands, is a private pre-clinical biotech company developing next-generation precision oncology treatments. The Company, previously called Immagene, was spun out of the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and Oncode Institute in 2020, by founders Prof Daniel Peeper, Prof Christian Blank and Dr Maarten Ligtenberg. Flindr is actively building a pipeline of highly promising, first-in-class precision oncology therapies identified through the ImmunoGram Drug Discovery Engine. It is backed by V-Bio Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc., QBIC Fund, Flanders Future Tech Fund, Curie Capital, Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge, Innovatiefonds Noord Holland, and BOM. Flindr has entered into a research collaboration with the NKI, and the VIB (Flanders Institute of Biotechnology).

About V-Bio Ventures

V-Bio Ventures (www.v-bio.ventures) is an independent venture capital firm specialized in financing and supporting innovative life sciences companies. V-Bio Ventures was founded in 2015 and works closely with Belgium-based VIB, one of the world's leading research institutes in the life sciences. The fund invests across Europe in high growth potential start-ups and young companies targeting transformational innovations in the biotech, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

About QBIC Fund

Qbic is a sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund, focusing on creating impact through the transformation of technological breakthroughs into sustainable business. The fund's goal is to support young innovative companies that valorize research from Qbic's knowledge partners. The fund typically participates in the first external investment round of a company and continues to support and invest in these companies throughout their growth. Across 3 funds, Qbic has close to 200M in AUM.

About Flanders Future Tech Fund

The Flanders Future Tech Fund is an early-stage funding fund, managed by the Flemish investment company PMV, that aims to respond to the funding needs of early technology initiatives by research centers, universities and Flemish spearhead clusters, as well as private parties. With its investments, the Flanders Future Tech Fund aims to focus on the valorisation of technology developed by Flemish companies, with a particular focus on the spearhead domains of Care and Welfare, Digital Transformation and Climate & Sustainability. The Flanders Future Tech Fund has a fund size of 75 million euros and can enter into financings of 0.5 to 5 million euros.

About Curie Capital

Curie Capital (www.curiecapital.nl) is a life science focused venture capital firm founded in 2018. Curie Capital is based in Amsterdam and invests in Seed and Series A stage biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies with talented teams. We support portfolio companies with our broad experiences in various areas and access to our extensive network. The founding partners Mariette van der Velden and Han de Groot both have extensive experience in investing, entrepreneurship and managing companies across the full life cycle from startup to exit.

About VIB

VIB's core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB's technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies.

About Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund

Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund is focused on providing first seed financing to start-up companies in the field of oncology, that are either based on scientific findings originating from Oncode Institute or that are founded by Oncode Investigators. The fund was established in 2018, operates with Shobhit Dhawan as dedicated fund manager and has built a growing portfolio of promising oncology ventures.

About Swanbridge Capital

Swanbridge Capital is an early-stage venture capital fund that is focused on (pre-)seed investments in the life sciences industry. The fund invests in the development of novel therapies, diagnostics and medical devices. Swanbridge Capital was founded in 2016 and is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

About Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)

Entrepreneurship is the driver of innovation. From sustainable food sources to a healthy future, climate-neutral energy, and developing promising key technologies - the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) ensures that startups playing a role in these fields get off to a flying start and grow into scaleups, that the right facilities are always available to Brabant-based companies, and that companies that aspire to go global can actually do so. Every year BOM works with dozens of companies to create this impact. BOM is an executive body of the Province of Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. BOM. Catalyzing Change.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/precision-oncology-company-flindr-therapeutics-announces-20-million-series-a-financing-to-advance-first-in-class-small-molecule-inhibitors-302125105.html
NORWALK, Conn., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracking solutions for ground-mounted PV plants, has been selected to supply its Genius Tracker solar trackers for four new solar projects totalling over 500 megawatts (MW) in Southern Africa. These projects are strategically positioned to enhance energy supply across the region, supporting the diversification of the energy mix to help ensure a stable electricity supply, including critical mining operations.

Three of the projects are in South Africa, including a Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Program (RMIPPP) project in the Northern Cape and two private sector projects to supply electricity for mining operations in the Northern Cape and Limpopo regions that will provide energy self-sufficiency and contribute to the country's economic growth. The fourth project in Zimbabwe is phase 1 of the 185 MW Zimplats solar plant, a private-sector project dedicated to providing essential power for the Zimplats platinum mining operation that is expected to begin producing power by the end of May 2024.

These solar projects represent collaborative efforts between private entities, government agencies, and energy stakeholders. As Southern Africa continues to prioritize sustainable development, these investments underscore the critical role of reliable power supply in driving progress.

With GameChange Solar's newly announced training and service center for its Genius Tracker products in South Africa, the awarded projects reaffirm GameChange Solar's commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and supporting Southern Africa's sustainable development.

"Southern Africa has an enormous opportunity to change the energy landscape in the region with utility-scale solar projects, particularly in South Africa, where solar will help alleviate its ongoing energy crisis and help transition from polluting fossil fuels to clean energy," said Derick Botha, CCO at GameChange Solar. "We are proud to have a local team as well as our Cape Town training and service center to support local solar energy growth."

About GameChange Solar

GameChange is a leading global provider of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 30 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.

For more information about GameChange Solar, please visit www.gamechangesolar.com.

Contact:

Lisa Andrews

Director of Marketing

GameChange Solar

lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com

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CHICAGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Lubricants Market by Base Oil Type (Mineral Oil Lubricant, Synthetic Lubricants, Bio-based Lubricants), Product Type (Engine Oil, Turbine Oil, Metalworking Fluid, hydraulic Oil), End-use Industry (Transportation and Industrial) - Global Forecast to 2029", Lubricants Market was USD 173.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 198.4 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 2.7%, between 2024 and 2029.

The market is projected to grow because of rising demand for high performance engines, mounting demand from marine applications and limitations for electric vehicles. These lubricants play a crucial role in various applications in both transportation and industrial end-use industry. In addition, due to the increasing population, increasing demand from food industry and transportation, technological advancements and changing consumer preferences the demand for lubricants can increase due to various applications.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Lubricants Market".

151 - Tables

64 - Figures

250 - Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=182046896

"Metalworking fluid product type are projected to register the highest CAGR, in terms of value, of the global lubricants market during the forecast period."

The metalworking fluids market is set to grow significantly during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increased manufacturing activities worldwide, advancements in technology, and a higher demand for precision in metalworking. Also, environmental regulations and a push for more efficient production processes are also encouraging the use of advanced, eco-friendly metalworking fluids. Sectors like automotive and aerospace, which heavily depend on these fluids, are expanding, further boosting demand. Additionally, the trend towards customized solutions for specific manufacturing needs is supporting market growth. In essence, a combination of technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and sector-specific demands is propelling the metalworking fluids market forward.

"Synthetic lubricants are estimated to be the second-largest base oil type of lubricants market, in terms of value, during the forecast period."

Synthetic lubricants are the second-largest base oil type in the lubricants market because they perform better than traditional mineral oils, especially under extreme conditions. They last longer, work efficiently at both high and low temperatures, and offer better protection for machinery. Although they cost more upfront, their ability to extend service intervals and reduce wear on expensive equipment makes them a cost-effective choice for businesses in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. This blend of high performance and long-term savings drives their popularity and widespread use. Consequently, the synthetic lubricants stand composed for sustained growth, driven by the imperative for complete solutions that address these multifaceted challenges while prioritizing natural and sustainable lubricants.

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"Europe is estimated to be the second-largest market for the lubricants market, in terms of value, during the forecast period."

Europe holds the position as the second-largest consumer region for lubricants, largely due to its robust industrial and automotive sectors. The region boasts a significant manufacturing base, including automotive, aerospace, and machinery industries, all of which require high-quality lubricants to ensure smooth operation and longevity of equipment. Additionally, Europe's strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and high standards for energy efficiency have led to an increased demand for advanced, eco-friendly lubricants.

The key players profiled in the report include Shell plc (UK), Exxon Mobil Corporation (US), BP p.l.c. (UK), Chevron Corporation (US), PetroChina Company Limited (China), TotalEnergies SE (France), ENEOS Holdings, Inc. (Japan), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (China), Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (Japan), and others.

Browse Adjacent Market: Bulk Chemicals and Inorganics Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Synthetic Lubricants Market - GLOBAL FORECAST TO 2028

Construction Lubricants Market - GLOBAL FORECAST TO 2027

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Original-Research: USU Software AG - from NuWays AG



Classification of NuWays AG to USU Software AG



Company Name: USU Software AG

ISIN: DE000A0BVU28



Reason for the research:

Recommendation: Verkaufen

from: 24.04.2024

Target price: EUR 18.50

Target price on sight of: 12 Monaten

Last rating change:

Analyst: Philipp Sennewald



Higher than expected offer price still way below intrinsic value

Yesterday, USU announced to have reached a delisting-agreement with AUSUM GmbH (Udo Strehl) and NUNUS GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of AUSUM. While AUSUM already holds 53.7% of voting rights in USU, NUNUS currently does not hold any shares. On the basis of the agreement, NUNUS will offer the shareholders of USU approximately EUR 18.50 per share in the context of a voluntary public delisting offer. USU will submit an application to revoke the admission of the shares to the regulated market as well as all OTC markets already before the end of the offer period.



Mind you, in an initial statement on the intention to delist on March 12th, it was stated that the offer price

should be expected to be equivalent to the statutory minimum price, e.g. the volume-weighted average

price of the past six months. According to our calculations, this would have resulted in an offer price of EUR 17.00 per share.

While the actual offer price is now seen to be some 9% above our and markets expectations, it is still way below the intrinsic fair value of EUR 30, according to our DCF valuation model (2.5% LT growth, 7.6% WACC, 12.5% TY EBIT margin).



Our view: Although EUR 18.50 is still not a fair offer (eNuW), we advise investors who have no intention of being invested in a highly illiquid asset to tender their shares once the delisting offer has been made. While we previously advised investors to HOLD the stock in anticipation of a higher-than-expected offer, we now change our recommendation to SELL at an increase PT of EUR 18.50, as we do not expect anymore upside. Yet, given the vast discount to the intrincis value, the case might be of interest for special situation investors, who are eyeing for a potential squeeze-out at a later stage.



You can download the research here:

http://www.more-ir.de/d/29511.pdf

For additional information visit our website

www.nuways-ag.com/research.



Contact for questions

NuWays AG - Equity Research

Web: www.nuways-ag.com

Email: research@nuways-ag.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysag

Adresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany

++++++++++

Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschluss bestimmter Borsengeschafte. Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach  85 WpHG beim oben analysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollstandigen Analyse. ++++++++++



transmitted by EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.




Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential.



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Palliser Capital ("Palliser"), the eighth largest shareholder of Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (9009 JT) ("Keisei" or the "Company") with a stake of 1.6%, has today submitted a formal proposal to table an advisory resolution focused on capital allocation at Keisei's forthcoming AGM.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423405941/en/

Palliser has engaged extensively with Keisei for nearly three years on the steps needed to resolve the significant gap between Keisei's market price and intrinsic value. Full details of Palliser's presentation on unlocking and catalyzing growth at Keisei for the benefit of all stakeholders are available at link.

The Company's recent buyback and OLC share sale initiatives, whilst a pivotal step in the right strategic direction, fell well short of stakeholders' expectations and are incapable of delivering the fundamental and lasting change needed at Keisei. After exploring various options with the Company in recent weeks, Palliser's formal proposal today seeks a non-binding, advisory shareholder vote at this year's AGM in June calling for the Board to establish and publish, by no later than 31 December 2024, an optimized capital allocation plan to facilitate:

a growth-oriented investment strategy and balanced return to shareholders, and

further reductions in the size of the Company's shareholding in The Oriental Land Co., Ltd. ("OLC") in such manner as the Board determines appropriate but with a view to the stake being smaller than 15% by 31 March 2026.

Palliser believes this is the best way to initiate necessary positive change at Keisei-enabling the Company to solicit feedback from its diverse, retail-dominated shareholder base in a full and fair referendum at the AGM on their desire to see management advance measures designed to unlock value and set Keisei on a path towards sustainable long-term growth and prosperity.

The proposed resolution is formulated to be long-term in outlook, non-prescriptive and non-disruptive of other important company business. In addition to providing a platform for shareholders to contribute their perspectives, the vote will also showcase Keisei as a beacon of more open and transparent governance, with a stakeholder engagement exercise that aligns with important Tokyo Stock Exchange and government policy themes.

Palliser's covering letter to the Keisei Board of Directors sets out further details about the background, objectives and benefits of today's proposal. Palliser has requested confirmation from the Board by 6pm JST on 26 April 2024 that the proposed advisory resolution will be tabled at the AGM.

About Palliser Capital

Palliser Capital is a global multi-strategy fund. Our value-oriented investment philosophy is applied to a broad range of opportunities across the capital structure with a focus on situations where positive change and value enhancement can be achieved through thoughtful, constructive and long-term engagement with companies and across a range of different stakeholder groups. Palliser Capital is the eighth largest Keisei shareholder with a stake of 1.6%.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423405941/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Prosek Partners

Brian Schaffer Kiki O'Keeffe

Pro-PalliserKER@Prosek.com


EQS Newswire / 24/04/2024 / 10:00 CET/CEST

Empowering Women By Disrupting Sexist Narratives in the Indian Film Industry: LUX Launches 'The End' Campaign SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 April 2024 - VML Singapore and LUX, the global beauty brand under Unilever, has partnered with MX Player, a leading OTT platform, to launch a fresh new campaign that tackles a deeply ingrained issue in Indian cinema: the normalisation of sexism.





The campaign titled 'The End', shines a light on how classic Indian films, while undeniably popular on streaming platforms, often portray outdated narratives where men disregard a woman's clear refusal. This innovative campaign aims to spark conversation and inspire positive change within the industry.



This campaign leverages the power of communications within the MX Player platform in a truly unique way. Instead of traditional ad breaks that disrupt the viewing experience, LUX will utilize ad spaces strategically placed within the films themselves.



For example: The movie plays as expected, up until a crucial scene where a man is acting inappropriately and the woman clearly expresses her dissent. This could be a verbal "No," a look of discomfort, or any other clear indication of her unwillingness. At this pivotal moment, the LUX ad seamlessly interjects, effectively simulating the end of the movie with end credits. This unexpected end surprises viewers with a new perspective on behaviour that has become normalised.



The campaign showcases such scenarios to emphasise the power of "No" and the importance of respecting boundaries. It features powerful messages about the importance of consent, demanding an end to sexism the moment it appears, and understanding that a woman's glowing beauty is never an invitation or excuse for harassment.



For over a century, LUX has empowered women to express their unique beauty and individuality. Their new campaign builds upon this legacy, taking a creative and impactful approach to tackle a significant social issue.



"For decades, films have perpetuated the idea that a persistent man eventually wins a woman's heart, even if she initially rejects him," said Severine Vauleon, Global Brand Vice President, LUX | Bath & Body. "While the industry has undoubtedly made strides towards progress, many popular films from the past remain riddled with these outdated sexist scenes. We're proud to partner with MX Player on this innovative initiative that uses the power of communications to address a social issue."



By partnering with MX Player, a platform renowned for its diverse library of content reaching a wide audience, LUX showcases its commitment to leveraging its reach for social progress. This strategic partnership ensures the campaign's message finds a powerful voice and resonates with a vast and diverse group of viewers.



Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner at VML Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign, commented, "This campaign is not about erasing cinematic history. It's about sparking a conversation and encouraging viewers to critically analyse the narratives they consume. We believe that classic films can still be enjoyed while acknowledging the outdated social norms they sometimes portray."



The LUX and MX Player campaign has the potential to spark a much-needed conversation within the Indian Film industry. By challenging outdated sexist scenes and promoting narratives that celebrate female agency and respect for boundaries, the campaign can pave the way for a more progressive and empowering future for Indian cinema.



'The End' campaign is a call to action, encouraging viewers to critically analyse the narratives they consume and question outdated portrayals of women. It also sends a powerful message to the film industry itself: the audience is ready for stories that reflect a more progressive and respectful portrayal of gender dynamics.

Hashtag: LUX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About LUX LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We understand that beauty is a woman's armour, her source of strength. It is hers to express, unapologetically. We will continue to help women everywhere fight casual sexism at home, in the workplace and in wider society.

About MX Player MX Player is India's largest growing OTT platform with a diverse audience base as well as a global reach of 17+ markets including UAE, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives amongst others. It currently operates on both, AVoD and SVoD models with a keen understanding of the pulse of the audience, It has recently had several record-breaking shows across genres like Bhaukaal, Aashram, Matsya Kaand, High, Samantar, Dharavi Bank, and Campus Diaries. It is also the only OTT global platform to deploy H.266 technology that cuts down video streaming data consumption by 70%. As per the State of Mobile 2023 Report by Data.ai, MX Player ranks #1 in India and #3 Worldwide in terms of Downloads in Video Streaming.



News Source: LUX

24/04/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


LONDON, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest trade association dedicated to the global IoT sector - the IoT M2M Council (IMC) - is announcing that it will hold a series of open forums in the next month to discuss security for infrastructure that connects remote devices. The objective of the forums will be to develop practical guidelines for deploying IoT technology that spans both consumer and industrial markets and addresses all the basic facets of an IoT deployment, including devices, networks, and cloud/application software. The forums are open to the public, and more information on their schedule and registration is available on the IMC website .

"The consensus of our group is that IoT security is more holistic and there's a need for more practical information than is generally available," says IMC Chairman Sri Ramachandran, CTO at Somos, "There's been a lot of good work done in the area of technical standards, for example, and we'll certainly refer to related works. We've identified gaps in the approaches taken by regulators and others to examining all the layers of the IoT stack, or to share critical learnings between large IoT vertical markets. We're planning to bridge those gaps and establish best practices that can sit atop the current fragmentation and provide direction to users, technology providers, and regulators alike."

The IMC is comprised of 28,000 qualified IoT users around the world, and getting buy-in from this group will be paramount to implementing a practical approach to IoT security and privacy. The group's Board of Governors includes representatives from over 30 IoT technology providers that will oversee the project. New IMC Vice Chaiman Ellen Boehm, SVP of Global IoT Strategy & Operations for internet security firm Keyfactor, has been tapped to lead the effort. Working Groups for Networks, Devices, and Cloud/App will be headed respectively by Syed "Z" Hosain (Founder at Aeris), Harald Remmert (CTO for Cellular Solutions at Digi International), and Fred Yentz (CEO at Tartabit).



"There are still a lot of questions about where this project will lead us," says Boehm, "So we're looking at these open forums as a starting point to collect feedback from the collective group of experts within the space. Once we've hosted the discussions, our Board will regroup to set a more definitive direction and outcomes that will benefit organizations around best practices for implementing security across the entire IoT stack."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/imc-to-produce-comprehensive-practical-guidelines-for-iot-security-302125057.html
Industry-leading BlueVoyant continues to expand and invest in the UK and EMEA with cutting-edge facility

LEEDS, England, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVoyant, a cyber security company that illuminates, validates, and mitigates internal and external risks today announced the successful opening of its new Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Experience Centre in Leeds. The new centre is part of BlueVoyant's multi-million-pound investment in the UK since 2017. The opening highlights the company's continued investment and expansion in the UK with local revenue growing 283% since 2017.

The new office, in the heart of Leeds city centre, highlights the evolution of security operations. No longer is it sufficient to have a traditional SOC with legacy technology and manual processes. Instead, clients are looking for next-generation managed security that takes a full-spectrum look at their attack surfaces and uses Machine Learning (ML) to quickly find and mitigate the most critical threats.

The SOC will be used to monitor clients' networks and digital ecosystems and mitigate threats. The Customer Experience Centre will also offer the opportunity for BlueVoyant clients, business partners, and local organisations to learn about the latest cyber security threats and best response tactics, including how to incorporate ML. In addition, with new regulations being enforced in both the UK and European Union, BlueVoyant will use the new facility to educate clients on how to achieve compliance.

"Improving the cyber defence posture of organisations in the UK and across EMEA with advanced technology and threat intelligence remains a priority for BlueVoyant," said James Rosenthal, BlueVoyant's CEO and co-founder. "Our new SOC and Customer Experience Centre shows our commitment to and investment in the UK, and builds on our rapid growth and expansion in the region."

The official opening took place on 23 April with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite at the event, cutting the ribbon. In addition to BlueVoyant executives, representatives from financial services firm Beeks Group, specialist professional services and technology business, Davies, and other leaders from the finance, insurance, and professional service industries were in attendance. With BlueVoyant being an award-winning Microsoft Security partner, Microsoft Security executives attended the opening.

Leeds has been named the fastest growing digital economy by Lloyds Bank, as well as a number of trade and local publications, which inspired BlueVoyant to choose the city for its new SOC and Experience Centre. The company is hiring from the diverse local tech talent, with nearly 20 roles to be filled in the first instance.

"BlueVoyant is excited to add its name to the list of tech companies in Northern England that are pushing the boundaries of innovation," said Robert Hannigan, BlueVoyant's head of international business and former director of GCHQ. "The UK remains a strategic priority for BlueVoyant. Our advanced ML brings clients across EMEA full-spectrum cyber defence to help solve their cyber security challenges."

BlueVoyant has supported clients in the UK since the company's inception in 2017. In 2021, BlueVoyant acquired Marclay, a UK-based cyber security consultancy that provided world-class incident response and cyber investigation services for global organisations.

The company's cutting-edge technology has garnered industry recognition, including from Microsoft which named BlueVoyant the MISA Security MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) of the Year in the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards 2023. BlueVoyant is also the 2023 and 2022 Microsoft U.S. Security Partner of the Year, the 2022 U.S. Defence and Intelligence Partner of the Year, and is a member of the Microsoft Copilot for Security Design Council.

With the opening of its new centre, BlueVoyant joins Bruntwood SciTech's innovative technology ecosystem in Leeds, as well as Bruntwood SciTech's UK-wide science, tech, and innovation community of 1,100 like-minded businesses to build new connections and access collaboration opportunities.

"As ambitious leaders in cyber security, BlueVoyant will form an integral part of our innovation ecosystem in Leeds and have access to our specialist business support," said Katrina Jones, associate director at Bruntwood SciTech - a partnership between property company Bruntwood, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. "As a pioneering international business with a strong reputation for its defence platform, BlueVoyant's arrival in the city contributes significantly to a growing understanding that Leeds, and the wider Yorkshire region, is becoming an increasingly important hub nationally for tech businesses."

CBRE's Leeds Occupier Services team acted for BlueVoyant and associate director Charles Parkinson said: "To have secured this global inward investment into central Leeds is great news for the city and demonstrates that we have the right demographics and offices here to attract growing organisations from overseas seeking to expand in the UK."

BlueVoyant plans to continue to expand and invest in serving more clients in the UK and across EMEA.

About BlueVoyant

BlueVoyant combines internal and external cyber defence capabilities into an outcomes-based cloud-native cyber security solution by continuously monitoring your network, endpoints, attack surface, and supply chain, as well as the clear, deep, and dark web for threats. The full-spectrum cyber defence products and services illuminates, validates, and quickly mitigates threats to protect your enterprise. BlueVoyant leverages both machine-learning-driven automation and human-led expertise to deliver industry-leading cyber security to more than 900 clients across the globe.

BlueVoyant Press Contact:

Jim Pople

C8 Consulting?

BlueVoyant@c8consulting.co.uk

+44 (0)7894 339645

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WTTC's Hotel Sustainability Basics Framework will be available through the BeCause sustainability data management platform.

STOCKHOLM, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BeCause, the Danish start-up transforming how the global hospitality, travel, and tourism industries manage their sustainability data, is simplifying the sustainability journey for members by integrating the industry association's Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) framework into its platform.

The partnership will enable WTTC to scale its Hotel Sustainability Basics more effectively, broadening its reach and impact within the hospitality industry. By centralizing relevant data within the BeCause platform, the global association will have greater visibility into which hotels have completed the framework and which ones are lagging, empowering it to advocate for more sustainable hotel operations globally. Similarly, hotel management at the chain level can check on the progress of individual properties and provide the necessary support to help them in their sustainability journeys.

"Sustainability is a priority for Travel & Tourism. Through the Hotel Sustainability Basics, the global hotel industry has come together to define 12 fundamental, globally aligned sustainability criteria that all hotels can and should implement as a bare minimum," says WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson."Our goal is to have a globally recognized trademark that shows customers at a glance that a hotel is taking measures to improve its environmental performance while also supporting its local community. By joining forces with BeCause we are increasing the transparency of that process and giving hotel groups an effective and efficient way to put that tool into the hands of their properties."

Hotels' Sustainable Path to Green

Hotels that adopt the HSB framework have three years to meet its 12 criteria, which include sustainability indicators such as energy measurement and linen reuse. They can apply for Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) verification annually through one of WTTC's partners, Green Key and SGS. Successful verification grants them a badge that can be used across their branding to appeal to the growing number of environmentally conscious guests.

In the future, BeCause will simplify this process further by automatically transmitting data from its platform directly to the verification partners. Hotels already using BeCause to manage their sustainability data can reuse their existing and overlapping data points for the HSB framework, removing the need for duplicative and manual tasks.

"Like any endeavor, the first step is always the hardest. While many hotels might have sustainability initiatives in place, they don't necessarily track their data - or do so efficiently. By completing the HSB framework through BeCause and gaining greater insight into how their business activities impact the planet, we hope they will be encouraged to pursue even more ambitious sustainability measures in the future," says BeCause CEO and Co-founder Frederik Steensgaard.

An Industry-Specific Platform Based on Efficiency

BeCause is a purpose-built, AI-powered hub that centralizes a hotel's sustainability data and automates the transmission of that data amongst different stakeholders, such as travel and accommodation booking marketplaces and industry certifications. Additionally, once a hotel enters its data into the BeCause platform, it can be upcycled and automatically mapped to multiple frameworks, making qualifying for voluntary green certifications faster and more efficient while ensuring regulatory compliance.??

For instance, hotels in Europe can meet their reporting obligations under the EU's Corporate Social Responsibility Directive by leveraging the industry-specific components of the ESRS reporting framework that BeCause is currently integrating into its platform, saving significant resources and reducing costs.

"For a long time, hotels have lacked an efficient way to manage their sustainability data. They were constrained by manual processes that produced unreliable results, making it difficult to get buy-in from stakeholders on sustainability-focused projects," Steensgaard adds. "We're here to change that, whether you are a hotel just starting out and using Hotel Sustainability Basics as your guide or you already have several eco-certifications granted."

For more information about BeCause or to speak with CEO and Co-founder Frederik Steensgaard, please contact Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com .

For more information about WTTC's Hotel Sustainability Basics, please visit WTTC.org.

About BeCause

BeCause is an enterprise software company that streamlines the flow of sustainability data and creates synergies between different stakeholders in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, empowering them to make decisions that result in positive, responsible change for people, the planet, and their profits. BeCause works with over 25,000 hotels, including brands like Radisson, certification entities like GreenKey, industry partners like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the SHA, and marketplaces like Booking.com. For more information, visit because.eco .

About WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to maximising the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism sector by partnering with governments, destinations, communities, and other stakeholders to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty and foster peace, security, and understanding in our world. For more information, visit wttc.org.

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Oslo, 24 April 2024: Scatec ASA, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft Energia do Brasil Ltda in Brazil, for a 142 megawatt (MW) solar plant in Minas Gerais, in Brazil.

The BRL-denominated PPA covers about 75% of the expected power produced, while the remainder is expected to be sold under short, medium, and long-term term contracts (PPAs). The project's estimated equity return exceeds Scatec's hurdle rate of 1.2x the project's cost of equity.

The estimated total capital expenditure (capex) for the solar plant is USD 94 million, to be financed by non-recourse financing covering approximately 63% of this amount with the balance funded by equity from Scatec. Furthermore, Scatec is in mature discussions with lenders in respect of a debt facility of approximately EUR 15 million to partially fund Scatec's equity share in the project. Financial close and construction start for the solar plant is expected in the second half of this year, with commercial operations expected to start at the end of 2025.

"This is the third solar project for us in Brazil, taking the total capacity to 835 MW. We are excited about this new project and are pleased to have secured a power purchase agreement with renowned and leading renewable energy player and trading company Statkraft for this new project in Minas Gerais. This is our first plant in the southeast submarket, diversifying and strengthening our portfolio in the country. Brazil is one of our focus markets, and we will continue to seek opportunities and push the green transition forward," says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

Scatec will have a 100% ownership stake in the solar plant, with the aim to bring on equity partners once commercial operation is reached to enhance value creation. Scatec will also be the EPC manager for the project but with a limited EPC scope.

Statkraft Energia do Brasil Ltda is part of Statkraft AS, which has been present in Brazil since 2012 . The company has 26 operating wind and hydropower plants, with an installed capacity of over 2 GW in the country, considering existing, recent acquisitions and projects under construction. Its market operations unit provides services for commercial and industrial customers from various segments via their offices in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

"We're pleased to partner with Scatec on this significant project, reinforcing our commitment to Brazil's sustainable energy future," says Natasha Gaertner, VP of Statkraft Markets. "This partnership reflects our shared vision for a greener tomorrow and our dedication to providing clean, reliable energy."

Scatec already has two solar plants in operation. The 531 MW Mendubim solar plant (comprising several projects) in Rio Grande do Norte was Scatec's second operation in Brazil, developed in partnership with Equinor and Hydro Rein, as well as Alunorte. It started commercial operation earlier this year. Our first solar plant in the country, the 162 MW Apodi solar plant, is located in the municipality of Quixere in the north-eastern state of Ceara. The project is in partnership with Equinor and XP, and the plant reached commercial operation in November 2018.



For further information, please contact:

For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP IR, phone: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com

For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP External Affairs & Communications, phone: +47 468 44 959, meera.bhatia@scatec.com



About Scatec

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of 'Improving our Future'. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'SCATC'. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn .

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
The hologram market is expected to witness considerable growth in coming years, owing to rise in demand for hologram in medical applications and surge in investments in research & development activities to develop advanced technologies.

WILMINGTON, Del., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Hologram Market by Component (Hardware, Software) and Industry Vertical (Consumer Electronics, Retail, Medical, Industrial, Defense, Other): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the hologram market was valued at $3.5 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $20.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 21.49% from 2023 to 2032.

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126 - Tables

48 - Charts

249 - Pages

Prime Determinants of Growth

The hologram market is expected to witness notable growth owing to the rise in demand of hologram in medical applications. Moreover, technological advancement is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, high cost within the hologram market limits the growth of the hologram market.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $3.5 billion Market Size in 2032 $20.1 billion CAGR 21.49 % No. of Pages in Report 249 Segments Covered Component, Industry Vertical, and Region Drivers Increase in adoption of holographic displays for advertising and events. Expansion of consumer electronics Rise in demand for hologram in medical applications Opportunity Technological advancement Restraint High initial cost

The Software segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of component, the software segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than three-fifths of the global hologram market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to the increasing adoption of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, which heavily rely on sophisticated software algorithms. However, the hardware segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 22.36% from 2023 to 2032.

The Medical segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of industry vertical, the medical segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-fourth of the global hologram market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. However, the Defense segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 25.27% from 2023 to 2032, owing to the widespread adoption of hologram in defence sector globally.

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North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

On the basis of region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the hologram market revenue owing to the presence of a myriad of players in the region such as AV Concepts, Eon Reality Inc., Qualcomm, Zebra Imaging, Provision Holdings Inc., ViewSonic Corp., and many others. The presence of a significant number of players in North America is anticipated to drive the growth of the hologram market in this region.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 23.44% from 2023 to 2032 owing to rising demand for consumer electronics products in developing economies such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Taiwan. Therefore, the rising demand for consumer electronics products in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to accelerate the growth of the global hologram industry.

Leading Market Players: -

HYPERVSN

Holotech

Looking Glass

Holoxica Limited

RealView Imaging Ltd.

SeeReal Technologies

Leia Inc.

EON Reality

REALFICTION

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global hologram market. These players have adopted different strategies such as product launch, product development, partnership, investment, acquisition, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

This hologram market insights report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the hologram market analysis from 2023 to 2032 to identify the prevailing hologram market opportunities.

The market research is offered along with information related to hologram growth drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.

In-depth analysis of the hologram market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.

Hologram market size by country in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global 3D Projections market.

Hologram Companies player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.

The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global hologram market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and 3D Projections market growth strategies.

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Hologram Market Key Segments:

By Component

Hardware

Software

By Industry Vertical

Consumer electronics

Retail

Medical

Industrial

Defense

Other

By Region:

North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico)

Europe (UK, Germany, France, Russia, and Rest of Europe)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America)

Middle East and Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Rest of Middle East and Africa)

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Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry:

Digital Holography Market was estimated at $5 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit $23.1 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 16.7% from 2022 to 2031

Holographic Display Market size was valued at $1.13 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $11.65 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 29.1% from 2021 to 2030

Volumetric Display market size was valued at $1.4 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $14.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 27% from 2022 to 2031

Narrow Pixel Pitch LED Displays Market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $7.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.7% from 2022 to 2031

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Towards a Sustainable and Scalable Digital Infrastructure for AI and HPC

LISBON, Portugal, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Open Compute Project Foundation (OCP), the nonprofit organization bringing hyperscale innovations to all, and infrastructure Masons (iMasons), a nonprofit professional association of individuals connected and empowered to build a greater digital future for all, announce a new collaboration related to sustainability initiatives centered on the iMasons Climate Accord (ICA). By aligning the OCP Community's ability to impact the data center supply chain and iMasons reach with the end user community, they will address one of the industry's greatest challenges, creating sustainable and scalable digital infrastructure capable of meeting the requirements for AI and HPC from the data center to the edge.

To start, this new alliance will focus on standardizing a taxonomy for supplier carbon disclosures related to data center materials and equipment, including a digital carbon label providing both calculated carbon levels and its corresponding methodology. This work effort is led by Google, Meta, Microsoft and Schneider Electric, and is critical for building a more sustainable industry as Scope 3 emissions comprise the vast majority of the carbon footprint of data centers. Almost all of those Scope 3 emissions are upstream and take the form of embodied carbon in the materials and equipment that go into building these facilities. In order to meet net-zero carbon goals, the industry needs to organize its supply chain to measure, report on, and draw down the embodied carbon of data centers.

"We are very pleased to build our relationship with iMasons, and the timing could not be better as the data center build-out to scale, driven by AI, is upon us. To better support the ecosystem and our community, it is clear to us at OCP that the current brute force method of building more and bigger data centers is not sustainable without behavior and technological shifts. Such shifts will start with proper standardized methods for measurement, allowing OCP's data center facilities, building and equipment vendor members to adjust their products and end-users to make sustainability part of their buying decision," said George Tchaparian, CEO at the Open Compute Project Foundation.

There are many opportunities to create complementary standardizations to carbon disclosure, including metrics for measuring energy consumption, water usage and heat reuse. Other efforts can explore the use of alternate low-carbon concrete and steel, and building materials such as Mass Timber. Moving forward, we are prioritizing actions with the greatest potential for long-term impact while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances and emerging opportunities.

"Achieving lasting change requires a long-term perspective that frames and sharpens our short-term actions. We are excited to collaborate with the OCP to compound our impact on digital infrastructure globally. This involves addressing carbon accounting, measurement and tracking to ensure our efforts cover the entire ecosystem, and continuously build upon these foundations for a meaningful advancement of long-term sustainability goals," said Dean Nelson, Founder and Chairman Infrastructure Masons & iMasons Climate Accord Governing Body Member.

Critical to the success of this alliance is the well-established multi-vendor data center supply chain provided by the OCP vendor member community. Upon delivering an open framework and set of best practices and standardizations, the OCP vendor members typically move rapidly to adopt and align their products accordingly. When these enhanced products are then produced with full carbon disclosure information for showcase in the OCP Marketplace, further stimulating end-user demand for products that comply.

"This collaborative initiative between iMasons and OCP, aimed at tackling carbon transparency in digital infrastructure, marks a pivotal moment in advancing sustainability within our sector. By leveraging our extensive industry network and community-driven ethos, alongside OCP's dedication to open innovation and community-led standardizations, we are primed for transformative and positive changes to best serve the future of our work and communities," said Miranda Gardiner, Executive Director iMasons Climate Accord.

"Sustainability is both a responsibility and opportunity for the digital infrastructure industry to take ownership of its environmental impact and drive positive change. The alliance established between iMasons and OCP is a good example of how the industry needs to rally to meet the challenges of building tomorrow's AI capable data centers. Together the OCP and iMasons have the opportunity to inspire and empower industry stakeholders to integrate carbon reductions into their overall corporate strategies and operations, by steadily advancing better decision-making and accountability across the industry," said Ashish Nadkarni, GVP/GM, Worldwide Infrastructure Research at IDC.

About the Open Compute Project Foundation

The Open Compute Project (OCP) is a collaborative Community of hyperscale data center operators, telecom, colocation providers and enterprise IT users, working with the product and solution vendor ecosystem to develop open innovations deployable from the cloud to the edge. The OCP Foundation is responsible for fostering and serving the OCP Community to meet the market and shape the future, taking hyperscale-led innovations to everyone. Meeting the market is accomplished through addressing challenging market obstacles with open specifications, designs and emerging market programs that showcase OCP-recognized IT equipment and data center facility best practices. Shaping the future includes investing in strategic initiatives and programs that prepare the IT ecosystem for major technology changes, such as AI & ML, optics, advanced cooling techniques, composable memory and silicon. OCP Community-developed open innovations strive to benefit all, optimized through the lens of impact, efficiency, scale and sustainability. Learn more at www.opencompute.org .

About Infrastructure Masons

Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) is a global, nonprofit, professional association of individuals connected and empowered to build a greater digital future for all. Since its launch in 2016, the organization has brought together 6,000 individuals across 130 countries, a community representing USD 200+ billion in infrastructure projects. iMasons provides an agnostic platform for members to connect, grow, and give back across four strategic pillars: Education, Inclusion, Innovation, and Sustainability. To learn more, visit imasons.org or LinkedIn .

About the Climate Accord

The Climate Accord is a coalition united on decarbonization of digital infrastructure. Launched by Infrastructure Masons in 2022, the organization has mobilized a community of 250+ member companies spanning data centers, networks, cloud computing, energy, products and software. With a combined market cap of $6T dollars, their purchasing power will help accelerate the industry to net-zero carbon. The Climate Accord Governing Body includes AWS, Digital Realty, Google, iMasons, Meta, Microsoft, and Schneider Electric. Members are working toward industry-wide adoption of an open standard to report carbon in materials, and equipment and power to create a maturity model to track progress. For more information, visit climateaccord.org or LinkedIn .

CONTACT: Dirk Van Slyke

dirkvanslyke@gmail.com

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KANAZAWA, Japan, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report in Nano Letters how the use of high-speed atomic force microscopy helps to understand the crucial role played by certain biomolecules in DNA wrapping dynamics.

In plants and animals, the basic packaging units of DNA, which carry genetic information, are the so-called nucleosomes. A nucleosome consists of a segment of DNA wound around eight proteins known as histones. During gene expression (the process lying at the basis of protein production), nucleosomes are involved in various dynamical structural changes, such as nucleosome sliding, DNA unwrapping and other DNA-histone interactions. Of particular importance in these processes are the end structures, or tails, of the histones. Histone tails undergo chemical modifications, changing the histone's functionality as needed. Detailed studies, and especially visualizations, of nucleosome dynamics are crucial for better understanding the role of histone tails. Mikihiro Shibata from Kanazawa University and colleagues have now succeeded in making video recordings of tail-less nucleosomes, showing that the absence of histone tails significantly increases a nucleosome's dynamic activity.

The scientists used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), a powerful nanoimaging tool for visualizing molecular structures and their dynamics at high spatial and temporal resolution. For this, the nucleosomes needed to be put onto a substrate. Shibata and colleagues used a film of so-called pillar[5]arenes (molecules with a pentagonal tubular structure) as the substrate, forming an ideal surface as the nucleosomes are easily adsorbed to it without dynamical processes getting suppressed.

The researchers first looked at nucleosomes for which all eight histones lacked tails. Based on their HS-AFM observations, they concluded that nucleosome sliding and DNA unwrapping/rewrapping occurred more often than for normal (canonical) nucleosomes. This suggests that without tails, the histone-DNA interaction is weakened, leading to a situation in which DNA can more easily detach from the histones.

To better understand the roles of specific histone tails, Shibata and colleagues prepared nucleosomes where one type of histone was tailless. There are four different types of histones, called H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. HS-AFM experiments on the nucleosomes revealed that H2B and H3 tail-less nucleosomes showed an increased frequency of dynamics. Conversely, this means that canonical H2B and H3 histones are essential for nucleosome stability.

The scientists point out that they could not observe any actual motion of histone tails - most likely the temporal resolution of the study, 0.3 seconds, was much slower than the rate of the wrapping/unwrapping dynamics of the tails. Despite this limitation, the work of Shibata and colleagues clearly proves that the tails of H2B and H3 histones are the main contributors to nucleosome dynamics. Regarding future work, quoting the researchers, "a technique for tagging histone tail tips might enable HS-AFM to capture the movements of the histone tails themselves."

Background

High-speed atomic force microscopy

The general principle of atomic force microscopy (AFM) is to make a very small tip scan the surface of a sample. During this horizontal (xy) scan, the tip, which is attached to a small cantilever, follows the sample's vertical (z) profile, inducing a force on the cantilever that can be measured. The magnitude of the force at the xy position can be related to the z value; the xyz data generated during a scan then result in a height map providing structural information about the investigated sample. In high-speed-AFM (HS-AFM), the working principle is slightly more involved: the cantilever is made to oscillate near its resonance frequency. When the tip is moved around a surface, the variations in the amplitude (or the frequency) of the cantilever's oscillation - resulting from the tip's interaction with the sample's surface - are recorded, as these provide a measure for the local z value. AFM does not involve lenses, so its resolution is not restricted by the so-called diffraction limit as in X-ray diffraction, for example.

HS-AFM results in a video, where the time interval between frames depends on the speed with which a single image can be generated (by xy-scanning the sample). Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University have in recent years developed HS-AFM further, so that it can be applied to study biochemical molecules and biomolecular processes in real-time. Mikihiro Shibata and colleagues have now applied the method to study nucleosome dynamics in detail, and in particular the role of the molecular endings of histones - proteins that play a crucial role in DNA accessibility.

Reference

Shin Morioka, Takumi Oishi, Suguru Hatazawa, Takahiro Kakuta, Tomoki Ogoshi, Kenichi Umeda, Noriyuki Kodera, Hitoshi Kurumizaka, and Mikihiro Shibata. High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals the Nucleosome Sliding and DNA Unwrapping/Wrapping Dynamics of Tail-less Nucleosomes, Nano Letters ,2024.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00801

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00801

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-1-12.png

Figure 1.

High-speed atomic force microscopy visualization of nucleosome dynamics with canonical (top) and tail-less (bottom) histones.

 2024 American Chemical Society

Contact

Hiroe Yoneda

Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach

NanoLSI Administration Office, Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

Kanazawa University

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Tel: +81 (76) 234-4555

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University

Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring "uncharted nano-realms"

Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

See the latest research news from the centers at the WPI News Portal:

https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI

Main WPI program site:

www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel

About Kanazawa University

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa - a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/

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SINGAPORE, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global imperative to improve access to and the quality of education continues to be paramount. In this regard, independent charity Vantage Foundation notes that India has made significant strides in its education system, with strong indicators pointing to the country's notable efforts to enhance learning outcomes.

Notably, Vantage Foundation recognises the pivotal role played by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in facilitating India's transition toward a digitally empowered society. UNESCO's profound insights, showcased through the State of Education Report (SOER) published by the UNESCO New Delhi Office, serve as a testament to its commitment to driving positive educational reforms.

"UNESCO New Delhi produces our flagship report on the issues relating to the domain of education in India such as artificial intelligence in education, technical and vocational education, climate education etc.," explains Joyce Poan, Programme Specialist and Chief of Sector for Education, UNESCO New Delhi. "We collaborated with Vantage on the topic of artificial intelligence and education. These reports are useful to policymakers because they provide updated information and ten concrete recommendations, specific to India."

"The SOER was the result of meticulous research by experts and designed for practical application. As such, we can bear witness to its tangible effects in India today," says Steven Xie, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation. "More importantly, its universal insights have the potential to transcend borders, offering far-reaching benefits that extend beyond India."

Joyce also highlights the reports' wide-ranging use cases. "Our reports serve as an essential compilation of best practices, going beyond merely informing policymakers. They also represent an important repository of knowledge on the chosen topic, aimed at educating teachers, students, and the public alike," she explains.

When asked about the future updates to its knowledge base, Joyce explains, "This year, UNESCO New Delhi will prioritise cultural and arts education in India. Our upcoming report will spotlight best practices from different Indian states and strategies for enhancing cultural and arts education across the country."

Through their collaborative efforts, Vantage Foundation and UNESCO New Delhi exemplify a shared dedication to nurturing educational excellence and societal progress. These initiatives are crafted to inspire the next generation to strive for greater accomplishments, both within India and on a global scale.

About Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK with the support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the NEOM McLaren Extreme E team in 2023. For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation

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Consolidated revenues up to 273.2 million (+6.5%), EBITDA stands at 41.7 million (+24.5%); EBIT up to 13.4 million and net profit up to 6.2 million.

Sales increased in all business lines, especially in the ultrasound segment (+9.7%). Second consecutive record sales year for MRI (+3.3%).

Continued expansion phase: average annual growth of 7.6% over the last 4 years.

Esaote firmly among the world's leading medical imaging manufacturers with a strategy focused on innovation, quality, people and product portfolio differentiation.

Strengthened presence in international markets representing 64.5% of total revenues. Invested 32.9 million in R&D.Continued commitment to Sustainability.

GENOA, Italy, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shareholders' Meeting of Esaote S.p.A., met today in Genoa, approved the company's financial statements as of 31.12.2023.

All the main Group consolidated figures for the 2023 financial year are up: net sales revenues at 273.2 million (+6.5% on 2022); EBITDA at 41.7 million (+24.5% on 2022); Group operating income at 13.4 million, (+43% on 2022); consolidated net profit at 6.2 million, quadrupled compared to 2022 (1.2 million).

"The FY2023 results confirm further progress of the Group, which continues to expand, as evidenced by the 7.6% average annual growth we have achieved over the last four years - commented Franco Fontana, CEO of Esaote S.p.A. The soundness of the business, which is growing in all product lines, the cost optimization process and the focus on production processes, the continuous investment in R&D for the introduction of new products and technologies, place Esaote among the world's leading players in medical imaging. Despite a complex global economic scenario, we look to the future with confidence, confirming our strategy focused on innovation, quality, people, product portfolio differentiation and growth in high-potential markets."

During 2023 the Esaote Group has further increased its investment in R&D by 9.8%, which rises to 32.9 euro, 12% of turnover.

Important results were achieved in ultrasound systems, whose revenues increased by 9.7%, allowing the Group to acquire important market shares in strategic areas and segments. Revenue growth was driven by the new high-end cart ultrasound systems, in particular MyLabTMX90 launched in early 2023, which allowed the Group to successfully enter technologically competitive market segments.

2023 was an extremely positive year for the dedicated and open MRI sector, which grew by 3.3% and recorded the new sales record in Esaote's history: the Magnifico Open "total body" open magnet system drove revenue growth by attracting interest in all markets, thanks to its uniqueness. The success is linked to the completeness of Esaote's product range, which combines excellent image quality in musculoskeletal applications with ease of installation, patient comfort and low energy consumption.

The Medical IT sector - development of software for diagnostic process management and quantitative analysis software for cardiovascular applications - with an increase in sales of 3.2% continued its growth path based on the ability to generate demand for the digital transformation of healthcare.

For Esaote, international markets account for 64.5% of total revenues, namely: Western Europe (17.7%), North America (13.1%) and China (8.5%). Significant sales growth in Latin America and APAC.

At the end of 2023 the Group counts about 1250 employees, more than half of whom in Italy. The process of enhancing internal resources continues with the creation of continuous training programmes accompanied by welfare support tools. Sustainability commitment continues in all ESG areas.

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SINGAPORE, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- iPeakoin, a leading enterprise-level cash management platform at the forefront of technology, was this week pleased to celebrate the opening of its new office in Singapore, further extending its international reach.

iPeakoin Chief Executive Officer Michael Wu and other senior company executives hosted a reception on April 23rd in the City of Singapore to welcome guests from across the Asia financial and business community. The move comes as part of the fintech firm's strategy to tap into new revenue streams worldwide and to foster a long-term partnership with local businesses, finance institutions and government.

Since its establishment in 2019, iPeakoin has consistently achieved profitability, marking a significant milestone in 2022. Additionally, this year witnessed a remarkable 350% increase in total transaction volume for iPeakoin, complemented by substantial growth in its customer base and profit margin.

As an emerging fintech, iPeakoin has focused on building a seamless infrastructure to bridge the traditional finance and cryptocurrencies. With its wallets, cards and accounts, iPeakoin has helped startups and traditional financial institutions move forward by removing the barriers that prevent them from realizing the benefits of cryptocurrencies.

Singapore, renowned for its robust regulatory framework, technological infrastructure, and thriving fintech ecosystem, presents an ideal location for iPeakoin to further enhance its innovative offerings. By establishing a local presence, iPeakoin aims to leverage its expertise and experience to address the unique needs and challenges of the Asian market.

"We are thrilled to locate our Singapore headquarters to this prestigious location," said Michael Wu, the CEO of iPeakoin. "The new office space will not only accommodate our growing team but also provide an ideal setting for fostering creativity and driving forward our mission to revolutionize the financial technology industry. We look forward to cementing our presence in Asia to support the needs and business growth of our customers and partners."

The expansion into Singapore builds upon iPeakoin's continued growth and success in revolutionizing the financial services landscape worldwide. With its proven track record of success and dedication to innovation, iPeakoin is poised to play a pivotal role in driving forward the future of finance in the region and beyond.

About iPeakoin

iPeakoin is a licensed FinTech platform that drives the innovation of crypto payments. It has now expanded its business to over 180 countries/regions, serving more than 15,000 companies.

Aiming to build a unified financial infrastructure of both fiat and cryptocurrency, iPeakoin creates a scalable Card-as-a-Service to bring crypto further into mainstream financial services and helps crypto businesses build stronger connections with end users.

iPeakoin also completed a series A funding round in 2023 for its global expansion plans and products and solutions development. The funding round was led by Zhenfund.

In addition to its headquarters in Singapore, iPeakoin has offices in the US, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg, as well as partnerships with top-tier banks & financial institutions worldwide.

For more details visit: https://www.ipeakoin.com

Contact: support@ipeakoin.com

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The Baby Gifting Company, a sustainable premium gift company, is proud to announce its B Corp Certification, joining businesses across the globe who are focusing their operations on purpose as well as profit. The company joins a wave of new British B Corps that takes the B Corp community to over 2,000 across the UK.

The B Corp Certification addresses the entirety of a business' operations and covers five key impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous and The Baby Gifting Company, which launched in 2023, achieved a score of 94.2 in the B Impact Assessment, which surpasses the 80 points required for a passing grade. This is evidence of the company's commitment to creating positive impacts beyond profitability.

Shiba Babamiri, Founder of The Baby Gifting Company said: "Our B Corp Certification is an achievement that reflects our deep commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. As a mother of three, I launched The Baby Gifting Company in a bid to change the wasteful baby gifting culture. We strongly believe we can combine luxurious baby gifts with our passion for sustainability. We preserve our environment by offering products that are high quality, long lasting and made from sustainable materials and packaging and I am incredibly proud that this has been recognised with our B Corp Certification".

In what has been a meteoric rise for the company, The Baby Gifting Company has enjoyed a special first year of operations that has seen pop ups emerge at the Bvlgari Hotel, in John Lewis Oxford Street and Bicester Village. The company has been mentioned in a number of prominent publications, including Vogue, ?Tatler, ?CN Traveller, ?Vanity Fair and ?Glamour, whilst its products have been shared prominently on social media.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424064735/en/

Contacts:

For media enquiries, please contact:

Sean Pattwell sean@cw8-communications.com
Attendo continues to show a clear improvement in operating result and strong organic growth in the first quarter of 2024, driven by the turnaround program in Finland. Sales increased by 8 percent, while the lease-adjusted operating result improved by almost 40 percent compared to the first quarter of 2023. Attendo now presents a new financial target; to reach an adjusted EPS of at least SEK 5.5 in 2026.

Comments from Martin Tiveus, Attendo president and CEO

"In 2023, we have largely completed the three-year turnaround program aimed at adapting operations and conditions to new staffing requirements in Finland, restoring occupancy after the pandemic and a period of strong expansion, and returning to sustainable growth. At the same time, we have worked to strengthen our operational care model, with increased management density and new digital tools to relieve employees and free up time for care.

With the acquisition of Team Olivia's Swedish care operations in the first quarter of 2024, we mark the start of a new phase for Attendo. Over the next three years until 2026, we intend to build a stronger position in disabled care and individual and family care. We are also starting to plan to gradually meet the expected demand for care for older people in the Nordic region as a result of demographic developments.

Our focus is continued sustainable and profitable growth combined with increased investments in digitalization. In connection with this quarterly report, we present new financial targets, including a performance target of adjusted earnings per share of at least SEK 5.50 in 2026.

Profits in the first quarter increased significantly compared to 2023, mainly driven by the effects of the turnaround program in our Finnish operations.

Group: Higher profit driven by Finland

Sales in the first quarter increased by 8 percent, mainly driven by renegotiated contracts in Finland. The lease adjusted operating profit (EBITA) increased by SEK 45m (+39 percent), an increase entirely related to the Finnish operations.

Finland: Continued positive trend

Sales in Attendo Finland increased by 15 percent in the quarter in local currency. Profit has strengthened significantly year over year, mainly linked to renegotiated contracts based on higher staffing requirements in care for older people and higher prices in disabled care.

Occupancy in our nursing homes was in line with the previous quarter but lower than expected. The result has therefore been negatively affected by high personnel costs.

The Finnish government has announced that staffing requirements in care for older people will be reduced from 0.65 to 0.60 care staff per resident from 2025. Our assessment is that this will not have a material impact on results and that occupancy can develop positively.

Scandinavia: Stable profits in own operations

Sales are in line with the comparison quarter despite several ended outsourcing contracts. The reported result is at the same time lower due to ended contracts and continued losses in Denmark. Our own homes, which account for the majority of our sales in Scandinavia, continue to show both underlying growth and improved profits. Occupancy is marginally higher than in the previous quarter.

We are working to reverse the performance trend in Scandinavia through increased sales efforts, continued recovery in home care in Sweden and by reversing the situation in Denmark. We are making progress in the turnaround in Denmark and have, among other things, divested the last home care unit, changed leadership, strengthened quality work and expanded our sales efforts.

Stronger position in LSS / I&F

From the second quarter of 2024 and onwards, Team Olivia Care Sweden is part of Attendo. The acquisition strengthens our offering and our position in disabled care (LSS), individual and family care (I&F) and home care. It also gives us a better balance between our different service offerings in Sweden. The acquisition is expected to contribute to adjusted earnings by at least SEK 0.5 per share when the operations are fully integrated in 2025. At the beginning of the second quarter and in line with our strategy, we acquired an additional 8 group homes within disabled care in Sweden.

New financial targets

Over the past three years, we have succeeded in reversing the development in Finland and recovered a large part of the occupancy loss due to the pandemic while strengthening employee ownership and our operational model. During the period, we have implemented a model for increased focus on quality of life, we have strengthened operational leadership through new leadership training for care managers, introduced group managers in nursing homes in both Finland and Sweden, and taken several steps forward on our digitalization journey. The result is a more stable operation, but also better results in both customer and relatives' satisfaction, employee satisfaction and payor satisfaction.

Attendo has previously set a target to reach an adjusted profit of SEK 4 per share, which still is expected to be achieved in 2024. With the clear turnaround in Finland and the acquisition of Team Olivia, we are now entering a new value creation phase, with new more forward-looking targets.

In the coming years we intend to continue to strengthen the company's operational and financial position, with the goal of reaching adjusted earnings per share of at least SEK 5.50 in 2026:

Underlying operating profit growth of at least 10 percent annually, driven by increased occupancy, operational efficiency, price adjustments, new units and continuous smaller acquisitions in existing segments

The acquisition of Team Olivia Care will generate at least SEK 0.5 annually from 2025

Continuous share repurchases have further positive impact on earnings per share

Attendo maintains its current dividend target of distributing 30% of adjusted net profit and it is intended to be combined with continuous share buyback programs. The debt target, measured as adjusted net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA, is to be between 1.5-2.5x.

Long-term value creation

Attendo is the oldest and leading private care company in the Nordic region, with a focus on Sweden and Finland. Needs in care for older people are expected to increase in the coming decade. The drivers are a growing number of older people and demand for providers that can handle complex care needs that local authorities and regions cannot solve on their own. We also see a strong desire from citizens to choose care solutions that suit their own needs.

For over 20 years, Attendo has worked with our mission "empowering the individual", which means that we should see, support and strengthen every person in need of care. Our customer focus combined with the fact that we offer payors cost-effective care and solve complex care needs means that we are well positioned for the future."

Summary of the first quarter 2024

Net sales amounted to SEK 4,386m (4,044). Total growth amounted to 8.5 percent, of which organic growth was 8.0 percent.

Lease adjusted operating profit (EBITA) amounted to SEK 161m (116), corresponding to a margin of 3.7 percent (2.9).

Operating profit (EBITA) amounted to SEK 292m (241), corresponding to an operating margin of 6.7 percent (6.0).

Profit for the period amounted to SEK 63m (28). Earnings per share after dilution amounted to SEK 0.39 (0.17). Adjusted earnings per share after dilution amounted to SEK 0.58 (0.43). Free cash flow amounted to SEK 20m (8).

The number of beds in Attendo's homes at the end of the period was 20,506 (20,923). Occupancy in homes was 86 percent (86).

Invitation to presentation

In connection with the release of the report, a webcast presentation will be held at 10.00 am (CET), hosted by Attendo CEO Martin Tiveus and CFO Mikael Malmgren.

You can follow the presentation on the following page:

https://ir.financialhearings.com/attendo-q1-report-2024

Analysts and investors will have the opportunity to ask questions during the presentation by calling in. To obtain call-in details, please send your request to: kommunikation@attendo.se .

The quarterly report and other information material will be made public on:

https://www.attendo.com/

Attendo AB (publ)

For further information, please contact:

Andreas Koch, Communications and IR-Director Attendo

Phone: +46 705 09 77 61 I email: andreas.koch@attendo.com

Stefan Svanstrom, Head of Community Communications Attendo

Phone: +46 708 67 38 07 I email: stefan.svanstrom@attendo.com

This is information that Attendo AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above at 08.00 CET on 24 April 2024.

attendo.com

Attendo - the leading care company in the Nordics| For almost 40 years, seeing, supporting and strengthening people with care needs has been the starting point of everything Attendo does. In addition to care for older people, Attendo provides care for people with disabilities and social care for individuals and families. Attendo has almost 35,000 employees and is locally anchored with around 800 units in 300 municipalities in Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Every day Attendo has tens of thousands of encounters with its customers. In all these encounters, our employees manifest Attendo's shared values of care, commitment and competence.
Popular Sanrio Character Kuromi Signed as 30th Anniversary BABY-G Ambassador

TOKYO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of new additions to its family of BABY-G shock-resistant watches. The new BGD-10K, available in four models, can be used as a wristwatch or a unique time-telling charm.

This latest release, the BGD-10K, is a shock-resistant watch in a colorful pop design. It comes paired with a special holder with strap. The set works two different ways, either worn as a wristwatch or hung from the strap as a charm.

To turn the watch into a charm that hangs from a bag or belt, just detach the bezel and band and place the center case into the special holder.[*1] This silicone holder can be decorated with stickers and other items for a truly personalized charm.

The watch and special holder set come in pop color variations inspired by the trendy colors of Y2K fashion around the year 2000. Press the light button when the watch is in Timekeeping Mode and a series of pixel-art animations appear randomly on the LCD display for an extra playful touch.

*1 Due to the glossy finish, wrinkle-like patterns may occur on the surface.

The new BGD-10K is the first in the BABY-G+PLUS line, a series of BABY-G watches that Casio will offer with items that can be personalized to suit the user's own sense of style.

Casio is also pleased to announce that the popular Sanrio character Kuromi will serve as BABY-G ambassador to commemorate the brand's 30th anniversary. The BABY-G promotional tagline, "Be you. Be me," means living life your own way, and Kuromi is promoting the KUROMIFYTHEWORLD project, a campaign to fill the world with KUROMIES who mirror her independent approach to life. BABY-G and Kuromi are both popular with teenage girls, making the two natural partners.

 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L647961

Product website: https://www.casio.com/intl/watches/babyg/products/digital/bgd-10k/

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WEIFANG, China, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from the Shandong Office of Hong Kong Business Daily. In April, the 41st Weifang International Kite Festival and 2024 Weifang Kite Carnival were held in Weifang City, Shandong Province, immersed in a warm atmosphere. At this time, the kite pendant representing Weifang's characteristics and symbolizing peace also came to Munich, Germany for display.

Recently, the Munich Chinese Students and Scholars Association organized a guided tour of the Munich Municipal Museum. "Within just 30 minutes since the opening of registration for this event, people from all walks of life in Munich have enthusiastically registered," said Annan, the organizer and Head of Communications of the Munich Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

During the tour, Chen Ganglin, a Ph.D. in Western Art History and the official Chinese tour guide of Munich, provided profound historical knowledge and patient and meticulous explanations, allowing participants to have a deeper understanding of Munich's cultural background. Everyone listened attentively and actively raised their opinions and questions, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere on site.

At the end of the event, the organizers presented kite pendants representing peace and friendship from Weifang, the "world kite capital", to the participating friends. "I also love flying kites! Seeing such exquisite kite pendants makes my hands itch. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in the International Kite Festival in Weifang, China!" said Charles Ott, a student and history and culture enthusiast at the University of Munich in Germany.

2024 marks the third anniversary of Weifang City being awarded the title of "International Peace City". Since the establishment of a friendly city in 1987, Weifang City and the Fleeting region have been engaged in friendly cooperation and exchanges in areas such as economy, trade, culture, education, and health.

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Expanding Aston Bay's large-scale high-grade copper portfolio

Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) (the "Company" or "Aston Bay") is pleased to announce that on April 23, 2024, it entered into a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") with Emerald Geological Services ("EGS") pursuant to which it has been granted an option (the "Option") to acquire an undivided 80% beneficial interest in a property owned by EGS in Nunavut, Canada (the "Property") (see March 1, 2024 Aston Bay press release). In addition, the Company is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth Turner to the Company's Technical Advisory Board.

Highlights

Mineralization at Epworth is similar in style to the mineralization in deposits of the Central African Copper Belt and Aston Bay's Storm Copper Project

Over 74-kilometre ("km") long trend of sediment-hosted style stratiform copper ("Cu"), silver ("Ag"), zinc ("Zn") and cobalt ("Co") mineralization

Chalcocite boulders at surface yield up to 61.2% Cu with 5600 grams per tonne ("g/t") Ag in select rock grab samples from over 300 historic samples

Recent prospecting rock grab samples yielded up to 37.8% Cu, 27.4% Zn, 1100 g/t Ag, 3.0 g/t gold ("Au") and 1700 ppm Co

$3 million total expenditure over four years to acquire an 80% interest with no yearly minimums

Airborne electromagnetic ("EM") geophysical program planning is underway for late spring 2024

Land Use Permit granted, mapping program planned for summer 2024, with late summer drill program contemplated

Dr. Turner brings a wealth of experience in sediment-hosted copper deposits and the geology of northern Canada

"We are pleased to sign the definitive agreement for the Epworth Property," stated Thomas Ullrich, CEO of Aston Bay, "and we are very excited to have Dr. Elizabeth Turner join our Technical Advisory Board. Dr. Turner has extensive knowledge earned walking the ground in over three decades of fieldwork in northern Canada and more recently in central Africa. As well, her academic focus on the controls on sedimentary-rock-hosted mineralization makes her a formidable source of knowledge to add to our accomplished group of technical advisors and associates.

"The high-grade copper, silver and zinc mineralization at Epworth is in a style typical of the Central African Copper Belt that boasts several large, high-grade deposits. We also have similar mineralization at our Storm Project and look to leverage that knowledge and experience with our expanded team to make new discoveries at Epworth."

Bruce MacLachlan from Emerald Geological Services added, "EGS is delighted to be moving forward with a motivated and experienced partner which shares our goal of making critical mineral discoveries in Canada, and which has already had success in doing so. After the last few field seasons we believe more than ever in the potential of the Epworth property to host significant deposits, and we are eager to get boots on the ground in the coming season."

Dr. Elizabeth Turner Appointed to Technical Advisory Board

Dr. Elizabeth Turner joins Aston Bay's Technical Advisory Board on account of her expertise in the spatial and geological controls on sedimentary-rock-hosted ore deposits. Her expertise in ore-hosting sedimentary systems, ore-forming fluids and events, carbonate and siliciclastic lithofacies and diagenesis, stratigraphy, basin analysis, and hydrothermal systems is founded in >30 years of remote field research in Proterozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary basins in northern Canada and central Africa, together with extensive micro-analytical studies on the nature and evolution of ore-forming fluids, and controls imposed by ore-hosting rocks.

Dr. Turner has published extensively on sedimentary-rock-hosted ore systems in northern Canada (including the Storm Cu deposit and Polaris Zn district of which it is part, and the Nanisivik Zn deposit) and Central African Copperbelt (including both the polymetallic carbonate-hosted Kipushi deposit and siliciclastic-hosted Kamoa-Kakula Cu deposits in central Africa). Dr. Turner has a PhD in Geology from Queen's University, and a BSc in Geology and BA in Languages from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the faculty at Laurentian University, she worked for Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office. Dr. Turner was the 2020 recipient of the Geological Association of Canada's Robinson Medal for career achievement in Precambrian Geology.

Epworth Property Definitive Agreement

Terms of the Definitive Agreement

Under the terms of the Agreement, Aston Bay can earn an 80% undivided interest in the Property by spending a minimum of $3 million on qualifying exploration expenditures ("Expenditures") over a four-year period. Aston Bay also agreed to make a cash payment of $50,000 to EGS on the business day following the date of the Agreement. EGS shall be the operator during the term of the Agreement, but the parties shall also establish a technical committee to approve all Expenditures. The technical committee will be composed of two members, one appointed by each of Aston Bay and EGS, with Aston Bay to have a casting vote.

The Agreement provides for an 80 / 20 joint venture (the "JV") to be formed between the parties upon Aston Bay earning its interest in the Property. The Agreement is binding, but it also provides that it will be replaced by a definitive agreement and such agreement will contain the terms of the agreement that will govern the JV. Pursuant to that agreement, EGS will have a carried interest until the JV completes a bankable feasibility study in respect of the Property, with EGS's contributions to the JV to be credited against future revenue from the Property. After completion of a bankable feasibility study, EGS shall be diluted in the event it does not contribute its proportionate share and its interest will be converted into a 2% net smelter return if its interest is diluted to below 10%. Aston Bay shall have a right to repurchase 50% of such royalty for $1.5 million during the two-year period after commencement of commercial production from the Property.

Location

The Epworth Property is located approximately 80 km southeast of the village of Kugluktuk (formerly Coppermine) in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada (Figure 1). The property is approximately 70 km from tidewater to the north. Logistical access is provided by float plane and helicopter from Kugluktuk and the city of Yellowknife 500 km to the south. Recent staking has significantly expanded the size of the property covering 15 claims over 8,320 hectares (Ha) (20,559 acres) to now consisting of 51 claims covering an area of 71,135 Ha (175,778 acres) over a trend approximately 74 km in strike length and 14 km in lateral extent (Figure 2).

Figure 1: Location of the Epworth Property, Nunavut, Canada.

Figure 2: Epworth Property claim block with select rock grab and lake sediment samples. From over 300 rock grab samples, 51 samples yielded over 1% Cu, 29 samples yielded over 30 g/t Ag and 15 samples yielded over 1% Zn. Noted historical diamond drill intersections are from a total of 130 m of drilling in three diamond drill holes on the property.

Geology

The Epworth Project is part of a broad platform-type clastic carbonate sequence belonging to the early Proterozoic Coronation Supergroup that extends from the north shore of Takijuq Lake to the Coronation Gulf for over 130 km. Polymetallic sulphide mineralization occurs as disseminations in the matrix of coarse clastic quartzites or as concordant zones of cherty replacements within permeable dolomite. The mineralization assemblage, stratigraphy, diagenetic evolution and rift-related tectonic setting of the Coronation Supergroup compares favourably to the African Copperbelt that hosts large (>100mt) high-grade (3-4% Cu) sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits.

History

The Epworth Project was explored by Noranda Mining and Exploration in the mid-1990's, resulting in the discovery of new base metal showings. Prospecting, mapping, geophysics and sparse drilling (only 132m in the original claim block, <2000m total over the newly expanded claims) were conducted over four exploration seasons. The best intercepts yielded 10.4% Cu over 0.9m, 0.3% Cu over 8m, and 18.4% Cu with 302 g/t Ag over 0.3min very shallow drilling in 1995-6. The Epworth Project has not been drilled since, and no modern geophysical surveys have been conducted.

Recent Work

Prospecting programs in the 2020's have defined several trends in conjunction with historic work. Rock grab samples up to 38% Cu, 1100 g/t Ag, 3.0 g/t Au, 27% Zn, 17% lead along with 1700 ppm Co and other anomalous mineralization define the 2.8 km long "Metallic Trend." From over 300 total historic rock grab samples, 51 samples yielded over 1% Cu, 29 samples yielded over 30 g/t Ag and 15 samples yielded over 1% Zn. Prospecting and soil sampling have yielded promising new trends and showings such as the new Northeast Showing discovered in 2023 yielding up to 19% Pb and 0.8% Cu in rock grab samples.

Proposed Work

Compilation of the historical geological and geophysical data from Epworth is underway to inform a proposed 2024 airborne geophysical survey, along with prospecting, rock sampling, geological mapping and perhaps ground geophysical surveys followed up with drilling later in 2024 or 2025.

Qualified Person

Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

About Aston Bay Holdings

Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade copper and gold deposits in Virginia, USA, and Nunavut, Canada. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona. The Company is currently exploring the Storm Project property and Epworth property in Nunavut, as well as the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein and critical metals prospects in central Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade copper potential in the area.

The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West") have agreed to form a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and enter into a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under such agreement, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/.

Statements made in this press release, including those regarding the Agreement, grant of the Option and Expenditures to be made on the Property, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing of this press release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. We seek safe harbour.

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 news release.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer

thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com

(416) 456-3516

SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Carolina Rush Corporation (TSXV: RUSH) (OTCQB: PUCCF) ("Carolina Rush" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a 3,000-meter core drill program will commence on April 29 at its flagship Brewer Gold-Copper Project in South Carolina.

Layton Croft, President and CEO, stated: "Initial drill targeting will focus on the newly discovered Tanyard Breccia Zone, south of the former Brewer mine (see Figure 1). To date this zone has been tested with three holes (see Table 1). The most notable result has been the intersection of 62.5-meters @ 8.5 g/t Au and 0.3% Cu in hole B23C-021 (see February 28, 2024 news release). Within the 62.5-meter interval, a 2.5-meter zone of high-grade gold-telluride mineralization (2.5 m @ 169.0 g/t Au) was identified and will be the focus of the initial drill holes (see Figure 2)."

Patrick Quigley, Senior Geologist and Exploration Manager, stated: "Three, 25-meter step outs from hole 21 are planned to determine the geometry and controls on mineralization as well as the relationship between the gold-telluride zone and the breccia-hosted gold-copper mineralization. Additional drilling will focus on extending the Tanyard Breccia Zone along strike and down-dip, where the mineralization appears to correlate with the northern margin of a large chargeability anomaly that has been mapped for >400 meters along strike."





Figure 1: Plan Map Showing Tanyard Zone and Area Planned for Initial Drilling

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5156/206621_21905817349089d8_003full.jpg





Figure 2: Example of Gold-Telluride Mineralization Encountered in Drill Hole B23C-021 at 171m Depth. This Sample is From a 1-Meter Interval (170.5-171.5 meters) That Averaged 372.0 g/t Au.

The core sample displays the nature of the gold-tellurides, which occur in quartz veins and as disseminated grains and patches within intensely altered (quartz-pyrophyllite) volcanic host rock.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5156/206621_21905817349089d8_004full.jpg

Table 1: Drill Results to Date at the Tanyard Zone

Drill Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) B21C-015 44.60 107.00 62.40 1.03 0.15 Incl. 76.50 97.70 21.20 2.23 0.36 B23C-021 55.00 64.50 9.50 0.36 <0.10 76.00 86.50 10.50 0.42 0.16 Incl. 76.00 80.15 4.15 0.66 0.35 111.50 174.00 62.50 8.45 0.28 Incl. 132.70 149.00 16.30 2.83 1.00 And 170.50 173.00 2.50 168.72 <0.10 Incl. 170.50 171.50 1.00 372.00 <0.10 B24C-022 49.00 106.50 56.00 0.70 0.11 Incl. 53.88 80.85 26.97 1.01 0.13

In addition, further to the news release dated April 3, 2024, announcing the closing of the brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $3,227,000, the Company paid the Agents (as such term is defined in the news release dated April 3, 2024) an aggregate of $218,890 in cash commissions and issued the Agents an aggregate of 1,094,450 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share (as such term is defined in the news release dated April 3, 2024) for a period of two years from the Closing Date (as such term is defined in the news release dated April 3, 2024) at an exercise price equal to the Issue Price (as such term is defined in the news release dated April 3, 2024).

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Statement

The Company's exploration core drilling programs have utilized HQ and/or NQ sized core. After each drill run, core was placed in designated core boxes by the drill contractors and was delivered directly to the Company's field office in Jefferson, SC, located approximately 6 kilometers from the Brewer property, at the end of each shift. The core was logged and marked for sampling and assaying by geologists contracted by Rush. Samples, typically 1.5 meters in length, were sawn in half using a diamond core saw and one-half of the core was placed in sample bags and tagged with unique sample numbers, while the remaining half was kept in the core box for storage. Each bagged core sample was shipped to the assay laboratory where it was dried, crushed and pulverized to >80% passing -200 mesh. Gold was analyzed by fire assay (30 g) with an AA (atomic absorption) finish with detection limits of 0.005 g/t gold. Samples containing greater than 10.0 g/t gold are analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Multielement analyses were analyzed with ICP-MS/ICP-AES following a four-acid digestion. Strict sampling and QA/QC protocols are followed, and assay integrity is monitored internally with a quality control program including the insertion of gold standards and blanks in the sample stream on a regular basis.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Patrick Quigley, MSc, CPG-12116, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About Carolina Rush

Carolina Rush Corporation (TSXV: RUSH) (OTCQB: PUCCF) is exploring the Carolina Terrane in the southeastern USA. Its flagship Brewer Gold-Copper Project is located at the past-producing, 397-hectare Brewer Gold Mine property in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 17 kilometers along trend from the producing Haile Gold Mine. In January 2023, the Company signed exclusive mineral exploration lease and purchase option agreements for both the 246.6-hectare New Sawyer Gold Mine Property and the 54.6-hectare Sawyer Gold Mine Property, both located on the Sawyer Gold Trend and in Randolph County, North Carolina.

For further information, please contact:

Layton Croft, President and CEO, or

Jeanny So, Corporate Communications Manager

E: info@thecarolinarush.com

T: +1.647.202.0994

For additional information please visit our web site: www.TheCarolinaRush.com and our Twitter feed: @TheCarolinaRush.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, failure to receive final listing approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206621

SOURCE: Carolina Rush Corporation
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Big Gold Inc. (CSE: BG) (FSE: H7L) (the "Company" or "Big Gold") is pleased to announce that initial priority drill targets have been outlined for the Company's upcoming maiden drill program at the Tabor Project in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt in Northwestern Ontario (Figure 1).

The Company is currently planning to drill a minimum of 1,500 metres in its inaugural drill program at Tabor, which is immediately adjacent to Goldshore's Moss Gold Project that hosts current inferred or higher category mineral resources of 6.73 million ounces gold, including an Indicated Resource of 1.535 million ounces gold grading 1.23 g/t and an Inferred Resource of 5.198 million ounces gold at a grade of 1.11 g/t* ("Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada" prepared by Michael B. Dufresne M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., and Warren E. Black, M.Sc., P.Geo., of APEX Geoscience, March 21, 2024). The planned diamond drill program will test specific chargeability/resistivity anomalies outlined in the data collected in the Induced Polarization (IP) and resistivity survey completed earlier this year, as well as follow-up compilation and geological reviews of historic work from the East Divide and Cornell targets (Figure 2).

Scott Walters, CEO of Big Gold, remarked: "Our technical team has been working diligently with our 2D and 3D geological databases and has been finalizing the drill targets for our maiden drilling program. We have outlined four top priority drill targets among numerous others that cover a strike length of 7.5 kilometres along the gold trend in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. We are excited that our neighbours, Goldshore Resources, will also be drilling right next door this summer."





Figure 1: Tabor Project in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt with Regional Claim Holders

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Figure 2: Tabor Project Priority Drill Targets, 2024

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9105/206599_3fc8a0a324c51b02_002full.jpg

The Company expects to conduct on-site ground truthing and evaluation of various IP generated targets and historical work in the coming weeks to help identify refined drill pad locations prior to commencing the maiden drilling campaign.

Big Gold also announces that it has filed an amended Offering document related to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.biggold.ca.

Prospective investors should read this amended offering document before subscribing for any securities issued in connection with the Offering.

About the Tabor Maiden Drill Program Targets

The technical team has been building a 2D and 3D database with compiled historical and new data gained from Big Gold's exploration programs, including surface sampling, infill sampling, and the ground IP survey. The technical team is planning a spring site visit to complete ground truthing IP targets and finalize drill pad locations for the summer drill program.

About the Tabor Project

Tabor is adjacent to the east, along trend of Goldshore's Moss Lake gold deposit that hosts current inferred or higher category mineral resources of 6.73 million ounces gold, including an Indicated Resource of 1.535 million ounces gold grading 1.23 g/t and an Inferred Resource of 5.198 million ounces gold at a grade of 1.11 g/t* and Tabor is located approximately 20 km to the west of the Delta Resources Delta-1 Project ("Delta-1")* (Technical Report filed March 21, 2024 www.goldshoreresources.com).

Gold mineralization on the Project is, at least in part, associated with quartz veins, shearing and more abundant sulphides. Geological and mineralization characteristics at Tabor are similar to those found on some of the neighbouring properties, including Goldshore's Moss Lake project where a recent drill hole intersected 2.17 g/t gold over 50.35 m and at the Delta-1, where Delta Resources Limited recently (March 1, 2024) reported a drill intercept of 15.94 g/t gold over 10 m.

Qualified Person

Bruce Durham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person, as that term is defined by Canadian regulatory guidelines under NI 43-101, and confirms he has read and approved the technical information contained in this press release.

*The Project is at an early stage of exploration, and the Company cautions that the qualified person who has reviewed and approved this news release has not verified scientific or technical information produced by third parties, and proximity to projects containing gold resources offers no assurance that the rock types, mineralization or gold resources reported by Goldshore and others extend onto the company's project and such proximity is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization reported by third parties with projects in the district.

About Big Gold Inc.

Big Gold Inc. is a junior mining exploration company. Its initial focus is to conduct exploration programs on the Martin Kenty and Tabor projects located in Ontario. Big Gold will also continue to consider other opportunities as they arise, with the objective of acquiring and exploring early-stage base and precious metal projects. Learn more about the Company on its website: https://biggold.ca/.

For more information, please contact investor relations at investors@biggold.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Scott Walters

President and CEO

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206599

SOURCE: Big Gold Inc.
Coppernico Metals Inc. ("Coppernico" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its Peruvian subsidiary Sombrero Minerales S.A.C. has now received all permits, including the water permit, required for drilling at its Sombrero Project ("Sombrero" or the "Project") in Peru (see Figure 1 for the permitted area). The Sombrero Project represents a rare exploration opportunity to potentially expand the prolific Andahuaylas-Yauri trend, host of world-class copper mines such as Las Bambas, Haquira, Los Chancas, Cotabambas, Constancia, Antapaccay, and Tintaya. Coppernico's next step includes finalizing additional capital to fund drilling now that permits are secured.

Figure 1 - Permitted Drill Area at the Sombrero Main/Nioc Area[1]

Ivan Bebek, CEO of Coppernico commented, "Receiving the final permit puts the Company in a position to commence the first copper-focused exploration program at its Sombrero Project. We are thankful for the cooperation and the support of the local community as well as to our shareholders who have waited patiently for these permits."

Mr. Bebek added, "The timing of this milestone - obtaining drill permits after recently completing a 3-year surface access agreement with the local community - coincides very well with current rising copper prices which are supported by a strong outlook for copper."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ivan Bebek

Chair & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Coppernico Metals Inc.

Phone: +1 778 729 0600

Email: info@coppernicometals.com

Website: www.coppernicometals.com

Twitter: @CoppernicoMetal

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/coppernico-metals/

About Coppernico

Coppernico is a mineral exploration company focused on creating value for shareholders and stakeholders through careful project evaluation and exploration excellence in pursuit of the discovery of world-class copper-gold deposits in South America. The Company's management and technical teams have a successful track record of raising capital, discovery and the monetization of exploration successes. The Company, through its Peruvian subsidiary Sombrero Minerales S.A.C., is currently focused on the Sombrero project in Peru, its flagship project, and is reviewing additional premium projects in South America.

The Sombrero Project is a land package of approximately 100,000 hectares located in the north-western margins of the world-class Andahuaylas-Yauri trend in Peru. It consists of a number of prospective exploration targets characterized by copper-gold skarn and porphyry systems, and precious metal epithermal deposits. The Company is in the final stages of preparing a NI 43-101 technical report which focuses on the Sombrero Main and Nioc target areas.

Coppernico is currently an unlisted public reporting issuer. The Company intends to seek a listing on a recognized stock exchange once it qualifies to do so. For more information, please visit www.coppernicometals.com.

Cautionary Note

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events about which there cannot be any certainty. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company's exploration and drill plans and the Company's plans to finance and list the Company's shares on a recognized stock exchange. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should refer to the risks discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators, available at www.sedar.com.

No regulatory organization has approved the contents hereof.

[1] The map illustrates the primary area of interest related to the drill permit covering a span of 563.37 hectares. There are 3 additional smaller areas, not depicted in the map, which collectively contribute to the total Permit land package of 972.92 hectares.

SOURCE: Coppernico Metals Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mandalay Resources Corporation ("Mandalay" or the "Company") (TSX: MND) (OTCQB: MNDJF) announced today that it has expanded the Storheden gold deposit, 600 meters ("m") from the Bjorkdal mine, on-strike to over 1.6 kilometers ("km") and at depth of approximate 200 m with high-grade gold intercepts. This press release is the first in a series of updates on our 2024 regional exploration progress at Bjorkdal.

Program Highlights

Drilling confirms Storheden along strike to over 1.6 km;

Doubled known system depth to ~200 m;

Mineralization characterized by high grade gold intercepts (assay highlights below);

Structural setting akin to multi-million ounce Bjorkdal deposit located 600 m southwest; and

A mining concession was secured in 2018 over a significant portion of the area.

Assay Highlights

70.2 g/t gold over 0.45 m (ETW 0.15 m) in SH-06 at 136 m;

(ETW 0.15 m) in SH-06 at 136 m; 39.7 g/t gold over 0.70 m (ETW 0.45 m) in SH-06 at 120 m;

(ETW 0.45 m) in SH-06 at 120 m; 7.3 g/t gold over 3.05 m (ETW 1.96 m) in SH-11 at 225 m; and

(ETW 1.96 m) in SH-11 at 225 m; and 33.0 g/t gold over 0.40 m (ETW 0.26m) in SH-21 at 90 m.

Note: Further intercept details including significant intercepts within composite intervals can be found in the appendix to this document. ETW = Estimated True Width

Chris Davis, VP of Exploration and Operational Geology, commented:

"I am pleased to share progress on our 2023 initiatives at Storheden. This deposit has not been thoroughly explored in comparison to our extensive Bjorkdal deposit however it is showing promising signs of gold mineralization. In 2023, about 5,150 m were drilled across 22 drillholes targeting two separate objectives: depth extension with verification of system geometries and strike extension of the shear system.

"This extensive drill testing program covered over 1.6 km and reached depths of approximately 100 m. It revealed many similarities to Bjorkdal and we are pleased to report success with high-grade gold discovered at depth and along strike. Moreover, this campaign also provided valuable insight into modelling the deposits.

In 2024, efforts at Storheden will prioritize diamond drilling to test the downward extensions of the mineralized zones and will be supplemented by generating regional targets using field mapping, soil sampling, and reconnaissance base-of-till drilling. Additionally, ongoing analysis of existing prospects will contribute to the development of new drilling targets and the continuation of exploration efforts based on the findings from previous campaigns."

Regional Exploration Ramp-up at Bjorkdal

During the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023 a total of 15,444 m, from 67 holes were drilled on prospective targets within the vicinity of the Bjorkdal mine (Figure 1). These targets were identified through analysis and interpretation of historical datasets and recent fieldwork conducted within Mandalay's active exploration permits. They represent areas of high potential for further mineral discoveries and underscore our commitment to advancing exploration efforts in the region.

Storheden Focus

The Storheden deposit is located roughly 600 m to the Northeast of the Bjorkdal mine (Figure 2-3). Mineralization was first identified in the area from "top of bedrock" geochemical drilling in 1987. Subsequently, while percussion drilling had been undertaken on the target delineating an extensive mineral system, the active mine (Bjorkdal) has been the focus for exploration efforts leaving Storheden underexplored. In 2017, confirmation drilling and modelling undertaken by Mandalay lead to the granting of a mining concession in 2018 encompassing the confirmed mineralized zone.

During 2023 a total of 5,149 m were drilled across 22 drillholes. Two separate targets were identified for drill testing.

Depth extension and verification of system geometries; and Strike extension of the system to the southeast where the Storheden shear is interpreted to interact with the marble horizon.

The primary aim of the 2023 deeps drilling campaign was to validate historical intercepts from percussion drilling and explore the down-dip extensions of the mineralized zone. Investigating the depth potential is important as the deposit is situated in part below the Bjorkdal tailings storage facility.

Previous models for the Storheden deposit have been limited by the lack of diamond drill core, with most data derived from percussion drilling. However, oriented core obtained from drilling during 2023 has made it possible to verify and extend upon existing models, demonstrating the down-dip continuity of mineralized veins controlled by a moderately, N to NE-dipping system of shears that runs parallel to the Skellefte-Vargfors contact.

Mineralized fluids appear to have utilized the rheological contact between relatively rigid volcanics of the Skellefte Group and weaker sedimentary sequences of the overlying Vargfors Group during deformation, in a similar manner to how shearing, fluid flow and mineralization in the Bjorkdal deposit is localized along the marble.

Mineralization in the Bjorkdal deposit has significant vertical continuity, with known mineralization dipping to the north-westalong a slope distance of 1500 m, while remaining open at depth. The potential for similar down-dip continuity of mineralization in Storheden remains open, with 2023 drilling demonstrating that mineralization extends beneath shallow historical intercepts.

Future programs will further test the down-dip potential of mineralization at Storheden, while extending the coverage of oriented drill core to verify historic data obtained from percussion drilling, particularly within the central section of the Storheden deposit.

Gold mineralization occurs predominantly in quartz veins, ranging in thickness from less than a centimetre to more than several decimetres. Gold rich quartz veins are often associated with minor sulphides such as pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite. In addition, scheelite, tsumoite and free gold are commonly observed in mineralised quartz veins Figure (figure 5 and 6).

During 2023, a limited drill program totaling 1,116 m across 6 drill holes targeted the eastern extension of the marble horizon hosting the Bjorkdal deposit, which is also situated along the projected SE extension of the Storheden shear system (Figure 1).

No drilling has previously targeted this area, however, limited historic drilling to the east has intercepted minor mineralized quartz veins. Despite its promising structural setting, the 2023 drilling showed that this area lacks the pervasive veining characterizing the Bjorkdal and Storheden deposits. This is tentatively attributed to a thickening of the marble towards the northern margin of the Bjorkdal dome that may have accommodated strain during deformation, inhibiting fracturing and veining within in its hanging and footwall.

Drilling and Assaying

At Bjorkdal, all diamond drill core was logged and sampled by Bjorkdal geologists. Exploration drill hole samples were sent to CRS Laboratories Oy ("CRS") in Kempele, Finland for sample preparation and assaying.

Assaying was primarily conducted utilizing the Pal1000 cyanide leaching processes. For sulphide -rich samples, Fire-Assaying conducted at MSALABS (FAS-221, 50 g charge) in Canada, following sample preparations (crushing, pulverizing) at CRS Kempele. Mandalay's rigorous QA/QC program included the use of standard reference samples, blanks, duplicates, repeats, and internal laboratory quality assurance procedures. (see March 31, 2023, Technical Report entitled "Technical Report on the Bjorkdal Gold Mine, Sweden", available on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ), which contains a complete description of drilling, sampling, and assaying procedures).

Qualified Person:

Chris Davis, Vice President of Operational Geology and Exploration at Mandalay Resources, is a Chartered Professional of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM CP(Geo)), as well as a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG) and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information provided in this release.

About Mandalay Resources Corporation

Mandalay Resources is a Canadian-based natural resource company with producing assets in Australia (Costerfield gold-antimony mine) and Sweden (Bjorkdal gold mine). The Company is focused on growing its production and reducing costs to generate significant positive cashflow. Mandalay is committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner, while developing a high level of community and employee engagement.

Mandalay's mission is to create shareholder value through the profitable operation and continuing the regional exploration program, at both its Costerfield and Bjorkdal mines. Currently, the Company's main objectives are to continue mining the high-grade Youle vein at Costerfield, ramping up production from deeper Shepherd veins, both of which will continue to supply high-quality ore to the processing plant, and to extend Mineral Reserves. At Bjorkdal, the Company will continue to produce from the Aurora zone and other higher-grade areas in the coming years, in order to maximize profit margins from the mine.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's expected production of gold and antimony and costs for the 2024 fiscal year. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, changes in commodity prices and general market and economic conditions. The factors identified above are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Mandalay. A description of additional risks that could result in actual results and developments differing from those contemplated by forward-looking statements in this news release can be found under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mandalay's annual information form dated March 28, 2024, a copy of which is available under Mandalay's profile at www.sedar.com. In addition, there can be no assurance that any inferred resources that are discovered as a result of additional drilling will ever be upgraded to proven or probable reserves. Although Mandalay has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Appendix

Table 1. Significant intercepts from the 2023 drilling programs at Storheden

HOLE ID FROM (M) TO (M) INTERVAL (M) ESTIMATED

TRUE

WIDTH (M) GOLD

GRADE

(G/T) GOLD

GRADE

DILUTED TO

1 M (G/T) SH-02 64.75 65.40 0.65 0.56 1.9 1.0 SH-02 88.00 88.70 0.70 0.61 5.6 3.4 SH-02 92.30 92.85 0.55 0.35 2.1 0.7 SH-02 97.85 98.30 0.45 0.39 6.0 2.3 SH-02 168.25 169.00 0.75 0.65 0.9 0.6 SH-04 70.60 71.25 0.65 0.56 1.1 0.6 SH-04 89.95 91.10 1.15 1.00 3.5 3.5 SH-04 112.50 113.00 0.50 0.25 7.1 1.8 SH-04 171.70 172.45 0.75 0.65 1.6 1.0 SH-04 181.10 182.40 1.30 0.84 14.6 12.2 SH-05 50.60 51.40 0.80 0.40 1.2 0.5 SH-05 96.70 97.20 0.50 0.43 1.9 0.8 SH-06 119.30 120.00 0.70 0.45 39.7 17.9 SH-06 133.70 134.05 0.35 0.27 1.7 0.4 SH-06 136.80 137.25 0.45 0.15 70.2 10.8 SH-07 113.10 115.40 2.30 1.15 1.9 1.9 SH-08 60.35 60.85 0.50 0.25 1.9 0.5 SH-08 74.20 74.80 0.60 0.52 1.0 0.5 SH-08 75.70 76.20 0.50 0.43 1.9 0.8 SH-09 104.50 108.00 3.50 2.25 3.4 3.4 SH-09 132.85 133.30 0.45 0.29 2.1 0.6 SH-11 223.10 226.15 3.05 1.96 7.3 7.3 SH-11 243.95 244.30 0.35 0.22 5.1 1.1 SH-11 248.50 248.90 0.40 0.31 1.5 0.5 SH-18 221.10 222.50 1.40 0.70 1.4 1.0 SH-18 231.60 232.50 0.90 0.45 2.7 1.2 SH-19 81.30 82.00 0.70 0.45 1.9 0.8 SH-19 92.10 93.10 1.00 0.64 1.3 0.8 SH-19 142.45 142.80 0.35 0.20 3.1 0.6 SH-19 221.70 222.45 0.75 0.43 1.5 0.7 SH-19 228.00 228.90 0.90 0.78 2.2 1.7 SH-19 290.35 290.85 0.50 0.43 1.5 0.6 SH-20 135.50 136.10 0.60 0.21 5.6 1.2 SH-20 140.80 141.30 0.50 0.25 2.1 0.5 SH-21 43.50 44.20 0.70 0.66 2.2 1.4 SH-21 47.90 48.60 0.70 0.61 1.2 0.7 SH-21 83.80 84.35 0.55 0.48 2.7 1.3 SH-21 87.20 87.80 0.60 0.34 1.4 0.5 SH-21 89.10 89.50 0.40 0.26 33.0 8.5 SH-21 118.50 119.10 0.60 0.21 3.3 0.7 SH-21 130.70 131.50 0.80 0.66 1.8 1.2 SH-22 48.30 49.20 0.90 0.74 3.0 2.2 SH-22 64.00 65.75 1.75 1.34 1.8 1.8 SH-22 70.00 71.10 1.10 0.84 3.0 2.6 SH-22 73.70 74.10 0.40 0.33 4.1 1.4 SH-22 109.85 110.20 0.35 0.20 3.2 0.6 SH-22 113.00 113.80 0.80 0.66 1.3 0.9

Notes 1. Where true widths are greater than 1m, grades are not diluted and are presented as the grade over the composite true width. 2. Composites that are below 0.5 g/t Au when diluted to 1 m are not reported in this table.

Table 2. Drill hole collar details from the 2023 drilling programs at Storheden

HOLE ID SWEREF

NORTH SWEREF

EAST SWEREF

ELEVATION DEPTH AZIMUTH

(SWEREF) DIP DATE

FINISHED SH-01 7213654 765396 138 302.15 144 -60 23/04/2023 SH-02 7213653 765396 138 309 173 -45 26/04/2023 SH-03 7213385 765255 138 151.5 150 -60 29/04/2023 SH-04 7213384 765257 138 307.6 351 -40 30/04/2023 SH-05 7213563 764932 147 199.95 234 -70 02/05/2023 SH-06 7213563 764933 147 275.2 329 -60 04/05/2023 SH-07 7213562 764933 147 197.6 129 -75 05/05/2023 SH-08 7213567 764834 148 251.3 94 -65 07/05/2023 SH-09 7213566 764835 148 202 323 -60 08/05/2023 SH-10 7213564 764835 148 79.4 320 -45 09/05/2023 SH-11 7213564 764835 148 301.6 339 -44 12/05/2023 SH-12 7213082 765995 145 205.35 160 -46 23/05/2023 SH-13 7213115 766240 143 190.6 166 -54 26/05/2023 SH-14 7213044 766561 138 151.35 166 -50 27/05/2023 SH-15 7213359 766545 140 157.8 165 -50 28/05/2023 SH-16 7213323 766824 151 235.2 160 -50 30/05/2023 SH-17B 7213147 766946 143 176.2 195 -50 03/06/2023 SH-18 7213889 763818 164 276.55 126 -62 05/06/2023 SH-19 7214039 763885 168 305.7 132 -61 09/06/2023 SH-20 7213869 764159 160 181.7 334 -62 12/06/2023 SH-21 7214047 764304 163 299.55 161 -61 16/06/2023 SH-22 7214043 764026 167 392.15 131 -67 21/06/2023

Frazer Bourchier, President and Chief Executive Officer; Edison Nguyen, Director, Business Valuations and Investor Relations, Contact: 647.258.9722

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Rush Rare Metals Corp. (CSE:RSH) ("Rush" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has added three new and highly prospective areas totalling 1,398 acres to the Copper Mountain Project (hereinafter "Copper Mountain" or the "Property"), which areas now join the original area subject to an earn-in agreement with Myriad Uranium Corp. (hereinafter "Myriad"). More details surrounding these new areas are provided below.

On October 18, 2023, Rush signed a property option agreement with Myriad pursuant to which Myriad has the option (the "Option") to earn up to a 75% interest in and to Rush's Copper Mountain Project, now covering approximately 4,200 acres near Riverton, Wyoming. To earn its 75% interest, Myriad must make expenditures on the Property and make share payments to Rush, and in addition Rush will retain a favourable split on early production (see previous Rush news release dated October 20, 2023 for full details).

Rush and Myriad have been conducting a comprehensive review of a cache of recently found historical documents indicating tens of millions of dollars in previous exploration work conducted at Copper Mountain, much of it by Union Pacific prior to 1980. The review is ongoing, but Myriad released an interim update referenced in a Rush news release dated November 1, 2023. The newly discovered documents include historical resource estimates, mining feasibility studies, geological reports, mining plans, drill logs, and a wealth of other highly useful data. This data has, in turn, provided enormous benefit to Myriad, allowing them to focus efforts on areas previously acknowledged to have the highest grades of uranium and to conduct advanced investigation into new areas that might otherwise have been considered as purely greenfield.

Also based on this data cache, additional areas around Copper Mountain, deemed by previous operators such as Union Pacific to be prospective based on drilling and other exploration work, have been identified by Myriad and Rush and, in turn, added to the Property area. The three most recently added areas are as follows:

The Midnight claim area, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 798 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 1 below and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 15, 2024.

claim area, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 798 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 1 below and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 15, 2024. The historic Bonanza and Kermac/Day uranium mines, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 280 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 2 below, and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 19, 2024.

and uranium mines, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 280 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 2 below, and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 19, 2024. Additional key grounds expanding control around the Canning area, secured by executing a 20-year mining lease, adding a further 320 acres as shown in Figure 3 below, and as described in Myriad's new release of April 22, 2024.



Figure 1. Addition of the Midnight Claim Area



Figure 2. Addition of the Bonanza and Kermac/Day Claim Area



Figure 3. Addition of Diamond X Claim Area

These newest areas are added to the Knob claims, also recently staked by Rush, and as described in the Company's news release of February 27, 2024. The Copper Mountain claim area is now comprised of 4,206 acres and contains a variety of former uranium mines and historical occurrences, including Allard, Mint, Gem, Canning, Fuller, Hesitation and the Arrowhead Mine, and now including Midnight, Knob and the Bonanza and Kermac/Day mines.

A map showing the whole claim area as it stands today is shown below in Figure 4.



Figure 4. Full Copper Mountain Claim Area

Rush CEO Peter Smith commented, "the significance of these new areas cannot be over-stated. Midnight was highlighted as a significant uranium prospect on historical maps. The Canning area is now expanded so that all historically significant areas of it are fully within our control. Bonanza and Kermac/Day were previous uranium producing mines. We've secured these new zones based on reports and data generated by millions spent by Union Pacific and others exploring Copper Mountain, decades ago. Now that there is tremendous pressure to ramp up domestic production of uranium again, we have these invaluable 'blueprints', in the form of historical data, to guide our ongoing expansion efforts. Myriad has done a tremendous job analyzing all this data and determining where all the best prospects are to add to our already massive potential at Copper Mountain."

Mr. Smith recently (in early April) visited Copper Mountain and produced a site-tour video, which can be viewed by clicking here, or by visiting our website's media page.

Rush's earn-in partner Myriad has produced an excellent project overview video for Copper Mountain, which can be viewed by clicking here.

About the Company

Rush currently has 100% ownership in two projects - the aforementioned Copper Mountain Property in Wyoming (subject to the earn-in agreement with Myriad described above), and a niobium prospect in Quebec called Boxi.

BOXI

Boxi is a road accessible property comprised of over 8,000 hectares a short distance from Mont Laurier. Boxi was formerly held by Areva S.A. (now Orano), which held the property based on early samples returning very high values for uranium. Note that this early work for Orano was also conducted by Resources Maxima, the company currently assisting Rush with exploration. Orano dropped the property following the Fukushima incident in 2013, and uranium mining was subsequently suspended in Quebec under a temporary moratorium still in place today. Rush originally acquired the property from Resources Maxima (who picked up the original core clams after they were dropped by Orano) on the strength of niobium values in samples taken in 2011.

Niobium is categorized as a critical mineral in Canada and is used to make strong, light weight and corrosion resistant steel, superconductors, and various other highly topical products. There are only three niobium mines of any significance in the world, two of them in Brazil, and the third, the Niobec Mine, just 350km from Boxi in Quebec. At Niobec, mining occurs at between 90 and 450 meters, and niobium grades are between 0.4 and 0.5% (based on previous disclosures made by Niobec's operator).

For more information about upcoming plans for the Boxi property, as well as exploration progress to date, please refer to our news release from April 2, 2024.

About Rush Rare Metals Corp.

Rush Rare Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on its Boxi Property located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Rush also owns the Copper Mountain Project located in Wyoming, USA, which it has optioned to Myriad Uranium Corp. For further information, please refer to Rush's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or contact Rush by email at psmith@rushraremetals.com or by telephone at 778.999.7030, or refer to Rush's website at www.rushraremetals.com.

Rush Contacts:

Peter Smith

Chief Executive Officer

psmith@rushraremetals.com

###

Mineralization hosted on adjacent or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

SOURCE: Rush Rare Metals Corp.

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(NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.)

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Aston Bay Holdings Ltd. (TSX-V:BAY)(OTCQB:ATBHF) ("Aston Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will conduct a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000. The Offering will consist of non-flow through units (the "Units") at a price of $0.12 per Unit (the "LIFE Offering"), and flow-through shares (the "FT Shares") at a price of $0.15 per FT Share.

Each Unit will consist of one Common Share and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire an additional Common Share (the "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.18 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Units to be issued under the LIFE Offering will be offered to purchasers pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, in all the provinces and territories of Canada, except Quebec. The FT Shares will be sold pursuant to the exemptions from the prospectus requirements in Canada other than the LIFE Exemption in each of the jurisdictions of Canada and in offshore jurisdictions. The FS Shares will be subject to statutory hold periods in accordance with applicable Canadian Securities Laws.

There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/news/all. Prospective investors of the Units should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration and development purposes of its projects in Nunavut, Canada and Virginia, USA and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about May 16, 2024 or such other date as the Company may determine, and is subject to receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company anticipates that current insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering. Subject to Exchange approval, finder's fees may be paid to persons who introduce the Company to investors. The Offering may be closed in one or more tranches as subscriptions are received.

The securities offered have not been 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 absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Aston Bay Holdings

Aston Bay is a publicly traded mineral exploration company exploring for high-grade copper and gold deposits in Virginia, USA, and Nunavut, Canada. The Company is led by CEO Thomas Ullrich with exploration in Virginia directed by the Company's advisor, Don Taylor, the 2018 Thayer Lindsley Award winner for his discovery of the Taylor Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit in Arizona. The Company is currently exploring the Storm Project property and Epworth property in Nunavut, as well as the high-grade Buckingham Gold Vein and critical metals prospects in central Virginia and is in advanced stages of negotiation on other lands with high-grade copper potential in the area.

The Company and its joint venture partners, American West Metals Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tornado Metals Ltd. (collectively, "American West") have agreed to form a 20/80 unincorporated joint venture and enter into a joint venture agreement in respect of the Storm Project property, which hosts the Storm Copper Project and the Seal Zinc Deposit. Under such agreement, Aston Bay shall have a free carried interest until American West has made a decision to mine upon completion of a bankable feasibility study, meaning American West will be solely responsible for funding the joint venture until such decision is made. After such decision is made, Aston Bay will be diluted in the event it does not elect to contribute its proportionate share and its interest in the Storm Project property will be converted into a 2% net smelter returns royalty if its interest is diluted to below 10%.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://astonbayholdings.com/.

The Company's public disclosure documents are available on www.sedarplus.ca.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this press release, including those regarding the closing and the use of proceeds of the private placement, management objectives, forecasts, estimates, expectations, or predictions of the future may constitute "forward-looking statement", which can be identified by the use of conditional or future tenses or by the use of such verbs as "believe", "expect", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "anticipate", "project", "plan", and words of similar import, including variations thereof and negative forms. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect, as of the date of this press release, Aston Bay's expectations, estimates and projections about its operations, the mining industry and the economic environment in which it operates. Statements in this press release that are not supported by historical fact are forward-looking statements, meaning they involve risk, uncertainty and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although Aston Bay believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which apply only at the time of writing of this press release. Aston Bay disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by securities legislation. We seek safe harbour.

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 news release.

THIS PRESS RELEASE, REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE CANADIAN LAWS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IN THE UNITED STATES. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED OR EXEMPT THEREFROM.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Thomas Ullrich, Chief Executive Officer

thomas.ullrich@astonbayholdings.com

(416) 456-3516

SOURCE: Aston Bay Holdings Ltd

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Targeting the European market, HD Hyundai Infracore will debut its groundbreaking innovations, including DEVELON's 'Concept-X 2.0' autonomous solution and the DL250-FCEV which runs on both hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric power.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai Infracore, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai's construction equipment business, will showcase its latest advancements under the new brand, DEVELON, at INTERMAT Paris 2024 from April 24th to 27th at Paris-Nord Villepinte, France.

DEVELON's autonomous solution, named 'Concept-X 2.0', will make its European debut, offering a preview of future construction site operations. Attendees at the 2,000-square-meter booth can witness a live demonstration featuring the cabinless DX225-CX crawler excavator and DD100-CX dozer, displaying the seamless coordination of autonomous machinery on construction sites.

Making appearance for the first time, DL250-FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), is a versatile machine designed to meet global carbon reduction trends. Running on hydrogen fuel cells with the flexibility to transition into a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the DL250-FCEV represents a significant step towards sustainable construction practices.

The booth will feature a new range of compact equipment alongside a full lineup of 1 to 10 tonne excavators, compact track loaders, dozers and other products to suit diverse customer needs. According to Off-Highway Research, mini-excavators dominated the European market in 2023, with over 90,000 units sold.

A separate booth will debut HD Hyundai Infracore's DX05 5L and DX08 7.5L off-highway engines, meeting Stage 5 emission regulations with enhanced power and durability. HD Hyundai Infracore's DEVELON booth and Engine booth respectively, will also showcases various sustainable products, including electric and hybrid excavators, a new lineup of five electric battery packs, and a hydrogen combustion engine.

A representative of HD Hyundai Infracore commented, "INTERMAT Paris 2024 will be an opportunity to introduce DEVELON's next generation technologies and products that are targeted towards the European market. Our goal is to improve customer satisfaction by listening to what they need and providing innovative solutions that meet such requests."

Additionally, DEVELON's remarkable achievements were recently acknowledged with the grand prize for Brand Identity Renewal at the prestigious German iF Design Award 2024, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in brand innovation and communication.

Witness DEVELON's autonomous solution firsthand at the HD Hyundai Infracore booth at INTERMAT Paris 2024. For further details on HD Hyundai Infracore, visit www.hd-infracore.com/en.

Media contact:

Billie Lee

Manager

HD Hyundai

billie.lee@hd.com

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CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer Awards Are Based on Verified Customer Ratings

ALBUQUERQUE, NM / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / CARFAX is pleased to announce that Power Ford has earned a unique honor: It is a CARFAX 5X Top-Rated Dealer. These dealerships have been named a CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer in each of the five years of this program. The program honors dealerships around the U.S. for their exceptional service based on verified customer reviews. These 2023 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealers received an average of at least 4.7 stars out of a possible 5.

Power Ford 5-year Top Rated Dealer Award

The image features recognition for Power Ford as a Top Rated Dealer for the fifth consecutive year.





These dealers have built trust and transparency with their customers - and maintained it over the long haul, said Gregg Cleary, CARFAX Vice President of Dealer Business. CARFAX has more than 5.4 million verified ratings and reviews, and these dealers have been crushing it to earn the Top-Rated distinction in each of the past 5 years. We applaud their success and can't wait to see how they'll win over customers in the future.

Rob Sneed, Managing Partner at Power Ford, remarked upon receiving the accolade: "Being named a top-rated dealer on CARFAX.com for five consecutive years underscores our team's unwavering commitment to exceptional client service. Our staff exhibits profound pride in their work, continually aiming to provide an ownership experience that stands out in the industry. I am immensely proud of their dedication and feel privileged to lead such a dedicated team."

Recognition for Power Ford as a 2023 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer can be found on the CARFAX Vehicle History Reports they provide to their customers.

ABOUT CARFAX

CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX vehicle history information since 1984.

ABOUT POWER FORD

Power Ford, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a premier Ford dealership dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and a comprehensive selection of Ford vehicles. Celebrated as the most awarded Ford dealer in New Mexico, Power Ford stands out for its commitment to excellence as demonstrated through numerous customer reviews. Learn more at MyFordDealer.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Matt Sneed

Power Ford

communications@myforddealer.com

505-449-1241

Contact Information

Matt Sneed

Director of Operations

matt@myforddealer.com

505-449-1241

SOURCE: Power Ford

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LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Red Cloud Technologies Ltd., a global technology company headquartered in London that is leveraging AI-powered technology to make global commerce simpler, today announced that it will be presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2024 on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 8AM (Local Time-PST). Justin Floyd, CEO of RedCloud Technologies Ltd., will deliver a presentation on how RedCloud is seeking to build the world's leading trading platform for retailers using AI and Open Commerce. He will demonstrate the power of this technology to help retailers engage with the world's innovative fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands, and access the multi-trillion-dollar FMCG sector which is expected to continue experiencing strong growth, according to Proficient Market Insights. He will share why he believes AI-powered Open Commerce is the future of B2B commerce, leveraging AI-driven search, discovery and trade for the next wave of retailers and existing retailers, as they continue to move towards digitization.

To access the live presentation, please use the following information:

Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2024

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time (08:00 AM Pacific Time)

Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3026/50112

If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with Red Cloud Technologies Ltd., 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

About RedCloud Technologies Ltd.

RedCloud Technologies Ltd. is a global technology company headquartered in London that is leveraging AI-powered technology to make global trade simpler. RedCloud's Intelligent Open Commerce Platform connects FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) Brands, Distributors, and Local Merchants on a single, equitable marketplace, empowering them with real-world insights and data to help them make better decisions. RedCloud enables FMCG Brands to seize new opportunities in emerging markets, facilitates access to more buyers & streamlines operations for Distributors, and helps Local Merchants spend more time selling products, not searching for them. The company comprises a highly diverse, dynamic team of driven, talented people from over twenty different countries, speaking multiple languages, with a physical footprint in Africa, Europe, and Latin America - https://www.redcloudtechnology.com/

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:

Investor Relations

Josh Rosenbaum

joshr@mindshareholdings.com

Source: RedCloud Technologies Ltd. via Planet MicroCap

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Orlando, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Atacama Resources International (OTC Pink: ACRL) announces the appointment of three new Directors.

The Board of Directors has approached John Grant, William MacRae and Greg Praver about accepting a position as Director of the Company. All three have accepted the role.

John Grant - Graduate of Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology with a three-year diploma in Geology Technology .

John Grant has been involved in all aspects of the Mining and Exploration industry for 48 years with a primary focus on the geophysical aspect of the industry. He is a resident of Timmons, Ontario. John was a senior field geophysical manager of Geophysical Engineering from 1975 to 1980.



He had previously acted as the exploration Manager and the owner of Exsics Exploration Ltd. He also managed numerous exploration programs for major and junior mining companies through Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Manitoba, British Columbia and Nevada. John is a Fellow of the Geological Association of Canada, a member of the Certified Engineering Technologists of Ontario and a member of the PDAC.

William MacRae - Masters University Honors BSC, McMaster University postgraduate degree in Geology.

William has been in the mining industry for more than 43 years. He is a resident of Timmons, Ontario. Bill has worked for Noranda, Newmont, Kinross Gold, Placer Dome, several Junior Exploration companies, the Geological Survey of Canada and the Ontario Geological Survey. He acted as the VP of Exploration (Ontario) for Matamec Exploration from 2007 to 2008 and has been a director and member of the Audit Committee of RJK Explorations since 2017. He was the Exploration Manager in Timmins for the Canada Nickel Company from 2019 to 2023 and played a role in taking the Crawford Nickel deposit from grassroots exploration to a bankable feasibility over the course of four years.



Mr. MacRae held executive positions on volunteer boards, including acting as the president of Porcupine Prospectors and Developers since 1975, the vice president of Ontario Prospectors Association since 1998, the Executive Director of Timmins Economic Development Corporation from 1991 to 2011, and as a Director on the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation Board since 2021. He has a good working relationship with all levels of government from municipal to federal and a long working history with the Ontario Minister of Mines.

Greg Praver - University of Tampa, BA Cum Laude in Communication and journalism honors program.

Greg Praver has been working for the Company as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Investor Relations since December 2023. Mr. Praver is a resident of Stamford, Connecticut. From October 2022 through December 2023, Mr. Praver developed community relationships and created new business as a life insurance field underwriter, agent, and independent broker for Symmetry Financial Group.

This will be addressed at the 2024 Annual Shareholders Meeting held at a date in the near future.

CEO Glenn Grant adds, "Having two new Directors, John and Bill, who oversee our day-to-day mining exploration activity enhances our program. We feel that having representation from them to protect the interests of our shareholders is a step in the right direction. They bring a plethora of experience transcending companies, and we are lucky to have them. Additionally, with what Greg Praver has contributed to the company with his business development leadership as our COO, it is time for him to be a Director."

Atacama Resources International remains committed to maintaining transparency, delivering shareholder value, and advancing its position as an innovative force in mineral exploration.

About Atacama Resources International ( www.acrlintl.com )

Atacama Resources International is a publicly traded OTC Pink company with significant mining claims in the greater Kirkland Lake area of Northern Ontario. Metals and minerals under potential exploration include gold, silver, lithium, graphite, cobalt, and diamonds. Please visit the company's website at www.acrlintl.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information outlined in this news announcement may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Atacama Resources International. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the Company's industry, management beliefs, and certain assumptions made by its management. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise, and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements can be found in the Company's periodic reports filed with OTC Markets. Unless required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise to reflect future events or circumstances or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

For more information, please contact Greg Praver, COO, at gregpraver@acrlintl.com, or Glenn Grant, CEO, at ggrant@acrlintl.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206651

SOURCE: Atacama Resources International Inc.
The Campaign, in Celebration of Oliver's 30th Anniversary as Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, Showcases the Power of Ancient African Grain Fonio

For over three decades Garrett Oliver, the James Beard Award Winning Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, has continued to be a beacon of innovation in the craft beer movement, skillfully blending his passion for crafting exceptional beers with a steadfast commitment to social change within the industry and beyond. In celebration of his 30th anniversary with Brooklyn Brewery this year, Oliver is proud to unveil the "Brewing for Impact" campaign, an initiative that not only honors Oliver's enduring influence but also embarks on a collaborative exploration with breweries worldwide, spotlighting the versatile, climate-resistant, ancient West African grain fonio and its untapped brewing potential.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424076777/en/

(Graphic: Business Wire)

The "Brewing for Impact" initiative is rooted in Garrett's belief in beer's power to unite people, cultures, and traditions. Embracing this vision, Garrett has mobilized a diverse coalition of brewing partners including Maison Kalao from Senegal, Thornbridge from the UK, Omnipollo from Sweden, Carlsbergfrom Denmark, Russian River from the US, Jing-A from China, and Guinness, alongside Brooklyn Brewery each tasked with crafting a unique beer made with fonio, a grain in the millet family, which has thrived in West Africa for over 5,000 years. Since pioneering fonio brewing in 2019, Garrett aims to further illuminate the super grain's brewing prowess with this campaign, while also nodding to beer's origins in Africa, reminding us of the continent's rich contribution to the brewing world.

Oliver explains: "In some ways 'Brewing For Impact' is the most important work I've ever done. If what we've started truly catches hold in the industry, we will hopefully start seeing the wider use of a grain that has no need for irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides or other chemical inputs. It also supports soil regeneration while providing a vital source of income for thousands of smallholder farms in West Africa, which are predominantly female-ledall while making some really fantastic beers. What more can you ask for?"

Rolling out throughout 2024, the global campaign will feature a series of limited edition beers that spotlight fonio's remarkable qualities and potential to drive positive change, with each respective brewery contributing its own expertise and creativity to the lineup. The collaborations, listed in order of their release, are as follows:

April Maison Kalao (Senegal): The"Brooklyn A Dakar" Pilsner, coming in April, is the latest from a newer lineage of fonio beers at Maison Kalao, initiated after witnessing Oliver's innovative use of the grain grown in their own country.

The"Brooklyn A Dakar" Pilsner, coming in April, is the latest from a newer lineage of fonio beers at Maison Kalao, initiated after witnessing Oliver's innovative use of the grain grown in their own country. May Thornbridge (UK): Launching in May, Thornbridge Brewery introduces the world's first Pale Ale Cask Beer made with fonio. This blend of tradition and innovation celebrates a 15-year friendship, rooted in Oliver's admiration for British cask ale, the tradition that sparked his brewing career.

Launching in May, Thornbridge Brewery introduces the world's first Pale Ale Cask Beer made with fonio. This blend of tradition and innovation celebrates a 15-year friendship, rooted in Oliver's admiration for British cask ale, the tradition that sparked his brewing career. June Omnipollo (Sweden): Omnipollo's "Blacker Chocolate Stout," set for release in June, reimagines the first beer Oliver ever brewed for Brooklyn Brewery "Black Chocolate Stout" with a focus on fonio's sustainability.

Omnipollo's "Blacker Chocolate Stout," set for release in June, reimagines the first beer Oliver ever brewed for Brooklyn Brewery "Black Chocolate Stout" with a focus on fonio's sustainability. July Carlsberg Laboratory (Denmark): The launch of a 100% fonio beer in July is a collaboration with Carlsberg Research Lab, showcasing both Carlsberg's and Garrett's enthusiasm for pioneering sustainable brewing practices and exploring fonio's potential in new frontiers of beer.

The launch of a 100% fonio beer in July is a collaboration with Carlsberg Research Lab, showcasing both Carlsberg's and Garrett's enthusiasm for pioneering sustainable brewing practices and exploring fonio's potential in new frontiers of beer. August Russian River (US): Russian River's Fonio Belgian blonde ale emerges from the deep friendship between Garrett and the owners of Russian River, Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, and their shared commitment to excellence coupled with a desire to explore being more sustainable in brewing.

Russian River's Fonio Belgian blonde ale emerges from the deep friendship between Garrett and the owners of Russian River, Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, and their shared commitment to excellence coupled with a desire to explore being more sustainable in brewing. September Brooklyn Brewery (US): In September, Brooklyn Brewery adds to its impressive fonio beer lineup with a new pale ale brewed with fonio, embodying the "Brewing for Impact" ethos and Oliver's continued innovation with the grain.

In September, Brooklyn Brewery adds to its impressive fonio beer lineup with a new pale ale brewed with fonio, embodying the "Brewing for Impact" ethos and Oliver's continued innovation with the grain. October Jing-A (China): Releasing in October, the West Coast IPA made with fonio underscores a unique connection between Oliver and Jing-A who first introduced Garrett to Beijing's brewing culture while exploring the historical significance of native grains like fonio.

Releasing in October, the West Coast IPA made with fonio underscores a unique connection between Oliver and Jing-A who first introduced Garrett to Beijing's brewing culture while exploring the historical significance of native grains like fonio. November Guinness (US): Guinness's "Fonio Stout," launching in November, highlights Garrett's long-time adoration and respect for the iconic brand who have deep roots in Africa and around the world and reflects his personal ties to Ireland-both a major source of inspiration throughout his brewing career.

The "Brewing for Impact" series of collaborations will also be showing their support for The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, an organization founded by Garrett Oliver himself. The Foundation which is dedicated to funding scholarship awards for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) within the brewing and distilling trades will receive a portion of the proceeds from all the beer released under this campaign.

Garrett's brewing exploration with fonio was inspired by esteemed Senegalese Chef Pierre Thiam, whose pioneering food company Yolele has played a pivotal role in introducing fonio to the Western world. Captivated by Thiam's TED talk, Oliver saw the potential of fonio cultivated in West Africa for over 5,000 years and recently celebrated as part of the UN's "year of the millet" and embarked on a mission to create beers with the grain that not only taste exceptional but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system. His advocacy for fonio underscores its environmental resilience, nutritional profile, and its role in supporting rural African communities. Fonio, known as the "seed of the universe," thrives in nutrient-poor soil in the arid regions near the Sahel Desert where other crops fail, without the need for fertilizers or pesticides. It also supports soil regeneration while providing a vital source of income for smallholder farms in West Africa, which are predominantly female-led.

Through the "Brewing for Impact" campaign, Oliver seeks to highlight fonio's adaptability and its role in ushering in a brewing future centered on sustainability and social awareness. The widespread interest from breweries around the globe in joining this campaign underscores the recognition of Oliver's substantial contributions to craft beer and his mission, and it encourages the global community of beer enthusiasts to both celebrate the legacy of a brewing pioneer, while looking forward to the promising role of fonio in the future of brewing.

For more information about "Brewing for Impact," please click here

ABOUT BROOKLYN BREWERY:

Brooklyn Brewery is a leading global independent craft brewer and a pioneer of the American craft beer revolution. From our home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we are always in the making, drawing inspiration from our local community of innovators, makers, and doers to spread the culture and creativity of craft beer to 30 states and over 30 countries on 5 continents. Learn more at brooklynbrewery.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424076777/en/

Contacts:

For More Information:

Sarah Usher

SU PR, Inc.

sarah@sarahusherpr.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - US Copper Corp. (TSXV: USCU) (OTCQB: USCUF) (FSE: C730) ("US Copper" or the "Company") announces that Martin Vydra has resigned as a director of the Company, effective immediately, in order to devote his attention to other professional commitments. The board of directors of the Company would like to thank Mr. Vydra for his contributions and they wish him success in his future endeavours.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, US Copper Corp (416) 361-2827 or email info@uscoppercorp.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "hopes", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned", "intends" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206653

SOURCE: US Copper Corp.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QI Materials", "QIMC" or the "Company"), announces that in an effort to develop marketable initiatives in the fields of clean and renewable energy, the Company is pleased to present a strategic development of its St. Lawrence Hydrogen Project in Quebec. QIMC's areas of interest include exploration for white hydrogen and helium (from natural sources), commercialization of affordable hydroelectric technologies and local biomethane production.

Description of QIMC hydrogen assets

In November 2022 (see news release dated November 10, 2022), QIMC acquired a 100% interest in three mineral claim properties, consisting of 248 mineral claims totalling 14,257 hectares, referred to as the St. Lawrence Hydrogen Project, located in Quebec.

Collaboration with INRS

Following Professor Richer-LaFleche's suggestions in 2022, QIMC has developed a strategy for acquiring properties in regions affected by rift zones intersecting Precambrian rocks rich in potassic, ultramafic and iron formations. These structural zones are associated with the presence of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, which by analogy with hydrocarbon host systems, could contain reservoir rocks and impermeable units essential to the preservation of hydrogen and/or helium.

In 2024, QIMC, in collaboration with INRS, plans to carry out a first phase of exploration for white hydrogen and helium on these vast properties located in Temiscamingue, near the Quebec-Ontario border (Fig. 1), and in Lac St-Jean (Fig. 2), and.

An intervention protocol coupling soil gas geochemistry, geophysics and optical and Lidar drone imaging is currently being developed by INRS to provide QIMC with an optimal exploration strategy considering the large surface areas of the Companies properties.

Figure 1: Simplified geological map of the Temiscaming rift area. QIMC's exploration permits are shown in red on the map.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7968/206608_881b032a84708807_002full.jpg

Figure 2. A) Elevation map of the Saquenay region and adjacent Precambrian terrains. B) Simplified geological map of the Saguenay rift area. QIMC's exploration permits are shown in red on the map.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7968/206608_881b032a84708807_003full.jpg

Management Change

QI Materials is pleased to announce the appointment of John Karagiannidis as its new President and CEO. Mr. Karagiannidis was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, and has been involved in over 300 transactions involving emerging private and public companies with a total value in excess of $2 billion.

Mr. Karagiannidis is currently a dealing representative at EMD Financial. Prior to EMD Mr. Karagiannidis worked at Marquest Capital Markets, Industrial Alliance Securities, and Desjardins Securities. Mr. Karagiannidis is an MBA graduate of the Ivey Business School (University of Western Ontario), LL.B from the University of Montreal and is a member of the Quebec Bar Association.

The Company wishes to extend its appreciation to Patrick Levasseur who has acted as Interim Chief Executive Officer since March 2024. Mr. Levasseur remains a director of QIMC.

"Hydrogen represents not just a solution, but a revolution in the energy landscape, unlocking boundless potential for sustainable power and a greener future. We are delighted to be collaborating with Marc and his team at the INRS on this," stated Mr. Karagiannidis.

About naturally occurring hydrogen and helium

Naturally occurring hydrogen and helium form from chemical and nuclear reactions deep underground. It is an attractive, sustainable energy option because, in addition to being a clean fuel, hydrogen may occur as a modern-day replenishing resource, unlike a hydrocarbon reservoir (natural gas, oil, etc.) which depletes.

Helium is a noble gas with distinctive chemical and physical properties for different scientific, industrial and bio-medical applications. It is an essential element of medical scanners (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), which is used to cool powerful magnets. Liquid helium is also used to cool certain metals to the extremely low temperatures required for electrical superconductivity. Furthermore, Helium is used as a protective atmosphere during the growth of monocrystalline silicon intended to manufacture integrated circuits and optical fibres.

The government of Quebec has recently announced the Quebec Green Hydrogen and Bioenergy Strategy, which has the purpose of creating a favourable environment to accelerate the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen. More information can be found through this link: Quebec Green Hydrogen Strategy (Quebec Green Hydrogen and Bioenergy Strategy | Gouvernement du Quebec (quebec.ca)).

About the INRS and Pr. Marc Richer-LaFleche, P.Geo.

The Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique ("INRS") is a high-level research and training institute. Pr. Richer-LaFleche's team has exceptional geological, geochemical and geophysical experience specifically in the regions of QIMC's newly acquired claims. They have carried out over six years of geophysical and geochemical work and collected thousands of C1-C4 Soil-Gas analyses.

M. Richer-LaFleche also holds an FRQNT grant, in partnership with Quebec MRN and the mining industry, to develop and optimize a Soil-Gas method for the direct detection of mineralized bodies and faults under Quaternary cover. In addition to sulphide gases, hydrogen was systematically analyzed in the numerous surveys carried out in 2023 in Abitibi, Temiscamingue and also in the Quebec Appachian.

In addition, the INRS team has several portable gas spectrometers and the sampling equipment and logistics necessary for taking gas samples and geophysical measurements on the ground or in the aquatic environment. He is a professional geologist registered with the Ordre des geologues du Quebec and is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein.

About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (FSE: 7FJ) (previously Quebec Silica Resources Corp.) is a mineral exploration, and development company with a diversified portfolio of natural resource assets including high-grade silica, hydrogen, and helium properties. QIMC is working toward becoming a sustainable supplier of resources which are essential in advanced batteries and the electrification of the new green economy.

QUEBEC INNOVATIVE MATERIALS CORP.

John Karagiannidis

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1 438-401-8271

For further information, please contact:

Email: info@qimaterials.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quebec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such 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 Quebec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206608

SOURCE: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / In a digital-first world, content is a strategic asset. Yet organizations seeking to maximize returns on their content are facing greater demands on their content operations than ever before, such as demands for more relevant content, delivered in near real time through a range of channels and across many devices. That's why Kontent.ai has introduced Mission Control, the Content Management (CMS) industry's first data-rich content operations dashboard that gives enterprise content teams complete visibility over their content and team workflows. Backed by a bold new brand, unveiled today, Kontent.ai is leading a new era of content management, driving meaningful outcomes for organizations worldwide.





Kontent.ai is leading a new era of content management

As content becomes a greater strategic business asset, Kontent.ai's product innovation and bold new brand identity speak to how we see the future of modern content management.





Kontent.ai delivers a powerful blend of insights and AI acceleration

Today's content teams are expected to deliver relevant content, seamless experiences, and tangible results. This undertaking alone is challenging. Factor in the need to act quickly, while meeting strict regulatory requirements and protecting brand integrity-and that challenge becomes immense. For large organizations especially, moving content from planning to publishing can contain frustrating bottlenecks and inefficiencies. But you can't fix what you can't see. And you can't optimize what you can't measure.

Kontent.ai's Mission Control, a first in the CMS world, is solving this black box of content operations. With actionable insights into workflow efficiency, team performance, author workload, and more, content teams can take targeted action to improve their processes and results. Mission Control is a critical complement to Kontent.ai's AI capabilities, another industry milestone. Leveraging AI to accelerate authoring, localization, translation, legal review, and ongoing maintenance and governance of content can deliver a radical step-change for organizations.

"Over the past six months, our teams have been developing a powerful suite of enterprise-grade capabilities, including Mission Control, designed to deliver transformational outcomes to our clients across their entire content operations," said Mark Ruddock, CEO of Kontent.ai.

As Kontent.ai solves both long-standing and emerging gaps in content management-through central access to data insights and AI accelerators across the content value chain, matched by tight governance-Kontent.ai customers are already seeing tangible advantages, like:

Streamlined processes, with an 80% decrease in content administration costs

Exceptional digital experiences, leading to a 286% increase in customer engagement

A measurable return on their investment, of 320% or more

As Kieran McGuire, Platform Product Manager from British Red Cross, said, "Everything about Kontent.ai has contributed to remarkable time savings for us. Their clear and user-friendly interface makes creating and publishing content easy, whilst their straightforward API and responsive support has made life easier for our developers. We have a great relationship and can trust that our feedback is heard and changing needs are adapted to. Overall, we're thrilled!"

Kontent.ai's new brand is a bold signal of what's to come

Today also marks the unveiling of Kontent.ai's new brand identity and website, both clear expressions of how the software vendor sees the future of modern content management.

Refreshingly plain-spoken. A focus on real customer stories with quantifiable outcomes. Self-paced discovery of industry solutions, use cases, and product capabilities: Kontent.ai's website caters to audiences who want to deeply explore the power and possibility of the leading CMS, without having to talk to a salesperson from the get-go.

"At Kontent.ai, our mission is to think differently-leveraging emerging technologies such as generative AI-to help our customers deliver a truly unparalleled return on their content," said Mark Ruddock. "Our new brand and website reflect this. We don't want to look or sound like what you might expect from traditional players in our sector."

Discover what an unparalleled return on content means for leading organizations like University of Amsterdam, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, and UNICEF on Kontent.ai's new website at: kontent.ai.

About Kontent.ai

Kontent.ai's mission is to help the world's leading organizations achieve an unparalleled return on their content. In the industry's first AI-powered CMS, content teams plan, create, and optimize content and deliver it to any channel-quickly, securely, and flexibly. Kontent.ai is designed to support organizations with exacting governance requirements, often in highly regulated industries and with complex content value chains. Tight permissions control all operations; enterprise-grade security and privacy keep content safe. With a demonstrated ROI of 320%, Kontent.ai customers, including?PPG, Elanco, Zurich Insurance, Cadbury, and Oxford University, benefit from a measurable step change in how their teams operate, increasing content velocity, mitigating risk, and maximizing yield. Kontent.ai is a Microsoft partner, MACH Alliance member, and recognized vendor by Gartner and Forrester. Learn more at: kontent.ai.

Contact Information

Vojtech Boril

Vice President, Global Marketing

vojtech.boril@kontent.ai

+420776874572



SOURCE: Kontent.ai

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Digital asset staking services provider Northstake will help to expand Kvarn Capital's offering for comprehensive and secure institutional investment opportunities

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Northstake , the digital asset staking provider regulated by the Danish Financial Authority, has extended its collaboration with Kvarn Capital to support Ethereum (ETH) staking services on the Kvarn X platform. The move will see Kvarn Capital broaden its existing digital asset investing and asset management services for clients while bringing Northstake's ETH staking capabilities to new audiences.

Joonas Jarvinen, Founder of Kvarn Capital, said: "This expansion into Ethereum staking is an exciting development for our clients in the Nordics, for the first time accessing institutional-grade staking services with Ethereum as the biggest PoS blockchain at the forefront. We're proud to enhance our service offerings and contribute to the growth of digital assets in the Nordic countries."

Allowing investors to access institutional-grade staking services further increases the utility and appeal of the Ethereum ecosystem as a whole, while ensuring that Kvarn's clients have direct access to unrivaled institutional staking services. As a highly regulated staking service provider, Northstake's services come with high standards of transparency and compliance with a verified source of funds, full control of validator nodes, and no commingling of assets.

Jesper Johansen , Founder and CEO of Northstake said: "We're pleased to see Northstake's services integrated into Kvarn X's suite, which includes a professional brokerage and custody platform, along with EU-compliant Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). This is a significant opportunity for us, as Kvarn X provides Northstake with important access to Nordic investors as they broaden their portfolios to include staked ETH. The demand behind this move furthers our belief that Ethereum staking products will be a key tool for institutional investors. We're looking forward to enhancing the investment options of Kvarn Capital's growing client base. "

Northstake has exhibited strong growth, financially and reputationally since beginning operations in 2021. Having raised $3M in funding in 2023, the company has since announced collaborations and integrations with Coinify , GL21 Capital , Kvarn Capital , Flare Network , NEAR Protocol , Polygon and, most recently, 3iQ. Northstake also boasts blue-chip partnerships with industry giants such as Fireblocks and Chainalysis. This, coupled with its expanding network presence, and strong financial support leaves the company well-positioned for further growth and success.

Jesper Johansen, CEO & Founder of Northstake is available for interviews.

About Northstake A/S

Northstake A/S is a highly regulated, custodial, virtual asset service provider offering compliant staking products for institutions. Northstake offers a variety of investment vehicles including single, multi-asset, thematic staking, and yield-generating products in addition to a suite of OTC and algorithmic trading services. Based in Denmark, Northstake acts as a bridge between traditional finance and the crypto world, simplifying and securing the way institutions invest in crypto. Through its proprietary multi-chain crypto staking platform, it carves out accessible pathways for investors to build yield-generating crypto products, giving investors the opportunity to be part of building the economies of tomorrow. Northstake A/S (VASP, FTID: 17520) is regulated under the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority ( DFSA ) and the 5th EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive ( AMLD5 ).

About Kvarn Capital

Kvarn is a professional and regulated partner for investments and asset management in the digital assets space. Kvarn X, a trading platform provided by Kvarn Capital, offers the largest selection of cryptocurrencies in the Nordics. Professional liquidity, seamless order execution, and institutional custody setup supported by Fireblocks infrastructure provide professional access to crypto trading for individuals and institutions. Kvarn Capital Oy (Kvarn X) is regulated under the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) as a Virtual Currency Service Provider (VASP) and as a Registered Electronic Money Institution (EMI). In addition to Kvarn X's professional brokerage and trading services, Kvarn Group's product range includes digital asset Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) tailored to the needs of professional investors. The funds are managed by Kvarn Asset Management, a registered alternative investment fund manager (AIFM), under the supervision of the Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA).

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/northstake-and-kvarn-capital-launch-ethereum-staking-services-on-kvarn-x-302126135.html
Court rules on China's first AI voice rights case, sounding alarm for industry

13:54, April 24, 2024 By Liu Caiyu ( Global Times

The Beijing Internet Court presides over the country's first AI voice rights case on April 23, 2024. Photo: Liu Caiyu/GT

The Beijing Internet Court ruled on Tuesday that a software company had infringed upon a person's rights after the company used an AI-powered tool to replicate her voice, without her consent, and sold it to other platforms.

This case is the first of its kind being ruled on in China, sounding an alarm for AI enterprises that they must obtain legal authorization before using a person's voice for large-model trainings and development.

The plaintiff, a voice-over artist surnamed Yin, found out in May, 2023 that her voice was being used in numerous audiobooks online without her consent. After investigating, she discovered that an AI-powered tool was being used to replicate her voice and sell it to different platforms for profit.

Yin believes that it was one cultural media company, with whom she had previous business dealings, that handed over the audio recordings of her audiobooks to another software company which then processed Yin's voice using AI technology and sold it to operator of the app "Magic Sound Workshop."

The court decided that the defendants - the cultural media company and the software company - are jointly responsible for compensating Yin for economic losses of 250,000 yuan ($34,507).

The operator of the app and the software company are also required to issue an apology to the plaintiff within seven days of the judgment taking effect.

Zhao Ruigang, vice-president of the Beijing Internet Court, told the Global Times that the case reflects an entire process of how a common audiobook being used as training material of AI and then finally being used in the product end. It reminds AI companies to first obtain legal authorization from individuals for their voice rights before further training, developing or selling their products, Zhao noted.

The court's ruling stated that a natural person's voice is identified by voiceprint tone and frequency, possessing unique and stable characteristics that can evoke thoughts or emotions associated with that individual. While a natural voice may be less recognizable after artificial intelligence synthesis, it does not imply that it is not legally protected, as the technology does not always sever the link with natural human voices.

In this scenario, even after AI synthesis, voices can still enable the public to create thoughts or emotions associated with the plaintiff, connecting that voice directly to the plaintiff and revealing her identity, the ruling said.

The new Civil Code protects the right to voice as an emerging portrait rights. This means that it is prohibited for any individual or entity to alter, damage, or falsify someone's voice, or to manipulate it using technology. The law prohibits the creation, utilization, or dissemination of someone's voice without their consent.

Li Zonghui, a research fellow Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics on AI rule of law, told the Global Times the case provides reference for similar AI disputes that if the AI-processed voice can still trace back to a natural person, it is a legitimate right that cannot be infringed upon.

Online platforms should also strengthen management and take measures such as removing infringing videos in a timely manner to better regulate AI industry, Li noted.

The nature of generative AI requires collecting a wide range of existing materials, including texts, images, and other works, even those still protected by copyright, thus it poses a significant risk of copyright infringement, Li said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Metomic surveyed more than 400 CISOs to better understand the biggest challenges security leaders are up against in 2024, along with their top priorities and initiatives

Metomic, a next generation data security solution for protecting sensitive data in the new era of collaborative SaaS, GenAI and cloud applications, today released its "2024 CISO Survey: Insights from the Security Leaders Keeping Critical Business Data Safe." Metomic surveyed more than 400 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from the U.S. and UK to gain deeper insights on the state of data security. The report includes survey findings on various cybersecurity issues, including security leaders' top priorities and challenges, SaaS app usage across their organization, and biggest concerns with implementing generative AI solutions.

Data breaches are continuing to surge across industries, but particularly for healthcare, finance, and manufacturing organizations. According to industry reports, U.S. companies experienced 3,205 data breaches last year (up from 1,802 data breaches in 2022), with the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. climbing to $9.48 million in 2023.

According to Metomic's survey findings, CISOs from both the U.S. and UK rank data breaches as their top security concern. In the U.S. AI and emerging tech follow data breaches as a top concern. In the UK, phishing schemes and compromised accounts follow data breaches as a top concern. The survey revealed that 84% of CISOs plan to focus their time and efforts on security operations in 2024, followed by strategy and planning initiatives (82%), and security awareness and training (79%). Thirty-six percent of CISOs in the U.S. report their organization uses more than 200 SaaS applications to run the business.

When looking at the biggest concerns connected to generative AI, security breaches were at the top of the list with 72% of CISOs confirming they are a primary concern, followed by sensitive company data being used to train the LLMs powering generative AI solutions.

Here is a snapshot of the biggest insights from Metomic's CISO survey:

More than half of the survey respondents confirmed they have already experienced malware and phishing attacks on an occasional or frequent basis.

Creating and maintaining a strong security culture and awareness is a top challenge for both U.S. CISOs (41%) and UK CISOs (34%).

Nearly 60% of CISOs in the UK and U.S. say they should be spending more time on security ops, security awareness and training, and risk management.

The majority of respondents (80%) believe their organization runs security training programs for employees outside of the security organization often enough, while 93% believe employees have a high level of awareness when it comes to handling confidential and/or sensitive business data.

More than 80% of the CISOs surveyed somewhat or strongly agreed they can get the resources they need to do their job.

When looking at the number of SaaS apps businesses are currently using, 7% of U.S. CISOs and 4% of UK CISOs report their organizations have implemented more than 500 collaborative work apps.

Four-fifths of CISOs and IT security leaders plan to implement AI-powered tools to fight emerging AI-based security schemes and threats.

"Our research makes clear just how many challenges today's CISOs are up against. In addition to protecting their organization against data security threats, they are prioritizing security operations and implementing training programs while trying to build a security-focused culture across the organization. They are overseeing IT budgets, monitoring SaaS environments, and calculating the impact of AI on their security efforts. It's an exhaustive list that is becoming increasingly more difficult to manage," said Rich Vibert, co-founder and CEO, Metomic. "As part of the cybersecurity community, we conducted this survey to offer security leaders a helpful resource when building their own data security policies. Being a CISO can feel extremely isolating, especially when it's your job to manage the very tools your business uses to keep things moving forward. Metomic exists so that we can help CISOs better monitor their systems and networks by adding an extra layer of protection across their SaaS ecosystems."

The reality is that the more SaaS apps a business implements and the more employees it has, the greater the risk of vulnerable company data landing in the wrong hands (industry reports claim 95% of data breaches are the result of human error). Metomic's research found that 40% of the 6.5 million Google Drives it scanned included sensitive data that could put an organization at risk of a data breach or cybersecurity attack.

Metomic gives CISOs the tools they need to automate their most critical data security workflows while simultaneously providing security leaders and their teams full visibility into their organization's SaaS environments so that they can see what information is being shared within collaborative work apps and who is sharing it.

About Metomic:

Metomic's data security software for SaaS, GenAI and cloud was born out of the frustration of its leaders trying to implement SaaS applications that make businesses more productive but are off limits because of high-risk security concerns. As a next generation security solution focused on cloud-based applications, Metomic gives security teams clear visibility into their organization's SaaS network to manage sensitive data and detect security threats, allowing businesses to take full advantage of their SaaS application network. To learn more visit www.metomic.io.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424622547/en/

Contacts:

Claire Wilson

claire.wilson@metomic.io
HomeToGo SE

Societe europeenne Registered office: 9, rue de Bitbourg

L-1273 Luxembourg

R.C.S. Luxembourg: B249273 (the "Company") CONVENING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given to the holders of shares of HomeToGo SE that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

of shareholders will be held on 28 May 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CEST (the "AGM"). The AGM will be held at 41A, Avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. At the AGM, the shareholders shall deliberate and vote on the following agenda: AGENDA 1. Presentation of the combined management report regarding the annual accounts of the Company and the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 2. Presentation of the reports of the independent auditor (cabinet de revision agree) of the Company regarding the annual accounts of the Company and the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 3. Approval of the annual accounts of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 4. Acknowledgement of the loss of the Company made with respect to the financial year ended December 31, 2023, and resolution to carry forward the loss of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 5. Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 6. Presentation of and advisory vote on the remuneration report for the members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board in the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 7. Discharge (quitus) to Christoph Schuh, as member of the Supervisory Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Supervisory Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 8. Discharge (quitus) to Dr. Dirk Altenbeck, as member of the Supervisory Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Supervisory Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 9. Discharge (quitus) to Philipp Kloeckner, as member of the Supervisory Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Supervisory Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 10. Discharge (quitus) to Martin Reiter, as member of the Supervisory Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Supervisory Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 11. Discharge (quitus) to Susanne Sandler, as member of the Supervisory Board, for the performance of her duties as member of the Supervisory Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 12. Discharge (quitus) to Christina Smedley, as member of the Supervisory Board, for the performance of her duties as member of the Supervisory Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 13. Discharge (quitus) to Dr. Patrick Andrae, as member of the Management Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Management Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 14. Discharge (quitus) to Wolfgang Heigl, as member of the Management Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Management Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 15. Discharge (quitus) to Valentin Gruber, as member of the Management Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Management Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 16. Discharge (quitus) to Steffen Schneider, as member of the Management Board, for the performance of his duties as member of the Management Board for and in connection with the financial year ended December 31, 2023. 17. Renewal of the mandate of the independent auditor (cabinet de revision agree) of the Company, Ernst & Young Luxembourg, represented by partner Yves Even, in relation to the annual accounts of the Company and the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ending on December 31, 2024.

Quorum and Majority Pursuant to the Company's articles of association and the Luxembourg law dated 10 August 1915 on commercial companies, as amended, resolutions regarding items 3 to 17 of the agenda will be passed at a simple majority of the votes validly cast, regardless of the portion of capital represented, it being understood that item 6 constitutes an advisory vote only. Items 1 and 2 do not require any votes from the shareholders of the Company. Right to Amend the Content of the Agenda Pursuant to the Company's articles of association and the Luxembourg law of 24 May 2011 on certain rights of shareholders in listed companies, as amended (the "Luxembourg Shareholders' Rights Law"), one or several shareholders representing at least five percent (5%) of the Company's share capital may request the adjunction of one or several items to the agenda of the AGM, provided that the request is accompanied by a justification of or draft resolution(s). Pursuant to Article 4 of the Luxembourg Shareholders' Rights Law and the Company's articles of association, such request and justification of or draft resolution(s) must be received at the Company's registered office by registered letter or by e-mail (to the attention of the Management Board, 9, rue de Bitbourg, L-1273 Luxemburg) or electronic means (to:hometogo@linkmarketservices.eu) at least twenty-two (22) days prior to the date of the relevant general meeting of shareholders, i.e. by 6 May 2024 accompanied by a proof of the shareholding of such shareholder(s) and the address or e-mail address which the Company may use in order to deliver the acknowledgment of receipt of such request. The Company must acknowledge reception of such request within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of such request. In case such request entails a modification of the agenda of the relevant general shareholders' meeting, the Company will make an amended agenda available at the latest fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the general meeting, i.e. by 13 May 2024. Documents Copies of the proposals of the resolutions of the AGM as well as the documents related to the aforementioned items on the agenda will be on display for inspection by the shareholders on the Company's website (http://ir.hometogo.de/agm) and at the registered office of the Company as from 24 April 2024. Upon request to the centralizing agent of the Company (the "Centralizing Agent"), being: Better Orange IR & HV AG

Haidelweg 48

81241 Munich Germany

Fax: +49 89 889690633

E-Mail: hometogo@linkmarketservices.eu copies of the above-mentioned documents are going to be mailed to the shareholders. Share Capital of the Company The Company's share capital is set at two million four hundred forty-one thousand sixty-eight euro forty-five cents (EUR 2,441,068.45), represented by (i) two million two hundred ninety-one thousand six hundred sixty-seven (2,291,667) class B2 shares without nominal value, (ii) two million two hundred ninety-one thousand six hundred sixty-six (2,291,666) class B3 shares without nominal value, and (iii) one hundred twenty-two million five hundred fifty-five thousand six hundred forty-nine (122,555,649) class A shares without nominal value. Any reference made hereinafter to the "shares" or a "share" shall be construed as a reference to the class A shares and/or the class B shares, depending on the context and as applicable. The same construction applies to any reference made hereinafter to the "shareholders" or a "shareholder" of the Company. Each share entitles the holder thereof to one vote. Right to Participate and Vote in the AGM The rights of a shareholder to participate in the AGM and to vote shall be determined with respect to the shares held by that shareholder on 14 May 2024 at 24.00 (midnight) CEST (the "Record Date"). Any transferee having become owner of any shares after the Record Date has no right to vote at the AGM. Shareholders wishing to participate in the AGM without attending in person, shall provide a proxy or voting form (in accordance with sections "Voting Forms" and "Representation"). Registration for the AGM The Management Board considers that shareholders who provide proof of their shareholding on the Record Date and submit their voting form or provide a proxy as set forth in the below section "Representation", do not have to undertake other formalities to comply with the obligation set out in Article 5 (3) of the Luxembourg Shareholders' Rights Law. Proof of shareholding being a prerequisite for a shareholder to participate and vote in the AGM, shareholders whose shares are held in book-entry form through the operator of a securities settlement system or with a professional depositary or sub-depositary designated by such depositary must submit proof certifying the number of shares held on the Record Date (the "Certificate of Holdings") to the Centralizing Agent in the period from 14 May 2024 at 24.00 (midnight) CEST until 22 May 2024 at 18.00 CEST. To participate in and vote at the AGM, class B shareholders need to be recorded in the share register of the Company on 14 May 2024 at 24.00 (midnight) CEST. Attendance in Person The intention of a shareholder or proxyholder to participate in person in the AGM (the "In-Person Attendance Declaration") shall be notified by such shareholder or proxyholder to the Centralizing Agent in writing by mail or by e-mail no later than on 22 May 2024 at 18.00 CEST. In-Person Attendance Declarations are provided on the Company's website (http://ir.hometogo.de/agm) which may be used. Any shareholder or proxyholder participating in the AGM in person shall carry proof of identity. Voting Forms Shareholders who do not wish to participate in person in the AGM or appoint a proxy may cast their votes by sending a voting form to the Centralizing Agent by mail, e-mail or in any other form, and in particular by any other electronic means made available by the Company no later than on 22 May 2024 at 18.00 CEST (for further requirements see above sections "Registration for the AGM" and "Right to Participate in the AGM" for requirements to participate in the AGM). Voting forms provided by the Company on its website (http://ir.hometogo.de/agm) may be used and if used, only signed voting forms will be taken into account (including for the avoidance of doubt, signed pursuant to a valid, legal and binding power of attorney and/or signed electronically). Shareholders having submitted a voting form and who wish to revoke such voting form may do so by timely providing a later dated voting or proxy form or cancelling the voting form in writing to the Centralizing Agent of the Company at the address referred to above. Only the last voting or proxy form received by the Centralizing Agent before 22 May 2024 at 18.00 CEST will be considered. Representation In the event that any shareholder appoints another person as proxy to vote on their behalf, the completed and executed proxy form must be submitted by mail, e-mail or in any other form, and in particular by any other electronic means made available by the Company, to the Centralizing Agent of the Company no later than on 22 May 2024 at 18.00 CEST (for further requirements see above sections "Registration for the AGM" and "Right to Participate in the AGM" for requirements to participate in the AGM). Proxy forms provided on the website of the Company (http://ir.hometogo.de/agm) may be used and if used, only signed proxy forms will be taken into account (including for the avoidance of doubt, signed pursuant to a valid, legal and binding power of attorney and/or signed electronically). One person may represent more than one shareholder. Shareholders having submitted a proxy form but who wish to revoke such proxy form may do so by timely providing a later dated proxy or voting form or by cancelling the proxy form in writing to the Centralizing Agent of the Company at the address referred to above. If the Company and/or the Centralizing Agent receives more than one different voting document from a shareholder, only the last voting or proxy form received by the Centralizing Agent and/or the Company before 22 May 2024 at 18.00 CEST will be considered. Any voting document provided will be disregarded should the shareholder attend the AGM in person and collect a voting card. If, pursuant to a signed proxy form as described above, shareholders appoint a person other than the person appointed by the Company as their proxyholder, please note that the proxyholder will need to provide a new voting form in accordance with section "Voting Forms" in the name and on behalf of the shareholder. Shareholder Questions Shareholders, the proxyholder appointed by the Company and proxyholders of shareholders (in case such shareholders appointed individual proxyholders) that have correctly submitted their proof of shareholding (see above sections "Registration for the AGM" and "Right to Participate in the AGM") and carry proof of identity at the AGM, shall have the opportunity to ask questions to the Company at the AGM. The questions will be answered at the reasonable discretion of the Company and the Company is not required to answer all questions. In particular, questions may be summarised, combined or separated. Reasonable questions may be selected in the interest of the other shareholders, and questions from shareholders' associations and institutional investors with significant voting interests may be given preference. Language The AGM will be held in English.

Luxembourg, 24 April 2024 For the Management Board. Dr. Patrick Andrae

Chief Executive Officer and

member of the Management Board Steffen Schneider

Chief Financial Officer and

member of the Management Board


Hollywood, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - A&D Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, announces AIM, the next evolution of its Partner portal with enhanced AI integration. Short for Artificial Intelligence in Mortgage, AIM is set to revolutionize the mortgage industry, offering an even more streamlined and efficient experience for brokers and borrowers.





AIM-Artificial Intelligence in Mortgage



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/206540_real_4afd3b8d-957f-4b47-b552-c4c63b154a27.jpeg

The mortgage landscape is at constant development, and A&D Mortgage has always been at the forefront of innovation. With the release of AIM, the company has not only adapted to the ever-changing needs of the industry but has also set new standards for excellence.

Key Features of AIM

Key features of AIM include:

Advanced Technology Stack. AIM leverages an improved tech stack, allowing A&D Mortgage to provide greater customization and expansion of functions for the brokers' specific needs and adapt as the industry evolves.

Enhanced User Interface.The revamped user interface offers an intuitive and user-friendly design, making it easier for brokers to navigate the system. Brokers can now complete tasks faster and more efficiently, providing a smoother experience for both them and their clients.

Cutting-Edge Innovation Enhancement. Enhanced with cutting-edge technologies, AIM becomes the first in its class to offer an innovative broker platform meeting all Non-QM and Conventional mortgage requirements.

Point of Sale (POS) Integration. The new POS feature enables brokers to send a direct link to the 1003 application to their borrowers without the need to log in to a separate system, streamlining the application process and improving efficiency.

Compliance and Security. A&D Mortgage remains committed to the highest standards of data security and regulatory compliance. AIM incorporates advanced security measures and ensures compliance with all industry standards.

"We are excited to introduce AIM to the mortgage industry. This platform has been designed to provide an enhanced experience for brokers and borrowers alike, ultimately making the lending process more efficient and transparent," said Max Slyusarchuk, Founder and CEO at A&D Mortgage. "We believe that this technological leap will strengthen our position as a trusted partner for mortgage professionals across the nation."

A&D Mortgage has provided unparalleled mortgage solutions for years, and AIM is a testament to their commitment to excellence.

For more information on AIM and A&D Mortgage's comprehensive suite of mortgage lending solutions, please visit www.admortgage.com/aim.

About A&D Mortgage

As a premier direct mortgage lender, A&D Mortgage offers a full spectrum of conventional, government, and Non-QM loan products. The mortgage company stands out with their 24-hour turnaround times and some of the most competitive rates in the industry. In addition to their Prime Jumbo loan product, A&D Mortgage offers programs for Prime borrowers, Foreign National borrowers, as well as borrowers with imperfect credit histories. Programs with no income verification are also available for investment property loans. The company offers free concierge services, bank statement reviews, marketing tools and resources, and more for broker support.

A&D Mortgage LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID #958660. 1040 South Federal Highway, Hollywood, FL 33020. For important disclosures and state licensing information:

https://admortgage.com/important-disclosures/

Contact: Carl Holman, Communications Manager, carl.holman@admortgage.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206540

SOURCE: PRNews OU
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Yum! Brands

In the HowIGotHere series, you'll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Jon Hixson, Chief Sustainability Officer & Vice President of Government Affairs Yum! Brands in this installment.

EDUCATION

Trego Community High School

WaKeeney, Kansas, United States (1985- 1989)

WaKeeney, Kansas, United States (1985- 1989) Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas, United States Bachelor of Science, Milling Science and Management (1989 - 1993)

Manhattan, Kansas, United States Bachelor of Science, Milling Science and Management (1989 - 1993) George Washington University

Washington, D.C., United States Master of Business Administration, International Finance (1997 - 1999)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Jon was a curious and talented student with a great sense of humor.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a commodity trader. I grew up working on a farm that grew a tiny fraction of the global wheat production, so I was always interested in how the world produces and values food.

WORK

First Job

My first job was for ConAgra Flour Milling in Denver, Colorado. I took the job because I thought I would get to enjoy the mountains and ski often, but I never skied when I worked for ConAgra.

ConAgra Flour Milling, Denver, Colorado, United States

1993-1994: Operations Manager



1993-1994: Operations Manager United States House of Representatives and United States Senate, Washington, D.C., United States

1994-1997: Staff Assistant, House Committee on Agriculture

1997-2000: Legislative Assistant, U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum

2000-2003: Chief of Staff, Congressman Jerry Moran



1994-1997: Staff Assistant, House Committee on Agriculture 1997-2000: Legislative Assistant, U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum 2000-2003: Chief of Staff, Congressman Jerry Moran Aircraft Owners and Operators of America, Washington, D.C., United States

2003-2005: Vice President of Government Affairs



2003-2005: Vice President of Government Affairs Cargill, Inc., Washington, D.C., United States

2005-2011: Director of Government Affairs



2005-2011: Director of Government Affairs Cargill, Inc., Singapore

2011-2014: Director of Government Affairs, Asia Pacific



2011-2014: Director of Government Affairs, Asia Pacific Cargill, Inc., Washington, D.C., United States

2014-2017: Vice President of Corporate Affairs



2014-2017: Vice President of Corporate Affairs Yum! Brands, Washington, D.C., United States

2017-present: Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Government Affairs

Do you believe in work/life balance?

The longer I've worked, the more I try to focus on work/life balance. My oldest child has gone off to college, and my wife and I both lost parents over the last three years, so it's events like these that remind me that moments with family are a priority. Life is a one-way journey. Enjoy the moment, and keep it all in balance.

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

My dad

This retired, Kansas farmer is the person who has shaped my life the most. I was always impressed by his work ethic, strategic thinking and independence as he worked his entire life as his own boss. I've always admired his community engagement. In retirement, he's reinvented himself by writing history, volunteering at a museum and barbershop singing.

Working on Capitol Hill

One of my first major risks was leaving a corporate job to go work on Capitol Hill. This transition enabled professional growth and the chance to work across food, agriculture, finance, tax and transportation policy areas.

Living and working in Asia

In 2011, we moved our family to Asia for an opportunity to work as the director of government affairs for Cargill in the Asia-Pacific region. It was an amazing opportunity to pivot my career into sustainability and learn about the diverse cultures across Asia. It was very eye-opening working on the ground with smallholders in coconut, coffee, poultry and palm oil supply chains.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

Sustainability is an interesting word, and people tend to view it in their own personal way. Some think we focus just on improving packaging and reducing waste in our restaurants. It is that, but it's also about listening to the concerns of our stakeholders. Most issues concern the environment or people in our business or supply chain. We try to listen to those views and seek solutions that realistically fit our franchisees and overall business model. We also spend a lot of time measuring and reporting our sustainability progress.

For government affairs, I educate policy makers about the details of Yum!'s business. Most government officials are spread thin and truly need to hear views on both sides of every issue concerning our industry. The reality of my job is listening to concerns, analyzing legislation and talking with officials about both the good and bad of how policies will affect our business, franchisees and employees.

What is the best piece of advice that you've been given?

Recognize patterns and thrive in ambiguity.

What makes you happy?

Spending time outdoors and staying active!

How do you do it?

It can be simple things like walks, hikes and taking a break to get some fresh air. I also have a 30-year-old Jeep that I take out with the top off from Easter to Thanksgiving. A topless 1980s Jeep is soul food on a warm day, although it does require a good set of tools!

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Yum! Brands on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Yum! Brands

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/yum-brands

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Yum! Brands

View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Bloomberg:

Originally published on about.bnef.com

The world's largest economies have made limited progress in boosting their decarbonization policies over the past year - a red flag for climate action as the urgency of the crisis ramps up.

In the fourth annual edition of BloombergNEF's G-20 Zero-Carbon Policy Scoreboard, the members of this group scored, on average, just 49% - a paltry 1 percentage point rise from 2023.

The European Union, UK and US retained the top spots. But these high scorers failed to improve their performance from last year, in fact seeing an average decline of 1 percentage point. As developed economies responsible for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, they should lead by example, in particular to encourage emerging markets to follow suit.

Top scorers lost points for policy delays, abrupt changes and weakened regulations

The EU and UK held on to the top five places in BNEF's latest ranking thanks to their provision of incentives for low-carbon solutions and increasingly stringent regulations to disincentivize emission-intensive technologies.

However, these leaders, as well as the US, saw their total score decrease. In some cases, they scrapped low-carbon programs like Germany's purchase subsidies for electric vehicles, slowed progress on the ground such as renewables build, or faced other challenges including political and industry opposition, and red tape.

They especially lost points for increasing uncertainty among consumers, industry and investors. This was due to insufficient or delayed information on new policies, ending programs earlier than expected, and weakening low-carbon regulations or deadlines.

Developed economies should lead by example, but large emerging markets need to up their game

The dividing line of economic wealth persists. In general, developed economies have more and better low-carbon support than emerging markets. Members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development scored, on average, a total of 57% in BNEF's latest assessment, compared with 37% for non-OECD economies.

To limit global warming to 1.5C, it will be especially important for developed economies to take the lead by implementing increasingly ambitious regulations and mandates on emissions-intensive technologies and practices. But it will be equally important for large emerging markets to make progress, and developed countries can support policymakers there. Accounting for 43% of the world's emissions, the 'BRICS' - Brazil, Russia, India, mainland China and South Africa - have an average policy score of 42%.

Policymakers can take action in the near term to kickstart momentum

All G-20 markets need more support in 'harder-to-abate' sectors where cleaner options are limited or very costly, especially industry, buildings and agriculture. Their policy regimes averaged 57% for clean power support and 51% for road transport - where economic low-carbon solutions are more readily available - compared with 41% for the other sectors evaluated in BNEF's Scoreboard. These hard-to-abate areas need a mix of incentives and regulations, especially to build up demand and ensure any required infrastructure is built.

There are concrete actions that policymakers can take in the short to medium term. With overall momentum having stalled, governments across the G-20 need to rapidly introduce more and better low-carbon policy support if the world is to reach net zero by mid-century and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The BNEF Policy Scoreboard scored each G-20 member out of 100% based on the volume of government support implemented to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the robustness of these programs and the policy-making process, and metrics to gauge whether they are starting to drive change on the ground.

A comprehensive executive summary of the report can be found here.

About BloombergNEF

BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a strategic research provider covering global commodity markets and the disruptive technologies driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our expert coverage assesses pathways for the power, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture sectors to adapt to the energy transition. We help commodity trading, corporate strategy, finance and policy professionals navigate change and generate opportunities.

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bloomberg on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Bloomberg

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bloomberg

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Bloomberg

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Cactus Life Sciences has begun their exciting buy-and-build strategy adding key services to their portfolio

PRINCETON, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Cactus Life Sciences, a leading global scientific communications agency that works with blue chip pharma and biotechnology companies, announced today that they have acquired nspm and eluSCIdate, two dynamic medical communications and publications companies headquartered in Meggen, Switzerland with an office in the UK.

Integration of nspm and eluSCIdate

logo lockup

Cactus Life Sciences, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, was formed in 2010 and is best known for its transformational global operating models that provide best in class science, innovation, and efficiency. Founded 27 years ago, nspm brings extensive expertise in medical communications, publications, and event management, with a focus on rare diseases. Its sister company eluSCIdate was founded in 2020 and focuses on medical and scientific publications, combining extensive experience in medical writing with creative flair to deliver high-quality publications.

This collaboration signifies a major step forward in enhancing services for our biopharma clients, ensuring a comprehensive and fully integrated global approach to medical communications. And provides a significant employee footprint in US, UK, Switzerland, and Japan.

"As Cactus Life Sciences embarks on its forthcoming buy-and-build strategy, we're excited to unveil our first acquisition that shares so many of the same values as CACTUS, stated Oliver Dennis, the new Chairman of Cactus Life Sciences. "As we move forward, we seek partnerships that prioritize our people and clients alongside our strategic growth."

Rare diseases individually affect a small number of people, but collectively affect over 300 million worldwide, presenting significant challenges for patients and medical professionals. nspm's rare disease expertise addresses unmet needs for patients and society. Sabine Stotz, PhD, Managing Director, nspm, noted "This strategic alliance is a testament to the shared vision of excellence between Cactus Life Sciences, nspm and eluSCIdate. Together, our goal is to enrich the global landscape of scientific communications creating an even greater impact on healthcare professionals and the patients they treat".

Elvira Dsouza, President, Cactus Life Sciences remarked, "Cactus Life Sciences stands out for its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and future readiness. With a focus on integrating cutting-edge technology, notably AI, we aim to elevate scientific content creation to contribute to a more accessible, informed, and transformative healthcare landscape".

About Cactus Life Sciences (cactuslifesciences.com): Cactus Life Sciences is a medical communication company that provides scientific strategy and content across the healthcare continuum, anywhere in the world - with a focus on science, innovation, and efficiency. We work alongside leading healthcare companies to establish the optimal role of medicines and encourage positive behaviors (physician and patient) that improve patient outcomes.

About nspm (www.nspm.com): nspm is a successful and dynamic medical communications company founded in 1997 with offices in Switzerland and the UK. nspm provides a complete range of medical writing, project management, and strategic medical communications solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry across a range of therapeutic areas, with a focus on rare diseases. Our employees are committed to crafting high-quality, cost-effective solutions that exceed clients' expectations through scientific excellence, professionalism, and creativity.

About eluSCIdate (www.eluscidate.com): eluSCIdate is a medical writing agency founded in 2020 that specializes in scientific publications, providing support for the entire publication process. We use a wealth of experience in medical writing to deliver high-quality manuscripts, posters, and slides to our clients. At eluSCIdate, we are passionate about science and committed to providing clarity in scientific messaging. Through effective communication, we work with our clients to ensure their science stands out from the crowd.

Contact Information:

Laura Perry

VP of Strategy and Marketing

inquiries@cactuslifesciences.com

7327121005

SOURCE: Cactus Life Sciences

View the original press release on newswire.com.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Cryptocurrencies are firm above the flatline amidst renewed regulatory jitters from the U.S. government. Prosecutors for the U.S. government have sought to sentence Changpeng Zhao, the founder, owner and former CEO of Binance cryptocurrency exchange to 36 months in prison and a $50 million fine. Also, the Securities and Exchange Commission has sought to impose $5.3 billion in fines from Terraform Labs and its CEO Do Kwon for the implosion of the Terra ecosystem in 2022.



Overall crypto market capitalization is at $2.46 trillion versus $2.43 trillion a day earlier.



Bitcoin edged up 0.12 percent in the past 24 hours to trade at $66,178.32, around 10 percent below the all-time-high. The 24-hour trading range was between $67,148.55 and $66,025.30. Bitcoin is holding on to weekly gains of 6.1 percent and year-to-date gains of 56 percent. Bitcoin currently dominates 53.2 percent of the overall crypto market.



Latest data from Farside Investors shows net inflows declining to $31.6 million on Tuesday, from $62.2 million on Monday. The net cumulative Bitcoin Spot ETF inflows have increased to $12.4 billion. Considering the cumulative outflows of $16.8 billion from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, the gross inflows to the 9 Bitcoin Spot ETFs that debuted in 2024 is close to $29.2 billion.



iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) topped with cumulative inflows of $15.5 billion. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC) followed with cumulative inflows of $8.2 billion. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) witnessed inflows of $2.3 billion whereas Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) has recorded cumulative inflows of $1.8 billion.



Ethereum rallied 2.6 percent in the past 24 hours to trade at $3,264.10. The 24-hour trading range was between $3,292.92 and $3,177.62. Ether is holding on to weekly gains of 7.5 percent and year-to-date gains of 43 percent. Ether currently dominates 16.3 percent of the overall crypto market.



4th ranked BNB (BNB) edged up 0.47 percent overnight to trade at $608.54. The price movement comes amidst prosecutors for the U.S. government seeking a higher-than-normal sentence for Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance.com.



In a filing before the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Washington on April 23, the U.S. government has sought a prison sentence for Zhao that is much higher than the period of 12-18 months contemplated in the relevant guidelines. According to the regulatory filing, Zhao's willful violation of U.S. law was no accident or oversight. The prosecutors claimed that despite knowing that Binance was required to comply with U.S. law, Zhao chose not to register the company with U.S. regulators; he chose not to comply with fundamental U.S. anti-money-laundering requirements; he chose not to implement and maintain an effective know-your-customer system, which prevented effective transaction monitoring and allowed suspicious and criminal users to transact through Binance; and suspicious transactions were also not reported to U.S. authorities.



The prosecution has claimed that given the magnitude of Zhao's willful violation of U.S. law and its consequences, a higher sentence of 36 months is warranted. The prosecutors also claimed that the upward variance was further justified by the need for Zhao's sentence to reflect the significant harm to U.S national security caused by his criminal acts. They also argued that a custodial sentence of 36 months would reflect the seriousness of the offense, promote respect for law, afford adequate deterrence, and be sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.



5th ranked Solana (SOL) gained close to 2 percent in the past 24 hours to trade at $157.79.



7th ranked XRP (XRP) slipped 0.78 percent overnight to trade at $0.5405. With a loss of more than 12 percent in 2024, XRP is the highest-ranking crypto to trade in the red zone on a year-to-date basis.



8th ranked Dogecoin (DOGE) added 1.5 percent overnight to trade at $0.1608.



9th ranked Toncoin (TON) added 0.84 percent overnight to trade at $5.72. TON is the highest ranking crypto to trade with weekly losses. TON has slipped 7.7 percent in the past week.



10th ranked Cardano (ADA) plunged 3.5 percent overnight to trade at $0.4953, lifting year-to-date losses to 16.6 percent.



24th ranked Hedera (HBAR) topped overnight gains with a surge of close to 55 percent. HBAR has added 74 percent in the past week amidst unconfirmed reports over the HBAR Foundation being associated with the tokenization of BlackRock's Treasury money market Fund. However, it was later clarified that BlackRock had not directly selected HBAR for the tokenization.



59th ranked Bonk (BONK) gained close to 40 percent whereas 36th ranked dogwifhat (WIF) gained almost 24 percent overnight.



77th ranked Akash Network (AKT) slipped 9.8 percent overnight but is holding on to gains of 38 percent in the past week. 96th ranked Gnosis (GNO) slipped 8.2 percent overnight.



For More Cryptocurrency News, visit rttnews.com



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CHICAGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The SiC-on-insulator (SiCOI) film market is projected to reach USD 1,134 million by 2029 from USD 37 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 98.1% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Increasing demand for high-power electronics across various industries, the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, and expanding telecommunication and data communication networks are some major factors driving the growth of the SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film market. Moreover, Industry collaborations, involving SiCCOI film manufacturers, and power device manufacturers, fuel market expansion, driving innovation and advancing the overall immersive technology ecosystem.

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SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) Film Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 37 million Estimated Value by 2029 $ 1,134 million Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 98.1% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Substrate Material, Wafer Size, Technology Route and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Lack of advancements in manufacturing processes and quality control measures Key Market Opportunities Advancements in power electronics Key Market Drivers Increasing demand for high-power electronics due to growing adoption of EVs

Smart Cut technology to dominate the SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film market from 2024 to 2029.

SOITEC Smart Cut technology represents a significant breakthrough in substrate engineering, providing unprecedented control over the thickness and composition of each wafer layer to meet specific technological demands. Beyond its technical merits, the scalability and industrial applicability of the Smart Cut technology distinguish it, with the technology currently in use at several manufacturing sites for high-volume production. Its compatibility with standard semiconductor-processing tools and adaptability to different wafer sizes offer manufacturers considerable flexibility in device fabrication, and SOITEC has started leveraging this technology to produce SmartSiC substrates, targeting the booming demand for SiC in electric vehicles as a key component in the EU's decarbonization strategy, as SiC enhances EVs by increasing power density and reducing size, weight, and cost.

150 mm films to register highest CAGR in the SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film market during forecast period.

150 mm (6-inch) SiCOI film segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing adoption of SiC in power electronics and other applications. SOITEC, a global leader in engineered substrates, is a key player in the 150 mm SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film market, offering advanced solutions for power electronics in EVs, renewable energy systems, and industrial applications. Moreover, as a leading manufacturer, SOITEC employs its proprietary Smart Cut process to create these 150 mm SiCOI films, catering to the surging demand. With such innovative manufacturing techniques, the SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film market is expected to grow considerably, with investments ramping up in production and supply chain capabilities to fulfill the increasing industry needs.

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Europe accounted for the second largest share of the market in 2023.

The SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film industry in Europe is poised for substantial growth, driven by the continent's dedication to sustainability, advancements in renewable energy, and the automotive sector's shift toward electrification. Supporting this trajectory are initiatives from European governments and the wide-reaching influence which have launched programs and policies aimed at nurturing the development of bandgap semiconductor technologies, including those based on Silicon Carbide (SiC). A key example of this support is the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) initiative, which has channeled significant resources into bolstering the SiC ecosystem across Europe. This initiative underscores Europe's commitment to leading in the semiconductor technology space, specifically in areas critical to the continent's green and digital transitions.

Key Players

Collaborations between SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film companies players, and power device manufacturers, along with the presence of major global company like SOITEC (France) contribute to the region's leadership in the global SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) film market.

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Power Electronics Market Size, Share, Statistics and Industry Growth Analysis Report by Device Type (Power Discrete, Power Module, Power IC), Material (Si, SiC, GaN), Voltage (Low, Medium, High), Vertical (ICT, Consumer Electronics, Industrial, Automotive, Aerospace) and Geography - Global Forecast to 2028

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WESTFORD, Mass., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyQuest projects that the generative AI market will attain a value of USD 165.49 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 32.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The global generative AI market is likely to experience phenomenal growth via neural network revolutions in deep learning and will witness applications in multiple fields such as diverse as healthcare, automotive, gaming, and media. And as the volume of big data grows and the need for new ways of deriving meaningful insights from it grows, more and more companies are adopting creative AI technologies to create new words, images and restructuring on their own.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Generative AI Market"

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Generative AI Market Overview:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $17.1 billion Estimated Value by 2031 $165.49 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 32.8% Forecast Period 2024-2031 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Component, Industry Verticals, End Users, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the world Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Integration of AI and Machine Learning Key Market Drivers Increasing Demand for Personalized Content

Software Segment to Dominate Due to Rise in Data Privacy Concerns

The software segment accounted for more than 65% of the global generative AI market share in 2022. Increase in fraudulent activities, coupled with overestimating capacity, and unexpected results and growing concerns about data privacy are all projected to boost the software sector. Key players in the software sector offer algorithms with intelligent WOM and machine learning solutions to stand out in the competition and generate high revenues for the overall market. Introducing original products to ever-changing corporate needs is also likely to add a boost to the market revenue generation rate. Such software systems offer organizations the opportunity to automate processes, break down creative barriers, explore new possibilities for company growth and positioning in the global generative AI market. Furthermore, the availability of technological advances and the expanding need for powerful equipment and systems are likely to bode well for the future growth of this section.

Service Sector Segment to Witness Rapid Expansion Owing to Growing Concern over Data Security

The service sector is expected to grow at a rapid pace of over 35% during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing concern over data security, fraud detection, business forecasting, and risk modeling. Additionally, service providers are also helping organizations address the ethical and legal issues arising from the use of genetic AI. Currently AI technologies are evolving rapidly with increasing awareness and high adoption by the service industry. With the increasing investment in AI adoption and a greater need for strategic partnerships between businesses, the need for generative AI and network services will help create lucrative growth opportunities soon.

North America Emerge Dominant Due to Increase in Fraudulent Bank Activities

North America dominated the global generative AI market with more than 41% market share and is expected to continue so due to high levels of bank and medical fraud activities. The presence in the generative AI sector is predicted to drive the market growth in the region.

However, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest growth rate of over 35% during the period. Growing government initiatives to incorporate AI in Asia Pacific, coupled with increasing adoption of AI-based services drive the market growth during the analyzed period in the region are supporting factors. In addition, governments in the region have a strategic approach to AI development that includes flexible policies, funding and strategic partnerships to create a platform for the market to grow. Furthermore, increased internet connectivity, smartphone usage and adoption of various digital channels which supports the growing number of AI-based applications, making the market a more attractive destination for market players.

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Generative AI Market Insights:

Drivers

Increasing Demand for Personalized Content

Advancements in AI Technology

Restraints

Data Privacy Concerns

Ethical and Bias Issues

Prominent Players in Generative AI Market

Microsoft Corporation

NVIDIA Corporation

Adobe Inc.

IBM Corporation

Autodesk Inc.

Unity Technologies

Altair Engineering Inc.

DeepMind Technologies Limited

Autodesk Inc.

Runway ML

Meta

Salesforce.com, Inc.

View report summary and Table of Contents (TOC):

https://www.skyquestt.com/report/generative-ai-market

Key Questions Answered in Generative AI Market Report

What specific growth drivers are projected to impact the market during the forecast period?

List the top companies in the market and explain how they have achieved their positions of influence.

In what ways do regional trends and patterns differ within the global market, and how do these differences shape the market's future growth?

This report provides the following insights:

Analysis of key drivers (increasing demand for personalized content, advancements in AI technology), restraints (data privacy concerns, ethical and bias issues), opportunities (integration of ai and machine learning, shift towards subscription-based models), influencing the growth of global generative AI Market.

Market Dynamics: Comprehensive information about the various products offered by the dominant players in the global Generative AI Market.

Product Development/Innovation: An overview of emerging trends, R&D activities and product launches in the Generative AI market.

Market Growth: Detailed information on profitable growing industries.

Market Trends: Complete information about new products, emerging geographical areas and recent developments in the market.

Competitive Analysis: An in-depth analysis of the market segments, growth strategies, revenue analysis, and products of the key market players.

Related Reports:

Global Artificial Intelligence Market

Global Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare Market

Global Artificial Intelligence In Retail Market

Global Artificial Intelligence In Security Market

Global Artificial Intelligence In Telecommunication Market

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We work closely with innovators, inventors, innovation seekers, entrepreneurs, companies and investors alike in leveraging external sources of R&D. Moreover, we help them in optimizing the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our experiences with innovation management and commercialization has expanded our reach across North America, Europe, ASEAN and Asia Pacific.

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Rising demand for advanced drone technology in surveillance, reconnaissance, and various industries is anticipated to drive the growth of the global drone communication market during the forecast period. The North America region is expected to observe significant growth during the forecast period.

WILMINGTON, Del., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research has recently published a report, titled, "Drone Communication Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Method, by Application: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the globaldrone communication market generated $2.3 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $15.8 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 21.4% from 2023 to 2032.

(We are providing connected ship Industry report as per your research requirement, including the Latest Industry Insight's Evolution, Potential and Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis)

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Prime Determinants of Growth

The rising demand for advanced drone technology in surveillance, reconnaissance, and various industries, coupled with advancements in satellite and cellular communication technologies, is boosting the growth of the drone communication market. However, the challenges associated with long-distance communication, scalability issues, and computational variability in drones is restraining the market's growth during the forecast period. On the other hand, the increasing adoption of drones for applications in construction, mining, agriculture, and inspection sectors, along with the development of innovative communication solutions, is poised to unlock lucrative market growth opportunities in the future.

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Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $2.3 billion Market Size in 2032 $15.8 billion CAGR 21.4 % No. of Pages in Report 320 Segments covered Method, Application, and Region Drivers Increasing demand for advanced drone technology for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes



Advancements in satellite and cellular communication technologies enhancing drone communication capabilities Opportunities Growing applications of drones in construction, mining, agriculture, and inspection sectors Development of innovative communication solutions to meet evolving industry needs Restraints Computational variability among drones within fleets posing limitations to optimal mission performance

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COVID-19 Scenario:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global drone communication market. The pandemic initially hindered market growth due to disruptions in supply chains and manufacturing processes.

Increasing restrictions and lockdown measures led to a temporary slowdown in market activities. However, rising demand for drone technology in various sectors such as healthcare, surveillance, and delivery drove market growth during the pandemic.

The need for contactless delivery and monitoring solutions boosted the adoption of drones, particularly in sectors like e-commerce and healthcare. Despite initial challenges, the pandemic ultimately accelerated the growth of the global drone communication market as businesses and industries sought innovative solutions to adapt to the new normal.

Method: Satellite Sub-Segment to Hold Leading Market Share by 2032

The satellite sub-segment dominated the market in 2022, holding a major share of 28.1%. This sub-segment is expected to hold a leading market share of 29.3% by 2032. This growth is mainly due to increasing demand for reliable and uninterrupted communication beyond line of sight, especially in military applications. Moreover, advancements in satellite technology, offering higher data throughput rates and superior connectivity, are driving the adoption of satellite communication, thereby boosting its market dominance.

Application: Agriculture Sub-Segment to Observe Significant Growth during the Forecast Period

The agriculture sub-segment led the market in 2022, holding a substantial share of 32.0%. This is mainly due to the increasing adoption of drones for precision farming, boosting efficiency and productivity in agricultural operations. Rising demand for real-time crop monitoring and analysis, coupled with the need for optimized resource management, is driving the adoption of drone technology in the agriculture sector.

By Region: North America to Hold the Leading Market Share in Forecast Period

The North America region dominated the global drone communication market in 2022, holding a major share of 34.3%. The dominance of this region is expected to continue by 2032, growing with a major share of 32.1%. This is mainly due to increasing investments in drone technology, rising demand across diverse sectors such as construction, agriculture, and defense, and driving innovation in communication systems in this region. Additionally, the region's well-established regulatory framework and supportive infrastructure are boosting market growth and fostering a conducive environment for drone operations.

Leading Players in the Drone Communication Market:

Teal Drones

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.

Parrot Drone SAS

AeroVironment, Inc.

DJI

Draganfly Innovations Inc.

Yuneec

Freefly Systems

Skydio, Inc.

Microdrones

The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players of the global drone communication market. These players have adopted different strategies, such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain their dominance in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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CONSHOHOCKEN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / JPOrleans, in partnership with the Piazza family, has announced its recent acquisition of an exceptional 18-acre parcel in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. This strategic move underscores JP Orleans' ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier homes in sought-after locations.





River Trail at Valley Forge

New residential community featuring 2 and 3-story townhomes.





Situated in the heart of King of Prussia, the newly acquired land will be transformed into River Trail at Valley Forge, a residential community featuring two- and three-story townhomes. This idyllic setting is enveloped by nature, bordered by the Schuylkill River Trail, and positioned adjacent to the Schuylkill River. Residents will enjoy ample recreational opportunities, coupled with proximity to the historical richness, cultural vibrancy, and convenient amenities of the King of Prussia Town Center.

The development marks a unique opportunity for JP Orleans to contribute to community growth while offering homebuyers modern and thoughtfully designed residences. Jeffrey Orleans, CEO of JP Orleans, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are excited about working with the Piazza family on the development of River Trail at Valley Forge. This new community aligns perfectly with our mission to create exceptional living spaces in spectacular locations."

King of Prussia's dynamic atmosphere, offering a vibrant and convenient lifestyle, sets the stage for JP Orleans to introduce its signature craftsmanship and innovative designs to the thriving neighborhood. With a history spanning over a century, JP Orleans is renowned for seamlessly blending quality, style, and functionality in prime locations, and River Trail at Valley Forge is poised to continue this tradition.

This maintenance-free community will feature a diverse range of home designs, including spacious two- and three-story modern townhomes, all equipped with two-car garages. The plans encompass various floor layouts, with many offering first-floor owner's suites, appealing to a broad spectrum of potential homebuyers.

JP Orleans pledges to keep the community informed with updates on construction timelines, home design options, and the launch of sales, which will be available on JPOrleans.com.

About JPOrleans

JPOrleans is a third-generation homebuilder with a tradition of excellence, dependability, and value. With more than 100 years of family history in homebuilding, the company has earned the confidence of generations of homeowners through a strong commitment to excellence and reliability. JPOrleans homes are located in highly desirable locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Charlotte, N.C. area.

Contact Information

Gary Stefanoni

VP Sales & Marketing

gstefanoni@jporleans.com

609.251.6056

SOURCE: JPOrleans

View the original press release on newswire.com.
As the final Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement approaches, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the AHF Global Public Health Institute are voicing significant concerns about the April 16, 2024, Proposal for the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

This latest iteration of the text, which has been significantly watered down through the negotiation process, is filled with platitudes, anemic in obligations, and devoid of any accountability. Falling victim to least-common-denominator policymaking in Geneva, this text now lacks the requisite power to operationalize equity and achieve its intended objectives.

We express profound concern that developed nations have vehemently defended the private interest of pharmaceutical companies over the collective common interest of achieving global health security in a sustainable and equitable manner. Such disregard has been observed in the proposed compromise for the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), which the Lancet has described as not only "shameful, unjust, and inequitable" but also "ignorant."

Under the present terms of PABS, a mere 20% of pandemic-related health products are guaranteed to the WHO in the event of a pandemic. As the Lancet points out, such an arrangement will effectively leave 80% of crucial vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics "prey to the international scramble seen in COVID-19." Furthermore, such pandemic-related health products are now made available only in the event of a pandemic rather than upon the declaration of public health emergencies of international concern, as previously proposed. In addition, we consider that monetary financial contributions to PABS should not be "administered by WHO" but rather directed to existing global health financing mechanisms according to formulations agreed-upon in advance of the conclusion of negotiations.

Have we learned nothing from the COVID-19 Pandemic?

While the INB co-chairs, vice-chairs and some delegates have undoubtedly been working diligently to reach an agreement, a simple fact remains: equity will not be operationalized without effective mechanisms for accountability and enforcement.

Despite warnings by technical experts, the INB has persistently failed to incorporate tangible provisions for accountability and enforcement. In the current proposal, Article 8 language regarding Preparedness Monitoring and Functional Reviews has been withered to nothing; Article 19, Implementation and Support, contains no reporting or verification requirements; previously proposed mechanisms for an accountability committee have been deleted instead of strengthened, and the text now moves forward without any effective means for timely and accurate verification of party compliance.

Calls for strong mechanisms of accountability in the pandemic agreement are widespread but have not been heeded. They have been made by the United Nations General Assembly and prominent international bodies, including the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) and the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPPR). In addition to the GPMB and the IPPPR, the Panel for a Global Public Health Conventionand Spark Street Advisorshave also emphasized the critical need for independent monitoring.

The absence of any form of independent oversight is concerning because proven and practical experience confirms that relying solely on state self-reporting mechanisms does not work. Yes, instead of learning from the widespread delays and incomplete self-reporting experience of the International Health Regulations (IHR), the pandemic agreement promotes more of the same practices that have compromised global health security in the past. To ensure its objectivity and effectiveness, the agreement should, at minimum, consider establishing an independent oversight body that is "politically, financially, technically and operationally independent of the WHO and donors."

In addition to oversight, accountability also requires a clear enforcement framework with incentives and disincentives for compliance. The two major treaties under the authority of the WHO the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the IHR are described in the literature as "plagued by incomplete compliance." Incomplete compliance with the IHR, for example, "contributed to COVID-19 becoming a protracted global health pandemic."

Compliance, however, has largely been ignored by all parties and brushed under the rug throughout the negotiations. This is reflected in the current text, which does not mention the word compliance evenonce. To this end, we echo the concerns of the Panel for a Global Public Health Convention that the idea of a Compliance and Implementation Committee should not have been dropped from the text.

We also support the Panel's assessment that an independent and autonomous Conference of the Parties (CoP) is critical because pandemics are not just a health issue but a "societal and governmental priority" that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. We are, thus, concerned that modifications to the proposed text, which now call for the WHO to function as the Secretariat for the entire agreement, undermine the independence of the CoP. We are also not clear how this agreement will secure the necessary financial resources to achieve its objectives.

To this end, we emphasize that member states should commit the necessary funding to establish a fit-for-purpose pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response architecture, taking into account the existing global health financing mechanisms. "One of the central failings of the IHR has been that its requirements for states to collaborate, including with respect to mobilizing financing, lacks specificity," and that "without benchmarks, formulas, or other such details" such "requirements have little real force." Here, the same mistakes are being repeated most notably through the lack of binding financial commitments in the letter of the agreement. Furthermore, the removal of language from Article 20, calling for the development of a five-year financial implementation strategy is a step backwards.

We also highlight that the current text misses the opportunity to effectively engage civil society and other non-government actors. The sole mention of civil society, in Article 17, is immediately followed by a caution regarding potential conflicts of interest, as if conflicts only arise when civil society is involved. Despite their critical contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous previous health crises, the voices of civil society remain marginalized in the decision-making processes of the WHO, the pandemic agreement negotiations and its implementation. Moving forward, this could be solved by weaving civil society in the fabric of the CoP to ensure its meaningful participation.

In the final stretch of negotiations, countries will be wise to remember how we got here, what needs to be accomplished through this pandemic agreement, and most importantly what the consequences will be if it fails. Hoarding of essential public health goods, and policies that tolerate corporate greed to take precedent over human lives should not be allowed anymore. We, therefore, urge that delegates heed the warnings of experts and take action to correct critical flaws in the proposed text. Empty handshakes in Geneva will not prevent another global health disaster, nor will it keep countries from trampling over each other when the next pandemic comes.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.9 million clients in 47 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare

The AHF Global Public Health Institute is as a joint initiative of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the University of Miami created to engage in global public health policy analysis and research to generate objective evidence that can inform improvements in public health policy at the global, regional, national and local levels, particularly for infectious diseases. To learn more about the AHF Global Public Health Institute, visit https://ahfinstitute.org/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424376351/en/

Contacts:

Guilherme Faviero

Director

AHF Global Public Health Institute at the University of Miami

+1 561.929.9339 mobile

guilherme.faviero@ahf.org

Denys Nazarov,

Director of Global Policy

Communications, AHF

+1.323.308.1829

denys.nazarov@ahf.org
Blackbox is a global media service that brings Japanese startups and their ecosystems to the world. Commissioned by Shibuya City and operated by Queue, Inc., Blackbox is pleased to announce the participation of three new cities: Hokkaido, Yokohama, and Kobe.

TOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Blackbox is a global media service that brings Japanese startups and their ecosystems to the world. Commissioned by Shibuya City and operated by Queue, Inc., Blackbox is pleased to announce the participation of three new cities: Hokkaido, Yokohama, and Kobe.





Blackbox_logo





With the addition of these new regions Blackbox will further deepen its access to the Japanese startup scene.

URL:https://www.blackboxjp.com

New Directory Pages for Each City

Each of the participating municipalities will receive a new directory page to introduce their characteristics and strengths. Through this initiative, the appeal of Hokkaido, Shibuya, Yokohama, and Kobe will be communicated to the world.

URL:https://www.blackboxjp.com/directories

What we achieve with Blackbox

Blackbox is an open and fair media outlet for the Japanese startup scene. Although there are public and private sector actions to create a startup ecosystem in Japan, and although each government is implementing a global strategy, not much is known about the activities related to startups in Japan on a global scale.

At Blackbox, we want to let as many people as possible know what is happening in Japan right now, and the opportunities and possibilities that exist for startups in Japan. We hope that by presenting startup news and stories we can raise awareness of startup-related movements in Japan as a whole, attracting founders, startups, and VCs from abroad.

Blackbox Listed Content

?Directory

Information on the features and strengths of startup support in each city.

?News

News related to startups and market trends in Japan.

?Insight

Information on startups in Japan in op-ed articles.

?Interviews

Interviews with founders active in Japan.

?Events

Notification of startup-related business events.



Blackbox

Name:Blackbox

URL:https://www.blackboxjp.com

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackboxjapan

Twitter:https://twitter.com/BlackboxJapan

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/blackboxjapan

Logo Kits:https://bit.ly/3iMziNq

Contact Information

Taiki Iwasaki

Management

contact@blackboxjp.com

03-6407-9982





SOURCE: Blackbox

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Expanding Business Operations in the US

Digital Clarity (DC), a digital marketing management consultancy, and the wholly-owned operating flagship and brand of Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc. (DBMM), a fully reporting US public holding company, is pleased to announce another geographic expansion into the US- and now the West Coast, in Irvine, California.

As part of Digital Clarity's commitment to growth in the US market, the decision to establish a presence in Southern California reaffirms the company's growth blueprint for expansion geographically, with a near-term strategic and tactical focus on the US. This move aligns seamlessly with the insights and direction provided since the 4Q 2023 described in the company's 10-K, 10Qs, and Updates.

Irvine, California is one of the best cities to do business on the West Coast and is recognized as a central hub for tech businesses and innovation. As such, it is an ideal location for Digital Clarity to further penetrate the American market. With its vibrant ecosystem of tech companies, Irvine is a master planned city and the largest in Orange County, with proximity to other major business hubs like the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Newport Beach, and San Diego.

"We are excited to further expand our footprint in the United States with carefully selected and designed representation in Irvine, California," said Reggie James, the Founder and Managing Director of DC and the COO and Director of DBMM. "The West Coast serves as a strategic gateway for us to access a dynamic market and foster innovation-driven new clients, partnerships, and strategic alliances. DC intends to leverage the region's unparalleled resources and access to the USC talent pool, as it continues to drive its growth trajectory in the US and beyond. With our commitment to delivering exceptional service and results, we look forward to establishing a unique footprint in the region."

James added, "Digital Clarity's representation in Irvine will focus on delivering a service-driven engagement that emphasizes business development, including lead generation and content creation. By offering our comprehensive suite of services, including brand development and digital advertising strategies, value proposition planning, revenue acceleration programs, and go-to-market strategies, we are poised to meet the diverse needs of clients across various industries."

DC chose its representation carefully to spearhead its expansion efforts in yet another geography to initially serve the B2B tech market. The skill set of resources will enable DC to deliver exceptional value to new clients with individualized, advisory services and quantifiable bottom-line results.

We are excited about the integrated business model, and see Irvine as the next successful execution. Additionally, we are planning a series of podcasts which we will be sharing shortly.

--------------------------------------------------

About Digital Clarity

Digital Clarity (DC) is a leading digital marketing management consultancy and the wholly owned operating flagship and brand of DBMM Group, Inc. (DBMM), a fully reporting US public holding company. Digital Clarity helps B2B technology leaders achieve business growth through a series of marketing strategies that have been developed over 2 decades.

https://www.digital-clarity.com/

About DBMM

Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc. (DBMM) is a fully reporting?US public holding company that trades on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Market, with its headquarters in New York City and its 100%-owned/operating subsidiary and brand, Digital Clarity, headquartered in the UK.

https://www.dbmmgroup.com/

Safe Harbor Statement

The foregoing contains certain predictive statements that relate to future events or future business and financial performance. Such statements can only be predictions, and the actual events or results may differ from those discussed due to, among other things, those risks described in DBMM's reports filed with the SEC. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. This document is published solely for information purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any state. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Additional information is available upon request.

Contact: Reggie James, Digital Clarity

Phone number - +1 (646) 722-2706

Email address - mailto:info@dbmmgroup.com

SOURCE: Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
CORALVILLE, Iowa, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CQ Medical, the new global leader in patient radiotherapy positioning and healthcare innovations that advance human care, will exhibit its innovative and patented solutions during the annual ESTRO Congress in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from 3 to 6 May 2024.

CQ Medical marks a pivotal transformation for CIVCO Radiotherapy and Qfix, who joined forces in October 2022. CQ Medical is derived from the company's Care Quotient: IQ + EQ = CQ. It follows their philosophy of applying intelligence and empathy to everything they make and do.

The company encourages attendees to visit booth #820 to see how two legacy companies are integrating their market-leading solutions, uniquely combining medical technology with patient empathy, to help achieve better patient outcomes. Two special product unveilings will take place on Friday, 3 May at 19:18, which you will want to attend.

SBRT Immobilization Solutions, including the new Body Pro-Lok ONEBridge compatible with Alta

CQ has combined two best-in-class products to create one remarkable SBRT positioning solution. The market-leading ONEBridge fits most patients, immobilizing and improving positioning and respiratory restriction for more accurate treatment. Current Alta Multipurpose Device users can upgrade their respiratory compression systems with the Body Pro-Lok ONEBridge.

Symphony Imaging, Treatment & Transfer Solutions

Symphony solutions facilitate smooth patient transfers between imaging modalities and treatment or procedure platforms without repositioning the patient. Visit the company to learn about their innovations with the Lithotomy AirShuttle for brachytherapy and the Alta AirShuttle for Adaptive customized cancer care workflow solutions.

SRS Immobilization Solutions

The Encompass and Solstice SRS Immobilization Systems are highly advanced, non-invasive solutions designed for precisely targeted brain, head, and neck treatments. The Encompass is validated for HyperArc and provides setup confidence and comfort with the Integrated Shim system. Solstice features unique variable pitch capability, increasing setup and treatment flexibility.

Thermoplastics including Fibreplast and Integrated Shim

CQ offers various thermoplastic options, including Fibreplast, a premium proprietary thermoplastic that is more rigid and shrinks less than standard thermoplastic. The Integrated Shim feature, which increases workflow efficiencies and patient comfort, allows for customizable immobilization.

Largest Selection of Specially Designed Fiducial Markers

CQ has the largest selection of specially designed fiducials that provide a highly effective method of ensuring accurate target localization for tumors or organs that move in respect to external anatomy, including the new BioXmark liquid fiducial marker.

Proton Solutions, including Pediatric Options

CQ has set a standard in proton therapy solutions with a range of market-leading couchtops, head & neck immobilization, and additional disease site positioning solutions, including a complete pediatric offering.

About CQ Medical

CQ Medical is the global leader in developing high-quality, innovative, patient-centric radiotherapy and cancer therapy solutions. With primary locations in Iowa and Pennsylvania and employees worldwide, the company has more than 80 years of combined experience bringing advanced hardware and consumables for patient immobilization and positioning, fiducial markers, couchtops, and patient care products to the market. Visit CQmedical.com for more information.

For further information, please contact:

Shelli Locklear, Director of Marketing, at +1 319.248.6619 or Shelli.Locklear@CQmedical.com

COPYRIGHT  2024. This press release contains information about products that may or may not be available in particular countries. These products may not be licensed in accordance with Canadian law. Each country has specific laws and regulations governing the commercialization of medical devices and the communication of information regarding medical devices in printed and digital media. Products appearing in this press release or on our website may or may not have received approval, clearance, or marketing authorization by a governmental regulatory body in any particular country or may have received approval, clearance, or marketing authorization for different indications and restrictions in different countries or may be for investigational use only. BoS, Fibreplast, Symphony and Qfix are registered trademarks of Qfix. AirShuttle, Alta, Encompass, and Integrated Shim are trademarks of Qfix. CIVCO is a registered trademark of CIVCO Medical Solutions. CIVCO Radiotherapy, CIVCO RT, Body Pro-Lok ONE, ONEBridge, and Solstice are trademarks of Medtec LLC. BioXmark is a registered trademark of Nanovi A/S. HyperArc is a trademark of Varian Medical Systems. CQ2024D76 Rev. 0

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cq-medical-formerly-civco-radiotherapy-and-qfix-is-exhibiting-new-brand-and-expanded-product-portfolio-at-estro-2024-302126279.html
The International Living Future's annual conference meets in the Southeast for the first time, celebrating the Living Future community, the newest version of the Just program, and a book about the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / From May 7 through 9, the International Living Future Institute will host its 18th annual Living Future conference in Atlanta, marking the first time that the event has been held in the Southeast region of the US. "We are excited about this for many reasons," says ILFI CEO Lindsay Baker. "There is great work going on in the Southeast," she says. "There are lessons that we can learn from the communities who are realizing equity, health, and climate gains in the region." The day before the conference, ILFI will host a materials summit with mindful Materials at which key stakeholders will share progress and next steps towards a future where regenerative materials, products, and environments are the norm.

The Living Future event has often tapped into cultural shifts and innovative practices. This year, the keynote lineup includes:

Heather McTeer Toney is an attorney, environmentalist, speaker, and writer. She was the first Black, first female, and youngest mayor elected in Greenville, Mississippi, at age twenty-seven. In 2014, she was appointed by President Barack Obama as regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency's Southeast Region.

is an attorney, environmentalist, speaker, and writer. She was the first Black, first female, and youngest mayor elected in Greenville, Mississippi, at age twenty-seven. In 2014, she was appointed by President Barack Obama as regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency's Southeast Region. Marquise Stillwell , Founder of Openbox, is a designer and a catalyst for building communities and products across design, art, and culture. With a practice spanning across two decades, Marquise Stillwell's journey began with a curiosity for people and spaces that later developed into a passion for designing systems that make all environments better for everyone.

, Founder of Openbox, is a designer and a catalyst for building communities and products across design, art, and culture. With a practice spanning across two decades, Marquise Stillwell's journey began with a curiosity for people and spaces that later developed into a passion for designing systems that make all environments better for everyone. A Regenerative Revolution Panel will explore G.O.A.T. Living Buildings (some of the greatest, and largest). James Ball, Director of Buildings at Greenbiz, will moderate a conversation with Kate Turpin, Director, Design Performance + Real Estate Development at Google, Chris Roe, Director of Worldwide Environment + Carbon, Amazon, and Heather Henrikson, Chief Sustainability Officer at Harvard University. This is about setting new standards and redefining boundaries of scale and ambition in the realm of regenerative development.

Introducing Just 3.0

ILFI's Just label program has been engaged by more than 350 organizations since its launch in 2014. Just is an innovative social justice and equity label for all types and sizes of organizations. The program provides a simple, transparent framework for organizations to reveal much about their operations, including equitable treatment of employees and where they make financial and community investments. ILFI also transparently posts the detailed information in ILFI's publicly viewable database. Early next month, following a rigorous development process with multiple stakeholders, ILFI debuts Just 3.0.

The evolution of the Just program has been driven by shifts in the global landscape, an enhanced comprehension of social justice issues, insights from technical advisors, and experiences of participating organizations. Since Just 2.0 launched in 2019, ILFI has identified gaps based on both new research and user experience feedback from Just organizations. This is also an opportunity to reframe the program to emphasize continuous improvement and the fact that growth is not always linear. Finally, a full program update provided the chance to reflect learning and progress around "what good looks like" based on ILFI's current understanding of justice and equity in organizational contexts.

The Story of a Special Organization, Community, and Project

On May 7, ILFI's publishing arm, Ecotone, releases its latest book, Healing Ground, Living Values: Stanley Center for Peace and Security, about the Muscatine, Iowa, adaptive reuse project whose owners are seeking Living Building Certification (at this writing, they have earned Ready Designation, the step before Final Audit on the path to certification). Author Justin R. Wolf tells the story of the organization; its community, Muscatine, Iowa; and its new headquarters. The project team included Neumann Monson Architects, Graham Construction, Design Engineers, Raker Rhodes Engineering, Biohabitats, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Integrated Eco Strategy, and others.

About the project, Lori Ferriss, architect, engineer, educator, and leader with Architecture 2030 and Climate Heritage Network, says: "This transformative project demonstrates that building reuse is not only a climate imperative, it is an opportunity to create spaces of delight, celebrate heritage, and regenerate ecosystems and neighborhoods, all while achieving the highest aspirations of environmental and social stewardship. It exemplifies that with enough creativity, a strong collective vision, and a dedication to doing the right thing, even the most unassuming existing building can become a beacon for a better future."

###

ABOUT the International Living Future Institute

The International Living Future Institute's mission is to cultivate a society that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. To do this, the organization envisions a Living Future and shows that it works better in practice and policy. The Institute is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is needed to reconcile humanity's relationship with the natural world. The Institute's programs have shaped more than 55 million square feet of real estate development across the United States and around the world. Learn more at http://www.living-future.org.

ABOUT Healing Ground, Living Values

The eleventh publication in the Living Building Challenge Book Series, Healing Ground, Living Values details the story of the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, and of the enterprising people and city that helped make it what it is today. This book details how the Stanley Center organization and its design partners - beginning with Neumann Monson Architects - went about the arduous and unique challenge of adapting a 1970s-era public library building into a fully regenerative and accessible home for the nonprofit operating foundation. It further documents how the integrated project team approached various logistical and design challenges related to site ecology and hydrology, urban agriculture, embodied emissions, equity and inclusion, and other critical considerations en route to realizing this future Living Building in America's heartland.

Media Contact:

Anjula Duggal

International Living Future Institute

anjula.duggal@living-future.org

Living Future 2024: May 7-9, 2024 in Atlanta, GA

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Living Future Institute on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: International Living Future Institute

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-living-future-institute

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: International Living Future Institute

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Cash of 13.0m (million) as of December 31, 2023 (17.4m as of December 31, 2022), including: The signing of an exclusivity agreement with Sanofi on M1Pram and payment of 10m The July 2023 10m financing operation The contract termination with IPF Partners, resulting in the repayment of all IPF debt (10.2m) and the receipt of 2.5m from the exercise of its warrants

Cash position subsequently bolstered by March 2024 financing operation, consisting of a 2m private placement and a financing line with Vester Finance. The full utilization of the latter could extend the cash runway to Q3 2025

Advances with our flagship products and interest from potential partners: Continuation of partnership discussions with Sanofi on M1Pram and preparation for phase 2b study in the United States Preparation of the first clinical study and partnership discussions on AdoShell technology Progress of the BioChaperone Lispro phase 3 program and discussions between the Chinese regulatory authorities and partner Tonghua Dongbao on the next clinical steps for BioChaperone Combo in China



Regulatory News:

Adocia (Euronext Paris: FR0011184241 ADOC) (Paris:ADOC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of innovative therapeutic solutions for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, announces today its annual financial results as of December 31, 2023. The consolidated financial statements contained herein were approved by Adocia's board of directors on April 23, 2024. These statements will be presented to shareholders for approval at the next annual general meeting on June 13, 2024.

Valerie Danaguezian, Adocia Chief Financial Officer, said: "In fiscal year 2023, the company succeeded in improving its financial situation by reducing drastically its indebtedness, and the transaction with Vester Finance in March 2024 should enable us to extend our cash runway to the third quarter of 2025

"We are in an excellent position to create value for our shareholders, with a mature partnership in China expected to generate substantial revenues, negotiations underway with a world-leading pharmaceutical company, and great interest expressed in our cell therapy technology," added Olivier Soula, Chief Executive Officer. "With our new financial position, we can accelerate product development and conclude partnerships."

Financial highlights

The following table summarizes the financial statements under IFRS for the year ended December 31, 2023 with a comparison to the year ended December 31, 2022:

In () thousands, Consolidated financial statements FY 2023

(12 months) FY 2022

(12 months) Revenue 2 150 11 447 Grants, Research tax credit, others 3 899 5 914 Operating revenue 6 048 17 361 Research and development expenses (14 813) (25 898) General and administrative expenses (5 479) (4 359) Operating expenses (20 293) (30 257) OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (14 244) (12 896) Other operating revenue and expenses 0 11 199 OPERATING INCOME (14 244) (1 698) FINANCIAL INCOME (LOSS) (6 916) (4 727) Tax (2) (476) NET INCOME (LOSS) (21 162) (6 901)

The Company's results for 2023 are characterized by:

A net loss of 21.2m (million) in 2023, compared with a loss of 6.9m in 2022, mainly due to:

Revenue of 2.2m in 2023 (compared with 11.4m in 2022), including 1.5m from activities with Tonghua Dongbao (THDB) on BioChaperone (BC) Combo and 0.6m from a feasibility study on the AdOral project.

By way of comparison, 2022 sales of 11.4m included (i) services performed for THDB on BC Combo, and (ii) a 4.8m milestone payment received in May 2022 on recruitment and dosing of the first patient in THDB's phase 3 BC Lispro program in China.

Other operating income of 3.9m, comprising (i) the Research Tax Credit (CIR) of 3.4m generated on expenses for the 2023 financial year, down from the 2022 CIR (5.9m) reflecting the drop in eligible operating expenses, and (ii) the 0.5m Bpifrance grant accounted for as income, following the recognition of the technical and commercial failure of an Insulin project dating back to 2012.

Operating expenses of 20.3m, a reduction of 10m compared with 2022. This reflects lower R&D expenses, partly offset by higher overheads.

The 11m decrease in research and development expenses is mainly due to lower clinical expenditures. In 2022, this item was impacted by expenses related to the three clinical trials, which ended in 2023, carried out as part of the partnership with THDB on BC Combo. The year 2023 was also marked by a close monitoring of headcounts and expenses in a tight financial context.

The 1.1m increase in overheads compared with 2022 is mainly due to legal and consulting expenses incurred in connection with (i) the restructuring of IPF Partners debt, and to a lesser extent, (ii) the financing transactions carried out.

Negative financial income of 6.9m is mainly due to (i) interest paid on the state guaranteed loan (PGE) and on the loan taken out with IPF Partners through its repayment in July 2023 for 0.8m, and (ii) changes in fair value of convertible bonds and IPF warrants, which had no impact on cash.

The net loss for 2023 of 21.2m declined versus 2022 (loss of 6.9m). This decrease is mainly due to the positive effect in 2022 of the sale-leaseback transaction on the head office, which generated income of 11.2m.

For the record, a non-current operating income of 11.2m was recognized in 2022 following the sale-leaseback of the head office in March 2022. This transaction resulted in a net cash inflow of 18.9m and generated a book gain of 16.6m. This has been restated in accordance with IFRS16, and only the portion constituting the rights transferred to the purchaser-lessor appears under other non-current operating income.

A cash position of 13.0m as of December 31, 2023 (compared with 17.4m as of December 31, 2022).

The cash position at year-end 2023 reflects the following main receipts and disbursements, mainly in the second half of 2023:

Payment in July 2023 by Sanofi of 10m related to the M1Pram exclusivity agreement;

10m financing package consisting of a 5m private placement and a 5m convertible bond issue. All the convertible bonds issued by the Company were converted at the end of September 2023, and Vester Finance declared that it had exceeded the threshold of 10% of the Company's capital, thus positioning itself as a significant shareholder in the Company;

Repayment of 10.2m debt to IPF Partners;

Receipt of 2.5m from the exercise of all IPF Partners' warrants.

Cash used in operating activities for 2023 was 14.9m, lower than last year (19.5m), on a comparable basis (excluding financing operations).

Debt (excluding IFRS16 impacts and derivatives) of 5.7m as of December 31, 2023, compared with 24.1m as of December 31, 2022, representing a net decrease of 18.4m.

This significant reduction is mainly due to (i) the repayment of the IPF Partners loan in full, (ii) the conversion of all convertible bonds into shares issued (-6.8m compared with December 31, 2022) (iii) the payment of maturities linked to the PGE (State Guaranteed Loan for -0.8m) and (iv) the advance of 0.5m from Bpifrance on the HinsBet program initiated in 2012 and subsequently discontinued.

Cash runway and outlook

As of December 31, 2023, the company had cash and cash equivalents of 13.0m, enabling it to finance its current operations until July 2024, excluding any income from existing or future partnerships.

On March 21, 2024, the Company raised 2m in capital and set up an equity financing line (PACEO) with Vester Finance for up to 1,700,000 shares.

With a 3m cash injection received on the signing of this transaction, the company's cash runway has been extended to November 2024, and to Q3 2025 assuming use of the entire PACEO based on the share price at the time of its implementation.

In addition, Adocia is still in exclusive negotiations with Sanofi for a global partnership on M1Pram, and is expecting two milestone payments of $10m each in the second half of 2024, linked to progress on the BioChaperone Lispro and BioChaperone Combo projects in partnership with Tonghua Dongbao.

Lastly, the Company still considers accessing the financial markets to finance its research.

Highlights of the year 2023

Product pipeline

The year 2023 was marked by progress with our flagship products, notably M1Pram and AdoShell Islets, which attracted the interest of potential partners with a view to establishing licensing agreements. At the same time, Adocia continued to support its partner Tonghua Dongbao in the development of BioChaperone Combo and BioChaperone Lispro. Finally, Adocia established in vivo proofs of concept for its AdOral and its AdoGel technology platforms. Adocia is seeking partnerships for these technology platforms.

Major clinical advances and the deployment of technological platforms

M1Pram: towards a global partnership to meet a major unmet medical need

This fixed combination of insulin analogues and amylin is intended to provide a solution to the problem of obesity in people with type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. In the United States, 65%1 of type 1 diabetic patients are overweight or obese, representing more than one million people. Also in the United States, 85% of type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese2 of whom 5% are insulin-dependent, also more than one million people.

On July 5, 2023, Sanofi and Adocia signed an agreement granting Sanofi exclusive rights to negotiate a worldwide partnership for M1Pram (and other insulin-pramlintide combinations developed by Adocia). Sanofi paid Adocia 10m for the acquisition of this right.

On the clinical development front, the M1Pram Medical Advisory Board met in December 2023 to finalize the protocol for a forthcoming phase 2b study. This clinical program, involving 140 patients with type 1 diabetes and a BMI>30kg/m, is currently being prepared in the United States. Manufacturing of clinical batches is underway, to ensure the launch of the phase 2b study in the third quarter of 2024.

AdoShell Islets: a strategic priority

In 2023, new data on AdoShell Islets, an immunoprotective biomaterial containing islets for the treatment of diabetes by cell therapy, were communicated at the prestigious CTRMS international congresses of ADA, EASD and IPITA-IXA. The data support AdoShell Islets as a biocompatible immunoprotective material for islet transplantation, without immunosuppression. In vivo, in diabetic mouse models, the survival of encapsulated islets is maintained after a seven-month study without immunosuppression, and efficacy has been established with the ability to control hyperglycemia. Designed to be implanted via minimally invasive surgery, AdoShellIslets has demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility.

Adocia is actively working on the preparation of a first clinical trial. Adocia is preparing interactions with regulatory authorities to validate the proposed development plan. AdoShell Islets could then be clinically tested as early as 2025.

Discussions are underway to establish a partnership for the technology.

BioChaperone Combo: three positive clinical studies

Positive results from three clinical studies conducted on BioChaperone Combo (CT046 47 and 48) were announced in 2023. Conducted by Adocia in Germany, these studies were fully funded by Tonghua Dongbao, to whom BC Combo was licensed in 2018. Conducted on people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and on healthy Chinese volunteers, the studies demonstrated the efficacy of BioChaperone Combo combined with a good safety and tolerability profile.

The various clinical studies conducted confirm the potential of BioChaperone Combo to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and the risk of hypoglycemia compared with the reference premix insulin Humalog Mix, while ensuring basal control over 24 hours. The data generated support the objective of effective dosing in one or two doses per day. The overall evaluation showed that BioChaperoneCombo has a good benefit/risk ratio, supporting its clinical development in the next phase.

Tonghua Dongbao is currently discussing the next development steps with the Chinese regulatory authorities. Treatment of the first BC Combo phase 3 patient, expected in 2024, will trigger a $10m milestone payment (out of a maximum $50m in milestone payments, followed by royalties on future sales).

BioChaperoneLispro: phase 3 progresses in China

The extensive phase 3 program for BioChaperone Lispro initiated in 2022 is currently underway. Led by partner Tonghua Dongbao, the program involves 1,300 people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in over 100 clinical research centers in China. The last patient last visit (LPLV) scheduled for the second half of 2024 will trigger a $10m payment. The contract provides for a maximum amount of $30m, contingent on the achievement of future development milestones through to product registration. Double-digit royalty payments on future sales of Tonghua Dongbao are also planned.

Preparatory work for phase 3 trials in the United States and Europe has been completed, with positive opinions received from the FDA and EMA. The company is continuing its search for partners to initiate the pivotal program until it obtains marketing authorization for these territories, and to ensure its commercialization.

New proprietary technology platforms to improve peptide delivery

AdOral: oral delivery of peptides to replace injections

Adocia has developed an oral peptide delivery technology, making it possible to switch from injectable to oral forms. In addition to improving patients' quality of life and compliance, oral forms of peptides may be of interest in terms of product lifecycle management, avoiding the difficulties associated with large-scale production of sterile injectables. An initial application to semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, has validated this technology in preclinical studies, demonstrating significantly improved bioavailability compared with Rybelsus, the marketed oral form of semaglutide.

The AdOral technology is currently being studied on peptides from two pharmaceutical partners, and discussions are underway to determine the next steps in these collaborations.

AdoGel: long-acting peptide delivery to reduce the number of injections

AdoGelhas been designed to enable long-term delivery of GLP-1, to reduce the number of annual administrations from 52 to 12, and to reduce the production of auto-injectors. Designed for monthly release, AdoGelSema avoids an initial concentration peak and ensures semaglutide release with a pseudo-zero order profile in animals.

Changes in governance

In May 2023, Adocia announced the appointment of Olivier Soula as Chief Executive Officer, by decision of the Board of Directors which met on May 11, 2023 in Paris. Olivier Soula succeeds Gerard Soula, who was reappointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Post-period events

In March 2024, the company announced that it had raised 2m from its two main shareholders and a member of its management team and had signed an equity financing line with Vester Finance representing up to 12% of its capital. The details of this operation are described in our press release of March 21, 20243

2024 Milestones

BioChaperoneLispro: end of phase 3 in China expected in the second half.

BioChaperone Combo: Start of the next clinical trials currently under discussion between Tonghua Dongbao and the Chinese regulatory authorities.

M1Pram: start of phase 2b in the U.S.A., in people with type 1 diabetes and a BMI >30kg/m, scheduled for the third quarter.

AdoShellIslets: preparation of regulatory interactions for first-in-human study.

Continued deployment of the AdoGeland AdOraltechnology platforms.

About Adocia

Adocia is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of therapeutic solutions in the field of metabolic diseases, primarily diabetes and obesity.

The company has a broad portfolio of drug candidates based on four proprietary technology platforms: 1) The BioChaperone technology for the development of new generation insulins and products combining insulins with other classes of hormones; 2) AdOral, an oral peptide delivery technology; 3) AdoShell, an immunoprotective biomaterial for cell transplantation, with an initial application in pancreatic cells transplantation; and 4) AdoGel, a long-acting drug delivery platform.

Adocia holds more than 25 patent families. Based in Lyon, the company has about 80 employees. Adocia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Euronext: ADOC; ISIN: FR0011184241).

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Adocia and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Adocia considers as being reasonable. However, there can be no guarantee that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved, as such estimates are subject to numerous risks including those which are set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the universal registration document that was filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers on April 26, 2023 updated by the amendment of 26 July 2023 (D.23-0346-A01) and amendment of 13 September 2023 (D.23-0346-A02), available at www.adocia.com, in particular uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data, analyses, and the evolution of the economic context, the financial markets and the markets in which Adocia operates, which could impact the Company's short-term financing requirements and its ability to raise additional funds.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Adocia or not considered as material by Adocia as of this day. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause that actual results, financial conditions, performances, or achievements of Adocia be materially different from those mentioned in the forward-looking statements

__________________

1Conway B, Miller RG, Costacou T, Fried L, Kelsey S, Evans RW, Orchard TJ. Temporal patterns in overweight and obesity in Type 1 diabetes. Diabet Med. 2010. Apr;27(4):398-404. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2010.02956.x. PMID: 20536510; PMCID: PMC3129711.

2Epidemiology of Obesity and Diabetes and Their Cardiovascular Complications

3 Press Release, March 21, 2024, https://www.adocia.com/composants/uploads/2024/03/ADOCIA-PR-March-2024-Financing.pdf

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424648443/en/

Contacts:

Adocia

Olivier Soula

CEO

contactinvestisseurs@adocia.com

+33 (0)4 72 610 610

www.adocia.com

Ulysse Communication

Adocia Relations Presse et Investisseurs

Bruno Arabian

Nicolas Entz

adocia@ulysse-communication.com

+ 33 (0)6 87 88 47 26
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 24

For immediate release

24 April 2024

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announce that it has today purchased 135,620 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 819.35 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 40,271,666; 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 184,719,637.

The figure of 184,719,637 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
CCC members BYD, CARIAD, COMPRION, Continental, Google, Huf Hulsbeck Furst GmbH, Marquardt GmbH, and Qualcomm meet in Germany to propel technical performance without compromising security

Today, the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), a cross-industry organization focused on the development of smartphone-to-car connectivity solutions, announced it gathered in Ulm, Germany this past week to test the latest version of the CCC Digital Key specification, release 3 version 1.1.3. This was the eighth Plugfest for this organization and its members, which included participants from BYD, CARIAD, COMPRION, Continental, Google, Huf Hulsbeck Furst GmbH, Marquardt GmbH, and Qualcomm and served to further refine the CCC Digital Key applications, enhancing implementations, specifications, test suites, and tools.

With the CCC Digital Key Certification for NFC implementation live and the first products to reach certification expected very soon, this Plugfest focused on incorporating ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) into the next CCC Digital Key Certification, building on the capabilities already included in the current program. This will provide precision and uncompromising security for vehicle access and also open doors for the development of additional applications for connected vehicles.

"The automotive industry has worked for decades to make the driving experience more convenient through digital technologies. But unlocking the full potential of digital key, and accessibility technologies across the board, depends on a universally interoperable and secure standard," said Alysia Johnson, president of the CCC. "As an organization committed to driving global progress, we remain steadfast in our dedication to creating that standard and are thrilled to have spent time collaborating in Germany, a hub for innovation and excellence."

"We believe vehicle-to-device access will soon be a standard, expected feature for consumers, and to do this, we must be able to deliver a seamless user experience and ensure security," emphasized Dirk Hassert, development expert at Mercedes-Benz AG. "The work done to incorporate UWB and BLE, here in Ulm and ongoing as a larger membership, makes certain we can optimize value for consumers and provide fully interoperable, secure implementations. We're excited for the progress we made this past week and look forward to our continued advancements."

The next CCC Plugfest will be held June 17-21 in Hefei, China, hosted by Volkswagen Group (China) Technology Company Limited. To learn more about the Car Connectivity Consortium, please visit our website.

About the Car Connectivity Consortium:

The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) is a cross-industry organization advancing technologies for smartphone-to-car connectivity solutions. The CCC represents a large portion of the global automotive and smartphone industries with more than 200 member companies. The CCC member companies include smartphone and vehicle manufacturers, automotive tier-1 suppliers, silicon/chip vendors, security product suppliers, and more. Its Board of Directors includes individuals from charter member companies Apple, BMW, CARIAD, DENSO, Ford, General Motors, Google, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, NXP, Panasonic, Samsung, Thales, and Xiaomi. For more information, visit www.carconnectivity.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424944435/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Caroline Harvey

INK Communications for CCC

ccc@ink-co.com
LEESBURG, VA / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / A partnership with HealthWorks for Northern Virginia brings Rezolut, the parent company of Assured Imaging, into its 17th state of operation. This expansion into the greater Washington, DC, area marks a significant step forward for Assured Imaging, a leading national provider of breast imaging services that aims to provide accessible healthcare through strategic collaboration.

Assured Imaging

Assured logo

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is dedicated to providing excellent and affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health at its five locations in Loudoun and Fairfax County. With the addition of imaging services at its Leesburg location, HealthWorks now provides greater access to comprehensive women's health services to patients from all backgrounds, ages, and income levels in the Washington, DC, region.

"Our Leesburg center now offers both screening and diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound, utilizing the latest technology in women's imaging and read by board-certified, breast fellowship-trained radiologists," said Tonya Adkins, MD, CEO of HealthWorks. "Our collaboration with Assured Imagine helps us fulfill our promise to make excellent, affordable care accessible to our community. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care, ensuring the health and well-being of our patients."

Dr. Jin Kim, CEO of Rezolut, affirmed, "Our philosophy is centered around marrying technical innovation and superb clinical leadership with a state-of-the-art, patient-centric experience, so we're able to advance our mission of early detection and save more lives."

About Assured Imaging

Assured Imaging is an integrated provider of women's imaging services with an emphasis on mobile and white-label mammography services. Its mission is to help provider partners screen all their patients for breast cancer. Now operating in 11 states, Assured provides turnkey mammography solutions for long-term and event-based screenings. To learn more about Assured Imaging, visit www.assuredimaging.com.

About Rezolut

Rezolut is a national platform of diagnostic medical imaging services. A vertically integrated company, Rezolut partners with private practices, imaging centers, and hospital systems to offer comprehensive turn-key breast imaging services, including 3D screening and diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, and cancer risk assessment, to develop personalized care plans for at-risk women. Rezolut currently owns and operates 42 imaging centers nationally. Additionally, this partnership marks Rezolut's 19th white-label women's imaging location. To learn more about Rezolut, visit www.rezolut.com.

About HealthWorks for Northern Virginia

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is laser-focused on providing excellent and affordable medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare in our communities by being compassionate, culturally competent, and accessible to all. HealthWorks has five locations in throughout Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. For more information about HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, visit www.hwnova.org.

Contact Information

Mike Morgan

Director of Marketing

mike.morgan@rezolut.com

520-991-0322

SOURCE: Rezolut

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Inc. magazine revealed that Carbliss, a brand owned by SNFood & Beverage, secured the prestigious recognition of No. 1 on the fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Midwest private companies, based in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Carbliss achieved this enviable award on the basis of an impressive 7,127% growth during the qualifying date period.

Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Midwest economy's most dynamic segment-its independent small businesses.

"It is an absolute honor for our team's hard work and dedication in building this brand to be recognized by such an award," says CEO and Co-Founder Adam Kroener.

Carbliss

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/206628_b74b317e24f9eb91_002full.jpg

The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Midwest region. Between 2020 and 2022, these 172 private companies had an average growth rate of 134.06 percent; by 2023, they'd also added 14,830 jobs and $24.5 billion to the region's economy.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest, including company profiles can be found at inc.com/Midwest. Also find an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria.

"The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the Who's Who of private companies. They're energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do - they'll be impacting things for a while," said Eric Hagerman, Special Projects Editor at Inc. Media.

Carbliss is available for purchase in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas and direct-to-consumers via the website: https://shop.drinkcarbliss.com/.

Carbliss Brands has sold over 2,700,000 cases since its founding in 2019 and has a team of 32 people. Adam is a Startup Advisor, Certified Dale Carnegie Leadership Instructor, sought-after speaker, and Veteran of the US Army.

Contact: Ashley Crouch, 805-419-0122, ashley@prowessventures.com

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals

Methodology

The 2024 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2020 and 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent-not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies-as of December 31, 2022. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2022 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

About Inc. Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.

The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206628

SOURCE: Ascend Agency
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Avivagen Inc. (TSXV: VIV) ("Avivagen" or the "Company"), a life sciences corporation focused on developing and commercializing products for livestock, companion animal and human applications that safely enhance feed intake and support immune function, thereby supporting general health and performance, announced today that is has made a voluntary assignment in bankruptcy for the benefit of its creditors pursuant to section 49 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) ("BIA"). BDO Canada Limited has consented to act as Licensed Insolvency Trustee and will administer the estate and realize on the Company's assets in accordance with the BIA.

A notice of the bankruptcy and particulars of the first meeting of creditors will be sent to creditors by mail in the coming days.

Avivagen announced on May 18, 2023 that it had formed a Special Committee of the Board of Directors to explore strategic alternatives to maximize value for all stakeholders of the Company. The Special Committee explored many alternatives and engaged with many of the world's leading animal health and animal feed and nutrition companies, including Fortune 500 companies. Avivagen connected with existing suppliers, distributors, and new parties, leading to a number of reviews of the opportunity under confidentiality and with access to the Company's core information. One international conglomerate, specialized in the animal health industry, put forward a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") that was signed and that would have seen a significant value ascribed to the animal health business of Avivagen. Following the completion of an agreed to exclusivity period and with significant diligence conducted, the other party notified Avivagen of a change at their company and that they could no longer complete the transaction. The LOI is no longer valid and other parties were contacted to engage in a strategic transaction, with conversations not producing an offer for the Company or its assets.

After a careful review of available options under the process to find strategic alternatives, and following thorough consultation with its legal and financial advisors, the Special Committee and the entire Board of Directors determined that the only option was to file a bankruptcy under the BIA. Despite the growing industry enthusiasm for antibiotic-free, sustainable food production and Avivagen's encouraging field and commercial results, including with customers in multiple countries, there are no viable opportunities to raise additional capital in the current market conditions and Avivagen was unable to identify a suitable solution available in the near term.

As a result of the contemplated transaction under LOI not being able to complete and insufficient resources, Avivagen has missed its regulatory requirements to file the following documents:

audited annual financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2023;

management's discussion and analysis relating to the audited annual financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2023; and

certification of the foregoing filings as required by National Instrument 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings.

Trading in the common shares of the Company on the TSXV has been halted and it is anticipated that the trading thereof will continue to be halted permanently pending de-listing.

"The decision to initiate a bankruptcy of the Company has been the hardest decision in the entire journey of working for Avivagen - a journey of science and evidence to bring better health to animals and people alike," stated Kym Anthony, CEO of Avivagen Inc. "I regret the impact the restructuring and bankruptcy of our business will have on our valued stakeholders. This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but is the only one available to us now."

About OxC-beta Technology and OxC-beta Livestock

Avivagen's OxC-beta technology is derived from Avivagen discoveries about -carotene and other carotenoids, compounds that give certain fruits and vegetables their bright colours. Through support of immune function the technology provides a non-antibiotic means of promoting health and growth. OxC- beta Livestock is a proprietary product shown to be an effective and economic alternative to the antibiotics commonly added to livestock feeds. The product is currently available for sale in the United States, Mexico, Philippines, Taiwan, New Zealand, Thailand, Australia and Malaysia.

Avivagen's OxC-beta Livestock product is safe, effective and could fulfill the global mandate to remove all in-feed antibiotics as growth promoters. Numerous international livestock trials with poultry and swine using OxC-beta Livestock have proven that the product performs as well as, and, sometimes, in some aspects, better than in-feed antibiotics.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon the current expectations of management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties associated with the business of Avivagen Inc. and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "aim", "anticipate", "appear", "believe", "consider", "could", "estimate", "expect", "if", "intend", "goal", "hope", "likely", "may", "plan", "possibly", "potentially", "pursue", "seem", "should", "whether", "will", "would" and similar expressions.

Statements set out in this news release relating to modifications to and execution of the Company's business plan, the review and availability of potential strategic opportunities for the Company, the abilities and anticipated success of the Strategic Committee, planned future communication , expectation as to further adoption of or orders for the Company's products, the possibility that trials underway could lead to additional orders in the future and the possibility for OxC-beta Livestock to replace antibiotics in livestock feeds as growth promoters are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. For instance, risks and uncertainties regarding strategic alternatives including the terms of their availability whether they will be available at all, and the effects of their implementation, the Strategic Committee may not have the results anticipated, unforeseen factors could limit the growth of the Company and the adoption of its products, customers are under no obligation to make additional orders and may not order increasing quantities of the Company's products, partnerships may not be as successful as hoped, trials may not be successful or may not lead to additional adoption of the Company's products, Avivagen's products may not gain market acceptance or regulatory approval in new jurisdictions or for new applications and may not be widely accepted as a replacement for antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock feeds, all of which could occur due to many factors, many of which are outside of Avivagen's control. Readers are referred to the risk factors associated with the business of Avivagen set out in Avivagen's most recent management's discussion and analysis of financial condition available at www.SEDARplus.ca. Except as required by law, Avivagen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the T SX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information related to the bankruptcy proceedings, please contact BDO Canada Limited Licensed Insolvency Trustee:

BDO Canada Limited

Trustee re: Avivagen Inc.

20 Wellington St. E., Suite 500

Toronto, ON M5E 1C5

Tel: 416-865-0210

Fax: 416-865-0904

Email: Avivagen@bdo.ca

Website: https://www.bdo.ca/services/financial-advisory-services/business-restructuring-turnaround-services/current-engagements/avivagen

Website: www.avivagen.com

Copyright  2024 Avivagen Inc. OxC-beta is a trademark of Avivagen Inc.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206596

SOURCE: Avivagen Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Join Forum Energy Metals (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) at the Energy Transition Metals Summit being held at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30. Forum President & CEO, Richard Mazur and Dr. Rebecca Hunter, Vice President of Exploration will be available both days of the conference for 1 X 1 meetings to update investors on Forum's high grade uranium discovery in the Thelon Basin, Nunavut.

Qualified buy side parties can register at:

https://www.precioussummit.com/event/2024-energy-transition-metals-summit-washington-d-c/

Rick Mazur, President & CEO stated, "This is an exciting Canadian uranium discovery in a geologic equivalent of the prolific Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. We are excited to begin our $10 million summer drill campaign in June and are currently mobilizing materials in order to begin building the camp in the next several weeks. The focus of Forum's efforts will be on our Tatiggaq deposit in Nunavut which is adjacent to Orano's 133 million pound Kiggavik uranium development project."

Technical meetings with management and partnering inquiries on Forum's portfolio of uranium and energy metals projects in Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Idaho can be arranged by contacting: Rick Mazur, President & CEO at mazur@forumenergymetals.com or by calling 604-630-1585.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:

Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO

mazur@forumenergymetals.com

Tel: 604-630-1585

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206710

SOURCE: Forum Energy Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: SBMIF) ("Lode Gold" or the "Company", formerly Stratabound Minerals Corp.) announces that it has engaged Martin Stratte as an advisor.

Stratte has stepped down as a director of the Company to take on this advisory role, in connection with his return to the private practice of law in California.

Stratte is a land use and environmental permitting attorney with significant experience advising companies in the mining and natural resources sectors, with particular emphasis on projects in California and on the West Coast. He was part of the team that permitted Equinox Gold's restart of the Castle Mountain Mine in California (2018-2021).

The Company has retained Stratte to advise on land use matters related to the Company's ongoing activities at its Fremont Gold Project in California. As recently announced on April 10, 2024, the Company has retained the services of Carlos Saban, an exploration and mine development geologist to review the Company's Fremont Project and to develop a geological model for a potential high-grade underground gold mine on the Mother Lode Belt where 50,000,000 Oz Au has been produced.

Wendy Chan, CEO of Lode Gold, stated: "On behalf of the Lode Gold Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mr. Stratte for his insights and advice; he has been a strong value-add to the team. He has helped prepare Fremont for its next chapter. While we will miss having him on the Board, we are confident that his California mining expertise will provide further value as the Company continues to advance its ongoing restructuring and repositioning strategy and plans, including demonstrating Fremont's potential to be a multi-million-ounce high-grade deposit to complement the previously established large open pit mineable resources."

Martin Stratte stated: "I would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to serve as a director and look forward to seeing the Company unlock value on its Fremont project, located on 3,351-acres of privately owned land in Mariposa County."

FREMONT HIGHLIGHTS

100%-owned, 3,351 acres of private land

Located on the Mother Lode Belt (50,000,000 ounces produced)

Located in Mariposa County, site of the original Gold Rush

Excellent site infrastructure with hydro sub-station, highway access and proximity to airports and seaports

Historical mine production at 8 g/t Au

23 km of underground mine workings

Only two of five known deposits have been exploited

Mining operation suspended due to War in 1942

NI 43-101 MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike length (35%)

At a sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold, the Project has an after-tax NPV(5%) of USD $370MM and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM

Depth potential with three step-out holes hit the mineralized structure

ABOUT LODE GOLD

Lode Gold is a Canadian exploration and development company with grassroots and advanced exploration properties in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions.

Its Golden Culvert and Win Projects, Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high-grade-gold-mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. Gold deposits and occurrences within the Belt include Fort Knox, Pogo, Brewery Creek and Dublin Gulch, and Snowline Gold's Valley target on its Rogue property in the Selwyn Basin.

Its McIntyre Brook Project, New Brunswick, covering 120 km2 and a 17-km strike length in the emerging Triple Fault Gold Belt, is surrounded by Puma Exploration's Williams Brook Project (5.55 g/t Au over 50m) and is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold's Queensway Project.

The Company is also advancing its Fremont Gold development project in the historic Mother Lode Gold Belt of California where 50,000,000 oz of gold has been produced. Fremont, located 500km north of Equinox Gold's Castle Mountain and Mesquite mines, has a PEA with an after-tax NPV of USD $217MM, a 21% IRR, 11-year LOM, averaging 118k ounces per annum at USD $1,750 gold. A sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold gives an after-tax NPV(5%) of USD $370MM and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 Moz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated, and 2.02 Moz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike length of the Fremont property that features five gold-mineralized zones. Significantly, three step-out holes at depth hit mineralized structure, typical of orogenic deposits that often occur at depth. Fremont is located on private land in Mariposa, the original gold rush county and is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail. Please refer to the Fremont Gold project PEA dated March 31, 2023 under NI 43-101 guidelines. The technical report has been reviewed and approved by independent "Qualified Persons" Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, and Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng. both of P&E, and Travis Manning, P.E. of KCA.

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, Director, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), FAusIMM, and who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.stratabound.com or contact:

Gary Nassif

Senior Vice President, Director

info@stratabound.com

+1 (416) 915-4157

Kevin Shum

Investor Relations

kevin@jeminicapital.com

+1 (647) 725-3888 ext. 702

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

WARNING: The Company relies upon litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements. The information in this release may contain forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, changes in laws or regulations, failure to obtain regulatory, exchange or shareholder approval, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this forward-looking information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206709

SOURCE: Lode Gold Resources Inc.
CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company") (NYSE:KFS) today announced that CEO John T. Fitzgerald will host a fireside chat with Will Thorndike at its Investor Day in New York City on Monday, May 20, 2024. The conversation will cover a range of topics including capital allocation, the power of long holding periods, and Mr. Thorndike's experience as an original and long-time investor in the Search Fund ecosystem.

Mr. Thorndike is Managing Partner of The Cromwell Harbor Partnership, author of "The Outsiders, Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success", and a member of the Kingsway Search Xcelerator ("KSX") advisory board.

The investor day, inclusive of the fireside chat with Mr. Thorndike, will begin at 9:30 am ET running until approximately midday. Separately, the Company will be hosting a cocktail reception later that day at another venue beginning at 5:00pm ET.

Event Details

The investor day will take place at the New York Stock Exchange (RSVP required) and will also be available virtually at the investors section on the company website: https://kingsway-financial.com/. Individuals interested in attending the in person investor day, as well as the offsite cocktail reception, may RSVP by emailing James@HaydenIR.com.

About the Company

Kingsway is a holding company that owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty and business services industries. The common shares of Kingsway are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "KFS."

The Company serves the extended warranty industry through its operating subsidiaries IWS (iwsgroup.com), Penn Warranty (pennwarranty.com), Preferred Warranties (preferredwarranties.com) and Trinity Warranty Solutions (trinitywarranty.com).

The Company serves the business services industry through its operating subsidiaries CSuite (csuitefinancialpartners.com), Ravix (ravixgroup.com), Secure Nursing Service (securenursing.com), SPI Software (spisoftware.com) and Digital Diagnostics, Inc (ddimagingusa.com).

For Media Inquiries: Hayden IR

James Carbonara

(646) 755-7412

james@haydenir.com For Company Inquiries: Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

Kent Hansen, CFO

(312) 766-2163

khansen@kingsway-financial.com

SOURCE: Kingsway Financial Services, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Tines, a Boston, MA- and Dublin, Ireland-based company which specializes in smart and secure workflows, raised $50M in new funding, as an extension to its Series B.

The round, which brought the total amount to $146.2M, was led by Accel and Felicis with participation from Addition, CrowdStrike Falcon Fund and SVCI, all pre-existing investors in Tines.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its operations, hiring across all departments, including engineering, product, operations, sales and marketing.

Led by Eoin Hinchy, CEO, Tines offers a workflow platform that delivers automation and orchestration to the members of any organization, securely running thousands of mission-critical workflows per day across a diverse range of customers, including Canva, Databricks, Elastic, Kayak, Mars, McKesson and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Tines is Tines has offices in Dublin, Boston and San Francisco.

FinSMEs

24/04/2024
The severe reliance on beauty (charismatic or cosmetic notwithstanding) has kind of been exposed by the comments Nigam went through recently read more

It was a moment of pride for Prachi Nigam as she topped the 10th standard in the Uttam Pradesh board but little did she know she would be subjected to online trolling for her facial hair. Well, humanity and common sense are still alive on social media and there were people who stood by her for her remarkable achievement and celebrated her accomplishments.

Here are some of the tweets that dropped on X:

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Its distasteful to mock this young girl Prachi Nigam over her facial hair which may be due to hormonal imbalance, after she emerged as Class 12 UP board topper.



More power to such bright females  the hope of our country.



pic.twitter.com/A8LW8fWGy4  Rohan Dua (@rohanduaT02) April 20, 2024

Apparently most people are mocking the UP Board topper, Prachi Nigam because she didnt go to the salon to get her facial hair waxed.



This simply proves that people will find almost anything to demean you no matter what !!  Pallavi Pandey (@pallavipandeyy) April 21, 2024

No matter the mountain that women of our country climb, there will always be a man on the ground pointing at her, saying she could look better.



Shame on grown men reducing bright, young minds to the way they look. pic.twitter.com/XrV2j0ua3h  Nikhil Taneja (@tanejamainhoon) April 21, 2024

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Beauty and the Bollywood

The severe reliance on beauty (charismatic or cosmetic notwithstanding) has kind of been exposed by the comments Nigam went through recently. Most of the actors have opted to go under the knife to achieve perfect looks and ended up exposed and embarrassed. Recently, actor Rajkummar Rao confessed of getting chin fillers roughly eight years ago when he was accused of plastic surgery after his picture went viral.

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Old is not gold?

Many aging actors of our times like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have deployed heavy VFX in their films and particularly on their faces to look younger than they are that become a hindrance after a point in watching their performance. Salmans films like Bharat and Radhe did that and in case of SRK, it happened with titles like Jawan and Dunki recently.

Perfection gone wrong

Many actresses have opted for surgery to look more beautiful than they already are and it has backfired and just how. Here are some of the names:

Koena Mitra got a nose surgery done and Saif Ali Khan said on Koffee With Karan how her surgery went completely wrong, earning the wrath of the actress in the process. She called the Race star a Gareeb Nawaab.

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Ayesha Takia

She was captured at the airport and the moment she made an appearance, users on social media trolled her for her alleged plastic surgery and ruining her face. She shared a note that read-  You cant control how people perceive your energy. Anything you do or say gets filtered through the lens of whatever they are going through at the moment, which is totally not about you. Its still not clear or confirmed whether she joined the bandwagon or not.
The inspiration from real-life events often becomes an excuse for makers to legitimize the monotony of their characters, and after showing spurts of spark initially, Ranneeti slips into the rigmarole of painting its characters black and white read more

Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Prasanna Venkatesan, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi, Akanksha Singh, Satyajeet Dubey, Elnaaz Norouzi

Director: Santosh Singh

Language: Hindi

Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond, this is the name of the new web series on JioCinema that pays yet another homage and portrays yet another take on the Balakot air strike after the recent dud Operation Valentine. For patriotic angles, we already have titles like Fighter, Tejas, and URI in a span of just five years. Ironically, Ranneeti begins in 2019, a month after Vicky Kaushals blockbuster released. Theres much to see in the word beyond that makes its way into the tagline. Since its a 9-episode series with an average run time of 49 minutes for each one, the beyond literally gets going right from the word go.

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Finding humor, references, and irony

A close-up of Jimmy Shergills tongue introduces us to his character whos a former RAW agent whos now reading film scripts after a failed mission due to a mole in the team. A tacky action sequence with jarring lines mercifully (and amusingly) turns out to be a scene from a film Shergill rejects right off the bat saying nobody talks like this. The irony here is his character himself almost falls into the same claws while interrogating a terrorist in Tihar jail few moments earlier, which also paves way for the introduction of Ashutosh Rana (who does a little less jingoistic version of his own Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon). Another scene where a man struggles to shoot a traitor evokes memories of Akshaye Khannas crippling fear in Border. There, it was an Indian solider ordered to shoot a Pakistani intruder, here, its the opposite. The first episode ends with an attack on the CRPF officers when one of them is on a video call with his wife. The episode ends and the moment the second one begins, the wife is still on her phone, oblivious to the catastrophe that has just unfolded.

Never Heard Before?

The dialogues are the kind of exchanges and emotional breakdowns that are now borderline cliched. Before the two nations can get down to the battlefield or surreptitious attacks, they derive a high by mouthing one liners about revenge and retaliation. The background music for us suggests courage, for them, its always evil. And Shergill, a fine actor with a solid screen presence, is shaky and somber as Kashyap. Hes haunted by a past and is unable to move on, which is used as a tool to provide rationale for his mostly one-note outing. Of course, there are scenes especially towards the end when he does crack a smile. Hes always been a fascinating actor to watch and its great to see him spearheading a title. Lara Dutta is actually the first character here to flash a lovely smile when she appears. She has a past too, but the actress brims with a certain sense of vibrancy, especially in her scene with Shergill. But, but, but

Needed more thrill

Dutta devises a plan to deceive the neighbors that feels implausible at the service of the narrative. It involves posting a picture on social media from a farewell party and deleting it two minutes later. Rana smells the stench and yet succumbs to the attacks that lack both thrill and pulsating tension. A heightened sense of urgency is unable to lift the overall dullness of the entire execution of the montage. To compensate, this episode ends with another cliffhanger to perhaps spice up the blandness of the writing.

Only Black and White

The inspiration from real-life events often becomes an excuse for makers to legitimize the monotony of their characters, and after showing spurts of spark initially, Ranneeti slips into the rigmarole of painting its characters black and white. The narrative keeps oscillating between the earnest and the evil, and no prizes for guessing who has been painted how. The aerial action, most recently seen in Operation Valentine and Fighter, fail to ignite any sense of panic or patriotism. Now only if all this unfolded on the big screen with 3D glasses. And only if those 90% Indians went to the airport. Oops!

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Rating: 2.5 (out of 5 stars)

Ranneti is now streaming on JioCinema
As Do Patti is set to release in 2024, its the matter of time to see Kriti Sanon setting the screen on fire with her versatility read more

Kriti Sanon has defied the odds, solidifying her position as one of the industrys most bankable actors in this 2024. With her two consecutive films namely Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew, reaching the 10O crore milestone, Kriti has become a beacon of success, attracting the praises of the viewers. Now Kriti is all set with her new release of Do Paati alongside Kajol.

Recently Kriti Sanon revealed that Do Patti was the most challenging film for her. She said " I think the one that is still not out which is Do Patti. Its hard for me to tell you why because only the teaser has been dropped. But I can say that in the film, I have done something for the first time that I did not play in any of my films earlier. It was really challenging not just physically and in body language but also emotionally a lot. It has got a lot of graph, emotions, drama and a lot of layers. It is a character with a lot of layers so Do Patti has been one of my most challenging so far"

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As Do Patti is set to release in 2024, its the matter of time to see Kriti Sanon setting the screen on fire with her versatility.
The US has been the largest single donor backing Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022. . Political and military leaders have noted that supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russia is one clear way to deter China from strengthening its global political power and military reach read more

The US has been the largest single donor backing Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022. AP

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a $95.3 billion foreign aid funding package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on 23 April, 2024, following months of political infighting that stalled the bill in the House of Representatives.

About $61 billion of this aid package will be spent on Ukraine, while $26 billion will go to Israel. Another $8 billion is designated for Taiwan.

President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law within days.

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The Senate voted for the aid package with a 79-18 vote late on Tuesday evening, while the House approved the bill on April 20 with a rare bipartisan coalition that voted 311-112 in favor of aid to Ukraine.

Todays weve stressed from the beginning of this Congress. In divided government, the only way to ever get things done is bipartisanship, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on 23 April, before thanking House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, for moving the legislation along.

The new legislation means that US military supplies could be moved to Ukraine in a matter of days.

In early April 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy laid out the stakes for the US support saying, If the Congress doesnt help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war. Russia had increased its bombing of Ukraine in recent months, and the battle lines between Russia and Ukraine have moved little in the past year.

Pressure increased on lawmakers to pass the aid package after Irans drone missile attack on Israel on 14 April, 2024.

The US has been the largest single donor backing Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022. Since then, the US has sent Ukraine approximately $113 billion in a combination of cash, military supplies and machinery, as well as food and other humanitarian supplies.

As a scholar of Eastern Europe, I think there are a few important reasons why the US has a lot at stake in supporting Ukraine.

Delay, delay, delay

Since February 2024, Johnson had delayed initiating a vote on the Ukraine foreign aid bill in the House of Representatives for a few reasons.

One major factor was fighting between Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the House.

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While some centrist Republican politicians supported Ukraine funding and pushed for a vote on the foreign aid package, others  hard-right Republicans  wanted a bill that prioritized what they said are American interests, meaning more of a focus on domestic US problems.

Another issue was a threat of other Republicans trying to remove Johnson from his leadership role.

Threats to House Speaker Mike Johnsons leadership kept the bill from being scheduled for a vote. AP

Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky called on Johnson to resign and joined Representative. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a Republican who filed a motion on 22 March, 2024, to prompt a vote that could push Johnson out of his House leadership position.

Eventually, Johnson reportedly settled on the idea that supporting the legislation was the right decision  and reached out to Democrats across the aisle to help him see the bills through.

Russia sees opportunity

As the House was stalling on a vote, Ukraine was rationing ammunition and supplies. This, in turn, provided an opportunity for Russia to strengthen its arsenal.

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Delays with foreign aid to Ukraine give Putin time to move forward with plans to purchase ballistic missiles from Iran. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed concerns in early January 2024 that Russia was close to acquiring short-range ballistic weapons from Iran.

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In February, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan pointed out that Ukrainian forces lost a major center of resistance in the east of Ukraine called Avdiivka to Russia because of a shortage of ammunition.

Without foreign aid from the US, Ukraine faces a strategic disadvantage that could lead to Russia winning the war. That could lead to Russia increasing its threats on nearby NATO countries.

Other imortant factors in play

There are other reasons why many experts think it helps the US to back Ukraine. One factor is US global power competition with China.

Russian and Chinese leaders declared a days before Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They announced on 9 April, 2024, that they want to find ways to strengthen their joint security work across Asia and Europe.

US political and military leaders have noted that supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russia is one clear way to deter China from strengthening its global political power and military reach.

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Navy Admiral Samuel J Paparo said in February 2024 that Russias potential loss in Ukraine is a deterrence in the western Pacific and directly reassures partners.

The admiral said that China is studying the Ukraine invasion for its own purposes, in order to effect a short, sharp conflict that presents a fait accompli to all of the world.

Experts say pushing back against Russia is one clear way to deter China from strengthening its global political power and military reach. AP

He called for the US to continue to fund Ukraines war.

The US needs its long-standing allies in Europe to help push back against China  and deterrence is only as effective as the size of the force doing the deterring.

Ely Ratner, the US assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, recently explained this principle and how it relates to China: We believe deterrence is real and deterrence is strong, and were working every day to keep it that way.

Helps the home front

Most of Americas military aid to Ukraine consists of arms and ammunition from existing US stockpiles. More than one-third of the $61 billion spending includes $23 billion dedicated to replenishing weapons and ammunition systems for the US military.

In December 2023, Biden signed a US defence policy bill that authorizes a record-high $886 billion in spending from July 2023 through June 2024. This includes a 5.2 per cent pay raise for troops, $11.5 billion in support of initiatives to help deter China and $800 million to support Ukraines counteroffensive war.

But it also allows for the purchasing of new ships, aircraft and other types of ammunition. For defence stocks, that means a promising start to 2024, as the military will be likely to boost defence contractors revenues looking to restock supplies shipped to Ukraine.

Support for Ukraine remains

A majority of Americans still favour US support of Ukraine, though about half of Republicans said in December 2023 that the US is giving too much money to the country.

Even though politicians do not always follow public opinion, there are clear reasons why it is in the US best interests to keep funding Ukraine.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .
Forty-six years after it was legalised, the issue of abortion in Italy has again ignited tensions all over this overwhelmingly Catholic country. Italys senate has approved a law allowing anti-abortion groups access to women considering ending their pregnancies read more

People stage a protest on 'International Safe Abortion Day' to ask for more guarantees on the enforcement of the abortion law that they claim is seriously endangered by the high rate of doctors' conscientious objection in the country, in Rome on 28 September, 2022. File image/AP

Forty-six years after the legalisation of abortion in Italy, the issue has once again taken centre stage. The recent approval by the Italian Senate of a law granting anti-abortion groups access to counseling centers has reignited tensions surrounding reproductive rights in the predominantly Catholic country.

In a significant victory for Italian Premier Giorgia Melonis far-right-led government, the Senate passed the legislation on Tuesday. The law, tied to European Union COVID-19 recovery funds, allows regions to authorise groups with a qualified experience supporting motherhood to operate in public counseling centres frequented by women considering abortion.

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The amendment, sponsored by Melonis Brothers of Italy party, received a 95-68 vote in favour, securing its final approval.

What concerns have been raised?

Certain members of the medical community have raised doubts about the prudence of granting access to women considering the procedure to anti-abortion groups lacking medical qualifications.

Then you dont understand how you want to involve in the counselling centres and also in the hospitals, because this is already happening in some regions, characters that you dont know what qualification they have, Euronews quoted Silvana Agatone, the president of the pro-choice association LAIGA.

Certainly they havent studied, they havent passed examinations to go and talk to women about topics for which the counselling centre already has highly qualified figures to deal with them.

What has the opposition said?

For supporters of the amendment, it aligns with the original intent of the 1978 law legalising abortion, known as Law 194, aimed at preventing the procedure and promoting motherhood.

However, the left-wing opposition views it as a regression in abortion rights, expressing concerns voiced since Melonis election in 2022.

Cecilia DElia, a Democratic Party senator, highlighted the oppositions stance, stating, The government should realise that they keep saying they absolutely do not want to boycott or touch Law 194, but the truth is that the right-wing opposes womens reproductive autonomy, fears womens choices regarding motherhood, sexuality, and abortion."

Additionally, some figures within the opposition have voiced complaints that the bill was passed by circumventing the proper parliamentary process.

We are forced to suffer this amendment that was decided by a part of this majority without a parliamentary debate, without any discussion, without allowing us to go deep into the topic, said Democratic Party senator Beatrice Lorenzin.

Elly Schlein, head of Italys Democratic Party, called for tangible measures to ensure access to abortion services, including establishing a mandatory percentage of doctors willing to perform the procedure in public hospitals, otherwise these rights remain on paper only.

How has Meloni reacted?

Meloni, campaigning on a platform of God, fatherland, and family, insists on upholding the 1978 law while advocating for increased childbirth to address Italys declining birthrate.

Italys birthrate, among the lowest globally, has experienced a continuous decline over the past 15 years, reaching a historic low last year with only 379,000 babies born.

In response, Melonis conservative factions, bolstered by support from the Vatican, have launched a campaign aimed at boosting annual births to at least 500,000 by 2033. Demographers argue that this rate is essential to avert economic destabilisation caused by Italys increasingly elderly population.

Meloni has called the left-wing opposition to the proposed amendment fake news, recalling that Law 194 provides for measures to prevent abortions, which would include counselling pregnant women about alternatives. The amendment specifically allows anti-abortion groups, or groups supporting motherhood, to be among the volunteer groups that can work in the counseling centers.

I think we have to guarantee a free choice, Meloni said recently. And to guarantee a free choice you have to have all information and opportunities available. And thats what the Law 194 provides.

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What does Italys current abortion law say?

Italy permits abortion on request within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for cases where a womans health or life is at risk. However, access to abortion services can be hindered by healthcare personnel registering as conscientious objectors, leading to challenges for women seeking the procedure.

How are trends in Europe vis-a-vis abortion?

While Italy grapples with renewed debates on abortion, developments across Europe showcase divergent trends. France enshrined the right to abortion in its constitution, while overwhelmingly Catholic Malta relaxed its strict abortion laws. Meanwhile, Polish lawmakers moved to lift a near-total ban on abortion.

Amidst the rising tensions surrounding abortion in Italy, contrasting developments in other parts of Europe have emerged. France celebrated International Womens Day by enshrining the guaranteed right to abortion in its constitution. Similarly, overwhelmingly Catholic Malta voted to relax its stringent abortion laws last year. In Poland, lawmakers have advanced proposals to lift a near-total ban on abortion imposed by the previous right-wing government.

However, amidst these progressive shifts, concerns loom within Italys left-wing circles. There is apprehension that the country may follow the trajectory of the United States, where access to abortion is increasingly restricted following the US Supreme Courts overturning of landmark legislation that once guaranteed nationwide access to abortion.

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The debate surrounding abortion rights in Italy underscores the complex intersection of politics, religion, and reproductive autonomy, with far-reaching implications for womens rights and healthcare in the country.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, both are scheduled to appear in separate states to bolster BJPs vote. Meanwhile, China has a guest in the form of US secretary of state Antony Blinken who will be looking to get a one-on-one with Chinese president Xi Jinping read more

It is the middle of the week and elections fervour is still on in India with re-polling to be held in a few seats in Arunachal Pradesh while preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modis roadshow in Madhya Pradesh are in full swing.

China will see an important visitor as the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Beijing to seek an audience with Xi Jinping.

Here is a rundown of what is expected today:

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Re-polling in Arunachal

The Election Commission of India has announced that repolling has been ordered in eight polling stations across Arunachal Pradesh. This decision comes in response to reported incidents of EVM damage and violence during the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls held on 19 April .

According to Liken Koyu, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, the Commission issued an order on Sunday declaring the polling conducted in these eight stations as void. Fresh polling has been scheduled for 24 April, with voting to take place from 6 am to 2 pm.

The polling stations identified for repolling include Sario in the Bameng assembly constituency in East Kameng district, Longte Loth in the Nyapin assembly seat in Kurung Kumey district, as well as Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari, and Lengi polling booths under the Nacho constituency in Upper Subansiri district.

Modis roadshow in Bhopal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to conduct a roadshow in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency this evening as part of his campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Bhopal is considered a stronghold of the BJP.

This roadshow will mark PM Modis second such event in Madhya Pradesh and his fifth visit to the state in the past 18 days. His campaign in Madhya Pradesh commenced on 7 April with a roadshow in the Jabalpur constituency, which has been a BJP stronghold since 1996.

China to receive Blinken

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Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is set to land in China today, as both Washington and Beijing endeavor to maintain a balanced relationship despite significant disparities on various issues. These include the Middle East peace process and concerns regarding the supply of synthetic opioids, which have raised apprehensions about global stability.

The two nations find themselves at odds on multiple fronts, encompassing Russias actions in Ukraine, the status of Taiwan and the South China Sea, matters concerning North Korea, developments in Hong Kong, human rights issues, and the detention of American citizens. Additionally, trade and commerce disputes persist, with US President Joe Biden recently announcing fresh tariffs on imports of Chinese steel.

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According to the State Departments announcement on Saturday, Blinken will embark on his second trip to China within a year. His itinerary includes visits to Shanghai and Beijing, commencing on Wednesday and spanning three days, during which he will engage in discussions with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. While talks between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping are anticipated, neither side will confirm the occurrence of such a meeting until shortly before its commencement.

Bengaluru residents will see a zero shadow day today

Residents of Bengaluru are in for a spectacular celestial event as they anticipate the occurrence of a rare phenomenon known as Zero Shadow Day today. Scheduled between 12:17 pm and 12:23 pm, this event marks a moment when the suns position aligns precisely with the zenith, resulting in the disappearance of all shadows. This phenomenon is not exclusive to Bengaluru but is also expected to be observed in other locations such as Kanyakumari, Bhopal, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

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Zero Shadow Day occurs when the sun is directly overhead, causing objects to cast no shadows at noon. Typically observed in regions near the equator, where the suns angle is nearly perpendicular to the Earths surface, this occurrence renders objects seemingly devoid of shadows.

The Earths orbit around the sun leads to variations in its position in the sky, resulting in the sun reaching its zenith at different latitudes and times of the year. This phenomenon contributes to the changing seasons and the suns migration from 23.5 degrees south of the equator to 23.5 degrees north, and back again, on an annual basis.

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Today in History - 24 April

On this day in 1990, the Space Shuttle Discovery embarked on a historic mission, deploying the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit, revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos and unlocking new frontiers in space exploration.
TikTok drove $14.7 billion in revenue in a dozen key sectors in the US economy and contributed $24.2 billion to overall GDP in 2023 in the US. But Washington is looking to ban it. How will this move affect influencers and businesses? What to do if the app is outlawed? read more

A TikTok content creator, speaks to reporters outside the US Capitol on 23 April, 2024. AP

The US Senate on Tuesday approved a bill requiring TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the popular social media platform or risk a ban. This decision, a source of contention among US lawmakers, is likely to encounter legal obstacles and cause upheaval for content creators who depend on the app for their livelihoods.

The TikTok measure was incorporated into a comprehensive $95 billion package earmarked for foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, garnering a 79-18 vote in favour. The bill now awaits US President Joe Bidens signature, with him stating his intention to sign it on Wednesday immediately following its passage.

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The USA Congress is planning a total ban of TikTok. Speak up now  before the government strips 170 million Americans of their constitutional rights to free expression. This will damage millions of businesses, destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country, and deny artists and audiences. Lets let Congress know what TikTok means to you and tell them you vote NO!" TikTok urged its users in a statement.

How will this ban affect influencers and businesses?

TikTok boasts an extensive array of influencers in the US, making it the preferred platform for users seeking entertaining and engaging content. Renowned for its impressive filters and features, the app is user-friendly and possesses distinct characteristics.

In practical terms, two key entities will bear the brunt: influencers and brands (businesses).

A significant cohort of influencers relies on TikTok to endorse products, engage with their followers, and expand their audience. Many even exclusively utilise the platform, despite TikTok not actively pursuing exclusive contracts. Among its top earners are figures like Khaby Lame and Adam Salisbury, rumoured to earn almost a million dollars per post through various sponsorship deals.

A TikTok content creator, sits outside the US Capitol on 23 April, 2024, in Washington. AP

Their fame owes not only to their talent but also to TikTok, which has facilitated their access to new audiences. However, with a potential TikTok ban, influencers may experience a notable drop in their engagement rates, as a substantial portion of their followers lose access to their content. Consequently, they could lose brand partnerships and witness a decline in their follower count.

A multi-billion dollar contribution to US GDP?

In early April this year, TikTok unveiled an economic impact report as part of its latest public relations campaign aimed at defending itself app against efforts to ban it in the US. Authored by Oxford Economics, the study asserts that TikTok generated $14.7 billion in revenue across twelve critical sectors of the US economy and contributed $24.2 billion to the overall US GDP in 2023.

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TikTok provides an opportunity for [small and medium-size businesses] to grow by allowing them to market themselves both organically and/or through investing in paid advertising and creator marketing, the study said.

US Senator Michael Bennet speaks to reporters outside the US Capitol on 23 April, 2024. AP

Initially reported by the Washington Post, the data dissects the influence of the apps extensive user base, which has expanded to encompass 170 million active users and over 7 million businesses. The study was carried out by surveying 1,050 of these businesses and 7,500 TikTok users.

According to the report, the most substantial impact has been observed in the food and beverages sector, where TikTok purportedly contributed $6.4 billion in revenue and generated 73,000 jobs in 2023.

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Also Read: Is TikTok parent company ByteDance a Chinese agent?

Overall, the report contends that the company played a role in creating 224,000 jobs across the featured sectors.

What would be the financial impact of the ban?

Businesses face potential financial setbacks from a variety of factors such as economic downturns, market instabilities, operational inefficiencies, or unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters or global pandemics. These hurdles can disrupt business operations, diminish revenue streams, and affect profitability. However, little attention is given to the repercussions of a nationwide app ban or outage.

Last week, when Facebook and Instagram encountered a glitch, chaos ensued. Some regions reported being unable to access Facebook or Instagram for durations ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, impacting billions of users. Some users suspected hacking, password forgetfulness, or impending crises.

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A TikTok content creator, sits outside the US Capitol on 23 April, 2024, in Washington. AP

Yet, the true alarm wasnt among the users. The real panic gripped Facebooks operators. In that brief timeframe, Facebooks operations and influencers suffered incalculable financial losses. Thus, the question arises: what would the financial toll of a TikTok ban be? Is TikTok concerned about business owners and creators, or merely its own interests?

Facebook provided insight into their potential losses during the outage: Last years ad revenue (for Facebooks sites) was $84.2bn. So, for every minute its down, were losing around $160,000. Or, $2,670 per second.

Despite the significant losses incurred by Facebook during the outage, they are positioned to swiftly recover if TikTok is banned. Forecasts indicate they could capture a substantial portion of TikToks business, potentially tripling their revenues in the process.

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What alternate platforms can creators use?

Transitioning to new platforms isnt that easy. TikTok, with its unique algorithm, streamlined the process of reaching a broader audience. However, in the event of its shutdown, influencers may need to devise alternative strategies to expand their reach. This entails increased pressure and creativity, which may not always yield favorable outcomes.

Also Read: Which countries have already blocked TikTok?

That said, this situation presents an opportunity for platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and others that focus on vertical video content  including X, previously known as Twitter  to attract more creators and brands to invest their time and resources with them.

Instagram Reels is a short-form video feature introduced by Instagram, owned by Facebook. It enables users to create and share TikTok-style videos directly within the Instagram platform.

YouTube Shorts, a creation of YouTube, a platform owned by Google, offers users the ability to produce and view short videos on mobile devices, akin to TikToks format.

Triller, another social media platform, emphasises short-form video content and integrates music, providing functionalities similar to TikTok.

Snapchats Spotlight feature enables users to create and distribute short videos to a broader audience, competing with TikToks viral video format.

Spinnr, a video-sharing application, introduces the concept of squads based on hobbies and interests, fostering genuine connections. It also facilitates direct communication between businesses and customers, emphasising a video-first approach to friendship and community building.

What should brands to in the event of a complete ban?

In the event of a complete TikTok ban, brands and organisations should embrace the potential changes to their business and develop contingency plans. Its crucial for brands to actively communicate with creators and influencers they collaborate with on the platform, reassuring them of support.

These individuals have cultivated their brand presence on TikTok and are likely to have questions, concerns, and fears about the uncertainty ahead.

Diversifying an organisations content and marketing mix across various channels is of paramount importance. This strategy should include owned channels such as newsletters and websites.

By building a robust digital presence beyond social media, businesses can ensure continuity even in the face of platform disruptions. This approach underscores the notion that businesses thrive not only on the platforms they utilise but also on their ability to adapt and maintain relevance across diverse channels.

TikTok has hinted that it may pursue legal action if a TikTok ban is enacted into law.
Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hit back at PM Modi for claiming that under the partys rule, womens mangalsutras wouldnt be safe. The Congress general secretary said that her mothers mangalsutra was sacrificed for the country, while her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, donated gold during the 1962 India-China war. How true are her claims? read more

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Rajasthan stirred up the mangalsutra row, alleging that married womens mangalsutras wont be safe if the Congress was voted to power.

And on Tuesday (24 April), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress leader, launched a scathing attack on the PM for his comments, questioning if such a thing has ever happened in the 50-year rule of the party. The Congress general secretary further added that her mother Sonia Gandhis mangalsutra was sacrificed for the sake of the country, whereas her grandmother, Indira Gandhis, gold was donated during the war in 1962.

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Is the Congress leaders claim true? Did Indira Gandhi, in fact, donate gold during the 1962 war against China? Heres what we know.

Priyankas attack

On Tuesday while addressing a crowd in Karnataka ahead of Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of making provocative statements during elections to distract people.

She said: In the past two days, the prime minister says that the Congress party will rob your gold and mangalsutra. For 70 years, India has been independent, for 55 years Congress ruled the country, did they take your gold away?

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi has slammed PM Modi for his mangalsutra remarks. PTI

When the war was on, Indira Gandhi gave her gold to the country. My mothers mangalsutra was sacrificed for this country, she added, The prime minister says they will cross 400 seats and change the Constitution sometimes he says he is being abused, or talks about religion. You are among the most qualified cities in the world do you deserve this?

Even Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (24 April) slammed the PM on the remarks, questioning what sacrifice has any BJP-RSS leader made for the country.

For elections, Modi ji is lying to the people that their mangalsutra shall not be safe. Congress governed this country for 55 years. Has that even happened once? Indira Gandhi donated her jewellery in the 1962 War. Pandit Motilal Nehru and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru donated their home to the freedom movement as Anand Bhawan in Allahabad. Our leaders have lived and sacrificed their life and blood for the nation, he wrote on X.

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What sacrifice has any leader of the BJP-RSS ever done for the nation? They did not even participate in the National Movement.



For elections, Modi ji is lying to the people that their Mangalsutra shall not be safe.



Congress governed this country for 55 years. Has that even pic.twitter.com/gSX1AMzTZy  Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 24, 2024

Priyanka and Kharges remarks came in response to PM Modis previous statement that the Congress manifesto promises that if they come to power, everyones property will be surveyed, it will calculate gold belonging to mothers and sisters and then redistribute it.

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They wont even spare your mangalsutra, he had added.

Indiras golden aid

So, is there any truth to what Priyanka said? For that, we need to turn back time to 1962.

On 8 September 1962, Chinese troops attempted an incursion into Indian territory by surrounding Dhola post. This prompted Indian soldiers to launch an operation, named Leghorn, to evict their Chinese counterparts.

Two months later, the Chinese military attacked India with full force in what would become the 1962 war. This war prompted Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to turn to Indians for help  asking women to give their jewellery to the cause. He also asked people to donate money and wollens.

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A screengrab from a video asking people to donate gold, wollens and blood during the 1962 war.

And India heeded the PMs call. Women and men from all over the country donated to the National Defence Fund (NDF), a body set up in the same year to take charge of voluntary donations in cash and kind received for promotion of the national defence effort, and to decide on their utilisation.

It is estimated that the NDF received a total of Rs 22 crore in donations from the people in cash and kind. One among the many who donated to the cause was Nehrus daughter, Indira Gandhi. In fact, according to an essay by Dr Shashi Kumar Singh on the Indian National Congress website, the former PM had dedicated all her jewellery to the country.

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Unfortunately for India, despite the donations, India was unable to secure a win in the war.

Interestingly, Observer Research Foundation Distinguished Fellow Manoj Joshi says that many gold ornaments and jewellery donated then to Defence of India Fund still lie forgotten in the vaults of the Reserve Bank of India today.

With inputs from agencies
The RBI has barring the onboarding of new customers via online channels and forbidden Kotak Mahindra Bank from issuing new credit cards. The central bank said the development came based on its significant concerns examining the banks IT infrastructure and risk management in 2022 and 2023. It said it observed serious deficiencies and non-compliances and cited Kotaks continued failure to address these issues read more

The Reserve Bank of India has dropped the hammer on Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB).

The central bank has halted KMB from onboarding new customers through online and mobile portals as well as ordered it to stop issuing fresh credit cards.

The RBI in a statement said it took action under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, as serious deficiencies and non-compliances were observed in the areas of IT inventory management, patch and change management, user access management, vendor risk management, data security and data leak prevention strategy, business continuity and disaster recovery rigour and drill, etc.

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But what happened exactly? And what does this mean for the bank?

Lets take a closer look:

So what happened?

In short, Kotak Mahindra Bank basically cannot take on new customers.

It cannot issue new credit cards either.

The RBI said this development came based on significant concerns after it examined the banks IT in 2022 and 2023.

It also cited the banks continued failure to adequately address these issues.

The bank was deemed to have fallen short of the regulatory guidelines spelled out in the IT Risk and Information Security Governance for 2022 and 2023.

During the subsequent assessments, the bank was found to be significantly non-compliant with the Corrective Action Plans issued by the Reserve Bank for the years 2022 and 2023, as the compliances submitted by the bank were found to be either inadequate, incorrect or not sustained, it said in a statement.

In the absence of a robust IT infrastructure and IT Risk Management framework, the banks Core Banking System (CBS) and its online and digital banking channels have suffered frequent and significant outages in the last two years, the recent one being a service disruption on 15 April, 2024, resulting in serious customer inconveniences, the RBI was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

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It is also observed that, of late, there has been rapid growth in the volume of the banks digital transactions, including transactions pertaining to credit cards, which is building further load on the IT systems, it added.

The Reserve Bank, therefore, has decided to place certain business restrictions on the bank, in the interest of customers and to prevent any possible prolonged outage which may seriously impact not only the banks ability to render efficient customer service but also the financial ecosystem of digital banking and payment systems, it further stated.

It said the restrictions would be re-examined after a comprehensive external audit commissioned by the bank with the prior approval of RBI, and remediation of all deficiencies that may be pointed out in the external audit as well as the observations contained in the RBI Inspections, to the satisfaction of the Reserve Bank.

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It added that these restrictions are without prejudice to any other regulatory, supervisory or enforcement action that may be initiated against the bank by the Reserve Bank.

What does this mean for the bank?

It is important to note that the bank, however, can continue to service its existing customers, including its credit card users.

However, Moneycontrol reported that this is a blow to the bank as it gets most of its new customers from its mobile and online portals.

The website also cited experts as saying this could adversely affect the banks co-branded credit card deals.

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News18 quoted Jyoti Prakash Gadia, managing director at Resurgent India, as saying, The RBIs restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank in respect of fresh onboarding of new customers through online mode and mobile banking and issuing credit cards is indicative of the significant importance that the RBI is laying on the need to have strong and sustainable information technology (IT) systems in the context of the current growth of digital banking.

This isnt the first time the RBI has cracked down on the bank.

The RBI in July 2022 imposed a monetary penalty of Rupees 1 crore and five lakh on KMB.

That move came due to non-compliance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and directions on Customer Protection  Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions, and Loans and Advances  Statutory and Other Restrictions.

The Central bank in December 2020 had also barred HDFC Bank from issuing new cards and launching new digital initiatives after repeated instances of technological outages. AFP

The Central bank in December 2020 had also barred HDFC Bank from issuing new cards and launching new digital initiatives after repeated instances of technological outages at the lender, which is the market leader in the credit cards segment.

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The RBI action came after the banks customers faced a number of incidents of outages in Internet banking, mobile banking, and payment utilities over the past two years. Rivals ICICI Bank and SBI Cards seized the opportunity to narrow the gap with HDFC Bank.

The action against HDFC Bank was followed by a ban on new card issuances by Mastercard and American Express due to their failure to adhere to data localisation rules.

The RBI eventually partially lifted the ban on card issuances in August 2021.

It lifted all restrictions on HDFC bank in March 2022.

With inputs from agencies
After months of delays, the US senate has approved a $61 billion aid package to Ukraine. President Joe Biden has said that he will sign off on this bill immediately, allowing weapons and ammunition to reach war-torn Kyiv in the coming days. This is significant for the Ukrainian soldiers, who are struggling to fend off Russias offensive with limited artillery and manpower read more

Ukrainian soldiers with the 71st Jaeger Brigade fire a M101 howitzer at Russian positions on the front line, near the city of Avdiivka in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Approval by the US Senate of a $61 billion package for Ukraine puts the country a step closer to getting an infusion of new firepower. AP

Its an important point of time in the Russia-Ukraine war. After much delays and deliberations, the United States Senate voted resoundingly  79-18  to approve $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

Of the four deals part of the vote, perhaps the biggest and most significant is the Ukraine package consisting of $61 billion.

And now President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law on Wednesday (24 April).

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Shortly after the vote, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer hailed the vote as one of the greatest achievements the Senate has faced in years. Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need, said Chuck Schumer in a floor speech.

Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin, he continued. We are showing Putin that betting against America is always, always a grave mistake.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US Senate for the aid, saying: I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US senators on both sides of the aisle who voted in favour of it, he posted on social media minutes after the bill passed.

I equally appreciate President Bidens support and look forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations, Zelenskyy added.

The second part of Zelenskyys comment then begs the question: Why is the aid so important to Ukraine? When will it reach Kyiv? And why is it imperative that it reaches the frontlines as soon as possible?

A serviceman of the 1148th separate artillery brigade of Air Assault Troops of Ukraine prepares a M777 howitzer to fire towards Russian troops, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region. The centrepiece of US aid to Ukraine is the supply of ATACM-300 medium-range missiles. File image/Reuters

Whats in the aid package to Ukraine?

Now, that the US Senate has signed off on the aid package to Ukraine and it awaits President Bidens signature, heres a better look at what it includes.

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Of the $61 billion, about $23 billion would be used to replenish US weapons, stockpiles and facilities, and more than $11 billion would fund current US military operations in the region. Nearly $14 billion included in the bill would help Ukraine buy advanced weapons systems and other defence equipment.

The bill also provides more economic assistance to Ukraine in the form of forgivable loans. The Guardian reports that the bill contains a provision for the president to forgive the loan starting in 2026.

One of the most significant features of the bill is the supply of ATACM-300 medium-range missiles. These precision weapons will allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian-occupied territory in Crimea, Donbas and coastal regions  hitting Russian airfields, supply depots, staging areas and command-and-control centres within Ukraine. As one senior official told The Washington Post, the ATACMS will degrade Russian logistics inside Ukraine in the near term.

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When will the aid reach Ukraine?

Shortly after the US Senate passed the bill, which caps months of drama on Capitol Hill that began last year, President Biden applauded the Senate.

A written statement read: I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week, Biden said. The need is urgent: for Ukraine, facing unrelenting bombardment from Russia; for Israel, which just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran; for refugees and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti; and for our partners seeking security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

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Now, the US will rush forward the aid to Kyiv with reports saying that weapons could be moved within days. Thats because Thats because Washington has a network of storage sites in the US and Europe that already hold the ammunition and air defence components that Kyiv desperately needs.

In fact, Washington Post reports that preparations for the assistance package are well underway ahead of the anticipated legislative approvals.

A Pentagon spokesperson was quoted as telling New York Times that some of the aid could be sent from the Pentagons stockpiles in Germany and shipped by rail to the Ukrainian border. We can move within days.

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Why the US needs to rush aid to Ukraine?

Now that the Senate has passed the package, why is it that Washington is a hurry to ensure that the weapons reach Kyiv within days?

This urgency to send the aid comes from the fact that Ukraine has incurred some heavy losses in the ongoing war with Russia. As recently as Tuesday (23 April), there were reports that Russian forces have made significant advances in a narrow corridor in eastern Ukraine.

Russian military bloggers released footage of the Russian flag being unfurled at the village of Ocheretyne, an area north-west of the town of Avdiivka, after advancing about five km in 10 days. The Ukrainian army retreated from Avdiivka in February and has been trying to establish a new defensive line in settlements along the Durna River but in recent weeks reinforced Russian units have been pushing forward, using air-launched glide bombs to pulverise Ukrainian bunkers, reports The Guardian.

And now with the capture of Ocheretyne, Russia has managed to bypass the northern flank of Ukraines recently constructed forward line, including minefields and trenches.

Additionally, Russia is also under way to seize the town of Chasiv Yar. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, around 20,000-25,000 enemy troops are trying to storm the hilltop town and surrounding districts and capture it by 9 May.

The US weapons and aid will serve Ukrainian forces in the ongoing battle, who complain that they are being outgunned and outshelled. In fact, recently, Zelenskyy in his bid to push the US package had stated that the ratio was 10 to one in Russias favour.

To win, we need ammunition our artillery is starving, an artillery reconnaissance commander with the 110th mechanised brigade, callsign Teren, told CNN after the US House voted on Saturday.

However, now with the influx of US weapons, Ukrainian troops and officials expect a turnaround in the war. As Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian defence minister told Reuters, an influx of ground-based air defences would help, while US-produced F-16 fighter jets, which Kyiv expects to receive later this year, would force Russian warplanes back entirely.

On the matter of artillery, he added, We dont need to have one-to-one. Three to one would still do the job.

Another important reason for US to rush its weapons and aid to Ukraine is that this could, perhaps, be the last approved for Ukraine until after the presidential elections in November. If Donald Trump returned to power in November, theres a very big chance that Washington would refrain from aiding Ukraine, based on the Republicans previous statements on the war.

A local resident looks at an industrial building surrounded by apartment houses after a night Russian rocket attack in Sloviansk, Ukraine. Kyiv, in recent times, has incurred significant losses. File image/AP

Will the US aid turn the tide in the war?

Analysts and defence experts are of the opinion that while it may bridge the gap between Russia and Ukraine, the US weaponry wont necessarily change the outcome of the war. Dmitry Stefanovich, a researcher for a think tank associated with the Russian Academy of Sciences, was quoted as saying that the new American aid will lead to some increase in Ukraines defensive potential, and offensive as well. But more importantly, it will serve as a morale booster to the Ukrainian armed forces.

Another senior Ukrainian official was quoted as telling the Financial Times that the influx of arms, particularly much-needed artillery shells and munitions for air defence systems will help to slow down the Russian advance, but not stop it.

Its important to note here that while the US package will address the issue of dwindling arms and ammunition, Ukraine faces another massive issue: manpower.

Presently, Russia is able to mobilise about 30,000 soldiers each month. Ukraine, on the other hand, is struggling to mobilise troops. And to counter this challenge, Zelenskyy signed a law lowering the mobilisation age to 25 from 27, while Ukraines parliament passed a new bill on conscription that is aimed at replenishing its exhausted and dwindling forces. The US aid package will buy some time to address the manpower shortage, analysts said.

With inputs from agencies
Some of Americas most prestigious universities have been rocked by protests in recent weeks as students and other agitators take over quads and disrupt campus activities, furious over the Israel-Hamas war and ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza read more

Signs in support of Israel are posted on campus near the encampment where students are protesting in support of Palestinians at Columbia University, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, US. Reuters

Tensions have escalated on several US campuses amid ongoing pro-Palestinian protests. These demonstrations, marked by mass arrests and disruptions to classes, have roiled some of Americas most esteemed universities in recent weeks.

Top American university administrators are finding it difficult to control the aftermath of the Gaza War on the countrys campuses as pro-Palestinian, pro-Israeli, campus administration, and police clash.

Columbia University in New York has emerged as a focal point for these protests, with organisers demanding divestment from companies profiting from Israeli apartheid, genocide, and occupation in Palestine.

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Heres how anger is rising in US universities.

Protests rock Columbia University, calls for divestment

Some of Americas most prestigious universities have been rocked by protests in recent weeks as students and other agitators take over quads and disrupt campus activities, furious over the Israel-Hamas war and ensuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

At Columbia University in New York, the core of the spreading protests, organisers are calling for the university to divest from companies that profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide and occupation in Palestine.

Pro-Israel supporters and others worried about campus safety have pointed to anti-Semitic incidents and argue that campuses are encouraging intimidation and hate speech.

Students have the right to protest, but they are not allowed to disrupt campus life or harass and intimidate, Columbias vice president of public affairs Ben Chang told reporters Monday.

We are acting on concerns we are hearing from our Jewish students, he said, adding that university officials were meeting in good faith with the demonstrators.

A sign is displayed in front of the tents erected at the pro-Palestinian demonstration encampment at Columbia University in New York. At Columbia University in New York, the core of the spreading protests, organisers are calling for the university to divest from companies that profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide and occupation in Palestine. AP

Protesters meanwhile  including a number of Jewish students in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment  say theyve disavowed instances of anti-Semitism and are there to support Palestinians.

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My college administration, my representatives in Congress and my own president have continually acted as spokespeople for the Jewish community, equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, Jewish student Sarah Borus, from Columbias Barnard College, said at a news conference held by Jewish and Palestinian students.

They silence us, suspend us, she added.

Protesting students also said they had been called slurs by a pro-Israel professor and that anti-Muslim incidents on campus were being ignored.

But another Jewish student at Columbia, Nick Baum, told CNN he has felt downright unsafe on campus in recent days, saying anti-Semitism there has reached a boiling point.

Professors have pushed back since Columbia President Minouche Shafik called in police last week to arrest students, with some announcing they would not enforce student suspensions.

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While there is a long history of campus activism around Israel and the Palestinian cause, flaring tensions amid the war have attracted major media and political scrutiny.

Jewish students at Columbia University dont feel safe. Its become so dangerous that students were forced out of the classroom, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said Tuesday.

Lets be clear: these are not peaceful protests, these are anti-Semitic mobs.

NYU arrests

Further downtown, 133 people were arrested at New York University (NYU) and released after being issued with court summons, the New York Police Department told AFP, as protests also intensify at other colleges.

Police in Riot gear stand guard as demonstrators chant slogans outside the Columbia University campus, in New York. AP

An NYU spokesman said the decision to call police to the campus came after additional demonstrators, many of whom were not thought to be affiliated with the university, breached the barriers erected around the protest encampment.

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This dramatically changed the situation, the spokesman said in a statement on the schools website Monday, citing disorderly, disruptive and antagonising behaviour along with intimidated chants and several anti-Semitic incidents.

On the West Coast, California State Polytechnic University announced it would be closed until at least Wednesday after pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied an administrative building.

The protests have also drawn the attention of President Joe Biden and his administration.

Anti-Semitic hate on college campuses is unacceptable, US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona posted on X on Tuesday, expressing concern about the unrest.

That afternoon, hundreds of NYU students and faculty staged a walkout.

There have also been demonstrations at MIT, the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley and Yale, where at least 47 people were arrested Monday after refusing requests to disperse.

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With inputs from AFP
The wealth redistribution row continues to gather pace amid Lok Sabha polls. PM Modi has repeatedly claimed that Congress, if voted to power, will snatch the common mans property and redistribute it. As the political battle heats up, would such an exercise be permitted by law? read more

A boy reads a textbook in his father's rickshaw before he goes to school in Kolkata. The idea of wealth redistribution has become a hot topic amid the Lok Sabha elections, with the BJP charging that if voted to power, the Congress would take away the wealth of people and give it to others. Image used for representational purposes/Reuters

Amid the battle for the ballot, the Congress stance on wealth redistribution and now Sam Pitrodas remark on inheritance tax has caught the attention of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and stirred a hornets nest.

At an earlier campaign rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said: The Congress shahzade says if his government comes, they will investigate who earns how much and how much property they have. Not only this, he further says the government will take over the property and redistribute it. This is what their election manifesto is saying, the prince reference being Rahul Gandhi.

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And on Wednesday (24 April), Congress leader Sam Pitroda stirred up another debate when he spoke of inheritance tax as an example of redistribution of wealth. Unsurprisingly, his comments prompted the Congress to distance itself, with Jairam Ramesh saying on X: Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views. This does not mean that Mr Pitrodas views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. Many times they do not.

As the discussion on the matter heats up with the Congress and the BJP trading charges on the issue, heres an expansive guide on wealth redistribution, the Constitutions stance on it and the Supreme Courts take on the matter.

What is wealth redistribution? Is there a need for it?

First off, lets understand what exactly does wealth redistribution mean.

A day after the Congress released its manifesto on 5 April, Rahul Gandhi in a rally indicated that if voted to power, the party would carry out a wealth redistribution exercise. First, we will conduct a caste census to know the exact population and status of backward castes, SCs, STs, minorities and other castes. After that, the financial and institutional survey will begin. Subsequently, we will take up the historic assignment to distribute the wealth of India, jobs and other welfare schemes to these sections based on their population, he said.

In laymans terms, what Rahul indicated was a Robin Hood scheme  to rob the rich and pay the poor. In fact, the meaning of wealth redistribution is the transfer of wealth from one individual to another through a social mechanism such as taxation, charity, or public services.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi release the partys manifesto Nyay Patra during a public meeting (Jana Jatara), ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, in Hyderabad. It is here that the Congress leader made a mention of his Robin Hood idea, which has turned into a bigger political row. File image/PTI

One biggest example of wealth redistribution would be income tax wherein higher earnings pay a higher percentage of tax compared to lower-income earners.

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Proponents of this exercise note that wealth redistribution is necessary to bridge the inequality gap between members of a society.

And in India, the gap between the rich and the poor is only growing further. As per a recent study, the countrys richest one per cent of the population now owns 40 per cent of the countrys wealth. According to the report titled Income and Wealth Inequality in India: The Rise of The Billionaire Raj, and published by The World Inequality Lab, the inequality gap widened after the economys opening up in the early 1990s, but between 2014-15 and 2022-23, the rise of top-end inequality has been particularly pronounced in terms of wealth concentration.

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Based on figures from the World Inequality Database, Indias income inequality is among the very highest in the world, behind only Peru, Yemen and a few other small countries, the authors said.

What does Indias Constitution say on wealth distribution?

Indias Constitution-makers havent explicitly spoken of wealth redistribution. However, Article 39 states that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good.

Furthermore, the State shall direct its policy towards securing the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.

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Its noteworthy that when Article 39 (Draft Article 31) was being added to the Constitution, it was heavily debated. A blog, constitutionofindia.net, writes that the economist KT Shah wanted the Constitution to outrightly prevent the creation of monopolies in industries. In agreement with him was Shibban Lal Saxena, who wanted it to be explicitly put down that the State shall control a few key industries. However, there were others Naziruddin Ahmad, who were not comfortable with the Constitution endorsing contested political and economic ideologies.

The Constitution doesnt explicitly mention wealth redistribution. However, Article 39 states that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good. Image used for representational purposes/Reuters

What about the Supreme Court?

Interestingly while the topic of wealth redistribution is being discussed among political parties, it is also being heard in the Supreme Court.

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On Tuesday (23 April), a nine-judge bench began hearing on the issue whether private property can be brought under material resources of the community which the state is called upon to distribute equally as per Article 39(b) of the Constitution.

This hearing stems from dissenting views on whether community resources are included private properties. Advocates arguing the case state that such a view has no place in a democratic country governed by a Constitution giving primacy to fundamental rights of citizens.

And this was agreed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.

How has the Congress reacted?

With the PM using Rahuls statement as political fodder ahead of the polls and the BJP training its guns at the Congress, the Grand Old Party has attempted to clarify and explain what their leader means by wealth redistribution.

Praveen Chakravarty, chairman, Professional Congress, an arm of the Indian National Congress, and one of the key architects of the manifesto, clarified to Moneycontrol what the party means.

He explains to the news portal that wealth needs to be thought of in the broader context of budget and resources. Isnt reservation, wealth? he asked. Its only for the elite in Delhi where wealth redistribution means I am coming to your home and taking your Rolex watches No way does it mean that we will come into your home and take away your Rolex watches. The solution is to create certain policies. No way does it mean that we will come into your home and take away your belongings Under what law in the Constitution can someone take away wealth like that? he added.

I know every line in the 45 pages of the manifesto. Nowhere does it say that we will redistribute wealth. Economic inequality is a problem and we have to address that, Chakravarty stated.

It will be interesting to see if the Congress comment will hurt the party or not at ballot box. For that, we shall wait until 4 June when the results for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be announced.

With inputs from agencies
A study has found that ageing adults, at least in Germany, believe old age starts later. More women than men hold this perception. Health also played a role in this view read more

A recent study suggests that most adults believe old age begins later than their peers did decades back. Pixabay (Representational Image)

What is the age when you become old? It seems adults have diverse opinions about the age that they consider old.

A recent study suggests that most people believe old age begins later than their peers did decades back.

Lets take a closer look.

Who was surveyed?

The study published in the American Psychological Associations (APA) journal Psychology and Aging earlier this week found that people in their mid-60s believe old age begins at 75.

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However, as people get older, they perceive old age starts later.

The study analysed data from 14,000 participants in the German Aging Survey. Researchers at Humboldt University in Germanys Berlin asked the question: At what age would you describe someone as old?

This was part of the ongoing German survey that studies participants born between 1911 and 1974 who had joined the survey at ages 40 to 85, as per NBC News.

They were posed the question eight times over 25 years from 1996 when the volunteers were between 40 and 100 years old, as per APAs press release.

Findings of the study

Those born between 1911 and 1935 thought that old age started earlier, compared to the participants born after 1935.

As per The Guardian, Dr Markus Wettstein, co-author of the study, from the Humboldt University of Berlin, said, For those born in 1931, the perceived onset of old age is 74 when they are 65. For those born in 1944 it is about 75 years when they are 65 years old.

He said they could not ask 65-year-olds born in 1911 when they thought old age started, but models indicate it would have been at 71.

Those born between 1911 and 1935 thought that old age started earlier, compared to the ones born after 1935. Pixabay (Representational Image)

It was not just a generational difference though. As people grew older, they pushed the age they considered old upwards.

At age 64, people said that old age begins at 74.4, on average. However, when they reached 74, they thought they were not old yet, saying old age begins at 76.8, reported Yahoo Life.

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As per the study, women also perceived old age started later than men. Peoples physical and mental health also affected the outcome.

Those taking part in the study who were lonelier, or had more chronic diseases, or reported poorer health had higher chances of perceiving that old age began earlier.

The study also mentioned that the trend of viewing the onset of old age later in life has slowed in recent years.

That the trend is decelerated could be due to the fact that other trends  the increase in life expectancy or medical progress  are also not necessarily strictly linear, Wettstein, who is a psychologist at Humboldt University, told Yahoo Life.

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ALSO READ: Can pregnancy cause women to age faster?

What could be the reason?

According to Wettstein, the increase in life expectancy and retirement age could be a factor that adults believe old age has moved upwards.

Life expectancy has increased, which might contribute to a later perceived onset of old age. Also, some aspects of health have improved over time, so that people of a certain age who were regarded as old in the past may no longer be considered old nowadays, he said, as per the APA.

Life expectancy in Germany is around 81 years at birth, a rise from 71 years in 1974, noted NBC News.

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We should be aware that conceptions and perceptions of old change across historical time, and that people are quite different regarding when they think old age begins, dependent on their age, their birth cohort, but also their health etc, the co-author of the study was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Many adults also remain healthier for longer. As long as older adults are healthy, they might have the impression that old age lies still ahead of them, Wettstein told Yahoo Life.

The rise in life expectancy could be a reason for adults thinking old age begins later in life. Pixabay (Representational Image)

Speaking to NBC News, John Rowe, a professor of health policy and ageing at Columbia University, said some people might have refrained from categorising themselves under old age as it would be undesirable for them.

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Some people have such negative views of the elderly that they dont want to be associated with them. So if theyre 70 years old, theyll say old age begins at 75. And when they get to 75, theyll say old age begins at 80, Rowe said.

He said the study confirms in a very strong way, at least in Germany, that 70 is the new 60.

Might not be for everyone

According to Jacqui Smith, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, the findings of the study may not apply to other countries as cultural views about ageing can vary, reported NBC News.

But she said the study gives an outlook on the changing perceptions of ageing as people grow older.

A lot of the work that we see in the literature is only taking a single snapshot of this phenomenon, a single point in time. What this study is adding is that its comparing different people who were born at different times whove clearly gone through many different historical changes in their life, she told NBC News.

It is good to redefine ageing. After all, age is just a number.
Unsettling footage from the event, which was broadcast live on X (formerly Twitter) and by his own account as well, showed Nitin Gadkari being taken away by those there. Many of them hurried to surround the BJP leader to provide him and those tending to him with some privacy read more

When the BJP postponed announcing Gadkari as its Nagpur Lok Sabha candidate earlier this year, there was conjecture about his political future

Tuesday afternoon at an electoral rally in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari passed out. Thankfully, the senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party received medical attention quickly, and following a short break, he was able to return to the stage and finish his address.

I felt discomfort due to the heat at the rally in Pusad, Maharashtra. But now I am completely healthy, and am leaving for Varud to attend the next meeting. Thank you for your love and good wishes, Gadkari posted on social media platform X.

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Unsettling footage from the event, which was broadcast live on X (formerly Twitter) and by his own account as well, showed Nitin Gadkari being taken away by those there. Many of them hurried to surround the BJP leader to provide him and those tending to him with some privacy.

Gadkari, who ran in the first round of the Lok Sabha election as the candidate from Nagpur, a seat he won in 2014 and 2019, was supporting Rajashree Patil, the ruling Mahayuti alliances choice for Yavatmal-Washim and a member of Chief Minister Eknath Shindes branch of the Shiv Sena.

When the BJP postponed announcing Gadkari as its Nagpur Lok Sabha candidate earlier this year, there was conjecture about his political future.

The BJP, the Sena under Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party breakaway section under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar make up the Mahayuti alliance. Before the deadline for submitting nominations for the elections fifth round, the three are frantically trying to come to an agreement on a seat-sharing arrangement.

In the tug-of-war between the BJP and its two state allies, six seats are yet to be assigned. The well-known seats in Nashik, Thane, and Mumbai South make up three of these six. According to reports, the Sena group is optimistic about Mumbai South and is interested in Nashik and Thane.

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In the second phase of polling - on April 26 - eight seats in the eastern part of Maharashtra will vote, including Amravati, Hingoli, Nanded, and Yavatmal-Washim.
The Delhi High Court was hearing a defamation suit filed by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Member of Parliament (MP) and Senior Advocate Pinaki Misra against advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai read more

Conspiracy to target the Prime Minister is an offence under IPC. It is treason, the Delhi High Court said on Wednesday. The judicial body was hearing a defamation suit filed by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP and senior advocate Pinaki Misra against advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai.

Dehadrai has been accusing Misra of being in a conspiracy to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the hearing, Justice Jasmeet Singh said an allegation that someone conspired against the Prime Minister, cannot be made irresponsibly and needs to be based on cogent and substantial reasons.

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The High Court told Dehadrais counsel that it had no problem with his exercise of freedom of expression but what he was saying had serious consequences as it affected the highest office of the country.

These are very serious allegations against the PM. You cant be trigger happy. I have a problem here. You are alleging serious allegations of conspiracy against the PM by a sitting MP. You explain it or I will injunct you, the HC said.

The court further said that it cannot permit trigger happy accusations of there being a conspiracy against the Prime Minister.

It is a very limited issue which is bothering me. When you say conspiracy against the PM, it is a very serious issue. You cant be trigger happy. You may say plaintiff is a politician and he cant be thin skinned, I agree with that. But what you are alleging is very serious, it said.

Misra has sued Dehadrai for levelling allegations of corruption against him and called him Canning Lane, Odia Babu and Dalal of Puri.

During the proceedings, the counsel of Misra also pointed out that Dehadrais relationship with expelled Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra had ended acrimoniously.

Misras counsel also referenced Dehadrais statements, pointing out accusations made against Misra, including the alleged involvement in a conspiracy targeting the PM.

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In response, Dehadrais counsel cited the close ties between Misra and Mahua Moitra as the basis for the allegations. But when Dehadrais counsel was asked to substantiate the allegations of conspiracy by a MP against the PM, they could not provide any concrete evidence.

These are serious allegations about PM of a country. You cant be trigger happy, right? Youre making serious allegations of conspiracy by a MP against PM, you substantiate it or well injunct," the court said.

Earlier Mahua Moitra had also sued Dehadrai for defamation.

With inputs from agencies
Mr Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views. This does not mean that Mr. Pitrodas views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. Many times they do not, said senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh read more

After Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda kicked off a row by backing the partys stand on redistribution of wealth and advocated for 50 per cent inheritance tax in India, the Congress on Wednesday distanced itself from his comments saying that Pitrodas views may not always reflect the position of the grand old party.

Taking to X, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh, said, Sam Pitroda has been a mentor, friend, philosopher, and guide to many across the world, including meMr Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views. This does not mean that Mr. Pitrodas views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. Many times they do not.

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Sam Pitroda has been a mentor, friend, philosopher, and guide to many across the world, including me. He has made numerous, enduring contributions to India's developments. He is President of the Indian Overseas Congress.



Mr Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 24, 2024

He, however, slammed the voices for sensationalising his comments and tearing them out of context.

Sensationalising his comments now and tearing them out of context are deliberate and desperate attempts at diverting attention away from Mr. Narenda Modis malicious and mischievous election campaign; that is anchored ONLY in lies and more lies, Jairam wrote.

Earlier in the day, emphasising the need for policy toward wealth redistribution, Pitroda elaborated on the concept of inheritance tax prevailing in America.

In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. Thats an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair, Pitroda said.

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#WATCH | Chicago, US: Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda says, "...In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. That's an pic.twitter.com/DTJrseebFk  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

In India, you dont have that. If somebody is worth 10 billion and he dies, his children get 10 billion and the public gets nothingSo these are the kinds of issues people will have to debate and discuss. When we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and new programs that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of the super-rich only, he added.

Pitroda also said that the subject of wealth distribution is strictly a policy issue and he feels concerned about Prime Minister Modi after his remarks on Congress manifesto.

#WATCH | Chicago, US: Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda says, "...This is a policy issue. Congress party would frame a policy through which the wealth distribution would be better...We don't have a minimum wage (in India)...If we come up with a minimum wage in the pic.twitter.com/PO6Mnili5p  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

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This is a policy issue. Congress party would frame a policy through which the wealth distribution would be better. We dont have a minimum wage (in India). If we come up with a minimum wage in the country saying you must pay so much money to the poor, thats the distribution of wealth. Today, rich people dont pay their peons, servants, and home help enough but they spend that money on vacation in Dubai and LondonWhen you talk about the distribution of wealth, it is not that you sit on a chair and say I have this much money and Ill be distributing it to everybody, Pitroda said.

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Its naive to think like that. The PM of a country thinks like thatI have some concerns about his brain, he said when asked to comment on the Prime Ministers criticisim of the Congress manifesto which talks about wealth redistribution in India.

Reacting to Pitrodas remarks, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonwala attacked the Congress saying that the party wanted to grab hard earned resources of the people.

Congress, through Sam Pitroda the closest aide of Gandhi Vadra family, is essentially saying that 55% of what you earn will be taken away on your death.

If you are a farmer- 55% of your land will be taken



If you are a businessman - 55% of your business will be taken



55% of https://t.co/Ag25vqZPWH  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 24, 2024

Congress, through Sam Pitroda the closest aide of Gandhi Vadra family, is essentially saying that 55% of what you earn will be taken away on your death. If you are a farmer- 55% of your land will be taken If you are a businessman - 55% of your business will be taken 55% of your savings you kept for your children Ironically Gandhis built a huge treasury for their own children & son in law but they want to grab your hard earned tax payed resources, Poonawala said in a post on X.

In India, the concept of levying tax on inheritance does not exist as of now. In fact, the Inheritance or Estate Tax was abolished with effect from 1985.

Pitroda, however, played down his inheritance tax suggestion after the Congress distanced itself from his comments and drew sharp response from the BJP.

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twistedto divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PMs comments Mangal Sutra and gold snatching are simply unreal, Pitroda posted on X.

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PMs comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.  Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

Replying to the BJPs criticism, Pitroda said, Who said 55 per cent will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why are the BJP and the media in panic?

Who said 55% will be taken away ? Who said some thing like this should be done in India ? Why is BJP and media in panic ?  Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kinds of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party including Congress, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Pitroda on Wednesday brought up the concept of inheritance tax while talking about redistribution of wealth. He reportedly advocated the reintroduction of the inheritance tax that was once prevalent in India read more

Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, stoked a controversy by commenting on an already hot topic of redistribution of wealth, inviting criticism from BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi on Wednesday made a mention of Pitrodas remarks during a rally in Chhattisgarhs Ambikapur, where he said that Congresss dangerous intentions of snatching the assets and rights of people have come to the fore.

The dangerous intentions of Congress are coming forth one by one and now it says it will impose inheritance tax. The advisor of shehzada of the shahi parivar, who was also the advisor to the shehzadas father, said that more tax should be imposed on the middle class and those who earn by toiling hard, Modi said, apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi and Pitroda.

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#WATCH | Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Shankhnaad Maharally in Surguja, Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The royal family's prince's advisor and the royal family's prince's father's advisor had said that more taxes should be imposed on the middle class. Now these pic.twitter.com/mftRMCol8b  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

He (the advisor) said this publicly. Now they (Congress) have gone a step further and Congress is saying it will impose an inheritance tax. It will impose a tax on the assets inherited by people from their parents. Now, the panja (Congress poll symbol) will snatch the assets from your children, the prime minister added without taking any names.

The PM said the Congress mantra is loot of Congress zindagi ke sath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi.

#WATCH | Addressing a public rally in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi says, "Congress has now made another revelation. Their hidden agenda has come out. Congress says that it will impose an Inheritance Tax...Congress says it will also impose a tax on the Inheritance received from pic.twitter.com/8pUBpXMDXv  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

Pitroda on Wednesday brought up the concept of inheritance tax while talking about redistribution of wealth. He reportedly advocated the reintroduction of the inheritance tax that was once prevalent in India.

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#WATCH | Chicago, US: Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda says, "...In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. That's an pic.twitter.com/DTJrseebFk  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

Congress, quick enough to do some damage control, clarified that Pitrodas comment does not necessarily reflect the partys stance.
Amit Shah demanded that the Congress should either withdraw the mention of wealth redistribution from their manifesto or accept that it is indeed their intention read more

Hours after Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda backed partys plan of redistributing wealth if voted to power and advocated for 50 per cent inheritance tax in India, Union Home Minister on Wednesday said that Pitrodas remarks have completely exposed the intentions of the Congress and people of India should take cognisance of the issue.

Speaking to ANI news agency, Shah said, After Sam Pitrodas remark, Congress party is completely exposed.

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#WATCH | Kochi, Kerala: On Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda's remark, Union Home Minister Home Minister Amit Shah says, "After Sam Pitroda's remark, Congress party is completely exposed. First of all, mention of 'survey' in their manifesto, Manmohan Singh's old pic.twitter.com/tctOvon33W  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

He said the mention of survey in their manifesto, former Congress Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs statement which is Congress legacy - that minorities have the first right over resources of the country - and now Sam Pitrodas remark citing the US that there should be deliberations on the distribution of wealth have made Congress motive clear before the country.

Now when PM Modi raised this issue, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and the entire Congress party are on the backfoot that it was never their motive. But today, Sam Pitrodas statement has made Congress motive clear before the country. They want to survey the private property of the people of the country, put it in government property and distribute it as per decision during UPAs regime, he said.

He demanded that the Congress should either withdraw the mention of wealth redistribution from their manifesto or accept that it is indeed their intention.

I want people to take Sam Pitrodas statement seriously. Their intention is now in the open, its cognisance should be taken by people, said the Home Minister.

Earlier in the day, emphasising the need for policy toward wealth redistribution, Pitroda elaborated on the concept of inheritance tax prevailing in America.

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In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. Thats an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair, Pitroda said.

In India, you dont have that. If somebody is worth 10 billion and he dies, his children get 10 billion and the public gets nothingSo these are the kinds of issues people will have to debate and discuss. When we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and new programs that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of the super-rich only, he added.

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Pitroda also said that the subject of wealth distribution is strictly a policy issue and he feels concerned about Prime Minister Modi after his remarks on Congress manifesto.

This is a policy issue. Congress party would frame a policy through which the wealth distribution would be better. We dont have a minimum wage (in India). If we come up with a minimum wage in the country saying you must pay so much money to the poor, thats the distribution of wealth. Today, rich people dont pay their peons, servants, and home help enough but they spend that money on vacation in Dubai and LondonWhen you talk about the distribution of wealth, it is not that you sit on a chair and say I have this much money and Ill be distributing it to everybody, Pitroda said.

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Its naive to think like that. The PM of a country thinks like thatI have some concerns about his brain, he said when asked to comment on the Prime Ministers criticisim of the Congress manifesto which talks about wealth redistribution in India.

Pitroda, however, played down his inheritance tax suggestion after the Congress distanced itself from his comments and drew sharp response from the BJP.

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twistedto divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PMs comments Mangal Sutra and gold snatching are simply unreal, Pitroda posted on X.

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Replying to the BJPs criticism, Pitroda said, Who said 55 per cent will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why are the BJP and the media in panic?

I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kinds of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party including Congress, he added.

With inputs from agencies
The West Bengal government argued before the Supreme Court that instead of segregating the valid appointments from the invalid ones the Calcutta High Court has erroneously set aside the 2016 selection process entirely read more

Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, on Wednesday, moved the Supreme Court, challenging the Calcutta High Court order cancelling almost 24,000 appointments of teaching and non-teaching staff made through the 2016 SSC recruitment process.

On Monday (April 22), the High Court had invalidated the recruitment through the State Level Selection Test-2016 (SLST) in government-funded and supported schools in West Bengal.

Reacting to the HCs verdict, Banerjee said: The court verdict cancelling all recruitments is illegal. We stand by those who lost jobs. We will ensure you get justice, and challenge the order in a higher court.

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What Bengal govt told SC?

The West Bengal government has argued that instead of segregating the valid appointments from the invalid ones the Calcutta High Court has erroneously set aside the 2016 selection process entirely.

It has also been averred that this will affect around 23,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in the State.

The State government further told the apex court that the High Court solely relied upon the oral arguments without the support of affidavits.

Based on this, the State has put forth its contention that the High Court has proceeded in a cursory manner. Further, it has been argued that the High Court has acted in utter disregard of the fact that the same will result in a huge vacuum in the State Schools unless a new selection process is completed.

The West Bengal government further claimed that this will adversely impact the students given that the new academic session is approaching.

The State has also questioned the High Courts order to conduct a new selection process for declared vacancies within two weeks of the Lok Sabha polls 2024 results without acknowledging the understaffing issue in schools.

The 2016 school recruitment incident came under the scanner due to the infamous cash-for-jobs recruitment scam.

Calcutta HC cancels nearly 26,000 appointments in Bengal schools

On April 22, the Calcutta High Court cancelled all appointments made through in 2016 recruitment process for govt-sponsored and aided schools.

With the courts decision, 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff, appointed through the SSC recruitment process are set to lose their job and they have been asked to return their salaries along with 12 per cent interest within six weeks.

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The court has ordered the School Service Commission (SSC) to conduct fresh recruitments.

Terming the selection process null and void, the High Court also directed CBI to probe the appointment process and submit a report in three months.

The recruitment exam was conducted to fill vacancies for the posts of assistant teachers for Classes 9-10, assistant teachers for Classes 11-12, Group C (clerks) and Group D posts.

With inputs from agencies
The US needs India as much, if not more, as New Delhi needs Washington  for dealing with the Dragon and for strengthening the Western, liberal global order read more

India has not just become the only bright spot economically, as the IMF wants us to believe, but also diplomatically and geostrategically, the country has started behaving like a global power. Image: REUTERS

In 2021, The New York Times posted an online advertisement for the job of a South Asia business correspondent based in New Delhi. One of the requirements sought for the position even startled the staunchest of NYT supporters. For, the American newspaper, quite categorically, sought the candidate to be critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his muscular nationalism.

Explaining its stand, the newspaper wrote, Indias future now stands at a crossroads. Mr (Narendra) Modi is advocating a self-sufficient, muscular nationalism centred on the countrys Hindu majority. That vision puts him at odds with the interfaith, multicultural goals of modern Indias founders.

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Interestingly, the NYT has never put such preconditions for postings in Hong Kong or in mainland China. It has never asked the applicants to prove their pro-democratic credentials for a position in Hong Kong, or to publicly criticise Emperor Xi Jinping for a job in Beijing.

If one thought the problem was NYT-centric, then hang on. Others in the West, too, arent behind in targeting Prime Minister Modi and India. The Time magazine, for instance, just when Prime Minister Modi landed in Washington, DC, for his first official state visit in June 2023, questioned the very idea of India being an American ally. India is not a US ally, and has not wanted to become one, a Time article thundered on 21 June. Interestingly, an even more scathing article appeared in the magazine a day earlieron 20 June: Indias Worsening Democracy Makes It an Unreliable Ally.

The Economist isnt behind either. It has often reproached Prime Minister Modi for stoking divisions in the worlds biggest democracy. It has singled out the Modi government for its flagrantly biased approach to citizenship and delivering collective punishment for the people of the Kashmir Valley. It goes on to say that the electoral nectar for the BJP has become political poison for India.

It would, however, be wrong to assume that Western prejudice is only Modi-centric. Although it is today largely influenced and inspired by anti-Modism, prejudice is deeply entrenched against India and its rising global influence. This explains why the West has very rarely celebrated Indias dance with democracy in the past seven decades. This despite the fact that India since Independence has been a case of democratic miraclethe only genuine democracy in the region between Israel and South Korea.

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Moreover, no other country, despite socio-political advancements and economic prosperity, comes even closer to Indias democratic successes. What the country could achieve in 75 years, it took Britain and the United States centuries to reach there. Interestingly, in the given timeframe, the US found itself amid the Civil War which almost tore the country into two halves, but for Abraham Lincolns sagacious leadership. It took the US another 50 years to make voting gender neutral and 100 years to give the Blacks the basic voting rightssomething that India bestowed upon its citizens in one go in 1947 despite unprecedented poverty and astounding illiteracy.

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Yet, in the 1950s and 60s, the West was busy writing democratic Indias obituaries: Its balkanisation was a foregone conclusion, and the only thing keeping the country together was Nehru! What after Nehru?, was the most obvious question being asked during those times. After Nehru, during Indira Gandhis time, the democrats of America and Britain found great comfort in Maos company and had even dispatched an aircraft carrier, Enterprise, to bully India at the height of the Bangladesh war! Even in the early 1990s, as senior journalist Seema Sirohi writes in her book, Friends With Benefits, India and the US barely talked to each other, and when they did, it was mostly to score points.

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It was only after the advent of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that Indias relations with the West, especially the US, normalised. Manmohan Singh, his successor, took the process further in the company of US President George W Bush. But this didnt mean the rough edges of the American foreign policy against India were all gone; they appeared with reinforced vindication after the coming of Narendra Modi as prime minister in 2014.

The West, thus, had always had reservations about India. But with Modis arrival in Delhi, while India has never been closer to the West, especially the US, it has never faced the level of hostility from American academia, think tanks, and media in recent years. It may sound contradictory, but while the two administrations are always on the lookout to increase cooperation, the American academia, think tanks, and media remain largely hostile to India.

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Why do the Western liberal institutions, including the media, pursue illiberal agenda, especially vis-a-vis India?

The reasons can be two-fold: One, the Western academia, media, and campuses, especially the American, are today the hub of Far Left-inspired woke culture. India, especially Hinduism, has been their obvious target. However, Left-wing wokeism is a double-edged sword. If it cuts Indian interest today, it has all the wherewithal to turn up against American interest too. This was seen last week when Google fired 28 of its employees who had barged into its Sunnyvale and New York offices and staged a sit-in protesting against Google Clouds $1.2 billion deal with the Israeli government. They regard Israels ongoing operations against Hamas as a genocide, and have vehemently opposed Washington DCs support to Israel.

The second reason is historical and institutional. The West, especially the US, since the Cold War era, has nurtured institutions and mindsets that have traditionally seen India with some sort of distrust, if not animosity. Indo-American ties are often on a rollercoaster ride, partly because of the curse of history as well as the innate Indian tendency to be a deliberative, argumentative nation. To add to them is the Indian diplomatic obsession to be autonomous in nature, and the Americans see them all as a sign of Indian fickle-mindedness and also strategic unscrupulousness to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

What has made the West further wary of India is its stupendous rise, especially since 2014. The IMF forecast that came early this week would make the West cagier: India will now be set to displace Japan to become the third largest economy in 2025 and overtake Germany to become the third largest by 2027much faster than what the earlier estimates suggested.

India has not just become the only bright spot economically, as the IMF wants us to believe, but also diplomatically and geostrategically, the country has started behaving like a global powerwhether it was during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw India not just get an indigenous vaccine for its own citizens but the world at large, especially the neighbourhood, or the emergency SOS call emanating from the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Whether its responding to Pakistani terrorism with a Balakot-like response or rebuffing the Chinese misadventure at the LAC with a resolute Indian military response. The Indian message has been loud and clear: That Indias time has come.

This is where the West gets edgy. India has its uses, especially while playing the Chinese checkers, but the West is also well aware that if allowed to grow unfettered, Delhi will soon propel out of the American axis of influence. The West is no doubt concerned about Chinas rise, but it is equally uneasy with Indias growth. Its a devil and deep sea kind of situation for the US-led West. After all, if China threatens Pax Americana, so does India.

India and the US need each other for their own interests and also for the sustenance of the liberal world order, which is currently under threat from China. Even if their friendship is premised on benefits, as Seema Sirohi argues in her book, it is in the interest of the two nations to be together.

This is where the American system, including its media, think tanks, and academia, needs to fix its anti-India mindset. The US needs India as much, if not more, as India needs the US  for dealing with the Dragon and for strengthening the Western, liberal global order. Its time America stopped running with the pro-India hare and hunting with the anti-India hounds.

The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Pakistan serves as Irans primary regional ally against adversaries such as Saudi Arabia and other Western powers, but Tehran has amicable relations with New Delhi as well read more

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi began an important three-day official visit to Pakistan on April 22, against the backdrop of greater tensions surrounding the Israel-Iran dispute. International attention was immediately diverted by Raisis surprising diplomatic optics. Raisi is well-known for his unwavering political position and is largely seen as a strong candidate to succeed Khamenei as Supreme Leader.

During his visit, President Raisi underscored the critical importance of regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement by engaging in substantive discussions with key Pakistani dignitaries, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Their deliberations have paved the way for an ambitious trade agreement, committing both nations to conduct ten billion dollars in trade over the next five years, marking a significant milestone in their economic relationship.

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Why is Raisis visit to Pakistan important?

What adds an intriguing dimension to Raisis visit is his distinction as the first foreign leader to initiate diplomatic relations with Pakistan, particularly against the backdrop of the recent contentious general elections held in the country on February 8. This context imbues Raisis visit with heightened significance, revealing the intricate nuances and delicate balancing acts inherent in regional diplomacy.

President Raisis diplomatic journey warrants careful consideration, occurring amidst the backdrop of his designation as a target of sanctions under Executive Order 13876 by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. This layer of complexity adds a nuanced dimension to his diplomatic engagements, underscoring the delicate balancing act required in navigating international relations.

Moreover, Raisis trip is shadowed by grave allegations of human rights abuses, with numerous international bodies and United Nations special rapporteurs highlighting these concerns. Such allegations have previously led to the cancellation of his planned trip to Geneva in 2023, indicating the significant scrutiny surrounding his diplomatic activities and the challenges they entail.

Recent developments in Iran-Pakistan diplomacy

The Iranian presidents visit to Pakistan arises against a background of recent hostility amid talks covering religious, cultural, investment, and diplomatic spheres. Iran reportedly launched missile strikes on two strongholds of the anti-Iranian rebel organisation Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) on January 16 in the province of Baluchistan, Pakistan. A major actor in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Pakistan is Jaish al-Adl, which was founded in 2012 by Abdul Rahim Mollazehi as a breakaway faction of Jundullah. As an unprovoked violation of its airspace, Pakistan denounced the bombing.

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The assault posed a threat to Pakistans formidable army chief, Gen Asim Munir, whose reputation for toughness and resolve has been a point of contention in his relations with other nations as well as at home. This made political analysts wonder if Iran respected Pakistans sovereignty. Retaliating quickly, Pakistan launched a surprise attack two days later using fighter jets and missiles directed at the purported hideouts of anti-Pakistan ethno-nationalist insurgents in the Sistan-Baluchistan region who were allegedly operating from Iranian soil. In light of worries about regional security, these incidents do highlight the complex and unstable dynamics that define Iran and Pakistans relationship, especially as root causes of terrorism, smuggling, and border infiltration are not addressed.

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Why does Iran need Pakistan?

Pakistan serves as Irans primary regional ally against adversaries such as Saudi Arabia and other Western powers. Irans keen interest in joining Chinas economic corridor initiative aligns with Pakistans close ties to Beijing. Notably, over 70 per cent of the electricity in Pakistans Gwadar port city is sourced from Iran. The proposed gas pipelines, including the peace pipeline intended to supply Iranian gas to India via Pakistan, have faced setbacks, notably Indias withdrawal in 2009 due to US sanctions on Iran. However, Iran and Pakistan remain committed, signing a separate gas supply agreement.

Notably, in June of that year, both nations entered into a multibillion-dollar agreement to develop a gas pipeline. However, while Tehran successfully completed construction of a 900-kilometre pipeline on its side by 2011, Islamabad still grapples with the task of installing 80 kilometres of pipeline on its territory.

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This discrepancy has sparked tensions, with Tehran issuing warnings of potential legal action and threats of an $18 billion fine due to missed deadlines. Despite Islamabads recent pledge to finalise the project by September of this year, doubts linger over its feasibility. The primary obstacle remains Pakistans apprehension of invoking U.S. sanctions, a concern that has consistently hindered progress, echoing previous justifications for delays.

Why does Pakistan need Iran?

Conversely, assuming a hostile stance towards Iran upsets the delicate equilibrium of Pakistans already complicated neighbourly ties. Tensions with India continue despite a current cease-fire along the border. The Talibans support for the TTPs anti-Pakistan insurgency has caused relations between the two parties to deteriorate dramatically on Pakistans western border. The recent deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan has further caused tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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US sanctions warning echoes

During Raisis visit, the Pentagon warned of sanctions for those engaging in business with Iran. Three Chinese firms aiding Pakistans missile programme were recently sanctioned for WMD proliferation. Iran immediately shot back, stating that Israeli aggression on Iranian soil will result in a drastic shift in the balance of power. Raisi warned Israel on Tuesday: Things will be different if the Zionist regime commits an error once again. If Tel Aviv attacks Iran once more, Israel will be completely different and there will be nothing left of the Zionist regime.

Indias conundrum

According to Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, Tehran is optimistic that India will start purchasing crude from them again, as it did prior to May 2019, when the purchases stopped due to US sanctions against the West Asian nation. In order to advance the Chabahar Port project and strengthen bilateral relations, President Ebrahim Raisi might visit India later this year. Bypassing Pakistan completely, India will have access to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port, a symbol of strategic and economic cooperation between Iran and India. As the starting point for the proposed Iran-Oman-India pipeline, Chabahar Port is also connected to Indias imports of natural gas from Iran.

Indias strategic analysts view the port as having significant geopolitical implications. This might explain Raisis decision to abstain from commenting on the Kashmir issue, redirecting focus instead to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. India faces a delicate balancing act, as it must navigate between concerns over Chinas subtle expansion of power in West Asia while maintaining crucial ties with both the US and Israel. Any misstep could inadvertently strengthen Chinas position in the region.

Conclusion

Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the geopolitical landscape of West Asia frequently shifts focus, whether due to Houthi assaults in the Red Sea, Iraqi militia actions against US personnel, or the recent Israel-Iran conflict. Within this dynamic, the diplomatic interactions between Pakistan and Iran must be viewed through a lens of strategic defence rather than provocative posturing. India, in navigating these diplomatic intricacies, must delicately discern the optics and nuances, maintaining its longstanding historical ties with Iran to prevent potential exploitation by China and Pakistan.

The author is the Editor at Centre for India West Asia Dialogue, a Delhi based think tank. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Despite the Lok Sabha elections, the Indian media took note of Maryams gesture. It largely interpreted it as a pointer to Pakistan wanting to normalise ties with India after the elections are over read more

In an extraordinary, if not unprecedented, step, Pakistans Punjab chief minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz went to Kartarpur Sahib on April 18, i.e. on the occasion of Baisakhi to greet the Sikhs, especially the jatha from India. She gave a brief speech and also joined the langar. Despite the Lok Sabha elections the Indian media took note of Maryams gesture. It largely interpreted it as a pointer to Pakistan wanting to normalise ties with India after the elections are over.

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There may be an element of truth in such thinking, but a deeper analysis of Maryams Kartarpur foray is needed. However, first the basic points that Maryam conveyed to the sangat and the manner in which she did so and a few words on Maryam herself and what led her to the CMs chair in Punjab.

Maryam is former prime minister and PML(N) party supreme leader Nawaz Sharifs chosen heir. Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharifs younger brother and current Pakistani prime minister is therefore her uncle. Earlier, while Nawaz Sharif was prime minister Shehbaz was Punjab CM. He administered the province, Sharifs power base, ably and has always had a line open with the army leadership. Shehbaz was assisted in handling the province by his son Hamza Sharif who also briefly became the provinces CM in 2022 when the army and then prime minister Imran Khan had locked horns. After Nawaz Sharifs return from a four-year exile in London in October last year it was largely anticipated that he would become prime minister with Shehbaz returning to Lahore to run the province as CM.

It became increasingly clear in the run up to the February 2024 Pakistani national elections that Nawaz Sharifs health had deteriorated and he did not possess the vigour to be prime minister at a time the country was mired in multi-dimensional crises. The election results also showed that Imran Khan, despite all that the army and the Peoples Democratic Movement government had thrown at him, retained a substantial measure of support in Punjab. At the same time the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did well in Sindh.

Very difficult PML(N)-PPP negotiations, clearly overseen by the army, from behind the scenes, followed. The arrangement that emerged saw Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister forming the national government with outside PPP support, Asif Zardari becoming president of Pakistan, and Maryam becoming the first woman CM of the Punjab. In this the person who has temporarily lost out is Hamza Sharif but the final word has not been said on how the reconciliation of political interests between Maryam and Humza will eventually occur.

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Now, to return to Maryams visit to Kartarpur Sahib, she made an impressive speech to the sangat. She struck the right notes. She spoke in chaste Punjabi and projected herself as the daughter of Punjab who was the first woman to become CM in either Pakistani or Indian Punjab. She stressed her familys background in the village of Jati Umra in the Amritsar district from where her grandfather had migrated to Pakistan in 1947. Three other points that she made deserve special mention.

One, that Pakistan was a place where the minorities had the freedom to practice their faith and only recently the country had marked Eid, Easter, Holi and now she had come to be with the Sikh pilgrims at Baisakhi. Maryams reference to this aspect is part of Pakistans current endeavour to project itself as a moderate and liberal Muslim country. This is, of course, at variance with the prevalence and growth of extremist Islamist forces which want the countrys governance to be strictly in accordance with the Sharia.

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The second point  and one of great significance  was Maryams mention of the commonalities between Muslims and Sikhs. She took care to use the formulation you and us; thus, carefully avoiding mentioning either Islam or Sikhism or Muslims and Sikhs. Obviously, she did not want to ruffle the feathers of the Pakistani ulema. She said that both you and us believe in one power which is the supreme power of the universe. She added that both you and us believe in honest living and earning through righteous means and giving to charity.

Finally, Maryam referred to her father Nawaz Sharifs conviction that neighbours should open their hearts to each other and live in peace and also cooperate and trade with each other. It is true that Nawaz has always wanted to trade with India while retaining Pakistans position on J&K. It will be recalled that in 2015 Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif had attempted to begin a peace process. In this context Modi had landed in Lahore on Christmas Day of that year on his way back from Kabul to Delhi. That day was Nawaz Sharifs birthday. Sharif had taken Modi to Raiwind where the Sharifs family estates are located.

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That was also the period when Maryams daughter was getting married. It will also be recalled that the Pakistani generals put an end to the Modi-Nawaz initiative by engineering a terrorist attack on the Pathankot airbase within ten days of Modis visit.

A comment on the commonalities between Muslims and Sikhs referred to subtly by Maryam would be in order. I have mentioned in some articles in Firstpost and elsewhere that there is a body of scholarly Pakistani opinion which strongly believes that the Muslim League committed a strategic blunder in attacking the Sikhs in 1947. These scholars hold that the Muslim League should have sought to drive a wedge between Hindus and Sikhs. It should have compelled the former to go to India but should have prevented the Sikhs from leaving through stressing the commonalities between Muslims and Sikhs. It has been the constant endeavour of the Pakistani establishment after 1947 to win the Sikhs to its side. Maryams words were from this playbook.

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What the Pakistanis overlook is that Sikhism grew out of the body of Hinduism and that relations between Hindus and Sikhs are unshakeable. The two communities have also shared relations which are categorized by roti-beti. These are the strong bonds that finally ended Pakistan inspired and assisted Khalistan enterprise. The Pakistanis may keep trying but they cannot dilute the patriotism of the Sikhs towards their motherland, India. The Indian authorities have to take every care to follow Pakistani attempts at sowing disaffection against India among the Sikh community here as they are doing abroad.

It is interesting that Maryam placed herself squarely within the context of Punjab. She did not overtly get into any political subjects. Indeed, it would have been inappropriate for her to do so on the occasion and in Kartarpur Sahib. However, the Sharif family has never hidden its Kashmiri biradari origin. It is part of the Kashmiri diaspora settled in the Punjab. In this context it may be recalled that Pakistans national poet Mohammed Iqbal was himself from a branch of the Saprus who had converted to Islam. Maryams mother belonged to the Kashmiri biradari; she was a Butt, a form of spelling which some Bhatts use after becoming Muslims.

Nawaz Sharifs passion for Kashmir has never diminished even if he wants a modus-vivendi with India. The question now is if the Pakistani army under its chief Asim Munir is reaching the conclusion that with the countrys macroeconomic situation remaining fragile, an opening with India is a necessity. Pakistan will be going for a 24th IMF support programme once its current one ends. It has no choice but to do so.

Maryams Kartarpur initiative would have no doubt been cleared by Islamabad and Rawalpindi is also indicative of their conclusion that Modi and BJP will form the government after elections. Even while wanting an opening with India, Pakistan will look for some concessions on J&K, like restoration of its statehood. It will be important for the incoming government to carefully evaluate Pakistani intentions and ask that it ends the infrastructure of terrorism before the two countries embark on a serious engagement.

There is no indication, as yet, despite the grave challenge Pakistan faces on its western frontier with an alienated Afghan Taliban who are not breaking their connection with the TTP, that Pakistan is willing to dismantle the groups it has nurtured against India.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
With this latest round of terminations, the total number of terminations that were caused by the protests has now exceeded 50, highlighting a major escalation in the ongoing internal turmoil at Google read more

Sundar Pichai has come down with an iron fist in quashing any anti-Israel protest at Google's campus. Credit: Google

Google has terminated an additional 20 employees following internal protests over the companys involvement in a contract with Israels defence sector.

These individuals, described as non-participating bystanders by No Tech for Apartheid spokesperson Jane Chung, were let go in the aftermath of last weeks demonstration against Googles participation in Project Nimbus, a significant $1.2 billion defence deal, as per a report by The Verge.

With this latest round of terminations, the total number of job cuts has exceeded 50, highlighting a major escalation in the ongoing internal turmoil at Google.

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The initial protest resulted in the arrest of nine employees and garnered criticism from Googles head of security, Chris Rackow, who circulated a company-wide memo characterizing the demonstrations as disruptive and threatening to colleagues.

Rackows memo underscored Googles inquiry into the incident and subsequent dismissal of 28 employees found to be involved, underscoring the companys adherence to workplace conduct guidelines.

CEO Sundar Pichai also shared Rackows sentiments. He went on to explain, how Google is dedicated to fostering an environment of open dialogue while highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum that befits a workplace

We have a culture of vibrant, open discussion that enables us to create amazing products and turn great ideas into action. Thats important to preserve, Pichai stated.

He further emphasized that Googles policies are clear: the workplace is for conducting business, not for disrupting colleagues, using the company as a personal platform, or engaging in contentious political debates.

The protests initially stemmed from discontent among several Google employees in California and New York over the companys collaboration with the Israeli government on Project Nimbus, a cloud computing agreement inked in 2021.

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Demonstrators, affiliated with the No Tech for Apartheid movement within Google, voiced objections at various company locations, including New York and California offices.

Their actions escalated as they occupied Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurians office for over eight hours, live-streaming their demands on Twitch.

These demands included severing ties with the Israeli military and addressing worker safety concerns. However, as the evening progressed, company officials placed the protesters on administrative leave and requested their departure, ultimately leading to police intervention and arrests, abruptly concluding the live stream.

(With inputs from agencie)
South Korea is banning iPhones from military buildings because of security reasons. However, they are allowing Samsungs Android devices to be used. The ban targets all devices that can record and share recordings and cant be controlled by third-party app controls, but names iPhones specifically read more

South Koreas military is contemplating a comprehensive ban on iPhones within military buildings due to mounting concerns about potential leaks of sensitive information through voice recordings.

The decision to ban iPhones in the military reportedly originated from joint meetings held by the headquarters of the army, navy, and air force, located at Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong province, as per a report by The Korea Herald.

The expansion of the iPhone ban within the South Korean military seems to be less about security concerns and more about the limitations of the mobile device management (MDM) suite, and of course, South Koreas nationalistic motives, of giving preference to homegrown brands over North American, or European ones.

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The ban, which reportedly originated in the Air Force headquarters, targets all devices that can record and share voice recordings and that cant be controlled by third-party app controls, specifically naming iPhones.

The distributed document from the military emphasizes the need to block voice recording in various communication scenarios, including formal and informal interactions within military buildings.

Interestingly, while iPhones are explicitly banned, Android-based devices manufactured by Samsung, are exempt from the ban.

In addition to iPhones, the ban is said to extend to wearables like the Apple Watch. The rationale behind favouring homegrown devices over iPhones remains unclear.

Moreover, there are questions regarding the effectiveness of the South Korean National Defense Mobile Security MDM app in preventing microphone usage, leading to complaints from users.

The reported deficiencies in the MDM app highlight inconsistencies in device restrictions based on make, model, and operating system.

Discussions are underway to extend the ban throughout the entire military, with the Army reportedly testing similar restrictions.

While restrictions on smart devices in secure facilities are standard practice, implementing a total ban is less common.

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This development underscores broader issues related to security training, compliance, and access control within the South Korean military. The explicit allowance of Samsung devices suggests a hint of nationalism, given that the majority of military members in South Korea use Samsung products.
In a recent earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that the EV makers profits fell by 55% in the last quarter. Tesla also saw some of its top executives, who have been with the EV company for close to 8-10 years or so, leave read more

Elon Musk had to postpone his India visit at the last moment, because of the turbulent conditions this quarters earnings call have caused. Image Credit: Reuters

Elon Musk-led Tesla reported that its profits have fallen by over 55 per cent at a recent earnings call. The Austin, Texas-based EV maker took a massive hit as dwindling global sales and price reductions eroded both revenue and profit margins, marking a significant decline in its first-quarter net income.

For the period spanning January to March, Teslas recorded earnings stood at $1.13 billion, which is significantly less from the $2.51 billion it reported in the corresponding period last year.

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Why is Tesla struggling

Teslas revenue also witnessed a notable decline, totalling $21.3 billion, which is down 9 per cent compared to the previous year. The decline in worldwide sales is because of an increase in competition and a slowdown in demand for EVs. Tesla also cited challenges such as an arson incident at its German plant and factory downtime during the transition to an updated version of the Model 3 sedan.

Factoring out one-time expenses like stock-based compensation, Teslas earnings per share stood at 45 cents, falling short of analyst projections of 49 cents, as per FactSet data.

Moreover, the companys gross profit margin, representing the percentage of revenue retained after expenses, declined to 17.4 per cent, down from 19.3 per cent a year ago and significantly below the peak of 29.1 per cent reported in the first quarter of 2022.

Despite manufacturing 433,371 vehicles and delivering 386,810 in the first quarter, Tesla continues to grapple with overproduction, as evidenced by the surplus of over 46,000 vehicles. This surplus persists even after price adjustments made last year, slashing prices on select models by as much as $20,000.

In a bid to streamline operations, Tesla recently announced a 10 per cent reduction in its workforce of 140,000 employees, alongside the departure of key executives. Senior vice president of powertrain and energy engineering, Andrew Baglino, with 18 years of service, announced his resignation, adding to the exodus of top talent from the embattled automaker.

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How Tesla plans to come out of this situation

While addressing investors on Tuesday, Tesla indicated that its vehicle sales growth might see a notable decline compared to the previous year, because of the ongoing efforts towards the launch of its next-generation vehicle and undisclosed additional products.

Speculation suggests that the upcoming vehicle could be the compact Model 2, which is expected to be priced at around $25,000. The expectation is that this will broaden Teslas appeal to mass-market consumers. However, the companys future plans regarding this vehicle remain uncertain as there have been reports that Tesla might cancel its budget offering.

Tesla is also banking on the development of a fully autonomous Robotaxi as a catalyst for future revenue growth. CEO Elon Musk has hinted at unveiling the Robotaxi on August 8. Reports have also surfaced that the Tesla app is being redesigned to act as an Uber-like ride-hailing app.

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Despite a modest uptick of 5.2 per cent in Teslas shares following Tuesdays trading session, the electric carmaker continues to grapple with a significant downturn, with shares plummeting by over 40 per cent since the beginning of the year. In contrast, the S&P 500 index has seen a modest increase of approximately 5 per cent over the same period.

Investors and analysts eagerly await insights from CEO Elon Musk during the earnings conference call scheduled for later on Tuesday, hoping for more detailed explanations regarding Teslas performance and future outlook. Many analysts have raised concerns about the decline in sales, which has cast doubts on the underlying demand for Teslas and other electric vehicles in the market. As Tesla navigates through these challenges, all eyes are on Musk for clarity and guidance regarding the companys path forward.

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Top executives leave Tesla at a crucial juncture

Martin Viecha, Teslas longstanding Vice President of Investor Relations, has announced his departure from the company after serving for seven years. His exit marks the third high-profile departure from Tesla in less than two weeks, following the resignation of Senior Vice President Drew Baglino and Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development, Rohan Patel.

Baglino, a key figure in Teslas engineering and technology development for car batteries, had been with the company for 18 years and was highly regarded by investors and analysts.

Viechas announcement came at the end of a first-quarter earnings call. Many are viewing this as a critical moment for the company following its worst quarter in years.

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In a statement on X and LinkedIn, Viecha confirmed his departure, revealing that he had informed Musk and Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja about his decision to retire from investor relations and prioritise spending time with his family. He expressed gratitude for his time at Tesla, describing it as the greatest privilege of his professional life.

While Teslas positive earnings call buoyed investor sentiment, with the stock rising over 12 per cent in after-hours trading, Viechas departure, along with others, has unsettled some investors. Viechas departure is particularly notable as he had developed strong relationships with Teslas investors, providing a steady hand amid occasional concerns about Musks conduct.

(With inputs from agencies)
Teslas Optimus robot will be available for factories and corporations to buy from the end of 2025. During a call with Teslas investors Musk revealed that Optimus will be ready for factory work by the end of this year read more

Elon Musk-led Tesla has been developing the Optimus robots for years now, and expects it to be fit for factory work by the end of 2024. Image Credit: Tesla, Reuters

Teslas CEO Elon Musk has announced that the companys humanoid robot, still in development, could potentially be ready for sale by the end of next year.

Musk made this statement during a conference call with investors, expressing his anticipation that the Tesla robot would be capable of performing tasks within factory environments by the end of this year.

Humanoid robots have garnered interest from several companies as potential solutions to address labour shortages and undertake repetitive tasks in industries such as logistics, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing.

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Major players in the field, including Japans Honda and Hyundai Motors Boston Dynamics, have been actively pursuing advancements in humanoid robotics for years.

Recent collaborative efforts between tech companies and automotive giants have led to the integration of humanoid robots into their operations.

For instance, Microsoft and NVIDIA-backed startup Figure announced a partnership with German automaker BMW to deploy such robots in the companys facilities across the United States.

Elon Musk, renowned for his ambitious vision, has previously indicated that robot sales could eventually become a significant component of Teslas business, potentially surpassing its automotive manufacturing segment.

Musk highlighted Teslas expertise in artificial intelligence, stating that the company is well-positioned to achieve volume production with efficient inference on the robot itself.

During the conference call, Musk revealed that the Tesla robot, named Optimus, might be capable of performing tasks within the factory environment by the end of this year.

Notably, humanoid robots have been under development for several years by companies like Japans Honda and Hyundai Motors Boston Dynamics.

In a significant move this year, Microsoft and Nvidia-backed startup Figure announced a partnership with German automaker BMW to deploy humanoid robots in the car makers facility in the United States.

Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur, has previously suggested that robot sales could eventually become a larger part of Teslas business compared to other segments, including car manufacturing. He expressed confidence in Teslas ability to achieve volume production with efficient inference on the robot itself, highlighting the companys expertise in artificial intelligence.

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However, Musks ambitious promises have not always materialized. In 2019, he assured investors that Tesla would operate a network of robotaxi autonomous cars by 2020, a goal that remains unfulfilled.

Tesla introduced the first generation of its Optimus robot, named Bumblebee, in September 2022. Additionally, the company released a video this year showcasing a second-generation iteration of the bipedal robot folding a T-shirt at its facility.
ByteDance now has 9 months to divest from TikTok, failing which the social media, video sharing app will be banned. The bill, part of a package military aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, got widespread support among lawmakers, with 79 Senators voting in favour and 18 against read more

TikTok has 9 months to comply with US' orders, or risk getting banned. Image Credit: File

The US Senate has passed a landmark bill that could result in the banning of TikTok in America. The legislation gives ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, a nine-month ultimatum to divest its stake in the app, failing which TikTok would face a ban in the United States.

The bill, part of a package including military aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other US partners in the Indo-Pacific region, garnered widespread support among lawmakers, with 79 Senators voting in favour and 18 against.

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Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, emphasized the necessity of the move, stating that allowing the Chinese Communist Party to control such a popular app in America was dangerously short-sighted.

He welcomed the new law, which mandates ByteDance to sell the app, asserting it as a positive step for Americas national security.

While ByteDance has not yet responded to the Senates decision, it previously stated its opposition to any forced sale of TikTok. The companys stance aligns with Beijings vow to oppose such actions, potentially leading to a prolonged legal battle if the bill becomes law.

TikTok, in its defence, has argued against the bill, highlighting concerns about free speech rights and the economic impact of a potential ban. The platforms chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, reiterated the companys commitment to protect its interests through legal means.

However, legal experts anticipate a protracted legal process, estimating it could take up to two years to reach a resolution. Furthermore, the bills nine-month timeline for ByteDance to sell its stake introduces further complexities, potentially delaying any immediate action against TikTok in the US.

Congressional concerns about data security and the risk of sensitive information falling into Chinese hands have been driving forces behind the push to sever TikToks ties with ByteDance. Despite assertions from TikTok and ByteDance that they operate independently of Chinese influence, the spectre of data privacy continues to loom large over the debate.

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As the bill heads to President Joe Bidens desk for approval, its implications for TikToks future in the US remain uncertain, awaiting further developments in the legal and geopolitical arena.
Afghanistan is among the nations least equipped to deal with the effects of climate change, which are causing extreme weather and altering natural environments, after 40 years of conflict read more

According to academics, Afghanistan is sixth among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, while it only contributes 0.06 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions Image Courtesy Agencies

According to organizers on Wednesday, the Taliban leadership has started its first discussions about the effects of climate change in Afghanistan with the UN, funders, and non-governmental organizations.

Afghanistan is among the nations least equipped to deal with the effects of climate change, which are causing extreme weather and altering natural environments, after 40 years of conflict.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, donors have reduced their help to Afghanistan because they are reluctant to support a government that is viewed as a pariah, further endangering impoverished and climate-vulnerable populations.

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Terje Watterdal, country director of the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), co-hosted three days of talks that concluded on Tuesday.

At a press conference in Kabul on Tuesday, country director Terje Watterdal informed reporters that the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC) co-hosted three days of negotiations that came to a close on Monday.

According to him, since the August 2021 government change, this was the first time Taliban representatives had joined a parallel session, face-to-face and online, with a broad range of their counterparts in the West.

Universities, diplomats, UN organizations, donors, and ordinary Afghan citizens participated in the discussions.

All sides agreed that both individual and collective action is required both inside and outside of Afghanistan, Watterdal said.

All government ministries committed their full support for the national and international organisations working to combat climate change and reduce the impact of climate change in Afghanistan.

How to deal with the Taliban authorities, who have imposed an extreme version of Islamic authority in Afghanistan, has divided opinion across the globe.

Some have said that they need to be excluded from the global community until they lift the restrictions placed on women and girls, which have prevented millions of them from receiving an education.

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Others have argued for discussing less contentious issues with Taliban leadership in order to help the people of this extremely poor country.

It is necessary to de-politicize key development issues, such as climate change, according to Watterdal.

However, he claimed that the gender distribution of the speakers was 50/50 to ensure that we also have the womens perspective when it comes to climate change.

Afghans livelihoods are significantly impacted by climate change, since 80 percent of the 43 million people living there depend on agriculture for a living.

According to academics, Afghanistan is sixth among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, while it only contributes 0.06 percent of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions.

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In addition, Afghanistans temperature has increased by 1.8 degrees Celsius (35.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1950, exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius (34.7 degree) global average.

Massive rainfall in Afghanistan this month, following an exceptionally dry winter, resulted in the deaths of over 100 people.

The National Environmental Protection Agency of Afghanistans deputy director, Zainul Abideen Abid, declared that climate change management is a priority.

We call upon all relevant United Nations agencies to avoid mere sloganeering and take practical steps, he said, asking for more funding to be unlocked for the country.

In addition, he demanded that Afghanistan be present at the November COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan. The administration of the Taliban was not invited to the COP28 in Dubai last year.
Prestigious universities like Yale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and New York University (NYU) have been attempting, but failing, to put an end to these demonstrations amid mounting calls for divesting from Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza read more

At New York University, 133 protesters were taken into custody after they allegedly threw bottles at the police, who were tasked to clear the encampments. They have since been released with a summons to appear in court on charges of disorderly conduct Image Courtesy Reuters

Notwithstanding the fact that 108 students were arrested and three suspended last week, pro-Palestine protests are still ongoing at Columbia University in the United States.

The police crackdown has done nothing but fan the flames of opposition, in contrast to what they had meant to accomplish with their sweep of the encampments.

Students from a number of other US campuses have imitated this action, erecting their own camps, taking over buildings, and organizing protests.

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Prestigious universities like Yale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and New York University (NYU) have been attempting, but failing, to put an end to these demonstrations amid mounting calls for divesting from Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protests have also persisted at academic institutions like the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley.

As students at Columbia University continue to defy orders to leave their encampments, tensions remain high. The administration and demonstrators have not been able to come to an agreement.

Authorities consequently declared that classes would be held in a hybrid learning environment through the end of the Spring semester, which concludes next week.

Nationwide pro-Palestine movements spearheaded by students have erupted as a result of these protests.

At New York University, 133 protesters were taken into custody after they allegedly threw bottles at the police, who were tasked to clear the encampments. They have since been released with a summons to appear in court on charges of disorderly conduct.

Calling the arrests outrageous, Byul Yoon, an NYU law student exasperatedly asks, Why are we not allowed to be here? Why are we not allowed to express ourselves?.

Reiterating the protesters demands, she said, Were here to maintain a presence and to demand that the university divest from weapons corporations and from the Israeli occupation.

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MIT student Quinn Perian delved into the schools involvement in the violence unfolding in Gaza, explaining, Theyve [MIT] had over $11 million allocated in investments for projects directly relating to the Israeli Ministry of Defense in the past decade. MIT is building the weapons that Israel and the Israeli military are using to terrorise and to bomb the Palestinians in Gaza.

UC Berkeley Student and Protest Organizer Malak Afaneh echoed the resolve of protesters, claiming, Quite frankly, were going to be here until we achieve divestment. Were willing to risk suspension. Were willing to risk expulsion. Were willing to risk arrest.

At Yale University, protesters declined negotiations with the administration, which asked them to end demonstrations, leave the encampments, and meet with the schools trustees. After defying several warnings, the administration authorised police to clear encampments. About 60 protesters, of which 47 were students, were arrested.

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Harvard University also took preventive measures by locking most gates into its famed Harvard Yard and limiting access to those with school identification. Signs were also posted that warn against setting up tents or tables without permission. Despite these, encampments have been set up and protests are ongoing.

Following this, the student group Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee was suspended for violating university policies.

It is unlikely that the protests will be snubbed anytime soon. Resistance continues to soar as every attempt to suppress protesters is leading to more disillusioned individuals joining the pro-Palestinian cause.
Iranian interior minister Ahmad Vahidi is part of a delegation from Tehran currently visiting Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Interpol has issued a red alert seeking his arrest at the request of Argentina read more

Argentina has asked Interpol to arrest Irans interior minister who is visiting Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Acting on the request, Interpol has issued a red alert seeking Ahmad Vahidis arrest.

But why Argentina wants arrest of Iranian interior minister?

Argentina has reached out to Interpol, asking for the arrest of Irans interior minister Ahmad Vahidi over the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people.

Not just Interpol, Argentina has also asked the governments of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to arrest Vahidi.

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Argentina blames Iran for 1994 attack

A court in Argentina, on April 12, placed blame on Iran for the 1994 attack against the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires and for a bombing two years earlier against the Israeli embassy in which 29 people were killed.

The 1994 attack was never claimed or solved, but Argentina and Israel have for long been suspecting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah had carried it out on Irans request.

Despite Tehran denying any involvement, prosecutors have charged top Iranian officials, including the then-president Ali Akbar Hashemi Bahramaie Rafsanjani, with ordering the attack.

The court also implicated Hezbollah and called the attack against the AMIA  the deadliest in Argentinas history  a crime against humanity.

Argentina seeks the international arrest of those responsible for the AMIA attack of 1994, which killed 85 people, and who remain in their positions with total impunity, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

One of them is Ahmad Vahidi, sought by Argentine justice as one of those responsible for the attack against AMIA, the statement further mentioned.

Argentina has previously stated that Vahidi, a former senior member of Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps, is one of the key masterminds of the AMIA bombing and sought his extradition.

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With inputs from AFP
Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su stated that the rule aims to uphold the principle that workers should be compensated for overtime work. The move aligns with President Bidens commitment to improving wages for low- and middle-class Americans read more

The Biden administration introduced a new regulation Tuesday aimed at extending overtime pay eligibility to millions of white-collar workers.

Effective July 1, the rule raises the threshold for executive, administrative, and professional employees exempt from overtime pay from $35,568 to $43,888, making approximately 1 million additional workers eligible for time-and-a-half compensation for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

Furthermore, starting January 1, the threshold will increase to $58,656, encompassing an additional 3 million workers.

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Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su stated that the rule aims to uphold the principle that workers should be compensated for overtime work. The move aligns with President Bidens commitment to improving wages for low- and middle-class Americans and comes amid longstanding efforts to raise the federal minimum wage.

The initiative responds to the aftermath of the pandemic, which heightened burnout among workers and spurred demands for better work-life balance. The Labor Departments proposal to raise the salary threshold garnered substantial public feedback, resulting in adjustments to the final rule.

While hourly workers are entitled to overtime pay, salaried employees meeting certain criteria are exempt. Industry groups may challenge the new standard, arguing that it imposes excessive regulatory burdens on businesses.

The rules implementation could prompt various responses from employers, including adjusting salaries, reclassifying employees, or limiting work hours. Some companies may opt to elevate workers base pay to the new threshold, while others might convert salaried employees to hourly status. Additionally, adjustments to employees schedules and compensation may occur to mitigate the impact of the rule.

In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a similar increase in the overtime salary threshold, which was later invalidated by a federal court. The Trump administration subsequently set the current threshold at $35,568.

In a statement, the Labor Department said its confident the new standard can better withstand a legal challenge because its notably lower than than the 40th percentile benchmark set by the Obama administration.

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This is a meaningful methodology change that addresses potential concerns that the salary level test should not play an outsized role in relation to the duties test, Labor said.

The Labor Department also said it raised the threshold for highly compensated employees who only need to perform one of the duties of executive, administrative or professional workers to be exempt from overtime. That benchmark will rise from $107,452 to $151,164 by January.

Starting July 1, 2027, the rule requires Labor to adjust the salary threshold every three years to account for updated wage data.
According to IOM, tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly from Ethiopia and Somalia, travel via Djibouti on their way to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in search of employment read more

The United Nations migration agency announced on Tuesday that a boat carrying 77 migrants sank off the coast of Djibouti, resulting in 21 deaths and 23 missing persons. This is the second occurrence of its kind in two weeks.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) stated in a post on social media site X that children were among the passengers aboard the boat.

 Tragedy as boat capsizes off #Djibouti coast with 77 migrants on board including children. At least 28 missing. 16 dead. @DjiboutiIOM supporting local authorities with search and rescue effort. pic.twitter.com/s4L7ASNW4o  IOM Spokesperson (@IOMSpokesperson) April 23, 2024

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According to IOM, tens of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa, particularly from Ethiopia and Somalia, travel via Djibouti on their way to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in search of employment.

Many fail, and many end themselves stuck in Yemen where they endure substandard living conditions, according to IOM. In the seas around Djibouti, drownings occur often when migrants travel there.

Tanja Pacifico, the head of its Djiboutian office, said Tuesdays death toll had risen from an earlier figure of 16 IOM had given.

Another 33 people were rescued from the water, she said, adding that they and all the dead were Ethiopians.

What is exceptional is that is we had another shipwreck with 38 Ethiopian nationals just less than two weeks ago, Pacifico told Reuters by phone.

At least 38 people, including children, died in that shipwreck off the Djibouti coast.

She said Tuesdays capsized boat was sailing to Djibouti from Yemen.

These numbers have been increasing over the past few months, Pacifico said.
When asked about the news that the law will now head to President Joe Bidens desk, Beijings foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin declined to offer a response read more

On Wednesday, Beijing refused to comment on legislation that the US Senate had adopted that would have forced the immensely popular social media app TikTok to either leave its Chinese parent firm ByteDance or be removed from the US market.

Western and American authorities have expressed concern over TikToks growing popularity among youth, claiming Beijing may use it to gather information and eavesdrop on users. In the US alone, there are 170 million users of it.

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Additionally, these opponents claim that TikTok serves as a propaganda tool and is beholden to Beijing. The firm and China vehemently refute these allegations.

But when asked about the news that the law will now head to President Joe Bidens desk, Beijings foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin declined to offer a response, instead pointing to previous statements.

My colleagues and I, as well as the spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Commerce, have previously explained Chinas principled position on the US Congresss passage of the bill concerning TikTok, Wang said.

You may refer to that, he added.

Beijing has previously furiously denounced the plans to ban TikTok, urging Washington to truly respect the principles of market economy and fair competition.

China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, Commerce Ministry Spokesperson He Yadong said.
The organisation has blamed Britain for weakening human rights protections nationally and globally, amid a near-breakdown of international law, according to a report, citing 418-page Amnesty annual global report which was released on Wednesday read more

Agnes Callamard, the French head of Amnesty, warned of alarming human rights repression and prolific rule-breaking as she launched the annual world report. AFP

Amnesty International has accused the UK of deliberately destabilising human rights on the global stage through its appalling domestic policies and politicking.

According to The Guardian report, citing 418-page Amnesty annual global report which was released on Wednesday, the organisation has blamed Britain for weakening human rights protections nationally and globally, amid a near-breakdown of international law.

The UK is deliberately destabilising the entire concept of universal human rights through its appalling domestic policies and politicking, The Guardian quoted Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UKs chief executive, as saying.

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The report singles out the UK for failing to leverage its leadership position within the UN to curb human rights abuses in Gaza and condemns the UKs tepid support for the international criminal court (ICC) probe into human rights violations in Israel and Palestine, while underscoring its role in supplying arms to Israel.

Weve got a very deep concern about the UKs practice of supplying arms and significant components for arms, The Guardian quoted Deshmukh as saying regarding Israel.

He said about 15% of finished F-35 warplanes, used by Israel, are likely to contain UK parts or components.

Theres no doubt in my mind that the UK will be judged harshly by history for its failure to help prevent civilian slaughter in Gaza, Deshmukh added.

According to The Guardian, the damning Amnesty report also criticises Israels allies for the failure to stop the indescribable civilian bloodshed in Gaza.

In a stark warning to world leaders, the organisation said the world was reaping a harvest of terrifying consequences from escalating conflict and the near-breakdown of international law.

In 2023, we were plunged back into a future we dont want, back to a future we were promised never again, The Guardian quoted Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals general secretary, as saying while referencing the development of international law and civilian protections after the second world war.

The report points to the USs use of its veto to paralyse the UN security council for months by blocking the passing of a much-needed resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, while it continues to arm Israel with weapons used to commit what may constitute war crimes.

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The report paints a grim picture of the state of human rights across the world, cautioning that the erosion of the rule of law may hasten with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. This, combined with the pervasive influence of major tech corporations, poses a significant risk of exacerbating human rights abuses if regulatory measures fail to keep pace with technological progress.

In addition to blatant breaches of international norms by Russian forces during the Ukrainian conflict, escalating conflicts and human rights infringements in regions like Sudan, where nearly 15,000 lives have been lost in civil strife, as well as in Ethiopia and Myanmar, where over 1,000 civilians perished in 2023 alone, are highlighted as pivotal factors contributing to the worsening global plight of civilian protection.

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Both Myanmars military junta and the Russian authorities, beneficiaries of support from China, have yet to commit to investigating allegations of violations, further exacerbating the dire situation.

Addressing a press conference at the launch of the report, Callamard said, When the powerful flout the rule of law, the shield of the law weakens. When the powerful state themselves [to be] above the law, betrayal of the law becomes a response by many more.

Amnestys report found an increasing number of attacks on women, LGBTQ+ people and marginalised communities for political or electoral gain.

It predicted that, during a landmark year of elections around the world and amid increasingly stiff opposition to regulation by big tech companies, technological advances  such as spyware and facial recognition  could be weaponised to discriminate and disinform. For example, Amnesty exposed how Facebooks algorithms had contributed to ethnically based violence in Ethiopia during the conflict in the countrys Tigray region, added the report.

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Amnesty Internationals report paints a dismal picture of alarming human rights repression and prolific rule-breaking, all in the midst of deepening global inequality, superpowers vying for supremacy and an escalating climate crisis, said Callamard.

With inputs from agencies
Since its allies Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in a war in Gaza, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have engaged in almost daily gunfire exchanges read more

The Iran-backed Hezbollah organisation in Lebanon stated that it launched a new round of rockets across the border on Wednesday following the deaths of two civilians in an attack that was attributed to Israel.

Late on Tuesday, the organisation had already launched rockets at northern Israel in response to the deaths of civilians.

Since its allies Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in a war in Gaza, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have engaged in almost daily gunfire exchanges.

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In recent days, it has increased the number of rockets it launches towards Israeli military sites.

Dozens of Katyusha rockets were fired by Hezbollah forces towards a northern Israeli border village as part of the response to the Israeli enemys attacks on civilian homes, the organisation stated in a statement.

On Tuesday, rescue teams said an Israeli strike on a house in the southern village of Hanin killed a woman in her fifties and a girl from the same family.

Since October 7, at least 380 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also 72 civilians, according to an AFP tally.

Israel says 11 soldiers and eight civilians have been killed on its side of the border.
Family members argue an independent monitor is needed to ensure Boeings compliance with the agreement. Boeings deal had no such requirement, unlike some past agreements with other companies read more

Following an in-flight burst in January that revealed ongoing safety and quality flaws, the families of the victims of the two fatal Boeing 737 MAX accidents in 2018 and 2019 will put pressure on US Justice Department officials on Wednesday to pursue criminal charges against the planemaker.

It is anticipated that family members and solicitors will contend that Boeing broke a 2021 agreement with prosecutors to restructure its compliance programme in the wake of the fatal crash which killed 346 people. If Boeing followed the conditions of the agreement for a period of three years, federal prosecutors consented to petition a court to drop the criminal accusation against the company.

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But only two days before the 2021 agreement ended, on January 5, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 had a panel blow off. According to two individuals familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters, Justice Department investigators are now considering that episode as part of a larger investigation into whether Boeing broke the terms of the arrangement, known as a deferred prosecution agreement, or DPA.

What were saying to DOJ is, throw out the DPA, said Nadia Milleron, whose daughter, Samya Stumo, died while traveling aboard the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 that crashed in March 2019. We want them to think to themselves: This is too much. There has to be accountability.

Family members argue an independent monitor is needed to ensure Boeings compliance with the agreement. Boeings deal had no such requirement, unlike some past agreements with other companies.

If there was an outside monitor, the Alaska situation would not have happened, Milleron said.

Boeing and the Justice Department declined to comment.

In January 2021, Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion to resolve a criminal investigation into the companys conduct surrounding the crashes. The U.S. planemaker agreed to compensate victims relatives and overhaul its compliance practices as part of the deal with prosecutors.

In an earlier April meeting with family members lawyers, Justice Department officials said they were looking at circumstances outlined in the 2021 deal that could put Boeing in breach of the agreement, such as the company committing a felony or misleading U.S. officials, one of the people familiar with the matter said.

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The agreement gives U.S. officials six months from the deals Jan. 7 expiration to decide whether to prosecute Boeing on a charge that the company conspired to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration or pursue other alternatives to dismissing the case.

Officials plan to do so within that time frame while investigations into the Jan. 5 in-flight blowout continue, which could inform their decision, one of the people said. The people spoke on condition of anonymity.

Prosecutors are expected to lean heavily on findings from the FAAs investigations, one of the people previously told Reuters.

The FAA, for instance, is investigating a Boeing engineers claims that the company dismissed safety and quality concerns in the production of the planemakers 787 and 777 jets. In a congressional hearing last week, the engineer testified that Boeing sidelined him when he raised concerns. Reuters has not independently verified his claims, which Boeing has disputed.
During his state visit to Pakistan, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi addressed students and staff at the Government College University in Lahore where he said by attacking Israel on April 14 in retaliation to the latters strike in Syria, Iran punished Tel Aviv read more

Israel will be completely different and there will be nothing left of the Zionist regime if Tel Aviv attacks Iran again, President Ebrahim Raisi has warned.

During his state visit to Pakistan, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi addressed students and staff at the Government College University in Lahore where he said by attacking Israel on April 14 in retaliation to the latters strike in Syria, Iran punished Tel Aviv.

Tensions in the West Asian region have reached a fever pitch following Israels attack with Iranian leaders, including Raisi, vowing the strictest form of retaliation.

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Earlier this month, Israel struck the Iranian Embassy in Syrias Damascus, leaving several top Iranian generals dead. Following the unprecedented attack, Iran retaliated by launching drone attacks against Israel.

The retaliatory attacks did not stop there. Last week, Israel once again attacked Iran, with the latter downplaying the assault.

What is Iran and Paks common view?

During his speech, Raisi said that Iran and Pakistan have a common view of defending the oppressed people of Palestine," adding that the freedom of the people in Gaza is Tehrans top priority.

The president highlighted that the resolution of the Palestinian people is not only the issue of the Muslim ummah and the region but also of the entire world.

He also appreciated Islamabad for holding a firm stance on the Palestinian issue.

Raisi slams US

In reference to the recent stir created by pro-Palestinian student protestors across US universities, Raisi slammed Washington saying that the country does not stand by its doctrine of free speech as they expel pupils for supporting the Palestinian cause.
According to reports, Chinas strategic maneuvers in Antigua and Barbuda could signify a broader effort to expand its influence throughout the Western Hemisphere read more

Chinas recent actions in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in the Caribbean, echo historical power plays seen in U.S. history, raising concerns about shifting geopolitical dynamics. New revelations suggest Beijings ambitions extend to establishing a satellite state in the Caribbean, challenging U.S. dominance in the region.

According to reports, Chinas strategic maneuvers in Antigua and Barbuda could signify a broader effort to expand its influence throughout the Western Hemisphere.

General Laura Richardson of the U.S. Southern Command highlighted Chinas exploitation of regional vulnerabilities to further its agenda, presenting a direct challenge to longstanding US hegemony.

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In a report, Rep. Eric Burlison, echoing concerns, drew parallels between Chinas actions and historical Soviet intervention in Cuba, highlighting the strategic significance of the Caribbean in US foreign policy. He warned of Chinas systematic efforts to undermine US influence by leveraging economic agreements and trade zones in Antigua.

Documents reveal Chinas plans to establish a Chinese-controlled economic zone in Antigua, equipped with its own infrastructure and even passport issuance capabilities. Such developments raise alarms about Chinas potential military ambitions in the region, prompting concerns from U.S. military officials.

Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, a program aimed at financing infrastructure projects in developing nations, has garnered significant participation from countries within the U.S. Southern Commands jurisdiction. However, mounting debt and asset seizures highlight the risks associated with Chinas economic influence.

Experts warn that Chinas actions pose a significant security threat to the United States, comparable to the Cuban Missile Crisis. They warn against complacency in addressing Chinas aggressive tactics, criticising the Biden administrations diplomatic approach as insufficiently assertive.

Despite criticism, Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne defended his nations partnership with China, citing the lack of support from Western countries. Critics, however, accuse Browne of compromising Antiguas sovereignty and overreliance on Chinas support.

As geopolitical tensions escalate, the Caribbeans evolving dynamics highlight the broader struggle for influence between the United States and China, with far-reaching implications for global security and stability.
Giving almost no details of the trip, North Koreas KCNA said in a one-line dispatch that the country sent a delegation headed by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho to Tehran on Tuesday read more

\North Korea has sent a delegation to Iran, the first such visit in five years, stoking US fears that Pyongyang is selling weapons to Tehran and essentially helping the West Asia conflict to fuel.

Giving almost no details of the trip, North Koreas KCNA said in a one-line dispatch that the country sent a delegation headed by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho to Tehran on Tuesday.

Earlier, Yun paid a visit to Russia and since then the minister has emerged as a key player in trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

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What will happen during the visit?

North Korea rarely reveals the agenda of such state visits. But just the fact that a high-ranking official is going to Iran highlights the increasing level of military cooperation between the two countries.

The last time North Korea sent someone to Iran was in 2019.

A research professor at Korea University, Ban Kil Joo, said, The Ukraine war has paved the way for cooperation between North Korea and Iran.

North Korea is sending an economic delegation now but it will be the beginning of a wider military cooperation to follow between the two, the professor added.

Is N.Korea selling weapons to Iran?

The US has always feared that Iran and North Korea are engaged in military cooperation in the nuclear and missile fields.

Although the partnership has been witnessing a dip in recent years owing to sanctions, recent tensions between Israel and Iran have once again set off alarm about the resumption of arms sales between the two nations.

In fact, South Korea has put its spy agency to work to determine whether Iran employed Pyongyangs missile technology to carry out its attack on Israel.

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Most experts have cited relations shared by Tehran and Pyongyang to be the reason behind their anticipation of such a possibility.

The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1973 and since then countries around the world have been suspicious of large-scale arms trade between them despite their weapons programmes being under international sanctions.

Almost two decades ago, the then Irans Revolutionary Guards publicly acknowledged that Tehran had received Scud-B and Scud-C missiles from North Korea.
The change comes as Maduro is under fire at home and abroad over his leftist governments human rights record as he cracks down on dissent while seeking a third term in power read more

President Nicolas Maduro announced Tuesday that a United Nations human rights office would begin operating in Venezuela once again, after it was suspended and its staff ordered to leave in February.

The change comes as Maduro is under fire at home and abroad over his leftist governments human rights record as he cracks down on dissent while seeking a third term in power.

He has in particular drawn criticism for preventing a widely popular opposition leader from running against him in July elections he had pledged would be free and fair.

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Maduro made the announcement Tuesday alongside Karim Khan, head of the International Criminal Court, who is investigating Venezuela for possible crimes against humanity in a violent crackdown on protests back in 2017.

I have received the proposal to once again invite the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, to be in our country, in Venezuela, Maduro said, standing next to Khan at the presidential palace in Caracas.

I agree. Lets overcome our differences, the conflict that we had, he added.

I am ready to receive the envoy Volker Turk.

It is not clear when the staff of the UN rights agency will return to Venezuela.

The order for them to leave the country within 72 hours came in February, two days after authorities detained prominent activist Rocio San Miguel.

San Miguel, 57, was arrested in the immigration area of an airport in Caracas, sparking an international outcry.

Prosecutors accused her of treason and terrorism for her purported role in an alleged plot to assassinate Maduro, which the government has said was backed by the United States.

San Miguel is the founder of an NGO called Citizen Control, which investigates security and military issues, such as the number of citizens killed or abused by security forces.

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Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said at the time the UN rights office had taken on an inappropriate role and had become the private law firm of the coup plotters and terrorists who permanently conspire against the country.

Khan is in Venezuela after the country lost an appeal last month against the resumption of an investigation by the court into alleged crimes against humanity committed in 2017.

In April 2022, Caracas had asked Khan to halt his probe into a government crackdown on protests against Maduro, in which over 100 people died.

It had said it would carry out its own investigation.

But in June last year, the ICC authorized Khan to resume.

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It appears that Venezuela is not investigating the factual allegations of crimes against humanity, ICC judges said.
In 2022, Russias Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, alleged that Ivanov and his family led a lavish lifestyle filled with spending on real estate, luxurious trips and designer clothing. read more

Russias deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov has been detained on suspicion of taking bribe in one of the highest-profile corruption cases since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine, the countrys top investigative police agency has said.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Vladimirovich Ivanov was detained on suspicion of committing a crime under part 6, article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code (bribe-taking), the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee was quoted by Russian news agency TASS.

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Investigators cited a statute for the detention of Ivanov, who has held his position for eight years, alleging his involvement in accepting bribes on a particularly large scale. In 2022, Russias Anti-Corruption Foundation, led by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny accused Ivanov and his family of leading an opulent lifestyle characterized by spending on real estate, extravagant trips, and designer clothing.

Reports from Russian media indicated that Ivanov oversaw significant construction projects, including the rebuilding efforts in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which suffered extensive damage and was occupied by Russia during Moscows invasion of Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian news agencies, said a report on Ivanovs detention had been presented to President Vladimir Putin. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had been informed in advance of his detention, he said.

The daily Izvestia reported on Wednesday, citing sources, that searches were conducted late on Tuesday at some of Ivanovs properties. Russian news reports said that Ivanov, if convicted, could face up to 15 years in prison.

Forbes magazine listed Ivanov, an expert in cybernetics and the nuclear industry, as one of the wealthiest men in Russias security structures. News outlet RBK posted a picture of him attending a meeting of ministerial officials earlier on Tuesday chaired by Shoigu.

Russian news reports said Ivanov was likely the most senior Russian official to face such charges since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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He worked in companies dealing with fuel and energy and in the Moscow regional government before joining the defence ministry in 2010. He became a deputy minister in 2016.

With inputs from Reuters.
The US House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation on Saturday that would allow ByteDance nine months to divest TikTok, with a possible three-month extension, in response to worries that China may access American data or spy people via the app read more

As the chamber was ready to vote on legislation mandating Chinese owner ByteDance to divest the popular short video apps US assets on Tuesday, two US senators expressed their optimism that TikTok will continue to operate in the US under a new owner.

Democrats Mark Warner, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that senators were aware that 170 million Americans, particularly young people, use the short video app.

To those young Americans, I want to say, we hear your concern and we hope that TikTok will continue under new ownership  American or otherwise from Britain, Canada, Brazil France. It just needs to be no longer controlled by an adversary.

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The US House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation on Saturday that would allow ByteDance nine months to divest TikTok, with a possible three-month extension, in response to worries that China may access American data or spy people via the app.

President Joe Biden has declared he will sign the proposal into law if it is passed by the Senate. The business said that it will file a lawsuit to overturn the ruling.

TikTok has said the regulation equates to a prohibition that would violate its users US free expression rights. The company claims it has not shared and will not share US user data with the Chinese government.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell said Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance or TikTok but to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, malign operations, harming vulnerable Americans.

She said the timeline was reasonable. This is not a new concept to require Chinese divestment from US companies, Cantwell said. We are giving people a choice here to improve this platform.

But Democratic Senator Ed Markey said ByteDance was unlikely to be able to execute a divestment that maintains the app for US users. We should be very clear about the likely outcome of this law. Its really just a TikTok ban, he said.

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Censorship is not who we are as a people. We should not downplay or deny this trade off.
The United States has been working to build diplomatic bridges with South Pacific island nations since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare signed the security pact with China. read more

A woman waits to have her name checked on the electoral role before voting during the Solomon Islands elections in a village on the island of San Cristobal, Wednesday, April 17, 2024- AP

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare has failed to secure a majority in parliamentary elections, setting the stage for negotiations to form a coalition government in the coming weeks.

According to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corp. Sogavares Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party has won 15 of 50 seats so far in the parliament.

With nearly all votes counted, the current officeholder must garner backing from minority parties and independent legislators if he seeks to remain in power for another term. These negotiations will be closely watched not only in Washington and Beijing but also in Canberra.

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A defeat for Sogavare would hinder Chinas strategic goals in the Pacific, given that the Solomon Islands are its closest ally in the region. Some contenders vying to succeed Sogavare have indicated a willingness to align more closely with Taiwan and reconsider agreements with Beijing that were established during his tenure.

Another term for Sogavare could be a source of tension in the economically challenged nation, where numerous voters are dissatisfied with stagnant living conditions. With Australia, the US, and China closely observing, last weeks election marked the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare shifted diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019 and forged a security agreement with Beijing in 2022, bringing the Pacific island nation closer to China.

Since he became prime minister at the 2019 election, which is his fourth and longest stint in the top office, he has been criticised for switching diplomatic ties from Taiwan without parliamentary approval.

Sogavare points to Chinas gift of a $100 million sporting complex used to host regional Pacific Games last year and a similarly-sized loan to build a national broadband network led by Chinese tech giant Huawei as examples of why the switch from Taiwan, a democratic island that Beijing claims as Chinas territory, was the correct move for the developing country.
The aid bill has sent a wrong signal to the Taiwan separatist forces, says Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, urging the US to fulfill its commitment not to support Taipeis independence with concrete actions and stop arming the nation in any way. read more

As the bill providing some $8 billion in aid for the island was approved by the Senate in the US, China called on the US to limit support for Taiwan.

We firmly oppose the inclusion of Taiwan-related content in the relevant bill of the US Congress, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, was quoted as saying by FT in Beijing. It sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan separatist forces. We urge the US side to fulfill its commitment not to support Taiwan independence with concrete actions and stop arming Taiwan in any way.

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The remarks came shortly after the Senate approved a bill to increase US military assistance to Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel. China has been trying for long to annex the island, which it considers its territory.

Taiwan has also been expanding its defense industry, building submarines and trainer jets. Next month it plans to commission its third and fourth domestically designed and built stealth corvettes to counter the Chinese navy as part of a strategy of asymmetrical warfare in which a smaller force counters its larger opponent by using cutting-edge or nonconventional tactics and weaponry.

Taiwans defence ministry said Sunday that about $1.9 billion is earmarked for replenishing its military equipment and training and another $2 billion will used for foreign military financing for countries in the region including Taiwan.

A $8 billion defense package approved by the US House of Representatives over the weekend will strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain, Taiwans President-elect Lai Ching-te said Tuesday, in a reference to key rival China.

The package covers a wide range of parts and services to maintain and upgrade Taiwans military hardware. Taiwan has also signed billions in contracts with the US for the latest-generation F-16V fighter jets, M1 Abrams main battle tanks and the HIMARS rocket system, which the US has also supplied to Ukraine.
The largest union for French air traffic control employees, the SNCTA, had announced on April 25 that it was calling off a planned strike after reaching an agreement with management about working conditions read more

In a statement, the DGAC said that on Thursday, April 25, it had requested that airlines reduce flights by 75% at Paris-Orly airport, 55% at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle airport, 65% at Marseille airport, and 45% at all other airports Imaage Courtesy AFP

The French civil aviation regulator, DGAC, issued a warning on Wednesday over the possibility of a strike by air traffic controllers, which might cause significant flight disruptions at French airports on April 25.

In a statement, the DGAC said that on Thursday, April 25, it had requested that airlines reduce flights by 75% at Paris-Orly airport, 55% at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle airport, 65% at Marseille airport, and 45% at all other airports.

The largest union for French air traffic control employees, the SNCTA, had announced on April 25 that it was calling off a planned strike after reaching an agreement with management about working conditions. Despite this, the DGAC went ahead and made this announcement.

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According to DGAC, the agreement was reached too late to prevent traffic jams, and negotiations with other unions are still ongoing.
Tennessee has seen heated debate over gun laws since last years shooting at a Nashville school left three children and three adult staffers dead. Some of the Democrats in the House helped lead protests inside the capitol, leading to their brief expulsion from the body last year. read more

In a significant development in public safety legislation, Tennessee legislators passed a bill on Tuesday allowing teachers and school staff to carry concealed handguns on campus.

The bill was approved in a 68-28 vote in the Republican-dominated Tennessee House. The states Senate passed the bill earlier this month. The measure would mandate training for gun carriers and require approval from school authorities, but notification to parents and most other school employees would not be mandatory.

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This is an awful day for Tennessee, our kids, our teachers, and communities, state Representative Justin Pearson, a Democrat who was booted from the House last year before being voted back in, wrote on social media. Instead of protecting kids, theyve protected guns AGAIN!

The bill gained traction following a tragic shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville over a year ago, resulting in the deaths of three students and three staff members. The incident prompted widespread calls for action from parents and state officials, including the Republican governor to prevent similar violence in the future.

Republicans and other conservatives have often pushed for teachers to be armed in response to the numerous school shootings that have taken place in the US in the past 25 years. Proponents of the measures argue that armed teachers deter would-be school shooters. Detractors say guns in school will likely only lead to tragic accidental shootings.

About half of all states in the US allow teachers or other school employees to carry firearms on school grounds, according to the Giffords Law Center, a gun safety group.

Under the Tennessee bill, any person wanting to carry a concealed handgun in a school would have to complete at least 40 hours of training in school policing. The cost of the training - along with the firearm - is to be paid by the individual.

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Many advocated for tighter gun control measures while some others supported the bill, believing that arming trained adults could serve as a deterrent against potential attackers. However, critics voiced concerns that introducing more firearms into school environments might not enhance safety and could potentially escalate risks for students.
Volker Turk, the chief of the United Nations human rights office, expressed his shock earlier on Tuesday at the demolition of the Shifa medical centre in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis read more

On Tuesday, the UN demanded a clear, transparent and credible investigation into the mass graves that were found at two major hospitals in war-torn Gaza after Israeli soldiers attacked them.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that more journalists must be permitted to operate securely in Gaza in order to report on the facts, and that credible investigators must have access to the locations.

Volker Turk, the chief of the United Nations human rights office, expressed his shock earlier on Tuesday at the demolition of the Shifa medical centre in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. He was also shocked by the rumoured finding of mass graves in and near the institutions following the Israeli withdrawal.

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He called for independent and transparent investigations into the deaths, saying that given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators.

Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law, Turk said. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat (incapable of engaging in combat) is a war crime.

U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel on Tuesday called the reports of mass graves at the hospitals incredibly troubling and said U.S. officials have asked the Israeli government for information.

The Israeli military said its forces exhumed bodies that Palestinians had buried earlier as part of its search for the remains of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war. The military said bodies were examined in a respectful manner and those not belonging to Israeli hostages were returned to their place.

The Israeli military says it killed or detained hundreds of militants who had taken shelter inside the two hospital complexes, claims that could not be independently verified.

The Palestinian civil defense in the Gaza Strip said Monday that it had uncovered 283 bodies from a temporary burial ground inside the main hospital in Khan Younis that was built when Israeli forces were besieging the facility last month. At the time, people were not able to bury the dead in a cemetery and dug graves in the hospital yard, the group said.

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The civil defense said some of the bodies were of people killed during the hospital siege. Others were killed when Israeli forces raided the hospital.

Palestinian health officials say the hospital raids have destroyed Gazas health sector as it tries to cope with the mounting toll from over six months of war.

The issue of who could or should conduct an investigation remains in question.

For the United Nations to conduct an investigation, one of its major bodies would have to authorize it, Dujarric said.

I think its not for anyone to prejudge the results or who would do it, he said. I think it needs to be an investigation where there is access and there is credibility.

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The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, said after visiting Israel and the West Bank in December that a probe by the court into possible crimes by Hamas militants and Israeli forces is a priority for my office.

The discovery of the graves is another reason why we need a cease-fire, why we need to see an end to this conflict, why we need to see greater access for humanitarians, for humanitarian goods, greater protection for hospitals and for the release of Israeli hostages, Dujarric said Monday.

In the Hamas attack that launched the war, militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 hostages. Israel says the militants are still holding around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.

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In response, Israels air and ground offensive in Gaza, aimed at eliminating Hamas, has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, around two-thirds of them children and women. It has devastated Gazas two largest cities, created a humanitarian crisis and led around 80% of the territorys population to flee to other parts of the besieged coastal enclave.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken begins his three-day trip to China on Wednesday. This is his second visit in less than a year during which he will warn Beijing about its support for Russias military read more

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, June 19, 2023. Reuters file

The US-China ties have been at a critical juncture due to a host of global disputes, including trade to territorial, where both these nations jump in to claim supremacy.

Despite this, leaders and officials from Washington have been frequently rushing to Beijing and holding talks with senior government representatives.

In the latest, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun his three-day (April 24-26), second trip to Beijing in less than a year. All eyes are on the outcomes of his trip and where it will take US-China relations.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping was told by his US counterpart Joe Biden during a call on April 2 that Washington will be sending Blinken to Beijing soon.

Face-to-Face Diplomacy

Before jetting out for China, Blinken took to X where he said, I head to Shanghai and Beijing this week for intensive face-to-face diplomacy.

Our ongoing, direct engagement is vital for making progress on issues that matter most to the American people and the world.

I head to Shanghai and Beijing this week for intensive face-to-face diplomacy. Our ongoing, direct engagement is vital for making progress on issues that matter most to the American people and the world. pic.twitter.com/VyWOxPhJpk  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 24, 2024

Who will Blinken meet with in China?

According to a report by Xinhua, Blinken is visiting Beijing at the invitation of Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi.

As per China, Blinkens visit is part of efforts by Beijing and Washington to implement the common understandings reached by the two presidents at their meeting in San Francisco, maintain dialogue, manage differences, advance cooperation and strengthen coordination on international affairs.

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Secretary Blinken will be meeting with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the State Department. It is, however, not confirmed if he would be meeting Xi Jinping.

Blinken in China, whats on agenda?

According to a statement by the State Department, Blinken will warn China about its support for Russias military.

He will discuss the crisis in the Middle East, and of course, the Secretary will discuss challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including PRC provocations in the South China Sea, as well as the DPRKs threatening rhetoric and reckless actions, a senior State Department official said on April 20.

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Blinken will also discuss the crisis in Burma. The Secretary will also reaffirm the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the State Department official said.

And third and finally, the Secretary will make clear that the US intends to responsibly manage our competition with the PRC. We believe that intense competition requires intense diplomacy on a range of issues, and in-depth, face-to-face diplomacy is particularly important to managing tensions endemic to strategic competition between two major powers. As we continue to take actions to protect our interests and values, well maintain open channels of communication to clearly communicate our positions and policies so as to, again, prevent misperception or miscalculation, the official further said.

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We expect additional high-level diplomacy and interactions to occur in the coming weeks and months. I want to assure you that the United States is committed to responsibly managing our competition with China, and we know that thats what the world expects of us, the US State Department said.

Blinken to discuss Russia-Ukraine war

Over the recent months, the Biden administration has been increasingly concerned about Chinas support for Russias defence industrial base. This, the US officials, says has been allowing Moscow to overcome sanctions imposed by the West after its invasion of Ukraine and resupply its military.

Although Washington has been saying that while it has no evidence to prove that China is arming Russia, officials say other activities are potentially equally problematic.

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If China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it cant on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War, Blinken said last week.

Meanwhile, China says it has the right to trade with Russia and accuses the US of fanning the flames by arming and funding Ukraine.

It is extremely hypocritical and irresponsible for the U.S. to introduce a large-scale aid bill for Ukraine while making groundless accusations against normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday.

Tensions in West Asia to be taken up by Blinken in China

US government officials have been persistently appealing to China to use any leverage it may have with Iran to prevent Israels war against Hamas in Gaza from spiralling into a wider regional conflict.

Earlier too Blinken has asked China to take a more active stance in pressing Iran not to escalate tensions in West Asia. The Secretary has spoken to Wang Yi on several occasions over the past half a year and urged China to tell Iran to restrain the proxy groups - Hamas, Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis and Iranian-backed terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.

During a phone call earlier this month, Blinken told Wang that escalation is not in anyones interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate.

Taiwan and South China Sea on Blinkens agenda

The US has been strongly condemning Chinese military exercises threatening Taiwan which Beijing regards as a renegade province and has vowed to reunify with the mainland by force if necessary.

Blinken during his China visit would underscore, both in private and public, Americas abiding interest in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We think that is vitally important for the region and the world.

Blinken visit crucial but breakthroughs unlikely

Though Blinkens visit is crucial for keeping the channels of communication open between the two nations, it is unlikely to yield major breakthroughs, as none of the sides seem to be willing to give in on key issues of contentions.

Washington seems most concerned about the increasingly close Sino-Russian relations and Chinas industrial overcapacity while Beijing is most worried about issues around the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, Japan Times quoted said Zhiqun Zhu, an international relations professor at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, as saying.

But given the vast differences on these issues, there are unlikely to be any major agreements or deliverables, Zhu said.

China says relations with US stabilising

Ahead of Blinkens visit, a Chinese foreign official said relations between Beijing and Washington are stabilising despite US actions that harm Chinese interests.

A report by Xinhua further quoted the unnamed official saying that US-China relations should stabilise and advance on a sustainable path. But he said Chinese interests and its bottom line must be safeguarded.

The United States stubbornly promotes the strategy of containing China, continuously adopts erroneous words and actions that interfere in Chinas internal affairs, smear Chinas image, and harm Chinas interests, the official was quoted as saying.

Biden and Xi held a face-to-face meeting in California last November during which both leaders pledged to keep up high-level communication.

Already this year, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has made a visit to China, while last week Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke over the phone with his Chinese counterpart, marking the first talks between the countries defence chiefs in nearly 18 months.
The lawsuit originates from Idaho, one of the 14 states that now ban abortion with few exceptions at any point during pregnancy. Since Roe was overturned, this is the first time the Supreme Court has examined a state prohibition read more

The Supreme Court will decide on Wednesday whether or not doctors in states that have implemented prohibitions following the high courts landmark ruling overturning Roe v. Wade may provide abortions during medical crises.

The lawsuit originates from Idaho, one of the 14 states that now ban abortion with few exceptions at any point during pregnancy. Since Roe was overturned, this is the first time the Supreme Court has examined a state prohibition.

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The Biden administration contends that federal health care legislation requires hospitals to be permitted to end pregnancies in exceptional circumstances where a patients life or health is really in danger, even in states where the practice is illegal.

Although Idaho claims there are exceptions to its ban for abortions necessary to save lives, permitting them in more medical crises would transform hospitals into abortion enclaves. The administration, according to the state, is abusing a health care legislation designed to guarantee that patients arent turned away due to their inability to pay.

As the case progressed, the Supreme Court permitted the Idaho legislation to take effect, even in times of emergency.

Physicians claim that emergency treatment has already been impacted by Idahos abortion prohibition. Since doctors are now required by state legislation to wait until a patient is near death before performing an abortion, more women whose ailments are usually treated with one must be transported out of state for care.

Meanwhile, complaints of pregnant women being turned away from U.S. emergency rooms spiked after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, according to federal documents obtained by The Associated Press.

Anti-abortion groups blame doctors for mishandling maternal emergency cases. Idaho argues the Biden administration overstates health care woes to undermine state abortion laws.

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The justices also heard another abortion case this term seeking to restrict access to abortion medication. It remains pending, though the justices overall seemed skeptical of the push.

The Justice Department originally brought the case against Idaho, arguing the states abortion law conflicts with the 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, known as EMTALA. It requires hospitals that accept Medicare to provide emergency care to any patient regardless of their ability to pay. Nearly all hospitals accept Medicare.

A federal judge initially sided with the administration and ruled that abortions were legal in medical emergencies. After the state appealed, the Supreme Court allowed the law to go fully into effect in January.

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The Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end of June.
Remarks came in response to inquiries regarding the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, during which the two nations inked eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and pledged to elevate bilateral trade to USD 10 billion read more

A US official Tuesday warned that anyone contemplating business ventures with Iran should be mindful of the potential threat of sanctions imposed by the United States.

Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, highlighted the importance of understanding the associated risks, while acknowledging Pakistans autonomy in determining its foreign policy pursuits.

Just let me say broadly, we advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits,

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Patels remarks came in response to inquiries regarding the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, during which the two nations inked eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and pledged to elevate bilateral trade to USD 10 billion.

This warning from the US comes in the wake of recent sanctions imposed on suppliers to Pakistans ballistic missile program, which included entities from China.

Patel clarified that these sanctions targeted entities involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, highlighting the involvement of companies based in the Peoples Republic of China and Belarus in supplying equipment to Pakistans ballistic missile program.

The sanctions were made because these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery. These were entities based in the PRC (Peoples Republic of China), in Belarus, and that we have witnessed to have supplied equipment and other applicable items to Pakistans ballistic missile programme, Patel said.

They are following our October 23 designation of three PRC entities who have worked to supply Pakistans missile programme. We are going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities, wherever they may occur, he added.

At a separate news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Patt Ryder said the US maintains good relations with Pakistan. They are an important security partner in the region, he said.

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With inputs from PTI
I am and will remain the top candidate It is a very serious accusation. After the arrest warrant was confirmed today, I will sack the employee in question today, said Maximilian Krah, a member of the European Parliament for Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party read more

Maximilian Krah, member of the European Parliament for the far-right Alternative for Germany and AfD's top candidate in June's election to the assembly, gives a statement, after an aide has been arrested in Germany on suspicion of "especially severe" espionage for China, in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday. Reuters

Maximilian Krah, a member of the European Parliament for Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, on Wednesday said that he will sack his aide arrested on suspicion of spying for China but he himself will not resign.

The case has put the AfD on the back foot after it surged to become Germanys second-most popular party ahead of European and local elections this year.

Krah said he learned of the arrest from the media and denied personal wrongdoing.

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I am and will remain the top candidate, Reuters quoted Krah as saying.

It is now a matter of focusing the election campaign on European issues again and moving away from this very unpleasant matter, he said.

It is a very serious accusation. After the arrest warrant was confirmed today, I will sack the employee in question today, he added.

The case has also fed wider anxieties over Europe as a target for Chinese and Russian spying operations. Germany had this week also arrested three people in a separate case about funnelling sensitive technology to China for military purposes.

Reacting to the development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that reports of Chinese espionage in Europe were hype and intended to discredit and suppress China.

The most recent case involves an individual identified by prosecutors as Jian G., who stands accused of divulging information regarding discussions within the European Union legislature to Chinese intelligence, as well as engaging in espionage against Chinese opposition factions.

Jian Guo is listed as one of the assistants on the website of Krah, the top candidate of the AfD for the upcoming election to the European assembly in June.

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Just last week, Chancellor Olaf Scholz undertook a visit to China for discussions with the countrys leadership.

Germany has been actively seeking to mitigate risks in its relationship with its largest trading partner, cognisant of the dangers of overreliance on the Chinese economy, particularly following the Ukrainian conflicts revelation of Europes dependence on Russian energy resources, exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis.

In a separate joint statement, AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla said that Krah opted to abstain from attending a party campaign launch in Donaueschingen over the weekend in southwestern Germany to minimise the potential damage to the party.

Any influence by foreign states through espionage, but also attempts to buy opinions and positions, must be investigated and firmly prevented, Reuters quoted them as saying.

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A similar scandal hit Britain this week as police charged two men with spying for China, including one reported to have worked as a researcher in Britains parliament for a prominent lawmaker in the governing Conservative Party.

Scholz is hosting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for talks on Wednesday.

With inputs from agencies
China's top legislator congratulates Mexico's Senate on 200th anniversary

Xinhua) 14:02, April 24, 2024

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji congratulated Mexico's Senate on its 200th anniversary, calling for enhancing exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, extended warm congratulations on behalf of the NPC in a speech delivered via video at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Mexico's Senate on April 23 local time.

Zhao said that since China and Mexico established diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago, the two countries have deepened their political mutual trust and yielded fruitful results in practical cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Noting that the nature of the bilateral ties is increasingly strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial, Zhao said that China is willing to work with Mexico to improve strategic alignment, explore cooperation potential, and leverage complementary advantages to enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He pointed out that the NPC has maintained friendly exchanges with Mexico's parliament, calling for the two legislative bodies to enhance multi-level exchanges in various fields, improve experience sharing in legislation and supervision, and provide legal support for mutually beneficial cooperation, thus consolidating the social and public foundation for China-Mexico friendly relations.

China is willing to enhance multilateral cooperation with Mexico and other Latin American countries, and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Zhao said.

He noted that China is committed to upholding international fairness and justice, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, promoting the steady and sustained progress of China-Mexico and China-Latin America relations, and building a China-Latin America community with a shared future.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Auckland's Trusts Arena is hosting one of the HUGEST nights in recent history this Friday. Chase and Status will make the sold-out arena ceiling go missing and, with support from Aussie DJ Luude and UK deck maestro Mozey, shit could register on the Richter scale.

It's the only Aotearoa show scheduled, but the four of them ran a surprise, free pop-up rave in Sydney after their show over there, so surely they do it here.

If you missed out on tickets to the arena show, Mozey's hosting his own after-party at Studio The Venue.

I'm sure it'll be a night for the ages. Remember to bring your ID so you can get in, and make sure you have a plan for getting to and from the concert.

Set Times:

6 PM: Doors open 6- 6:45: Miss Thirty3 6:50 - 7:45: Repair 7:45 - 8:45: Mozey 9 PM: Doors close 8:45 - 9:45: Luude 9:45 - 11:00: Chase & Status 11:00: End of show

*Timings subject to change

Parking & Public Transport

Trusts Arena is located at 65 - 67 Central Park Drive, Henderson.

There will be NO ONSITE PARKING. Some parking is available in the surrounding areas and nearby streets. These are not owned or operated by the Trusts Arena and some charges may apply.

Multiple bus services stop outside Trusts Arena. Give Google Maps or the Auckland Transport app or website a whirl to plan your route and find the best option for you.

Stuff you can't bring

Trusts Arena has stated the following items won't be allowed in on the night: Glass/Metal items, professional cameras or GoPros, chewing gum, alcohol and drugs, cigarettes, vapes and other smoking devices.

Look after yourself and each other and have a mad one team.

Main image credit: Higher-Grnd AU.
George FM is your home for the best dance and electronic music and events in New Zealand.

George FM Frequencies

In your car and can't find George FM? No worries, we got you.

Download the rova app today from the App Store or Google Play to stream George FM from anywhere in the world. But if you're still rocking an old school radio then hit up one of the George frequencies below.

Auckland 96.6 FM

Hamilton 107.3 FM*

Tauranga 107.4 FM*

Palmerston North 107.1 FM*

Wellington 106.7 FM*

Nelson 95.2 FM

Christchurch 95.3 FM

Dunedin 96.6 FM

Queenstown 96.8 FM

Streaming 24/7 on our rova app!

Freeview Channel 70 - Only available on Freeview Satellite *Low Power Frequency, your radio may not pick them up everywhere in this city
Grey wolves pulled back from most of Rio Blanco County over the past month or so while moving east well into Larimer County, where a wolf transplanted to Colorado in December was recently found dead, according to updates from wildlife agencies.

Also this week, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis rejected a request to remove wolves that livestock growers believe were involved in depredations last week on livestock in Grand County, in part because a wolf that could be implicated in the attacks is a male thought to be paired up with and denning with a female.

Removing the male breeder at this point would be irresponsible management and potentially cause the den to fail, possibly resulting in the death of the presumed pups, Davis wrote to the Middle Park Stockgrowers group in response to its request. This is not a desirable result and I am therefore not going to take action at this time to lethally remove this animal.

Parks and Wildlife in December released 10 wolves from Oregon in Grand and Summit counties after state voters in 2020 narrowly voted in favor of requiring restoration of gray wolves in Colorado, and specifically west of the Continental Divide. The 10 wolves brought the states total known wolf population to 12, due to two pre-existing wolves already being in northern Colorado. The recently discovered death, thought likely to be from natural causes, reduces the total number to 11, though Parks and Wildlife plans to transplant more wolves to the state next winter.

GPS DATA

Most of the wolves in Colorado have collars on them that provide GPS data, though Parks and Wildlife says two of the 10 it released now have collars that are no longer functioning. It has been able to continue to monitor them because they are with other collared wolves, and the two have been confirmed to be alive based on monitoring from aircraft.

A map that Parks and Wildlife updates monthly and depicts watersheds where one or more wolves has been over the past month shows the species range had extended to most of Rio Blanco County by one month ago, also dipping south just into Garfield County, the closest they had come to Mesa County since reintroduction. But a map released Wednesday showed that in the past month in the two counties, they had only occupied watersheds in far-eastern parts of the counties.

Wolves continue to be present in Moffat County, most recently north and northeast of Craig.

Monthly state maps showed wolves pushing well into Larimer County, then moving back west to about the Larimer/Jackson county line, and most recently moving back east well into Larimer County, almost to Fort Collins.

Movements of reintroduced wolves have been confirmed in watersheds east of the Continental Divide and onto the Front Range, Parks and Wildlife said in a new release.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement that it became aware of a dead gray wolf in Larimer County on April 18.

As a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, the Service is investigating and has sent the carcass for a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Initial evidence suggests that this wolf likely died of natural causes, but a final determination will not be made until the necropsy is completed, the agency said.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is working in cooperation with Parks and Wildlife on the investigation.

NEW WEBPAGE

Parks and Wildlife on Wednesday announced the launch of a webpage, https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/CON-Wolf-Depredation.aspx, to inform the public about confirmed livestock depredations by wolves in the state. It will be updated each time a confirmed depredation occurs.

As the webpage shows, wolves that already had been in Colorado had been involved in numerous depredations from late 2021 to late last year, all in Jackson County. No confirmed depredations by wolves had occurred this year, after the introduction of the 10 wolves, until this month, when four confirmed cases of depredations have occurred. They involve a calf in Grand County and a calf in Jackson County in early April, and then last weeks incidents in Grand County, one involving three cattle and the second one day later involving one head of cattle.

Livestock producers can seek reimbursement for animals lost to wolf depredation, but Parks and Wildlife hasnt yet received claims for reimbursement on the incidents this month, the webpage shows.

Davis said in his letter that in early April, GPS location points stopped uploading from a female wolf, and recently those points began to upload again.

The points for this females collar are showing a very localized position. The biological interpretation of this is that she was likely in a den during the time when connectivity with the collar was interrupted, which aligns with the expected timing of wolf reproduction. This would be the first den from wolves reintroduced to Colorado. We are working diligently to confirm the den, and hope to have information on this soon, Davis wrote.

He added, ... The wolf population in Colorado is far below any restoration goal. We have the legal duty to establish a self-sustaining population of wolves while minimizing conflict risk. Any consideration of lethal removal will be carefully deliberated to ensure it does not conflict with these legally mandated restoration goals. As the wolf population in Colorado grows, and as we get to points where we enter different management phases, the approach to lethal removals will likely become more liberal.

He wrote that agency staff have been working with the landowner involved to do night patrols and deploy some tools to minimize conflicts with wolves.

Since those tools have been deployed, depredation has ceased, at least for the time being. We are prioritizing this geography for deployment of more conflict minimization tools in the immediate future and expanding their availability to other willing landowners.

In a prepared statement, Michael Saul with Defenders of Wildlife praised the decision by Davis to reject the killing of any wolves, saying, As Director Davis correctly noted, it is premature to kill ... one of the states only 11 remaining wolves when the population is far below self-sustaining numbers. We were also delighted to learn that location data suggests the possibility that wolves may be denning in the State this spring, and we eagerly await any news of the first potential pups of the restoration effort.
Chinese spy' hype in UK and Germany aimed at souring atmosphere of cooperation: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Xu Keyue Published: Apr 23, 2024 09:16 PM

In response to accusations over "Chinese spies" by the UK and Germany on Monday and Tuesday, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the so-called "Chinese spy threat theory" is not new in Europe, every time before or after China-Europe high-level interactions in recent years, there would be such a hype, with a clear intention of smearing and hitting China and souring the atmosphere of China-EU cooperation.a

"Let me stress that China carries out cooperation with European and all other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and advances mutually beneficial cooperation with relevant parties in accordance with laws and regulations. We hope that relevant people in Germany will ditch the Cold War mentality and stop the political manipulation aimed at China with so-called "spy risks," spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Chinese analysts believe that the so-called Chinese spy allegations were made almost simultaneously by the UK and Germany, indicating possible coordination between the two countries, as it allows them to share the risks. Also the two countries may want to prove that the issue of so-called Chinese spies in Europe is not isolated but rather a widespread problem involving multiple countries.

German police arrested an assistant to a member of the European Parliament on suspicion of "especially severe" espionage for China, Reuters cited prosecutors as saying on Tuesday.

Reuters reported that a suspect named as Jian G. stands accused of giving the Chinese intelligence service information about negotiations and decisions in the European parliament, prosecutors said in a statement.

The media outlet reported that Jian G. was arrested the same day as three German nationals were arrested on suspicion of working with China's Ministry of State Security to hand over technology that could be used for military purposes. The three German nationals were arrested on Monday morning, according to The Guardian on Monday.

The arrests took place about a week after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz traveled to China to promote cooperation.

Often in China-Europe relations, when there is some progress at the political level, negative issues like the "Chinese spy threat theory" tend to arise, according to Chinese analysts.

There may be two reasons for this - first, some countries in Europe try to maintain a so-called balance on their China policy. With some forces in the countries holding negative sentiment toward China, countries always adopt a balancing or hedging approach in dealing with China, Cui Hongjian, a professor with the Academy of Regional and Global Governance with Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Second, there may be a lack of coordination among different departments within these countries, Cui believes. For example, while the diplomatic or economic departments may want to promote cooperation with China, internal or security departments may have different ideas, indicating internal conflicts of interest.

From the current state of the German government, it seems the government is unable to fully control this situation, Cui noted.

British police on Monday also charged two men with spying for China, including one who is reported to have worked as a researcher in Britain's parliament for a prominent lawmaker in the governing Conservative Party, Reuters reported.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday reiterated that "we would like to reiterate that the claim that China could be stealing UK intelligence is a groundless accusation and malicious smear, and we firmly oppose that accusation. Such malicious manipulation aimed at China should stop."

Cui warned that if European countries unilaterally pursue this approach that overstretches security concept, it will blur many boundaries in defining activities related to espionage or actions detrimental to their national security, turning accusations of "Chinese spies" into more of a political issue rather than a strictly legal one.

He noted that continuing in this manner will only make Chinese people feel more insecure in Europe, damaging normal interactions between the two sides.

This makes it difficult for China and the two European countries to engage in comprehensive, multi-domain, and candid exchanges, Cui warned.

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German prosecutors accuse aide to European lawmaker of spying for China

By VOA News April 23, 2024

German prosecutors said Tuesday that an aide to a German lawmaker in the European Parliament had been arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

Prosecutors identified the man only as Jian G., in line with German privacy laws, and said he repeatedly passed information about European Parliament negotiations to a Chinese intelligence service.

The man also spied on Chinese opposition figures in Germany, prosecutors said.

China's foreign ministry said Tuesday the allegation is an attempt to "smear and suppress China and to destroy the atmosphere of cooperation between China and Europe."

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called the allegations "extremely serious."

"If it is confirmed that there was spying for Chinese intelligence from inside the European Parliament, then that is an attack from inside on European democracy," Faeser said in a statement.

After multiple media outlets identified the accused as an aide to Maximilian Krah of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a party spokesman called the spying allegations "very disturbing."

"As we have no further information on the case, we must wait for further investigations by federal prosecutors," party spokesman Michael Pfalzgraf said in a statement.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters

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US, Zambian armies host African Land Forces Summit in Livingstone

By Staff Sgt. Luke Wilson April 22, 2024

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia -- U.S. Army Southern Task Force, Africa and the Zambia Army held the opening ceremony for the African Land Forces Summit 2024 in Livingstone, Zambia, near Victoria Falls on April 22, 2024.

Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff, the 12th iteration of ALFS runs April 22-26, 2024, and brings together land force chiefs from nearly 40 African countries, other partner nations, academic thought leaders and government officials for candid dialogue about shared challenges. This year's theme is "Regional Solutions to Transnational Problems."

"Africa's security challenges originate from different parallels such as ethnic, geographical and cultural sources, therefore it requires African solutions, in partnership with our cooperating partners," said Minister of Defence Ambrose L. Lufuma, Republic of Zambia.

Throughout the week, land forces commanders from across Africa will engage in discussions guided by subject-matter experts.

"Challenges such as human trafficking, mass migration, environmental degradation and climate change wreak havoc and cause untold human suffering. These issues transcend national borders, they subvert sovereignty, cross jurisdictions and strain national resources. No country can solve these challenges alone," said Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, commanding general, SETAF-AF.

ALFS brings together leaders from Africa, Europe and North and South America to exchange ideas and develop solutions to some of Africa's most pressing transnational issues.

ALFS 2024 intends to build upon previous summits by fostering communication, cooperation, and planning among partner nations.

"This distinguished gathering provides a rare and special platform that allows for all of us to listen and learn from each other ... to look for solutions to challenges of transnational nature," said co-host Lt. Gen. Sitali D. Alibuzwi, commander, Zambia Army.

In addition to plenary sessions and small-group discussions, , summit attendees will participate in a tree planting ceremony with local school children, experience Zambian culture and view a military demonstration by the Zambia Army special forces.

About ALFS

Sponsored by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and co-hosted by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa and the Zambia Army, ALFS 2024 brings together senior leaders from across Africa and other partner nations, April 22-26 in Livingstone, Zambia, to solidify relationships, exchange information on current topics of mutual interest and encourage cooperation in addressing challenges. ALFS content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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April 23, 2024

Release

Readout of Under Secretary of Defense Dr. William LaPlante's Visit to Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium

Department of Defense Spokesperson Jeff Jurgensen provided the following readout:

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William LaPlante traveled to Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium April 15-19, 2024, to strengthen security cooperation with European allies and partners on both immediate requirements and opportunities for greater procurement, production, and sustainment collaboration in the future.

During the semi-annual NATO Conference of National Armaments Directors (NADs), Dr. LaPlante discussed progress on implementation of NATO's Defense Production Action Plan (DPAP), multinational procurement initiatives, and programmatic oversight.

Allied leaders agreed to the DPAP at the 2023 Vilnius Summit to accelerate joint procurement, address defense industrial challenges, and increase interoperability and interchangeability between allies. These efforts are guided by the NATO Defense Industrial Production Board, which met for the second time in Brussels the week prior and remains focused on increasing industrial capacity, strengthening supply chain security, and driving standardization across capabilities.

Dr. LaPlante also commended progress on increasing co-development and co-production efforts, such as production of Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles-Tactical (GEM-T) in Germany. Earlier this year, NATO Support and Procurement Agency awarded a $5.6 billion contract to support the procurement of up to 1,000 GEM-T missiles by multiple European nations. This multinational bundling of procurement enables economies of scale to expand production capacity, meet rising demand, and enhance security of supply.

On April 19, Dr. LaPlante co-chaired the 11th meeting of NADs under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) alongside his Ukrainian counterpart, Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk. During the meeting, Dr. LaPlante emphasized the critical role NADs play in executing ministerial guidance through procurement, production, and sustainment while reaffirming the United States' steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine. Nearly 50 nations and multinational agencies participated.

Throughout the trip, Dr. LaPlante also conducted bilateral engagements with the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Acting NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, and NADs from Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3752099/

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April 23, 2024

Transcript

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder

MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right. Good afternoon, everyone, and Happy Passover to those who celebrate, and I have a few items to pass along at the top, and then we'll take your questions.

As you saw over the weekend, Secretary Austin welcomed the passage of the National Security Supplemental by the House of Representatives on Saturday, which will help the Department of Defense support Ukraine and Israel, bolster security in the Indo-Pacific and stand firm with our allies and partners around the world. In his statement, he highlighted that the bipartisan legislation will allow the department to surge life-saving security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia's aggression, support Israel's defense from Iran and its proxies and increase the flow of urgently-needed humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We remain hopeful for quick passage by the Senate and subsequent signing into law by the president.

Separately, Secretary Austin spoke today by phone with the Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias and U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps and separate calls to discuss a variety of topics concerning mutual security interests. Full readouts will be posted on defense.gov later today.

Additionally, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy Lisa Sawyer and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense for the Slovak Republic Igor Melicher cochaired the U.S.-Slovakia High-Level Defense Group today at the Slovak Ministry of Defense in Bratislava, Slovakia. Participants discussed a range of issues related to the global security environment and shared their commitment to strengthening the NATO alliance ahead of the 75th Anniversary NATO Summit July 9 through 11 in Washington, D.C. A full readout has been posted to the DOD website.

Switching gears, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, along with the Zambian Army, are cohosting the African Land Forces Summit 2024 April 22 through 26 in Livingstone, Zambia. The summit brings together over 40 land force military chiefs from across Africa, other European partner nations, along with academic thought leaders and government officials for candid dialogue to discuss and develop cooperative solution. The theme for this year's summit is "Regional Solutions to Transnational Problems." At the conclusion of the summit, DOD will sign the two newest state partnership programs between North Carolina, Zambia and Malawi. For more information, I would refer you to AFRICOM Public Affairs.

Finally, on April 22, Iran malign militia groups conducted two unsuccessful attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. These are the first attacks on coalition facilities since February 4th. These attacks put coalition and Iraqi personnel at risk. We call on the government of Iraq to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria against attacks from these groups. If these attacks continue, we will not hesitate to defend our forces, as we have done in the past.

And with that, I'd be happy to take your questions. We'll go to Lita Baldor, A.P.

Q: Thank you, Pat. Two questions. One, can you give us an idea how quickly the U.S. will be able to get any of the military aid to Ukraine once this bill makes -- it's -- it's clearly on its path, and the president is expected to sign it. There have been concerns expressed by Ukrainian forces that even if it's approved now, it's going to take a really long time to get there. Can you give an estimate how quickly some aid can get there? And then I have a separate question.

GEN. RYDER: Sure. I mean, in general terms, I would say that we would expect to be able to deliver aid within days. You know, of course, and I will caveat this by saying I don't have anything to announce right now in terms of what that aid could look like. You know, we need to have a law first. But depending on what that aid is -- and as you've seen in the past, we provide a variety of aid -- you know, anticipating this, we're doing everything we can to lean forward to be able to provide additional security assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible.

So much more to follow in the days ahead, but needless to say we understand the importance and the urgency and are doing everything we can to be poised to respond quickly.

Q: And then just on the pier and causeway, can you say whether or not the U.S. military has done any construction or any development at all yet, or is it still sort of waiting for the final security aid, et cetera ...

GEN. RYDER: Yeah.

Q: ... to get worked out?

GEN. RYDER: So as I understand it, as of right now, there has been no physical construction of the temporary pier or the causeway. As we've discussed, you know, there is a -- for lack of a better term, sort of a checklist that one is going to follow in order to implement this capability.

And as Central Command and U.S. Army Central goes through that checklist, we are positioned to begin construction very soon, in the very near future, but you want to do those steps in order so that by the time you are erecting this causeway and temporary pier, that all of the pieces are in place and that you can begin operating.

So we're still, based on all indications, on track to see an operating capability by the end of this month or early May, and we'll keep you updated on that.

Jennifer?

Q: General Ryder, would the U.S. military like to stay in Niger and keep its base in Niger? And what are the implications if it is forced to pull out?

GEN. RYDER: Well, I mean, what I would say is that we can confirm that discussions have begun between the United States and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. In the near future, the Department of Defense will provide a small delegation from the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command to participate in those discussions.

So, you know, I'll leave it there for now. I don't want to get ahead of those discussions. You know, clearly, when it comes to Western Africa and the Sahel, we are going to continue to monitor for potential threats throughout that region in order to protect U.S. personnel, assets, and our interests, to include the welfare of our partners, and we're going to continue to work with countries throughout the region when it comes to addressing terrorism threats throughout the region.

Q: And you believe that Russia and the Wagner Group had an influence on the Nigerien government in deciding to ask the U.S. military to leave?

GEN. RYDER: I really think that's a question that Niger has to address. Again, you know, we're having these discussions right now with our Nigerien counterparts, and we'll definitely keep you updated. Thank you.

Janne?

Q: Thank you, General. Two questions. The United States and South Korea defense cost-sharing negotiation meeting is currently being held in Hawaii. How do you view the possibility of changing cost-sharing?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I appreciate the question, Janne. I don't have any updates on that. Now, certainly we'll need to let that meeting take its course, but as we have more to provide, we'll certainly get that for you.

Q: But there is a presidential election year this year. Will the cost-sharing matter be done in this year or ...

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I just don't have any information on that.

Q: One more -- one more quick question on North Korea. Last weekend, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles, and Kim Jong-un declared that this was a tactical nuclear and nuclear counterattack exercises. What is the Pentagon's position on this?

GEN. RYDER: Well, as you know, we continue to consult closely with our allies in the Republic of Korea and Japan when it comes to regional security and stability issues, to include, you know, claims by North Korea to that effect. And so we'll continue to work together and closely on those issues as we support each other to deter potential conflict and threats to the region.

Let me go to Natasha.

Q: Thanks, Pat. Just a clarifying question on the pier -- so are all of the necessary vessels to construct the pier and causeway already in theater, or are we still waiting for some of them to transit the Atlantic and get there before they can start construction? And if they're all there, are they just all on standby at this point, just waiting to begin construction?

GEN. RYDER: As I understand it, all the necessary vessels are within the Mediterranean region and standing by, as I mentioned, to begin construction when given the order to do that. Again, you know, there is a process and procedure that will have to be followed.

And as we've gone through and our planners have worked through the details of all the things one would expect, to include security on the ground, coordination with partners that will be supporting this effort, to include NGOs, working with USAID, there's a very specific process and timeline that needs to be implemented. And so again, as I understand it, we're on track at this point to implement that.

Q: ... one follow-up on the pier also. So when the aid is loaded from Cyprus and it goes to the pier, is it going to be the U.S. military exclusively transporting that aid from Cyprus to pier, or is it also going to be commercial vessels?

GEN. RYDER: Sure. So as I understand it, what the capability allows us to do is you have the temporary pier, which is of course several miles off-shore, which can receive both military and civilian vessels, but then it's transloaded onto the pier, put onto military vessels, logistics support vessels which are U.S. military. Those are the vessels that will then take the aid to the causeway, where it's then loaded onto non-military trucks, you know, driven by NGOs that will then take the aid off the causeway into an assembly area and then for further distribution throughout Gaza.

Q: So the U.S. military will not be driving those trucks on the ...

GEN. RYDER: It is my -- as I understand it, that is correct. Yeah.

All right, let me go to the phone here real quick. Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg?

Q: Hi, Pat. On Ukraine and an upcoming PDA, what gives you confidence that the DOD is going to be able to move within days to get all this equipment and get it transported and in transit to Ukraine? Is it because of the basing structure already in place? And has DOD kind of ear-marked a shopping list of items that you're ready to pull the trigger on once the President signs the legislation?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Tony. Well, as you know, as you've been following, thanks to organizations like the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and plus our efforts with international allies and partners, we have created a very robust logistics network to enable the delivery of aid into Ukraine.

So again, you know, more to follow in terms of what the specific security assistance will entail, but there are, you know, certain things that of course we can work to have get there faster. And so again, we're going to do everything we can to lean forward, employ that robust logistics network capability, employ the relationships that we've built with our international allies and partners, to get aid there quickly.

Q: Okay, thanks.

GEN. RYDER: Let me go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose.

Q: Thank you. I'm seeing media reports that the next military assistance package to Ukraine, once the president signs it, will be $1 billion. Now, the Senate has passed cloture on this, so now it's just waiting an up or down vote. Is DOD at the point where it can publicly confirm the $1 billion figure? Thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. I've seen those press reports. I don't have anything to provide at this time, and of course, I'm not going to get ahead of the process. As you highlight, we first need the Senate to vote, and then Congress to send the national security supplemental bill to the president to be signed into law.

And so, once he signs that, we'll be in a better position to discuss any potential security assistance packages, to include the details of what would be in that package. Thank you. Come back into the room here.

Yes, sir?

Q: Thank you, General. State Department has actually published the annual country report on human rights practices. And in that report there was the section for Israel, focusing on the Gaza war, and the casualty amongst the civilians, journalists and international human rights workers.

Is there any new precautions that the Pentagon will take against the Israeli army or about the arms support that you are providing to Israel in this framework? Any restrictions? Future restrictions?

GEN. RYDER: Yes. Thanks. I don't have anything to announce today other than, again, we continue to discuss the importance of civilian safety and the importance of delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need within Gaza with our Israeli counterparts on nearly every single conversation that we have. And we'll continue to have those conversations.

Let me go to Missy and then -- sorry.

Q: Is it still true that the DOD has not received a plan from the Israelis for their evacuation of civilians from Rafah or the military operation that they're going to do? Because now there's been some reports, like, from the AP and others, showing that tent cities being built up around Khan Yunis, suggesting that they're beginning the evacuation plan. Have you guys gotten any more clear information from the Israelis on that?

GEN. RYDER: Sure. So, you know, with the caveat that I'd refer you to the IDF to speak specifically to their operations. I can tell you that coming out of the recent meeting that was hosted by the White House, the U.S. and Israel have agreed on the shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah. They shared their thinking, we've shared ours.

But in terms of what their plan looks like, we still have some concerns in terms of the various courses of actions. And so, we'll continue to discuss those concerns related to how they're going to take into account civilian safety and humanitarian assistance. No indications at this point that any type of major ground operation has begun.

And so, again, those conversations will continue to be very important, and it will also continue to be something that we feel is essential. That before any type of operation that they're taking civilian safety and humanitarian considerations.

Q: They did share a plan in a way that they hadn't previously as part of that discussion?

GEN. RYDER: Yes, I'm not aware at this point of any detailed Rafah plan, executable, credible plan that's been shared with us. But I know those conversations continue.

Q: So, no plan either for the evacuation of the civilians for Rafah or the military aspect of that operation?

GEN. RYDER: As I understand it, no plan that goes into the level of detail that would mitigate our concerns at this point. Thank you. Carla?

Q: Thanks. On Niger, now that the Nigeriens have told the United States that they intend for the U.S. to withdraw, where are these soldiers going to go? Where are these U.S. service members going to go? Is the intent that they'll stay in Africa? I know that you're at the initial planning stages, but does the Pentagon intend for them to stay on the continent?

GEN. RYDER: Yes, Carla, I don't have anything for you at this stage. Again, we're beginning these discussions. As I highlighted, there is a terrorist threat that exists within the continent of Africa and certainly in the Sahel region and West Africa.

And so, as we step back and AFRICOM looks at that threat, we'll continue to work with regional partners to address how best to ensure that we can continue to do the kinds of things we do to not only protect our national interests, but also look at the collective security of regional partners in Africa. So, more to follow when we have it. But right now, I don't have an answer to that.

Q: If I may. How? How will you do that? Because there's -- there are no bases in West Africa. How can the counterterror mission continue?

GEN. RYDER: Well, I mean, certainly Africa is a big place, right? And we're going to work with African partner nations to continue to assess force posture options in Africa. You know, look, at the end of the day, you've seen us be able to conduct counterterrorism operations in multiple different ways, using a variety of capabilities.

I'm not going to go into the specifics of those, but when you look at the potential threat that groups like ISIS or Al-Shabab present, we're going to continue to work with partners in the region that recognize those being threats, not only to their people, but regionally and globally, to address that. Thank you.

Let me go back to the phone here real quick. Lara Seligman, Politico.

Q: Hey, Pat, my question has actually been answered. Thank you so much.

Q: General. I was actually going to ask if you could confirm that the DOD is not against Hamas militarily in Rafah. But you already have. So, my question is going to be, this administration has made it crystal clear that a major military operation in Rafah could have terrible consequences for all those (inaudible) of 1.5 million. Is that going to stand still in regards of whether there's a proper military action plan, or are you under any circumstance against a major military operation in Rafah?

GEN. RYDER: Well, what we're against is a major military operation where civilian safety and humanitarian assistance isn't taken into account. Right? We agree, and we understand the need for Israel to defeat Hamas to prevent the kinds of attacks that they conducted on October 7.

And so, we again believe that there are ways to address that threat while at the same time taking into account the significant civilian impact that such an operation could have. And that includes making sure the humanitarian assistance considerations are taken into account, civilian safety considerations are taken into account. And so, those conversations continue with our Israeli partners, and we'll continue to make those points.

Q: ...those concerns are heeded. Those suggestions are heeded by the Israeli government, the Israeli military. That could be a guide from the DOD extent point of view for the major military operations.

GEN. RYDER: Well, you know, that's really a question for Israel to address. Again, I think we've made our points, we'll continue to make those points. At the end of the day, what we don't want to see is more suffering among the people of Gaza, who have been caught in the crossfire, in this fight with Hamas. So, thank you.

Yes, sir?

Q: Thank you, General. As you pointed out, among militia groups in Iraq conducting an attack on U.S. personnel, the attack happened sometime after the Iraqi prime minister returned from (inaudible) to Baghdad. Do you think the Iraqi government has a power or has a willingness to reign in these groups?

GEN. RYDER: Well, look, Iraq is an important partner, and we very much value their contributions to addressing regional threats. You know, I'm not going to speak for the Iraqi government, and I'll just leave my words where I -- where I left them. Thank you.

Sir?

Q: Thanks, Pat. I wanted to follow up on Natasha's question about the aid going from Cyprus to the Pier. The first link from Cyprus where it'll be screened before put on the ship, it'll be on U.S. military ships going from -- this is a question. Will it be on U..S military ships going from Cyprus to the Pier, or there'll be civilian ships as well?

GEN. RYDER: Yes, again, as I understand it, the Pier, that the floating temporary Pier will be able to receive both civilian and military vessels that can unload. Right? So.

Q: OK, thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Right. OK, let me just do a couple more from the phone here. JJ Green, WTOP.

Q: General, thanks for doing this. Question regarding Ukraine. Are you able to say at all anything about what the supplemental is going to give them in terms of equipment, weapons, etcetera, and how significant will this be for them in this fight that they're facing now?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, JJ. Again, as I highlighted, I'm not able to go into specifics or preview anything at this time until after we're in a situation where the supplemental is signed into law and the president has authorized a drawdown. I will say again, that this security assistance package will be based on Ukraine's most urgent needs.

Again, without getting into details, I think it's a good assumption to expect that it'll include air defense capabilities as well as artillery, ammunition. But we're going to continue as we've done from the very beginning to stay in close contact with Ukraine, with our international allies and partners, to ensure that we understand what they need the most right now, to be able to rush that to them. So, much more to follow.

Q: Thank you. I'm sorry. Just one quick clarification, Pat. I just want to make sure I got your sentence right. When John was asking about Niger, you said, discussions have begun for an orderly withdrawal. And you said sort of in the near future. Is it withdrawal in the near future, or in the near future you're --

GEN. RYDER: I said a delegation. Yes. In the near future.

Q: The delegation is what's in the near future?

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: OK.

GEN. RYDER: That's correct. OK. Let me go to Jared, Al Monitor.

Q: Yes, hi, Pat. My question has been asked. Thank you.

GEN. RYDER: Time for just a couple more. Yes, sir?

Q: Thank you, sir. Two questions, please. One, if department knew that last week, State Department's sanctions four companies in China and Belarus. They were supplying missile parts to Pakistan. And when was the department new, and how you think this will affect U.S.-Pakistan military to military relationship or whatever? Its missile parts?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I'm afraid I don't have any information to provide on that. You know, clearly, as you know, we maintain a good relationship with Pakistan. They're an important security partner in the region. And so, you know, we'll, again, continue to have those conversations and make sure that we can -- yeah.

Q: Quick question. Thank you. As far as this aid to Taiwan is concerned from this package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, how do you think China will react because in the past, China have already threatened United States, if there is any aid to Taiwan, as well as military aid or any kind of aid that relations will affect?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Well, I'm not going to speculate or speak for the PRC when it comes to their behavior. Again, our focus is on working with like-minded partners throughout the region to ensure security, stability, and prosperity. Last question. Yes, sir?

Q: How long will construction on the causeway take?

GEN. RYDER: You will have much more for you here in the days ahead. But as I mentioned, right now, we're on track to see the temporary peer be operational either at the end of this month or in early May.

So all right, Luis, you convinced me. Go ahead

Q: Apologize for being almost the last one. You know, in following up on Natasha's question -- actually, I'm sorry, the Tony Capaccio question, the flow of weapons you described that there's a robust system in place to get assistance to Ukraine. In the past, as the United States used systems that were placed in Europe ahead of time, ahead of PDAs, and then they could get there quickly, is that something that potentially could be done here? In other words, to shorten the gap time between approval, delivery, things like that.

GEN. RYDER: You know, without getting into specifics, we use a variety of means to get capabilities into Ukraine to include from preexisting storage facilities that are located and lots of different places to include Europe. So certainly, have many means at our disposal to be able to meet their security assistance requirements once approved. All right. Thank you very much, everybody. Appreciate it.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3753454/

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April 23, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

U.S., Zambian Armies Kick Off Land Forces Summit

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, joined with the Zambian army Monday in the Zambian town of Livingstone to cohost the African Land Forces Summit 2024, the Pentagon announced today.

The summit, which runs from April 22-26, "brings together over 40 land force military chiefs from across Africa [and] other European partner nations, along with academic thought leaders and government officials for candid dialogue to discuss and develop cooperative solutions," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a briefing.

Ryder added that the theme of this year's summit is "Regional Solutions to Transnational Problems."

"Africa's security challenges originate from different parallels such as ethnic, geographical and cultural sources," Ambrose L. Lufuma, defense minister of the Republic of Zambia, is quoted in an Army news release about the summit. "Therefore, it requires African solutions, in partnership with our cooperating partners."

"Challenges such as human trafficking, mass migration, environmental degradation and climate change wreak havoc and cause untold human suffering. These issues transcend national borders, they subvert sovereignty, cross jurisdictions and strain national resources. No country can solve these challenges alone," Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, commanding general, SETAF-AF, is quoted in the same release.

In addition to the multiple discussions, those attending the summit will also have opportunities to watch a military demonstration by the Zambian army's special forces; to join local school children to participate in a tree planting ceremony; and to experience Zambian culture, in general, according to the release.

At the summit's conclusion, said Ryder, the DOD will sign the two newest state partnership programs: one between North Carolina and Zambia, and the other between North Carolina and Malawi.

Through the State Partnership Program, which originated in 1993, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of DOD security goals, while also leveraging "whole-of-society relationships and capabilities" to facilitate "broader interagency and corollary engagements" that span military, economic, government and social spheres, according to the National Guard's official website.

This is the 12th iteration of the African Land Forces Summit since the event first took place on the continent of Africa in 2012. Prior to that, the inaugural ALFS took place in Washington, D.C., in 2010.

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Gaza: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the civilian deaths

European External Action Service (EEAS)

23.04.2024

Brussels

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Dear President, Excellencies,

More than six months after the Hamas terrorist attacks, that we continue condemning in the strongest possible terms, the war started in Gaza. This is a watershed moment for the Middle East. We had yesterday the meeting with the Gulf countries [EU-GCC High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation] and this was very high on our agenda.

The recent Iranian strikes against Israel was also a clear escalatory attack, but we must not forget at the same time the gravity of human suffering in Gaza. The figures are there: more than 34,000 people killed, mostly civilians, women, children, twice this number wounded, 75% of the population displaced, at the brink of famine. We know that dozens of children have been already starved to death.

The cities in Gaza have been more destroyed than the German cities during the Second World War - just imagine the comparison.

A recent Interim Damage Assessment by the World Bank and by the United Nations, which has been supported financially by the European Union, assessed the direct damage at about $19 billion. This would be the cost of rebuilding the infrastructure of Gaza. [This is how it] was at the end of January 2024, so imagine now, [the situation is] much worse. I can say that more than 60% of the physical infrastructure has been damaged, and 35% fully destroyed.

At least 249 aid workers have been killed - I am talking about aid workers - according to the United Nations, since the 7th of October. Among them, 181 United Nations staff. I think that we have to pay tribute to all aid agencies, including UNRWA, which - UNRWA alone - have lost 178 employees.

Then come these Israeli strikes against the convoy of the World Central Kitchen that killed seven humanitarian workers, while they were delivering aid to the most vulnerable in Gaza.

But keep in mind, we were very moved by these seven people being killed, but before them there were 249, also being killed and maybe we were not as moved. People around the world say, "yes, that is very bad. These seven humanitarian workers deserve all our homage, but keep in mind that together there were 249 more".

Together with Commissioner [for Crisis Management, Janez] Lenarcic, we publicly called for a credible investigation.

We are also appalled by the number of journalists and media workers which have been killed by the strikes in Gaza: about 100 journalists and media workers as per Reporters Without Borders' recount, in less than six months. This is unprecedented. Journalists are civilians and their voices are crucial to keeping disinformation at bay and citizens being informed.

We are also concerned about the newly adopted legislation giving temporary power to the Israeli Government to prevent foreign media networks from operating in Israel. This, coupled with the lack of access to foreign media to Gaza, raises further concerns about what we know about what is going [on] there.

We have to repeat once again that Israel must respect international law, implement the International Court of Justice's provisional measures, ensure the protection of all civilians, and allow humanitarian workers to do their lifesaving job without being targeted.

For the first time, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) recognised, that it was a dramatic error, that it was a mistake, the killing of these humanitarian workers. The question is: how many mistakes have been happening before, without being recognised?

We insist on the fact that journalists have to protected, and [have] to [be] granted access to Gaza to ensure the freedom of press.

The European Council has insisted - and I am here representing the common ground of all Member States according to the conclusions of the European Council - that an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance are the guidelines of the European Union, as decided by the European Council on the last 17th of April.

But we have to do more and ask everybody to do more to protect civilians, and ease the humanitarian catastrophe by increasing the flow of humanitarian aid, which is [unimpeded], which is not [without] obstacles. Yes, there are obstacles.

Yesterday, my colleague [Janez] Lenarcic was explaining the number of conditions that this aid has to fulfil in order to be allowed to come into Gaza. We need more access by land routes, more access points.

The recent decisions by Israel to open the Ashdod port and the Erez crossing points are positive news, but they have to be implemented. It is not a matter of "announcing", it is a matter of "doing". And for the time being, it is done at a very slow pace and very low quantity. This is a fact.

Quicker checks and better distribution remain crucial to alleviate people's suffering. And is crucial that Israel complies with the UN Security Council's binding resolution 2728 demanding full humanitarian access. And on that also, the Europeans are fully behind.

Finally, a ground operation in Rafah must be avoided. There are more than 1.3 million people on the streets of Rafah, without no more shelter than a piece of plastic over their heads. The humanitarian consequences would be catastrophic. Everybody is saying that - the United States, the European Union, Member States. We insisted in the G7. We insisted at the Foreign Affairs Council.

And then, we have to say that the work of UNRWA has to be supported. And yesterday, the former Minister [for Foreign Affairs of France] Catherine Colonna's report, that UN Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres tasked her to do has been issued. I think that it is important to read this report. It is important to know what this very independent and very professional group of people have been studying and what they tell us.

I think there is a strong convergence of views between the analysis and recommendations of this Independent Review Group with the measures that we have been discussing at the European Union institutions. We are now waiting to see how do we continue our cooperation with UNRWA, because what the report says is that, they have not found any proof of the accusations made against some workers of UNRWA. And that, yes, there is some problem of political neutrality - but this is one thing, and another thing is to participate in the terrorist attacks of the 7th of October.

We welcome the UNRWA cooperation and, as Ms Colonna said, it is an irreplaceable lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people; calling the international community to fund UNRWA in order to make this institution to continue their work.

I have to pay tribute to the seven humanitarian workers killed when they worked at the World Central Kitchen, but also the 249 people who were killed before. I have to pay tribute to all the victims: of the Hamas attack, and the Israeli army against Gaza, to the more than 100 journalists and media reporters.

We have to ask this tragedy to end. And I repeat: the European Council asked for the implementation of the United Nations' resolution; asked for the immediate release of the hostages; asked for more access for humanitarian; asked for a humanitarian pause that brings to a permanent ceasefire, and most importantly, asked to look for a political solution.

We cannot say, "this is just a humanitarian problem". It is, and it has to be immediately faced, but it is a political problem. And we have to join our forces, as we agreed to do yesterday with the Gulf countries, in order to look for a political solution that can only be based - I believe, we believe, at the European Union - on the two-state solution. And if there is someone that does not believe in that solution, then he has to tell us which is the alternative.

You do not want the Palestinians to have their own state, in order to live in peace and security side by side with Israel? If you do not want this solution, you have to tell the international community which other solutions you have in mind, in order to ensure peace, prosperity, and security for these two people that for too many years have been fighting for the same land.

We condemn all terrorist activities, but we want humanitarian law being respected. We want the hostilities to stop, humanitarian support to come in, the hostages being released and a political process to [be] put in place in order to look for a political solution to this dramatic war.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstreaming/plenary-session_20240423-0900-PLENARY

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China, Cambodia to advance negotiations on Code of Conduct in South China Sea

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 23, 2024 07:54 PM

China and Cambodia stressed their commitment to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and advance the negotiation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea for its early conclusion, during Chinese top diplomat's visit to Cambodia between Sunday and Tuesday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, wrapped up his three-day official visit to Cambodia, during which he met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet; and co-chaired the seventh meeting of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee with Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, and held talks with Sok Chenda Sophea, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Both sides agreed that China and Cambodia are ironclad friends that stand by each other and help each other in times of difficulty. Under the strategic guidance of both leaders, the two sides have deepened and substantiated their efforts to build the China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Both sides have also enriched the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework, and made positive progress in building the "Industrial and Technological Corridor" as well as the "Fish and Rice Corridor," bringing tangible benefits to the two nations.

The Chinese side reiterated support for Cambodia's choice of a development path that suits the Cambodian national conditions and its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. China also reiterated firm opposition to external interference in Cambodia's internal affairs.

The Cambodian side reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and its recognition that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that the island of Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Cambodia opposes any attempt to use the Taiwan question to interfere in China's internal affairs, opposes any form of "Taiwan independence," firmly supports all China's efforts to achieve national reunification, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan.

The two sides agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, continue to hold joint exercises and training, advance collaboration in such fields as medical services and logistics, personnel training and mine clearance, and jointly fight cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud and drug trafficking.

Both sides agreed to deepen synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative; advance the preliminary planning and design of the China-Cambodia Railway; and deliver on the Chinese Agricultural Demonstration Center and other early harvest projects of the "Fish and Rice Corridor."

The two sides will ensure high-quality implementation of the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, promote imports of Cambodian agricultural products to China, and encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Cambodia.

Both sides agreed to take the opportunity of the China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year to encourage greater tourism exchange between the two countries, increase two-way flights, support Cambodia in tapping its tourism and cultural resources, and carry out more substantive exchanges between youths, localities and friendship groups.

Cambodia will support the China Cultural Center in resuming its operation in Cambodia.

Also, both sides reiterated their readiness to cooperate under the framework of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and further enhance coordination and collaboration within such platforms as Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and China-ASEAN cooperation.

Both sides agreed that it serves the common interests of regional countries to safeguard the hard-won peace and stability, and promote development and prosperity in the region.

Both sides stressed their commitment to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and advance the negotiation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea for its early conclusion.

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Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide on the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 23/04/2024

I welcome the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, chaired byby Catherine Colonna, on UNRWA's handling of neutrality issues, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

I am pleased that the report underlines that UNRWA has good procedures in place to ensure neutrality, and that the organization works in line with humanitarian principles.

At the same time, the report states that there is room for improvement. UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini will develop an action plan to follow up on the recommendations. Together with other donor countries, Norway will work with the UN and UNRWA to follow up these recommendations.

Over the past months, Norway has emphasized that it is unacceptable to punish an entire organization, with 30,000 employees, and all Palestine refugees for the alleged misdeeds of a small number of the organization's employees. We have urged donors who suspended their funding when Israel made these allegations to consider the consequences of cutting the support.

I would now like to call on countries that have still frozen their contributions to UNRWA to resume funding.

UNRWA is the lifeline for the 2.3 million inhabitants of Gaza, who have been living with war and destruction for more than half a year. The situation is catastrophic. Gaza is in ruins. The population lacks everything, and many are starving. UNRWA's presence is also crucial for other humanitarian organizations' efforts in Gaza.

UNRWA is much more than a humanitarian organization. Mandated by the UN General Assembly, UNRWA is the international community's commitment to Palestine refugees and their rights.

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Hezbollah carries out separate attacks against Zionist targets

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has launched a series of attacks against Zionist bases in northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories.

Al Mayadeen TV channel said on Tuesday that a drone attack on a Zionist base in Haifa has caused the Zionist defenses to become activated.

It cited a statement by Hezbollah that the base had been struck directly and precisely.

Lebanese media outlets have also reported a rocket attack against al-Radar base in Shebaa Farms.

There are also reports about another Hezbollah strike at a Zionist military base in Kfarchouba which is said to have directly hit the targets.

In another attack, Hezbollah targeted two other Zionist bases, one in Ramim barracks and another near Hadab Yaron.

9341**2050

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'Hezbollah sent important message by downing 5 Israeli drones'

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah sent an important message to the Israeli regime as well as resistance fighters and their supporters by shooting down five drones belonging to the regime, an analyst said.

Hani al-Dali, an expert on Palestinian resistance affairs, said in an interview with Al Mayadeen TV channel that Hezbollah has extended the level of its military operation against the Tel Aviv regime, adding that this has political and military implications for the regime.

The military measures done by Hezbollah indicate its upper hand in the face of the occupying regime's army, he said, underlining that the Lebanese resistance tries to improve its defense might in the face of the Zionist enemy.

According to the political expert, the circumstances on the ground show that Hezbollah possesses an advanced detection system, which allows resistance fighters to detect hostile projectiles.

The new advancement hampers the aerial superiority of the occupying forces in the sky and paralyzes the enemy's ability to accumulate information about resistance commanders and fighters, al-Dali noted.

Moreover, the breakthrough dissuades the Zionist enemy and improves the spirit of resistance fighters in Lebanon and their supporters, the pundit concluded.

4208**4354

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Hezbollah targets Zionists' position in northern occupied Palestine

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese Hezbollah announced that it targeted the Zionist Jalul Alam base in northern occupied Palestine.

Hezbollah announced that this attack was carried out with a Burkan missile.

The Zionist media outlets quoted the Israeli army spokesman as saying that about 35 rockets fired from Lebanon hit Ein Zeitim.

The Israeli TV Channel 13 also admitted that on the eve of Passover, 20 rockets were fired at Safed.

Hezbollah has confirmed the martyrdom of one of its members in the Zionist regime's attack in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning.

Media outlets reported heavy air and artillery attacks by the Zionist regime on southern Lebanon.

Also, Al Mayadeen reported the intense attacks from the Zionist regime on southern Lebanon.

Some Zionist media also admitted that loud explosions were heard in Safed.

Meanwhile, Channel 14 of the Zionist regime also announced the interception and crash of several flying objects in Safed after the alarm was sounded.

9376**9417

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Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on April 15-21, 2024

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-04-23

International cooperation | Uncategorized

On April 15-21 the NATO Air Policing Mission fighter aircraft were scrambled four times to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea and once to patrol the airspace over the Lithuania, Latvian and Estonian border with Russia and Belarus.

On April 15 NATO Baltic Air Policing fighter aircraft were scrambled to conduct patrolling over the Baltic Sea.

On April 15 fighter aircraft conducting the NATO QRA mission were scrambled to intercept one IL-76 and one IL-20 flying in international airspace from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad. The IL-20 aircraft had no flight plan, its onboard transponder was switched off, the aircraft kept radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. The IL-76 had no pre-filed flight plan, its onboard transponder was on, the crew kept radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

On April 16 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept two SU30SM flying in international airspace from Kaliningrad and back, without the flight plans, onboard transponders off, not maintaining radio communication.

On April 18 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept one SU-27UB and one IL-20. The SU-27UB was flying in international airspace from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad. It had no pre-filed flight plan, its onboard transponder was off, the crew was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. The IL-20 was flying from Kaliningrad and back without a pre-file flight plan, without using the onboard transponders, but maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre.

On April 19 NATO fighter jets intercepted one IL-20 flying in international airspace without the flight plan, its onboard transponder was off, the crew maintained radio communication with the regional traffic control centre.

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Experts discuss emerging challenges to NATO nuclear deterrence in Skopje

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

23 Apr. 2024

NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium got underway on Tuesday (23 April 2024). Representatives from NATO, Allied governments, and experts from academia are in Skopje, North Macedonia to discuss current nuclear policy issues.

"This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the strongest and most successful Alliance and we are proud to be part of this family," said Slavjanka Petrovska, Minister of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, in her opening remarks. "In that spirit, North Macedonia is pleased to be able to host, for the first time, the NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium."

NATO's Director of Nuclear Policy Jim Stokes stressed that the anniversary provides Allies "with an occasion to reflect on the importance of nuclear deterrence as the foundation of the Alliance's mutual security guarantee and collective defence." Looking towards the Washington Summit and beyond, he added that "NATO and Allies will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the credibility, effectiveness, safety and security of the nuclear deterrence mission."

Held annually since 1992, the main objective of the NATO Nuclear Policy Symposium is to foster a deeper and more comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental challenges to NATO nuclear deterrence. This year, experts will discuss issues ranging from escalation management, strategic communications, and emerging challenges for nuclear deterrence.

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NATO Secretary General meets Polish and UK Prime Ministers, welcomes new support for Ukraine

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

23 Apr. 2024

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Poland on Tuesday (23 April 2024) to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Visiting the base of the Warsaw Armoured Brigade, the Secretary General welcomed Prime Minister Sunak's announcement of a major new package of military support for Ukraine, which includes more ammunition, air defence, and deep precision strike capabilities. Mr Stoltenberg said that NATO is now addressing how to put support for Ukraine on a more robust and predictable footing, including with a multi-year financial commitment, adding that the UK's commitment sets us in "the right direction". The Secretary General further welcomed that the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, saying that "once again, the UK is leading by example". At the base, Mr Stoltenberg greeted troops from the Queen's Dragoon Guards, a cavalry regiment of the British Army with more than 300 years of history, specialising in reconnaissance.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Tusk, the Secretary General praised Poland for its continued investment in defence spending - around 4% of GDP, topping the NATO table - and its procurement of key capabilities, including F-35 aircraft. Mr Stoltenberg said that ten thousand Allied troops based in Poland send an unmistakable message that NATO will protect and defend all Allies. The Secretary General also noted Poland's role in providing support to Ukraine, and hosting one million refugees.

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ICRC decries escalating Israeli raids across occupied West Bank

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 7:10 PM

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has drawn attention to the "recent escalation of violence in multiple areas" due to deadly Israeli raids into the occupied West Bank.

In its post, the ICRC said that over the weekend, two medics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) were harmed while trying to respond to calls for help.

"One volunteer suffered a gunshot wound while serving as a paramedic on a PRCS ambulance in Tulkarem. Mohammed Awad Allah Musa was killed while providing medical support on a private ambulance in Nablus," the organization said.

"Ambulances and medical workers are not a target," it added.

Attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities ramped up significantly, and a raid by Israeli forces last week that lasted several days on the city of Tulkarem and its Nur Shams refugee camp killed 14 people.

The UN human rights office said on Tuesday it had received reports that some the victims in Nur Shams had been killed in apparent extrajudicial executions. The Hamas media office has also accused Israel of executions during the raids.

In the most recent raids, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man and wounded two people including a child in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho and adjacent refugee camps.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has said Shadi Jalaita, 44, was killed by Israeli forces as they raided Jericho.

The ministry said a child was critically injured in the raid, and a third person was wounded with a live round to the knee.

Israel has intensified raids in the West Bank, which were accelerated after Israel launched hostilities in Gaza in early October.

Israeli troops or settlers have killed about 500 Palestinians in the West Bank since October 7.

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Israel still prevents food convoys from reaching north of Gaza: UNRWA

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 6:07 PM

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) says Israel continues to prevent its food convoys from reaching the north of the Gaza Strip, where food supplies are "a matter of life and death."

UNRWA, wrote in a post on X on Tuesday that the agency needs "safe & unimpeded access" to the areas in the north of the besieged strip.

"Food supplies are a matter of life & death," in the north of Gaza, it said.

It also said four bakeries are reopened in northern Gaza thanks to "critical" support of World Food Program (WFP).

"But this is a drop in the ocean - and Israeli Authorities continue to prevent UNRWA's food convoys from reaching the north."

Last week, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini warned that across the Gaza Strip, "a man-made famine is tightening its grip."

In late January, the United States, Britain and other some other major donor parties pulled their funding for UNRWA over claims that the agency's staffers were involved in Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against Israel on October 7, 2023.

In the weeks that followed, donor states suspended or paused some $450 million in funding.

However, an independent review on the agency's activities in Gaza said Monday that "Israel has yet to provide supporting evidence" for its claim.

Following the report, Norway which continues to support Palestinians through the agency, urged countries to fund the UNRWA.

"I would now like to call on countries that have still frozen their contributions to UNRWA to resume funding," said Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Norway heads an international aid group for Palestinians, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee.

European commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic also welcomed the report for "underlining the agency's significant number of compliance systems in place as well as recommendations for their further upgrade."

"I call on the donors to support UNRWA - the Palestinian refugees' lifeline," he wrote on X.

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Iran's decisive response to Israeli aggression disrupted enemy's equations: Hamas

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 5:48 PM

The spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestianian resistance movement Hamas, has hailed Iran's unprecedented retaliatory military operation against Israel, saying the Islamic Republic's decisive response disrupted the enemy's equations.

Abu Obeida made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday.

On April 13, Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones in its first direct attack on the occupied territories in retaliation for the regime's strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1.

"Iran's response in its size and nature, set new rules and disrupted the calculations of the occupation," he said, calling on the masses of the Palestinian nation "to escalate their supportive movement for the resistance."

Abu Obeida further denounced as a "big lie" the Israeli regime's claim that its forces have eliminated all resistance factions, stressing that the occupying regime was unable, in 200 days, "to achieve anything other than mass massacres, destruction, and killing."

He said the "criminal" regime seeks to improve its image, but it will achieve nothing but humiliation and it is still caught in a quagmire in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that after 200 days, the resistance has remained as strong and firm as a mountain.

The spokesman also vowed that the resistance will continue its fight against Israel.

"Our strikes and resistance will continue as long as the occupation's aggression or its presence continues on any inch of our land."

"We will not give up the basic rights of our people, most notably withdrawal [of Israeli forces], lifting the siege, and the return of the displaced to their homes," he said, stressing that the resistance will remain faithful to the sacrifices of Palestinians.



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UN rights chief 'horrified' by mass grave reports at Gaza hospitals

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 3:07 PM

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has been "horrified" by the discovery of mass graves at two hospitals in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the High Commissioner, said on Tuesday Turk had been horrified by the destruction of Nasser and Shifa medical facilities in the besieged Palestinian territory and the discovery of mass graves there.

"We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered," said Turk, who was represented by Shamdasani at a UN press briefing.

"Some of them had their hands tied, which of course indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations."

She said the UN human rights office was working on corroborating Palestinian officials' reports that 283 bodies were found at Nasser and 30 at Shifa Hospital.

Last week, the discovery of a mass grave at Nasser hospital drew global condemnations.

Gaza's Civil Emergency Service said on Tuesday that a total of 310 bodies had been found at one mass grave at Nasser so far and that two other graves had been identified, but not yet excavated.

Bodies were also discovered at Shifa following an Israeli raid on the site. Reports say the bodies were buried beneath piles of waste and included women and the elderly.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Israel does not hesitate to commit such crimes against civilians in Gaza, with the US administration providing the regime criminal cover. It says the US is a full partner in the Israeli genocide in the besieged territory.

Turk has also decried Israeli strikes on Gaza in recent days, which he said had killed mostly women and children.

He also repeated a warning against a full-scale incursion on Rafah where some 1.2 million civilians are crowded together, saying this could lead to "further atrocity crimes."





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Hezbollah says launched 'deepest attack' on Israel since start of Gaza war

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 3:04 PM

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has launched the deepest strike ever into the Israeli occupied territories since the regime began the current war in the besieged Gaza Strip in early October.

In a statement, Hezbollah said it "launched a combined aerial attack using diversionary and attack drones" against designated Israeli targets at 01:40 p.m. local time on Tuesday, stressing that they were hit with precision.

According to the Lebanese movement, the targets included "the headquarters of the Golani Brigade and the Egoz Unit 621 at Shraga Barracks north of the occupied city of Akko" within the occupying regime.

Hezbollah said the successful attack was carried out in retaliation for "Israel's aggression on the town of Adloun and the assassination of one of our fighting brothers."

It also accompanied the statement with what appeared to be a satellite photo, depicting the location of the strike symbolized by a flash with a red circle around it that sat halfway between Acre (Akko) and Nahariya to the north.

A day earlier, Hezbollah said it had carried out a missile strike against a gathering of the Israeli regime's forces near the town of al-Dhahira in Tyre District in southern Lebanon.

The missile strike on Monday set off missile sirens in Galilee in the northern part of the occupied territories, reports said.

The Israeli regime has been conducting sporadic attacks on Lebanon since October 7, 2023, when it launched the genocidal war on Gaza. The attacks have prompted a firefight with Hezbollah. Some 350 people have been killed on the Lebanese border, including 68 civilians.

Hezbollah fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006, forcing a humiliating retreat upon the Tel Aviv regime's military on both occasions.

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Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza on day 200 of genocidal war

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 2:31 PM

The Israeli military has conducted heavy artillery strikes against the northern Gaza Strip, targeting various locations as the regime's genocidal war on the besieged territory entered the 200th day.

Israeli artillery shelling struck Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun on Tuesday, causing panic among residents, locals said.

The regime's tanks also entered east of Beit Hanoun amid Israel's intensified raids, in an attempt to penetrate the town from various directions.

Gunfire was also heard as Israeli tanks surrounded several schools, where families of internally displaced people took shelter, while Israeli artillery targeted shelter centers in the town.

The Israeli regime also bombarded al-Zaytoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, causing significant fires to break out due to continuous shelling and intense bombardment.

"It was one of those nights of horror that we had lived in at the start of the war. The bombing from tanks and planes didn't stop," said a resident of al-Zaytoun.

Local media sources also reported that Israeli boats have targeted beaches in the areas of al-Zawaida, Deir al-Balah, and al-Nuseirat refugee camps in central Gaza.

Israeli gunboats also targeted the beaches of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.

An Israeli strike also hit the vicinity of Wadi Gaza in the northern part of al-Nuseirat camp. There were also reports of heavy Israeli gunfire east of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

In response to the Israeli regime's intensified raids, the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement, retaliated by bombing settlements in the occupied cities of Sderot and Niram.

Incoming rocket alerts were sounded in the two southern border towns, although no casualties were reported.

Israel's military has withdrawn most of its troops from southern Gaza, claiming it had destroyed resistance forces in those areas.

The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, dismisses Israel's claims, saying the occupying regime was forced to end its operations before achieving its goals.

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Hamas dismisses Blinken's accusation of obstructing ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 9:35 AM

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has sternly criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for accusing the group of obstructing a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

"Blinken's statements have no relation to reality, and contradict the fact that Hamas offered flexibility more than once to facilitate conclusion of an agreement in order to stop the war of genocide and aggression against our people," the Gaza-based movement said in a statement on Monday.

It added that Hamas had to fight against the "intransigence and procrastination of [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and his administration, who are creating obstacles in the way of the agreement, and seek to prolong their vicious war against our people."

Even the issue of Israeli captives is not among their priorities, noted the statement.

Blinken said during a conference held on Friday on the sidelines of the Group of Seven meetings on the Italian island of Capri that "the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is the Hamas movement, which rejects tempting offers from Israel."

Hamas underlined that its demands and those of other Palestinian resistance factions have been clear from day one, and that they are the same as those presented last March and welcomed by all parties and mediators.

"The demands represent the national position of our people and their interests in the necessity of a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and the return of the displaced to their places of residence in all areas of the Gaza Strip, as well as intensifying relief [delivery] and starting reconstruction," the movement noted.

Hamas said the US plays a role as an accomplice in the ongoing Israeli war of extermination against Palestinians by unconditional supply of weapons and political support to the occupying Israeli regime. Washington also continues its hostile role against the Palestinian nation through false accusations against Hamas, it added.

At least 34,097 people have died across Gaza since October 7 last year, when the Israeli regime started attacking the blockaded strip of land in response to Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the territory's resistance movements.

Women and children comprise some 72 percent of the victims of the war, which has also wounded as many as 76,980 others.

Despite the unabated campaign of bloodshed and destruction, the regime has so far fallen short of realizing its goals, including defeating Gaza's resistance and causing forced displacement of the territory's entire population to neighboring Egypt.

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Hamas to survive, reconstitute as Israel fails to destroy command centers, tunnels: US media

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 7:21 AM

An American daily has highlighted Israel's failure to destroy tunnels dug by Hamas below the Gaza Strip, saying the underground passages will allow the resistance group to "survive and reconstitute" after the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Citing current and former US officials, The New York Times reported on Monday that Israel has not been able to dismantle Gaza's extensive tunnel system that runs for hundreds of miles, at points reaching 15 stories below ground.

The system contains larger complexes of underground rooms, used for command posts, it added.

"Despite Hamas's heavy losses, much of its top leadership in Gaza remains in place, ensconced in a vast underground network of tunnels and operations centers," the report said.

"Those tunnels will allow Hamas to survive and reconstitute once the fighting stops."

The NYT report also said that the occupying regime has not achieved its primary goals of the Gaza onslaught, including "fully destroying Hamas" and finding Israeli captives held in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Israel waged its genocidal US-backed war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

So far, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 34,151 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 77,084 others.

Douglas London, a retired officer of the US spy agency CIA, said the Palestinian resistance against Israel "is an idea as much as it is a physical, tangible group of people."

"So for as much damage Israel might have inflicted on Hamas, it still has capability, resilience, funding and a long line of people most likely waiting to sign up and join after all the fighting and all the destruction and all the loss of life," he added.

Last month, a US intelligence assessment questioned Israel's ability to eliminate Hamas, saying the resistance group is likely to pose a challenge to the regime for years.

"Israel probably will face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come, and the military will struggle to neutralize Hamas's underground infrastructure," the assessment read.

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April 22: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 6:54 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 34,150 Palestinians so far, including more than 16,200 children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Monday, April 22, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on April 22:

Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles southwest of Gaza City using mortar shells.

Bombed a gathering of Israeli forces and their military vehicles while they were infiltrating Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip using mortar shells.

Targeted an Israeli military D9 military bulldozer with an "Al-Yassin 105" shell in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip.

Sniped an Israeli soldier in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on April 22:

Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells, east of the city of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers storming the town of Silat Al-Dhahr, south of the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles with mortar shells east of Al-Bureij Camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces storming Balata camp, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Engaged in fierce clashes (ongoing) with Israeli forces and their military vehicles using machine guns and R.P.G shells on the axes of advance in the city of Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on April 22:

Killed at least 10 Israeli soldiers from the elite force in the Qannir neighborhood in the occupied Palestinian village, located 35 kilometers south of occupied Haifa.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on April 22:

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli regime forces invading Balata camp east of the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank.

Al-Asifah Forces' operations on April 22:

Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles infiltrating east of Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip with 120 mm mortar shells.

Hezbollah's operations on April 22:

Eastern sector:

At around 11:20 local time, surveillance equipment near the village of Al-Wazzani was targeted with appropriate weapons.

At around 16:45 local time, Israeli soldiers near the Al-Samaqa site in Lebanon's Kfar Shuba were targeted with artillery shells

Western sector:

At around 07:00 local time, Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Al-Dhahira site were targeted with missiles.

At around 10:25 local time, Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Hanita site were targeted with artillery shells.

At around 18:55 local time, the command headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the 91st Division at Ain Zeitim base was targeted with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

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Tensions simmer near a shoal both China and the Philippines claim

Its getting harder for Bagong Bayan fishermen to reach their catch and Manila to ignore Chinese provocations.

By Luna Pham for RFA and BenarNews 2024.04.23 -- The Bagong Bayan fishing village is nestled in a coconut orchard next to the clear waters of a small lagoon.

Fishing boats are moored deck-to-deck, and the village seems ghostly quiet in the midday heat - not the noisy, chaotic scene of the past when fishermen would return from the sea with their daily catch.

Bagong Bayan is in the province of Palawan, the Philippines' westernmost island. It is about a two-hour drive from the provincial capital, Puerto Princesa, which in turn is an hour-and-a-half by plane from Manila.

From here, fishermen used to set out far into the sea, including to the Second Thomas Shoal, 105 nautical miles (194.4 kilometers) to the west, an area rich in marine resources.

But fewer boats are going out these days because of the heavy presence of Chinese vessels. The ships are believed by the Philippine coast guard to be maritime militia, a special force that along with the Chinese navy and the coast guard patrols the disputed waters.

They have turned the area into a dangerous flashpoint in an ongoing confrontation between the Philippines and China over who controls the South China Sea, which also is thought to hold vast mineral and oil resources.

"In the last decade the Chinese presence has increased measurably, including Chinese maritime militia, coast guard and Chinese navy," said Maurice Phillip "MP" Albeida, a councilor at the municipality of Kalayaan, an island chain that is part of the Palawan province.

"At the same time, the number of Filipino boats has decreased, because of the fear that they're going to get bullied or intimidated by Chinese vessels."

This has led to a reduced catch and shrinking fishing grounds for villages like Bagong Bayan - and broader geopolitical questions for the country.

"The Philippines depends on its maritime, 'blue' economy. The province of Palawan's economy depends on fishermen," Albeida said. "More than that, it also affects our national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The vast stretch of ocean, dotted with hundreds of islands, is geographically strategic for East and West alike. China claims historical rights over almost the entire South China Sea. Since 2012, it has expanded its military footprint on reefs and atolls based on a 1930s-vintage U-shaped map - the so-called nine-dash line - that bulges out into the sea to delineate its territorial claims.

For the U.S and the nations that touch its waters, the South China Sea is a crucial passage for commercial and military traffic. One-third of international shipping and trade travels through the sea, according to the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development.

This week, the Philippines and the United States began their annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercise in Palawan and Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines archipelago.

With some 16,700 troops, the exercise this year is the most expansive Balikatan to date, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Beijing has thus far refrained from using lethal force to assert its claims, but some fear that confrontations that are now a regular occurrence could escalate.

On March 23, the Chinese coast guard fired a water cannon at a Filipino supply boat near the Second Thomas Shoal, seriously damaging it and injuring three people on board. The incident caused an outcry of anger among the Philippine public.

Hottest flashpoint

Known as Ayungin in the Philippines, the submerged Second Thomas Shoal is closely watched in part because of its proximity to another disputed point in the sea.

Twenty-two nautical miles (40km) further west lies Mischief Reef, an artificial island where China built a naval base in the 1990s. Palawan fishermen have in the past fished the area, but no longer as it is now fully militarized with missiles and a runway.

Although China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan all claim ownership over the Second Thomas Shoal, Manila in 1999 deliberately ran aground an old warship there to assert its claim over the area.

Built as a landing ship for the U.S. Navy during World War II, the BRP Sierra Madre now is home to about a dozen Filipino troops who serve as a deterrent to what Manila sees as further encroachments.

For a long time, Beijing turned a blind eye to the Philippines' efforts to resupply and rotate troops at the Second Thomas Shoal. There was an expectation that the BRP Sierra Madre would disintegrate quickly in the hot and humid weather - and the conflict potentially with it.

In recent months, however, Chinese vessels have blocked attempts to deliver supplies to the sailors, believing that the Philippine navy was bringing construction materials to reinforce the ship and permanently occupy the shoal. Beijing says the activity violates an agreement it had with the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"If the Philippines repeatedly challenges China's bottom line, China will continue to take firm and decisive measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," China's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement to the press.

Manila has said it is committed to maintaining its position at the shoal, which lies in the West Philippine Sea, the name it gives to South China Sea waters within its exclusive economic zone.

"LT-57 (BRP Sierra Madre) is a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy; it is an extension of our national territory in as much as flying a Philippine flag," Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, told Radio Free Asia in an interview.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that the ship is safe, comfortable and habitable for our troops deployed there," he said.

In an address to a security forum this month, Adm. John Aquilino, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, called China's actions "dangerous" and "destabilizing."

Jonathan Malaya, the Philippine National Security Council's assistant director general, told RFA that he didn't think the dispute would disintegrate into armed conflict.

"China also understands that it is not to the benefit of China," he said, pointing to the military expenditure and the damage to China's public image.

However, the proximity to the Chinese naval base on Mischief Reef makes an armed conflict a real possibility.

The escalating tension also poses a potential test for Philippine allies like the United States, raising the stakes of the South China Sea disputes beyond the interests of local fishing villages or even the country as a whole.

Manila and Washington signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951 under which both parties are obliged to support each other in the event of an armed attack.

Kalayaan Councilor MP Albeida said expectations of security assistance from the United States among the Philippine public are high.

"The U.S. and the Philippines have been partners and our partnerships help us to grow," he said. "I'd like to believe that the U.S. is truthful to it."

The Philippines under Marcos is also fostering closer relationships with other partners such as Australia, Japan, India and European countries.

On April 7, Japan and Australia joined the Philippines and the United States in a joint naval exercise in the waters off Palawan, and leaders from the U.S., the Philippines and Japan recently held their first ever security summit in Washington, where the South China Sea was a particular focus.

Fishermen's struggle

Several weeks before the April 7 exercise, the strategic sealift ship BRP Davao del Sur was spotted docking at port of the Puerto Princesa province, its gray hull imposing against white civilian boats.

This modern landing platform dock of the Philippine Navy can carry up to 500 fully armed marines with their vehicles and equipment, as well as three 12-ton helicopters, and has been taking part in multinational naval drills.

But the task of safeguarding Palawan fishermen is being handled by the Philippine coast guard, which with just 25 main patrol ships is dwarfed by China's coast guard - the world's largest force with 225 vessels above 500 tons.

"When Chinese boats bully our people at Reed Bank, we report them immediately," Rollie Magbanua, who is the head of the Bagong Bayan government, said, referring to an area 80 nautical miles (128km) west of Palawan and a traditional fishing ground of local fishermen.

But he isn't always sure what Manila is doing about the complaints.

In 2019, a Filipino fishing boat anchored at the bank sank after it was rammed by a Chinese vessel. China called the collision an accident, and then-President Duterte allowed Chinese ships to continue operating there.

Now, the Marcos administration is building a coast guard post in the Bagong Bayan village, but it isn't clear when it will be operational or what its intended capabilities will be.

RFA has contacted the coast guard but has not received any reply.

Earlier this month, hundreds of Filipinos took to the streets in Manila to rally against China's aggression in the South China Sea, the first major anti-China public protest in five years.

They demanded that the Chinese government move out of the West Philippine Sea, recognize the 2016 international arbitration ruling and stop the harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and Philippine resupply missions.

The protest marks a growing level of frustration among the Philippine population and local politicians.

"It is the Philippine government's responsibility to pursue a pro-Filipino foreign policy that protects the life and livelihood of every citizen," MP Albeida said.

Edited by Jim Snyder, Imran Vittachi and Boer Deng

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Analysts: US missile deployment expected to assist Philippines' defense

The deployment of the Mid-Range Capability system in recent live-fire drills is the first in the Asia-Pacific.

By Bryant Macale for BenarNews 2024.04.23 -- The U.S. Army's deployment of a mid-range missile launcher in the Philippines earlier this month is expected to help Manila prepare to defend its territories amid geopolitical tension over the South China Sea, security analysts said.

It's the first time the United States has deployed the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system - also known as the Typhon System - in the Asia-Pacific region, but it was not immediately clear whether the Americans would keep this easily transportable system in the northern Philippines only as part of joint military drills or for longer.

The MRC is a land-based, ground-launched system that can fire the Standard Missile 6 and Tomahawk missiles and support strike capabilities from land to sea to air, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

The system was deployed on April 11 as part of Salaknib, a military drill for 1,800 Philippine and 1,700 U.S. troops that ran from April 8 to 21 in the central and northern regions of Luzon island.

The deployment is "an example of the continuous transformation of the U.S. Army in the face of a complex and challenging environment," said Gen. Charles Flynn, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, said in a statement in response to emailed questions from BenarNews, a online news organization that is affiliated with Radio Free Asia.

The move "supports a safe, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific in partnership with our allies from the Armed Forces (of the) Philippines," he said.

Officials at the U.S. Army Pacific command in Hawaii did not immediately respond to follow-up questions from BenarNews seeking more details about the deployment of the missile system in the Philippines. The Philippine military also declined to provide details, deferring to U.S. Army officials for comment.

The deployment came amid a worsening maritime row between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea.

Salaknib ("shield" in Filipino), is an annual drill between the two nations but it is much smaller than the Balikatan, a multilateral military exercise involving at least 16,000 troops that began in the Philippines on April 22 and is scheduled to end on May 18.

"The first deployment of this state-of-the-art missile system in the Salaknib exercises will boost the interoperability and jointness of the Philippines' armed forces with its military ally," said Chester Cabalza, a security strategist and founding president of Manila-based think-tank International Development and Security Cooperation. "This is an opportunity also for Manila to invest in high-caliber military materiel to increase its deterrent force amid geopolitical tension in the region."

"The MRC has a versatile capability that has been used in the multi-domain attacks in the Russo-Ukraine and Hamas-Israel wars for land-based protection of territories," Cabalza told BenarNews. "The MRC is a strong weapon but it has limitations since its capability is mid-range for launcher missiles."

Security analyst Ray Powell said the missile deployment was part of efforts to boost Manila's defense mechanisms amid the ongoing South China Sea dispute. Powell is founder and director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University.

"If you're having a military exercise, then what you have to exercise is the military," Powell told BenarNews.

"If you're going to have one in the Philippines, the things that you're going to be concerned with is one of the things that threaten the Philippines and what are the things that can defend the Philippines against those threats. These missiles are clearly in that category."

'Philippines shouldn't be held back'

Previously, security analysts had raised concerns that China could ramp up its militarization activities in the South China Sea following the deployment of the missile launcher.

"With or without the MRC, China has been active in militarizing the region," Cabalza said. "This is part of (Beijing's) own military agenda to attain greatness in the world's military history as it tries to control the entirety of the South China Sea."

Lately, tensions between two countries have occurred in South China Sea waters within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, where Chinese coast guard ships have fired water cannons at Filipino boats trying to deliver supplies to a Philippine military outpost in Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal).

Powell also raised concerns about Beijing.

"If China feels hurt or provoked, that's because China is the one who is acting so aggressively," Powell said.

"China is going to do what it wants to do. So, the Philippines shouldn't be held back by what might provoke China ... because you know what provokes an aggressor? Weakness. If they perceived weakness, that is extremely provocative to an aggressor nation. Make no mistake, especially in the South China Sea - China is an aggressor nation and it will take advantage of whatever weakness it perceives."

China, Russia react

Last week, China and Russia hit back at America's missile deployment in the Philippines.

"The U.S.'s move exacerbates tensions in the region and increases the risk of misjudgment and miscalculation," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing during an April 18 news conference. "The Philippines needs to think twice about being a cat's paw for the U.S. at the expense of its own security interests, and stop sliding down the wrong path," he said.

On Telegram, Anatoly Antonov, Russia's ambassador to Washington, said the move was another blow to global stability.

Washington is "purposefully escalating the level of military confrontation and fueling hotbeds of tension," Antonov said on April 17, while accusing the U.S. of "trying to return the world to the darkest times of the Cold War and balancing on the brink of a nuclear conflict."

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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U.S. Report Highlights Worsening Human Rights Abuses In Russia, Iran, Afghanistan

By RFE/RL April 23, 2024

Russia has continued to show blatant disregard for human rights both in its unprovoked war against Ukraine and in the treatment of its own citizens over the past year, the U.S. State Department has said in its latest annual report on human rights around the globe, which also highlights the abuses committed by Iran's theocratic regime and the Taliban's mistreatment of Afghans -- especially its discrimination against women and girls.

Russian troops continued to commit numerous abuses and atrocities, some amounting to war crimes, the report says, highlighting the issuance by the International Criminal Court of arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, for their role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.

"There were credible reports of summary execution, torture, rape, and attacks killing and injuring civilians and damaging or destroying civilian infrastructure by Russia's forces in Ukraine, as well as war crimes, including those involving forced deportation or transfer of civilians, and the forced placement in foster care or adoption of Ukrainian children," the report notes.

At home, Russian authorities continued to step up the pressure on dissent and independent expression, imprisoning political opponents and anti-war protesters, clamping down on the media, prosecuting numerous people for expressing their opinions online, and forcibly closing down nongovernmental organizations.

More moves were made to persecute opposition politicians such as the sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on charges including treason and the slapping of an extra 19 years for "extremism" on the already imprisoned Aleksei Navalny, who subsequently died under suspicious circumstances in February in a penitentiary in Russia's Arctic region.

"Tragically, as we saw with Aleksei Navalny's unjust imprisonment in a Russian penal colony, incarceration can come with horrific conditions -- with abuse, even death," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on April 22 while presenting the report.

The report also highlights a multitude of other human rights abuses committed by Russian authorities on Russia's territory and abroad, such as, but not limited to, arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings; enforced disappearances; pervasive torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment by the government; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest or detention; and serious problems with the independence of the judiciary.

Harsh Punishments Meted Out In Iran

Brutal human rights abuses continue to take place and even worsen in Iran, where women and members of marginalized communities bear the brunt of the regime's human rights violations and abuses, the report says, highlighting the harsh punishment meted out to prisoners, including executions, for bogus or unjust reasons.

"Women continued to face discrimination, including through enhanced means for enforcing the mandatory dress code, which led to acts of civil disobedience," the report says, adding that many people have reportedly disappeared during extended protests that were triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of morality police in September 2022.

The number of executions was up by more than one-third last year compared to 2022, with 798 people being put to death, some of them political dissidents.

"The government often charged political dissidents with vague crimes, some of which carried the death penalty, such as 'antirevolutionary behavior,' 'corruption on earth,' 'siding with global arrogance,' 'waging war against God,' and 'crimes against Islam,'" the report notes.

The Iranian regime is also guilty of serious violations outside its borders, which include enabling abuses by terrorist groups throughout the region by the Syrian government, Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq, and Yemeni Huthi militants, as well as the unlawful recruitment or use of child soldiers, the document said.

Systemic Mistreatment, Discrimination In Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the Taliban has resorted to systemic mistreatment of and discrimination against Afghanistan's women and girls since it returned to power in August 2021 following the hasty withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.

"In Afghanistan, the Taliban have limited work opportunities for women, shuttered institutions found educating girls, and increasing floggings for women and men accused of, quote, 'immoral behavior,' end quote," Blinken said.

The report says Taliban authorities have issued more than 50 pieces of legislation "that effectively erase women from public life."

The Taliban authorities have shown continuous and widespread "disregard for the rule of law and official impunity for those responsible for human rights abuses," the document says, adding that both the Taliban and their current arch-foe, the Islamic State group, have been using child soldiers.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on April 23 pushed back against the criticism, emphasizing the Taliban's commitment to upholding Shari'a law, which he argued defines and guarantees the rights of Afghan citizens based on their wishes.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has a Shari'a and Islamic obligation to give the rights of its citizens," Mujahid said on state-controlled RTA Radio. "When America or other Western countries talk about rights, they should not impose Western culture on other countries. What is defined as rights in America may not be the same in Afghanistan."

Referring to the ongoing war in Gaza that was triggered by an October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, the report notes "serious abuses...by Hamas and Israel."

It says those abuses include unlawful or widespread civilian deaths and harm, enforced disappearances or abductions, torture, as well as "violence or threats against journalists."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-human-rights-report-abuses- russia-iran-afghanistan-worsening/32917332.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Farewell Barak: Uzbekistan Absorbs Kyrgyz Exclave As Part Of Historic Border Deal

By Chris Rickleton, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service and RFE/RL's Ferghana Valley Bureau April 23, 2024

BARAK, Uzbekistan -- In the formerly Soviet countries of Central Asia, there are enclaves, exclaves, and now, ex-exclaves.

This month, with minimal fanfare and scant press coverage, the last remaining residents of the village of Barak found themselves leaving a foreign country to return to their homeland.

Not that it necessarily felt like that.

"It's really hard to leave," said Kuvat Turakulov, a lifelong resident of the village, in an interview in a car before he departed his home village.

"On the other hand, they resolved this issue for the better," his wife, Gulnaz, chimed in from the passenger seat, grinning. "They say they will build us a house."

"Yes, if you look at it from that side, it is good that the issue was resolved," Turakulov conceded.

The issue that Turakulov was referring to was Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan's disputed border, which after more than three decades and plenty of suffering along the way, is disputed no more.

In accordance with the terms of a bilateral agreement, Barak -- a 208-hectare cutout of Kyrgyz territory entirely surrounded by Uzbekistan -- was absorbed by the larger country, with Kyrgyzstan receiving an equivalent parcel of Uzbekistan's Andijon Province in exchange.

Barak residents are set to be permanently resettled in that area by the end of the summer.

The April 15 deadline for Barak's evacuation saw nearly a hundred houses and several government buildings stripped down to their core. Roofing, support beams, and anything else that might help in the rebuild was loaded onto trucks and carted to Kyrgyzstan.

A woman who spoke to RFE/RL complained she hadn't been given enough time to gather all of her firewood.

But residents' sense of loss might still be accompanied by a sense of relief.

While Soviet mapmakers have had many victims in Central Asia, the people of Barak were among the longest-suffering.

And that explains why Turakulov and his wife were among the last few hundred remaining in Barak at the end of a multistage exodus whose peaks coincided with troughs in Bishkek and Tashkent's relationship - nadirs that at one stage looked like a prelude to war.

"On a practical level, these two countries have offered an example that proves that disputes need not be eternal," Bishkek-based political analyst Emil Juraev told RFE/RL.

Yet Juraev argues that the land swap deal that worked for Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is likely a "unique case" that may not be replicable for other exclaves in Central Asia.

So Close And Yet So Far

With Uzbekistan becoming the first country to impose hard borders in Central Asia after the breakup of the Soviet Union, life was never going to be easy for residents of Barak -- one of eight such isolated territories in the region historically known as the Ferghana Valley.

In Soviet times, villagers enjoyed free movement to the broader Osh region in the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic, just a couple of kilometers away.

For Soviet cartographers, the independence-era ramifications of having pockets of one country awkwardly inserted into another were hardly a priority.

Crossing the border was often difficult for Barak locals, but things deteriorated sharply after 2010, when Uzbekistan shut its borders in response to deadly ethnic clashes between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Tashkent later reopened some of those crossings but put the hex on the territory again in 2013, when it unilaterally blocked the shortest road connecting Barak to the Kyrgyz mainland.

This forced residents to make roundtrips of hundreds of kilometers to access goods and services in southern cities like Osh and Kara-Suu that were literally just a few kilometers over the border, while bringing in everyday products and farming equipment for the territory was a perennial pain.

At this point, relations between the two governments -- strained by disputes over water use as well as land -- were toxic.

In 2016, the countries mobilized their militaries close to a small mountain known in Uzbek as Ungar-Tepa and Unkur-Too in Kyrgyz.

But less than six months later, a major event occurred that would lead to improved relations.

Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's inflexible authoritarian president, passed away.

New leader Shavkat Mirziyoev, who spent 13 years as Karimov's prime minister, quickly signaled that he had very different views on neighborhood policy.

By 2017, border crossings that had been mostly closed since Kyrgyzstan's year of political turmoil were thrown open, reuniting families that lived on either side of the frontier and boosting trade.

Life became somewhat easier, too, for the people of Barak.

But at least half the village's population had by then already moved to new land allocated to them in the Kara-Suu district of Kyrgyzstan's Osh Province.

And while Kyrgyz authorities say that 98 houses were dismantled in this month's final relocation, a Kyrgyz lawmaker speaking in the parliament in February 2022 said that just 15 families remained in the territory.

Farmers -- the main occupation in Barak -- were struggling because Uzbekistan was not providing them with irrigation water, claimed the lawmaker, Alisher Kozuev.

And of course Tashkent had long eyed Barak as a legitimate gain in any border deal.

Every Exclave Is Different

While Mirziyoev's determination was enough on the Uzbek side, on the Kyrgyz side, traditionally combustible politics made moving toward an agreement over the 1,380-kilometer border more difficult.

In his first presidential term, the Uzbek head of state met with three Kyrgyz presidents -- Almazbek Atambaev, Sooronbai Jeenbekov, and Sadyr Japarov.

Despite early progress, work on border delimitation had mostly stalled by 2018.

The breakthrough came with Japarov's arrival to power in 2020 after yet another bout of political turmoil in Kyrgyzstan.

Following successful talks with the Uzbek side, Japarov's government forced the agreement through parliament, steamrolling objections related to a strategic reservoir on Kyrgyz territory that Uzbekistan increased its control over through the agreement.

More than 20 critics of the border deal were jailed in the second half of 2022, some of whom are still behind bars awaiting trial on coup-plotting charges.

But Mirziyoev was effusive in his praise for his opposite number when he arrived in Bishkek on a state visit in January 2023.

"If not for his political will, we would have not reached today's result. We could have said like we used to that we will solve these problems tomorrow or the day after. Well, tomorrow lasted 30 years and the problems weren't solved," the Uzbek president said.

Japarov is also putting his name on the relocation of Barak families.

Osh Governor Elchibek Dzhantaev said in an interview with RFE/RL that Japarov had donated 270 million soms (around $3 million) from his "personal fund" to provide permanent accommodation for the villagers, who are now mostly living in temporary accommodation in the province.

The deadline for the relocation is August 31 -- Kyrgyzstan's independence day.

If Barak is an example of a land-swap proposal meeting the needs of both parties, then one doesn't need to look very far for the opposite.

Comments by Japarov's top ally and national security chief, Kamchybek Tashiev, in 2021 about a potential swap that would have seen Kyrgyzstan gain control of the Vorukh exclave in Kyrgyzstan that belongs to Tajikistan were met with anger from Vorukh locals, not to mention a former top Tajik official who publicly lambasted Tashiev.

Within two months the two countries engaged in a border conflict of unprecedented scale that left dozens dead on each side, a toll subsequently surpassed by even deadlier clashes the following year.

But after over a 1 1/2 years of no notable violence, and a stream of optimistic updates on border delimitation talks, there is real hope that Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can also go all the way in resolving their disputed frontier.

That will depend on the willingness of both sides "to take on the difficult decisions," argued Juraev, the analyst, who says Vorukh's status is unlikely to change.

"It's a massively more difficult situation, with around 40,000 people in Vorukh compared to just a few hundred in Barak," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbekistan-kyrgyzstan- barak-exclave-historic-border-deal/32917744.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kosovo, Serbia Trade Accusations At UN Security Council Meeting

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service April 23, 2024

The presidents of Serbia and Kosovo traded accusations on April 22 at a session of the UN Security Council in New York called to consider a report on the work of UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani accused Serbia of preventing the integration of ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo into Kosovar institutions, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the world is not paying enough attention to the plight of Serbs living in the region.

Osmani also accused Serbia of "intimidating" the Serbian community in the region, citing as an example the recent detention of Kosovar police officers at the border for what Serbian officials said was "security checks."

Osmani also noted that a vote on April 21 in four mostly Serbian municipalities in the north of the country fell far short of the 50 percent required to validate the results amid a boycott by Serbian List, the leading Serbian political grouping. The vote was an initiative to remove the current mayors and elect new ones through a recall process.

Speaking at the UN in New York, she said that Serbs in Kosovo "can thank Serbian President Vucic" for the fact that Albanian mayors remain at the head of the municipalities.

Vucic, whose country has refused to recognize Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence, was also present for the council meeting, telling its 15 members that the international community paid a lot of attention to the incident in Banjska in September but not to the attacks on the Serbian minority.

The incident near Kosovo's border with Serbia escalated tensions dramatically when an ethnic Albanian Kosovar police officer was left dead after an encounter with masked commandos allegedly led by a Kosovar Serb politician who has long enjoyed Belgrade's support. Three of the gunmen were also killed.

"We will not allow it to be used as an alibi for the persecution of Serbs (in Kosovo)," he said, adding that poor conditions are being deliberately created for the Serbian minority in Kosovo.

The incident is a "consequence of repression" in Kosovo, said Vucic, who also raised the Central Bank of Kosovo's decision to ban the Serbian currency, the dinar, for cash payments, calling it "an ethnically motivated campaign against Serbs and non-Albanians" in Kosovo.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said that Serbia has not made significant progress in bringing responsible justice when it comes to the incident in Banjska.

"It is important that Serbia works with KFOR so that this [kind of] attack does not happen again," he told the Council, referring to NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

The detention of Kosovar citizens traveling through Serbia and "the arrest of Serbs working in the Kosovo police" are also concerns of the United States, Wood said, calling such actions "a violation of previous agreements on free movement."

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said that the situation in Kosovo is worrying because of the "ethnically motivated violence by the authorities in Pristina."

He said the European Union was "standing by" Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and said Brussels and Washington aim for Serbia to recognize the independence of Kosovo and take away its territory.

Caroline Ziadeh, who heads the UNMIK, told the council that tensions have increased in recent months and one of her key observations has been "dissatisfaction with what was achieved in the [Pristina-Belgrade] dialogue," which Brussels and the United States have been trying to restart.

Ziadeh said that it has never been more urgent to carry out "the full implementation of the agreements reached under the auspices of the European Union to help solve the major crises and series of crises that have occurred."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-serbia-trade-accusations- osmani-vucic-un-security-council/32916805.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Deputy Secretary Campbell Chairs the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Senior Officials' Meeting

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

April 23, 2024

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell chaired the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Senior Officials' Meeting between senior U.S. officials from the Department of State, Department of Defense, and National Security Council and their counterparts from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Department of Defense, and Philippine National Security Council in Washington, D.C. today. The meeting follows the annual U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue on April 22-23, as well as the bilateral meeting between President Marcos and President Biden, the historic trilateral leaders' summit with Japan on April 11, and the U.S.-Philippines 3+3 Ministerial on April 12.

The parties discussed outcomes from the recent leaders' engagements and how both countries can continue to facilitate a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The officials discussed strengthening coordination on challenges in the South China Sea and increasing economic cooperation and resilience. The parties further decided to explore additional opportunities to strengthen global support for upholding the international law of the sea.

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Silence the guns, amplify women's voices for peace to end rape in wartime

23 April 2024 - The UN verified 3,688 cases of rape and other sexual violence committed in war in 2023, a "dramatic increase" of 50 per cent over the previous year, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.

Presenting her annual report, Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, noted that weapons continue to flow into the hands of perpetrators while most victims remain emptyhanded when it comes to reparations and redress.

"The essential, existential task we face is to silence the guns and amplify the voices of women as a critical constituency for peace," she said.

An underreported crime

The report covers incidents, patterns and trends across 21 situations of concern, including Israel and Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Haiti, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

She said the rise in recorded cases was particularly alarming in a global context where humanitarian access remains severely restricted and constrained.

Most cases, 95 per cent, involved women and girls. In 32 per cent of the incidents, children, overwhelmingly girls, were victims, while 21 cases were found to target lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex persons.

While the report conveys the severity and brutality of these incidents, she stressed that it does not reflect the global scale or prevalence of what is a chronically underreported, historically hidden crime.

"We know that for every survivor who comes forward, many others are silenced by social pressures, stigma, insecurity, the paucity of services and the limited prospects for justice," she said.

Gaza conflict

For the first time, the report contains a dedicated section on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In the wake of the 7 October Hamas-led attacks on Israel, the Government invited Ms. Patten to visit the country. She and her team confirmed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that conflict-related sexual violence occurred in at least three locations and that sexual violence was committed against individuals held as hostages, which may be ongoing.

They also visited the occupied West Bank where, according to UN-verified information, the arrests and detention of Palestinian women and men by Israeli security forces following the October attacks have often been accompanied by ill-treatment, including forms of sexual violence. Similar allegations have emerged from Gaza, she added.

"These findings in no way justify or legitimise further hostilities, and I continue to echo the calls of the Secretary-General for a humanitarian ceasefire to end the unspeakable suffering of Palestinian civilians and to bring about the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," she said.

Access and impunity

The report documents how sexual violence has curtailed women's access to livelihoods and girls' access to education amid record levels of displacement.

"For instance, in eastern DRC, the climate of interlinked physical and food insecurity has driven many displaced women and girls into prostitution out of sheer economic desperation," she said.

Meanwhile, "sexual violence perpetrated with impunity remains profitable in the political economy of war," she noted. For example, armed groups in Haiti continue to generate revenue and use the threat of sexual violence to extort even higher ransoms.

Survivors silenced

The report lists 58 parties that are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for sexual violence, mainly non-State actors. Over 70 per cent are "persistent perpetrators", meaning they have appeared on the list for five or more years.

Another trend has been the "unprecedented level of lethal violence" to silence survivors of sexual assault, including reports from the DRC and Myanmar of rapists subsequently killing their victims. Armed actors have also threatened healthcare workers in Sudan, while human rights defenders in South Sudan, DRC and elsewhere have faced reprisals.

"Across time and space, we see that the availability of weapons directly facilitates these attacks," Ms. Patten said.

Hope on the horizon

Stressing that "we cannot address sexual violence without shifting power dynamics," she called for greater women's participation, weapons regulation and embargoes, financial support for human rights defenders and change on the ground.

"Women in the war-torn corners of our world need to see hope on the political horizon," she said.

"Our words, deeds and decisions in this Chamber and beyond must give them cause for hope and must contribute to peace with justice, peace with gender equality, peace with dignity and development, peace that endures."

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UNRWA Situation Report #103 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 18-21 April 2024, is valid as of 21 April 2024 at 22:30

UNRWA

23 Apr 2024

1. Key points

The Gaza Strip

Israeli Security Forced (ISF) operations from air, land and sea continue across the Gaza Strip.

On 11 April, ISF announced that a ground operation had begun in central Gaza. ISF operations continue to cause civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of houses and other civilian infrastructure.

According to Save the Children and the World Health Organization, the rate of attacks per month on healthcare in Gaza is higher than in any other recent conflict globally. There have been at least 435 attacks on health facilities or personnel across Gaza in the last six months, equivalent to 73 attacks every month since the war began on 7 October.

Aid missions to the north continue to be denied by Israel Authorities, between 1 and 19 April, 15 per cent (27 out of 181) of aid missions to northern Gaza and areas in southern Gaza that require coordination have been denied or impeded by Israeli Authorities. The last time UNRWA was able to deliver food supplies to the area was on 23 January 2024; however, UNRWA remains critical in both the northern and southern response, with key distributions of food and non-food items such as medicines occurring in UNRWA installations such as health centres, emergency shelters and distribution centres.

The destruction of waste management installations and medical waste disposal centres severely restricts the collection and disposal of solid waste management. In January and February, UNRWA and UNDP collected 10,000 tons of solid waste. Over 270,000 tons of solid waste across the entirety of the Gaza Strip remains uncollected.

There has been very little significant change in the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza or improved access to the north. Since the beginning of April, an average of 186 aid trucks have crossed into Gaza per day via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) and Rafah land crossings. This remains well below the operational capacity of both border crossings and the minimum target of 500 trucks per day.

As of 21 April, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities is 180, an increase of two.

As of 21 April, up to 1.7 million* people (over 75 per cent of the population)** have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, the majority multiple times.*** Families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. Following intense Israeli bombardments and fighting in Khan Younis and the Middle Area in recent weeks, a significant number of displaced people have moved further south.

*This includes 1 million people living in or near emergency shelters or informal shelters. As of 12 October, approximately 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recorded in UNRWA shelters in Northern Gaza and Gaza City governorates. UNRWA currently estimates that the population of Northern Gaza and Gaza City governorates is up to 300,000 people. The ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian support and updated data in these areas has been severely restricted. The ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders issued by ISF, and the constant need for safer locations have resulted in people being displaced multiple times.

**UNRWA reported on 15 January in Situation Report 64 that up to 1.9 million IDPs were either residing in 154 UNRWA shelters or near these shelters. Due to the continued escalation of fighting and evacuation orders, some households have moved away from the shelters where they were initially registered.

*** There are instances where the same IDPs are registered in multiple shelters due to the fluid movement of populations; hereafter, estimates are used for these shelters. UNRWA plans to conduct a more accurate count of IDPs in shelters, including informal shelters, as soon as the security situation allows.

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Amid China tensions, India delivers supersonic cruise missiles to Philippines

By Anjana Pasricha April 23, 2024

India has begun delivery of supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines as the two countries tighten defense and strategic ties amid rising tensions between the East Asian nation and China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

The BrahMos missiles are being acquired by the Philippines under a $ 375 million deal signed in 2022.

"Now we are also exporting BrahMos missiles. The first batch of this missile is going to the Philippines today," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday at an election rally.

India and Philippines have ramped up defense cooperation as concerns over an increasingly assertive China deepen in both countries.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated over the past year as Beijing, citing historical rights, presses its claims to areas inside Manila's exclusive economic zone. Efforts to resolve New Delhi's four-year long military standoff with Beijing along its disputed Himalayan border have made little headway.

In New Delhi, analysts say India wants to be part of a larger pushback against China in the South China Sea as concerns rise over Beijing's territorial ambitions.

"BrahMos missile delivery to the Philippines is in itself not a game changer. But the idea is that we are part of a broader coalition of countries including the U.S. trying to build up the muscle and shore up the security of smaller countries like the Philippines. It is what we call lattice work strategy," according to Sreeram Chaulia, dean of the Jindal School of International Affairs.

Tensions between Philippines and Beijing have ratcheted up following recent confrontations between the coastguards and other vessels of the two countries.

China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, deploys coastguard vessels to patrol what it deems are its waters - besides Philippines, Beijing also has maritime disputes with countries including Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The missiles being supplied by India are produced under a joint venture with Russia. They are a shore-based, anti-ship system with a range of 290 kilometers. Under the deal, India will supply three versions of the missile system, according to domestic media reports in New Delhi.

Philippine National Security Council assistant director general, Jonathan Malaya, told reporters in Manila that the missiles will be deployed by the Philippine Marines.

"This adds an important and practical layer of deterrence for the Philippines amidst its limited military resources vis-a-vis China," Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst and lecturer at the Department of International Studies, De La Salle University, Manila told VOA in emailed comments. He said the missiles will "bolster its coastal defence to more effectively exercise its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea at a time when China has been relentlessly pursuing its expansionist ambitions against international law."

Analysts say building defense cooperation with the Philippines also signals that New Delhi is now moving beyond the Indian Ocean to contribute to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a visit to Manila last month, Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reiterated "India's support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty."

Asserting that both countries have a "very deep interest" in ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific Ocean, his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, said that "it's in this region and it is in this context that we are having extensive discussions regularly on defense cooperation, security cooperation."

An Indian coast guard ship visited the Philippines during the Indian minister's visit. The two countries are also expected to hold more joint naval drills.

"India is also a close security partner of Manila's key strategic partners, such as the U.S, Japan, and Australia. This makes it even more practical for the Philippines to strengthen ties with India," pointed out Don McLain Gill.

India had for many years been hesitant about exporting the BrahMos missiles, believing that advanced defense cooperation with countries like the Philippines with which China has disputes would rile Beijing, but analysts say New Delhi has reversed course. India has also been steadily building military ties with Vietnam, which is also embroiled in maritime disputes with China.

"As our dispute with the Chinese is not settling, there is a clear change of mind on the part of the Indian government and it has decided to assist the security needs of countries like the Philippines in a very concrete way," said Chaulia. "From our point of view, this helps to send a clear signal to the Chinese that they cannot be arming our adversaries like Pakistan with advanced weapons and defense technology and expect that we will not reciprocate."

The delivery of the missiles to the Philippines marks India' s first export of the missile systems. India, which imports most of its own arms, is a marginal exporter of military equipment, but has been trying to build a defense industry.

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Israel widens strikes, orders more evacuations in north of Gaza

By VOA News April 23, 2024

Israeli forces stepped up attacks across Gaza on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas war entered its 200th day. Residents reported some of the heaviest shelling in weeks along with new orders to evacuate northern regions of the enclave, which Israeli officials called a "dangerous combat zone."

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee used the X social media platform to urge residents in parts of Beit Lahiya, along Gaza's northern edge, to proceed to designated shelter areas, saying Israel is moving forward with plans to "work with extreme force against terrorist infrastructure and subversive elements" in the region.

The orders come about four months after Israeli defense officials said Hamas militants no longer controlled that area.

Increased strikes were reported in southern and central parts of Gaza amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threats to invade Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city where an estimated 1.5 million displaced civilians have taken refuge, largely in makeshift encampments.

In nearby Khan Younis, about 8 kilometers north of Rafah, The Associated Press reported that a new compound of tents was being erected, possibly to shelter displaced civilians fleeing an anticipated attack on Rafah. The AP cited an official representing the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry who said the tent compound is being set up to house civilians currently sheltering in a hospital.

Britain, Germany hostage release

Western diplomats on Tuesday called for Hamas to release the hostages it is still holding in the Gaza Strip.

"200 days ago, Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust," British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on X. "200 days on, hostages remain in captivity, and their loved ones continue to face unimaginable suffering."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: "As long as the hostages are not free, we will not let up. Only when they are home will peace have a chance."

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says the militants are holding about 100 captives and the remains of more than 30 others.

Israel's response, a military campaign it says is aimed at eliminating Hamas and ensuring the U.S-designated terror group cannot carry out a future attack, has killed at least 34,183 Palestinians and injured more than 77,000 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says women and children account for two-thirds of those killed.

The United States said on Monday that Hamas has not agreed to a "very significant proposal that was on the table" for a halt in fighting, the release of hostages held in Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and an increase in humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that in recent weeks, Israel has moved somewhat to meet Hamas demands in negotiations, only to have Hamas then change those demands.

"It takes two to make an agreement, and right now Hamas has signaled that they don't want an agreement," Miller said.

The Israeli military said Tuesday its forces conducted airstrikes overnight that destroyed two Hamas rocket launch positions in the southern Gaza Strip.

Ground forces also continued operating in central Gaza, while airstrikes killed dozens of militants throughout Gaza, the military said.

Strike on Hezbollah

Israeli forces killed at least two Hezbollah fighters in a series of strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, the military said Tuesday. It shared a video on social media showing a strike blowing up a car as it drove down a road.

Lebanese state media said an apparent Israeli strike on a car in the Adloun area killed at least one person.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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UN: Guns fueling rape of children, women in war zones

By Margaret Besheer April 23, 2024

Actor and U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Danai Gurira told diplomats Tuesday that finding a child to sexually abuse in a conflict zone can cost less than one dollar. She urged policymakers to curb the illicit flow of weapons as one way to prevent these crimes.

"Eighty cents. When was the last time you handled 80 cents?" the Zimbabwean American actor and playwright asked Security Council members.

"Paid for something that was all that it cost? It is not even enough to buy a packet of gum in this day and age, but it can buy you a child to rape at a so-called maison de tolerance in a camp for internally displaced people in Eastern DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo]."

The United Nations recorded 3,688 verified cases of rape, gang rape and abductions in conflict zones in 2023  an increase of 50% over 2022. About 70% to 90% of such incidents involved small arms and light weapons. Nearly all the victims were women and girls. Many survivors of sexual violence do not come forward, so the U.N. says this is just a fraction of the real numbers.

"The actors committing sexual violence at such high rates in Sudan, the DRC, Ethiopia or Haiti are armed to the teeth, flagrantly violating arms embargoes," an angry Gurira said. "We hear so much about disruptions to the global supply chain, but the weapons keep flowing."

Women and young girls suffered from rape and sexual violence at the hands of at least 58 state and nonstate armed groups in 21 conflict areas around the world last year, Pramila Patten, the U.N. Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, told the council.

"We cannot condemn the perpetrators of sexual violence in our speeches while continuing to fund and arm them through our supply chains," she said of the ease of access to weapons.

She said her office's latest report highlights an "unprecedented level of lethal violence" used to silence rape survivors.

"In 2023, reports of rape victims being subsequently killed by their assailants surfaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar, demonstrating the need to strengthen forensic capabilities, investigations and accountability processes that ensure the protection of victims and witnesses," Patten said.

She said those who assisted survivors often suffered retaliation.

"Armed actors threatened health care workers in Sudan, and reprisals against human rights defenders were reported in South Sudan, the DRC and elsewhere," Patten said.

Niemat Ahmadi, founder and president of the Darfur Women Action Group, told the council that the year-old war between rival generals in Sudan has unleashed devastating suffering on women.

"Women and girls have been raped multiple times, sometimes in front of their fathers, husbands and sons in an effort to break their will and destroy their dignity," she said. "These women and girls have no protection, no access to humanitarian or medical assistance, and nowhere to turn for help."

She said with health care in a state of collapse and humanitarian aid obstructed, it is very difficult for survivors to access reproductive health and other critical services.

"We hear that there are less than a dozen obstetricians and gynecologists left working in Khartoum," Ahmadi said. "Further, the fear of retaliation for speaking up has made it impossible for many survivors to come forward."

Fears are growing of a new battle in Sudan's war, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly either close to El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur where their rival Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are positioned, or already inside its eastern and northeastern neighborhoods. More than 800,000 civilians are in the city.

After the council meeting, Ahmadi told VOA that if an attack happens, the result will be "devastating atrocities," because the people have nowhere to escape.

"I hope that policymakers, member states of the Security Council, the United States government, will take a step to exercise pressure over the warring parties to stop the attack on El Fasher and stop the attack in Sudan and Darfur everywhere, so vulnerable people can receive humanitarian assistance," she said.

In the early 2000s, Darfur saw large-scale ethnic violence, crimes against humanity and genocide when Arab "Janjaweed" militias targeted the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic African groups. The Janjaweed fighters are part of the RSF.

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Small businesses a lifeline for Afghan women facing Taliban restrictions

By Roshan Noorzai, Zheela Noori April 23, 2024

Zuhal Akbari has opened a new pastry factory in the western Afghan city of Herat, recruiting women "so that they can do something for themselves, their families and their health."

Akbari told VOA that most of the 11 women who work with her are university graduates who lost their jobs after the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Under the Taliban, women are barred from working in the public sector and for NGOs, getting a secondary and university education, traveling long distances without male relatives, and going to parks, public baths and gyms.

Although the Taliban said that they have no problem with women working in the private sector, they have imposed restrictions on certain businesses, such as beauty salons.

Last year, the Taliban closed beauty salons that employed tens of thousands of women.

"Many women are coming to us for jobs, but we cannot hire more," said Akbari, adding that she does not have the resources.

A U.N. Development Program report released last week stated that despite challenges, women-run businesses "emerged as a lifeline" for women in Afghanistan.

Based on a survey of some 3,100 women-led businesses, the report said that "66% of respondents reported an increase in business activities.

"You see the thriving push forward of these women moving more and more into the commerce trade area," said Kanni Wignaraja, assistant secretary-general, assistant administrator and director of the regional bureau for Asia and the Pacific.

Multiple challenges

Wignaraja, however, told VOA that women-led businesses face multiple challenges.

"The first is affordable capital. The second is modern new skills.... And the third is mobility. The ability to physically move around, follow the markets, particularly cross-border and outside Afghanistan.

Salma Yusufzai, CEO of the Afghanistan Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industries told VOA that the number of women in business has increased from two years ago when the Taliban seized power when many women-led businesses closed.

"There are more than 9,126 registered women [business owners with the AWCCI] and in total there are 120,000 [registered and unregistered] women-led businesses active in Afghanistan," Yusufzai said.

She said women-led businesses are "mainly in the areas of carpet weaving, making clothes, jewelry, fruit processing and other areas in agriculture."

Yusufzai said that one of the major problems for businesswomen in Afghanistan is the "lack of a market" for their products as they do not have access to foreign markets.

"There are no exports to the market outside the country, and no country is granting visas to Afghan businesswomen," Yusufzai said.

She said that women-led businesses, if supported, have the potential to recruit more women because they are banned from working in other sectors.

No other options

Because women in Afghanistan are deprived of their basic rights under the Taliban, their mental health has deteriorated as they are confined to their homes.

Adela Ghafari, a resident of Herat City, had to stay home for more than a year until she found a job in a local pastry factory.

She graduated from a university with a degree in history. She wanted to be a history teacher or work for the government.

"After I graduated, I wanted to get a job as a history teacher or a government employee," said Ghafari, "But I cannot."

"Now I have no other option but to work here," said Ghafari, adding "but, I have to say it is better than doing nothing at home."

Zabihullah Ghazi and Fawzia Ahsan contributed to this report.

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Idaho Guard, Firefighters Practice Water Hoist Rescues

By Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur, Idaho Army National Guard April 23, 2024

BOISE, Idaho -- The Idaho Army National Guard's State Aviation Group and the Boise Fire Department's Swiftwater Dive Team practiced hoist rescues from the water during exercises April 18-19 at a Boise pond.

The Guard used UH-60 Black Hawk and the UH-72A Lakota helicopters during the exercises. The training enables the Swiftwater Dive Rescue Team to become familiar with an aircraft's hoist while in the water.

Both agencies keep certified for joint operations like hoist rescue missions in swift water or floods through biannual training.

"The Guard has the air assets with lift and hoist capabilities, while we have the equipment and resources for environments like flooding waters," said Capt. Mike Barbero, hoist team coordinator from the Boise Fire Department's Swiftwater Dive Rescue Team. "It's a perfect partnership of two organizations with specialized training and equipment to serve our community."

The Idaho Army National Guard and the Boise Fire Department have worked together to rescue six people from floods in Weiser and Grangeville.

"The Idaho Army National Guard has been training with the Boise Fire Department for several years," said Col. Granger Amthor, commander of the State Aviation Group. "We are progressively increasing the complexity of our rescue scenarios. This training was the first step in water rescue where the Idaho Army National Guard facilitated static water hoist training with our helicopters."

Amthor said both entities hope to transition to swift water rescue for Idaho citizens.

"We value our partnerships with our civilian first responders," said Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, commanding general of the Idaho National Guard. "Training with the Boise Fire Department in new scenarios like the water hoist rescue allows us to be prepared when real-world emergencies arise so we can continue to best serve our citizens in times of need."

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Terrorist and Hostage-Taking Related Designations of JNIM and al-Murabitoun Leaders

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

April 23, 2024

The Department of State is today designating a total of seven Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and al-Murabitoun leaders for their involvement in the hostage-taking of U.S. nationals in West Africa.

The Department of the Treasury is also designating two JNIM leaders for providing material support to an act of hostage-taking of a U.S. national.

JNIM, al-Qa'ida's largest and most lethal affiliate in West Africa and the Sahel, has claimed responsibility for numerous kidnappings and attacks since its formation in 2017. The terrorist organization receives funding through kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and from smugglers and traffickers.

The United States remains committed to disrupting and denying al-Qa'ida and its affiliates the financial resources it needs to carry out attacks. We will not hesitate to employ the tools at our disposal to bring home U.S. citizens held hostage abroad, and to deter future hostage-takings of our citizens.

For more information on today's actions, see the Department of State's Fact Sheet and Treasury's press release.

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African leaders meet in Nigeria to discuss terrorism

By Timothy Obiezu April 23, 2024

A high-level Africa counterterrorism summit opened Monday in Nigeria with hundreds of delegates from around the world. Africa has become the world's epicenter of terrorism. Leaders at the summit hope to change that through regional cooperation and partnerships.

The summit was jointly hosted by Nigeria and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) with the aim of strengthening regional security response and cooperation against acts of terror.

"Terrorism snaps at the very fabric of the prosperous and just society we seek to build for ourselves and our children," Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said during remarks at the two-day summit in Abuja. "This violent threat seeks to frighten the farmer from his field, children from their schools, women from the marketplace and families from their very homes. We must therefore fight this threat together, combining determined national effort with well-tailored and regional and international collaboration."

The summit seeks to enhance intelligence sharing among African nations and promote African-led strategies on counterterrorism.

Authorities say it will also serve as a guide to the international community's collective response to terrorism in Africa.

Terrorism and violent extremism are spreading at an alarming rate in Africa. According to a new study by the African Center for Strategic Studies, acts of terror increased by more than 100,000% in the last two decades despite local and foreign intervention.

The report says more than 23,000 people were killed in Africa last year a a 20% increase compared to 2022.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo says fighting terrorism goes beyond a country's borders.

"The evolving nature of terrorism demands a dynamic and coordinated response that transcends national borders and individual efforts," Akufo-Addo said. "These groups are exploiting grievances, vulnerabilities and are manipulating ideologies to spread fear, division and chaos. We recognize the urgent need to combat this menace that continues to threaten the peace, security and development of our continent."

Authorities say the threat of terrorism in Africa is exacerbated by the illicit arms trade, unemployment, poverty, inadequate policing, marginalization and political instability.

For more than a decade, Nigeria has struggled to stem the violence by Boko Haram and its splinter, ISWAP in the northeast.

And more recently, armed gangs known as bandits have been making matters worse.

Nigeria's security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said these factors need to be addressed.

"Effective strategies require comprehensive approaches that address these drivers, promotes socioeconomic development, enhance governance resolve conflict and strengthen regional and international cooperation," Ribadu said.

But getting the funding to do this has been a major challenge in Africa.

Authorities hope to change the narrative for the better. Vladimir Voronkov, undersecretary-general of the UNOCT, stressed the important role African regional organizations have in effectively countering terrorism.

"The success of the United Nations in Africa hinges on our commitment to support Africa-led solutions to African challenges," Voronkov said. "We recognize no single actor can resolve today's threats to peace and security. Instead we need multiple actors working together with solutions grounded with strong national ownership and support of bi-funding partners."

Acts of terror in Africa are largely concentrated in the Sahel, Somalia, the lake Chad basin, North Africa and Mozambique.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso were absent from the summit due to coup-related sanctions imposed by ECOWAS and the African Union.

Critics say for counterterrorism measures to be truly successful every country must be involved.

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Boost in ability to strike from afar

23 April 2024

Long-range strike capabilities and advanced targeting systems will receive $28 billion to $35 billion in the coming decade under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.

The largest portion, $12 billion to $15 billion, will go to bolstering Navy's sea-based strike capability, including the acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles.

These will arm Hobart-class destroyers, Hunter-class frigates and, potentially, Virginia-class submarines, allowing them to hold targets at risk at longer ranges.

The funding covers Evolved Sea Sparrow Block II, SM-2 and SM-6 missiles to intercept airborne threats, along with continued integration of the Naval Strike Missile for use against heavily protected targets.

RAAF's air-launched strike capability also received investment for the F/A-18F Super Hornet, P-8A Poseidon and F-35A Lightning II to be equipped with more advanced weapons.

Funding for development of hypersonic missiles could give Super Hornets the ability to attack targets at longer ranges.

Army's acquisition of land-based long-range fires are also covered in the investment program.

This includes accelerated and expanded acquisition of 42 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems for Army's first long-range fires regiment.

These will fire the Precision Strike Missile that can engage potential adversaries more than 500km away.

Funding also covers Army's Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System munitions, along with new radars to extend sensor and command and control networks.

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PLA Navy celebrates 75th founding anniversary as open day events held across the country

Global Times

By Yang Sheng in Beijing and Guo Yuandan in Qingdao Published: Apr 23, 2024 11:14 PM Updated: Apr 23, 2024 11:28 PM

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy held open day events in multiple coastal cities across China around Tuesday to mark the 75th anniversary of its founding, with numerous people getting onboard advanced warships to enjoy the moment of pride and patriotism with naval officers. Military experts said the Chinese navy will keep developing and getting more powerful in the future to meet the demand of safeguarding the nation and world peace.

April 23 marks the 75th anniversary of the PLA Navy. From Saturday to Wednesday, the public in Qingdao will be able to tour the missile destroyers Guiyang, Shijiazhuang and Kaifeng, missile frigate Handan, supply ship Kekexilihu, and submarine rescue vessel Hongzehu at the pier 3 and the Qingdao International Sailing Center pier.

Most of the other naval vessels have been involved in major missions such as escort missions in the Gulf of Aden authorized by the UN Security Council, overseas port visits and joint exercises, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

In addition to Qingdao, the navy said it would organize simultaneous open day activities at its barracks in other cities, including Dalian, Yantai, Ningbo, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Haikou and Sanya.

Apart from the open day events, at the ongoing 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), Commander of the PLA Navy Hu Zhongming delivered a speech on Tuesday and proposed "four-point initiative" to the commanders and senior delegates from navies around the globe.

In order to realize sustainable peace, security and prosperity on the sea, the navies of different countries must work together and cooperate with sincerity, and keep contributing positive influences of the naval forces around the globe, Hu noted.

First, to have close communication and exchanges, and to reinforce the foundation of mutual trust; second, to promote quality and efficiency of cooperation, and to push joint development; third, to strengthen operation coordination, and to safeguard the maritime security; fourth, to increase public goods and improve maritime welfare, Hu said.

Military experts said the initiative shows China's sincerity to peacefully use its naval strength to contribute to world peace, but some Western countries, especially the US and a few of its allies, hype the "China threat" rhetoric by distorting China's intention of developing a strategic naval force, and the real reason is that these countries found that their maritime hegemony is unable to maintain dominance because of the powerful Chinese navy.

"China is facing serious potential threats from the most powerful naval forces in regions like the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straits in recent years, as the US is increasing its military presence in relevant waters to encourage the Taiwan secessionists and threaten China's sovereignty by using its ally the Philippines to provoke China. In addition, China has increasing overseas interests and nationals that need protection, so it's very reasonable and legitimate for China to develop a more powerful navy," said a Chinese military expert who asked for anonymity.

Strategic navy

The PLA Navy has gained multiple achievements and has brought many good news in the past one year to the people who are paying attention to the development of China's maritime military strength.

On Monday, the PLA Navy released the first video with the theme about the submarine force. The video includes the scene about the launching of JL intercontinental-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), with some observers speculating that the SLBM could be the JL-2, and this could be the first video scene about JL-2.

Senior Captain Tang Li, an expert at the PLA Naval Research Academy, told the Global Times on Monday that the video has showed many details about real combat drills with the support of a massive system.

In March, Yuan Huazhi, political commissar of the PLA Navy, said at the two sessions that China will unveil its fourth aircraft carrier soon and answer the question as to whether it will be nuclear-powered.

In January 2024, the Party committee of the PLA Navy's first Type 055 large destroyer was honored as title of "role model of the times" after the warship completed a series of challenging missions including fending off foreign military provocation in combat drills.

In May 2023, The Shandong aircraft carrier group of the PLA Navy recently wrapped up its first far sea exercises in the West Pacific, the east side of the island of Taiwan, in which it collaborated with the Rocket Force, land-based aviation forces and other surface combat units beyond the first island chain.

All of these development and achievements prove that the Chinese navy has become a force with strategic strength, which consists of aircraft carriers, nuclear submarine, world-class missile destroyers and amphibious assault ships, to enable the country to not only protect its own sovereignty and territorial integrity and deter the hostile hegemonic forces, but also its overseas interest worldwide, as well as provide public goods for peace to the people around the globe, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert and media commentator, told the Global Times.

In April 2023, more than 1,300 Chinese personnel were safely evacuated after the Chinese military sent naval vessels to evacuate Chinese nationals from Sudan. The Global Times learned that this is the third time the Chinese Navy has carried out such evacuation missions, and only the second time that a Chinese warship has directly docked at a foreign port for evacuation missions.

The troops on the evacuation mission were from the guided missile destroyer Nanning and the Type 903 comprehensive supply ship Weishanhu, which were carrying out the 43rd escort mission of the PLA Navy. They were carrying a ship-borne helicopter and have more than 490 officers and soldiers, including dozens of special operations soldiers. Among the 678 people evacuated in the first batch, 668 were Chinese nationals and 10 foreigners, according to the official WeChat account of the Chinese Navy.

In 2011, missile frigate Xuzhou was sent to Libya to carry out an evacuation mission, which was the first time the Chinese Navy has participated in overseas evacuation operations, setting a new record for the Chinese military's non-war military deployment.

The evacuation of Chinese personnel from Yemen in 2015 was the first time that Chinese warships were directly docked at foreign ports for an evacuation mission.

Apart from the evacuation mission, in summer 2023, the PLA Navy's Peace Ark hospital ship visited five countries in the South Pacific, sailing across 12,000 nautical miles and hosted more than 40,000 diagnoses and treatments there.

The world is still experiencing great turbulence, with more and more wars and military conflicts occurring in different regions around the globe. Hence, security is desperately needed for many people, and the PLA Navy has proved that its powerful fleets are not "threats" but the contributors of the peace. The Chinese navy's warships are welcomed and needed by its partners worldwide, and they won't act like some other naval forces who frequently conduct military actions to bomb other countries, said experts.

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Chinese lawmakers deliberate law revision to enhance national defense education

Global Times

Modification necessary amid emerging situations, provides strong legal support: expert

By Yu Xi Published: Apr 23, 2024 10:06 PM

Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday started deliberating a draft revision to the Law on National Defense Education. Experts believe that this move is part of the country's efforts to enhance the citizens' national defense awareness, as well as providing a stronger legal foundation for advancing national defense education in the new era.

The draft was submitted to the ninth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) for a first reading in Beijing on Tuesday.

Consisting of 39 articles in six chapters, the key changes of the draft focus on clarifying the guiding principles of national defense education, the leading system, and relevant responsibilities, according to NPC spokesperson Yang Heqing during a press briefing held on Friday.

The revision also includes expanding social national defense education and strengthening the guarantee for the education. Also, regulations on related funding, social donations and cultural heritage protection have been included, said Yang.

The Law on National Defense Education was originally passed in 2001 and was revised as part of a package of modifications in 2018 along with other laws.

The revision of the law is part of a series of actions the country is taking in face of the evolving national security landscape in the new era, Zhi Zhenfeng, a research fellow with the Institute of Law at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The current law has played a crucial role in regulating and ensuring national defense education for all citizens. However, it has gradually exposed some aspects that are not adapted to new situations and changes. It is necessary to revise it to better align with the new system, address emerging challenges and provide a "stronger legal foundation for advancing national defense education in the new era," Zhi said.

The national defense education is a systematic project that requires the law to provide a solid framework which supports its national defense education for the public, according to Zhi.

National defense security is an important component of national security. The law revision will strengthen citizens' awareness in protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial security, Li Wei, a researcher and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The revision of the law also aims to improve the national defense education system in schools by refining its goals, content, and methods. According to some school staff members reached by the Global Times, there has been a noticeable emphasis on strengthening national defense education in schools across the country during recent years.

"Our school is teaching students to be disciplined, promoting the spirit of hard work and inspiring patriotism," Wu Shengrong, director of the moral education department in Shanghai Luwan Senior High School, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Chen Faming, a vice principal in charge of the moral education in Wenzhou No.22 Senior Middle School, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "our school has incorporated national defense education into the school curriculum with a one-week course each year," with activities such as military training, competitions held to raise students' awareness of national defense security.

During major holidays and commemorative events, the school also organizes students to engage in activities including visits to martyrs' cemeteries, revolutionary sites and museums, said Chen.

Experts also suggested that themed activities can be explored annually to encourage more participation in national defense education efforts. Inaugurated in 2001, the National Defense Education Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of each September.

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China lays out five major goals it expects to focus on for Blinken's China visit

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Apr 23, 2024 11:04 PM Updated: Apr 23, 2024 11:20 PM

Ahead of the upcoming visit of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China, China's Foreign Ministry introduced five major goals that China is focusing on during this visit, which include making solemn representations and demands on matters such as the Taiwan question, trade and technology restrictions and the South China Sea issue.

Some Chinese experts said that the senior US diplomat is fully prepared before embarking on this trip by playing up aggressive rhetoric on issues such as the Ukraine crisis, pointing the finger at China's human rights situation and ramping up efforts in stirring up troubles in the South China Sea. In fact, China will not compromise on some core issues and will not expect some frictions between the two countries can be resolved with just one or two rounds of dialogues, while acknowledging the importance of keeping communication channels open to avoid conflicts.

The five goals are establishing the right perception, strengthening dialogue, effectively managing differences, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly shouldering responsibilities as major countries, according to the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China from Wednesday to Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Monday.

According to the US State Department, Blinken will meet with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing to discuss a range of bilateral, regional and global issues.

On the Ukraine crisis, Blinken is expected to "raise US concerns Beijing is helping Russia build up its defense industrial base to fight the war in Ukraine," as the US accused China of supplying Russia with everything from chips to cruise missile engines to help rebuild its industrial base, according to media reports.

Just one day before Blinken's departure to China, the US official criticized China's policies on its Xinjiang region and its Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the US' "lie-filled" 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Monday.

Also, he will "ask Beijing to avoid provocative measures" during next month's inauguration of the regional leader-elect Lai Ching-te in China's Taiwan island.

"We welcome US officials to come to China to enhance communication," Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

"But it seems like Blinken is here to issue an ultimatum to China. We will not give in to him and will not compromise on our core issues," Li said.

One of the five major goals of China for Blinken's visit is to effectively manage differences. In particular, the US must not provoke China's red lines on matters such as the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, development path and system, and development rights, an official from the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Valuing peace, prioritizing stability, and basing actions on trust are the principles that China adheres to in managing China-US relations, the official said.

Major focuses

When introducing five major goals that China is focusing on during this visit, China's Foreign Ministry puts establishing the right perception as a priority. "The problem challenging current China-US relations is that China hopes to first have the right attitude before addressing problems, while the US wants to discuss the issues without first discussing the attitude," Jin Canrong, associate dean of the School of International Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The frictions between China and the US cannot be resolved with just one or two rounds of dialogue, Jin said. "China should warn the US that Washington's attempt to start conflicts with China on issues such as the Taiwan question, the South China Sea and trade is not right," he said.

Therefore, China must act in its own national interests and not be influenced by the aggressive attitude of the US. For instance, China has always remained neutral during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and our normal economic and trade relations with Russia will not be affected, Jin said.

China also voiced firm opposition on Tuesday to hypocritical moves by the US on the Ukraine crisis by enacting massive aid bills for Ukraine while making baseless accusations against normal trade between China and Russia.

In response to a question regarding a US media report which suggests that the US is drafting sanctions that threaten to cut some Chinese banks off from global financial systems, which US officials said will help stop China's commercial support of Russia's military production, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that China will resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests.

"China will not compromise on various core issues, including China-Russia relations and the Taiwan question," Li said.

China and the US have already resumed channels of dialogue on topics the US aims to discuss during Blinken's trip, such as climate change and drug trafficking, as well as military communication channels. However, the US cannot use improved communication channels as the sole measure of improvement between the two sides, Li noted. "If the channels are smooth but the problems are not resolved, this is an unsolvable reality."

China's expectations

Some experts said China is not holding high expectations for Blinken's visit. Yet even if Blinken aims to trade barbs with China this time, it is better to argue than to have a real conflict.

When asked about what is the best-case scenario result given the tensions in China-US relations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang said Secretary Blinken's visit to China is part of the efforts of the two sides to deliver on the common understandings reached by the two presidents in San Francisco, maintain dialogue, manage differences, promote cooperation and enhance coordination in international affairs.

The most prominent feature of the current China-US relationship is that Washington continuously raises demands with Beijing but lacks sincerity in responding to many of China's reasonable requests, experts said.

On trade and technology issues, the official from the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the US has intensified its measures to suppress China, constantly adopting new measures in export controls, investment reviews, and unilateral sanctions, seriously harming China's interests.

"This is not de-risking, but creating risks," the official said. The so-called 'Chinese overcapacity rhetoric' thrown out by the US seems like an economic concept, but it is actually a false narrative.

The Chinese official also stressed that the US' launch of a new 301 investigation out of domestic political considerations is a mistake repeated.

"China's decision-makers are very clear-headed. Our stance remains consistent, which is to strive for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. If there truly are problems in China-US relations, the responsibility lies entirely with the US," Jin said.

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China's Ministry of Public Security launches nationwide Fox Hunt 2024 campaign to repatriate economic fugitives fled abroad

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 23, 2024 02:46 PM

China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) have deployed the public security departments nationwide to launch the Fox Hunt 2024 campaign to repatriate economic fugitives who have fled abroad, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said on Tuesday.

The Fox Hunt 2024 special operation is an important component of the Sky Net 2024 anti-graft operation launched by the office of the international pursuit of fugitives, asset recovery and transnational anti-corruption governance under the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group.

Public security organs will, in accordance with the requirements of the deployment, intensify efforts to tackle key cases of pursuing fugitives and recovering assets, effectively enhancing the quality and efficiency of such work, deepening and expanding channels of law enforcement cooperation.

According to the officials from the MPS, the nationwide public security organs will comprehensively implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and the second plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, deepen the Fox Hunt 2024 special operation from the perspective of safeguarding national interests and security, to better serve the central anti-corruption struggle and the battle to prevent and defuse major risks, and effectively safeguard national security and social stability.

The MPS has been coordinating nationwide Fox Hunt operations for 10 consecutive years, achieving remarkable results. With the overall coordination of the office of the international pursuit of fugitives under the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group and the strong support and assistance from relevant departments, "Fox Hunt" campaign has captured more than 9,000 economic crime fugitives from over 120 countries and regions and recovered stolen assets of nearly 49 billion yuan ($6.76 billion), and made positive contributions to promoting comprehensive rule of law.

On March 14, a Chinese fugitive on Interpol's Red Notice who is accused of illegally absorbing public deposits and has been on the run for 11 years was repatriated to China from Indonesia. This is the second case of Fox Hunt operation reported by the MPS this year.

Previously, a fugitive surnamed Zhou, who is suspected of raising funds by means of fraud and had been on the run for eight years, was repatriated to China from Singapore on February 7, 2024, according to the MPS.

Fox Hunt is a special action launched by the MPS targeting fraudulent activities involving false information and wide-ranging scams. Since its launch in 2014, it has safeguarded the public's economic interests, maintained normal economic order and ensured the social stability, officials said.

As China intensifies its efforts to pursue corrupt officials and criminals fleeing abroad, Fox Hunt operations have also been incorporated into the Sky Net campaign, which aims to track down fugitives suspected of involvement in graft while preventing corrupt officials from fleeing abroad and recovering illegal gains, becoming a more extensive international operation to repatriate fugitives and funds back to China.

Statistics from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, as of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October 2022, the Sky Net campaign had repatriated 10,668 fugitives and recovered 44.79 billion yuan in illicit funds.

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China to make solemn representations and demands during Blinken's visit on Taiwan, South China Sea and technology restriction

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 23, 2024 01:09 PM

Ahead of the upcoming visit of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China this week, a senior official from China's Foreign Ministry introduced five major targets that China is focusing on during this visit, making solemn representations and demands on matters such as the Taiwan question, trade and technology restrictions and the South China Sea issue.

Blinken's visit is part of the agreements made during the heads of state meeting in San Francisco in November 2023, aimed at maintaining dialogue, managing differences, advancing cooperation, and strengthening coordination on international affairs. The two sides have maintained communication regarding this visit, an official from the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the ministry, told the media.

On April 2, during a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Biden expressed his hope that a visit by Blinken to China could be arranged. China welcomed this proposal, the official said.

Under the strategic guidance of both heads of state, China-US relations have shown signs of stabilizing after a period of decline. However, negative factors in the bilateral relations are also prominent, the official said.

The US is stubbornly advancing its strategy to contain China, continuously engaging in actions and rhetoric that interfere in China's internal affairs, tarnishing China's image, and harming China's interests, to which we resolutely oppose and counteract.

Valuing peace, prioritizing stability, and basing actions on trust are the principles that China adheres to in managing China-US relations. Regarding Blinken's visit, China mainly focuses on five objectives, the Chinese official further explained.

The first objective is establishing correct recognition. We urge the US to implement Biden's commitments, together with China, to turn the "San Francisco vision" into reality, rather than continuing to contain and suppress China in the name of "competition."

The diplomatic teams of both sides will continue discussions on guiding principles for China-US relations based on the consensus reached on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, maintaining communication, preventing conflict, adhering to the UN Charter, cooperating in areas of mutual interest, and responsibly managing competitive aspects of the bilateral relationship.

China is also seeking to strengthen dialogue. Since the San Francisco meeting, China and the US have conducted a series of important engagements across various levels and fields and heads of departments responsible for diplomacy and security, economics, trade and finance, climate change, law enforcement, agriculture, and culture have maintained interactions through visits, meetings, calls, and working group meetings. Communication between the two militaries has also resumed.

Over 20 institutional consultations established or restarted at the San Francisco meeting continue to operate. China's door to dialogue and communication is always open. Meanwhile, the US must recognize that communication should not be for the sake of communication alone, should not say one thing and do another, and should not fantasize about dealing with China from a so-called position of strength.

The so-called US alliance system is a product of the Cold War era, reflecting outdated Cold War thinking and a zero-sum game mentality. The US is obsessed with roping in allies to form an anti-China clique, which is completely against the trend, unpopular, and a dead end, the Chinese official said.

The third objective is effectively managing differences. In particular, the US must not provoke China's red lines on matters such as the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights, systemic paths, and development rights.

China's determination and will to protect its national sovereignty, security, and development interests are unwavering, with a focus on clarifying firm positions and making clear demands on matters such as the Taiwan question, economic and technological trade, and the South China Sea, the Chinese official said.

The official also emphasized that the Taiwan question is the first and foremost red line in China-US relations. Taiwan is part of China, and the Taiwan question is China's internal affair. "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Taiwan Straits are incompatible.

The greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits is the split activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and external indulgence and support, which we will never tolerate, the official noted.

China resolutely opposes the recent wrong actions and rhetoric of the US on the Taiwan question, urges the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, implement Biden's statement of not supporting "Taiwan independence" into actions, oppose "Taiwan independence," stop arming Taiwan, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and support China's peaceful reunification.

On trade and technology issues, the Chinese official said the US has intensified its measures to suppress China, constantly adopting new measures in export controls, investment reviews, and unilateral sanctions, seriously harming China's interests.

"This is not de-risking, but creating risks," the official said. The so-called "Chinese overcapacity rhetoric" thrown out by the US seems like an economic concept, but it is actually a false narrative.

Behind it lies the malicious intent to contain and suppress the development of Chinese industries, aiming to seek more advantageous competitive positions and market advantages for the US, which is a blatant act of economic coercion and hegemonic bullying, the official said.

The previous Trump administration initiated a 301 investigation against China and imposed additional tariffs on China, which has been ruled by the World Trade Organization as a violation of WTO rules, opposed by many WTO members. The US' launch of a new 301 investigation out of domestic political considerations is a mistake repeated.

China also resolutely opposes the politicization of economic and technological issues by the US, and warns the US that suppressing Chinese technology is to contain China's high-quality development, deprive the Chinese people of their legitimate development rights, and China will resolutely respond.

On the South China Sea issue, China resolutely opposes the US' involvement in the South China Sea issue and its attempts to sow discord between China and ASEAN.

China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters and is willing to continue properly handling maritime issues through dialogue and consultation with relevant parties, jointly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are inviolable, and China's determination and will to defend its legitimate rights are unwavering.

China and the US have established consultation mechanisms on maritime and Asia-Pacific affairs, and both sides can continue to dialogue. However, the US is not a party to the South China Sea issue, should not intervene, and even less should stir up trouble.

Some senior US State Department officials - including its top narcotics official Todd Robinson - will join Blinken's trip to China, and they are expected to discuss efforts to curb the flow of deadly fentanyl chemicals from China to the US, Reuters reported.

The Chinese official said fentanyl is not a Chinese problem, nor is it a problem caused by China, but we have not stood by idly, willing to offer help to the American people.

Since the San Francisco meeting, China has followed through on its words, and China-US drug prohibition cooperation has made progress, with China also making tremendous efforts. The US should reciprocate and address China's concerns.

During Blinken's visit, the Chinese side will also make clear demands and representations to the US on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Ukraine crisis and the recent negative development such as US' summit with Japan and the Philippines. Also, it will discuss the issue of high concern of US unwarranted interrogation, harassment and even deportation of Chinese students.

The international community is extremely dissatisfied and disappointed with the US' exclusive veto of Palestine becoming a formal member of the UN in the Security Council. Palestine becoming a formal member of the UN should not be the result of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, but rather should be Palestine's equal negotiation condition, an important step toward a two-state solution.

In adhering to international law and Security Council rules, the US has no exceptions or privileges and should put aside its hegemonic mentality. The US should, together with other member states, fulfill its international responsibilities, support Security Council Resolution 2728, and promote a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible to save the Palestinian people from dire straits. China will make clear demands to the US on this matter, the official said.

On the Ukraine crisis, China is not the creator or party involved in the conflict, always maintains an objective and fair stance, actively advocates for peace and promotes talks, pushes for a political solution, and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

The US needs to seriously reflect on the responsibilities it should bear in the Ukraine crisis, avoid actions that add fuel to the fire, take advantage of the situation, attack and smear the normal state relations between China and Russia, incite camp confrontation, and further should not smear or slander China, shift blame, the Chinese official stressed.

Also, the US should immediately stop imposing unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals. The Ukraine issue is not a problem between China and the US, and the US should not make it a problem between China and the US.

On the US-Japan-Philippines summit and US' advancement of its Indo-Pacific strategy, the Chinese official said the US deployment of medium-range missile launch systems in the Philippines has intensified regional tension and increased the risk of misunderstanding and misjudgment.

The "trilateral security partnership" cobbled together by the US, UK, and Australia, which insists on developing nuclear submarines in the region, poses serious nuclear proliferation risks and intensifies the arms race.

We urge the US to genuinely respect the security concerns and efforts of other countries in the region to maintain peace and stability, abandon Cold War thinking, stop creating military tensions and camp confrontations, and stop assembling an anti-China containment clique around China.

Blinken said in a report released on Monday ahead of his visit to China that "Beijing is continuing to commit genocide and crimes against humanity against Uygurs and other Muslim minorities in its western Xinjiang province," Reuters reported.

Regarding the US claim that it will express concerns about human rights issues during this visit, the Chinese official said that issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, and Hong Kong are matters of China's internal affairs and have nothing to do with so-called human rights.

The US must not use human rights as an excuse to interfere in China's internal affairs. Human rights are not the patent of any country. How human rights are in a country is best judged by its own people. The US should first face its own human rights issues and has no right to point fingers at other countries.

Concerning the US' unwarranted interrogation, harassment, and even deportation of Chinese students, the Chinese official said the US continues to overstretch the concept of national security, arbitrarily canceling visas, denying entry, and forcibly deporting Chinese students without concrete evidence, causing great harm to the individuals involved.

The "little black rooms" at some US airports have become a nightmare for Chinese students, which is completely contrary to the US' stated support for facilitating and supporting cultural exchanges between the two countries.

China will continue to urge the US to stop poisoning the public opinion environment between the two countries, stop obstructing friendly exchanges between the people of the two countries, correct wrong practices, conduct thorough investigations into relevant cases, and give an explanation to the victims, the official said.

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China mulls revising anti-money laundering law

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:48, April 23, 2024

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lawmakers on Tuesday started deliberating a draft revision to the Anti-Money Laundering Law, with rules specifying anti-money laundering obligations for specific non-financial institutions.

The draft was submitted to an on-going session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the national legislature, for deliberation.

Comprising 62 articles in seven chapters, the new draft strengthened the supervision and management of anti-money laundering and improved provisions on anti-money laundering obligations.

The draft clarified the range of non-financial institutions involved and their anti-money laundering supervision obligations.

It also stipulated the obligations for financial institutions, requiring them to establish and improve the internal control mechanism for anti-money laundering, carry out customer due diligence and keep customer identity information materials and transaction records.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 23, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2024-04-23 20:14

Beijing Youth Daily: It is reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will tell his Chinese counterpart that the US and its allies are becoming increasingly impatient with Beijing's refusal to stop providing Moscow with everything from chips to cruise missiles engines to help rebuild its industrial base during his visit to China. Blinken did not reveal what measures the US will take, but several people familiar with the situation said it is considering sanctions on Chinese financial institutions and other entities. What is your comment?

Wang Wenbin: The United States keeps making groundless accusations over the normal trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia, while passing a bill providing a large amount of aid for Ukraine. Fueling the flames while shifting blame to othersathis is just hypocritical and highly irresponsible. China firmly rejects this.

On Ukraine, China's position has been just and objective. We have worked actively to promote talks for peace and a political settlement. The government oversees the export of dual-use articles in accordance with the laws and regulations. China is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it. We never fan the flames or seek selfish gains, and we will certainly not accept being the scapegoat.

Let me stress again that China's right to conduct normal trade and economic exchanges with Russia and other countries in the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit should not be interfered with or disrupted. China's legitimate and lawful rights and interests should not be infringed on.a

We urge the US that to fan the flames or to smear others and shift the blame is no way to solve the Ukraine issue. Only by accommodating the legitimate security concerns of all parties and creating a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and negotiation is the right way forward.

CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi has just concluded his visit to Cambodia. Do you have any details to offer on his visit?

Wang Wenbin: From April 21 to 23, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Cambodia. King Norodom Sihamoni, the President of the Senate of Cambodia Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet met with him respectively. He also co-chaired the Seventh Meeting of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee with Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol, and held talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China and Cambodia are iron-clad friends supporting each other and sharing weal and woe. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Cambodian leaders, the China-Cambodia community with a shared future has stayed at the forefront of the times and set a fine example for building a new type of international relations. China stands ready to work with the Cambodian side to deliver on the strategic consensus between the leaders of the two countries, enrich the "diamond hexagon" bilateral cooperation framework, and inject new impetus into the building of the "industrial development corridor" and the "fish and rice corridor", so as to make China-Cambodia friendship and solidarity firm and strong, just like iron and steel, and our cooperation will keep shining bright like the diamond. China will always be the most reliable partner and the strongest backing to Cambodia.

The Cambodian side noted that China is a close friend and strategic partner of Cambodia. Cambodia will not change its commitment to a policy of friendship with China and will not change its resolve to advance cooperation with China. Cambodia firmly believes that the Cambodia-China friendship will pass on from generation to generation and grow from strength to strength. Cambodia is firmly committed to the one-China policy, firmly supports China's position on issues bearing on China's core interests, actively supports the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, and stands ready to enhance cooperation with China in various areas and jointly safeguard peace and stability of the region.

During the visit, the two sides reached extensive common understandings. The two sides agreed to leverage the coordinating role of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, usher in a new era of building a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future, and jointly advocate free, open, equal, inclusive and universally beneficial multilateralism and economic globalization.

The two sides agreed to have closer high-level exchanges, deepen experience sharing on governance, work together to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud and drug trafficking, form closer synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy, formulate a cooperation plan on the "industrial development corridor" at an early date, continue with the preliminary design of the China-Cambodia railway, deliver more early harvests of the "fish and rice corridor", such as the agricultural demonstration zones, and implement the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement with high quality.

The two sides agreed to take the opportunity of the 2024 China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year to encourage tourism, increase the number of flights, and carry out more practical exchanges between the youths and friendship organizations and at the sub-national level. Cambodia will provide support for the reopening of the China Cultural Center in Cambodia.

The two sides reiterated their willingness to carry out cooperation under the frameworks of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and enhance coordination on the platforms of Lancang-Mekong cooperation and China-ASEAN cooperation. The two sides agreed that it is in the common interests of countries in the region to safeguard peace and stability, which did not come easy, and promote development and prosperity of the region. The two sides stressed they will fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance consultation on a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and strive to conclude the COC at an early date.

Reuters: There are two parts to my question. The first is Wall Street Journal reported that the US is drafting sanctions that threaten to cut some Chinese banks off from the global financial system, which US officials hope will stop China's commercial support of Russia's military production. At the same time, a briefing by the Ministry's head of the department for North American affairs has called for the US to immediately stop imposing unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals and said that the Ukraine issue is not an issue between China and the United States. So my question is what is the Ministry's response to the Wall Street Journal report and also what kind of countermeasures would China take if these banking sanctions materialize?

Wang Wenbin: I answered this when I responded to the question from Beijing Youth Daily. I would like to reiterate that we firmly oppose the US's hypocritical moves of fanning the flames while deflecting the blame on China. China's right to normal trade and economic cooperation with Russia and all other countries should not be violated. We will firmly safeguard our lawful rights and interests.

Xinhua News Agency: The 80th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is being held on April 22 and 23 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Chinese delegation attended the session. How does China view the session?

Wang Wenbin: The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is the UN's most important comprehensive organization for socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific with important missions. Guided by the theme "Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific," the session held in-depth discussions, built up consensus, and reached practical cooperation results. It sent out a strong message of upholding multilateralism, open cooperation, and innovation-driven development for inclusive and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific, and maintained the positive momentum and right direction of Asia-Pacific cooperation. China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu led the Chinese delegation to the session and addressed the general debate. He shared China's views on the Asia-Pacific situation and propositions on regional cooperation.

China, an important member in the Asia-Pacific, highly values the role of ESCAP. China will continue providing financial support through the China-ESCAP fund and other channels and further synergize Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative and ESCAP to add strong impetus to Asia-Pacific cooperation. We will translate new achievements made through Chinese modernization into more opportunities for the Asia-Pacific to advance common development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

AFP: According to reports, the assistant of a German politician standing for this June's EU elections has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports and the media hype. But the truth is there for all to see. The so-called "threat of Chinese spies" is not a new thing in Europe. Every time before or after China-Europe high-level interactions in recent years, there would be such a hype, with a clear intention of smearing and hitting China and souring the atmosphere of China-EU cooperation.a

Let me stress that China carries out cooperation with European and all other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and advances mutually beneficial cooperation with relevant parties in accordance with laws and regulations. We hope that relevant people in Germany will ditch the Cold War mentality and stop the political manipulation aimed at China with so-called "spy risks."

Bloomberg: To follow up on the question from my colleague from the AFP, you said "the so-called China spy threat" in response to this specific case. Are you denying that this person who has been arrested in Germany is a spy for the Chinese government? And also on the three Germans who were arrested earlier, I think a couple of days ago, are you also denying that those three people are also spies for China?

Wang Wenbin: I shared China's position just now. Recent reports about so-called China's spying in Europe are all hypes aimed at smearing and hitting China. Not just in Germany, we also noted reports in the UK in the past few days. We firmly oppose such hype and we urge relevant parties to stop spreading disinformation about so-called "China spy threat" and stop political manipulation and malicious smears against China.

BBC: Following the previous questions, there are two men charged in Britain also accused of spying for China. Does the Chinese government deny that they were spying for China or does the Chinese government have any response to this?

Wang Wenbin: If you follow China's press statements, you will have noted that China already responded to relevant reports last September. We would like to reiterate that the claim that China could be stealing UK intelligence is a groundless accusation and malicious smear, and we firmly oppose that accusation. Such malicious manipulation aimed at China should stop.

Reuters: The Foreign Ministry's head of the department for North American affairs held a briefing on Blinken's visit this week and it covered a range of issues. On the point about overcapacity and US measures, such as export controls and so forth, the Ministry's official said the US has made repeated mistakes in launching Section 301 investigations out of domestic political needs in the US and that China will resolutely respond to US actions in these areas. What are the responses or actions China is considering taking?

Wang Wenbin: On this question, we have made clear China's position many times. Let me point out again that China-US economic ties benefit both sides and there's no winner in a trade war. The US's Section 301 tariffs on China have severely disrupted normal trade and economic exchanges between China and the US and harmed the interests of Chinese and American businesses and particularly American consumers. The WTO has already ruled that those tariffs violate WTO rules. We urge the US to follow WTO rules, lift all additional tariffs on China and stop imposing new ones. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests.

CCTV: The US State Department yesterday released the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, saying that the PRC continues to carry out genocide, crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, dismantle Hong Kong's political freedoms and autonomy, and violate human rights in Xizang. Secretary of State Blinken attacked the human rights practices in Xinjiang in the preface of the report. What's China's comment?

Wang Wenbin: Year after year, the US creates so-called human rights reports that are filled with political lies and ideological biases on China. We strongly reject this.

The Chinese people have the best say on the human rights situation in China. China made history by eliminating absolute poverty. We practice whole-process people's democracy and provide the world's largest education system, social security system and medical care system in China. The Chinese people's sense of gain, happiness and security keeps getting stronger. We have found a path toward better human rights that reflects the trend of the times and fits our national realities. A Harvard University survey conducted over a period of more than 10 years straight shows that the Chinese government's satisfaction rate among the people stayed above 90 percent.a

In this so-called Human Rights Reports, the US criticized the human rights situation of nearly 200 countries and regions and yet said nothing about the US itself. This is just another case of double standard. The hegemonic, domineering and bullying nature of the US and its selfishness and hypocrisy are on clear display. If the US truly cares about human rights, it should take seriously and properly address domestic gun violence, drug abuse, racial discrimination and other violations of human rights and dignity. It should face up to and reflect on its intervention operations in other countries and human rights catastrophes resulting from the US provision of weapons and fanning the flames in regional conflicts. The US, turning a blind eye to over 110,000 civilian casualties in Gaza, vetoed the UN Security Council's efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza four times in a roll. That alone says enough about how little human rights actually mean to the US and how it tramples on them.

The world is not blind to US hegemonism imposed on the world in the name of human rights. The US needs to examine its own behavior. It needs to take care of its own problems first, stop lecturing others on human rights, stop pointing fingers at other countries' human rights record, and stop meddling in other countries' internal affairs, violating their human rights and planting conflicts and chaos in the name of human rights and democracy.

Bloomberg: The German authorities have not released the full names of any of the people they have arrested on accusations of spying yet. And so we do not know any of the details, including who they are. Notwithstanding that, are you categorically denying that these four people are spies for China, even though you do not know their names?

Wang Wenbin: Although you don't know the full names of the arrested people, you do know that they've been publicly accused by Germany for "spying for China." Let me make it clear, the so-called "China spy threat" is purely groundless and a malicious smear.

BBC: You did touch on this subject already but was the Chinese government surprised that Antony Blinken mentioned, for example, that China was the "primary contributor to Russia's military industrial complex" and cautioned that "China can't maintain good relations with the west while simultaneously supporting Russia's war effort." Did it come as a surprise to the Chinese government that he would say something just before traveling to China? Having made those comments, will that hurt the possibility of having good talks on his visit?

Wang Wenbin: This is exactly the first question I took today.a

BBC: The last follow-up question. More broadly, given the tensions between China and the US at the moment, what is the best-case scenario result of Antony Blinken's visit to China? What would China really hope to achieve from this?

Wang Wenbin: Secretary Blinken's visit to China is part of the efforts of the two sides to deliver on the common understandings reached by the two presidents in San Francisco, maintain dialogue, manage differences, promote cooperation and enhance coordination in international affairs. The two sides will focus on delivering on the two presidents' common understandings in San Francisco and their recent phone call and exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. Yesterday, the head of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave a preview to the media. You may refer to relevant reports.

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China says US still interfering in its affairs despite efforts to stabilize relations

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 2:27 PM

China says relations with the United States are stabilizing despite Washington's continued "interference" in its internal affairs.

That is according to Xinhua news agency, quoting an anonymous Chinese Foreign Ministry official on Tuesday.

The official, described by Xinhua as the director-general of the foreign ministry's department of North American and Oceanian affairs, said bilateral relations should stabilize and advance in a sustainable manner with mutual interests in mind.

"The United States stubbornly promotes the strategy of containing China, continuously adopts erroneous words and actions that interfere in China's internal affairs, smear China's image, and harm China's interests," the official was quoted as saying.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled for a three-day visit to China this week to hold talks with Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing.

During the visit Blinken is expected to discuss varying issues ranging from the Chinese Taipei to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, to the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel, Iran and the broader West Asia as well as Indo-Pacific region and trade and tariffs.

The Chinese side will focus on strengthening understanding and dialogue, managing differences and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and shared responsibilities, the official said.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a trip to China earlier this month. It was her second trip to China since taking office and she raised Washington's concern regarding what she described to be Chinese overproduction as well as Beijing's cooperation with Moscow.

Yellen, during her four-day visit to China, had wide-ranging meetings with Chinese leaders, local officials, academics, students and American executives both in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou as well as the capital Beijing.

She issued a very blunt warning to Chinese banks regarding cooperation with Moscow.

Yellen said any banks that facilitate significant transactions that channel military or dual-use goods to Russia's defense industrial base expose themselves to the risk of US sanctions.

She talked about the trade disputes between the world's largest economies in her meetings.

Washington and Beijing have been working to stabilize relations following a summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in November 2023. Xi had warned ties could "slide into conflict or confrontation," according to Xinhua.

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Hong Kong schools ban books, warn teachers not to get 'political'

Flag-raising and patriotic essays are in, frank debates about recent Chinese history are out.

By Matthew Leung for RFA Cantonese 2024.04.23 -- Hong Kong schools have been banning books, warning teachers not to express "political" views, training students how to raise the Chinese flag correctly and screening patriotic films, according to online documents that reveal what the city's "national security education" program looks like on the ground.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party is moving to step up its "patriotic education" program in schools, universities and religious institutions across the country, including in Hong Kong, where the program is generally termed "national security education."

Since the start of the current academic year, teachers in more than 1,000 Hong Kong schools have been required to report "potential violations" of the city's security laws to the authorities.

They are also expected to submit reports detailing their efforts to impose "national security education" on staff and students.

Many are posting their reports online, revealing ongoing inspections, surveillance and a growing emphasis on patriotic activities and celebrations of traditional Chinese culture, lauded by President Xi Jinping as part of national pride and rejuvenation.

Authorities at the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Yuen Long District Secondary School are reminding teachers "not to promote their personal politics, preach distorted values or make remarks that incite [others] in teaching materials," according to the school's annual report to the Education Bureau on its National Security Education program.

Teachers at the school have been warned "not to directly or indirectly encourage or acquiesce in students' participation in any off-campus political activities," according to the report, a copy of which is available on the school's website.

The school has also started inspecting books held in its library and has axed its subscription to Hyread, an online platform offering reading material in Chinese and English to prevent "violations of national security laws," according to its report.

Banned books

The Kowloon Technical College has also been checking its library, and has banned seven books, according to its report for last academic year.

"On March 15-16, 2023, the vice principal, director of reading promotion and the library director inspected the library collection and found a total of seven books containing political propaganda," the report said.

The Christian Alliance Cheng Wing Gee College requires its teachers to upload any teaching materials to the school's intranet for approval before using them in class, while teachers are focusing on "boosting national and ethnic pride" as a natural part of the day-to-day curriculum, according to its report.

Meanwhile, students at the Tai Po Baptist Public School have been attending Chinese national flag-raising ceremonies on designated days to establish "correct values aaand patriotic feelings."

Several schools said their students trained for and took part in patriotic "flag-raising competitions," as well as a patriotic essay-writing competition with the theme "I Love My Motherland," according to their "National Security Education" reports for the academic year 2022-2023 posted on their own websites.

The reports also reveal a fast-emerging system of sanctions and punishments for speech crimes in Hong Kong's schools.

Students who are deemed to have violated national security laws, which include clauses forbidding public criticism of the Hong Kong and Chinese governments, or any non-critical mention of the pro-democracy movement, will be counseled, punished or have their parents called in, depending on the seriousness of the alleged offense, the reports said.

'My Country, My People'

Around 40% of publicly funded schools in the city, which on March 23 passed a second national security law, broadening an ongoing crackdown on dissent, have made similar reports public on their websites to date, the Ming Pao newspaper reported.

According to the Hennessy Road Government Primary School's National Security Education report for 2022-2023, the school picked "student ambassadors" to shoot videos to promote China's National Day on Oct. 1, and held a screening of the Chinese patriotic film, "My Country, My People."

English-language schools are no exception, with the government's Chiu Lut Sau Memorial Secondary School in Yuen Long reporting that it will "review the content of the student association's politics platform and the Christmas singing competition repertoire" to filter out content that could run afoul of security laws.

Artist Wu Chun Him, who taught drama in Hong Kong's primary schools for many years, said that means in practice that no negative content about the Chinese government can be allowed in the city's schools, citing the "harm done by the Cultural Revolution" in Mao's China as something that will no longer be spoken about.

"Now they have the invisible hand of criminal liability in the background, no teacher is going to want to teach that stuff and wait to see if they get in trouble," Wu told RFA Cantonese.

"Ultimately, all they can do is learn to sing from the same hymn sheet," he said.

Protecting themselves

Former Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority official Yeung Wing Yu, who now runs the @edulancet Instagram account where he blogs about the city's education system, once attended Hennessy Road primary school, and said he was "shocked" to read its national security education report.

"What was shocking to me was that they're not just putting up display boards at student association activities to inform people about safeguarding national security ... they're also doing it at activities organized by alumni and alumni associations," Yeung said.

He described the Kowloon Technical School report as the most radical. He said the schools are likely publishing these reports to protect themselves.

"The safest thing is to tell everybody how well you are doing something, and make it public," Yeung said. "It's the best form of protection."

"It sends the message that this school is politically safe, so that the government doesn't mess with it if something happens," he said.

He said the recent expansion of Hong Kong's Diploma of Secondary Education to mainland Chinese schools will likely have the effect of repopulating the city with incoming families from elsewhere in China, lured by the promise of an internationally recognized education.

Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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North Korea says it has tested 'nuclear trigger' counterattack system

By VOA News April 23, 2024

North Korea says it carried out its first-ever nuclear counterattack drills on Monday.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said Tuesday that leader Kim Jong Un supervised the drills of its nuclear weapons management and control system, which it calls its "nuclear trigger."

The drills included the firing of several "super-large" artillery rockets fitted with mock nuclear warheads from multiple rocket launcher units.

KCNA says the rockets flew about 352 kilometers before successfully hitting an island target, and that Kim expressed "satisfaction" over the results.

South Korean and Japanese military officials both confirmed Monday that North Korea had fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the waters off the peninsula's east coast.

KCNA says the drills were carried out in response to current joint air defense drills by U.S. and South Korean forces, which it denounced as threatening to the regime.

Monday's drills were conducted just days after North Korea reportedly tested a so-called "super-large" warhead designed to be launched on a cruise missile.

Meanwhile, South Korea's national police agency said several domestic defense firms have been the targets of three North Korean-based cyberhacking groups.

The agency says the hacking groups, dubbed Lazarus, Kimsuky and Andariel, have breached the firms' internal networks since 2022 and stolen confidential technical data.

The hackers managed to breach the companies' networks by implanting malicious codes or obtaining email and password information from employees at subcontractors who used the same passwords for both their private and official email accounts.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse.

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Images disprove claims Iran's air defenses were damaged in suspected Israeli attacks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Western media are claiming that the Zionist regime attacked the S-300 Air Defense System in Iran's central city of Isfahan last week. inflicting damage on the system. However, a closer look at satellite images taken from the site that host the systems show no damage was inflicted on the systems after the suspected attacks.

According to reports, the S-300 Air Defense System in Shahid Babaei Air Base in Isfahan was activated in the early hours of the morning on April 19.

The news of the incident became viral due to the tensions in the region and Iran's missile and drone response to the Zionist regime's attack on its consulate in Damascus that had taken place in mid-April.

In such a situation in which official sources have kept silent and by recalling similar incidents in the past, satellite images can provide observers with a correct estimate of the incident.

The first satellite image was from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that was taken late on Friday. However, it did not provide details for the observers, and a next image released by Planet Lab could be more helpful.

The quality and accuracy of the image was not very good while there is a dark spot in it showing the location of the S300 system in Isfahan, which is specifically related to the location of the 30N6E2 fire control radar, nicknamed the Tombstone. It increased suspicions that a fire had taken place in the systems. However, a closer look at the image shows that what has been regarded as traces of a large fire was in fact the shadow of 30N6E2 on the ground.

Even pro-Israeli media outlets in the West, including the CNN, have admitted that minor attacks believed to be launched by Israel or its agents last week on the air base in Isfahan failed to inflict any damage on the facility.

"There does not appear to be any extensive damage at an air base purportedly targeted by an Israeli military strike, according to exclusive satellite images obtained by CNN from Umbra Space," CNN reported on April 20.

"The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images were taken around 10:18 a.m. local time," the report added.

"There does not appear to be any large craters in the ground and there are no apparent destroyed buildings. Additional visual satellite imagery will be needed to check for burn scars - which cannot be seen by SAR images -- around the complex," it said.

Another satellite image prepared by Planet Lab and published by Associated Press shows that there is no damage or signs of explosion and destruction in the S300 site of the Isfahan base and its radars.

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Iran's anti-Israel operation caused strategic effects in regional, int'l arenas

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri has said that Iran's anti-Israel operation has caused strategic effects in regional and international arenas.

General Bagheri said in a ceremony on Tuesday morning that Iran's retaliatory and punitive action against critical Israeli military bases has changed the situation in the region.

Hailing the efforts of Iranian military forces in conducting Operation True Promise against the Israeli regime, General Bagheri said that Iran's anti-Israel operation proved the national will of Iranians and had strategic effects in the regional and international arenas.

He underlined that Iranian armed forces are studying and carefully examining the possibilities and scenarios at the operational level.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched a missile and drone operation dubbed 'True Promise' against the Zionist regime on the night of April 13 in response to an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate on April 1.

Following the attack, Iran announced that it does not seek to create tension in the region and had carried out the anti-Zionist operation to punish the Zionist regime. However, the Iranian political and military officials have strongly warned that the country would give a severe response in case of any fresh Israeli aggression.

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Iran begins second round of proceedings against MKO terrorists

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has begun the second round of legal proceedings against members of the infamous terrorist group Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO).

The second round of the trial of 104 members of the MKO was presided over by Judge Dehghani at a court in Tehran on Tuesday.

During the court session, Dehghani called on the people of Albania and some other countries that host members of the terrorist group to demand the extradition of the terrorists from their country.

The high-profile trial of the ringleaders and members of the MKO kicked off in Tehran on December 12, 2023.

According to the criminal court, some 104 members of the terrorist group as well as a legal entity (the MKO) are sued in the trial for committing inhumane crimes.

The MKO has carried out numerous terrorist attacks in Iran against ordinary people and officials since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, killing thousands of people over the past four decades.

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US report on human rights repeats past anti-Iran rhetoric

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

New York, IRNA -- The US State Department on Monday in its annual report entitled "Human Rights of Countries" has repeated its past rhetoric against Iran, accusing it of violating rights of its citizens in 2023.

According to IRNA, the US report, as usual, outlined an increase in government restrictions and violence against citizens while stressing that such restrictions worsened in a number of areas last year, accusations Iran has always called baseless and politically motivated.

The report has come up with a number of accusations against Iran such arbitrary arrest or detention by the government or its agents, disappearances, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees, placing prisoners in dangerous conditions, transnational repression against individuals in other countries, punishment of family members for alleged crimes by another person, restrictions on freedom of expression, censorship on Internet.

The US State Department also claimed that women continued to face pressure, especially in the field of compulsory hijab, which led to their civil disobedience.

Robert S. Gilchrist, the Senior US Official in the Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights of the State Department also answered questions on the human rights situation in Iran, repeating Washington's claims that the situation was still deteriorating in 2023 as "the Iranian government continued to target minorities, journalists and social activists".

He continued anti-Iran rhetoric and said that the situation of women continued to deteriorate as well, and those who did not support the mandatory hijab faced harsh punishments while at the same time women's rights activists were sentenced.

Iran has always denounced the US human rights reports, calling them bias, interfering in the internal affairs of countries, double standards, not observing the principle of neutrality, and ignoring the cultures and lifestyles of the targeted countries.

The report comes just days after the US House of Representatives passed a resolution called the "Mahsa Amini Security and Human Rights Responsibility Law", which accused senior Iranian officials of violating human rights and supporting terrorism, without giving any evidence.

Amini, 22, died in September 2022 in hospital three days after she collapsed inside a police station in Tehran following her arrest for violating the country's hijab laws.

Her death sparked waves of protests in several cities, which turned violent after hostile foreign media and intelligence services launched a misinformation campaign steering the protesters towards vandalism and rioting.

The State Department comes up with its annual report on human rights of other countries while the United States itself has a dark history of rights violations of African Americans, colored people and indigenous as well as other minority groups.

There are also numerous examples how the United States played roles in coups to overthrow democratically-elected governments and violating the sovereignty and independence of other countries.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, has time and again stressed the high importance of human rights enshrined in the Constitution and national laws and regulations, as well as the country's respect for its international obligations in this field.

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President Raeisi: Nothing will remain of Israel in case of another mistake

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 4:49 PM

Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi has issued a stern warning against any Israeli aggression on the Iranian soil, saying the occupying regime will face a devastating response in case of another mistake.

Raeisi raised the alarm in a meeting with Pakistan's cultural and academic elites in the Government College University (GCU) of Lahore in the central province of Punjab on Tuesday.

He pointed to Iran's retaliatory strikes on the Israeli-occupied territories on April 13 in response to the regime's earlier aggression on its diplomatic compound in Syria.

Stressing that Iran had punished Israel for its attack on the Islamic Republic's consulate building in Damascus, which was against all international laws, conventions and the United Nations Charter, Raeisi said, "If the Zionist regime commits another mistake and launches an aggression on Iran's soil, the situation will be different and it is not clear what will remain of this regime."

In the multi-pronged Operation True Promise, Iran launched late on April 13 hundreds of drones and missiles at the occupied territories in response to the regime's aggression on the consular section of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Embassy in the Mezzeh neighborhood of the Syrian capital on April 1.

The Israeli airstrikes on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus had killed two generals of the Quds Force of IRGC, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, as well as five of their accompanying officers.

West's human rights advocacy 'absurd'

Pointing to Washington's unwavering support for Israel's months-long war on the besieged Gaza Strip, the Iranian president said, "The American and western support of killing and wounding more than 100,000 Palestinians in Gaza attests to the fact that, today, the biggest violators of human rights are Americans and Westerners, and their advocacy for human rights is absurd."

Raeisi described Palestine as the prime issue of the Muslim world as well as mankind, and underlined that the Palestinian resistance will finally succeed in liberating Palestine, Gaza and the occupied al-Quds.

"Today, the Iranian nation is standing up against the Zionist regime's corruption, excessive demands and oppression, and will continue to do so," Raeisi said. "The nations of both Iran and Pakistan have been the defenders of the oppressed Palestinian nation and will continue that path with pride."

Israel began the brutal US-backed war on Gaza on October 7 after the Hamas-led Palestinian resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Consolidation of cultural ties

In a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, President Raeisi praised the historical bonds between Iran and Pakistan and said his trip to Lahore was aimed at strengthening cultural ties.

"The purpose of my visit to Lahore is to pay respect to the late Iqbal Lahori and to strengthen the cultural relations between the two countries because Lahore is considered a cultural symbol of Pakistan," Raeisi said, referring to Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the Muslim poet known as Iqbal Lahori.

Stating that the relations between the two countries have been growing since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Raeisi said the will of the leaders of the two countries to expand cooperation has rendered ineffective the efforts of certain countries to damage the friendly relations between Tehran and Islamabad.

Describing the exchange of various mutual capacities as the basis for securing Iran-Pakistan's interests and increasing the power of the two countries, the Iranian president said there was no obstacle to the expansion of relations between Tehran and Islamabad.

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Iran's True Promise ushers in new era for region with global strategic implications: Baqeri

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 11:18 AM

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri has stressed that Iran's recent retaliatory strikes on the Israeli-occupied territories have had "strategic" impacts both on the region and the world.

"The situation in the region has changed ... after Iran's retaliatory and punitive action against the sensitive areas and military bases of the Zionist regime," Major General Mohammad Baqeri said in an event on Tuesday.

He hailed the victorious operation that was conducted in response to the Israeli crimes, noting that it manifested national willpower against the occupying regime and had "strategic effects at the regional and global levels."

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes earlier this month on the Israeli-occupied territories. The retaliatory strikes, dubbed Operation True Promise, inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied lands.

The operation came after the Israeli attack on April 1 against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, located next to the embassy building in Damascus's Mezzeh district.

The airstrike killed two senior Iranian military personnel who were on an advisory mission to Syria as well as five of their accompanying officers.

Addressing a group of high-ranking Iranian military commanders and figures in the capital Tehran on Sunday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei lauded the Iranian Armed Forces for displaying a commendable image of strength and military prowess in the wake of Operation True Promise, stating they created a feeling of glory about the Islamic nation.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the Iranian forces have sincerely and successfully managed to present a great image of their power, abilities and authority after punishing Israel, exhibited a commendable picture of the Iranian nation, and proved the emergence of Iranians' willpower in the international arena.

Iran has vowed to serve a "stronger response" to any further Israeli act of aggression against the country or its interests.

"Iran provided a decisive and legitimate response to an illegal action by the [Israeli] regime against [our] diplomatic premises that took place in violation of the international laws," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said in a weekly press conference on Monday.

"But if another mistake takes place, Iran's response will be stronger," he asserted.

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Iran, Pakistan to bring peace, stability to region through cooperation: Raeisi

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 8:00 AM

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has stressed that the Islamic Republic and Pakistan can play a major role in achieving regional peace through promotion of their bilateral ties.

"Iran and Pakistan, by strengthening cooperation between their armed forces, can bring peace and stability to the two nations and the entire region," Raeisi said during a meeting with General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, on Monday.

The talks between Raeisi and Munir revolved around regional peace and border security.

The two sides shared views on strengthening bilateral ties and cooperating to achieve regional stability and economic prosperity.

For his part, General Syed Asim Munir stressed the necessity for coordinated efforts along Iran-Pakistan border to prevent terrorists from jeopardizing the long-standing ties between the two neighboring countries.

He described the border between the two countries as "the border of peace and friendship."

Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Raeisi left Tehran for Islamabad on Monday for a two-day visit.

On Monday, Raeisi met and held a joint press conference with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He also participated in a joint session of the two country's high-ranking delegations.

Raeisi also met and held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari, during which they discussed bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest.

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'Regrettable': Iran slams EU sanctions, says bloc satisfying criminal Israeli regime

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 7:56 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has censured the European Union over tightening sanctions on the country in reprisal for the recent extensive missile and drone strikes against Israel, saying the bloc should not yield to Washington's demands to appease the occupying Tel Aviv regime.

"It is regrettable to see the EU deciding quickly to apply more unlawful restrictions against Iran just because Iran exercised its right to self-defense in the face of Israel's reckless aggression," Amir-Abdollahian wrote in a post published on the social media platform X on Tuesday.

He added, "The EU should not follow Washington's advice to satisfy the criminal Israeli regime."

The top Iranian diplomat also lamented the EU's reactions in the face of the Israeli regime's genocide against Palestinians, describing them as "almost nothing more than hollow words."

Amir-Abdollahian finally called on the EU to apply sanctions on Israel instead.

The remarks came a day after EU foreign ministers agreed to impose new sanctions on Iran that would cover the alleged supply of missiles to other countries and entities following the large-scale Operation True Promise against the Israeli-occupied territories.

Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles on the occupied Palestinian territories in retaliation against a deadly Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Damascus.

On Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that members of the bloc had agreed in principle during a meeting in Luxembourg to expand the EU's current drone-related sanctions on Iran to cover missiles and their transfers out of the country.

"We have reached a political agreement in order to enlarge and expand the existing drone (sanctions) regime in order to cover missiles and their potential ... transfer to Russia," Borrell said, adding that the bans would also be expanded beyond Russia to cover alleged supply of missiles to regional groups deemed to be allied to Iran.

Iran has denied it has supplied drones or missiles to regional groups while reiterating on numerous occasions that the drones supplied to Russia which have reportedly been used in its war against Ukraine were delivered to Moscow long before the Ukraine war started in February 2022.

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In Sign Of Thawing Relations With Saudis, Iranian Pilgrims Leave For Mecca

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 23, 2024

For the first time in nine years, a group of Iranian pilgrims has arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, a sign of thawing relations between Tehran and Riyadh.

The arrival follows a restoration of full diplomatic ties in March 2023, which was mediated by China after a rift sparked by the 2016 execution of a Shi'ite cleric by Saudi Arabia and subsequent attacks on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.

Diplomatic efforts, including a significant meeting in Beijing between Ali Shamkhani, the former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, and a visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Saudi Arabia, resulted in the lifting of restrictions on Iranian pilgrims. However, the resumption of flights from Iran to Saudi Arabia was delayed over technical issues, keeping pilgrims from making the trip until this year.

Muslims around the world pray toward the Kaaba, which is located in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and pilgrims walk around it seven times.

Unlike the haj, which is compulsory and subject to strict annual quotas, the Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and is not deemed compulsory.

A ceremony held at Tehran's main airport on April 22 -- coinciding with an announcement from Iran Air that it would operate two daily flights carrying up to 260 pilgrims between various cities in Iran and Saudia Arabia -- was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Iran Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi, marking a significant step toward increased cooperation between the two Middle Eastern powers.

Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-saudi-thaw-mecca-pilgrims- relations/32917098.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran Homing In On Africa With Trade Promises, Chaos

By Michael Scollon April 23, 2024

Iran is expanding its footprint in Africa, offering arms, partnerships, and chaos as it works to boost its influence on the continent.

It is part of a major strategic shift that has involved high-level Iranian diplomatic and trade delegations as well as weapons deliveries to Africa.

In return, experts say, Iran hopes to build partnerships that will help it bypass international sanctions while carving out new ground for its "axis of resistance" against its global and regional adversaries.

"Iran has been seeking to expand its political and economic reach further beyond its region," said Lukas Webber, senior consultant for Valens Global and co-founder of Militant Wire. And due to Western sanctions, Webber said, "Iran has extra incentive to pursue new trade opportunities with African countries."

Iranian officials have lauded the potential to gain access to Africa's agricultural and mineral wealth while finding new destinations for Iranian exports, including sophisticated weapons. President Ebrahim Raisi, underscoring the importance of the strategy, made a three-country tour to Africa in July -- the first by an Iranian president to the continent in more than a decade.

This week, Iran is touting the second Iran-Africa trade summit in just over a year, with representatives from more than 40 African countries expected for the April 26-29 event in Tehran.

An Iranian official responsible for the promotion of international business said this week that "the future of world trade will be determined in Africa." And unlike with other major powers that have sought to tap into Africa's "unexploited virgin resources," he said, African countries do not have "political angles" with Iran.

But Iran's engagement in Africa -- marked by efforts to export Tehran's version of political Islam, the establishment of proxies, and weapons supplies to both states and nonstate actors -- often coincides with instability and anti-Western sentiment, fitting in with Iran's broader aims.

"Iran is advancing its multipronged global 'resistance' strategy in Africa, whereby it seeks to secure partnerships that offset Western influence and isolation of Iran," said Liam Karr, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project.

In recent months, Iran has made its presence felt from the Horn of Africa to the Sahel, allowing it to put more pressure on regional adversaries and to attempt to derail Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip.

With Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen wreaking havoc on international shipping in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, Tehran has solidified its position across the Bab al-Mandel Strait, a narrow passage to the Red Sea.

Iran's "expanded supply of weapons and ammunition to various regional markets" is evident in the Horn of Africa, Webber said, with Somalia serving as a hub. Iran has also provided the Ethiopian government with weapons to fight opposition armed groups.

With Tehran's strained relations with rival Saudi Arabia restored in early 2023, normalized ties with Horn countries have followed. In September, Iran reestablished relations with Djibouti, which cut ties with Iran seven years ago at Riyadh's urging.

Tehran has also worked to patch things up with Eritrea and Sudan, which fell out with Iran after joining a Saudi-led coalition against the Huthis.

Iranian weapons sales to Sudan's armed forces, which are fighting a civil war against rebels, have recently allowed the military to reverse losses and regain territory.

They have also provided Iran with an opening.

In March, Iran reportedly sought permission to establish a permanent naval base in Port Sudan, which serves as the military's de facto capital. The request was refused, and denied by Iran, but exposed Tehran's efforts to extend its presence along the western banks of the Red Sea.

"An Iranian naval base at Port Sudan would directly support Iranian out-of-area naval operations and attacks on international shipping," while allowing Tehran to counter regional rivals, Karr said.

From Sudan, Iran has carved out a sphere of influence that extends across the Sahel to the Atlantic, an area the West fears could become a refuge for Islamist militants.

Karr said Iran's efforts have been most successful in Nigeria, where Tehran has established a proxy group called the Islamic Movement of Nigeria that "functions like other [Iranian] proxies insofar as Lebanese Hizballah and the Iranian regime have provided financial, military, and political support."

Iran has also seized on the opportunity to reach out to a trio of anti-Western military juntas that have taken power in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which Karr said fits Tehran's broader efforts "to increase economic engagement to undermine Western sanctions."

There are also indications that Iran is seeking to capitalize on recent rifts between junta leaders and Western countries, whose forces are being pushed out.

"With the military withdrawals and declining French influence in West Africa, for instance, Iran has sought to increase its influence through security cooperation and infrastructure development projects," Webber said.

Iran has also said international security cooperation is needed in the fight against terrorism in Africa, suggesting it could help fill a role previously played by Western forces.

Since the Niger junta seized power in July, leading to the withdrawal of French and European forces from the region, its budding relationship with Iran has not gone unnoticed.

A U.S. delegation traveled to the country last month to express concerns about Niger's relations with Iran and its ally Russia, which is also expanding its influence in Africa.

Shortly after the visit, Niger terminated its counterterrorism alliance with Washington, reportedly after the U.S. officials accused the military junta of exploring a secret deal that would provide Iran access to its uranium reserves.

The ruling junta, which has called the U.S. military presence in Niger "illegal," rejected the allegations. Last week, the United States announced plans to withdraw 1,000 military personnel in what was seen as a victory for Iran's and Russia's aims in the region.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-russia-africa- israel-terror/32917323.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Sanctioning Iranian Cyber Actors

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

April 23, 2024

The United States is today imposing sanctions on two Iranian companies and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC), a U.S.-designated entity. These actors have targeted more than a dozen U.S. companies and government entities through cyber operations.

The Department of the Treasury is taking this action in conjunction with the unsealing of an indictment against the four individuals by the Department of Justice for their roles in cyber activity targeting U.S. entities.

The IRGC-CEC is one of the Iranian government organizations that has been responsible for, through a series of front companies, malicious cyber activity against the U.S. and several other countries. The United States will continue to expose malicious cyber actors and use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability. The United States will not tolerate malicious cyber activities victimizing U.S. companies.

The Department of the Treasury actions were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for malicious cyber activity for or on behalf of the IRGC CEC, a designated terrorist organization. For more information on today's action, please see Treasury's press release.

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Treasury Designates Iranian Cyber Actors Targeting U.S. Companies and Government Agencies

U.S. Department of the Treasury

April 23, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two companies and four individuals involved in malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC). These actors targeted more than a dozen U.S. companies and government entities through cyber operations, including spear phishing and malware attacks. In conjunction with today's action, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is unsealing an indictment against the four individuals for their roles in cyber activity targeting U.S. entities.

"Iranian malicious cyber actors continue to target U.S. companies and government entities in a coordinated, multi-pronged campaign intended to destabilize our critical infrastructure and cause harm to our citizens," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States will continue to leverage our whole-of-government approach to expose and disrupt these networks' operations."

Iranian cyber actors continue to target the United States using a wide range of malicious cyber activity, from conducting ransomware attacks against critical infrastructure to conducting spear phishing and other social engineering campaigns against individuals, companies, and government entities. The IRGC-CEC, one of the Iranian government organizations behind malicious cyber activity, works through a series of front companies to target the United States and several other countries. Although front company management and key personnel know their operations support the IRGC-CEC, much of the Iranian public is not aware that some companies in Iran, such as Mehrsam Andisheh Saz Nik, are used as front companies to support the IRGC-CEC. The Iranian public should be aware that the IRGC-CEC uses private companies and their employees to achieve illegal goals.

Today's action is being taken pursuant to the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. OFAC designated the IRGC-CEC, also known as the IRGC Electronic Warfare and Cyber Defense Organization, pursuant to E.O. 13606 on January 12, 2018, for being owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, the IRGC, which itself was designated pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 13, 2017. In February 2024, OFAC designated six IRGC-CEC officials in response to recent cyber operations in which IRGC-affiliated cyber actors manipulated programmable logic controllers, which impacted critical infrastructure systems, including in the United States. While these particular operations did not disrupt any critical services, unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems can enable actions that harm the public and cause devasting humanitarian consequences.

IRGC-CEC FRONT COMPANIES AND AFFILIATED CYBER ACTORS

Mehrsam Andisheh Saz Nik (MASN), formerly known as Mahak Rayan Afzar, is an IRGC-CEC front company that has supported malicious cyber activity conducted by the IRGC-CEC. The company has been associated with multiple Iranian advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, including Tortoiseshell. The company is also associated with other malicious cyber activity, including a multi-year campaign targeting over a dozen U.S. companies and government entities, including the Department of the Treasury.

Alireza Shafie Nasab is an IRGC-CEC-affiliated cyber actor who was involved in the same multi-year cyber campaign targeting U.S. entities while employed by MASN's predecessor, Mahak Rayan Afzar.

Reza Kazemifar Rahman (Kazemifar), another IRGC-CEC cyber actor, has been involved in operational testing of malware intended to target job seekers with a focus on military veterans. Kazemifar, while employed by MASN's predecessor, Mahak Rayan Afzar, was also involved in the spear phishing campaign targeting multiple U.S. entities, including the Department of the Treasury.

IRGC-CEC front company Dadeh Afzar Arman (DAA) has also engaged in malicious cyber campaigns on behalf of the IRGC-CEC.

Hosein Mohammad Haruni was employed by DAA and has been associated with various spear phishing and other social engineering operations, in addition to malicious cyber activity targeting U.S. entities and the Department of the Treasury.

Komeil Baradaran Salmani has been associated with multiple IRGC-CEC front companies and involved in spear phishing campaigns targeting multiple U.S. entities, including Department of the Treasury.

Mehrsam Andisheh Saz Nik, Dadeh Afzar Arman, Alireza Shafie Nasab, Komeil Baradaran Salmani, and Reza Kazemifar Rahman are all being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the IRGC-CEC. Hosein Mohammad Haruni is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Dadeh Afzar Arman.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

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Resignations in Israeli military trigger domino effect

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli media outlets have reported that following the resignation of the regime's military espionage chief and the chief of the Central Command of the Israeli army, some other military commanders have also decided to resign.

According to Sama news, Israeli media outlets have warned that the resignation of commanders has begun within the army ranks, and after the resignation of the military espionage chief Aharon Haliva as well as head of the Central Command of the Israeli army Yehuda Fox, the commander of Unit 8200 would be the next.

Unit 8200 is an Intelligence Corps unit of the Israeli regime responsible for clandestine operations, collecting signal intelligence (SIGINT) and code decryption, counterintelligence, cyber warfare, military intelligence, and surveillance.

In resigning, Haliva said he took responsibility for the failures before the Palestinian resistance attack on the regime on October 7 last year.

He wrote in his resignation letter: "I carry that black day with me ever since, day after day, night after night. I will carry the horrible pain of the war with me forever."

Major General Fox also informed Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi that he intends to step down in August after a 3-year tenure as the general in charge of the occupied West Bank.

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Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with President Herzog of Israel

April 23, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President Isaac Herzog of Israel. She extended Passover greetings to him and the people of Israel. The Vice President noted that this Passoveraa holiday when the history of persecution of Jews is recountedais especially painful and resonant given the brutal Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, during which Hamas killed more than 1200 innocent people, including 44 Americans, took 240 people hostage, including Americans, and committed horrific acts of sexual violence.

They discussed developments in the Middle East and the Vice President underscored the Biden-Harris Administration's unwavering commitment to Israel's security, including international efforts to ensure Israel can defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and welcomed the supplemental funding package passed by the House of Representatives. The Vice President reiterated her deep concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and discussed steps to increase the flow of life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and ensure its safe distribution. The Vice President reaffirmed that we are working to establish an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza as part of a deal that releases hostages and enables the delivery of additional humanitarian aid. Following her meeting earlier this month with families of Americans taken hostage on October 7, the Vice President underscored our commitment to secure the release of all hostages and bring home the remains of those deceased.

The Vice President and President Herzog discussed recent developments in the United States, including deplorable cases of harassment and calls for violence against Jews. The Vice President condemned this reprehensible Antisemitism as well as the rise in Antisemitism around the world, and she underscored her and President Biden's commitment to speak out against it. The Vice President and President Herzog agreed to work together to combat Antisemitism and hate in all forms.

###

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Myanmar junta chief missing from public view after drone attack

Deputy Sr. Gen. Soe Win has not been reported in public since April 3.

By RFA Burmese 2024.04.23 -- A senior Myanmar military official has not been seen in public for weeks following a drone attack, leading to speculation he might have been wounded, according to a political analyst.

Junta vice chairman Soe Win, who is a deputy senior general and regularly attended meetings with the military chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, was not seen in junta media coverage of a military council meeting on agriculture and natural disasters on Monday.

Junta media, which regularly cover such meetings, showing the high-ranking officers in attendance, has not shown pictures of Soe Win, or reported his attendance at any meetings since the drone attack in the second week of April.

He was last seen publicly attending an army graduation ceremony in the city of Ba Htoo in Shan State on April 3, according to a junta press release.

An anti-junta guerilla group said it had attacked the Southeast Regional Military Command headquarters in Mon State on April 8. The group, the Alpha Bats Drone Force, announced the next day that it had carried out a drone attack during a military meeting at the regional headquarters in the city of Mawlamyine, which Soe Win and other senior officials were attending. The military officials were discussing sending reinforcements to the city of Myawaddy on the Thai border, where allied rebel forces have been battling junta troops.

Political analyst Than Soe Naing told RFA it was possible that Soe Win and other high-ranking officers were wounded in the drone attack.

"He may have been injured in a drone strike and disappeared from public view. But he did not die. There is some injury. I don't see any changes in the commander-in-chief and deputy commander-in-chief among the military council's members,", he told RFA Tuesday.

However, junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun dismissed such speculation in mid-April, telling media the general was performing regular security and defense duties.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Myanmar junta slams US aid plan

By Ingyin Naing April 23, 2024

Myanmar's ruling junta, the State Administrative Council, is criticizing a U.S. aid package that is being funneled through opponents of the regime, saying the United States should consider whether its actions amount to support for terrorism.

The assistance marks the first implementation of the BURMA Act, part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act aimed at helping pro-democracy forces battling the SAC.

Under the act, the aid is intended to strengthen federalism in Myanmar by providing nonlethal assistance to armed groups, helping pro-democracy organizations, assisting aid organizations operating from Thailand, and financing investigations of junta human rights violations. The aid is restricted to ensure it does not benefit the SAC or any entity affiliated with the Myanmar military.

"We believe the U.S. is manipulating Myanmar to counter China's influence in the region," the junta said in a statement provided to VOA on March 29. "Despite the U.S. presenting itself as a champion of democracy, the aid disproportionately benefits Myanmar's opposition groups, particularly the National Unity Government (NUG) and the People's Defense Force (PDF)."

The NUG is the opposition's shadow government; the PDF is made up of civilian armed groups battling the military.

The junta statement calls on the United States to review its aid allocation "to reassess whether their actions, which some label as terrorism, represent a legitimate path to reclaiming power."

The junta, which has killed and imprisoned thousands of people since overthrowing the democratically elected government in February 2021, accuses the NUG and PDF of responsibility for the civilian deaths. The statement did not elaborate on the charge that U.S. support for resistance groups in Myanmar is linked to Myanmar's adversarial relationship with China.

The promise of the BURMA Act

The Burma Unified Through Rigorous Military Accountability Act, commonly called the BURMA Act, says it aims to "continue to support the people of Burma in their struggle for democracy, human rights, and justice."

It identifies specific resistance groups as beneficiaries, including the NUG, and the National Unity Consultative Council, or NUCC, which comprises several opposition groups.

Also named are the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, which is made up of members of the ousted Myanmar parliament; the civil disobedience movement; "and other entities in Burma and in other countries" that seek to "bring about an end to the military junta's rule."

The act promises to "hold accountable perpetrators of human rights violations," and to "hold accountable the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China."

It provides $75 million for refugee assistance programs, including in Thailand and India, and $25 million for "technical support and non-lethal assistance" to the NUG and PDF. Smaller amounts are earmarked for governance programs, documentation of atrocities, and assistance to political prisoners, Rohingya and deserters from the junta's military.

The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority group, have faced persecution and discrimination in Myanmar for decades. In 2017, a military crackdown by the Myanmar army forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, seeking refuge from the violence and persecution.

The act authorizes appropriations to be allocated annually from fiscal years 2023 through 2027, with $121 million earmarked for FY 2024.

Process of the funding

During debate on the bill, the U.S. House of Representatives initially proposed a more limited $50 million aid package but agreed to the larger sum advocated by the Senate before final passage.

"We are pleased with the $121 million proposed by the Senate, instead of the $50 million proposed by the House. However, we believe this amount is insufficient, and should be closer to $300 million to meet the humanitarian needs on the ground," said James Shwe, from the Los Angeles Myanmar Movement, which works with Myanmar activists in the United States.

In a Zoom call with VOA, Shwe also criticized what he sees as the high administrative costs of aid distribution.

"Because of the lack of state-to-state cooperation in a case such as Myanmar, where the aid is meant for humanitarian assistance, but not for the ruling power, this leads to several layers of management," he said.

"The aid is funneled through USAID partners, the biggest of which is the U.N., which has to operate under the rules of the junta. In many cases, the U.N. will in turn deal with [non-governmental organizations]. The NGO then needs to distribute that aid to [civil society organizations] on the ground. This leads to ever-increasing administrative costs and less actual assistance to those in need."

Shwe said administration costs eat up around 45% of aid funds.

"Only $75 million of the $121 million is allocated for cross-border aid, which we believe will be more effective than channeling funds through the U.N., the largest partner of USAID," Shwe added. But he welcomed the lawmakers' decision to specifically name the NUG and the NUCC in the act, ensuring that they will play a role in the allocation of the funds.

Hopes for assistance amid U.S. engagement

Hopes for continued humanitarian assistance to Myanmar are on the rise after U.S. State Department Counselor Derek Chollet and USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Schiffer met this month with representatives from the NUG.

"The meeting underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to engage with Myanmar's NUG leadership and support their endeavors to promote democracy, peace, and stability in the region," said an April 11 State Department press release.

Chollet also met in late March with ethnic armed organizations allied with the NUG.

"Met today with leaders of Burma's 'K3C' ethnic group alliance on their extraordinary efforts to pursue a federal democracy in Burma," he wrote on X on March 28. "We discussed steps for the international community to expand assistance to those in need and secure a better future for the people of Burma."

The K3C alliance, comprising the Kachin Independence Organization, Karen National Union, Karenni National Progressive Party, and Chin National Front, is politically aligned with the NUG and collaborates militarily with its armed wing, the People's Defense Force.

"We briefed them on the political and military situation in our state, as well as the humanitarian situation," said Aung San Myint, secretary of the Karenni National Progressive Party, who shared details of the meeting with VOA by phone.

"Following our presentation, they assured us of continued collaboration as the U.S. Department of State. ... We have hope for increased humanitarian aid as discussions progress with U.S. officials."

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What's Behind The Deadly Surge Of Violence In Pakistan's Balochistan?

By Abubakar Siddique April 23, 2024

Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan has been the scene of a low-level insurgency and a brutal government crackdown for decades.

But the vast and resource-rich province -- home to the South Asian country's ethnic Baluch minority -- has witnessed a surge in deadly attacks in recent months.

The gun attacks and suicide bombings have targeted Pakistani security forces as well as foreign nationals.

Who Is Behind The Attacks?

Most of the attacks have been claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group and U.S.-designated terrorist organization.

The Majeed Brigade, the BLA's suicide squad, is believed to have carried out the most complex attacks.

The BLA is considered the largest armed group operating in Balochistan. It is allied with the Baloch Liberation Front, the other major separatist militant group active in the province. Experts believe the BLA has several thousand members.

Last year, Baluch militants carried out 110 attacks, according to the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank. In the first three months of 2024 alone, the groups have launched 62 attacks, suggesting a sharp rise.

Who Are They Targeting?

The BLA is targeting the Pakistani Army and police and has been blamed for killing Chinese workers.

Since January, the group has attacked government offices in the port city of Gwadar, the lynchpin of Chinese investments in energy and infrastructure in Pakistan. The BLA also attacked Pakistan's largest naval air force base and attempted to overrun the strategic town of Mach.

Assassinations and improvised-explosive-device (IED) attacks have been reported almost daily.

"Anyone affiliated with the state's crackdown in Balochistan is their target," said an Islamabad-based expert who tracks the region and spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

Zafar Baloch, a Balochistan researcher based in Britain, says the BLA and other separatist groups seek independence from Pakistan. The groups have demanded that the Pakistani military leave Balochistan and for China to end its "exploitative" projects in the province.

The Baluchis blame Islamabad for exploiting the vast natural resources in Balochistan and committing grave human rights abuses in the impoverished region.

Why Was There A Sharp Increase In Attacks?

The expert in Islamabad said the "recruitment of the separatist militant organizations has skyrocketed" recently. That, the analyst said, has enabled the groups to "launch more attacks."

The disputed February elections, marred by widespread allegations of fraud, added "fuel to the fire" because they deprived the Baluchis of real political representation, the analyst says.

The Baluch youth, the analyst says, do not "see any avenue for expressing their dissent."

Baluch political parties, which had formed most provincial governments in the past, lost power in the controversial elections.

Sarafaz Bugti, a Baluch politician who is backed by the military, now heads the provincial government.

Baloch, the Britain-based researcher, said that "Islamabad's counterinsurgency strategy, based on a militarized approach, is the root cause" of instability in Balochistan.

Activists have accused the Pakistan military of the enforced disappearances of thousands of people and a "kill-and-dump" policy against political activists and suspected armed separatists.

Baloch says Islamabad's suppression of a sit-in protest by the relatives of Baluch victims of forced disappearances and unlawful killings in January dented the community's hopes for a political solution to their woes.

Are Baluch Separatists Growing In Strength?

Analysts say the Taliban takeover of neighboring Afghanistan has boosted the capabilities of armed groups in the region, including Baluch separatist groups.

Some of the military gear and weapons left behind after the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021 and seized by the Taliban have turned up and been used by Baluch armed groups.

The influx of U.S. weapons has "opened new avenues for these groups to thrive," Baloch said.

The researcher says the BLA has also evolved in recent years. Once led by tribal figures, the group is now run by educated middle-class professionals who think in "modern and unconventional ways." Since 2018, several Baluch separatist groups have coalesced around the BLA.

Baloch says the group has used digital and social media to attract new recruits and cultivate sympathy from the civilian population.

Pakistan is not willing to address the deep-rooted political grievances that keep Balochistan unstable, the Islamabad-based analyst says.

"If 20 years of kinetic operations have not solved anything," the analyst said. "It will not solve anything in the next 20 years."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-balochistan-separatists- baluch/32917725.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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South Korea's Yoon reaffirms commitment to foreign policy agenda

By Christy Lee April 23, 2024

The South Korean government says it will push ahead with its foreign policy agenda despite a crushing defeat in parliamentary elections at the hands of a liberal opposition party that promises to push back against President Yoon Suk Yeol's foreign and security policies.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that the Yoon government will press on with its security cooperation with the U.S. and Japan in bilateral settings and in a trilateral framework.

Seoul will "cooperate closely" with the U.S. and Japan to carry out agreements made at a trilateral Camp David summit in August, the spokesperson said in an email to VOA's Korea Service. Those policies were developed in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

The spokesperson said the Yoon administration will also "continue to strengthen its partnership" with countries in the Indo-Pacific region "to support universal values that include freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights."

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) lost the general election on April 10, securing only 108 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly.

The opposition Democratic Party (DP) won 175 seats but fell short of securing the 200 or more needed for a supermajority that would have allowed them to advance bills for passage without the PPP. Four independent parties secured the rest of the seats.

Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, said, "The opposition party is expected to step up its criticism of Yoon's foreign policies since it favors a more accommodating stance toward Pyongyang and Beijing, resistance to improving relations with Japan and greater independence from U.S. policies."

Klingner, who served as the CIA's deputy division chief for Korea from 1996 to 2001, continued, "But such policies have less public support due to the failed U.S. and South Korean summits with North Korea in 2018-19, Pyongyang's rejection of all requests for dialogue and escalating provocations."

North Korea said through its state-run KCNA on Tuesday that it had conducted its first nuclear counterattack simulation drills.

The DP mounted criticism against the Yoon administration on Sunday for what it described as China exclusionary policies. It urged the administration to "abandon its biased foreign and security policies," said a report by The Korea Herald based in Seoul.

The Rebuilding Korea Party, a DP partner that won 12 seats in the National Assembly, slammed Yoon for what it called his "one-sided foreign policies centered on the U.S. and Japan," according to the report.

On Friday, Yoon called DP leader Lee Jae-myung and proposed to meet with him for the first time since he took office in May 2022, according to South Korean media. Lee lost the presidential election to Yoon nearly two years ago. The presidential office told the press on Saturday the details and time of their meeting are undetermined.

Evans Revere, a former State Department official with extensive experience negotiating with North Korea, said, "The Democratic Party, together with its opposition partners, may try to use its budget-setting and investigatory powers in the National Assembly to slow or otherwise limit the ruling party's ability to easily pursue its foreign policy and national security agenda."

He continued, "The DP may also try to use dialogue with the ruling party and the Blue House [former presidential residence] to express a willingness to compromise on domestic economic and social legislation in return for changes to President Yoon's foreign policy agenda."

He added, "But President Yoon's commitment to his foreign policy agenda is highly principled and deeply felt, and it seems unlikely that he would yield to such an opposition party."

At a conference that Yoon hosted Monday in Seoul for South Korean diplomats assigned overseas, he described the administration's "global pivotal state diplomacy" as the country's "signature policy." He credited the policy for key achievements such as an upgrade in the country's alliance with the United States and normalization of relations with Japan.

Yoon has pursued his vision for the country to become the "global pivotal state" since taking office in 2022. It calls for South Korea to promote freedom, democracy and the rules-based international order.

Robert Rapson, who served as charge d'affaires and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul from 2018 to 2021, said it remains to be seen whether the DP and its affiliates can force adjustments on external issues such as Japan, China and North Korea, as well as economic security policy.

"But they plan to give it a try, it seems."

VOA's Kim Hyungjin contributed to this report.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the opening of the exhibition dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the USSR's accession to UNESCO, Moscow, April 22, 2024

22 April 2024 18:03

749-22-04-2024

Your Excellency,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Friends,

I am sincerely delighted to welcome you to the ceremony dedicated to the 70th anniversary of our country's accession to UNESCO.

On April 21, 1954, Soviet Ambassador to the United Kingdom Yakov Malik signed the UNESCO Constitution on behalf of the USSR Government. This marked a significant milestone in strengthening the Organisation's capacity as a truly universal platform. Luther Evans, the American Director-General of UNESCO at the time, expressed great satisfaction in a letter to Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov upon learning about the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics joining the Organisation. He noted that international cooperation in education, science, and culture was essential for enhancing the security and happiness of people. And he was absolutely right.

The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic also became members of UNESCO almost simultaneously with the USSR. I would like to extend my congratulations on this anniversary to my Belarusian friends present here, for whom 2024 is also a year of anniversary celebration.

Our country has been a proactive and responsible member of UNESCO. Over the past seven decades, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to its ideals and principles. The provisions of the UNESCO Constitution on contributing "to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture" and fostering "intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind," are not mere words on paper. They hold enduring value and significance for us.

Certainly, the Organisation, originally designed to promote equal international cooperation among states, has not been immune to certain challenges from the outset. These include a bias towards excessive influence from Western countries in its Secretariat. Given the turbulent state of world affairs, these tendencies are even more evident today. It is disheartening to witness the manipulation of statutory provisions and rules of procedure, excessive politicisation, and the diversion of attention and resources from the Organisation's mandated tasks. Regrettably, we must acknowledge the misuse of this platform for geopolitical purposes and unprecedented discrimination against Russian representatives seeking to work at UNESCO, who sometimes endure waits of over a year for visas. Such situations were unheard of even during the Cold War.

Nevertheless, UNESCO remains a unique and universally significant humanitarian organisation. Attempts to "cancel" Russia within UNESCO will fall flat and will ultimately damage the Organisation's reputation and potential. Those who engage in such efforts act out of Russophobic and neo-colonial instincts, sacrificing the Organisation's integrity. Our collective task, alongside countries constituting the Global Majority, is to preserve the mechanisms of cooperation that have been developed over decades. By joining forces, we can overcome the current crisis and redirect UNESCO towards promoting professional and mutually beneficial dialogue.

During the St Petersburg Cultural Forum in November 2023, President Vladimir Putin spoke about UNESCO sponsoring a number of significant projects in Russia. We have always been in favour of the Organisation increasing its contribution to the search for solutions to global problems. The USSR was the main driving force within UNESCO during the campaign for the elimination of colonialism, neo-colonialism, and racism. Moscow stood at the source of many programme bodies, including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Russia was active in encouraging the emergence and development of several most important programmes that remain relevant to this day. These include the International Programme for the Development of Communication and the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The first Congress on Biosphere Reserves convened in Minsk in 1983. In 2003, the UNESCO General Conference established the International Basic Sciences Programme, as proposed by Russia. The Government of the Russian Federation advanced the initiative to establish the Dmitri Mendeleev International Prize for achievements in the field of basic sciences, the biggest award on the UNESCO platform to date.

With its unique language policy expertise, our country plays a prominent role in implementing the 2022-2032 International Decade of Indigenous Languages programme. Russian experts are contributing to the understanding of ethical implications of cutting-edge technological achievements, including artificial intelligence and neurotechnology.

Cooperation with the Russian corporate sector is yielding important results. For instance, since 2013, the PhosAgro Company has been implementing the Green Chemistry for Life grant programme in partnership with UNESCO and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. This initiative aims to support talented young scientists, with a focus on individuals from the Global South and East.

These are only a few of many examples of our mutually beneficial cooperation.

In our country, a representative Commission for UNESCO operates efficiently, serving as a platform that brings together federal and regional authorities, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, universities, museums, nature reserves, media outlets, research institutes, schools, and the creative intelligentsia.

In our practical work, we consistently prioritise advancement of a unifying agenda based on a balance of interests and the preservation of cultural sovereignty. Russia's commitment to upholding the statutory powers of the Organisation is shared by the overwhelming majority of member states. We are committed to boosting the capacities of developing countries within UNESCO's terms of reference, including as part of Priority Africa.

We extend our gratitude to the TASS information agency for their collaboration in organising today's exhibition and for providing the photographs that reflect the rich history of our interaction with UNESCO spanning seven decades. History springs to life before our own eyes.

Special words of appreciation go to our Ministry's Department of History and Records for their invaluable contribution to filling the exhibition with photographs and documents that serve as tangible evidence of that era. The exhibition will be displayed throughout the anniversary year at the square in front of the TASS building, as well as at the UNESCO headquarters.

The programme for today's festive event features the cancellation of a stamp block created for the 70th anniversary of the Marka Company, with support from the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media. These philatelic items showcase Russian World Heritage sites. We fully support this commendable initiative, which underscores our dedication to the principles outlined in the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

In conclusion, I would like to recall the words of Alexander Kuznetsov, head of the Soviet delegation at the 10th session of the General Conference in 1958 (the then first deputy minister of culture of the USSR): "Let the word 'peace' shine as an eternal star at UNESCO, this crossroads of ideas." The Russian Federation is seeking to put these words into practice, opposing attempts to play havoc with our Organisation's mission and dim the brightness of this star. We will not allow this.

***

It appears that all the right words have been spoken. We remain committed to the principles laid down by the Founding Fathers and Mothers at the inception of this fine Organisation. I am confident that UNESCO will weather the current challenging times, marked by widespread attempts to preserve domination and neo-colonial agendas, including in matters related to mankind's historical heritage and artistic achievements of different civilisations, including on the platform of this Organisation. UNESCO will return to its sources and its mission that meets the interests of all civilisations, countries, peoples, cultures, and religions without exception.

To UNESCO, and to all those who cherish its ideals and will take these ideals forward to the generations to come!

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In pics: Chinese exhibitors at Hannover Messe 2024 in Germany

Xinhua) 16:27, April 24, 2024

An industrial welding robot of Siasun Robot and Automation Co., Ltd. is seen at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 22, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People talk at the booth of Jiangsu Nanfang Precision Co., Ltd. at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People walk past the booth of Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

A staff member of Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd. (1st R) demonstrates a robotic dog at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 22, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

This photo taken on April 22, 2024 shows the booth of Taicang, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Visitors walk past the booth of Invest in China at Hannover Messe 2024 in Hannover, Germany, April 22, 2024. The exhibition, focused on "energizing a sustainable industry," runs until Friday and attracted almost 4,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries and regions. Among them, Chinese exhibitors accounted for 30 percent of participants, second only to the host Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Defence Ministry Board session takes place in Moscow

23.04.2024

Today, Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu holds a Defence Ministry Board session at the National Centre for State Defence Control.

Opening the session, the Russian Defence Minister briefed the attendees on the progress of the special military operation.

'The Russian Groups of Forces hold the initiative along the entire line of contact and continue to push the enemy out of the line of contact. Russian servicemen have liberated Pervomayskoye, Bogdanovka, and Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic) as a result of active combat operations. The control zone is being extended in Berdychi and Georgiyevka,' Sergei Shoigu said.

He also added that our high combat potential allowed Russia to constantly inflict fire damage on the enemy and prevent the adversary from holding the line of defence.

'Washington is going to allocate almost $61 billion to the Kiev regime to prevent the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) from failure. Most of the funding will go to the U.S. defence industry. The U.S. authorities cynically claim that Ukrainians will die for their interests in the fight against the Russian Federation,' the Russian Defence Minister noted.

According to the Russian Defence Minister, since the beginning of the special military operation, the AFU has suffered losses of almost half a million troops.

'Kiev regime failed to achieve its objectives in the counter-offensive prepared by the NATO instructors. Russian servicemen defused the myth of the Western weapons' superiority,' Sergei Shoigu said.

The enterprises of the Russian defence industry have increased their capabilities. The Russian Armed Forces have significantly enhanced the combat potential. It is proved by the situation in the special military operation zone.

'Russia will continue to improve the composition and structure of the armed forces and increase the production of the most in-demand weapons and military hardware in proportion to the threats posed by the United States and its allies. We shall increase the intensity of strikes against logistics centres and storage facilities of the Western armament. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will continue to carry out the tasks until the special military operation's objectives are fully achieved', the Russian Defence Minister stated.

* * *

The head of the military department then discussed the involvement of the Armed Forces in flood relief operation.

Since March, military personnel have been involved in flood control measures on rivers in Bashkiria and Buryatia, Transbaikal and Khabarovsk regions, and Ulyanovsk and Chelyabinsk regions, and have ensured the unimpeded passage of ice in several sectors of the rivers.

Efforts are still underway to stabilise the flood situation in Orenburg and Tyumen regions and to deal with the consequences of high water levels of the Ural and Ishim rivers.

Work in this area is still underway.

* * *

Moving on to the thematic agenda of the session, Sergei Shoigu proposed to discuss the state and prospects for the development of air defence and anti-missile defence troops.

'In total, more than 22,000 drones and about 6,000 projectiles, to include HIMARS 3,549 and Vampire 361 projectiles, as well as about 2,000 other aerial targets, to include 592 warplanes, 270 helicopters, 349 anti-aircraft guided and tactical ballistic missiles, 329 guided missiles, 278 anti-radiation missiles, and 37 air balloons have been eliminated since the beginning of combat operations.

Regional authorities in Moscow, the regions of Moscow, Leningrad, and Belgorod, and Krasnodar province make a significant contribution to increasing the effectiveness of the air defence system. With their support, units are formed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, and positions are equipped for anti-aircraft missile and radio-technical troops.

One of the priorities for the development of the Aerospace Forces is to equip the Air Defence and Anti-Missile Defence forces with promising weapons. Today, the proportion of modern samples has reached 82%, and this figure needs to be increased to 85% in the next two years,' Sergei Shoigu stressed.

This year the troops are going to receive:

A the first samples of a new generation S-500 anti-aircraft missile system in two modifications: long-range anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-missile defence systems;

A S-400, S-300V4, Buk-M3, and Tor-M2U anti-aircraft missile systems;

A new-generation radar stations;

'The Pantsir anti-aircraft missile systems have proved to be successful. This year we will almost double their supply,' General of the Army Sergei Shoigu added.

Improvement of air defence and anti-aircraft missile defence systems will provide high-quality cover for the most important objects of the command and control system, strategic nuclear forces, and groups of forces.

* * *

The participants of the Board's session next discussed work towards the formation of the Leningrad and Moscow military districts.

'Military and political tensions increased in the western and north-western strategic directions following Sweden's joining the North Atlantic Alliance in early March. Today, the NATO troop reinforcement has up to 33,000 military personnel, about 300 tanks, and more than 800 other armoured fighting vehicles at the Russian borders,' Sergei Shoigu said.

The Headquarters of the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine is deployed on the basis of the United States European Command in Germany.

A series of exercises of the NATO forces are taking place right now. Up to 90,000 troops are involved in them training to repel Russia's allegedly prepared aggression.

The Alliance is trying to increase activity in the Arctic.

'Such actions by Western countries are forcing us to apply adequate response measures,' Sergei Shoigu stated.

He recalled that in 2022 the Supreme Commander-in-Chief decided to transform the Western Military District into Leningrad and Moscow military districts. Since 1 March, they have received all the relevant instructions and have started operation.

The formation of the Leningrad Military District involved more than 250 events. The 44th Army Corps has been established. Three motorised rifle brigades will be reformed into motorised rifle divisions.

This year's organisational events are synchronised with the supply of more than 7,000 units of weapons and military equipment.

The Moscow Military District has held more than 400 organisational events. Another ten events will have been completed by the end of the year. The troops will receive more than 2,400 pieces of modern weapons and equipment.

The training level of military personnel and command and control bodies is being improved in these units. The experience gained during the special military operation is being put into practice.

Particular attention is paid to training military personnel to effectively use unmanned aerial vehicles. The drills are supervised by combat instructors.

'We shall continue to build up the capacity of the districts in accordance with the Ministry of Defence's Activity Plan,' the Russian Defence Minister concluded.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Russian media: Kremlin plans to deploy ballistic missiles on Finnish border

By Henry Ridgwell April 23, 2024

Russian media report that the Kremlin plans to deploy ballistic missiles close to its border with Finland. It's the latest in a series of military and hybrid threats that Russia has made against the Nordic state since it joined NATO in April last year in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian newspaper Izvestia reported Monday that a new brigade will be deployed in the Karelia region bordering Finland, equipped with an Iskander-M ballistic missile system.

The Izvestia report quoted an ex-commander of Russia's Baltic Fleet, Admiral Vladimir Valuev, who told the newspaper that "the formation of a missile brigade is a very timely decision. This is an adequate response to Finland's accession to NATO."

Despite the proximity to Finland, the potential deployment is not raising alarm bells in Helsinki, said security analyst Charly Salonius-Pasternak of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.

"This is really not news. And of course, announcing a thing and then doing something about it are two very different things when it comes from Russia. So overall, we really haven't seen a lot other than rhetoric," he told VOA.

Finland has warned that it is facing varied security and hybrid threats from Russia since it joined NATO.

In the second half of 2023, following Finland's accession to the alliance, over 1,300 migrants from countries including Yemen, Syria and Somalia began to arrive at the Finnish-Russian border to try to claim asylum.

Helsinki closed all crossing points along the frontier in November, accusing the Kremlin of weaponizing migration. They were reopened briefly, but swiftly closed again after another surge in migrant arrivals. The closure was extended indefinitely earlier this month.

Finland wants the European Union to help in preventing any future migrant crisis.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo hosted the European Union's Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on a tour of the border region Friday.

"Now we have to find common solutions to stop this phenomenon when Russia uses illegal immigrants against us. We are preparing our own legislation, but we also need EU-level measures," Orpo said.

Von der Leyen pledged the EU's support. "This is a new phenomenon. It is a hybrid threat, and it has to be dealt (with) as a hybrid threat to national security. And what we see is that a state is instrumentalizing poor people to put pressure on another state. So that is a clear security issue, and we will certainly be dealing for quite a long time with that, and we will have to prepare for that," she told reporters at the Imatra border crossing on the Russian frontier.

Finland is building a fence along part of the 1,340-kilometer (833-mile) border and increasing patrols. The government is debating legislation to block asylum-seekers entering from Russia. Von der Leyen said any such measures must strike a balance between protecting security and international obligations on the rights of refugees.

The threats go beyond a migrant crisis, said analyst Charly Salonius-Pasternak.

"The Russian security services, once some of these individuals have gotten to Finland, are seeking to recruit them to then cause further mayhem within Finland."

It's part of Russia's hybrid campaign against Finland and other NATO allies, Salonius-Pasternak added.

"The Russian land forces are, of course, engaged in Ukraine, so we really haven't seen a lot of (military threats), except some posturing. But there's certainly an expectation from the Finnish authorities that cyber-attacks, maybe other attacks on infrastructure, as well as this weaponization of humans, will continue. Now that winter is slowly receding here, the long border becomes, of course, much more passable."

Russia denies trying to create a migrant crisis on the Finnish border. Moscow has described Finland's accession to NATO as a "historic mistake" that would force it to take what it called "countermeasures."

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Military aid act 'tangible demonstration' of U.S. support for Taiwan: lawmakers

ROC Central News Agency

04/23/2024 09:35 PM

Taipei, April 23 (CNA) A group of visiting United States lawmakers on Tuesday said the recent passage of a Security Supplemental Appropriations Act through the U.S. Congress is a "tangible demonstration" of Washington's support toward Taipei.

"Actions speak louder than words," said Congressman Dan Kildee during a press event in Taipei.

"The security supplemental is a tangible demonstration that when it comes to the need that Taiwan has to defend itself against any aggression, the United States will be there," Kildee of the Democratic Party, who serves on the Ways and Means Committee, said during the press event.

Answering the same question, Congresswoman Lisa McClain said the overwhelming and bipartisan support for passing the act by the House of Representatives "speaks volumes to how we view our relationship with Taiwan."

"The parties spoke resoundingly," McClain, secretary of the House Republican Conference who serves on the Committee on Armed Services, said.

The two lawmakers made their remarks when asked by a reporter about their views on the skepticism felt by some in Taiwan towards the U.S. despite the passing of the 2024 Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act by the House of Representatives on April 20 in a 385-34 vote.

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which will now be sent to the Senate, will provide financial resources for military assistance to Taiwan and for the maintenance of regional security.

Under the legislation, US$2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds will go to Taiwan and other U.S. regional security partners to counter Chinese aggression, and another US$1.9 billion will go to replenishing defense articles and defense services for Taiwan and regional partners.

Meanwhile, when asked about their expectations on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's upcoming visit to China later this week, McClain said she hopes America's top diplomat will talk about the importance of peace.

"China is not our friend economically, educationally, and militarily. We need to make sure that we stand strong as a leader, not only for us but for the free world and democracy."

"And my hope is that he talks about the power of democracy and the power of peace because stronger together. The more we have peace, the more we can grow economically," she added.

Kildee, meanwhile, said he expected Blinken to be "very candid" with the Chinese side during his visit.

Issues including peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, and the U.S. concern over China's "unfair trade and non-market economic practices" as well as human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, "are important messages that have to be heard," he added.

Blinken is expected to visit Shanghai and Beijing from April 24-26, during which he will warn China about its support for Russia's military, according to the U.S. State Department.

Kildee, McClain and Mark Alford from the Republican Party are currently visiting Taiwan from Tuesday through Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during their three-day visit, the trio will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen () and attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu () to discuss views on U.S.-Taiwan relations and cross-strait and regional security issues.

The group already met with Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te () earlier on Tuesday.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 23, 2024

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/04/23

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Monday to Tuesday, Apr. 22-23

PLA activities

2 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.



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Taiwan President-elect: US military aid package strengthens deterrence against authoritarianism

By VOA News April 23, 2024

Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te says the U.S. House of Representatives passage over the weekend of an $8 billion military aid package to counter China's influence will "strengthen deterrence against authoritarianism" and "boost confidence in the region."

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $95 billion joint aid bill Saturday that included money for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. That bill is set to be voted on in the U.S. Senate Tuesday.

In addition to the $8 billion for Taiwan, another $1.9 billion in the bill is allocated to replenishing U.S. weapons sent to Taiwan and other allies in the region.

Lai said the bill shows Washington's "commitment to Taiwan's security," adding that it would "help ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and also boost confidence in the region."

Lai made his remarks about the bill while speaking with a visiting U.S. delegation that included two visiting U.S. representatives from the state of Michigan, Lisa McClain, a Republican, and Dan Kildee, a Democrat. The two lawmakers are visiting Taiwan to discuss regional security.

The progress of the aid in Congress comes as tensions between with China are on the rise. Beijing claims the self-ruled island is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to make that goal a reality. Since Lai was elected in January, Beijing has been ramping up the pressure on Taipei, regularly sending fighter jets and navy ships into waters and air space around Taiwan.

Kildee said that the timing of the delegation's visit is significant, as it follows the House passage of the aid bill. He said the bill would "provide very important support to ensure security in this region."

During the meeting, McClain said: "Peace is our goal. But to do that, we have to have relationships and we value your relationship. Not only militarily, but economically," McClain said of Taiwan during the visit.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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Prime Minister's defence speech in Warsaw: 23 April 2024

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes a speech on defence.

23 April 2024

My first duty as Prime Minister is the security of the British people.

And fulfilling that profound responsibility is only possible because of you.

Just ten days ago, I gave the order for the RAF to join an international effort...

...intercepting a barrage of Iranian missiles headed towards Israel.

Those pilots, like you, and like every generation of British service men and women before you...

...were willing to put their own safety over the line...

...for the security of others and the defence of our liberties and our values.

From your Regiment's service in Iraq and Afghanistan...

...to your current role here in Poland, protecting NATO's eastern flank...

...you have made those sacrifices in the service of our country.

I am truly humbled by your courage and professionalism.

And on behalf of a proud and grateful nation, let me simply say: thank you.

But I haven't just brought you together today to express my gratitude.

I want to talk to you about how we equip you to do your duty...

...in an increasingly dangerous world.

We have entered a period of history in which competition between countries has sharpened profoundly.

An axis of authoritarian states with different values to ours...

...like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China...

...are increasingly assertive.

The danger they pose is not new.

But what is new is that these countries - or their proxies...

...are causing more instability, more quickly, in more places at once.

And they're increasingly acting together...

...making common cause in an attempt to reshape the world order.

Now I know there are some people who will think these are faraway problems.

But they are not.

They pose real risks to the United Kingdom's security and prosperity.

Russia has already poisoned people on British soil with chemical weapons.

Caused energy bills to soar.

Weaponised migration.

And sent technology to Iran in exchange for weapons, like the Shaheed drones...

...that I saw myself are wreaking such devastation on Ukraine.

Iran themselves have threatened to kill and kidnap people within our borders for exercising their right to free speech.

And used proxies like the Houthis, to attack British ships in the Red Sea...

...disrupting supplies of crucial goods to our high streets.

North Korea, too, is supplying munitions and artillery to Russia...

...and their hackers have targeted British businesses and the NHS.

And Chinese state-affiliated actors have conducted malicious cyber campaigns...

...against British MPs.

China itself is engaged in a huge military modernisation programme.

Potential flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific...

...could have an impact on the global economy far larger even than Covid.

And China is increasingly working with others to try and reshape the world...

...including their so-called 'unlimited partnership' with Russia.

So the new assertiveness of these authoritarian states far from our shores must concern us.

Because they are increasingly acting together...

...against the fundamental values that we all hold dear...

...of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

Now, we must not overstate the danger.

We're not on the brink of war.

And nor do we seek it.

And people should feel reassured...

...that the UK's armed forces are some of the most professional...

...well-trained, well-equipped, and battle-ready in the world.

And I'm incredibly proud of all they've achieved.

From patrolling the Arctic Circle as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force...

...to the campaign against Daesh in the deserts of Iraq and Syria.

From protecting the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea...

...to policing the skies above Eastern Europe.

And just look at the investments we've made in the last decade.

A40 billion in the British Army...

...who proudly provide one of NATO's strategic reserves...

...with 16,000 troops deployed to Europe this year.

The Royal Air Force, equipped with new Typhoons, Chinooks, F35s...

...with the GCAP programme delivering new fighter jets with Japan and Italy.

The Royal Navy is a carrier navy once again...

...with 22 new ships and submarines on the way...

...and the historic AUKUS partnership building the most advanced nuclear-powered subs the world has ever known.

And we've launched a new national endeavour to invigorate and invest more in our nuclear deterrent.

And all of this is combined with our outstanding diplomatic network...

...development expertise, law enforcement and intelligence agencies...

...and our support for allies - above all the A12bn we've provided to Ukraine.

So I'm proud of our record on defence.

And confident in our ability to deter our adversaries.

...and ensure the security of the United Kingdom.

But in a world that's the most dangerous...

...it's been since the end of the Cold War...

...we cannot - and must not - be complacent.

As Churchill said, in 1934:

"To urge the preparation of defence is not to assert the imminence of war.

On the contrary, if war were imminent...

...preparations for defence would be too late."

I believe we must do more...

...to defend our country, our interests, and our values.

So today, I'm announcing...

...the biggest strengthening of our national defence for a generation.

We will increase defence spending to a new baseline of 2.5% of GDP, by 2030.

That starts today.

And rises steadily in each and every year.

Over the next six years, we'll invest an additional A75bn in our defence.

And it will be fully funded with no increase in borrowing or debt.

So this is not some vague aspiration for the future.

We have a clear plan for what we'll spend, when we'll spend it, and how we pay for it.

A plan that makes the United Kingdom by far the largest defence power in Europe - and second largest in NATO.

Today is a landmark moment in the defence of the United Kingdom.

This is a generational investment in British security and British prosperity.

It makes us safer at home and stronger abroad.

Now we have three immediate priorities for this new investment.

First, we will put the UK's own defence industry on a war footing.

One of the central lessons of the war in Ukraine...

...is that we need deeper stockpiles of munitions...

...and for industry to be able to replenish them more quickly.

So today, we're giving A10bn in munitions to give industry long-term funding certainty...

...backed by long-term contracts...

...so they can produce more, be readier to surge capacity...

...and move to 'always on' production, when required.

From surface-to-air-missiles made in Bolton...

...to anti-tank weapons in Belfast...

...we will replenish our stockpiles...

...all while supporting British jobs right across the Union.

But it's not just about investing more - we must invest better.

For too long, too much of our defence procurement...

...has been over-complex, over-budget, and over-time.

So we are making radical reforms to our procurement model...

...to make sure this new investment delivers value for money.

And to encourage private sector investment into defence production...

...I can also announce today that we're going to put beyond doubt that defence investment...

...does count towards environmental, social and governance assessments.

There is nothing more ethical than defending our way of life from those who threaten it.

Now all of this will put us at the forefront of the global defence industry...

...allow us to hugely ramp up defence production...

...and give our armed forces the capability they need to keep us safe.

But as in so many areas of our lives, technology is changing the face of war.

So our second immediate priority is innovation and new technology.

We need to innovate and adapt faster than our adversaries...

...in space and cyberspace just as much as land, sea, and air.

Look at Ukraine.

Many aspects of the war would be familiar to a soldier from WWI or II

Yet others would be unimaginably different.

Like the fact that cheap, high-tech, autonomous drones could disable large parts of Russia's Black Sea fleet.

The good news is that innovation is already one of our greatest strengths.

The UK's own Dragonfire laser directed energy weapon...

...costs only A10 a shot...

...yet is accurate enough to hit a A1 coin from a kilometre away.

And today we're going further.

We will increase defence R&D to at minimum to 5% of the defence budget.

Invest far more in autonomous drones.

And we will set up a new Defence Innovation Agency.

So that for the first time, decisions about defence innovation...

...will be brought together in a single, strategic agency...

...that will be freed from red tape ...

...and work with the private sector on emerging new technologies.

Now third, we must support Ukraine for the long term.

Since the Cold War ended, the freedom of our continent has been based on a simple idea:

That it is for people to decide the fate of their countries, not foreign armies.

But allow Putin to win in Ukraine...

...and that principle of sovereignty would be undermined.

We would be dragged back to a world...

...where brute force, rather than the democratic will of free peoples...

...would shape borders and decide futures.

And Putin will not stop in Ukraine.

Win there, and he - and indeed others - will be emboldened.

He has the desire, if not yet the capacity, to attack other countries in Europe...

...potentially including NATO allies, who we would be bound to defend...

...just as they are bound to defend us.

The costs of failing to support Ukraine now will be far greater than the costs of repelling Putin.

Because only if he fails will he and other adversaries be deterred.

That is why the United Kingdom...

...whose history of standing up to dictators is so much part of our national consciousness...

...has come together with our allies to stand with Ukraine from the very start.

Today we will go further.

We will send Ukraine an additional half a billion pounds , hitting A3 billion of support this year.

And we'll provide them with largest-ever package of UK military equipment.

This will include more than 400 vehicles...

...4 million rounds of ammunition...

...60 boats and offshore raiding craft...

...vital air defences...

...and long-range precision-guided Storm Shadow missiles.

And as we make our historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP...

...we'll move past this stop-start, piecemeal way of backing Ukraine...

...so that alongside our long-term security guarantee...

...we are today providing a long-term funding guarantee...

...of at least the current level of military support to Ukraine, for every year it is needed.

That is the longest commitment any nation has provided.

And it shows that Ukraine is not alone, and Ukraine will never be alone.

A decade ago, as Russian tanks rolled into Crimea...

...and the fight against ISIL raged across the Middle East...

...NATO allies came together in Wales, and reached an historic agreement...

...to increase their defence budgets to 2% of GDP.

Back then, the UK was one of only 4 countries who did so.

Today, there are 11.

And I believe we will look back on this moment...

...as a similar turning point in European security.

Because for all that we welcome the news over the weekend...

...that the US Congress agreed a new package of aid for Ukraine...

...support that will be indispensable on the frontline...

...this is not the moment for complacency.

We cannot keep expecting America to pay any price or bear any burden...

...if we ourselves are unwilling to make greater sacrifices for our own security.

So I'm proud that the United Kingdom is increasing our defence spending to A87bn a year...

...the biggest strengthening of our national defence in a generation...

...guaranteeing our position as the second largest defence power in NATO, after the US.

All across Europe...

...countries like Poland, Germany, Norway and the Baltic nations...

...are stepping up to take greater responsibility for our own security.

And I'm confident that whether in months or years...

...others will follow, too.

And at this turning point in European security, if 2.5% becomes a new benchmark for all NATO partners to reach...

...allied defence spending would increase by over A140 billion.

That would provide a level of safety and security for the British people...

...and the peoples of all allied nations...

...that far outstrips anything we could achieve alone.

To conclude, we did not choose this moment. But it falls to us to meet it.

In a world of increasing threats, we must show our enemies that we are resolute and determined.

That their attempts to destabilise our world or redraw its borders by force will fail.

That with our friends and allies, we will be at the forefront of the defence of the free, democratic world.

And under my leadership, the United Kingdom will always stand up for our interests...

...deter our enemies, and defend our values.

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China slashes hypocritical move by US on Ukraine crisis ahead of Blinken's visit, urging Washington to end blameshifting

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Apr 23, 2024 06:01 PM

China voiced the firm opposition to the hypocritical moves by the US on the Ukraine crisis by enacting massive aid bills for Ukraine while making baseless accusations against the normal trade between China and Russia, which will also be one of the major issues to be discussed during the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China.

Blinken is expected to "raise US concerns Beijing is helping Russia build up its defense industrial base to fight the war in Ukraine," Reuters reported recently, citing US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The US official accused China of supplying Russia with everything from chips to cruise missile engines to help rebuild its industrial base, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

"On one hand, the US enacts massive aid bills for Ukraine, and on the other, it makes baseless accusations against the normal economic and trade interactions between China and Russia, which is extremely hypocritical and irresponsible. China resolutely opposes this," Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Tuesday.

On the issue of Ukraine, China has always maintained an objective and fair stance, actively advocating for peace and promoting a political solution. China consistently controls the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations, Wang said.

China is not the creator or a party to the Ukraine crisis, does not add fuel to the fire, does not take advantage of the situation for gain, and does not accept blame shifting, the spokesperson noted.

China has the right to engage in normal economic and trade interactions with all countries in the world, including Russia, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, a right that should not be interfered with or undermined, Wang said.

"China's legitimate rights and interests must not be violated," he said, advising the US that fanning the flames or shifting blame is not the correct way to resolve the issue in Ukraine.

The only right choice is to take into account the reasonable security concerns of all parties and to establish a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework through dialogue and negotiation, he said.

The US is drafting sanctions that threatened to cut some Chinese banks or from the global financial systems, which some US officials said will help stop China's commercial support of Russia's military production, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

"We strongly oppose the hypocritical behavior of the US, which fans the flames itself yet shifts the blame onto China," Wang said.

China's right to engage in normal economic and trade interactions with all countries, including Russia, must not be violated. We will resolutely defend our legitimate rights and interests, the spokesperson stressed.

When asked about what is the best case scenario result of the Blinken's visit to China given the tensions in the China-US relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said this visit is part of implementing the consensus reached between the heads of state at the San Francisco meeting, maintaining dialogue, managing differences, advancing cooperation, and strengthening coordination on international affairs.

Both China and the US will discuss the implementation of the important items of consensus reached during the San Francisco meeting and recent calls between the heads of state, and exchange views on China-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern, Wang said.

Ahead of the upcoming visit, a senior official from China's Foreign Ministry highlighted the five major targets that China is focusing on during this visit, making solemn representations and demands on matters such as the Taiwan question, trade and technology restrictions and the South China Sea issue.

The Chinese official stressed that the US' launch of a new 301 investigation out of domestic political considerations is a mistake repeated.

We urge the U.S. side to genuinely comply with WTO rules, to remove all additional tariffs imposed on China and not to increase them further. China will take all necessary measures to defend its own rights and interests, Wang said.

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Landsbergis at the EU's Foreign Affairs Council: "Lithuania supports Germany's initiative to supply air defence systems to Ukraine"

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024.04.23

On 22 April in Luxembourg, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabrielius Landsbergis, attended the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council, which discussed the situation in Ukraine and the necessary support from the EU in a joint session gathering both EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs and EU Ministers of Defence. A joint session of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs focused on the situation of the Middle East and Sudan.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister underlined that Lithuania was helping Ukraine to restore the functionality of its energy sector following the recent Russian attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Still, for these efforts to be sustainable, providing much better air defence systems to Ukraine is necessary. Lithuania supports Germany's initiative to supply air defence systems to Ukraine and calls on other countries to participate more actively.

"Russia feels encouraged and escalates by planning hybrid kinetic attacks, including in our countries - the recent detentions in Germany, the Baltic states and Poland show that such efforts will only increase in the future; they can also be more aggressive," Landsbergis said, calling for stronger coordination and sanctions pressure on Russia, Belarus and Iran.

"Russia should not be exempted concerning dual-use and advanced technology items. Given that the Lukashenko regime is helping Russia to circumvent sanctions, there is also an urgent need to tighten sanctions against Belarus. The Iranian drones, which were used to attack Ukraine daily and to carry out an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, still contain Western components; we also need to strengthen the sanctioning pressure on the ballistic missile manufacturing sector," Landsbergis said.

During the Council, Lithuania's Foreign Minister expressed his concerns over revived efforts by Georgia's ruling party to pass the foreign agent law. Landsbergis called on the European Commission to present an assessment of Georgia's steps in implementing the Commission's recommendations.

"A country that aspires to become a member of the European Union and actively seeks to start negotiations, is actively seeking candidate status, and is taking the next steps must take into account both the rules and norms adopted by the organisation it wants to join," Landsbergis said.

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Lithuania handed over M577 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-04-23

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

As Lithuania continues rendering steady military assistance to Ukraine, the war-torn country received Lithuania's shipment of M577 armored personnel carriers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Responding to the requests made by Ukraine, Lithuania has already transferred 155 mm ammunition, M577 armored personnel carriers, drone-jamming equipment, cold season gear and warm clothing, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle ammunition, RISE-1 smart initiation system, powered generators, disassembled L-39ZA Albatros light ground support aircraft, and more support this year.

Lithuania's long-term assistance to Ukraine has reached a billion euros, while the military assistance amounts to approx. EUR 610 million. Over this year approx. EUR 84 million of assistance has been provided already and the dynamic is planned to hold.

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Biden promises quick provision of additional arms to Ukraine in call with Zelensky

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:42, April 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, April 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over phone on Monday that his administration will soon quickly provide additional arms to Ukraine once a bill authorizing related funds clears Congress and becomes law.

"President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraine's urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law," the White House said in a readout of the call.

Biden was referring to the 61-billion-dollar aid for Ukraine that the House passed Saturday. The measure, now bundled with other foreign aid funds, will be voted on as a comprehensive national security supplemental appropriations bill in the Senate this week, with passage all but certain and Biden pledging to sign it as soon as it descents on his desk.

"President Biden also underscored that the U.S. economic assistance will help maintain financial stability, build back critical infrastructure," the readout said, adding that the economic assistance will also "support reform as Ukraine moves forward on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration."

On the Ukrainian side, Zelensky said on Telegram that the new aid from Washington is expected to strengthen Ukraine's air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities.

The Ukrainian president also discussed with Biden the work on a bilateral security agreement and the preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland slated for mid-June, he said.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from the state of New York, said on X on Saturday that senators reached an agreement to vote on the national security supplemental on Tuesday.

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Russia says will intensify strikes on Western weapons storage in Ukraine

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 23 April 2024 2:09 PM

Russia says its forces will intensify attacks on Ukrainian storage bases housing Western-supplied weapons as the United States is set to get the arms moving to the country "quickly."

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday Russia "will increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centers and storage bases for Western weapons."

He said Moscow had "dispelled the myth of the superiority of Western weapons."

"In proportion to the threats posed by the United States and its allies, we will continue to improve the composition and structure of the Armed Forces and increase the production of the most popular weapons and military equipment," the defense minister stated.

Ukraine is awaiting US Senate approval of a new aid package worth nearly $61 billion following a vote by the House of Representatives this weekend.

The House on Saturday approved the $95 billion package a which also includes aid for other US allies a after months of delay as some Republican lawmakers opposed further funding for Ukraine.

The aid bill is now due to go to the Senate on Tuesday.

If passed in the upper chamber of Congress, President Joe Biden has said he will sign it into law immediately, so that he "can quickly send weapons and equipment to Ukraine to meet their urgent battlefield needs."

In a message on X, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Biden promised that Kiev could expect badly needed weapons to arrive "quickly." He said Biden assured him that a coming package of aid would also include long-range and artillery capabilities.

The Ukrainian leader said last week that Moscow has 10 times more artillery shells than his country, which is already outgunned after more than two years of war with Russia.

Zelensky also made it clear "we will have no chance of winning," unless aid from the US resumes.

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With New U.S. Aid, Ukraine Looks To Stabilize The Line, Seize The Initiative

By Todd Prince and Current Time April 23, 2024

The impending $60 billion aid package for Ukraine in the United States is not coming a moment too soon.

The situation on the front has been so dire for Ukrainian forces in recent weeks that CIA Director William Burns warned that Kyiv could lose the war against Russia by the end of the year if substantial aid was not forthcoming.

Over the past few months, as politicians in the U.S. Congress have wrangled over the aid allocation, Russian forces have been attacking at a handful of spots along the 1,000-kilometer front running through eastern and southern Ukraine, taking advantage of their opponent's dwindling stockpiles of weapons and ammunition.

Deploying overwhelming barrages of artillery and guided bombs, Russian forces captured Avdiyivka in February, their first major victory since May 2023. Now they appear to be closing in on Chasiv Yar, an elevated town that could serve as a gateway to more important targets in the Kyiv-controlled parts of the Donbas region.

But on April 21, the U.S. House of Representatives, over the objections of some hard-line members of the Republican Party, passed the controversial aid bill. Its adoption by the Senate and signing by President Joe Biden in the coming days seems certain. Passage of the bill should lead to the quick resumption of ammunition and weapons shipments to Ukraine and will have Kyiv and its allies breathing a sigh of relief.

Not A Silver Bullet

The weapons supplies -- which analysts say will likely include small arms, artillery shells, Javelin anti-tank missiles, long-range rockets, shoulder-launched Stingers, and other air-defense systems, among other items -- will enable Ukraine to meet Russia's expected summer offensive with robust firepower, potentially inflicting large-scale losses.

"The U.S. aid package will help Ukraine stabilize the front," Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told RFE/RL on April 22. "Ukrainian forces will be able to, if not stop these Russian attacks, at least resist them much more strongly and conduct their own limited attacks."

"Concerns about a Ukrainian collapse or Russian breakthrough will be eased," he said.

Stabilizing the front will give Ukraine the opportunity to rebuild its forces for a possible large-scale offensive next year, Cancian says. Ukraine earlier this month passed a new mobilization bill to recruit more men for the front and relieve those who have been fighting for two years or more.

"I think the key thing now is training the forces and equipping them," he said.

This summer, Russia is expected to launch a large-scale offensive targeting the Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhya regions. Moscow has been stepping up the bombardment of Kharkiv -- Ukraine's second-largest city, located near the northeastern border with Russia -- ahead of the expected offensive.

"I am not sure we have enough resources to stop [the offensive]," Mykhaylo Zhirokhov, a Ukrainian military analyst, told RFE/RL. He worried that many Ukrainian soldiers are "worn down" and that it will take time for the U.S. military aid to reach the front.

Volodymyr Fesenko, a Ukrainian political analyst, says the passage of the bill in the House has boosted morale among the population and troops. However, he says, it is not a silver bullet.

"The most important thing is that U.S. military aid is resuming," he told Current Time, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, adding that it "will not be enough to turn the tide of the war."

Ukraine, Fesenko said, needs a "technological advantage" if it is to drive Russian troops from its territory.

Long, Costly Delay

The Senate could pass the bill as early as April 23, after which it is expected to be quickly signed by Biden. The Pentagon could begin shipping military aid by the end of the week.

Some of the military aid will come from Pentagon stockpiles in Germany, meaning it could arrive at the Ukrainian border within days.

The $60 billion aid package includes $23 billion to replenish Pentagon stocks, $14 billion to purchase weapons specifically for Ukraine, as well as billions for military training and economic assistance.

The bill directs the president to send ATACMS -- powerful, precision-guided ballistic missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers -- to Ukraine. But it does not specify how many.

ATACMS are important because they can be extremely disruptive, hitting command-and-control centers, depots, and other critical military targets deep behind Russian lines.

The Biden administration last autumn sent Ukraine a small batch of ATACMS on the condition they not be used for strikes inside Russia.

Kyiv announced in October it had used ATACMS to destroy nine Russian military helicopters, an ammunition depot, and an air-defense launcher in occupied Ukraine. Russia did not confirm the report, and the Ukrainian claims could not be independently verified.

Cancian says he does not expect Biden to lift the restriction on ATACM usage inside Russia. However, that is no longer a major constraint on Ukraine's military since Kyiv is producing its own long-range drones and missiles in increasing quantities.

Ukraine could use the ATACMs to cut military supply routes to occupied Crimea, weakening Russian forces on the peninsula and in the occupied parts of the southern Ukrainian mainland, experts say. Moscow is building a new, overland rail link between Rostov-on-Don and Crimea after repeated Ukrainian strikes against the Crimea Bridge, the only physical link connecting Russia with the occupied peninsula.

The United States has allocated more than $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, making it Ukraine's most important military backer. But Washington has sent almost nothing since the start of the year due to the congressional deadlock.

The failure to pass a new aid package for months has left Ukrainian troops short on ammunition and air defenses, resulting in battlefield setbacks and loss of life.

"Even with the U.S. restarting aid, the Ukrainians have been seriously damaged and their armed forces are weaker than they would have been otherwise. Don't underestimate the importance of these losses during the celebration of the resumption of U.S. aid. The U.S. has made Ukraine bleed," Phillips O'Brien, a professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews, said in an April 21 report.

Nonetheless, he said the U.S. aid would allow Ukraine to return to a form of "active defense," or holding the line while inflicting significant losses on the Russian armed forces.

Despite the lack of ammunition and air defense, Ukraine inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces in Avdiyivka. Russia reportedly lost 16,000 troops and 300 armored vehicles in the four-month battle for the city.

U.S. Election

The U.S. military aid should last through the end of the year, said Cancian. The passage of the Ukraine aid bill could prompt European countries to step up their contributions to Ukraine's war effort, Musiyenko says.

European governments like Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium will begin delivering some of the 45 F-16 fighter jets they promised last year to Ukraine. The advanced U.S. jets could help Ukraine curtail Russian air attacks.

U.S. and European aid could help set up Ukraine for a counteroffensive in 2025 that might put it in a better position to negotiate with Russia to end the war.

However, much hangs on the November 2024 U.S. presidential election, analysts say.

Presumed Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has expressed reservations about aiding Ukraine, raising doubts he would allocate congressionally approved resources to the country or support a new Ukraine aid bill next year.

Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says that if Biden loses to Trump, he should distribute the full $60 billion to Ukraine before he leaves office.

He also says Europe should ramp up military production in case U.S. aid to Ukraine is ended under Trump.

"Europe's goal should be to put itself in a position to potentially fill a future gap left by the United States should it not pass another supplemental," he added.

Fesenko, the Ukrainian political analyst, says the U.S. election is causing apprehension across Ukraine and Europe.

"Nobody knows what Trump's policies will be," he said. "There could be vacillation, hesitation. Of course, it's alarming."

With reporting by Aleksander Palikot in Kyiv

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-us-aid-stabilize- the-line-russia/32917226.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Long-Delayed Ukraine Aid Bill Passes Procedural Hurdle In Senate

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 23, 2024

The U.S. Senate on April 23 voted to advance a long-delayed military-aid package that includes more than $60 billion for Ukraine as early as April 23 after the House of Representatives passed the measure on April 20 following months of bickering.

The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of advancing a package of bills, which contains desperately needed aid for Ukraine's embattled military. The four bills under consideration received the more than the 60 needed to pave the way for a vote on final passage later on April 23 or on April 24.

One of the bills provides $61 billion for Ukraine, a second $26 billion for Israel, and a third $8.12 billion "to counter communist China" in the Indo-Pacific. The fourth bill includes a potential ban on the social media app TikTok, measures for the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and new sanctions on Iran.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) earlier on April 23 asked fellow senators to pass the bill "as expeditiously as possible."

Schumer said the vote was "six months in the making" and urged his colleagues "not keep our friends around the world waiting for a moment longer," Schumer said in a speech as the Senate opened.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican-Kentucky) said failing to support allies emboldened rivals like China and Russia, and denounced isolationism.

"Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation. It's a test of American resolve, our readiness, and our willingness to lead," he said.

President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a phone call on April 22 that the United States will "quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraine's urgent battlefield and air defense needs," the White House said in a statement.

The package includes air defense munitions and large amounts of artillery rounds, as well as armored vehicles and other weapons. U.S. officials say some of the weapons will be delivered very quickly to the battlefront.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces would expand their aerial bombardment of Ukraine to include storage bases that house Western-supplied weapons.

"We will increase the intensity of strikes against logistics centers and warehouses for Western weapons," Shoigu told a meeting of high-ranking military officials in Moscow.

An intense campaign of Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities has taken a large toll in human lives and has caused huge damage to the country's already battered energy infrastructure after more than two years of war.

Zelenskiy said on X, formerly Twitter, that Biden told him he will sign the bill "immediately as soon as it is approved by the Senate."

Zelenskiy also told Biden about a strike on the TV tower in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which had occurred just before their conversation.

Zelenskiy said later on April 22 that the Russian missile strike that smashed the prominent skyline tower was part of the Kremlin's effort to intimidate the city, which in recent weeks has come under increasingly frequent attack.

The strike sought to "make the terror visible to the whole city and to try to limit Kharkiv's connection and access to information," Zelenskiy said.

Ukraine's air defense shortages have made Kharkiv, a city with a population of more than 1 million located just 35 kilometers from the Russian border, more vulnerable to air and missile attacks. The power supply has already been disrupted and electricity is only available on an hourly basis.

"Russia clearly signals its intention to make the city uninhabitable," Zelenskiy said in his post on X about his call with Biden.

In the latest strikes, Russian drones targeted Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa early on April 23, wounding nine people, including four children, of whom two are less than a year old, regional administration chief Oleh Kiper said, adding that several buildings caught fire.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 15 out of 16 drones launched by Russia at the regions of Odesa, Kyiv, Mykolayiv, and Cherkasy, the air force said in a statement on Telegram.

All drones targeting Kyiv were destroyed, Serhiy Popko, the head of the Ukrainian capital's military administration, said in a message on Telegram, adding that there were no casualties or damage in the city.

With reporting by Reuters and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-senate-vote-military-aid- kharkiv-tower-zelenskiy-biden/32917071.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukraine Restricts Consular Services For Conscription-Age Men Living Abroad

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 23, 2024

Ukraine has moved to restrict consular services at its diplomatic missions for men of conscription age (18-60) who live abroad as Kyiv tries to increase troop levels in its fight to repel invading Russian forces.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on April 23 that he ordered the restrictions because "staying abroad does not relieve a citizen of his or her duties to the Homeland."

"As it looks like now, a man of conscription age goes abroad and shows his state that he does not care about its survival. He then comes back and wants to receive services from this state. It does not work this way. Our country is at war," Kuleba wrote.

Kuleba added that he will clarify in the coming days the process of legally obtaining consular services in Ukraine's foreign diplomatic missions by men of conscription age as the law on mobilization signed by President Zelenskiy last week will come into force.

According to the law that Zelenskiy signed on April 16, all men between 18 and 60 years of age must update their draft data with military conscription centers across the country.

Though lawmakers watered down some amendments to draft dodging, the law does allow for the punishment of those convicted of avoiding service.

An unknown number of Ukrainian men fled the country after Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 despite Kyiv's move to ban men of conscription age from leaving the country.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian men working abroad as migrant laborers have also not returned to Ukraine as Russia continues its full-scale aggression against its neighbor.

"The obligation to update one's documents with the conscription centers existed even before the new law on mobilization was passed. If anyone believes that while one person is fighting far away at the frontline and risking his or her life for this state, another can stay abroad and receive services from this state, well, this is not how it works," Kuleba added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-consulates-conscription- age-men/32917472.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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PM to announce largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on visit to Poland

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will announce the largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine on his visit to Poland.

22 April 2024

Last updated 23 April 2024

PM to travel to Poland and Germany to cement security, trade and diplomatic ties with key European allies

He is expected to announce a A500 million boost for Ukraine and largest-ever provision of vital munitions, including some 400 vehicles, 1,600 munitions and 4 million rounds of ammunition

PM to discuss the threat from Russia and UK efforts to support European security with Prime Minister Tusk and the Nato Secretary-General in Warsaw

The Prime Minister will travel to Poland today [Tuesday 23 April] to announce a massive uplift in military support for Ukraine, including A500 million in additional military funding and our largest-ever delivery of vital equipment.

He will meet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss deepening UK-Poland relations, and the leaders will hold talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw on European security and support to Ukraine. The Prime Minister will then travel on to Germany to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

Ukraine is facing an existential threat as Russia continues its barbaric invasion, risking the security and stability of all of Europe.

The A500 million additional funding announced today - which takes us to A3 billion in UK military aid for Ukraine this financial year - will be used to rapidly deliver urgently-needed ammunition, air defence, drones and engineering support. The drones will be procured in the UK and the funds will support a scale-up in domestic defence supply chains.

The Ministry of Defence will also send our largest-ever single package of equipment from the UK, designed to help push back the Russian invasion on land, sea and air. It includes:

60 boats including offshore raiding craft, rigid raiding craft and dive boats as well as maritime guns

More than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, as well as additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles.

More than 400 vehicles, including 160 protected mobility 'Husky' vehicles, 162 armoured vehicles and 78 all-terrain vehicles.

Nearly 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

"Defending Ukraine against Russia's brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border.

"I am in Warsaw today to deepen ties with our Polish partners and commit critical new military support for Ukraine's defence. Ukraine's armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support - and they need it now. Today's package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia.

"The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security, defending our national interest and standing by our Nato allies."

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

"This record package of military aid will give President Zelenskyy and his brave nation more of the kit they need to kick Putin out and restore peace and stability in Europe.

"The UK was the first to provide NLAW missiles, the first to give modern tanks and the first to send long-range missiles.

"Now, we are going even further. We will never let the world forget the existential battle Ukraine is fighting, and with our enduring support, they will win."

In his first in-person meeting with new Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister will also seek to deepen UK-Poland ties across a range of issues.

Building on existing strong defence and security cooperation, he will offer to deploy an RAF Typhoon Squadron to carry out Nato Air Policing over Poland next year.

To further boost trade and support UK companies looking to invest in Poland, the Prime Minister will also announce today an intention to triple UK Export Finance funding available for Poland from A5 billion to A15 billion - our most generous offer to a partner country to date.

Bilateral trade between the UK and Poland has doubled in the last decade to reach A30.6 billion, with 45 million bottles of Scotch whisky bought in Poland last year and UK firms bidding for A5 billion worth of Polish opportunities across energy, defence, healthcare, and infrastructure.

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Ukraine Withstands Terrorists' Attacks Because There is Always Someone Willing to Become a Pillar of Life - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

23 April 2024 - 19:55

Dear Ukrainians!

For this day I'd like to thank all those who really do their best to keep lives going.

I thank our warriors, each one of those who are at the front now, on combat missions, in positions, at posts, and all those who train our warriors and prepare Ukrainian brigades. I thank all the volunteers who support our defense, our active actions, all our combat medics, and each doctor who saves the wounded. I thank everyone who implements new technologies in the Ukrainian army, who makes our strikes more accurate and who fights for Ukraine exactly as one should fight for one's home. Today I spoke with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, among other things, about how to strengthen our warriors in key areas of the frontline. And special attention is now being paid to the Donetsk region. I am grateful to all those who are truly resilient and who support the warriors in their positions nearby with their courage.

I thank all those who work at our defense production facilities - at hundreds of companies that do their best to make our country stronger. Ukrainian artillery, Ukrainian missiles, our drones, Ukrainian equipment, Ukrainian ammunition, Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, Ukrainian defense software - I thank everyone whose contribution helps Ukraine fight. This is at least 300,000 employees at the enterprises that are directly related to the defense industry. I also thank every company that cooperates with them and helps them. I am grateful to all the partners who help and implement agreements on joint defense projects. Our production should increasingly supplement the supply of weapons from our partners each month, and this is the goal we set: more Ukrainian weapons every month.

Today, we also have some much-needed good news about military packages from our partners - a new package from the UK. Half a billion pounds. We have discussed the details with Prime Minister Sunak, and the main thing is to deliver the weapons to Ukraine on time. The kind of missiles that we need. Armored vehicles that are expected at the front. Air defense systems. As well as boats to ensure our economic security in the Black Sea. Thank you, Great Britain!

We have also discussed with Prime Minister Sunak the preparation of the first Global Peace Summit. It is important that as many countries as possible participate in it. The Summit - the Peace Summit - can and must prove that it will be not one person's decision on how everyone else in the world should live, not someone's malign power that will determine this, but the world majority - together, on the basis of international law, on the basis of the UN Charter, on the basis of our Peace Formula, which restores the effectiveness of international law. I thank every leader, all political and public figures who are helping us organize the first summit. Today I have held several meetings on this issue - I am grateful to our entire team that is working to ensure that our Peace Formula is fully implemented. We will be engaged in a lot of relevant activities in the coming days and weeks. Together, the world must force Russia to peace.

One more thing. Today, Russian terrorists attacked our lives again. Odesa, cities, towns and communities of Dnipropetrovsk region, Donetsk region, our Kostyantynivka, Kharkiv region, Mykolaiv, Kherson region... Every time there is someone to save lives, extinguish fires, demine, help our people, our communities - in all the regions of Ukraine, in every city, in all districts, no matter how close they are to the frontline or the border with Russia. I thank the entire staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, all the officers of the National Police who care about people, everyone who works in emergency medical teams. Today, Ukrainian psychologists celebrate their professional holiday, and I thank everyone who helps our people to overcome all the emotional and psychological challenges of this time of war. I am also grateful to all those who are already rebuilding life in Ukraine. Ukraine can withstand the attacks of terrorists because there is always someone willing to become a pillar of life. We also appreciate every country that helps us with the rebuilding process. Today, I had the opportunity to thank Denmark, as the Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs was on his visit to Ukraine. We discussed, among other things, Danish patronage of our Mykolaiv region, joint projects that have already been implemented and are still planned. We also talked about working together to restore our energy sector, which was destroyed by Russian strikes. It was a productive visit, thank you for the additional support of a380 million.

I thank all who are with Ukraine and in Ukraine! I thank everyone who contributes to the strength of the Ukrainian defense every day! Everyone should now find their own way to be part of the nation that is fighting and will definitely win.

Glory to Ukraine!

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The President Met with the Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark

President of Ukraine

23 April 2024 - 17:54

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark Morten BAdskov, who is currently visiting our country.

The Head of State thanked the Government and the people of Denmark for supporting Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion and noted the importance of the bilateral Security Agreement signed during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen to Ukraine. The President also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the First Lady Olena Zelenska during her visit to Denmark last week.

The Head of State noted the effectiveness of Danish patronage of the reconstruction of the Mykolaiv region and expressed hope for help in finding additional air defense systems for the region.

"The regions are attacked daily by missiles, drones, and artillery. The Mykolaiv region is one of those in urgent need of assistance," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark outlined the opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the two countries and announced the decision of the Danish Government to allocate additional funds to the Ukraine scheme of the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark.

The scheme fully covers the risks for Danish exporters and investors and provides financing to Ukrainian private companies and state institutions. The Danish Government will allocate almost a380 million more for this purpose. These funds will be used to restore critical infrastructure and build wind farms.

Special attention was paid to the prospects of the expansion of Danish business and the attraction of new investments to Ukraine.

"It is important that Mr. Minister is accompanied by the heads of Danish companies, which are the largest investors in Ukraine's economy. Your activity in the Ukrainian market is impressive. With your investments you set an example for other partners and investors," the President noted.

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The President of Ukraine Had a Phone Call with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

President of Ukraine

23 April 2024 - 13:38

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak.

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the allocation of the largest defense support package from the United Kingdom to date in the amount of half a billion pounds, which contains the most necessary weapons for Ukraine: Storm Shadow and other types of missiles, hundreds of armored vehicles and watercraft, and ammunition.

"I am grateful to the UK for such a strong demonstration of support and for the willingness to further develop defense cooperation, especially with a focus on air defense, maritime and long-range capabilities," the President emphasized.

The leaders also discussed the need to create an effective model for the confiscation of Russian assets.

The interlocutors paid special attention to their expectations for the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland and the 4th European Political Community Summit, which will be held this time in the UK.

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Ukraine reports downing Russian drones as White House pledges quick aid delivery

By VOA News April 23, 2024

Ukraine's military reported Tuesday destroying 15 of 16 Russian drones from the latest wave of aerial attacks, hours ahead of a U.S. Senate vote on a security package that includes $61 billion in new aid for Ukraine.

Ukraine's air force said the Russian attack also included two ballistic missiles, and that Ukrainian air defenses shot down the Russian drones over the Cherkasy, Kyiv, Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.

Oleh Kiper, the regional governor of Odesa, said the drone attack damaged several residential buildings and injured at least nine people.

Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Mykolaiv, said falling drone debris injured one person and damaged a trade pavilion.

Russia's defense ministry said Tuesday its air defenses destroyed four Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod region.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor Belgorod, reported damage to a building but no injuries.

US aid

Britain announced Tuesday a $618 million aid package for Ukraine that includes 4 million rounds of ammunition, 1,600 munitions and 400 vehicles.

"Defending Ukraine against Russia's brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe," British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement. "If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed what he called "such a strong demonstration of support and for the willingness to further develop our defense cooperation, especially with an emphasis on maritime and long-range capabilities."

"Storm Shadow and other missiles, hundreds of armored vehicles and watercraft, ammunitionaall of this is needed on the battlefield," Zelenskyy said on social media.

Ahead of the U.S. Senate vote on Tuesday, the White House said U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Zelenskyy, pledging to "quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraine's urgent battlefield and air defense needs" as soon as the Senate passes the security bill.

Biden added that the U.S. economic assistance "will help maintain financial stability, build back critical infrastructure following Russian attacks, and support reform as Ukraine moves forward on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration."

Zelenskyy, posting on social media, expressed his appreciation for the aid package and said Biden told him it would include strengthening Ukraine's "air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities."

Zelenskyy also said he told Biden about the "Russian air terror using thousands of missiles, drones and bombs" and added a Russian strike on a television tower in Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, occurred minutes before their conversation.

Experts and Ukrainian lawmakers said it could take weeks for the assistance to reach troops, but expressed hope that the artillery rounds, precision-guided missiles and air defenses promised to Ukraine will change the military outlook for the country locked in a defensive war against Russia.

"With the boost that will come from military assistance, both practically and psychologically, the Ukrainians are entirely capable of holding their own through 2024 and puncturing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's arrogant view that time is on his side," CIA Director William Burns said Thursday at the Bush Center Forum on Leadership in Dallas.

Nevertheless, uncertainties remain as to whether Ukraine can keep its defenses strong beyond 2024 according to analysts.

"Ukraine needs to use 2024 to rebuild its force for the long war," said Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

"Europe's goal should be to put itself in a position to potentially fill a future gap left by the United States should it not pass another supplemental," he added.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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General Assembly debates Security Council's rising veto use

23 April 2024 - The General Assembly on Tuesday debated veto power in the Security Council on the eve of the second anniversary of a special measure adopted to monitor its use, following on the heels of the United States vetoing Palestine's bid last week for full UN membership.

Assembly President Dennis Francis emphasised that the Security Council remains unable to collectively address critical peace and security situations in the Gaza Strip, Mali, Syria and Ukraine as well as concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

"At this precarious time of heightened geopolitical tensions and when ongoing and emerging crises demand our urgent and decisive action, it would be a derogation of our duty as the General Assembly if we stood idle and allowed the unrestrained use of the veto to paralyse not only the Council itself but the United Nation's ability to respond efficiently to questions of peace and security," he said.

A special voting power, the right to use a veto is held by the permanent member States on the Council, whereby if any one of the five - China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States - casts a negative vote, the resolution or decision automatically fails.

'Veto initiative' is a breakthrough

During Tuesday's debate, many ambassadors pointed out that the veto has been used six times in as many months regarding Palestine and the ongoing war in Gaza, with some calling for urgent Council reform that would further limit or even eliminate the veto privilege.

Opening the debate, Assembly President Francis said the world body and the Council are expected "to work in unison and dedicated to one overarching purpose: saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war" and that the "veto initiative", approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 76/262, is "a significant breakthrough to involve the entire membership on these issues".

Underlining the pronounced contrast between the urgent need for decisive action and the prevailing inaction, which undermines the UN's work and credibility, he said that perhaps, despite Council deadlock being unacceptable, it is precisely for the reason of its state of paralysis that "we must ramp up momentum".

"If we do nothing, questions on continued relevance of the United Nations will escalate, and public confidence in this institution will increasingly dwindle, with each veto cast perceived as our collective failure to act."

Rise in veto use

Since the UN's inception, vetoes have been used 320 times.

Vetoes have been used 13 times since the General Assembly adopted a resolution designed to foster greater cooperation with the Security Council following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

Tabled by Liechtenstein, the resolution states that anytime the veto is used in the Security Council, it automatically triggers a meeting and debate in the General Assembly to scrutinise and discuss the move in a bid to give UN Member States the chance to make recommendations.

As with all Assembly resolutions, they carry moral and political weight, but are non-binding and do not generally carry the force of international law, unlike some measures agreed by the Security Council.

Many of the more than 50 ambassadors at Tuesday's debate highlighted cases of veto use, with some permanent Council members defending their right to the privilege.

Russia: Veto is 'the cornerstone' of the UN

Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia Dmitry Polyanskiy said resolution 76/262 was conceived of as self-promotion for the penholder.

He said the US has used its veto four times to ensure Israel remains "unimpeded" in its operations in Gaza and regarding Palestine's bid for UN membership and continues to do so, contrary to the will of the majority of UN Member States.

However, Russia and China's veto of a US draft allowed the Council to adopt a resolution tabled days later by its 10 non-permanent members, calling for a ceasefire for Ramadan.

"Accordingly, it was the only right thing to do, and it reflected the will of the overwhelming majority of members of the international community," he said. "That situation is the best possible response to those that criticise the existence of the veto for permanent members."

The veto right is the "cornerstone" of the entire UN architecture, and without it, the Council would become "an organ that rubberstamped dubious decisions imposed by a circumstantial majority that would be practically impossible to implement", he said, adding that a veto is "the most extreme measure" when other options have been exhausted and an inalienable right, and its use does not violate anything.

United States: Veto initiative is 'an important innovation'

Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States Robert Wood said the veto initiative is an important innovation, with the five permanent Security Council members bearing their special responsibilities.

Since the initiative's adoption, the US has taken the opportunity to explain its positions when meetings are convened or during meetings of the 10th emergency special session.

"We recognise the veto is at times controversial," he said. "This is why the veto initiative is so important to increase transparency and accountability on one of the most contentious aspects of the Security Council's operations."

He said the US looks forward to continuing to engage openly and candidly on this challenging issue.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Portland, OR, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Voodoo Doughnut, renowned for its innovative artisanal doughnuts, proudly unveils an exciting collaboration with country music sensation Kane Brown. Introducing Kane Browns In The Air Doughnut, a delectable creation inspired by Kane Brown's electrifying "In The Air" tour with a few of his favorite flavors.

Handcrafted with Voodoo's signature flair, Kane Brown's In The Air Doughnut is a decadent delight tailored for chocolate aficionados. This luxurious chocolate cake doughnut is lavishly coated in smooth chocolate frosting, adorned with handcrafted marshmallow fluff, and finished with a drizzle of rich peanut butter. Each bite harmonizes classic flavors with a unique marshmallow twist, honoring Kane Brown's music and the excitement of his In The Air tour.

"We're thrilled to introduce Kane Browns In The Air Doughnut to our fans in these vibrant cities," expressed Chris Schultz, CEO of Voodoo Doughnut. "Not only does it promise an irresistible culinary journey, but it also champions a noble cause. Music is deeply ingrained in our doughnut culture, and partnering with Kane Brown to commemorate his tour with this delightful creation feels like a natural fit. We take pride in donating a portion of each sale to Boys & Girls Clubs, supporting youth empowerment and inspiration."

The limited-edition doughnut will be exclusively available in select Voodoo Doughnut markets:

Houston, TX: April 22nd  30th

Austin, TX: April 22nd  30th

Denver & Boulder, CO: September 2nd  September 10th

Dallas, TX: September 9th  September 17th

Guests visiting Voodoo Doughnut locations in Houston and Austin can scan QR codes inside signature pink doughnut boxes for a chance to win a pair of tickets to their local Kane Brown concert. Similarly, in September, visitors to Voodoo Doughnut locations in Denver, Boulder, and Dallas can participate in the same opportunity.

About Voodoo Doughnut Giving:

Established in 2003, Voodoo Doughnut has continually shown its dedication to community engagement through partnerships with national and local nonprofit organizations. These collaborations allow Voodoo Doughnut to support causes reflecting their values and enhancing society. Since formalizing their giving programs in 2019, Voodoo Doughnut has raised over $250,000 for their esteemed partners, significantly impacting the communities they serve.

About Voodoo Doughnut:

Established in 2003 in Portland, Oregon, Voodoo Doughnut is an iconic doughnut shop renowned for its innovative and artisanal approach. With 22 U.S. locations and 3 locations in development, Voodoo Doughnut has become the destination for doughnut enthusiasts nationwide. Committed to quality, innovation, and delivering an unparalleled guest experience, Voodoo Doughnut continually redefines the art of doughnut-making, offering customers a delightful selection of unique and delicious treats. To explore the world of Voodoo Doughnut, please visit https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/ and connect on social media platforms @VoodooDoughnut.

Attachments
NEWARK, Del, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global food grade phosphate market was worth around US$ 2,125.3 million in 2019 and has reached up to US$ 3,104.8 million in 2024. The entire market is witnessing opportunities to develop at a promising CAGR of 8% over the next ten years. By 2034, the total industry valuation is set to reach up to US$ 6,685.7 million.



The need for food-grade phosphate production has been fueled by its higher use in bakery foods for texture enhancement, moisture retention, and shelf-life extension. Phosphorus is also used in many carbonated beverages as an acidity control. The increase in consumption of carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks as a result of contemporary consumer trends and taste preferences is aiding the phosphate market's rapid expansion. The market dynamics of food phosphates are also fast changing due to their wide range of applications in the animal feed sector.

Request a Sample of this Report Now! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-894

Key Takeaways from the Food Grade Phosphate Market Study Report

The United Kingdom food grade phosphate market is poised to advance at a CAGR of 5% through 2034.

Germany is going to increase its supply of food grade phosphates in Europe at a rate of 5.8% per year till 2034.

China and Japan are competing for market domination in Asia with estimated CAGRs of 4.1% and 4.7% respectively for the forecast years.

India presents a very lucrative opportunity for its region with an estimated CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2034.

In terms of application, food-based phosphate is predicted to have a promising development rate, with a share of 41.8% in 2024, across the bakery sector.



Rising health awareness and convenience of product acquisition as a result of the expansion of supermarkets and hypermarkets have altered customer purchasing behaviors. With a hectic and dynamic lifestyle, people prefer easy food items, therefore firms are attempting to innovate and employ phosphate in the process to improve the food's quality, flavor, and texture, says Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights.

Competitive Landscape for the Food Grade Phosphate Market Players

The overall market is highly distributed and moderately competitive with enough growth opportunities for the establishment and expansion of business. A drastic rise in the demand for food additives has encouraged the emergence of many new suppliers of phosphate-based food ingredients market supplier.

Click Here to Request Methodology! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/request-report-methodology/rep-gb-894

Key Players Profiled in the Food Grade Phosphate Market Report

Sulux Phosphates Ltd.

Hawkins Inc.

Aditya Birla Chemicals

ATP Group

Sichuan Zhituo Biochem Technology

Fosfa a.s.

Budenheim



Recent Developments by the Food Grade Phosphate Industry Participants

In July 2023, the South Korean company CJ FNT, also having manufacturing units in Europe, introduced an alternative to standard phosphates, TasteNrich Hybind. The firm also claims to have struck a delicate balance between natural sourcing and better performance as many traditional phosphate substitutes can be ineffective or tasteless. With a high cooking yield and less purge loss during shelf life, TasteNrich Hybind is now a versatile solution that can be applied to various meat types and processing methods.

In October 2023, Ardelyx, Inc. disclosed that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its XPHOZAH product. It is the first and only phosphate absorption inhibitor, indicated to reduce serum phosphorus in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. The organization claims it to be an add-on therapy that has a first-in-class mode of action that inhibits phosphate absorption via its major channel. Ardelyx is a biopharmaceutical company involved in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative, first-in-class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs.

Click Here To Buy Your Full Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/894

Key Segments Covered by Food Grade Phosphate Industry Survey Report

By Source Type:

Sodium Phosphate

Ammonium Phosphate

Calcium Phosphate

Potassium Phosphate

Other Sources



By Application:

Bakery Products

Dairy

Beverages

Meat & Seafood Processing

Other Applications



By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia and Pacific

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Authored by:

Nandini Roy Choudhury (Client Partner for Food & Beverages at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has 7+ years of management consulting experience. She advises industry leaders and explores off-the-eye opportunities and challenges. She puts processes and operating models in place to support their business objectives.

She has exceptional analytical skills and often brings thought leadership to the table.

Nandini has vast functional expertise in key niches, including but not limited to food ingredients, nutrition & health solutions, animal nutrition, and marine nutrients. She is also well-versed in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, retail, and chemical sectors, where she advises market participants to develop methodologies and strategies that deliver results.

Her core expertise lies in corporate growth strategy, sales and marketing effectiveness, acquisitions and post-merger integration and cost reduction. Nandini has an MBA in Finance from MIT School of Business. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from Nagpur University, India.

Nandini has authored several publications, and quoted in journals including Beverage Industry, Bloomberg, and Wine Industry Advisor.

Explore FMIs related ongoing Coverage in Food and Beverage Domain:

The food grade lubricant market is expected to achieve an average CAGR of 2.6% through 2033. By 2033, the market is projected to reach a value of US$ 471 million, a steady increase from its 2023 valuation of US$ 363 million.

The global food grade alginate market is expected to garner a market value of US$ 10 Million in 2023 and is expected to accumulate a market value of US$ 17.91 Million by registering a CAGR of 6% in the forecast period 2023 to 2033.

According to recent research from Future Market Insights, the global market for food grade carrageenan is anticipated to achieve a valuation of US$ 1.3 billion by the year 2024.

According to Future Market Insights research, during the projected period, the Global Food Grade Dipotassium phosphate market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1%. The market value is projected to increase from US$ 2,507.3 million in 2022 to US$ 4,123.2 Million by 2032.

According to the research of Future Market Insights, the market for Food Grade Titanium Oxide is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecasted time period.

The global food grade ammonium carbonate market size is expected to be valued at US$ 289.5 Million in 2022. Increasing consumption of processed food items in both developed and developing countries is likely to drive the market.

The global food-grade alcohol market is to be worth US$ 4.16 billion in 2023 and US$ 6.16 billion by 2033, developing at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period, according to Future Market Insights (FMI).

The food grade gas market is estimated to be valued at US$ 7.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to capture a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period.

Global demand for food grade antifoams is expected to reach a market valuation of US$ 35 million by the end of the year 2023, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period (2023 to 2033), reaching US$ 54.34 million.

The food-grade glycerin market is likely to capture a lower CAGR of 2.0% during the forecast period. The market is anticipated to hold a revenue of US$ 389 million in 2023 while it is anticipated to cross a value of US$ 498 million by 2033.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

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

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NEW YORK, April 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE: CMP) resulting from allegations that Compass Minerals may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.



SO WHAT: If you purchased Compass Minerals 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=8924 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 March 25, 2024, before the market opened, Compass Minerals issued a press release entitled Compass Minerals Announces the Company Will Not Secure a USFS Contract to Supply Magnesium Chloride-Based Aerial Fire Retardants for the 2024 Fire Season. This press release stated that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has informed the company that it will not be entering into a contract for the use of magnesium chloride-based aerial fire retardants for the 2024 fire season. Further, [d]uring scheduled winter airtanker inspections as part of the USFS Integrated Operational Field Evaluation (I-OFE), it was discovered that certain airtankers that had flown Fortress North Americas (Fortress) proprietary, magnesium chloride-based aerial fire retardants revealed significant signs of corrosion in areas where build-up of the retardant had occurred. The findings from this more extensive inspection raised aircraft safety concerns[.]

On this news, the price of Compass Minerals stock fell $3.00 per share, or 17.09%, to close at $14.55 on March 25, 2024. The next day, Compass Minerals stock fell a further $0.86 per share, or 5.9%, to close at $13.69.

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
Oslo, 24 April 2024: Scatec ASA, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft Energia do Brasil Ltda in Brazil, for a 142 megawatt (MW) solar plant in Minas Gerais, in Brazil.

The BRL-denominated PPA covers about 75% of the expected power produced, while the remainder is expected to be sold under short, medium, and long-term term contracts (PPAs). The projects estimated equity return exceeds Scatecs hurdle rate of 1.2x the projects cost of equity.

The estimated total capital expenditure (capex) for the solar plant is USD 94 million, to be financed by non-recourse financing covering approximately 63% of this amount with the balance funded by equity from Scatec. Furthermore, Scatec is in mature discussions with lenders in respect of a debt facility of approximately EUR 15 million to partially fund Scatecs equity share in the project. Financial close and construction start for the solar plant is expected in the second half of this year, with commercial operations expected to start at the end of 2025.

This is the third solar project for us in Brazil, taking the total capacity to 835 MW. We are excited about this new project and are pleased to have secured a power purchase agreement with renowned and leading renewable energy player and trading company Statkraft for this new project in Minas Gerais. This is our first plant in the southeast submarket, diversifying and strengthening our portfolio in the country. Brazil is one of our focus markets, and we will continue to seek opportunities and push the green transition forward, says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

Scatec will have a 100% ownership stake in the solar plant, with the aim to bring on equity partners once commercial operation is reached to enhance value creation. Scatec will also be the EPC manager for the project but with a limited EPC scope.

Statkraft Energia do Brasil Ltda is part of Statkraft AS, which has been present in Brazil since 2012 . The company has 26 operating wind and hydropower plants, with an installed capacity of over 2 GW in the country, considering existing, recent acquisitions and projects under construction. Its market operations unit provides services for commercial and industrial customers from various segments via their offices in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

"We're pleased to partner with Scatec on this significant project, reinforcing our commitment to Brazil's sustainable energy future," says Natasha Gaertner, VP of Statkraft Markets. "This partnership reflects our shared vision for a greener tomorrow and our dedication to providing clean, reliable energy."

Scatec already has two solar plants in operation. The 531 MW Mendubim solar plant (comprising several projects) in Rio Grande do Norte was Scatecs second operation in Brazil, developed in partnership with Equinor and Hydro Rein, as well as Alunorte. It started commercial operation earlier this year. Our first solar plant in the country, the 162 MW Apodi solar plant, is located in the municipality of Quixere in the north-eastern state of Ceara. The project is in partnership with Equinor and XP, and the plant reached commercial operation in November 2018.



For further information, please contact:

For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP IR, phone: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com

For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP External Affairs & Communications, phone: +47 468 44 959, meera.bhatia@scatec.com



About Scatec

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.6 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of Improving our Future. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCATC. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn .

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
Press release

Sophia Antipolis, London, April 24rd, 2024

JuneX Capital Partners

Launch Founders Office

with 100M Evergreen Fund

to Back European Entrepreneurs

in Human Capital and Investment Management

Benjamin Vedrenne-Cloquet and Regis Micheli, two experienced French entrepreneurs and investors, are proud to announce the launch of the JuneX Capital Partners (JuneX) Founders Office, a new investment company focused on backing entrepreneurs within the human capital and investment management sectors.

The Founders Office at JuneX is an innovative founder-centric approach that combines the long-term perspective of a family office, the entrepreneurial mindset and agility of a business angel, and the investment capability of a pan-European institutional fund.

On April 19th, JuneX Capital Partners successfully closed the JuneX Evergreen Fund, a 100-million-euro evergreen fund to initiate its investments programme across Europe. The fund is already active with investments in education and asset management companies in France, the UK and the DACH markets.

Childhood friends Regis Micheli and Benjamin Vedrenne-Cloquet, who first met 32 years ago, in secondary school in Lyon, France, have combined their assets and extensive entrepreneurial experiences from the tech, education and investment industries to launch JuneX. Their new firm will invest its capital, networks and industry expertise to back entrepreneurs, emerging GPs, and innovative asset managers.

JuneX has strategically chosen to focus its investments on backing two types of entrepreneurs, both fundamental to innovation and sustainable economic development:

Entrepreneurs enhancing human capital: Human Capital is defined by economists as the education, knowledge, skills, health and environmental investments made by individuals and organisations to enhance their abilities, productivity and well-being, which in turn promotes economic and social development.

Entrepreneurs in investment management: Specialising in venture capital and private equity. This targets specifically emerging asset managers and financial sponsors seeking capital to back innovative companies, seed their first investments or scale their asset management firm (GP stakes).

Unlike most funds, JuneX offers a flexible investment approach, not restricted by the usual limitations related to time horizon, investment stage, or structural constraints. Therefore, it can invest across the entire capital structure as a lead investor, co-investor or operating partner.

JuneX supports businesses and investment firms, from start-ups and emerging sponsors to scale-ups and established asset managers. It offers various patient capital solutions, including equity, debt and bridge financings, tailored to meet specific founders needs and the complex circumstances they inevitably face during their entrepreneurial journey. In specific situations when JuneX possesses relevant industry experience or functional expertise, it may selectively act as a sparring partner and work closely with founders.

Regis Micheli and Benjamin Vedrenne-Cloquet, co-founders of JuneX, stated:

We are proud to launch JuneX Capital Partners, our Founders Office, along with our debut investment fund, JuneX Evergreen Fund. Our platform is specially designed for founders, inspired by our own rollercoaster journey as entrepreneurs and investors, as well as challenges we tackled. Unlike most investment firms, our approach is not restricted by time horizon, investment stage and structural constraints. We are here to play the long game with patient and agile capital solutions for founders and to provide them with street-smart and genuine support, as peers and sparring partners. We aim to back challengers in Human Capital and Investment Management, two sectors fundamental to sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship.





Press contacts

Alienor Miens - Alienor.miens@margie.fr + 36 6 64 32 81 75

Michael Sadoun - Michael.sadoun@margie.fr +33 6 82 34 76 26

press@6xcp.com

About JuneX Capital Partners

Founded by two childhood friends, Regis Micheli and Benjamin Vedrenne-Cloquet, who turned entrepreneurs and investors, JuneX Capital Partners is a founder-centric investment firm integrating a Founders Office and an evergreen investment fund. JuneXs investment strategy focuses on backing entrepreneurs in the areas of human capital (training, education, employment, health, nutrition, and environment) and investment management (venture capital, private equity, and asset management). Working closely with entrepreneurs, JuneX provides a range of patient and agile capital solutions tailored to founders needs. Moreover, in specific situations, it may offer operational and advisory support as an operating or sparring partner. JuneX invests mostly, but not exclusively, in Europe and operates out of the UK and France.

Find us on www.6xcp.com and LinkedIn

Attachments
CGG

Societe Anonyme with a share capital of 7,136,762

Registered office: 27 avenue Carnot, 91300 Massy

Evry Trade and Company Register No.: 969 202 241

AVAILABILITY AND CONSULTATION OF THE PREPARATORY DOCUMENTS FOR THE CGG COMBINED GENERAL MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024

Massy, France  April 24, 2024

The Combined General Meeting of CGG (the Company) will be held on

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

at Business Center Paris Trocadero, 112 avenue Kleber, 75016 Paris, France.

The meeting notice published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) on Monday, April 8, 2024 (Bulletin n43) contains the agenda, draft resolutions and main terms and conditions for taking part in and voting at the Meeting. The convening notice will be published in the BALO (Bulletin n51) as well as in Actu-Juridique.fr on Friday, April 26, 2024.

The preparatory documents and information relating to the Combined General Meeting will be kept available for the Companys shareholders in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The documents and information listed under article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code are available on the Company's website at the following address: https://www.cgg.com/investors/shareholder-services/general-meetings.

Contact CGG : Legal Department (Direction Juridique)

27 avenue Carnot

91300 Massy

Attachment
Dublin, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Transformation of Customer Loyalty: A Pan-Industry View" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In a time of uncertainty, brands must ensure that the value proposition provided by their loyalty schemes is firmly aligned with customer needs, priorities and expectations, continuously refined and adapted to withstand disruption and changing market conditions. This report explores how loyalty programmes are evolving across key industries worldwide.



The report offers an insight into the size and shape of the luxury goods industry, highlights buzz topics, emerging trends as well as pressing industry issues, their effects on luxury goods retailing in markets around the world and on the development of consumers' shopping patterns. Forecasts illustrate how the market is set to change and criteria for success. In short, it identifies the opportunity zones within luxury goods industry

Key Findings

Lifestyle loyalty schemes

Creating lifestyle loyalty programmes has become an essential focus for brands across different industries by rewarding actions rather than purchases. They aim to become part of the everyday lives of their consumers, incentivising wellness and wellbeing behaviours, delivering utility as well as innovative but highly personalised benefits. By forming relevant partnerships and delivering more choices for members with the help of these schemes, brands are able to stand out from the crowd and remain relevant.

Elevating value proposition vital more than ever

As consumers become savvier, they seek to gain more added value from their regular purchases and from their membership participation. This is forcing brands to adapt and deliver wide-ranging rewards offerings, more prestigious membership status, enjoyable experiences, and personalised services.

Communities and co-creation in huge demand

Building a brand community as part of the loyalty programmes is imperative for deepening the customer engagement, supporting peer-to-peer interaction and social impact initiatives, creating more lasting relationships with members and ultimately accessing vital feedback and information about the brand's customer base. Brand communities are the perfect platform for product and marketing co-creation with the business, which further entices more innovation as well as loyal and top-spending consumers.

Innovation and technology revive stale legacy structures

In a time of technological disruption and innovation, customer loyalty is changing. Companies are embracing new business models to expand the potential of loyalty schemes, ensure borderless reach and deliver new incentives. With digitalisation extending its reach, using mobile strategies to drive loyalty is essential, and in turn offers a direct connection to the customer.

Why buy this report?

Get a detailed picture of the Luxury Goods market;

Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;

Understand the competitive environment, the market's major players and leading brands;

Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:

BeautyCounter

Bubble

YSL Beauty

Liberty

General Mills

Kraft Heinz

Tim Hortons

Boba Guys

Taco Bell

Accor

ANA Pocket

The Fresh Market

Marks & Spencer

Key Topics Covered

Introduction

Scope

Key Takeaways

Exploring customer loyalty

Drivers of customer loyalty

Capitalising on the power of mobile growth

Experiences high on the agenda for loyalty programmes to help drive added value

Grocery retail brands: lead the way for global loyalty programmes

Loyalty programmes more important than ever

Designing loyalty programmes: key considerations for businesses

The core principles of effective loyalty programmes

Loyalty in beauty and personal care

Beauty loyalty programmes are most influential in colour cosmetics and among Millennials

Fluctuations in subscription box demand and direct selling salesforce are major challenges

BeautyCounter builds loyalty through ingredient safety positioning, "clean beauty" mission

Bubble builds loyalty through app frequented by Generation Z and co-creation approach

Bond over shared ethos, co-create with younger consumers, and build community in beauty

Loyalty in luxury goods

Elevating customer loyalty through value-driven rewards and exclusivity across luxury

Leveraging digital platforms for loyalty programmes across luxury is essential

Building emotional loyalty and nurturing brand advocates is pathway for future consumers

YSL Beauty: Nurturing exclusivity with NFT loyalty approach to connect better with Gen Z

Luxury department store Liberty London gives its loyalty members more bang for their buck

Fusing exclusivity, quality, heritage and storytelling to build a strong strategy in luxury loyalty

Loyalty in apparel and footwear

Loyalty in packaged food

Digital trends have the potential to reshape loyalty programmes in the food industry

General Mills opens path to data-driven loyalty programmes

Kraft Heinz's NFT integration with Oscar Mayer Wiener Whistle

Enhancing customer engagement through loyalty programmes in the evolving food industry

Loyalty in drinks

Supporting ubiquitous brands with targeted loyalty programmes, particularly in foodservice

Coke ON consumer loyalty app helps to kickstart vending growth in Japan

Drinks brands invest in B2B digital loyalty programmes for traditional and independent retailers

Tim Hortons extends loyalty programme with new Tims credit card

Loyalty in Drinks

Drinks programmes to foster both consumer and retailer loyalty

Loyalty in consumer foodservice

Foodservice programmes must transcend discounts and foster lasting loyalty through experiences

Boba Guys' reward system adds an element of surprise through mystery boxes

Taco Bell empowers loyalty members to take part in the design of hot sauce slogans

Loyalty in Consumer Foodservice

Delivering value aligned with their consumers' needs and wants

Loyalty in travel

Loyalty ecosystems target growing leisure travel segment

Accor uses subscriptions to increase loyalty programme participation

ANA Pocket offers lifestyle ecosystem rewards

Future travel loyalty programmes will be lifestyle ecosystems

Loyalty in retail

Loyalty and personalisation, a match made in heaven

Direct to consumer model makes it easier to achieve maximum personalisation

The Fresh Market launches Ultimate Loyalty Experience, exploring personalisation

Marks & Spencer finds new heights by shining the light on Sparks

Loyalty nirvana is now the ultimate goal for consumers and retailers alike

Loyalty in nicotine

Loyalty in nicotine is largely a feature of emerging cigarette alternative categories

Ecigwizard Vape Rewards: Addressing price sensitivity

BAT's B-Lounge: Rewarding and educating uptake of an emerging category

Where viable loyalty programmes offer approaches to key industry challenges

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Customer Loyalty: How to win

Evolution of customer loyalty

Questions we are asking

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p38m2n

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.
Dublin, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Managed MPLS Market Report by Service (Level 3 VPN, Level 2 VPN), End User (IT and Telecommunication, Healthcare, BFSI, Retail, Manufacturing, Government, and Others), and Region 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global managed MPLS market reached US$ 64.6 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach US$ 107.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during 2023-2032.



Significant growth in the information technology (IT) and telecommunication industry across the globe is creating a positive outlook for the market. In line with this, the increasing smartphone penetration and the growing number of internet-enabled devices are favoring the market growth. Managed MPLS directs data from one network node to the next using labels instead of long network IP addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a routing table.

Additionally, the rising need for secure communications across diverse business units and good data management has increased the usage of MPLS networks, which is acting as another growth-inducing factor. Apart from this, the widespread adoption of MPLS to boost data security on cloud storage, owing to the transition from conventional workplace methods to work-from-home scenarios during the COVID-19 pandemic, is providing an impetus to the market growth.

Moreover, the growing demand for high-quality service for video conferencing and voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) is positively influencing the market growth. Besides this, increasing data breaches and attacks in the BFSI industry, extensive research and development (R&D) activities, and the increasing need for secure connectivity and effective means of data management among businesses are anticipated to drive the market growth.





Market Segmentation



The report provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global managed MPLS market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2024-2032. The report has categorized the market based on service, end-user, and region.



Breakup by Service:

Level 3 VPN

Level 2 VPN

Breakup by End-user:

IT and Telecommunication

Healthcare

BFSI

Retail

Manufacturing

Government

Others

Breakup by Region:

North America

Asia-Pacific

Europe

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape



The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being:

AT&T Inc.

BT Global Services Limited (BT Group plc)

Cisco Systems Inc.

Lumen Technologies Inc.

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Orange SA

Syringa Networks LLC

T-Mobile US Inc. (Deutsche Telekom AG)

Verizon Communications Inc.

Vodafone Group PLC

Kindly, note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:



1. What was the size of the global managed MPLS market in 2023?

2. What is the expected growth rate of the global managed MPLS market during 2024-2032?

3. What are the key factors driving the global managed MPLS market?

4. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global managed MPLS market?

5. What is the breakup of the global managed MPLS market based on the service?

6. What is the breakup of the global managed MPLS market based on the end user?

7. What are the key regions in the global managed MPLS market?

8. Who are the key players/companies in the global managed MPLS market?



Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 141 Forecast Period 2023-2032 Estimated Market Value (US$) in 2023 64.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (US$) by 2032 107.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.8% Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/su3t5i

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
UAB Atsinaujinancios energetikos investicijos (the Company) publishes its audited annual consolidated and separate financial statements for 2023 together with Companys and Groups annual report for 2023

Financial results

The Companys objective is to earn a return for the Companys investors from investments in facilities of the renewable energy infrastructure and related assets. The main financial indicators for the period were:

As at 31 December 2023, the Companys total assets were EUR 186,793 thousand, total equity was EUR 115,300 thousand, and total liabilities were EUR 71,493 thousand

As at 31 December 2023, the Companys investment assets at fair value through profit or loss were EUR 180,060 thousand, which compared to 31 December 2022, grew by EUR 35,152 thousand or 24.26%

The Companys total comprehensive income during 2023 was EUR 5,031 thousand, which was primarily driven by the gain on the investment portfolio due to the annual valuation of the Companys shares

During 2023, Shareholders' contributions amounted to EUR 6,763 thousand

During 2023, the Company issued Green bonds in the total amount of EUR 20,382 thousand

Review of performance and development

2023 was a successful year for PV solar operating projects in Poland and Lithuania. The results have exceeded expectations, with revenue increasing by 9% and EBITDA by 11% compared to the budget. This was driven by favourable weather conditions. During the period from January to December 2023, the group produced a total of 68,124 MWh of renewable energy

The construction of 67.8 MW total capacity PV Energy Projects sp. z o. o. portfolio is moving towards completion. By the end of Q4 2023, 14 projects with a total capacity of 14 MW were energized. 22 projects with a total capacity of 53.8 MW are projected to be energized in 2024. The Group has generated 4,258 MW of renewable energy from projects that were energized from their completion date until the end of the financial year. The group secured long-term financing with Bank Pekao S.A. in 2023

The PL SUN sp. z o. o. project portfolio with a total capacity of 114.5 MW is split into two phases. First 66.99 MW, for which construction procedures are continuing in all 7 sites and are scheduled to be completed in Q2 2024. Second 47.51 MW, for which the Balance of System module, and inverter supply agreements are under negotiations

The Company holds 25% of shares of UAB Zaliosios investicijos, which manages the construction of a 185.5 MW portfolio, consisting of 34 wind turbines in Lithuania. The construction process of the wind park portfolio was completed in Q3 2023. The 3 wind farms generated 277,490 MW of renewable wind energy from January to December 2023

The development permit was issued for the wind park being developed by UAB Ekoelektra, and the final grid connection conditions were received. Technical design procedures have been initiated, and we anticipate obtaining building permits in Q4 2024  Q1 2025

UAB JTPG final grid connection conditions for 70 MW solar PV project have been received during Q3 2023

UAB KNT Holding has secured hybridized grid connection for 390 MW wind, 250 MW solar PV and 50 MW / 200 MWh battery storage capacity

The grid connection was secured for the whole connection capacity of 102 MW wind park development project in Latvia managed by Zala Elektriba SIA. Final environmental impact assessment for wind farm was obtained in Q4 2023. Technical design procedures have been started

On the 31 March 2023, the Company closed its final share subscription period with total investor commitments reaching EUR 91.5 million

Shareholders meeting

According to the Law on Companies of Republic of Lithuania, the annual financial statements prepared by the Management are authorised by the General Shareholders meeting. The shareholders hold the power not to approve the annual financial statements and the right to request new financial statements to be prepared.

The shareholders of the Company will vote on approving the Groups and Companys 2023 financial statements at a shareholders' meeting to be held on 30 April 2024. The meeting will also consider a proposal for the distribution of profits, it is proposed to allocate profits as follows:

Article Thousand, EUR Retained earnings (loss)  at the beginning of financial year 21,113 Comprehensive income for the reporting period - net profit for the current year 5,005 Profit transfer to the legal reserve -668 Retained earnings (loss)  at the end of financial year 31,450 Profit distribution: Profit transfer to the legal reserve -250 Profit transfer to other reserves - Profit to be paid as dividends - Retained earnings (loss) at the end of the financial year for 2022 and previous financial periods 31,200

Also on 30 April 2024, Shareholders will decide on the appointment of an audit firm to audit the Companys financial statements for 2024-2026. The proposed audit firm to be appointed is PricewaterhouseCoopers, UAB.



Additional items on the shareholders meeting agenda include the amendment of the Company's Articles of Association and the approval of Audit Committee guidelines.

Contact person for further information:

Grete Bukauskaite

Manager of the Investment Company

grete.bukauskaite@lordslb.lt

Attachments
Atlanta, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After 56 years of company leadership as chairman of the board, the RaceTrac, Inc. board of directors unanimously voted Carl Bolch, Jr. into the role of chairman emeritus. The official vote was held during the last board of directors meeting.

During the same board of directors vote, current CEO of RaceTrac, Inc., Natalie Morhous, was appointed chairman of the board.

Carl Bolch, Jr. joined the company, founded by his father Carl Bolch Sr., and led the transformation of RaceTrac into a high-volume, retail fuel discounter and leader in the convenience store industry, including pioneering self-service fueling in the South.

By embracing change and innovation while championing customer convenience, Bolch Jr. led RaceTrac to become Georgias second largest privately held company and 18th largest in the U.S. He grew the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands from 100 stores in two states to more than 800 stores across 13 states. In addition, RaceTrac, Inc. now employs more than 10,500 team members across its two divisions (RaceTrac and RaceWay) and affiliated companies (Metroplex Energy, Energy Dispatch and as of December of 2023, Gulf Oil).

RaceTrac was transformed because of Carlss incredible foresight, insatiable intellect, business acumen and what he somewhat reluctantly would call vision, said Max Lenker, a board director at RaceTrac. It is impossible to summarize the indelible mark Carl has made on RaceTrac, the fuel and convenience store industries and society as a whole. He truly is an inspiration to us all.

It is the honor of my life to carry on my fathers legacy and steer the growth and development of RaceTrac into the future, said Natalie Morhous, CEO of RaceTrac, Inc. My family and I have so much confidence in our exceptional board and leadership team and know that RaceTrac, Inc. will continue to flourish and evolve to meet the needs of our guests.

During his storied career, Bolch Jr. earned countless appointments and acknowledgments. He is a past president of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America and a past chairman of the National Association of Convenience Storesthe first person ever to helm both leading trade associations. In 2009, Bolch Jr. was named Retail Leader of the Year by Convenience Store News and Petroleum (CSP) and was inducted into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame.

Bolch Jr. has also made a substantial impact on his community in other ways, including as a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club for over twenty-five years and as a member of the Board of Directors of Camp Sunshine. He also serves on the Patient Council for The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinsons Research and is a pivotal reason RaceTrac and its guests have contributed more than $8 million to MJFF over the past decade.

Additionally, Bolch Jr. and his wife Susan Bass Bolch founded the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University School of Law in 2018. The institute provides unique educational opportunities for sitting judges in the U.S. and around the world, conducts research, supports teaching and scholarship, and develops civic education initiatives to advance its mission.

RaceTrac remains a privately held, family-run company with third generation leadership including CEO Natalie (Bolch) Morhous, chief brand officer Melanie (Bolch) Isbill and board member Jordan Bolch.

About RaceTrac, Inc.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, family-owned RaceTrac is the 18th largest privately held company in the United States and has been serving guests since 1934. RaceTrac has nearly 800 retail locations representing the RaceTrac and RaceWay brands in 13 states offering guests an affordable one-stop-shop featuring competitively priced fuel plus a wide selection of food and beverage favorites, including freshly brewed coffee. RaceTrac employs more than 10,500 team members across RaceTrac, RaceWay and affiliated companies Metroplex Energy, Energy Dispatch and Gulf Oil.

###
New York, US (PANA) - The UN verified 3,688 cases of rape and other sexual violence committed in war in 2023, a dramatic increase of 50 per cent over the previous year, the Security Council heard on Tuesday
Dublin, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Fogging Machines Market - Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Fogging Machines Market was valued at USD 7.88 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 13.13 billion by 2029, showcasing a CAGR of 8.88%.

The global fogging machines market is fragmented due to the presence of local and international market players. The market competition is based solely on features such as quality, quantity, innovation, and price. The most strategic approaches in the fogging machines market also include quality of operation, user-friendliness, terms of guarantee, technological innovations, and price and mode of distribution. Further, Curtis Dyna-Fog, IGEBA, Vectorfog, pulsFOG, and PESTWORKER are leading global fogging machine market vendors.





MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

High Demand for Electrostatic Fogging



The global demand for electrostatic foggers has witnessed a remarkable surge in the fogging machines market in recent years, driven by a confluence of factors that underscore the efficiency and versatility of this advanced technology. Electrostatic foggers utilize a unique mechanism, employing charged particles to create a fine mist of disinfectant or pesticide.



This technology has garnered substantial attention and adoption across various industries, ranging from healthcare and education to agriculture and manufacturing. The overarching theme of efficient disinfection and the ability to provide uniform coverage & reduce chemical usage positions make the electrostatic foggers a compelling solution for contemporary hygiene and safety challenges.



Increasing Demand in the Agriculture Industry



Agriculture has been a significant demand driver for fogging machines in the past decade. As a major contributor to the GDP of developed and developing economies, factors like sanitation, hygiene, and pest control in the agricultural industry have assumed major importance. The increasing production of vegetables, fruits, cash crops, and whole grains has propelled the adoption and usage of equipment like fogging machines, which are utilized widely to maintain the health and protection of crops and other agricultural facilities with a high level of effectiveness. It is also estimated that the global potential loss due to pests in the agricultural industry is about 50% in wheat and roughly 80% in cotton production. Thus, protecting the crops with equipment like fogging machines is essential to prevent losses due to pest damage.



INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Safety Concerns and Stringent Guidelines



The application of fogging machines is highly restricted by national and international guidelines, especially following the impact of the pandemic in 2020, where the regulations were made more stringent. As a best practice to counter the pandemic, the CDC approved a disinfection process that utilizes only EPA-approved chemicals to reduce the risks associated with the virus.



The approved list of cleaning agents known as the EPA 'List N' was believed to be more effective in eradicating the virus. Thus, fogging a surface area with a disinfectant that meets the regulation can violate federal law. Further, the improper application of disinfectants can also lead to a false sense of security, thereby increasing health hazards.



SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY TYPE



The global fogging machines market by type is segmented into thermal fogging, cold fogging, and electrostatic fogging. The thermal fogging segment holds the largest market share and is expected to pose an absolute growth of over 63% during the forecast period. With major applications in vector control, disinfection, stored product control, plant protection, and potato sprout control, the significance of the thermal fogging technique is expected to remain relevant throughout the forecast period.



Thermal foggers have a significant edge over cold foggers owing to their low insecticide concentration use, low energy, and treatment of the same area in less time than ULV cold foggers. Furthermore, electrostatic fogging is a comparatively new technique, as electrostatic foggers have only started to penetrate the market in the past two years. However, they tend to face a massive threat from conventional electrostatic sprayers owing to their established market.

INSIGHT BY POWER SOURCE



The global fogging machines market by power source is segmented as cordless and corded. The cordless segment dominated the international market in 2023. The ease of operation, convenience level, and flexibility to disinfect hard-to-reach areas drive the cordless segment's market. Thermal foggers are the primary demand drivers in this segment, as established players in the fogging machines market offer thermal foggers that utilize propane, butane, or other fuels for operation. They are also available in lightweight versions for residential purposes, making the product more versatile for numerous indoor and outdoor applications. Furthermore, the Li-ion battery innovations are expected to be a game-changer that can shape the adoption dynamics in the battery-operated foggers market.



INSIGHT BY DISTRIBUTION



The offline segment dominated the global fogging machines market in 2023 and will likely continue the trend during the forecast period. Fogger machines are mainly sold through retail distribution channels such as specialty stores, dealerships, distributors, and significant hypermarkets that have a cleaning & disinfectant equipment range. The distribution environment is rapidly evolving, with systems and processes being upgraded at a rapid pace. Changes are being spurred by expanding competition, accelerating digitization, constant disintermediation, and consumerization of expectations. B2B commerce is witnessing increasing expectations associated mainly with B2C, such as transparent pricing, communities, and social connections.



Offline distribution through dealers and distributors mostly has an edge over certain counterfeit products from unauthorized sellers in the e-commerce space. The varying end-user dynamics and specifications for treating a controlled environment require a demo before purchase, which further signifies the importance of offline distribution for such expensive disinfection equipment.

INSIGHTS BY END-USER



The global fogging machines market by end-user is segmented into commercial, contract cleaners, and residential. The commercial segment dominated the market and is further sub-segmented into agriculture, food & beverage, healthcare, hospitality, public & municipality, automotive & manufacturing, retail, pharmaceutical, and others. The rising number of commercial facilities such as shopping malls, retail outlets, hotels, and offices will likely drive the fogger machine market during the predicted period.



The significant areas of application of fogging machines in commercial spaces revolve around sanitization, removal of molds, and mosquito and pest control. Thus, with the increasing demand for hygienic surroundings among end-users, the demand for fogging machines is also expected to grow during the forecast period. Further, SM BURE, Curtis Dyna-Fog, pulsFOG, and IGEBA are some of the key players in the commercial fogging machines market with consistent innovations through R&D.



GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



North America dominated the global fogging machines market, accounting for over 27% of the worldwide share in 2023. The expansion of commercial spaces and the demand for residential low-duty foggers are primarily driving the market in the region. Moreover, the stringent healthcare laws in the U.S. are also fueling the demand for foggers in medical facilities.



Furthermore, the growth of the fogging machines market in Europe is mainly supported by increased business investments, new office construction and other commercial spaces, government spending on infrastructure and transportation, and growth in hospitality, supported by the rise in travel and tourism in the region. However, political uncertainties arising in Europe after the Brexit negotiations adversely impact the region's economic growth. They may lower the demand for professional cleaning and sanitation services and equipment during the forecast period.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE



Key Company Profiles

Curtis Dyna-Fog

IGEBA Geratebau

Vectorfog

pulsFOG

PestWorker

Other Prominent Vendors

Dolphy India

Airofog Machinery

Vimal Industries

Fogmaster Corporation

Idealin Fogging Systems

IndoSurgicals

Skan

SM BURE

Tomahawk Power

B&G Cleaning Systems

HSC ULV Fogger and Disinfection Machinery

Createch USA

Nine Group

Qingdao Saintfine Environmental Technology

Neptune Fairdeal Products

KisanKraft

Scintex

XPOWER

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd

White Fog

Disinfect & Fog

Streamline Systems

Agro Technic

Dr. Odin

Swansoft Machinery



Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 340 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $7.88 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $13.13 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.8% Regions Covered Global





Key Topics Covered:



MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Opportunities & Trends

High Demand for Electrostatic Fogging

Rising Demand for Vector Control

Growing Public Awareness for Hygiene & Sanitation

Market Growth Enablers

Increased Demand in Agriculture Industry

Rising Adoption of Eco-Friendly Fogging Machines

Technological Advances

Market Restraints

Safety Concerns and Stringent Guidelines

Low Penetration in Developing Economies

Availability of Alternative Pest Control & Disinfection Techniques

MARKET SEGMENTATION

Segmentation by Type

Thermal Fogging

Cold Fogging

Electrostatic Fogging

Segmentation by Power Source

Cordless

Corded

Segmentation by Cordless

Fuel

Battery

Segmentation by Distribution

Online

Offline

Segmentation by End-user

Commercial

Contract Cleaners

Residential

Segmentation by Commercial

Agriculture

Food & Beverage

Healthcare

Hospitality

Public & Municipality

Automotive & Manufacturing

Retail

Pharmaceutical

Others

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/keecda

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 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vanadium Compounds in Emerging Electronics, Electrics, Cooling: Markets, Technologies 2024-2044" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This commercially-oriented research report is designed to assist added value materials and device companies to maximise their opportunities. It will also assist investors, researchers and other interested parties.

Rapid market growth explained

The report calculates a startling eight-fold increase in market value for vanadium compounds in this sector. Today's success is the liquid vanadium sulfate anolytes and catholytes in redox flow batteries, a strong growth market. Nonetheless, the imminent market growth for such compounds will substantially be driven by vanadium solids in sophisticated forms that add value. They will vary from 2D compounds, MXenes, graphene composites, vanadates, hollow nanospheres to intercalated cathodes, electrochromic windows and much more.

Commercially-oriented analysis

The 42-page Executive Summary and Conclusions makes easy reading for those with limited time because it has key conclusions and bar charts, tables and SWOT appraisal. See the most promising vanadium formulations and morphologies by future application then 58 forecast lines as graphs and tables.

Morphologies and formats being targeted

Next, the 17 pages of Chapter 2. "Vanadium compound formulations morphologies and formats becoming important in electronic, electric and thermal applications" clarifies the structures ahead and reasons why. Understand liquid vanadium compounds in different oxidation states and the most promising solid vanadium compound structures including as vanadium oxides, chalcogenides, perovskites, 2D compounds. Additionally, there are other examples of the phases, morphologies and formats being brought to market, with manufacturing approaches and many 2024 research references.

Major opportunity emerging in various forms of energy storage

The rest of the report has chapters on each of the sectors found to be important in driving that huge increase in sales, with latest company & research inputs and PhD level analysis. See drill down reports available from the company for your further reading on specifics. The first three chapters are concerned with the major vanadium opportunity emerging in various forms of energy storage.

Chapter 4. "Vanadium compounds in future supercapacitors, pseudocapacitors, Li-ion capacitors and other battery supercapacitor hybrids BSH" needs 77 pages to cover the massive progress here, with research and company activity sharply increasing in 2024. Learn the formulations and formats winning in supercapacitors, pseudocapacitors and battery-supercapacitor hybrids (lithium-ion capacitors but also others), the benefits and challenges remaining.

Chapter 5. "Vanadium compounds in future regular and hybrid redox flow batteries" is the longest because this is the only existing major commercial success for vanadium compounds in these sectors. See why it has great potential ahead. Although the typical vanadium sulfate electrolytes are mature technology with little further research, the large number of companies marketing these devices need to be covered including where they are headed next. There is also coverage of the research and commercial activity on hybrid RFB that employ vanadium compounds and the potential for that lesser opportunity for such compounds.

Logically, that is followed by Chapter 6. Vanadium compounds in future aluminium-ion. ammonium-ion, calcium-ion, iron-ion, lithium-ion, magnesium-ion, potassium-ion, sodium-ion and zinc ion batteries. Why are most of them suffering a trickle or research and little interest in commercialisation when it comes to vanadium-based options? In sharp contrast, which one has a rising flood of research and intense commercial interest in the vanadium-based approach? What is in-between and why?

Solid-state cooling, heat prevention, and smart windows

Then, the study moves to the 42 pages of Chapter 7. "Vanadium compounds in future solid-state cooling, heat prevention, and smart windows".

Again there is a lucid introduction to the subject followed by specifics from a commercial point of view with deep information from the research pipeline distilled to provide conclusions. With global warming and many new industrial, medical and transport processes needing cooling, this is the focus, not heating. See how it is now a many- faceted opportunity, from electrochromics and Passive Daylight Radiative Cooling PDRC to smart windows. Which are the best opportunities for vanadium compounds and why? What is the competition? Clarity is provided by many new infograms, eight SWOT appraisals and assessment of latest company and research activity. A modest share of what will become a very large market awaits.

And much more ahead

The report closes with a catch-all on the rest, notably in electrics and electronics including vanadium compounds for solar panels, memory, memristors, transistors, actuators, MEMS and a considerable rollout of vanadium-based sensors. What types, why, where, what else? Chapter 8. "Other applications of vanadium compounds in electronics and electrics" takes 35 pages to provide the answers and, again, a profusion of further reading, including 2024 research.

Report Attributes:

460 Vanadium-related Research Papers Examined: 2024 and 2023 Emphasis

157 New Infograms, Graphs, Comparison Tables

85 Companies Examined

67 Forecast Lines 2024-2044

15 SWOT Appraisals

8 Chapters

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive summary and conclusions

1.1 Purpose of this report

1.2 Methodology of this analysis

1.3 Primary conclusions

1.4 Results of this research and market study by six device sectors and SWOT appraisal

1.5 Primary focus by application of 460 vanadium compound research papers examined for electrics and electronics

1.6 Primary focus by vanadium compound of research papers examined beyond RFB

1.7 Research focus of vanadium compounds for ion batteries

1.8 Research focus of vanadium compounds for supercapacitors and variants

1.9 Research focus of vanadium compounds for solid state cooling, heat prevention and smart windows:

1.10 Research focus of vanadium compounds for other purposes:

1.11 Market forecasts in 58 forecast lines 2024-2044

1.12 Forecasts for equipment targeted for adoption of vanadium compounds

2. Vanadium compound formulations morphologies and formats becoming important in electronic, electric and thermal applications

2.1 Overview

2.2 Liquid vanadium compounds in different oxidation states

2.3 The most promising solid vanadium compound structures

2.4 Advances in fabrication by format

3. Vanadium compounds in future 6G Communications, terahertz electronics, metamaterials, metasurfaces, metadevices

3.1 Overview

3.2 SWOT appraisal of 6G Communications as currently understood

3.3 Competitive position of vanadium compounds in 6G Communications development

3.4 The priority of vanadium compounds in 6G research

3.5 Vanadium compounds and the Terahertz Gap

3.6 Research pipeline analysis of vanadium compounds for 6G, THz and metasurfaces

4. Vanadium compounds in future supercapacitors, pseudocapacitors, Li-ion capacitors and other battery supercapacitor hybrids BSH

4.1 General introduction - appropriate needs and technology choices

4.2 Three SWOT appraisals of supercapacitors and their variants

4.3 Strategies for improving supercapacitors and their variants

4.4 Where vanadium compounds come in

4.5 Analysis of vanadium-related research pipeline for supercapacitors in 2024

4.6 Analysis of vanadium-related research pipeline for supercapacitors in 2023 and earlier

4.7 Understanding pseudocapacitance and its optimisation in pseudocapacitors

4.8 Analysis of vanadium-related research pipeline for pseudocapacitors in 2024

4.9 Understanding battery-supercapacitor hybrids (hybrid-ion capacitors, asymmetric supercapacitors

4.10 Analysis of vanadium-related BSH research pipeline in 2024

4.11 Analysis of vanadium-related BSH research pipeline in 2023 and earlier

5. Vanadium compounds in future regular and hybrid redox flow batteries

5.1 Overview

5.2 Basic RFB hardware design and latest vanadium-related research

5.4 Latest commercial trends with vanadium RFB vs alternatives

5.5 48 RFB and RFB vanadium manufacturers compared in 8 columns: name, brand, technology, tech. readiness, beyond grid focus, LDES focus, comment (90 pages)

6. Vanadium compounds in future aluminium-ion. ammonium-ion, calcium-ion, iron-ion lithium-ion, magnesium-ion, potassium-ion, sodium-ion and zinc ion batteries

6.1 Overview

6.2 Vanadium compounds in recent ion battery research

6.3 Number of important research papers on vanadium compounds by battery chemistry

6.4 The vanadium oxide toolkit for ion batteries

6.5 Vanadium compounds in aluminium-ion battery research

6.6 Vanadium compounds in ammonium-ion battery research

6.7 Vanadium compounds in calcium-ion battery research

6.8 Vanadium compounds in iron-ion battery research

6.9 Vanadium compounds in lithium-ion battery research

6.10 Vanadium compounds in magnesium-ion battery research

6.11 Vanadium compounds in potassium-ion battery research

6.12 Vanadium compounds in sodium-ion battery research

6.13 Vanadium compounds in zinc-ion battery research

7. Vanadium compounds in future solid-state cooling, heat prevention, and smart windows

7.1 Overlapping topics

7.2 Research analysis as an indicator of future vanadium compound demand

7.2.1 Analysis of vanadium compounds researched for solid state cooling, heat prevention and smart windows

7.2.2 Analysis of vanadium compounds research papers on these topics by application

7.3 The cooling toolkit

7.4 Report on the overall subject of solid-state cooling materials and devices

7.5 Vanadium compounds for solid state cooling

7.6 Undesirable materials widely used and proposed: this is an opportunity for you

7.7 Vanadium compounds in research for smart windows and heat prevention

7.8 Analysis of vanadium-related research pipeline in 2024

7.9 Analysis of vanadium-related research pipeline in 2023 and earlier

8. Other applications of vanadium compounds in electronics and electrics

8.1 Overview

8.2 Actuators and MEMS mirrors

8.3 Data storage and processing: transistors, diodes, memory, memristors, switches, other

8.5 Holography, electro-optics, electronic camouflage, zoom lenses, encryption etc.

8.6 Photovoltaics, solar cells, photodetectors

8.7 Sensors

Companies Featured

Agora Energy Technologies

Allegro Energy

Ambri

Aowei

BASF

Beijing Herui Energy Storage

Bryte Batteries

Caldera

Cavern Energy

CellCube (Enerox)

Ceres

CERQ (Jena Batteries)

Cheesecake Energy

China CEC

CMBlu

Corre Energy

Cougar Creek Technologies

Echogen

EDF bought Pivot Power

Elestor

Enervenue

EOS

ESS

Everflow Energy

eZinc

Form Energy

Green Energy Storage

Greencap

H2

HBIS

Hubei Lvdong

Hunan Huifeng High Tech Energy

HydraRedox

Hydrostor

Invinity Energy Systems

Jolt Energy Storage Solutions

Kemiwatt

Korid Energy / AVESS

Kurt Energy

Largo Inc

LE System

LICAP

Lockheed Martin

Maxwell Technologies

Mine Storage

Mitsubishi

nanoFlowcell

NGK

Noon Energy

Pinflow

Primus Power

Prolox

Quidnet Energy

Quino Energy

Redflow

RFC Power

Rhongke Power

Salgenix

Shanghai Electric Energy Storage

Shmid

Skeleton Technologies

SPEL

State Power Investment Corp.

Storelectric

StorEn Technologies

Storion Energy

StorTera

Stryten Energy

Sumitomo Electric

Suntien

Swanbarton

Synchrostor

VFlowTech

Vionx Energy

VizBlue

ViZn Energy/ EnSync

VLiquid

Voith

Volterion

VoltStorage

VRB Energy

WattJoule

WeView

Yinfeng New Energy

Zhiguang

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/w3zgx4

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.
When the Daily Meal ranked the Habits Chicken Club the #1 Grilled Chicken Sandwich1, the brand had an aha moment  their Chicken Club is so good, it deserves its own club!

IRVINE, Calif., April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Habit Burger Grill, the beloved California-born restaurant chain known for its flame-fresh chargrilled Charburgers, signature sandwiches, fresh salads, and creamy shakes, is excited to announce The Chicken Club Club, a positive space for like-minded Chicken Club Sandwich fans to celebrate, eat, and win. And here is the best part: all new members will enjoy one for free*! The Chicken Club Club is open for membership on the Habit Burger app from April 26 to June 25.

The Habit's Chicken Club Sandwich soared to the #1 spot in Daily Meal's rankings, based on glowing customer reviews. With its delectable combination of freshly chopped avocado, crispy bacon, and succulent chargrilled chicken breast nestled between perfectly toasted sourdough, it's no wonder why this sandwich is the ultimate winner.

To celebrate this remarkable recognition, Habit Burger partnered with the food geeks at Foodbeast to bring The Chicken Club Club to life. Packed with fun, from captivating social media contests to the thrill of the Mystery Box and the anticipation of an exclusive event, The Chicken Club Club offers an experience for every Chicken Club fan.

"We've been on a journey to try every club sandwich in the world", said Elie Ayrouth, Publisher at Foodbeast. Foodbeast is excited to take our community along for the ride, so we were thrilled to collab on the Chicken Club Club because everyone needs front of line access to this journey. Together, we're gonna celebrate the beauty of the Club Sandwich, give our community high-quality free food, and even a chance to win our Mystery Box. That's Foodbeast worthy for sure."

By joining the Chicken Club Club, members of the club not only enjoy a complimentary* Chicken Club Sandwich but are also entered for a chance to win an exciting Mystery Box filled with exclusive swag and a coveted Chicken Club Club gold card, which holds the purchasing power of a free Chicken Club Sandwich a week for a full year.**

"We always knew our Chicken Club was next level. And when the Daily Meal crowned us the #1 Chicken Club based on customer reviews, we were pumped, remarked Jason Triail, Director of Culinary Innovation at The Habit Burger Grill. "The people have spoken. And it's all about giving them what they wanta fan club dedicated to their favorite sandwich."

Whether you're a die-hard fan or you just love every single bite, the Chicken Club Club welcomes all who crave it. Chicken Club Sandwich lovers can join the club for free by simply by downloading The Habit Burger Grill app and registering between April 26 - June 25, 2024.

1Based on Daily Meals survey of consumer reviews from Reddit, Yelp!, and TripAdvisor (Published Dec. 2023)

*Offer for a free Chicken Club only valid with a $2 minimum purchase. Must be a CharClub (a.k.a. Chicken Club Club) member to redeem. For a limited time only while supplies last.

**Winners will receive a $600 gift card equivalent to the approximate cost of 52 Chicken Clubs at participating restaurants.

Connect with The Habit Burger Grill on social media at facebook.com/habitburgergrill, instagram.com/habitburgergrill, twitter.com/habitburger, tiktok.com/@habitburgergrill, and youtube.com/habittube.

About The Habit Burger Grill

Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, The Habit Burger Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers  it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. The Habit Burger Grill has earned notable recognition, being featured in Newsweeks Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023 and praised for its Tempura Green Beans, named as the top green bean dish in The Daily Meals Ranking Green Bean Dishes From 11 Chain Restaurants in 2023. Additionally, it was listed in Thrillists roundup of Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State! The Habit Burger Grill has since grown to over 370 restaurants across 14 states and internationally  and continues to grow, serving up delicious meals that capture the essence of California feel-good food. Learn more at www.habitburger.com.

The Habit Burger Grill Press Contact: HBGMedia@yum.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0301eee8-05cf-415a-b90f-bf659ce50558

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a871bddd-aba4-47dc-a103-d39fccd26d34




VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the Company or AGN Pharma) (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW0) (OTCQB: AGNPF), a Canadian clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Algernon NeuroScience (AGN Neuro), along with the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), will present its Phase 1 stroke study data at the Interdisciplinary Conference on Psychedelic Research being held June 6-8, 2024 in Haarlem, the Netherlands. AGN Neuro is the worlds first company to investigate DMT for the treatment of stroke and its ability to promote neuroplasticity in the healing of brain injuries.



Dr. Katelijne Van der Heijden, research physician at the CHDR and study co-investigator for the DMT Phase 1 clinical trial, will present Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) administered intravenously over 6 hours in healthy volunteers.

The single escalating dose Phase 1 DMT stroke trial was conducted at the CHDR in Leiden, Netherlands. The purpose of the study was to identify the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of sub-psychedelic doses of DMT when administered as an intravenous bolus followed by a prolonged infusion of 6 hours, a period which has never been studied clinically. In addition, several pharmacodynamic measures believed to be associated with neuroplasticity, including both measurements of biochemical markers and electroencephalographic readings, were recorded.

AGN Neuro reported that the safety review committee confirmed that there were no safety or tolerability issues with the highest dose, which was able to maintain plasma DMT concentrations at targeted levels and which was below the established psychedelic dose.

The psychedelic dose of DMT was previously identified as 0.2 mg/kg by Dr. Rick Strassman, DMT researcher and author of the book DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2001) and AGN Neuro consultant, in his ground-breaking DMT human studies in the early 1990s. AGN Neuro is the first company to test DMT at single escalating concentrations with an IV dose for a 6-hour duration.

Based on the positive data from the Phase 1 DMT stroke clinical trial, the Company plans to begin a Phase 2a clinical trial in acute ischemic stroke patients in 2024.

About DMT

The decision to investigate DMT for stroke treatment was based on the ground-breaking 2020-published rat occlusion stroke study by Nardai et al showing that DMT reduced infarct volume and led to an almost full recovery of motor function 30 days after a single treatment of DMT, with statistical significance.1

This was also one of numerous pre-clinical studies that showed DMT increases brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the main neurotrophin involved in healing the brain after an injury. DMT activates pathways involved in forming neuronal connections and has been shown to increase the capacity of neurons to form new neural connections by expanding cell morphology and the growth of dendritic spines; the sites of signal transduction between neurons.

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug producing effects similar to those of other psychedelics like LSD, ketamine, psilocybin and psilocin. DMT occurs naturally in many plant species and animals including humans and has been used in religious ceremonies as a traditional spiritual medicine by indigenous people in the Amazon basin. DMT can also be synthesised in a laboratory.

DMT is an agonist of multiple receptors, including serotonin receptors and the sigma-1 receptor. Sigma-1 is a multi-faceted stress-responsive receptor which promotes cell survival, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuroimmunomodulation. Further, DMT promotes the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein which can aid in recovery after a brain injury.

DMT has a rapid onset, intense psychedelic effects, and a relatively short duration of action at high doses. At sub-hallucinogenic doses, DMT has been shown to induce and improve structural and functional neuroplasticity both in vitro and in preclinical murine models.

Algernon has filed patents for DMT pamoate and nicotinate (novel salt forms of DMT), in addition to formulation, dosage and method of use claims for ischemic stroke and TBI. The Company has also filed claims for combination therapy of DMT and stroke rehabilitation including Constraint Induced Movement Therapy.

Phase 2a Stroke Study Design

Subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic stroke will be randomized in blinded fashion to receive either DMT or placebo. The primary outcome measure of the study will be safety, and information will be gained on measures of efficacy including preservation of brain tissue, motor recovery, depression and numerous biomarkers linked to the pathophysiology of stroke.

The decision to advance into a Phase 2 study was based on positive data from the Companys Phase 1 trial conducted at the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) in Leiden, Netherlands. This study showed that plasma levels of DMT associated with neuroplasticity in preclinical studies could be achieved with a prolonged, 6-hour infusion of AP-188 at a dose which did not cause a psychedelic experience. The amount given exceeded the human equivalent of the dose used in preclinical studies in rats which demonstrated neuroprotective effects.

About Algernon NeuroScience

Algernon NeuroScience is a 100% owned private equity subsidiary of Algernon Pharmaceuticals and has been created to advance the Companys DMT stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) research program. For more information visit www.algernonneuroscience.com.

About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Algernon Pharmaceuticals is a Canadian clinical stage drug development company investigating multiple drugs for unmet global medical needs. Algernon Pharmaceuticals is the parent company of a private subsidiary called Algernon NeuroScience, that is advancing a psychedelic program investigating a proprietary form of DMT for stroke and traumatic brain injury and has an active research program for chronic kidney disease.

Algernon recently announced that it closed on its agreement with Seyltx Inc., a privately owned U.S. based drug development company, for the acquisition of Algernons NP-120 (Ifenprodil) research program for the purchase price of USD $2M cash and a 20% common share equity position in Seyltx. For more information visit https://www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher J. Moreau

CEO

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

604.398.4175 ext 701

info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com

investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com

www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com.

Nardai, S, Laszlo, M, Szabo, A, Alpar, A, Hanics, J, Zahola, P, Merkely, B, Frescka, E, Nagy Z. N,N-dimethyltryptamine reduces infarct size and improves functional recovery following transient focal brain ischemia in rats. Experiment. Neurol. 2020, May, 327:113245. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113245.



Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipate, expects and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.
CEDARVILLE, OHIO, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unsung Hero could be the next blockbuster Christian movie of our time. The movie releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 26, and is the story of the Smallbone family, which gave rise to Christian recording artists Rebecca St. James and For King and Country.



A Cedarville University unsung hero connected with this movie is Parker Adams, a 2014 alumnus, who provided the editing to this upcoming movie.



Adams has been editing some of the most popular Christian movies during the past several years, including Ordinary Angels, I Still Believe and Unplanned. As the founder of 1520 Creative, a Nashville-based communication firm, he is focused on helping movies tell positive, life-changing stories through his work.



Adams originally enrolled at Cedarville to pursue a career in animation. It didnt take him long, however, to find his passion in editing films.



I had a visceral moment with the Lord where I felt very clearly that I was called to make movies with excellence, said Adams. When I learned of my calling, my prayer was Lord, I dont have a way forward to become what youre asking me to be. So, Im going to give you my best and let you take care of the rest.



What transpired after Adams embraced the calling has been a remarkable journey that he never dreamed of or imagined.



Opportunities presented themselves to Adams in the most remarkable ways. He recalls driving from Ohio to Nebraska  and missing college classes in the process  in hopes of meeting the Kendrick Brothers, producers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof. His dedication and tenacity landed him a production role in their next movie, War Room.



And, since pushing through that first open door, Adams has enjoyed success as an editor, producer and screenwriter.



With numerous movie credits to his name Adams now serves on Cedarville University's broadcasting, digital media, and journalism advisory board, helping other creative-minded students find their passion in film.



In the early stages its about going out and doing it as much as possible without concern for what people are thinking; ultimately, you just want the Lords fingerprint to show through in your work, said Adams. With Unsung Hero slated for release, Adams is looking forward to his next project, the upcoming Amazon series House of David.

Adams was a guest on the Cedarville Stories Podcast with Mark D. Weinstein in which he shared his passion for filmmaking.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,456 undergraduate, graduate, and dual-enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, such as their Broadcasting and Digital Media major, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.

Written by Ella Smith

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zafin, the leading provider of SaaS core modernization and transformation solutions for banks, today announced a strategic leadership transition that has been part of the companys long-term success plan. After more than two decades of exemplary leadership, Al Karim Somji will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Zafin. He will continue to serve as an ongoing member of the Board of Directors.



As a founder of the Company, Al Karim has been pivotal in shaping Zafin's success, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation. Under his stewardship, Zafin has experienced significant growth and success, reinforcing its status as a leader in global banking technology.

As an active board member and substantial owner, Al Karim will provide essential insight and guidance to ensure a smooth leadership transition. His extensive experience will continue to influence Zafin's strategic direction.

Charbel Safadi, who has served as Group President of Zafin, will succeed Al Karim as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. With a proven track record of leadership, a passion for driving change, and a comprehensive understanding of Zafin's operations and culture, Charbel is ideally positioned to propel the Company into its next phase of growth and success.

Reflecting on his tenure, Al Karim expressed his gratitude, stating, "It has been a remarkable journey and an absolute privilege to lead Zafin through its many milestones and successes. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments over the last two decadesfrom our original vision to revolutionize the financial services industry to elevating Zafin to a category of its own in core modernization and transformation solutions. Today, Zafin is uniquely positioned as a leader in the global banking technology landscape. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to my co-founders, Anugopal Venugopalan and Dinesh Krishnan, whose ongoing leadership continues to drive our vision forward. Together with the unwavering dedication of our entire team and the trust of our valued customers, we have set a solid foundation for sustained innovation and growth. I am confident and fully trust in Charbels vision and capabilities to continue steering Zafin toward groundbreaking solutions that enable banks to stay ahead of the curve, achieving sustainable growth and continued excellence in an ever-evolving banking landscape.

Mohit Agnihotri, Partner at Nordic Capital Advisors and Board Member of Zafin, conveyed his confidence in the transition, stating, On behalf of Nordic Capital and the Zafin Board, I extend heartfelt thanks to Al Karim for his significant contributions to Zafin. Under his leadership, Zafin has established a robust track record of success. We eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with Karim, Charbel, and the extended leadership team as we enter the next stage of the Company's growth.

Charbel Safadi remarked, Al Karim has been an exceptional leader, and Zafin has thrived under his vision and dedication. I am honored to guide Zafin into its next chapter of growth. We will continue to build upon Zafins solid foundation, focusing on sustainable revenue growth and profitability, while delivering ongoing value to our customers and employees worldwide.

About Zafin:

Founded in 2002, Zafin is a leading provider of SaaS core modernization and transformation solutions offering an integrated platform and capabilities that simplify operations and enable increased revenue, profitability, and enhanced customer experiences for top banks worldwide. Our platform enables business users to work collaboratively to design and manage pricing, products, and packages, while technologists streamline core banking systems.

With Zafin, banks accelerate time to market for new products and offers while lowering the cost of change and achieving tangible business and risk outcomes. The Zafin platform increases business agility while enabling personalized pricing and dynamic responses to evolving customer and market needs.

Zafin is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with offices and customers around the globe including ING, CIBC, HSBC, Wells Fargo, PNC, and ANZ. For more information go to www.zafin.com.

Media Contacts:

Uproar PR for Zafin

Julia Cappiello

jcappiello@uproarpr.com
Dublin, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Liposuction Surgery Devices Market Report by Product Type, Technology, Region and Company Analysis 2024-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Liposuction surgery devices market is experiencing a significant uptrend, with projections indicating a rise from US$ 1.70 Billion in 2023 to US$ 4.67 Billion by 2032. This remarkable growth trajectory is reflected by a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.88% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2032. Technological enhancements and increasing demand for aesthetic procedures are key drivers bolstering market expansion.





In light of data from esteemed plastic surgery associations, liposuction continues to solidify its status as one of the predominantly performed aesthetic surgeries. The procedure is undergoing continual improvements, leading to heightened efficiency and safer outcomes. Globally, this rise is supported by socio-cultural trends, increased awareness about cosmetic procedures, and the advancing field of medical tourism, which has seen individuals from around the world seeking high-quality and cost-effective liposuction services.



Impact of Technological Innovations



The integration of latest technologies such as ultrasound-assisted liposuction exemplifies the sector driving the market forward. These advanced devices offer refined outcomes with reduced patient downtime, contributing to their expanding market presence. Key industry participants are launching products equipped with cutting-edge features like robotics and artificial intelligence, which are expected to significantly influence market dynamics by enhancing the precision and safety of these procedures.



Market Segmentation and Regional Outlook



The market analysis encapsulates a diverse range of product types and technologies, with ultrasound-assisted liposuction being particularly noteworthy for its efficiency. Geographically, the market spans across multiple regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, with each region contributing to the global market share. The United States continues to lead the market, with countries like South Korea, Brazil, and India emerging as key players in the medical tourism sector, particularly for cosmetic procedures.



Key Players in Market Landscape



The landscape features a league of formidable players such as SOLTA MEDICAL, InMode Ltd., and Hologic Inc., among others. The competitive environment is characterized by a series of strategic mergers, acquisitions, and product launches, with organizations aiming to enhance their market presence and cater to the growing demand for liposuction surgeries. These entities are instrumental in driving the market forward through their commitment to innovation and patient-centric approaches.



The global Liposuction Surgery Devices market report shines a light on this burgeoning sector, providing an in-depth understanding of the current trends and forecasting future growth.



Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 180 Forecast Period 2023 - 2032 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2032 $4.66 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11.8% Regions Covered Global





Companies Featured

SOLTA MEDICAL (Bausch Health Companies, Inc.)

InMode Ltd.

Genesis Biosystems, Inc.

Hologic Inc.

Apyx Medical

Cynosure Inc.

YOLO Medical Inc.

Sciton Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m2xm8p

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Greensboro, N.C., April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volvo Trucks North America has announced a significant advancement in its sustainability efforts by fueling newly assembled trucks with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel, as they depart from the Volvo Trucks New River Valley Assembly Operations (NRV) in Dublin, Virginia. All Volvo trucks for the North American market are produced at the NRV plant, including the all-new Volvo VNL that will begin production later this summer. This initiative is part of Volvo Trucks broader strategy to decarbonize the industry through a three-pillar approach: enhancing internal combustion engine (ICE) efficiency and drop-in renewable fuels to make the largest immediate emissions reductions while continuing to scale the Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric and developing hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

Today and for the foreseeable future there will not be a one-size fits all approach to decarbonizing transportation, said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America. That is why, at Volvo Trucks, we are focused on the three-pillar strategy with battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and renewable fuels in the internal combustion engine. With the all-new Volvo VNL and by utilizing HVO, we can make the most substantial and immediate impact today. There is a future for the ICE and were happy to be doing all factory fills with renewable fuel, an important step towards walking the talk in our sustainability journey.

HVO is a renewable fuel that can be used in the same engine as fossil-based diesel without requiring engine modifications. Produced from renewable sources such as waste vegetable oils and animal fats, HVO has the same chemical structure as fossil-based diesel so it can be used as a direct replacement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining engine performance. By utilizing these waste products as feedstocks, HVO production can promote a more sustainable circular economy by converting waste into valuable fuel.

Unlike first-generation biofuels, these raw sources are processed using a sophisticated hydrotreatment to achieve high levels of purity allowing HVO to be stored, used, pumped, and handled virtually the same way as fossil-based diesel products. Because HVO is hydrogenated it doesnt contain oxygen and does not present the challenges of first-generation biofuels, including biodiesel, relating to extreme temperature and storage. This is an added benefit of HVO as it does not require separate storage or fueling infrastructure. HVO, often referred to as renewable diesel, can be used interchangeably with petroleum diesel. Renewable diesel at any blend up to a maximum of 100% (RD100) that conforms to ASTM D975 or EN15940 will not adversely affect engine or aftertreatment performance or durability.

Volvo Trucks is fueling new trucks leaving the NRV plant with 20 to 25 gallons of HVO per tank, with full tanks provided for trucks destined directly to customers. This initiative is expected to replace 1,125,000 gallons of fossil-based diesel annually, achieving an estimated 75% to 85% reduction in CO2 emissions for Volvo Trucks' operations in North America.

With increasing demand from shippers for sustainable transport options, HVO offers Volvo Trucks' customers a viable solution to meet these challenges today. The recent launch of the all-new Volvo VNL, featuring a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency from powertrain and aerodynamic advancements, exemplifies the ongoing potential for significant environmental benefits from internal combustion engine vehicles when powered by renewable fuels.

The internal combustion engine has more than 100 years of research and development and established support in the industry. It must be part of the decarbonization journey and major, immediate decarbonization possibilities exist by using renewable fuels, including HVO and hydrogen, said Johan Agebrand, director of product marketing, Volvo Trucks North America. Volvo Trucks continues to work with the industry to broaden the use of renewable fuels. Fuels produced using hydrotreatment process such as, HVO and RD100, can be interchangeable with diesel and a viable fuel to decarbonize transportation that truck operators can start using today.

To learn more about Volvo Trucks North America, visit the company website.

High-resolution images associated with this press release and others are available at https://press.volvotrucks.us/.

For further information, please contact:

Kyle Zimmerman

Public Relations Manager, Volvo Trucks North America

kyle.zimmerman@volvo.com

(704) 677-9757

Volvo Trucks North America, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Its Uptime Services commitment is delivered by a network of nearly 400 authorized dealers across North America and the 24/7 Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Every Volvo truck is assembled in the Volvo Trucks New River Valley manufacturing facility in Dublin, Virginia, which meets the internationally recognized ISO 9001 standard for quality, 14001 standard for environmental care and holds a dual ISO 50001/Superior Energy Performance certification at the platinum level, indicating a sustained excellence in energy management. Volvo Trucks North America provides complete transport solutions for its customers, offering a full range of diesel, alternative-fuel and all-electric vehicles, and is part of the Volvo Trucks global organization.

Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the worlds leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

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CHICAGO, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A monument park and website honoring medical frontline and essential workers worldwide who risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic will break ground this summer in Chicago, Illinois. The COVID-19 Monument of Honor, Remembrance, and Resilience draws attention to the enormous sacrifices made by these workers and the stress they encountered. Further, the COVID-19 Monument pays tribute to those who lost the battle to COVID-19, now more than seven million individuals. Accessible 24/7, the monument park and website will serve as a gathering space of healing, reflection, & wellness. The website will invite participation from all, and preserve the oral history of essential workers, pandemic survivors (especially those suffering from Long-COVID) and serve as a permanent memorial to lost loved ones.



Sally Metzler, Ph.D., the Chair of the Commission, emphasized the epic nature of the impact of the pandemic, No other event in recent history has touched every place, citizen, & nation on Earth as did the COVID-19 pandemic. It excluded no one. At best you may have experienced quarantine, at worst you may have experienced loss; we have all shared the pain and challenges brought by the pandemic. She stressed the critical need to thank the essential workers, and to make certain the world recognizes the historic nature of the pandemic to heal and learn for future generations.

The COVID-19 Monument is a collaboration between the Illinois Medical District (IMD) (https://medicaldistrict.org/) and the COVID-19 Monument Commission (under the aegis of the Hektoen Institute of Medicine (https://www.hektoen.org/). The IMD has donated the land for the monument park, located in a thriving urban setting that is home to thousands of healthcare workers, four premiere hospitals, and over forty healthcare and scientific research facilities. Under the leadership of CEO & Executive Director Allyson Hansen, the IMD is proud to sponsor this global, historic initiative to honor pandemic heroes: they are the nurses, doctors, health care workers; the public service sector employees, teachers and school paraprofessionals; airline and banking personnel; the brave souls who rang up our groceries and medicines, delivered our packages, prepared our to-go meals; the beauty salon employees, plumbers, and construction workers; those who drove our buses, taxis, subways, and many more.

Dr. Metzler stressed the unique nature of the COVID-19 Monument, in that of honoring frontline workers in tandem with the victims of COVID-19. Further, she emphasized the dual nature of this COVID-19 Monument: a physical and potent virtual presence accessible to the world. Funding for the monument is a grass-roots effort, and the volunteer-led Commission encourages everyone throughout the world to donate what they can, even $10 will make a difference, directly through the website: (https://covidmemorialmonument.org/). Corporate sponsorships provide worldwide recognition at the monument site and on the website, which will offer in perpetuity a virtual platform for the global pandemic experience.

For those who perished, for those who lost a loved-one, for those who have recovered, and for those who courageously and selflessly served during the darkest and most uncertain days of the pandemic, the COVID-19 Monument will mark an event in history that must remain indelible in our memory. Please visit the website to read more and donate today. (https://covidmemorialmonument.org/.)

Interested parties are encouraged to follow the monument on social media:

https://twitter.com/covidmonument/

https://www.instagram.com/covidmemorialmonument/

For more information:

Dr. Sally Metzler, monumentcovid19@gmail.com

https://covidmemorialmonument.org/
Hong Kong, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global electric vehicle battery market size surpassed USD 64.51 billion in 2023 and is predicted to hit around USD 231.18 billion by 2031, a study published by Towards Automotive a sister firm of Precedence Research.



The battery serves as the heart of an electric vehicle (EV), acting as the primary source of power for propulsion and electrical systems. It functions by converting stored electrical energy into usable power for the vehicle's operation. In the realm of electronics, batteries facilitate electrical reactions by transferring charges between different components. In the context of EVs, batteries are engineered to meet the diverse energy demands of the vehicle's motor and charging infrastructure.

Typically, an electric car's battery pack comprises multiple cells, ranging from 18 to 30 cells, which are interconnected in series to achieve the requisite drive voltage. Automakers are actively engaged in advancing EV technologies, with a particular emphasis on refining motor and battery designs to mitigate emissions and reduce costs.

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Among the various materials utilized in electric batteries, Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) batteries represent the prevailing choice. Additionally, in the United States, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA) finds application in electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model X, S, and 3. Notably, companies like BYD Automobile Company have made significant strides in electric vehicle technology, exemplified by the launch of their electric conversion kit for cars in March 2020. These advancements are characterized by enhanced battery pack structures, which optimize performance by up to 50% compared to lithium metal phosphate batteries, thereby extending battery lifespan and efficiency.

Rechargeable batteries serve as the primary power source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs and HEVs). These vehicles are increasingly being adopted in many countries as part of efforts to reduce emissions and combat environmental degradation. The battery plays a crucial role in the electrical system of these vehicles, providing the necessary energy to power the engine.

Currently, lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are the most commonly used types in electric vehicles due to their high energy density relative to their weight. These batteries utilize various chemical materials, including lithium, cobalt, manganese, iron, graphite, and nickel, to create efficient battery cells. The combination of these components enables lithium-ion batteries to deliver the performance required for electric vehicle applications.

Given the growing concerns over pollution and environmental impact, governments worldwide are implementing stringent regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. As a result, there is a heightened focus on promoting the adoption of electric vehicles as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This increased emphasis on reducing vehicle emissions is expected to drive up the demand for electric vehicles, consequently boosting the demand for EV batteries.

The emergence of business models such as battery swapping and battery-as-a-service (BaaS) represents a significant development in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. These models offer customers the convenience of replacing their EV batteries after use, addressing key challenges associated with fixed charging stations.

Compared to fixed charging stations, which require time-consuming recharging processes and expensive infrastructure, battery swapping and BaaS solutions allow for quick and efficient battery replacements. BaaS, in particular, is characterized by its asset-light nature, affordability, and speed, making it an attractive option for EV users.

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One of the primary benefits of these models is the reduction in upfront costs for EV ownership. For example, BaaS can lower the cost of two-wheeler EVs by up to 20%, making them more accessible to a broader range of consumers. Additionally, the ability to quickly swap batteries reduces the time users spend waiting for their vehicles to charge, leading to increased customer satisfaction and facilitating the widespread adoption of EVs.

The implementation of battery swapping stations has seen significant growth, with companies like NIO leading the way. NIO has plans to install thousands of battery swapping stations both in China and internationally, providing EV users with convenient access to battery replacement services. Collaborations between companies like Shell and NIO further support the expansion of battery swapping infrastructure, creating new opportunities for electric vehicle charging solutions.

Overall, the rise of battery swapping and BaaS models represents a promising development in the EV industry, offering innovative solutions to address challenges related to charging infrastructure and EV adoption. These models have the potential to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and contribute to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

The spread of electric vehicles is significantly influenced by high production costs, particularly those associated with battery manufacturing. However, anticipated declines in battery costs, coupled with increased research and development (R&D) spending, have the potential to reduce the overall cost of purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) to a level comparable to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, making them more economically viable options for consumers.

Raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and magnesium are essential components of EV batteries, and their high costs directly impact the cost of battery production. The cost of the cathode, in particular, has a significant influence on overall battery costs. Additionally, the production process for EVs is inherently more expensive than that of hybrid vehicles, due to the specialized batteries required, as well as the advanced technology and materials used in EV manufacturing.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the production of these vehicles becomes increasingly important but also more costly. The current cost of raw materials per EV is approximately $8,255, reflecting the significant expenses associated with sourcing materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium. This cost has seen a substantial increase compared to March 2020, when it was $3,381 per car, representing a rise of over 140%.

Ongoing disruptions in product supply chains and escalating raw material prices further contribute to the challenges faced by the electric vehicle industry. The situation in Ukraine, for instance, has exacerbated these issues, as Russia, a major exporter of metals used in battery production, has faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions.

High production costs remain a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, advancements in battery technology, increased R&D investment, and efforts to mitigate supply chain disruptions are essential for driving down costs and making EVs more accessible to consumers.

Rising Need for Electric Vehicles

The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) stems from the imperative to reduce reliance on imported oil and fossil fuels. As production costs for oil rise and the prices of imported oil escalate, countries heavily reliant on petroleum products face the necessity of significant investments to transition their economies. EVs, powered by fuel cells, electricity, and batteries, offer a promising solution, substantially reducing dependence on foreign fuel sources.

The allure of EVs lies not only in their reduced reliance on imported fuel but also in their environmentally friendly nature. With lower emissions compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles, EVs have garnered widespread acceptance. This trend is poised to fuel further growth in the industry's revenue in the foreseeable future.

Rising Uses of Battery Swapping

The emergence of battery swapping and battery-as-a-service (BaaS) models represents innovative solutions to address the limitations of traditional fixed charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). Unlike conventional charging stations, which require time and expensive infrastructure for recharging, battery swapping and BaaS offer customers the convenience of quickly replacing depleted batteries.

The BaaS model, in particular, is characterized by its asset-light nature, low cost, and rapid deployment capabilities. By outsourcing the ownership and maintenance of batteries to service providers, BaaS reduces the upfront cost of EVs for customers, making them more accessible. For instance, in the case of two-wheeled vehicles, BaaS could lead to cost savings of up to 20%.

Moreover, BaaS significantly reduces the time customers spend waiting for their batteries to charge, enhancing overall satisfaction and user experience. By eliminating one of the key barriers to EV adoptionthe inconvenience of chargingBaaS has the potential to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and contribute to the widespread adoption of EVs.

Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the electric vehicle (EV) market, constituting over 70% of the rechargeable battery market, as reported by the US International Trade Commission in 2018. A significant driver of the growing adoption of EVs is the declining cost of lithium-ion batteries, with the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) falling below $200. Further advancements in battery chemistry and manufacturing processes are expected to drive battery prices below $100/kWh in the coming years. This reduction in battery costs, which typically account for 35% to 45% of EV production costs, is poised to significantly expand the EV market.

Over the next decade, continuous investment in research and development (R&D) and increased production capacity will facilitate the development of new cathode materials and battery technologies, including silicon and lithium metal anodes, solid electrolytes, and more. These advancements aim to further reduce costs and enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, making EVs more accessible to consumers.

Despite global EV sales accounting for only around 3.2% of total vehicle sales in 2020, this figure is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. One contributing factor to this growth is the decreasing cost of EV fuel, driven by increased production and technological advancements in battery manufacturing. As battery costs continue to decline, electric cars are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, further incentivizing consumers to make the switch to EVs.

Asia-Pacific Is Expected to Be the Leading Market

The global electric vehicle battery market is segmented into several key regions, including North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these regions, Asia Pacific has emerged as the largest market, accounting for a significant portion of market revenue by 2023.

Countries such as China and India within the Asia Pacific region offer favorable conditions for the electric vehicle battery market. These countries benefit from cheap labor and flexible production options, attracting substantial investments from large companies. Moreover, government economic policies aimed at promoting sustainable transportation further encourage investment in the electric vehicle sector.

The Asia Pacific region boasts a large customer base and is experiencing rising demand for both electric passenger and commercial vehicles. This growing demand is fueled by increasing awareness of environmental concerns and the need for cleaner transportation solutions.

Infrastructure financing initiatives and expanded government support for electric vehicles also contribute to the growth of the electric vehicle battery market in Asia Pacific. For instance, Tata Group's subsidiary, Agratas Energy Storage Solutions Private Limited, signed an agreement with the Gujarat government to establish India's first lithium-ion battery superfactory. This significant investment reflects the region's commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.

In addition, companies like Amara Raja Batteries Limited (ARBL) are investing in research and development (R&D) and greenfield manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. ARBL's plans to invest in rechargeable zinc-air batteries signify ongoing efforts to explore alternative battery technologies for electric vehicles, highlighting the region's dedication to innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.

Electric Vehicle Battery Market Leaders

Panasonic Corporation

LG Energy Solution Ltd

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd

Samsung SDI Co. Ltd

BYD Co. Ltd

Narada Power Source Co. Ltd

East Penn Manufacturing Company

GS Yuasa Corporation

Clarios

Hitachi Ltd

Electric Vehicle Battery Market News

In October 2023, Panasonic Corporation announced a breakthrough in battery technology with the development of a new lithium-ion battery cell that offers significantly higher energy density and faster charging capabilities. This advancement represents a major step forward in the electric vehicle battery market, promising longer driving ranges and reduced charging times for EV owners.

In December 2023, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) unveiled plans to build a new mega-factory for lithium-ion batteries in Germany. This state-of-the-art facility will significantly increase CATL's production capacity and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of EV batteries in Europe, supporting the region's transition to electric mobility.

LG Energy Solution announced in January 2023 its collaboration with Ford Motor Company to develop and supply batteries for Ford's upcoming lineup of electric vehicles. This partnership highlights LG Energy Solution's commitment to innovation and sustainability, providing Ford with cutting-edge battery technology to power its next-generation EVs.

Tesla Inc. introduced in March 2023 its latest innovation in battery technology with the unveiling of the "4680" battery cell. This larger, more energy-dense cell is expected to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry, offering improved performance, increased range, and lower production costs for Tesla's electric cars and energy products.

Volkswagen Group announced in April 2023 its strategic investment in Northvolt AB, a leading Swedish battery manufacturer, to secure a stable supply of lithium-ion batteries for its electric vehicle lineup. This partnership underscores Volkswagen's commitment to electrification and its efforts to establish a sustainable battery supply chain for its EV production.



Browse More Insights of Towards Automotive:

Market Segmentation

By Battery Type

Lead-Acid Battery

Lithium-Ion Battery

Other Battery Types



By Vehicle Type

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)



By Geography

North America U.S. Canada

Europe U.K. Germany France

Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Malaysia Philippines

Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA) GCC North Africa South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa



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NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Primerica, Inc. (Primerica or the Company) (NYSE: PRI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.



The investigation concerns whether Primerica and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On April 18, 2024, The Bear Cave published a short report on Primerica, which described the Company as a pyramid scheme. The Bear Cave cited extensive evidence suggesting that Primericas highest producing agents are engaged in misleading, false, or deceptive conduct including 1) a recorded Zoom presentation from a Senior National Sales Director that alleges crooked conduct, fake numbers, and appears to suggest an ongoing internal investigation, 2) a text message recruiting script for new agents that appears to deliberately obfuscate their association with Primerica, 3) agent presentations that emphasize recruiting over serving independent customers and 4) a presentation by a high-producing agent saying its normal to be a millionaire. The Bear Cave also cited complaints obtained through public records requests, which allege forged signatures on six-figure investment contracts and institutionalized theft[.]

Following publication of the Bear Cave report, Primericas stock price fell $1.55 per share, or 0.73%, to close at $210.09 per share on April 18, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) is pleased to announce that its common shares are now trading on the Cboe Canada Inc. (Cboe Canada) exchange, as part of Zefiros successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) which was recently announced by the Company in a press release dated April 11, 2024 . A ceremony took place yesterday at Cboe Canadas head office in Toronto, where Zefiro Founder and Chief Executive Officer Talal Debs PhD rang the bell alongside Zefiro team members.

Pictured From Left to Right During Zefiros Bell-Ringing Ceremony at Cboe Canadas Office on April 23, 2024: Michael Downs and Jeffrey Slotterback of PhiCap Advisors LLC, Tina Reine (Chief Commercial Officer of Zefiro), Talal Debs PhD (Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zefiro), and Luke Plants (Senior Vice President of Business Development of Zefiro, and CEO of Zefiros subsidiary Plants & Goodwin, Inc.).

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

Zefiro is focused on reducing emissions of methane gas, which is 25x to 84x more potent than carbon dioxide emissions. Through its asset retirement and environmental markets operations, Zefiro is the only fully integrated provider focused on the millions of sites throughout North America that continue to leak methane on a daily basis. Zefiros partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments are expected to continue increasing the Companys revenue and EBITDA growth for public shareholders.

Zefiro continues to build out its presence in the United States, where the latest expert estimates indicate that there are more than four million abandoned wells , with USD $4.7 billion in federal funding recently announced for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities to help address the leading causes of the methane emissions crisis. Throughout 2023, Zefiro scaled its foundation as an environmental services company with its acquisition of Plants & Goodwin, Inc. (based in Bradford, Pennsylvania), and a strategic bolt-on acquisition of Appalachian Well Surveys, Inc., a wireline company in Cambridge, Ohio, which makes it fully integrated. In July 2023, Zefiro announced the presale of certified carbon credits to Mercuria Energy America, LLC , which is the United States-based division of one of the worlds largest independent energy and commodities groups. Additionally, in December 2023, Zefiro hosted an event in the Blue Zone of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

Zefiro and related subsidiaries have recently been featured by multiple media outlets including MarketWatch, Quantum Commodity Intelligence, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, World Oil, and the Wall Street Journal. Please also see a recent op-ed by Zefiro Founder and Chief Executive Officer Talal Debs highlighting Active Sustainability which utilizes capital to support a solution to a problem such as the methane emissions crisis, while also driving economic value as a business. Please refer to the In the Press section of Zefiros website for a listing of recent press and media coverage: https://zefiromethane.com/media/in-the-press/

Yesterdays bell-ringing ceremony at the Cboe Canada headquarters marked the beginning of Zefiros latest chapter as a growing environmental services company. Through its asset retirement and environmental markets operations, Zefiro is the only fully integrated provider focused on the millions of sites throughout North America that continue to leak methane on a daily basis, commented Zefiro Founder and Chief Executive Officer Talal Debs. By virtue of being listed, Zefiro can now provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement. I am proud of and grateful for all of the Zefiro team members and early-stage investors whose contributions brought us here today, and we look forward to Zefiros exciting future as a public company on the Cboe Canada exchange!

About Zefiro Methane Corp.

Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

ZEFIRO METHANE CORP.

Talal Debs

Talal Debs, Founder & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Zefiro Investor Relations

1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334)

investor@zefiromethane.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York)

media@zefiromethane.com

+1 (347) 774-1125

Advisors

PI Financial Corp. acted as lead underwriter in connection with the IPO, on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters that included Raymond James Ltd. and Echelon Wealth Partners Inc. Cozen OConnor served as counsel to the Company. Zefiro also engaged PhiCap Advisors LLC as strategic financial advisor.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Companys intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Companys partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Companys expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Companys intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Companys expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Companys ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Companys ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Companys business and the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in the Prospectus under the heading Risk Factors. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b93375c-e014-43dc-95f0-7f5f05593d59
MESQUITE, Nev., April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Rep. Horsford (NV-04) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Hafen Village Apartments in northeast Nevada. Advancing initiatives that uplift marginalized communities throughout Nevada is central to Congressman Horsfords work, a commitment he reinforces in his role as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. The new housing development, located at 850 W. Hafen Lane in Mesquite, Nevada, is providing 96 new affordable residences that lower-income individuals and families can call home.

The grand opening of Hafen Village Apartments shows what we can achieve through strong partnerships among local government, community groups, and innovative housing developers, said Congressman Horsford. These new affordable homes represent more than infrastructure; they are the cornerstone of stability and prosperity for vulnerable Nevada families. As we celebrate this step forward, Im reaffirming my commitment to making projects like Hafen Village the norm and ensuring all Nevadans have access to dignified and affordable housing.

In 2022, FHLBank San Francisco awarded a $900,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to support the Hafen Village project, amplifying the Bank and its members other ongoing community development efforts in rural Nevada. Grant funding was awarded through a partnership with FHLBank San Franciscos member institution, Pacific Premier Bank, and Nevada Rural Housing Authority, the mission-driven housing finance agency that developed Hafen Village Apartments.

We are delighted to celebrate the successful grand opening of Hafen Village, a project that exemplifies our shared commitment to community development and supporting the often-overlooked rural population living and working in Nevada, said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. This project is a prime example of the positive impact that can come to a community through years of hard work and thoughtful dedication. We are grateful to Congressman Horsford, Nevada Rural Housing Authority, Pacific Premier Bank, and all involved in making this project come to fruition.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition , the state of Nevada has the highest number 86% of severely cost-burdened households in the U.S. Recognizing the urgency of this statewide issue, FHLBank San Francisco launched the Nevada Targeted Fund in 2023 to deliver more affordable housing funding directly to Nevada nonprofit housing developers. In the inaugural year of its AHP Nevada Targeted Fund, FHLBank San Francisco awarded $4.8 million to Nevada-based affordable housing groups to create or rehabilitate more than 260 affordable housing units. In addition to the Nevada Targeted Fund, FHLBank San Francisco has allocated $850,000 to help the Nevada Housing Coalition build capacity for affordable housing development through enhanced training and technical assistance programs aimed at expanding housing options for Nevadans.

We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Nevada Rural Housing Authority (NRHA) on the project Hafen Village. Nevada Rural Housing Authoritys dedication to creating and maintaining affordable housing is a testament to the power of community-driven change, said Sherri Scott, senior executive vice president, chief ESG & Corporate Social Responsibility officer at Pacific Premier Bank. Partnerships with FHLBank San Francisco and Nevada Rural Housing Authority are integral to our Banks commitment to addressing daily challenges within our communities.

Hafen Village, managed by Blue Bird Property LLC, joins Nevada Rural Housing Authoritys portfolio of 13 affordable housing communities located throughout the rural and frontier parts of the state. Hafen Village offers a diverse group of households a variety of unit options, with rents starting at $812 for a one-bedroom with all utilities included. Unit are generously sized: a one-bedroom, one-bathroom is 688 square feet; a two -bedroom, one-bathroom is 912 square feet; and a three-bedroom, two-bathroom is 1,176 square feet. All units have a patio or balcony, air conditioning, and extra storage. The community also provides residents access to a fitness room, computer lab, library, dog park, playground, and free laundry on site.

As an organization committed to providing affordable housing opportunities to all rural Nevadans, we are proud to stand alongside our partners in celebrating the grand opening of Hafen Village Apartments, said Bill Brewer, executive director at Nevada Rural Housing Authority. Its encouraging to see a project like this come to life because it means 96 more rural Nevadans now have a secure and safe place to call home.

For more information about the Banks dedication to expanding access to affordable housing opportunities, visit www.fhlbsf.com/community-programs .

About Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California and Nevada strengthen communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions  commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions  promote homeownership, expand access to quality housing and boost economic development. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable and resilient.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/48fb9078-84e4-4ead-991a-6f7d5b05bed3
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Breezeline, a leading internet, TV and voice provider in the U.S., is a proud sponsor of this years Cinema Columbus Film Festival which starts today and runs through April 28.

A total of 22 screenings of nearly 50 feature and short films will be showcased during the festival. The films will be presented at seven locations, including the Drexel Theatre, Gateway Film Center, Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse, Grandview Theater & Drafthouse, McConnell Arts Center, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the Southern Theatre.

The festival, presented by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), shines a spotlight on independent filmmakers.

We are grateful for Breezelines generous support of this years event, said Festival Director Brett Reiter. The support is crucial in our efforts to bring the voices of independent filmmakers to wider audiences throughout the region.

In addition to its sponsorship of the film festival, Breezeline is supporting CAPAs Summer Movie series, the longest-running film series in the U.S., held July 7 through August 25 at the Ohio Theatre.

Breezeline is proud to be a part of the Columbus community and excited to partner with the film festival to support local arts in Central Ohio, said Nathan Robson, region director of operations for Breezeline.

To learn more and to view a full list of titles being screened at this years Cinema Columbus Film Festival, visit cinemacolumbus.com.

Attachment
Melville, NY, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, recently held its inaugural Recognition Week celebration. This significant event, featuring a range of activities, was designed to honor and celebrate the contributions of the companys employees. Recognition Week is a testament to Canons commitment to its employees, a way of expressing gratitude for their robust and positive impact on the organization. The festivities also included the presentation of prestigious Spirit Awards and Canon America Presidents Awards (CAPA) to select employees, further highlighting their outstanding efforts. In addition to the Canon America headquarters events, Canon offices throughout the region also hosted festivities to celebrate Recognition Week.

At Canon, we believe in empowering our employees and fostering a culture where their hard work and contributions are valued and celebrated, said Isao Sammy Kobayashi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. Our Recognition Week is a testament to this commitment, as we take the opportunity to honor the dedication and resilience of our team members who continue to drive our success. Having our employees at our headquarters for a week of fun and team building is exciting as we build toward a successful future together.

Throughout Recognition Week, employees were engaged in a series of events that aimed to acknowledge their exceptional efforts and strengthen their bonds. These activities ranged from team-building exercises to interactive workshops, providing a platform for employees to connect and celebrate their achievements. Canon leadership also arranged for complimentary breakfast, lunch, and ice cream, along with raffles for exciting prizes, adding a touch of fun and excitement to the week.

The Spirit Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, passion, and excellence in their roles, significantly impacting the company, colleagues, and customers. Winners received an honorary plaque, a gift, and a trip to New York in January for an exclusive reception with Canon leadership.

It is an honor to be recognized by colleagues and leaders at Canon for the innovative work we do here, said Daniel Spateri, a Canon Americas Spirit Award winner. These Canon award programs provide a wonderful morale booster for me and my fellow employees.

The CAPA (Canon Americas Presidents Award) program recognizes excellent performance in growth, support, efficiency, creativity, and sustainability. Awarded across all disciplines, the CAPA awards help foster a performance-oriented corporate culture and increase the visibility of the recipients outstanding efforts to Canons most senior executives. The winners were presented with trophies and were publicly acknowledged during a special ceremony.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. As the company looks ahead, it reaffirms its commitment to empowering its workforce and continuing to drive success through collective efforts. For more information about Canon U.S.A., Inc.s employee recognition programs and other aspects that make working at Canon U.S.A., Inc. a fantastic experience, visit https://www.usa.canon.com/about-us/life-at-canon.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.

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 Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
A new logo celebrates the companys successful shift toward pure-play business aviation. The symbol itself, the Bombardier Mach, features the silhouette of an aircraft breaking the sound barrier, while the strokes of wind over a wing reference the companys heritage

The employee value proposition where heart meets mastery focuses on Bombardiers talented people, celebrating the workforces renowned passion, its incredible craftsmanship and profound technological expertise





MONTREAL, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier, the worldwide leader in business aviation, today unveiled a new brand identity anchored by the evolution of the companys logo. As Bombardier successfully moves forward as a company with a sole focus on designing, building and servicing the worlds best business jets, the new brand identity will reinforce and propel the companys unique approach to its customers and stakeholdersputting people at the centre and instilling a one-of-a-kind sense of family.

Bombardier has established itself as a world leader in business aviation building on the pillars of its smooth-flying business jet portfolio, freshly expanded worldwide service network and a successful, growing Bombardier Defense team. Throughout its industry-defining history, Bombardier has maintained its bold innovative spirit while remaining true to its entrepreneurial roots and family values. The new brand identity reflects the success of Bombardiers passionate and talented teams, who set the standard when it comes to delivering the highest performing jets and world-class service to their clients around the world.

Today is a historic moment for more than 18,000 incredibly talented and passionate Bombardier team members. Our iconic company is looking forward with confidence and an innovative spirit, two notions captured elegantly in our new logo and brand evolution, said Eric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. Our clients worldwide are leaders who shape the world and who expect us to deliver a truly memorable experience. When asking them what sets Bombardier apart, the notion of like family comes back time and again as a true differentiator."

Martel added: Finally, Bombardier would not be where it is today without the best people. They are true masters of their craft, bridging some of the worlds most complex technology with a highly personal and passionate approach to aircraft interior artistry, defense modifications, 24-7 services and much more. Our new company brand honours these highest standards our people themselves have set for our industry.

A new logo, inspired by innovation and heritage

The new Bombardier logo celebrates the companys successful shift toward building, designing, servicing and modifying the worlds best jets. The symbol itself, the Bombardier Mach, features the silhouette of an aircraft breaking the sound barrieran ode to the ambition and innovative spirit of Bombardiers talented peoplewhile the strokes of wind over an aircraft reference the companys deeply rooted heritage and the Learjet brands storied winglet iconography.

This evolved brand is a catalyst for Bombardier to differentiate itself as a global leader, not just amongst aerospace and defense peers, but proudly with the worlds leading inspirational brands, said Eve Laurier, Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, Bombardier. Our brand has been crafted to coherently tie notions of our heritage and precision-driven engineering. The brand describes our future, in which we will express a heightened sophistication of our technology, how our employees master their craft and, above all, the customer experience.

Laurier added: Bombardiers new impactful logo echoes the pride and passion we all have for our industry and will further be supported by a suite of evocative imagery featuring Bombardiers own team members at the peak of their respective craft. Their work to elevate performance and sustainability in business aviation, services and defense continues to redefine the industry.

Fusing technology with the notions of customer experience and sophistication is further reflected in the bespoke typeface leveraged by the new logo. The typeface is both modern and refined with subtle serifs that connect to the language of the symbol and highlight Bombardiers passion for precision.

Forward-looking, forward-thinking

The Bombardier Global 8000* aircraft is a key example of this. This flagship of a new era is set to enter service in the second half of 2025(1) as the ultimate all-in-one jet, delivering the fastest speed, longest range and the smoothest ride in the industry. In parallel, Bombardier has further taken the lead on the future of aircraft design with the EcoJet research project, a groundbreaking initiative that leverages the blended-wing-body aircraft configuration to reduce emissions by up to 50%(1).

Bombardier Defense will also carry forward its mission as a flexible and reliable ally to worldwide governments and militaries. The group will continue operating under the Bombardier Defense flag, offering innovative capabilities equipped on aircraft such as the Bombardier Global 6500, which are changing what is possible in the surveillance, reconnaissance and multi-mission spaces, and more.

About Bombardier

At Bombardier (BBD-B.TO), we design, build, modify and maintain the worlds best-performing aircraft for the worlds most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. That means not simply exceeding standards, but understanding customers well enough to anticipate their unspoken needs.

For them, we are committed to pioneering the future of aviationinnovating to make flying more reliable, efficient and sustainable. And we are passionate about delivering unrivaled craftsmanship and care, giving our customers greater confidence and the elevated experience they deserve and expect. Because people who shape the world will always need the most productive and responsible ways to move through it.

Bombardier customers operate a fleet of approximately 5,000 aircraft, supported by a vast network of Bombardier team members worldwide and 10 service facilities across six countries. Bombardiers performance-leading jets are proudly manufactured in aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

For Information

For corporate news and information, including Bombardiers Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the companys plans to cover all its flight operations with a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend utilizing the Book and Claim system visit bombardier.com .

Learn more about Bombardiers new brand on this new dedicated web page . Follow us on X @Bombardier .

Media Resources

Bombardier General Contact Webform

Bombardier Media Kit

Mark Masluch

+1-514-855-7167

mark.masluch@aero.bombardier.com

Bombardier, Learjet, Global, Global 6500 and Global 8000 are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

*The Global 8000 aircraft is currently under development and remains to be finalized and certified. It is expected to enter into service in 2025. All specifications and data are approximate and may change without notice and are subject to certain operating rules, assumptions and conditions.

(1) Forward-looking statement based on current expectations. By their nature, forward-looking statements require the Corporation to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Forward-Looking Statements disclaimer contained in Bombardier Inc.s most recently published financial report for additional details.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42ae3e16-0781-44ca-a524-24448b5b145e
Houston, Texas, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At UST-Houstons commencement in May, first-generation college graduate George Fakes 24 will be wearing his recognizable joy-of-life smile as the medical-school-bound Biology major follows in the footsteps of his accomplished older sisters, both distinguished alumni of the Celt community. His siblings, Stephanie Fakes 18 and Nicole Fakes 20, also majored in Biology and went to pharmacy school and medical school respectively.

All three of us are first generation students from immigrant parents, George said. Both my parents did everything they could to ensure their kids could live strong and successful lives, and they raised us to become the best versions of ourselves.

Developing as a Leader

Fakes found an equally supportive ethos at the University of St. Thomas-Houston. He said his wonderful experience facilitated personal growth.

Grateful for what he has learned, the young man reflected, With the help of many advisors and mentors from the Biology Department, I was able to learn who I was and the type of leader I want to be.

Demonstrating his leadership skills, Fakes served as president of Tri Beta, the biology honor society, and dedicated himself to mentoring and tutoring fellow biology students. He spearheaded impactful service projects  in one of them, which involved 3D printing, he raised nearly $20,000 for Giving Tuesday. On another occasion, he created a university-wide drive, donating more than 500 toys to hospitalized children. And finally, he created a mentorship program with Houstons foster care system to help high schoolers understand the journey of pursuing a higher education.

Mastering Academic Rigor

Attracted to the field of medicine, the future doctor feels well prepared to tackle the next leg of his academic journey: UTMB Medical School where he has been accepted.

The Biology Department at UST has prepared me very well for the difficult and rigorous curriculum I will see in medical school, he said.

But he knew that before he ever enrolled at UST, having witnessed the success of his sisters here.

Gratified to have Selected the Right University

One of the major aspects that drew me to UST was seeing my sisters come here! My family would visit all the time, and I grew up looking up to both of my sisters as key role models for becoming the person I am today. Seeing their success and experience at UST opened my eyes to a school I was not even considering before. From there, I fell in love with the STEM programs pre-health track, and I could envision myself as a Celt.

During his transformational time at St. Thomas, Fakes also forged lasting friendships, notably with Daniel Lam 24, who also is headed to medical school at UTMB.

Fakes added, The transition into medical school is very tough, so I am very fortunate to have an amazing friend with me, allowing us to experience the transition together as we both continue our academic journeys.

Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz, Professor and Chair of Biology, said, Both George and Daniel are great examples of successful students. Both found a way to achieve their goals by working hard and finding a balance between their academics and their extracurricular activities. Neither of them forgot about service to their community, either. We are very proud of their collective achievements, and they are a true testament to their parents and siblings. We expect amazing things from both of them and look forward to seeing what they continue to achieve in their lives. One thing is certain, they will be wonderful ambassadors for our STEM programs at UST.

Rooted in the religious, ethical and intellectual traditions of higher education at UST, George Fakes has flourished as a well-rounded individual. As he looks ahead, he does so with admirable wisdom.

In 10 years, I see myself still surrounded by those who mean so much to me, my family and friends. Balancing professional and personal life is crucial to me as I ensure a fulfilling and sustainable career in medicine.

George Fakes triumphant graduation story is one of individual achievement and illustrates the resilience and success of a familys pursuit of education.

Commencement 2024 When and Where

UST-Houston Commencement 2024 takes place Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m., at NRG Stadium, 8400 Kirby Drive. UST commencement celebrates the achievements of 684 undergraduates and 302 graduate students. The Baccalaureate Mass held on Friday, May 10, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Commencement the following day will be livestreamed. View the livestream link here.

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Attachment
New Orleans, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Orleans, Louisiana -

Search Influence earned 2024 Google Premier Partner status, for the ninth year in a row, reaffirming the SEO and digital marketing agencys position as a leading force in the digital advertising space. Each year, Search Influence must demonstrate that they deserve to remain in the top 3% participating agencies in the United States that embody the highest level of client excellence.

The Google Partners program is designed to acknowledge and reward high-performing digital marketing agencies and professionals who demonstrate advanced skills and expertise in Google Ads. Active in over 60 countries, this exclusive program offers three levels of participation: Member, Partner, and Premier.

The Premier Partner status grants Search Influence advanced access to Google resources which allows the agency to better support clients. Search Influence works with dedicated Google representatives to help the team navigate advertising opportunities and challenges with ease. In addition, the SEO and digital marketing agency benefits from ongoing education on industry trends and early insights into new product development and features. This access ensures that Search Influences clients across industries reap the rewards of the latest advertising innovations, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

As a Google Premier Partner, our clients receive access to the latest digital marketing features, updates, and innovations well before other advertisers, said Jeanne Lobman, Digital Advertising Manager. This connection allows us to quickly integrate any and all opportunities in our clients' campaigns, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve."

Premier status, the highest and most exclusive tier of the Google Partners program, is reserved for those who fall into the top 3% of performers in a given country and year. Premier Partners boast the latest Google Ads expertise and demonstrate exceptional new and existing client growth, client retention, product diversification, and annual ad spend.

Search Influence has successfully met several rigorous qualifications to demonstrate their proficiency in digital advertising. Firstly, they have maintained a high optimization score in their Google Ads Manager accounts, which is indicative of their ability to maximize campaign effectiveness. Additionally, they have shown substantial advertising expenditure, consistently maintaining a significant level of ad spend over a 90-day period, highlighting their capability to manage large-scale campaigns. Furthermore, over half of the strategists managing the account are required to hold Google Ads certifications, ensuring a professional level of expertise. Lastly, their premier status is a testament to their exceptional performance, as they rank within the top 3% in their country based on metrics such as client growth, retention, product diversification, and annual ad spend.

Achieving 2024 Google Premier Partner status is another significant milestone for Search Influence, reaffirming the digital marketing agencys place as one of the elite agencies in the United States. It reflects the marketing agencys commitment to continuing to push the envelope in digital advertising and achieve success beyond measure.

Based in New Orleans, Search Influence offers comprehensive digital advertising services, from initial campaign research and ideation to tracking, reporting, and refining. For more information about how the agency utilizes its Google Premier Partner status to benefit clients, visit https://www.searchinfluence.com or call by phone.

Search Influence

1423 Pine Street

New Orleans, LA 70118

(504) 208-3900

Search Influence is a women-owned, ROI-focused digital marketing agency that helps institutions drive prospects into and through the recruitment funnel with analytics-backed strategies that include search engine optimization and paid digital advertising.

https://www.searchinfluence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Search-Influence-Google-Premier-Partner-Agency-SEO-and-Digital-Marketing.mp4

Founded in 2006, Search Influences core purpose is to optimize potential. They collaborate with well-regarded institutions both nationally and locally in New Orleans. Clients include Audubon Nature Institute, Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, and Tulane School of Professional Advancement.

###

For more information about Search Influence, contact the company here:



Search Influence

Angie Scott

(504) 208-3900

info@searchinfluence.com

1423 Pine St New Orleans, LA 70118
Perth, April 24, 2024 - MARCH 2024 QUARTER REPORT

Perseus Mining Delivers Another Impressive Quarter

PERTH, Western Australia/ April 24, 2024/Perseus Mining Ltd. ("Perseus" or the "Company") (TSX & ASX: PRU) reports on its activities for the three months' period ended March 31, 2024 (the "Quarter").

Key operating indicators and highlights for the March 2024 quarter include:

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR UNIT SEPTEMBER 2023

QUARTER DECEMBER 2023

QUARTER MARCH 2024

QUARTER FINANCIAL YEAR (FY) 2024

TO DATE Gold recovered Ounces 132,804 128,773 127,471 389,048 Gold poured Ounces 132,717 128,339 128,356 389,412 Production Cost US$/ounce 805 862 923 862 All-In Site Cost (AISC) US$/ounce 937 1,023 1,091 1,016 Gold sales Ounces 115,954 135,137 115,648 366,739 Average sales price US$/ounce 1,936 1,963 2,025 1,974 Notional Cashflow US$ million 132 122 119 373

Gold production of 127,471 ounces in the March 2024 quarter, with financial year to date gold production of 389,048 ounces.

March 2024 quarter weighted average AISC of US$1,091 per ounce, slightly above the prior quarter, as foreshadowed last quarter.

Perseus's strong operating performance is expected to continue for the remainder of the June 2024 Half Year with gold production and AISC guidance unchanged at 226,000-254,000 ounces at an AISC of US$1,180 to US$1,340.

Average gold sales price increased 3% quarter on quarter to US$2,025 per ounce, while the quantity of gold sold reduced to 115,648 ounces due to the timing of gold shipments and sales.

Average quarterly cash margin of US$934 per ounce of gold resulted in notional operating cashflow of US$119 million in the quarter or US$373 million for the nine-month period to March 31, 2024.

Available cash and bullion balance of US$702 million, plus US$74 million of listed securities at quarter-end. Zero debt and US$300 million of undrawn debt capacity available.

Group 12-month rolling average TRIFR at 1.02, slightly up from 0.89 in the December 2023 quarter.

A Cooperation Agreement was signed with Ajlan & Bros Mining & Metals Company, the mining division of a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based investment conglomerate company, Ajlan & Bros, to investigate exploration and development opportunities on the Nubian and Arabian Shield regions.

Perseus's takeover offer for OreCorp Limited advanced materially during the quarter with the OreCorp Board endorsing the offer. Subsequent to quarter end, Perseus's ownership of OreCorp advanced beyond 90% enabling compulsory acquisition of outstanding shares to begin.





Group Gold Production and Cost Market Guidance

Forecast group gold production and AISC for the June 2024 half year and full 2024 financial year are shown in Table 1 below. This guidance is unchanged from what was previously provided to the market.

Table 1: Production and Cost Guidance

PARAMETER UNITS DECEMBER 2023 HALF YEAR

(ACTUAL) JUNE 2024 HALF YEAR

FORECAST 2024 FINANCIAL YEAR

FORECAST Yaoure Gold Mine Production Ounces 134,379 100,000 to 113,000 235,000 to 247,000 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 805 $1,150 to $1,300 $900 to $1,000 Sissingue Gold Mine Production Ounces 28,551 36,000 to 41,000 65,000 to 69,000 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 1,719 $1,450 to $1,650 $1,400 to $1,500 Edikan Gold Mine Production Ounces 98,647 90,000 to 100,000 191,000 to 201,000 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 1,003 $1,100 to $1,250 $1,000 to $1,100 PERSEUS GROUP Production Ounces 261,577 226,000 to 254,000 491,000 to 517,000 All-in Site Cost USD per ounce 979 $1,180 to $1,340 $1,000 to $1,100

Competent Person Statement

All production targets referred to in this release are underpinned by estimated Ore Reserves which have been prepared by competent persons in accordance with the requirements of the JORC Code.

Edikan

The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Edikan was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" released on 24 August 2023. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Edikan Gold Mine, Ghana" dated 7 April 2022 continue to apply.

Sissingue, Fimbiasso and Bagoe

The information in this release that relates to the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at the Sissingue complex was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining updates Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" released on 24 August 2023. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Sissingue Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 29 May 2015 continue to apply.

Yaoure

The information in this release that relates to the Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources and Ore Reserve at Yaoure was updated by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Mining announces Open Pit and Underground Ore Reserve update at Yaoure" released on 23 August 2023. The Company confirms that all material assumptions underpinning those estimates and the production targets, or the forecast financial information derived therefrom, in that market release continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company further confirms that material assumptions underpinning the estimates of Ore Reserves described in "Technical Report - Yaoure Gold Project, Cote d'Ivoire" dated 19 December 2023 continue to apply.

Meyas Sand Gold Project

The information in this report that relates to the mineral resources and probable reserves of the Meyas Sand Gold Project was first reported by the Company in a market announcement "Perseus Enters Into Agreement to Acquire Orca Gold Inc." released on 28 February 2022. The Company confirms it is not in possession of any new information or data relating to those estimates that materially impacts of the reliability of the estimate of the Company's ability to verify the estimate as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with Appendix 5A (JORC Code) and the information in that original market release continues to apply and have not materially changed. These estimates are prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards and have not been reported in accordance with the JORC Code. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the resource in accordance with the JORC Code and it is uncertain that following evaluation and/or further exploration work that the estimate will be able to be reported as a mineral resource or ore reserve in accordance with the JORC Code. This release and all technical information regarding Orca's NI 43-101 have been reviewed and approved by Adrian Ralph, a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This report contains forward-looking information which is based on the assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made by the Company regarding, among other things: the price of gold, continuing commercial production at the Yaoure Gold Mine, the Edikan Gold Mine and the Sissingue Gold Mine without any major disruption, the receipt of required governmental approvals, the accuracy of capital and operating cost estimates, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used by the Company. Although management believes that the assumptions made by the Company and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the actual market price of gold, the actual results of current exploration, the actual results of future exploration, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. The Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration and development activities, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Perseus does not undertake to update forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

ASX/TSX CODE: PRU



CAPITAL STRUCTURE:

Ordinary shares: 1,373,791,215

Performance rights: 9,969,110



REGISTERED OFFICE:



Level 2

437 Roberts Road

Subiaco WA 6008



Telephone: +61 8 6144 1700



www.perseusmining.com DIRECTORS:



Mr Jeff Quartermaine

Chairman & CEO



Ms Amber Banfield

Non-Executive Director



Ms Elissa Cornelius

Non-Executive Director



Mr Dan Lougher

Non-Executive Director



Mr John McGloin

Non-Executive Director



Mr David Ransom

Non-Executive Director CONTACTS:



Jeff Quartermaine

Chairman & CEO

jeff.quartermaine@perseusmining.com



Stephen Forman

Investor Relations

+61 484 036 681

stephen.forman@perseusmining.com



Nathan Ryan

Corporate Relations

+61 420 582 887

nathan.ryan@nwrcommunications.com.au

Attachment
VANCOUVER, April 24, 2024 - Golden Arrow Resources Corp. (TSXV: GRG) (FSE: G6A) (OTCQB: GARWF), ("Golden Arrow" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it is now drilling the first hole of an approximate 10,000-metre diamond drilling campaign at the San Pietro Iron-Copper-Gold-Cobalt Project in Chile ("San Pietro" or the "Project"). The goal of the 2024 campaign is to provide additional drill data to facilitate the first Mineral Resource estimate for the Project.

The focus of the program will be the advanced Rincones target where the 2023 drill program hit significant new intercepts that extended the mineralized zone, including 64.2m averaging 0.86% copper, 0.20 g/t gold, 196 g/t cobalt and 26.9% iron, starting at 42.8m depth in hole SP-DDH-12 (see News Release dated July 12, 2023). The first several holes of this new campaign will complete a grid pattern to verify the spacing sufficient for classifying resources, as suggested by the modeling work completed to date. This will be followed by additional infill holes as required based on continued modeling. Following the infill holes at Rincones, up to 3,000 metres of drilling will be used to test for new mineralization at other high-potential target areas throughout the Project.

Brian McEwen, VP Exploration and Development for Golden Arrow, commented, "We are excited to have the drills turning at San Pietro. Recent surface mapping and relogging of existing drill core has allowed us to fine tune the program as well as identify new targets. It is all coming together in a very positive way. We have already established strong iron oxide-copper-gold ("IOCG") mineralization in a location that benefits from being situated in an active IOCG-producing district, within a leading copper-gold mining jurisdiction. We are completely funded and underway on a resource delineation drill program, at a time when copper and gold prices are reaching exciting highs supported by strong long-term forecasts. This could translate to intense interest in San Pietro moving forward."

The program is being funded through the option granted to Sociedad de Servicios Andinos SpA ("SSA") in respect to the San Pietro Project (the "Transaction") as announced on January 12, 2024 (the "Initial Press Release"). SSA procured a new drill rig, which is now drilling the first hole, and supplied other equipment, supplies and drill personnel to service the program.

San Pietro IOCG Project

The Project covers nearly 18,500 hectares, approximately 100 kilometres north of Copiapo. Situated between and adjacent to Capstone Copper's Manto Verde Mine property and Santo Domingo Project, San Pietro is in the centre of a potential new copper-cobalt region within an active, well developed mining district that is home to all the major iron oxide-copper-gold ("IOCG") deposits in Chile.

The San Pietro Project hosts multiple targets with strong IOCG+cobalt mineralization. In 2023 the company completed approximately 4000 metres of diamond drilling in 13 holes to add to the database of ~34,000 metres of historic drilling at San Pietro. All targets tested reported strongly mineralized intervals as reported in company news releases on June 13, June 27 and July 12, 2023.

Qualified Persons

The exploration programs are designed by the Company's geological staff and results are reviewed, verified (including sampling, analytical and test data) and compiled under the supervision of Brian McEwen, P.Geol., VP Exploration and Development to the Company. Mr. McEwen is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of the news release.

About Golden Arrow:

Golden Arrow Resources Corp. is a mining exploration company with a successful track record of creating value by making precious and base metal discoveries and advancing them into exceptional deposits.

Golden Arrow is actively exploring its flagship property, the advanced San Pietro iron oxide-copper-gold-cobalt project in Chile, and a portfolio that includes nearly 125,000 hectares of prospective properties in Argentina.

The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Joseph Grosso"

_______________________________

Mr. Joseph Grosso,

Executive Chairman, President and CEO

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments management of the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlooks; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks and uncertainties related to the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with exploration activities; the possibility that future exploration. There may be other factors that cause results or events to not be as anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where applicable. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, unless required pursuant to applicable laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties.



SOURCE Golden Arrow Resources Corp.







Contact

Corporate Communications, Tel: 1-604-687-1828, Toll-Free: 1-800-901-0058, Email: info@goldenarrowresources.com


Vancouver, April 24, 2024 - Join Forum Energy Metals (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) at the Energy Transition Metals Summit being held at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC on Monday, April 29 and Tuesday, April 30. Forum President & CEO, Richard Mazur and Dr. Rebecca Hunter, Vice President of Exploration will be available both days of the conference for 1 X 1 meetings to update investors on Forum's high grade uranium discovery in the Thelon Basin, Nunavut.

Qualified buy side parties can register at:

https://www.precioussummit.com/event/2024-energy-transition-metals-summit-washington-d-c/

Rick Mazur, President & CEO stated, "This is an exciting Canadian uranium discovery in a geologic equivalent of the prolific Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. We are excited to begin our $10 million summer drill campaign in June and are currently mobilizing materials in order to begin building the camp in the next several weeks. The focus of Forum's efforts will be on our Tatiggaq deposit in Nunavut which is adjacent to Orano's 133 million pound Kiggavik uranium development project."

Technical meetings with management and partnering inquiries on Forum's portfolio of uranium and energy metals projects in Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Idaho can be arranged by contacting: Rick Mazur, President & CEO at mazur@forumenergymetals.com or by calling 604-630-1585.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:

Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO

mazur@forumenergymetals.com

Tel: 604-630-1585

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/206710
Ferrari set for big-money F1 title sponsor deal

Ahead of Lewis Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari, the fabled Italian Formula 1 team is now tipped to sign a lucrative deal with a title sponsor.

Charles Leclerc, Chinese GP 2024

 Ferrari

Ferrari has not had a title sponsor since the 'Mission Winnow' project involving ongoing but behind-the-scenes tobacco backer Philip Morris.

But before Hamilton arrives with salary requirements that no doubt dwarf that of his predecessor Carlos Sainz, Sport Business reports that Ferrari is set to announce a title sponsor deal with Hewlett-Packard (HP).

Driver salaries do not count against Formula 1's 'cost cap', explained F1 correspondent Matthew Williams, allowing teams an unlimited spend on star acquisitions.

Sport Business said sources are reporting that the annual value of Ferrari's HP deal is comparable to Red Bull's title sponsorship with Oracle - another technology company.

Ferrari and HP are yet to comment.

(GMM)
Hopeful rookie on standby for two F1 teams

A hopeful rookie is hoping his big chance to prove himself in Formula 1 may be looming just around the corner.

Theo Pourchaire, Abu Dhabi GP 2023

 Alfa Romeo

After years of waiting for his own chance, reigning Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire turned his attention to Japan's Super Formula series this year - whilst also getting his first couple of opportunities in Indycar.

Pourchaire's F2 runner-up last year was Frederik Vesti, who this year was signed for the European Le Mans series in the LMP2 class.

But the 22-year-old Dane, who reportedly came close to replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams this year, is also not giving up on Formula 1.

Vesti, backed by Williams' engine partner Mercedes, said late last year: There are around 15 drivers who are out of contract in F1 in 2025, so I will be right there to knock on the doors of all the teams.

By 'right there', he means in the Formula 1 paddock - as a regular on-site reserve driver for Mercedes' works team. And as part of that deal, he could also end up on the grid at the wheel of a McLaren this season.

As part of the agreement that Mercedes has with McLaren, I can also act as a reserve driver for them, he told the broadcaster Viaplay.

So if one of their drivers falls ill or something, they (McLaren) also have the option of putting me in the car.

Vesti said that if McLaren does call him up, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to find his way around the cockpit.

I know the Mercedes engine very well, he said. "I know how to handle it. And I know how to use the steering wheel and all the buttons.

It makes it quite easy to be a reserve driver for another team that has a Mercedes engine.

(GMM)
Upgrades keep McLaren on path to beating Red Bull

After Lando Norris chased his friend Max Verstappen to the chequered flag in China, McLaren is now setting its sights on Red Bull.

Lando Norris, Chinese GP 2024

 McLaren

It's been a low-profile start to 2024 for the Woking based team, despite quietly and comfortably sitting between Ferrari and Mercedes in the pecking order.

Indeed, Norris made a friendly bet with his engineer on Sunday that he would be 35 seconds behind the nearest Ferrari in the Chinese GP. Ultimately, he beat both red cars.

I was very wrong, he smiled.

Norris is under contract to McLaren through 2026, but Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko has mentioned his interest in the 24-year-old twice in as many weeks.

The Briton then flew back to Europe on Verstappen's private plane after they stood on the podium in China. Lando was consistent, good tyre degradation - surprising given that Oscar Piastri was struggling, noted 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg.

McLaren - like Ferrari and Mercedes - are now planning to unveil car upgrades in Miami next weekend.

I believe that we can still beat Red Bull this year, said team boss Andrea Stella.

We seemed to lose ground because we gained so much ground when Red Bull weren't developing, he added. "Over a longer period, we're on a strong trajectory.

If we keep this up for the next 12 months, why not?

Eventually producing a winning car may be the only way McLaren can hang onto Norris, given Red Bull's clear interest.

His father always jokes that Lando won't win a grand prix until Max retires, Marko said in Shanghai. I told him that he has to come to us, then he would definitely go faster.

And just days earlier, the Red Bull advisor had said about Norris and Piastri: Both drivers are certainly interesting for us for the future.

Sergio Perez sounded optimistic in China that he was heading for a new Red Bull contract, but Marko also hinted that an original request for a three year deal had been ruled out.

Verstappen alongside his friend Norris might certainly spice up Formula 1.

If you see the same driver winning every single time without a fight then of course it does start to become boring and that is obvious, Norris said in Shanghai.

If Max wasn't there and you had two Perez's it wouldn't be the case.

(GMM)
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Realme announced the P1 and P1 Pro last week, and today, the company unveiled two more smartphones - Narzo 70 and Narzo 70x.

Realme Narzo 70

Let's talk about the Realme Narzo 70 first, which is powered by the Dimensity 7050 SoC and has 128GB storage and up to 8GB RAM onboard. It runs Android 14-based Realme UI 5.0 out of the box, and Realme has promised two years of Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.

The Realme Narzo 70 is built around a 6.67" FullHD+ 120Hz AMOLED screen with 1,200 nits peak brightness, Rainwater Smart Touch tech, and a fingerprint scanner underneath for biometric authentication.

The display also has a centered punch-hole for the 16MP selfie camera, while the 50MP primary camera is housed inside a circular camera island on the rear with the 2MP depth unit.

Fueling the entire package is a 5,000 mAh battery that draws power through a USB-C port at up to 45W. It's advertised to go from flat to 50% in 27 minutes and 100% in 61 minutes. The smartphone also supports reverse wired charging.

The rest of the Realme Narzo 70's highlights include 5G support, an IP54 rating, a 3.5mm headphone jack, Hi-Res Audio, and dual stereo speakers. It also comes with Mini Capsule 2.0.

The Realme Narzo 70 comes in Ice Blue and Olive Green colors with two memory options - 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128GB, priced at INR15,999 ($190/180) and INR16,999 ($205/190), respectively. The smartphone will be sold in India starting April 25 through Realme's official Indian website and Amazon.in.

Realme Narzo 70x

Let's talk about the Realme Narzo 70x now, which isn't an entirely new smartphone but a rebranded Realme 12x already available in India (not the Chinese version) with a slightly different design, colors, and memory configurations.

The Indian Realme 12x is available in Twilight Purple and Woodland Green and has three memory options - 4GB/128GB, 6GB/128GB, and 8GB/128GB. The Realme Narzo 70x, on the other hand, is offered in Ice Blue and Forest Green and has two memory configurations - 4GB/128GB and 6GB/128GB.

As far as specs and features are concerned, you get the Realme Narzo 70x with the Dimensity 6100+ SoC, Realme UI 5.0, a 6.72" FullHD+ 120Hz LCD, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W charging support.

The Narzo 70x also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, and three cameras - 50MP primary, 2MP depth, and 8MP selfie. It also has 5G connectivity.

The Realme Narzo 70x's 4GB/128GB model is priced at INR11,999 ($145/135) and 6GB/128GB at INR13,499 ($160/150). It will go on sale in India starting April 29 through Realme's official website and Amazon.in. However, an early bird sale is scheduled today at 6 PM local time.
TikTok is another step closer to a ban in the US following Senate vote

After a swift vote in the House of Representatives earlier this week, the United States Senate has now passed the National Security Package which includes the controversial potential ban on TikTok in the US. Following the US legislative process, the bill is now heading to President Joe Biden who has previously committed to signing it into law.

Should that scenario play out TikTok parent company ByteDance would be left with two choices - divest into a US-based company in the next twelve months or face an effective ban on TikTok in the US. TikTok has been campaigning against the ban and forced sale on the premises of violating the free speech rights of its 170 million American users.

Members of the House and Senate have been campaigning against TikTok as a medium of Chinese propaganda, being tied to foreign adversaries and "providing significant amounts of user data to the Chinese Communist Party".

Source
In recognition of the government of Guam's commitment to the rule of law, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, with the Judiciary of Guam, the U.S. District Court of Guam, and the Guam Bar Association proclaimed May 1 as Law Day and designated April 22 to May 20 as Law Month.

Chief Justice Robert J. Torres said Law Month encourages residents to engage in discussions honestly and with civility.

"This years theme highlights the power of the people in the democratic process and in shaping our islands future and our course," Torres said.

The ceremony was held on Monday at the Monessa G. Lujan courtroom in the Guam Judicial Center.

The American Bar Associations 2024 theme, Voices of Democracy, underscores the importance of citizen participation in a democratic society.

It encourages the public to deepen their understanding of the electoral process, engage in respectful discourse, participate in elections, and advance community progress after free and fair elections, the Judiciary said in a press release.

"Voices of Democracy is on target for what we are experiencing today, not just locally but also regionally and nationally about the protection of democracy, the importance of elections, the importance of people voicing their desires, voicing how they want to be governed," the governor said.

Throughout Law Month, the Judiciary of Guam, the U.S. District Court of Guam, and the Guam Bar Association will host a series of events aimed at educating the community and highlighting the critical role of civic engagement.

Events include:

 An essay, coloring, and art contest focusing on this year's theme.

 April 26: Jump for Justice fitness event.

 April 28 to May 5: Student-performed fairy tale mock trial plays in Judiciary of Guam courtrooms.

 April 29: Supreme Court of Guam outreach oral arguments.

 The 2024 Hustisia Award presentation.

 May 11: State of the Judiciary Address.

 May 11: Race Judicata 5K, a charity fundraising event.

These activities emphasize the Judiciarys role in promoting an informed and engaged electorate in Guam.
A man who tried to help save a vehicle on fire early last month pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of methamphetamine during an arraignment hearing on Tuesday in front of Magistrate Judge Jonathan R. Quan.

Jordan Glenn Munoz Parages, represented by attorney Rachel Taimanao-Ayuyu, was called to help the person whose car was burning, according to court documents.

A Guam Police Department officer noticed that Parages was allegedly glancing at his own car, and the officer asked Parages if there were weapons or any other items of concern in the car.

"Sir, I'm on probation, Parages reportedly told the officer, based on court documents. I don't think there's anything inside but go ahead and search it."

The police officer found methamphetamine in a compartment under the car radio, a sling bag with two pipes that had methamphetamine residue, resealable plastic bags, and a straw with methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

Parages told police he did not buy the drugs, but that he frequently uses methamphetamine.

He was additionally charged with commission of a felony while on felony release.

On May 17, 2023, police stopped Parages for driving almost 70 mph in Sinajana, according to charging documents in that case.

He didnt have a drivers license, and consented to a search. Officers found a small digital scale, a glass pipe and a plastic bag with drug residue. They also found a bag with 1.20 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

At that time, he told police he had been using the drug for five years.

Parages waived his right to a speedy trial, and requested a jury of 12.

His lawyer, Taimanao-Ayuyu, said she would be filing a motion to modify her client's bail conditions for his release. He is currently detained on a $5,000 bail.

The case has been assigned to Judge Alberto Tolentino, who will issue the next court date for the case.
An audit of the Guam Department of Education and of the government of Guam as a whole could be held up by the recent resignations of key finance staff at GDOE, Public Auditor Benjamin J.F. Cruz told the Pacific Daily News.

Cruz also said at the Guam Chamber of Commerce that his office has started an audit of physicians compensation packages at the Guam Memorial Hospital, which has been on the Office of Public Accountabilitys list of planned audits for years.

We get whistleblower notifications on our website almost weekly about somebody saying something about compensation at the hospital, Cruz said at the Chamber of Commerce meeting, where hes the guest speaker. If any of you have information, you can provide that information to our office also.

OPA continues its audits of GovGuam credit card use, and a performance audit of Guam Homeland Securitys federal funded programs, among other things, Cruz said.

After the Chamber meeting, Cruz talked to the PDN about GDOE and the GovGuam-wide financial audits.

GDOE this week confirmed that both the departments superintendent of finance and administration, Joann Camacho, and comptroller, Adam Shin, recently resigned. The hiring process will have to be restarted for the positions.

Cruz on Wednesday said GDOEs finance team had only just begun working with OPA on the audit of their fiscal 2023 books, before Camacho and Shin resigned.

We really had just started. They had finally closed their books and had given us a trial balance sheet, and (Ernst & Young) was ready to start its field work, when everybody left, Cruz said.

The public auditor said he does not anticipate the GDOE audit to be done until August or September.

GDOE, which has a budget of $231.1 million in fiscal 2023, is the single largest agency in the government.

And, because GDOEs audit is needed to finalize the wider audit of GovGuam, the government wont be able to finish its audit until at least then, the public auditor said, after the statutory June deadline for the audit to be closed out.

GovGuams audit is supposed to guide lawmakers in creating a budget for the next fiscal year, but a number of delays have seen it held up in recent years.

Senators are supposed to send a budget to the governor by Aug. 31, and the governor is supposed to sign the budget before the new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1.

Last year, between Typhoon Mawar and the closure of GovGuams old accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche, the audit didnt come out until Nov. 22.

The public auditor on Wednesday said hes trying to avoid a repeat of that situation.

But as of Wednesday, a contract for a new third-party accounting firm, Ernst & Young, was still tied up at the Bureau of Budget and Management Research.

So we really havent started the GovGuam audit, which probably wouldnt get out in time anyway. Because with all the problems, theyre having at GDOE, he said.

Prior to the resignations, GDOE was already facing issues closing its books, according to Cruz.

There were difficulties when the third-party fiduciary running GDOEs federal funds handed responsibility for the money back to the department, he said, caused by differences in accounting methods.

Former GDOE finance head Camacho provided the same assessment Tuesday.

Cruz said he believed GDOE needed more accounting support even before the hand off of responsibility for federal funds.

They didnt take the $1. 3 million that they saved from the third party custodian, and invested in really augmenting their staff, which is imperative, Cruz said.

GDOE was the largest portion of GovGuams budget, and they need to have top notch accountants and auditors.

Former finance head Camacho previously said she resigned over political pressure from the Guam Education Board, and possibly the Office of the Governor, to remove her.

Adelup and education board Chairwoman Mary Okada have both denied the allegation.

Credit cards, Homeland Security, GMH

More audits of GovGuam-issued credit cards are expected to come forth this year, Cruz told the Chamber of Commerce.

He said OPA has discovered 11 different agencies that issue credit cards, and will be auditing each of them to see whether they are following the standard operating procedures for use of the cards.

Credit card audits for the Port Authority of Guam, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, Guam Visitors Bureau, and Guam Waterworks Authority have already been completed, with several purchases flagged.

Besides that, Cruz said OPA will also do a performance audit of Guam Office of Homeland Securitys federal programs and when thats released, that probably will make headlines.

He told the PDN the Homeland Security audit is expected around June, but did not provide more details about what triggered the audit.

Finally, after many years of it being on our list of audits to do, were finally going to do a GMH compensation package on their physicians, he told the Chamber. We started the audit.
It will be back to normal schedule on Thursday for Southern High School students, after authorities found and addressed the source of the gas leak that prompted the cancelation of classes on Wednesday morning.

The sources of the gas leak were a faulty gas valve and a corroded pipe, the Guam Department of Education said on Wednesday afternoon.

The immediate action to turn off the valve averted potential hazards, GDOE said in a statement.

The Guam Fire Departments comprehensive air monitoring procedures, which resulted in negative findings, ensured that the environment was safe for the buildings occupants, GDOE said.

Therefore, the Southern High School will resume regular schedule of classes on Thursday, April 25, 2024, GDOE said, hours after the schools principal, Michael Meno, said classes will resume Thursday.

Additionally, the local liquified petroleum gas supply company was consulted to perform a detailed assessment of the situation and repaired the gas valve, GDOE said.

While the Department of Public Works was also involved in the inspection process, parents were notified to collect their children as a precautionary measure.

GDOE said the prompt and coordinated response by all involved parties underscores the commitment to student safety and the effective emergency protocols in place within the educational system.

First responders were at the Santa Rita-Sumai school Wednesday morning, but were gone by around 10 a.m. According to school staff, a faulty gas valve in a cooking classroom may have caused the smell.

For the health and safety of our students, they were released from school at 9 a.m., GDOE spokesperson Tes Reyes-Burrier said Wednesday morning.

GFD and DPW were immediately called, she said.

Parents were advised to pick up their children at the designated area, she said, and students were given packed lunch.

We apologize for the inconvenience that may have caused. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, Reyes-Burrier added.

Students could be seen being bussed out of the school just before 10 a.m.

Education oversight chairman Sen. Chris Barnett said his office was following up on the incident, and shared information that two wings on the high school campus were closed on Wednesday.

GFD spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido said GFD units responded to reports of a foul odor as early as 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.

GFD conducted air monitoring and received negative findings. The private company that provides LP Gas was called to the Southern High School to conduct their assessment, he said.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Education Superintendent Erik Swanson thanked GFD and DPW for their prompt response and assistance, adding that the school principals swift action in assessing the situation was crucial in ensuring the health and safety of all students, teachers, and school staff.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of readiness and the impact of quick thinking in critical situations, safeguarding the well-being of the school community, Swanson said. Such instances of teamwork and dedication are invaluable, demonstrating the commitment of our educators and public service departments to maintain a secure and supportive educational environment.
Get ready for the University of Guam's career fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

In an effort to bolster employment opportunities and support the local community, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas said it is participating, along with the Department of Defense, in the UOG career fair, according to a press release from NAVFAC Marianas.

The event's primary goal is to bring together DoD employers and job seekers, focusing on nurturing "homegrown" talent, it said.

Officials hosting the career fair aim to provide a platform for individuals to explore job opportunities, connect with companies, and network with potential employers.

"We are committed to supporting the growth and development of Guam's talent pool," Capt. Troy Brown, NAVFAC Marianas commanding officer, said. "By providing opportunities for local residents, including military spouses and veterans, we not only enhance their skills and knowledge, but also contribute to the overall economic development of the island."

The career fair will feature employment opportunities from various DoD organizations on Guam.

Attendees can expect to engage with representatives from different sectors and learn about the diverse range of career paths available within the defense department.

"We recognize the importance of fostering a strong connection between employers and the local community," according to NAVFAC Marianas business director Sam Roundtree. "This event serves as a bridge, enabling employers to connect with potential employees and empowering job seekers to explore new career avenues."

Job seekers are encouraged to attend and bring copies of their resumes and education transcripts to make the most of this networking opportunity.
With one simple sentence, Sumter County, Florida, Commissioner Don Wileys recent Facebook post generated a ton of excitement.

On April 22, he took to Facebook, writing, Recent permit submittals now confirm Costco is coming to The Villages on CR466 in the lot next to Hobby Lobby. More details to follow.

The post was quickly shared 30 times and received 153 reactions and more than 100 comments, including Fantastic news!!!! and Alleluia.

Clearly, the villagers of The Villages, a vibrant 55 and older community nestled in the heart of Central Florida,  who may or may not have a sexual loofa code  have been waiting for this moment: confirmation that their very own  and very first  neighborhood Costco is coming.

While Costco has yet to make an official announcement, Wileys reference to recent permit submittals indicates a plan is on the move to locate the new Costco near the existing location of Hobby Lobby at 3835 Wedgewood Lane in The Villages.

Damian Warther of the Village of Dunedin told Villages-News he lobbied long and hard for Costco to come to town.

I have been after Costco for almost 10 years to open a store here, Warther told the outlet.

He also admitted he located the guy who was responsible for choosing locations and bombarded him with all sorts of information about The Villages from multiple sources.

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.

Founded in 1983, Costco Wholesale employs more than 292,000 people worldwide, including nearly 186,000 in the United States.

We will keep an eye on this breaking story and provide updates as soon as more details are announced.
We Are China

Liangzhu Museum in E China's Hangzhou offers glimpse into millennia-old Chinese civilization

People's Daily Online) 13:16, April 24, 2024

Emma Chen (left), a bilingual volunteer tutor, discusses cultural relics with a reporter from People's Daily Online at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Meng)

The Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, serves as a window into the splendid ancient Chinese civilization.

Situated within Meilizhou Park in Yuhang district of Hangzhou, the museum conducts research on, exhibits, and promotes Liangzhu Culture, which dates back thousands of years.

The ruins of the Liangzhu ancient city provide evidence of China's 5,000-year-old civilization. The Liangzhu Museum, through three theme halls, comprehensively, vividly, and accurately showcases the archaeological findings from the Liangzhu ruins and the value of Liangzhu cultural heritage.

Photo shows a black pottery pot on display at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Meng)

Photo shows an exhibit at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Meng)

Photo shows cultural relics on display at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Cui Yue)

Photo shows pottery ware on display at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Cui Yue)

Photo shows a jade artifact at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Cui Yue)

Photo shows an exhibit at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Cui Yue)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The man suspected of driving a vehicle involved in the carjacking and murder of a Florida woman is now in custody.

On Tuesday, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma announced that Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, 28, is the third person of interest taken into custody for questioning in the case.

Lemma said Justiniano was apprehended in Puerto Rico on unrelated drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Authorities believe Justiniano is the driver of the green Acura that followed Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvivas, 31, of Homestead, Florida, on April 11, eventually stopping behind her vehicle at an intersection in Winter Springs  while another person of interest in the case, Jordanish Torres-Garcia, walked up to the victims vehicle brandishing a firearm.

The carjacking and kidnapping were caught on cellphone video  and just hours later in Osceola County, police found remains in a burning vehicle that they feel confident are that of Aguasvivas.

Lemma said both cases will be referred to the U.S. Attorneys Office and the men are expected to be charged with carjacking resulting in a death.

So far, three people of interest in the case are currently in custody. They are:

Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, 28  Apprehended in Puerto Rico on unrelated charges. Justiniano is believed to be the driver of the green Acura involved in the carjacking and kidnapping.

Jordanish Torres-Garcia, 28  Apprehended just after noon on April 19, by the U.S Marshals Service on unrelated charges. Authorities believe Torres-Garcia is the individual who walked up to the victims vehicle brandishing a firearm.

Giovany Joel Crespo Hernandez, 28  Surrendered to authorities on April 22 on an active warrant for fentanyl trafficking and marijuana with intent to sell. Hernandez was the last person the victim spoke to via Facetime before she was killed. According to Lemma, its believed that Aguasvivas was on her way to meet Crespo Hernandez at his Casselberry home to deliver money and other items. At this time Crespo Hernandez has not been charged in connection with the carjacking/homicide. He remains incarcerated on charges of fentanyl trafficking and marijuana with intent to sell.

This case is about drugs and money, Lemma said. We believe the most dangerous people connected with this case are now off our streets.




Haiti - UN : Update on sources of illicit weapons and financial flows





Monday April 22, 2024, Ghada Waly, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), affirmed before the Security Council that violence "[...] is made possible by the continuous influx of firearms in Haiti and is supported by corruption."



She noted that increasing displacement and situations of extreme vulnerability increased the risks of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.



"Recent events also suggest worrying signs of collusion between different gangs" adding "The latest wave of violence has been marked by fighting between gangs, but also by signs of collaboration between certain groups to carry out attacks, notably against prisons ."



Additionally, attacks targeting key infrastructure served as another reminder of the significant increase in firepower available to gangs as weapons continue to flow into Haiti.



Update on sources of illicit weapons and financial flows :

The latest UNODC report to the Security Council examines illegal activities in southern Haiti. The South's poorly monitored airspace and uncontrolled coastline make it an area vulnerable to the transport of weapons and drugs, including cocaine and cannabis.



Weapons, meanwhile, often enter via the southern coast and are transported directly to Port-au-Prince via routes controlled by gangs.



"Prominent political and economic figures are suspected of being involved in these criminal markets," said Ms. Waly. "These collusion networks are often linked to financial crimes and illicit financial flows, which undermine security, governance and development."



Ms. Waly reiterated her previous recommendations to the Security Council, including the importance of strengthening Haiti's national capacities in firearms regulation and border and customs management. Improving anti-corruption frameworks and investigative capacities is also a necessary step "We must stand alongside Haitian institutions and citizens to confront violence, corruption and chaos, and work towards a future more stable and safer for the Haitian people," she concluded.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Royal Caribbean cancels its stopovers in Haiti until the fall





Following the cancellations which began in March 2024 due to the violent unrest in Haiti, Royal Caribbean which had previously canceled its stops in Labadee until the end of May 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41883-haiti-tourism-royal-caribbean-temporarily-suspends-all-stopovers-in-haiti.html , now announces that stopovers in Haiti are canceled until September 2024.



Guests with cruises booked in the summer and early fall are receiving notifications from Royal Caribbean that their visits to Labadie have been canceled.



Following cancellations that began in March due to violent unrest in Haiti, the cruise line was forced to cancel more cruises through September 2024.



On Tuesday, cruise ships began sharing updates they received from Royal Caribbean indicating that their itineraries have been updated to avoid Labadie in Haiti and replace it with another port or a day at sea.



In most cases, ships are redirected to Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands.



For example, the "Adventure of the Seas" cruise on September 21 saw its visit to Labadie replaced by a visit to Grand Turk.



"Due to the continuing situation in Haiti, we'll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti" indicates an email to booked passengers. "We're sorry for the change - your safety is our top priority."



Similar emails have been sent to customers who have booked cruises with scheduled stops in Labadee throughout summer 2024.



Guests who have booked shore excursions for their visit to Labadie will automatically receive a refund to their onboard account.



The cancellations affect cruise ships : "Adventure of the Sea", "Independence of the Seas", "Liberty of the Seas", "Freedom of the Seas" and "Symphony of the Seas", which were scheduled to visit Labadee this summer.



Should be noted that no other cruise lines sail to Haiti.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Judge Ketel Maxime assassinated

Tuesday April 23, 2024, judge Ketel Maxime assigned to the Peace Court of the commune of Pilate, (North Dept.) was assassinated on the morning of Tuesday April 23, 2024, by armed individuals, in the locality of "Nan Siklet".



France welcomes the resistance of the PNH

"France salutes the resistance of the Haitian National Police. We must support her. The rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) is essential [...]"



Livres en Folie 2024 postponed

Faced with too much uncertainty and constraints posed by the situation of insecurity and violence which prevails in Haiti, La UNIBANK and Le Nouvelliste announced the postponement to a later date in better circumstances, of the 30th edition of "Books en Folie 2024".



The chaos is total

The chaos is total, nothing seems to be able to stop the destructive madness of the gangs who attack neighborhoods, kill citizens, burn police stations, schools, hospitals, pharmacies, food warehouses, university faculties, private and public vehicles , loot and vandalize private homes, commercial banks, transfer houses, factories among others



Call for truce and negotiation

The National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantling and Reintegration calls on armed bandits to observe a truce and recommends the path of negotiation to address the problem of insecurity.



Protection of journalists

The organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and more than 90 Haitian journalists call on the international community and the new Presidential Transitional Council to protect journalists and the media, "so that the country does not become an information desert [...] The right to information in Haiti must occupy a central place in discussions to end the country's crisis," recommend RSF and these Haitian journalists.



HL/ HaitiLibre




















Indias Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj To combat sexual violence in conflict situations, India has advocated a multifaceted approach which includes gender-responsive arms control that prevents the proliferation of weapons. Demilitarisation, intertwined with disarmament, calls for gender-responsive arms control (and) this approach recognises the role of weapon proliferation in conflict-related sexual violence", Indias Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj said on Tuesday during a Security Council open debate on protecting women against sexual violence in conflict.



She advocated "arms control policies that address the specific vulnerabilities of women.



Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, emphasised the need to stop the flow of weapons into the hands of perpetrators of sexual violence.



There could be no more direct and effective way to disarm the weapon of rape, and ultimately, to prevent and eradicate these crimes than by using sanctions against the arming of those committing the crimes, she said.



Maltas Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, who presided over the meeting, said that UN Sanctions Committees should make sexual and gender-based violence a criterion for imposing sanctions.



As conflicts have become more fragmented, and the theatre of conflict much more complex and volatile, Kamboj said that preventing sexual violence requires a multifaceted approach, involving community engagement -- particularly with women -- in security and disarmament decisions.



Indias dedication to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda is demonstrated through a comprehensive approach to combating conflict-related sexual violence that includes international collaborations, national policy reforms, and grassroots-level initiatives, she said.



India has been very vocal about the need to incorporate gender perspectives into peace and security policies and was the first country to deploy an all-women Formed Police Unit to the UN mission in Liberia in 2007, Kamboj said.



Indian female peacekeepers have played a crucial mentoring role in preventing conflict-related sexual violence, she said.



Patten said, Far too many perpetrators of wartime sexual violence still walk free, while women and girls walk in fear.



We meet at a time when the pursuit of peace and gender equality has once again become a radical act, she said.



Patten said that the Secretary-Generals latest annual report reflects a dramatic 50 per cent increase in the UN-verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence than the previous year.



The report recorded 3,688 cases last year with women and girls as 95 per cent of the victims and children were harmed in 32 per cent of these cases.



Fearne said that conflict-related sexual violence in Israel and Palestine must be addressed and he also condemned the Talibans systematic gender persecution and gender-based violence in Afghanistan.




The search engine provider Ecosia GmbH now also has a sustainable browser in its portfolio. The social business company from Berlin is known for its sustainable search engine. Ecosia advertises that every search query enables tree planting campaigns and ensures a more sustainable environment. The browser is now set to boost this project even further.

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Browser based on open-source projects

"Climate protection should be easily accessible for everyone," the company emphasizes on its blog. The browser should simplify the daily surfing experience and at the same time contribute to greater sustainability. The company invests the profits it makes from advertisements in campaigns to protect and plant trees. It has also built solar plants throughout Germany that have twice the output of a search query.

The browser itself is made possible by the open-source project Chromium, which is behind Google Chrome, and other open-source software. The browser and search engine work with search results from Microsoft's Bing search engine or  depending on the user's consent  with Google results. The browser also has several service functions related to a more sustainable environment, explains Ecosia on its blog. "In addition to generating clean energy, our browser is also equipped with our green search engine and its features, such as the green leaf icon, climate pledge rating and AI chat." The company has partner stores through which more sustainable online shopping is possible  a further contribution to environmental protection.

Ad blocker for less energy consumption

Ecosia comes with an ad blocker in the settings. "We have optimized the browser for speed and load pages up to three times faster than most common alternatives thanks to our integrated ad blocker," the company advertises. Less advertising also means less data and energy consumption. This protects the environment and users' privacy at the same time.

Christian Kroll founded the Ecosia search engine in 2009 and since then, the project has developed into a company that claims to have already planted more than 200 million trees worldwide. "We dedicate 100% of our profits to the planet and create simple ways for people to be climate-active every day," writes Ecosia.

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We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday reported that public transport services experienced widespread delays as both buses and private cars got stuck in snow and trams came to a halt across the light-rail network as the overhead wires froze as a result of freezing rain.

TRAFFIC in the Finnish capital region was in complete disarray yesterday due to heavy snowfall.

Ultimately tram services were not resumed until yesterday afternoon.

The overhead wires are typically lubricated with glycerol to prevent them from freezing, but the tram fleet had already been equipped for the summer season.

Bus services similarly experienced widespread delays across routes, with certain routes operated only partly due to difficult road conditions. Also trains had trouble in the snowfall, with the I and K trains operated at reduced frequency in the afternoon. At Tikkurila Station, a railroad switch malfunctioned due to ice and snow, preventing trains from switching from one track to another until the afternoon.

Tuija Ruoho, a communication specialist at Helsinki Region Transport (HSL), told Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday that she expects public transport services to return to normal this morning, barring something unexpected.

In Helsinki, 28 fender benders were recorded between 6am and 4pm on Tuesday, a police spokesperson revealed to the newspaper. While no serious traffic accidents occurred in the city over the 10-hour period, a handful of people did require hospital care.

In Kauniainen, however, a 10-year-old child died on their way to school following a collision with a tractor that was ploughing the streets. The accident was reported to the emergency call centre by the driver of the tractor at about 2pm, according to police.

The incident is being investigated as negligent homicide and causing a traffic hazard.

Snow continued to fall in the capital region throughout yesterday evening. Eveliina Tuovinen, a meteorologist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), stated to Helsingin Sanomat that snow fell particularly in western parts of Helsinki. For example, Kumpula had received 12 centimetres and Kaisaniemi 8 centimetres of snow by 5pm.

Both Nuuksio and Nurmijarvi recorded at least 20 centimetres of snow.

STT on Tuesday reported that the difficult weather conditions also resulted in the cancellation of over 60 flights that were scheduled to depart from or arrive at Helsinki Airport on Tuesday. Several flights were also delayed by many hours.

Finavia warned about the possibility of delays and cancellations earlier yesterday, as the challenging conditions force it to limit the number of aircraft and slow down airport operations.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Helsingin Sanomat on Monday wrote that Meri has intervened in the work of a task force appointed to mull over measures to promote the independence of the justice system.

THE ASSOCIATION of Finnish Lawyers is calling for clarification regarding the limits of political steering following reports about actions taken by Minister of Justice Leena Meri (PS), reports YLE.

The Ministry of Justice-appointed task force initially set out to draft a bill that would enshrine independence provisions for courts, judges and prosecutors in the constitution. Meri, however, instructed the task force to lay out its proposals in the form of a memo rather than a bill, effectively precluding the government for issuing a formal proposal on the provisions by the end of the electoral term.

Iltalehti, in turn, reported last weekend that the minister has dissolved a task force that had been appointed to draft amendments to the criminal code to ensure compliance with the anti-racism framework of the EU. Meri reportedly dissolved the task force after its chairperson turned down her request to replace one of the members.

The daily wrote yesterday that she has also sought to slow down a bill that would criminalise holocaust denial.

Meri commented on the claims briefly in the Parliament House on Tuesday, saying the report that bill criminalising holocaust denial is stuck on her table is inaccurate. She also argued that stirring up such discussion is a concerning development.

The government has taken safeguarding the administration of justice seriously when you look at our framework decisions. We secured prosecutors, border guards and judges. I personally, as someone with a long career as a lawyer and on courts, can definitely appreciate the work, she retorted.

YLE on Tuesday wrote that the media reports have stirred up concerns among interest groups.

Tuula Linna, the chairperson of the Association of Finnish Lawyers, stated to the public broadcaster that she is concerned about how different ministers perceive the relationship between lawmaking and political steering. While political steering is a normal part of the lawmaking process, she acknowledged, decision-makers should refrain from it until after the bill has been circulated for comments.

Were of the opinion that sound lawmaking requires [] that different interest groups and experts are heard before the bill is circulated for comments. And political steering, which as such is perfectly allowed, should only take place after the comment round, said Linna.

Such an approach, she explained, makes sure that the effects of political steering are visible, enabling lawmakers to examine and comment on how the lawmaking process unfolded. If a minister decides to ignore a task force recommendation or feedback received during the comment round, they will have to to so openly and accept the political responsibility.

Also the Finnish Association of Judges is demanding that an independent inquiry be launched into political steering.

The association argued in a press release yesterday that the independence of the judicial system is under threat, describing the decision to revise the assignment of the task force appointed to weigh up the independence of courts and prosecutors as extremely alarming.

Such actions, it viewed, severely erode the credibility of Finland as a global champion of rule-of-law principles.

The Finnish Association of Judges drew attention to a disconnect between the decision not to propose constitutional provisions that safeguard the independence of courts and prosecutors and the pledge made in the government programme to strengthen the future of the democratic rule-of-law state.

The constitutional amendment has been perceived as means to prevent a government with authoritarian tendencies from undermining the independence of the justice system.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Former Finnish ministers Timo Harakka and Ville Skinnari are urging the European Union to address what they describe as potential war crimes committed by Israel in the ongoing Gaza conflict, now surpassing 200 days with over 34,000 casualties reported. The call for an EU-led investigation into the allegations and the promotion of an immediate ceasefire in the region underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding.

The ministers, both from the Social Democratic Party, pointed to the disproportionate impact of the conflict on civilians, particularly women and children. Citing United Nations reports, they highlighted the distressing statistic that a child is harmed every ten minutes in Gaza, and the disturbing discovery of mass graves in hospital areas, some containing bodies with bound hands, demands urgent attention and investigation.

Amidst these troubling developments, there are varying stances within the EU on how to respond. The French Foreign Minister has pushed for discussions on imposing sanctions against Israel to facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza. Meanwhile, Spain is advocating for EU recognition of the Palestinian state, illustrating the differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the bloc.

The recent stance of G7 nations, including the United States and Canada, calling for a lasting ceasefire and the release of hostages, indicates growing international pressure. Harakka and Skinnari argue that the EU must not let internal political differences hinder its obligation to uphold international law, drawing a parallel with the global response to alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

"Political differences of opinion between EU countries in relation to Israel and Palestine must not prevent defending a fully universal international law," Harakka stated. He emphasized the necessity of conducting transparent investigations into the reported mass graves in collaboration with the United Nations.

Skinnari stressed the urgency of the EU taking decisive actions to safeguard civilians and restore its credibility as a defender of international law. "The EU must now quickly cooperate and demand concrete actions from Israel to protect the civilians in Gaza," he concluded, highlighting the broader implications for the EU's stance on global humanitarian issues.

HT
ORANGEBURG, S.C.  High school senior Landon Nesbitt is ready to live up to his potential.

He resides in the Fresno, California, area but decided that South Carolina State University  a six-hour plane ride away -- might be the place to achieve his goals.

There was a Black expo down in L.A., and one of the schools there was SC State, and they accepted me right on the spot, Nesbitt said. My parents said we should visit, so we came out here, and its actually pretty nice.

I like the environment. Coming from California, this is a nice environment so far from home, he said.

Nesbitt was one of hundreds of students who attended SC States recent Spring Open House with their families or youth group leaders to learn more about what the university offers academically and culturally. Along with seeing the SC State cheerleaders and Marching 101 Band in action, the students had opportunities to speak with deans and professors in the universitys academic programs.

This is where parents and students get to come and really engage with us  the president, the deans and the departments  so they can make a solid decision that they are ready to become a Bulldog, said Dr. Manicia Finch, SC State vice president for enrollment management. This is probably the biggest one weve ever had in terms of turnout.

Looking to major in communications, Nesbitt said his career interests lay in international television. He also has some personal growth goals for his time in college.

Im looking forward to meeting new people and seeing what they can do for me and what I can do for them, Nesbitt said. I just want to become a better person.

Nesbitt liked what he saw at Open House. So did his dad.

Prior to him talking about South Carolina State, I had only heard that (NFL Hall of Famer) Deacon Jones went to South Carolina State, said Gregg Nesbitt, Landons father. Not being super familiar with HBCUs, Im just taken aback.

I really like the whole campus environment. Its like a family. I like how warm they are, which is way different than when I went to school in Oklahoma, the elder Nesbitt said.

After doing some research about SC State, Nesbitts parents liked the idea of sending him to a smaller school.



He has been accepted to schools that have 32,000, so to come to where there is under 4,000, I just like that, Gregg Nesbitt said. I like the southern hospitality. I like the southern warmness.

While SC States Enrollment Management Division recruits scholars from across the U.S., it never forgets SC States core demographic in South Carolina.

After graduating from Columbias Spring Valley High School in May, Damara Williams will be SC State bound in the fall.

Ive always wanted to go to an HBCU, she said. My mom went here, and I just like the history. I want to be surrounded by people who look like me at school.

Speaking of history, thats what Williams plans to study at SC State.

Ive always been interested in history, she said. Its always been my favorite subject, so I want to learn more about it. I like African American studies and the early colonial period. I want to be a history teacher in a high school.

Open House was a chance for Williams mother, Tamara, to get caught up on the progress at SC State.

Its exciting to be here, she said. I havent been on this campus in 30 years. Im excited to see all the new developments, new technology and other improvements theyve made.

And what does she hope for her daughter at SC State?

Just the connections and networking she can get from here and the lifelong friendships she will make, the students mother said. Im still friends with my roommate from here, and thats been a long time. I glad that she will be around a lot of people and navigate the world. So, I think it will be a good experience for her.

I think shes ready. Shes actually quite mature for her age. Shes excited about coming and getting to be around people her age, she said.

The large turnout for Open House was indicative of SC States growing popularity. Finch said more than 500 incoming students already had paid their enrollment fees with the Fall Semester still four months away.

SC State soon will cease accepting applications for the Fall Semester because of housing limitations. The incoming class will be capped to avoid a housing crunch.

We are very mindful of that. The university is saving over 1,000 spaces for incoming freshmen, so we I think we will be good with that number because they have to live on campus, Finch said.

SC State will continue using off-campus space leased by the SC State Housing Foundation to accommodate overflow for upperclassmen. The university also may use modular housing units on a temporary basis until more on-campus housing is available.

SC State will renovate Sojourner Truth Hall, a 14-story residence hall, beginning this summer. That project is expected to take about a year, making 384 more beds available on campus in Fall Semester 2025. The university also hopes to build a new residential complex on the campus and work with private developers toward additional off-campus facilities.
A bill is advancing in the states Legislature that would require new vehicles to alert drivers when theyre speeding. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

California lawmakers advanced a proposal requiring new vehicles sold in the state be built to automatically warn motorists when theyre driving 10 mph over the speed limit.

The amended Senate Bill 961 by San Francisco state Sen. Scott Wiener passed the Senate Transportation Committee 8-4 on Tuesday and made a significant change to the original proposal.

No longer does the legislation require new vehicles to come equipped with speed governors that utilize GPS technology to automatically cap speeds for drivers going over posted speed limits. Rather, the bill calls for installing cars with whats known as a passive intelligent speed assistance, or ISA, system that activates when a motorist drives more than 10 mph over the limit.

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If passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the new ISA requirement would apply to half of private vehicles, trucks and buses of the 2029 model year and expand to all vehicles of the 2032 model year. The requirement does not apply to vehicles of earlier model years or vehicles sold in other states.

Wiener said he introduced SB961 to address the states epidemic of traffic fatalities. About 4,000 residents in the state die in car crashes, annually, Wiener said, and speed plays a role in many of those deaths.

I understand that people like to be able to go as fast as they want to go, Wiener said at Tuesdays committee hearing. All were saying is, lets do a reminder when you are going significantly above the speed limit, so that you can be reminded to slow down.

Heres how the requirement would work in practice: A driver going 55 mph on a road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph would receive visual and audio warnings from the vehicle that theyre going over the speed limit.

That audio warning could come in the form of a beep, and an amendment to SB961 specifies that vehicles would emit one warning each time a motorist drives 10 mph over the speed limit, according to Wieners office.

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That bill amendment came after questions from legislators Tuesday over whether vehicles warning systems would beep momentarily or continuously until a speeding motorist drives the speed limit.

I can guarantee you that a persistent beep is not the car that people want to buy, said state Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, who supported the bill.

SB961 would make California the first state to have a speeding warning requirement for vehicles, though the technology has been adopted elsewhere.

New York Citys government tested active speed governors  which override the drivers controls to cap a vehicles speed  in 2022. The European Union will require, later this year, that all vehicles sold there include speeding detection systems. Several auto manufacturers already offer speed governor-like features in newer models for drivers to utilize as a form of cruise control.

Supporters of the bill say speeding detection technology has helped improve traffic safety in places where theyre been required or piloted. The National Transportation Safety Board, since 2012, has called for the federal government to require that all new vehicles include technology that warns drivers when they exceed speed limits.

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Broad deployment of ISA will reduce the frequency of speeding and speeding-related crashes, saving lives and preventing injuries, said Ellen Lee, project manager at the National Transportation Safety Board.

Opponents of the bill, though, described the requirement as invasive to motorists. They cast doubt that ISA systems would create widespread shifts in speeding habits if only a subset of vehicles on California roadways are required to have them equipped.

State Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, questioned whether a recurring audio warning would distract drivers attention from maintaining the speed of traffic on freeways if it exceeds the speed limit.

Those are distractions that can cause a person to not be paying attention, and especially when theyre going at (high) speeds they really need to be paying attention, Seyarto, said.

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The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center issue call for intergenerational connection, action, and reflection.

The White House and WHIAANHPI will convene over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders on May 13 for a landmark celebration at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.

Today, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center are proud to present our joint 2024 theme for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month: Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.

Since the late 1970s, our country has recognized the invaluable contributions of AA and NHPI communities each May. For more than a decade, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and WHIAANHPI have collaborated to identify a national theme for AA and NHPI Heritage Month in consultation with the White House and community partners. Previous themes such as "I Am Beyond" (2014) and "Visible Together" (2023) have been warmly embraced, both by federal agencies and community-serving organizations, and have served as catalysts for meaningful dialogue around AA and NHPI identity.

The 2024 theme is an homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped AA and NHPI communities. It embodies the spirit of our collective journey  one rooted in resilience and hope  and encourages us to forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward.

The White House and WHIAANHPI will use this theme to foster discussions during our May activities, including a landmark celebration on May 13, 2024, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. This historic convening, uniting over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders spanning five presidential administrations, will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders during the Clinton Administration. Sign up to receive the livestream link here.

About Our 2024 Theme: Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future

As the Nation observes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month in May, we reflect on our rich heritage and storied past. From Indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities whose wisdom and knowledge helped to shape this country and continue to guide us today, to the immigrants and refugees who came to our shores in search of better opportunities, to the trailblazers who paved the way for progress across generations  our communities journey has been one of tragedy and triumph, adversity, and resilience.

Knowing our histories gives us power. Throughout the month, let us embrace the interconnectedness of our stories and honor the visionaries who came before us. Let us commit to spotlighting the myriad ways diverse AA and NHPI communities have enriched every facet of American life. And let us endeavor to build bridges across generations, experiences, and cultures to forge a future where all of us can thrive.

# # #

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. Learn more at hhs.gov/whiaanhpi.

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), established in 1997, strives to ensure the comprehensive representation and inclusion of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the Smithsonians collections, research, exhibitions, and programs. Through education initiatives, publications, and public programs, APAC provides new avenues to document, celebrate, and share the rich and diverse history, art, and culture of AA and NHPI communities. Learn more at apa.si.edu.
On April 22, Union minister from the BJP, Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, indicated at a press conference in Itanagar that members of the Chakma and Hajong communities living in the state could soon be resettled in Assam. The very next day, the BJP chief minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed Rijijus claims. There have been no talks with the Centre on this issue yet, he told the media.

Along with Rijiju, who is seeking a fourth term from the Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat, the states BJP chief minister, Pema Khandu, too has sought the relocation of the Chakmas and Hajongs to other states. But, why do Arunachali leaders want their resettlement? Why is there no consensus within the BJP on the issue, especially on relocation to Assam?

Politics of indigeneity in Arunachal Pradesh

In 1962, the Pakistani government in what was then East Pakistan  Bangladesh today  completed the construction of a large dam across the Karnafuli River in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region. Known as the Kaptai Dam, it ended up flooding some 1036 sq km of habitable land, including large parts of Rangamati town. Among the approximately 100,000 indigenous people displaced by the dam, were some 40,000 Chakmas and 2,000 Hajongs who fled across the border to India through the Lushai Hills, which is now the state of Mizoram.

While the Chakmas are mostly Buddhists, the Hajongs follow a mix of Hindu and animist religious practices. They faced religious persecution in Muslim-majority East Pakistan, which forced several more to flee to India until the late 1960s. Most of them settled in Mizoram, Assam and Tripura, but the bulk of them were eventually resettled in the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which later became the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

However, dominant Arunachali tribal groups have never embraced the Chakmas and Hajongs as one of their own. They projected the two communities as guests at best and illegal immigrants at worst. This hindered the process of the two communities becoming equal members of Arunachali society.

Despite living in India for more than five decades now, they continue to be labelled as outsiders, refugees and demographic threats to local communities who stake exclusive claims on indigeneity. Local Arunachali organisations are particularly opposed to the two communities getting land rights.

Yet, naturalisation provisions in Indias citizenship law and the citizenship by birth doctrine that existed until 1986 have allowed many of them to gain Indian citizenship and vote in elections. In 1996 and 2015, in what became remarkable legal precedents to prevent mass statelessness, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the two communities should be given Indian citizenship.

But the Narendra Modi government has dragged its feet on the application of the apex courts directions by limiting its spectrum of rights to assuage local indigenous groups. In fact, in 2020, the Arunachal Pradesh government revealed that just 7.73% of the Chakmas had voting rights.

Opposition to relocation

In response to Rijijus latest statement, Akhil Gogoi, the influential leader of Raijor Dal, one of Assams key opposition parties, claimed that the BJP wanted to settle a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh in Assam and give them citizenship through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Gogois retort captures the congruent xenophobic narratives that dominant civil society organisations in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam deploy to otherise communities that they see as non-indigenous to their states.

Assamese nationalist groups are already suspicious of the BJPs plan to regularise illegal Bengali Hindus from Bangladesh through the CAA. Those like Raijor Dal see the Chakmas and Hajongs as additional beneficiaries of the act and in turn, threats to Assams demographic sanctity. This puts the BJP high command in New Delhi, a neutral arbiter between its own state governments in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, in a tight spot. It cannot possibly placate Arunachali ethnonationalists without provoking their Assamese compatriots, and vice-versa.

Sarmas dismissal of Rijijus claims also brings to sharp relief longstanding tensions between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh over a range of issues, including a decades-long border dispute that was nominally resolved in 2023 through a formal agreement but continues to generate friction among local communities. In turn, the issue shows the limits of BJPs political persuasions in the Northeast.

However, the most crucial part of this story is the Chakmas and Hajongs themselves who continue to be treated like political tools by all parties, rather than victims of xenophobic majoritarianism and social discrimination. It has been more than half a century since most of them came to India, and there is no argument in favour of tossing them around from one state to another. The Modi government should, therefore, ensure that their well-being and security are not sacrificed at the altar of nativist politics.

Angshuman Choudhury is an associate fellow with the Centre for Policy Research and focuses on Northeast India and Myanmar. The views expressed are personal.
Apr 24, 2024 1:45 PM IST

Visit the official website of MPBSE at mpbse.nic.in or MP results at mpresults.nic.in.

Click on MP Board Result 2024 for Class 10 or Class 12 link.

A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the login details.

Click on submit and your result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.
Fahadh Faasil is currently receiving accolades for his performance in Aavesham. The actor, who is popular for his versatility in Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada cinema, has sparked a social media debate with his statement on films. Fahadh, in an interview with Baradwaj Rangan on Galatta Plus, said that there is more to life than just watching films. (Also read: Fahadh Faasil on his film Dhoomam promoting smoking: Im a smoker myself') Fahadh Faasil plays a gangster in Aavesham and has been receiving praise for his performance.

Fahadh Faasil weighs in on life beyond cinema

Fahadh reflected on the audiences perception of himself and his movies. He opined, I have no sense of timelines; I neither start nor finish things on time. And, none of this (the projects he does) is pre-planned. I am just doing things I am excited about. I always tell this to my audience, my commitment to them is just that Ill try and make the film watchable. I dont want them to think about me otherwise, or worry about what Im doing with my life. Just dont take me seriously once you leave theatres. Think about me only while you are in theatres. I dont want people to take the discussions on actors or performances even to their dining tables. Just discuss in the theatre or maybe during the drive back home. Cinema is not beyond that; it has a limit. Theres more that you can do with your life than watching cinema.

About Fahadh Faasil

Fahadh's performance in the Malayalam action-comedy Aavesham was praised by the audiences. The movie also features Hipzster, Mithun Jai Shankar, and Roshan Shanavas, while Midhutty, Sajin Gopu and Mansoor Ali Khan in crucial roles. Aavehsam has become the fourth highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2024 and eight highest-grossing South Indian movie of all time. The actor will next be seen in Allu Arjun-Rashmika Mandanna starrer Pushpa 2: The Rule. He will also feature in Rajinikanth starrer Vettaiyan and Maaresan.
India has already experienced the scale of damage that glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or glacier-breaking events can cause. The February 2021 glacier breach induced flash floods in Uttarakhand's Rishi Ganga Valley, killing over 200 people, nearly washing away two hydropower plants, while also damaging Raini village, a historical border village where the Chipko movement was once active.

Two years later, a significant GLOF originated in South Lhonak in Sikkim on October 4, 2023. It led to the catastrophic collapse of the Teesta III hydroelectric dam at Chungthang in North Sikkim, causing widespread devastation downstream.

According to World Meteorological Organizations' The State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report released on Tuesday, which sourced data from the National Emergency Response Centre of India (NDMI), the GLOF led to over 100 deaths and more than 70 missing individuals. Around 4,500 persons were evacuated, and nearly 90,000 people were affected. Additionally, about 2,000 houses were damaged.

The risk of dangerous GLOFs set to increase

Climate scientists have been warning about the risk of melting glaciers in the Himalayas that can catch disaster agencies, state and district authorities off guard in sudden and massive disasters. Anil Kulkarni, glaciologist and distinguished scientist at the Divecha Center for Climate Change had flagged this link last October. We knew this was coming. We had warned the government that the breach can happen anytime for Lhonak. In this particular case it will be premature to say rainfall triggered the GLOF because we really need data of how much it rained in the higher altitudes around 5000 m above sea level where Lhonak is. Extreme rains may have triggered flash floods in Teesta for sure causing multiple," he had said.

Climate crisis is impacting glaciers and we need to monitor such lakes in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim which are all vulnerable. Its important to consider if hydropower projects should be located in these zones or you will end up losing thousands of crores in a go as we have seen for the Teesta hydropower project. I have been recommending climate assessments in addition to environment impact assessments for such projects, Kulkarni added.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Monday announced that a little over one in every four glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares in area (100,000 sq metres) in the Himalayas have increased in size since 1984, heightening the risk of a GLOF. Long term satellite imagery covering the Himalayas has revealed that of the 2,431 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares in area identified in 2016-17 and 676 glacial lakes have expanded notably since 1984. And 130 of the 676 are within India , with 65, seven, and 58 lakes located in the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra River basins respectively, Isro said.

This is cause for major worry for downstream communities. Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) released a 610-page report by 210 authors who studied the ecology of the Hindu Kush and Himalayan region. The report predicts that a third of glaciers in the Hindukush Himalaya (HKH) region will thaw if average global temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius. Glaciers have thinned, retreated, and lost mass across the HKH since the 1970s, except for parts of the Karakoram, eastern Pamir, and western Kunlun. These trends are projected to continue, with possibly large consequences for the timing and magnitude of glacier melt runoff and glacier lake expansion.

"Since the 1990s, glacial lakes show a clear increase both in number and in area. Several glacial lakes in the extended HKH are potentially hazardous  and as glaciers continue to retreat, the risk of dangerous GLOFs may increase further," ICIMOD's Summary of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment Report said.

Another concerning factor is how rapid glacial melt and rise in GLOFs will impact the hydropower infrastructure in the Himalayan region. Hydropower infrastructure can change the timing and location of river flow, thereby disrupting natural flow regimes, in turn harming local irrigation, fisheries, and ecosystems.

"Such conflicts arise especially in the mid-hills and the mountains  the location of most current and foreseeable hydropower sites," states the ICIMOD report.

The HKH has a total of 500 gigawatts (GW) of hydropower potential, of which only a small fraction is actually developed. The hydropower sector in HKH faces major challenges due to glacial melt induced by climate change. Glaciers across the region are retreating, leading to changes in future hydrological regimes. At the same time, risks of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides are increasing, putting both existing and planned hydropower plants at risk.

Its important to add that most deaths in the Uttarakhand February 2021 glacier disaster were of workers who were trapped in the Rishiganga (35 MW) and Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), which were nearly completely destroyed.

Melting of glaciers poses transboundary threats

Glaciers in high-mountain Asia have lost significant mass over the past 40 years, at an accelerating rate. In 2023, record-breaking high temperatures and drier conditions in

the eastern Himalayas and the Tien Shan exacerbated mass loss. The ICIMOD reports a rapid disappearance of glaciers, which is at a 65% faster rate in the 2010s compared to the previous decade.

For the glaciological year 2022/2023, 20 out of 22 glaciers observed in the HMA region show continued negative mass changes. Record-breaking high temperature and dry conditions in the East Himalaya and most of the Tien Shan exacerbated mass loss for most glaciers. During the period 20222023, Urumqi Glacier No. 1, in eastern Tien Shan, recorded its second most negative mass balance since measurements began in 1959.

Glacier ice mass is sensitive to changes in regional temperature, precipitation, and surface radiation. The melting of glaciers affects sea level, regional water cycles and the occurrences of local hazards such as GLOF. The HMA region is the high-elevation area centred on the Tibetan Plateau; it contains the largest volume of ice outside of the polar regions, with glaciers covering an area of approximately 100,000 km2.

Over the last several decades, most of these glaciers have been retreating, with the altitudes of the equilibrium lines (the lower topographic limit of the glaciers) gradually rising. In the past 40 years, four glaciers in the HMA region with more than 30 years of ongoing mass-balance measurements have recorded significant mass losses, with an increase in the rate of mass loss since the mid-1990s, according to the WMO.

This type of disaster is increasingly observed because of climate change-induced glacier retreat and highlights the compounding and cascading risks faced by vulnerable mountain communities. Glacial lakes formed by retreating glaciers, exemplified by the reduced expanse of South Lhonak Lake, pose threats that are transboundary, spanning across regions in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. These events underscore the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the increasing risks faced by mountainous regions.
Polling officials collect VVPATs and other voting materials ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections, at Veterinary College distribution centre in Bengaluru on Tuesday. (PTI)

EVM-VVPAT case highlights: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its judgment on the pleas demanding a complete cross-verification of votes cast using Electronic Voter Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The bench observed that the court cannot control elections, which are to be conducted by another constitutional authority....Read More

Earlier on April 18, the Supreme Court had reserved its directions in the case. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, had told the petitioners during the hearing that they (petitioners) must not suspect the efficacy of EVMs, and appreciate if the Election Commission of India (ECI) does good work.

The bench also categorically refused to order the use of ballot papers to conduct elections, saying that the electoral process in India is a "humongous task" and attempts should not be made to "bring down the system".

One of the petitioners, an NGO called 'Association for Democratic Reforms' (ADR), had sought reversal of the poll panel's 2017 decision to replace the transparent glass on VVPAT machines with an opaque glass through which a voter can see the slip only when the light is on for seven seconds."

ADR was also among the petitioners in the electoral bonds case.

In the current case, the NGO sought matching the count in EVMs with votes that have been verifiably "recorded as cast" and to ensure the voter is able to verify through VVPAT slip that his vote, as recorded on the paper slip, has been "counted as recorded".
The Fairfield Civic Center Library was among libraries targeted in a cyberattack. Google Street View

Solano Countys library network systems have been down for more than two weeks due to a cyberattack that has disrupted phone lines, computer services and Wi-Fi at its branches  which remain open, officials said.

The April 5 attack targeted the Solano Partner Libraries and St. Helena network, known as SPLASH, according to a news release by officials in St. Helena, in neighboring Napa County.

Solano County officials did not immediately confirm that a cyberattack had occurred, but St. Helena officials said hackers primarily targeted the Solano County Library system, disrupting public internet access and internal record-keeping systems across its nine libraries in Dixon, Fairfield, Suisun City, Rio Vista, Vacaville and Vallejo.

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The hackers demanded a $100,000 ransom, and threatened to release data they claimed to have stolen from the system if their demands were not met, St. Helena officials said.

Tim Flanagan, Solano Countys chief information officer and registrar of voters, said officials responded quickly to confirm the security of our systems and to work toward restoring full functionality as soon as possible after finding unexpected activity within the librarys IT network.

The county hired third-party computer specialists to investigate the cause and confirm its impact on county systems, Flanagan said in a statement. The activity appears to be affecting only the library systems, he said.

The service disruption also reached the Benicia library, which like St. Helena is operated by the city and partners with the county system  though public Wi-Fi is available in Benicia, according to officials.

Flanagan declined to say when service might be restored in Solano County libraries, citing the continuing investigation. County officials provided no further details, including any possible impact on user data.

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All Solano County libraries remain open, and the public can check out items and attend programs on site, according to officials. Our 24/7 digital library is also available so you can enjoy eBooks, streaming movies, and more, the Solano County Library website said.

However, virtual programs have been canceled during the disruption.

St. Helena Public Library services were not directly impacted because it uses a separate cloud-based system to house library data, city officials said.

A review by the data services company used by the St. Helena Public Library found no indication that the data it stores about library card holders was compromised, and its threat detection system found no intrusions, St. Helena officials said in a news release Tuesday.

In Benicia, the library catalog and patron database are also in the cloud, library Director Jennifer Baker said Tuesday. The library is using secure connections via internet hot spots, she said, with the impact of the outage limited to self-checkout machines, public printing and public computer services.

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Baker said the Benicia library has been hearing mixed things about when full service could be restored  anything from a few weeks to a month or more.
During his campaign rallies in Kannur and Palakkad last week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised a question targeting Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is a politburo member of INDIA bloc partner Communist Party of India (Ma).

Gandhi wondered why Vijayan was yet to be investigated by the central agencies while two other non-BJP chief ministers in the country were already in jail for corruption, in cases that have been interpreted by the opposition as politically motivated and an effort by the Narendra Modi regime to throttle the Opposition.

"If Vijayan is against the BJP, why has he not faced legal consequences yet? Why didn't he go to jail? The CM is attacking me 24 hours a day, and my only request to him is to spare a little time to attack Prime Minister Modi, also in similar lines," Gandhi said.

``Nobody has taken away his house or Vidhan Sabha membership, and the central agencies have not questioned him for even a single minute. So, it's surprising that if he (Vijayan) is fighting the BJP, why are they (the BJP) so pleased with him?''

Political paradox

While 40 days of intense campaigning for the general election's second phase ended on Wednesday evening (April 24), the Gandhi family scion's tirade against the nation's lone leftist chief minister has become the biggest electoral issue dominating the southern state.

This is largely an aberration from the national discourse of Modi versus the entire opposition on issues ranging from minority rights, and the Citizenship Amendment Act to the politicisation of religion.

Vijayan's response to Gandhi was acidic and full of his usual scorn.

He brought up Rahul's former political nickname and recalled his grandmother Indira Gandhi's treatment of opposition leaders including himself during the Emergency.

"Your grandmother was the reason for our incarceration," said Vijayan.

He declared there is no need for fear of prisons, recalling the days he spent in Kannur Central Jail during the Emergency.

Referring to the moniker, Vijayan told Gandhi that he must do his best to dispel the notion that he had remained unchanged from his previous moniker.

The back-and-forth between the two leading opposition figures even got Modi's attention, who referred to it at many campaign rallies in North India to cite disunity within the grand opposition alliance.

Even though the Congress and the CPI (M) are in a national alliance, the fact that their respective state units are running for all 20 legislative seats in Kerala is paradoxical.

What has transpired in Kerala is not a mere friendly skirmish but a full-scale political war between two powerful forces.

The heated exchanges between the leaders have led to vicious attacks and counterattacks, involving even junior leaders from both parties.

The latest salvo against Gandhi was fired by CPI (M)-backed Independent legislator P V Anvar who questioned the 'DNA' of the Congress leader.

Addressing a CPI (M) election convention at Edathanattukara in Malappuram, Anvar said, "Rahul has no right to use the Gandhi name. He has stooped to the level of a fourth-class citizen. Was he born into the Nehru family? I have doubtshis DNA should be examined." Vijayan loyalists E P Jayarajan, M M Mani, and A K Balan's anti-Rahul comments were almost identical.

Even national leaders of CPI (M), including Sitaram Yechuri and Brinda Karat, who addressed campaign meetings with Congress elsewhere, were forced to comment against Gandhi in Kerala.

Also read: The saga of Kerala's rare mineral sand, corruption and coast deterioration

Kerala politics

Contrary to the political realities outside the state, Kerala has a unique battlefield where the BJP remains a distant third force despite numerous high-decibel campaigns conducted by Modi, Amit Shah and the rest of the Sangh Parivar leaders.

Here, the fight is between CPI(M)-led LDF and Congress-led UDF, and the electoral tussle is a binary even in Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram where BJP ensured a high-pitched triangular contest by fielding strongmen.

As Vijayan faces a strong anti-incumbency factor in the state and his party's national-level influence wanes, he has few options but to go strong against Congress and its key campaigner, Gandhi, setting aside electoral compulsions in other states.

For a chief minister, who developed his political career on an anti-Congress platform, the Lok Sabha election is critical because its outcome could decide the future of left politics in its last bastion of Kerala.

The key challenge the LDF faces in Kerala is the clout Gandhi seemingly maintains among the electorate across the state by being the candidate in the hill constituency of Wayanad.

So far, opinion polls have predicted a clear edge for the UDF in Kerala while some even predicted zero for the LDF. Electoral opinion polls, of course, have a history of making wrong forecasts.

In the case of Vijayan, he is now attempting to create at least a split in the political preference of Muslims in the state, who constitute 26.56% of the population.

Most Christian denominations -- the combined percentage of the religion in Kerala is 18.4% -- have pledged their support to UDF. The same is the case with the upper caste Hindu organisation Nair Service Society (NSS). In the case of OBC Ezhavas, who constitute the backbone of the Lefts support in the state, both UDF and BJP have made considerable inroads into its mass base.

To turn at least a sizable section of Muslims in the state against the Congress party, Vijayan has said during campaigning that through the CAA, the BJP is implementing the RSS agenda, and the Congress at the national level has failed to act against that agenda.

Vijayan said Gandhi should answer whether the Congress national leadership told its Kerala unit to avoid anti-CAA protests. He even went to the extent of referring to the Congress election manifesto, saying it said nothing on repealing CAA. However, that campaign lost its sheen in the last leg of the electioneering, with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjuna Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, making it clear that Congress, if voted to power, would repeal the controversial law.

Raising the wrong flag

In the 2019 election, the BJP had launched an unsubstantiated campaign in North India, saying Pakistan flags were a scene in Gandhis election meetings in Wayanad.

The BJP had misinterpreted the green flag of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest constituent of UDF, as Pakistans flag.

To avoid such a situation this time, the UDF strategically decided not to use any party flag in the campaigning for Gandhi; instead, they used coloured balloons.

Attempting to make this an issue, Vijayan soon made an entry into the scene. It was a sheer disrespect to IUML and its minority politics, he said, criticising Gandhi for ignoring IUML in campaign meetings: This narrative garnered widespread attention, and the BJP used it to cite differences between the two nationally aligned but locally sparring parties.

However, the IUML has maintained that it was a collective decision not to use any party flag including that of Congress.

"The Congress failed to take a strong stand against the CAA and the financial policies of the Union government. The fight in Kerala is between the LDF, which has taken a strong stand on certain issues, and the UDF, which is reluctant to take strong stands on matters affecting the people in Kerala," said Vijayan when contacted by Hindustan Times over the phone.

The chief minister added that the NDA, which is in the third position in the state, will become irrelevant after this election.

According to V D Satheesan, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly who leads the Congress campaign, the so-called Pinarayi factor that gave the LDF two consecutive terms in the state assembly is now undergoing a tectonic shift.

"Even those who once beloved and revered him as the Captain find his autocratic style and inflexible character would eclipse LDF's chances in this election. What he has spread so far against Rahul (Gandhi) and UDF are utter lies, and those campaign issues have already been exposed. Even people who traditionally stayed away from Congress and UDF now say only Rahul can ensure a viable alternative at the centre. We will win in the state with thumping colours," he said during a campaigning event in Thiruvananthapuram for Congress candidate Shashi Tharoor.

"There has been a noticeable anti-incumbency trend in Kerala, which is against both the central and state governments. Kerala has a different political scene now, and people would vote against both Modi and Pinarayi governments," said J Devika, faculty member of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), in Thiruvananthapuram.

"While the LDF-UDF campaign has sown discontent against Modi, voters are also bitterly opposed to Pinarayi due to the chief minister's apparent unwillingness to condemn the political violence perpetrated by student groups leaning to the left, most notably the SFI, and his obvious inability to put a stop to it," she said.

"Pinarayi's autocratic style and defining characteristics have drawn criticism from many quarters. However, we shouldn't restrict this feeling to Pinarayi alone. There's a general disapproval of the Left administration and all the problems it's caused, like the present financial crisis, ministers' incompetence, SFI's brutality, and many more. As the leader, he will naturally bear the brunt of the responsibility,'' according to G. Gopakumar, a political analyst.

The leaders of the left are aware that there is anti-Vijayan sentiment, particularly among liberals leaning to the left. They can only hope that this sentiment does not reflect in voting patterns in the polls.

Also read: Analysing BJPs focus seats in Kerala for 2024 general elections
Clippety-clop, clippety-clop the beat of a horses hooves breaks the stillness of a tiny hamlet in the Himalayas. It is the sound of the curtain rising on a real-life adventure, as an Irish actress named Norah Richards rides into a village called Andret.

It sits about 45 km from Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh. Soon after she arrives, in 1924, it will be rechristened Andretta and transformed into a haven for artists from around the world, including potters, musicians, writers, actors, a drama teacher named Jai Dayal and his young student, a future auteur named Prithviraj Kapoor.

The haven still stands, 100 years on. It still hosts artists, and now draws tourists on artistic pilgrimage too.

But lets start at the beginning. Richards first moved from England to India with her husband Philip Richards, in 1911. He had accepted a teaching post at Dyal Singh College.

The move cut short her theatre career, but she began teaching instead, staging plays, including in Punjabi, and offering classes in creative writing at the college.

When her husband died in 1920, Richards, now 44, returned to England, but she missed the vibrancy she had become accustomed to. She returned to India and purchased a tea plantation in Kangra Valley, for one rupee, in 1924. She would soon swap it for land in Andretta, an hour south.

Even today, time seems to have folded in on itself here. The village sits in the shadow of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. It has a smattering of bungalows between bamboo groves and rice fields; tea estates still glisten in villages just beyond.

Wall plates made at the Andretta Pottery and Craft Society. (Gustasp and Jeroo Irani)

Among the bungalows is Chameli Niwas (House of Jasmine), the mud-slate-and-bamboo home that Richards built in Andretta, in the local style. She soon added an amphitheatre, and began inviting former students to perform. She extended an open invitation to painters, potters, sculptors and writers, and they began to turn up when in search of space to create or community, escape, or inspiration.

Amid Partition, luminaries from across the new border would seek refuge here; some for a few years, others permanently. The eminent Sikh painter Sobha Singh left Lahore in 1947 and settled here at Richardss invitation. His studio and former home are now a museum. The painter and sculptor BC Sanyal, who brought the Modernist art movement to India, moved here too.

Sardar Gurcharan Singh, a master potter who studied the art form in Japan and returned to birth a culture of studio pottery in India, moved onto land gifted to him by Richards, and set up the Andretta Pottery and Craft Society. It still stands, and serves as a platform for local artisans. It is now run and managed by Shubham Sankhyan, 28, whose late father worked with Singhs son Mansimran Singh and daughter-in-law Mary Singh.

Clay has been my best friend since I was two, says Sankhyan, a potter, sculptor and flautist. Visitors to the village can walk in to browse, buy, or attend a 45-minute hands-on training session, or sign up for longer-term courses.

There are a number of homestays in the village. The oldest of these, The Mirage, was built in 1948, and was the home of drama teacher Jai Dayal. He and Prithviraj Kapoor would spend years here, immersed in theatre, before the latter moved on to make films, and make history, in Bombay.

Richards lived in Andretta until her death in March 1971, aged 94. A year before this, Punjabi University in Patiala acquired her home. Visiting today, it is easy to see why she missed the flaming colours and sun-warmed villages, and felt she had to return.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during his three-day visit to Pakistan, issued a warning to Israel on Tuesday saying an attack on Iranian territory would lead to a radical change in dynamics and it might not be certain if anything would be left of the Zionist regime. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi (AFP/File)

Ebrahim Raisi, who began his visit on Monday, was speaking at Lahore University, as reported by Iran-based Mehr News.

If the Zionist regime once again makes a mistake and attacks the sacred land of Iran, the situation will be different, and it is not clear whether anything will remain of this regime, Ebrahim Raisi was quoted as saying by IRNA.

Raisi said Tehran's counterstrike on Israel on April 13, retaliating the latter's April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate, was how the country punished the regime.

The great Iranian nation punished the Zionist regime for the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which was against all international laws, he said.

On April 13, Iran launched a series of missiles and drones targeting Israel, citing retaliation for Israel's alleged lethal strike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1. However, the majority of these weapons were intercepted and neutralised.

Explosions were heard on Friday over the Iranian city of Isfahan, carried out by Israel as reported by Reuters, but Iran downplayed the attack saying it would not retaliate.

Raisi added, The people of Iran and Pakistan both defend the oppressed Palestinian nation. Islamic Iran will continue to defend the resistance and the oppressed nation of Palestine with pride.

The Iranian president also attacked the West for claiming to defend human rights while Israel continued to attack Gaza, where over 34,000 Palestinians have died so far. He also accused the US of arresting dozens of college students across the country for attending pro-Palestine protests, Iranian news agencies reported.

Today, the biggest violators of human rights are Americans and Westerners as supporters of the Zionist regime in its child-killing and genocide. The liberation of Quds is the number one question of humankind. The resistance of the people of Gaza will lead to the liberation of the Holy Quds and Palestine, Raisi said.

Iran and Pakistan ties

In a bid to repair relations after the two nations carried out military strikes on each other earlier this year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Raisi signed eight agreements in Islamabad. These included the establishment of a joint special economic zone, as reported by the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan on Monday.

Additionally, both leaders agreed in principle to outlaw terrorist organisations operating within each other's territories and to collaborate on counterterrorism efforts, Pakistan's Interior Ministry said in a statement.

During a joint press briefing on Monday, Raisi emphasised the need for Pakistan and Iran to enhance bilateral trade to approximately $10 billion within the next three to four years.
Nancy Gonzalez, a celebrity handbag designer known for her work on The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to smuggling reptile skins into the U.S.

Gonzalez, 70, was given credit for time served, a supervised release of three years and ordered to pay a special assessment in connection with the illegal importing of caiman and python skins from Colombia from February 2016 to April 2019, according to federal prosecutors.

Her luxury handbag company, Gzuniga Ltd., was ordered to forfeit all handbags and other previously seized product, banned for three years from any activities involving commercial trade in wildlife and sentenced to serve three years of probation.

"The caiman and python species are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which both the United States and Colombia are signatories," prosecutors said.

"The United States signed on to CITES in an effort to help protect threatened and endangered species here and abroad from trafficking," Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division stated. "We will not tolerate illegal smuggling. We appreciate the efforts of our many federal and international partners who have helped with the investigation, extradition and prosecution of this case."

Gonzalez's co-conspirator, Mauricio Giraldo, was sentenced to a year of supervised release after serving 22 months incarcerated in the U.S. and Columbia. He must also pay a fine.

Co-conspirator, John Camilo Aguilar Jaramillo will be sentenced in June, according to prosecutors.

The conspirators used friends, relatives and employees to smuggle hundreds of purses into the U.S. by wearing them or putting them in their luggages. The bags were subsequently sold from Gonzalez's New York City showroom.
The United Nations migration agency said on Tuesday that 21 migrants have died, and another 23 are missing after a boat carrying 77 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti.

It was the second tragic marine accident in two weeks off the Horn of Africa, which is situated on the perilous so-called eastern migration route from Africa to the Middle East.

Tanja Pacifico, the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) chief of mission in Djibouti, told AFP in Nairobi that more than 20 bodies had been found, while roughly the same number remained missing.

She reported late on Tuesday that another 33 people had survived the accident.

The IOM wrote in an earlier post on X, formerly Twitter, that "Tragedy as boat capsizes off Djibouti coast with 77 migrants on board including children," with a count of at least 16 dead and 28 missing.

The IOM branch in Djibouti is helping local authorities with search and rescue efforts.

Yvonne Ndege, a spokesperson for the agency, told AFP that children and a baby were among the dead, but she did not provide any other details.

Ethiopia's ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, said on X, formerly Twitter, that the ship went down on Monday night off the coast of Godoria in northeastern Djibouti while carrying Ethiopian migrants from Yemen.

Tsegaye expressed his deep sorrow over the succession of horrific disasters, saying that he reiterated that legal measures should be taken against illegal human smugglers who put the lives of their citizens at risk.

According to the IOM and the Ethiopian embassy in Djibouti, another ship carrying over 60 people sank off the coast of Godoria in April.

The IOM claimed that six migrants remained missing and that 38 migrants' bodies, including those of children, had been found.

Furthermore, the Ethiopian embassy said that it was transporting migrants from Djibouti to war-torn Yemen.
On Tuesday, billions of dollars in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan advanced in the US Senate, heading for a final vote after the House of Representatives abruptly ended a months-long stalemate and approved the assistance last week.

The House passed the four bills approved by the Senate, voting 80 to 19, which is much more than the 60 votes required to allow for a vote on final passage as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.

President Joe Biden asked the Senate to quickly advance the measures to his desk. About $26 billion of the package goes to Israel, currently in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, $61 billion goes to Ukraine, and $8 billion goes to allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

A fourth bill would take Russian assets to aid Ukraine in recovering from the devastation of the war, impose sanctions on China, Russia, and Iran, and require the US to ban TikTok if its Chinese parent company does not sell it.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had a fulsome press conference following the procedural vote in which he expressed his belief that his party is starting to rebuff the trends of isolationism he has opposed.

He insisted that he thinks progress has been made, although he acknowledged that his party's isolationist streak still exists.

"If you're looking for a trend, I think it's a trend in the direction that I would like to see us go, which is America steps up to its leadership role in the world and does what it needs to do," McConnell said.

He claimed that they have turned the corner on this argument. Furthermore, he said that he believes they have turned the corner on the isolationist movement and noticed how uncomfortable proponents of that movement are when people call them isolationists.
The United States Senate concluded the Capitol Hill leg of the bill, funneling $95 billion to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with a 79-18 vote.

The process was concluded Tuesday night (Apr. 23) after months of political turmoil and is now awaiting President Joe Biden's signature.

"Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need," Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said in the Senate chamber on Tuesday.

Near the end of his speech to reporters, he shared that he left a message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the voting: "OK, we got it done. Now go win the fight."

Earlier, the Senate's Republican leader Mitch McConnell expressed his belief that his party was now starting to rebuff the trends of isolationism he had once opposed.

"If you're looking for a trend, I think it's a trend in the direction that I would like to see us go, which is America steps up to its leadership role in the world and does what it needs to do," he told reporters.



Breaking down, 31 Republicans joined 48 Democrats to pass the legislation, while two Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joined 15 Republicans in voting against it.

According to USA Today, the package would allocate $60 billion to support Ukraine, $17 billion for Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and elsewhere, and $8 billion for allies in the Indo-Pacific.

A sizable portion of the Republican Party in both chambers voted against aid to Ukraine, which has been fighting back against a Russian invasion since February 2022.

Opponents of additional aid argue that the US has already done enough to help Ukraine and that taxpayer funds would be better spent on domestic priorities or paying down the nation's estimated $1.5 trillion budget deficit.

One of the most vocal GOP opponents of the bills was Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has since been called by British broadcaster Piers Morgan as "Moscow Marjorie."

Meanwhile, 10 Republican senators who once voted against the package in February have since voted in favor, including Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who said that he and a group of other conservative senators began working with former President Donald Trump and Republican leadership in both chambers to come up with a package that more Republicans could support.

"I think Trump had more to do with that than we did," Mullin told reporters. "The idea that Trump was part of it really helped a lot of people know that - well, it's political and gave political cover, to some degree."

In addition to the three separate aid package bills, Tuesday night's voting also included legislation forcing TikTok's Chinese parent company, Bytedance, to divest from the social media app or face an effective ban in the United States.

The vote regarding the social media platform came after the European Union launched an investigation regarding its sister app TikTok Lite, specifically its reward-to-watch feature.

Unlike in the House, where lawmakers voted for each of the provisions independently, senators had to cast a single vote for or against all of the provisions combined.
The United Nations called for a "a clear, transparent and credible investigation" of mass graves discovered at the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, both of which were recently raided by Israeli troops.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that credible investigators and more journalists must have safe access to the sites to conduct factual assessments of the situation.

However, he added, for the UN to conduct the investigation, one of its major bodies would have to authorize it.

"I think it's not for anyone to prejudge the results or who would do it," he told reporters. "I think it needs to be an investigation where there is access and there is credibility."

Dujarric further stated that the discovery of the graves was "another reason why we need a cease-fire, why we need to see an end to this conflict, why we need to see greater access for humanitarians, for humanitarian goods, greater protection for hospitals" and the release of Israeli hostages

Earlier on Tuesday (Apr. 23), UN human rights chief Volker Turk also called for an independent investigation of the incident, saying that he was "horrified" by the destruction of the two hospitals after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security service withdrew from both of them and the south of Gaza earlier this month.

He also expressed distress over the reported discovery of mass graves in and around both facilities in the aftermath of the raids.

"Given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators," he said in a statement.

"Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat [incapable of engaging in combat] is a war crime."

US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel also called the reports of mass graves at the hospitals "incredibly troubling" and said that officials in Washington have asked the Israeli government for information.

On the other hand, Israeli military officials said that its forces exhumed bodies that Palestinians had buried earlier as part of its search for the remains of hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

They added that the bodies were examined respectfully, and those not belonging to Israeli hostages were returned to their places.

IDF officials also said that it killed or detained hundreds of militants who had taken shelter inside the two hospital complexes, claims that could not be identified, the Associated Press reported.

Meanwhile, International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan said that a probe by the court into possible crimes by both Hamas militants and Israeli soldiers is a "priority" for his office after he visited Israel and the West Bank in December.
Students walk to class through the Sather Gate on the UC Berkeley campus in 2022. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The death of a 19-year-old UC Berkeley freshman found in his dorm in February was caused by acute combined drug toxicity, the Alameda County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday.

Marco Troper, who was in his second semester at the university, was found unresponsive in a college dorm on Feb. 13. His grandmother, Esther Wojcicki, announced his death on social media the next day. Troper, a math major, was the son of former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, who stepped down from her role last year after 25 years with Google, which owns the video streaming company.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Victor Galindo of the sheriffs office told the Chronicle that the investigation into Tropers manner of death is still ongoing, adding that investigators do not suspect foul play. Galindo said there was no information available about which drugs were in Tropers system.

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After Tropers death, Esther Wojcicki told the Palo Alto Daily Post that the family suspected that Troper died from an accidental drug overdose. I think the most important thing is that teenagers and college students need to know that drugs today are not the same as the drugs of yesterday, theyre often laced with fentanyl, Wojcicki told the Post.
On Tuesday, Microsoft opened a new tab, saying that Coca-Cola opened it and signed a $1.1 billion five-year deal to use its cloud computing and artificial intelligence services.

This partnership, centered on a $1.1 billion investment in Microsoft Cloud, highlights Coca-Cola's transition in its business operations to prioritize digitalization.

The partnership's integration will improve Microsoft Azure and Azure OpenAI Service to enhance various business functions, including marketing, manufacturing, and customer service.

Coca-Cola hopes to promote innovation and expedite operations with cutting-edge technology, including Microsoft 365 Copilot and other tools to increase workplace efficiency.

In 2020, Coca-Cola agreed to sign a five-year deal worth $250 million to use Microsoft's cloud and business software.

According to the two companies, Coca-Cola would test Microsoft's Copilot capabilities to assess how the technologies increase beverage makers' productivity.

Among its various capabilities, Copilot is an AI assistant that can help summarize lengthy email exchanges and create slide decks for business presentations.

"This new agreement builds on the success of Coca-Cola's partnership strategy with Microsoft, showing our commitment to ongoing digital transformation," John Murphy, President and CFO of The Coca-Cola Company, said.

Coca-Cola has transitioned its apps to Microsoft Azure, and its main independent bottling partners have enthusiastically embraced this move. This change reveals the beverage giant's dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology at the center of its business plan.

As part of the agreement revealed on Wednesday, Coca-Cola will use more traditional Microsoft software, like Dynamics365, which sales professionals use to compete against Salesforce (CRM.N).

Executives from both companies are excited about how the collaboration could make Coca-Cola a more flexible, effective, and creative company.
The European Union has called on international donors to resume its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after a review finding that Israel had not provided evidence for its claim that thousands of UNRWA staff were members of terror groups.

EU Humanitarian chief Janez Lenarcic welcomed this week's report for "underlining the agency's significant number of compliance systems in place as well as recommendations for their further upgrade."

He further called on donor nations to support UNRWA, describing it as the "Palestinian refugees' lifeline," the BBC reported.

So far, the message was echoed by Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who hailed countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, and Sweden for having already resumed their funding.

It was previously reported that several nations halted funding to the agency after allegations that some of its employees took part in Hamas's attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

So far, the United States has said it will not restart its UNRWA aid until the agency makes some "real progress." The UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, and Lithuania have not yet done so.

"In terms of our funding of UNRWA, that is still suspended," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday (Apr. 23). "We're gonna have to see real progress here before that gets changed."

On the other hand, US State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said that the Biden administration was looking closely at the recent report, adding that the US would "continue to support UNRWA's important work, and it must continue."

Israel has accused over 2,100 UNRWA staff of being members of Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad - proscribed terror organizations in Israel, the UK, the US, and other countries.

However, the UN's independent review, led by a former French foreign minister, said Israel had yet to provide "supporting evidence" for such a claim.

While the report acknowledged UNRWA's "robust framework," it also said it needed to do more to improve its neutrality, staff vetting, and transparency.

On the one hand, the agency insisted that it carry out detailed reference checks on all employees and share staff lists with Israel.

However, Israeli authorities suggested that the report ignored the severity of the problem, claiming that UNRWA has systemic links to Hamas.

The EU's plea came as the US humanitarian envoy to Gaza, David Satterfield, repeated warnings that the risk of famine throughout the Palestinian territoryespecially in the northwas very high.

Israel has also been accused of slowing deliveries by subjecting trucks to complex and arbitrary checks, and last month, the UN's top court ordered it to enable the unhindered flow of aid into Gaza.

Satterfield further urged Israel to do everything possible to stop famine and called on more to be done to deliver aid to those in need.

Meanwhile, a separate UN investigation is looking at Israeli allegations that 12 UNRWA staff took part in the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, which saw around 1,200 people killed and about 250 taken hostage.

UNRWA has allegedly fired 10 of the 12 accused staff members who were still alive in the wake of the allegations.
Pro-Palestine protests have continued to spread on college campuses across the United States, with encampments developing at Yale University, New York University (NYU), Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tufts University, and more.

The protests were in response to the arrests and student removals at Columbia University, ABC News reported.

Over 100 protesters were arrested last week at Columbia, according to authorities, while others were suspended and removed from campus.

On the other hand, 150 protesters were arrested at NYU and 45 at Yale this week.

The protests on campuses have been largely peaceful, according to school administrators, with some officials, including the NYPD, as well as protesters blaming unaffiliated individuals for instances of violence and offensive rhetoric.

Some students have said that the on-campus tension has created concerns about safety, and some universities have responded by opting for remote or hybrid learning options.

"Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns," Columbia president Minouche Shafik said.

"The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas. We need a reset."

Ever since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7, tensions have been high on college campuses nationwide, with some of them resulting in antisemitic attacks on Jewish students and faculty.

Meanwhile, Harvard suspended the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee, a student group that has been under the spotlight, as debate raged on college campuses around the country.

In a statement, the group said that it has faced "unprecedented repression" over the past six months, including doxxing, racist harassment, and targeted administrative crackdowns.

"Harvard has shown us time and again that Palestine remains the exception to free speech," the group told ABC News in a statement.

"After standing idly by as pro-Palestine students faced physical and cyber harassment, death threats and rape threats and racist doxxing, Harvard has now decided to dismantle the only official student group dedicated to the task of representing the Palestinian cause."

Encampments inside MIT were also reported, with protesters calling for an end to the university's funding of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which has been captured in past university financial reports, including projects such as "autonomous robotic swarms."

"What we've seen is this community that's formed around our demands that basic human dignity be recognized, as this community of fighting for liberation for all," the group MIT Jews for Ceasefire said.

On the other hand, MIT said that it was "aware of the tents, and are determining next steps with a focus on ensuring the campus is physically safe and fully functioning."

"MIT Police were on scene throughout the night and will continue to be present," the university told local broadcaster WGBH.

Meanwhile, Tufts spokesperson Patrick Collins said that officials were "actively and closely monitoring the situation."

"While students are permitted to express their views, including demonstrating on campus, we will hold accountable any community members who engage in conduct that violates university policy," he said.

"Regarding the students' demands, our position on this has been clear and consistent for several years: We do not support the BDS movement."

BDS referred to the pro-Palestinian "Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions" movement against Israel's policy in Palestinian territories.

Over on the West Coast, hundreds of students protesting the war at California's Cal Poly Humboldt have occupied two campus buildings since Monday (Apr. 22).

"Three protesters were arrested overnight stemming from the occupation and confrontation with law enforcement," the institution said in a statement on Tuesday (Apr. 23).

The university said dozens of students remain barricaded in Siemens Hall, using furniture to block the entrance. It also noted that an unconfirmed number of individuals had occupied another campus building.

"The University is concerned about the safety of the students who remain in the building, and has been asking the students to remain open to dialogue around a peaceful resolution," the statement read.

The campus was locked down on Monday when the protests began and would remain closed through Wednesday (Apr. 24), the University added.

In contrast, the student-led organization Humboldt For Palestine said the demonstrators would not leave the campus until the university "divests" from Israel.

"We are not leaving or moving or talking until they have completely divested from Israel," the group said in a statement on Instagram.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would visit Columbia University the following day to meet with Jewish students.

After the meeting, Johnson is set to deliver remarks and take questions about the rise in antisemitism on college campuses.
At least one person was reported to be injured after at least two runaway horses ran into traffic in London on Wednesday morning.

Social media videos show one white and one brown horse running through Aldwych. One of the horses appeared to have blood on its chest and legs after apparently hitting a bus.

Anyone care to tease out possible symbolism in this?



At least two horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the English King's official bodyguard, threw their riders near Buckingham Palace this morning and ran off through the streets of London, damaging several cars pic.twitter.com/F4grCoXQIP  Joe Quinn (@SeosQuinn) April 24, 2024

BBC staff member Tony Bonsignore witnessed the incident and told BBC Radio London that he saw someone receiving treatment from paramedics, with speculation that it was a serviceman from the Household Cavalry division.

It is unclear how many horses were involved, with the Telegraph reporting as many as five Household Cavalry horses have run loose through the city after throwing their riders off while exercising on Horseguards Parade in Whitehall.

It was highly unusual for the Household Cavalry's horses to be spooked in this way as they are well-drilled and used to being close to traffic and large crowds.

Buckingham Palace Road was closed following the incident and a cordon was erected near the scene.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov appeared in a Moscow court on Wednesday (Apr. 24) after he was detained for allegedly taking a bribe.

According to Russian state media TASS, Ivanov was suspected of accepting a bribe of 1 million rubles (at least $10,800). If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Video released by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti showed Ivanov standing in a glass box in the Moscow courtroom.

Ivanov, 47, was considered to be one of the senior architects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, becoming the subject of European Union and US sanctions alongside his boss, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The allegation made this the highest-profile Russian corruption case since the war began in February 2022.

Ivanov's responsibilities have included the reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol in southeastern Ukraine. He has also been frequently pictured cutting ribbons on various construction projects in the city.

In April 2023, Maria Pevchikh, chairperson of the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's International Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), said Ivanov had "one of the most lucrative jobs that one can have in the Ministry of Defense."

The ACF previously alleged that Ivanov earned a sizeable payroll in his role leading construction for the Russian army.

Last year, Pevchikh told CNN that the deputy defense minister's extreme wealthincluding assets including a historical house in one of Moscow's most expensive districtsis funded by "corruption."

The ACF claimed that Ivanov, already a wealthy man, benefited extensively from the invasion of Ukraine.
President Biden has signed a $95 billion foriegn aid bill that will send billions of crucial aid to Ukraine for its fight against Russia.

"It's a good day for America, it's a good day for Europe, and it's a good day for the world peace," Biden said from the White House on Wednesday.

He said the initial shipments of weapons to Ukraine would begin "within hours."

The U.S. Senate passed the package on Tuesday after the House passed it over the weekend. The aid package also provides money for Israel and Taiwan for their defense needs. The package of bills also requires China to sell TikTok or it will be banned in the United States.

Russian forces are likely to ramp up their attacks on Ukraine's territory to take advantage of the final weeks before $61 billion of U.S. aid finally makes its way to the front lines.

The Ukrainian front line will continue to deteriorate, particularly if Russian forces increase their attacks to take advantage of the limited window before the help arrives, according to The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), adding that it is likely that Russian forces will intensify offensive operations and missile and drone strikes.

"Ultimately it offers Ukraine the prospect of staying in the war this year," Michael Clarke, visiting professor in war studies at King's College London, told the Associated Press. "Sometimes in warfare you've just got to stay in it. You've just got to avoid being rolled over."

Pentagon Spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder believes that the United States will be able to "rush the security assistance in volumes" soon now that the aid package is approved.

The Pentagon says it will begin moving ammunition, artillery shells and air defense assets quickly but the ISW says it will take several weeks for any new weapons to reach the front lines in Ukraine and it will be June before Ukraine will be in an improved position.
A fugitive ex-cop who authorities say went on the run after allegedly killing his ex-wife and 17-year-old girlfriend in Washington state was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a chase in Oregon.

His 1-year-old son, who was with him, was safe, Oregon State Police troopers said.

Troopers began chasing ex-Yakima officer Elias Huizar southbound on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, at about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The high-speed chase included an exchange of gunfire, Oregon state police said at a news briefing.

The chase ended when Huizar hit a vehicle that was stopped due to a crash. He then shot himself, according to the Associated Press.

Police then pulled the uninjured baby from the car.

"All day our thoughts have been how to rescue this young boy and we're thankful for the outcome that occurred," Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy said at a news conference.

Earlier in the day, a clerk at a Plaid Pantry convenience store on Hayden Island in the Columbia River between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, told Portland police he might have seen Elias Huizar early Tuesday, according to KGW-TV.

The clerk reportedly said the man he saw bought a drink in the store around 12:45 a.m.

Hayden Island is about 200 miles west of West Richland, Washington, where Huizar's ex-wife and girlfriend were slain.

On Monday night, the Washington State Patrol issued an Amber Alert for Huizar and his 1-year-old son Roman and said Huizar might be headed to Mexico.

Authorities had said the fugitive former Yakima, Washington, police officer should be considered armed and dangerous.

Huizar was facing a Feb. 3 rape charge involving a teenage girl when he allegedly shot his ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, around 3:20 p.m. Monday outside the school in West Richland, Washington, where she worked as a paraeducator.

Cops reportedly found the body of Huizar's girlfriend Angelica Santos, who is Roman's mother, when they searched his nearby home.


Two men who are considered persons of interest in connection with a bizarre deadly Florida carjacking are in custody.

Katherine Altagracia Guerrero de Aguasvivas was carjacked at gunpoint in broad daylight and was later found dead in her burning SUV, according to the Seminole County Sheriff.

She was driving around 4 p.m. on April 11 when she called her husband and said she was being followed.

He told her to not stop but neither of them called 911.

A green Acura then started ramming her SUV.

When she stopped at a red light, a man in a black mask jumped out of the Acura and ran up to her car with a large gun.

A witness who saw what was going on recorded a video of the incident.

WATCH: Two men carjacking woman's car in Florida, video recorded by a witness. Link to full story below in the comments. pic.twitter.com/SFNhk2FY0t  HNGN (@HNGNcom) April 24, 2024

The carjacker got into the back of the vehicle and SUV and the Acura continued following the SUV as it drove away.

Around 7 p.m. that evening someone in Osceola County reported hearing gunshots and then later found what turned out to be the carjacked Dodge Durango that had been set on fire.

Her body was in the burned vehicle.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office says Kevin Ocasio Justiniano was taken into custody in Puerto Rico on unrelated drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Jordanish Torres-Garcia was arrested last week by the United States Marshals Services on unrelated charges.

Justiniano is believed to be the driver of the green Acura, and Torres-Garcia is allegedly the one who walked up to the victim's vehicle with the gun.

Both cases will be referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office and are expected to be charged with Carjacking Resulting in a Death.

"This case is about drugs and money," said Sheriff Dennis Lemma. "We believe the most dangerous people connected with this case are now off our streets."

The victim's husband is not believed to be connected to the killing.

Police are also investigating the shooting death of a tow truck driver who had towed the Acura in March.

"It's either connected or it's a heck of a coincidence," Lemma said.


Columbia University threatened to call the National Guard and the New York Police Department on student protestors, if they did not leave their encampments on the university grounds, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (CUAD) alleged in a midnight post to social media.

While the university does not have the ability to direct the National Guard to come to Columbia and interact with students, they are able to request their presence on campus.

The students reportedly reached a tentative agreement with the administration by 3 a.m., after missing an initial university deadline to remove their tents. The university announced that students agreed to remove some of their tents, prohibit discriminatory language and remove any non-students from their encampment. "In light of this constructive dialogue, the university will continue conversations for the next 48 hours," Columbia said.

More than a hundred Columbia and Barnard students, including Representative Ilhan Omar's daughter, were arrested last week at the behest of university President Minouche Shafik.

After the university suspended the detained protestors, more than a hundred faculty members participated in a walk-out. Members of the Columbia Chapter of the American Association of University Professors are expected to move to censure Shafik, in response to her asking the New York Police Department to arrest the students.

Activists involved in the protests criticized the university for potentially endangering the student body through what they described as an "escalation of violence." CUAD also drew comparisons to the 1970 Kent State massacre - in which four people were shot and killed by the Ohio National Guard, during an anti-Vietnam War protest.

"I want the university to understand who is at risk here," Sofia Ong'ele, a member of CUAD, said in a press release. "The lawn is made up of a diverse coalition of predominantly Black, brown and Jewish students at Columbia who are at serious risk of police violence."

The internal politics of the encampments have been subject to intense scrutiny. Many Jewish students have participated in the pro-Palestinian activism - with dozens of protestors holding Passover Seders inside the encampments. Others, however, allege that the protests have led to a surge of campus antisemitism.

Columbia Professor John McWhorter was among those with university affiliations who were critical of the protests - writing an op-ed in the New York Times entitled "I'm a Columbia Professor. The Protests on My Campus Are Not Justice."

"I understand that the protesters and their fellow travelers feel that all of this is the proper response, social justice on the march," McWhorter wrote.

"However, the issues are complex, in ways that this uncompromising brand of power-battling is ill suited to address. Legitimate questions remain about the definition of genocide, about the extent of a nation's right to defend itself and about the justice of partition."

McWhorter criticized the protests on several grounds - including the manner in which it disrupted his classes. Student protestors, however, have stated that the purpose of their protest is to disrupt in an effort to call attention to Gaza.

"The University claims they want to return to 'business as usual,'' the CUAD press release said. "As though the murder of over 30,000 Palestinians - the majority of whom are women and children - and the systematic destruction of every university in Gaza can be construed as 'business as usual.'"
A 15-year-old girl was found dead in the driveway of a San Francisco home on Saturday, according to police and family members. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

A 15-year-old girl was found dead in the driveway of a San Francisco home on Saturday, according to police and family members.

Officers and paramedics declared the girl dead around noon after being summoned to the Lobos Street home in Ingleside, San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Paulina Henderson said Wednesday. Police found no evidence of foul play, Henderson said.

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Relatives identified the girl as 15-year-old Jazmin Pellegrini in an online fundraiser for funeral costs.

She was found dead on an unknown persons driveway in San Francisco off of Lobos and Plymouth Avenue after running away from home in Bay Point three days earlier, relatives posted on the fundraiser page, noting that the exact cause of her death is still unclear, along with the events leading up to it.

The San Francisco medical examiners office did not respond to questions about the death.

The teenager had been struggling for years with post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and anxiety as she tried to process the sexual abuse she endured during her childhood, the post said.

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Some bodies inside the mass graves in Gaza had their hands tied together, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) alleged in a statement calling for an investigation into the situation.

At least 238 bodies were discovered outside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, while a similar site was found in a similar site near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

The recovered bodies were "buried deep in the ground and covered with waste," according to the OHCHR.

"Among the deceased were allegedly older people, women and wounded, while others were found tied with their hands...tied and stripped of their clothes," spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.

Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said that some of the recovered bodies were hand-cuffed and clad in detainee uniforms. Basal accused the Israeli military of executing people and burying their bodies, the New York Times reported.

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, "expressed his horror" at both the mass graves and the destruction of Palestinian hospitals.

"Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. The intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat [unable to participate in combat] is a war crime," Turk said.

In response to the UN's call for investigations, Israel released a statement claiming they exhumed bodies - but only so they could identify whether there were hostages buried among other bodies.

"The claim that the IDF buried Palestinian bodies is baseless and unfounded. During the IDF's operation in the area of Nasser Hospital, in accordance to the effort to locate hostages and missing persons, corpses buried by Palestinians in the area of Nasser hospital were examined," the statement read.

"The examination was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased. Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place."

The Israeli statement made no mention of the other mass grave discovered near Al-Shifa Hospital.

At least one Palestinian alleges that Israeli forces took the bodies of two male relatives who were killed during Israel's offensive on Khan Younis.

"After I had buried them in an apartment, the [Israelis] came and moved their bodies," he told the BBC. "Every day we search for their bodies, but we fail to find them."
Oklahoma police have revealed new details about the horrific scene left behind inside the home where a father gunned down his wife and three of his four children before turning the gun on himself.



On Sunday night, Jonathan Candy, 42, armed himself with a gun following an argument with his wife Lindsay before systematically shooting his family members one by one, according to Sgt. Gary Knight, who told the DailyMail that the victims, his wife and three children, were found in areas of the home.

The fourth child, Candy's ten-year-old son, was left to discover his families' bodies, HNGN previously reported.

"the boy woke up and discovered what had happened," Sgt. Gary Knight said while describing the scene as "carnage."

"The door (to his room) was closed, and there was a box fan running that would also muffle the sound. There is no indication he didn't sleep through it."

Two bodies were located upstairs and another two downstairs, while one of the boys had been shot in his bed.



"Make no mistake about it; what happened in that residence was nothing short of a massacre," Knight said.

Neighbor Michael Burcham, 68, told reporters that Candy had previously confided in him about his struggle with depression.

"All day, we just couldn't imagine. He must have really been having a hard time," Burcham said.

The surviving ten-year-old was placed in the custody of relatives.

The police disclosed that they had no previous contact with the family, had never been called to their home, and that there was no history of domestic violence in the family.
The administration at Columbia University, where students have created an encampment protesting the war in Gaza, has reportedly threatened to call the National Guard on students - prompting outrage from many people within and outside the campus.

In spite of the administration's threats, however, only the state or federal government can deploy National Guard troops. The university can request the assistance of the National Guard but they are not guaranteed the government's backing or support.

Typically, the National Guard is mobilized by an individual state's governor, though the president does have the ability to federalize the troops. In recent years, the National Guard has been deployed for events ranging from Black Lives Matter protests to environmental disasters. New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently activated the National Guard in New York City, in an effort to address crime on the subway.

Students affiliated with Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (CUAD) criticized the administration's threats which they characterized as an "escalation of violence" likening it to the infamous Kent State Massacre. Anthony Zenkus, an adjunct professor at the Columbia School of Social Work expressed similar sentiments on social media.

"Those calling for the National Guard to be sent onto college campuses are well aware of the Kent State Massacre where 4 student anti-war protesters were shot and killed," he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "I believe they are making this demand, not in spite of this history, but because of it."

There is a history of the National Guard being deployed to college campuses - notably during anti-war protests, but also when President John F. Kennedy deployed troops to the University of Alabama to force the university to desegregate.

Columbia's administration has already been subject to scrutiny for its decision to authorize the New York Police Department to enter the campus and arrest protestors. More than a hundred Columbia and Barnard students, including Representative Ilhan Omar's daughter, were arrested - prompting more than a hundred faculty members to walk out.

"I want the university to understand who is at risk here," Sofia Ong'ele, a member of CUAD, said in a press release. "The lawn is made up of a diverse coalition of predominantly Black, brown and Jewish students at Columbia who are at serious risk of police violence."
A Washington mother allegedly stabbed her toddler son 41 times, then wrapped him in a blanket before dumping his mutilated body on the side of a highway, according to police.

Janet Garcia, 27, pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the death of her 4-year-old boy, Ariel Garcia, in late March, the Everett Herald reported.

A judge set her bail at $3 million.

"To categorize this as brutal and cold-hearted, it's incorrect," her defense attorney Kathryn Fraser said during Garcia's Monday arraignment, according to the Herald. This is "a tragic circumstance of the failure of meaningful access to addiction treatment and mental health resources," she argued.

Prosecutors alleged Ariel was attacked by his mother for a "prolonged" period of time, during which he was stabbed dozens of times in his upper back and the front of his body. He also suffered defensive wounds to his arms.

On March 27, a relative reported Ariel missing "under suspicious circumstances," according to the Everett Police Department. Just two days earlier, his grandmother had filed for emergency guardianship of him and his 7-year-old brother, citing Garcia's alleged drug and alcohol addiction, which caused "very violent and unpredictable" behavior, according to court documents, the outlet reported.

"I love my grandson, and I want to protect him from whatever his mom is capable of while she is on drugs. He trusts me and feels safe with me. Since I have cared for Ariel all these years, I am already aware of his needs," the grandmother wrote in the documents, according to KOMO-TV.

"While she is on drugs, she is not capable of parenting. Her want for drugs and alcohol makes her leave for days at a time without notice. Luckily, since they live with me, I can step in when this happens. Her behavior has become very violent and unpredictable," she alleged.

Ariel's body was found March 28.

Garcia was arrested in a bloodied shirt while trespassing at a Ridgefield, Washington, group home.

"She said that morning, her son fell and hit his head, she took him to the hospital but the wait was too long so she left, and dropped him with a friend in Seattle," a detective stated in court documents.

Garcia was subsequently charged with Ariel's murder.

She remains jailed in Snohomish County.
A video of an Israeli-American hostage feared dead since his Oct. 7 kidnapping was released by Hamas on Wednesday, appearing to show him alive.

It features Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is missing a hand.

Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, when Hamas gunmen overran the festival as they attacked sites across Israel. Many festival-goers were gunned down and others were dragged back to Gaza as hostages.

Goldberg-Polin was severely injured as he threw out grenades from inside a shelter he was hiding inside with other people, CNN reported.

It had been unclear if he had survived his injuries.

On November 13, Goldberg-Polin's mother, Rachel Goldberg called on the US government to pressure for the release of her son.

In the new video, Goldberg-Polin says he has been "here for almost 200 days" which may indicate that it was recorded recently. No information was released about where and when it was recorded.

His family gave permission for the video to be published and used, Haaretz reported.

"Hersh's cry is the collective cry of all the hostages," the family wrote in their statement. "Their time is rapidly running out. With each passing day, the fear of losing more innocent lives grows stronger."
Federal regulators say samples of milk have tested positive for fragments of the bird flu virus but they note that they are inactive due to pasteurization.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says while pasteurization kills the virus, it does not remove the presence of viral particles in milk and they do not represent an actual virus that may be a risk to consumers.

The FDA says it is testing unpasteurized milk directly from cows in affected herds with and without symptoms to understand how, and at what levels, pasteurization inactivates the virus.

A bird flu outbreak in dairy cows has grown to eight states.

The pathogen primarily causes illness in older cows and its symptoms include decreased lactation, low appetite and other symptoms.

Samples of milk at dairy farms in Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, South Dakota, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio and North Carolina have tested positive for the bird flu.

There has also been one human infection reported.

"This is a rapidly evolving situation and USDA, as well as state and federal partners are committed to sharing updates as information becomes available," the USDA stated.

A top scientist at the World Health Organization gave a dire warning about the dangers presented by the spread of bird flu to new species, noting that humans face an "extraordinarily high" mortality rate if infected, according to a report.

"This remains, I think, an enormous concern," the UN health agency's chief scientist Jeremy Farrar told reporters Thursday in Geneva, ScienceAlert reported.

But, the CDC considers any potential risk to the public to be low at this time. However, people with more exposure to infected animals do have a greater risk of infection.

Wild migratory birds are believed to be the original source of the virus. However, the investigation to date also includes some cases where the virus spread was associated with cattle movements between herds.

The FDA has long discouraged consuming unpasteurized milk.

It does not appear that the current outbreak has had any impact on the U.S. milk supply or consumer prices yet.

So far there have been no detections in commercial beef herds.

Egg producers are watching the situation closely after bird flu was found in chickens in two states.
The United States secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine recently, a new report claims, after recent opposisiton from the Pentagon to send such missiles to the war-torn region.

The missiles were part of a $300 million aid package U.S. President Joe Biden approved on March 12, an unnamed source claims, according to Reuters. The funding came from refunded credits to the Pentagon for recent purchases.

The Biden administration has long backed military aid to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Some of the missiles were reportedly used in an April 17 attack on a Russian airfield in Crimea.

They were also used in a second attack.

It was not known how many of the missiles were sent.

The Pentagon had opposed sending Ukraine the long-range missiles over fears they would be used for an attack deep inside Russia.

The deployment came after Russia continued to attack critical infrastructure in Ukraine, the official told Reuters.

"We warned Russia about those things," the official said. "They renewed their targeting."

President Biden signed a bill on Wednesday morning that will send billions of crucial aid to Ukraine for its fight against Russia.

The U.S. Senate passed the $61 billion military aid package on Tuesday after the House passed it over the weekend.
Joe Biden's approval rating among U.S. voters appears to be improving since hitting an all-time low, according to a new poll.



A recent national poll conducted by MonmouthPoll found Joe Biden's job approval rating has increased by 8 points since its rapid decline in December, with a 42% approval rating compared to a 55% disapproval.

NATIONAL POLL: @POTUS Joe Bidens job approval rating has ticked up 8 points since bottoming out in December.

42% approve

55% disapprove



APPROVE by PARTY:

DEM - 86% (74% in December)

IND - 31% (24%)

REP - 7% (5%)https://t.co/MkfhAganEB pic.twitter.com/sIRp8pfHGz  MonmouthPoll (@MonmouthPoll) April 24, 2024

In December, ex-Obama Adviser David Axelrod, a key political strategist for former President Barack Obama, issued a stark warning about President Biden's vulnerable standing as the 2024 election looms.

Axelrod, a seasoned political strategist, highlighted the alarming findings of a poll indicating that only 37% of voters approve of Biden's performance in the Oval Office, marking a record low for his presidency.

Biden has in recent months received both backlash from his own party over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war, as well as criticism from some Republicans over his administration's continued support for Ukraine in it's fight against Russia.



on Wednesday, Biden signed a $95 billion foriegn aid package which includes aid for both Ukraine and Israel, as well as opening a door for the social media app TikTok to be banned from the U.S.




Israel has eliminated half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon, according to the IDF, who also claim that the other half are now in hiding.

Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made the announcement on the heels of his visit to the IDF Northern Command in Safed, where an evaluation was held with the Chief of Command, Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, alongside higher-up officers.

"Half of the Hezbollah commanders in south Lebanon have been eliminated, and the other half hide and abandon south Lebanon to IDF operations," Gallant said.

Amid Hezbollah's daily attacks, Gallant reaffirmed Israel's main objective in the north, which is to return the tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to their homes, according to the Times of Israel.

"We are dealing with a number of alternatives in order to establish this matter, and the coming period will be decisive in this regard," Gallant added.

For decades, Hezbollah has held substantial dominance in Lebanon, commanding both political power and military strength amid back-and-forth counterattacks with Israel.
Todd Wilkins said the unprovoked attack by a Martinez police officer at an Amtrak station left him with broken ribs and a broken elbow. Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

A California man has filed a federal civil rights suit against the city of Martinez, claiming one of its police officers attacked him and broke his ribs at the Amtrak station for no apparent reason  then left without offering medical care after a witness questioned what the officer was doing.

Todd Wilkins was waiting for a train at the Martinez Amtrak station around 12:30 p.m. on April 1, 2023 when the unidentified officer grabbed him from behind, knocked him to the ground and beat him, according to the suit filed Monday in California Northern District Court.

The officer raised his hand in a closed fist and was getting ready to strike Plaintiff when a witness who had witnessed the entire incident shouted at the officer and asked him what he was doing, the filing said. The officer got off Plaintiff and returned to his patrol car.

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The moments leading up to the encounter were not specified in the filing. It is not known whether video of the incident exists. Ben Nisenbaum, an attorney for Wilkins, said he and other lawyers for Wilkins asked for public records pertaining to the incident but were denied by the city.

In an undated letter from Martinez Police Chief Andrew White to Wilkins attorneys, White explained the city could not release records about the incident due to two investigations: an internal affairs investigation and a criminal investigation by the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office.

The lawsuit states that Wilkins suffered broken ribs, a broken elbow, torn intercostal muscles (inside rib cage), a gluteal (buttocks muscles) strain, and a lateral (knee muscle) strain. Following the incident, Wilkins underwent emergency surgery at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for elbow cellulitis that posed a threat to life or bodily functions, according to the filing. After he spent one week in the hospital, Wilkins spent three more weeks in recuperative care, followed by six weeks of physical therapy, the filing said.

Wilkins alleges that his first and fourth amendment rights were violated and is seeking punitive and compensatory damages. Wilkins is also alleging that the officer acted with negligence and intended to hurt him, according to the filing.

The actions and omissions of City and the Defendant Martinez Police Department officers were objectively unreasonable under the circumstances, without legal justification or other legal right, done under color of law, within the course and scope of their employment as law enforcement officers and/or public officials, and pursuant to unconstitutional customs, policies and procedures of City and/or other jurisdictions, the filing said.

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Int'l bilingual volunteer tutor enhances cultural exchange at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, E China's Zhejiang

People's Daily Online) 14:21, April 24, 2024

Emma Chen serves as a bilingual volunteer tutor at the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, the capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. She promotes the ancient Liangzhu Culture to both Chinese and international visitors in Chinese and English.

Photo shows Emma Chen, a bilingual volunteer tutor at the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Meng)

After completing her university studies in Chinese and Oriental studies in the U.S., Chen moved to China and has resided in Hangzhou for nearly a decade. Her passion for museums has taken her to notable historical sites and museums across China, including the Yinxu Museum, the Kuahu Bridge Site Museum and the Sanxingdui Museum.

Chens frequent visits to the Liangzhu Museum led to a fortuitous offer to volunteer, especially as the staff members became more and more familiar with her. "At one time when I came here, someone asked me if I wanted to be a volunteer. I was really excited because I've always wanted to do something like that," she explained, adding that this experience reflects "yuanfen," or a fateful coincidence and destiny, in Chinese.

The role of a bilingual volunteer tutor is challenging and demanding, requiring diligent daily study and research to accurately present the rich narratives of each exhibit. As such, she studies and does research about museums every day.

Emma Chen (left), a bilingual volunteer tutor at the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, explains an exhibit to a foreign visitor. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Meng)

Chen tailors her presentations to cater to the cultural backgrounds of her audiences, in both Chinese and English. "Absolutely there is a big difference between what I do in Chinese and what I do in English," she remarked, adding that it is because of the different cultural backgrounds. "Because our international audience don't know it well. We need to say more.

She was attracted to Liangzhu Culture because the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City bears testimony to the existence of at least 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. "When I studied in university, I had a professor who said things like 'Chinese people always say they have 5,000 years of civilization, but it's not true, it's just a story.' At that time, I was researching China and I didn't know what to say. But after I came to Liangzhu, I can just give them the proof. After you have this tour, you'll understand what China was like 5,000 years ago, and what Chinese history was like 5,000 years ago." Chen enjoys promoting the culture of Liangzhu. "Besides that, we would make sure everyone has a good time when they visit here."

Photo shows Emma Chen, a bilingual volunteer tutor at the Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Yuan Meng)

Looking ahead and speaking about her future plans, Chen said, "I want to be able to do it more professionally. As an international person myself, I may know a little bit more about what the international audience wants, so I want to try to research this more to better explain the concepts to a foreign audience.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
A woman sat in the lobby of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn spa, waiting for police.

It was Sept. 7, 2022, and two days earlier, the woman would soon tell officers, a massage therapist had sexually assaulted her at the luxury Wine Country resort. Afraid the masseur would target other women if she didnt speak up, the woman  identified in court records as Jane Doe  wanted to press charges.

But when two Sonoma County sheriffs deputies arrived that evening, they spent far less time obtaining the womans account than they did explaining the many steps she would need to take to seek prosecution and detailing reasons that she might not want to move forward.

While Sgt. Hector Rodriguez and Deputy Fred Schmidt told the woman that they were not trying to dissuade her and supported whatever decision she made, they told her that an investigation was unlikely to result in consequences for her alleged attacker, body camera footage obtained by the Chronicle shows.

Sonoma County Sheriffs Office body camera footage from Sept. 7, 2022, shows a woman declare that she would like to pursue prosecution against a Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn massage therapist who she said sexually assaulted her. Sgt. Hector Rodriguez continues to discuss the decision with her. The Chronicle blurred the faces and altered the voices of the alleged victim and her husband in accordance with the newspapers anonymity policy. Sonoma County Sheriffs Office

At one point, Rodriguez described the allegations as a his word against your word situation. Quite honestly, the district attorney probably wont prosecute because there isnt enough evidence to show it happened, the sergeant said.

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Doe said she wanted to pursue charges despite the obstacles, the footage shows. But, after an hour of discussion with deputies and her husband, Doe agreed to sign a statement terminating the case.

From my perspective I was led to believe this was a waste of time, Doe said in a recent phone interview from her Nashville home. I felt so lost and defeated.  Someone in authority said there was nothing I could do.

The records obtained by the Chronicle provide an unusually clear look at how police in some cases  whether intentionally or not  discourage sexual assault victims from pursuing charges. Rape is already the most underreported crime, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, with 63% of sexual assaults not resulting in police reports.

Doe, a 48-year-old married mother of five, filed a lawsuit in March against masseur Vincent Ahern, the Sonoma Mission Inn and its corporate owners, alleging the hotel failed to protect her from the assault. In her complaint, Doe alleges the 2022 incident was one of more than a dozen instances of sexual assault and other sexual misconduct by spa staff at the Sonoma Mission Inn and its sister resort, the Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley, over two decades.

Doe, who later emailed a detective asking him to reopen her case, does not name the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office, Schmidt or Rodriguez in her lawsuit.

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Deputy Rob Dillion, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office, said the department does not comment on sexual assault cases to protect victims, but confirmed Does investigation is open and ongoing.

In response to questions from the Chronicle about how deputies handled Does case, Dillion said the sheriffs office had begun an internal affairs investigation to look into this further. They did not specify the target of the probe.

Rodriguez did not respond to an email seeking comment. Schmidt, reached by phone, referred a reporter to the sheriffs public information office.

All patrol deputies receive training on investigating sexual assault allegations, Dillion said.

We want to encourage people to report sexual assault if they are victimized, he said.

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The Chronicle reviewed nearly two hours of body cam footage recorded by the sheriffs office, as well as emails between Doe and the agency, plus a police report.

Rodriguez and Schmidt were at the five-star Fairmont resort, located in Boyes Hot Springs just outside Sonoma, for about an hour, the records show. Of that time, the officers spent approximately five minutes talking to Doe about details of the alleged crime. Doe accused Ahern of penetrating her digitally without consent, a felony under California law.

The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of a sexual assault at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn in September 2022. Sonoma County Sheriffs Office

Lisa Avalos, an associate law professor at Louisiana State University who studies how police handle sexual assault cases, reviewed a transcript of the body cam footage at the Chronicles request. She said that telling the woman how difficult it would be to prosecute is something detectives do when they want to get rid of a victim.

This is horrendous as far as sexual assault investigations, Avalos said. Its absolutely incredible they have a named suspect in a position to damage more people and they dont investigate.

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I want to prosecute

An image from Sgt. Hector Rodriguezs body camera shows the massage room where a woman alleged her massage therapist sexually assaulted her on Sept. 5, 2022. The Sonoma County sheriffs deputy interviewed her at the resort two days later. Sonoma County Sheriffs Office

Doe and her husband flew to the Bay Area on Sept. 5, 2022, after winning a Wine Country vacation in a silent auction. Her husband booked her a massage for that afternoon. In her lawsuit, in the police report and in interviews with the Chronicle, Doe said that Ahern inserted his finger into her vagina for about a minute, then said, Im sorry, I just cant help myself.

Ahern did not respond to a phone call, text message or Facebook message from the Chronicle seeking comment.

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Doe said she cried as she returned to her room and told her husband. Two days later, she reported the incident to hotel staff, who called police.

Rodriguez and Schmidt arrived at the resort just after 6 p.m. and met Doe in the spa lobby. She sobbed as she described the allegations, according to body cam footage. I just want to make sure no other women go through this, she told the deputies, something she would repeat several times during the interview.

Within two minutes of meeting Doe, Rodriguez first broached the question of whether she wanted to pursue charges. Depending on what it is you want to happen or how this continues, he said, were going to have to get more detailed and youre going to have to give me more specifics.

Shortly thereafter, Schmidt, a former sexual crimes detective, spoke for five minutes, listing the many steps Doe would need to take if an investigation moved forward.

What are you wanting to see happen with this? the deputy asked.  Cause heres the thing  these investigations can be quite lengthy, and Im not telling any of this to dissuade you, Im telling you this because I did this job for three years, I investigated these types of crimes and a lot of the time they (victims) think that just because they reported to law enforcement thats it and thats done.  Unfortunately, thats not the case a lot of the time.

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Schmidt told Doe that a forensic nurse would have to conduct a rape exam to check for DNA from the massage therapists finger. In the eyes of the court, its your word against his, Schmidt said. We have to have some sort of corroboration so we want to collect evidence.

Body camera footage shows Sonoma County Sheriffs Deputy Fred Schmidt standing in the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn spa lobby on Sept. 7, 2022, after responding to a report of sexual assault at the resort two days earlier. Sonoma County Sheriffs Office

The hospital was in Santa Rosa, the deputy explained. Doe asked how far away it was. Schmidt told her, This time of day its about an hour drive one way.

The deputy said the process at the hospital would take upwards of four or five hours from start to finish if detectives are not on another call. Doe would be asked sensitive questions, such as whether she saw the suspect aroused, Schmidt said. In his experience, previous victims just wanted to go home and put this behind them.

If this is all stuff youre willing to do, we will hit the gas and we will go running with this, but if youre hesitant about any of this stuff we dont want to ring the bell and get everyone going, he said. Were here to support you in any way, shape or form that we can, but cannot force you, we do not want to force you to move forward with this.

The body cam footage shows that Does husband joined her and the deputies. Avalos said that allowing the husband to be in the same room as Doe during her interview was a mistake, because he needed to be interviewed separately as a witness. There is no indication in the body cam footage nor police report that deputies interviewed the husband. Neither client nor husband remember him being pulled aside at (the) hotel, said Does attorney, Micha Liberty.

Avalos questioned why the deputies began detailing the time commitment and emotional toll of an investigation so quickly. Your job at that point as a police officer is to investigate, she said. You cant figure out what to do with a case in the first five minutes.

At one point, Schmidt left the lobby to interview hotel employees.

Rodriguez then told Doe and her husband that what she went through was bad enough, and the last thing we as police want to do is revictimize a victim.

He, too, told her he wasnt trying to dissuade her. Then he reiterated the many steps and time it would take to cooperate with an investigation.

Doe told the Chronicle that, despite what the deputies said, she came away with the impression that they did want to dissuade her from pursuing a police investigation.

Clearly, I was shook up and I was really adamant I wanted this addressed, Doe recalled in her interview with the newspaper. I felt hopeless. I felt like there was nothing you can do.

Rodriguez said sexual assault detectives were investigating another rape allegation. I know what we have today and what were doing today, like a home invasion type rape, so itll be  this is not to dissuade you, so you understand it, but its going to be hours for them to come out here and do that, he said.

Rodriguez told Doe that she would need to fly back to the area from Nashville if the case went to trial. However, even if she chose to end the investigation, Rodriguez said, the officers would be talking to management and hoping they do the right thing and fire him.

As the interview continued, Rodriguez told Doe about the challenges of the rape exam: Even with a sexual assault exam, we have to do it, but it doesnt mean theres gonna be evidence since it happened (two days earlier), right? Theres not gonna be any evidence. As a result, Rodriguez said, it was his word against your word  unless we get him to admit that he did it.

According to the departments sexual assault investigation policy, The employee shall not discourage a victim from receiving a medical evidentiary or physical examination.

The sergeant then told Doe that if she decided not to pursue the case, he would still check if Ahern had a criminal past. If he has any history, hands down I want to prosecute. Hands down, Doe said. It needs to stop. I will spend every minute.

Doe considered her options. Well need to spend five hours in a hospital, she said, looking at her husband. After a brief pause, she turned to Rodriguez: I want to prosecute. I cant live with myself for someone else to go through it.

I just want a fair investigation

Despite hearing this, Rodriguez continued to detail the potential futility of an investigation.

If they cant get him to admit, then its likely thats the end of the investigation, he told Doe and her husband. Because there was no video inside the massage room, he said, it was a your word against his situation that was unlikely to yield a guilty verdict from a jury, leaving little incentive for the district attorney to prosecute.

Rodriguez told Doe and her husband that he was married. Doe asked, What would you do if it was your wife? He said he would tell his wife not to pursue charges. I wouldnt want my wife to be retraumatized when I know the likelihood of something happening to this guy, he said.

I just want a fair investigation done, Doe said. Thats all I want.

Carlton Hershman, a retired sexual assault detective with the San Diego Police Department who now trains officers across the country to investigate these cases, called this kind of law enforcement pressure unprofessional and revictimizing.

This person called you willing to come forward and be interviewed, said Hershman, who reviewed the transcript from the body cam footage at the Chronicles request. If they still want to do it then you dont continue to push them not to go forward.

When Schmidt returned to the spa lobby, he shared with Rodriguez and the couple the massage therapists name and said that he had no previous complaints against him.

Doe would later allege in her lawsuit that Ahern had sexually harassed female colleagues.

The deputies left the spa lobby to allow Doe and her husband time to talk privately. Shes going back and forth if she wants to prosecute, Rodriguez said to Schmidt.

One good question to ask, just because its going to come up, why did she wait so long to report it? Schmidt said.

It is common for victims of sexual abuse to delay reporting, often because they are afraid they will not be believed. Avalos, the law professor, said the vast majority of sexual assault reports are made after a delay as victims are processing the trauma of the sexual assault and their priority is their physical and psychological safety.

When Rodriguez returned to the spa lobby, Does husband relayed his wifes decision.

I dont think she wants to go through  especially if the odds are 50-50 at best, he said, explaining how his wife wanted to make sure a report was completed at any rate so that investigators would have a record of her allegation if Ahern was accused of additional misconduct in the future.

When it comes to this stuff  its personal, Rodriguez told the couple. These are the true bad guys.

The officer told the couple that police would not interview Ahern because doing so could jeopardize a future prosecution. Doe asked how the hotel would handle it.

The hotel manager had told the deputies that he had suspended Ahern and would recommend to the legal team that he be fired, according to body cam footage. They told me  hes not gonna be working here anymore, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez ended the interview, giving the woman his business card and offering a domestic violence resource flyer.

Im sorry, he said, and walked out.

A form to sign

But before leaving the property, Rodriguez doubled back and pulled Doe aside: First thing the detectives are gonna ask is why did you wait until today to report it?

I was scared shitless, she responded. I froze.  I didnt know what to do, and I just decided I needed to say something.

Rodriguez left the resort and briefed Francisco Wonneberger, a sexual assault detective for the sheriffs office. The investigator told Rodriguez to return to the Sonoma Mission Inn and to obtain a case termination from the victim, according to Rodriguezs police report.

Rodriguez met the couple in the hotel courtyard, but before Doe signed the paper, she informed the deputy that she had found media reports of a strikingly similar allegation at the resort five years earlier.

The Claremont and Sonoma Mission Inn resorts, as well as the Fairmont brand, are owned by Accor, an international firm with a portfolio of more than 5,500 hotels in over 100 countries. Requests for comment to Accor, Fairmont and the Sonoma Mission Inn and Claremont properties were not returned.

As Doe stood on the grassy courtyard, she told Rodriguez, Im in shock, body cam footage shows.

The document, which relieved the department of any liability, included the line: I further realize that failure on my part will result in no criminal complaint being sought by the Sonoma County Sheriffs Department.

As Doe signed, Rodriguez said that if she had a change of heart, officers would shred that up and throw it away.

In response to a California Public Records Act request, the agency found 124 cases in which the form had been signed in the past 10 years.

Of these, at least 13 involved allegations of rape or sexual assault. The information provided to the Chronicle showed the initial reason that the sheriffs office was called, leaving open the possibility that other cases, such as those labeled suspicious circumstances or disturbance, involved sexual assault allegations.

I hate these forms and I bring it up during trainings, said Hershman, the retired detective. With this form the victim feels like they cant change their mind. And police feel like they can wash their hands of it.

The day after signing the form, Doe flew home. But two weeks later, second-guessing her decision, she emailed Rodriguez, asking for a copy of the report and an update on the case. The deputy forwarded her message to Wonneberger, the sexual assault detective.

Wonneberger replied to Doe on Sept. 26, 2022, saying he saw in Rodriguezs report that she signed a case termination form. Because of that, no further investigation was being conducted, he wrote in email exchanges obtained by the Chronicle. If youve changed your mind and would like to pursue a criminal investigation, please let me know.

Doe emailed back the next day.

I have made the decision yes please open up, she wrote. I have struggling (sic) so bad and I need to be sure this doesnt happen again. This certainly could not be his first time.

No one responded.

Eighteen months later  and hours after the Chronicle published a March 12 article on Does lawsuit  the detective replied to her email.
Gharib brings more than two decades of senior management experience in franchising, operations and brand management with companies such as Marriott, Vacasa, LaQuinta by Wyndham and Highgate Homes. He is widely regarded as a hospitality management innovator, having created and launched award-winning development, strategic planning and franchise operations programs over more than two decades of industry leadership. He joins Red Roof as the company accelerates its growth towards 700 hotels across the U.S., and renews its focus on expanded and deepened franchise relationships.

Red Roof

Columbus, Ohio

United States Website
Agilysys, a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services, today debuted revenue optimization enhancements leveraging AI technology incorporated in Agilysys Spa. These new revenue optimization capabilities, powered by Agilysys guestsense.ai, are being demonstrated in Agilysys Booth 901 at the International Spa Association (ISPA) Conference held in the Phoenix Convention Center on April 23 -25, 2024.

guestsense.ai is an Artificial Intelligence capability Agilysys has embedded in its core solutions to power automated analysis and decision-making capabilities for hospitality-oriented businesses that want to optimize how they offer the right guest the right service at the right time and at the right price. Agilysys Spa is one of the first of the Agilysys core solutions to leverage guestsense.ai, with intelligence focused on improving revenue and profitability optimization for spa operations. New AI-powered capabilities include Minimum Gap Restrictions, Revenue Management and Conversational Reservations.

Minimum Gap Restriction  This innovative new feature helps a spa optimize its revenue and profit. For reservations that are not a perfect fit, this feature lets a spa set a minimum gap between reservations, so a spa does not lose revenue for services that leave unsold gaps in the schedule. This feature mimics the booking strategies of trained spa staff and is essential for optimized online bookings. By avoiding unsold gaps, a spa operation can make the most of its revenue potential.

 This innovative new feature helps a spa optimize its revenue and profit. For reservations that are not a perfect fit, this feature lets a spa set a minimum gap between reservations, so a spa does not lose revenue for services that leave unsold gaps in the schedule. This feature mimics the booking strategies of trained spa staff and is essential for optimized online bookings. By avoiding unsold gaps, a spa operation can make the most of its revenue potential. Revenue Management  Agilysys continues to enhance its revenue management features with demand forecasting powered by guestsense.ai. The forecasting logic enhances Dynamic Pricing and Dynamic Availability strategies to ensure the spa is booking the right guest, the right service, at the right time and the right price. Combined with Minimum Gap Restriction, Agilysys Spa provides the leading spa revenue optimization tools in the industry today.

 Agilysys continues to enhance its revenue management features with demand forecasting powered by guestsense.ai. The forecasting logic enhances Dynamic Pricing and Dynamic Availability strategies to ensure the spa is booking the right guest, the right service, at the right time and the right price. Combined with Minimum Gap Restriction, Agilysys Spa provides the leading spa revenue optimization tools in the industry today. Conversational Reservations  To help address the labor shortage in the spa industry, Agilysys has partnered with PolyAI to provide full conversational reservations with an AI spa concierge. As more consumers recognize the power of natural language search, the value of AI-powered Conversational Reservations is becoming clear. Conversational Reservations can provide a full, end-to-end, live booking experience 24 hours a day decreasing lost sale opportunities and maximizing revenue.

We are at the forefront of delivering practical applications of AI technology expressly created for hospitality organizations. Incorporating guestsense.ai into Agilysys Spa for immediate revenue optimization advantages is just the start of the plans we have for helping our customers leverage real-time data and automated decisioning logic to better serve both guests and staff. Frank Pitsikalis, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy for Agilysys

About Agilysys

Agilysys delivers state-of-the-art software solutions and services that help organizations achieve High Return Hospitality by maximizing Return on Experience (ROE) through interactions that make "personal' profitable. Customers around the world use Agilysys Property Management Systems (PMS), Point-of-Sale (POS) solutions and Inventory and Procurement (I&P) systems and accompanying hospitality ecosystem solutions to delight guests, retain staff and grow margins. Agilysys' 100% hospitality customer base includes branded and independent hotels; multi-amenity resorts; casinos; property, hotel and resort management companies; cruise lines; corporate dining providers; higher education campus dining providers; food service management companies; hospitals; lifestyle communities; senior living facilities; and stadiums and theme parks. For more information visit Agilysys.com.
In an era marked by continuous technological evolution, which incessantly alters the fabric of our daily reality, a book emerges that promises to illuminate the path towards the future: "We are the Glitch. Come AI, Web3 e Metaverso stanno trasformando il settore dell'Accoglienza" ("We are the Glitch. How AI, Web3, and Metaverse are Transforming the Hospitality Sector"), written by Simone Puorto and published by Dario Flaccovio Editore for the Accadde Domani FuTurismo series, curated by digital project manager and brand strategist Nicoletta Polliotto.

This book not only explores the most advanced frontiers of innovation, such as artificial intelligence, Web3, and spatial computing, but also invites the reader into a deep philosophical contemplation of the future were building.

Navigating uncharted territories, "We are the Glitch" addresses central themes such as technoethics, the emergence of consciousness in machines, and the potential fusion of humanity and artificial intelligence. It also examines the rise of a more "phygital" reality, where the physical and digital boundaries become increasingly blurred, challenging our traditional perceptions of reality and identity.

The added value of this publication lies in the richness of the international contributions that enrich its content. From the poignant conversation between the author and philosopher Leonardo Caffo, which alone is worth the price of the book, to visionary interviews with figures such as Zoltan Istvan, a candidate for the American Presidency with the Transhumanist Party, Louis Rosenberg, an augmented reality pioneer for the Air Force Research Laboratory, to Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity and KAYAK, who led the company until its acquisition by Booking Holdings (formerly Priceline) for about two billion dollars. The foreword is signed by Giorgio Triani, a sociologist and futurist at the University of Parma, providing a powerful start to the book. Significant contributions also come from Alessandro Massimo Nucara, General Director of FederAlberghi, Riccardo Campa (sociologist and philosopher), Simone Arcagni (professor at the University of Palermo), Frank Reeves (co-founder of Avvio/SHR Group), Mark van Rijmenam (digital speaker and consultant for many Fortune 500 companies), and Stephen Burke (founder of RobosizeME). Special mention goes to Sasha Stiles, an AI researcher and generative poet, whose works are displayed at the Kunstmuseum Bern and Times Square, and whose generative poetry concludes the first chapter, forming an ideal bridge between technology and art.

Enhanced with a detailed glossary, "We are the Glitch" proves indispensable for those wishing to navigate the impactful confluence of technology, society, and human evolution. The holistic vision offered stimulates a critical and necessary reflection on our already unfolding future. The book's interactive approach is also innovative: an artificial intelligence, Custom GPT model trained on the contents of the book interacts with readers in real-time, while the original soundtrack by industrial musician Simone Salvatori immerses readers in an unprecedented reading experience.

"We are the Glitch

transcends the definition of a book to become a manifesto of the future, a compass for navigating the technological horizon with a critical and in-depth vision. Simone Puorto guides readers in this exploration, providing a perspective that balances pragmatism with philosophical reflection, essential for anyone wishing to understand and face the dynamic landscape of the digital future.

The book will first be released in Italian and subsequently in English, and the Italian version is available for pre-order on Amazon at this link.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ON AMAZON

Simone Puorto

Travel Singularity
LAS VEGAS, NV - Safemark, the foremost provider of electronic safes to the global hospitality industry, is excited to unveil its exclusive partnership with Indel B to distribute their minibar line in the United States and Canada. This collaboration coincides with the debut of Indel B's newest product line, the Fridom Collection, which establishes a fresh benchmark for elegance and functionality in hotel minibars. The Fridom Collection was recently honored with the esteemed Red Dot Design Award 2023 for Best Product Design.

Indel B, a long-standing Italian company based in SantAgata Feltria, has been at the forefront of mobile refrigeration solutions for 56 years, serving the automotive, leisure, and hospitality sectors with excellence. Recognized as pioneers in minibar innovation, Indel B was the first to introduce compressor technology to hotel guest rooms. This groundbreaking advancement shifted the industry away from inefficient and environmentally harmful cooling systems towards intelligent, high-performance, energy-efficient, and quiet minibars. This shift not only enhanced hotel operations but also led to significant cost savings.

John Foley, Safemark's Vice President & General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm about this milestone partnership, stating, As we celebrate over 40 years in business this year, we are eager to offer our loyal customers a combined solution of safes and minibars, and we're thrilled to elevate elegance to the next level with the Fridom line.

The upcoming HD EXPO in Las Vegas, Booth 4357, will serve as the platform for Safemark to showcase the advantages of this collaboration. Attendees can expect Safemark representatives at HD EXPO from April 30  May 2, eager to introduce the expanded product line to the market. Join us on April 30th from 3-4 pm for an exclusive demo of our latest Freedom Collection. Meet Gerardo Boschi and Marco Buoso from Indel B, John Foley, and Josh Lane from Safemark. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the future of the global hospitality industry.

For more details, contact Safemark at 1-800-255-8818 or [email protected].

About Safemark

Safemark is the premier provider of electronic guest room safes to the global hospitality industry and is the approved supplier for leading hotel brands and management companies. Safemark is currently extending its product line to include a wider range of hospitality solutions, including Indel B mini refrigerators and Marshall Homeline speakers. Our reputation for reliability has made us the trusted partner for top-tier hotel brands, cruise lines, hotel ownership groups, and management companies globally. We pride ourselves on forming long-term relationships. Our consistent service and support have earned us the trust and approval of more hotel organizations than all our competitors combined. Our goal is to be specified in both existing and new brands.

For more information, please visit www.safemark.com.

John Foley

VP Sales

+1 214 495 9500
Steve Jobs once said, The mark of an innovative company is not only that it comes up with new ideas first, but also that it knows how to leapfrog when it finds itself behind. There is, perhaps, no more relevant sentiment to apply to the hospitality industry  a sector that is continuously molded by the fire of consumer preference yet often utterly resistant to the crashing waves of technological change.

Of course, this isnt a novel observation; hospitality has long been criticized for its slow adoption of new-age technology and processes. However, it is a reality that bears repeating, both to identify the progress yet to be made  and opportunities yet to be explored  and to highlight the leaders who empower hospitality brands to leapfrog when the rest of the industry remains rooted in the legacy past. Feng Ou and Ted Zhang, the founders of DerbySoft  the leading provider of high-performance distribution services to the hospitality industry  are undoubtedly leaders by this definition.

I recently had an insightful conversation with Feng Ou. We discussed his experience starting up in Silicon Valley, the evolution of DerbySoft, and potential strategies for hoteliers to keep up with market changes.

Feng shared his journey, transitioning from centralized to distributed computing, the exposure he gained to innovative technologies like the Internet, and the shift from a single location to widespread connectivity through TCP/IP technology. We also talked about DerbySoft's entry into the travel industry, and he candidly shared the challenges they faced, including the significant impact of the 9/11 tragedy, SARS, the global finance crisis, and the pandemic on the travel industry.

Feng discussed his views on recent tech trends and the obstacles the sector must tackle. He emphasized the need for integrated technology, robust data security, and data sovereignty. On the subject of future technologies, he acknowledged the potential of AI and VR. He also stressed the importance of efficiently using resources worldwide and the need for businesses to adapt to tech changes to remain competitive continuously.

As our talk came to a close, he suggested potential business opportunities that hotels can explore over the next five to ten years. Feng encouraged expansion into contract rate structures, business-oriented travel, and diversification into related industries. In closing, he highlighted the crucial part human resource diversification plays. Feng suggested a combination of expanding business domains, continuous technological innovation, and diverse human resources as a successful strategy to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving business environment.

Getting to Know Feng Ou

Feng first arrived in the US in 1990 from Beijing, China, where he studied and worked to pursue further education. He earned his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in the field of image databases from the University of Washington. Shortly thereafter, Feng moved to New York to pursue better technology opportunities at a time when trendy new innovations, like object-oriented programming (OOP), distributed computing, and internet technology, were first taking shape. Before long, Feng secured a position as an engineer in the world of high-risk trading on Wall Street.

I was hired by a major Wall Street investment bank as a programmer in charge of distributed computing; my team built a new derivative trading system, he explains. In the early 90s, computing went in one of two directions  either a centralized system relied on like the IBM mainframe or minicomputers  or go the way of distributed computing, which relies on each individual system, like HP or Sun workstations. Feng found himself navigating a key inflection point in trading history (the transition from centralized systems to distributed systems), and the system he built alongside his team was one of the early practical derivative trading systems for Wall Street.

This groundbreaking work soon attracted the attention of a startup company in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Feng left Wall Street for the worlds foremost technology start-up hub: Silicon Valley. Interestingly enough, Feng and Ted still had not crossed paths despite attending universities near to one another in Beijing. And, it wasnt even their respective work in the technology sector that first brought them together. It was through the Silicon Valley Chinese engineering community that Ted and I got to know each other, Feng shares. We realized there was an opportunity to work together. So Ted and I began that journey in 1999 as the dot-com bubble took shape.

An Inside Look at the Rise of DerbySoft

Feng and Ted founded DerbySoft in 2002 after returning to Shanghai from Silicon Valley. We wanted to build a new hotel distribution paradigm, Feng explains. The fundamental catalyst that brought Ted and me together was the realization of our shared values  we were willing to do just about anything to bring value to our customers, and neither of us was willing to give up until the goal was achieved.

Their mission, in its most simple form, was to make the travel businessa notoriously complicated businessmuch easier. This led them to launch their first connectivity product, Build, in 2006, which made it possible for hotels to list on distribution channels. By 2007, the company had established partnerships with Hilton and InterContinental hotel groups, and by 2008, the Hilton CRS was successfully connected to Booking.com.

In 2011, DerbySoft was named Googles global partner, and that same year, the companys platform crossed the 700,000 room nights processed per month threshold. Fast forward to today, and DerbySoft has grown to include more than 80 global hotel chains, 200 plus distribution partners with over 900 connections worldwide, over 227,000 properties globally, and more than 400 employees.

When asked what has contributed to the companys success, Feng highlights their efforts in building a truly efficient, globalized organization.

This industry has tremendous business opportunities from many perspectives, he notes. An efficient execution team is the most integral advantage for any hotelier. This non-negotiable approach has been at the core of our business from day one. Shared values and a willingness to keep innovating are at the heart of everything we do. Feng goes on to explain that the foundation of DerbySoft can be broken into three elements: in-depth technology, expertise in a problematic domain, and best-in-class work ethics.

We possess a deep understanding of our work domain and have adopted a balanced, practical, and cost-effective way to tackle every challenge we encounter. We understand our positions and are willing to tackle challenges seriously, Feng shares. Any hotel brands  big chains, in particular  have to work closely with technology vendors to effectively optimize the distribution of their services. This is becoming more and more challenging today, considering changes in the global environment. With this in mind, our technology is simple, efficient, and completely streamlined.

DerbySofts Connectivity Suite, for example, takes multiple systems and connects them through a single implementation to give our partners uninhibited access to distributors and suppliers. Similarly, the companys Property Connector is positioned as an AI-powered, one-stop-shop management platform for hotels of all sizes that delivers real-time availability, rates, and inventory while providing fast access to 500+ distribution channels.

Coding Hospitalitys Future

Feng envisions a future where technology plays an increasingly significant role in the hospitality industry. He believes that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will revolutionize the way hotels operate, from customer service to operations management.

Another area where Feng sees potential for technological innovation is in data analytics. He believes that by harnessing the power of big data, hotels can gain valuable insights into their guests' preferences and behaviors. This will allow them to tailor their offerings to meet specific needs and wants.

When it comes to the current economic environment, Feng notes that hotels are increasingly sensitive to cost. Simultaneously, the current geopolitical landscape has prompted hotels to emphasize data security and protective data compliance requirements. We address these concerns within our offering, he explains. We work hard to ensure we are the most cost-effective solution on the market, and we take great care to ensure compliance with data security rules across the globe.

Of course, Feng adds, everyone is currently fixated on the emergence and continued evolution of AI technology. I think AI will fundamentally change the travel industry, he shares. To start, it will transform efficiency using data. Then, we will likely see the emergence of AI-powered rate forecasting  things like Dynamic Packaging. After that, AI-powered chatbots will be leveraged for services, and eventually, we will see new BI platforms emerge with AI capabilities and enhanced revenue management tools.

As for what's next for DerbySoft, Feng shares his desire to expand services to broader inventories. As an example, we need to work on contract rates besides focusing more on public rates. For products, we need to expand to other lodging services and non-lodging services, such as ticketing, etc., he explains. Along with general business expansion, we intend to pay close attention to more cutting-edge technology applications, such as AI and VR. The three axes will continue to define our efforts in tandem: business domains, technology advances, and a globalized team.

Overall, Feng sees a future where technology is not just an add-on but an integral part of the hospitality industry. He believes that those who embrace these technological advancements will thrive.

About Puzzle Partner

Puzzle Partner is a marketing agency focused exclusively on the complex B2B initiatives of hospitality and travel technology innovators. By combining industry expertise, strategic thinking, and passion for delivering exceptional results, the agency helps clients achieve their business objectives and stay ahead in competitive markets. With its deep understanding of the hospitality and travel sectors, Puzzle Partner has established itself as a trusted advisor to leading global brands. The agency's insights and holistic methodologies have helped clients navigate the evolving marketing landscape, maximize brand exposure, and drive revenue growth.

To learn more, visit puzzlepartner.co.

Alan Young

Puzzle Partner Ltd.

705-718-5153

Puzzle Partner Ltd.
Emergency personnel respond to the Tesla that Dharmesh Patel drove over a cliff, with his wife and two children in the car, in January 2023. San Mateo County Sheriff

UPDATE: Wife of doctor who drove Tesla off cliff asks court to spare him prison time

Dharmesh Patel, the Pasadena radiologist who drove a Tesla carrying his wife and two children off a San Mateo County cliff last year, was experiencing a psychotic episode and believed his children were at risk of being sex trafficked, a psychologist testified Wednesday.

Dr. Mark Patterson, an expert witness called by Patels attorneys, said he has met with Patel a dozen times since the Jan. 2, 2023, crash and diagnosed him with major depressive disorder with a single episode of psychotic features and anxious distress. Patel had been hearing footsteps and thought he was being followed in the weeks before the crash, Patterson said.

It was paranoid and kind of delusional thinking that he acted on at the time to protect his family from a worse fate, Patterson told the court. He was concerned that his children were at risk of being kidnapped, possibly for sexual molestation.  There were concerns surrounding the explosion of fentanyl in this country and the war in Ukraine.

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Prosecutors have charged Patel with three counts of attempted murder, alleging he intentionally drove his white 2021 Tesla Model Y off a cliff near the Tom Lantos Tunnels.

Patel, who has pleaded not guilty, is attempting to qualify for mental health treatment in lieu of prison time as part of a 2018 diversion law that was expanded last year. By the hearings conclusion, Judge Susan Jakubowski will determine whether Patel has a qualifying mental illness and if it contributed to his alleged crime. The judge must also determine if Patel presents a public safety threat and whether he would benefit from treatment.

Patterson, the first witness called Wednesday morning, testified that he believed Patels diagnosis qualified him for treatment under the mental health diversion law. He said that Patel would do well on medication and in therapy, and would present a low risk of violence in the future. Additionally, Patterson said Patel had expressed remorse over the incident.

Patel sat quietly next to his defense attorney in a jail-issued red jumpsuit, with a clean-shaven face and hair trimmed short. He showed no noticeable limp as he entered the courtroom, as he had in previous appearances after suffering serious leg injuries from the crash.

A lawyer representing Patels wife, Neha, said she was a confidential victim in the case and would be listening to the proceedings over Zoom with her camera turned off. Her attorney told the judge that she would address the court when the hearing continues next month about the mental health diversion process.

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Patel drove his Tesla off Highway 1 with Neha and their two children in the car. The couple, both 41 at the time, and their 7-year-old suffered serious injuries, while their 4-year-old escaped largely physically unharmed.

Search warrant records indicated Neha Patel repeatedly told rescuers that her husband intentionally drove off the cliff to kill the family. She also indicated that Patel was experiencing a mental health disturbance.

He drove off. Hes depressed. Hes a doctor. He said he was going to drive off the cliff. He purposely drove off, the wife told a California Highway Patrol officer as they left the scene in a medical helicopter.

According to court records, Neha said at the time that her husband needs a psych evaluation.

Patel previously told investigators that he pulled off Highway 1 that day to check on a possible flat tire, according to court records. But witnesses told investigators the car veered off onto a dirt embankment at about 40 mph without braking; prosecutors have said that the car had not been in self-driving mode at the time of the crash.

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Patel told CHP officers he had not been on any medication or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

When asked if he felt depressed, he related he was not really depressed, he just felt down because times were bad in the world, the war and the drugs, an investigator wrote in court records. When asked if he felt suicidal, he stated, you know, not like a plan, not usually and related that he was more worried about the world.

Patterson, the defense expert, said Patels psychosis peaked in the days before the car crash. He dove into news events, transfixed by the Jeffrey Epstein case, Ukraine war and drug overdose epidemic, Patterson testified. At one point, Patel armed himself with a knife for several days, concerned his children were being targeted for trafficking, according to testimony. Shortly before the car crash, during the arctic blast storm that hit California, he told family members he thought the weather was caused by a Russian bomb detonated at the North Pole, according to testimony.

Patels brother and sister both noticed something amiss, he said. They observed him crying or seeming on edge, Patterson testified.

During Deputy District Attorney Dominique Davis cross-examination of Patterson, she asked the psychologist to specify in what ways Patels wife had noticed changes in him as far back as November 2022. Patterson said that Patel would bring news clippings to Neha and express concern, and she would attempt to calm him, Patterson said. The prosecutor focused her questions on the determination by a prosecutors doctor that Patel suffered from schizoaffective disorder, an illness similar to major depressive disorder that has longer episodes of psychosis and is treated differently. Patel had shown signs that he was resistant to taking anti-psychotic drugs, and Davis questioned whether his potential diversion treatment would fail if indeed he suffered from schizoaffective disorder.

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The defenses second witness was Dr. James Armontrout, a Stanford psychiatrist who has agreed to treat Patel if he is successfully diverted. He diagnosed Patel with major depressive disorder with psychotic features that is currently in remission. He said Patel met the eligibility requirements for a mental health diversion and envisioned him attending intensive outpatient mental health care, as well as seeing a psychotherapist and himself.

The prosecutor questioned why Patel initially told police and hospital staff that the crash was an accident and he had no mental health issues. She also questioned whether Patel would be able to conceal any future mental health issues if diverted, and potentially harm family members.

If the diversion is granted and Patel successfully completes two years of treatment, the charges against him would be dismissed. If the judge rules a diversion is inappropriate, the case would proceed down the normal criminal prosecution path. Patel and his attorneys would prepare for a preliminary hearing, where a judge determines whether there is enough evidence to move forward with a jury trial. If he fails to meet his treatment standards during a potential diversion, he would also face returning to criminal proceedings.

The Judicial Council of California began compiling data on mental health diversions granted statewide from July 2019 to March 2023. During this time, judges granted more than 7,000 diversions, including in more than 3,400 felony cases. In San Mateo County, judges diverted 156 cases, of which 65 involved felonies.

Not everyone thinks people who commit a violent offense, such as the one Patel is accused of, should qualify for treatment programs.

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On Thursday, state Rep. Stephanie Nguyen, D-Elk Grove, plans to hold a news conference announcing her new bill that would remove attempted murder from the list of crimes eligible for mental health diversion.

There are cases where someone attempts murder and gets released back into the community without being held accountable, Nguyen said in a statement. Those who attempt a violent act to end someones life should serve their sentence in addition to receiving their mental health diversion.
Preparing Travel for the Future of AI Search

Predicting the speed and shape of how search marketing will be changed by artificial intelligence is an impossible task. But marketers should take one thing for granted: Search marketing in Google should stay on top of the priority list for the foreseeable future.

Google will not give up on its $175 billion ad revenue in search for 2023 without a fight. And even if its search domination starts slowly crumbling, the unbeatable crawling, indexing and keyword matching capabilities across the world wide web will remain a critical underlying data source for many potential AI search disruptors.

In the second of two articles, let's dig deeper into the three areas where travel can start focusing today to stay ahead of the curve.

From SEO to GEO (Generative Experience Optimization)

Scrolling a list of blue links will become a thing of the past. The new challenge will be capturing a place among the referral links highlighted in the AI-powered answer.

The SEO cards might get reshuffled in this process. As recent Google SGE research uncovers, an average of 4.3 unique domains were featured in the SGE answers, but only 62% of the links originated from domains among the top 10 organic results for the same query.

Another study of Perplexitys results reported an average of 5.28 website link citations in its answers. The overlap of domain links between Perplexity and Google SGE proved to be 60% in travel vs. only 20% in the general e-commerce vertical.

The report comparing top referral links in travel between Google SGE and Perplexity revealed the current AI search winners: five out of the 10 top displayed domains are the leading metasearch and OTAs.

Key Takeaway: Embracing generative search will require going back to the drawing board for SEO marketers. What are the right signals for each query to be seen by AI engines as the most relevant source of information? How can smaller competitors outmaneuver the domain authority of big brands for the top spots?

A recent research paper claims that adding quotations, statistics and citing sources are effective content strategies to increase the odds to be referenced in AI answers. But such tactics might be shortsighted in a constantly evolving landscape and different per vertical.

A long-term winning strategy is focusing on providing search engines with optimized, structured data to better crawl and understand your content. This will help to boost visibility in AI answers in each relevant query.

Marketers can start testing this strategy today by leveraging Schema.org and Google structured data makeups and measure impact in Google search rich results like the carousel or people also asked snippets.

Similar to SEO back in the early 2000s, expect the leading AI engines to keep tweaking and optimizing the search answers over years to come. Keeping a pulse check in this fast-paced environment and constantly adapting and testing the content accordingly will be paramount to maximize organic traffic in the future.

From blue links to multimodal ads

As more AI-powered answers take over the top space on result pages, current ad links will attract fewer user clicks over time. Google is well aware of this risk. To ensure its golden goose keeps laying eggs, sponsored links will be gradually injected into AI answers, similar to what Bing already does in Search Copilot.

Vidhya Srinivasan, Googles vice president of ads, shared in a recent blog post a travel-related example for a trip planning search to Hawaii with kids: Imagine seamlessly integrating ads into the AI-powered overview. In my example, I could see helpful ads for activities in the island descriptions, hotel options and more. We could serve existing ads categories better and significantly expand the categories where ads would be helpful.

Other than starting to monetize AI answers, Google is doubling down on leveraging search data for its ad inventory higher in the funnel to keep the performance marketing spending flowing via its much hyped Performance Max campaigns.

Key Takeaway: It is fair to assume that advertisers will have little control over their ads exposure in AI-powered search answers, similar to other placements like Gmail ads.

Googles machine learning algorithms will increasingly decide the type and placement of ads in their ecosystem, based on the endless wealth of user data it is capable of collecting and modeling.

Performance Max campaigns show the path where the digital marketing world is heading: leveraging the high user intent driven by search traffic to inject ads across different touchpoints.

Travel marketers need to put marketing money into these types of campaigns today. Learning how to optimize the campaign configurations and feed Googles algorithm with enough data to optimize performance will give advertisers a head start in paid AI search marketing.

From ads to product reviews

Search engines delivering AI answers will not only collect and summarize facts, but also crawl opinions and reviews available across the web when the query relates to a brand, product or service. Googles existing Pros & Cons structured data, available today as product snippets in result pages, lays the foundation for informed opinions in future AI results.

A hotel chains pay-per-click strategy to capture search traffic in relevant hotel queries might turn into a wasted effort if the search results highlight overpriced resort fees or consistent long check-in queues in the AI answer.

Key Takeaway: In a world where AI search results not only point users to websites but provide informed answers about brands reputation and products, cross-functional coordination between search, social media and customer experience teams will become crucial.

Optimizing organic and paid search will move beyond traditional SEM/SEO metrics like keywords relevance, core web vitals and quality score. Measuring and steering positive online sentiment through product reviews, customer ratings and user-generated content easily crawlable by AI engines will be equally important.

Ensuring a brand's unique value propositions and positive customer experiences stands out in the search results will impact click-through rates, conversion and ultimately shape the success of travel companies in search marketing.

Conclusion

Jeff Bezos famously said that in business it is more important to ask about the things that are not going to change in the next 10 years than what will change.

Search in its current form factor is ripe for profound change over the coming years. But the underlying need of travelers to browse the world wide web for information when researching, planning and booking their travel plans will last over decades.

Travel players would be wise to start future-proofing their search marketing roadmap today to ensure they stay relevant for travelers in this brave new world of AI search.

Mario Gavira is vice president of growth and brand at Kiwi.com and an angel investor.

This article originally appeared on PhocusWire.
Virginian Hotel, Medicine Bow, WY

Prime Investment Properties, LLC. is pleased to announce it has arranged the sale of the Historic Virginian Hotel located in Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Dan Emert, Managing Principal of Prime Investment Properties and member of Hotel Brokers International, developed the marketing strategy and led the negotiations in the transaction. The Virginian Hotel has been acquired by JET Hospitality for an undisclosed price.

Named after the 1902 novel, The Virginian, written by Owen Wister, the Hotel opened its doors in 1911 and for some time was the largest hotel located between Denver, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah. The hotel has been held by the Scott Family for over 100 years and has been the site of multiple movies and television series over the years. The buyer, JET Hospitality, plans to renovate the hotel while preserving the history of the hotel and creating a memorable guest experience for future guests.

Dan Emert, Managing Principal of Prime Investment Properties, has been in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years. He began his career in restaurant ownership and management later shifting his career path to commercial brokerage, with a focus on hotel and motel sales. Dan is a licensed broker in Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. He is a member of Hotel Brokers International and currently serves on their Board of Directors. Outside of work, Dan is a Board member and active volunteer for Routt County Search & Rescue.

Headquartered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Prime Investment Properties, LLC, is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in hotel and motel sales. The brokerage provides a complete range of real estate services to commercial investors, developers, banks, commercial loan services, and companies. Prime Investment Properties can be found online at www.primeinvestmentprops.com.

Founded in 1959, Hotel Brokers International (HBI) is the hospitality industrys oldest network of hotel brokers. HBI Brokers are industry leaders in hotel real estate sales and have successfully negotiated over 11,000 hotel transactions. The organizations website features an extensive list of hotels for sale and attracts visitors worldwide. HBI is the founder and administrator of the Certified Hotel Broker Program, the real estate industrys only professional certification program for hotel brokers. In addition to hospitality real estate advisory services, HBI offers affiliate membership for professionals in related fields such as franchising, lending, valuation, and investment services. For more information about hotels offered by HBI members or to become a broker or affiliate member, please visitwww.hbihotels.net.

For more information contact:

Dan Emert, Managing Principal

Prime Investment Properties, LLC

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

970.658.8098

dan@primeinvestmentprops.com

Glenda J. Webb, Executive Director

Hotel Brokers International

Kansas City, Missouri

816.505.4315

gwebb@hbihotels.com
Amsterdam Bans Construction of New Hotels As a Way to Fight Overtourism

Excerpt from CNN

The Netherlands Amsterdam will no longer allow new hotel buildings to be built as part of its fight against mass tourism, the local government said on Wednesday, April 17.

We want to make and keep the city liveable for residents and visitors. This means: no overtourism, no new hotels, and no more than 20 million hotel overnight stays by tourists per year, it said in a statement.

A new hotel in Amsterdam can only be built if another hotel closes, if the number of sleeping places doesn't increase, and if the new hotel will be better - for example, more sustainable.

However, the rule does not apply to new hotels that have already secured a permit.

The city has been actively trying to limit tourist numbers, which run into the millions per year, mainly by discouraging sex and drug-related tourism to the red light district.

Click here to read complete article at CNN.
Attendees at the first event of Cendyn World Tour in New York City



Hotel tech companies join forces for a globetrotting adventure of innovation, connection, and industry transformation

The Cendyn World Tour kicked off in New York City, Tuesday 23rd April, as part of a ten-date globetrotting adventure of innovation, connection, and industry transformation with leading technology partners.

In partnership with Google, SiteMinder, Tripadvisor, Infor, Shiji, Mews, and Oracle, the Cendyn World Tour 2024 aims to empower hoteliers with data, resources, and the latest trends from across the hospitality industry. The event series is dedicated to driving demand and enhancing profitable revenue for hotels  both through direct bookings and fostering loyalty among guests.

Kicking off in New York City, the tour will visit ten locations: Bangkok, Paris, LA, Miami, Madrid, Singapore, Dubai, and London, before concluding in Cancun in November. The afternoon workshop sessions highlight the pivotal role integrated technology plays in attracting and managing direct business, as well as guiding hoteliers through the ever-competitive travel landscape.

Jack Blaha, CEO at Cendyn, said: With our valued partners, were excited for hoteliers to learn how they can find more guests, source more direct bookings, and grow revenue. The Cendyn World Tour will help hoteliers create uniquely meaningful experiences that drive demand while balancing direct bookings with reputable online distribution channels to maximize reach and revenue potential.

Siteminder will be joining Cendyn for all tour dates to further support hoteliers understanding of the technology partnerships at play which enable them to improve revenue and commercial opportunities.

The Cendyn World Tour is by invitation only with hotel delegates selected by their presence in and around the tour locations. To receive further updates and information, please visit our Events Page.

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to Find, Book, Grow - driving revenue, maximizing profitability, and creating deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions.

Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn has over 32,000 customers in more than 150 countries including brands Outrigger Hospitality, Hyatt, IHG, Aman Resorts & Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coraltree Hospitality, and Onyx Hospitality Group - generating more than $20 billion in annual hotel revenue. The company supports its growing customer base with offices across the globe.

To find out more, visit cendyn.com.
Williamstown Affordable Housing Trust Hears Objections to Summer Street Proposal

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Neighbors concerned about a proposed subdivision off Summer Street last week raised the specter of a lawsuit against the town and/or Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity.

"If I'm not mistaken, I think this is kind of a new thing for Williamstown, an affordable housing subdivision of this size that's plunked down in the middle, or the midst of houses in a mature neighborhood," Summer Street resident Christopher Bolton told the Affordable Housing Trust board, reading from a prepared statement, last Wednesday. "I think all of us, the Trust, Habitat, the community, have a vested interest in giving this project the best chance of success that it can have. We all remember subdivisions that have been blocked by neighbors who have become frustrated with the developers and resorted to adversarial legal processes.

"But most of us in the neighborhood would welcome this at the right scale if the Trust and Northern Berkshire Habitat would communicate with us and compromise with us and try to address some of our concerns."

Bolton and other residents of the neighborhood were invited to speak to the board of the trust, which in 2015 purchased the Summer Street lot along with a parcel at the corner of Cole Avenue and Maple Street with the intent of developing new affordable housing on the vacant lots.

Currently, Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, which built two homes at the Cole/Maple property, is developing plans to build up to five single-family homes on the 1.75-acre Summer Street lot. Earlier this month, many of the same would-be neighbors raised objections to the scale of the proposed subdivision and its impact on the neighborhood in front of the Planning Board

The Affordable Housing Trust board heard many of the same arguments at its meeting. It also heard from some voices not heard at the Planning Board session.

And the trustees agreed that the developer needs to engage in a three-way conversation with the abutters and the trust, which still owns the land, to develop a plan that is more acceptable to all parties.

A couple of the residents who addressed the AHT said they are concerned that Northern Berkshire Habitat is biting off more than it can chew and will not have the resources to build five houses at the site.

"This came up in our conversation, whether scaling this down might be a better use of their time," Ben Snyder told the trustees. "We're just really afraid they're going to get tied up in a complex project. Complications are going to arise  and that's not a great use of their time.

"My major concern is the new neighbors who would be invited in [to the proposed homes], whether it will be a wonderful place for them to live. We want to invite neighbors into houses where no corners were cut, where there's no flooding."

Drainage and the creation of more impervious surface on the town-owned lot  including the construction of a road to provide access to the new homes  is repeatedly cited as a major concern for residents. On Wednesday, several told the AHT board that their neighborhood off North Hoosac Road already is beset by stormwater management issues.

Another issue raised by the neighbors: increased density and the loss of green space.

Andy Parkman of Summer Street pointed to the equipment shed that NBHFH recently built on the lot with the permission of the trustees.

"The shed's only 12-by-12, but it's super, super noticeable," Parkman said. "Now there's going to be five more sheds and five more houses up there.

"It's a beautiful habitat in our neighborhood. Birds, deer, everybody's in there. Now there will be less. It will be just another space taken up by more buildings. When is enough enough? I don't know that."

Kayla Falkowski told the trustees that she was OK when she thought Habitat might build a couple of homes on the parcel but, "Five is overwhelming."

No board members from Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity addressed the trustees at Wednesday's meeting. In the past, Habitat Project Manager Keith Davis has said that if, in the planning process, the developer and its civil engineer determine that the property cannot handle five homes from a stormwater management perspective, the subdivision could be scaled back to four homes.

Last Wednesday night, Affordable Housing Trust Chair Andrew Hogeland reiterated that point and reminded the residents that the non-profit still is in the development stage. That is why Habitat brought a preliminary plan to the Planning Board for review and why it held two community conversations for abutters earlier this spring.

"I hear you loud and clear that you think five is too many [houses]," Hogeland said.

"This is not a fast track thing. [The preliminary plan] was born not very long ago, frankly. The Planning Board is going to take a couple more times to think it through. The Conservation Commission has to think it through.  For me, I'd like Habitat to get us better plans for what is the next phase of what's on the wetlands and flood control part. That isn't there in a mature way [in the preliminary plan]."

Hogeland asked attendees at the meeting to get him a list of their email addresses so he can notify them of any developments and invite them to participate in meetings with AHT representatives and the Habitat for Humanity board.

Later in the meeting, he told his colleagues on the AHT board that he would ask the NBHFH board to schedule a special meeting, outside of its regular cycle, to hold those talks. And he formed a working group of himself, Thomas Sheldon and Robin Malloy (one fewer than a quorum to comply with the Open Meeting Law) to attend a Habitat board meeting.
North Adams Public Schools To Host Grade Configuration Forum

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  North Adams Public Schools will host a community forum to discuss updates on grade configurations and logistics for the 2024-2025 school year.

The forum will take place on Wednesday, May 15 at 6 PM. The forum will take place in a hybrid format at the Welcome

Center at Brayton Elementary School and via Zoom which can be accessed by going to napsk12.org/ZoomLinkMay15

Forums are open to anyone interested in learning more about the logistics planned for the upcoming school year, including, transportation, arrival and dismissal times, class sizes, and school choice updates. The forum will also allow participants to ask questions and provide feedback.
Demonstrators sit on the steps of Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on Tuesday as students establish an encampment to demand the university divest its holdings of companies doing business with Israel. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A camper who goes by Ruby worked on their computer on the steps of Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on Tuesday as students established an encampment to demand the university divest in its holdings of companies doing business with Israel. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle A demonstrator sported a Cal hat while working on their computer near a group of tents that were set up outside Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on Tuesday. Students established an encampment to demand divestment in UC Berkeleys holdings of companies doing business with Israel. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Hundreds of activists waved flags and rallied outside Memorial Church on the Stanford campus Monday but did not attempt to resurrect the pro-Palestinian tent encampment that administrators dismantled in February. Courtesy Theo Baker

In a swell of new anti-war protests, thousands of university students in California and across the country are demanding a cease-fire in Gaza and a halt to U.S. support of Israel.

Pro-Palestinian activists held a large rally at UC Berkeley on Monday, and by Tuesday their tents atop the steps of Sproul Hall numbered about 30. Students pledged to stay outside the administrative building until the university divests from companies doing business in Israel and establishes a Palestinian studies program.

At Stanford, hundreds of activists waved flags and rallied outside Memorial Church on campus Monday, but they did not attempt to resurrect the pro-Palestinian tent encampment that administrators dismantled in February after 120 days. Spokesperson Dee Mostofi called Mondays rally a peaceful gathering.

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Less peaceful is the protest at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, now in its third day. As dozens of pro-Palestinian activists continue to occupy Siemens Hall, an academic and administrative building, administrators have closed the school through the weekend. They are calling the occupation dangerous because the students have barricaded every entrance to the building with furniture, creating a hazardous situation for protesters inside, a campus statement said.

Police arrested three students after a confrontation with law enforcement both inside and outside the building, the statement said.

Hundreds of activists waved flags and rallied outside of Memorial Church on the Stanford campus Monday, but they did not attempt to resurrect the pro-Palestinian tent encampment that administrators dismantled in February. Courtesy Theo Baker

The growing chorus of protesters, including at the University of Minnesota and at MIT, Tufts and Emerson College in Massachusetts, comes amid a crackdown at East Coast universities. Police arrested at least 100 students at Columbia last week, and dozens this week at Yale and New York University.

The harsh tactics appear linked to pressure from Republicans in the House of Representatives, who have called several university presidents before Congress and accused them of enabling antisemitism on their campuses by permitting students to protest Israel and condemn Zionism, which recognizes Israel as a Jewish state. The tense interactions prompted the resignations of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania who, when asked at their hearings whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated campus harassment policies, never simply said yes.

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But students across the country say they are energized by the crackdowns, not discouraged by them. An editorial in the Harvard Crimson student newspaper, for example, warned that by suspending the Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee for organizing protests with unofficial groups, Harvard administrators will only inspire more protests.

If Harvard hoped this would stave off organizing, they havent been paying attention, the paper said.

Throughout California and elsewhere, students say they are motivated by the suspensions and arrests to pump up demands for a cease-fire and divestment.

We dare UC Berkeley to come arrest us! a speaker wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh announced to a cheering crowd of students on Monday.

Dozens of tents were set up on the steps of Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on April 23 as students established an encampment to demand the university divest in its holdings of companies doing business with Israel. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

As protesters erected tents at the rally, and as hundreds shielded their faces in scarves or masks and shouted Intifada! Intifada!  a reference to violent revolution within Israel  UC Berkeley issued a statement Monday saying the administration will ensure that the tents dont disrupt operations.

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Yet, even as the tents grew in number on Tuesday, campus officials said there was no reason to step in.
Labor Day is a time to commemorate the contributions of the workforce across all industries. Its also timely for employers to reflect on the commitment of their employees who fuel their organizations success everyday.

As Labor Day approaches, Pluxee  a leading global employee recognition solutions provider  urges employers to honor their workforce through personalized digital solutions.

The World Bank reported that the estimated unemployment rate in the Philippines is at its lowest level since 1999, indicating signs of recovery in the labor market. This means that over 90% of people in the working age group were employed, with the majority falling into the pay and salary category.

However, employee retention remains a major problem for most employers. The country is still experiencing the effects of The Great Resignation brought by the pandemic, with 29% of employees looking for greener pastures.

Studies show that employee appreciation is crucial for retention. This goes beyond verbal recognition and transcends into rewards and incentives for their meaningful efforts.

Previously Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services, Pluxee has strengthened its identity with a renewed commitment to advancing worker recognition that aligns with Labor Day celebrations. It now highlights customized digital solutions, with its flagship offering  Pluxee Gift  at the forefront of creating joyful and sustainable employee appreciation experiences.

Elevating employee appreciation with Pluxee Gift

Pluxee Gift makes employee milestones and rewards more meaningful. It features a wide variety of redemption options for different services and special treats such as meals, spa days, shopping sprees, and many more. This diverse range caters to a broad spectrum of preferences, creating joyful experiences for every employee.

Pluxee Gifts come in different forms that can cater to any employee experience journey:

Pluxee Gift credits: Pluxee Gift credits are sent to the Pluxee Philippines app of recipients via web portal. These credits are partially redeemable, meaning recipients don't have to use the credits all at once in a single transaction. Credits may be used at over 10,000 partner merchants and online stores such as Grab, Lazada, Shopee, Angkas, and Klook. Pluxee Gift credits are best for recurring benefits such as allowances, performance-based incentives, and more.

Pluxee Gift credits are sent to the Pluxee Philippines app of recipients via web portal. These credits are partially redeemable, meaning recipients don't have to use the credits all at once in a single transaction. Credits may be used at over 10,000 partner merchants and online stores such as Grab, Lazada, Shopee, Angkas, and Klook. Pluxee Gift credits are best for recurring benefits such as allowances, performance-based incentives, and more. Pluxee Gift codes: Employers can simplify the gifting experience with texts and emails, eliminating storage requirements and manual tracking of rewards. Pluxee Gift codes are also convertible to Pluxee Gift credits to allow partial redemption. Furthermore, Pluxee Gift codes can be customized with the companys logo and message, and can be made valid for specific merchants and products only.

Employers can simplify the gifting experience with texts and emails, eliminating storage requirements and manual tracking of rewards. Pluxee Gift codes are also convertible to Pluxee Gift credits to allow partial redemption. Furthermore, Pluxee Gift codes can be customized with the companys logo and message, and can be made valid for specific merchants and products only. Pluxee Gift card:A hybrid reward, the Pluxee Gift card is a physical card that carries digital Pluxee Gift codes. Recipients can use them instantly, with no activation needed. Pluxee Gift cards are convertible to Pluxee Gift credits for recipients who prefer to store their rewards in an app and enjoy features such as partial redemption and online shopping. Customization is also possible with the companys logo or for specific products.

This Labor Day, Pluxee encourages organizations to celebrate and reward their employees' achievements through innovative recognition solutions. With its Live Joyful campaign, Pluxee enables memorable experiences, amplifying the celebration of employees' contributions and emphasizing the joy found in meaningful recognition.

Want to know more about how Pluxee can elevate your employee experience in a manner unique to your organization? Sign up at bit.ly/PluxeePartnerClient or call our Pluxee Customer Care hotline at (02) 8689-4700. If your organization is an SME that prefers to shop digital gift certificates online, visit shop.pluxee.ph - registration is easy and preferential rates for business accounts are available.
In a move to advance disaster resilience and sustainable development in the Philippines, the B2B arm of the largest telco in the country, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDTs wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have announced their latest collaboration with the global humanitarian organization People in Need (PIN). This partnership underlines a shared commitment to harnessing innovative technology to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Mindanao, focusing on the Strengthening Resilience Through Early Action and Impact Mitigation (STREAM) Project.

Sealing a pivotal alliance: Leaders from PLDT Enterprise, Smart Communications Inc., and People in Need come together, marking the dawn of a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fortifying disaster resilience in Mindanao. Together, they embark on a journey to harness technology for a safer, more sustainable future. In photo: (L-R), Alfred Mark Rosete, Early Warning Systems (EWS) Program Manager at People in Need; Roberto W. Suzon Business Head, Corporate Relationship Business Head for Northern Mindanao at PLDT Enterprise; Zcyrill Ryan B. Agac-ac, Northern Mindanao Relationship Manager at PLDT Enterprise; and Judee Caroline D. Chaves, Mindanao Relations Head at Smart Communications, Inc.

The STREAM Project, funded by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Anticipatory Humanitarian Action and supported by the UK International Development from the UK government, aims to revolutionize local impact forecasting and early warning systems in 12 municipalities across the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. These areas, identified as high-risk for flooding, will benefit from the integration of PLDT and Smart's advanced Smart Internet of Things (IoT) SIM and Smart Messaging Suite.

Roberto W. Suzon, PLDT Enterprise Corporate Relationship Business Head for Northern Mindanao, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: Our partnership with People in Need is more than just a technological endeavor; it's a commitment to safeguarding communities and empowering them with the tools they need to mitigate the impact of natural calamities. By leveraging PLDT's reliable fiber connectivity and Smart's cutting-edge solutions, we are setting a new standard in disaster preparedness and resilience.

The Smart IoT SIMs will be instrumental in remotely monitoring water levels in flood-prone areas, ensuring timely data transmission to PIN's servers for accurate forecasting. Meanwhile, the Smart Messaging Suite will play a crucial role in disseminating vital information and evacuation alerts to vulnerable communities, enhancing their capacity to respond effectively to imminent threats.

Alfred Mark Rosete, Early Warning Systems (EWS) Program Manager for People in Need, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's potential: With the support of PLDT Enterprise and Smart, we are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those in the most at-risk communities in Mindanao. The STREAM Project embodies our vision of a world where technology and innovation go hand in hand with humanitarian efforts to build a safer, more resilient future for all.

Additionally, under its disaster resilience advocacy, Smart also recently engaged with PIN during the GSMA's Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC) Asia-Pacific workshops held in Clark, Pampanga, attended by ASEAN delegates. Smart was among the first operators in the world to adopt the principles of the HCC, when it was launched in 2015. The HCC is a set of principles and best practices reached collaboratively between mobile network operators (MNOs) on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a sudden onset emergency.

These engagements underscore the PLDT Group's longstanding #SafeandSmart advocacy, which promotes preparedness and immediate response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and relief assistance to help communities mitigate disaster risks. Through initiatives like the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit program, which has already equipped 10 Mindanao provinces with comprehensive emergency communications packages, the telco group reaffirms their commitment to a disaster-resilient Mindanao.

As PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to explore new frontiers in the role of technology in disaster resilience and climate action, their collaboration with PIN sets a precedent for how the private sector and the humanitarian community can come together to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time and contribute towards achieving UNSDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and UNSDG No. 13: Climate Action. Recognizing climate as one of the top risks in the Philippines and across the PLDT Group, PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to integrate climate risk management into their network architecture, operations, and customer solutions. The Group leverages its leading technology and digital solutions to help boost adaptation and resilience of communities most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Always moving further, together with our partners, PLDT Enterprise remains steadfast in its vision to not only advance the business landscape but to foster a community where progress and resilience go hand in hand. Our partnership with People in Need is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good, ensuring businesses and communities alike are better equipped, more connected, and infinitely stronger. With every step, we aim to redefine the boundaries of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every advancement we make is better for business and transformative for society. Together, we journey towards a future where every challenge is met with a smart, sustainable solution, furthering our collective impact, and driving us towards a brighter, more resilient tomorrow, concluded Suzon.
Summer is all about visiting local and international tourist destinations and capturing moments to share online or to look back on. Make this season more memorable with a game-changing offer for the realme C67 that will only be available for a limited time.

Dont miss out on realmes limited-time summer discount, available until April 30 only

Here are some reasons why the realme C67 can redefine the Squads next summer outing:

A pro-level camera wherever, whenever

Part of the summer experience is shooting content to share on social media. Make photos and videos look professional with the realme C67s 108MP camera, enhanced by its 3x In-Sensor Zoom and EIS. These result in a boost in clarity, texture, and depth. Street and Night Modes are perfect for mobile photographers experimenting with their shots.

Stay on top of work and play with a high-performing processor

A smartphone is not just a partner at play, but it can also support day-to-day tasks at work. This is especially true for those taking their work with them on their vacation. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 with 8GB in storage paired with Dynamic RAM Expansion, is powerful enough to shoot content effortlessly, attend video meetings, send emails, and run high-graphic games. Work-life balance becomes so much more fun when its out of town.

A powerhouse that can fit in any pocket

The realme C67 is a powerhouse nestled in a 7.59 mm Ultra Slim Body built with a seamless curved body design that has no plastic bracket. This guarantees a comfortable in-hand feel at the beach or up the mountains that leads to a more enjoyable experience. Its Sunny Oasis Design comes with a 3D light effect that matches the spirit of the summer, making it the perfect fashion statement.

Beat the intense heat with these hot deals

The Squad can take advantage of the exciting, temporary price drop until April 30, 2024 only, in all physical realme stores and official distributors nationwide.

To learn more about realmes latest updates, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.
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From a story about a new mother at her wits end (Soldier Sailor) to one about performing Shakespeare in the West Bank (Enter Ghost), to another about growing up in developing modern China (River East, River West), the shortlist for the Womens Prize for Fiction is here, revealing the six far-ranging authors and books in consideration for the major accolade.

Revealed on Wednesday morning (24 April), the list names the remaining titles in contention, shortened from the longlist of 16.

Many of the novels introduce the reader to women grappling with identity amid personal and political changes, while half of the selection provides moving and distinct explorations of race and family through the migrant experience.

The shortlist includes two Irish authors, two Americans, one Australian and one British writer, with three being previous nominees (with one being a previous winner).

The shortlist is as follows:

 Anne Enright, The Wren, The Wren (Irish)

 VV Ganeshananthan, Brotherless Night (American)

 Kate Grenville, Restless Dolly Maunder (Australian)

 Isabella Hammad, Enter Ghost (British)

 Claire Kilroy, Soldier Sailor (Irish)

 Aube Rey Lescure, River East, River West (American / French)

open image in gallery Womens Prize for Fiction 2024 shortlist stack ( Womens Prize for Fiction 2024 )

Last year, Barbara Kingsolver became the first person to win the award twice with her novel Demon Copperhead.

One of 2024s shortlisted authors, Kate Grenville, previously won the Prize (then named the Orange Prize) in 2001 for her novel The Idea of Perfection.

Her book, Restless Dolly Maunder, is published by independent publisher Canongate Books and follows a pioneering and triumphant woman as she creates a life she can call her own  a husband and two children dont deter her from searching for love and independence.

open image in gallery Restless Dolly Maunder and its author, Kate Grenville ( Canongate Books / Darren James )

While this years shortlist features established writers who have put out several books before this  eight for Grenville, seven for Anne Enright and four for Claire Kilroy  it also features newer authors.

Both VV Ganeshananthan and Isabella Hammad are being shortlisted for their second book, while Aube Rey Lescure is the only debut novelist to make the cut.

open image in gallery River East, River West and its author, Aube Rey Lescure ( Duckworth / An Zi )

Lescures novel, River East, River West, reverses what readers might expect of an immigrant narrative. Set during China's economic boom in the latter half of the 20th century, the book examines the impact of Western media influences on the expectations of young people living in China.

Jean Kwok, bestselling author of Searching for Sylvie Lee, called the book: A searing and intimate exploration of both China and the American Dream. Poignant and propulsive, thoughtful and moving.

For Ganeshananthans Brotherless Night, there is a delicate examination of fractured family dynamics during Sri Lankas civil war. Brit Bennett, the author of the bestselling novel The Vanishing Half, describes it on the book jacket as a heart-breaking exploration of a family fractured by civil war.

open image in gallery Brotherless Night and its author, VV Ganeshananthan ( Penguin / Sophia Mayrhofer )

She continues: This beautiful, nuanced novel follows a young doctor caught within conflicting ideologies as she tries to save lives. I couldnt put this book down.

Family is also a key feature of Enrights coming-of-age novel The Wren, The Wren, as she traces the impact of a traumatic childhood through the protagonist, Nell, and the ways it manifests in the generations that follow.

open image in gallery The Wren, The Wren and its author, Anne Enright ( Vintage / Hugh Chaloner )

The Independents chief book critic Martin Chilton described the novel as one that gradually unpicks a story of betrayal, loneliness, selfishness, and shows, in a compassionate, forceful way, the problems Nell faces navigating a cruel world.

In Enter Ghost, Hammad tells the story of a Palestinian woman who returns to the West Bank and is involved in a stage production of Shakespeares Hamlet. As a novel of the political fiction genre, Enter Ghost has been praised by chair of the judging panel Monica Ali as a deeply nuanced, very subtle novel... that could have been topical at any time during the last several decades.

open image in gallery Enter Ghost and its author, Isabella Hammad ( Vintage / Van Loan )

Finally, Kilroy puts motherhood under the microscope in the black comedy Soldier Sailor, as she explores the rollercoaster of new motherhood, leading to burning questions about creativity and female autonomy.

In his four-star review from last year, Martin Chilton describes Soldier Sailor as a blistering novel that hits with the force of a lightning strike.

open image in gallery Soldier Sailor and its author, Claire Kilroy ( Faber & Faber / Magda Christie )

Brick Lane author and chair of the judging panel Monica Ali praised the selection of novels in a statement.

This years shortlist features six brilliant, thought-provoking and spellbinding novels that between them capture an enormous breadth of the human experience, said Ali.

Readers will be captivated by the characters, the luminous writing and the exquisite storytelling. Each book is gloriously compelling and inventive and lingers in the heart and mind long after the final page.

open image in gallery Womens Prize for Fiction 2024 judges: Indira Varma, Anna Whitehouse, Monica Ali, Ayobami Adebayo and Laura Dockrill ( Womens Prize for Fiction 2024 )

Ali is joined on the panel of judges by author Ayobami Adebayo, author and illustrator Laura Dockrill, actor Indira Varma and presenter and author Anna Whitehouse.

In an interview with The Independent last month, Ali said that this years Womens Prize for Fiction contenders give a voice to those who would otherwise remain voiceless.

The winner will be announced on 13 June.
The man who allegedly attempted to escape San Francisco General Hospital while in custody there was set to be released the day he allegedly tried to flee. Felix Uribe/Special to the Chronicle

The incarcerated person who prompted a brief manhunt on Tuesday after allegedly slipping through his jail cell ceiling at San Francisco General Hospital would have been freed hours later had he not tried to escape, according to officials with the San Francisco Sheriffs Office.

Now, Corey Nelson, 21, faces a fresh felony charge and will remain in lockup at least until his next court hearing.

It was definitely bad timing, said San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto.

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Nelsons attorney, Deputy Public Defender Semuteh Freeman, said she was not at liberty to discuss the case but described the young man as someone with a large network of support from his family and community members.

He is currently quite vulnerable as someone who is both hospitalized and system-involved, Freeman said in a statement.

Nelson was initially booked into the hospitals jail ward on April 18 on suspicion of multiple charges, including battery on an officer and resisting or obstructing a peace officer, according to jail records.

A judge later ordered him released on his own recognizance for those charges, but Nelson remained in custody because he was wanted for a separate, felony crime in Contra Costa County, Miyamoto said.

Nelson was set to be transferred to Contra Costa County until Tuesday morning, when officials there contacted the San Francisco Sheriffs Office to say that Nelsons charges in that county would be dropped.

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The inmate unfortunately was going to be released today, Miyamoto said in a Tuesday interview. And we just got the notification from the other county right about the time that the escape was occurring.

Sheriffs officials on Tuesday said deputies realized that Nelson was not in his cell about 9:45 a.m.

Based on the quick actions of the deputies assigned to this unit, they were able to thwart any possible escape by immediately locating the suspect within a secure area of the facility, where he eventually surrendered peacefully, a sheriffs spokesperson said.

Nelson was detained, unharmed, at 10:21. There were no injuries to staff, officials said.

Nelson now faces a felony charge of escape, according to jail records.

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Miyamoto said Nelson was housed in a secure detention facility on the hospitals seventh floor, and that there is no requirement that the people housed there be restrained in any way.

Nelson will likely remain in custody on the seventh floor of the hospital, but perhaps in a different cell.

People suspected of crimes who require medical attention are typically sent to San Francisco General for care before being sent to jail. Officials said they were unable to comment on the reason Nelson was hospitalized due to medical privacy laws.

Ill just say, Miyamoto said, that were not going to put him back where he escaped from.
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Comedian Arj Barker, whose decision to eject a woman and her gurgling infant during his live show sparked a debate in Australia, said his decision had nothing to do with her being a mum.

Barker was performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival on Saturday when, in the middle of his hour-long gig, he asked the woman, Trish Faranda, to take her baby, Clara, outside because he felt that the infant was disrupting the show.

It was really awkward for me to be honest, he told Melbourne radio station 3AW.

But in the theatre sound travels, you can hear the drop of a pin. And it doesnt take much to distract an audience, when theyre watching a show. And Ive worked on these jokes and theres timing and theres pauses, and its just not going to work with the baby, its just not going to work.

Barker insists the decision to ask her to leave was for the audience, not himself.

I made the decision not for myself, for the audience who wanted to see the show uninterrupted, for the jokes to work as they should. And also, I shouldnt have been in that position, to be honest. Because the show is a 15+ show, its stated clearly on the website, he added.

open image in gallery Arj Barker ( Getty Images )

Faranda clarified to 3AW that Clara wasnt screaming.

She was just being a baby, she gurgled a little bit, she had a bit of a whinge  nothing loud.

Some audience members, however, have disputed how loud the gurgling was.

It wasnt a little bit of gurgling, it was crying. I was on the second level up and I could hear it, audience member Steven Adlard told The Guardian.

Arj got distracted, he was trying to tell a joke, he quite politely stopped and said Would you mind? Could you please leave? and she just sat there, and the baby settled down, and a few minutes later it started again.

Faranda said she had started breastfeeding Clara to settle her, which Barker insists had nothing to do with his decision to ask her to leave.

I have nothing against babies  number one, the breastfeeding thing is a non-issue, it should be inadmissible and I had no idea if she was breastfeeding or not because I was on a lit stage, he told Nine News.

All I could see was a woman likely holding a baby  the breastfeeding was never part of it. If it were the father, I would have acted the exact same way  it had to do with the baby making noise.

It was purely an audio issue, it had nothing to do with her being a mum  I have nothing against mums, he added.

open image in gallery Comedian Arj Barker performs on stage during the 2009 All Points West Music & Arts Festival in 2009 ( Getty Images )

The incident has sparked discussion online over whether it was unfair to a new mother trying to enjoy a night out or if it was bad manners to distract a performer.

I have kids and there is always a time, a place for little children. This mother is so entitled its unbelievable, a commenter wrote on the Facebook for Australian TV program A Current Affair that Faranda went on to explain what happened.

Faranda has said she wouldnt go to one of Barkers gigs again.

And the sad bit is, Ive been to lots of his shows before children, and you kind of lose yourself a bit when you have kids, and I was just trying to get back to something I enjoyed before I had kids, she told 3AW.

Australian politician Ellen Sandell came to Farandas defence in a post on X, saying, Women have a right to participate in society while breastfeeding.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival said, Any interaction between performers and their audiences requires sensitivity and respect.

In our Festival managed venues, babes in arms are generally allowed but we do ask people to sit up the back with their child so they can quickly and easily leave if the baby gets noisy so as not to disturb the artist and other patrons, the statement added.
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Several crew members have been injured while rehearsing for an action sequence in the forthcoming Eddie Murphy movie The Pickup.

The film, from Amazon Studios, is currently shooting in Georgia.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Amazon said: Unfortunately, the sequence did not go as planned and several members of the crew were injured as a result.

According to reports by The Associated Press, a truck locked up and crashed unexpectedly into a car.

Two people were hospitalized and the injuries ranged from bruises to broken bones.

Murphy stars in the film alongside Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, but none of the main cast were reportedly on set at the time of the accident.

open image in gallery Eddie Murphy attends the premiere of Candy Cane Lane in November 2023 ( Getty Images )

Amazons spokesperson said the studio is still seeking to gather further information. We are still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why, but first and foremost our thoughts are with those who are recovering, they said.

The well-being of the entire crew and cast is our first priority, and we will continue to insist on the highest industry standards of safety while filming. All safety precautions were reviewed prior to and monitored during the shoot.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), which represents crew members, said it was also looking into the situation.

IATSE is aware of an accident that took place on the Georgia set of The Pickup and have started an inquiry, the union said in a statement to media.

Murphy is also currently at work on another action film, the long-awaited sequel Beverly Hills Cop 4.

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The first trailer for the latest Beverly Hills Cop sequel was released by Netflix in December, and fans were reportedly left nervous over Eddie Murphys comeback as Axel Foley.

Please dont be garbage, one fan wrote, with another adding: As always with modern movies, Im cautious but hopeful to be surprised. An additional fan urged Netflix not to f*** up this classic.

Beverly Hills Cop isnt the only 1980s film Murphy has returned to; in 2021, he appeared in Coming 2 America, which was a sequel to the 1988 comedy Coming to America.

Speaking to Collider in 2019, Murphy described the films as a bookend to his career, which he launched as a comedian in 1980.

After rising to fame on the US sketch show Saturday Night Live, Murphy went on to star in hit comedies 48 Hrs and Trading Places as well as Beverly Hills Cop, which spawned two sequels in 1987 and 1994.
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Justin Bieber has paid heartfelt tribute to his former roommate, rapper Chris King, who was killed in a shooting in Nashville on Saturday (20 April). He was 32.

In an Instagram Story, Bieber, 30, wrote: Love you bro. This one hurts. Please keep his family in your prayers. See you in paradise brother.

The shooting occured in an alleyway at 2:30am on Saturday morning, killing King (real name Christopher Cheeks) and injuring a 29-year-old friend of his.

In a statement, Nashville Police Department said: Cheeks was at the location with a group of friends when three men began interacting with the group.

The 29-year-old victim reported the group was hanging out cordially for some time before the three suspects attempted to rob his group of friends. It was then that he heard gunfire and realized he was struck.

The victim, Cheeks and their other friends ran off in separate directions. The 29-year-old was located on Church Street and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.

open image in gallery Justin Bieber and Chris King ( Getty )

Cheeks was located in the parking garage of the Hayes Street Hotel. He was transported to Vanderbilt where he died.

No one else appeared to be struck by the gunfire.

Last year, King revealed on social media that he had lived with Bieber for a full year and a half almost 10 years ago. He added: Glad some people never change no matter what.

King was a rapper known for his collaborations with Trippie Redd. The 24-year-old musician was also among those paying tribute to King on social media, writing on Instagram: Original 1400 I love you until we meet again twin !

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I would not be where I am today without [Chris King] he introduced me to [record label executive Elliot Grainge] & [manager Milo the Light] and he had the best energy always he had so manny friends and it shows I love you guys for supporting one of my best friends ever my brother.

Actor Keke Palmer also shared her memories of King, alongside a picture of the pair talking on a video call.

Chris King! wrote Palmer. I wish I had more photos but its actually perfect because this is exactly how it began. iChat sessions with you and Marcel back in the 2Much days. Wow. I cant believe Im saying rest in peace. This is terrible. I really dont know what to say.

She added: I just want to share that I loved you and I remember all the city walk, grove moments. That was my high school. When we were babies before everyone knew you was a real rockstar. We were kids! And you always knew how to make everyone laugh. Your kindness was present no matter what room you were in, everybody was and wanted to be your friend. We will miss you until we meet again, rest heavenly brother.
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An acoustic guitar played by John Lennon on The Beatles albums Help! and Rubber Soul could fetch millions at auction, after it spent 50 years sitting in an attic.

It is listed alongside a number of other pieces of music memorabilia, including a book on handwritten lyrics by Tupac Shakur, a handwritten setlist by Kurt Cobain, and a Fendi dress worn by Amy Winehouse.

The 12-string Hootenanny acoustic model, made by Bavarian firm Framus in the early Sixties, was primarily played by Lennon and also makes a cameo in The Beatles film Help! for the performance of Youve Got to Hide Your Love Away.

George Harrison also uses it for the rhythm part on Norwegian Wood, and was also played on the Rubber Soul track, Girl.

Darren Julien, co-founder and executive director of Juliens Auctions, told The Independent that they received a call from the owners, who had been gifted the guitar many years ago by Scottish musician Gordon Waller, half of the famed duo Peter and Gordon.

The couple rediscovered the guitar decades later while in the middle of a move from their home in the English countryside.

After being told about the guitar, Juliens sought the expertise of Andy Babiuk and Beatles historian Danny Bennett, both of whom were able to confirm that it was the same instrument used by Lennon.

open image in gallery John Lennons Framus acoustic guitar ( Juliens/press )

The woodgrain of a guitar is like a fingerprint in that no two guitars are the same, Julien explained. Not only is the woodgrain a perfect match to the guitar that John and George are playing, but so is the pickguard which can be exactly photo matched.

Because the guitar has been undisturbed for approximately five decades, it is in the exact condition in terms of aesthetics that it was when John and George played it.

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The owners apparently had absolutely no clue as to the instruments historical significance or its value.

Experts at the auction house believe the guitar could set a new world record for the highest-selling Beatles guitar. Lennons long-lost acoustic Gibson J-160E, used in the recording of The Beatles Please Please Me and With the Beatles albums, fetched $2.4m (1.93) during an auction by Juliens in 2015.

Julien noted that the Framus guitar held additional importance due to the fact that it had been played by both Lennon and Harrison, calling it the most significant Beatles guitar to ever come up for auction.

open image in gallery George Harrison playing the guitar during a Beatles studio session ( Beatles Book Photo Library )

Our expectation is that this guitar will be in the top five most expensive guitars ever sold at auction, he said. Its likely the last chance for someone to buy and personally own an iconic John Lennon/George Harrison guitar.

The discovery comes after another long-lost Beatles instrument, a Hofner bass owned by Paul McCartney that he played on hits including Love Me Do and Twist and Shout, was returned to him in February. The guitar was stolen from the back of a crew members van in 1972.

Following the launch of last years Lost Bass project, Pauls 1961 Hofner 500/1 bass guitar, which was stolen in 1972, has been returned, a statement posted to McCartneys website said.

The guitar has been authenticated by Hofner and Paul is incredibly grateful to all those involved.

The Juliens auction will take place on 29 and 30 May, while highlights will be on display at the Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly Circus between 23 to 29 April.
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Megan Thee Stallion has denied allegations made against her by her former cameraman in a new lawsuit.

In the suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Emilio Garcia claims he was trapped inside a moving vehicle with the rapper while she had sex with a woman.

He accuses his former employer, real name Megan Pete, of harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

In a statement to Page Six, Megan Thee Stallions lawyer, Alex Spiro, said: This is an employment claim for money  with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her. We will deal with this in court.

Garcia further claims in the suit that following the alleged incident he was warned: Dont ever discuss what you saw.

He says he was subsequently treated differently by the 29-year-old Grammy winner, and that she created a hostile, abusive work environment, which made his working conditions intolerable.

The Independent has approached Megan Thee Stallion for comment.

open image in gallery Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2024 Planned Parenthood Of Greater New York Gala in April 2024 ( Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images )

Garcia first worked for Megan as a personal cameraman in 2018, and held a full time role with the rapper from 2019 until June 2023.

In his lawsuit, Garcia says that he traveled with the star to the Spanish island of Ibiza in June 2022. He claims that while in an SUV with Megan and three other women after a night out, the rapper had sex with one of the women as they drove.

I felt uncomfortable. I was kind of frozen, and I was shocked. At kind of just the overall audacity to do this right, right beside me, Garcia told NBC News.

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The cameraman also alleges that during the same trip, Megan fat-shamed him by calling him a fat b**** and telling him to spit your food out as you dont need to be eating.

To hear someone who advocates about loving your body tell me these things, Garcia told NBC, I felt degraded.

He says that he then saw a decrease in the jobs he was being hired to do. The night before a job in June 2023 he says he was notified by Megans management company, Roc Nation, that his services would no longer be required.

The lawsuit goes on to claim that Garcia was subjected to a barrage of relentless sexual and fat-shaming comments, which caused the photographer profound emotional distress.

It also states that as Megan failed to provide her employee with medical insurance, he was and remains unable to receive care as he grapples with mounting anxiety, depression, and physical distress stemming from the toxic work environment.

In a statement, Garcias attorney Ron Zambrano said: Megan just needs to pay our client what hes due, own up to her behavior and quit this sort of sexual harassment and fat shaming conduct. Emilio should never have been put in a position of having to be in the vehicle with her while she had sex with another woman. Inappropriate is putting it lightly. Exposing this behavior to employees is definitely illegal.

Last year, rapper Tory Lanez was was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting at Megan Thee Stallion.
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Jimmy Kimmel slammed Donald Trump on Tuesday for lying about a crowd that wasnt there outside the Manhattan courthouse where his hush money trial is taking place.

Mr Trump, 77, is currently on trial in New York accused of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an alleged bid to cover up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

He allegedly paid Ms Daniels, 45, $130,000 in October 2016 in exchange for her silence over a 2006 affair the actor claimed they had.

Mr Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, which he has claimed are politically motivated to stop him from winning the 2024 election.

Amid his campaign for the presidency, the former president has called on his supporters to rally outside the courthouse where the trial is taking place.

open image in gallery Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel criticised Donald Trump for lying about a crowd that wasnt there ( Jimmy Kimmel Live )

GO OUT AND PEACEFULLY PROTEST. RALLY BEHIND MAGA. SAVE OUR COUNTRY, he wrote on Truth Social on Monday.

But his pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears, with the streets surrounding the courthouse mostly empty of Trump supporters on Monday morning, according to The New York Times.

Jimmy Kimmel was quick to pick up on the lack of visible support for the former president, who is also involved in three other criminal cases.

Donald Trumps popularity seems to be losing steam, he said.

He seems to be less popular each day and he cannot deal with it. Donald Trump may be full of gas, but his supporters seem to be running out, the late-night host added, before cutting to a clip of the seemingly empty streets outside the courthouse.

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As you can see, no one showed up. Im not sure if theyre saving their energy for one of his next criminal trials, Mr Kimmel said of Mr Trumps supporters.

open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks to the media outside the courtroom during his trial ( Getty Images )

The ABC host went on to slam Mr Trump for lying about the size of the crowds in a Truth Social post.

And while you would think Donald Trump wouldnt be able to lie about the size of a crowd that wasnt there, think again, he said, showing a post made by Mr Trump on his Truth Social platform where he claimed, thousands of people were turned away from the Courthouse in Lower Manhattan by steel stanchions and police.

It is an armed camp to keep people away, he added, before slamming a report by The New York Times Maggie Haberman, which claimed he was disappointed with the crowds outside court on Monday.

Maggot Hagerman of The Failing New York Times, falsely reported that I was disappointed with the crowds. No, Im disappointed with Maggot, and her lack of writing skill, and that some of these many police arent being sent to Columbia and NYU to keep the schools open and the students safe, he wrote, referencing pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University at NYU in the past week that ended in over 100 arrests.

Mr Trump then reiterated baseless claims that the criminal charges against him are politically motivated and evidence of election interference.

The Legal Scholars call the case a Scam that should never have been brought, he wrote, without providing any evidence. I call it Election Interference and a personal hit job by a conflicted and corrupt Judge who shouldnt be allowed to preside over this Political Hoax.

New York Justice is being reduced to ashes, and the World is breathlessly watching. Hopefully, Appellate Courts can save it, and all of the companies that are fleeing to other jurisdictions. They can no longer take a chance on New York Justice!

Mr Trump has attempted to delay proceedings several times by claiming that Judge Merchan, who is prosecuting his case, should recuse himself from the trial over alleged conflicts of interest and indications of bias that meant he could not be fair.

He had previously claimed that the judge should be removed from the case because his daughter works as a consultant for the Democrats.

Judge Merchan addressed the two complaints at the start of the hearing on Monday, reiterating that he would not recuse himself.

He argued the defence teams request was based on a series of hints, innuendo and unsupported speculation.
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Elisabeth Moss has revealed she suffered a serious injury while filming a stunt for her new FX thriller, The Veil.

Starring the 41-year-old actor as international spy Imogen, the miniseries follows her journey across Istanbul, Paris and London as she gets caught up in a dangerous game of truth and lies.

In one scene from the second episode, according to Variety, Imogen is seen fighting off an assailant on a rooftop above Istanbuls Grand Bazaar.

The [scene] you see in the show is actually the second time we shot it, about six weeks later, Moss told the publication in a new interview. The first time we shot it I hit a wall the wrong way, lets just say, and ended up lying on the roof for a couple hours.

I felt so bad for her, Mosss producing partner Denise Di Novi said, adding that the actor had fractured a vertebra really badly.

She is underselling how hard a lot of the stunt was that she did, Di Novi said.

Despite having fractured her spine, Moss said: We actually shot the next day at the airport, those are the Paris airport scenes you see [in the episode], and I actually have, like, a broken back.

open image in gallery Elisabeth Moss attends 92NY The Handmaids Tale event on September 23, 2022 ( Getty Images )

I tried to get them to put a green blanket over me, and just VFX [visual effects] me out. I was like, Look, just put the green blanket over me and you can scrub me out in post.

The series also features Josh Charles (The Good Wife, The Dead Poets Society) and Lebanese actors Yumna Marwan and Dali Benssalah.

The Veil premieres on 30 April on Hulu in the US. A UK release date has not yet been announced.

Earlier this year, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Moss confirmed that she was pregnant with her first child.

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Are you pregnant or just an incredibly committed method actor? host Kimmel asked Moss, as she walked out into the studio. A little bit of both, she replied.

Moss did not reveal her due date or the identity of her partner during the interview.

She was previously married to American comedian and Saturday Night Live star Fred Armisen for a little over a year in 2009 before their divorce was finalised in 2011.

In September 2022, The Handmaids Tale was renewed for its sixth and final season, with an expected premiere date sometime in 2025.

Of the renewal news, Moss jokingly told host Kimmel that it felt like the fifth season was released 37 years ago.
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Game Of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham has said that the internet will not forget those who failed to express vocal support for Palestinians amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Irish actor, 62, said that he had been participating in pro-Palestinian solidarity campaigns for four decades.

Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday (24 April), he said many people in the industry have told him that they respect his campaigning but added: What concerns me is that the people who do care and are not doing anything are, in my opinion, worse than the people who dont care.

That it sits well with them, they can ignore it.

Asked if he had made pleas to other actors to join the campaign, Cunningham said he could not speak for anyone else.

However, he warned: The internet doesnt forget. When this comes around, when the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and ICC (International Criminal Court) hopefully do their work honourably, it is going to come out.

open image in gallery Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones ( HBO )

He continued: And the people who didnt talk  it is not going to be forgotten. Its livestreamed this genocide  and the option to say you didnt know is not an option. You did know and you did nothing, you stayed quiet. I need to be able to look in the mirror and thats why I speak.

Last November, Cunningham said that for Irish people not to stand in solidarity with Palestinians would be to betray our own history.

This bombardment and genocide has to stop for a number of reasons, he said. Obviously, the horrors that is happening to the Palestinian people and the ongoing apartheid.

For another reason to protect ourselves. If we allow ourselves to accept this behaviour, then we allow it to happen to us. We have to stand up for standards. We have to stand up for international law and it reduces us as human beings if we dont.

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He was speaking ahead of a demonstration led by Ahmed Alagha, an Irish-Palestinian man who said that 44 members of his extended family had died during Israels attacks in Gaza.

He said some of his family members had been killed by Israeli air strikes and accused Israel of ethnic cleansing.

It is no surprise because in the Gaza Strip there are no safe locations to hide out from, to make an attempt to keep your family safe and sound. There is no region that is safe there, he said.

Additional reporting by the Press Association
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A South Korean woman lost 70m won (40,000) to a romance scam after being duped by a deepfake video featuring Tesla CEO Elon Musk, according to local media reports.

The victim, given the pseudonym Jeong Ji-sun, said it was a dream come true when she began talking to a man on Instagram claiming to be the American tech mogul.

She told South Korean broadcaster KBS that Mr Musk shared his pictures from work, spoke about his children and how he contacted his fans randomly.

I experienced something like a dream last year, she told the broadcaster. On July 17, Musk added me as a friend on Instagram. Although I have been a huge fan of Musk after reading his autobiography, I doubted it at first.

Musk sent me his ID card and a photo of him at work. In addition, Musk talked about his children and about taking a helicopter to work at Tesla or SpaceX. He also explained that he contacts fans randomly, she added.

He also raved about his meeting with South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol in April 2023 when he touted the country as an ideal place to build a Tesla gigafactory.

Her initial doubts about her new Instagram friend were eased after they had a video call and the conman she thought was the American businessman confessed his love for her. The conman, unknown to the victim at the time, was using a deepfake video of Mr Musk.

Musk even said, I love you, you know that? when we made a video call, she said.

open image in gallery Elon Musks Tesla has seen stock prices drop of late ( Getty )

The scammer then provided a Korean bank account to the woman and persuaded her to invest her money so she could become rich.

Im happy when my fans are getting rich because of me, she said the conman told her.

It was the latest of a series of scams involving the SpaceX founder whose popularity has exploded in recent years. The scammers use the billionaires identity to swindle money from unsuspecting people.

In 2021, a school teacher in Hampshire, UK, was conned out of her savings by a bitcoin scam promising Musk would "double her investment. Julie Bushnell put 9,000 into a fake scheme that claimed the US billionaire entrepreneur was having a Bitcoin "giveaway".
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China is reeling from heavy flooding that has killed four people and left thousands scrambling to save their belongings even as it braces for more rainfall.

The flooding in Guangdong has inundated roads, homes and businesses and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 people.

Xinhua, the state news agency, said three people died in Zhaoqing city and a rescuer in Shaoguan city. It did not say when or how they died.

After it briefly stopped raining on Wednesday, people scrambled to save their homes and belongings from floodwaters. But water levels still remain high and there more rainfall is forecast in the coming days.

People were seen wading through knee-deep water, retrieving whatever belongings they could from their damaged properties.

The water has really risen over the last few days, Liu Yongqi, 25, the general manager of a local homestay, told AFP news agency. The road was flooded and for five days we could only get to the rest of the village by a small motorboat.

Luckily we had enough supplies here anyway, she said, adding that the cleanup operation would take another two or three days.

open image in gallery A flooded riverside park along the Beijiang river in Qingyuan city in southern China's Guangdong ( Chinatopix )

In Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, the government said that by Monday the city had logged a cumulative rainfall of 60.9cm in April, the highest monthly rainfall since record-keeping began in 1959.

Up to 240mm of rain is expected in many areas, rising to as much as 300mm in some places.

Rumours about shortage of water and basic goods were spreading across the region and officials warned people against spreading them.

In order to strengthen management of market prices during flood season do not fabricate or spread information about price rises, tight supply lines or dramatic increases in market demand, Guangdongs market regulator said in a notice on Tuesday evening.

Such extreme flooding is rare for Guangdong in April. A high-ranking official connectedit to the deteriorating climate crisis, which increases rainfall as hotter climate holds more moisture.

Asia was the most disaster-prone region in the world last year, rocked by dozens of floods, storms and other climate-related calamaties, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

Some 79 disasters linked to hydro-meteorological events were reported in Asia in 2023, the WMO said in a report published on Tuesday. Over 80 per cent of these were floods and storms that caused more than 2,000 deaths.
Ayodele Nzinga, founder of the Black Arts Movement Business District Community Development Corp. Amaya Edwards/The Chronicle Adrian L. Burrell sits for a portrait at the Minnesota Street Project Foundation in the Dogpatch District in San Francisco in October 2023, where he unveiled his exhibit Venus Blues. Felix Uribe/Special to The Chronicle Deaf dancer and choreographer Antoine Hunter. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle TNT Traysikel is one of four 2024 Kenneth Rainin Foundation Arts Fellows. Mark Baugh-Sasaki

Even if youre a professional artist in the Bay Area, often your art barely breaks even, or you pay for the privilege of making it. Earn any artistic income at all, and its cause for celebration.

So an award such as the Kenneth Rainin Foundations Arts Fellowship, which gives $100,000 in unrestricted funds to each of four local artists, isnt just exciting and rare; its once in a lifetime.

This years fellows, revealed Wednesday, April 24, are theater artist and poet Ayodele WordSlanger Nzinga, filmmaker and visual artist Adrian L. Burrell, and dancer, choreographer and deaf advocate Antoine Hunter, aka Purple Fire Crow, all of Oakland; and San Francisco-based TNT Traysikel, comprising Michael Arcega, Paolo Asuncion and Rachel Lastimosa, which does what the group calls social practice activations, combining installation work and performance art.

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We werent expecting anything, really, Arcega told the Chronicle. You throw out applications and hope things stick, and this was one of those Hail Marys.

TNT Traysikel is one of four Kenneth Rainin Foundation Arts Fellowship recipients. Eric Vasquez

The Filipino American trio brings a three-wheeled sculpture resembling a tricked-out motorcycle with sidecar to different sites to elicit participants immigration stories and spark karaoke singalongs, all with the purpose of claiming the SOMA Pilipinas Cultural and Heritage District for Filipinos decades after the city displaced neighborhood residents to build Yerba Buena Center and Moscone Center. The group plans to use the Rainin funds to make an archive of participants stories, upgrade tech capabilities and make the sculpture more roadworthy, so it can travel outside the Bay Area.

Its next activation takes place May 4 at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga.

For Nzinga, the fellowship is a piece of validation that Ive been waiting for.

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The septuagenarian has been making theater in Oakland for 25 years. Her Lower Bottom Playaz is Oaklands oldest African American theater company, and it was the first troupe to stage August Wilsons 10-play Century Cycle in the order in which theyre set (as opposed to the order in which Wilson finished them). She was Oaklands inaugural Poet Laureate, and now shes co-editing a new poetry anthology called Movement, with an album called Ghetto Grimoire about to drop  all while running the venue BAM House (formerly the Flight Deck) and leading the charge behind the citys Black Arts Movement Business District. Her next play, Biko Eisen-Martins Pac & Biggie Are Dead, runs June 7-30, and shes dabbling in film, with mentorship from fellow Rainin honoree Burrell.

Ayodele Nzinga recites poetry at the public opening of the Peoples House in Oakland on Jan. 14, 2023. Samantha Laurey/Special to The Chronicle

Yet, despite all these achievements, along with the occasional joke from her staff about being a serial programmer, Nzinga doesnt sit around feeling accomplished.

It always seemed like an uphill climb, she said. But now, with the Rainin Fellowship, Im not sure it feels like even ground yet, but maybe I can retire the impostor syndrome that haunts me.

Founded in 2009, the Oakland foundation gives grants in arts, education and health. The 4-year-old fellowship was created as an effort to keep artists in a region with one of the countrys highest costs of living, explained Ted Russell, Rainins director of arts strategy and ventures.

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We realized that we needed a sizable award in order to just give artists the range of possibility  whether that makes it easier for them to remain in the Bay Area as a cultural anchor or whether it allows them to realize some vision, he said.

Adrian L. Burrell stands for a portrait at the Minnesota Street Project Foundation in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco on Oct. 6, 2023. Felix Uribe/Special to The Chronicle

Of the other recipients, Russell said the foundation was drawn to Burrell partly for his film Cousins, which tells an intergenerational Oakland story, connecting his family to Africa. Hes had an exhibition at Minnesota Street Project Foundation, and hes been commissioned by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for its Bay Area Walls series.

Its always a good feeling when the home team wants you to win, Burrell said of being supported by a local foundation.

As for Hunter, Its very Bay Area to have someone whos a leader for the deaf and disabled community whos such a strong artist, Russell said.

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Deaf dancer and choreographer Antoine Hunter performs freestyle moves at the Shawl-Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley on May 28, 2021. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Hunter is the founder of Urban Jazz Dance Company, which puts on the Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, and has had collaborators such as Robert Moses Kin, Amara Tabor-Smith and Merce Cunningham.

The news brought a sense of extra responsibility. Our work is never done, Hunter told the Chronicle via email, adding that going forward, My plan is to continue allowing the divinity to use me.

The fellows learned about the awards months in advance of the public announcement, so it was hard not to just walk around smiling all the time, Nzinga admitted.

It felt like having the best secret for a really long time, which oddly makes you tolerant about things that normally really bug you, she said with a laugh. You feel like, Thats fine. You go ahead, and you do that. Ill be OK. 

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A doctor has been suspended from practising for five months after she repeatedly participated in protests demanding climate action.

Dr Sarah Benn, formerly a GP in Birmingham, who has been arrested and jailed after taking part in demonstrations, was suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) on Tuesday.

The MPTS said her fitness to practise as a doctor had been impaired because of her misconduct.

Dr Benn, an NHS doctor for more than 30 years, had already stopped practising in 2022, but she said that as a doctor, she had a moral duty to take action to protect life and health.

How could my patients trust me again, if I didnt take action to confront the greatest health crisis we face? Dr Benn said.

She took part in three protests at the oil terminal in Kingsbury, north Warwickshire, in 2022.

She had admitted she was in breach of an interim injunction by attending the demonstrations and that this amounted to contempt of court.

After the hearing Dr Latifa Patel, the BMAs representative body chairwoman and workforce lead, said the ruling sends a worrying message to other doctors, including many who are also concerned about the climate crisis.

Dr Benns actions and her resulting custodial sentence posed no threat to patients, but her suspension implies they do.

It is now time for the GMC (General Medical Council) and the medical profession to review the basis on which Dr Benn found herself in front of a medical tribunal.

The MPTS operates separately from the General Medical Council (GMC).

It runs hearings on cases where the GMC is concerned that patient safety, or the publics confidence in doctors, may be at risk. MPTS tribunals can put conditions on a doctors practice, or stop them from working in the UK.

The GMC said Dr Benn had a right to express her personal opinions but she was referred for a misconduct hearing for multiple breaches of a court order which resulted in a custodial sentence.

Our fitness to practise investigations consider cases which are referred to us and where doctors have broken the law, not their motivations for doing so, a spokesperson said.

It is not the role of regulators to determine UK law, that is a matter for Parliament.

Earlier the tribunal had said the suspension was a response to Dr Benns misconduct and the impairment of her fitness to practise arising out of her repeatedly acting outside of the law.

It was of the view that this (suspension) would appropriately and proportionately mark the seriousness with which the tribunal viewed Dr Benns misconduct, as well as sending out a signal to the profession and public about what is regarded as behaviour unbefitting a registered doctor.

How could my patients trust me again, if I didnt take action to confront the greatest health crisis we face? Dr Sarah Benn

No issues in respect of Dr Benns clinical work were raised at the misconduct hearing.

Dr Benn admitted to the tribunal to taking part in a protest by spreading out and sitting down across the road, obstructing access to, and egress from, the terminal on 26 April. She then spent eight days in custody on remand.

She also admitted attending other protests where she held a banner within a prohibited buffer zone at the side of the entrance to the terminal and a sit-down protest which blocked vehicles trying to get in and out of the terminal and then receiving a sentence of 32 days imprisonment.

In her tribunal statement, Dr Benn made it clear she did not dispute the facts and that she wanted to protest in a way that was likely to make an impact.

She said: The purpose on every occasion was to cause disruption sufficient to place pressure on our government and institutions to take meaningful action to address the climate crisis.

The design always avoided risk of harm to any person impacted, although people were subjected to inconvenience, which I did not enjoy.

She also said she was backing demands made by Extinction Rebellion to try to tackle the climate emergency.

Dr Benn qualified in 1990 from Leicester University Medical School and spent 32 years as a GP, including work in inner city Birmingham. She has also been a GP trainer and undergraduate tutor.

She worked remotely for NHS 111 during the pandemic, for the Worcestershire Covid Management Service, and on site at her practice.
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Christina Ricci has been reflecting on chaperoning her fourth-grade sons field trip.

The actor recently took to Instagram to share a photo of her sitting on a school bus with kids surrounding her. I chaperoned a 4th grade field trip today, she captioned her post. Im permanently deaf in one ear from the bus ride.

Riccis post also featured a video with many of the children out of their bus seats yelling out the windows, presumably to communicate with the rest of their class that was on another bus.

After posting many people turned to the comments section explaining how excited they would have been to have one of their favourite actors from classic childrens movies from the 1990s such as Casper and The Addams Family, chaperoning a field trip.

Its wild to me that you would be able to do this without being bombarded with questions about Casper Kids these days dont know when there is an icon among them, one comment read.

Ricci ended up replying to that comment, noting that she let the children know she wouldnt be talking about any of her roles. I told them I would only be answering questions about the theme of the field trip (gold rush), my child, or being a mom, her reply began.

They were ok with it after I showed my ability to mew.

Another commenter joked, If only they knew they were in the presence of an icon.

Do they realise its Wednesday Addams on the bus with them, a third commenter pointed out.

The Yellowjackets actor has two children: nine-year-old Freddie with her ex-husband James Heerdegen, and two-year-old Cleopatra with her current husband, Mark Hampton.

Recently she appeared on Shannen Dohertys Lets Be Clear podcast where she opened up about how filming Yellowjackets affected her relationship with her youngest child. Ricci said that she was often left upset when she returned home between filming because her daughter didnt know her.

Last year I was commuting back and forth to Vancouver for Yellowjackets. She didnt know me. We had no bond. So that was very upsetting, she told the podcast host.

My kids do not like it when I travel. When Im away, I try to take my son with me as much as I can, she added.

However, the problem with attempting to bring her family with her to filming locations requires a lot of extra expenses for plane tickets and a place to stay.

If youre a series regular, you have to pay for everything, so I cant... every time I go up and down, I cant pay for four people, four flights, you know, and the rooms that you would need and all... its just too expensive to travel with everybody all the time, Ricci explained.

To get around this, she admitted to coming home whenever she has a chunk of free time.

I try to get back as often as I can, Ricci said. I think really the thing that I learnt, especially with my son, is mixing him into my work life. Why cant he come for the weekend to a convention and see what its like?
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New York City-based influencer Eva Evans has died by suicide at the age of 29.

The TikTok star was found in her apartment on Saturday evening by a friend who had a key to her apartment, law enforcement sources told TMZ on 23 April. Evans friend reportedly told police they didnt know her to be struggling with her mental health, and a note was left behind.

Evans sister, Lila, took to Instagram on 21 April to reveal that the influencer had passed away. In the posts caption  which featured a snap of Evans wearing a colourful dress and smiling  Lila praised her sister and detailed the devastating news.

open image in gallery New York influencer Eva Evans dies aged 29 ( itsevaevans / Instagram )

Please share this post so that it reaches everyone it needs to, she wrote. Yesterday my family received news that our sweet, fabulous, creative, caring, hilarious Eva, my beautiful sister, has died.

Lila went on to speak candidly about her grief, before showing her support for Evans fans, adding: After 24 hours, I still find myself in a constant cycle of denial and acceptance, so I know how unbelievable and hard to process this news will be.

She specified that a celebration of Eva will be held in lower Manhattan on 23 April. She also told fans that they could message her for details on how to attend the event.

Lila concluded her caption by acknowledging how much she loves and misses her sister. She also noted that shes taking a step back from posting on social media, as shes planning the celebration of Evans.

I wish I had Eva here now to refer to because she would have better words and know how to say what I dont, she wrote. I am keeping this brief, so we can plan for the next few days, but youll be hearing a lot more from me on how much Eva means to me and just how different the world will be without her.

Many fans and fellow influencers took to the comments to send their condolences to Evans family. They also expressed how much they admired the TikTok star.

I am so sorry for your loss. Ill light a candle for her tonight. Sending you and everyone who loved her my deepest condolences. Ill tell my grandparents to show her around, TikTok star Tefi Pessoa wrote.

I am so sorry for your loss Lila. I am sending so much love to you and your family, model Lameka Fox wrote.

The loss is unfathomable, to those of us lucky enough to have known her brilliance and goodness, but also to the world, which is not the place it was meant to be without her. Godspeed, Lila, and love, a third fan added.

Uncut Gems star Julia Fox also took to TikTok to share an emotional tribute to Evans. She was a TikTok star and a New York icon. I always saw her like a little sister and I know she looked up to me, Fox said, with tears in her eyes. Thats the kind of person she was, always sticking up for me, and she passed away. She was so young. Still had so much to do in life. But she lived life to the fullest.

She continued to express her love for Evans in the caption, writing: RIP EVA. NYC will *never* be the same without you.

Evans had more than 300,000 followers on TikTok, where she posted hilarious content about her life in New York City as a woman in her twenties. Her videos ranged from tips on things to do in New York to her candid advice on how to handle a breakup.

The influencer also had her own show, Club Rat, on Amazon Prime, of which there were five episodes. According to the synopsis, the program is about a self-absorbed influencer attempts to re-enter the chaotic New York City dating scene after a candid video of her humiliating breakup goes viral.

The Independent has contacted Evans family for comment.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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Taking much inspiration from a Korean kimchi jjigae (stew), these eggs are packed with flavour and are extremely convenient, says cook Ed Smith.

Sliced tteok (thin, pleasingly chewy and bouncy discs made of rice flour) are available online if not near you, and provide heft and texture to the dish. You could alternatively (or additionally) serve these eggs with plain rice, or scoop it up with any fresh, bouncy or pliable bread.

Kimchi and gochujang skillet eggs

open image in gallery Similar to shakshuka, but with a Korean twist ( Sam A Harris/PA )

Serves: 1

Ingredients:

Oil, for frying

50-60g bacon lardons (optional)

1 spring onion, sliced finely on a diagonal, whites and greens kept separate

100g kimchi, larger bits roughly chopped

2-3 tbsp kimchi brine

1 tbsp gochujang

60g sliced fresh tteok (Korean rice cakes)

2 medium eggs

 tsp gochugaru pepper flakes (or another chilli flake)

 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Method:

1. Pour a hint of oil into a 20-22 centimetre frying pan set over a medium-high heat. Before the pan is hot, add the lardons, if using, and let these render and fry for five minutes until they begin to colour and crisp.

2. Add the white parts of the spring onion, cook for one minute more, stirring, then add the kimchi, kimchi brine, gochujang and 100 millilitres water.

3. Simmer for five minutes until the liquid in the pan is around one centimetre deep.

4. Scatter in the rice cakes, then make wells in the mixture between mounds of kimchi and crack the eggs into them. Reduce the heat a little, cover and gently simmer for two and a half to three minutes until the whites are set. Remove from the heat. If the whites arent firm by this point, keep the pan off the hob, but return the lid and check again after 30-60 seconds.

5. Scatter over the gochugaru flakes, sesame seeds and the spring onion greens. I like to eat this with a spoon, straight from the pan.

Sausage laab and fried egg bun

open image in gallery The breakfast bap just got tastier ( Sam A Harris/PA )

Laab is a salad made from minced or finely chopped meat or fish. Styles vary, but typically the protein (cooked or raw), is seasoned with aromatics such as lemongrass, galangal, lime, fish sauce, chilli and fresh herbs, and topped with toasted rice powder.

Its the national dish of Laos, prominent in northern Thailand too, and personally, if I see one on a menu, I cant resist it, says Smith.

Also, while not in any way traditional, it makes total sense (to me, at least) to turn the meat inside sausages into a laab, put that in a soft bun, and add a crisp fried egg for good measure.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

200220g plain pork sausages

Neutral cooking oil, for frying

2 cloves garlic, minced

20g ginger, peeled and finely grated

1 stick of lemongrass, finely sliced

2 makrut lime leaves, finely sliced

3 birds eye chillies, finely sliced

1 tsp caster sugar

 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder

 tsp Chinese five spice

Juice of  lime

2 tbsp fish sauce

A handful of Thai basil leaves (or fresh mint)

2 eggs

2 soft brioche burger buns, halved and lightly toasted

Pinch of rice powder

Method:

1. Toast the rice powder: Toast a pinch of rice in a small, dry pan for two to three minutes until tinged bronze. Grind to a fine grit using a pestle and mortar.

2. Score the sausages with the tip of a sharp knife. Remove the meat and discard the skins, then ball the meat into a flat patty.

3. Heat the oil in a wok set over a high heat. Add the sausage meat and squash it down using the back of a spatula. Let this fry for around 45 seconds, so that it begins to colour. Then start to break up the patty, again using a spatula to squash and chop away at it. Keep going until the meat is in a fine, minced meat-like consistency.

4. Add the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves and three quarters of the fresh chilli. Cook the aromatics for 45-60 seconds, continually stirring and shaking the wok.

5. Then add the sugar and spices and cook for another 45-60 seconds, stirring frequently and adding a tablespoon of water if the meat is sticking.

6. Squeeze in the lime juice, add the fish sauce and Thai basil, then immediately remove from the heat. Stir and set aside, allowing the basil to wilt a little while you fry two eggs in neutral oil and toast the buns.

7. To assemble, spoon the fragrant pork over the base of each bun. Sprinkle generously with rice powder, then place an egg on top before closing the bun and tucking in.

Also consider: Using minced beef (a burger mix works well) or chopped chicken livers, instead of the sausage meat. Eating the laab and fried egg with rice or flatbreads, instead of the burger bun.

Tray-baked coconut omelette with fragrant salad

open image in gallery Turn eggs into a hearty lunch ( Sam A Harris/PA )

Both the omelette and the side salad are fragrant, aromatic and invigorating, according to Smith.

If you prefer, the vegetables could be roasted and dressed in advance and served somewhere between fridge and room temperature (dont add the herbs until the last minute, though).

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

3 medium aubergines (about 750g), cut into 2-3cm chunks

3 medium sweet potatoes (about 800g), cut into 3cm chunks

4 tbsp olive oil

25g coriander, leaves picked

20g dill, picked

12 large eggs

 tsp ground turmeric

 tsp flaky sea salt

1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger (about 15g)

200ml coconut milk (70-80% coconut solids)

1 tbsp short-grain rice

1 tbsp caster sugar

2 tbsp fish sauce

Juice of 1 lime

25g Thai basil, leaves picked

Coconut or Greek-style yoghurt, to serve

Method:

open image in gallery Smiths four cookbook has no less than 100 different recipes celebrating the humble ingredient but with some elevation ( Quadrille/PA )

1. Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/425F. Spread the aubergines and sweet potatoes over a baking sheet or roasting tin in which they easily fit in one layer. Drizzle with the olive oil, then shake the tin and roll the vegetables so theyre glossy.

2. Roast on the top shelf of the oven for 50 minutes until both are soft and slightly charred, shuffling the tin once or twice during that time.

3. Once the vegetables are in, very, very finely chop two-thirds of the coriander leaves and one-third of the stems, plus two-thirds of the dill. Break the eggs into a mixing bowl, add the turmeric, salt and ginger, then pop the yolks and use a whisk to thoroughly beat them together. Add the coconut milk and chopped herbs and stems, and whisk again until fully combined.

4. Line a low-sided 20 x 26 centimetre baking tray with greaseproof paper and pour in the egg mixture to a depth of one to two centimetres. Slide onto a shelf underneath the roasting vegetables and cook for around 20 minutes until the middle is set. Remove and set to one side to cool for five minutes or so.

4. Meanwhile, toast the rice in a dry pan until lightly coloured, then pound to a coarse powder using a pestle and mortar. Separately, in a large mixing bowl thoroughly combine the sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and one tablespoon of water.

5. Once cooked, tip the roasted vegetables into the bowl. Toss and let the dressing soak in for five minutes before adding the remaining herbs. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle generously with rice powder.

6. Portion the omelette and serve with a pile of the fragrant salad, and big dollops of yoghurt.

Also consider: Serving with flaky, stretchy paratha or roti.

Good Eggs by Ed Smith (Quadrille, 22).
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The man charged with starting a fire outside independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders Vermont office earlier this month pleaded not guilty to a federal charge on Tuesday.

Shant Michael Soghomonian, 35, was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of maliciously damaging or attempting to damage and destroy by fire a building used in interstate commerce.

Surveillance video shows the man throwing a liquid April 5 at the bottom of a door opening into Sanders third-floor office in Burlington and setting it on fire, according to an affidavit filed by a special agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Sanders was not in the office at the time. Seven employees working in the office were able to get out unharmed. The buildings interior suffered damage from the fire and water sprinklers.

Soghomonian, who was previously from Northridge, California, had been staying at an area hotel for nearly two months, according to the special agents report.
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A remarkable archaeological discovery is shedding a new light on one of historys biggest enigmas  the collapse of central Americas ancient Maya civilisation.

This new discovery  the ritual destruction of the symbolic icons of a deposed royal dynasty  is helping to reveal the complexity of that decline.

Together with historical data from transcribed Maya hieroglyphic texts from other sites, the discovery, at Ucanal in northern Guatemala, provides a unique glimpse of the political instability that seems to have fundamentally changed Maya history.

Maya royalty: probable conquerors burned the kingdoms sacred regalia, including a jade death mask much like this one ( Bernard DuPont )

Archaeologists believe that the new discovery  the burning of a long-dead kings skeleton and sacred funerary regalia  represents a new political systems deliberate desecration of a Maya kingdoms former royal rulers. Its one of the most graphic examples of ancient geopolitical strife ever found in the Maya world  and is among the most significant Central American archaeological discoveries of recent years.

The Maya kingdoms

The Maya civilisation consisted of dozens of often competing kingdoms. Although the new political system (and the desecration event) at Ucanal seems to have given that particular kingdom a temporary new lease of life, it was almost certainly part of more widespread geopolitical instability which ultimately contributed to fundamental changes in much of the Maya civilisation as a whole.

A grass-covered mound in Ucanal that conceals a major pyramid, which has yet to be properly excavated ( Proyecto Arqueologico Ucanal )

That civilisation was at its most vibrant between around 600AD and around 800AD. But, by 900AD, the glory days were over across much of the Maya world. Part of that ninth-century decline may have been an invasion by a people from the western edge of the Maya civilisation. Some scholars have argued that Ucanal may have been taken over by those foreigners by the 820s  and the recently discovered desecration evidence shows the extreme lengths to which the new rulers went in order to destroy the spiritual power (and probably remaining political prestige) of the dynasty they had just deposed.

The Ucanal evidence suggests that the new rulers removed royal skeletons (and sacred funerary regalia of iconic former Ucanal kings) by breaking into their pyramid tomb or tombs. Its likely that they then took those skeletons (and sacred royal regalia) and publicly burned them in one of the citys great ceremonial plazas. The destroyed material was then used as building material to help the new regime construct an imposing new temple pyramid, symbolising the dawn of a new political era.

Maya royalty: an image of a ninth-century Maya ruler (a king of the city state of Machaquila in what is now Guatemala) gives some idea of what the probable conqueror of Ucanal must have looked like ( Wikimedia Commons )

Significantly, the deliberately-destroyed sacred regalia included what had been a Ucanal kings once-spectacular jade death mask, a royal crown (part of which had also been made of jade), a series of spectacular, high-status jade pendants and other personal adornments, obsidian (volcanic glass) blades  and garments or necklaces made of more than 10,000 marine shell beads.

The public burning of the deposed dynastys royal skeletons and regalia was very thorough  involving temperatures of over 800C which resulted in the fragmentation of the skeletons and the sacred regalia items.

This discovery is very significant because it gives us an insight into an important moment in time when the Maya world was experiencing political, economic and social changes said one of the key archaeologists who excavated the site, professor Christina Halperin of the University of Montreal.

The public burning and desecration of the skeletons of former Maya royalty represents a genuinely revolutionary pivot point which contributed to the beginning of a new era of political rule among the Maya, she explained.

Papmalil

The foreign ruler who seems to have taken over Ucanal (and probably several other Maya kingdoms) was a military strongman called Papmalil (a non-Maya name) who, according to the title he gave himself, did not regard himself as a traditional Maya ruler, let alone as a traditional king of Ucanal, but as a military and political overlord, controlling a much larger territory. Indeed the title he bore (Ochkin Kaloomte, probably meaning supreme warrior of the west) had previously been associated with the rulers of a great central Mexican empire (that of Teotihuacan) which had flourished around two centuries earlier, more than 500 miles to the west.

The events in Ucanal, and the many other changes that marked the decline of classic Maya civilisation throughout much of Central America, had complex causes which almost certainly included climatic crises (especially droughts), overpopulation, political disunity, economic and trade problems and possibly also epidemics and societal instability as well as invasions and wars.

However, as a people, the Maya and much of their ancient culture continued  and indeed have survived to the present day. It was only the great Maya megacities (some with populations between 30,000 and 180,000) and their spectacular pyramid-building traditions that declined (first, by around 900AD in the south of the Maya world  and then, by around 1400AD, further north).

Archaeological investigators at Ucanal have so far discovered substantial numbers of important artefacts  including this beautifully carved monolith that may date to 879AD ( Proyecto Arqueologico Ucanal )

The Maya were then hit by the Spanish conquest. Although that conquest started in 1523, it took at least 170 years to complete. But the Maya themselves are still a vibrant culture today - with six million people in five Central American countries still speaking Maya languages and many still engaging in traditional Maya craft work and agriculture  and conducting Maya rituals with links to ancient Maya practices.

The discovery of the desecration of the kings at Ucanal is being published this month by the UK-based international archaeology journal, Antiquity.

The full archaeological report can be read online.

Ongoing archaeological investigations have revealed that ancient Maya Ucanal was a 10-square-mile metropolis with a three-square-mile monumental urban core. So far archaeologists have mapped over 2,297 buildings, 65 of which were major monumental complexes (including over 14 pyramids).
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A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a school in Wales.

The girl remains in custody, while the injured teachers and a teenage pupil at the secondary school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, have been taken to hospital with non-life-threatening knife wounds, police said on Wednesday evening.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school was put on lockdown on Wednesday morning as the violent incident and subsequent investigation unfolded shortly after 11am.

Two helicopters delivered advanced critical care support at the school, the Welsh Ambulance Service said, and the BBC was told that one was en route to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Concerned parents had been gathering outside the school gates, and hugged their children tearfully as pupils started to be released from 3:20pm onwards.

Parents waited outside the school gates for their children to be allowed to leave, with the school said to be in code red ( Robert Melen/Shutterstock )

The family members of all those injured have been informed, police confirmed, with Carmarthenshire County Council saying at 2:40pm that the incident had been contained.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: Just after 11.20am this morning we received a call advising us of an incident at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire. Emergency services immediately attended and the school was locked down for the safety of all on the premises.

Three people  two teachers and a teenage pupil  have been taken to hospital with stab wounds. The family members of all those injured have been informed. A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody.

I would like to reassure parents and the public that the incident has concluded, and pupils have now left the school. We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all involved.

This was a very distressing incident and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.

Police and medical personnel on the scene at the school ( Robert Melen/Shutterstock )

In a press conference outside the school on Wednesday evening, Superintendent Ross Evans said the injuries of those wounded were not life-threatening, and that a knife had been recovered in evidence at the school.

Councillor Darren Price said the school would remain closed on Thursday and that lessons would take place online.

Emergency services remained at the scene as children were allowed to leave the school, four hours after ambulances were said to have been called at around 11:15am.

Police have also asked people to remove footage from social media circulating since the incident, to avoid contempt of court and distress to those affected.

I would also ask that people do not speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing, the force said, adding that local people would see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.

One mother, Lisa Barrett, earlier told BBC News that her daughter had texted her to say the school had been put on lockdown.

It is really worrying, she said. You hear from your child saying someone has been stabbed you dont know what to do for the best.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman school was put under lockdown ( Google Maps )

You just dont expect it, you send your children to school and think they will be safe.

Another mother waiting outside the gates, named Rebecca, had told ITV Cymru Wales that the school had been put on code red.

Obviously Ive seen the blue lights, and I know we dont blue light unless we have to and Ive seen the air ambulance leave, she said.

Theyre keeping the school on lockdown  code red as theyre calling it  and the police will be speaking to the classes individually, then take them to get their lunch, then take them back to their classrooms.

Waless first minister Vaughan Gething said it was a deeply worrying time for the school and local community.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said he was shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford and said his thoughts are with those all those affected, while home secretary James Cleverly also thanked the emergency services for their ongoing response and said he was being kept informed about the incident.

My thoughts are with the school and all those involved, said Mr Cleverly, adding that it was important that police are given the space to carry out their investigations.

Amman Valley School, or Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, is a bilingual comprehensive school for those aged between 11 and 18. It is maintained by Carmarthenshire County Council and provides education to 1,450 school pupils and 270 sixth-form pupils.

Plaid Cymrus Adam Price  a former pupil at the school  described it as a centre point for the whole community and said pupils and families have been shocked and shaken.

It was shocking to so many of us, none of us would have thought for a moment that we would have faced this situation, the Senedd member said.
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A project asking people to count squashed bugs on their car number plates suggests flying insects have declined.

The citizen science survey led by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife showed a 78 per cent decline in bug splats on number plates across the UK since 2004.

The conservationists warned the dramatic falls in flying insects were a red flag for the state of nature in the UK which should not be ignored.

The Bugs Matter survey is based on the windscreen phenomenon  anecdotal evidence from drivers that they collect fewer moths, flies, aphids, bees and flying beetles on their windscreens than they did in the past.

The conservation groups said insects pollinate crops, provide natural pest control, decompose waste, recycle nutrients and underpin food chains, and without them Earths ecological systems would collapse.

But they are in decline due to loss and damage of habitats, climate change, pollution and pesticide use  with growing evidence these have caused significant drops in insect numbers in the UK and worldwide, the conservationists warned.

The now-annual survey asks members of the public to record the number of flying insects squashed on their number plate, and compares it with data from an RSPB analysis in 2004 which used the same methods.

Since the original survey in 2004, records from nearly 26,500 journeys across the UK have been analysed.

A Large White Butterfly ( Simon Munnery/Buglife/Kent Wildlife Trust/PA Wire )

To take part in the scheme, drivers cleaned their number plate before making an essential journey, recorded the route on their mobile phone, and afterwards counted the insects squashed on it using a splatometer grid supplied as part of the survey.

They then submitted a photo and count details via the Bugs Matter app and the data was converted into splats per mile to make it comparable between journeys.

Some 6,637 journeys were made in 2023, and the results showed England had the sharpest fall of 83 per cent between 2004 and 2023, with the highest drop recorded in London, where there was a 91 per cent reduction.

Wales saw a 79 per cent decrease and Scotland a 76 per cent drop over the same period, while Northern Ireland  which has limited data  saw a 54 per cent decline between 2021 and 2023, the results revealed.

A Carrot Mining Bee ( Liam Olds/Buglife/Kent Wildlife Trust/PA Wire )

Dr Lawrence Ball, from Kent Wildlife Trust, said: These results are extremely concerning, particularly if insect splats serve as an accurate measure of insect populations.

This is a red flag for the state of nature in the UK that shouldnt be ignored.

A decrease in the number of insects sampled of more than 75 per cent in less than two decades is really alarming, and were seeing fewer insects being sampled every year.

Andrew Whitehouse, from Buglife, said: The latest Bugs Matter data suggests that the abundance of flying insects in our countryside has dramatically fallen.

The consequences are potentially far-reaching, not only impacting the health of the natural world, but affecting so many of the free services that nature provides for us.

He said the findings were similar to studies which had documented declines in insect numbers around the world.

Mr Whitehouse added: Human activities continue to have a huge impact on nature  habitat loss and damage, pesticide use, pollution, and climate change all contribute to the decline in insects.

Society must heed the warning signs of ecological collapse, and take urgent action to restore nature.
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Four people have been taken to hospital after escaped Household Cavalry horses caused mayhem by galloping through the streets of central London.

A group of seven horses and six soldiers were on an extended exercise in Belgravia on Wednesday when chaos erupted after the animals were spooked by nearby building works.

Four riders were thrown from their horses and five of the animals got loose, smashing into vehicles while running down busy streets.

Pictures and videos showed the animals colliding with cars and smashing the windscreen of a bus, with blood staining the chest of one white horse.

Did you witness this incident? Email holly.evans@independent.co.uk

A horse colliding with a London taxi near Aldwych ( PA )

A blood-soaked horse seen in Shadwell, over three miles from Whitehall ( @jhopwv/X )

The London Ambulance Service was called to three locations and treated four people in Buckingham Palace Road, Belgrave Square, and at the junction of Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, in the space of just 10 minutes.

The army confirmed that all the horses have since been recovered while a number of the animals as well as personnel are receiving medical attention.

Follow our live blog for all the latest updates

Tula, 28, a management consultant from south London who saw two of the horses galloping near Aldwych said the sight was gruesome and like a weird dream.

The pair were captured on a highway near Limehouse, more than eight kilometres (five miles) from where they first bolted.

He said: I got off the 172 bus which ends at Aldwych and two horses went flying past. One black, one white.

The white one was drenched in blood from the chest down and they were galloping through the traffic at speed.

People were stopping in the street shocked. The horses were running into fast-moving traffic and seemed terrified. Some unmarked police cars were chasing after them, which didnt seem to be helping.

I felt shocked. It was pretty gruesome. Felt like a weird dream.

A witness told The Telegraph that they had seen a soldier fall to the floor after one of the horses ran into a car, with bystanders screaming as the animal raced towards them.

A horse splattered in blood seen running through the street ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, said: The man hit the floor hard, he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car.

The horses come down this route every day, but today the horse looked stressed or panicked. I saw the horse run away after it hit a bus. People were screaming and running all over.

Buckingham Palace Road, where the drama began, was closed after the incident and a cordon put in place, with a blue tarpaulin tent put in place around the injured soldier.

The horses were eventually contained by the City of London Police, who caught them on the Highway near Limehouse and kept them until an army horse box transported them to veterinary care.

The damaged tour bus after a horse collided with its windscreen ( Ben Cawthra/LNP )

Over the course of their rampage, the horses smashed into a silver Mercedes-Benz people carrier, causing damage to its side and rear windows, as well as damaging a double-decker bus.

LBC spoke to the driver of the Mercedes, Faraz, who was waiting outside the Clermont Hotel when he felt something smash into his car.

He said he saw three or four horses near the vehicle, and that one member of military personnel had been thrown off and injured.

Two horses seen dashing through the streets of central London ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

The horses were said to have become spooked during a training exercise in Whitehall ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

Shortly before 11am, an army spokesperson said: A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.

A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.

A London ambulance service spokesperson said: We were called at 8:25am today [Wednesday] to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road.

We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, and an incident response officer. Our first paramedic was on the scene in five minutes.

In a video statement posted on X, commanding officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Matt Woodward said the unit exercises around 150 horses on the roads and in parks every morning, partly to help desensitise them to city noise.

This morning, however, a small group of horses were spooked by some construction works on a quiet side road in Belgravia where building materials were dropped from height right next to them. The ensuing shock caused all horses to bolt and unseated some riders, he said.

After thanking the emergency services and the public for their help, he added: Thankfully, considering the frequency of exercise and numbers of horses involved, this type of incident is extremely rare, we continue to strive to minimise the risk of this recurring.

As ever we are grateful for due consideration given by the members of the public to not making loud noises around our horses.

The animals are all receiving care from vets at Hyde Park barracks.
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Several loose horses caused mayhem on the streets of London on Wednesday after becoming spooked during a routine rehearsal.

Four people have been taken to hospital following the incident, as at least two of the horses running several miles across the capital.

Footage shows the animals  one covered in blood  colliding with vehicles, with at least on report of a collision with a person.

The two horses are believed to have travelled from Belgravia, near Buckingham Palace, all the way to the East London area of Shadwell.

At around 11am, an Army spokesperson said: A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.

A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.

Here is the full timeline of the horses movements:

Belgravia, between 8am and 8.25am

Four soliders are dismounted after five horses are spooked during a rehearsal in Belgravia, central London.

This area is located between Hyde Park Barracks, which hosts the stables where most of the Household Cavalry horses are kept, and the Horse Guard near Whitehall.

An army spokesperson has said that one serviceman was responsible for two horses, explaining the additional horse.

Just before 8.25am, one serviceman is severely injured after his horse collides with a car on Buckingham Palace Road, throwing him to the ground. The London Ambulance service arrives on the scene promptly.

One of the horses was covered in blood as two of the animals galloped in the road near Aldwych (Jordan Pettitt/PA) ( PA Wire )

At least two horses, one white and one black, then begin to run towards Buckingham Palace.

On the way, one collides with a parked tour bus, causing serious damage. It is thought this is how the white horse sustained the injury seen in footage and images.

The Strand, between 8.30am and 8.35am

After running past Buckingham Palace, the two horses speed down The Mall towards The Strand, covering nearly 2 miles in around five minutes.

Making their way around Aldwych, the black horse collides with a taxi outside of a coffee shop.

A black horse collides with a London Taxi after bolting down the A4 near Aldwych ( PA )

Both continue down Fleet Street, when one hits a person on the corner of Chancery Lane. An ambulance is called and the person has been taken to hospital.

Shadwell, 8.55am

Both horses run without reported incident for around 20 minutes, covering 2.6 miles as they head into East London. The most likely route would have seen them pass landmarks such as St. Pauls Cathedral and Tower Hill.

They are spotted again at 8.55am, near St. Georges Leisure Centre, Shadwell. They travel only a little further into the Tower Hamlets neighbourhood until they stop on Glamis Road, near the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

Live traffic cam on The Highway, E1, King David Lane and Glamis Road, shows horse lorry and police at scene ( TfL )

It is here that police are able to capture the two horses, with footage showing the white horse being ushered into a mobile horsebox, seemingly with a broken leg.

The total distance the two horses covered is an estimated five miles, with police confirming that all of the horses are now accounted for.
The damaged grills outside Horn Barbecue in Oakland the day after a fire tore through the establishment in the early-morning hours of Nov. 21, 2023. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

A top Bay Area barbecue spot that burned in a fire will reopen this week at a new permanent location.

Horn Barbecue is reopening Friday, April 26, at 464 Eighth St. in Oakland, replacing another Horn restaurant, Mattys Old Fashioned, a spokesperson for chef-owner Matt Horn confirmed. The move comes after a fire destroyed the former Horn Barbecue location on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland. Months later, Horn announced his restaurant would not return to the same space and that he was searching for a new location.

The new Horn Barbecue will offer its full menu of Texas-style smoked meats by the pound, including brisket, pork spare ribs and turkey. A la carte items will include beef ribs and hot links along with sandwiches stuffed with tri-tip and pulled pork. The restaurants full liquor license will allow it to offer cocktails, beer and wine, which were unavailable at Horn Barbecues original location.

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Some items from Mattys Old Fashioned, Horns aspirational take on an elevated diner experience, will remain on the dine-in menu, like smoked bologna and fish sandwiches, smoked sticky wings and milkshakes. The full Mattys Old Fashioned menu will remain available through food-delivery apps, a press release states.

Horn Barbecue received wide acclaim, but the response to Mattys Old Fashioned was less positive. In his review of Mattys Old Fashioned, the Chronicles associate restaurant critic Cesar Hernandez skewered the restaurants man cave appearance and wrote the $26 burger was the only dish that feels fully realized on the menu.

In a statement, Horn thanked his supporters and stated his commitment to Oakland is steadfast. My family loves the Bay Area, and the tremendous support we have received from the community has been truly heartening, he wrote.

Matt Horn outside Horn Barbecue in Oakland in 2020. Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

After the fire that shut down Horn Barbecue, Horn launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $200,000 to reopen the restaurant. (He ended up raising about $130,000.) The Alameda County Board of Supervisors later approved a $100,000 grant for Horn to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on his business. These funds came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided $350 billion in pandemic stimulus aid to state and local governments.

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 Close Blood-soaked horses run loose in London after breaking free from Household Cavalry

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Two Household Cavalry horses injured last week after bolting through central London are making progress, the army has said.

In an update on Monday, the army also said the two of the soldiers hurt when the horses escaped were still receiving treatment but were expected to make a full recovery.

Two horses underwent surgery. One, Quaker, a Cavalry black, has shown significant improvement and progresses towards what is expected to be a full recovery, the army said in a statement on X.

The other horse, Vida, a grey, continues to make progress. He remains under close and careful professional veterinary observation as his wounds heal.

The statement added: Of the soldiers injured, two are still undergoing treatment in hospital but will make a full recovery. The remainder have returned to work.

We are so thankful for everyones concern and expressions of support, and for all those involved in their care.
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More than 200 migrants have died trying to cross the English Channel over the past decade, the latest figures show, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pushes forward with his Rwanda bill in a bid to stop the attempts.

UN agency The International Organisation for Migration records data on the number of deaths using a mix of official and media reports going back to the start of 2014 - and so it is likely there are more deaths unreported during the period.

The figures show there were 240 deaths, with 14 so far in 2024, which include the loss of five people including a seven-year-old girl off the coast of Wimereux on Tuesday morning.

Home Office figures also show there have been 6,667 migrants detected crossing the English Channel up to 23 April this year, including 402 on Tuesday.

Mr Sunak described the latest deaths as tragic, but said they underscored the need for his Safety of Rwanda Bill, which will see asylum seekers sent to the east African country from July.

The move is aimed at discouraging people from trying to reach the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The number of migrants crossing the English Channel

Figures from the Home Office reveal there were 6,667 migrants were detected crossing to the UK up to 23 April this year. That figure is 20 per cent higher than the 5,546 migrants picked up by the same point in 2023.

It also comes just below the 6,691 in 2022, and more than three times as high as the 1,717 in 2021.

The figures illustrate an increased trend in migrants attempting to reach British shores on small boats since 2018, which has hampered Mr Sunaks stop the boats promise.

Mr Sunak has said the Rwanda Bill, which will see flights deporting asylum seekers in 10-12 weeks, will bring down the numbers.

Speaking about Tuesdays deaths, he said: This is what tragically happens when they [criminal gangs] push people out to sea and thats why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally.

However, others including former national security adviser Peter Ricketts said the bill will not make the slightest difference to the number of desperate people risking their lives to get here.

The number provided by the Home Office does not include migrants who arrive on small boats undetected.

Number of migrants deaths from English Channel crossing attempts

UN migration agency the International Organisation for Migration has recorded the highest number of deaths among migrants attempting the Channel crossing up to April from 2014.

The groups Missing Migrants project counts up the number of deaths using a mix of official and media reports.

Up to 23 April, it recorded 14 deaths, including three children. That is the highest number in the same timeframe since records started in 2014.

Most of the dead were recorded as being from western Asia.

They included the deaths of five migrants who died after their boat capsized near the town of Wimereux, to the south of Calais, on 14 January, as well as the deaths of five others from the same town on Tuesday.

What the Home Office says

The Home Office said it is doing whatever is necessary to end these perilous and fatal journeys, but it said illegal migration was an international challenge and it was working with the French to prevent more crossings.

It said a package of measures agreed with France would help double the number of officers patrolling beaches.

A spokesperson said: The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.

We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys.

We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats.

How migrants are attempting the crossing

Smuggling gangs are believed to be behind the majority of crossings with groups suspected of charging up to 1,000-a-head for people to board the inflatable dinghies.

Police in France attempt to stop the practice with the sale of dinghies reportedly banned in towns and officers on the look out for equipment linked to water crossings along the coast.

A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime found the water crossing had become more favourable to smugglers in recent years after surveillance had been improved around the Channel Tunnel.

In a report released in February, it said human smuggling networks had commercialised the small-boat route, keeping prices competitive and launching persuasive recruitment campaigns in migrants countries of origin.

It said: The migrant bears the overwhelming burden of risk  physical, psychological and legal. The boats are often overloaded with passengers to maximize profits, and structurally unsuited for such dangerous seas and capsize.
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Teachers are facing a dramatic increase in complaints and aggressive behaviour from parents causing staff to quit their jobs, a new survey says.

Nine out of ten staff surveyed say the impact of dealing with complaints is having a detrimental impact on staff wellbeing and affecting the quality of a schools education and staff retention.

Figures in the School Leaders Survey by Browne Jacobson show 68 per cent say personal attacks or aggression are the most common types of behaviour, while seven in ten teachers believe parents and carers are now quicker to escalate concerns to a formal stage.

As well as affecting their mental health, teachers reported it was also affecting the quality of education while 48 per cent of leaders said it was having a knock-on effect on staff retention.

Speaking to the Independent, Hugh Greenway, the CEO of the Elliot Foundation Academies Trust which operates 33 primary schools, said it was absolutely our experience that complaints had increased significantly since prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nine in ten school leaders say complaints are having a detrimental impact on staff wellbeing (Ben Birchall/PA) ( PA Wire )

I would hypothise that this increase is directly related to the experience of Covid-19, such as the breaking of societal bonds and people becoming more comfortable in complaining online, he said. Complaints previously tended to be dealt with in the playground or with the class teacher, but we became more used to existing online and therefore more used to complaining online.

There is a point about online that depersonalises it. It is definitely the case that parents are going from 0 to 100 in seconds rather than through stages. I think its because there are large sections of society who feel disenfranchised, he said.

The study, which was completed by over 200 school leaders who represent a leadership of over 1,800 schools, found the majority of grievances raised revolved around support for pupils with special needs.

Other matters included behaviour and discipline, equality complaints such as discrimination and transgender issues as well as parental responsibility and safeguarding.

As well as aggressive behaviour, 65 per cent said lengthy and overly complex emails were among the common types of complaints, as well as raising multiple complaints about the same issue or discussing the matter publicly on social media.

During the 2022-23 academic year, Mr Greenway said his schools had seen a 100 per cent increase in the number of complaints, with seven reaching the highest stage three level. They also received 120 stage 2 complaints and eight complaints that involved Ofstead or the local authority or an MP.

This is despite annual surveys given to pupils and parents showing that the schools were highly regarded amongst families.

An increase in aggressive complaints has been noted since Covid-19 ( iStock/Getty )

In the latest findings, 51 per cent of school leaders said that there is a real burden being caused by parents and carers submitting complaints to multiple agencies while the internal school procedure is still ongoing.

All you can do is listen but more often or not it is a cry from a pupil or parent that they dont feel heard or seen or valued, Mr Greenway said.

The problem we have is that we have to continue listening while not sacrificing our staff to unreasonable risk or harm or the sheer amount of time it takes to listen to these complaints.

I think weve got to listen to these people because the only way they can think the state cares about them is when you listen so that they know you care.

One school leader who participated said there was a terrifying lack of support on the issue from the Department of Education, while another said that the DfE process of looking at complaints was completely broken.

Among the schools participating in the survey, 18 per cent had appointed a complaints coordinator to oversee the issue, while 43 per cent had instructed legal advisers to support.

However, while over half of the respondents wish for clearer DfE guidance on the difference between vexatious complaints and unreasonable behaviour and how to handle them, there is little evidence that proactive steps have been taken by school leaders to address the issue.

Victoria Hatton, a senior associate at law firm Browne Jacobson, said: The message is clear: the rise in the number of parent/carer complaints and the handling of vexatious complaints and unreasonable parent behaviour is having a direct negative impact on staff wellbeing, staff retention, and the quality of education staff are able to deliver.

Whilst clearer guidance from the DfE on complaints would no doubt assist, school leaders have got to do more to understand the root causes of these issues within their schools/academy trust communities and be proactive in initiating change from within.
 Close Wales school stabbing: Victims injuries not life threatening, police say

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A 13-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a secondary school in Wales.

The three people injured in the attack at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire on Wednesday morning have now left hospital, where they were treated for knife wounds.

Two air ambulances were sent to the school, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, as emergency services swarmed the scene.

Parents waited for several hours at the gates of the school, which was in lockdown, before tearfully being reunited with their children as the school day ended.

The teachers injured are reported to be Fiona Elias, the deputy head, and Liz Hopkin, a special-needs teacher. In a statement on the school website, headteacher James Durbridge praised staff and pupils for their calm and mature response to the lockdown.

Plaid Cymrus Adam Price  a former pupil at the school  described it as a centre point for the whole community and said pupils and families have been shocked and shaken.
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Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is not necessary to prevent small boat crossings, David Cameron has said amid Tory divisions over the UKs membership in the treaty.

And while he said he would love to reinstate a pre-Brexit returns agreement for migrants from the EU, the foreign secretary appeared to concede such a deal is simply not possible.

It comes as Rishi Sunaks bill aimed at blocking further setbacks to the Governments controversial Rwanda deportation scheme passed through Parliament following months of wrangling between MPs and peers.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said leaving the ECHR is not necessary (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire )

While the legislation is now poised to become law, ministers are braced for legal challenges to the plan and the judiciary has made 25 courtrooms available to deal with cases.

The Prime Minister previously hinted he would be willing to leave the ECHR if it prevented him from implementing his policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda.

But speaking to ITVs Peston show, Lord Cameron said: I dont think its necessary to leave the ECHR, I dont think that needs to happen to make this policy work.

The Supreme Court ruled last year that the scheme, finding grounds for believing that migrants sent to Kigali would face a risk of ill treatment as a result of being returned to their country of origin.

Now, I'd love that situation to be the case again, that's the most sensible thing. People land on a beach in Kent, you take them straight back to France, you therefore break the model of the people smugglers. That's not available at the moment. It's simply not possible Lord Cameron

Refoulement, forcing an asylum seeker to return to a nation where they are likely to face persecution, is prohibited by a number of international treaties, including not just the ECHR but the UN Refugee Convention, the UN Convention against Torture and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

These treaties have been given effect in UK domestic law by the Human Rights Act 1998, the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants etc) Act 2004.

Rishi Sunak has moved to end the parliamentary deadlock over his Rwanda Bill which will pave the way for deportation flights to get off the ground once it becomes law (PA) ( PA Wire )

On whether he would have pursued the policy while he was prime minister, he said: We had a totally different situation because (we) could return people directly to France.

Now, Id love that situation to be the case again, thats the most sensible thing. People land on a beach in Kent, you take them straight back to France, you therefore break the model of the people smugglers. Thats not available at the moment. Its simply not possible.

Asked whether this was because of Brexit, he said: Because of the situation were in, because of the attitude of others and all the rest of it.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Rwanda scheme will deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings (Toby Melville/PA) ( PA Wire )

Meanwhile, Home Secretary James Cleverly said the criticism of the Rwanda Bill from the ECHR, who he values enormously, is out of step.

There is a real moral hazard in saying to a nation state government that it cannot manage its own borders, it cannot make decisions about who does or does not live in its own country, he said while speaking at a think-tank in Rome.

Because that undermines the integrity of the democratic process in which we live.
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Former Labour minister and crossbench peer Frank Field has died aged 81, his family has announced.

Lord Field had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

A statement from Lord Field of Birkenheads family, issued by his Parliamentary office, said: Frank Field (Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH) has died at the age of 81 following a period of illness.

Frank was director of the Child Poverty Action Group between 1969 and 1979, and the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019.

Former Labour minister and crossbench peer Frank Field has died at the age of 81 (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Archive )

During that time, he served as a Minister for Welfare Reform and led the Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances. He also chaired the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee (and its predecessor Committee on Social Services and Social Security) as well as the Joint Committee on the Draft Modern Slavery Bill.

In 2020, Frank entered the House of Lords as the Rt Hon the Lord Field of Birkenhead, was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in the 2022 New Year Honours and continued to serve on the boards of Cool Earth, Feeding Britain and the Frank Field Education Trust.

Frank is survived by two brothers.

He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship.

His death comes two and a half years after he revealed he was terminally ill after spending time in a hospice . At the time, he came out in support of an assisted dying bill being debated in the House of Lords, though he was not well enough to participate in the debate.

Frank Field was the Labour MP for Birkenhead for almost 40 years ( REUTERS )

Lord Field was the Labour MP for Birkenhead for almost 40 years before resigning the party whip over the antisemitism crisis under Jeremy Corbyn. He formed his own party, the Birkenhead Social Justice Party, before losing his seat at the 2019 general election.

Lord Field took his seat in the upper chamber in October 2020 after being elected 10 times to represent Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019.

He served as welfare reform minister in Tony Blairs first government in 1997 and went on to chair the work and pensions select committee.

The veteran politician was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in the 2022 New Year Honours, describing it at the time as a terrific privilege.

The acknowledgement of Lord Fields public and political service followed a career in which he showed support for causes including pensions reform, ending child poverty and stamping out modern slavery.

He served on the boards of the charities Cool Earth and Feeding Britain, as well as the Frank Field Education Trust.

In a moving moment in the House of Lords last year, Lord Field appeared in the chamber of the House of Lords in a wheelchair to pledge his allegiance to the King.

The former minister waved to colleagues who then shouted hear, hear in support of him. He had previously spoken about his determination to take the oath to the King, which all peers are required to do after the death of a monarch.

Tributes poured in for Lord Field from across the political spectrum including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Sir Keir said his death was a profound loss to politics and to our nation. Frank was principled, courageous and independent-minded, Sir Keir said.

He added: He cared about the people he served, thought deeply about the issues he championed, and worked entirely for the good of the people of Birkenhead as their MP for 40 years.

Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said Lord Field was a formidable colleague and former minister who will be sorely missed. He was neither cowed by the establishment or whips - which made his campaigns against hunger and food poverty, for climate change and for the church, even more effective, Sir Lindsay added.

Former Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman said: At Franks core was the conviction that poverty was never to be accepted and could be ended. Clever, persistent and caring, he held that argument high across decades RIP.

Labour former minister Dame Angela Eagle added: Very sad news. Always supportive of me as his Parliamentary neighbour, brimming with ideas to make society better - a great champion of his Birkenhead constituents: RIP Frank

Mr Sunak said: Frank Field was a decent, moral, and thoughtful man.

He was a great parliamentarian, he made our politics better and raised the level of national debate in this country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: Frank was a steadfast, highly successful and diligent campaigner against child poverty.

It is largely down to Frank that we have child benefit today  a truly towering achievement. He gained support and respect from across the political spectrum and defined the concept of the poverty trap - now commonly used to describe the difficulties for working people of getting better off while claiming means-tested benefits because of the high rate at which benefits are withdrawn as earnings rise. As CPAG director, Frank also helped pave the way for the minimum wage, free school meals and rent allowances for low-income families, all fundamental social protections .

Frank was a true champion for children and low-income families and with child poverty at a record high today, families need his like as never before. He will be greatly missed. Our deep sympathy and condolences to those closest to him.
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Grant Shapps has risked inflaming tensions with Britains most important ally, saying the US only does the right thing after they have exhausted all other options.

The defence secretary aimed the barb at his American colleagues after the Senate approved a $61bn military aid package for Ukraine on Tuesday night.

President Joe Biden said he would sign the historic support package on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (left) and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps arrive at Warsaw Chopin airport in Warsaw during a visit to Poland and Germany. Picture date: Tuesday April 23, 2024. ( PA Wire )

But, speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, gaffe-prone Mr Shapps said: I was relieved to see the US Congress finally pass their package of support for Ukraine.

It rather reminds me of the old maxim of Winston Churchill, that the United States can always be relied on to do the right thing, once they have exhausted all other options.

Americans can always be trusted to do the right thing, once all other possibilities have been exhausted, is a quote often attributed to Winston Churchill ( Getty Images )

There is dispute over whether the quote, often attributed to Mr Churchill, was actually said by the wartime prime minister.

But Mr Shappss invocation of the quote implied the US has been dragging its feet over aid to Ukraine and risks sparking a row with Mr Bidens administration.

Mr Shapps added: It is very important that Vladimir Putin understands that the West is going to stand behind Ukraine no matter what it takes.

The arms and ammunition in the $61bn military aid package should enable Ukraine to slow the Russian armys bloody advances and block its strikes on troops and civilians. And it will buy Ukraine time  for long-term planning about how to take back the fifth of the country now under Russian control.

The US House of Representatives approved the package on Saturday after months of delays by some Republicans wary of US involvement overseas. It was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, and President Joe Biden said he would sign it Wednesday.

The difference could be felt within days on the front line in eastern and southern Ukraine, where Russias much larger army has been slowly taking territory against massively outgunned Ukrainian forces.

The barb by Mr Shapps came a day after Rishi Sunak unveiled plans to hike Britains defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.

Representatives celebrate and wave flags after Congress passes Ukraine aid package (House TV/Reuters) ( House TV/Reuters )

At a press conference alongside Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, the prime minister promised an extra 75bn in defence spending over the next six years.

He warned that the world is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the Cold War, and pledged to put Britains defence industry on a war footing.

It was the latest announcement in a recent flurry of activity by Mr Sunak as he seeks to close the polling gap with Labour ahead of a general election this year.

Last Friday he made a speech promising to end Britains sick note culture, while on Monday he held a rare Downing Street press conference to set out details of how his Rwanda deportation plan will work.

He has come under significant pressure from backbench Conservatives to boost defence spending amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Mr Sunak stressed that the UK is not on the brink of war, but warned about the threats facing the world from an axis of authoritarian states including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

The prime minister is in Berlin today and is set to announce a new partnership on developing artillery systems alongside German chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The two countries will open a new chapter in their partnership, Mr Sunak said.

Mr Shapps has a history of making public gaffes, including being caught out by his own travel rules and having to cut short his summer holiday as transport secretary. He also once said on TV that he backed Brexit despite a previous tweet claiming to have voted to remain in the EU.

And after taking up his post in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Shapps was criticised for confusing the RAF with the Royal Navy in his second week in the job.
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Reform MP Lee Anderson has raised eyebrows with a new video about St Georges Day, which he posted on social media with a bizarre warning to fans of advacado and supporters of the Palestinian cause.

The MP for Ashfield, who recently joined Reform UK after being suspended from the Tory party over racist remarks about London mayor Sadiq Khan, marked the annual feast day with a post showing off a pair of cufflinks bearing the St Georges Cross.

Look at these here, the flag of St George, Rishi Sunaks former Tory deputy chair told viewers, pointing to his cufflinks.

Its St Georges Day today and this country of ours has been a gift to the world. Look at the industrial revolution, culture, arts, music, sport  everywhere you look on this planet, you see some of that. Oh, by the way, happy birthday William Shakespeare.

In a caption for the post, he wrote: Trigger Warning. If you are a Guardian reading, advacado eating, Palestinian flag waving, Eddie Izzard supporting Vegan then this clip is probably not for your consumption.

His remarks drew amusement from on X/Twitter, where critics picked up on his misspelling of the word avocado, and noted the connection between Palestine and St George, who is celebrated not just in England, but in parts of Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus and South America.

Comedian Shaparak Khorsandi wrote: Who is going to tell him about St Georges connection to Palestine? (His mother was Palestinian, they too have a St Georges day/feast. Though, to be fair, it is not known if he was related to Eddie Izzard).

While Mr Andersons reference to Izzard is unclear, Mr Anderson has previously been criticised for vile remarks about the transgender actor and Labour candidate.

Reform MP Lee Anderson has revealed he will not be campaigning in certain Tory constituencies due to his friendships with the current MPs ( Stefan Rousseau/PA )

In a reference to Mr Andersons past claims about food banks, which have earned him the nickname 30p Lee in some quarters, podcaster Marina Purkiss joked: What is an advacado and can I buy one for 30p?

And author Nick Tyrone wrote: The greatest thing about Lee Anderson is the way in which he is a perfect parody of himself. There is no way any comedian could come close to replicating his work here.

Mr Anderson featured in a separate clip posted by Reform UK against the backdrop of a large England flag, in which he said: Hello everyone, happy St Georges Day. Look at this behind me  Im a proud Englishman, Im proud to be British as well.

But are you fed up with people dissing our history, our heritage, our culture? I am. Love the flag, please share it.

The partys leader Richard Tice also posted a clip from Londons Regent Street claiming the political elite are ashamed of our flag, vowing that Reform UK would ensure every city in the country is encouraged to fly our great flag on St. Georges Day.

Prior to becoming deputy chair of the Conservatives, Mr Anderson had suggested the Tory party would have to fight the next election on culture war issues  as it could no longer rely on Brexit or Jeremy Corbyn as vote-winners.

The big thing in terms of 2019, there were three things that won us the election, the former Labour councillor told the conservative New Culture Forum last year.

It was nothing to do with me, it was Brexit, it was Boris, it was Corbyn and it was as simple as that. Those three things together were a great campaign  great ingredients, he said, adding: At the next election we havent got those three things so well have to think of something else.

Itll probably be a mix of culture wars and trans debate.

Polling by Ipsos and Kings College London suggested in November that the majority of British voters felt politicians were using culture wars to distract from other important issues.

Nearly two thirds of the 3,716 people polled said politicians invent or exaggerate culture wars as a political tactic  but just one in 10 felt politicians who talked about divisions over cultural issues genuinely believe it is an important topic.
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Watch as deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden clashed with Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday 24 April.

Rishi Sunak did not make an appearance in parliament today, as he is in Berlin for talks with German chancellor Olaf Scholz.

That means his deputy, Mr Dowden, stepped up to the despatch box.

Ms Rayner took aim at the Tories after Mr Sunak was accused of smearing her with a tax advice jibe in PMQs last week.

She has faced scrutiny about whether she paid the right amount of tax on the 2015 sale of her Stockport council house because of confusion over whether it was her principal residence.

The comment led Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to accuse the billionaire prime minister of smearing a working-class woman.

Ms Rayner has said she will do the right thing and step down if she is found to have committed a crime in relation to her living situation a decade ago but remains confident she has followed the law at all times.
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The deputy leader of Nigel Farages Reform UK has sparked outrage after saying Britain should absolutely let migrants drown in the English Channel.

Ben Habib, the partys Wellingborough parliamentary candidate, said asylum seekers attempting to reach Britain in small boats should suffer the consequences in a widely criticised interview on Wednesday.

Just a day after a seven-year-old girl was among five migrants who died after being crushed on an overcrowded boat during an attempt to cross the English Channel, Mr Habib was questioned about the small boats issue by TalkTVs Julia Hartley-Brewer.

Ben Habib made the comments during an interview with Julia Hartley-Brewer on TalkTV ( TalkTV/X )

Lets not infantilise these people, they have free will, Mr Habib said. Im not going to be held to ransom by their claim that they deserve protection as soon as they get into our territorial waters.

If they choose to scupper that dinghy, then yes, they have to suffer the consequences of their actions.

Ms Hartley-Brewer asked: Then you would leave them to drown?

Absolutely, he replied. They cannot be infantalised to the point that we become hostage to fortune.

Responding to his comments, Ms Hartley-Brewer said: I have no doubt, Ben, that is a policy that would work quite well, however that is not a policy that a civilised country should endorse.

In response, Mr Habib asked: Why is that uncivilised Julia?

Mr Habibs remarks have been condemned on social media.

Mr Habib said asylum seekers needed to suffer the consequences of their actions ( PA )

Author Michael Volpe OBE wrote on X: As I constantly point out - these people are prepared to do anything. Are capable of anything if they were able. Reform, Braverman et al. We have to understand what we are dealing with and that history would quickly repeat itself. Savagery is their instinct.

And Byline News co-founder Peter Jukes tweeted: When Katy Hopkins said the same thing about shooting refugees out of the water, she was sacked from her column at the Sun. Politics has so degraded by the point six years on, it can be the policy of party and one of its leaders. Thats how far weve sunk.

A Reform spokesman said: Our policy is clear and simple: pick up and safely take back to France. Ben was having a conceptual debate about the theory of defending borders. Our policy will stop the boats and save lives.

Reform uk was set up as the Brexit Party by Mr Farage, who has since stepped down as its leader. It is currently in third place in the polls, enjoying more support than the Liberal Democrats and commanding 12 per cent of the vote.

The interview came after Mr Sunaks Rwanda deportation bill finally cleared parliament, with the prime minister promising to send asylum seekers to the east African nation in 10-12 weeks.

The bill is a key plank of the PMs promise to stop the boats, which he has so far failed at, with crossings at a record high so far this year.
Nam prik ong, a sizzling skillet dish for brunch at Tanzies Cafe in Berkeley. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The jasmine tea-scented chia seed bowl is covered with fresh fruit at Tanzies in Berkeley. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

My most cherished memories of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand involve sweaty strolls through night markets while snacking on charred sausage  with all the enthusiasm of a kid eating a popsicle. The street food became a distraction from the humidity, an unrelenting force that felt stronger than gravity.

The sai oua (northern Thai sausage) at Tanzies, a new Berkeley cafe that reimagines brunch with confident Thai flavor, instantly transported me back to those damp nights. Plump, juicy and more fragrant than a perfume aisle, the sausage here is a culinary gem. Its served sliced, providing a peek at the specks of birds-eye chiles and herbs contained within its casing. Shrimp paste gives it pungency, while a melange of herbs and roots  culantro, makrut lime leaf, lemongrass, galangal  brings aromatic depth.

Lava eggs with sai oui, Northern Thai sausage, at Tanzies in Berkeley. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Sai oua is a staple of Chiang Mais cuisine, which is marked by a predilection for salty, sour and spicy flavors, a palate more reflective of Thailands neighbor Laos.

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That culinary tradition provides the basis for Tanzies vision of Thai brunch, which varies greatly from other Bay Area restaurants in the genre hoping to appease social media algorithms. In other words, you wont find dishes like Thai tea French toast that over-rely on sweetness and aesthetics.

Chefs and owners Jezreel Rojas and Krissana Tanz Tussanaprasit opened Tanzies in a quiet part of Berkeley last month. The interior feels like a greenhouse, tinted a radiant lime green, while a fireplace keeps the snug space warm. The cozy vibe is matched with home-style cooking shaped by Tussanaprasits upbringing in Chiang Mai. (Most of the dishes are derived from Tussanaprasits mothers recipes.) The pared-down menu is sectioned into two main groups: sizzling platters and lava eggs.

The egg preparation actually draws inspiration from Korean tornado omelets, a variant of Japanese omurice (an omelet rice dish). As the curds start to form in a nonstick pan, the chefs twist and lift the center with chopsticks, forming a rosebud in the middle. The fluffy, slightly runny open-faced omelet, seasoned effectively with chicken bouillon and soy sauce, is draped over white rice and paired with protein  like the aforementioned sausage ($22). That particular plate also comes with nam prik noom, a spicy relish from fire-roasted peppers, shallots and shrimp paste. And youre encouraged to add incredible, warm Thai beignets ($1.75; a la carte for $5), chromosome-shaped doughnuts similar to Chinese youtiao with condensed milk for dipping.

Thai beignets are served with condensed milk at Berkeley cafe Tanzies. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Despite the bold flavors, the spice-averse are more than welcome here. Try the lava eggs with melty pork jowl ribbons ($20), or the smoky, grilled oyster mushroom version ($20)  both are topped with fried garlic. (The latter can be made with vegan eggs and also comes with nam prik noom.) The nutritious chia seed pudding ($16), colored with floral Thai green tea, is worth seeking out for something lighter.

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On the higher end of the spice spectrum is the sensational nam prik ong sizzling platter ($25), a fried rice dish tossed with a mixture of ground pork, tomatoes and chiles. If youre a heat seeker, you can request dishes to be Thai spicy  and if youre really brave, ask for Tanz spicy.

Drinks were the biggest letdown. The milky drinks, like matcha tea with mango or strawberry puree, tended to taste watered-down across my visits. Instead, try the lemon Thai tea; its sweet pucker provided a refreshing reprieve.

Ironically, the idea for Tanzies began as a coffee shop.

Krissana Tanzie Tussanaprasit, right, gathers plates to deliver to customers as chef Jezreel Rojas, left, prepares orders in the kitchen at Tanzies. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Prior to opening Tanzies, Tussanaprasit worked at San Francisco restaurants La Mar and Kin Khao, the citys first Thai restaurant to earn a Michelin star. She worked at Kin Khao for nearly a decade, and thats also where she met Rojas, the previous sous-chef. When the pandemic hit, Tussanaprasit left Kin Khao to open a restaurant with her family in Chiang Mai. Upon returning to San Francisco, she realized she was most passionate about interacting with people. So Tussanaprasit set out to open a cafe.

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After touring the Berkeley space, which had a fully operational kitchen, she decided to introduce food. Tussanaprasit consulted her mother, who offered to give her recipes. She was initially hesitant, worrying that American audiences would reject Thai spice so early in the morning.

Her mother, ever the wise adviser, saw the natural parallels between an American breakfast and a Thai one. Both share eggs and sausage as staple ingredients. In Chiang Mai, starch comes in the form of rice or doughnuts, a common morning favorite. So confident was her mother that she prophesied, if you trust me, youre gonna be rich.

Its still too early to tell on that last part, but Tanzies is already quite the treasure.

Krissana Tanzie Tussanaprasit, left, and Jezreel Rojas in the cozy dining area at Tanzies in Berkeley. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Tanzies

1453 Dwight Way, Berkeley. https://www.tanziescafe.com/

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Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday-Monday.

Accessibility: All on one level. Wheelchair accessible tables. Limited outdoor seating.

Noise level: Low to mild.

Meal for two, without drinks: $50-$60

What to order: Sai oua lava eggs ($22), pork jowl lava eggs ($20), nam prik ong sizzling platter ($25).

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Meat-free options: Thai beignets ($5), mushroom lava eggs ($20), green Thai tea chia bowl ($16).

Transportation: 88, 688 and J bus routes. Street parking.
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Rishi Sunak has challenged Britains European allies to meet his 75bn pledge to increase defence spending as US president Joe Biden signed a $61bn package of aid for Ukraine.

The prime minister warned the world is more dangerous now than at any moment since the Cold War and faces an axis of authoritarian states.

He also defended what he called "entirely reasonable calls from US counterparts for greater European defence spending.

His words will be seen as a message to Donald Trump not to quit Nato should he win the US election later this year.

Mr Trump has previously said the US would remain in the defence alliance as long as European countries "play fair" and do not "take advantage" of support from America, which spends more on defence.

But UK defence secretary Grant Shapps risked a diplomatic incident over the months of political wrangling in Congress that delayed Mr Bidens aid package for Ukraine. He said it reminded him of the old maxim of Winston Churchill, that the United States can always be relied on to do the right thing, once they have exhausted all other options.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak and Germanys chancellor Olaf Scholz ( PA )

Announcing that Washington will send fresh weapons and equipment to Ukraine right away, Mr Biden said the money would make the world safer.

Its a good day for America, a good day for Ukraine and a good day for world peace, he said. [The aid package is] going to make America safer. Its going to make the world safer. And it continues Americas leadership in the world.

The US president conceded that it had been a difficult path... but in the end, we did what America always does: we rose to the moment, came together. We got it done.

Mr Sunak will use a summit to mark the 75th anniversary of Nato in Washington DC in July to lobby allies to match his defence spending commitment, Mr Shapps said.

Both men are set to argue that spending 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) should be the benchmark.

The previous target of 2 per cent target was set 10 years ago "when we didn't have the significant rise of China, North Korea now nuclear-armed, Iran attacking and using its proxies to attack, and a very much less stable world given Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Mr Shapps added.

Rishi Sunak speaks with military personnel as he visits the Julius Leber Barracks in Berlin on Wednesday ( POOL/AFP/Getty )

Mr Sunak said he was making a choice to prioritise defence.

At a press conference alongside German chancellor Olaf Scholz, he said it was the right thing to do because whether we like it or not the world is more dangerous now than at any moment since the Cold War and it falls on leaders... to do whats necessary to keep our continent safe and stand up for our values."

He warned: We cannot expect Americans to pay any price, to take any burden if we in Europe are not ourselves prepared to make those sacrifices and make those investments.

Pressed to rule out cuts to public services to fund the change, the prime minister said: We have record investment in our public services, including the NHS  thats not going to change, its going to continue. We have record investment in our schools  thats not going to change, its going to continue to increase.

The prime minister even claimed it was possible to press ahead with the plans and still cut peoples taxes  a sign he is trying to close the polling gap with Labour ahead of the next general election.

Mr Sunak pledged on Tuesday to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, paid for in part by slashing 72,000 civil service jobs.

But Labour has called on the prime minister to explain how the promise will be funded. Shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry said Mr Sunak had essentially committed to spending another 75bn on defence by 2030 without a single line of detail on where their money was coming from.

And Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation think tank, said the governments explanation of how the pledge will be funded is a joke.

Announcing that the US will send fresh weapons and equipment to Ukraine right away, Joe Biden said money would make the world safer ( EPA )

Economists last month warned that chancellor Jeremy Hunts national insurance giveaways were dependent on big implicit cuts in public investment spending overall after the next general election.

Ben Zaranko, a senior economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, accused ministers of basing the defence spending pledge on dodgy baselines. He said the claim that the extra spending was equivalent to 75bn was based on comparison with a theoretical defence spending freeze until 2030, and that the actual amount was closer to 20bn.

The government is trying to have it both ways by saying this is a game-changing amount of investment going into defence, but also this is small enough that we can make up for it by getting rid of a few thousand civil servants, he said.
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Pupils have less access to interactive science practicals as video demonstrations are being used instead, a report has suggested.

A survey, commissioned by the Royal Society and EngineeringUK, found that just over a quarter (26%) of GCSE pupils reported doing hands-on practical work in science at least fortnightly.

This was lower than in 2019 (37%) and 2016 (44%) when Year 10 and 11 pupils were surveyed on the frequency of practical work, according to the report.

There has been a marked shift away from more interactive forms of practical work as videos of practicals are increasingly being used as a replacement  and the Covid-19 school lockdowns may have contributed to the trend, it said.

Access to effective hands-on learning that students can tangibly connect to the real world will help make science feel more relevant and meaningful and provide valuable skills for life and work Professor Ulrike Tillmann, Royal Society

A poll of 7,256 pupils aged 1118 in state schools and colleges in England suggests nearly half (46%) of GCSE pupils surveyed said they watched a video of a practical at least fortnightly.

This was higher than those surveyed before the pandemic in 2019 (41%) and in 2016 (39%).

Among all students surveyed in Years 711, the most common form of exposure to practical science was via video, the report said.

The survey, carried out by Verian between July and September 2023, suggests that 68% of Year 10 and 11 students want to do more practical work in science  and the figure is higher among all the pupils surveyed (71%).

There has been a negative shift in young peoples engagement and participation in science at school since 2019 and it is likely that disruption from the pandemic may have contributed, the report said.

Addressing the increasing use of videos of practicals, it added: While it is possible that these changes are symptomatic of a longerterm shift towards using digital technology as a replacement for handson work, it is likely that the pandemic has accelerated any such shifts and could mean that digital teaching practices introduced during lockdowns have now become more embedded.

The evidence of a declining interest in science is a serious wake-up call Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK

The report, commissioned with support from Wellcome, also suggested young people are less interested in science and computing than in 2019.

It said experience of hands-on practical work is key to motivating students in science  especially among the least engaged in science.

Professor Ulrike Tillmann, chairwoman of the Royal Societys education committee, said: The wonderful thing about science is that it has a practical side. It is not just in your head, you can touch and feel it, whether in the classroom or as part of everyday life.

Access to effective hands-on learning that students can tangibly connect to the real world will help make science feel more relevant and meaningful and provide valuable skills for life and work.

The present situation means many young people may emerge from school without a sound appreciation of scientific methods, which are crucial for understanding how science works and being able to engage with scientific issues.

Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, said: We need hundreds of thousands more people entering STEM (science, engineering, technology and mathematics) careers to get on track to meet net zero, to improve sustainability, and for the UK to prosper.

The evidence of a declining interest in science is a serious wake-up call.

Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: The equipment necessary for experiments, including chemicals in some cases, can be prohibitively expensive for schools battling exceptionally tight budgets.

Practical work often requires the help of a specialist technician as well as additional planning and risk assessment from the teacher, who will already be working within the confines of a timetable that is likely bursting at the seams.

All of this can lead to teachers taking the difficult decision to use video demonstrations as opposed to their preferred option of enabling students to experience experiments first hand.

Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders union NAHT, said the Governments obsession with exams may be contributing to the decline.

She said: In part, this decline in students having the opportunity to take part in experiments may be due to shortages of specialist science teachers or technicians at a time when schools are facing a severe recruitment and retention crisis.

But it may also reflect government reforms which saw a new approach of assessing practical work using written exam questions rather than through controlled assessment.
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Rwanda will benefit from asylum seekers sent from Britain because it is "slightly underpopulated" following the 1994 genocide, the home secretary has claimed.

His comments came just hours after parliament passed Rishi Sunaks controversial Rwanda Bill, designed to give thousands a one-way ticket to the African country.

Speaking at an event in Rome, James Cleverly was asked why Rwanda had agreed to take asylum seekers from the UK.

As well as the millions of pounds the UK has paid the countrys government, Mr Cleverly also pointed to its tragic past.

In 1994, an estimated that more than 800,000 people were killed when members of the Tutsi ethnic group were massacred by Hutu militias.

Mr Cleverly said: "For a country of a fairly modest population, it lost a very significant number of its people. So Rwanda - I may be a bit clunky with my phraseology - Rwanda is slightly underpopulated and there is definitely capacity for the individuals who are being relocated to Rwanda to be financially much more better off than they would be in their country of origin but also for Rwanda as a nation to be economically much more better off."

Mr Sunak has come under intense pressure to rethink the policy after five people, including a young girl, died trying to cross the channel.

The UN was among leading voices urging the UK government to reconsider, amid warnings the plan would fall to act as a deterrent to stop desperate asylum seekers trying to come to the UK in small boats.

Home Secretary James Cleverly is in Italy to discuss migration (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire )

Hours after the tragedy off the coast of northern France on Tuesday morning asylum seekers were seen in small boats attempting to reach British beaches.

Speaking to a think tank in Italy, Mr Cleverly also said Rwanda wanted to be an "exporter of solutions".

He said: "Africa, and I'm half-African so I can be a bit more critical than others would feel comfortable, but the sad truth is Africa as a continent is often perceived as an exporter of problems and an exporter of difficulties.

"(Rwanda) recognise that if they are going to compete on the world stage... they have to be quite creative with what their global offer is.

"It's quite clear to me that the Rwandans want to export solutions and that is part of what is going to be their offer to the international community."
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The boss of Ryanair has defiantly announced that he would 'happily' fly asylum seekers to Rwanda under Rishi Sunaks deportation plans.

Michael O'Leary said the UK government had not approached his budget airline to ask them to carry out the flights, designed to give thousands a one-way ticket to the African country.

But he suggested he would have no qualms about helping the prime minister deliver his much-criticised policy, which the United Nations warned earlier this week would breach the refugee convention.

If it was the winter schedule and we had spare aircraft sitting around and if the government were looking for additional deportation flights or any other flights, we would happily quote for the business, Mr OLeary said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Mr Sunak has vowed to push ahead with flights, despite calls from the United Nations and other for him to think again.

The government is already braced for a series of court challenges on the policy.

Ministers insist they have booked planes and an airfield but will not reveal details of either, amid fears they could come under pressure from protesters.

Mr Sunak has promised multiple flights a month to Rwanda, but ministers concede that the number of people sent to Kigali will be small at first, with chartered aircraft expected to be used.

The PM has come under fire for pushing through a bill that designates Rwanda a safe country despite a damning ruling from the Supreme Court late last year that it was not a safe place to send refugees.

He faced intense pressure to rethink the policy after five people, including a young girl, died trying to cross the channel just hours after it cleared its final parliamentary hurdle.

The UN was among leading voices urging the UK government to reconsider, amid warnings the plan would fall to act as a deterrent to stop desperate asylum seekers trying to come to the UK in small boats.

Hours after the tragedy off the coast of northern France on Tuesday morning asylum seekers were seen in small boats attempting to reach British beaches.
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Watch as German chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomes Rishi Sunak to Berlin before they hold a joint news conference on Wednesday 24 April.

The pair will discuss closer co-operation on security, trade and illegal migration in one-on-one talks.

Ahead of his visit, Mr Sunak said the two countries will open a new chapter in their partnership and will announce that the UK and Germany will jointly develop artillery systems.

The prime ministers first visit to the German capital since entering No 10 comes after he faced pressure to visit senior politicians from one of the UKs most powerful European allies.

The UK and Germany are closely aligned on matters including support for Ukraine and are the two biggest suppliers of military aid to the country after the US, but have so far opted to co-operate through Nato and G7 forums instead of through strengthening bilateral ties.

Mr Sunaks stop in Berlin follows his visit to Warsaw, where he promised to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030 in the face of threats from an axis of authoritarian states including Russia and China.
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Rishi Sunak has discussed air defence with Volodymyr Zelensky as the Ukrainian president welcomed a record military package from the UK including long-range missiles, armoured vehicles and boats.

Mr Zelensky, who spoke to the Prime Minister on Tuesday morning, said all of this is needed on the battlefield.

The Prime Minister announced the 500 million in military aid as he travelled to Warsaw and Berlin to meet the leaders of Poland, Germany and Nato.

On the flight to Warsaw, Mr Sunak told reporters: Id agree that air defence is one of the critical areas where Ukraine needs support.

He (Mr Zelensky) and I were talking about air defence this morning. Weve consistently provided air defence support to Ukraine from the very beginning.

He said the two leaders also spoke about the importance of long-range weapons and talked through having the right priorities and focus at the upcoming Nato and European Political Community summits.

Mr Sunak said Mr Zelensky was in good spirits, very positive about the renewed US support and very grateful for UK help.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of Europeans investing in their own security and Nato countries reaching their 2% defence spending commitment.

He said the news that the US House of Representatives ended a months-long stalemate by approving a critical 61 billion US dollar (49 billion) aid package for Ukraine was very welcome, but added that doesnt take away from the need for Europeans to invest in their security.

Mr Sunak warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not stop at the Polish border if his assault on Ukraine is allowed to succeed.

Mr Zelensky welcomed what he said was the largest defence support package for Ukraine to date from the UK.

Storm Shadow and other missiles, hundreds of armoured vehicles and watercraft, ammunition  all of this is needed on the battlefield, he said.

I am grateful to the UK and personally to Prime Minister Sunak for such a strong demonstration of support and for the willingness to further develop our defence co-operation, especially with an emphasis on maritime and long-range capabilities.

Mr Sunak will talk defence and security with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Warsaw.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps on his tour of European capitals.

Mr Sunak will then travel to Germany to hold one-to-one talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.

The 500 million for Ukraine will fund ammunition, air defence and UK-procured drones, as well as supporting engineering and the ramping up of domestic defence supply chains, Downing Street said.

It is new money from the Treasury reserve and not from existing Ministry of Defence budgets, according to No 10.

The uplift takes UK military funding for Kyiv to 3 billion in 2024/25, and to 7.6 billion since the start of Mr Putins full-scale invasion in 2022.

The promised equipment includes around 400 vehicles, more than 1,600 strike and air defence missiles, 60 boats and nearly four million rounds of small arms ammunition.

The weaponry will be delivered as quickly as possible in response to specific asks from the Ukrainian government and armed forces at a time when Kyiv faces a difficult summer as Russia continues to ramp up its barbaric assault, Mr Sunaks official spokesman said.

In his first in-person meeting with his Polish counterpart Mr Tusk, the Prime Minister will seek to strengthen security, trade and diplomatic links with Warsaw.

He will offer to deploy an RAF Typhoon squadron next year to carry out Nato air policing over Poland, where around 400 British troops are stationed full-time.
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At least 21 migrants were dead and 23 others missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, the UN migration agency said.

The boat was carrying 77 people, including children, across the Red Sea from Yemen to Djibouti on Tuesday, the International Organisation for Migration said.

At least 33 people were rescued, with many of the survivors requiring transport to a hospital in Djibouti for treatment. Search continues for the missing.

Those rescued and treated have been repatriated to Ethiopia, the agency said.

Thousands of migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia have been leaving for better work opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. Many are killed as they undertake dangerous voyages across the Red Sea and many get stranded in Yemen where they live in harsh conditions, the migration agency said.

A capsized boat is seen near the coastal town of Obock in northeastern Djibouti Tuesday ( AP )

Tanja Pacifico, head of the agencys Djiboutian office, sounded concern over rising shipwrecks off the Djibouti coast. What is exceptional is that is we had another shipwreck with 38 Ethiopian nationals just less than two weeks ago, Ms Pacifico told Reuters.

These numbers have been increasing over the past few months.

Another boat had capsized in the same waters on 2 April, leaving 38 migrants dead.

Ms Pacifico said all the dead in the latest tragedy were Ethiopians.

Berhanu Tsegaye, Ethiopias ambassador to Djibouti, condoled the deaths.

"Illegal travel from Djibouti to the Middle East countries is extremely dangerous and we are constantly losing the lives of our citizens," he said.
 Close President Joe Biden insists order must prevail as police shut down college Gaza protests

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Police have arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian students as protests against Israels war in Gaza continued across universities over the weekend.

At least 25 protesters were arrested as police cleared an encampment at the University of Virginia, the university said in a statement.

Dozens of people were arrested for criminal trespass outside the Art Institute of Chicago at a demonstration after the institute called in police to remove protesters.

Meanwhile, students carried flags and banners during the University of Michigans commencement ceremony after the NYPD revealed on Friday morning that a police officer with the departments Emergency Service Unit unintentionally fired his gun while trying to access a locked office at Columbia University.

The bullet hit a wall inside the office. No one was injured.

On Thursday morning, hundreds of police officers dismantled a pro-Palestinian protest camp at the University of California at Los Angeles and arrested more than 130 demonstrators.

Live TV footage showed protesters under arrest, kneeling on the ground, their hands bound behind their backs with zip ties. Loud explosions were heard during the clash from flash-bang charges, or stun grenades, fired by police.

President Joe Biden also denounced protests that turned violent on college campuses on Thursday.
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Bryan Kohberger scored a minor win in the University of Idaho murders case this week when the judge ruled that his defence attorneys will be allowed to continue conducting phone surveys of potential jurors.

Mr Kohberger has been charged with the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves after the four students were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022.

A judge previously entered a not guilty plea for him, paving the way for the case to head to trial where prosecutors have said they plan to seek the death penalty if hes convicted.

Mr Kohberger's defence team has hired a consultant to conduct phone surveys of potential jurors living in the University of Idaho area. The consultant's queries probe for details like whether or not a potential juror has heard or read news about the case, if they are aware of Mr Kohberger's arrest, or if they watch or listen to true crime programming.

When prosecutors learned that the consultant was making calls, they requested that Latah County District Court Judge John Judge prohibit the defence from continuing the calls, arguing that the surveys violate a previously instated gag order. They also raised concerns that some of the questions could prejudice potential jurors when the case heads to trial.

Judge Judge has now ruled that the surveys are permissible, so long as the questions don't violate the specific terms of the gag order.

He noted that most of the questions on the survey include information that is already available to the public, and as such did not violate the order.

The ruling comes almost a week after Mr Kohberger's defence team finally shared his alibi for the night of the murders.

Mr Kohbergers attorney Anne Taylor said in a court filing that her client loved to run and hike, and that he frequently took late night drives.

Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, sits with Anne Taylor, left, one of his attorneys in a court hearing ( AP )

Mr Kohberger was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022; as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars, Ms Taylor wrote.

He drove throughout the area south of Pullman, Washington, west of Moscow, Idaho including Wawawai Park.

Pullman is approximately 8 miles west of Moscow, where the murders took place.

The defence also indicated that it plans to call an expert witness to testify that  using cellphone geolocation data  Mr Kohberger did not travel east along toward Moscow on the night of the murders.

The family of one of the victims blasted the alibi, saying that it is in direct conflict with the evidence in the affidavit.

The Defenses claim is that the Defendant was driving late at night hiking/running and stargazing. We are not sure why it has taken over a year for this to come out as those dont seem to be complicated activities. We believe that If this alibi had any weight it would have been submitted months ago, the family of Kaylee Goncalves wrote after the alibi was entered into the trial.

It is also in direct conflict with the Probable Cause affidavit that states that the Defendants phone was turned off between 2.47am and 4.48am.

The family said that they continue to look forward to justice in the trial.

No trial date has yet been set for Mr Kohberger.
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Chad Daybell wiped away tears as the 911 call from his wifes sudden death was played in court during his Idaho death penalty trial.

The moment was uncharacteristically emotional for the doomsday cult author, 55, who is on trial for the 2019 death of his then-wife Tammy Daybell and the murders of his current wife Lori Vallows children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and JJ Vallow, seven, whose bodies were found on his property in Rexburg in June 2020.

Jurors in Boise heard the 911 call made by Mr Daybell and his son Garth in the early morning hours after discovering that Tammy had suddenly died in her sleep.

Im Chad, the husband, Mr Daybell said on the call. Shes clearly dead, he tells the dispatcher as he begins to cry.

Chad Daybell wiped away tears as the 911 call from his wifes sudden death was played in court ( Judge Steven Boyce/YouTube )

While the call was being played, Mr Daybell, who is often described on social media as a cardboard cutout because he sits so still at the defence table, appeared uncomfortable as he leaned forward and then sat back with his arms crossed.

At one point, as Mr Daybell appeared to fight back tears, his defence attorney John Prior patted his arm, consoling him, and then handed him a box of tissues, which he clutched to his face, wiping his tears.

The call was played on Tuesday afternoon during testimony from states witness Alyssa Greenhalgh, a Fremont County Sheriffs deputy, who responded to the Daybell house after reports of an unattended death.

Tammy was an otherwise healthy 49-year-old when she was initially believed to have died of a cardiac event  an autopsy later determined that her cause of death was asphyxiation.

Just two weeks after Tammy died, Mr Daybell married Lori Vallow on a beach in Hawaii.

It was only after the two children were reported missing  and authorities began delving into Mr Daybell and Vallow and their bizarre cult beliefs  that questions began being asked about Tammys death too.

The bodies of Tylee Ryan and Joshua JJ Vallow were found buried on Daybells property ( Family handout )

In opening statements earlier this month, prosecutors said Mr Daybells 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 of 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.

Mr Daybells triple murder trial began on 1 April and is expected to last at least two months.

If convicted, he faces either the death penalty or life in prison.
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A terrified Christian Glass was swarmed by armed officers and treated like an animal in a cage thats being poked and prodded before former deputy Andrew Buen fired five fatal shots into his vehicle, prosecutors argued Wednesday in closing arguments of Buens murder trial.

Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum replayed body camera footage for jurors at the start of Wednesdays arguments, emphasizing the immediate and repeated barked orders at the 22-year-old to get out of the car from former Clear Creek County deputy Buen.

Buen has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and first-degree official misconduct in connection with the June 2022 killing.

Sally Glass is comforted by her husband Simon. Their son Christian, 22, is seen on the far right ( Associated Press and The Glass Family )

The former deputy was first on scene with shift partner Tim Collins to respond to Christians 911 motorist assist call  but those initial abrupt orders, along with Buens behaviour, escalated everything that happened on scene that night, McCollum told the court.

Mr Buen ran that scene, McCollum told the court. He showed up; he was in charge ... it was Mr Buens decision to get Christian out of the car  call it tunnel vision, call it hyper-focused ... maybe even a goal.

Literally, in under ten minutes, he made a comment to dispatch: Were going to have to get this guy out of the car  and that was it, she said. He never faltered from that. He never wavered from that decision ... and, ladies and gentlemen, he did it. He got him out.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors have argued that Buen acted with excessive, aggressive and criminal force, that his determination to remove Christian from the car was unjustified and that none of the seven officers on scene faced real danger from Christian  who remained within the vehicle at all times.

Buens defense team have accused the prosecution of a shoddy investigation and case, suggesting Christian was intoxicated and may have committed offenses such as dangerous driving in the run-up to his 911 call. They argue that Buen believed other officers lives were in jeopardy after Christian picked up a knife in the vehicle  which the prosecution repeatedly pointed out Christian had offered to throw out of the car both during conversations with the dispatcher and Buen himself.

He was being cooperative, McCollum said Wednesday. He offered to throw weapons out the window; Mr Buen didnt want that.

Christian loved art, sports, geology and had a passion for social justice, his family say; he had trained as a chef and was looking at coding programmes ( The Glass Family )

After Buen told Christian not to touch them, the 22-year-old picked up a small knife for less than a second and tossed it aside to obey orders, McCollum said. He put his hands on the wheel as instructed.

Nothing that he did showed that he was a danger to himself; he certainly wasnt a danger to anyone else, she said Wednesday. He had barricaded himself in a car ,and he had complied with everything Mr Buen had said, aside from getting out. He had tried to explain he was afraid; he was terrified. He was praying.

She argued that none of the other officers, all of whom were closer to Christian as the incident escalated, fired their weapons on the night.

The defense, however, countered in closing arguments that no one but the people on scene could hear, see and smell the conditions on the evening, that body camera footage wasnt enough. Defense lawyer Carrie Slinkard told jurors that prosecutors mentioned nobody else shot  without explaining to you why.

There were explanations, you just didnt hear any of them, because she didnt put any of those witnesses on the witness stand, Slinkard said. You cannot infer that he is guilty of murder because other people made a different decision when they were standing in different places, looking at different things and had different backdrops at the time.

She played and replayed body camera footage for the court on Wednesday which she argued proved Georgetown Marshal Randy Williams (also referred to as Georgetown Police Chief throughout the trial) had been within range of Christians knife at the time.

It wasnt until the knife in Mr Glasss hand went outside that back window as the chief is standing right there that shots are fired, she argued.

Slinkard also took aim at the prosecutions argument that Buen had no justification for removing Christian from the vehicle, insisting the motorists pupils were dilated and Christian could have been intoxicated.

The DAs argument, she said, meant anyone who gets pulled over for a DUI in the future or really any crime, at this stage, can just sit in their car, roll their windows up, not communicate and just keep cops there forever ... resources dont matter, DUI doesnt matter, because they said theyre scared.

Simon and Sally Glass comfort each other during an emotional news conference about the death of their son, Christian Glass, Sept. 13, 2022 ( Associated Press )

Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Potts, however, urged jurors in closing to consider officer-created jeopardy  when an officer creates a situation which causes, which precipitates, him to have to act or take conduct that results in injury or death to a person.

The case, he said, involved a super-frightened boy in a car telling them that he didnt want to get out of the car.

One of the first things he said to Deputy Collins when they arrived was, Youre not going to shoot me, are you? Well, you know what? They did, Potts said Wednesday. They shot him. They shot him to death.

He said hes scared, he said he needs other people there ... whether this was drugs mixed with psych issues, whether its a psych issue only, does it really matter? He was in a crisis of some kind. Is this how we expect people in crisis to be treated? To scream and yell at them, to shine flashlight into their face, to stand up against the window ... while hes in the car with his hands above the wheel, terrified?

McCollum, in her arguments, pointed to inconsistencies  how one defense witness discussed officers fears that Christian might get out of the car and use the knife, but they wanted him out of the car. So did they want him out of the car or did they not want him out of the car?

How could Christian win that night? she asked jurors. Maybe the better question is: How could Christian live that night?

After sending home two pre-determined alternates, the judge instructed jurors before noon on Wednesday to pick a jury foreperson before beginning deliberations.

Christian called 911 for help late on 10 June 2022 after his car became stuck on rocks on a dirt mountain road near the tiny old mining town of Silver Plume, about 45 miles west of Denver. Christian began speaking of folkloric figures and making other statements that indicated he may have been suffering from some type of mental episode. He told the dispatcher the car contained two knives, a hammer and mallet that could be considered weapons, offering to throw them out of the vehicle upon officers arrival.

Buen and his Clear Creek County shift partner, Tim Collins, arrived and then the Clear Creek deputies were soon joined by five other officers from Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Colorado State Patrol and Colorados Division of Gaming. Buens supervisor, Sgt Kyle Gould, was monitoring remotely and gave permission to breach the vehicle, according to court evidence.

During the attempt at breaching the vehicle, as officers surrounded the car, shouted at Christian, deployed tasers and non-lethal bean bag rounds, he thrashed around and grabbed a small geological knife hed previously offered to throw out of the car. Buen fired five fatal shots at Christian in the drivers seat.

Gould pleaded guilty late last year to a reduced charge of duty to intervene and has been stripped of his peace officer certification in Colorado. The other six officers who responded to the scene have also been charged with duty to intervene.

Christians parents, Sally and Simon Glass, last year were awarded a landmark $19m settlement in Colorado, the terms of which included enhanced police training in de-escalation tactics and new crisis response practice.
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The Delphi murders suspect wants his prison confession thrown out ahead of his trial next month, claiming that he was in mental distress when he confessed to killing two teenage girls.

Richard Allen confessed to the murders of Abby Williams, 13, and 14-year-old Libby German in 2022. Their bodies were discovered on 14 February 2017, a day after they had gone for a walk on abandoned train tracks near their homes in Delphi, Indiana.

Despite various suspects being investigated over the years, the case went mostly cold until Mr Allens arrest in October 2022, when ballistics on a bullet found at the scene were tied to him.

Ahead of his trial next month, his defence attorneys asked the court last week to block jurors from hearing his initial interrogations by Indiana state troopers, claiming that his civil rights were violated.

Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together. The two friends were murdered in 2017 ( Facebook )

A separate filing, earlier this month, also asks that Mr Allens prison confession be omitted from the trial. His lawyers say that his confession came after five months of solitary confinement which saw his mental health deteriorate to the point where he ate his own feces.

The lawyers claim that prison officials asked other inmates at the Wabash Correctional Facility to keep logs of everything Mr Allen said and did in his cell. They argue that this amounted to a sustained form of interrogation; one that lasted more than five months before he was finally broken, WTHR reported.

On Tuesday, prosecutors filed motions to keep the confessions in, arguing that Mr Allen made the statements voluntarily without interrogation.

The prosecution also wants to throw out defence claims that an Odinist pagan cult was behind the girls deaths. Mr Allen made the claims last September, naming four suspects to investigators. His attorneys deny that he was part of the group.

Before the two girls vanished in February 2017, Libby posted photos of the pair walking along the Monon High Bridge Trail on the outskirts of Delphi to Snapchat. One post included a man dressed in blue jeans, blue jacket and a cap in the background, who police later identified as the prime suspect.

Mr Allen, who had lived in Delphi since 2006, became a suspect when officers linked a bullet found at the crime scene to Mr Allens gun.

It was later revealed that he had been interviewed by police in the days after the girls murders, and he admitted that he had been on the trail the afternoon they disappeared.

On 13 October 2022, Mr Allen voluntarily faced questions from Delphi police. Officers then obtained a search warrant for his home and seized his car.

A few weeks later, Mr Allen and his wife were told they could pick the vehicle up from a state police post in Lafayette.

His attorneys claim that police separated the couple and that a trooper questioned Mr Allen without reading his rights, or telling him that he could leave at any point.

This photo, taken by Libby German, was issued by police in 2017 and named as the prime suspect in the teens murders ( Indiana State Police )

Mr Allens attorneys also argue that officers failed to properly record their interviews with the suspect, or tell him that he was being recorded, knowing that they were going to arrest him for the murders, according to a motion filed with Carroll County Court and obtained by Fox 59.

During Mr Allens recorded questioning, one trooper reportedly tells him: Youre guilty and I know it and Im gonna f***ing prove it.

In the defences filing over his prison confession, lawyers claim that Mr Allen became delusional, paranoid and highly dysfunctional following confinement with behaviours including stripping off his clothes, drinking toilet water, covering himself with and eating his own faeces.

It was in this state, the lawyers say, that Mr Allen made his multiple alleged confessions to both prison guards and his wife over the phone, with the admissions revealed at a court hearing in June 2023.

His defence argues that his remarks were not voluntarily given but instead as a result of coercion and they are therefore not admissible in court.

Mr Allens defence team also argues that police and prosecutors have ignored other evidence in the case.

Mr Allens attorneys have previously said that details from the crime scene pointed to a possible Odinist cult killing with symbols painted in the blood of one of the victims allegedly discovered, according to court filings obtained by The Independent last year.

Libby German posted this picture to Snapchat as the girls walked along the trail, shortly before their deaths on 13 February 2017 ( Snapchat )

The lawyers also claimed there were sticks placed over the girls bodies, in line with the pagan practices linked to the Nordic-inspired rituals.

Investigators abandoned the Odinist line of inquiry around March 2017, despite the evidence at the scene, according to the defence filing from September 2023.

Three investigators looked into the pagan connection including Rushville assistant police chief Todd Click.

Prosecutors are now also trying to discredit his involvement, the Lafayette Journal & Courier reported on Tuesday.

Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland is arguing that those records will show untruthful behaviour or credibility issues, which could impact his Odinist cult claims, the outlet said.

Mr McLelands office, which previously described the cult theory as fanciful, is yet to respond to a request for further comment from The Independent on Wednesday. Mr Allens attorney, Andrew J Baldwin, is also yet to respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Mr Allens trial is set to begin on 13 May.
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Convicted killer Adam Montgomery has been ordered to appear in person to be sentenced for the horrific murder of his daughter Harmony, after he refused to show up in court for his three-week trial.

Montgomery, 34, was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree assault, falsifying physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and tampering with a witness and informants in February over the death of his five-year-old daughter.

At trial, jurors heard how Montgomery killed his daughter in 2019 by repeatedly punching her in the head after the little girl soiled herself.

Harmonys stepmother  and Montgomerys wife  Kayla Montgomery testified that, after the deadly attack, the family drove to a Burger King.

After realising she was dead, she told the court that the little girls remains were hidden in a ceiling vent at a shelter where the family was staying.

Montgomery then snuck his daughters remains into his workplace freezer, before disposing of them in March 2020.

Harmonys remains have never been found.

It was two years before Harmony was even reported missing  sparking a huge investigation to find out what had happened to the little girl.

Prior to her murder, the little had lived on and off with foster families and her mother Crystal Sorey in Massachusetts, before going to live with her father in New Hampshire in 2019.

Harmony Montgomery was five years old when she was murdered ( Nicole Sorey/Facebook )

Montgomery admitted to charges of abuse of a corpse and falsifying evidence at the start of his high-profile trial  but then refused to show up for the remainder of the three-week proceedings.

Montgomery is now set to be sentenced at 1pm ET on 9 May.

An attorney for the convicted killer previously argued that he should be excused from attending the hearing because he has maintained his innocence on the murder, assault and witness tampering charges.

His attorneys argue that the child actually died while she was with her stepmother Kayla, who is serving an 18-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to perjury for lying about when Harmony was last seen alive.

Judge Amy Messer, a New Hampshire Superior Court justice, disagreed with Montgomerys attorneys and issued an order on Friday ruling that he must show up for his sentencing.

Adam Montgomery and his lawyers Caroline Smith and James Brooks watch as potential jurors enter the courtroom for jury selection ahead of his murder trial at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Tuesday 6 February 2024 ( AP )

Although the statute allows the judge to exercise its discretion to excuse a defendant from this obligation, the court does not find that the defendant has raised an adequate factual or legal basis to do so here, Judge Messer wrote.

The only factual basis the defendant asserts is his contention that he is innocent as to some of the charges. However, the defendant has been found guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, by a jury as to those charges.

Were the court to accept the defendants request, it would be tantamount to excusing the defendants appearance simply because he did not wish to attend, the judge concluded.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff has been instructed to take all necessary steps to ensure Montomgery appears in court on the day of his sentencing.

Montgomery is already serving a 30-year prison sentence for an unrelated gun conviction.
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More than 160 complaints have been made over the years about the home where a missing 12-year-olds body was found, with at least three other bodies reportedly discovered there.

Jaylen Griffins body was found, decomposed, at the property on Sheffield Avenue in South Buffalo, New York, nearly four years after he vanished in August 2020.

The discovery wasnt the first time police had been called out to the address, WIVB reports, with at least 160 police complaints since 2007.

Among those call-outs were three other bodies, including the most recent discovery in the yard of the house in August 2023, the outlet said.

The first body turned up following a welfare check in June 2020, reports said, with another reported in September 2022, which led to an arrest.

Domestic violence, fire and mental health welfare checks were also included in the list of 911 calls for the multi-unit property, the outlet reported.

Buffalo Police Department refused to comment to The Independent on the reports, referring instead to their previous press conference on the discovery of Jaylens body.

Jaylen Griffin disappeared in Buffalo, NY, in August 2020 ( Jaylen Griffin )

Police said then that someone was in the property with a valid reason and came across Jaylins body and immediately called 911. Officers would not say where in the home his body was found.

Meanwhile, a neighbour is suing the landlords - Sunrise West LLC - and Spectrum Health and Human Services, after a tenant reportedly threw pieces of a burnt mattress out of a window, which caused $130,000 of damage to their property.

Spectrum reportedly houses some high-need, high-risk individuals at homes around the city. The Independent has approached the organisation for further comment but is yet to receive a response.

Jaylens body was found on 12 April, a week before what would have been his 16th birthday.

Police said that they believed his body had been in the house for a significant amount of time, but they could not provide a timeframe.

His mother, Joann Ponzo, died aged 48 in September 2023 without knowing what had happened to her son.

Jaylen vanished on 4 August 2020, after leaving his home on Warren Avenue in the Broadway-Fillmore district, near the Central Terminal.

His mother told People in 2021 that he liked to go to stores nearby and help people carry their bags for small change.

A few months later, Ms Ponzo lost Jaylens older brother when he was killed in a shooting, aged 18.

She struggled, Kareema Morris, the founder of Bury the Violence, who supported the mother and helped to spread awareness of Jaylens disappearance, told The Buffalo News. She did the best she knew how. She loved her children.

Ms Morris said Jaylens mother became frustrated with the lack of updates from law enforcement, despite renewed searches over the years.

At one point, Ms Ponzo showed Ms Morris a binder she had found in the house two weeks after Jaylen vanished.

In it was a drawing, with the words Im gone already written on it. His mother wondered if he had already known his fate, Ms Morris told The Buffalo News.

Buffalo PD is now offering a $7,500 reward for information which leads to the arrest or indictment of those responsible for Jaylens death.
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Madeline Sotos mothers boyfriend has been charged with her murder, almost two months after the 13-year-old vanished one school morning before her body was found several days later.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, State Attorney Andrew Bain said that a grand jury had returned the indictment against Stephan Sterns earlier that day, charging him with first-degree murder.

For the last seven weeks, the Kissimmee Police Department and my office have been working closely to go over every piece of evidence that we could gather in this case, Mr Bain said.

It was voluminous and a lot of evidence to go over in that time.

Mr Bain said that his office was considering whether to seek the death penalty against Mr Sterns, who is already behind bars charged with a string of sexual abuse counts.

The charges come after Mr Sterns pleaded for the teenagers safe return in interviews with the media  only for law enforcement to discover footage of him allegedly driving a vehicle with her body inside.

Madeline had just celebrated her 13th birthday when she was reported missing on 26 February from Kissimmee, Florida.

At the time, Mr Sterns, 37, told investigators that he had dropped her off close to her school that morning, but she never arrived for class.

Stephan Sterns pictured in mugshot ( Osceola County Sheriff's Office )

After a four-day search, Madelines body was found in a wooded area on 1 March.

Mr Sterns was arrested while search efforts were still under way, after disturbing images and videos of alleged sexual abuse were found on his cellphone.

Investigators said the cellphone contents, showing abuse stretching back years, was discovered despite the suspect saying he had accidentally performed a factory reset of his phone the day Madeline vanished.

He was later charged with sixty child sexual abuse offences and has been held in Osceola County Jail ever since.

Madeline Soto was found dead four days after she disappeared ( Supplied )

Mr Sterns was due to appear for a pre-trial hearing earlier on Wednesday, but this was pushed back to July.

Mr Bain said that he expects Mr Sterns to appear in court in the coming days.

I want to thank the grand jury for their hard work and their efforts in ensuring we are taking this first step in seeking justice for Madeline Soto, he said.

Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland told reporters at the press conference that she understood the interest in Madelines case as she had just celebrated her birthday and was just a child.

The evidence shows an individual who was entrusted to keep Madeline safe made calculated moves to dispose Madelines belongings and place her body in a wooded area before she was ever reported missing, Chief Holland said.
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A fifth member of the Gods Misfits group has been charged with kidnap and murder following the killings of two women who were lured to their deaths in rural Oklahoma.

Paul Grice, 31, is also charged with conspiracy to commit murder over the killings of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39.

Investigators said on Wednesday that Mr Grice had been arrested earlier in the day based on the evidence and information gathered from the case.

Mr Grice is the latest arrest after two couples were charged with murder - Tifany Machel Adams, 54; Tad Bert Cullum, 43; Cole Earl Twombly, 50; and Cora Twombly, 44.

All are believed to be part of an anti-government, religious group calling themselves Gods Misfits.

Paul Grice is the fifth member of the self-proclaimed Gods Misfits group to be charged with murdering two women from Kansas ( OSBI/Texas County Sheriffs Department )

Mr Grice was named in arrest documents relating to the other suspects, obtained by The Independent.

On 30 March, the women were headed to pick up Ms Butlers children and take her daughter to a birthday party when they vanished.

According to court documents, Ms Butler was involved in a problematic custody battle over her children with one of the suspects, Tifany Adams.

Ms Adams is the childrens paternal grandmother and they had been staying with her, investigators said, while her son Wrangler Rickman, 26, is in a rehab facility.

Ms Butler was allowed supervised visits on Saturdays. The day before she disappeared, Ms Butler was told by Ms Adams that her usual, paid supervisor was not available, and she should bring her own chosen person.

Veronica Butler, left, and Jilian Kelley disappeared on 30 March in rural Oklahoma. Their bodies were identified last week and five people have been charged over their murders ( AP )

Ms Kelley, a preachers wife, was that chosen person.

On 30 March, the pair were driving towards the agreed pick-up point for the children on Highway 95 when they were allegedly diverted from the road by two members of the Gods Misfits group, according to police.

The Twomblys allegedly blocked the road so that the two victims would be directed to where Ms Adams and Mr Cullum were positioned at a desolate crossroads.

Their car was later found by Ms Butlers relatives with signs of a severe injury. Police found blood on the ground, along with Ms Butlers glasses and a broken hammer. In Ms Kelleys purse, they found a pistol magazine but no firearm.

When the other four suspects were arrested, investigators alleged that the group had plotted for weeks to kill Ms Butler, stating that they lured the two women to the point where they vanished.

Tifany Adams, left, is the paternal grandmother of Veronica Butlers children. She has been charged over Ms Butlers murder ( AP/Facebook )

Searches of Ms Adams phone showed that she had looked up taser pain level, gun shops, prepaid cellular phones and how to get someone out of their house.

The two women were forced into another vehicle and taken to another location with the intent to cause Veronica Butler/Jilian Kelley to be confined/imprisoned against [their] will, court documents read.

Three pre-paid phones, purchased by Ms Adams, pinged at the location where the womens car was later found.

Two of those phones were found in a pasture below a dam, around eight miles away, where a hole had recently been dug and then filled back in. Those devices had shown up close to the Twomblys residence and another home, a police affidavit said.

It is unclear what happened following the apparent abductions or how the victims died. The Medical Examiners Office is yet to release its report.

During inquiries, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation questioned Mr Rickmans grandmother, Debi Knox-Davis, who said that her grandson told her in February that they didnt have to worry about the custody battle much longer because Adams had it under control.

While Mr Rickman denied having the conversation, he allegedly told his grandmother that we will take out Veronica at drop off.

Investigators also interviewed Ms Twombleys 16-year-old daughter, identified as CW. She alleged that the suspects the group, Gods Misfits.

Clockwise from top left: Tad Bert Cullum, 43, Cora Twombly, 44, Cole Earl Twombly, 50, and Tifany Machel Adams, 54, were arrested and charged with murder earlier this month ( AP )

CW alleged that the group had earlier tried to kill Ms Butler in February. One plan had been to throw an anvil through the womans windshield in order to make her death look like an accident.

On 29 March, Mr and Ms Twombly told their daughter that they were going on a mission the next day, so likely would not be there when she woke up, according to the affidavits. The couple returned home at around noon and told the girl to clean the interior of their Chevrolet pickup.

Ms Twombly told her daughter that things did not go as planned, but that they would not have to worry about her [Butler] again, the court documents said.

CW alleged that she had asked why Ms Kelley had to die and her mother told her that she wasnt innocent because she had supported Ms Butler, the documents said.

Those documents named Mr Grice alongside the other four defendants, but the OSBI said that there were no other suspects following the four other suspects arrests.

According to separate court records from 2023, obtained by The Independent, Mr Grice made several bizarre statements, including claiming his children as his property and that he is not a US citizen.

Ms Adams, Mr Cullum and Mr and Ms Twombly appeared in court last week, wearing bullet-proof vests, to hear the charges against them.
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The defense attorney representing a former Los Angeles-area gang leader accused of killing hip-hop music icon Tupac Shakur in 1996 in Las Vegas has said his client's accounts of the killing are fiction and prosecutors lack key evidence to obtain a murder conviction.

"He himself is giving different stories," attorney Carl Arnold told reporters outside a courtroom following a brief status check with his client, Duane Keffe D Davis, in front of a Nevada judge. His trial is scheduled for November 4.

We havent seen more than just his word, Arnold said of Davis' police and media interviews since 2008 in which prosecutors say he incriminated himself in Shakur's killing  including Davis' 2019 tell-all memoir of life leading a street gang in Compton, California.

Prosecutor Binu Palal did not immediately comment outside court about Arnold's statements. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson has said evidence against Davis is strong and it will be up to a jury to decide the credibility of Davis' accounts.

Arnold said his client wanted to make money with his story, so he embellished or outright lied about his involvement in the car-to-car shooting that killed Shakur and wounded rap music mogul Marion Suge Knight at a traffic signal near the Las Vegas Strip in September 1996.

Rapper Tupac Shakur attends a voter registration event in South Central Los Angeles, Aug. 15, 1996 ( AP1996 )

Knight, now 59, is serving 28 years in a California prison for an unrelated fatal shooting in the Los Angeles area in 2015. He was not called by prosecutors to testify before the grand jury that indicted Davis last year.

Arnold said Davis will not testify at trial, but he intends to call Knight to testify. The defense attorney said police and prosecutors lack proof that Davis was in Las Vegas at the time of Shakur's killing, and dont have the gun and car used during the shooting as evidence.

Weve seen video of everybody else here. Wheres video of him?" Arnold said of Davis. "Theres just nothing saying that he was here.

Davis has been jailed on $750,000 bail since his arrest in September. Arnold said Tuesday that Davis has been unable to raise the 10% needed to obtain a bond to be released to house arrest.

Davis, 60, is originally from Compton. Police, prosecutors and Davis say he is the only person still alive who was in the car from which shots were fired.

Davis pleaded not guilty in November to first-degree murder. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

In his book, Davis wrote that he was promised immunity from prosecution when he told authorities in Los Angeles what he knew about the fatal shootings of Shakur and rival rapper Christopher Wallace six months later in Los Angeles. Wallace was known as The Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls.
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Riot police are arrested a number of students at campuses across the US on Wednesday as protests over the Israel-Hamas war continue to grow.

On Wednesday afternoon, police on horseback arrived at University of Texas at Austins campus and detained at least 20 people participating in the protest, which was organised by the universitys Palestinian Solidarity Committee, according to The Texas Tribune.

The students were demanding that the institution divest from manufacturers supplying Israel weapons in attacks against Palestine, a call thats been echoed on campuses nationwide. The students gathered at a gym with plans to march through the university and hold a sit-in. By lunchtime around 200 students had banded together.

Up to 100 state troopers were called in to stop the demonstrations. The UT Division of Student Affairs issued a statement saying that the protests are not supported by the university.

UT Austin does not tolerate disruptions of campus activities or operations like we have seen at other campuses, the statement read. This is an important time in our semester with students finishing classes and studying for finals and we will act first and foremost to allow those critical functions to proceed without interruption.

Students clash with USC Public Safety Officers during a Gaza solidarity occupation on campus to advocate for Palestine in Los Angeles, California, USA, 24 April 2024 ( EPA )

Republican Governor Greg Abbott called on the protestors to be arrested in a statement posted to X. Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses, he wrote. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.

Similar scenes broke out at the University of Southern California as police arrested a Palestinian student organiser who was later released. More than 100 students at the college placed tents, banners and signs in the centre of the campus.

A peaceful protest on Wednesday was disrupted as students and officers with USCs Department of Public Safety. Officials clashed. The public safety department called in the Los Angeles Police Department for backup as tensions escalated. About 300 people were thought to be protesting on school grounds and police closed the campus to anyone without a university-issued ID.

USC public safety officers detain a pro-Palestine demonstrator during clashes after officers attempted to take down an encampment ( Getty Images )

The campus movement ignited earlier this month after USC officials decided against letting Valedictorian Asna Tabassum, a Muslim student, give a commencement address citing safety concerns. USC officials did not elaborate on what the concerns were.

Over 100 faculty members wrote a letter to President Carol Folt, Provost Andrew Guzman and the Board of Trustees disagreeing with the decision, stating that it directly contradicts the universitys values.

On Wednesday, students showed their support for Ms Tabassum by chanting Let her speak at several points throughout the demonstrations.

Additional arrests were seen at universities around the country this week, including Ohio State and Columbia University. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called for Columbias President Dr Nemat Shafik to resign during a visit to Columbia where he was repeatedly booed by students.

Mr Johnson spoke to drowning chants of We cant hear you as he delivered remarks from the steps of Columbia on Wednesday afternoon, calling for student protesters to be arrested. Jewish students told the speaker that they felet unsafe on campus, Mr Johnson said.

Mike Johnson was repeatedly booed as he spoke at Columbia University ( AFP via Getty Images )

New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters earlier in the day that she thought Mr Johnson should stay in Washington DC.

I think politicising this and bringing the entourage to put a spotlight on this is only adding to the division, Ms Hochul told Politico. A Speaker worth the title should really be trying to heal people and not divide them, so I dont think it adds to anything.

Columbia officials and the protesters had a Wednesday night deadline to reach an agreement that could restore order to the campus.

A protester is detained at Californias USC ( EPA )

If an agreement is not reached, Dr Shafik said that officials would be forced to consider other measures to bring the campus back to order.

Other encampments have been established at Brown University, the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California State Polytechnic, Humboldt.

The conflict in the Middle East began on 7 October with the Hamas terror attacks in Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. In the ensuing Israeli attack on Gaza, more than 30,000 people are thought to have been killed.
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The Arizona House of Representatives voted on Wednesday in favour of repealing the 160-year-old strict abortion ban that was set to take effect as early as June.

In a 32-29 vote, Republican legislators crossed party lines to join Democrats in reversing the highly controversial bill after two failed attempts.

Earlier this month the states Supreme Court upheld the law, enacted in 1864, outlawing nearly all forms of abortion with exceptions to save a mothers life and making it a crime to help a woman obtain one.

The ruling sent the state into momentary chaos as residents denounced the decision and abortion providers scrambled to understand when it would take effect.

Lawmakers and politicians, including former president Donald Trump, criticised the decision. Many called on state legislators to repeal it.

The measure will now head to the Arizona Senate for a vote, though it could take some time before it is approved and sent to Governor Katie Hobbs. The earliest the Senate could vote is May 1 and the legislative branch will need at least two Republicans to side with every Democrat to push it forward.

Abortion rights supporters gather outside the Capitol ( AP )

The repeal comes after two previous attempts by Democratic lawmakers to bring forward a bill. Last week, Republicans blocked an effort to bring the bill forward  citing procedural grounds. Earlier this month, Republicans voted against another effort to repeal the Civil War-era law, resulting in a screaming match.

The highly controversial 1864 ban was enacted before Arizona even obtained statehood. When the Supreme Court initially decided Roe in 1973, it overruled the states abortion law.

In preparation for the Supreme Court to overturn Roe, the Arizona legislature enacted a 15-week abortion ban without first repealing the 1864 ban.

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2021, the 1864 ban briefly took effect. Planned Parenthood Arizona challenged the decision which made its way to the states supreme court.

A ruling allowing the 160-year-old ban to take effect was unexpected.

As part of the nationwide outrage at the Arizona Supreme Court decision, California Governor Gavin Newsom said his state was working on emergency legislation to allow doctors to provide abortions in California.

Democrat Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, sponsor of repeal bill of 1864 Arizona abortion law, speaks to reporters during a press conference in Phoenix, Arizona ( REUTERS )

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizonas president and CEO Angela Florez praised the Houses decision to repeal the ban, saying We must celebrate todays vote in support of abortion rights and harness our enthusiasm to spread the word and urge lawmakers in the Senate to support this necessary repeal bill.

Despite this step forward, Arizonans cannot stop fighting. Even with the repeal of the Civil War-era ban, the state will still have a ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy that denies people access to critical care. And lawmakers continue to attack Arizonans ability to access reproductive health care. Our right to control our bodies and lives is hanging on by a thread, Ms Florez added.

Arizona voters could be voting on a Constitutional amendment in November that would enshrine the right to abortion up to 24 weeks.
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Some Senate Democrats are talking the talk but not walking the walk on foreign aid to Israel.

The US Senate is debating a $95 billion foreign aid package after several months of infighting and delays by their House counterparts. The package would allocate $26.38 billion to fund Israeli defense systems  something progressive Senator Bernie Sanders isnt too happy about.

Mr Sanders announced this week he is introducing amendments to significantly cut the amount of aid Israel would receive, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Many of Mr Sanders Democratic colleagues have expressed similar concerns about civilian deaths and humanitarian aid  but not enough to consider amendments or delay the multi-billion-dollar deal, they told The Independent just minutes before the US Senate voted to strike down the possibility of adding any amendments to the aid package.

I think its beyond belief that, on an issue where the majority of the American people dont want to continue to support Netanyahus war machine slaughter of women and children in Gaza, that we couldnt even get an amendment to deal with that, Mr Sanders told The Independent.

On 7 October 2023, Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 200 hostages. In response, Israel launched an offensive on Gaza. Since then, Israeli attacks have killed more than 33,400 people, most of them women and children, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The United Nations says the territory is on the brink of a man-made famine.

Mr Sanders amendments would mandate that Israel not receive unfettered military aid for its war campaign in Gaza and would restore funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

As part of the spending bill passed last month, the United States halted funding for UNRWA  the main provider of food, water and shelter to Palestinians  until 2025. The current foreign aid package also prohibits funding for the agency.

Several Democrats told The Independent their priority is to pass the aid package quickly.

In February, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia criticised the Israeli government for its plan to begin a military campaign in Rafah.

Theyre not visibly listening to us to the degree that we think somebody who was relying on us so much should, he told The Independent at the time.

Yet Mr Kaine told The Independent on Tuesday that he expects the bill to pass through with bipartisan support  and without amendments. Amendments would delay the bill and draw out negotiations even longer by sending it back to the House of Representatives.

Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, recently called on President Joe Biden to use all available leverage to demand a long-term ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

But on Tuesday, he told The Independent that amendments like Mr Sanders, which could serve as leverage to limit Israels offensive in Gaza, arent the priority  passing the package as soon as possible is.

Senator Chris Murphy, pictured, hopes to pass the foreign aid bills swiftly ( Getty Images )

Im not interested in sending this bill back to the House of Representatives, Mr Murphy told The Independent. So, theres going to be a lot of amendments on their merits that I would [otherwise] consider, but the priority is getting this bill done.

Senator Chris van Hollen is in a similar boat. The Democrat from Maryland has previously said he supports a mutual ceasefire and has deep concerns about Mr Netanyahus government and Israels treatment of humanitarian aid workers in Gaza.

But on Tuesday, Mr Van Hollen told The Independent he supports the package as is, since Israeli aid is tied up in legislative terms with aid to Ukraine.

I said that I will support package because its essential to get military assistance to the people of Ukraine in their fight against Putin, he said.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, spoke on the floor just after Mr Sanders announced his now-moot amendments on Tuesday morning.

The humanitarian crisis unleashed in Gaza is unspeakable, indefensible and we cannot be party to it, he said. He called for Israel to be held accountable to US law and international standards that dictate the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid in wartime.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, pictured, has criticised Israels war in Gaza ( Getty Images )

Mr Durbin may be the first senator to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, but he is not the first senator to question Israels adherence to the law.

Last month, former senator Patrick Leahy told The Independent that the number of civilians who are being injured or killed by US-paid armaments means Israel is in violation of a series of foreign aid laws named after him. Current Vermont Senator Peter Welch previously told The Independent he agrees.

Three weeks ago, the Israeli Defense Forces killed seven aid workers with the humanitarian non-profit World Central Kitchen. The seven workers were travelling in a three-car convoy branded with the organisations logo when the IDF killed them in three separate airstrikes.

Among those killed was 33-year-old Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old dual citizen of the US and Canada.

It was later revealed the IDF injured an eighth worker on the same day in an airstrike on the al-Bashir Mosque in Deir al-Balah in Gaza.

The IDF referred to the seven killings as a mistake. President Joe Biden afterwards called for a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

The Senate initially passed the foreign aid package in February, with only Mr Sanders, Mr Welch and Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon voting against the bill. After that, it failed to make it through the House of Representatives.

During the weekend, the House passed the foreign aid bill in four different packages. While all 210 Democrats present voted to pass Ukraine aid, 55 Democrats  most of them progressives who have called for a ceasefire in Gaza  voted against giving military aid to Israel.

The bill is the culmination of months of morass, given Republican opposition to supporting to Ukraine, and concerns among left-wing Democrats about Israels military actions.
Dozens of tents housing pro-Palestine protesters were set up on the steps of Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on Tuesday. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

One reason that pro-Palestine demonstrators are pitching tents at UC Berkeley and campuses elsewhere, shutting down freeways and interrupting social gatherings, is the same reason that only 16% of young people voted in the California primary: They dont trust politicians to get anything done quickly  or at all.

The quicker way to get attention and jolt the system into action, they feel, is to put their body on the line, consequences be damned. And this week on the UC Berkeley campus, it is coming in the form of dozens of tents springing up in the middle of campus, with demonstrators calling for the university to divest from companies with connections to Israel and rally-goers chanting, We dont want no Zionists here! Say it loud and say it clear!

Demonstrations were so intense at Cal Poly Humboldt this week that officials shut down the campus after demonstrators took over an administrative building. The campus will be closed through the weekend.

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When people voted against the Vietnam War, it didnt achieve anything. But when we saw protests erupting for divesting from apartheid South Africa, or against the Vietnam War, that was what achieved power, Malak Afaneh, a third-year law student at UC Berkeley, said as she stood near tents pitched on the universitys Sproul Plaza after a pro-Palestine rally this week.

Afaneh is unafraid to take unconventional actions to amplify her support of Palestine. Earlier this month she was one of 60 students attending a dinner at the home of the law school dean, Erwin Chemerinsky, and his wife, law professor Catherine Fisk, to celebrate soon-to-be graduating students. Afaneh stood in the couples backyard and started reading a speech when Fisk tried to take the mic from her and Chemerinsky asked her to leave.

Video of the incident went viral, exposing the issue to far more than the few dozen people in the deans backyard.

Afaneh, leader of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine, voted uncommitted in her home state of Illinois primary this year, something that has been done by tens of thousands of other Democratic primary voters opposed to President Joe Bidens unwavering support for Israel, whose relentless attacks on Gaza have killed more than 34,000 people since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking 250 hostages.

This week, Biden condemned antisemitic protests on campuses but also those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians. While Biden has expressed concern that Israel was losing international support after its indiscriminate bombing, he is poised to sign a bill that would send $26.4 billion in aid to Israel that the Senate passed Tuesday.

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When a voter selects uncommitted on their ballot, it implies that while they are casting a vote on their partys ballot, they are not committed to any of the candidates listed. That option is not available in California.

Afaneh, who spoke at a rally Monday at Sproul Plaza calling for divestment, noted that a lot of us do not play into the illusion of electoral politics. I can say if anyone did vote, I can most likely assure you that they voted uncommitted,  she said.

So what is the illusion of electoral politics?

To Afaneh, it involves the continuing disappointment in elected leaders who she believes dont deliver on their promises, even if they are members of underrepresented groups. She noted that the president of Columbia University, the epicenter of pro-Palestine campus activism, is an Egyptian-born woman, Nemat Shafik. She is under fire for calling in the New York police in response to scores of students pitching tents on campus to protest the war in Gaza and the schools connections to Israel, which has led to more than 100 students being arrested.

The university is in New York City, where Afanah noted, the mayor, Eric Adams, is Black and Edward Caban is the citys first Latino police commissioner.

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They are the ones that are displacing and suspending and expelling and arresting students, Afaneh said. So to us, representation does not free us, but struggle does. So even though we can elect someone that may promise us these illusions of a free Palestine or are supporting liberation, time and time again, we see how that does not come to fruition.

Shes not alone in her attitude toward electoral politics. An NBC News poll this week shows that interest in this years presidential election is at a 20-year low among registered voters and that respondents under 35 were roughly split between Biden (44%) and Donald Trump (43%).

Young voter interest is low even in the college student portions of Berkeley. This month, turnout was only 17% for a special election to fill a seat on the Berkeley City Council in a seat that encompasses the university campus, even though the only candidates were students. The winner was UC Berkeley senior Cecilia Lunaparra, a self-described queer Mexican-American woman who will be the first undergraduate student to serve on the City Council. The runner-up was James Chang, a graduate student.

The two candidates took different positions on whether the council should take up a resolution on the war in the Middle East. Chang told Berkeleyside that he is categorically opposed to the city council taking ANY position regarding this conflict.

Lunaparra wants the council to pass a resolution that calls for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza, (affirm) our support for our Palestinian and Jewish residents, and unequivocally (condemn) the use of our tax dollars to fund oppression and human rights violations.

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Another attendee at Mondays rally was a graduate student who gave her name only as Banan, fearing reprisals from the university or others.

She said she casts ballots only in local races, not for federal officials who have a say in directing foreign aid dollars overseas that could be used for war.

She forfeits her say in choosing the federal officeholders deciding to fund the attacks in Gaza because she said she would never be comfortable voting for any person that will greenlight wars.

I have seen how policy is swayed by power over values. So I know that change will only come through people, Banan said. Every right that we have gotten in the U.S. is by people putting their bodies and lives at stake.

But frustrations are growing, even among potential allies, about how these demonstrations affect others.

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San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is considering filing charges against 26 people arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration that stopped and blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge earlier this month. Gov. Gavin Newsom said he certainly respect(s) the cause around the cease-fire but thinks theres a better way of expressing it than denying people the ability to get to work, someone in an emergency that cant get to their destination.

He also said that people need to be held to account for their actions. That day may be coming. This week, four Democrats joined four Republicans in advancing a bill, AB2472, out of the Assembly Transportation Committee that would double fines for people who block traffic on a highway, even during a protest.

We need to send a signal that these dangerous highway blockings will no longer be tolerated, the author of the measure, Assembly Member Kate Sanchez, an Orange County Republican, wrote on X. Enough is enough.

Banan said, I hear what they are saying. And I know that there are probably material consequences to people who are stuck in traffic.

But everybody sitting in that traffic jam is complicit, Banan said, by the mere fact that they pay taxes to a U.S. government that is funding the Israeli war effort. Banan conceded that included her, too, through the taxes and tuition she pays.
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President Joe Biden made an unfortunate gaffe on Tuesday as he tried to slam his Republican rival Donald Trump on stage at a campaign event about abortion care and reproductive rights in Florida.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters, the president slipped up as he asked how many more times he needs to prove we cant be trusted.

Folks, in a sense, I dont know why were surprised by Trump, he said.

How many times does he have to prove we cant be trusted? he asked.

Mistakenly saying we instead of he, Mr Biden accidentally lumped himself in with his Republican rival.

This marks only the latest in a long series of gaffes the president has made while speaking in public, with his track record of blunders increasingly used by Mr Trump and his supporters to claim that the 81-year-old is too old to serve another term in the White House and is in a state of cognitive decline.

However, Mr Trump, at the similar age of 77, also contradicts himself in arguing the reverse: that his successor is a brilliant criminal mastermind who has weaponised the justice system against him, claiming, without evidence, that all of the indictments he is currently battling have been launched against him at Mr Biden in order to damage his White House campaign.

Mr Trump meanwhile has also had plenty of senior moments of his own, notably confusing his former Republican rival Nikki Haley with former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, mixing up Mr Biden with his own predecessor, Barack Obama, and even reportedly falling asleep during his Manhattan hush money trial.

Mr Biden was in Tampa on Tuesaday to headline a campaign event at Hillsborough Community College focused on rallying women and supporters of reproductive rights just one week before a new six-week ban on abortion takes effect in Florida.

The ban, which was recently upheld and allowed to go into effect by Floridas Supreme Court after being enacted under Governor Ron DeSantis, effectively prevents the procedure altogether. Most women will not even know they are pregnant before they have gone over the limit.

Florida was previously an outlier among Republican-controlled states in the southeastern US by having comparatively lenient abortion laws.

Because of this, the states new legislation will make abortion inaccessible for a broad swath of Americans  unless voters approve a ballot initiative to enshrine reproductive rights into state law this November.

US president Joe Biden speaks about reproductive freedom in Tampa, Florida, on 23 April 2024 ( AFP/Getty )

And the presidents campaign is counting on those voters to juice turnout in his favour.

During his address to a raucous crowd, Mr Biden also hit out at Mr Trump for selling $60 Bibles, commenting: He said there has to be punishment for women exercising their reproductive freedom... maybe its coming from that Bible hes trying to sell.

I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hell is in it.

He also quoted a passage from the Supreme Courts Dobbs ruling about women not lacking political or electoral power, saying MAGA Republicans were beginning to find out just how powerful women can be as a political force.

The president noted that in states all over this country, including Ohio, Kansas, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Virginia, voters had come out in record numbers to protect reproductive freedom.

This November, you can add Florida to that list, he said, urging the crowd to show up and vote already.

It was Donald Trump who ripped away the rights... of women in America, he continued.

Well teach Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans a valuable lesson: Dont mess with the women of America.
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When he was on death row for a murder he didnt commit, a lot went through Shujaa Grahams head.

Sometimes, he thought about ways to keep his mind and body sharp: push-ups, sit-ups, books from the prison library. Graham, who grew up in a family of share-croppers on a plantation in Louisiana, was first sent to prison at age 18 for a $35 robbery, for which he was sentenced to life.

He learned to read and write on the inside and became a dedicated activist, advocating for better conditions, protesting violence from prison staffers, and working with the Black Panthers. It was this activism, he believes, that led to him being wrongfully convicted for the 1973 murder of a prison guard and sentenced to death.

Sometimes during his six years on Californias death row, he drifted into despair. Not feeling suicidal exactly, but submerged in a pain so deep that he began to feel indifferent about the prospect of falling asleep and never waking up.

More than anything though, Graham, would dream about getting out and fighting the racism he saw in the prison system and capital punishment process.

I dreamt that one day if I ever got out, I would do what Im doing right now, and I would die doing it, he said in an interview with The Independent from his home in Maryland.

Sister Helen Prejean, author of the book ''Dead Man Walking,'' hugs Shujaa Graham, who spent six years on San Quentin's death row before being exonerated, following an ACLU press conference in San Fransisco, CA., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 ( Alamy Stock Photo )

Eventually, after the California Supreme Court found that prosecutors had systematically excluded African-American jurors over the course of Grahams multiple trials, the activist was exonerated and released in 1981.

Now, as part of the exoneree organization Witness to Innocence, he has joined a group of civil rights organizations launching a campaign in the state that once prepared to execute him.

Earlier this month, the coalition filed an ambitious petition to the state supreme court: they argued that California, a state known for its progressive values, was presiding over a death penalty system shown statistically to disproportionately target minorities for decades, a reality so fundamentally and obviously racist that it violated state constitutional guarantees to equal protection under the law.

The coalition argues the appeals court should bar California officials from pursuing or carrying out any death sentences for the foreseeable future. If successful, it would be a seismic change: California has quietly maintained the largest death row in the nation for years.

Not a day goes by that I dont think about what happened to me, said Graham. Thats why I continue to fight today.

The recently-filed legal brief, from groups including the Legal Defense Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, LatinoJustice, the Office of the State Public Defender, and others, is believed to be the first such challenge to the death penalty in state history.

That unprecedented challenge is required to root out the persistent racism in the way the state uses its capital punishment law, according to Patricia Okonta, an attorney at the Legal Defense Fund.

After reviewing those studies and seeing really how pervasive it is, and how much the statue is infected with racial bias, the urgency was undeniable, she said.

The action names California Attorney General Rob Bonta as its defendant, who has himself called the death penalty inhumane and accused it of having long had a disparate impact on defendants of colour.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta fields questions during a press conference on Aug. 28, 2023 ( Associated Press )

We are reviewing the petition and will be filing our response by the courts May 6th deadline, his office said in a statement to The Independent.

In California, Black defendants can be nearly nine times more likely than all others to get a death sentence, while Latinos are more than six times as likely. Regardless of the race of the suspect, they are up to 8.8 times as likely to be sentenced to death if one of their victims is white. California also sends a higher percentage of its young people of colour to death row than any other state.

The legal filing also alleges other issues with the process, like a lack of uniform criteria guiding prosecutors on when to seek the death penalty, leaving wide room for personal discretion, and the death qualification process, whereby potential jurors who oppose capital punishment are struck from capital juries. As a result, the groups argue, the process systematically whitewashes the capital eligible pool because Black people tend to oppose capital punishment more than their white peers.

The problems are too pervasive, and the appeals process too slow, for legal challenges in individual cases to suffice anymore, the coalition argues. For example, the supreme court challenge calls the state habeas process, where death row prisoners can challenge issues outside the original trial record, often little more than a legal fiction for those behind bars.

A robust body of history and scholarship shows the death penaltys historical links to racism, lynching, and extra-judicial violence, especially in the US South. And indeed, the seven states that have carried out the most executions in modern US history  Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, and Alabama  among the few states to continue actively executing people in recent years  are largely states of the former Confederacy.

A correctional officer walks up a main entryway at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, California ( Associated Press )

Whats less remarked upon, however, is that California is a part of this conversation, too.

California has substantially more individuals on death row than any other state in the country, Ms Okonta said.

Currently the states death row has roughly 640 people waiting for executions, more than double the next largest death row, in Florida, which had 286 people as of early 2024.

The hundreds of people on death row in California exist in a strange political suspended animation, with the Golden State unable to commit to either permanently ending or unabashedly using the death penalty.

In 2019, during his first term in office, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order putting a moratorium on the death penalty and shutting down the states death chamber at San Quentin State Prison. His reasoning sounded not unlike the civil rights groups currently challenging his attorney general in the state supreme court.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announcing a moratorium on the death penalty on March 13, 2019 in Sacramento, California. ( Getty Images )

Our death penalty system has been, by all measures, a failure, Governor Newsom said at the time. It has discriminated against defendants who are mentally ill, black and brown, or cant afford expensive legal representation. It has provided no public safety benefit or value as a deterrent.

The governors office also noted the staggering cost of maintaining this system: since 1978, the state had spent $5bn on a death penalty system that executed 13 people.

The governor has continued moving the state to a post-execution paradigm, even while its death penalty system continues to exist.

Since 2020, the state prison regulator has been piloting a programme transfering death row inmates to the general prison population. Ironically, the move was in part a response to a 2016 voter mandate, Proposition 66, which sought to drastically speed up the death sentence process, but also required death row inmates to work in prison to pay restitution to their victims.

The 20 women on Californias death row have all been transferred out of the states female death row at Central California Womens Facility. In March of this year, the state announced plans to transfer the remaining 457 condemned men out of San Quentin. Newsom plans to transform the infamous prison overlooking San Francisco Bay into a Scandinavian-style correctional facility with a focus on rehabilitation, education, and job training.

In this photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation a gurney is removed from the death penalty chamber at San Quentin State Prison, Wednesday, March 13, 2019, in San Quentin, Calif. ( AP )

At the same time, the governors moratorium hasnt stopped prosecutors from continuing to seek new death sentences.

Since the governor officially suspended executions in 2019, 20 people have received death sentences, 80 per cent of them people of colour, according to the complaint with the state supreme court.

The Democrats running to eventually replace Newsom in 2027 all say they oppose capital punishment and wouldnt approve further executions, all but ensuring that California wont see these new death sentences carried out in the near future.

And AG Bonta, thought to be an eventual candidate for governor, has pushed for even further action.

The Attorney General personally believes that the death penalty is deeply flawed and immoral  and that its wrong for California, his office recently told The San Francisco Chronicle. The Attorney General applauds the Governor for his moratorium on executions but there is more work to be done.

So why, with the political stars seemingly aligned over ending the death penalty, has execution remained in California? Voters, it turns out, arent as sold as the Democratic political class on the idea of ending capital punishment.

Most recently, voters shot down ballot measures in 2012 and 2016 to abolish the death penalty in the state and replace it with life sentences without parole. Some prosecutors still want the punishment too, going so far as to appeal, ultimately unsuccessfully, to federal court to defend their ability to use it even after Newsom signed his moratorium.

The divisions over the death penalty in California mirror the larger twilight zone of capital punishment across the country. A slim majority of states, 27, still retain the death penalty, though only five states executed people in 2023, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Death penalty appeals in individual cases can last decades, and capital punishment regimes across the country have faced persistent issues accessing and using lethal injection drugs, which many mainstream pharmaceutical suppliers will no longer provide to the prison system. Many states have temporarily paused their capital punishment systems, often in response to botched executions, or to resorted to novel methods like nitrogen gas, which the UN has likened to torture.

Public opinion polls reflect a similar ambivalence over the punishment. By the end of 2023, a slim majority, 53 per cent, said they support the death penalty for those convicted of murder, while a small majority also said they believe the death penalty is applied unfairly in America, according to Gallup.

The White House has also straddled this line. President Joe Biden campaigned on passing a law to eliminate the federal death penalty, and is the first US president to openly oppose capital punishment. While his Justice Department under Attorney General Merrick Garland has temporarily halted federal executions, the DoJ has continued to seek or defend death sentences in high-profile cases like the mass shootings in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Charleston.

A Trump re-election, meanwhile, would likely mean a dramatic change. Trump presided over a massive federal execution spree in office. Despite signing 2018s First Step Act, which shortened certain sentences and sought to eliminate racial disparities in drug sentences, the former president has also called for strengthening the death penalty and using it against those charged with drug crimes.

The future of the death penalty, in other words, is on uncertain ground.

For his part, Graham, the California exoneree, now has another component of his dream.

Activist Shujaa Graham, who spent 6 years on death row in California before being exonerated ( Shujaa Graham )

His initial hope to get off death row and back to freedom came true. He went and lived a whole life, got married, had three children, started his own landscaping business, and appreciated things he thought he might never see again, like sunrises and sunsets.

Graham, 73, said he feels hes on the other side of the hill in his own life, but he hopes to live long enough that capital punishment is a thing of the past, as it is in most other Western democracies.

If I can just live for a day when someone walks up to me and says, What was capital punishment? What was racism?, and I say, Its a thing of the past. Thats what I fight for, he said.

The Independent and the nonprofit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to their Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty - with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives like Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg, and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage.
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More than 100 protesters were arrested during a Seder in the Streets protest near Senate majority leader Chuck Schumers home in Brooklyn on Tuesday.

The mostly Jewish protesters gathered in Grand Army Plaza, one block away from Mr Schumers home, for the seder, a ritual that marked the second night of the holiday celebrated as a festival of freedom by Jews worldwide.

The protesters called on Mr Schumer  who is among a minority of Democrats to recently criticise the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu  to call for an end to the United States military support of Israel.

Hundreds of people were seen gathered around a circular banner representing a Seder plate, which included the words Jews say stop arming Israel alongside images of foods eaten during the Seder meal.

This will not be a Seder as usual. These are not usual times, Morgan Bassichis, a member of the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace, told attendees.

We as American Jews will not be used, we will not be complicit and we will not be silent. Judaism is a beautiful, thousands-year-old tradition, and Israel is a 76-year-old colonial apartheid state, they added.

Protesters were arrested a block from Senate leader Chuck Schumers Brooklyn home ( AP )

This is the Passover that we take our exodus from Zionism. Not in our name. Let Gaza live.

Several other speakers addressed the crowd, including journalist and author Naomi Klein, Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour and several Jewish students suspended from Columbia University and Barnard College following pro-Palestinian protests in recent days, before a large portion of the crowd moved into the street, blocking the flow of traffic.

Police who had been monitoring the event warned protesters that they would be arrested if they did not move before moving in to make arrests when their warnings were ignored.

Protesters shout slogans during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, near the home of Sen Chuck Schumer in Brooklyn ( AP )

Protesters, some of whom were wearing T-shirts that read Jews Say Cease-Fire Now, were then led away in pairs.

Senator Schumer was not home at the time. He was in Washington passing a bill that included $26bn in aid for Israel.

While Mr Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, has not called for a ceasefire, he has been openly critical of prime minister Netanyahu and his war on Gaza, which has seen more than 34,000 Palestinians killed since Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis on October 7, according to the enclaves health ministry.

Protesters block the street near the home of Sen Chuck Schumer ( AFP via Getty Images )

He recently called for elections to replace Mr Netanyahu once the war winds down and repeatedly slammed the Israeli prime minister as one of the main stumbling blocks to Israeli-Palestinian peace.

However, protesters did not seem to think Mr Schumer had gone far enough in his rebuke of Mr Netanyahu.

Senator Schumer just very recently spoke very harshly about prime minister Netanyahu on the Senate floor, Beth Miller, the political director for Jewish Voice for Peace, said at the protest on Tuesday. For him to do that with one hand, and then on the other hand reward prime minister Netanyahu by pushing forward this military funding package, shows that he is not serious about actually shifting US policy to leverage change.

Meanwhile, Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace, said that the protest was held during Passover to send a message to Mr Schumer ahead of the Senate vote on military aid for Israel.

Everything in our tradition compels us to bring everything we have to stopping these historic atrocities being done in our names and with our tax dollars, she said.

Protesters project a banner on the Brooklyn Public Library during a pro-Palestinian demonstration demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza ( AP )

Another protester told The Guardian she came to the demonstration because Passover is about liberation. In our family, Palestinians have always been part of our celebration and mourning.

The call for liberation is more important now than ever  as Americans, the billions of our tax dollars in the Israeli military bill is outrageous and horrifying, she said.

The protest came amid a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at college campuses across the US, which have seen hundreds of arrests take place at Columbia, Yale and NYU.

Protesters have been calling for a ceasefire and urging Congress to stop sending military aid to Israel. They have also demanded Americas Ivy League universities divest from companies with ties to Israel and increase financial transparency.

On Monday, the first night of Passover, Jewish activists held a seder at Columbias protest encampment.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia University amid ongoing pro-Palestine protests to call for the university's president to resign and to address Jewish students.

He called the protests "disgusting" and "unnecessary" ahead of his visit. The day before his visit, the UN issued a report that it had found "mass graves" in Gaza, where Palestinians  including women, the elderly, and the wounded  had been found dead. Some of the remains allegedly had their hands bound.

Mr Johnson arrived to a chorus of boos and consistent shouts from protesters, including chants of "we can't hear you."

He said Israeli and Jewish students would "never stand alone" and said the protesters were supporting terrorists and "gnashing their teeth" at the existence of Israel.

Mr Johnson called the protesters "lawless agitators" and characterised all of the pro-Palestine protests across US campuses as "antisemitic.

At one point, he stopped his speech due to ongoing chants and said "enjoy your free speech".

Mike Johnson was repeatedly booed as he spoke at Columbia University ( AFP via Getty Images )

He said he met with Jewish students at the campus who described being harassed and intimidated for their faith and, for some, their support of Israel.

Anti-Zionist Jewish students have joined with pro-Palestine protesters for the ongoing demonstrations.

Mr Johnson called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign for her "failure," in his estimation, to protect Jewish students on campus.

We just cant allow this kind of hatred and antisemitism to flourish on our campuses, and it must be stopped in its tracks. Those who are perpetrating this violence should be arrested. I am here today, joining my colleagues and calling on President Shafik to resign if she cannot immediately bring order to this chaos, Mr Johnson said.

Pro-Palestinian supporters rally outside Columbia University on April 23 ( Getty Images )

The House Speaker said she should step down unless she could immediately end the protests on campus.

He was met with a loud chorus of boos after calling for her resignation.

When asked for his message to the campus protesters, he told them to go back to class and stop the nonsense.

He told reporters that he planned to call Joe Biden after his visit to demand executive action to address the ongoing campus protests across the country. He went so far as to threaten endorsing the use of the National Guard to break up the protests.

My intention is to call President Biden after we leave here and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action, there is executive authority that would be appropriate. If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard, Mr Johnson said.

As he was leaving, one protester could be heard shouting above the crowd get the f*** out of here, boy.

Protesters at Columbia were not the only ones telling Mr Johnson to go back to Washington; New York Governor Kathy Hochul told him to stay put before his visit on Wednesday.

I think politicizing this and bringing the entourage to put a spotlight on this is only adding to the division, Ms Hochul said according to Politico. A speaker worth the title should really be trying to heal people and not divide them, so I dont think it adds to anything.

Protests occurred at numerous college campuses across the US on Wednesday. Mr Johnson threatened that Congress would cut federal financing to state-funded universities if the protests continued.

Police clashed with protesters at the University of California in Los Angeles, and Governor Greg Abbott sent Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to quash a pro-Palestine demonstration at the University of Austin. According to local reports in Texas, at least 10 protesters have been detained on Wednesday.
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Representative Donald Payne Jr, a Democrat from New Jersey, died on Wednesday at the age of 65.

Earlier this month, Mr Paynes office said that he had been hospitalised over a cardiac episode due to diabetes but said that he was in stable condition.

Payne first assumed office in 2012 when he won a special election in New Jerseys 10th district. He succeeded his father, the late Donald Payne Sr, after he died. Prior to that, Mr Payne Jr served on the Newark Municipal Council.

He was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and voted with President Joe Biden 100 per cent of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, issued a statement with his condolences.

It was my great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build upon the Payne familys deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly, he said in a statement.

New Jerseys Democratic primary will take place on 4 June. Its not entirely clear when a special election will take place to replace the congressman.

Mr Paynes death takes Democrats minority down to 212 and gives Republicans in the House of Representatives a two-seat instead of a one-seat majority. Representative Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin, resigned his seat on Saturday.

New Jersey has seen a number of political earthquakes in recent months. Bob Menendez, the states senior Democratic senator, was indicted on corruption charges in late 2023, prompting calls for his resignation.

In the race to replace Mr Menendez, Democratic Representative Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy, first lady of New Jersey, squared off in the Democratic primary before Ms Murphy suspended her campaign. Mr Menendez later said that he would not seek re-election but that if his charges were cleared, he might run as an independent.
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Whatever other sins Donald Trump may have committed, there is little evidence that he fathered a secret child with his former housekeeper.

Reporters from the Associated Press and The New Yorker who investigated the claim in 2017 and 2018 found little to back it up, and the housekeeper herself explicitly denied it.

But that did not stop the publishers of the National Enquirer paying one of Mr Trump's former doormen $30,000 in 2015  allegedly at the behest of Mr Trump and his aides  with the goal of suppressing his story.

Now that claim is part of Mr Trump's ongoing hush money trial in New York City, where prosecutors allege that the former president engaged in a "criminal conspiracy" to bury unflattering stories in advance of the 2016 election.

So what did Mr Trump's doorman really say, and why does it matter now?

When you have Trumps kid, you can do whatever you want

Dino Sajudin started working at Trump Tower in 2008, according to his self-published memoir Trump Doorman.

The Trump Organization, he wrote, reminded him of "the gangsters of Brooklyn", where he grew up.

At one point, Mr Sajudin claims that he complained about the rude behaviour of the tower's concierge, a Colombian-born woman who spent ages away from her post on lunch breaks and luxury shopping sprees.

That was when a man known as "Mr C" told him that the woman was Mr Trump's secret daughter.

"Dino when you have Trumps kid, you can do whatever the hell you want to," Mr C supposedly told Sajudin. "Little Tiffany and Ivanka are not the only girls out there carrying the big guys DNA."

Dino Sajudin said the $30,000 he received for his story made for a a very merry Christmas ( Ronan Farrow/Instagram )

Once again, journalists have not found anything that corroborates this claim. The alleged mother of the child told the AP that it was "all fake" and that the Enquirer "lost their money", and the father of the family told The New Yorker that it was "completely false and ridiculous".

Nevertheless, at some point in 2015, Mr Sajudin reportedly began talking with the Enquirer's parent company, then known as American Media, Inc (AMI), about a potential exclusive. And that's where things become really interesting.

Theres no question it was catch and kill

According to the AP and court documents, Mr Sajudin called the Enquirer's tip line some time in October or November, offering a juicy rumour about his former boss.

The magazine quickly put reporters on the story and administered a polygraph test to Mr Sajudin in a hotel near his home in Pennsylvania, which he passed.

Later, according to The New Yorker, the ex-doorman met with an Enquirer reporter in a local McDonald's to finalise their agreement. Mr Sajudin would get $30,000 for his story, but would pay a $1m penalty if he ever disclosed it to anyone without AMI's permission.

It made, Mr Sajudin reportedly said, for "a very merry Christmas".

That, the reports say, was when AMI's chief executive David Pecker  an outspoken Trump supporter  abruptly swooped in and stopped the investigation. Reporters who worked there at the time said that it had all the hallmarks of a "catch and kill" operation, in which a news organisation buys up a dangerous allegation then sits on it as a favour to the subject.

"Theres no question it was done as a favor to continue to protect Trump from these potential secrets. Thats black-and-white," one employee told The New Yorker.

In fact the reporters had major doubts about the story, with many concluding that it was nonsense. And in 2018, the Enquirers editor in chief told its sister publication Radar Online that it had released Mr Sajudin from his contract after the details did not pan out.

But thats not what New York state prosecutors say.

Not just Stormy Daniels

Today Mr Trump stands accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of what prosecutors have described as a months-long scheme to protect Mr Trumps reputation and deceive voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

The most famous alleged example of this was Stormy Daniels, the porn star who was paid $130,000 by Michael Cohen to prevent her speaking publicly about her affair with Mr Trump (though Mr Trump has denied every having sex with her).

But prosecutors say that was just one example of the scheme. They allege that in August 2015, soon after Mr Trump launched his campaign, Mr Pecker agreed to be his "eyes and ears" by "looking out for negative stories" and "alerting [Mr Cohen] before they were published".

Contrary to the Radar Online report, prosecutors allege that when the Enquirer tried to release Mr Sajudin from his agreement, Mr Pecker once again intervened on the instructions of Mr Trumps then-lawyer  and now avowed enemy  Michael Cohen.

When this episode was mentioned in court on Tuesday, The New York Times reported that Mr Trump was "visibly displeased" and "strongly shook his head".

Mr Trump's lawyers say that he "did not commit any crimes" and accuse Mr Cohen of being "obsessed" with taking down his former client.

The Independent has asked AMIs successor company, a360, for comment. The trial continues.
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Donald Trumps former personal attorney Michael Cohen announced he had voluntarily gagged himself ahead of his expected testimony in the historic hush money trial, where a judge imposed a gag order on the former president for attacking Cohen and others.

Despite not being the gagged defendant, out of respect for Judge Merchan and the prosecutors, I will cease posting anything about Donald on my Xaccount or on the Mea Culpa Podcast until after my trial testimony, Mr Cohen tweeted on Wednesday.

See you all in a month (or more), he added.

Cohens decision comes after much hostile back-and-forth between the former fixer and Mr Trump  the latter of whom is barred by a court order from making public statements about potential witnesses or staff of the judge or Manhattan district attorneys office during the criminal proceeding.

Days before his announcement, Cohen branded Mr Trump as Von S***zInPantz on his social media. On his podcasts, before the Manhattan criminal trial began, Cohen remarked on the frequent death threats that he has received since leaving Trumps orbit  and said they had ramped up ahead of the trial.

Meanwhile, despite a gag order, the hush money defendant has repeatedly bashed Cohens credibility, accusing him of lying.

When are they going to look at all the lies that Cohen did in the last trial? He got caught lying. Pure lying. And when are they going to look at that, Mr Trump said outside the Manhattan courthouse on Monday.

The following day, Judge Juan Merchan held a hearing over the Manhattan DAs office accusations that the defendant violated the gag order at least 10 times over his online posts about Cohen and adult film star Stormy Daniels, another probable witness.

In one post, Mr Trump had referred to the pair as two sleaze bags on Truth Social.

A judge has yet to decide on the accusations. The Manhattan prosecutor asked that Mr Trump pay a $10,000 fine, noting that he hadnt yet requested jail time for his alleged breach. The threat didnt deter Mr Trump, who moments later lashed out about Judge Merchan and his kangaroo court on Truth Social.

The former president and his allies have called Cohens credibility into question, citing his guilty plea to making false statements to Congress and a judge recently suggesting that he had committed perjury. But Cohen has insisted that truth will prevail.

Last month, the judge in the civil fraud case against Mr Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization noted the doubt around Cohens believability but said he ultimately found Cohens testimony credible. In the New York civil fraud case, the judge found that Mr Trump breached gag orders.

The relationship between Michael Cohen and Donald Trump wasnt always so acrimonious.

Cohen worked as Mr Trumps personal attorney long before he became president in 2016.

The friendship fizzled seemingly after Cohen began suffering his own legal troubles  he pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 2018. Cohen had also expressed willingness to cooperate in the Mueller probe.

Since then, Cohen has become a subject of Mr Trumps wrath.

Speaking to Congress in 2019, Cohen called his once-boss a cheat and a con man.

He testified: I have lied. But I am not a liar. And I have done bad things, but I am not a bad man. I have fixed things, but I am no longer your fixer, Mr. Trump.
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Speaker Mike Johnson is set to visit Columbia University on Wednesday amid pro-Palestinian protests at the university and colleges across the country.

The Republican speaker said he will visit the New York-based university to meet with Jewish students to discuss the troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on Americas college campuses, after more than 100 people, including many students, were arrested on campus last week during a pro-Palestinian protest.

Other House Republicans will travel alongside Mr Johnson, including Rep Anthony DEsposito.

Tomorrow, I will meet with Jewish @Columbia students alongside @SpeakerJohnson to offer our full support as they celebrate #Passover  all while antisemitic bigots lay siege to their school, he said in a statement posted to X. @HouseGOP will always stand firmly against antisemitism.

Columbia University has been dealing with days of pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Israel counterprotests.

The demonstrations began last week when hundreds of protesters set up an encampment on campus to protest against the Biden administrations response to the Israel-Hamas war, backing a ceasefire in the conflict and urging Congress to stop sending military aid to Israel. They have also demanded Columbia divest from companies with ties to Israel and increase financial transparency.

Speaker Mike Johnson is set to visit Columbia University on Wednesday amid pro-Palestinian protests at the university ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

However, the protest took a turn on Thursday when New York police stormed the campus, arresting more than 100 people, including Isra Hirsi, daughter of Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

She was also suspended from the university. Since then, the protests have only grown, with demonstrators setting up a new encampment on campus and hundreds of faculty members walking out to protest against the university presidents handling of the situation.

Classes were also moved online for the rest of the semester to reset the situation and de-escalate the rancour.

On Tuesday, Columbia president Minouche Shafik issued a deadline for protesters to agree by midnight to vacate the pro-Palestinian encampment, and warned that if an agreement is not reached, the school will consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus.

The deadline passed without a resolution.

Meanwhile, protests have also spread to colleges across the country, including Yale and NYU, where at least 195 people have been arrested, as well as Tufts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emerson College, Boston University, the University of California Berkeley, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Since protests emerged, some Jewish students have reported antisemitic harassment and even physical assaults. One Jewish student at Columbia claimed that protesters told him to go back to Poland after he arrived at their protest with Israeli and American flags, while another student at Yale who was covering a protest on Saturday as a student journalist said that she was hit in the eye with a Palestinian flag after the attacker realised she was Jewish, resulting in a hospital visit.

Columbia University faculty members staged a demonstration on Monday, pictured, condemning last weeks arrests of some 100 pro-Palestine student protesters ( Reuters )

The accusations have seen politicians travel to campuses to meet Jewish students, with a group of four Jewish Democrats visiting Columbia on Monday. Rep Josh Gottheimer was among the group, and threatened that university president Shafik must quickly act to quell protests or face consequences from Congress.

We are all standing here today as Jewish members of Congress to make one thing clear: Jewish students are welcome here at Columbia. And while the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not, Gottheimer said during the visit.

We will do everything in our power to keep you safe and do everything in Washington we can to make sure that you feel welcome at this university or any university across the United States of America, he continued. And Columbia University, if they dont follow through, will pay the price.

New York University students set up a liberated zone tent encampment in Gould Plaza at NYU Stern School of Business on 22 April 2024 ( Getty Images )

Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, also visited the campus on Monday and denounced the protests. A White House statement Sunday similarly called the demonstrations blatantly antisemitic.

In a statement on Sunday, protest leaders rejected claims that participants encouraged violence against Jewish people or advocated for antisemitism.

We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us, the leaders wrote. Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.

We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry and stand vigilant against non-students attempting to disrupt the solidarity being forged among students, they continued. Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Black and pro-Palestinian classmates and colleagues who represent the full diversity of our country.
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And just like that, after months of dragged out negotiations and false starts, the House of Representatives passed legislation to assist Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

The vote showed a stunning about-face for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who as a backbencher opposed aid to Ukraine. Since then, hes been hailed for standing up to his party  even though he only did so after hed exhausted all other options. (Readers of Inside Washington may remember I called Johnson a coward a few months ago for refusing to put the Ukraine bill to the floor).

But the vote means Johnson has to consider whether Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, the right-wing conspiracy theorist and acolyte of Donald Trump, will carry through with her threats and actually topple him from his job. Since filing her motion to vacate last month, Greene has been joined by two other firebrands, Representatives Paul Gosar of Arizona and Thomas Massie of Kentucky.

If Greene succeeds, it would be the second time the House has booted a speaker this Congress. But there are plenty of reasons to think that Johnson might hold onto his job  and one big reason why he might be in trouble.

Hes mostly kept his word to Democrats

Representative Matt Gaetzs motion to vacate House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year succeeded not simply because of conservative Republican outrage at McCarthy, but because Democrats joined them.

They did so because McCarthy took every opportunity he could to antagonize them. Indeed, the day after Democrats bailed him out to keep the government open, he proceeded to trash them on Face the Nation to CBS host Margaret Brennan instead of thanking them. McCarthy took various measures simply to poke Democrats in the eye, such as censuring Representative Adam Schiff and removing him and Representative Eric Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee.

Conversely, despite holding a series of partisan stunts like the continued wild goose chase that is the impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Johnson has largely kept his word to Democrats. He recognizes that he cannot do the basic tasks of governing without Democrats and has acted accordingly, passing continuing resolutions to keep the government open, passing the 12 spending bills to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, and now finally passing aid to Ukraine.

Ironically, Johnson might have done House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries a favour when he split the Ukraine and Israel bills. Doing so meant that Democrats could unanimously support passing Ukraine aid while progressives could express their dissatisfaction with Israels military campaign in Gaza. In short, Johnsons mostly followed through with his promises.

Nobody can replace Johnson

For those with short memories, Johnson almost stumbled into the speakership. His ascent came after House Majority Leader Steve Scalises nomination never went to a floor vote, thanks to conservative objections; Jim Jordans three failed floor votes where he actually lost votes before he was bounced in a secret ballot; and House Majority Whip Tom Emmers nomination lasted only a few hours. Johnson emerged as the consensus candidate because he was just MAGA enough to make members like Greene happy and polite enough to placate the more established Republicans.

No such understudy exists now. Johnson was pretty much the only one who fit the bill. Patrick McHenry, who served as speaker pro tempore during October, is heading for the exits. Other grown-ups like Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole dont want the job.

A few months ago, in the midst of the speakership Hunger Games, Representative Troy Nehls of Texas told me, One of the members said in there: I dont think the Lord Jesus Himself could get the required votes. The fact that Johnson prevailed at all was notable. Putting a new speaker in place would require an even bigger miracle.

The math is not on Greenes side

Since the last motion to vacate, the Republican majority has been whittled down significantly. McCarthys resignation and the resignations of Representatives Mike Gallagher, Ken Buck, and Bill Johnson have all contributed to that. The party lost another seat when Democrat Tom Suozzi flipped George Santos seat in New York.

Regardless of how much a lot of Republicans may hate Matt Gaetz, he successfully kicked out a speaker and installed a more conservative one. But it seems that even he does not want to take a risk this time. Last week on his Rumble show, he warned that in a one-seat majority, there could be one or two or three of my colleagues who would take a bribe in one form or another order to deprive the Republicans of a majority at all. Fellow Republicans Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Andy Ogles of Tennessee agreed with Gaetz. At this point, holding a new vote is too much of a gamble.

But...

Greene has the hearts and minds of the GOP. She is one of the top grassroots fundraisers within the Republican Party, surpassing even Gaetz and her nemesis Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Much of the base of the party agrees with her. While Trump made comments at Mar a Lago a couple weeks ago in support of Johnson, many of his voters consider aiding Ukraine a sin punishable by metaphorical firing squad.

The House being out for a week gives Greene a chance to make a sustained media campaign and turn the motion to vacate into a conservative litmus test. Couple this with right-wing rage about supporting Ukraine and Johnson has a massive problem.

Still, the odds largely favour the Louisiana Republican. And if the Senate passes his bill unfettered, he will be the rare Republican speaker who stood up to his far-right flank and won.

This article was amended on 22 April 2024. It previously incorrectly said former congressman Brian Higgins of New York was a Republican. He is a Democrat.
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Republican Senator Thom Tillis called one of his House colleagues a "waste of time, a bad leader, and a threat to the future of the GOP, according to a recent report.

CNNs Erin Burnett played an audio recording of the senator trashing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene during her show on Tuesday.

I think shes uninformed, she is a total waste of time, Mr Tillis says on the recording. She is a horrible leader. She is dragging our brand down. She  not the Democrats  [is] the biggest risk to us getting back to a majority.

Ms Greene has frustrated some members of her party by crusading against Mike Johnson, the current speaker of the House. Mr Johnson was installed after Congressman Matt Gaetz led a successful, though extremely unpopular campaign to remove Kevin McCarthy, then-speaker of the House.

Mr Gaetz reportedly moved to have Mr McCarthy replaced because the former speaker agreed with Democrats to pass a vote that would keep the government operating.

Traditional Republicans were furious with the Maga-world revolt, and the House became an embarrassing symbol of division and chaos as the GOP scrambled for weeks to find a suitable replacement for Mr McCarthy.

Seemingly following in her congressional colleague's footsteps, Ms Greene has become furious with Mr Johnson for weaponising government shutdowns and for not stonewalling foreign aid bills meant in part to further fund Ukraine's defence in the war with Russia.

She wrote on the day of the vote that Speaker Johnson proved today that the only border he cares about is Ukraines.

Johnson once again passed a bill with the help of Democrats while the majority of the Republican majority voted against it, Ms Greene wrote. Not only is Mike Johnson a traitor to our conference, hes a traitor to our country.

While Republicans projected an air of unity during Mr Gaetzs campaign against Mr McCarthy, it appears Mr Tillis is willing to publicly state his distaste and disdain for Ms Greene. And he is not the only one.

GOP Congressman Marc Molinaro told reporters that Ms Greene's political theatre has to come to an end, The Hill reports.

Ms Greene is even reportedly testing the patience of her Maga overlord, Donald Trump, according to a recent report.

The criticism, even from within her party, doesnt seem to bother Ms Greene. She told Mr Trumps former adviser, Steve Bannon, that the speakership could be a revolving door as far as she was concerned.

If thats exactly what needs to happen, then let it be, she added. But the days are over of the old Republican Party that wants to fund foreign wars and murder people in foreign lands, while they stab the American people in their face.

She replied to her colleagues aversion to holding another speaker race in a post on X/Twitter.

Its baffling hearing the establishment complain that its too much drama, too hard, and too risky to go through another speaker race," she said. "Meanwhile, Americans are getting kicked in the teeth from the ridiculous drama inflicted on them from pathetic politicians in Washington.
Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas on the Marin County coastline is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas on the Marin County coastline is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Annie Leibovitz talks about her photography exhibition WOMEN: New Portraits at the Presidios Crissy Field in San Francisco in 2016. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group

Annie Leibovitz is bidding farewell to the Bay Area.

The celebrity photographer has put her secluded 65-acre farm in Bolinas, located on the Marin County coastline, up for sale for nearly $9 million after her plans to return to the region where she began her career decades ago fell through.

Real estate map: Home prices in every Bay Area city and ZIP code

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I had always thought of myself as a California person, Leibovitz said in an email, reminiscing about her time at the San Francisco Art Institute and her tenure at Rolling Stone in the city until publisher Jann Wenner relocated the magazines headquarters to New York in 1977.

I didnt think that I was moving too, said Leibovitz, who now resides in New Yorks Hudson Valley. I didnt believe that I went to New York to stay. I thought I lived in California. But the work was in New York. Or Europe. After all those years living and working in New York and raising my children, I dreamed about returning to California.

Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group

In 2019, Leibovitz, 74, purchased the historic property at 605 Horseshoe Hill Road for $7.5 million, with hopes that her eldest daughter would attend college in the Bay Area.

Ive spent many holidays with friends in Bolinas, Leibovitz said. When the children were born we would go together and they would surf and pick up shells and stones along the shore. And I would occasionally look for the place. 

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But her three daughters chose to stay closer to home, attending schools in the Northeast. This left the farm, just an hour from San Francisco, unoccupied.

Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group

Things dont always go as planned, Leibovitz said.

The compound, now listed for $8.995 million by the Lurie Group, includes multiple residential units and an equestrian facility with panoramic views of Bolinas Lagoon Preserve and Stinson Beach. The estate was previously owned by late financier and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival founder Warren Hellman, who left it to its longtime caretakers when he died in 2011.

Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group

Ansel Adams photographed a tree stump in front of the barn on the property in the 1930s, an image that was featured in a traveling Smithsonian exhibition, according to listing agent Alexander Fromm Lurie, who is marketing the property alongside Nick Svenson of Compass.

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Leibovitz invested $2 million in upgrading the property, which dates to 1800, including renovating the main residence built in the 1920s. Hellman, who bought the property in 1991, previously hosted concerts in the hay barn and added a recording studio.

The residential area includes multiple structures, encompassing the four-bedroom single-family home, a guest house, a caretakers residence and a converted garage. Adjacent to these buildings is a barn from the 1930s, repurposed as a banquet hall with a stage for performances. Theres also another large barn that houses Hellmans recording studio.

Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group

I suspect this is what attracted Warren Hellman to this place, Lurie said in a statement. He was, I imagine, constantly on the move and engaged with busy work life. The Hideaway provided the gift of separation from his day-to-day, a place and time to decompress and get out of the city. A hallowed sanctuary to listen and compose music, invite friends. Its like transporting someone back to another place, another era, a slower time.

The equestrian facility features a picturesque riding arena adjacent to a seven-stall barn and several pastures, all within a designated agricultural zone.

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Photographer Annie Leibovitzs farm in Bolinas, situated on the Marin County coastline, is listed at $8.995 million. Jacob Elliott/The Lurie Group

It has its own special climate, Leibovitz said. Everything can grow year-round.  We planned to partner with a legendary farmer over the hill to bring the place back to its former self as a working and teaching farm.
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The US Senate on Tuesday evening finally sent a three-pronged aid package with military assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to President Joe Bidens desk, ending months of delays that administration officials and top brass were increasingly blaming for Ukrainian battlefield casualties.

Senators voted 79-18 for the aid package in largely bipartisan fashion, with conservatives having mounted their opposition to the Ukraine portion of the bill similar to fellow Republicans in the US House of Representatives. The legislation  which also includes a ride-along bill that addresses a potential ban of Chinese-owned TikTok  pased late in the evening on Tuesday with 15 Republican Senators and three members of the Senate Democratic caucus voting against it.

America will never shrink from its responsibility as a leader on the world stage, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said ahead of the bills passage on Tuesday.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell  an ardent supporter of Ukraine who pushed back against more nationalist forces in his party, including former president Donald Trump  stressed the necessity of Americas role in the world in a floor speech flanked by Democrats and Republicans.

History will record that even as allies and partners may have worried about the depth of our resolve, even as Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran grew more convinced that our influence had run its course, and even as loud voices here at home insisted on abandoning the responsibilities of leadership  America stepped up. And the Senate held firm.

President Biden said he would sign the legislation immediately.

Supporters of Ukraine rally outside the US Capitol after the Senate passed a foreign aid bill to help Kyiv defend against the Russian invasion ( Getty Images )

Tonight, a bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House to answer historys call at this critical inflection point, he said in a statement. Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression.

The Senate originally approved this aid package in February. Months of disagreement between the Republican majority in the lower chamber and their minority in the Senate led to the upper chamber trying and failing to address border security and the asylum process via legislation, while the House went on to separate the legislation into several pieces and restructure the Ukraine portion around a loan system. All the while, experts warned that Ukraine was running out of capacity to defend itself against Russias missile and drone onslaught, part of the brutal Russian invasion of its neighbour that began in February 2022.

Senator Mitt Romney, a centrist Republican strongly supportive of the aid to Ukraine and Israel, addressed the delays caused by his party on Tuesday after a question from The Independent ahead of the final vote.

Things don't move quickly, he said of the congressional legislative process. And in a democracy like ours, and the rules of our buildings, respective House and Senate, make things slow, but the right answer was reached with a resounding affirmative vote.

Democrat Chris Murphy blamed the delays squarely on Mr Trumps reported opposition to any further funding to Ukraine. Mr Trump has not officially outlined his stance on whether the US would continue military assistance under his watch, but Hungarys prime minister has claimed that the ex-president told him privately that such aid would end.

You know, we've got this big stinky problem of Donald Trump's hostility to Ukraine and his fealty to Vladimir Putin, Mr Murphy told The Independent on Tuesday. But we're showing that there is still massive bipartisan support for Ukraine that should, you know, put a little wind behind the sails of the folks that are on the ground.

Whats in the full foreign aid package passed by the House:

Three pieces of legislation that were part of the national security supplemental passed by the Senate, as well as one piece of sidecar legislation dealing with Russia/Iran sanctions, passed the House on Saturday. Combined, they will provide tens of billions of dollars in security and military assistance to US allies in three regions.

Ukraine

The Ukraine portion of the bill is the largest. $60.8bn is earmarked for Ukraine in the bills passed on Saturday, with much being targeted to resupply vital air defences for the Ukrainian military. A Republican amendment to strip all non-defence spending from the bill failed.

Of the defence spending in the bill, $23bn is set aside to replenish US stockpiles drawn down by the effort to supply Ukraine, while another $11bn would support current US operations in eastern Europe. Nearly $14bn was targeted to help Ukraine purchase advanced weapon and defence systems.

A relatively smaller amount, $26m, was supplied to provide oversight efforts to ensure that US contributions to Ukraine are being disbursed correctly and fairly.

But Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said the new legislation will have more consensus, noting how the legislation now has a loan aspect to Ukraine aid and that the bill freezes Russian assets and directs them to Ukraine.

This is the best outcome we could hope for is to start seizing Russian assets, he told The Independent. That wasnt in the Senate bill. Making part of it a loan gets Trump on board, which makes it more sustainable. Bad night for Putin.

Israel

Much of the $26.38bn Israel bill is centred around restocking Israeli munitions required for its defences as well as the siege of Gaza, where Israel is attempting to wipe out Hamas militants. $4bn is included for resupplying the Iron Dome defensive grid, and $1.2bn is included for the so-called Iron Beam, a ground-based laser system used to take out drones and missiles.

$3.5bn is set aside to help Israel procure weapon systems, while nearly $7bn is marked for restocking US supplies and funding operations in the region.

But some Democrats expressed disappointment at not being able to have amendments to hold Israel accountable as its military campaign in Gaza after the October 7 attack has led to 34,000 deaths. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont had proposed amendments to restore funding to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and require Israel not receive unfettered assistance.

I think its beyond belief that, on an issue where the majority of the American people dont want to continue to support Netanyahus war machine slaughter of women and children in Gaza, that we couldnt even get an amendment to deal with that, he toldThe Independent earlier in the day.

Mr Sanderss colleague from Vermont Senator Peter Welch, who supports a ceasefire in Gaza, said that the Senate needed to vote.

I would have preferred that we have separate votes on each of the items like the House did, he said, but added that he thought Mr Biden was concerned about reducing civilian casualties.

Indo-Pacific

One last segment of the foreign aid package deals with Taiwan and other US allies in the Indo-Pacific region such as the Philippines. This smaller ($8.12bn) bill sets aside $3.3bn for the construction of submarine port infrastructure around the Indo-Pacific and includes roughly $4bn in assistance to Taiwan and regional military partners of the US. Just over a half billion is also provided to directly strengthen US military assets in the region.

In addition, the bill would require ByteDance, the parent company that owns the video app TikTok, to either divest or face a ban in the United States.

At the same time, many senators expressed frustration that the bill came after six months of delays only to be passed nearly unchanged from the original requests to fund support for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific.

Anytime you delay, then you discount the impact that the money can have, Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, told The Independent, even though the US will send more than $60bn to Ukraine. But it wasn't near as efficient as if we just kept the supply chains going.

All the while, demonstrators holding Ukrainian flags stayed outside into the end of the night until after the vote.
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Reproductive rights are back on the agenda at the Supreme Court this week as justices debate the future of a near-total abortion ban in the state of Idaho.

A ban that took effect in 2022 across the state prohibits abortions except in cases where the procedure is deemed necessary by a doctor to save the life of a patient.

Litigators seeking to throw out the Idaho ban argue that it conflicts with a federal law known by the acronym EMTALA which requires hospitals to provide emergency care if a patients condition requires stabilisation.

Oral arguments took place on Wednesday with several women on the Courts bench taking the lead in questioning Idahos state attorney about the real-life implications of the ban.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative appointed to the bench under Donald Trumps presidency, remarked at one point that she was kind of shocked to hear attorneys for the state affirm that they determine whether patients are eligible for abortion care on a case-by-case basis. She questioned whether individual doctors would be swayed by their personal views if there is no overall framework.

Youre hedging, Justice Coney Barrett told Idahos litigator Josh Turner. Justice Sotomayor is asking whether or not this would be covered [by the medical emergency exception], and its my understanding the legislatures witness said this would be covered.

Those doctors said...they could in good faith determine that life-saving care was necessary, Mr Turner responded.

But some doctors couldnt, Justice Coney Barrett then shot back. Some doctors would reach a contrary conclusion.

Justice Coney Barrett was appointed by Donald Trump during his presidency, and is known for making legal decisions that suggest she is anti-abortion. She was instrumental in overturning Roe v Wade. Onlookers have expressed surprise at her harsh grilling of the Idaho litigator.

Justice Elena Kagan of the Courts smaller liberal wing listed a number of dangerous medical conditions patients could experience during pregnancy and questioned whether each would qualify under Idahos law. Sonia Sotomayor, another liberal justice, said at one point that determining whether or not a condition was definitively life-threatening was a lot to force doctors to consider when treating a patient.

As the debate continued inside the courtroom, it raged outside with a louder tenor. Opponents and supporters of abortion rights met and traded slogans outside, with supporters of reproductive rights dressed in pink or purple T-shirts and hats.

For the second time in as many months, the Supreme Court will hear a case with extraordinary impacts on our ability to get the essential, and in some cases life-saving, healthcare we need. Anti-abortion politicians have brought this case to the nations highest court to challenge long-standing federal protections for emergency care abortion care, said Alexa Kolbi-Molinas of the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project.

If these extreme politicians succeed, doctors will be forced to withhold critical care from their patients, and pregnant people will suffer severe, life-altering health consequences, and even death, added Kolbi-Molinas.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political arm of the nations largest abortion provider, concurred with that argument and added that the Idaho law threatens the rights of pregnant people to get the emergency medical care they need  including abortion care. Following the re-emergence of abortion bans around the country in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs decision ending federal protections for abortion, cases of women facing severe health consequences after being turned away by doctors who fear violating state laws have become political ammunition for Democrats.

Some of the supporters of the Idaho ban gathered outside the court on Wednesday contested the idea that the bans were at fault for those women being turned away.

I think that's pretty silly, and they're probably abusing their ability as a doctor to say that they need to have more abortion freedom, so that they can perform abortions, which is not true, Savanna Deretich of Students for Life Action said toThe Independent.

If they can't even recognise how to treat a miscarriage or fallopian tube pregnancy then theres some serious issues and they need to go back to medical school, she added.

However, the treatment of a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy and other serious complications often does require use of abortifacient drugs.

Protesters outside the Supreme Court as justices hear oral arguments over an Idaho law banning abortions in nearly all cases ( AFP via Getty Images )

President Joe Biden visited Florida on Tuesday to rally alongside Democrats in the state on this very issue. The Sunshine State is set to be a top battleground for reproductive rights in 2024, following the passage of a six-week abortion ban by Republicans. Later this year, a ballot measure will be put before Florida voters this year to determine whether abortion rights will be written into the state constitution.

Mr Biden and his party are making a clear effort to tie Republicans to abortion bans in the minds of voters as the incumbent president seeks re-election this fall and faces voter concerns about the economy.

It was Donald Trump who ripped away the rights ... of women in America, the president said on Tuesday.

This November, he went on to predict that voters would teach Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans a valuable lesson: Don't mess with the women of America.

On Wednesday, his allies tied that message to the demonstrations and speeched taking place outside of the court.

Every single Republican-controlled legislature has passed or implemented an abortion ban since Roe fell. Make no mistake  Republican legislators will own the deadly consequences of this court decision, said Sam Paisley, press secretary for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Electing Democrats to state legislatures has never been more important to combat the full-out assault on life-saving reproductive care.
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President Joe Biden has just signed the so-called TikTok ban into law, meaning that the popular social media apps parent company must now sell the app or face a ban across the US,

The controversial ban of the app was passed by Congress this week, sending the measure to Mr Bidens desk, who signed the legislation into law on Wednesday.

Despite fears that the Chinese-owned app will suddenly vanish from users phones, that is far from the reality of what will likely happen.

Indias ban of the app four years ago could serve as a blueprint for what will now happen in the US.

Here is what we know about the TikTok ban:

When does the ban go into effect?

At the earliest, it would probably take a year before TikTok would be banned.

Under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, ByteDance, TikToks parent company, has nine months to sell the social media app, tacking on an additional three more if a sale is under way.

But if this doesnt happen, TikTok will be banned from US app stores.

Court challenges could cause a stray from the original timeline, adding more time before the app is banned.

A man holds a Free TikTok sign in front of the courthouse where the hush money trial is underway ahead of the Houses passage of the bill ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

What impact will a ban have on Tiktok users?

The app enjoys 170 million Americans users. Despite fears that the app will suddenly disappear from users phones if the ban takes effect, this isnt the case.

In reality, the app would be no longer accessible in the app stores in the US, meaning it would become more difficult to download the app or receive updates.

So, while users could continue to use it in the short term, it eventually may become incompatible with their phones software.

TikTok users could probably circumvent the apps removal from US app stores and access the app through other means, like by using a virtual private network (VPN) or using a foreign SIM card.

The TikTok bill relies heavily on the control that Apple and Google maintain over their smartphone platforms because the bills primary mechanism is to direct Apple and Google to stop allowing the TikTok app on their respective app stores, Dean Ball, a research fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, told The Associated Press.

President Biden giving remarks after signing the legislation on Wednesday ( Getty Images )

Such a mechanism might be much less effective in the world envisioned by many advocates of antitrust and aggressive regulation against the large tech firms.

If India serves as precedent, some scrollers will simply adjust to the ban and switch their attention to other apps. For example, Rajib Dutta told The Associated Press that he moved to Instagram after the app was outlawed. It wasnt really a big deal, he said.

What impact will it have on TikTok stars making money on the app?

Creators and small business owners have warned that a ban of the app could impact their livelihoods. Over seven million US businesses sell products on the platform, The Washington Post reported.

The Independent has contacted TikTok for information about how many creators are currently on the app. Sprout Social said that there were more than 100,000 US-based influencers on TikTok as of November 2023.

Alex Pearlman, a TikTok creator, told The Associated Press that the platform had changed his life. He said he had put his dreams of becoming a comedian on hold while he worked a nine-to-five job in an office. But then TikTok gave him a chance to return to the stage from the comfort of his phone. Mr Pearlman has since quit his office gig and booked his first nationwide tour.

Congress TikTok ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

I dont take a day for granted on this app, because its been so shocking, the 39-year-old said. In reality, TikTok has been the driver of American social media for the last four years. Something will step into that place if TikTok vanishes tomorrow. Whether or not that will be better or worse, Congress has no way of knowing.

Its unclear if TikTok influencers, like Mr Pearlman, will be able to entirely pivot their content  and their newfound earnings  to a different social media platform.

India-based user Winnie Sangma told The Associated Press about his experience following the ban in his country. He said that he earned some money from posting on TikTok. He also relocated his setup to Instagram, where he now has 15,000 followers.

I have built up followers on Instagram too, and I am making money from it, he said. But the experience isnt like how it used to be on TikTok.
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Former president Donald Trump, his former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and his once personal attorney Rudy Giuliani have been described as unindicted co-conspirators in the so-called fake electors scheme in Michigan in the 2020 presidential election, according to courtroom testimony.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced criminal charges last July against 16 individuals accused of signing certificates falsely declaring that Mr Trump won the 2020 presidential election, despite President Joe Bidens victory.

On Wednesday, at a preliminary hearing, defence attorney Duane Silverthorn listed names and asked Howard Shock, a special agent for the AGs office, if they were unindicted co-conspirators in the scheme.

When Mr Silverthorn named Mr Trump, Mr Meadows, and former New York City mayor Mr Giuliani, the state investigator testified: Yes.

Special Agent Shock also indicated that he believed Jenna Ellis, a Mr Trump attorney who has pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case, was also an uncharged co-conspirator.

In a statement to The Independent, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung claimed that the former president is the target of witch hunts by Mr Biden and his allies.

President Trump has established a commanding polling lead and failed president Crooked Joe Biden is on the ropes. His Democrat party allies know it, so they press their ongoing Witch-Hunts, further abusing and misusing the power of their offices in a no-holds barred effort to interfere in the presidential election, he said.

The American People will not fall for the Biden-directed Witch-Hunts and will hold Crooked Joe and his comrades to account in November.

A spokesperson for Mr Giuliani also dismissed the allegations: The continued weaponization of our justice system should concern all Michiganders and Americans. Its an affront to American Democracy and does permanent, irrevocable harm to the country. The Independent has also contacted representatives for Mr Meadows and Ms Ellis for comment.

Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani together at a campaign rally ahead of the 2016 election ( AP )

In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Mr Trump and Mr Giuliani, along with others, related to a fake electors scheme as part of a sprawling RICO case in the state. Mr Meadows also faces charges, separate from the alternate slate of electors, in the Georgia election interference case.

Although 16 people were originally charged in Michigan, that number has since decreased to 15, after Ms Nessel dismissed the charges against Jim Renner in October after he cooperated with prosecutors.

The remaining 15 face eight felony counts, including election law forgery and conspiracy.

Ms Nessel alleges that the group covertly met in the basement of the states Republican Party headquarters and signed certificates falsely claiming that they were the duly elected and qualified electors for president and vice president of the United States of America for the state of Michigan.

Those false documents were then transmitted to the United States Senate and National Archives in a coordinated effort to award the states electoral votes to the candidate of their choosing, in place of the candidates actually elected by the people of Michigan, she said.

The hearing in the Michigan case comes as the former president is currently on criminal trial in New York in a different type of election interference case.

Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records stemming from so-called hush money payments given to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election in exchange for her silence over an alleged affair. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Whether or not Donald Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution will be debated by the Supreme Court justices on Thursday, and both the former president and special counsel Jack Smith have cited court cases involving former president Richard Nixon to make their points.

But the two sides are using the Nixon cases to push opposing arguments.

Mr Trump is pointing to the 1982 Supreme Court case Nixon v Fitzgerald to argue that he should be immune from prosecution on federal election interference charges.

Meanwhile, Mr Smith is using the 1974 Supreme Court case United States v Nixon to argue that he should not be.

The facts and rulings in each case involvingthe late scandal-plagued president offer a glimpse into the case involving todays scandal-plagued former president now before the nations highest court.

Here is what you need to know about the cases  and how they are at the centre of Mr Trumps presidential immunity case:

Nixon v Fitzgerald

Mr Trumps team heavily relies on the Nixon v Fitzgerald case, where the Supreme Court ruled that presidents cannot be sued for actions they conducted while in office.

The case began in 1978 when Arthur Fitzgerald  a former contractor for the US Air Force  sued Nixon and other White House aides for damages after he lost his job after giving testimony to Congress.

Nixon appealed to a lower federal court, claiming he had immunity from civil liability. When the judges in the lower court disagreed, the former president took the case to an appeals court. That court also ruled against him.

Then, Nixon appealed the case to the Supreme Court.

President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office on 19 February 1970 ( Getty Images )

Though the case was decided after Nixon left office, the court ruled in his favour, deciding that the Presidents absolute immunity extends to all acts within the outer perimeter of his duties of office.

In his brief to the Supreme Court, Mr Trumps attorneys have argued he was acting within his official outer perimeter when he made false allegations of election fraud and asked then-vice president Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

All five classes of conduct charged in the indictment fall within that broad scope, his lawyers argued.

As well as presidents being entitled to absolute immunity from civil lawsuits for actions conducted while in office, his legal team is arguing that this protection should also extend to criminal actions, in order to protect future presidents from de facto blackmail and extortion while in office at the hands of political opponents.

United States v Nixon

The special counsels office is citing the second, better-known Nixon case in its arguments to the court.

United States v Nixon is considered a landmark decision and one that ultimately led to Nixons resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

As part of an investigation into Watergate, the US government subpoenaed Nixon to turn over tape recordings and papers related to conversations he had with the men indicted for their part in the scandal.

Nixon asked a federal appeals court to intervene and stop the subpoena, which it declined to do.

When he then appealed all the way to the nations highest court, the Supreme Court justices issued a ruling that set a historic precedent for the scope of executive privilege.

Former president Donald Trump appears outside the courtroom during his hush money trial in New York on 23 April 2024 ( Getty Images )

Neither the doctrine of separation of powers nor the generalized need for confidentiality of high-level communications, without more, can sustain an absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances, Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote in the opinion.

Nixon handed over the tapes and papers and resigned 16 days later.

But, beyond Nixon, the ruling meant that a president must comply with a criminal subpoena and that presidential privilege cannot excuse someone from the judicial process.

For Nixon, president Gerald Ford ultimately granted him a pardon  something Mr Smith points to in his brief to the court as an example of the ruling applying to Mr Trumps situation.

Citing the case heavily, Mr Smith said that recognition of petitioners immunity claim would prevent Congress from applying the criminal laws equally to all personsincluding the President. His immunity claim thus contradicts bedrock principles by placing the President above the law.
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Donald Trump claimed dubiously on Tuesday that thousands of his supporters were being prevented by police and other security measures from turning out to support him as he undergoes his high-profile criminal hush money trial in New York City.

Thousands of people were turned away from the Courthouse in Lower Manhattan by steel stanchions and police, literally blocks from the tiny side door from where I enter and leave, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday. It is an armed camp to keep people away.

He made similar comments that morning at the courthouse in Manhattan, claiming that great Americans seeking to show their support for him want to assemble outside the trial, but for blocks you cant get near this courthouse.

Observers at the trial Tuesday morning noted that the main street along the courthouse is open to traffic and that only a small number of Trump supporters appeared to be present.

The Independent has contacted Mr Trump for comment and proof of his claims.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump stand outside Manhattan criminal court building, Monday, April 22, 2024, in New York ( AP )

Though the trial of a former US president has indeed meant tight security around the courthouse, members of the public can assemble at a park across the street from the building. The courthouse itself remains open to public spectators and a large sidewalk in front of the courthouse is open to pedestrians.

News cameras in the courthouse hallway also broadcast regular comments from Mr Trump to the public.

Mr Trump, who has exaggerated the size of his crowds of supporters since his 2017 inauguration, may be seeking to push back against reporting which suggests hes disappointed with the level of support hes seen in the streets as he faces unprecedented criminal charges related to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign.

On Monday, The New York Times reported that Mr Trump was not happy with the turnout he saw so far as he rode into lower Manhattan each day in his chauffered SUV, hoping his trial would prove more of a media spectacle.

The former president pushed back against the report on social media, calling it falsely reported.

Supporters of former President Donald Trump demonstrate outside Manhattan criminal court, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York. ( AP )

Those whove attended Mr Trumps court dates so far report that crowds of supporters rarely number more than a dozen.

The situation inside the courthouse may be just as distressing to the former president.

On Tuesday. the second day of testimony in the trial, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker described what he called a mutually beneficial plan to bury stories claiming the then-presidential candidate had allegedly fathered an illegitimate child and had an affair with a former Playboy model, in a publishing arrangement referred to as catch and kill.
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It is only day two of testimony in Donald Trumps New York hush money trial  though the sixth day in court including jury selection  but we are already hearing tawdry details of how tabloid journalism was weaponised to sway the result of the 2016 presidential election.

While it was an abbreviated session due to the Passover holiday with court ending at 2pm, the three hours of testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker doubtless proved eye-opening to the panel of jurors hearing the case.

The tabloid mogul and friend of the former president walked the court through his relationship with Mr Trump; the arrangement concocted during the 2016 campaign to ensure unflattering stories died; and how in two instances that was put into practice  with Mr Pecker calling one instance potentially the biggest story since the death of Elvis Presley.

Ahead of that, Judge Juan Merchan held a hearing concerning whether or not the defendant had violated his gag order on 10 separate occasions by attacking trial witnesses and jurors on Truth Social.

Court resumes on Thursday at 9.30am ET.

In the meantime, here are todays key takeaways from the former presidents first criminal trial:

Judge scolds Trump team over gag order arguments

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office has accused Mr Trump of violating his court-imposed gag order in at least 10 different posts on his Truth Social platform and campaign website targeting Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels  likely witnesses in the so-called hush money trial.

Defence attorney Todd Blanche argued that Mr Trumps posts were responding to political attacks but failed to offer up any examples of what, exactly, Mr Trump was responding to.

You presented nothing, Justice Merchan said after an hour-long hearing on Tuesday, as he grew increasingly frustrated with Mr Blanches defence. Youre losing all credibility, Ill tell you that right now.

The judge also warned Mr Trump directly against intimidating jurors in his courtroom.

Prosecutors want the judge to hold Mr Trump in contempt, fine him $10,000, and order him to remove the offending posts. They are not yet asking for jail time.

A ruling on whether Mr Trump can be held in contempt of court and fined is expected soon.

Former President Donald Trump appears outside the courtroom during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on 23 April 2024 ( Getty Images )

Lifting the lid on tabloid journalism

In his testimony, Mr Pecker outlined a mutually beneficial scheme to keep the supermarket tabloid loaded with stories boosting Mr Trumps election chances in 2016 while ensuring negative stories never saw the light of day.

As part of the arrangement, Mr Pecker would tip off Cohen, then Mr Trumps personal attorney, to negative stories about the candidate  particularly those involving women.

The former American Media Inc CEO joined Cohen and Mr Trump for a now-infamous meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan in August 2015.

Mr Pecker testified that, during that meeting, he asked: What can I do and what could my magazines do to help the campaign?

In the presidential campaign, I was the person that thought there would be... a lot of women would come out to sell these stories, Mr Pecker said.

Because 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.

It would help him and it would help me, he continued. Writing positive stories about Mr Trump and covering the election, and writing negative stories about his opponents, is only going to increase newsstand sales.

The court was treated to a selection of positive headlines and covers about Mr Trump (DONALD TRUMP: HEALTHIEST INDIVIDUAL EVER ELECTED!) and negative ones about his opponents in the Republican primaries (BUNGLING SURGEON BEN CARSON LEFT SPONGE IN PATIENTS BRAIN! and SHADY LADY WHO COULD RUIN MARCO RUBIO!).

In one especially infamous example, the Enquirer published the headline: DONALD TRUMP BLASTS TED CRUZS DAD FOR PHOTO WITH JFK ASSASSIN.

Mr Pecker explained: We mashed the photos and the different picture with Lee Harvey Oswald. And mashed the two together. And thats how that story was prepared  created I would say.

Hillary Clinton, Mr Trumps 2016 Democratic rival, was targeted closer to the presidential election with the publisher saying the Clintons were big sellers for the magazine and Mr Trump was pleased at the suggestion of negative stories about them.

Love child story that would have been bigger than Elvis death

The agreed strategy of buying up a negative story and burying it  catch and kill  was first put into practice as Mr Trump ran for the White House in 2015, following an allegation that he had a love child with a Trump Tower maid.

The story was being touted around by a former Trump World Tower doorman, Dino Sajudin.

[Dylan Howard, editor of the National Enquirer,] came to me [with] a tip, a source, that Dino was in the market for selling a story that Donald Trump fathered an illegitimate girl with a maid at Trump Tower, Mr Pecker testified.

The publisher told the court that he then called Cohen and I described to him exactly what I heard from Dylan, gave him Dinos name and the name of the penthouse housekeeper. Cohen said it was absolutely not true but would check it out.

I asked Dylan to negotiate a price, negotiate a number, to buy the story and take it off the market, Mr Pecker told the court.

When the figure of $30,000 was agreed, Cohen said that the boss was very pleased. The former publisher told the court that before that he had never paid a source to kill a story about Mr Trump.

David Pecker testifying at Trumps hush money trial ( REUTERS )

I thought it was very important that Dino wouldnt be shopping the story to other media outlets, he told the court, before explaining his more selfish motivation  that he would have later published the story himself if he found out it was true.

It would probably be the biggest sale of the National Enquirer since the death of Elvis Presley, Mr Pecker said.

I wouldve published the story shortly after it was verified, he added. I wouldve published it after the election  That was the conversation I had with Michael Cohen and thats what we agreed to.

Pressed as to why he paid $30,000 for an untrue story, he said that if it had got out in another publication it would have been very embarrassing for the Trump campaign.

Playboy model story surfaces

As Mr Peckers testimony builds toward Mr Trumps alleged affair with Ms Daniels, he moved on to the deal arranged with 1998 Playboy playmate of the year, Karen McDougal.

Dylan [Howard] came to me in early June 2016 and said he received a call from one of his major sources in California that theres a Playboy model who is trying to sell a story about a relationship with Donald Trump, Mr Pecker told the court.

I called Michael Cohen and I told him exactly what Dylan told me about this Playboy model.

I think we should vet this story out first and Michael Cohen said I think thats a good idea  Ill let you know what our next steps are gonna be, he added.

Ms McDougal allegedly had a nine-month affair with Mr Trump in 2006 and was paid $150,000 by AMI for the exclusive rights to her story before the 2016 election and to feature her on two magazine covers and publish over 100 articles she authored.

The story was then never published as part of the catch-and-kill scheme and Ms McDougal was not able to share it with anyone elsewhere.

This took place much closer to the election and, according to Mr Pecker, Cohen seemed very agitated during that period: He kept on calling and each time he called he seemed more anxious.

Asked where he thought that pressure came from, he said he assumed it came from his conversations with Mr Trump.

The McDougal story will continue on Thursday, and she will likely testify herself during the trial.

Donald Trump sits at the defence table in court ( Getty Images )

Trump rages against the system as Cohen vows truth will prevail

With no cameras in court and his 2024 presidential campaigning severely curtailed by having to sit at the defence table for four days a week, Mr Trump has learned to make use of the cameras and gathered media in the hallways outside of the courtroom.

His list of grievances regarding the gag order Judge Merchan imposed on him, the temperature of the courtroom, and the false claim that the criminal charges against him have been orchestrated by President Joe Biden, are already well-known. Nevertheless, he continues to bellow them down the hallway.

His other outlet is Truth Social. In a brief break following the morning hearing before Judge Merchan about his online attacks on witnesses and potential jurors in violation of his gag order, Mr Trump took to the social media platform to attack Judge Merchan and Manhattan DA Bragg.

Every single Legal Scholar and Expert said that Soros backed prosecutor, Alvin Bragg, has no case, he posted, minutes after the hearing ended.

Mr Trump continued: SO WHY WONT THEY DROP THIS CASE? Alvin Bragg never wanted to bring it - thought it was a joke. Was furious at lawyer MARK POMERANTZ (will he be prosecuted?) for what he did!

Three minutes later, the former president blasted in his signature all-caps style: HIGHLY CONFLICTED, TO PUT IT MILDLY, JUDGE JUAN MERCHAN, HAS TAKEN AWAY MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH.

EVERYBODY IS ALLOWED TO TALK AND LIE ABOUT ME, BUT I AM NOT ALLOWED TO DEFEND MYSELF. THIS IS A KANGAROO COURT, AND THE JUDGE SHOULD RECUSE HIMSELF!

There has been no reaction yet from the judge.

Cohen, as the former presidents nemesis and target of his online attacks, has also been busy on social media over the past 24 hours. He raged that no one is above the law, vowing that truth will prevail over the former presidents incessant lying.

Cohen then told The Independent by text message on Tuesday that  in the face of the attacks  he is stronger than I ever imagined.

He is expected to take the stand later in the trial.

Coming up on Thursday

So, what can we look forward to later this week?

On Wednesday the court is dark, with the trial resuming on Thursday morning.

Expect Mr Peckers testimony to continue with the rest of the story of Ms McDougal with further details of how she was silenced by the Enquirer.

The tabloid mogul will then be quizzed on the story of the alleged affair with Ms Daniels, Cohens involvement in the hush money payment, and how those arrangements were agreed  which is how and why everyone is in court now.

Potentially we may even see the beginning of cross-examination of Mr Pecker by the defence team.

Judge Merchan will also rule soon on whether Mr Trump is in contempt of court following his violations of the gag order, what the punishment might be, and whether any further restrictions will be imposed.

Stay tuned.
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The United States has secretly provided Ukrainian armed forces with long-range ballistic missiles which have already been used to strike targets deep within Russian territory, according to US officials.

The delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) was authorised by President Joe Biden last month as part of a $300m arms package, and Kyiv has begun putting them to use in recent days, by hitting a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week as well as Russian forces in another occupied area overnight.

More of the US-made missiles will be provided as part of an arms and aid package which Mr Biden said would be dispatched within hours after he signed a $95bn national security appropriations bill.

The presidents national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Mr Biden put his signature to a very substantial drawdown package after he signed the long-awaited legislation at the White House on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the Senate voted to approve it by a margin of 78 votes in favour and 18 against. The vote in the upper chamber ended a months-long standoff fueled by isolationist Republican opposition.

Mr Sullivan said it would include urgently needed artillery and ammunition for the HIMARS rocket system, as well as more armoured vehicles, Javelins, Stingers, and air defence interceptors, among other things, all of which were going to start moving immediately to make up for lost time at this critical moment.

He also confirmed that a significant number of ATACMS missiles had been dispatched on orders from Mr Biden in February for use inside Ukraine sovereign territory and said the decision to allow Ukrainian forces the use of those advanced missiles was in part a response to Russia acquiring and using North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

What we have seen from the Russians is their willingness to accept long range missiles from other countries, specifically North Korea. They have used those in the battlefield. they have used them to attack Ukrainian civilians as well. So from our perspective ... being able to step up and provide our own capabilities to Ukraine as partners of ours have ... we think its appropriate to do at this moment. We think it is a good capability in this phase of the conflict for Ukraine, he added.

Hours earlier, Mr Biden addressed reporters from the White House State Dining Room just after hed signed the legislation. He said the approval of the defence aid package was a good day for America ... a good day for Europe, and for world peace, for real.

This is consequential, he said, adding that law hed just signed would make America safer and make the world safer while continuing American leadership in the world.

It gives vital support to Americas partners ... so they can defend themselves against threats to their sovereignty, and the lives and freedom of their citizens.

He also called the new spending law an investment in our own security, because when our allies are stronger ... we are stronger.

Im grateful. Were all grateful to all those in Congress, Democrats, Republicans, independents who voted for this bill. Its path to my desk ... was a difficult path. It should have been easier and should have gotten there sooner. But in the end we did it ... we rose to the moment came together, and we got it done, he said.

The legislation also includes funds for humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Reporters shouted questions specifically about Gaza at the president, but he elected not to answer them.

Mr Biden also ignored questions about TikTok, which faces being banned in the United States after the Senate passed a bill forcing it to either sell or shut down in the country.

The presidents signature on the supplemental spending legislation for Ukraine put an end to a months-long blockade staged by Republicans in Congress who had threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his post if he allowed a vote on any bills that might to fund Ukrainian defence needs.

It provides roughly $61bn for Ukraine and replenishing American weapons stockpiles that have been drawn down to provide ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces over the last year. The bill also provides $9bn in forgivable loans for economic assistance to Kyiv.

For Israel and Gaza, there is a combined $26bn now appropriated, including $4bn for Israels missile defence systems and another $9bn intended for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The president said the law hed signed would significantly increases humanitarian assistance we're sending to the innocent people of Gaza who are suffering badly and suffering consequences for what Hamas started.

We're going to immediately secure that aid ... including food, medical supplies, clean water, and Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, he continued, adding that everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing this hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

Mr Biden thanked Mr Johnson, along with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for pushing the bill through their respective chambers.

They dont always agree. But when it matters most. They stepped up and did the right thing ... sincerely history will remember this time, he said, adding later that the two major parties had come together time and time again ... on the critical issues over the last three years.

When it came time to stand with Ukraine and Israel and help the people of Gaza, we did that as well. At the end of the day, most of us  whether we're Democrats, Republicans or independents  believe that America must stand up for what is right. We don't walk away from our allies, we stand with them. We don't let tyrants [prevail] when we oppose them. We don't really watch global events unfold; we shape them. That's what it means to be the indispensable nation... to be the world's superpower and the world's leading democracy, he said.

The president added that the votes to approve the bill in the House and Senate made clear that there is a bipartisan consensus for that kind of American leadership on the world stage.

That's exactly what we'll continue to deliver, he said.
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The Senate has passed a bill to ban TikTok in the US if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesnt sell it within the next nine months to a year.

The bill, which President Joe Biden is expected to sign into law, stemmed from concerns among lawmakers about potential data access and surveillance by China through the app. It had already passed the House of Representatives over the weekend and the president has alreayd indicated that he will sign it into law when it lands on his desk.

For years we have allowed the Chinese Communist Party to control one of the most popular apps in America that was dangerously shortsighted, Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, said following the bills passage.

A new law is going to require its Chinese owner to sell the app. This is a good move for America.

Now, ByteDance has nine months to sell the company, with the possibility of a three-month extension if a sale is under way.

For the 170 million American users of the app, a ban would not automatically remove TikTok from their cellphones.

Instead, the app would be unavailable on Apple and Googles app stores and so users wont be able to download it and TikTok wont be able to send updates or fixes.

TikTok has told its employees that it will fight attempts to ban the app in the US.

The companys head of public policy Michael Beckerman sent a memo to staff saying the bill was a clear violation of the First Amendment rights of TikToks 170 million American users.

Well continue to fight, Mr Beckerman added. This is the beginning, not the end of this long process.

If ByteDance fails to divest TikTok, it could face severe restrictions impacting app stores and web hosting services.

Some senators, however, expressed concern about the potential abuse of authority and infringement on free speech by banning the app.

Democratic Senator Ed Markey said it would be hard, if not impossible, for ByteDance to divest by early 2025, according to Reuters.

He added that a sale would be one of the most complicated and expensive transactions in history, requiring months if not years of due diligence.

The TikTok Inc building is seen in Culver City, California, on 17 March 2023 ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The company has argued that the bill would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate seven million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24bn to the US economy, annually.

During Donald Trumps presidency, there was a push to compel ByteDance to sell its American operations to a US company. Microsoft engaged in discussions for the apps acquisition in August 2020, but a deal was not reached.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella later described the talks over the acquisition of TikTok as the strangest thing he had ever worked on.

Meanwhile, the Electronic Frontier Foundation launched a campaign on Monday urging people to tell Congress to stop the TikTok ban. Instead of giving the president the power to ban entire social media platforms based on their country of origin, our representatives should focus on what matters  protecting our data no matter who is collecting it, a new page on its website states.

Tik Tok is used by hundreds of millions of people to express themselves online, and is an instrumental tool for community building and holding those in power accountable, the foundation said. This bill must be stopped.

Additional reporting by agencies
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A family in Canada was shocked to receive the wrong body after the father suddenly passed away in Cuba while on a vacation.

Faraj Jarjour from Montreal, 68, was on vacation with his daughter Miriam and son Karam when he suddenly passed away on 22 March in Varadero, Cuba.

The casket they received had the remains of a different man, several media, including the Associated Press reported.

Up until now we have no answers, Ms Jarjour said. Where is my father?

The day Jarjour died, the siblings alleged that they were left to wait next to the body for eight hours as there was no arrangement made by authorities. They then left for Canada after being told that the body would be sent to Montreal.

The family said they had paid $7,300 to repatriate his body back to Canada plus an additional $10,900 for the funeral.

More than a month after the death of her father, Ms Jarjour has reportedly been emailing several officials to find the body.

The body of the stranger, much younger than Jarjour, has now reportedly been sent back to his country.

Ms Jarjour was quoted as saying by AP: Im honestly destroyed. Up until now, we have no answers. Were waiting. I dont know what to tell you.

What I want is someone to help me find my father, she said.

Patrice Chavegros, the vice-president of marketing for the funeral home, Urgel Bourgie, where Jarjours funeral was scheduled to be held on Sunday, told CBC: Thats whats unfortunate in all of this is you have two families. One in Montreal and one in another country who in both cases cant go through with their grieving processes.

He told the Global News: I have seen this about three times in 38 years. This is very exceptional. Its very rare.

Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada told the CBC and Daily Guardian in a statement that it was aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Cuba and shared our thoughts are with the friends and family of the deceased in these difficult circumstances.

Consular officials are engaged with Cuban authorities and in contact with the family to provide consular assistance, it continued, adding that further information could not be disclosed due to privacy reasons.

Were sad because my father died, Jarjours son, Karam Jarjour told Daily Guardian. But were more sad because my father is, we dont know where.
Xi chairs symposium on boosting development of China's western region in new era

Xinhua) 08:02, April 24, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on boosting the development of China's western region in the new era in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

CHONGQING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed further efforts to usher in a new stage in the development of China's western region featuring well-coordinated environmental conservation, greater openness and high-quality development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while chairing a symposium on boosting the development of China's western region in the new era.

At the symposium, he called for action to write a new chapter in the development of the western region.

China's western region has seen significant achievements on eco-environmental conservation and restoration over the past five years, but the region's development is still faced with difficulties and challenges, Xi pointed out.

Developing industries that leverage local strengths should be the main focus, he said, adding that efforts are needed to adopt a region-specific approach in developing emerging industries and expedite industrial transformation and upgrade in the western region.

Xi highlighted the imperative to strengthen integration between sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation, and strive for breakthroughs in a batch of core technologies in key fields.

Measures should be taken to speed up technological upgrade of traditional industries, advance equipment renewals in major industries, and sharpen the competitive edge of traditional industries, he noted.

Xi stressed fostering new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, exploring the development of modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries, and mapping out plans for developing industries of the future to nurture new growth drivers for the region.

He underscored the importance of high-level ecological protection in sustaining high-quality development, and the significance of safeguarding national ecological security.

Vigorous efforts should be made to promote energy saving and carbon reduction in traditional sectors, as well as the clean and efficient usage of coal, he added.

Xi underscored boosting the development of the western region with greater openness and expanding opening up both within the country and to the outside world.

He considered it imperative to promote the construction of the new western land-sea corridor, and advance the development and openness of regions along the corridor to help them deeply integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative.

More should be done to optimize the layout of industrial parks, economic cooperation zones in border areas, and cross-border economic cooperation zones, and promote the high-quality development of pilot free trade zones, Xi said.

He said it is essential to steadily expand institutional opening up and foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.

Xi emphasized the necessity of coordinating development and security, and of enhancing China's ability to ensure the security of energy and other resources.

He urged efforts to boost the capacity of the west-to-east power transmission program and accelerate the formation of national exploitation and processing bases of mineral resources.

He also urged vigorously promoting the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

It is necessary to promote new urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization in a coordinated way, and to safeguard and improve people's well-being in the course of development, Xi stressed.

Xi pointed out that it is necessary to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and to effectively safeguard ethnic unity and border stability.

He called for action to help the border areas prosper and enrich local residents in the new era, strengthen the construction of infrastructure and public service facilities in border areas, and boost border tourism and other industries.

Li Qiang, premier, Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier, attended the symposium. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Li said that the development of the western region should be planned and promoted during the process of Chinese modernization, and targeted measures should be taken in a region-specific and category-based manner.

He urged coordinated efforts to both defuse local government debt risks and ensure stable development, expand opening up both within the country and to the outside world, align the development of the western region to other regional development strategies, and engage the western region in the international circulation.

Ding demanded continued steps to prevent and control pollution in an accurate, scientific and law-based approach to further improve the ecology and the environment.

He also called for action to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of economic growth, develop new quality productive forces in a region-specific manner, and actively yet prudently work toward peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on boosting the development of China's western region in the new era in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on boosting the development of China's western region in the new era in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 23, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Miao Sisters Festival held in SW China's Guizhou

People's Daily Online) 15:51, April 24, 2024

Aerial photo shows formations in a parade for the Miao Sisters Festival in Taijiang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Qian)

The annual Miao Sisters Festival began in Taijiang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province on April 21.

Over 10,000 people of the Miao ethnic group donning traditional attire attended the parade. Marching in 19 formations, the participants showcased the splendid culture and beautiful costumes of Taijiang.

The Miao Sisters Festival is mainly about the romance of young men and women of the Miao ethnic group. It features such activities as singing, dancing to the sounds of wooden drums and the lusheng, a traditional Chinese folk musical instrument made of bamboo pipes, exchanging tokens, and getting engaged. It is known as the oldest version of Valentine's Day in the world. It is one of the most culturally significant, romantic, and grand traditional ethnic festivals in Guizhou.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
San Francisco Mayor London Breed wheels a luggage cart with several panda dolls aboard before speaking Sunday about her recent trip to China at San Francisco International Airport. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

Mayor London Breed is eager to start the next phase of bringing giant pandas to the San Francisco Zoo: fundraising for the enclosure that will host the iconic bears next year.

But first, she needs to get the Board of Supervisors to temporarily lift restrictions on City Hall officials seeking private donations. Breed announced Tuesday that she was introducing legislation to do just that, a move her office described as a pivotal step in delivering on the panda agreement she secured during her trip to China last week.

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The panda deal is dependent on the renovation or construction of a new enclosure at the zoo thats set to be paid for using private dollars, not taxpayer funds. But a local law that limits the ability of government officials to solicit private donations is preventing city officials from advocating for the funds, according to the mayors office. Breeds legislation would suspend the restrictions for the sole purpose of raising money to bring the promised pair of pandas to San Francisco.

Breed said in a statement that the agreement she reached in China last week was just a first step to get the pandas to the city.

We have a lot of work ahead to raise the funds and build the enclosure at our Zoo that will serve as their home and thrill residents and visitors, Breed said in a statement. We are hitting the ground running in our fundraising efforts and Im confident we will have strong philanthropic support from the community.



Breeds office said the city doesnt yet know how much the panda enclosure will cost, in part because its still being designed. Chinese officials are set to visit San Francisco in May to meet with Breeds administration and the zoo to discuss next steps.

U.S. zoos must pay an annual fee to China to have the animals on loan. That cost has generally been $1 million per year, and China is supposed to use those funds on the animals conservation efforts, according to a 2022 report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

Building a new facility for pandas at the zoo would cost an estimated $25 million, ABC News reported in a February interview with San Francisco Zoo CEO and Executive Director Tanya Peterson.

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The city doesnt know exactly when the pandas will come, but over the weekend Breed said it could be as soon as the beginning of next year.

Breed secured the pandas just after the Chronicle published an investigation into concerns about animal welfare and worker safety at the zoo, including an incident last year when a zookeeper was chased by a grizzly bear whose den door had been accidentally left open.

Breed has vowed to work with Chinese officials to make sure the pandas are afforded a secure and safe living environment.

The mayor announced her fundraising legislation shortly after she went on a charm offensive in Chinatown on Tuesday morning to drum up excitement about her reelection bid by touting the incoming pandas as well as her China visit. Some Chinese community leaders said they think her successful acquisition of the pandas could boost her campaign.

We are getting two! Breed said to Shirley Cen, owner of One Global Travel Agency on Stockton Street, during her campaigning.

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Very good, Cen responded. I will support you.
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Australian police arrested seven teenagers following counter-terror raids across Sydney linked to a violent knife attack in an Assyrian Orthodox church last week.

Police said those arrested in the raids posed "unacceptable risk and threat" to the public and adhered to a violent extremist ideology. Five others are also being interrogated in this connection.

The teenagers, aged between 15 to 17, were allegedly part of a network linked to the 16-year-old accused in the 15 April stabbing of the bishop of the church.

More than 400 officers of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team (JCT), which includes federal and state police as well as the nations main domestic spy agency, carried out raids in 13 locations across southwest Sydney.

New South Wales Police deputy commissioner David Hudson said the suspects were considered an immediate threat.

"We will allege that these individuals adhered to a religiously motivated, violent extremist ideology," Mr Hudson told reporters.

It was considered that the group ... posed an unacceptable risk and threat to the people of New South Wales, and our current purely investigative strategies could not adequately ensure public safety, he added.

He said it was "likely" the group investigated could be planning an attack but no specific target had been determined.

People stand outside a house across the road from the Christ the Good Shepherd church in suburban Wakely in western Sydney ( AP )

"Their behaviour, whilst under surveillance, led us to believe that, if they were to commit any act, we would not be able to prevent that," he said. "We believed, through the investigation, that it was likely that an attack might ensue."

Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett said the police operation was not linked to Anzac Day on Thursday, a public holiday when Australians remember their war dead.

"The JCTT has acted swiftly to disrupt these individuals, and the investigation remains ongoing."

A 16-year-old was charged on Friday with committing a terrorist act after a 50-year-old bishop suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. Three other people were injured in the attack and were treated for "non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.

Police declared the stabbing at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church a "terrorist incident" and said the teen allegedly spoke in Arabic about the Prophet Mohammad being insulted.
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It's been 434 days since the family of imprisoned Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova heard from her, her relatives said Wednesday, on the activist's 42nd birthday.

Kolesnikova, who is serving 11 years in prison for helping organize anti-government protests in Belarus in 2020, and other imprisoned opposition figures have been held incommunicado for months on end, raising fears for their well-being.

It's the fourth birthday that Maria spends behind bars, and recently we received information that her health is deteriorating and we don't know if she's being treated at all, her sister Tatsiana Khomich told Belarusian media. Khomich added that the last letter the family received from Kolesnikova came in February 2023, and bits and pieces of news about her trickle through other inmates.

Belarus was rocked by mass protests after an election in 2020 that gave authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko his sixth term in office  a vote that was denounced by the West and the opposition as fraudulent. Authorities responded by arresting more than 35,000 people and brutally beating thousands of them. Many top opposition figures were arrested and given long prison terms, while others fled abroad.

With her short-cropped hair and vibrant smile, Kolesnikova was famous for appearing at demonstrations and forming a heart with her hands.

The activist has been behind bars since September 2020. She was placed in custody after tearing up her passport at the border when authorities tried to expel her.

In 2022, Kolesnikova underwent abdominal surgery but was quickly transported back to prison. Her father was allowed to visit her then. Earlier this week, Belarus' most prominent human rights group, Viasna, listed Kolesnikova among 93 political prisoners who have severe medical problems and could be close to death.

Viasna has also reported that Kolesnikova has faced pressure and harassment from other inmates, who acted on the instructions of prison officials.

Since March 2023, the activist has been held in complete isolation, Khomich said, and "information about her appears only if someone is placed in a cell next to her.

Viasna has counted 1,401 political prisoners in Belarus. Among them is the group's founder Ales Bialiatski, who won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was forced into exile in Lithuania, called for solidarity with Kolesnikova on her birthday on Wednesday. "If the regime is not at war against women, then how come it is the fourth year already that Masha spends this day behind bars? Tsikhanouskaya said on social platform X.
 Close Drone footage shows devastation in Ukrainian city after Russian artillery pounding

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Russia has pushed Ukraine onto the back foot on the battlefield as Kyiv grapples with shortages of troops and ammunition.

Outnumbered Ukrainian soldiers are being forced to pull back, one village after another, as intense fighting roils the countryside surrounding Avdiivka nearly three months after the strategic city fell to Russia.

Ukrainian forces are now racing to build more defensive fortifications at places along the around 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line.

The sting for Ukraine is sharpened after Russia launched an exhibition on Wednesday which proudly displays over 30 captured military vehicles from Ukraine, including US and UK-made, since the invasion began.

The exhibition was unveiled on Russias International Workers Day and will be open for a month for visitors.

It comes as a Russian ballistic missile struck a postal depot in the Ukrainian port of Odesa late on Wednesday, injuring 14 people and triggering a large fire, regional governor Oleh Kiper said.

Pictures and a video posted online showed flames and billowing clouds of smoke engulfing buildings and firefighters training their hoses on areas still ablaze. Most of the loading area appeared to have been reduced to a shell.
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A Russian priest who led the memorial service for the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended for three years.

Dmitry Safronov, the Orthodox priest who presided over the service on 26 March, has been suspended from clerical duties by the Moscow Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church without specifying a reason, Reuters reported.

Navalny, Vladimir Putins most prominent critic, died in an Arctic penal colony in February. He was 47.

Navalnys supporters claimed that he was murdered, an allegation denied by the Kremlin.

Priest Dimitri Safronov, a cleric of the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin on Lyschikova Hill in Moscow, is released from the duty of obedience, is prohibited from the priesthood for a period of three years without the right to give a blessing, wear a cassock and a priestly cross and is sent for three years to the church of St Pimen the Great in New Collars in Moscow to perform the duties of a psalmist and fulfil those assignments which the abbot will determine for him, a statement signed by the Russian Orthodox Churchs head Patriarch Kirill and published on its website read, according to Haberler.

At the end of the period of penance, based on feedback from the place of obedience, a decision will be made on the possibility of his further priestly service.

More details about the priest were not immediately available.

Navalny died while he was serving a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges that he had denounced as politically motivated. He was jailed after returning from Germany in January 2021 where he was recuperating from a 2020 nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin.

Navalnys memoir, which he started writing in 2020, is slated for publication in October. Titled Patriot and published by Alfred A Knopf, it has been described as the opposition leaders final letter to the world.

Navalnys widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said in a statement released early this month by the publisher: This book is a testament not only to Alexeis life but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorship  a fight he gave everything for, including his life.

Additional reporting with agencies
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The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned as it published its annual report on Wednesday.

The human rights organisation said the most powerful governments, including the United States, Russia and China, have led a global disregard for international rules and values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with civilians in conflicts paying the highest price.

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary general, said the level of violation of international order witnessed in the past year was unprecedented.

Israels flagrant disregard for international law is compounded by the failures of its allies to stop the indescribable civilian bloodshed meted out in Gaza," she said. Many of those allies were the very architects of that post-World War Two system of law.

The report highlighted the US failures to denounce rights violations committed by Israel and its use of veto power to paralyse the UN Security Council on a ceasefire resolution in Gaza as well as Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

It also pointed to China's arming of military forces in Myanmar and the way Beijing has shielded itself from scrutiny over its treatment of the Uyghur minority.

We have here three very large countries, superpowers in many ways, sitting on the Security Council that have emptied out the Security Council of its potentials, and that have emptied out international law of its ability to protect people, she told the Associated Press in London.

The report, which detailed Amnesty's assessment of human rights in 155 countries, underlined an increasing backlash against women's rights and gender equality in 2023.

It cited the suppression of women's protests in Iran, the Taliban's decrees aimed at erasing women from public life in Afghanistan, and legal restrictions on abortion in the US and Poland, among others.

The rights organisation also warned about the threat of new technologies if left unchecked, saying the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and mass surveillance tools could be deployed to stoke conflict, encroach on rights and freedoms and sow discord in a landmark election year.

Unregulated tech advances can be weaponised to discriminate, disinform and divide, Callamard said.
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An Iranian court has sentenced well-known Iranian hip-hop star Toomaj Salehi to death for charges linked to Irans 2022-23 unrest, his lawyer told and Iranian newspaper Sharq on Wednesday.

Salehi supported months of protests in Iran in 2022 sparked by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman arrested for allegedly wearing an improper hijab.

Amini later died in the custody of the countrys morality police after being detained for wearing her hijab too loosely.

Salehi was initially arrested in October 2022 after making public statements in support of the nationwide protests.

He wrote raps about the protests and posted pictures and videos online. He has been described as the worlds bravest rapper by Western media.

He was sentenced in 2023 to six years and three months in prison, but avoided a death sentence due to a Supreme Court ruling.

His case was returned to court for reexamination and the musician then faced new charges after discussing torture in prison in a video.

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi on his YouTube channel ( Toomaj/YouTube )

Branch One of the Revolutionary Court of (the central city of) Isfahan in an unprecedented move, did not enforce the Supreme Courts ruling .... and sentenced Salehi to the harshest punishment, his lawyer Amir Raisian told Sharq.

Iranian judiciary has not confirmed the sentence yet. Salehi has 20 days to appeal the ruling.

We will definitely appeal this verdict, his lawyer said.

Earlier this year authorities in Iran sentenced an uncle of Mahsa Amini to more than five years in prison for anti-government comments during protests following his Iranian-Kurdish nieces death.

Aminis death in police custody in 2022 sparked nationwide protests that rocked the Islamic Republic and led to the killing of more than 500 people.

Safa Aeli, 30, was handed a five year and four-month-long sentence in prison by the revolutionary court in north-western Irans Saqez town on charges of participation in a gathering and conspiracy against internal security, propaganda against the system and insulting Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mr Aeli was previously arrested by security forces in a raid on his home in September 2023, shortly before the first anniversary of Aminis death.

He was brutally assaulted for 42 days before being released on bail, according to Norway-based Hengaw group.
 Close Iranian state television reports explosions

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The UN has called for the preservation of evidence of mass graves in the Gaza Strip after 390 bodies were found at two different burial sites outside the Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals.

The Israeli army said any suggestion of its responsibility was baseless and unfounded and the graves were dug by Gazans a few months ago.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said its important that all forensic evidence be well preserved.

Earlier, the US demanded answers from Israel after mass graves were found outside two hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, at least five people have been killed following Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Palestinian hospital officials have said.

More than half of the territorys population of 2.3 million have sought refuge in Rafah, where Israel has conducted near-daily raids as it prepares for an offensive in the city.

In central Gaza, four people were killed in Israeli tank shelling.
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US plans to build a giant floating dock off the coast of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid were accused of being a smokescreen to allow the Israeli army to invade Rafah.

The pier is expected to be in position by early May and was intended to bring in a massive increase of aid to Gaza by circumventing land routes controlled by the Israeli army.

However, UN officials have warned it wont be positioned off northern Gaza, where the threat of famine is most severe, but at a point still overseen by an Israeli army checkpoint.

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The officials claimed Israel would then likely use the project as a substitute for land crossings which would be closed off during the Jewish states invasion of the southern region.

One of the key arguments for having a dock was to put it further north so that suppliers could come in more directly to the north, a UN official said.

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The official, who was not named, added that what was actually being proposed looked more like a smokescreen to enable the Israelis to invade Rafah.

More than 1 million Palestinians are now sheltering in Rafah. The IDF wants them to move out so that it can conduct an offensive against Hamas units in the city.

The US plan will involve a floating dock, anchored to the sea floor, where big ships will unload, and a floating 500-metre pier connected to the shore.

Smaller vessels would transport cargo from the dock to the pier, where it would be loaded on to trucks for distribution. The ambition is for 200 trucks a day, carrying 2 million meals, to enter Gaza by this sea route.

Getting in food, medical supplies and other aid has been difficult, if not impossible at times, due to the ongoing hostilities and struggles to coordinate with the Israeli military, which has blocked routes and slowed deliveries due to inspections.

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid have to drive from the Rafah crossing with Egypt or the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel, both on the southern edge of Gaza, through the conflict zone to reach the largely cut-off areas in the north.
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People have been talking about banning TikTok almost as long as it existed. The app was launched under that name in 2017  and by 2019, it was already banned in much of the world.

It means that discussions of a TikTok ban in the US and elsewhere can sometimes have a feeling of being stuck in time. Politicians make a variety of complaints  which can vary from national security concerns to worries about childrens development  and threaten to ban the app in response.

It has happened enough that much of the world might have become bored of those threats, especially given they rarely seem to come to anything. But just as we are becoming tired of talking about a TikTok ban, it might finally happen.

This week, the US Senate approved legislation that will force the app to be sold or banned, and Joe Biden has signed it into law. The threat of a ban is looming.

The ban has already happened elsewhere. Billions of people live in countries where TikTok is unavailable in one form or another.

Whats more, those bans have happened with relatively simplicity. In India, which was a leader in banning the app, the app was taken down from the Google and Apple app stores in the country, and it was no longer available.

Instagram Reels rushed in to fill the gap. The then brand new app  which borrows much of the same formats from TikTok, including its musical soundtracks and its easily scrollable feed  quickly took in users that could no longer use the original app.

YouTube Shorts did much the same, and saw a similar popularity. Neither of the apps offered any great innovations, and simply stood out for offering the same sort of endlessly satisfying, bite-sized, easily discovered content that TikTok had once done.

Those apps are already wildly popular in the US, UK and other countries that have long threatened their own bans. And so users in those countries are likely to take much the same path.

Users of both YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels have plenty of complaints about those platforms in relation to TikTok: their algorithm seems less personalised and recommends different kinds of content, and the apps are build in different ways. But they would no doubt happily use them if they had no alternative.

The TikTok community has shown remarkable adaptability in response to other, similar changes. Recently, for instance, Universal pulled all of its songs from the app because of a dispute over licensing  and, immediately, TikTok users were using new sounds and making jokes about the old ones.

Other apps have been banned in the US and elsewhere before, too. The power that Google and Apple hold over mobile apps means that they can be taken down relatively quickly, and the online connections that apps like TikTok rely on can be quickly severed.

Users might be able to get around those bans, with technology such as virtual private networks that reroute internet traffic and make it look as if it is coming from elsewhere. That will no doubt happen  but many others might simply be happy to go elsewhere.

There is still a long time before any possible TikTok ban might go into effect. Parent company ByteDance has 270 days to sell its US operations  and even then, the president can extend that deadline, and there are opportunities to appeal through legal means.

Whats more, ByteDance might simply opt to sell. If that happened  presumably to another US tech company eager to build its platform in the market for social media and short videos  then regular users of TikTok might not even see any change in the app at all.

But that deadline is nonetheless a lot closer than it was before the Senate approved the new legislation. And a ban might be easier and more likely than it might seem.
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TikTok spent millions of dollars in a failed attempt to prevent a newly passed bill that could ban the app in the US, data has revealed.

The video-sharing app spent $4.5 million (3.6m) on an ad campaign in the build up to the Senate vote on Tuesday, while TikToks China-based parent company ByteDance spent a further $2.68m in 2024 on in-house lobbyists.

The figures from data firm Adimpact do not take into account money spent on external consultants or outside lobbying firms.

This expenditure reflects work we do to educate policymakers about how legislation could affect our community of 170 million American users, a TikTok spokesperson told CNBC, who first reported the campaign.

US President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, having previously signalled his intention to do so citing concerns that it poses a national security risk. TikTok has denied allegations that data from its US users is processed in China, while also dismissing fears that its algorithm could be used to serve propaganda to US citizens.

The new law will require ByteDance to sell TikTok to a US company within the next year or face being deleted from app stores in the country.

TikTok has called the bill a violation of the First Amendment rights of Americans and said it would fight the legislation in court.

In a memo to US staff earlier this week, TikToks head of public policy Michael Beckerman wrote that it was the beginning, not the end, of this long process.

The divest-or-ban legislation is wrapped up in a broader bill that includes a massive foreign aid package for Israel and Ukraine, leading to accusations from TikTok that the US was using support for those countries to push through the ban.

It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, TikTok said in a statement.

TikTok is already banned on government and military devices in the US, as well as the state of Montana.

Countries that have already introduced a complete ban of TikTok include India, Iran and Senegal.
Mint Butterfield, 16, was reported missing from Bolinas. They may have run away from home to San Francisco, officials said. They are the child of Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield. Marin County Sheriffs Office

Mint Butterfield, the teenage child of Slack co-founder and former CEO Stewart Butterfield, was reported missing Tuesday, according to Marin County officials.

Mint, 16, is believed to be in the Tenderloin of San Francisco, a neighborhood they were known to frequent before running away from home, said Adam Schermerhorn, a sergeant with the Marin County Sheriffs Office. The teen was last seen late Sunday night in Bolinas and was determined to be missing Monday morning.

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The teens mother, who reported the disappearance, has a residence in San Francisco, Schermerhorn said. The sheriffs office was working with SFPD detectives to try and locate Mint, he said.

Mint has curly, brown-red hair and pierced eyebrows. They are about 5 feet tall and weigh 100 pounds. Mint was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, flannel pajama pants and black boots, sheriffs officials said. They were also possibly carrying a gray suitcase.

Anyone with information about Mints whereabouts is asked to contact the Marin County Sheriffs Office.

Stewart Butterfield co-founded Slack, a corporate instant-messaging app, and sold it to Salesforce in 2020.
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The city of Amsterdam is escalating its campaign against overtourism on top of existing efforts to discourage problematic Brits abroad and crack down on tourist etiquette.

In the latest measures, a limit on the number of river cruises that enter the Dutch capitals waterways and plans to reduce overnight visitors by banning the construction of new hotels intend to discourage tourists from making the trip.

The proposals to restrict the way tourists enter and stay in the city predict 271,000 fewer visitors per year via river cruise and aim to limit overnight stays to just 20 million tourists annually.

For river cruises, this means cutting voyages to Amsterdam by half to just 1,150 a year by 2028. In 2023, 2,300 boats floated into the citys canals  a sharp increase from the 1,327 boats that visited in 2011.

A statement from Amsterdam City Council said: Amsterdam must be and remain liveable, for residents and visitors. That is why we take measures to combat overtourism. We want to halve the number of river cruise ships in the city within five years to a maximum of 1,150 in 2028. Fewer river cruises means less crowds and more quality of life.

Ocean-going cruise ships were banned from docking in the city centre last July.

Amsterdam City Council added: River cruises contribute to the crowds and emissions in the city, with tourists, overnight stays, bus movements and supply traffic.

River cruises therefore remain part of the Amsterdam visitor economy. We focus on the most sustainable ships that have a connection for green shore power.

The attempts to curb the environmental and social impact of overtourism by the citys council will also introduce a limit of 20 million overnight stays.

Excluding holiday rentals, this is 665,000 less than the total hotel nights stayed in 2023.

As for the construction of hotels, a new hotel will only be allowed to open when another closes  a one-in-one-out system that prohibits new openings from offering a higher number of beds than the previous accommodation.

While Amsterdam says no to new hotels, 26 hotels already in development with the necessary permits will be exempt from the new construction rule.

A new hotel may only be built, under certain conditions, if a hotel closes elsewhere. The number of sleeping places may not increase. The hotel must also be better, for example, more modern and/or more sustainable. We encourage hotel owners to choose a place outside the centre, said the local authority.

The boat and building bans follow other measures to thin out crowds in the city last year including banning weed in the Red Light District, an increased tourist tax, a Stay Away campaign and an Amsterdam Rules quiz to deter rowdy British visitors.
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Families of Boeing Max 8 crash victims expressed their disappointment after meeting with Department of Justice officials on Thursday to discuss potential criminal charges against the company.

Relatives said they left the meeting disappointed, stating that Boeing is playing roulette with passenger safety. Two of the companys Max 8 planes crashed in 2018 and 2019.

The first accident happened in Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 passengers and crew. The following year, an Ethiopian Airlines flight was lost with 157 people on board. Families of a dozen victims of the Ethiopian Airlines flight met with the DoJ in Washington.

The families say that Boeing violated a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) to change its compliance program following the tragedies. As long as the company abided by the agreement, federal prosecutors said theyd ask a judge to dismiss a fraud conspiracy charge against it.

The agreement was set to expire on 7 January 2024, two days after Alaska Airlines flight 1282, in which a door plug blew off the side of one of its planes. Now, the families say the company should be held accountable with a criminal trial.

Boeing has already admitted it had committed a crime, Attorney Paul G Cassell said during a news conference on Wednesday. Charges have been filed in Texas. We simply want that case to move forward and let the jury decide whether Boeing is a criminal or not.

Naoise Connolly Ryan, who lost her husband Mick Ryan on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, said that the DPA was a miscarriage of justice right from the start.

She added: It should never have come about. Boeing should have been prosecuted for manslaughter for the deaths of 346 people.

Zipporah Kuria, from London, lost her dad, Joseph Kuria, 55, in the crash. said the meeting had left her quite disheartened and that it was really disappointing.

What is required to do the right thing? Do we need another crash? she said.

We have to hope and pray that they will do the right thing and do their jobs in this situation...its not about a miscarriage of justice any more its about the publics safety.

She added: We are literally putting our lives in the hands of people who do not mind playing a roulette game, risking our lives. They do not mind if we are the price that has to be paid over and over.

The Justice Department said it would give the company 30 days notice about whether theyll dismiss the charges.

The calls for accountability come on the same day Boeing reported $355m losses in the first quarter of 2024  coming off the back of a growing litany of concerns about the safety of its aircraft.

According to quarterly results published on Wednesday, the companys revenue declined by eight per cent year-over-year to $16.6bn.

This marks the seventh consecutive quarterly loss for the aerospace company, as it faces damaging whistleblower complaints, congressional hearings and major safety fears about its 737 Max 9 planes after a door blew off mid-flight.

Our first quarter results reflect the immediate actions weve taken to slow down 737 production to drive improvements in quality, Boeing President and Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said.

Despite the sharp decline, the results were actually better than analysts had predicted.

Boeing has fallen under increased scrutiny since a door panel on a 737 Max 9 blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight in January.

Several passengers on board were injured in the incident, which grounded all Boeing 737 Max 9s and prompted investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board into the aircraft manufacturer and Spirit AeroSystems, which made the door plug.

Reports released since have suggested the plane did not have the critical bolts it needed to keep the door plug in place when it left the factory.

open image in gallery Photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows a gaping hole where the paneled-over door fell off Boeing plane mid-flight in January ( via REUTERS )

Following the incident, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, which operate 79 of the planes, said they, too, found loose bolts on some of their aircraft  while three of the passengers on board the flight filed a lawsuit against Boeing for $1bn.

The complaint, filed on 20 February, alleged that the aircraft manufacturers negligence caused the incident in early January.

In March, the Federal Aviation Authority said that Boeing had failed to meet quality control standards during manufacturing, while another report raised concerns about staff being comfortable in reporting safety issues.

Boeing must commit to real and profound improvements, said FAA administrator Michael Whitaker. Making foundational change will require a sustained effort from Boeings leadership, and we are going to hold them accountable every step of the way.

The FAA has also barred the company from increasing its output.

Mr Calhoun has said that the company will develop the comprehensive action plan with measurable criteria that demonstrates the profound change that Administrator Whitaker and the FAA demand.

Mr Calhoun announced in March that he is resigning from his role as CEO at the end of the year. Boeings chief of commercial airlines Stan Deal has already stepped down.
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London Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, handled a record number of passengers in the first three months of 2024, but the threat of disruption looms with a series of planned walkouts over the next month.

Between January and March, 18.5 million passengers travelled through Heathrow  an average of 200,000 per day.

The airport said the growth came from key business routes like Delhi and Mumbai, strong North American traffic and surging East Asian demand growing 40 per cent.

Latin American passenger numbers increased by 20 per cent, but routes to and from Africa saw no growth.

Javier Echave, Heathrows chief financial officer, told The Independent: I think that we are the best hub in Europe. We have demonstrated that at the start of this year and we have a fantastic summer ahead of us.

The airports prediction for full-year passenger numbers has increased to 82.4 million, which would be a new record. In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, Heathrow handled 80.9 million passengers. In 2023, the figure was 79 million.

Mr Echave who is due to become chief operating officer on 26 April, faces an immediate array of industrial action challenges at the airport.

More than 300 PCS union members working for UK Border Force plan to walk out from 29 April to 2 May. Fifty aircraft refuellers who are members of the Unite union will strike for 72 hours from 4 May. The union is also calling out firefighters and staff in airside operations, passenger services, trolley operations and campus security from Tuesday 7 May to Monday 13 May.

The Heathrow CFO said: We believe that these strikes are absolutely unnecessary. But, look, we respect the outcome. And what I can tell you is that we are ready and reassure passengers that actually, everyone will fly and will have the best possible experience at Heathrow.

We are ready to serve all of you without any disruption.

Heathrow reported a 83m adjusted profit before tax for the quarter. But the airport insists that a cap on charges imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority a year ago will leave a 400m gap in its account over the next five years.

The airports expansion plans, including a third runway, have been on ice since the pandemic. Mr Echave declined to say when the project might be revived.

We are reviewing the business case, he said. We are re-engaging with all the stakeholders. This is a complex decision, a difficult decision.

We are very keen that we make the right decision, and thats why its taking us slightly longer. Heathrow has been constrained for many years.

The average aircraft at the airport filled three-quarters of its seats in the first three months of the year, up marginally from 74 per cent in 2023.
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By the way, dont let your dog out of the vehicle in Oatman, advised the tourist information assistant at the Kingman visitor centre. The wild burros will bite its head and rip its scalp off.

Dog-eating donkeys were probably about the last hazard we could imagine on Route 66, but we took the warning at face value as we set out on the original 1926 road from Kingman to Oatman, a section dubbed the Arizona Sidewinder for its 191 turns  and no guardrails  in one eight-mile stretch through the volcanic jumble of the Black mountains.

As it turned out, the advice was well judged. As the descendants of the pack-carrying animals of the miners from the 1915 gold rush, the burros of Oatman were free to wander and scavenge throughout this Wild West mining town, frequently nudging visitors for the hay-pellet treats sold in many shops. Apparently, to the donkeys eye, a dog equated to a coyote that needed to be attacked on sight.

open image in gallery The dangerous dog-scalping burros of Oatman ( Simon and Susan Veness )

Our Ruthie was therefore happy to watch from the back seat as we went out to explore the ramshackle collection of original buildings and tourist traps that lined the only viable street, which featured the 1902 Oatman Hotel with its haunted saloon, and twice-daily cowboy shootouts.

We had arrived in Arizona determined to slow the pace of our first five months, which had seen us cover 6,403 miles in our RV. With seven months still to go, we were in danger of over-stressing both ourselves and our wonderful Winnebago, Indefatigable (or Fati for short), as well as our faithful tow car, Nippy.

open image in gallery Boating on emerald blue Lake Havasu is an Arizona highlight ( Simon and Susan Veness )

Opting to split Arizona in two, we would tackle the northern half  for the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Monument Valley and Meteor Crater  from an RV base in Kingman, and the lower half from Lake Havasu City, Mesa, Tucson and Willcox, for Lake Havasu, Phoenix, Sedona, Saguaro National Park and Chiricahua National Monument.

At Kingman, we discovered Blake Ranch RV Park and Horse Motel, a true original in mixing the ranch world of yesteryear with the modern road trippers of today, as well as the ideal base from which to launch forays in Nippy. We had already decided Fati was not suited to the high mountain sierras around the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, and the rough road surface along I-40 backed up our decision.

Driving a 36-foot class-A motorhome along uneven roads is the equivalent to putting a house through an earthquake, and wed soon learnt to detest highways that made the journey a gritted-teeth experience of excruciating proportions. I-40 quickly hit the top three in our Hate List.

open image in gallery Yavapai Geology Museum has sprawling Grand Canyon views ( Simon and Susan Veness )

Happily, it was much more manageable in Nippy, and it extended our touring range by several hundred miles. From Kingman, the Grand Canyon was a 173-mile drive and an easy day trip to take in the awe-inspiring views of its astonishing multi-layered, mile-deep profile, which extends for 277 miles and includes the dramatic Desert View Watchtower at its eastern edge.

It was another 160 miles to Monument Valley and required an overnight stay at the NavajoLand Hotel of Tuba City, which proved the ideal preparation for our journey into Navajo Nation, with its neighbouring museum and trading post, plus a chance to try Navajo frybread at next doors Hogan Family Restaurant.

Monument Valley  or Tse Bii Ndzisgaii, as it is known in the Navajo language  is very much the tribes heartland, a historic setting that became a native American park in 1958. Administered by a tribal council, it features an iconic landscape beloved of film-makers like John Ford and Sergio Leone, stretching for 92,000 acres of breathtaking red sandstone splendour.

open image in gallery Red mountains fringe Monument Valley ( Simon and Susan Veness )

It left us utterly bewitched by its sprawling collection of mesas, buttes, spires and arches, a ravishing panorama that positively glowed in the morning sun and evening twilight. The fact it is also sought out by Forrest Gump fans was another handy pop culture reference point, but the valley largely stands on its own merit, a red-hued colossus that is natures high art.

Suitably enriched, we headed to Winslow for another overnight stay before tackling our next landmark and discovered the utterly charming La Posada Hotel. The small high plains city is already immortalised in song by the Eagles 1972 classic Take It Easy, but its feature hotel was a treasure, too.

A lovingly restored 1930s Santa Fe Railway hotel, it has become a living period piece to grand hacienda style with all mod cons, like fine-dining restaurant The Turquoise Room, which served up delicious platefuls of contemporary southwest cuisine. It also had Khent Anantakai, a Navajo guitarist who played his brand of classical/ambient music for a small audience in the lounge each evening, to our total enchantment.

open image in gallery Well-maintained Williams is a period town on Route 66 ( Simon and Susan Veness )

Next morning, we took the obligatory photos standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona, which is an official town park and homage to sadly departed Eagle Glenn Frey, and headed to Meteor Crater and Barringer Space Museum to have our minds boggled by the sight of this massive 50,000-year-old indentation in the earths surface, 560 feet deep and roughly the size of 20 Wembleys. The visitor centre sits 150ft up on the lip of the crater, providing a grandstand view of the random power of the cosmos.

Returning to Kingman, we stopped off at the Route 66 town of Williams, another well-maintained period piece that sticks firmly to its 1926 roots and provides the gateway to the longest unbroken original stretch of the Mother Road, from nearby Ash Fork to Topock on the Colorado River, roughly 165 miles west, and including the wild switchback section from Kingman to Oatman and its dog-biting burros.

Reunited with Fati after our excursion in Nippy, we suffered another abysmal stretch of I-40 before branching south along state Route 95, soaking up more craggy desert vistas through the Mohave mountains, where our lofty cab viewpoint allowed us to enjoy the slow reveal of Lake Havasu between the 5,000ft peaks. We had calculated we could lay up for a few days and just enjoy the view, which, of course, included the 19th-century edifice of London Bridge, bought and transplanted wholesale in 1968 and now linking the mainland with the artificially created island at the south end of the emerald blue lake.

open image in gallery London Bridge links the mainland to Lake Havasu ( Simon and Susan Veness )

Here, the slick BeachComber Estates provided the perfect hideaway, a gracious mix of upscale mobile homes and RVs, complete with immaculate clubhouse boasting a pool, spa, laundry and bocce ball court. We happily crossed the bridge each day to explore the city and surrounding area, which included Cattail Cove State Park and Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, where we encountered our first roadrunners, the bird of Wile E Coyote cartoon fame, and just as cute in real life (albeit no meep meep sounds).

With the temperature still pushing 39C in late October, we were also driven from our RV in search of cooler experiences, and hired a pontoon boat on the lake for a truly blissful few hours taking in the mountain-rimmed setting of this unusual city, where Ruthie was welcomed into the visitor center to cool down and finally found some grass under her paws in London Bridge Beach park after weeks of desert paths and gravel.

Outdoor dining at the eclectic Red Onion proved another pleasure  notably the Mexican-inspired huevos rancheros for breakfast  but the rest of Arizona was now calling, and we reluctantly departed the BeachComber for all points east.

Next: Arizona to New Mexico...

How to do it

RVing 101:

Slow and steady are the key watchwords with an RV, from driving to setting up at a new camp. Top speed is usually 65mph when towing a car (and we typically sit around 60), while it can easily take an hour to set up and break down again at the end of each stay. Allowing plenty of time for each activity is vital

Using a surge protector before you plug in to a parks electric outlet is highly advisable, to avoid your onboard electrics suffering a damaging power surge. We use a Hughes Power Watchdog PWD50EPO

RV Factfile:

Cruise America offers three RV rental centres in Arizona, including Mesa, which is convenient for Phoenix International Airport: www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-rental-locations/arizona

To get off the beaten path in Monument Valley, you need to take a tour with a local Navajo guide: www.monumentvalleytribaltours.com. For Lake Havasu City accommodations, see www.golakehavasu.com

Read more: USA travel guide  everything you need to know before you go
Reform UK's deputy leader Ben Habib appeared to suggest migrants should be left to drown in the English Channel in comments that horrified an interviewer on Tuesday, 23 April.

It came after a seven-year-old girl was among five migrants who died as they tried to cross the water hours after parliament passed Rishi Sunaks flagship Rwanda bill.

Mr Habib told Julia Hartley-Brewer: "We only have an obligation to save people if it's reasonable to do so."

When challenged on his beliefs, Mr Habib replied: "We could... provide them with another dinghy... [to] go back to France.

"And if they choose to scupper that dinghy, then yes, they have to suffer the consequences of that."

When asked if he would leave them to drown, Mr Habib said "Absolutely."
The British army has shared an update after military horses ran amok in central London after being spooked by falling rubble on Wednesday 24 April.

Several Household Cavalry soldiers were thrown from their mounts before the animals bolted in the capital.

In a video shared on social media, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Woodward confirmed that three soldiers incurred injuries which are not deemed to be life-threatening and are receiving treatment in hospital.

The escaped horses have all been returned to Hyde Park Barracks, where they are undergoing veterinary care.
Blood-soaked horses ran loose through London after breaking free from the Household Cavalry on Wednesday, 24 April.

The animals, wearing saddles and bridles, charged through Aldwych.

Pictures showed a soldier lying in the street on Buckingham Palace Road in Victoria.

Other posts on social media showed a black 4x4 with blue lights following the animals.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Were pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army.
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The Barbados government has halted plans to buy a 3m former plantation from a British Conservative MP whose family profited from slavery.

Richard Drax, the MP for South Dorset, owns a 617-acre land in Barbados that was once operated as a sugar plantation by his ancestors in the 17th century, where thousands of enslaved African people were forced to work.

The government had planned to pay market value for his land to provide housing for Barbadians, while simultaneously pursuing the politician for reparations over his familys instrumental role in slavery.

However, following widespread backlash prime minister Mia Mottley has now announced that the acquisition will be paused in light of Barbadians anger with the move. A public consultation will take place.

open image in gallery Up to 30,000 slaves worked at Drax Hall plantation over 200 years ( Nathan Fisher/Wiki Commons )

I understand the concerns of many Barbadians, who may feel that they have been robbed of the opportunity of having an appropriate settlement for the reparations that ought to be made as a result of the blood, sweat and tears of Barbadians over centuries, Ms Mottley said in a video statement released on Wednesday.

I want to make it clear that this is not a matter that we take lightly.

Given the conversation, I believe that it is appropriate for us to pause the acquisition to allow for greater conversation to take place, and also for us to be able to see where we are, in terms of being able to get some kind of reasonable settlement with Mr Drax, recognising that in our conversations  without prejudice to anything else  he is aware that the government of Barbados feels strongly about this and will pursue these matters.

Ms Mottley has pledged to build 10,000 homes to meet demand across the nation which has seen 20,000 housing applications.

However, condemnation of the Barbados governments plans to acquire Drax Hall, once described as killing field for African people, was swift.

Trevor Prescod, chair of the Barbados National Taskforce on Reparations and MP, said: What a bad example this is. Reparations and Drax Hall are now top of the global agenda. How do we explain this to the world?

open image in gallery Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, is a descendant of plantation owners that benefited from slavery ( Getty )

The government should not be entering into any [commercial] relationship with Richard Drax, especially as we are negotiating with him regarding reparations.

Others, including Barbados poet laureate Esther Phillips, described the acquisition prospect as an atrocity, whereby descendants of enslaved African people are effectively compensating a descendant of enslavers.

He should be giving us this land as reparations, not further enriching himself  at the expense of Barbadians. As Barbadians, we must speak out against this, she said.

Barbados is a country that is governed by the rule of law, Ms Mottley continued in her statement.

We have never made it a habit, nor am I aware of any example, where we have expropriated peoples land. When people have land that is a subject of compulsory acquisition: by law, we are due to pay for it.

At the same time, that does not preclude us from [aggressively pursuing], both through our advocacy and as we are seeking to do in recent times, through the preparation of our legal options with respect to being able to take action, not only against the owners of Drax plantation but also against all others who have contributed to the condition of this country being, regrettably, one of the worst examples of modern racism in the Americas.

open image in gallery An aerial image of the Drax plantation ( Nathan Fisher/Wiki Commons )

A senior valuation surveyor said that the market value for land in this instance would be priced at around Bds$150,000 (60,000) for each acre, according to a report in The Guardian. At this price, the property could cost around Bds$8m (3.2m).

Ms Mottley also said she is not happy about the pace of ongoing discussions with Mr Drax regarding the issue of reparations which theyve been urging him to pay since 2022.

Up to 30,000 enslaved African people lived and died on the Drax estate over 200 years between the plantations establishment in the 1620s and the abolition of slavery in 1833, according to historians, and the family generated extraordinary wealth from the barbaric practice.

The Caribbean nation was first taken over by the British in the 1620s, making it one of the earliest colonies.

From that point up until the abolition of slavery, it is estimated that over a quarter of a million African people (387,000) were trafficked there and forced to work.

open image in gallery Mottley at the 2021 handover event alongside guests including Rihanna and then Prince Charles, officially parting ways with the British monarchys reign over Barbados ( Getty )

Following abolition, the British government paid 45,000 Britons who still owned enslaved African people huge sums of money in compensation including the Drax family, who received around 4,293 (over 500,000 in todays money).

Mr Drax, 66, is reportedly worth 150m and the seventh member of his family to sit in the House of Commons.

In response to ongoing calls for him to pay reparations, though, the lawmaker has insisted despite his familys past being deeply, deeply regrettable, no one can be held responsible for what happened many hundreds of years ago.

Meanwhile, he benefits from the wealth and privilege accrued from the blood and sweat spent by African people hundreds of years ago.

In 2021, Barbados removed the British monarch as head of state and became a republic.

Mr Drax has been approached for comment.
The operators of the Corrib gas field have taken a legal challenge against the Government over the windfall gains tax on the energy sector.

Vermilion Energy has made an application to the Commercial Court based on the fact that although its revenues in 2022 were higher than in previous years, it has not yet realised any profit from the Corrib field.

The company will tell the court it continues to hold significant losses on its investment which have yet to be recovered.

In a statement today explaining why it has taken a legal challenge, Vermilion said: These significant and ongoing financial losses have not been taken into account by the State when applying the recent Temporary Solidarity Contributory Tax, as would normally be the case under prudent tax law.

It added: Further compounding this unfair application of the Temporary Solidarity Contribution tax legislation as it applies to Vermilion, it is our view that Ireland did not need to be an outlier with respect to other European countries by applying a punitive tax rate of 75pc, which is more than double the European Council recommended minimum rate of 33pc, and then implementing the option of applying the tax over both years 2022 and 2023.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

According to figures released by Vermilion, only Slovenia has imposed a higher rate  at 80pc. Several countries, including France and Germany, have set the rate at 33pc.

The idea of making the energy sector pay a temporary solidarity contribution on its windfall gains arose immediately after the war in Ukraine in 2022 when the prices of oil and gas soared.

Announcing the measure at the time, the Government estimated proceeds would be in the range of 200m to 450m, and they could be used to give financial supports to households and businesses affected by high energy prices. They could also be used to support investment in renewable energy.

An EU regulation was introduced as an emergency intervention in 2022 to address the high energy prices in Europe at the time, and the surplus profits being generated in the industry. The Irish Governments implementation of the EU regulation came in the form of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector0 (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Act 2023, which went through the Oireachtas last autumn and was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins in November.

It meant energy companies had to make returns to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, which has now drawn up regulations, with a deadline of August for complying.

Vermilion are the operators and majority shareholder of the Corrib field in Mayo. As Irelands largest producer of natural gas, it would be expected to bear the brunt of the new windfall tax.

According to results published in March, revenue at its high margin Irish business dropped 6.7pc last year to C$302.4m (205.1m). Operating expenses at the Irish unit more than doubled in 2023 to C$39.46m.

The idea of levying a tax on the sector Europe-wide has already been challenged in the courts by ExxonMobil. It lodged a case late last year with the EU General Court opposing the regulation that allowed national parliaments to impose the tax.
The High Court has dismissed a former abattoir workers case alleging he was kicked and injured by an animal 15 years ago.

Mr Justice David Nolan found there was inordinate and inexcusable delay on the part of plaintiff Vanderiei Jacinto de Figuerdo in progressing his 2011 case against his former employer Kepak Athleague and Kepak Group Limited.

Allowing the case to proceed would place Kepak in a prejudicial position, and there is a clear risk of memory fade relating to an accident alleged to have occurred in 2009, the judge said.

The company had also had to ringfence funds for this claim, which gave rise to a financial burden, he added.

The judge said Mr de Figuerdo, a Brazilian national living in Ireland for at least 15 years, claimed he was assigned to work at the end of the killing pen at Kepaks Athleague plant. In one instance, on May 6, 2009, an animals legs got caught in the pen and it had not been killed outright, the plaintiff claimed.

Mr de Figuerdo alleged another employee had allowed the next animal to enter the pen before this one was cleared away. He claimed the next animal began kicking and struck him on the thigh, causing him to fall backwards and suffer an injury. His claims were denied.

The judge said Mr de Figuerdo initiated his High Court personal injuries case late and then delayed in progressing it.

In 2021, Kepak issued its motion asking the court to dismiss the case for want of prosecution. It claimed several people who had direct knowledge of Mr de Figuerdos employment, practices, training and supervision had left the company.

Kepak said it had enquired about their whereabouts but could not find them, so it was not able to secure their attendance to give evidence at a trial. The judge said more than a decade had passed since Kepak asked the plaintiff to provide his medical records, which had still not been disclosed. Mr de Figuerdos solicitor submitted there had been no inordinate delay, but if inordinate delay occurred, it was excusable.

Mr Justice Nolan said there was very significant delay between the proceedings being issued and Kepaks filing of its defence in 2017. However, he would have expected matters such as document exchanges to be at the forefront of Mr de Figuerdos solicitors mind, but little or nothing was done.

He rejected a novel contention from Mr de Figuerdos solicitor he should take into account the fact the defence pleaded delay and the solicitor then sought to notify his professional indemnity insurers. The judge said it was as if this caused the solicitor to freeze, and no steps were taken after this until Kepaks motion to dismiss was issued in 2021. The solicitor accepted he had a contractual obligation, under Mr de Figuerdos retainer, to prosecute the proceedings, but from a personal point of view was left in a difficult position whereby his professional indemnity insurers had indicated no further steps should be taken in the case without their consent.

Mr Justice Nolan said this position clearly represents a conflict of interests between the solicitors personal position and his obligation to act according to his retainer. The judge said he did not understand why, once the solicitor realised there was a potential conflict, he did not ask another solicitor to take over the file.

He was satisfied this was not a matter that could excuse the delay.

Overall, he found the delay on the part of the plaintiff had been inexcusably inordinate and the balance of justice favoured dismissing the case.
In the midst of contentious contract negotiations with the city, nurses are once again raising the alarm over what they say are unsafe working conditions at S.F. General Hospital. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Hannah Lucero shows up for her nursing shifts at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center and says shes often told there will be no breaks.

Due to a lack of adequate staffing in the hospitals inpatient psych unit, Lucero said, she and her co-workers are forced to take on extra patients, frequently work mandated overtime and suffer repeated assaults from patients. Lucero said shes been punched in the face and watched her co-workers get shoved, hit and even knocked unconscious.

Unstaffed shifts are not just inconvenient or really busy, she said. Theyre scary, unsafe, lonely and mentally exhausting.

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In the midst of contentious contract negotiations, nurses employed by the city are once again raising the alarm over what they say are unsafe working conditions, reduced quality of care and rising wait times due to chronic understaffing.

A Department of Public Health survey, presented publicly at a Tuesday meeting of the citys Health Commission, found that 73% of the hospitals workforce would not recommend S.F. General as a place to receive care. And the percent of hospital employees that would recommend working at S.F. General plunged from 63% of respondents in 2019 to 32% in 2023, according to the survey.

At the meeting, the hospitals chief experience officer, Aiyana Johnson, acknowledged that staff sentiment was a challenge coming out of the pandemic.

Theres a lot of work that needs to be done, but theres a lot of work that we are doing, Johnson said, citing well-being pop-up days, pet therapy and in-person wellness classes offered to hospital staff.

The labor union representing San Franciscos public nurses is one of the last holdouts after the city earlier this month reached tentative labor contracts with several of its largest unions. Those contracts are expected to establish a $25 per hour minimum wage for city workers, among other provisions, according to SEIU Local 1021, San Franciscos largest public-sector union.

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San Francisco unions threatened to strike this year after a state employment board recently struck provisions in the City Charter that forbade them from doing so. A strike would deliver a blow to Mayor London Breed, who is trying to close a projected $789.3 million two-year budget gap just months before a competitive reelection race.

Heather Bollinger, an emergency room nurse at S.F. General, said the nurses are nowhere near close to reaching a contract with the city. The nurses are seeking higher wages, increased full-time nursing staff and a reduced reliance on contract workers.

According to Bollinger, nearly 100 emergency department nurses have resigned in the past three years  the majority of which were due to safety concerns.

Its partly about the actual fear of being assaulted, but its also the fear of having a bad patient outcome, because you are spread so thin, she said. Nurses dont feel confident. They dont feel able to give the care that people deserve.

At a Civil Service Commission last month, the Department of Public Health requested an additional $100 million to hire intermittent, supplemental and travel nursing personnel through 2027.

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Troy Williams, director of quality at S.F. General, said at that meeting that the departments priority was to fill permanent nursing positions. However, because of employee leaves of absences, turnover and patient surges, the department also needed to supplement with contracted nurses to provide consistent and high quality patient care.

According to Williams, approximately 95% of nursing hours are still met with permanent employees.

Jennifer Esteen, SEIU 1021 Community RN chapter president, said the increased investment on temporary contract workers over permanent staff defies logic.

I dont understand what the goal is for the Department of Public Health right now, Esteen said. It feels like they are trying really hard to create hardship in the hospital, instead of creating a positive, safe place for people to get well.

Kim Walden, the departments chief human resources officer, said at the March Civil Service Commission meeting that the department had worked hard to improve retention and hire more full-time staff.

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The number of full-time nurses across the Department of Public Health reached 1,340 last month, the highest level in the citys history. The vacancy rate for full-time nurses dropped from 15.44% in April 2023 to 11.24% in March 2024, according to Walden.

Despite those gains, Lucero said she doesnt see it.

After working as a nurse technician at S.F. General for six years and earning her nursing degree in 2022, it took her nine months to get hired by the department as a registered nurse. Even then, she could get only a per-diem position without benefits. The process has made her contemplate whether staying at S.F. General is the best choice.

Im not upset or burnt out because of the population we work with, she said. Im upset and exhausted to be part of the system that is not doing the bare minimum to support us by providing enough staff.
Ireland has dropped four places in a ranking of the most attractive countries for workers who are considering relocating.

A new report from IrishJobs parent company Stepstone Group found that Ireland is the 36th most attractive country for professionals.

The study, published in partnership with Boston Consulting Group and a group of 70 recruitment platforms known as The Network, is based on survey data from 150,000 respondents in 188 countries.

This included 1,746 people in Ireland.

Dublin placed 36th in a ranking of the most attractive cities for workers. This was the same position it held in the last report published in 2020.

The main reasons that jobseekers would consider relocating to Ireland included quality of life and job opportunities. Professionals also highlighted safety, stability and security as a factor behind their interest in working here.

At the national level, while Ireland remains a relatively attractive location for talent to relocate and work, its fall in this years rankings may be a sign that the infrastructure challenges that the economy faces, particularly in housing supply, are having a greater impact on the desire of talent to move to the country, Stepstone Group country director Sam Dooley said.

He called on employers, the Government and representative groups to work together to tackle these challenges.

The research also found that European professionals were most likely to consider relocating to Ireland for work.

European countries, including Portugal, Hungary, Spain and the UK, make up seven of the 10 countries where Ireland is viewed as a top destination.

Outside of Europe, professionals in Pakistan, Ghana and the UAE also expressed an interest in relocating here.

Workers who move to Ireland for a job said they expect support from employers across a number of different areas, with 84pc hoping for help with housing.

Around 83pc said they are looking for support with their visa and work-permit needs.

Three-quarters would like to receive relocation support.

The UK was revealed to be the top destination for professionals in Ireland who are considering working abroad.

Australia placed second in the ranking, followed by the US.

However, just 8pc of workers in Ireland said they were actively looking to work abroad. This falls far below the average global figure of 23pc.

Data from the Central Statistics Office published last September showed that 30,500 people left Ireland to live abroad in the year to April 2023.

Around 4,700 of those left for Australia, while 14,600 departed for the UK. Almost 5,000 emigrated to the US.
Dairy co-operative Ornua has reported revenues of 3.4bn for 2023.

In the companys annual results published today, the owner of the Kerrygold brand said turnover had dipped by 0.7pc from 2022.

Operating profit at the group was also down 8.2pc last year to 116.8m. Group Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) also fell 4.6pc to 157m.

Ornua attributed the decline in operating profit and Ebitda last year to the challenging market conditions that the Irish dairy industry faced in 2023.

The co-operative purchased 1.6bn in Irish dairy products from its members last year, which include 14,000 Irish dairy farming families.

It paid members a total value payment of 74.5m, which is made up of monthly and year-end bonuses.

A total of 26 new Kerrygold products and product extensions launched in key markets, while the group officially opened its 40m Kerrygold Park in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.

As a result, the product capacity at the facility has risen to around one million retail packs per day.

Overall global demand for dairy products rose by around 0.5pc in 2023, the company reported. Global milk supply was up by just 0.1pc across the year.

It looks to remain flat for the remainder of 2024, the co-operative said.

Ornua now expects to deliver growth this year despite ongoing challenging global market conditions.

Looking ahead, while there is continued uncertainty around the impact of macroeconomic factors on already challenging global market conditions, we remain optimistic about the future and focused on achieving sustainable growth in key markets, interim chief executive Donal Buggy said.

Ornua appointed Conor Galvin as chief executive in February. He will take up the role next month.

Mr Galvin is the current chief executive of Dairygold Co-Operative Society, a position he has held since January 2022.
New border controls will start next week, sparking business fears over slow supply chains and cost increases

The UK has said post-Brexit border control on food and plant products due to start on Tuesday will be light-touch in order to avoid disruptions to businesses trading with the European Union.

Were trying to cut down the amount of red tape and bureaucracy and so were continually trying to make sure we have a light touch, UK exports minister Malcolm Offord told Bloombergs UK politics podcast. This is why its been revised for the benefit of our companies.

Last week, the British government insisted that the next, long postponed, round of Brexit border checks on plant and animal products will begin on April 30, after a report in the Financial Times claimed UK port authorities had been told that health and safety checks on EU imports would not be going ahead as planned due to fears of significant disruption and of a return to long queues of lorries at ports.

Physical checks on what are regarded as medium to high-risk foods entering Britain from the EU, including cheese, fish and meat, are due to be introduced at the end of the month.

EU food imports will incur fees as high as 145 (169) and vets will begin carrying out spot checks on produce, a move hauliers and the food sector fears will slow supply chains and increase cost and waste if food spoils.

Last month, the Cold Chain Federation, a UK trade body representing companies in the supply chain, warned that many small artisan suppliers on the continent would stop exporting to the UK altogether as a result of the extra bureaucracy.

The governments own modelling suggests the new checks will cause food prices to rise by just 0.2pc over three years.

Asked about the new checks, the UK exports minister said the Department for Business and Trade is trying to avoid putting hurdles in front of business. Industry groups and companies have warned the new checks may cause shortages in some areas and increase the cost of food to consumers.

Businesses in the UK will have to pay up to 145 per consignment for EU imports from Tuesday.

Irelands Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue met with Steve Barclay, the UK minister for environment and food, last week and they discussed the new UK import control regime for agri-food goods.

A spokeswoman for Mr McConalogue said both ministers underlined the importance of continued engagement between their departments to minimise any disruption to trade.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said the next phase of border checks really only affects Irish operators using Britain as a landbridge to move goods to and from the EU and further afield.

The head of the Irish Exporters Association has called on the British government to clarify exactly what new Brexit border checks are being introduced at the end of the month.

There is total confusion about this, said Simon McKeever, the associations CEO.

From my communication with traders in the UK, they havent heard anything about this (delay). They are looking for clarity, having read the Financial Times article.

Additional reporting, Bloomberg
Study finds cost rather than fuel emissions more important in determining what kind of car people buy

Consumers want to go green but they are often dissuaded by the cost and practicalities of moving to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, according to new research.

A survey by the banks has revealed that most consumers indicated that they want to make more sustainable finance and purchasing choices.

Almost one in three of those surveyed said they planned to buy an electric vehicle in the next year.

However, the most important factor influencing their decision is the cost rather than fuel emissions, the survey commissioned by the Banking & Payments Federation found.

When asked about the factors that would influence their decision when buying a car, only 32pc of respondents said fuel emissions would influence their decision to buy. In contrast, 81pc of respondents said price was the most important factor for them. This was followed by reliability and insurance costs.

The survey was conducted by Coyne Research among 1,000 adults.

It was published ahead of the Banking & Payments Federations inaugural sustainable finance conference in Dublin today, which was opened by Environment and Climate Minister Eamon Ryan.

The survey looked at the role that sustainability plays for consumers making decisions on savings, investments and car purchases, as well as the importance of energy efficiency when deciding on buying a home.

A majority of those surveyed agreed it was important that their savings and investments did not fund economic activities that have a negative impact on the planet.

Most of the respondents said they would be more likely to invest in a product if they knew it was sustainable.

A higher proportion of younger adults agreed that they would invest in a sustainable financial product  at 70pc compared with older adults at 50pc.

More Dublin residents also agreed they would invest in a sustainable financial product compared with those living in Connacht.

When it came to buying a home and the importance of a good Building Energy Rating (BER) when choosing a property, over half of adults said it was very important. But this dropped to 40pc of younger people and 37pc of those currently living with friends and family.

Louise OMahony, head of sustainable banking at the Federation, said: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for consumers when it comes to thinking about where they are saving, investing and spending their money.

But she said it was clear from the survey that factors such as cost and other practicalities could dominate the decision-making process.

For example, we can see that age is a factor when it comes to investment, with older people aged 55 or older less committed to sustainable investment compared to young people, she said.

Ms OMahony added that fewer than a third of those planning to buy a car in the next year would be influenced by fuel emissions compared to four out of five people being influenced by price.

While some 53pc of adults said that a good BER rating was very important when deciding on a property to buy, only 40pc of younger people rated a good BER as very important, suggesting they would prioritise other factors in deciding to buy a home, she said.
Alec Baldwins lawyers accuse prosecution of abuse of power in Rust case (Cal Vornberger/Alamy)

Lawyers for Alec Baldwin have accused the state of a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power as they urge the court to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter case against the actor.

US star Baldwin is set to face a trial scheduled in July, in Santa Fe, New Mexico following the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the western film set of Rust in October 2021  after a prop gun held by Baldwin went off.

Baldwin will face a maximum of 18 months in prison if convicted after trial.

This was the sentence Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was given last week after she was found guilty by a jury on the same charge.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week after she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter (Luis Sanchez Saturno/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP)

In March, Baldwins lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case, alleging violations of court orders and other legal faults by the prosecution in the grand jury process.

The actors legal team  led by Luke Nikas  has now filed new papers supporting their views, after the prosecution filed counter claims.

His lawyers have alleged that the prosecutions reasoning for pursuing an indictment are completely divorced from the public interest and reflect a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power.

The States response to Baldwins motion consists almost entirely of irrelevant, false, unsupported, and highly prejudicial statements that serve no legitimate purpose, the new motion stated.

It also argues that a misdemeanor plea offer, that would carry no prison time for Baldwin, was withdrawn last year due to the prosecutions mistaken assumption that the actor had commissioned a documentary film about Rust and sought to interview witnesses.

Alec Baldwin practising drawing his revolver on the set of the Rust movie (Santa Fe County Sheriff/PA)

Baldwins lawyers claim that the information that led to the prosecution rescinding the plea offer was inaccurate.

Baldwin never commissioned a documentary about Rust or Hutchins death, the new documents state.

In their initial response, the prosecution claimed Baldwins lawyers had lied and misled the court, and insisted Baldwin should stand trial for his role in Ms Hutchins death.

The prosecution, led by Kari Morrissey, have been contacted for comment.

It comes after a video of Baldwin began circulating on social media, which saw the actor confronted by an anti-Israel protestor in a coffee shop in New York.
The lovable Roscommon actors show has a lot to say about life and the way we live it  but its beginning to look and sound as if its making things up as it goes along

Thank goodness for Chris ODowd. Without Roscommons finest on board, The Big Door Prize (Apple TV+), would almost certainly pass us by.

A playful sci-fi mystery with big ideas and a bigger heart, David West Reads series takes its cue from a novel by M.O. Walsh and tells the story of a small American town where a mysterious fortune-telling machine plays havoc with the residents lives.

Morpho arrived out of nowhere. Deerfield grocery store owner Mr Johnson (Patrick Kerr) never asked for the machine, and he has no idea who sent it. His teenage shop assistant Jacob (Sammy Fourlas) sets it up and switches it on  but hes just as clueless about its origins.

Whatever it is, Morpho brings in customers and, for a couple of dollars, it will reveal your life potential. Itll also need your social security number and your fingerprints, but thats not important. Whats important is the little blue card you receive once youre finished.

For some, the blue card reads superstar or royalty. For others, it reads liar or teacher / whistler. That last one belongs to Dusty Hubbard (ODowd), a friendly, 40-year-old high school teacher who refuses to believe that a bulky arcade machine can predict the future.

Mary Holland and Josh Segarra in The Big Door Prize. Photo: Apple TV+

Alas, everyone around Dusty is obsessed with Morpho. Some of them have quit their jobs, left their homes and have spent their life savings on the things that Morpho told them to do. And then there are the blue dots.

Dusty has some on his backside  they showed up around the same time as Morpho, and hed love to know where they came from. What, you may ask, does any of this mean? I dont know. And, when the first season ended, it looked like nobody else did, either.

Season two picks up where we left off. Like all the weirdest TV sci-fi sagas, The Big Door Prize has decided that the most convenient way to avoid answering impossible questions without wrapping up the story is to throw more impossible questions into the mix. That will get annoying after a while.

As it turns out, Hana (Ally Maki), the local bar owner, and the Morpho machine go way back. She, too, has mysterious blue dots on her skin, and Hana also encountered Jacobs twin brother before he died in an accident. Call it a coincidence, but now, with Jacobs help, Hana figures out a way to programme the next stage on the machine.

Meanwhile, Dusty and his wife Cass (Gabrielle Dennis) have decided to separate. Its temporary, and they believe itll be good for them. Plus, its probably the best option now that the freaky arcade machine is filling peoples heads with unsettling video game-like visions of the future.

Dustys vision is simple: in it, hes enjoying the slopes at a ski resort in Whistler, Canada. Casss vision, meanwhile, is considerably darker. It involves a murder  two murders, in fact, and though the vision is likely metaphorical, it unsettles both Cass and her worrisome husband.

Elsewhere, Giorgio (Josh Segarra) looks to have found his one true love, and Father Reuben (Damon Gupton) adapts to a life beyond the church, and Trina (Djouliet Amara), Dusty and Casss teenage daughter, wraps her head around her parents complicated split.

Chris ODowd and Justine Lupe. Photo: Apple TV+

Funny, charming, and occasionally frustrating, The Big Door Prize moves in peculiar ways. Season one offered up a tantalising selection of trippy concepts and complex themes, most of it held in place by a strong and steady cast.

As it stands, there is a danger of The Big Door Prize falling into what I like to call The Lost Trap

Season two doubles down on the dizzying premise, and thats fine for now, but at some point it will need to start explaining itself. As it stands, there is a danger of The Big Door Prize falling into what I like to call The Lost Trap.

A tropical island in the middle of nowhere on which polar bears run free and a shipwrecked adventurer enters hourly codes into a supercomputer sounds fun, but unless it all means something, its useless.

Indeed, Lost was occasionally wonderful, but it inevitably talked itself into a corner, and I have a similar concern about The Big Door Prize. Reads series has a lot to say about life and the way we live it  but its beginning to look and sound as if its making things up as it goes along, and that will eventually lead to all sorts of trouble.

Its lucky, then, to have ODowd, a loveable, charismatic performer who makes everything hes in that little bit better. Im rooting for this show, and The Big Door Prize is impossible to dislike. I just hope it doesnt let me down.

All 10 episodes of The Big Door Prize season two are now streaming on Apple TV+
The IFA has called on Taoiseach Simon Harris to put manners on the Department of agriculture, as frustration over new policy direction builds among farmers.

The associations Deputy President Alice Doyle told the Taoiseach at an impromptu meeting last week that she wanted to see a reset in the Department of Agriculture where they realise that farmers are real people, doing real jobs.

She said that a lack of cooperation from the Department is costing the state and farmers their income.

Weve no income as a result of it and frustration is always building. All youre getting is productivity in the area of frustration. Please put manners on the Department of Agriculture for us, she said.

Im very aware of the fact that you were a Minister, you know the frustrations in the Department of Health, it is very hard for a Minister to deal with their Department. I trust that you have the energy to get in there and put some, manners isnt the right word, realism in there and ask them to engage with us.

I ask that everything be farmer led, and well have productivity if things are farmer led.

The IFA contingent also warned the Taoiseach that the subsidy for the transport of fodder is unattainable for farmers because it has to go through a co-op.

You cant access yourself. We feel its a dodge, Wicklow Chair Tom Byrne said.

Carlow IFA vice chair Jamie Kealy was joined at the meeting by his daughter Ailbhe, calling on the Taoiseach to go to Europe and across the world and be proud of Irelands agricultural system.

Im a first generation dairy farmer, and Im hoping Ailbhe will be a second generation dairy farmer. Were after being crucified in the last few years under your Government and Im hoping the reset button is going to be pressed, Mr Kealy said.

Simon Coveney told me the shackles were off and to drive on and you produce milk. You are the ones to take this country out of a recession, which we did.

In the last couple of years we are crucified in terms of CAP and nitrates. A family farm milking 100 cows has lost 60,000 per annum. Thats 60,000 I have to find to still put Ailbhe through school and put food on the table and go through college.
The scheme tied to Solskyi involves the seizure of some 2,500 hectares of land in Ukraine's northern Sumy region. Stock image: Getty

Ukrainian anti-graft authorities accused the country's agriculture minister of involvement in a scheme to illegally appropriate state-owned land as Kyiv moves forward in efforts to tackle corruption.

Mykola Solskyi, who has overseen Ukraine's wartime grain exports since taking office a month after Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, was issued a notice of suspicion by the country's Anti-Corruption Bureau, known as NABU, and prosecutors, according to a statement on Telegram Tuesday.

Solskyi denied wrongdoing and said he "guarantees openness" to authorities for activity that took place before he took office, according to a statement posted to the ministry's Telegram channel. He said the land under scrutiny is part of a legal dispute between state enterprises and individuals.

Ukraine has grappled with endemic corruption since gaining independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union over three decades ago. But since Moscow's invasion, the issue has become more urgent, particularly for international donors dispatching billions to keep the war-battered economy afloat.

Bolstering anti-corruption efforts and reducing the control over the economy by oligarchs is a central demand for lenders including the International Monetary Fund but also the European Union, which opened accession talks with Kyiv at the end of last year.

The scheme tied to Solskyi involves the seizure of some 2,500 hectares of land in Ukraine's northern Sumy region worth an estimated 291 million hryvnia ($7 million) between 2017 and 2021, NABU said. Investigators foiled another attempt to appropriate land worth another 190 million hryvnia, the watchdog said.

Public outrage over corruption has also played a role in the political arena. Anti-graft officials last year opened an investigation into suspected purchases of food at inflated prices for war-hit regions, a probe that entangled Solskyi's deputy, Taras Vysotskyi. The ministry denied the accusations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed his defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, as part of the wartime cabinet's biggest shakeup last year. The former defense chief long fended off allegations over graft in military procurement by subordinates, charges that he denied.
A lot of it is personal responsibility  roads minister says on spike in deaths while admitting he has never been breathalysed

Roads minister on spike in deaths while admitting he has never been breathalysed

The minister with responsibility for road safety has said that when it comes to the recent spike in road deaths in Ireland, a lot of it is personal responsibility.

Minister Jack Chambers said that behaviours slipped during Covid-19 lockdowns as roads werent as congested, but added that there are other factors such as drink and drug driving, using a phone while driving, and speeding that are leading to the surge in road deaths.

Four people died in a 24-hour period so far this week in separate accidents in Cork, Dublin and Donegal.

So far this year, 68 people have died on Irish roads and over 300 people have been seriously injured in crashes. In 2023, 185 people were killed in crashes and 1,438 people were seriously injured.

"It absolutely is worsening and it's a crisis. We have had terrible devastation, four lives lost the last 24 hours, causing such tragedy and loss to so many families and communities, Minister Chambers told Virgin Medias The Tonight Show.

"The particular spike we've seen this year is amongst young people, a huge increase in the number of [fatalities] between 16 and 25.

"Speed is a serious issue across the country and excessive speed on our roads; distracted driving, people using their mobile phones, being distracted, looking down and potentially killing a pedestrian or vulnerable person or the car going out of control.

Intoxicated driving; people drinking or drug driving is a significant issue, and particularly drunk driving, is on an upward trend and the gardai flag that as a very serious issue.

"A lot of this is personal responsibility. People know that speed kills, it is the single biggest factor when it comes to the recklessness and the carelessness on our roads, Minister Chambers said.

Mr Chambers, along with RSA chair Liz ODonnell, admitted neither of them had ever been breathalysed while driving and the minister struggled to recall the last time he was stopped at a checkpoint, saying it was likely during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Labour TD Duncan Smith said the last time he was breathalysed was when the last episode of the Sopranos aired on TV  17 years ago in June 2007.

The minister admitted enforcement levels from Gardai were not where they needed to be and that there was a collapse in enforcement over a number of years, but said this was being targeted in recent times. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris recently directed that all uniformed gardai carry out at least 30 minutes of road policing duties in every shift they work.

The number of people dying on roads on average every month continues to rise, from 15 in 2023 to 19 in 2024, an Oireachtas Committee heard today.

Members from the Road Safety Authority appeared before the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday where collision data from 2023 and provisional data for 2024 were presented.

During his opening statement, chief executive of the RSA, Sam Waide said while it was still too early for gardai to confirm the primary contributing factor to fatal crashes in 2024, data had indicated that certain time periods present greater risks in terms of driver behaviours.

Mr Waide said the provisional data for road deaths this year between January 1 and April 21 showed that 36pc of road deaths occurred late at night or early in the morning while 25pc happened between 4pm and 8pm.

Research suggests these periods present greater risks in terms of driver behaviours like drink driving, taking drugs and driving and fatigue, Mr Waide said.

He said that last year, 60 of those who died were under the age of 25, a higher number than in previous years.

Last year there were a higher number of young lives lost than any of the past five years. Tragically, we lost 12 children under the age of 16. Forty-eight teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 25 died on our roads, he added.

Rural roads were the location of 70pc of road deaths in 2023, Mr Waide told the committee.

In terms of location, rural roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or more accounted for seven in 10 deaths in 2023, Mr Waide said.

A total of 47pc of road deaths happened late at night or the early hours of the morning, representing an increase compared to 2022 and 48pc occurred on the weekend, the chief executive said.

Speeding, alcohol and drug use before driving and mobile phone usage were described as the killer behaviours behind road traffic collisions.Drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts was also included in the list of behaviours. A quarter of those killed on roads last year were not wearing a seatbelt, said Michael Rowland, the RSAs director of research, standards and assurance.

Seatbelt wearing has deteriorated. Twenty-three percent of drivers and 21pc of passengers were not wearing a seatbelt in our observational surveys. A quarter of people killed on our roads last year weren't wearing a seatbelt, Mr Rowland said.

While education and engineering were some of the things suggested to combat the rising number of road deaths, Mr Waide said enforcement was crucial in getting drivers to change their behaviour.

Research clearly demonstrates that greater levels of high visibility enforcement will reduce dangerous driving behaviours and collisions on our roads and we urge sufficient resources for dedicated policing of our roads in Ireland.

We welcome the implementation of the garda 30-minute high visibility policing proposal, Mr Waide said.
A knife is seized by gardai on average nearly once every eight hours in Dublin.

A total of 1,253 knives were seized in the capital over the past 15 months, this averages 83 per month which is almost three every day.

The latest Department of Justice statistics show that so far in 2024, figures for 15 of the 23 Garda divisions nationwide show the high confiscation rate is continuing with 432 knives seized up to March 20.

They include 74 in each of the two divisions covering Dublin city centre.

Latest knife seizure stats

Smaller quantities of 10 or fewer knives were seized in the other eight divisions, including Dublin East, Laois/Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Sligo/Leitrim, Cork North, Cork East and Kerry.

Outside the capital, the largest number of knives seized so far in 2024 was in Limerick with 32.

The figures were released as part of a parliamentary question submitted by Social Democrats TD, Catherine Murphy.

The Kildare North deputy said the quantity of knives being seized in every part of the country was a cause for concern, including 475 across both constituencies in Kildare over the past 10 years.

Current penalties on conviction for the possession of an offensive weapon such as a knife without a justifiable reason appear not to be deterrent enough, said Ms Murphy.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee last week secured Cabinet approval to amend legislation in order to increase sentences for a number of knife-related crimes.

Minister McEntee said: The current maximum sentence for serious offences - possession of a knife with intent to unlawfully cause injury, trespassing with a knife, and producing a knife to unlawfully intimidate another person - do not appear to be proportionate when compared with simple possession of a knife, and yet they carry the same maximum sentence of 5 years.

That is why we are changing the maximum penalty for these serious knife crime offences, clearly targeting persons who have a willingness and intent to use knives, to a 7-year maximum sentence.

"We are also increasing the penalty for importing and selling knives and such weapons from 7 to 10 years.

"This sentence increase is in line with other recent increases I have made, including doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm and increasing the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder to life.

Catherine Murphy said: You make people feel that they don't need to carry it in the first instance for self-defence, by reducing the number of knives.

You cant invest enough in youth work, thats how you really address this in the long term.

Ms Murphy said the cost of locking up somebody for a year was 84,000 which could be spent on preventative measures.
Pedestrians gather outside the Mexican Museum on Mission Street in San Francisco. The museum is revisiting a previous lawsuit against the city. Benjamin Fanjoy/The Chronicle

After a city audit last month cast doubt over the Mexican Museums ability to raise the needed capital to build out its long-planned new downtown San Francisco location, the nonprofit museum is revisiting its previously dismissed lawsuit against the city.

Last month, the museum renewed a bid to sue the city, which is its landlord, for allegedly blocking off half of the museums currently unoccupied four-story facility  located at the base of a 45-story luxury condo tower at 706 Mission St.  in early 2021.

The complaint, filed in San Francisco Superior Court on April 4, appears to be a continuation of a previous lawsuit filed by the museum in 2022, which alleged that the city breached several legally binding contracts when it locked the museum out of two floors at 706 Mission with the intention of subleasing them.

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Andrico Penick, who heads the citys Real Estate Department, at the time did not deny the potential sublease arrangement, and said that it was sparked by longstanding concerns over the museums finances.

But the 2022 lawsuit was dismissed last summer, after the museum and the city decided to work out their differences as an investigation into the museums funding and contracts by the citys Controllers Office began.

The parties last summer agreed to a tolling period that essentially put the 2022 lawsuit on hold, gave the museum full access to its space, and allowed for the claims to be refiled at a later date should the dispute not be fully resolved.

But release of the audits findings last month appears to have renewed the legal spat.

The 2022 lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice subject to a tolling agreement, said Alex Barnett-Shorter, deputy press secretary for the City Attorneys Office. Regarding the complaint filed this month, once we are served with the lawsuit, we will review the complaint and respond appropriately.

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The audit found, among other things, that the museum has not demonstrated that it has the financial or organizational expertise to complete the build out of its space at 706 Mission without extended delays. According to the audit, the lack of progress in regard to opening its doors in the downtown location means that the museum is out of compliance with several requirements in its lease and facilities agreement for the space, and gives the city the right to find a different use for it.

The museum has unilaterally disputed the audit, which also found that the museum misused portions of a grant it received to help fund tenant improvements inside of its new space.

The contracts that are at the crux of the museums lawsuit are its 2015 lease agreement with the citys Real Estate Department and a facilities agreement that was forged more than a decade ago between the condo towers developer and the city, to which the museum is a third-party beneficiary. The latter contract requires the museum to complete its improvements of the space within 24 months of the issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy for the core and shell of the space, which happened in September 2020.

The museum argues in a memo attached to the new lawsuit that the city breached both contracts by modifying the approved plans for the museums space without its consent by directing the buildings developer, Westbrook Partners, to block access from the second floor to the third/fourth floors.

The museum now has access to the full space, but is seeking damages in excess of $500,000. The museums attorneys did not respond to multiple inquiries from the Chronicle about the complaint.

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The citys audit, in turn, states that the museum is out of compliance with the lease and facilities contracts, because it has not built out its space in accordance with required timelines. The Controllers Office recommended that the Real Estate division  which in 2015 leased the 40,000-square-foot space to the museum for 66 years for just $1  should give the museum 60 days to submit an action plan pertaining to how it will achieve compliance, before exploring alternate uses for the space.

Penick, of the citys Real Estate division, told the Chronicle that the museum has met with the department and the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, which oversees $10.6 million grant provided to the museum for the construction of its space, multiple times in recent weeks to discuss the action plan for raising needed funding and constructing its space by July 2025.

The Mexican Museum is working on this task, he said.
Irish Times journalist Kitty Holland is suing former colleague John Waters for damages of up to 75,000 for defamation of character.

Ms Holland (53), of Ranelagh, Dublin, has been a reporter for almost 30 years. She told a judge today that an exclusive story she broke about the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar in University Hospital Galway almost 12 years ago had been vetted by editors and lawyers for three days.
Lack of accommodation heaping pressure on services across country

Domestic violence victims are being forced either into homelessness or back into abusive relationships because the housing crisis is leaving women and children who flee with simply nowhere to go.

A number of domestic abuse refuges across Ireland have reported cases where victims were forced to stay in refuges for over a year, due to a lack of affordable accommodation for them and their children.

Previously, survivors might have stayed in refuge accommodation for only six to eight weeks.

Refuges say women and children are being put in extreme danger, because some survivors are choosing to go back to their abusive partners rather than make their children homeless.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

At the moment, Ireland has no dedicated refuge services for male victims.

While Irelands frontline domestic violence services tend to prefer to try to remove the perpetrator from the family home, in many cases this is not possible  either because a woman does not reach the threshold to get a barring order, or because she does not feel that it is safe to try to get one.

In many cases, women show up at domestic abuse refuges in crisis situations where they are at risk.

Seven domestic violence services across the country said they were seeing situations where women were forced to stay in emergency accommodation for far longer, because they have nowhere else to go.

The West Cork Womens Project said housing had emerged as one of the biggest issues for domestic violence services. It said it was concerned that refuges were effectively warehousing survivors who were left with nowhere to go, which also had a knock-on effect on the space available in refuges.

In Donegal, Marie Hainsworth of the Donegal Domestic Violence Service said the housing crisis had emerged as a major problem for women and children fleeing an abusive home.

Weve consistently had clients who have been living in refuge accommodation for more than a year, initially only supposed to be three months, she said.

Its a major issue. I have known of women who have moved out of a refuge, moved into private rented accommodation, and then said, Im actually going to go back [to their former partner] for financial reasons.

They might have chosen to get out of the abusive relationship but their only option is to go back, because, practically, they cant cope. They dont want to make their children homeless.

Ms Hainsworth said that, in many cases, the family home the woman had fled could be private rented accommodation. So you are at the whim of the landlord. Sometimes they might say, This is too chaotic, neither of you are having the property, she said.

The landlord tells the RTB that hes selling the property, and rents it to someone else. Other times, the perpetrator is the one who is earning the money so he is the reliable renter and he gets to stay there.

Domestic abuse survivors are then reliant on social housing, which can be subject to long waits. Ms Hainsworth said some of her clients had been moved up the social housing list by local authorities, but its very slow. Youre moving people up a list that is going nowhere.

Denise Dunne is the director of services at the Adapt refuge in Limerick,  one of the biggest such services in the country. She said that move-on accommodation for women who are ready to leave refuges was very difficult to get.

While survivors would have previously moved on to renting, the private rented accommodation market has dried up completely.

She said her service was seeing women with communities in the city being forced into more rural areas, possibly farther from their support networks.

A couple of years ago, the semi-solution was to go on the local authority housing list. Survivors would present, and be placed in a family hub. But whats happening is the family hubs are full, Ms Dunne said.

This was leading to women being stranded in refuges for well over a year.

Ms Dunne said survivors were now being moved out of refuges into hotels by local authorities scrambling to find housing for them.

Women are being moved from pillar to post  and its unfair, because at the end of the day the abuser is sitting in the house, she said.

Catherine McCurdy, the director of operations with Wexford Womens Refuge, said it also tried wherever possible to keep women in the family home and to remove the perpetrator in abusive situations. But its refuge, like all others across the country, is still experiencing high demand from women in crisis.

Housing is a huge issue, especially for women who share a mortgage with someone, she said.

Ms McCurdy said her service also had a good relationship with its local authority, which was trying its best to accommodate women and children but was struggling with the ongoing housing crisis.

While she praised the Governments new state agency Cuan, which is trying to increase refuge provision across the country, she said there was not a refuge in Ireland that wasnt heavily reliant on the generosity of local donors.

Lisa Morris, the manager of Amber Womens Refuge in Kilkenny, said it was experiencing a huge issue in Kilkenny and Carlow in terms of availability of move-on accommodation options for women and children post-refuge.

We typically have a three-month length of stay period at Amber but like other services, we too have had to extend this with almost all of our clients in recent times, as there was just simply nowhere for women and children to go after refuge, she said.

We work closely with Kilkenny and Carlow local authorities to seek solutions, but solutions are not always there due to lack of stock in the private rented market. Some women will end up returning home to the perpetrator as the stress of seeking alternate accommodation is too much. This is leaving women and children in extremely dangerous situations.

Like all of the frontline services to whom we spoke, Ms Morris said the Government needed to prioritise creating safe pathways out of abusive situations.

Inchicore Outreach is a community organisation that supports abuse survivors but does not run its own refuge.

We have had a number of phone calls from women saying they have to leave the refuge and present as homeless  this, I believe, is a direct result of having no housing or other limited options available, Anita Koppenhofer, of Inchicore Outreach, said.

I believe this puts these women at further risk of being accessible to abusive men, and I know it leaves some women no choice but to return to the family home, which now gives a perpetrator more power and control over their lives.

Clare Haven Services said the lack of housing accommodation was directly affecting its work. It said refuges were not homes, and that women and children were at risk of becoming institutionalised from living in refuges long-term.

Anyone who needs help can call Womens Aid national helpline on 1800 341 900

Helplines: If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, click here for more information
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said the global climate crisis cannot be addressed by litigation. Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins

Environment minister Eamon Ryan has changed a statement that he was behind the decision to oppose a group of Swiss senior citizens fighting for climate action in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)

Mr Ryan said the statement in which he accepted responsibility for Irelands controversial intervention in the case could have been phrased better.

The statement, a reply to a parliamentary question by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore, said: I sought and was granted Government approval for Ireland to seek leave to intervene.

A fresh statement issued on his behalf now says: It was on the advice of the Attorney General that the Government made an intervention in the case.

However, the original reply remained on the Oireachtas record yesterday.

Ms Whitmore said Mr Ryans clarification was a desperate attempt to rewrite history.

The reality is that the Government went to extraordinary lengths to fight the case, she said.

The fact is that the Attorney General can only provide advice. It is the Minister, as a member of the cabinet, who signed off on this approach.

The KlimaSeniorinnen (Swiss Women for Climate) group achieved a landmark victory when the ECHR ruled earlier this month that the Swiss governments inaction on climate action breached their human rights.

Legal experts say the ruling in the so-called Swiss grannies case has implications for all countries that are ECHR members.

That includes Ireland, which took the unusual step of sending a legal team to the hearing to join the Swiss government in opposing the women.

Mr Ryans reply to Ms Whitmore said court action was not the best way to tackle the climate crisis.

While the Government shares the environmental concerns of the applicants, the global climate crisis cannot best be addressed by litigation, it said.

Ms Whitmore said this was an attempt to stave off potential cases by activists in Ireland when the emission reduction targets in the Climate Act are missed.

Mr Ryans fresh statement rejects that interpretation.

Minister Ryan designed the Climate Act to be justiciable - meaning that people can take the Government to the Irish courts if they believe the Government is not living up to these commitments, it says.

He has been involved in climate campaigning here in Ireland for over 30 years and internationally has played a leading role in pushing for greater climate action on behalf of both Ireland and the EU at COP.

Any developments that move the planet along that path are to be welcomed.

Ireland also sent a legal team to the ECHR to oppose a case by six youth climate activists from Portugal against 33 EU countries and neighbouring states, but restricted involvement to extensive written submissions.

The young activists case was deemed inadmissible in a ruling delivered the same day as the KlimaSeniorinnens ruling.

Ms Whitmore said Mr Ryan should not have supported the States interventions.

The minister should hold his hands up, accept he got this wrong and vow to never again use the States limited resources to fight against climate justice.
The family of George Nkencho have said they will appeal the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute gardai involved in the 27-year-olds fatal shooting.

The gardai involved in the fatal shooting of Mr Nkencho were informed on Wednesday that they will not face criminal prosecution.

Mr Nkencho (27) was shot dead on December 30, 2020, on the porch of his home in Clonee, west Dublin, following a stand-off with gardai during which he refused to drop a knife.

"The Nkencho family are disappointed with the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute members of an Garda Siochana involved in the shooting dead of their son and brother George. The family intend to appeal this decision and in the circumstances will not be making any further statements until this process has been concluded."

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) investigated the circumstances of his death in its immediate aftermath and submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) last summer

The Irish Independent has learned that the gardai at the centre of the inquiry have been informed that they will not face criminal charges.

This includes the armed garda who discharged his firearm resulting in Mr Nkencho's death, as well as another member of the Armed Support Unit who was present at the scene.

Sources said that the office of the DPP informed the gardai of the development this week.

While it has been decided that they have no criminal case to answer, the Garda Ombudsman may recommend to the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that they should face internal sanctions.

A solicitor acting on behalf of the Nkencho family has been contacted for comment.

Gsoc had pledged to complete its investigation by December 2021, which was the first anniversary of Mr Nkenchos death. However, Gsoc later announced it needed more time.

The circumstances of the shooting have been the subject of public debate.

Mr Nkencho was shot dead following a confrontation with gardai.

Some of his siblings witnessed the shooting as they were at the front door when an armed officer opened fire. Moments before, his sister Gloria Nkencho had tried to tell gardai she could help and that her brother had a mental illness.

However, as officers tried to contain the potential for violence, she had to retreat inside.

Before the shooting, gardai had tried to disarm him using a graduated policing response after he had allegedly attacked a shopkeeper, brandishing a knife at a Eurospar 23 minutes earlier.

Garda units arrived and followed him, repeatedly asking him to drop the knife. He refused and threatened officers when they tried to approach him.

By the time he reached his house, two members of the Armed Support Unit were at the scene and took over.

In a statement the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) said:

"The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) can confirm that it has been notified by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of its decision not to direct a prosecution in the case of the tragic death of Mr George Nkencho, who was shot and killed by a member of the Garda Siochana Armed Support unit outside his family home in West Dublin on 30 December 2020.

"The incident was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by GSOC, which concluded in June 2023 with the submission by GSOC of an investigative file to the DPP. DPP is independent in its functions, pursuant to section 2(5) of the Prosecution of Offences Act, 1974.

GSOC has noted the DPPs decision, and has notified interested parties in the case, including the Nkencho family and Garda Members involved.

GSOC has further notified the Nkencho family of their entitlement under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 to a summary of reasons from the DPP for its decision not to prosecute, as well as their statutory entitlement to request a review of the decision.

While GSOC can make no further comment at this time, it will continue to engage with the Nkencho family in the context of Coronial proceedings and any other statutory processes that may arise. GSOC further reiterates its undertaking to make the substantive detail of its investigation publicly available as and when other statutory processes permit it to do so, it added.
President Michael D Higgins has told of how he had a stroke during the health scare which resulted in him being hospitalised in early March.

A statement at the time from the Presidents office described his health issue as a mild transient episode.

He was taken to hospital on February 29th and stayed there for seven nights.

Mr Higgins said he has been left with some mobility issues after the form of mild stroke.

"It didnt affect any of my cognitive abilities, he told the Irish Times.

"It affected simply my motor side, which was on the left hand side.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

"My left hand is fully back. But the stroke somehow exacerbated stuff that I had in my lower back.

The President is due to receive further treatment on his back over the next week and described the health scare as little episode.

He is currently in Manchester where he received an honorary doctorate yesterday.

He was conferred with an honorary doctorate from his alma mater the University of Manchester, which he said he accepted not just for himself but for all migrants and for those who study and care for them.

Mr Higgins studied at the university during the late 1960s, times he described as full of hope and promise as he discussed his family links to the city on Tuesday evening.

He was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Letters honoris causa by the Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir Afzal, in recognition of his contributions to literature and public life.

This honour that you have bestowed on me has a particularly personal resonance, given my family connections with Manchester, he told guests at the Whitworth Gallery.

My two sisters came to Manchester in the late 1950s and married and reared their families here. This was followed by my experience as a postgraduate student at this University in the late 1960s, which were times of hope and promise in so many parts of the world.

Mr Higgins paid tribute to those who have researched and documented the Irish connection to the city, telling those gathered about the many Irish who lived and died building the Manchester Shipping Canal.
Aoife Johnston, who died in December 2022. Inset, a photo of Aoife lying on a makeshift bed made up from two chairs in UHL's overcrowded emergency department hours before her death.

From left, Aoife's sister Kate, parents James and Carol and Aoife's other sister Meagan outside the coroner's court. Photo: Brendan Gleeson

A consultant microbiologist requested an urgent investigation immediately after he realised Co Clare teenager Aoife Johnston (16) had suffered a delay of 15 hours and 15 minutes at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in receiving critical antibiotic treatment which he said, in all likelihood, would have saved her life.

Dr Patrick Stapleton told a Limerick coroners inquest that the Type B meningococcal infection he found that Aoife had contracted was readily treatable with targeted antibiotics.

He told coroner John McNamara that Aoife most likely would have survived had she received the medications in time.

It is highly likely that the outcome would have been different and optimal, he said.

Once Dr Stapleton realised the delay, he rang the executive-on-call at UHL, Fiona Steed, raised his concerns and recommended an urgent investigation.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 25th

Every two-hour delay in administering the medications results in a twofold increase in meningitis and sepsis mortality risk.

Registrar Dr Muneeb Shahid, who was responsible for the emergency department section at UHL where Aoife was admitted on December 17/18, 2022, said he cannot recall a nurse urging him to check on the teenager that night over concerns her condition was deteriorating. He said he did recall a nurse in Zone A mentioning the patients low blood pressure.

Dr Shahid also said he cannot recall a nurse manager urging him to leave the resuscitation unit where fracture patients were being treated to check on more seriously ill patients, including Aoife, in Zone A of the emergency department.

He said he had gone to a cubicle to check on Aoife after a senior house officer raised concerns at 6am on December 18 about her possibly having meningitis and had seen Aoifes parents.

But Aoifes parents, who were with her during her time in the emergency department, insisted to the inquest they had never seen Dr Shahid before.

The executive-in-charge at University Hospital Limerick broke down and cried as she told the inquest that she thinks of Aoife every day and every night and will never forget her beautiful face.

Fiona Steed, who was executive-in-charge at UHL on December 17/18 2022, said understaffing and overcrowding undermined the ability of the hospital to care for its patients.

I have been moved by Aoifes death every night and every day since, she said.

I look at my daughters and realise how lucky I am to have them. I think of Aoife. I will never forget Aoife or her beautiful face.

These are not hollow condolences. It has completely altered my approach to life and my approach to my children. Members of the Johnston family became visibly upset during Ms Steeds evidence.

Aoifes sister, Meagan, left the inquest courtroom in tears as she said: We go home without Aoife every day.

Ms Steed said that the words major emergency and war zone were never used to her on the night of December 17 in terms of the chaotic conditions in the emergency department. Those words were not used to me on Saturday. They were used to me on Sunday, she said.

Ms Steed was asked by counsel for the Johnston family, Damien Tansey SC, what she did when she became aware that two consultants had declined to attend the UHL emergency department despite a call from a nurse manager warning about the spiralling pressure on staff.

A paediatric consultant declined to attend but then arrived at UHL within 30 minutes and worked for over two hours to assist patients. Emergency consultant Dr James Gray declined to attend.

I called the (UHL) clinical director and said that Dr Gray did not come in. It is not a complaint  I escalated it, said Ms Steed. She added that she alerted him (the clinical director) by text but did not receive a reply that night.

I do not have the power to compel consultants to come in, she said.

Ms Steed advised medical staff on duty that night to implement a surge policy, to reopen some units and to transfer patients on trolleys from the emergency department to wards. However, this ward transfer was not done due to infection and geriatric care concerns.

When I didnt hear back... I wrongly and regrettably thought my advice had been followed, said Ms Steed. The emergency department should not hold all the risk as it did that night. It should have been spread across the (hospital) group.

Assistant director of nursing Patricia Donovan was the ADON on duty in UHL when Aoife was brought to UHLs emergency department.

Despite being the most seriously ill patient in the emergency department, Aoife was not mentioned in the nursing handover report on December 18.

Ms Donovan said UHL that evening faced a shortfall of 21 nursing staff, 17 of which were known about in advance, with four unplanned.

Aoife arrived in UHL as Ireland went from a status red to a status yellow ice alert and the hospital faced a flood of patients injured in ice-related falls.

Concerns about overcrowding in the emergency department were brought to Ms Donovans notice by the clinical nurse manager on duty, Katherine Skelly.

Ms Donovan said senior managers were alerted and surge measures were organised amid growing concerns over patient treatment waiting times.

I recommended that she (Katherine Skelly) contact the emergency consultant Dr Jim Gray and the paediatric consultant, and advise them of the activity in the departments, she said.

In particular I wanted the consultants to be aware of the number of category two patients awaiting treatment.

The emergency consultant would only attend for a major emergency and not for volume.

Mr Tansey SC asked what her response was to this refusal? (I was) disappointed  not surprised but disappointed, she said.

Ms Donovan addressed the Johnston family and said: As Katherine (Skelly) said, it has impacted hugely on all of us that worked there and still work in that department. I cannot know your pain. I am very sorry (for your loss).

The inquest dealt with evidence from a number of medical personnel on duty over that 48-hour period.

UHLG clinical director Damien Ryan, who was not in the role when Aoife died, said the issue of overcrowding and patients spending excessive time on trolleys will be addressed when a new 96-bed unit opens at UHL and further investment in the hospital is completed.

It is not satisfactory, he said in terms of the conditions at UHL over December 17/18, 2022.

It (UHL) is the hospital in the region that others feed into. One of the things we have put in place (after Aoifes death) is an emergency department escalation plan.

It has a number of triggers  the number of patients in the department, the number waiting to be seen and the number of category two patients.

It is fair to say that if the scenario pertained today, the emergency medical consultant on call would attend under the emergency escalation plan.

The inquest is expected to conclude on Thursday.
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has appeared in court charged with rape and a number of other historical sex offences.

Donaldsons wife Eleanor was also at court to face charges in relation to the same police investigation.

The pair were released on continuing bail when they made their first appearance at Newry Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The 61-year-old politician was arrested and charged in relation to historical sexual allegations at the end of March.

He did not speak as he arrived at the court accompanied by his solicitor, John McBurney, on Wednesday.

Police officers attempted to keep the roadway clear during the large media scrum for his arrival.

The public gallery in the tiny Court Three at Newry Courthouse was packed for the hearing.

There were so many media in attendance that special arrangements were made to facilitate journalists who could not be accommodated in the courtroom.

Mr Donaldson, wearing a grey suit, and his wife, wearing a black suit, sat in the dock at the rear of the court, with a court custody officer between them.

The hearing began with District Judge Eamonn King noting the public interest in the case and warning that it would be a criminal offence for anyone to record the proceedings.

The two defendants were then asked to confirm their names and dates of birth.

They stood as the charges were then read to them.

Mr Donaldson faces 11 charges  one of rape, one of committing an act of gross indecency and nine of indecent assault on dates between 1985 and 2006.

The offences relate to two alleged victims.

Asked whether he understood the charges, he nodded and said I do.

Mrs Donaldson (58), of Dublinhill Road, Dromore, Co Down, faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. She also confirmed to the judge that she understood the charges.

Neither defendant was asked to formally enter a plea.

A PSNI detective sergeant told the court he could connect the pair to the charges.

Defence lawyers said there had been some agreed variations to bail, including ending a condition that the two defendants could not contact each other.

A Public Prosecution Service lawyer asked for a four-week adjournment to progress work on setting a date for a preliminary inquiry.

The judge listed the case for mention again on May 22. However, he said the two defendants would not have to attend on that date.

The pair were released on continuing bail of 350 following the brief hearing.

Mr Donaldson resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party after the allegations against him emerged.

He had recently led the DUP back into Stormont following a two-year boycott of the powersharing institutions.

East Belfast MP and deputy leader Gavin Robinson has been appointed interim party leader.

Donaldson has so far remained as MP for Lagan Valley, a House of Commons seat he has held since 1997.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is set to appear before Newry Magistrates Court today to face historical sex offence charges.

A huge media presence is expected at the courthouse for the first sighting of the former DUP leader since his resignation last month.

Special measures have been put in place to accommodate journalists with the story securing national and international interest.

Donaldson (61) is facing 11 charges: one count of rape, one count of gross indecency and nine counts of indecent assault. The allegations relate to two complainants.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

There has been speculation that the former DUP leader would apply to appear via video link but no such application was made.

It is understood that he will walk into court with his lawyer. His wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson (57), who is charged with aiding and abetting additional offences, is represented by a different legal firm.

Both Donaldsons are strenuously contesting the charges. However, it is not expected that they will be asked to enter a plea today when their appearance in court will be brief.

It will involve the charges against the Donaldsons being confirmed to the court.

Newry Courthouse

Jeffrey Donaldson is expected to arrive in court around 10am with the charges put to him some time after 10.30am.

It is anticipated that the Public Prosecution Service will brief the court on the progress of the cases and request a date for review.

The Donaldsons cases are among around 100, including those of dissident republicans, which will be before Newry Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Due to an unprecedented demand, additional arrangements were made for the media inside the court.

It is understood that 13 journalists will be allowed into the courtroom with seating to accommodate up to 25 more in an overflow room where proceedings will be screened live.

The magistrate may consider imposing reporting restrictions. A heavy security presence is expected outside the court given the high-profile nature of the case.

Sources say Jeffrey Donaldsons legal team may apply to have his bail conditions altered so he can live with his wife.

As part of his police bail conditions, the Lagan Valley MP is banned from having any contact with his wife, who is employed as his parliamentary secretary.

Since being freed, he has been living at an address in the Greenwich area of London, while she has been staying at the family home near Dromore, Co Down.

However, it is understood that he may seek to have his bail conditions varied, so the couple can resume contact.

As Donaldson transfers from police bail to court bail, sources say he wants to resume living with his wife whether in London or at the family home.

He married Eleanor Cousins in June 1987. After being knighted in 2016, he said: I am thankful that my wife Eleanor will share in the honour as well.

The former DUP leader previously told of buying her tickets for the F1 British Grand Prix as a surprise Christmas present, joking: Im still earning Brownie points for that one.
Vision problems which make it more difficult to see clearly are being linked to people spending long hours on screens, an Oireachtas committee was told today.

More cases of refractive error which happen when the shape of your eye keeps light from focusing correctly on the retina are being seen and it can be made worse by using non-prescription reading glasses.

The trend was highlighted at the Oireachtas health committee today as executives from the charity Vision Ireland spoke of the impact of over-use of screens.

Refractive error is not an eye disease and is not a long-term condition, but everyone on screens should take a break every twenty minutes and look twenty feet away for a number of seconds, Aaron Mullaniff, of Vision Ireland told the committee.

"It is compounded by people self-prescribing and buying easy-reader spectacles," he added.

The charity called for a National Vision Strategy to improve the health services and supports available to blind or vision impaired people across the country. Around 300,000 people in Ireland have vision impairment and prevalence is risking.

Eighteen people begin to lose their sight in Ireland every day, and one in five may be impacted by sight loss at some stage in their lifetime.

The number of people who noted they experienced impairment and blindness in Ireland increased by 439pc between 2016 and 2022 according to the national census. This growing number of patients is placing increased pressure on existing healthcare resources, as well as early detection which can prevent approximately 70pc of blindness, they added.

However, Ireland has one of the lowest levels of eye doctors across Europe, which coupled with declining eye health in recent years, contributing to diagnosis and treatment delays.

According to data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) from March 2024, 37,880 people are currently waiting for their first outpatient appointment, of whom 3,778 are children.

Also four out of five adults who are blind or vision impaired are not meeting national guidelines on physical activity.

Half of teenage girls who are blind or vision impaired are considered to be at significant cardiovascular health risk.

Older adults within the blind and vision impaired community are ten times more likely to experience isolation and loneliness than those with full sight.

Chris White, Vision Ireland, group chief executive said: "In a country where vision impairment and blindness can profoundly impact an individual's idependence, livelihood, and quality of life, it is incumbent upon Vision Ireland and the Joint Committee on Health to work together and take proactive measures before it is too late.

"Today, Vision Ireland is stressing the critical need for a national eye health strategy  a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard and promote the eye health of every citizen in this country.

"Such a strategy will serve as a roadmap for action, guiding policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in aligning resources, implementing evidence-based interventions, and fostering collaboration to tackle the multifaceted challenges of eye health.

"By investing in prevention, early detection, timely treatment and vision rehabilitation we can mitigate the personal, social, and economic costs associated with vision impairment and blindness.
A horse trainer accused of the rape and murder of a young Co Armagh showjumper has died suddenly.

Jonathan Creswell was charged with killing Katie Simpson, who passed away in hospital on August 9, 2020  days after an incident at the home he shared with her sister.

The opening day of the trial heard claims he killed Katie (21) in a jealous rage. Creswell denied the allegations.

However, today, the trial was stopped with jurors told Creswell (36) had died suddenly.

Katie Simpson

Prosecuting counsel Sam Magee KC told the court Jonathan Creswell was found deceased at his home this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson was called to the witness box.

He said he had received information that at 9am this morning police in Derry confirmed a male had been found deceased. Life was pronounced extinct 20 minutes later" and a family member confirmed it was Mr Jonathan Creswell.

The death is not suspicious and the coroner has been informed.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC addressed the jury stating under these circumstances, they are discharged as the trial process in terms of Creswell has concluded.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

More to follow...
NWCI director Orla O'Connor said the recommendations of the Independent Abortion Review should be implemented "without further delay".

The National Womens Council (NWC) has joined a European Citizens Initiative aiming to gather one million signatures in support of improved abortion access across the EU.

The My Voice, My Choice campaign is looking for people in Europe to show support for women and pregnant people being denied access to abortion in the EU.

NWC director Orla OConnor said: Across Europe, more than 20 million women do not have access to abortion. Here in Ireland, in spite of the success of Repeal, hundreds of women are still forced to travel abroad for care.

"The mandatory three day wait, 12-week limit, and ongoing criminalisation of medics all feed into this situation.

Thats why were joining with sister organisations in Slovenia, France, Spain, Finland, Poland, Austria and Croatia to demand reproductive justice across the continent.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

The campaign is calling for the European Commission to introduce a mechanism ensuring every woman in Europe has access to safe, timely and legal abortion care.

Where women are denied access to abortion, this not only risks physical health, but also puts them under undue economic and mental stress, especially those on low incomes who cannot afford to travel, said NWC womens health coordinator Doireann Crosson.

"As weve seen so painfully illustrated in the US, we can never take our reproductive rights for granted.

"This is a vital opportunity for groups and individuals across Europe to join together in solidarity and demand true, equitable access to abortion and autonomy over our reproductive lives.

The NWC said in a statement limited access to abortion in some EU countries threatens the lives and livelihoods of women who are forced to travel.

"We know this threat is not experienced equally, with many women and pregnant people from marginalised groups being most affected. This campaign is a unique opportunity to mobilise support for reproductive rights ahead of the EU elections, and to harmonise abortion access within Europe.
Food producers taking advantage of dry spell, but rain is on the way again

Farmers are scrambling to get potatoes planted during the dry weather spell, hoping to make up for a shortfall caused by the worst rainfall some have experienced in 40 years.

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has warned there is a challenge in the sector, after announcing a support package at the Fianna Fail ard fheis offering 100 a hectare to farmers who plant field crops and vegetables this year.

Adverse weather in recent months means consumers are facing a possible rise in the price of potatoes  as well as products such as crisps.

Farmers are playing catch-up and have used the recent spell of drier weather to begin their planting.

Its such a relief to get out planting, said one farmer who has been sowing around the clock since the break in the wet weather.

Ivan Curran has planted about 40 acres of his 700-acre farm in Stamullen, Co Meath, with potatoes since last Friday evening.

He is also trying to get grain into the ground before any change in the dry weather.

Mr Curran said he, like most farmers, was living hand to mouth at the minute.

We are planting away in our pet fields, as we call them, the ones that are dry at the minute. There are still fields too wet to get into, he said.

We went out sowing at 6pm last Friday and weve been working around the clock since.

We are all tired but we are out there from 6am to 10pm most nights, literally making hay  or potatoes  while the sun shines.

Ive about 40 of the 700 acres for potatoes planted, mostly with Rosetta, for crisping, and Rooster varieties.

Effectively, we are going hand to mouth at the moment and Im watching the weather like a hawk because it [the forecast] gives more rain at the weekend.

Mr Curran can get a yield of 11,000 tonnes of potatoes in a good year.

But last year was the worst for rainfall he has seen in his 40 years in agriculture.

About 40pc of his crop is Roosters that go to supermarkets for sale while 60pc is destined for the Tayto factory in nearby Curragha for making crisps.

Once you have seed in the ground, there is hope, Mr Curran said.

We can obviously lose some yield if the rain comes back, but at least we have some reprieve with this dry spell.

Roosters may be still in short supply in June, but we have a lifeline for later in the year now.

Met Eireann predicts more unsettled weather will arrive by this weekend, with outbreaks of rain.

Temperatures will struggle too, with highs of just 8C to 12C.

Looking to the weekend, the forecaster said: Current indications would suggest a rather unsettled weekend with plenty of cloud and limited sunny spells.

Outbreaks of rain are likely, especially across southern counties, with some blustery winds there too.

However, long-range forecasters have offered tentative hope that high pressure will return next week, with sunnier weather forecast as we head into the May bank holiday weekend.
The Tanaiste spoke of the enormous global challenges posed by conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine

Micheal Martin spoke of the challenges posed by Britain's Rwanda policy, and how fearful asylum seekers are turning to Ireland

Tanaiste Micheal Martin at an Irish-funded school in Talbieh refugee camp, 25km south of Amman in Jordan

There is a Rwanda effect on international protection migrants coming to Ireland from the UK, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin has said.

Commenting after Justice Minister Helen McEntee disclosed a Government estimate that 80pc of international protection applicants are crossing the land border with the North, Mr Martin blamed UK government policies.

I believe the Rwanda effect is impacting on Ireland. And I think that didn't happen today or yesterday. It's been growing since the first iteration and publication of that strategy around Rwanda, Mr Martin said in Amman, Jordan.

I dont think anyones gone to Rwanda yet, but to me it's reflective of a policy. Its more about the rhetoric and the politics than about having any real impact.

"But it is having real impact on Ireland now in terms of people being fearful in the UK  maybe that's the impact it was designed to have.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin on the streets of Amman, Jordan

So, they're leaving the UK and they are taking opportunities to come to Ireland, crossing the border to get sanctuary here and within the European Union as opposed to the potential of being deported to Rwanda.

But he said the issues involved are not disconnected to the entire debate worldwide. If people were given aid, stability and economic opportunity in their own countries, they would not leave in such large numbers.

I've watched what's happened in Britain over the last number of years, said the Tanaiste. Inward migration arguably caused Brexit, or certainly motivated a lot of people to vote for Brexit to take back control and so on.

"But control hasn't happened in respect of migration. Eastern European workers in Britain have been replaced by workers from further afield.

Micheal Martin spoke of the challenges posed by Britain's Rwanda policy, and how fearful asylum seekers are turning to Ireland

So, I think the most effective way we can deal with the migration crisis is to deal with war and conflict and the developmental challenges around the world.

Syria is a huge source of migration into Europe, and yet countries are pulling aid back from Syria. All that will do is increase the migration flows. The war in Sudan is increasing migration flows into Egypt, which in turn will increase migration flows into Europe.

We have 11 million people displaced from Ukraine and millions in Sudan. So the world has stood back and its having political impacts all over Europe.

But the sort of knee-jerk reaction like the Rwanda policy, in my view, isn't going to really do anything to deal with the issue.

The Tanaiste spoke of the enormous global challenges posed by conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine

"It needs to be a more global focus on rooting out the causes, which is basically that a lot of people are leaving where they are because there's war and unsustainable living conditions.

Mr Martin said he understood that people are very concerned about migration. In Ireland alone, it's unprecedented in terms of the sheer numbers that have come in, and it's increased significantly from last year.

We have a lot of good stuff going for us in Ireland when you look around the world, in terms of our economy, in terms of our education system, even our health service.

But we need to be very careful that we don't go down the route of political dysfunction, as opposed to a country that has challenges. The centre ground has to hold in Ireland.
Michael OLeary has defiantly announced he would happily fly asylum-seekers from the UK to Rwanda under prime minister Rishi Sunaks deportation plans.

The Ryanair chief said the British government had not approached Ryanair to ask it to carry out the deportation flights, designed to give thousands a one-way ticket to the African country.

But he suggested he would have no qualms about helping the British prime minister deliver his much-criticised policy, which the United Nations said would breach the refugee convention.

If it was the winter schedule and we had spare aircraft sitting around and if the government were looking for additional deportation flights or any other flights, we would happily quote for the business, Mr OLeary told Bloomberg.

Mr Sunak has vowed to push ahead with flights, despite calls from the UN and others for him to think again.

The British government is already braced for a series of court challenges on the policy.

British ministers insist they have booked planes and an airfield but will not reveal details amid fears these could come under pressure from protesters.

Mr Sunak has promised multiple flights a month to Rwanda, but ministers concede that the number of people sent to Kigali will be small at first, with chartered aircraft expected to be used.

The British premier has come under fire for pushing through a bill that designates Rwanda a safe country despite the Supreme Court in London ruling it was not a proper place to send refugees.

He faced intense pressure to rethink the policy after five people, including a young girl, died trying to cross the English Channel just hours after the bill cleared its final parliamentary hurdle.

Following the tragedy off the coast of northern France on Tuesday morning asylum-seekers were again seen in small boats attempting to reach British shores.
The remains of Shay Lynch are carried from St Senans church in Clonlara, Co Clare. Photo: Liam Burke/Press 22

The father of tragic schoolboy Shay (James) Lynch has spoke of the love he will always have for his amazing little boy.

Addressing mourners at his sons funeral in St Senans Church in Clonlara, Co Clare, James Lynch said: To Shay-Shay, our amazing little boy. From your first breath we have loved you so much with all of our hearts.

The first class pupil at Scoil Seanain Naofa, Clonlara, died following a tragic accident at a hotel pool on Saturday. He was attending a party at the hotel.

At his funeral today, Mr Lynch said he would complete the playhouse that Shay (7) had started work on just the way you wanted it.

Shay Lynch

Addressing Shay-Shay, he added: Thank you for all the lovely pictures and lovely notes that you have left on our pillows as surprises for us  we will cherish every one of them.

You were such a gentle, caring, sweet boy who wouldnt harm a fly.

"Thank you for loving me, your mommy, and big sister and friend Abi. Your favourite teddy Dougie is in safe hands now with Abi.

He added: You were such an amazing artist and so creative in every way. In the past, I sent your godfather John some of your pictures  I was that proud of you.

"I will miss you coming to work with me and how you loved putting on your little work pants, and [putting a] pencil over your ear.

I promise that I will never leave the first piece of timber, which you cut for your playhouse, away from us... with the lovely pictures you drew on them.

Abi and I will finish your playhouse the way you wanted it.

"I know you always said that you would like to be a builder like me and you already had your apprenticeship started and you would have been a great one.

I know that you have been so happy to have your mommy as secretary in your school these past few months. We were so proud of the amazing reports from your teachers.

We know that you are safe now and at peace with your Nana Christina.

We will forever miss you; we will forever love you. You will always be forever our beautiful boy Shay-Shay.

Earlier, Mr Lynch helped carry his sons white coffin to the top of the church. He stopped to kiss the photo of Shay in Clonlara colours.

In the packed Church, parents comforted their young children.

Fr Pat Mulcahy said last weekend was joyful as 41 local children celebrated their confirmation, while three baptisms took place in the parish.

He mentioned that locals were also looking forward to the big hurling match between Clare and Limerick.

Fr Mulcahy recalled meeting Shays mother, Tania, at the Confirmation service on Saturday.

He said: That evening a dark cloud had descended on our parish community as information disseminated through social media regarding the sad news which stopped all of us in our tracks.

Our young, vibrant Shay had left us. The storm clouds of panic and disbelief had truly invaded our hearts and souls.

"A seven-year-old full of the fullness of life  out for a day of enjoyment  he never came home.

Floral tributes for tragic Shay Lynch. Photo: Press 22

Fr Mulcahy mentioned how, two weeks ago, Shay planted two shrubs at the grave of his Nana Christina at Bridgetown cemetery.

He said Shay was so happy he did that, adding: Little did we or he know that he would be laid to rest where he planted that shrub, beside his nana, where he will remain forever young.

In a reference to the grief that has enveloped the community, Fr Mulcahy paid tribute to the work of the local school and support systems that came to the rescue.

Before the mass ended, he told the packed church: When we have an unexpected tragedy in our midst we can sometimes blame ourselves.

He said: We can carry guilt and feelings of remorse and we may say to our inner selves why?.

There are so many whys and so many if onlys'. We need to forgive ourselves too and seek healing of memories."

He said: "If our hearts are troubled because of events out of our control, we should seek help, talk to a friend or a counsellor. There is help available so we pray for healing of memories and peace of mind.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 24th

Shays Clonlara jersey and hurl were brought to the altar.

His big sister, Abi, who he adored, and his cousin, Cory, brought up his beloved Dougie teddy and some of his favourite toys.

Shays cousin, Craig, brought up Shays work pants, pencil and tools  a symbol of all the great times that Shay had working with his amazing dad.

Two other cousins, Ruth and Alfie, brought up some of Shays amazing art work which brought him so much joy and his favourite treat from Nanny  Oreo cookies.

Another cousin, Cathal, brought up Shays school jumper.

Shay Lynch was later laid to rest in St Thomas's Church grounds, Bridgetown.
Under the new system, a new hotel can only be built in Amsterdam if another closes

In another attempt to crack down on overtourism, officials in Amsterdam are banning the construction of new hotels in the Dutch capital.

The policy, announced last week, only permits new hotels in a one-in, one-out system; a new hotel can be built only if another closes.

New hotels may not exceed the bed count of the previous hotels and must be better, according to the citys release, with more modern and sustainable features.

Amsterdam says no to new hotels, reads a translated statement from city officials. We want to make and keep the city liveable for residents and visitors.

The effort follows initiatives to limit the influx of tourists into the city, a destination known for its tolerant drug policies, sex industry and liberated party scene.

In Amsterdam, people are not prosecuted for buying up to 5 grams of cannabis, which can be purchased in coffee shops. For years, city officials have been trying to rein in hordes of nuisance tourists, or those who are attracted to the city by the promise of a night of debauchery.

In June 2023, the city council passed the tourism balance in Amsterdam policy, which set a maximum number of overnight stays and day visits in the city, capping the annual visitor count at 20 million people per year.

The latest guidance re-ups that regulation; the number of hotel nights in 2023 was 20,665,000, according to the city.

We are now taking more measures to ensure that the number of hotel nights does not increase even further, the citys statement read.

That same year, seeking to curb the rowdy crowds of the Red Light District and offer residents a better nights sleep, the city cracked down on public pot smoking in the streets and limited the hours of operation for certain restaurants and sex establishments.

Amsterdam also launched a Stay Away campaign, directly targeting British men between the ages of 18 to 35. The demographic group frequents the city for stag parties, which residents say are disruptive.

Also in 2023, city officials adopted a proposal to relocate a cruise ship terminal. In addition to addressing pollution concerns, the move sought to prevent crowds of tourists from flooding the citys centre upon docking.

Its unclear how the city plans to enforce the new hotel construction policy; according to the release, new hotels already under construction may continue. That includes 26 hotels with existing permits.
Stride Investment Management Limited (SIML) today announced the resignation of Fund Manager Industre, Andrew Hay, from the companys executive team.

SIMLs Chief Executive Officer, Philip Littlewood, commented: Andrew has been with Stride for over 20 years, most recently managing the industrial portfolio where he has contributed to strong growth in the portfolio over the last 5 years. I would like to sincerely thank Andrew for his contribution and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

SIML will provide the market with a further update on this role in the coming months.

End

For further information please contact:

Tim Storey, Chairman, Stride Investment Management Limited / Stride Property Limited

Mobile: 021 633 089 - Email: tim.storey@strideproperty.co.nz

Philip Littlewood, Chief Executive Officer, Stride Investment Management Limited

Mobile: 021 230 3026 - Email: philip.littlewood@strideproperty.co.nz

A Stapled Security of the Stride Property Group comprises one ordinary share in Stride Property Limited and one ordinary share in Stride Investment Management Limited. Under the terms of the constitution of each company, the shares in each can only be transferred if accompanied by a transfer of the same number of shares in the other.

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Justin Barrett has long been a controversial far-right figure on the fringes of Irish politics, with strong views against abortion and immigration.

His stance on migration and the launch of his self-described movement this week comes at a time when protests on immigration are taking place on Irish streets. While the topic is something that has become more important to the electorate in recent months, just how concerned are voters really?

Or will traditional issues such as housing and health continue to shape the next 12 months of elections in Ireland?

Barrett and The National Party, which he previously fronted, are no strangers to controversy. In mid-July 2023, Barrett made a complaint to gardai that a gold bar had been removed from his political partys vault by another member without authorisation.

He provided gardai with the names of two party colleagues who he alleged took the gold bar from a vault in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, using a key they had been entrusted with.

Today on The Indo Daily, Tabitha Monihan is joined by Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Reporter for the Irish Independent, to discuss the political background of one of Irelands most divisive politicians and ask where migration lies in the Irish voters consciousness.
The open-air museum of Craggaunowen, in County Clare, will be transformed into a Viking village this May Bank Holiday Weekend.

On May 4 and 5, the highlight of the Viking Invasion of Craggaunowen will be the battle recreations on the Castle Green at 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm and 3.30pm daily when warring warriors will demonstrate their fierce battle skills.

After each battle, children will be offered the opportunity to participate in shield drills in which they will learn about the infamous Viking Shield Wall, the battle formation used by the warriors during combat.

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Visitors will learn about how the pagan warriors lived by exploring historically accurate workshop tents where crafters will be demonstrating their trading, silversmithing, leather working, pottery, armoury, fibre crafts, hunting and fishing skills. There also will be cooking demonstrations over open fires featuring the use of authentic ingredients that the Vikings would have had access to.

Visitors also will be able to view a replica vessel of the kind Vikings are believed to have sailed in from Scandinavia to North America. The Brendan Boat was built in 1976 by explorer Tim Severin, who successfully completed a 4,500-mile transatlantic crossing, and is on permanent display at Craggaunowen.

Members of the public will discover the origins of coins and how they were introduced to Ireland by the Vikings. A Viking moneyer will demonstrate how coins were made by hand, with each child receiving a complimentary replica coin as a memento of their visit.

Kids of all ages will also be able to participate in Viking-themed activities from the "throwing logs" game of Knubb to Hnefatafl, a game akin to modern-day chess.

Pauline Lenihan, Site Manager at Craggaunowen said: This event brings the stories, traditions and history of the Vikings to life at our open-air museum and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day lives of Vikings and the real people behind the legend of the men from the north. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages to our visitor attraction over the course of the weekend.
Cork City Cllr Shane OCallaghan has issued an urgent call for the Minister for Health to improve and standardise miscarriage care and services nationally.

Last year, during Baby Loss Awareness week, Cllr OCallaghan submitted a motion requesting Cork City Council to write to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly calling on him to improve and standardise miscarriage care and services nationally.

Pregnancy loss is the most common complication of pregnancy and is an issue that is close to my own heart. Raising awareness about miscarriage and pregnancy loss, and increasing supports for people affected, is vitally important in order to end the silence and stigma around it, said Cllr OCallaghan.

While miscarriage and pregnancy loss may be talked about more now than it was in the past, there is still a lot of silence on the topic. Pregnancy loss is a significant life event but often remains a silent grief. Everyone who suffers a loss like this needs to get as much compassion and support as we as a society can provide.

It can make a huge difference to bereaved parents when their loss is simply acknowledged, and when people try to understand the impact of the experience on them. There should be no room for silence or stigma, rather kindness, sensitivity and compassion in order to help parents manage the reality of their loss, he said.

As a way to address this issue, Cllr OCallaghan has set out eight key points which he said requires attention by the Department of Health.

Resourcing pregnancy loss services within the 19 maternity units/hospitals to ensure a minimum service and standard in all, with dedicated specialist recurrent miscarriage clinics regionally

Ensuring the full complement of Clinical Midwife Specialist in Bereavement and Loss posts are filled and sustained across the country, and that there are sufficient numbers of posts to match the demand in services

Resourcing a designated staff member (midwife) for early miscarriage care to enable development of individualised care plans after a woman's first miscarriage in each of the 19 maternity hospitals/units

Access to dedicated counselling and psychological supports after a persons first and subsequent miscarriages

A focus on second trimester pregnancy loss, to include improved and standardised investigation, management, care and supports, with enhanced care in a subsequent pregnancy, across all 19 maternity hospitals/units

Providing necessary resources and supports for healthcare staff, teams and hospitals to access and learn from continuing professional development and training opportunities around bereavement care

Enhanced funding to ensure that there are dedicated spaces within maternity units/hospitals for the delivery of high quality bereavement care that facilitates privacy and dignity

Standardised reporting of first and second trimester miscarriage rates nationally to inform service delivery and improvements.

While a response to Cork City Councils letter was received from the Department of Health, Cllr. OCallaghan believes that it still falls short of what is required.

He added that while it must be acknowledged that a lot of work has been done to improve bereavement care in later pregnancy loss, pregnancy loss in the first and second trimester remains poorly acknowledged, under-resourced and largely under-served within healthcare policy and service provision.

I think its fair to say that Ireland has a dark history when it comes to supporting and protecting the women in its society. We have an opportunity now to prioritise women and improve our health system by working towards putting more supports in place for women and their partners who experience miscarriage and pregnancy loss in Ireland every year, he concluded.
Cork TD Aindrias Moynihan has welcomed the recent grant allocation of over 1.5 million for the construction of a community centre in Rylane.

The village of Rylane recently received a huge grant of over 1.5 million for the construction of a community centre which will serve as a great facility for locals.

Rylane received a grant of 1,595,574 for the building of the hub as part of government funding announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys.

Fianna Fail TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan said the grant will enable the community centre to be built in Rylane. The grant of over 1.59m is great news for Rylane Community Park Association and it means they will now be able to go ahead and build the community centre. This new community centre will be a focal point, a great resource for Rylane with dressing rooms, bathrooms, meeting room and much more right at the heart of the newly developed park, he said.

The new community centre will be a real focal point in the park and in the community, said Deputy Moynihan. Im thrilled for locals who have worked so hard at developing amenities for their community. They have already put in place the newly opened playground and astroturf as well as developing the pitch and park previously.

This grant of 1.595,574 is from the new Community Centre Investment Fund, established in 2023 and is aimed at communities who have no such centre and are shovel ready with their build, he added.
The countdown to the upcoming local and European elections is well and truly underway with candidates across all parties and none engaging in plenty of canvassing across Cork County.

The European and local elections are scheduled to be held on Friday, June 7.

Sitting councillors and new politicians are all vying for a place on Cork County Council which has 55 elected members and is the second largest local authority.

The are nine seats to be filled in the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District (MD) with five seats to be filled in the Mallow Local Electoral Area (LEA) and four to be filled in the Kanturk-Charleville LEA.

In the Mallow Local Electoral Area, there are currently eight candidates competing for five seats.

Sitting councillors Cllr Pat Hayes (Fianna Fail), Cllr Gearoid Murphy (Fianna Fail), Cllr Tony OShea (Fine Gael), Cllr Liam Madden (Fine Gael) and Cllr Eoghan Kenny (Labour Party) who was co-opted in place of long serving councillor James Kennedy are all standing once again.

Sinn Fein have selected Melissa OBrien who lost her seat in the last council elections in 2019.

Paddy Scully (Aontu) and David Curry from the Social Democrats are the other two confirmed candidates running in the Mallow LEA.

There are four seats available in the Kanturk-Charleville LEA. Sitting Fianna Fail councillors Bernard Moynihan and Cllr Ian Doyle have been selected to run again.

Fine Gael councillor John Paul OShea who is the leader of his party in the local authority and the late Fine Gael councillor Gerard Murphy had both been selected to run in this years local elections.

It is expected that Fine Gael will run a second candidate alongside Cllr OShea in the Kanturk-Charleville LEA.

Charleville based Evelyn OKeeffe has been selected to represent Sinn Fein in the Kanturk Local Electoral Area (LEA).

Evelyn has accumulated a wealth of experience over 20 years, working and volunteering within various community, education and training settings.

Kanturk native Becky Kealy has been selected to run in the local election by Aontu. Ms Kealy secured 8.5% of the first preference vote share at the last general election in 2020.

Brendan OConnor, a resident of Newtownshandrum for nearly two decades has been selected to run for the Independent Ireland party. Mr OConnor is a dedicated community leader and advocate for rural Ireland.

Andrew Ring an executive officer for Irish Rail will run for the Social Democrats in the Kanturk/Charleville LEA.

In the Fermoy Local Electoral Area, there are 13 candidates competing for six seats.

The six incumbent councillors are all running again in this years local elections. Fine Gael have selected sitting councillors Noel McCarthy and Kay Dawson.

Fianna Fail are running the current Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn and experienced councillor Deirdre OBrien.

Fianna Fail who returned three candidates in 2019 have also added Neilus Cotter to their party ticket.

Cllr William OLeary formerly a councillor for Fianna Fail is running as an Independent candidate in this election.

Independent councillor Frank Roche who was first elected back in 2019 is also contesting this years local elections.

Joe OBrien (Sinn Fein), Diarmuid Hanley (Labour Party), Ken Brennan (Independent Ireland), Peter ODonoghue (Independent), Joe Tobin (Independent) and Derek Blighe (Ireland First Party) are the other candidates seeking election in the Fermoy Local Electoral Area. Mr Blighe is also running as a candidate in the European elections.

In the Macroom Local Electoral Area, there are 11 candidates competing for six seats.

The six sitting councillors are all running again in this years local elections. Fine Gael have selected sitting councillors Eileen Lynch, Michael Creed and Ted Lucey.

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan and Michael Looney will contest the election for Fianna Fail, while Independent councillor Martin Coughlan is also seeking to be re-elected.

Sinn Fein have selected John OSullivan to run in the Macroom LEA. The Green Party has unveiled Harriet Burgess as its candidate who will be seeking a seat on Cork County Council.

The Inniscarra native, a barrister by profession, has become the first Green Party candidate to run in her local electoral area of Macroom in more than a decade.

A past pupil of Colaiste Choilm in Ballincollig, Ms Burgess studied at Trinity College and Oxford University.

Dermot Kelleher a suckler farmer from Inchigeela has been selected to run for the recently formed Independent Ireland party.

Mr Kelleher is a former president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA).

Aontu has selected Rosarie OLeary to run in the Macroom LEA. Rosarie lives in the beautiful Lee Valley, between the villages of Inchigeela and Beal Athan Ghaorthaidh where she grew up.

Rosarie worked as a legal secretary for twenty years and in recent years has taken up a new position in education.

There is still time for candidates to put their name on the ballot paper and it is widely expected that more Independent candidates will be added to each LEA.

Perspective candidates have until Friday, May 10 to confirm they intend to run in this years local elections.
A spokesperson said that there has been no permanent relocation of BreastCheck services away from Mallow

The HSE has confirmed that BreastCheck services will return to Mallow in 2025, following concerns that screenings had been permanently relocated away from north Cork.

A Kanturk woman told The Corkman that she had to travel to St Marys Orthopaedic Hospital for her most recent breast cancer check as opposed to Mallow Primary Care Centre (MPCC), where she had previous mammograms, and it did not make sense to remove the mobile screening unit from north Cork.

Following an enquiry, a spokesperson for the HSE told The Corkman that there has been no permanent relocation of BreastCheck services away from Mallow.

We are pleased to confirm that there has been no permanent relocation of BreastCheck services away from Mallow and we continue to offer screening in the area as women become eligible, every two years, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that the HSE had placed a mobile unit within the grounds of MPCC to accommodate two-yearly mammograms for women aged 50 to 69 in north Cork. They said that the unit was there from March 2023 to December 2023 and stayed in place until eligible women in the area had been invited for screening, and that those who chose screening had their appointments.

We are due to return to Mallow for our next round of screening in the spring of 2025, the spokesperson said.

Women who were not invited for screening when we were in Mallow or were unable to attend their invitation when we were there are offered screening at the nearest or most convenient alternative location.

According to the HSE, it is currently screening women in Cork at a static unit on Infirmary Road and at mobile units at St Finbarrs Hospital on Douglas Road and St Marys Orthopaedic Hospital at Gurranabraher.

All units are located within Cork City.

It said that its mobile units stay at a location for three months to two years to screen eligible women in the area. The units then move to another location, where eligible women in that area are invited for screening.

In this way we work to ensure that no unit is sitting idle for periods of time and that all women in Ireland have an equal and equitable opportunity to attend screening close to where they live, the HSE said.

It said that it updates breast screening locations regularly on its website.

The HSE said that BreastCheck is a screening service for well women within the population age range (50-69 years) and is not for women with symptoms of breast cancer. If a person has any concerns or symptoms concerning their breasts, they should not attend screening and should instead contact their GP who will give them the appropriate advice.

Information on techniques for checking your breasts is available on www.breastcheck.ie. Information on screening is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/breast-screening/information/#when-you-will-be-offered-a-breast-screen.
The awards will take place as part of a two-day RDS festival

Two north Cork enterprises have been shortlisted for awards that will take place as part of a biodiversity and sustainability-focused festival titled Finding Common Ground.

The inaugural festival will take place at the RDS in Ballsbridge across Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3 and as part of proceedings, enterprises including Mallow Castle Demense and Blackwater Honey have been nominated for a series of awards that will be handed out.

Mallow Castle Demense and Town Park, which consists of 88 acres of woodlands and parks nestled in the capital of north Cork, has been shortlisted in the Community Woodland Award, which is designed to recognise the management of forests and woodlands which have been established and managed in a sustainable way that is beneficial to the local economy and the environment.

Blackwater Honey, which was founded by brothers Andrew and John Shinnick who run a Dairy farm in Ballyhooly, has been shortlisted for the RDS Sustainability Awards, which aim to honour the work of individuals, farm families, and organisations enhancing the economic, environmental and social development of Irish agriculture and rural communities.

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Enterprises from the wider Cork county and city regions have also received nominations for the RDS awards.

In the Sustainability Awards, Bronw Envelope Seeds of west Cork, Glenbrook Farm of Cork city, The BRIDE Farming with Nature Project and Bo Rua Farm, both based in east Cork, have been shortlisted.

Myross Wood in Leap in west Cork has been shortlisted in the Native Woodland Conservation Award.

In the RDS Circular Economy Awards, which intends to highlight the benefits of the circular economy can bring to both producers and consumers, Volta Robotics of Cork city and Crocane Farm of east Cork are in contention.

The RDS awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 3.
A plaque in honour of Commandant Sean O'Donoghue will be officially unveiled in Ballygiblin this Sunday

A plaque will be officially unveiled in honour of Commandant Sean ODonoghue at Ballygiblin Mitchelstown this Sunday, April 28 at 12.30pm.

A nephew of Mr ODonoghue, Fr Sean Condon, who is his closest living relative is flying from California to be present for the occasion.

Senator Michael McDowell will give the oration.

Sean ODonoghue was born in Gurteenabowl, Mitchelstown in 1898 and he was the fifth child born to his parents William and Nano (nee OMahony) ODonoghue.

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On completion of his education he was employed in the warehouse of Messrs. Dwyer, Cork and he lived with his aunt in Roches Buildings. He was murdered outside the Delaney Brothers house, Dublin Hill, Cork on September 28, 1922.

Sean was a member of the Gaelic League, The Lee GAA Club and the Lee Rowing Club.

At an early age he joined A Company, 1st Battalion, Cork No 1 Brigade, becoming Quartermaster of the company.

He was subsequently promoted to Quartermaster of the Cork Brigade. At the beginning of 1921, he was appointed Commandant of the 1st Battalion.

A loyal and courageous officer, Sean was involved in several engagements with the Black and Tans in Cork and at the signing of the Treaty, he took the Republican side in the Civil War.

On December 11, 1920 Sean organised an ambush on a convoy of Auxillaries leaving Victoria Station.

Sean was also part of a well organised and executed operation in Ballycotton in March 1922.

The steamship Upnor was a small British Army stores carrier of about 500 tonnes deadweight.

She was loading at the ordnance stores on Rocky Island with arms and ammunition from the recently disbanded Royal Irish Constabulary for Plymouth when Sean ODonoghue and his comrades of the 1st Brigade, 1st Southern Division of the IRA heard about it.

On March 29, the Upnor sailed and the plan swung into action. The Admiralty tug Warrior, crewed mostly by local men was at the Deepwater Quay in Cobh.

Her master was enticed ashore and Captain Jeremiah Collins, a master mariner, IRA officers - Sean ODonoghue, Dan Donovan, Michael Murphy and Sean OHegarty boarded with some volunteers and took the ship to sea some hours after the Upnor.

By means of a ruse, they caused the Upnor to heave to and even though the Upnors master was suspicious, he let them come alongside.

Sean ODonoghue and his contingent boarded and captured the ship and she was brought to Ballycotton at 4am on March 30.

Meanwhile a large number of lorries and cars had been commandeered and brought to Ballycotton. The town had been sealed off and when the Upnor arrived, she was quickly unloaded and her contents dispersed inland.

On 28 September 1922, a party of Provisional Government forces had been operating in the Carrignavar, Whitechurch and Whites Cross districts, carrying out searches.

At Whites Cross they discovered two motor cars known to belong to the IRA and these cars were seized.

The party set out for Cork after 3pm bringing the captured cars with them.

At approximately 3.45pm when they reached a point some two miles behond Dublin Hill, Blackpool, and about a mile from the place where the motors were seized, they were ambushed by Sean ODonoghue and his comrades, who poured a hail of bullets in the direction of the Provisional Government troops, who were forced to halt their cars and alight, proceeding to engage with Sean and company.

A brief fight was sufficient to rout them and the soldiers pursued them across country for a considerable distance.

Sadly Acting O.C. of the 1st Cork Brigade, Sean ODonoghue was located, removed from the Delaney family home and murdered by the Provisional Government troops in a field nearby. His body was brought to Cork by the troops.

A Celtic Cross memorial now stands near the Delaney family home at Dublin Hill, Cork. Commadant Sean ODonoghues name is inscribed on this memorial.

A dear friend of his, Mr P.F. Quinlan, a lieutenant in the pro-Treaty forces, happened upon Seans grave at Shanrahan Graveyard, Clogheen, Co Tipperary and sadly recalled the young man that Sean was and how much he admired him.

Sean ODonoghue is remembered for being a brave and competent young man who yielded up his life for the Republic.

The chairman of the commemoration committee is former Fianna Fail TD Ned OKeeffe.

Mr OKeeffe is looking forward to Sundays event. There is a commemoration this Sunday in Ballygiblin. Michael McDowell is the guest speaker. He will be unveiling a plaque and giving an oration. He will make a very good speech. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy will also be in attendance.

It is great to remember Sean ODonoghue, said Mr OKeeffe. He ran the show in Cork during the War of Independence. After his execution one of the Free State officers came out to his grave in Clogheen, cried and prayed over it.
Cork Education & Training Board (Cork ETB) has reported a 10 per cent increase in the number of youth clubs applying for the 2024 Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) that has just resulted in the payment of 270,000 in grant funding to groups throughout Cork.

From a baseline of 200, the number of voluntary youth clubs in Cork operated by various bodies and independent committees fell below 100 in the two years of the Covid-19 lockdown but has rebounded for 2024.

Cork ETB received an allocation of 272,400 from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) for 2024 which has been allocated to groups under the umbrella of Scouts, Guides, Foroige, Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, Macra na Feirme and independents.

We are delighted that 165 clubs, in all corners of Cork, have applied for the grant scheme this year which is up 15 since 2023 and represents a welcome return to the kind of club numbers we had pre Covid, explained Cork ETB Youthwork Services Development Manager, Mick Finn.

This grant scheme has traditionally been the lifeblood of these clubs, helping to pay fees, rents, utilities and to fund activity programmes so we are thrilled that the allocations have been made earlier this year so the clubs have the comfort of funds in hand for their operations, Finn added.

The Cork ETB Youthwork Service department initiated a new online application system this year, with over 100 clubs coming together in January for an application workshop and a motivational session.
One of three 'smart' bins which were set on fire in Dun Laoghaire over the weekend

Gardai are investigating after three expensive smart bins were set on fire in Dun Laoghaire over the weekend.

The Big Belly Street Bin system has been in operation in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown since 2014. They are connected to a software system which flags when each bin is full, or if there is a specific fault to report.

According to Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council, the cost of providing and maintaining each street bin is approximately 1,500 per year.

Local Fianna Fail councillor Justin Moylan expressed his disappointment at the vandalism of the public bins saying its disrespectful to the community.

I am extremely annoyed by the recent burning of three Big Belly public bins in Dun Laoghaire, he said.

Aside from the obvious danger posed to the public by an open fire in the public realm, the bins themselves are a limited resource and expensive to replace.

The public bins are a significant resource to keep our town clean and litter free along with the valuable efforts of Dun Laoghaire Tidy Towns and the cleansing section of DLR.

The 'smart' bins cost around 1,500 per year to maintain

An act of vandalism such as this undermines those efforts and shows nothing but disrespect to the community at large.

A spokesperson for the Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council said: a number of Smart Bins were burnt out in Dun Laoghaire recently. Aside from being extremely anti-social & damaging to the environment of local areas, bin burning impacts on the wider community, as it deprives communities and towns of litter bins.

"We are calling on the community to be vigilant and report such actions to us & An Garda Siochana to protect the public realm infrastructure and the environment. There is a cost impact on the provision of Council services; compacting Smart bins are expensive to replace and it is not feasible to replace every bin thats burnt out.

Meanwhile, An Garda Siochana said that no arrests have been made and no injuries have been reported.

Gardai are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire where a number of rubbish bins were set alight that occurred on the Corrig Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin between April 20 and 21. Investigations are ongoing.
General Capital (GEN:NZ) subsidiary General Finance update

General Capital Limited advises that its subsidiary General Finance Limited, a licensed Non-bank Deposit Taker, has uploaded its quarterly unaudited report for the quarter ended 31 March 2024 to the Disclose Register.

The unaudited quarterly report shows that General Finances business has continued to grow with total assets of $155m, up by 6.7% from 31 December 2023 and a quarterly NPAT of $884k up 35.6% from the previous quarter.

Mr. Brent King, Managing Director, explained that this report is required as General Finance Limited holds a Non-bank Deposit Taker licence and the reporting is a requirement of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

It has been another very positive quarter for General Finance and we look forward to releasing our full year audited results at the end of May 2024. said Mr King.

The information can be found at www.disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz.

ENDS

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Twenty-year-old fire truck breaks down en route to scene of blaze

Concerns have been raised over staffing levels and outdated vehicles at Dublin Fire Brigade. Pic: Stock image

Staffing concerns at Dublin Fire Brigade and the use of outdated vehicles is putting the safety of firefighters and members of the public at risk, it has been claimed.

Daithi Doolan, Sinn Fein Leader on Dublin City Council and European election candidate for Dublin, highlighted that half of the services fire trucks are at least 10 years old, while 25pc are at least 15 years old.

Failure to address these concerns is seriously jeopardising firefighters ability to appropriately respond to fires and other serious incidents, and is putting their safety and that of the public at risk, he said.

Mr Doolan is calling on the Government to provide the necessary funding, training and equipment to ensure Dublin Fire Brigade is fully resourced at all times.

SIPTU has outlined in stark terms how staffing levels for 2025 are 100 short of where the service needs to be, and there is no plan in place for the Public Appointment Service to run a recruitment campaign, he said.

Dublin Fire Brigades reliance on overtime to man its service is unsustainable.

The staffing crisis has been allowed to deepen, with the result being the far too regular occurrence of fire trucks and appliances being kept off the road because necessary personnel have not been available.

These staffing issues are exacerbated by a fleet of vehicles, many of which are no longer fit for purpose.

The risk that the overreliance on old vehicles can cause, was highlighted when a 20-year-old fire truck broke down en route to the scene of a fire.

For a service where response times are key, and where every minute and second counts, a repeat of such an incident could be catastrophic and cost lives, he added.

Referencing the Stardust disaster, Cllr Doolan said: In a week where the human cost and suffering of the states worst fire tragedy have been laid bare, it is crucially important that we ensure Dublin Fire Brigade has the necessary staffing and equipment to protect the citys communities.

They are also deeply concerned that there has been no implementation of any of the recommendations included in the risk assessment model established following the terrifying 2018 fire at the Metro Hotel in Ballymun.

Implementing these recommendations, and ensuring firefighters have access to data they need, could be the difference between life and death, he added.

According to Dublin City Council, Dublin Fire Brigade has a comprehensive recruitment and vehicle replacement programme in place.

Dublin City Council has a comprehensive fire hydrant system in the city, which is very accurately mapped, complete with water main size and expected flow in litres per minute, they said.

This map is available online to fire officers on mobile devices. There are fire hydrants at very regular intervals on almost all Dublin streets, mostly adjacent to junctions.

Dublin Fire Brigade has very well established drills and firefighters are well trained in the usual location and access to these hydrants.

There are also arrangements whereby Dublin Fire Brigade can contact the relative Local Authority / Uisce Eireann to increase water pressure in certain water mains during intervals of low water pressure.

Each fire appliance carries 1,800 litres of water, which is adequate to start an attack on most domestic fires. Dublin Fire Brigade also have large water tankers in their fleet to supplement requirements at large, or prolonged fires.

All fire appliances also have the ability to make down suction hose to open sources of water, such as canals, rivers and other static water supplies, which are also mapped.
Centre from l-r: Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae and his father Danny Healy-Rae TD pictured at the opening ceremony of the new home of St John of God's in Kenmare. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Tracy O'Grady and David Howley performing at the opening ceremony for the new home of St John of God's in Kenmare. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Clare Dempsey CEO of Saint John of God Community addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony the new St John of God's day care service building in the town. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Front (from left): Liam Healy, Clare Dempsey SJOG CEO; Back (from left): Stephane Brits architect, Shane Dalton, Teresa Malon, Teddy Walsh (builder), Donald Lynch, Fr Hayes, Nora Brosnan programme manager, Frank McGonigle and Martina Moore pictured at the opening ceremony of new home for St John of God's Day Care Centre in Kenmare. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From left: Martina Moore SJOG, Shane Dalton SJOG, Teddy Walsh (builder), Nora Brosnan Programme Manager and architect Stephan Brits pictured at the opening ceremony of the new St John of God's day care centre building. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Local Priest Fr Hayes is completing a blessing at the opening ceremony of new home for the St John of God's day care service in the town. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From left: Nicholas O'Sullivan SJOG, Mary Keane HSE Disabilities Kerry, Aisling Howard HSE Disability Kerry, Cait O'Leary SJOG and Shane Dalton SJOG pictured at the opening ceremony of a new home for St John of God's day care centre. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Clare Dempsey CEO of Saint John of God Community (centre), who will retire in September, received a special presentation at the opening ceremony of a new home for the day care service in Kenmare. (From left): Jack Shanahan GJOG, Clare Dempsey SJOG CEO and programme manager Nora Brosnan. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Orla Murphy (centre), along with Clare Dempsey CEO of Saint John of God, pictured cutting the ribbon at the official opening ceremony of the new centre for St John of God's day care service in Kenmare. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Front (from left): Martina Moore, Margaret O'Sullivan, Orla Murphy, Fiona Riney, Timothy O'Shea; back: Michael Murphy, Aoife O'Connell, Jack Shanahan and Shane Dalton of St John of God Kenmare Services pictured at the opening ceremony of new St John of God's day care service building in Kenmare. Photo by Tatyana McGough

The former boys school in Kenmare will finally ring with laughter and happiness once again as it is has been re-opened as new day care centre for people with intellectual disabilities.

The new centre is the long-held dream of St John of God's day care service in the town who have been homeless' for several years but now finally have a place they can call home.

And this home is all down to a huge community effort to renovate the former school on Shelbourne Street in the town as a day care centre. Not only did St John of Gods ensure that the new building caters for the needs of the service users so too did local community volunteers including Kenmare Tidy Towns members who worked behind the scenes to help renovate the building which was unused and derelict for many years.

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Now it is has been officially re-opened as a day service and last week an official opening took place with local priest, Fr Hayes, blessing the building at the ceremony before the official cutting of the ribbon by St John of God CEO Clare Dempsey.

She along with other representatives from the organisation along with local politicians, the seven service users and their families, as well as members of the community attended the day of celebration.

St John of Gods first opened a service in Kenmare in 2005 having seen the need for supports in the South Kerry area. Prior to that those with intellectual disabilities had to travel to Tralee. The day care centre operated from Kerry ETBs campus in the town on Bell Height but the onset of Covid left the service without a home as the space was required by Kerry ETB.

For a time they were unable to operate a day service until the generous offer of Maureen Finnegan who provided the familys hostel in the town for us during the pandemic. However, that was a temporary base and efforts began to locate a more permanent home which became a reality thanks to St Brendans Trust who have now leased the building to St John of Gods to develop the day care centre.

The project moved slowly due to rising constructions costs and the need for more funding but in February of this year was finally finalised much to the delight of the service users and their families and to St John of God's who are delighted they can continue to provide this vital service to the community.

"It is a fabulous centre. We couldnt be happier. They are a lovely group of staff and service users. It couldnt have happened to a nicer group  They are a fantastic bunch of people and it was lovely to see the collaboration between the community and the organisation, said Day Service Co-Ordinator Aoife OConnell.
There is widespread outrage in Killarney over the vicious mugging of an octogenarian US tourist in the town on Monday that left her with injuries to her head and a possible broken arm.

The woman was assaulted by a lone male while she was walking on the Port Road with her husband shortly before 9pm on Monday.

It is believed she was knocked to the ground by her assailant, suffering a minor head injury and a possible broken arm in the frightening ordeal.

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The mugger fled with her handbag over a wall into the course of the Deenagh River, which he discarded after taking a sum of cash from it.

The incident occurred at approximately 8.40pm on Port Road in Killarney, close to the town centre. The woman is on holidays in Kerry with her husband, The Kerryman understands.

Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Niall Kelleher said that everyone in shocked by the incident and he said that all in the town hopes she makes a full recovery.

"This is a shocking and disturbing incident and we all hope she makes a full recovery," he said

"Incidents like this are not the norm in the town and we hope that the person responsible is brought to account for his actions.

Read more US tourist (80s) robbed in terrifying attack in Kerry town

He appealed for anyone with information to contact gardai to assist with their enquiries.

He added that his office would also be available to help the victim in anyway they could.

Killarney Chamber of Commerce and Tourism members have also expressed their shock at the attack.

Chamber president Padraig Treacy described it as an awful thing to have happened following what was a great weekend kicking off the summer season in fine weather.

He said such incidents like this are 'isolated and that he wished the woman all the best. He added that gardai are investigating the incident and every assistance must be given to them.

Gardai in Killarney are appealing for witnesses following the incident of robbery and assault that occurred in Killarney on Monday, April 24.

"Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward. Additionally, those with camera footage or motorists with dashcam recordings from the Port Road area of Killarney between 8:30pm and 9:00pm are asked to provide it to Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station at 064 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
A talented filmmaker from County Leitrim is set to showcase her work at an International Film Festival.

Fresh Films Ireland continues to lead the charge in showcasing emerging cinematic talent with the 2024 edition of its International Film Festival.

What began in 1997 as a segment of the Limerick Film Festival has blossomed into a year-long celebration, heralding the creative endeavors of young filmmakers from across the globe.

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Among the standout participants this year is Olivia Louise Curto, a talented 17-year-old filmmaker from Leitrim.

Olivia moved to Leitrim about six years ago and has lived in Gorvagh since then.

Her film "Freequencies", tells the story of Oliver, a young boy dealing with electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Through this narrative, Olivia deftly addresses the profound impacts of our digital age and the enduring human need for connection.

Filmmaker Olivia Louise Curto.

The local community and festival-goers alike are keen to see if Olivias film will make it to the final stage of the competition.

The festival will reach its pinnacle with the awards ceremony broadcasted live.

Audiences across Ireland are encouraged to watch on RTE2 from 7 to 8pm on April 29, when "Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year" will be announced.

Speaking of the festival, Olivia said, As a passionate writer and film enthusiast from Leitrim, I am thrilled to have participated in the Fresh Film Festival as one of the few representatives from our County.

I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity that thrives in our county, said Olivia.

This event promises to be a pivotal gathering for film enthusiasts, industry insiders, and anyone interested in the innovative perspectives of young creators.

It offers a chance to engage with the evolving landscape of cinema, spotlighting not just talent but also the unique voices that shape it.

With its emphasis on youth, creativity, and film, the 2024 Fresh Films Ireland festival is not to be missed, especially for those eager to support local talent like Olivia from Leitrim.
Frank Gildea, a resident of Ballynarry, Riverstown, was recently honoured for his dedication and voluntary work with Fianna Fail for over 70 years.

The recognition came in the form of a presentation of a piece of crystal by European Midlands/North West party election candidate, Senator Niall Blaney, in front of a large crowd at Tommy Macs, Riverstown.

Senator Blaney praised Frank for his unwavering commitment to the party and highlighted the crucial role that volunteers play in ensuring that politics remains deeply rooted in local communities.

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Franks contributions have been invaluable, having supported and canvassed for numerous local, general, and European candidates, including five TDs in his local area.

Despite his long service, Frank remains as enthusiastic as ever, planning to offer his support for the upcoming local and European elections on June 7th.

The award, originally presented at the national Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, was a testament to Franks remarkable dedication, and local Fianna Fail party activists were keen to acknowledge his outstanding contribution and celebrate his success at the grassroots level.

88-year-old Frank told The Sligo Champion that he was proud to have been involved with Fianna Fail since he was an 18-year-old back in 1954.

I suppose 70 years is a long time to be involved with the party and I have seen them all come and go.

I remember Jim Gallagher TD in the mid 1950s and I campaigned with him all over the place.

My father was a great Fianna Fail man so it was very much in the blood.

He added: Back in the 1960s when there was an election on I used to drive people to the polling stations no matter whether they were Fianna Fail or Fine Gael.

Some of the Fine Gael ones would travel in the car with me but the dedicated ones would not.

In later years Frank was a staunch campaigner for former TD Mattie Brennan and he has met many of the leading figures in the party.

Frank lives on the shores of Lough Arrow in a scenic spot and he was a radio officer for the first part of his life at sea.

I was working with the Marconi Radio Company and I enjoyed it and I travelled around the world for seven years.

After that he worked as an auctioneer in Riverstown. When asked how he found this very different occupation, he said: It was quiet enough, but I survived. You need to be a bit of a wheeler dealer, but I wasnt tough enough for that, he quipped.

I spent over 30 years at the auctioneering and I got to know a fair bit of the county in my time.

But Frank is less than happy with the growing cynicism towards politicians in recent years.

I think it is not right the abuse they get these days and it is keeping good people from going forward forward for the job and it is worse it is getting lately.

Martin Baker has stood down as the local Fianna Fail representative and Frank paid him a heartfelt tribute.

Yes, he was a very good man and I am glad to see him out canvassing now with Liam Brennan who is standing for the party in this area.

Frank has met with previous Fianna Fail leaders like Charlie Haughey and Bertie Ahern.

And he does not hold back in his assessment of both famous political figures.

Charlie Haughey was full of plamas and Bertie Ahern was cute.

Frank added that none of the main parties are as popular as they were and believes that if Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens stick together they will stay in power after the next general election.
Talented artist had a great sense of wonder in life and helped raise tens of thousands for local hospital

One of New Rosss great characters, Daniel (Danny) Brennan has passed away at the age of 80.

Danny passed away peacefully in the tender care of the Palliative Care staff, Oak Ward, University Hospital Waterford on Saturday, April 20. His remains will lie in repose in Ryans Funeral Home, New Ross on Friday, April 26, from 4 p.m., concluding at 8 p.m.

Dannys funeral is arriving to St Brigids Catholic Church, Ballykelly on Saturday morning for funeral Mass at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Ballykelly Cemetery.

The funeral Mass can be viewed online.

Danny had one of the most comprehensive historical collections of the Barrowside town of New Ross, lovingly laid out in one of Dannys outbuildings just a few miles outside New Ross, in Fisherstown. Dating back mostly to the 19th century, this private collection was very much a labour of love for Danny, who began creating An tSraid in 1992.

Collecting was something Danny did since he was a child. Growing up on Robert Street, Danny recalled firstly collecting boxes in an interview with this newspaper in 2011. He attributed his love of collecting to his parents, as his father Jack was a mender, who had a collection of everything from guns to clocks, and from engines to cars.

His mother Molly was equally as gifted. However, Danny stopped collecting in 1958 when he decided to become a monk. At the time he turned his talented hands to painting. After ten years, Danny decided it was not a life for him and left the monks. He started collecting once again and made his first collectable purchase - a small silver spoon.

From there he built up a treasured silver collection, which was sadly robbed from his house in Dublin. It was in 1992 that Danny bought his home in Fisherstown from his cousin Jim Caulfield and it was that year that the idea behind An tSraid was born.

Taking literally a trip down memory lane, well-known shop fronts from a time long since gone in New Ross were recreated by Danny. He also sourced and stocked them with merchandise they sold during their years of trading.

Among the shops in New Ross, Danny recreated was Rachel Nix on South Street - one of the towns best known shops. He had tin toys, cap guns and a wonderful variety of other toys from the shop on display, which were sold during the 1940s.

The late Daniel (Danny) Brennan.

Beside Nixs is a model of some of the small quaint houses in the Irishtown, which were transformed into shops once a month during fair days selling small bits and pieces from their windows, while further up the street Shannons Pub, a fictitious hostelry named with his grandmothers surname above the door, can be found. Old style saddles, reins and tack, hang outside the well-known saddler Barney Finns former shop on Mary Street.

He had a saddle collection, a shop called Bits and Pieces, filled with a collection of items by his neighbour Jim Foley from the Mountain, all encased in original shop windows, while one of the towns best know characters, Stasia Power, has a window dedicated to her memory, containing a variety of knick-knacks the Irishtown woman collected during her frequent visits to Tramore.

Cusacks, where Danny bought his first piece of silver in Dublin, is also mixed in amongst the New Ross streetscape.

Working from an 1840s drawing, Danny rebuilt the historic Three Bullet Gate.

He also created a small thatched home, one which transports you into a scene from yesteryears.

Throughout An tSraid, a vast array of fascinating objects can be found - each with their own story.

An original barrel-top wagon, from the 1930s makes for an impressive site upon entering An tSraid.

Dannys collection of up to seventy carts, reminded him of his childhood on Robert Street, where he would take the cart off the horse while people were visiting the undertakers and re-yoke it again upon their return. Suspended from beams and fixed to walls are bikes of every shape, make and size, all belonging to people from New Ross.

Among the collection of exhibits is a cobbler box belonging to murdered old age pensioner, William Dollison, who was killed in New Ross in 1926, a village weighing scales, which dates back to the 1800s, a hand drawn Famine hearse, a little desk from one of the more infamous workhouses on Hospital Road and a pristinely kept 1910 Renault Tourer.

As Dannys ancestors were Cooper-Shannons, with the women known as Peacock-Shannons due to their penchant for feathers, Danny collected any coopers tools and among his collection is a stave of a barrel and a collection of drawn knives.

His love of toys also shines through in his collection, with dolls, dinky cars and rocking horses dotted around his premises.

The oldest objects Danny possessed were stones, some dating to the early 19th century and even older, which he has built into a specially constructed wall in a bid to conserve them. Among the stones is one from Brewers, a well-known pub in the Irishtown.

Speaking about his love for collecting, Danny said: The hunt is the thing with collecting. I love hunting down bits. When you have your sights set on something it is nice to come home with it, he said, adding that he also loved acquiring an item, not knowing what it was for and trying to figure it out.

As New Ross is a town of such historical importance, with the most important port in the 14th century, Danny often wondered where all the items from the town down through the decades had disappeared to.

I love my town and it is nice to know where you come from. I like to know who owns me and where I came from, he said.

Danny, a retired primary and secondary school teacher of English, Irish and History, only collected items of a good design, which he believed should be functional and work well.

As a painter of note, he exhibited in the Talbot Hotel during the Wexford Opera Festival and did a fantastic painting of the Dunbrody ship, which recently sold at a charity auction for New Ross Community Hospital, for 16,000; (prints of the painting having previously raised thousands for the hospital also).

Even though his extensive collection runs to thousands of objects  which takes over every nook and cranny of his premises  Danny knew exactly where everything was.

Dannys thirst for knowledge and local knowledge, in particular, was unrelenting; his ability to recall  incredible. In recent years he posted around ninety times on the Things You Miss About New Ross Facebook page, describing places and streets in fantastic detail.

He was a familiar face to many, dressing up as Santa Claus to the delight of children  lighting up many a Christmas occasion.

Danny will be very sadly missed by his wife Patricia, children Orla, Dara, Donal and Ciaran, grandchildren Ciara, Ruadhan, Saoirse, Conor, Dylan, Rossa and Finn, brothers Sean, Tony and Terry, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his son Conor, his sisters Mary, Anne and Monnie, brothers Pat and Dinny, he

Numerous tributes have been paid to Danny over recent days showing his popularity near and far from his hometown.

May his wonderful soul rest in peace.
The Integrated Care Hub, Bray was the first of its kind to be opened by Minister Donnelly T.D. in 2022 and delivers a range of chronic disease and older persons specialist services in the community.

The new Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Lab in the hub aims to further integrate hospital and community respiratory care, in order to provide patients in Wicklow with advanced diagnostics and streamlined healthcare pathways. Under this new service, GPs in the area can refer patients directly for pulmonary testing in the community, reducing waiting lists for respiratory consultants in hospitals and allowing patients to be tested faster and closer to home.

During his visit, Minister Donnelly discussed how the service sets a new standard for patient-centred care. He stated: Diagnostic services in community settings offer increased efficiencies in service delivery as well as a better experience for patients who can complete their diagnostic tests and meet the clinical team in the same visit, close to their home. This innovative service sets a new standard for patient-centred care. It also serves as a model for effective collaboration and integration within the healthcare service.

The local team collaborated with colleagues in St. Vincents University Hospital (SVUH) to establish a network link between SVUH, St Michaels Hospital Dun Laoghaire and the hubs IT systems. This means that results from the PFT Lab in Bray can be accessed remotely by hospital consultants who review the test findings and provide a comprehensive report to the GP. Onward referrals to members of the Respiratory Integrated Care (RIC) team can then also be arranged, if required.

The service began in June 2023 in SVUH and St Michaels Hospital and has been in operation in Bray since January.

To date, 333 patients have been assessed. 32pc of patients who were referred for testing havent required further input by the clinical team, while 37pc were referred onto a Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the community. This means that 69pc did not require referral to a respiratory consultant, assuring consultant capacity and hospital waiting lists are optimised.

Martina Queally, the recently appointed Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and South East, said: It is very clear from my visit today that staff across the board are highly dedicated to working together in order to improve the care and support that is delivered to our patients. They are also witnessing the benefits of integration first-hand. The success achieved in this initiative serves as a testament to the potential of this model for other services.
Shane Griffin of Bray Wanderers (right) and Jamal Ibrahim of Athlone Town in action during the recent SSE Aircity League game at the Carlisle Grounds.

Christ Church COI

Services of Worship for this Sunday The Fifth Sunday of Easter: 11am Morning Prayer.

Parish Life Centre [PLC] Bookings: The PLC is available for day and evening bookings. Please contact Tracey in the Parish Office at 01-286 2968.

Parish Office: The Parish Office can be contacted at 01- 286 2968 or info@christchurchbray.ie between 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Save the Date: The Christ Church Parish Fete will take place on Saturday May 18th.

Connect Online!: Our most active communication tools currently are our Website www.christchurchbray.ie which contains information on our live streamed worship services, weekly Blogs, events and news, and our facebook page @christchurchbray.

Irish Trefoil GuildGuiding for Life: Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at braytrefoilguild@gmail.com.

Bray Methodist Church

Worship for this Sunday: 10amSunday Worship with Creche and Sunday School.

Bray Presbyterian Church

Worship for this Sunday: 11.30am Sunday Worship.

Christian Assembly Church

Worship for this Sunday: 10.45am Morning Worship; 6.30pm Evening Service of Bible teaching, singing and fellowship.

Wednesdays: 8pm Prayer Meeting & Bible study.

Monthly Ladies Meeting: For details see: www.christianassemblybray.com.

Cornerstone Church at The Well

Worship this Sunday: 11am.

Holy Redeemer Parish

Contact Holy Redeemer Parish: Call (01) 2868413. Website: www.holyredeemerbray.ie; Email: office@holyredeemerbray.ie.

Parish Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 11am. If you need to contact us email: office@holyredeemer.ie.

Mass Times: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday No Mass on Tuesday. Sunday Masses: 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday at 10.30am and 12Noon. To book a Mass, please call into the Sacristy before or after our Masses.

Mass Cards: Mass Cards may be purchased from the Parish Office during its opening hours.

Baptism: Registration for Baptism can be made online via the parish website www.holyredeemerbray.ie.

St. Annes Church, Shankill: The Vigil Mass on Saturdays is celebrated at 5pm. All are welcome.

St Peters Parish

To Book a Mass: To book a Mass, please contact the Parish Office on 01- 282 9467 or email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com.

Parish Office: Parish Office opening hours areMonday: 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tuesday: 9am to 12.30pm; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: 9am to 12.30pm; Friday: 9am to 12.30pm. The parish office can be contacted by calling 01-282 4967 or by email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com.

St. Peters Church Mass Times: Sunday: 9.30am (Irish), 11.30am. Holy Days of Obligation: 11.30am. No Weekday Mass. Mass on the First Friday of the Month is celebrated at 10am. Sunday Mass is broadcast on the parish web-site at 9.30am (Irish) and 11.30am (English)Google Chrome required.

Car Park Hours: These are from 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, for parish business and at the weekends during church ceremonies. The Cemetery is accessible via the laneway for pedestrians.

St. Peters Cemetery: There is a strict policy of No Dumping Allowed in any area of the cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery are requested to take home all forms of rubbish with them in order to keep the cemetery tidy. Your co-operation is appreciated.

St. Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5pm. All are welcome.

St Fergals Parish

Mass Times: Mass times are 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No morning Mass on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday: 7pm Vigil Mass; Sundays: 8am and 10.30am.

Baptism: Baptisms take place on the first and third Saturday of each Month at 12Noon. Bookings can be made through the Parish Office Only. The Preparation meeting takes place on the Monday before the 1st Saturday of the month. Please call into the Parish Office three weeks in advance of the Baptism to complete the Baptism Form and to confirm the date.

Confessions: Are heard on Saturdays after the 7pm Vigil Mass.

Marriage: All couples must give notice to the priest or Parish Secretary at least three months prior to the date of marriage.

St. Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5pm in St. Annes Church. All are welcome.

Facebook page for the Bray & Enniskerry Pastoral Area: Check out Bray and Enniskerry Pastoral Area for all the news and information of our Pastoral Area.

Syro Malabar Catholic Church

Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 2.30pm in St. Fergals Church, Ballywaltrim.

Our Lady Queen of Peace

Parish Website: www.queenofpeace.ie.

Church Opening Hours: The Church closes at 4.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Eucharistic Adoration: Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 11am to 10pm on Mondays only in this Church.

Mass: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend Masses are at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am and 12 Noon on Sundays.

Mass Bookings: Anyone who wishes to book a Mass can do so by contacting the Parish Secretary via email at: secretary@queenofpeace.ie, or call 2745497.

Parish Centre: To book a meeting room in the Parish Centre please call 01-2760045 or email: villafas1@hotmail.com.

Facebook Page: Please visit and like our Facebook page: Bray and Enniskerry Pastoral Area.

QOP youth club

Members of the Queen of Peace Adventure Youth Club had an interesting, and informative session with the local Community Police Officer. The group hope to have more involvement with the officer in the future.

Next items include a night walk on the Big Sugarloaf Mountain, and a kayak from Bray to Greystones.

Croagh Patrick trip

On Friday Paul Temple, Stephen Brierton, and Cormac Brierton climbed Croagh Patrick. The climb up and down took four hours. They were delighted with the event and hope to do it again with a bigger group.

On the previous Friday Albert Kerr, Rachel Kerr, Jeff Behan, John Keating, Nikita McKenna, Cian McManus, Martin Corcoran, Siobhan Corcoran, and Sofia Bolton climbed the same mountain in five hours. Both groups said that they were no more than fifty other climbers on each day.

Diving club

Six members of Bray Divers Sub-aqua Club based in Greystones Harbour are on a rescue diver course. This includes bringing a person from twenty metres deep to the surface where resuscitation will take place. It will involve administering oxygen and defibulation. Other training courses which are ongoing are club diver, dry suit use, and coxswain. To join call Albert on 087 6756439, and get started.

Bray Library

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8.30pm. The library can be contacted at 01-2862600 or email: braylib@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website.

The library is again involved in Imbolc, the Community Seed Arc programme, where one can get seeds for a variety of plants and after they flower, donate seeds from them for the programme. As always, you can have seeds sent to your local Wicklow Library branch by emailing your branchand requesting up to 4 packets.

Doodle Time for 9-12 year olds takes place every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm. Afterschool Storytime takes place every Tuesday at 3pm in the Junior Library.

The Junior Book Club (ages 9 to 11) is now accepting new members. It meets on the second Monday of each month at 3.15pm- email: braylibrary@wicklowcoco.ie or ask at the library desk to book a place.

Bray Library Knitting and Crochet will meet on Wednesdays between 3pm and 4 p.m. until Wednesday September 25th just come along, no need to book. Bray

Library Crime Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm. To book a place email: braylib@wicklowcoco.ie.

Ballywaltrim Library

Opening hours are 10am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Wednesday. The library is closed on the Saturdays and Mondays on Bank Holiday weekends. The library can be contacted at 01-2723205 or by email at: ballywatrimlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. Borrowers can renew their books on-line at any time. Study paces are available.

Sensory Space +Sensory Kits: Our Sensory space provides a relaxing and colourful sensory experience. Sensory kits can also be issued at the desk (for use in the library only).

STEM Saturdays: 10am to 11.30am Booking is essential. FAST Sensory Toy Collection: Our FAST toy collection features over 140 items divided into four functional categories: Gross Motor skills, Fine Motor skills, Language, Social, Life and Play Skills and Sensory & Tactile. A catalogue is available to view in the library or on-line.

Quilting Group & Knitting Group: Runs fortnightly, each group meets on alternating Wednesdays between 6.30pm and 8pm. Tummy Time (0-12 month olds): Mondays and Fridays between 10.30am and 12pm no booking required. Storytime for all: Saturdays at 11.30am. (Saturday times may change).

Ballywaltrim Book Clubs: Meets on a Wednesday and Saturday of each month between 3pm and 4pm. Enquiries to library staff. (Saturday times may change). Bookaneers Book Club: Junior Book Club contact the library for more details. Coder Dojo: Wednesdays between 5pm and 6.30pm (September to May only).

Bray Cualann Historical Society

Last Thursday night local historian Peadar Curran was the guest presenter for the April meeting of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and North Wicklow, in the Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray. at which he presented his lecture on The Ice Houses of Dublin and Wicklow in which he recalled various stately houses where these buildings which were used to keep food fresh in pre-refrigeration were located and how they were used and supplied with ice to keep their contents cool and fresh.

Members and supporters of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, are asked note that the following events will take place during the coming week today (Wednesday) Historian in Residence Dr. Cormac Moore will present The Life of Constance Markievicz at 1pm to the Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount Historical Society in Pembroke Library, Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Admission is free but booking required with Pembroke Library call 01-222 8450 or email: pembrokelibrary@dublincity.ie; Albert Fenton will present The Most Distinguished Order of the Knights of St. Patrick at 6pm to the Old Dublin Society in the Conference Room, Dublin City Library & Archive, 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. All are welcome admission is free and no booking is required; tomorrow (Thursday), Paul Hendrick will present DART+ Programme at 7.30pm to the Irish Railway Record Society in their Dublin 8 Hueston Station premises strictly members and their guests only; Dr. Seamas O Maitiu will recall Handel in Dublin and the First Performance of Messiah 1742 at 8pm to the Rathmines, Ranelagh & Rathgar Historical Society in Rathmines Town Hall, Rathmines Road, Dublin 6. Members are free / visitors 4Swan Car Park Evening Rate: 4 from 7pm to Midnight; next Monday Historian in Residence Dr. Mary Muldowney will hold a School Day Reminiscences Session at 2pm in Ballymun Library,Ballymun Road, Dublin 11. Admission is free and all are welcome; Cathy Scuffil will present One Picture, Many Stories at 8pm to the Clondalkin Historical Society in Aras Chronain Irish Cultural Centre, Watery Lane, Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5 for non-members. The next meeting of the Bray Cualann Historical Society will take place at 8pm on Thursday May 16th in the Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow, when Gerard White will present A WW2 Maritime Disaster with Bray Connections. All are welcome to attend. Admission is 8 for non-members.

The Bray Cualann Historical Society is always interested in new members and those wishing to join the Society can do so at the May 16th meeting of the Society in the Royal Hotel, Bray, or or log onto the Societys website to obtain more information.

Poetry in the Park

Poetry in the Park takes place on the First Sunday of Every Month at 12pm on the bandstand in the Peoples Park, Lower Dargle Road, Bray. Listen to or read your favourite poems, hear original poetry performed by local poets or simply chat with other poetry fans in this beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the River Dargle.
Some information leaflets and guides to assist with the growth of food and plants at home.

Some of the plants and seeds available to swap.

Residents from across west Wicklow and Kildare attended the second plant swap in Blessington Library on Saturday, organised by the Blessington Allotments Campaign and Blessington Tidy Towns.

Over 40 people attended the event with people coming from far and wide, including residents from Blessington, Lacken, Crosschapel, Kill and Dunlavin.

This event was planned to support Earth Day initiatives taking place across Ireland, with the sharing of plants and seeds an easy way for communities to act more sustainably. Hundreds of plants, seedlings and seeds were shared by members of the local community at this event, with advice and guides also shared.

One key focus of plant swaps is about growing local communities and encouraging the growing of food and plants at home.

Donal McCormack, Chairperson of Blessington Allotments Campaign, said: By continuing this event we are encouraging people to come together and grow in their local communities. Plant swaps like these encourage sustainability and wellness for the local community along with helping the wider environment.

This event shows the demand for communities to grow food and plants locally at a community level, and also demonstrates how important community growing spaces are for communities from all backgrounds to come together and share their growing experiences.

Jason Mulhall, Chairperson of Blessington Tidy Towns, said: Earth Day is an important day for communities to celebrate environmental protection and ways to become more sustainable. Blessington Tidy Towns are delighted to continue to help organise the Blessington Plant Swap in Blessington Library.

Plant swaps encourage communities to share excess plants and seeds and is a local climate and biodiversity action which ultimately leads to less waste being generated. A huge thanks to Blessington Library staff for their support for this initiative.

The Blessington Allotments Campaign and Blessington Tidy Towns are hoping to run a similar plant swap during the month of May.
Members of Wicklows Sustainable Energy Community, Wicklow Tidy Towns, Wicklow County Councils Climate Action team and SEE Renewables at the launch.

Mondays World Earth Day also marked the launch of SSE Renewables sponsorship of the upcoming Wicklow Energy Awareness Day taking place in June.

Representatives from SSE Renewables were present for the launch, alongside members of Wicklows Sustainable Energy Community, Wicklow Tidy Towns and Wicklow County Councils Climate Action team.

Wicklow Energy Awareness Day is set to take place on Saturday, June 15, in the Pastoral Centre, St Patricks Road, Wicklow town, and promises to attract significant crowds from all over the county. Admission is free.

Cllr Sylvester Burke from Wicklow Sustainable Energy Community said: The event aims to support community members in improving the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses. There will be a variety of exhibition stands providing helpful information on home energy efficiency grants, PV solar panel and heat pump installation, and tips for insulating homes.

We have an EV car show planned with over 30 of the newest fully electric cars on display.

Theres also the chance to try out a range of electric bikes at the event. Children can enjoy ECO fun games organised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) School Science Team. Gavin Harte from the SEAI Science Team will provide rolling half-hour stepping stone to energy efficiency workshops for home and business owners.

Jim Callery, Climate Action Officer, Wicklow County Council said: The Energy Awareness Day is a great opportunity to connect with local businesses offering a range of energy efficiency, renewable, and EV products and services to homeowners and local businesses. Wicklow County Council is pleased to support the work of Wicklow SEC in raising awareness on how we can all make our homes and businesses more sustainable and climate resilient.

Deirdre Keogh, SSE Renewables, said: World Earth Day 2024 reminds us of the importance of caring for our climate and supporting awareness around sustainability of our county, country and globally.

Raising awareness at events like the Co. Wicklow Energy Awareness Day in June, helps to inform everyone about ways we can individually and collectively as communities, help to reduce our carbon footprint and support positive initiatives that promote sustainability in our county.

We appreciate the opportunity to come on board as title sponsor for the upcoming June event and look forward to a successful day.
Brian Cox: I was talking to Ryan Tubridy about the Famine  he wants to do a programme on it and so do I
Ukraine suspends its consular services for military-age men

Move aimed at increasing troop numbers as Kyiv waits on crucial US military aid

A Ukrainian emergency services psychologist consoles a local resident at the site of a Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 03:30







Ukraine yesterday suspended consular services for military-age men abroad except ones to help them return to their home country, dramatically stepping up its effort to boost conscription in the war against Russia.
LATEST | UN rights chief horrified by mass grave reports at Gaza hospitals

More than 300 bodies found at Nasser: Palestinian authoritiesIsrael calls reports 'baseless and unfounded'UN investigating reports that victims' hands were tiedAirstrikes and tank shelling in north, central and south Gaza

Displaced Palestinians, who fled their homes due to Israeli strikes, shelter in a UNRWA-affiliated school in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Emma Farge and Nidal Al-Mughrabi Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 12:46







U.N. rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday he was "horrified" by the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities in Gaza and reports of mass graves containing hundreds of bodies there, according to a spokesperson.
Signs posted around the protest encampment in support of Palestinians at Columbia University in New York City. Photo: Reuters

The Israel-Hamas war protests creating friction at universities across the United States escalated yesterday as some colleges encouraged students to attend classes remotely and dozens faced charges after setting up tents on campuses and ignoring official requests to leave.

The protests had been bubbling for months but kicked into a higher gear after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on Columbia Universitys upper Manhattan campus were arrested last week.
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific, along with a national security bill that could effectively ban TikTok in the United States, sending them to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law.
US Senate passes legislation forcing TikToks parent company to sell or face ban

It now goes to President Joe Biden, who said in a statement immediately after passage that he will sign it on Wednesday

It is a contentious move by US lawmakers that is expected to face legal challenges (Damian Dovarganes/AP, File)

Haleluya Hadero Wed 24 Apr 2024 at 07:36







The US Senate has passed legislation that would force TikToks China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban.
Photo courtesy: PIB

New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court will on Wednesday deliver its verdict on pleas seeking a complete count of Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail ( VVPAT ) slips to tally with the number of votes cast in the Electronic Voting Machines ( EVMs ) during elections, media reports said.

A top court bench of Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta has asked an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to be present before the court at 2 pm to answer a few questions, NDTV reported.

In the last hearing, senior advocate Maninder Singh, who appeared for the election panel, claimed EVMs can't be tampered with but did not rule out any human error.

'There has to be sanctity in electoral process': SC tells EC

The Supreme Court last week told the Election Commission of India that there has to be sanctity in the electoral process, asking it to explain in detail the steps of cross-verifying VVPAT slips with EVMs.

The Supreme Court was reviewing a string of petitions asking for thorough cross-verification of votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) using Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).

VVPAT is a separate system for verifying votes that allows voters to confirm if their votes were recorded accurately.

Currently, VVPAT verification is conducted on just five randomly chosen EVMs in each assembly segment.

"This is (an) electoral process. There has to be sanctity. Let nobody have apprehension that something which is expected is not being done," the bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta said, reported India Today.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Kolkata/New Delhi/IBNS: The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) will on Wednesday move the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court order that cancelled recruitment of almost 24,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in 2016, media reports said.

The Calcutta High Court on Monday cancelled recruitment of 23,753 teaching and non-teaching staff in government-sponsored and government-aided schools, dismissing the entire 2016 teacher recruitment panel.

The panel was constituted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).

A division bench comprising Justices Debangshu Basak and Md. Shabbar Rashidi said during the hearing that teachers who were illegally recruited will have to return their salaries within four weeks.

The bench has also ordered a reevaluation of 23 lakh OMR sheets which were filled during the recruitment process.

The court has asked WBSSC to start a new recruitment process.

Erstwhile state education minister Partha Chatterjee, former primary education board president and Trinamool MLA Manik Bhattacharya, youth leader Kuntal Ghosh are among the people who have been arrested so far in connection with the scam.

Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Ganguly, who is now contesting the Lok Sabha elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, had ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.

'Illegal, I challenge it': Mamata Banerjee on Calcutta HC order

Reacting to the verdict, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I am not challenging the judge but I am challenging the verdict. 26,000 (24,000) people means 1.5 families. Can anyone return the salary of all these years in just four weeks!"

Mamata announced her government will move the higher court challenging the verdict.

"This order is illegal. I am not against the judge. We are moving the higher court. The teachers have nothing to worry about. Even if no one is there, I am always there for people who are in trouble," she added.

The Chief Minister also dared the court to put her behind the bars for speaking against the verdict.
Photo courtesy: X/@AvaniDias

New Delhi/IBNS: Australia journalist Avani Dias has alleged that she was forced to leave India "abruptly" as the central government denied an extension of her visa citing her reporting had "crossed a line".

Dias, who works as the South Asian Bureau chief for ABC News, posted on X, "Last week, I had to leave India abruptly. The Modi Government told me my visa extension would be denied, saying my reporting 'crossed a line'. After Australian Government intervention, I got a mere two-month extension ...less than 24 hours before my flight."

"We were also told my election accreditation would not come through because of an Indian Ministry directive. We left on day one of voting in the national election in what Modi calls 'the mother of democracy'."

Dias, who left India last week, had her claim strongly rebutted by the central government, which is run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Rejecting her claims, an Indian official said as quoted by Hindustan Times, "She left because she had to meet the timeline for another job offer in Australia. The reason for her leaving was not delay in issuance of visa but personal reasons." Several foreign journalists based in India have strongly protested against the issue in an open letter, which was also shared by Avani on her X profile. The letter reads, "Foreign journalists in India have grappled with increased restrictions on visas and journalism permits for those holding the status of Overseas Citizen of India. The circumstances of Ms. Diass departure are further cause for concern."

"We call on the Indian government to facilitate the vital work of a free press in line with India's democratic traditions," it reads.

Open letter: foreign correspondents protest the case of ABCs Avani Dias, who was effectively forced out of #India this week after being told her reporting crossed a line. #PressFreedom pic.twitter.com/dvx1lr5aIq  John Reed   (@JohnReedwrites) April 23, 2024

The issue has come up following Dias' documentary on the allegedly killing Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada was removed from YouTube in India.

The issue of Nijjar had triggered a massive diplomatic row after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were "credible allegations of a potential link" between New Delhi and the killing.

The government official claimed the documentary-titled 'Sikhs, Murder and Spies'- was shot without permission.
Photo Courtesy: PIB

The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini returned triumphant to her base port at Goa on 21 Apr 24 after a historic transoceanic expedition of nearly two months duration, officials said on Wednesday.

The expedition was undertaken in double-handed mode by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, women officers of the Indian Navy.

Their exceptional journey marks a historic milestone as they become the first from India to accomplish such a feat.

"The expedition was Flagged off from Goa by renowned circumnavigator and their mentor Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd) on 28 Feb 24. After 22 days of navigating through the unpredictable elements of the Indian Ocean, INSV Tarini arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on 21 Mar 24," the statement said.

This historic moment was celebrated with a series of events where the officers had the privilege of interacting with government officials from the Mauritius Coast Guard and the Indian High Commission.

In a gesture of camaraderie and collaboration, the vessel also undertook a training sortie with personnel from the Mauritius Coast Guard embarked, strengthening bilateral ties and fostering goodwill between the two maritime nations.

Following a hectic schedule at Port Louis, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa the officers prepared to embark on their return journey to Goa. Departing on 30 Mar 24, the officers faced continuous challenges posed by heavy winds, adverse sea states, and rough seas. Their indomitable spirit and steadfast resolve propelled them forward, guiding INSV Tarini safely back to Goa on 21 Apr 24.

Their accomplishments underscore the Indian Navy's commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime domain. Undeterred by the challenges encountered during their expedition, the officers demonstrated exceptional seamanship and resilience, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration.

The two officers now prepare for their next monumental voyage, a circumnavigation of the globe (Sagar Parikrama - IV expedition) on INSV Tarini scheduled to commence in Sep this year.

This remarkable achievement will not only inspire but also pave way for future generations of personnel especially women in the Indian Navy to volunteer for challenging maritime adventure activities.

INSV Tarini was flagged in by Commanding Officer INS Mandovi and Naval Station Commander North Goa at the boat pool of INS Mandovi, in presence of naval personnel and families of Station Mandovi, symbolizing the collective achievement and camaraderie within the Indian Navy.
Photo Courtesy: Indian Consulate in New York X page

The Indian Muslim community celebrated Eid at the Indian Consulate in New York on Monday.

Welcoming the gathering, the acting Consul General of India in New York, Dr Varun Jeph, highlighted the significance of Eid in Indias cultural landscape, emphasizing its reflection of the nations millennia-old composite culture and unity in diversity, reported ANI.

On April 21, 2024, the Indian Muslim Community (IMC) of NY/NJ/CT continued its tradition of showcasing unity and strength by hosting the Eid Celebrations 2024 at the Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York. The event began with a stirring Quran recitation and translation by Sumayya Ahmed, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural richness and community spirit, a press release read as quoted by the Indian news agency.

The Indian Embassy in New York posted on X: "IndiainNewYork celebrated Eid at the Consulate with the Indian American community and friends of India, sharing the festivities and strengthening bonds."

"Honored to have with us New York State Senator @Liunewyork , New York State Representative @jeniferrajkumar, Member of the New York City Council @dr_yusefsalaam

, representatives of New York Governor @govkathyhochul , New York City Mayor @NYCMayor and New York City Public Advocate @nycpa," the Consulate said.

@IndiainNewYork celebrated Eid at the Consulate with the Indian American community and friends of India, sharing the festivities and strengthening bonds.



Honored to have with us New York State Senator @Liunewyork, New York State Representative @jeniferrajkumar, Member of the pic.twitter.com/t3fhJ4i68w  India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) April 22, 2024

" Delighted to receive a special video message from Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer on the occasion. The vibrant celebration of diversity and cultural richness included a melodious Gazal performance," the Consulate said.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said there should not be a single voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), CPM, or Congress, in response to the Calcutta High Court order scrapping the job of 26,000 teachers .

"Not one vote for the BJP or CPM or Congress, not from teachers, not from any government worker," the Chief Minister thundered at an election rally.

"The BJP has purchased the court -- the High Court, not the Supreme Court," she said clarifying, "I still hope for justice from the Supreme Court."

"They (the BJP) have bought the High Court. They have bought the CBI. They have bought the NIA. They have bought the BSF. They have bought the CAPF. They have turned the colour of Doordarshan saffron -- they will only talk about the BJP and Modi ka baat. Don't watch it. Boycott it," Banerjee said.

The Calcutta High Court on Monday cancelled the recruitment of 24,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in government-sponsored and government-aided schools, dismissing the entire 2016 teacher recruitment panel.

The panel was constituted by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC).

A division bench comprising Justices Debangshu Basak and Md. Shabbar Rashidi said during the hearing that teachers who were illegally recruited will have to return their salaries within four weeks.

The bench has also ordered a reevaluation of 23 lakh OMR sheets which were filled during the recruitment process.

The court has asked WBSSC to start a new recruitment process.

Soon after the order, Mamata Banerjee announced that her government would move the higher court challenging the verdict.

Erstwhile state education minister Partha Chatterjee, former primary education board president and Trinamool MLA Manik Bhattacharya, youth leader Kuntal Ghosh are among the people who have been arrested so far in connection with the scam.

Former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Ganguly, who is now contesting the Lok Sabha elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, had ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leading a trade mission to New Delhi, India from April 22-25, 2024.

This diverse group includes representatives from 47 businesses and organizations, along with officials from 11 state agriculture departments.

Their presence highlights the vast potential of India's growing market for American agriculture. Under Secretary Taylor emphasized India's booming economy and growing middle class with a taste for American food.

The combination of India's confidence in the quality of U.S. goods has led to a significant 11% increase in U.S. agricultural exports to India over the past two years.

The USDA is actively supporting this growth by opening new markets. Recent tariff reductions on key products like poultry and fruits further strengthen the U.S.-India trade relationship.

This trade mission aims to capitalize on these successes by securing new purchase agreements for American producers. By promoting agribusiness trade, the USDA is working to expand its benefits to a wider range of American farmers, businesses, and communities.

This mission aims to connect American agribusinesses with potential buyers from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. U.S. participants will benefit from market briefings, meetings with USDA leaders, and networking opportunities throughout the event.

This focus on India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka makes sense  these countries represent a growing market with over $2.5 billion spent on U.S. agricultural products in 2022 alone. In particular, India boasts a booming economy and a growing middle class, creating a strong demand for a variety of U.S. exports like meat, dairy, fruits, nuts, and even cotton and wood products.

India's massive population, the largest in the world, is experiencing a surge in economic growth.

This means more Indian households have money to spend on consumer goods, including imported agricultural products. These products are becoming increasingly popular as incomes rise.

This creates a significant opportunity for U.S. agricultural exporters to enter the Indian market and meet the growing demand for imported food and other agricultural products.

The United States has a bright future in exporting a variety of agricultural products to India.

This is due to a recent reduction in tariffs on American goods like pecans, almonds, apples, and more. Additionally, India is expected to lower import taxes on blueberries, cranberries, and certain frozen poultry in 2024.

With these changes, India's large and growing population presents a significant opportunity for U.S. exporters of cotton, dairy, ethanol, fresh fruits, wood products, processed foods and drinks, pulses, and tree nuts.

India's agricultural imports have grown significantly in the past 5 years, reaching $37 billion in FY 2023. Vegetable oils, particularly palm oil, are the top import category, driven by India's large population and limited domestic production. Pulses, a major protein source for vegetarians in India, are another significant import, with lentils showing the biggest increase in recent years. Other major imports include tree nuts, forest products, and industrial ingredients. The United States supplies some soybean oil and almonds but faces competition from other sources for these products.

According to a media report on April 19, during a US congressional hearing on trade, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai addressed concerns raised by senators about India. The senators were worried about subsidies on wheat and rice in India, and also about possible forced labor in India's shrimp industry.

In response, Ms. Tai confirmed that India has opened its markets to American agricultural products in up to 12 categories. This is seen as a positive step by the Biden administration.

The United States and India recently resolved seven disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO). As a result, India has agreed to lift tariffs on several American agricultural products. This is good news for American farmers, particularly those who grow chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, and apples. These farmers are located in states like Michigan, Oregon, California, and Washington. Additionally, the agreement improves market access for turkey, duck, blueberries, and cranberries.

This will benefit producers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. U.S. officials emphasized that trade deals should benefit all Americans, and they are working to include more voices in the trade policymaking process.

Agribusiness is merely one of the sectors in which trade between India and the USA has lately seen a buoyancy. The 2023 visit of Prime Minister Modi to Washington D.C. marked a significant step in US-India relations, with technology identified as a key area of cooperation. This partnership aims to diversify the global supply chain for semiconductors, a critical technology currently dominated by China. The US has been concerned about China's dominance in chip technology and has taken steps to limit its access. This includes restricting Chinese companies' access to US-made chips and encouraging other countries to do the same.

The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) was announced in 2022 and further detailed in January 2023. This initiative focuses on building a strong semiconductor ecosystem in India, including chip design, manufacturing, and a skilled workforce. During Modi's visit, a specific agreement on Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership was signed. This agreement will promote collaboration between US companies and India, with significant investments from Micron Technology and Applied Materials. Additionally, Lam Research will provide training for Indian engineers in chip fabrication. These developments show promise for reducing China's dominance in the chip market. While it may take time for India to become a major player, this partnership positions India strategically and strengthens US-India relations.

Meanwhile, Apple's iPhone exports from India are booming! According to The Trade Vision, they nearly doubled from $6.27 billion in 2022-23 to $12.1 billion in 2023-24. Concurrently, India's total smartphone exports increased from $12 billion to $16.5 billion in the same period. Apple's decision to boost iPhone manufacturing in India stems from strategic diversification and the appeal of India's expanding market. Government incentives like the PLI scheme further incentivize this shift towards local manufacturing. This move has notably impacted the US market. In 2023-24, iPhones constituted a significant portion of the $6 billion in smartphones imported from India, with a whopping $5.46 billion being iPhones, a significant jump from $2.1 billion the year before. Apple is also in discussions with Indian companies like Titan and Murugappa Group to manufacture camera modules for iPhones directly in India. Currently, they only assemble iPhones there, with camera modules still coming from elsewhere. Making these parts in India would further reduce Apple's dependence on China.

The United States and India have a strong partnership in healthcare research. Their collaborative efforts span diverse medical fields, aiming to pioneer new treatments and diagnostic methods. Notably, the development of Rotavac, a cost-effective vaccine for childhood diarrhea, exemplifies their successful collaboration under the Bilateral Vaccine Action Program. This initiative underscores over 200 active research partnerships between US and Indian institutions, facilitating affordable medication supply to the US. To address broader health concerns, India and the US also have a formal dialogue led by their respective health ministries. They have collaborated on issues like COVID-19 and cancer research.

Experts believe that the US has indirectly supported the desirability for India to be assigned a permanent membership of the Security Council of the United Nations Organization. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, sparked discussion earlier this year by calling out the lack of a permanent seat for India on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In response to a journalist's question, the US State Department expressed support for reforming UN institutions, including the UNSC, to better reflect the current global scenario. While they didn't specify the exact steps, they acknowledged the need for change. This aligns with comments made previously by the US President and Secretary of State.

In conclusion, The USDA's trade mission to India highlights a strategic partnership for agricultural growth and broader collaboration. With tariff reductions and market access improvements, the outlook for U.S. exports to India is promising. This mission aligns with efforts in critical technologies, healthcare research, and advocating for India's UN Security Council seat. This mission showcases a shared commitment to innovation, inclusive trade, and addressing global challenges, paving the way for mutual economic growth and prosperity.




In frame: Abir Chatterjee | Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Bengali actor Abir Chatterjee, who is hugely popular playing on-screen sleuths, features in Premendu Bikash Chaki's upcoming Bengali film Alaap, which releases on April 26. In a candid interview with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh, Abir speaks on the "old school romance" in Alaap, his reuniting with Mimi Chakraborty after Raktabeej success and more...

Q. You have played roles with romantic shades in the past. Which element prompted you to opt for Pablo in Alaap?

A. I needed this soft breather, contentwise and characterwise. I am kind of tired with so much dark and violent content around me. It's not that I don't watch those genres but I felt like opting for a soft, romantic film amid too much of detective or adventure films. I could very well identify with the idea of romance in Alaap or could understand what Pablo is going through. So this old school romance, which is less dependent on communication, is my kind of romance.

Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Q. So, you had a soul connection with the film.

A. Soul connection is a strong word, maybe. I could identify with this idea of romance, Pablo's (Pablo is Abir's character in Alaap) emotions and the premise, which I won't say completely new but the treatment was different. Moreover, the biggest challenge was to show how two people are not getting introduced to each other yet have a bond in this age of technology and abundance of information.

Q. You are not fond of back-to-back thrillers. Does your individual choice of films play a role in opting for a work?

A. Irrespective of my personal likings, I know I have to pick from the option available to me. I will pick the one among many which excites me. Be it a thriller or not, my process remains the same.

Q. How would you describe your pairing with Mimi Chakraborty, which is slowly taking its shape?

A. We had discussed whether it would be the right decision to work together in a quick succession after Raktabeej. We discussed it after hearing the scripts. Though I am fond of certain onscreen pairings, I am dead against the idea of repeating a pair once it succeeds. If I explain further, no one can cite the reason behind the success of a pairing. That's the magic of cinema where no one can define an unknown element. If one can define an element, it would be a technical aspect. Something happens on screen when the audience watches a film.

Abir Chatterjee (L) and Mimi Chakraborty (R) | Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Q. Did you go through any adjustment to slip into a corporate role?

A. I knew about corporate life because I have been into it. All my friends are from the corporate world. In fact during dubbing, I had called up my brother-in-law with a query. So it was not a major problem for me. Unlike Pablo, I have never stayed alone in a city. For that, I took references from surroundings. But I made it a point that I won't smoke in the film because it was not necessary for the role. But there is a scene surrounding a matchbox, for which I had proposed an idea, which actually worked.

I had proposed that even without smoking, a matchbox could have been necessitated by Pablo to offer prayers. I suggested to Chaki-da that it could be a situation where Pablo keeps the matchbox because he believes in God or he was asked by mother to offer prayers regularly. With that, a humorous communication was created through the matchbox. These are on-set improvisation. Moreover, it was very funny for me to come up with such an idea because I am not into prayers at all in my personal life.

Q. Was there any character trait which you had to develop for the role?

A. Pablo blinks a lot. It is evident in the songs. In normal life, I blink but not like Pablo. Moreover, most of the characters that I have played don't blink this much because they have been very strong. The observation power is sole for a detective, the role which I have played onscreen several times. Even Babu-da (Sandip Ray, director) told me that one of the biggest traits of Feluda was he doesn't blink. But for Pablo, I felt he might have some dry eye issues because he remains awake at night and works on a laptop. I have seen people working on laptops blink. But I have always been aware that I didn't overdo it.

Q. You are expected to be in Canada for the first time soon and that too for Alaap screening. How excited are you?

A. I am very excited. It would be a relaxing getaway for me considering the kind of scorching heat we are experiencing in Kolkata. I always get mixed feelings when I go abroad. I question myself as to why the Bengali films are not reaching other countries which have so many Bengali diaspora.

Whenever I go abroad, I feel very happy for the love and warmth I receive there. At the same time, I feel very sad for the fact we are not able to extend our reach to the Bengali audience abroad. The situation has been the same for more than a decade. No improvement. While a Bengali film is screened once or twice, Punjabi films are premiered there even before the release. It's a mixed feeling for me.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)




Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov detained for allegedly taking bribes. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Attribution 4.0 International

Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov has been detained for allegedly taking bribes, media reports said.

According to reports, he will remain in custody until June 23, 2024.

The court said that Ivanov is accused of receiving a bribe as part of an organised group while performing contracted and subcontracted work for the Defence Ministry, reported TASS news agency.

Besides the minister, the court has also arrested entrepreneur Sergey Borodin as his accomplice.

"Borodin, being friends with Russian Deputy Defence Minister Ivanov who was in charge of construction issues and renovation of the Defence Ministry facilities, criminally conspired with third parties," the court was quoted as saying by TASS.

Ivanov has served as a deputy defence minister of the country since May 2016.

He is facing a prison term of up to 15 years.

A source in law enforcement agencies told TASS that Ivanov was detained at his workplace.

The allegation makes this the highest-profile corruption case since the war between Russia and Ukraine started in 2022.

In April 2023, the chairperson of the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalnys International Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), Maria Pevchikh told CNN that Ivanov had one of the most lucrative jobs that one can have in the Ministry of Defence.

Last year, the Pevchikh told CNN that the deputy defence ministers extreme wealth  with assets including a historical house in one of Moscows most expensive districts  is funded by corruption. The Russian Ministry of Defence did not respond to CNNs request for comment.
Food is distributed to desperate Palestinians. Photo Courtesy: UNRWA

Dangerous levels of acute hunger affected a staggering 281.6 million people last year - the fifth year in a row that food insecurity has worsened - heightening growing fears of famine and widespread death from Gaza to Sudan and beyond, UN agencies warned on Wednesday.

According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises, more than one in five people in 59 countries faced acute food insecurity in 2023, compared with around just one in 10 in 48 countries in 2016.

When we talk about acute food insecurity, we are talking about hunger so severe that it poses an immediate threat to people's livelihoods and lives. This is hunger that threatens, to slide into famine and cause widespread death, said Dominique Burgeon, Director of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office in Geneva.

COVID-19 threshold

The report  a joint initiative involving FAO, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF)  found that although the overall percentage of people defined as dangerously food insecure last year was 1.2 per cent lower than in 2022, the problem has worsened significantly since the COVID-19 crisis.

When the coronavirus hit in late 2019, around one in six people in 55 countries faced worrying food insecurity levels, compared with one in five just a year later, the Global Report on Food Crises indicates.

People clearly dying of hunger in Gaza

Food crises escalated alarmingly in 2023, the reports authors noted, citing particular concerns over Gaza and Sudan today where people are clearly dying of hunger, said Gian Carlo Cirri, WFP Director, Geneva office.

After nearly seven months of Israeli bombardment, people cannot meet even the most basic, food needs, they have exhausted all coping strategies, like eating animal fodder, begging, selling off their belongings to buy food. They are most of the time destitute and clearly some of them are dying of hunger, Mr. Cirri said.

The only way to halt the famine is to ensure daily deliveries of food supplies in a very short time, the WFP official told journalists in Geneva.

We've mentioned the necessity to rebuild livelihoods, to address root causes and so on. But in the immediate time, like tomorrow, we really need to significantly increase our food supplies. This means rolling out massive and consistent food assistance in conditions that allow humanitarian staff and supplies to move freely and (for) affected people to access safely the assistance.

Closer by the day to famine

The new warning on Gaza is in line with repeated dire assessments from respected food insecurity experts who issued an alert that famine is likely anytime between now and May 2024 in northern governorates.

We are getting closer by the day to a famine situation; malnutrition among children is spreading - we estimate 30 per cent of children below the age of two is now acutely malnourished or wasted and 70 per cent of the population in the north is facing catastrophic hunger, WFPs Mr. Cirri said. There is reasonable evidence that all three famine thresholds - food insecurity, malnutrition, mortality - will be passed in the next six weeks.

Sudan danger

On Sudan, the UN report noted that 20.3 million people  or 42 per cent of the population  struggled to find enough to eat last year, after conflict erupted in April.

This represents the highest number of people in the world facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity - or IPC4 - in line with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warning scale, where IPC5 indicates the highest level of danger.

With only a few weeks left before the beginning of the planting season, humanitarian assistance must be allowed immediately inside and across Sudan to avoid any further deterioration of the situation, the reports authors insisted.

What is very concerning, for us is that the bulk of those people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. And that, for example, if you take the Al-Jazeera state, this is a critical state, for, food production, it's about 50 per cent of the wheat production of Sudan that is coming out of state, said FAOs Mr. Burgeon.

It is absolutely critical that wherever it will be possible to access the people (that) we provide them with agricultural inputs on time so that they can plant their fields. If those people fail to plant their fields, it means we have to be prepared for massive, food assistance requirement until the next harvest next year.

The report also warned that people in South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia and Mali likely endured the worst levels of food insecurity - IPC 5  in 2023.

Data were not available for some countries where there have been enduring fears over food crises, including Ethiopia, the reports authors noted, while also pointing out that in Haiti, 19,200 people identified as IPC5 from September 2022 to February 2023 no longer faced these conditions for the rest of 2023.

Around 36 million people in 39 countries faced emergency - IPC4 - levels of acute food insecurity last year, which was four per cent more than in 2022. More than a third of them were in Sudan and Afghanistan.

Households in this severe situation face large food gaps, which are either reflected in high acute malnutrition rates and excess mortality or mitigated by use of emergency coping strategies, the Global Report on Food Crises said.

In addition, some 165.5 million people in 41 countries faced crisis - IPC 3 - levels of acute food insecurity and around 292 million people in 40 countries were in IPC2.
Photo Courtesy: Screengrab from viral video on X

Normal life in London was disrupted momentarily on Wednesday when a number of military horses broke loose and caused carnage in the city.

In several social media videos and images of the event which have gone viral, a black and a blood-soaked white horse could be seen running around Whitehall and Victoria.

According to reports, four people were injured in the incident.

Witnesses reported seeing a soldier falling to the ground, while an army spokesperson confirmed that a number of personnel and horses had been injured and were receiving medical attention, reported The Independent.

Officers of the City of London police later caught the horses and brought the situation under control.

The horses reportedly damaged several vehicles as they ran on the streets of the British capital.

Westminster Police posted on X: "We're pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army."

Roland, a worker for tour bus company, Toot Bus, told The Indepnendent the scene was total mayhem.

I saw horses come from the bus station in front of Victoria run around in a frenzy, he said.

Army confirmed five horses were running loose in the city.

An Army spokesman has just told the BBC that five Household Cavalry horses were running loose in London earlier today.

All five horses have since been recovered. Two appear to be injured, but all of them are being assessed by a vet, BBC reported.

A witness said she felt distressed seeing a horse covered in blood.

There was a lot of blood," she told BBC. I was a bit distressed to be honest, looking at the poor horse."

She added: At the time I was really confused but it felt like something chaotic was happening as there were police officers or potentially security guards sprinting down the middle of Buckingham Palace Road.

Why did the horses start to run?

According to reports, the horses were spooked by noise from nearby building works and then they started to run in the city.
Uzbekistans Samarkand city will host the Womens Forum on May 13-14 on the topic of Regional approach to issues of economic, social and political rights of women and empowerment.

"According to the information service of the upper house of parliament, the initiative to convene this forum was proposed by the President of our country during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly," read a statement issued by the Uzbekistan government.

The aim of the forum is to harness the create potential in women leaders across the region, facilitate the exchange of experiences to enhance their involvement in government, society, and the economy.

The forum is expected to welcome women parliamentarians, heads of government, representatives from government bodies and civil society institutions, businesswomen, political scientists, social activists, scientists, and representatives from various economic sectors.

Participants will hail from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia.

"Structured around 10 parallel sessions, participants will discuss issues of womens participation in science, education and innovation, as well as the use of digital technologies, poverty reduction through womens economic empowerment, involving them in entrepreneurship and innovation, and ensuring their leadership in the modern global economy," the statement said.

Moreover, discussions will address womens involvement in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The focus will be on economic empowerment, the role of parliaments in encouraging womens engagement in business and society, gender-responsive budgeting, equitable access to financial opportunities, and combating all forms of violence against women and children.

Participants will also explore best practices and innovative approaches by non-governmental organizations in promoting a green economy, addressing the gender impacts of climate change in the region, and safeguarding the rights and interests of women.

The forum aims to conclude with the adoption of the Samarkand Declaration.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ShareAlike 4.0 International

Pro- Palestinian students have refused to disband from the main campus of Columbia University in the US despite a midnight deadline being set by the institution's president.

Dr Minouche Shafik warned demonstrators that "alternative options" would have to be considered for clearing the area on the New York City campus if an agreement with demonstrators was not reached, reported BBC.

A group of protesters representing pro-Palestine said they would not engage in negotiations.

The standoff occurred as tense protests over the ongoing conflict in Gaza have spread to US colleges nationwide.

Some 133 people were arrested on Monday in protests at New York University, reported BBC.

Gaza protests have also been reported from colleges in US Midwest and on the West Coast.

At Columbia, officials told BBC on Tuesday that an ongoing protest encampment on university grounds - in Manhattan - is in violation of the rules.

Just after midnight, Columbia University Apartheid Divest - a coalition of pro-Palestinian student groups - said it would not continue to engage in negotiations "until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students", reported the British news channel.

Meanwhile, Jewish students have expressed concern over antisemitism on and around Columbia's campus.

US Senate approves USD 95bn aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan

The US Senate has approved a foreign aid package worth USD 95 billion for military support for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. US President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into a law almost immediately.

The Senate on Tuesday (April 23, 2024) backed the measure which was passed by the US House of Representatives last week.

This includes USD 61bn in military aid for Ukraine, which the Pentagon says can start being delivered to the war-torn nation within days, reported BBC.

It was passed following a bipartisan vote of 79-18.

On October 7, 2023, the conflict began when Hamas gunmen carried out an unprecedented attack on southern Israel.

The attack left 1200 people dead and over 250 people were taken to Gaza as hostage.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

A Pakistani woman has accused two police officials of assaulting her.

She is a woman employee of the health department

The Bahawalpur police spokesperson told The Express Tribune that an inquiry is being conducted on the woman's complaint.

If any proof is found of a police officer having exceeded his authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him, he added.

The employee of the health department in Ahmadpur East told Dawn News while addressing a news conference at the Bahawalpur Press Club that police officers, including Abdullah, had arrested her and her husband on August 6 last year at gunpoint and subjected them to sexual and physical violence in the CIA police office.
Turkish food is one of the most delicious foods out there. The blend of meats, spices, and the love used for cooking speaks about the food better than anyone can. It shows that a plate of food prepared with love can bring us together. Food from different countries has intrigued all food lovers around the world. So, if you're one of those who are interested in trying a Turkish dish, then worry not because today we will mention five Turkish dishes that everyone should try once



Five Turkish dishes everyone should try in their lifetime:

1. Grilled meat Kebabs

Pinterest

First on our list are juicy kebabs made from grilled meat and spices. In Turkey, Kebab uses meats of lamb, chicken, beef and fish. Kebab is grilled over charcoal to get a smoky taste, and then spices, herbs and yoghurt are added to give it a mouthwatering flavour. Kebabs can be found everywhere, from roadside stalls to five-star restaurants.



2. Baklava

Pinterest

Next on our list is a crisp and crunchy pastry filled with nuts and drenched with honey syrup called as the Baklava. It is an iconic dessert in Turkey, and the commonly used nuts inside it are walnuts or pistachios, while some versions include cinnamon or other warm spices. Baklava has a golden colour exterior with a crunchy noise when bitten.



3. Kofte

Pinterest

Kofte, a relative of the Indian kofta, is a Turkish favourite, made from meat, spices, and often wheat for texture. In Turkey, Mercimek Koftesi is a vegetarian version that's equally popular. Kofte, seen in stews and soups, can be found in homes and high-end restaurants. Meat used to make kofte includes lamb or beef, and the spices used to improve it are cumin and paprika. To enhance the fragrance, the chef uses herbs on Kofte.



4. Manti

Pinterest

Manti are small, handmade dumplings filled with lamb or beef. The delicate dough of the dumplings has spread yoghurt and a hint of different spices. Manti can be prepared by steaming, boiling, baking, or even frying, giving it a variety of textures.



5. Menemen

Pinterest

Menemen is a classic Turkish breakfast staple. It includes scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Menemen is brought to the table steaming hot in the pan it got cooked in. Some variations of the dishes also include feta cheese, Turkish sausage, fresh herbs, or even spinach for a twist.



Please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle for more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the globe.


Jimmy Shergill and Lara Dutta's upcoming web series 'Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond' is generating buzz over the internet even before its release. Directed by Santosh Singh, the series explores the consequences of the Pulwama terror attack and the Indian Air Force's response in depth. So is it another real-life-based story? Well, yes, the series is based on true events.



What Will The Jimmy Shergill-Starring Series Talk About?

Poster Of Ranneeti/X

The Balakot airstrike was a significant event that took place on February 26, 2019, involving the Indian Air Force (IAF). This operation was conducted in response to a terrorist attack on February 14, 2019, in Pulwama, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, where a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) members. The terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.

In retaliation, the Indian Air Force launched a preemptive strike against what they claimed was a JeM training camp in Balakot, a town in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. India stated that the strike was successful and inflicted significant casualties on the militants, aiming to prevent further terrorist attacks on Indian soil. However, Pakistan denied these claims, stating that the airstrike hit a largely empty area, causing minimal damage and casualties.



Is the Upcoming Series Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond Portraying Real Heroes?

The aftermath of the airstrike saw a rapid escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. On February 27, 2019, in an aerial engagement, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted retaliatory strikes in Indian-administered Kashmir.

During this engagement, an Indian MiG-21 Bison was shot down, and its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured by Pakistani forces.

Picture Of Wing Commander Abhinandan/X

Wing Commander Varthaman's capture became a significant point of tension between the two countries, with concerns about his treatment and the potential for diplomatic fallout. His demeanour while in captivity, particularly a video showing him drinking tea and calmly interacting with his captors, garnered considerable attention and praise in India for his poise and bravery under duress.

Under significant international diplomatic pressure and likely as a gesture of de-escalation, Pakistan released Abhinandan Varthaman on March 1, 2019. His release was seen in India as a diplomatic victory and celebrated as a moment of national pride.

Tribute Given Wing Commander Abhinandan When He Was In Pakistan/X

Abhinandans conduct and the circumstances of his release also contributed to easing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, although underlying issues and conflicts between India and Pakistan persisted.

In a recent interview, Shergill spoke candidly about the difficult task of portraying real-life heroes whose achievements are frequently overlooked. He discussed the difficulty of portraying characters whose identities are hidden from the public eye, saying, "So, such people who accomplish so much behind the scenes, yet their faces and their names never appear. So, clearly, it's a significant challenge."

Shergill emphasised the scarcity of practical references for performers playing soldiers and police officers, emphasising the particular demands of such performances.

'Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond' will premiere on JioCinema on April 25, aiming to engage audiences with its portrayal of high-stakes decision-making and the unwavering human spirit in the face of disaster.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Nayattu Telugu OTT Release: The Telugu adaptation of the Malayalam survival thriller movie, directed and co-produced by Martin Prakkat and written by Shahi Kabir, titled Chunduru Police Station is all set to make its OTT debut. The journey of this political thriller began in 2021 when Nayattu was released. The film gained widespread critical acclaim not just for its stellar direction but also for the cast's impeccable performances. So much so, it was shortlist for India's selection for Best International film at 94th Academy Awards. Two years later, the film was remade in Telugu as Kota Bommali PS, and now a Telugu adaptation of the original titled Chunduru Police Station is all set to be released. Here's all you need to know about Chunduru Police Station OTT release.

Where to watch Nayattu Telugu on OTT?

X

As the anticipation for the film is building again, streaming platform Aha has announced Chunduru Police Station OTT release.

When to watch Nayattu Telugu on OTT?

Chunduru Police Station will be available to stream on Aha on April 26.

Nayattu, for the unversed, is hailed as one of the finest political thrillers ever made.

X

Earlier, it was reported that John Abraham has secured the rights of the film to be remade in Hindi. The film that originally starred Kunchako Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan in the lead roles is set in Kerala, the thriller was supposed to be remade in Hindi by John Abrahams production house, while Allu Arjun has acquired the Telugu rights of the film. Nayattu, which means hunt, is a cop thriller, which ends with a mindblowing twist.

The official synopsis of the movie reads, "Three police officers who are on a run for life, escaping the outbreak against them due to the unlawful arrest and torture of a civilian. It brings in a few shades of arrogant yet very much human police officers and their helplessness."

Are you excited about Nayattu Telugu OTT Release? Are you looking forward to watching Chunduru Police Station on OTT? Let us know in the comments section below.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


A heartwarming video has gone viral on social media showing the crew of an Air India Express flight giving a surprise to a woman passenger on her birthday. What makes the crew's gesture even more laudable is that they were responding to the request of the passenger's son, who wanted to surprise his mother on her birthday.

AIR INDIA EXPRESS/ REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

Crew's birthday surprise for passenger

In the video, shared on Instagram by Afzal Khan (@mr.cabin_crew), who works as a crew member of the Tata Group-owned airline, the boy can be seen approaching him with the request.

And we made someones day more special, the caption of the video said.

This boy comes up to me and says its his moms birthday and wants to give her a surprise. And we made the whole flight clap for his moms birthday, the text on the video stated.

Video goes viral

In the video, Khan can be seen making a special announcement and wishing the woman a happy birthday from the flights captains and crew. One of the flight crew members is then seen handing the woman, Jitheesh Bijumon, a special birthday treat.

The video posted earlier this month has now gone viral and many on social media appreciated the Air India Express cabin crew for their actions.

SCREENGRAB

Thats so kind and thoughtful, one person wrote.Such a sweet gesture, said another. This boys love for his mother is wholesome, a third user commented.

Air India Express offers discount for voters

Recently, Air India Express had announced a 19% discount on base fares across its network for first-time voters aged 18 to 22 who have to travel back to their hometowns to cast their ballots.

BCCL

According to Air India Express, young voters can avail of the offer on both economy and business class seats.

Air India Express which launched its operations on 29 April 2005, currently has flights servicing 31 destinations across India.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Karnataka's capital Bengaluru is all set for a rare astronomical event on Wednesday. Bengaluru will witness what is called a 'zero shadow day' today. The zero shadow day will occur between 12:17 pm and 12:23 pm on April 24 and will be experienced by places situated at the same latitudes as Bengaluru.

Zero shadow day in other places too

TWITTER

Apart from the Karnataka capital, residents of Kanyakumari, Bhopal, Hyderabad and Mumbai are also likely to witness a zero shadow day today.

A similar event took place in Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal on April 16.

Where to watch zero shadow day

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru will host events on April 24 to mark Zero Shadow Day at its Koramangala campus. They have welcomed the public to join in on the activities starting from 10 AM to 1 PM. Participants can observe and measure changing shadow lengths of objects and gain insights into the Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun.

TWITTER

"Join us on 24 April to celebrate Zero Shadow Day for locations at Bengaluru latitude. Measure shadow lengths and check out our cool demos! We will work with Bhopal & Chennai to calculate Earth's diameter and rotation speed," Indian Institute of Astrophysics said in a social media post.

What is zero shadow day

Zero Shadow Day occurs when the sun is positioned directly overhead, resulting in objects casting no shadows at noon. This phenomenon typically occurs in regions located near the equator, where the sun's angle is almost perpendicular to the Earth's surface. As a result, objects appear to have no shadow for a brief time.

TWITTER

Most of the areas that fall between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer can experience this phenomenon.

Zero shadow day 2023

Last year too, Bengaluru had recorded a zero shadow day, on April 25 at 12:17 pm, when shadows of vertical objects disappeared for a moment.

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The Indian higher education system is expanding rapidly, and now theres data to prove it. The QS World University Rankings by Subject show a significant improvement in the performance of Indian universities among G20 nations, with a 14% year-on-year enhancement.

India's Academic Rise: A Closer Look at QS World University Rankings

The analysis encompassed more than 1,500 universities across 96 countries, highlighting excellence across 55 academic subjects and five faculty areas.

Nunzio Quacquarelli, President of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, took to LinkedIn to discuss the impact of Indian higher education, marking a significant milestone in the nation's academic journey.

He noted that this year, Indian universities showcased the highest improvement in performance among all G20 nations, with a notable 14% year-on-year enhancement in their average ranking.

Seven Indian institutions are among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings, with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay leading at 40th position.

IIT Bombay

Additionally, four other IITs are in the top 100, including Indian Institute of Technology Delhi at 46th, Indian Institute of Technology Madras at 53rd, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur at 59th, and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur at 63rd.



Furthermore, India has emerged as "one of the world's most rapidly expanding research centres."

Between 2017 and 2022, its research output skyrocketed by an impressive 54%, positioning it as the fourth-largest producer of research globally.

Check out his post below:

LinkedIn

Which are the subjects in which Indian universities rank the highest?

Nunzio Quacquarelli highlighted that India has achieved significant rankings in 44 out of the 55 QS Subject Rankings.

Indian universities excel particularly in subjects like Computer Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Business Studies, and Physics, among others.

OP Jindal Global University

In Asia, India now stands as the second country with the highest number of universities featured in the QS Subject Rankings, after China.

Quacquarelli credited this success to policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

You can check out the full list here.

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AI is everywhere. Quite literally, because it's now in our food as well. A roastery in Finland recently made an 'AI-conic' coffee using artificial intelligence and it's blowing our mind. The future is here, folks!



This coffee is AI-conic

In Finland's capital Helsinki, Kaffa Roastery, a coffee company, has rolled out a fresh coffee blend called "AI-conic," crafted with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

Image generated by ArtBreeder

This innovative blend hit the market last week in Finland, which boasts the highest coffee consumption globally, with individuals consuming an average of 12 kilograms per capita each year, as per the International Coffee Organization.



How did AI make the coffee?

Kaffa Roastery collaborated with Elev, an AI company, to employ artificial intelligence in crafting this unique blend.

Elev's AI selected four types of coffee beans, primarily sourced from Brazil, to achieve a distinctive flavor profile.

The AI, utilising models similar to ChatGPT and Copilot, was tasked with exploring unconventional flavor combinations to cater to the preferences of coffee enthusiasts, as revealed by Elev to AP.

CNET

Svante Hampf, Kaffa Roastery's managing director, shared that their aim was to explore AI's potential in the traditional craft of coffee roasting in Finland. They provided the AI with detailed information about their coffee flavors and requested it to develop an exciting new blend tailored to coffee lovers' tastes.



"We basically gave descriptions of all our coffee types and their flavors to AI and instructed it to create a new exciting blend," Hampf explained.

Not only did the AI create the blend, but it also created the label for the coffee package and composed a flavor description.

The description characterises "AI-conic" as a well-balanced blend with hints of sweetness and ripe fruit flavors.

coffee lemonade

Initially surprised by the AI's selection of four bean types, as opposed to the customary two or three, Hampf and the team discovered that the blend was flawless upon testing, requiring no further adjustments.



Well, looks like AI is capable of doing things way beyond our imagination!

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Unrequited love can sometimes push people over the edge and get them to behave in a manner that their loved ones have seen before. But how far is too far? Do multiple phone calls a day to someone you're obsessing over qualify? Apparently, they do. And more often than not, there's an underlying cause behind such extreme behaviour. In a recently reported case from China, a woman was diagnosed with "love brain" after she allegedly called her boyfriend as many as 100 times a day. Here's what went on.

Who is the woman who made 100 calls to her boyfriend daily?

She reportedly wanted constant updates on her boyfriend's whereabouts | Image: Pexels

The 18-year-old woman from China, identified as Xiaoyu, started exhibiting this behaviour in her first year at university. She reportedly wanted constant updates on her boyfriend's whereabouts and constant communication. After not getting what she wanted, she ended up calling him 100 times one day. This, not surprisingly, was the final nail in the coffin of an already strained relationship.

Why did she behave this way?

Her behaviour was the final nail in the coffin of an already strained relationship | Image: Pexels/representational

According to The South China Morning Post, things had reached a point where the woman was hurling items in her house and even threatened to self-harm. Worried for his safety and hers, the boyfriend ended up reporting the matter to the police. The 18-year-old was eventually hospitalised and after assessing her case, doctors felt she might be suffering from borderline personality disorder.

She was reportedly threatening to jump from the balcony, which is when the cops intervened and took her to a hospital.

What is "love brain?"

BPD (borderline personality disorder) may occasionally coincide with other conditions such as anxiety and depression | Image: Pixabay

"Love brain" is commonly employed informally to characterise obsessive behaviour within romantic relationships. Dr. Du Na, a physician at Xiaoyu's hospital, shared how borderline personality disorder may occasionally coincide with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. He added that such conditions could also be the result of dysfunctional childhood attachments.



While the cause of the disorder is not known in Xiaoyu's case, Dr Du insists that severe cases like hers require medical intervention.

What do you think of this?

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Baba Ramdevs Patanjali is going through rough waters. For the unversed, the Indian Medical Association filed a lawsuit against Patanjali Ayurved for disseminating advertisements asserting treatments for illnesses and engaging in a negative campaign against modern medicine.



The ad claimed that Patanjali drugs had cured people of diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid, liver cirrhosis, arthritis and asthma.

While this case is far from reaching a conclusion, heres Patanjalis story.

Baba Ramdev And Acharya Balkrishna Established Patanjali In 2006 After Receiving A Handsome Loan From The Formers Followers

Baba Ramdev, along with his aid Acharya Balkrishna, ventured into business in 2006, borrowing a personal debt ranging between Rs 50-60 crore. Despite lacking banking experience and even a bank account at the time, he managed to secure such a substantial loan.

Notably, the NRI couple Sunita and Sarwan Poddar, devout followers of Baba Ramdev, were the benefactors behind this financial support. They also hold 3 percent ownership stake in the company, as per several reports.

patanjali

The Patanjali Ayurved business which was established on borrowed money now boasts of an annual revenue of around Rs 55,000 crore. Balakrishna owns 94 percent stake in the company while Baba Ramdev is the face of the brand and he also takes strategic decisions.



The Scottish NRI Couple Also Gifted Baba Ramdev An Island

rediff

Sarwan "Sam" Poddar and his wife Sunita, Scottish citizens, generously gifted an island to Baba Ramdev. Little Cumbrae, spanning around 900 acres, was acquired for two million pounds and presented to Ramdev in 2009. This uninhabited island, featuring the remnants of a former castle, now hosts a retreat complex catering to yoga and ayurveda.



Also Read: Husband Has No Control Over His Wife's "Streedhan', Says SC

The Poddars Own 12.46 Lakh Shares In Patanjali Ayurved Ltd

As per documents filed by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd with the Registrar of Companies, the Poddars possess 12.46 lakh shares in the company. With the total shares allotted by the firm standing at 3.47 crore, the Poddar duo holds a 7.2% stake in the business, which manufactures the majority of the Ramdev empire's goods. Following Acharya Balkrishna, the Poddars rank as the second-largest shareholders of Patanjali Ayurved.

The couple previously shared with the media that Sunita advocated for the purchase of the island, citing her significant weight reduction after embracing Ramdev's yoga practice.

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Sunita Poddar Takes Yoga Classes And Trains Yoga Teachers In Glasgow

Sunita, originally from Mumbai and raised in Kathmandu, now ranks among Glasgow's wealthiest women. She conducts yoga classes and trains yoga instructors, having met Baba Ramdev during his visit to Glasgow. In contrast, Sam Poddar, hailing from Bihar, relocated to Glasgow in his youth. Sunita joined him after their marriage when she was 18 years old.

Also Read: Delhi Man Turns Millionaire Overnight With Rs 60 Lakh Worth Reliance Shares




Global airlines have voted Athens International Airport (AIA) as the best this year for its marketing strategy and efforts in developing the Athens market, in the category of airports serving more than 20 million passengers.

During the annual meeting of the European aviation industry, "Routes Europe 2024" (April 22-24) in Denmark,

AIA once again secured the top position.

In 2023, Athens Airport served 28.17 million passengers, marking a 24% increase compared to 2022 and a significant 10.2% rise compared to 2019. The first quarter of 2024 also saw a surge, with traffic performance increasing by 16.5% compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, AIA has expanded its network for the summer of 2024, adding 5 new destinations, 8 additional airlines, and 19 extra routes on existing connections.

The Routes awards stand out for their unique process, where voting and decision-making are solely in the hands of airlines, recognizing excellence in aviation development worldwide. This year's award is particularly notable, as the Athens International Airport competed in the same category as Istanbul IGA, Rome Fiumicino, Brussels Airport, and Vienna Airport.

   iefimerida.gr
Greece is currently facing twin environmental challenge:: an intense African dust cloud and unseasonal wildfires.

On Tuesday, NASAs Aqua satellite captured high-resolution images of the dust wave,

known as Minerva red, which has significantly degraded air quality and affected those with respiratory conditions, according to the Hellenic Pulmonary Society.

The phenomenon, which varies in frequency and intensity each year, has seen Greece experience between 7 to 20 cases annually. On average, experts say, a total of 13 are counted.

This years wave has been particularly severe, with the southern island of Crete recording temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the situation.

Relief is expected soon, with forecasts predicting clearer skies and cooler temperatures as winds shift on Wednesday. But strong winds have fanned early wildfires across the country, mainly in the south, with a total of 25 reported blazes counted in the last 24 hours. On Paros, three people were arrested for inadvertently starting a fire, while another major blaze near a naval base on Crete was contained.

Greece, which annually battles devastating forest fires, recorded the European Unions largest wildfire in over two decades last year. Plagued by drought and high temperatures, experts fear more forest fires in upcoming summer months.

   iefimerida.gr
Tatiana Blatnik may be entitled to one-third of the marital assets in her divorce from Nikolaos, son of the late Greek King, Constantine, a leading Greek attorney has said.

Sakis Kehagioglou, a prominent criminal lawyer, said the couple divorce would be guided by Greek law, their

place of residence

Mr. Kehagioglou said in an interview that Ms. Blatnik could also be awarded more than a third of the Nikoloas' wealth, estimated at 5 million dollars -- a provision guiding divorces in Greece.

Factors such as the spouses contribution to boosting the couples wealth, could impact the final settlement. But Ms. Blatniks personal wealth may also curtail it.

An entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, Ms. Blatnik was born in Caracas, Venezuela and raised in Switzerland. Her mother originates from an aristocratic family and her father, born in Yugoslavia, moved to Venezuela where he was once engaged to Hollywood actress Natalie Wood.

After her fathers death she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Attilio Brillembourg, who owns a financial services company in New York.

She married Nikolaos in 2015 and has since then been recognized for her charitable work.

Mr. Kehagioglou said any prenuptial agreement, unless made under Greek law, would not be applicable.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed that a father and his son, were arrested for their alleged involvement in impersonation during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this known to newsmen shortly after monitoring the exam at the Kaduna State University CBT Centre, Kaduna, on Wednesday.

Oloyede, who refrained from disclosing the identities of the parent and their child, also refused to reveal the location of the reported malpractice.

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He said: For those who engage in cheating, they should know that it does not pay.

The technology is helping us to check that.

Across the country, most of the problems we have is impersonation. For instance, now, we say we have NIN, we now have cases of people with two NINs and therefore that has defeated the purpose of identity verification.

We are going to take that up with NIMC that there are people who have two NINs.

We have a case of a father impersonating his son, writing an examination for the son and I wonder, are you not destroying your sons future?

Of course, two of them are now in custody. I cant understand what the father will now tell his son when they are both locked up in the same cell.

READ MORE: 2024 UTME: JAMB Waives Registration Fee For Those With Disabilities

This happened definitely not in Kaduna, but I dont want to disclose the state.

So, it is largely cases of impersonation, but we are ahead of them; we are just picking them up like chicken now because the facilities are there for us to see what they are doing and to pick them up.
The Kogi State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should respect the rule of law in the investigation of Yahaya Bello, former Governor of the State.

During plenary, the lawmakers deliberated on the ongoing issue between EFCC and Bello.

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The EFCC is prosecuting Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Jibril Abu, the lawmaker representing the Ajaokuta state constituency, moved a motion titled A call to end all false, frivolous, fictitious, and far from the truth smear campaign against the former governor of Kogi state Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

He further accused the anti-graft agency of witch-hunting Bello, adding that the EFCC is handling the case without respect to due legal process.

The commission started with claims that it discovered a nonexistent fund in an alleged fixed deposit account.

By its statutory responsibility and while appreciating EFCCs efforts in the fight against corruption, every right-thinking individual would hold a duty to support it in no small measure to succeed in its primary responsibilities.

It is also possible, as touted all around, for those very wary of certain actions outside the legal process by the EFCC to caution against allowing the commission to become a tool for political vendettas.

Kogi State, by allocation standard, is not rich so much that N80.4 billion will be missing that the state will not be shaken to its foundation.

This claim by the EFCC should be sanctioned and taken as laughable. Innocent Nigerians and Kogi state citizens that bought into the lies should by their volition, withdraw their support, he said.

READ ALSO: Alleged Corruption: Youths Protest EFCCs Planned Arrest Of Yahaya Bello

Enema Paul, lawmaker representing Okura constituency, on his part, said the anti-graft agency has some questions to answer for declaring Bello wanted.

Why is EFCC in a haste? Nigeria is not a banana republic. I was surprised to hear a senior lawyer to EFCC inviting the military in a civil case. Have the police and DSS failed?

I think the EFCC should look at their lawyer. The man they declared wanted is also in the appeal court with them.

Declaring him wanted, I think EFCC has a lot of questions to answer. We dont want the military to rule this country, and somebody is dragging us back to the olden days.

Also speaking, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, speaker of the assembly, urged the EFCC to abide by the countrys laws in its operations.

This assembly supports the security agencies to do their constitutionally assigned jobs because we are law-abiding people who understand that it is only under the rule of law that democracy can thrive, the speaker said.

But we will not, as I earlier said, pander to the dictates of those who do not mean well for the state and its development, Enema said.

In its resolution, the assembly asked the EFCC not to allow itself to become a tool of political vendetta against Bello.

The EFCC, IGP, immigration, NSA and other agencies conscripted into this melodrama be so informed and involved to act accordingly.

The commission should not allow itself to become a tool of political vendetta, blackmail, or intimidation against any individual through personal grudges, persecution, and campaign of calumny to tarnish the image of personalities from Kogi State, especially Alh Yahaya Bello, or any perceived political enemy of the characters hiding behind their executive powers to unleash allegations through media for public consumption and sympathy, the Assembly said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh charge against former Governor Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In the four-count charge, the anti-graft agency accused Emefiele of approving the printing of N684,590,000 notes at the rate of N18.96 billion.

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According to the EFCC, Emefiele broke the law with intent to harm the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy under former President Muhammadu Buharis administration.

The anti-graft agency also accused the former CBN Governor of unlawfully approving the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation.

READ ALSO: EFCC Freezes Over 300 Crypto Accounts After Binance Crackdown

Emefiele is expected to be arraigned on these counts before Maryann Anenih, Judge of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, on April 30.

This would be the third criminal case pending against Emefiele.

On November 17, 2023, Emefiele was arraigned before Hamza Muazu, a judge of the FCT High Court, on a six-count charge of procurement fraud, to which he pleaded not guilty.

It has since been amended to 20 counts bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Ice Prince, a Nigerian artist and rapper, has stated that he would never perform a stunt to promote his songs.

Prince expressed a desire that God would keep him away from those with desperate ideas.

He stated that his primary goal is to create high-quality music.

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READ MORE: IK Ogbonna Celebrates Ini Edo As She turns 42

On his X handle on Tuesday, he wrote: I can never do some dumb sh*t so you can check out my music! My biggest prayer is that God keep us away from dumb ish.

May God keep us far away from people with desperate ideas Nothing but Music on this side !! I dey Rap, I dey sing and I dey come mc.

SEE POST:
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Tuesday, vowed to resign should Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, is not prosecuted for his financial crimes.

The EFCC is prosecuting Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.

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Olukoyede who spoke in Abuja during an interactive session with media executives said If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the EFCC Chair.

He furthered that everyone involved in obstructing Bellos arrest from his Abuja residence will face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, he invited Bello to his office for a more respectful and dignified interrogation, but the ex-governor wanted EFCC operatives to grill him in his village instead.

I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldnt have done that.

But he said because a certain senator has planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.

READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Ex-Aviation Minister Over Alleged N8bn Nigeria Air Fraud

I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him, he said.

The EFCC, he restated, did not violate any law while trying to arrest the former governor from his residence.

Rather, we have obeyed the law. I inherited the case and I didnt create it. Why has he not submitted himself to the law?

I have arraigned two past governors who have been granted bail now  Willie Obiano and Abdulfatah Ahmed.

We would have gone after Bello since January but we waited for the court order.

As early as 7 am, my gallant men were there. Over 50 of them. They mounted surveillance.

We met over 30 armed policemen there. We would have exchanged fire and there would have been casualties.

My men were about to move in when the governor of Kogi drove in and they later changed the narrative, he added.

Olukoyede noted that all those who have dipped their hands into the nations coffers would be investigated and prosecuted.

If I can do Obiano, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Chief Olu Agunloye, my kinsman, why not Yahaya Bello? he queried .
A former governorship candidate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, has resigned from the Party.

Ihedioha announced his resignation in a letter dated April 23 and addressed to the PDP chairman of Mbutu ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo; and the National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

According to him, PDP has failed to offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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The politician said he has contributed his quota to the development and transformation of the PDP since 1998.

His words: All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power.

READ ALSO: Insecurity-Related Deaths Dropped From 2,600 Monthly To 200  NSA

I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the party at various levels. Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs.

Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party effective immediately.

He said while the decision to leave was difficult to take, he believes that it is the right one.

Ihedioha was elected Governor of Imo in March 2019 on the PDP platform.

However, in January 2020, the Supreme Court sacked him and declared Hope Uzodinma winner of the election.
The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has reinstated that ban on open grazing in the state, remains, adding that anyone found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The Governor stated that herdsman, who desired to build a ranch, should meet communities in the state and buy land.

Obaseki made this known while addressing stakeholders during an interactive session on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan, held at Iguobazuwa, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

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He said: Any herdsman in our bush without permission is working against the law of our state, and anything that happens, they cant blame anyone.

READ MORE: Obaseki, Shaibus Dispute Not My Business  New Edo Deputy Gov.

Let us be sure that nobody gives that person the permission to enter our forest and if permission will be granted, let us know the type of permission given to them to come into our bushes or forest to graze with their cattle.

Open grazing is banned in Edo State. If they are in your forest, let Aus know where they are because we have police and vigilantes who will help us get them out through a number we will give you to call.

They should do business with you and not invade our forest indiscriminately as if there are no owners. The forest and bushes belong us.
Former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign, Doyin Okupe, on Tuesday, posited that Peter Obi, LPs 2023 presidential candidate, never embraced the Partys ideologies.

Speaking in an interview on Arise Television, he described LP as a special-purpose vehicle utilized by Obi for the presidential poll.

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Okupe, who resigned from the party in January citing ideological disparities, emphasized that his association with the Party ceased immediately after Obis electoral defeat.

READ ALSO: Police Nab Six One Chance Robbery Suspects, Others In Enugu (Pictures)

Peter Obi does not align with labour principles. He is not leftist; he is a trader, a businessman, akin to myself. I am a liberal democrat, advocating for liberal democracy and free enterprise, Okupe said.

Reacting to the claims, Yunusa Tanko, the chief spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Campaign Committee, dismissed Okupes comments as trivial, asserting that Obi is focused on addressing pressing issues affecting Nigeria.

Peter Obi is primarily dedicated to fulfilling his promises to the Nigerian people. Often, politicians divert attention to trivial matters, but Obi is committed to contributing to solving Nigerias challenges, Tanko said.
Ozzy Etomi, a writer and creative consultant, has criticised Nigerians for their fondness for jungle justice.

The writer took to her X platform to express her disgust with the treatment of Maryam Hassan, the teenager who went viral for bullying a schoolmate at Lead British International School, Abuja.

She stated that the entire situation should be left in the hands of authorities.

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This comment is coming following a video in which Maryam Hassan was slapped by a woman.

READ MORE: Naira Abuse: Im Only Artist Who Stops Supporters From Spraying Me  Seun Kuti Says

She tweeted,

Not to be funny but why is the entire country involved in a school bullying issue? And I understand the girl is a bully, but these are minors? Arent there protection laws against this? Bullying in a school is a sign of the schools failure as well FYI.

These are young children. Their identities arent meant to be exposed much less paraded all over social media and being shared on blogs and news sites.
The University of Nigeria (UNN) has suspended a lecturer identified as Mfonobong Udoudom over what it described as an inappropriate affair with a student.

According to sources at the institution, the lecturer was caught pants down attempting to have sex with a married female student of the school.

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They disclosed that Udoudom had long been in the practice of only passing female students after sleeping with them.

An anonymous source told TheCable that the female student planned with her husband to entrap the lecturer while working with UNN security and other students.

The student source further said the security agents forcefully broke into his office and caught the lecturer in action.

It was planned out with her husband and security agents in the school. The female was made to approach the lecturer to offer him money in order to scale through his course. He refused and insisted he needed to have sexual intercourse with her in his office.

READ ALSO: Bandits Surrender Weapons After Negotiation  Plateau Govt. Reveals

When the lady succumbed to his demands and asked him to undress, he was caught wearing only boxers, the source said.

On Tuesday, the senior lecturer of General Studies is seen in viral videos pacing back and forth in his office, visibly panicked, and clothed in his underpants.

A witness is heard saying: We have been following this case from day one. We have all the chats, voice notes, video calls, and every conversation he had with the female student.

When contacted, the UNN management disclosed that Udoudom has now been suspended.

Okwun Omeaku, UNNs acting media spokesperson, said the senior lecturer will be made to face the staff disciplinary panel.

He said: The indefinite suspension is with immediate effect pending the outcome of a disciplinary panel constituted by the university to investigate the incident.

UNN has a zero tolerance for sexual misconducts involving our staff and students.

We are committed to protecting our students from any form of abuse and exploitation. The university management will not hesitate to punish Mr. Mfonobong David Udoudom according to our rules if he is found guilty.
The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in Enugu State, has suspended a lecturer for allegedly attempting to sexually molest a female student in the institution.

The lecturer, identified as Mfonobong Udoudom, works at the School of General Studies Programme Unit of the institution where he teaches Peace and Conflict Resolution and Nigerian Peoples and Culture.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by its acting Public Relations Officer, Chief Okwun Omeaku, the university said that the lecturer had been suspended indefinitely.

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His indefinite suspension, according to Omeaku, is to enable a thorough investigation into the incident by a disciplinary panel constituted by the university.

The statement reads: The indefinite suspension is with immediate effect pending the outcome of a disciplinary panel constituted by the university to investigate the incident, the statement noted.

REA MORE: Police Arrest 14yr-Old Girl Over Murder Of FUT Minna Lecturer

For the records, the University of Nigeria has a zero tolerance for sexual misconduct involving our staff and students.

The UNN is among the few universities in the country that has a Sexual Harassment Policy, which guides the relationship between our staff and students in particular and among our male and female staff members.

As a university, we are committed to protecting our students from any form of abuse and exploitation, and the university management will not hesitate to punish Mr Mfonobong David Udoudom, according to our rules, if he is found guilty by our disciplinary panel.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has disclosed the reasonhe did not construct new schools while he was the Governor of Anambra State Governor.

Information Nigeria reports that Reno Omokri, former presidential aide and socio-political commentator, had challenged the former Governor and his followers to present a single school he built during eight-year tenure.

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Omokri had promised a reward of 10,000 dollars to anyone who could show a school built by Obi.

However, in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi reacted saying, individuals who made such claims had not taken advantage of his manifesto.

READ ALSO: Rivers Attorney-General, Adangor Rejects Fubaras Redeployment, Again Resigns From Cabinet

According to him, Anambra was ranked 26th in the nation when he arrived, with shuttered schools and a broken educational system, but by the time he departed, the State had risen to the top.

I improved the quality, physical and mental well-being of the people, schools, had the basic things they needed and the people shone like stars and that was my manifesto.

Building new schools when the old ones are moribund is just like building coastal lines when internal roads are impassable.
Microsoft has introduced a new family of small language models (SLMs) as part of its plan to make lightweight yet high-performing generative artificial intelligence technology available across more platforms, including mobile devices.

The company unveiled the Phi-3 platform in three models: the 3.8-billion-parameter Phi-3 Mini, the 7-billion-parameter Phi-3 Small, and the 14-billion-parameter Phi-3 Medium. The models comprise the next iteration of Microsofts SLM product line that began with the release of Phi-1 and then Phi-2 in rapid succession last December.

Microsofts Phi-3 builds on Phi-2, which could understand 2.7 billion parameters while outperforming large language models (LLMs) up to 25 times larger, Microsoft said at the time. Parameters refer to how many complex instructions a language model can understand. For example, OpenAIs large language model GPT-4 potentially understands upwards of 1.7 trillion parameters. Microsoft is a major stock holder and partner with OpenAI, and uses ChatGPT as the basis for its Copilot generative AI assistant.
Deesha Dyer, the White House social secretary under the Obama administration, wrote the memoir, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble." The Philly native will be at the Center City Barnes & Nobles on April 30. Read more

It wasnt her time as the Obamas social secretary that inspired Deesha Dyer to pen Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble.

It was the 46-year-olds commitment to boosting young womens self-esteem that inspired Dyer, founder of begirl. World Global Scholars, a nonprofit that encourages Philadelphia girls to travel, that motivated her to tell her life story.

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I work with young girls and they tell me all of the time: Im not worthy. Im not valued. Im not deserving. Im dumb. Im ugly, Dyer told me in a video interview. [Young women] have always dealt with these feelings. This book is my way of sounding the alarm about it.

Everything about Undiplomatic is Philly. Its cover features the citys skyline and the bottom half of her face  complete with nose ring and sparkling hoops  hovering over it like a full moon. When we meet Dyer in the book, its 1987 and shes 9-years-old, with divorced parents, starting boarding school at Milton Hershey School. There she would be branded a troublemaker, a reputation that would haunt her feelings of self-worth for decades. She later enrolled at the University of Cincinnati and dropped out due to poor grades.

Dyer moved back to Philadelphia and landed a gig at a Center City real estate company. She wrote freelance articles about the Philly hip-hop scene for local newspapers and websites and on the weekend, danced the nights away at Five Spot, Zanzibar Blue, and Fluid. In 2009, she applied to be a White House intern while working and taking classes at Community College of Philadelphia. When she was offered the internship, her life changed. But her bout with imposter syndrome was just beginning.

Washington is very creme de la creme, very buttoned up. Very zipped up, Dyer said. I didnt follow the diplomacy, the protocol.

As the Obamas social secretary Dyer brought The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jill Scott, and Kendrick Lamar to the White House. She hosted Pope Francis 2015 Capital City visit and coordinated state dinners. Still, Dyer didnt feel like she belonged, sacrificing her health and well-being to prove her worthiness. It wasnt until she left the White House that she was able to reflect. My rise was unconventional, she said. But its [also] what got me promoted to a top White House job.

Today Dyer is married, owns Washington-based corporate consulting firm Hook & Fasten, and regularly talks to young girls all over the country about how to deal with imposter syndrome. She offers this advice to young girls  and women  struggling to feel like they belong.

Be a whole person

I dont give girls advice on how to thrive in the workplace, Dyer said. I give them advice about how to thrive as a whole person. To Dyer this means keeping up with doctors appointments and seeing a therapist. The answer isnt always to do more, but sitting a spell. I dont come at young women with the mindset that being successful in anything  especially the White House  is to do more, more internships, more jobs. Sometimes its about doing less and honoring your capacity.

Be authentic

People are always telling women to be professional, Dyer said. They expect 18-, 19-, 26-year-old women to behave like they are 46, like they have it under control. Well, thats not realistic. We cant ask young women to ignore who they are now to accommodate who they may become later, Dyer said. So, if these women want to wear cropped tops, Im OK with it. If her hair is shaved or in an Afro or a lace front [wig], thats fine too. We say we are an open society, but way too often we judge. I want girls to be who they want to be, thats the only way they can figure out who they can be.

Meet yourself where you are

[Young girls should] meet themselves where they are, Dyer said. If they dont want to go to college  and I know Mrs. Obama would kill me for saying this  then perhaps they shouldnt go right now. Dyer tells teens to figure out what they want to do. Maybe its going to community college, maybe its doing a gap year. Listen to the voice in your head.

Do the hard work

Imposter syndrome is a form of oppression, Dyer said. The bottom line is that its not real. And there is always something from our past thats triggering why we feel that other peoples credentials and life experiences overshadow our own. You have to get at the root, Dyer said. Sometimes its from social media, sometimes its because you didnt get something you wanted. Sometimes its from gaining or losing weight. What is that made you not feel worthy? Dyer asked. Once you determine that, then its about overcoming it through therapy, faith, and being aware. Imposter syndrome may never go away, but it shouldnt define who you are.

Deesha Dyer will read from and sign copies of Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble at Barnes & Noble, 1708 Chestnut St., on Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. Dyer will be joined in conversation by Errin Haines, editor-at-large for The 19th. Space is limited. Register through eventbrite.
A photo of Joseph LaForte hanging in his Par Funding office, entered as an exhibit by the SEC in its case against the merchant cash-advance lender. Read more

Par Funding operated from 2012 to 2019 as a Ponzi scheme, diverting new investors money to fool old investors and wrongly enriching its owners, the court-appointed receiver for the defunct Philadelphia cash-advance lender said in a court filing Monday. The motion is designed to speed partial payments to around 1,700 investors who are owed a total of $228 million.

During the four years of civil proceedings in the fraud case, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission had mostly avoided the Ponzi label, which refers to a type of investment fraud that offers high returns to early investors from proceeds from later investors.

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By recognizing Par as a Ponzi scheme, receiver Ryan Stumphauzer said in a motion before U.S. District Court Judge Rodolfo Ruiz, precedent would allow the court to distribute Par assets to investors, minus payments they received when Par was yielding early investors more than 10% in yearly interest. Under this proposal, a few investors wouldnt be paid anything because they got more out of Par than they put in.

Ruiz has said investors have waited a long time for their money. Stumphauzers latest motion offers a road map for paying investors and some others, while denying other claims on whats left of Pars assets. If the judge approves, the receiver will follow up with a plan to send investors an initial distribution of what they are owed.

The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission filed fraud charges in 2020 against Par founders Joseph LaForte; his wife, Lisa McElhone (who on Monday agreed to plead guilty to tax fraud); and other insiders after Par defaulted on payments to investors. Thats when Ruiz agreed to put Par into receivership.

Since then, the SEC had mostly avoided calling Par a Ponzi scheme in court papers as it litigated to recover investors money and fine Par leaders for lying about investment risk and failing to register with the SEC or comply with its rules.

The SEC had proposed repaying investors based on what they were owed when the company was put in receivership, whether or not theyd collected interest in previous years.

Tens of millions more

The receiver warned in Mondays motion that the money so far collected for investors  more than $150 million in cash, settlements with former Par salespeople, and the seizure and sale of Par owners real estate and other properties financed with Par cash  is not enough to pay back the entire $250 million-plus it says investors and other creditors are owed, let alone any interest they had hoped to collect.

The receiver still hopes to collect tens of millions more from insurers for Philadelphia law firm Eckert Seamans. Former partner John Pauciulo helped Par raise money through the sale of unregistered securities the SEC says were unlawful, from federal taxes Par paid on phony income, from additional brokers that sold Par investments, and from a few large Par borrowers whose repayments are still in litigation.

Additional property taken from Pars owners, including the former corporate jet, were seized by federal authorities, who are pursuing separate criminal cases against Par officials. The receiver has no control over this property.

Also seeking a share of Pars assets are former financial backers including cash-advance lender Anthony Zingarelli (described in the motion as LaFortes right hand); Par borrowers who say they were overcharged; and former Par salespeople including Dean Vagnozzi, whose KYW and talk radio ads attracted hundreds of Par investors. Vagnozzi earlier paid $5 million to settle SEC charges related to Par.

The receiver wrote that the judge should deny most of those claims and put investors first.

However, the receiver is also recommending partial approval of claims by two of Pars leading financial backers. That includes $18 million in payments to members of New Yorks Chehebar family, which owns Rainbow Shops stores, and $8 million to Capital Source 2000, a company set up by Pars chief financial officer, Joseph Cole Barleta, and his business partner, former Philadelphia-area banker William Bromley. The receiver said he could still challenge final payments in those cases.

With Ruizs approval of his recommendations, Stumphauzer added that he would be able to begin distributing funds to investors  some directly and some through the fund managers they dealt with when they first invested in Par.

Lawyers for Par at first insisted the company was a profitable business, even paying federal income taxes, which the SEC disrupted with its lawsuit and the receivership.

But in 2022, the defendants agreed to stop challenging the SECs claims about their illegal acts and have since been arguing about how much money they personally should have to pay investors.

The hallmark of any Ponzi scheme

According to the motion filed Monday, Par Funding (also known as Complete Business Solutions Group, or CBSG) listed hundreds of millions worth of uncollectible small business loans as if they were income-producing assets  so the company could pretend to be profitable and keep attracting new investors, even though it was losing money  the hallmark of any Ponzi scheme.

The Ponzi scheme label, named for 1920s Boston fraudster Charles Ponzi, who preyed mostly on fellow Italian immigrants, has been applied to multibillion-dollar swindler Bernie Madoff and others criminally convicted of lying to investors to create the false appearance that their enterprises were legitimate and profitable.

LaForte and his brother, head Par loan collector James LaForte, who federal prosecutors in New York say is a member of New Yorks Gambino criminal organization, are in federal prison awaiting a scheduled December trial on criminal conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors also have accused the LaFortes  who were previously convicted on federal criminal charges and imprisoned in New York before Joseph LaForte moved to Philadelphia and started Par in 2012  of using threats and violence to intimidate borrowers and witnesses. James LaForte is accused of a 2023 daylight assault of Gaetan Alfano, a lawyer for Stumphauzer.

Former Montgomery County investment salesman Perry Abbonizio and debt collector Renato Gioe pleaded guilty earlier to criminal charges in relation to their work for Par.
Over the last two decades, insurance premiums for commercial properties have steadily increased, costing business owners thousands of dollars to protect their workplaces. Read more

Over the last two decades, insurance premiums for commercial properties have steadily increased, costing business owners thousands of dollars to protect their workplaces. Unfortunately, the trend is continuing this year.

According to experts, there may be another 5% to 25% increase in property insurance rates in 2024.

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How can businesses  particularly small businesses  keep their insurance costs under control this year? Here are a few things to consider.

Work with a broker

Some insurance companies offer policies directly online. But buying insurance is complicated, which is why its important to work with a good broker who communicates in a timely fashion, understands your needs, and is looking out for your interests.

A competent insurance broker will have access to multiple, well-rated insurance carriers and take the time to shop policies on your behalf in order to find the best coverages and pricing, said Brian McCollum, who owns McCollum Insurance in Manayunk. Theyll provide you with unbiased advice and advocate for you if you have to file a claim.

Shop around

Colleen Terra, who owns Terra Insurance Services in Philadelphia, thinks its also important to shop your policies every year. She says that a good broker will always be looking for the best price for their clients.

It doesnt cost us anything to shop policies, and by looking out for our clients best interests, well be able to keep them for a longer period of time, she says. If youre seeing an increase in premiums, you should always be pushing your broker to shop around and look for better deals.

Share everything with your broker

Terra wants to know everything about the clients she represents so she can match the best policy to the situation and sometimes gets frustrated when her clients dont reveal all the information about their companies  the type of work they perform, the number of workers and contractors they employ, and how much they pay.

Tell me everything that youre doing, and that way Ill be able to get you the insurance you need, she tells her clients. The more information I have, the better price I can get.

Service matters

Both Terra and McCollum also say its not always price that should be the determining factor when searching for insurance coverage. The level of services and responsiveness of a carrier are also very important.

For example, the Hartford Insurance Co.  which insures more than 1.5 million small-business owners  recently built a platform for their customers thats available 24/7 for them to request and receive certificates of insurance with a short period of time. (The Hartford is a client of my company.)

Its a big deal if youre a small-business owner and have to wait for your insurance company and it could potentially delay work or even payment, said Christopher Jones, head of small commercial at the Hartford. In most cases, our system can deliver a certificate within minutes of requesting.

Consider bundling

When you find a good carrier, consider bundling policies with them. Many carriers offer business owners plans that combine key coverages  liability, property, cyber  in one plan and at a discount.

McCollum says that when you bundle your policies, you can often get the best pricing.

It also allows a business to work with one broker for all their needs, he said. This becomes important when its time to report a potential claim.

Ratings matter

Its also important to make sure youre dealing with insurance carriers that have high ratings. While its no guarantee, ratings services like AM Best evaluate the balance sheets, operations, financial performance, and other factors  such as the ability to meet short- and long-term obligations  in order to determine a carriers reliability, with grades assigned ranging from A+ to D. These ratings fluctuate year to year so its important to look at a carriers historical record as well as its current year rating.

Keep good records and carry an umbrella

When it comes to reporting claims, both McCollum and Terra agree that no one can foresee these things, but the more prepared you are, the better. This is accomplished by keeping good documentation  including photos and receipts  for significant assets as well as complete payroll records and insurance certificates from brokers or outside parties.

Finally, lean into umbrella coverage. This type of coverage is sold over and above your existing coverage as an extra layer of protection. It tends to be affordable and can be important if ever a big claim is filed.

An umbrella policy is a relatively small portion of your total insurance cost and can be very helpful if something goes wrong, Jones said. Weve been seeing more business owners buy this type of policy over the past few years.
The interim president and provost of the University of Pennsylvania will host a community listening session on campus Thursday as encampments and protests over Israels treatment of Gaza have surfaced on college campuses elsewhere, resulting in arrests.

Our campus is deeply impacted by external events, as the past months have demonstrated all too clearly, interim president J. Larry Jameson wrote in a message to the campus community Monday evening. We are and must continue taking action that brings us together to meet the challenges of this time and to remain true to our educational purpose.

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The hour-long campus listening session is not open to the public or press, Penn said. Attendees need a Penn ID to attend, Jameson wrote.

 READ MORE: Protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures

Students, faculty, and staff will be invited to share their thoughts on the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on our campus, Jameson wrote.

So far Penn and other local campuses including Temple, Rutgers, and Haverford are not experiencing disruptive protests, arrests, and encampments, similar to those at Columbia, Yale, and other colleges in the last week.

At Swarthmore College, a group of students led by its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and the Swarthmore Palestine Coalition set up several tents on Parrish Beach by Clothier Hall, according to an email sent to the campus Tuesday afternoon by acting co-presidents Tomoko Sakomura and Rob Goldberg. (President Valerie Smith is on sabbatical this semester.)

We will work with the student organizers of this latest act of protest to try to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion, but this may take some time to resolve, they wrote. In the meantime, we expect that students and their allies will protest peacefully and be mindful of how their actions might affect other members of our community.

About 20 tents were up by Tuesday night with about 25 students. Ragad, 20, a sophomore peace and conflict studies major from Philadelphia, who is Palestinian, said the number of students protesting has fluctuated throughout the day with the peak at about 200.

We wont move until our demands are met, said Ragad, who asked that her last name not be used because of concerns about harassment. Among the demands is a call for Swarthmore to divest from Israeli investments, as students on other campuses have insisted. Workshops and teach-ins will be held at the encampment, she said. Some professors have visited the encampment, too, Ragad said.

Were all in this together, she said.

Sakomura and Goldberg, the Swarthmore co-presidents wrote that they recognize the encampment may cause some students, faculty, and staff members to feel uncomfortable or even intimidated and directed them to campus counseling services.

They acknowledged the protest may attract attention outside the campus and said they were increasing public safetys presence on campus.

We know this may draw some criticism, but we take this action in the best interest of our entire community, they wrote.

Columbia canceled in-person classes on Monday and said it would switch to a hybrid mode for the rest of the semester after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators had set up an encampment on the New York City campus last week and were arrested. Protesters also were arrested at New York University and Yale, as encampments spread to other colleges, including the University of Michigans Ann Arbor campus.

 READ MORE: Student protesters shouting divest from genocide disrupt Penn board of trustees meeting

Penn last semester and earlier this semester experienced multiple protests and demonstrations by pro-Palestinian groups. Early last month, student protesters shouting divest from genocide disrupted Penns board of trustees meeting; the board quickly passed its resolutions and adjourned the meeting.

The campus was roiled after the Palestine Writes Literary Festival was held on campus in September, which critics said included speakers with a history of making antisemitic remarks. Those tensions escalated after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel and Israels subsequent military actions in Gaza.

 READ MORE: Donor and Wharton board chair Marc Rowan criticizes Penns arts and sciences school, drawing backlash

Deep pocketed donors protested and called for the resignation of former president Liz Magill and board chair Scott L. Bok. Both resigned in December after Magills testimony before a congressional committee on colleges handling of antisemitism on campus.

Over the weekend, the Daily Pennsylvanian, the student newspaper, reported that Penn had suspended the pro-Palestinian student group Penn Against the Occupation from campus. The university told the newspaper that the group failed to comply with policies that govern student organizations at Penn, despite repeated efforts to engage with the group and to provide opportunities to resolve noncompliance.

The student group called it a sham investigation, according to the newspaper.

Also last week, The New York Post reported that about 200 alumni sent a letter to Jameson asking that eight Penn professors, whom they accused of antisemitism, be sanctioned for their speech and behavior.

We respectfully request that the University investigate and hold responsible professors and university employees who have been involved with pro-terrorism events, have discriminated against students in courses for being Jewish, Israeli, or Zionist, and have shared antisemitism tropes or revisionist history, they wrote in a letter obtained by The Inquirer.

 READ MORE: Penn president Liz Magill has resigned following backlash over her testimony about antisemitism

Anne Norton, one of the professors named in the letter, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Those who accuse me of antisemitism rely on  and perpetuate  a complete erasure of Palestinians 

The university declined comment on the letter.

 READ MORE: Penn hearing board recommended sanctions against Amy Wax in June, but her appeal means the process isnt over

Penns faculty handbook governs the disciplinary process against professors and if the case against law professor Amy Wax is any indication, that process can take awhile once a formal complaint is filed. The case against Wax, who has called into question the academic ability of Black students and said the country would be better off with fewer Asians and less Asian immigration, has gone on for more than two years.

Jameson in his statement said he also asked Penn Public Safety and Penn Wellness to bolster their services during this time, which came as Passover, one of the most significant Jewish holidays, started Monday night.

And he directed the chairs of the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community to extend the comment period on their initial work. Those groups were formed last semester as the university coped with allegations that it wasnt doing enough to protect its Jewish students and faculty or those advocating on behalf of Palestinians.

Inquirer staff photographer Monica Herndon contributed to this article.
Eight states are dealing with an outbreak of avian flu among cattle herds, but Pennsylvania has not seen the disease yet, experts say. Shown here are dairy cattle at a farm near Vado, N.M. in March 2017. Read more

An eight-state outbreak of avian influenza among cattle has captured national attention and raised concerns about the highly contagious virus spreading. But the virus so far has not reached Pennsylvania and does not appear to present a danger to humans, agricultural experts say.

The closest identified cases of the virus in cattle are in Ohio. Still, Pennsylvania and federal authorities are taking measures to contain the outbreak. Earlier this month, Pennsylvania required that cattle from states with avian flu cases get tested before they enter the state. And the federal government announced Wednesday that dairy cattle must now test negative for the virus before they are allowed to move between states.

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Exposure to the virus is unlikely in Philadelphia, said Ernest Hovingh, the director of Pennsylvania State Universitys Animal Diagnostic Laboratory.

People are more likely to be exposed to a virus by wild birds flying over Philadelphia and potentially pooping on a picnic table, he said.

Even then, cases are rare in humans, though they do occur, and in even more rare instances can cause severe illness and death, the CDC says.

Heres a primer on highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, and the measures that Pennsylvania agricultural officials are taking to keep it out of the state.

What is avian flu?

Avian flu is a virus that typically spreads through wild birds, especially waterfowl. Wild birds generally show no signs of the virus even when theyre infected, but domestic birds can contract the virus through contact with wild birds or their droppings.

HPAI is an aggressive form of the disease thats highly contagious, causes serious respiratory and digestive symptoms, like gasping for breath and diarrhea, in domestic birds, and can wipe out entire flocks. Usually, domestic flocks with HPAI are euthanized.

Why is it spreading in cattle?

Avian flu has turned up in other animal populations, including mammals, in the past, Hovingh said. Its not really that surprising that other species can be infected with this, he said.

Whats different about this outbreak is that herds are getting sick, not just individual animals. Its unclear whats caused the wider spread of the disease, Hovingh said.

Cattle are not as affected by avian flu as birds, Hovingh added. Its not a virus that really belongs in dairy cows, he said. Symptoms among dairy cattle include eating less, producing less milk, and, occasionally, diarrhea or very dry manure. Most cows will recover within two to three weeks, he said.

Are there any cases of avian flu in cattle in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has seen cases of avian flu in birds for the last two years; in March 2023, the state had more birds with HPAI than anywhere else in the country. That outbreak has subsided in recent months, Hovingh said, but agriculture officials are still on high alert.

So far, Pennsylvania has seen no cases of avian flu in cattle. The closest confirmed cases emerged in Ohio and North Carolina.

With most of these [infected] herds, so far, weve had a way to track the animals and the disease back to Texas, Kansas, or New Mexico, where this was first seen, Hovingh said.

It appears that this is coming to the other states from animals moving from the areas where it was first detected a couple months ago. Thats important, because that helps us as a state try to decide what were going to do.

What is Pennsylvania doing to prevent avian flu in cattle?

Pennsylvania required that cattle from affected states be tested for avian flu as well before they enter the state prior to this weeks federal directive requiring that cattle must test negative for HPAI before moving between states.

The states quarantine order, released earlier this month, also says animals from infected herds cannot move to Pennsylvania until their farm has been found to be free of the disease.

Farmers who believe their cows may be infected with avian flu should call the state Department of Agriculture, which has vets on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Hovingh said.

Penn State Extension, the universitys science education arm, is also on call 24/7 to examine flu tests from farms on an emergency basis, Hovingh said. If we suspect [an outbreak of avian flu], were able to test for that very quickly, he said.

Does the current avian flu outbreak pose any dangers to humans?

The CDC has identified one case of a person getting infected with bird flu after being exposed to dairy cattle, and the agency says that bird flu spreading from person to person is very rare.

The agency recommends avoiding contact with animal feces, raw milk, and litter, as well as anything contaminated by animals with suspected or confirmed avian flu. The CDCs experts monitoring the outbreak have also not noticed an unusual uptick in flu or flulike illnesses in humans.

The strain of avian flu infecting cattle has been found in raw milk, Hovingh said, although milk from animals who test positive for the virus is not being sold. On Tuesday, the federal Food and Drug Administration said it had found fragments of the virus in pasteurized milk but had no reason to believe the national milk supply is unsafe.

Pasteurization, the process that heats milk to a high temperature to kill viruses and other pathogens, likely also kills this strain of avian flu but may leave behind harmless particles of the virus, the FDA said in a statement.

Raw milk can be purchased in Pennsylvania, and sellers usually subject that milk to tests for bacteria  but not for HPAI, Hovingh said. Theres probably virus getting into milk, but being killed by pasteurization  which is what its intended for, he said. Avoiding raw milk is generally a good idea.
The Camden County Prosecutors Office has been sued by one of its own lawyers for allegedly denying her the ability to work remotely while pregnant. Read more

The Camden County Prosecutors Office has been sued by one of its own lawyers for allegedly denying her the ability to work remotely while pregnant, in violation of a relatively new federal law.

Gina Imperato was an assistant prosecutor for the county when she learned she was pregnant with her second child in 2023, with an expected due date in late November. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was passed in December 2022 and took effect in June 2023.

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The PWFA puts the responsibility on employers to find a reasonable accommodation when pregnant workers ask for adjustments to their work environment or schedule because of pregnancy-related needs.

Imperato started having pregnancy-related medical conditions including low blood pressure and fainting spells about halfway through her pregnancy, and her doctors restricted her ability to drive a car in late August.

In September, Imperato asked her supervisor for an accommodation to work remotely during her pregnancy. Her request was denied.

This was a job she had done remotely for [multiple] years during the pandemic, said Imperatos lawyer, Jacqueline M. Vigilante. She was forced out of work early  forced to sit home while she was able to work.

Imperato filed her lawsuit in December. The prosecutors office said in a court filing last month that it had not violated the law and that Imperato was unable to perform essential functions of her job with the requested accommodation.

Camden County spokesperson Dan Keashen declined to comment on pending litigation.

Reduced time for bonding

For about a week after her initial request, Imperato worked remotely from home while she waited for an official answer on her accommodation request.

She was able to perform all of her job duties remotely, as her responsibilities as an assistant prosecutor involved sedentary work at a computer, and assistant prosecutors are rarely required to appear in court or make in-person appearances or appointments, the complaint said.

A few days after her request, she was told to log her time working remotely as sick leave. A few days after that, she was told to stop working remotely, and her coworkers were allegedly instructed not to discuss any work with her.

Two weeks after her request, Imperato told her office that they were in violation of the law, noting that her working remotely created no undue burden for the prosecutors office. The next day, the office formally denied her accommodation request and instructed Imperato to take a medical leave of absence.

Imperato had planned to take a job-protected leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and New Jersey law from the babys birth, expected in late November, until up to six months later. Instead, the complaint said, her leave request was denied, and she was told to begin using her FMLA time in September instead of working remotely.

Forcing plaintiff to use her sick time three months before her due date reduced the paid time off available to her for postpartum care and bonding with her newborn child, Imperatos complaint said.

The lawsuit alleges that the prosecutors office violated New Jersey antidiscrimination law as well as the PWFA. Imperato is seeking compensation for her losses as a result of the violation.

Her suit also asks the court to order that Camden County stop engaging in discriminatory employment practices and comply with the specific accommodations set forth in the PWFA to ensure that pregnant women are not excluded from the workplace or denied opportunities which will allow them to continue to work.
READING  Five days after John Doughertys nephew assaulted a supervisor on a construction site prompting his bosses to demand he be booted from the job, the union leader was still seething about that request.

I heard a little jabber-jaw down at the Shore this weekend, Dougherty said during a meeting with roughly 30 business agents and other personnel of his union, Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, in which he expressed frustration over gossip hed heard about the dustup.

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He defended his decision to keep nephew Greg Fiocca in his post as the unions appointed steward on the then-under-construction Live! Casino and Hotel in South Philadelphia and maintained that it had nothing to do with their familial relation.

Most of all, Dougherty said, he was peeved by those who were now second guessing that choice.

We werent down there to make kumbaya, he continued. F  kumbaya. Youre f  business agents representing the stewards who we appoint  right, wrong, or indifferent.

Prosecutors played a secretly made recording of that Aug. 24, 2020, conversation for jurors in Doughertys federal extortion trial Tuesday, airing publicly for the first time what has become one of the most controversial pieces of evidence they collected in their case.

But like much in the trial so far, the import of that tape  and what Dougherty meant in his recorded statements  depended on who you asked.

 READ MORE: As it happened: Local 98 business agent details calls with John Dougherty over complaints about his nephew

Prosecutors say it shows the union chiefs willingness to defend his nephew at all costs. Theyve accused Dougherty of threatening economic repercussions for the contractor overseeing Fioccas work if his nephew didnt remain on the job.

The defense, however, maintains Doughertys statements on the recording prove what theyve said since the trials start last week: Any pressure Dougherty may have applied stemmed from his belief that the contractor was retaliating against his nephew because of his role as the unions steward.

If a steward is being harassed on a job site, defense lawyer Greg Pagano mused at one point during Tuesdays proceedings, shouldnt the membership back that steward up, regardless of whether its Johns nephew?

But arguments over the recording, what it means, and whether it should have been played for jurors at all stretch back years.

Prosecutors have not publicly identified who made it, except to say a member of Doughertys inner circle secretly taped that Aug. 24, 2020, meeting and handed it over to the FBI.

Dougherty insists its how investigators first learned of Fioccas Aug. 19, 2020, assault on his casino-site boss  the conflict at the heart of the current extortion case.

More importantly, hes maintained, the FBIs use of an informant close to him well after hed been indicted in 2019 on bribery and embezzlement charges constitutes a violation of his rights so severe that all of the charges against him should be thrown out.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Schmehl, who has presided over all three of Doughertys trials, settled that argument last year with his ruling that the government had not overstepped and a decision that prosecutors could play the recording during the union chiefs extortion case.

 READ MORE: John Dougherty extortion trial: Day-by-day recaps

They did so Tuesday during testimony from Local 98 business agent Robert Thompson, whose jurisdiction included the Live! Casino site.

He was emotional and upset, Thompson told jurors after listening to a playback of the tape in court. I took it for what it was. Ive worked for him long enough to know that.

Dougherty dispatched Thompson to the casino site shortly after learning that Fiocca had assaulted a supervisor there amid a long-running argument over frequent absences from work and the contractors decision to dock Fioccas pay.

It wasnt the first time, Thompson said, hed been called upon to mediate disputes between Fiocca and his bosses on various construction projects.

In fact, Thompson called Dougherty in March 2016 after Fiocca was laid off from another construction site after cursing out his supervisor on that job.

Prosecutors also played tape of that conversation, caught on an FBI wiretap, in court Tuesday.

F you, you f jerkoff, the business agent recounted Fiocca saying to his supervisor in his conversation describing the incident to Dougherty.

Eventually, the union chief vowed to look into it. In a separate call earlier that day, hed urged Fiocca to keep your mouth shut until the job is done.

Greg, youre talking like a nitwit, Dougherty told his nephew, as Fiocca continued to gripe about the conditions that prompted his blow-up with the supervisor. Stop acting like the world owes us a living.

In another phone call played Tuesday for jurors in court, Dougherty groused to others that Fioccas continued bad behavior was handcuff[ing him] for no reason.

Despite that acknowledgment of his nephews antics, prosecutors say Dougherty came to Fioccas defense and found him work somewhere else to ensure he would stay employed  just as he fought to keep him on the job after the 2020 fight at the casino construction site.

But in defense questioning of Thompson Tuesday, Doughertys attorneys noted that Fiocca was laid off from that 2016 job and Dougherty hadnt stood in the way.

Theyve balked at the notion that Dougherty in 2020 would, as the government contends, have threatened to pull all union electricians from the casino construction site just to keep his nephew employed.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Schmehl, the judge, allowed the defense Tuesday to call some of its witnesses out of order while the government is still presenting its case.

They included Jack ONeill, a former Local 98 lawyer, and Ryan Boyer, Doughertys successor as the head of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, an umbrella organization of the citys labor unions.

Both men testified that the casino project  undertaken in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic  was incredibly important to Dougherty.

The pandemic had forced a halt to construction across the state and the project was one of the first to restart  thanks in large part, Boyer said, to safety protocols that Dougherty and other heads of the building trades developed to ensure workers could do their jobs safely with minimal risk of contracting the virus.

Pulling Local 98s members from the job site after Fioccas fight with his bosses would have brought all that progress to a screeching halt once again.

It should go to Johns legacy, Boyer told jurors, not only all the things we did to keep our members safe but to keep construction work going. There was a lot of goodwill and a lot of coordination, and that was all led by John.

We made it work, he continued, and I was proud to be part of it.
A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus' Alumni Park on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Read more

Rage and fear blistered numerous U.S. college campuses on Wednesday, as the Israel-Gaza conflict continued to be the catalyst inciting pro-Palestinian demonstrations from the University of Southern California to Harvard Yard.

Police and activists clashed at the University of Texas at Austin, while masked students put up 40 tents at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dozens of arrests for trespassing or disorderly conduct have been made nationwide, while many Jewish students said theyve been subjected to antisemitism, according to the Associated Press.

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Across the country and in the Philadelphia region, at a time when campuses are normally winding down the school year and readying the rituals of graduation, many college administrators were faced with growing discontent and a moment-to-moment unease about what will happen next.

At Columbia University, which has been the seat of the pro-Palestinian protest, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson showed up on Wednesday to call for Columbia president Minouche Shafik to step down because, he said, she failed to protect Jewish students, the New York Times reported.

About the same time, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro criticized schools that didnt protect students sufficiently, leading to antisemitic incidents.

What were seeing at Columbia and what were seeing in some campuses across America, where universities cant guarantee the safety and security of their students, its absolutely unacceptable, Shapiro told Politico.

Columbia canceled in-person classes on Monday and said it would switch to a hybrid mode for the rest of the semester after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators set up an encampment at the school and were arrested. Protesters also were arrested at New York University and Yale, as encampments spread to other colleges, including the University of Michigans Ann Arbor campus.

About 4 a.m. Wednesday, Columbia officials issued a written commitment to engage in further negotiations with student protesters for at least 48 hours.

The universitys previous threats of an imminent sweep by the NYPD or the National Guard had severed negotiations, campus protesters wrote in a statement.

While the campus at Princeton University was quiet Wednesday, W. Rochelle Calhoun, vice president for campus life, issued a school-wide message by email in anticipation of potential unrest:

Any individual involved in an encampment, occupation, or other unlawful disruptive conduct who refuses to stop after a warning will be arrested and immediately barred from campus.

Students would jeopardize their ability to complete the semester, the email continued. In addition, members of our community would face a disciplinary process (for students this could lead to suspension, delay of a diploma, or expulsion).

Echoes of Penn

Johnsons call for Shafik to step down echoed the demands for the University of Pennsylvanias former president Liz Magill to resign after her testimony before a congressional committee on colleges handling of antisemitism on campus. Magill resigned in December following a bipartisan backlash against her comments and after a semester of near-weekly protests on campus. Shafik testified a week ago before the same panel, the House Committee on Education & the Workforce.

While Penn saw pro-Palestinian protests earlier this semester following the universitys tumultuous fall, there were no encampments or protests there Wednesday as officials planned for a community listening session dedicated to the conflict in the Middle East.

The session, which is open only to Penn students, faculty and staff, is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday on campus.

Last weekend, the Daily Pennsylvanian, Penns student newspaper, reported that Penn had suspended the pro-Palestinian student group Penn Against the Occupation from campus.

On Tuesday evening, Penns chapter of the American Association of University Professors in a statement condemned in the strongest terms the wave of recent repression of students and faculty engaged in peaceful and principled protest by university administrations across the country.

They also had harsh words for what they called the capricious and one-sided suppression of dissent at Penn this year, most recently seen in the unjustified ban of the student group.

Our university administration must end its campaign of one-sided suppression of political dissent, which discredits the entire institutions commitment to academic freedom, open expression, free inquiry, and freedom of association, they wrote. We further demand that disciplinary procedures against students at Penn and at campuses across the country be reviewed and revised by faculty and students, not administrators, to protect the freedoms and due process rights of all.

Peaceful at Swarthmore

Campuses in the Philadelphia region on Wednesday were relatively quiet. Officials at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, as well as Drexel and Temple Universities, reported no disuptions on their campuses.

At Villanova University, a Gaza Solidarity event has been scheduled by the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine for noon next Tuesday. Its being described by the chapter as a disruptive yet peaceful action, whose members ask participants to please wear your mask and wear all black.

At Swarthmore College, about 30 people spent Tuesday night in 20 tents erected Monday afternoon outside Parrish Hall.

The area was encircled with rope and dubbed the Peoples College for the Liberation of Palestine by protesting students.

The scene was peaceful Wednesday, with students spread out on blankets and sitting in circles on the grass. Others lounged on Adirondack chairs in the afternoon sun.

We want divestment from the settler-colonial state of Israel, said V.S., a student organizer and 21-year-old biology and philosophy major from India who wore a red and white keffiyeh draped over his shoulders. He declined to provide his full name, saying he feared doxing online and repercussions that could affect his visa.

V.S. called it morally depraved that the college has not stood up for the rights of Palestinians.

The liberation of Palestine is deeply intertwined with Black liberation, said V.S., who said many of the students protesting are Black and brown.

Cara Anderson, spokesperson for Swarthmore, said, We have engaged with student organizers ... on multiple occasions during the past several months, and we remain open and willing to explore more realistic ways to find common ground and bring this latest demonstration to a peaceful conclusion.

Protesters also include students with Jewish Voice for Peace. Among them is Julia Stern, 19, a sophomore from New York City studying history and environmental studies.

I think its very important to be here in solidarity, Stern said. Ive found the way colleges have been repressing students ... to be really reprehensible.

Swarthmore, a small, highly selective private college in Delaware County, for years has been a place for student protest over issues including divestment from fossil fuels, sexual assault, Greek life and most recently the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

In December, students belonging to the Swarthmore Palestine Coalition held a 15-day sit-in at the colleges main administration building, calling for the college to divest any financial holdings with Israel and push for a cease-fire.

In spring of 2019, student protesters seeking an end to Greek life staged a days-long sit-in at a fraternity house. In 2015, students held a 32-day sit-in, calling on the college to divest its endowment money out of fossil fuels.
Europes energy crisis is over; Robert Habeck, Germanys vice chancellor and secretary of energy, said so himself at a recent event in Berlin.

The United States played a huge role in making this possible. Your liquefied natural gas has been helping us wean ourselves off gas deliveries from Russia. But now that the crisis is resolved, its time to look at whats next. And there are three key reasons why Europe will not need more liquefied natural gas from the U.S. in the future.

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First, European gas consumption is declining. Last year, it was down 19% compared with the period before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. And thanks to our ambitious climate and energy policies, we expect demand to keep falling. The same is true in countries like Japan and South Korea.

As a result, existing export capacities in the U.S. are more than enough to supply all the liquefied natural gas we will need.

Second, liquefied natural gas is much worse for the climate than we initially thought, and no better than coal. As much as 9% of the natural gas extracted in the U.S. leaks into our atmosphere. Not only is this a huge waste of money, its also a disaster for the climate. Natural gas is just another name for methane, and in the immediate term, methane is up to 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide in fueling global climate change.

Third, renewables are already much cheaper than fossil fuels will ever be. Thats because every new solar panel and wind turbine can deliver free power for decades, while every new fossil plant is bogged down by a pricey lifetime subscription.

German consumers have long recognized this, and more than 400,000 of them are now operating their own small solar panels on their balconies. New liquefied natural gas terminals, meanwhile, are a horrendous waste of money; theyre the stranded assets of the near future, abandoned once they are no longer needed.

Some people claim that President Joe Bidens recent decision to pause all new liquefied natural gas projects is hurting Americas allies in Europe. Take it directly from a European ally: This is not true. Liquefied natural gas is expensive and harmful, and we do not need more of it than were already getting. Not only does President Bidens pause have my full support, I believe he should make it permanent.

In early March, I visited Chester and met Zulene Mayfield, cofounder of the environmental justice organization Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living. Until the pause in new projects, Chester was set to become the site of the biggest liquefied natural gas export terminal on the East Coast, even though the roughly 32,000-resident community already hosts a garbage incinerator, a toxic waste site, and countless industrial facilities.

Due to all this pollution, 27% of the children in Chester have asthma, which is more than four times the national average.

Horrified, yet inspired by Mayfields sheer grit, I invited her to testify at a public hearing of the German Bundestag, our national parliament. Asked about the negative impacts of the terminal on her community, Mayfield said something that shocked many of my fellow parliamentarians: Residents in Chester were told that they should be proud to make this sacrifice for the good of Americas allies in Europe.

Thats absolute hogwash. As a member of the German legislature, I cannot stand for such blatant lies, so this is my attempt to set the record straight. The European energy crisis is over. Existing export capacities are sufficient, and Pennsylvanians do not need to bear these burdens for our sake.

All we need is to continue reducing our gas consumption and building out renewables while reaping the benefits for our health and the planet. The future of energy is clean, green, and renewable, and we would all do well to get with the times.

Lisa Badum has been a member of the German Bundestag since 2017. She chairs the committee on international climate and energy policy and leads Germanys parliamentary delegation to the United Nations annual climate change conferences.
Sean Dougherty unseated State Rep. Kevin Boyle, a seven-term incumbent, in Tuesdays Democratic primary in a Northeast Philadelphia district and will advance to the general election in a critical race that could help determine which party controls the state House.

House Democrats poured more than $300,000 into Doughertys campaign in Northeast Philadelphia in recent weeks, hoping to unseat Boyle  who sought reelection without the partys support as his family said he is struggling with a serious mental health condition.

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On the Republican side, consultant Aizaz Gill won the GOP nomination for the seat, which Republicans are focused on flipping in November.

The Northeast is one of the more conservative areas of deep-blue Philadelphia. Registered voters in the 172nd District  which includes Fox Chase, Rhawnhurst, and Burholme  are 59% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 13% independent. That voter makeup is similar to the district of State Rep. Martina White (R., Philadelphia).

Dougherty, 30, is a former assistant Philadelphia public defender who has never held elected office. He is the son of state Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty. He is also the nephew of former labor leader John Johnny Doc Dougherty.

From his election night party at the Red Rooster Inn in the Northeast, Sean Dougherty got emotional as he took the stage alongside his mother and sister.

To all of those who knocked doors and helped me, I am forever grateful, Sean Dougherty said to a crowd of about 40 people. This is only the first step. No one will work harder than me or fight harder than me to make sure our voice in Northeast Philadelphia is heard. Lets go win it all.

Democrats recruited Sean Dougherty to run against Boyle in February, after Boyle had an outburst at a Montgomery County bar that made party leaders question his viability as a candidate. Days after that episode, Boyle still filed to run for reelection but lost his security access to the state Capitol building.

Gill, 31, is a consultant who most recently ran Councilmember Brian ONeills City Council reelection campaign. The graduate of Father Judge High School and Chestnut Hill College moved to Northeast Philadelphia when he was 9, after his family fled Pakistan and religious persecution. He was endorsed by the Philadelphia GOP.

Asked how he felt about unseating Boyle, Sean Dougherty said the situation is unfortunate.

Representative Boyle is a human being. Hes a father, a son, a brother, he added. I just hope that he seeks and receives the help and treatment that he needs, not only for himself, but for his family.

Sean Dougherty in his acceptance speech also referenced media coverage of the race, which has noted his family ties as a member of the politically powerful Dougherty family.

Throughout this campaign Ive been labeled a lot of things, so I feel as though its only appropriate tonight that I label myself, he said. I am the great-grandson of state representative, he said, going on to note members of his family, including his grandfather and father.

And also, I am Johnny Docs nephew, he added.

A warrant was issued for Boyles arrest last week for allegedly violating a protection-from-abuse order. But police withdrew that warrant Monday, and officials said the protection-from-abuse order was no longer valid. District Attorney Larry Krasner said police are still investigating Boyle.

Boyle has been open about his struggles with mental health in recent years. In 2021, he was arrested for harassment and violating a protection-from-abuse order filed by his then-wife, which was later expunged. His brother said in his statement that he made a full recovery with treatment and proper medication. Boyle said in a 2022 letter to constituents that he was having a psychotic episode at the time of his arrest and that his life was saved after subsequent treatment at a mental health facility.

Last week, his older brother, U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, said the reemergence of a mental health condition led to his brothers now-withdrawn charges and has been a nightmare for me and our family.

In the final days of the campaign, Sean Dougherty released ads criticizing Kevin Boyle as an absent lawmaker, citing his recent absences from the House and the revocation of his security access.

Some voters said Tuesday that they liked Boyle and felt bad about the situation.

I feel bad because he was an excellent state rep before his condition. A lot of us liked him more than his brother, said Veronica Bartch, a Democratic committeeperson in the 63rd Ward. I hope to see him back.

Ira Pitman said Boyles apparent mental health challenges and absences in the district motivated him to vote for Dougherty.

Because of his illness, he hasnt been able to serve us, Pitman said, outside of C.C.A Baldi Middle School.

Staff writer Beatrice Forman contributed to this article.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican, staved off a challenge from the right to win his partys nomination to retain his suburban district.

Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent who has represented Bucks County in the U.S. House since 2017, beat antiabortion activist Mark Houck Tuesday in the GOP primary for the 1st Congressional District. The Associated Press declared Fitzpatrick the winner at 8:13 p.m.

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Framing himself as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, Fitzpatrick has joined Democrats in key votes on gun control and infrastructure since President Joe Biden took office. But he also voted to impeach Bidens Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

Fitzpatrick ran a low-key campaign that avoided national and local media, declining to say whether he would attend former President Donald Trumps fundraiser in Bucks County just over a week before the primary.

Once again, our community has spoken with an overwhelming voice in support of unity, collaboration, moderation and bipartisanship, Fitzpatrick said in a statement posted to his campaign website Tuesday night. Our community is not far-left or far-right, we are centrist and pragmatic.

Fitzpatrick now faces a rematch against Democrat Ashley Ehasz, a former military helicopter pilot.

Ehasz lost to Fitzpatrick by nearly 10 points in 2022. She launched a new campaign last year signaling she would, once again, focus her campaign around abortion, gun control, and climate change.

Fitzpatrick may try to pass himself off as a moderate, but when it comes to defending womens reproductive rights, he falls in line with the most extreme factions of his party, Rep. Suzan DelBene (D., Wash.), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement Tuesday.

Houck had sought to capitalize on frustrations among local Republicans that Fitzpatrick is not conservative enough. He rose to prominence when he was charged, and later acquitted, for shoving a Planned Parenthood escort in 2021.

But Houck ran into barriers among voters who liked his policy positions but worried his hard-line stances, especially on abortion, would damage his ability to win in a general election.

Even some voters who were lukewarm on Fitzpatrick voted for him, citing concerns about Houcks ability to compete in a general election contest in the swing district.

We have to keep the majority to make changes, said Leigh Sherwood, a 64-year-old retiree who voted at Central Bucks South High School.

Fitzpatricks moderation was key to his appeal for Christine Caposcale, a 60-year-old teacher from Chalfont who turned out specifically to vote for the incumbent congressman.

I think hes trying to take the middle of the road, Capocasale said, contrasting Fitzpatrick against both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. I like his non-extremism.

Fitzpatricks stances earned him respect from some Democratic voters like Jerry Salome of the Montgomery Township.

Hes moderate  I dont feel as negative about him as I do Trump, Salomone said of Fitzpatrick. I dont object to him, but Ill vote against him in November, he added with a laugh.

Staff writers Maddie Hanna and Jesse Bunch contributed to this article.
Former President Donald Trump delivers remarks to supporters at a rally behind the Schnecksville Fire Hall in Schnecksville, Pa., earlier this month. Read more

At a Schnecksville, Pa., rally earlier this month, former President Donald Trump denounced the Biden administration for allowing a violent, undocumented immigrant into the United States who would go on to kill a Schuylkill Township woman.

But that man  Danilo Cavalcante, the convicted murderer who escaped a Chester County prison last August, generating fear throughout the area before being recaptured  actually came to the U.S. during the Trump administration.

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Cavalcante, 35, who had fled to Puerto Rico in 2018 to evade arrest for murder in his native Brazil, was in Pennsylvania at least by June 27, 2020, nearly seven months before Trump left office, according to a spokesperson for the Chester County District Attorneys Office.

On that day, Upper Providence Township police issued a warrant for Cavalcantes arrest for simple assault, harassment, and making terroristic threats against Deborah Brandao, the girlfriend he would later murder in April 2021. Upper Providence Chief of Police U. Mark Freeman confirmed the 2020 warrant request.

Cavalcante was arrested April 18, 2021, for stabbing Brandao to death, the spokesperson said. Cavalcante was convicted of first-degree murder on Aug. 16, 2023, then made international news when he escaped from Chester County Prison on Aug. 31. He was recaptured on Sept. 13.

During the rally, Trump pointed to Cavalcantes case as an example of Joe Bidens border bloodbath, despite his illegal entry taking place under Trumps own administration.

Right here in eastern Pennsylvania, you had an illegal alien criminal who murdered a woman from Chester County, stabbing her 38 times in front of her 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.  He was a violent, violent person, Trump said.

Then in September that same illegal alien escaped from Chester County Prison and prowled through suburban communities  hiding in backyards, breaking into homes, until he was found with a stolen gun and he was ready to do massive damage all over your community.

J.J. Balaban, a South Philadelphia-based ad maker for Democrats, said Trump supporters likely wont care about the fact that Cavalcante came to the country under the former presidents watch.

Im not optimistic that most of those who had attended Trumps rally would care if they found out that Trump was being hypocritical about Cavalcante by implying criminals come into the country only under Biden, he said. But Id like to think other voters might be more discriminating.

Rachel Lee, a Republican National Committee spokesperson, did not directly address questions about Trumps misinformation on the case. Instead, Lee issued a statement that accused Biden of giving the green light to sanctuary jurisdictions like Chester County that harbor illegal alien criminals, costing countless innocent lives without addressing the fact Cavalcante arrived in the United States before Biden took office.

On day one, President Trump will begin deporting Joe Bidens illegal aliens who threaten the safety of American communities and crack down on deadly sanctuary cities to ensure these senseless crimes finally end, she said.

Who is Danilo Cavalcante?

After his recapture, Cavalcante, was charged in November with escape, burglary, trespass, theft, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm, and stealing clothing and camping supplies, a refrigerated van, and a Ruger .22-caliber rifle from homes along his escape route in Chester County.

In Brazil six years before, Cavalcante was wanted for homicide after shooting 20-year-old student Valter Junior Moreira dos Reis five times on Nov. 5, 2017, in the state of Tocantins, according to Gazeta Do Cerrado, a Brazilian newspaper. The altercation allegedly occurred over a vehicle-repair debt dos Reis owed Cavalcante.

A warrant for Cavalcante was issued, and he hid in a wooded area, much as he did in Chester County.

In January 2018, Cavalcante illegally entered Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, during the second year of Trumps administration.

After entering Puerto Rico, Cavalcante obtained a fake ID and eventually settled in Chester County, where his sister and friends were already living, Gazeta Do Cerrado reported.
State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill introduces York County District Attorney Dave Sunday as he declares victory in the Republican primary for attorney general. Read more

Former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale won Tuesdays Democratic primary election for attorney general in a crowded field and will face York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, who handily won the Republican primary, in the November general election.

DePasquale, 52, was one of five Democratic candidates vying to become the states next top prosecutor. He was the only Democrat in the field who has previously held statewide elected office and the only one from Western Pennsylvania, with the rest hailing from the Southeast.

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Sunday, 48, rode the state Republican Partys endorsement and his record as a prosecutor to the Republican nomination over State Rep. Craig Williams (R., Delaware).

DePasquale and Sunday will advance to what is expected to be one of the most competitive and expensive state-level races this year. The attorney general, the states top prosecutor, has wide-ranging powers and is a position from which candidates often ascend to higher office.

DePasquale said that his win shows voters want to protect democracy and reproductive rights, and that hes excited by the opportunity to do so as the Democratic nominee.

Democrats across the state made me the nominee, and Im looking forward to the fight ahead, DePasquale said in an interview late Tuesday.

Sunday, in his acceptance speech at his election night party in York, said his victory was a sign that people all across Pennsylvania embrace and believe that accountability and redemption is what we need.

We have to hold people accountable, but on the other end of it, we have to embrace redemption as a society, Sunday added.

The sleepy primary election had few conflicts on either side, and the race is expected to heat up in the coming months.

Republican leaders coalesced around Sunday months before the primary, as the state GOP wanted to avoid its previous errors in the 2022 election, when they left the primary races open; party members cite that as the reason for their losing in the November election. Sunday got the Republican Attorneys General Association endorsement early, as well, giving him a leg up in the state partys endorsement process.

Williams dropped out of the state GOPs endorsement process and ran without the partys support, claiming that he was shut out of the endorsement process and that Sunday was handpicked by a small number of Harrisburg lobbyists to run for the office.

Sunday is a two-term district attorney for York County. He is a Navy veteran who, after his four years of service, said he worked at UPS while in college and law school. He then began his career in York County, and has spent the last 15 years working there as a prosecutor. He said his top issue is fighting the fentanyl epidemic in the state, as well as shoring up the states resources for mental health and elder fraud.

DePasquale is a former York County state lawmaker who also served two terms as auditor general during former Gov. Tom Wolfs administration. He is credited for getting the auditor generals office more attention, due to his investigations into the backlog of untested rape kits and unanswered calls to the states child abuse hotline. He said protecting the environment and reducing gun violence are among his top priorities.

DePasquale beat out his four Democratic opponents: State Rep. Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia), Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Philadelphias former top public defender Keir Bradford-Grey, and former Bucks County solicitor Joe Khan. He was outraised by Solomon, but still won Tuesdays election.

In Pittsburgh, where DePasquale grew up and returned to live in recent years, voters said he was the only candidate from Western Pennsylvania with name recognition.

The others  by mailing and by TV ads  have really controlled what you get in your mailbox and what you see on the airwaves, much more than Eugene DePasquale has been able to, said Liz Healy, 77, a Democratic committee chairperson in Pittsburghs Squirrel Hill neighborhood, noting that DePasquale had trailed behind several other candidates in fundraising.

Id be happy with any one of the five of them, Healy added.

Rob Issler, 42, a consultant from Warrington, voted for Khan, though he admitted he didnt know much about him, except that hes from Bucks County.

Ken Verbrugghe, 62, a retired police officer, voted for Stollsteimer for attorney general at his polling place at Roxborough High School, seeing him as the one who was most strongly opposed to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.

Republican voters appeared largely united around Sunday.

Brian Newswanger, 65 and a lifelong Republican who lives in Philadelphia, said the economy and safety were his top issues. He voted for Sunday, he said, because Williams was too focused on local issues and Krasner, rather than the statewide picture.

We got issues with our present [Philadelphia] DA, with Krasner, Newswanger said. It seems like [Williams] was focused on that, but theres a lot more that we need to be doing. [Krasner] is an issue that has to be dealt with. But there are other issues as well.

Solomon, asked if he had a message for DePasquale, said at his election night party in Philadelphia that Democrats are all going to unite and work as hard as we can.

Khan, at his election night party in Bucks County, said hed spoken to DePasquale to concede. Its hard to come all this way and come up a little short, Khan said.

Pennsylvanias attorney general is tasked with enforcing the states laws and investigating corruption. This can range from consumer protections, drug investigations, impaneling grand juries, and more.

However, the role has shifted in recent years, as the nations politics have become more polarized. The Pennsylvania attorney general often sues on behalf of the state in federal civil court against federal policies, depending on which party holds the White House.

Whats more: Whoever wins in November will be seen as a top contender for governor in future years.

State attorneys general have played an increasingly important role in national politics in recent years. GOP attorneys general have thwarted Bidens student debt relief plan and other policies, while Democratic attorney generals led the legal fight against Trump during his presidency, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was Pennsylvania attorney general at the time.

There is an open seat for attorney general in this years election. Shapiro, who became attorney general in 2020, stepped down to become governor last year and appointed Michelle Henry, his top deputy, to serve the remainder of his term. Henry did not run to serve another term.

Staff writers Maddie Hanna, Jake Blumgart, Zoe Greenberg, Aliya Schneider, Jesse Bunch, and Anna Orso contributed to this article.
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta poses for selfies with supporters following his victory speech at a party at the Divine Lorraine Hotel Tuesday, Apr. 23, 2024, after he won the Democratic primary election for auditor general. Read more

Malcolm Kenyatta, a state representative who represents North Philadelphia, defeated Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley in the Democratic race for state auditor general on Tuesday.

He will take on Republican incumbent Timothy DeFoor in the November general election.

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The auditor general is the states fiscal watchdog, responsible for reviewing government departments and checking how public dollars are spent. DeFoor was elected in 2020 and did not face a GOP primary opponent this year.

The 100 or so people who crowded into a rock-walled basement party venue inside the Divine Lorraine Hotel in North Philadelphia had every expectation that Kenyatta would win the primary.

Still, when Kenyatta swept into the club to the theme from Rocky, the group was shot through with electricity, their hero finally in their midst.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kenyatta said, excited but seemingly not surprised by a triumph that had been widely predicted. He added, I want to thank all the people who didnt support my campaign. Sometimes, we forget what we did all this for. It was to make life better for working people whove given up on the political process.

In his victory speech, Kenyatta criticized DeFoor for denying the results of the 2020 presidential election, going on to say that he relished the chance to debate.

I am confident that when voters look at our record, they will choose me to be their next auditor general.

In a giddy moment of victory, Kenyattas husband, Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, turned to his spouse and said, I love you and Im so proud of you. And congratulations!

Despite lacking a background in auditing, Kenyatta argued in his campaign that his experience on Pennsylvania House committees that oversee state agencies prepared him for the job. He proposed bringing back school bureau audits and creating a bureau focused on employee misclassification.

That can include, for instance, identifying actual employees as independent contractors. Employers who misclassify employees may be violating wage, tax, and employment laws.

Kenyatta was the first openly gay Black man to serve in the General Assembly, and was one of the youngest members ever elected when he won his seat in 2018 at age 28. He unsuccessfully ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in 2022.

In addition to his bid for auditor general, Kenyatta is running for his House seat. He is likely to win that seat, but would need to resign from the House if he becomes auditor general.

Staff writer Jeff Gammage contributed to this article.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley dropped out of the Republican presidential race in early March but still received more than 16% of the vote in Pennsylvanias Republican presidential primary Tuesday, a sign of discontent with former President Donald Trump as the GOP nominee.

The vote for Haley, whose name appeared on the ballot despite her campaign suspension, was strongest in Southeastern Pennsylvania, with Montgomery County giving Haley nearly a quarter of the vote.

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Those areas, heavily Democratic and home to many more moderate Republicans, are counties where Trump lost by his largest margins in 2020.

There is a non-trivial, significant minority of Republicans who are not going to vote for Donald Trump, former U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) predicted of the Pennsylvania general election.

Toomey was part of the 16% of voters who voted for Haley on Tuesday and said hell probably write in her name in November. Toomey was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack.

Its unclear what the impact may be on Trump in the fall. Many of the registered Republicans who voted for Haley may be moderate Republicans who had already turned against Trump, voted for President Joe Biden last time around, and plan to do the same in the general election.

With the election more than six months away, a large number of Republican Haley voters will also likely come around to Trump in a head-to-head matchup with Biden. And others will vote third party or wont vote at all.

Still, its a considerable slice of the electorate voicing a protest vote in a state where only Republicans can cast GOP primary ballots. Haley netted 26% of the vote in Michigans open primary in late March and 13% in Wisconsins in early April.

Theres been people who say all Haley supporters are Democrats in disguise, said Kenneth Scheffler, executive director of Haley Voters for Biden. I think theres 156,000 Haley supporters in Pennsylvania that put that lie aside.

Polling and conversations with voters reveal more of a mixed bag. About half of Haley voters interviewed by the New York Times after she dropped out, said they thought theyd end up voting for the Republican in November.

At the polls on Tuesday, Haley voters interviewed said they were frustrated with their options. They were divided on what theyll do in November.

 READ MORE: 'Were doing this again: The 2024 presidential rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is officially underway in Pa.

Eric Miller, a registered Republican for 40 years, voted Tuesday at Welsh Valley Middle School in Montgomery County for Haley. Miller, who works in information technology, voted for Biden over Trump in the last election and said Biden will likely get his vote again.

I dont like him, Miller said of Trump. I dont think he was a valid president. I think hes a danger to our democracy.

Jeffrey Gladstein, a 73-year-old Republican voting in Narberth, cast his vote for Haley, saying he couldnt stomach casting another ballot for Trump after the role the former president played in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

That was a threshold after which I cannot vote for him anymore, said Gladstein, who immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union 45 years ago.

Gladstein voted for Trump in 2020, even though he did not believe he was presidential material, because he supported his policies on deregulation and energy independence. He said hes unlikely to vote for Trump or Biden in the general election.

There were also signs of Democratic dissatisfaction with the top of the ticket Tuesday as Philadelphia and its surrounding counties saw an increase in write-in votes in the Democratic primary compared to 2020.

Liz Havey, former chairwoman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee, who had stopped by to check on poll watchers in Narberth Tuesday, said she is cautiously optimistic about a Trump victory in November.

It will depend, she said, on whether those Republican and independent voters, like Gladstein, come home to the party on Election Day.

I think there will be enough, she said.

 READ MORE: Protesters urged Pa. Dems to cast uncommitted votes against Joe Biden. The primary showed an uptick in write-ins.

Trump has caused lingering divisions in the state Republican party. Many Republicans blamed Trump for losses in Pennsylvania in 2022 and 2023.

Philadelphia GOP party chair Vince Fennerty, who backed Haley, predicted in December a down-ballot bloodbath in the general election if Trump became the nominee. After Haley dropped out in March, he said he was already seeing signs of the party coalescing around Trump, including in suburban urban areas.

Trump was asked in an interview Tuesday with 6abc how he explains Democratic gains in Pennsylvania in recent years. He responded by saying Pennsylvania is a very special place to me, and then claimed he is leading substantially in the polls there and were leading everywhere else.

A recent Bloomberg poll of seven swing states showed Trump with a 2-point lead in Pennsylvania and larger leads in all other swing states except Michigan, where he narrowly trailed Biden.

Bidens campaign has made some attempts at trying to appeal to Haley voters, including a digital ad that showed Trump calling Haley bird brain, and a very angry person. The ad invited Haley supporters to join the Biden team.

The Haley for Biden group has a goal of raising about $2 million to do outreach targeted to urban, suburban, and college-educated voters in swing states.

Scheffler, whose group plans to do targeted outreach in suburban parts of swing states this summer, said the Biden campaign should do more targeted outreach to those voters. He thinks theres a natural alignment between Bidens increase in domestic energy production and his role in pushing for funding to Ukraine that appeal to Haley voters.

Hes not gonna be Nikki Haley but its also true that Donald Trump isnt Nikki Haley, Scheffler said. Theres more he can do to engage with this audience and we hope that he will go beyond listening but actually trying to incorporate Haley supporters views into his agenda.

Staff writers Mike Newall and Rita Giordano contributed to this article.
Erin McClelland scored an upset win in the Democratic primary for state treasurer, defeating the party-backed candidate, State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D., Erie).

McClelland, 49, won the Tuesday contest despite being outraised 5-1 by her opponent. Bizzarro, 38, also had the advantage of dozens of endorsements from advocacy organizations across the state and the support of former Treasurer Joe Torsella  all of which she bucked in her victory.

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McClelland said she was stunned, but knew she had offered the right, policy-focused message to voters.

The only endorsement that matters is the one on election day, McClelland told The Inquirer.

Bizzarro focused much of his campaign on Republican incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity and her support for former President Donald Trump.

But voters, McClelland said, sought to know how the next treasurer would run the office.

We have an electorate that is very, very fatigued on being motivated by rage, McClelland said. Theyre looking for all their elected officials to just do their jobs.

A resident of the Pittsburgh suburbs, McClelland has worked in mental health and substance-abuse treatment, most recently for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. She argued that her experience prepared her to manage Pennsylvanias finances and pledged not to invest the states pension funds in foreign holdings.

McClelland will be one of few women on the top of the ticket in November, and she believes her win can be credited to women voters across the state.

This is a really important statement from the voters about the voice of women, she said. We talk about how we want their votes, but its really important to have their voice.

In a statement, Bizzarro said his commitment to Pennsylvania remains undiminished and he will continue his work as a state representative. He won the Democratic primary election for his state House seat in an uncontested primary Tuesday.

While the results were not what I expected or hoped for, I respect the voters choice, Bizzarro added.

McClelland previously unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House in Southwestern Pennsylvania in 2014 and 2016 against former Republican U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus. She also dropped out of the primary elections for U.S. House in 2018 and the Allegheny County executive race in 2023.

McClelland now faces a competitive general election against Republican incumbent Garrity. Garrity beat Torsella in an upset in 2020, marking the first time in nearly 20 years that a Republican bested an incumbent Democratic state row office-holder.

In a statement, Garritys campaign called McClelland a perennial candidate in search of a spot on the public payroll and said her ideas for the treasurers office are weird at best.

Erins biggest political asset was that she was running against Ryan Bizzarro, the campaign added. Now, her biggest political liability is that shes running against an incumbent with a proven record of accomplishment.

Staff writers Jeff Gammage and Jake Blumgart contributed to this article.
President Joe Biden campaigned in Philadelphia last week. The region will be key in determining whether Biden can hold onto the White House in November. Read more

Preliminary primary voting results from Pennsylvanias largest Democratic counties showed a higher percentage of write-in votes on the Democratic presidential party line than in the 2020 presidential primary, a possible sign of protest votes cast against President Joe Biden.

A total of 60,178 voters cast write-in ballots across the state in the Democratic primary, according to the Associated Press. The AP does not normally track write-in votes, but in a statement Wednesday evening it cited the large number of write-in votes in Pennsylvanias Democratic presidential primary race.

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The write-in votes accounted for 5.6% of the total Democratic electorate. Biden still overwhelmingly won with 86.9% of the vote, while Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips garnered 6.4% after suspending his campaign last month.

Progressive organizers mounted a campaign urging voters to write in uncommitted as a protest vote over Bidens ongoing support to Israel in its monthslong war against Hamas that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives. The group known as Uncommitted PA hoped to send a message to Biden in a critical swing state hell need in November.

 READ MORE: Were doing this again: The 2024 presidential rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is officially underway in Pa.

But unlike Michigan and some other states, Pennsylvania doesnt offer an uncommitted option on the ballot so its impossible to know what voters wrote in as of Wednesday. Typically, write-in responses can take days or weeks for counties to report.

The increase in write-in votes could be a symptom of larger voter frustration with the options at the top of the ballot.

In the six Pennsylvania counties with the most registered Democrats, the number of write-in votes counted in Tuesdays Democratic presidential primary far surpassed the 2020 figures, as of midday Wednesday.

Despite far fewer votes overall in this primary election, approximately 37,000 write-ins have been counted in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Allegheny Counties, compared with just 13,000 in 2020 when there was no protest vote organized.

Philadelphia had nearly six times the number of write-in votes for the Democratic nominee for president as it did in 2020. With about 96% of the expected vote in, the total number of votes counted in Tuesdays Democratic presidential primary in Philadelphia was half the total number recorded in 2020.

Some voters might have written in other names, like Mickey Mouse, or Gritty, instead of uncommitted. And theres some precedent for Democrats casting protest votes. In 2012, the last incumbent Democratic primary in Pennsylvania, almost 20,000 people wrote in votes instead of voting for then-President Barack Obama.

The total number of uncommitted votes statewide may never be calculated. The Philadelphia elections board attributes write-in votes to people, so if a voter wrote uncommitted election officials will likely mark the vote in that race as void, City Commissioner Seth Bluestein said in a text message

But the spike in write-ins on the Democratic side greatly overshadows GOP write-ins, likely reflecting, at least in part, the work of the Uncommitted Pennsylvania movement. The group had set a goal of getting 40,000 uncommitted votes statewide. Biden won Pennsylvania by a little more than 80,000 votes in 2020.

We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers who have engaged directly with voters today, either at the polls or through phone and text banking. Uncommitted PA organizer Shalah Ramadan said. Todays efforts are a testament to the growing support for the Uncommitted anti-war movement in the United States and growing desire for meaningful action by our President to change course in Gaza.

Abandon Biden, an organization that seeks to mobilize Muslim voters and allies, had encouraged voters to use the phrase No Joe as a write-in vote to protest Bidens stance on Gaza.

State Sen. Sharif Street (D., Philadelphia), the chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, pushed back on the criticism of Biden from these groups and called on voters to recognize the stakes of the general election rematch with former President Donald Trump.

As a Muslim American, I know that President Biden has my back and will fight for our community, Street said in a statement Wednesday. While Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans threaten our way of life, President Biden has stood up to protect our reproductive rights, economic opportunity, and democracy. This is the choice we face at the ballot box this November.

Pennsylvania voters overall have split over the Biden administrations handling of the conflict in the Middle East.

In an April Fox News poll, 24% of likely voters said they thought the administration was too supportive of the Israelis and 23% said it was too supportive of the Palestinians. The largest number, 40%, said Bidens approach was about right. Democrats were more likely than Republicans to think the White House was too supportive of the Israelis.

At the polls in Northwest Philadelphia on Tuesday, Rachel Elfenbein, who voted for Biden in 2020, said she was inspired by how the uncommitted vote won two Democratic delegates in Michigan in February.

Its time for him to shift policies, Elfenbein said of Biden. Pennsylvania is a swing state and we can use our power as voters to let him know how disappointed we are with his ongoing support of this war.

Still, Elfenbein said if it comes down to Biden or Trump in the November elections, shell back Biden.

In West Philly, Tea Jackson, 40, said she voted uncommitted because shes tired of the lesser of two evils.

Its definitely to send a message, said Jackson, who is considering voting for a third party in November.

Another uncommitted voter, Ripley Shultz, 30, said she didnt see much of a difference between the Biden and Trump presidencies, noting she felt both failed to support new immigrants.

At least one Democratic elected official hinted that he voted uncommitted in the primary.

State Sen. Nikil Saval said at his Arch Street Presbyterian Church polling station Tuesday that he was committed to defeating Trump. But he declined to answer directly if he voted for Biden.

He said Biden could boost his standing with young and progressive voters by expanding his domestic focus on climate, education, and affordable housing  and by changing course on Gaza. He called it hugely important, to defeat Trump in November.

 READ MORE: More than 150,000 Republicans voted for Nikki Haley in Pa.s presidential primary

With six months until the general election, there were also some signs of fractures among Republican Party voters in Tuesdays primary.

Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race in March, received about 16% of Republican primary votes, with her largest share in Philadelphias suburban counties, including Montgomery County, where she received nearly a quarter of the Republican primary vote.

Correction: This story has been updated to clarify that Philadelphia will likely mark uncommitted votes in the presidential race as void rather than the whole ballot.

Staff writers Michelle Myers, Nate File, Katie Bernard, and Abraham Gutman contributed to this article.
Voters cast their ballots at the Ford PAL Recreational Center in South Philadelphia on Tuesday. Read more

For years, neighborhood groups in Philadelphia have urged local officials to provide them with legal protections due to their city-sanctioned involvement in zoning matters, which could place them at odds with moneyed business owners.

Now Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will have to figure out how to indemnify registered community organizations (RCOs), after Philadelphia voters approved a ballot question Tuesday requiring the city to do so.

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Previous mayoral administrations blanched at the idea, fearing the city would end up paying legal bills for community organizations they had little control over and that occasionally indulged in bizarre, reactionary, or even illegal behavior.

But as one of his last acts, former City Council President Darrell Clarke pushed to pass a law last year that would require city government to indemnify RCOs. The legislation required approval by voters to amend the citys Home Rule Charter. Such ballot measures almost always pass and this one proved no exception Tuesday.

Clarke admitted that larger RCO revision was needed, but he said that as long as the city was asking local residents to be an official part of the zoning process, they should get some protection.

For supporters of the measure, its an equity issue. RCO leaders say they feared lawsuits brought by developers or restaurant groups that could destroy neighborhood groups or even burden individual members with legal debt.

Most community organizations in the citys wealthy neighborhoods have directors and operators insurance, which protects leadership from being sued individually. But activists in lower-income neighborhoods are often left exposed.

Still, the citys RCO landscape is chaotic, with hundreds of overlapping organizations that can range from a lone activist to a community development corporation or a political ward. Only one piece of RCO reform legislation has been introduced this year  requiring that members of an organization live in the area they represent  and it applies only to Cindy Basss Council district in Northwest Philadelphia.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he was immediately rushing badly needed weaponry to Ukraine as he signed into law a $95 billion war aid measure that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hot spots.

The announcement marked an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine, with Biden promising that U.S. weapons shipment would begin making the way into Ukraine in the next few hours.

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We rose to the moment, we came together, and we got it done, Biden said a White House event to announce the bill signing. Now we need to move fast, and we are.

But significant damage has been done to the Biden administrations effort to help Ukraine repel Russias invasion during the funding impasse that dates back to August, when the Democratic president made his first emergency spending request for Ukraine. Even with a burst of new weapons and ammunition, its unlikely Ukraine will immediately recover after months of setbacks.

 READ MORE: With prayer and protest, Philly Ukrainians call for U.S. support on 2nd anniversary of Russian invasion

Biden immediately approved sending Ukraine $1 billion in military assistance, the first installment from about $61 billion allocated for Ukraine. The package includes air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles and other weapons to shore up Ukrainian forces who have seen morale sink as Russian President Vladimir Putin has racked up win after win.

Meanwhile, Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials confirmed Wednesday. The U.S. is providing more of the Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, in the new military package, according to one official who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Still, longer term, it remains uncertain if Ukraine, after months of losses and massive damage to its infrastructure, can make enough progress to sustain American political support before burning through the latest influx of money.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan cautioned that even as new U.S. aid flows into Ukraine, its possible that Russia will continue to make tactical gains in the weeks ahead.

The fact is that its going to take some time for us to dig out of the hole that was created by six months of delay, he said.

Tucked into the measure is a provision that gives TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell it or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States. The administration and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have called the social media site a growing national security concern, which ByteDance denies.

The bill includes about $26 billion in aid for Israel and about $1 billion in humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war continues. Biden said Israel must ensure the humanitarian aid for Palestinians in bill reaches the Hamas-controlled territory without delay.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., delayed the aid package for months as members of his partys far right wing, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, threatened to move to oust him if he allowed a vote to send more assistance to Ukraine. Those threats persist.

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has complained that European allies have not done enough for Ukraine. While the former president stopped short of endorsing the funding package, his tone has shifted in recent days, acknowledging that Ukraines survival is important to the United States.

Many European leaders have long been nervous that a second Trump term would mean decreased U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO. The European anxiety was heightened in February when Trump in a campaign speech warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries that dont meet defense spending goals if he returns to the White House.

It was a key moment in the debate over Ukraine spending. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg quickly called out Trump for putting American and European soldiers at increased risk. But in reality, the White House maneuvering to win additional funding for Ukraine started months earlier.

Biden, the day after returning from a trip to Tel Aviv following Hamas militants Oct. 7 attack on Israel, used a prime-time address to make his pitch for the funding.

At the time, the House was in chaos because the Republican majority had been unable to select a speaker to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who had been ousted weeks earlier at the urging of restive legislators on the right.

 READ MORE: NATO allies urge Congress to pass Ukraine aid bill | Trudy Rubin

Far-right Republicans have adamantly opposed sending more money for Ukraine, with the war appearing to have no end in sight. Biden in August requested more than $20 billion to keep aid flowing into Ukraine, but the money was stripped out of a must-pass spending bill.

By late October, Republicans finally settled on Johnson, a low-profile Louisiana Republican whose thinking on Ukraine was opaque, to serve as the next speaker. Biden during his congratulatory call with Johnson urged him to quickly pass Ukraine aid and began a monthslong, largely behind-the-scenes effort to bring the matter to a vote.

In private conversations with Johnson, Biden and White House officials leaned into the stakes for Europe if Ukraine were to fall to Russia. On explicit orders from Biden, White House officials also avoided directly attacking Johnson over the stalled aid.

Biden praised Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., saying in the end they stepped up and did the right thing.

History will remember this moment, he said.

At frustrating moments during the negotiations, Biden urged his aides to just keep talking, keep working, according to a senior administration official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

So they did. In a daily meeting convened by White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, the presidents top aides would brainstorm possible ways to better make the case about Ukraines dire situation in the absence of aid.

The White House also sought to accommodate Johnson and his various asks. For instance, administration officials at the speakers request briefed Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., two conservatives who were persistent antagonists of Johnson.

In public, the administration deployed a strategy of downgrading intelligence that demonstrated Russias efforts to tighten its ties with U.S. adversaries China, North Korea and Iran to fortify Moscows defense industrial complex and get around U.S. and European sanctions.

The $61 billion can help triage Ukrainian forces, but Kyiv will need much more for a fight that could last years, military experts say.

Realistic goals for the months ahead for Ukraine  and its allies  include avoiding the loss of major cities, slowing Russias momentum and getting to Kyiv additional weaponry that could help them go on the offensive in 2025, said Bradley Bowman, a defense strategy and policy analyst at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies in Washington.

I think Ukrainian success is not guaranteed, Bowman said, but Russian success is if we stop supporting Ukraine.

Biden lamented that the package did not include money to bolster U.S. border security. The White House had proposed including in the package provisions it said would have helped stem the tide of migrants and asylum seekers coming to the U.S. Republicans, however, rejected the proposal at the urging of Trump, who did not want to give Biden the win on an issue thats been an albatross for the Democratic administration.
President Joe Bide at a campaign stop at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center last week. Read more

Write in votes in the Democratic presidential primary in Philadelphia this year exceeded write in votes from the 2020 election by nearly seven to one. Progressive activists had mounted a campaign to ask Democrats to write uncommitted on their ballot as a protest against President Joe Bidens support for Israel in its war against Hamas.

Unlike Michigan and some other states, Pennsylvania doesnt offer an uncommitted option on the ballot so its impossible to know what voters wrote in as of Wednesday. It might not be clear for weeks.

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And it may never be clear how many Philadelphia voters wrote uncommitted on their ballot for the presidential primary.

The Philadelphia elections board attributes write in votes to people. So if a voter wrote uncommitted or no Joe on their ballot election officials will likely mark that vote as void rather than counting it alongside similar write-ins in the same race.

Julia Terruso contributed to this article.
Longtime Republican State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie will take on Democrat U.S. Rep Susan Wild in November as she seeks to defend the Lehigh Valley swing district.

The Associated Press called the race at 9:41 p.m., declaring Mackenzie the winner of the three-way race that also featured Maria Montero and Kevin Dellicker.

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Throughout his campaign Mackenzie highlighted his early support for former President Donald J Trump alongside his record in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. First elected to the legislature in 2012, Mackenzie argued his record passing bills that cut taxes and required employers to run immigration checks on workers set him apart from his competitors.

Mackenzie will take on Wild in November in the Lehigh County race that has drawn intense focus from Republicans and Democrats nationwide as a key battleground. Wild, who was first elected in 2018, retained her seat by just two points in 2022.

Wild, a moderate Democrat, has highlighted her willingness to work across the aisle alongside her support for abortion access and LGBTQ rights.
Located to the south of historic Bartram Village and Bartram's Garden park, this planned townhouse development will be the first phase of the redevelopment of the larger housing complex. Read more

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) on Tuesday unveiled the first phase of its sweeping redevelopment of Bartram Village in Southwest Philadelphia, with 64-units of mixed-income rental housing.

The Bartram Village public housing site at its peak hosted 500 units built in barracks-style buildings for defense workers in 1942. The first phase of the redevelopment plan is just south of that site, at 2639 S. 58th St., where townhouses, apartments, and amenities like a community room and playground will replace a vacant lot.

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We are actually doing our first phase on an off-site property because the Housing Authority is working through relocation with existing residents and figuring out what makes sense in terms of relocation and phasing on the actual site, said Lindsey Samsi, a senior developer with national low-income housing developer Pennrose LLC, which is partnering with PHA on the project.

Historically, Bartram Village, which has a troubled history, has been home almost exclusively to very low-income residents.

The eventual redevelopment will total 600 housing units including some for ownership and potentially some commercial space for shops and eateries. The affordable rentals will target a variety of income levels.

That will be the case, too, with the first phase of the redevelopment, which will be reviewed by the citys advisory Civic Design Review committee on May 7. Among the 64 units, 12 will be rented at market-rate, meaning there will be no rent subsidy.

The idea is to deconcentrate poverty and to deconcentrate certain income pools, Samsi said. In an effort to do so, we mix in various income tiering within the affordable housing units and then 10 to 12 market-rate units in the first phase of the project.

She notes that market-rate rentals in this part of Southwest Philadelphia are priced much lower than those to the north in Kingsessing, Squirrel Hill, or Cedar Park. The lowest-cost one-bedroom unit would be at $395 a month, while the highest one-bedroom could be up to $1,186. Tenants in subsidized units would pay a third of their income in rents.

PHA has been planning the Bartram Village redevelopment for six years and in 2023 received a coveted Choice Neighborhood Initiative implementation grant of $50 million from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Pennrose and PHA are hoping to break ground by the end of the year. The timing of the larger redevelopment is unclear as PHA looks for places for existing tenants to live in the interim. As in all of its large-scale redevelopment projects in recent history, PHA will ensure that current residents have a right to return to the redeveloped project when it is done.

Relocation is very important to the residents, but also Im hearing from residents that people want to remain in the neighborhood where they lived for generations, Samsi said.
We are pleased to be the first Brazilian broker in Latin America to enter into this partnership with RiskExplorer, said Juliana Oliveira, MD of structured solutions. We now have the best global expertise combined with the excellence of our local team to offer more effective solutions and create value for our clients.
Previously, state courts have taken a mixed approach to non-compete agreement restrictions. In many cases, a non-compete agreement may be thrown out if it is found to be overreaching. That could be based on the seniority of an employee or because terms are too broad, for example encompassing too big of a geographic region or failing to stipulate a reasonable timeframe.
Herman, meanwhile, had this to say: We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kyle aboard as another example of improving our executive talent. He brings considerable experience in the insurance industry to GIG and has built a strong career in the financial management profession.
I am thrilled to step into this role at such a crucial time for our company, he said. This past year's growth has shown what we are capable of, and I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to innovate and expand our reach in the global market.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb last week announced a resolution of his offices lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the NRA Foundation that alleges misuse of nonprofit funds and other violations of the Districts Nonprofit Corporation Act (NCA).

The terms of the consent agreement do not include any financial penalty but require additional oversight and operational changes to ensure that the NRA Foundation operates independently from the NRA and fully complies with nonprofit laws. The Districts nonprofit statute does not authorize penalties; rather, its focus is to bring nonprofits in violation of the law into compliance.

The NRA agreed to the changes but without admitting any liability. The gun rights group denies the Districts allegations.

The NRA Foundation collects tax-deductible contributions to be used for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes related to firearms, firearm safety, hunting safety, firearm history, and marksmanship, and it is authorized to provide grants and sponsorships to organizations across the country related to these charitable purposes.

While the Foundation can provide financial support to the NRA, it can only fund NRA activities consistent with its stated charitable purposes, according to Schwalb.

OAGs 2020 lawsuit alleged that the Foundation disregarded its duty to operate independently by permitting the NRA and its executives to dictate its spending. The District said NRA tapped the Foundations coffers for grants and loans when the NRA needed money due to financial problems, decreasing membership, and lavish spending by its executive leadership.

A New York jury recently found such spending to be part of a pattern of corruption and mismanagement by the NRA and its leaders. The jury found that the NRAs longtime chief executive, Wayne LaPierre, misspent millions of dollars of the organizations money on exotic getaways and trips on private planes and yachts.

Donors are entitled to know that their charitable contributions will be used in furtherance of a nonprofit organizations stated charitable mission. The NRA Foundationthe charitable arm of the NRAviolated this sacred public trust, allowing the NRA to use them as an unchecked piggy bank, stated Schwalb.

The attorney general said the Foundation diverted millions of dollars to the NRA in grants and loans that were repaid only after the District filed its lawsuit.

The terms of the District settlement include requiring that the NRA Foundation conduct annual nonprofit compliance training for every board member or officer; form an audit committee to ensure Foundations financial affairs are in order and work with an external auditor; establish a new conflict-of-interest policy; adopt new policies governing grantmaking, loans, and shared services; adhere to the Foundations nonprofit mission; and report any Foundation policy changes to OAG within 30 days.

Topics Gun Liability
April Hurleys attacker entered her apartment after identifying himself as the building maintenance man  a job he should never have obtained, according to a lawsuit filed Monday that accuses the property owner and management company of engaging in negligent hiring practices.

Once inside the apartment, Jason Billingsley tortured Hurley and her companion, Jonte Gilmore, according to police and the lawsuit. The victims escaped by climbing out a basement window after being set on fire, the complaint says.

Days later came the brutal killing of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere in September, which police also linked to Billingsley. He was ultimately arrested and charged in both cases.

But what if hed never had the opportunity to commit that first attack, attorneys for Hurley and Gilmore asked during a news conference Monday morning.

Jason Billingsley acted alone but had an accomplice. That accomplice was the negligence and incompetence of the companies that hired him, said attorney Andrew OConnell. By allowing this violent criminal to slip through the cracks, they not only endangered the safety of our clients but also shattered the tranquility of what it means to be home.

The lawsuit alleges that the companies failed to complete an appropriate background check on Billingsley, whose criminal record included sex offenses and violence.

The west Baltimore apartment building is owned by Property Pals LLC and managed by Edens Homes LLC, according to the lawsuit. Property Pals didnt respond to an email seeking comment Monday. Edens Homes didnt respond to a call and text message. The Maryland Office of the Public Defender, which represents Billingsley in the criminal cases, also didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. He is also a named defendant in the civil suit.

The night of her attack, Billingsley identified himself as building maintenance and said there was a flood in the kitchen, according to the complaint. As Hurley walked up the stairs, Billingsley overpowered her, beat her with a gun, bound her with duct tape, raped her and slit her throat with a serrated knife, the complaint says. He also handcuffed Gilmore and forced him into a closet before dousing both victims in gasoline and setting them on fire, according to police and the lawsuit.

Police later found a backpack and other items in the bushes outside the house, including duct tape, a bleach container, a gas can and a lighter.

The fact that Im sitting here in front of you guys today is honestly a miracle, Hurley said during the news conference. Jason Billingsley literally tried to take my life. He tried to take my life, and this could have been prevented.

Billingsley was released from prison in October 2022 after serving a shortened sentence for a 2013 rape because he earned good behavior credits behind bars.

LaPere, who founded a tech startup from her dorm room at Johns Hopkins University and was named to Forbes 30 under 30 list for social impact, died from strangulation and blunt force trauma. In a bail review hearing following Billingsleys arrest, prosecutors said he had admitted to beating LaPere with a brick. He gained entry to her downtown Baltimore apartment building after waving her over to its glass door, but theres no reason to believe they knew each other, according to police.

Her body was found on the buildings rooftop six days after the attack on Hurley and Gilmore.

Billingsley had been quickly identified as a suspect in the rape and arson case. Baltimore police said they were actively pursuing him, but they didnt immediately alert the public because they didnt think he was committing random acts of violence.

Attorneys for Hurley and Gilmore criticized the departments decision, saying they believe police failed to take the case seriously because it occurred in a disenfranchised neighborhood and the victims were people of color.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Fraud Talent Property
A New York state appeals court has reinstated Chubb insurance companies bid for judgments declaring that they are not obligated to cover thousands of sex abuse lawsuits brought against the Archdiocese of New York (ADNY).

Chubb insurers have maintained that the alleged incidents of sex abuse do not trigger coverage because they were not accidents or occurrences caused by negligence but were instead the result of intentional, known or expected occurrences and thus fall outside of their policies. The Chubb insurers also allege that coverage is not available because the church has not cooperated with them in their efforts to assess the claims.

ADNY has insisted the Chubb insurers are obligated to provide coverage and the church won that argument in a court ruling last December. But a state appeals court has now unanimously rejected most of that lower court ruling and reinstated Chubbs action seeking declaratory judgments.

Last December, Judge Suzanne J. Adams of the state Supreme Court for New York County ruled that the Chubb insurers had no cause of action, finding that the plain language of their insurance policies covers bodily injury and negligence as alleged in the sex abuse lawsuits. Adams wrote that it is obvious that the insurers policies cover the underlying claims. She dismissed the insurers evidence documents regarding the churchs knowledge of abuse as conclusory allegations bare legal conclusions with no factual specificity that are insufficient to survive a motion to dismiss.

Wrong Focus

That denial of Chubbs declaratory judgments was overturned on April 23. The Appellate Division, First Judicial Department of the New York Supreme Court, said the lower court wrongly focused on the allegations in the lawsuits, most of which allege negligence, rather than on Chubbs allegations in its complaint about ADNYs prior knowledge and non-cooperation.

Supreme Court should not have dismissed the complaint on the finding that it only raised bare legal conclusions. The complaint adequately sets forth factual bases for the declaratory judgments it seeks, the appeals court asserted.

The relevant inquiry is whether the Archdioceses actions fall within or without the operative policies, the higher court stated. The complaint sufficiently alleges that recovery would fall outside the scope of plaintiffs duties to defend and indemnify if the Archdiocese had knowledge of its employees conduct or propensities.

The appeals court faulted the lower court for discounting Chubbs allegations concerning the Archdioceses longstanding awareness of sexual abuse as non-specific, common knowledge type allegations. against the Catholic Church. The court said the allegations are drafted with sufficient precision to enable the court to control the case and the opponent to prepare.

The insurers had cited media reports, admissions by church leaders including New Yorks Cardinal Timothy Dolan, investigations by 20 state attorneys general, and the underlying lawsuits themselves as evidence that the church knew about the sexual abuse of minors, failed to stop it, covered it up, and then lied about it.

The appeals court found that Chubbs complaint also sufficiently pled a noncooperation defense. The insurer said it requested but did not receive information from the ADNY about its policies and practices concerning the handling of allegations of sexual abuse by clergy, its knowledge of the scope and pervasiveness of sexual abuse by clergy, and other issues relevant to the ADNYs requests for coverage.

However, the appeals court said a third Chubb claim based on the known loss doctrine was not viable.

In blunt terms, the appellate court today rejected the ADNYs arguments and the trial courts decision, Chubb commented in a statement released yesterday.

As the court decided, The complaint sufficiently alleges that recovery would fall outside the scope of plaintiffs duties to defend and indemnify if the Archdiocese had knowledge of its employees conduct or propensities.'

ADNY Criticism

ADNY has accused Chubb of elevating its own interests above its policyholders and the survivors and accusing it of seeking to avoid financial responsibility based on an Alice in Wonderland claim that proof of negligence is actually proof of intentionality, the church has asserted.

New York enacted the Child Victims Act in 2019 and the Adult Survivors Act in 2022, giving individuals with time-barred claims alleging sexual abuse more time to bring claims. ADNY and its 300 parishes and 200 schools, which serve 10 counties, are facing more than 3,000 lawsuits alleging negligence concerning sexual abuse by clergy, lay people, teachers and others from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Chubb and its affiliates issued more than 30 primary and excess general liability policies to the archdiocese from 1956 to 2003. Chubb has been defending 2,770 of the VCA lawsuits under a full reservation of rights.

Topics New York Claims Chubb
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a lot of interest from insurers and reinsurers because of its potential to revolutionize innovation, cut costs and improve the customer experience.

Generative AI (or Gen AI) is the term used for technology that is able to generate completely new text, images, video and other materials when prompted by a user. It does so by using reference data to establish patterns and then providing new material with the same (or similar) characteristics.

Comparing generative AI with its machine learning predecessor is a bit like comparing a child, who has to be taught to read and write, with a teenager, who can do these things already and is moving on to history.

While the neural networks in machine learning had to be trained through the creation of large, labeled datasets that were time-consuming and expensive to produce, that need is eliminated with generative AI. With just a few instructions, generative AI models can find patterns between elements mathematically and produce accurate predictions and original content across a wide variety of scenarios at speed.

The upshot is a vastly greater level of understanding ofand response totext and images than in machine learning, and this capability becomes exponentially more powerful as the algorithm gains expertise. Far more than just a new technology, generative AI is a transformative force.

Generative AIs enormous potential is closely matched by the euphoria surrounding it. Unlike machine learning, or indeed blockchain, generative AI has garnered widespread C-suite buy-in. Thats largely down to ChatGPT. Quickly becoming the fastest-growing consumer application ever after its launch just over a year ago, the public chatbot is now mainstream and businesses are playing catchup.

Caution Required

Those insurers that are already fully digitized are better positioned to integrate generative AI solutions and plug-ins seamlessly. However, for insurers with more traditional, paper-based processes, generative AI can also be harnessed to create efficiencies. The perception that insurers and insurance agencies must digitize first before they can use generative AI at all is a false one.

Some insurance sector companies are already trialing ChatGPT or another public interface. However, the huge amount of sensitive, personal data held by our industry means firms should move extremely carefully.

The perception that insurers and insurance agencies must digitize first before they can use generative AI at all is a false one.

A better approach is to train the large language models (LLMs) used in generative AI within the private sphere via a sandbox-type approach that mitigates the risk of data leakage.

When deploying the technology, companies should take small steps initially, looking first to harvest the low-hanging fruit. Middle and back-office functionswhere there is duplication or where part of the process is manualare obvious places to start.

At insurance agencies, producing proof of coverage or checking policies with binders are two such functions.

Within underwriting at commercial insurers, generative AI can be akin to having a junior assistant in the room, albeit a particularly speedy one, with unlimited time and infinite patience. If you train the LLM by asking it specific questions, it can locate and instantly extract information from voluminous engineering and risk survey reports.

Generative AI can be used to transform risk assessment and underwriting using the ChatGPT platform integrated into the secure Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to analyze an extensive property report. Traditionally, an underwriter spends hours reading such reports. However, in our demonstration, the underwriter could instantaneously extract key highlights.

In personal lines, there has been success using the technology to perform entry-level work at customer service centers, such as making changes to policies.

To implement generative AI, a helpful approach is to look at the relatively straightforward processes within an operation, slowly start increasing the proportion handled by generative AI and, as confidence grows, reduce the level of human checks on its output.

Where to Proceed With Caution

When deploying generative AI across an organization, it is important to tread carefullybe wary, for example, about allowing it to adjudicate on claims or to make underwriting decisions, because of the fundamental part these activities play in the insurance contract. Product design and policy language creation are other areas where unleashing generative AI would be premature.

Its important to remember that generative AI is trained on data on the Internet, which is full of racial, gender, social, age-related and other biases. Until you are sure that that the bias is controlled and identifiedbecause it certainly cant be eliminatedcaution is key. The alternative is customer harm and huge reputational damage for the individual insurance business, and potentially for the industry as a whole.

It goes without saying that companies using generative AI should first establish robust governance frameworks. Regulators can also play a meaningful role in helping ensure the application of generative AI aligns with the broader societal function of insurance. However, the fast pace of technological development means its essential for policymakers to move at speed.

Generative AI can never replace the actions that stem from an organizations values and culture. For example, AI should not be making decisions around whether to help out a longstanding customer, or to pay claims en masse in an exceptional situation because its the right thing to do.

Many executives have gotten very excited about the scope for savings that generative AI offers. Deloittes third-quarter North American CFO Signals Survey cited cost savings as the biggest benefit. Some two-thirds of the executives surveyed said use cases of generative AI and an evaluation of the costs, benefits and returns are what they need to make informed decisions about how to use it.

The industry needs to experiment away from the public glare and use extreme caution, focusing on those painless gains that can be achieved without putting customers or reputations at risk.

It is very clear that the technology should be regarded as a tool to liberate employees from laborious, repetitive tasks, rather than as the key to eliminating a given percentage of the workforce. Indeed, it is reassuring to see that 59% of CEOs in EYs July 2023 global survey said jobs affected by AI would be counterbalanced by new roles.

In some quarters of the insurance industry, an equally unhelpful attitude to generative AI is that it should take a backseat to immediate priorities, such as trimming expense ratios, tracking ever-evolving cyber risks, or dealing with the increased frequency of natural catastrophes. In fact, generative AI can help with all three, and those insurance groups that refuse to engage will lose relevance.

In the future, the right combination of data and technology will be the backbone of insurance companies, with a small number of people being very efficient about building scale and focusing on more complex and meaningful work. Generative AI should also help us rebrand as data science specialists to attract the young talent that weve struggled to recruit, as well as plug the attritional workforce losses created by an unprecedented level of retirees from the industry.

The transformative force that is generative AI can address the insurance sectors need to digest and process massive amounts of data from diverse sources and extract insights. It empowers insurers to enhance risk assessment, meet the evolving needs of customers, and streamline operations.

However, in the near term, a considered approach is needed. The industry needs to experiment away from the public glare and use extreme caution, focusing on those painless gains that can be achieved without putting customers or reputations at risk.

This article first was published in Insurance Journals sister publication, Carrier Management.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
Standard Chartered Plc is facing about 1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) worth of investor claims at a London trial over allegations it systematically breached Iranian sanctions to win new business.

A London judge ruled on Friday [April 19] that the trial, that will also probe accusations of bribery, should be split into two parts with the first scheduled for October 2026.

The bank was sued by hundreds of investors over the claims of widespread misconduct, which has so far cost the bank more than $1.7 billion in penalties. The lender is facing the claim after it told watchdogs that it processed hundreds of millions of dollars in clearing transactions between 2008 and 2014 through its Dubai offices on behalf of Iranian entities.

The case over alleged lack of shareholder disclosure is without merit and the bank will continue to vigorously defend the claim, a spokesperson for the bank said in an emailed statement. We consider that the bank fully complied with its reporting and disclosure obligations throughout the relevant period.

The ruling follows a decision last year when the court had refused the banks request to strike out claims that the alleged sanctions violations and bribery was more systematic and extensive than it had previously admitted to US regulators in 2019. Earlier this year, the bank won permission to appeal the decision, which will be heard in May.

The plan, known to high-level officials as Project Green, allowed for an internal department in Dubai to create fraudulent records to disguise Iranian-connected clients.

Photograph: Standard Chartered headquarters in London. Photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
Jensten is set to further scale its scheme and affinities business with the acquisition of UK broker Robert Gerrard & Co.

The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, will introduce a dedicated team of 19 professionals and an office located in Chingford, England to the business. Financial details were not provided.

Robert Gerrard & Co is the leading UK insurance broker that specializes in the lift and escalator industry. Offering an extensive range of tailored policies, including its Lift Plan product, Robert Gerrard & Co. provides comprehensive coverage unmatched in the lift and escalator industry, Jensten noted.

In addition to its lift and escalator expertise, Robert Gerrard & Co. also provides tailored commercial services to clients across various industries, as well as select personal lines products in the Chingford area.

Managing Director Carla Preston will continue to lead the business, reporting to Simon Henderson, managing director  Schemes and Affinities at Jensten Insurance Brokers.

We wanted to partner with a company that recognized the value of our specialties, staff, and expertise. We also wanted to maintain our momentum in growing the business while consistently serving our clients and partners, commented Preston.

Jensten was the perfect fit for us, offering the support and resources necessary for our continued growth. We are excited for the future and the prospects that this partnership will deliver, for our team, for our clients and for Jensten, Preston added.

Building on Jenstens strong momentum in 2024, this follows earlier announcements regarding the acquisitions of Melville Burbage and Henry Seymour & Co, alongside a 170 million investment in new funding facilities. This most recent announcement demonstrates Jenstens continued dedication to expanding and scaling its business.

The success weve seen in the first part of 2024 demonstrates the value of the proposition and platform Jensten has meticulously built over the last three years, bringing us significantly closer to reaching 1 billion in premium within our group, according to Alistair Hardie, chief executive of Jensten.

This acquisition represents another significant milestone in the growth of our schemes and affinities business. At Jensten, our goal is to deliver the best solutions for our clients by understanding their specialist needs, said Henderson.

Source: Jensten

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies
ICEYE, the microsatellite manufacturer and catastrophe monitoring company, announced definitive agreement signed for an oversubscribed $93 million growth funding round.

The financing will further accelerate investment in the worlds largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and expand the companys portfolio of innovative data and subscription products.

The round builds on the success of the Series D round in February 2022, bringing the total amount raised to $438 million.

Finnish sovereign wealth fund, Solidium Oy, leads the round, with participation from Move Capital Fund I (a pan-European growth equity fund that supports B2B tech companies); Blackwells Capital (the alternative investment manager); fintech entrepreneur Christo Georgiev, and existing investors.

Piercing Through Rain, Smoke and Fog: How Radar Satellites See Catastrophes

ICEYE continues to see significant growth and finished 2023 with more than $100 million in revenue on the companys road to profitability. This funding will support the next phase of growth as the company continues to capitalize on:

Strong international momentum in its Missions business with continued growing interest from allied governments for both defense and civil use cases enabled by next-generation SAR spacecraft,

Rapid expansion of future SAR data offerings to deliver innovative products and reliable data collection capabilities that enable the rapid detection and frequent tracking of changes on the Earths surface, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions,

Fast-tracked growth within the companys Solutions offering, enabling significant investment in ICEYEs Flood Insights and Wildfire Insights products, as well as future peril-based analysis for governments and commercial organizations.

As a Finnish heritage company headquartered in Finland, we welcome our newest investor and board member, Solidium, commented Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE.

As an investment, ICEYE fits perfectly with our updated strategy. ICEYE is a globally recognized leader in a rapidly growing, high-tech industry with a clear potential to grow into a nationally significant listed company. ICEYE is building unparalleled expertise in the space technology sector and beyond, according to Reima Rytsola, CEO of Solidium, which led the funding round.

Susan Repo, chief financial officer at ICEYE, said: ICEYE has experienced exponential commercial traction over the past few years internationally. This growth investment round fully funds the business plan and sets the company up for a near-term trajectory towards free cash flow breakeven.

Citigroup acted as the exclusive private placement agent to ICEYE.

ICEYE is headquartered in Finland and operates from five international locations, with more than 600 employees.

Source: ICEYE

Topics Catastrophe Mergers & Acquisitions
Iowa will lower the amount of reinsurance tax due from some captive companies under a bill signed by Governor Kim Reynolds last week.

HF 2636 lowers the tax on premiums written above $60 million to 0.02 percent, down from 5 percent. Premiums written above $40 million will be taxed at 0.045 percent. The bill keeps the tax rate of 0.02 percent on the first $20 million of premium and 0.125 percent on the next $20 million.

The bill, which received unanimous approval in the House and Senate, goes into effect immediately.

Iowa lawmakers last year approved SF 549, allowing the formation of captive insurance companies in the state. Captives are a form of self-insurance where the insurance provider is owned entirely by the insurance holder.

SF 549 authorizes the formation of pure, association, protected cell, special purpose and industrial insured captives.

Topics Reinsurance Iowa
CLEVELAND (AP)  Cleveland will pay $4.8 million to the family of a 13-year-old girl killed when a stolen car driven by a teenage carjacker jumped a curb during a police pursuit and struck her.

The settlement attorneys for the family announced Monday is one of the largest in Ohio involving a police chase. Sarah Johnson, a city spokesperson, said the decision to settle this case was an extremely difficult one, noting the circumstances involved.

The City had to consider all relevant factors prior to this outcome, including a potential trial and additional costs, but we want to be clear that there are no winners or losers in a case as tragic as this one, Johnson said, and  while it is easy to point fingers one way or another  the fact remains that if the armed carjacker never committed that crime then Tamia would still be here with us today.

Tamia Chappman was killed in December 2019 when a car driven by a 15-year-old boy struck her as she walked from school to a library in East Cleveland. The driver of the stolen car was charged as an adult and is now serving a prison term.

The carjacking had occurred roughly 15 miles (25 kilometers) away in Cleveland. The police pursuit began after an off-duty Cleveland officer witnessed the carjacking and followed the vehicle, authorities said.

Chappmans family had filed a wrongful death suit in 2020 that named 22 Cleveland police officers who their attorneys said were involved in the pursuit.

Ill never get over it, Sherrie Chappman, Tamias mother, said about her daughters death during a news conference Monday. I miss my daughter. We will never get her back. I dont want anyones kids to get hurt. Stop the chases!

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement
Zurich North America was ordered by a California jury to pay three former employees a total of about $80.2 million to end a wrongful termination case earlier this month.

Melinda Brantley, Nicholas Lardie, and Daniel Koos worked as claims examiners in Zurichs Rancho Cordova branch but were fired late in 2017 over the use of off the record paid time offutilized by then manager Chris Omen as an employee incentive, according to the Bohm Law Group, who represented the plaintiffs.

During the trial in Sacramenta, California, Omen testified the days, also nicknamed Omen Days, were doled to deserving employees with his bosss knowledge and encouragement since it was a way to offer better compensation without impacting increasing operational expense, said information from the Bohm firm. The performance incentive was offered without reducing PTO.

However, soon after Omen was fired over a state audit failure, the practice of Omen Days was investigated and Zurich claimed the employees stole time from the company. Given what Zurich supervisors called the gravity of this offense, Brantley, Lardie and Koos were terminated.

The jury sided with the former Zurich employees, awarding each of them more than $26 million including $25 million each in punitive damages. Other damages were awarded to each of the plaintiffs for economic harm, non-economic harm, and reputation.

In an emailed statement, Zurich North America said it is disappointed by the recent jury verdict, and that the company is committed to maintaining a culture of fairness, equity and integrity in all our business practices and interactions with employees.

We will pursue all available legal options, including appeal, Zurich said.
A lawyer for the military contractor being sued by three survivors of the notorious Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq told jurors Monday that the plaintiffs are suing the wrong people.

If you believe they were abused  tell them to make their claim against the U.S. government, said John OConnor, defense attorney for Reston, Virginia-based military contractor CACI, during closing arguments at the civil trial in federal court. Why didnt they sue the people who actively abused them?

The lawsuit brought by the three former Abu Ghraib detainees marks the first time a U.S. jury has weighed claims of abuse at the prison, which was the site of a worldwide scandal 20 years ago when photos became public showing U.S. soldiers smiling as they inflicted abusive and humiliating treatment on detainees in the months after the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq.

The suit alleges that civilian interrogators supplied by CACI to Abu Ghraib contributed to the torture the plaintiffs by conspiring with military police to soften up detainees for interrogations.

CACI, in its closing arguments, relied in part on a legal theory known as the borrowed servant doctrine, which states an employer cant be liable for its employees conduct if another entity is controlling and directing those employees work.

In this case, CACI says the Army was directing and controlling its employees in their work as interrogators.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs disputed that CACI relinquished control of its interrogators to the Army. At trial, they introduced evidence that CACIs contract with the Army required CACI to supervise its own employees. Jurors also saw a section of the Army Field Manual that pertains to contractors and states that only contractors may supervise and give direction to their employees.

Muhammad Faridi, one of the plaintiffs lawyers, told jurors that the case is simpler than CACIs lawyers are trying to make it.

He said that if CACI interrogators conspired with military police to inflict abuse on detainees to soften them up for interrogations, then the jury can find CACI liable even if CACI interrogators never themselves inflicted abuse on any of the three plaintiffs.

All three plaintiffs testified to horrible treatment including beatings, sexual assaults, being threatened with dogs and forced to wear womens underwear, but said the abuse was either inflicted by soldiers, or by civilians who couldnt be identified as CACI workers. In some cases, the detainees said they couldnt see who was abusing them because they had bags over their heads.

Retired Generals

As evidence of CACIs complicity, jurors heard testimony from two retired generals who investigated the Abu Ghraib scandal in 2004; both concluded that CACI interrogators engaged in misconduct.

Faridi told the jury that while many of the soldiers who abused detainees were convicted and sentenced to prison, CACI has not yet been held accountable.

When our countrys military found out about the abuse, they didnt cover it up, Faridi said. Our countrys military held the military police members who were perpetrating the abuse accountable. CACI escaped liability.

And Faridi said that even when the Army asked CACI to hold its its interrogators responsible, it still sought to evade responsibility. In May 2004, the Army asked CACI to fire one of its interrogators, Dan Johnson, after one of the Abu Ghraib photos showed Johnson interrogating a detainee who was forced into an awkward crouching position that investigators concluded was an illegal stress position.

CACI contested Johnsons dismissal, writing that the photo depicts what appears to be a relatively relaxed scene and saying that squatting is common and unremarkable among Iraqis.

Ill leave that to you to consider whether you find that offensive, Faridi told the jury Monday.

At trial, CACI employees testified they defended Johnsons work because Army personnel had asked them through back channels to do so. OConnor said that out of the many hundreds of photos of abuse at Abu Ghraib, the photo of Johnson is the only one depicting a CACI employee, and it shows him questioning not one of the plaintiffs but an Iraqi policeman after someone had smuggled a gun into the prison and shot at military police.

OConnor also apologized for parts of his case that were long, annoying and boring but said he had no choice because the U.S. government claimed that some evidence, including the identities of interrogators, was classified. So jurors, rather than hearing live testimony, were subjected to long audio recordings in which the interrogators voices were doctored and their answers were often interrupted by government lawyers who instructed them to not answer the question.

The trial was delayed by more than 15 years of legal wrangling and questions over whether CACI could be sued. Some of the debate focused on the question of immunity  there had long been an assumption that the U.S. government would hold sovereign immunity from a civil suit, and CACI argued that, as a government contractor, it would enjoy derivative immunity.

But U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, in a first-of-its-kind ruling, determined that the U.S. government cannot claim immunity in cases involving fundamental violations of international norms, such as torture allegations. And, as a result, CACI could not claim any kind of derivative immunity, either.

The eight-person jury deliberated about three hours before pausing Monday afternoon without reaching a verdict. Deliberations are set to resume Wednesday.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Contractors
West Virginia law, like statutes in a number of states, allows employers to try and apportion contributions to a workers injury, including how much a pre-existing condition may have played a role. The employer/insurer holds the burden of proof.

In a decision released this week, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals found that a county commission had failed to prove that a deputy sheriffs prior condition contributed to his back injury. The court ordered that the mans workers compensation benefits be doubled.

While proof of a preexisting condition is necessary to apportionment, it is not itself sufficient. There must be proof of the degree of a definitely ascertainable impairment,' the justices wrote in David Duff II vs. Kanawha County Commission, handed down April 22.

Duff, a member of the Kanawha Sheriffs bomb squad, injured his back in 2020 when he lifted a bomb-detector robot out of the back of a truck. The countys workers compensation insurer found the claim compensable and agreed to permanent partial disability benefits and surgery for the deputy.

An independent medical evaluation by Dr. Prasadarao Mukkamala then examined Duffs chiropractic treatment records and decided that Duff had a 25% permanent partial disability, but apportioned half of that to a pre-existing degenerative back condition, the Supreme Court explained.

Duff appealed to the state Workers Compensation Board of Review and was examined by another physician.

Dr. Bruce Guberman determined that the back injury from the robot lifting had caused a 25% whole-person impairment to the deputy. And while Duff had seen a chiropractor off and on through the years, perhaps due to his wearing a 20-lb. gun belt most days, his back pain and leg pain was significantly worsened by the lifting injury.

A third doctor, obtained by the employer/insurer, agreed with the IME and apportioned. That physician failed to include an examination form, however, and his conclusion was disregarded.

The Board of Review gave more weight to Mukkamalas IME and granted a reduced, 13% PPD to the deputy. Duff then appealed to the states Intermediate Court of Appeals, a court that was established in 2022. That court upheld the review board.

But the majority of Supreme Court, in its 29-page opinion, found Mukkamalas conclusion that half of Duffs condition was due to a prior condition was arbitrary and lacked reasoning and supporting rationale.

A non-treating doctors opinion must be well supported and reasoned. A conclusory medical opinion will not suffice, Justice Elizabeth Walker wrote, citing a 1980 court opinion from Oregon. Medical reports without reasoning and rationale are conclusory and perforce lack probative value.

Gubermans report, on the other hand, thoroughly explained the basis for his decision not to apportion, per the American Medical Associations Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment.

The high court reversed the appeals court and ordered the Board of Review to grant a 25% permanent partial disability to Duff. Chief Justice Tim Armstead concurred in part, dissented in part.

As of 2022, West Virginia law based PPD on two-thirds of the workers average weekly wage, not to exceed 70% of the average wage in the state, or about $707 per week, according to the state Insurance Commissioners Office. Evaluators must use the 4th edition of the AMA impairment guide.

The Supreme Court opinion can be seen here.

Topics Workers' Compensation Virginia West Virginia
Omaha National Group Inc. acquired Sutter Insurance Co., a California domiciled carrier.

Sutter Insurance has been renamed Omaha National Casualty Co.

Omaha National also owns Omaha National Insurance Co., which is domiciled in Nebraska.

Omaha National, now licensed to issue policies in 37 states, is a provider of workers compensation insurance with more than 250 employees and nearly $200 million of reported premium.

Topics California Mergers & Acquisitions
A TikTok service offering rewards such as gift vouchers for watching videos has been suspended by the company shortly after the EU threatened to block it amid fears of addiction among children.

On Monday, EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton said the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform had failed to prove the feature on TikTok Lite, which launched recently in France and Spain, complied with obligations under sweeping new Digital Service Act (DSA) laws.

He said the EU believed the service could be as addictive as cigarettes and gave the company 48 hours to respond with any fresh defence.

We suspect #TikTokLite feature to be toxic & addictive, in particular for children.



Unless TikTok provides compelling proof of safety which it failed to do until nowwe stand ready to trigger #DSA interim measures including the #suspension of the TikTokLite "reward programme" pic.twitter.com/71neLMrkYy  Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) April 22, 2024

In a pre-emptive move, TikTok wrote to Mr Breton to say it would suspend the service.

On Wednesday, Mr Breton said:

Our children are not guinea pigs for social media. The DSA ensures the safety of our EU online space.

It is the first non-compliance case taken by the EU since the DSA came into force in August last year.

It is the latest blow to hit the company, after US president Joe Biden signed a bill that will either ban TikTok or force a sale of its US business.

The US president can grant a one-time extension of 90 days, bringing the timeline to sell to one year, if he certifies that there is a path to divestiture and significant progress toward executing it.

The administration, and a bipartisan group of US politicians, have called the social media site a growing national security concern.

TikTok said it will make a legal challenge against what it called an unconstitutional effort by Congress. In a statement, the company said:

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail.

The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep US data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation.

This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans.

Mr Breton expressed dismay that the company had gone ahead with the service knowing that the European Commission had already raised concerns with TikTok over general safeguarding issues relating to children.

I take note of TikToks decision to suspend the TikTok Lite reward programme in the EU, following the opening of our case on 22 April and the communication of our readiness to adopt interim measures, he said.

Our cases against TikTok on the risk of addictiveness of the platform continue, including the investigation to establish whether the launch of TikTok Lite was done in compliance with the DSA.

We suspect that this feature could generate addiction and that TikTok did not do a diligent risk assessment and take effective mitigation measures prior to its launch.

US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton at the EU-US trade and tech council in Leuven, Belgium, on Friday, April 5. Picture: Johanna Geron/AP

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company Byte Dance, will suspend the task and reward programme service in France and Spain for 60 days for new users as of Wednesday.

It will also stop providing the service to existing subscribers by no later than May 1, and pause the rollout in other EU countries.

The suspension of the service is the first example of the EU using the powers under the DSA, which forces social media companies including X and Facebook to comply with EU laws or risk sanctions, which can include bans or fines of up to 6% of global revenues.

A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed the two formal proceedings into TikTok remained active, including this recent case regarding TikTok Lite.

Guardian. Additional reporting AP

Read More Apple, Google and Meta probed by EU under new digital law
Hozier has a number one single in America. Holy Moly! How did this happen? Is the Unreal Unearth album not out for months? And without wanting to sound like Louis Walsh on Celebrity Big Brother, had it not already had its moment? Had it not passed?

The answer to a lot of the above is yes. The album is out since late August 2023. It did really well, topped the Billboard Alternative and Rock Charts and was number one here and in the UK. The tours all sold out and were lovingly reviewed.

Then it was decided to release a four-track EP called Unheard of some tracks that didnt quite make the initial album. Taylor Swift did something similar this week releasing another 15 songs TWO HOURS after the initial batch.

Hozier described his as songs that didnt make the album for different reasons and which he was now very glad to share with us. Expectation in that March 22 press release seemed muted.

You suspected he just wanted to give the album a little lift and keep interest up over his Marlay Park appearance in July. And now look at us: its only one month later, and Hozier joins a list of only four Irish artists to ever top the Billboard, Hot 100. The song Too Sweet is a US number one!

The songs initial good reaction on Tiktok seems to have been key. People, or kids  there Ive said it  liked the line Ill take my whiskey neat, my coffee black and my bed at three. Lip synched videos followed. Many, many lip-synched videos.

Hoziers collaboration with previous internet/streaming sensation Noah Kahan may also be significant. Either way Im finding it hard to concentrate writing this with the sound of Champagne corks popping in nearby Bray. Honestly, I thought it was fireworks.

So, at this moment of unparalleled Irish hegemony over the US charts, it is worthwhile pausing to contemplate our previous triumphs. So, readers, let me present: a brief history of Ireland as told through its US number ones.

1. Gilbert OSullivan, Alone Again (Naturally), (1972)

All the more impressive given that at the time Ireland was under the control of the Showband Regime. We had 650 of them. With an average of eight people per band thats 5,000 showband members. We had two original acts, Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher.

Alone Again was number one for six weeks in the summer of 1972. It sold 2 million copies in the US alone. OSullivan was routinely compared to Paul McCartney and Randy Newman. A pint cost the equivalent of 22 cent.

2. U2, With or Without You, (May 1987)

A breakthrough single in the recording of The Joshua Tree, though how this came to be finished at all, never mind released as the first single, could be the story for a much longer article. Paul McGuinness did not think it a suitable single. Gavin Friday told him it would be number one.

Its success unleashed a signing frenzy in Ireland of bands the UK labels thought might be the next U2. I am happy to say, I was in one such band. A pint cost 1.73.

3. U2, I Still Havent Found What Im Looking For, (July 1987)

Based, indeed inspired, by a signature Larry beat, with a line Edge imagined and passed to Bono as he was singing, this became a point of reference  the first song played to people- during the recording of the album.

Its video, recorded at Fremont Street in Vegas, was credited with changing the entire perception of the town the band made its own for their Sphere gigs. A pint still cost 1.73, a fraction of what I paid recently in the Sphere, I tells ya.

4. Sinead OConnor, Nothing Compares to You, (April 1990)

The Prince song, which had nestled unobtrusively on an album by a band called Family, was released into an unsuspecting world in January 1990. It and its still powerfully emotional video defined the era. People tend to remember where they were when they saw it. A pint was 1.93.

5. Hozier, Too Sweet, (April 2024)

Youll be surprised by how many co-writers there are on this. I counted six. Heavyweights like Daniel Krieger and Tyler Mehlenbacher, many of whom have worked both with Hozier on previous compositions, and Kendrick Lamar before that. Whoever he is.

Today a pint costs 6.05. Unless you are American, intent on celebrating Hoziers good fortune in Temple Bar, in which case: youd better sit down.
Healthcare and barriers to employment will be among the topics addressed at a unique conference organised by and for autistic people.

Co-ordinated by Evaleen Whelton, Minding Autistic Minds is bringing together autistic people from across Ireland to highlight what they describe as a mental health crisis impacting the community.

It comes under the umbrella of AUsome Training which is run by autistic people across a spectrum of disciplines.

Ms Whelton said that mental health has become a major concern, with 80% of autistic people struggling with anxiety. Some 60% are believed to be affected by depression while 30% meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, she said.

The two-day event in Kildare, starting on Wednesday, will be a mix of mental health workshops and talks provided by autistic and neurodivergent speakers.

They include psychotherapist, counsellor, and author Eoin Stephens, occupational therapist and clinical director Katie Kerley, and author and researcher Kieran Rose.

The conference is geared at professionals who support autistic people in addition to schools, parents, and caregivers.

Ms Whelton spoke of how coping mechanisms adopted over the years can contribute to mental health issues in autistic people. One of the strategies to which she referred is masking, which involves the suppression of genuine emotion for integration purposes. She said this can result in harm to mental health.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner about her own experience of masking, she said it is complex.

In the past if I was having a conversation with someone and they asked me what my favourite colour or favourite music was, I would just make something up. I actually didnt even know what music I liked because it wasnt something I ever explored. I just liked what other people liked.

'Risk analysis'

If someone asked me a question as simple as that I would literally run through scenarios in my head. Its like youre constantly doing this risk analysis.

"I would come up with an answer that I thought they wanted. You are doing this every second which puts your brain under a lot of pressure.

She highlighted the objective of the organisation.

We are trying to challenge the norm and provide alternatives. People are looking for alternatives so we, as a small business, are trying to provide them.

She said society still has a long way to go in terms of its treatment of autistic people.

You do feel like you dont fit in and you do feel different. However, its society that is making you feel this way. If you express your mind and get a negative reaction, this is happening to people whether we know we are autistic or not.

We need to educate people to meet people with curiosity and kindness instead of judgement.

The Minding Autistic Minds conference can be attended in person or online.
A new report by Amnesty International has hit out at the Irish Government for gaps and barriers in abortion services.

The human rights group also claimed Ireland has failed to implement key aspects of abortion provision and care since the Repeal the Eighth Amendment in 2018.

The organisation also criticised the government for failing to address the housing crisis and the growing number of people forced into homelessness describing it as a stain on Irelands reputation.

The State of the Worlds Human Rights study which is published on Wednesday, assessed human rights in 155 countries and identified significant failings in Ireland.

Amnesty International Ireland executive director Stephen Bowen described the homeless crisis here as unacceptable.

It is appalling that today over 4,000 children are living in emergency homeless accommodation while tens of thousands of young people will never be able to afford a home of their own, he said.

This is due to failure after failure by government after government to afford the people of Ireland adequate housing rights protections.

Housing has been treated as a private investment opportunity, not as a social good and a human right that everyone has a right to enjoy.

Promises were made by this Government to call a referendum on housing, and a review of housing policy by the Government-commissioned Housing Commission has, so far, failed to be published."

Stephen Bowen has said that housing in Ireland has been 'treated as a private investment opportunity' and not as a human right.

He said the Government needs to take bolder and more decisive steps to solve the housing crisis and fulfil its commitment to a referendum.

"We clearly need a constitutional right to housing to redirect government policy, he said.

Mr Bowen also said healthcare is a human right and gaps in abortion law and practice need to be addressed with urgency.

Too many pregnant women are still having to travel overseas and being stigmatised, and the fact that some health care professionals are refusing to provide a health service on the basis of conscience is unacceptable, he said.

The report also looked at refugee and migrant rights in Ireland and how they are being impacted by the housing crisis here.

Overall, the report found globally:
In Gaza, each day brings a new atrocity.

Just when we think the horrors unfolding cannot be surpassed, another even more appalling act is committed.

As the war entered its 200th day on Tuesday, more than 14,500 children and 9,500 women are among the dead, the Health Ministry in the Palestinian enclave said.

The ongoing assaults since last October have also injured 77,143 Palestinians, it added.

More than one million Palestinian women and girls in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger, with almost no access to food, safe drinking water, functioning toilets, or running water, creating life-threatening risks.

Babies left to rot in incubators, toddlers bleeding out on hospital floors, families given 24 hours to flee their homes, elderly men stripped and cable-tied in bombed-out streets, hungry people killed waiting for aid deliveries, a heavily pregnant woman shot in cold blood; children shouldered with responsibilities and pain they should never have to carry.

The denial of aid is now a new tactic being used, with CT scanners, incubators for babies, ambulance stretchers, green sleeping bags, cooking utensils, and even education kits for children all included in a growing list of items considered dual-use and therefore prevented from entering the Palestinian enclave.

Palestinian woman Inas Abu Maamar, 36, embraces the body of her 5-year-old niece Saly, who was killed in an Israeli strike, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

Images such as the one of Inas Abu Maamar cradling the shrouded body of her five-year-old niece stay with us, haunt us, but it is not humanly possible to be moved to the same extent for the 13,000 other children who have perished in Gaza. The relentless bombardment has dehumanised the innocent. The dead, the wounded, the orphaned, have been reduced to numbers.

If you went to one funeral every day for every child killed in Gaza, it would take you 39 years to attend them all.

With international media blocked from entering, Tanaiste Micheal Martin, visiting the region this week, warned that the world has not yet seen the true extent of what is being committed on the people of Gaza.

As the world becomes less focused on what is happening to a people trapped inside a strip of land the same size as Louth we cannot let ourselves become unperturbed. We must not allow ourselves to turn away, we cannot forget what has happened and we must constantly remind ourselves of what is still happening.

Oct 7  The deadliest day since the Holocaust

Just after dawn, thousands of armed Hamas fighters break through the Gaza border at various places, some using paragliders to storm Kibbutzim, military bases, and towns.

Those attending the Supernova music festival assume a barrage of rockets are simply fireworks or special effects, but terror quickly spreads as hundreds of attendees are shot while fleeing, others are subjected to sexual attacks and violence.

Around 1,200 people are killed, and some 250 others are taken hostage, in what is the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. The next day, Israel declares war.

Oct 9  Complete siege

Already described as the largest open-air prison in the world, Israel further restricts more than 2 million Palestinians by ordering a complete siege of Gaza.

Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City.

The enclave has been under a blockade for 16 years, but now Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announces that no electricity, no food, no fuel will be allowed to enter.

Oct 13  Evacuation notice

With a ground operation looming, 1.1m Palestinians are given a 24-hour notice to evacuate northern Gaza.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warns that moving so many people across a densely populated warzone to a place with no food, water, or accommodation is extremely dangerous.

Over the course of the next week Israel will push for the evacuation of the entire north, and many are forced to move multiple times in the coming months as the IDF continues its campaign.

In further leaflet drops the strip is divided up into a grid of hundreds of areas, which causes confusion around what areas are safe.

Oct 17  Hospital strike

A new shocking threshold is crossed as a hospital is targeted in Gaza City.

At least 100 people are killed when al-Ahli Hospital is bombed. Both sides move to blame the other with Hamas blaming an Israeli airstrike. However, Israel claims the blast is the result of a stray rocket launched by Palestinian militants.

Oct 27  Ground Invasion

As Israeli troops launch a ground invasion amid continued aerial bombardment of the strip, Guterres issues a stark warning: "This is a moment of truth: History will judge us all."

Outlining the situation, he says the humanitarian system in Gaza is facing a total collapse with unimaginable consequences for citizens. About 500 trucks per day had been crossing into Gaza before the hostilities began, but now just 12 trucks a day are entering.

On the same day, Gaza is plunged into a communications blackout, creating an information vacuum as phone and internet connections are cut.

Oct 31  Refugee camp targeted

Scenes of desperate residents trying to save loved ones trapped beneath the rubble in a massive crater are broadcast across the world after Israel strikes the Jabalia refugee camp.

The attack kills more than 110 people and wounds hundreds more.

Nov 6  A graveyard for children

A chilling milestone is reached just a month into the bombardment as the number of people killed tops 10,000 according Gaza's Health Ministry.

Guterres warns that Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children.

Nov 15  al-Shifa surrounded

Patients, including premature babies, die when al-Shifa hospital loses electricity:

After surrounding and laying siege to the hospital for several days the IDF mounts a raid on the facility which is also sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians in its grounds.

The Israelis say the hospital had been used to conceal an underground headquarters for Hamas fighters, which staff deny.

Nov 21  Ceasefire

The first temporary ceasefire, in seven weeks of war in Gaza, comes into effect. But Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that the bombardment will resume to achieve complete victory.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas will free at least 50 women and children of the more than 240 hostages they took during the October 7 attacks. The humanitarian pause will be extended by two more days on 27 November, but ends on December 1.

Overall, 105 hostages held in Gaza  Israeli and foreign nationals  and 240 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons are released.

Nov 25  Emily Hand released

After being held for 50 days, Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand is released.

Emily Hand reunited with her father, Thomas Hand.

She had marked her ninth birthday as a hostage in Gaza, the day before she was reunited with her father, who initially believed she had been killed in the devastating attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel.

"We can't find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days," her family say in a statement.

Dec 4  Further displacement

Israeli forces push south toward Khan Younis, an area which Palestinians had been previously encouraged to go for safety. Civilians are now told to head to the southernmost city of Rafah, on the border with Egypt.

Children carry water as they walk past buildings destroyed during Israeli bombardment in Khan Yunis, on the southern Gaza Strip. Picture: Getty Images

Outlining the devastation so far, the Hamas media office says Israeli forces have dropped more than 50,000 tonnes of explosives on civilian homes, hospitals, schools, and other institutions, resulting in the complete destruction of 52,000 housing units, 69 schools, 121 government buildings, and 100 mosques.

Dec 8  US veto

A resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza fails to pass in the UN after the US blocks it.

All other members of the Security Council vote in favour of the resolution, apart from the UK, which abstains.

Dec 13  Tipping point

With every passing day, Israel has intensified its campaign of air and ground assault on Gaza with devastating effect, writes Colin Sheridan in a special Irish Examiner front page report.

In the last 48 hours, Palestinians have suffered the most brutal days of violence in the south, the very area the IDF urged besieged Gazans to flee to in order to be spared their unrelenting campaign of indiscriminate bombing in the north.

"Every other day has felt like a tipping point. We may now finally be there, only because, finally, there is literally nowhere else to go," Sheridan writes.

Dec 15  Killed by their own

The three men appear shirtless waving a makeshift white flag in the air. But the internationally recognised signal of peace is not enough to save the three Israeli hostages in Gaza city, who are mistakenly shot dead by Israeli forces.

Jan 10  The most dangerous place to be a journalist

Hamzah was all mine, he was my breath, and he was my soul, but certainly this loss and pain will not stop us from continuing on this path, Al Jazeera bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdoudh says of his son, also a journalist, who is killed during an airstrike.

Jan 11  Genocide

The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague hears that Israel has shown chilling and incontrovertible intent to commit genocide in Gaza, with full knowledge of how many civilians, as opening statements in case being brought by South Africa are heard.

Jan 26  UN order

The ICJ orders Israel to take measures to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in its war in Gaza but stops short of calling for a ceasefire.

The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland calls on the Government to join the genocide case against Israel following the ruling by the UNs top court.

Feb 29  Death toll milestone

One in 20 people in Gaza are now dead or wounded as the number of fatalities reaches the 30,000 mark. Another 70,000 people have been wounded according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

March 2  Airdrop

With warnings now sounding that famine is imminent, the US military carries out its first airdrop of aid into Gaza.

It comes just two days after at least 112 people were killed and more than 280 wounded as they waited for an aid delivery in Gaza City. Gaza health authorities say Israeli forces shot dead people as they gathered around food trucks, but the IDF say victims had been trampled or run over.

April 1 World Central Kitchen deaths

Global leaders express outrage as an Israeli airstrike kills seven World Central Kitchen workers delivering aid in Gaza. The team had clearance from the Israeli military.

President Joe Biden warns Netanyahu that he will reassess US policy if Israel does not immediately address humanitarian conditions and protect aid workers. Israel says it will open more aid routes into Gaza.
A young nursing student from Cork braved war and the threat of nuclear disaster to help save the lives of babies in Ukraine.

21-year-old Lena Guenebaut-Cudmore, a first-year nursing student at University College Cork (UCC), has just returned from Lviv where she volunteered to be part of the latest Chernobyl Children International- funded cardiac surgical mission, which performed life-saving cardiac surgery on babies born with congenital heart defects, such as the deadly Chernobyl Heart.

The team, which travelled despite an increase in deliberate Russian drone attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, was based at the last remaining hospital in Ukraine with the ability to safely conduct complex paediatric cardiac surgery.

We worked 12-hour days, six days a week, Lena said.

I was wrecked, but it was a most amazing experience. It was such a joy to see the babies reunited with their parents.

You can see the signs of war everywhere, there were air-raid sirens at night, the main buildings and statues are covered up with metal grates, they have sandbags up to protect a lot of buildings, but people were basically going about their daily routines.

Baby Dmytros life-saving cardiac surgery was funded by Chernobyl Children International. Picture: Chernobyl Children International

The hospital had the basics and made do with what they had, but they didnt have access to a lot of the drugs that we would use, so they have begun making their own versions.

Chernobyl Children Internationals cardiac missions, which have directly saved the lives of over 4,200 children, had traditionally been based in Kharkiv.

However, the war in Ukraine, the mass exodus of qualified medical personnel, and the deliberate targeting of medical facilities forced the team to relocate to Lviv.

Founder Adi Roche said that, despite the heightened risk in recent weeks, the surgical team decided to travel.

It is more important than ever that we continue to deliver life-saving assistance.

The heroic 12-person team ran the gauntlet to travel to Ukraine, to help as many children with Chernobyl Heart  which is a condition that they cannot live with, but will die with, without surgical intervention.

As Europe prepares to mark United Nations Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day on Friday, Ms Roche warned that the full extent of the Chernobyl disaster has not yet been realised, and that worse is on the horizon.

Ms Guenebaut-Cudmore endured the risks of the war in Ukraine to perform surgeries on children. Picture: Chernobyl Children International

The accident at Chernobyl happened as a result of faults in the technology and human error, she said.

However, if a nuclear accident happens at Zaporizhzhia, it could very well be intentional. We cannot overstate the current critical situation and nuclear threat in Ukraine.

We must do everything in our power to prevent Zaporizhzhia from becoming the next Chernobyl. We neglect Ukraine at our peril.

This 38th anniversary of Chernobyl will also see a shipment of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including life-saving medical and hygiene supplies, funded by Chernobyl Children International.
For more than 1,000 pupils who attend the Talbieh Camp girls school, education is the one thing that cannot be taken away from them.

Many of girls enrolled in the school, which is one of four in the refugee camp outside Amman, are second- or even third-generation Palestinian. Their parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents fled to Jordan many years ago, having being forced off their land.

Talbieh was one of six emergency camps set up in 1968 for 5,000 Palestinian refugees who were displaced from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as a result of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. There are now more than 2m registered Palestinian refugees living in Jordan.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin chatting with teachers and pupils at the elementary school for girls at the Talbieh camp, which is home to 10,000 Palestinians.

Yet, the girls still see themselves as Palestinian  they eat traditional food at home, keep up customs including wearing tatreez embroidered clothing, and when asked, all say in unison that yes they want to return to a home they have never seen.

For Palestinians, whether living in the West Bank, Gaza, or in refugee camps across the Middle East, education is viewed as extremely important.

Before the latest conflict, young peoples completion rates for basic education in the Gaza Strip were at 90% for almost all areas apart from northern Gaza, where that figure was lower at 81%.

Since October 7, UNRWA schools in Gaza have been closed, many of the buildings now bombed, leaving children without education for seven months.

Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin meeting second- and even third-generation young Palestinians in Jordan.

But UNRWA continues to educate the generations of displaced people in refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

And so when 18 countries immediately halted funding to the agency after Israel claimed 12 employees in Gaza were involved in the October 7 attacks, the repercussions were felt far beyond the warn-torn strip.

It is very important to keep the funding in order for us to keep 700 UNRWA schools in the region functioning and 140 health centres, so were talking about critical public services that may risk being interrupted if we dont have the funds, said Tamara Alrifai, UNRWAs director of external relations and communications.

A true peoples person!  Irelands Foreign Minister @MichealMartinTD in conversation with/ @UNRWAs brilliant school kids in Amman today. A principled foreign policy on the region, a strong supporter of #PalestineRefugees! pic.twitter.com/pXTyd78xTa  Tamara Alrifai (@TamaraAlrifai) April 24, 2024

Now were working one month at a time, one government at a time, one donor at a time, which is great because were able to keep our services but which is not great in terms of business planning and visibility, predictability, but also continuing that sense of normality in Palestinian communities, she said.

Warning of the damaging impact of a consistent and persistent campaign against UNRWA by the Israeli government, Ms Alrifai said: What we have seen in this war is the power of misinformation and disinformation.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin visiting an UNRWA-run medical facility in Jordan.

While some countries have resumed funding, including Germany this week, Ms Alrifai warned that UNRWA is not out of the woods yet and the agency only has funding up until the end of June.

Were imploring governments and partners to continue funding. And if anything, we were actually very grateful to Ireland for its steadfast continuous belief in us, for its political and financial support, and for working with other EU members and with other governments, helping us make our case with other governments.

After visiting the school, where the sixth grade class of 11- and 12-year-olds revealed aspirations of becoming doctors, architects, and policewomen, Tanaiste Micheal Martin simply asked: Who in their right mind could take funding away from an organisation that provides such an opportunity for young people?

He said he would be going back to his colleagues at EU level to stress this.
Award-winning Irish Times journalist Kitty Holland is suing former colleague John Waters for damages of up to 75,000 for defamation of character.

Holland (53) a reporter for almost 30 years, of Ranelagh, Dublin, told a judge on Wednesday that an exclusive story she broke about the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar in University Hospital Galway almost 12 years ago had been vetted by editors and lawyers for three days.

She alleges that Waters had, without specifically naming her, made a claim in an address to a political party conference that she had lied in her report.

Andrew Walker SC, counsel for Holland, told Judge John OConnor in the Circuit Civil Court, that the sting of the libel very simply was a wrong observation by Waters that Holland was not only a bare-faced liar but a journalist who started the lie and continued promulgating lies for money and awards.

She said lawyers and editors had gone through practically every syllable of her report over the three days before publishing it in the Irish Times. She had been very enthusiastic about her scoop but was not under any pressure despite knowing that the Irish Independents Fionnan Sheahan had word of it and was hot on her heels.

Waters, of Sandycove, Dublin, described in court by his counsel Feargal Kavanagh SC, as a strident pro-lifer in the Repeal the Eighth abortion debate leading up to the 2018 referendum, has denied in a full defence that he had defamed Holland or called her a liar.

Outlining the case Mr Walker, who appeared with barrister Shane English and Lavelle Partners Solicitors, said Mr Waters, in a recorded address at a meeting of Renua, had referred to Ms Holland as a liar. He said the speech had been published to the political partys annual conference and on the worldwide web.

Holland claimed his remarks meant she was a dishonest reporter, not fit to be a journalist and wholly inaccurate in her journalism, seriously injuring her reputation. She told the court that after having received a tip-off about Ms Halappanavars untimely death she had thoroughly investigated the matter.

Mr Kavanagh, who appeared with barristers Greg Murphy and Conor Rubaclava and Brendan Maloney Solicitor, cross-examined Ms Holland for several hours on the veracity of her report which appeared in the Irish Times on November 14, 2012, under the headline Woman denied a termination dies in hospital.

She said she had never lied in any report she had written over more than 25 years as a journalist. She felt her story had come to worldwide prominence because of the story itself and the fact Ms Halappanavar, who was only 34 at the time of her death, had been refused a termination because of a foetal heartbeat being still present and because she had been told this is a Catholic country.

Ms Holland was still under cross-examination when the suggested four-day hearing was adjourned on Wednesday.
A 60-year-old woman presented herself in the name of her 77-year-old cousin who had just died and withdrew everything from the dead womans credit union account  just over 21,900  and on Wednesday she was jailed for nine months.

60-year-old Sheila Ahern of Liam Burke Terrace, Ballyhooly, Co Cork was sentenced to 18 months with half of it suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge John Martin noted that she showed utter contempt and disregard for the memory of her late cousin so soon after her unexpected death.

You went to the credit union disguising yourself, masquerading as a person who was dead and only just dead. You did not see her death as a time of grief and reflection, you saw her death as an opportunity to strike. To get all her bank details, get into her credit union and impersonate her. Fortunately, you were foiled and all but 50 was returned, Judge Martin said.

The judge said aggravating factors included the fact that she knew the person she was stealing from and did so at the most difficult time for any family.

While the accused was represented for the sentencing hearing by defence barrister Alan ODwyer she spoke up once during the judgment when reference was made to her relationship with her late cousin and she said: We were very close, your honour.

The judge acknowledged that her plea of guilty and her apology showed goodness on her part and that she seemed to show genuine remorse and embarrassment for what she had done.

Sheila Ahern admitted stealing the money belonging to Kathleen Cahill who had died 48 hours earlier in hospital.

'Disgusted and saddened'

The deceased womans son, Patrick (Patsy) Cahill, spoke of how disappointed, disgusted and saddened he was to hear of this happening so soon after he he lost his mother.

Ms Ahern used to assist the deceased and do shopping for her. Mr Cahill said: My mother always treated her well. And everything Sheila did for her, my mother paid her. It was such a hard time when my mother died. To get the phone call that night of my mothers removal I will never forget it.

I could not grieve my mother properly. I had this situation on my mind throughout the funeral. It caused a divide in the family. My mother worked hard for what she earned. The fact that Sheila had gone within a matter of hours of her death shows a lack of respect of the memory of my mother.

Detective Garda Brian OConnor said the accused wore a covid mask and head scarf and presented herself in the name of her dead relative at Synergy credit union in Fermoy on December 22, 2022, and effectively closed the account and withdrew over 21,900 that was in it. Most of that was in the form of a cheque.

She then removed her mask and scarf and presented as herself to lodge it in her AIB account in Fermoy. Because it was in the deceaseds name it could not be done. So she put the scarf and mask back on and returned to the credit union asking for it to be put into her own name, pretending that this was the name of a niece to whom she wanted to give the money.

She then returned to the bank as herself again to lodge this cheque. However, all of this activity alerted suspicion and gardai arrested her that day and ultimately charged her with counts of theft, deception and money-laundering to which she pleaded guilty. All but 50 of the stolen money was recovered.
Uisce Eireann will blast old sediment from the water network across Cork's northside as part of a major month-long flushing operation designed to address the citys dirty water problem.

The intensive programme will start on Wednesday night with workers isolating and flushing small sections of the water network to clear any build-up of sediment from the old cast iron pipes.

The work will be done at night-time, during off peak usage hours, typically starting after 8pm, in the hope that the network will have time to return to normal before morning demand starts, reducing the potential for discoloured water at customers taps.

The first round of flushing will start at 8pm on Wednesday in the Montenotte and Gurranabraher areas, with other areas set to be targeted over the coming weeks.

The Montenotte locations extend from Cahergal Park and Lawn to Tracton Avenue and Woodlands and from Iona Park to Gardiners Hill including Merrion Court, Murmont, St Josephs Drive and The Orchards.

The Gurranabraher locations extend from St Marys Avenue off Cathedral Road to Glen Ryan Road to Winter's Hill, Blarney Street, Sundays Well Avenue, Strawberry Hill, The Grove, Monastery Green, St Josephs Avenue, Mount Nebo Avenue, Friar Avenue, Boyces Street, Beech Tree Avenue to Clover Avenue and adjoining areas.

The utility said as works progress through the area, signage will be put in place, and it advised customers to check the supply and services section of its website www.water.ie for updates. The effectiveness of the flushing operation in each zone will also be assessed before workers move to the next zone.

Water Operations Lead for Uisce Eireann, Sean Lynch, said Wednesday's work is just the start of an extensive flushing plan for the water network on the city's northside that will take place over the coming weeks. It is anticipated the works will take three to four weeks.

Isolating an area of the pipe network for flushing from the larger network minimises disruption and improves sediment removal, the utility said.

But it warned that clearing the pipes like this can result in any sediment that may be dislodged carrying through to customers taps resulting in increased instances of discoloured water in the short-term.

It repeated its advice not to drink discoloured water, and urged people with discoloured water to run their tap for up to 20 minutes until it runs clear.
The funeral of Co Clare schoolboy Shay Lynch has been told the seven-year-old was "a gentle, caring, sweet boy who wouldnt harm a fly".

The first-class pupil at Scoil Seanain Naofa, Clonlara, died following a tragic accident at a Co Clare hotel pool on Saturday while attending a party.

James Lynch told mourners at St Senans Church in Clonlara that his "amazing" son was loved from his first breath.

Addressing Shay, James said he "will always be forever our beautiful boy, Shay-Shay".

Thank you for all the lovely pictures and lovely notes that you have left on our pillows as surprises for us.

"We will cherish every one of them.

Thank you for loving me, your Mommy, and big sister and friend, Abi.

"Your favourite teddy Dougie is in safe hands now with Abi.

James, a builder, said: "I will miss you coming to work with me and how you loved putting on your little works-pants and pencil over your ear."

Shay always said he would like to be a builder and he "would have been a great one". the funeral was told.

Shay Lynch.

We know that you are safe now and at peace with your Nana Christina We will forever miss you. We will forever love you.

"You will always be, forever, our beautiful boy Shay-Shay," James added.

Earlier, James had helped carry his sons white coffin to the top of the church and briefly kissed the photo of his son in his Clonlara colours as he comforted daughter Abi.

Fr Pat Mulcahy said the evening Shay died, "a dark cloud had descended on our parish community".

He said: Our young, vibrant Shay had left us. The storm clouds of panic and disbelief had truly invaded our hearts and souls."

A seven-year-old full of the fullness of life  out for a day of enjoyment  he never came home.

Two weeks ago, Shay planted two shrubs at the grave of his Nana Christina at Bridgetown cemetery.

Shay was so happy he had done so "and little did we or he know that he would be laid to rest where he planted that shrub beside his Nana where he will remain forever young, Fr Mulcahy said.

In a reference to the grief that has enveloped the community since the weekend, Fr Mulcahy paid tribute to the work of the local school and support systems that came to the rescue.

When we have an unexpected tragedy in our midst we can sometimes blame ourselves."

He said: "If our hearts are troubled because of events out of our control, we should seek help, talk to a friend or a counsellor  there is help available so we pray for healing of memories and peace of mind.

Offertory gifts included toys and a Clonlara GAA club, where Shay had been "so proud to be part of the best hurling club in Clare.

Tools were also included as a symbol of all the great times that Shay had working" with his father.

Shay was later laid to rest in St Thomas's Church grounds, Bridgetown.
A community which warned just two weeks ago of more road deaths in their area has vowed to ramp up their campaign for road safety upgrades following the death of a young motorcyclist.

Joan Lewis, chairperson of the Kilcully and Ballincrokig Residents Association, said the entire community is devastated following Tuesdays fatal road traffic collision near White's Cross, just north of Cork City  the 10th fatality on roads in that area in a decade.

The latest victim, named locally as Paul Harrington, in his mid-20s, died when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a van at Ballinahina, just before 6pm on Tuesday.

He is the second motorcyclist to die in Cork in as many days after a man died in a collision in Toureenfineen on Wednesday.

Tuesday's crash occurred just two weeks after a delegation of residents from the wider White's Cross area presented a petition to Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy, calling for the delivery of long-awaited road safety measures in the area.

They said residents in Kilcully, Dublin Hill, Ballincrokig, Whitechurch Rd, Carrignavar, and Ballinahina Rd are living in constant fear of high-speed traffic, with inadequate lighting and footpaths in the fast-growing area.

We cannot wait any longer while lives are at risk.

"We refuse to let more lives be lost or forever changed due to negligence or delay from our city council.

"It's time they prioritised our safety over bureaucratic red tape, the residents said at the time.

In the wake of Tuesday's tragedy, Ms Lewis said residents plan to ramp up their campaign.

Why are they ignoring us? Why are we being pushed back all the time? We are less than 4km from St Patricks St but we have no traffic calming, no pedestrian crossings, and no bus service, she said.

Local independent councillor Ken OFlynn said the residents have been failed miserably.

The residents have been handed empty promises and ineffective band-aid solutions when what is truly required are comprehensive measures to address the longstanding safety issues on our roads, he said.

The recent loss of life should serve as a wakeup call to the city manager and her team.

They should hang their heads in shame for their failure to act decisively and prevent yet another needless tragedy in our community.

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said councillors for the area agreed on Monday to prioritise traffic calming in Kilcully.

That was for immediate measures following disappointment in the community at the pace of progressing a significant pedestrian safety plan for the area, he said.

Tragically, that's too late for this young man and his family.

"Nothing will ever bring back his life.

"Those works now have to go ahead urgently.

We have to prevent these serious incidents from happening again and again in this area.
Does any little girl say that when she grows up she would like to be a sex worker?

I think we can agree that a job with a risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, rape, violence, and stigma is not a dream job and many of those who advocate being sex-positive and supporting sex work would not like to do it themselves or would not like their daughters, sisters, and mother to do it.

However, up and down this country in cities and country towns women sell sex and service the needs of a largely male clientele who have no problem with exploiting their bodies whatever the circumstances.

At the weekend, it was reported in this newspaper that sex for rent offences will be dealt with through human trafficking legislation.

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 wending its way through the Dail will be amended to prohibit the advertising of accommodation for sex instead of rent making it a criminal offence.

One ad is currently offering FWB (friends with benefits) arrangements for a property near Mullingar, for females only.

This is not the first attempt to legislate for this complex issue which must avoid unintentionally criminalising consensual relationships.

The link between sex work and economic coercion is real.

Homelessness charity Depaul has just published a report in collaboration with a UK-based charity The Passage, An Overview of Homelessness and Human Trafficking in Dublin, with homelessness organisations reporting that human trafficking is becoming more prevalent here and that they are coming into contact with victims of trafficking.

Kate McGrew, a former director of the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, sex worker, and artist, recently argued on Newstalk Breakfast that only about 6% of sex workers are trafficked.

She is an articulate, intelligent woman who argues for the legalisation of sex work and the inclusion of sex workers.

This statistic seems low but in the absence of accurate data, its hard to prove either way.

A concern of those who are opposed to the legalisation of prostitution is that legalisation leads to increased demand.

In a country like Ireland where women have access to education and jobs you wont have a rush of Irish women into the market, therefore you will have traffickers bringing women in from poorer countries to service those demands.

But what is the legal position on prostitution here? Since 2017 we criminalise the buyers of sex and third parties like brothel owners but dont criminalise sex workers which is an attempt to kill demand.

The logic here is to support sex workers but not the industry.

Kate McGrew, a former director of the Sex Workers Alliance Ireland, sex worker, and artist, recently argued on Newstalk Breakfast that only about 6% of sex workers are trafficked.

Some countries legalise sex work and regulate it like Germany and New South Wales in Australia. Statistics and studies vary wildly on what has happened in other countries post-legalisation.

So what about arguments for legalisation? For obvious reasons, reliable data in relation to sex work is relatively hard to come by, but a 2022 review by the European Sex Workers Rights Alliance evaluated the health and wellbeing of sex workers in New South Wales, Australia, and New Zealand discussing the findings of 52 research papers, interviewing thousands of sex workers, concluding that decriminalisation led to improvements in sexual health, access to health services, and less exploitation.

The SWAI supports legalisation. Both Amnesty International and the World Health Organization argue that our laws put sex workers at higher risk of abuse and violence forcing them to take more risks as they avoid the police and authorities and that the black market is the ideal setting for abuse and exploitation.

Attitudes to sex work vary greatly and are key. A motley crew of activists, academics, and thinkers  left and right  support the legalisation of prostitution arguing many things including that finger-wagging prudes should not claim to know better than sex workers themselves whom they are effectively gaslighting, that we should collaborate with sex workers to formulate policy rather than focus on rescuing them as such thinking is rooted in an outdated morality.

A sort of their bodies their rules approach.

Some people like West Cork TD and leader of the Independent Ireland party Micheal Collins in favour of the legalisation of prostitution argue that its the oldest profession in the world.

The use of the word prostitution is telling in that its a stigmatised term that sex workers reject.

The term sex work first became politicised in the 1970s. Since then many feminist academics have supported sex workers and sex work, but we can safely assume that Collins is coming from a different place.

One argument is sex work is work, that women choose to do this, that it shouldnt be degraded by being called prostitution, and in a capitalist system, women who cant earn money in other ways in the labour market, sell their bodies.

If you boil this down it would appear to be the epitome of neoliberalism that serves the needs of male consumers and male supremacy because its mostly men who buy sex.

Its difficult to believe that the bulk of sex workers enter the industry voluntarily or that so-called choice is not vitiated by a lack of money and opportunities which is the coercive force.

Attitudes to buying sex and women are at the heart of this.

Criminalisation of buying sex

In 2017 I supported the Turn off the Red Light campaign which led to the criminalisation of buying sex.

At the time, I gave a brief talk about how in a patriarchy, teenage boys attitudes were being culturally formed to be misogynistic in a way that would affect patterns of male demand for paid sex.

The kind of attitudes that emerged during the Belfast rape trial in WhatsApp messages including any sluts get f*cked? or Boys, did you pass spit roast brassers, then Why are we all such legends?.

I know from experience that those attitudes can be tacitly justified by parents and a certain type of culture.

At one social occasion I attended, parents related how a significant proportion of that years Leaving Certificate class from a well-known boys school had come back from Magaluf with STDs having bought sex and had quietly been treated by a GP mother in the class.

It was the subject of much ribald amusement.

Then, sometime later, I was in a conversation with a group of parents from another similar school who, to my utter amazement, told me that no it wasnt a problem if boys on the Leaving Cert holiday were experimenting with prostitutes because sure wasnt that what boys had always done, and once it wasnt on our doorstep, sure what was the harm?.

Nice girls and sluts

This naked imperialism involves the othering of foreign women, the legacy of a pernicious whore/Madonna dichotomy that previously divided Irish women and girls up into nice girls and sluts.

What we do know is when the war broke out in Ukraine, there was a huge spike in internet searches in Ireland relating to buying sex from Ukrainian women which proves if we dont address the attitudes that underpin demand through education within schools, then women will continue to be exploited because one womans humanitarian crisis is another mans opportunity to act out his fantasies.

What stands out in the 2022 Amnesty International report where the overwhelming majority of sex workers interviewed reported experiencing violence while engaging in sex work was the quote from one sex worker who said:

One-to-one, a woman with a man, we dont stand a chance. We need another girl. She can hear whats happening. But to be alone is very dangerous.

Denying sex workers their agency and rights and promoting shame about sex is wrong, but messaging that sex work is just another form of work, is ludicrous because its anything but.
China has criticised the latest package of US military assistance to Taiwan, saying that such funding was pushing the self-governing island republic into a dangerous situation.

On Tuesday, the US senate passed 95 billion dollars (76.6 billion) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.

The package included eight billion dollars (6.45 billion) for Taiwan, meant to counter the threat of invasion by China, which claims the entire island as its own territory and has threatened to take it by force if necessary.

The mainlands Taiwan Affairs Office said the aid seriously violates US commitments to China and sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces.

US senate minority leader Mitch McConnell praises support for Ukraine after the move to approve aid (AP)

Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian added that Taiwans ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which won a third four-year presidential term in January, is willing to become a pawn for external forces to use Taiwan to contain China, bringing Taiwan into a dangerous situation.

On Tuesday, Taiwans president-elect Lai Ching-te told a visiting US congressional delegation that the aid package would strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain and help ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and also boost confidence in the region.

The package has had broad congressional support since US President Joe Biden first requested the money last summer. But US congressional leaders had to navigate strong opposition from a growing number of conservatives who question US involvement in foreign wars and argue that Congress should be focused instead on the surge of migration at the US-Mexican border.

The package covers a wide range of parts and services aimed at maintaining and and upgrading Taiwans military hardware.

Separately, Taiwan has signed contracts worth billions with the US for latest-generation F-16V fighter jets, M1 Abrams main battle tanks and the Himars rocket system, which the US has also supplied to Ukraine.

Beijing has issued a warning after the funding was approved (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

Taiwan has also been expanding its own defence industry, building submarines and trainer jets.

Next month, it plans to commission its third and fourth domestically designed and built stealth corvettes to counter the Chinese navy as part of a strategy of asymmetrical warfare, in which a smaller force counters its larger opponent by using cutting edge or non-conventional tactics and weaponry.

China launches daily incursions into waters and airspace around Taiwan by navy ships and warplanes. It has also sought to pick away Taiwans few remaining formal diplomatic partners.

However, only two Peoples Liberation Army Air Force planes and seven navy vessels were found operating in areas around Taiwan between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, possibly as a result of heavy rainstorms and low visibility overnight along the islands west coast facing China.

At times of heightened tensions, China has launched dozens of such missions over a 24-hour period, many of them crossing the centre line in the Taiwan Strait dividing the sides or entering Taiwans air defence identification zone.
A one in a million D-Day veteran who flew into Normandy on a military glider and survived being shot by a tank has died at home aged 100.

Bill Gladden, of Haverhill, Suffolk, was just 20 years old when he arrived on a Hamilcar glider carrying a tank and six motorbikes on June 6, 1944.

He moved to an orchard just outside the French village of Ranville, near the strategically important Pegasus Bridge that the 6th Airborne Reconnaissance Regiment was tasked with protecting.

While holed up on June 17 he carried two of his fellow soldiers, who were wounded, into a barn that was being used as a medical post.

They died of their injuries and are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Ranville.

Mr Gladden was himself injured by machine gun fire from a Panzer tank two days later, while brewing tea, and was carried into the same barn.

D-Day veteran Bill Gladden with daughter Linda Durrant arriving at the surprise party for his 100th birthday in Haverhill, Suffolk (Sam Russell/ PA)

He was flown back to the UK with a severe leg injury and spent the following three years in hospital.

His family threw him a surprise party for his 100th birthday in January of this year and Mr Gladden was open-mouthed as a crowd sang Happy Birthday to him.

As people set off party poppers the veteran, who was brought into the party venue in a wheelchair, raised his cupped palms to his sides and mouthed thank you.

When asked later by a guest if he had any idea about the surprise, he replied: No idea whatsoever.

Mr Gladden died at home on Wednesday.

He was a regular on trips to Normandy and the Netherlands, as well as to events in the UK, with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Bill Gladden (left) and Ted Pieri sit in the back of a black cab at Wellington Barracks, London, ahead of their veterans trip to northern France with the Taxi Charity (Victoria Jones/ PA)

Dick Goodwin, honorary secretary of the Taxi Charity, said: Bill was one in a million who was adored by everyone he met.

He had a wonderful gentle voice and loved nothing more than singing some of his favourite wartime songs.

Earlier this year we had the joy of celebrating his 100 birthday in Haverhill and testament to the man he was, the hall was packed with all those who knew and loved him.

Stand easy Sir, your duty is done.

London cab driver and Taxi Charity for Military Veterans volunteer Paul Cook said it was one of the biggest privileges in my life to have known Bill.

I will miss him dearly, he said.

D-Day veteran Bill Gladden meeting local French schoolchildren at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer in France (Gareth Fuller/ PA)

He was one of our greatest heroes and also my friend. Travel well Bill.

Mr Gladden, who grew up in Woolwich, south-east London, had volunteered for airborne duties and flew into Normandy from the former RAF Tarrant Rushton in Dorset.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Durrant and her husband Kenny, and his niece Kaye Thorpe and her husband Alan who cared for him in his later years.

Speaking earlier this year at Mr Gladdens birthday party, Mrs Thorpe described the veteran as a legend.

She said: He always says he didnt do much because he got injured, he got wounded.

He was only over there for about 12 days then he was three years in hospital.

D-Day veteran Bill Gladden arrives at the surprise party for his 100th birthday in Haverhill, Suffolk (Sam Russell/ PA)

He had his ankle virtually blown off, shot off.

It was hanging on by the Achilles heel. He was in a bad way.

Mr Gladden was in the building trade before the war and subsequently worked in various jobs in factories and in payroll, Mrs Thorpe said.

She said he loved singing and painting, and had created watercolour artworks from his memories of the Second World War.
Ukrainian officials have expressed thanks for a fresh batch of US military aid that threw Kyivs armed forces a lifeline in their war with Russia  although the supplies are not expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield.

Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defence systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months.

This allowed the Kremlins forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine by sheer weight of troop numbers and firepower in what has largely become a war of attrition.

The US decision came as the Kremlins army extended its bombardment of the north-eastern Kharkiv region and Ukrainian long-range drones struck more fuel and energy facilities inside Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US senate for approving the $61 billion (57bn) aid package late on Tuesday.

Mr Zelenskyy said on X: Ukraines long-range capabilities, artillery and air defence are extremely important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace.

He urged quick deployment of the hardware that Kyiv expects to receive in the coming weeks and months.

The key now is speed, he said in a later post.

Two Russian S-300 missiles struck Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city near the border with Russia, during the night, injuring six people, and another two hit the Kharkiv region town of Zolochiv where no casualties were reported, local officials said.

Ukrainian officials hope the US aid can be deployed quickly (Kharkiv Regional Prosecutors Office/ via AP)

Another missile hit the southern city of Odesa, injuring one woman, mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

Ukrainian drones, meanwhile, targeted Russian infrastructure, setting ablaze two energy facilities in the western Smolensk region.

Regional head Vasily Anokhin said the attack struck civilian fuel and energy facilities but provided no further details.

Russias defence ministry said that eight drones were shot down overnight in the Belgorod, Smolensk, Kursk and Voronezh regions.
MBABANE  Over 2 000 unemployed paramedics have appealed to government to be considered for the jobs they were trained for.

In a desperate plea, some of the paramedics with over a decade of experience, recounted years of searching for work, which had resulted in them having financial constraints. A group of paramedics, who were wearing their full uniform, yesterday gathered at the Nkhanini Hall at Lobamba, where they stated that they were not asking for handouts, but simply wanted the opportunity to utilise their skills.

Speaking on behalf of the unemployed paramedics, their Chairperson, Mduduzi Mabuza, said there were over 2 000 unemployed paramedics sitting at home without employment, while the need for emergency medical services remains ever-present. Mabuza said they had decided to deliberate on a way forward as the rate of unemployment among them was increasing.

According to Mabuza, they were classified into five categories, those with a six-week certificate, some with a year certificate, a diploma, degree and a masters certificate. He explained that some of their colleagues had been doing internships since 2014, without getting employment. Mabuza said some of the paramedics had allegedly worked for the government but on an internship basis.

According to Mabuza, every year government offers scholarships to more than 80 students, who wanted to study paramedics and most of those end up not being employed. He said they were not demanding employment, but wanted to be considered for job opportunities. Paramedic touches on different sectors and all we want is for us to be employed, because we have the qualifications, Mabuza said. He mentioned that as unemployed paramedics, they were not fighting with anyone or saying government should hire them by force, but all they wanted was for them to be granted opportunities, whether within government or companies.

Engagements

Mabuza said in all their engagements, they were peaceful and in one voice, pleading for employment, so that they could sustain their lives and their families. He went on to state that the number of unemployed paramedics was increasing every year and it was a concern. Mabuza shared that they wanted to be considered for employment just like any government employee.

We plead with the government to help us in our plight. We have qualified paramedics sitting at home yet they could be working within government providing services to citizens or in companies providing same, he said. Furthermore, Mabuza mentioned that in their meeting, they resolved to engage the National Public Services and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU). He said they were yet to set up a meeting on the matter.

He said another programme they would facilitate was engaging with the different companies, where they would share their plight and plead with them to be considered for employment. Mabuza stated that hiring the paramedics would reduce the high number of unemployed paramedics currently sitting at home. We are not demanding that government should hire us by force but we just want to be considered for jobs when the government is hiring and this is the only thing we want, he said.
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
MBABANE - Employers have been reminded not to force workers to work on public holidays.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security said working on public holidays should be subject to consultations and agreements between the employers and the workers. In a press statement, the ministry reminded employers to align their internal policies with the national legislation and the Regulations of Wages Orders, on the aspect that working on a public holiday should not be forced on workers.

This reminder comes as a result of numerous complaints received by the ministry that some employers continue with their old dispensation of not recognising some of the lawfully designated public holidays, and, therefore, forcing workers to come to work on certain public holidays without compensating them at the appropriate rate of pay for work done on public holidays.

Statement

The ministry recalled on a press statement released on August 14, 2023, when publishing the Regulations of Wages Orders for 2023 in terms of Section 6(1) of the Wages Act, No. 16 of 1964. According to the ministry, they noted that one of the major changes that were effected in the Regulations of Wages Orders is the removal of the table of public holidays that were said to be either recognised or not recognised by some of the sectors/industries, something which had been ongoing for quite some time.

The table of the so-called recognised public holidays was removed on the basis of legal advice to the effect that it is not within the purview of the Wages Councils to pick and choose from among the lawfully designated public holidays, on which one to recognise or not recognise since the declaration of public holidays is done through a distinct legislation, the Public Holidays Act No.71 of 1938, by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ministry said.

Furthermore, it was stated that once a public holiday was declared, it was then not given to anyone else to say they did not recognise a particular public holiday, since doing so would be against the law.
(Photo : Unsplash/Rayyu Maldives)

The head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the mandatory rest time extension for air traffic controllers based on recommendations from an expert panel assessing controller fatigue risks.

The New 10-12 Hour Rest Requirements Between Shifts

Earlier today, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker announced that the FAA will mandate a 10-hour break between shifts, effective within 90 days, and a 12-hour break before an overnight shift.

The requirements align with the panel's recommendations, emphasizing the need to update existing policies to address fatigue factors, particularly by avoiding schedule practices that induce fatigue. The panel also suggested that the FAA enforce an adequate off-duty period before all shifts, citing a range of 10-12 hours as an example.

Current regulations restrict air traffic controllers from working more than 10 hours within 24 hours unless they have received a rest period of at least eight hours before or at the end of the 10-hour shift. However, the panel's examination of data from the first ten weeks of 2024 found instances where these requirements were not consistently followed, highlighting 442 shifts commenced with less than eight hours of rest between shifts and 192 shifts began with less than four hours of rest between shifts.

READ ALSO: United Airlines Cites Boeing Plane Shortages, Asks Pilots to Take Time Off Without Pay

The FAA's Commitment on Air Traffic Controllers' Safety

In a statement, Whitaker acknowledged that during his initial months leading the FAA, he toured air traffic control facilities nationwide and heard concerns about schedules that sometimes do not allow controllers to get enough rest. He emphasized the agency's commitment to prioritizing the safety of controllers and national airspace, saying, "I took this very seriously and we are taking action."

An expert panel was assembled in December 2023 due to increasing worries about air traffic control fatigue and staffing, prompting close calls at airports, mechanical issues at certain airlines, and production challenges at Boeing.

The FAA is also investigating a Thursday incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, in which a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 crossed a runway while a JetBlue Embraer E190 was cleared for takeoff.

Growing Concerns on Staffing Shortage

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), the union representing FAA air traffic controllers, expressed encouragement regarding the FAA's efforts to tackle staff fatigue. However, it was also disappointing that the FAA did not collaborate before announcing.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg indicated that the FAA was understaffed by approximately 3,000 positions in May 2023. This caused the FAA to mandate overtime for air traffic controllers, resulting in many controllers working six-day weeks, which is the maximum allowed under current regulations.

A shortage of air traffic controllers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's hiring freeze, has resulted in mandatory overtime and crowded schedules for personnel at certain facilities, necessitating the agency to recruit 1,500 controllers last year and intends to hire 1,800 more this year.

RELATED ARTICLE: Pilot Unions Raising More Safety, Maintenance Issues As The Airline Industry Grapples with Safety Scrutiny

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Unsplash/Omar Abascal)

A California Costco will close to make room for a giant warehouse after voting delays spanned over a month and a two-hour hearing on Thursday.

Costco's Larger Warehouse Opening

When its lease expires next year, the current northwest Fresno Costco, situated at West Shaw Avenue since 1985, will be replaced by a vast 219,000-square-foot warehouse that will occupy an empty lot approximately four miles away at North Riverside Drive and West Herndon Avenue, as reported by Fresnoland. Plans for the upcoming location include a 32-pump gas station, a new car wash and parking lot, and a dedicated food delivery service.

READ ALSO: Former Toys R Us Renovated, Paves Way for Home Bargains That Will Employ 100 Workers

Originally intended to be the company's largest worldwide, at over 240,000 square feet, the store's plans were adjusted due to community concerns. Currently, a Salt Lake City store holds the title at 235,000 square feet, while the average size of Costco warehouses in the U.S. is 146,000 square feet.

The "Traffic-Calming Measures" Scrutiny

Fresno City Council Vice President Mike Karbassi stated last month that he would not endorse the project unless Costco confirmed additional "traffic-calming measures" for the surrounding streets. He noted that such factors were not taken into account when the original store was constructed nearly 40 years ago.

Karbassi stated that when the council approved the West Shaw Costco years ago, they decided in good faith. Now, there is scrutiny, especially on traffic, to prevent future issues, and taxpayers will not need to bail out the project 30 years from now. Other impacts discussed at Thursday's meeting included noise during construction and disruptions to neighboring schools.

Costco Reaching an Agreement with The City Council

In response, Costco stated that its trucks will avoid North Riverside Drive and will instead utilize Arthur Avenue, a road that is yet to be constructed along the east side of the warehouse. The company also mentioned that the gas station's operating hours will be longer than those of the store, and the gas pumps at the previous location on West Shaw Avenue will continue to be operational.

Subject to public outreach, Costco intends to pave the section of Riverside Drive adjacent to the west side of the warehouse with rubber asphalt to address noise concerns and also confirmed that it held meetings with Central Unified School District officials to ensure their satisfaction with the proximity of the new store.

Karbassi expressed discomfort in approving the plans without identified funding during a budget deficit year. However, the 7-0 vote was reached after Costco committed to funding road improvements on Herndon Avenue, including addressing erosion along the unused lane and installing a four-way stop at West Spruce Avenue and North Hayes Avenue, in addition to several high-visibility crosswalks.

The new store is projected to generate nearly $13 million in tax revenue, with $3 million allocated to Fresno County, and is set to create 37 new full-time jobs, according to the company.

Construction is set to commence in the fall and is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, as reported by Your Central Valley. There is another Costco located on North Abby Street in Fresno, with another nearby in Clovis.

RELATED ARTICLE: Costco Gives The Most Freebies - Best Cash Back Rates On Gas, Restaurant And Travel

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
MBABANE - The charges are an insult to the systems that have been put in place by the relevant departments to combat various forms of corruption.

This and other submissions were made by the woman who is alleged to have used Inkhosikati LaFogiyanes name when she purportedly committed acts of fraud. The acts of fraud include obtaining a job for herself as an assistant immigration officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, acquiring a government house allocation for her husband, who is employed in the Deputy Prime Ministers Office, and obtaining an international passport.

Thobile Motsa (39) of Ndzingeni is facing three charges of fraud. Yesterday, she moved an urgent bail application at the High Court. She told the court that she did not believe that the various ministries and departments could be hoodwinked by such misrepresentation.

Directives

I do not believe that the ministries of Public Service and Home Affairs and the Civil Service Commission can be duped into believing that one of their royal highnesses, emakhosikati, would issue such directives. I know that the Government of Eswatini has the necessary systems to safeguard all procedures relating to the allocation of houses, issuing of passports and recruitment. It would be absurd that all the ministries and the commission would act on the instruction of one of their Royal Highnesses in their execution of duties, she argued.

In the charge sheet, it is alleged that on April 12, 2024, with intent to defraud, Motsa misrepresented to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that the inkhosikati had directed that she should be employed as an assistant immigration officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the charge sheet, when Motsa made the misrepresentation, she well knew that there was no such instruction from the inkhosikati.

Using the name of the inkhosikati again, Motsa is alleged to have misrepresented to the Ministry of Public Service that the inkhosikati had directed that a certain Sikhumbuzo Rudolph Sukati, a Deputy Prime Ministers Office employee should be allocated a house at Mbangweni. She is alleged to have committed this offence on January 31, 2024. On March 10, 2024, the accused is alleged to have misrepresented to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration Department, that the inkhosikati had directed that she (accused) should be furnished with an international passport.

As per the charge sheet, when Motsa allegedly committed this offence, she well knew that there was no such instruction from the inkhosikati and that she was not entitled to the intentional passport. In her bail application, Motsa claimed that she had applied for an international passport before she obtained employment at the Immigration Department.

The accused submitted that she had intended to look for employment in Asia. She averred that since she had been employed by the Government of Eswatini, she did not continue looking for employment outside of the country.

It is alleged that I attempted to defraud the Government of Eswatini. I did not; I made the necessary applications for the issue of the passport and employment. I should not be facing any criminal charges because all the relevant documents are in the possession of the relevant authorities, she argued.

It was further her contention that the director of public prosecution did not have a strong case against her. She submitted that it was common cause that the house was allocated to her husband, the international passport issued to her and that she was employed as an assistant immigration officer.

Documents

All these cannot be done without relevant documents being filed. I state that these documents were filed. My husband qualified to obtain the house. He is an employee of the government and thus entitled to a house. Similarly, with the international passport, I presented the necessary documents, which were considered and found to be in order, he argued. Motsa said there was no way the Ministry of Home Affairs could have issued an international passport to an undeserving person. This, according to Motsa, had grave implications.

This also applies to my employment as an assistant immigration officer. I submitted the relevant documents, including my academic certificates I presume that these were considered and found to be fit for the position. The bail application will be heard today and the prosecution is yet to file its papers indicating if it is opposing same or not.

The accused is represented by lawyers from Mtshali Ngcamphalala Attorneys in Mbabane.
(Photo : Unsplash/Khadeeja Yasser )

The US Supreme Court seemed to support Starbucks on Tuesday in a case that might make it more challenging for the federal government to request injunctions if it believes a company is disrupting unionization efforts.

During oral arguments, the Justices pointed out that Congress mandates the National Labor Relations Board to pursue these injunctions in federal court, granting courts the responsibility to weigh various factors, including the likelihood of the board's success in its administrative case against a company.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett said that the district court acted as an independent check and suggested that it should simply fulfill its designated role, given the authority it has been granted. However, the NLRB argues that since 1947, the National Labor Relations Act, the law overseeing the agency, has permitted courts to issue temporary injunctions if they deem the request just and proper, and contends that the law does not mandate proof of additional factors and restrict the courts' involvement.

NLRB's Court Order for Starbucks' Workers Termination

The case before the high court originated in February 2022 when Starbucks terminated seven employees organizing a union at their Tennessee store. The NLRB secured a court order mandating the company to reinstate the workers. At the same time, the case progressed through the agency's administrative procedures, whose proceedings can last up to two years.

READ ALSO: Starbucks Anti-Union Tactics Not True, Calling It Pure Propaganda Amidst Employee Relations Controversy

In August 2022, a district court judge sided with the NLRB and issued a temporary injunction directing Starbucks to reinstate the workers. Following the 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals' affirmation of this decision, Starbucks appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court.

According to Workers United, the union organizing Starbucks workers, five out of the seven workers are still employed at the Memphis store, which voted to unionize in June 2022, while the other two continue to be engaged in the unionizing effort.

The Supreme Court's Intervention

Starbucks requested the Supreme Court's intervention, asserting that federal appeals courts lack consensus on the criteria the NLRB must satisfy when seeking a temporary injunction against a company.

In examining the events at the Starbucks store in Memphis, the Sixth Circuit demanded two conditions from the NLRB: demonstrating reasonable cause to suspect unfair labor practices and showing that a restraining order would be an appropriate remedy. However, other federal appeals courts have imposed a more stringent four-factor test on the NLRB, which is being used when other federal agencies seek restraining orders. This test includes demonstrating the likelihood of success in the administrative case and proving that employees would endure irreparable harm without an injunction.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson seemed to align with the NLRB's argument that Congress intended the agency to operate under a different standard. She observed that the NLRB typically determines its likelihood of success in a case before seeking an injunction. She also highlighted the rarity of injunctions, noting that in the NLRB's 2023 fiscal year, it received 19,869 charges of unfair labor practices but pursued just 14 cases seeking temporary injunctions.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor doubted whether the Supreme Court's decision would still be relevant since the injunction might have already lapsed, and an NLRB judge could have issued a ruling in the Starbucks case by the time the court's decision was announced. However, she also concurs that the courts should have a more defined role in NLRB cases.

The oral arguments occurred amid a diminishing hostility between Workers United and Starbucks. Both parties announced in February their intention to resume discussions to reach contract agreements this year. Starbucks and union representatives scheduled their first bargaining session in almost a year for Wednesday.

According to the NLRB, employees at 424 company-owned US Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late 2021, but none has managed to finalize a labor agreement with Starbucks.

RELATED ARTICLE: Starbucks Engages in Collective Bargaining with Workers United to Settle Long-Standing Fair Organizing Dispute

 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
LOBAMBA - A teenage boy aged 16 years was stabbed to death by a 14-year-old following a tiff over failure to count money adequately.

The murder of the teenager at the hands of another minor occurred at Lobamba, near the traffic circle dissecting traffic to Lozitha, Mahlanya and Lobamba. The teenagers got into a squabble after the deceased, Nkhotsamelo Kapamba, mocked *John over the purported failure to change adequate money for a customer.

The two were selling fruits and vegetables on behalf of some vendors stationed at the Mahlanya Market. The duo had travelled about five kilometres targeting clients, who travelled along the Lobamba  Mahlanya Road to surrounding areas such as Sitjeni, Lozitha, Lobamba and Ezulwini. When the tiff escalated to murder, the two were at Sihlahleni opposite the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where they alternated in selling the wares.

Mocked

It was said Kapamba had in jest mocked John in that he had a challenge with Mathematics. This, the witnesses alleged, did not sit well with John, as he was said to have pulled out an Okapi knife and stabbed the deceased once, in the plender gap (area between the neck and the shoulder). In shock, Kapamba was said to have fled the scene while holding the plender gap to stop the bleeding. However, witnesses said the deceased fell to the ground about 10 metres from where they were selling their wares.

When reporters from this publication visited the scene of the incident, sweet potatoes were found under a tree. Also at the scene, was Lobamba community police member Bongani Maseko, who was inspecting the crime scene. Maseko said he had been informed that the pair was on the side of the road, which had traffic driving towards Lobamba and it was where the argument ensued and resulted in the deceased being stabbed.

His assertions were also cemented by some vendors at Mahlanya Market, where the two teenagers spent most of their time selling wares for a commission from the vendors. Among them was Ntsege Fakudze, who was caring for the deceased. Fakudze said she got the news on Monday evening and had been overwhelmed by emotion, as she had adopted Kapamba, since he was vulnerable.

She described the deceased as a hustler and had learnt to take care of himself after his guardians passed on. Fakudze said as much as she did not reside with Kapamba, she had assumed the role of a mother and catered for his basic needs.

Fakudze said the deceased had in recent months established relations with his father who lives in Zambia and they had to communicate the sad news to him. We had to phone his father as his relatives, besides him, are unknown to us. The father said he will be in the country tomorrow (today), Fakudze said. She said the deceased came to be at the Mahlanya Market after he completed Grade VII at Mahlanya Primary School and lacked resources to proceed with his education. Primary schooling in Eswatini is offered to all children at no cost, through the Free Primary Education (FPE) Programme.

Meanwhile, Fakudze said the deceased started offering to sell wares in exchange for commission at the marketplace. She said he met his assailant at the marketplace years back, as the 14-year-old accused of killing Kapamba was from the area and his parents were selling their wares at Mahlanya as well. In fact, the guardian of the 14-year-old boy has a stall about 20 metres from Fakudzes.

She said it was communicated to her that Kapamba had died minutes after being stabbed. This was also confirmed by Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni.

Mnguni said: On Monday, at around 5pm, a 16-year-old boy of Lobamba was stabbed once in the neck with an Okapi knife and died while at Lobamba, Esihlahleni traffic circle. She said the police were investigating the murder.
Defying regional and global geopolitical challenges, GCC project awards increased by 20.3% in the first quarter to hit $45 billion compared to $37.4 billion last year, with regional heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Qatar spearheading the growth, according to Kamco Invest, a non-banking financial powerhouse based in Kuwait.

The trend also defies oil production cutbacks which have all weighed on economic growth in the region as seen from IMFs latest forecast that slashed GCC economic growth forecast for 2024 to 2.4% from its previous forecast of 3.7%, it said.

The consistent elevated trend in GCC contract awards underlines the entrenched resolve of GCC governments to see through their diversification projects, as well as state funding support, stated the industry expert in its GCC Projects Market Update April-2024 report.

Growth in GCC contract awards was evenly distributed during Q1-2024 as three out of the six

countries in the GCC recorded y-o-y growth in their projects awards, including two of the largest

projects markets in the region, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while the remaining three countries

witnessed declines.

According to Kamco, Saudi Arabia alone accounted for more than half of the contracts awarded in the GCC region during Q1 with aggregate awards of $23.5 billion against $19.1 billion in Q1-2023 shrugging off underwhelming GDP growth projections by the IMF and continuing its strong non-oil growth rate run.

On Saudi Arabia, the report said after being aggressive on all fronts of project development, recent reports have shown a change in strategy for the kingdom wherein it is expected to have a more focused approach.

This includes a report which shows Saudi Arabia prioritising projects instead of all-round development beginning with the completion of modules at the marina in The Line at Neom project. Also, on the funding front, there will also be external funding including debt issuance by various parties involved in the project.

This includes the recent roadshow by Neom for Chinese investors detailing plans for a futuristic ski resort and 170-km-long skyscrapers.

A Bloomberg report also showed curtailed plans for The Line project by 2030, although overall objectives of the project have been achieved so far. Monthly project awards data for Saudi giga projects showed a decline during March, according to MEED.

Total value of contract awards declined to $271 million in March-2024 from $509 million in February-2024 and $5.6 billion in January-2024. The total value of projects awarded since launch reached $57.0 billion, according to MEED.

According to Kamco, the kingdom represented over 52.2% of total GCC projects awarded during Q1-2024 that reached $23.5 billion. It achieved this feat despite recording a y-o-y dip in aggregate projects awarded in the construction, transport and chemical sectors.

The growth was mainly attributed to the kingdoms gas sector which witnessed its total value of contract awards jump from $40 million in Q1-2023 to $6.2 billion in Q1-2024.

Similarly, the total value of projects awarded in Saudi Arabias water sector during Q1-2024 improved by 170.1% y-o-y to reach $6.3 billion supporting the overall growth in the kingdom's total contract awards during the quarter.

Comparatively, total contracts awarded in the UAE witnessed a marginal dip of 1% y-o-y to reach

$11.5 billion during Q1 as compared to $11.6 billion for the same period last year.

The UAE projects market maintained its spot as the second biggest projects market in the GCC

during the quarter despite the decrease in its share of total GCC projects awarded from 30.9% in Q1-2023 to 25.5% in Q1-2024.

Currently the UAE has the second highest expected economic growth rate among the GCC countries for 2024 at 3.5% with expectation to maintain its current course shrugging off the global economic uncertainty and the impact of ongoing conflicts in the wider Mena region.

The emirates' non-oil economic sector which has contributed around 70% of the growth during 2023 is expected to further improve in 2025, said the report.

On the other hand, aggregate value of contracts for Qatar jumped 68.5% y-o-y during Q1-2024 to reach $6.1 billion against $3.6 billion in Q1-2023.

According to Kamco, total value of contracts awarded in Qatar increased by 68.5% y-o-y to reach $6.1 billion during Q1-2024 as compared to $3.6 billion in Q1-2023, according to data gathered by MEED Projects.

The growth in contract awards was primarily due to the jump in value of projects awarded in Qatars Oil Sector during Q1-2024 which represented 80.5% of the total contracts awarded in the country during the year.

The total value of oil sector projects awarded jumped from no contracts awarded in Q1-2023 to $4.9

billion during Q1-2024 reflecting the $6 billion EPC contract to increase oil production from Al Shaheen offshore oil field by about 100 tb/d. The project is the third capacity expansion of the Al Shaheen oil field.

In terms of sectors, the first quarter witnessed a jump in the value of projects awarded in the Gas and

Oil sectors. Total GCC gas sector contracts awarded during the quarter umped more than 19

times to reach $7.4 billion as compared to $382 million during Q1-2023.

On the other hand, the total value of contracts awarded in the GCC oil sector increased nearly seven times to reach $9 billion during the similar period, making the sector the biggest contributor in terms of absolute growth in value of contracts awarded in the GCC region during the quarter.

Contract awards in Kuwait have been underwhelming during the first quarter of this year. According to MEED Projects, total projects awarded reached $327 million during Q1 as compared to $1.8 billion in Q1-2023.

Despite the lacklustre performance during the first three months of the year, contractors are currently preparing to bid for big-ticket projects, especially in the oil sector. According to MEED, seven companies have bought tender documents for the planned fuel depot project in Al Mutlaa region of Kuwat.

The project which is being awarded by the state-owned downstream operator Kuwait National

Petroleum Company (KNPC) is valued at $850 million.

One of the notable contracts that were awarded during Q1 is the $100 million design contract to upgrade the Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery. The contract entails a project to overhaul an acid gas removal plant in the Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery and its scope includes consultancy work.

Currently, MEED Projects estimates the value of upcoming projects for Kuwait to be around

$105.5 billion of which 58.1% are in the study stage while 11.2% are in the design stage.

In terms of sector proportion of upcoming projects, the power sector is expected to receive 27.2% or $28.7 billion topping the list as the largest sector in terms of upcoming contracts in the country followed by the transport sector with $27.6 billion worth of upcoming contracts in the pipeline.
An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo
04/24/2024

The latest documentary produced by Jax States Longleaf Studios, "Riding Through History: The Barber Collection," will air on Alabama Public Television on Thursday, April 25, at 8:00 p.m. The one-hour film recalls the captivating story of George Barber and his Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum premiering just ahead of one of the biggest events of the year at Barber Motorsports Park, the IndyCar Grand Prix.

Recognized by Guiness World Records as the largest motorcycle museum in the world, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum has made a huge impact on Alabamas economy, generating over 2.5 billion dollars since the museums inception. As a cultural hub and a beacon for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide, the museum is well known for its exciting, family-friendly atmosphere, the IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama and the annual Barber Vintage Festival, putting Alabama on the map as a cultural lifeblood for motorsports.

Riding Through History: The Barber Collection captures the complicated history behind the rise of the largest philanthropic endeavor in Alabama history. The documentary takes viewers on an intriguing evolution from George Barbers humble beginnings riding alongside his father on a milk truck to his triumphs on the racetrack. Riding Through History: The Barber Collection vividly paints a portrait of a man driven by his passion for motorsports, allowing viewers to witness the transformation of a Birmingham warehouse collection into an incredible museum with a state-of-the-art racetrack, The Alabama Roller Coaster, that has attracted collaborations with renowned automotive brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

More than a documentary, Riding Through History: The Barber Collection is a testament to the indomitable spirit of one man and the enduring legacy he has created.

Riding Through History: The Barber Collection is a production of Jacksonville State Universitys Longleaf Studios in collaboration with Illuminate Films.

Housed in the Jax State College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences, Longleaf Studios is a university-based production studio that provides students the opportunity to gain real-world experience working on the set of actual productions with partnering professional filmmakers. The unit serves as an experiential learning space for the university's Bachelor of Arts in Film program, an interdisciplinary major that includes courses from the Theatre and Film, Art and Design, and English departments.

Our partnership with APT in producing the Longleaf Series of films is an immensely valuable experience for our students, providing experiential learning opportunities in the field and through post-production processes, said Seth Johnson, director of Jax States Longleaf Studios, executive producer of the documentary and Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. Mr. Barber's vision turned into reality is a motivating story that can resonate with all Alabamians, and Jax State is excited to share this engaging story with everyone.
By Lauren Gould, Utrecht University; Linde Arentze, NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies; and Marijn Hoijtink, University of Antwerp | 

(The Conversation)  As Israels air campaign in Gaza enters its sixth month after Hamass terrorist attacks on October 7, it has been described by experts as one of the most relentless and deadliest campaigns in recent history. It is also one of the first being coordinated, in part, by algorithms.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to assist with everything from identifying and prioritising targets to assigning the weapons to be used against those targets.

Academic commentators have long focused on the potential of algorithms in war to highlight how they will increase the speed and scale of fighting. But as recent revelations show, algorithms are now being employed at a large scale and in densely populated urban contexts.

This includes the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, but also in Yemen, Iraq and Syria, where the US is experimenting with algorithms to target potential terrorists through Project Maven.

Amid this acceleration, it is crucial to take a careful look at what the use of AI in warfare actually means. It is important to do so, not from the perspective of those in power, but from those officers executing it, and those civilians undergoing its violent effects in Gaza.

This focus highlights the limits of keeping a human in the loop as a failsafe and central response to the use of AI in war. As AI-enabled targeting becomes increasingly computerised, the speed of targeting accelerates, human oversight diminishes and the scale of civilian harm increases.

Speed of targeting

Reports by Israeli publications +927 Magazine and Local Call give us a glimpse into the experience of 13 Israeli officials working with three AI-enabled decision-making systems in Gaza called Gospel, Lavender and Wheres Daddy?.

These systems are reportedly trained to recognise features that are believed to characterise people associated with the military arm of Hamas. These features include membership of the same WhatsApp group as a known militant, changing cell phones every few months, or changing addresses frequently.

The systems are then supposedly tasked with analysing data collected on Gazas 2.3 million residents through mass surveillance. Based on the predetermined features, the systems predict the likelihood that a person is a member of Hamas (Lavender), that a building houses such a person (Gospel), or that such a person has entered their home (Wheres Daddy?).

In the investigative reports named above, intelligence officers explained how Gospel helped them go from 50 targets per year to 100 targets in one day  and that, at its peak, Lavender managed to generate 37,000 people as potential human targets. They also reflected on how using AI cuts down deliberation time: I would invest 20 seconds for each target at this stage  I had zero added value as a human  it saved a lot of time.

They justified this lack of human oversight in light of a manual check the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ran on a sample of several hundred targets generated by Lavender in the first weeks of the Gaza conflict, through which a 90% accuracy rate was reportedly established. While details of this manual check are likely to remain classified, a 10% inaccuracy rate for a system used to make 37,000 life-and-death decisions will inherently result in devastatingly destructive realities.



Lavender III, Digital Imagining, Dream, Dreamland v. 3, 2024

But importantly, any accuracy rate number that sounds reasonably high makes it more likely that algorithmic targeting will be relied on as it allows trust to be delegated to the AI system. As one IDF officer told +927 magazine: Because of the scope and magnitude, the protocol was that even if you dont know for sure that the machine is right, you know that statistically its fine. So you go for it.

The IDF denied these revelations in an official statement to The Guardian. A spokesperson said that while the IDF does use information management tools [] in order to help intelligence analysts to gather and optimally analyse the intelligence, obtained from a variety of sources, it does not use an AI system that identifies terrorist operatives.

The Guardian has since, however, published a video of a senior official of the Israeli elite intelligence Unit 8200 talking last year about the use of machine learning magic powder to help identify Hamas targets in Gaza. The newspaper has also confirmed that the commander of the same unit wrote in 2021, under a pseudonym, that such AI technologies would resolve the human bottleneck for both locating the new targets and decision-making to approve the targets.

Scale of civilian harm

AI accelerates the speed of warfare in terms of the number of targets produced and the time to decide on them. While these systems inherently decrease the ability of humans to control the validity of computer-generated targets, they simultaneously make these decisions appear more objective and statistically correct due to the value that we generally ascribe to computer-based systems and their outcome.

This allows for the further normalisation of machine-directed killing, amounting to more violence, not less.

While media reports often focus on the number of casualties, body counts  similar to computer-generated targets  have the tendency to present victims as objects that can be counted. This reinforces a very sterile image of war. It glosses over the reality of more than 34,000 people dead, 766,000 injured and the destruction of or damage to 60% of Gazas buildings and the displaced persons, the lack of access to electricity, food, water and medicine.

It fails to emphasise the horrific stories of how these things tend to compound each other. For example, one civilian, Shorouk al-Rantisi, was reportedly found under the rubble after an airstrike on Jabalia refugee camp and had to wait 12 days to be operated on without painkillers and now resides in another refugee camp with no running water to tend to her wounds.

Aside from increasing the speed of targeting and therefore exacerbating the predictable patterns of civilian harm in urban warfare, algorithmic warfare is likely to compound harm in new and under-researched ways. First, as civilians flee their destroyed homes, they frequently change addresses or give their phones to loved ones.

Such survival behaviour corresponds to what the reports on Lavender say the AI system has been programmed to identify as likely association with Hamas. These civilians, thereby unknowingly, make themselves suspect for lethal targeting.

Beyond targeting, these AI-enabled systems also inform additional forms of violence. An illustrative story is that of the fleeing poet Mosab Abu Toha, who was allegedly arrested and tortured at a military checkpoint. It was ultimately reported by the New York Times that he, along with hundreds of other Palestinians, was wrongfully identified as Hamas by the IDFs use of AI facial recognition and Google photos.

Over and beyond the deaths, injuries and destruction, these are the compounding effects of algorithmic warfare. It becomes a psychic imprisonment where people know they are under constant surveillance, yet do not know which behavioural or physical features will be acted on by the machine.

From our work as analysts of the use of AI in warfare, it is apparent that our focus should not solely be on the technical prowess of AI systems or the figure of the human-in-the-loop as a failsafe. We must also consider these systems ability to alter the human-machine-human interactions, where those executing algorithmic violence are merely rubber stamping the output generated by the AI system, and those undergoing the violence are dehumanised in unprecedented ways.

Lauren Gould, Assistant Professor, Conflict Studies, Utrecht University; Linde Arentze, Researcher into AI and Remote Warfare, NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and Marijn Hoijtink, Associate Professor in International Relations, University of Antwerp

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  American campuses are being roiled by student and faculty protests against the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza, which the International Court of Justice has found to be plausibly described as a genocide. These harmless student demonstrations, of a sort that have been normal throughout the past sixty years, have been met with a harsh police response and criminalization by university administrators unmatched since the Kent State University president called in the National Guard on May 4, 1970, when green troops panicked and killed four students.

Charges that these peaceful on-campus rallies are antisemitic in character are bad faith propaganda by hard line ethno-nationalists who have long striven to equate criticism of Israeli government policy with bigotry toward Jews  a ridiculous proposition. If accepted, this strategy would imply that criticism of the government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico is a form of bigotry toward Chicanos. If so, no one has more racialist prejudice toward Chicanos than Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. The only documented antisemitic slurs have been shouted in the street in New York beyond the Columbia University campus, by outsiders rather than students and faculty. Any bigotry toward Jews is completely unacceptable and wholly contemnible.

The campus demonstrations are instead being driven by outrage at six months of war crimes committed by the fascist government now in power in Israel, which includes ministers who are the Israeli equivalent of neo-Nazis.

It is bad enough that presidents of major American universities are having their students and faculty arrested for trespassing on their own campus, with many of them suspended and forced out of their dorms (for which they paid and the rental terms of which they had not violated).

Those same presidents of leading institutions of higher education in the U.S. have stood completely silent as the extremist government in Israel has destroyed every last university in Gaza, leaving 88,000 students stranded and their education interrupted, for who knows how long. Many of them may forever be deprived of their degree.

The Israeli military has also murdered from the sky 5,479 students and 261 teachers .

Reliefweb notes,

As of 30 March, the Education Cluster estimates that 87.7% of all school buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. 212 school buildings have had a direct hit and could be severely damaged and a further 282 have sustained moderate, minor or likely damage. Previously 503,500 children attended, and 18,900 teachers taught at the school buildings which have now had a direct hit or sustained major or moderate damage. Every university in Gaza has been destroyed.

The dead include hundreds of undergraduates and over a hundred professors, as well as three presidents of universities.

Wesleyan President Michael S. Roth is the only one I know of to have publicly denounced this situation (thanks to Laila Lalami for tipping me to this piece).

Apologists for Israels total war on the innocent civilians of Gaza, blinded by their ethno-nationalism, may attempt to maintain that these universities were part and parcel of the Hamas government that has ruled Gaza since 2006. This allegation, however, is laughable. Hamas military cadres only come to 37,000 persons by Israels own reckoning. None of them were undergraduates or professors of literature.

About 19 institutions of higher education, including 12 universities, in Gaza served 88,000 students and employed 5200 staff and faculty before October 7, since which time they have all been closed and several have been demolished.

As I wrote last winter, the buildings of the al-Azhar University in south Gaza have been largely destroyed by Israeli shelling.

The following footage from TikTok shows the bombing of al-Azhar University in Gaza in November.

The footage below says it shows the state last winter of al-Azhar University in Gaza:

Destruction of Al-Azhar University in Gaza

Al-Azhar University in Gaza was established in 1991 by the Palestine Liberation Organization, the secular rival of Hamas. It is not related to the al-Azhar in Cairo. It had 14,391 students and 387 faculty members, though some of these are now dead and none of them have any buildings in which to learn or teach. It had been ranked around 171 out of 200 among Arab regional universities, and it is amazing that it wasnt at the bottom given that it functioned in an occupied territory under economic siege since 2007.

This was AUGs medical school.

AU Gaza Kulliyat al-Tibb

That medical school is now not graduating doctors, to say the least.

This scholasticide is not an accident and it has nothing to do with a war on Hamas or self-defense. It is the typical gutting of a colonized peoples consciousness by a settler colonial state. These actions are intended to cripple Palestinian education and Palestinian culture in Gaza. Israeli leaders have made no secret of their hope to ethnically cleanse the Palestinians from the Strip entirely.
Vancouver, British Columbia, April 23,2024  TheNewswire: Inspiration Energy Corp. (the "Company" or "Inspiration") (CSE: ISP) is pleased to announce that it has further expanded its presence in the Athabasca Basin by entering into Option Agreements to acquire a 70% undivided interest in two Uranium properties (the Plateau Property and Ledge Property) from Atha Energy Corp. (Atha). See Figure 1. for a map of Inspirations current land holdings in the Athabasca Basin.

Figure 1. Map of Inspiration Energy Corp.'s current land holdings in the Athabasca Basin.

The Plateau Property, located in the southeast Athabasca Basin, consists of 9 mineral dispositions totalling 27,252ha (27km2). The Athabasca Basin unconformity-contact crosscuts the southern mineral dispositions of the property, and the sandstone extends northwards to a maximum thickness of 800 metres. The basement rock underlying the Plateau Property consists of mainly Archean felsic gneisses with lesser Archean and Paleoproterozoic supracrustal rocks. See Figure 2. for Plateau Property location map.



Figure 2. Plateau Property location map.

Highlights:

Targeting basement-hosted and unconformity-associated Uranium mineralization.

Property Structural Fabric: Curvilinear NE-trending belt dominated by dome-and-basin-style interference-folding of the Mudjatik Domain overprinted by NE-linear Cable Bay Shear Zone.

Major Structures include Cable Bay Shear Zone, Tabbernor faults, and Mackenzie diabase dykes.

Proximity to Known Mineralization: 1 km from Fleming Island Occurrence (3% U outcrop samples). There are multiple Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index showings proximal to the property that include Co, Cu, Zn, and Ni.

Recent Work: XciteTM helicopter-borne time-domain electromagnetic (HTDEM) system flown over entire property in 2023, which defined 73 linear-kilometres of conductors on the property.

XciteTM survey has highlighted coincident magnetic and electromagnetic anomalies within the northwest quadrant of the property that may host northeast trending splay faults of the Cable Bay Shear Zone.

About the Plateau Property:

The Plateau Property is comprised of 9 mineral dispositions encompassing a total land area of 27,252ha (27km2) and is located along the southeast margin of the Athabasca Basin. The property sits adjacent to, and potentially overlies, portions of the conductive Cable Bay Shear Zone that hosts multiple Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI) occurrences relating to unconformity-associated Uranium mineralization and Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusion-hosted Ni-Cu-(Co-PGE) mineralization. The 4 southernmost mineral dispositions lay partially outside the extent of the Athabasca Basin unconformity contact. The sandstone overlying the remaining mineral dispositions dips downward to the north; the northernmost disposition contains sandstone up to 800m thick.

Future Work Recommendation for the remainder of 2024 through to the end of 2026:

I.Complete drillhole and surficial geochemistry compilation work initiated by Atha. II.Property-wide airborne gravity survey. III.Property-wide ground geochemistry/boulder sampling survey. IV.Ground time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) and ground DC-IP resistivity surveying over the northern dispositions. V.Geologic mapping prospecting over the southern dispositions.

The Ledge Property, located in the northeast Athabasca Basin, consists of 7 mineral dispositions totalling 38,784ha (38km2). The Athabasca Basin unconformity-contact crosscuts the northern mineral dispositions of the property, and the sandstone extends southwards to a maximum thickness of 200 metres. The basement rocks underlying the Ledge Property consist of mainly Archean felsic gneisses with lesser Archean and Paleoproterozoic supracrustal rocks. See Figure 3. For Ledge Property location map.

Figure 3. Ledge Property location map.

Highlights:

Targeting basement-hosted and unconformity-associated Uranium mineralization.

Property Structural Fabric: Curvilinear NE-trending belt dominated by dome-and-basin-style interference-folding typical of the Mudjatik Domain.

Major Structures include Tabbernor faults, Mackenzie diabase dykes, and potential extension of the Cable Bay Shear Zone.

Numerous drill holes and boulder sampling has been completed on the property with anomalous Uranium and scintillometer values which have been linked to the granitoids.

Proximity to Known Mineralization: Moosonees Lake Bedrock Uranium Showing on Property ( Surficial Boulder Sample at 0.19% U3O8).

Recent Work: XciteTM helicopter-borne time-domain electromagnetic (HTDEM) system flown over entire property in 2023, which defined 50 linear-kilometres of conductive lineaments.

About the Ledge Property:

The Ledge Property is comprised of 7 mineral licences encompassing a total land area of 38,784ha (38km2) and is located along the northeast margin of the Athabasca Basin. The property potentially overlies portions of the conductive Cable Bay Shear Zone that hosts Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI) occurrence #1617 relating to Felsic Intrusion-hosted Uranium mineralization with associated Fe, Mo, and Th. The 3 northernmost mineral dispositions of the property lay partially outside the extent of the Athabasca Basin unconformity contact. The sandstone overlying the remaining mineral dispositions dips downward to the south; the southernmost disposition contains sandstone up to 200m thick.

Future Work Recommendation for the remainder of 2024 through to the end of 2026:

I.Complete drillhole and surficial geochemistry compilation work initiated by ATHA Energy Corp. II.Property-wide airborne gravity survey. III.Property-wide geologic mapping, prospecting. IV.Property-wide ground geochemistry/boulder survey.

Charles Desjardins. President and CEO of Inspiration states that These 2 new, exciting projects we are joint venturing with Atha Energy Corp. dovetail extremely well with our existing portfolio of uranium projects. This new relationship with Atha brings Athas foothold and experience in both the Athabasca and Thelon Basins to the table and will provide many exploration synergies for shareholders of Inspiration.

Terms of the Option Agreements:

In accordance with the terms of the Option Agreements, the Company can earn a 70% undivided interest (subject to underlying 2.0% NSR royalties on each property agreed to by the parties) in the Plateau Property and Ledge Property through the issuance of 4,330,228 common shares of the Company (the Consideration Shares) to Atha and incurring a total of $8,000,000 on exploration expenditures broken down as described below. Additionally, Atha is entitled to anti-dilution projection during the option period, such that the number of common shares issuable will be adjusted upwards to maintain a 9.0% shareholder interest upon any issuance of new common shares by the Company out of treasury. The anti-dilution feature will not be triggered by any shares issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options, warrants or other convertible securities.

Plateau Property

Inspiration may exercise the option on the Plateau Property by satisfying all of the following conditions:

Issuing an aggregate of 2,165,114 Consideration Shares to Atha within two (2) business days following regulatory approval at the market price of the common shares of the Company; and

2. Incurring exploration expenditures on the Plateau Property in the following amounts:

(i) $400,000 by September 1, 2024;

(ii) an additional $400,000 by September 1, 2025;

(iii) an additional $3,000,000 by September 1, 2028; and

This Option Agreement will terminate at Athas discretion if Inspiration fails to incur exploration expenditures and issue the Consideration Shares to Atha as set out above or if CSE acceptance is not granted within 35 days of the effective date of the Option Agreement.

Ledger Property

Inspiration may exercise the option on the Ledge Property by satisfying all of the following conditions:

Issuing an aggregate of 2,165,114 Consideration Shares to Atha within two (2) business days following regulatory approval at the market price of the common shares of the Company; and

2. Incurring Exploration Expenditures on the Ledge Property in the following amounts:

(i) $600,000 by September 1, 2024;

(ii) an additional $600,000 by September 1, 2025;

(iii) an additional $3,000,000 by September 1, 2028; and

This Option Agreement will terminate at Athas discretion if Inspiration fails to incur exploration expenditures and issue the Consideration Shares to Atha as set out above or if CSE acceptance is not granted within 35 days of the effective date of the Option Agreement.

NI 43-101 Disclosure

Paul Burry, P.Geo., (APEGS Licence #15000) is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Burry has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release.

About Inspiration Energy Corp.

Inspiration Energy Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada. Its objective is to locate and develop properties of merit and to conduct exploration on the Companys properties.

For more information, please refer to the Company's information available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Charles Desjardins

Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director

Phone: 604-808-3156

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions, including with respect to the Companys ability or intention to complete the Options Agreements, as described above. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward -looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR+ in Canada (available at WWW.SEDARPLUS.CA).




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2024) - Big Gold Inc. (CSE: BG) (FSE: H7L) (the "Company" or "Big Gold") is pleased to announce that initial priority drill targets have been outlined for the Company's upcoming maiden drill program at the Tabor Project in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt in Northwestern Ontario (Figure 1).

The Company is currently planning to drill a minimum of 1,500 metres in its inaugural drill program at Tabor, which is immediately adjacent to Goldshore's Moss Gold Project that hosts current inferred or higher category mineral resources of 6.73 million ounces gold, including an Indicated Resource of 1.535 million ounces gold grading 1.23 g/t and an Inferred Resource of 5.198 million ounces gold at a grade of 1.11 g/t* ("Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada" prepared by Michael B. Dufresne M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., and Warren E. Black, M.Sc., P.Geo., of APEX Geoscience, March 21, 2024). The planned diamond drill program will test specific chargeability/resistivity anomalies outlined in the data collected in the Induced Polarization (IP) and resistivity survey completed earlier this year, as well as follow-up compilation and geological reviews of historic work from the East Divide and Cornell targets (Figure 2).

Scott Walters, CEO of Big Gold, remarked: "Our technical team has been working diligently with our 2D and 3D geological databases and has been finalizing the drill targets for our maiden drilling program. We have outlined four top priority drill targets among numerous others that cover a strike length of 7.5 kilometres along the gold trend in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt. We are excited that our neighbours, Goldshore Resources, will also be drilling right next door this summer."



Figure 1: Tabor Project in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt with Regional Claim Holders

Figure 2: Tabor Project Priority Drill Targets, 2024

The Company expects to conduct on-site ground truthing and evaluation of various IP generated targets and historical work in the coming weeks to help identify refined drill pad locations prior to commencing the maiden drilling campaign.

Big Gold also announces that it has filed an amended Offering document related to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.biggold.ca.

Prospective investors should read this amended offering document before subscribing for any securities issued in connection with the Offering.

About the Tabor Maiden Drill Program Targets

The technical team has been building a 2D and 3D database with compiled historical and new data gained from Big Gold's exploration programs, including surface sampling, infill sampling, and the ground IP survey. The technical team is planning a spring site visit to complete ground truthing IP targets and finalize drill pad locations for the summer drill program.

About the Tabor Project

Tabor is adjacent to the east, along trend of Goldshore's Moss Lake gold deposit that hosts current inferred or higher category mineral resources of 6.73 million ounces gold, including an Indicated Resource of 1.535 million ounces gold grading 1.23 g/t and an Inferred Resource of 5.198 million ounces gold at a grade of 1.11 g/t* and Tabor is located approximately 20 km to the west of the Delta Resources Delta-1 Project ("Delta-1")* (Technical Report filed March 21, 2024 www.goldshoreresources.com).

Gold mineralization on the Project is, at least in part, associated with quartz veins, shearing and more abundant sulphides. Geological and mineralization characteristics at Tabor are similar to those found on some of the neighbouring properties, including Goldshore's Moss Lake project where a recent drill hole intersected 2.17 g/t gold over 50.35 m and at the Delta-1, where Delta Resources Limited recently (March 1, 2024) reported a drill intercept of 15.94 g/t gold over 10 m.

Qualified Person

Bruce Durham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person, as that term is defined by Canadian regulatory guidelines under NI 43-101, and confirms he has read and approved the technical information contained in this press release.

*The Project is at an early stage of exploration, and the Company cautions that the qualified person who has reviewed and approved this news release has not verified scientific or technical information produced by third parties, and proximity to projects containing gold resources offers no assurance that the rock types, mineralization or gold resources reported by Goldshore and others extend onto the company's project and such proximity is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization reported by third parties with projects in the district.

About Big Gold Inc.

Big Gold Inc. is a junior mining exploration company. Its initial focus is to conduct exploration programs on the Martin Kenty and Tabor projects located in Ontario. Big Gold will also continue to consider other opportunities as they arise, with the objective of acquiring and exploring early-stage base and precious metal projects. Learn more about the Company on its website: https://biggold.ca/.

For more information, please contact investor relations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Scott Walters

President and CEO

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results.
LITTLETON, CO / ACCESSWIRE / April 23, 2024 / Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG) (TSX:URE) ("Ur-Energy" or the "Company") provides the following updates on 2024 Q1 operations, adjustment to our production guidance for the year, and the early repayment of our State Bond Loan.

John Cash, Ur-Energy Chairman and CEO, said of 2024 Q1, "This year has started with a great number of advances in the growth of Ur-Energy, demonstrating a focus on our future in a strengthening market for nuclear energy including our own uranium production at the front-end of the fuel cycle. We were pleased to announce our decision to build our second ISR uranium facility at Shirley Basin, the birthplace of ISR uranium in the 1960s, and related activities have commenced. We anticipate production at Shirley Basin to begin in 2026.

"Meanwhile, ramp-up continues at Lost Creek with additional development and production leading to another shipment of yellowcake being made this month. We continue to overcome ramp-up challenges. Due to those challenges, we are updating and reducing our 2024 production guidance to 550,000 - 650,000 pounds captured."

Lost Creek Production Operations

Ramp-up continues at Lost Creek, with two additional header houses (HH 2-6 and 2-7) coming online in 2024. During Q1, we captured approximately 38,221 pounds, dried and packaged approximately 39,229 pounds, and shipped 35,445 pounds U 3 O 8 . At quarter end, our in-process inventory was approximately 80,465 pounds, our drummed inventory was approximately 26,062 pounds, and our finished inventory at the conversion facility was approximately 79,235 pounds U 3 O 8 .

While we have experienced some additional equipment and operational challenges, we are seeing more consistent drying and packaging, with 19,331 pounds U 3 O 8 packaged since quarter end and dryer operations keeping pace with wellfield production. We have 13 drill rigs onsite, with an additional rig scheduled to commence work in early May. Drilling has advanced into HH 2-11 with completion work nearly finished in HH 2-8. Fabrication of HH 2-8 and 2-9 is complete, and work on HH 2-10 and 2-11 is advancing in our Casper construction shop. HH 2-8 is expected to come online in May.

Shirley Basin Development

We were pleased to announce our decision in Q1 to proceed with the buildout of a satellite facility at our wholly owned, fully permitted and licensed Shirley Basin Project in Carbon County, Wyoming. The decision will nearly double our annual permitted mine production to 2.2 million pounds U 3 O 8 while diversifying our supply.

The satellite plant will be a relatively low-cost facility consisting of ion exchange, wastewater, and groundwater restoration circuits. The ion exchange resin at Shirley Basin will be loaded with uranium from the mine and shipped to our Lost Creek ISR facility for processing before being recycled back into operations at Shirley Basin. This satellite approach will help minimize initial facility capital costs to approximately $24.4 million and pre-operational wellfield development costs to $16.3 million.

The satellite plant will be designed with a flow rate of up to 6,000 gallons per minute and capacity to produce up to 1.0 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. Our permits and license allow for the construction of the elution, precipitation and drying circuits should it become economically advantageous. No amendments to the existing permits or licenses would be required.

The estimated time to finalize designs, order materials and construct the satellite plant and initial wellfield recovery area is approximately 24 months. Work has already been initiated on long-lead items, including detailed engineering and additional geologic pattern planning for the wellfield. Planning has been completed for the monitor well ring for the first mine unit, with plans to install approximately 120 wells in 2024 Q2 - Q3. This installation will enable hydrologic testing and baseline water quality analyses to proceed prior to the start of installation of production patterns in mid-2025. Significantly, the bid process and award for fabrication of IX columns has been completed. This procurement represents one of the longest lead items in the facility.

Sales and Prepayment of State Bond Loan

As previously announced, we completed two additional uranium sales agreements during 2024 Q1. Our fourth agreement calls for deliveries of a base annual quantity ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 pounds U 3 O 8 from 2026 through 2030. The purchaser may flex the annual quantity up or down by as much as ten percent. This agreement provides in part for market-related pricing. Our fifth U 3 O 8 sales agreement includes delivery commitments for five years beginning in 2026, with an initial delivery of 50,000 pounds U 3 O 8 in 2026 and annual deliveries of 200,000 pounds U 3 O 8 in 2027 through 2030. All sales under this agreement will be made at fixed prices, escalated from the agreed base price.

Subsequent to quarter end, we sold 75,000 pounds U 3 O 8 for which we will receive $4.6 million in early May. In total, we anticipate selling 570,000 pounds U 3 O 8 , under two contracts secured in 2022.

As planned, on March 27, we completed the pre-payment of the remaining $4.4 million on our State Bond Loan and now are debt free. At March 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $53.9 million.

About Ur-Energy

Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in-situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming. We have produced and packaged approximately 2.8 million pounds U 3 O 8 from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Ur-Energy now has all major permits and authorizations to begin construction at Shirley Basin, the Company's second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming and is in the process of obtaining remaining amendments to Lost Creek authorizations for expansion of Lost Creek. UrEnergy is engaged in uranium mining, recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. The primary trading market for UrEnergy's common shares is on the NYSE American under the symbol "URG." UrEnergy's common shares also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is in Littleton, Colorado and its registered office is in Ottawa, Ontario.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

John W. Cash, Chairman, CEO & President

720-981-4588, ext. 303

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws regarding events or conditions that may occur in the future (e.g., when ramp-up challenges will be overcome to reach steady-state production and our adjusted 2024 production guidance; the timing to complete ongoing development work to bring on header houses and recovery as currently projected; whether the current projections for the timing and ability to complete build out of Shirley Basin will be met; whether we will secure additional off-take sales agreements at advantageous pricing, and whether our current purchasers may exercise the flex option, up or down, in certain agreements) and are based on current expectations that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, inherently involve a number of significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of the foregoing, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; failure to establish estimated resources and reserves; the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates; production rates, methods and amounts varying from estimates; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in development and other factors described in the public filings made by the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date hereof and Ur-Energy disclaims any intent or obligation to update them or revise them to reflect any change in circumstances or in management's beliefs, expectations or opinions that occur in the future.
Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) is hosting a high-level delegation from Monaco, led by Frederic Genta, Secretary of Attractiveness, Development and Digital on a visit to the kingdom from April 24 to 25, 2024. This strategic visit aims to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and explore potential cross-investment opportunities between the two nations.

During the visit, the Monaco delegation comprising key government officials and influential C-suite executives from the business community, will engage in a series of high-level meetings with key counterparts and stakeholders from both the private and public sector.

Designed to provide the visiting delegation with deeper insights into Bahrains economic landscape and investment potential, the curated meetings aim to facilitate meaningful discussions on potential areas of collaboration, with a focus on shared synergies namely financial services, digital transformation, and tourism.
TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Collective Mining Ltd. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (FSE: GG1) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results for four holes drilled at the Trap Target ("Trap"), which is part of the Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has just added a fifth diamond drill rig as part of its 40,000-metre drill program for 2024 with drilling currently taking place at the Trap, Apollo, Olympus and Box (two rigs) targets respectively.

The assay results reported herein from Trap are from the initial follow-up drilling to the original discovery holes announced on January 18, 2024, where the Company found a new precious metal rich porphyry system located 3.5 kilometres to the northeast of its flagship Apollo system with previous intercepts including 646 metres @ 0.81 g/t AuEq from 19.5 metres depth.

Trap is a precious metal dominant porphyry system hosted in an early quartz diorite body, which is overprinted by at least two styles of late-stage porphyry related sheeted carbonate base metal ("CBM") veinlets. To date, all drill core within the mineralized zone at Trap has been strongly bleached by white porphyry related phyllic alteration (muscovite) potentially indicating that drilling has only encountered the top of the porphyry system and stronger mineralization might occur at depth or in a different proximal location. The mineralized system, which approaches surface in the northern most drilled point to date, is oriented in a west-northwest direction, plunging to the southeast, and is dipping to the northeast at a steep angle.

Trap covers a large surface area geochemically, measuring approximately 2 kilometres by 2 kilometres. Drill testing to date has been executed from three drill pads and has intersected mineralization in multiple directions. Including the results of this release, the mineralized envelope now covers an area measuring up to 600 metres along strike, 250 metres across and 915 metres vertical (previously 340 metres x 170 metres x 687 metres vertical). Trap remains open in all directions except to the east.

Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: "By using both down-hole acoustic televiewer and ASD Terraspec technologies, we have been able to confirm a west-northwest trend to the mineralization and that the phyllic alteration flooding the drill core is porphyry-related muscovite. Based on this information, drill hole TRC-7A was oriented to drill at an orthogonal angle to the Trap system resulting in an outstanding bulk intercept of mineralization. It is still early days for Trap and based on core interpretation, we do not believe that we have found the center of the early porphyry intrusion phase. We will remain aggressive with step-out drilling and in this regard, a new drill pad is planned in a location situated well south of current drilling."

Highlights (see Table 1 and Figures 1-4)

Hole TRC-7A was drilled from TPad-3 to the southwest and was designed to cross Trap at an orthogonal angle to the mineralization. The drill hole intersected a broad zone of remarkably continuous mineralization with assays results as follows: 632.25 metres @ 1.10 g/t gold equivalent from 172.65 metres including : 51.50 metres @ 2.73 g/t gold equivalent from 311.30 metres, and; 46.35 metres @ 2.41 g/t gold equivalent from 393.00 metres



Drill hole TRC-7A is the best intercept drilled by the Company to date at Trap averaging 695 g/t gold equivalent on a gram X metre basis . Hole TRC-7A is a redrill of originally planned hole TRC-7, which ran into mechanical issues near the collar and had to be abandoned.





. Hole TRC-7A is a redrill of originally planned hole TRC-7, which ran into mechanical issues near the collar and had to be abandoned. Drill hole TRC-6 was drilled from TPad-2 and was designed to test the continuity of the system at depth and to the southeast. Two broad zones of mineralization where intersected with assay results are follows: 206.95 metres @ 1.02 g/t gold equivalent from 98.40 metres, and; 115.65 metres @ 1.00 g/t gold equivalent from 623.35 metres



TRC-5 was drilled from TPad-2 to the south and cut three zones of mineralization in a favorable early porphyry quartz diorite host unit. Unfortunately, the intercept is not continuous due to the presence of remnant pendants of poorly mineralized country rock. Assays results for TRC-5 are as follows: 232.35 metres @ 0.60 g/t gold equivalent from 31.25 metres , and; 55.10 metres @ 1.09 g/t gold equivalent from 333.30 metres , and; 51.95 metres @ 0.61 g/t gold equivalent from 456.40 metres



Follow up surface mapping and sampling carried out to the west and northwest of TPad-2 have confirmed the presence of the favorable early quartz diorite porphyry unit, indicating the system is open for additional mineralization in these directions.

TRC-4 was drilled due east from TPad-3 and confirmed the eastern boundary of the mineralization in this direction. A narrow zone of CBM veins were intersected from 253.15 metres downhole averaging 1.35 g/t AuEq over 7.90 metres. No further work is warranted in this area.

Table 1: Assays Results for TRC-4, TRC-5, TRC-6 and TRC-7A

Hole # From

(m) To

(m) Length

(m) Au

g/t Ag

g/t Zn

% Pb

% AuEq

g/t* TRC-4 253.15 261.05 7.90 0.83 20 0.51 0.31 1.35 TRC-5 31.25 263.60 232.35 0.54 4 0.04 - 0.60 Incl 69.30 82.15 12.85 0.87 10 0.08 - 1.00 and Incl 108.85 124.00 15.15 1.01 4 0.02 - 1.03 and Incl 177.45 185.80 8.35 0.92 8 0.03 0.01 1.12 and Incl 223.80 239.65 15.85 1.34 2 0.01 - 1.33 and 333.30 388.40 55.10 1.10 2 0.01 - 1.09 Incl 349.00 357.15 8.15 5.56 4 0.01 - 5.45 and Incl 377.20 385.35 8.15 1.07 1 0.01 - 1.06 and 456.40 508.35 51.95 0.59 2 0.01 0.01 0.61 Incl 456.40 464.40 8.00 1.21 7 0.01 - 1.26 and Incl 497.80 508.35 10.55 1.13 2 0.01 - 1.13 TRC-6 98.40 305.35 206.95 0.90 5 0.03 0.02 1.02 Incl 110.70 170.85 60.15 1.77 5 0.02 0.01 1.89 and 623.35 739.00 115.65 0.79 11 0.19 0.08 1.00 Incl 641.10 656.55 15.45 1.30 3 0.12 0.05 1.36 and Incl 725.50 739.00 13.50 1.37 8 0.16 0.09 1.51 TRC-7A 172.65 804.90 632.25 0.92 9 0.13 0.13 1.10 Incl 172.65 212.00 39.35 1.97 10 0.18 0.15 2.16 and incl 311.30 362.80 51.50 2.56 9 0.16 0.19 2.73 and incl 393.00 439.35 46.35 1.88 18 0.51 0.50 2.41 and incl 559.20 575.85 16.65 0.91 103 0.10 0.11 2.19



*AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.97) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.014 x 0.88) + (Zn (%) x 0.46 x 0.85) + (Pb (%) x 0.41 x 0.85) + (Cu (%) x 1.47 x 0.90) utilizing metal prices of Ag  US$25/oz, Zn - US$1.25/lb, Pb - US$1.10/lb, Cu  US$3.95/lb and Au  US$1,850/oz and recovery rates of 97% for Au, 88% for Ag, 85% for Zn, 85% for Pb and 90% for Cu. AuEq (g/t) calculation considers Cu value when Cu>0.05% for each intercept. Recovery rate assumptions for metals are based on metallurgical results announced on October 17, 2023, and April 11, 2024. Recovery rates for zinc and lead are speculative in nature as metallurgical work has not been completed to date on these metals. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.

About Collective Mining Ltd.

To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com

Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective 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 objective 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 targets.

Management, insiders, a strategic investor and close family and friends 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".

Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure

David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).

Technical Information

Rock, soils and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at ALS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.

Information Contact:

Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski73) on X

Follow Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on X, (Collective Mining) on LinkedIn, and (@collectivemining) on Instagram

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In this news release, forward-looking information relate, among other things, to: anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future recovery metal recovery rates; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated April 7, 2022. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.




With the global popularity the "Queen of Tears" is receiving, many are alarmed that the drama is being illegally streamed in China.

Want to know more about the news? Then read on!

'Queen of Tears' Makes Waves in China Through Illegal Streaming?

tvN has been on top of the broadcasting companies lately for producing two of the most watched K-dramas today, "Queen of Tears" and "Lovely Runner." These series have become everyone's word of mouth almost every week.

In particular, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won's romance drama has surpassed 1 billion video views, which is attained for the very first time by any tvN series. Apart from this, it also breaks new records every week for its growing ratings.

Unfortunately, despite the popularity, there was a report claiming that the most buzzworthy drama is being illegally watched in China.

In a report on April 23, a professor from Seongshin Women's University Seo Kyung Deok pointed out a review page for "Queen of Tears" on Douban, a famous Chinese review site.

Unauthorized Viewing of K-Content 'Exhuma,' 'The Glory,' More Becomes Common in China

According to the professor, the sheer number of reviews already reached over 46,000, which is said to be widespread unauthorized viewings, as the drama is not officially available in China.

Currently, Park Ji Eun's "Queen of Tears" is available for online streaming on TVING and Netflix, but none of these services operate in China.

Professor Seo said, "Like the movie 'Exhuma,' it seems illegal viewing of Korean content has become commonplace in China. What's even more alarming is the apparent lack of shame surrounding it."

He highlighted the urgent need for the Chinese authorities to take a more proactive stance regarding illegal streaming.

Apart from "Queen of Tears," other hit series such as "The Glory," "Moving," and even the global phenomenon drama "Squid Game" have all been widely streamed illegally in the said country.

Meanwhile, "Queen of Tears" is down for two episodes this week. Ahead of its highly-anticipated finale, tvN announced that episodes 15 and 16 will be released 10 minutes earlier than its original schedule.

Catch Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won in the last two episodes of "Queen of Tears" this April 27 and 28 at 9:10 p.m. (KST) on tvN and Netflix.

What can you say about the news? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Shai San Miguel wrote this.
Kim Seon Ho and Go Yoon Jung's drama "Can This Love Be Translated" teased fans with an update regarding the drama's broadcast.

Following the public's excitement regarding the duo's team-up, outlets confirmed that the rom-com series would be available on Netflix.

Kim Seon Ho, Go Joon Jung's Drama 'Can This Love Be Translated?' Confirmed to Air on Netflix

In a report, "Can This Love Be Translated? "is scheduled to debut on Netflix; however, the target release date is yet to be confirmed.

With the upcoming K-drama being aired through streaming platforms, this means that global viewers could also witness the undeniable chemistry between the lead stars.

Helmed by the renowned Hong Sisters of "Hotel Del Luna" and "Alchemy of Souls," the upcoming rom-com K-drama depicts the story of two individuals who were bonded by love.

Kim Seon Ho takes on the role of Joo Ho Jin, a multilingual interpreter, who meets top actress Cha Moo Hee, portrayed by Go Yoon Jung.

An unexpected yet interesting incident connects them, despite expressing love in the opposite way.

"Can This Love Be Translated?" will be Kim Seon Ho's return to the romance series after the 2021 hit K-drama "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" with Shin Min Ah.

As for Go Yoon Jung, the upcoming series will be among her back-to-back projects in the coming year.

Read also: Go Yoon Jung Reportedly Chosen As New NH Bank Endorser After Han So Hee

With the duo's teamup, fans are thrilled to see the amazing chemistry they will deliver through "Can This Love Be Translated?"

Kim Seon Ho, Go Yoon Jung Dramas to Watch

Ahead of the rom-com "Can This Love Be Translated?"Kim Seon Ho and Go Yoon Jung have a slew of upcoming projects.

For the South Korean heartthrob, he will be headlining the crime sci-fi series "The Tyrant," directed and written by Park Hoon Jung of "V.I.P." and "The Witch.".

In addition to this, he is also in talks to star in the novel-based thriller romance "In the Net" with Park Gyu Young as well as a cameo in the star-studded K-drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines," starring IU, Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri, and more.

As for Go Yoon Jung, she is also booked and busy following the popularity of "Alchemy of Souls" and "Moving."

She will headline the "Hospital Playlist" spin-off "Resident Playbook" and will transform into a 1st-year obstetrics and gynecology resident.

The highly anticipated spin-off will be directed by PD Shin Won Ho and writer Lee Woo Jung, who also worked on the "Reply" series and, of course, the "Hospital Playlist" series.

Joining Go Yoon Jung as cast members are Kang You Seok, Han Ye Ji, Jung Joon Won, and Shin Si Ah.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Flores
Budget Saudi, the kingdoms leading car rental company, has renewed its Budget & Payless Franchise agreement with Avis Budget Group. The agreement will extend the two entities partnership for another 10 years, until 2033.

Unitrans Group, through its flagship brand Budget Saudi, holds the title of being the worlds single largest franchise owner of ABG group in that category. This global recognition, coupled with a legacy of 45 years in Saudi Arabia, underscores Budget Saudi's commitment to delivering world-class services and creating memorable journeys and experiences.

The agreement was confirmed and announced at a signing ceremony held during Avis Budget Groups Middle East Conference in Jeddah, recently.

The Budget & Payless Franchise agreement was signed by Hans Mueller, VP Global Licensees, ABG Group; and Fawaz Abdullah Danish, President and Group CEO, Budget Saudi.

They were joined at the Middle East Conference  the largest regional get-together of its kind organised by Avis Budget Group  by a selection of leading Avis Budget Group executives and senior management from the UK, US and Singapore, as well as delegates from the GCC, Jordan, Lebanon and Kazakhstan.

The renewal of the agreement is followed by the announcement of Budget Saudis robust financial performance for the year 2023. The company recently reported profitability exceeding SAR 277.3 million ($73 million), a 10% increase from the previous year.

Furthermore, revenue growth for the year 2023 was an impressive 34.4% higher than the previous year, underlining Budget Saudi's strong financial health and promising future.

Fawaz Danish, President and Group CEO, Budget Saudi, said: The franchise agreement signed for 10 years augurs well for the company and its growth strategy. It demonstrates the trust of Avis Budget Group Group in our company and our ability to deliver consistently and grow exponentially in the coming years.

The brand Budget & Payless is secure in our portfolio in Saudi Arabia and is well positioned to achieve our vision of being the most comprehensive transportation solutions provider in the Kingdom: a one-stop-shop for wide-ranging vehicle renting and leasing services, as well as premier limousine operations.

We are fully focused on achieving our accelerated growth plans for the next five years.

Budget Saudi has seen substantial growth in its revenues and fleet. As part of its growth strategy  and in accordance with Vision 2030  the company has launched a diversity of sustainable green initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet.

The company has also inducted EV vehicles to its fleet for rental and leasing services and is taking proactive steps to advance the Kingdoms burgeoning EV infrastructure, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.  TradeArabia News Service






Tuesday, April 24, 2024  Alec Baldwin was caught on camera smacking the phone of an anti-Israel agitator who repeatedly demanded he say "Free Palestine" inside a New York City coffee shop.

As seen in footage posted online Monday night, April 22, the agitator approached the actor while he appeared to be on the phone and at the cash register inside the shop and began to relentlessly harass him.

"Alec, can you please say Free Palestine one time," said the protester, who hosts an "anti-fascist" show called Crackhead Barney & Friends.

She continued to accost Baldwin, 66, before he went toward the door and motioned for her to get out, the video shows.

"Free Palestine, Alec, just one time, and Ill leave you alone," she said. "Ill leave you alone, I swear."

"Just say Free Palestine one time, one time," she pressed as he shook his head no and held the door open.

"Fk Israel, fZionism," she added.

The podcast host, who is known for ambush interviews, also brought up Baldwins criminal case in New Mexico where hes facing a charge in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.

"Why did you kill that lady, you killed that lady and got no jail time," the agitator claimed while calling him a "criminal."

The actor has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter with a trial scheduled for July.

He was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal when the revolver went off. Hutchins was hit by a bullet and succumbed to her injuries.

Movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced earlier this year to 18 months in prison after she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

At one point during the coffee shop encounter between Alec Baldein and the anti-Israel protester, a worker tried to get the aggressor to stop, but to no avail. Baldwin also appeared to ask the employee to call police during the verbal altercation.

The video cuts out when Baldwin smacked the protesters phone after he appeared to ask the worker, "Can you do me a quick favor?"

Its unclear when the confrontation took place.

This isnt the first time anti-Israel activists have accosted Baldwin.

A group of protesters heckled the actor last December and asked if he condemned Israel.

Baldwin replied "No, I support peace for Gaza," which left them annoyed.

Watch the latest altercation below.




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested former Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Ukur Yatani, over allegations of corruption.

The detectives first raided Yatani's homes in Nairobi and Marsabit counties.

Yattani served as Marsabit governor before being appointed CS by Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The homes of top officials from the county were also raided.

EACC confirmed that the former Governor is in their custody and will be led to the Integrity Centre.

A source from EACC said the arrest and raids are in connection to an ongoing investigation regarding the usage of funds.

In the year 2022, Yatanis son was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with Sh 500 million which was inform of dollars but due to his proximity to power the case was made to evaporate.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - The Kenya military has sent its Special Forces Unit to Elgeyo Marakwet County to look for inglorious miscreants who stole items belonging to KDF soldiers who died after their chopper crashed last Thursday.

The chopper crashed killing Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine other KDF soldiers.

KDF special forces have already landed at the scene of the crime to recover the lost items.

According to officers, some of the valuables include watches, mobile phones, and shoes believed to have been taken by first responders to the scene.

By yesterday, some of the mobile phones were still being switched on and off, suggesting that those keeping them were wary of being tracked down for handling stolen property.

General Ogollas family said the only thing that was handed over to them by the military from the site was his wedding ring.

Some of the bodies were intact when they were picked from the scene while others were burnt following the crash that happened soon after the chopper had taken off.

Some of these people are walking around with the valuables including mobile phones and shoes of the victims, said an official, adding, the items are needed as part of the ongoing probe.

The team has contacted local leaders to help in talking to the said responders who are yet to surrender the valuables.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged Nairobians to expect heavy downpours in the coming days.

The update issued on Wednesday afternoon comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Kenya Red Cross to evacuate stranded residents from flooded homes.

The KRC has been conducting rescue and evacuation in areas like Githurai and Athi River, where nightlong rains overwhelmed drainage systems.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to be recorded across multiple areas within the Nairobi metropolis. Stay prepared, the Met department said on X.

The forecast shows that rains of up to 20mm will pound Embakasi East and South.

Roysambu, Westlands, Langata, Kibera, Dagoretti North, and South, Makadara, Starehe, Kamukunji and Ruaraka should brace for up to 50mm of rain, the weatherman said.

In the weekly rainfall forecast for the period between April 24 and May 1, the weatherman said rainfall is expected to continue over several parts of the country in the next 24 hours.

These include the entire Baringo County covering areas such as Mogotio and Eldama Ravine.

The forecast shows rain is expected to reach 20mm over 24 hours ending Thursday, April 25 at 9am in these areas.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called out Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi over the fake subsidized fertilizer scam.

In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo demanded that CS Linturi compensate affected farmers implement recommendations sent to him by the LSK, and ensure suspects behind the fertilizer scandal are brought to book.

We, therefore, call out the Cabinet Secretary and demand that he takes action to address the unprecedented horror show guise as the National Fertilizer Subsidy Program and offer reparations to affected farmers.

The Law Society of Kenya has written to the Cabinet Secretary demanding that he consider and implement several recommendations that we believe will be more effective in addressing the real issue rather than the antics that Kenyans have been served to in recent days, Odhiambo stated.

She warned that LSK would petition the National Assembly to impeach CS Linturi on the grounds of gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution, and incompetence to hold public office if he fails to compensate the farmers and implement the recommendations sent to him.

The LSK President also noted that the society would pursue a class action on behalf of the farmers to seek compensation against CS Linturi, NCPB, KEBS, and the responsible officials.

The period that we have given to the demand to the CS is a seven-day demand notice that he starts setting in place some of these recommendations that we have made.

"We need to see action; he is responsible for that ministry and we cannot keep seeing the ping-pong games that are going up and about. We need to see answers and how farmers can be given reparation, Odhiambo added.

Further, the LSK President slammed CS Linturi over attacking journalists following the fake fertilizer scandal expose and revoking licenses of fertilizer manufacturers without conducting proper investigations or providing any clear policy decisions from the Ministry on the matter.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024  The government of President William Ruto has proposed to end permanent employment for all civil servants.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria confirmed that the plan is well in motion and is set to be presented to the cabinet on Friday for review.

Upon approval, all government workers will now be renewed on a contractual basis.

All civil servants, across all job groups, will cease being permanent employees and be placed on contract terms if a new proposal fronted by the government sails through.

He raised concern about how one million civil servants gobbled up almost half of the country's tax revenues, contributing to the country's bloated public wage bill.

He pointed out that austerity measures needed to be effected to lower the wage bill and reduce the burden on the taxpayers.

"Last week, we were in the wage bill conference and pointed out that one million consuming 50 percent of our tax revenue means there's something wrong.

"That is why if the doctors think we are against them, this week on Friday, I will be moving to Cabinet to present a proposal which if Cabinet approves, all government workers from drivers to cleaners to everyone will be converted to contract. No one will be on permanent terms.

"If you want to be permanent, show me that even your tenure on earth is permanent, we are all on a contract basis even on this earth," Kuria stated.

While addressing the doctors' strike, Kuria questioned why the union declined to respect court orders directing the strike to be suspended.

To that effect, Kuria ordered the union's dues to be suspended.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - President William Ruto has announced the introduction of special electricity tariffs aimed at improving the manufacturing industry in the country.

Speaking during the tour of the Athi River Economic Zone yesterday, Ruto announced that manufacturers operating at night will be getting their power at 50 per cent of the normal rate.

According to Ruto, the new directive is aimed at encouraging manufacturers to work during off-peak hours when Kenyans generally are asleep yet power is still being produced.

Consequently, he noted that the move would open more opportunities for jobs as companies will want to introduce night shifts.

"I have already announced today, that for use to help our investors, those who work at night will have their power bills charged at 50 per cent.

"This will ensure that we get night shifts and create opportunities for Kenyans," he stated.

The new tariff will be taking effect from the beginning of May 2024.

"We've done away with the requirement that one must use power to full capacity during day time to benefit from reduction at night," he added.

Currently, Kenya Power has been applying subsidized tariffs for companies operating at night. The Time of Use (ToU) is usually applied from 10 pm to 6 am on weekdays.

The tariffs also apply for companies during the whole day on Sundays and on public holidays.

According to a report by the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA), companies saved close to Ksh900 million between July to December 2023 owing to the ToU.

The Kenyan DAILY POST








Wednesday, April 24, 2024  The tragic death of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, has sent panic in the Kenya Kwanza government, with President William Ruto reportedly living in fear for his life.

According to sources, Ruto now wants his presidential jet upgraded to avoid a repeat of what happened to the late general.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly yesterday, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah made a fervent call for the modernisation of military and police aircraft, including the presidential jet to avoid a repeat of what happened to the late general.

The outspoken legislator criticised Members of Parliament who often question allocations to the military.

At times the military does come before the house looking for resources to modernise equipment, and I have many members during the budget-making process criticise without knowledge, lamented Ichungwah.

Having previously chaired the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Ichungwah pleaded with fellow legislators to prioritise the modernisation of all military equipment, particularly aircraft utilised by both the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, including the presidential aircraft.

The presidential plane, affectionately known as Harambee One, is a Fokker 70 Extended Range (ER) aircraft, which made its inaugural landing in Kenya at the Moi Air Base on December 20, 1995, under the presidency of Daniel Moi.

According to the Kenya Air Forces commemorative book, the aircraft, with a tail number KAF 308, was originally manufactured in the Netherlands and subsequently modified to enhance its capabilities, reducing its capacity to accommodate 26 passengers while extending its range.

The decision to procure a dedicated presidential jet was driven by considerations of cost-effectiveness and operational convenience, particularly for official travel across the African continent and beyond, eliminating the need for frequent chartering of aircraft.

With undisclosed security features tailored for the transport of Heads of State, the interior details and security arrangements of the aircraft have remained confidential for reasons of national security.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - Githurai residents on Wednesday blocked the busy Thika Super Highway, accusing the government of doing nothing to fight the ongoing floods.

Police lobbed teargas to disrupt the protests in an area believed to be the gateway to Mt Kenya region.

The residents accused the government and especially Nairobi County Government of doing nothing to fight floods that have left dozens dead in the country due to ongoing heavy rains.

While voicing their frustrations, the residents accused the government of failing to provide tangible solutions as their homes continued being marooned in floods

The residents who aggressively approached the police were repelled using tear gas canisters lobbed at them by the officers.

Even as the situation escalated, passengers were stranded in the vehicles and were forced to alight and trek to their destinations.

The protests come even as rains continue to wreak havoc in different parts of Nairobi with several houses submerged in flood waters.

Transport within the capital was also paralysed by the heavy rains with many motorists reporting experiencing challenges getting to their destinations.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei has differed in principle with President William Ruto regarding the civil servants with fake academic papers.

Whereas Ruto has called for the immediate sacking of all civil servants with forged papers, Shollei has proposed for amnesty.

Shollei suggested that these employees be allowed to resign without facing arrest or prosecution, a stance that clashes with Ruto's firm stance on the issue.

"Let us have an amnesty where anyone with a fake degree or certificate is given an opportunity to resign and no one will come after them," Shollei stated, noting that this approach would facilitate the cleansing of the system without overwhelming the judiciary.

Last week while making an address at the National Wage Bill Conference, Ruto took a hardline stance, demanding resignations and repayment of salaries earned through fraudulent means.

"Those who have earned money using fake certificates should refund us our public money, Ruto stated.

The clash between Shollei's proposal and Ruto's call for accountability points to the complexity of addressing the issue of fake academic credentials within the public service.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has identified over 2,000 civil servants working with forged certificates. According to PSC's findings, common types of forgery include alteration of exam grades, presentation of fake certificates, and misrepresentation of academic qualifications.

The Kenyan DAILY POST










Tuesday, April 24, 2024  The secretive state of North Korea has claimed it tested a new nuclear weapons command-and-control system on Monday, April 22, with the firing of projectiles carrying simulated nuclear warheads from multiple rocket launcher units.

Leader Kim Jong Un directed the drill, which simulated a nuclear counterattack, according to a report from the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), following what it claimed were extremely provocative and aggressive annual joint air force exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea.

North Korea has tested both the rocket launcher system and a simulated nuclear counterstrike before, according to military analysts, but KCNA said Mondays exercise was the first time the Haekbangashoe  or nuclear trigger  command-and-control system was used, demonstrating what it claimed was an ability to switch rocket launchers from conventional to nuclear weapons.

They are thinking about command and control. These are the practical questions about how an order should be transmitted from Kim, down the chain of command, and to launch units, said Jeffrey Lewis, an analyst at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

Joseph Dempsey, research associate for defence and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the nuclear counterstrike drill showed a desire to portray wider credibility and capability in nuclear forces proficiency and posture beyond simply demonstrating just missile delivery systems.

But he said it was hard to determine if Mondays exercise showed anything new.

How mature this command-and-control system already is, or will become, remains very difficult to assess, Dempsey added.

Since conducting its first nuclear test more than a decade ago, North Korea has advanced its weapons capabilities, with the ambition of miniaturizing a warhead so that it can fit on a long-range missile.

Kim increased those efforts in 2022, vowing to develop nuclear arms at the highest possible speed, passing a new law that declared North Korea a nuclear weapons state, and saying there could be no negotiations on denuclearization.

Experts say North Korea has likely already manufactured a small stockpile of nuclear warheads  but it remains unproven whether it has been able to make them small and light enough to be fitted on a missile.

Images supplied by North Korea on Monday showed four rockets being launched, with KCNA saying they hit targets on an island 352 kilometres (218 miles) away.

On Monday, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North had fired multiple short-range missiles into the waters off the peninsulas east coast.

Kim said the exercise helped prepare North Koreas nuclear forces for their important mission of deterring a war and taking the initiative in a war, according to the KCNA report.

The Kim regime has tested a series of weapons in recent months, including long-range artillery that has the South Korean capital of Seoul within its range, a hypersonic glide vehicle, which in theory could carry a warhead past South Korean and US air defences, and an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the US mainland.

Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have held frequent military exercises of their own, the latest being the two-week Korea Flying Training 2024, which began on April 12.

The exercises have so far featured about 100 warplanes from the two allies, including F-35 stealth fighters from both.

The US-South Korea exercise has incited extreme war fever and cannot be classified as defence or deterrence, the KCNA report said.




Wednesday, April 24, 2024  There is a fresh fallout between governors and President William Ruto, with the former demanding more from the National Government.

The governors advocate for a substantial increase in funds directed to the devolved units.

At the heart of the issue lies the allocation of resources, with governors asserting that most counties are grappling with financial instability due to insufficient funding.

In January, the Council of Governors (CoG) proposed a significant allocation boost, pushing for an increase to Ksh439.5 billion, a figure sharply contrasting with the government's proposed raise to Ksh391 billion.

During a session before the Senate's Committee for Finance and Budget, Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Anne Waiguru, highlighted the critical need for enhanced resources.

"We are not seeking favours; we are advocating for resources adequate to sustain counties and ensure their continued functioning," Waiguru asserted.

On the other hand, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) has advocated for a revision of county allocations to Ksh398 billion, citing the imperative to meet the fiscal demands of the devolved units. The body proposed an increase of Ksh7 billion.

According to Constitutional provisions, the national and county governments must share revenue equitably. Specifically, county allocations cannot be less than 15 per cent of the total revenue collected by the national government.

Nevertheless, new information indicates a considerable delay in the distribution of funds, which exacerbates the financial hardship that counties are facing.

The impasse in budget negotiations has led to a deadlock, with governors and government officials at odds over the appropriate allocation for counties in the upcoming fiscal year.

While the National Treasury has proposed Ksh391 billion, the Council of Governors remains steadfast on its demand for Ksh439.5 billion, reflecting the stark disparity in resource allocation priorities.

Governors have reiterated their stance, advocating for a Ksh450 billion allocation to counties, citing escalating operational costs and the need to sustain essential services and projects.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Wednesday, April 24, 2024  Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati has been left to lick his wounds despite doing the donkey work for President William Ruto.

This is after Chief Justice Martha Koome refused to shortlist him among the 41 candidates for the position of the Court of Appeal Judge despite being among the applicants.

Koome, in her position as the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, released a whittled-down list of shortlisted candidates after the commission received applications from 82 candidates.

Former IEBC Chairperson Ahmed Hassan Issack was among only 41 candidates shortlisted for the position of the Court of Appeal Judge.

Among those shortlisted are Hassan, alongside justices Chacha Mwita, Athony Murima, Grace Nzioka, James Wakiaga, and Dalmas Omondi.

"The JSC having reviewed the application for completeness and conformity with the requirements as set out in the advertisement, shortlisted 41 candidates," read the notice in part.

In a public notice, Koome has invited comments from the public regarding the conduct of the shortlisted candidates by May 13, 2024.

Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are scheduled to commence on June 3 at 9:00 am and conclude in the afternoon of June 20.

All the interviews will be conducted at Central Bank of Kenya's Pension Towers along Harambee Avenue.

The 41 candidates are battling for 11 vacancies for the position of the Court of Appeal Judge JSC advertised at the beginning of February.

The application window closed on February 29 and the review of the 82 applications kicked off.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
As I stepped into the hospital waiting room, the anxious eyes of family members greeted me, their worry palpable as they awaited news about their ailing patriarch. Quickly, I introduced myself and delved into the heart of the matter.

I wanted to talk to you about your fathers condition. Its not easy news, but I need to be honest with you. Despite our efforts, your fathers brain suffered irreparable damage during the cardiac arrest. Even if we continue life support, he wont recover. Its a difficult decision, but I strongly recommend withdrawing life support to let him pass with dignity, I stated.

How dare you! Youre telling me to pull the plug on my dad? You dont know anything! Hes a fighter; hell pull through! responded the patients older son angrily, acting as the spokesperson for the family.

I understand this is incredibly hard to hear, sir, but I assure you, weve exhausted all options. Continuing life support would only prolong his suffering without any hope of recovery, I reassured.

No, youre wrong! Youre just trying to save money or clear up beds in your hospital. You doctors always think you know everything, but you dont care about us! You just want to play God and decide who lives and who dies! Mr. Johnson (not real name) exclaimed, his frustration palpable.

Struggling to maintain my composure, I responded, Mr. Johnson, I understand youre upset, and I empathize with your situation. But I can assure you, my only concern is your fathers well-being. Were here to provide the best care possible, and in this case, that means letting him go peacefully.

Mr. Johnson, now in tears and yelling at the top of his voice, insisted, No! I wont do it! I wont let you kill my dad! You cant force me to make this decision!

A few days ago, I encountered the situation described in the dialogue above in my medical practice. It was a profoundly intricate case that illuminated the precarious equilibrium between medical ethics and familial skepticism entrenched within the American health care apparatus.

A patient ushered in following a cardiac arrest at his residence presented a labyrinthine scenario. Despite valiant endeavors by the emergency medical team, who exhaustively engaged in over an hour of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to resuscitate him, it became glaringly apparent to our medical team that his prognosis was dismal. Even in the improbable event of his survival, the specter of irreversible brain damage loomed ominously, as affirmed by subsequent neurological assessments.

The rational trajectory dictated the cessation of life-sustaining measures to grant the patient a dignified passage. However, the response from the family diverged starkly from medical counsel. Despite our earnest efforts to elucidate the futility of perpetuating medical intervention, the family staunchly resisted. Their mistrust of the health care system was palpable, fueled by an ingrained belief in its inherent untrustworthiness. This sentiment, regrettably, is not uncommon, particularly among Black and Brown communities in the United States, where historical inequities have sown seeds of deep-seated suspicion.

A historical perspective offers illumination of the origins of this pervasive mistrust. Dr. Joseph Mengele, infamously known as the Angel of Death, perpetrated abominable experiments on prisoners at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. His barbarous and unethical conduct encompassed subjecting individuals, predominantly Jews, to torturous medical experiments devoid of consent. Dr. Mengeles transgressions ranged from conducting surgeries bereft of anesthesia to administering harmful substances to observe their effects.

Similarly, the Tuskegee syphilis experiments orchestrated by the United States government entailed withholding treatment from African American men afflicted with syphilis for decades, despite the availability of efficacious remedies. These experiments contravened basic human rights, exploited vulnerable populations, and engendered immense suffering and loss of life.

Such egregious violations of medical ethics and human rights have wrought profound and enduring repercussions on public trust in the health care milieu, particularly within Black and brown communities in the United States. These atrocities have perpetuated a legacy of mistrust and skepticism toward health care practitioners and institutions, with many minority communities rightfully perceiving betrayal and neglect by those tasked with safeguarding and nurturing them.

These unconscionable breaches of trust have instilled a profound wariness toward Western medicine, undermining the fundamental tenets of the Hippocratic Oath. The Hippocratic Oath, an esteemed pledge undertaken by physicians early in our careers, serves as a guiding beacon of ethical conduct within the medical fraternity.

Emphasizing principles of patient-centered care, confidentiality, and the imperative to avert harm, it embodies the moral compass guiding medical practitioners in fulfilling their responsibilities. However, the lamentable reality persists that some practitioners flout these sanctified ideals, perpetuating harm instead of facilitating healing.

Yet, unethical practices are not the sole catalysts for the escalating distrust in Western medicine. In an era characterized by ideological polarization and rampant dissemination of misinformation by subversive elements, truth has become a lamentable casualty. Even the most straightforward medical scenarios are susceptible to entanglement in conspiracy theories. We have also encountered pastors and other religious leaders who ignorantly or sometimes deliberately misinform their congregants and advise them to seek divine intervention instead of medical help.

Physicians confront the intersection of medical ethics and distrust at a pivotal juncture. Striking a balance between upholding the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence and respecting patient autonomy and cultural nuances presents a convoluted ethical quandary. It necessitates a nuanced approach acknowledging the validity of historical grievances while striving to rebuild trust through transparency, empathy, and cultural humility.

As guardians entrusted with the welfare of our patients, we must confront these challenges forthrightly. By fostering open discourse, dismantling access barriers, and upholding the loftiest ethical standards, we can endeavor toward a health care framework grounded in trust, compassion, and integrity. Only then can we honor the solemn oath we have swornto do no harm and to stand as unwavering champions for the health and dignity of all.

Osmund Agbo is a pulmonary physician.
Australia: Police arrest 7 teens in counter-terrorism raids after Sydney church stabbing

Canberra, April 24 (UNI) Seven juveniles were arrested across Sydney in a joint counter-terrorism operation on Wednesday, after the stabbing of a religious leader in a Wakeley church last week.

"Seven people, all juveniles, have been arrested, and a further five are assisting police with our inquiries," Australian Federal Police (AFP) Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed at a press conference.

"As part of our JCTT (Joint Counter Terrorism Team) investigation into the alleged Wakeley stabbing, we identified links between the alleged offender and the network of associates and peers who we believe shared a similar violent extremist ideology," she noted.
The daughter of Jason Corbett has said that Niall Boylan gave a platform to Molly Martens after she killed her father.

This comes after Niall Boylan announced he is stepping down as a late night presenter on Classic Hits FM to run in the European Parliament elections, for the Independent Ireland party.

Sarah Lynch-Corbett, the daughter of Limerick businessman Jason Corbett, said on X (formerly Twitter): "Niall Boylan provided a platform to #MollyMartens after she killed my father, subsequently causing ongoing harm to my life. I am the daughter of #JasonCorbett, who was abused by Molly Martens."

Jason Corbett's sister, Tracey Corbett Lynch also commented on X: "Our family is deeply aware of Niall Boylan's lack of concern. He does not show empathy, he does not pay attention, and he negatively impacts lives. It is disheartening hear this news. We witness Niall Boylan exacerbate issues and pose as a person of integrity."

Molly Martens, 40, and her father Tom Martens, 73, have been sentenced for the manslaughter of Jason Corbett. Originally, they were convicted of second-degree murder, but the pair later agreed to a plea deal, and accepted the charges of voluntary manslaughter.

The comments made on X by Jason Corbett's family refer to an interview done by Niall Boylan in 2015 on 4FM, during which Martens broke down in tears several times, as she said she had not spoken to Jason Corbett's children since they left America.

I am not very well, she said at the time. I am distraught. They are my children, and anyone who has children would understand the pain Im in. Im very appreciative to have the opportunity to say I love you and happy birthday [to Sarah].

After the interview aired, over a 1,500 people called for the boycott of the Niall Boylan show.

Martens had cared for Jack and Sarah Corbett for about eight years, first as a nanny, following the death of Jasons first wife Mags in 2006. Later, the four of them moved to North Carolina and Martens married Corbett.

Jason Corbett was killed in his home on Sunday, August 2, 2015.
On April 24, 2024, Fairstone Ireland, a leader in financial planning & wealth management, celebrated a significant milestone with the establishment of its fifth strategic partnership in Ireland with Killeen Financial Services Ltd trading as Cleere Life & Pensions.

This achievement not only highlights Fairstone Ireland's relentless pursuit of innovative financial solutions but also marks a significant leap forward in its growth trajectory as Fairstone Ireland surpasses 1 Billion of assets under management (AUM) since entering the market in 2022.

Under the leadership of CEO Paul Merriman, Fairstone Ireland now have four additional Financial Brokerages into their Irish operation, Carey Financial, Murray & Spelman Financial Services, Premier Financial as well as Cleere Life & Pensions.

Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, commented,

"Our partnership with Cleere Life & Pensions not only exemplifies our commitment to become the leading wealth management firm in Ireland but also accelerates our growth momentum.

"Together, we aim to enhance our capabilities, foster mutual growth, and set a new benchmark of partnership excellence in wealth management, building stronger relationships with Financial Brokerages across Ireland.

"We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Gearoid and the entire team at Cleere Life & Pensions."

Cleere Life & Pensions, a reputable financial planning firm headquartered in Kilkenny since 2015, is renowned for its client-centric approach and comprehensive range of financial services.

The partnership with Fairstone opens up exciting prospects for Cleere Life & Pensions and their clients, to utilise Fairstone's vast resources, expertise, and cutting-edge solutions.

Gearoid Cleere, Managing Director of Cleere Life & Pensions expressed excitement about the partnership: "Our partnership with Fairstone Ireland marks an exciting new chapter for Cleere Life & Pensions.

Fairstone's innovative model ensures that we can uphold our commitment to delivering top-tier financial services whilst leveraging Fairstone's scale and expertise. This strategic move positions us for sustained growth and innovation in the dynamic financial landscape."

Anthony ODriscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland added,

We are very excited to partner with Cleere Life & Pensions via our unique Downstream Buy Out (DBO) model which allows the owners of ambitious financial advisory and wealth management firms to secure a liquidity event for themselves, whilst continuing to grow their business and benefit from the resulting upside.

Fairstone remains dedicated to offering high-quality financial advice and exceptional service, perfectly aligning with Cleere Life & Pensions ethos.

The partnership reaffirms Fairstone Ireland's commitment to revolutionising the financial services sector and serves as a beacon of a new era of Fairstone Asset Management DAC trading as Fairstone & askpaul is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.

Registered address: 2nd Floor, Maple House, 26 Lower Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, A94 E3F2.

Registered in Dublin, Ireland. Registered Number: 461783.

Directors: Paul Merriman, David Hickey, Derek Delany, Tom Taylor (British), Lee Hartley (British).

(01) 295 5766 | info@fairstone.ie | www.fairstone.ie

Partnerships, emphasising teamwork, innovation, and a shared focus on client success.

Fairstone Ireland are actively seeking to partner with other growing firms.

*Sponsored Content
Dan Falk in Quanta:

In 2022, researchers at the Bee Sensory and Behavioral Ecology Lab at Queen Mary University of London observed bumblebees doing something remarkable: The diminutive, fuzzy creatures were engaging in activity that could only be described as play. Given small wooden balls, the bees pushed them around and rotated them. The behavior had no obvious connection to mating or survival, nor was it rewarded by the scientists. It was, apparently, just for fun.

The study on playful bees is part of a body of research that a group of prominent scholars of animal minds cited today, buttressing a new declaration that extends scientific support for consciousness to a wider suite of animals than has been formally acknowledged before.

More here.
On Anzac Day I normally focus on the many New Zealanders who have died serving our country. I will be thinking of them today, but with significant conflicts overseas, I will also be thinking of:

The 10,000+ civilians killed in Ukraine due to Putins invasion

The 100,000+ Ukrainian soldiers killed due to Putins invasion

The 180,000+ Russian soldiers killed due to Putins invasion

The 764 civilians killed by Hamas on October 7

The 373 Israeli soldiers killed by Hamas on October 7

The 20,000+ Palestinian civilians killed by Israel in the war started by Hamas

These just seem like large impersonal numbers, but I reflect every death is a family that is mourning and has lost a loved one.

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By Anna J. Park

Woori Financial Group launched DINNOlab Vietnam Center in Hanoi earlier this week, the Korean financial giant said Wednesday.

DINNOlab, which stands for Digital Innovation Lab, is Woori Financial's startup discovery initiative and nurturing program.

The newly opened center is to serve as a global testbed, supporting the expansion of Korean startups with innovative technologies and ideas into Southeast Asia.

Key officials from domestic and international institutions, including the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Vietnam's central bank and the Korean Embassy in Vietnam, attended the opening ceremony held on Tuesday to celebrate the official launch of DINNOlab Vietnam Center.

In commemoration of the launch of the innovation center, the financial group and the FSC also co-hosted a startup networking event titled Global Demo Day in Hanoi on the same day.

During the event, various sessions were held, including introductions to the fintech industries of both Korea and Vietnam and recent investment trends, fintech businesses' exhibition booths and investor relations pitching meetups.

A total of 10 fintech companies from both Korea and Vietnam participated in the pitching session, having the opportunity at the event to engage with Woori Financial Group as well as connect with venture capitalists.

"Vietnam is considered a land of opportunity for the fintech industry due mainly to its young population, high economic growth rate and the expanding adoption of digital devices in the country. The DINNOlab Vietnam Center plans to support Korean startups' partnership with leading fintech companies in Vietnam while aiming to discover new business models," an official from Woori Financial Group said.
By KTimes

A Korea-bound flight from Hungary had to make an emergency landing in Kazakhstan on Tuesday due to unruly conduct by a Korean passenger.

The passenger, whose identity is withheld, was arrested by authorities upon landing.

Aviation industry sources said Tuesday LOT Polish Airlines flight LO2001, which was originally scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport around 9:30 a.m., was forced to land at Astana Airport in Kazahkstan because of the passenger.

The Korean woman, accompanied by her family, shouted obscene words midflight and caused a commotion, making the operation of the flight difficult.

Video footage carried by the South Korean news channel YTN showed other passengers attempting to restrain the disruptive passenger who continued to scream and curse.

As a result of the disturbance, the flight was grounded in Kazakhstan for approximately five hours, causing inconvenience to the 183 passengers on board.

Another Korean passenger on the flight expressed dismay, saying, "Despite efforts by the crew to intervene, the disruption and cursing continued, causing a lot of confusion. We were concerned about being detained in Kazakhstan instead of arriving in Korea to attend to our affairs."

Following the emergency landing, the disruptive passenger was arrested by local authorities. The South Korean embassy there is cooperating with local police to investigate the incident further. The flight subsequently resumed its journey to Incheon.





This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High 61F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 44F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
After leaving TOP Media, Lee Jin Hyuk addressed concerns about the future activities of UP10TION, as well as the group's reunion plan with full members.

Will UP10TION Have Reunion Ahead of 9th Debut Anniversary?

On April 23, Lee Jin Hyuk returned to the music scene with the release of his 6th mini-album, "NEW QUEST: JUNGLE."

On this day, a showcase was held at the SBS public hall in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul to commemorate his new album. The idol also answered questions regarding his solo career and relationship with his previous group.

Originally a 10-member group, UP10TION was re-organized as a septet after members Jinhoo, Lee Jin Hyuk, and Kim Woo Seok left the team in February 2023.

Despite that, HONEY10 (UP10TION fandom) aren't losing hope that UP10TION will eventually reunite as a full group, given that active K-pop groups can now promote as a team regardless of being under different agencies.

In the showcase, Lee Jin Hyuk, who is a former UP10TION member, was asked about his previous team and if there was any plan for a reunion.

Regarding this, Lee Jin Hyuk brought a sad news, saying:

"There are no plans for UP10TION activities. We haven't discussed it with the members yet as they are currently focusing on their individual activities and lives."

However, he consoled fans with a light of hope as he clarified:

"But if there is any possibility, of course, I would definitely like to do it. The intentions of other members are also important, and I plan to suit the members."

While on the topic, the idol also attested to fans that he's still close with the members and certified their relationship by adding:

"Originally, I thought the comeback timing would overlap with Xiao's, but it didn't happen. So I got a call saying they would support me on the side. The members usually support each other, and the members always contacted me and supported me during my new album promotions, so I prepared in a good mood."

Lee Jin Hyuk Flaunts Unchanging Closeness With Former X1 Han Seung Woo

Meanwhile, Jin Hyuk also talked about his album process and preparation during the showcase with the press.

In particular, the album is comprised of a total of six songs, including the title track, "Relax" and b-sidetracks, "GOOD BOY (feat. JUNNY)," "CRUSH," "Trainwreck," "Slay," and "On Your Head (feat. Jo Gwang Il).

While talking about the song, "Trainwreck," Lee then boasted unrelenting friendship with former X1 Han Seung Woo, who became his friend after joining Mnet's "Produce X 101" in 2019.

In particular, the song was written by composer JINBYJIN, along with Alex Karlsson and Han Seung Woo himself.

Jin Hyuk then shared the story behind his participation, saying:

"Composer JINBYJIN and Seungwoo hyung worked together a lot. When the composer was writing my song, Seungwoo asked, 'Why don't I write lyrics about you?' and I said, 'Why don't you try writing it? I'll wait. I'm really happy.' When I first received the lyrics, I thought, 'He was thinking about me like this.' When I asked him how he wanted me to record the song, he replied, 'Because I wrote it thinking of you, I want you to sing it like you do. So I worked on it like that."

He continued that Han Seung Woo also participated in recording the guide of "Trainwreck" and with the guidance of his older brother, the recording process ended quickly as expected.

READ MORE: Where Are 'Produce X 101' Trainees Now? Current Status of 'Vote Manipulation' Victims

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
In a Dispatch article, it was revealed that CEO Min Hee Jin sneakily "stole" the current members of NewJeans from Source Music to create her own girl group.

Dispatch Claims NewJeans Was Supposed to Debut Under Source Music  Until CEO Min Brought Members to ADOR

On April 24, the Korean outlet reported on how Min Hee Jin became the "mastermind" behind Source Music's initial financial difficulty, prior to LE SSERAFIM's success.

In the writings, it was detailed how Min entered HYBE and was given the role of a CEO as well as her ploy to take over control of ADOR while benefitting from its parent company.

In the detailed timeline, the media outlet went back to when NewJeans members were scouted as trainees, starting with Minji who joined Source Music in 2017 and followed by Hanni in 2019. Both members passed the audition organized by Big Hit x SouMu.

In 2020, Haerin and Danielle also entered the label, while Hyein was recruited online to join them later. The five members were selected by Source Music CEO So Sungjin to prepare for a new girl group and trained under the company until the second half of 2021.

Amid this, Min Hee Jin was hired by HYBE in 2019 as CBO and she was originally tasked to direct the brands for the multi-labels.

ALSO READ: Min Hee Jin Denies HYBE's Claim She Tried to Seize Management Rights of ADOR: 'It Is Impossible'

Originally, she was supposed to work with Source Music's girl group but she wanted to create her own label first, leading HYBE to make her the CEO of its newly established affiliate company, ADOR.

In the process of selecting members of her group, she chose Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Danielle, and Hyein (NewJeans now). She then gave Source Music the cost of their training.

Dispatch then highlighted that while Min can be called the "mother" of NewJeans who made the members better than anyone else, Source Music CEO So Sungjin "gave birth" to the members and worked hard to give them all the resources for over three years.

Dispatch Points Out Contradicting Remark of ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin

In the article, the media outlet also mentioned how CEO Min Hee Jin is contracting her past remark when she refuted that NewJeans' success is due to HYBE.

"At the time, I received similar investment proposals from other places, so there was no reason it had to be HYBE."

However, NewJeans' success isn't solely due to her because the group is a beneficiary of the HYBE system.

Min Hee Jin also didn't recruit the members from scratch, she formed them while "sneakily stealing" them from Source Music.

If the girl group failed, HYBE would have to bear the entire debt, thus, the glory of NewJeans is not her own.

READ MORE: Min Hee Jin Speculated To Be Behind Youngseo's Departure From ILLIT Ahead of Debut

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
Amid the internal conflict between HYBE and ADOR, NewJeans fans are not shying away from sharing their thoughts through protest trucks.

Recently, it was reported that HYBE called for an audit on ADOR, requesting a shareholders meeting with the board of directors and demanding Min Hee Jin resign as CEO. This comes after they found evidence of Min Hee Jin using underhanded methods to separate from HYBE. Min Hee Jin has denied the claims and taken to the media, causing a huge conflict between the two parties.

Keep on reading for all the details.

Bunnies Send Protest Truck to HYBE Slamming Min Hee Jin For Exploiting NewJeans

As the internal conflict between HYBE and its subsidiary ADOR, home to girl group NewJeans, escalates, NewJeans fans have begun sending truck protests.

[/]       (New Jins fans currently sent a truck in front of the HYBE headquarters) https://t.co/0t9tnItUq8 pic.twitter.com/VwqP0jlX1a  (instiz) (@instiz) April 24, 2024

Some NewJeans fans have been sneding truck protests in front of the HYBE Yongsan headquarters since the morning of April 24, 2024, stating, "Bunnies (official fan club name) support NewJeans becoming a part of HYBE."

NewJeans's fans sent a protest truck in front of Hybe building pic.twitter.com/Y83V3fmawX  Opet| Maniac (@itsopet25) April 24, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Min Hee Jin Claims Feud With HYBE Is Due To ILLIT Copying NewJeans

Through these truck protests, fans are begging Min Hee Jin to stop exploiting NewJeans, the group's members, as well as their families. One of the messages they sent via protest trucks read: "Min Hee Jin should no longer exploit NewJeans and its members."

Min Hee Jin also claimed that besides ILLIT copying NewJeans's concept, TWS and RIIZE also plagiarized them. The CEO was also accused of sharing negative information about HYBE artists with the public, sparking a wave of hate towards those artists. Bunnies are demanding Min Hee Jin stop, with a protest truck reading, "Min Hee Jin, stop defaming other artists."

NewJeans fans are sending protest trucks in front of HYBE demanding Min Heejin to stop slandering other artists and taking advantage of NewJeans. pic.twitter.com/GuKrGCZWqt  Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) April 24, 2024

Why are NewJeans Fans Sending Protest Trucks Against Min Hee Jin to HYBE?

NewJeans is scheduled to make their highly anticipated comeback with double singles scheduled for release in Korea on May 24 and in Japan on June 21. Additionally, the girl group is scheduled to host a large-scale fan meeting, "Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome," on June 26 and 27.

However, with revelations that Min Hee Jin, referred to as the "NewJeans mom," and other ADOR executives attempted to usurp management rights from HYBE using underhanded methods, the comeback plans for NewJeans are now on hold.

IN RELATED NEWS: HYBE Demands Min Hee Jin Resign as ADOR CEO - What Does This Mean For NewJeans?

HYBE has initiated an audit against Min Hee Jin and other ADOR executives. However, Min Hee Jin has countered by claiming that the root of the problem is the fact that HYBE copied NewJeans' concept for BELIFT Lab's girl group, ILLIT. She denies the accusations of attempting a management takeover and refuses to resign as CEO.

Moreover, documents have surfaced suggesting that the ADOR management team is preparing to separate from HYBE, as well as exploring options such as acquiring HYBE's entire stake through investments from overseas sovereign funds.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: NewJeans Danielle Stuns in Latest Celine Event - Here's Everything She Wore + Prices!

Additionally, media outlets report that Min Hee Jin secretly engaged in negative publicity campaigns against artists under HYBE's management as a way to pressure HYBE. These allegations have led to suspicions of what is dubbed 'reverse viral' tactics.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

CHECK THIS OUT: Did NewJeans Hyein Shade ILLIT During Their Debut? 'Proof' Surfaces

KpopStarz Owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez
RIIZE Wonbin was sadly stalked and nearly harassed by a fan during his schedules in Japan.

Ever since their debut in 2023, RIIZE has become one of the most beloved boy groups of the fifth generation. They have since kicked off their career in Japan, officially making their debut in the country in January. Since then, they have frequently visited the country to promote their music.

While Japanese fans are happy to see RIIZE expand to their country, Wonbin sadly faced an unfortunate situation during an event. Keep on reading for all the details.

RIIZE Wonbin Stalked & Harassed by Fansite Master During Event in Japan

On April 14, 2024, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Department revealed that Korean national Lee So Jeong, 35 years old, was accused of breaking into the K Arena Yokohama, a music facility located in the Minatomirai district of Nishi-ku, Yokohama. On this day, RIIZE was participating in the music festival The Performance alongside other boy groups.

After being caught red-handed and arrested on suspicion of trespassing on the building and sneaking into the changing room, the woman claimed she lost her admission ticket and was looking for it.

According to staff members, the woman was suspicious from the moment she entered. Despite not being a staff member, she was seen wearing a staff t-shirt in the dressing room of the event. However, she did not have a staff identification card around her neck.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: RIIZE's Single 'Impossible' Takes Over iTunes Charts Worldwide - And BRIIZEs Couldn't Be Prouder

When called out by other staff members, she attempted to flee. However, other staff members were able to apprehend her and handed her over to staff members, who then called the police. It was revealed that she was able to pick up a t-shirt after entering the venue and use it to walk around without standing out.

Staff members claim she was stalking RIIZZE member Wonbin and was constantly trying to interact with him. She also touched his stomach and was trying to harass the male idol.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: RIIZE Draws Mixed Reactions For Live Vocals in Latest Performance: 'Is This Good?'

Soon, Korean fans were able to pin-point who the fan was. It is believed the fan is ONE IN A BILLION, one of the largest fansite masters dedicated to Wonbin. It was noted that their last post was about RIIZE's performance during The Performance and that they did not post about Wonbin despite his appearance in Belgium and at the most recent Louis Vuitton event.

It is speculated that she was unable to travel due to her arrest.

CHECK THIS OUT: Raunchy or Riveting? Sungchan's Topless Display in RIIZE's MV Sparks Debate

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

RIIZE Recent Activities

On April 3, 2024, RIIZE released the full version of their pre-debut teaser, "Siren." The single will be included in their first mini-album, "RIIZING," which is set to be released in June.

RIIZE will release four more singles ahead of the EP's release: "Impossible" on April 18, "9 Days," "Honestly," and "One Kiss" on April 29.



FOR YOU: [PHOTOS] RIIZE Wonbin Breaks the Internet with Tantalizing Crop Top Abs Revelation

The group also announced the dates for their fan-con tour "RIIZING Day," with shows scheduled between May 4 and August 31 across nine countries.

KpopStarz Owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez
PNN

Kochi (Kerala) [India], April 24: The landscape of business evolves, the demand for skilled professionals in finance, accounting, branding, and advertising continues to rise. In this dynamic environment, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kochi, emerges as a beacon of academic excellence, offering specialised BBA programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen fields. With a focus on BBA Finance & Accounting with ACCA-UK and BBA Branding & Advertising, JAIN University stands out as a top-tier institution in Kerala, delivering comprehensive education and real-world insights.

Also Read | PCB To Explore Options If Team India Doesn't Play Champions Trophy 2025 In Pakistan.

BBA with ACCA-UK:

JAIN University, Kochi, takes pride in offering a unique BBA program in Finance & Accounting in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK). This distinctive program combines the rigorous academic curriculum of a BBA with the globally recognized ACCA qualification, providing students with a competitive edge in the field of finance and accounting. Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, students gain a deep understanding of financial principles, accounting standards, taxation, auditing, and more, preparing them for lucrative careers in finance, banking, consulting, or auditing.

Also Read | Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2, F77 Mach 2 Recon Launched; From Price to Specifications and Features, Know Everything About New E-Motorcycles From Ultraviolette.

Renowned for its academic excellence and industry-oriented approach, JAIN University, Kochi, is widely regarded as one of the best BBA in Finance and Accounting colleges in Kerala. With a faculty comprising seasoned professionals and scholars, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and industry collaborations, JAIN University offers a conducive learning environment where students thrive and realize their full potential. The BBA program in Finance and Accounting equips students with a comprehensive understanding of financial management, investment analysis, financial reporting, and strategic planning, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive business growth.

The subjects in BBA Finance and Accounting at JAIN University, Kochi, Kerala encompasses a comprehensive range of subjects designed to provide students with a solid foundation in financial management and accounting principles. Some of the key subjects covered in the curriculum include:

* Financial Accounting

* Managerial Accounting

* Corporate Finance

* Investment Analysis

* Financial Reporting

* Taxation

* Auditing

* Risk Management

* Financial Modelling

* Strategic Financial Management

BBA in Branding and Advertising:

In today's competitive marketplace, effective branding and advertising are integral to the success of any business. Recognizing this, JAIN University, Kochi, offers a specialized BBA in Branding and Advertising, aimed at grooming creative professionals who can craft compelling brand narratives and innovative marketing campaigns. Through a curriculum that covers subjects such as brand management, consumer behaviour, advertising strategies, digital marketing, and market research, students develop the skills and expertise required to excel in roles such as brand managers, advertising executives, digital marketers, or creative directors.

Conclusion:

At JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Kochi, students are not just educated; they are empowered to become industry leaders and change-makers. Whether pursuing a career in finance and accounting with ACCA-UK or delving into the exciting world of branding and advertising, students at JAIN University receive a holistic education that prepares them for success in the global marketplace. With a focus on academic excellence, practical learning, and industry relevance, JAIN University sets the standard for the best BBA with ACCA colleges in Kerala, shaping the future of business leaders and innovators.

Elevate your career with JAIN University, Kochi - Where Excellence Meets Opportunity!

For further elucidation and admission inquiries, check out the official website https://www.jainuniversity.ac.in/kochi/ or reach out to [+91 - 7593896791] today.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. 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)
Karimganj (Assam) [India], April 24 (ANI): Preparations for the parliamentary election in 07- Karimganj HPC have concluded as the campaign process came to an end at 5 pm on Wednesday, the official said.

With the end of campaigning, all activities intended or likely to influence the election outcome are prohibited until the end of voting.

Also Read | Delhi: Boy Dies of Electrocution After Coming in Contact With Electric Pole During Thunderstorm in Chhawla, Family Demands Action Against BSES.

The Karimganj Constituency will vote on April 26 as part of the second phase of polling.

A total of 24 candidates are slated to contest the 07-Karimganj HPC seat in the upcoming Parliamentary Election of 2024.

Also Read | Mumbai: Two Killed, One Injured While Cleaning Sewerage Pipeline at Raheja Tower in Malad West.

According to the officials, after scrutiny, only 1 candidate has been deemed ineligible to participate out of the total 25 candidates who have filled nomination papers.

Out of the total eligible candidates, 18 are contesting as independent candidates, 3 are representing recognized National and State Political Parties namely BJP, AIUDF and INC, and 3 candidates of registered political parties (other than recognized National and State Political Parties) are actively involved in the electoral process.

District Election Officer Mridul Yadav, IAS, while addressing a press conference, urged political parties, candidates, and voters to follow the guidelines and regulations during the silence period leading up to voting.

The distribution of election materials for the Karimganj HPC began today for the convenience of the remote and interior polling stations, he said.

Of the total 1,058 polling stations in the district, 83 have received the required election materials and personnel on Wednesday.

The distribution included 47 polling stations in the Ramkrishna Nagar LAC and 36 in the Patharkandi LAC. This ensures that the polling stations are fully equipped and prepared for the upcoming election in the far-flung areas of the district.

In addition to materials, adequate security personnel have been deployed to assist with the election proceedings.

Karimganj district has 935,813 registered voters, including 475,303 male voters, 460,499 female voters, 11 third-gender voters, 89 voters aged 85 years and above, and 43 voters with disabilities (PwD).

Of the 1,058 polling stations, 94 are designated as sensitive. Additionally, 11 polling stations are staffed entirely by female personnel, 11 are designated as model polling stations, and 581 are equipped for webcasting.

The entire district is divided into 7 zones with 15 zonal officers, including 81 sectors with one Magistrate stationed in each constituency to oversee the voting process.

In the four Assembly Constituencies of the district, there are 301 polling stations in North Karimganj, 312 in South Karimganj, 198 in Patharkandi, and 247 in Ramkrishnangar.

Enhanced security measures have been implemented, particularly at the sensitive polling stations to ensure a safe, free, and fair election process. (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 24 (PTI) Amid the likelihood of a rise in litigations following the Supreme Court's observation that climate change impacts the constitutional guarantee of the right to equality, scientists have urged for fixing inadequacies in data and modelling for attribution in such lawsuits.

Attribution science determines the likelihood of an extreme weather event due to climate change.

Also Read | UP Board Results 2024: Meerut Student Collapses After Scoring 93.5% in Class 10 Exams, Admitted to ICU.

Environment lawyers and field experts agree that being evidence-based, attribution science will be crucial to climate litigation and play a key role in limiting baseless lawsuits.

"Attribution data has been important in litigation as it is scientific and evidentiary in nature. It definitely will help support a case," said Prachi Pratap, a Supreme Court advocate.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Narendra Modi To Campaign in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Today.

The Supreme Court on April 18 said that by impacting clean environment and health, climate change impacts the constitutional guarantee of the right to equality.

"Without a clean environment which is stable and unimpacted by the vagaries of climate change, the right to life is not fully realised. The right to health (which is a part of the right to life under Article 21) is impacted due to factors such as air pollution, shifts in vector-borne diseases, rising temperatures, droughts, shortages in food supplies due to crop failure, storms, and flooding," the bench said.

Shashank Pandey, a research fellow at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, New Delhi, said, "Attribution will constitute the basic underpinning of the claims. All claims under this new right have to backed by scientific evidence, as seen in the recent European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) rulings. Else there will be no restriction to the nature of claims made."

The ECHR on April 9 ruled against the Swiss government, saying it had violated its citizens' human rights by failing to do enough to combat climate change.

The Supreme Court ruling also gains relevance in light of a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report that found Asia to be the world's most disaster-hit region in 2023, bearing the brunt of weather-, climate- and water-related hazards.

Extreme event attribution offers a "clean way to communicate the effects of climate change", according to Mariam Zachariah, a researcher at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at the Imperial College, London, UK.

"Attribution quantifies whether and to what extent climate change -- driven primarily by human activities by continuing greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions -- has altered the chances and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, extreme rainfall and droughts in the present climate, as compared to a past climate before humans began warming the planet," she said.

The idea of extreme weather attribution was first discussed by climate scientist Myles Allen in a 2003 paper in the Nature journal. The European heat wave of that year was the first event attribution study to be published.

However, long-term climate change attribution results started to become available since the mid-1990s as the field was made theoretically possible in the 1970s when Nobel Prize winning German scientist Klaus Hasselmann put forward a model for climate change detection and attribution.

In India, attribution still remains at a "nascent stage", said Arpita Mondal, an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay.

"It is primarily because of India's widely varying, diverse and very complex climate system. However, with increasing extreme events in India, and the growing importance of the role of climate change, I think more attribution studies are imperative," Mondal told PTI.

Heat waves in 2023, 2022 and 2020 were attributed to climate change whereas the Kerala floods of 2018 could not "unequivocally" be attributed to climate change, she said.

Kerala recorded rainfall and flooding "unprecedented" over a 66-year period in August 2018, Mondal and her colleagues had found.

The event had affected 54 lakh people and claimed more than 400 lives.

The 2005 drought in Maharashtra's Marathwada region was a complex study. While rainfall alone could not be attributed to climate change, the compounded hot-dry effect of abnormally high temperature and abnormally low rainfall could be "unequivocally" attributed to climate change, Mondal explained.

While there are only a handful of experts in this field of climate science, merely increasing the number will not "magically transform into more research" because the limitations typically are of data and modelling, said Krishna Achuta Rao, a professor at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences in the Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi.

"The question is do we have enough data going back in history, at least more than 50 years, which can help us understand weather patterns and extremes then and how they've changed now?" asked Rao, who has been involved in attribution studies for around 25 years.

He said the daily data necessary for event attribution is not readily available and accessible.

"Curating data for this kind of work and making it useful and useable is a major undertaking. However, this is an exercise that does not seem to be a top priority," Rao said.

The other issue he pointed to is the infrastructure needed to perform modelling.

"Attribution also makes use of climate models and an extensive model database, which again is a resource-intensive business. I don't think we have the resources in India and this, clearly, has to improve," he said.

All three of Rao, Mondal and Zachariah work for the World Weather Attribution (WWA), a voluntary global initiative run by scientists in the UK and The Netherlands.

Results of rapid attribution studies performed in the wake of extreme weather events are released within the following couple of weeks.

The WWA was formed in 2015 and has more than 50 attribution studies on heat waves, extreme rainfall, drought, floods, wildfires and cold spells around the world.

Mondal acknowledged that they are more confident of attributing heat waves to climate change than events such as floods and droughts, made complex due to on-ground human operations such as managing water resources.

Zachariah said attribution results should be supported or supplemented with information of vulnerability and exposure of communities that can worsen the impacts of an extreme event.

However, there are also times when attribution cannot provide a conclusive result.

Mondal said there can be varied reasons for this, including a lack of scientific understanding of the physical processes at play during an extreme weather event or a lack of reliable data.

However, she believes attribution can inform legal proceedings, climate adaptation strategies and also government action.

She expects more litigations in the future grounded in attribution science.

Advocate Pratap welcomed the top court's ruling, saying structured reforms are needed and sometimes court cases can be the first step in that direction.

"This judgment will give a sense of empowerment to citizens to address issues when they feel their right related to effects of climate change is affected. It gives locus to more people in a situation where climate change is the crux of the problem," she said.

She, however, expects increased "frivolous and luxury" litigations.

"It is true the first emotional reaction might be of blaming climate change but any report or news article which points to extreme weather will put the matter in perspective. A thin line has to be drawn. Yet there are umpteen cases where extreme weather is caused due to climate change," said Pratap.

Pandey believes that having issued the ruling, the Supreme Court is "walking a very tight rope".

"It will be difficult to limit and determine the contours of adverse effects of climate change, given that it has infiltrated every aspect linked with weather and climate. So, any affected individual or community can directly claim their right against adverse effects of climate change. How the courts interpret this right within the environmental jurisprudence is something that we have to look upon," he said.

Avinash Chanchal, Greenpeace India's campaign manager, called for a stronger legal framework to tackle climate change.

"There is an urgent need to introduce a climate change act that will integrate different laws and policies to safeguard our biodiversity and people," Chanchal said.

"The act should ensure clear targets and set timelines to achieve just legally binding energy transitions, adequate provisions for adapting to the impacts of climate change, and building resilience among vulnerable communities. It should also include mechanisms to hold polluting corporations accountable," he said.

Rao said, ultimately, the courts are going to look at the losses and how to quantify those. Here, the next stage of attribution, or end-to-end attribution, which is much more nuanced and sophisticated, will be helpful.

"For example, if a farmer's wheat crop yield was down by 30 per cent this year, was it all because of the heat wave or were there other factors too? We need to be able to strengthen this multi-step attribution," he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, April 24: CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had delivered a hate speech on April 21 in Banswara and despite Supreme Court guidelines, police did not accept the complaint. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said, "We met the Police Commissioner on the issue of the hate speech given by PM Modi on April 21st in Banswara. We asked the Police Commissioner why an FIR had not been filed. According to the guidelines of the Supreme Court, the police are duty-bound, if there is any hate speech, to lodge an FIR and to take suo moto action on the basis of that FIR. Twice, those guidelines have been issued, first in October 2022 and again in April 2023."

She further said that despite the guidelines of the Supreme Court, when she went to Mandir Marg Police Station, the police did not accept the complaint. "When I went to Mandir Marg PS, they didn't even accept the complaint, let alone an FIR. Police Commissioner agreed that it was wrong and he accepted the complaint but as far as filing an FIR is concerned, the commissioner said he would have to take legal advice. I don't know what that means because the Supreme Court has given clear instructions to file an FIR and do the investigation," she added. PM Modi 'Muslim' Remark: Congress Urges EC to Take Action Against Prime Minister Over 'Redistribution of Wealth' Speech

She further stated that the police will have to act as per Supreme Court guidelines. She further added, "The Supreme Court has also said that if police don't file an FIR, it will be taken as contempt of court. PM is a citizen of India and the law of India applies to him. He is not above or beyond the law. Police will have to act as per Supreme Court guidelines as they would have in any case." Earlier, launching a scathing attack on the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Banswara, alleged that the Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children."

While stressing the importance of 'Mangalsutra' (traditional Indian jewellery worn by married Indian women) for women, he said that no government has the power to snatch it away. PM Modi said, "The leaders who have left Congress are saying one thing: It is not the Congress of before, it is now trapped in the clutches of the Leftists and urban Naxals...look at their manifesto, what Congress has said in its manifesto is serious and worrying. They have said that if they form a government then a survey of property belonging to every person will be conducted." PM Modi Mangalsutra Remark: Dimple Yadav Hits Out at BJP, Says Who Snatched Mangalsutra of Wives of Soldiers Killed in Pulwama

Notably, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently spoke about the need to conduct a survey for more equitable distribution of the country's wealth, which erupted into a political row.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 24 (ANI): Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to point out one paragraph in his party's manifesto that can be concluded as appeasement to a particular section.

"Ask him (PM Narendra Modi) to point out one paragraph in the manifesto which will lead to the conclusion that we are appeasing any section," Chidambaram told reporters here.

Also Read | UP Board Results 2024: Meerut Student Collapses After Scoring 93.5% in Class 10 Exams, Admitted to ICU.

Recent remark of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a rally in Rajasthan that Congress manifesto talks about distributing people's wealth among Muslims has snowballed into a major political controversy.

Chidambaram said that his party recognises that there are social and economic inequalities existing in the country.

Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Narendra Modi To Campaign in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh Today.

"We recognise there is social division, social inequality, and economic inequality in this country. The most affected people are SCs, STs, and the poor irrespective of religion... If bringing justice to every section of society is considered appeasement, then so be it," he said.

Chidambaram said that Congress' manifesto has become a talking point throughout the length and breadth of the country, even in the remotest villages of Tamil Nadu.

" BJP manifesto's vanished without a trace within 2 hours. Nobody talks about it because there is nothing in it... Modi ki guarantee cannot be the manifesto of a political party, therefore he (PM Modi) is envious of the Congress manifesto which has become the talking point, and hence he is tarnishing the Congress manifesto. I would urge him to first read our manifesto," he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda also expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi equating the Congress manifesto for Lok Sabha elections a "poll document of the erstwhile 'Muslim League'".

Pitroda claimed that he feels ashamed of the Prime Minister and called him a 'pathological liar'.

"I feel sorry for them, I am amazed that they would talk like this, It is a lie. EC. This manifesto has nothing to do with the Muslim league. I am ashamed of my Prime Minister. His team is lying about the manifesto. He is a pathological liar. How can they lie through their teeth and feel comfortable," Pitroda told ANI.

Slamming the Prime Minister over his recent 'those who have more children' remark, Pitroda said that fear has set in the minds of the BJP after the first phase of polls and this has led them towards making such comments.

"How can you insult our women...Muslims really don't have more children. He (PM Modi) can say whatever he likes, he also has moral responsibility. He is not above the law. It looks like you can't comprehend, I think it is maybe due to fear, panic has been set in after the first phase. India is angry at the PM's comment," he said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], April 24 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed that a Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliated foreign terrorist with code name Abu Hamza was involved in the killing of a government employee in Kunda Tope Rajouri.

The Police have also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh on the information of the terrorist while releasing a poster of his likeness.

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The brother of a Territorial Army official, namely Mohammad Razaq was shot dead by the terrorists in the aftermath of a TA official getting slip from their clutches in the Kunda Top village.

A case has also been registered under sections 302, 120b, 121a, 122, 458 IPC; 7/27 IAA and 13,15,16 UAPA at Thanamandi police station of Rajouri.

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The police informed that during investigations credible evidence was obtained, that identified one "foreign terrorist" with code name Abu Hamza.

The police and security forces deployed in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch are working in close synergy to neutralise this group and dismantle their support ecosystem.

Meanwhile, security forces have been put on high alert in Rajouri following the killing of Razaq on Monday. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Apr 24 (PTI) Radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, who is currently lodged in a jail in Assam under the National Security Act, will fight the Lok Sabha polls from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib seat as an Independent candidate, his counsel claimed on Wednesday.

However, his father, Tarsem Singh, said he would comment on the matter only after meeting his son on Thursday while asserting that Amritpal Singh had earlier not shown any interest in joining politics.

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Amritpal Singh's legal counsel Rajdev Singh Khalsa claimed that he met the preacher in Dibrugarh jail on Wednesday and requested him to contest the polls.

"I met bhai sahab (Amritpal Singh) in Dibrugarh central jail today and during the meeting, I requested bhai sahab that in the interests of 'Khalsa Panth', he should fight elections this time from Khadoor Sahib to become a member of parliament.

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"Bhai sahab accepted my request in the Panthic interests... He will fight as an Independent candidate," claimed Khalsa.

Amritpal Singh, chief of the 'Waris Punjab De' outfit, was arrested in April last year and the stringent NSA was invoked against him.

He along with nine of his associates is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail.

Amritpal Singh, who styled himself after slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested in Moga's Rode village on April 23 last year following a more than one-month-long manhunt.

The Khalistan sympathiser had escaped the police net in Jalandhar district in March last year, switching vehicles and changing appearances.

The Punjab Police had launched the crackdown after the February 23 Ajnala incident last year in which Amritpal Singh and his supporters, some of them brandishing swords and guns, broke through barricades and barged into the police station on the outskirts of Amritsar city, and clashed with police for the release of Lovepreet Singh Toofan, one of his aides.

He and his associates had been booked under several criminal cases related to spreading disharmony among classes, attempts to murder, attacks on police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jaipur, Apr 24 (PTI) BJP's Lok Sabha poll in-charge for Rajasthan Vinay Sahastrabuddhe on Wednesday said the remarks of Congress leader Sam Pitroda advocating inheritance tax reveals the ideology of the Congress leaders.

"(Indian Overseas Congress chairman) Sam Pitroda, talked about making inheritance tax like America. Pitroda has said that if a member of the family dies, then some percentage of that money should be given to his heirs and the rest of the money should be deposited with the government. This exposes the thinking of the Congress leaders," he said at a press conference here.

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Prime minister Narendra Modi in his recent election rallies in Rajasthan suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it will redistribute the wealth of the people to the "infiltrators" and "those who have several children".

Modi also accused the Congress of making an attempt to reduce the reservation for the Dalits, the tribal population and the backwards and give it to Muslims against the spirit of the Constitution.

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Sahastrabuddhe said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has in the past advocated redistribution of wealth.

"The voters are apprehensive about the statement of Rahul Gandhi because people have earned their property by shedding blood and sweat and the Congress leaders talk about distributing it. The Congress has also advocated for religion-based reservation to end the reservation for SC, ST and OBC, whereas the Constituent Assembly had completely rejected religion-based reservation," he said.

Sahastrabuddhe said Prime Minister Modi used the term "politics of performance" after coming to power in 2014 because the BJP talks about performance while other parties including the Congress do not even pronounce the "P" of performance.

"All our national, state, district, divisional and booth level workers, including Prime Minister Modi, work very hard. The BJP workers try to make the people aware and we say that the voters should make their decision on the basis of our work," he said at the party office.

Sahastrabuddhe said in the last 40 days of the election campaign in Rajasthan, 14 senior leaders of the Centre, including Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Rajasthan for public meetings and other events.

During this period, a total of 37 meetings of the central leaders, 10 road shows, three press conferences and 14 other meetings were organised, he said.

Apart from them, 51 senior leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, BJP state president C P Joshi, former state president and cabinet ministers actively campaigned, he said.

"We have tried our best to cover all the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies of Rajasthan," the BJP leader said.

He said the BJP does politics of performance and development, hence, during the election campaign, Shah and other leaders have given facts and figures regarding development, which gives a clear picture of development done by the BJP and the Congress governments.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Athens (Greece), Apr 24 (AP) A far-right Greek lawmaker has been charged with criminal assault for allegedly punching a colleague on the sidelines of a parliamentary debate on Wednesday.

We can indict the perpetrator of this vile and barbaric attack, to charge him with a felony under a fast-track procedure, Parliament Speaker Constantine Tassoulas said, adding that parliamentary immunity applies to misdemeanours but not felonies.

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The lawmaker, Constantinos Floros is an independent member of parliament who was elected with the small Spartans party in June 2023 but later left it.

The alleged assault victim was a lawmaker from the small nationalist Hellenic Solution party. State-run ERT television said he required hospital treatment for a broken nose.

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The incident occurred during a debate on whether to lift the immunity from prosecution of the Hellenic Solution party leader following a complaint by a relative of Floros.

A prosecutor charged Floros with assaulting a politician. If convicted, he faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence. He remained in police detention and is due to appear before a magistrate on Thursday.

Floros was suspended for 15 days over the incident, which was unprecedented in modern Greek parliamentary history. All political parties condemned the alleged assault.

Separately on Wednesday, Greece's Supreme Court excluded the Spartans from a list of political parties that fulfil the requirements to field candidates in the European Parliament election in June.

The decision followed a petition by three political parties to bar the Spartans for alleged ties to the extreme-right Golden Dawn party, whose leading members were jailed in 2020 after being convicted of belonging to a criminal organisation. (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 24 (PTI) Anyone considering a business deal with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions from the United States, an official said on Tuesday.

"Just let me say broadly, we advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits," Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, said while responding to a question on a recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.

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During the visit, Pakistan and Iran signed eight MoUs (memoranda of understanding) and also agreed to push bilateral trade to USD 10 billion.

Early this week, the US imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, including three companies from China.

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"The sanctions were made because these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery. These were entities based in the PRC (People's Republic of China), in Belarus, and that we have witnessed to have supplied equipment and other applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme," Patel said.

"They are following our October 23 designation of three PRC entities who have worked to supply Pakistan's missile programme. We are going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities, wherever they may occur," he added.

At a separate news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Patt Ryder said the US maintains good relations with Pakistan. "They are an important security partner in the region," he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, Apr 24 (PTI) Indian American Bhavini Patel lost the Democratic primary Congressional race from Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, but not before giving a tough fight to the incumbent.

Incumbent Congresswoman Summer Lee was projected to be the winner of the primary race for the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. She received 59 per cent of the votes as against Patel's 41 per cent.

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As expected, both President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump won their respective presidential primaries. Biden got 94 per cent of the votes from the Democrats.

Trump received 80 per cent and Indian American Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race in March, surprisingly received nearly 20 per cent of the votes from the Republicans in the Pennsylvania presidential primary.

Also Read | Live News Updates Today.

Patel (30) is a Biden supporter while Lee, the first-time lawmaker, has been an open critic of the president and has supported Palestine in its war against Israel.

"Her (Patel's) loss Tuesday shows that a progressive candidate like Ms Lee can still carry districts like Pittsburgh, despite Ms Patel and her supporters claiming that the incumbent's progressive views and alignment with the 'Squad' in Congress did not accurately reflect the politics of the area," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said after the election results were out.

The Squad is an informal group of the most progressive members of Congress, most commonly associated with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayana Pressley.

Originally from Gujarat in India, Patel's mother came to the United States as an immigrant. "She came to this country with very little, which I think is a story that resonates with many people in the Indian diaspora here in this country. When she came here, she raised my brother and I as a single parent. We moved around quite a bit, to various different cities, and she worked various odd jobs, washing dishes in the restaurant industry, working in the motel industry," Patel said in an earlier interview.

(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 24 (ANI): The Israel Embassy in India has rejected reports that a mass grave was discovered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. It further said that the grave was dug by the people of Gaza a few months ago.

The Israel Embassy in India has called any attempt to blame Israel for burying civilians in mass graves "false."

Also Read | Stadium Ban for Women To Be Reintroduced in Iran.

In a post on X, the Israel Embassy in India stated, "Misinformation is circulating regarding a mass grave that was discovered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. The grave in question was dug -- by Gazans -- a few months ago. This fact is corroborated by social media videos posted by Gazans at the time of the burial, as seen in the video below. Any attempt to blame Israel for burying civilians in mass graves is categorically false and merely an example of a disinformation campaign aimed at delegitimizing Israel."

Israel Embassy in India's statement comes after Gaza Civil Defense workers said that a mass grave with more than 300 bodies was discovered at a hospital in Khan Yunis following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area earlier this month, CNN reported.

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Speaking to CNN, Colonel Yamen Abu Suleiman, Director of Civil Defence in Khan Yunis said 35 bodies were discovered at the Nasser Medical Complex on Tuesday, taking the tally to 310. Suleiman said that some 73 bodies had been discovered on Monday.

Suleiman claimed that some of the bodies were discovered with hands and feet tied, "and there were signs of field executions. We do not know if they were buried alive or executed. Most of the bodies are decomposed."

On Tuesday, The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) called any "claim that the IDF buried Palestinian bodies baseless and unfounded," CNN reported.

The IDF said, "During the IDF's operation in the area of Nasser Hospital, in accordance to the effort to locate hostages and missing persons, corpses buried by Palestinians in the area of Nasser Hospital were examined. The examination was conducted in a careful manner and exclusively in places where intelligence indicated the possible presence of hostages."

The IDF stated, "The examination was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased. Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place."

Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for an "independent, effective and transparent investigation" into the discovery of mass graves at two hospital complexes in Gaza after Israeli troops besieged and raided them earlier this year, according to CNN report.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated he was "horrified" to see the scenes reported at the Nasser and Al-Shifa complexes. On Tuesday, Turk said, "Given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators."

He said, "Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat is a war crime." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Streaks of Light Seen in California. (Photo Credits: Video Grab)

Skopje (North Macedonia), Apr 24 (AP) Voters in North Macedonia cast ballots on Wednesday for a president they hope will oversee the country's long-anticipated entry into the European Union.

The small Balkan country has orbited the EU for nearly two decades with little to show for its efforts to join the 27-nation bloc.

Also Read | Stadium Ban for Women To Be Reintroduced in Iran.

A second round of voting is almost certain to follow on May 8  coinciding with parliamentary elections  as no candidate is expected to exceed the 50 per cent threshold of registered voters required for outright victory.

By 6:30 p.m. local time (1630GMT), half an hour before polling stations closed, turnout was 48.25 per cent, according to the latest data available from the State Electoral Commission.

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Seven candidates are running for the largely ceremonial position, with the brief campaigning period focusing on EU accession, the rule of law, fighting corruption and reducing poverty.

Electoral commission head Aleksandar Dashtevski said during a morning news briefing that voting was going smoothly, with only a minor technical problem with biometric devices at some polling centres which was quickly resolved.

The main candidates are incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski and Gordana Siljanovska Davkova.

Pendarovski, 61, is running for a second five-year term with support from the country's governing social democrats.

Siljanovska Davkova, 70, is backed by the centre-right main opposition VMRO-DPMNE coalition.

Pendarovski said on Wednesday he expected the electoral process to be peaceful and transparent.

I have no doubt that the first and second round will be in line with the highest European and international standards, he said.

The two front-runners have differed on how to deal with neighbouring Bulgaria's insistence on Skopje enshrining in its constitution recognition of a Bulgarian ethnic minority. EU member Bulgaria has said it will otherwise block North Macedonia's bloc membership bid.

North Macedonia has been a candidate to join the EU since 2005, but membership talks only began in 2022 and the process is expected to take years.

Other presidential candidates include law professor Biljana Vankovska, running for the leftist party Levica, and two members of the ethnic Albanian minority: Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, and Arben Taravari from an opposition ethnic Albanian party.

Voter Stavre Temelkovski said he had high expectations that North Macedonia would become a full-fledged EU member soon.

I expect a civic movement to win, for us to be a part of all those pro-Western systems, and to start a process of healing for a state which has waited for almost three decades," he said. Many generations are exhausted.

Unless someone wins outright Wednesday, the two leading candidates will go through to a second round, where turnout must be at least 40 per cent for a valid result.

North Macedonia has 1.8 million registered voters, out of a population of 2.3 million.

Polls closed at 7 p.m. local time. There are no exit polls and the first results were expected early Thursday.

About 320 international observers were monitoring the election. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Moscow, Apr 24 (PTI) National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Wednesday met with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev for a second time this month, and they reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest.

Doval held a bilateral meeting with Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, the Indian Embassy in Moscow said in a post on X.

Also Read | Stadium Ban for Women To Be Reintroduced in Iran.

"Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," it added.

The NSA had condemned the barbaric terror attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22 and called for shunning double standards in combating the menace.

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Earlier this month, Doval met Patrushev on the sidelines of the 19th annual meeting of the secretaries of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in Astana and conveyed India's solidarity with the government and the people of Russia to address the threat from terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In his address at the security conclave of the SCO in Astana, Doval had said that the perpetrators of terrorism should be effectively and expeditiously dealt with including those involved in cross-border terrorist activities.

Separately, Doval on Wednesday spoke at the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Secretary of the Russian Federation's Security Council and called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent transborder planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts.

Doval also had a bilateral meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung and talked about the current situation in Myanmar and India-funded infrastructure projects in Myanmar.

"They also discussed recent developments along the India-Myanmar border, including issues related to security, refugees, development projects, etc," the Indian mission in Moscow said in another post on X.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bratislava (Slovakia), Apr 24 (AP) Slovakia's government on Wednesday approved a controversial overhaul of the country's public radio and television services, a move that critics say would result in the government taking full control of the media.

Thousands rallied in the capital last month to condemn the plan, which was widely criticised by local journalists, the opposition, international media organisations and the European Commission.

Also Read | Stadium Ban for Women To Be Reintroduced in Iran.

Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico said the changes are needed because the public broadcaster, known as RTVS, is politically biased and is in conflict with the Slovak government. The proposed changes would mean it is replaced by a new organisation.

The Parliament, where the Fico's coalition government has a majority, is expected to approve the changes in June.

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The takeover plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, who represents the Slovak National Party, an ultra-nationalist member of the coalition government. She has worked for an internet television outlet known for spreading disinformation.

Simkovicova said the current broadcaster gives space only to mainstream views and censors the rest. The broadcaster has denied the claim.

Under her plan, the new broadcaster  Slovak television and radio, or STVR  will have a director selected by a council whose nine members will be nominated by the Culture Ministry and Parliament. The current director has a parliamentary mandate until 2027.

Known for his tirades against journalists, Fico recently labelled a major television network, two national newspapers and an online news website his enemies.

Fico's leftist Smer (Direction) party won the September 30 parliamentary elections on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform.

Critics worry Slovakia under Fico will abandon its pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The new government immediately halted any arms deliveries to Ukraine. Thousands have repeatedly taken to the streets across Slovakia recently to rally against Fico's pro-Russian and other policies, including plans to amend the penal code and cancel a top prosecution dealing with corruption. (AP)

(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 24 (AP) Ukrainian officials on Wednesday expressed thanks for a fresh batch of US military aid that threw Kyiv's armed forces a lifeline in their more than two-year war with Russia, even though the new supplies aren't expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield.

Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defence systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months, allowing the Kremlin's forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine by sheer weight of troop numbers and firepower in what has largely become a war of attrition.

Also Read | Stadium Ban for Women To Be Reintroduced in Iran.

The US decision came as the Kremlin's army extended its bombardment of the northeastern Kharkiv region and Ukrainian long-range drones struck more fuel and energy facilities inside Russia.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US Senate for approving the USD 61 billion aid package late Tuesday.

Also Read | Japan: Smoke Seen as ANA Flight Carrying About 200 People Lands Safely in Northern Japan, Public TV Says.

Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are extremely important tools for the quick restoration of a just peace, Zelenskyy said on the social platform X. He urged quick deployment of the hardware that Kyiv expects to receive in the coming weeks and months.

The key now is speed, he said in a later post.

Two Russian S-300 missiles struck Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city near the border with Russia, during the night, injuring six people, and another two hit the Kharkiv region town of Zolochiv where no casualties were reported, local officials said.

Another missile hit the southern city of Odesa, injuring one woman, Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

Ukrainian drones, meanwhile, targeted Russian infrastructure, setting ablaze two energy facilities in the western Smolensk region. Regional head Vasily Anokhin said the attack struck civilian fuel and energy facilities but provided no further details.

Russia's defence ministry said that eight drones were shot down overnight in the Belgorod, Smolensk, Kursk and Voronezh regions. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati, April 24: AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal has said he will move the Supreme Court against the Assam government's decision to close the state-run madrassas. The sitting Dhubri MP expressed hope that the apex court will order reopening of all closed madrasas in Assam.

"UP government announced the closure of madrasas and later, the Supreme Court condemned them. With this reference, we will go to the Supreme Court and will get the order from there," Ajmal told reporters on the sidelines of an election campaign meeting on Tuesday. In December last year, 1,281 Upper Primary Middle English (ME) Madrassas were converted into general ME schools across Assam. Assam: Government Cant Shut Down Private Madrasas, Says AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam

Earlier in April 2021, all the 610 state-run madrassas under the Madrassa Board were converted into upper primary, high and higher secondary schools with no change of status, pay, allowances and service conditions of teaching and non-teaching staff. Polygamy, Child Marriage Not Poll Issues in Assam: Himanta

In December 2020, The Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialisation) Act, 1995 and The Assam Madrassa Education (Provincialisation of Services of Employees and Re-Organisation of Madrassa Educational Institutions) Act, 2018 were repealed. This move of the first BJP-led Assam government paved the way for all state-funded madrassas to shut down and transform them into general schools.
Alappuzha, April 24: On the last day of campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed the ruling CPI-M-led Left and the opposition UDF led by the Congress in the state. The 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala go to the polls on Friday. For years, these two political fronts have been cheating the people of Kerala, and now the time has come for the BJP to make an entry into the state. I appeal to the people of Kerala to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is given a third term, as we assure you that we will take care of the developmental needs of Kerala, Amit Shah said.

The Home Minister made the remarks while addressing an election rally in support of the BJP candidate from the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat, Sobha Surendran, who is pitted against sitting CPI-M MP A.M. Ariff, and two-time former MP and Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, presently a Rajya Sabha member. "Communism has become history the world over, and soon Communists will disappear from the country. Likewise, the Congress too is heading towards the same direction and hence this is the right time to welcome the BJP into Kerala, the Home Minister said. 'No Guts to Throw a Stone in Kashmir': Amit Shah Mocks Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur Roadshow

Turning to the alleged scams in the state, Amit Shah accused the CPI-M of looting the cooperative sector. The cooperative sector is for the common people. But the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detected 'loot' in the Karuvannoor Cooperative Bank, which is managed by the CPI-M. The Congress also did the same. Both these parties are cheating the people in Kerala and West Bengal, while they remain friends in Delhi as part of the INDIA bloc, he said. The Home Minister also said that the priceless mining sector in Kerala is the biggest source of corruption. Bihar Was Converted Into Jungle Raj Under Lalu-Rabri Government, Says Amit Shah (Watch Video)

This sector is being used by both the CPI-M and the Congress leaders, he said. Stating that both these political fronts had a soft corner for the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), the Home Minister said, "While the SDPI (the political arm of the PFI) has pledged its support to the Congress, the PDP (led by jailed Abdul Nassar Maudany) supports the Left. You should all know that it was the Modi government which banned the PFI."
"Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation, Timur Vadimovich Ivanov, has been detained on suspicion of committing a crime under Part 6 of Article 290 of the Criminal Code (taking a bribe)," the committee said on Tuesday on Telegram.
On 23 April Mexicos foreign minister,, hosted her Guatemalan counterpart,

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On 23 April Nicaraguas government led by President Daniel Ortega announced it had signed a declaration with Russia on countering illegal sanctions.

Analysis:

The announcement by Vice President and First Lady Rosario Murillo was made as a delegation led by presidential adviser Laureano Ortega Murillo, the son of the presidential couple, is currently in Russia where it has met with officials including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss issues primarily related to security. It is the latest sign of strengthening bilateral ties as the US has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Nicaragua, citing ongoing human rights abuses taking place under the Ortega government, compelling the latter to seek cooperation elsewhere.

With Russia facing US sanctions over its war in Ukraine, Russian state news agency, Tass, reported that both Russia and Nicaragua agreed to develop a roadmap to reduce the dependence of international trade on national currencies that are commonly used to implement unilateral coercive measures or to maintain the currency hegemony of a particular state in the world economy  a reference to the US dollar.

According to Murillo, Laureano Ortega was accompanied by deputy police (PNN) director, Gen. Commissioner Zhukov Serrano , the deputy director general of the national telecoms institute, Celia Reyes , as well as Nicaraguas ambassador to Russia, Alba Azucena Torres , among others.

, the deputy director general of the national telecoms institute, , as well as Nicaraguas ambassador to Russia, , among others. While both sides have also boosted ties in economic areas, the latest security-related meetings come as the Nicaraguan legislature, which like all other institutions is controlled by Ortegas Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional (FSLN), authorised Russia last month to finance and build a police training centre in Managua  the text of which was agreed during a visit in late February by the secretary of the Russian security council, Gen. Nikolai Patrushev.

Looking Ahead: The new police training centre in particular has raised eyebrows. According to a statement by Nicaraguas legislature, dated 21 March, the objective of the centre is to fight against crime and maintain order and public security. While a Russia-Nicaragua anti-narcotics training centre was inaugurated in Managua in 2017, experts consulted by local investigative outlet Confidencial in a report published on 26 March, warn that the scope of the new centre is much broader. They also question the fact that it will carry out its activity under the general direction of the head of the diplomatic representation of the Russian Federation in Nicaragua  apparently ceding authority to the Russian government.
National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, a friend of Donald Trump, continued his testimony and made several shocking admissions under oath during the Trump hush money trial. Among his revelations is that he acted as the eyes and ears of the Trump Campaign in 2016 and usually killed negative stories about his then-friend while also making up false stories about his opponents like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.

Pecker testified that during a meeting with Trump and his then-lawyer Michael Cohen, the then-candidate asked him to "help the campaign." Pecker then promised that if he heard any negative stories about Trump or if he became aware of "women selling stories," he would notify Cohen. This then leads to the story being "killed."

"I would publish positive stories about Mr. Trump and negative stories about his opponents," the National Enquirer publisher admitted in front of the jury. "I would also be the eyes and ears of... the Trump Organization," adding that Trump "was pleased" about this.

"I thought there would be a lot of women trying to sell their stories," he testified. "Mr. Trump was well-known as the most-eligible bachelor, and dated the most beautiful women, and it was clear, based on my past experience, that when someone's running for public office like this, it was very common for these women to call up a magazine like the National Enquirer to try to sell their stories."

This agreement was "highly, highly confidential," and Pecker admitted that this was never put into writing because it was "just an agreement among friends." He also stated that he wanted to keep the arrangement secret because "we were going to try to help the campaign."

He also published negative stories about Trump's opponents back then, with the prosecution presenting jurors with National Enquirer headlines that read, "BUNGLING SURGEON BEN CARSON LEFT SPONGE IN PATIENT'S BRAIN!," "SHOCKING CLAIMS: PERVY TED CRUZ CAUGHT CHEATING-WITH 5 SECRET MISTRESSES!." and "'FAMILY MAN' MARCO RUBIO'S LOVE CHILD STUNNER!"

READ MORE: Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: Both Sides Give Opening Statements, Prosecutors Call Trump Actions Election Fraud

Agreement Between Donald Trump and David Pecker Came After 'Grab Her By the P*ssy' Tape

The plan came to be after the infamous Access Hollywood tape, also known as the "Grab Her By the P*ssy" tape, surfaced. This sent the Trump Campaign into overdrive as they tried to kill every single possible negative story about the then-presidential candidate.

"Another story about infidelity, with a porn star, on the heels of the Access Hollywood tape, would have been devastating to his campaign," prosecutor Matthew Colangelo told the jury. "Cohen carried out a $130,000 payoff to Daniels which Trump allegedly repaid him in checks that he listed as legal services in official company records."

"Look, no politician wants bad press, but the evidence at trial will show that this wasn't spin or communication strategy," added the prosecutor. This was a planned, coordinated, long-running conspiracy to influence the 2016 election, to help Donald Trump get elected through illegal expenditures - to silence people with something bad to say about his behavior. It was election fraud, pure and simple."

Melania Trump Closely Following the Donald Trump Hush Money Trial, Says Former Top Aide

Meanwhile, Melania herself may be following the Donald Trump Hush Money Trial more closely than most people think, according to Stephanie Grisham, who used to be the former First Lady's chief of staff and press secretary in the East Wing.

During a TV interview with CNN, Grisham told CNN anchor Erin Burnett, "I can guarantee [Melania] is watching every ounce of coverage and when that [information about Pecker's private email] came out, it piqued her interest."

"Melania is very much about proof, show proof," she added. "And so if some more damaging stuff should come out that she didn't know about because of course her husband continues to deny all of the details here, about Stormy especially."

READ MORE: Donald Trump Spending Campaign Donors' Money on Legal Fees

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Why is David Pecker's testimony important in Trump's trial? - CBS News
Despite President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's claims that fentanyl is not being made in Mexico, the head of Mexico's Criminal Investigation Agency is saying otherwise and calling the country the "champion" of fentanyl production.

Previously, Lopez Obrador denied that fentanyl was being produced in Mexico and claimed that cartels only press it into pills or add finishing touches. This is despite his own law enforcement agencies raiding and shutting down factories that directly produced fentanyl.

Criminal Investigation Agency head Felipe de Jesus Gallo further contradicted his president's claims by admitting that since the 1990s, "Mexico has been the champion of methamphetamine production, and now fentanyl," during a US-Mexico conference on synthetic drugs in Mexico City.

Mexican drug cartels, including the most notorious ones like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel, often use precursor chemicals that are bought and shipped from China and India to produce fentanyl. They then smuggle it into the United States, which is in the midst of a fentanyl epidemic, as the synthetic drug has already caused approximately 70,000 overdose deaths annually.

Gallo added that these Mexican cartels have "launched industrial-scale production of meth" all over the country. They also export these illegal narcotics all over the world. The Associated Press noted that while there is not much fentanyl abuse in Mexico, methamphetamine addiction is quite common.

"Believe me, methamphetamine production has become industrialized, it's not just in the mountains anymore," Mexico's top detective added. "We now expect to see (drug) laboratories not just in the mountains of Sinaloa and Sonora, but in Hidalgo as well, Puebla, and also in Jalisco."

READ MORE: El Chapo Claims He Cannot Get Visits from Wife and Daughters in Prison As Judge Denies His Request

Mexico's Most Infamous Drug Cartels Have Created a Complex Global Drug Trade

While there are many drug labs all over Mexico, mostly in rural areas of the North American country, the meth trade these drug cartels made has become a lucrative and so sophisticated but still illegal industry, with an illicit network that imports chemicals from Asia, produces drugs in Mexico, and exports them to the US and back to the Asia Pacific region, including Hong Kong and Australia.

"The business models have become very innovative, or as old and antiquated as barter; 'I'll trade you precursor chemicals for meth,' to avoid leaving a money trail," Gallo said in his speech. ABC News noted, "There is little question that drug production goes on at a huge scale in Mexico."

US Actively Pursuing Fentanyl Traffickers From Mexico

Both Mexico and the United States are actually working with each other to pursue the people trafficking fentanyl through the border. Just recently, Mexico extradited a known fentanyl traveler to California, with that suspect standing in trial in federal court in Sacramento just last Friday.

The DEA noted that Luis Felipe Lopez Zamora, 28, along with 13 co-defendants, have been charged with "a variety of fentanyl-pill, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering crimes." Lopez himself was arrested in Mexico last January 2, with Mexico extraditing him to the US last month.

It has already become common practice for Mexican authorities to extradite some of the more notorious drug traffickers to the US. The most famous example is, of course, El Chapo.

READ MORE: Familia Michoacana Cartel Sanctioned Over Rainbow Fentanyl

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Undercover in Mexico: How Chinese Gangs are Transforming the Fentanyl Trade - VICE News
In the bustling heart of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, hospitals and clinics are grappling with a dire shortage of medical supplies and staff, exacerbating an already fragile healthcare system.

Haiti Gangs, tightening their grip on the city and beyond, have unleashed a wave of violence, obstructed vital infrastructure, and left medical facilities in disarray.

At a hospital in Cite Soleil, a woman's life hangs in the balance as medical staff race against time, AP News reports.

Convulsing uncontrollably, her oxygen levels plummet dangerously low.

Despite their efforts, essential medication to treat her convulsions is scarce, amplifying the urgency of the situation.

Dr. Rachel Lavigne, from Doctors Without Borders, voices the grim reality: "The medication she really needs, we barely have."

READ NEXT: Haiti Sets Up Transitional Council to Select Fresh Leadership

Healthcare System on the Brink

The assault on critical infrastructure by Haiti gangs on February 29th triggered a cascade of closures across Port-au-Prince.

Medical institutions, including the largest public hospital, have shuttered their doors, unable to withstand the relentless Haiti violence.

Peace University Hospital, one of the few still operational, bears witness to the toll of gang warfare, treating a steady stream of gunshot victims amidst mounting challenges.

The surge in gang-related violence has exacted a heavy toll on Haiti's populace.

More than 2,500 individuals have been killed or wounded in the first quarter of the year, marking a stark increase from previous years.

Even when hospitals remain open, the pervasive threat of violence often deters medical personnel from reporting to work, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system.

As Haiti grapples with escalating violence, political instability compounds the nation's woes.

Catherine Russell, addressing the UN Security Council, paints a grim picture of a nation in turmoil, according to BBC.

Essential services falter as gangs tightens their grip on power, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The armed groups, emboldened by the absence of effective governance, have launched brazen attacks on key institutions and infrastructure.

From looting universities to torching pharmacies, their reign of terror knows no bounds.

The paralysis of essential services, including healthcare and transportation, further plunges Haiti into chaos.

International Response Amid Chaos

Amid the turmoil, the Biden administration takes decisive action, deploying military reinforcements to Haiti.

A US military aircraft lands in Port-au-Prince, signaling a commitment to bolstering security and stability in the region.

This intervention comes in the wake of escalating Haiti violence and mounting pressure for international assistance, the Miami Herald noted.

As the situation in Haiti deteriorates, calls for a multinational security force gain traction.

Security Council members convene to discuss strategies for quelling the violence and restoring order.

Recognizing the urgency of the crisis, efforts are underway to coordinate a swift deployment of resources to assist the Haiti National Police in restoring law and order.

Haiti teeters on the brink of collapse as Haiti gangs unleash chaos and violence, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

The healthcare system struggles to cope with the influx of casualties, while political turmoil compounds the nation's woes.

In the face of mounting challenges, international intervention offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, signaling a collective commitment to restoring stability and security to the beleaguered nation.

READ MORE: Ecuador Backs President Noboa's Security Boost Against Gangs

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Haiti health system nears collapse as medicine dwindles, gangs attack hospitals - From FRANCE 24 English
Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury faces charges of felony first-degree burglary after allegedly breaking into her stepmother's home to retrieve belongings belonging to her late father, including his ashes.

According to a complaint obtained by the Star Tribune, a police officer went to Mitchell's stepmother's home around 4:45 AM on April 22 after a report of a break-in.

Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell's stepmother was inside the house during the incident, People reports.

Arrest and Charges

Responding to a call reporting a break-in at Mitchell's stepmother's residence, police found the lawmaker in the basement wearing all-black attire.

A criminal complaint revealed that Mitchell allegedly entered the home through a window, carrying a backpack containing two laptops, a cellphone, Tupperware, and other items.

She claimed to be retrieving sentimental items belonging to her deceased father, including his ashes and photographs.

During her arrest, Mitchell purportedly expressed her motive to her stepmother, stating, "I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore."

Subsequent investigations revealed discrepancies regarding the ownership of the seized items, with one laptop allegedly belonging to her stepmother, according to Fox News.

READ NEXT: Shannon Gooden's Girlfriend Indicted for Buying Guns in Minnesota Shooting

Legal Ramifications and Political Response

If convicted of first-degree burglary, Mitchell could face a sentence ranging from six months in jail to 20 years in prison.

The Minnesota senator's father, Roderick Mitchell, passed away in March 2023, leaving behind assets valued at approximately $173,000, all awarded to his wife, Carol, in a probate case.

While Mitchell's Senate office deferred inquiries to the Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus, reactions among political circles varied.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy emphasized the importance of due process, affirming Mitchell's right to a fair trial, Inforum noted.

"The allegations against Senator Mitchell are upsetting, for me and for anyone who has gotten to know and work with her," Senate Majority Leader Murphy stated in a press release. "We believe in due process, and Senator Mitchell has the right to a full defense of her case in court. In the coming days and weeks, Senator Mitchell must also have serious and difficult conversations with her colleagues, constituents, and family."

Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson called for Mitchell's immediate resignation, citing the severity of the allegations and their implications for legislative integrity.

"The public expects Legislators to meet a high standard of conduct," Senate Minority Leader Johnson stated. "As information comes out, we expect the consequences to meet the actions, both in the court of law and in her role at the legislature."

The allegations against Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell cast a shadow over her political career, prompting scrutiny and calls for accountability from both colleagues and constituents.

As legal proceedings unfold, Mitchell's future hangs in the balance, with potential repercussions extending beyond the courtroom to the political arena.

READ MORE: Children Identified in Fatal Weekend Car Crash in Michigan

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell charged in burglary of Detroit Lakes home - From WCCO - CBS Minnesota
Disgraced Latino Republican George Santos, who was previously kicked out of the US House of Representatives, has dropped out of his race in New York, challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the GOP Primary. LaLota was one of the Republicans who moved to oust Santos from Congress.

According to the Associated Press, after largely being shunned by his fellow Republicans, Santos ran as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York and specifically chose the district LaLota represented to run in.

However, the disgraced former congressman, who was expelled from the House and is now facing a lot of federal fraud charges, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he has to withdraw from the race already.

Santos, once one of the most controversial members of the US House of Representatives, has faced plenty of controversies, from stealing a disabled veteran's money to being wanted in Brazil to being a drag queen in the South American country, and of course, lying about him having a Jewish background and his various lies about his actual job before he became a politician and his actual educational attainment.

George Santos announced he was dropping out after his campaign committee reported that he had raised absolutely no money in March, nor did he spend any money at all. This fueled speculation that his campaign failed to even get off the ground.

"Although Nick and I don't have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don't want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems," he wrote on X. "Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race."

"It's only goodbye for now," he added before vowing, "I'll be back."

READ MORE: George Santos Wants To Be Donald Trump's Head of ICE

George Santos Has Not Mounted Any Actual Campaign Operation

Despite trying to sound defiant in his withdrawal announcement on X, the accused fraudster and politician has not really done much to fundraise or campaign as he runs against his nemesis, LaLota, in New York's 1st Congressional District.

Politico reported that the report that the Santos Campaign filed with the Federal Election Commission last Monday suggested that he has not yet even "mounted an actual campaign operation." This calls into question his plans to make his comeback to the US House of Representatives.

George Santos Also Owes a Lot of Money

Aside from facing several federal investigations, former New York Republican Rep. George Santos also owes money to a lot of people, including his favorite Italian restaurant, where he owes $10,000. Despite this, he told Slate that he is still fine.

Santos, who was overwhelmingly expelled from Congress with a bipartisan vote after the House Ethics Committee found "substantial evidence" of criminal misconduct, also owes money to the consulting firm of his campaign treasurer, Jason D. Boles, who is still his campaign treasurer.

His debt has only grown since he won his seat back in 2022, as he currently owes $781,932.07 in debts and obligations. Of that number, around $630,000 is what he owes his own campaign.

READ MORE: George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel Over Using His Cameo Video to Make Fun of Him

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: George Santos says he's suspending bid for Congress - Eyewitness News ABC7NY
Authorities located Elias Huizar, a 40-year-old, ex-Washington cop, suspected of murdering two women and kidnap his 1-year-old child, in Oregon on Tuesday.

Huizar was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a pursuit by Oregon State Patrol, CBS News reports.

The incident originated from a deadly shooting at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, central Washington, on Monday.

Huizar's vehicle was spotted by Oregon State Patrol on Interstate 5 near Eugene.

A pursuit ensued, ending with Huizar sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His condition remains unknown as of Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Roman Santos, the abducted 1-year-old child, was safely taken into custody by state troopers.

READ NEXT: Chicago Police Officer Killed in Brutal Carjacking

Background of the Incident

An ex-Washington cop was identified as the suspect in the shooting at William Wiley Elementary School.

Prior to his encounter in Oregon, Huizar was seen driving a black sedan, prompting a manhunt facilitated by law enforcement agencies across state lines, according to Fox12.

The pursuit led authorities from Washington to Oregon, indicating Huizar's intent to flee.

Huizar allegedly shot and killed two women, identified as his ex-wife and girlfriend, in separate incidents.

The Amber Alert issued by Washington State Patrol included information about the victims and the abducted child, Roman Santos.

The alert was extended to Oregon as authorities suspected Huizar's intention to flee to Mexico with the child.

Legal Troubles and Previous Allegations

Before the recent events, Huizar faced legal issues, including charges of child rape and sexual assault.

Court documents revealed allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors, including Huizar's former girlfriend and another teenager.

These allegations surfaced while Huizar was employed as a police officer, raising concerns about his conduct and the safety of minors.

The Richland School District terminated Huizar's employment following his arrest in February related to the rape charges.

The district expressed disappointment over the lack of disclosure regarding Huizar's past during the employment screening process, Katu2 ABC noted.

"We are extremely disheartened that information about Mr. Huizar's past was not disclosed to us through the various processes we have in place to vet RSD candidates for employment," the school district stated. "It is the expectation for individuals who apply for employment with RSD to be forthcoming and truthful in their applications," they added.

Additionally, Huizar's ex-wife had obtained a protection order against him, citing concerns for her safety and that of their children.

The apprehension of Elias Huizar in Oregon marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the double homicide and child abduction case.

The incident has raised questions about Huizar's past conduct as a police officer and the adequacy of background checks in employment processes.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding ex-Washington cop Huizar's condition and legal proceedings.

READ MORE: Body of Missing Father Discovered in Des Plaines River, Illinois

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Amber Alert, double murder suspect shoots self; child is safe after I-5 pursuit in Eugene, Oregon - From KATU News
Q: Im 26 and want to know what kind of medical checkups I should be getting. -- Kelly T., Lincoln, Nebraska

A: There are a wide range of screenings and checkups that can catch developing problems early, alert you to needed lifestyle changes, and increase your quality of life -- even when youre in your 20s and feeling invincible.

If you have an annual physical and gynecological exam, youre going to be able to catch a wide range of problems. For example, you can have blood tests that establish a baseline for your lousy LDL cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure -- so you will know if theyre in a trouble zone already or if, over time, theyre trending toward trouble. You can also determine if you need to lose weight to reduce your risk of future chronic diseases such as heart disease or sexual dysfunction. And you can check that your vaccinations are updated or that you have had them at all (for HPV so that you prevent cervical and throat cancers, for example).

At the gynecologist, you can be screened for breast and cervical cancers. Its also smart, if you are sexually active, to be tested for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C.

You should also have teeth cleanings and oral exams at least twice a year. For most folks, an eye exam once in their 20s and once in their 30s is sufficient.

There are other areas of health that are more challenging to be screened for. For example, depression and anxiety have increased enormously in younger adults, but there isnt a simple blood test or scan to show if you would benefit from treatment. If youre dealing with emotional issues, its up to you to schedule an appointment with a therapist to explore what might help you. To find someone in your area, go to the APAs Psychologist Locator at locator.apa.org. And to discover the power of a posse and a purpose to improve your mood, visit LongevityPlaybook.com and iHerb.com/blog/mental-health.

***

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the worlds leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.

(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
A Palmer Township cop assigned to Easton Area High School was arrested Wednesday after allegedly sending a sexually explicit image of himself to an underage student.

John J.T. Smoke, 45, was arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of corruption of minors and released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

The Bangor area resident declined to comment to lehighvalleylive.com when reached by phone Wednesday morning. His attorney also declined comment.

Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta announced the arrest in a news release.

We want to assure the students, parents and others who have an ongoing relationship with the school that all information gathered to this point indicates that this is a completely isolated matter, Barattas office says in the release. There is no indication that there are any other student victims and no other students have ongoing contact with Officer Smoke.

In court papers outlining the allegations against Smoke, a county detective wrote the incident came to light March 22. The detective, William Books, received a call that day from Palmer Township police Detective Sgt. Jim Taylor about an allegation that Smoke had sent an inappropriate picture/video to a student.

The Palmer Township Police Department seized Smokes duty pistol and badge, the court papers say. Investigators also seized Smokes work computer, and he voluntarily surrendered his personal cellphone and lock code for the phone, according to police. Smoke then was placed on administrative leave, and police say he faces termination.

The female student, who is under 18, was interviewed March 27 at the high school, authorities said.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined that Smoke contacted an underage student at inappropriate hours, that he sent this student money via CashApp, and that he disseminated a sexually explicit picture of himself to the student, the district attorneys office states in the release.

The student screen-recorded a cellphone exchange that contained the explicit image, court papers say. The student and a guardian consented to a forensic examination of the students phone, police said. Both that phone and Smokes phone were then examined by the Officer David M. Petzold Digital Forensics Laboratory of Lehigh County, providing evidence April 17 to support the arrest, authorities said.

Easton Area School District Director of Safe Schools John Remaley told lehighvalleylive.com the district was made aware of the allegations and immediately referred the investigation to Palmer police and the DAs office.

Palmer police Chief Wayne Smith in a statement Wednesday said: Palmer Township has been made aware of allegations between Officer J.T. Smoke and a student in Easton Area High School, where Officer Smoke served as a school resource officer.

Officer Smoke has been suspended from the Palmer Township Police Department with the intent to terminate.

We take this matter very seriously and are cooperating fully with the investigation, which is being conducted by the Northampton County District Attorneys Office. Any members of the Palmer Township and Easton Area School District communities with information that might be relevant to the investigation are encouraged to contact the Northampton County District Attorneys Office.

Smith declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation of a sensitive nature.

Easton Area schools Superintendent Tracy Piazza did not immediately return a call for comment.

Smoke has a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled May 17, where a district judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
PITTSBURGH (AP)  A Pennsylvania appeals court has kept alive an Italian heritage groups challenge to efforts by the city of Pittsburgh to remove a statue of Christopher Columbus from a city park.

The Commonwealth Court on Friday sent the dispute over the 13-foot bronze and granite Schenley Park statue back to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court for further consideration of issues raised by opponents of the removal.

The Italian Sons and Daughters of America filed suit in October 2020 after the Pittsburgh Art Commission voted to remove the statue and then-mayor Bill Peduto also recommended its removal. The group argued that the mayor could not override a 1955 city council ordinance that cleared the way for installation of the 800-pound statue. City attorneys argued that the legislation was more akin to a resolution accepting a gift and no council action to rescind it was needed.

Common Pleas Judge John McVay Jr., after urging both sides for two years to work out a solution such as relocation, ruled in 2022 that because the statue is in a city-owned park, it represents government speech. But the Commonwealth Court wrote Friday that McVay erred in concluding that the groups claims are barred in their entirety, rejecting what it called the idea that claims of violations of the citys charter, code and ordinance were irrelevant procedural quibbles.

The appellate court did reject the groups challenge to McVays refusal to remove himself from the case.

Philadelphia attorney George Bochetto, who filed the lawsuit and subsequent appeal on behalf of the group, hailed the ruling and called on the new mayor to sit down with me to reach a resolution without further costly litigation. A message seeking comment was sent Sunday to a spokesperson for the Pittsburgh mayor.

The Schenley Park statue, vandalized several times, was wrapped in plastic in 2020, but local news reports indicate that much of the covering has since worn away or perhaps been removed, although the head remains covered.

Disputes over Columbus statues have roiled other cities across the nation, including Philadelphia on the other side of the state, where supporters in a city with a deep Italian heritage say they consider Columbus an emblem of that heritage. Former Mayor Jim Kenney, however, said Columbus, venerated for centuries as an explorer, had a much more infamous history, enslaving Indigenous people and imposing harsh punishments.

After 2020 protests about racial injustice and the statue, Kenney ordered the 1876 statues removal, calling it a matter of public safety. But a judge reversed that decision, saying the city had failed to provide evidence of a public safety need for removal. In December 2022, a plywood box covering the statue was removed by judicial order. The group that fought for retention of the statue and removal of the covering filed suit last year alleging that officials conspired to abuse the legal process in trying to remove the statue, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Columbus statues have been removed in nearby Camden, New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. In Richmond, Virginia, a statue of Christopher Columbus was torn down, set on fire and thrown into a lake. In Columbia, South Carolina, the first U.S. city named for Columbus, a statue of the explorer was removed after it was vandalized several times. Another vandalized statue in Boston also was removed from its pedestal.
An Allentown man was sentenced to spend up to 14 years in prison after opening fire at a city neighborhood bar, authorities said.

Paul Kevin Nicholas Kerr, 30, was charged with felony criminal attempted homicide; felony aggravated assault; felony prohibited possession of a firearm; felony discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure; misdemeanor simple assault; and misdemeanor harassment.

The charges are in connection to a Jan. 7, 2023 incident at Pagans Place, 701 N. Jordan St. in the city.
Children in a rural Laois gaelscoil are excitedly rehearsing for a big concert in Tipperary this May.

Gaelscoil Shli Dala in Ballaghmore has 39 mainstream pupils as well as two ASD classes.

They regularly practice and play traditional Irish music in the school for big events like Christmas, confirmations and their upcoming First Communion.

Now they have been invited to perform at Roscrea Community Choir's Summertime Serenade Concert.

The impressive line-up includes The Midlands String Quartet, oboist Etain McCooey, and Cistercian College Roscrea.

Principal Teresa Kennedy told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about it.

"We are delighted to get this opportunity to showcase the children's talents. Music is very important in our school, we have a strong tradition in Irish culture, music and drama," she said.

She adds that the school also has a huge emphasis on sport and technology, and partakes in Laois County Council's VEX Robotics with Lego also a popular pasttime.

Gaelscoil Shli Dala is also undergoing a huge change.

They are getting a brand new school, with construction about to start.

In the meantime the entire school has moved into Borris-in-Ossory Innovation Centre.

"They have been so welcoming, and we are delighted to be awaiting our new school," Ms Kennedy said.

The Summertime Serenade Concert will take place on Saturday, May 25 in Abbey Hall, Roscrea at 8pm. Tickets 20 available on the door.
Three Laois businesses have been shortlisted in the RDS Sustainability and Circular Economy Awards in May.



Refillz Zero Waste in Stradbally, Ballykilcavan Brewing Company and Fior Bhia Farm based in Geashill have all been shortlisted in the awards which celebrate the work of individuals, farm families and organisations who are enhancing the economic, environmental and social development of Irish agriculture and rural communities.



Refillz sells wholefoods such as nuts, seeds, cereals, rice and pasta, household cleaning and personal care products for refill. Also, a selection of eco-friendly products.



Ballykilcavan Brewing Company - set up in 2017 Ballykilcavan is a brewery based on a family farm just outside Stradbally. The main motivation for setting up the brewery was to secure the financial future of the farm, to restore and repurpose our abandoned stone buildings and to improve the farms environmental sustainability.



Meanwhile Fiorbhia focuses on growing a rich and diverse soil microbiome, using knowledge almost lost from previous generations, combined with modern technologies to measure and build science-based methods. Fiorbhia achieves 100% artificial chemical free farming, on the land, in the animals food or in medication.



The awards ceremony takes place as part of the Finding Common Ground Festival on Friday May 3. The inaugural two-day event is being delivered as one of the RDS Foundation social impact programmes. It will incorporate presentations and panel discussions exploring how Ireland can harness the benefits of our natural resources and the circular economy with a view to creating increased awareness, education and identification of solutions to act on. Alongside this, a number of awards ceremonies will take place to celebrate best practice in these areas.



Commenting on the upcoming event, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive, Foundation at RDS said, With social sustainability at its core, the RDS long-term vision for Ireland sees five key areas underpinning the island's culture and economy - Arts, Agriculture, Enterprise and Equestrian, Science and Technology. Our objective is to harness the energy and ideas of people to identify needs, work to foster momentum and create scale to propel our culture and economy to new heights. There are many barriers to sustainable development in Ireland and the RDS is poised to play a role in addressing them alongside key partners through events and initiatives such as this upcoming festival.
The Irish Prison Service has ramped up its efforts to combat drug smuggling in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise and across the country.



Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis.

Responding to a query from Leinster Express/Laois Live about the use of drones to drop contraband into exercise yards within the prison, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said "it does not comment on matters relating to prison security."



"However the Prison Service is committed to preventing the access of contraband including drugs into prisons and continues to be a high priority for the Irish Prison Service. The Irish Prison Service has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support our efforts to keep contraband out of prisons," they continued.



"Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons. The Irish Prison Service continues to engage with An Garda Siochana with regard to preventing contraband entering our prison and this happens at both local and national level. The Operational Support Group work closely with their colleagues in An Garda Siochana on a regular basis and the sharing of intelligence has led to target searches resulting in the seizure of contraband.



"There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) which is operational. Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence."
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said more than 80% of people seeking asylum in the Republic of Ireland cross the land border from Northern Ireland.

"I'd say it's higher than 80%," she said, in response to Fianna Fail Senator Robbie Gallagher, stating that this is "a significant proportion" of all asylum seekers entering the State.

"That's particularly worrying," he responded.

The minister said that her department liaises with the UK authorities on this issue, and that An Garda Siochana and the Police Service of Northern Ireland also cooperate.

"But this is the challenge that we have, that we have advocated for no border on this island," she said. "But it is absolutely a challenge."

So far this year, Ms McEntee said, over 5,000 people have applied for asylum in Ireland and over half of those are secondary movements.

She said the system is not working. "But it's a system that's not working for anybody," she said.

"As a country that has significant secondary movement, we are impacted more, perhaps," Ms McEntee said.

When Ms McEntee confirmed that the figure of those coming South via Northern Ireland was higher than 80 per cent, Senator Gallagher asked: "What does the UK authorities say to us?".

"We engage with the UK authorities on a regular basis," Ms McEntee said. "We have a common travel area committee which meets on a quarterly basis but we also have continuous engagement between our relevant departments," Ms McEntee said.

She added that the PSNI work regularly with the gardai.

"This is the challenge that we have. We have advocated for no border on this island and I don't think anyone would say that we shouldn't have that situation but it is a challenge," Ms McEntee said.

She told the Joint Committee on Justice that the solidarity mechanism will see the relocation of 30,000 asylum seekers within the EU - including 648 to Ireland.
Portarlington Vet Anne Flanagan is a local Laois woman and started her practice in March 2018 with just one vet and one nurse.

She saw the need for a specialised clinic, dedicated to specifically small animals to serve the needs of small animals and their owners in the Portarlington area.

The practice has tripled in size and now comprises, a receptionist, two nurses, one full-time vet, one part-time vet and a full-time dog groomer.

We ensure to provide the best customer experience possible, from Glenda on phones and reception who is always ready to greet customers with a smile and to make a fuss of your pet.

To the nurses and vets who ensure extra snuggles are given during recovery and that they receive optimum care and comfort during their stay.

At Portarlington Veterinary Centre, your pets well-being is our utmost priority. What truly sets us apart from other clinics is the exceptional level of care your furry friend will receive.

During each appointment, they will benefit from dedicated attention by the same experienced Veterinary Surgeon, ensuring a personalised and comforting experience that distinguishes us in the industry.

We take immense pride in providing the highest standard of professional veterinary care, tailored to meet your companions specific needs, making us a preferred choice among pet owners.

Our compassionate team is devoted to delivering exceptional services while keeping affordability in mind. Rest assured, your beloved pet will be in trusted hands, receiving optimal treatment at our clinic.

Experience peace of mind, knowing that we prioritise your pets health and happiness above all else.

We also ensure consistency in care and know how important it is to see the same friendly face who are completely invested in providing the best possible care for your pet, 24hrs a day, 365 days a year.

We aim to provide a service where owners can avail of the whole package of care their pet could need.

Caring for their nutritional needs, providing preventative health care, grooming needs and all the veterinary treatment they may need, from birth to the last days, we are always at the end of the phone for any advice clients may need regarding their pet.

We pride ourselves in providing a high-quality service to the Midland region and beyond, with some clients travelling from Dublin to come to see Anne.

Find us at:

Portarlington Veterinary Centre, Main Street, Portarlington, Co Laois R32KV2K

Telephone: 057 86 52388

Email: portvetcentre@gmail.com

Website: www.PortarlingtonVeterinaryCentre.ie

*Sponsored Content
The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival, one of Ireland's oldest walking festivals, returns to Laois this May Bank Holiday weekend.

Now in its 28th year, this festival is not just a walking festival for the serious walker but a special social event for people to meet, chat and enjoy the outdoors.



Over the years the dedicated walk leaders have taken walkers into the magical unspoilt landscape that is the Slieve Blooms.



"Walkers who come along and join for the festival weekend are offered free membership for weekend walks that take place all year round. Many of the walkers who enjoy it so much come back weekend after weekend. Its a real opportunity to get out and get active, make friends and have fun," said the organisers.



This year there is a choice of seven great walks ranging from easy woodland to more challenging treks in remote wilderness areas of the Slieve Blooms.

The festival gets under way with grades A and B walks departing from Clonaslee Community Centre on Saturday May 4th. The grade A 13km walk to Knockastumpa for experienced walkers, and a grade B 9km moderate walk around Brittas Lake and woodlands. Glenbarrow Car Park is the starting point for the grade C 6km walk, an amazing walk among the bluebells in Capard Woodlands that begins at 1.00pm. Registration for A and B walks is at 10.15am in Clonaslee and 12.45 for C Walk in Glenbarrow.

On Sunday May 5th the walks start from Kinnitty Community Centre. There is a Grade A 10km walk through Pauls Land and Spink Mountain, a Grade B 9km moderate walk in Kinnitty woodlands and also a Grade C walk around the beautiful Knockbarron Woodlands. Registration for A and B walks at 10:15am and 12.45 for C Walk.

Bank Holiday Monday features a Grade A 10km walk on Conlawn Hill which departs from The Deadmans Inn Ballyfin at 11:00am.

The fee is 8 per walk (accompanied children are free). If you wish to join the Slieve Bloom Walking Club and avail of guided walks every Sunday of the year then annual membership is 20 (single) or 30 (family).

For more details please visit slievebloom.ie or facebook.com/slievebloomoutdoors or phone 086 8210056
In the tradition of Irelands ancient manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, every line of calligraphy and illustration of The Book of Kildare was created by Josephine Hardiman. Since the official launch of the book on January 28, 2024, more than 750 copies of 'The Book of Kildare' have been sold and the book is about to go to print for the second time.

Author, Artist and Calligrapher Josephine Hardiman, a former Primary School teacher in her hometown of Newbridge, explained the gifting of the book to Primary schools in Co. Kildare.

She said, Kildare County Council and Brigid 1500 awarded me a grant which assisted me in completing and publishing the book and fulfill an ambition of mine to gift the book to every Primary School in Kildare. During the books creation, I exhibited it in stages and held Calligraphy workshops at schools and Kildare Libraries. The children were very inquisitive about how the work was created and enthusiastic about learning a new skill. If even one future artist is inspired to continue the ancient Irish Art of Calligraphy and Illumination, then my legacy as an Artist and an Educator, will be realised.

Principal Donal Fleming, of St. Brigids Primary School in Kildare Town added, The Book of Kildare is an exquisite work of art which we have installed in our foyer, in a bespoke display cabinet made in oak by Kevin OKelly. Each week the page will be turned so students and visitors may read about Ancient Kildare, Brigid of Kildare or Kildare Heritage. We are honoured to be the first school in Kildare to receive this beautiful gift!.

The Book of Kildare is now available for each Kildare Primary school to collect from Kildare Education Centre, Friary Road, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare R51 KN66.

Celebrating National Heritage Week 2024, an exhibition of the 80 original pages, shown together for the first time, will take place at Naas Town Library & Cultural Centre throughout August. This exhibition will include workshops for children, adults and seniors and is supported by Kildare County Council. More information on the author, book and retail locations may be found on the website josephinehardiman.ie.
Early years settings in Kildare donated over 14,600 as part of Early Childhood Ireland s 20th National Pyjama Day fundraising event. Over 3,470 children and educators in 53 Early Years and School Age Care settings put on their cosiest pyjamas to raise vital funds in support of children across Ireland in November of last year.

A total of over 285,000 (287,611.52) was donated to two child-centred projects: autism charity AsIAms Child and Family Support Programme, which provides group-based support and advocacy for autistic children and their families; and a new Eco-Emotions project for Early Years and School Age Care educators in Kildare. Developed by Early Childhood Ireland in response to feedback from educators, the programme will support childrens emotional health and develop a sense of environmental responsibility.

Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland said, Since its inception, National Pyjama Day activities have raised over 4.3 million for selected projects and charities. As we mark two decades of Pyjama Day magic, we're delighted to see the ripple effect of kindness reaching children nationwide.

We would like to thank our members and all the educators in Kildare who put so much time and effort into ensuring the children in their care had the best National Pyjama Day possible and express our gratitude to the generous families who sponsored the young fundraisers in their lives.

The much-needed funds will support children in Kildare through two worthwhile causes. The Eco-Emotions initiative will foster the development of a future generation which is both caring and environmentally conscious. While AsIAm's Child and Family Support Programme continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of autistic children and their families across the country."

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm Ireland said,Were delighted to once again be supported by Early Childhood Ireland's National Pyjama Day. The incredible funds raised by children, for children, have enabled us to support thousands of autistic children and families across Ireland including in Kildare through our free, group-based support delivered by our Child and Family Support Programme.

Autistic children very often don't enjoy the same chance to live, work and play in the community but National Pyjama Day enables AsIAm to remove barriers and build capacity so that the children we work with can access neuro-affirmative support and social opportunities.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said, Pyjama Day is about turning the generosity of children, parents and members of Early Childhood Ireland into important supports for young people and their families. The partnership with AsIAm does this in a way which is not only supportive but also pioneering. It breaks down barriers to specialised care and makes it more accessible to all. On behalf of the Community Foundation, I want to congratulate all who participated in Pyjama Day and look forward to hearing about the transformative work by AsIAm which is now getting underway.
Over 200 principals and teachers from across Irelands sixteen Education and Training Boards, including Kildare & Wicklow ETB, who gathered at a national symposium Lets Talk Ethos in Athlone (22.04.24) to reflect on their core values have heard that the previously uncontested core value of equality can be the most challenging to implement.

Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) commissioned research on how schools are currently experiencing the ethos agreed for Irelands almost 300 Community National Schools and Community Colleges under the patronage of Education and Training Board (ETBs). While the overall findings were very positive, with clear evidence of the core values of excellence in education, care, equality, community, and respect in action across the sector, the research highlighted that the most challenging core value to implement is equality.

We think this is for a number of reasons said ETBI General Secretary Paddy Lavelle including teacher identity, the need for training and more time for discussion on equality issues. However, the climate has also changed: previously uncontested values like equality are increasingly contested in the often-febrile public discourse we see across social media. This symposium gave our school leaders the space and time to explore key equality issues and shows me that, despite the challenges, ETB principals and teachers are very proud and committed to provide equality-based, inclusive and multi-denominational education for all students.

Dr Seamus Conboy, ETBIs Director of Schools added, Having strong multi-denominational primary and post-primary schools has never been more important: the 2022 Census shows that 69 per cent of people in Ireland now consider themselves to be Roman Catholic and 14% of the population identify as having no religion. There are also significant increases in those identifying as having other religious beliefs. Our own research, carried out by Opinions in 2023 shows that 61% of people nationally  of all religious backgrounds and none  want multi-denominational schools. ETBs provide this equality-based education at primary and post primary level. While one in 3 post-primary schools are multi-denominational, only one in 20 of Irelands primary schools are multi-denominational. There is a clear evidence base for the need for change.

The Lets Talk Ethos symposium included an address by Professor Anne Looney, Executive Dean in Dublin City Universitys Institute of Education, a dynamic panel discussion featuring ethos champions and equality themed workshops on:
Tirlan and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur are celebrating 50 years in partnership by opening applications for their third successive Sustainable Farming Academy.

Twenty farmers are again invited to enroll for the fully-funded year-long University College Cork (UCC) Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate which begins in September. The recipients of this years bursary awards of were also marked at the event.

Among this years bursary award winners were Joshua Mills from Kilcullen in Kildare, who is currently studying at UCD; Sinead Cusack from Dunmore East in Waterford who is studying at UCC; Daniel Kennedy from Coolgreany, Gorey, Co Wexford who is studying in Dundalk Institute of Technology and Michael Ryan from Ballingarry in Tipperary who is studying at the South East Technological University.

His main areas of interest are in the care of the animal and in particular its genetic make up, as animal genetics will help improve the quality and efficiency of the herd. He is also interested in sustainable farm practices such as reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, increasing soil fertility and improving the dairy herd genetics.

There has been a great step forward in new farming technologies in recent years, for example, the use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS), cow collar technology and the use of GPS for spreading fertilizer which I am also interested in. Grass is the cheapest form of food for cows so I am interested in how grass is managed and how to improve the quality of it, for example, measuring grass and incorporating clover, he said.

Announcing the opening of applications for Diploma places, Director of Ingredients at Tirlan, Aoife Murphy said, As part of our Living Proof sustainability strategy we are committed to supporting Irish farming communities in addressing environmental, economic and social challenges by giving them the knowledge, skills and know-how to farm more sustainably. We are delighted to say there has been significant interest from our farmers in completing the Diploma.

This year marks a significant milestone for Tirlan and Baileys relationship as we celebrate 50 years in partnership this year and we are keen to continue to work closely to ensure we deliver a world-class, sustainable product and service. Tirlan first began supplying our high quality cream for the Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur in 1974 through our facility in Virginia, Co Cavan.

Aisling Gorman, Global Sustainability Marketing Manager at Baileys said, Were proud Tirlan partners for 50 years and it makes sense that we would work together to upskill farmers in sustainable farming practices, so that together we can drive positive change and shape the future of farming in Ireland. We believe the Sustainable Farming Academy can deliver fundamental changes in farming practices and we are immensely proud to support this initiative and to acknowledge this first class of graduates. Together, we are working for change.

Larry Hannon, Academy graduate and Co Kildare dairy farmer said, This is a brilliant programme and Im delighted that our Co-op is co-funding it. I signed up because I wanted to challenge myself, even though Ive been farming for over 30 years. It gave me a deeper understanding of what I needed to do on farm to be more environmentally and economically sustainable and how to achieve both.

"Ive applied much of what Ive learnt. Were putting in a significant solar project; weve fenced off our watercourses and Ive a greater appreciation of the biodiversity corridor on my farm and how to nurture that. I never thought Id go to college. I juggled the college workload with farming and rearing a family. It was a challenge but it was so worth it.

The highly sought-after Sustainable Farming Academy Diploma is delivered mainly online and is tailored to fit in with each farmers full-time, on-farm responsibilities. It equips Tirlan family farm suppliers with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge to continue to address sustainability challenges. The Academy is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The accredited and fully-funded Diploma is delivered through academic partner UCC. As part of the course, participants are required to submit a number of assignments, all of which are scheduled during quieter times in the farming calendar.

The Diploma also recognises prior learning and modules include Earth Science, Climate Change and Sustainable Development as well as Ecology, Applied Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Protection and Practical Environmental Management. All learning is directly applicable on farm.

Applications for the Sustainability Farming Academy are now open and the programme begins in September 2024. For further information, log on to www.tirlanfarmlife.com
Teachers in Kildare of Transition Year and Leaving Cert Applied students, as well as Youthreach and Community Training Centre facilitators, can now register their classes for the multi-award winning, free creative thinking skills programme  The B!G Idea.

A unique initiative, The B!G Idea complements Irelands education system by offering diverse and creative learning experiences that engage every students unique way of thinking. Through inquiry-based learning and real-world collaborative projects, guided by mentors from various business and industry sectors, The B!G Idea bridges the gap between education, industry, and society, equipping students with skills they need to reach their full potential and thrive in life and work.

TY Coordinator Sinead Ni Fhathaigh from Meanscoil San Nioclas, An Rinn, Waterford who has taken part in the programme since 2022, said I loved teaching it, I loved the support I got and I loved the energy in the classroom when we were working on it.

Student Sophie Maher (age 16) from Borris Vocational school, Co. Carlow said, The Big Idea Programme has made me more interested and aware of the issues that surround me. I feel like the programme has made me and my friends realise what we can do to make changes in our world. It has shown us that what we do can make a difference even if its in a small way. I have learned a new approach to solving problems and I definitely feel more confident in the ideas I create. I know what I have learnt in the programme will help me throughout life and my future career.

Whats involved?

The B!G Idea is a 25 workshop creative thinking programme of learning resources for Transition Year, Leaving Cert Applied, Northern Ireland students or Youthreach and Community Training Centre learners. It tasks students, working in teams, to develop solutions to challenges within five different themes  Climate Change, Mental Health, Cost of Living, AI for Humanity and Diversity & Inclusion, each linked to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Siobhan Blaney, Head of Education, The B!G Idea said, Teachers are supported every step of the way. All resources are digitally formatted and the programme can be delivered through one or two workshops per week. The adaptable format can be used for either a 40-minute class or a 1-hour class with teacher prompts and lesson plans included. With built-in formative assessment and additional class materials, it is flexible and involves minimal teacher involvement.

Our online mentoring platform allows us to match student teams with our national and international network of industry professional experts or mentors who share their knowledge and expertise directly with students, supporting them in their project development. Students can ask questions or seek advice on next steps while mentors share techniques, skills or resources to explore, all safely delivered through the teacher dashboard on our platform.

Developed by educational and industry experts, students gain transferable skills to support them in tackling the biggest problems they might face  in work or everyday life. The B!G Idea is endorsed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

Thanks to support from key industry partners - Mercury Engineering, Autodesk, Linesight, RIAI, Mastercard Nostra, Amdocs, Zendesk, Big Motive, UCC and MTU - the programme is completely FREE for schools and students.

Every class receives a free Think B!G Class Pack, which includes all the materials students need to engage in the programme: a LEGO pack for systems thinking exercises, a sketch book to capture brainstorming and reflection, and all the stationery needed to participate in lessons and activities, levelling the playing field for every student taking part.

Each tutor receives a teaching pack to support in-class activities.

Teachers can register their class or group of students online at https://teachers.thebigidea.ie/ until June 15, 2024.
Athy and Kildare Town are now eligible to benefit from a round of Government funding aimed at tackling vacancy and dereliction in town centres after they were named today as two of 11 additional towns now qualified to receive funding under Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

Under this round of URDF funding, local authorities are provided with finance to activate long term vacant and derelict properties in town centres for reuse or sale. This helps to address long-term vacancy, brings vibrancy into town centres and accelerates the delivery of housing.

Athy and Kildare Town join Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas and Newbridge on the list of towns in Kildare eligible to avail of this source of funding. To date, towns in Kildare have been allocated over 28.4 million in three rounds of URDF funding.

Todays announcement was made as part of the Governments latest Housing for All Quarterly Progress Report and publication of the Vacant Homes Action Plan Progress Report by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government.

Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Darragh OBrien TD said, Regenerating and rejuvenating our town centres means that our urban areas become more attractive and vibrant places for people to live and work.

Already, through the availability of a dedicated 150 million revolving fund under the URDF, local authorities have identified over 900 properties in URDF towns throughout the country that can be brought back into practical use. I am delighted today to announce that Athy and Kildare Town are now eligible under the scheme and have a great opportunity to help reinvigorate their town centres while at the same time increasing the delivery of housing."

Towns with populations of greater than 10,000 or who support more than 2,500 jobs qualify to apply for funding under this round of the URDF. Following a recent review based on the 2022 census additional towns, including Athy and Kildare Town, are now deemed to meet the criteria making them eligible to apply for properties in these towns to be added to their approved acquisition programme under Call 3 of the URDF. They are also eligible to apply for URDF funding under any future calls for proposals to deliver projects that meet the aims and objectives of the fund.

The URDF is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040 and was established to support more compact and sustainable development, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Irelands cities and large towns. This initiative is also in support of objectives under the Town Centre First policy.

More information at www.gov.ie/URDF
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming T.D., has launched the second edition of this years popular online magazine Global Goal Getters,featuring the work of primary school pupils across Ireland taking part in this years Our World Irish Aid Awards.

Projects created by pupils from Rathmore National School are amongst the submissions received from schools across Ireland chosen to feature in the publication, which is now available to view online at ourworldirishaidawards.ie .

5th Class pupil Morgan Rose Kinsella penned a thought-provoking poem on the work of Irish Aid and the Global Goals which can be read on Page 15.

Class pupil Morgan Rose Kinsella penned a thought-provoking poem on the work of Irish Aid and the Global Goals which can be read on Page 15. 5th Class pupil Rian Dennison Kelly created a colourful poster showing all of the Sustainable Development Goals symbols which can be seen on Page 9.

Class pupil Rian Dennison Kelly created a colourful poster showing all of the Sustainable Development Goals symbols which can be seen on Page 9. 5th Class pupils Georgia Rian and Lauren Cusack created an Irish Aid flag poster comprising the national flags of Irish Aids partner countries. It can be seen on Page 17.

Class pupils Georgia Rian and Lauren Cusack created an Irish Aid flag poster comprising the national flags of Irish Aids partner countries. It can be seen on Page 17. 5th Class pupil Eoin White created an Irish Aid crossword which is included on Page 16. Readers are challenged to search for the names of Irish Aids partner countries.

Class pupil Eoin White created an Irish Aid crossword which is included on Page 16. Readers are challenged to search for the names of Irish Aids partner countries. 6th Class pupils Gloria Queally and Georgia Mae Brady created a Global Goals poem and poster which can be seen on Page 10.

As in previous years, primary schools have been working their way through specially-designed teaching and learning materials which link the competitions 2024 theme Food for Life to the curriculum.

Reflecting the work Ireland does to help end world hunger and poverty, tackle climate change and make sure everyone in the world has equal access to education, clean water and healthcare, this years theme Food for Life is challenging Kildares youngest citizens to look at ways in which can all work towards making the world a better place for all.

Congratulating the pupils and their teacher, Minister Fleming said, It is wonderful to see so many primary school pupils right across Ireland take part in this years Our World Irish Aid Awards. The level of commitment from our young people to making the world a better place for all shines through in all the submissions. This reflects the work our national school teachers carry out as part of these Awards to nurture an ethos of global citizenship and help to create a new generation of change-makers.

This year, entries comprised writing, song, film, art, sculpture, drama and poetry. Each is being accessed by a panel of judges based on their creativity, understanding of the theme and their impact. The top entries will win a place at the final awards ceremony in June where pupils and their teachers will gather to hear the names of the winners announced.
Do Irish people call in sick too easily to work and use sick notes as an excuse to cover for their impromptu days off?

With British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for an end to the sick note culture, it has sparked a debate among Irish people whether or not there is a similar culture in Ireland.

PM Sunak is calling for the implementation of specialist work and health professionals in order to move assessment powers to them to decide where a person is fit to work or not.

I dont think we have a sick note culture in Ireland, but many people would say it is very easy to get a sick note if you want one, said John Barry, Member of the ISME National Council and Director of MSS, The HR People.

In fairness to a doctor, if someone comes in and says they woke up really stressed this morning or my back is killing me, theres very little they can do, Mr Barry said.

So while there is a severe shortage of GPs in Ireland and Irish people are able to acquire sick notes without even meeting a doctor face to face, the argument in Britain is that employees seem to be over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life.

The expression of over-medicalising is possibly reflecting the fact that people now and young people dont experience the same stresses as they did in the past and they should be learning as they are growing up how to deal with stress, Mr Barry continued.

However, the counterargument to this was brought by Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy and Employment Affairs at ICTU, who said: People with mental health conditions live amongst us and work amongst us - thats always been there.

This idea that younger workers and younger people are more prone to health conditions the evidence doesnt stand up for that, Ms Bambrick said.

She continued to say that the idea that the younger generation has lived this privileged life is untrue and that the foundations of good health: access to housing, stable incomes, are on shaky ground.

One person reacted to the debate online with a similar standpoint, saying: Rather than railing against a sick note culture, we must be encouraging more openness and understanding around mental health.

The average figure per working person for sick leave is approximately six days per person, per year, which averages about 12 million sick days in Ireland, according to Mr Barry.
Stardust campaigners were abandoned by the State, Game Of Thrones star Liam Cunningham has said.

Mr Cunningham said he was supposed to be in the nightclub on the night of the fatal fire.

He said that he and one of his sisters had planned to attend go but ultimately did not. However another sister and her best friend did go.

He searched for them after learning of the fire and found they were being treated at Jervis Street Hospital.

Forty-eight people were killed when the blaze ripped through the nightclub in north Dublin in February 1981.

The victims were aged between 16 and 27 and they mostly came from the surrounding working class areas of Dublin.

After more than 40 years of the victims families campaigning for justice, last week an inquest found that the 48 young people had been unlawfully killed.

Taoiseach Simon Harris delivered a State apology to the campaigners on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Mr Cunningham said it was a disgrace that the apology took so long as he called for a memorial to the victims.

He particularly criticised then-Taoiseach Charlie Haugheys response to the tragedy, saying: When it came to it, he didnt want to know.

The Dublin actor made the comments at an event where he endorsed People Before Profit (PBP) candidates for the European Parliament elections.

He cited Stardust families being abandoned by the State as one of the reasons for his support of People Before Profit (PBP).

He also said Fianna Fail and Fine Gael housing policy had led to adult children living in their parents homes, which he said was dancing upon the social contract in Ireland.

The Government is abandoning the people that theyre paid to represent and its absolutely obscene that they use neoliberalism to justify it  and Im sick of it.

He said he was raging with the Government, adding: What we need in Europe is people who are going to be a thorn in the side of attempts to undermine.

Mr Cunningham also said Irelands neutrality and triple-lock system for the overseas deployment of troops needed to be protected from warmongers.

PBP is running a candidate in each constituency  Brid Smith TD in Dublin, Brian OBoyle in Midlands-North-West and Cian Prendeville in the South.

Ms Smith, who thanked Mr Cunningham for his work alongside PBP in pro-Palestinian solidarity campaigns, said Europe has played a most disgraceful role in support for Israel during the conflict.

She added: Theyre backing Israel to the hilt  practically unconditional support.

Ms Smith further warned that were hurtling towards a third world war.

Describing itself as an EU-critical party, PBP said Ireland needs to send radical socialist voices to Brussels to challenge hypocrisy and double standards.

It added: We have no illusion that a few MEPs can change its undemocratic structures but we can expose the power of corporate lobbyists and backroom dealings.

Ms Smith warned that there was increasing polarisation across politics in Europe, particularly around immigration.

She said some of the candidates being fielded were participating to make arguments against migrants, Europe and the solidarity we need during these troubled times.
The official launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 took place on April 16 at the Mansion House, Dublin 2.

The key campaign message continues to be built around sharing your wishes with your loved ones about organ donation with the theme, Dont Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt #LeaveNoDoubt.

Organ Donor Awareness Week 2024 will take place on 20 - 27 April and is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in association with the HSEs Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI).

The signing of the Human Tissue Bill into law by President Michael D. Higgins on February 28 is a significant milestone in the over 60 years of organ donation and transplantation in Ireland.

With the planned introduction of altruistic donation and an opt-out register, we can engage the national population in an important conversation about organ donation.

The IKA is asking the public to use Organ Donor Awareness Week as a prompt to have a family discussion about organ donation. Even after the new legislation commences, consent for organ retrieval will continue to be sought from the families of all potential organ donors.

By sharing your wishes when you are in good health, you are helping your family act on your behalf in the event that you become a potential organ donor.

Speaking at the national launch, Ms Carol Moore, Chief Executive of the Irish Kidney Association, said, We look forward to provisions within the Human Tissue Act being commenced. We know that the Department of Health and HSE are working hard on this and hopefully will announce a future date for the commencement of the Act shortly.

When the Act is implemented, people who do not wish to donate their organs can opt-out, and in these cases, their families will not be approached in the event of their untimely death. All those who do not opt out will be considered potential organ donors, but their families will still have the final decision. The Act will also allow, for the first time, for altruistic living donation in Ireland, where the donor does not know the recipient.

At any one time in Ireland, there are approximately 600 people active on waiting lists for organ transplants, including heart, lung, liver, kidney, and pancreas. 282 organ transplant operations were carried out in Ireland in 2023 (32 more transplants than in 2022).

This activity could not have taken place but for the generosity of the families of 95 deceased donors and 30 living kidney donors. In 2023, 54 liver transplants and 6 pancreas transplants took place at St. Vincents Hospital, while 7 heart transplants and 24 lung transplants were carried out at the Mater Hospital.

Last year, an increase in kidney transplants occurred at Beaumont Hospital - 191 kidney transplants took place. While 161 of these kidney transplants were from deceased donors, which was an increase of 31 from the previous year, there were also 30 living kidney donor transplants last year, three less than in 2022.

On December 31 2023, there were 2,502 people in Ireland with end-stage kidney failure undergoing dialysis treatment, but only approximately one-fifth (approx. 500 people) of these are on the kidney transplant waiting list.

The Irish Kidney Association is delighted to be again partnering with An Post and the Irish Pharmacy Union, who are supporting the campaign, and several Pharmacy chains who are also helping to spread the message about the importance of organ donation by displaying the campaign poster and carrying stocks of organ donor cards.
Eamon McPartlin from Manorhamilton, founder of FND Ireland, along with Dr Aoife Laffan, Consultant Neurologist, and Aimee Campbell, FND Awareness Ambassador, gave a presentation to Oireachtas members on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) on April 17.

The event was hosted in Leinster House by Senator Erin McGreehan as part of FND Awareness Month.

The event kicked off with a presentation from Dr Aoife Laffan, who is a co-founder of FND Ireland, explaining what FND is, a neurological condition that occurs when there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system; this impacts how the brain and body send and receive signals.

Although many people have not heard of FND, it has been reported as the second most common reason to see a neurologist as an outpatient, yet there is no dedicated HSE clinical pathway for FND.

International literature suggests that the development of an FND clinical pathway reduces repeat GP referrals to neurology and other clinics, repeat emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, and the inappropriate use of healthcare funding.

Aimee Campbell presented the challenges of living with FND and how her life has changed from competing at the highest level in Irish Dancing to now being a wheelchair user. Aimee, who is paralysed in three limbs and has many complex care needs, gave an overview of her symptoms and the many hospital admissions she has had.

She highlighted in particular how her functional seizures are different from epileptic seizures. Aimee outlined her struggles to access relevant support, having recently won her fight for homecare support after the HSE originally turned her down for not meeting the criteria.

Aimee is delighted to be on board as FND Ireland Awareness Ambassador and is looking forward to working with Eamon and the team on our FND Awareness campaigns.

Eamon McPartlin, who also has FND, gave a brief introduction to FND Ireland, which is the first Irish registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for and supporting those living with FND in Ireland.

It is an entirely voluntary organisation headquartered in Leitrim, with a committed team. It requires funding to grow sustainably and extend its reach to the entire FND community in Ireland.

Eamon outlined how FND Ireland will focus on six key areas: Support, Advocacy, Awareness, Information, Research and Collaboration.

Eamon noted the many challenges faced by those living with FND in Ireland and asked all Oireachtas members in attendance to ensure that our Government urgently put funding in place to develop the HSE clinical pathway for FND and the multidisciplinary teams urgently required.

Eamon and FND Ireland wish to thank Senator Eirin McGreehan for hosting the event and the many elected representatives who attended the presentation including local TDs Marc McSharry and Frank Feighan.

FND Ireland also wishes to thank Minister Anne Rabbitte for taking the time to attend and meet with the team. Eamon wants to give a special mention to Niamh Cummins, who also lives with FND and attends Mohill Community College.
Eason is delighted to announce Eanna O Ceallaigh as this years County Leitrim Eason Spelling Bee Final winner.

Following a tense competition in which he faced two fellow students, Eanna, a student at Gaelscoil Liatroma, triumphed in the Leitrim final.

Eanna will now represent Co. Leitrim in the Provincial Spelling Bee in May. Eanna is an avid reader, and David Walliams books are his favourite.

Celebrating its 11th year, the Eason Spelling Bee is part of an overall literacy and reading drive to encourage and inspire children to develop their spelling and pronunciation skills.

Over the years the competition has helped school children gain a greater appreciation of words and fosters vocabulary growth and self-confidence for children.

Group Head of Marketing at Eason, Brendan Corbett, said: We are thrilled to be kicking off the 2024 Eason Spelling Bee with such accomplished children taking part in Leitrim. They are a great testament to the talent of the children of Ireland. I am certain that this year we will be successful in building on 2023s triumph and inspire everyone to support their local schools, and especially, their bees.

The All-Ireland winning bee will get a selection of books for their school library valued at 7,500, in addition to the coveted title of Eason Spelling Bee 2024 Champion. The winners will also receive a goodie bag with books worth 500.

This year, over 525 schools nationwide will compete to win the prestigious prize.

The Eason Spelling Bee team will travel around the country to host County Final Bees and then progress to a Provincial Bee contest. The champions from these will then go head-to-head in the All-Ireland Final Bee in June 2024, with the lucky winner being crowned King or Queen Bee.
EPA Announces Registration of Groundbreaking New Mosquito Control Solution





LEXINGTON, Ky., April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MosquitoMate, Inc., a leader in innovative mosquito control solutions, today announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted registration for its revolutionary new product named "WB1 Males." This new mosquito control pesticide represents a significant advancement in mosquito control. "The timing is critical, because we are experiencing more disease and invasive mosquitoes, while at the same time, we have fewer tools to fight mosquitoes," said Dr. Stephen Dobson, President at MosquitoMate, Inc. The WB1 pesticide specifically targets the Aedes aegypti mosquito, commonly known as the Yellow Fever mosquito. This mosquito is infamous as one of the most important mosquito carriers of human disease, including the viruses that cause Zika, dengue, chickungunya and its namesake: the Yellow Fever virus.

The innovative new Wolbachia pesticide is unusual in that it consists of rearing and releasing male mosquitoes that are infected with a bacterium named 'Wolbachia.' The approach does not use chemicals or genetic modification. Only female mosquitoes bite, while male mosquitoes do not bite or transmit disease-causing pathogens. The Wolbachia-bacterium causes male mosquitoes to be effectively sterile, through a natural mechanism known as 'Cytoplasmic Incompatibility' (CI). Those female mosquitoes that mate with the Wolbachia-infected males lay eggs that do not hatch, causing the mosquito population to decline without the need to use chemicals.

MosquitoMate began working with the EPA to register the new pesticide more than a decade ago. The Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes are known as 'WB1 males', and MosquitoMate has performed successful field studies using the WB1 males in California, Florida and other locations. As an example, an independent review by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the reduction of a Texas Ae. aegypti population by more than 90% following the release of WB1 males. With the EPA's new registration, MosquitoMate can now begin to roll out the WB1 males nationally, including Caribbean and Pacific territories, which have traditionally been heavily impacted by diseases transmitted by the Yellow Fever mosquito.

Dengue Fever: A Global Threat (and Coming to a City Near You?)

Dengue fever poses a significant public health threat worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a neglected tropical disease, highlighting the burden it places on many developing countries. Brazil, a nation long familiar with Dengue outbreaks, has recently experienced a particularly concerning surge, with more than 1.6 million cases of dengue since the start of 2024. A similar, concerning pattern is occurring throughout the Americas, Caribbean and in Asia.

In recent years, the growing vulnerability extends beyond traditional hotspots. For example, in 2023 California witnessed the first confirmed cases of locally acquired Dengue fever. Similarly, Florida has also observed higher-than-normal Dengue activity, and Puerto Rico recently declared a 'dengue state of emergency.' These developments serve as a stark reminder that even temperate regions are not immune to mosquito-borne diseases, and the need for effective control measures is more urgent than ever.

A Natural Defense with Targeted Releases

WB1 Males offer a powerful and effective defense against mosquitoes using a natural biological control method. Specifically, WB1 male mosquitoes carry a naturally-occurring bacterium named Wolbachia pipientis, which is commonly found in butterflies, bees and other insects. When WB1 Males mate with female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the Wolbachia bacteria disrupts egg development, preventing the eggs from hatching. This effectively reduces the mosquito population and minimizes the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Importantly, unlike female mosquitoes, male mosquitoes do not bite or transmit pathogens. "The released WB1 males fly around looking for female mosquitoes, mating and sterilizing them," says Dobson. This approach offers effective mosquito control while not requiring chemicals or genetic modification. "This approach offers targeted, species-specific mosquito control for communities and individuals, while maintaining the high safety standards expected by the EPA," Dobson emphasizes. "A similar Wolbachia-based product was listed as organic by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), and we plan to apply for a similar organic listing for WB1," says Dobson.

Key Features of WB1 Males:

Chemical and GMO-Free: WB1 Males leverage a naturally occurring bacteria and avoid harsh chemicals or genetic modification.

WB1 Males leverage a naturally occurring bacteria and avoid harsh chemicals or genetic modification. Effective Mosquito Control: WB1 Males effectively target and reduce populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary transmitter of Dengue fever.

WB1 Males effectively target and reduce populations of mosquitoes, the primary transmitter of Dengue fever. Reduced Environmental Impact: WB1 Males are a natural solution with low environmental impact, minimizing the impact on beneficial insects and non-target organisms.

WB1 Males are a natural solution with low environmental impact, minimizing the impact on beneficial insects and non-target organisms. For Family and Community Use: WB1 Males are registered by the EPA for use around homes and businesses.

WB1 Males are registered by the EPA for use around homes and businesses. Easy to Use: WB1 Male programs are implemented through the repeated release of male mosquitoes, which do not bite or transmit disease. Simply release the WB1 males, and let the male mosquitoes do the work of finding the female mosquitoes and sterilizing them.

Next Steps and Availability Timeline

The WB1 Male EPA registration comes at a time when we face an evolving threat landscape within the United States. Mosquito control professionals are grappling with a growing challenge: mosquitoes are developing resistance to chemical insecticides at an alarming rate. This leaves communities and professionals with fewer effective tools to combat mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. Additionally, some previously used chemicals are being removed from use due to concerns about human and environmental health. This is occurring at a time when communities are facing new invasive species of mosquitoes, and scientists are concerned about the impact that global climate change will have on mosquito spread and disease transmission.

With the EPA registration secured, MosquitoMate, Inc. is now focused on the critical next steps: collaborating with state and local regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary permits for WB1 Male use in areas with the greatest need. This collaborative effort will ensure a smooth and comprehensive rollout of the WB1 Male program across the United States and Territories. As these state and local approvals are secured, WB1 Male programs are expected to be available for use by municipalities and pest control professionals in designated areas nationwide. MosquitoMate, Inc. looks forward to partnering with local communities and mosquito control agencies to expedite this process and make WB1 Males a valuable tool in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE MosquitoMate, Inc

23 april 2024 at 17:00

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WorkMoney Praises U.S. Department of Labor Rule Increasing Federal Overtime Salary Threshold





New rule means more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WorkMoney and its members today praised the new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule that extends overtime protection to about 4 million salaried workers. The rule increases the minimum annual salary threshold that determines overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act from $35,568 to $43,888 effective July 1, 2024, and to $58,656 on January 1, 2025.

"This is a game-changer for hard-working Americans who not only want to work, but are also willing to work overtime," said Carrie Joy Grimes, founder and CEO of WorkMoney. "This will put thousands of additional dollars in the pockets of people who put in extra hours for their employers."

WorkMoney, a nonprofit organization with more than 6 million members in all 50 states, helping all Americans raise their incomes and lower their costs, has been one of the leading voices on the issue. WorkMoney members participated in listening sessions on overtime starting in the Spring of 2022 and submitted 7,000 text comments to the DOL to ensure the final rule would best reflect the needs of working people. WorkMoney submitted comments from those who would be directly affected by this decision, in addition to comments from retired workers who shared their story and desire to see a change for future generations, plus workers who would not immediately benefit but wanted to see their coworkers receive fair pay for their work.

WorkMoney members are scheduled to join leadership at the White House Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the new rule. Many members praised the rule despite their concerns about retaliation in their workplaces. The members below all submitted testimony in support of the rule change. Confirmation of their identities can be provided as needed:

"I shared my story with the Department of Labor when I advocated for this change because I believe in the principle of hard work. My husband and I were both Marine Corps veterans. Since he died in 2020, I've had to work harder than ever to survive. As a salaried support supervisor, I work an average of 45-48 hours every week, even though I'm only paid for 40 hours. I am constantly overwhelmed with the thought of how I would pay my bills. Now that I'll be fairly compensated for my time, I can finally relax a little and not be so stressed about how I would afford utilities, rent, car payments, and food."

Y. Hernandez, a veteran and widow in Arizona , earning $50,000 a year

"I just got a promotion and raise at my job in a local grocery store that puts me over the threshold. But that's OK, because I will benefit from the provision in the rule change that grants an automatic increase to the threshold every three years. That's basically a guaranteed pay raise that will substantially help me, my family and so many other hard-working Americans down the road. It is important that this not be a one-time benefit that lags behind cost increases in the years to come."

George, a married father of two in western Pennsylvania earning $60,677 per year

"Today's overtime ruling from the U.S. Department of Labor will finally give me what I am due. As someone who works up to 45 hours per week at times, I gladly help to provide social services to children and families who need it across a southeastern Pennsylvania school district. Thanks to the DOL raising the overtime threshold, being paid for those extra tireless hours will be a tremendous boost to my finances, and allow me to better support my family and save for my children's future. This will change my life, and it will change the lives of millions of other hard-working Americans."

Dalila, a mother in southeastern Pennsylvania , currently earning $49,000 per year

"Like many Americans, I live paycheck-to-paycheck, so seeing an increase in the federal overtime threshold makes a difference. I work an average of 50 hours a week in the insurance industry and make more than the amount in the new rule change, so it won't affect me. But I understand how it will help others make ends meet in paying for necessities, like food and gas, and maybe even save a little. This increase is long overdue and I can only hope that there is more to come to benefit those of us who are hard-working taxpayers and voters."

Yvonne, a married mother of two in northeast Ohio , currently earning $69,000 per year

"As someone who works between 45-50 hours on a weekly basis at a public university in North Carolina, I am excited to get paid for all the hours that I am working so that I can take better care of myself and my family. I truly enjoy working with students and helping to guide them, but working all those extra hours has added to stress and strain on my family. I am relieved that I will get paid for my hard work while also allowing me to manage the higher cost of living and everyday expenses."

Shenna, a single mother living in North Carolina , currently earning $43,000 per year

"I'm thrilled to see this change. For more than 20 years, I've worked as a school secretary. My job is incredibly demanding, and most weeks I have to work more than 40 hours a week to simply get my job done; yet I've never been eligible for overtime pay. To know that my time will now be compensated gives me peace of mind. With the overtime pay I make, I won't have to decide between keeping up with the bills, paying the mortgage, or putting food on the table. I might even be able to save some money for my grandchildren's future. This change is a win for us everyday working Americans and for the economy."

Lynn, a grandmother and secretary living in southeastern Pennsylvania

About WorkMoney

WorkMoney is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to lowering costs and raising incomes for all Americans, making American life more affordable and American families economically secure. We provide information, products, services, perks, benefits, tips, and tools to help our more than 6 million members improve their financial lives. For more information visit: www.WorkMoney.org

SOURCE WorkMoney

23 april 2024 at 17:43

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Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages highlights budget investments in support of Indigenous reconciliation





EDMONTON, AB, April 23, 2024 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada recently delivered Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation.

It is a plan to build a Canada that works better for everyone, where younger generations can get ahead, where their hard work pays off and where they can buy a home?where everyone has a fair chance at a good middle-class life.

Today the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, met with Aksis in Edmonton to highlight Budget 2024's investments that contribute towards a fair future for Indigenous Peoples, including:

Unlocking pathways to post-secondary education by investing nearly $243 million for the next generation of First Nations university, college and post-secondary students, building on the $487.5 million over ten years invested in Inuit and Metis post-secondary education strategies through Budget 2019.

by investing nearly for the next generation of First Nations university, college and post-secondary students, building on the over ten years invested in Inuit and Metis post-secondary education strategies through Budget 2019. Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, which will offer up to $5 billion in loan guarantees to unlock access to capital for Indigenous communities, enabling them to share in the benefits of natural resource and energy projects in their territories and on their own terms.

which will offer up to in loan guarantees to unlock access to capital for Indigenous communities, enabling them to share in the benefits of natural resource and energy projects in their territories and on their own terms. Indigenous Housing and Community Infrastructure investments of $918 million beyond the $5 billion already available for communities in 2024-25, to accelerate work to narrow housing and infrastructure gaps in First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities as follows: $426 million for First Nations on reserve; $62 million for self-governing and modern treaty First Nations; $370 million for Inuit communities; and $60 million for Metis communities.

investments of beyond the already available for communities in 2024-25, to accelerate work to narrow housing and infrastructure gaps in First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities as follows:

Budget 2024 is a plan to deliver fairness for every generation.

First, the budget takes bold action to build more homes. Because the best way to make home prices more affordable is to increase supply?and quickly. It lays out a strategy to unlock 3.87 million new homes by 2031. Key measures include launching the new Public Lands for Homes Plan and Canada Rental Protection Fund, enhancing the Canadian Mortgage Charter and creating a new Canadian Renters' Bill of Rights.

Second, it will help make life cost less. The budget builds on the Government's transformative expansion of Canada's social safety net?$10-a-day child care, dental care for uninsured Canadians and the first phase of universal pharmacare?and advances the Government's work to lower everyday costs for Canadians. This includes helping to stabilize the cost of groceries, cracking down on junk fees and lowering the costs of banking. Budget 2024 also makes transformative new investments, including a National School Food Program and the Canada Disability Benefit.

Third, this year's budget will grow the economy in a way that's shared by all. The Government's plan will increase investment, enhance productivity, and encourage innovation. It will create well-paying and meaningful jobs, keep Canada at the economic forefront and deliver new support to empower more of our best entrepreneurs and innovators. This includes attracting more investment in the net-zero economy by expanding and delivering the major economic investment tax credits, securing Canada's advantage as a leader in artificial intelligence and investing in enhanced research grants that will provide younger generations with good jobs and new opportunities. And it means ensuring Indigenous Peoples share in this growth in a way that works for them.

Budget 2024 will also make Canada's tax system fairer by asking the wealthiest to pay a bit more?so that the Government can invest in prosperity for every generation, and because it would be irresponsible and unfair to pass on more debt to the next generations. Budget 2024 is a responsible economic plan that upholds the fiscal objectives outlined in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, and sees Canada maintain the lowest deficit- and net debt-to-GDP ratios in the G7.

With Budget 2024, the Government of Canada continues to support Indigenous reconciliation through the recognition of rights, respect and partnerships. True reconciliation brings with it the opportunity for all people in Canada to know ourselves and our collective histories better.

Quotes

"Our government first came to office with a vow to strengthen and expand the middle class. We delivered on that pledge by reducing poverty, especially for children and seniors, and creating millions of good jobs for Canadians. Our work isn't done. Budget 2024 renews our focus on unlocking the door to the middle class for millions of younger Canadians. We'll build more housing and help make life cost less. We will drive our economy toward growth that lifts everyone up. That is fairness for every generation."

? The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

"Through Budget 2024, we are working with Indigenous communities to unlock pathways to education, ensuring access to capital and accelerating housing and infrastructure projects. Meaningful reconciliation and partnership involves taking concrete steps towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for Indigenous Peoples. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Canada for generations to come."

? The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

23 april 2024 at 18:57

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Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder Noubar Afeyan Issues Global Call To Prevent A Second Armenian Genocide





CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative today announced that co-founder Noubar Afeyan has issued a global call to action to prevent a second Armenian genocide, on this 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Day of Remembrance. Afeyan made the global call to action in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The London Times, as well as on global social media channels.

The Call to Action underscores the similarities in atrocities that took place 109 years ago, and are happening again today:

"Even as we mourn the past, history is repeating itself. Armenians are once again the target of ethnic cleansing, political leaders are unlawfully held as hostages, and the country of Armenia faces existential threats to its sovereignty and self-determination.

A busy world has been looking the other way. So it's not widely understood that since last September, Azerbaijan has driven 120,000 Armenians?the entire population of Artsakh, the Armenian enclave also known as Nagorno Karabakh?from their ancestral homeland."

He also calls on the government of Azerbaijan to restore peace in the region and to act with justice towards the prisoners it has unlawfully captured:

"Azerbaijan also continues to unlawfully hold Armenian hostages, including my friend and colleague Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman and philanthropist who briefly served as state minister of Artsakh. Meanwhile, escalating clashes on Armenia's border continue to fuel growing fears that Azerbaijan may be planning to invade Armenia itself.

Azerbaijan today should find no grounds for conflict with Armenia. After last year's invasion, Armenia relinquished efforts at self-governance in Nagorno- Karabakh. For Azerbaijan to now insist that peace must be premised on Armenia accepting incursions on its own internationally recognized border to enable a corridor connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and Turkey is both unlawful and unjust."

Commenting on his effort to raise awareness of the injustices happening against Armenians and the fear of a second genocide, Afeyan said, "Today is the 109th anniversary of 1.5 million Armenians being driven from their homes and killed at the hands of Ottoman Turks, and now, it is happening again. Today, we must do more than mourn the massacres of the past. It's time to step up to prevent the massacres of the future."

For the full Call to Action, please visit: Don't Just Remember. Act!

About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with the focus on helping the most destitute. Its mission is rooted in the Armenian history as the Initiative was founded in 2015 on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors and strives to transform this experience into a global movement. Aurora's flagship program is the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a $1 million global award recognizes those who risk their lives, health, or freedom to save the lives, health, or freedom of others. More: www.AuroraPrize.com.

Media contact: [email protected]

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24 april 2024 at 00:00

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Paley Institute's Global Expansion: Dr. Dror Paley Introduces Instituto Paley LatinoAmerica with Dr. Leon Mora and CORA Group in Colombia





Instituto Paley LatinoAmerica has officially launched in Medellin, Colombia, in collaboration with Dr. Leon Mora and the CORA group. Scheduled to open in July 2024, the institute aims to advance healthcare excellence across Latin America and surrounding regions.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dror Paley, in partnership with Dr. Leon Mora and the Cora Group Excellence Center for Orthopedic Reconstructive and Limb Lengthening Surgery, is proud to announce the incorporation of Instituto Paley LatinoAmerica, a new cutting-edge facility dedicated to advanced orthopedic care. This marks a significant expansion of Dr. Paley's practice into Latin America, reflecting his ongoing commitment to providing world-class orthopedic and neurosurgical services globally.

"Our mission is to bring advanced orthopedic care to those who need it most, across all corners of the globe. This new facility in Medellin is a step forward in our journey to enhance the quality of life for our patients," Dror Paley , MD.

Instituto Paley LatinoAmerica will begin welcoming patients on July 19, 2024, in Medellin, Colombia. This expansion not only extends the reach of Dr. Paley's pioneering techniques in limb lengthening and reconstruction but also enhances access to specialized care in the region.

Dr. Paley, founder of the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida ? the largest orthopedic medical tourism center in the United States ? brings his vast experience and innovative practices to Medellin. The Paley Institute is celebrated for treating patients from over 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states, and with this new facility, Dr. Paley aims to replicate this success in Latin America.

The new institute in Medellin joins the prestigious Paley European Institute in Warsaw, Poland, and the Paley Middle East Clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE, establishing Dr. Paley's presence across four continents. Each location is committed to the Paley Institute's mission of transforming lives through exceptional patient care and groundbreaking orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Paley and his team of top-tier orthopedic and neurosurgeons will offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a variety of conditions. These include congenital limb deformities, post-traumatic limb conditions, bone healing problems, skeletal dysplasia, metabolic disorders, and neuromuscular conditions, among others.

With over 25,000 successful limb-lengthening and reconstruction procedures to his name, Dr. Paley is a global authority in orthopedic surgery. "Our mission is to bring advanced orthopedic care to those who need it most, across all corners of the globe. This new facility in Medellin is a step forward in our journey to enhance the quality of life for our patients," said Dr. Paley.

For more information about Instituto Paley LatinoAmerica, or to schedule an appointment, email [email protected].

About Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute

The Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, was founded by Dr. Dror Paley in 2009. It has grown to twenty-five physicians in 2024. The Paley Institute's mission is to provide the best, most advanced care to patients with bone, joint, or nerve conditions, from minor fractures to the most complicated limb or spine deformities. They call this "Paley Care". This "Dream Team" of surgeons are world leaders in reconstructive orthopedic and neurological surgery. They provide patients with the most advanced, innovative treatments customized to the patient's individual needs. The Paley Institutes are located in four continents to help raise the standard of surgery care worldwide. For over 35 years, Dr. Paley has been providing realistic hope and solutions to patients with impossible-to-treat problems from all over the world. Paley Care provides you with the care you deserve. Learn more at paleyinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Christy Saia Owenby, Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute, 1 985-237-2086, [email protected], https://paleyinstitute.org

SOURCE Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute

24 april 2024 at 05:26

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Green Thumb Continues its Florida Retail Expansion with Opening of RISE Dispensary Wesley Chapel, its 16th Florida Location, on April 26





CHICAGO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RISE Dispensaries , a rapidly growing cannabis retail chain owned by Green Thumb Industries Inc. ("Green Thumb" or the "Company") (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF), today announced that RISE Dispensary Wesley Chapel, the Company's 16th retail location in Florida and 93rd nationwide, will open April 26 with special discounts and complimentary merchandise for the store's first 150 customers. Located at 28053 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543, the dispensary will offer medical cannabis patients a diverse collection of cannabis products, including RYTHM premium flower and full spectrum vapes, Dogwalkers pre-rolls, Good Green flower and &Shine flower, pre-rolls, vapes and chews.



"We couldn't be more excited to open our first RISE Dispensary in Pasco County, representing our 16th store in the state," said Green Thumb President Anthony Georgiadis. "Located right off Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel, our newest RISE location will offer patients a highly curated selection of flower, pre-rolls, vape, concentrates, and other products from our award-winning brands RYTHM, Dogwalkers and Dr. Solomon's."

RISE Dispensary Wesley Chapel will host a grand opening celebration on Friday, June 7. The event will include special discounts, RISE and RYTHM merchandise, giveaways and a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring representatives from the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. Patients can also enjoy treats from the local Glazed and Confused food truck, including free mini donuts for the first 100 customers. Profits from the grand opening celebration will be donated to Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) , a purpose-driven nonprofit organization that provides education and programs to build a more accessible and equitable cannabis industry.

RISE Dispensary Wesley Chapel, conveniently located just off I-75, is the second RISE Dispensary to open in Florida this year, following the opening of RISE Dispensary Dunnellon in March. Green Thumb joined the Florida community in 2018 and operates two production facilities in Ocala and Homestead where the Company cultivates and produces its branded products. Green Thumb's cultivation and manufacturing practices reflect the highest quality standards to ensure all its products offer a true-to-plant, consistent experience. The Company's retail brand, RISE Dispensaries, is committed to expanding access to well-being through cannabis and making a positive impact on the communities it serves. In addition to RISE Wesley Chapel, there are 15 other RISE Dispensaries in Florida, including locations in Bonita Springs, Brandon, Clearwater, Crystal River, Deerfield Beach, Dunnellon, Fruitland Park, Hallandale Beach, Kendall, Oviedo, Pinellas Park, Port Orange, Sun City Center, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Delivery services are available to the areas surrounding RISE Dispensaries in Florida.

For information on how to become a medical cannabis patient, email [email protected] .

For more information on RISE Dispensaries' locations, product offerings or other services, visit www.risecannabis.com .

About RISE Dispensaries

RISE Dispensaries, a fast-growing national cannabis retailer founded under Chicago-based Green Thumb Industries, promotes social conscience, community impact and well-being through the power of cannabis. Since opening its doors in 2015, RISE has grown its national footprint to 93 retail locations across 14 U.S. markets and serves millions of patients and customers each year. RISE Dispensaries lead innovative access to cannabis by offering home delivery, virtual pharmacist consultations, mobile pre-ordering and the first consumption lounge east of the Mississippi at RISE Mundelein, Illinois (services vary by market). RISE locations offer a wide variety of products and award-winning brands including &Shine, Beboe, Dogwalkers, Doctor Solomon's, Good Green, incredibles and RYTHM, produced by owner Green Thumb Industries. RISE Rewards members enjoy insider perks, points and first access to products and merchandise. More information is available at www.risecannabis.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains statements which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," or similar expressions and include information regarding the expected growth of the Company. The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations of future events which management believes to be reasonable. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Green Thumb does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in this news release is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied. When considering these forward-looking statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in Green Thumb's public filings with the applicable securities regulatory authorities, including with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on its website at www.sec.gov and with Canada's SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , as well as on Green Thumb's website at https://investors.gtigrows.com , including in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Investor Contact:

Andy Grossman

EVP, Capital Markets & Investor Relations

[email protected]

310-622-8257

Media Contact:

MATTIO Communications

[email protected]

24 april 2024 at 07:00

News published onand distributed by:
Asante Gold Announces Results of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asante Gold Corporation ("Asante" or the "Company" CSE:ASE | GSE:ASG | FRANKFURT:1A9 | U.S.OTC:ASGOF) announces the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held yesterday, April 23, 2024. A total of 288,306,101 common shares (~65% of the outstanding shares) were represented at the Meeting with all matters presented for approval by management being duly authorized and approved, as follows:



Fixing the number of Directors at nine (9);

Election of the directors as proposed in the Company's management information circular dated March 18, 2024 (the "Circular"); and

Appointment of Auditors.



Detailed Voting Results:

Resolution Votes For Votes Against Votes Withheld Fixing the Number of Directors

at Nine 276,099,224

(99.39%) 1,691,687

(0.61%) Nil Appointment of Auditors 277,549,127

(99.91%) Nil 241,784

(0.09%)



Detailed voting results regarding the election of directors are as follows:

Name Outcome of Vote Votes For Votes Withheld Bashir Akwasi Ahmed Elected 277,140,492

(99.89%) 310,749

(0.11%) Mohammad S A A Alothman Elected 268,193,707

(96.66%) 9,257,534

(3.34%) David Anthony Elected 275,547,492

(99.31%) 1,903,749

(0.69%) Malik Easah Elected 275,895,389

(99.44%) 1,555,852

(0.56%) Alex Heath Elected 268,475,492

(96.76%) 8,975,749

(3.24%) Edward Koranteng Elected 267,320,157

(96.35%) 10,131,084

(3.65%) Carsten Korch Elected 275,430,889

(99.27%) 2,020,352

(0.73%) Roger Norwich Elected 275,430,889

(99.27%) 2,020,352

(0.73%) Alexander Smirnov Elected 268,198,707

(96.67%) 9,252,534

(3.33%)



Further details on the above matters are set forth in the Company's meeting materials, including the Circular, are accessible under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company has also filed a report of voting results on all resolutions voted on at the Meeting under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Asante Gold Corporation

Asante is a gold exploration, development and operating company with a high-quality portfolio of projects and mines in Ghana. Asante is currently operating the Bibiani and Chirano Gold Mines and continues with detailed technical studies at its Kubi Gold Project. All mines and exploration projects are located on the prolific Bibiani and Ashanti Gold Belts. Asante has an experienced and skilled team of mine finders, builders and operators, with extensive experience in Ghana. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Asante is also exploring its Keyhole, Fahiakoba and Betenase projects for new discoveries, all adjoining or along strike of major gold mines near the centre of Ghana's Golden Triangle. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.asantegold.com.

About the Bibiani Gold Mine

Bibiani is an operating open pit gold mine situated in the Western North Region of Ghana, with previous gold production of more than 4.5 million ounces. It is fully permitted with available mining and processing infrastructure on-site consisting of a newly refurbished 3 million tonne per annum process plant and existing mining infrastructure. Asante commenced mining at Bibiani in late February 2022 with the first gold pour announced on July 7, 2022. Commercial production was announced November 10, 2022.

For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Bibiani Gold Mine, please refer to Asante's press releases dated July 18, 2022 and September 1, 2022 and the technical report filed on its SEDAR profile (www.sedarplus.ca) on September 1, 2022.

About the Chirano Gold Mine

Chirano is an operating open pit and underground mine located in the Western Region of Ghana, immediately south of the Company's Bibiani Gold Mine. Chirano was first explored and developed in 1996 and began production in October 2005. The mine comprises the Akwaaba, Suraw, Akoti South, Akoti North, Akoti Extended, Paboase, Tano, Obra South, Obra, Sariehu and Mamnao open pits and the Akwaaba and Paboase underground mines.

For additional information relating to the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Chirano Gold Mine, please refer to Asante's press releases dated October 15, 2022 and May 15, 2023 and the technical report filed on its SEDAR profile (www.sedarplus.ca).

For further information please contact:

Dave Anthony, President & CEO

Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President and Country Director

[email protected]

+1 604 661 9400 or +233 303 972 147

LEI Number: 529900F9PV1G9S5YD446. Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

24 april 2024 at 07:00

News published onand distributed by:
Dr.Bill launches nationwide recognition campaign honouring Canada's dedicated physicians amid rising burnout concerns





Dr.Bill, a medical billing platform powered by RBC, is committed to raising awareness and celebrating the dedication of physicians by giving Canadians the opportunity to thank their physicians through a virtual platform

TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - To honour the tireless dedication of physicians across the country as we approach National Physicians' Day on May 1, Dr.Bill announced a recognition campaign that enables Canadians to submit digital messages of thanks to their physicians, today through the end of May.

Physicians play a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of Canadians, often operating under immense pressure due to staffing shortages, extensive hours, patient volumes and administrative burdens. According to the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP), doctors spend 19.1 hours of their work week on documentation and other administrative work1, and it is one of the main causes of physician burnout2. Because of this, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has reported that 40 per cent of physicians are considering retiring in the next five years, which could result in more Canadians without a family doctor. Today, more than 1 in 5 (6.5 million) Canadians are without a family doctor or nurse practitioner3.

In 2023, Dr.Bill made a $150,000 donation to the Ontario Medical Foundation (OMF) to fund research grants for solutions to alleviate the causes of physician burnout, the results of which will be announced later this year4.

Since its inception, Dr.Bill has been committed to helping physicians reduce the administrative burden that takes them away from caring for their patients. With more than 11,000 physician clients, Dr.Bill processes more than 1.2 million claims every month.

"Physicians need long-term, sustainable solutions to alleviate the pressure they are facing, allowing them to focus on the important work they do in delivering patient care," said Sarah Wilkinson, CEO of Dr.Bill. "We understand the pain points of Canadian physicians and while we await the results of the research around physician burnout, we want to reaffirm our commitment to recognizing the incredible dedication of physicians."

In tandem with messages of thanks to showcase gratitude from patients across the country, Dr.Bill is proud to announce that it will be celebrating the physicians and medical staff in parts of Northern Ontario at Health Sciences North Sudbury, Thunder Bay Regional and North Bay Regional on National Physicians' Day (May 1). Physicians in the North tend to have to manage the same issues but across a larger land mass and with fewer community resources5. In light of this, Dr.Bill is making this extra effort to recognize the deep dedication and unwavering commitment of northern Ontario physicians to patient care.

Recognize and thank physicians by submitting thank you messages here. These messages will be shared in celebration and recognition of Canada's doctors on our virtual Thank You Wall throughout May.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 94,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com .

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact .

About Dr.Bill

Dr.Bill, part of the RBCx portfolio of companies, is a secure medical billing platform designed to simplify the nuanced medical billing process. It helps to mitigate stressful realities of administrative burden and ensure billing is done accurately and efficiently so medical professionals can spend more time on their important work with patients and get paid in a timely manner. Dr.Bill is currently available in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Visit dr-bill.ca to learn more.

About RBCx

RBCx powers bold ideas, founders, and technology companies. We know building great businesses takes more than just finance, which is why our four pillars ? Banking, Capital, Platform, and Ventures ? combine to make us the go-to backer of Canadian innovation. We use our deep expertise to support businesses of all sizes and stages, and leverage RBC's extensive experience, networks, and capital to solve tomorrow's big problems.

SOURCE RBC

24 april 2024 at 08:01

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Closing The Financial Access Gap: Top Fintech Players Leap Further Towards Financial Inclusion With an Industry-Leading Partnership





Tala establishes a $48.5 million loan channeling partnership (LCP) with Maya Bank to increase Filipinos' access to financial services

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Tala, the world's first fintech company for the Global Majority, this week announced its partnership with Maya Bank, the digital bank leader in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone towards bridging the financial gap for millions of Filipinos. This collaboration represents a groundbreaking initiative in the country and the broader Southeast Asian market to channel an unprecedented amount of $48.5 million through independent digital platforms to ensure millions more Filipinos have access to credit.

This collaboration represents a groundbreaking initiative in the country and the broader Southeast Asian market to channel an unprecedented amount of $48.5 million through independent digital platforms to ensure millions more Filipinos have access to credit.

Since entering the market in 2017, Tala has grown exponentially, having disbursed over $1.5 billion to 2.7 million customers and transformed into one of the biggest digital lenders in the Philippines. By serving nearly 9 million customers across three continents, Tala has unlocked the key to economic power for the world's underbanked?credit.

"We're thrilled to partner with Maya Bank in this endeavor, knowing that their mission and values are well-aligned with Tala's," said Charisse Alvarez, Tala President & Head of Finance, Strategy & Analytics. "We consider this a milestone in our commitment to become an accessible, reliable, and trusted partner to our customers, one that helps them build financial resilience, stability, and ultimately, wealth."

Maya Bank, as a pioneering digital bank in the Philippines, is transforming how money works for Filipino consumers and MSMEs, through innovative and relevant financial services, including savings and deposits. It is expanding its participation in solving for access to credit by partnering with digital lenders who have been working for the same mission?improving access to loans for the unbanked in the Philippines.

According to Angelo Madrid, President of Maya Bank, "We are proud to join forces with Tala, reinforcing our mutual dedication to inclusivity in financial services. This partnership is set to significantly expand the availability of financial solutions for Filipinos, leveraging the latest digital and mobile technologies. Our joint effort is a significant step towards closing the financial access gap, ensuring we meet the everyday financial needs of our customers in this digital age."

This is just the beginning of a journey of serving billions more; 52% of the world's population?almost 4 billion people ? still face the financial access gap. As Tala strives to provide access to credit to the Global Majority, partnerships with banks with similar values and mission in Southeast Asia is critical. With Maya's goal to expand its customer base and offerings and Tala's mission to unleash the economic power of the Global Majority, this partnership achieves this mutual alignment, and together, they plan to transform how money works for Filipino consumers.

About Tala

Tala is the world's first financial platform for the Global Majority, bridging digital and cash ecosystems in emerging markets to help more people fully unleash their economic power. Today, Tala processes nearly $200 million in monthly transactions for nearly nine million customers in Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico, and India who use Tala to grow their businesses and financial lives.

Tala has raised capital from visionary investors, including GGV, IVP, Upstart, Revolution Growth, Lowercase Capital and PayPal Ventures. Tala has been named to CNBC's Fortune Impact 20, CNBC's Disruptor 50 list four years in a row, and Forbes' Fintech 50 list for eight consecutive years.

Tala is operated by Tala Financing Philippines Inc., a licensed financing company with SEC Registration No. CS201710582 and Certificate of Authority No. 1132, and a registered operator of payment system, with OPS Registration No. OPSCOR-2023-0010. Always study the terms and conditions and the disclosure statement before proceeding with any transaction. Tala is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, ([email protected]) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ([email protected]).

About Maya

Maya Bank, Inc. (Maya Bank) powers the digital banking experience of consumers and enterprises across the Maya family of products, including Maya all-in-one app, Maya Business, and Maya Center. As a pioneering digital bank, it is transforming how money works for Filipino consumers and MSMEs, through innovative and relevant financial services, including savings, deposits, and credit via Maya.

Maya Bank is the digital banking arm of Maya Innovations, the leading technology company in the Philippines. With Maya Philippines, it is creating Maya, the Philippines' only end-to-end digital financial services platform.

Maya Bank is a digital bank supervised by the Bangko ng Pilipinas (BSP). Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ?500,000 per depositor. For more information, visit www.mayabank.ph.

Media Contact

Makiyah Ruggieri-Vesey, Tala, 1 4156191179, [email protected], tala.co

SOURCE Tala

24 april 2024 at 09:00

News published onand distributed by:
Annual Massachusetts Outmigration Hits 39,000, Up 1,100% Over The Last Decade: BU Study





Annual net outmigration from Massachusetts has soared by a stunning 1,100 percent to 39,000 people since 2013, according to a new Boston University Questrom School of Business study. If the trend continues, the researchers found, the state's net outmigration could reach 96,000 by 2030.

Outmigration cost Massachusetts $4.3 billion in adjusted gross income (AGI) and $213.7 million in tax revenue during the 2020-21 tax year. The majority of that money went to Florida ($1.77 billion), New Hampshire ($1.1 billion), and Maine ($393 million.) Those numbers could rise to $19.2 billion in AGI and $961 million in lost tax revenue by 2030.

"To make matters worse, those who are leaving tend to be younger and earn more than state averages," said Boston University Questrom School of Business primary researcher and lecturer Mark Williams. "These are the people the Commonwealth needs to bolster its future workforce."

The age group leaving in the largest numbers is 26-34, although most of the lost AGI comes from the departures of those aged 55-64. More than half of people who exited Massachusetts earn well over the state average.

Income tax, housing costs, and costs of health care are the largest drivers of outmigration, according to the study. The 11 states to which Massachusetts lost the bulk of its departing residents all scored better in those categories. Eight of the 11 states scored better in housing burden (the proportion of household income allocated to housing costs).

"This isn't just retirees leaving Massachusetts for warmer weather," Professor Williams said. "Over half the residents who leave stay in New England."

The top five destination states are Florida, New Hampshire, Maine, North Carolina, and Texas.

About Mark Williams

Mark Williams is a faculty member in the Finance Department at Boston University's Questrom School of Business and the former President of the Boston Economic Club.

About Boston University

Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With nearly 37,000 students, it is one of the largest private residential universities in the United States. BU consists of 17 schools and colleges, along with the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences and a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes integral to the University's research and teaching mission. In 2012, BU joined the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of leading research universities in the United States and Canada.

About Boston University Questrom School of Business

Founded in 1913, the Boston University Questrom School of Business is a global top-tier academic research business school. Led by Allen Questrom Professor and Dean, Susan Fournier, Questrom develops business leaders who create value for the world. Questrom redefines transformational business programs, strengthens partnerships with the business community, advances the impact of research on business, and manages the school as a high-performing enterprise committed to excellence with a service mindset. Comprising a renowned full-time faculty of 165 researchers, teaching faculty, and accomplished practitioners, Questrom generates insights to address today's business challenges and prepares students with the tools they need to succeed from Day 1 in their professional lives. Questrom's portfolio of academic programs is robust and includes a Top 20 undergraduate program of over 2,200 students; distinctive MBA offerings including 900 students in a full- and part-time MBA, the affordable Online MBA and specialty MBAs in social impact, health, and digital technology; several thriving specialized masters programs in areas including business analytics, mathematical finance, and management studies; and a rigorous PhD program. More than 50,000 Questrom alumni form a powerful global network of leaders driving value creation that changes the world.

24 april 2024 at 09:10

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1Kosmos Expands into Government Market with Credential Service Provider (CSP) Offering





1Kosmos, the company that unifies identity proofing and passwordless authentication, today announced it has expanded its offerings for the identity verification and passwordless market with the introduction of a new Credential Service Provider (CSP) managed service based on the privacy-by-design 1Kosmos platform.

The 1Kosmos CSP offering enables government agencies to offer residents who are requesting services an elegant, automated process that simultaneously digitally verifies their identity up to certified NIST Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) and then issues a strong, phishing-resistant, multi-factor authentication (MFA) credential, up to certified NIST Authentication Assurance Level 2 (AAL2).

1Kosmos improves resident access to services; reduces new account fraud by detecting synthetic and stolen identities during enrollment; ensures equitable access, even for thin file individuals; prevents account takeover by eliminating passwords; reduces investment in on-premises technology required to support identity verification, data storage and protection; and shrinks the overall cyber attack surface.

"Virtually every government agency at the federal, state, tribal, and local level is modernizing resident services which all require immutable digital identity verification," said Hemen Vimadalal, CEO of 1Kosmos. "With the 1Kosmos CSP service, we are providing the government sector with a low friction, intuitive and user-directed way to enroll and verify their identity that meets the highest assurance level standards available today."

With 1Kosmos, residents can enroll via several methods using their existing physical-world credentials, such as a government issued driver's license, ID card or passport. These methods include a web interface, mobile app, agent assisted / remote supervised, and in-person proofing. Credentials are validated and cross-referenced in real time, and all data is stored in a decentralized framework and accessed via FIDO2 certified public-private key cryptography. This supports sharing or federation only upon explicit consent by the user in the form of a tamper-evident, reusable and verified credential and avoids creating data lakes of PII, which are rich targets for cyber attacks.

1Kosmos is working to achieve an Authority to Operate (ATO) under the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). FedRAMP is a government-wide program that promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across the federal government by providing a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.

How the 1Kosmos CSP Works

As part of the 1Kosmos platform, the CSP service walks users through an enrollment journey which can include the following steps on their mobile device or through a browser-based UI:

Email and device verification Document scanning and verification for driver's license, ID, passport, etc. Non-biased biometric capture (including LiveID where a user must blink or smile) that protects against presentation and injection attacks (e.g. deepfakes) Phone number verification using SIM binding, where a security token (used as proof of identity) is linked to a device trusted by the user and a service provider Social security number (optional) and address verification

Once completed, this enrollment process creates a user controlled, privacy-preserving digital wallet that provides a government-grade validated identity for online transactions.

The 1Kosmos CSP also enables a privacy-preserving process whereby users create a secure identity that is independent of any service provider and which allows them to control what personally identifiable information (PII) they wish to share with third parties. This ensures data privacy and control, since PII is securely stored within their wallet, preventing administrators and remote applications from changing or deleting the information purposefully or inadvertently. Since the data is stored in a private and permissioned distributed ledger, it cannot be compromised by a data breach at any point in the supply chain.

Availability

1Kosmos and the new CSP service are available from 1Kosmos and its business partners worldwide.

About 1Kosmos

1Kosmos enables remote identity verification and passwordless multi-factor authentication for workers, customers and residents to securely transact with digital services. By unifying identity proofing, credential verification and strong authentication, the 1Kosmos platform prevents identity impersonation, account takeover and fraud while delivering frictionless user experiences and preserving the privacy of users' personal information. 1Kosmos performs millions of authentications daily for government agencies and some of the largest banks, telecommunications, higher education and healthcare organizations in the world. The company is funded by Forgepoint Capital and Gula Tech Adventures with headquarters in East Brunswick, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.1kosmos.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

24 april 2024 at 09:10

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Habitat for Humanity Canada announces new President and CEO





TORONTO, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Habitat for Humanity Canada's National Board is pleased to announce that Pedro Barata will be taking over the role of President and CEO effective June 24, 2024.



An experienced leader with over two decades' experience in non-profit organizations, Pedro has worked in senior roles in both well-established and start-up organizations to drive innovation and policy change on a range of issues, including skills and training, affordable housing and homelessness, income security, urban planning and economic development.

He is currently Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, where he led the start-up of the national research impact centre and has launched more than 200 innovation pilots in every region and sector in Canada. He was previously SVP Strategy & Public Affairs at United Way Greater Toronto, where he oversaw $94 million in annual community investment and led multiple advocacy campaigns nationally and provincially.

"Pedro has dedicated his entire career to driving systemic long-term improvement on key social and economic initiatives, including poverty reduction and housing policy reform," said Riccardo Trecroce, Chair of Habitat Canada's National Board of Directors. "His ability to engage diverse groups and lead cross-sectoral collaborations to benefit communities in need makes him ideally suited to lead the federation as Habitat for Humanity Canada plays its part in addressing the housing crisis."

Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national charitable organization and Canada's only national affordable homeownership provider. Together with 45 local Habitats operating in every province and territory, and with the support of donors and volunteers, it provides working families living with low to moderate income the opportunity to become homeowners.

"Ensuring everyone has a safe, affordable home is essential for a vision of an inclusive Canada where everyone can be at their best," said Barata. "I am honoured and excited to join Habitat for Humanity Canada and contribute to an amazing cross-country movement that is committed to tangible and lasting solutions to Canada's housing affordability challenges."

Pedro Barata will replace Julia Deans who announced her resignation in the fall of 2023 and will depart the organization at the end of June. The National Board would like to thank Julia for her dedication to Habitat for Humanity and her excellent work in leading Habitat Canada and supporting the federation through an unprecedented time.

About Pedro Barata

A passionate, values driven executive leader with over two decades' experience in a wide range of non-profits, Pedro Barata has a proven track record fostering and driving multi-sector collaborations that achieve solutions for communities.

He is currently Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, a forward-thinking hub dedicated to researching, testing, evaluating and building innovative skills solutions to help job seekers and employers in Canada navigate labour changes.

His prior work experience includes United Way Greater Toronto, the Atkinson Foundation, Family Service Toronto, and Campaign 2000. He currently serves as a board member at the Agora Foundation, Better Children Education Foundation and Learnx. He is also a member of Century Initiative's Expert Advisory Panel.

Pedro holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto.

About Habitat for Humanity Canada

Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national charitable organization working towards a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. Habitat Canada brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, Habitat homeowners and 45 local Habitats working in every province and territory, we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in Canada and around the world. Habitat for Humanity Canada is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, which was established in 1976 and has grown to become a leading global non-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca

For more information:

Jennifer Fowler

Director, Communications

Habitat for Humanity Canada

C: 437-317-8581

E: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/721fa278-63f7-4c96-8eb3-59ed3273b812

24 april 2024 at 10:00

News published onand distributed by:
Estithmar Holding reinforces its expansion in the healthcare sector in Iraq by signing another agreement to manage and operate a 492-bed Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, Karbalaa





This agreement is the second of its kind after the signing Al Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qaar Governorate

T he total number of beds that will be managed for both hospitals will reach approximately 1,000

Operation and management of the hospitals will commence in the next two months, especially as the two hospitals are already operational

DOHA, Qatar, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegancia Healthcare W.L.L, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding has entered into a second strategic agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Health to manage and operate Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, with the capacity of 492-bed in Karbala Governorate in Iraq.

This agreement is the second of its kind for Elegancia Healthcare in Iraq, where an agreement was signed recently to manage and operate Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qaar Governorate, bringing the total number of beds managed to nearly 1000 beds between the two hospitals.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Sabah Noor Al-Musawi, Director General of Karbala Health and Eng. Mohammed bin Bader Al-Sadah, in his capacity as Group CEO of Estithmar Holding.

On this occasion, Eng. Mohammed bin Bader Al-Sadah, Group CEO of Estithmar Holding, commented on Elegancia Healthcare's expansion in Iraq, stating: " This initiative is in line with Estithmar Holding's efforts to expand its business and projects in Iraq and is an addition to the recently signed agreement with Dhi Qaar Governorate. We are pleased to move forward with this strategic partnership, which aims to develop and upgrade the health sector in the Republic of Iraq, as we take pride in our numerous collaborations with the Iraqi Ministry of Health.

"Elegancia Healthcare, known for its efficient and excellent operation and management of significant healthcare projects and facilities worldwide, is committed to enhancing and expanding its business portfolio. This initiative aims to foster growth opportunities and enhance shareholder value."

Mr. Joseph Hazel, CEO of Elegancia Healthcare, said: "These agreements seek to elevate the quality of healthcare services offered by Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital and Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital. This includes improving operational efficiency, expanding medical specialties, and implementing the latest administrative and operational strategies, while leveraging Elegancia Healthcare's extensive expertise in managing and operating healthcare facilities."

It is worth mentioning that these agreements are notable for their significant scope, specifically that Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital encompasses three buildings and a wide array of healthcare services. This project includes comprehensive surgical treatment facilities for in-patient hospitalization, as well as a significant number of outpatient clinics offering various specialties. Al Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital project also includes nineteen medical departments.

Tel: +974 4429 2200 Fax: +974 4468 8944

PO BOX 201184, The Eighteen Tower, Zone 69, Street 303 Lusail City, Qatar

Estithmar Holding [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2396539/Estithmar_Holding.jpg

SOURCE Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C

24 april 2024 at 12:06

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Customers Find Appeal in ?Freedom' of Ford Powertrain Choices, Contributing to Solid Q1 Results, Setting up Strong Full Year





Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today reported its 2024 first quarter financial results. Click here or visit media.ford.com to view the news release. Visit shareholder.ford.com for the slide presentation and access the webcast to the Ford earnings call, which begins at 5:00 p.m. ET. The call will feature Jim Farley, president and CEO; John Lawler, chief financial officer; and other members of the Ford senior management team.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

24 april 2024 at 16:10

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Minister Boissonnault highlights Budget investments to build more homes for Canadians





EDMONTON, AB, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - The federal government recently delivered Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation.

It is a plan to build a Canada that works better for everyone, where younger generations can get ahead, where their hard work pays off, and where they can buy a home?where everyone has a fair chance at a good middle-class life.

Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, met with Canada Lands Company in Edmonton, where he highlighted Budget 2024's investments that make more government land available to build homes for Canadians, including:

Building homes on public lands with the new Public Lands for Homes Plan. The federal government will unlock 250,000 new homes by 2031 by using all tools available to convert public lands to housing (such as unused or underused office towers or parking lots), including leasing, acquiring other public lands for housing, and retaining ownership, whenever possible.

with the new Public Lands for Homes Plan. The federal government will unlock 250,000 new homes by 2031 by using all tools available to convert public lands to housing (such as unused or underused office towers or parking lots), including leasing, acquiring other public lands for housing, and retaining ownership, whenever possible. Building homes on Canada Post properties by taking steps to enable Canada Post to prioritize leasing or divestment of post office properties and lands with high potential for housing. This plan would make sure postal service is not disrupted and maintain Canada Post's role as a "service first" organization focused on delivering the mail.

by taking steps to enable Canada Post to prioritize leasing or divestment of post office properties and lands with high potential for housing. This plan would make sure postal service is not disrupted and maintain Canada Post's role as a "service first" organization focused on delivering the mail. Building homes on National Defence lands by exploring the redevelopment of properties that could be suitable for both military and civilian uses, divesting 14 surplus properties with housing potential, and building and renovating housing for Canadian Armed Forces personnel on bases.

by exploring the redevelopment of properties that could be suitable for both military and civilian uses, divesting 14 surplus properties with housing potential, and building and renovating housing for Canadian Armed Forces personnel on bases. Converting underused federal offices into homes with $1.1 billion over ten years to transform 50% of the federal office portfolio into housing, which will save $3.9 billion over the next ten years, with $0.9 billion per year in ongoing savings. This would enable more office buildings, particularly in urban areas, to be converted into homes for Canadians.

Budget 2024 is a plan to deliver fairness for every generation.

First, the Budget takes bold action to build more homes. Because the best way to make home prices more affordable is to increase supply?and quickly. It lays out a strategy to unlock 3.87 million new homes by 2031. Key measures include launching the new Public Lands for Homes Plan and Canada Rental Protection Fund, enhancing the Canadian Mortgage Charter, and creating a new Canadian renters' bill of rights.

Second, it will help make life cost less. The Budget builds on the Government's transformative expansion of Canada's social safety net ($10-a-day child care, dental care for uninsured Canadians, the first phase of universal pharmacare) and advances the Government's work to lower everyday costs for Canadians. This includes helping to stabilize the cost of groceries, cracking down on junk fees and lowering the costs of banking. Budget 2024 also makes transformative new investments, including a national school food program and the Canada Disability Benefit.

Third, this year's Budget will grow the economy in a way that's shared by all. The Government's plan will increase investment, enhance productivity and encourage innovation. It will create good-paying and meaningful jobs, keep Canada at the economic forefront, and deliver new support to empower more of our best entrepreneurs and innovators. This includes attracting more investment in the net-zero economy by expanding and delivering the major economic investment tax credits, securing Canada's advantage as a leader in artificial intelligence, and investing in enhanced research grants that will provide younger generations with good jobs and new opportunities. And it means ensuring Indigenous Peoples share in this growth in a way that works for them.

Budget 2024 will also make Canada's tax system fairer by asking the wealthiest to pay a bit more?so that the Government can invest in prosperity for every generation, and because it would be irresponsible and unfair to pass on more debt to the next generations. Budget 2024 is a responsible economic plan that upholds the fiscal objectives outlined in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, and sees Canada maintain the lowest deficit- and net debt-to-GDP ratios in the G7.

Quotes

"Our government first came to office with a vow to strengthen and expand the middle class. We delivered on that pledge by reducing poverty, especially for children and seniors, and creating millions of good jobs for Canadians. Our work isn't done. Budget 2024 renews our focus on unlocking the door to the middle class for millions of younger Canadians. We'll build more housing and help make life cost less. We will drive our economy toward growth that lifts everyone up. That is fairness for every generation."

? The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

"Budget 2024 is all about innovative solutions to modern problems - today we announced our plan to build homes on government and public lands, and lower the cost of living for Canadians. Our housing plan means easier access for all generations, especially young Canadians."

? The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

24 april 2024 at 16:54

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CPKC announces results of director elections





CALGARY, AB, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) (CPKC) today announced the results of the 2024 annual meeting held earlier today, including the election of all 11 nominees listed in the management proxy circular dated March 21, 2024, as directors of CPKC.

All directors received at least 96.21 percent of votes cast. The advisory vote on executive compensation (Say on Pay) received 94.05 percent approval. The advisory vote on approach to climate change (Say on Climate) received 89.26 percent approval. The appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditor received 99.83 percent approval.

Isabelle Courville, upon her re-election as a director, was re-appointed Chair of CPKC's Board of Directors.

The detailed results of the vote by ballot on the election of directors are as follows:



% Votes For % Votes Against Hon. John Baird 98.44 % 1.56 % Isabelle Courville 97.91 % 2.09 % Keith E. Creel 99.90 % 0.10 % Amb. Antonio Garza (Ret.) 99.71 % 0.29 % Hon. Edward Hamberger 99.87 % 0.13 % Janet Kennedy 99.79 % 0.21 % Henry Maier 96.21 % 3.79 % Matthew Paull 98.19 % 1.81 % Jane Peverett 98.13 % 1.87 % Andrea Robertson 99.20 % 0.80 % Gordon Trafton 99.88 % 0.12 %

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the annual meeting will be filed on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ) and EDGAR ( www.sec.gov ).

About CPKC

With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and Mexico, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of Mexico to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC. CP-IR

SOURCE CPKC

24 april 2024 at 17:01

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Leading Industry Publication: Black & Veatch Remains Among Global Critical Infrastructure Leaders as Sustainability, Decarbonization Solutions Drive Growth





The Engineering News-Record's (ENR) latest "Top 500 Design Firms" Sourcebook again ranks global critical infrastructure solutions provider Black & Veatch among the world's leaders in power, water and telecommunications as decarbonization, sustainability, resilience and other megatrends propel the company's growth.

Basing its rankings on the company's operational revenue, the Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook lists Black & Veatch's power business again at No. 3. Black & Veatch remains at No. 8 in water and is tenth in telecommunications.

"With decarbonization, electrification, clean water and cybersecurity among the world-changing megatrends impacting our clients, we're deeply committed and uniquely positioned to deliver the disruptive innovations that these exciting, evolving times demand," Black & Veatch's Chairman and CEO Mario Azar said.

"We've been solving the world's infrastructure challenges for more than a century," Azar added. "And we'll continue to leverage that deep, trusted expertise and disruptive technology for our diverse client base, ranging from Fortune 1000 companies to utilities, developers and local, state and national governments."

In 2023, the company expanded its broad portfolio of services with record numbers of construction hours completed (24.5 million, up nearly 8 million from the previous year), and increased its diverse employee-owners workforce by 17 percent (12,494 as of Jan. 1, 2024, up from 10,691 the previous year) to meet historical levels of project backlog and growth across its global regions.

Black & Veatch continues to drive innovation across critical infrastructure markets, as reflected in these projects announced or having achieved significant milestones in 2023:

Global Hydrogen Council member Black & Veatch is the owner's engineer for the Intermountain Power Agency's effort to retire its original coal-fueled facility in Utah and replace it with an 840-megawatt natural gas-fueled combined cycle power plant. The project is among the earliest installations of combustion turbine technology designed to use a high percentage of green hydrogen. Black & Veatch also is the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for what will become the world's biggest industrial green hydrogen production and storage hub, adjacent to the IPA power plant.

As a global leader in renewable energy infrastructure, Black & Veatch served a port-marshalling role and developed a unique, customized environment, health and safety (HSE) program for the Vineyard Wind off of Massachusetts' coast ? the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the United States .

. Serving in a civil and structural engineering capacity while helping lead the design, Black & Veatch played a critical role in expanding the Johnson County (Kansas) Tomahawk Creek wastewater treatment facility. In November 2023, the $340-million project was named the Midwest's best in the water and environment category by the Engineering News-Record .

. In California, the Black & Veatch-designed Orange County Water District Groundwater Replenishment System's final expansion was dedicated in 2023. The GWRS produces high-quality recycled water used to recharge the Orange County Groundwater Basin, the primary potable water supply for more than 2.5 million people. The project won a Water Environment Federation "project excellence award."

At year-end 2023, Black & Veatch had 3.3 gigawatts DC of solar generation in construction or commissioning, including utility-scale solar projects Crown and Sol in central Texas' Falls County for BAES Infrastructure, a diversified energy company focusing on energy transition projects.

As part of its industry leading position in liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure solutions, Black & Veatch ? with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) of South Korea ? last year was awarded a front-end engineering design (FEED) contract for the Ksi Lisims LNG nearshore floating production facility in northwest Canada. The project represents the next generation of LNG export design, re-inventing the industry for environmentally sensitive and greenhouse-gas constrained development situations. The project is being developed jointly by Western LNG, the Nisga'a Nation and Rockies LNG.

Through the Joint Electric Scaling Initiative (JETSI), Black & Veatch in 2023 announced the design-build completion of high-power chargers in South El Monte, California, for Schneider National Inc., a premier multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services with one of country's largest zero-emission fleets. That site allows up to 32 battery-electric trucks to charge simultaneously and deliver an 80 percent charge within 90 minutes.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

24 april 2024 at 17:45

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A capsized boat is seen near the coastal town of Obock, in northeastern Djibouti on April 9, 2024. AP

At least 21 people perished in a new migrant boat disaster off the coast of Djibouti, the UN's migration agency said Tuesday, April 23. It was the second fatal maritime accident in two weeks off the Horn of Africa nation, which lies on the perilous so-called Eastern Migration Route from Africa to the Middle East. Another vessel carrying mainly Ethiopian migrants sank in the same area on April 8, claiming the lives of several dozen people.

The International Organization for Migration's chief of mission in Djibouti, Tanja Pacifico, told AFP in Nairobi that 21 bodies had been recovered, while 23 people were still missing. Another 33 people survived the disaster, she said late Tuesday.

"Tragedy as boat capsizes off Djibouti coast with 77 migrants on board including children," the IOM had said in an earlier post on X, giving a toll of at least 16 dead and 28 missing.

It said the Djibouti IOM branch was "supporting local authorities with search and rescue effort". Yvonne Ndege, a spokeswoman for the agency, told AFP the fatalities included children and a baby, without offering further details.

Read more Subscribers only Forty years ago, the West discovered the images of the great Ethiopian famine

Ethiopia's ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, said on X that the vessel was carrying Ethiopian migrants from Yemen when it went down on Monday night off Godoria in northeastern Djibouti. He said 33 people, including one woman, survived. Berhanu expressed his "deep sorrow... over the succession of horrific disasters", adding: "I reiterate that legal measures should be taken against illegal human smugglers who put the lives of our citizens at risk."

Another vessel carrying more than 60 people sank off the coast of Godoria on April 8, according to the IOM and the Ethiopian embassy in Djibouti. The IOM said at the time that the bodies of 38 migrants, including children, were recovered, while another six people were missing. The Ethiopian embassy had said the boat was carrying Ethiopian migrants from Djibouti to war-torn Yemen.

Read more Subscribers only Lampedusa's residents have lost the habit of seeing survivors of the Mediterranean

'Life-threatening'

Each year, many tens of thousands of African migrants brave the "Eastern Route" across the Red Sea and through Yemen to try to reach oil-rich Saudi Arabia, escaping conflict or natural disaster, or seeking better economic opportunities. "On their journeys, many face life-threatening dangers including starvation, health risks and exploitation  at the hands of human traffickers and other criminals," the IOM said in February.

In November, a shipwreck off the shores of Yemen left 64 migrants missing, presumed dead at sea, the agency said. Ndege said the IOM's data from 2023 showed that "the number of people trying to cross is on the rise".

According to the agency, Ethiopians make up 79 percent of the roughly 100,000 migrants who arrived in Yemen last year from Djibouti or Somalia, the remainder being Somalis.

Read more Subscribers only How the Tunisian fishing village of Ellouza has become a migrant graveyard

Africa's second most populous country, Ethiopia is blighted by various conflicts and several regions have suffered from severe drought in recent years. More than 15 percent of its 120 million inhabitants depend on food aid.

In February, the IOM said that according to its Missing Migrants Project at least 698 people, including women and children, had died crossing the Gulf of Aden from Djibouti to Yemen last year.

In August, Human Rights Watch accused Saudi border guards of killing "at least hundreds" of Ethiopians trying to cross into the Gulf kingdom from Yemen between March 2022 and June 2023, using explosive weapons in some cases. Riyadh dismissed the group's findings as "unfounded and not based on reliable sources".

Read more Subscribers only Migrant boat disaster off Greek coast is deadliest since 2016
A woman wearing a T-shirt "Abort Ron DeSantis," referencing Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, awaits the arrival of US President Joe Biden to speak about abortion rights, in Tampa, Florida, on April 23, 2024. KEVIN LAMARQUE / REUTERS

US President Joe Biden hammered Donald Trump on Tuesday, April 23, over his role in restricting abortion rights, telling a crowd in Florida that voters will hold his Republican predecessor and opponent personally "accountable" in November. Shortly after Trump departed the New York courtroom where he is on trial, the Democratic president  whose campaign views the abortion issue as potentially key to winning reelection  took the stage at a university in Tampa.

Read more Subscribers only Biden's electoral weapon against Trump: Abortion rights

"Let's be real clear. There's one person responsible for this nightmare. And he's acknowledged it and he brags about it: Donald Trump," said Biden. The conservative-dominated US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned 50 years of legal precedent and revoked the nationwide right to abortion, with many Republican-led states quickly moving to restrict or outright ban the procedure.

Trump, who often brags about his three Supreme Court nominees being key to that abortion decision, is "literally taking us back 160 years," Biden said, in an apparent reference to Arizona's strict new ban based on an 1864 law. In Florida, a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy is set to go into effect on May 1.

Read more Florida Supreme Court paves way for 6-week abortion ban

Biden and the Democratic Party hope to capitalize in November on voters' wariness of abortion restrictions pushed by Republicans, some of whom have called for a nationwide ban. And the Democrats have some reason behind their aspirations: Abortion rights campaigners have won every time the issue has gone directly to voters in referenda.

Florida flip?

Florida is set to vote in November on a measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution and effectively overturn the six-week ban. "Trump is worried voters are going to hold him accountable for the cruelty and chaos he created. Folks, the bad news for Trump is, we are going to hold him accountable," Biden said.

Read more Subscribers only Abortion access is back before the US Supreme Court

The president's reelection campaign said Tuesday it believed it could win populous Florida, which is rich in electoral votes, even though it has a Republican governor and Trump won there in both 2016 and 2020. "Florida is not an easy state to win, but it is a winnable one for President Biden," campaign spokeswoman Julie Chavez Rodriguez said.

While the Supreme Court decision was a major victory for the religious right, a majority of Americans favor at least some abortion protections. "Trump is hoping that Americans will somehow forget that he's responsible for the horror women are facing in this country every single day because of him," she added.

Read more Subscribers only Trump defers abortion decisions to the states after lengthy deliberation

'This isn't about state rights, it's about women's rights'

Biden, 81 and a lifelong Catholic, has long fought Trump on abortion, an issue on which the 77-year-old has found himself pinned between hardline Republicans and more moderate voters.

Trump, who has a looser affiliation with religion, has recently tried to strike a more hands-off tone, suggesting at first he'd sign a 15-week national ban before saying the decision belongs to the states. "This isn't about state rights, it's about women's rights," Biden argued Tuesday.

Chavez Rodriguez also warned that "Trump and his allies have no intention at stopping their assault on reproductive rights." Trump's conservative vice president Mike Pence, meanwhile, wrote in The New York Times that his former boss has "betrayed the pro-life movement."

While abortion rights votes have succeeded in conservative states, it remains to be seen whether they'll translate into votes for Biden. In 2016 a measure to raise the minimum wage, long a Democratic priority, was put on the ballot, alongside choices for the president. The wage measure won over a majority of voters  but Trump won, too.

Read more Subscribers only 'Some US states have gone much further than France in constitutionally protecting reproductive freedom'
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, at Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, on May 30, 2023. JUAN MEDINA / REUTERS

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday, April 24, that he was "reflecting" on the possibility of resigning after a court opened an investigation into his wife Begona Gomez on suspicion of graft.

"I need to stop and think" in order to decide "whether I should continue to head the government or whether I should give up this honor," he wrote in a letter posted on X, adding he would announce his decision on Monday and suspend his schedule until then.

Read more Subscribers only Spain's Sanchez is back in the driver's seat after the right fails to form a majority

A Madrid court said earlier on Wednesday that it had "opened an investigation into Begona Gomez for the alleged offense of influence peddling and corruption" in response to a complaint by Manos Limpias ("Clean Hands"), an anti-corruption pressure group whose leader is linked to the far right.

The brief court statement came several hours after news website El Confidencial said investigators were probing Gomez's ties to several private companies that received government funding or won public contracts.

The site said the probe was linked to the alleged ties that Gomez  who does not hold public office and maintains a low profile  had with Spanish tourism group Globalia, which owns Air Europa. It said she had twice met with Javier Hidalgo, Globalia's CEO at the time, when the carrier was in talks with the government to secure a huge bailout after it was badly hit by the plunge in air traffic due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Socialist premier Sanchez said in his letter that the complaint was based on "non-existent" facts and was part of a campaign of "harassment" against his wife led by "ultraconservative" media and supported by the conservative and far-right opposition. "I am not naive. I am aware that they are bringing charges against Begona, not because she's done anything illegal, because they know full well that's not true, but because she's my wife," he added.

Talks during airline bailout

El Confidencial said IE Africa Center had "signed a sponsorship agreement with Globalia in 2020" and that Gomez had also held a private meeting with Hidalgo at the company's offices. "At the same time Globalia was negotiating a multi-million-euro bailout with the government," it noted.

Last month, Globalia told El Confidencial that Hidalgo and Gomez had met at its Madrid offices on June 24 and July 16. Between those dates, Sanchez's government on July 3 announced the creation of a 10-billion-euro fund to bail out strategic firms worst hit by Covid-19. Four months later, his cabinet approved a 475 million lifeline for Air Europa, the first Spanish company to tap the funds.

Investigators are also looking into two letters of support Gomez allegedly provided for a joint venture bidding for a public contract, El Confidencial said. The joint venture's main shareholder was consultant Carlos Barrabes, who has ties to the department run by Gomez at Madrid's Complutense University. It won the contract, beating 20 rivals, and was awarded 10.2 million, it said.

'Trumpesque practices'

Manos Limpias, which filed the complaint, is headed by lawyer Miguel Bernad. Bernad was initially sentenced to four years behind bars in 2021 over a scheme to extort major firms, but last month was acquitted by the Supreme Court for lack of evidence.

Questioned in Wednesday's parliamentary session about the El Confidencial story, Sanchez told lawmakers: "Despite everything, I still believe in Spain's justice system."

Senior PP official Ester Munoz said it was "imperative" he explained. "His family is being investigated by the court... it is important enough that the prime minister explains himself to the Spanish people."

In a parliamentary session last month, PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo had warned Sanchez there would be an investigation. "If you refuse to give explanations again... there will be a specific investigation into matters affecting those closest to you, a parliamentary probe for sure, and a judicial one if necessary."

But Sanchez's deputy, Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero, hit back. "They are using a spurious complaint by a far-right organization to defame and slander the prime minister," she said. "We will not let these Trumpesque practices undermine Spain's democracy."

Read more Subscribers only Pedro Sanchez wins support of Catalan separatists with concessions that inflame Spain
On Tuesday, Apri 23, the United States Senate passed a bill that could potentially ban TikTok if the social media app does not find a new owner in the next few months. The legislation, which was tied to a broader foreign aid package, now heads to President Joe Biden's desk who said he would sign it.

Beijing on Wednesday declined to respond to questions on the legislation requiring the wildly popular app to be divested from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or be shut out of the American market. US and other Western officials have voiced alarm over the popularity of TikTok with young people, alleging it allows Beijing to collect data and spy on users. It has 170 million users in the United States alone.

Read more Subscribers only 'In the case of TikTok, the US risks losing some of its moral high ground'

These critics also say TikTok is subservient to Beijing and a conduit to spread propaganda. China and the company strongly deny these claims. But asked about the news that the law will now head to President Biden's desk, Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin declined to offer a response, instead pointing to previous statements. "My colleagues and I, as well as the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, have previously explained China's principled position on the US Congress's passage of the bill concerning TikTok," Wang said. "You may refer to that," he added.

Beijing has previously furiously denounced the plans to ban TikTok, urging Washington to "truly respect the principles of market economy and fair competition." Commerce Ministry Spokesperson He Yadong said, "China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."

Read more Subscribers only To ban or not to ban TikTok, an American dilemma
IN A SEA of sequins and fabric, fashion houses from across the county arrived in Limericks Strand Hotel for a night of glamour for the annual Laurel Hill Schools spring/summer fashion show.

The Holman Lee Agency and I had the honour of meeting and mixing with students, teachers and parents for the yearly event, which took place on Thursday, April 18.

The joint event is run by the Parents Council of Laurel Hill Secondary School and Laurel Hill Colaiste and it is always a truly special occasion which the models and I look forward to every year.

Being that the two schools are all-girls, the interest in fashion is truly inspiring and the willingness to participate is so heartwarming. The air was thick with excitement, when the 38 students from fifth year joined my models from the Holman Lee Agency on the runway.

The students shone in clothes from local fashion houses, including Be Fabulous, Danis Closet and Glowing Girlies.

We chose boutiques such as Ber McNamara, Earls & Pearls, Ivory Lane, Lady Penelope, Sineads Boutique and more for our Holman Lee Agency models, to add a more mature edge to the night for the adults in the audience.

The annual Laurel Hill Schools Fashion Show has been running for over 40 years and is the largest fashion show in Munster, attracting in excess of 500 people to the event. The spot prizes were nothing short of fabulous on the night.

When the night drew to a close, we knew we had marked another successful year but indeed, one like no other, as the applause from the crowd thundered and the excited energy failed to be quenched.

What a night it was, and how I adore celebrating the youth of these wonderful students - hopefully inspiring some to pursue careers in the fashion industry, or perhaps, future Holman Lee Agency models!

-Xx Celia
Entertainer and musician Pat Shortt and Stocktons Wing frontman Mike Hanrahan team up for an exhilarating musical adventure across Ireland in the new series Songs of Ireland.

The four-part series, starting on Saturday, April 27 at 9.15 pm on RTE One sees the pair take a musical road trip around the island of Ireland, combining the richness of Irish music, unique Irish culture, and the camaraderie of shared stories.

In each episode, Pat and Mike traverse the picturesque landscapes of Ireland, uncovering the history and significance behind some of the nation's most beloved songs.

Joining forces with both new and established local musicians in each county, Pat and Mike put their own twist on these prolific Irish songs, through unique performances in local venues across the country.

Speaking about the series, Pat Shortt said: 'Songs of Ireland' isn't just about the melodies; it's about the stories behind them, the places they come from, and the people who keep them alive. Embarking on this series with my old friend Mike has been an incredible experience, and we look forward to sharing our journey with audiences across the country.

The series starts with a visit to Limerick, where Pat and Mike join forces with rapper Willzee for a rendition of The Limerick Rake.

As a young man Willzee was angry at the world, coming from a traveller community, growing up in the streets of Limerick and facing adversity, struggle and hardship as well as facing criminal aspects of life.

In recent years he found rap, spoken word and film and has immersed himself in music as a true expression of himself.

His latest single Nick Nack, reflects the life that the songwriter has managed to escape, by channelling his talents in a positive direction, while his debut album Kuti Gris was released this year to huge acclaim.

Other highlights include a moving performance of Raglan Road with Asha Ari in Dublin, a rendition of Eileen Og with Dervishs Cathy Jordan in Roscommon, and an adaptation of The Reason I Left Mullingar with the band Cronin. The series culminates in the beautiful green glens of Co Donegal where Eve Belle joins Pat and Mike to perform Gleanntain Ghlas Ghaoth Dobhair.

Tune into Songs of Ireland on Saturday, April 27th at 9.15 pm on RTE One and RTE Player.
LIMERICK pub-goers will now be able to get a slice of history with their pint, after a city centre bar has been transformed into a pubseum.

The proprietors of the landmark Mother Macs pub have teamed up with Heineken for the initiative, which will allow customers of the bar, with a smartphone, examine the storied history of the High Street building.

This will include measuring jugs hanging from timber beams dating back to the 1800s, used for ordering drinks based on volume.

Guests will, on their phones, be able to scan the three iron columns believed to come from the nearby Harrison Lee foundry.

This was operational from the early 1800s until 1932 and was located just 50 yards away from the current bar.

The Mother Macs building is steeped in history. Formerly known as The Roundhouse due to the shape of the building, it dates back to 1787.

Also formerly known as OMalleys, the building has served various purposes.

As well as being a pub, it has also been a whiskey, wine and tea merchants and a grocery shop.

An off-licence also operated in a smaller unit adjoining the pub.

Mother Macs proprietors Mike and James McMahon have turned this part of it into a whiskey corner, and called it Peggys Parlour, in honour of their late mother Margaret.

Indeed, it is she who Mother Macs is named after.

READ MORE: Limerick hairstylist helps Cillian Murphy among others get glam for IFTAs

Heineken is also exploring how Mother Macs can apply for official museum accreditation through the Heritage Council to have them formally recognised as a museum.

Mother Macs is one of only three bars in the country to be part of this initiative. The others are Seans Bar in Athlone - reportedly Irelands oldest pub - and Toners in Dublin.

Mike said: We are honoured. To have our name Mother Macs - just eight-and-a-half years in existence - up with the oldest bar in Ireland and the iconic bar of Toners is a big deal.
THE commercial semi-State agency charged with keeping our skies safe is objecting to plans for a new 50MW wind farm in south east Clare.

Air Nav Ireland provides air traffic management and related services within the 451,000km2 of airspace controlled by Ireland and employs over 200 air traffic controllers in Dublin, Cork and Shannon and 50 radio officers in Ballygirreen, Co Clare to ensure the safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic.

Currently, Limerick firm, Ballycar Green Energy has plans before An Bord Pleanala for a 12 turbine wind-farm that will be located 3km northwest of Limerick city.

To date, An Bord Pleanala has received 74 third party submissions with the bulk opposed to the wind farm which is proposed for a 105 hectare site neighbouring the townland of Ballycar, north of Meelick in south east Clare.

READ MORE: 'Lotto' strikes twice: Shop that sold Dolores McNamara's famous ticket sells jackpot winner

A planning report lodged with the application states that the proposed wind farm will directly assist in achieving national targets for energy from renewable energy, from renewable resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.

The tip height of the wind-turbines is to be 518 feet and the scheme is facing objections from Shannon Airport and AirNav Ireland due to the wind farms proximity to the Woodcock Hill radar station in south east Clare.

In an objection against the wind-farm, Manager Surveillance M&E Systems, AirNav Ireland, Charlie OLoughlin has told the appeals board that Airnav Ireland objects to the wind farm as the development would result in a reduction in the level of safety in the Shannon en-route and Dublin air traffic control centres which depend on the Woodcock Hill radar station.

Mr OLoughlin contends that the proposed wind-farm would degrade the performance of the Woodcock Hill Radar.

He said that due to the proximity and scale of the proposed development, there are no credible and implementable mitigation measures on the Woodcock Hill Radar itself to eliminate the Radar beam deflections, reflections and shadowing from the proposed turbines.

Mr OLoughlin states that the development would compromise the Woodcock Hill radars compliance with EU mandated surveillance performance criteria.

AirNav Irelands objections are supported by Shannon Airport. In a separate objection, the airports Safety Compliance and Environment Manager, Paul Hennessy has told An Bord Pleanala that the airport objects to the wind farm as no mitigation measures can prevent impacts on the Woodcock Hill radar.

Fianna Fails spokesman on Climate Action, Senator Timmy Dooley has lodged a submission stating that the proposed wind-farm site is in an area of exceptional beauty and a widely used recreational area for urban dwellers who wish to enjoy nature and the countryside.

The Clare Senator says that this development would have a terrible impact on such enjoyment.

In a separate submission, local TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) contends that the height of the turbines is excessive.

He said: Indeed, if they were to be built, they would be among the tallest turbines in all of Ireland and tower over much of the surrounding landscape.

Mary, James and Noel Fitzgerald are members of a farm family from Oatfield, Sixmilebridge who are objecting.

They have told the appeals board they have serious concerns and the effect it will have on the family farm.

The Fitzgerald family through the generations have farmed the land at the location for the past 176 years.

They state that when the Ballycar wind farm is taken in conjunction with another planned wind farm for the area we will be surrounded by a staggering 33 massive turbines.

They contend that the planned wind farm feels like an assault on the community and the very fabric of rural life.

They state "as ordinary citizens we feel anxious and are deeply worried about the proposed development as do our family and many in the wider community.

A spokeswoman for Ballycar Green Energy said that "the company notes AirNav's submission and will demonstrate that all safety and operational requirements will be adhered to and will provide technical information to further confirm and support this to An Bord Pleanala and AirNav Ireland".

She said that the proposed project "would play a central role in Irelands transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050".

She said: "If approved, the wind farm has the potential to displace almost two million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime and will provide the capacity to power more than 30,000 homes.

"She pointed out Ballycar Green Energy "will generate a Community Benefit Fund estimated at 3.75 million over the first 15 years of operation which could be utilised on sustainable initiatives for the growth and development of the local area".

The spokeswoman said that the global community "is facing an urgent climate crisis, and the transition to renewable energy sources is an essential step toward mitigating its impact. Ireland, like many countries, has committed to reducing its carbon emissions and increasing its renewable energy capacity. Wind energy is a proven and efficient, sustainable solution to generate clean electricity".

She said: "The Ballycar wind farm proposal is designed in compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximising energy output."
HOSPITAL campaigner Mike Daly said he and supporters will converge outside the Dail this Thursday, April 25, to amplify our call for the reopening of the three emergency departments (ED) units in Munster.

It's abundantly clear that relying on a single ED to serve 420,000 people is a recipe for disaster, said Mr Daly, who adds that Dublin has six ED facilities.

This glaring inequality underscores the urgency of our demand. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly's promises of more beds and doctors misses the mark entirely. The truth is, only the establishment of another ED will effectively address the overcrowding crisis.

READ MORE: 'In hindsight, Aoife was probably the sickest person in the ED'

This isn't merely a healthcare issue; it's a mathematical reality. With only one triage and five assessment rooms available, no amount of staffing or resources can expedite patient care adequately, said Mr Daly, whose persistence secured a second inquest into the death of his father in UHL. His death verdict was changed to one of medical misadventure.

Our demand is simple yet urgent - either open another ED or significantly expand the existing UHL facility to triple its capacity.

Only then can we alleviate overcrowding and prevent further loss of life, he concluded.
LIMERICK City and County Councils glacially-slow progress over plans for the former Bank of Ireland in Bruff has led to misinformation and anger, heard a Kilmallock-Cappamore Municipal District meeting.

The former bank on the towns main street was purchased by the council after it closed in 2021. Councillors backed a proposal over two years ago to turn the listed building into a remote working hub.

A sum 250,000 was granted from the Department of Rural and Community Development in December 2022. However, the building has lain idle since.

A meeting was called by Bruff, Grange, Meanus, Community Council for Tuesday, April 16.

A post on Facebook by an individual highlighting the public meeting said over 250,000 has been granted to the council to make the building a prime base for small businesses.

They also wrote that: Bruff has been abandoned long enough and a public meeting of the people of our area is long overdue.

Concern was expressed that it is only a matter of time before we all hear the news that the council have sold the old bank from under the Bruff peoples noses.

A large crowd of over 100 attended the meeting with a number of politicians, along with mayoral and local election candidates, in attendance.

Cathaoirleach Mike Donegan put down on the agenda for a discussion on the development of Bank of Ireland, Bruff at last Thursdays Kilmallock-Cappamore Municipal District meeting - two days after the public meeting on Tuesday, April 16.

A council official clarified that the 250,000 grant money is only drawn down once the work is completed. They said the viability of an e-hub is questionable and that the building has to wash its face.

The council employee said they were approached by an interested party to look at the building and that is as far as it has gone.

They said it is not currently for sale and would have to go on the open market if it was offered for sale. The council official said they were looking at all viable options for the building.

Cllr Donegan said that answers a lot of the questions raised at the public meeting and stressed the importance of maintenance being carried out on the building amid reports the roof is leaking.

Cllr Brigid Teefy, who had asked for an update on the plans last year, said she would be guided by what the people of Bruff want.

Mayor Gerald Mitchell raised a proposal by local businessman James Beechinor outlined in last weeks Limerick Leader.

Mr Beechinor, who owns the properties on either side of the bank, has proposed to buy the building as part of a 3.5m investment and lease the bank back rent-free to the community council as a facility for the community.

His plans include a convenience store, apartments and a carpark with over 40 spaces for the town.

Cllr Mitchell said he had approached Mr Beechinor after he heard that the council had shown the building to a different interested party.

READ MORE: Shannon Airport and AirNav Ireland object to East Clare wind farm over radar station impacts

This plan sorts everything out. This is a viable plan, said Cllr Mitchell, who added that the councillors have done their best for Bruff and a huge amount has been invested.

Cllr John Egan spoke of the success of the Abington Enterprise Centre. He said you cant have the building lying idle in the centre of Bruff just waiting to fall down and collapse.

There is a lot of anger. Engage with the community and get it moving, said Cllr Egan.

Cllr Martin Ryan asked the council to put forward a list of opportunities and funding options. This was echoed by Cllr Donegan who asked for a feasibility study.

Cllr PJ Carey said there was a lot of misinformation which implied the grant of 250,000 was drawn down.

If they had picked up the phone and asked us, said Cllr Carey. He said the councils glacially-slow progress or lack thereof has caused anger.

Cllr Mitchell said the lack of progress led to the misinformation.

A statement from Bruff, Grange, Meanus Community Council following the meeting read: Upwards and onwards, and as mentioned at the meeting, Bruff keeps on bouncing back through community effort, the support of our local authorities and elected representative, long may it continue.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said an update on the Governments housing plan provides real grounds for hope but acknowledged that the Government needed to act faster.

Housing Minister Darragh OBrien said his Housing for All plan was two years old and progress had been made across all delivery streams.

He said the development levy waiver, which has been extended until the end of the year, and the refunding of water and wastewater connection charges until October had without question, led to a surge in homebuilding.

The measure, brought in to try to offset the increased cost of building materials, has worked, Mr OBrien said.

They were speaking at the launch of a Housing for All update at Government Buildings, alongside minister Eamon Ryan.

Mr Harris said people should get a real sense of confidence that in the first three months of 2024 building had commenced on almost 12,000 new homes, which he said was a 60% increase on this time last year.

He acknowledged that there are hard-working people in Ireland who still struggle with high rents  but refused to be drawn on what he thinks an affordable home is.

Mr Harris said that what housing affordability is depends on the persons circumstances and that the Government should provide a diversity of housing options.

The Taoiseach said he would not do what Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald did, referring to her statement that the average house price in Dublin should fall to 300,000 euros.

There isnt one single figure in relation to affordability because affordability varies depending on a persons circumstances, Mr Harris said on Wednesday.

He said it also has to factor in Government housing supports that are available.

Mr Harris added: When we read about affordability often in media reports and the likes, it quotes headline figures of homes.

But actually when you look at the range of schemes that Government has put in place, many first-time buyers arent having to pay up all of the headline figure because of a range of Government intervention.

He said: I dont think weve seen very significant indications at all that so far the additional supply has had an impact on affordability.

I think the reason for that is relatively straightforward and goes back to my earlier points about the need for us to be more ambitious in terms of where we get to, weve come from a very, very low base in terms of housing supply, were now exceeding targets but we know theres still a lot of pent-up demand in terms of getting to a point where supply matches demand.

Mr Harris said that supply will have an effect on demand and affordability and in the interim there are a number of unprecedented interventions by the Government  the First Home Scheme and the Help to Buy scheme.

Asked about why the Government hit its overall 2023 target for building homes, but missed its social homes target of 9,100, Mr OBrien said that the roughly 8,100 homes built was a massive jump up in the construction of social homes.

He said: Go back two years, that was 5,400  thats a massive jump up. Yes, it didnt meet the 9,100, but it was a very significant scaling up.

As I talk to you here today theres about 26,000 social homes in the pipeline under construction or about to go under construction.
Abbey Tauchen |

Two Lincoln University of Missouri students presented their research at the Missouri Academy of Science Conference, hosted at Missouri Western State University on April 12-13. The Missouri Academy of Science fosters public interest in scientific matters and promotes cooperation between the scientific interests of Missouri. Graduating senior Samuel Ingoli and junior Travis Barrett presented their research at the science conference.

Biology major Samuel Ingoli, along with coauthor Dr. Manish Singh, assistant professor of chemistry, presented their research titled, Late-Stage Diversification of Bioactive Molecules Using a Simple Hydrazine Reagents. Ingolis research was completed under Dr. Singhs supervision.

Travis Barrett presented his research titled, The Risk of a New Henrietta Lacks? Increasing Awareness About the Impacts on the Consumer Because of Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing in a U.S.-Centric Setting.

Biology major Travis Barrett presented his research titled, The Risk of a New Henrietta Lacks? Increasing Awareness About the Impacts on the Consumer Because of Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing in a U.S.-Centric Setting. Barretts research was completed under the supervision of Dr. Christine E. Boston, associate professor of anthropology and sociology. Boston is also the incoming president of the Missouri Academy of Science, a position she will begin in June 2024.

The Missouri Academy of Science Conference is a great place for students to present their research in a friendly and collegial setting, Dr. Boston says. Students, including Ingoli and Barrett, had the opportunity to network with peers, faculty and professionals at other universities and institutions across the state, providing them the opportunity to expand their networks and engage with others for future research of professional opportunities.

Samuel Ingoli presented his research titled, "Late-Stage Diversification of Bioactive Molecules Using a Simple Hydrazine Reagents."

Read Ingoli and Barretts research abstracts below:

Late-stage diversification involves modifying, introducing, or transforming a functional group in the final synthetic step to efficiently produce various analogs for studying structure-function relationships. This technique holds significant importance, particularly in the fields of drug discovery and chemical biology. We have developed a simple method for diversifying and modifying carbonyl and hydroxyl groups using commercially available hydrazine reagents. Our methodology has consistently yielded desired products ranging from good to excellent yields. The reaction conditions have been optimized using simple alcohol, 4-phenyl-1-butanol, and a carbonyl compound, benzyl acetone. Subsequently, we applied this method to synthesize analogs of two important medications: atenolol, a beta blocker primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart-related chest pain, and azidothymidine (AZT), which is used in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing allows consumers to learn about their genomes from the privacy of their homes. This paper explores the potential effects on ones life after taking and submitting one of these tests. Many consumers submit to these tests as they allow for identity seeking or the consumers attempt to establish ones identity based on the results of these tests. The reported findings from the consumers respective company could be either positive or detrimental to ones psyche. This most often ties into a persons ability to and confidence in reading their own tests and their trust in medical professionals. These tests further demonstrate ethical concerns that continue despite a decade of protests from consumers and healthcare professionals. Privacy concerns are seen, with new techniques from law enforcement raising questions on when privacy should be repealed to protect the community. Legislation has been attempted to protect consumers, with varying protections enacted by different countries. Despite all the above, the demand for DTC genetic tests continues to grow, necessitating further study into the macro-level effects of DTC genetic testing on larger populations, as well as the intersectional effects of these tests on smaller, subgroup populations.
Abbey Tauchen |

Kieron Walquist, a Lincoln University of Missouri 2020 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in creative writing, has been selected for both a three-week residency at the Monson Arts Center in Monson, Maine, in April, and a month-long residency fellowship at the esteemed Vermont Studio Center later this summer.

Im overjoyed by the gift to write and work on my first full-length collection at Monson Arts and Vermont Studio Center this spring/summer," Kieron Walquist says. "The uninterrupted time and support from these residencies is fortifying, and I look forward to writing more about my life in mid-Missouri.

A Vermont Studio Center residency fellowship provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village in Johnson, Vermont. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors. The full cost for four weeks at Vermont Studio Center is more than $12,000. Through the generosity of individual donors and foundation partners, the Vermont Studio Center has awarded Walquist a full fellowship. This fellowship is awarded through a competitive process.

Monson Arts residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them with time and space to devote to their creative practices. During this three-week program, Walquist will join a cohort of five artists and four other writers as they immerse themselves in small-town life at the edge of Maines North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. He'll receive a private studio, a private bedroom in shared housing, all meals and a $1,000 stipend.

As Walquist embarks on his residencies at the Monson Arts Center and the Vermont Studio Center, he eagerly anticipates delving into the rich tapestry of his rural Missouri upbringing. These opportunities offer him invaluable time and space to explore his creative vision.

My work is interested in the beauty and brutality of rural Missouri; the river and lakes, the bluffs, the fields, the caves, but also the violence, poverty, addiction, and neglect found there," Walquist says. "In many ways, Im haunted by my hometown and try to write toward my complicated relationship, as a queer and neurodivergent person, with a place I grew up in but often felt like an outsider.

Walquist was previously a 2022-2023 Fine Arts Work Center Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts. After graduating from Lincoln University with his degree in English creative writing, Walquist earned his MFA in Washington Universitys highly regarded graduate program. He has been accepted to the University of Utahs celebrated doctoral program where, this fall, he will begin his journey toward a Ph.D. in English with a specialization in creative writing.
Bangalore, Karnataka, India  Business Wire India

Intelliswift Software, a renowned digital transformation and technology solutions company, announced the expansion of its operations with a new office space in Bengaluru, India. This move perfectly aligns with the company's growth aspirations in the coming years.



As the organization steers towards strengthening its market position as a global leader in technology solutions and services, the spacious new office will play a crucial role in its aggressive growth plans and in fulfilling rising customer demand. With the rich talent pool of highly skilled technology workforce that Bangalore offers, the new workspace aligns with Intelliswifts newly appointed CEO Surej KP's vision of fostering innovation and scaling up the companys operations with plans to double the headcount in the next couple of years.



The new office space located in the vibrant Koramangala area boasts state-of-the-art facilities, which will enable Intelliswift, which currently has over 300 clients in North America, to serve its rapidly increasing customer base better. With this move, the organization also aims to enhance its operational efficiency as the office is designed to foster seamless collaboration between on-site and remote employees.



"Moving to our new office space in Bengaluru signifies a pivotal moment for Intelliswift, remarked Surej KP. "We are committed to enabling our clients to accelerate their business and drive success. A larger presence in Bengaluru will help us realize this by providing unparalleled services to our existing and prospective Fortune 100 and SMB customers across industry verticals.



About Intelliswift Software, Inc.



Intelliswift delivers world-class Product Engineering, Data Management and Analytics, Digital Enterprise, Digital Integrations, and Talent Solutions to businesses across the globe. The organization empowers companies to embrace new technologies and strategies to succeed in their digital transformation journey through data-rich modern platforms, innovation-led engineering, and people-centric solutions. Strong customer-centricity makes Intelliswift a trusted ally to several Fortune 500 companies, SMBs, and fast-growing startups.



For more information, please visit www.Intelliswift.com
LTIMindtree Ltd (LTIM), India's sixth-largest IT services firm, reported a drop in quarterly revenue for the first time since the company came into existence in November 2022. Its operating margin, too, fell 50 basis points to 15.7%down from an initial guidance of 17-18% for FY24, which chief executive Debashis Chatterjee attributed to a decline in revenue from third-party partners.

The software services companys revenue for the March quarter fell 1.3% sequentially to $1.07 billion, from $1.08 billion in the quarter ended December 2023. The IT companys full-year revenue came in at $4.29 billion, up 4.4% from $4.11 billion a year ago.

The Mumbai-based IT company posted a net profit of $553.4 million for the financial year ended 31 March, up 1.36% from its $545.7 million FY23 net profit. However, the companys net profit dropped 5.8% sequentially to $132.4 million for the March quarter.

We had some higher than usual pass-throughs in Q3. The absence of those pass-throughs definitely meant that we had a lower revenue coming in Q4," said Chatterjee in the post-earnings press conference.

The ramp-up of some of the large deals we had closed was slower than what we had expected, so slower ramp-ups also impacted the overall revenue, he added.

Pass-through revenue refers to revenue generated via third-party partners of service providers, which typically helps companies earn extra revenue at lower cost.

After a quarter of no growth, Chatterjee, who took over the top job in November 2022 after transitioning from the erstwhile Mindtree Limited, expected the June quarter to be one where the company revives growth. LTIMindtree did not give a revenue or margin guidance for the next quarteror for FY25.

On the revenue front, LTIMindtrees performance was largely in line with analyst estimates for FY24 and the March quarter. A Bloomberg poll of 38 analysts expected LTIM to end FY24 with a net revenue of $4.27 billion. Its quarterly revenue was in line with expectations of 26 analysts polled by Bloomberg, who expected the company to post a Q4 revenue of $1.07 billion.

A Bloomberg poll of 37 analysts expected the IT major to report a net profit of $559.6 million for FY24, and $138.1 million for the final quarter of the previous fiscal. LTIMindtree missed the latter.

The company's operating margin dipped to 15.7% for FY24 and 14.7% for Q4, compared with 16.2% for FY23 and 15.4% in the December quarter owing to macroeconomic conditions. LTIMindtree had initially guided for 17-18% operating margin at the start of the year. The company also reports its operating margin in rupee terms.

Going forward, Chatterjee expressed caution. "As we got into the middle of FY24, we realized that some of the assumptions that we had made were not going the way it was because of various macro conditions. We have a robust margin plan, but we want to delay by quite a few quarters and we will again get back to that program as we need to. The plan that we had in terms of executing within a particular timeline that has been deferred by a few quarters," he said.

The results did not please analysts.

The results were below expectations in terms of revenue and margin. LTIMs top client account was struggling, which is why the revenue declined. The sluggishness will persist and there will be no reversal of the skeptical demand outlook scenario in the near-term, said Omkar Tanksale, senior research analyst - IT, Axis Securities.

In comparison, mid-cap peer Persistent Systems Ltds revenue grew at a faster clip, both in yearly and quarterly terms. Persistent Systems reported a full year revenue of $1.19 billion, up by 14.5% from FY23 whereas its Q4 revenue came in at $310.9 million, up by 3.4% on a quarterly basis.

Persistent Systems ended FY24 with 23,850 employees, which is almost one-fourth the strength of LTIMindtree, which ended FY24 with 81,650 employees. LTIMs employee strength declined by 2,896 from 84,546 as of March 2023 which is in line with the trend in large-cap IT companies.

On plans of fresher hiring, Chatterjee said the company aims to hire more than 500 freshers every quarter.

In terms of geography, North America continues to be the companys biggest cash cow. The companys revenue from North America made up 73.8% of its FY24 revenue, or $3.16 billion. In 2023, North America contributed to 72.2% or $2.96 billion of its $4.11 billion revenue.

BFSI, which accounted for 37%, or $1.52 billion of LTIMindtrees FY23 revenue, marginally increased its share of the revenue pie. The segment now contributes $1.55 billion of LTIMindtrees $4.29 billion FY24 revenue.

The companys 'Manufacturing and Resources' vertical grew the fastest in FY24, by 14.6%, compared with FY23. In absolute revenue terms, the industry contributed $793 million in the full-year. The same industry accounted for $694 million of the companys revenue in FY23.
RAJRATAN GLO Q4 Results Live : RAJRATAN GLO, a leading company, announced its Q4 results on 22 Apr, 2024. The company reported a 9.18% increase in revenue compared to the same quarter last year, reaching a total of XXXX.

However, the profit for Q4 saw a slight decline of 0.15% YoY, standing at XXXX. On a quarterly basis, the revenue grew by 2.96% and the profit increased by 2.85%.

The Selling, general & administrative expenses showed a decline of 10.77% compared to the previous quarter, but increased by 3.23% YoY. Similarly, the operating income was up by 0.91% q-o-q and increased by 3.18% y-o-y.

The company reported an EPS of 3.99 for Q4, reflecting a 0.22% increase YoY. RAJRATAN GLO's stock performance in the last week showed a return of 2.21%, while it had negative returns of -13.98% in the last 6 months and -15.36% YTD.

At present, RAJRATAN GLO has a market capitalization of 3353.68 Cr with a 52-week high/low of 882 and 578.5 respectively. Analysts covering the company have provided ratings, with 2 analysts suggesting to Hold the stock and 2 analysts rating it as a Strong Buy.

RAJRATAN GLO Financials Period Q4 Q3 Q-o-Q Growth Q4 Y-o-Y Growth Total Revenue 239.57 232.69 +2.96% 219.43 +9.18% Selling/ General/ Admin Expenses Total 8.95 10.03 -10.77% 8.67 +3.23% Depreciation/ Amortization 4.55 4.64 -1.94% 4.86 -6.38% Total Operating Expense 209.71 203.1 +3.25% 190.49 +10.09% Operating Income 29.86 29.59 +0.91% 28.94 +3.18% Net Income Before Taxes 26.42 24.48 +7.92% 25.8 +2.4% Net Income 20.24 19.68 +2.85% 20.27 -0.15% Diluted Normalized EPS 3.99 3.88 +2.84% 3.98 +0.22%
Google will miss its end-of-year target for changing the way advertising is delivered in its dominant Chrome web browser, a setback in its yearslong efforts to improve consumer privacy on the internet.

Google said Tuesday it would no longer be able to eliminate third-party cookies on its original timeline, citing ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators and developers." The changes have been eagerly anticipated by advertisers because almost two-thirds of internet traffic flows through Chrome, making it an important gateway for reaching consumers.

Third-party cookies are bits of software that follow users around the internet. Advertisers use them for everything from targeting ads to measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, making them the basis for much of a $600 billion-a-year industry.

Googles announcement came days before an expected status report from the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, which is overseeing the companys global efforts to eliminate cookies.

The U.K.s privacy regulator, the Information Commissioners Office, has told Google its proposed changes dont go far enough, and it plans to provide the same feedback to the CMA, The Wall Street Journal reported this month.

Google said it now plans to begin phasing out cookies in 2025 if it receives the CMA and ICOs approval.

A CMA spokeswoman said it welcomed Googles announcement. This will allow time to assess the results of industry tests and resolve remaining issues," she said in a statement. The ICO didnt respond to a request for comment outside of working hours.

Google has spent years preparing to get rid of cookies following similar moves by Apple and Mozilla, the developer of the Firefox browser. It has promoted the change as a way to improve consumer privacy and developed an alternative set of technologies known as the Privacy Sandbox to replace many of their features.

The plans have encountered several roadblocks from industry participants. Google first announced plans to block cookies in early 2020, targeting the end of 2022 for their elimination.

The CMA, which opened an investigation into Googles efforts in 2021, has the power to order changes to Googles plans for eliminating cookies before it moves forward.

In January, Google began restricting cookies for 1% of Chrome users as part of what it called a limited test before moving forward with plans to eliminate them entirely by the end of the year.

Ad-tech companies complained to Google and the CMA that the companys replacement technologies didnt do enough to make up for lost features from cookies. They have also voiced concerns Googles plans would reinforce its dominant position in the digital advertising ecosystem.

Alphabets Google has called some of the criticisms inaccurate and said some features will be degraded on purpose to improve privacy. The company has said it wont give preferential treatment to its products during the transition.

The ICO wrote in a draft report this month that Googles Privacy Sandbox tools left gaps that advertisers could use to identify users who should be kept anonymous, according to a copy reviewed by the Journal. Google said last week the tools were designed to deliver meaningful privacy improvements and the company would work closely with the ICO.

The CMA spokeswoman said the regulator expected to work with the ICO to finish its review by the end of this year.

Write to Miles Kruppa at miles.kruppa@wsj.com and Patience Haggin at patience.haggin@wsj.com
NEW DELHI : An old niggle has resurfaced in India's burgeoning aviation sector a dearth of senior pilots.

The civil aviation ministry, while continuing to root for more Indian pilots, is now likely to extend the deadline for senior foreign pilots operating in India by a year, two people aware of the development told Mint.

The decision to extend the current deadline of December 2024 is part of an annual procedural review, and takes into account the industry's requirements as it rapidly expands.

There has been a clear policy to encourage more hiring of Indian pilots and there is no shortage of co-pilots in India," said one of the two people. However, requirements will increase as airlines expand globally and certain categories such as small aircraft and helicopters require such an extension for commanders."

Both these persons declined to be identified.

Also Read: Airlines to deploy more capacity this summer

India currently has about 10,000 pilots, and yet despite this seemingly large number, the country faces a shortfall and will need about 1,000 additional pilots annually over the next five years, as per industry experts. Currently, the country only produces about half of this number each year.

This shortage is particularly acute for commanders of small aircraft and helicopters. Experts anticipate that, with the industry's growth, the demand for expatriate commanders and trainers, especially in operations involving narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, will significantly increase.

Most foreign pilots are employed to pilot small aircraft such as the ATR-72, Embraer E145, and general aviation aircraft like the Bombardier Global 7500, Dassault Falcon 7X, Gulfstream G550, and helicopters such as the Eurocopter AS350 and Bell 206. These senior foreign pilots are also crucial in training fresh recruits to become commanders.

This need becomes more urgent as carriers that are part of the Air India Group, IndiGo, and Akasa prepare for significant fleet expansions, with plans to induct over 1,600 aircraft over this decade and beyond.

Currently, Indian airlines have a fleet exceeding 750 aircraft, of which at least 160 are grounded. Despite a move towards hiring more Indian pilots, the need for experienced expatriate senior pilots remains critical to fulfill operational requirements.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), foreign pilots are granted Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization (FATA) licences, essential under current regulations that prevent foreign pilots from operating beyond December.

Pilot hiring trends

During the early 2000s, the rise of carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and the expansion of Jet Airways and Air India led to a surge in the hiring of foreign pilots, due to a domestic shortage of trained commanders for commercial narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

In 2007, there were 804 foreign pilots in India, with significant numbers at major airlines such as Jet Airways and Air India. From 139 expat pilots in 2016, the number soared to 892 in 2019, coinciding with a 44.3% rise in domestic air traffic to 144.1 million passengers.

However, this figure plummeted to just 67 in 2023 due to the global aviation disruptions caused by the pandemic, with many pilots returning to their homeland or accepting lucrative offers in West Asia.

The drastic reduction since 2019 was also on account of the onset of covid pandemic as pilots returned to their homeland or then got hired with lucrative packages in the Middle East," an airline executive said, on condition of anonymity. As Indian airlines expand and with the consistent growth in air travel demand in India, there is a strong possibility of an uptick in the expat commanders going ahead."

Industry experts argue that completely phasing out FATA may be unrealistic given the ongoing pilot shortages and fleet expansions.

FATA will get extended on application by airlines. It is given to only captains, not co-pilots. As airlines keep getting airplanes, captain shortage will always exist and so will FATA for both large and small airlines," said Shakti Lumba, former head of operations at IndiGo and Alliance Air.
Indian Hotels Co. Ltd, the company that runs Taj and SeleQtions hotels and catering business TajSATS, has grown considerably in its business in the fiscal year.

The company, in a filing on BSE, said that at a consolidated level, it had reported 6,768.75 of gross revenue from operations, growing over FY23's 5,809.91 crore by 16.5%. It said it also had a net profit of 1,259 crore in FY24, growing 25.5% over last year's 1,002.59 crore.

The company said it has a portfolio of 220 hotels and another 90 under development. This also includes hotels outside India.

Read also: IHG Hotels & Resorts shifts gears in India, to double presence after slow start



It is important to note that the company's new business verticalwhich comprises Ginger, Qmin, ama Stays & Trails, The Chambers (membership club) and its catering business TajSATSreported a revenue of 1,588 crore which is included in its consolidated revenues. Of this, TajSATS clocked a revenue of 900 crore, showing a 40% growth over the previous year with an Ebitda margin of 25.5%.

Read also: Scent of growth for Indian Hotels as the good times check in

Additionally, its homestay management arm, ama Stays & Trails clocked a revenue of 35 crore, growing 42% over the previous year, with more properties this yearwith 100 bungalows in operation. It has signed on another 100 to manage. Its food business in restaurants Qmin reported a revenue of 101 crore, a 73% growth over the previous year basis the inclusion of 35 Qmin outlets in its budget brand Ginger hotels.

Recent signings include alliance for 14 resorts Its recent management contract signings include an alliance for 14 resorts under the 'Tree of Life' brand which Kolkata-based Ambuja Neotia group bought. It also signed a 300 key Ginger hotel at the Mopa airport in Goa; a Taj branded hotel in Alibaug, Kollam, Indore and Pushkar, and SeleQtions branded hotels. In Q4 it said it opened six hotels with three hotels under SeleQtions in Jaisalmer, Tirupati and Munnar. It also opened Ginger hotels in Durgapur and Ahmedabad and a Vivanta in Bharatpur, Nepal. Based on this and other developments, it said its management fee for the year grew by 18% over the previous year at 470 crore.

Read also: Indian hotels added record number of rooms in 2023

However, in its balance sheet it observed that one of its subsidiaries (it did not state which one) made losses of 50.73 crore in FY24 (and 16.41 crore in FY23). Its other subsidiary also made losses of 81.89 crore in FY24 and 21.68 crore in FY23.
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 banned employers from using noncompete clauses, which the agency said suppress wages, stall new business formation and stifle companies from hiring the workers they need to grow.

The measure, approved by the agencys Democratic majority on a 3-2 vote, prohibits companies from enforcing existing noncompete agreements on anyone other than senior executives. It also bans employers from imposing new noncompete contracts on senior executives in the future.

The nations biggest business lobbying group promptly moved to block the rule. In a suit filed in federal court in East Texas, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups argued the federal government has never regulated noncompete contracts and Congress never authorized the FTC to do so.

The FTC says nearly one in five American workers is affected by noncompete clauses.

Here is what you need to know about noncompete clauses and what to keep in mind before signing.

What is a noncompete clause?

Noncompete clauses prohibit departing workers from sharing trade secrets or proprietary information with new employers, or from taking proprietary information, such as customer lists, and using it to establish their own business.

When used, these clauses are typically contained in a longer employment agreement that a worker signs. The clauses usually apply for a period of time, such as a year or two years, or to a geographic area.

Why is the FTC banning them?

The FTC says noncompete agreements violate a 110-year-old law that prohibits unfair methods of competition.

FTC Chair Lina Khan said the rule restores rights to Americans that corporations have taken by imposing noncompete clauses in the workplace. Robbing people of their economic liberty also robs them of all sorts of other freedoms," she said.

Why would a business have a noncompete clause?

Many companies say that noncompete agreements are necessary to protect trade secrets, which can include confidential information such as customer data as well as intellectual property such as technical formulas and processes.

The Chamber of Commerce says policymakers and courts have long recognized the value of noncompete agreements, while state governments have put curbs on them when they go too far." The federal government has never regulated noncompete contracts, the Chamber says, and Congress never authorized the FTC to step in and take over for the states.

What kinds of workers are most likely to be affected by noncompete clauses?

Noncompete clauses have commonly been included in the employment contracts of executives, salespeople, scientists and others with access to confidential or proprietary information. Over time, they have been applied to larger swaths of the U.S. workforce, including blue-collar workers. Regulators, researchers and journalists have documented noncompete clauses applied to janitors, baristas, hair stylists, schoolteachers and entry-level workers.

Who does the FTCs ban affect?

The measure only permits current noncompete agreements with senior executives, which the FTC defined as people earning more than $151,164 annually who have policymaking responsibilities at an organization.

What should you ask yourself before signing a noncompete clause?

First, research your states regulations regarding noncompetes. Then ask the following questions, ideally in consultation with an attorney:

Is it reasonable?Is it enforceable?Is it negotiable?

What do state laws say about noncompete agreements?

Most states limit noncompete clauses in some way or require that the agreements contain reasonable restrictions, which leaves them open to courts interpretations. A handful of states, including California, Oklahoma and North Dakota, hold that the clauses are unenforceable in all or nearly all employment contracts. Other states, such as Colorado, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon and Washington, ban them for workers earning below a certain wage threshold.

Even in states where the clauses would be voided by courts, companies still add them because they expect few employees to challenge them, researchers say.

Can you get out of a noncompete clause?

A noncompete clause can be challenged in court, and a judge may find that a clauses restrictions are unreasonable and therefore unenforceable. But many workers lack the information or resources to hire a lawyer, opponents of noncompete clauses say.

What are the consequences if you break a noncompete clause?

Companies dont always enforce their own noncompete clauses. But if they choose to, they can seek an injunction forcing you to honor the noncompete. They can also sue former employees to force them to turn down job offers, quit new jobs, or close a new business they have opened. In some cases, employers are awarded monetary damages if they can prove they have been hurt by an employees decision to join a new firm or start their own business.

Do employers ever sue each other over noncompete clauses?

Yes. While a company might sue its former employee for breach of contract or misappropriation of confidential information when enforcing a noncompete, it can also sue that persons new employer for tortious interference, saying that the company interfered with a contract between the individual and the former employer.

Sometimes, such as when a new employee is especially valuable or brings hard-to-find skills, a new employer will agree to indemnify the individual, covering any liability or costs related to an existing noncompete agreement.

How common is it for noncompete clauses to be enforced?

There are many examples of high-profile companies turning to the law to enforce noncompete clauses. For example, Amazon.com has sued former employees for taking jobs at competitors, including Alphabets Google. A lawsuit against a former executive at Amazon Web Services, Amazons cloud-computing unit, was reportedly settled several months after it was filed in 2020, and the executive was ultimately allowed to join Google.

International Business Machines also has filed lawsuits seeking to prevent former executives from taking jobs with rivals. In 2008, it sued a vice president who had agreed to take a leadership role at Apple. And in 2018, it sued its former chief diversity officer, who had accepted the same job at Microsoft. Both cases were settled, and the executives eventually moved to their new jobs.

Are there alternatives to noncompete agreements that can help companies protect their confidential information?

Companies do have other tools at their disposal to protect trade secrets and confidential information. The Uniform Trade Secrets Act, which has been adopted by nearly every state, allows businesses to sue other companies or individuals if they feel that proprietary information has been stolen. As lawyers point out, however, the laws apply only after information has been misappropriated, and companies must have some evidence that confidential information was stolen or misused.

Companies also can use nondisclosure agreements, which have a similar effect of protecting information but dont prohibit a person from taking a job or starting a business.

Employers can also use carrots instead of sticks to win workers loyalty and discourage them from leaving, lawyers say. Examples include deferred compensation agreements, retention bonuses and rolling stock options that vest after a set amount of time.

This explanatory article may be periodically updated.

Write to Lauren Weber at Lauren.Weber@wsj.com
Hong Kongs stock market used to be the worlds top equity fundraising venue. Not anymore: In the number one spot as recently as 2019, it didnt even break the top five in 2023 according to Dealogic.

But the market is up 6% this week, its best performance this year, in the wake of proposed regulatory changes. In particular, comments from Chinas security regulator suggesting that more big Chinese companies may be greenlighted to list in Hong Kong.

That would be welcome newsbut it is probably not enough to save the patient. A durable recovery for Hong Kongs embattled banking sector still awaits a sea change in investors attitude toward Chinese stocks more broadly.

Last week, Chinese securities regulators announced five measures specifically to support Hong Kongs financial markets. Some, such as expanding the universe of instruments that mainland Chinese investors can buy through a trading link with Hong Kong called Stock Connect, would boost inflows from the north, even if they are not enough to lift the whole market.

What is particularly music to the ears of the citys suffering bankers, however, is that China will support more leading companies" to go public in Hong Kong. It is unclear what concrete steps Beijing will take to make this happenand some of the largest Chinese companies are already listed in Hong Kong. But the market cheered the news anyway: This weeks rally brought the benchmark Hang Seng Index to its highest level this year.

That help is very much needed. Initial public offerings in the city have fallen to levels not seen for more than a decadeless than $1 billion so far in 2024placing it eighth among global exchanges according to Dealogic. That compares with $52 billion for the whole of 2020.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, the operator of the citys stock exchange, on Wednesday reported a 13% year-over-year drop in net profit for the March quarter. Apart from a dearth of new listings, trading volume has also been lackluster. Average daily turnover on the stock exchange last quarter fell 22% from a year earlier.

Some other recent regulatory tweaks could also help. China has stepped up scrutiny of IPOs in its domestic stock markets since last year. Shanghai and Shenzhen have been strong competitors to Hong Kong for new listings in recent years. But more companies may reconsider Hong Kong as it becomes harder to go public in mainland China.

Still, weak sentiment toward any stocks related to China is still the key reason companies havent been going public. The Hang Seng is trading at 8.8 times forward earnings, compared with its ten-year average of 12.4 times, according to FactSet. That makes Hong Kong a tough sell for companies looking to raise capital. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, for example, has abandoned its plan to list its cloud and logistics units, partly due to the market environment.

And some recent companies that did manage to list in Hong Kong have been doing poorly. Bubble tea maker Sichuan Baicha Baidaothe biggest IPO there in 2024has already lost a third of its value since it went public on Tuesday.

A slowing Chinese economy, intensifying geopolitical tensions and Chinas crackdown on industries like technology and real estate have all contributed to the current malaise in Chinese stocks and in Hong Kong.

Smoothing the path for key Chinese firms to list there will help. But tinkering with regulatory rules wont be nearly enough to revive Hong Kongs markets on its own.

Write to Jacky Wong at jacky.wong@wsj.com
HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltds performance for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) was rather uninspiring. The reported total annual premium equivalent (APE) was flat year-on-year. However, after adjusting for a non-recurring premium income of 1,000 crore from the previous year due to Union Budget changes regarding the taxation of maturity proceeds, FY24 APE growth was nearly 8% year-on-year, reaching 13,290 crore.

APE for a life insurance company is comparable to the revenues of companies in other industries. Moreover, economic profit, also known as the value of new business (VNB), is a crucial metric for valuing a life insurance company. Here, accounting profit or profit after tax (PAT) does not offer a true picture of a life insurance company's performance as costs are generally recognized upfront, but profit from an issued policy is earned over a number of years.

Therefore, instead of using the market capitalization divided by PAT to derive the price-to-earnings multiple, one should consider dividing market capitalization by VNB to evaluate a life insurance company. This ratio stands at 37x for HDFC Life based on FY24 results, which seems high given the 5% drop in FY24 VNB to 3,500 crore.

Even after adjusting for the non-recurring VNB of 276 crore from last years base, the growth in VNB stands at just 3%. HDFC Life has historically commanded a high multiple relative to its VNB, justified by the strong VNB growth seen during the three years leading up to FY23.

Valuation metrics and stagnant growth

Another popular metric for valuing companies in most sectors, besides the price-to-earnings ratio, is the price-to-book value. For a life insurance company, the book value is substituted by embedded value. Simply put, embedded value is a total of adjusted book value and the present value of the future profit locked in existing policies. Based on FY24s embedded value of 47,470 crore, HDFC Lifes shares quote at a multiple of 2.7x, which is not particularly cheap considering the near standstill in profit growth.

The product mix at HDFC Life shows that the unit-linked insurance plan (ULIP) accounted for 35% of total sales in FY24, up from 19% a year ago. ULIPs offer investors the chance to invest in mutual funds while purchasing life insurance. Although ULIPs are not the most profitable segment for a life insurance company, their popularity is increasing as a way to participate in the ongoing bull phase in the stock market.

Conversely, term insurance or pure risk coverage products, which are highly profitable, contributed just 5% of total policies sold. Despite the ongoing discussions about low life insurance penetration in India, HDFC Lifes results should prompt investors to reassess industry growth and the valuation of stocks before making investment decisions.
Tesla shares experienced a premarket surge of approximately 10.5% on Wednesday, following reassuring announcements from the electric-car manufacturer, according to news agency Reuters.

These announcements included optimistic sales projections for the year and plans to introduce more affordable models by early 2025, alleviating concerns about slowing growth.

Investors had been anticipating negative news after a turbulent week for Tesla, marked by significant layoffs, departures of key executives, price reductions, and the postponement of a highly anticipated meeting with the Indian prime minister.

These newly unveiled initiatives also helped alleviate concerns on Wall Street, offsetting Tesla's underwhelming first-quarter performance, which included a lower-than-expected profit and the company's first quarterly revenue decline in almost four years.

"First impression for us is CEO Elon Musk is appeasing the market by accelerating new product launches," Jefferies analyst were quoted as saying by Reuters.

Tesla's market value likely to increase by nearly $50 billion, led by the premarket surge in its stock price, which currently stands at $460 billion. However, the company's stock has experienced a 42% decline this year due to elevated borrowing expenses that have tempered electric vehicle (EV) demand and intensified price competition in China, a crucial market.

The implementation of Tesla's growth strategy might bolster backing for a shareholder vote scheduled for May regarding Elon Musk's $56 billion compensation plan. This plan was invalidated by a Delaware court in January.

In recent days, certain Tesla investors, including Ross Gerber, who serves as the president and CEO at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, expressed intentions to resist the package. They pointed to Tesla's declining share price and concerns regarding the integrity of the board as reasons for their opposition.

Certain investors in Tesla, where the stock trades at a forward estimated earnings PE ratio of 57.38, significantly surpassing Ford's 7.06 and General Motors' 4.80, may find the valuation noteworthy.

Before the market opened, Tesla's shares surged to around $160 each, resulting in a paper loss of $1.62 billion for short sellers since the previous day's close, as reported by data and analytics firm Ortex.
Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath, said in a post on social media platform X, that the key to success as a trader lies in enduring difficult days. The post outlined various strategies, including Bull Call Spread, Bear Put Spread, and Iron Condors, which minimize trading challenges.

I've said it earlier, trading actively is the toughest way to make easy money in life. The trick to being a successful trader is to survive the bad days. Over the past year or so, there have been sudden spikes in option prices on expiry days, and traders keep getting caught off guard, Kamath said.

Kamath also reposted a message from Sensibull, an options trading platform owned by Zerodha, aimed at assisting traders in grasping the concept of spreads. Here is a brief overview of its post -

The loss is limited One significant benefit of employing these strategies lies in the containment of losses. Irrespective of market volatility or unforeseen circumstances like circuit breakers or geopolitical unrest, losses are restricted to a predetermined level. This assurance provides traders with protection from the stress of significant fluctuations or potentially devastating financial losses.

No need to worry about stoploss One significant benefit of these strategies lies in their ability to restrict losses. Regardless of market volatility or unforeseen events like circuit breakers or geopolitical upheavals, losses are confined to a predetermined level. This assurance provides traders with protection against the stress of significant fluctuations or potential financial disasters.

No swings, no volatility in P&L In contrast to directional option trades, which see P&L fluctuate with each movement of the underlying asset, spreads provide a tranquil trading environment with minimal P&L volatility. This steadiness enables traders to monitor their P&L less frequently, helping them avoid the addictive urge to constantly check their positions.
In Californias Ventura County, theres a well-dressed regular at the local courthouse who always lays down on the job.

Comet, a 3-year-old black lab, wears a vest and bow tie to court and settles into the witness box before a trial starts. Jurors, who could be biased by the dogs presence, are none the wiser. Unless Comet, snuggled at the testifying witnesss feet, nods off.

The dog snores and it can get really stressful for us," says Jennifer Barbettini, who works with crime victims at the Ventura County district attorneys office. The witness typically nudges Comet awake before anyone notices.

The pack is growing. More than 320 courthouse dogs are working across the U.S., more than triple that of a decade ago, according to Ellen ONeill-Stephens, founder of the nonprofit Courthouse Dogs Foundation.

Courthouse dogs such as Comet, typically working with prosecutors or victim advocates, often are used to comfort witnesses testifying in court or people, particularly alleged crime victims, during law-enforcement interviews.

You get someone who doesnt want to talk, is street hardened and wants no part of being in the building," says Brian Bendish, a prosecutor in Westchester County, N.Y., as Lewis, the 6-year-old Labrador retriever he lives and works with, looks on with puppy-dog eyes. Then Lewis comes in and you can feel the change in their cooperation."

But some defense attorneys are arguing that courtrooms have gone to the dogs.

A dog signals to a jury that an alleged victim is sympathetic, needy or vulnerable," says lawyer Jan Trasen, of Washington Appellate Project, a public-defender organization. The accused person doesnt get to sit there with props."

I love dogs," adds Trasen, whose own mutt, Bear, was trained at a juvenile-detention center. I just dont think they belong in courtrooms."

How do pooches get summoned for courthouse duty? Experts look for dogstypically black labs, golden retrievers or a crossthat are emotionally stable and social, even with people they dont know, says Flora Baird of Canine Companions, a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places service dogs, in addition to those in the justice system.

Paw and order

Trained to follow more than 40 commands and not bark on the job, these canines are paired with handlers who work in criminal justice and manage a dog as part of their role.

For Jason Kramer, a prosecutor in Denver, the process was akin to doggy speed dating. His first match, a labrador-golden retriever named Rita, was a bust.

She had me wrapped around her paw, and I wasnt going to be a very good handler," says Kramer. His current partner is Ritas brother Rylan, who is more receptive to his commands.

Some regions are more court-dog friendly than others, says ONeill-Stephens, of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. Out West its much more acceptable," she says. Along the East Coast, they see it as undignified."

Nine states have laws explicitly allowing specially trained dogs in courtrooms. In others, including Maine and New York, efforts to pass similar legislation have thus far failed.

Some of my colleagues are concerned about fairness," says state Sen. Pam Helming, a Republican who sponsors New Yorks bill. Helming had visited Juno, a courthouse dog in Ontario County, which is in her upstate district. This isnt scientific, but when Juno gave me some kisses, my blood pressure probably dropped a little bit," she says.

Kids are among the dogs biggest fans.

Victim advocate Shannon McFate, of the Denver district attorneys office, asks children their favorite color before choosing neckwear for her offices dog, Bodhi, from his 50-piece bow tie collection. Fawn Borden, in Arkansas, taught a dog named Roxy how to play Uno with those who come in for interviews.

Adults, too, appreciate a four-legged friend, although handlers learn to ask before bringing the canine variety. Once, Borden, who works with victims, took a dog along to an interview, but found the pup wasnt welcome.

The woman showed up with a bunny, who was her emotional support animal," she says.

Dog rules vary. In Arkansas, the law requires dogs to remain out of jurors sight. The stakes are high: If the canine pops out its head from the witness box, a judge could declare a mistrial, Borden says.

We tell our clients, Wear slip-on shoes, and you can use your foot to pet the dog," she says.

In some other states, judges instruct jurors not to let the dogs presence impact their deliberations.

Bone of contention

Objections by defense lawyers have led to a body of appellate law around the country, giving new meaning to the saying a dog of a case." Courts have largely ruled in favor of canines. When Pennsylvanias highest court ruled in 2021 that trial judges have the discretion to allow witnesses to testify with dogs, the court noted one judge had taken several precautionary steps to prepare for the possibility that excited tail-wagging by a dog named Melody would make noise in the witness box.

Today some courtroom dogs are local celebrities, inspiring Instagram accounts, trading cards or even plush toy versions of themselves.

Dogs handlers face unique challenges. Kramer, the prosecutor in Denver, runs 15 minutes late because Rylans fans, from security guards to coffee vendors, stop him in the hallway. McFate, of the Denver district attorneys office, is constantly battling Bodhis blond fur.

I feel like if I dont have a roller with me its a fireable offense," she says.

Write to Corinne Ramey at corinne.ramey@wsj.com
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heatwave conditions in several states in the coming days, ahead of the peak summer seasons.

The IMD's press bulletin stated that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions may prevail in West Bengal and Odisha during the next four days. The IMD has forecasted heatwaves in Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Sikkim over the next four days and heatwaves for Tamil Nadu on April 23 and 24. Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are set for similar weather conditions from April 25 until April 27.

The Met department's weather bulletin stated, A cyclonic circulation lies over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and a trough runs from this cyclonic circulation to the Bay of Bengal in lower tropospheric levels. Another cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Assam in lower tropospheric levels.

Also read: IMD issues heatwave warning: AP, Bihar, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra, MP and Odisha sizzle as max temperature soars 46C Under the influence of such a weather system, the following conditions may prevail:

On April 23, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand can expect light to moderate rainfall or snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

From April 26 to 28, light to moderate rainfall/snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms.

A hailstorm has been predicted by the weather department for Jammu and Kashmir on April 26 and for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on April 27. A Western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over north Pakistan in lower & middle tropospheric levels. A cyclonic circulation lies over northeast Rajasthan in lower tropospheric levels. A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from 26th April,  according to the IMD.

Also read: Heatwave alert in 6 states over next few days; IMD predicts rainfall in 11; Check full weather forecast here Maharashtra state will witness light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds until April 25. The weather department predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorm and lightning over Kerala until April 27; over Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu on April 23 and 24.
A bridge on National Highway 2 in Manipurs Kangpokpi district suffered partial damage due to an IED explosion early on Wednesday, April 24, disrupting traffic movement in the area, newswire PTI reported.

In a statement, Manipur police confirmed that a bridge on National Highway 2 in the ethnically troubled Kangpokpi district of Manipur suffered partial damage in an IED explosion early on Wednesday. The incident led to the disruption of traffic movement in the area.

Also read: US report flags 'significant abuses' in India, harassment of media and minorities A police officer told PTI that the improvised explosive device (IED) blast occurred on the bridge between Sapermeina and Koubru Leikha areas at around 12:45 am, midnight.

No casualties were reported so far in the improvised explosive device (IED) blast, PTI quoted the police officer as saying.

In view of the current situation, the movement of heavy vehicles on the bridge, which serves as a vital link connecting Manipurs capital Imphal with Nagalands Dimapur, has been temporarily suspended.

Also read: US report flags 'significant abuses' in India, harassment of media and minorities Soon after the blast, police officers rushed to the spot and cordoned off the bridge promptly minutes after the explosion occurred. An investigation into the IED blast has been initiated.

The blast occurred hours after a gunfight ensued between village volunteers of the two opposing communities in Imphal West district on April 23.

Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: Re-polling at 11 Manipur polling booths ends peacefully, over 81% turnout recorded In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Manipur police said, "Movement of 204 vehicles along NH-2 with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles.

A total of 128 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 75 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State.
The Supreme Court of India on April 24 directed a senior official of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to be present in court at 2 pm to explain some of its queries regarding EVMs and VVPATs, Live Law reported. This was ordered by a SC bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Dutta.

The bench posed questions regarding the functions of the microcontroller installed in the EVMs, securing the EVMs and VVPATs, and the maximum period for which the machines are to be retained.

Appearing for the EC, senior advocate Maninder Singh assured the court that the officer would be present at 2 pm. The apex court is now likely to pronounce directions on a clutch of petitions seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) at 2 pm on Wednesday.

The bench will pronounce directions on the plea in which an order was reserved by it on April 18.

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an NGO, is one of the petitioners who have sought a reversal of the Election Commission's 2017 decision to replace the transparent glass on VVPAT machines with an opaque glass through which a voter can see the slip only when the light is on for seven seconds.

The ADR has sought to match the count in EVMs with votes that have been verifiably "recorded as cast" and to ensure the voter is able to verify through the VVPAT slip that his vote, as recorded on the paper slip, has been "counted as recorded".

In the previous hearing, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the Election Commission, argued that EVMs were standalone machines and could not be tampered with, but the possibility of human error cannot be ruled out.

On April 16, the top court had deprecated criticism of EVMs and calls for reverting to ballot papers, saying the electoral process in India is a "humongous task" and attempts should not be made to "bring down the system".

About VVPAT The VVPAT is an independent vote verification system that enables electors to see whether their votes have been cast correctly.

Opposition's INDIA bloc has also demanded 100% counting of VVPATs to increase public confidence in Electronic Voting Machines.

VVPATs were first introduced in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and is basically a ballot-less vote verification system connected with the EVM.

The VVPAT generates a paper slip to be viewed by the voters, allowing them to verify whether the vote was cast correctly on the EVM. The slip contains the name and symbol of the party they have voted for.
Delhi crime branch officials interrogated two accused on Wednesday in connection with the case pertaining to the firing incident outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's residence. The interrogation took place in Mumbai.

Both the accused  Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal  were interrogated for about three hours, news agency ANI reported.

As per the report, the Mumbai Crime Branch had earlier recovered strong evidence against gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi. They both were said to be the main conspirators and have been made the most wanted accused.

The Mumbai Police registered a case against four people in the firing case at Salman Khan's house, in which Anmol Bishnoi and Lawrence Bishnoi are also accused.

According to the information received from the Mumbai Crime Branch, before the firing incident, the shooters had done a recce of Salman Khan's house four times. The shooters had also once reached Khan's farmhouse. However, Salman had not gone to his farmhouse for many weeks, and hence they planned to fire at the house.

Mumbai Crime Branch officials informed that when the accused were arrested, a broken mobile phone was recovered from them. The Crime Branch said that the accused had more than one phone and now the Crime Branch is searching for the remaining phones as well.

Before that, the Mumbai Crime Branch also informed about the recovery of the second pistol from the Tapi River in Surat. Mumbai Crime Branch revealed that they had not only recovered the second pistol but also four magazines and 17 rounds.

In this case, on April 22 the crime branch had recovered one pistol from the river. Shooter Vicky Gupta's footprints were found while going from Mumbai to Bhuj in Gujarat, the shooters had thrown the gun and magazine in the Tapi river near Surat.

The police are searching for the phones of the accused in the river as the accused had transferred money to the bank several times.

The two men, who came on a motorbike, fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am on April 14 and fled. CCTV footage showed that both the accused sported caps and carried backpacks.

Earlier, Kutch Police arrested the two accused persons and handed them to the Mumbai Crime Branch. Later, a city court sent the two accused to the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch until April 25 in connection with the firing incident.

The sections under IPC 506(2) (threatening), 115 (abetment), and 201 (tampering with evidence) have been added to the case. Mumbai Crime Branch officials disclosed that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi have been declared wanted accused in connection with the case.

Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the firing outside Salman Khan's house through a Facebook post following the attack.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev on Wednesday. The Indian Embassy in Moscow said the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest.

"On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, NSA Shri Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation," the embassy said in a post on X.

"Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," it added. This was their second meeting this month.

Ajit Doval participated at the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg on Qednesday, April 24.

BRICS NSAs meet Ajit Doval also spoke at the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Secretary of the Russian Federations Security Council.

At the forum, Doval called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent trans border planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts, the embassy said on Wednesday.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Celso Amorim, the chief advisor to the President of Brazil. "Bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest were discussed," it added.

Doval meets Myanmar counterpart, chief advisor to Brazil president 1. Doval held a bilateral meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung and talked about the current situation in Myanmar and India-funded infrastructure projects in Myanmar. "They also discussed recent developments along the India-Myanmar border, including issues related to security, refugees, development projects, etc," the embassy said.
Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda on April 24 clarified his earlier statement on inheritance tax after it generated widespread reactions.

I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kinds of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party including Congress, he wrote on the social media site X (formerly known as Twitter).

He further questioned why there was "panic created".

Who said 55 percent will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why are the BJP and the media in panic? he wrote on X.

Pitroda's comments on debating a possible inheritance tax law in the country have snowballed into a major controversy.

Earlier, emphasizing the need for policy toward wealth redistribution, Pitroda spoke about on the concept of inheritance tax prevailing in America and said these are issued that will need to be discussed.

"In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. That's an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair," Pitroda had said.

"In India, you don't have that. If somebody is worth 10 billion and he dies, his children get 10 billion and the public gets nothing...So these are the kinds of issues people will have to debate and discuss. When we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and new programs that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of the super-rich only," he had further said.

In India, the concept of levying tax on inheritance does not exist as of now. In fact, the Inheritance or Estate Tax was abolished with effect from 1985.

Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sought to firefight the controversy saying the party had no intention on bringing an inheritance tax.

"There is a constitution, we don't have any intention on doing this. Why are you putting BJP's words in our mouths? They are just saying all this for votes," the Congress President said.
Top Events of the Day: India is all set to witness various political, legal, scientific, and financial events including PM Modi's Lok Sabha election campaign in Bhopal, Amit Shah's poll rally in Goa, ISRO's second test flight of Gaganyaan mission, and ED's reply to Arvind Kejriwal's plea today, April 24. Take a look at top events of the day in detail below,

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two public rallies in Sagar and Betul Lok Sabha constituencies along with a roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal today.

- Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a public meeting in Chikkamagaluru and participate in Hubballi roadshow. Besides Karnataka, Shah will also address a public gathering in Goa for the Lok Sabha elections.

- Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will kickstart the poll campaign from Hinjili seat for the assembly elections today, Wednesday.

- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath will participate in a roadshow in Rajarajeshwarinagar Assembly constituency. He will also address public meetings in Madikeri and Malpe of Udupi district.

- Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will address a poll rally in Hanamkonda on April 24 for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in seven phases.

- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set for its second test flight of the Gaganyaan mission on April 24, 2024.

- The Enforcement Directorate has been asked by the Supreme Court of India to file a reply on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

- The Supreme Court will pronounce the verdict on petitions seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) today.

- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will begin his visit to China from April 24.

- The National Stock Exchange will launch derivatives contracts for its widely followed Nifty Next 50 index on Wednesday, April 24.

- Bajaj Housing Finance board will meet on April 24 to discuss mandatory listing requirement.

- BJP Hyderabad Lok Sabha candidate M Madhavi Latha likely to submit her nomination for the general elections today.

- The Election Commission of India has announced repolling in eight polling stations of four assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh.

- The Supreme Court of India asked the National Medical Commission to share details of stipends paid to medical interns, residents today.
Its the footwear equivalent of a spork. And no one knows what to make of it.

New Balances latest frankenshoe, the 1906L, is trapped between a sneaker and a loafer. It has grayed-out mesh paneling and a stabilizing soletrademarks of the centurion sneaker companys running shoes. But it lacks laces or even eyelets. The sneakers bulky silhouette has been shaved down into a purist loafer.

Like the liger, the Cronut and the chortle before it, this shoe is a confounding hybrid. Though it wont be released until August, it has already been memed into oblivion. I cant wait to mow my lawn in these bad boys," read one comment on Instagram. Church at 9 and dunking on the kids in the gym at 11," read another.

Even what to call this identity-crisis-stricken creation is up for debate. I said snoafer," others sneafer." In an interview, Charlotte Lee, the New Balance footwear designer behind the 1906L, referred to it simply as a loafer. (The name comes from the longstanding New Balance running shoe design, with an L tacked on for loafer.)

Its now common for footwear giants to contort core styles into something new. In recent years, Nike, Adidas and New Balance have sliced the back heel off certain shoes to turn them into slip-on mules. But those were meant to be casual. The snoafer has greater ambitions.

Rather than march toward the couch, the snoafer takes an express elevator to the executive suite. It is a sneaker that dares to be worn with a suit. Lani Burton, New Balances senior product manager, who oversaw the 1906Ls Frankensteinian birth, said she hopes to see wedding pics featuring snoafer-wearing grooms.

Lee, the designer behind the shoe, said that the 1906L referenced trends swirling around the sneaker world, including techy running shoes and a pandemic-sparked obsession with comfort. It feels like we are a brand which can blend between many lines," said Lee. She came up with the idea in June 2022, taking inspiration from New Balances history of making by-the-book brogues and boat shoes from around the 80s and 90sa largely forgotten chapter in the brands history that Lee unearthed in the archive.

Notably, the snoafer manages to plow new ground on the stagnating dad-shoe trend. For about a decade, young men well shy of fatherhood have co-opted doughy, mesh-heavy trainers worn by middle-aged suburbanites everywhere. The 1906L ditches the youthful language of a sneaker, and instead blends with the silhouette of a country club loafer. Like a genetically modified tomato, it is the dad shoe perfected.

Its the best of all worlds where you want a hint of something that feels classier than a sneaker, a bit dressier than a mule," said Jian DeLeon, mens fashion director at Nordstrom, who first spotted the style during its debut on the runway at the Junya Watanabe fashion show in Paris in January.

Prior attempts to fuse formal shoes with sneakers have produced mixed results. Cole Haans leather-uppered and sneaker-soled LunarGrands from the early 2010s remain a cubicle staple, and variations on the shoe have recently been worn by politicians including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.). They may have bipartisan appeal, but Cole Haans concoctions have faced derision from fashion critics.

Loro Pianas $1,095 Open Walksa suede loafer upper on a rubber solewere for a time the unofficial shoes of the Davos-to-Sun Valley circuit. Other stabs, such as a 2019 steam-punky loafer/sneaker design Reebok made in collaboration with London fashion label Cottweiler, tried and failed to gain the snoafer a foothold.

Shoes like the LunarGrand always seemed to be shy about their sneakery side. Their whole intent was that you could wear them to the office and maybe fool your boss into thinking they were just a pair of Allen Edmonds. But the 1906L could never be mistaken for anything other than the bizarre mutt it is. It wears its sneaker and loafer DNA in equal, ostentatious measure, resulting in one strange, yet compelling, shoe.

It works because it knows its goofy, and it knows its unserious," said Brendan Dunne, the head of sneakers at Complex magazine. He said hes never owned a pair of loafers but plans to get the 1906Ls, which suit his jocular sensibility. If you wear them, youre not trying to be that serious," he said.

The new Balance team welcomes the jokes. We can poke fun of ourselves," Burton said. Lee, for her part, called the memes the ultimate compliment."

Write to Jacob Gallagher at jacob.gallagher@wsj.com
Norfolk Southerns first-quarter earnings report Wednesday gave the railroad the opportunity to publicly defend CEO Alan Shaws strategy again before investors decide on May 9 whether to back him. Since the railroad already preannounced its disappointing results earlier this month when it disclosed a $600 million settlement over the disastrous February 2023 Ohio derailment there were few surprises in Wednesdays numbers.

Norfolk Southern confirmed the $53 million, or 23 cents per share, that it earned in the first quarter. Without the settlement and some other one-time costs, the railroad said it would have made $2.39 per share while Wall Street was predicting earnings of $2.60 per share. The Atlanta-based railroads profit dropped from $466 million, or $2.04 per share, a year ago even though the railroad delivered 4% more shipments during the quarter.

Our strategy is about balancing service, productivity and growth with safety at its core, Shaw said, and he promised to close the profit margin gap with other major railroads over the next couple of years though several analysts have expressed doubts about whether Norfolk Southern will be able to do that as all the other railroads keep improving.

The railroad and Ancora Holdings disagree over whether Shaw s strategy of keeping more workers on hand during a downturn to be ready to handle the eventual rebound is the best way to run Norfolk Southern and whether he is the best man to lead the railroad.

Ancora's CEO candidate, Jim Barber, was formerly UPS chief operating officer and said keeping more workers on hand during slower times is wasteful.

This concept of Precision Scheduled Railroading is the exact same way that UPS has run its network for 60 or 70 years, which is you run it very efficiently, very effectively, and very balanced with as few assets as you can and leverage the efficiency of your employee base and the assets, Barber said in an interview with The Associated Press.

All the railroad unions, which have been complaining about the deep job cuts since PSR became the industrys standard operating model, came out in support of Shaw even though Norfolk Southern has also cut workers. And key regulators at the Surface Transportation Board and Federal Railroad Administration warned that Ancoras strategy could jeopardize the advancements in safety and service Norfolk Southern has made since the East Palestine derailment.

But control of the railroad will ultimately be decided by investors  not the unions or regulators  who will vote on Ancoras seven board nominees, and investors have reason to be disappointed in Norfolk Southerns results given that the railroads profit margins have lagged behind peers. Several big investors, including EdgePoint Investment Group that ranks in the top 10 of the railroads shareholders, have said they will back Ancoras slate, and a Deutsche Bank analyst said in a research note that the activists seem to have strong support among institutional investors.

Barber and Ancoras pick to be chief operating officer argue that Norfolk Southern needs to aggressively implement the lean Precision Scheduled Railroading model to make the best use of its locomotives and crews and bring its profits in line with the other major freight railroads. That model calls for running fewer, longer trains on a tighter schedule and switching cars less often, so the railroad wont need as many workers, locomotives and railcars.

If keeping more workers on hand was really the answer, Barber and the man Ancora wants to be Norfolk Southerns Chief Operations Officer, Jamie Boychuk, questioned why Norfolk Southern cant deliver more shipments on time now while business remains slower. The railroad said Wednesday that during the first quarter, it delivered 86% of the shipping containers it handled and about 76% of all the other goods on time. Norfolk Southern predicted that would improve in the second quarter, but its nearest competitor in the East, CSX railroad, was already significantly better.

Ancora wants to shrink Norfolk Southerns workforce by about 1,500 jobs through attrition over the next three years while working to cut more than $800 million in expenses in the first year, and another $275 million by the end of three years.

Norfolk Southern says theres no way to save that much in a year without laying off about 2,900 workers. The railroad said it believes the steps Ancora has outlined would only save about $400 million in the first year. Norfolk Southern has predicted that its own plan will generate that much cost savings within two years.

In one example of the dueling letters and presentations to investors, Ancora replied to that criticism and said most of its initial $800 million in projected savings come from things like parking hundreds of unneeded locomotives and thousands of railcars and improving fuel efficiency  not from layoffs.

Boychuk has experience helping CSX implement Precision Scheduled Railroading after a different investor group pressured that railroad to hire industry legend Hunter Harrison in 2017. That led to all kinds of service problems that year when CSX overhauled its operations quickly in the last few months of Harrisons life, but since those initial problems CSX has come to be regarded as the industry leader in most respects and routinely outperforms Norfolk Southern in the eastern U.S.

Boychuk and Barber have promised to implement the model more gradually at Norfolk Southern, but they say major changes are needed  not the incremental adjustments the railroad is making under new Chief Operating Officer John Orr that it paid CPKC railroad $25 million to get the right to hire this spring.

Orr touted his background at other railroads and the efforts he has made in the first month on the job to streamline the way Norfolk Southern's railyards are working.

But Boychuk said improving the way individual railyards operate without reworking the entire network will just push the problems out somewhere else along the railroad.

Its not about a point here, a point there. Or because I massaged a yard, Boychuk said.

Norfolk Southern shares fell more than 3.5% Wednesday to trade around $236 after the report. Ancora predicts shares will reach between $420 and $525 over the next three years if it implements its plan.

Regardless of how the vote ends up, the fight over Norfolk Southern has already put all rail CEOs on notice, and the industry already had a history of investors forcing changes. Just last year, Union Pacific hired a new CEO in response to pressure from a hedge fund, but the most famous examples were when CSX and previously Canadian Pacific both hired Harrison to implement Precision Scheduled Railroading.

Current CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs knows he has to keep costs in line while also trying to improve customer service and grow the railroad.
Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna published a new public apology in the newspapers today, Wednesday, April 24, for not complying with the Supreme Court's directives regarding misleading advertisements against Patanjali Ayurved. This marks their second apology, and notably, the new advertisement is bigger, following the court's inquiry into the size of their first apology compared to the ads for their products.

Patanjali Ayurved founders Baba Ramdev and managing director Acharya Balkrishna's new unconditional public apology in newspapers today states, In wake of on going matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, we in our individual capacity as well as on behalf of the Company, unconditionally apologise for the non-compliance or disobedience of directions/orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.

Patanjali misleading ad case: The new unconditional public apology by Patanjali in newspapers today.

The advertisement further reads, We unconditionally extend the apology for holding meeting/press conference dated 22.11.2023. We earnestly apologize for the mistake made in publishing our advertisements and it is our whole- hearted commitment that such errors will not be repeated. We undertake to abide by directions and instructions of the Hon'ble Court with due care and utmost sincerity. We undertake to uphold the majesty of the court and comply with applicable laws and directions of the Honble Court of law/relevant authorities.

Also read: Patanjali in court: SC pulls up company, warns FMCG firms against misleading ads Earlier, Ramdev and Balkrishna had submitted an unconditional and unqualified apology before the Supreme Court for making false claims about the medicinal efficacy of their products in their advertisements.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court reprimanded Ramdev and his aide Balkrishna, who were bombarded with questions about the prominence of the published apology in newspapers. While putting forth questions, a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, had said, Is it the same size of advertisements that you normally issue in newspapers?

Also read: Patanjali ads case: SC asks Ramdev, Balkrishna to issue public apology Representing Ramdev and Balkrishna, Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi informed the SC bench that they had issued an unqualified apology for their lapses in 67 newspapers on Tuesday, April 23.
(Bloomberg) -- US Supreme Court justices clashed over the limits on state power to ban abortion when a womans health is in jeopardy, suggesting a deep divide over a Biden administration bid to protect access in medical emergencies.

Hearing arguments Wednesday on Idahos near-total abortion ban, the courts most conservative justices questioned the administrations reading of a federal statute that requires hospitals to stabilize patients who arrive in need of emergency treatment. The liberal justices indicated they agreed with the Justice Department that the law requires hospitals to provide abortions when necessary to prevent major health consequences.

It says that you dont have to wait until the person is on the verge of death, Justice Elena Kagan said. If the woman is going to lose her reproductive organs, thats enough to trigger this duty on the part of the hospital to stabilize the patient.

The case marks the first time the court has reviewed a state abortion ban since overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Idaho is one of a handful of states that now bans all abortions unless the mothers life is in danger.

The high court is separately considering a lawsuit that would restrict access to a widely used abortion pill. The court is scheduled to rule in both cases by late June, potentially fueling the debate in the lead-up to the November election.

The two justices most likely to determine the outcome of the case  Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett  asked questions of both sides and didnt clearly indicate which way they were leaning.

Barrett said at one point she was kind of shocked when Joshua Turner, the lawyer for the state, couldnt clearly answer whether abortions would be permitted under Idaho law in certain circumstances.

Obvious Concern

Roberts suggested he was worried about the process for determining whether doctors complied with the law in a given case.

Is the doctor subjected to review by a medical authority? he asked. Exactly how is that evaluated? Because its an obvious concern.

At issue is the reach of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, known as EMTALA, a 1986 law designed to prevent hospital emergency rooms from refusing to care for people who come in without insurance or a means to pay.

Justice Samuel Alito was skeptical that a law passed with the support of Republican President Ronald Reagan could be read to bolster abortion rights. Alito pointed to a provision in the law that refers to the unborn child.

Isnt that an odd phrase to put in a statute that imposes a mandate to perform abortions? he asked US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the Biden administrations top courtroom lawyer.

Prelogar said the provision was designed to address well-publicized cases where women were experiencing conditions, their own health and life were not in danger, but the fetus was in grave distress and hospitals werent treating them.

Turner, the Idaho lawyer, told the justices that nothing in EMTALA requires doctors to ignore the scope of their license and offer medical treatments that violate state law.

Full Enforcement

The administration sued just before the Idaho ban took effect in August 2022, and a federal trial judge said doctors could continue performing abortions in health emergencies while the legal fight goes forward.

But the Supreme Court lifted the trial court order in January, letting Idaho begin fully enforcing its ban, which carries criminal penalties of as long as five years in prison. The high courts eventual ruling will affect other states with sweeping bans, including Texas, which is waging a similar legal fight against the administration.

Opponents of the Idaho law include doctors who say women with no chance of delivering a healthy baby are being forced to wait days, or be transported out of state, to address a serious health risk. Those critics also say the law has led to an exodus of obstetricians from the state.

The cases are Moyle v. United States, 23-726, and Idaho v. United States, 23-727.

(Updates with excerpt from arguments starting in third paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Rebel Wilson has alleged that a member of the British royal family invited her to a "drug-fuelled orgy" at a US tech billionaire's home, the Telegraph reported.

Sharing details in her memoir 'Rebel Rising', the Australian actress claimed the royal in question was "15th or 20th in line to the throne", adding that the party happened in 2014.

I got thrown a last-minute invite to a tech billionaires party  the guy who invited me, whos like fifteenth or twentieth in line to the British throne, had said to my male friend, We need more girls, Wilson wrote. She added that the house was a rented medieval theme ranch "just outside Los Angeles".

About the British Royal Wilson said she saw the minor royal "flounder around", adding that as the party progressed around 2 am "a guy" came out with a large tray with what looked like "candy" piled onto it.

Im like, Ooooh, is that candy? and the guy holding the tray says, No, this is the molly [MDMA], and I turned to the screenwriter Ive been talking with, confused. He says, Oh, its for the orgy  the orgies normally start at these things about this time.

She added: Now the comment by the Windsor about needing more girls started to make a lot more sense. They werent talking about a boy-girl ratio like it was a year-eight disco. They were talking about an ORGY! Needless to say, I hike up my damsel dress and run out of there as fast as I can.

Wilson further claims the party was a "vibe" and "insane".

"... (I wore a) buxom damsel outfit complete with cone hat. It was a vibe ... The party was insane. Men were jousting on horses in a field, girls dressed as mermaids were in the pool  The property was massive, and because it was quite a drive, people had been assigned rooms to sleep there overnight," she added.

Allegations Against Sacha Baron Cohen Wilson also has a chapter called 'Sacha Baron Cohen and Other Aholes', where she planned to detail allegations about the Borat actor's behaviours on the sets of a movie they co-starred, the report said. A page of allegations was redacted following Baron Cohen's denial via his lawyers to publisher HarperCollins, it added.

The 44-year-old actress said working with Baron Cohen on The Brothers Grimsby was "the worst experience of my professional life."
Kate Middleton is keen to "let bygones be bygones" as she shares a picture of her youngest son Prince Louis on his sixth birthday on April 23.

A royal expert, quoted by The News, said this new post by the Princess of Wales is a "clear message" to both her fans and critics that she is ready to forgive and resume her royal role.

Her latest Instagram post on her youngest's birthday is an unedited photo of Prince Louis grinning at the camera as he lies barefoot on the grass.

Kate's post read: 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today. (Camera) The Princess of Wales

Kate has faced heat in recent past for releasing edited picture on Mother's Day. She had later issued a public apology for the post.

Royal expert and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop quoted by The News told Mirror that the new picture depicts that the Princess of Wales wants to "forgive us for our scurrilous speculation."

Dunlop also said the Kensington Palace could "easily have let this birthday go" since Prince Louis is only six and is not in line to inherit the throne.

"His mother is having cancer treatment, his father is trying to multi-task and the general publics propensity towards conspiracy theories has hardly covered us in glory," Dunlop told the Mirror.

"But by choosing to share a photograph taken by Kate the Princess of Wales is messaging that She will forgive us and our scurrilous speculation if we quietly let her resume the role of royal photographer-in-chief," the expert added.

Dunlop also claimed that the photo shows that the Prince and Princess of Wales are back at "posing as Britain's first family".
Online stock investment frauds are becoming rampant in India and thousands of people have lost lakhs of rupees in the past few months. In a recent case of an online scam on WhatsApp, a Bengaluru businessman lost a whopping 5.2 crore after clicking on a link to download an app.

The 52-year-old Jayanagar resident, who was new to stock market trading, became a victim of a sophisticated cybercrime.

The businessman was tricked into downloading a fraudulent mobile application on WhatsApp by unknown individuals who promised opportunities for high-return investments.

According to a Times of India report, the victim received a WhatsApp message on March 11 promising lucrative returns, along with a link. The link directed him to download an app from "bys-app.com".

Though he had initially ignored the message, as per the report, he was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group named "Y-5 Ever Core Financial Leader". The WhatsApp group had nearly 160 members.

However, he continued to ignore the messages.

The fraudsters, on seeing no response from him, started spamming him with calls from unknown numbers. They were persistently urging him to click on a download the app link to gain returns from the stock market.

The businessman finally gave in hesitantly, thinking that it was a legitimate opportunity.

On downloading the app, the businessman was presented with multiple investment opportunities along with different bank accounts for transferring money to "invest in the stock market".

The accounts, however, were controlled by the scammers in a ploy to steal money in the name of investments.

By April 2, the victim had fallen prey to the fraudster's false assurances and transferred 5.2 crore into the bogus accounts.

He first realised that it was all a scam when he attempted to withdraw the profits or even a part of his principal investment but was refused.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday issued a warning to Israel, saying an attack on Iranian territory would lead to a radical change in dynamics. If the Zionist regime once again makes a mistake, the situation will be different, Raisi said during his three-day visit to Pakistan.

Tehran's retaliatory attack on Israel on April 13 was "how the country punished the Zionist regime, said Raisi, adding that Iran punished the nation for the attack on Iranian consulate in Damascus which was against all international laws.

The people of Iran and Pakistan both defend the oppressed Palestinian nation. Islamic Iran will continue to defend the resistance and the oppressed nation of Palestine with pride, the Iranian President said.

Today, the biggest violators of human rights are Americans and Westerners as supporters of the Zionist regime in its child-killing and genocide. The liberation of Quds is the number one question of humankind. The resistance of the people of Gaza will lead to the liberation of the Holy Quds and Palestine, Raisi said as quoted by Mehr news.

On April 13, Iran launched drones and missiles on Israel in a retaliatory attack for Jerusalem's alleged strike on its embassy in Damascus on April 1 that also killed an Iranian official.

US warns Pakistan of trade with Iran The United States on Tuesday warned Pakistan of potential risk of sanctions for considering business deals with Iran amid President Ebrahim Raisi's three-day visit to the Islamic nation.

We're going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities wherever they may occur," US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits," the US official added.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP)  Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Israel must be brought to justice for usurpation and oppression of the Palestinian territories, if not there won't be a guarantee that others would not do the same in other lands.

Raisi was delivering a statement during his one-day visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

When it come to the oppressor, when it come to the usurper, the Zionist Israeli regime has been committing oppression against the people of Palestine for 75 years, they have been usurping their territory, Raisi said.

First of all we have to expel the usurpers secondly we should make them pay the cost for all the damages they have created and thirdly we have to bring to justice the oppressor and usurper, he said.

Earlier on Wednesday Raisi inaugurated a hydropower and irrigation project in Sri Lanka and said his country has proven the West doesnt have a monopoly on technology.

Raisi is the first Iranian leader to visit Sri Lanka since former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad visited the country in 2008.

The Western countries tried to convince all others that knowledge and technology is exclusive to those countries, Raisi said, addressing Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other top officials. He said the idea was rooted in colonialism and arrogance and that Iran was now able to share its knowledge with others, currently having projects in 20 countries.

The Uma Oya project, in the central Badulla district, was constructed with Iranian technical assistance. Valued at $514 million, it was started in 2010 by Irans FARAB engineering group and Iran initially provided $50 million. But in 2013, funding could not be continued because of international sanctions against Iran. The Sri Lankan government then decided to complete the project with its own funds using the same Iranian contractor.

The project was scheduled for completion in 2015 but was delayed by international sanctions against Iran, technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said in a statement ahead of Raisis visit.

The project will add 290 GWh of electricity annually to the national grid and irrigate 4,500 hectares (11,100 acres) of new land and 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of existing agricultural land.

Raisi and Wickremesinghe later Wednesday witnessed the signing of five memoranda of understanding covering areas including tourism, science, technical media, films and sports.
(Updates with confirmation from national security adviser Jake Sullivan, paragraphs 3-5)

By Steve Holland and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) - The United States in recent weeks secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine for use in its battle to fight off Russian invaders, and Ukraine has now used them twice, a U.S. official said on Wednesday.

The missiles were contained in a $300 million military aid package for Ukraine that U.S. President Joe Biden approved on March 12, said the U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official would not say how many of the missiles were sent.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, at a briefing for reporters, confirmed that a "significant number" of the missiles had been sent to Ukraine and said "we will send more."

He said Ukraine has committed to only use the weapons inside Ukraine, not in Russia.

Some of the missiles were contained in a $1 billion weapons package for Ukraine that President Joe Biden approved on Wednesday, Sullivan said.

The missiles were used for the first time in the early hours of April 17, launched against a Russian airfield in Crimea that was about 165 km (103 miles) from the Ukrainian front lines, the official said.

The official said Ukraine used the weapon a second time overnight against Russian forces in southeastern Ukraine.

Whether to send the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range up to 300 km was a subject of debate within the Biden administration for months. Mid-range ATACMS were supplied last September.

The Pentagon initially opposed the long-range missile deployment, fearing the loss of the missiles from the American stockpile would hurt U.S. military readiness. There were also concerns that Ukraine would use them to attack targets deep inside Russia.

Russia's use of North Korean-supplied long-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine in December and January, despite U.S. public and private warnings not to do so, led to a change in heart, the U.S. official said.

Also a factor in U.S. decision-making was Russia's targeting of Ukraine's critical infrastructure, the official said.

"We warned Russia about those things," the official said. "They renewed their targeting."

In late January the U.S. military found a way to satisfy their concerns about military readiness, which enabled the administration to move forward. They began acquiring new missiles coming off the Lockheed-Martin production line.

Biden met with his national security team in mid-February and agreed to accept the unanimous recommendation of his advisers to send the missiles to Ukraine. Involved in the discussion were national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman C.Q. Brown.

The challenge at that point was to figure out how to pay for the missiles. The United States had exhausted all of its funding options and congressional gridlock stymied further aid.

An opportunity arose in March, when several Pentagon contracts came in under bid. Biden was able to use the difference to send $300 million in assistance to Ukraine.
The United States and Russia are set to face off over nuclear weapons in space on Wednesday at the United Nations Security Council, which is due to vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution calling on countries to prevent an arms race in outer space.

Russia is expected to block the draft resolution, said some diplomats. The U.S. move comes after it accused Moscow of developing an anti-satellite nuclear weapon to put in space, an allegation that Russia's defense minister has flatly denied.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Japan's U.N. Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki said in a joint statement on Friday that they have been negotiating with Security Council members on the draft text for six weeks.

The text affirms the obligation of states to comply with the Outer Space Treaty and calls on countries "to contribute actively to the objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space."

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bars signatories  including Russia and the United States  from placing "in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction."

Russia and China are planning to first put an amendment to a vote in the council. The amendment echoes a 2008 proposal by the pair for a treaty banning "any weapons in outer space" and threats "or use of force against outer space objects."

'UNBALANCED, HARMFUL' The amendment is not expected to be adopted, said diplomats. The amendment and the draft resolution each require at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France to be adopted.

"Without our amendment, based on the General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2023, the text tabled by the U.S. will be unbalanced, harmful and politicized," deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told Reuters, adding that it would also undermine the Outer Space Treaty legal regime.

Polyanskiy said "all questions relating to this sphere should be considered by the full membership of States Parties to this Treaty and not by the U.N. Security Council members only."

U.S. intelligence officials, according to three people familiar with their findings, believe the Russian capability to be a space-based nuclear bomb whose electromagnetic radiation if detonated would disable vast networks of satellites.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has said Russia has not yet deployed such a weapon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in February that Russia was against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space.

Governments have increasingly viewed satellites in Earths orbit as crucial assets that enable an array of military capabilities on Earth, with space-based communications and satellite-connected drones in the war in Ukraine serving as recent examples of the outsized role of space in modern warfare.
The United States on Tuesday warned Pakistan of potential risk of sanctions for considering business deals with Iran amid President Ebrahim Raisi's three-day visit to the Islamic nation.

We're going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities wherever they may occur, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits, the US official added.

Why does US warn Pakistan of sanctions? Patel further explained the reason behind warning of potential sanctions on Pakistan, saying these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery.

"These were entities based in the PRC in Belarus and that we have witnessed to have supplied equipment and other items to Pakistan's ballistic missile program...," he clarified.

The entities include Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant which has worked to supply special vehicle chassis to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program.

Pakistan-Iran bilateral ties During his three-day visit to Pakistan, President Ebrahim Raisi inked eight bilateral agreements including the setting up of a joint special economic zone with Islamabad. The two nations discussed their vision of advancing political, economic, trade, and cultural ties, as per Samaa reports.

The accords included cooperation in veterinary and animal health, judicial support in civil cases, and security matters.

Pakistan's Interior Ministry, in an official statement, said both leaders agreed on principle to forbid terrorist organizations from operating within each other's borders and to work together on counterterrorism initiatives.

Raisi emphasized that Pakistan and Iran must increase their bilateral commerce to about $10 billion in the next three to four years. Ebrahim Raisi is the first Iranian president to visit Islamabad in eight years.
The quarterly results of Reliance Industries Ltd have made news for a bottom-line dip, although its top-line rose. Its net profit for the final quarter of 2023-24 fell 1.8% from a year earlier to 18,951 crore, while revenues saw an 11% increase to over 2.4 trillion. Its core oil-to-chemicals business faced a few headwinds downstream, while a surge in offshore-gas output shored up hydrocarbons upstream, where oil was subject to global flux, even as Reliance Retail and telecom under Jio fared fairly well, turning in double- or near-double-digit growth on both counts. As far as numbers go, the annual results drew wider attentionas usual, for a whole new proportion of operations achieved over the year. In fiscal 2023-24, Indias single largest company took its revenues past the 10 trillion level and pre-tax profit above the 1 trillion mark. As no Indian enterprise has recorded so many digits ever before, this deserves applause in its own right. The rise of our economy has begun to show more prominently than ever in the magnitude of our top businesses, with trillions starting to take the place of billions. Even in India, we can look at the top leagues corporate sales as a slice of national output: Reliances figure is about 3.4% of our nominal GDP.

The story of Reliance has been one of relentless growth, with large sums invested over time in diversification. From synthetics, it went in for vertical integration upwards into oil-and-gas and downwards into polymers, while its horizontal extensions addressed the retail and telecom sectors, the latter setting the stage for a big digital play, even as it began investing heavily in clean energy. Impressively, its strategic pursuit of expansion has rarely got in the way of its financial performance. From here onwards, its prospects look stable. While oil volatility tends to impact a huge chunk of its finances, with input cost spikes often offset by gains in output value, both its retail and telecom operations look steady. As for capital allocations, investors have been tracking its energy-storage and green hydrogen ambitions, where it aims for a cost breakthrough, as well as its recent moves in the media space, where its assets are set to merge with Disneys in India, giving the new combine an edge in the TV broadcast arena. As such new projects could secure a sustainable future for Reliance by reducing its dependence on hard-to-abate industries in a carbon context, they will surely hog resources.

Reliances investors, however, cannot be faulted for wondering why its annual dividends remain relatively low. On Monday, it proposed a payout of 10 per share, adding to the 9 it paid in August. Together, they spell a dividend yield of less than 1% (on a stock that closed above 2,919 on Tuesday). In general, firms that arent in mature markets are not expected to award too big a slice of profits to shareholders, as they can put the retained portion to good use. Yet, Indian blue chips are generally seen to pay less than those in markets where shareholder pressure plays a bigger role. More generous payouts would remind investors of the basic rationale of investingto get a part of enlarging profits. A dividend boom across India Inc would not only enthuse more Indians, it can also amplify a key message: As stock ownership is open to all, wealth creation has a sharing mechanism that everyone is welcome to join. Those who buy into this idea shouldnt need to offload shares to reap its rewards. As Indias largest company, Reliance is best placed to lead such a campaign.
How do you run a democracy when the mercury rises above 40 Celsius? Thats the problem faced by voters in India. A swathe of the countrys east is sweltering under a brutal heatwave. The city centre of Kolkata has emptied out, schools have cancelled classes, and one TV presenter collapsed on air with heat stroke.

The first round of 7-phase general elections, which took place on Friday, seems to have been another casualty: turnout was down four percentage points relative to the last poll in 2019, as reported. Multiple officials quoted by the paper cited the effect of extreme heat, adding also that a wedding season and general apathy may have been factors. Some of the most intense temperatures last week were on the east coast, keenly watched battlegrounds where Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has traditionally been weak relative to its performance in the north and west. There were about 7.6 million fewer voters in the 102 seats polled Friday, as per estimates by Yogendra Yadav, an election analyst and political activist. The worlds largest democracy is going to struggle more with this as the planet warms. It will have to overhaul its hulking electoral machinery to keep up.

The length of voting lines in US federal elections are a perennial scandal, prompting lawsuits, protests and a Curb Your Enthusiasm story line. The challenges youll face standing around in the middle of fall in the US are nothing, however, compared to an Indian pre-monsoon heatwave. Theres both idealistic and cynical reasons to change. Encouraging the highest possible turnout ought to be an end in itself for any democracy. US elections have been held at the start of November since the mid-19th century because farmers in what was then a largely agricultural society had completed the harvest and the coldest winter weather was yet to come. That was seen as the best way of boosting turnout.

India may have ended up with its recent run of summer elections for similar reasons. Prime ministers get to choose the date of the polls. Between monsoons, wedding seasons, religious festivals, three separate cropping seasons and surprisingly intense winters, however, there just arent that many suitable dates. Every Indian general election since 2004 has been held in April and May. Theres a more wily reason to target changing seasons, too. Climate seems to have measurable if much-debated effects on voter behaviour. In the UK, all but one of the 11 general elections since 1979 have also happened in April, May or June, when politicians appear to believe the spring sunshine will imbue people with optimism that will benefit incumbents. By the same token, waiting in line in furnace-like temperatures might not be the best way to convince wavering voters the government has its priorities straight.

There are plenty of fixes that could be made here. India has nearly a billion registered voters, but few provisions to make the ballot process easier. Postal and absentee voting is only available to people with disabilities, those over 85 (raised this time around from 80 in 2019), and certain essential services workers. Everyone else needs to turn up on the day or miss the opportunity. Roughly half a billion people who have migrated from other areas of the country face barriers to voting in their home towns, an issue that the countrys Election Commission is only starting to address.

In-person pre-poll voting may be a challenge, given the sheer scale of the vote. There simply arent enough poll workers to run it in a country with a million voting booths. Still, postal ballots ought to be far more widely used.

Above all, though, Indian politicians need to reconsider the timing of the polls. Punishing monsoon seasons arent going away any time soon. Indeed, theyre only likely to get worse as the accumulated carbon pollution from richer countries, as well as that resulting from Indias own failing renewables programmes, raises temperatures in April and May to still-more unbearable levels. An earlier ballot, perhaps kicking off after Republic Day in late January would avoid the worst times.

Its possible the current election could provide the catalyst for such a change. Despite the BJPs roots as an urban, upper-caste party, the constituencies that Modi has increasingly relied upon since coming to power in 2014 have been rural, lower-income and lower-caste voters who are likely to be put off by sweltering weather on election day. The low turnout Friday appears to have rattled the BJP.

We should usually worry when populist leaders start messing around with the mechanics of elections. If it would mean more voters getting to Indias polls without withering in the summer heat, that might be a risk worth taking. bloomberg
BRUSSELSThe European Union is ramping up economic pressure on Beijing with two new probes into allegations of unfair Chinese business practices, days ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinpings planned visits to Paris and Budapest.

The European Commission, the blocs executive body, is voicing growing concern over Chinese subsidies and other economic policies that it says harm European businesses. The bloc in recent months has used a new legal tool to probe Chinese companies bids for public tenders in Europe, and last year launched an antisubsidy investigation into electric vehicle imports from China.

This week, the commission said it would investigate Chinas domestic procurement practices for medical devices, which the EU said unfairly favor Chinese companies over European and other foreign rivals. If the EU probe supports those allegations, the bloc could change its own procurement rules to limit Chinese companies ability to compete in Europe or bar them from some bids.

The probe is the EUs first under its new International Procurement Instrument, which came into force in 2022 and aims to address what officials see as unfair procurement rules in other countries. The bloc said it can suspend the investigation if China changes its procurement practices or commits to doing so.

Chinas exports of medical devices to Europe more than doubled between 2015 and 2023, the commission said. It said the EUs markets are generally open, while Chinas procurement rules give an advantage to domestic companies that produce medical devices as part of a Buy China" policy.

The bloc also separately raided the Dutch and Polish offices of Chinese security equipment company Nuctech over allegations that it may have received foreign subsidies that could give it an unfair advantage over European competitors. Nuctech has been a target of criticism from the U.S. and some EU governments, as well as rival companies.

A Nuctech spokesman confirmed the raids and said the company is providing its full cooperation.

Such raids are considered to be preliminary steps that may result in an in-depth investigation under the EUs foreign subsidies regulation. The regulation, which took effect last year, allows European officials to bar companies from making certain acquisitions or winning large public contracts if they previously benefited from subsidies that EU officials view as distortive.

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU accused the bloc of using the regulation to suppress Chinese companies that are operating lawfully in Europe.

The EUs actions send a detrimental message not only to Chinese enterprises but to all non-EU companies conducting business in the bloc," the group said in a statement.

It added that European enforcement officials had seized equipment and employees mobile phones and examined office documents during the raids.

Nuctech produces X-ray scanners ranging from conveyor belt-style airport machines to giant archlike structures that countries can plant on their borders to easily check the contents of passing trucks and passenger cars. Finland bought one such large-scale scanner for its border with Russia. After the U.K. left the European Union, Ireland secured another for its land crossing with Northern Ireland.

Under President Trump, the White House National Security Council began pushing allies to stop securing their borders using equipment from a company embedded in Chinas Communist Party-run system. Originally an offshoot of prestigious engineering school Tsinghua University, Nuctech was for much of the 2000s run by the son of then-party chief Hu Jintao. In 2019, a unit of China National Nuclear Corporation, a state-run builder and operator of nuclear power plants, became the controlling shareholder of Nuctechs parent.

Officials at Nuctechs foreign rivals have said they suspect the company has violated their intellectual-property rights, an allegation Nuctech denies.

Trump administration officials argued that modern X-ray scanners at seaports and air terminals are connected to databasescontaining information from customs records to ship manifests and passenger details including fingerprintsthat could allow Beijing to amass sensitive corporate information on the exact trade volumes of a countrys exports, or track the movements of exiles and foreign officials.

Allied governments, however, often failed to find any alternative bidder that could meet Nuctechs prices. The company credited its low prices to its research partnership with Tsinghua University, which allowed the company to save on research and development spending.

As of 2020, Nuctech had amassed a 90% share of Europes sea-cargo screening equipment market and held up to 50% of the market for airport passenger baggage and cargo screening, according to the State Department. Nuctech disputed those figures, saying it had about 70% of the cargo scanning business and about 10% of the airport market.

Bart Groothuis, an EU lawmaker from the Netherlands, said he has repeatedly raised concerns about Nuctech, which he said raises security risks for Europe because of the companys ties to the Chinese government. While Nuctech doesnt expect to win tenders in the U.S., They try it here in Europe, because theres no harmonized policy yet," Groothuis said.

The commission has increasingly talked about China as a rival, with top officials saying they want to address economic and security risks without decoupling from Beijing.

But members of the bloc remain divided over how forcefully the EU should respond to trade tensions with China. France has pushed for stronger measures to shield the bloc from lower-priced Chinese imports, while Germany has taken a more cautious approach. Some of Germanys biggest automotive companies rely heavily on sales in the Chinese market.

Write to Kim Mackrael at kim.mackrael@wsj.com and Drew Hinshaw at drew.hinshaw@wsj.com
BALATA CAMP, West BankResidents dove into their homes here as gunfire rang through the crowded warren of apartment buildings in June. Soon word got out: Undercover Israeli forces had arrived and were again trying to kill Abdullah Abu Shalal.

The firefight between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces, which went on for hours during a Wall Street Journal reporting trip to the camp, left one Palestinian dead and nine injured, according to a United Nations report. Abu Shalal got awayone of the five times the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade commander escaped Israeli attempts to kill or capture him, his relatives said.

Every time he would hear the military entering the camp, he would just get out and run away and go into hiding," an Israeli military official said.

The cat-and-mouse game came to a fiery end on Jan. 16, when an Israeli drone strike killed Abu Shalal and four militants as they drove just outside of the Balata camp, in the West Bank city of Nablus, an Israeli military official said.

Israel is deploying wartime tactics against militants in some of the 19 refugee camps that still dot the West Bank over 75 years after Israels founding displaced more than 700,000 Palestinians. The camps are now dense urban environments marked by poverty and longing by residents to return to family homes in what is now Israel.

The Israeli military sees the camps as cauldrons of militancy from which many of the attacks on Israeli soldiers and settlers are orchestrated. Israel has employed airstrikes, near-daily ground incursions and looser rules of engagement in the camps since Oct. 7, the Israeli military official said, creating a battlefront alongside the war in Gaza.

Recent events have highlighted how quickly the territory can descend into chaos. Settler attacks on Palestinians erupted earlier this month after a teenage Jewish Israeli boy went missing and was later found dead in the West Bank. Settlers attacked more than 17 villagesshooting weapons, burning cars and homes and killing at least five Palestinians, according to rights groups and Palestinian officials. Over the weekend, Israeli troops killed at least 14 Palestinians during a West Bank raid. The military says those killed were combatants.

The military conducted about 40 drone strikes in the West Bank from October to March, the official said. In the roughly 20 years before Oct. 7, there had only been a handful of such strikes.

Israeli forces have killed more than 435 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since Oct. 7, according to the U.N. About 4,900 Palestinians in the West Bank have been injured since then, either by Israeli forces or settlers, the U.N. said.

The deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank in nearly two decades was 2023, even before Oct. 7, when a surprise attack by Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Israeli forces killed more than 190 Palestinians from January to Oct. 6 last year, the U.N. said.

The Israeli military says about 80% of the people killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7 were armed. Palestinian officials say many were civilian bystanders or were shot for throwing a rock toward soldiers.

West Bank militants are overwhelmingly young, some of them teenagers, with no allegiance to well-known groups such as Hamas.

They bear no loyalty to anyone or anything but to the camp around them," the Israeli military official said.

Abu Shalals escape-artist mystique gained him a following in Balata, where he is now veneratedand his killing shows how Israels West Bank tactics could incite more militancy.

Posters paying tribute and bearing Abu Shalals face are plastered on walls, some bullet-ridden. Such posters can be seen adjacent to a rare empty plot of land: the site where the Abu Shalal home stood before an Israeli strike destroyed it.

The killings of civilians and militants have only led to more people taking up arms and a cycle of more people getting killed," said a 30-year-old Balata militant who was close to Abu Shalal. Abu Shalals killing created 10 new militants."

The Israeli military said it set its sights on Abu Shalal after his unit carried out a shooting attack in an Israeli settlement that injured two people in April 2023. He also led an attack against Israeli soldiers, injuring one, the Israeli military said. He belonged to the Balata cell of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a loosely arranged coalition of militant groups that was associated with the secular Fatah party during its leadership under the late Palestinian figure Yasser Arafat. The U.S. and European Union have designated Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade as a terrorist organization.

The Israeli military bombarded Abu Shalals home and targeted him with at least one other drone strike and ground raids before he was killed. To avoid detection, he slept in different places and changed his clothes throughout the day.

Last year, before his death, Abu Shalal told The Wall Street Journal that he was resentful about frequent Israeli military raids, land taken from Palestinians to create Israeli settlements and the vast, austere wall erected in his youth that separates the West Banks Palestinian communities from Israel.

I cannot live under this oppression," Abu Shalal said. Our life is episodes of humiliation."

Abu Shalals mother, Jameelah Abu Shalal, said her sons interest in violent resistance against Israel was formed growing up during the Second Intifada, a Palestinian uprising from 2000 to 2005, when she said Israeli soldiers killed his brother. The raids, fighting and suicide bombings of that period killed about 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis.

Israel first arrested Abu Shalal in 2010, when he was a teenager, his relatives said. He was in and out of prison until the late 2010s.

He then tried to move into mainstream society, his relatives said, completing a training course in 2022 for the General Intelligence Service of the Palestinian Authority, the semiautonomous governing body for parts of the Israel-occupied West Bank.

But he quickly became disillusioned with the Palestinian Authoritys security coordination with Israel, which often resulted in Palestinians getting arrested or killed. He saw it as part of the problem," his mother said.

Abu Shalal decided to join Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade as violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians escalated and military raids increased, his relatives said. By 2023, in his late 20s, he was commanding a unit and was older than most of his comrades, many of them teenagers.

His base was Balata, a camp of about 60 acresroughly the size of a large shopping mallpacked with a registered population of more than 32,000. It was established in 1950 and originally intended to house 5,000 Palestinian refugees. A collage of posters plastered along Balatas walls underscores the short lives of young men here. In one, what appears to be a teenage boy points his gun toward the camera and is lauded as a martyr, a hero, a fighter."

Young men and teenage boys linger in the streets, including one carrying a Carlo," a homemade firearm common in the camps. The gun bore stickers depicting dead militants.

West Bank militant groups are much smaller, less organized and more poorly equipped than Hamas in Gaza, analysts say. Their ranks are generally composed of secular nationalists hostile to both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

They are ad hoc, ragtag, young armed men and teens," said Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, a think tank in Washington. Their primary objective is disrupting the occupation by creating a cost, attacking soldiers and occasionally settlers."

They are equipped with light arms smuggled by Iran through Jordan as well as guns illegally procured through dealers in Israel, according to analysts.

While Balata has been a bastion of militancy, new localized armed groups have sprung up in refugee camps in the desert tourist destination of Jericho and in Tulkarem, which straddles the wall separating Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Israel.

From October to March, about 20 people were killed and dozens injured, including Israeli security forces, mostly in Israeli settlements and Palestinian towns in the West Bank as well as Jerusalem, in hundreds of incidents that Israels internal security agency said involved combatants armed with firebombs, rocks and small arms.

Israels military has responded with raids. Casualties have included people uninvolved in militancy. Civilians have been detained and faced interrogations. Homes and neighborhoods have been torn apart, displacing hundreds.

The refugee camp needs a refugee camp," said AbdelHakeem Abu Safia, director of Tulkarems municipal emergency department in charge of assessing damages.

Muath Bani Shamsa, 17, was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a military raid in February in his home village just outside Nablus, said his mother, Nura. She said he was a straight-A student uninvolved in militancy.

He didnt pose a threat to anyone, let alone the soldiers in their armored vehicles," she said.

The Israeli military said its troops were responding to a riot and shot at terrorists [who] hurled Molotov cocktails, rocks and paint bottles."

The Israeli military once relied more on the Palestinian Authoritys security forces to take on the refugee camps militants. Israel now says it is acting more decisively in part because the Palestinian Authority is failing.

But the unpopular authority fears a heavy-handed approach could lead to revolt.

Naturally, the people will explode if they feel we are against them, on top of the occupation," a senior Palestinian Authority security official said.

In the weeks before Abu Shalal was killed, he was thinking of surrendering, his mother said, though he never did.

He was tired of living between the ground and the sky," she said, awaiting death."

Shayndi Raice contributed to this article.

Write to Omar Abdel-Baqui at omar.abdel-baqui@wsj.com
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase Two: Shashi Tharoor, eminent writer and sitting MP, who is seeking a fourth term in the Lower House from Thiruvananthapuram in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was making a desperate attempt to divert voter attention by claiming that the Congress would snatch the gold and mangalsutra of women. Prime Minister and BJP leader Narendra Modi last week alleged that the Congress wanted to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children".

The Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency goes to polls on April 26.

Shashi Tharoor on Mangalsutra jibe by PM Modi "Nowhere does it (manifesto) talk about wealth redistribution. Nowhere does it talk about taking anybody's gold and snatching the mangalsutra of women. This is such preposterous attacks that we are seeing from the BJP. It is a measure of their desperation. They know that they are losing this election and they will fling any mud that they can," Shashi Tharoor told ANI.

PM Modi, referring to reports about the Congress' intention to redistribute wealth if elected to power, had said the party would conduct a survey and would not even let Mangalsutra remain with women and "will go to this extent."

Shashi Tharoor on three-cornered contest On being asked about rival BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhars campaign in Kerala. Shashi Tharoor told the Hindustan Times, I have maintained that it [Lok Sabha Elections 2024] is a three-cornered contest.

I've always respected my opponents and their ability to put up a strong campaign, be it the CPI candidate (I took the seat from his party in my first campaign) or the BJP candidate (the BJP came second in both 2014 and 2019), but I also remain completely confident in my ability to once again succeed.

Shashi Tharoor on Hindu constituency Thiruvananthapuram When asked if the BJP pitching the Hindu agenda in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency affects the electoral prospect of Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP said politics of communal hatred has no appeal in the entire South, not just Thiruvananthapuram.

People elect a government to look after their welfare, not just their religion, and when they vote in their self-interest they will vote the BJP out of office. The BJP wants anything but that and hence wants to make the predictable communal appeal," the Congress MP said.

Shashi Tharoor on anti-incumbency Shashi Tharoor, when asked about the anti-incumbency voting trend in Kerala, highlighted his position as an incumbent MP for 15 years. Anti-incumbency settles in when there is a lack of performance as MP, have seen anything but that, he pointed out.

Those who have seen me in action for 15 years have had multiple reasons to appreciate my services to the constituency, besides the stands that I have taken on national issues in Parliament.
Did BJP leader Amit Malviya and MP Jayant Sinha once favour the idea of inheritance tax, which is now a matter of blame game between the Congress and the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024?

Congress leaders took to social media on Wednesday to share a screenshot of a "deleted" tweet posted by Malviya in 2014. The now-deleted tweet read: "I am all for Jayant Sinha's idea to tax inheritance wealth."

Inheritance tax, also known as estate tax, is a tax levied on the total value of money and property of a deceased person before it is distributed to their legal heirs.

The screenshot revealed that Malviya had posted the message on X in 2014  when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had ousted the Congress and Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister for the first time.

His tweet now resurfaced amid controversy over Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax or "estate tax".

Congress leader Pawan Khera posted screenshots of Malviya's post and said, "Meanwhile Amit Malviya regretting why he didnt delete his past tweets...".

In a series of tweets, Malviya had supposedly contended back in 2014 that the idea of inheritance tax was "just an idea, which is open for debate". In another screenshot, he posted, It's not a decision, just an idea.

Meanwhile, Telangana Congress spokesperson Asma also shared the screenshot, saying, BJP culprit unsuccessfully tried to erase the evidence. (sic)

BJP vs Congress on inheritance tax Sam Pitroda stirred up a row by calling inheritance tax law in the US "an interesting law". He later clarified his comments.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged on Wednesday that it was the "Modi Sarkar" which wanted to introduce Inheritance Tax in 2014. "Jayant Sinha, then Minister of State for Finance, publicly stated that he wanted to introduce Inheritance Tax in 2014," Ramesh stated in one of the four "facts" he shared on X on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, BJP's Amit Malviya said it was former Finance Minister and Congress leader Chidambaram who had "proposed the horrendous idea of imposing Inheritance Tax" in 2012.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit out at the Congress, accusing the party of "looting" the citizens even after their death. "The Congress will kill you with more taxes until you are alive and when you die, it will burden you with the inheritance tax. Those people who considered the entire Congress party as their ancestral property and handed it over to their children, now do not want Indians to pass on their property to their children," PM Modi said on Wednesday at an election rally.

Was Jayant Sinha in favour of inheritance tax? An article published in FirstPost in 2014 called Jayant Sinha, who was the former minister of state for finance in the BJP government, "a fervent believer in inter-generational equity". This reportedly meant that Sinha favoured "a form of inheritance tax for wealth passed by the rich after their death to their progeny."

According to the report, Sinha gave four reasons why the country needs estate taxes while speaking at the Forbes India Philanthropy Awards 2013. Amid the latest controversy, a video of Jayant Sinha went viral on Wednesday. In the video, he could be heard speaking at the forum about the "estate tax" in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress over its "advisor" Sam Pitroda advocating an inheritance tax law. He accused the Congress of "looting" the citizens even after their death.

"Congress ka mantra hai  Congress ki loot zindagi ke sath bhi or zindagi ke baad bhi [the Congress has only one motto  that of looting people during their life and even after their life]," PM Modi said at an election rally in Surguja.

"The Congress will kill you with more taxes until you are alive and when you die, it will burden you with the inheritance tax. Those people who considered the entire Congress party as their ancestral property and handed it over to their children, now do not want Indians to pass on their property to their children," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said, The royal family's prince's advisor has said that more taxes should be imposed on the middle class. Now, these people have gone one step further than this the Congress says that it will impose an Inheritance Tax, and it will also impose tax on the inheritance received from parents. The property you have accumulated through your hard work will not be given to your children."

The Prime Minister was reacting to a recent remark by Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, who reportedly emphasised the need for a policy toward wealth redistribution.

What Sam Pitroda said Pitroda said during a TV debate, In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45 percent to his children, 55 percent is grabbed by the government. That's an interesting law. It says you in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair.

The Congress has distanced itself from the remark while Pitroda himself came out with a clarification.

Sam Pitroda clarifies: Who said 55% will be taken away? As his statement triggered a row, Pitroda posted on X, ""Who said 55% will be taken away? Who said some thing like this should be done in India? Why is BJP and media in panic?"

"I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts ? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with policy of any party including congress," he added.

Pitroda added, "It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PMs comments on Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal."

Congress distances itself from Pitroda's remark The Congress distanced itself from Sam Pitroda's "inheritance tax" remark, saying while the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) Chairman is free to express his opinions, it does not mean they reflect party's views".
Mathura, Ayodhya, Lucknow: Law and order is the big reason why people like this government. The previous Samajwadi Party (SP) government was terrible when it came to this. Safety was such a huge concern. Our women couldnt step out without being harassed. Now, there is no problem. We feel safe. Our women feel safe," says Satveer Singh, a staunch Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter, who runs a small roadside tea stall in Mathura in west Uttar Pradesh.

Also, the BJP government has given us many benefitsfrom improved roads to the Ujjwala (cooking gas supply) scheme, houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, as well as free rations," he adds, as his wife nods vehemently.

Rohit Kumar, a shop owner in the busy city market of Bulandshahr, has a similar view. I support Modiji, Yogiji and BJP. Theyve improved the law and order situation as well as roads in Uttar Pradesh and also fixed the water and electricity supply. I used to support SP earlier, but have now shifted to BJP," he says.

Across Uttar Pradesh, saffron Jai Shri Ram flags flutter atop houses, commercial establishments, educational institutes, eateries and other buildings. And yet, it is not the expected and widely publicized Ram Mandir construction in Ayodhya that has emerged as the biggest plus point for the ruling BJP. Instead, it is what voters view as the massive improvement in the law and order situation under chief minister Yogi Adityanath, as well as the BJP governments infrastructure and road construction push, that have emerged as the primary issues for the states electorate.

View Full Image Rohit Kumar and Devendra Kumar of Bulandshahr say that law and order, besides improved roads, are BJPs biggest contributions. (Ruhi Tewari)

It is only when specifically asked about the Ram temple construction that most voters praise the move, while some even express indifference from a voting decision point of view. In a way perhaps, how the Ram temple is panning out electorally versus other issues shows how many Indians worry about everyday concerns impacting them directly rather than questions of religion and faith when it comes to voting. And on that count, BJP seems to be sitting pretty in Uttar Pradesh.

Besides Yogi Adityanaths law and order pitch, the other big factors that seem to be boosting BJP are improved roads as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modis famous welfare-delivery model. Indeed, with improved electricity supply, the enhanced road network, as well as the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water through individual household tap connections to rural households, the traditional bijli, sadak, paani electoral issues seem to have come to the fore once again.

As Uday Pratap Kaushal of Darshan Nagar in Ayodhya very succinctly puts it, Hum Ram ke liye nahi, kaam ke liye Modiji ko vote dete hai (We support Modi not because of the temple, but for his work)."

Key issues

View Full Image A pink booth in Lucknow. Set up by the Yogi Adityanath government, such booths specifically cater to womens safety. (Ruhi Tewari)

Uttar Pradesh, Indias most electorally crucial state, accounts for 80 of the 543 seatsthe highest for any statein the Lok Sabha. It will see voting across all seven phases of the 2024 election. In 2019, the BJP alone won 62 of the 80 seats, despite battling an opposition alliance of the SP, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal. However, after sweeping the assembly elections in the state in 2022 following its massive mandate in 2017, the ruling party will be looking to retain, if not improve upon, its 2019 tally. Given its war cry of crossing the 400 mark, the party will have to outdo its performance. And to do that, it is banking on its governance record, not just the Ram temple.

What has made the law and order issue the keyword in this election is perhaps the drastic difference the voters feel from the time when Yogi Adityanaths predecessor, the SP government, was in power.

In February, the Uttar Pradesh government earmarked more than 2,250 crore for the police department, claiming crime had come down drastically in the state. While presenting the states budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, finance minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said his governments focus was on preparing the police force to deal with law and order challenges effectively. Moreover, BJPs top leadership has also gone all out to highlight its law and order focus as a big success story in the run-up to these elections.

I know Yogiji will not spare criminals, allow even the slightest let-up on the law-and-order front," said Modi at an election meeting in Saharanpur earlier this month. He has praised the chief ministers law and order model on several occasions earlier as well.

Earlier, we felt really scared stepping out alone, especially after dark. Now we feel safe. Aastha Shukla

And voters, across age groups, seem to be convinced. I fully support Modiji. And crime has really gone down under the Yogi Adityanath government. I come from Unnao, and earlier we felt really scared stepping out alone, especially after dark. Now we feel safe going out," says Aastha Shukla, a third-year BSc student in Kanpurs Christ Church College. Her classmate, Krishna Dwivedi, chips in and says that besides law and order, the BJP governments big contribution has been the improved roads and highway connectivity.

Nirav Shukla, a shopkeeper in Unnaos Nawabganj, agrees. I support the BJP because of the work it has donemainly the improved law and order situation, along with better electricity supply, water connections, roads and other welfare schemes. I have not been a hardcore BJP supporter; I support whoever does good work," he says.

Ironically, even those who dont really support BJP and lean towards other parties admit the law and order situation has drastically improved under this government.

I am a SP supporter. But it is true that under the Akhilesh Yadav government, law and order was a significant problem. It has indeed improved now," says Dayanand Yadav, a voter in Amethi.

The Ram temple factor

The Ram temple in AyodhyaBJPs biggest political and electoral platform so far, on which it emerged as a national force in the 1990swas expected to be the biggest issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls given the grandeur and pomp with which it was constructed and inaugurated. However, for most voters, the temple is not the primary voting factor.

View Full Image File photo of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. (ANI )

To be sure, the temple construction resonates among the partys support base. That it runs as an undercurrent and has immense goodwill among the Hindu voter can hardly be argued. However, even for voters from the majority community, the Hindu majoritarian partys main pitch is only a secondary election issue.

Kalyan Rajput and Radhakrishnan Rajput of Aligarhs Mehrawal and Nagaliya villages, respectively, discuss the current elections rather animatedly with others at a small dhaba in Aligarh city. We support Modi. Both Modi and Yogi have done very good work. BJP has built roads, given people homes, water connections and gas cylinders under Ujjwala. When SP was in power, the atmosphere was very bad. The law and order situation was dismal. Now, the police respond to even one phone call. There is peace and safety," says Radhakrishnan.

Asked about the Ram Mandir, they say it is a welcome step", but not a voting issue. The temple construction should have happened earlier, we have waited long enough. However, we vote for development, not religion. In todays day and age, everyone is aware and literate enough to not vote on religious matters, but on what the government does," says Kalyan Rajput.

Ironically, even for many voters in Ayodhya, which is at the heart of the whole movement, the temple is not the primary factor. I support the Modi government because of all that it has done, from giving gas cylinders under Ujjwala to houses, free ration, pension schemes and building new roads. And yes, the Ram temple," says Sunil Kumar Pandey, who runs a small shop near Ayodhyas Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

The government has constructed such a big temple. What more can we ask of them? Deepak Nishad

Pandey says he has always been a BJP supporter. But if you ask me what the highlight of this governments tenure has been, it is the improved law and order situation. That is the most important factor that will make voters like me support the BJP again. Everything else comes later."

However, it isnt as if the Ram temple isnt the first issue on the minds of at least some voters. Such voters, however, are far fewer than expected. Take Reena Verma of Bicchiya village, Unnao, for instance. I want Modi to be prime minister. I like everything about him. I like his speeches. I particularly like that the BJP has constructed the temple in Ayodhya. We will all go there soon," says the 21-year-old.

Deepak Nishad, who runs a small cosmetics shop near the temple in Ayodhya, says, Ab itna bada mandir ban gaya, isse zyada hum kya chaah sakte hai sarkar se? (The government has constructed such a big temple, what more can we ask of them?)".

Poll plank

BJP says that its focus on law and order and infrastructure issues like roads and electricity have yielded visible results, leading it to make them its key poll pillars.

The two issues of security and law and orderthe former in the context of the nation and the latter in the context of the statehave been the main focus areas for BJP. The improved law and order situation in the state is very visible to the people," says Chandra Mohan, state secretary of BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Now you will see girls on cycles and two-wheelers out even after dark. An atmosphere of safety has been created, which is apparent. The number of those spreading terror has significantly gone down."

Similarly, the massive push in roads and highway construction as well as smooth electricity supply are also visible to voters. Yogijis unique selling proposition is his work. As far as the temple is concerned, people anyway had faith that BJP would bring the issue to its logical conclusion," he adds.

It isnt as if the BJP isnt using the Ram temple issue in its campaign. It is a point the party continues to highlight, but it is clear that law and order has gained primacy. For instance, in a rally in Bijnore earlier this month, Adityanath said BJP had successfully constructed the Ram temple in Ayodhya, but more than that, he highlighted the law and order situation in the state, claiming that women and the business community now feel safe.

Not the solution

While the Ram Mandir does resonate among Hindu voters, there are some who squirm at the idea of this brazen flirting with religion. The money this government has spent on the Ram temple could have been spent on development work or to build schools and hospitals. This is nothing but a political tool to lure voters," says Seema Sharma of Bulandshahr.

This government focuses too much on religion. Can religion solve all problems? Instead of religion, they should devote this mindspace to governance, education and employment generation," says Hiralal Kushwaha of Bashiratganj in Unnao.

View Full Image A BJP supporter holds a mask of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election campaign rally in Meerut, 31 March. (PTI)

Meanwhile, members of the minority community feel BJP continuing to harp on the Ram temple shows how it values religion more than the peoples welfare. Why is BJP always talking about the temple? If it is really a government for all, as the Prime Minister claims, it should talk more about development and welfare. It should, in fact, stop talking about the temple now," says Arfa Bano of Raebareli.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space mission witnessed its launch on Wednesday, April 24.

NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket uses sunlight for propulsion and was launched from New Zealand at 3:30 am IST. This solar charged spacecraft will be installed 1,000 kilometres above Earth. After being deployed 25 minutes post lift-off, the spacecraft will measure about 80 square meters, as per NASA's report.

Also read: NASAs Voyager 1 sends first message in 5 months after space scientists restore technical glitch; details here Initially, the mission will last for a couple of months during the first phase after which the solar sail will set in, according to the US space agency.

In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the space agency stated, NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is targeting an April 23 launch aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from New Zealand. The rocket will deploy the missions CubeSat above Earth to test the performance of the system.

The oven-sized CubeSat is the heart of the spacecraft which will propel the spacecraft when solar particles are directed towards the solar sail. The mission team will conduct a series of pointing manoeuvres in the next few weeks after launch which will demonstrate orbit raising and lowering of the CubeSat using sunlight.

Also read: NASA Mars Mission: Space agency seeks cost-cutting solutions for Mars soil sample return amid budget trims The solar powered spacecraft will be visible like the brightest star in the night sky like Sirius, if the orientation achieved is perfect.

NASA's report states, After a busy initial flight phase, which will last about two months and includes subsystems checkout, the microwave oven-sized CubeSat will deploy its reflective solar sail. It further added, The weeks-long test consists of a series of pointing maneuvers to demonstrate orbit raising and lowering, using only the pressure of sunlight acting on the sail.

Also read: NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter bids adieu with a final message: A peek into historic moments of this spacecraft How this solar mission is important? The mission is of great importance as its success will reduce reliance on heavy propulsion systems. Thus, solar sail technology will enable lower-cost missions of longer duration.
Sunita (Suni) Williams is getting trained for her third mission aboard the International Space Station. She is being prepared to be the pilot of the Crew Flight Test mission aboard Boeings Starliner spacecraft  the first crewed flight for that vehicle.

The "crew arrival media event" was held on April 25 at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The participants will include Jenn Kunz, associate director, NASA Kennedy, Dana Hutcherson, deputy program manager, NASAs Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams.

Who is Sunita Williams? Known for her record-breaking accomplishments, Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, to Mumbai Indian-American neuroanatomist Deepak Pandya and Slovene-American Ursuline Bonnie (Zalokar) Pandya.

She was selected as an astronaut by the US space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in June 1998. She received her commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987.

As per NASA, Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space over the course of her two missions. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, she is second on the list of total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.

The previous two missions of Sunita Williams 1. Expedition 14/15 (December 9, 2006 to June 22, 2007: Sunita Williams had launched with the crew of STS-116 on December 9, 2006. She had then docked with the International Space Station on December 11, 2006.

Williams had served as a flight engineer in the Expedition 14 crew. While onboard, she established a world record for females with four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes, NASA said. Astronaut Peggy Whitson subsequently broke the record in 2008 with a total of five spacewalks.

Williams concluded her tour of duty as a member of the Expedition 15 crew. She returned to Earth with the STS-117 crew on June 22, 2007.

Williams had spent four months conducting research and exploration aboard the orbiting laboratory. During their Expedition, Williams and Hoshide performed three spacewalks to replace a component that relays power from the space stations solar arrays to its systems and repair an ammonia leak on a station radiator.

"With 50 hours and 40 minutes, Williams once again held the record for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut (has since been overtaken by Peggy Whitson with 10 spacewalks). Williams has spent a cumulative total of 322 days in space," NASA said.

What's William's third space mission NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will lift off aboard Boeings Starliner spacecraft on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and dock at the orbiting laboratory, where they will stay for about a week.

The mission is the first crewed flight for the Starliner spacecraft.

The mission will test the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner system, including launch, docking, and return to Earth in the western United States.
CHASIV YAR, UkraineThe explosion lit up the night sky, sending flames hundreds of feet into the air. Another huge blast followed a few seconds later, then a third. The booms carried for miles across the fields east of Chasiv Yar, and a few moments later, a jet ripped through the sky.

Russian planes were hitting this eastern citynow Moscows primary target in Ukrainewith glide bombs, each carrying at least a half-ton of explosives and capable of collapsing a building in a single strike.

Ukrainian forces, outgunned and outmanned, are struggling to hold Chasiv Yar long enough for fresh weaponry from the U.S. to arrive.

Located on a ridge overlooking Bakhmut, the eastern Ukrainian city that Moscow took last year after the bloodiest battle of the war, Chasiv Yar is a valuable strategic prize. If Ukraine loses the city, its remaining strongholds in the eastern Donetsk region would become prime targets for an expected Russian offensive this summer.

Its the high ground," Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles attack-drone battalion in Ukraines 92nd Assault Brigade, which is working around Chasiv Yar. If the enemy captured Chasiv Yar, theyd have fire control of Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Kostyantynivka," naming three of the largest settlements in the region still under Ukrainian control.

The situation for Ukrainian troops around Chasiv Yar is punishing.

For each artillery round Ukraine fires, Russia fires 10, and soldiers in the area say that ratio is getting worse. At the front line, which winds through the fields and villages east of Chasiv Yar, the Russians are taking heavy casualties but steadily advancing. They have now reached the eastern edge of the city.

Inside the city, Moscow is destroying the buildings where Ukrainians might take cover, the same strategy Russia used in Bakhmut except the glide bombs are allowing them to do it far faster in Chasiv Yar.

Glide bombs are incredibly destructive, even in a well-fortified area," said Mick Ryan, a military strategist and retired major general in the Australian army.

Ukrainian commanders say they can still hold off the Russians.

Attacking, as the Russians are doing now, is always more costly than defending. To get to Chasiv Yar, Russian troops would have to cross a canal that runs through the east of the city, then make it up a steep hill.

The arms the U.S. is poised to provide would give Ukraine a better chance of holding on to its territory. The House last weekend approved billions in aid for Ukraine, and once the Senate passes the bill and President Biden signs it, artillery ammunition could start arriving in Ukraine within days. Additional air-defense systems could potentially shoot down Russian jets firing glide bombsheavy, Soviet-era bombs that Moscow has modified by adding cheap wings and satellite navigation systems so they can be fired from further away rather than dropped.

But Kyivs military faces other problems that American aid cant fix.

Ukraines forces are threadbare after months of fighting without break, and Kyiv is short on men to send in their place. As a result, deployments at the front that are supposed to be five days can last 10 or 15 days.

During that time, soldiers sometimes run out of food, water and medicine. Attack drones hunt vehicles bringing materiel and fresh troops to the front line. Soldiers with treatable wounds die waiting days for evacuations because no one can reach them.

A 29-year-old soldier, who goes by the call sign Nemo, said his last shift at the front had gone on for 10 days, during which the Russians advanced three-quarters of a mile. They usually moved forward at dawn and dusk, when drones cant see as well but night-vision goggles arent necessary, and took heavy losses for the territory they gained. When the Russians find a Ukrainian foxhole, he said, they hammer it until the Ukrainians have to retreat.

They can shell a tree line just for fun," he said. We can only respond when were 100% sure of the target."

Kypish, a 38-year-old soldier from another brigade, said the Russians hadnt advanced in his area of the front line last week. Still, his unit was taking a beating: Out of 110 men in his company, only 35 were currently able to fight, with the rest recovering from injuries. Four of the six men in the trench with him were wounded by a grenade dropped from a Russian drone.

Even our commanders are in the positions with us because were short of men," he said.

As Kypish spoke, in the basement of a building in Chasiv Yar, an alarm began howling, indicating there was a drone nearby. He grabbed a shotgun and ran outside. The day before, he said, he had hit a Russian attack drone with birdshot. He pointed to a gash in the buildings exterior, where the drone had crashed and broken apart.

Hardly a building remains undamaged in Chasiv Yar. Soldiers have taken up residence in basements and stacked the stairs with bottles of water, firewood and packs of dog food for local mutts. Curtains hang over the doors to block explosive drones.

A thin coating of dust kicked up by the near-constant explosions covers almost everything in Chasiv Yar, coloring even the blooming lilacs an ashen gray. Along one of the citys main streets, once a bucolic tree-lined avenue, a statue of the Russian writer Maxim Gorky has been sliced in two by an explosion.

A glide bomb recently fell near the local humanitarian-aid center, leaving a 30-foot-wide crater outside. Vitaliy Yeremenko, a 59-year-old former construction worker turned humanitarian volunteer, said he was on a bed inside the center when the bomb hit. The blast wave knocked him to the floor.

The walls were shaking so much I thought the building might collapse," he said. We run from one basement to another. Thats how we live."

About 700 civilians remain in the city, according to Ukrainian officials, down from a prewar population of 12,000. Around 100 come every day to the center to drink tea, eat porridge and charge their phones, Yeremenko said.

Mykola Mohylevskiy fields calls from residents looking for evacuations, most of them elderly people without means to leave on their own. He did the same work in Bakhmut last year, but said Chasiv Yar is now more hazardous because of the constant buzz of aerial drones.

Two months ago, I could just drive into the city, park the car, walk around," he said. Now, you have to move fast. Theres a huge threat drones will destroy the vehicleSometimes they even attack civilians."

Military vehicles working around Chasiv Yar are now equipped with electronic jammers that disrupt communication between the drones and the pilots. Even so, the vehicles stop several miles short of the front line to drop off soldiers, who hike in on foot, carrying supplies on their backs.

Serhiy Suprun, the 48-year-old commander of a medical team from the 41st Mechanized Brigade, said one soldier recently had to wait four days for an evacuation: The risk of drone attacks was too high to drive in. In the interim, a Ukrainian drone team dropped a package with painkillers and antibiotics for the soldier.

It was impossible to approach," Suprun said. Theres a drone chasing every soldier. They react to the slightest movement."

Ukrainians have their own drone army, which has made resupply and casualty evacuations similarly difficult for Russians. The Wall Street Journal watched live as several drone teams conducted successful strikes on Russian foxholes. Larger drones also drop mines in fields.

But Ukraine lacks artillery, which can do far more damage than drones. One 50-year-old evacuation driver, who goes by the call sign Chizhik, said that when he drives toward the front to pick up wounded, he radios to request artillery cover. Often, he said, the answer is no. They say, Sorry, we have limited shells," he said.

Ukrainian troops, commanders and storm troopers alike say that many of these problems will be solved once their stocks of artillery ammunition are replenished. With more artillery cover, they say, they will also take fewer casualties, which will help ease the manpower shortage.

However, military analysts said fighting to hold the city, as Ukraine did with Bakhmut for months last year, would nonetheless come at a price. Russia, an autocratic country with a population four times Ukraines, can absorb casualties, both politically and militarily, more easily.

Theyre going to have to make some difficult political decisions," Ryan, the retired major general in the Australian army, said of Ukrainian leaders. Do you hold on to territory and give up lots of lives? Or do you give up territory and save your army? Thats the kind of position theyre in."
The year of the dragon, one of the 12 creatures in the Chinese zodiac, began on February 10th. But some Chinese state media have been calling it the year of the loong in their English reports. Loong (pronounced like the English word long") sounds like the Mandarin term for dragon. It is more appropriate, says the state-run Beijing Daily, because Western dragons are evil monsters, whereas Chinese ones are noble and benevolent. The latter are said to bring good luck.

Dragons have a special place in Chinese culture. They were once the symbol of the emperor. Some Chinese peopleincluding the countrys supreme leader, Xi Jinpingcall themselves descendants of the dragon". But in both China and other countries, dragons come in all shapes and sizes. There are good dragons in Western mythology and culture. One is on the Welsh flag, for instance. Another called Puff, made famous by the musical group Peter, Paul and Mary, seems nice enough. Meanwhile, there are Chinese tales of loong who eat children and conjure up devastating floods.

So the word dragon would seem a decent translation for loong. But Chinas state media have another reason to prefer the Mandarin term. They hope it will make the country look more friendly. Chinas association with fearsome dragons has contributed to Western perceptions that it is a threat, writes Ding Gang, an editor at the Peoples Daily, the Communist Partys mouthpiece. If Westerners instead saw China as a friendly loong, they would not fear its rise, Mr Ding argues. Never mind Chinas efforts to upend the liberal world order.

China often tweaks language to make political points. In recent years English editions of state media have increasingly replaced the word Tibet with Xizang, the Mandarin word for the region, to downplay its history of independence from the rest of China. Government officials have also started to use Mandarin words to refer to disputed territories that China claims in the South China Sea. Renai Reef, for example, which is also claimed by the Philippines, is now usually called Renai Jiao on the English version of the Chinese foreign-ministry website (jiao is Mandarin for reef).

More than a few netizens have mocked the effort to rebrand the Chinese dragon as a friendly fire-breather. Should China be known internationally as Zhongguo, the transliteration of its name in Mandarin, asked some. But the word loong could yet catch on, at least among English-speaking Chinese people. About two-thirds of respondents to a poll on Weibo, a Chinese social-media platform, said they prefer it to the word dragon". Change the definitions of words," wrote one commenter, and the world will slowly change."

Subscribers can sign up to Drum Tower, our new weekly newsletter, to understand what the world makes of Chinaand what China makes of the world.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of modern-day Mexico City, Teotihuacan was one of the largest urban centers in the ancient world. No one knows who built it. The city flourished between 2,100 years ago, when construction began, and about 1,400 years ago, when it went into a period of decline, including a fire that caused great damage. However, even with the decline, the city was never truly "lost"  the Aztecs made regular pilgrimages to the site in later periods.

What the citys own inhabitants called the city and its structures is unknown. The current name, Teotihuacan, was given to it by the Aztecs and means "the place where the gods were created."

Size and influence

At its zenith, Teotihuacan encompassed an urban core of about 8 square miles (20 square km) with a population estimated at more than 100,000 people. Its influence was felt throughout central Mexico and as far south as Guatemala.

The city was organized using a grid plan, many people living in what scholars refer to as "apartment compounds," containing multiple families. An archaeological mapping project identified about 2,200 of these structures within the city, with excavations showing that some compounds were richer than others, containing more stone and lime plaster in their construction.

The Avenue of the Dead at Teotihuacan. Shutterstock) (Image credit: trappy76

Avenue of the Dead

Running on a north-south axis is the citys main street known today as the Avenue of the Dead, from a later Aztec name. It runs for more than 2 miles (3.2 km) and contains three major pyramid complexes.

Pyramid of the Moon

At the northern end of the avenue is the Pyramid of the Moon, from an Aztec name. Recent research suggests it was built in stages between around A.D. 1 and 350. It started off as a small platform and eventually became a 150-foot-high (46 meters) pyramid with a base 550 feet (168 m) by 490 feet (149 m). Its elevated platforms were likely used for rituals that could be witnessed by people on the ground. Tombs found associated with the structure contain both human and animal sacrifices along with grave goods such as obsidian and greenstone.

Pyramid of the Sun

Less than half a mile south of the Pyramid of the Moon is the Pyramid of Sun. At a height of more than 200 feet (63 m) and a base more than 730 feet (225 m) long on each side, this pyramid is one of the largest structures created in the pre-Columbian New World. It would have been completed around A.D. 200.

In 1971, an archaeological team discovered a tunnel underneath the pyramid, its entrance located near the Avenue of the Dead. They dug out the fill in the tunnel finding that it terminated in a cloverleaf shaped chamber which, sadly, had been looted in antiquity. The cave was likely used for rituals of some kind.

Another discovery, announced late last year, was a small treasure trove of offerings that may date to when construction of the pyramid began. Among the items found was a green serpentine mask that may have been a portrait of an ancient individual.

The Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, at Teotihuacan. Shutterstock) (Image credit: Gordon Galbraith

Temple of the Feathered Serpent

Located south of the Pyramid of the Sun is the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, also known as "La Ciudadela," a name Spanish conquistadors gave it. The focal point of this monument is a six-stepped pyramid, smaller than the other two examples on the Avenue of the Dead. Two apartment compounds located nearby may have been inhabited by local elites.

The pyramid is believed to have been completed sometime in the third century A.D. Cut in low relief on the structure are alternating heads showing Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent god, and a being that appears to be Tlaloc, an ancient storm god.

Found near the pyramid are the burials of about 200 people. Many of them were young men and the grave offerings suggest that they were warriors, possibly Teotihuacan's own. The fact that many of them were found with their wrists crossed behind their backs suggests that they had been tied up and, for some reason, sacrificed. Young women and a few older men were also found, with offerings.

Mural art

Teotihuacan is well-known for its colorful murals painted on plastered walls. They can be found in the citys many apartment compounds as well as on other buildings identified as palaces and temples. Among the motifs that can been seen are images of the storm god, Tlaloc, as well as a deity that scholars call the "Great Goddess," likely associated with agricultural fertility. Other motifs include birds, jaguars, coyotes, owls and the feathered serpent.

Writing

Whether pictographic figures found at Teotihuacan constituted a proper writing system is a source of debate. Karl Taube, a professor at University of California Riverside, argues in a paper that the inhabitants "had a complex system of hieroglyphic writing," one complementing the vast and ancient city.

The Temple of the Feathered Serpent was one of the city's pyramids damaged by megathrust earthquakes. (Image credit: Carolina Jaramillo Castro via Alamy)

Earthquakes

Analysis of some of the city's iconic pyramids have revealed that Teotihuacan was hit by five megathrust earthquakes sometime between A.D. 100 and 600. These earthquakes originated in a subduction zone called the Middle American Trench (MAT), an oceanic trench in the Pacific Ocean that is the boundary between several tectonic plates, including the Nazca and North American. What sets megathrust earthquakes apart is their extraordinary magnitude and relatively infrequent occurrence compared to other seismic events. For example, one megathrust earthquake has the seismic energy similar to that of approximately 32,000 Hiroshima nuclear bombs , Raul Perez-Lopez , an earthquake geologist at the Geological and Mining Institute in Spain, told Live Science.

The five seismic events were powerful enough to damage the city's iconic pyramids, which is evidenced in chipped corners and dislodged bricks on the structures' facades. Archaeologists think that the megathrust earthquakes not only did physical damage to the city's pyramids but also may have led to the destabilization of its social and political structures, eventually leading to the city's demise.

Originally published on Aug. 20, 2012 and updated on April 24, 2024 to include information about the megathrust earthquakes.
Peterson is the only Democrat in the race. She is challenging incumbent Rep. Russ Fulcher, the only Republican in the race, and they will likely square off in the November general election.

Other Democrats who are candidates for the Idaho Legislative in District 6 and 7 will also appear at Fridays gathering.

Since there are many new names on the ballot this year, this is the publics opportunity to meet with, and get to know something about their representatives and senatorial candidates, according to an email sent by the Nez Perce County Democratic Committee.
Helen Catherine Tribble passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Bishop Place in Pullman, at the age of 101. Born in Moscow on July 23, 1922, she was the daughter of Sam and Elizabeth Bouton Jensen and was the fourth of six children  brothers Robert, Kenneth, Donald, and Raymond Jensen and sister Marjorie Severance.

Helen attended one-room schoolhouses through eighth grade in Southern Latah County, first at Thorncreek School, then the Snow School and finally at the Blaine School. She graduated from Moscow High School and attended the University of Idaho for a short period of time.

She met Lewis Tribble at the Kennedy Ford Skating Rink. They married June 8, 1941, at Gifford, where the ceremony was performed by Lewiss grandfather, Dudley Tribble. They enjoyed sixty-five years of marriage until his passing in 2007.

Helen and Lewis moved to Portland, Ore., for three years during World War II where Lewis was an advanced welder at the Kaiser Shipyards. After Portland, they moved back to Moscow where Lewis worked at different garages. In 1954, they started the Moscow Body and Glass Shop where Helen was often seen behind the counter greeting customers and doing bookwork.

Helen was mostly a full-time homemaker; however her true passion was being a mother. She always supported and participated in her childrens activities including being a Brownies and Girl Scout Leader, Room Mother and assisting with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Helen and Lewis and their four children, Ron, Sharon, Connie and Gary, were actively involved with horses competing in gymkhanas, junior rodeos and going on family trail rides. Helen herself competed in gymkhanas for numerous years earning dozens of trophies on her favorite horse Nugget. She and Lewis enjoyed square dancing, cards especially pinochle and saltwater fishing off the Pacific coast.
The board of elections decided that Jeff Long, Vanita Hullander, Larry Black, and Steven Henry will be allowed on the ballot for the Republican primary on May 21.
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It's eight o'clock on a Friday night in Granard. The lights are on in the town's library. Upstairs, in what was once the court rooms for the local District Court, files of seats are filling up with people who enjoy reading, and some who enjoy writing.

Facing the audience, Shaunagh Connaire and Sinead Gleeson ease themselves into a discussion about the critically acclaimed writer and editor's first novel.

Half way back in the audience, seated beside Sinead's husband, is Patrick deWitt. Patrick is no slouch at the old writing lark. He was shortlisted for the 2011 Man Booker Prize for one book, received a New York Times Editors' Choice for another.

His novels The Sisters Brothers and French Exit have both been adapted into films. In fairness, it's not a typical Friday night in Granard.

The Granard Booktown Festival is the reason for the razzmatazz. A Festival in its second year, it eschewed building up over time by bringing the reigning Booker Prize winner to town for a chat.

The opening night sets an impressive tone. Sinead Gleeson's talk is sublime. It's easy going, almost informal, an exchange with a reader who enjoyed the book, primarily focused on the book, without spoiling it for audience members who may not have read it yet.

Connaire's prowess as an interviewer is imperious. In the course of the confab she creates opportunities for Gleeson to impart many pointers on how, what and why she writes. The intimacy of the Festival is emphasised when the author chats to those in attendance after the formal conversation concludes.

Also read: Longford poet launches 9th collection of poetry

On Saturday night the stage in the assembly hall of the Sacred Heart Primary School, Rathcronan, is laid out in the style of a school drama production set in a domestic front room. Comfy lounge chairs face each other, elaborate floral displays bring a flare of colour.

In a programme filled with stars Paul Lynch and Belinda McKeon are the headline act. The venue is densely packed with visitors from across the region, eager to hear what the Booker Prize winner had to say.

Before embarking on his conversation Paul recalls his last appearance on a school stage. He recounts his teacher's advice to just mime as the other children sang. Whatever his childhood vocal shortcomings were Lynch has more than made up for them with his literature.

Although Prophet Song dominates the conversation, it is just an element of the exchange.

For her part McKeon is a natural communicator. She connects with her subject, is enthralled with Lynch's process and builds launch pads for discussion with her observations on the book.

The give-and-take is gripping, an hour elapses in a condensed time frame. Insight into the book and how it came about, meditations on society and humanity, all blend into a single entity that encompass the point of the Booktown Festival.

Upon conclusion the line of readers snakes out into the car park as they queue to get the author's signature on their books.

Other highlights of the weekend include Ciaran Murphy of Second Captains in conversation with Mickey Quinn, chef Gary O'Hanlon talking with Ella McSweeney, podcaster Leon Diop's talk to Uruemu Adejinmi and fashion discussion hosted by Anne-Marie Tomchak.

Organiser John Connell spoke of the committee's delight with the event: We were once again amazed at the success of Granard Booktown Festival. We had packed out audiences throughout the weekend breaking last year's record.

Connell commended all who made the Festival possible: It was a tremendous success bringing huge numbers to north Longford and a mood of excitement and wonder hearing from writers, thinkers and artists from around the world. We are indebted to our funding partners and the people of Granard who continue to make this one of the most exciting festivals in Ireland.

Thank you from the team and we will see you all next year.





Also read: Longford brother and sister taking on massive challenge for DEBRA
St Matthews NS Ballymahon recently completed the Blue Flag Project and on Monday of this week, the school was visited by newly appointed Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke.

Deputy Burke previously served as Minister for State for European Affairs.

Also present on the day were local TD Joe Flaherty and members of Longford County Council.The Blue Flag Project, which is a European Project, was completed by two of the fourth classes in the school.



With the help of teachers Mr Ward, Ms Syron, support teacher Ms Clarke and SNA, Ms Cahill, the classes completed an in depth project on Irelands role in the EU.



The project also looked at the role that the EU plays for member states, including in the understanding of the different cultural backgrounds within the EU.



Principal of the school, Herbert Farrell, told the Leader that Minister Burke had made a commitment previously to visit the school before his recent promotion to the role of Minister for Trade and Enterprise.



Minister Burke was very patient with the children and gave a lot of his time on the day. It was a very successful event for the school, he stated.



The Minister gave an account of his time as European Minister and he also fielded questions from the children, Mr Farrell added.



The two classes who completed the project gave a 20 minute presentation. The children also participated in a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire style quiz, in which they showcased their knowledge of European matters.



The principal said that the children began the project around Christmas last.

We had children with intellectual and language barriers who took part in the project, he stated.



This project certainly had no merely academic feel to it either, given that no less than 15 different nationalities are represented in St Matthews student population.



This was the first time that the school had undertaken this project but when asked if St Matthews would do the Blue Flag project again, Herbert Farrells answer was an unequivocal absolutely.
The Taoiseach has said that University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is funded to be fully staffed, as he was told that patients and workers did not feel its emergency department was safe.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said people regularly faced chaos at the emergency department, and that the hospital was in a constant state of emergency due to a lack of beds and staff.

The comments were made in the Dail as an inquest was ongoing into the death of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston at the hospital in 2022.

The teenager waited 12 hours to be seen, after being referred to University Hospital Limericks emergency department with suspected sepsis.

Her parents have said that her condition deteriorated to such a degree during that time that they and other patients began advocating for her to be seen.

The inquest has been hearing evidence about how busy the hospitals emergency department was on the night the teenager attended.

There wasnt even a trolley available for her, Ms McDonald said during Leaders Questions on Wednesday.

The senior house officer on duty that night has said that nursing staff were overwhelmed with patients seeking treatment. She said that staff were left in an impossible situation due to the severity of overcrowding.

Staff shortages were a huge issue, and the doctor who said that the emergency department was not a safe environment for patients.

Ms McDonald said that the hospital was short of 200 vital staff due to the Governments recruitment embargo, and that an extra 288 beds were also needed.

The reality now is that staff, patients and the public in general feel very unsafe, she said.

Mr Harris responded to say that he had checked with the HSE on Wednesday about staffing levels required and had been told that the extension of safe staffing to EDs (emergency departments), to general and specialised medical and surgical settings, is fully funded.

He said the budget for the hospital was 382 million euro, which represented a 44% increase in five years  the highest increase in funding for any hospital in the country.

He said he expected the delivery of safe staffing levels as a result, and would pursue that issue.

Look, I fully accept there is a very serious situation in University Hospital Limerick, it would be simply not credible to suggest anything to the contrary, he said.

But I do need to say that against the backdrop of, I think, legitimate questions that do need to be asked in terms of the level of investment that has been made in that hospital.

Staffing at the hospital has grown by over 1,100 since the end of December 2019. So over 2,800 staff to over 3,900 staff as of the end of February, thats a 42% increase in staffing levels in the hospital.

It includes very specifically 161 more doctors, 49 more hospital consultants, 433 more nurses and midwives, and 116 more health and social care professionals.

University Hospital Limerick now has more emergency department consultants than any other emergency department in Ireland.

Ms McDonald asked if everything is as rosy as you portray, why did UHL have the highest trolley count and why did employees raise concerns about a lack of staffing.

The facts as they present on the ground is that the emergency department is not safe. People do not believe that the hospital is safe, and that is a huge problem, she said.

Mr Harris responded, saying that sometimes the impression is given the resources arent going into a hospital.

It isnt a lack of budget. It isnt a lack of a willingness to do more. But there is also a need to ask about Hang on a second, when you put in that amount of additional investment into a hospital, why are we not seeing the improvements for patients? and thats what the minister intends to get under the bonnet on, he said.

An independent investigation is being led by retired chief justice Frank Clarke and will examine the circumstances surrounding Aoifes death as well as the clinical and corporate governance of the hospital.

It is expected to produce a report by the end of next month, Mr Harris said.

An initial report found that overcrowding in UHLs emergency department was endemic, and doctor and nurse staffing levels were insufficient.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: April 24 2024

While Serving Probation for a Prior Felony Conviction, Desmond Roberts was Found in Possession of a Loaded Handgun, Multiple Illegal Drugs Packaged for Sale, and $190,000 in Cash.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Desmond Roberts, 31, of Coram, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, for possessing a loaded semi-automatic firearm, fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone that investigators found during the execution of a court-ordered search warrant of his residence.

It is deeply disappointing to see someone disregard the opportunity for rehabilitation provided by probation and instead choose to continue to break the law, said District Attorney Tierney. These crimes are serious violations of public safety and the law. Probation is a chance for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to positive change, and those who choose to ignore it, like this defendant did, must face the consequences of their actions.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on June 9, 2023, members of the Suffolk County Police Department executed a search warrant at Roberts residence in Coram. During their search, detectives found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 mm semi-automatic firearm, as well as 9.71 ounces of cocaine, 4.56 ounces of fentanyl, and 0.58 ounces of oxycodone. All of the drugs were packaged in a manner consistent with drug sales.

In addition, detectives found drug paraphernalia including packaging material and diluents, three digital scales, multiple cell phones, and over $190,000 in cash. At the time of the search, law enforcement also found three young children in the home in close proximity to the drugs and gun.

At the time of the offense, Roberts was on probation for a 2018 conviction for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

On April 19, 2024, Roberts pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, an A-II felony, before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro.

Roberts is due back in court for sentencing on May 24, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dennis Wouters of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Thomas Daley of the Suffolk County Police Departments Narcotics Enforcement Special Operations Team. The civil asset forfeiture action concerning the United States currency is being litigated by Assistant District Attorney Robert Barry from the Asset Forfeiture and Intelligence Bureau.
According to reports, multiple law enforcement agencies are currently searching Manorville in connection with the Gilgo Beach killings.

Multiple news outlets have confirmed that there has been a large number of New York City Police officers combing Wading River Road and its surrounding area on Tuesday and Wednesday with K-9 units.

The partial remains of two victims of the Gilgo Beach murders had previously been discovered in Manorville in the early 2000s; Valerie Mack in 2000, and Jessica Taylor in 2003. Additional remains of the two were later found on Gilgo Beach in 2011.

Despite numerous media services reporting that the police search is tied to Gilgo Beach, the office of the Suffolk County District Attorney, Raymond A. Tierney, would not comment on the purpose of the investigation in Manorville, but a DA spokesperson did confirm the law enforcement agencies currently involved.

The Suffolk County Police Department, the New York Police Department and the New York State Police are working with the District Attorneys Office on an ongoing investigation, the spokesperson said. We do not comment on investigative steps while they are underway. We will make further statements when appropriate.

Massapequa Park resident Rex Heuermann made national headlines when he was arrested on July 13, 2023, as a suspect in the Gilgo Beach case; he was charged the following day by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney in the murders of three of "the Gilgo Four" victims: Amber Lynn Costello, 27, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, and Megan Waterman, 22.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: April 24 2024

Before the procedure, patient Lisa Pisano faced heart failure and end-stage kidney disease that required routine dialysis.

Surgeons at NYU Langone Health performed the first-ever combined mechanical heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney transplant surgery in a 54-year-old woman with heart and kidney failurea confluence of advances that showcase the possibility and hope of modern medicine.

Doctors performed this feat in two stages: first surgically implanting the heart pump days before embarking on the landmark transplant, which included a gene-edited pig kidney and the pigs thymus gland to aid against rejection. Before the procedure, patient Lisa Pisano, a New Jersey native, faced heart failure and end-stage kidney disease that required routine dialysis. She was not a candidate for heart and kidney transplants because several chronic medical conditions significantly reduced the likelihood of a good outcome and there arent enough organs for those in need.

Despite these adversities, Pisano has thrived from the love of her grandchildren and eagerly wants to watch them grow up.

All I want is the opportunity to have a better life, she said. After I was ruled out for a human transplant, I learned I didnt have a lot of time left. My doctors thought there may be a chance I could be approved to receive a gene-edited pig kidney, so I discussed it with my family and my husband. He has been by my side throughout this ordeal and wants me to be better.

To date, there have been no documented instances of anyone with a mechanical heart pump receiving an organ transplant of any kind. It is only the second known transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a living person, and the first with the thymus combined.

It is incredible to consider the scientific achievements that have led to our ability to save Lisas life, and what we are endeavoring to do as a society for everyone in need of a life-saving organ, said Robert Montgomery, MD, DPhil, who led the transplant surgery and who is the H. Leon Pachter, MD, Professor of Surgery; chair of the Department of Surgery; and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute. This could not have been done without the dedication and skill of the many talented physicians, researchers, nurses, health administrators, and perioperative care teams at NYU Langone Health, and the numerous pioneers who came before us.

Nearly 104,000 people are on the waiting list for a transplant, with 89,360 of those waiting for a kidney. Nearly 808,000 people in the United States have end-stage kidney disease but only about 27,000 were able to receive a transplant last year.

About the Procedures

The series of procedures were performed by two separate surgical teams over the course of nine days.

In the first procedure, surgeons implanted the heart pump, a device called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which is typically used in patients who are awaiting heart transplantation or otherwise ruled ineligible to receive a heart transplant.

Without a heart pump Pisanos life expectancy would have been measured in days or weeks.

Nader Moazami, MD, chief of the Division of Heart and Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Deane E. Smith, MD, director of mechanical circulatory support, performed the LVAD surgery on April 4, 2024, in NYU Langones Kimmel Pavilion in New York.

The second procedure was a xenotransplant, which is a transplant of an organ between different species. Dr. Montgomery led the xenotransplant on April 12, 2024.

Pisano had high levels of harmful antibody to human tissue, but not to gene-edited pig organs. It would have taken years for her to find a match for a human kidney transplant. Dr. Montgomery approached United Therapeutics Corporation and determined an investigational gene-edited pig kidney with thymus was available and matched. Although chronic kidney failure typically rules patients out from receiving an LVAD, the hope of the transplant preventing her from needing dialysis was a key consideration.

Without the possibility of a kidney transplant, she would not have been eligible as a candidate for an LVAD due to the high mortality in patients on dialysis with heart pumps, said Dr. Moazami. This unique approach is the first time in the world that LVAD surgery has been done on a dialysis patient with a subsequent plan to transplant a kidney. The measure for success is a chance at a better quality of life and to give Lisa more time to spend with her family.

Pisano received the organ from a pig genetically engineered to disrupt, or knock out, the gene responsible for the production of a sugar known as alpha-gal. In previous studies at NYU Langone, it was demonstrated that removing alpha-gal was sufficient to prevent an antibody reaction that can cause immediate, or hyperacute, rejection of the xeno-organ. The donor pigs thymus gland, which is responsible for educating the immune system, was surgically placed under the covering of the kidney to reduce the likelihood of rejection. The xenokidney and the thymus tissue combined are called a UThymoKidney. The gene edits, pig breeding, and production of the investigational UThymoKidney used in this procedure were performed by United Therapeutics Corporation. No other unapproved devices or medications were used in the procedure.

By using pigs with a single genetic modification, we can better understand the role one key stable change in the genome can have in making xenotransplantation a viable alternative, said Dr. Montgomery. Since these pigs can be bred and do not require cloning like more-complex gene edits, this is a sustainable, scalable solution to the organ shortage. If we want to start saving more lives quickly, using fewer modifications and medications will be the answer.

The effort required rigorous preparation, clearance by NYU Langones institutional review board, and approval by the FDA through its Expanded Access Programsometimes called compassionate use and meant for patients who have a serious or immediately life-threatening condition.

Additional investigators in the xenotransplant included Adam Griesemer, MD; Jeffrey M. Stern, MD; Bonnie E. Lonze, MD, PhD; Nicole M. Ali, MD; Sapna A. Mehta, MD; Vasishta Tatapudi, MD; Massimo Mangiola, PhD; Elaina Weldon, MSN, NP; Karen Khalil, PharmD; Jacqueline Kim, MD; Ian S. Jaffe; Imad Aljabban, MD; Aprajita Mattoo, MD; Rebecca Esker, PharmD; Nikki Lawson, RN; Jef Boeke, PhD; Brendan Keating, PhD; and Alexandre Loupy, MD, PhD, director of the Paris Institute for Transplant and Organ Regeneration.

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute collaborated with David Sachs, MD, and Megan Sykes, PhD, of the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology (CCTI) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. They both helped to develop a pig thymuskidney concept with the intent of reducing the amount of immunosuppression. This procedure marked the first-ever human transplant of a pig-derived thymokidney.

NYU Langone Health acknowledges United Therapeutics Corporation for the UThymoKidney and financial support provided for xenotransplantation research initiatives and this procedure, as well as the support of Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc.s Compassionate Use Program, which provided Empaveli, also known as pegcetacoplan, a medicine used in the off-label treatment to prevent rejection of the organ.

Progress in Xenotransplantation

This complex intervention marks the sixth human xenotransplant surgery performed by the NYU Langone Transplant Institute and orchestrated by Dr. Montgomery, who has spent much of his career studying innovative approaches to expanding the organ supply and performed the worlds first gene-edited pig-to-human organ transplant on September 25, 2021, in a neurologically deceased person with a beating heart. The same gene-edited pig kidney and thymus were used in that procedure and in a second similar procedure on November 22, 2021. Surgeons at NYU Langone then performed two gene-edited pig heart transplants in summer 2022. Last year, a 61-day study of a gene-edited pig kidney xenotransplant in a recently deceased man showed optimal performance with standard-of-care immunosuppression.

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute has performed more xenotransplantation surgeries in humans than any other institution to date. Before this most recent surgery, however, five were done using a special protocol involving recently deceased people, in collaboration with their families, to study the effectiveness and viability of gene-edited pig organs in humans before transplanting them into living people.

Without the generosity and altruism of those who participated in our series of decedent model studies, this moment in transplantation would not have been possible, said Dr. Montgomery. We eagerly await the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, under the FDAs guidance, to continue learning more about the possibility of a new, sustainable source of organs for all those without much time left.

About the NYU Langone Transplant Institute

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute offers the highest-quality kidney and lung transplantation programs in the nation, according to federal quality data, while the heart and liver transplant programs stand out in national survival rates and in their success getting patients off the waitlist. In 2023, the institute performed 576 organ transplants. NYU Langones heart, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas transplant programs are approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS), which means they have met the stringent volume, process, quality, and survival outcome requirements of CMS regulation.
IDF soldiers patrolling a dirt road near the northern border of Israel. (IDF)

Hezbollah targeted Israel with a series of attacks over the Passover holiday which began in Israel at sunset on April 22. Attacks from Lebanon began around sunset at seven in the evening when sirens sounded near Safed in northern Israel and along the northern border. The attacks in Israel continued in the morning and afternoon on April 23. The Israel Defense Forces said that air defenses intercepted drones in northern Israel.

Explosions could be heard from beaches north of Haifa along Haifa Bay. This area is around 20 miles south of the Lebanese border, which is visible along a row of hills far in the distance on a clear day. On the morning of April 23, the IDF said that it had targeted Hussein Ali Azkul, a significant terrorist operative in Hezbollahs Aerial Defense Unit in southern Lebanon. He was killed in an airstrike, the IDF said. Azkul was heavily involved in the planning and execution of terrorist attacks against Israel and was involved in the Hezbollahs Aerial units routine activities. His elimination significantly harms the capabilities of Hezbollahs Aerial Unit. Hezbollah also announced the death of Mohammad Khalil Atiyeh, a commander in the terror groups elite Radwan unit.

Hezbollah has been attacking Israel almost daily since October 8, 2023 when it began attacking in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the day before. Over six months, it has fired around 3,200 rockets, drones and missiles at Israel. Over the first weeks of April, it has increased its attempts to target IDF military facilities. Hezbollah has said it targeted a headquarters of the IDFs 91st division, a brigade command site, and an Iron Dome site. Hezbollah also wounded 14 soldiers in an attack on Arab al-Aramshe, an Arab village in Israel that sits on the northern border.

Hezbollah often takes responsibility for its attacks and explains them in the context of a tit-for-tat conflict that has been ongoing for six months. As such, Hezbollah often strikes more deeply into Israel when it claims to be responding to certain types of Israeli strikes, and Israel often does the same in response, creating a cycle of escalation and de-escalation. April 23 represented an escalation.

On April 23, apparently in response to the IDF strike on Atiyeh, Hezbollah launched drones toward northern Israel. Sirens sounded south of the city of Nahariyah at 13:41. Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel regarding a hostile aircraft infiltration, a short while ago, the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target off the coast of Nahariyya, the IDF said.

Several minutes later, FDDs Long War Journal confirmed an air defense interceptor launched over the bay of Haifa, near the city of Acre. Sirens sounded around the same time at 13:47. An explosion occurred over the water and a quarter of a million residents of the nearby suburbs of Haifa were sent to shelters. Following the sirens that sounded in northern Israel regarding a hostile aircraft infiltration, a short while ago, the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted two suspicious aerial targets off the northern coast. The sirens regarding rocket fire sounded following the possibility of fallen shrapnel from the interception, the IDF said. The sirens along the bay of Haifa and in the city of Acre were the first since December in the area.

Hezbollah has generally refrained from targeting the city of Nahariya or Haifa, or the areas between them along the coast. However, the threats have increased in recent months and the IDF has been conducting training with several IDF divisions to coordinate between the army, air force, navy, and local authorities and police.

Several smaller attacks at northern Israeli communities continued throughout the afternoon, including in Margaliot, Baram, Zarit and Shomera  all areas close to the border. The IDF said that it struck two military structures in which Hezbollah terrorists were operating in the areas of Ayta ash Shab and Blida. Additionally, fighter jets struck additional military structures in the area of Markaba in southern Lebanon.

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).
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 42F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Jim Montgomery is shaking things up on defense for Game 3 between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mason Lohrei, who was recalled from Providence on Tuesday, will make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut Wednesday night.

Its the playoffs, Lohrei told ESPNs Emily Kaplan. This is what Ive dreamed about since I was a kid.

Lohrei was recalled in wake of Andrew Peekes injury that will keep him out on a week-to-week basis. Its unclear what the extent of Peekes injury is, but the defenseman was seen shaking his hand after being hit with a shot late in the second period of Bostons Game 2 loss.

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The 23-year-old Lohrei has played in 41 games this season for the Bruins with four goals and nine assists for 13 points.

Parker Wotherspoon will also slot into the lineup on defense. Matt Grzelcyk is the odd-man out and will sit for Game 3. Montgomery looks to also also be making changes on offense by sitting Jakub Lauko and inserting James van Riemsdyk. The latter didnt play in Game 1 or Game 2.

Montgomery didnt confirm whether the forward would indeed be in the lineup, but van Riemsdyk was on the first power play unit during Wednesdays practice.

Van Riemsdyk was on the Maple Leafs for Game 7 against the Bruins when Boston completed the improbable overtime comeback in 2013 to advance in the series and eventually make it back to the Stanley Cup Final.

That Game 7 will be one that will kinda haunt anyone on that team probably for the rest of their life, van Riemsdyk told reporters in Toronto, via SportsNets Luke Fox.

The best-of-seven series is tied at one game apiece. Puck drop for Game 3 is set for 7 p.m. EST at Scotiabank Arena.
Its time  one of the biggest bands in the world is going on tour this summer with a scheduled stop in Massachusetts.

Imagine Dragons will tour across North America in support of the bands upcoming album Loom, which will be released on June 28. Fans looking to purchase tickets can do so by using reliable third-party ticket vendors such as StubHub and VividSeats.

Working on this record was a rollercoaster, Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds said about the album on Instagram Monday. The beauty of songwriting is that it has always simply been my journal. It has documented decades of my journey through this strange life. And Ive been lucky enough to create it with my best friends in a band and have you share it with us.

Loom is the bands sixth studio album, and follows the Dragons 2022 effort Mercury. The new albums first single, Eyes Closed, was released earlier this month.

In support of the new album, the Dragons will embark on the Loom World Tour starting June 30 in Camden, New Jersey at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and ending Oct. 22 at the Hollywood Bowl Los Angeles, California.

The Dragons will be playing at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield on Aug. 6. As of Wednesday, April 24 the cheapest tickets for that show are $65 on StubHub and $65 on VividSeats.

New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.

In addition to selling more than 74 million albums and 65 million digital songs sold worldwide, the Dragons have earned 160 billion streams across music platforms.

The band is the first rock act to have four songs, Radioactive, Demons, Believer, and Thunder, surpass one billion streams each on Spotify, and the only group in RIAA history to have four songs certified higher than Diamond. The Dragons are also known for the hits Its Time, Whatever It Takes, and Natural.
Noah Weiland, the son of the late rock legend Scott Weiland, dropped a new track featuring previously unreleased vocals from his father  but it didnt appear to be on his own terms.

Cant believe Im saying this right now, but basically I been getting blackmailed by a random number that somehow has a very old version of a song I have with my father, the 23-year-old wrote on Instagram on Monday, April 22.

Because of that, I am basically forced to release a song I had no intentions of releasing until way further into my career cause this coward [really] thinks Im about to send them $2k to not leak it. Sooo, I beat them to the punch, Weiland said in the post, which had a screenshot of the text message from the suspected blackmailer.

The sender of the text told Weiland he had three days to rack up all the money you got, otherwise they would leak the little song you got with your daddy.

This prompted Weiland to release Time Will Tell, featuring vocals from his father, the same day. You can listen to the song below:

Noah Weiland is the only son of Scott Weiland, who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Stone Temple Pilots from 1989 to 2003 and again from 2008 to 2013. Known for his flamboyant and chaotic onstage persona, Weiland was also known for using a megaphone during his live performances.

Scott Weiland also sang lead for Velvet Revolver from 2003 to 2008, released one album with Art of Anarchy in 2015, four solo studio albums and several collaborations throughout his career. He sold over 50 million albums with his various projects and collaborations.

Weiland struggled with substance abuse that led to various high-profile arrests and being fired from Velvet Revolver and Stone Temple Pilots. He was found dead of an accidental drug overdose on his tour bus in Bloomington, Minnesota on Dec. 3, 2015. Weiland was 48.
WEST SPRINGFIELD  The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has awarded the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England a $100,000 grant toward its $2 million goal to help create a Community Performance Center at its Morgan Road facility.

The grant will support the centers Capstone Campaign. Funds from the Capstone Campaign will be used to complete the performance center, which will serve the needs of the greater region for concerts, events, meetings, and private functions.

The Community Performance Center will provide a home for local, regional, national, and international performance groups, making it a full-scale regional base for Irish heritage and culture, as well as a center for cross-cultural collaboration. The space will be able to house performances by major Irish cultural groups, such as Dublins Abbey Theatre, as well as regional performers of all ages.

Weve been working diligently throughout the winter to build campaign momentum, Sean Cahillane, chair of the board of directors and the Capstone Campaign, said, and we are so grateful to the Davis Foundation for this generous grant that will be instrumental in completing our renovation.

The Davis Foundation is proud to support the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England as they create space to offer arts and cultural opportunities for the residents of Hampden County, said Paul Belsito, executive director of the foundation. We are excited to support a project that will add significantly to our regions cultural landscape.

Formerly the home of the Elks Lodge, the facility had been vacant for five years prior to the center taking possession of it through a partnership with the city of West Springfield. Improvements have included developing a vibrant, Irish country-style restaurant, pub, and meeting and gathering place for the community. It includes 11,500 square feet of space on four floors.
President Joe Biden signed a bill on Wednesday that will give billions of dollars in aid money to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, but will also change the future of TikTok in the United States.

Along with a $95 billion war aid measure, the new law includes a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in United States, the Associated Press reported.

Breaking it down further, the provision gives Beijing-based parent company ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, with a potential three more months if a sale is in progress, the AP also reported. This means theres still a full year before a ban could go into effect. But Chinas government has said it opposes the forced sale of the app, according to the Washington Post.

For the 170 million Americans who use TikTok, the app is not going to disappear from their phones, the AP wrote. However, if a ban were to pass, the app would disappear from Apple and Googles app stores and would not be downloadable. Those with the app would no longer see it updated or receive security patches and bug fixes, increasing the chances of the TikTok app being unusable and even a security risk.

Before Biden wrote his signature, the bill saw support that stemmed from concerns from U.S. officials about data collected by TikTok going to the Chinese government, evidence these officials have not made public, the Washington Post wrote.

For years weve allowed the Chinese Communist party to control one of the most popular apps in America ... that was dangerously short-sighted, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, told BBC News. A new law is going to require its Chinese owner to sell the app. This is a good move for America.

Data privacy experts say, though, that the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, including through commercial data brokers that sell or rent personal information. ByteDance has said that it has never shared U.S. user data with Chinese authorities and wont do so if its asked.

Smartphone apps that are no longer updated regularly leave phones at risk of being exposed to hacks, spyware, ransomware, malware and more, according to the tech advice radio show The Kim Komando Show.

If an app hasnt been updated in at least a year, you should consider getting rid of it, the shows online post read.

After the bill was signed into law, TikTok called it unconstitutional, according to a statement.

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail, the statement read. The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans. As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Emerson College officials on Wednesday warned students camping out in a public alleyway on the schools downtown Boston campus to protest the colleges involvement with Israel and signal their support for the pro-Palestinian movement were in violation of city ordinances and to brace for imminent law enforcement action.

The encampment sprang up on Sunday night in the wake of the arrest of more than 100 students at a similar encampment at Columbia University in New York City. The students who set up the encampment say they will not leave until the college meets their demands, which include calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and establishing financial transparency.

In an e-mail sent to students Wednesday and posted to the colleges news website, Emerson Today, President Jay Bernhardt and other senior leadership said the commissioners of both the Boston Police and Fire Departments had contacted the college to inform officials that some actions of the protestors are in direct violation of city ordinances.

Specifically, they said, the tents occupying the alley violate city ordinances prohibiting tents in a right-of-way, public noise violations, fire hazards posed by blocking doors and hydrants and blocking pedestrian access to the alley.

These are not Emerson College rules but laws and ordinances enforced by the city and the commonwealth, the statement reads.

College officials also said they had received credible reports that some protestors had engaged in targeted harassment and intimidation of Jewish supporters of Israel and students, staff, faculty, and neighbors trying to pass through the alley.

This type of behavior is unacceptable on our campus, the statement reads.

Emerson said it had placed Windwalker Security staff in the alleyway to ensure the security of its campus.

Emerson College remains steadfast in its support of community members right to peacefully protest, the statement reads. However, we must also emphasize that we cannot prevent the enforcement of Boston city ordinances or Massachusetts state law.

In an Instagram post, Emerson Students for Justice in Palestine, the student group that organized the encampment, called for an emergency walkout and urged students to head to the alleyway.

Come for the community, come for the education, come for Palestine, the group wrote.

Campus protests began after Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, when militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. During the ensuing war, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the local health ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and noncombatants but says at least two-thirds of the dead are children and women, the Associated Press reported.
A Chinese citizen who was previously a student at Berklee College of Music was sentenced to prison for stalking, threatening and cyberbullying a person who promoted democracy in China on campus, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

Xiaolei Wu, 26, was sentenced to nine months in prison and three years of supervised release, according to a statement released on Wednesday from Levys office. A federal jury convicted Wu in January 2024 of one count of cyberstalking and one count of interstate transmissions of threatening communication.

Wu was arrested in December 2022 and indicted in January 2023.

Mr. Wus criminal conduct is very serious, Levy said in the statement. He harnessed the fear of potential retribution from the PRC government to harass and threaten an innocent individual who had posted an innocuous, pro-democracy flier on the Berklee campus. Mr. Wus violent threats achieved his goal of instilling fear in his effort to silence this brave victim and others who might want to speak out against the PRC government. Our office and the Department of Justice will not tolerate efforts to intimidate and threaten people to suppress their First Amendment rights. Censorship and repression campaigns will never be tolerated here.

On Oct. 22, 2022, a person posted near Berklees campus a sheet of paper that said, We want freedom. We want food on our tables. We want to breathe. We want art. We want democracy. We want love. Stand with Chinese people.

Between then and Oct. 24, Wu communicated with the person on Instagram, WeChat and by email, Levys office said. At one point, Wu threatened the person and said if they kept posting fliers, he would chop your bastard hands off.

Wu also said he told Chinas public security agency about the persons actions and that the agency would greet the persons family, Levys office said. Wu then solicited others to find out where the person lived, shared their email address in the hope they would be cyberstalked and cyberbullied and reported the persons information to a member of the Chinese government.
Theres no doubt that Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutts musings about border tolls to an advocacy group earlier this month have been the gift that keeps on giving for Gov. Maura Healeys critics on Beacon Hill.

Tibbits-Nutts comments have been met with calls for her resignation by one pro-business group. And shes given one more reason for our neighbors to the north in New Hampshire to make a new round of Taxachusetts jokes.

But even as the Democratic front office has walked the tightrope between distancing itself from those remarks, and remaining publicly supportive of a senior lieutenant, one of the less radioactive things Tibbits-Nutt said has been consumed by the PR flames.

Namely, that driving here is mostly an exercise in taking your life into your own hands. And that law enforcement really needs to up its game.

Getting on the Massachusetts Turnpike these days, or any of the states (currently untolled) interstate highways feels like an open audition for the next installment of the seemingly unkillable Fast & the Furious franchise.

And our manners leave a bunch to be desired.

Cut someone off to gain three feet of advantage before traffic inevitably comes screaming to a halt? Check. Blare your horn roughly one-tenth of a second after the light turns green? Check. Being forced to cross a city street like its the time trials for the track & field portion of the Paris Olympics?

Check. Check. And check.

Its incredibly dangerous here, Tibbits-Nutt told the advocacy group Walk Massachusetts, during its annual meeting in Cambridge on April 10, as she reflected on the risks motorists and pedestrians alike face every time they venture out.

People were living in situations where [when] they werent getting killed, they are coming very, very close every time, she said, adding later that the sad part is were one of the safest states in the United States when it comes to these accidents.

The transportation czars assertions are backed up by the data.

In 2022, the Bay State had the lowest death rates per 100,000 population and Mississippi had the highest, according to a report by the National Safety Council.

But it sure doesnt it feel that way. You just need to scan some recent headlines.

Earlier this month, a 26-year-old woman suffered ultimately fatal injuries in the wake of a road rage incident in Hopkinton. In February, a Bay State man was killed in an apparent road rage incident on Interstate 95. And in January, a Massachusetts resident got a life sentence after a racist road rage encounter ended with the death of Black man in 2021.

Researchers have been searching for answers to this fatally dangerous increase in incivility on the nations roads and highways.

Theyve pointed to the fraying of social ties since the COVID-19 pandemic, and an online culture where we dont need to interact with our fellow humans if we dont want to do that.

Weve come to a culture where interaction is very impersonal, E. Scott Geller, a psychology professor at Virginia Tech told Salon earlier this year. Were losing the perspective of interdependence. Now it is all about independence instead of interdependence.

I moved back to New England last fall after years away. And I can tell you that driving here is about one of my least favorite things to do. Even if the MBTA occasionally bursts into flames, its still 100% less stressful than getting behind the wheel.

Speaking to Walk Massachusetts, Tibbits-Nutt related some of the troubles shes had with lead-footed drivers in her super-small hometown, where she now worries about the safety of her daughter and the other neighborhood kids.

Tibbits-Nutt told her Cambridge audience that shes been using her official perch to push for more aggressive enforcement.

We are pushing for less warnings [and] more citations because Im telling you, nothing slows someone down real quick like getting your license suspended, she said, " ... because we will 100% take your license away, and we have no problem doing that ... If youre going 95 miles per hour in a 45 [zone], youre not going to be driving in Massachusetts anytime in the near future.

Yes, its true that tolls are the border are a non-starter. But a conversation about getting us all to slow down a bit on the highways?

Thats one talk worth having.
In an Uphams Corner neighborhood dense with 19th century triple-deckers and industrial buildings, at least a third of artists working at Humphreys Street Studios are first-generation immigrants  from Venezuela, Argentina, France and Haiti.

There are painters, metal workers, stone carvers, furniture makers, graphic designers, and a blacksmith, the latters presence known by the studios iconic yellow smokestack. Theyre anywhere from 25 to 80 years old, from street artists to university professors.

Its a rich, diverse enclave in an already diverse  but changing  Dorchester neighborhood, one that was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is home to a significant Cape Verdean population.

Cristina Todseco, a theatrical set designer, has had a studio there since 2004. She said the community  about 45 artists and creative small businesses  is an atmosphere of production, creativity and energy.

Its something increasingly rare that had to be preserved.

And it was.

In November 2022, the artists prevailed in a multiyear effort to save the 125-year-old former dry cleaning campus from private developers. They did it with help from the city of Boston, nonprofit funders, and New Atlantic Development, a mission-driven Boston-based real estate company that has worked with artist communities before.

It was a creative $2.8 million deal that used $1.7 million in city dollars, including American Rescue Plan funds, and gave majority ownership to artists who work in the building  an example of the interlinked partnerships necessary in order to keep property affordable today.

The art studios are now governed by a nonprofit board. And a much-awaited addition on a vacant adjacent lot is upcoming  21 live/work condominiums for homeownership, 18 of which will have a preference for Boston-certified artists.

The housing project, at neighboring 2 Hillsboro Street, received its final green light from the Boston Planning and Development Agency earlier this month.

Based on income limits set for the units, an artist making 80% of the area median income could purchase a one-bedroom for $219,500 or a two-bedroom for $258,500.

A rendering of the planned 2 Hillsboro Street development in Dorchester, where 18 homeownership units will have preference for artists.New Atlantic Development

The intention was affordable housing always and for it be artist preference, to really support the community were actively in, said Catherine Infantino, a project manager for New Atlantic Development. We know how much the arts need both places to work and places to live that are affordable. Its a struggle, and to have housing thats a low-entry makes it one less thing to worry about and feasible to stay in the city.

Infantino knows, because she and her husband, both musicians, have lived in an artist-preference homeownership unit in the South End since 2006. Theyve raised their family there.

Artists are among the scores of people being priced out of Boston. A recent monthly rent report from the site Zumper showed the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Greater Boston area continues to hover around $3,000 on the highest end.

And just last week, Zillow released a new report showing inventory in the Boston area is currently lower than anywhere else in the U.S.

Perhaps different from other professions, artists feel the real estate crunch in two ways: places to live are becoming harder to find, but so are places to do their work.

Ami Bennitt, an arts administrator and marketing specialist who helped launch the #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition out of the Humphreys Street Studios anti-displacement campaign, said the list of artist studios in Boston that have been lost to redevelopment goes on and on and on and on.

Read more: How Lynn is trying to solve housing crisis amidst high costs, low vacancy on North Shore

When youre in one of these communities, yes, you go as intended for your individual work, but what you end up getting out of it is becoming part of a community, Bennitt said. Thats brick and mortar, thats not online. Human beings showing up onsite to make work with their hands, and sometimes together.

The decline has happened over decades, but particularly in the last five-to-ten years.

Former Boston Mayor Tom Menino started recognizing that artists were sleeping in warehouses in Fort Point and the South End back in the early 2000s, Infantino said.

It was clear the spaces werent suitable or up to code for residential living, but also apparent was a desire for live/work communities.

The thinking then was, Infantino said, Lets make these appropriately habitable spaces and acknowledge the need that people are living there because its affordable, as well as being part of a community.

Menino launched the Artist Space Initiative in 2001, an effort to keep artists in the city amid rising real estate values of the time.

Today the market is even worse, making the venture incredibly challenging, especially without immediate cash in hand to save a property from getting snatched up by a private developer.

In 2022, Boston, Cambridge and Somerville joined together with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in an initiative to protect existing arts and cultural spaces, as well as create new ones.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu earmarked millions of ARPA dollars for her Office of Arts and Culture.

Despite the many efforts at play, artist displacement has become increasingly common.

Bennitt said artists pushed out of Boston are going to Lowell, Haverhill, New Bedford and Pawtucket, R.I., where studio space is still available  and affordable.

Its not enough just to go somewhere else, she said. There need to be policies and protections.

The 2 Hillsboro Street development

All units at the new 2 Hillsboro Street development adjacent to Humphreys Street Studios will be income-restricted, while 18 will have preference for artists who are certified by the city of Boston.

The Mayors Office of Arts and Culture offers an artist housing certification, which qualifies people for affordable live/work spaces. In that regard, the city has shown vested interest in saving artists from displacement, and maintains an active list of live/work and work-only spaces.

A planned mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms, the 2 Hillsboro Street units are designed with additional square footage for workspace. The four-story building, a five-minute walk from the Uphams Corner commuter rail stop, will also have common workspaces, according to New Atlantics application.

Read more: Meet the volunteer lawyers trying to protect Boston tenants from eviction

The added workspace is critical, Tedesco said, because not every living situation is good for art-making. For artists who use heavy equipment or require ventilation because of fumes, a typical apartment doesnt suffice for a live/work scenario.

Several artists at Humphreys Street Studios have already expressed interest in the condominiums, which are on track to break ground in November. Prices will range from $180,800 to $378,000.

Infantino noted its common for people who qualify based on the area median income to hear of developments like 2 Hillsboro Street and think, they dont mean me. But oftentimes, they do, and people shouldnt be afraid to reach out for more information, she said.

The city-run Boston Home Center, for example, is a one-stop shop for questions.

There are people out there willing to help get people into these situations, said Infantino. There are so many more that arent applying who need to know about these. College kids at MassArt could come out and have a home. Get them stabilized and into a place where they can stick around and keep doing their art.
The last jurors were selected Wednesday to serve in the trial of Karen Read, a Mansfield woman charged in the 2022 death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, reports say.

It took five full days in Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham to select 19 jurors, a process where hundreds of prospective jurors were questioned since Reads trial began on April 16, Boston 25 News reported.

Five new jurors were added Wednesday while another five were dismissed, according to CBS News.
Update: One person was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, Massachusetts State Police said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, at 5:03 p.m.

A serious crash on the eastbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Brighton caused a traffic backup on Tuesday, Massachusetts State Police announced in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

State Police troopers, Boston firefighters and Boston EMS arrived at the site of the crash, where there is an extensive traffic backup, State Police said in the post at 4:33 p.m. Seek alternate routes if possible.

Troopers and @BostonFire @BOSTON_EMS on scene of serious crash, #MassPike eastbound in Brighton. Extensive traffic backup. Seek alternate routes if possible. #MATraffic  Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) April 23, 2024

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation also posted on X at 4:04 p.m. that it was a rollover crash at Exit 130, before Market Street.

Expect delays, MassDOTs post read.

Google reported a 12-minute delay on both the eastbound and westbound sides of Interstate 90, according to Mass511.

Look out for a crash, Mass511s description of the crash read. The roadway is reduced to two lanes.

MassLive reached out to State Police for more information about the crash and any potential injuries to drivers.
A car driving along Interstate 93 in Braintree was struck by a bullet in a possible road rage incident on Wednesday, Massachusetts State Police announced.

At around 2:50 p.m., State Police troopers received a report of a car struck by a bullet on the southbound side of I-93, State Police said in a statement. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there was police activity around Exit 6.

The ensuing investigation so far suggests that it was a potential road rage incident involving two vehicles that were unrelated to the car that was hit, State Police said. These two vehicles were driving on the northbound side.

The man in the uninvolved car was struck by a bullet, but had an extremely minor injury, State Police said. He refused to be taken to the hospital.

The shooting remains under investigation.
An attorney for Massachusetts blogger Aidan Kearney, also known as Turtleboy, accused a special prosecutor appointed by the Norfolk County district attorney of delays and obfuscation to keep Kearney away from the high-profile murder case of Karen Read.

Special prosecutor Kenneth Mello, who appeared virtually Tuesday at a pre-trial hearing due to health reasons, said he took offense to the accusation and said his investigation into the charges of witness intimidation that Kearney faces is intentionally at a distance from the Norfolk County district attorneys office.

Kearney, 42, of Holden, appeared Tuesday in Norfolk County Superior Court in Dedham for pre-trial hearings in two separate cases brought by Mello, a criminal defense lawyer tapped by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey to investigate allegations of intimidating witnesses in the Read case.

Tuesdays hearing revolved around contentions by Timothy Bradl, who is representing Kearney, that he has not received the required discovery from Mello in the case, meaning the information about witnesses and evidence theyll use at trial.

Ive seen nothing but an abundance of delay and obfuscation whenever any obligation (for the) Commonwealth comes forward, Bradl said on Tuesday at the hearing.

I think he (Mello) is hired to do this to delay, to stop Mr. Kearney from getting anywhere with this case to keep him away from the Karen Read case, Bradl said.

Bradl described the charges against Kearney as a destruction of the 1st Amendment due to them being connected to his coverage of the Read case.

Mello countered and said hes not received any marching orders from Norfolk prosecutors.

Ive never received any direction whatsoever from the district attorneys office in the performance of my duties and my obligations, Mello said.

We have never exchanged one piece of information and its intentional that Im keeping distance from the district attorneys office in that regard because I dont want there to be any allegations that were conspiring with each other to move these cases together, Mello said.

In a press conference outside the courthouse, Kearney and Bradl said the charges against him were intended to keep him from covering the Read case. Some of the charges Kearney faces stem from a violation of a restraining order after appearing at a Read hearing in February.

Obfuscation is the word, Kearney said after the hearing. This is intentional. They are trying to delay this as long as possible so they can keep me on bail so they can try to jam me up on something again. They have absolutely no intention of bringing me to trial because they know this case cant succeed on the merits.

Kearney said theyve received the grand jury minutes that led to his indictment but they have not seen the exhibits that were presented.

We just want them to comply with the rules, Bradl said. The discovery materials are necessary in order to file a motion to dismiss the cases, he said.

We think this is intentional to keep Mr. Kearney away from the Karen Read case and keep a sword of Damocles over his head, Bradl said, using a term that references a situation in which something bad could happen at any time.

MassLive reached out to Bradl and Mello for comment.

The judge gave Mello until May 8 to produce any outstanding information and the next hearing is scheduled for May 23.

Mello said at Kearneys December arraignment that the blogger encouraged his minions and followers on blogs and YouTube to harass witnesses in the Read case.

Mello said Tuesday hes experienced four separate medical issues since before February but argued that he has already produced the information sought by Bradl.

Read more: UMass journalism professor questions Turtleboy ethics as he appeals no contact orders

At Kearneys arraignment in December on the 16-count indictment, Mello argued that the blogger encouraged his followers to harass witnesses in the Read murder case. According to court filings, Kearney led hundreds of followers on a Rolling Road Rally in Norwood and Canton on July 22, 2023, to visit the homes of witnesses and investigators of the Read case.

Kearney spent a stint in jail from December to February due to his bail being revoked following a domestic incident days after his December arraignment.

The blogger was indicted by a grand jury on another two charges on Feb. 23 while in state custody  one count each of intimidation of a witness/juror/court officials and disclosing contents of a wiretap. The two charges stemmed from the domestic incident that a judge cited in revoking his bail.

The controversial blogger has written hundreds of articles about Reads murder case, in which prosecutors say she is responsible for her boyfriend John OKeefes death after hitting him with an SUV while leaving a house party in Canton in January 2022.

Authorities claim she drove under the influence of alcohol and struck OKeefe, a Boston police officer, after dropping him off at the party late one night during a blizzard.

Court filings also revealed that Kearney had communications with Read, both through an intermediary and then directly, and received non-public information about the case that he subsequently reported on his website and in YouTube videos.

In March, prosecutors sought to revoke Kearneys bail once again after he appeared in court for a Read hearing on Feb. 26 where an ex-girlfriend had a restraining order against him.

The judge released the blogger on personal recognizance after his arraignment on a restraining order violation charge.

Authorities say the information fed to Kearney by Read was used to contact witnesses and harass them. Kearney has maintained Reads innocence and cast blame on others for OKeefes death.
Lawmakers in Massachusetts majority-Democrat state House of Representatives got the ball rolling Wednesday on a nearly $58 billion budget plan for the new fiscal year that starts July 1.

Lawmakers are expected to spend the next few days working through 1,495 proposed amendments to the budget bill, including what one senior leader said are certainly some interesting amendments to say the least.

The House Chamber filled with representatives a little after 11:30 a.m.

House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, D-3rd Suffolk, whose panel authored the bill, took the podium around 11:40 a.m., telling lawmakers that its expected to pass the House by the end of the week.

He said the spending blueprint now before the lower chamber tries to balance the states needs and wants with the financial realities of a tight budget year.

The $57.9 billion budget that is before you today will allow the commonwealths economy to continue to grow and remain competitive, while recognizing the financial realities the state is confronted with at the current moment, Michlewitz said.

While Im sure you would have loved to see more funding in a particular line item, or maybe tighter language in another, this budget is a reflection of our collective priorities. We all know the past budget cycle has been one of our more challenging ones we have seen in recent years, the Boston Democrat continued.

He noted that state tax revenues have not grown at the rate we had originally predicted and it has left us all scrambling a bit to keep our budget stable through [the current fiscal year]. And while the March revenue numbers were a welcome break in the nine-month storm we have been in, we still must proceed with caution, not knowing if the April numbers are gonna bring more showers.

Michlewitz told his colleagues that despite what some may want you to believe, it is not all bad news on the Commonwealths financial front.

The states bond rating was increased last year for the first time in a decade, he said, and the state is on track to raise its rainy day fund balance to nearly $9 billion, or almost 16% of the annual budget.

That [puts] us in solid shape to weather any further storms going forward.

The House budget doesnt raise taxes or use rainy day fund reserves, he said.

Rep. Todd Smola, R-1st Hampden, the ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, the budget continues important investments in local aid, education, human services, transportation, and workforce development.

But with these investments comes a stark reality of our revenue picture here in the commonwealth. Its a landscape thats fallen below benchmarks for nine months, nine consecutive months. And its of the utmost importance that we keep that history in mind as we deliberate on the next fiscal year and then what may be in store beyond, Smola said. This is a warning sign for us to be fiscally responsible and prudent when financial decisions are made.

As is required under the House Rules, representatives began to process the amendments by going through those relative to enhancing or reducing revenue.

There were roughly 20 amendments categorized as revenue, but most were quietly withdrawn without being discussed on the floor.

Rep. Jay Barrows, R-1st Bristol, explained but then withdrew an amendment that would have required the Department of Revenue to produce a report on the amount of short-term room excise tax revenue that municipalities were losing out on as a result of hosting longer-term state shelter sites at hotels or motels.

Barrows said he reached an agreement with Revenue Committee Chairperson Mark Cusack, D-5th Norfolk, to instead send a letter to DOR requesting the report.

At noon Wednesday, the House began assembling the amalgamated amendment bundles (known as consolidated amendments) that allow leadership to dispense with scores of amendments with a single vote.

A meeting in the House Members Lounge was scheduled for 12 p.m. on Wednesday to discuss amendments categorized as education, veterans services, local aid, and social services.

Most of the real debate over amendments occurs in the lounge prior to the more staged presentation of mega-amendments.

Lawmakers appeared to have their load lightened somewhat by midafternoon on Wednesday, when it emerged that a joint House-Senate conference committee might be nearing a deal on a supplemental funding bill for the states emergency shelter system.

Speaking to MassLive after a Denim Day event honoring sexual abuse survivors, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told MassLive that she was encouraged by the news of a potential breakthrough on shelter funding.

The Democrat has said the system needs money, but has continued to insist that its up to policymakers in Washington to help states that are dealing with the ongoing flood of migrant arrivals who are straining the system.

I mean, obviously, the issue of funding for housing has been critically important, Healey told MassLive. Im glad to hear that I look forward to see what whats coming out.
Its budget season in Massachusetts. And things are about to get complicated  really, really complicated.

Heres why.

Democrats who control the state House are slated to start voting this week on their version of a $57.9 billion budget for 2024-25, that shares some of the same spending priorities as the $58 billion fiscal blueprint that Gov. Maura Healey, also a Democrat, unveiled in January.

At the same time, legislative negotiators are meeting behind closed doors as they try to reach a deal on a supplemental funding bill for this year that would provide a badly needed injection of cash for the states emergency shelter system. The legislation also would impose some limits on how long people can stay in the system.

Lending some urgency to the latter: The fact that the system, which serves both permanent Massachusetts residents and an ongoing flood of migrant arrivals, could run out of money as soon as the end of the month without action, Senate Ways & Means Committee Chairperson Michael Rodriques, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, has warned.

Now throw in one more variable: Democrats who control the state Senate have yet to roll out their own spending proposal. That could come next month.

The specifics there are unknown. But the upper chambers senior leader, Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, did tip her hand a bit thanks to a speech she gave to business leaders in Boston on Monday.

And all of this begs one big question: Can the Legislature, which has a troubling habit of leaving things until the absolute last minute, get it all done on time?

If theres an upside to the debate over the short-term funding bill, its that theres a deadline  of sorts  and something approximating movement.

Rodriques, the Senates top budget-writer, has said talks are ongoing, but offered little in the way of specifics on a potential timeline, according to Politicos Massachusetts Playbook.

We are literally in communication constantly ... Its going well. Were having good conversations, Rodrigues said, according to the online news organization.

In an interview with WBURs Radio Boston program on Tuesday, Healey wouldnt be nailed down on a deadline on when the system might run out money. But she did she say know[s] the Legislature is working very, very hard on this.

[For] the last several months, this has been a significant issue, Healey told the station, falling back on a familiar call for action from Washington. And I have spoken with great urgency about the need for more funding.

Away from the question of funding for the shelter system, theres still the question of the differences in the budget plans that Healey and House Democrats have proposed for the coming year.

House Democrats embraced many of Healeys ideas for new sources of money to bulk up overall spending in the face of flagging tax collections, according to State House News Service.

Both budgets would green-light legalization of online lottery sales, draw from trust funds previously established to cover the costs of K-12 and early education, restructure MassHealth assessments, approve tax modernizations and amnesty, and redirect gaming revenues to help cover state outlays, albeit with some differing amounts and estimates.

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, MassLive previously reported.

House Democrats also have called 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.

Healey, at least, didnt seem discouraged about the possibility of a deal with House leaders.

The Democratic governor told WBUR that she was really heartened by what the House came forward with. There is a lot of alignment with what were trying to do.

Then theres the Senate.

Speaking to business leaders on Monday, Spilka, the Senate leader, spelled out an agenda that includes her long-sought free community college for all, and a new public-private partnership to expand access to childcare, WBUR reported.

If we want a generation of students to benefit from the terrific programs at our many community colleges across the state, we must remove as many barriers to entry as possible, Spilka said, in remarks prepared for delivery. Free is a lot easier to understand than: it will be free for you if have the time, support of adults, and language capabilities needed to fill out these many complicated forms.

It could be harder for the administration and lawmakers to get some of their bigger-ticket items over the goal line in the face of flagging tax collections that have prompted both spending cuts and hiring restraints across state government.

Speaking to business leaders on Monday, Spilka acknowledged the challenging terrain, but she insisted policymakers had a responsibility to act.

Now, some would say that because of the challenges we face as a Commonwealth, we have to scale back our ambition to tackle some of our most persistent challenges, Spilka said in remarks prepared for delivery. But I would argue that now is not the time to pull back on the critical investments that have beenand will continue to bebeacons of hope and opportunity for our residents.

Healey demurred on Tuesday, when she was asked whether she had a message for Senate leaders ahead of the eventual release of their spending plan.

I look forward to working it through over the next several weeks and months, Healey said.
Hours after the U.S. Senate passed it, President Joe Biden has signed a bill banning the hugely popular, Chinese-owned social media app TikTok unless it is sold within a year.

Massachusetts two U.S. senators, Democrats Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey both voted in favor of the bill that contained the language  a $95 billion foreign aid package that includes $60 billion in Ukraine aid, $17 billion weapons aid for Israel with over $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza, according to the Washington Post.

While they were yes votes for the bill, as a whole, the two Democrats had more nuanced views on TikTok, which spanned both national security and free speech concerns.

In remarks from the Senate floor on Tuesday, Markey warned his colleagues about the free speech implications of the bill, urging them not to use national security interests as a justification.

"I want to be clear, I rise today on this greatest of debate floors, not to defend TiKTok. I dont deny that TikTok poses some national security risks, Markey told his colleagues.

This legislation may address  or at least mitigate  a national security risk, but it could and likely will result in widespread censorship, Markey continued. And this censorship would predominantly impact young people in our country, many of whom are just gaining their political consciousness and obtaining the right to vote. We should be clear-eyed about the stakes. Censorship is not who we are as a people. We should not downplay or deny this trade off.

Warren, an avowed critic of big tech, has taken a more wide-ranging view, urging increased federal oversight of an industry that she says currently resembles the Wild West.

"I get why there are special concerns about foreign ownership, Warren said during an appearance on WBURs Radio Boston program last month. But understand this: Changing ownership structure alone is not going to fix this problem.

Warren is sponsoring legislation with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that would, among other things, create a new federal commission charged with regulating online platforms.

The new, bipartisan panel would be responsible for overseeing and enforcing the new statutory provisions in the bill and implementing rules to promote competition, protect privacy, protect consumers, and strengthen our national security, the two lawmakers said in a joint statement.

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, who sits on a special House committee that deals with China-related issues, has argued that the forced sale of TikTok is necessary so that the company is accountable to U.S. law.

"And the reason we need social media corporations to be accountable to U.S. law  and that is Meta and YouTube and Twitter and TikTok  is because these corporations over the last 20 years have become trillion-dollar entities that are attention-fracking American youth, that are corroding our political discourse, that are platforming disinformation, Auchincloss, a former Marine told WGBH News last month.

The social media titans need to be subject to regulations the same way that linear media, traditional media have been for decades, all in consonance with the First Amendment, but putting guardrails in place, particularly to protect the mental health of our children, which has deteriorated over the last 15 years, Auchincloss continued.

Unlike some of his congressional colleagues, such as Markey, Moulton, also a former Marine, told Politico that he doesnt use TikTok. The reason, he said, was a pretty simple one.

Im also one of the few Massachusetts politicians who regularly sees classified intelligence about China, Moulton, who co-sponsored a divestment bill with Auchincloss, told Politico.

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, was among the Capitol Hill progressives who had signaled some reluctance to the forced divestment effort.

Certainly there are things we should be considering when it comes to data harvesting and privacy  for all social media, for all big tech, not just limited to TikTok, she told Politico in March. I also have serious concerns regarding the First Amendment, but I also think this is simply just fomenting anti-Asian and Chinese sentiment.

Pressley ended up voting against the ban, according to a House roll call compiled by CNN.
(*This story was updated at 11:56 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, with new comment from a spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warrens, D-Mass., re-election campaign.)

Quincy City Council President Ian Cain has formally launched his Republican bid for U.S. Senate, positioning himself as an independent voice, and a pragmatic alternative to Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who will [get] s**t done and [fight] for us.

With his entrance into the race, the 41-year-old tech executive, and the only Black and openly gay candidate, joins a competitive GOP field that also includes attorney and crypto aficionado

John Deaton, 56, of Swansea.

Cain launched his candidacy with a two-minute introductory video that features the candidate, standing in a park, and dressed in the obligatory sleeveless vest uniform of the FinTech set.

The video shows Cain alternately speaking to the camera, and providing voiceover over news footage of rising prices, an unidentified person of Middle Eastern descent at a podium delivering a Death to America speech, and video of Warren swigging from what appears to be a bottle of beer.

The video also shows a younger Cain with his family, and speaking from the podium in his guise as a Quincy city councilor.

No one has disappointed Massachusetts more than Elizabeth Warren, Cain said in the video. Instead of working for Massachusetts, shes working for herself Whats worse, is that shes incapable of delivering real results, because shes so bogged down in the extreme partisanship that keeps Washington and our government at a standstill.

In the video, speaking over some of that footaged, Deaton argues that the United States is at a crossroads. Washington is broken, and our politicians are failing the people that claim to serve.

Like Deaton, Cain is a recent convert to Republicanism. He joined the party in late February, according to the Boston Globe. Prior to that, he had been an unenrolled voter and a Democrat, the newspaper reported.

And like Deaton, Cain faces long odds in his bid to unseat a well-funded incumbent with a national profile.

Warren had $4.4 million on hand as of the end of March, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Deaton had $1.2 million on hand, with $1 million of that total coming from a loan to his own campaign, records showed.

A clear majority of respondents (53%) to a Morning Consult poll released earlier this week said they approved of Warren, with 36% who said they disapproved.

Warrens negatives were slightly higher than the Bay States other Democratic U.S. senator, Ed Markey, who had a 53%-27% approval rating in the same canvass.

Cains official campaign website touches on the familiar issues shaping the states policy debate, including Massachusetts ongoing migrant and housing crisis.

Like Deaton, Cain supports requiring asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are adjudicated. He also calls for securing the nations southern border with physical and technological barriers, and [restoring] a simpler process for legal immigration that prioritizes our needs first.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Warrens re-election campaign told MassLive that the Democrat had taken on tough fights and won  from lowering costs for student debt and hearing aids, to taxing billionaire corporations to fund climate investments, to helping deliver more than $50 billion in federal funding to Massachusetts  and shell continue working hard for Massachusetts families.
CLEVELAND  The Red Sox lineup got a little bit healthier Tuesday even with Rafael Devers missing his fifth straight game and news breaking that Triston Casas will miss significant time with a fractured rib.

Boston activated outfielder Tyler ONeill off the 7-day concussion injured list and started him at designated hitter, batting third. He took the roster spot of catcher Tyler Heineman, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain suffered Sunday in his season debut.
SPRINGFIELD  Eastman Chemical will be donating lifesaving medical equipment to the Springfield Fire Department on Thursday.

The equipment being donated consists of 17 high-tech, portable oximeters to monitor vital signs during emergencies.
SPRINGFIELD  About 155,000 power customers in Springfield could save 8% to 10% under a long-awaited municipal aggregation plan that the city released for public comment.

Large power users  since deregulation in 2005  have the ability to go out onto electricity markets and negotiate their own rates with power producers, said Mark Cappadona, president of Colonial Power Group, the company Springfield selected to help implement the program.
GREENFIELD  Christopher Demars, a 27-year veteran, didnt plan on working other veterans after his retirement. It kind of fell into my lap, he said.

After serving in the U.S. Army and the National Guard, Demars retired in 2015 and started working at the Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans Services District where he later became the director.
The town of Holden will not face a lawsuit from Attorney General Andrea Campbells office for threatening to not comply with a law directing towns to create special dense areas to build housing  at least for now.

Holden is one of 177 municipalities in Massachusetts that is required to follow the 2021 MBTA Communities Act  a law requiring municipalities with an MBTA station or, in the case of Holden, borders a community that has a station to have at least one zoning area that allows multi-family housing by right.

The law does not force communities to build housing but makes it possible to build multi-family housing in the town to increase the number of available housing units for rent or sale.

According to the Attorney Generals website, communities that do not comply are at risk of being sued and will lose funding for other projects.

Holden Town Manager Peter Lukes, who previously said the town would not comply with the MBTA Communities Act, told MassLive on Tuesday that the dense area the law proposes would be inconsistent with the towns structure.

The town was sued in August 2023 by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, along with a low-income family and a local homeowner, who all argued that the town is hurting residents by not complying with a law that would ease the housing crisis in Massachusetts.

The lawsuit was thrown out by a judge in December that year.

Just as a farm in the middle of downtown Worcester would be inconsistent with the character of that area, a high rise housing complex in the middle of our suburban rural agricultural community would violate the character of those surroundings, Lukes wrote.

Despite the pushback from Lukes, Campbell wrote in a statement to MassLive on Tuesday that Holden still has time to implement its required zoning area or district in place.

According to Campbell, municipalities adjacent to towns and cities with MBTA stations, such as Holden, have to have a zoning district designated for multi-family housing construction by December of this year. If the town does pass its deadline without complying with the law, Holden may be at risk of being sued, according to the Attorney Generals website.

Holden, like other municipalities categorized as adjacent or commuter rail towns under the MBTA Communities Law, has until the end of 2024 to come into compliance with the law, Campbell wrote, I commend the overwhelming majority of communities who are taking responsible steps to come into compliance with the MBTA Communities Law and my office will continue to work closely with communities to ensure compliance by their respective deadlines.

In comparison, towns and cities with stations that are part of the Blue, Green, Orange, Red or Silver lines were required to have this type of district as of December 2023.

The town of Milton was one of 12 municipalities required to have this district by last year but voters rejected a proposal by town leaders to establish the zoning area.

In response, Campbell sued the town in February 2024 after they passed their deadline without this required district. According to court documents, the towns attorneys argue that the laws wording indicates that having this type of district is optional. Campbell does not have standing to sue because her office is not mentioned in the law.

Despite Milton being sued by Campbell and losing its funding, Lukes said that Holden would not change its position on opposing the MBTA Communities Act.

The town and myself included have supported multiple projects (one currently ongoing) that are entirely multi-unit, multi-family housing, he said. Those projects fit within our current zoning bylaws and blend in with their neighborhoods regarding aesthetics, traffic flow, parking, and infrastructure needs. The type of structure required by MBTA Communities legislation would demand construction of high-rise buildings that dont fit the towns character.
On Saturday, April 27th, Abu Dhabi will host a groundbreaking event, welcoming 10,000 spectators to witness the inaugural ASPIRE Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. This brand-new autonomous racing competition marks a significant milestone in motorsport history, billed as the largest league of its kind globally.

Eight teams will compete: Code19 Racing (one of the first independent autonomous racing entity from the USA), Constructor University (based in Germany and Switzerland), Fly Eagle (representing Beijing Institute of Technology from China and Khalifa University from the UAE), HUMDA Lab (a member of the Szechenyi Istvan University Group from Hungary), KINETIZ (a collaboration between Singapore Nanyang Technological University and Kintsugi based in the UAE), PoliMOVE (representing Politecnico di Milano from Italy), UNIMORE (also from Italy  University of Modena and Reggio Emilia), and Technical University of Munich  TUM (from Germany), vying for a substantial prize purse of US$ 2.25 million.

The participating teams of coders and engineers will each have exclusive access to identical Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars, made possible through a partnership with Japan Race Promotions. These cars will be autonomized with autonomous racing stacks developed and integrated by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). The sole variable lies in how each team utilizes their coding skills, AI algorithms, and machine learning software development expertise to teach their cars how to drive. Currently recognized as the fastest open-wheel race car in the world after Formula One, these cars can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.

For the first time, the race format is poised to feature four autonomous cars driving on the racetrack simultaneously  a feat never before attempted. In a series of pre-qualifying races, the finale will showcase the top performers from the Lap Test and Speed Test, advancing to a final Overtaking Challenge to determine the ultimate winner. Additionally, an AI vs Human car race will unfold, with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) embracing the electrifying challenge of pitting their autonomous car against former F1 driver  Daniil Kvyat. TII will aim to get as close as possible to the human lap time and will also demonstrate the autonomous cars ability to drive without GPS assistance.

H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council  ASPIREs parent entity, and Advisor to the UAE President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, said:

 In pushing the boundaries of technology under extreme conditions, we uncover new frontiers in science. This reimagined racing paradigm harnesses the pinnacle of coding skills, AI algorithms, and software development prowess  the very skill sets of the future. By leveraging these capabilities, we pave a path at the forefront of research and development, propelling Abu Dhabi to become a pivotal global hub for innovation. 

ADNOC has come on board as title sponsor, providing crucial support, underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for advancing autonomous racing technology. H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Group MD & CEO of ADNOC, added:  As we navigate the path to UAEs industrial future, our commitment to in-country value and technological advancement stands unwavering. A2RL epitomizes our dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology including AI, driving competitiveness and economic growth across sectors. For decades, ADNOC has invested in the latest technology and innovation  from the control room, to the board room  to deliver the modern energy that powers our lives. 

Organizer of A2RL, ASPIRE CEO, Stephane Timpano, said:  A2RL is more than just a race  its a platform for testing and optimizing autonomous vehicle technologies, enhancing safety and reliability on public roads. With the support of local and international partners, were bringing the mobility future  closer.  The inaugural race has attracted a diverse array of sponsors, each contributing their expertise and resources to ensure the success of the development of the cutting-edge autonomized cars. Leading partners, such as Du, DMT, AWS, and Mubadala, have played pivotal roles in shaping the events trajectory, with media partners such Motorsports, Inc. Arabia, FastCompany Middle East, and Whats On, amplifying A2RLs visibility.

Technical partners, including Dallara, Danisi Engineering, Meccanica 42, Kistler, Seyond, Eventagrate, Live in Five, Focal Point VR and Vislink, have lent their specialized knowledge to elevate the events innovation and performance standards.

An exclusive Fan Zone promises an elevated experience for families, motorsport fans, and tech enthusiasts alike. With tailored activities, guests can immerse themselves in cutting-edge tech and gaming, including a captivating VR zone and the AI museum  Raceum. From 16:00 (GST) on April 27, young students from the A2RL STEM Competition will showcase their coding skills on 1:8 scale autonomous racing cars, with 18 schools competing to add excitement. The night concludes at 23:00 (GST), with activities including a podium ceremony for the winners, fireworks, a drone show, and an after-show concert with DJ Andre Soueid.

For those unable to attend in person, the excitement of Race Day will be accessible through various live streaming channels, including A2RLs official YouTube and Twitch channels, motorsport.tv and the A2RL app. Interested parties are invited to visit the A2RL website and monitor social media channels for updates regarding the program schedule and details on viewing the race in their respective regions.

The inaugural A2RL event is part of Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, running from April 24 to May 1.
La deputee de la circonscription No 1, Port Louis Ouest/ Grande Riviere Nord Ouest va poser ses quatre questions lors de la prochaine seance parlementaire qui aura lieu le 7 mai 2024.

Les questions seront comme suit:-

The Prime Minister

Whether in an alleged case of child abuse of a 4 year old girl, involving a Bangladeshi national, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the status of the police enquiry being carried out indicating (a) since when the accused is in Mauritius (b) if there has been any previous police against him and (c) if any inquiry is carried out regarding the morality status of foreign citizens before delivery of work permit? If not, why not?

The Minister of Public Utilities

Whether, in regard to the floodings which occurred during cyclone Belal on 15th January and 21 April, he will state if consideration will be given so that affected families namely in Canal Dayot, Sable Noir, Richelieu, Debarcadere in Pointe aux Sables and other affected areas in constituency number 1 be exempted from payment of their electricity and water bills for the months thereof. If yes, to provide information on procedures to be followed to benefit from same and if not, why not?

The Minister of Public Utilities

Whether, he has been made aware of discontinuous water supply of same in the region of Montebello in Pailles since Sunday 21 April 2024 indicating when will the situation come back to normal?

The Minister of Education
INDEPENDENT county councillor Richard Finn has called for urgent action to deal with the cost of building a new house.

Cllr Finn was speaking to The Mayo News after welcoming the appointment of Alan Dillon TD, as Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning.

The Knock-based representative, who is running in the Claremorris Local Electoral Area, said that tax breaks would not address the ridiculous amount of tax associated with building a new house.

Cllr Finn called on Minister Dillon to relax planning regulations and reduce the tax burden for building new houses.

Minister Dillon recently announced an extension of the waiver for local authority development contributions until the end of this year and the refunding of Uisce Eireann water and waste water connection charges until the beginning of October.

And while Alan Dillon cant solve the housing crisis on his own, he can have a huge impact in two areas that will go a long way to making home ownership more accessible and affordable; the first is to reduce the amount of money the state takes from the building of a new house, began Cllr Finn.

According to the Irish House Builders Association, on average, forty percent of the cost of building a new house goes to the exchequer. That includes VAT, levies and PAYE/RPSI. Thats 100,000 on a 250,000 house. Thats a ridiculous amount of money to be taking from a couple trying to buy a home. No wonder houses are not affordable.

The wage levels in the west of Ireland are, in many cases, too low, to qualify the applicant for a mortgage, at current house prices. A person or a couple starting out, are facing an impossible situation, he added.

A generation ago, people built homes in rural Ireland. Not just in towns, but in the countryside too. It was easy to get planning permission, and houses were affordable. As a result, the countryside was well-populated, and schools were full. The lifestyle was healthy. People werent under the financial pressure they are now. One income could support a mortgage.

Cllr Richard Finn

Cllr Finn added that rural dwelling had been demonised by government policy and claimed it was very difficult to get planning permission to build in rural Ireland.

Mayo County Council has granted a total of 389 planning permissions for single houses in the 2023-2024 period. It refused 5 percent of the 1,264 planning applications it received in 2023.

Schools are closing. GAA and other sporting organisations are struggling to field teams. Government policy is driving people into shoebox apartments and housing estates where all the houses are identical, said Cllr Finn.

People wanting to build new houses, be they individuals or couples on the one hand, or property developers on the other, are faced with a myriad of costs that make the process uneconomic. It is more expensive to build a house in Ireland than in any other country in the world, when you factor everything in.

I am calling on the new minister, Alan Dillon, to relax planning guidelines, and to work with [Ministers] Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe, to reduce the states take on house building. There was never a better opportunity to do so, than now [with] a new Taoiseach and a new Minister.
Landowners affected by the preferred route option for the Westport to Murrisk Greenway have been advised not to engage with the TII or Mayo County Council and to show them the door.

Up to 70 registered letters were sent out last week to landowners by the project team developing the Greenway from Westport to Murrisk, advising them of the next phase of the project. This is the landowner consultation stage of the process.

A public meeting, organised by a committee opposed to the preferred route of the Greenway, was held in Lecanvey Community Centre on Friday evening. The landowners present were advised not to engage with project team members if they call to their homes and to stand united against the project.

Peter Shanley, Chairman of the Belclare to Murrisk Committee, said that the committee has composed a letter in response, outlining the objections to the route. He said this letter should be distributed and sent back en masse to the project team.

Our advice to you, the people affected, is not to invite engineers from Mayo County Council or TII [Transport Infrastructure Ireland] onto your land or visit them in their offices.

You are under no obligation to meet with these people or talk to them  you are better to reply, and this is the reply [letter] we have composed for you and we strongly recommend you use it and get it off as soon as possible, he said.

United response

Patrick Slevin, another committee member, explained that the letter outlined the objections to Option 2 (the project teams preferred route) and the threat of compulsory purchase orders, as well as landowners preference that a walk and cycleway be instead developed along the R335, Westport to Louisburgh road  which is Option 1.

Mr Slevin also pointed out that any compensation given for land for the greenway would be subject to capital gains tax.

Our objective of this letter is a swift, robust and united response from all the affected property owners and anyone who wishes to support their cause, he added.

Another objective is we work together. CPOs must be approved by An Bord Pleanala, and they will not approve a project if an overwhelming majority of us reject the proposal. If we do not meet the representatives of MCC, TII or NRO [National Roads Office] then this [route] will die a death. If any Greenway project team members come knocking we suggest you show them the door, he said.

Westport councillor Peter Flynn was heckled after speaking in favour of Greenway project

Lone voice

The Murrisk Greenway project is being developed by Mayo County Council in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The preferred route option (Option 2) would see the Greenway go off road from Aughavale Cemetery via the townlands of Cloonagh, Kiladangan and Deerpark towards Murrisk and would cut through land at the foot of Croagh Patrick.

The overwhelming majority of those who filled the community centre were against the preferred route.

The meeting was addressed by a number of local politicians and election candidates.

The only political voice who came out in favour of the project was that of Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn, who received a hostile reaction from some of the crowd when he outlined some of the benefits of greenways.

Cllr Flynn was the last of the four local councillors to be given a platform to speak. He had not been asked to speak initially, given his current stance.

This is a protest meeting, he was told by Mr Shanley when he asked to speak. However, this prompted Independent councillor Christy Hyland to intervene, saying Let the man speak.

When given the floor, Cllr Flynn said that as a public representative, it was important to put the real facts of the project on the table rather than pretend to get the crowd riled up and be the most popular person in the place.

He pointed out that the Greenway between Westport and Achill has been the one of the most fantastic success stories for the region, adding that the section between Newport and Achill is the most popular because it is off road.

However, Cllr Flynn was interrupted by a number of people who pointed out that this section was built on an existing railway line without the threat of CPO.

Hostile reaction

Despite the hostility of some of the crowd, Cllr Flynn continued to speak about the benefits that greenways bring to an area, and he urged the people to sit down with the project team to try to find a solution to their concerns.

The code of best practice for the delivery of greenways is signed off by farming organisations, and they dont talk about CPOs. They talk about voluntary acquisitions and working with the project teams and sitting down to find the solutions, he said.

I could say to you tonight that confrontation is the only answer but consultation is the only answer. I recommend to all of you to sit down and try to find the solution and work in a way that works best, he said, amid cries for him to sit down.

Responding to Cllr Flynns comments, independent councillor John OMalley said, That kind of talk annoys me. He added that the less people use the greenway than when it first opened.

Oireachtas members Rose Conway Walsh TD and Senator Lisa Chambers were also among those who spoke on the night, as well as the four sitting local councillors and three local candidates, Keira Keogh of Fine Gael, Karen Gallagher of Sinn Fein and Independent Chris Maxwell. The latter indicated he was willing to go to prison to stop the contentious route being developed.

Deputy Conway Walsh commented that nothing seems to have been learned from the Corrib gas controversy regarding the need for early consultation with landowners. She added she has submitted a question to the Minister for Transport to outline the reasons Option 2 is preferred ahead of Option 1.

No justification

Fianna Fail councillor Brendan Mulroy said he is fully behind opposition to the current preferred route and believes that legally there can be no justification for acquiring land for it by CPO.

He pointed out the reasons for the CPO of land for a greenway in Kerry was due to the lack of an alternative route, as well as the economic and population decline in that part of Co Kerry.

There is no population decline in this area and there is no economic decline, so a precedent has not been set. If this sham goes through a court of law will throw it out in my view, he said.

Senator Chambers said she was there to listen to the views of the local people, while Cllr Hyland said he would not support a greenway if it meant land being sterilised for future development. This stance was also taken by Fine Gael candidate Kiera Keogh, but she said she could not give her full backing for Option 1 either, as it would affect other landowners.

Cllr OMalley said supporters of this greenway do not understand the affection that farmers have for their land, and he urged landowners not to sell property for the greenway. Karen Gallagher of Sinn Fein said she would not support the CPO of land for greenway projects.

Gerry Loftus of the Rural Ireland Organisation, who is running as a candidate in the Castlebar Electoral Area, urged the people to stay united and not allow the TII or the Council to divide and conquer.

They will try their best to divide and conquer this community. If one of you or two or you talks to TII, this campaign is over. It is critical that nobody talks and then they are left in the situation where they will have to CPO every single landowner, and that wont happen, he said.

No benefit to farmers

Comments were also taken from the floor with the majority of the speakers speaking out against the greenway going through their land.

One person did say he could not see a greenway going along the R335, and he suggested sitting down with the project team, saying people should not to keep their heads in the sand. His views were given short shrift by the crowd, however.

Another person, who lives along the existing greenway between Westport and Newport, said the only people not to benefit financially from it were the farmers whose land it goes through.

Close to the end of the meeting, Mr Shanley said that it would be naive for anyone to think the landowners would be able to talk to the TII without the threat of CPO.

The [Great Western] Greenway is a great success, but lets not forget it was built on an old railway line that was already there, and it was done through consultation, he said.

The TII have full compulsory purchase powers backed by statutory powers, and they will use it. They have said they will consult but added dont forget we have CPO in our pocket and money in the other. It is naive to suggest CPO is not on the table.
TWO renowned Mayo poets, Geraldine Mitchell and Ger Reidy, are launching new collections of poetry this Sunday in Westport. The joint launch, which takes place in Matt Molloys, Bridge Street, at 4pm, will be officially performed by internationally acclaimed artist Alice Maher, while music will be provided by Diarmaid Moynihan, widely acknowledged as one of the countrys leading uilleann pipers.

Geraldine Mitchells new collection, Naming Love, is her fifth. The title comes from a line in a poem I wrote on the day of the poet Eavan Bolands funeral, the poet tells The Mayo News.

It was May 1, 2020. No chance of attending, of course, we were all in lockdown. In the two-part poem I refer to how, during the dark Covid times, we lost/ the shame of welling up in public places, / of naming love, and naming it again, / clapping it out in nightly rhythms / among strangers.

In previous work, Mitchell has explored themes such as loss and survival; people and place; nature and climate change. Now she sees another thread connecting her poems.

As I was putting the collection together I realised that, although I have no love poems as such in the traditional sense, all my poems can be read as love poems: love for nature, love for all living creatures (from birds to beetles to refugees adrift in the Mediterranean), love of life itself. The wonderful artist Marc Chagall once said For me, love is the true colour, the true matter of art. When you think about it, he was right. The act of creating art, of writing a poem, is an act of love.

The poet grew to realise that love is a many-faceted thing, a shape-shifting form, the intensity of which can morph and motivate.

I came to see that, far from being a soft, feel-good emotion, love can be militant, an active force for urgent change in the frighteningly aggressive world we inhabit. If you consider the cover image of Naming Love, a print by my artist daughter, Lisa Molina (who also designed the covers of two of my earlier collections), you will notice a distinct absence of hearts or red roses A fist is raised in resistance and the sun, not a romantic moon, is blazing forth.

Mitchell seeks to reclaim loves defiant, resilient, actively protective nature.

We have allowed certain emotions or qualities, such as hope, compassion and empathy, to be classified as soft, feminine, passive. Love is often labelled this way too, while the feelings that dominate our world are the aggressive, masculine and, ultimately, violent ones. My poems try, always in an indirect way, to rescue love from its commercial straightjacket and give it a resilient, defiant and non-submissive role.



O bonsai heart

loosen your love knot

let the snipped twigs

grow



Born in Dublin, Mitchell lived for many years in France and Spain working as a teacher and journalist. She has been living in Killadoon on the West Mayo coast since for almost 25 years. Her poetry writing took off when she moved west in 2000 with her late husband and, in 2008, she won the Patrick Kavanagh Award for her first collection World Without Maps (2011). Her subsequent collections, Of Birds and Bones (2014), Mountains for Breakfast (2017) and Mute/Unmute (2020) have further cemented her reputation as  in the words of fellow scribe Elaine Feeney  a deeply perceptive poet with a keen sense of the natural world.

Meanwhile, Ger Reidys latest collection of poetry, Clay, continues to celebrate the territory he knows best  life in rural Mayo and the existential challenges encountered living there over the decades.

Like Mitchells refusal to reduce love to a swoon, Reidy resists hackneyed depictions of country living as bucolic bliss or romantic idyll. He explores themes of emigration, rural isolation and the tyrants love, life and time, as Kavanagh referred to them.

His work is intensely coloured by his life in Mayo and in Aughagower, outside Westport, where he grew up and still lives, having retired as a civil engineer. But there are shades of more exotic hues too  journeys to Kazakhstan, Armenia and Mexico; giants of the arts like Tchaikovsky, Tarkovsky and Turner; as well as classical music, jazz and the blues. Reidy recognises that the world over, universal themes play out repeatedly on local stages, in individuals and communities preoccupations, struggles and triumphs.

In this way, poems with political themes flow seamlessly into the collection. Poems like Stillborn Republic, in which Reidy laments the establishment of a true republic as Connolly called for, as opposed to the theocracy that controlled the State up until recently. The contemporary challenges of world instability, right-wing populism and the climate emergency also feature.

Clay is Reidys fourth collection, following on from Pictures from a Reservation (1998), Drifting Under the Moon (2010) and Before Rain (2015), which was shortlisted for the Pigott Poetry Prize at Listowel Writers Week. Reidys debut collection of short stories Jobs for a Wet Day (2016) was nominated for the Edge Hill Prize.

As in his previous collections, the fast-paced, ever-changing dance of the wests weather and light continues to enthral Reidy. And throughout, his work is buoyed by a deep sense of gratitude for life in rural Mayo, an emphatic embrace of its unapologetic authenticity.

All are welcome to the joint launch of Clay and Naming Love in Matt Molloys, Westport, at 4pm this Sunday, April 28.
The Mary Robinson Climate Conference will take place in Mayo this year.

Making its return, the second annual conference will take place in Ballina from June 5-7.

The theme A Shared Response to a Shared Responsibility will be the focus of the second Mary Robinson Climate Conference.

Following a highly successful first year, this years theme reflects the fact that everyone has a part to play in addressing the impact of climate change at local, national, and even global levels.

The theme recognises that all voices are important in contributing to climate conversations, and that such conversations become the catalyst for collective action.

Mary Robinson will open the conference with an in-conversation talk on Project Dandelion with Laura Cook, former Communications Advisor to The Elders, setting the tone for the three-day event.

A range of speakers from Ireland and overseas will bring community actors, researchers, policy-makers and local and national governance together, acknowledging their collective role in addressing our most pressing climate issues.

Conference Co-Chair Kathy Reilly, from the University of Galway who represents social sciences, along with fellow Co-Chairs from the natural sciences (Gesche Kindermann and Peter Croot) said: The climate crisis brings to the fore a complex and urgent series of concerns, that require diverse skill sets and scholarly approaches, reflected in our convening approach.

Speaking on the announcement, Project Manager for the Mary Robinson Centre, Susan Heffernan, said: This conference is becoming a national space for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration for those interested in and active in creating change for good, most particularly on climate action.

The Centre and Ballina Green Town are proud hosts of this conference and the important dialogue it generates at national level, she concluded.

For more information and booking, visit the Mary Robinson Centres website.
Senator Lisa Chamber has called that the business support grant be extended.

The Fianna Fail European election candidate in the Midlands-Northwest wrote to the Minister for Enterprise, asking that the deadline for the 'Increased Cost of Business' (ICOB) grant be extended.

While canvassing, Senator Chambers has been told repeatedly about critical economic pressures faced by businesses due to increased costs in energy, insurance, and the recent rise in minimum wage.

With only 30,000 out of 130,000 eligible businesses having applied for the grant, the senator expressed her concern about the low uptake of the grant program.

"This grant is a vital lifeline for small and medium enterprises navigating the challenging economic landscape," she stated.

Senator Chambers continued: "Extending the deadline beyond May 1st is essential to enhance awareness and accessibility of the grant, ensuring that more businesses can secure the support they need to sustain their operations and protect jobs."

The European election candidate said she is committed to the economic health of the Midlands-Northwest region and dedication to ensuring that local businesses are not left to face these challenges without adequate support.
The mother of a child who was hospitalised twice due to severe head lice which left her with matted hair that took weeks to untangle has been given a suspended sentence.

The 57-year-old Dublin woman had a meltdown in the summer of 2018 and took off to the UK for a period of time, leaving her then 15-year-old daughter home alone with 100 for food, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard.

The girl, whose hair was badly matted with headlice when she was discovered by her father, later told social workers her summer had been sad and annoying.

She did not leave her room or shower for two months and reported that she was often hungry.

The woman, who can't be named to protect the anonymity of the child, pleaded guilty to one count of child neglect on dates between 2013 and 2018, when the girl was aged between nine and 15.

A local detective garda told Emmet Nolan BL, prosecuting, that the child's parents separated when she was young.

When visiting her father in 2014, then aged nine, he noticed that her hair was badly matted and that she had headlice. He took steps to treat the lice.

Over the next few years, the girl regularly suffered with headlice.

The court heard that the father discussed the issue with the mother, who said she was unable to get the girl to wash her hair. On other occasions, the woman did buy headlice shampoo and engaged in treating her daughter's hair.

However, the girl was hospitalised as she reached her teenage years and missed considerable amounts of school as a result of the headlice and related severe rashes.

In August 2018, the father visited his daughter at home and found her in her darkened bedroom hunched over her laptop with a hooded top covering her hair.

The room was stuffy and smelly, with old food and cat faeces present. There was a strong odour coming from the girl, and when the father pulled down her hood, he saw her hair was completely matted, with headlice crawling on her face and on her hoodie.

The mother was in the UK at this time, the court heard.

The man immediately bought headlice products and started trying to deal with the girl's hair. Tusla was contacted but the father was told it was unable to assist. He also got in touch with the girl's school and her doctor, with the girl again being hospitalised for bites on her skin.

The court heard the girl's hair was rock solid with lice and eggs. Each strand took five hours to untangle and treat and the court heard it took three weeks to completely untangle it.

A headlice expert who was called in to help reported finding between 900 and 1000 headlice in the girl's head.

The girl went to live with her father and the woman was arrested at a later date at her home address. Tusla eventually got involved with the family and the girl told social workers that her mother and other female relatives spent the summer getting drunk in the house.

She said they were noisy, often drinking vodka until 4am in the morning.

The court heard the girl was pale and thin at the time, as well as having matted hair.

She said she hadn't showered for a period of two months and she was struggling to sleep because of the noise. She said her summer had been sad and annoying and there was often no food in the house.

When questioned by gardai, the woman admitted there was no shower facilities available for the girl. She said the girl didn't like school and used the lice as an excuse not to go.

Defence counsel said the woman left for the UK that summer because she was having a meltdown and couldn't cope. She said she left 100 for the child for food.

Sentencing the woman today (Tuesday April 23), Judge Martin Nolan said people have an obligation to care for their children.

It is a moral obligation as well as a legal obligation, he said. In this case, (the mother) breached both her moral obligation to care for her child and she committed a criminal offence by not doing so.

The judge said he felt this was cruelty by omission, rather than commission.

She had an obligation to make sure her child was healthy, fed properly, cared for properly, groomed properly. She had an obligation to ensure her child attended school. I don't think she fulfilled any of these obligations.

The judge went on to say he believed the woman was not a bad person, but rather was unable to cope at the time.

He handed down a sentence of two and a half years which he suspended in full.

The court heard the girl's relationship with her mother has since improved and she is now doing remarkably well considering.
The family of the young girl who was seriously injured in an attack on Parnell Square last November have shared the latest "huge achievements" she has reached in her recovery.

The update was shared on the verified GoFundMe set up in the five-year-old girl's name this Tuesday, April 23.

"Great milestones for our little big warrior - she has started on feeds now (not orally yet) and moving her arms a good bit," the family shared.

"She is enjoying her Irish lessons with the Hospital School," they continued, sharing that the child also "loves watching Paddington 1 and 2 for laughs".

In an update shared on March 4, the family said that doctors were hoping to reintroduce food "into our darling daughter's day" over the next few weeks after "some serious tummy issues".

In a later update, posted on April 4, they thanked the public for "all the love sent our way", and clarified that "our little girl is still in hospital and has no set date for her discharge".

The five-year-old was one of three children who, along with their carer, were injured in a multiple stabbing at Colaiste Mhuire, Parnell Square in November 2023.

A man in his 50s, Riad Bouchaker, has been charged in relation to the attack.

The two other children, aged five and six, and Leanne Flynn, their carer, have all since been released from hospital.
Niall Boylan is to stand down as a late night presenter on Classic Hits FM as he is to run for election in this year's European elections "with immediate effect".

The broadcaster has announced he will contest this year's European Parliament elections as a candidate for newly founded party Independent Ireland.

In a statement broadcast shortly after 9pm on the Nighttime Talks show on Classic Hits FM, the station's chief executive Kevin Brannigan said that "it has been decided that Niall will stand down as presenter of Nighttime Talks with immediate effect."

"As one of the largest commercial radio stations in the country, we have a responsibility to be fair to all candidates," Mr Brannigan said.

He went on to say he admired Niall "for having the courage of his convictions and putting himself forward like this", and wished him "the very best in his bid"

Mr Boylanto stand as a candidate in the four seat Dublin constituency, and was registered on the list of candidates this Monday, April 22.

He appeared on air as a guest this Tuesday night, with Gareth O'Callaghan taking over as host.

Though not able to discuss political matters, in the interest of fairness, Niall spoke instead about his reasons for leaving radio for politics.

"I feel like that particularly the Nighttime Talk is like a big family," he said.

"It's like a family and I feel like I'm leaving them or abandoning them or something. But I want to let them know that I'm not abandoning them, what I want to do is I want to make a difference in their lives," he continued.
Gardai are currently at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision involving a van and a motorcycle that occurred shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, April 23, at Ballinahina at White's Cross in County Cork.

The motorcyclist (male, 20s) was pronounced deceased at the scene. No other serious injuries to persons was reported.

The road is currently closed and is expected to remain closed overnight and into Wednesday morning with local diversions in place as Forensic Collision Investigators conduct an examination of the scene.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Ballinahina area between 5:45pm and 6:10pm this Tuesday are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Watercourse Road Garda Station on 021 4558260, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

This is the second incident in recent days where a motorcyclist has lost their life on Cork roads.

Niall Murphy of Wilton Road in Cork, died in a motorbike crash as he was driving home from watching Highfield RFC play against Tipperary on Sunday, April 21.

Mr Murphy, a father of three, in his 60s, who has been remembered as "an absolute gent", suffered fatal injuries after a single vehicle collision, which occurred on the R579 Banteer to Nad road in Cork.
Conseiller en Collaboration, Apprentissage, Adaptation (CLA)/Conseiller S&E, RDC

Base a : Goma, Republique Democratique du Congo (RDC)

Releve du chef adjoint du parti (DCOP)

Qui nous sommes

PSI est un reseau dorganisations locales et connectees a lechelle mondiale qui uvrent pour des soins de sante axes sur le consommateur  des systemes de sante centres sur la personne qui garantissent des soins de qualite et abordables partout et a tout moment. Nos origines en matiere de sante sexuelle et reproductive se sont transformees en une mission plus large. Aujourd'hui, nous travaillons avec les secteurs public et prive ainsi qu'avec les communautes locales, en donnant la priorite a la voix et aux choix des citoyens et en developpant des solutions pour repondre a leurs besoins essentiels en matiere de sante. Au cours des cinq dernieres decennies, nous avons contribue a repousser les limites, a briser les tabous, a definir des tendances et a developper des solutions innovantes pour relever des defis complexes en matiere de sante mondiale.

Rejoignez-nous !

PSI recherche un conseiller en collaboration, apprentissage, adaptation (CAA)/S&E pour rejoindre notre equipe pour l'activite d'assainissement rural et periurbain en RDC financee par l'USAID. Lactivite mettra en uvre des interventions a fort impact qui renforcent les marches de lassainissement afin daccroitre lacces et lutilisation durables des services dassainissement de base. L'activite renforcera egalement les marches de l'assainissement grace a des interventions dans les domaines de la gouvernance sectorielle, de la creation de la demande, du financement et du renforcement de l'offre. Enfin, l'activite donnera la priorite au renforcement des capacites locales, y compris un transfert des responsabilites de mise en uvre vers les entites locales. Ce projet ambitieux recherche du personnel tout aussi ambitieux qui apporte creativite, energie et esprit d'entreprise a son travail.

Cela vous ressemble ? Continuer a lire.

Votre contribution

Le conseiller en collaboration, apprentissage et adaptation (CAA) dirigera le programme global de suivi, d'evaluation et d'apprentissage du programme en promouvant la coordination, la collaboration, l'apprentissage continu et la gestion adaptative pour soutenir les objectifs et les activites du programme. Le conseiller CAA travaillera en etroite collaboration avec le chef du projet et les specialistes du suivi et de l'evaluation (S&E) pour produire des analyses basees sur les donnees afin d'eclairer la conception et la mise en uvre des activites. Il/elle maintiendra un systeme de gestion des performances et supervisera l'equipe de S&E du projet ; mener des recherches-actions qualitatives et quantitatives rapides pour recueillir des informations sur la mise en uvre du programme ; concevoir et gerer un programme d'apprentissage collaboratif avec les parties prenantes au niveau national et des comtes ; engager des equipes techniques pour garantir une prise de decision fondee sur des donnees probantes et l'adaptation des programmes ; concevoir des evenements de diffusion et dapprentissage pour faciliter la collaboration, lapprentissage et ladaptation ; superviser les activites de gestion des connaissances et de communication pour garantir que lapprentissage est partage efficacement ; et renforcer les capacites de la CAA et promouvoir une culture de gestion adaptative au sein du projet et parmi les partenaires. Le conseiller CAA favorisera de solides relations de collaboration avec les principales parties prenantes, servira de rassembleur pour l'apprentissage sur les problemes emergents, et identifiera et repondra aux principaux problemes d'apprentissage.

Que cherchons-nous ?

Diplome BA/BS ou superieur dans un domaine lie a l'apprentissage organisationnel ou a l'aide au developpement tel que la sante publique, les affaires ou l'administration du developpement ; Gestion des connaissances ; etudes d'economie ou de developpement ;

Au moins six annees d'experience avec des responsabilites progressivement accrues dans la planification strategique, le suivi et l'evaluation, la conception de projets, l'apprentissage et la gestion des connaissances, y compris une experience dans l'application de l'apprentissage pour ameliorer les programmes de developpement et le changement de systemes pour la gestion adaptative des organisations de developpement ou dans des sous-organisations de developpement. Afrique saharienne ou autres pays aux ressources limitees, de preference RDC ;

Vaste experience en recherche collaborative, en gestion de donnees et en methodologies MEL pour des activites de projets complexes de taille et de portee similaires ;

Experience des pratiques d'apprentissage innovantes, de la pensee evaluative et de la gestion adaptative

Doit posseder d'excellentes competences en gestion et en communication ;

Experience pratique documentee dans la mise en place et la gestion de systemes de S&E pour les programmes de sante dans les pays en developpement, y compris l'assurance qualite des donnees ;

Expertise demontree en recherche quantitative et qualitative ;

Capacite averee a produire des documents de qualite professionnelle tels que des rapports d'etape, des etudes de cas et des protocoles de recherche ;

Experience dans l'elaboration de cadres de resultats, de cadres logiques ou d'outils similaires pour la conception de projets ;

Une experience dans l'utilisation d'un logiciel ou d'une base de donnees de gestion des connaissances est fortement souhaitee ;

Connaissance pratique et experience du S&E, des politiques et des procedures des activites financees par le gouvernement americain ;

Experience technique en assainissement dans les pays en developpement fortement souhaitee ;

Anglais courant ; Excellentes competences en communication orale et ecrite ;

Des references seront requises.

STATUT

A temps plein

Le candidat que nous embauchons incarnera les valeurs dentreprise du PSI :



La mesure : Vous utilisez des preuves concretes pour prendre des decisions et guider votre travail. Vous fixez des objectifs clairs a lavance et expliquez clairement si vous devez les deplacer.

Pragmatisme : vous vous efforcerez de fournir le meilleur resultat possible avec les ressources disponibles. Vous ne serez pas paralyse par le besoin de rendre les choses parfaites.

Honnetete : Vous etes proprietaire de vos erreurs et etes ouvert sur vos lacunes  c'est la seule facon d'apprendre et de vous ameliorer.

Collaboration : Vous etablirez rapidement une carte mentale sur qui vous pouvez compter pour quoi, dans votre equipe, au siege et dans nos bureaux nationaux  si vous essayez de tout faire vous-meme, vous n'y arriverez pas.

Confiance : Vous acceptez les limites de votre sphere de controle et accordez a vos collegues le benefice du doute.

Engagement : Vous etes la pour le long terme et souhaitez evoluer avec l'organisation, tout comme PSI sert ses consommateurs et ses partenaires avec les gouvernements des pays hotes contre vents et marees.

Des references seront requises. Le candidat retenu devra passer une verification de ses antecedents.

PSI est un employeur garantissant l'egalite des chances et encourage les candidatures de personnes qualifiees, quels que soient leur race, leur religion, leur couleur, leur sexe, leur age, leur origine nationale, leur handicap, leur orientation sexuelle, leur etat civil, leur apparence personnelle, leur inscription, leur affiliation politique, leur situation familiale ou leurs responsabilites. , identite ou expression de genre, grossesse, accouchement, conditions medicales connexes ou allaitement, informations genetiques, amnistie, ancien combattant, ancien combattant handicape special ou statut de militaire en uniforme ou statut d'emploi.

Les candidats interesses doivent soumettre une lettre d'interet et un curriculum vitae actuel par courrier electronique a l'adresse PSIDRCHR@psi.org avant le 15 mai 2024 avec pour sujet :Collaboration RDC, Apprentissage, Adaptation (CAA)/Conseiller S&E.

------------------- ANGLAIS -------------------

Collaboration, Learning, Adapating (CLA)/M&E Advisor, DRC

Based in: Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Reports to the Deputy Chief of Party

Who we are.

PSI is a network of locally rooted, globally connected organizations working to achieve consumer-powered healthcare  people-centered health systems that ensure quality, affordable care wherever and whenever it is needed. Our origins in sexual and reproductive health have grown into a broader mission. Today, we work with the public and private sectors as well as local communities, prioritizing peoples voice and choice and developing solutions to meet their essential health needs. Over the past five decades, we have helped push boundaries, break taboos, set trends, and develop innovative solutions to complex global health challenges.

Join us!

PSI seeks a Collaboration, Learning, Adapating (CLA)/M&E Advisor to join our team for the USAID-funded DRC Rural and Peri-Urban Sanitation Activity. The Activity will implement high impact interventions that strengthen sanitation markets to increase sustained access to and use of basic sanitation services. The Activity will also build sanitation markets through interventions in the areas of sector governance, demand creation, finance, and supply side strengthening. Finally, the Activity will prioritize local capacity building, including a transition of implementation responsibilities to local entities. This ambitious project seeks equally ambitious staff who bring creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit to their work.

Sound like you? Read on.

Your contribution

The Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Advisor will lead the overall monitoring and evaluation and learning agenda for the program by promoting coordination, collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptive management to support program objectives and activities. The CLA Advisor will work closely with the Chief of Party and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists to produce data-driven analyses to inform activity design and implementation. S/he will maintain a performance management system and oversee the projects M&E team; lead rapid qualitative and quantitative action research to gather insights on program implementation; design and manage a collaborative learning agenda with national and county-level stakeholders; engage technical teams to ensure evidence-based decision making and program adaptation; design dissemination and learning events to facilitate collaboration, learning, and adaptation; oversee knowledge management and communications activities to ensure learning is shared effectively; and build capacity in CLA and promote a culture of adaptive management within the project and among partners. The CLA Advisor will foster strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, serve as a convener for learning around emerging issues, and identify and respond to key learning issues.

What are we looking for?

BA/BS Degree or higher in a field related to organizational learning or development assistance such as public health, business, or development administration; knowledge management; economics or development studies;

A minimum of six years of experience with progressively increased responsibility in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, project design, learning, and knowledge management, including experience in applying learning to improve development programs and systems change for adaptive management of development organizations or in sub-Saharan Africa or other resource-limited settings, preferably DRC;

Extensive experience in collaborative research, data management, and MEL methodologies for activities for complex projects of similar size and scope;

Experience with innovative learning practices, evaluative thinking, and adaptive management

Must possess excellent management and communication skills;

Documented hands-on practical experience setting up and managing M&E systems for health programs in developing countries, including data quality assurance;

Demonstrated expertise in quantitative and qualitative research;

Proven ability to produce professional-quality documents such as progress reports, case studies, and research protocols;

Experience developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, or similar tools for project design;

Experience using knowledge management software or database is highly desired;

Working knowledge of and experience with USG funded activity M&E, policies, and procedures;

Technical experience in sanitation in in developing countries strongly desired;

Fluency in English; Excellent oral and written communication skills;

References will be required.

STATUS

Full time

The candidate we hire will embody PSIs corporate values:



Measurement: You use hard evidence to make decisions and guide your work. You set clear goalposts in advance and explain clearly if you need to move them.

Pragmatism: Youll strive to deliver the best possible result with the resources available. You wont be paralyzed by a need to make things perfect.

Honesty: You own your mistakes and are open about your shortcomings  its the only way youll learn and improve.

Collaboration: Youll quickly establish a mental map of whom you can rely on for what, on your team, at headquarters, and in our country offices  if you try to do it all yourself, you wont succeed.

Trust: You accept limits to your sphere of control and give colleagues the benefit of the doubt.

Commitment: You are in it for the long-haul and want to grow with the organization, just like PSI serves its consumers and partners with host-country governments through thick and thin.

References will be required. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check.

PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status or responsibilities, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or breastfeeding, genetic information, amnesty, veteran, special disabled veteran or uniform service member status or employment status.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and current Curriculum Vitae via email at PSIDRCHR@psi.org by May 15, 2024 with the subject: DRC collaboration, Learning, Adapating (CLA)/M&E Advisor.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 23, 2024

The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that could result in a ban on the popular TikTok app.

The measure -- which is part of a larger package that also includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan -- now heads to President Joe Biden for signature.

The provisions affecting TikTok would prohibit web hosting services and app marketplaces from distributing the app, unless it's sold within one year by its China-based parent company ByteDance. The House of Representatives passed the package on Saturday.

TikTok has said it will challenge the measure in court on First Amendment grounds.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner (D-Virginia), who supports the provisions regarding TikTok, said during a floor discussion Tuesday afternoon that the proposed law goes a long way to safeguard our democratic systems from foreign influence.

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The measure is not an effort to take your voice away, Warner said.

We hope TikTok will continue under new ownership, he added.

Warner also suggested the proposed law was justified by classified security information, noting that the public at large has not seen what Congress has seen.

Last month, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) likewise suggested that classified briefings warranted the potential ban. They argued in a letter to the Director of National Intelligence that declassifying information about TikTok and its ties to the Chinese government would shed light on potential security threats posed by the app.

Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) ultimately voted in favor of the package of bills, but before the vote he argued against a potential TikTok ban, saying it could and likely will result in widespread censorship.

While he acknowledged that TikTok could pose some national security risks, he said lawmakers should still think carefully about the impact of this bill, the consequences of its implementation and the tradeoff between supposed national security threats and freedom of expression.

Markey also cast doubt on whether ByteDance can sell TikTok in one year, saying that such a deal would be one of the most complicated and expensive transactions in history.
by Tanya Gazdik , April 23, 2024

Porsche Cars North America has signed on as the official electric vehicle of the 2024 Met Gala.

In this role, select guests to the May 6 event will be among the first in the world to experience the Porsche Macan as they ride to and from the party.

In parallel, Porsche is working with Vogue to produce a branded content series entitled "True Essence," with an episode featuring Catherine Holstein, founder and creative director of New York luxury label Khaite.

Porsche will showcase the new car in digital and print ads, in addition to publishing other branded content on Vogues owned and social channels.

Rounding out the collaboration, the automaker will provide a financial contribution to The Costume Institute to support its work in the arts.

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Porsche and fashion are connected, and have been for decades, says Ayesha Coker, vice president of marketing for Porsche, in a release. And the all-electric Macan will be no different, offering an unmatched level of customization to be as bold and unique as each and every one of our customers. Collaborating with The Met Gala is the perfect setting to elevate the striking new design of the Macan, as it is the must-attend-event in the world of fashion.

Viewers can follow the action throughout the night on Vogues live stream of the event.

In conjuntion with the gala, Porsche will kick off an all-star celebration of fashion and design at Soho House New York on 9th Ave. Hosted by actor Barry Keoghan, the evening will include a live musical performance by British singer and songwriter RAYE.

The Porsche Macan which will be on display just weeks after its global debut along with the new Taycan in an art installation in front of Soho House.

More information about the Macan can be found online at the vehicles hand-raiser website.

Porsche is not the only luxury automaker to make a connection between nuts and bolts and fashion. Hyundai Motor Groups Genesis brand has partnered with Vogue for several years on activations including the sponsorship of Vogue World.

This year, the event is being held in Paris on June 23 to kick off Haute Couture Week ahead of the Olympics but Genesis will not be a sponsor, according to a spokesperson for the automaker.
by Sarah Mahoney , Staff Writer @mahoney_sarah, April 23, 2024



Vera Bradley is shopping around for a reset. Revenue slipped 6% to $470.8 million in the most recent quarter, and the company has lost some favor with the crowd who once clamored for those colorful bags. The brand has drifted away from its original personality in small increments, says chief marketing officer Alison Hiatt. Shes spearheading a major rebranding effort for later this year. She tells Retail Insider how the Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company aims to recapture some sizzle.

Retail Insider: Whats behind the sales decline?

Alison Hiatt: Consumers are keeping us guessing. With the current macroeconomic challenges, its hard to sort out the different influences. Retail always keeps you guessing. But we are looking forward to turning a new page.

Retail Insider: How will rebranding help?

Hiatt: We're operating in two worlds. Right now, we are very much ourselves. Over time, brands sometimes move in a slightly different direction, maybe just an inch a year. All of a sudden, you pick your head up, and you're like, "Wait a minute. Weve drifted too far."

So, we are in this shift back to where the brand started. We are uniquely multigenerational, which means weve got to keep that scope wide. We need to be relevant, modern and fresh to maintain that multigenerational love.

Retail Insider: Can you give us some hints about the rebranding?

Hiatt: Ive been playing around with the word reintroduction because that may be more accurate. Its more than just a new logo. It's an entirely different product line. It is a new in-store experience. It will be a new web experience that we hope will be felt across all channels and departments. Its all-new, from beginning to end.

Retail Insider: Founded in the early 1980s, Vera Bradleys first fans were boomers. Who is your biggest customer segment now?

Hiatt: Women in that 35-to-55-year-old group, which is a broad range. They are people in the thick of things. Theyre busy. They may be establishing a career or a family or changing any of that. And its this bigger bucket of people because they influence the younger generation, perhaps because they buy things for them. But they also affect older generations, because they are so involved in their prime-of-life activities.

Retail Insider: How is your marketing approach changing?

Hiatt: We have done a great job forming relationships with our existing customers. I'm overwhelmed with the love that people have for this brand. We need to open up the lens a little and introduce the brand to newer audiences.

Retail Insider: Whats your marketing mix right now?

Hiatt: Digital, in all forms and fashions, is critical. Email is very important to maintaining relationships, as is social media. I look forward to putting us out there with bigger branding moments. We have a celebrity brand ambassador we're working with, with a unique sense of style similar to Vera Bradley. Shes known for being both fresh and very much herself.

Retail Insider: Youve got a special challenge. On one hand, theres a need to make Vera Bradley buzzy, hot and fashionable again. To keep growing, you also need to nurture your image as a staple. And youve got to do that in your 130 stores, your ecommerce site, and the thousands of wholesale doors.

Hiatt: Yes, and our outlet stores, as well. At its height, Vera Bradley spoke to a broad group. Not too high, not too low, but very stable. We were a constant companion to a woman's life, and she knew she could count on us for her day-to-day accessories and travel needs.

So how do we get back to being that tried and true? I've been studying that a lot, looking at what makes some brands endure over time. I keep coming up with a word that is so overused, I know, but its authenticity.

Being true to themselves helps brands ride out any storm. For Vera, that has always been letting women be who they want to be at that moment. This is their style, celebrating whatever moments she is having in life. That means our mission is to help her take it up a notch, like "Heres a really fun bag for your weekend trip," something new for date night or a new crossbody bag. You have to evolve with fashion and tastes, but remember what keeps people coming back.

Retail Insider: What are some of those brands you admire?

Hiatt: I look at luxury brands because they are enduring. We are not saying that we're a luxury brand, but we aspire to bring something fresh and new. We tilt things ever so slightly. There are a lot of beautiful bags out there that people can choose from. And so, how do we stand out in that sea of sameness? In terms of traditional competitors, though, were up against every company that sells bags, from hard-sided luggage to purses and wallets. It spans a lot of players.
by Ray Schultz , April 23, 2024

Most Americans support freedom of the press as defined by the First Amendment. But not everyone is equally enthusiastic, according to a study by Pew Research.

Overall, 73% feel press freedom is extremely or very important, and 18% say its somewhat so.

At 78% each, White and Asian Americans are most in favor of the concept. In contrast, 61% of Hispanics and 60% of Black Americans feel the same way.

There are no major differences by political party, Pew writes. But those with higher formal educations and income levels are significantly more likely to back press freedom than those with less education and lower incomes.

And, despite these positive feelings, only 33% say media are completely free to report the news, versus 46% who indicate they are somewhat so and 18% not very.

Whats more, 84% feel U.S. news outlets are influenced by corporate/financial interests a great deal; 83% say the same about government/political interests.

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In this area, there is some diversity of views depending on political party. Of Republicans or those who lean that way, 60% say media are influenced a great deal by financial interests, compared to 45% of Democrats or people who lean toward that party.

Even more Republicans, 67%, feel that government and political interests impact the press, while only 34% of Democrats agree.

Democrats are more likely to say media in the U.S. are completely free to report the news (38% vs. 29%). And 29% of GOPers say media are not very free (as do only 12% of Democrats) and 47% of Republicans are concerned about potential restrictions.

At the same time, 51% say the publication of false information should always be prevented, even it means restricting press freedom. But 46% argue that freedom should be ensured no matter what.

And, again, it depends on the group. Support for protecting press freedom over curbing misinformation falls this way:

Men53%

Women40%

White50%

Black35%

Hispanic40%

Asian38%

Rep/Lean Rep57%

Dem/Lean Dem38%

The analysis is based on a survey of U.S. adults conducted from April 1-7, 2024.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, April 24, 2024

Google seemed well on its way to deprecation of third-party tracking cookies in its Chrome browser until it hit yet another roadblock.

The phaseout has faced multiple delays. Estimates put the rollout data sometime in 2025 -- if the company meets the CMAs and Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) approval.

A delay came for the first time in 2020, again in 2023, and most recently this week when a Google executive explained in a post that it would no longer have the ability to eliminate third-party cookies on its most recently revised timeline.

The company cited ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators and developers.

The biggest decision on the timing to phase out tracking cookies in browsers has really been led by the U.K.s CMA, which aims to ensure that a set of Google tools such as Privacy Sandbox can replace an antiquated online targeting and measurement system.

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It likely will now be extended until 2025, despite Apple, Mozilla, and Microsoft already phasing out cookies in their respective browsers.

Microsoft has been working with Google to adopt Privacy Sandbox, but did not publicly comment on the delay.

The UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Google are publishing quarterly reports to update the industry on the latest status of Privacy Sandbox for the Web. As part of Googles Q1 2024 report, the company said it will include an update about the timeline for phasing out Chrome third-party cookies in the April 26 report.

The report will outline how it has become critical for the CMA to have sufficient time to review all evidence -- including results from industry tests, which the CMA has asked market participants to provide by the end of June. It states: "Given both of these significant considerations, we will not complete third-party cookie deprecation during the second half of Q4."

Regulations are strict in the European Union. Googles search engine in countries such as Scotland, Norway, and Ireland are very different than those in the United States. Websites require the user to click on Accept, Manage Settings, or Decline or Do Not Consent before allowing the site visitor to read the content on the page. The search engine also provides the time of day in military hours and minutes, rather than using AM and PM.

Mathieu Roche, ID5 CEO and co-founder, has always had an interesting perspective on Googles deprecation of cookies. The delay in this announcement is no different.

Its widely known that third-party cookies are a privacy liability as well as a flawed identification tool, he wrote in a statement to Media Daily News. By linking cookie deprecation and Privacy Sandbox, Google is inherently tilting the playing field in its favor.

Roche believes Google is not reliant on cookies and has better ways to identify users across browsers and devices, such as using logins for Google and YouTube. He thinks the delay in cookie deprecation strengthens Googles position as a media owner.

Once published, the industry can view Google's and the CMAs full reports.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 24, 2024

Elon Musk will ask a federal appellate court to revive a lawsuit accusing the watchdog Center for Countering Digital Hate of scaring off advertisers by issuing critical reports about content on X, formerly Twitter.

U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer in the Northern District of California threw out the claims last month, ruling that Musk's X Corp. sued the nonprofit in order to penalize it over negative reports.

On Tuesday, X Corp. filed papers to initiate an appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The legal fight dates to last August, when the Center for Countering Digital Hate reported that the platform failed to remove racist, homophobic and antisemitic comments posted by Twitter Blue subscribers. That report cited several examples, such as the posts Diversity is a codeword for White Genocide, and Trannies are pedophiles.

X, which has seen ad revenue plummet since its 2022 acquisition by Musk, didn't deny that those posts were on the platform.

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Instead, the company alleged in a complaint that the watchdog violated the platform's terms of service by scraping the data that informed the reports. X separately claimed that the watchdog violated an anti-hacking law.

Center for Countering Digital Hate argued to Breyer that even if the allegations were proven true, they wouldn't give X grounds for a breach of contract suit or a suit over the anti-hacking law.

The group also said the allegations centered on quintessential newsgathering activity, and were therefore covered by California's anti-SLAPP (strategic litigation against public participation) law. That statute provides for fast dismissals of claims based on statements about matters of public interest, and also requires plaintiffs who bring such claims to pay the other side's legal fees.

Breyer disposed of the claims under the anti-SLAPP (strategic litigation against public participation) law.

X Corp.s motivation in bringing this case is evident, Breyer wrote in his 52-page opinion dismissing the lawsuit. This case is about punishing the defendants for their speech.

Earlier this month, the Center for Countering Digital Hate asked Breyer to order X to pay attorneys' fees of $320,000.
by Teresa Buyikian , April 24, 2024

Everyone loves a cookie -- especially when the purchase of that cookie helps the customers local community.

Tim Hortons has brought back its annual Smile Cookie campaign from April 29 through May 5. One hundred percent of the profits ($1.50 per cookie) from the sale of the Smile Cookie -- a Tim Hortons Chocolate Chunk Cookie hand-decorated with a blue and pink icing smile -- will be donated. The recipients, over 25 charity and community groups across the U.S., are selected by local store owners and include children-focused organizations, hospitals and community care organizations

"Every year, we look forward to this impactful charitable campaign that empowers guests to support important causes close to home while also enjoying delicious and adorably decorated Smile Cookies," said Katerina Glyptis, president of Tim Hortons U.S., in the release. "Last year, our guests' engagement led to a new record, raising over $400,000 for local youth and community organizations  and we're looking forward to even more impact this year."

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Guests can also purchase a Smile Cookie Plushie or a Smile Cookie Personality Pins, with profits also benefiting the selected organizations. Customers are encouraged to use the hashtag #SmileCookie on social media, posting pics with their cookies or organization.

Launched in 1996 in Canada, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign originally only raised funds for the Hamilton Children's Hospital in Ontario. Since its beginnings, the charitable effort has raised more than $80 million across Canada and the United States for charities. Organizations can apply to become a recipient of the Smile Campaign by submitting their application on the website by the December before the annual spring event.

The North American coffee chain celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. Tim Hortons currently operated more than 5,700 stores in Canada, the United States and globally.
Highlights: A pioneering medical team achieved a landmark by curing Kai, 13, of WILD syndrome and severe chylous ascites, rare genetic disorders

Dr. Mona Mossad's innovative approach and collaborative effort led to a groundbreaking treatment plan, a first in pediatric care

Kai's remarkable response to treatment underscores the dedication and expertise of the medical team at Staffordshire Childrens Hospital

  Trusted Source

Teen with Incredibly Rare Genetic Condition is Cured in World First By British Doctors



Go to source Trusted Source

A Decade-Long Journey to Diagnosis and Treatment

Did you know?

Only 21 people worldwide were diagnosed with WILD syndrome, making Kai's recovery a truly exceptional feat in medical history.#medicalinnovation #raredisorders #medindia

Only 21 people worldwide were diagnosed with WILD syndrome, making Kai's recovery a truly exceptional feat in medical history.#medicalinnovation #raredisorders #medindia

Celebrating Kai's Recovery and the Medical Team's Dedication

Teen with Incredibly Rare Genetic Condition is Cured in World First By British Doctors - (https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/teen-with-incredibly-rare-genetic-condition-is-cured-in-world-first-by-british-doctors/ )

A team of innovative British doctors achieved a medical milestone by curing a teenager diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disorder, WILD syndrome, and severe chylous ascites. Kai Xue, 13, was among just 21 individuals worldwide afflicted with WILD syndrome, a condition characterized by cell impairment, warts, and susceptibility to infections (). Additionally, Kai battled severe chylous ascites, a life-threatening ailment causing 28 liters of lymphatic fluid accumulation in her abdomen.Ning Chen, Kai's mother, recounted a challenging journey of seeking treatment for her daughter, which included visits to various hospitals and even a trip to China. However, after more than a decade of uncertainty, Kai's condition was finally diagnosed by Dr. Mona Mossad, a renowned expert in lymphatic intervention. Dr. Mossad collaborated with skilled surgeons to develop a groundbreaking treatment plan, marking the first time such a procedure was offered to a child.The medical team's comprehensive approach involved improving Kai's lymphatic drainage and performing intricate surgery to block lymphatic vessels in her liver . Despite the complexity of the case, Kai responded remarkably well to the treatment, eventually allowing her to return home to her family.Dr. Yvonne Slater, Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Staffordshire Childrens Hospital at Royal Stoke, expressed delight at Kai's positive response to treatment, emphasizing the collaborative effort of multiple medical teams involved in her care.Ning expressed heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and surgeons who played a pivotal role in her daughter's recovery, praising their dedication and expertise. She credited the entire medical team for their exceptional care and support throughout Kai's journey to recovery, underscoring their unwavering commitment to providing the best possible outcome for their patients.Source-Medindia
Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis is travelling today to Kuwait City, where he will meet tomorrow, Thursday, April 25, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.



Subsequently, a working lunch will be hosted by the Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Greek delegation. Afterwards, Mr. Gerapetrits will hold meetings with heads of Kuwaiti investment institutions.




I was in Qatar today at a particularly challenging time for the wider region, a difficult juncture for humanity. With the Middle East ablaze and the risk of hostilities spreading on many fronts, in Lebanon, in Syria.



Freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is at high stakes. The need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, to ensure sustainable peace and restore stability, is more urgent than ever.



I had the opportunity to discuss issues concerning the broader region with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, as well as with the Minister of State for International Cooperation. Qatar plays an exceptionally important mediating role regarding the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.



Greece, on its part, performs a significant role as an interlocutor to all parties on the basis of a principled foreign policy that enables us to converse with terms of rigor and integrity to all involved in the processes for peace in the region.



We also had the chance with the Prime Minister and the Minister to discuss the upcoming visit of the Emir of Qatar to Greece next month as well as to explore the possibilities for developing bilateral relations within a framework of mutually beneficial cooperation.
WARSAW, Poland  The U.K. prime minister said Tuesday the country is putting its defense industry on a war footing by increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by the end of the decade, and pledged to send arms worth 500 million pounds ($620 million) to Ukraine.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the increase as the biggest strengthening of our national defense for a generation.

In a world that is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the Cold War, we cannot be complacent," Sunak said at a news briefing alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a visit to Poland. As our adversaries align, we must do more to defend our country, our interests and our values."

Sunak promised an extra 75 billion pounds ($93 billion) in defense spending over the next six years. The target of 2.5% of GDP spending was a re-commitment of a target set by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022. Sunak previously said the goal would be met when economic conditions allow.

A decade ago, NATO leaders agreed to commit 2% of GDP to defense spending. Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine has given that effort new urgency. Britain has spent above that over the past decade but never higher than 2.35% in 2020, according to NATO data.

We will put the U.K.s own defense industry on a war footing, Sunak told British troops serving on NATO's eastern front near Ukraine. One of the central lessons of the war in Ukraine is that we need deeper stockpiles of munitions, and for industry to be able to replenish them more quickly.

U.K. official figures show that defense spending last year was about 55.5 billion pounds. NATO data shows that amounting to about 2.07% of the U.K.s GDP, ahead of countries including France and Germany but behind Poland, the U.S., Estonia and others.

It's time for us to re-arm, Sunak told a news briefing alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, noting that Poland spends a larger percentage of its GDP on defense than any NATO ally.

Sunak said that next year Britain would deploy its Typhoon fighter jets to Poland to help police its skies. Poland, which borders Ukraine, has seen several incursions of its airspace since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Sunak also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to confirm the new assistance to Ukraine and "assure him of the U.K.s steadfast support for Ukraines defense against Russias brutal and expansionist ambitions, Sunak's office said.

U.K. authorities said the commitment included 400 vehicles, 60 boats, 1,600 munitions and 4 million rounds of ammunition, at a time when Ukraine is struggling to hold off advancing Russian forces on the eastern front line.

The shipment will include British Storm Shadow long-range missiles, which have a range of about 150 miles (240 kilometers) and have proved effective at hitting Russian targets.

Zelenskyy has pleaded for greater international assistance, warning that his country will lose the war without it.

Britain's announcement came three days after the U.S. House of Representatives approved $61 billion in new aid for Ukraine. The Senate was voting on the package Tuesday.

Ammunition shortages over the past six months have led Ukrainian military commanders to ration shells, a disadvantage that Russia has seized on this year  taking the city of Avdiivka and currently inching towards the town of Chasiv Yar, also in the eastern Donetsk region.

___

Hui reported from London.
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 Army has officially deployed a pair of high-energy lasers overseas to blast incoming enemy drones out of the sky, the service recently confirmed, marking a major milestone for the U.S. military's ongoing development of futuristic directed-energy weapons.

The 20-kilowatt Palletized High Energy Laser, or P-HEL, "is currently deployed to support the Army's mission" in an undisclosed location abroad, a spokesman for the service's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, which manages its directed-energy portfolio, told Military.com.

The P-HEL, which is based on defense contractor BlueHalo's LOCUST Laser Weapon System, "commenced operational employment" overseas in November 2022, while a second system arrived abroad "earlier this year," the company recently revealed in a press release.

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While the Army's top general responsible for counter-drone efforts had previously stated that several different laser weapons systems were undergoing "operational assessments" in the U.S. Central Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility, news of the P-HEL's operational employment marks the U.S. military's first publicly acknowledged deployment of a working laser weapon for air defense outside of experimental testing.

The service declined to confirm whether the P-HEL had achieved a "kill" against an incoming drone yet.

"The Army remains committed to testing and integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as directed energy, as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our soldiers and effectively support the United States' mission," the Army spokesman said.

Laser weapons work by converting electrical power into an intense stream of photons that, when narrowed through a beam director, can burn through various materials -- like, say, the carbon fiber body of a drone, the casing of a rocket or mortar, or even the hull of a small boat.

A video of P-HEL testing shared with Military.com by BlueHalo shows an operator using an Xbox controller to reposition the pallet-mounted laser array, then scanning the sky for incoming targets before locking onto a moving quadcopter drone, which soon bursts into flames and drops out of the sky. The effect is quickly repeated on a rocket.

While the service declined to specify where the P-HEL systems were deployed, citing operational security, the Defense Department's top spokesman had previously suggested that directed-energy weapons were part of the defensive arsenal of U.S. military forces in the Middle East currently subject to the ongoing drone and missile attacks since the start of Israel's war in Gaza in October.



"I don't want to go into the specific capabilities that we're using to protect our forces, other than to say we have a wide variety which does include directed-energy capabilities," Pentagon spokesman then-Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Oct. 31 following weeks of rocket and missile attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

Additionally, Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, told lawmakers at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in March that the Army had "sent us some directed-energy, mobile, short-range air defense that we are experimenting with right now over in the Middle East."

Central Command did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.

U.S. military leaders currently consider cheap weaponized drones -- like those increasingly launched at service members deployed to outposts in Iraq and Syria and warships in the Red Sea -- the greatest threat to American troops in the Middle East since the proliferation of the improvised explosive device.

In January, three American service members were killed in a drone attack on a military outpost in Jordan, while the Pentagon had seen an additional 183 casualties among troops deployed to Iraq and Syria (including more than 130 traumatic brain injuries) as of February as the result of drone and missile attacks.

The P-HEL's employment comes as the U.S. military seeks to bolster its air defense capabilities to protect service members abroad not just with expensive conventional munitions -- such as the $2.1 million Standard Missile-2 naval missile and the $480,000 Stinger missile that have helped run up a $1 billion tab for the Pentagon in the Middle East since October -- but effective, lower-cost, counter-drone solutions that can knock incoming threats out of the sky without breaking the bank. Indeed, the Army's fiscal 2025 budget includes roughly $447 million for research, development, testing and evaluation for counter-drone programs, according to the service, $140 million of which is focused on directed-energy efforts.

But the Pentagon isn't waiting for R&D to aggressively boost its air defenses.

The Army in February inked a deal with defense contractor Raytheon for hundreds of Coyote Block 2C interceptors -- at $100,000 a shot -- explicitly to support its counter-drone initiatives in the Middle East.

The Navy in April put in an "urgent" order to MSI Defense Solutions for the truck-mounted Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher Systems, or EAGLS, armed with laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II rockets -- $25,000 each -- to combat "emerging and persistent [drone] threats" in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Meanwhile, both the Army and Marine Corps are aggressively on the hunt for additional counter-drone tech.

If operationally proven, a laser weapon could drastically turn that cost calculus on its head: The average laser weapon costs between only $1 and $10 per shot, according to a 2023 report from the Government Accountability Office.

And military commanders are thinking beyond just lasers. In March, Kurilla called on lawmakers to consider expediting the development of high-powered microwaves -- directed-energy weapons that can blanket an area with powerful electromagnetic radiation, disabling multiple targets simultaneously -- to fill in gaps in U.S. air defenses in the Middle East.

"The bigger concern is if you start talking about [drone] swarms, so we need to continue to invest in things like high-powered microwave [sic] to be able to counter a drone swarm that is coming at you," Kurilla said. "I mean, nothing is 100%. And at some point, the law of statistics will come up to you. You have to have layered defense."



The P-HEL isn't the first high-energy laser system to see action overseas in the hands of U.S. troops downrange, but its current deployment as an air defense solution for the Army is a watershed moment for the service's directed-energy weapons.

And the P-HEL's deployment may be a sign of things to come.

In recent months, the Army has not only deployed a platoon of four 50-kilowatt Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense, or DE M-SHORAD, prototypes to Central Command for "real world testing," but taken possession of its most powerful laser yet -- the 300-kilowatt Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser, or IFPC-HEL -- to potentially counter incoming cruise missiles. The service also last year awarded a contract to P-HEL maker BlueHalo for an additional 20-kilowatt laser system for the so-called Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser, or AMP-HEL, which will eventually integrate into the service's upcoming Infantry Squad Vehicle.

The Pentagon currently spends roughly $1 billion a year on directed-energy weapons and has 31 different systems at various stages of development, the majority of which are laser systems, Defense News recently reported.

Related: Top General in Mideast Calls for Microwave Weapons for 'Layered' Defense Against Drone Swarms
A major purge of senior Israeli military and intelligence officials is underway over their failure to prevent the devastating Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

On Monday, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence branch, resigned. Hes the first senior Israeli official to step down for failing to prevent the assault, in which Hamas militants killed some 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 others hostage in the worst terrorist attack in Israels history.

But he wont be the last. As military investigators deepen their internal probe into the events surrounding the Oct. 7 attack, many others in the IDFs intelligence branch, as well as Israels Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, are expected to leave their posts in disgrace, knowledgeable Israeli sources told SpyTalk.

The intelligence directorate under my command did not live up to the task we were entrusted with, Haliva wrote in his anguished resignation letter. I carry that black day with me ever since, day after day, night after night. I will carry the horrible pain of the war with me forever.

Halivas resignation is expected to set off an avalanche of departures from the top echelons of Israels military and intelligence establishments, these sources say. Others who are expected to resign in the following months include Defense Minister Yoav Gallant; Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, the IDFs top commanding officer; and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. All have publicly accepted responsibility for the Oct. 7 failure. But have continued to serve amid the demands of Israels war against Hamas, now in its sixth month.

Its not clear how quickly it will happen, but Im sure more resignations will come, Yossi Kucik, who served as chief of staff for former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, said in a telephone interview.

According to Amos Harel, the military correspondent for the daily Haaretz, others who played a role in the failures of Oct. 7 are poised to leave their posts, including several senior Shin Bet officials, the current and previous commander of IDFs Southern command, the head of the IDFs Operations Division, and the commander of the Gaza Division

But a former senior government official says that lawyers for these officers are urging them to remain in their posts until the current ruling rightwing coalition leaves office and a new, more moderate government takes office.

The problem is that if these people resign now, Bibi will replace them with radical rightwing ass-kissers, the former senior official told SpyTalk, using Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus nickname. The former official asked to remain anonymous to discuss sensitive matters.

Israels next elections are in 2026, but many expect Netanyahus government will fall before then, forcing a new vote.

Eavesdropping Unit Purge

Earlier this month, the commander of Israels vaunted Unit 8200, the IDFs powerful electronic and cyber surveillance agency, comparable to the U.S. National Security Agency, was forced to step down.

The resignation of Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, whose identity had been a closely guarded secret, followed an April 5 report in Britains Guardian newspaper, which revealed that a book about the military uses of artificial intelligence that Sariel published on Amazon in 2021, using only the authors initials Y.S., had left a digital trail that led to a private Google account created in his name. The paper said the trail also revealed Sariels unique ID and links to the account's maps and calendar profiles.

An IDF spokesman confirmed the unmasking of Sariel, describing the books exposure of the spy chiefs identity as a mistake. But even before this security lapse, Unit 8200 under Sariels command had come under fire for its failure to foresee and prevent the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

Also on Monday, Maj. Gen. Yehuda Fox, the commander of Israels central command, which includes the occupied West Bank, notified his superiors that he would step down at the end of his three-year term in August. According to Israeli press reports, Fox said he told close associates that he saw himself as part of the IDF General Staffs failures on Oct. 7 and was therefore honor-bound to step down.

Foxs command has come under scrutiny by IDF investigators probing the events surrounding the Hamas attack. These included several instances in which IDF soldiers under Fox stood by or participated in violent attacks on West Bank Palestinian civilians.

Such human rights violations by Israeli forces in the West Bank, as well as others in Gaza, where Israels war against Hamas has killed some 34,000 Palestinians, according to the enclaves Hamas-run Health Ministry, were included in the State Departments annual human rights report, which was released on Monday.

In what would be an unprecedented move, the Biden administration is expected to slap sanctions on a special IDF unit for human rights violations in the West Bank, Axios reported last week. The sanctions would prohibit the unit from receiving any kind of U.S. military assistance or training under a 1997 law that prohibits U.S. foreign and military aid to foreign military, security and police units that have committed human rights violations.

The unit, called Netzah Yehuda, is a battalion made up of ultra-orthodox men and radical right wing settlers who were deemed unacceptable by all other IDF combat units.

The State Department began its investigation of Netzah Yehuda in 2022 after its soldiers were involved in numerous violent incidents against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. In one incident, Netzah Yehuda soldiers arrested Omar Assad, an 80-year-old Palestinian American, at a checkpoint near his village, claiming he refused to be searched. In response, the soldiers handcuffed and gagged him, then left him on the ground in the cold. He was found dead a few hours later.

Months ago, a State Department team investigating alleged foreign human rights violations based on the 1997 law recommended that Secretary of State Antony Blinken sanction several Israel military and police units that operate in the West Bank. Asked about the team's recommendations at a news conference in Italy last Friday, Blinken said he had reached determinations based on the teams investigation and that they would be made public in the days ahead.

This article first appeared on Spytalk.co.
This story, part of a series of investigative reporting projects by Military.com on service member and veteran health, was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

Confusing. Lackluster. Generic. A little bit of a letdown.

Those are some of the ways veterans are describing toxic exposure screenings they've gotten at Department of Veterans Affairs health centers, screenings that were designed as a tool to get more vets help after medical evidence accumulated that service had made many sick.

Rolled out with great fanfare in November 2022, toxic exposure screenings for all VA patients were mandated by the PACT Act, the sweeping law passed in August of that year that expanded benefits and health care for millions of veterans exposed to environmental hazards during their military service.

Read Next: They Stood Sentry over America's Nuclear Missile Arsenal. Many Worry It Gave Them Cancer.

Through December, in the first year screenings were available, the VA recorded conducting a little less than 5.1 million screenings, according to data obtained by Military.com through a public records request. That number had risen to about 5.3 million as of the end of March, according to the VA's public PACT Act dashboard.

Whether these screenings are driving a wave of veterans to then get better medical care and benefits is unclear, as vets themselves are painting a mixed picture of the process and experts question whether the screenings are asking the right questions.

Millions of veterans of the post-9/11 wars were exposed to massive trash fires known as burn pits, with many since developing breathing and heart issues, as well as debilitating and fatal cancers such as glioblastoma. Contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; chemical warfare such as using Agent Orange during the Vietnam War; and radiation from working near nuclear weapons have also sickened scores of veterans through the years.

Military.com spoke to a dozen veterans and family members about their experiences with the screenings. Some credited the questionnaire with leading to their doctors conducting more thorough medical exams. But others say it appeared to be a check-the-box exercise that has had no apparent effects on their health care or benefits.

"They didn't do the connecting step, I think is the biggest thing," said Geoffrey Threats, an Army veteran whose deployments included Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Jordan. "The connecting step of saying, 'OK, now here's how you file a claim if you think you have these things.'"

Threats had a toxic exposure screening in January after scheduling a special appointment for one. A doctor asked him where he had deployed and what his suspected exposures were, then handed him a pamphlet with background information on the PACT Act, he said. He had already filed a disability benefits claim prior to his screening, but he expressed concern for other veterans who may need more guidance on how to file a claim.

"Because you do have veterans who walk in there, they give the survey, and then they walk out, and they continue on with their life," Threats said.

Several veterans who spoke to Military.com said they haven't gotten the follow-up they asked for or that the response was lacking. Military.com solicited feedback on the screenings from its readers, and of 76 people who said they asked for follow-up information, 56 said they did not get it.

In response to the public records request from Military.com, the VA said it isn't systematically tracking any follow-up resulting from the screenings to see whether veterans are getting additional help.

When the agency started the screenings, VA officials promised the three-part questionnaire would help "enhance" benefits for veterans who are already in the system. Lawmakers who wrote the PACT Act touted the screenings as a way to "bolster" VA resources.

Aaron Provost Illustration for Military.com

Of the patients who were screened as of December, about 2.2 million veterans reported at least one potential exposure. The top issue cited was burn pits as mentioned by just over 1 million veterans, followed by Agent Orange at 708,315 veterans, according to the data obtained by Military.com. Veterans are allowed to name more than one potential exposure.

About one-third of veterans who reported concerns didn't ask for any follow-up information, according to the data. Of those who did want follow-up services, being connected with the Veterans Benefits Administration, or VBA, was the most popular choice, with 807,490 veterans requesting that.

Roughly 600,000 veterans asked for information about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, and a little less than that wanted to be connected with a veterans service organization.

Meanwhile, 155,464 veterans asked to be contacted by a "toxic exposure screening navigator." The navigators oversee implementation of the screenings, conduct the screenings when they are done outside of a primary care appointment, and serve as veterans' point of contact when they have follow-up questions or concerns.

But the Veterans Health Administration has no way of tracking whether veterans got the follow-up they asked for, according to the agency's response to Military.com's records request. The VHA is working with the VBA to improve the communication between the two agencies and establish a process to relay important information from the screenings that could help the benefits claims process, the VHA said in its response.

Asked for comment on the veterans who were disappointed in the screenings or said they haven't gotten the follow-up information they requested, VA spokesperson Terrence Hayes told Military.com that veterans with concerns should contact their care team to check on the status of their follow-up or, if they feel their care team is unresponsive, the patient advocate at their local VA facility.

"We will make sure that they get the care they deserve," Hayes said in an emailed statement. "The experience of these screenings varies based on the individual veteran and their circumstances, but our goal is to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran we see, and if exposure is reported, to follow up with additional testing. These screenings serve as a resource to provide veterans with the exposure-informed care they deserve."

Are Three Questions the Right Answer?

The screenings were one of the first high-profile actions the VA took after the passage of the PACT Act, a law that's been described as the biggest expansion of veterans benefits in a generation, and the volume of screenings done has become a frequently cited data point for VA officials arguing that the PACT Act has been successful.

The law mandated the screenings be done at least once every five years for every veteran enrolled in VA health care but did not require any specific questions or tests, beyond stipulating that the screening should at a minimum ask about potential exposure to burn pits and about exposures to other toxins "commonly associated" with military service.

The law also didn't mandate any follow-up services after the screenings but said the VA should provide print materials and "outline related resources" available to veterans.

The screenings entail three questions: Do you believe you were exposed to toxins during your military service, what do you think you were exposed to, and do you want any follow-up support?

The screening was developed by the VA's director of primary care operations, according to a September 2022 regulatory filing by the department.

The answers to the questions are being added to patients' medical records to support "longitudinal care" so that physicians can be more alert for symptoms from health problems that may arise later, the VA said in background information included in Hayes' email. Research does not support lab tests or specialty referrals based solely on exposure, so "for most veterans, there will not be testing completed simply as a result of an endorsed exposure," the email said.

Victoria Cassano, a doctor with expertise in occupational and environmental medicine who previously served as the VA's director of radiation and physical exposures, expressed doubt the screenings could provide much useful information, calling the questionnaire "vague." A better screening, she argued, would be for the VA to collect full occupational histories from patients that discuss in detail every job they had in the military.

"Most people, even in the military, don't know what they're exposed to," said Cassano, a Navy veteran. "And so asking those three questions really doesn't help at all, especially when most of the doctors they're talking to don't understand what the exposures are in a given [military occupational specialty] or a given environment."

Cassano agreed that further medical testing wouldn't be warranted after a screening unless a patient has symptoms. Ideally, she said, the screenings should be used to establish a medical surveillance plan to be able to catch "subtle signs" of the development of a disease.

The pamphlets handed to patients after the screening include basic information on types of exposures, web addresses and phone numbers to schedule doctor appointments or file a benefits claim, and a summary of health registries for different types of exposures, according to copies posted on the VA's website and provided to Military.com by a caregiver of a veteran who was screened.

Joe Moss, an Army veteran exposed to toxins when he was stationed at the now-defunct Fort McClellan, went to get a screening at a PACT Act outreach event in March at a VA clinic in Orlando, Florida. There, he discovered his medical records showed he'd already been screened. It turned out that questions he was asked by a VA emergency room doctor when he was having a heart attack months earlier counted as his screening, he said.

"The doctor asked me if I'd ever been exposed to anything, and I said yeah. I thought that was part of their protocol" for diagnosing the heart attack, he said.

The Missing Link

The connection, or lack thereof, between the screening and getting other benefits was one of the top issues cited by veterans who spoke to Military.com.

Tasha Carnahan, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and suffers from chronic sinusitis and rhinitis, said she went into her screening thinking it would help her disability benefits claim, only for the doctor to tell her the screening was just for the VA to collect data.

"You see everything that says about the PACT Act and benefits for veterans that have been exposed to toxic exposures, but when you actually go there, they just say, 'Thank you for letting us know, it's going to be annotated,' and that's it," she said, adding that her primary care doctor has also made no reference to the screening since she had it.

Walter Kenna, a Marine Corps veteran who briefly served at Camp Lejeune, said that, in addition to the pamphlet he was given at his screening, he got a letter in the mail explaining how to file a claim for disability benefits. The letter said it was sent because he had reported a toxic exposure at his screening, Kenna added. But he said he felt the letter wasn't relevant to him because he hasn't been diagnosed with one of the conditions presumed to be connected with service at Camp Lejeune.

Others, though, described more positive outcomes from their screenings.

One Navy veteran who asked for anonymity to discuss his health issues said he had to prod the nurse at his annual exam to give him a screening, which he found out the department was doing only because he spotted a brochure about the PACT Act during a previous VA visit. But after he told the nurse he was concerned he had been exposed to asbestos, she relayed that information to his doctor and the doctor immediately ordered a CT scan, which revealed scarring in his lungs, the veteran said.

He's also been contacted by a toxic exposure screening navigator since that appointment, he said. Despite believing the VA could do a better job informing veterans about the screenings, he said he thinks his outcome shows the screenings are "an outstanding idea."

To make the screenings more useful, there should be better coordination between VHA and VBA so that any information gleaned by the questionnaire could help with benefits claims, said Cassano, who now runs a consulting firm that works with veterans advocates on disability claims.

"I think that questionnaire is helpful to an extent," she said, "but I don't think it's enough."

Related: VA Starts Doing Toxic Exposure Screenings as Advocates Press for Medical Testing
Many navies have very old ships still in commission and on active duty. The U.S. Navys USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and is currently the only active U.S. vessel to have sunk an enemy vessel. The United Kingdom's HMS Victory was launched in 1778 and has served for more than 240 years. But for all their grandeur and history, most countries just dont actually send their aging hulls to war zones.

Russia, it turns out, has no problem with that: The Russian salvage ship Kommuna has been in service since 1915, when Tsar Nicholas II ruled the Russian Empire. After surviving two world wars, decades of Soviet rule and Russias subsequent post-Soviet decline, the onetime submarine tender was nearly taken to the bottom of the Black Sea by a Ukrainian anti-ship missile on April 21, 2024.

The Kommuna first entered service as the submarine tender Volkhov, part of the Imperial Russian Navy, in July 1915. When Russia became the Soviet Union in 1922, the Volkhov was renamed the Kommuna and went to work for the Soviet Navy, raising ships from the oceans depths. Now officially designated a rescue ship, it doesnt carry armaments, but is capable of raising sunken combat vessels, something Ukraine is eager to prevent.

During World War II, the Kommuna fought against Nazi Germanys Siege of Leningrad between 1941 and 1943, raising and repairing tens of thousands of tons of trucks, tanks and ships. The ship sailed down the Volga River, where it worked through the end of the war, continuing to raise and repair Soviet vessels. For their service during the Great Patriotic War, as World War II is known in Russia, the crew received the Defense of Leningrad medal.



Since the end of World War II, It underwent just three complete refits during its long life -- and now may be headed for a fourth.

The Kommuna is believed to have sailed for the Black Sea port at Sevastopol, which Russia currently occupies, to prepare an operation to raise the missile cruiser Moskva, flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which was sunk by Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship missiles 80 nautical miles south of Odessa on April 14, 2022.

Social media reports of a Russian ship on fire in Sevastopol were later revealed to be the Kommuna, which was the target of more Ukrainian Neptune missiles. Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack, while Crimeas unrecognized Russian governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, denied the assault resulted in a direct hit.

Razvozhayev said Russian forces "repelled an attack by an anti-ship missile" earlier in the day along the north of the port city, indirectly hitting the Kommuna. "The falling fragments caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished," Razvozhayev added.

The Kommuna was not sunk in the attack, but Ukrainian officials believe damage sustained to the vessel is enough to ensure it can no longer raise the Moskva from the bottom of the Black Sea.



Due to the damage inflicted on the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea since Russias invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the Russian Navy has moved most of its major warships out of Sevastopol and to Novorossiysk, in the Krasnodar region of Russia. Though out of range of Ukrainian missiles, Novorossiysk isnt necessarily safe for Russian warships. Ukrainian forces used sea drones to damage the Olenegorsky Gornyak, a Russian landing ship based at Novorossiysk, in August 2023.

The rest of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has taken a beating elsewhere since the conflict with Ukraine began. Along with the sinking of the Moskva, a number of patrol boats and landing ships were sunk by Ukrainian forces. The Russian corvettes Ivanovets, Veliky Ustyug and Askold were also destroyed using a combination of cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and sea drones.

Russia was probably right to withdraw the Kommuna from Crimea; as Russias oldest ship still in service, its a prime target whose structure was built long before missiles were a threat. When the ship was launched, the biggest threat to ships at sea were torpedoes. Today, it faces explosive-laden unmanned boats, underwater and airborne drones, along with the anti-ship missiles that just knocked the Kommuna out of Russias war with Ukraine.

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The Rangers have claimed left-handed reliever Kolton Ingram off waivers from the Mets, per a team announcement. The Rangers 40-man roster is now at capacity. Ingram was designated for assignment when the Mets selected Tomas Nidos contract in the wake of Francisco Alvarezs thumb injury. Ingram has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock for now.

Ingram, 27, made his big league debut with the Angels in 2023 but totaled just 5 1/3 innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits and five walks in that tiny sample but did fan seven of his 30 opponents. Hes had far more success in the upper minors, logging 102 1/3 innings of 2.46 ERA ball in Double-A and 38 2/3 innings of 3.72 ERA ball in Triple-A. Broadly speaking, Ingram has shown a knack for missing bats throughout his career  evidenced by a sharp 30% strikeout rate in the minors. However, hes also battled command issues, walking 11.1% of his opponents in addition to another 14 plunked batters (1.6%).

Primarily a fastball/slider pitcher, Ingram sits 92-93 mph with his heater and has proven to be a consistent headache for left-handed opponents. They mustered an awful .151/.245/.186 slash against him in 2023 and hit just .141/.243/.219 against him the year prior. Righties have had more success but primarily due to his sub-par command. Right-handed opponents still hit in the low .200s against Ingram, but theyve walked at a 12.5% clip against him over the past several seasons.

With Brock Burke on the injured list, the Rangers lone lefty in the bullpen at the moment is rookie Jacob Latz. Hes been generally effective through 11 1/3 innings, recording a 3.97 ERA with a below-average 21.6% strikeout rate but a strong 7.6% walk rate. Antoine Kelly had been the only other left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster for Texas, however, so Ingram will give them another candidate to join the big league pen if the club wants to carry a second southpaw or in the event of an injury to Latz. Ingram is in the second of three option years, so he can freely be shuttled between Arlington and Round Rock both this year and next (if he sticks with the organization).
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, MI  A Northern Michigan man is facing sexual assault charges for alleged incidents involving incest and a victim under 13 years old, officials said.

Daniel Arthur Zarzycki, 54, of Petoskey, is accused of sexual assaults that began as early as 2013. The victim came forward when another case involving Zarzycki was being investigated.

Zarzycki was arrested on April 20 and lodged at the Charlevoix County Jail. He was later arraigned in the 90th District Court of Charlevoix County on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC), victim under 13 and defendant over 17; two counts of third-degree CSC, incest; three counts of first-degree CSC, multiple variables; and habitual offender fourth offense.

His bond was set at $30,000 cash. His next scheduled court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Raman Patel had only a distant cousin waiting for him when he landed on American soil in the midst of a recession, and just $22 in his pocket when he arrived in Ann Arbor in 1971.

Patel, an Indian immigrant and then a 28-year-old accountant, took a job in a Washtenaw County government office and never looked back.
ANN ARBOR, MI  A man convicted of kidnapping and raping a 13-year-old girl will be released on parole after a judge denied an emergency appeal.

John Robert Lee, 44, is scheduled to be leave the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson sometime in early May after the Michigan Parole Board granted him freedom for a second time, according to Kyle Kaminski, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Corrections.
HOLLAND, MI -- Frank Kraai sat beaming next to large piles of dirt at Window on the Waterfront. A crowd of more than a hundred people gathered to watch the first shovels dig into the ground that would become Kraais longtime dream of an ice rink.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, and I say that for a life..., he told those gathered Tuesday, April 23. Im 88-years-old and I think Ive had the richest life anybody could have.

Kraai, a retired West Ottawa Public Schools educator, was the inspiration for the $11 million ice rink expected to open in 2025.

Related: $11M Holland ice rink at Window on the Waterfront will break ground in April

Kraai first came to Hollands city council a decade ago with an idea for an accessible ice-skating ice and affordable cup of hot cocoa. He wanted to recreate memories of his own childhood, he said.

He donated more than $100,000 to create a special project fund that sat waiting for more investors.

Then something unexpected happened.

A review of Kraais finances found he was a millionaire at 86. He returned to city council with an even larger check and a grander proposition  open the ice rink in his lifetime.

A gift of a lifetime and a challenge from an extraordinary, ordinary resident, Mayor Nathan Bocks said. It took us about three seconds to accept Franks challenge.

In 2022, Kraai donated his life savings of $1 million to the project, jumpstarting the budget made up of donations, state grants and city funds.

The project will include a 14,000-square foot ice path, pavilions, picnic areas and restrooms at the iconic Window on the Waterfront Park.

Kraai worked in West Ottawa Public Schools as an elementary school teacher and principal for 30 years. A lifelong teacher, Kraai served as an adjunct instructor for the Education Department at Hope College in his retirement.

It was announced during the groundbreaking that Hope College students would offer free skating lessons for local children.

In the crowd, Ann Van Heest looked down at her three-year-old daughter Alice.

This will be the first place you learn to skate, she said to her.

Van Heest, a sixth generation descendent of Hollands founder Albertus C. Van Raalte, took in the scene as Holland took a major step from beach town to four-season destination.

This is the next special phase of Holland, she said.

The city expects a 12-month construction period. This will align with next years Tulip Time Festival which draws in millions of visitors to see the estimated six million tulips blooming around the city  thousands are at Window on the Waterfront.

Our community is filled with Frank stories, stories about how hes impacted our lives, during the 88 years that weve been blessed to know him, Bocks said. Today were breaking ground on a project that will create wonderful Frank stories for generations to come.

The ice rink will be cooled to optimal skating temperatures through a system similar to the citys snow melt system but instead of hot water running through underground tubes the system will keep the path refrigerated. Additionally, the rink will have its own Zamboni, so it wont be as reliant on-air temperatures.

Project plans estimate the ice rink will accommodate 300 skaters at once and will be one of the largest ice rinks in North America.

Keeping with Kraais request for hot cocoa, a concession stand was added to the design plans. Kraai is also an avid Olympic curling fan, so a community-sized curling court was added.

The majority of the funding, roughly 80%, was made possible through private contributions like Kraais, including a matched $1 million donation from the Jim Jurries Family.

Additionally, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation granted the project $800,000 as part of the states revitalization and placemaking program funded through pandemic relief funds.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Grand Rapids Catholic Central teacher fired in 2022 faces felony charges linked to accusations he had sex with a teenage student, court documents show.

Nicholas Coe Young, 26, faces three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct for sex with a student under 18 years of age, according to the Kent County affidavit for the case. The felony charge comes with a maximum 15 years in prison, according to Michigan law.

Young was fired for providing alcohol to minors in spring 2022. The accusations of underage sex span from August 2022 to December 2023, after the allegations that got him fired, the affidavit shows.

The school had no evidence to suggest that any improper activities happened while this individual was an employee or on school property, according to a statement from Annalise Laumeye, spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

The boy victim was taken advantage of and sexually assaulted by Young, according to the boys mother who per the affidavit contacted Grand Rapids police this March.

The victim reports feeling manipulated by Nicholas and reported not always wanting to engage in physical sex acts with him but felt used and that Nicholas only wanted sex from the victim, according to the affidavit.

Young was charged in early April in Kent County Circuit Court and was released on a $200,000 bond, records show. A message left with his attorney did not receive a response.

The boys mother said that Young took advantage of her son, while the son told detectives in his interview that the two established a bond on social media before beginning a sexual relationship, the affidavit shows.

The boys parents attempted to confront Young about exchanges of sexually graphic text messages and photos, but the relationship ended anyways until it began again nine months later, the affidavit shows. The mother contacted Youngs new employer and fiance when she discovered the relationship started again, the affidavit shows.

The boy said he ended up feeling manipulated by Young, the affidavit shows.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids city leaders have approved a slate of zoning changes that proponents say will help create more housing but opponents say will change the character of their neighborhoods.

The zoning changes were approved unanimously Tuesday, April 23, by the Grand Rapids City Commission. They will go into effect May 23.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - An injured fox kit has befriended a stuffed animal - a fox - at West Michigan Wildlife Center after being rescued by a good Samaritan.

The 5-week-old fox was found April 16, lying on a road in Oceana Countys Walkerville. The fox was unable to move and was taken to the wildlife rehabilitation center in Ada.

Upon arrival, the kit, or baby fox, was given X-rays, which showed two leg fractures on the right side of his body.

Allyson Swanson, executive director of West Michigan Wildlife Center, said she and her team bought a stuffed animal with donations to ensure the fox kit isnt lonely.

Although the staff isnt supposed to name the new rescue, they refer to the fox as Todd between each other.

We actually caught him grooming the stuffy yesterday, so he definitely appreciates it, Swanson said. The surgery went really well.

Then, just days after Todds surgery, another fox kit showed up. This time, a baby girl from the Edmore area.

After consulting with Nottingham Nature Nook in East Lansing, West Michigan Wildlife determined it was best to take the kit in and add her to the mini family after Todd heals.

Swanson said they couldnt risk having another fox with him and potentially damaging the metal bars and pins holding his right front and back legs in place.

He cant be roughhousing with another fox right now, she said. The next best thing is something that looks like another fox, so we ordered a fox stuffy online. We have to protect him first so they can be together.

Once Todd and the other fox kit can be together, they will be sent to a horse pasture in East Lansing where they can play, run, and make dens before being put back in the wild.

To stay updated on the two fox kits, visit the West Michigan Wildlife Centers Facebook page.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.

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JACKSON COUNTY, MI  A woman free on bond and facing open murder charges for her alleged role in the death of a Jackson man who was stabbed 70 times has been arrested again.

Klaira Diann Mishaw was arrested Tuesday afternoon, on suspected driving while under the influence of drugs and resisting arrest, violating the conditions of her bond, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office.
BARRY COUNTY, MI -- A 16-year-old was killed in a crash during a police pursuit, the Barry County Sheriffs Office reports.

It happened at 10:21 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, on Coats Grove Road near M-66.

The Barry County Sheriffs Office was involved in a pursuit when the vehicle being chased went out of control, ran off the road and hit a tree, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The male driver was ejected from the vehicle and taken by ambulance to Corewell Health Pennock in Hastings. The driver, later identified as a 16-year-old from the Woodland area, was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.

The drivers name has not been released at this time. He was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Michigan State Police is investigating the fatal crash, the sheriffs office said.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.

RELATED: Michigan State Police change pursuit policy to protect motorists, police
BATTLE CREEK, MI -- Binder Park Zoos opening day is almost here.

The Battle Creek zoo will open for the 2024 season on Wednesday, May 1, with a members-only soft opening on Tuesday, April 30, according to a press release from the zoo.

New to the zoo this year is a permanent habitat for Binder Parks 10 African pygmy goats, according to the zoo. Families can get a closer look at the goats playful antics, feed the goats or enter the goat yard to pet them.

You may notice the goats arent so different from your own family -- theyre all related, according to the Binder Park Zoo website. Theyre all named after Harry Potter characters like Luna, the smallest all black female goat and Hagrid, the largest goat. Harry, one of the smartest goats, according to the zoo, is an obstacle course regular and is best friends with the goat named Hermione.

For the daredevils and adrenaline junkies, the zoo also has the Charles & Lynn Zhang SkyLark Ridge ropes course and zipline open for its second full season. In total, SkyLark Ridge is 15,000 square feet and 36 feet tall. From the top, youll have a spectacular view of the zoo grounds, according to the release.

For younger (and shorter) guests, theres the Little Larks ropes course, designed for individuals under 48 inches (4 feet tall).

The zoo has multiple sections. In the east zoo, youll find species like the lemur, wallaroo, red panda and Australian dingo. In the North American section, theres a black bear and bald eagle, among other animals. The wild Africa portion of the zoo has the African lion, reticulated giraffe and addra gazelle, among others.

At the Twiga Overlook in Wild Africa, you cant miss the chance to feed the giraffes lettuce snacks.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
Chirag Daruwalla is an astrologer with more than 18 years of experience advising clients on career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage related queries, and on all kinds of life and work problems. Visit chiragdaruwalla.com, call/Whatsapp +91 8141566266 or email info@chiragdaruwalla.com
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Kashmera Shah wants Govinda to come for Arti Singh's wedding, says, 'he is my father-in-law, I'll touch his feet if he comes'
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Airtel eyeing control of Indus Towers, in talks to acquire Vodafone's 21.05% stake
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Govt to invite tender for Great Nicobar transhipment hub by July as part of 100-day plan for ports ministry
Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering the banking sector, fintechs, NBFCs, insurance and more, tweets @jinitparmar10
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SAIL sees strong momentum with gain of 7%; undervaluation against Tata Steel, JSW seen as key triggers
Santosh Nair is Executive Editor, Special Projects, Moneycontrol. He has been writing on the financial markets for over two decades, having previously worked with Business Standard, myiris.com, Crisil Market Wire and The Economic Times. He is also the author of the popular book on Indian markets, Bulls, Bears and Other Beasts.
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JetBlue shares crash, Trump stories quashed, Tesla speeds up plans and more
Hiral Thanawala is a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, he covers financial planning, banking and fintech segments from personal finance team for Moneycontrol.
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RBI action: Kotak Mahindra Bank says taken measures to adopt new tech, assures existing customers
Dinesh Unnikrishnan is Editor-Banking & Finance at Moneycontrol. Dinesh heads the Banking and Finance Bureau at Moneycontrol. He also writes a weekly column, Banking Central, every Monday.
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NHPC stock gains as it signs supplementary JVA to sell partial stake in NHPTL to Power Grid
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RBI curbs on Kotak Mahindra Bank to hurt retail business, stock may fall up to 5%, says expert
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Zydus unit gets 10 observations from USFDA after inspection
April 24, 2024 / 22:57 IST





A 2.6 magnitude tremor was recorded in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district on Wednesday evening, officials said. No damage or casualties were reported from the area, they said. No damage or casualties were reported from the area, they said.

The tremor was recorded around 8 pm with its epicenter located 5 km deep and 2 km in the north-east direction from Jagdalpur, the headquarter of the district, a meteorological department official said in Raipur.Aftershocks were also felt in Jagdalpur town, he said.
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Ramdev, Patanjali publish new and 'bigger' apology a day after SC rap
SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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Article 39 (b) and its likely bearing on the wealth redistribution debate
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How Kiren Rijiju's remarks on Chakma-Hajong refugees have reignited debates around CAA in Assam
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FTII student's film 'Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know' selected for 'La Cinef' section at Cannes
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Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after years-long court battle
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Indian-origin man's video on getting 'free food' from Canadian college gets him 'fired' from job
Anyone considering business deals with Iran should be aware of risk of sanctions: US
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Explainer: What happens now that US TikTok bill has been passed?
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Israel says forces carrying out 'offensive action' in south Lebanon
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Tesla to launch new models ahead of planned timeline, shares jump
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US bans worker 'noncompete' agreements as business groups vow to sue
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Why college campuses across US are witnessing raging protests
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Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
Curtis Creek Elementary Building View Photo

Update at 2:45 p.m.: Curtis Creek Elementary School is no longer on lockdown after a suspicious person was reported on campus. The school reported that a student made a false report and is being dealt with, and all classes resumed after Tuolumne County Sheriffs deputies made a sweep of the campus.

Original post at 1:40 p.m.: Sonora, CA  Curtis Creek Elementary School is on lockdown after a suspicious person was reported on campus.

Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Ashley Boujikian tells Clarke Broadcasting that deputies remain at the school and have confirmed there is no threat to the students or staff on campus following a false report made by a student.

The initial report came into sheriffs dispatch around 12:30 p.m. While deputies were responding to the school on Standard Road, staff determined it had been a false report made by a student. To ensure the campus was secure and assist school administrators, deputies continued to respond.

The safety of our schools and our children will always be a top priority for our sheriffs office, and we will always take reports of possible threats to our schools seriously, stated Boujikian.

School administrators report that the student who made the false report is being dealt with appropriately and that classes will resume in this email to parents:

Dear Parents,

Im reaching out to inform you that the recent school lockdown was initiated due to a false report made by a student. We take all reports seriously and immediately implemented our safety procedures as a precautionary measure.

School Administration thoroughly investigated the situation and have confirmed that there is no credible threat to the safety of our students and staff. Law enforcement was also contacted. The student responsible for the false report is being appropriately addressed.

We understand that incidents like these can be distressing, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. The safety and well-being of our school community remain our utmost priority.

Classes will resume as usual, and counselors will be available to provide support to any students who may need it. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation throughout this situation.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at 209-533-1083.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dawn Mori

Superintendent
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil speaks about rape loophole View Photo

Sacramento, CA  Surrounded by survivors, law enforcement officials, and California Treasurer Fiona Ma, Mother Lode Democratic Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil hosted a press conference this morning calling for the passage of Senate Bill 268.

It would change existing law to make rape of an intoxicated person a violent felony if the defendant caused the intoxication of the victim in order to assault them.

SB 268 It will be reviewed by committees at the capitol over the coming months and Alvarado-Gil hopes it will eventually land on Governor Gavin Newsoms desk.

She says, This is a critical piece of legislation that is long, long, overdue. Decades overdue.

Alvarado-Gil continued, We know that perpetrators offend again, and again, and again unless they are held responsible for their decisions. I want to be clear that rape is a violent act, regardless of the circumstances surrounding it, but our current laws fail to reflect that truth.

Current law classifies the rape of an intoxicated person as a non-violent felony, and Prop 57 allows for the early release of the perpetrators convicted of the crime.
THIRTY Malawians were yesterday arrested in Harares Mbare suburb after allegedly failing to produce relevant documents.

They were taken to Harare Central police station for further investigations.

Police confirmed the arrests in a sting operation after a tip-off.

Thirty foreign nationals have been arrested in an operation conducted by police in Mbare after receiving information, said police national spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

He said full details of the arrest would be released today.

Foreign nationals must have valid documentation to remain in Zimbabwe legally.

If a foreigner is not able to prove that he or she has a legal document to remain in Zimbabwe, he or she may be arrested and prosecuted for illegally entering the country.

Most foreigners that are arrested in the country would be trying to cross into South Africa illegally as cases of human trafficking continue to rise.

Zimbabwe is a major transit corridor for African immigrants trying to reach South Africa, the continents major economy, to seek refuge.

Over the past years, police crackdown on foreign nationals have been sparked by numerous cases of human trafficking and assisted border jumping by bus operators, villagers and other unscrupulous officials.

Trafficking of foreigners is a big and dangerous business in most countries in Southern Africa.

There are known individuals and kingpins of the trade who kidnap foreigners and demand ransom of up to R80 000 per person.

Some of the foreigners come from as far afield as Somalia and Ethiopia and use Zimbabwe and Beitbridge as a transit to South Africa.

Breaking News via Email

Related Zimbabwe Latest News
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Patient readers, my strategy of lying flat has, so far, induced a rapid rebound in my symptoms, so hopefully I will be more or less normal tomorrow. lambert. No orts and scraps today; I will resume my policy of masterful inactivity. From my reading of the Trumo trial so far, its sound and fury, with Braggs thoery of the case looking even weaker. More tomorrow.

* * *

Bird Song of the Day

American Woodcock, Powatan WMA Powerline Trail, Powhatan, Virginia, United States. Courtship, display, or copulation; Flying. Having a hard time finfind an American Woodcock that doesnt sound digital.

* * *

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

* * *

2024

Less than a year to go! RCP Poll Averages, April 19: Here this Fridays RCP polling. Trump is still doing very well in almost all the Swing States (more here), leading with one exception: PA. Forget all the arithmetic, and look at PA as a test of the Trump campaigns basic competence. What are they doing to fix this? (Ill work out a better way to present this, but for now: Blue dot = move toward Biden; red dot = move toward Trump. No dot = no change (presumably because state polls are not that numerous so far from election day). * * * Trump (R): (Merchan/Bragg): Trump trial: Key players at the centre of the former presidents criminal case [BBC]. Mr Bragg has adopted a novel legal theory that will turn a misdemeanour  falsifying business records  into a felony. He has alleged that Mr Trump changed the business records to cover up a second crime  the violation of New York campaign-finance laws. His office alleges that the Trump campaign sought to hide the affair from voters ahead of the 2016 election. Legal experts have mixed views about whether the gambit will work, but Mr Bragg has pulled together an experienced team of prosecutors who are very familiar with Mr Trump to make the case. * * * Trump (R): Trumps map edge: Biden has tougher path to victory, veteran Dem adviser says [Axios]. With over six months to go until Election Day, given the volatility in the world and the weaknesses of Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump, it would be foolish to make firm predictions about specific results. And other electoral map scenarios are possible: Recent polling shows Mr. Biden with a narrow lead in Minnesota, a state that usually votes for Democrats for president. While it is mathematically possible for Mr. Biden to win without carrying Minnesota, it is unlikely he will be elected if he cannot carry this traditionally Democratic state. For the third election cycle in a row, a small number of voters in a handful of states could determine the next president of the United States. If the election remains close but Mr. Biden is unable to regain support from the core group of voters who propelled him to victory in 2020  young and nonwhite voters  then we could be headed to a repeat of the 2016 election. The outcome of that election was decided by fewer than 80,000 votes in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.  Normally deprecate swipe-friendly interactive maps, but this is a good one. * * * * * * Newsom (D): Gov Gavin Newsom worries about overindulgence, obsession with Trump hush money trial: Less is more' [FOX]. MSNBC host Jen Psaki asked the Democrat governor about a chorus of people who think the hush money trial is only helping Trump politically, which she said was driving her crazy.' No doubt. More: She questioned what Newsom might tell an undecided voter about why the case should matter to them. Newsom argued it should matter, but also said that Trump doesnt care if hes the hero [face, actually] or the heel, he just wants to be the star. When we are focusing on him, I do worry electorally that he has a slight advantage. And so, I am a little concerned about the overindulgence around the day-to-day. I get it, I totally get it. The consequential nature of a criminal trial is profound and outsized, in some respect, but not more outsized than democracy, more outsized than Dobbs, he said, referring to the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.  I think that Newsom makes a good point, but I also think the Democrats wont be able to help themselves, and more than the Republicans impeaching Clinton could. Pritzker (D): Pritzker says Chicago is prepared for DNC amid cease-fire protests [The Hill]. Just understand that Joe Biden is fighting for peace in the Middle East, is fighting to end the hostilities between Israel and Gaza, and make sure that were providing humanitarian aid there, he said. When you think about the protests, its Joe Biden thats standing for peace, and a lasting peace at that, and its the Republicans that, frankly, would stoke the flames of war in the Middle East. Pritzker noted that protest groups calling for a cease-fire shut down an interstate outside of Chicagos OHare Airport last week as part of a national movement, and that Chicago Police quickly escorted the groups off the roadway faster than other protests in the country. Our Chicago Police Department was able to get those folks off the highway faster than any other city in the United States. And theyre prepared for the Democratic Convention, he said. Look, we believe in free speech, and were going to allow people to protest and say whatever it is they want to say, he continued. But the reality is, were also going to make sure that people have ingress and egress and that theyre safe in our state.' * * *

Republican Funhouse

How Mike Johnson Got to Yes on Aid to Ukraine [New York Times]. He huddled with top national security officials, including WILLIAM J. BURNS, the C.I.A. director, in the Oval Office to discuss classified intelligence. He met repeatedly with broad factions of Republicans in both swing and deep red districts, and considered their voters attitudes toward funding Ukraine. He thought about his son, who is set to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall. And finally, when his plan to work with Democrats to clear the way for aiding Ukraine met with an outpouring of venom from ultraconservatives already threatening to depose him, Mr. Johnson, an evangelical Christian, knelt and prayed for guidance.'  And came up with the most ridiculous rationalization Ive ever heard. Technically, however  and Im not sure what to make of this  theres apparently a deep split between ultraconservatives and the Christian right??

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!

* * *

Airborne Transmission: Covid

Exploring indoor and outdoor dust as a potential tool for detection and monitoring of COVID-19 transmission [Cell]. This study investigated the potential of using SARS-CoV-2 viral concentrations in dust as an additional surveillance tool for early detection and monitoring of COVID-19 transmission. Dust samples were collected from 8 public locations in 16 districts of Bangkok, Thailand, from June to August 2021. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in dust were quantified, and their correlation with community case incidence was assessed. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between viral concentrations detected in dust and the relative risk of COVID-19. The highest risk was observed with no delay (0-day lag), and this risk gradually decreased as the lag time increased. We observed an overall decline in viral concentrations in public places during lockdown, closely associated with reduced human mobility. The effective reproduction number for COVID-19 transmission remained above one throughout the study period, suggesting that transmission may persist in locations beyond public areas even after the lockdown measures were in place.  Lockdowns work but only as part of a layered approach.

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Vinay having a good one:

1 Most likely this will not be a global pandemic

2 News outlets have every incentive to fearmonger

3 A few people who live with restrictions are happy to see this fear

4 Parts of USA will never reimplement the barbaric & ineffective restrictions of 2020

5 I don't normally drink  Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) April 24, 2024

Privatization, of course, is never barbaric:

The vulnerable are not a gated community. By not ensuring clean public air, theyre forced into lockdown. At their own expense. Lockdowns never ended. They were privatised. pic.twitter.com/JLqqLtmeXi  Henry Madison (@RageSheen) April 20, 2024

Its the highest form of civilization!

Transmission: Covid

Age-specific nasal epithelial responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection [Nature]. In vitro model incorporating in vivo data. From the Abstract: Here we investigate differences in the cellular landscape and function of paediatric (<12 years), adult (3050 years) and older adult (>70 years) ex vivo cultured nasal epithelial cells in response to infection with SARS-CoV-2. We show that cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2, and expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in nasal epithelial cell subtypes, differ between age groups. While ciliated cells are viral replication centres across all age groups, a distinct goblet inflammatory subtype emerges in infected paediatric cultures and shows high expression of interferon-stimulated genes and incomplete viral replication. In contrast, older adult cultures infected with SARS-CoV-2 show a proportional increase in basaloid-like cells, which facilitate viral spread and are associated with altered epithelial repair pathways.

* * *

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.

[5] (Hospitalization: NY) Flattening out to a non-zero baseline. 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) Slight uptrend.

[9] (Travelers: Posivitity) Uptick.

[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.

Stats Watch

Manufacturing: United States Durable Goods Orders [Trading Economics]. New orders for manufactured durable goods in the United States surged by 2.6% month-over-month in March 2024, following a downwardly revised 0.7% growth seen in February and slightly exceeding market expectations of a 2.5% increase. It marked the largest monthly advance in durable goods orders since last November.

Tech: The question that no LLM can answer and why it is important [MindPrison]. Good examples. Conclusions: The implications are that LLMs do not perform reasoning over data in the way that most people conceive or desire. There is no self-reflection of its information; it does not know what it knows and what it does not. The line between hallucination and truth is simply a probability factored by the prevalence of training data and post-training processes like fine-tuning. Reliability will always be nothing more than a probability built on top of this architecture. As such, it becomes unsuitable as a machine to find rare hidden truths or valuable neglected information. It will always simply converge toward popular narrative or data . At best, it can provide new permutations of views of existing well-known concepts, but it can not invent new concepts or reveal concepts rarely spoken about. Censorship Indistrial Complex: Exactly what we want!

Tech: The Man Who Killed Google Search [TechMeme (JustTheFacts)]. Grab a cup of coffee, this is great. Its so horrid I really cant pick out on item more horrid than the next The only thing that surprises me is that theres no Google equivalent for Boeings John Barnett. Cant we just nationalize Google, fire the top management, roll the code base back to, say, 2009, and start over?

Tech: Google delays third-party cookie demise yet again [Digiday]. Google is delaying the end of third-party cookies in its Chrome browser  again. In other unsurprising developments, water remains wet Google did not outline a more specific timetable beyond hoping for 2025. This is the third time Google has pushed back its original deadline set in January 2020. Back then, the tech behemoth promised to phase out third-party cookies within two years to beef up security for users while surfing the web. But since then, Googles hit the brakes twice already. And every time, its been to give the ad industry more prep time for something thats been surrounded by a lot of ifs, buts, and maybes. Even at the start of the year, as Google phased out cookies for one percent of browser traffic, questions loomed over when more significant changes would occur.

* * *

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 34 Fear (previous close: 31 Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 39 (Neutral). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Apr 22 at 12:48:27 PM ET.

Groves of Academe

Portrait of a professsor not getting it:
Yves here. More props to FTC head Lina Khan. As you will see in Links today, shes getting headlines and corporate aghastitute for her plan to ban non-compete agreements. So her other new salvo, which is getting less attention, is on how technology can enable price fixing and price collusion in health care. This charge is a big deal because price fixing and manipulation are per se violations of the Sherman Act.

By Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, who previously worked for National Journals Congress Daily and for Congressional Quarterly, and David Hilzenrath, KFF Heltha News Washington correspondent, who previously was editor-in-chief and chief investigative reporter at the Project on Government Oversight and a reporter at the Washington Post. Originally published at KFF Health News

New technologies are making it easier for companies to fix prices and discriminate against individual consumers, the Biden administrations top consumer watchdog said Tuesday.

Algorithms make it possible for companies to fix prices without explicitly coordinating with one another, posing a new test for regulators policing the market, said Lina Khan, chair of the Federal Trade Commission, during a media event hosted by KFF.

I think we could be entering a somewhat novel era of pricing, Khan told reporters.

Khan is regarded as one of the most aggressive antitrust regulators in recent U.S. history, and she has paid particular attention to the harm that technological advances can pose to consumers. Antitrust regulators at the FTC and the Justice Department set a record for merger challenges in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2022, according to Bloomberg News.

Last year, the FTC successfully blocked biotech company Illuminas over $7 billion acquisition of cancer-screening company Grail. The FTC, Justice Department, and Health and Human Services Department launched a website on April 18, healthycompetition.gov, to make it easier for people to report suspected anticompetitive behavior in the health care industry.

The American Hospital Association, the industrys largest trade group, has often criticized the Biden administrations approach to antitrust enforcement. In comments in September on proposed guidance the FTC and Justice Department published for companies, the AHA said that the guidelines reflect a fundamental hostility to mergers.

Price fixing removes competition from the market and generally makes goods and services more expensive. The agency has argued in court filings that price fixing is still illegal even if you are achieving it through an algorithm, Khan said. Theres no kind of algorithmic exemption to the antitrust laws.

By simply using the same algorithms to set prices, companies can effectively charge the same even if theyre not, you know, getting in a back room and kind of shaking hands and setting a price, Khan said, using the example of residential property managers.

Khan said the commission is also scrutinizing the use of artificial intelligence and algorithms to set prices for individual consumers based on all of this particular behavioral data about you: the websites you visited, you know, who you had lunch with, where you live.

And as health care companies change the way they structure their businesses to maximize profits, the FTC is changing the way it analyzes behavior that could hurt consumers, Khan said.

Hiring people who can help us look under the hood of some inscrutable algorithms was a priority, Khan said. She said its already paid off in the form of legal actions that are only possible because we had technologists on the team helping us figure out what are these algorithms doing.

Traditionally, the FTC has policed health care by challenging local or regional hospital mergers that have the potential to reduce competition and raise prices. But consolidation in health care has evolved, Khan said.

Mergers of systems that dont overlap geographically are increasing, she said. In addition, hospitals now often buy doctor practices, while pharmacy benefit managers start their own insurance companies or mail-order pharmacies  or vice versa  pursuing vertical integration that can hurt consumers, she said.

The FTC is hearing increasing complaints about how these firms are using their monopoly power and exercising it in ways thats resulting in higher prices for patients, less service, as well as worse conditions for health care workers, Khan said.

Policing Noncompetes

Khan said she was surprised at how many health care workers responded to the commissions recent proposal to ban noncompete clauses  agreements that can prevent employees from moving to new jobs. The FTC issued its final rule banning the practice on Tuesday. She said the ban was aimed at low-wage industries like fast food but that many of the comments in favor of the FTCs plan came from health professions.

Health workers say noncompete agreements are both personally devastating and also impeded patient care, Khan said.

In some cases, doctors wrote that their patients got really upset because they wanted to stick with me, but my hospital was saying I couldnt, Khan said. Some doctors ended up commuting long distances to prevent the rest of their families from having to move after they changed jobs, she said.
By KLG, who has held research and academic positions in three US medical schools since 1995 and is currently Professor of Biochemistry and Associate Dean. He has performed and directed research on protein structure, function, and evolution; cell adhesion and motility; the mechanism of viral fusion proteins; and assembly of the vertebrate heart. He has served on national review panels of both public and private funding agencies, and his research and that of his students has been funded by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and National Institutes of Health.

During the recent hundredth anniversary of the European conflagration that began in 1914, I read several books to refresh my knowledge of The Great War, which later became known as World War I for horrible but sufficient reason. The first was The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman (1963). I had first read Tuchman as a college freshman and had forgotten how vivid she can be. I then read The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 (2014 pb) by Christopher Clark and followed that with To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918 by Adam Hochschild (2012). The Sleepwalkers illustrated, among other things, how rank stupidity, all too human cupidity, and imperial madness can lead nations and classes [1] into the abyss without ever stopping to ask, What comes next?. To End All Wars is necessary to understand how the quintessential Liberal nation can go so far off the rails that they jail their most recognized philosopher, in the person of Bertrand Russell. The nation that styles itself a beacon of democracy for the world is currently certifiable when it comes to the outright denial of its erstwhile values. Will someone please tell the shade of Ben Franklin that, no, we could not keep it.

Later I skimmed my copy of The Doughboys (1963) by Laurence Stallings. The Doughboys has been a special book to me because of my Great Uncle Tom (1890-1972), who was an older Doughboy in 1917. Although he would not talk much about the Great War when I visited him as a young boy on his small farm in the late-1960s, my Great Aunt Marie would, however, tell of her worries about the fighting over there where her Tom was a private in General Pershings American Expeditionary Forces. [2]

What my study of the horrific history of The Great War taught me for all time is that War is never the answer to a properly posed question. No exceptions, no appeal. And I have for the past ten years essentially been a pacifist. As one who missed my war by one year  when I turned 18, the Selective Service System was taking only 19-year-olds in the Draft  I have always looked askance at those claiming it is the answer to anything. The War in Vietnam never made sense to me as I watched it unfold at 6:30 pm almost every evening on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite through my graduation from high school. Clausewitz was correct, despite varying interpretations: War is nothing but (mistaken) politics by other, explicitly lethal and thoroughly destructive, means. The politicians who make war never have to fight it. And then there is Major General Smedley Butler with his compelling description of war as a racket.

Since October of last year, I have reprised my Great War reading by selecting several books on the historical background of just one of our current wars during the present era that seems likely to be remembered as The Era of All War, All the Time. I cannot remember when the United States has not been at war somewhere on planet Earth. With more than 700 known military outposts circling the globe, it is difficult to see how this finally ends in anything other than catastrophe.

This current war is certainly the most fraught, in real time, in our history. Most other wars have been considered a Good War, at least early in their prosecution. Nevertheless, we must make the effort to understand this as best we can. I chose to read several books about Palestine, including a few polemics, although just as one mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter, one persons standard history may be nothing but a polemic to another. Four of these books, in the non-polemical category, will be discussed briefly here:

Enemies and Neighbors: Arabs and Jews in Palestine and Israel, 1917-2017 (Allen Lane, 2017; Penguin pb 2018) by Ian Black, who was Middle East editor of the Guardian until 2016 and served for 35 years as the papers Jerusalem Correspondent, Diplomatic Editor, and Chief Foreign Editorial Writer. Twenty-six chapters comprise the book, covering Palestine from 1882 until 2017, including the beginnings of the Zionist movement through the hundredth anniversary of the Balfour Declaration and President Donald Trumps promise, fulfilled in 2018, to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The Hundred Years War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance (Profile Books, 2020) by Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said Professor of Palestinian Studies at Columbia University, is the second. His story of six declarations of war on Palestine (1917-1939, 1947-1948, 1967, 1982, 1987-1995, 2000-2014) generally follows the timeline of Enemies and Neighbors. I imagine a new edition will include the seventh declaration of war. The history of Palestine over the past hundred years is intertwined with that of his family, who were leaders of Palestinian society and politics until 1948. The book includes a photograph of the ruin of the family house. Family history and archives are a source of much of his material.

Against Erasure: A Photographic Memory of Palestine before the Nakba (2016, in Spanish by Ediciones del Oriente y el Mediterraneo, Madrid; Republished in 2024 by Haymarket Books, translated into English) by Teresa Aranguren and Sandra Barrilaro. This collection includes rescued photographs of a vibrant life in Palestine that included Arabs, Christians, and Jews who lived on the land that politicians and adherents of the three Abrahamic religions and cartographers called Palestine, then and now.

Khirbet Khizeh: A Novel (Originally published in Hebrew in 1949; 2008 in English translation by Farrar, Strauss and Giroux; also known as Hirbet Hizeh and Hirbet Hizah) by S. Yizhar (1916-2006) who was Yizhar Smilansky. Y. Smilansky was born in Rehovot and was a member of the Knesset from 1949-1966. He previously served as an intelligence officer during the 1948  1949 war that led to establishment and recognition of the State of Israel. Khirbet Khizeh is a short historical novel (109 pages) about the expulsion of the Arabs from the fictional village of that name.

Each of these has been reviewed before. There is no reason to repeat those here. Instead, I will proceed here by letting many of the protagonists speak for themselves. And speak with a clear voice they do, addressing their world in terms that resonate today.

To begin with Enemies and Neighbors, this book is long (455 pages), complete, fair, and eminently readable, actually something of a page turner. The history and motivations of all sides are considered with sensitivity and historical sophistication. The primary sources are clearly identified in this work of history, journalism, and interpretation by someone with long experience in Palestine. It is authoritative and accessible.

Enemies and Neighbors, Chapter 3: 1917-1929, p. 62. The writer quoted in the following excerpt is the historian of nationalism Hans Kohn, who described the Zionist-Arab confrontation against the wider background of colonialism elsewhere. As an extension of the imperatives of every empire, it should be remembered that the British Empire, upon which the sun never set at the time, was nothing if not violent according to the recent work by Caroline Elkins. Empire is always violent, whether the fact of empire or its inherent violence are acknowledged by the colonialists:

Frequently the most reactionary imperialist press in England and France portrays the national movements in India, Egypt, and China in a similar fashionwhenever the national movements of oppressed peoples threaten the interest of the colonial powerWe pretend to be innocent victimsOf course the Arabs attacked us in August. Since they have no armies they could not obey the rules of war. They perpetrated the barbaric acts of a colonial revolt. But we are obliged to look deeper into the cause of this revolt. We have been in Palestine for twelve yearswithout having even once made a serious attempt at seeking through negotiations the consent of the indigenous people. We have been relying exclusively upon Great Britains military might. We have set ourselves goals which by their very nature had to lead to conflict with the ArabsWe ought to have recognized that thesewould bethe just cause of a national uprising against usWe pretended the Arabs did not exist.

Enemies and Neighbors, Chapter 6: 1939-1945, p. 100. In 1940, Yosef Weitz of the Jewish National Fund confided to his diary  in a subsequently much quoted statement  that:

(T)here is no room for both people together in this country. The only solution is a Palestinewithout Arabs. And there is no other way than to transfer all of them. There is no other way.

Transfer them where? As noted by Ian Black, this was not an operational plan in 1940, but it was not forgotten. It is difficult to view policy of the current State of Israel as much different 84 years later. It is also impossible to see this as anything other than a bold statement of the colonial mind. Certainly, the colonization of North America proceeded with much the same justification. The British Empire was better at accommodating themselves to their colonial possessions, but no less violent all the same in the view of the colonized.

Enemies and Neighbors, Chapter 7: 1945-1949, p. 124. Palestinian scholar Bayan Nuwayhid al-Hout:

While the Jewish forces fought, dreaming of their state, the Arab leaders ordered their armies to fight a limited war, dreaming of and praying for a ceasefire.

Both Ian Black and Rashid Khalidi discuss the misapprehensions and wishful thinking, along with double dealing, of Palestinian politicians and leaders. This is illustrated here in one simple passage. Political fecklessness has been a constant in Palestine, and such behavior was often characteristic of each side (Palestinians, Israelis, Syrians, Jordanians, Egyptians) of this ongoing crisis, but the Zionists and Israelis were certainly more persistent and perspicacious in diplomacy, politics, and economics. The colonizer always has these advantages.

Enemies and Neighbors, Chapter 7: 1953-1958. The following is a very clear statement from Moshe Dayan, an officer in the IDF and Israeli politician who is still remembered well, after the horrific murder of Roy Rotberg from Kibbutz Nahal Oz on the border with Gaza. This is particularly relevant today:

Let us not blame the murderers today. Why should we complain about their burning hatred for us? For eight years they have been sitting in the refugee camps in Gaza, watching us transforming their lands and the villages where they and their fathers dwelt, into our property(still)We have no choice but to fight. This is our lifes choice, to be prepared and armed, strong and determined, lest the sword be stricken from our fist and our lives cut down. We are a generation that settles the land, and without the steel helmet and the cannons fire we will not be able to plant a tree and build a home. Let us not be deterred from seeing the loathing that is inflaming and filling the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Arabs who live around us. Let us not avert our eyes lest our arms weaken.

As noted in Enemies and Neighbors, this has been aptly described as an Israeli version of the American doctrine of Manifest Destiny, the ostensibly moral, economic, military, and political justification for the colonial expropriation of North America and beyond, with predictable and inevitable consequences for indigenous peoples who found themselves in the way.

Enemies and Neighbors, Chapter 13: 1968-1972, p. 224. After the dazzling military success that was the Six-Day War of June 1967, the general awareness of Palestinians by Israelis was reflected by Labour Prime Minister Golda Meir in her statement from 1969:

There was no such thing as PalestiniansIt was not as though there was a Palestinian people in Palestine considering itself as a Palestinian people we came and threw them out and took their country from them. They did not exist. (One can only suppose this was news to the Moshe Dayan of 1956)Meir was nothing if not consistent: she insisted there could be no return to the pre-1967 borders, but brushed aside concerns about the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Israel wants only a minimum of Arab population in the Jordanianterritory it wishes to keep. (italics in the original)

This was said during the rightfully angry anti-Palestinian mood after the Munich Olympics killings. But it had precedent going back the beginnings of the Zionist movement.

Enemies and Neighbors, Chapter 7: 1945-1949, p. 224, p 121. There was and is a Palestine with a Palestinian people. The numbers vary, but the consensus is that more than 700,000 Palestinians lived in Palestine in 1948. Many still do, but many left, not fully understanding that return would be impossible. From Shafiq al-Hout, then a sixteen-year-old crowded on the deck of a Greek ship bound for Beirut:

I remember watching Jaffa disappear from sight until there was nothing but water all aroundIt never occurred to me that I would never see it again.

The remainder of Enemies and Neighbors recounts the history of Israel and Palestine up to 2017. Since 1967, the alternating responses of violence-for-violence, outrage-for-outrage, atrocity-for-atrocity  the list is long and makes for dreary reading  have only led us further into a cul de sac from which there may be no retreat.

The Hundred Years War by Rashid Khalidi is an affecting, heartfelt, and clear-eyed history of the same period covered in Enemies and Neighbors. This is a near first person account through his familys experience in Palestine, beginning with the Balfour Declaration, in which (p. 34):

(T)he Jewish people, and only the Jewish people, are described as having a historic connection to Palestine. In the eyes of the drafters, the entire two-thousand-year-old built environment of the country with its villages, shrines, castles, and monuments dating to the Ottoman, Mameluke, Ayyubid, Crusader, Abbasid, Umayyad, Byzantine, and earlier periods belonged to no people at all, or only to amorphous religious groups. There were people there, certainly, but they had no history or collective existence, and could therefore be ignored. The roots of what the Israeli sociologist Baruch Kimmerling called the politicide of the Palestinian people are on full display in the Mandates preamble. The surest way to eradicate a peoples right to their land is to deny their historical connection to it.

The second surest way to do so is to condemn the indigenous people for failing to develop the land as they should in the eyes of those who covet it. This has been a justification, going back to John Locke, for the dispossession of indigenous peoples in the way of progress. It has been used in every colonial project. Whatever one thinks of The Hundred Years War, Rashid Khalidi clearly makes the case that a people have the right to tell their own history on their own terms. This, of course, also applies to the Zionist foundations of the State of Israel. The basic understanding of which can be found, perhaps, as part of American political and popular culture here and in this version of its stirring song (3:15), which I sang uncomprehendingly as a member of the Eighth Grade Chorus not too long after the Six-Day War. I came to understand the argument better when Menachem Begin prevailed in Israeli politics in the late-1970s and spoke often of the State of Israels God-given right to possession of Judea and Samaria.



Whatever Golda Meir meant when she said There was no such thing as PalestiniansIt was not as though there was a Palestinian people in Palestine considering itself as a Palestinian people we came and threw them out and took their country from them. They did not exist, Against Erasure makes the opposite case very well. This book is a remarkable documentary text, not unlike this most valuable treasure (7:57 video worth the time) that illustrates what can only be viewed as the exceedingly rich, and in ways too many to count, complementary culture that existed contemporaneously 2500 miles to the north and east or Palestine. The following selected photographs speak for the people of a settled pastoral, agricultural, and commercial culture that thrived in Palestine before 1948.

(1) Citrus fruits and olives were two major crops cultivated in Palestine before and during the Mandate. Olives still are and Palestinian olive oil can be found here, when it is available. Highly recommended.

(2) What we would now call artisanal textiles were produced for use and for trade.



(3) Some history repeats itself with more than rhyme.

(4) A Dr. Walker, nationality unknown, probably in the center of the front row, ran the Hebron hospital.

(5) The Palestine Broadcasting Service was active from 1936 until it was shut down in 1948.

(6) Note the name of the company is presented in the three languages of one Palestine.

(7) UNRWA, necessary but not sufficient, had not yet been defunded for spurious reason.

Against Erasure is a powerful testament to a vibrant, self-aware, multicultural, and hospitable Palestine that existed for a long time while continuing to cultivate the western arc of the Fertile Crescent, whatever is said these days.

Against Erasure begins with a list of 418 Palestinian villages destroyed in the War of 1948-1949. This brings us to Khirbet Khizeh, a story told about a day in the life of a unit  apparently the size of a platoon (20-50 soldiers)  of the Israeli Army in 1948 as it fulfills its order to depopulate the Palestinian village called Khirbet Khizeh. As in any such group, the attitudes and motivations of the soldiers vary. The narrator wonders at the sense of it allWhy are we doing this? What can these people  women, children, the old, the blind  do to us? Why cant we live together? Several of his comrades have less than no sympathy or respect for the Palestinian Arabs, the Other, and wish only to follow orders and complete their mission to round up and transport the remaining villagers away, never to return (p. 71-72):

Only rarely did a single cry burst forth and open pent-up hearts and tearsHowever, when a stone house exploded with a deafening thunder and a tall column of dust  its roof visiblefloating peacefully, all spread out, intact, and suddenly splitting and breaking up high in the air and falling in a mass of debris, dust, and a hail of stones  a woman, whose house it apparently was, leapt up, burst into a wild howling and started to run in that direction, holding a baby in her arms, while another wretched child who could already stand clutched the hem of her dress, and she screamed, pointed, talked, and choked, and now her friend got up, and anotherOne of our boys moved forward and shouted at her to stand still. She stifled her words with a desperate shriek beating her chest with her free hand. She had suddenly understood, it seemed, that it wasnt just about waiting under the sycamore tree to hear what the Jews wanted and then to go home, but that her home and her world had come to a full stop, and everything had turned dark and was collapsing; suddenly she had grasped something inconceivable, terrible, incredible, standing directly before her, real and cruel, body to body, and there was no going back. But the soldier grimaced as though he was tired of listening, and he shouted at her to sit down with the others(but)she left him behind and started running heavily toward the site of the explosion.

I wish I could read this book in the Hebrew. S. Yizhars sentences rival those of Faulkner in their never-ending flow of meaning. His story is always in the foreground. As noted in the Afterword by David Shulman, Khirbet Khizeh is a canonical textby the first major writer to describe in credible, unforgettable detail one emblematic example of the expulsion of Palestinian villagers from their homes by Israeli soldiers, acting under orders, in the last months of the 1948-1949 warthat cuts right through the nationalist prevalent myth that, like all nationalist myths, blames everything unpalatable on the ever-available enemy. This is what the enemy is for. And this is the way of war, the reason for war, the justification for war, in every place at every time. It is also wrong. Besides, the bad guy is just as likely to look back at you from your mirror in the morning as he is to see you through binoculars on the field of battle.

Thus, war is never the answer to a properly posed question. But what of the improperly posed questions that present themselves without surcease and demand an answer? Their terms must be changed, they must not be accepted, and they must not be answered as given. Finally, both Arabic and Hebrew have well known words for their own defining Catastrophe. Each of these was a human creation, neither was necessary, and nothing justifies the one or the other. This must stop. Now. But how?

Notes

[1] As the working class of Europe succumbed to war fever along nationalist lines, the Second International dissolved in 1916.

[2] In my memory that is exactly how my Aunt Marie put it. She had been a schoolteacher in a 3-room rural school in the 1920s (the school closed during the Great Depression) and was a stickler for details. And grammar. She had learned about Bertrand Russell from her one year in a nearby Normal School. He came up when she asked me which book I had recently read most recently: The collection of essays entitled Why I Am Not a Christian, which she took in stride as the good Christian woman with a sense of humor that she was. She also asked me if I had met the granddaughter of a local friend of hers, who was also attending the same flagship state university as one of 25,000 other students. Alas, the answer to that was no, which surprised her every time she asked for the next several years.
A bill that will allow certain public school staff members to carry firearms is heading to Gov. Bill Lees desk.

On Tuesday, the House passed HB1202 while several gun safety advocates looked on from the gallery. While the spectators remained quiet after warnings from House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville), they erupted after the bill passed, chanting phrases including blood on your hands. The gallery was cleared and protests continued outside the House chamber.

+7 Students Protest Bill Arming Teachers Local students and Covenant parents on watch as conceal carry bill for teachers nears a vote in the House

The Senate passed the bill earlier this month amid a similar scene.

The legislation will allow school staff who have completed certain requirements to carry concealed handguns on school grounds (though parents would not necessarily be able to know which staff members are armed). Requirements include annual training on school policing, a background check and certification from a psychologist or psychiatrist.

House Democrats opposed the bill and unsuccessfully attempted to introduce several amendments addressing liability, how guns in schools should be stored and which counties can opt in. Democrats pointed to potential problems that could arise as a result of the legislation.

How is law enforcement going to feel safe going into a school knowing there are guns? said Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville). Its going to delay responses. It is going to put law enforcement in danger. How are we going to know who is the assailant and who is the teacher with a gun?

In defense of the bill, Republicans noted that, in order for school staff to carry weapons, they would need permission from their director of schools, principal and law enforcement chief. House sponsor Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) also pointed to the fact that a similar law passed in 2016 allows schools in distressed counties to have handgun policies.
On 25 and 26 April, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will travel to Germany.

On Thursday, 25 April, the Secretary General will visit the 73 Tactical Air Wing in Laage, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Later, he will give a speech at the Atlantik-Brucke event, in Berlin. The Secretary General will also meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Annalena Baerbock.

On Friday, 26 April, the Secretary General will meet parliamentarians from the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Defence Committee of the German Bundestag. Later, Mr Stoltenberg will meet the Federal Chancellor, Mr Olaf Scholz.

Media advisory

25 April, 13:45 (CEST) Press statements by the NATO Secretary General and the Chief of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz

25 April, 19:00 (CEST) Remarks by the NATO Secretary General at the Atlantik-Brucke event.

26 April, 15:35 (CEST) Joint press statements by the NATO Secretary General with the Federal Chancellor.

Media coverage

The Secretary Generals press statements and remarks will be streamed live on the NATO website.

Transcripts of the Secretary Generals press statements and remarks, as well as photographs, will be available on the NATO website.

For more information:

Contact the NATO Press Office

Follow us on X (@NATO, @jensstoltenberg and @NATOPress).
The NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait convened its second conference on climate change and security on 23-24 April 2024. The event brought together officials and experts to discuss the specific challenges faced by the region and share views on how to move international cooperation forward.

Last year, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued his second Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment. This included a section on NATOs southern neighbourhood, one of the regions that bears the brunt of the climate crisis. NATOs partners in the region continue to highlight climate change as a key security challenge, and as an area for greater cooperation with NATO.

Against this backdrop, the NATO-ICI Regional Centre in Kuwait and the NATO Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber Division organised this second conference on climate change and security in the Gulf region. It builds on the experience of last years event  the first engagement of this kind between NATO and its ICI partner countries. Diplomats, military and government representatives, academics and students from the region engaged with experts on how climate change is affecting security, including through warmer temperatures on land and sea, rising sea levels and water scarcity. Experts stressed the potential for innovation and technology to address some of these challenges. NATOs Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme ran an information session aimed at encouraging researchers and scientists in Istanbul Cooperation Initiative countries to develop collaborative research activities in thematic areas of interest to the SPS Programme, including those focussed on climate change and security.

There will be another opportunity to submit proposals to the SPS Programme this week. Details will be available on the SPS website. NATOs third climate change and security impact assessment will be issued ahead of the next NATO Summit, which will take place this July in Washington D.C.
A collective common enemy now stalks mankind

(Article by Stephen Karganovic republished from Strategic-Culture.su)

Yuval Hariri, Klaus Schwabs spokesman, recently made a statement that should send chills up everyones spine. If bad comes to worse and the Flood comes, Harari said, he and the likeminded cabal of shadowy world masters will build an Ark and leave the rest to drown.

Elsewhere, Harari elaborates on the reasons for his fellow elitists cold-hearted indifference to the fate of the vast majority of Earths inhabitants:

If you go back to the middle of the 20th century and you think about building the future, then your building materials are those millions of people who are working hard in the factories, in the farms, the soldiers. You need them. You dont have any kind of future without them.

What he means is that you  referring to the dominant social and financial elites of that era  still needed the labour of millions in the various fields of economic endeavour in order to turn a profit. Since then, how have things changed according to futurologist Harari?

Now, fast forward to the early 21st century when we just dont need the vast majority of the population, because the future is about developing more and more sophisticated technology, like artificial intelligence [and] bioengineering, most people dont contribute anything to that, except perhaps for their data, and whatever people are still doing something useful, these technologies increasingly will make them redundant and will make it possible to replace those people.

Elitist mouthpiece Harari deserves credit for blood-curdling honesty, if not for the morality of his and his masters visions. He is plainly signalling the view that this writer, the editors of this portal, its readers and the rest of mankind are expendable and apart from whatever economic utility they still might possess are bereft of any inherent dignity or value.

Harari and his immediate superior in the elitist nomenklatura, Klaus Schwab, technically are private individuals. Their organisational vehicle, the World Economic Forum, is a private NGO registered in Switzerland. Formally, they neither represent nor do they speak for any government or official structure with a proper claim to legitimacy. They have no licence to plan or arrange the future of humanity, beside the self-authorisation to do so which they and the oligarchical globalist power centres they commune and mingle with have arrogated to themselves. No one elected or empowered them to plan anybodys future, other than their own, and even that strictly in their private capacity.

Yet disposing of the future of mankind is precisely what they presume to do, in Davos in plenary session once a year and the rest of the time in conspiratorial confabulation amongst themselves.

The nature of the planning in which they engage should be of deep interest and grave concern to everyone. Not just for the unbridled hubris it displays but more pointedly for the homicidal design that underlies it, on a vast and hitherto unimaginable scale which Raphael Lemkin was incapable of conceiving when he coined the term genocide.

When and if the predicted tsunami to drown mankind occurs, and we may be confident that Harari and his cohorts have the capacity to make it happen at a time and in the manner of their choosing, as the recently fabricated health event has shown, they will not be mourning the victims. On the contrary, they will be delighted at the success of their handiwork. As the bulk of mankind drowns, they will gloat.

It is indisputable that Harari speaks not just in his own or Schwabs name. He is publicly articulating the ideological vision of a depopulated Earth, cleansed of human presence and tinged with occultist misanthropy. That vision is widely shared by the luminaries of his elitist set. A high profile member of that set, Bill Gates, has been insistently stressing the need to dispose of the useless multitudes by any means, fair or foul. One of Gates alarmingly explicit elocutions on this subject was removed by YouTube , allegedly for violating community guidelines. The real reason for expunging his remarks from the internet was the danger that they could raise an alarm amongst the targeted flood victims, provoking them to react with uncontrollable rage once they discovered what the elitist visionaries have in store for them.

These psychopathic serial killers (we should not mince words) using their vast financial, political and media (brainwashing) resources are inexorably putting into effect a homicidal global depopulation agenda. Depopulation, as Harari has honestly admitted, means physically eliminating as many human beings as they deem superfluous or useless for their purposes. The concept of population control, again not to mince words, is their code for global genocide.

The Club of Rome, one of the institutional components of the depopulation network, in a programmatic document published in 1974 could not have put the main principle of their genocidal philosophy more starkly: The Earth has cancer and the cancer is Man. Is it necessary to clarify that cancers are not nurtured and cultivated? Cancers are to be extirpated.

F. William Engdahl recently shined extraordinary light on the deep roots of the nefarious plan, discussed and implemented openly by its malevolent promoters in plain view of the intended victims. Engdahl has shown that perverts like Schwab and Harari are but public faces of a malevolent trans-generational scheme.

Engdahl quotes from a report issued by the Club of Rome, The First Global Revolution. It is admitted there that the CO2 global warming claims, serving as the convenient rationale to forcefully impose upon humanity an endless array of destructive structural changes, are merely an invented ruse.

That is because the common enemy of humanity is man. In searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill. All these dangers are caused by human intervention, and it is only through changed attitudes and behavior that they can be overcome. The real enemy then, is humanity itself.

The agenda, Engdahl sombrely concludes, is dark, dystopian and meant to eliminate billions of us ordinary humans.

An important clarification needs to be made. Humanity is not the enemy, but is on the contrary the crown of Gods creation. And it is humanity itself that now is facing an implacable enemy, in this case a collective incarnation of the defining characteristic Edward Gibbon attributed to the depraved emperors Commodus and Caracalla: common enemy of mankind.

This time round, however, humanity is no longer facing the perverse eccentricities of an individual deviant. Today, it must confront Commodus and Caracallas collective personification, in the form of a depraved global oligarchy, imbued with dangerous delusions of omnipotence and impunity.

Why have we chosen to dwell on this dark subject? In the first place, because the intended genocide victims world-wide are entitled to be informed and naturally they also have the right to self-defence, in order to preserve their own and their families lives, as well as to ensure the integrity of their societies, cultures, historical memory, and way of life.

But there is also another important reason, to expose the cynicism and utter amorality of the genocidal fanatics who still are directing the destiny of a considerable portion of mankind and exert their energies continuously to regain complete control over the remainder.

Acting through their proxies Germany and Rwanda, recently joined by France and a few other puppet governments, they had the impudence to submit in the General Assembly of the United Nations a resolution to condemn and memorialise the fabricated genocide in Srebrenica, censuring for genocide a nation that throughout the twentieth century has itself been the target for effective extinction.

That is the very crime that they themselves are brazenly plotting to commit, not in some remote Balkan municipality but upon humanity as a whole.

Read more at: Strategic-Culture.su
Another prominent LGBT activist ARRESTED for child sexual exploitation

Another prominent LGBT activist has been added to the long list of pedophiles disguising themselves as leftist activists

Sean Pinion, a 31-year-old LGBT activist, is a transplant from Louisiana and has lived in Colorado Springs since 2016. He recently joined the Pikes Peak Arts Council, a non-profit organization fostering creativity, collaboration and cultural enrichment within the Pikes Peak region, in June 2023 and served as president.

In November 2022, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit of the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) initiated an investigation into an individual uploading child sexual abuse material on a social media platform. At the time, Pinion was promoting dangerous trans chest binding devices for children on social media.

Throughout 2023, the ICAC unit identified different addresses linked to a potential suspect in El Paso, yet locating the suspect proved elusive. In December 2023, the ICAC conducted several hours of surveillance on a possible address in unincorporated El Paso County within the Security-Widefield area. Subsequently, on April 11, 2024, a search warrant was conducted in the 200 block of Dexter Street, in a neighborhood northeast of US 85-87 and Mesa Ridge Parkway.

Four days after the release of the search warrant on April 11, the CSPD arrested Pinion and placed him in the El Paso County jail on a $20,000 bond on charges of alleged child sexual exploitation. Additionally, the Pikes Peak Arts Council immediately ousted Pinion from the position shortly after the arrest.

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"In light of recent events, the executive board of the Pikes Peak Arts Council has formally removed Sean Pinion as president effective immediately. The Pikes Peak Arts Council has a zero-tolerance policy. Our board as a whole was unaware of the charges until news broke to us on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. As representatives of the Pikes Peak Arts Council, [we] do not condone his actions nor are they a representation for who we are. Our number one priority is safety for those in our community," the organization wrote in its official statement.

Pinion was scheduled to appear in El Paso County Court on April 24. However, several reports revealed that as of 8:05 p.m. on April 16, Pinion was no longer in police custody.

Prominent LGBT activists face serious child abuse charges

The arrest of Pinion in El Paso adds to a concerning pattern of prominent LGBT activists facing significant allegations of child sexual abuse. In February, 39-year-old Sean Gravells, a former president of the North Peace Pride Society (NPPS), an LGBT pride organization in northern British Columbia, Canada, was arrested on multiple charges of sex crimes against children, including touching a person under 16 for sexual purposes, sexual interference with a person under 16, possession of child pornography and importing or distributing child pornography. That same month, Kendall Stephen, a well-known trans-identifying activist, was arrested in Philadelphia on charges of raping two boys. (Related: Prominent Philadelphia LGBT activist ARRESTED for allegedly sexually assaulting 2 kids .)

In January, Gerad Slayton, a former executive director of the Rainbow Resource Center, was among more than a dozen men arrested in a sting operation targeting online predators attempting to solicit sex with minors. In 2023, the same kind of abuse happened to two boys when a gay activist couple from Georgia adopted them. The couple faced allegations of abuse and trafficking in a pedophile ring. Additionally, Oregon teacher and activist Kelsey Boren, who mentored an 11-year-old drag queen, was convicted on child pornography charges and sentenced to less than a year in prison for 11 felony counts of encouraging child sex abuse.

These incidents are now causing growing concern among the public: The longstanding efforts to refute stereotypes linking the gay community to target children are fueling suspicions that the end goal of the movement may not be the acceptance of diverse views but rather the grooming of the next generation.

Visit Psycho.news for more stories about child sex abusers.

Watch this video explaining why LGBT Pride is a form of child abuse.

This video is from the TheRealStephenHilton channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Director of California LGBT center ARRESTED in child predator sting operation.

Prominent LGBTQ activist and president of a university queer organization ARRESTED for downloading child pornography.

Former CNN producer sentenced to more than 19 YEARS behind bars for child sexual abuse.

President of Canadian LGBT group arrested on PEDOPHILIA charges.

Former president of regional LGBT pride organization in Canada charged with sex crimes against CHILDREN.

Sources include:

ThePostMillenial.com

CBC.ca

LifeSiteNews.com

FoxNews21.com

Brighteon.com
Calls to BOYCOTT Bank of America grow amid its discrimination targeting Trump supporters

Calls to boycott Bank of America (BofA) have grown louder over its alleged discrimination of customers based on their political views  in this case, those supporting former President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

"Multiple MAGA profiles and Republicans have criticized the bank in recent days over claims  that it is allegedly engaging in a practice called 'de-banking' because of customers' religious and political beliefs," Newsweek reported. The magazine added that BofA has denied the allegations.

John Eastman  a former legal counsel for Trump  said his BofA and United Services Automobile Association (USAA) accounts had been closed. Eastman alleged that the closure of his two accounts was done in response to his attempts to help Trump overturn the results of the fraudulent 2020 election.

In March, Eastman was recommended for disbarment. This followed a judge ruling that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results had violated attorney conduct rules. The lawyer wasn't the only victim of de-banking, as MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell suffered the same fate in early 2022. (Related: MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, related entities de-banked.)

Several pro-Trump users on social media threw their support behind Eastman, promptly calling for a boycott of BofA.

"No one should be using BofA for their personal accounts as they are not personal loan-friendly and have not been for years," user LJ Lindsey posted on X. "They want the larger corporate customers. It is time to boycott BofA so they are forced to be bought out."

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.

"If I had a BofA account, I would definitely close it and no further information will be provided," user @mnbbrewster wrote, urging others to follow suit. Another user added: "BofA thinks it can get involved in politics and de-bank patriots that fight against corruption, like the obviously stolen election. Boycott them now."

A fourth user also called for a boycott but extended this to include the insurance company that discriminated against Eastman. "If you are MAGA, you must boycott BofA. And if you are a MAGA veteran, you must boycott USAA," the user wrote.

BofA has been contacted for comment via email over Eastman's debanking but has not sent a reply as of press time.

15 Republican attorneys general chide BofA CEO over discrimination

Meanwhile, a group of 15 Republican attorneys general (AGs) took the initiative to warn BofA over its discrimination. The group signed a letter warning the bank's CEO Brian Moynihan against its alleged "discriminatory behavior" targeting people for their political or religious views.

Missouri AG Andrew Bailey confirmed the letter on X, posting: "Proud to be one of the 15 AGs demanding answers from BofA for repeatedly de-banking Missourians. If any company is punishing consumers because of their political beliefs, that may constitute a serious violation of the First Amendment. We will get to the bottom of it."

"Your bank needs to be transparent with and assure us, its shareholders and others that it will not continue to de-bank customers for their speech or religious exercise," the 15 AGs wrote. Their letter came after BofA reportedly sent private consumer financial data to the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to the Daily Mail, the move served to assist investigations into the false-flag Jan. 6, 2021 riot in the U.S. Capitol.

BofA spokesman Bill Halldin denied that his company de-banked any customer in a statement to Fox News.

"Religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision," he said. "We are proud to provide banking services to non-profit organizations affiliated with diverse faith communities throughout the United States."

Head over to Fascism.news for similar stories.

Watch this Russia Today report about BofA allegedly working with the U.S. government to spy on demonstrators.

This video is from the Themoreuknow channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NatWest bank issues further de-banking measures with new cash limits, prompting criticism from de-banked Nigel Farage.

Bank of America is an active enemy combatant targeting conservatives for financial deplatforming.

Dr. Mercola files LAWSUIT against JPMorgan Chase for de-banking Mercola Market employees.

Newly-revealed messages show British bank staff GLOATED after debanking Nigel Farage.

National Australia Bank now debanking customers for "mean" speech.

Sources include:

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
Google fires dozens of pro-Palestinian employees who protested against companys cloud deal with Israel

Tech giant and search engine company Google has fired 28 of its employees because they were involved in a 10-hour sit-in at the search giants offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California, protesting Google's cloud computing contract with the Israeli government.

An investigation found that they had staged protests inside the Big Tech company's offices. According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by No Tech For Apartheid, the group that organized the demonstration, they entered the Sunnyvale office of Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian. They were reported to hold banners with slogans saying "No More Genocide For Profit" and "We Stand with Palestinian, Arab and Muslim Googlers."

"A small number of employee protesters entered and disrupted a few of our locations. Physically impeding other employees' work and preventing them from accessing our facilities is a clear violation of our policies, and completely unacceptable behavior. After refusing multiple requests to leave the premises, law enforcement was engaged to remove them to ensure office safety," a Google spokesperson said. "We have so far concluded individual investigations that resulted in the termination of employment for 28 employees and will continue to investigate and take action as needed."

The pro-Palestinian staffers, who wore traditional Arab headscarves as they stormed and occupied the office of a top executive in California on April 16, were terminated the next day following the internal investigation, Google Vice President of global security Chris Rackow said in a companywide memo. "Googlers, you may have seen reports of protests at some of our offices yesterday. Unfortunately, many employees brought the event into our buildings in New York and Sunnyvale," Rackow said in the memo. "We placed employees involved under investigation and cut their access to our systems. Those who refused to leave were arrested by law enforcement and removed from our offices."

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.

He added that this behavior has no place in our workplace and they will not tolerate it. "It clearly violates multiple policies that all employees must adhere to, including our Code of Conduct and Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation, Standards of Conduct, and Workplace Concerns," he further said. The memo also warned: "If you are one of the few who are tempted to think were going to overlook conduct that violates our policies, think again. The company takes this extremely seriously, and we will continue to apply our longstanding policies to take action against disruptive behavior, up to and including termination."

Google and Amazon have a $1.2 billion contract to provide cloud computing services to the Israeli government and military, known as Project Nimbus, according to No Tech For Apartheid. "This flagrant act of retaliation is a clear indication that Google values its $1.2 billion contract with the genocidal Israeli government and military more than its workers," the group said in a statement published on Medium on Thursday. The protesters have demanded that Google pull out of the billion contract. Meanwhile, critics at the company raised concerns that the technology would be weaponized against Palestinians in Gaza.

A New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson said the Tuesday protest "involved approximately 50 participants" in total and confirmed that "four arrests were made for trespassing inside the Google building."

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety said the protest in California "consisted of around 80 participants." A total of five protesters who refused to leave the Google office were "arrested without incident for criminal trespassing," booked and released, a spokesperson confirmed.

Last month, Google fired a software engineer who publicly blasted one of the companys Israel-based executives during a tech conference in New York City. A company spokesperson confirmed the firings and said: "These protests were part of a longstanding campaign by a group of organizations and people who largely dont work at Google." (Related: Google faces backlash over MASS LAYOFFS in January despite companys financial success.)

Google CEO's contradicting policies on internal debates

Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently said that while preserving Google's "open culture" in the workplace is important, the company also needs to enforce workplace policies and be "more focused in how we work, collaborate, discuss and even disagree." The tech company wasn't the place "to fight over disruptive issues or debate politics," Pichai wrote in a separate email announcing a restructuring of the company's devices and mobile software divisions. "This is too important a moment as a company for us to be distracted," he remarked.

However, the company has notably had a history of open internal debate on political issues around the workplace. In fact, they had a companywide meeting after the 2016 elections when former President Donald Trump found his way to the White House. The Big Techs bigwigs, including its co-founder Sergey Brin, lamented the victory and debated the impact of their services on the polls.

Meanwhile, some Amazon employees have also protested the contract with Israel. Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, a group that has criticized the companys environmental policies, called on the company to cancel the Nimbus contract in February. "Just as we don't want our work to be wielded in helping fossil fuel companies accelerate extraction and destruction, we dont want our work to be used in service of military and surveillance products like Project Nimbus that continue this genocide," the group posted on X.

TechGiants.news has more stories similar to this.

Sources for this article include:

NYPost.com

WSJ.com
Israel and Irans all-out war temporarily averted; security minister suggests pursuing stronger Israeli attacks because recent ones were feeble

U.S. intelligence sources have reported that direct strikes between Iran and Israel are over for now. But the measured nature of Israel's response to Iran's reported attacks have been poorly received by the hard-right elements of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet, as Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir characterized the explosions in Iran as 'feeble.'

The city of Isfahan in central Iran was struck at 5:00 a.m. local time, with Israel reported to have targeted an air base near the city that also hosts some of Iran's nuclear research facilities. The strikes came in retaliation for Iran firing a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel last Saturday. Tehran claimed that there was no significant damage to its military facilities. It denied any nuclear plants were destroyed.

Meanwhile, an Iranian senior official has revealed that Tehran has no plan to hit back immediately against Israel after the Jewish state carried out limited strikes inside the country early Friday, a report said. The senior official told Reuters that Iran has no immediate plans to fire back at Israel and that "the foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed." "We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack," he also claimed.

On the other hand, Netanyahu faces pressure from within his own government to respond more forcefully. Like his national security minister, experts suggested the Israeli PM pursue a more protracted, simmering conflict.

"I think a prolonged but manageable conflict is in Netanyahu's interest. That can be achieved by extending the conflict with Iran's Axis of Resistance. This is a low-risk conflict that keeps Israel on high alert without the risk of becoming existential," Middle Eastern security expert and Kings College London lecturer Dr. Andreas Krieg told MailOnline. "Israel might decide to engage in a series of dispersed attacks over time that are individually so negligible that Iran doesn't have to respond... a strategy of 'death by a 1000 cuts,' which is difficult to deter," he said.

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.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of threat intelligence firm Flashpoint Andrew Borene commented that it seems the two nations are now engaged in a very dangerous game of bilateral brinkmanship. "The kinetic strikes by Israel into Iranian territory could have been meant to demonstrate a resolve on Israel's part to engage with Iran in a tit-for-tat, possibly as a limited demonstration that Israeli precision strike technology can reach into the heart of Iran's most sensitive military program," he said.

Isfahan has been home to Iran's fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats - purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Tasnim news agency also published a video from one of its reporters, who said he was in the southeastern Zerdenjan area of Isfahan, near its "nuclear energy mountain." The facility also operates three small Chinese-supplied research reactors, as well as handling fuel production and other activities for Iran's civilian nuclear program.

Moreover, Hossein Amirabdollahian, Iran's foreign minister told CNN yesterday that Tehran's initial response to an Israeli strike would be immediate. "If the Israeli regime commits the great error once again our response will be decisive, definitive and regretful for them," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said. But officials later appeared to climb down from carrying out retribution. (Related: U.S. to sanction Iran for drone strikes but refuses to sanction Israel for genocide.)

Amirabdollahian jokes: Israeli weapons are toys that our "children play with"

In a separate interview with NBS News, Amirabdollahian refused to acknowledge that Israel was behind the recent attack on his country. "What happened last night was not a strike," the foreign minister said in told NBC News' Tom Llamas. "They were more like toys that our children play with and not drones."

Amirabdollahian, who was attending a U.N. Security Council session, said Iran is not planning to respond unless Israel launched a significant attack. "As long as there is no new adventurism by Israel against our interests, then we are not going to have any new reactions," he said.

The recent cycle of violence between Israel and Iran began on April 1 when Israel bombed an Iranian consular building in the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing two generals and five officers in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran responded 12 days later, launching an unprecedented, direct military attack on Israel involving more than 300 missiles and drones. The assault caused no significant damage, however. Nearly all of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israeli, U.S. and other allied forces.

Head over to WWIII.news for updates on the escalating muti-face war being waged by Israel in the Middle East.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

FoxNews.com

NBCNews.com
Parents blast woke private school in Maryland over invasive GENDER IDENTITY survey

An elite private school in Maryland's Baltimore County is under fire after parents spoke out against its survey asking students about their "gender" and "sexuality."

The uproar began in January of this year when parents discovered that an "identity inventory" had been distributed to fifth-grade students at St. Paul's School for Boys, InfoWars reported. The tuition at this elite private school ranges from $32,000 for lower school to $38,000 for upper school per year. (Related: Minnesotas new gender identity law strips Christian schools, churches of exemption from hiring LGBTs.)

According to a parent who spoke with Crisis in the Classroom (CITC), the survey covers various topics such as gender identities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs and the "cognitive" abilities of students. One question prompts students to identify as "cisgender," "transgender," "gender non-conforming" or "agender," with the latter defined as "someone who does not identify with a gender." Meanwhile, another question addresses cognitive abilities, asking students to choose between "able," "average" or "learning difference."

At the top of the survey, instructions specify that students can select more than one identity per category. Students are also encouraged to omit any category they feel uncomfortable discussing.

More recently, the controversy has deepened with the revelation of an "Independent School Health Check" survey administered to young girls. The survey, conducted by Indiana University's Center for Survey Research, asked students' gender identity and self-description.

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.

But the surveys did not sit well with parents. Some compared the forms to the data mining practices employed by tech giants like Google.

Others, meanwhile, lamented that private schools are being preoccupied with "wokeism" over academic excellence. These have prompted some parents to seek out alternatives such as homeschooling or establishing "non-woke" schools that prioritize traditional learning over "toxic gender nonsense."

Despite parental outcry, the school administration continues to resist the issue. Making things worse are reports of punitive measures against the students of parents who spoke out on social media platforms.

"The school hushed up several parents, making an example out of at least one. The parent's [children] were suspended then reinstated after the parent spoke out on social media about wokeism being injected into the curriculum."

Former Education Department official sides with parents against wokeism

A former official of the Department of Education (ED) sided with the parents on the issue, questioning the Maryland private school for its infringement of "deeply personal" information through the survey forms.

"Why does anyone in a school need to know about a child's gender identity or sexuality? It just seems totally unnecessary and really invasive," said Angela Morabito, spokeswoman for the Defense of Freedom Institute (DFI). She previously served as the ED's press secretary in both the Biden and Trump administrations.

According to CITC, the parent who disclosed the survey said families weren't informed about the questions in advance. Thus, Morabito stressed that while certain parents might endorse the content of the survey, St. Paul's should not presume universal comfort with it.

The DFI spokeswoman ultimately remarked: "Parents deserve to know what's going on inside their school during the day. If they don't want their child being asked to answer those very deeply personal questions, parents should have a say and be able to put a stop to it."

Head over to CampusInsanity.com for similar stories.

Watch this video about Lisa Merle, a mother of six, slamming gender activists in a speech delivered at the One Million March for Children.

This video is from Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Court blocks school district from enforcing ludicrous gender identity policies.

Scottish parents face SEVEN YEARS in prison for refusing to affirm childrens gender identity.

GROOMER teacher tells 10-year-old to delete private email communications about young students gender identity.

STUDY: Gender identity is NOT the primary factor contributing to performance disparities in athletics  BIOLOGICAL SEX IS.

Rhode Island school district faces LEGAL ACTION over refusal to disclose gender identity of LGBT club advisor.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

TheNationalDesk.com

Brighteon.com
Matrixxx Grooove: Trumps hush money trial is OBVIOUSLY RIGGED  Brighteon.TV

According to Jeffrey "IntheMatrixxx" Pedersen and Shannon "ShadyGrooove" Townsend, the "hush money" trial of former President Donald Trump is obviously rigged

The two touched on the matter during the April 16 episode of "The Matrixxx Grooove Show" on Brighteon.TV, with both Pedersen and Townsend denouncing the New York City (NYC) trial as "absolute BS." InTheMatrixxx continued: "He's got to be there every day for six weeks, a month and a half. God knows how long this shill trial is going to last."

Townsend noted that there are people who are being permitted to lie, smear and say things against the former president on social media platforms such as TikTok. In contrast, others who say things in favor of Trump are immediately censored. Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen is among the people in the first group, according to ShadyGrooove.

He ultimately pointed out that part of the reason they are doing this is to confuse the American people, including the jury pool. He continued: "The questions that they are asking the jury pool are completely one-sided and have absolutely no resemblance to something that would be considered a fair process." (Related: Trump hush money trial is blatant election interference designed to keep him off the campaign trail.)

Pedersen, on the other hand, said that the fake news media had already convicted Trump in their narratives. He added that the hate against the former president is all over the mainstream news.

ShadyGrooove: Trump trial exposes BIASED Manhattan DA

According to the Associated Press, the "hush money" trial presided by Judge Juan Merchan stems from alleged payments made in 2016 by the real estate mogul to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Cohen, who was Trump's attorney at the time, was responsible for the payments. The former legal counsel then flipped, becoming a prosecution witness for the rigged trial.

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.

Townsend also mentioned that Americans are witnessing the biased actions of Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alvin Bragg. The self-branded progressive prosecutor is downgrading the felony charges of other people into misdemeanors, but not in Trump's case.

"They are doing the exact opposite," ShadyGrooove said. "They are taking something that would normally be a misdemeanor charge for any business person. Someone like that out there would be charged with a misdemeanor, and they are trying to do their little magic trick on it and turn it into a felony on a whim."

"This is a precedent that they are trying to set  and not to mention the speed at which they are trying to bring [it]. This has to do with Trump's appearance at the Supreme Court because theoretically, they could [screw] up this whole thing by saying he is immune from these types of prosecutions. They couldn't sit around and wait for that decision to be made before they started this."

Pedersen then described the trial as an assault on both America itself and the American people, aside from being a political persecution of the former president. Townsend agreed, commenting that they are persecuting Americans for what they are standing for and Trump himself because of his willingness to speak about this stance.

Follow Trump.news for more stories about Republican Party presidential candidate Donald J. Trump.

Watch the full April 16 episode of "The Matrixxx Grooove Show" below. Tune in to "The Matrixxx Grooove Show" with Jeff and Shady every weekday at 12-1 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Trump celebrates civil trial triumph in Big Apple court, predicts 80% of the case would likely be dismissed.

Donald Trump may be forced to miss his son Barrons high school graduation due to New York trial.

Thrive Time Show: Indictments against Trump PROVE Americans live in a country with a two-tiered justice system  Brighteon.TV.

Trump to disprove WITCH HUNT GA indictments with irrefutable election fraud report.

Matrixxx Grooove: Americans doing everything to ensure Trumps 2024 White House return  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

APNews.com
Prescription drugs are now the leading cause of death

Overtreatment with drugs kills many people, and the death rate is increasing. It is therefore strange that we have allowed this long-lasting drug pandemic to continue, and even more so because most of the drug deaths are easily preventable.

(Article by Peter C. Gtzsche republished from BrownStone.org)

In 2013, I estimated that our prescription drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer,1 and in 2015, that psychiatric drugs alone are also the third leading cause of death.2 However, in the US, it is commonly stated that our drugs are only the fourth leading cause of death.3,4 This estimate was derived from a 1998 meta-analysis of 39 US studies where monitors recorded all adverse drug reactions that occurred while the patients were in hospital, or which were the reason for hospital admission.5

This methodology clearly underestimates drug deaths. Most people who are killed by their drugs die outside hospitals, and the time people spent in hospitals was only 11 days on average in the meta-analysis.5 Moreover, the meta-analysis only included patients who died from drugs that were properly prescribed, not those who died as a result of errors in drug administration, noncompliance, overdose, or drug abuse, and not deaths where the adverse drug reaction was only possible.5

Many people die because of errors, e.g. simultaneous use of contraindicated drugs, and many possible drug deaths are real. Moreover, most of the included studies are very old, the median publication year being 1973, and drug deaths have increased dramatically over the last 50 years. As an example, 37,309 drug deaths were reported to the FDA in 2006 and 123,927 ten years later, which is 3.3 times as many.6

In hospital records and coroners reports, deaths linked to prescription drugs are often considered to be from natural or unknown causes. This misconception is particularly common for deaths caused by psychiatric drugs.2,7 Even when young patients with schizophrenia suddenly drop dead, it is called a natural death. But it is not natural to die young and it is well known that neuroleptics can cause lethal heart arrhythmias.

Many people die from the drugs they take without raising any suspicion that it could be an adverse drug effect. Depression drugs kill many people, mainly among the elderly, because they can cause orthostatic hypotension, sedation, confusion, and dizziness. The drugs double the risk of falls and hip fractures in a dose-dependent manner,8,9 and within one year after a hip fracture, about one-fifth of the patients will have died. As elderly people often fall anyway, it is not possible to know if such deaths are drug deaths.

Another example of unrecognised drug deaths is provided by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They have killed hundreds of thousands of people,1 mainly through heart attacks and bleeding stomach ulcers, but these deaths are unlikely to be coded as adverse drug reactions, as such deaths also occur in patients who do not take the drugs.

The 1998 US meta-analysis estimated that 106,000 patients die every year in hospital because of adverse drug effects (a 0.32% death rate).5 A carefully done Norwegian study examined 732 deaths that occurred in a two-year period ending in 1995 at a department of internal medicine, and it found that there were 9.5 drug deaths per 1,000 patients (a 1% death rate).10 This is a much more reliable estimate, as drug deaths have increased markedly. If we apply this estimate to the US, we get 315,000 annual drug deaths in hospitals. A review of four newer studies, from 2008 to 2011, estimated that there were over 400,000 drug deaths in US hospitals.11

Drug usage is now so common that newborns in 2019 could be expected to take prescription drugs for roughly half their lives in the US.12 Moreover, polypharmacy has been increasing.12

How Many People Are Killed by Psychiatric Drugs?

If we want to estimate the death toll of psychiatric drugs, the most reliable evidence we have are the placebo-controlled randomised trials. But we need to consider their limitations.

First, they usually run for only a few weeks even though most patients take the drugs for many years.13,14

Second, polypharmacy is common in psychiatry, and this increases the risk of dying. As an example, the Danish Board of Health has warned that adding a benzodiazepine to a neuroleptic increases mortality by 50-65%.15

Third, half of all deaths are missing in published trial reports.16 For dementia, published data show that for every 100 people treated with a newer neuroleptic for ten weeks, one patient is killed.17 This is an extremely high death rate for a drug, but FDA data on the same trials show it is twice as high, namely two patients killed per 100 after ten weeks.18 And if we extend the observation period, the death toll becomes even higher. A Finnish study of 70,718 community-dwellers newly diagnosed with Alzheimers disease reported that neuroleptics kill 4-5 people per 100 annually compared to patients who were not treated.19

Fourth, the design of psychiatric drug trials is biased. In almost all cases, patients were already in treatment before they entered the trial,2,7 and some of those randomised to placebo will therefore experience withdrawal effects that will increase their risk of dying, e.g. because of akathisia. It is not possible to use the placebo-controlled trials in schizophrenia to estimate the effect of neuroleptics on mortality because of the drug withdrawal design. The suicide rate in these unethical trials was 2-5 times higher than the norm.20,21 One in every 145 patients who entered the trials of risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and sertindole died, but none of these deaths were mentioned in the scientific literature, and the FDA didnt require them to be mentioned.

Fifth, events after the trial is stopped are ignored. In Pfizers trials of sertraline in adults, the risk ratio for suicides and suicide attempts was 0.52 when the follow-up was only 24 hours, but 1.47 when the follow-up was 30 days, i.e. an increase in suicidal events.22 And when researchers reanalysed the FDA trial data on depression drugs and included harms occurring during followup, they found that the drugs double the number of suicides in adults compared to placebo.23,24

In 2013, I estimated that, in people aged 65 and above, neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, or similar, and depression drugs kill 209,000 people annually in the United States.2 I used rather conservative estimates, however, and usage data from Denmark, which are far lower than those in the US. I have therefore updated the analysis based on US usage data, again focusing on older age groups.

For neuroleptics, I used the estimate of 2% mortality from the FDA data.18

For benzodiazepines and similar drugs, a matched cohort study showed that the drugs doubled the death rate, although the average age of the patients was only 55.25 The excess death rate was about 1% per year. In another large, matched cohort study, the appendix to the study report shows that hypnotics quadrupled the death rate (hazard ratio 4.5).26 These authors estimated that sleeping pills kill between 320,000 and 507,000 Americans every year.26 A reasonable estimate of the annual death rate would therefore be 2%.

For SSRIs, a UK cohort study of 60,746 depressed patients older than 65 showed that they led to falls and that the drugs kill 3.6% of patients treated for one year.27 The study was done very well, e.g. the patients were their own control in one of the analyses, which is a good way to remove the effect of confounders. But the death rate is surprisingly high.

Another cohort study, of 136,293 American postmenopausal women (age 50-79) participating in the Womens Health Initiative study, found that depression drugs were associated with a 32% increase in all-cause mortality after adjustment for confounding factors, which corresponded to 0.5% of women killed by SSRIs when treated for one year.28 The death rate was very likely underestimated. The authors warned that their results should be interpreted with great caution, as the way exposure to antidepressant drugs was ascertained carried a high risk of misclassification, which would make it more difficult to find an increase in mortality. Further, the patients were much younger than in the UK study, and the death rate increased markedly with age and was 1.4% for those aged 70-79. Finally, the exposed and unexposed women were different for many important risk factors for early death, whereas the people in the UK cohort were their own control.

For these reasons, I decided to use the average of the two estimates, a 2% annual death rate.

These are my results for the US for these three drug groups for people at least 65 years of age (58.2 million; usage is in outpatients only):29-32

A limitation in these estimates is that you can only die once, and many people receive polypharmacy. It is not clear how we should adjust for this. In the UK cohort study of depressed patients, 9% also took neuroleptics, and 24% took hypnotics/anxiolytics.27

On the other hand, the data on death rates come from studies where many patients were also on several psychiatric drugs in the comparison group, so this is not likely to be a major limitation considering also that polypharmacy increases mortality beyond what the individual drugs cause.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list these four top causes of death:33

Heart disease: 695,547

Cancer: 605,213

Covid-19: 416,893

Accidents: 224,935

Covid-19 deaths are rapidly declining, and many such deaths are not caused by the virus but merely occurred in people who tested positive for it because the WHO advised that all deaths in people who tested positive should be called Covid deaths.

Young people have a much smaller death risk than the elderly, as they rarely fall and break their hip, which is why I have focused on the elderly. I have tried to be conservative. My estimate misses many drug deaths in those younger than 65 years; it only included three classes of psychiatric drugs; and it did not include hospital deaths.

I therefore do not doubt that psychiatric drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer.

Read more at: BrownStone.org
More proof emerges of Dr. Faucis criminal deceit over COVID-19 origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci has been exposed once again for being highly dishonest and covering up his connection to the COVID-19 pandemic, this time thanks to emails uncovered by Senator Rand Paul.

Anyone who has been paying attention in the past few years wont be the slightest bit surprised to learn that he has been caught on the wrong side of this yet again. The latest emails detail conversations about how samples from the Wuhan lab that we now know was the source of the virus could unlock the genomes of more than 700 coronaviruses  something Dr. Fauci has conveniently never mentioned in press interviews or when being questioned by Congress.

Sen. Paul shared some excerpts from the emails on X, including EcoHealth Alliances Dr. Peter Daszak saying, we have 15,000 samples in freezers in Wuhan and  and could do the full genomes of 700+ CoVs [coronaviruses].

Paul adds: Fauci flunky David Morens responds: to remain silent but documenting these things foryour own defense.

Another quote he shared was Tony [Fauci] is now fully awareand I am told involved in some sort of damage control

Paul reportedly received these emails from a whistleblower, and they show a direct link between Fauci and different governmental bodies to the funding of the research that could well have resulted in the creation of the COVID-19 virus.

Fauci's top aide used his personal email to talk to federal officials to avoid FOIA requests

Morens, who was Faucis top aide at the National Institutes of Health, has drawn a lot of suspicion because he switched to his personal email account to communicate with federal officials about the origins of the virus in what is a clear attempt to avoid exposure; his official government work email at the time would have been subjected to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests that could have publicized them.

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.

He has now been hit with a subpoena requesting emails from his Gmail account, with Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chair Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio) accusing him of using Gmail to intentionally [subvert] federal transparency laws to shield discussions related to the origins of COVID-19.

The subpoena demands that Morens turn over personal emails related to COVID-19 and coronavirus grant funding, along with his communications with top health officials such as Fauci and the former director of the NIH, Francis Collins.

Morens admitted to the committee in a previous closed interview that he regularly deletes things he doesnt want to see in the New York Times, adding, 'I always try to communicate over gmail because my NIH email is FOIAd constantly.

EcoHealth and the Wuhan Institute of Virology submitted a proposal to federal officials in 2018 in conjunction with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeking funding for creating a novel coronavirus. EcoHealth has been accused of using taxpayer money to fund the dangerous gain of function research at the Wuhan lab.

Sen. Paul also said that Fauci frequently made covert visits to the CIA, which is noteworthy because the agency is still officially claiming the virus probably came from animals, in direct opposition to findings by the FBI and the Department of Energy that a lab leak from the lab in Wuhan is the most likely origin. Moreover, an initial assessment by the CIA determined that the lab leak theory was likely correct, but senior CIA officials overruled it for some unknown reason.

Sen. Paul told the Daily Mail that Fauci's dishonesty about what he knew has raised his suspicions.

"It makes me think there's really something there that they're hiding, he stated.

Sources for this article include:

Revolver.news

DailyMail.co.uk
Turkeys Erdogan condemns Israels Netanyahu for outdoing Hitler in slaughter of 14,000 children in Gaza

To date, data reveals an estimated 14,000 children have been killed in Gaza. Regarding this grim news, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of outdoing German Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler.

Anadolu news agency reported on Wednesday that Erdogan told a Justice and Development (AK) Party group meeting in the Turkish parliament that with unconditional support from the West, Israel is carrying out massacres that are marks of shame in human history, both in Gaza and the West Bank. He said that the Palestinian cause gave his life new meaning, adding that no one can question Turkey's sensitivity to the Palestinian issue. "As long as God grants me life, I will continue to defend the struggle of Palestine and will be the voice of the oppressed Palestinian people," Erdogan vowed.

Erdogan further compared the struggle of Hamas to the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1922) and reminded the members of the Parliament that he had stood up for the Palestinian militant group at the 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "When no one else would speak, we stood up and said: 'Hamas is not a terrorist organization, but a resistance group.' We presented maps at the UN showing how Israel has gradually occupied the lands of Palestine over the past 70 years," he said.

Also, during an opening speech at an award ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan said the systematic slaughter of six million Jews in the Holocaust was not as bad as Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and likened Israel's treatment of Palestinians in the Strip to that of Jews rounded up in concentration and death camps. "We've seen the Nazi camps of Israel. How does this happen? They used to talk about Hitler, but how are you any different than Hitler?" he asked of Israel. "This is even worse than Hitler," he added and received deafening applause. "What Netanyahu is doing is no less than what Hitler did."

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.

Israel has surpassed Hitler in committing crimes  Erdogan The Turkish leader has accused the Jewish state of killing 14,000 children in Gaza https://t.co/DNNfpHyesL pic.twitter.com/3vvdxvoEvM  RT (@RT_com) April 19, 2024

On the same day, Netanyahu responded to the Turkish leader, saying Erdogan has no right to lecture Israel about morality. "Erdogan, who commits genocide against the Kurds, who holds a world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his rule, is the last one who can preach morality to us," the Israeli leader said.

Israel and Turkey were long-time regional allies but ties imploded after a 2010 Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship, part of a blockade-busting flotilla, that left 10 Turkish activists dead. Relations between the two nations have been up and down since then and they only restored full diplomatic ties in August 2022.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has estimated that 85 percent of the Gaza residents have been internally displaced and face acute shortages of food, water and medication, while more than half of the infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. A recent report by UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has accused Israel of intending to commit genocide in the enclave. (Related: LIES: U.S. asserts no genocide was committed in Gaza amid violent Israeli military campaign.)

Erdogan urges regional peace as he meets Hamas leader in Turkey

Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and to reach a fair and lasting peace in the region were tackled during a meeting between Erdogan and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul on Saturday. This meeting, which took place amid escalating regional tensions following Israel's reported attack on Iran this week, has been the first meeting of the two leaders since Israel began its military offensive in the enclave.

"Issues related to Israels attacks on lands of Palestine, particularly Gaza, efforts for adequate and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a fair and lasting peace process in the region were discussed," Erdogan said in a statement. The statement also indicated that the Turkish president stressed that Israel should not benefit from the developments (between Iran and Israel) and that it is important to make efforts that will draw attention to Gaza again.

During their talk, Erdogan told Haniyeh that Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts for a permanent ceasefire as well as the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. He also told Haniyeh that "it is vital for Palestinians to act in unity," the statement said.

Palestinian militant group Hamas seized control in Gaza in 2007, a year after sweeping elections, following a brief civil war with Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces, reducing the PA's rule to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Efforts to reconcile the two sides have so far failed over thorny power-sharing issues.

Read more stories about Israel's violent attacks in Gaza, killing mostly women and children at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

AA.com.tr

RT.com

MSN.com
Kremlin: Ukraine deliberately targeting JOURNALISTS reporting from the front lines

Ukrainian forces are deliberately targeting Russian journalists who are reporting about the Russia-Ukraine war from the front lines, according to Moscow.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov put forward this allegation during an April 20 interview with the Izvestia newspaper. The official offered his condolences for the death of the outlet's war correspondent Semyon Yeryomin. According to Peskov, the tragedy that befell the reporter "highlights the dangers journalists face in combat zones."

Yeryomin was filming a story about anti-drone warfare in the Zaporizhzhia region, which was formerly under the control of Ukraine, on April 20. In the midst of his coverage, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dropped an explosive device on him and his crew. Izvestia said the resulting explosion wounded Yeryomin, who later succumbed to his injuries.

According to the paper, the late journalist had reported on the crimes committed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) against civilians as part of his job as a correspondent. Peskov subsequently remarked: "As for the AFU deliberately targeting Russian journalists  yes, that is the case."

Peskov's colleague Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the attack on Yeryomin. She described the killing as "an act of revenge for the honest performance of journalistic duty." According to Zakharova, the "deliberate and cold-blooded murder showcases the "ugly terrorist nature" of the authorities in Kyiv.

"Several Russian journalists have lost their lives since Moscow launched its military operation  more than two years ago," Russia Today (RT) wrote. The state-run outlet cited several names:

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.

Boris Maksudov , journalist for Russia-24

, journalist for Russia-24 Rostislav Zhuravlev, journalist for the RIA Novosti news agency

journalist for the RIA Novosti news agency Oleg Klokov , journalist for Tavria TV

, journalist for Tavria TV Aleksey Ilyashevich , journalist for RuBaltic

, journalist for RuBaltic Darya Dugina , journalist for RT and Tsargrad

, journalist for RT and Tsargrad Vladlen Tatarsky (born Maxim Yuryevich Fomin), military blogger

"Although Ukraine refused to explicitly acknowledge its involvement, officials in Kiev openly celebrated their deaths." (Related: Assassination of top Putin adviser's daughter by suspected Ukrainian operatives puts Europe on hair-trigger for World War III.)

Kyiv also targeting Western journalists

Russian journalists aren't the only ones on the receiving end of Kyiv's ire, as several Western journalists have found themselves included in the notorious "Myrotvorets" (peacemaker) website. The site curated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) serves as a "hit list" outlining the purported enemies of Kyiv.

One mainstream media journalist, English reporter Keir Simmons, found himself on the website for merely reporting that most Crimeans support Moscow over Kyiv. The NBC News reporter traveled to the Crimea region in March 2023  more than a year after the Russia-Ukraine war began  to cover the area.

Simmons asked some residents if they were Ukrainian or Russian, with some answering that they were the latter. They reiterated that if Ukraine tries to invade, they will fight every last Ukrainian.

Kyiv punished Simmons through the inclusion of his name in the Myrotvorets website for the simple "crime" of reporting about the truth on the ground. The site accused him of attacking "Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Months later in September 2023, Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec was listed in the website where he was accused of being an "anti-Ukrainian propagandist" and "provocateur." But this did not faze the American journalist, who responded: ""After the collapse of his counteroffensive, [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky's biggest threat isn't me, it's his own intelligence services."

According to Human Events, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Intercept founder Glenn Greenwald were put on the list.

Head over to UkraineWitness.com for more stories about Ukraine's targeting of journalists that reveal the truth on the front lines.

Watch this clip from "Redacted with Clayton Morris" about the 2022 disappearance of independent journalist and writer Gonzalo Lira, who later died in jail in January 2024.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Journalist Jack Posobiec the latest American added to Ukrainian website's KILL LIST.

MSM journalist lands on Ukraine hit list after reporting that most Crimeans are pro-Russia.

Investigative journalist Glenn Greenwald reveals truth about Ukraine's Zelenskyy in brutal Twitter thread.

Ukraine transforms into authoritarian dictatorship overnight as Zelenskyy bans 11 political parties and seizes media control.

Lawless tyrant Zelensky echoes Nazi fascists, issues BLACKLIST of US lawmakers and journalists while skimming BILLIONS from US taxpayers.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheGatewayPundit.com

HumanEvents.com

Brighteon.com
Conspiracy theories arent theoretical anymore: The US govt happily murders political opponents, carries out bioweapon attacks upon the population and openly steals elections

The national mood in the mid-twentieth century was very different from now.

(Article by John Green republished from AllNewsPipeline.com)

- The United States was respected around the world -- even if not necessarily liked.

- Technology was advancing faster than at any time in human history.

- Our cities were mostly orderly, safe, and clean.

- We believed there were few hardships which couldnt be overcome with hard work.

- Opportunities seemed endless, as was our optimism.

- We were completely naive about the danger posed by our own government.

Not everything was sunny. We had problems that needed attention. That is the nature of human existence after all. But when Ronald Reagan said, Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem, we just thought he was promoting self-reliance and highlighting government inefficiency. As I said, we were naive.

Along with that naivete, was a belief that our government would never intentionally harm us. It might be incompetent, but we didnt think it was malicious. Theories of vast government criminal conspiracies were considered delusional. Going to the police and claiming that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by the CIA (as Robert Kennedy Jr. is suggesting), would have gotten one labeled a conspiracy theory nut; and more likely would trigger a psych evaluation than a criminal investigation. That was the American worldview before Barack Obama.

Things changed in 2016 when the conspiracies stopped being secret. Government operatives decided they could work with a political party to stop an outsider from playing in their sandbox -- by any means necessary. The FBI, CIA, DNC, and MSM created the Russian collusion hoax to undermine Donald Trumps campaign -- but he won anyway.

Four years later, the same conspirators colluded to withhold critical information from the voters which likely would have changed the outcome of the election. Seventeen percent of Biden voters claim they would have voted differently had they known about the Hunter Biden laptop. This time the plan worked, and Trump was removed from the Oval Office. But he was still a threat.

When Trump announced his intent to run for office again, the DoJ in collusion with Democrat state and local prosecutors commenced a campaign of lawfare to scuttle Trumps campaign. They twisted the law, and corrupted any notion of justice to indict Trump using legal theories which had never been tried before. They have identified their target, and are trashing our criminal justice system to get him -- and only him. Lavrentiy Beria would be proud.

Of course, the trials are being held in deep Blue Democrat party strongholds. Partisans in robes -- laughably calling themselves judges -- are ensuring that trials by Trumps peers are actually trials by the Trump Derangement Syndrome-afflicted. Conviction seems inevitable.

To make sure the Trump problem is solved permanently, Democrat congressman Bennie Thompson has proposed a bill to strip Donald Trump of his Secret Service protection if he is convicted. Does anyone doubt Trumps fate if placed in Attica or Sing Sing without his protective detail? Though the bill is unlikely to pass, it does reveal the Democrat mindset. They are perfectly willing to see a political adversary murdered -- so long as they maintain plausible deniability. But sure, Donald Trump is the real danger to our country.

Shockingly, the Democrats arent even trying to hide their intentions anymore. Apparently, they consider us too stupid or too powerless to stop them. Thats a rather sobering thought.

As we watch all this unfold, we know that vast government criminal conspiracies are no longer theoretical. There is nothing demented or delusional about believing our government would willingly facilitate the murder a political threat. The actions of the DoJ in conjunction with the legislation proposed by the Democrats makes that perfectly clear.

The plot to place Donald Trump at the tender mercies of a prisons genpop is not the only evidence of government criminal conspiracy.

The ATF really did traffic guns to Mexican drug cartels to promote gun-control legislation. One federal agent and countless civilians were killed with those guns.

The DoJ sought to remove a duly elected President -- even to the point of the Deputy Attorney General offering to wear a wire to record conversations with the President (with cabinet support).

The FBI really did set up some useful idiots to advanced their domestic terrorist narrative (the Governor Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping). It was a classic entrapment scheme in which federal assets planned the crime, and hapless stooges stepped in the trap.

Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com
African illegals COMPLAIN about free food and shelter provided by NYC Council

African illegals had the nerve to complain during an April 16 meeting of the New York City (NYC) Council about the food they were given and having to leave their free shelter after a set period.

One woman, speaking through an interpreter, voiced out her complaint to the NYC Council's Committees on Immigration and Hospitals that her children "cannot eat the food at the shelter." She also complained that during Ramadan  a period where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset  "we couldn't eat because when you come back from the breaks, the food is no good at all."

"They give us two months to stay at the shelter, and then you have to go out again with your luggage and your kids and find another place. It's very difficult," the woman added. She also complained that her older child, who was around 18 or 19 years, doesn't have schooling in the Big Apple.

The council's April 16 morning meeting featured a segment titled "The Experiences of Black Migrants in NYC." It was convened to allow council members to learn more about the experiences Black illegals have been going through. One person even remarked that illegals from Africa "have reported verbal and physical abuse due to the color of their skin."

But NYC Councilmember Vickie Paladindo, who believes the Big Apple is already giving migrants too much, had none of it. "This is absolute, absolute insanity at its finest," the Republican councilwoman remarked. "How much more are we going to do for the illegal migrants that are coming into the city?"

Migrants stage rally outside City Hall

While the meeting was going on, hundreds of Black migrants  many of them from African countries  showed up at City Hall demanding better treatment in the form of a job and basic shelter. The rally was an attempt to get the attention of state and federal lawmakers, according to the migrants and their advocates.

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.

"They are here to show you that they belong, that they are here and that they should not be erased," said Patrice Lawrence, executive director of the UndocuBlack Network. "Please listen to them."

The rally participants told CBS News of their hopes that changes could be made to immigration laws and they could help contribute to the economy. Federal immigration laws are either slowing down the process for the migrants to get work permits. These same laws would also make them ineligible to receive such permits, depending on their country of origin. (Related: REPLACEMENTS: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to issue work permits for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.)

"When they give us work permits, we can work and take care of ourselves," one rally participant said.

Mohammed Bah, a migrant from the West African nation of Guinea, came to the U.S. five months ago ready to work. But his search of a job has been unfruitful so far. "Anywhere you go to find a job, they ask for working papers," he lamented.

In response to the issue, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has tried to expedite the process  but to no avail.

"We need real immigration reform. Something is just not right and we need to fix it," said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Manuel Castro, NYC commissioner for immigrant affairs, agreed with the mayor's remarks: "It's clear our immigration system is broken and needs overhauling."

Head over to Migrants.news for more similar stories.

Watch Savanah Hernandez reporting on the April 16 NYC Council meeting, which saw the African migrant complain about the free food and shelter provided by the city.

This video is from the NewsClips 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 Citys 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.

New York City natives are FLEEING due to illegal immigration and surging crime.

Sources include:

ThePostMillennial.com

CBSNews.com

Brighteon.com
Member of Australian Senate calls for arrest, imprisonment of Elon Musk for not censoring enough speech on X

Taking a page from Brazil, Tasmanian Sen. Jacqui Lambie of Australia is calling for billionaire electric vehicle (EV) guru Elon Musk to be jailed for not imposing enough censorship on his X social media platform.

Despite hiring a pro-censorship globalist Linda Yaccarino to be CEO of X, Musk has not done nearly enough, in Lambie's view, to silence free speech on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Elon Musk has no social conscience whatsoever," Lambie said during a hearing  watch below. "Whatever he is on that makes him say that's okay to continue to [broadcast misinformation] is absolutely disgusting behavior and quite frankly the bloke should be jailed."

(Related: Did you know that Elon Musk has questionable ties to Zionism, which seeks to silence critics of the Israeli invasion and genocide of Gaza?)

Time for government tyrants to go

X users who responded to the above video noted that Lambie once gave a "nutty rant" in promotion of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" as well, which makes her a typical tyrant  watch below:

I found these two vids and joined them side by side... smells like she sold out somewhere over the last couple of years. The Digital ID was no shock for me with this one. pic.twitter.com/4jrwnB8MHw  Auld Guard ?? ?? (@AuldGuard) March 30, 2024

The fact that characters like Lambie end up in government in the first place is concerning all on its own, but how is this person still up there making policy when she is clearly intolerant of free speech?

"These people do NOT deserve the right to represent Australians nor Australian Values," one critic wrote on X. "I'll ask again. Where are all the Australian billionaires who talk up how good Australia is?! Why aren't they fighting the government on this?! Why is it taking a foreign national such as Elon Musk to take up the fight?!"

"Australians, stand up. The time is now."

In response to this, someone else pointed out that billionaires are the government in Australia just as they often are in the United States and elsewhere. Heck, Musk himself is a billionaire with a checkered past, and he, too, has a controlling influence over the public conversation as well.

"It's called neo-feudalism," someone added about the type of government that controls much of the West.

Lambie is hardly alone in wanting to control what is said online. Pretty much every person in a position of power right now wants to silence free speech in some capacity.

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.

"Open your eyes, people: everyone in power wants to control you," another person said. "When was the last time politicians crossed the floor to support something so zealously?"

Someone else wrote that Lambie herself should be jailed for trying to suppress free speech and turn Australia into a dictatorship.

"It's an absolute disgrace that this person is in politics. How she managed to get on my payroll is beyond my comprehension. What are we doing?"

Another asked what Lambie herself is on to make her give "that incoherent rant" as seen in the top video.

"Jailed? Jailed for what?" this person further asked about why Lambie wants Musk to be jailed. "It seems like you have very little idea of what is happening and just want to add your two cents' worth. Lord, help the people of Tasmania if you keep getting back into power."

More related news about the globalist assault on free speech can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com
Democrat congressional candidate roars DIE, MAGA, DIE! after vote to ban TikTok, send billions more to Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel

The United States Congress just passed another $95 billion aid package for Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel  there's nothing beneficial in it for us as Americans, of course  and congressional candidate Nate McMurray (D-N.Y.) had a guttural demonic celebration about it on X

The leading candidate in the 2023 race for County Executive in Erie County, N.Y., McMurray tweeted the words "Slava Ukraine," followed by the words "Die MAGA die. You lose."

What McMurray specifically meant by this bizarre tweet remains a mystery. He seems to be siding with Ukraine over Americans while denigrating supporters of Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) campaign, but what does this all have to do with the foreign aid bill?

Well, embedded within the legislation are provisions to ban the popular social media platform TikTok, which is where good ideas go to spread. By getting rid of TikTok, Congress apparently hopes to shut up the populist contingent that largely lives there.

Unlike Facebook and Instagram (Meta), TikTok is not something that Congress holds stock in because its ownership traces back to China and Singapore. As such, the powers that be want to stamp it out using the cover that TikTok is a threat to national security (fact check: all of TikTok's sensitive data is stored on U.S.-based servers).

(Related: Congress won't stop at banning just TikTok  any apps and platforms they don't personally hold stock in are on the chopping block.)

Politicians are bloodthirsty tyrants

McMurray, an attorney, is a Fulbright Scholar who grew up in Western New York, according to his website. He is running for Congress "to finally give residents of Erie and Niagara Counties a proper voice in Washington, D.C.," he insists.

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.

If paying homage to Ukraine while blasting Republicans in a childishly violent way on social media is a "proper voice in Washington, D.C.," then America really has fallen below the depths of what anyone even 10 years ago could have thought possible.

Robby Starbuck, commenting on McMurray's tweet, called the congressional candidate a "bloodthirsty tyrant" who has "lost [his] grip on reality."

"What do you think people like this would be comfortable doing to the people you love to reeducate or punish them?" Starbuck added in his response.

Many others on X had similar things to say, calling McMurray "a really sad person."

"You celebrate war funding for a corrupt foreign nation while wishing death upon your own countrymen," one added. "I'm embarrassed to be from the same country as you. Grow up."

McMurray actually responded to this particular tweet, immediately assuming that the person supports Donald Trump.

"You support a fat con man," McMurray responded, referring to Trump. "Go tell 'MAGA Mike' he voted for Ukraine."

McMurray has made it exceptionally clear that he could not care less about the American people as a whole, let alone his constituents. He also does not care about the young men and women in both Ukraine and Russia who are being fed into the meat grinder to support yet another banker bailout war.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) condemned his colleagues for flying Ukrainian flags in the House chamber while screaming and clapping in celebration as they ship of even more of your hard-earned tax dollars to the Zelensky and Netanyahu regimes.

"This is the U.S. House of Representatives under the direction of Speaker Mike Johnson," added Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) about the so-called conservative who led the way in passing the foreign welfare bill.

"Democrats are celebrating his total capitulation with no victory for securing our border."

More related news about the U.S. Congress can be found at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

100percentfedup.com

NaturalNews.com
You should DIE for your country: Ukraine suspends all visa renewals for military-aged Ukrainians living overseas

The regime of Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine is running out of Eastern European bodies to funnel into the meat grinder of war with Russia, so Kiev is attempting to get more by forcing all military-age Ukrainian men currently living outside the country to return home in order to renew their visas.

Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs says Ukrainian consulates everywhere are "temporarily suspended" from providing any services to men between the ages of 18 and 60. The only documents Ukrainian men will be allowed to receive from these consulates are those allowing them to return home.

The measure follows the enactment of a controversial mobilization law signed by Zelensky last week that aims to force Ukrainian men all around the world to come back and fight for the deep state against Russia.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga reportedly signed a letter addressed to the heads of all Ukrainian foreign missions that contains two clauses pertaining to the forced return of Ukrainian men living outside of Ukraine.

That letter stipulates additional restrictions for Ukrainian men on travel to and from Ukraine, including new limits on the movements of military-eligible men who lack exemptions to remain abroad.

(Related: Despite all the chest beating, NATO is running out of weapons to send Ukraine.)

EU countries where most Ukrainian men fled rejecting move to force them back home

As horrifying as this all is for the tens of thousands of military-eligible Ukrainian men who fled the country back at the start of all this, one silver lining is the fact that the European countries where they primarily fled have emphatically rejected the idea of forcing them to go back to Ukraine.

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.

Multiple European Union (EU) nations, including Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, are not planning to round up and send Ukrainian refugees back home, so it remains to be seen how Ukraine responds to this.

"Germany and Czechia being very two-faced," one commenter at RT wrote about these latest developments. "They won't round up Ukrainian refugees and send them back, but they'll keep feeding the Banderist regime with money and weapons. That just prolongs the suffering and increases the death toll and makes Ukraine's situation worse when Russia does win and dictates terms."

"Germany and Czechia are trying to please everyone (except Russia) but they'll just end up making everyone angry at them. How stupid can you be."

Another wrote that Ukrainians of military age currently living abroad as refugees must immediately seek asylum in their respective countries in order to become a stateless person according to the Geneva Convention of 1954.

"This will make their ways easy to get residency and citizenship in any country they are in right now," this person added. "I am going to post this on X ... until people are made aware of their rights and do not panic unnecessarily."

Others agreed with this, encouraging Ukrainian refugees living abroad to reject their Ukrainian citizenship and adopt a new one in the countries where they now reside using the political persecution clause.

"They should just work 16 hours a day, any job, to get enough money for flight ticket to Istanbul, then to Russia before their passport expires," wrote another. "They can then claim asylum."

Someone else added to this that under the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights), what Zelensky is trying to do to these Ukrainians living abroad constitutes persecution, meaning they cannot be forcibly repatriated no matter what Kiev tries to do.

The latest news about the corrupt Zelensky regime and its efforts to murder all remaining Ukrainian men by forcing them to go to war against Russia can be found at Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
We have 15,000 coronavirus samples in freezers in Wuhan, EcoHealth Alliances Daszak admits in newly uncovered emails

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has highlighted newly discovered emails where Peter Daszak of the EcoHealth Alliance (EHA) admits to his company having 15,000 coronavirus samples in the freezers of a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

The lawmaker for the Bluegrass State obtained the emails as part of his ongoing probe into the origins of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), Modernity News reported. In one of the emails, Daszak told Dr. David Morens of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that EHA had 15,000 coronavirus samples in the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China's central Hubei province. These samples, Daszak added, could help scientists "do the full genomes" of more than 700 coronaviruses.

Daszak, a British zoologist and infectious disease expert, is the president of the New York-based EHA. Morens, meanwhile, was the top aide of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the NIH. Fauci stepped down from the NIAID's leadership in 2022.

Morens considers the EHA president his self-proclaimed "best friend." Incidentally, Daszak is at the center of controversy related to his use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the WIV.

According to Paul, the emails were revealed by the whistleblower he earlier referred to. This whistleblower, the senator continued, provided evidence directly tying Fauci and multiple government agencies to the funding of research that led to the creation of SARS-CoV-2.

During hours of testimony, briefings and interviews, Fauci never mentioned that he was aware of hundreds of unknown variants of coronaviruses that existed in the Wuhan lab. Thus, the emails between Daszak and Morens revealed by the senator prove that Fauci deliberately concealed this during his congressional appearances.

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 senator also mentioned another email showing Morens referencing Fauci's attempts to provide "damage control" for EHA. The correspondences date from April 2020, when COVID-19 was in full effect worldwide. (Related: Congress seeks emails suggesting Fauci worked behind the scene to discredit COVID lab leak stories.)

Congress subpoenas Morens over emails

"We'll communicate with you via Gmail from now on," Daszak said in the first email, casually dropping that "we have 15,000 samples in freezers in Wuhan." In a later email, Morens told the EHA president: "Tony [Fauci] is now fully aware, I think. [And he] is, I am told, involved in some sort of damage control."

But according to Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), chairman of the House COVID-19 Select Subcommittee, Morens' use of Gmail to "intentionally [subvert] federal transparency laws to shield discussions related to the origins of COVID-19  raise serious concerns about federal health officials potentially covering up the pandemic's origin."

The NIH official himself previously admitted to the subcommittee in a closed interview that he would "delete anything I don't want to see in the New York Times." He added: "I always try to communicate over Gmail because my NIH email is FOIA'd constantly," referencing transparency requests as part of the Freedom of Information Act.

Because of this, Wenstrup issued a subpoena to Morens demanding that the latter turn over all documents from his email account concerning COVID-19 and grant funding. He also ordered the NIH official to turn over all his communications with Fauci, former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and other top health officials. The Ohio congressman gave Morens gave the end of the month as a deadline for him to submit all the correspondences demanded.

Visit Pandemic.news for more stories about the origins of COVID-19.

Watch Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul tying Dr. Anthony Fauci to research that led to the COVID-19 pandemic below.

This video is from the Justin Barclay channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Three scientists from Wuhan lab identified as first carriers of COVID-19.

U.S. investigators say covid came from classified bioweapons program at Wuhan lab.

Faucis former top deputy caught deleting correspondence on COVID-19 origins.

Fauci admits social distancing has no basis; Wuhan lab-leak hypothesis is not conspiracy theory.

Former researcher at Wuhan lab reveals COVID-19 was developed by the CCP as a BIOWEAPON.

Sources include:

Modernity.news

Brighteon.com
Explosion rocks arms factory operated by Europes largest military contractor

An explosion occurred on the morning of April 17 at an arms factory in Wales, which is operated by Europe's largest military contractor.

Emergency services rushed to the BAE Systems Glascoed facility in the village of Glascoed, located in the Welsh county of Monmoutshire, after the blast. Fortunately, the incident happened in a remote area of the site and no injuries were reported. Nevertheless, the blast had enough power to cause the ground to tremble as per the South Wales Argus.

A spokesperson for BAE Systems confirmed the incident, adding that established safety protocols were immediately activated and all personnel were safely evacuated. The company's emergency steam conducted an ongoing monitoring of the Glascoed site, and a comprehensive investigation into the incident was subsequently launched. According to initial assessments, the explosion was accidental with no indication of malicious intent. (Related: 150k square-foot ammunition plant in Nebraska mysteriously EXPLODES  is this another planned assault on vital U.S. infrastructure?)

The London-based BAE Systems, which operates the Glascoed site, is renowned for producing ammunition, missile launchers and artillery systems. The facility, which employs approximately 500 staff members, was first established in 1938 as a bomb-filling factory for the Royal Navy during World War II.

The Glascoed site has also garnered attention from pro-Palestine demonstrators in recent months. They alleged that BAE Systems has links to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who are currently engaged in the wanton bombing of the Gaza Strip. Despite external pressures, BAE Systems remains focused on ensuring the safety and security of its operations while conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

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.

BAE Systems under fire for unauthorized developments on Glascoed site

Recent developments at the Glascoed facility include the construction of a new bomb-making building, which the company initiated late last year. Plans for this new development, which include the building itself and its surrounding blast mounds, were submitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

But in January 2024, the BBC reported that construction of the facilities happened without prior planning over six months ago. The state-owned outlet's revelation followed the publication of BAE Systems' planning application  almost a month after it was submitted to the Monmouthshire Council. It was only after pressure from the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council made the arms maker's application form public.

Despite its historical significance, applications for new developments at the site follow unconventional procedures. They are not readily available on Monmouthshire Council's planning website. Instead, interested parties must schedule appointments to view the plans, with copying prohibited due to the site's sensitive nature.

Further scrutiny of the application form revealed that construction on the new facility had commenced in May of the preceding year, a fact disclosed when BAE Systems sought pre-application advice from council planners on June 15.

The application, affirming the ongoing work, emphasizes the potential creation of 50 full-time jobs and alludes to other undisclosed plans, including a flood risk assessment and sensitive details regarding the storage of hazardous substances.

Charlotte Fleming, a Glascoed resident living near the munitions factory, concern over the lack of transparency and opportunity for public input. She stressed the democratic principles that should underscore the planning process.

In response, BAE Systems clarified that a comprehensive public consultation had been conducted as part of the planning application for the new production facility at Glascoed, stressing the critical nature of the facility in supplying essential defense stocks for the British Ministry of Defense.

The company acknowledged the initiation of construction before obtaining planning permission, citing the urgency of the project. For its part, the Monmouthshire Council has since updated its website with a statement outlining the application process at Glascoed.

Head over to NationalSecurity.news for similar stories.

Listen to the Health Ranger Mike Adams warning of explosions similar to the April 17 incident at Glascoed, which are meant to sabotage critical infrastructure.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Another key U.S. infrastructure installation has gone up in flames as Radius Recycling in Columbus, Ga., EXPLODED over the weekend.

Massive explosion in Beirut caught on camera, unimaginable devastation "vaporizes buildings"  see footage.

In the past month, NINE recycling plants across the U.S. have burned down: What's going on?

Russia STRIKES Ukrainian military depot, destroying OVER 3,000 TONS of ammo.

Sources include:

Metro.co.uk

SouthWalesArgus.co.uk

BBC.com

Brighteon.com
Intolerant Zionists now controlling all on-campus speech  no defending innocent Palestinians allowed

Because the nation's top colleges and universities are refusing to silence student protesters who speak out in defense of the people in Gaza who are being bombed by Israel, a top Jewish rabbi is urging Jewish students to flee their campuses

Rabbi Elie Buechler of the Columbia University Orthodox Union's Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) threw a temper tantrum over his employer's refusal to ban pro-Palestine rallies from campus, having this to say to Jewish students under his influence:

"What we are witnessing in and around campus is terrible and tragic. The events of the last few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia University's Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students' safety in the face of extreme antisemitism, and anarchy."

What Buechler is referring to here was a public protest on campus in which students in support of Palestine set up a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment," replete with tents and Palestinian flags. The protest was peaceful, and was met with a counter-protest from Jewish students who reportedly started fighting with the pro-Palestinian crowd.

"It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved," Buechler continued in a rant posted to the JLIC WhatsApp group. "It is not our job as Jews to ensure our own safety on campus. No one should have to endure this level of hatred, let alone at school."

(Related: Iran is laughing at Israel for sending toy-like drones to attack Isfahan: "more like toys that our children play with, not drones.")

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.

Scared Jewish students return to online learning at Columbia as Passover week begins

Having to witness other students at Columbia speak up in defense of the innocents in Gaza who are being slaughtered by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is reportedly so difficult for some Jewish students that school president Minouche Shafik announced a return back to Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic"-era online learning for the time being.

In order "to de-escalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps," Shafik just prior to the start of Passover week announced that all Columbia students will need to stay home to stay safe, just like during COVID.

Buechler and other Zionists both in Congress and elsewhere are demanding that the police and even the National Guard be sent to Columbia to stop students from speaking up in defense of Gaza, but Shafik announced that a "working group" would be established instead to try to resolve the conflict peacefully.

"We should be able to do this ourselves," Shafik said, urging "better adherence to our rules and effective enforcement measures."

It is important to note that the Gaza Solidarity Encampment demonstration is fully supported by Jewish Voice for Peace, as well as by Columbia University Apartheid Divest and Students for Justice in Palestine. In other words, some Jewish students support the pro-Palestine protests that other Jewish students and leadership claim are "antisemitic."

"Columbia has lost its campus," complained David Lederer, one of the Jewish counter-protestors who is really upset that pro-Palestine students are being allowed a voice on campus. "Jewish students are no longer safe on campus."

In the comments at RT, someone reeled at the gall of these "shysters" who "have the gall to make themselves look like victims" when they are the ones supporting Zionist genocide in the Middle East.

"If they support Zionist genocide, then they are not victims but perpetrators," this person wrote. "If they want to leave these schools, that's great. Leave! Genocide supporters must not be welcome there."

The world has had enough of the international cabal of Zionism and everything it represents. Find out more at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
Japan leading the way in holding Big Pharma, politicians accountable for COVID jab genocide

The Japanese people have had enough of their government and the pharmaceutical industry getting away with murder.

The relatives of people who died after getting "vaccinated" for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) are demanding compensation from the Japanese government, which like the United States government pushed the shots in a format similar to Operation Warp Speed.

Relatives of the now-deceased have been sharing testimony before a government and press panel about what happened to their loved ones who took the injections, thinking they would provide protection, but died.

Plaintiff No. 7, as they are calling the person in the video below, explained as part of a class-action lawsuit how COVID jabs took the life of the plaintiff's 19-year-old son in Fukushima, the same prefecture where a massive earthquake occurred back on March 11, 2011.

"My son had his third dose of the vaccine on May 1, 2022," Plaintiff No. 7 explained. "Then, in the early hours of May 4 at 4:30 a.m., he suddenly shouted and immediately after went into cardiac arrest."

"He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and put on ECMO, but he passed away a week later on May 11. He was only 19 years old. He couldn't even celebrate his coming of age. On my birthday, he was absent while the numerical candles were on the birthday cake we ate."

IT HAS BEGUN ?? Relatives of those who died from the covid injections are now taking legal action against the government. Please listen and SHARE this heartbreaking testimony from a mother who lost her son. The truth is finally coming out ? pic.twitter.com/NtkztzXf7j  PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) April 22, 2024

(Related: Did you know that 70 percent of COVID jab deaths in Japan occur within 10 days of injection?)

Every business that forced COVID jabs guilty of medical murder

Plaintiff No. 7 would go on to explain how sad the birthday was without the son, who worked at a pharmaceutical company prior to his passing. The young man suffered side effects after his first and second doses and was not planning to take a third until his employer forced him to comply.

"The president also strongly urged him, resulting in him getting vaccinated," Plaintiff No. 7 continued. "He was happy that the side effects were the least after the third dose."

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.

"He said he would go to sleep as usual the day before his cardiac arrest happened. Yet, such a thing has occurred. As a result of getting vaccinated for the sake of his company and to protect himself, he lost his life at the young age of 19."

Plaintiff No. 7 emphasized repeatedly how life is no longer the same without the son  and this is just one of many such cases that the families of Japanese victims are sharing in an effort to attain justice for the crimes against humanity their loved ones endured.

The following video shows another portion of the press conference in which plaintiffs address a glaring disparity in Japan's vaccine injury compensation payout system, which unfairly benefits older people and not younger people. Be sure to watch:

The truth that Big Pharma and the globalists are scared of will be revealed... pic.twitter.com/ZRsLxmdWl3  Thick Shelled Egg ? (@ThickShelledEgg) April 22, 2024

"This is the way," someone on X wrote about what these Japanese plaintiffs are doing to attain justice for their deceased loved ones. "Everyone needs to sue whoever forced them to take the nanotech injections."

"Sue your workplace, sue your school, sue your government, sue your health agencies, sue the old age homes, and sue the pharma companies."

Everyone who got injected for COVID is going to regret it, if they don't already. Find out more at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com
Mark Zuckerbergs Meta to launch classroom version of its VR Quest headset

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta, parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, will launch a new product line for its virtual reality Quest headset targeted at teachers and their students

While the update seems beneficial for educators and young students, there's also the possibility that the technology can be abused to indoctrinate or spy on students using Meta's VR Quest headsets.

According to Meta, it will launch the classroom version of its Meta Quest late in 2024. The VR goggles will allegedly feature apps and controls aimed at classrooms.

In a blog post, Meta's President for Global Affairs Nick Clegg explained that with the upcoming VR headsets for students, teachers can save time because they can manage multiple devices at once. Clegg added that the new VR headsets will allow students to start their virtual lessons immediately.

Clegg shared that the new product's name and features will be announced soon before it is launched within the year.

However, Meta's upcoming VR product will not be available at primary schools. Even though children can use the headsets, Meta explained that the educational version will be limited to students aged 13 and over. The announcement is in line with the recently lowered age limit for Meta's online social VR platform, Horizon Worlds.

Clegg also assured schools and parents that children using the VR headsets "would be protected in virtual settings with robust safety controls."

In an interview, Clegg said the gadgets won't be used in the classroom unless teachers feel that "they have complete visibility and control of what's going on." He added that Meta also ensured that parents, especially those with younger kids, feel in control of the tech when used in an educational setting.

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.

Meta will use a feature called "shared mode" that prevents children from accessing the Meta Quest store to download new apps or games. Children will also be safe while using the VR headsets because other users will "not know the identity of the school user."

In the promotional video featured on Clegg's post, a teacher and a student explored an artifact in an Egyptian pyramid while another pair named the individual structures of a human cell. The last scenario showed both a teacher and a student wearing VR headsets to study the components of a wind turbine.

Based on the video, the VR headsets will give users impressive photorealistic visuals, a stark contrast to the cartoonish visuals of Metas VR games and avatars.

Clegg has also claimed that Meta's VR tech can improve students' performance, along with their levels of engagement, attendance and satisfaction. He cited a 2022 report where researchers found that students who learned in VR had an average final test score of 85, compared to 78 in person.

According to another survey that Clegg cited, which was conducted by an organization that focused on mixed reality technologies like VR, at least 77 percent of teachers think that VR headsets and similar tech can help "ignite curiosity and improve engagement in class."

VR tech has negative side effects and can be used for the wrong reasons

Because Clegg was promoting Meta's new product, he didn't talk about the many negative side effects of VR tech. For example, many users have said that wearing a VR headset for extended periods causes side effects like eye strain, headaches and even nausea.

Additionally, VR is isolationist by its very nature because it blocks out the outside world. A child who plays or studies with a VR headset may have impaired social skills, especially if they end up preferring using it on their own instead of studying, playing and interacting with other children their age.

There is also the matter of accessibility. VR headsets and software aren't cheap, and this can potentially create a digital divide within schools where some students have access and others don't.

Some students might have difficulty using the technology because of minor and severe physical limitations or disabilities. (Related: Chilling report: Smart toys pose privacy risk to children and families.)

Thanks to the quick advancement of technology, some children have already tried VR devices at home. But even though many children have already experienced it, theyre not used to seeing it in classrooms.

According to the results of a 2023 survey of children aged eight to 17 by the Children's Commissioner for England, 46 percent of kids reported that they had used a VR headset, but only four percent said that they had used the tech at school.

However, VR headsets might become a more common sight once the Apple Vision Pro reaches store shelves around the globe.

Meta has staked its entire brand on VR, or the metaverse as it is also called. Despite flagging sales, Meta has started to advertise VR for specific use cases.

A business of the company's VR tech version is already available for workplaces, including hospitals. Meta also sells a Pro headset aimed at power users and developers.

Meta's Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth recently said that the company is also considering the development of a VR device for fitness enthusiasts.

But parents and teachers must think twice before allowing Meta's VR tech into classrooms. According to a study by the British National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, pedophiles also use online VR spaces to exploit children both on the internet and, eventually, in the real world.

Visit VirtualReality.news for more stories about the impact of VR technology.

Watch the video below as Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about how virtual reality can collapse cities.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

How smartphone addiction affects brain function and mental health.

EU plans to monitor private online chats under the guise of combating child abuse.

Meta MADNESS: World Economic Forum to have leadership role in the metaverse.

MIT professor claims we are likely living in The Matrix  quick, take the red pill.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

Standard.co.uk

About.FB.com

Brighteon.com
Convenience store chain accused of DISCRIMINATION for requiring applicants to have no criminal record

A popular U.S. convenience store has been accused of discrimination against minorities in a lawsuit for requiring applicants to have no criminal record

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced via an April 18 press release that it had filed a lawsuit against 24/7 convenience store chain Sheetz. It accused the company of having discriminatory hiring practices that targeted minority applicants.

The lawsuit filed in a federal court in the state of Maryland alleges that Sheetz has maintained a long-standing practice of screening all job applicants for records of criminal conviction, and then denying them employment based on those records. This practice, the EEOC argued, had "disproportionately" screened out minority applicants  even though the agency's lawsuit does not mention outright that the company's hiring practices were motivated by race.

Per the press release, Sheetz's hiring practices allegedly violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The provision prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion and national origin. It added that the EEOC filed the lawsuit "after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process."

The agency began its investigation into Sheetz after two job applicants filed civil rights complaints alleging employment discrimination. It found that Black job applicants were deemed to have failed the company's criminal history screening.

Based on this practice, Black applicants were denied employment at a rate of 14.5 percent. Multiracial applicants were rejected at a 13.5 percent rate and Native Americans were denied at a rate of 13 percent. Fewer than eight percent of White applicants were refused employment because of a failed criminal background check, the EEOC's lawsuit stated. (Related: Corporations warned theyll lose federal contracts if they discriminate against white workers.)

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.

Jamie Williamson, the director of the EEOC's Philadelphia District Office, said the agency is committed to reintegrating individuals with criminal records into society by ensuring they have fair access to employment. She continued: "To that end, the EEOC is dedicated to making sure that individuals with criminal records are not unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities because of race."

Sheetz's practice is valid due to potential concerns about recidivism

"Federal law mandates that employment practices causing a disparate impact because of race or other protected classifications must be shown by the employer to be necessary to ensure the safe and efficient performance of the particular jobs at issue," said Debra Lawrence, EEOC regional attorney.

"Even when such necessity is proven, the practice remains unlawful if there is an alternative practice available that is comparably effective in achieving the employer's goals but causes less discriminatory effect."

Sheetz is a chain of gas stations and convenience stores primarily located in the Mid-Atlantic region. The family-owned company employs more than 23,000 people in its locations across six states  Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina. Sheetz is most well-known for its customizable food options with several made-to-order dishes, frozen desserts and milkshakes available.

Nick Ruffner, public relations manager for the chain, reiterated that "Sheetz does not tolerate discrimination of any kind." He added that "diversity and inclusion are essential parts" of the company's identity, and that Sheetz takes the EEOC's allegations seriously.

"We have attempted to work with the EEOC for nearly eight years to find common ground and resolve this dispute. We will address the claims in court when the time comes."

But Sheetz's practice of conducting background checks is something to be lauded, not condemned. Hiring convicted criminals translates to business losses due to the latter's higher chance of recidivism. Given the rising crime rates in various cities, Sheetz accepting those with criminal records would essentially open the convenience store chain to more losses  and an eventual shutdown.

Watch Peggy Hall discussing Wells Fargo's discrimination of unvaccinated people due to religious grounds.

This video is from THEHEALTHYAMERICAN, Peggy Hall channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

British Telecom CEO firing Whites, hiring minorities for diversity bonuses.

IBM sued for racist CEOs "obviously illegal" hiring practices  whites and Asians need not apply.

We need a new CIVIL RIGHTS law to protect the modern-day oppressed: Conservatives, Christians and Whites.

Best Buy launches no whites allowed management leadership program available exclusively to "people of color."

Sources include:

ThePublica.com

EEOC.gov

TODAY.com

Brighteon.com
British court BLOCKS deportation of convicted migrant child rapist because it would harm his mental health

An Eritrean migrant convicted of raping a teenage girl in the United Kingdom a decade ago has been spared from deportation after successfully pleading that doing so "would harm his mental health."

The child sex offender whose identity remains undisclosed was scheduled to be deported to his home country in Eritrea after completing his prison term under a 2014 order. However, he appealed against the deportation, arguing that he would be deprived of access to treatment for his depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if he were deported to Eritrea. His lawyers also argued that he would likely face punishment in his home country for evading compulsory military service and there were fears he might resort to suicide.

But a government security report found that the Eritrean would pose a "medium" risk to public safety is he is allowed to live freely in the United Kingdom. Despite this, the British government bought the migrant's alibi and granted him reprieve. (Related: Sexual predators avoid jail time by identifying as transgender.)

But Nigel Mills, Member of Parliament (MP) for Amber Valley in Derbyshire, could not help but express disbelief during an interview with the Sun.

"This man committed a serious criminal offense and should be nowhere near this country," the MP remarked. "If he was concerned about losing mental health treatment or being arrested for fleeing the draft, he should have thought about that before he committed the crime."

Mills further argued that the Eritrean's case is not isolated, but part of a larger problem within the British justice system. "This decision is another sign the tribunal system is deeply out of touch with the rest of [the U.K.]," he continued.

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.

Letting sex offenders off the hook a common occurrence in the U.K.

Several cases support the MP's claims, with the most recent occurring days before the Eritrean's deportation was blocked.

Earlier, illegal migrant Anicet Mayela pleaded guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl before the Oxford Crown Court. The bench heard the 40-year-old's confession, claiming it was exceptionally dangerous and could lead to a life sentence.

Mayela, who hails from the Republic of the Congo, first arrived in the U.K. in 2004 after paying an "agent" to smuggle him out of Africa. An earlier attempt to deport him failed after a cabin crew sympathetic to his cause blocked his flight.

The Congolese national became well-known among anti-deportation campaigners due to his protests outside a detention center wearing a sign proclaiming, "Migrants are not criminals." Mayela is also one of the many criminal migrants who have been invoking their human rights to fight back against deportation to their home countries.

In 2023, a judge ruled that an illegal migrant from Gambia who attacked a woman in Scotland could not be deported because he might not be given proper medical treatment in West Africa.

Similarly, an Afghan illegal migrant convicted of sexual offenses secured refugee status in the U.K. by arguing that public indecency, his crime, would be severely punished in Afghanistan.

Visit Migrants.news for more stories like this.

Watch this report by InfoWars founder Alex Jones about the arrest of a former CNN producer in 2021 for crimes against children.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Biden DOJ erases child sex trafficking language from government website after losing track of 85,000 migrant children.

Mark Zuckerbergs Meta struggling to remove child sexual abuse materials from Facebook and Instagram.

Former CNN producer sentenced to more than 19 YEARS behind bars for child sexual abuse.

Stanford researchers: Twitter FAILED to prevent dozens of child abuse images from spreading online.

PEDO BLACKMAIL: Biden regime HIDING EVIDENCE implicating Jeffrey Epstein, intelligence agencies in CHILD ABUSE activities.

Sources include:

Modernity.news

GBNews.com

USSAnews.com

RT.com

Brighteon.com
Residents of Taiwan are being urged to remain vigilant after a series of strong aftershocks rattled the island nation in the wake of a deadly earthquake last week.

The largest aftershock, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale, struck just yesterday afternoon, sending tremors through the capital city of Taipei and surrounding areas.

According to Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, over 80 earthquakes have been recorded since the initial tremor on April 18, which caused widespread damage and tragically claimed over 20 lives.

Geologists are expressing growing concern about the unusual frequency and intensity of the aftershocks.

While aftershocks are a common occurrence following large earthquakes, the sheer number and strength of these tremors has raised questions about the stability of the fault lines beneath Taiwan.

Experts are currently working to understand the cause of this seismic surge, with some suggesting it could be a sign of heightened pressure building up along the fault lines.

Tremors Threaten Fragile Recovery Efforts

The ongoing tremors are posing a significant challenge to ongoing recovery efforts in the areas worst hit by the initial earthquake.

Many buildings that sustained structural damage during the first quake are now at increased risk of collapse due to the aftershocks.

This has forced authorities to evacuate residents from some areas and has hampered efforts to clear debris and assess the full extent of the damage.

The economic impact of the earthquake and its aftershocks is also becoming increasingly clear. Businesses in the affected areas have been forced to close their doors, and vital infrastructure has been damaged.

According to a report by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, the initial earthquake is estimated to have caused billions of dollars in damages.

The cost of rebuilding critical infrastructure and repairing damaged homes and businesses is expected to run into the tens of billions.

The Taiwanese government has pledged to provide financial assistance to those affected, but the full cost of the disaster is still unknown.

According to a seismologist interviewed the aftershocks have been unusually strong and concentrated south of the original quake zone.

This is a cause for concern, as it suggests that the seismic activity may be spreading to a new area. The aftershocks have also caused additional damage to buildings that were already weakened by the initial earthquake.

In some cases, buildings that were deemed safe after the initial inspection have since been condemned due to damage from the aftershocks.

Reports said that there were over 80 earthquakes in less than 24 hours, with the strongest measuring 6.3 magnitude. The epicenter was near Hualien, which was also the site of the deadly earthquake.

There were no casualties from the aftershocks, but there was damage to buildings. The National Fire Agency warned people to avoid going into the mountains due to the risk of landslides.

Also Read: 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Philippines: No Casualties, Major Damage Reported

Lingering Fears and International Support

As Taiwan grapples with the aftermath of this seismic event, the psychological impact on residents is also becoming clear. Many people are afraid to return to their homes for fear of another devastating earthquake.

The government is providing counseling services to those who are struggling to cope with the trauma of the event.

The international community has also been quick to offer support to Taiwan. Relief teams from several countries have arrived in Taiwan to assist with recovery efforts. Financial aid has also been pledged by a number of governments and organizations.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this earthquake and ensuring the safety of the island's residents.

Geologists are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are working to understand the cause of the recent uptick in seismic activity.

The Taiwanese government is facing a daunting task of rebuilding infrastructure and helping residents to recover from this disaster. With the help of the international community, Taiwan is slowly beginning to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Related article: Magnitude 6 Earthquake Shakes Southern Philippines for 40 Seconds, Aftershocks Possible
The latest weather report shows that stormy conditions are likely in parts of Oklahoma and Tennessee Valley this week, bringing potentially slower commutes. Additionally, an poor weather outlook with threats of severe thunderstorms is likely in the central and southern Plains.

The National Weather Service (NWS) monitors an upper trough, which could affect southern Rockies. Meanwhile, a potential low-pressure system can intensify.

The NWS Storm Prediction Center warns of an enhanced risk of severe weather in the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma, and south-central Kansas. The main dangers are strong to intense tornadoes and large hail. Commuters can also face threats of severe wind gusts.

Moreover, the NWS Weather Prediction Center reports that an excessive rainfall outlook will be likely in the Arklatex region, causing potential threats of isolated flash flooding. The weather forecast notes that the upper-level trough and low-pressure system could unleash heavy rain, affecting low-lying areas.

Americans commuting this week should be extra cautious due to severe weather outlooks in parts of the U.S. Checking for road conditions is important, particularly when traveling in affected areas.

Weather in Oklahoma and Tennesse Valley this week

In the latest NWS Public Discussion, Oklahoma residents can expect potential showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, spreading over portions of the central and northern Plains.

In Texas, stronger thunderstorms can occur, accompanied by a cold front. In midweek, the stormy conditions can affect from Oklahoma into Tennesse Valley, including the mid-Atlantic. Residents should stay alert for large hail and damaging wind gusts.

For Missouri, the advisory reveals that thunderstorms will continue, including in northeastern Kansas. Potential small hail could unload. In Houston, there is a possible storm chance on Friday or Sunday. The warming trend is expected to return on the weekend.

NWS Austin/San Antonio reports that patchy fog could happen in the Coastal Plains and Interstate 35 corridor. Residents can anticipate a fair weather outlook until the week's end. However, the threats of isolated thunderstorms can occur on the weekend.

In Little Rock, the forecast reveals that an unsettled weather outlook can allow the formation of strong to severe thunderstorms in the region. Precipitation will be likely in parts of Little Rock until the weekend.

Also Read: Carolinas Severe Thunderstorms: Large Hail Brings Damages to Homes, Trees

Dangerous Severe Weather in Central US

The latest weather report warned of a multiday severe weather outlook in most parts of the central US this week, bringing dangerous hail, tornadoes, and strong winds. The weather is not likely to abate this week but will stay until the weekend.

From Thursday to the weekend, widespread severe weather is likely in the following areas:

Oklahoma City

Wichita

Kansas City

Dallas

Austin

Little Rock

Peoria

Indianapolis

Chicago

Related article: Florida Peninsula Weather Forecast: Severe Thunderstorms to Bring Few Tornadoes, Hail, Strong Wind Gusts

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News
South Korea's Constitutional Court began hearing a case alleging that the government failed to protect 200 people, including dozens of young environmental activists and children, by failing to address climate change.

Asia's First Climate-Related Case

The plaintiffs, or the persons bringing the legal action, stated that this was Asia's first climate-related case.

It comprises four petitions from children and infants, among others, dating back to 2020. At the time the matter was taken to court, there was also a petition from a fetus nicknamed "Woodpecker."

"South Korea's current climate plans are not sufficient to keep temperature increase within the 1.5 degrees Celsius, thus violating the state's obligation to protect fundamental rights," the plaintiffs said in a media statement.

According to scientists, a global temperature rise of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the preindustrial normal will have catastrophic and permanent consequences, ranging from melting ice sheets to the collapse of ocean currents.

The use of fossil fuels and the carbon they produce have been linked to rising temperatures, and South Korea's economy is strongly reliant on them for growth. It aimed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Lawyers for the government told the court that the authorities were doing all necessary to minimize carbon emissions while not violating the people's basic rights.

The lawyers also contended that the government did not discriminate against young people and that annual carbon reduction goals might be adjusted.

However, other activists expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response.

Last year, South Korea lowered its 2030 targets for lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector while maintaining its national aim of reducing emissions by 40% of 2018 levels, which it described as an acceptable adjustment.

Read Also: Climate Change is Making Dengue Deadlier as Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Spike Worldwide

Climate Lawsuit

According to Lee Jongseok, climate lawsuits are becoming increasingly popular around the world and generating public interest. Lee serves as president of the court, which is one of South Korea's highest.

"The court recognizes the importance and public interest of this case and will make efforts to ensure that deliberations are conducted thoroughly," he said.

The hearing comes weeks after Europe's top human rights court decided that the Swiss government breached its citizens' rights by failing to do more to tackle climate change, while courts in Australia, Brazil, and Peru are considering similar complaints.

According to databases maintained by Columbia University's Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, there are currently over 2,500 lawsuits pending worldwide. And the climate litigation phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

These lawsuits are helping to redefine the public narrative on climate change and, in some cases, are resulting in a significant shift in government and business policy, whether they win or lose.

According to research by the Sabin Center and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this wave of litigation is creating precedents for climate action around the world. In 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identified litigation as one of the significant new ways climate policy is being shaped.

Related Article: Swiss Women Won The First Ever Climate Case Victory In EU Court of Human Rights
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Survey of Americans: Fighting terror top foreign policy task, promoting democracy last

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reventing terrorist strikes in the US was cited as the top foreign policy priority by most Americans in a recent opinion poll, and not promoting democracy and human rights around the world, which have been the gratuitous goals of successive presidencies and administrations.

Stopping the inflow of illegal drugs and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction were the second and third on the list of top priorities.

Limiting the influence of Russia and China and fighting climate change came in the middle, with strengthening the United Nations, and promoting human rights making up the bottom part of the list with promoting democracy being absolutely the last.

The findings present an opportunity for Indian policymakers for a more robust and effective engagement with Americans on cooperation against terrorism, which is a top foreign policy objective for India as well.

While the two sides have extensive and in-depth engagement in combating terrorism, Indians have felt disappointed by what they view as a lack of adequate response to the growing resurgence in Khalistan militancy by activists based in the US.

There have been no arrests of people responsible for two incidents of assault and arson at the Indian consulate in San Francisco in March and July of 2023.

Pew Research Center surveyed 3,600 Americans in the first week of April for this poll.

With memories of the devastating September 11, 2001 attacks seared into their minds, most Americans -- 73 per cent -- said preventing terrorist attacks should be a top foreign policy priority for the US.

Two passenger flights commandeered by Al Qaeda terrorists slammed into the two World Trade Center towers in New York, one into the Pentagon on the outskirts of Washington DC, and the fourth, which was headed for the White House, crashed instead in Pennsylvania.

In all 2,996 people were killed in these attacks, including 35 of Indian descent.

The second top foreign policy priority cited by American respondents in the survey was sopping the inflow of illegal drugs at 64 per cent, followed by preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction (63 per cent), maintaining US military might (54 per cent), and stopping the spread of infectious diseases such as Covid-19 (52 per cent).

Limiting the power and influence of arch-enemy Russia and arch-rival China came in next at 50 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively. North Korea and Iran were a lesser priority at 38 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, but they were counted among foreign policy priorities.

Dealing with climate change, 44 per cent, came in between perceived threats from Russia and China on one hand, and North Korea and Iran on the other.

The issue of global warming has not become a bipartisan issue, with Democrats more concerned about it than Republicans, some of whom, such as former President Donald Trump, have dismissed it as a hoax played by China to slow down the US.

It was Trump again who pulled the US out of the Paris Accord on climate change, which has since been rejoined by the US under President Joe Biden.

But the bottom few priorities displayed the wide chasm, or disconnect, between the high-mindedness of US policymakers and average Americans. Only 26 per cent said the US foreign policy should accord priority to defending human rights around the world which is a far cry from the time, money and effort expended by policymakers in Washington DC.

The State Department produces annual country reports on human rights, for instance. The other part of global policing by the US that received a significant thumbs-down from the respondents was the promotion of democracy around the world. Only 18 per cent of the respondents said it should be a foreign policy priority.

Absolutely the last.

Yet, both the White House and the State Department push democracy in dealings with foreign counterparts, cutely couched in diplomatese as frank discussions.

 Survey of Americans: Fighting terror top foreign policy task, promoting democracy last

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China has been the biggest challenge for India: EAM Jaishankar

E

xternal Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday termed China as the biggest challenge for India as he blamed the policies of the first Prime Minister of India, the late Jawaharlal Nehru, for many problems on the foreign policy front.

He said while China had been the biggest challenge, India pretended as if it wasn't.

Not just today but for many years, our biggest challenge has been China. We at times pretended as if it wasn't. We looked away, we rationalised it, we justified it, but the reality is from the very beginning, it has been the biggest challenge, the Union Minister said while speaking at an event on the theme 'Foreign Policy the India Way: From Diffidence to Confidence', here on Tuesday.

He said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had written to Nehru in 1950 cautioning him against China, stating for the first time that India was facing a two-front threat.

"The reply from Nehru was that you are very suspicious. It is inconceivable that the Chinese would ever cross the Himalayas and attack us. Twelve years later, what he termed as inconceivable actually happened, said Jaishankar.

The minister also said that Patel was a very practical and grounded person who could anticipate what was coming.

But the person he was addressing was clouded by a kind of Leftist ideology, which said India and China have a common interest in going up against the West. Therefore, he refused to see what was practical and the basics of diplomacy, he said.

In diplomacy, every country has to be careful about its neighbours. When you have two neighbours with whom you have potential or actual problems, you should know that they can get together. You dont need a PhD in diplomacy to understand this, he added.

Jaishankar also said that after the Chinese attack in 1962, Nehru wrote to then US President John F. Kennedy seeking assistance.

The Minister said that a few years before the Chinese attack, when the UN Security Council seat was offered to India, Nehru had said that China should first get the seat.

We are saying India first today, but he (Nehru) said China first in the UN. The era of diffidence was an era in which we did not have clarity about our national interests. We mixed a certain ideological outlook and belief in what should be our contribution to the world, Jaishankar said.

We also do many good things for the world but that cant be at the cost of national security or national interest. For us, 'India First' and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' are two sides of the same coin. We should never allow 'Bharat First' to be compromised, he added.

Jaishankar also told the gathering that Sardar Patel had opposed India approaching the UN on the Kashmir issue, but Nehru disregarded it.

Today, there is a lot of interest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoC), but we should not forget how the problem originated. The doors of international pressure opened in 1947 and continued all the way till Article 370 was repealed (in 2019). We have corrected an enormous mistake that we had made in 1947.

Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Jaishankar said a dramatic decrease in the number of minorities in the neighbourhood led to this situation.

For the minorities in our neighbourhood, the only logical place to go is India, he said, claiming that the CAA was brought to correct a mistake made 75 years ago.

He also cited a letter by B.R. Ambedkar in which he criticised the foreign policy saying when India became Independent, it had no enemies but it alienated countries like the US.

There were decisions, choices and positions made in the early years of Independence that actually created problems for us with the US and it took many years to sort them out, he claimed.

 China has been the biggest challenge for India: EAM Jaishankar

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Negotiations on global plastics treaty opens in Ottawa

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he fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), opened in Canada's capital, Ottawa.

The session aims to advance negotiations so that the Committee can finalise, at its fifth session (INC-5) in November, the text of the instrument.

Members will also decide on inter-sessional work -- informal INC sessions taking place between the official meetings -- required between the INC-4 and INC-5, to support the further development of the text.

INC-4, which began on Tuesday, is the penultimate stage of the negotiations; it follows three earlier rounds of negotiations: INC-1, which took place in Punta del Este, in November 2022; INC-2, which was held in Paris in June 2023; and INC-3, which happened in Nairobi in November 2023.

"We are seeing convergence on eliminating the uses that are problematic and avoidable. We will continue to need plastic for specific uses, such as renewable energy technologies. But there is growing agreement that short-lived and single-use can go," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

"We can be proud of what we have achieved. But a job half-done is a job not done. Time is against us -- both in terms of finalising the instrument and how much more the planet can take. As we deliberate, plastic pollution continues to gush into ecosystems," she added.

"So, I ask for INC-4 to show energy, commitment, collaboration, and ambition. To make progress. And set the stage for INC-5 to finalise an instrument that will end plastic pollution, once and for all."

INC-5, to be held in Busan, Korea, from November 25 to December 2, is intended as the end of the INC process. It will be followed by a Diplomatic Conference where heads of state will sign the agreement.

"We are here seeking to advance these negotiations and deliver a treaty because collectively we have recognised that multilateral cooperation -- this INC process, a new legally binding international instrument -- has a critical role to play in providing the effective and impactful solutions needed to end plastic pollution. The spirit of multilateralism is: 'together, we are stronger'," said Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Chair of the INC.

"Let us negotiate with accountability and integrity -- grounded in the scientific evidence and facts on the scale and urgency of ending plastic pollution. Let us also approach this task with optimism, that it is both necessary and possible for us to achieve this new treaty," he added.

The start of INC-4 was preceded by regional consultations and a conversation with observers, and Canada hosted a Partnerships Day and a Ministerial Day on the sidelines of the session.

"Agreeing to a global agreement on plastic pollution by the end of 2024 would mark one of the most significant environmental decisions and would be a first-of-its-kind agreement to unite the world around a shared goal to end plastic pollution," said Steven Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

"Canada has put in place several measures to stem the tide of plastic pollution at home, and we are keen to keep up the momentum for a global agreement that aligns with our ambition. We welcome delegations, partners, and stakeholders from around the world to Ottawa for INC-4 to continue the ambitious work needed to achieve this united goal."

At the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in February 2024, Canada convened the other host countries of the INC process -- France, Kenya, Korea, and Uruguay -- for a ministerial meeting, under the umbrella of the Host Country Alliance, to galvanise momentum toward the global instrument.

"Seize this opportunity, make these seven days count, and deliver a text that is as close as possible to the final agreement that we all want to see," said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC.

"You delegates know the issues that need to be addressed at this session, and that flexibility will be needed to reach a consensus. This is the only way forward."

 Negotiations on global plastics treaty opens in Ottawa

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India calls for gender-responsive arms control to prevent sexual violence in conflicts

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o combat sexual violence in conflict situations, India has advocated a multifaceted approach which includes gender-responsive arms control that prevents the proliferation of weapons.

Demilitarisation, intertwined with disarmament, calls for gender-responsive arms control (and) this approach recognises the role of weapon proliferation in conflict-related sexual violence", Indias Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj said on Tuesday during a Security Council open debate on protecting women against sexual violence in conflict.

She advocated "arms control policies that address the specific vulnerabilities of women.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, emphasised the need to stop the flow of weapons into the hands of perpetrators of sexual violence.

There could be no more direct and effective way to disarm the weapon of rape, and ultimately, to prevent and eradicate these crimes than by using sanctions against the arming of those committing the crimes, she said.

Maltas Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, who presided over the meeting, said that UN Sanctions Committees should make sexual and gender-based violence a criterion for imposing sanctions.

As conflicts have become more fragmented, and the theatre of conflict much more complex and volatile, Kamboj said that preventing sexual violence requires a multifaceted approach, involving community engagement -- particularly with women -- in security and disarmament decisions.

Indias dedication to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda is demonstrated through a comprehensive approach to combating conflict-related sexual violence that includes international collaborations, national policy reforms, and grassroots-level initiatives, she said.

India has been very vocal about the need to incorporate gender perspectives into peace and security policies and was the first country to deploy an all-women Formed Police Unit to the UN mission in Liberia in 2007, Kamboj said.

Indian female peacekeepers have played a crucial mentoring role in preventing conflict-related sexual violence, she said.

Patten said, Far too many perpetrators of wartime sexual violence still walk free, while women and girls walk in fear.

We meet at a time when the pursuit of peace and gender equality has once again become a radical act, she said.

Patten said that the Secretary-Generals latest annual report reflects a dramatic 50 per cent increase in the UN-verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence than the previous year.

The report recorded 3,688 cases last year with women and girls as 95 per cent of the victims and children were harmed in 32 per cent of these cases.

Fearne said that conflict-related sexual violence in Israel and Palestine must be addressed and he also condemned the Talibans systematic gender persecution and gender-based violence in Afghanistan.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)

 India calls for gender-responsive arms control to prevent sexual violence in conflicts

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UK PM Sunak makes first official visit to Germany

U

K Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will visit Berlin for the first time on Wednesday, 18 months after taking office.

His meeting with his German counterpart Olaf Scholz will focus on military aid for Ukraine and the war in Gaza. The controversial British asylum pact with Rwanda, which was approved by the British parliament on Tuesday, is also likely to be discussed.

Although Britain has not been a member of the European Union for more than four years, it is still one of Germany's most important allies in NATO, the G7 and the G20. Alongside Germany, the country is Ukraine's most important European arms supplier and has just pledged a large amount of new military aid.

In the Middle East, the British air force was recently involved in the defence against the major Iranian attack on Israel, unlike Germany.

The British asylum pact has also attracted a great deal of attention and criticism in Germany. Asylum seekers who arrive in the UK without valid papers could be deported immediately to the East African country in future and apply for asylum there.

There are also calls from the opposition in Germany to transfer asylum procedures to countries outside the EU.

 UK PM Sunak makes first official visit to Germany

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Nicole Kidman celebrates four decades of acting, shares video of her first role in 1983 film

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ollywood star Nicole Kidman has completed 40 years in the world of films and she celebrated it on social media.

The 56-year-old actress shared a heartwarming video of her first role at 14 in 'Bush Christmas', which was released in 1983.

"This 14-year-old girl could never have predicted all the talented people she would work with and the many different characters she would play," Kidman wrote in the caption.

Kidman gained the spotlight with her portrayal of Rae Ingram in 'Dead Calm' in 1989. Since then, she has worked with prestigious directors such as Jane Campion, Sofia Coppola, Baz Luhrmann, Sydney Pollack, Aaron Sorkin and Stanley Kubrick.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to cinema, the American Film Institute (AFI) bestowed upon Kidman its Life Achievement Award on April 27, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The actress is the first Australian to receive this honour. Kidman has earned numerous accolades over the years, including five Academy Award nominations and an Oscar win for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in Stephen Daldry's 'The Hours'.

She has also won a BAFTA Award, two Emmys, and six Golden Globes.

 Nicole Kidman celebrates four decades of acting, shares video of her first role in 1983 film

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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun, with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 71F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 43F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.
Postal worker Barbara Bridges as opponents of USPSs plan for the Mattis Ave post office held a Save the Post Office rally at 5 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the Postal Services 6 p.m. public input meeting. The rally was at the Eternal Flame sculpture on the U of I quad, right across Wright Street from the YMCA where the USPS meeting was being held. On UI campus in Urbana on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
If a patient is successfully resuscitated after a cardiac arrest and circulation resumes, they are not out of the woods yet. A number of factors can influence whether and how they survive the trauma in the subsequent phase. The administration of the anesthetic midazolam has a positive effect, as shown by a multicenter study of 571 patients conducted by the Research Association for Emergency Medicine Ostwestfalen-Lippe led by the University Clinic for Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine at the Johannes Wesling clinic in Minden, hospital of Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, at the Chair of Emergency Medicine headed by Professor Jochen Hinkelbein.

In cases where the patient required anesthesia after successful resuscitation, midazolam improved the chances of optimal oxygen saturation and CO 2 levels in the blood. The risk of a renewed drop in blood pressure or a renewed circulatory arrest didn't increase. "This specific group of patients who have been successfully resuscitated should definitely be included in the guidelines for pre-hospital anesthesia. Midazolam has proven to have a particularly positive effect in this group," concludes Dr. Gerrit Jansen, lead author of the study, which was published in the journal Deutsches Arzteblatt International on April 8, 2024.

Concerns about increased risk prove unfounded

In the event of a cardiac arrest, rapid intervention is essential: If first aiders carry out resuscitation measures in good time, the patient's circulation can be restarted in the best-case scenario. "However, it's often the case that the patient hasn't yet regained consciousness," explains Gerrit Jansen. In this phase, there are various factors that can affect the chances of survival and subsequent permanent limitations due to the circulatory arrest.

Some patients display protective reflexes after resuscitation, such as coughing or defensive movements, which make the emergency responders' work more difficult. They often have to perform extended airway management, for example by intubating the patient in the same way as during surgery. This frequently requires sedation or anesthesia." Dr. Gerrit Jansen, lead author of the study

Until now, there has been concern that anaesthetic drugs could have a negative impact on the circulatory system, which has only just been restored. According to the study, however, this is not the case.

Groundbreaking research

Of the 571 people included in the study who survived a cardiac arrest and were admitted to hospital, 395 were sedated, 249 of them with midazolam. The chance that their blood oxygen saturation levels were in the optimal range following a cardiac arrest increased twofold when midazolam was administered. The chance that carbon dioxide was effectively exhaled increased by a factor of 1.6 with the drug. "Our statistical methods confirmed a correlation between these results and the administration of midazolam, without any indication of negative circulatory effects," says Gerrit Jansen.

"The European guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council don't yet set out any specific recommendations for possible anesthetic drugs," explains Jansen. "The German guideline for pre-hospital anesthesia for patients with cardiovascular risk doesn't mention patients in cardiac arrest. We've therefore carried out pioneering research in this field, the results of which should be incorporated into the recommendations for the benefit of the patients."
For decades, concerns about automobile pollution have focused on what comes out of the tailpipe. Now, researchers and regulators say, we need to pay more attention to toxic emissions from tires as vehicles roll down the road.

At the top of the list of worries is a chemical called 6PPD, which is added to rubber tires to help them last longer. When tires wear on pavement, 6PPD is released. It reacts with ozone to become a different chemical, 6PPD-q, which can be extremely toxic  so much so that it has been linked to repeated fish kills in Washington state.

The trouble with tires doesn't stop there. Tires are made primarily of natural rubber and synthetic rubber, but they contain hundreds of other ingredients, often including steel and heavy metals such as copper, lead, cadmium, and zinc.

As car tires wear, the rubber disappears in particles, both bits that can be seen with the naked eye and microparticles. Testing by a British company, Emissions Analytics, found that a car's tires emit 1 trillion ultrafine particles per kilometer driven  from 5 to 9 pounds of rubber per internal combustion car per year.

And what's in those particles is a mystery, because tire ingredients are proprietary.

"You've got a chemical cocktail in these tires that no one really understands and is kept highly confidential by the tire manufacturers," said Nick Molden, CEO of Emissions Analytics. "We struggle to think of another consumer product that is so prevalent in the world and used by virtually everyone, where there is so little known of what is in them."

Regulators have only begun to address the toxic tire problem, though there has been some action on 6PPD.

The chemical was identified by a team of researchers, led by scientists at Washington State University and the University of Washington, who were trying to determine why coho salmon returning to Seattle-area creeks to spawn were dying in large numbers.

Working for the Washington Stormwater Center, the scientists tested some 2,000 substances to determine which one was causing the die-offs, and in 2020 they announced they'd found the culprit: 6PPD.

The Yurok Tribe in Northern California, along with two other West Coast Native American tribes, have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the chemical. The EPA said it is considering new rules governing the chemical. "We could not sit idle while 6PPD kills the fish that sustain us," said Joseph L. James, chairman of the Yurok Tribe, in a statement. "This lethal toxin has no place in any salmon-bearing watershed."

California has begun taking steps to regulate the chemical, last year classifying tires containing it as a "priority product," which requires manufacturers to search for and test substitutes.

"6PPD plays a crucial role in the safety of tires on California's roads and, currently, there are no widely available safer alternatives," said Karl Palmer, a deputy director at the state's Department of Toxic Substances Control. "For this reason, our framework is ideally suited for identifying alternatives to 6PPD that ensure the continued safety of tires on California's roads while protecting California's fish populations and the communities that rely on them."

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association says it has mobilized a consortium of 16 tire manufacturers to carry out an analysis of alternatives. Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO, said it "will yield the most effective and exhaustive review possible of whether a safer alternative to 6PPD in tires currently exists."

Molden, however, said there is a catch. "If they don't investigate, they aren't allowed to sell in the state of California," he said. "If they investigate and don't find an alternative, they can go on selling. They don't have to find a substitute. And today there is no alternative to 6PPD."

California is also studying a request by the California Stormwater Quality Association to classify tires containing zinc, a heavy metal, as a priority product, requiring manufacturers to search for an alternative. Zinc is used in the vulcanization process to increase the strength of the rubber.

When it comes to tire particles, though, there hasn't been any action, even as the problem worsens with the proliferation of electric cars. Because of their quicker acceleration and greater torque, electric vehicles wear out tires faster and emit an estimated 20% more tire particles than the average gas-powered car.

A recent study in Southern California found tire and brake emissions in Anaheim accounted for 30% of PM2.5, a small-particulate air pollutant, while exhaust emissions accounted for 19%. Tests by Emissions Analytics have found that tires produce up to 2,000 times as much particle pollution by mass as tailpipes.

These particles end up in water and air and are often ingested. Ultrafine particles, even smaller than PM2.5, are also emitted by tires and can be inhaled and travel directly to the brain. New research suggests tire microparticles should be classified as a pollutant of "high concern."

In a report issued last year, researchers at Imperial College London said the particles could affect the heart, lungs, and reproductive organs and cause cancer.

People who live or work along roadways, often low-income, are exposed to more of the toxic substances.

Tires are also a major source of microplastics. More than three-quarters of microplastics entering the ocean come from the synthetic rubber in tires, according to a report from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the British company Systemiq.

And there are still a great many unknowns in tire emissions, which can be especially complex to analyze because heat and pressure can transform tire ingredients into other compounds.

One outstanding research question is whether 6PPD-q affects people, and what health problems, if any, it could cause. A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found high levels of the chemical in urine samples from a region of South China, with levels highest in pregnant women.

The discovery of 6PPD-q, Molden said, has sparked fresh interest in the health and environmental impacts of tires, and he expects an abundance of new research in the coming years. "The jigsaw pieces are coming together," he said. "But it's a thousand-piece jigsaw, not a 200-piece jigsaw."

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has unveiled a special tour package. Known as the Bharat Gaurav tourist train package, it offers you the opportunity to visit all 7 Jyotirlingas at the same time. This special train is for everyone, offering seats in economy, standard, and comfort classes. It will depart from Yoganagari Rishikesh railway station in the Moradabad division on May 22 and run until June 2. Passengers will visit all 7 Jyotirlingas, including Somnath, during this journey. Travellers will be able to visit Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Somnath, Bhent Dwarka, Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Gharaneshwar, and Bhimashankar Jyotirlingas. This train has a total of 767 berths, with 49 seats in second AC, 70 seats in third AC, and 648 seats in sleeper class.

The train will stop at several stations including Yog Nagari Rishikesh, Haridwar, Moradabad, Bareilly Shahjahanpur Hardoi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Orai, Veerangana Laxmibai, Jhansi, and Lalitpur railway stations. Passengers can board and disembark at these stations.

The package tour spans 11 nights and 12 days, from May 22 to June 2. It includes breakfast, vegetarian dinner, and transportation via both AC and non-AC buses.

Here are the package prices for different classes:

Economy Class Sleeper Class:

Price for 1 to 3 persons: Rs 22,150 per person

Price per child (5 to 11 years): Rs 20,800

Includes stay in non-AC hotels, shared wash and change facilities, and non-AC transport.

Standard Class III:

Price for 1 to 3 persons: Rs 36,700 per person

Price per child (5 to 11 years): Rs 35,150

Includes stay in non-AC hotel, bus transportation, and non-AC transport.

Comfort AC Second Class:

Package prices: Rs 48,600 and Rs 46,700

Selected candidates can select a monthly instalment payment plan.

Ajit Kumar Sinha, the Chief Regional Manager, has announced news for those interested in visiting the Jyotirlingas. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is running the Bharat Gaurav Train. Bookings for this package will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Alongside, you have the option to pay in monthly instalments of Rs 1,074. This payment option is offered by both government and non-government banks listed on IRCTC Water. To book your trip, simply visit www.irctctourism.com.
Tesla recently downsized a freshly assembled marketing squad as part of widespread company layoffs, pivoting away from a conventional advertising strategy endorsed by CEO Elon Musk less than a year ago.

The complete growth content team in the US, comprised of approximately 40 staff members under the supervision of senior manager Alex Ingram, was dissolved amidst the ongoing wave of job reductions, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter.

Also Read: Elon Musk Wanted Tesla To Cut Headcount By 20%: Report

Both Ingram and Jorge Milburn, who headed the global team, were let go. According to one source, the company still maintains limited marketing personnel in Europe.

Tesla to cut more than 6,000 jobs in Texas, California

Tesla said it will lay off 6,020 employees in Texas and California, news agency Reuters reported.

Last week, Tesla announced a more than 10% cut in its global workforce under pressure from dropping sales and an intensifying price war among EV makers, without revealing the number of employees the job cuts would impact.

Some numbers were disclosed in notices to the states of Texas and California on Monday under a U.S. labor law that requires companies with 100 or more employees to notify 60 days ahead of planned closings or mass layoffs.

Tesla will cut 3,332 jobs in California and eliminate 2,688 positions in Texas, starting June 14, the notices showed.

Tesla has now created over 30,000 manufacturing jobs in California! Musk said in a post on his social media platform X on Tuesday.

The job cuts in Texas represent 12% of Teslas total workforce of 22,777 in the greater Austin area, where its gigafactory and headquarters are located.

The global job cuts would include 285 employees at its Buffalo, New York premises that house the labeling team for its Autopilot driver assistance software that makes fast-charging equipment.

Teslas headcount stood at more than 140,000 late last year, up from around 100,000 at the end of 2021, according to the companys filings with U.S. regulators.

Reuters in an exclusive report on April 5 said Tesla had canceled a long-promised inexpensive car, expected to cost around $25,000, that investors have been counting on to drive mass-market growth.

(With agency inputs)
The Delhi Universitys Dean of Students Welfare Office has started the application process for the Vice Chancellor Internship Scheme 2024. Aspiring candidates can apply before the deadline, i.e.- May 4 by clicking the official website, dsw.du.ac.in.

Participants in this summer internship programme can be expected to work a flexible commitment of 20 hours per week, for a minimum stipend of Rs 10,500 per month. The stipend will be increased by 5 per cent every financial year. Its worth noting that students who have previously participated in this programme will not be considered eligible to reapply.

This summer internship programme is only available for regular, bonafide students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at DU. For those who dont know, a bonafide student has a valid admission into an academic programme in the University and has a valid Semester Registration/Identity Card. However, its important to note that final semester or final year students are not eligible to apply.

The duration of the VCIS summer internship is two months, from June to July 2024 and will provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. Upon successful conclusion of the internship, the candidates will receive a certificate from the dean of students welfare. The internship opportunities comprise many areas of interest, including the Vice Chancellors office, departmental libraries, examination branches, and more. In addition to these opportunities, the scheme aims to promote inclusivity with provisions for the Equal Opportunity Cell, catering to visually challenged individuals.

Initially launched in 2022, the Vice Chancellor Internship Scheme was introduced to offer important internship opportunities to DU students.

Other important points

1. All the expenses and the stipend related to the VCIS will be drawn from the University Student Welfare Fund.

2. The total proposed number of interns in the categories (summer interns and regular internship programmes) is 200.

3. The maximum period of an internship will remain fixed at only 6 months and will not exceed it under any circumstances from the time of joining.

4. The candidates will also receive an internship certificate from the Dean of Students Welfare upon the completion of the internship.

Check Direct Link For TS Inter 1st Year Results, TS Inter 2nd Year Results and MP Board Result 2024 Live on our website. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website.
The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) administered the class 12 exams spanning from February 6 to March 5. The results for MPBSE class 12 students were declared today, April 24. Out of the 623341 regular applicants that took the MP Board 12th exam, 402489 were deemed as passed. A total of 64.49 per cent of the students passed the Class 12 exam. Jayant Yadav of Shajapur has received the highest score of 487 in the MP Board class 12 examination. Kuldeep Mewada, on the other hand, placed second with 486 marks.

To pass the class 12 board exams, students must achieve a minimum of 30 per cent in all subjects, requiring at least 30 marks in each subject. This time around, about 25000 MP board teachers evaluated approximately one crore five lakh answer sheets.

The board has also gone ahead and announced the dates for the supplementary exams that are scheduled in June. As per the official press release, the MP board class 10 and 12 supplementary exams are slated to be held from June 10.

This year, the MPBSE will give bonus marks to students who gave Maths and Chemistry exams, due to errors in the exam paper. The bonus of two marks for each erroneous question will be extended to those who used alternative methods to solve the questions. MPBSE has issued instructions to reassess students answer sheets following the discovery of discrepancies in the model answer keys.

Madhya Pradesh Board 12th Exam 2024: How to check results on the website

Step 1: Visit either of the websites  mpresults.nic.in or mpbse.nic.in.

Step 2: Click on the active link that says MP Board Result 2024 on the websites homepage.

Step 3: Click on the MPBSE 12th Result option.

Step 4: Fill your login ID and click on submit.

Step 5: Your result will open on a new page. You can download the results from this page.

Last year, 55.28 per cent of students passed the MP board class 12 exams. The pass percentage for boys was 52 per cent, while the pass percentage for girls was 58.75 per cent.

The MPBSE declares the 12 class board exam results and other details on its mark sheet of all candidates. The mark sheet details the students academic performance. It lists important details such as the students name, roll number, class, date of birth, parents name, name of school, exam session, board name, total marks, subject-wise marks, and total percentage. The mark sheet comes with an official stamp or signature and has the date of issuance.

Check Direct Link For TS Inter 1st Year Results, TS Inter 2nd Year Results and MP Board Result 2024 Live on our website. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website.
The Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) released the MP Board Class 10 and 12 Result 2024. Candidates can access their MPBSE 10th and 12th exam results 2024 from the official website at mpresults.nic.in and mpbse.nic.in after they have been declared. To download the MP Board results, students will have to enter their login credentials. All students should make sure to have their application number, roll number, and other required credentials handy.

MP Board 10th & 12th Result 2024 Live Updates

This year, the MP Board exam was held from February 6 to March 5. To pass the MPBSE 10th and 12th board exam 2024, students must have a minimum score of 33 per cent. Those who do not achieve a minimum score of 33 per cent will be required to take the supplementary examination to pass the board exam on their second attempt.

Madhya Pradesh 10th, 12th Results 2024: Steps To Download

Step 1: Go to mpresults.nic.in or mpbse.nic.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, look for the MP Board Result 2024.

Step 3: Click on the result link. After which you will be directed to a login page.

Step 4: Then enter your login ID or other essential details asked.

Step 5: After entering the credentials, click on the Submit button.

Step 6: The MP Board Class 10 and 12 Results will appear on the screen.

Step 7: Carefully check and download the scorecard.

MP Board 10th, 12th Results 2024: What to Check?

The MPBSE 10th and 12th board mark sheet available on the official website is provisional. Students must get their original marksheets from their schools once the results have been announced. The MPBSE Class 12 mark sheet contains details such as Centre Code, School Code, Enrollment Number, Regular/Private, Application Number, Roll Number, Name of Student, Fathers Name, Mothers Name, Subjects and Subject Codes, Marks Obtained in Theory Exam, Marks Scored in Internal Assessment/Practical examination, Total Marks and Division.

Check Direct Link For TS Inter 1st Year Results, TS Inter 2nd Year Results and MP Board Result 2024 Live on our website. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has issued an indicative notification for the recruitment of 81 positions across various categories. These positions include Fisheries Extension Officer, Assistant Research Officer, Fishery Supervisor and others in the WB Junior Fishery Services Grade II. The application process for these vacancies commenced on April 22 and will conclude on May 13. Candidates can submit their applications through the official WBPSC website at psc.wb.gov.in.

WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024: Eligibility Criteria

The main eligibility requirements for WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024 are as follows:

Educational Qualification: The specific educational qualifications for the positions of Fisheries Extension Officer, Assistant Research Officer, Fishery Supervisor and other posts will be specified in the detailed notification PDF. Candidates are expected to hold a Bachelors degree in a related discipline from a reputable university. Specific qualifications may vary by post.

Language Proficiency: Applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in Bengali unless their mother tongue is Nepali.

Nationality: Candidates must be nationals of India or have lawful permanent residency.

Other Criteria: Additional requirements may include physical standards, experience or specific skills relevant to the job role.

Age Limit: Candidates for the WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024 must be between the ages of 18 and 40 in order to be eligible to apply online. The government should offer age concessions for the reserved group.

WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024: Category-wise Vacancy Details

 UR: 32 posts

 OBC A: 8 posts

 OBC B: 5 posts

 SC: 16 posts

 ST: 5 posts

 PwBD: 6 posts

 EWS: 8 posts

 MSP: 1 post

WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024: How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC)s official website at wbpsc.gov.in.

Step 2: Find and click on the WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024 link on the homepage.

Step 3: Fill in the required details in the application form and ensure all necessary documents are submitted.

Step 4: If you have paid the application fee offline, submit the application form accordingly.

Step 5: Keep a printout of your WBPSC ARO application form for future reference.

WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024: Application Fee

The application fee for WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024 will vary based on the candidates category, as specified in the detailed official notification. General category applicants must pay Rs 110 as an application fee, but candidates from the SC/ST/PWD categories in West Bengal have been exempted from paying the fee. May 13 is the deadline for submitting the application. Candidates may pay the exam fee offline by May 14.

Stay updated with live coverage of TS Inter 1st Year Results and TS Inter 2nd Year Results on our website. Get direct link, toppers list, and pass percentage. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website.
Campaigning for 14 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka going to polls in the first phase on April 26 will come to an end on Wednesday evening. A total of 247 candidates  226 men and 21 women  are in the fray for this round of voting in most of the southern and coastal districts.

It is a straight electoral contest between the ruling Congress and the BJP-Janata Dal (Secular) combine in the State. While the Congress is contesting in all 14 seats, BJP has fielded nominees in 11, and its alliance partner JD(S) in three  Hassan, Mandya and Kolar.

Besides the three, the segments where elections will be held on Friday are: Udupi-Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South and Chikkballapur. The intense campaigning for the past about a month saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah leading from the front for the BJP, holding rallies and roadshows. BJP President J P Nadda, some Union Ministers and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant too pitched in.

Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and the partys state president B Y Vijayendra also campaigned extensively. Congress president M Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy were among the prominent names who led the charge for the party.

And for the JD(S), it was the 90-year-old party patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who led the campaign. Chikkaballapur has a maximum number of 29 candidates, followed by 24 in Bangalore Central and Dakshina Kannada has the least number  nine. Kumaraswamy from Mandya, his brother-in-law and noted cardiologist C N Manjunath from Bangalore Rural on a BJP ticket, erstwhile Mysuru royal family scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from Mysore, also from the BJP, and state Congress President Shivakumars brother and MP D K Suresh from Bangalore Rural, are among the prominent candidates in the fray in the first phase.

The state has a total of 28 Lok Sabha segments. The remaining 14 constituencies, mostly in the northern districts, will go to polls on May seven.

Stay Ahead With all the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Related Real-Time Updates At News18 Website.
Attingal is one of the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala that comprises seven assembly segments  Varkala, Attingal, Chirayinkeezhu, Nedumangad, Vamanapuram, Aruvikkara, and Kattakkada. The sitting MP is Congress Adoor Prakash while those in the fray this year along with Prakash are V Muraleedharan of BJP and V Joy of CPM. The constituency will vote in the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on April 26 and results of the polls will be declared on June 4.

Political Dynamics

Advantage BJP? If there is any LS seat where BJP is in striking distance of a win in Kerala, its Attingal. The seat was won by Adoor Prakash of the Congress in 2019, snatching it away from the CPM for the first time since 1989. But if on-ground reports and opinion polls are to be believed, Prakash is facing a tough time in this election. A Manorama News-VMR survey has predicted dead heat in the constituency between UDF and LDF. While the race is mainly between UDF and LDF, BJP could emerge as a wildcard. The saffron party is most likely to increase its vote share tally by at least 2-4 per cent. Attingal, like many other parliamentary constituencies in Kerala, has a mix of hills, midlands, and coastal regions, and poses quite a challenge for candidates to reach out to the people to seek votes.

If there is any LS seat where BJP is in striking distance of a win in Kerala, its Attingal. The seat was won by Adoor Prakash of the Congress in 2019, snatching it away from the CPM for the first time since 1989. But if on-ground reports and opinion polls are to be believed, Prakash is facing a tough time in this election. A Manorama News-VMR survey has predicted dead heat in the constituency between UDF and LDF. While the race is mainly between UDF and LDF, BJP could emerge as a wildcard. The saffron party is most likely to increase its vote share tally by at least 2-4 per cent. Attingal, like many other parliamentary constituencies in Kerala, has a mix of hills, midlands, and coastal regions, and poses quite a challenge for candidates to reach out to the people to seek votes. Adoor Prakash Looks Weak: The incumbent MP was not very active in campaigning until a few days ago. Reports indicate that Prakash was not keen to contest the Lok Sabha elections earlier, as he wanted a ticket for the 2026 assembly elections. Prakash was finally convinced to contest by the AICC leadership. However, his campaign has so far been restricted to roadshows. Prakash is also facing anti-incumbency in the constituency. If on-ground reports are to be believed, there is a very high chance that Prakash will see massive erosion to his slim majority of just about 38,000 votes in 2019. The big question is where these votes would go.

The incumbent MP was not very active in campaigning until a few days ago. Reports indicate that Prakash was not keen to contest the Lok Sabha elections earlier, as he wanted a ticket for the 2026 assembly elections. Prakash was finally convinced to contest by the AICC leadership. However, his campaign has so far been restricted to roadshows. Prakash is also facing anti-incumbency in the constituency. If on-ground reports are to be believed, there is a very high chance that Prakash will see massive erosion to his slim majority of just about 38,000 votes in 2019. The big question is where these votes would go. Pressure on Prakash: UDF has been claiming that Prakash was an active MP, highlighting how he asked the greatest number of questions in the Lok Sabha. He is also credited with some development initiatives like the setting up of high mast lights in Muthalapozhi harbour, promotion of the VarkalaSivagiri tourism circuit and establishment of a new ESI hospital in Navaikulam. However, the LDF has been criticising the MP, calling his contributions superficial. They also allege that Prakash has been largely absent from the constituency. Prakash has also faced criticism that many projects have not been completed. Incidentally, Prakash is not a native of Attingal, having previously been an MLA from Konni for five terms. Congress is handicapped by a very weak organisational system in Attingal. Theres criticism that the cadre are working with voters lists in many areas that are over 10 years old. In 2019, the Sabarimala issue had polarised voters in the constituency against the Left. But the benefit had not gone to BJP. Instead, it was Prakash who benefited, and pulled off a narrow win. But this time around, there is no such emotive issue helping him. Reports indicate that the voters of Attingal are clearly voting on the basis of development and/or religious-political affiliations this time. Congress finds itself in a bind with very few communities that it can claim the captive votes of. Ultimately, Prakash can only hope that the significant anti-incumbency against the Left government, and a polarisation of minority votes in his favour can help him scrape through.

UDF has been claiming that Prakash was an active MP, highlighting how he asked the greatest number of questions in the Lok Sabha. He is also credited with some development initiatives like the setting up of high mast lights in Muthalapozhi harbour, promotion of the VarkalaSivagiri tourism circuit and establishment of a new ESI hospital in Navaikulam. However, the LDF has been criticising the MP, calling his contributions superficial. They also allege that Prakash has been largely absent from the constituency. Prakash has also faced criticism that many projects have not been completed. Incidentally, Prakash is not a native of Attingal, having previously been an MLA from Konni for five terms. Congress is handicapped by a very weak organisational system in Attingal. Theres criticism that the cadre are working with voters lists in many areas that are over 10 years old. In 2019, the Sabarimala issue had polarised voters in the constituency against the Left. But the benefit had not gone to BJP. Instead, it was Prakash who benefited, and pulled off a narrow win. But this time around, there is no such emotive issue helping him. Reports indicate that the voters of Attingal are clearly voting on the basis of development and/or religious-political affiliations this time. Congress finds itself in a bind with very few communities that it can claim the captive votes of. Ultimately, Prakash can only hope that the significant anti-incumbency against the Left government, and a polarisation of minority votes in his favour can help him scrape through. Muslims Votes Hold Key: Attingal has a significant Muslim population of around 14 per cent as per the 2011 census. Chances are that this figure has increased further in the intervening decade. Areas like Varkala, Nedumangad and Chirayinkeezhu have large Muslim populations. Reports indicate that a major chunk of this vote would go to Prakash. However, there are also indications that a small portion will swing towards the LDFs candidate V Joy. The SDPI has announced its support for the UDF for the upcoming elections. The hardline-Muslim outfit, with links to Popular Front, has a small footprint in Attingal. In 2019, it had polled around 5,000 votes. But more importantly, many more voters are associated with SDPI clandestinely, and often vote en masse for Congress or Left depending on the situation. Another interesting factor is the long-term game plan of former Congress MLA Varkala Kahar. Kahar had been defeated by V Joy in 2016 assembly elections. Reports indicate that Kahar is now very keen to get Joy elected to the LS (at the expense of Prakash), so that he himself will have the upper hand when a by-election is announced in Varkala which Joy represents. Kahar has a significant sway over Muslim voters in Varkala.

Attingal has a significant Muslim population of around 14 per cent as per the 2011 census. Chances are that this figure has increased further in the intervening decade. Areas like Varkala, Nedumangad and Chirayinkeezhu have large Muslim populations. Reports indicate that a major chunk of this vote would go to Prakash. However, there are also indications that a small portion will swing towards the LDFs candidate V Joy. The SDPI has announced its support for the UDF for the upcoming elections. The hardline-Muslim outfit, with links to Popular Front, has a small footprint in Attingal. In 2019, it had polled around 5,000 votes. But more importantly, many more voters are associated with SDPI clandestinely, and often vote en masse for Congress or Left depending on the situation. Another interesting factor is the long-term game plan of former Congress MLA Varkala Kahar. Kahar had been defeated by V Joy in 2016 assembly elections. Reports indicate that Kahar is now very keen to get Joy elected to the LS (at the expense of Prakash), so that he himself will have the upper hand when a by-election is announced in Varkala which Joy represents. Kahar has a significant sway over Muslim voters in Varkala. BJP In Striking Distance: The presence of MoS V Muraleedharan in the fray has made the result unpredictable in Attingal. On-ground reports indicate that the BJPs election work has been exemplary, with booth-level interventions. There is a high chance that the BJP will better its tally of 2.48 lakh votes that Sobha Surendran had won in 2019. The gap between Sobha and Prakash was around 1.5 lakh votes. This time, anti-incumbency against Prakash and the LDF government i.e. V Joy, could end up helping the BJP in a big way. Locals strongly believe that if he wins, Muraleedharan is sure to get a cabinet berth in Modi 3.0. Also, he is seen as a less of a hardliner than Sobha, which could attract some Christian votes his way. Muraleedharans campaign on the ground has also been high profile, with top leaders like Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar visiting the area. The cadre strength of the BJP is also very strong, and reports say campaigning has been scientific. Muraleedharan has also made it a point to be seen as someone who is ready to provide solutions for the issues of locals. For example, he recently visited a colony in the area which was not getting piped water connection. He promised to ensure that water supply for the 30 families living there would be the first file he signs as MP. Muraleedharan had lost the 2016 assembly elections from the nearby assembly constituency of Kazhakkottam. Since then, he has made it a point that he remains visible on the round in the Thiruvananthapuram area. Muraleedharan, despite being a Union minister, has always involved himself in Keralas affairs. As deputy to Sushma Swaraj and S Jaishankar, he has been a saviour for Malayalis whenever they needed help abroad.

The presence of MoS V Muraleedharan in the fray has made the result unpredictable in Attingal. On-ground reports indicate that the BJPs election work has been exemplary, with booth-level interventions. There is a high chance that the BJP will better its tally of 2.48 lakh votes that Sobha Surendran had won in 2019. The gap between Sobha and Prakash was around 1.5 lakh votes. This time, anti-incumbency against Prakash and the LDF government i.e. V Joy, could end up helping the BJP in a big way. Locals strongly believe that if he wins, Muraleedharan is sure to get a cabinet berth in Modi 3.0. Also, he is seen as a less of a hardliner than Sobha, which could attract some Christian votes his way. Muraleedharans campaign on the ground has also been high profile, with top leaders like Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar visiting the area. The cadre strength of the BJP is also very strong, and reports say campaigning has been scientific. Muraleedharan has also made it a point to be seen as someone who is ready to provide solutions for the issues of locals. For example, he recently visited a colony in the area which was not getting piped water connection. He promised to ensure that water supply for the 30 families living there would be the first file he signs as MP. Muraleedharan had lost the 2016 assembly elections from the nearby assembly constituency of Kazhakkottam. Since then, he has made it a point that he remains visible on the round in the Thiruvananthapuram area. Muraleedharan, despite being a Union minister, has always involved himself in Keralas affairs. As deputy to Sushma Swaraj and S Jaishankar, he has been a saviour for Malayalis whenever they needed help abroad. A Vote for Muraliyettan: Interestingly, Muraleedharans security deposit for the Attingal fight was paid by students whom the Centre repatriated to Kerala from war-torn Ukraine in 2023. Muraleedharan has also earned goodwill over his successful efforts to bring back three young men who were trapped by a recruiting agency to fight in Russia. Two of them belong to Anchuthengu in Attingal. The attitude towards BJP also seems to have undergone a significant change in the area. On-ground reports indicate that a large number of voters have benefited from central schemes. There are many takers for Mudra loans, and with some parts of the Lok Sabha being agricultural belts, there are many beneficiaries of the farmer pensions being paid by the Modi government.

Interestingly, Muraleedharans security deposit for the Attingal fight was paid by students whom the Centre repatriated to Kerala from war-torn Ukraine in 2023. Muraleedharan has also earned goodwill over his successful efforts to bring back three young men who were trapped by a recruiting agency to fight in Russia. Two of them belong to Anchuthengu in Attingal. The attitude towards BJP also seems to have undergone a significant change in the area. On-ground reports indicate that a large number of voters have benefited from central schemes. There are many takers for Mudra loans, and with some parts of the Lok Sabha being agricultural belts, there are many beneficiaries of the farmer pensions being paid by the Modi government. Joy of Attingal: For the CPM, recapturing Attingal has become a prestige issue. Attingal had previously elected several CPM veterans like Susheela Gopalan, A Sampath and Varkala Radhakrishnan. Thats why it has fielded V Joy who is both Varkala MLA and the Thiruvananthapuram district secretary. Joy has already completed two rounds of campaigning in the constituency. For long a Left bastion, Attingal also has strong cadre to ensure that CPM can reach out to voters in every booth. As district secretary, Joy has complete control over the campaign activities. Although the 2019 election had seen Prakash win, in the 2021 state assembly elections, the Left had swept all seven assembly segments in Attingal. In fact, the CPM victory margin in some of the assembly seats was huge  Attingal (approx. 31,000 votes), Chirayinkeezhu (approx. 24,000 votes) and Kattakada (approx. 23,000 votes). This has lent heart to the CPM cadre, who believe they can snatch the constituency from Prakash with just a bit of effort. Joy has the advantage of seven MLAs campaigning and standing in for him in various contact programmes. Joy has been at pains to target Congress, saying its a party that cannot be trusted. He has questioned the Congress stand on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act, with an aim to woo away the Muslim voters from Prakash. V Joy has accused the Congress of a secret understanding with the BJP. Joy is also not too far off the mark in highlighting how there have been a large number of defections from Congress to BJP. Prakash has been struggling to defend against the claims by a BJP leader that the party cadre had voted him to power in 2019 to prevent the CPM from winning.

For the CPM, recapturing Attingal has become a prestige issue. Attingal had previously elected several CPM veterans like Susheela Gopalan, A Sampath and Varkala Radhakrishnan. Thats why it has fielded V Joy who is both Varkala MLA and the Thiruvananthapuram district secretary. Joy has already completed two rounds of campaigning in the constituency. For long a Left bastion, Attingal also has strong cadre to ensure that CPM can reach out to voters in every booth. As district secretary, Joy has complete control over the campaign activities. Although the 2019 election had seen Prakash win, in the 2021 state assembly elections, the Left had swept all seven assembly segments in Attingal. In fact, the CPM victory margin in some of the assembly seats was huge  Attingal (approx. 31,000 votes), Chirayinkeezhu (approx. 24,000 votes) and Kattakada (approx. 23,000 votes). This has lent heart to the CPM cadre, who believe they can snatch the constituency from Prakash with just a bit of effort. Joy has the advantage of seven MLAs campaigning and standing in for him in various contact programmes. Joy has been at pains to target Congress, saying its a party that cannot be trusted. He has questioned the Congress stand on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act, with an aim to woo away the Muslim voters from Prakash. V Joy has accused the Congress of a secret understanding with the BJP. Joy is also not too far off the mark in highlighting how there have been a large number of defections from Congress to BJP. Prakash has been struggling to defend against the claims by a BJP leader that the party cadre had voted him to power in 2019 to prevent the CPM from winning. Age Just a Number? At only 58, Joy is also younger than other two candidates in the fray. Prakash is touching 70 and V Muraleedharan is 65. Joys campaign has been very vigorous. As a local, Joy knows the constituency like the back of his hand, having been the president of Azhoor Panchayat and Chirayinkeezhu Block Panchayat before. However, V Joy will have to contend with a serious anti-incumbency wave sweeping the state against the state government. Many voters have been questioning why the government has failed to address basic issues like compensation for families who will lose homes to the coastal highway project. Reports also indicate that the inability of the government to ensure sufficient supplies in Supplyco and Maveli stores during the Easter-Eid-Vishu season will have a significant impact. At the same time, the state government has been spending lavishly on programmes like Keraleeyam and the CMs statewide Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme. A widespread clash had ensued last year following Youth Congress protests against the CMs Nava Kerala Sadas. DYFI workers had targeted the house of a Youth Congress leader Suhail. In retaliation, Youth Congress attacked the home of Attingal Municipal Standing Committee Chairman Najam. Conflict had also erupted in Venjaramoodu. Another issue that could work against V Joy is the Kandala Cooperative Bank scam which saw a CPI leader and his son get arrested by the ED. Kandala is an area in the Attingal LS. Despite all these challenges, there is a sense that V Joy remains on strong wicket and if the CPM cadre can overcome the strong anti-incumbency against the state government, he has a shot at winning.

At only 58, Joy is also younger than other two candidates in the fray. Prakash is touching 70 and V Muraleedharan is 65. Joys campaign has been very vigorous. As a local, Joy knows the constituency like the back of his hand, having been the president of Azhoor Panchayat and Chirayinkeezhu Block Panchayat before. However, V Joy will have to contend with a serious anti-incumbency wave sweeping the state against the state government. Many voters have been questioning why the government has failed to address basic issues like compensation for families who will lose homes to the coastal highway project. Reports also indicate that the inability of the government to ensure sufficient supplies in Supplyco and Maveli stores during the Easter-Eid-Vishu season will have a significant impact. At the same time, the state government has been spending lavishly on programmes like Keraleeyam and the CMs statewide Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme. A widespread clash had ensued last year following Youth Congress protests against the CMs Nava Kerala Sadas. DYFI workers had targeted the house of a Youth Congress leader Suhail. In retaliation, Youth Congress attacked the home of Attingal Municipal Standing Committee Chairman Najam. Conflict had also erupted in Venjaramoodu. Another issue that could work against V Joy is the Kandala Cooperative Bank scam which saw a CPI leader and his son get arrested by the ED. Kandala is an area in the Attingal LS. Despite all these challenges, there is a sense that V Joy remains on strong wicket and if the CPM cadre can overcome the strong anti-incumbency against the state government, he has a shot at winning. Caste Dynamics: While it is almost certain that the Nair and upper caste Hindu vote will be with the saffron party, most of the SC and ST votes are also likely to swing this way. Reports indicate that the BJP has been able to make significant headway into these segments through active interventions. Muraleedharan has also been taking up issues like the availability of medicines in government hospitals, access to healthcare for SC/ST colonies etc. He had even trekked to a tribal colony in Kallar recently to interact with locals. All three candidates in the fray are from the politically significant, and possibly numerically superior, Ezhava community. Therefore, a vote split here can be expected. However, the support of alliance partner Vellapalli Natesans BDJS is crucial for the BJP in consolidating this vote. In 2016, BDJS candidates had eaten into the votes of UDF candidates in Varkala and Nedumangad. The spiritual centre of Ezhavas, Varkala Sivagiri Madhom, falls in this constituency. However, the complete backing of the seers of this holy centre cannot be expected. Reports indicate that the seers are split between backing Muraleedharan and V Joy, since the latter is a local. Most importantly, the BJP has been trying hard to make inroads in the Nadar community in Thiruvananthapuram district. They hold significant sway over areas like Kattakada where the PM will campaign. The Nadars are both Hindu and Christian, with the latter more affluent. They have solidly stood behind the Congress in the past. Reports indicate that this time, there could be a split in Nadar votes which could help the BJP. The Nadar Christians form the backbone of the CSI South Kerala Diocese. The Diocese Secretary TT Praveen is facing an ED probe for disproportionate assets. The CSI church had recently raised the issue with Thiruvananthapuram BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrashekhar and had been reassured by BJP.

While it is almost certain that the Nair and upper caste Hindu vote will be with the saffron party, most of the SC and ST votes are also likely to swing this way. Reports indicate that the BJP has been able to make significant headway into these segments through active interventions. Muraleedharan has also been taking up issues like the availability of medicines in government hospitals, access to healthcare for SC/ST colonies etc. He had even trekked to a tribal colony in Kallar recently to interact with locals. All three candidates in the fray are from the politically significant, and possibly numerically superior, Ezhava community. Therefore, a vote split here can be expected. However, the support of alliance partner Vellapalli Natesans BDJS is crucial for the BJP in consolidating this vote. In 2016, BDJS candidates had eaten into the votes of UDF candidates in Varkala and Nedumangad. The spiritual centre of Ezhavas, Varkala Sivagiri Madhom, falls in this constituency. However, the complete backing of the seers of this holy centre cannot be expected. Reports indicate that the seers are split between backing Muraleedharan and V Joy, since the latter is a local. Most importantly, the BJP has been trying hard to make inroads in the Nadar community in Thiruvananthapuram district. They hold significant sway over areas like Kattakada where the PM will campaign. The Nadars are both Hindu and Christian, with the latter more affluent. They have solidly stood behind the Congress in the past. Reports indicate that this time, there could be a split in Nadar votes which could help the BJP. The Nadar Christians form the backbone of the CSI South Kerala Diocese. The Diocese Secretary TT Praveen is facing an ED probe for disproportionate assets. The CSI church had recently raised the issue with Thiruvananthapuram BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrashekhar and had been reassured by BJP. Caste Maths: The saffron party has also been trying very hard to reach out to Latin Catholic voters in coastal fishing communities. There is a significant number of these voters in Attingal. Reports say BJP has been ensuring that karyakartas are holding local-level contact programmes in fishing colonies. BJP has also been promising concrete actions like a scheme to provide flats to fishermen who lost their homes to sea erosion after Cyclone Ockhi. There are also proposals promised for subsidy to purchase boats and to replace existing diesel engines with CNG/LNG engines. However, the saffron party has also received a setback with Thiruvananthapuram Latin Catholic archbishop Thomas J Netto highlighting the Manipur issue and attacks on Christians in North India. The archbishop has cited that the attacks on Christians had jumped from 147 in 2014 to 687 in 2023. Latin Catholic community rarely behaves as a homogenous voting bloc and chiefly choose between UDF and LDF. Recently, at a programme organised by Latin Catholic Diocese, coastal voters had vented their frustration at lack of transparency in the coastal highway project, issues related to Muthalapozhi Harbour and Blue Economy policy of Union government. Another big demand from the church is dropping of cases registered against those who had protested against the Adani port at Vizhinjam.

Key Election Issues

Voter List Discrepancies: Attingal is facing a major controversy surrounding voter list discrepancies and the presence of a substantial number of duplicate names. Prakash has raised the allegation, claiming the existence of over 1.5 lakh duplicate entries. Despite submitting a detailed list of 1,72,000 suspected duplicate entries, Prakash alleges the Election Commission removed only a small fraction. He further alleges that officials are hesitant to take corrective action due to pressure from the government.

Attingal is facing a major controversy surrounding voter list discrepancies and the presence of a substantial number of duplicate names. Prakash has raised the allegation, claiming the existence of over 1.5 lakh duplicate entries. Despite submitting a detailed list of 1,72,000 suspected duplicate entries, Prakash alleges the Election Commission removed only a small fraction. He further alleges that officials are hesitant to take corrective action due to pressure from the government. Attingal Bypass: The long-awaited Attingal bypass project has become a point of contention among the three major political fronts as they vie for credit ahead of the upcoming elections. Work on the bypass is happening at record pace. The LDF has been emphasising its role in facilitating land acquisition, while the UDF claims Prakash was responsible for expediting the project. On the other hand, its the BJP who can really claim any serious credit because the work is being carried out by the NHAI. This scramble for credit underscores the political significance of the project.

The long-awaited Attingal bypass project has become a point of contention among the three major political fronts as they vie for credit ahead of the upcoming elections. Work on the bypass is happening at record pace. The LDF has been emphasising its role in facilitating land acquisition, while the UDF claims Prakash was responsible for expediting the project. On the other hand, its the BJP who can really claim any serious credit because the work is being carried out by the NHAI. This scramble for credit underscores the political significance of the project. Connectivity: Connectivity to and from various places in Attingal remains a major issue, which has hampered economic and industrial development in the constituency. The Attingal Bypass, now under construction, had been a major demand of the electorate in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and the 2021 assembly elections. The widening of NH-66 has immensely benefitted areas like Attingal town. But public transport connectivity to areas in Varkala, Vamanapuram and Aruvikkara remains low. With plans announced to connect the Thiruvananthapuram Airport to various parts of the city with a new metro rail, the residents of Attingal are also demanding metro connectivity.

Connectivity to and from various places in Attingal remains a major issue, which has hampered economic and industrial development in the constituency. The Attingal Bypass, now under construction, had been a major demand of the electorate in the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and the 2021 assembly elections. The widening of NH-66 has immensely benefitted areas like Attingal town. But public transport connectivity to areas in Varkala, Vamanapuram and Aruvikkara remains low. With plans announced to connect the Thiruvananthapuram Airport to various parts of the city with a new metro rail, the residents of Attingal are also demanding metro connectivity. Evacuation from Ukraine: V Muraleedharans role in Operation Ganga, launched for the evacuation of Indians stuck in Ukraine, will have its biggest effects in Attingal Lok Sabha constituency. As mentioned earlier, a delegation of rescued students had paid the security deposit for Muraleedharan. His role in repatriating Anchuthengu natives stuck in Russia has also helped build his image and will be crucial to swing coastal voters.

V Muraleedharans role in Operation Ganga, launched for the evacuation of Indians stuck in Ukraine, will have its biggest effects in Attingal Lok Sabha constituency. As mentioned earlier, a delegation of rescued students had paid the security deposit for Muraleedharan. His role in repatriating Anchuthengu natives stuck in Russia has also helped build his image and will be crucial to swing coastal voters. Political Violence: Face-offs between political groups have become a key issue in Attingal. There have been multiple incidents involving threats and assaults on political figures and party workers. Recently, Muraleedharans convoy was targeted by some youth allegedly affiliated to the CPM. A CPM ward member, Biju, was attacked while campaigning and suffered severe burn injuries after a man threw hot gruel on him. Earlier there had been political violence between DYFI and Youth Congress activists in the area.

Face-offs between political groups have become a key issue in Attingal. There have been multiple incidents involving threats and assaults on political figures and party workers. Recently, Muraleedharans convoy was targeted by some youth allegedly affiliated to the CPM. A CPM ward member, Biju, was attacked while campaigning and suffered severe burn injuries after a man threw hot gruel on him. Earlier there had been political violence between DYFI and Youth Congress activists in the area. Campus Politics: The politicisation of campuses has also found resonance in the area. JS Sidharthan, the second-year veterinary student who tragically passed away in February following severe ragging by SFI students at Pookode, belonged to Attingal. His father has been running from pillar to post to get justice for him. There is palpable anger against the Left government over the incident, as it is perceived to be shielding the accused. Dr GJ Shaiju, the principal of Kattakada Christian College, and SFI leader Visakh, were suspended following allegations of document fabrication to manipulate college elections. Both face charges including fraud and forgery. The university has also barred Shaiju from duties for five years, and the Kerala University registrar filed a complaint prompting police action.

The politicisation of campuses has also found resonance in the area. JS Sidharthan, the second-year veterinary student who tragically passed away in February following severe ragging by SFI students at Pookode, belonged to Attingal. His father has been running from pillar to post to get justice for him. There is palpable anger against the Left government over the incident, as it is perceived to be shielding the accused. Dr GJ Shaiju, the principal of Kattakada Christian College, and SFI leader Visakh, were suspended following allegations of document fabrication to manipulate college elections. Both face charges including fraud and forgery. The university has also barred Shaiju from duties for five years, and the Kerala University registrar filed a complaint prompting police action. Narcotics: The rising issue of drugs is a major concern in Attingal. For one, Varkala is a major tourist hub and there have been several instances of drug busts. Muraleedharan has alleged that the drug mafia was behind the attack on an RSS worker in Kattakada on March 21. Last year, a young man called Sreejith was beaten to death in a gang war between drug mafia. In December, police had arrested a gang of drug peddlers who were guarded by pitbulls.

The rising issue of drugs is a major concern in Attingal. For one, Varkala is a major tourist hub and there have been several instances of drug busts. Muraleedharan has alleged that the drug mafia was behind the attack on an RSS worker in Kattakada on March 21. Last year, a young man called Sreejith was beaten to death in a gang war between drug mafia. In December, police had arrested a gang of drug peddlers who were guarded by pitbulls. Varkala Tourism: Varkala is a renowned tourist destination in Attingal and has seen rapid growth. But it faces a complex set of challenges that threaten its reputation and sustainability. While the Varkala beach attracts visitors with its natural beauty and surfing opportunities, issues such as safety concerns, stray dog menace, and infrastructure limitations require urgent attention. The recent death of a foreign tourist while bodysurfing, and the collapse of a floating bridge have raised concerns about safety. Hotels and restaurants are on the rise, but lacking proper infrastructure for waste management, there have been a rising number of dog attacks on visitors and residents.

Varkala is a renowned tourist destination in Attingal and has seen rapid growth. But it faces a complex set of challenges that threaten its reputation and sustainability. While the Varkala beach attracts visitors with its natural beauty and surfing opportunities, issues such as safety concerns, stray dog menace, and infrastructure limitations require urgent attention. The recent death of a foreign tourist while bodysurfing, and the collapse of a floating bridge have raised concerns about safety. Hotels and restaurants are on the rise, but lacking proper infrastructure for waste management, there have been a rising number of dog attacks on visitors and residents. Religious Issues and Conversion: The issue of Love Jihad and Narcotics Jihad have also found resonance with some of the electorate in Attingal. Church leaders have been highlighting the issue across Kerala. Of late, there have been signs of increasing friction between Muslims and Christians, some of the antagonism also stems from economic and social causes.

The issue of Love Jihad and Narcotics Jihad have also found resonance with some of the electorate in Attingal. Church leaders have been highlighting the issue across Kerala. Of late, there have been signs of increasing friction between Muslims and Christians, some of the antagonism also stems from economic and social causes. Stagnation of self-help groups: The decline of self-help groups (SHGs) in the coastal areas of Attingal has emerged as a pressing issue, impacting the livelihoods of thousands of women and their families. These SHGs, which were once a vital source of income generation and community development, have faced significant challenges in recent times, leading to their stagnation and closure. The Trivandrum Social Service Society (TSSS), responsible for managing many of these SHGs, faced a major setback when the Union government refused to renew its permit to receive foreign contributions. There is anger among women voters in the area due to this. The decline of SHGs has had a ripple effect on the coastal communities. The situation has become so dire that some women have reportedly resorted to desperate measures, such as drug peddling to tourists, to cope with the financial strain. SHGs have been a key source of income of nearly 20,000 women in Attingal, producing consumer items like pickles, jams, dry fish, and soaps.

The decline of self-help groups (SHGs) in the coastal areas of Attingal has emerged as a pressing issue, impacting the livelihoods of thousands of women and their families. These SHGs, which were once a vital source of income generation and community development, have faced significant challenges in recent times, leading to their stagnation and closure. The Trivandrum Social Service Society (TSSS), responsible for managing many of these SHGs, faced a major setback when the Union government refused to renew its permit to receive foreign contributions. There is anger among women voters in the area due to this. The decline of SHGs has had a ripple effect on the coastal communities. The situation has become so dire that some women have reportedly resorted to desperate measures, such as drug peddling to tourists, to cope with the financial strain. SHGs have been a key source of income of nearly 20,000 women in Attingal, producing consumer items like pickles, jams, dry fish, and soaps. Lack of Industrial Development, Unemployment and Emigration: Attingal has few major industries, and a large section of the population is reliant on either small-time agriculture or working on fishing boats. The development of Varkala as a major tourist hub has generated some employment, but not enough. Educated youth from Attingal have to commute to nearby Thiruvananthapuram or elsewhere for job opportunities. The area boasts an extremely high literacy rate of 97 per cent but the lack of industries also means a higher rate of unemployment.

Attingal has few major industries, and a large section of the population is reliant on either small-time agriculture or working on fishing boats. The development of Varkala as a major tourist hub has generated some employment, but not enough. Educated youth from Attingal have to commute to nearby Thiruvananthapuram or elsewhere for job opportunities. The area boasts an extremely high literacy rate of 97 per cent but the lack of industries also means a higher rate of unemployment. Water Crisis: Although not as pronounced as in the capital Thiruvananthapuram, many areas in Attingal are facing a water crisis. The Attingal water supply section is number one when it comes to pipe bursts  6635 pipe bursts in three years  pointing to inefficiencies in the water distribution system. In a bid to find a permanent solution for the drinking water shortage faced by residents of Varkala and Attingal municipalities, Kerala Water Authority had promised to construct six check-dams on Vamanapuram River. But work is far from complete.

Voter Demographics

Total Voters: 13,39,985

Rural voters: 885,730 (66.1%)

Urban voters: 454,255 voters (33.9%)

Social Composition (approx):

SC: 171,518 (12.8%)

ST: 16,080 (1.2%)

Religious Composition (approx):

Hindu: 67%

Muslim: 14%

Christian: 19%

Infrastructural Development

Attingal Bypass: It is a 13-kilometre stretch to bypass the congested Attingal town to develop Cherthala-Kazhakkottam corridor of NH-66. It will start from Kaduva Palli and re-join the existing stretch at Mamam just after Attingal. This way commuters will be able to avoid the congested Attingal town altogether.

It is a 13-kilometre stretch to bypass the congested Attingal town to develop Cherthala-Kazhakkottam corridor of NH-66. It will start from Kaduva Palli and re-join the existing stretch at Mamam just after Attingal. This way commuters will be able to avoid the congested Attingal town altogether. Rail Infrastructure: The Attingal Lok Sabha constituency has witnessed notable improvements in its railway infrastructure over recent years, enhancing passenger convenience and connectivity within the region. Murukkampuzha station saw a significant platform-raising project, improving accessibility for passengers. New installations have also come up at Varkala, Kadakkavur, Kaniapuram, Edava, and Kappil stations. Works are ongoing at these stations on foot overbridges, sanitation and water supply facilities.

The Attingal Lok Sabha constituency has witnessed notable improvements in its railway infrastructure over recent years, enhancing passenger convenience and connectivity within the region. Murukkampuzha station saw a significant platform-raising project, improving accessibility for passengers. New installations have also come up at Varkala, Kadakkavur, Kaniapuram, Edava, and Kappil stations. Works are ongoing at these stations on foot overbridges, sanitation and water supply facilities. Varkala Railway Station: The Varkala Sivagiri railway station is set to undergo a significant redevelopment project, aimed at enhancing passenger experience. The revamped station will prioritise safety and accessibility for tourists who flock to the Varkala town for pleasure, and also the pilgrims who annually visit the Varkala Sivagiri Ashram.

The Varkala Sivagiri railway station is set to undergo a significant redevelopment project, aimed at enhancing passenger experience. The revamped station will prioritise safety and accessibility for tourists who flock to the Varkala town for pleasure, and also the pilgrims who annually visit the Varkala Sivagiri Ashram. Water Treatment Plant at Aruvikkara: To enhance water supply in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is evaluating a proposal to construct a new 102 MLD water treatment plant at Aruvikkara. This proposal recommends utilising funds initially allocated for a pipeline project to build the new plant which would significantly augment the citys water treatment capacity.

To enhance water supply in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) is evaluating a proposal to construct a new 102 MLD water treatment plant at Aruvikkara. This proposal recommends utilising funds initially allocated for a pipeline project to build the new plant which would significantly augment the citys water treatment capacity. Varkala Beach Development Masterplan: The Tourism Department is formulating a comprehensive master plan to develop Varkala as a major international beach tourism hub. This plan envisions a three-phase approach, focusing on resolving immediate issues like parking, pedestrian amenities, wastewater management, and safety concerns. Additionally, efforts are underway to declare Varkala as a special tourism zone with relaxed regulations to attract more visitors. The master plan also includes long-term goals such as the conservation of the eroding Varkala cliff and securing UNESCO Geopark status for the site.

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A peculiar poll battle is on the cards in Rajasthans tribal-dominated Banswara-Dungarpur constituency, which will go to polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26. The Congress is appealing to the people not to vote for its candidate. The reason: After much flip-flop, the Congress decided to support Bharat Adivasi Party candidate Rajkumar Roat, a day before the last date of withdrawal of nominations, despite fielding its own candidate Arvind Damor.

While Damor was supposed to withdraw his nomination, he was nowhere to be seen till the last date of withdrawal of nominations was over. Later, appearing before the media, he feigned ignorance about the developments and declared that he will contest the election.

What was supposed to be a bipolar contest between the BJP and Congress-BAP alliance has now turned into a three-way fight with Damor likely to divide the Congress votes, thus, giving an edge to the saffron party.

The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), which was established in southern Rajasthan ahead of the 2023 assembly elections, has three MLAs, including Roat.

Banswara-Dungarpur, which is a reserved seat for Scheduled Tribes, is in the news after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally on April 21 where he made the controversial wealth redistribution remark. Slamming the Congress manifesto, he had alleged that the opposition party was planning to give peoples hard-earned money to infiltrators and those who have more children and referred to former PM Manmohan Singhs speech in 2006 to contend he had said that Muslims have the first claim on the countrys resources.

Banswara is among the 25 parliamentary constituencies in Rajasthan. It encompasses the entire Banswara district and a portion of Dungarpur district. It has eight assembly segments  Dungarpur (ST), Sagwara (ST), Chorasi (ST), Ghatol (ST), Garhi (ST), Banswara (ST), Bagidora (ST) and Kushalgarh (ST).

It is presently represented by Kanakmal Katara of the BJP. Contesting candidates include Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya (BJP), Congress-BAP candidate Rajkumar Roat and another Congress candidate Arvind Damor.

What are the political dynamics?

With an interesting turn of events, Banswara may end up witnessing a three-way contest. While the BJP has fielded former Congress MLA Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, the Congress campaign remains mired in chaos and confusion. The party is torn between alliance partner BAP and its former pick, Arvind Damor, who went rogue when asked to withdraw his nomination.

In the 2023 assembly elections, the Congress bagged five seats, the BJP two and the BAP one in Banswara. A bypoll for the Bagidora assembly seat will also be conducted on April 26. The seat shares borders with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and is an epicentre of tribal politics in the region with over 75 per cent of the population from the scheduled tribes.

BJP

The Banswara constituency was a Congress bastion until it was breached by the BJPs Dhan Singh Rawat in 2004. The seat swung back to the Congress in 2009, but in 2014, it was swept away by the Modi wave and the BJP went on to serve two consecutive times.

In 2019, Kanakmal Katara of the BJP won the election with a massive lead of over 3 lakh votes. He is seen as a well-known leader. However, in 2023, Katara lost in the assembly election, which led to his demotion. He was denied a ticket in 2024, and while he welcomed the decision to field Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, the party faced some opposition from local leaders.

The BJP has picked Malviya, who won the Bagidora seat on a Congress ticket in 2023 and later defected. He is a four-time MLA and was also elected as an MP from Banswara in 1998. From Bagidora, the BJP has fielded a close aide of Malviya, Subhash Tamboliya, who also switched over from the Congress. So far, the BJP leaders, despite initial differences, stand united in their campaign.

Malviya is a highly influential and veteran tribal leader with considerable sway in Banswara, which is dominated by the tribal community. His rallies comprise highly enthusiastic crowds, and he is known for often singing a century-old revolutionary folk song Nai maanu re bhuratiya, reminiscent of the tribal freedom struggle against the British.

The BJPs welfare schemes are considerably visible in their effect, which plays into the Modi factor. Moreover, the state switching to a BJP government leaves the party in a position of strength. Finally, the issue of conversion of Bhil community members to Christianity has raised concerns among the Hindu population, which the BJP is expected to encash upon.

The RSS also has a presence here, working for the emancipation of tribal communities and combating the surge in conversion rates. Apart from support from Sagwara, Garhi and Bagidora where voters will lean strongly towards the BJP, Malviyas popularity is an asset on its own, and the defection of prominent local Congress leaders further helps the BJPs cause.

Congress

The Congress finds itself in a considerably vulnerable position in Banswara. Despite being a solid contender, the partys self-inflicted jolt in recent weeks has left it in a state of confusion. After dilly-dallying for weeks, the party declared a last-minute tie-up with the BAP, an emerging player in the landscape of tribal politics, but not until it had already nominated its own candidate, Arvind Damor, from the seat.

Damor reportedly went rogue when he was expected to withdraw his nomination with just hours left for the deadline set by the Election Commission of India. The end result is that the Congress is standing against its own symbol in Banswara. While the party has extended its support to Roat, its own symbol will also show up on the EVMs, giving way to a three-way contest that threatens to divide the opposition votes.

The Congress candidate for the Bagidora assembly bypoll, Kapur Singh, also did not withdraw his nomination on the partys command. Damor wondered before the media why he was fooled and how his career of 17 years has been put at stake. He went on to declare that the arrow has left the bow, and he will continue to be in the fray with full strength.

BAP

Regardless of the embarrassing error by the Congress, two-time Chorasi MLA Roat is known for his staggering victory in 2023, where he pulled off a winning margin of 69,166 votes.

The 31-year-old is a charismatic leader with tremendous sway among the youth. Surrounded by thousands of supporters, he arrived on a camel to file his nomination from Banswara. He finalised the alliance with the Congress and declared that he was aligned with Rahul Gandhis mission to preserve democracy.

The BAPs influence has been expanding in southern Rajasthan due to its focus on tribal identity, advocacy for a separate state for the Bhil community, and commitment to providing 75 per cent reservation for tribal populations in education and employment. Neither the Congress nor the BJP has been able to rival the BAP on these fronts. The party won three seats in the state elections last year.

Muslim voters, who comprise over 15 per cent of the total voter population, will lean towards the Congress-BAP alliance. A significant portion of adivasi votes will also go towards the alliance, with the BAPs appeal among the tribal youth and the Congress hold over seats in Dungarpur, Ghatol, Banswara and Kushalgarh. Roats stronghold in Chorasi also favours the alliance.

Here are the key issues of this constituency:

Conversion: Conversions to Buddhism and Christianity are growing steadily in numbers in Rajasthan, both in the tribal belt as well as in non-tribal areas among the Dalits, which has given rise to the demand for a law to put a lid on them. There are many unchecked conversions here. Tribals are lured because they lack education and are poor. In Banswara, there are 440 gram panchayats that now have at least 80 churches where 10 years ago they were just four to seven. Earlier, in this district, there were countable Christians, however, now, 60 panchayats have a majority of them and seven sarpanches are converted.

Conversions to Buddhism and Christianity are growing steadily in numbers in Rajasthan, both in the tribal belt as well as in non-tribal areas among the Dalits, which has given rise to the demand for a law to put a lid on them. There are many unchecked conversions here. Tribals are lured because they lack education and are poor. In Banswara, there are 440 gram panchayats that now have at least 80 churches where 10 years ago they were just four to seven. Earlier, in this district, there were countable Christians, however, now, 60 panchayats have a majority of them and seven sarpanches are converted. Tribal issues: Increased reservation for the tribal population and a separate state for the tribal Bhil community are the demands in Banswara.

Increased reservation for the tribal population and a separate state for the tribal Bhil community are the demands in Banswara. Mangarh Dham: Mangarh Dham is a key poll issue, as the people demand its designation as a national monument. Leaders from all parties pay their respects to this monument to woo the tribal community. This is a major memorial site for the Mangarh massacre which occurred in 1913, when the British opened fire on tribals, towards the end of the Bhil Revolt, killing hundreds. Bhils, Banjaras and other tribe members under the leadership of Govind Guru had peacefully assembled to protest British tyranny. It is said more than 1,500 were massacred on that fateful day. It is often touted as a lesser talked about Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre committed by the British.

Mangarh Dham is a key poll issue, as the people demand its designation as a national monument. Leaders from all parties pay their respects to this monument to woo the tribal community. This is a major memorial site for the Mangarh massacre which occurred in 1913, when the British opened fire on tribals, towards the end of the Bhil Revolt, killing hundreds. Bhils, Banjaras and other tribe members under the leadership of Govind Guru had peacefully assembled to protest British tyranny. It is said more than 1,500 were massacred on that fateful day. It is often touted as a lesser talked about Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre committed by the British. Human trafficking: The tribal belt in in Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur and Pratapgarh districts has been grappling with a human trafficking crisis where reports of children and teenagers being mortgaged for money, taken to other states and kept in poor conditions as bonded labour, have emerged.

The tribal belt in in Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur and Pratapgarh districts has been grappling with a human trafficking crisis where reports of children and teenagers being mortgaged for money, taken to other states and kept in poor conditions as bonded labour, have emerged. Unemployment and emigration: The issue of migration for work is etched into the identity of several districts within the perimeter of southern Rajasthans tribal belt. Hundreds of private buses ply each day, carrying thousands across borders to cities like Ahmedabad, Surat and Mumbai. Factors that drive migration are lack of options for local non-farm employment, compounded by shortcomings in rural employment programmes like MGNREGA, and almost non-existent prospects for profitable agriculture due to small or marginal land holdings.

The issue of migration for work is etched into the identity of several districts within the perimeter of southern Rajasthans tribal belt. Hundreds of private buses ply each day, carrying thousands across borders to cities like Ahmedabad, Surat and Mumbai. Factors that drive migration are lack of options for local non-farm employment, compounded by shortcomings in rural employment programmes like MGNREGA, and almost non-existent prospects for profitable agriculture due to small or marginal land holdings. Farmer issues: Farmers face major agricultural issues, including water scarcity, inadequate irrigation facilities, soil erosion, and lack of modern farming techniques. These challenges often lead to low agricultural productivity in Banswara. It leads to crop failure, low productivity, and inadequate market access, which prevents the recouping of the investments put into the cultivation, leading to unpaid loans. Moreover, the absence of a grievance redressal system for farmers along with failure of the administration to provide compensation on time drives farmers to either migrate or die by suicide.

Farmers face major agricultural issues, including water scarcity, inadequate irrigation facilities, soil erosion, and lack of modern farming techniques. These challenges often lead to low agricultural productivity in Banswara. It leads to crop failure, low productivity, and inadequate market access, which prevents the recouping of the investments put into the cultivation, leading to unpaid loans. Moreover, the absence of a grievance redressal system for farmers along with failure of the administration to provide compensation on time drives farmers to either migrate or die by suicide. Water and food scarcity: In the summer season, along with humans, animals also have to struggle for water. In many rural areas of the district, people are not getting drinking water during the summer seasons, due to which people often migrate from the region. Though home to one of the largest dams in the state  the Mahi Bajaj Sagar dam  rural Banswara is yet to enjoy the fruits of its proximity to it. Water from the dam goes to Gujarat and other places in Rajasthan, skipping the region as a whole.

In the summer season, along with humans, animals also have to struggle for water. In many rural areas of the district, people are not getting drinking water during the summer seasons, due to which people often migrate from the region. Though home to one of the largest dams in the state  the Mahi Bajaj Sagar dam  rural Banswara is yet to enjoy the fruits of its proximity to it. Water from the dam goes to Gujarat and other places in Rajasthan, skipping the region as a whole. Connectivity: Banswara has a very low road connectivity network according to reports. Moreover, the region has no railway connectivity at all. Its absence has kept the people out of trade routes and is one of the reasons people blame for the low economic development and lack of industries.

Banswara has a very low road connectivity network according to reports. Moreover, the region has no railway connectivity at all. Its absence has kept the people out of trade routes and is one of the reasons people blame for the low economic development and lack of industries. Education: A literacy rate of just 46.88% presents a picture of a constituency with a lack of higher educational institutes. The constituents are miffed about the shortage of educational institutions in the area. They also believe that the government has not done enough to promote education in the region and feel neglected. This also pushes people to migrate to cities such as Kota or even outside the state to Gujarat, or Maharashtra. These factors, coupled with those related to unemployment have led to migration of women and entire households, leaving ghost towns in their wake.

Voter Demographic (2011 Census)

Total voters (2019): 19,61,840

Urban voters: 7.4%

Rural voters: 92.6%

Literacy rate: 46.88%

Social Composition

SC: 4.2%

ST: 75.4%

Religious Composition

Hindu: ~83%

Muslim: 15.7%

Jain: 0.8%

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Bikaner BJP Minority Morcha district president Usman Ghani, who expressed displeasure with Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent remarks in Rajasthan, was on Wednesday expelled from the party for tarnishing its image.

Ghani, while talking to a news channel recently in New Delhi, had said that the BJP was going to lose three-four Lok Sabha seats out of 25 seats in Rajasthan.

He also condemned Modis remarks regarding Muslims during election rallies in the state.

When asked about the remarks of Modi regarding Muslims, Ghani had said that being a Muslim, he was disappointed at what the prime minister said.

He said that when he goes to Muslims to seek votes for the BJP, the community people talk about the kind of remarks made by the PM and look for answers from him.

He also said that the Jat community is angry with the BJP in the state and they have voted against the party in Churu and other constituencies.

Ghani had also said that he was not afraid if the party takes any action against him for what he was saying.

After a video of Ghani surfaced on social media in which he is talking to a news channel reporter, BJP state disciplinary committee chairman Onkar Singh Lakhawat said that an attempt was made by Usman Ghani to tarnish the image of party in the media.

The party took cognizance of the act of Usman Ghani to tarnish its image and expelled him from the primary membership of the party for six years, considering it a breach of discipline, Lakhawat said in a statement.

Bikaner Lok Sabha seat went to polls in the first phase on April 19.

While addressing a rally in Rajasthans Banswara, PM Modi on Sunday had suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it would redistribute wealth to Muslims. He alleged that the Congress plans to give the peoples hard-earned money and valuables to the infiltrators and those who have more children.

The remarks have triggered a backlash from several opposition parties.

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Hingoli is one of the 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra. It comprises three districts  Yavatmal, Nanded, and Hingoli. The six assembly segments of this Lok Sabha constituency are Umarkhed (BJP), Kinwat (BJP), Hadgaon (Congress), Basmath (NCP), Kalamnuri (Shiv Sena), and Hingoli (BJP). This election, Hingoli is witnessing an extremely tight race, the outcome of which is incredibly difficult to predict.

Hemant Patil of Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena is the incumbent MP here, but the party and its Mahayuti alliance have given the ticket this time to Baburao Kadam Kohalikar. The other top contenders are Nagesh Ashtikar of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) for the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance and Dr BD Chavan of Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi.

Polling will take place in Hingoli on April 26, in the second round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.

Political Dynamics

The BJP has never won Hingoli. That tradition is set to continue this election as well since the seat has been given to the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) as part of the deal among Mahayuti partners in Maharashtra. The sense one picks from the ground is that all three main candidates are rather evenly faring in terms of popularity and campaigning on the ground. If one were to stick their neck out, it would not be an overstatement to say that the Mahayuti candidate might just be trailing by a thin margin behind the Maha Vikas Aghadi and VBA candidates. Hingoli is an interesting constituency. Never in its history has an incumbent MP been able to retain the seat. This election too, all the three main candidates are fighting Lok Sabha elections from Hingoli for the first time. However, for some parties, like the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, this realisation arrived a bit belatedly. Shindes party first fielded incumbent MP Hemant Patil. However, what ensued was a dramatic tussle within the Mahayuti. The local unit of the BJP alleged that Patil did little to push the development of Hingoli during his tenure as MP. In fact, at a meeting, BJP leaders and workers even raised slogans against the Shiv Senas decision to field Hemant Patil. To top it all, there was opposition from within the Shinde-led Sena as well. Hemant Patil is facing allegations of being an inactive MP who neither interacted with his constituents over the past five years nor represented the constituency well in the Lok Sabha. In the 2019 general elections, Patil won from Hingoli as a candidate of the undivided Shiv Sena, polling nearly 5.86 lakh votes. Since then, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has broken up, the Sena itself has splintered with Hemant Patil choosing Eknath Shinde over Uddhav Thackeray, while the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has consolidated its position in the constituency. This is the reason why Hingoli is witnessing a neck-and-neck electoral battle now. The recent developments have been a stab to the local BJP units heart. For close to three years, the local cadre and BJP leadership of Hingoli were preparing to finally fight the election from here, apparently on the back of assurances that the party would definitely contest in 2024. As a result, the party saw the emergence of around seven to eight hopefuls who thought they would be up for a saffron ticket from the constituency. Some of these even decided to contest elections as independents after being denied tickets, forcing ministers from the Mahayuti and Narendra Modi government to intervene and calm tempers. With the BJP agreeing to give up its claim on Hingoli in favour of the Shiv Sena, all such hopes were dashed. To make matters worse, the Mahayuti has had to face the embarrassment of changing its candidate on the last day of filing nominations. The cumulative impact has been that the alliances position in Hingoli is now on a weak footing. Many believe that had the BJP been contesting itself, or even a candidate of its who would contest on the Shiv Senas symbol, the alliance would stand a much better chance of winning the seat than it does now. Like the Mahayuti, the Maha Vikas Aghadi also faced dissent for its choice of candidate in Hingoli. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Nagesh Patil Ashtikar from the constituency. Ashtikar faces concerns over indifference from allied parties. Some workers from the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar have actually distanced themselves from the elections and are not actively canvassing votes for the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate. This could deal a severe blow to Ashtikars prospects. Be that as it may, Ashtikar, like the Mahayuti candidate, belongs to the Maratha community. As such, there is a perceptible risk of the upper caste vote being split between the two sides. Ashtikar, ground inputs suggest, is not a very popular candidate. His influence is limited to the area in and around Hadgaon, from where he has been an MLA. The threat of the Maratha vote getting split is what has pushed the BJP to align with Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. However, given that the MNSs influence is largely pocketed in and around the Mumbai metropolitan region, it remains to be seen whether this tie-up would in any way prevent the diversion of Maratha votes away from the BJP in Hingoli. While the Maha Vikas Aghadi would be happy to see the Mahayuti in a relatively weaker position, Prime Minister Narendra Modis campaign in Hingoli could give the Mahayuti a bump at the end moment. The implementation of the Modi governments development and welfare schemes has been appreciated, and since the BJP is projecting the Prime Minister as the candidate on all seats, the Maha Vikas Aghadi could indeed see their fortunes sliding further. That being said, there are also complaints regarding the implementation of some of these schemes and them being shown completed only on paper. Nevertheless, while the BJP has Prime Minister Modi as its X factor, the Maha Vikas Aghadi has no such face to project here. At a time when both the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi appear to be struggling to win Hingoli, Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi could emerge as the biggest beneficiary, potentially winning the seat too.VBA has fielded Dr BD Chavan as its candidate from Hingoli, and ground inputs suggest that he is indeed a more popular and likeable candidate. The VBA is expected to perform well among the Scheduled Castes and Muslims. While SCs comprise over 16% of the population, Muslims make up about 12% of the electorate in Hingoli. The Buddhists too, who are mostly Dalits here, are expected to back Dr Chavan. Separately, the VBAs clout over the Banjara community in Hingoli is increasing. Apart from the VBA, the Banjaras are also rallying behind a new outfit  the Samnak Janta Party. The influence of this party is highest in the Washim and Yavatmal districts. How this impacts the results in Hingoli is something to keep an eye out for. Had the VBA joined the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the alliance would have a clear lead in Hingoli. As things stand, however, there is no saying who will emerge on top come result day. With both the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi having fielded lesser-known candidates and with the threat of major vote-splitting hanging over their heads, the VBA could very well trump both alliances here.

Key Issues

Unemployment and Emigration: Hingoli has no small or large-scale industries. The region has also not seen any major central or state projects. This has driven up the unemployment numbers here. People, especially the youth, have had to emigrate to Nagpur, Mumbai, or Pune in search of employment and higher education. According to ground inputs, emigration due to unemployment and higher education affects the majority of the population in Hingoli and will have a detrimental impact on the Mahayuti alliance.

Welfare Schemes: Welfare schemes launched by the central government here have had a mixed response and implementation. The PM Awas Yojana has reached beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas. There has been a positive response from the people. However, the Jal Jeevan Mission has had an adverse effect on the people. According to ground reports, the missions implementation has been erratic and allegedly has been shown as completed on paper, while in reality, many areas remain without tap water connections. This has led to criticism from the constituents, fanned the anger towards the local administration, and has given growth to allegations of corruption. Whether this directly impacts PM Modis image here or the BJP-led alliances chances remains to be seen.

Farmer Issues: There are numerous farmer issues in Hingoli that the administration has turned a blind eye to. Farmers in the region depend on rainfall for their irrigation needs as there are no other sources of water to irrigate their fields, and the majority of farmers fall under the small and marginal category. This means that they do not have the resources to get a private irrigation facility set up for their farms. In times of less rainfall, such as last year, the farmers are left stranded. There are three dams around Hingoli, but the water distribution has been planned in a way that people in the Hingoli district receive no water from the dams. Moreover, farmers have also been left devoid of their compensation for crop failure due to below-average annual rainfall, which has created a drought-like situation in Hingoli. According to reports, such has been the pressure to pay off loans taken for cultivation that farmers are even willing to sell off their organs.

Development: Hingoli has been bereft of any development except for the construction of a few highways providing connectivity and a Turmeric Research and Training Centre. There are no industries in the region. Such has been the neglect that Hingoli has been declared as a No Industry Zone. There are few basic healthcare facilities and no major educational institutions in the area. People travel to Aurangabad or Nanded for medical treatments. A medical college has been announced but work on it has not yet started much to the disappointment of the constituents.

Water Scarcity: Despite being surrounded by three dams, Hingoli receives no water from them. Many villages in the constituency especially in the Hingoli, Basmath, and Kalamnuri areas still do not receive tap water and women have to travel for miles for their daily water needs. The water from the dams is supplied to the Nanded region, and the people of Hingoli feel neglected. Moreover, the distribution plan has been approved by the Sena-BJP alliance which will again have a detrimental impact on its chances of winning the election. The scarcity of clean, fresh water also drives the population to drink contaminated water giving rise to diseases. The lack of health infrastructure has exacerbated the issue.

Railway Connectivity: There has been a long-standing demand from the people in Hingoli for direct railway connectivity to Mumbai. The issue is raised in each election cycle, and politicians in search of votes, promise delivery, but up until now, no work has been done to deliver rail connectivity to the people.

Lack of Government Offices: Despite being the district headquarters and the centre of the Hingoli Lok Sabha constituency, the city of Hingoli has very few government offices. People feel they have been neglected by the government in favour of Nanded district, parts of which come under the Hingoli Lok Sabha constituency. People believe one of the main reasons for this is the fact that the last two MPs have come from the Nanded region. Add that to the water distribution plan, and people in Hingoli feel that they are being subdued by Nanded-based leaders.

Demographics

Total Voters: 1762167

SC: 269,612 (15.3%)

ST: 230,844 (13.1%)

Urban Voters: 147,952 (8.4%)

Rural Voters: 1,534,847 (87.1%)

Hindu: 79.5%

Muslim: 8.4%

Buddhist: 12.53%

Infrastructure Development

Medical College: The states medical education department issued a Government Resolution (GR) in November last year to set up a medical college and hospital in Hingoli at a cost of Rs 485 crore for construction.

Turmeric Research and Training Centre: The State Agriculture Department has released Rs 10 crore for the upcoming Turmeric Research and Training Centre near Basmath in Hingoli. The training centre also plans to set up an autonomous institute, dedicated to promoting research in turmeric production within the state. Funds worth Rs 100 crore have been pledged by the government for the facility.

Road Infrastructure: Three national highway projects worth Rs 3,695 crore have been implemented across Maharashtra, which will also provide additional connectivity to Hingoli. The four-lane national highway 161 from Akola in Maharashtra to Sangareddy in Telangana becomes an important route for promoting trade in both states. Another project worth Rs 1,037.4 crore has also been inaugurated by union minister Nitin Gadkari in Hingoli. It will improve the connectivity of the Marathwada region with Telangana and Karnataka. There has also been a proposed construction of CC Roads and RCC drains for the municipal corporation of Hingoli at a cost of Rs 90 crore.

Railway Infrastructure: Electrification work on the Pune-Aloka section crossing Hingoli has been completed at a cost of Rs 211 crore. Moreover, many passenger amenities have been installed in various stations across the constituency, such as footbridges at Bodhadi Bujurg, LED lighting across seven stations, and provision of cover at Hingoli railway station. Three new trains have also been launched to provide better connectivity to the people.

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The Poorvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, which was once infamous for gangsters and mafias, also has a major commercial district, Jaunpur. Three strong candidates are in the fray from this Lok Sabha seat  former Maharashtra Home Minister Kripa Shankar Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party), Babu Singh Kushwaha (Samajwadi Party) and Srikala Reddy Singh (Bahujan Samaj Party). The constituency will vote in phase six on May 25.

ALSO READ | The UPShot | How Strongman Dhananjay Singhs Conviction Boosts BJPs Chances in Jaunpur Lok Sabha Battle

Gangster-turned-politician Dhananjay Singh, the sitting MP from the seat, was looking forward to contest the election, but before he could start the preparation, he was convicted by an MP/MLA court in one of the longstanding cases against him. The conviction set the stage for a clean sweep for the BJP, but the BSP threw in a twist after announcing the candidature of Singhs wife, Srikala Reddy Singh.

Srikala hails from Telangana and belongs to a political family. She is the daughter of a former MLA and her cousins, too, are politicians and are contesting the Lok Sabha elections. She was also elected the Zilla Panchayat Adhyaksh of Jaunpur.

Srikala starts her campaigning at 10 am and meets people and attends all wedding invites till 3am. My candidature came as surprise, but I would like to thank Mayawati ji for trusting me and giving me the responsibility. The people of Jaunpur are with my husband as he has been relentlessly working for this area for the past 25 years.

People wanted him to contest this time, but what happened [conviction] was unfortunate. In UP politics, the opposition plays serious games and there is a lot of animosity. This is very serious (conviction). You dont see all these things in South India, said Srikala.

During her Zilla Parishad polls, too, Srikala had to campaign alone as her husband was sent to jail.

On the question of how she would counter the narrative of BJP, she said, The sitting MP from Jaunpur is from the BSP. The BJP only won this seat in 2014 in the Modi wave and this time Dhananjay Singh is a factor. The way he has been jailed has created a sympathy wave. He has done a lot of good work for this constituency.

I am also a Zilla Panchayat Adhyaksh from Jaunpur and have built many roads in villages, she said, responding to the BJPs development narrative.

Attacking Kripashankar Singh without taking his name, she said, Im a bahu of Jaunpur, while others are outsiders. People are not dumb, they look at your availability. A lot of people dont know the other two candidates which will work to my advantage.

On being asked if she spoke Hindi, she replied in local Jaunpuria dialect: Hindi bolne mein dikkat nahin hoti. Hum seekh liye hain, jab bhaav sahi hain, log samajh jaate hain.

Srikala said she keeps regular updates of South Indian politics and speaks to her friends and relatives quite often. Drawing reference of South Indian movies, Srikala said Dhananjay Singh is the real Rocky bhai of Jaunpur.
Around 90 kilometres away from Kolkata, West Bengals Tamluk in East Midnapore district has been in focus for decades, with more than one events making it special, historic and relevant.

Tamluk saw the formation of Indias first peoples government  Tamralipta Jatiya Sarkar  under British rule in 1943 during the Quit India movement. It also saw the Nandigram anti-land acquisition movement spearheaded by Mamata Banerjee to drive out the proposed Special Economic Zone. It saw Banerjees Trinamool destabilising CPMs erstwhile Red citadel in the area and also saw the states chief minister losing from the battleground that made her a force to reckon with  Nandigram.

Tamluk is now bracing for another fierce electoral battle, which has turned into a prestige war between BJPs Abhijit Ganguly, a judge-turned-politician, and Trinamool Congress Debanshu Bhattacharya, a youth leader of the party.

The constituency saw one of Indias bloodiest anti-land acquisition movements in Nandigram. Not only did it change the Union governments policy towards the Special Economic Zones and land acquisition rules, but transformed Bengals politics forever.

Nandigram gave the much-needed fillip to Banerjees rise as the chief minister in 2011. Simultaneously, the land movement also gave a mighty politician to the state  Suvendu Adhikari. Once Didis trusted lieutenant in the party, who is said to have chalked out the blueprint of the movement under her supervision, Adhikari is now her Enemy No. 1 in the state. The hatred runs so deep that the chief minister addressed him as Gaddar (traitor), and he retaliated by calling her Chor (thief) in public.

Even though Ganguly and Bhattacharya have been pitted against each other on the ground, in reality, the battle of nerves is between Mamata Banerjee and her erstwhile protege, who defected to the BJP after the 2019 elections and defeated her in Nandigram in the 2021 elections.

Political hotbed for decades

Tamluk has seen a pattern of control by one party as always. From 1980 and until 2004, Tamluk voted for the CPM for 24 years and through eight elections, barring a brief break, when Congress won the seat for once in 1996. From 2009, it voted for Trinamool Congress.

Adhikari was a two-term MP until he moved to the state cabinet in 2016 and handed over the mantle to his brother Dibyendu. From being the Red fort of the CPM, Tamluk turned into the impenetrable bastion of Trinamool Congress. However, since 2019, a lot has changed in Bengal politics and its party structures. This election will determine whether Tamluk still stands with Trinamool and Didi, or is aligned to its bhumi putra Adhikari.

Adhikari defeated Banerjee in Nandigram in the 2021 assembly elections by a thin margin of around 1,200- 1,400 votes, and the win had triggered a huge controversy then. The fight between these two leaders propelled Nandigram to the spotlight in 2021, and it remained so. However, political observers say the region saw two fierce men  CPMs Lakshman Seth who ruled the area for over 24 years, and Adhikari, who has been calling the shots since 2009.

However, Adhikari was in for a crude shock when Trinamool wrested four of the seven assembly constituencies that come under Tamluk in 2021. The saving grace for him was how he defeated Banerjee in Nandigram.

Nandigram is one of the seven assembly segments that are part of Tamluk Lok Sabha seat. Adhikari is said to have promised his party that he would retain his control over the seat and make former judge Ganguly win. Ganguly resigned from his position last month and was fielded as the BJP candidate from Nandigram. Trinamool has fielded one of its young leaders, Debanshu Bhattacharya, who is known to be close to Abhishek Banerjee, the partys national general secretary and the nephew of Mamata Banerjee.

Talking to News 18, while campaigning in Nandigram, Bhattacharya said: I may not be a resident of this place, but I know this area well. I worked here during the 2021 elections, and held over 70 meetings across segments and villages. We all know that this is a tough fight and a prestige battle for the party. I am grateful to our leaders  Didi and Abhishek  for trusting me with this prestigious seat. I will try to live up to their trust and put my best efforts into this.

He added: Adhikari and his family run a rule of fear psychosis in the area exactly like the CPMs Lakshman Seth did. His empire of crime and intimidation fell. Adhikari will fall too, it is a matter of time.

Impact of the SSC scam judgment

Stakes are very high for both parties. This is the first election for Ganguly, the former judge of Calcutta High Court. Ganguly was fielded from Tamluk, which BJP leaders call a safe seat, as it is Adhikaris stronghold. Ganguly, who ordered the CBI inquiry into the states School Service Commission scam, and passed several orders which adversely affected the government, is new to politics.

The scam, the investigation and the high courts orders related to the scam  including the one that landed on Monday cancelling the recruitment of almost 25,000 teachers recruited by the state in 2016  have rocked the states politics. Gangulys electoral performance in Tamluk is set to make or break his political career, say political experts in the state.

However, Trinamool sees an advantage too. The judgment of the Calcutta High Court on Monday will play out as an advantage for us. Anyone who takes someones job cannot be loved or respected. This judgment made our work easier. People will uproot them from Tamluk, Bhattacharya added.

Ganguly feels otherwise. This treacherous government headed by Mamata Banerjee must resign immediately. The government has done grave injustice to people of the state. They sold employment to some people who are not even eligible and earned huge amounts of money. The eligible candidates, Hindus and Muslims, were deprived, he told News18 before heading out to the local temple to pray for both communities.

Muslims, Mahila & Might

Of seven assembly constituencies  Nandigram, Nandakumar, Moyna, Haldia, Panshkura Purba, Mahisadal and Tamluk  that form Tamluk Lok Sabha, four were won by Trinamool, while three voted for BJP. The margin was comfortable for Trinamool Congress. However, politics is a process and it never remains constant, while the equations between the voters and the politicians keep changing.

Apart from several other factors which dominate the elections here, the crucial ones include Mahila [women] and Muslims. It has been the combination of women votes and Muslim consolidation that led Trinamools victory in four seats in 2021. Tamluk Lok Sabha seat has around 14-15 per cent of Muslim vote share and that, according to political experts, may consolidate in favour of Trinamool Congress yet again.

However, Adhikari has plans to crack the code. A team of his local leaders has now started making an outreach among the Muslims voters in the area. The leaders in Nandigram and in other segments hosted Iftar parties for the local Muslim leaders and clerics, News18 has learnt. The outreach is working at some levels, as the locals claim. Adhikaris plans involved more thrust on the Hindu-dominated assembly segments and raising the share of Muslim voters who supported him in Nandigram.

Muslims are not expected to vote for the BJP after so many atrocities meted out to the community. Didi has always looked after us, sheltered us if needed. But, money and muscle are playing an important role here. Suvendu babu and his henchmen are out to woo our brothers as well. We see how his men are hosting the Iftar party, distributing cash and goodies among them to get their votes, said Aspar Hussain, a Trinamool worker in Ratanpur village in Nandigram.

The women voters, however, are still abuzz about Didis Lakshmi Bhandar scheme in which they get a monthly allowance of Rs 500. We will vote for the party that will take care of us. Lakshmi Bhandar has been a great support to us and our families. We keep hearing about atrocities on women here and there, but we need to think about our families too, said Namita Manna, a resident of Tamluk. Significantly, the cash schemes for women voters  Lakshmi Bhandar, Kanyashree and Rupashree  have worked wonders for the chief minister.

Even though the Muslim factor and the womens votes play an important role across districts in Bengal, the local leaders of all parties claim that the political might of parties on the day of polling rules it.

Ram Kayal, a local BJP leader in Nandakumar, said: There are factors and Muslims and Mahila are the most important ones. But here, the party who shows might and manages a booth on the days poll, wins the race. Adhikari is an expert in that. He is loved by the voters too. We just need to ensure that the villagers can reach the booths and cast their votes. We need to build resistance to Trinamools mercenaries.

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Is INDIA bloc planning to auction the prime ministerial post? Politics surrounding the theory picked pace on Thursday after PM Narendra Modi claimed that the opposition alliance is contemplating one year, one PM formula to resolve their leadership issue.

Modi, addressing an election rally at Harda under the Betul Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, added that the world will ridicule such an arrangement in the largest democracy.

Reacting to his statement, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Thursday said, INDI alliance has no mission for the country. They have come up with their own corruption, dynastic profession, ambition and confusion. There is such a fight between confusion and ambition that we saw what happened in Ranchi. They want to auction PM Modis post.

He added that it was time that the alliance announced their candidate for the prime ministerial post.

A day ago in Harda, PM Modi asked if voters were ready for five prime ministers in five years formula and called it a dangerous game by the opposition alliance in which the Congress is the biggest constituent.

Am told there are discussions on a One Year, One PM formula in the highest echelons of the INDI Alliance! pic.twitter.com/ITtY3soZpI Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 24, 2024

The BJPs star campaigner doubled down on the Congresss alleged plan to redistribute wealth by what he called snatching properties of people and added that an advisor to the partys shehzada (a reference to Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi) has now suggested imposing an inheritance tax.

The PM was referring to remarks by Sam Pitroda, president of the Indian Overseas Congress who has talked about the inheritance tax law in the United States while answering a query on the redistribution of wealth issue.

The BJP stalwart said the Congress hates SCs/STs/OBCs to such an extent that it wants to give reservation provided to them in jobs and education to its most loved community.

He said while there is a clarity in the BJP over the leadership issue, the same is missing in the INDIA grouping.

People should know to whom INDI alliance leaders want to hand over the reins of the country. It is clear in the BJP that it is Modi, but what about them? he asked the gathering.

There have been media reports that a discussion is going on among INDI alliance people over one year, one PM formula. That means one PM in one year, second PM in the second year, third PM in the third year, fourth PM in the fourth year, fifth PM in the fifth year They are busy auctioning the PMs chair, he said, lashing out at the opposition bloc.

Modi advised people to be alert about these leaders, who he maintained, are daydreaming like Mungerilal Ke Sapne.

He noted the Congress can go to any extent to please its vote-bank, and spoke about wealth redistribution and inheritance tax issues to lash out at the main opposition party.

If anyone has more than one car, motorcycle or house, it will be confiscated if a Congress-led government assumes office, Modi opined.

Asking people to vote for the BJP, Modi said their one vote has ensured that Indian economy jumped from the 11th spot to the 5th place in ten years and a grand Ram temple was built in Ayodhya after a wait of 500 years.

The PM maintained the Congress manifesto talks about religion-based reservation in jobs and education.

The Congress Chief Minister of Telangana has just said that he will ensure reservation for Muslims, he said.

The PM emphasised that when a Congress-led government was formed at the Centre, they first introduced religion-based quota in Andhra Pradesh.

Then the Congress was not completely successful in its plan. But the Congress still wants to play that game, he stated.

Modi said to dilute reservation for OBCs in Karnataka, the ruling Congress in the southern state has included Muslims under that category.

This action of the Congress is an alarm bell for the OBC communities of the entire country, he cautioned.

Modi pointed out that the Constitution makers had clearly decided that reservation cannot be given on the basis of religion.

This was the basic spirit of our Constitution, but the actions of the Congress are against the basic spirit of the Constitution, he said while accusing the grand old party of constantly trying to erase B R Ambedkars statute book and snatch reservation from SCs/STs/OBCs.

The Congress wants to snatch reservation from SCs/STs/OBCs and give it to its special vote-bank, he said.

After independence, the biggest opposition to the Congress came from Ambedkar, the chief Constitution maker who was farsighted, the PM stated.

Baba Saheb had seen at that time how the Congress was taking the country on the path of decline, he said.

The BJP stalwart accused the Congress of doing vote-bank politics in the name of secularism and killing the idea of social justice.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP candidate from Vidisha, was also present on the occasion.

The saffron party has fielded Durgadas Uikey from Betul which along with Vidisha and seven other Lok Sabha seats will vote in the third phase on May 7.

(With inputs from PTI)

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The Congress has inherited a problem. And its the problem of gaffes from Indian Overseas Congress head Sam Pitroda, who stoked a controversy early Wednesday morning when he said that the United States (US) has a concept of inheritance tax, which means 55% of the wealth is handed over to the government and not the children.

ALSO READ | As Wealth Redistribution Row Rages, Rahul Gandhi Backtracks on Survey Remark: Have Not Said

The morning began badly for the Congress. It was quick to distance itself from Pitrodas comment and say that his was not the official view. Sources say the Congress called Pitroda to ask him to backtrack. He did, but shifted the blame onto the media.

Why the damage despite the clarifications?

THE TIMING & START-UPS

For a number of reasons. One, the timing. This comment comes 72 hours after PM Narendra Modi attacked the Congress for suggesting that there should be reassessment of wealth management and distribution. As per the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it would be to the minorities and also means that people will be denied their money and hard-earned wealth.

The pitch of the Modi government has been entrepreneurship and that everyone must be encouraged to earn well and take care of future generations. It has encouraged start-ups and they could be demoralised if Pitrodas idea gains traction.

In fact, many in the Congress, like Udit Raj, have supported Pitroda.

Congress has decided to destroy India. Now, Sam Pitroda advocates 50% inheritance tax for wealth redistribution. This means 50% of whatever we build, with all our hard work and enterprise, will be taken away. 50%, besides all the tax we pay, which too will go up, if the Congress https://t.co/4ojS3ZtSRL Amit Malviya (  ) (@amitmalviya) April 24, 2024

THE MIDDLE CLASS

The bigger worry is the middle class. Around 31% of India comes under the category. This number is expected to go up to 41% by 2031. It is clear and understandable why this class is most important for parties like the BJP and Congress. They are influential, they are growing and their vote matters. Hence, the BJP and its ministers like FM Nirmala Sitharaman raised this apprehension that the Congress wants to tax more, even after death. And that the middle class could be hit.

The Congress is clearly worried. It wouldnt want an impression that it wants to tax more.

The Congress has no plan whatsoever to introduce an inheritance tax. In fact, Rajiv Gandhi abolished Estate Duty in 1985.Please listen to BJP MP Jayant Sinha, once MoS Finance in the Modi Sarkar, and later Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance. He has spent 15 long pic.twitter.com/ef227Cr7AK  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 24, 2024

HISTORY

History is not favourable. While the Congresss Jairam Ramesh hit back to say that the party plans no inheritance tax and that instead the BJP wanted to bring it, the fact is that in 2011, P Chidambaram, as the FM, had mulled luxury and inheritance tax. Ironically, the estate tax, as it was called, was brought to India in 1953, but was abolished by FM VP Singh in 1985, when Rajiv Gandhi was the PM.

ALSO READ | Zindagi Ke Saath, Zindagi Ke Baad: PM Modi Hits Out At Congress Loot As Pitroda Remarks Give BJP Fresh Ammo

Rahul Gandhi has been criticised by his detractors for being smitten by the Left, NGO culture and communism. This proposal and apprehension stoked by the BJP has made things worse for him and the Congress, which wants to woo the middle class. It has made many in the party, too, see red, even as they, in any case, are uncomfortable with repeated attacks on corporates by Rahul Gandhi and his team.
Political parties have intensified the poll campaigns with a day remaining in the polling for phase 2 of the Lok Sabha election 2024. Wednesday marks the final day of poll campaigning before 89 Parliamentary constituencies across 13 states head to the polls on April 26.

States Going To Polls On April 26

Voting under the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26 will take place in Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah will arrive in Kerala on Wednesday to participate in the BJP-led NDAs Lok Sabha election campaign.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Latest Updates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday intensified the attack on the Congress party saying their manifesto has the stamp of the Muslim League on it.

While addressing the Vijay Sankalp Shankhnaad Maharally in Surguja, Chhattisgarh, PM Modi said, When the Congress manifesto came out, I had said on the same day that the Congress manifesto had the stamp of the Muslim League on it. When the Constitution was being made, it was decided under the leadership of Baba Saheb Ambedkar that there would be no reservation on the basis of religion in India. But for vote bank Congress did not care about the words of these great men, did not care about the sanctity of the Constitution nor did it care about the words of Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

Years ago, Congress had tried to give reservation on the basis of religion in Andhra Pradesh. Then Congress planned to implement it all over the countryCongress said that reservation should be given to some people based on religion by stealing some part of the SC/ST and OBC quota, he added.

Reacting to the chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitrodas remark, the prime minister launched a scathing attack on the grand old party saying the Congress will impose Inheritance Tax and snatch your ancestral property from you.

The royal familys princes advisor and the royal familys princes fathers advisor had said that more taxes should be imposed on the middle class. Now these people have gone one step further than this, Congress says that it will impose an Inheritance Tax, and it will also impose tax on the Inheritance received from parents. The property you have accumulated through your hard work will not be given to your children. The claws of Congress will snatch that too from you, PM Modi said.

As long as you are alive, Congress will impose higher taxes and when you are no longer alive, it will burden you with Inheritance Tax. Those people who considered the entire Congress party as their ancestral property and handed it over to their children, now do not want Indians to pass on their property to their children, he added.

BJP has given the South Mumbai ticket to its alliance partner, the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena.

Milind Deora will be the NDA candidate from South Mumbai.

Surat Congress leader Nilesh Kumbhani, whose nomination as Lok Sabha candidate was rejected over alleged discrepancies, is missing and cant be reached over the phone, an NDTV report said quoting local media on Wednesday.

The latest development comes a day after BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal cinched unopposed victory from Surat after all rival candidates withdrew from the contest.

Amid speculations that Kumbhani may join the BJP, Congress workers protested outside his locked house with posters that read, janata ka gaddar (peoples traitor).

Repolling at eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh is underway.

Due to incidents of violence at eight polling centres during the phase 1 voting of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, repolling was scheduled for Wednesday.

The polling process began at 6:00 and will conclude at 2:00 pm.

Quoting party sources, a PTI report said Home Minister Amit Shah will address a poll rally at Punnapra Carmel Ground in Keralas Alappuzha for NDA candidate Sobha Surendran.

Joining in on Prime Minister Narendra Modis wealth redistribution jibe at Congress, Union Minister Smriti Irani mocked Rahul Gandhi and his brother-in-law Robert Vadra saying every person now needs to hide their property papers.

There is one thing to worry about, whether Rahul Gandhi knows something or not, his brother-in-law knows Jagdishpur. People of Jagdishpur need to beware now. If his brother-in-law knows Jagdishpur, every village, every house, every person now needs to hide their property papers, Irani said in Uttar Pradeshs Amethi.

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Jailed pro-Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh will contest the Lok Sabha poll from Punjabs Khadoor Sahib seat, his legal counsel said on Wednesday.

Amritpal Singhs legal counsel Rajdev Singh Khalsa confirmed to News18 that Singh will contest as an Independent candidate from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat.

The Waris Punjab De Head Amritpal Singh is currently lodged at Assams Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act.

After weeks of dramatic manhunt, the Punjab Police arrested 29-year-old Singh from a gurdwara in Rode on April 2023 under the stringent National Security Act. In February last year, Singhs followers stormed the Ajnala police station to secure the release of an arrested associate.
Perhaps Mangaluru is the only city in the world, which has so many names in so many languages. It is Mangaluru in Kannada, Mangalore in English, Kudla in Tulu, Kodiyala in Konkani, Maikhal in Beary, Mangalapuram in Malayalam, Manjarur in Arabic, and Manjarun in Persian. And a three-year-old child speaks in three languages  Kannada, Tulu, and Konkani, and sometimes Beary.

It is an ancient city. The Greek astronomer and explorer of the 2nd Century, Ptolemy, makes a mention of Mangalore in his book Geography.

In his 1990 book, In An Antique Land, renowned writer Amitav Ghosh writes about Mangalores Jewish trader Abraham Ben Yiju who lived there 900 years ago. Mangalore was already a thriving port city linking Deccan with the Arab world and Europe.

According to the research journal Academia, in the winter of 1978, Ghosh was studying for a degree in social anthropology at Oxford when he came across a book of translations titled Letters of Medieval Jewish Traders by Professor SD Goitein. The letters came from a storage chamber known as the Geniza, attached to an ancient synagogue in Cairo. One of them, catalogue number MS H.6, was written in 1146 AD by a merchant named Khalaf Ibn Ishaq to a trader named Abraham Ben Yiju. At that time Ben Yiyu was living in Mangalore, on the south-western coast of India. The letter mentions a certain slave and sends him plentiful greetings.

Mangalore is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With the emergence of great cities like Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, and Bengaluru in the last 500 years, Mangalore has lost its prime place but continues to attract people.

It has been a multicultural city for over a thousand years, where at least half a dozen different languages are spoken, and four religions  Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, and Islam  live side by side.

Once a bastion of the Congress party where the communists gave a tough fight to Gandhi caps, it has become a saffron fortress in the last 25-30 years, earning the dubious name the laboratory of Hindutva.

Since 1991, Mangaluru or Dakshina Kannada (Mangaluru is the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district) has continuously elected a BJP member to Parliament. The last Congress MP from here, B Janardhana Poojary. who once held important positions in New Delhi, is still around, though rueing.

Many argue that Mangaluru was a peaceful place known for its communal harmony till the early 1990s. It is true that after the arrival of the British in the late 18th century, it became a hub of modern trade and commerce with no time for any communal incidents. But the communal tensions are certainly not new.

The first recorded communal clash took place in Mangalore almost 800 years ago. Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller, who had visited the place in the early 14th century, writes that Mangalore was a communally sensitive place, where Hindus and Muslims often clashed with each other.

He observes that most of the clashes were related to trade and business. And Mangalore had about 4,000 Muslims living there.

Ibn Battuta praises the local Hindu king for being impartial who always punished the guilty. King is fair. He severely punishes the culprits, irrespective of their religion, Battuta writes. He calls the local King Rama Dev, a Sultan in his language Arabic.

Three days after leaving Fakanur we reached Manjarur (Mangalore), a large town in the inlet called Ad-Dumb which is a larger inlet in the land of Mulaybar (Malabar). This is the town at which most of the merchants from Fars and Yemen disembark, and pepper and ginger are exceedingly abundant there. The Sultan of Manjarur is one of the principal rulers in that land and his name is Rama Daw. There is a colony of about 4,000 Muslims there, living in a suburb alongside the town. Conflicts frequently break out between them and the townspeople, but the Sultan makes peace between them on account of his need for merchants (almost all Muslims). We refused to land until the Sultan sent his son, as the previous Sultan had done. When he had done so, we went ashore and were treated with consideration, he wrote in his travelogue.

Nestled between two majestic rivers Nethravathi and Gurupura, Mangaluru city has been home to Hindus, Jains, Christians, and Muslims. It has a large number of Roman Catholics and Beary Muslims (the traders) as well as majority Hindus  Bunts, Brahmins, Gowdas, and Billavas (who are from the backward castes). There are also a small number of Jains, who are economically wealthy and are mostly into agriculture.

The Congress has lost eight consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Mangaluru since its first loss in 1991. Its feeble attempts to recapture the seat have been easily thwarted by the BJP time and again, which is controlled by the powerful local RSS leaders.

Till the emergence of the BJP in the early 1990s, Mangaluru Congress was essentially an upper class (Bunts, Jains, Brahmins) party. A large section of the lower class had backed the communists and others.

The land reforms of the 1970s changed all that overnight. The upper class lost most of their land to their lower-class tenants. They turned against the Congress and backed the opposition. The lower-class Billava, Mogaveera, and a few other microscopic castes became the backbone of the Congress.

The Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the rise of the BJP appropriated the numerically big Billava and Mogaveera castes, ending Congresss monopoly in coastal politics.

The communal tensions that flare up at regular intervals have also strengthened the BJP, dividing the district on religious lines.

This time the BJP has denied a ticket to its three-term MP and former state president Nalin Kumar Kateel and has fielded a young face, Captain Brijesh Chowta. Chowta is also a Bunt like Kateel. Chowta has served in the Army as a short service commission officer and is new to electoral politics.

He is banking on the strength of the BJP, Hindutva, and Brand Modi to register his first win. The Congress has fielded Billava Padmaraj, who is a lawyer by profession. It is hoping that the major caste Billavas return to the party. But, the ground reports suggest a clear lead for the BJP.

The SDPI, which polled about 47,000 votes in 2019 has not fielded a candidate this time. The Congress which is wary of SDPIs communal nature has rejected its offer of support, some local leaders claim.

Since the voting is largely on Hindutva versus Congress, the election campaign has been quiet across the constituency. Local issues galore, but not influencing the voters.

The BJP is confident of yet another easy win, where the candidate is immaterial. The ruling Congress is hoping for a miracle, which many of its own local leaders are not sure of.

Stay Ahead With all the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Related Real-Time Updates At News18 Website.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to raise the pitch of the 2024 Lok Sabha poll battle, with Prime Minister Narendra Modis 32 rallies and road shows across 10 states in the next 10 days.

As the first phase saw lower-than-average voting percentage, which has been a concern for the ruling BJP, Modis programmes are expected to help boost voter turnouts in the remaining phases.

ALSO READ | Three Factors Explain Narendra Modis Popularity Among Educated Voters, Says Article in The Economist

PM Modi will address four rallies on April 25, starting from Murena Lok Sabha, a bastion of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh which will go to polls in the third phase on May 7, and will cover Uttar Pradeshs six Lok Sabha seats  Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Badaun, Aonla (third phase), Shahjahanpur and Dharuara  that will poll in the fourth phase (May 13), the same day.

On the day of the second phase of polling (April 26), Modi will hold a roadshow in Bareli from Shaheed Pankaj Arora to Swayamvar Banquet Hall, Central Bareilly, and will address a rally in Dakshin Malda in West Bengal, a seat where the BJP is campaigning aggressively for its candidate, Sreerupa Mitra, known as Nirbhoy Didi, and hold two more rallies in Araria, Munger, in Bihar.

           10         -   !https://t.co/CEnv1ScyoT Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 24, 2024

On April 27, Modi will travel to Kolhapur in Maharashtra and South Goa to address public meetings.

PM Modi will be on a two-day visit to Karnataka from April 28, focusing on the northern part of the state. This region is a bastion of the BJP. The PM will address five rallies across 14 Lok Sabha seats in the region in two days. He will hold rallies in Davanagere, Karwar, Belagavi and will also address public gatherings in Raichur, Koppal and Kalaburagi constituencies, where the Congress has pitched fresh faces.

On April 29-30, PM Modi will concentrate on western Maharashtra. He will hold public rallies in Satara, Solapur and Pune on April 29. Punes rally will include the Mahayuti candidates from four constituencies  Pune, Baramati, Maval and Shirur  as PM Modi has taken up the responsibility of campaigning for the alliance in the state. He is likely to stay overnight in Pune. On April 30, he will visit Aurangabad, Latur and Telangana to address public meetings.

On May 1-2, Modi will be on a two-day visit to his home state Gujarat, where he will address six public rallies, including in Banaskantha, Anand, Junagardh, etc.

Meanwhile, the BJP cadre will convey the message of PM Modi to cast votes by visiting every household and calling up at least 50 voters daily and exhorting them to vote.
Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik kicked off his partys campaign on Wednesday for a record sixth term from home turf Hinjili assembly seat, which falls in the Aska Lok Sabha constituency in Ganjam district, promising a youth budget, making the state number 1 by its centenary in 2036, and casting the opposition as anti-development.

As the BJD campaign jingle, 5T, 5T, 5T, Naveen Guarantee, Nabin Odisha, mo pragati bhasha prepped up the gathering, Patnaik spoke briefly about farmers, women, and his next top priority, the youth. Today, the farmers in Odisha are getting loans at zero per cent rate of interest. Mothers in Mission Shakti are getting loans at zero per cent. Odisha is the first state to have a separate budget for farmers. For involving the youth in the states development, we will bring a youth budget. 2024-2034 will be the decade of Odisha. 2036 will mark 100 years of Odisha as a state. In 2036, Odisha will become the number one, promised the veteran politician and longest-serving chief minister of India.

With 5T secretary and close aide VK Pandian on the stage, Odishas gentleman politician targeted the opposition without naming anyone specifically. Development is our identity. However, it is unfortunate that the opposition is indulging in politics over every issue, opposing development and spreading misinformation. Their anti-development attitude, whether it is the Shri Jagannath Prakalpa project, Ekamra project, or the Samalei project, is well recognised by the people of Odisha. The people of Odisha recognise the true face of the opposition, said Patnaik. It is interesting to note that the three constituencies he targeted are Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Sambalpur, which are set to witness a tight contest this time. In 2019, the BJD had lost the Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituencies and could retain Puri by a thin margin.

In a repeat of the strategy in 2019, the five-time Odisha chief minister is contesting from two constituencies this time. Apart from Hinjili, Patnaik will contest from Kantabanji in the western region of Odisha. The BJD leader has been winning from Hinjili successively since 2000. In 2019, Patnaik, contesting from Hinjili for the fifth time, won by a margin of over 60,000 votes, or 42.9%, which was a slight drop from his winning margin in 2014 of over 76,500 votes and 62.8%. In 2019, contesting for the first time from the Bijepur assembly constituency in Bargarh district in the western part of Odisha, Patnaik won by a handsome margin of over 50,000 votes or 31.2%.

Addressing the voters of his constituency once more, Patnaik said, I am happy to kickstart the 2024 campaign from Hinjili-Shergargh. The Biju Janata Dals victory march has started from Hinjili-Shergarh. Thanking the people for their continued support since 1998, Patnaik said he would continue to work for their welfare till the very end. You have always been with me. You have always supported our programmes. You have given me the opportunity to serve Odisha. I am indebted to you for your support, love, and regard. I have always said that the 4.5 crore brothers and sisters of Odisha are my family. I have always worked relentlessly for the welfare of the 4.5 crore family of my Odisha and will continue to do that till the end of my time, the soft-spoken politician vowed.

Amid applause and slogans of Naveen Patnaik Zindabad, the CM then addressed the voters of his constituency. It is because of your cooperation that Odisha has been moving ahead on the path of transformation. Hinjili-Shergargh is a model of development for the entire country. I had started the 5T transformation of schools and hospitals from Hinjili-Shergarh. Temple development work had started from the peetha of Ma Tara Tarini. Your cooperation ensured the success of these projects and showed the way for the state. I am proud of your support, he said.

Odisha goes for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls in four phases beginning May 13. Campaigning for both the elections, the chief minister, who remains popular even after five terms, pitched Jodi sankha (twin conch), as the symbol for development and Odisha. The conch is the BJDs election symbol. Jodi sankha is the symbol of Odisha. Jodi sankha is the symbol of development, he said. With your support, the BJD will score a thumping victory in the Vidhan Sabha and do well in the Lok Sabha also. Our victory procession will continue.

Ranjita Sahu, the BJDs Lok Sabha candidate from the Aska seat, appealed for the support of the people. I represent women and youth. You must have seen the chief ministers commitment towards womens empowerment. Many women have become financially independent through Mission Shakti and manage homes as well, she said.

In 2019, BJD candidate Pramilla Bisoyi, a Self Help Group (SHG) worker in the states flagship programme Mission Shakti, won the Aska Lok Sabha seat by a margin of over 2 lakh votes, defeating BJPs Anita Subhadarshini.

Ranjita Sahu is a young activist who works for migrants. Ganjam is home to lakhs of migrant workers who leave their homes to work in diamond factories in Surat and elsewhere in Gujarat. This will be Sahus electoral debut and she will take on Subhadarshini who has been retained by the BJP. Naveen Patnaiks first election was from the Aska Lok Sabha constituency, which fell vacant after the death of his father Biju Patnaik in 1997. Aska is one of the most prestigious constituencies in Odisha.

After the chief minister completed his speech, Pandian, who was by his side, also addressed the gathering very briefly, urging people to vote for the CM and the BJDs Lok Sabha candidate Ranjita Sahu by record margins.

In 2019, the BJD won 112 of the 147 Odisha assembly seats and over 45% of the vote share. The BJP won 23 with 38% of the vote share and the Congress was pushed to the third position with just 9 seats and a little over 16% of the votes. In the Lok Sabha polls, the BJD won 12 seats, the BJP won 8, and the Congress could win just 1. The Odisha elections are expected to be more fiercely fought this time.

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The Jaunpur Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh has become a battleground between three titans. One is former home minister of Maharahstra Kripashankar Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), then is the wife of gangster turned politician Dhananjay Singh who hails from Telangana and is contesting on a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) seat and lastly, veteran leader Babu Singh Kushwaha from Samajwadi Party, who is ready to give a tough fight to both his opponents this election season.

Kripashankar Singh is three-time MLA from Mumbai, Maharashtra, one-time MLC and the former home minister of Maharashtra who, back in the day, was a prominent face of the Maharashtra Congress. He seems elated to contest from his Janambhoomi Jaunpur on a BJP ticket this time. In 2019, after expressing his disapproval over Congresss position on Article 370, Kripashankar had parted ways with the INC & in July 2021, he joined the BJP in Maharashtra.

During his ongoing election campaign, he spoke to News18 in detail and explained what really went downhill with the Congress. He said, There are two reasons why I left Congress. One was the issue of Ram Temple construction that the party deliberately delayed and second was the issue of the Congresss position on Article 370.

Upon being asked why senior Congress leaders were leaving the party and joining BJP, he said, Rahul Gandhi apna gireban mein jhaanke pehle (He should first introspect) why his friends like Jitin Prasada, Jyotiraditya Scindia, RPN Singh left the INC. He mentioned an anecdote of a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Late Vilas Rao Deshmukh where Gandhi deliberately made Vilas Rao wait for 30 mins. Rahul Gandhi always behaves like a king, he added.

Kripashankar also recalled how he was warned by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge not to speak against party. He further added that leaders like Rajiv Shukla and Digvijaya Singh tried stopping him from leaving but he left the party any way. During this time, he recalled to have never been contacted by any member of the Gamdhi family to understand his decision of leaving the party after serving it faithfully for so many years.

Kripashankar said, In the middle of this turmoil, KC Venugopal wrote a letter to me saying I am an opportunist. He then retorted by saying, If I had truly been an opportunism wouldnt I have joined the BJP immediately, whereas I waited for twenty months to join BJP when Devendra Fadnavis wanted me to contest Vidhan Sabha elections from Maharashtra.

A seasoned politician who knows how to keep the higher ups in the party happy, Kripashakar was always close to the Gandhi family during his time in the Congress and now he is in the inner circles of senior leadership of BJP. His eyes gleamed with pride while saying, Grihmantri Maharashtra mein tha ab main grih aagaya hoon (I was home minister in Maharashtra, now I have returned home), I am really happy. He says that he is foreseeing a landslide victory in Jaunpur due to significant development under the reign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He described how Jaunpur now has a connectivity of six lane highways and guaranteed electricity supply for 16-18 hours a day.

On being asked if the BJP was using ED as a political tool, Kripashankar said, Today they are questioning EDs credibility but I want to ask them what they did to me by slapping cases of disproportionate assets against me. Was that lesser than a political conspiracy intended to end my career?

On being asked if he has orchestrated or participated in any political conspiracy against Dhananjay Singh, he said, I dont have anything to do with his case and I am contesting from Jaunpur as per my partys command.

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Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah has said that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi spoke about wealth re-distribution to win the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Wayanad seat and expressed confidence that the NDA will cross 400 seats on June 4.

In an interview with News18 during his roadshow in Bengaluru South on Tuesday, Shah also countered Congress leader P Chidambaram who has promised the repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act if the party comes to power. Shah told News18 that neither will the Congress come to power nor will they be able to take the CAA back. Shah also slammed the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka over the murder of a girl, Neha Hiremath, in a college in the state. Shah raised questions over the law and order situation in Karnataka and said that the BJP was right in raising the issue.

Shahs comments linking the wealth re-distribution promise of Rahul Gandhi to the latters election from Wayanad is bound to further escalate the controversy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attacking the Congress over the issue over the past three days.

Here are edited excerpts from Amit Shahs interview:

Q. The Congress says what they said about wealth re-distribution (in their manifesto) is not what the BJP says in its narrative. It is incorrect.

Amit Shah: The Congress, for many years, has been doing appeasement to try and win elections. They have been speaking about wealth distribution. To win Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi had clearly made this statement. Now that the (Wayanad) election is coming to an end, they are again saying this.

Q. In the Neha Hiremath murder case, the Congress says the BJP is making it an election issue?

Amit Shah: Did that murder take place or not? Whose government is it here (in Karnataka)? Should they give us an answer or not? It is our job as opposition to question. It is a law and order issue.

Q. P Chidambaram has said when they come to power they will take back CAA.

Amit Shah: There is no question of doing that. Neither will they (Congress) come to power nor will they be able to take it back. The Congress wants to snatch peoples rights and we will not let that happen.

Q. How will the NDA cross 400 seats. The voter turnout in the first phase was low.

Amit Shah: People used to ask me how will you cross 300? We did it. After the counting day, you will see we will cross 400 seats.

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Chamala Kiran Reddy, the Congress candidate from Bhuvanagiri (Bhongir) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is spending several hours meeting the people of his constituency. This is the first Lok Sabha election for Reddy who is the vice-president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee. In a chat with News18, the NSUI leader speaks about his plans for his constituency and clarifies the wealth redistribution remark by Rahul Gandhi.

Edited Excerpts:

What are the main issues in your constituency?

The main issue right now is irrigation. We have 5-6 projects like Shivannagudam Sagar project, Rudramma Cheruvu project etc. which were initiated during the previous Congress tenure. However, they remain partially finished. The previous chief minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao, concentrated mainly on Kaleshwaram project while ignoring projects in south Telangana. Our CM, Revanth Reddy, came to Bhuvanagari recently and promised funds to complete these. We will also encourage industries to come up in areas connected through Regional Ring Road. Most of the companies are concentrated in the western part of Hyderabad, and there are hardly any in the south and south-east areas. Development of these areas will help unemployed youth from my constituency get jobs. We have no multi-specialty hospitals in Bhongir. AIIMS Bibinagar is still on paper. We will make sure that it becomes functional soon.

Also, government school infrastructure and recruitment of teachers has been ignored. Private schools remain the only resort for parents coming from different sections of society. We will be working to make Zilla Parishad schools the best educational institutions in the state.

Since the BRS did not have a cordial relation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they were unable to get funds for various projects. Being a young, vocal man, I will fight for the people of Telangana in Parliament.

Your constituency has been represented by minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy in the past years. How are people on the ground reacting to a new face?

Our constituency has 18 lakh voters. The party cadre know me, but not the public. I am a new face from a middle-class background. I definitely have to overcome hurdles in this area as unless you are elected once, you are not known widely to the public. I have no political or wealthy background. I am a youth leader from NSUI. I am one of the leaders Congress has decided to groom for the future. I have already held nine meetings in my constituency to convey my ideas to them. In the coming days, I will hold 45 meetings in every mandal. The Komatireddy brothers (Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Komatireddy Raj Gopal Reddy) are supporting me. The public is admiring our unity.

The opposition parties are pointing out that the Congress government did not keep its promise of fulfilling all six guarantees within 100 days of coming to power.

In our constituency, Revanth Reddy recently promised people that the Rs 2 lakh loan waiver for farmers will be done before August 15. BRS did not fulfil its promises even in 10 years. Yes, we did give a commitment of 100 days, but after coming to power, we realised the precarious financial situation in the state. We realised many GOs were issued without the knowledge of the public and that the previous government had spent crores on these, resulting in a debt of Rs 9 lakh crore. We released a white paper on the debt burden in the state to not renege on our promises, but to show that we will overcome the challenges and fulfil our promises. The people, otherwise, will teach us a lesson if we dont deliver.

Recently, candidates from the BJP and AIMIM have been accused of vitiating the poll atmosphere with communal comments

The only aim of Congress is that our future generations have proper infrastructure, education and healthcare. I appeal to the people not to bring religion or caste into this. India is a secular democracy. The BJP is creating social media buzz instead of focusing on issues on the ground. In the BJPs agenda, 70 per cent is polarisation, and 30 per cent is development. Same goes for MIM. Old City was not developed for so many years because only one family is ruling there. Hindus, Muslims, Christians and all communities should vote only for development.

PM Modi has said if Congress comes to power, only a select few communities will get benefits. Is that true?

Which community has PM Modi empowered? If PM Modi takes ownership of any community, then people from that section have to think about how much empowerment they got. The prime minister is trying to give a signal to some communities that they will lose what they have, which is wrong. The truth is that PM Modi wants to retire now. In his last general election, he wants to garner as many votes as possible with their slogan Ab ki Baar, 400 Paar in order to rewrite the Constitution. I request the people to be careful and safeguard our Constitution. India is a pluralistic society. We cannot think about removing secularism.

The comment on wealth redistribution was made by Rahul Gandhi in Tukkuguda here. What did he mean by that statement?

Rahul Gandhi talked about empowering everyone, to give equal opportunity to all castes and religions. He did not talk about putting restrictions on anyones living standards. He wants to spread brotherhood in all communities. He did not mean that a few will be robbed and their assets will be redistributed. The line is being taken out of context. If you listen to the whole speech, you will understand what he said. People are taking just one line out of context and conveying the wrong meaning.

Wealth redistribution does not mean that anyones wealth will be robbed. He meant that, in the coming years, whenever a budget is presented, all communities will receive allocations in an equitable manner.

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Amid the suspense over who will contest the Amethi Lok Sabha seat which was once regarded as a Gandhi family bastion posters supporting Robert Vadras candidature have surfaced in the constituency. Hoardings supporting the Gandhi familys son-in-laws candidature were seen at many places, including the Amethi Congress office, with the slogan Amethi Ki Janata Kare Pukar, Robert Vadra Abki Baar.

Roughly translated, banners said that the people of Amethi want Robert Vadra this time.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Posters of Robert Vadra seen outside Congress office in Gauriganj, Amethi pic.twitter.com/UN7SB5pffG ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 24, 2024

Posters surfaced at a time when Congress is yet to declare its candidate for the Amethi seat, with doubts looming over Rahul Gandhis return from his former parliamentary constituency.

Adding to the suspense, the Congress office in Amethi is also being renovated and painted, indicating that Rahul will soon be here to campaign.

The hoardings surfaced after Vadra recently expressed his desire to enter electoral politics saying the people of Amethi want him to step in and take charge of Amethi because he started his political work from the place in 1999.

The businessman and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadras husband said that caveat that workers want him to fight from Amethi. They want me to represent them, go to their area and listen to their problems so that they can progress. I am also interested in joining politics, he said.

Confusion In Amethi Congress Camp

Congress is yet to declare its candidate for the Amethi seat and there is still doubt over Rahul Gandhis candidature from the parliamentary constituency.

Soon after the hoardings surfaced, the district administration started removing them. The local unit of the Congress, meanwhile, blamed its opponents for putting then to create confusion.

It is just an attempt to create confusion and spread the wrong message among the public, Congress Amethi unit spokesperson Anil Singh said.

Congress MLA Deepak Singh said, Amethi is home for the Gandhis and the Congress. We are preparing for polls and the name of the candidate will be known soon.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Amethi, Anup Kumar Singh said the matter would be investigated and action taken as per the law.

Putting up such posters at government places violates the code of conduct, he added.

High Stake Amethi Polls

Amethi, incidentally, has been known for its poster wars since 2014 when Union Minister Smriti Irani began contesting the seat.

Irani defeated Rahul Gandhi from the Amethi seat in 2019.

While there is still confusion in the Congress camp over who will represent the contest from Amethi, the BJP has declared Irani as its candidate for the seat for the third time.

The filing of the nomination papers for the election to the Amethi Lok Sabha seat starts on April 26 and will continue till May 3. Voting will take place on May 20.

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Bengaluru South, known as a BJP bastion, is witnessing a spirited campaign by Congress leader Sowmya Reddy this Lok Sabha election. Although Congress has managed to win this seat only once, the grand old party of Indian politics has pockets of dominance in this seat as well. After lot of considerations, the Congress decided to field Sowmya Reddy for General Election 2024 from this seat.

The former Jayanagar MLA lost the assembly elections by 16 votes and has challenged the decision in court. She is putting up a strong fight aided by her father Minister Ramalinga Reddy. She is banking on five guarantees of the Congress Government and argues that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tejasvi Surya has been active only on X (previously Twitter) and not accessible for people of the constituency.

People who voted for the MP and the local BJP MLAs are quite fed up because at the end of the day, people expect the elected representatives to be accessible and be able to speak up. Your responsibility first of all is for your voters, but we have only been seeing him on Twitter and just doing some publicity. People from the state are quite upset, amount of money we are contributing, you know GST and everything, if its Rs 100, we are just getting a pack of Rs 13 whereas a person from Uttar Pradesh is getting about Rs 333, a person in Bihar is getting about Rs 900 and this is obviously unfair. For the first time in history, states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu protested in Delhi, in fact its pretty sad that a state has to go to court to get the money that we are actually generating, that we deserve, she argued.

Guarantees Gamble

The election narrative in Karnataka has been around Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs five guarantees implemented versus PM Narendra Modis guarantee. But Sowmya Reddy argues that the BJP has never implemented its promises.

What is Modis guarantee? They gave a guarantee of 2 crore jobs every year, what happened to that, they gave a guarantee for farmers, what happened to that, they said Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, what happened to that? They said women security, what happened to that, asked Sowmya.

She said it should be contrasted with Congress governments five guarantees which were promised before assembly elections and have been implemented. In the past 11 months, people have been extremely happy, people across the state who have been garment workers who have a salary of just Rs 3000, Rs 4000, have been able to save Rs 1500 for bus pass, women are able to go to college and schools and women have been able to go to temples, in fact the temples are flooding with money and also at the end of the day, women should also be financially independent, so this Rs 2000 has made a huge impact in all of these womens lives, she said.

The former Congress MLA concluded by promising the people of Bengaluru South, I am going to promise that I am going to be an accessible, efficient member of Parliament and be a true representative for not just the constituents of Bengaluru South but also for the entire state, be it the funds that we need to rightly get by the Centre, be it all the different projects that need to happen on the ground over here , I will ensure, I will speak up and I will not keep quiet until all the work is done.

Voting for the Bengaluru South Lok Sabha seat will take place on April 26 while the counting of votes will take place on June 4.

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The triangular contest in Thrissur is perhaps the most keenly watched electoral fight in Kerala in the Lok Sabha elections. On the ballot is a former superstar, the son of a former chief minister and a highly respected former minister with grassroots connections.

The constituency will go to polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26, amid a heated political war of words over alleged police high-handedness in the Thrissur Pooram festivities. The Congress has alleged a secret agenda to destroy the annual spectacle ahead of the polls.

The grand old party alleged that there was a clear direction to the police to disrupt the Pooram festivities, and that it was to facilitate the BJPs victory in this central constituency. Senior Congress leader and candidate K Muraleedharan also demanded a judicial probe into the developments, which happened post-Pooram to find out whether the police were allegedly used for political gains to disrupt the festival.

His criticism came a day after the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government announced that they will transfer the Thrissur city police commissioner and the assistant commissioner after getting permission from the Election Commission of India. Muraleedharan, who replaced sitting MP TN Prathapan as the candidate this time, said the BJP cyber campaigners have already propagated that their candidate Suresh Gopi had intervened into the issues and resolved them. He has also accused the CPI(M) and the BJP of using the Pooram as a cover for trading votes.

The BJPs high-profile candidate, Suresh Gopi, also reacted to the issue and alleged that the traditional rituals of Thrissur Pooram had been disrupted due to police interference. He suspected that there was clear planning and conspiracy over the incidents that took place on Pooram night.

What happened at the Thrissur Pooram festivities this time?

While thousands witnessed the high-octane Thrissur Pooram on April 19 in Thrissur in full grandeur on the sprawling grounds of the famed Vadakkunnathan Temple, controversies took the sheen off the iconic temple festival due to alleged restrictions imposed by police and their reported interference in the rituals. For the first time in the history of the festival, the display of fireworks, one of the major attractions of the event, which was scheduled in the early hours, was held in broad daylight on April 20, which turned out to be a damp squib for the festival buffs.

The alleged police interference in the Pooram festivities and the delayed display of fireworks triggered sharp political reactions in the state as opposition Congress and BJP criticised the LDF government over the issue.

What action did the LDF government take?

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on April 21 directed the state police chief probe the matter and submit a report in a week. The CMs office said Thrissur City police commissioner Ankit Asokan and assistant commissioner K Sudersan shall be transferred immediately after taking necessary permission from the election commissioner.

Vijayan said a serious probe will be held into the complaints raised by temple managements and members of the public who attended the recently held Thrissur Pooram. He also said the government and the temple managements had a cordial relationship and they had even requested him to attend the Pooram festivities on April 19, but he could not attend due to election campaigning schedules.

Thrissur is one of the 20 parliamentary constituencies in Kerala. It comprises seven assembly segments within the Thrissur district  Thrissur, Ollur, Pudukad, Manalur, Guruvayur, Nattika, and Irinjalakuda. All of them are presently held by the ruling LDF, with Ollur, Thrissur and Nattika (SC) held by the CPI and the rest by CPM.

The constituency is represented by TN Prathapan of the Congress. Contesting candidates are Suresh Gopi of the BJP, K Muraleedharan of the Congress and VS Sunil Kumar of the CPI among others.

In 2019, TN Prathapan of the Congress had won the seat with a significant majority of nearly 1 lakh votes in a heated contest with Rajaji Mathew of the CPI and Suresh Gopi of the BJP. In that election, Gopi had been singlehandedly instrumental in growing the BJPs vote share by a massive 17 per cent.

Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur has a rich political history as well. It has elected the CPI, but at times, the electorate has switched loyalties to the Congress, especially during periods of nationwide popularity like during the Indira years.

Thrissur has a mix of urban and rural areas, including significant cultural and religious landmarks like Guruvayur temple, Vadakkunnathan temple and one of the oldest churches in India. A diverse demographic profile includes a significant number of Hindus, Christians and Muslims.

BJP

Gopi has brought his own brand of theatrics and celebrity factor to the campaign trail in Thrissur. He was nominated as the Rajya Sabha MP in 2016 and joined the BJP later. He was the candidate in Thrissur for both 2019 Lok Sabha elections, as well as the 2021 assembly election, but came in third both times. The BJP candidate has launched an all-out effort this time to better his 2019 tally and bridge that gap of around 1.2 lakh votes.

His high-profile campaign had kicked off with a spirited welcome at the Thrissur railway station followed by a bike rally. Although not a native of Thrissur, Gopi has spent years trying to cultivate the electorate here. After his loss in 2019, he had announced he will not contest again. But, he is said to have changed his mind after some convincing by the party leadership. His campaign is marked by significant outreach and engagement activities aimed at bolstering his personal visibility and connecting with the constituency.

Reports indicate that Gopi has made it a point to repeatedly campaign in areas where he is sure of getting votes. The strategy is to go multiple times to places where more votes are guaranteed and avoid areas where no hope of vote exists. The BJPs major support comes from Thrissur town, which has a large population of Hindus, especially upper caste Hindus.

However, Gopi is by no means a low-key candidate and does not come across as humble. His mastery of both Malayalam and English gives him a distinct advantage over opponents. On screen, Gopi had become famous playing hard-talking cops, that persona has stuck as a hard-talking candidate.

But, he is not a traditional Kerala politician. Some of those who are close to him have even gone out on a limb to say he does not have the shrewdness for it. What he lacks in political adeptness, he balances through his earnestness.

Even before he joined politics, Gopi had been known for his association with charitable activities. Decades ago, he was once the face of Jana Seva Shishu Bhavan in Aluva, which helped abandoned children. His connect with the problems of the common man and ability to find solutions to them are appreciated by the voters.

His influence as a philanthropist and actor has helped BJP to increase its vote share in Thrissur. But, his lack of experience in organisational politics is a handicap. Gopi does not enjoy that great a rapport with the state unit. Earlier in the campaign, he was caught on camera venting his frustration at the cadre for not being aggressive with gathering voters for mass contact programmes.

Gopi is perceived to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the prime ministers three visits to Thrissur in recent times, especially to attend Gopis daughters wedding at Guruvayur, is also seen as a positive factor that is working in his favour.

On ground reports indicate that many Thrissur voters feel that he is the right man to present the issues of the constituency in Parliament. In contrast, the performance of Prathapan and Muraleedharan (as Vadakara MP) have been average, although not bad.

Many feel that if he wins, he is sure to be made a minister in Modi 3.0. In fact, the local BJP unit even installed a billboard featuring Gopi and the PM at Swaraj Round in the centre of Thrissur that read: A union minister for Thrissur is Modis guarantee.

Congress

Unlike Gopi, Muraleedharan is a seasoned politician and has fought elections multiple times. A tough fight is nothing new to him. In 2021, when the BJP lost its only MLA seat in Kerala, it was Muraleedharan who was instrumental in cutting the votes at Nemom.

For a long time, he has been the vanguard of the state Congress in attacking both the BJP at the Centre and the Pinarayi-led government in the state. He has made it a point to make the Manipur situation one of his key poll planks in Thrissur. The idea has been to sow confusion among Christian voters, and expose the cynical overtures of the BJP. He has mocked Prime Minister Modi for visiting Thrissur more than he has visited Manipur.

A witty orator in Malayalam, Muraleedharan also makes fun of Modis guarantee, especially with regard to the promise of making Gopi a minister. But, unlike the high-octave campaign of Gopi, Muraleedharan has been less conspicuous. Reports indicate he has been visiting all areas in the constituency to canvass for votes.

Thrissur is the home turf of his father K Karunakaran, who remains one of the tallest Congress CMs that Kerala has ever seen. Muraleedharans mannerisms often show glimpses of Karunakaran. However, the battle for the late leaders legacy is being toughly contested. Muraleedharans daughter Padmaja was brought in by the BJP hoping that they can cash in.

Prathapan has been quite happy to vacate his seat for Muraleedharan. On the one hand, it thwarts any anti-incumbency and, on the other, he avoids a tough contest that could potentially see him lose to either Gopi or VS Sunil Kumar.

Reports indicate that Prathapan has been actively campaigning for Muraleedharan. Prathapan likes to get up close to the electorate, which explains his high popularity in Thrissur. For Prathapan, it also helps him lay the groundwork for a move to state politics and the 2026 assembly elections. He belongs to the fishing community and has considerable sway over coastal Thrissur among all religions. His active campaign for Muraleedharan will help consolidate votes.

CPI

Both Gopi and Muraleedharan have to contend with a spirited campaign by former state agriculture minister VS Sunil Kumar. The soft-spoken CPI leader is a Thrissur native with a personal connect across the electorate. In fact, voters recognise him as our Suni rather than as a CPI leader. He had earlier served as an MLA from different constituencies in the district.

His stint as agriculture minister was also quite exemplary. He is credited with initiatives like at Subhiksha Keralam project aimed at reviving the agricultural sector in the state. He has the added advantage that the Left holds all the assembly constituencies in Thrissur. He has the support of a strong cadre and a captive vote base. His earlier stints with the AISF also gives him extensive campaign experience.

Sunil Kumar, however, has an uphill task in combating the significant anti-incumbency against the LDF government in the state. To add to his troubles, the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank scam, has been bad press for the Left front. He has faced some controversy too. A recent selfie with actor Tovino Thomas landed him in a soup, and the EC issued a notice. Earlier, his posters featured pictures of Thriprayar temple and the deity Thriprayar Thevar at Nattika, in violation of the poll code.

Here are the key issues in the constituency:

Caste factors: Hindus (at 58.4 per cent) are a majority in Thrissur district. But, it also has a sizeable Christian population of 24.5 per cent and a Muslim population of 17 per cent. A significant chunk of the minority vote is expected to go the UDF, especially with Prathapan campaigning for Muraleedharan. Gopi and Muraleedharan are expected to split the Nair community votes. Traditionally, Nairs have supported UDF and LDF at various times but, of late, grown closer to the BJP. However, Nair Service Society (NSS)  the organisation that represents Nairs  has decided to maintain an equidistant policy towards all parties. Apart from Nairs, some sections of the Ezhavas also lean towards the BJP with Vellapalli Natesans political outfit an ally in the state.

Hindus (at 58.4 per cent) are a majority in Thrissur district. But, it also has a sizeable Christian population of 24.5 per cent and a Muslim population of 17 per cent. A significant chunk of the minority vote is expected to go the UDF, especially with Prathapan campaigning for Muraleedharan. Gopi and Muraleedharan are expected to split the Nair community votes. Traditionally, Nairs have supported UDF and LDF at various times but, of late, grown closer to the BJP. However, Nair Service Society (NSS)  the organisation that represents Nairs  has decided to maintain an equidistant policy towards all parties. Apart from Nairs, some sections of the Ezhavas also lean towards the BJP with Vellapalli Natesans political outfit an ally in the state. Karuvannur Bank Scam: The Karuvannur cooperative bank scam has become a major election issue in Thrissur. The significant financial scandal emerged when irregularities were reported following recovery notices sent to borrowers for amounts greater than what they had borrowed. The Rs 100 crore scam involved CPM functionaries. On ground reports indicate that the shadow of the scam will affect Sunil Kumars votes. Gopi has been at the forefront the BJPs efforts to capitalise on the scam. He even undertook a padyatra through the district dedicating it to victims of the scam. He also has reportedly donated funds to some victims, many of them Left supporters, to clear debts.

The Karuvannur cooperative bank scam has become a major election issue in Thrissur. The significant financial scandal emerged when irregularities were reported following recovery notices sent to borrowers for amounts greater than what they had borrowed. The Rs 100 crore scam involved CPM functionaries. On ground reports indicate that the shadow of the scam will affect Sunil Kumars votes. Gopi has been at the forefront the BJPs efforts to capitalise on the scam. He even undertook a padyatra through the district dedicating it to victims of the scam. He also has reportedly donated funds to some victims, many of them Left supporters, to clear debts. Alleged corruption: The Thrissur corporation is also accused of bypassing the employment exchange and making appointments to 350 temporary posts through the back door. The corporation only notified employment exchange of 20 vacancies and reportedly appointed staff to remaining vacancies unilaterally. The justification provided by Thrissur Mayor MK Varghese citing emergencies appears inadequate and raises further questions. The issue extends beyond Thrissur, as evidenced by reports of around 25,000 similar appointments across various government and public sector undertakings in Kerala under the LDF rule.

The Thrissur corporation is also accused of bypassing the employment exchange and making appointments to 350 temporary posts through the back door. The corporation only notified employment exchange of 20 vacancies and reportedly appointed staff to remaining vacancies unilaterally. The justification provided by Thrissur Mayor MK Varghese citing emergencies appears inadequate and raises further questions. The issue extends beyond Thrissur, as evidenced by reports of around 25,000 similar appointments across various government and public sector undertakings in Kerala under the LDF rule. Christian factor: Despite Gopis significant outreach to the Christian electorate, the community remains divided over support for the BJP. There has been notable resistance particularly related to claims by Hindu Aikya Vedi claiming that the Palayoor Church is an ancient Hindu temple. Palayoor Church is reportedly the oldest church in India, dating back to 52 AD. This claim has sparked controversy and diminished support among some Christian voters for Gopi. Additionally, tensions were also evident when the vicar of St Josephs Church in Avinissery questioned Gopi about the ongoing conflict in Manipur. In fact, there is palpable concern among the Christians around the issue of Manipur and attacks on churches in North India. In Thrissur, the Congress and LDF have made it a point to make local political narrative include discussions on Manipur. The BJPs Minority Morcha leaders have been finding it hard to explain away that Manipur violence is a fight between the Kukis and Meiteis, and not a Hindu-Christian conflict. The Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur has emerged as a vocal critic of both the central and state governments, highlighting concerns over religious discrimination and the perceived neglect of the Christian community. The Kerala government has been severely criticised for its alleged discriminatory practices in distributing minority welfare schemes, favouring Muslims. It is being alleged that the Christian community is being unfairly excluded. The church wants the implementation of the JB Koshy Commission recommendations, which addresses issues faced by minority communities.

Despite Gopis significant outreach to the Christian electorate, the community remains divided over support for the BJP. There has been notable resistance particularly related to claims by Hindu Aikya Vedi claiming that the Palayoor Church is an ancient Hindu temple. Palayoor Church is reportedly the oldest church in India, dating back to 52 AD. This claim has sparked controversy and diminished support among some Christian voters for Gopi. Additionally, tensions were also evident when the vicar of St Josephs Church in Avinissery questioned Gopi about the ongoing conflict in Manipur. In fact, there is palpable concern among the Christians around the issue of Manipur and attacks on churches in North India. In Thrissur, the Congress and LDF have made it a point to make local political narrative include discussions on Manipur. The BJPs Minority Morcha leaders have been finding it hard to explain away that Manipur violence is a fight between the Kukis and Meiteis, and not a Hindu-Christian conflict. The Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur has emerged as a vocal critic of both the central and state governments, highlighting concerns over religious discrimination and the perceived neglect of the Christian community. The Kerala government has been severely criticised for its alleged discriminatory practices in distributing minority welfare schemes, favouring Muslims. It is being alleged that the Christian community is being unfairly excluded. The church wants the implementation of the JB Koshy Commission recommendations, which addresses issues faced by minority communities. CAA and the Muslim factor: Issues like the CAA have found resonance among the Muslim electorate, especially in pockets like Chavakkad. Gopis efforts to defend the CAA have also fallen flat. His comment that it will help in poverty alleviation has been ridiculed. But, he has also continued a concerted attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led governments stance on the CAA. Earlier, Gopi had waded into the controversy over the Israel war backing Shashi Tharoors comments condemning the terrorist outfit Hamas. Gopi has also been a vehement supporter of the Uniform Civil Code.

Issues like the CAA have found resonance among the Muslim electorate, especially in pockets like Chavakkad. Gopis efforts to defend the CAA have also fallen flat. His comment that it will help in poverty alleviation has been ridiculed. But, he has also continued a concerted attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led governments stance on the CAA. Earlier, Gopi had waded into the controversy over the Israel war backing Shashi Tharoors comments condemning the terrorist outfit Hamas. Gopi has also been a vehement supporter of the Uniform Civil Code. Garbage in Thrissur city: The massive piles of garbage accumulating at Sakthan Nagar, a central area in the city, pose a significant health and environmental hazard. Instead of implementing sustainable waste management solutions, the city civic body is attempting to merely cover the garbage with plastic sheets. The failure of existing waste management initiatives has been raised by opposition leaders. Congress councillors even held a protest march. The proximity of the garbage dump to public spaces like the bus stand, amplifies the risk of a disaster similar to the Brahmapuram fire in Kochi. The Thrissur corporation is incidentally ruled by the LDF, backing a Congress rebel mayor.

The massive piles of garbage accumulating at Sakthan Nagar, a central area in the city, pose a significant health and environmental hazard. Instead of implementing sustainable waste management solutions, the city civic body is attempting to merely cover the garbage with plastic sheets. The failure of existing waste management initiatives has been raised by opposition leaders. Congress councillors even held a protest march. The proximity of the garbage dump to public spaces like the bus stand, amplifies the risk of a disaster similar to the Brahmapuram fire in Kochi. The Thrissur corporation is incidentally ruled by the LDF, backing a Congress rebel mayor. Drought: Thrissur district is facing a severe water crisis due to rising temperatures and significant deficit in rainfall. The alarmingly low water levels in the regions dams are hinting at major scarcity for both agricultural and drinking purposes. In February, it was reported that many parts of the city have not got water for many days. Thrissur received only half of its usual rainfall during the June-August period in 2023, with an even more drastic 92 per cent decline in August. This has severely impacted the water levels in crucial dams like Peechi, Chimminy, and Vazhani. In some areas, groundwater resources have also reportedly faced depletion, contamination and saltwater intrusion. A study by the Central Ground Water Board revealed the presence of iron and nitrate in groundwater.

Voter Demographic

Total voters (2019): 13,21,244

Urban voters: 9,61,866 (72.8%)

Rural voters: 3,59,378 (27.2%)

SC voters: 9.1%

ST voters: 0.4%

Hindus: 58.42% of Thrissur

Christians: 24.27%

Muslims: 17.07%

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RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his mangalsutra remark, claiming that most women were not able to afford gold because of soaring prices.

Talking to reporters here, the former Bihar deputy chief minister also reminded the PM of lives lost during the COVID pandemic, because of hardships caused by demonetisation, in the Pulwama terror attack, and during clashes with Chinese troops at the border.

The PM should tell us who is responsible for mangalsutras being snatched (a metaphor for widowhood) from so many women during the outbreak of COVID, after demonetisation, in the Pulwama terror attack and skirmishes with Chinese troops along the border, said Yadav.

He was replying to queries about Modis charge that the Congress, an ally of the RJD, has promised to snatch away belongings of common people, including mangalsutras worn by women after marriage.

Elections should be about issues. What is the point in talking about mangalsutras when gold has become so costly that most women cannot afford it? Yadav added. He exuded confidence that the RJD and its allies will win all five seats in Bihar where polling is scheduled in the second phase and reiterated that it is a choice between NDA and INDIA.

The remark was an obvious reference to former Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who has entered the fray as an Independent after the Congress refused to give him a party ticket from the seat where the RJD has fielded JD(U) turncoat Bima Bharti.

There are only two forces pitted against each other in these polls. On the one side is the NDA which poses a threat to the Constitution. On the other side is INDIA which wants to save the Constitution. If you are not with INDIA then you shall deemed to be with NDA, the RJD leader said, refraining from mentioning by name Pappu Yadav whom he has been accusing of being B-team of BJP.

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Some of the most commercially successful films in Bollywood are helmed by renowned directors and big names in the industry, including Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and others. But did you know that they were all initially approached to star in a heartfelt story about love and cultural differences, adapted from Chetan Bhagats best-selling novel? The 2014 film 2 States was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. Since they refused to play the lead, Arjun Kapoor was roped in to play the quintessential Punjabi boy opposite Alia Bhatt.

2 States recently marked its 10th anniversary since its release. Directed by Abhishek Varman and produced by Karan Johar, the film has endured the test of time and remains popular among fans even after a decade. According to a report by DNA, prior to casting Arjun Kapoor, producer Sajid and author Chetan Bhagat revealed that Saif Ali Khan was initially considered for the lead role. However, for reasons undisclosed, he declined the offer, leading to Shah Rukh Khan being approached. Interestingly, its reported that Vishal Bhardwaj was initially slated to direct 2 States and had creative differences regarding the setting of the film. The filmmaker, in a conversation with MidDay, said, We had differences over the setting of it. I wanted to set it not in a college but in a bank like ICICI. So, thats where we were different. Shah Rukh wanted it in a different setting.

Later, the publication also revealed that Ranbir Kapoor was approached for the lead role but he declined the offer as well. Subsequently, Karan Johar suggested Arjun Kapoors name for the part. Reportedly, during the trailer launch of the film in 2014, producer Sajid Nadiadwala admitted that he had doubts about casting Arjun Kapoor after the initial rejections from popular celebrities. However, as filming progressed, he became convinced that Kapoor was the perfect fit for the role.

Along with Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, the cast of 2 States included Amrita Singh, Ronit Roy, Revathi and Shiv Kumar Subramaniam. 2 States earned Rs 105 crore net in India. It grossed Rs 175 crore worldwide, according to Sacnilk.

The film follows the journey of Krish Malhotra, portrayed by Arjun Kapoor, a Punjabi boy from Delhi who falls in love with Ananya, played by Alia Bhatt, a Tamil Brahmin girl. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of their MBA studies at IIM-Ahmedabad. 2 States was inspired by the real-life love story of Chetan Bhagat.
H5N1 bird flu has infected dairy cows in the US, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirming remnants of the virus in pasteurised milk in several states. The FDA and Department of Agriculture, however, have also said that the US milk supply is safe because of the diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows.

To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe, the FDA said in a statement, as quoted by The New York Times.

Although health officials and scientists have said the risk to humans is low, but the question still remains is H5N1 bird flu a concern?

Over the last one month, bird flu has been detected in 30 dairy herds in eight states. The first case occurred in Colorado in 2022 when a person was exposed to infected poultry. The latest one in Texas is only the second time bird flu was confirmed in the US.

The Texas farm workers only symptom was conjunctivitis, or pink eye. He is being treated with Tamiflu, which is used to treat human influenza, according to news agency Reuters.

The infection is from the sub-type of bird flu that is affecting wild birds and poultry globally for more than two years. Several mammal species also died from contracting the virus after consuming dead or sick birds.

It is a disease caused by influenza. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, avian influenza viruses can survive for long periods in cold temperatures on surfaces such as farm equipment, which allows them to spread from farm to farm.

Can Humans Get Infected?

Human beings can get infected with bird flu if they come in close contact with infected birds  dead or alive  or surface contaminated by infected birds saliva or feces.

Symptoms can range from mild cases such as conjunctivitis to serious respiratory infections, according to experts. Other symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, fatigue and pneumonia.

This virus does not typically infect the respiratory tract of a human because they dont have receptors in their throats, noses or upper respiratory tracts.

The strains that have caused most of the human infections in the past 25 years are H5N1 and H7N9, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

Can Eating Chicken or Eggs Cause Bird Flu?

Humans cannot get infected with bird flu by eating fully cooked chicken or eggs. The CDC, however, says, uncooked poultry and poultry products like blood could have been the source of a small number of bird flu virus infections in people in Southeast Asia.

Experts also warn that those who own their chickens should be careful. Chickens could come in contact with wild birds through bodily secretions, putting them at risk for potential infection.

Infected chickens usually stop producing eggs or become quiet, develop respiratory symptoms and diarrhoea before they start dying.

What are Experts Recommending?

Health officials recommend that people avoid unprotected exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, domesticated animals, including cows, or raw milk.

People should avoid eating raw or undercooked food, including unpasteurized cheese from animals.

Farmers or poultry owners handling livestock should wear N95 masks, eye protection and gloves, as well as wash their hands when in direct contact with sick or dead birds or other animals, carcasses, or feces or litter of potentially infected animals.

Dr Abraar Khan, infectious disease doctor and researcher at Stanford, posted on X on April 24, H5N1 viral fragments found in grocery store milk. Testing is being done to ensure there is no culturable/live virus present, but I suspect this is just due diligence rather than any real concern that there would be given pasteurization of milk. Couple of tweets below on my thoughts. More testing is good; careful interpretation of the test results and why tests are being done in the first place is also key.

I havent seen anything to suggest that transmission would be likely or even possible from this route so this is all likely just due diligence. The only case so far has been in a dairy farm worker with very close contact to infected cows. Not sure if there is any further information on that case.

Is There a Vaccine for Humans?

The US has a stockpile of bird flu vaccines. If there were a major epidemic or a pandemic, the US would have to scale up in a huge way, said Thomas Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Aflunov is currently the only vaccine authorised in humans against avian influenza (zoonotic pre-pandemic vaccine). It has a virus component of a previous, outdated virus clade and is an inactivated and adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine, according to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Flu vaccines suppliers Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline and CSL Seqirus said in a statement that they are monitoring the situation, and are ready to develop avian flu vaccines, a Reuters report said.

H5N1 in Kerala

A three-member team of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is in Alappuzha to assess the avian flu situation at Cheruthana and Edathua in the district.

Kerala health minister Veena George stressed that bird flu has not affected humans in the state, but its important to take precautions to prevent its spread, according to a report by The Times of India.

Around 21,000 ducks will be culled in Edathua and Cheruthana, the epicenters of the bird flu outbreak, according to The Hindu report. Additionally, all domesticated birds within a one-kilometer radius of the outbreak zones will be killed.

The border areas of Karnataka, including Mangalore, have been put on high alert. Mangalore is one of the largest consumers of chicken from Kerala. It has halted chicken procurement from Kerala-based suppliers.
Cities in China are sinking! A study of nationwide satellite data reveals that major cities are subsiding at more than 3 mm every year, and some areas, including Beijing, are sinking by more than 45 mm.

The researchers predicted that by 2120, around a quarter of Chinas coastal land will be beneath sea-level, according to a paper published in Science.

With Chinas urban population already in excess of 900 million people, even a small portion of subsiding land in China could therefore translate into a substantial threat to urban life, said the team of researchers led by Ao Zurui of the South China Normal University, as quoted by news agency Reuters.

The northern city of Tianjin, home to more than 15 million people, was identified as one of the worst-hit. Last year, 3,000 residents were evacuated after a sudden geological disaster.

Land Subsidence and Causes

Subsidence is when land sinks relative to sea level, usually owing to extraction of subsurface water, rock or other resources, according to Nature journal.

Researchers have attributed several reasons behind land subsidence, the chief one being the rapid rate of urban development. The huge amounts of groundwater need to support urban population alongside the weight of the building, use of transport systems and infrastructure are contributing to the sinking, according to researchers.

Previous studies have also pointed out excess groundwater extraction as a key cause of land subsidence across the world.

Cities Losing Ground

Of the 44 major coastal cities suffering from the problem, 30 were in Asia, according to a 2022 Singapore study.

A researcher in remote-sensing technology at Peking University in Beijing has assessed 82 cities across China with a population of more than 2 million, and found that cities facing severe subsidence are concentrated in five regions, both inland and coastal areas, as mentioned in the Nature journal.

But the problem is not just limited to China. A different study published in February said around 6.3 million square km of land across the globe was at risk. Among the worst-hit countries is Indonesia, with large parts of the capital Jakarta now below sea level.

The low-lying Netherlands has one quarters of its land subsided below the sea level. By 2040, one-fourth of the worlds population is projected to be living on sinking land, as mentioned in Nature journal.

In the US, more than 44,000 sq km of land across 45 states is affected by subsidence, with more than 80% of cases related to groundwater extraction.

Chinas Building Bonanza

China accounted for nearly half of the worlds total urbanization during the first 15 years of the 21st Century. With frenetic rate of construction of housing, airports, roads and water supplies, China has been adding nearly 21.5 billion sq ft space to its cities every year, a report by BBC mentioned.

This scale of construction requires sand, gravel, water and cement. A study shows that China still accounts for just over half of the worlds total annual 4.1 billion tonnes of cement production (52%)  followed by India (6.2%), the EU (5.3%) and the US (1.9%).

China is susceptible to concretes power to increase the dangers of heavy rainfall events in at least 640 cities. In 2021, over 300 people died in an extreme rainfall event in inland city of Zhenghou.

The Concrete Plan

Tokyo is a success story. It slowed sinking from 240 mm a year in 1960 to 10 mm a year in early 2000s due to laws that limited the use of groundwater.

Even Shanghai, which sank by 2.6 metres between 1921 and 1965, reduced land subsidence to about 5 mm after implementing a few regulations.

Cement bodies are hoping for decarbonization of the sector as it is directly linked to environment and climate change.

The Nature journal mentions long-term, sustained control of groundwater extraction to address Chinas city subsidence.

Weight of building should be checked as the heavier ones such as skyscrapers in Shanghai tend to sink lower than lighter structures, according to a paper in the Nature journal.
Hundreds of students are protesting across various campuses in the US, including the prestigious Columbia University, Yale, New York University and MIT. Their demand  permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US military assistance for Israel, university divestment from arms suppliers and other companies profiting from the war, genocide and occupation in Palestine.

Pro-Israel supporters, however, are worried about campus safety and have alleged that campuses are encouraging anti-Semitism, intimidation and hate speech.

Students have the right to protest, but they are not allowed to disrupt campus life or harass and intimidate, Columbias vice president of public affairs Ben Chang has told news agency AFP.

Who are These Students?

Some of the pro-Palestinian protesters are students and faculty of various backgrounds, including of Jewish and Muslim faiths. The groups organising the demonstrations include Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

At the University of California, Berkley, pro-Palestinian students and their allies set up about 15 tents, The Mercury News reported.

The encampments have also attracted a diverse array of teach-ins, interfaith prayers, and musical performances, according to news agency Reuters. Organisers have widely disavowed violence against pro-Israel counter-protesters.

What are the Key Protest Sites?

At Columbia University, more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on green were arrested last week. There were reports on Monday where the campus gates were locked to anyone without a school ID. Protesters were carrying signs indicating Israel should be destroyed. Columbia also announced that courses at the Morningside campus will offer virtual options for students when possible, citing safety as their top priority.

In Massachusetts, a sign said Harvard Yard was closed to the public Monday. It said structures, including tents and tables, were only allowed into the yard with prior permission. Students violating these policies are subject to disciplinary action, the sign said. Security guards were checking people for school IDs. the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee said the universitys administration suspended their group. In the suspension notice provided by the student organization, the university wrote that the groups April 19 demonstration had violated school policy, and that the organization failed to attend required trainings after they were previously put on probation, according to news agency Associated Press.

At Yale, police officers arrested about 45 protesters and charged them with misdemeanor trespassing. Protesters set up tents on Beinecke Plaza on Friday and demonstrated over the weekend, calling on Yale to end any investments in defense companies that do business with Israel. Yale President Peter Salovey said in a statement that university officials had spoken to the student protesters multiple times about the schools policies and guidelines, including those regarding speech and allowing access to campus spaces. A large group of demonstrators regathered after Mondays arrests at Yale and blocked a street near campus. There were no reports of any violence or injuries.

At MIT, a student studying electrical engineering, was among about two dozen students who set up a tent encampment on the schools Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus on Sunday evening. They demanded a cease-fire and were protesting what they describe as MITs complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

At New York University, an encampment set up by students had hundreds of protesters. The school said it warned the crowd to leave, then called in the police after the scene became disorderly. There were reports of intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents.

Boston University students walked out of class to protest against the arrests of pro-Palestinian student demonstrators at Columbia University.

What is the Impact on Other Campuses?

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, cancelled in-person classes until Wednesday after students barricaded themselves in an administrative building and demanded the school disclose all ties and holdings with Israel and cut ties with Israeli universities, news agency Reuters reported.

The University of Michigan was firm that it would allow free expression and peaceful protests at its early May graduation ceremonies but would stop substantial disruption.

What are Political Leaders Saying?

US President Joe Biden, who has been criticised by the protesters for supplying funding and weapons to Israel, said on Monday that he condemned both antisemitic protests and those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 election, called the campus protest situation a mess as he walked into the second day of his criminal trial in New York.

The White House condemned such a protest. Echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organisations, especially in the wake of the worst massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is despicable. We condemn these statements in the strongest terms, it said.

Senators Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley have demanded that Biden bring in the National Guard to suppress the pro-Palestinian student protests at Columbia University.
Opposing Arvind Kejriwals plea challenging Delhi High Court validating his arrest in the money laundering case related to the scrapped Excise policy, the Enforcement Directorate told the Supreme Court that arrest of a person, however high he may be, for the commission of offence based on material, can never violate the concept of free and fair elections.

The arrest of a person, however high he may be, for the commission of offence based on material, can never violate the concept of free and fair elections. If the aforesaid argument is accepted, politicians who are criminals would be granted immunity from arrest on the ground, said the ED in its reply before the Supreme Court.

It further stated that Arvind Kejriwal was avoiding interrogation by not remaining present before the investigating officer despite being summoned nine times.

The federal probe agency, in its reply, running into more than 700 pages, also detailed that a total of over 170 mobile phones were changed/destroyed by 36 persons (accused and other persons involved) during the period of the scam and when the scam and irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22 became public.

The conclusion of destruction of mobile phones is based on the fact that these mobile phones were not recovered during intensive searches conducted by ED and then on examination of these persons they were unable to produce them or produced them in completely or significantly formatted state, the reply read.

The agency further stated that the large-scale destruction of digital evidence, in this case, was intentionally made to destroy evidence of involvement of these accused in the offence of money laundering by destroying evidence of handling of proceeds of crime, money trail as well as their involvement/ connection in the process/activities connected with proceeds of crime for the commissioning of offence of money laundering.

Dubbing the claim of Arvind Kejriwal that he cant be arrested right ahead of elections, the ED says, the power u/s 19 of PMLA, 2002 have been exercised as per the due procedure. Petitioners claim to get protection in the name of elections is misplaced since he was arrested on being found guilty of the offence of money laundering.

AAPs response

Responding to the financial probe agencys response before the top court, the AAP said the ED was nothing but a machine for telling lies.

Every time, the ED comes up with new manufactured lies at the whims of their master, the BJP, the party said.

The ED does not a shred of evidence against Arvind Kejriwal, there is no money trail linked to any AAP leaders. The only money trail in the alleged Delhi liquor scam is Rs 60 crore bribe from Sharath Reddy to BJPs accounts, which the ED isnt investigating, the party said.

Its clear that the EDs only motive is to stop Arvind Kejriwal from coming out of jail before Lok Sabha elections are over. After Phase 1 of polls, the BJP is gripped by fear. They know that if Arvind Kejriwal were to campaign in the remaining phases of Lok Sabha elections, their defeat would be certain, the party added.

The reply was filed on the petition filed by Kejriwal challenging an order of the Delhi High Court terming his arrest as legal and saying that all procedures under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) were complied with.

The Enforcement Directorate is represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, Special Public Prosecutor Zoeb Hossain, and Advocates A Venkatesh and Kanu Aggarwal

Arvind Kejriwal on the other hand is represented by Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Ramesh Gupta and advocates Rishikesh Kumar and Rajat Bhardwaj.

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Based on specific intelligence on the whereabouts of gold smuggled from Africa through Mumbai International Airport, a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) team searched a melting facility in South Mumbais famous Zhaveri Bazar and seized 9.31 Kg of gold in various forms including foreign-origin gold and 16.66 Kg of silver on April 22. The officers of DRI MZU also apprehended the melting facility operator and a recruiter (a key member of the syndicate) who arranged for carriers and collected the smuggled gold for onward processing.

The officials were informed that gold smuggled from Africa through Mumbai International Airport was being processed at a melting facility in Zhaveri Bazar to remove the foreign markings before being diverted to the local market.

On enquiry, it was revealed that the recruiter collects gold from many carriers from various African Nationals, gets it processed and hands it over to a buyer located nearby.

A follow-up search was conducted at the office premises of the recruiter and USD 190000 was recovered which was given to him by the buyer as an advance payment for smuggled gold. Simultaneously, another team was dispatched to the office premises of the buyer for a search. However, the buyer had fled before the officers arrived. During the search, 351 grams of cut pieces of foreign-origin gold bars and 1818 grams of silver along with Rs. 1.92 Crores of cash were recovered and seized.

On further enquiry, it was revealed that the African Nationals from whom the recruiter had collected the gold were staying in 2 nearby hotels of Zahaveri Bazar.

Therefore, two teams were dispatched and the two African Nationals who smuggled the gold and handed it over to the recruiter were intercepted. All 4 persons vis-a-vis the 2 carriers, the recruiter and the melter admitted to being involved in the smuggling of gold into India and, hence, were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and remanded to judicial custody.

In this operation, DRI seized 9.67 Kg smuggled gold, 18.48 Kg silver, Indian currency of Rs. 1.92 Cr and USD 190000, all worth Rs 10.48 Crore.

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Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Tuesday that the party has no interest in engaging in discussions with anyone, firmly denying any rumours of secret negotiations with the powerful establishment.

Today, I asked the partys founding chairman Imran Khan if some institutions had contacted him for the talks. Imran Khan clearly said that no one had contacted him, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan told reporters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

He said no one had even contacted him for dialogue, nor had he received any message for talks from anyone, Gohar Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

Gohar Khans clarification came days after it was reported in a section of the media that Imran Khan had revealed that some PTI leaders were still in contact with the establishment (the military).

The same is the case with the other party leadership. Even if we receive any message from anyone for dialogues, we will inform the media, he said.

Gohar Khan made it clear that whenever PTI is interested in dialogues, they would be held openly and the media would be informed about it.

He also said PTI would not forge an alliance with any party that has stolen its mandate. However, the party would continue its efforts and struggle for the rights of the people of Pakistan. Earlier this month, the Dawn had reported that Imran Khan told reporters at Adiala Jail after the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust case that he was ready to hold a dialogue with anyone for the sake of the country.

The PTI founder said if he could hold talks with former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, who he later accused of being instrumental in the fall of the PTI government in April 2022, then he could meet anyone since the country was passing through a difficult phase.

Imran Khan said a few leaders in the PTI are still in contact with the establishment, apparently for negotiations. However, he did not elaborate, the report said.

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Patanjali Ayurveda co-founders Yoga guru Ramdev and Balkrishna issued a new public apology in newspapers on Wednesday, April 24, a day after the Supreme Court, while hearing a contempt case, asked them whether the size of the apology was of the same size as its advertisements or not.

In wake of an on going matter before the Honble Supreme Court of India, we in our individual capacity as well as on behalf of the Company, unconditionally apologise for the non-compliance or disobedience of directions/orders of the Honble Supreme Court of India, the new public apology by Patanjali said.

Patanjali Ayurveda had issued an apology on Tuesday while stating that they would not commit any such mistake in the future. This came ahead of the Supreme Courts hearing over the case of the misleading ads against the medicine company.

Hearing the misleading advertisements case against Patanjali Ayurveda, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna on Tuesday, the top court also noted that the Union Government must wake up to this and take strong action on the matter.

Justice Kohli, while hearing the case, said, I want to see the actual size of the ad. The judge further asked if the size of the apology was the same size as its advertisements or not.

Now we are looking at everything we are looking at children, babies, women, and no one can be taken for a ride and the Union government must wake up to this, the bench said on Tuesday.

What Is Patanjali Misleading Ads Case?

On February 27 this year, the court issued a contempt notice to Ramdev and Balkrishna for engaging in distributing misleading health cure advertisements and barring Patanjali from promoting products with unsubstantiated claims of curing diseases like heart conditions and asthma.

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A wedding in Uttar Pradesh ended in murder over a conflict involving a gift to the bride from her brother. Chandra Prakash Mishra was beaten to death by his wifes family because she was upset with him for gifting a gold ring and television to his sister at her wedding, police said. The incident took place in a village near the Barabanki district.

According to an NDTV report, 35-year-old Chandra Prakash Mishra wanted to gift a gold ring and television to his sister, on her wedding which was scheduled for April 26.

Chandra Prakashs wife Chabi was unhappy with her husbands plan which led to a heated argument between the couple.

Furious, Chabi summoned her brothers to teach Chandra Prakash a lesson, who brutally thrashed him with sticks for about an hour, officials noted.

Chandra Prakashs family members rushed him to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries during the treatment.

According to the police, five people, including Chabi and her brothers, have been arrested and a case has been filed in the matter. We have arrested the accused and further investigation is on, police said.

Earlier this year in February, angered over not giving a wedding anniversary gift, a Bengaluru woman allegedly stabbed her husband, while he was asleep in their house.

In the early hours of February 27, an argument ensued between the couple for not giving an anniversary gift, a Wion report said, adding that the 35-year-old accused then stabbed her 37-year-old husband, Kiran with a kitchen knife while he slept.

Shocked by her attack, Kiran pushed her before she could injure him further. Later, he alerted the neighbours and went to a private hospital to treat his hand injury. Bellandur police registered the case against her on March 1.

The victim informed the police that due to his grandfathers death, he could not buy her a gift a day before their wedding anniversary, leading to a tense situation between the two.

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National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated annually in India by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on April 24. The day is observed to mark the passing of the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 to the Constitution.

The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier administrative structure of the Government of India. It is a decentralised system of governance, where local bodies or Gram Panchayats are given the power for self-governance and to make decisions for development.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Since 2014 the Central Government has intensified its efforts to support the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the best manner possible to ensure that the basic objectives of the Panchayati Raj are achieved in true letter and spirit.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has seen a quantum leap in the allocation of fiscal resources to Panchayati Raj Institutions to support various infrastructure requirements and developmental activities in rural areas.

National Panchayati Raj Day: History and Significance

The National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated on April 24 every year. This day marks a defining moment in the history of decentralisation of power to the grassroots, with the institutionalisation of Panchayati Raj through the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 which came into force with effect from that day.

The system works on the mission of empowerment, enablement and accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure inclusive development with social justice and efficient delivery of services to transform the lives of rural India.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj was created in 2004 to look after all matters relating to the Panchayati Raj and Panchayati Raj Institutions and is headed by a minister of cabinet rank. The ministry is currently headed by Giriraj Singh.

National Panchayati Raj Day: Quotes

When the panchayat raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do.  Mahatma Gandhi The voice of the people may be said to be Gods voice, the voice of the Panchayat.  Mahatma Gandhi Through all-round progress & grassroots-level participation, our Govt is working towards making Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday a reality: PM Narendra Modi Panchayats are effective ways to fulfil the aspirations of people in rural India. They are playing a vital role in Indias transformation: PM Narendra Modi

National Panchayati Raj Day: Messages

It is one of the defining moments for Indias democracy in promoting decentralisation, empowerment and development by establishing Panchayati Raj Institutions. The establishment of the Panchayati Raj system reminds us of the important role of local governance in the overall development of rural India. National Panchayati Raj Day, represents the hardworking individuals who are serving people for rural development.

National Panchayati Raj Day: Wishes

Happy National Panchayati Raj Day 2024! Lets honour one of the significant systems of India. Salutation to all those individuals who are working to serve people through Panchayati Raj institutions.

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If you have ever stayed up the night tossing and turning, you are aware of how youre going to feel the next day: exhausted, irritable, and out of sorts. Getting less than the advised seven to nine hours of sleep per night leaves you feeling tired and unhappy. People who suffer from sleep deprivation as a result of not getting enough sleep may find that they sleep longer on their days off from work or on days when they do not have any social obligations.

Numerous work, lifestyle, and environmental factors can lead to sleep deprivation. In addition to other long-term medical conditions, sleep disorders may culminate in inadequate sleep. Impaired concentration, slowed reaction times, and mood swings are just a few of the detrimental consequences that may develop from inadequate sleep or sleep disturbances, says Dr Sibasish Dey, Head of Medical Affairs, South Asia, ResMed.

According to the ResMed Sleep Survey 2024, while 44% consider 8-8.99 hours of sleep are a good nights sleep, only 29% actually sleep for 8-8.99 hours a night, revealing how Indians suffer from a lack of sound sleep and are not making it a priority. People are becoming more conscious of the health and overall benefits of getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, however they are less mindful of the importance of good sleep hygiene.

The survey also highlights how 49% of respondents are very likely research when experiencing symptoms of a bad nights sleep, however, 54% have not even consulted a physician for information on sleep health. This highlights the growing awareness that is prevalent in India around how a bad nights sleep can impact productivity and on health outcomes. It is important to visit a physician instead of searching for symptoms online to not only to maintain your sleep health but also to address any existing or sleep conditions.

Dr Dey shares the reasons why people should consult doctors instead of screens for sleep health:
Salman Khan, known for his charm both on and off screen, made an outstanding arrival at the premiere of Heeramandi, the highly anticipated movie directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. A man known for his distinctive sense of style, the actor came in Mumbai on Wednesday night in flair fitting with his personality.

Salman Khan stole the show as he walked the red carpet wearing an outfit that fused casual elegance with daring fashion choices. Salman showed off his gentle side by pausing in spite of the busy setting to give the paparazzi a warm smile. But, what really caught our eyes was like how, in recent times hes been spotted wearing quirky pants, Salman yet again sported one at todays event as well.

Check out his look right here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Salman Khans outfit, which featured a black shirt with colourful printed pants, proved his daring approach to style. His ensemble gained an element of mystery from the striking blend of colours and patterns, instantly differentiating him from the rest of the crowd. He wore white trousers with an anime character Goku emblazoned on them, which was a whimsical addition that made his outfit stand out. Fans and fashion lovers alike praised Salman for his willingness to experiment with his appearance, which was highlighted by this fun yet elegant detail.

Paparazzo Viral Bhayani recorded Salman Khans entrance when he arrived at the premiere and shared a video that went viral on social media. The actors unusual style captured the attention of fans, who praised his ability to pull off bold design choices with grace. Salman Khans fashion choices, which set trends, continue to captivate people in an industry where style statements are highly looked at.

Fans were left excitedly awaiting not just his next fashion statement but also his next ventures, thanks to his chic arrival and captivating presence that provided an extra layer of excitement to the event. Salman Khan is undoubtedly redefining stardom with every public appearance. He combines talent, charisma, and style in a way that enthrals audiences.
Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is all set to hit Netflix on May 1 and a grand premiere for the same was hosted on Wednesday night in Mumbai. Apart from the cast, the one who caught everyones attention was one of SLBs muses, Alia Bhatt. Alia came for the premiere with mom Soni Razdan and mother-in-law, Neetu Kapoor. She even posed on the red carpet with the both of them.

For the special night, Alia slipped into a silver salwar suit. She kept her hair loose and accessorised with heavy earrings and a bindi. As she got out of the car, she was seen escorting Neetu Kapoor and Soni Razdan towards the red carpet. As the paps said to her, Waiting for Love And War, Alia blushed. Check out the video here:

After Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is teaming up with Alia Bhatt once again. This time, he has also cast Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal alongside her for a new film titled Love and War. The film reunites Bhansali and Kapoor after 17 years and marks the filmmakers first film with Kaushal. Bhansali reunites with Bhatt after the success of Gangubai Kathiawadi. The new film was announced on Wednesday, January 24. The film is slated to release on Christmas 2025. With Love and War, Ranbir and Vicky are reuniting on the big screen after Sanju and Ranbir and Alia are being paired together after Brahmastra.

Earlier this year, Gangubai Kathiawadi clocked 2 years. The movie turned out to be a defining moment for Alia Bhatt, who went on to clinch the National Award For The Leading Actress for it. To mark the anniversary, the films production house shared a heartfelt video montage featuring the best scenes from the film, celebrating its 2-year journey.
Amitabh Bachchan doesnt need any introduction. He is one of the most successful actors of his time and still continues to impress everyone with his performance. Today, he will be honoured with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. The Mangeshkar family has announced it on April 17.

The event, held in Mumbai, honoured Mr. Bachchan for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema. Draped in an elegant traditional attire, Amitabh Bachchan made a striking entrance. He was accompanied by his son Abhishek Bachchan. Both took the blessing of the late Lata Mangeshkar and offered her flowers.

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snehkumar Zala (@snehzala)

The family and the trust instituted the award in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who died on February 6, 2022, following multiple organ failure.

Bachchan, 81, will receive the recognition on April 24, the memorial day of their father and theatre-music veteran Deenanath Mangeshkar. This award, known as the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar, is given every year to an individual who has made a path-breaking contribution towards the nation, its people and society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was its first recipient, followed by Lata Mangeshkars sister Asha Bhosle in 2023.

Music maestro A R Rahman will also receive the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for contribution to Indian music, said a press release issued by the Mangeshkar family.

The award will also be presented to the non-profit organisation Deepstambh Foundation Manobal for services in the field of social service, while Ashtavinayak Prakashits Galib, produced by Malhar and Vajreshwari, will be recognised as the best drama of the year.

Marathi writer Manjiri Phadke will receive Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar (Vagvilasini Puraskar) for contribution to literature, while actor Randeep Hooda will be feted with the Vishesh Puraskar for contribution to cinema. Veteran actors Ashok Saraf and Padmini Kolhapure will be honoured with Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar for their contribution to cinema.

Hridaynath Mangeshkar will preside over the function and the awards will be felicitated by the hands of Asha Bhosle to the awardees, the press release said.

Since 1943, we have been celebrating this day without fail. Lata didi is not with us but her blessings and inspiration is with us. We will continue to celebrate this and we are hoping that it should happen every year, even after us. As we all have crossed 90, we have established this trust Deenanath Smruti Pratishthan, Hridaynath Mangeshkar said at an event here.
Mahira Sharma and Paras Chhabra ignored each other at TV actress Arti Singhs Sangeet ceremony, which took place in Mumbai on Tuesday night. Mahira, who was joined by her PR managers, avoided talking to Paras even when they arrived at the venue around the same time. While Paras posed with actor Vishal Singh on the red carpet, Mahira was clicked solo.

In a video, shared by paparazzo, Mahira could be seen greeting Vishal with a big smile, however, she completely ignored Paras. Paras and Mahira met inside the house of controversial reality show Bigg Boss 13. Back then he was dating actor Akanksha Puri, but he broke up with her on national TV while the show was ongoing.

Mahira and Paras broke up in April last year. The two also unfollowed each other on Instagram, soon after the reports of their split emerged on the internet. In an interview with ETimes.com at the time, Paras had mentioned that even he was equally puzzled and shocked about why Mahira unfollowed him on Instagram.

I dont know why Mahira unfollowed me or deleted our pictures from her social media account. I shifted to Mumbai on April 1 (2023) and Mahira shifted on March 15 (2023). Since then I have been pretty busy and unpacking my stuff and arranging things here. My mom too has come here to stay with me while Mahira is staying with her mom, Paras had told ETimes.com.

Paras had then confirmed his break up with Mahira, admitting that they had not been on talking terms. Yes, we have not been talking to each other after a fight over petty issues for more than a week. But aisi fights toh hamari hamesha hoti rahi hain, even when we were inside the Bigg Boss house. I never thought that it will lead to a breakup, he had said.
Filmmaker Karan Johar on Tuesday said producer Aditya Chopra and superstar Shah Rukh Khan are the two pillars in his life to whom he owes his 25-year career in cinema. Johar assisted and featured in a brief role in Chopras hit directorial debut Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, the 1995 musical romance film starring Khan and Kajol. Three years later, both the actors fronted Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which marked Johars beginning as a director.

It was also part of my destiny to have met Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan. Two pillars, two reasons why I sit here today. They acknowledged something about me that I didnt see in myself. I will always be grateful to them for that. The rest was a lot of just passion I may have been as sincere as I was. But what happens when you dont have people who are in powerful positions like that? You can make it entirely on your own still because your belief system can be strong enough to combat all odds. But I was fortunate that my struggles came later. My first step was because two people who are not related to me by blood or family believed in me strongly. It has a lot to do with destiny, but nothing happens without hard work, the filmmaker said.

Johar was in New Delhi to attend the All India Management Association (AIMA)s ninth National Leadership Conclave, where he was honoured with the director of the year award for 2023s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The 51-year-old, who sat down for a fireside chat at the event, looked back at his career, mistakes, failures, and the role of cinema in society.

Not just Khan and Chopra, Johar  son of late producer Yash Johar  said its not easy to maintain a professional outlook when one is working with actors one looked up to while growing up like Amitabh Bachchan, who starred in his home banner Dharma Productions films such as Dostana (1980) and Agneepath (1990). Johar shared an interesting anecdote about directing Bachchan for the first time in his second directorial venture Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. I remember I fainted a day before directing him I am grateful to Amit uncle for allowing me to be a director, give instructions, he recalled.

The director, also known for films such as Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, My Name is Khan, and last years hit Rocky Aur Rani, said he doesnt believe in resting on past laurels. If you can deal with failure and success in the same way, you will always be a successful human being. That doesnt mean you equate success with just money. You equate that with self happiness and what youre feeling within. I acknowledge failure, I accept and embrace it. I also analyse it, and I move on. But the thing I move on the fastest from is success, because resting on our laurels is wasting a whole lot of time, he said.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modis comments on films being soft power, Johar said cinema is an enormously impressionable medium. We are an impressionable soft power when we can connect to millions of people through our communication. We have, time and again, realised the ramifications of whats good and whats bad. We have tremendous power and therefore, with tremendous power comes tremendous responsibility What we project, what we say, you have to account for it with some amount of salt and sensitivity because people take the said word seriously, he added.

One film, he said, cannot change the fabric of society but cinema can highlight big issues like women empowerment. Nothing happens overnight, but I believe the consciousness of our society has been enhanced considerably by what cinema has projected in the last decade or a decade and a half. Of course, theres a flip (side) to that as well. There have been films that continue to kind of be harmful. But I hope those filmmakers realise the importance of the platform they have and their voice, Johar added.
Ananya Panday and Aditya Roy Kapur have been grabbing headlines for their rumoured affair a lot lately. On Wednesday evening, Ananya arrived solo at the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis upcoming Netflix series Heeramandi. The actress looked stunning in blue sleeveless suit. She styled her hair in a clean bun and accessorised it with white gajra. On the other hand, her rumoured boyfriend and actor Aditya Roy Kapur reached the venue separately and was clicked posing with actress Fatima Sana Shaikh.

In a video, shared by Manav Manglani on his Instagram account, Aditya and Fatima were all smiles as they posed together for the paps at the premiere. The duo was also twinning in black. In another video, posted by Instant Bollywood, Ananya was seen exiting the premiere with Karan Johar. Ananya signed a new film, congratulations! Karan was heard telling the paps in the video. Ananya laughed and said,Thank you, Karan! We are not too sure if Karan was being serious about what he told the photographers.

Ananya Panday has indirectly hinted at her relationship with Aditya Roy Kapur several times. While the two have never officially confirmed that they are dating, they are often seen together on lunch and dinner dates. Recently, Ananyas father, actor Chunky Panday, addressed her relationship rumours with Aditya.

Speaking to Lehren, Chunky said, I mean its fine. I think she is 25, she is earning more money than I did. She is free to do what she wants. How dare I tell my 25-year-old daughter what to do? The actor was also asked if he was okay with Ananya doing intimate scenes in films. He said, Yes I am fine with it. I have seen it in Hollywood. There is no harm. You have to accept it.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ananya Panday was last seen in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, which premiered on Netflix.
Kriti Kharbanda, who recently tied the knot with actor Pulkit Samrat, couldnt stop blushing when paparazzi started calling her Vahini (Bhabhi) at the screening of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis upcoming Netflix series Heeramandi in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. The actress arrived at the premiere, along with Pulkit.

In a video shared by Filmygyan on its Instagram handle, Pulkit and Kriti were seen stepping out of the screening hand-in-hand. However, Kriti started blushing when paps teased the actress by calling her Vahini while she was walking towards her car. Pulkit also smiled and waved at the paps.

Last week, Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat shared their wedding video with fans on social media. Taking to their Instagram handle, Kriti and Pulkit treated their followers with inside glimpses into their pre-wedding festivities and the D-day ceremony alongside a heartwarming note. In the clip, Kriti got emotional as Pulkit delivered a moving speech for her at their wedding function.

Sharing the video, the couple wrote, We found ourselves, when we found each other, and thats the most beautiful kind of love. Its been a month since the wedding, but our forever begun lifetimes ago.

Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat exchanged vows in a dreamy affair on March 15. Since then, the couple has been treating their fans by sharing moments from their special day on social media. After unveiling their wedding pictures, they surprised us with a series of candid moments from their Haldi ceremony.

Pulkit and Kriti met on the sets of the 2019 film Pagalpanti and instantly fell in love. Apart from Pagalpanti, Pulkit and Kriti featured in the film Veerey Ki Wedding. They were last seen together at Bejoy Nambiars Taish.
Popular Bollywood actor and soon-to-be father Varun Dhawan is celebrating his 37th birthday today, April 24. On his special day, several celebrities have flooded social media with heartfelt wishes. But the cutest birthday post for the actor came from one of his best friends and Bhediya co-star Kriti Sanon. Kriti posted a collage with Varun and added a thoughtful caption in a testament to her love for the B-Town heartthrob.

The adorable pictures captured the duo sharing some joyful moments at a party. However, what stole the limelight was the sweet note Kriti wrote for her best buddy. She mentioned, Happy Birthday VeeDee! She went on to express her profound love for the birthday boy in an emotional write-up attached to the picture. The Crew actress wrote, I love how our friendship has evolved over the years into this beautiful bond that I know will last forever! Always there for you, feeling proud every time you shine, knowing youve got my back like Ive got yours!

Kriti concluded on a lighter note as she playfully remarked, PS Cant believe this kid is gonna have a kid soon!

Not long ago, Kriti referred to Varun Dhawan as one of her closest friends in an interview. While speaking to Galatta India, Kriti offered insights to her bond with Varun. The actress divulged that Varun constantly checked up on her during her lowest phase. She even recalled a moment when the Jug Jug Jeeyo actor gave her a warm hug when she clinched Filmfare Best Actress award for Mimi. Kriti said that after she won the award, Varun whispered I am proud of you in her ear.

Meanwhile, Varun is all set to embrace parenthood this year with his wife Natasha Dalal. The couple recently hosted a baby shower which was attended by close friends and family. On the work front, the actor has a stellar year ahead as he has numerous projects in the pipeline. He will be seen essaying the protagonist in Prime Video series Citadel: Honey Bunny, alongside Samantha. Besides, he has Atlees Baby John in his kitty.
American actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is currently riding on the critical success of his recently released movie, Do Aur Do Pyaar. The film, co-starring Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, and Ileana DCruz, is being showered with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Recently, in a conversation with a leading media outlet, Sendhil opened up on his admiration for Alia Bhatt while also explaining how his family freaked out when he broke the news of his collaboration with Vidya Balan.

When asked about the actors he wishes to collaborate with, Sendhil replied, Alia Bhatt, I would love to work with her. I think shes terrific. He also added Radhika Aptes name in his response as he said, I didnt get any scenes with her in Shor in the City, and I think shes an incredible actress. Shes so, so good.

Heaping praises on Vidya Balan, the actor further recalled his familys reaction to his collaboration with her. Reminiscing about the particular moment, he said, I didnt know what to expect with Vidya because shes a big deal. My family here, when they found out I was doing a film with Vidya Balan, were absolutely freaking out, and thats what made me freak out because I didnt know the whole aura surrounding Vidya Balan, but all my family did, and thats when I started to get nervous.

As the conversation proceeded, Sendhil, shared an anecdote about how The Dirty Picture actress helped him in a scene. The Never Have I Ever star continued to share that Vidya when the actor was shooting for his last scene, came off camera to his side and held his hand to make him comfortable.

Notably, Sendhil essayed the role of Vikram in the film, Do Aur Do Pyaar, directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta. Vikram is the man with whom Vidyas character Kavya was cheating on her husband. The chemistry between Vidya and Sendhil came as a breath of fresh air, inviting heartwarming response from the audience.
Priyanka Chopra has been a busy bee, juggling multiple shoots and projects. While she remains occupied, she never forgets to tease her fans with fun BTS photos from the shoot locations. And today was no exception. The actress gave a glimpse of her outdoor shoot location as she sailed on a boat. Sharing the photo, she wrote, Boats are tight. #onlocationshoot.

Priyanka is a remarkable and multi-talented actress and has smoothly transitioned between the worlds of Bollywood and Hollywood. Her diverse range of films and projects always highlights her acting prowess.

Earlier last week, the actress treated her fans to a visual delight with breathtaking photos from her latest getaway in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The snapshots capture snow-capped mountains, picturesque selfies, and glimpses of the stunning views around her. In one image, she is seen at a cosy eatery. Alongside her Swiss album, she wistfully expressed, Oh, to sojourn in Crans Montana even for a blink. Can I please stay? Fellow celebrities like Shibani Dandekar and Shilpa Shirodkar showered her post with compliments and heart emojis.

As for her current projects, Priyanka is actively involved in shooting for Heads of State, an upcoming action comedy featuring top talents like Idris Elba, John Cena, and Jack Quaid, under the creative direction of Ilya Naishuller. Additionally, she unveiled The Bluff last month, a project directed by Frank E. Flowers. Priyanka Chopra was last seen in the Russo Brothers series Citadel.

Priyanka Chopra is also set to start another production venture with Born Hungry, collaborating with Barry Avrich under her banner, Purple Pebble Pictures. Notably, the popular actress is back to her usual life after spending a long vacation with her family in India. Priyanka Chopra, along with her musician husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie, arrived in India and took part in several family functions, including her brothers Roka ceremony and cousin Mannara Chopras birthday party. They celebrated Holi with friends and family members in Noida before taking off for the US.
It appears Samantha Ruth Prabhus Aavesham fever is not going to subside anytime soon. Following its release in India, Fahadh Faasils most recent action-comedy venture has made waves in the South Indian film industry, taking in over Rs 40 crore in net revenues in just 12 days. Samantha, for the second time, has posted her movie-watching experience on her Instagram Stories. She previously stated that she is still feeling the impact of the movie and is experiencing a hangover from it.

Talking in detail, the Pushpa actress said, Avesham was all kinds of madness, the kind of madness I love! It was designed to break the rules, she added and it shifted genres from scene to scene.

I was scared, I was laughing, I was scared and laughing

She continued by saying that this is one of the movies that should only be watched at a theatre. Note to self: Never miss a FAFA film. FAFA on steroids I read somewhere, aptly so. Go FAFA.

Along with congratulating the team, the actress called them inspiration.

Samantha had previously uploaded a picture of herself cuddling Gelato, her cat. She captioned the picture, #Aavesham hangover (sic), with 3 heart emojis. She included the song Illuminati in the post as well.

About Avesham:

Aavesham, an action comedy directed and written by Jithu Madhavan, stars Fahadh Faasil in the lead role. Hipzster, Roshan Shanavas, Sajin Gopu, Mithun Jai Shankar, Midhutty and Mansoor Ali Khan appeared in supporting roles.

The film centres on a group of college students and is set in Bengaluru. To prevent the first years from getting ragged, three migrant Malayali college studentsBibi (Midhun), Aju (Hipster) and Shanthan (Roshan Shanavas)decide to form a group. However, this fails, as the seniors kidnap them and brutally beat them for two days straight.

Upon realising they lack local support, the three decide they still want to exact retribution. They go to sneaky places in the hope of making friends with a local gangster who can assist them in their insane scheme. And thats where the three eventually meet Ranga at Mayuri Bar.

Ranga is wearing bands, bracelets and rings made of pure gold, together with a dazzling white shirt and trousers. Amban (Sajin Gopu), his right-hand man, flatters his bosss image to the three youngsters, who believe him to be a cartoon, by telling them tales of his grandeur. Ranga doesnt actually touch anyone, despite giving off the impression of being a gangster. They marvel then, how he can be a gangster. They quickly discover what influence he holds and bring Ranga into their campus politics against their seniors. What happens next shapes the rest of the plot.
Director David Midell has assembled Al Pacino and Dan Stevens under one roof for an upcoming horror film, The Ritual. The two celebrities will be slipping into the shoes of troubled priests with polarising personalities. The Ritual is based on a true exorcism story of an American woman named Emma Schmidt, who was believed to be possessed by a demon. Parts of her case still remain shrouded in mystery. It was also one of the most thoroughly documented exorcism occurrences ever documented in American history. Although not confirmed, the forthcoming movie is expected to hit the big screens sometime in 2025.

The Ritual centres around two priests dealing with personal issues. While one (Al Pacino) is in a spiritual battle with God, questioning his beliefs and faith, the other (Dan Stevens) is trying to come to terms with his haunting past. However, when a woman is possessed, the two messengers of God must keep aside their innate differences and troubles to help the woman through challenging and blood-curdling exorcisms. Besides Pacino and Stevens, the cast also includes Abigail Cowen and Ashley Greene.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@actorpacino)

The Rituals worldwide rights have been obtained by XYZ Films, reports Variety. The independent film production company also intends to set up international distribution at the soon-to-be-held Cannes event. Penned collaboratively by Enrico Natale and David Midell, the film is produced by Natale, Mitchell Welch, and Andrew Stevens. The production was financed by BondIt Media Capital, while The Rituals executive producers are Tyler Gould, Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dan Stevens (@thatdanstevens)

Speaking of Al Pacino, the Godfather alum has another lined up in his pipeline. He will next be seen in the biographical drama Modi, based on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani and directed by Johnny Depp. Meanwhile, Dan Stevens has risen to prominence thanks to being a part of hard-hitting movies like Abigail and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. David Midells last directorial was true thriller-mystery The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain.

Al Pacino is represented by Hoberman, Teller, Newman, Rush, Jacobson, Gellman, Warren, CAA and Hansen, Meigs & Fox, Kaller, and Richman, claims Variety. Dan Stevens representatives include Julian Belfrage Associates, Peikoff Mahan Law Office, and CAA.
Varun Dhawans dedication towards his fitness and work is really appreciable. The actor is celebrating his 37th birthday on Wednesday, April 24. On this special day, the actor took to his Instagram handle to share a glimpse of his birthday celebration. In one of the pictures, the Bawaal actor was seen getting a hug from his mother. The photos also featured a glimpse of Varuns birthday cake.

In the caption of his post, Varun revealed that he ate very little of his birthday cake because he is shooting for one of his upcoming projects. The actor also expressed gratitude to all those sending him wishes. Growing, learning and yet trying to stay the same thank u for all the wonderful wishes and love. P.s  I ate very lil bit of that cake since I start a new movie very soon so very excited about that!!!! Check out his post here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn)

Reacting to Varuns caption, Shraddha Kapoor commented, Happy Bday Babdulal Main hoon na, I will eat a lot of cake from your side . Varun and Shraddha have worked together in several movies including Stree, Street Dancer 3D and ABCD 2.

Meanwhile, several other actors also sent birthday wishes to Varun via comments section. Happy Birthday the best boy Be you and be true as always! Love love love, Dia Mirza wrote. Huma Qureshi also commented, Happy Bday VD  send cake here ;-) Bhumi Pednekar, Arjit Taneja, Darshan Kumaar, Jacqueline Fernandez, Urvashi Rautela and Malaika Arora also wished happiness and success to Varun on birthday.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Varun Dhawan will soon be seen in Baby John. The high-octane action entertainer is being helmed by A. Kaleeswaran and also stars Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi in key roles. The film is set to release on May 31, 2024. Besides this, Varun also has Citadel India with Samantha Ruth Prabhu in his pipeline.
Harsh Gujral has established himself as a talented comedian, and his latest stint on the show Madness Machayenge India Ko Hasayenge has raised him to prominence. In the recent episode, viewers will see the comedian sharing a fan moment with actress Juhi Chawla. Harsh and Juhi Chawla entertained viewers on the stage of the popular show by recreating the iconic song Jaadu Teri Nazar.

Harsh Gujral shared a reel on Instagram where he is seen romancing with Juhi Chawla. The comedian lip-syncs to the iconic song from the movie Darr. Juhi Chawla also follows his cue and dances along with him. In the caption, Harsh expressed, Just lucky I got a chance to share stage with Juhi Chawla mamsuperstar on screen and off screenthank u for coming on the show mam it was a fan moment for all of us on the showAur ye mere man ki awaaz hai.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harsh Gujral (@realharshgujral)

His followers were amazed to see him showing off his dancing skills. One of them said, this one is perfect bro.. u achieved! while another followers jokingly stated, Nhi sir aap toh comedian character me ache lagte ho apka toh romance dek kr bhi hasi arhi h. Many user also shared how they are big fans of Juhi Chawla saying, She is my favvv.

Meanwhile, in an interview with ETimes, Harsh Gujral spoke about his interest in comedy and how he decided to make a career in this field. He stated, Your talents true recognition lies in audience embrace and willingness to pay. Without their validation, self-acknowledgement lacks substance. Its like cooking for a wedding; validation comes from guests enjoying it. Simply telling yourself youre talented isnt enough without audience validation.

Harsh Gujral was initially an engineering student who eventually decided to make a name for himself in the comedy. However, initially, his family was not very supportive. In the interview, he shared that his family had no idea about his gigs or where he did it. Even when he posted his first video, they were oblivious. His parents only began to comprehend when they met a relative in a Kanpur market who had applauded his talent. Later, he mentioned that when he was able to pay off some of his fathers loans through comedy gigs, they began to recognise the possibilities in his profession.
After much wait, the fans of mystery and dystopian thrillers are gearing up for the release of Goodbye Earth. It is based on the works of acclaimed Japanese author Kotaro Isakas book The Fool At the End of the World. The 12-episode web-series is directed by Kim Jin-min, who is best known for the 2020 crime drama series, Extracurricular. The show is written by Jung Sung-jo, known for 2023 vampire-led romantic comedy, Heartbeat.

Goodbye Earths plot revolves around an apocalyptic scenario in which an asteroid moves towards Earth. People only have 200 days till they brace for the asteroid impact that can possibly end life on the planet. The series shows how society goes down in chaos and anarchy in the light of impending doom.

The show is supported by a stellar ensemble cast. Ahn Eun-jin plays Jin Se-kyung, a middle-school teacher. Yoo Ah-in plays Yoon Sang-eun, a biotech researcher and Se-kyungs longtime lover. Jeon Sung-woo will be featured as Woo Seong-jae, an assistant priest at a Catholic Church who is tasked with addressing the believers, on behalf of the chief priest who had disappeared after the asteroids announcement. Yoon-hye will play Kang In-ah, the commander of a combat service. Other notable actors like Kim Young Ok, Kim Kang Hoon, Kim Min Chul and Kim Young Woong will also play brief parts in the series.

When and where to watch Goodbye Earth

Goodbye Earth is set to premiere on April 26, 2024. The time for the show is 12:30 PM KST (4 PM IST). Goodbye Earth will be exclusively available for streaming on Netflix as it is a Netflix original series.

Delayed release

Goodbye Earth was initially slated for a 2023 release, but the controversy around actor Yoo Ah-ins drug possession and consumption negatively impacted the series. Yoo Ah-in plays one of the main characters in the series. It will be interesting to see if the showmakers edit out his portions to reduce his screen time following the drug use allegations.

In February 2023, Yoo Ah-in was tested for drug use with his agency UAA pledging cooperation with law enforcement. Subsequent investigations found the 37-year-old positive for marijuana and negative for propofol based on his urine test and hair examination. Yoo Ah-in lost a number of endorsement deals and was removed from major projects following the drug test results.
Introduction

The decision of the Supreme Court of India scrapping the electoral bond scheme was certainly one that caused unrest. The scheme was held unconstitutional and seen as a peril to democracy. While one has to completely respect and abide by the verdict of the apex court; the question now is whats next in the arena of financing political parties and is a fundamental one to address. Is it really any better to go back to financing schemes that existed before the introduction of electoral bonds? Before we delve into this aspect, it is necessary to establish the basic principles and objectives of the introduction of electoral bonds and the conditions that existed before the introduction of such a scheme.

Why the scheme was introduced and its objective

The Union Budget of 2017 led by the BJP government introduced a money bill for establishing the electoral bond scheme. Electoral bonds are a form of a promissory note that act as a means to make a donation to any political party which is registered under Section 29A of the Representation of People Act, 1951 and has polled at least one per cent of the votes in the last general elections or state Assembly elections. These bonds can be purchased by any Indian citizen or corporation incorporated in India, either singly or jointly. Such persons are required of an authorised bank account and must fulfill all the KYC norms. There is no cap on the number of bonds one can purchase.

Since there were contentions on the flow of illegal cash into the political system feeding corruption, bonds can only be purchased digitally or through cheques from selected banks of the SBI authorised for this purpose. Bonds are purchased in the favor of political parties. They can be encashed by an eligible political party through a bank account. The bonds are valid for 15 calendar days from the date of issue. On demand within the 15-day limit, the cash shall be credited to the account of an eligible political party on the same day. The money that is not recovered within 15 days will be transferred to the PM Relief Fund.

The present government which also introduced electoral bonds claims its intention behind the introduction of the electoral bonds is to rectify the effects of corruption and black money in political funding. The Government of India notified the Scheme of Electoral Bonds to cleanse the system of political funding in the country.

Elections, Political Funding and Businesses: An old linkage

The political climate of India is vast. One in every six people on Earth who are of voting age resides in India. Apart from being the most populous democracy in the world, there are also several parties that contest in elections which contributes to extraordinary competitiveness. In this backdrop, naturally, the role of funds in campaigning becomes crucial. With an increase in the size of the economy, electorate and competition, the role of money in politics became of paramount significance.

It was stated in the Press Information Bureau that the governments expenditure on an elector has gone up manifold, twenty times from the first general elections to the 15th general elections. In the first election, the government had spent Rs 0.60 on an elector whereas it went on spending Rs 12 in the 2009 general elections. Considering expenditure in absolute terms, Rs 10.45 crore was spent in 1951-52 whereas Rs 846.67 crore was the amount the government spent for the 2009 general elections.

The widespread politics and the vast quantum of money made the regulation of political financing hard. Former Chief Election Commissioner, N Gopalaswamy, understanding the situation commented that the Election Commission, which was able to control the muscle power in elections, utterly failed to do so in the case of the money power.

This dire situation can be considered as that which attributed to the need for some kind of regularity in political financing. Under the previous scheme, if the donor wanted to donate an amount less than Rs 20,000, they could donate it in cash and it was not obligatory for the donor to disclose their identity; hence would be bracketed as funding from unknown sources. The identity must be revealed if the amount exceeds Rs 20,000. It is significant to note that there were escalating contributions below the denomination of Rs 20,000 over the years.

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms, the total income of political parties in India between 2004-05 and 2014-15 was Rs 11,367 crore and 69 per cent of income from donations below Rs 20,000 given to political parties amounting to Rs 7,833 crore came from unknown sources. Only 16 per cent of their total income was from known donors.

Taking cognisance of the same, the BJP government in 2017 claimed its objective of reforming electoral funding and introduced the scheme. The scheme does come with certain aspects of monitoring. Firstly, it ensures that only authorised and legitimate bank account holders can fund political parties. It rejects cash deposits with the intention to restrain the flow of black and illicit money in political funds. Further, political parties are required to disclose the funds received through electoral bonds in their financial statements. This allows a framework that enables greater scrutiny of political finances. However, the electoral bonds secured the identity of the buyers and purchasers. This non-disclosure caused turbulence among the populace, raising obvious issues of transparency and fairness.

Anonymity was also a contention before introducing an electoral scheme for cash deposits below Rs 20,000. However, here the government pleaded a strong reasoning as to why the anonymity of individuals should be secured. As a matter of prudence, it is known that political parties hold pervasive power to intervene and affect the circumstances. It was stated that donors are likely to face retribution from other political parties and disclosure of identities will only cause unnecessary apprehensions and victimisation by political parties. The Electoral Bond Scheme maintains the confidentiality of donors and thereby incentivizes them to contribute clean money to political parties. It enables a person to make political choices without the fear of victimisation or retaliation which is the essence of political freedom.

Conclusion

As much as the justification that calls for the privacy of buyers stands, there are certainly problems revolving around anonymity that create concern in the populace. However, this need not necessarily undo the initial spark that brought in electoral bonds  the necessity of ensuring clean political financing and promoting genuine funding. There must be some degree of regularity. While the downsides of non-disclosure in electoral bonds scheme must be recognised, the older system certainly lacks the technical facilities to accommodate the present-day vastness of political finance and money movement. The aim with respect to handling black money in political funding is not to devise a scheme of perfect but rather that which strives for improvement in regularity. If not perfection, the goal must always be improvement.

A prevalent feature of electoral bonds different from the previous political financing is that large amounts of black money which was infused as donations came down to a reasonable extent; as the scheme brought uprightness by allowing only genuine bank account holders to purchase the bonds for donation in means other than cash. Finally, while this scheme has been held unconstitutional and is being criticised for lack of transparency among other issues; we as a nation with a young, better informed and dynamic population shouldnt let things go back to pre-2017.

Lets hope the present-day government which is seen as the most favoured likely choice in the 2024 elections and one that is bold in decision-making and has brought in multiple revolutionary schemes and laws comes up with something that is both fair and stands the legal test.

Anant Merathia is a corporate litigator and author of Defaulters Paradise Lost. He can be found on X @anant_merathia. 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 is determined to paint the Congress into a corner. A communal anti-Hindu corner at that. In election speech after speech, he claims to have unearthed a Congress conspiracy to institutionalise legal discrimination against Hindus if it is voted to power. The prime minister believes this conspiracy is hard coded into the clauses of the Congress party manifesto for 2024.

Modi alleges that the manifesto in its present form commits itself to affirmative action that will lead to the balkanisation of India as the document has the imprint of the Muslim league upon it. Of course, the Muslim League the prime minister is invoking refers to the pre-independence special political vehicle founded by anglicised barrister-politician Mohammad Ali Jinnah to champion the creation of Pakistan.

Not just this, the prime minister believes that the manifesto commits any prospective Congress-led government to roll out policies overwhelmingly biased towards Muslims. Is the prime minister seeing the ghost of appeasement where none exist? The Congress thinks so.

But a deeper inquiry into the Congress manifesto reveals many ambiguously worded proposals to further the cause of what it terms social justice and equity.

For instance, in clause 1 of the Equity chapter of the manifesto, the party has promised to conduct a socio-economic census (different from a caste census) to ascertain the financial condition of various sections of society. Basis this survey, the manifesto vows that the Congress will strengthen affirmative action.

A census by itself is harmless. But this census, albeit arduous but statistically heavy academic exercise, could acquire a sharper edge when it is read in conjunction with Congress chief campaigner Rahul Gandhis X-ray statement. Indeed, a day after the manifesto was released, Rahul Gandhi promised to conduct, in his words, an X-ray that will provide an insight to (all) minorities on just how much of a stake they are entitled to have in the share of the nations resource pie. Moreover, Rahul Gandhi later in the same speech goes on to proclaim, We will also conduct a financial and institutional survey in a historic step to ascertain the distribution of wealth held by different communities.

Many are convinced that the only reason for ascertaining wealth distribution is to undertake a redistribution of it for the uplift of minorities, particularly Muslims. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2006 had in fact said as much when he made it clear that minorities, especially Muslims, have a first claim on the nations wealth.

The manifesto also pledges that if the Congress comes to power, it will pass a constitutional amendment to remove the Supreme Court-mandated 50 per cent cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Is this promise to raise the limit on reservation quotas, so to speak, primarily aimed at appeasing Muslims? The question is answered by precedent.

In 2004, for instance, then Congress Andhra Pradesh state government had announced reservations for Muslims in government jobs and education. The SC stayed the implementation of the Muslim quota above the 50 per cent cap but had allowed it within the 27 per cent OBC fold. Crucially, the SC had then referred the matter to a five-judge SC bench which in 2022 began hearing pleas challenging the constitutional validity of reservations on religious grounds.

Despite the setback it suffered in the Supreme Court, the Congress has never given up on the idea of benefitting Muslims. In its 2009 and 2014 manifestoes, the Congress had promised nationwide reservations for Muslims in jobs and education. The 2014 manifesto even committed the party to pursue this matter closely in court to ensure that the policy is implemented through proper legislation.

There are other proclamations in the Congress manifesto that require close reading. For instance, there are promises to ensure the economic empowerment of minorities as this is a necessary step for India to realise its full potential. Besides, there is also the express promise to ensure that Muslims receive their fair share in jobs, education and even sports. The use of the word ensure adds a whole new dimension to the otherwise ambivalent proclamations. The word ensure suggests that the Congress has committed itself to drawing up policies favourable to minorities in the eventuality of securing power.

Again, past precedence takes us back to 2011. Then, the unelected Sonia Gandhi led-National Advisory Council (NAC) drafted the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence (Access to Justice & Reparations) Bill. The said proposed legislation was tabled in 2014 in Parliament. But it was soon revealed that the bill itself was communal. It took the clear-eyed legal acuity of the late Arun Jaitley to question the bill on constitutional grounds. Jaitley concluded that the bill assumed that only members of a minority community could be targeted during a riot, and that the majority community could only be perpetrators and never victims. The intervention ensured that the UPA shelved the bill for good.

There are many such examples of the Congress using its executive and legislative powers in office to enact legislation discriminatory towards Hindus. In 2009, the UPA promulgated the Right to Education (RTE) Act which excluded minority schools from its purview. The act made it mandatory for expressly majority community-run or owned schools to reserve 25 per cent seats and make provisions for educational and financial aid for poor and disadvantaged students. While theoretically, the state was to compensate these schools for the expense incurred but as a 2017 CAG report revealed, it took as much as 307 days to release funds to schools. For most such Hindu community-run and operated schools, it was too late. Many shut down.

But whats the guarantee that history will repeat itself, youre entitled to ask? Without the aid of a crystal ball, it is impossible to answer the question. Perhaps, the only way to respond is by posing a counter question: what is the guarantee that history wont repeat itself?

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
The 2024 Lok Sabha election was on a Better Call Saul kind of slow burn. Then on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought out the dragons and turned it into Game of Thrones. He suddenly dropped the niceties and tore into the Congress manifesto and Rahul Gandhis wealth redistribution plank.

When they were in power, they [former PM Manmohan Singh] had said Muslims had the first right on the nations resources. The Maoist Congress manifesto promises to survey gold and ornaments of our mothers and sisters, seize those, and redistribute it among infiltrators and those who make a lot of babies, he said with vintage ferocity, transforming the entire election into an overheated, polarised gladiatorial arena. They will not even spare your mangalsutra (sacred necklace for married women).

The Opposition immediately called him communal and asked the Election Commission to take action. But did Modi breach the election rules?

Let us examine Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act). It says that appeals by a candidate, or any other person with the consent of a candidate, to vote or refrain from voting on the grounds of his religion, race, caste, community or language is a corrupt electoral practice.

Did Modi ask for votes based on religion or caste or ask a community to refrain from voting along those lines? No.

He merely analysed the Congress manifesto and pointed to brazen appeasement. He did not ask anybody to vote against Muslims as a community or for Muslim candidates.

Section 123(3A) denounces any attempt by a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among citizens on these grounds during elections.

Did Modi fan hatred against a community? Again, no.

He merely called out his rival Congress partys communal appeal. He accused it of trying to steal reservation from the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and transfer it to Muslims. He has kept attacking the Congress manifesto.

By his sudden and audacious attack, Modi has blunted the Congress campaign around wealth redistribution. Every time the Congress now thinks of advertising its main election plank, it will think twice. Modi has made sure Hindu voters now subliminally connect it to appeasement and galvanise.

Rahul Gandhi has openly and repeatedly sought a caste census. He also promised a survey of wealth and promised to redistribute it Robin Hood-style, with Muslims getting their fair share based on their numbers in an echo of Manmohan Singhs first claim credo.

Now, that is a purely communal appeal.

Rahul Gandhis brazen caste pitch in the promised OBC census, or his mocking of Lord Krishnas undersea city of Dwarka, or the Congress boycotting Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha fall neatly into the bigotry basket.

Take for instance Mamata Banerjee calling Ram Navami devotees rioters. Or her tirade dog-whistling Muslims to fight kafirs who are all cowards. Or her old but abiding assertion that one must endure kicks from the cow which gives milk, referring to Muslim appeasement.

DMKs Udhayanidhi Stalin publicly called for the extermination of the Sanatan Dharma, triggering a fresh round of vicious verbal attacks against Hindus in general and Brahmins in particular.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah stirred the communal nest in December 2023 at a convention of Muslim religious leaders in Hubballi by announcing increased grants for the Muslim community.

Why should jailed Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal fall behind?

An RTI response in 2022 revealed that Kejriwals AAP government in Delhi had given over Rs 101 crore of public funds to the Delhi Waqf Board since coming to power in 2015. Of that, Rs 62.57 crore alone was given in 2021.

Such largesse to Waqf is not new. The outgoing Congress government in 2014 left a parting gift of 123 prime properties in Lutyens Delhi for Waqf.

Then there are parties whose raison detre is communal or caste-based. The Bahujan Samaj Partys politics revolves around the Dalit cause. AIMIM, Congresss Kerala ally All India Muslim League, Badruddin Ajmals All India United Democratic Front, PDP and National Conference in Kashmir will collapse if they are barred from speaking for Muslims. RJP and SP are known as Yadav-Muslim forces. Jagan Reddys YSR Congress has been accused of anti-Hindu and pro-Christian politics.

Indias so-called secular ecosystem can continue to ignore such a mountain of evidence of communal and casteist politics and blame the man who is calling it out, but it will not be able to convince ordinary Indians. Contrary to the belief popular among the small and increasingly irrelevant club of the political elite, voters are not fools.

Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Painting an ominous picture in Rajasthan, addressing fawning admirers, the prime minister intoned  This urban Naxal mindset, mothers and sisters, they will not even leave your mangalsutra. They can go to that level The Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it and then distribute that property. They will distribute it to whom  Manmohan Singhs government said Muslims have the first right on the countrys assets.

The outpouring, shorn of political correctness, has caused Indias Left to have an apoplectic fit. The Congress, which the prime minister equated with displaying an urban Naxal mindset, has in the meantime pounded on the Election Commissions door calling upon it to book him for hate speech and for spewing inflammatory fake news.

While the Congress can build a case to accuse the prime minister of highly polarising rhetoric, it may find it hard to prove, in principle, its charge that Narendra Modi and the BJP are spreading fake news.

The Congress manifesto is implicit in its commitment to undertake some nature of wealth or income redistribution. Consider what the vision document says  Congress will conduct a nationwide 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.

It doesnt take rocket science to know that determining socio-economic status requires obtaining information on what income and assets entities, including individuals, own. Then, a day after the Congress manifesto was released, Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad elaborated on the idea. Here is the Congress scion in his own words  We will conduct a financial and institutional survey to find out who holds the countrys wealth, what section holds it, and then we will undertake revolutionary work. Whatever your right, we will work on giving you the same.

There you go, bingo, Rahul Gandhi is clearly talking about wealth redistribution. About playing virtuous Robinhood  securing from the rich to give to the poor. Now that the Congress wealth redistribution ploy has been established beyond reasonable doubt, we must ask why it is suddenly distancing itself from the well-articulated manifesto promise?

The answer lies in what Prime Minister Modi somewhat injudiciously warned Hindus about. Remember, the Congress historically views Muslims as the most disadvantaged sections of the population. Former PM Manmohan Singh had himself said so, very clearly, in 2006. Sample his exact quote  I believe our collective priorities are clear: programmes for the upliftment of SC/STs, other backward classes, minorities and women and children. The component plans for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes will need to be revitalised. We will have to devise innovative plans to ensure that minorities, particularly the Muslim minority, are empowered to share equitably in the fruits of development. They must have the first claim on resources.

Now applying Singhs logic to the Congress partys prospective wealth redistribution policy, any future Congress administration will naturally prioritise Muslims in wealth redistribution. With the PM taking this element of the Congress policy to the voter, the grand old party has suddenly realised that it could potentially alienate the majority community.

Quite obviously, it is now backpedalling furiously.

Of course, it isnt just about Muslims being the first in line to benefit from prospective Congress wealth redistribution plans. Their deemed indigence could also exempt their assets and incomes from being assessed and surveyed under any putative Congress-led government.

To elaborate, if an institutional survey is to be conducted, as Gandhi has declared, religious institutions will also be included.

Hindu temples hold massive assets in the form of land and gold. The Waqf Board also administers huge tracts of land and mosques with valuable assets. But, since the Congress regards Muslims as disadvantaged, will Waqf properties be exclusively exempt from the survey?

If this is the case, then only Hindu religious institutions will be made to part with their wealth. This, as you know, is not without precedent. The state has enacted laws that presently allow it to administer Hindu religious bodies exclusively. The same law also allows the state to tax the income of these Hindu institutions.

As wise legal minds never tire of pointing out  If there is a precedent there is a way.
The West has developed a discourse of a division in the world today between democracies and authoritarian regimes. Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are seen as forming the principal axis of authoritarian regimes as against the democratic axis composed principally of the West and Japan.

India is seen as part of the democratic world but with caveats. These caveats are expressed without restraint by the Western media, think tanks, academics, human rights organisations and other components of civil society. At the official level too, the standards of Indian democracy are questioned in direct statements or reports issued by state organisations.

India is not seen as measuring up to the high standards of liberal Western democracies. The fact that India holds free and fair elections makes it difficult to deny its democratic credentials, but these are sought to be blemished by referring to India as an electoral democracy. The Indian democracy is accused of being tainted with majoritarianism, meaning that the rights and interests of the minority are infringed. It is therefore qualified as an illiberal democracy. The current narrative of backsliding of democracy in India has now got wide currency in Western commentary on India.

India, in the eyes of its Western critics, supposedly lacks the strong institutional checks and balances that exist in Western democracies. Poverty, relatively low levels of education, and caste divisions have always been seen as factors that do not make Indian democracy comparable in its quality to Western democracies.

The approach towards Indias democracy has always been judgmental, patronising, questioning and censorious on human rights issues, to which has been added the issue of religious freedoms after the BJP came to power. For long after our independence, it was doubted if our democracy would survive. Indias huge diversity in languages, cultures, religions, and ethnic groups was seen as unmanageable. In the past some prominent European intellectuals had little sympathy with Indias democracy, believing that India needed a revolution like in China to address its core problems of poverty, inequality and social ills.

The Wests rhetoric of democratic backsliding in India is hypocritical. The democracy factor has played little role in the Wests policies towards India since 1947, which have been dictated by hard national interest. In our region, the US and its allies favoured the non-democratic military regimes in Pakistan over India. Indias democracy did not shield us from years of sanctions by the US and its allies on nuclear, missile and dual-use technology issues. This policy was reversed by signing the nuclear deal with India in response to geopolitical changes.

The US and its allies have favoured communist China as a partner over democratic India for many decades. Even now, despite China becoming increasingly dictatorial under Xi, openly rejecting democracy and Western values in general, and persecuting its Muslim minority on a vast scale, the US and its allies have a much more extensive relationship with China than with India.

If the US and its allies are reaching out to India more recently and ties have greatly improved, the key reason is not democracy, which India always was. It has more to do with the rise of India economically, the accompanying economic opportunities available for Western capital, Indias more openness to foreign business and investment, and Indias perceived role as a counter to Chinas increasing economic, technological and military strength that is feeding its geopolitical ambitions to rival the US as a preeminent global power.

The US rhetoric of democracy is, admittedly, directed at the entire non-Western world, not only at India. The promotion of democracy and Western values is a declared feature of US foreign policy. Its European allies as well as countries like Japan, Australia, Canada, etc, being democratic, it is the non-Western world that becomes the objective of colour revolutions and regime change policies. Spreading democracy becomes a moral excuse to interfere in the internal affairs of countries.

India, as the largest democracy in the world effectively, is a special case. To have an excuse to interfere in its internal affairs a narrative has to be built that Indias democracy is backsliding. This then gives the US and others a self-acquired political and moral right to demand that India live up to certain standards. The issue of human rights and minorities is raised with the Indian government, and the civil society is cultivated to raise these issues, as is the media. Funding is provided to NGOs to question government policies. By its very nature, such interference is in favour of the opposition and against the government in power.

Opposition lobbies in India get encouragement from the external support of powerful Western countries to pursue their agendas. It is not surprising therefore that Indian politicians at times openly seek external intervention to save democracy in India. Our media amplifies external criticism of the Indian governments policies by foreign governments. It gives prominence to the rating of Indias democracy by Western organisations without any questioning. Negative reports of Western think tanks on developments in India, as well as articles in the Western media known to be congenitally hostile to India, are given a lot of space. Such space is provided also to Indian-origin academics living abroad known to be very critical of the present government.

This backsliding of democracy narrative becomes a pressure point on India, putting it on the defensive, forcing it to either reach out to critics in the West to explain why the strictures on India are misplaced or push back. At many international gatherings the question of democratic backsliding is raised with our External Affairs Minister and he is obliged to respond.

The current general election, which is the largest democratic exercise ever in human history, has naturally attracted interest. But instead of celebrating it, a flurry of articles has appeared in Western mainstream media and journals associated with think tanks which regurgitate all the old arguments about the decline of Indian democracy, the erosion of Indias secularism, the rise of Hindutva ideology, the emergence of fascist trends, minority persecution, curbing of freedom of speech, constraints on the independence of judiciary, control over institutions, and so on. To this litany of charges has been added the arrest of Kejriwal, the blocking of some accounts of the Congress party, and the unleashing of enforcement agencies to intimidate the opposition, etc.

The trigger for these often vicious articles is the general expectation that the BJP will get a third term in power under Prime Minister Modi. These articles have been mostly written by persons of Indian origin resident abroad or in India, but not in every case. The most atrocious charges have been made in these articles, such as if Modi wins this will be the last general election in India. It is claimed absurdly that the constitution will be amended, India will formally become a Hindu state, the Muslims will be permanently marginalised and made second-class citizens, and so on.

That even supposedly serious and reputable journals can publish such outrageous propaganda suggests that this is part of a campaign instigated by those in the West who feel uncomfortable by the rise of a civilisational Indian state and what this may mean as a challenge to Western civilisational hegemony. The further consolidation of the Hindu personality of India through a legitimate democratic process and the accompanying decolonisation of the Indian mind and polity under a personage like Modi seems to have actuated this orchestrated campaign.

Kanwal Sibal is a former Indian Foreign Secretary. He was Indias Ambassador to Turkey, Egypt, France and Russia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday joined in on Prime Minister Narendra Modis wealth redistribution jibe at Congress and mocked Rahul Gandhi along with his brother-in-law Robert Vadra saying every person now needs to hide their property papers. Irani insinuated that if Vadra knows Jagdishpur, he will confiscate peoples wealth and redistribute it, as promised by Congress in its election manifesto.

 There is one thing to worry about, whether Rahul Gandhi knows something or not, his brother-in-law knows Jagdishpur. People of Jagdishpur need to beware now. If his brother-in-law knows Jagdishpur, every village, every house, every person now needs to hide their property papers, Smriti Irani said in Uttar Pradehs Amethi.

ALSO READ: Jijaji Ki Nazar: Smriti Irani Mocks Rahul Gandhi, Robert Vadra As Congress Yet To Declare Amethi LS Candidate

#WATCH | Amethi, Uttar Pradesh: Union Minister Smriti Irani says,  There is one thing to worry about, whether Rahul Gandhi knows something or not, his brother-in-law knows Jagdishpur. People of Jagdishpur need to beware now. If his brother-in-law knows Jagdishpur, every pic.twitter.com/IQQpVWwrPe ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

The BJP leaders remarks came amid a row over PM Modis wealth redistribution remark and speculations over Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law, Robert Vadras possible debut in electoral politics from the Amethi Parliamentary seat.

Controversy continued following the prime ministers remarks regarding the Congress partys wealth redistribution promise.

Addressing a Lok Sabha poll rally in Rajasthas Banswara, PM Modi suggested if the Congress came to power, it would redistribute the wealth of people to Muslims.

Slamming the grand old party, he said, They have said that if the Congress government comes into power, it will survey everyones property. They will investigate how much gold our sisters have Our Adivasi families own silver. How much silver they have will be recorded. They will check how much property and money the government employees own. This is not it, they also said that the gold owned by our sisters and their other properties will be equally redistributed.

The prime minister was referring to Rahul Gandhis statement from earlier this month, where he said that if voted into office in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress would conduct a financial and institutional survey to ascertain who is in possession of the wealth of the country, and would then undertake an exercise to redistribute the same.

Stay Ahead With all the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Related Real-Time Updates At News18 Website.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharpened his criticism of the Congress party on Wednesday over what he described as its dangerous intentions, armed with opposition functionary Sam Pitrodas comments on an inheritance tax in the US that added fuel to a raging debate over wealth distribution in Indias politically charged election season.

In remarks that drew intense scrutiny by the BJP and prompted the Congress to distance itself from them, Pitroda could be heard talking in a video about a US law that saysyou must leave your wealth for the public [upon death]  not all of it, half of it  which to me sounds fair. Pitroda was prompt to post a clarification with his comments snowballing into a major controversy. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, too, tried dousing the flames in an X post, saying Pitroda expresses his opinion freely and they not always reflect the position of the party.

But PM Modi kept up the political pressure on the Congress, using Pitrodas remarks to launch a fresh offensive. Now, the Congress is saying there will be an inheritance tax on inheritance from parents[If the Congress is voted to power] they will hit you with a higher tax rate till the time you are alive. And after that, they will impose an inheritance tax, he said at an election rally in Chhattisgarh.

The people, who have considered the Congress as their ancestral property and given it to their children, dont want Indians to give their property to their children, PM Modi said, in what is being seen as a reference to the Nehru-Gandhi family. Your hard-earned property will not go to your children but to the Congress hand, he added, referring to the partys poll symbol.

Their mantra is: Congress loot zindagi ke saath bhi aur zindagi ke baad bhi [Congress loot during and after lifetime], PM Modi said in Hindi, echoing a phrase popularised by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)s advertisements.

Pitrodas comments add a new chapter to the ongoing wealth distribution debate. The Prime Minister has earlier asserted that the Congress aims to redistribute public wealth among Muslims, while the BJP has questioned the promise of a nation-wide socio-economic and caste census in the Congress manifesto. The opposition party has said its election manifesto does not mention any wealth redistribution survey, but the BJP has pointed to a video of Congress leader Rahul Gandhis speech on April 6, when he made a similar statement at the manifesto launch event.

Sam Pitrodas Controversial Statement

Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, talked in detail about an inheritance tax, according to a video shared by news agency ANI.

If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies, he can only transfer probably 45% to his children; 55% is grabbed by the government. Thats an interesting law. It says you, in your generation, made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public  not all of it, half of it  which to me sounds fair.

In India, you dont have thatSo these are the kind of issues people will have to debate and discuss. I dont know what the conclusion would be at the end of the day but when we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and new programmes that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of super-rich only, he said, and added that there was nothing wrong in being rich.

BJPs Reaction

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, After Sam Pitrodas remark, the Congress party is completely exposed. They want to survey the private property of the people of the country, put it in government property and distribute it as per decision during UPAs regime. Congress should either withdraw it from their manifesto or accept that it is indeed their intention.

#WATCH | Kochi, Kerala: On Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress Sam Pitroda's remark, Union Home Minister Home Minister Amit Shah says, "After Sam Pitroda's remark, Congress party is completely exposed. First of all, mention of 'survey' in their manifesto, Manmohan Singh's old pic.twitter.com/tctOvon33W ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

Hitting out at Pitrodas suggestion, BJPs national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wondered if such policies can do justice to citizens when theres a huge gap between 55% wealth of a businessman and 55% wealth of a farmer.

Ironically Gandhis built a huge treasury for their own children & son in law but they want to grab your hard earned tax payed resources, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), slamming the closest aide of Gandhi-Vadra family.

Congress, through Sam Pitroda the closest aide of Gandhi Vadra family, is essentially saying that 55% of what you earn will be taken away on your death. If you are a farmer- 55% of your land will be takenIf you are a businessman  55% of your business will be taken 55% of https://t.co/Ag25vqZPWH  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 24, 2024

BJP leader Amit Malviya highlighted what he described as the Congresss destructive plans. The Congress has decided to destroy India. Now, Sam Pitroda advocates 50% inheritance tax for wealth redistribution. This means 50% of whatever we build, with all our hard work and enterprise, will be taken away. 50%, besides all the tax we pay, which too will go up, if the Congress prevails, he wrote on X.

BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said voting for the Congress meant losing your money, property and belongings. He warned the voters to beware of property snatchers.

Congress Rebuttal

Hitting back at the BJP, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera asked: Has he (Pitroda) said that the Congress will bring this policy? Has the Congress said it in its manifesto? Is discussing and debating different ideas not allowed in this ancient land of Shastrarth?

Supporting mentor, friend, philosopher, and guide Sam Pitroda, veteran Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in firefight mode, In a democracy an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views. This does not mean that Pitrodas views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. Many times they do not.

Sensationalising his comments now and tearing them out of context are deliberate and desperate attempts at diverting attention away from Modis mischievous election campaign; that is anchored ONLY in lies and more lies, Ramesh wrote on X.

As controversy over his statement snowballed, Pitroda issued a clarification on X: It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PMs comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.

Stay Ahead With all the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Related Real-Time Updates At News18 Website.
Google has been on a firing spree but it is not just linked to their performance or changing business plans. The company was forced to sack over 28 employees who conducted in-office protests over one of its deals with a government recently which didnt go down well with Sundar Pichai and Co. And now, reports say that Google has fired another 20 employees over the same matter.

The fresh details about the protest have been shared by one of the organisers quoted by The Verge on Wednesday. The report also points out that Google has already sacked over 50 employees over the internal protests in quick time without any proper redressal or discussion done on the subject.

These employees were clearly angered by Googles dealings with the Israeli government worth $1.2 billion. In an internal memo to employees, quoted in the report, the company said that behaviour like this has no place in our workplace, and we will not tolerate it.

The overwhelming majority of our employees do the right thing. If youre one of the few who are tempted to think were going to overlook conduct that violates our policies, think again, Google told the staff.

The company faces questions about its deals with governments across the globe but the ongoing situation in the region, points to a bigger issue brewing in-house which needed immediate action.

Googles opinion on the subject was clearly pointed out by CEO Sundar Pichai saying, it will not accept any kind of behaviour that disrupts focus on the work and its co-workers. Pichai was quoted in a blog post this week, where he warns Google employees to keep their focus on the work and keep the office space for building products and not as a personal platform.

In the post, Pichai said, this is a business, and not a place to act in a way that disrupts coworkers or makes them feel unsafe, to attempt to use the company as a personal platform, or to fight over disruptive issues or debate politics, Pichai wrote. This is too important a moment as a company for us to be distracted.

This isnt the first time when Google employees have staged in-office protests but the nature and the timing of the latest unrest is clearly not going down well with Pichai and Co. and these sackings clearly point to the anger from the company.
In a horrific incident which took place in Delhis Paharganj, a few goons broke into a mans hotel room and stole his belongings. The man was also allegedly made to pose with a naked woman. He was also hit and blackmailed for money. The incident was reported on X (formerly known as Twitter) by Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, a journalist and documentary filmmaker. She said that 4-5 goons threatened to make the photos public if the victim reported anything.

The post began with a warning to avoid booking cheap hotels in Paharganj, Delhi. Got a frantic call from a friend. Her colleague who was in Delhi for a conference near Paharganj booked a cheap hotel because he had to just keep his luggage and go for a conference, she said.

According to Bhardwaj, four or five people and a woman broke into the room in his absence. These men beat and slapped him before he could make sense of anything. They proceeded to take his pictures with the woman and threatened to publish them if he revealed the matter to anyone. The victim was asked to pay Rs 15,000 to break free.

Bhardwaj further claimed that the victim hasnt filed a complaint as it appears that the police were also engaged. She said, He paid up and ran from there.

DO NOT BOOK CHEAP HOTELS IN PAHARGANJ, DELHIGot a frantic call from a friend. Her colleague who was in Delhi for a conference near Paharganj booked a cheap hotel because he had to just keep his luggage and go for a conference After his work when he came back to hotel to pick  Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) April 23, 2024

In her subsequent tweet, Bhardwaj stated that she had been approached by the Delhi Police about the situation and that they had provided all support and were taking the incident seriously. Whether the cop who was with the goons is a real cop or not is a matter of investigation. Have connected the victim with senior officers, she said.

Update : I have been contacted by @DelhiPolice @DCPCentralDelhi on this matter. They've extended all support & taking it seriously. Whether cop who was with goons is a real cop or not is a matter of investigation. Have connected the victim with senior officers. Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) April 23, 2024

Similar stories were reported by several users in the comments section. One user claimed that pickpockets and thieves are common in Paharganj and that he was approached by four individuals who wanted to take his wallet and phone. The user clarified that although the attempt was foiled because he was vigilant, many individuals get robbed. Sab ka setting hai hotel walon ke saath. If you can afford to, then always book a proper name-brand hotel in Delhi, the person noted.

Paharganj is filled with thieves and pickpocket. I got surrounded by four guys trying to steal my phone and wallet. I was alert so attempt thwarted, but many people get robbed. Sab ka setting hai hotel walon ke saath. If you can afford to, then always book a proper name brand  Kshitij Malve  (@KshitijAMalve) April 23, 2024

Another user pointed out that Paharganj is a well-known location for these kinds of incidents, pointing out that every hotel there appears dubious. As per the user, these hotels make use of the fact that they are situated outside the NDLS train station, which draws tourists.

Paharganj is a known notorious area for such scenarios. All of its hotels look shady ..it's location outside NDLS railway station helps to attract visitors, which these hotels use it to their advantage Parag Mandpe (@ParagMandpe) April 23, 2024

Details regarding the particular hotel and the identity of the victim are not unknown.
Is there any kindness left in our world? On one hand, we witness acts of generosity and assistance, but on the flip side, theres a shadowy lack of concern and empathy. The latter was starkly illustrated during a tragic incident in Ahmedabad, where a motorcyclist met his tragic death in a collision with a Gujarat state transport bus. Whats truly chilling isnt just the accident itself, but the apathy that followed.

In the CCTV footage captured near Bhulabhai Park crossing on April 19 around 10:30 a.m., a motorcyclist can be seen crossing the road when a speeding bus mercilessly ran over his two-wheeler. Shockingly, the bus driver doesnt even stop, casually continuing their journey after the fatal collision.

Also Read: In Spine-Chilling Video, Man Escapes Dangerous Car Crash At Kuwait Beach

Adding insult to injury, amidst the hustle and bustle of the crossing, not a single passerby stopped to attend to the injured man who tragically breathed his last on the spot. The video spread like wildfire on social media and ignited a storm of debate, questioning the very essence of societal empathy and human decency.

The clip shared by X page, Roads of Mumbai, dripped with biting sarcasm, reflecting on the devaluation of human life: We have plenty of human lives, so no one cares if some of them die like this.

What kind of dystopian hell is this country?Guy is in serious accident, each second is important and people are casually leaving as if nothing has happened https://t.co/9ZLzcAI9EV  Don Muji (@mujifren) April 24, 2024

Others echoed similar sentiments, condemning the dystopian indifference: What kind of dystopian hell is this country? Guy is in serious accident, each second is important and people are casually leaving as if nothing has happened.

Another lamented the lack of communal responsibility: After the accident, shocked to see almost nobody stopped to help or check on him for sometime. People are kind of running away, what kind of society we are living in !! He might be dead on the spot, but as a human its our duty to stop and help.

After the accident, shocked to see almost nobody stopped to help or check on him for sometime.People are kind of running away, what kind of society we are living in !! He might be dead on the spot, but as a human its our duty to stop and help.  Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) April 24, 2024

No value for human life. So sad to see all this. Naveen (@_naveenish) April 24, 2024

Indeed, such incidents compel us to reflect on our own humanity and the values we hold dear.

Also Read: Bermuda Triangle in Lucknow? How This YouTuber Earns by Sharing Accident Videos From One Spot

Nevertheless, following the public disclosure of the incident, actions were taken to address accountability. The bus driver was swiftly relieved of his duties and taken into custody, facing charges under relevant sections of both the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act.
In a bid to get the desired jobs, resumes or curriculum vitae (CVs) play a crucial role and must be drafted with utmost care. A well-crafted resume can make applicants stand out, especially since Human Resources departments sift through numerous CVs, selecting only a handful. But at times, some important aspects are overlooked by the applicants, harming their prospects. Nolan Church, the CEO of salary data company FairComp and ex-recruiter of Google and DoorDash, recently revealed that job seekers must avoid three types of phrases to get a better chance at being hired.

As per Church, sentences that are more than 25 words long must be avoided in resumes. Also, he suggested candidates avoid a word salad of keywords and write a list of tasks. Church told CNBC Make It, All of these sentences should be less than 25 words maximum. As the goal of a resume is for me to very quickly understand what youve done. He added that recruiters are likely to have just three to five seconds to go through each resume. Time is the enemy in life and is the enemy in business. The faster that we can move the faster that we can solve problems, the ex-Google executive told the publication.

Contenders often tend to have this word salad based off of what the [job description], Church said. Instead, he suggested creating a rule when writing bullet points under job titles: Youre not allowed to use more than one keyword in a sentence, he added.

In addition, the day-to-day duties of your job like emailing with your boss or creating your quarterly goals do not give a concrete understanding of what you accomplished and how you helped the business move forward or prosper, he said. The one I see all the time that just blows my mind is coordinated meetings with X. Theres literally no business impact for coordinating meetings, Church told CNBC Make It.

Instead, Church advised job seekers to highlight what they did that truly benefited the business, like roping in new clients, exceeding sales goals, completing the target before the deadline and using numbers to complement it.
Winning a lottery amount is always a case of your luck at play but a Florida couple tried to apply fraudulent measures to claim the winning amount. Unfortunately for them, their efforts backfired, leading to them getting caught and prosecuted. According to a police report cited by the Pensacola News Journal, Kira Anders and her partner Dakota Jones tore up two tickets, carefully joined the top half of one ticket and the bottom half of the other together, making it a winning ticket, with the amount being Rs 8.33 crore. The pair claimed that their curated ticket was the winner, but were soon caught because they forgot to check the serial numbers of two different scratch-offs.

According to FOX, Enders allegedly presented the ticket at a Pensacola, Florida, lottery office on March 1, where officials promptly determined it to be a non-winner. A Sheriffs Office report stated that Enders also acknowledged in official documents that she could face legal consequences if she tampered with a ticket at that time.

According to the Pensacola News Journal, Special Agent Richard Pisanti received a call from Enders on March 7 inquiring about the tickets status. The investigator instructed her to visit the Florida Lottery office on March 11. When Enders arrived at the office with Jones, who drove her there, both individuals were promptly detained and separated for investigation.

Enders reportedly claimed that his ticket had become wet from the rain, so he was forced to put tape over it to prevent it from getting further ruined. According to police, when questioned about the mismatched backsides of the two pieces, Enders first expressed surprise, then argued that the ticket was not taped correctly.

However, they soon confessed to the crime. Enders said she was planning to split the winnings with Jones and open a salon. According to information from the Escambia County Jail, Enders and Jones were released from custody on April 19 with bonds of Rs 16,65,907 and Rs 14,57,668, respectively. They are both scheduled to appear in court on May 10.
Earlier this month, aviation enthusiasts and pilots marked the end of an era after Air India sold the last remaining four Boeing 747-400s aircraft to AerSale, an aftermarket aircraft broker based in the USA. The national flag carrier bought its first Boeing 747 in 1971 and named it Agra. The plane operated till March 2021 and made its last flight from Mumbai on April 22 as it departed for Plainfield in the USA, where it will be dismantled and its parts will be reused and recycled.

Now aviation enthusiasts, pilots and people who recalled flying in Air Indias Boeing 474 fleet are bidding farewell to the gigantic aircraft, nicknamed Queen of the skies. On Monday, a pilot took to X and shared a picture of himself taken in the cockpit of Air Indias Boeing 474. He wrote, The privilege and joy of flying the Queen was unmatched. Hope she continues to soar with her new owners. Godspeed, my beloved Jumbo.. This post got over 20,000 views and hundreds of likes.

The privilege and joy of flying the Queen was unmatched. Hope she continues to soar with her new owners. Godspeed, my beloved Jumbo.. pic.twitter.com/PQBJ4d8GJ8 Ultra Long Ranger (@Aero_Sapien) April 22, 2024

In a follow-up post, the pilot wrote, 15 years of pure joy. Observers seat, right seat, left seat! Graceful handling, an absolute beauty to hand fly.

15 years of pure joy. Observers seat, right seat, left seat! Graceful handling, an absolute beauty to hand fly. Ultra Long Ranger (@Aero_Sapien) April 22, 2024

Commenting on this post, a person recalled, My first foreign visit to England was on a Boeing Maharaja in 1985, and fully enjoyed to and from from bangalore.

My first foreign visit to England was on a Boeing Maharaja in 1985,and fully enjoyed to and from from bangalore Mohan Rao (@MohanRa32109281) April 23, 2024

Another person wrote, What a boss! To have the bragging rights of having flown the Queen of there Skies is truly unmatched.

What a boss! To have the bragging rights of having flown the Queen of there Skies is truly unmatched  https://t.co/96u0rECbYt Suhail Vadgaokar (@esswhee) April 22, 2024

An X user asked the pilot about the dancing in the sky manoeuvre that the Boeing 474 pilot performed when the aircraft departed from Mumbai on its last destination. The pilot explained this move as wing wave and wrote, Its called a wing wave, sort of bye bye. It is done occasionally on farewells and aircraft/pilot retirements though never without planning or with passengers on board.

It's called a wing wave, sort of bye bye. It is done occasionally on farewells and aircraft/pilot retirements though never without planning or with passengers on board. Ultra Long Ranger (@Aero_Sapien) April 23, 2024

The Boeing 747 is a double-decker aircraft with more than 400 seats, which can be demarcated into economy and business class seats depending on the design specifications. Air India decided to sell all of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft as it was now uneconomical to keep them operating. In the last decade, the aviation industry has moved to more fuel-efficient aircraft. Boeing also stopped producing the wide-body 747-700 models last year after its 53-year run.
A video featuring an Indian-origin man, Mehul Prajapati, has been circulating on the internet, showcasing how he accesses free food in Canada. In the video shared on Instagram, Mehul elaborates on his method of saving money each month on food and groceries. He highlights a unique aspect of Canadian universities and colleges  the presence of food banks run by churches or non-profit organisations, specifically for students. He explained that these food banks are stocked with a variety of items. In the video, he displays multiple bags of groceries containing fresh fruits, vegetables and various canned goods, even emphasizing that one can take as much as you want.

However, the post was reshared on X (formerly Twitter) revealing that Mehul is a data scientist working at TD Bank in Canada. The post was shared by @Slatzism with the caption read, this guy has a job as a bank data scientist for @TD_Canada, a position that averages $98,000 per year, and proudly uploaded this video showing how much free food he gets from charity food banks. you dont hate them enough.

Watch the viral video here:

this guy has a job as a bank data scientist for @TD_Canada, a position that averages $98,000 per year, and proudly uploaded this video showing how much free food he gets from charity food banks.you dont hate them enough. pic.twitter.com/mUIGQnlYu6  pagliacci the hated (@Slatzism) April 20, 2024

Following this post, Mehul lost his job as shared by @Slatzism in an update post. @Slatzism posted a screenshot of an email purportedly from the customer care of TD Bank. The text from the screenshot read, Thank you for bringing the video to our attention. The alleged actions and messages captured in the video do not align with our TD values or culture of care. I can confirm that the individual named in the video no longer works at TD.

See the post here:

update: the food bank bandit was fired https://t.co/RFLqvVGJb1 pic.twitter.com/CDdrfrmbqI pagliacci the hated (@Slatzism) April 22, 2024

Since being shared online, the post accumulated over 470,000 views online, drawing various reactions from users.

One user expressing disappointment wrote, I feel ashamed, I m Indian and never would in the million years take food meant for the needy. In fact I make sure to contribute to such initiatives. we do have Indians like that, and I detest that hypocritical westerners are teaching Indians manners just becos they see some1 do.

Another user commented, We need to bring shame back.

Not surprised. These people do the same thing at Gurdwaras (Sikh temple) in Taking advantage of the communitys generosity who donate food & feed people everyday These type of Indians have a reputation for being greedy & selfish. Sikhs have been dealing with them for awhile, a person wrote.
Open X and everywhere and everyones just asking to Look between X and Y. The meme trend has taken off like never before, with all Indians joining in to have a blast. And when everyones jumping on the bandwagon, how could we not expect Delhi Police to join the fun? After all, they always keep up with the latest viral trends on the internet.

So, what did they do? If you look at your keyboard while driving, the thing between Q and R will meet you with a challan, they wrote. So, did you look at your keyboard? We know it can be stressful to first find the letters on the keyboard and then try to figure out the meaning.

Here it is: WE are the letters between Q and R. LOL, that was just epic.

If you look at your keyboard while driving, the thing between Q and R will meet you with a challan.#RoadSafety @dtptraffic Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) April 23, 2024

The post quickly went viral, sparking reactions from the public. The best one. I hope people stop posting this meme. Has become so irritating, remarked one user. Haha  Catching every trend aptly! chimed in another, while a third praised, @DelhiPolice never fails to leave any trend on social media! The Unique way to guide public to follow the rules ..

Also Read: Delhi Polices Madad Ke Liye 112 Post Has Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhirs Hug Connect

And of course, the meme train didnt stop there.

Still scratching your head over the memes meaning? Its a simple task: just peek between two specific keys on your keyboard. Users have been crafting clever images to challenge their peers to decode the hidden message within the given letters.

This memes origins trace back to May 2021, emerging from the depths of 4Chan, that notorious hub of internet culture. It all began with a post showcasing a character from K-On, accompanied by the deliberately misspelt directive: look between t and o on youre key bored.

Also Read: Delhi Polices Post On Road Safety Has A Genius Twist, We Bet You Will Love It

Intrigued users followed suit, only to discover the letters y, u, and i, spelling out Yui, a beloved character from an anime series depicting high school girls forming a band. Even @KeionDaisuki_01, a prominent figure in the X community, couldnt resist sharing it, setting ablaze the spread of this viral trend.
A Malaysian woman has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for pouring boiling water on a man with Down syndrome. On Tuesday, the woman, Oo Saw Kee pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted by a Sessions Court judge. She was also fined 6,000 ringgit (Over Rs 1 lakh). Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin declared in his verdict that Oo Saw Kees actions were grave, harsh, and inhumane, particularly since they involved a disabled person.

According to The Star, he stated that the victim did nothing to provoke the event. The judge stated before the Balik Pulau court on Tuesday, In this case, the court needs to take into consideration the public interest rather than the personal interest of the accused.

A 39-year-old sales promoter named Oo Saw Kee already made a plea of guilt for deliberately causing serious harm to 33-year-old A. Solairaj by pouring boiling water at him inside a lift at a flat building in Bayan Lepas, Penang state, at 9:24 a.m. on April 19, resulting in severe burns.

As per the report, she faced charges under Section 326 of the Penal Code of Malaysia, which carries a punishment of up to 20 years in jail, along with a fine or whipping if found guilty.

Oo Saw Kee, 39, was reportedly taken into custody by police on Friday night. Reporters were informed by acting police head Deputy Superintendent Jafri Md Zain that the suspect had been apprehended at 9:21 p.m.

The woman resides in the apartment area and she was remanded today [April 20] to facilitate investigations into the incident, police said. Solairaj was returning home to his 16th-floor flat when a terrible accident happened. The man was sent to Penang Hospital, where medical officials subsequently verified that the boiling water had burned his right side from front to back. His condition was said to be stable.

A 20-second video of the event went viral on social media, and viewers condemned the womans behaviour.

#Malaysia: A Chinese woman randomly splashed scalding (hot)? water at a disabled man in an elevator.The victim with Down Syndrome suffered burns on the front and back of his body, on the right side due to hot water. pic.twitter.com/OPie8RUxou  Ian Collins (@Ian_Collins_03) April 20, 2024

Edric Loo, a pro bono lawyer, represented Oo Saw Kee in the case, while the prosecution was represented by Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Noordin Ismail, the report added.
While online payments have made financial transactions easier for millions of people worldwide, it has also exposed them to cybercriminals looking for ways to scam them of their hard-earned money with just a few clicks.

Now, a new scam seems to have emerged where sophisticated scammers, impersonating Mumbai Police officers, are duping people. A conversation began on the microblogging site X about the scam after an X user shared his encounter of outwitting these cybercriminals by calling underworld don Dawood Ibrahim his uncle.

#FraudAlert: Today morning I received a call from better sophisticated scammers. The entire call lasted about 1 hour and I was quite convinced that it was genuine.The scammers initially called me through an automated voice call (+91 8112-178017) saying its from @TRAI. The pic.twitter.com/lODyERbSBI  Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) April 24, 2024

Warning people about the scam, X user Saurav Das said he received the first call through an automated voice call, saying it was from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The entire call lasted about 1 hour and I was quite convinced that it was genuineThe robot said my number would get blocked in 2 hours and press 9 for more info. That led me to the first guy who pretended to be from the Telecom Division. He told me someone in Bombay Andheri East has lodged a complaint against a number registered through my Aadhaar for illegal advertising and harassing texts, he wrote.

According to Das, scammers told him that Mumbai police had sent TRAI the blocking request so it would have to block all the numbers associated with his Aadhar card.

This person also shared details of the FIR with Das and forwarded the call to Andheri East police station.

He asked me to ask the police to send them a clarification letter that my original number is mine and I am not associated with the case to avoid the block. There are a lot of identity theft going on in India he said. That led me to the second guy who told me hes the police SI in Mumbai Police. He took some details and said my statement would have to be recorded since I cant be physically present in Bombay. Then I received a video call from a third guy (+91 90324 07612). He was in a police uniform and spoke good English, Das wrote.

According to a screenshot shared by Das, one of the fraudsters pretended to be the Mumbai cop named Pradip Sawant. A purported logo of Maharashtra Police was also seen in the image.

Pradip Sawant currently serves as the DCP Security Branch in Mumbai Police.

Das said he had the first hint of doubt when the third police officer had no Marathi accent.

He said the third police officer called his Head Constable in English and passed an order to investigate my case.

Das said he played along when the fourth guy, the head constable, recorded his statement and asked for my Aadhaar number, which he cited wrongly.

I wanted to see what they do with it. The guy was talking on the walkie-talkie (some good production). Apparently, I was involved in a 65-crore money laundering case, Das wrote.

This got too funny there and honestly, cringe. Kya aap kuch chhupa rahe ho hum se, he asked. I told him Dawood is my chacha. Who Dawood? he wondered. Dawood Ibrahim. Hes my chacha (uncle). I told them to piss off and that was it, he added.

Urging Mumbai Police to take note of his post about scammers impersonating them, Das said The point is that the scammers are now a lot more sophisticated in their tactics. I dont see a reason why my parents, older generation wont fall for this. I bought the entire skit for 30 mins.

Dass post soon went viral on social media with several other people sharing their similar experiences.

Another user microblogger Darshna shared a picture of a fake identity card of Pradip Sawant that is being widely circulated by scamsters.

Apparently, they are also sharing this Identity Card of Mr. Sawant when I got the same call. pic.twitter.com/MVGnedutmL Darshna (@adv_darshna) April 24, 2024

Apparently, they are also sharing this Identity Card of Mr. Sawant when I got the same call, she wrote.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of air travel, where flights can sometimes feel like routine passages from one place to another, some moments shimmer with genuine warmth. On a recent Air India Express flight, a heartwarming gesture unfolded when a young boys simple yet heartfelt request turned a routine flight into a celebration that has touched hearts across the internet.

The heart-melting video captures a touching moment when a boy approaches the cabin crew with a special request that it is his mothers birthday, and he wants to surprise her during the flight. The cabin crew then decides to make the moment even more memorable. Not only did they gather everyone to clap for his mothers birthday, but one of the flight attendants also presented her with a special birthday treat. This boy comes to me and says its his moms birthday and wants to give her a surprise. And we made the whole flight clap for his moms birthday, reads the overlay text on the video, beautifully capturing the heartwarming celebration that took onboard.

Shared on Instagram by Afzal Khan, the caption accompanying the video read, And we made someones day more special.

Watch the viral video here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Afzal Khan (@mr.cabin_crew)

This adorable gesture didnt just unfold in the skies, it soared across the internet capturing significant attention online with over 80,000 views. As the video made rounds, viewers were moved by the heartfelt gesture.

Comments poured in with one user expressing, Showers of blessings to the first officer and the cabin crew, while another added, Thats so kind and thoughtful of you!!

Such a sweet gesture, another commenter chimed in.

One comment simply read, Boys love for their mother.

Last year, a similar incident unfolded on a Vistara flight when the cabin crew arranged a little birthday celebration for their youngest flyer. The heartwarming surprise took place as the family was flying to Maldives with their toddler, who had turned one. The Vistara crew went above and beyond, presenting the little one a tiny cake, some fruits, along with a handwritten note. Impressed by the gesture, the family shared pictures of the celebration on Twitter.

Loved the way how Vistara Crew celebrated my daughters very first birthday in air aboard Male bound flight UK271 This is truly a heartwarming gesture for us & our daughter. Thankyou Vistara, wrote Rohit as he shared the images of the family and the surprises that they were presented with during the flight.

Loved the way how Vistara Crew celebrated my daughters very first birthday in air aboard Male bound flight UK271 This is truly a heart warming gesture for us & our daughter.Thankyou Vistara #FlyWithFeeling #VistaraView #Vistara @airvistara @aakanshasharma6 pic.twitter.com/n1XmemJjGO Rohit Aakansha Sharma (@Its_MeRohit) August 8, 2023

In response to Rohits post, the airline expressed, First birthdays are indeed special and celebrating it at 35,000ft makes it even more special! The crew will be just as happy to read your #VistaraLove, Rohit.
NASA astronaut Sunita L. Williams will soon head for the International Space Station (ISS) and is currently training to be the pilot of the Crew Flight Test mission aboard Boeings Starliner spacecraft.

She will be accompanied by fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore. After spending a week in the ISS, they will return to Earth and land in western US, the space agency said in a press release.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative space laboratory orbiting Earth, where astronauts of different nationalities have conducted scientific research, technological experiments and worked on international projects related to the field of space exploration.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will lift off aboard Boeings Starliner spacecraft on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and dock at the orbiting laboratory, where they will stay for about a week, the space agency said.

The space agency said that both astronauts are part of Nasas Commercial Crew Program. The mission is the first crewed flight for the Starliner spacecraft.

Both of them will test the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner system. They will test the launch and docking capabilities of the spacecraft and return to Earth in the western United States.

As part of the agencys Commercial Crew Program, the mission is the first crewed flight for the Starliner spacecraft. The mission will test the end-to-end capabilities of the Starliner system, including launch, docking and return to Earth in the western United States. Following a successful crewed flight test, NASA will begin the final process of certifying Starliner and systems for crewed missions to the space station, the press release said.

During her time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Williams conducted extensive scientific research, including experiments on the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. She also performed multiple spacewalks and retains the record of spending more time walking in space than any other woman.

She completed the first ever triathlon in space  running, biking, and even swimming to compete with Earth-based athletes 240 miles below who were competing in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in Southern California in 2015.
Columbia Universitys decision to hold classes at its main campus online for the final weeks of the semester has led to severe backlash with critics calling on parents to seek tuition refunds from the administration.

Columbia canceled in-person classes, dozens of protesters were arrested at New York University and Yale, and the gates to Harvard Yard were closed to the public as pro-Palestinian demonstrations gain traction at U.S. universities. pic.twitter.com/0VtYyAT8ko The Associated Press (@AP) April 23, 2024

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik made the announcement on Tuesday evening (local time) that the organisers of the protests face a midnight deadline to reach an agreement to dismantle the pro-Palestinian protest encampment across the premises, claiming it has only heightened tensions and led to students feeling unsafe.

She said in case an agreement is not reached, the administration will have to consider alternative options for clearing the encampment, without elaborating how the sites will be cleared.

#BREAKING: Columbia University has announced a midnight deadline for organizers, warning that their campsites will be forcefully cleared by police and unconfirmed reports of the National Guard #Manhattan | #Newyork At Columbia University, where hundreds of pic.twitter.com/WA2dwA0rWZ R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 24, 2024

The critics also blasted the administration for bowing to demands of anti-Israel student protesters and appearing weak, allowing the college to shut down in a sense due to the sweeping protests.

Its vital that teaching and learning continue during this time. We recognize conditions vary across our campuses and thus are issuing the following guidelines, provost Angela Olinto said in a statement issued Monday night.

Protests had been bubbling for months but kicked into a higher gear after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on Columbias upper Manhattan campus were arrested Thursday. Dozens more protesters have been arrested at other campuses since, and many now face charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct.

NYC  We are Hamas  Were all Hamas  Long live Hamas.Recognize these terror supporters? DM us! pic.twitter.com/RmjQL7678q  StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) April 18, 2024

At nearby New York University, police said 133 protesters were taken into custody late Monday and all had been released with summonses to appear in court on disorderly conduct charges. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said police officers were hit with bottles and other objects at some of this weeks protests.

Safety is our highest priority as we strive to support our students learning and all the required academic operations, Olinto wrote.

The decision has angered students as they say that the amount of fees that pay warrant that they be extended all facilities to help them learn better.

(It is frustrating given) the amount we pay to be at this school to learn from these amazing faculties and professors. I really think its disheartening to see how our education is being punished as a result of this, Michael DAgostino, 22, was quoted as saying by the New York Post.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers and former White House staffers have also weighed in on the decision and criticised the university for not doing enough to foster learning on campus and quelling the protests.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said the university administration allowed anti-Israel demonstrators to run around the campuses hurling antisemitic abuses.

If a parent has a child at Columbia, they should demand a refund and then sue for breach of contract, Huckabee wrote on X.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat and US President Joe Biden, also criticised the protests.

The recent harassment and rhetoric is vile and abhorrent. Every student deserves to be safe, she shared on X.

Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer called the university administration weak. The former press secretary who served under former US president George W. Bush said disruptive students should be expelled.

Its terrible how weak the schools leaders  and especially its faculty  are. The school should be fully open (no remote classes) and students who disrupt other students should be expelled, he said.

Meanwhile, in Connecticut, police arrested 60 protesters  including 47 students  Monday at Yale University, after they refused to leave an encampment on a plaza at the centre of campus.

In the Midwest on Tuesday, a demonstration at the centre of the University of Michigan campus had grown to nearly 40 tents, and nine anti-war protesters at the University of Minnesota were arrested after police took down an encampment in front of the library. Hundreds rallied to the Minnesota campus in the afternoon to demand their release.

On the West Coast, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, announced that its campus would be closed through Wednesday after demonstrators occupied a building Monday night. Three protesters were arrested. Classes were to be conducted remotely, the school said on its website.

(with inputs from CNN and Associated Press)
Two army horses that were seen galloping through central London at rush hour on Wednesday have been contained, police and media reports said.

A bloody horse and his partner were running through the streets of #London today. They threw the police off them and ran away.The white horse crashed into a bus  that's why it's covered in blood. According to reports from medics, four people were injured. The horses were pic.twitter.com/rm1iUD6mDu  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 24, 2024

Photos and video posted on social media and by British news outlets showed the horses running along busy roads, dodging buses, taxis and other traffic.

Both were wearing saddles and bridles, with one apparently covered in blood on its chest and forelegs.

Londons Metropolitan Police said it was working with colleagues in the army to locate them.

A number of prestigious army regiments have stables in the British capital and horses are a regular sight around government buildings on Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, The Mall and in nearby Hyde Park.

The City of London Police, which polices the Square Mile financial district, said they were called at about 8:40 am (0740 GMT) about the loose horses.

Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse, a statement read.

Were waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care.

The Daily Telegraph said up to five army horses had thrown their riders while they were being exercised and at least one soldier was injured.
The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas entered its 200th day on Tuesday as fears rose regarding Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) plans to invade Rafah, which lies south of Gaza Strip and is currently housing 1.5 million internally displaced Gazans.

Aid groups working there have warned that such an operation would create an apocalyptic situation.

However, those warnings have not deterred Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from committing to follow through with his plan to send troops into Rafah.

The IDF carried out intense shelling overnight of Gaza City and explosions were reported from southwest Gaza and Khan Yunis city. The strikes hit Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps in central Gaza.

The war began with an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in the death of around 1,170 people, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

In retaliation, Israel launched a military offensive that has killed at least 34,183 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

The IDF also warned Gazans living north of the strip that they are residing in a dangerous combat zone. (The) will work with extreme force against terrorist infrastructure and subversive elements, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said, as he urged residents of four zones in Beit Lahiya on Gazas northern edge to move to two designated areas.

In a statement issued later on Tuesday, the military said it follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.

Hamas also appeared to be unfazed by the ramping up of the Israeli attacks and on live television congratulated Iran for its direct attack on Israel earlier this month.

The militant groups spokesperson for its armed wing, Abu Ubaida, called for an escalation in conflict across all fronts and said that the group is sticking to its demands in ceasefire talks for Israel to permanently end its war, pull all its troops from Gaza and allow the displaced to return to the north.

After 200 days, the enemy remains trapped in the sands of Gaza, Abu Ubaida said.

He also warned that the hostages would most likely not return home soon.

The United Nations rights office said it was horrified at reports of mass graves found at the Gaza Strips two biggest hospitals after Israeli sieges and raids.

Gazas Civil Defence agency said nearly 340 bodies were uncovered of people killed and buried by Israeli forces at the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis.

Israels army responded by saying that claims it had buried Palestinian bodies were baseless and unfounded, without directly addressing allegations that Israeli troops were behind the killings. The army said that corpses buried by Palestinians had been examined by Israeli troops searching for hostages and then returned to their place.

UN rights chief Volker Turk called for an independent probe into the deaths at Nasser and Gaza Citys Al-Shifa hospitals, noting the special protection awarded to medical facilities under international law.

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a USD 95 billion war aid measure that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that also includes a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in US.

The announcement marks an end to a long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

We rose to the moment. we came together. and we got it done, Biden said at White House event to announce the signing. Now we need to move fast, and we are.

But significant damage has been done to the Biden administrations effort to help Ukraine repel Russias brutal invasion during the funding impasse that dates back to August, when the Democratic president made his first emergency spending request for Ukraine aid.

Even with a burst of new weapons and ammunition, it is unlikely Ukraine will immediately recover after months of setbacks.

Biden also signed an initial aid package of military assistance and said shipment would begin in the next few hours  the first tranche from about USD 61 billion allocated for Ukraine, according to US officials.

It is expected to include air defence capabilities, artillery rounds, armoured vehicles and other weapons to shore up Ukrainian forces who have seen morale sink as Russian President Vladimir Putin has racked up win after win.

But longer term, it remains uncertain if Ukraine  after months of losses in Eastern Ukraine and sustaining massive damage to its infrastructure  can make enough progress to sustain American political support before burning through the latest influx of money.

Its not going in the Ukrainians favour in the Donbas, certainly not elsewhere in the country, said White House national security spokesman John Kirby, referring to the eastern industrial heartland where Ukraine has suffered setbacks.

Mr Putin thinks he can play for time. So weve got to try to make up some of that time. Tucked into the measure is a provision that gives TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell it or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States. The president can grant a one-time extension of 90 days, bringing the timeline to sell to one year, if he certifies that theres a path to divestiture and significant progress toward executing it.

The administration and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have called the social media site a growing national security concern.

TikTok said will wage a legal challenge against what it called an unconstitutional effort by Congress..

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail, the company said in a statement.

The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep US data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans.

Biden underscored that the bill also includes a surge of humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza suffering as the Israel-Hamas war continues.

Biden said Israel must ensure the humanitarian aid for Palestinians in bill reaches Gaza without delay.

Russia now appears focused on Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city. Russian forces have exploited air defense shortages in the city, pummelling the regions energy infrastructure, and looking to shape conditions for a potential summer offensive to seize the city.

House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote on the supplemental aid package for months as members of his partys far right wing, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, threatened to move to oust him if he allowed a vote to send more assistance to Ukraine. Those threats persist.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suggested his fellow Republicans holding up the funding could have a lasting impact on Ukraines hopes of winning the war.

Make no mistake: Delay in providing Ukraine the weapons to defend itself has strained the prospects of defeating Russian aggression, McConnell said on Tuesday. Dithering and hesitation have compounded the challenges we face. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 presidential GOP nominee, has complained that European allies have not done enough for Ukraine. While he stopped short of endorsing the supplemental funding package, his tone has shifted in recent days, acknowledging that Ukraines survival is important to the United States.

Indeed, many European leaders have long been nervous that a second Trump presidency would mean decreased US support for Ukraine and for the NATO military alliance. The European anxiety was heightened in February when Trump in a campaign speech warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries that dont meet defense spending goals if he returns to the White House.

It was a key moment in the debate over Ukraine spending. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg quickly called out Trump for putting American and European soldiers at increased risk.

Biden days later called Trumps comments dangerous and un-American and accused Trump of playing into Putins hands.

But in reality, the White House maneuvering to win additional funding for Ukraine started months earlier.

Biden, the day after returning from a whirlwind trip to Tel Aviv following Hamas militants stunning October 7 attack on Israel, used a rare prime time address to make his pitch for the supplemental funding.

At the time, the House was in chaos because the Republican majority had been unable to select a speaker to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who had been ousted more than two weeks earlier. McCarthys reckoning with the GOPs far right came after he agreed earlier in the year to allow federal spending levels that many in his right flank disagreed with and wanted undone.

Far-right Republicans have also adamantly opposed sending more money for Ukraine, with the war appearing to have no end in sight. Biden in August requested more than USD 20 billion to keep aid flowing into Ukraine, but the money was stripped out of a must-pass spending bill even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington to make a personal plea for continued US backing.

Republicans finally settled on Johnson, a low-profile Louisiana Republican whose thinking on Ukraine was opaque, to serve as the next speaker. Biden during his congratulatory call with Johnson urged him to quickly pass Ukraine aid and began a months-long, largely behind-the-scenes effort to bring the matter to a vote.

In private conversations with Johnson, Biden and White House officials leaned into the stakes for Europe if Ukraine were to fall to Russia. Five days after Johnson was formally elected speaker, national security adviser Jake Sullivan outlined to him the administrations strategy on Ukraine and assured him that accountability measures were in place in Ukraine to track where the aid was going  an effort to address a common complaint from conservatives.

On explicit orders from Biden himself, White House officials also avoided directly attacking Johnson over the stalled aid  a directive the president repeatedly instilled in his senior staff.

For his part, Johnson came off to White House officials as direct and an honest actor throughout the negotiations, according to a senior administration official. Biden had success finding common ground with Republicans earlier in his term to win the passage of a USD 1 trillion infrastructure deal, legislation to boost the US semiconductor industry, and an expansion of federal health care services for veterans exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits. And he knew there was plenty of Republican support for further Ukraine funding.

At frustrating moments during the negotiations, Biden urged his aides to just keep talking, keep working, according to the official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

So they did. In a daily meeting convened by White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, the presidents top aides  seated around a big oval table in Zients office  would brainstorm possible ways to better make the case about Ukraines dire situation in the absence of aid.

Steve Ricchetti, counselor to the president, and legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff were in regular contact with Johnson. Goff and Johnsons senior staff also spoke frequently as a deal came into focus.

The White House also sought to accommodate Johnson and his various asks. For instance, administration officials at the speakers request briefed Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C.  two conservatives who were persistent antagonists of Johnson.

All the while, senior Biden officials frequently updated McConnell as well as key Republican committee leaders, including Reps. Michael McCaul and Mike Turner.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Bidens instincts to resist pressuring Johnson proved correct.

Joe Biden has a very good sense of when to heavily intervene and when to try to shape things, Schumer said.

In public, the administration deployed a strategy of downgrading intelligence that demonstrated Russias efforts to tighten its ties with US adversaries China, North Korea and Iran to fortify Moscows defense industrial complex and get around US and European sanctions.

For example, US officials this month laid out intelligence findings that showed China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry. Earlier, the White House publicized intelligence that Russia has acquired ballistic missiles from North Korea and has acquired attack drones from Iran.

The USD 61 billion can help triage Ukrainian forces, but Kyiv will need much more for a fight that could last years, military experts say.

Realistic goals for the months ahead for Ukraine  and its allies  include avoiding the loss of major cities, slowing Russias momentum and getting additional weaponry to Kyiv that could help them go on the offensive in 2025, said Bradley Bowman, a defence strategy and policy analyst at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies in Washington.

In our microwave culture, we tend to want immediate results, Bowman said. And sometimes things are just hard and you cant get immediate results. I think Ukrainian success is not guaranteed, but Russian success is if we stop supporting Ukraine.
Korean Muslim YouTuber Daud Kims plans to build a mosque in the western port city of Incheon has come to a grinding halt after it received backlash from local residents. Following the backlash, the land purchase contract he signed has been cancelled upon the request of the landowner, according to a report by the Korea Times.

YouTuber Daud Kim, or Kim Jae-han then agreed to cancel the contract with the property owner. The property owners wanted the contract cancelled and said that he did not know about Kims plans to build a mosque.

Kim posts about living as a Korean Muslim and has made a fan following on YouTube with over 5.52 million subscribers and 3.5 million Instagram followers from his posts.

He purchased 284.4 square metres of land on Incheons Yeongjong Island for 189.2 million won ($136,500).

He posted a video on YouTube and Instagram where he told his followers that he paid a deposit of 20 million won in advance and will pay the remainder of the amount the coming month.

Finally with your help, I have signed a contract for land to build a Masjid in Incheon. I cant believe this day has come. I plan to build a prayer place and Islamic podcast studio for Dawah to Koreans, he said.

He also shared his bank information online, seeking donations from his subscribers. The local community, however, protested against the construction of the mosque which lies near schools and residential areas.

The opposition to his plans to build a mosque were further exacerbated by local news media reports resurfaced a sex crime he committed in 2019. He was allegedly prosecuted for attempting to rape a foreign woman.

The video on TikTok posted by the victim where she talks about the attempted rape went viral again and drew attention to his actions. Kim tried to explain that the case was closed and the indictment was suspended after he apologized to the victim and said the victim did not want him to get a punishment.

The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), the only Islamic organization officially registered with the Korean government, last week told the Korea Times that Kims plans to build the mosque is his personal project.

All Masjids across the country associated with the Korea Muslim Federation are registered under the name of the KMF, and nobody is allowed to register in the name of an individual or raise funds for the construction of the Masjid, the group said in the announcement.

The Korea Times in its report said there are 19 mosques in Korea which cater to some 35,000 Korean Muslims and 150,000 Muslims of foreign nationalities who live there.
At least three people, including two staff members, were injured in a stabbing at a secondary school in West Wales in the UK on Wednesday. After the incident was reported, the school went into lockdown mode and a teenager has been arrested.

Two air ambulances were called after reports of a stabbing emerged. Dyfed-Powys Police said the victims were being treated for injuries at Amman Valley School in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

BREAKINGNEWS #UK #WALES #Ammanford

UNITED KINGDOM : KNIFE ATTACK AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AMMANFORD, SOUTH WALES School is in lockdown after stabbing. 3 injured, 1 person arrested at the scene. ULTIMAHORA #ReinoUnido #KnifeAttack #Ataque #Cuchillo pic.twitter.com/oKkwC2Jwr9  LW World News (@LoveWorld_Peopl) April 24, 2024

Police did not disclose what happened, the nature of the injuries or why the alleged suspect was arrested. The school was closed.

We would ask the people not to speculate while there is a police investigation ongoing, police said in a statement.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned the incident and thanked police and emergency services for their prompt response.

Shocked at the news emerging from Ammanford today. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response and my thoughts are with all those affected, Sunak said in a post on X.
Actor Alec Baldwin got into a heated argument with ambush interviewer Crackhead Barney at a New York City coffee shop earlier this week which ended with the actor taking her phone and smacking it.

Crackhead Barney had accosted the 66-year-old actor inside an upscale cafe on University Place in Greenwich Village in New York City. The footage of the encounter was posted by Crackhead Barney herself. She was seen demanding that he declare Free Palestine as she filmed him.

White devil Alec Baldwin attacked meWhile I was trying to get coffeee pic.twitter.com/qebME0V4Wl Crackhead Barney & Friends (@CHBAF) April 22, 2024

Alec, can you please say Free Palestine one time? she asked him several times. She also told him that if he said it once she would not bother the actor. She then chanted F**k Israel, F**k Zionism as Alec Baldwin shook his head and appeared to leave the cafe.

It is then Crackhead Barney said something related to Halyna Hutchins  the cinematographer who was killed on the set of Baldwins movie Rust when a prop gun the actor was using as part of the movies shooting wound up loaded with a live bullet  that Baldwin snapped.

Why did you kill that lady? You killed that lady and got no jail time, she said at one point.

Then Baldwin got her out of the restaurant and shut the door to prevent her from re-entering. While he was driving her out of the coffee shop, he kept holding on to her phone.

Crackhead Barney appeared unfazed by the incident. She told the actor to collaborate with him because they seemingly broke the internet  an expression used to define an event that has gained massive popularity due to social media and the internet.

Since white men LOVE ME and are OBSESSED with me ! @AlecBaldwin LETS collaborate we BROKE the internet !! Crackhead Barney & Friends (@CHBAF) April 23, 2024

Since white men LOVE ME and are OBSESSED with me! Alec Baldwin LETS collaborate we BROKE the internet!!, she said in a tweet.

Who Is Crackhead Barney

Crackhead Barney describes herself as a satirical performance artist. When she accosted Baldwin she was wearing a childrens costume of the purple dinosaur TV character Barney, a bubblegum pink wig, with white body paint on her body and face.

Barney was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, she told magazine Bowie in an interview earlier.

She is infamous for ambushing press conferences and once stormed into a press conference being hosted by New York City mayor Eric Adams and interrupted him mid-speech to ask: Are you a dirty cop?

Are you scared of a Black girl with powder on her tits? You cant be scared of a Black girl with powder on her tits! she asked another politician.

She is also seen sometimes donning a rubber mask resembling Donald Trump and is known for interviewing MAGA supporters.

During an interview on Fox News earlier this year, she responded negatively when asked if Joe Biden had her vote. No he does not, she said.

When the newscasters asked her who deserved her vote, she flashed her breasts on live television and said: This does.
Commentary: Sound, stable China-U.S. ties need consensus and actions

Xinhua) 08:22, April 24, 2024

Photo taken on Sept. 24, 2015 shows the national flags of China (R) and the United States as well as the flag of Washington D.C. on the Constitution Avenue in Washington, capital of the United States. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)

Washington must recognize that dialogue must be based on equality and respect, and actions must align with words. Engaging in one-sided lecturing or manipulating from a position of strength will not lead to constructive dialogue with China.

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will begin his second China visit in less than a year. His first stop is Shanghai, where the historic Shanghai Communique was issued 52 years ago.

This document marked the inception of normalized relations between China and the United States. It demonstrated that two major countries with distinct social systems could find common ground and strive for peaceful coexistence.

As a major follow-up to the recent phone talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden, Blinken's visit is expected to help stabilize bilateral relations in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, as embodied in the Communique.

There has been a notable shift in the bilateral dynamic since his last visit in June 2023, reflecting a departure from a historic low point a year ago.

Bilateral relations is beginning to stabilize after the San Francisco summit between the two heads of state last year. However, plenty of animosity remains, primarily fueled by Washington's adherence to a zero-sum mindset and framing China as a threat.

A healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship requires the right perception of each other and tangible actions from both sides, consistent with the consensus of two heads of state.

The relationship between China and the United States has encountered substantial headwinds in recent years. Blame U.S. politicians, whose perceptions of China as a long-term strategic competitor and "most consequential geopolitical challenge" are deeply flawed.

Rather than seeing China as a "legitimate contender," as recently argued by the online news magazine The Diplomat, Washington's fear of China's growth has passed the point of rationality.

This irrational fear of China's growth has led Washington to adopt increasingly antagonistic policies and rhetoric, further straining bilateral relations.

Undoubtedly, there is competition between China and the United States, particularly in economic and trade area. However, China does not accept the notion that their ties should be solely defined by competition, as this narrative does not encapsulate the entirety or essence of the world's most important bilateral relationship.

Meanwhile, any competition must have clear boundaries and be fair. It should be conducted within established rules and refrain from undermining the developmental capacities and legitimate rights of others. China aspires to healthy competition that fosters mutual improvement, not rivalry aimed at mutual destruction.

Blinken's forthcoming visit to China follows closely on the heels of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's second trip to China within a year. In fact, since the San Francisco summit, China and the United States have engaged in significant exchanges across multiple levels and fields, with the two militaries resuming communication and dialogues.

Members of a delegation of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington visit Wudang Mountain, a sanctuary for the Taoism martial art, in central China's Hubei Province, March 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

China remains committed to open dialogue and communication with the United States. However, Washington must recognize that dialogue must be based on equality and respect, and actions must align with words. Engaging in one-sided lecturing or manipulating from a position of strength will not lead to constructive dialogue with China.

Based on equality and mutual respect, China is willing to cooperate more with the United States. However, it is unrealistic for Washington to anticipate unconditional cooperation from China while simultaneously undermining China's core interests.

The Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests, and the one-China principle is the cornerstone of the political foundation for China-U.S. relations. The U.S. side must adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions in the three China-U.S. joint communiques, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and turn U.S. President Joe Biden's commitment not to support "Taiwan independence" into concrete actions.

Blinken's visit comes at a time of joint drills between the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea, an unnecessarily provocative display of military power that only exacerbates regional tensions. Washington's recent claim of "ironclad" defense commitment to the Philippines has sent a wrong message and emboldened the Philippines' confrontational approach.

China firmly opposes the U.S. meddling in the South China Sea issue and sowing discord between China and its neighbors. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are inviolable, and China is firm in its resolve to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and the two largest economies, China and the United States bear special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Amid the prolonged Ukraine crisis, China upholds an objective and impartial position, actively promoting peace talks and political resolutions while committing to constructive engagement. Washington, however, must confront its role in exacerbating the crisis and stop incessant and baseless blame-shifting against China.

The trajectory of China-U.S. relations carries profound implications for the welfare of both nations' people and the global community. Despite mutual aversion to confrontation, the imperative now lies in translating this consensus into substantive actions.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A major US$25 million transmission cable manufacturing plant will be built in Harare in a joint venture between Zesa Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd and Management Services Company of the United Arab Emirates, with Cabinet approval for this huge investment coming yesterday.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the joint venture project will enable the transfer of technology and expertise to ZESA Enterprises and its staff and provide a market for Zimbabwean copper mines.

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube.

Cabinet approved ZESA Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd to conclude an agreement framework with Management Services Company (for the) establishment of a US$25 million transmission cable manufacturing plant in Harare, he said.

The project will ensure availability of power cables for the revitalisation and expansion of transmission and distribution networks to meet national targets for increased access to electricity.

Minister Muswere said those in the mining and cable manufacturing value chains and downstream industries would benefit significantly from the project.

Local copper mines would have a local market for their produce, and there will be significant employment opportunities for Zimbabweans.

The value chains will also contribute to increased gross domestic product, through local, regional and continental cable and related product sales which will also include exports, he said.

Zesa Holdings has joined three of its subsidiaries under the ownership of the Mutapa Investment Fund, the national sovereign wealth fund, with only the national grid and sales utility Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution and Transmission Company remaining under direct State control.

In Statutory Instrument 51 gazetted yesterday, President Mnangagwa added the State shareholding in seven companies to the list of assets of the Mutapa Investment Fund.

Besides the shareholdings in Zesa Holdings and subsidiary Zesa Enterprises, a manufacturer, the President added five companies owned by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

These are: Aurex, a major jewellery maker; Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of Zimbabwe; Fidelity Gold Refinery; and HomeLink Private Limited and HomeLink Finance.

Zesa had last September seen two subsidiaries move to Mutapa: the Zimbabwe Power Company, which owns and runs Kariba South and Hwange Thermal Power stations and owns the sites of the three now closed small thermals, and PowerTel, which owns, leases out and manages the fibre optic network linked to the national grid.

The Mutapa Investment Fund was a major upgrade and renaming done in September last year of the original 2014 Sovereign Wealth Fund.

This upgrade saw the transfer of Government shareholdings in a block of State-owned entities and former parastatals to the fund along with other Government investments.

The purpose of using Mutapa to own the investments is to help ensure that they are profitable and well-run. Herald
An Oklahoma man who spent a long weekend in Turks and Caicos celebrating his 40th birthday hasn't left the British Overseas Territory some three weeks later, after ammunition was found in his luggage. In 2022, Turks and Caicos amended a law, allowing a mandatory minimum 12-year prison sentence for possession of weapons or ammunition. Ryan Watson had no idea. He and his wife, Valerie, were preparing for their return flight when Ryan's carry-on bag was flagged by security. Inside was a Ziploc bag containing four bullets, per CBS News . "They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for white-tailed deer," Watson told NBC News ahead of his initial court appearance. The bullets were from a previous hunting trip and "I had no idea they were in there."

"This is such an innocent mistake," Valerie tells NBC. But "this is gonna ruin us." Both were initially charged with possession of ammunition, though charges against Valerie were later dropped. She returned home to their two young children in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, more than two weeks after she departed, but without her husband. Ryan is still trying to process his situation. "I can't even begin to think that this very innocent, regrettable mistake would prevent me from being able to watch my son graduate or teach him to shave or take my daughter to dances," he tells CBS. In September, the US Embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel alert, urging Americans to "carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons" before heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

"If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody," the alert read. It came after Michael Grim of Indiana was found to have been accidentally carrying ammunition in the country. A judge determined there were "exceptional circumstances" and he served just six months in prison, per CBS. There were "some hostile actors in the prison," "no clean running water," and "you're kind of exposed to the environment 24/7" so "mosquitoes and tropical illnesses are a real concern," he tells CBS. In February, ammo was discovered in a bag another US tourist, Pennsylvania's Bryan Hagerich, often took on hunting trips. He, like Watson, is still awaiting trial in Turks and Caicos. (More Turks and Caicos Islands stories.)
While testifying at Donald Trump's hush money trial Tuesday , the former publisher of the National Enquirer said that an infamous 2016 story about Ted Cruz's father was completely fabricated. The article claimed Rafael Cruz handed out pro-Fidel Castro pamphlets with Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963, before Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy, and Trump brought it up multiple times as he campaigned for president against Cruz in 2016. But the photo supposedly showing the elder Cruz alongside Oswald was completely faked, David Pecker said on the stand, per NBC News .

"We mashed the photos and the different picture with Lee Harvey Oswald," he testified after he was asked by a prosecutor about the article's origins. "And mashed the two together. And that's how that story was preparedcreated I would say." The prosecutor followed up by asking if the story was published after the younger Cruz's presidential campaign experienced a boost in popularity, and Pecker replied, "I believe so." Pecker testified Tuesday that Michael Cohen, then Trump's lawyer and "fixer," would call the tabloid and ask them to publish a negative story about one of Trump's opponents, sometimes actually sending over a story that the tab "would embellish ... from there." He suggested Trump himself was involved in the arrangement.

As the Washington Post reports, Ted Cruz appeared to be onto the tabloid back in 2016, saying at one point at a campaign event, "The CEO of the National Enquirer is an individual named David Pecker. Well, David is good friends with Donald Trump. In fact, the National Enquirer has endorsed Donald Trump, has said he must be president." He accused "Donald and his henchmen, ... his buddies at the National Enquirer" of spreading lies about him. For his part, Trump in 2016 claimed he did not know about the article in advance and had nothing to do with it appearing in the tabloid. (More National Enquirer stories.)
On a recent morning at a hospital in the heart of gang territory in Haiti's capital, a woman began convulsing as a doctor and two nurses raced to save her. They stuck electrodes to her chest and flipped on an oxygen machine while keeping their eyes on a computer screen that reflected a dangerously low oxygen level of 84%. No one knew what was wrong with her. Even more worrisome, the Doctors Without Borders hospital in the Cite Soleil slum was running low on key medicine to treat convulsions. "The medication she really needs, we barely have," says Dr. Rachel Lavigne, a physician with the medical aid group. It's a familiar scene repeated daily at hospitals and clinics across Port-au-Prince, where life-saving medication and equipment is dwindling or altogether absent as brutal gangs tighten their grip on the capital and beyond, per the AP .

The gangs have blocked roads, forced the closure of the main international airport in early March, and paralyzed operations at the country's largest seaport, where containers filled with key supplies remain stuck. "Everything is crashing," Lavigne said. Haiti's health system has long been fragile, but it's now nearing total collapse. The violence has forced several medical institutions and dialysis centers to close, including Haiti's largest public hospital. Located in downtown Port-au-Prince, the Hospital of the State University of Haiti was supposed to reopen on April 1, but gangs have infiltrated it. One of the few institutions still operating is Peace University Hospital, located south of the shuttered airport.

Even if a hospital is open, there's sometimes little or no medical staff, as gang violence forces doctors and nurses to stay home or turn around if they encounter blocked roads manned by heavily armed men. Doctors Without Borders itself has run out of many medications used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure, and asthma inhalers are nowhere to be found in the capital, Lavigne said. Recently, five wounded people arrived at the Cite Soleil hospital after spending all night inside a public bus that couldn't move because of heavy gunfire, says Doctors Without Borders project coordinator Jacob Burns. "Cite Soleil was long the epicenter of violence," he says. "And now, violence is so widespread that it's become a problem for everyone." Much more here.

(More Haiti stories.)
The trip garnered a single sentence on the subject from the Korean Central News Agency but far more analysis outside of North Korea. That sentence confirmed the country on Tuesday sent a delegation helmed by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho to Iran. It's the first time Pyongyang has sent senior officials to visit the country since 2019, and it follows a visit Yun made earlier this month to Russia. The development is putting a spotlight on the military cooperation between North Korea and Iran and the possibility that their weapons are making their way into conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. How the visit is being discussed:
Someone using a magnet to fish for metal objects in a Georgia creek pulled up a rifle, as well as some lost belongings of a couple found slain in the same area more than nine years ago. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the items dragged from Horse Creek in rural Telfair County are "new evidence" in a murder case that's still awaiting trial, reports the AP . A citizen who was magnet fishing in the creek on April 14 discovered a .22-caliber rifle, the GBI said in a news release Monday. The unnamed person returned to the same spot two days later and made another find: a bag containing a cellphone, a pair of driver's licenses, and credit cards.

The agency says the licenses and credit cards belonged to Bud and June Runion. The couple was robbed and fatally shot before their bodies were discovered off a county road in January 2015. Authorities say the couple, from Marietta north of Atlanta, made the three-hour drive to Telfair County to meet someone offering to sell Bud Runion a 1966 Mustang. A few days later, investigators arrested Ronnie Adrian "Jay" Towns on charges of armed robbery and murder.

They said Towns lured the couple to Telfair County by replying to an online ad that the 69-year-old Bud Runion had posted seeking a classic car, though Towns didn't own such a vehicle. Georgia courts threw out Towns' first indictment over problems with how the grand jury was selecteda prolonged legal battle that concluded in 2019. Towns was indicted for a second time in the killings in 2020, and the case was delayed again by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has pleaded not guilty. Court proceedings have also likely been slowed by prosecutors' decision to seek the death penalty, which requires extra pretrial legal steps.

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Prosecutors are preparing for Towns' trial to start as soon as August, though no date has been set, said District Attorney Tim Vaughn. "It was a good case already," Vaughn said Tuesday, "but this makes it an even better case." He said the rifle from the creek is the same caliber as the gun that killed the Runions, though investigators are still trying to determine whether it's the weapon used in the crime. The items found in the creek also led investigators to obtain warrants to search a Telfair County home, where they recovered additional evidence. The GBI's statement gave no further details, and Vaughn declined to comment on what was found.

(More fishing stories.)
The contingent flew to Turkey through Dubai last week where unprecedented flooding hit the region and the airport suffered massive disruptions.

Their bags, which contain all of their uniforms and band instruments, are missing in Dubai International Airport. The airport said it has 35 of the roughly 65 missing bags and is now racing to get them delivered to Anzac Cove before the big day.

Without the uniforms, the NZDF is unable to do any of the ceremonial elements.

"I would think it's the first time we haven't had a ceremonial role at the Dawn Service," Defence Force lead John McLeod told Newshub Europe Correspondent Lisette Reymer.

McLeod said he is confident New Zealand will still be represented in the ceremony.

Vocalist Lance Corporal Bryony Williams will sing anthems without accompaniment, and they have a guitar to support the Maori cultural group in singing waiata.

Efforts were made to source musical instruments, however, many of the right instruments were likely participating in the Turkish services.

Williams said the Australian Defence Force has been lending the Kiwis their kit, including a bugler.

"You just got to go with it. There's a lot of people out there trying to fix the problem and stressing about it or getting grumpy just doesn't make any difference," McLeod said.

" The Australians are really part of this and it's a shared experience in adversity for both of us."

There has also been some Kiwi ingenuity with the band using spoons as drums,

"The team is an incredibly professional team. They've been amazing, it's like they've thrived on the adversity, they're professional," McLeod said.

"They are gutted, of course, really gutted, but they want to be here, they want to do their job. It's not just for the people who are here, it's for all the people who fought here as well."

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TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, underscored the Kingdom of Bahrains firm stance and support for the Palestinian cause.

HRH Prince Salman also affirmed the Kingdoms unwavering commitment to reaching a peaceful, lasting, and fair solution in support of Palestinians legitimate right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He outlined the importance of protecting civilian lives and de-escalating violence in Gaza, which threatens regional security and stability.

Telephone call

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister made the statements during a telephone conversation yesterday with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

HRH Prince Salman reviewed the strength of the Bahrain-US partnership, highlighting the importance of bolstering joint coordination to achieve common goals and interests.

Regional and global issues of common interest were also discussed, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East, including the situation in the Gaza Strip.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas royal pardon has been praised by 25 international human rights organisations, including those based in European Union countries and holding UN consultative status.

The pardon included 1,584 convicts.

Isa Al Arabi, Chairman of the Arab Union for Human Rights, expressed appreciation on behalf of the international organisations for the royal pardon issued by HM the King.

He lauded the royal decree, which reflected the national principles and values of Bahrain. The statement said: While we applaud the issuance of this royal decree, which enhances Bahrains respect for human rights, we greatly appreciate this important and courageous step by the King of Bahrain, and the opportunity for this large number of prisoners to re-engage in society in a positive way and contribute to building and developing the Kingdom.

The statement of international organisations accredited by the United Nations and in the European Union added that the initiative demonstrated the priority given to the higher interests of the nation and the citizen, and that it contributes to achieving greater stability and prosperity.

Directives

The organisation lauded the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, regarding employing beneficiaries of the royal pardon and all those released, providing training programs to integrate them into the labour market, and initiatives that promote their positive integration into society.

The organisations commended initiatives led by the Ministry of Interior, regarding expanding the implementation of alternative punishment programmes and open prisons, and replacing them with the implementation of custodial punishments.

The statement emphasised the importance of these humanitarian initiatives, and the Kingdoms commitment to the humanitarian approach, devoting respect and promotion of human rights, and promoting the values of tolerance led by the HM the King
AFP | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia's King Salman entered the hospital for "routine examinations" on Wednesday, the Royal Court said in a rare public statement about his health.

The tests were taking place at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah and were expected to last "a few hours," the Royal Court said, according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

King Salman, 88, has been on the throne since 2015, though his son, Mohammed bin Salman, 38, was named crown prince in 2017 and acts as day-to-day ruler.

State media on Tuesday showed footage of King Salman attending a weekly cabinet meeting.

King Salman last entered the same hospital in Jeddah nearly two years ago, in May 2022, going in for a colonoscopy and staying for just over a week for other tests and "some time to rest," SPA reported at the time.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, has for years sought to quell speculation over King Salman's health.

King Salman underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder in 2020.

He was also admitted to the hospital in March 2022 to undergo what the state media described as "successful medical tests" and to change the battery of his pacemaker.

King Salman served as Riyadh governor for decades and also as defence minister.

His reign as king has been marked by ambitious social and economic reforms, largely managed by his son, who is trying to position Saudi Arabia for an eventual post-oil future.
BVMR honoured by publisher of official book for Earth Day

CHILLIWACK, BC, April 22, 2024 /CNW/ - Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR), BC's next great all-season mountain resort is celebrating worldwide Earth Day today as video footage of the proposed project area's majestic mountains is being featured to promote Speaking for the Earth, the official book of the first Earth Day.

BRIDAL VEIL MOUNTAIN RESORT CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH PROJECT RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT FOR BESTSELLING BOOK SPEAKING FOR THE EARTH (CNW Group/Bridal Veil Mountain Resort)

Each year on April 22, one billion people in more than 193 countries celebrate Earth Day, which marks the birth of the modern environmental movement. When he wrote the book in 1970, the late author John Meier was one of the world's foremost environmentalists, bringing international attention to environmental issues, as well as nuclear disarmament. The bestselling book continues to be published by the late author's son, Jim Meier, on anniversaries of Earth Day, and this year, a trailer for the book features BVMR footage, along with footage from Spain, Japan, Germany, Thailand, United States and South Africa.

"Fifty-four years after it was first published, Speaking for the Earth, provides a captivating look at what has and hasn't been done with environmental issues since 1970," says Meier. "Unfortunately, many of the 'new' environmental solutions being proposed today were brought up many years ago but not enough has been done about them. As we look to share the book and its important messages with a new generation of Canadians, we chose to include footage from BVMR to represent Canada because of BVMR's commitment to support the environment and its goal to develop an all-season resort that connects people and nature, while preserving the surrounding natural landscape."

BVMR's Expression of Interest is currently being evaluated by B.C.'s Mountain Resorts Branch and the Province has initiated a competitive process to look at BVMR and a competing project for the area, with the goal of selecting a sole single proponent to move forward. As this process unfolds, BVMR is engaging in in-depth studies of the land to determine how it can best plan the resort with local First Nations.

BVMR's goal is to become the first all-season destination mountain resort in Canada, owned, designed, managed and governed with First Nations. As currently envisioned, BVMR would be a sustainable resort and community incorporating the world's best practices in mountain resort design. The project is committed to the highest land and environmental standards, fully incorporating First Nation Sto:lo land stewardship values.

"We're honoured to have Bridal Veil Mountain Resort recognized in such a high-profile way," says BVMR President Robert Wilson. "Speaking for the Earth is a powerful book that reminds all Canadians of the need to take responsibility for the environment in which we all live and play.

"We believe First Nations environmental management processes will be the defining mark of our proposed resort and associated developments and we are 100 per cent committed to developing and operating Bridal Veil Mountain Resort to the highest environmental standards, with meaningful participation by the Sto:lo Communities."

About Bridal Veil Mountain Resort

BVMR is an all-season mountain resort proposed for Chilliwack, 100 km east of Vancouver. The project would be located in in S'olh Temexw, the traditional and unceded lands of the Sto:lo people. The project is currently in the Expression of Interest stage of British Columbia's all-season resort development application process. For more information, visit www.bridalveilmountainresort.ca

SOURCE Bridal Veil Mountain Resort

Greg Descantes, 604-646-3551, [email protected]
Canada's leading virtual health and wellness platform reveals how overall Canadian employee well-being scores are generally low and remain significantly worse than pre-pandemic levels.

MONTREAL, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - According to a new report published by Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. , Canada's leading health and wellness virtual care platform, Canadians' overall well-being is at a low point as they struggle with lifestyle challenges around sleep and physical activity. These insights are assessed through Dialogue's Well-Being Score, benchmarking thousands of people across the country every month.

Dialogue's Well-Being Report: A benchmark for Canadian health (CNW Group/Dialogue Health Technologies Inc.)

The Well-Being Score leverages the World Health Organization's (WHO) Well-Being Index (WHO-5) , one of the most widely used questionnaires to measure wellness in research. The Well-Being Report: A benchmark for Canadian health uncovers insights across five dimensions of mental health and well-being, including mood, stress, sleep, activeness, and sense of purpose. Results show that Canadians scored lower on sleep and physical activity compared to any other dimension. Proper sleep and maintaining an active lifestyle can be impacted by work stress, family obligations and, in light of the current rise in living costs, financial stress and anxiety, resulting in downstream effects like lack of energy and overall productivity. Small, attainable daily habits can make a big impact - the challenge is equipping Canadians to implement them.

"Measuring and benchmarking how people are feeling and areas of lifestyle in which they are struggling is the key to unlocking the right resources to improve well-being through small, measurable changes to daily habits'', shares Dr. Marc Robin, Medical Director, Dialogue. "By leveraging the WHO-5 self-assessment, individuals are guided to recognize and embrace the small, everyday steps, such as walking more, that lead to a healthier lifestyle. This approach not only provides proven strategies for improved well-being but also empowers people to take charge of their health, nurturing better habits early on and reducing the need for more serious care later on."

When looking at overall well-being, Canadians are scoring significantly worse than pre-pandemic levels.1 Older Gen Zs and younger millennials (age 20-29) displayed the lowest subjective scores compared to other adult age groups, consistent with increased rates of mental health diagnoses for people of similar age. However, when presented with options to improve well-being, 71% of employees with access to Dialogue's Wellness Program who benchmarked their well-being were motivated to start a small, easily measurable, and attainable new habit.

"When an employee's well-being is low, benchmarking can additionally help direct employees to the best next step," said Dr. Robin. "This could mean implementing a healthy habit or leveraging existing benefits such as employee assistance programs which are traditionally offered across most organizations, but more than half of Canadians report they never use."

As employees face barriers to improving well-being, they increasingly expect their employers to support them in living healthier lives. Employers should consider how workplace benefits can proactively address health concerns across the wellness-illness continuum, not just once or twice a year when employees are already sick or struggling.

"The Well-Being Score provides employers with clear insights, allowing them to stay on the pulse of their workplace and provide appropriate resources," says Jean-Nicolas Guillemette, COO of Dialogue. "This, in turn, helps them understand where to better invest in their employees' wellness and create a healthier, happier workforce."

Employers can help improve Canadians' well-being by providing evidence-based, accessible and integrated tools and strategies spanning across all aspects of health and well-being, putting employees at the centre of their health journey. This, in turn, helps reduce instances of presenteeism and absenteeism in the workplace as they can address health and lifestyle concerns more proactively.

______________________________

1 Wilke, J., Hollander, K., Mohr, L., Edouard, P., Fossati, C., GonzalezGross, M., Ramirez, C. S., Laino, F., Tan, B., Pillay, J. D., Pigozzi, F., Jimenez-Pavon, D., Sattler, M. C., Jaunig, J., Zhang, M., Van Poppel, M., Heidt, C., Willwacher, S., Vogt, L., . . . Tenforde, A. S. (2021). Drastic Reductions in Mental Well-Being observed globally during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the ASAP Survey. Frontiers in Medicine, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.578959

About Dialogue's Well-Being Score

Dialogue's Well-Being Score leverages the World Health Organization's (WHO) Well-Being Index (WHO-5), one of the most widely used questionnaires to assess well-being in research. Available in English and French within the Dialogue app, the one-minute survey helps uncover insights across five dimensions of mental health and well-being, including mood, stress, sleep, activeness, and sense of purpose. Dialogue Well-Being Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing increased well-being, and scores less than 50 indicating the need for further mental health assessment. Following benchmarking, employees are empowered to take action through tailored in-app resources, which can include implementing a trackable healthy habit, consulting self-serve resources, and if they score low, consulting with a mental health professional. Data is aggregated and de-identified to show statistical trends, enabling employers to assess risk factors in their organization and proactively invest in employee well-being where it counts. Well-Being Report: A benchmark for Canadian well-being includes insights from assessments from 6,400 people across Canada from October 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023.

About Dialogue

Dialogue is Canada's premier virtual healthcare and wellness platform, providing affordable, on-demand access to quality care. Through its team of health professionals, it serves employers and organizations who have an interest in the health and well-being of their employees, members and their families. Dialogue's Integrated Health Platform is a one-stop healthcare hub that centralizes all programs in a single, user-friendly application, providing access to services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year from the convenience of a smartphone, computer or tablet. Dialogue is the first virtual care provider to receive the Accreditation Canada Primer award, a third-party validation of safety and high-level quality of care. In October 2023, Sun Life acquired Dialogue, which now operates as a standalone entity as part of Sun Life Canada. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.dialogue.co .

SOURCE Dialogue Health Technologies Inc.

Adrianna Lemieux, Manager, Public Policy and Communications, [email protected] l 438-927-9498
From April 29 to May 5 , 100 per cent of the proceeds from Smile Cookie sales will be donated to over 600 charities and community groups selected by local Tim Hortons restaurant owners across Canada .

, 100 per cent of the proceeds from Smile Cookie sales will be donated to over 600 charities and community groups selected by local Tim Hortons restaurant owners across . Last year, Tim Hortons guests helped raise a record-breaking $19.7 million through the annual Smile Cookie campaign!

through the annual Smile Cookie campaign! Guests can support a local charity or community group by purchasing Smile Cookies or one of four adorable Smile Cookie personality pins: the Loopy, Bugsy, Starry and Squirmy Smile Cookie pins.

TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Tim Hortons annual Smile Cookie campaign is back from April 29 through May 5 with 100 per cent of proceeds supporting over 600 charities and community groups selected by local Tim Hortons restaurant owners.

"Our annual Smile Cookie campaign is a beloved and cherished tradition for Tim Hortons restaurant owners, team members and guests because of the amazing impact we can make together  while enjoying some delicious cookies," says Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons.

Tim Hortons week-long Smile Cookie campaign returns on April 29 with 100% of proceeds from each cookie sold donated to local charities and community groups (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)

"Last year's Smile Cookie campaign raised a record-breaking $19.7 million and I know our guests will be rallying with us again this year to support over 600 charities and community groups and the amazing work they do."

Guests can support a local charity or community group by purchasing Smile Cookies or one of four adorable Smile Cookie personality pins: the Loopy, Bugsy, Starry and Squirmy Smile Cookie pins.

The first Smile Cookie campaign launched in 1996 by local Tims restaurant owners in Hamilton, originally raising funds for Hamilton Children's Hospital. Since then, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $111 million across Canada and the United States for charities and organizations. Recipients include local hospitals, community care organizations, food banks and schools.

To participate in this year's Smile Cookie campaign, guests can visit their local Tim Hortons or place an order through the Tim Hortons mobile app for delivery. Guests can also ask for a bulk order form at their local Tim Hortons restaurant for larger pre-orders.

For a full list of local charities and community groups benefiting from Tim Hortons annual Smile Cookie campaign, visit www.timhortons.ca/smile-cookie.

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-Double 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

[email protected]
Nation Calls on Province and Seabridge Gold to Deliver on UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation Commitments

HAZELTON, BC, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ - On April 16, 2024, the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation filed a civil claim in the BC Supreme Court asserting Aboriginal rights and title to their traditional, unceded territory, which includes parts of the Nass River, Skeena River, Bear River and Stikine River watersheds in northwestern British Columbia. Also known as a land claim, the move was prompted in part by years of mining activity on Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha traditional lands without meaningful engagement, consent, right to environmental stewardship or fair compensation.

Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Chief Darlene Simpson fishes in traditional waters, near the planned tailings facility she worries could have devastating impacts to wildlife and the Nation's food supply. (CNW Group/Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation)

"The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha's rights and responsibilities for our traditional territory must be respected," says Chief Darlene Simpson. "We are not anti-industry, but mining activity has been taking place on our lands without our consent, including activities that may put our waterways, wildlife and food security at risk."

World's Largest Gold Mine Moving Forward Without Impacted Nation's Consent

Since 2011, Seabridge Gold has been advancing plans for its multibillion-dollar KSM minethe world's largest gold, copper and silver minein Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory without appropriate involvement of the Nation.

The Nation's land claim is particularly important given Seabridge's move for the mine to be declared Substantially Started, a status that would allow the company to complete construction and enter 50+ years of operations. With Seabridge's public disclosure of its need to attract a partner or sell its interests for the mine to move ahead, a successful land claim will ensure any future partner or owner cannot bypass the Nation's rights.

B.C. Government and Industry Members Have Recognized Nation's Traditional Territory

Following the Nation's 2011 assertions of its territorial rights, the provincial government undertook a multi-year evaluation. This culminated in the BC Ministry of the Attorney General's 2021 Ethnohistorical Report, which supports Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha's exclusive title claim to the Awiijii area, where Seabridge plans to locate its tailings facility. In November 2021, following issuance of the report, Seabridge advanced construction of the mine without consent of the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha.

The Nation's rights were also confirmed in August 2023 correspondence from BC's Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. As well, mining company Tudor Gold explicitly recognizes that its project in an adjacent area lies on Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory.

Nation's Environmental and Food Source Concerns Unaddressed

Of particular concern is the planned tailings facility on Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha land, in close proximity to waterways essential to the Nation's food supply and traditional practices. Tailings are by-products of mining that can contain toxic chemicals.

"Accidents happen," says Chief Simpson. "We've tried unsuccessfully for years to meaningfully engage with Seabridge and the provincial government about our concerns, while they have been building infrastructure on our territory without our consent. It's abusive."

Call to Uphold UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation

Seabridge has agreements with the larger Tahltan and Nisga'a Nations worth hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits and billions in potential employment.

"Seabridge Gold's disproportionate accommodation of other Nations is not supported by the government's own documents," says Ryan Beaton, legal counsel for the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha. "For both the Province and industry, it is not legally sufficient to consult and accommodate only larger Nations."

Consultation and consent to mining projects from all impacted First Nations is required by both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation are descendants of the Laxwiiyip Tsetsaut, an independent self-governing people who occupied Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Territory at the time the British Crown asserted sovereignty in the region.

SOURCE Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation

Media Contact: Karen McCluskey, Tel: 778-319-0149, Email: [email protected]
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Postal Code
YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS.Egypt welcomed Tuesday the agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to which Armenia shall return four villages to Azerbaijan and demarcate the borders.

In an official statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this agreement is positive progress and it comes as the culmination of exerted efforts to demarcate borders between both countries.

The ministry further commended this important step, calling on both sides to take further confidence-building steps for a peace deal between both countries.
A Camden County man was arrested Tuesday in the fatal shooting last week of a 24-year-old in Gloucester Township, officials said.

Hasan Battie, 21, of Gloucester Township was arrested on April 22 by U.S. Marshals in Camden and charged with first-degree murder and second-degree weapons offenses in the slaying of Nasir Tart, 24, also of Gloucester Township, the Camden County Prosecutors Office said.

Gloucester Township police were sent to a residence in the LaCascata development at 5:27 p.m. on April 16 for a report of a shooting, authorities said. Officers found Tart suffering from a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

Battie is being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a pre-trial detention hearing.

An attorney for Battie was not listed Tuesday afternoon.

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A man charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing near the Jersey Shore two weeks ago has been taken into custody in Mississippi, authorities said Wednesday.

Police in Wayne County on Tuesday arrested Imani Goodman, 26. He allegedly stabbed a person during an argument at a home in Lower Township in Cape May County.

Goodman is awaiting extradition to New Jersey, the Cape May County Prosecutors Office said. The agency said his capture resulted from a multi-jurisdictional investigation.

He is charged with second-degree attempted murder, as well as aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. Attorney information for Goodman was not immediately available Wednesday.

Police were called on April 3 to a home on Oregon Avenue in the townships Villas neighborhood, finding one person who had been repeatedly stabbed. They were brought to Cape Regional Medical Center in critical but stable condition, prosecutors said.

An update on the victim was not released Wednesday.

Police learned Goodman fled New Jersey, prosecutors said, but did not elaborate further on how investigators learned he was in Mississippi.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A state grand jury has voted to indict a police sergeant accused of using his position to access images of child pornography.

Christopher Ortiz, 39, of Estell Manor, was indicted on charges of official misconduct, endangering the welfare of a child and tampering with public records, the state Attorney Generals office said.

The indictment accuses Ortiz, a sergeant at the Vineland Police Department in Cumberland County, of asking another officer to email him 17 photos depicting child sexual abuse, which were being held for evidence in a criminal case.

Investigators with the Attorney Generals office have also alleged that Ortiz was in possession of at least 100 media files depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children.

The allegations in this indictment are deeply troubling, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. Any time an officer allegedly abuses his position and misappropriates evidence, its a dishonor to the profession and a betrayal of the communitys trust. Given the nature of the evidence involved in this case, it is particularly disturbing.

An investigation into his activities started in March of last year following a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. He was charged that same month and suspended without pay from the department, officials said.

His most recent reported salary is $109,102, according to public pension records.

His attorney, John W. Tumelty, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. The Senate on Tuesday passed a long-delayed $95 billion packagewith wide bipartisan support after both sides of Capitol Hill have struggled for monthsto send aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, CNN reports.

The final vote was 79-18. The legislation next goes to US President Joe Bidento sign it into law, who said he would sign the package Wednesday, the report adds.

The package ties together four bills that the House voted on separately in a rare Saturday session, providing nearly $61 billion in aid for Ukraine, over $26 billion for Israel and more than $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific. The first three bills are very similar to the package that the Senate passed earlier this year.

The fourth bill increases sanctions on Russian assets and contains language that could lead to a ban on TikTok in the US. It gives Chinese parent company ByteDance roughly nine months tosell TikTok, or the app will be banned from American app stores, CNN adds.
Rock duo Rodrigo y Gabriela started as a Mexican metal band, but it was busking on street corners in Dublin that led the group to international fame. Now they are surprising their fans once again with yet another new sound.

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero began their musical careers as teenagers shredding electric guitars with the band Tierra Acida in Mexico City. They grew tired of the scene and left for Europe to reinvent themselves, eventually playing acoustic guitars for passersby in Dublin. The unique style they forged in Ireland proved so popular it led them to concert halls around the world, television and movie appearances and even a Grammy. For their seventh studio album, Sanchez startled fans by ditching his signature acoustic guitar and going electric. This Sunday, they bring that new sound to the McCarter Theatre.
Tributes to Donald Payne Jr., the 10th District congressman who died at the age of 65, from Hudson County elected leaders and officials poured in Wednesday. Paynes district included a large swath of Jersey City.

Hudson County Democratic Organization

The Hudson County Democratic Organization is saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and we wish his many friends, family members, staff and colleagues the best during this time of mourning. Congressman Payne was a stalwart champion for Democratic values and someone that the people of Hudson County could always count on. This is a tremendous loss for New Jersey, and we will remember Congressman Payne as a dedicated public servant and a true gentleman.
A 25-year-old New Jersey man admitted he worked with a postal clerk and others to steal more than $150,000 in checks from the Keansburg post office.

Malachi Jefferson, of Newark, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to bank fraud, the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey said.

Jefferson recruited the postal clerk to intercept the checks at the Monmouth County post office from April to November 2022 so he and others could deposit them into accounts at banks, officials said.

Jefferson and the other alleged thieves, who were not named, then quickly made withdrawals.

In examples cited in court papers, Jefferson deposited checks worth approximately $2,432 and $7,722 in an ATM in the Cliffwood

section of Aberdeen in Monmouth County on May 9, 2022.

Then on May 31, Jefferson and one of his associates deposited a pair of stolen checks in a bank in the Newark area, the court document said.

On Nov. 7, 2022, one of Jeffersons associates was caught with 22 stolen checks that had been routed through the Keansburg post office, the charging documents said.

Jefferson is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 9.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
UPDATE: As of 8 p.m., the blaze had grown to 400 acres but was 75% contained and Jackson Road was reopened.

Firefighters are trying to stop a wildfire that has spread to 100 acres in Wharton State Forest in Burlington and Camden counties Wednesday morning.

The wildfire was reported by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service at about 10 a.m., saying firefighters were battling the blaze off Jackson Road in Shamong Township and Waterford Township.

As of 11:15 a.m., Jackson Road was closed from Tremont Avenue to Atsion Road, the fire service said in a post on social media. The fire has also prompted officials to evacuate the Goshen Campground and close three hiking trails in the state park  the Burnt Mill Trail, the Goshen Pond Trail and the Sleeper Creek Trail.

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service expressed concerns about an elevated threat of wildfires in New Jersey because of low humidity, dry brush and gusty winds.

Although Wednesday isnt as dry as Tuesday with isolated rain showers in the forecast today, light winds persist and temperatures are expected to climb into the low 70s in the afternoon.

Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes and matches, the weather service said in a special weather statement issued Tuesday. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread quickly.

Wharton State Forest, in the heart of New Jerseys Pine Barrens, covers more than 110,000 acres of land in Atlantic, Burlington and Camden counties.

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Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.
I found New Jersey Acting Comptroller Kevin Walshs report on the Essex County COVID-19 Vaccination Program and the subsequent NJ Advance Media coverage of it (County spent COVID funds with little oversight, report finds.) to be short-sighted and unfair.

It seems they have forgotten all the death and destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many health care workers remain traumatized to this day by the lives lost, children orphaned and families shattered. I personally will not forget the vision of three freezer trucks in the hospital parking lot to accommodate our patients who succumbed to this deadly virus.
Political pundits should reshape the way voters think of the former president as Donald Trump stands trial in New York and whether it will help him or hurt him in November.

Thats according to Sarah Longwell, a Republican never-Trumper and publisher of The Bulwark, and others who say they have it all wrong.

In short: Trumps base rallies around him as hes being prosecuted and thats good for him in a primary election. But a general election? Not so much.

This is because pundits arent updating their analysis for the general election. The legal troubles helped him consolidate his base in the primary. But it hurts him w swing voters in the general election who are slowing remembering why they hate Trump, Longwell, who conducts non-stop focus group tests, posted to X, formerly Twitter.

This is because pundits arent updating their analysis for the general election. The legal troubles helped him consolidate his base in the primary. But it hurts him w swing voters in the general election who are slowing remembering why they hate Trump. https://t.co/xgbox3Glsz  Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) April 24, 2024

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of an alleged effort to keep salacious  and, he says, bogus  stories about his sex life from emerging during his 2016 campaign. On Monday, Trump called the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg a scam and witch hunt.

The charges center on $130,000 in payments that Trumps company made to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. He paid that sum on Trumps behalf to keep porn actor Stormy Daniels from going public with her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier. Trump has denied the sexual encounter ever happened.

Prosecutors say the payments to Cohen were falsely logged as legal fees. Prosecutors have described it as part of a scheme to bury damaging stories Trump feared could help his opponent in the 2016 race, particularly as Trumps reputation was suffering at the time from comments he had made about women.

Trump has acknowledged reimbursing Cohen for the payment and that it was designed to stop Daniels from going public about the alleged encounter. But Trump has previously said it had nothing to do with the campaign.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
But there's a problem. Before the FBI tucked it away, and before it landed for a time in the small Louisiana town of Sulphur, the painting passed through a murky tangle of war, Nazi looting, European galleries, and eventually a venerable art and antiques gallery in the French Quarter.

Now, the U.S. government is asking the courts to officially decide ownership and absolve the U.S. of liability for holding it in the meantime.

Whereabouts unknown?

According to a lawsuit filed on Monday in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Sea Side was purchased by Adalbert and Hilda Parlagi in April 1936 and displayed in their home in Vienna.

Two years later, when Hitler annexed Austria into Germany, the Parlagis fled, leaving behind their belongings, which the Nazis soon claimed as their own.
By Jean Numa Goudou

New Canadian Media

Two years after the passage of Bill C-5, which aimed to reduce the overrepresentation of Black individuals in Canadian prisons, significant challenges remain in its implementation, with a lack of data and bias among judges at sentencing still being major obstacles, according to lawyer Fernando Belton, one of the nine members of the Committee created by Ottawa to study the issue.

Canadas Black Justice Strategy was created after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, in Minnesota, USA. It was brought forward to address racism and systemic discrimination against Black people, a situation that has led to their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime as well, according to the government.

The strategy aims to ensure that Black people receive equal treatment before the law and justice in Canada. And for the past year, the Department of Justice has mandated a group of experts to analyze the subject and report. The document, which is in the final stages of completion with about a hundred recommendations, places the issue of data at the heart of the concerns.

Lawyers Suzanne Taffot and Fernando Belton are the two members of the committee from Quebec. Beltons experience with the new Bill C-5, which was adopted more than two years ago and is supposed to lower the incarceration rate of black people in Canadian prisons, is inconclusive. It should be noted that Bill C-5 gives judges discretion in sentencing and eliminates mandatory minimum sentences from the Criminal Code.

Bill C-5 and Judicial Bias

A year ago, Belton, a criminal lawyer, represented a young man accused of illegal possession of a firearm. The accused has four children, two of whom he has sole custody of. He has a stable job and had completely changed his life at the time of the trial, according to him.

A perfect candidate for the suspended sentence provided for by law, says Belton. But, despite everything, the judge sent him to prison. Its certain that the legislative change is good. But when it comes to sentencing, the problem remains the system with judges and their biases, the criminal lawyer said in an interview with New Canadian Media (NCM).

However, the Committee has focused its work on at least five pillars that are social determinants of justice: income, employment, housing, education, and health. These are factors that interact with the justice system and can contribute to overrepresentation, according to him.

But in its final report, the Committee, according to Belton, was concerned about the fact that federal, provincial, and even municipal authorities do not collect data on this matter, among a hundred recommendations made to the government.

Even if there are good results in some cases, the lawyer judges, because of this lack of data there are some that are mixed as well. In the absence of figures on the representation of Black people in prisons, Belton says he relies on his observations.

When it comes to sentencing, the general observation or the question we must ask ourselves is: Is the system tougher on Black people?

NCM invited the criminal lawyer to answer his question. Belton said that unfortunately, the answer is hard to determine since we dont have precise and detailed data on the situation.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2021-2022, Black people represented 9.2% of the overall prison population, while they represented about 3.5% of the Canadian population in general. The majority of Black people incarcerated are young men, the largest proportion of them being aged 18 to 30.

According to the Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada, 54.8% of Black people incarcerated in Canada are in Ontario, 19.2% in Quebec, 13.6% in the Prairies, 7.1% on the West Coast, and 5.3% in the Atlantic region.

The issue of data is at the heart of the Committees report, which challenges the Minister of Justices authority to implement the collection of statistics on Black people in the prison system. Belton recalls that if the Armony report on racial profiling in Montreal had such a strong impact, it is because the authors had direct access to police data.

I think its worth having this data in order to make informed decisions, the criminal and penal lawyer said. The report in which he participated will call for the authorities to review certain federal laws, but also those under provincial and municipal jurisdictions. The experts will also call for amendments to the Criminal Code.

There is a lot of openness to change, but we are in a reality with everyones spheres of jurisdiction, which means it will not be easy, Belton believes.

The Committee wants to bring the element of systemic racism into the administration of justice, and these aspects must be taken into account. Fernando Belton argues that his client, who had not been granted leniency by the judge who sent him to prison despite his efforts to repent, had experienced racism in his life, including systemic racism. This is a different approach to criminal law. I believe in the notion of a second chance, he says.

It should be noted that Emmanuel Dubourg, a Quebec Liberal MP of Haitian origin, considers Bill C-5 to be one of the flagship measures taken by Justin Trudeaus government in favour of Black Canadians. In total, more than $800 million has been allocated for various programs and investments.

He recalls that these initiatives are being implemented within the framework of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which is a global call to action to address issues in the areas of recognition, justice and development. This period ends in December 2024.

Interviews for this article were conducted in French. This article was originally published in French on April 8, 2024, on lemediadesnouveauxcanadiens.ca, New Canadian Medias French-language publication.
Commentary

By Hymie Rubenstein

and Rodney Clifton

Changing a countrys name never raised an eyebrow when it involved third-world colonies transitioning to sovereignty, as occurred when many in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere did so after the Second World War. However, such transformations have been virtually non-existent for first-world nations.

This makes it strange that there hasnt been any public concern about the bizarre and increasingly formalized renaming of Canada to Turtle Island.

Turtle Island is what many Algonquian- and Iroquoian-speaking peoples have long called the entire continent of North America because, in various Indigenous origin stories, a turtle, surrounded by water, is said to support the world.

A few decades ago, Turtle Island was occasionally used by Indigenous activists and their supporters. Today, this name has gained traction without causing critical reaction from any source.

Why?

Because Canadians have been led to believe that using Turtle Island is necessary for national reconciliation with Indigenous people, resulting in its formal use by universities, churches, and governments across the country. For example:

This renaming is peculiar because turtle has Portuguese and Spanish origins, while island traces back to Middle English.

Conversely, the name Canada comes from the word Kanata in the Iroquoian language, meaning settlement or village. It is an authentic Indigenous word.

Place names such as Ottawa, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Kamloops, Inuvik, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan are among the thousands of other names also borrowed from Indigenous languages.

Thus, by referring to Canada as Turtle Island, we are replacing a long-standing Indigenous word with a non-Indigenous two-word name. How could changing from an Indigenous name to a Portuguese/English term ever foster reconciliation? And who ordained that Turtle Island should be considered the new name for Canada?

The answer to both questions is that the new name empowers Indigenous activists over other Canadians who think the old name, Canada, is just fine. Indeed, most Canadians are probably unaware of, even indifferent to, the Indigenous roots of the Canada appellation.

If ordinary Canadians and grassroots Indigenous people begin to question this unjustified and costly effort, they may eventually say, Enough is enough. We want reconciliation, but we will not meet the demand for tens of millions of dollars in compensation to change the names of our country, towns, streets, roads, rivers, and lakes that will not make our lives better or bring us closer together as Canadians.

Conversely, if the professional activists keep pushing these name changes, they will further polarize Canadian citizens into Indigenous vs. non-Indigenous support groups. This process will not end well, especially for ordinary Indigenous people. When countries collapse, as our country indeed could, it is the poor and marginalized  Indigenous groups particularly  who will suffer the most.

It is time to put our resources back into building a united and prosperous Canada. This nation must benefit all its citizens, not just a handful of Turtle Island Indigenous elites and their non-Indigenous sycophants.

Hymie Rubenstein is a retired professor of anthropology at the University of Manitoba and the editor of HYPERLINK "https://hymie.substack.com/" \t "_blank" REAL Indigenous Report. Rodney A. Clifton is a professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba and a senior fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
Thousands of people in some of the poorest communities in Africa are now enjoying fresh clean water thanks to a generous match funding offer from a North Devon business.

Last year, Philip J Milton & Company Plc offered to match half the 4,900 cost of five water boreholes for a life-saving project by Barnstaple-based charity Amigos Worldwide.

The appeal went out for local businesses or individuals to match the other half of the funds for each boreholes  and the response was amazing, with the money raised incredibly quickly.

Now all five boreholes are installed and up and running in poor communities in rural Uganda, the country the charity focuses on.

Above: Philip and Helen Milton (centre) present a cheque for half the total funding for the borehole appeal to (left) Tim Monger, CEO of Amigos Worldwide, with Felix Milton (right). Credit: PJM& Co

The aim of Amigos is to give people living in poverty a hand up, not a hand out so they can lift themselves out of poverty through education and work opportunities.

This includes helping people set up their own businesses and initiatives such as the charitys successful Kira Farm, which teaches students a variety of vocational and farming skills.

Clean and safe water free from disease and within easy access is hard to come by in many parts of Africa  without it, communities cannot thrive and women and children have to spend hours every day trekking to fetch water before they can even consider work or schooling.

Above: Ugandans with a brand new fresh water borehole installed in their community. Credit: Amigos Worldwide

Tim Monger, CEO of Amigos, thanked the people of North Devon for their support in making the five water boreholes a reality.

He said: A massive thank you to Philip J Milton & Company Plc for their generosity. The total number of people served by these boreholes is more than 14,500 and this has given so many people the opportunity to go on and develop their lives.

A big, big thank you too to all the generous donors who came forward to make this possible.

Tim added: The biggest difference this will make is to women and girls. The length of time they have to spend on collecting water is a huge thing. If they have to travel after dark it can be dangerous for them plus it means they can devote more of their time to income-making activities, it becomes a springboard to other things.

Philip Milton praised the others who had come forward so quickly to meet the borehole funding target.

He added: As inconceivable as it seems to those of us in this country, there are people in Africa who still have to walk many miles every day just for the most basic staple of survival.

As a company we have supported Amigos since it all began and each year we sponsor a student through their studies at Kira Farm, but these boreholes really are vital and make a huge difference to peoples lives.

You can find out more about Amigos Worldwide and how you can get involved or make a donation, at www.amigos.org.uk.
Tributes have poured in for Terry Baker - the man with the biggest heart of all who brought hundreds of Minis to the roads of North Devon every summer.

Terry sadly passed away on April 11 aged 71 but leaves an incredible legacy after bringing the Legendary Grand Tour to North Devon every August bank holiday weekend for 25 years and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Childrens Hospice South West.

The sight of the small cars with big hearts beeping their way along the streets and lanes has become a much-loved event as communities turn out to wave to cars and their crews.

Above: Terry and Linda Baker lead the Mini convoy through Valley of Rocks at Lynton. Credit: AW Photographic

It sees some 250 Minis and their owners from around the country and even overseas at various drive outs and social events over the weekend, with a convoy through most of the areas communities on August bank holiday Monday.

A tribute from Terrys family said: He was a loving father to his twin daughters Leigh and Nicola and was the greatest grandfather to his grandchildren Jasmine, Amelia and Joshua as well as the most loving and caring husband to his wife Linda.

Above: Terry and Linda Baker on board their trusty steed. Credit: AW Photographic

Linda is very much the co-creator of the Legendary Grand Tour, which will still be returning to North Devon this August and will be held in Terrys memory.

He and Linda married in Hertfordshire on August 9, 1975  they moved to Bideford in 1988, where Terry started Mainly Minis, rebuilding classic Mini carburettors and helping owners restore and maintain their Minis.

Regular Sunday cruises around North Devon became a popular pastime for the couple, joined by others with a love of the classics.

The seeds of a future Mini run were planted when Childrens Hospice South West asked Terry if he could bring a Mini to Little Bridge House in Fremington for a young patient called Charlie, who was mad about Minis.

Above: Terry and Linda Baker on the 1999 Mini run, pictured in Ilfracombe.

Terry went much further and brought several friends from the newly-formed North Devon Mini Register  the visit was a great success and they wanted to do more, so in 1996 a charity Mini convoy was put together for the August bank holiday.

Terry worked tirelessly to grow the event, as he wanted a nationally recognised get together for Mini owners  in its 25 years, the LGT has raised more than 600,000 for the hospice.

Above: Presenting a cheque for more than 28,000 to Childrens Hospice South West following the 2022 Legendary Grand Tour. Credit: AW Photographic

Participants have come from as far afield as Scotland, France and even America, with the event growing to include some 250 Minis and crews in fancy dress, plus 60 volunteer motorcycle marshals.

In 2018 Terry won the Pride of Britain regional fundraiser award for the South West and was blown away by it, as his aim had only ever been to raise as much as he could for the hospice.

Above: Terry with his Pride of Britain Award in 2018.

Eddie Farwell, chief executive and co-founder of CSHW said everyone at the hospice was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Terry.

He added: Terry inspired so many, evident by the hundreds of people who travelled from all over the country and beyond, to take part, volunteer and donate during what has become an iconic August bank holiday event.

Over the years, money raised from the Legendary Grand Tours has helped us to buy three mini buses, provide messy play areas at all three of our hospices and most importantly, has helped to enrich the lives of many children and young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The world will be a poorer place for his loss, but his memory and all that he achieved will live on and our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult of times.

Above: Terry Baker is presented with a glass bowl by (left) Eddie Farwell, chief executive of CHSW. Credit: AW Photographic

Emma Perry, head of fundraising, also paid tribute. She said: I have very fond memories of the first bank holiday weekend I was in North Devon, where I was greeted with this incredible sight of hundreds of elaborately decorated minis, all beeping their horns and people waving and thinking WOW that is just phenomenal.

Not realising that three years later I would have the privilege of working for CHSW and would be a part of this fantastic spectacle.

Meeting Terry, experiencing his passion, motivation and dedication to Minis, the Grand Tour and the hospice, was absolutely inspirational and I feel hugely privileged to have known him.

Above: An aerial shot of the Minis at Hartland Quay shows the scope of the convoy. Credit: AW Photographic

Terrys funeral is on Friday, May 17 at Taunton Crematorium. Capacity is limited and the family has asked those who wish to attend to email lgtjazmin@gmail.com.

There is also a GoFundMe page to raise money towards the funeral. If anyone would like to donate, please go to www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-terry-baker-to-help-towards-his-funeral.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of Terrys life at this years Legendary Grand Tour campsite in North Devon, with more details in due course at www.smallcarsbighearts.co.uk or the Small Cars Big Hearts The LGT Facebook page.

Above: Terry will be much missed by many across North Devon and far beyond. Credit: AW Photographic
Ilfracombe RNLI took centre stage at Minehead RNLI lifeboat station last weekend on Saturday, April 20 as it delivered the commemorative scroll to Minehead RNLI.

The occasion marked the commemoration of the RNLI's 200th anniversary, a milestone celebrated by coastal communities across the UK and Ireland.

The scroll, a special commemorative pledge, is travelling across the UK and Ireland as part of the RNLI's 200th anniversary celebrations.

Designed to foster connections among RNLI communities, the scroll serves as a symbol of unity and shared purpose.

Transported in an all-electric Ford E-Transit in partnership with Ford, it carries the RNLI's One Crew pledge - a commitment to saving lives without judgement, echoing the vision of Sir William Hillary, who founded the charity in 1824.

Amidst Mineheads harbourside, visitors gathered to participate in a series of events planned to honour the RNLI's rich legacy of lifesaving.

From poetry readings to a book signing by local journalist Chris Rundle, the day was imbued with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the institution that has safeguarded countless lives at sea.

However, it was the arrival of a special delivery at 3.30pm from neighbouring station Ilfracombe that truly captured the essence of the day's celebrations.

Making its journey across the sea aboard Ilfracombe's formidable all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, the RNLI commemorative scroll arrived to a chorus of anticipation and applause.

Representatives from Ilfracombe RNLI, including members of the fundraising team, operations staff, shop volunteers, and Chairperson Richard Newton, gathered to greet the scroll with reverence.

Each individual added their signature to the scroll, leaving an indelible mark on the famous scroll.

Commenting on the significance of the occasion, Richard Newton said: "It's a privilege to be part of such a momentous event in the RNLI's history. Ilfracombe RNLI's contribution underscores the strength of our coastal community and the shared values that unite us in our lifesaving mission."

The arrival of the commemorative scroll served as a poignant reminder of the bonds that unite coastal communities in their dedication to maritime safety.

As the scroll continues its journey across the UK and Ireland, it carries with it the collective gratitude and admiration of all those whose lives have been touched by the RNLI's selfless service over the past two centuries.
A Lynton woman is gearing up to conquer the Three Peak Challenge in memory of her friend and to support North Devon Hospice.

Evie Wyatt will climb the three peaks on July 12-13 which include Ben Nevis in Scotland at 5am, followed by Scafell Pike in the Lake District in England, and culminating in Snowdonia, Wales, at 4.30am.

With just under 4000 raised already, Evie is determined to make a difference by undertaking this daunting task.

She will be completing the challenge within a team of seven who are also raising money for North Devon Hospice.

For the challenge, the hospice required an entry fee of 280 with a minimum of 500 sponsorship.

This fee includes a one night accommodation in Fort William, mountain leaders, an official medal, training where walkers must attend two training days in the lead up to the challenge and the cost of the minibus and fuel who will drive the group between the peaks.

The main reason that has pushed me to do this challenge is in memory of the best boss lady anyone could have wished to have! Mrs. B aka Betty Boundy, Evie shared.

The Three Peak Challenge involves scaling the three highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon - all within 24 hours.

Motivated by the memory of her friend and mentor, Mrs. B, also known as Betty Boundy, Evie recounts the profound impact Mrs. B had on her life.

The pair met at Garson House in Lynton where they both worked.

I rocked up to her care home a single mother of two children new to the village struggling to find my way 17 years ago! She soon became my mentor and teacher of life skills, a friend to my family! My agony aunt - I became her prodigy! Evie said.

Mrs. B fought hard from the day she was unwell to the day she became a star in the sky on Sunday 17th September 2023. During this time, she enjoyed life in remission, but it was made short, a good life taken too soon.

Betty found solace in the care provided by the North Devon Hospice during her final days, inspiring Evie to take on this challenge.

Evie's connection to the North Devon Hospice runs deep.

The hospice not only supported Betty through her cancer but also provided invaluable care to her and offered her wellbeing days.

They also gave Betty's family support.

With Evie's 40th birthday coinciding the same year as the hospice's 40th anniversary, Evie saw the challenge as a perfect opportunity to give back.

I can't put into words just how amazed I am by the support that I've received. There is just so much gratitude, Evie said.

Preparing for the challenge has pushed Evie out of her comfort zone.

As part of her training Evie has completed a solo trip to the Lake District where she has already walked up Scafell Pike.

I like walking. But yeah, this is taking me out of my comfort zone, doing things on my own, Evie said, reflecting on her solo camping trips and rigorous mountain hikes.

The overwhelming support from my community and the memory of Mrs. B keeps me motivated, Evie added.

She will also be hosting a bingo evening on Friday, May 3 at The Old Station Inn in Kentisbury, with some amazing prizes up for grabs.

Reflecting on the journey ahead, Evie has acknowledged the prospect of climbing Snowdon in the dark but finds solace in the expertise of her guide and the camaraderie of her fellow challengers - all united in support of the North Devon Hospice.

You can support Evie here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/paying-forward-for-the-care-in-the-name-of-mrs-b-x?utm_campaign=p_lico%20share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1VLX9dfxve0qTRd49KxQnNntO843GWxDOq_zIZ-B6OfFeQ5WdV117MZN4_aem_AWd2H2iVgOUdaX0YDP9JLW5bqPstJ39IpuoMegkQHWJFTMiKrLMD_K3TVVM7c2HYsS6e9VeH4egBcO4Gdi7ilL4X
Members of the New Zealand Defence Force are likely to have a reduced role in the Anzac Day dawn service in Gallipoli after important items went missing.

Every year, hundreds of Aussies and Kiwis make the pilgrimage to the Gallipoli dawn service. But this year will look a little different.

The Anzac Day dawn service in Gallipoli could look very different this year after the New Zealand Defence Force announced it may play a reduced role in commemorations due to lost luggage.

The items, which contain essential service dress uniforms and band instruments, went missing as the contingent travelled through Dubai to Turkey last week, the NZDF announced on its website on Wednesday morning. The trip hit a huge snag when unprecedented rainfall lashed the United Arab Emirates, flooding Dubai International Airport and disrupting flights through the worlds busiest airfield for overseas travel.

The contingents checked luggage did not accompany it to Istanbul, the NZDF wrote.

Efforts by New Zealand Embassy staff in Ankara managed to retrieve some of the luggage on Tuesday evening (local time), but it included just one band instrument and some dress uniforms.

NZDF Gallipoli lead John McLeod said the baggage mishap was upsetting for the 40-strong contingent, but that they would still be able to provide some support to the services.

It is disappointing for everyone but we are determined to ensure our Chunuk Bair service honours those who fought here at Gallipoli. Our outstanding vocalist, Lance Corporal Bryony Williams will sing anthems without accompaniment and we have a guitar to support our Maori Cultural group in singing waiata. We are grateful for the support of the Australian Defence Force in helping deliver our service, he said.

Australian soldiers stand during a ceremony at the Anzac Cove beach, the site of World War I landing of the ANZACs, in Gallipoli peninsula last year. Source: AAP

While members, many of whom have personal connections to the area, had tried to source musical instruments locally, it has proved to be very hard, McLeod added. The contingent will re-evaluate how it will take part in the dawn service and deliver the New Zealand Chunuk Bair service depending on what lost luggage may turn up.

Yahoo has contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs, which supports dawn services held overseas, for comment about if Australias role in the commemoration has been impacted.

Every year, hundreds of Aussies and Kiwis make the pilgrimage to the Gallipoli dawn service. In 2015, on the one hundredth anniversary of the World War I landings, more than 10,000 Australians and New Zealanders attended, according to the department.

33,000 lost bags to be sorted, returned

The Dubai airport continues to scramble in the wake of the historic floods. A taskforce is now working to sort, reconcile and deliver some 33,000 bags lost after the wild weather threw the city and airport into chaos last Tuesday, the CEO of Emirates Airline Tim Clark said in an open letter.

It will take us some more days to clear the backlog of rebooked passengers and bags, and we ask for our customers patience and understanding.

Dozens of flights were forced to divert and almost 400 more were cancelled or delayed in the days following, leaving many tourists stranded inside the airport transit area. Those passengers are now "enroute to their destinations and everything is back up and running as usual, Clark said.

The devastating flooding is believed to have killed at least three people, including a man who died when his vehicle fell into a sinkhole.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Homebuyers can learn what they need to know to get into their first home at an upcoming home fair in Merrillville.

The United Way of Northwest Indiana will host its First Time Homebuyer Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Public Library Main Branch to 1919 81st Ave., Merrillville. It's open to anyone interested in buying a home, even if it's technically their second or third.

Real estate agents, lenders, home appraisers, home inspectors and other vendors will help prospective buyers get closer to their dreams of home ownership.

Attendees can learn about available properties, down payment assistance programs, home financing, mortgage preapproval and other topics.

Experts will offer tips and set realistic expectations about moving into one's first or next home.

This really is a one-stop-shop of information and contacts for anyone interested in buying their first or next home, and we know home ownership can help build the kind of generational wealth that can build up communities, United Way of Northwest Indiana President and CEO Adam ODoherty said.

The event is free and open to the public. It's sponsored by businesses like the local office of the national home inspection company WIN.

This First Time Homebuyer Vendor Fair will offer all kinds of information for new homebuyers and others looking to move on to their next home," ODoherty said.

There will be raffles for prizes from retailers selling home and home improvement goods like Home Depot, Lowes and Meijer.
CROWN POINT  At this moment, an estimated 104,000 Americans need an organ transplant, with one person added to the list every nine minutes. Further, Donate Life Indiana reports 16 people die each day before an organ becomes available.

As part of National Donate Life Month, Franciscan Health Crown Point on Tuesday hosted its annual Donate Life ceremony. Participants included John Babbitt of Schererville, a kidney recipient.

Babbitt, who had two kidney donors, noted, If it were not for donors, I would not be here today.

A two-time cancer survivor, Babbitt first learned of his kidney problems in 2008. A CT scan found two large masses in his kidneys and they had to be removed. Without functioning kidneys for more than three years, Babbitt went on dialysis.

In 2016 Babbitt received word from the University of Wisconsin in Madison of a possible donor. After the first donors blood was found to be not compatible with Babbitt, a second donor was located and it matched.

Today, Babbitt, 63, tells people, Say yes to donation. It is so powerful. It saves lives. Youll be a hero.

Every year Babbitt gives gifts to his two donors.

I feel wonderful, said the retired state of Illinois employee. I got a second chance at life.

According to Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Network, most people waiting for transplants need corneas or kidneys. Hearts, lungs, and kidneys offer the greatest potential to save lives, the network reports. One donor can save up to eight lives.

The late Hector Gonzalez provided corneas for two people. Gonzalez, 26, of Joliet, Illinois, died May 17, 2021, following jiu-jitsu practice. He died at 9:30 p.m., and at 2:30 a.m. Gift of Hope contacted Gonzalez sister Yadira to tell her that her late brother had registered as an organ donor.

We did not know, Yadira, a Merrillville resident, said. I talked to my mother and sister about it, and we did not hesitate to continue. These were his wishes.

Yadiras Indiana drivers license now lists her as an organ donor because of [Hector].

Yadira, who described Hector as the life of the party, very kind, hard-working, said the organ donation helped so much with the grieving process.

Renata Krzyston, manager of donor family services for Gift of Hope, said the Gonzalez familys willingness to donate truly speaks from the heart, in a way I wish other families could.

Krysztons brother David, who died in 2019, was an organ donor.

Think about donating, Kryszton said, and then talk to your relatives and loved ones about your decision.

Gift of Hope accepts heart, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and intestines donations. It works with Vision First Indiana Lions Eye Bank on corneas.

Gift of Hope, Vision First, and Life Line Stem Cell had tables at the ceremony, as the hospital hoped to register 15 new donors.

Amanda Hawkins of Vision First explained that potential donors may register through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, when applying for fishing or hunting licenses, and through the iPhone health app.

Hawkins noted that since the first cornea transplant in 1961, tissue has successfully been provided for 50,000 transplants.

Lauren ODay, with Gift of Hope, reported that through the first quarter of 2024, Northwest Indiana has provided nine new organ donors, 21 organ transplants, and 25 tissue donations.

Emily Blasio, with Lifeline, reported in its 12 years with Franciscan Health, the organization has offered opportunities for 10,000 families to donate, with 2,000 tissue donations, 20,000 grafts, and 100 cord blood units.

Those who said yes to organ donations, Hawkins said, helped plant the seed for hope.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
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The most common misconception about a court-ordered protection order is that its a bulletproof shield to ensure the safety of the petitioner. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

A protection order is a piece of paper, Lake Circuit Court Judge Marissa McDermott told dozens of courtroom staff, victim advocates, civil judges and law enforcement officers.

Not all respondents whove been served an order for protection actually obey its rules, whether its for domestic violence, repeated harassment, stalking, threats or intimidation. If these people already dont respect laws, police officers or the courts, they may not respect this court-filed piece of paper despite its legal description.

But I certainly dont want to discourage people from seeking them, McDermott said. Protection orders have their purpose. They can deter unwanted action and communication, and also give law enforcement a means to enforce.

The protected person is called the petitioner, who must file a petition in a court of record against the other person, called a respondent.

On Tuesday, McDermotts courtroom was packed with visitors to learn more about protection orders and to share their piece of a complex puzzle within the public safety field. The one-hour lunch and learn symposium was the third of its kind under her direction.

McDermott had no idea the large numbers of annual protection order cases in our Region when she first took office in 2017. Last year, roughly 2,000 protection order cases were again filed in Lake County, among roughly 40,000 filed petitions in Indiana.

These figures dont account for the thousands of other cases which likely warrant a protection order, the judge said.

File one wherever you can file one, McDermott told victim advocates, some who took notes to share with their colleagues.

Filing in person is preferred for best results, but filing remotely also is an option. (Watch a video at NWI.com.)

Details, details, details, McDermott insisted.

Too many petitions are incomplete, lacking the facts needed to properly issue a court-ordered protection order. Although police reports are commonly used, these reports are simply what a petitioner told police. Its rare that a police officer personally witnesses the violence or abuse or threats.

It doesnt cost anything to file this petition, and it can be done in any clerks office, with any court of record having legal jurisdiction. Also, there is no minimum time period of residency to file a protective order.

Another misconception about protection orders is that all petitions receive an immediate court hearing. This isnt always the case, so alleged victims who file for a protection order shouldnt have unrealistic expectations about the speed of the legal pipeline.

For existing protection orders, a common problem for alleged victims is they wrongly presume that extending the order can be done immediately after its expiration date. This needs to be requested at least 30 days before the order expires to allow the courts ample time to explore the extension request.

Similar to the wheels of justice, the wheels of protection orders often creak along slower than what people expect or demand.

These are all jagged pieces of a large, complex puzzle within the courts system. This is why McDermott invited participants from different fields into her courtroom and why she repeatedly asked them to share their piece of the puzzle. Several participants spoke up or asked questions, including one Region attorney who addressed the presumptive length of a standard protection order.

House Bill 1137, effective July 1, 2022, amended Indiana Code 34-26-5-6, stating that a protective order remains effective for a period of two years after it is issued. But McDermott noted this all depends on the circumstances of each case. She has issued different orders of protection that have ranged from 30 days to 10 years.

Another participant who works for a school system in our Region addressed the complexities involving custodial parents and how protection orders should be issued and enforced. She described it as major chaos.

The symposium shared a packet of information and resources with guests, including detailed 10-page instructions for victim advocates to file a formal petition. The P.O. pipeline, from victim to courtroom to safety, doesnt always end safely or happily.

It is highly recommended you carry your Order for Protection with you at all times, especially if you are traveling outside the state of Indiana, the document states.

A flier also shared resources in our Region. For example, the Lake Circuit Court Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau in the county government complex, a self-help center with volunteer attorneys. (For more information, call 219-755-3683.)

Petitioners should be have a plan in case the respondent reacts dramatically or violently after an order for protection is filed and issued. Also keep in mind there are two sides to every petition. Court hearings are designed to explore both sides when possible.

McDermott summed up her program by reminding advocates to tell victims, Dont rely only on this piece of paper.

PHOTOS: Bernard Carter, Mark Spencer hold gun safety press conference
Dani Quattro admits she often cries when she comes across neglected animals at the homes of her clients.

An NDIS support worker has revealed what she considers the most "heartbreaking" part of her job which few people are aware she has to contend with, claiming it places even more pressure on her already demanding role. And it's something she admits brings her to tears frequently.

Dani Quattro cares for Aussies with a disability every day but confessed it is often her clients' animals which pull at her heartstrings if she feels they aren't receiving proper care from their owners.

"Someone asked me what I thought the hardest part of becoming a support worker is, my answer would honestly be the animals that you see that are severely neglected," she said online. "The people that just don't know how to care for them in the right way and sometimes that's no fault of their own... it's soul destroying."

NDIS care worker Dani Quattro has found neglected pets during trips to patients' homes. Source: TikTok and Instagram

Quattro says some days she arrives to patient's homes to care for them but ends up finding neglected cats and dogs, and has even had to step in to advocate for the animal's welfare.

Care worker has driven neglected animals to vets

The NDIS worker has even driven neglected animals to the vet after finding them in such poor condition, with many having to be put down, tying more emotional baggage to her role.

"I have had to personally take them to the vet because they've been so neglected and they're in that much pain, and the vet has said the best thing for this dog is to put them down... there's some days where I witness it and it's all I think about for the rest of the week and I'll probably cry about it," she said.

The womans unique take led to an outpouring of experiences from other care workers  with some agreeing with her and others sharing they had never witnessed neglected animals in their careers.

Ive been a high care support worker for four years and never come across this, one shared. All my clients are well cared for. Another said in their five years in the industry, they felt pets were better cared for thanks to support staff. Another care worker agreed with her, sharing that she had sadly witnessed animal abuse.

I struggle with it also, said a third. Ive thought of how I can smuggle them out.

Many pet owners are struggling to care for their animals across the country for a range of reasons such as a competitive rental market favouring those without animals, and the rise in the cost of living stretching Aussie's budgets. Pet surrenders are on the rise, with the RSPCA in NSW receiving 20 calls per day on average relating to surrenders.

Most rewarding aspect of being a support worker

In another video Quattro talks about the most rewarding aspect of being a disability support worker.

"There is no better feeling when your client starts to drop their guard and finally open up around you, and see you as a safe place," she said.

"When you gain their trust that is the most rewarding feeling."

The 660,000 Aussies who are covered by the NDIS scheme will all have their plans and budgets reassessed as the Albanese government begins to tackle blowouts which have impeded on other areas of the federal budget, to be handed down next month.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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The interim chairwoman of an independent police oversight panel who had fiercely criticized the Police Department will step down at the request of Mayor Eric Adams, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The official, Arva Rice, has chaired the panel, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, since Mr. Adams installed her in February 2022, calling her a champion for equity and justice.

But she has drawn the anger of police officials for criticizing delays in handing over evidence in the fatal shooting of a Bronx man in his home five years ago  and for requesting a larger budget and more power to investigate complaints against police officers.

Image Ms. Rice was appointed interim chairwoman of the oversight panel in February 2022. Credit... Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for NYUL

The resignation request was delivered by Mr. Adamss deputy mayor for public safety, Philip Banks III, who served as the Police Departments top uniformed officer before resigning under the cloud of a federal corruption investigation in 2014, according to two of the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal City Hall personnel matters. Mr. Banks was never charged.
In the litany of lies and half-truths told by George Santos in a fanciful journey in which he was first elected to and then expelled from Congress, the one he told about his nascent campaign for a different House seat on Long Island was not exactly a lie.

It just wasnt true for very long.

Less than seven weeks after announcing he would try to return to the House of Representatives, Mr. Santos, the fabulist ex-congressman from New York who is facing federal charges, said on Tuesday that he would end his latest congressional bid.

In a turn perhaps befitting of Mr. Santos, whose loose association with the truth has been extensively documented, he offered two distinct reasons for his exit from the race.

In a social media post, Mr. Santos said he was worried that he and Representative Nick LaLota, the Republican he was running to unseat, might split conservative votes. I dont want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the House to Dems, he wrote.
As Senator Chuck Schumer of New York prepared for a final vote to pass an aid package that would provide $26 billion to Israel and billions more to Ukraine and Taiwan, approximately 200 protesters were arrested, according to the police, after blocking traffic in his Brooklyn neighborhood on the second night of Passover to call for an end to the United States military support of Israel.

Though Mr. Schumer, the Democratic majority leader, was in Washington, demonstrators rallied on Tuesday in Grand Army Plaza, one block away from his Brooklyn home, a common site of protests since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. As the sun set, hundreds of people gathered around a circular banner representing a Seder plate, which included the words Jews say stop arming Israel alongside images of foods eaten during the Seder meal.

This will not be a Seder as usual. These are not usual times, Morgan Bassichis, a member of the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace, said to attendees.
A bill that would force a sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner, ByteDance  or ban it outright  was passed by the Senate on Tuesday and signed into law Wednesday by President Biden.

Now the process is likely to get even more complicated.

Congress passed the measure citing national security concerns because of TikToks Chinese ties. Both lawmakers and security experts have said there are risks that the Chinese government could lean on ByteDance for access to sensitive data belonging to its 170 million U.S. users or to spread propaganda.

The law would allow TikTok to continue to operate in the United States if ByteDance sold it within 270 days, or about nine months, a time frame that the president could extend to a year.

The measure is likely to face legal challenges, as well as possible resistance from Beijing, which could block the sale or export of the technology. Its also unclear who has the resources to buy TikTok, since it will carry a hefty price tag.
Nemat Shafik, Columbia Universitys besieged president, faced skeptics on Wednesday in a meeting with the university senate that could vote to censure her over her handling of protests on the Upper Manhattan campus.

Dr. Shafik, who last week called in the police officers who made more than 100 arrests while they cleared a student protest encampment, is facing mounting calls for her resignation, including from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who visited Columbia on Wednesday. If Dr. Shafik ultimately remains atop Columbia, her meeting with the university senate made plain that it will likely be as a scarred figure.

Dr. Shafik defended her choice to summon the New York authorities to campus, according to three people who attended the meeting at the law school. But, according to two of those people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe a private meeting, Dr. Shafik used part of her roughly hourlong appearance to acknowledge that the decision to bring in the police had exacerbated the problems. She said she believed, though, that it was necessary for the safety of protesting students.

The group could vote on a censure as soon as Friday, but some senators were discussing the possibility of pursuing a more moderate course in the aftermath of Wednesdays meeting.
A North Carolina man who was declared a fugitive after being found guilty last year of assaulting police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department said.

The man, David Joseph Gietzen, 31, of Sanford, N.C., was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after being found guilty by a jury in August of five felonies and three misdemeanors. After he was convicted, he failed to report to prison to await sentencing and was declared a fugitive. He was arrested again in December.

On Jan. 6, according to prosecutors, he appeared to grab a U.S. Capitol Police officer by the throat or face mask and to strike another with a pole.

The sentence was confirmed by Patty Hartman, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. She said that Mr. Gietzen was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service. His lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment on Tuesday evening.
David McCormick won an unopposed Republican primary for Senate in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, securing the partys nomination two years after former President Donald J. Trump torpedoed his first Senate run by backing his primary rival, the celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Mr. McCormick will face Senator Bob Casey in the November election. Mr. Casey, the Democratic incumbent, also won his uncontested primary on Tuesday, The A.P. reported.

The Senate race in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, represents the best chance yet for Republicans to unseat Mr. Casey, an 18-year incumbent who has previously sailed to re-election  he defeated his Republican opponent in 2018 by 13 points.

Im honored to once again be the Democratic nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, Mr. Casey said on social media. There are 196 days until the general election, and were going to win.
With the 2024 primary season entering the homestretch  and the presidential matchup already set  hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians cast their ballots on Tuesday in Senate and House contests as well as for president and local races.

President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump, who had been heading toward a 2020 rematch for months before securing their parties nominations in March, scored overwhelming victories in their primaries, facing opponents who had long since dropped out of the race. But Nikki Haley, Mr. Trumps former rival in the Republican primaries, still took more than 155,000 votes across the state. That exceeds the margin of 81,660 votes by which Mr. Biden won the state in the 2020 election.

In the past two weeks, Mr. Biden has had the campaign trail largely to himself while Mr. Trump sits in a Manhattan courtroom for a felony criminal trial related to a 2016 campaign sex scandal cover-up. Wednesday, however, is a day off from the proceedings.

Mr. Biden plans to deliver remarks today at a conference for North Americas Building Trades Unions, an umbrella labor group. Vice President Kamala Harris will be in New York today to record an interview with Drew Barrymore for her television talk show. Tomorrow, Mr. Biden will head to Syracuse, N.Y., for a White House event, while Mr. Trump will head back to court.
A deputy minister of defense in Russia has been detained on charges of taking a large scale bribe, the countrys top law enforcement investigators announced on Tuesday.

The brief announcement from the Investigative Committee divulged few details about what had led to Timur Ivanov, the deputy minister, being taken into custody. But the legal statute that he is accused of violating is for taking a bribe on a particularly large scale, more than one million rubles, or more than $10,000.

The Ministry of Defense did not comment on the investigation.

Mr. Ivanov, a deputy defense minister since 2016, had long been in charge of military construction projects, including most recently the huge contracts awarded to rebuild the Russian-occupied eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which was devastated by Russian attacks soon after the February 2022 invasion.

He was also responsible for building Patriot Park, a military theme space outside Moscow that featured exhibits of weaponry and a Russian Orthodox cathedral that sought to cast the experiences of the Russian armed forces in a holy light. He was awarded the Order for Merit to the Fatherland several times.
If Israel were to begin an invasion in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, an Israeli-designated humanitarian zone along the coast would be expanded to take in more civilians, an Israeli military official said Monday evening.

The comments were among the first indications of the Israeli militarys plans for civilians if it were to launch a major ground offensive in Rafah. The Biden administration has urged Israel to forgo such an operation because of the risks it would pose to displaced Palestinians.

Palestinians who have sought shelter in Rafah have been bracing for an Israeli incursion for months, huddling in crowded tents, schools and apartments. Before arriving in Rafah, many had followed earlier Israeli calls to evacuate other areas in Gaza only to encounter bombardment in those places too.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that the army will enter Rafah to fight Hamas battalions there, bucking international pressure to back off any operation.

In the case of an invasion, Israel would tell Palestinians to go to the enlarged humanitarian zone, which would include a narrow strip of beachside land known as Al-Mawasi, and other unidentified areas in Gaza, said the Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
Her fellow Australians are welcoming Mila with open arms after a video of her proudly preparing to become a citizen went viral.

Officially from Tuesday, Mila is as true blue as they come. Source: Supplied

Aussies are swooning over a Ukrainian immigrants brilliant way of celebrating her citizenship, with many gleefully welcoming her Down Under with open arms.

Eagerly anticipating her ceremony on Tuesday, Mila, who has lived in the country for five years, told Yahoo News she wanted to do something fun for the monumental event  ultimately coming up with what has now been deemed an iconic manicure.

I always like doing my nails, and for such a special event I wanted to do something fun, she said on Wednesday after gleefully declaring it was her first full day as an Aussie.

I started thinking about doing just the flag but then I thought about maybe I could do something about the Sunshine Coast so I did the palm trees. And obviously you cant miss Vegemite, and you have to pay respect to the Indigenous community so I did dots.

By the end of her appointment, each of Milas fingernails featured a different design, including a kangaroo, straya, the Queensland Maroons, and her favourite  a bright yellow XXXX Gold logo on her middle finger.

I have only 10 fingers and there are so many cool things in Australia, she laughed.

From Vegemite to XXXX Gold, she represented. Source: Supplied

New Aussie citizen's TikTok about nails goes viral

Unable to contain her excitement about the results, Mila posted a TikTok of her giggling while displaying each finger to the camera.

We could not write Vegemite so its just Veg, she says, explaining that her nail technician  who is also from Ukraine  ran out of room while painting the XXXX Gold logo, but they were able to squeeze another X in.

Milas adorable reaction has been viewed over 150,000 times in just days, with hundreds of people congratulating her on becoming a citizen. The fact you included XXXX makes you Aussie by default, one person said, while another made note of her car, stating driving a Toyota is probably the most Strayan thing too.

Youve completely understood the Australian spirit. Youre awesome! Congratulations on becoming a citizen! someone else applauded.

This is beyond cute, a fourth added.

'Only good things happening for us here'

Incredibly touched by everyones kind words, Mila said the best part was being able to show off her nails at the citizenship ceremony on Tuesday, with her mum  who was granted a war refugee visa by Australia two years ago  by her side.

Some of the Councils and the Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli was there. So obviously when they were giving me my certificate, I showed them my nails, she told Yahoo, adding some officials even took photos to post on their social media accounts.

And naturally, afterwards she headed to the pub to enjoy a cold XXXX Gold with friends.

Mila explained that she initially started posting videos on TikTok because she was nervous about her English accent, but the online and her local community had since helped her in extraordinary ways, including helping raise money for her mums $4,000 plane ticket.

My mum is doing so good here, she goes to TAFE, she studies English full-time, shes got a job, she said. When she first came here she could say only two words  'thank you' and 'chicken'.

Theres no reason not to love this country for both me and my mum  only good things are happening for us here.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Imagine youve been rushing through the forest for hours, the choreographer Alexei Ratmansky called out to Stanislav Olshanskyi as he ran across an airy ballet studio in Miami Beach. Olshanskyi, playing a prince, was searching for the woman he has been duped into betraying. You are just now realizing the consequences of what youve done, Ratmansky said. How does it feel?

Outside, visible through large windows, people passed by, dressed for the beach. Inside, the willowy, delicate-featured Olshanskyi  a prince out of a fairy tale  gathered his thoughts and tried his entrance again, this time conveying the requisite urgency, verging on panic.

It was a week before the opening of Miami City Ballets Swan Lake, which the company performs in a critically acclaimed production by Ratmansky that draws on historical sources, and is rich in choreographic and dramatic detail. Ratmansky, artist in residence at New York City Ballet, was in town overseeing rehearsals for the ballet, which runs through May 12.
This article is part of our Museums special section about how institutions are striving to offer their visitors more to see, do and feel.

To enter Kehinde Wileys show An Archaeology of Silence is to step into darkness, where only the art itself seems to emit light. The space feels somewhere between a crypt and a cathedral, featuring paintings and bronze sculptures of reclining Black bodies, spread out in repose or entombed like corpses, that appear to glow from within.

The show, now at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, culminates with a monumental sculpture of a fallen man on horseback, draped over the horse as if he had just been shot, his Nikes dangling below the saddle. Made in the year after George Floyd was killed by the police in Minneapolis, this monument  and more broadly, the show as a whole  confronts the legacy and scope of anti-Black violence, according to Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation.
Claudette Johnson, a Black British visual artist who is experiencing a late-career renaissance, and Jasleen Kaur, an artist whose installations have explored her upbringing in a Scottish Sikh community, are among the nominees for this years Turner Prize, the prestigious British art award.

The four-person shortlist was announced on Wednesday at a news conference at the Tate Britain art museum in London. Each artist is nominated for an exhibition held in the past 12 months, and Tate Britain will host a group show of their work from Sept. 25 to Feb. 16, 2025.

Johnson, 64, whose portraits of Black women and men in pastels and watercolor are held in the collections of Tate and the Baltimore Museum of Art, is the highest-profile artist shortlisted.

Her career began in the 1980s as a member of the Blk Art Group, a British collective, but she stopped exhibiting for decades while she raised two children. In a 2023 interview with T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Johnson described that period as a long wilderness in which the idea of becoming a successful artist was beyond a dream.
There is a sour tendency in cultural politics today  a growing gap between speaking about the world and acting in it.

In the domain of rhetoric, everyone has grown gifted at pulling back the curtain. An elegant museum gallery is actually a record of imperial violence; a symphony orchestra is a site of elitism and exploitation: these critiques we can now deliver without trying. But when it comes to making anything new, we are gripped by near-total inertia. We are losing faith with so many institutions of culture and society  the museum, the market, and, especially this week, the university  but cannot imagine an exit from them. We throw bricks with abandon, we lay them with difficulty, if at all. We engage in perpetual protest, but seem unable to channel it into anything concrete.

So we spin around. We circle. And, maybe, we start going backward.

Ive just spent a week tramping across Venice, a city of more than 250 churches, and where did I encounter the most doctrinaire catechism? It was in the galleries of the 2024 Venice Biennale, still the worlds principal appointment to discover new art, whose current edition is at best a missed opportunity, and at worst something like a tragedy.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, which has a history of attracting top conductors, including Fritz Reiner and Leopold Stokowski, announced on Wednesday that its next music director would be Cristian Macelaru, a Romanian-born maestro who has helped champion music education.

Macelaru, 44, will begin a four-year term as music director in Cincinnati in the 2025-26 season and become music director designate in September, the ensemble said. Macelaru, who holds prestigious posts in Europe, leading both the Orchestre National de France and the WDR Sinfonieorchester in Cologne, Germany, will succeed the veteran conductor Louis Langree, the ensembles leader since 2013.

Macelaru said he felt a sense of possibility with the orchestra and the community.

This was the one orchestra I really wanted to be with in America, he said in a telephone interview from China, where he was leading a tour with the WDR Sinfonieorchester.

Macelaru has often spoken of making classical music accessible to a broader audience, and said he hoped to help expand music education efforts in Cincinnati.
U.S. Senate passed foreign aid bill

The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly last night to approve a long-stalled $95.3 billion package of aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending it to President Biden for his signature and ending months of uncertainty about whether the U.S. would continue to back Kyiv against Russian aggression.

The legislation had nearly been derailed because of right-wing opposition. The vast majority of senators in both parties supported the package, and Senate leaders regarded its passage as a triumph, particularly given the opposition to aid for Ukraine that had built up in the House.

Ukraine is running short of the munitions it needs to fight and had grown desperate for the aid to pass. My colleague Marc Santora, who has been reporting from Ukraine since the start of the war, told me that what this aid means, in the most simple terms, is guns and bullets.

But beyond that, he continued, what this has done is provided a much-needed boost for the morale of both Ukrainian soldiers on the front and civilians living under the threat of near-nightly Russian drone and missile bombardments.
The debate over TikTok has shifted very quickly. Just a few months ago, it seemed unlikely that the U.S. government would force ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell it. The platform is popular, and Congress rarely passes legislation aimed at a single company.

Yet a bipartisan TikTok bill  packaged with aid for Ukraine, Taiwan, Israel and Palestinians  is now on its way to becoming law. Late last night, the Senate passed the measure, 79 to 18, three days after the House passed it, 360 to 58. President Biden said he would sign it today. If ByteDance does not sell TikTok within 12 months, it will be banned in the United States.

What explains the turnabout?

I have asked that question of policymakers and their aides in recent weeks and heard a similar answer from many. Parts of the debate over TikTok  about the overall benefits and drawbacks of social media, for instance  are complicated, and they would not justify the forced sale of a single company, the policymakers say. But at least one problem with TikTok falls into a different category.

It has become a leading source of information in this country. About one-third of Americans under 30 regularly get their news from it. TikTok is also owned by a company based in the leading global rival of the United States. And that rival, especially under President Xi Jinping, treats private companies as extensions of the state. This is a tool that is ultimately within the control of the Chinese government, Christopher Wray, the director of the F.B.I., has told Congress.
Two framed documents from a long career at Boeing hang side by side in Merle Meyerss home: A certificate from 2022 that thanks him for three decades of service. And a letter he received months later reprimanding him for his performance.

The documents reflect his conflicting emotions about the company. Mr. Meyers, who worked as a Boeing quality manager until last year, holds deep affection for the aircraft manufacturer, where both he and his mother worked. But he is also saddened and frustrated by what he described as a yearslong shift by Boeing executives to emphasize speed over quality.

I love the company, said Mr. Meyers, 65, who is publicly sharing his concerns for the first time, supported by hundreds of pages of emails and other documents. For years, he said, quality was the top priority, but that changed over time: Now, its schedule that takes the lead.

Boeing is revered by many aviation professionals as a lasting symbol of ingenuity and an engineering and manufacturing powerhouse. It is so important to the U.S. economy that presidents have effectively served as salesmen for its planes abroad. The company is a dominant force in Washington State and a top employer in the Seattle area, where it was founded and produces the 737 and other planes.
Boeing on Wednesday reported a $355 million loss for the first three months of the year, as it deals with a quality crisis stemming from a Jan. 5 flight during which a panel blew off one of its planes.

The loss was not as steep as analysts had expected, and it was smaller than the $425 million loss in the first quarter last year. Boeing brought in more than $16.5 billion in revenue in the first quarter, less than it reported last year, and the company burned through almost $4 billion in cash, in both cases surpassing analyst expectations.

The panel blowout on a 737 Max 9 jet during an Alaska Airlines flight resulted in no major injuries, but the incident dealt a heavy blow to the company, reigniting concerns about Boeings practices five years after two fatal crashes involving 737 Max 8 planes. Since the Jan. 5 flight, the company has taken steps to improve quality, including expanding inspections, changing how work is performed, increasing training and soliciting more feedback from employees.

We are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to make certain our regulators, customers, employees and the flying public are 100 percent confident in Boeing, Dave Calhoun, Boeings chief executive, said in a letter to employees on Wednesday.
As they gathered near the guarded gates of Columbia University in Upper Manhattan on Tuesday, a hundred or so protesters began to chant: Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest.

Divest is a demand that has been repeated, on banners, in editorials in student newspapers and during rallies that are sweeping across campuses now gripped by a wave of pro-Palestinian activism.

What it actually means has varied in scope, and level of detail. At Yale and Cornell, students have called on the universities to stop investing in weapons manufacturers. Columbia students are demanding the sale of holdings in funds and businesses that activists say are profiting from Israels invasion of Gaza, and the longer-term occupation of Palestinian lands  including Google, which has a large contract with the Israeli government, and Airbnb, which allows listings in Israeli settlements on the occupied West Bank.

Researchers say the impact of any divestment would ultimately be negligible on the businesses and on Israel. They add that if universities give up votes as shareholders at the companies, divestment could even be counterproductive in pressuring companies to change their practices.
These tiny grassland earless dragons are near impossible to spot in the wild, and until recently it was believed they were extinct.

Visitors to an Australian zoo are able to view an elusive reptile only a handful of people have seen in the wild. The tiny Victorian grassland earless dragon was thought to be extinct until 2023 when it was rediscovered at the site of a proposed housing development.

The location of the Victorian rediscovery site is a closely guarded secret. So if youre wanting to see this rare and unusual creature, the only place to do so is at a tiny exhibit near the entrance of Melbourne Zoo.

Not a lot is known about them. Theyre quite a cryptic little species and theyre hard to observe in the wild, the dragon's specialist keeper Rory Keenan told Yahoo News.

Rory Keenan is the Victorian grassland earless dragons specialist keeper. Source: Jo Howell, Zoos Victoria

How many grassland earless dragons has the zoo bred?

Grassland earless dragons are reddish-brown in colour and weigh no more than seven grams, and adults are just 5cm long. They live underground in tiny burrows and are referred to as a Goldilocks species because they require conditions that are "just right" to survive.

Because over 99 per cent of the Victorian dragons habitat has already been destroyed, the zoo has collected 32 from the wild and established a conservation breeding program. From 10 breeding pairs theyve hatched out 51 babies.

The dragons are protected by biosecurity controls to keep them safe from diseases that could wipe the colony out. Inside the environmentally-controlled enclosure are rows of metre-long cages containing grass tussocks and burrows they need to thrive.

Related: Hunt for tiny Aussie animal not seen since 1990s: 'Time is running out'

Conditions inside Victorian grassland earless dragon enclosures are designed to mimic their natural environment. Source: Jo Howell, Zoos Victoria

Is it stressful to care for rare animals?

Nerve-racking is how Keenan describes the weight of caring for such a rare species, and he admits to having many sleepless nights because hes responsible for what could be half of the entire population of the species.

Keenan learned how to care for Victorias dragons by working for five years on a captive breeding program for the closely related critically endangered Canberra grassland earless dragon.

All remaining populations of dragons across the country are on the brink of extinction. In 2019, a survey of the Canberra species counted hundreds in the wild, but this year they only counted 11. The hunt is now on to see if the Bathurst species still exists  it hasnt been spotted since the 1990s. While the Monaro dragon is doing slightly better, it is still listed as endangered which is just two notches above extinct.

Related: Rare Aussie creature not seen in 40 years rediscovered hiding under long grass

Victorian grassland earless dragons have lost 99 per cent of their native habitat. Source: Jo Howell, Zoos Victoria

New species discoveries

Why keeper is hopeful for species future

When it comes to the Victorian species, planning authorities have not yet revealed how much of its potential habitat will be bulldozed for new housing and how much will be protected to help prevent its extinction in the wild.

Speaking generally about the plight of all dragon species, Keenan admits their situation in the wild is concerning. But he has more to add. I also feel like theres hope for these types of cryptic species that could be holding on in small areas just on the brink of extinction. Its really important not to give up.

The Melbourne Zoo conservation breeding program now has a target of establishing a population of 500 animals, and plans to eventually set up more breeding colonies.

I think our next step would ideally be to move animals into more outdoor naturalistic set-ups where theyre exposed to the natural elements, Keenan said. And then the key thing is to secure habitat and to ensure further loss of habitat doesnt occur.

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A group of seven leading solar manufacturers filed trade complaints on Wednesday formally requesting that the Biden administration impose tariffs on solar products being exported from Southeast Asia into the United States.

The petitions were filed with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. They come amid growing alarm within the U.S. solar industry that a flood of cheap Chinese green energy technology exports are pushing down prices of solar panels and threatening efforts by the Biden administration to develop a domestic solar supply chain.

Chinese companies have been relocating production of solar products to neighboring countries to avoid existing tariffs, and U.S. manufacturers believe new trade measures are needed to protect their businesses. The complaints call for investigations into the trade practices of Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. In the past year, the United States has imported $12.5 billion worth of solar products from those countries as prices of solar products have dropped by around 50 percent.

The trade complaints are focused on imported solar cells, the parts of solar panels that turn light into electricity.
Starbucks and the union that represents over 10,000 of its workers returned to the bargaining table on Wednesday for the first time in nearly a year, a pivotal moment in the yearslong battle between the coffee giant and its organized workers.

Company representatives and 150 representatives from the union, Workers United, met at an undisclosed location in Atlanta to begin negotiating a framework for union contracts for each of the over 400 unionized stores.

The last time the two sides sat down was May 23, and they have spent months blaming each other for the impasse. During that time, workers have staged several strikes and tried to win seats on Starbuckss board, and the company has sued the union over its use of the Starbucks logo.

The feuding eased in February when the two sides issued a joint statement saying they were returning to the bargaining table. Michelle Eisen, a longtime barista at a Starbucks in Buffalo that was the first company-owned store to unionize during the current campaign, said she was optimistic that the company would bargain in good faith.
The Biden administration on Wednesday said that it would begin requiring dairy cows moving across state lines to be tested for bird flu, which has been spreading in herds for months. The new policy is part of a growing effort to stamp out the spread of a virus that federal health officials have sought to reassure Americans poses little risk to people so far.

The new order, issued by the Department of Agriculture, says that lactating cows must test negative for influenza A viruses, a class that includes bird flu, before they are transported. The owners of herds with positive tests will need to provide data on the movements of the cattle to help investigators trace the disease.

The testing will help protect the livestock industry, limit the spread of the virus and better understand this disease, Mike Watson, a senior Department of Agriculture official, told reporters in a press briefing Wednesday morning.

Since a highly contagious form of bird flu was detected in the United States in 2022, federal officials have sought to reassure Americans that the threat to the public remained low, even as the virus infected a growing number of mammals. Federal regulators on Tuesday announced that inactive viral fragments had been found in pasteurized milk, a suggestion that the virus was likely spreading much more widely among cattle than previously known.
Readers Respond

The previous question was from a woman who disagreed with her husband about whether to divulge important information about her unborn childs conception. She wrote: My husband and I are thrilled to be welcoming our first child this spring, after an arduous I.V.F. journey lasting nearly two years. We ended up needing an anonymous egg donor, whom we found through an egg bank, to conceive our child. Select family members and close friends who knew that we were trying are aware that we took this route. However, my husband told me that he doesnt want anyone else knowing that we used donor eggs, and that he is upset that some people already know. He is afraid that in a few years, someone will let slip to the child that they were conceived with donor eggs before we as parents have a chance to tell them ourselves. He believes were violating our unborn childs right to privacy by sharing this fact with others. What could possibly bring him around? Or how could I make peace with his position? And have I really deprived our unborn child of a right to privacy by telling a few people about how the child was conceived?

In his response, the Ethicist noted: When your husband talks about the childs privacy, hes suggesting that the child deserves the right to decide (at some unspecified age) who does and who does not know how this conception occurred. Yet we dont usually think that the basic circumstances of our conception are something to keep secret. In the typical case, people understand children to be the product of sex between their parents. Is that a violation of privacy? Its true that people who are the result of an anonymous egg donation can keep this fact quiet. The question is what interest it serves.  A two-decade study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that in assisted-reproduction families, both kids and parents did better when the facts were disclosed early. Many fertility clinics have therapists who can help couples work through such issues. (Reread the full question and answer here.)
We come to this place for magic, Nicole Kidman says in the well-known AMC Theaters preshow advertisement. And who could better welcome back audiences to experience movies on the big screen than an acclaimed artist whos illuminated stories across all genres?

Kidman has starred in daring art house projects (Dogville, Birth), awards-friendly dramas (Cold Mountain, Rabbit Hole), big-budget crowd-pleasers (Aquaman, Paddington) and everything in between.

On Saturday, the Australian American Oscar-winning actress will receive the life achievement award from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. At 56, Kidman is among the youngest honorees.

But what qualities have kept Kidman consistently in demand for the past three decades?

The New Zealand director Jane Campion said via email that her fierce curiosity has helped her take an audience inside some gnarly women. The American filmmaker Karyn Kusama described her as a channeler of inchoate energy, and explained that when this coalesces into something visceral for her character, you almost feel the molecules in the air shift around her.
Alfonso Chardy, whose methodical reporting ushered The Miami Herald to a Pulitzer Prize for exposing the Iran-contra scandal in 1986 and contributed to three other Pulitzers that the newspaper won, died on April 9 in a Miami hospital. He was 72.

The cause was a heart attack, said his wife, Siobhan T. Morrissey.

Mr. Chardy was instrumental in uncovering a link between the illegal sale of weapons to Iran orchestrated by senior Reagan administration officials to facilitate the release of Western hostages, and the covert diversion of proceeds from that sale to support right-wing rebels in Nicaragua known as the contras.

He wrote more than half of the 10 articles that won the Pulitzer for national reporting in 1987 and revealed the role of Marine Lt. Col. Oliver L. North in what amounted to a money laundering plot by senior officials to bypass a congressional arms embargo against Iran to secure the hostages release. The Westerners were being held in Lebanon by the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah. In Nicaragua, the contras were battling the leftist Sandinista government.
The war in Gaza has become President Bidens war, the Times Opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof argues in a recent column criticizing what he describes as a moral failing on Bidens part. In the following conversation, the Opinion editor Sarah Wildman asks Nick to elaborate on where he thinks Biden went wrong and what he hopes the president will do to try to end the conflict in the Middle East

Below is a lightly edited transcript of this episode. To listen to this episode, click the play button below.
At the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, anti-Vietnam War protesters clashed with police officers  whose brutal role in the confrontation was later described by a federal commission as a police riot  hijacking the focus of the convention.

Those young demonstrators had come of age seeing continual  and effective  protests during the civil rights movement and national mourning after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A year earlier King staked out his opposition to the war, saying that while he wasnt attempting to make North Vietnam or the National Liberation Front paragons of virtue, he wanted to underscore his belief that America would never invest the necessary funds or energies in rehabilitation of its poor so long as adventures like Vietnam continued to draw men and skills and money, like some demonic, destructive suction tube. He said he was compelled to see the war as an enemy of the poor and attack it as such.

This was a generation primed for protest, with moral conviction as the foundation of its outrage about the Vietnam War  the first television war, one in which Americans could see the horrors of war, almost in real time  and the draft that saw around two million Americans conscripted during the era. The movement against it began mostly on college campuses and grew.

Of course, semesters end, and students go home for the summer. But their opposition to the war didnt end with the academic year. In the months leading up to the 68 Democratic convention, which took place in August, organizers planned a major protest, intended to be held regardless of whether it was allowed, drawing students from around the country. Before the convention, Rennie Davis, one of the organizers, told The New York Times, No denial of a permit is going to prevent the tens of thousands of people who are coming to Chicago from expressing their convictions on these issues.
Educational technology in schools is sometimes described as a wicked problem  a term coined by a design and planning professor, Horst Rittel, in the 1960s, meaning a problem for which even defining the scope of the dilemma is a struggle, because it has so many interconnected parts that never stop moving.

When you have a wicked problem, solutions have to be holistic, flexible and developmentally appropriate. Which is to say that appropriate tech use for elementary schoolers in rural Oklahoma isnt going to be the same as appropriate tech use in a Chicago high school.

I spent the past few weeks speaking with parents, teachers, public school administrators and academics who study educational technology. And while there are certainly benefits to using tech as a classroom tool, Im convinced that when it comes to the proliferation of tech in K-12 education, we need a hard reset, as Julia Freeland Fisher of the Christensen Institute put it, concurring with Jonathan Haidt in his call for rolling back the phone-based childhood. When we recently spoke, Fisher stressed that when we weigh the benefits of ed tech, were often not asking, Whats happening when it comes to connectedness and well-being?

Well said. We need a complete rethink of the ways that were evaluating and using tech in classrooms; the overall change that I want to see is that tech use in schools  devices and apps  should be driven by educators, not tech companies.
I arrived at the hospital one recent morning to find a team of doctors gathered just outside a patient room. The patient was struggling  his breaths too fast and too shallow. For days we had been trying to walk the line between treating the pain caused by his rapidly growing cancer and prolonging his life.

Overnight he had worsened. His family, wrestling with the inevitability of his death, had come to a tentative plan, and I needed to make sure that his wife understood what was ahead. I explained that if we inserted a breathing tube, as she had decided overnight, her husband would be sedated. When the rest of their family arrived in Boston, we would take out the tube and he would die. We would not be able to wake him up  to do so would only cause him to suffer.

At this, his wife stiffened. Why wouldnt he be able to wake up? I explained that his cancer was so advanced that to wake him would be to give him the conscious awareness of drowning. I watched as she took me in, this doctor she had never met before, telling her something she did not want to hear. Her expression shifted. Why should I believe you? she asked me. And then, her voice toughening: I dont think that I do.

The room was silent. My patients wife looked into her bag, rooting around for a tissue. I glanced down at my feet. Why should she believe me? I was wearing sneakers with my scrub pants, and I found myself wondering whether she would have trusted me without question if I appeared more professional, or if I were older or male. Perhaps, but there was so much more at play in that moment. This was not just about one doctor and one family member, but instead, about a public for whom the medical system is no longer an institution to be trusted.
Our love of imported fish burgers, snapper, bream and whiting is having a sad impact on marine mammals.

Our love of seafood is having an unimaginable impact on one of the world's most beloved species, dolphins. While countries like the United States and Australia have strict fishing regulations at home, much of their seafood is imported from unregulated foreign waters.

In the North Pacific, commercial vessels with long lines that stretch for kilometres have thinned out available fishing stocks. In the Philippines, island fishermen have been forced to fish further out to sea to feed their families because their traditional grounds have been denuded.

Sadly, a new discovery highlights how this change in fishing behaviour is inadvertently impacting marine mammals in remote parts of the Philippines  a nation Australia imported US$4.86 million ($7.4 million) worth of fish and meat from in 2023.

A tiny squid hook killed a 100kg dolphin off the Phillipines island of Samal. Source: D' Bone Collector Museum

Marine conservationist Darrell Blatchley spoke to Yahoo News on Wednesday after performing a necropsy on a rarely seen 100kg dolphin that washed up on a remote beach at the resort island of Samal.

Rough-toothed dolphins are seldom encountered by the islanders because they inhabit deep sea waters. But inside the corpse of an otherwise healthy animal, Blatchley found a tiny homemade fish hook which had caused the animal to die of dehydration.

The squid hook was blocking the pathway between the first and the second stomach. It had ripped open the lining of the stomach, which is causing it to basically bleed out inside of itself and dehydrate, he said.

Locals discovered the dolphin this week on the island of Samal. Source: D' Bone Collector Museum

Humans in competition for resources with dolphins

The rough-toothed dolphin was the first of its kind that Samal locals had seen wash up on their shores. And Blatchley doesnt think its discovery is necessarily part of a trend, but rather a signal of humankinds impact on the natural world.

"It's not the first time we found fishhooks in whales or dolphins," he said. "As humans, every week we're getting more and more in competition with them. And now the fact that a dolphin has died over one squid is very sad."

There's nothing much that can be done in a country such as the Philippines when the fisherfolk are out there looking for their food, theyre not targeting the species. Unfortunately the dolphin was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Blatchley completed a necropsy of the dead dolphin and discovered the squid hook inside it. Source: D' Bone Collector Museum

Value of rare species increases as they face extinction

Blatchley warns that as a species, humans have passed a tipping point, and unless we stop and re-evaluate our destruction of the planet there will be little left.

"Look at the bluefin tuna  it's on the verge of extinction. But instead of us saying we're going to stop fishing it altogether, it just becomes more valuable because the demand goes up and we end up paying millions of dollars for a fish" he said.

The most expensive blue fin tuna sold in Japan for for 333.6 million yen ($3.3 million) in 2019. Prices now regularly exceed $1 million, with one selling in 2024 for 114.2 million yen ($1.1 million).

Blatchley performs necropsies to help raise awareness about the impact of plastics and fishing on marine mammals. Originally from the US, Blatchley's D' Bone Collector Museum in the city of Davao in the Philippines educates locals about wild animals with exhibitions featuring skeletons.

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The Supreme Courts decision to hear oral arguments in Donald Trumps immunity-appeal case on Thursday may appear to advance the rule of law. After all, few, if anyone, think that a majority of the court will conclude that a former president is completely immune from federal criminal liability.

But the courts decision to review the immunity case actually undermines core democratic values.

The Supreme Court often has an institutional interest in cases of presidential power. But the courts insistence on putting its own stamp on this case  despite the widespread assumption that it will not change the application of immunity to this case and the sluggish pace chosen to hear it  means that it will have needlessly delayed legal accountability for no justifiable reason. Even if the Supreme Court eventually does affirm that no person, not even a president, is above the law and immune from criminal liability, its actions will not amount to a victory for the rule of law and may be corrosive to the democratic values for which the United States should be known.

That is because the courts delay may have stripped citizens of the criminal justice systems most effective mechanism for determining disputed facts: a trial before a judge and a jury, where the law and the facts can be weighed and resolved.

It is this forum  and the resolution it provides  that Mr. Trump seeks, at all costs, to avoid. It is not surprising that he loudly proclaims his innocence in the court of public opinion. What is surprising is that the nations highest court has interjected itself in a way that facilitates his efforts to avoid a legal reckoning.
Put yourself in the steel-toed boots of a worker at Volkswagens auto assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. Lets say you vote Republican  not a stretch, since Donald Trump got 60.7 percent of the popular vote in Tennessee in 2020, versus 46.9 percent nationally.

Theres a vote on whether to join the United Automobile Workers union, giving organized labor its first factorywide foothold at a major foreign automaker in the South. Are you a yes or a no?

We know now that the pro-union side won with nearly three-quarters of the vote in an election that ended on Friday. And while theres no breakdown of the votes by party affiliation, it stands to reason that at least some of the people who voted for the union were Republicans  members of a party that, especially in the South, has been strongly anti-union.

I think what we saw in Chattanooga is workers voting on the basis of economics rather than party alignment. If that continues to happen elsewhere, the South could some day become as unionized as the rest of the country. It wont happen quickly, though, because government officials and corporate groups are likely to continue to fight back.
INTERNATIONAL

An article on Tuesday about a lack of evidence to support accusations tying many U.N. workers to Hamas described incorrectly what a review said about Israeli concerns about UNRWA employees. The review said that Israel had not flagged concerns about agency employees based on staff lists since 2011, not that Israel had not flagged any concerns about employees since 2011.

An article on Tuesday about the war in Gaza misstated the day a baby was born to a mother who had been killed in an Israeli strike in Rafah. The baby was born on Saturday, not on Sunday. The error was repeated in a video caption.

An article on Monday about the uncertain protocol in Olympic doping cases misstated in one instance the type of event in which a Chinese swimmer won a gold medal. It was the womens 4x200-meter freestyle relay, not the womens 200-meter freestyle relay.

ARTS

A theater review on Tuesday about Grenfell: in the words of survivors misstated the kind of light that is used when characters in the show escape down a stairwell. It is projected light, not lighting by the lighting designer.
Earlier this month, millions of Americans looked up at the sky to witness a total eclipse. Now, another cyclical marvel has arrived, this time at our feet. Trillions of noisy, red-eyed insects called cicadas are emerging from the earth after more than a decade of feeding on tree roots.

The United States is home to 15 cicada broods, and in most years at least one of them emerges. This spring, Brood XIX, known as the Great Southern Brood, and Brood XIII, or the Northern Illinois Brood, are emerging simultaneously.

Cicada watchers have spotted the first insects coming out of the ground, reporting their sightings to apps such as iNaturalist and Cicada Safari. The Great Southern Brood, which emerges across the South and the Midwest every 13 years, has been seen at sites scattered from North Carolina to Georgia. The Northern Illinois Brood, which appears every 17 years in the Midwest, is expected to appear in the next month, as temperatures there warm.

How cicadas manage to rise en masse after spending so long underground remains largely a mystery. Theres surprisingly little information about cicadas that youd like to know, said Raymond Goldstein, a physicist at the University of Cambridge.
The Unstoppables is a series about people whose ambition is undimmed by time. Below, the writer Maxine Hong Kingston explains, in her own words, what continues to motivate her.

In a way, I dont believe in old age. I hear people say, this hurts or that hurts, and they attribute that pain to old age. Its not age. Age is just time going by, and thats very mysterious.

I dont think about vanity much. I look in the mirror, and if I think, I look young, thats good enough. Instead of wearing lipstick or rouge, I darken my eyebrows. I can express all kinds of things just with my eyebrows.

I do think about retiring, but stories and ideas keep coming. As Phyllis Hoge, a poet and my best friend, used to say, We wont die until weve finished our work.
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As Congress voted Tuesday night on legislation that could ban TikTok, Americans were posting their real-time reactions on the embattled video-sharing app.

The Senate passed a revised TikTok bill, tied to a package to provide aid for Israel and Ukraine, with a 79-18 vote, and President Biden signed it into law Wednesday. It will force TikToks Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American entity within 12 months or face a ban in the United States. The House passed the bill on Saturday with a 360-to-58 vote.

Heres what lawmakers who oppose the law, content creators and users said.

Lawmakers

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat representing Silicon Valley, had been a vocal opponent of the bill. He shared his opposition through videos posted on TikTok before and after the House vote. Mr. Khanna has been outspoken against a sweeping ban on TikTok, and has met with people who create content for TikTok to understand their concerns.
Hundreds of students gathered on Wednesday in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Mass., to protest Israels war in Gaza and the Ivy League universitys suspension of a student group, the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee.

In addition to the suspension, the university restricted access over the weekend to Harvard Yard, the oldest part of the universitys campus, to only Harvard students and faculty. It was an apparent effort to prevent protests like the ones that have overtaken many other American campuses in the past week, including at Columbia, Yale and the University of Southern California.

But Harvards actions appeared to have galvanized students, who flooded the yards grassy patches and erected tents as part of an emergency rally against the suspension of the student group, also known as Harvard for Palestine.

Jason Newton, a Harvard spokesman, said in an emailed statement that the university was monitoring the protest and prioritizing the safety and security of the campus community.
The authorities are offering a reward of up to $20,000 in exchange for information that can help them find the person who they believe fatally shot a juvenile dolphin at a beach in Louisiana, officials said on Tuesday.

Officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a news release that a bottlenose dolphin found dead last month in Cameron Parish, La., had injuries consistent with being shot with a firearm. They added that a necropsy had revealed multiple bullets lodged in the carcass, including in the brain, spinal cord, and heart of the dolphin.

The agency noted that the dolphin appeared to have died from the trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death. Officials said they were investigating the death and offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that led to a civil penalty or a criminal conviction in the case.

Officials said they received a report on March 13 of a dead bottlenose dolphin on West Maes Beach in Cameron Parish, in Louisianas southwestern corner.
A traveller on a remote Western Australian beach was handed a lost drone and made it her mission to find the owner.

A tourist chucking a lap around Australia in her van was admiring a picturesque secluded beach last week when she was suddenly confronted with a puzzling problem.

Ester Dobrotvorski, who is spending the last few months of her visa travelling the country, told Yahoo News she recently stopped off at East Bay Road Campground near Albany, Western Australia, to take some aerial footage of Two People Bay with her drone.

After spending a while standing on the sand, the 29-year-old Netherlands native said she was walking back to her campsite when she was approached by a man who noted her use of the flying camera.

Hes like Oh you have a drone there I found one the other day and I dont know what to do with it  I dont know anything about technology, she recalled, adding that he simply offered to give it to her instead of throwing it out.

Imagining the despair the owner of the lost drone must have felt when it went missing, Ester told Yahoo she quickly offered to take it off his hands. I just thought I would have been devastated and so happy if someone had found my drone and tried to find me.

So she wrapped it in a towel and committed to doing just that.

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve near where the lost drone was discovered. WA Parks

Tourist's search for owner of drone

Because her solar power was not working at the time, she was unable to immediately charge the damaged drone, but got it working again a few days later.

I finally pulled the SD card out and tried it on my computer, but it was not showing anything so [I thought] maybe its not working. Then I tried it on my own controller and then it showed pictures. So it's like, whoa, okay.

The images she pulled up showed a couple posing together in bushland and three friends with their 4WDs on an idyllic beach.

With the hope of finding the owner, Ester posted the pictures in several Facebook groups, including Australia Backpackers 2024, and asked if anyone perhaps recognised the people in the photos.

The traveller tourist took to social media in a bid to find the drone's owner. Source: Supplied

I thought I may as well give it a shot you know, and within 45 minutes he was found, she said, revealing the drone belonged to a UK man living in Perth, Roberto, and his girlfriend.

The crazy thing was that he is also in Perth so that was really easy to meet up with [him].

Pair meet up to return lost drone

On Wednesday, 450kms from where the lost item was found, the pair met up at a car park in the city.

Ester tracked down the drone owner some 450Km away from where it was lost. Source: Supplied

He had been using the drone near that area where I was camping and at some point he lost connection with it, Ester said. They went to look for it, but couldnt find it and they just gave up and they were kind of devastated, he said because the drone belonged to his girlfriends uncle who had passed away they never thought they would get it back.

To thank her for her kind deed, the 29-year-old said Roberto gifted her with several bottles of different kombucha flavours.

Now that's good karma.

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After more than 40 years of struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, Barry Dupree has a distinct memory of a milestone in his recovery: casting a ballot in the 2020 election.

I felt like a human being, I felt like I was part of the world, Mr. Dupree, 64, said. He had gotten sober and found shelter at Gateway Center in Fulton County. I felt as though my word was listened to, my suggestion of who I wanted was heard.

There are thousands of voters like Mr. Dupree across Georgia and the country, those experiencing homelessness who are able to vote with the proper identification. They receive election related-mail at shelters, relatives addresses, temporary locations or P.O. boxes, and the vast majority vote in person.
Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday said President Biden should take action, including potentially sending in the National Guard, to quell pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and on other campuses across the country that he said had grown violent and antisemitic.

There is executive authority that would be appropriate, Mr. Johnson said during a news conference on the steps of Columbias Low Library, where he was booed and heckled by some onlookers. If these threats are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard. We have to bring order to these campuses.

A number of hard-right Republican lawmakers, including Senators Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Josh Hawley of Missouri, have recently called for troops to be sent in to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Mr. Cotton did the same in 2020 when he said military force should be used to put down riots across the country amid the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by the police in Minneapolis.

The United States has a grim history of employing the military to quell campus protests. In 1970, the Ohio National Guard opened fire on antiwar protesters at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine others.
Regardless of the outcome of their someday trial, the men accused of plotting the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, can be held forever as prisoners in the war against terrorism in a form of preventive detention, a military prosecutor told the presiding judge on Wednesday.

Defense lawyers were asking the judge to rule that, if convicted, Mustafa al-Hawsawi, one of the suspects in plotting the attack, would have any sentence to a term of confinement reduced by the number of days he was held by the United States before trial. He has been held since 2003.

The argument, in a pretrial hearing in the decade-old Sept. 11 case, was the latest installment over a long-running, unresolved question of whether a prisoner, once he completes a war crimes sentence, is entitled to release from military detention.

Col. Joshua S. Bearden, an Army prosecutor, said the answer was no. He urged the judge to reject the request as both premature, because the government is seeking the death penalty in the case, and beyond the scope of his authority.
Where Protesters on U.S. Campuses Have Been Arrested or Detained

Police officers and university administrators have clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters on dozens of college campuses in recent weeks, arresting students, removing encampments and threatening academic consequences. More than 3,100 people have been arrested or detained on campuses across the country.

Campus protests where arrests and detainments have taken place since April 18 Circles sized by number of arrests Ariz.

State 72 Cal Poly Humboldt 60 C.C.N.Y. 173 Columbia 217 Emerson 118 Emory 28 Fordham 15 Indiana

Univ. 57 Ohio

State 38 New Paltz 132 Tulane 26 U.C.L.A. 271 U.C.S.D. 64 U.C.S.C. 124 U.N.C. Chapel Hill 36 Auraria

Campus 40 U. Mass. 130 Univ. of

New Mexico 16 U.S.C. 93 U.T. Austin 136 Virginia

Tech 82 Wash. U. 100 Portland State 37 Ala. Alaska Ariz. Ark. Calif. Colo. Del. Fla. Ga. Hawaii Idaho Ill. Ind. Iowa Kan. Ky. La. Maine Md. Mass. Mich. Minn. Miss. Mo. Mont. Neb. Nev. N.H. N.J. N.M. N.Y. N.C. N.D. Ohio Okla. Ore. Pa. S.C. S.D. Tenn. Texas Utah Vt. Va. Wash. W.Va. Wis. Wyo. Ariz.

State 72 Cal Poly Humboldt 60 C.C.N.Y. 173 Columbia 217 Emerson 118 Emory 28 Fordham 15 Indiana

Univ. 57 Ohio

State 38 New Paltz 132 Tulane 26 U.C.L.A. 271 U.C.S.D. 64 U.C.S.C. 124 U.N.C. Chapel Hill 36 Auraria

Campus 40 U. Mass. 130 Univ. of

New Mexico 16 U.S.C. 93 U.T. Austin 136 Virginia

Tech 82 Wash. U. 100 Portland State 37 Ala. Alaska Ariz. Ark. Calif. Colo. Del. Fla. Ga. Hawaii Idaho Ill. Ind. Iowa Kan. Ky. La. Maine Md. Mass. Mich. Minn. Miss. Mo. Mont. Neb. Nev. N.H. N.J. N.M. N.Y. N.C. N.D. Ohio Okla. Ore. Pa. S.C. S.D. Tenn. Texas Utah Vt. Va. Wash. W.Va. Wis. Wyo.

The fresh wave of student activism against the war in Gaza was sparked by the arrests of at least 108 protesters at Columbia University on April 18, after administrators appeared before Congress and promised a crackdown. Since then, tensions between protesters, universities and the police have risen, prompting law enforcement to take action in some of Americas largest cities.
The United States last week secretly shipped a new long-range missile system to Ukraine, and Ukrainian forces immediately used the weapons to attack a Russian military airfield in Crimea last Wednesday and Russian troops in the countrys southeast overnight on Tuesday, according to a senior U.S. official.

The United States previously supplied Ukraine with a version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems  known as ATACMS  armed with wide-spreading cluster munitions that can travel 100 miles.

But Ukraine has long coveted the systems longer-range version, with a range of about 190 miles. That can reach deeper into occupied Ukraine, including Crimea, a hub of Russian air and ground forces, and supply nodes for Moscows forces in the countrys southeast.

Overnight Tuesday, Ukraine used the longer-range missiles to strike Russian troops in the port city of Berdiansk on the Sea of Azov, the senior U.S. official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational matters.
Taylor Swift flies to Las Vegas from Japan and gains several hours. Hong Kongs stock market closes as Londons opens. A clock on a remote Pacific island strikes midnight 24 hours early on a politicians order.

None of those times are empirical scientific facts. Humans have just agreed to observe time zones, a concept promoted by railroad companies in the 19th century.

But time zones have physical dimensions. So where exactly on earth do days begin and end? The short answer is that Mondays become Tuesdays at the international date line, a boundary that runs through the Pacific Ocean.

The longer answer is that no international rules govern the location of the date line, and its exact coordinates depend on the shifting whims of governments. Maps that attempt to depict it are never quite right, and the line itself technically does not exist.
The Myanmar junta has recaptured the town of Myawaddy, an important trading hub on the border with Thailand, reversing a key victory for resistance soldiers who seized it nearly two weeks ago then were forced to withdraw, a spokesman for the rebel Karen National Union said on Wednesday.

The seizure of Myawaddy by junta troops followed the defection of a well-armed local militia known as the Border Guard Force, which had briefly switched sides and joined ethnic Karen rebels and allied pro-democracy forces in taking the town on April 11.

After rejoining forces with the junta, the militia on Tuesday helped to free trapped regime soldiers and retake their battalions base on the edge of town, where they raised Myanmars national flag, said Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the spokesman for the Karen National Union, a political leadership body.

In light of this critical situation and to avoid falling into the enemys trap, we must temporarily withdraw our Karen National Liberation Army joint forces from Myawaddy, Mr. Saw Taw Nee said in an interview.
Now that the Senate has approved a nearly $61 billion aid package to Ukraine, and President Biden has signed it, desperately needed American weapons could be arriving on the battlefield within days.

The weapons package  which has been delayed over political wrangling by House Republicans since last fall  is a lifeline for Kyivs military, said Yehor Cherniev, the deputy chairman of the Ukrainian Parliaments national security committee. Shortly after approving the funding on Wednesday, Mr. Biden said that the weapons shipments would begin in a few hours.

But it will not include everything that President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has asked for as his military struggles to hold firm after two years of war against invading Russian forces.

Here is a look at what Ukraine says it needs, what it is expected to get in the American aid package and whether it will be enough to make an immediate difference.
Germany said on Wednesday that it would resume funding for the main U.N. agency aiding Palestinians in Gaza, known as UNRWA, after an independent review found that Israel had not provided evidence of an allegation that led many donor nations to withdraw support for the agency.

The announcement was likely to cause further strain in Germanys longstanding close ties with Israel, which have deteriorated because of differences over the war in Gaza.

Germany, which gave more than $200 million to UNRWA in 2023, is the agencys second largest donor after the United States, which has also withdrawn its funding and has yet to say whether it will restore it.

The German government has looked closely at the allegations made by Israel against UNRWA and has been in close contact with the Israeli government, the United Nations and other international donors, read a statement issued by Germanys foreign and development ministries on Wednesday.
After weeks of delays, negotiations and distractions, Israel appeared to hint this week that its assault of Rafah  a city crowded with displaced persons above ground and riddled with Hamas tunnels below  was all but inevitable.

In what some analysts and residents of the city saw as a sign of preparations for an invasion, an Israeli military official on Tuesday gave some details that include relocating civilians to a safe zone a few miles away along the Mediterranean coast. Just a day earlier, Israeli warplanes bombed Rafah, increasing fears among some of the civilians sheltering there that a ground assault would soon follow.

Such indicators that Israel may be preparing an invasion, said Marwan Shaath, a 57-year-old resident of Rafah, are terrifying and mean they may really be close to starting an operation. Mr. Shaath, who lives in Gaza but is employed by Hamass Palestinian rivals in the occupied West Bank, added, Our bags have been packed for months now for the time of the evacuation.

Israel insists that a push into Rafah is necessary for achieving its goals of eliminating the militants sheltering in a network of tunnels beneath the city, capturing or killing Hamas leaders presumed to be there and ensuring the release of the remaining hostages captured during the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
The kangaroo was seemingly unfazed until the woman attempted to stroke it.

A tourist's attempt at getting up close and personal with a wild kangaroo for a picture went disastrously wrong last week, with footage of the encounter being upheld as a prime example of why people should admire Aussie wildlife from a "safe distance" rather than approach them.

The couple from Argentina spotted a kangaroo in Perth and hoped to capture an image of the animal with the sunset in the background. The woman can be seen crouching down behind the roo as it grazed on the grass unbothered by her presence. However, as she started to reposition herself and seemingly tried to stroke it, the kangaroo turned and jumped towards her and pushing her backwards, forcing her to regain her footing after she almost fell over.

The tourist's kangaroo encounter turned 'dangerous' after she got too close and the animal pushed her in Perth. Source: TikTok

The man behind the camera can be heard saying he caught the entire encounter on camera which she later shared online warning others against doing the same thing as her.

Kangaroos can be 'dangerous', advocate warns

The native animals have long been regarded a national icon of Australia and understandably many tourists hope to capture pictures of kangaroos in the wild during their travels. But advocates are urging people to be mindful they can still pose a threat despite appearing cute and approachable.

"It's a really good reminder that kangaroos are wild animals, and they can be dangerous, and they are capable of potentially even inflicting injury on people," Suzanne Milthorpe from World Animal Protection Australia told Yahoo News. "You really need to treat them with respect and caution. Keep a respectful distance for both your safety but also for theirs as well."

The footage showcases a "fairly typical reaction" from a wild animal feeling threatened, with the woman getting off lightly given kangaroos can generate a huge amount of force from their hind legs.

Rise in 'misleading' social media content encouraging behaviour

Milthorpe believes the rise in social media content which features wild animal encounters puts people in a false sense of security. Without context of before and after the content was captured, people are 'misled', believing it is safe to interact with a wild animal in its natural habitat when it's not.

"Unfortunately a lot of people don't know that a large percentage of that [social media content], is actually staged. It's created as if it is spontaneous or something that's happening just naturally in the real world, when it's not. It's best to stay back," she said.

"Our advice is love them from a distance."

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How the Senate Voted on Foreign Aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

The Senate on Tuesday passed the long-stalled $95.3 billion package of aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, along with legislation that could lead to a ban on TikTok, clearing the measure and sending it to President Biden for his signature.

Answer Democrats Dem. Republicans Rep. Independents Ind. Total Bar chart of total votes Yes 0 0 0 0 Votes needed No 0 0 0 0 Note: Three senators did not vote.

The overwhelming vote reflected broad bipartisan support for the measure, which passed the House on Saturday by wide margins after a tortured journey through Congress that was met with right-wing resistance.

The measure includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine; $26.4 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza; and $8.1 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. It also would impose a new round of sanctions on Iran, and require the sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or ban the app in the United States.

The measure had been stalled for months on Capitol Hill, where right-wing Republicans opposed to the aid for Ukraine pressured Speaker Mike Johnson not to allow it to be considered unless their demands for a severe border enforcement bill were met.

But when Republicans, egged on by former President Donald J. Trump, rejected linking it to a bipartisan border deal, the Senate passed the foreign assistance package on its own in February and pressured the House to do the same.

It took Mr. Johnson two additional months to figure out a way to steer around his right flank and do so. He used a convoluted maneuver in which the House cast separate votes to push through the pieces of the package and sent them to the Senate as one bill.

The TikTok provision was included as part of an effort to sweeten the deal for conservatives. Lawmakers have repeatedly cited the potential for Beijing to gain access to U.S. user data or to use the app for propaganda, including ahead of this years presidential election.
What to Make of the Zombie Vote Against Donald Trump Votes for dropout candidates are a regular feature of contested primaries.

Even after Nikki Haley dropped out of the Republican presidential primary, effectively handing the partys nomination to former President Donald J. Trump, nearly 20 percent of G.O.P. primary voters have cast ballots for someone other than Mr. Trump. The Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday, where Ms. Haley won more than 16 percent, was just the latest example.

These anti-Trump votes have been closely watched, particularly in light of the unusually high number of votes for uncommitted and candidates other than President Biden in this years Democratic primary.

Ballots cast for candidates who have suspended their campaigns are sometimes called zombie votes. This phenomenon is hardly new.

In fact, a review of contested primaries since 2000 reveals that sizable shares of the electorate routinely chose someone other than the eventual nominee, even after all other serious contenders had dropped out.

The zombie vote in presidential primaries Share of the vote against the nominee after all serious contenders have dropped out Year Party Nominee Zombie vote 2024 Rep. Donald J. Trump 19% 2000 Rep. George W. Bush 21 2000 Dem. Al Gore 22 Dem. Joseph R. Biden Jr. 23 2020 2008 John McCain Rep. 24 2016 Rep. Donald J. Trump 26 2004 Dem. John Kerry 27 Rep. Mitt Romney 2012 29 Year Party Nominee Zombie vote 2024 Rep. Donald J. Trump 19% Rep. 2000 George W. Bush 21 Al Gore 22 2000 Dem. Dem. Joseph R. Biden Jr. 23 2020 2008 Rep. John McCain 24 2016 Rep. Donald J. Trump 26 2004 Dem. John Kerry 27 2012 Rep. Mitt Romney 29 Note: The zombie vote refers to the median vote share against a partys eventual nominee in primary contests after their major opponents had all withdrawn. By The New York Times

In 2020, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont withdrew from the Democratic primary on April 8, leaving Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the only serious candidate in the race. Still, in the weeks and months that followed, Mr. Sanders received votes. In the Pennsylvania Democratic primary on June 2, 2020, for example, more than 20 percent of voters chose someone other than Mr. Biden, including 18 percent who selected Mr. Sanders.

The zombie vote in this years Republican primary has actually been low by historical standards. In Democratic and Republican primaries going back to 2000, roughly a quarter of voters picked a candidate other than the eventual nominee even after all the other serious contenders had exited the race.

How this years zombie vote compares to previous years Each rectangle represents the vote share in a states presidential primary contest. 10 primaries Median zombie vote: 23% 2024 Republican primaries are in orange 5 0 10 20 30 40% Less zombie vote Share of the vote against the eventual nominee after all major opponents dropped out More zombie vote 10 primaries Median zombie vote: 23% 2024 Republican primaries are in orange 5 0 10 20 30 40% Less zombie vote More zombie vote Share of the vote against the eventual nominee after all major opponents dropped out By The New York Times

There are many factors that lead to zombie votes. Not all of them indicate a true protest vote from party loyalists against the eventual nominee.

One factor is the rise of early voting and mail ballots. In Florida, for example, around one in three Republican voters had mailed their ballots before Ms. Haley dropped out on March 6.

However, she has continued winning a decent chunk of votes in states where nearly all voting has occurred after her departure. In the Wisconsin election on April 2, Ms. Haley won 13 percent of the vote.

The Trump campaign has argued that some of Ms. Haleys support has come from Democrats voting in Republican contests. This may explain the zombie vote in, for example, Georgia, where any voter can vote in either presidential primary.

But the pattern has persisted even in states like Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York where the primaries were open only to registered Republicans.

Unlike protest votes against incumbent presidents in the form of minor candidates and ballots cast for uncommitted, contested primaries feature big-name candidates who get wide media exposure, have clear policy differences and forge emotional connections with many voters. Perhaps the affinity some voters develop is the easiest explanation of the persistent zombie vote across so many election cycles.

We shouldnt expect the zombie vote to go away any time soon. In the past, the share of voters still supporting candidates who had already withdrawn remained relatively consistent, even on the last day of primaries held before the party conventions. And there is no pattern linking the size of the zombie vote to the eventual nominees chances of winning or losing in the general election.

For Mr. Trump, what matters is how many of Ms. Haleys primary voters will rally behind him come November. Polls have shown that her supporters are likely to say they will vote for Mr. Biden. Even so, those same polls often find that many of those voters already supported Mr. Biden in 2020.
Alejandra Marisa Rodriguez, a 60-year-old lawyer and journalist from Buenos Aires, recently won the title of Miss Buenos Aires and qualified for the Miss Argentina beauty pageant.

At the end of last year, the Miss Universe beauty contest became more inclusive by eliminating an age limit that had been enforced since 1958. Starting this year, the competition is no longer limited to women between the ages of 18 and 28. Instead, the rules only mention that contestants must be of legal age to participate, which opened the door for many more mature hopefuls, including a stunningly youthful-looking 60-year-old woman from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Alejandra Marisa Rodriguez recently went viral on Latino social media after winning the Miss Buenos Aires title despite competing against dozens of much younger women.

I am very excited and honored to have won the Miss Buenos Aires 2024 title. I want to show all women that beauty has no age and that we can break barriers, Rodriguez said on stage. I trained physically, worked on my confidence, and improved my skills on stage. I wanted to show that female empowerment has no limits.

The 60-year-old womans youthful looks have already sparked a heated online debate around her age, with many declaring themselves shocked that the woman is a day over 40, and others claiming that she actually has a good chance in the next stage in the race for Miss Universe, the Miss Argentina pageant. The contest will take place on May 25, and will feature candidates from the other Argentinian territories.

Speaking about her looks and how she manages to look so good at her age, Alejandra Marisa Rodriguez said that she works out three times per week, practices intermittent fasting, and tries to eat as healthy as possible, while also using good skin creams. Rodriguez, who is divorced and single, joked that her single status may have contributed to her success in the recent pageant.

I think the judges saw my confidence and my passion to represent the women of my generation. I am determined to fight for the crown of Miss Universe Argentina 2024, the 60-year-old said. Beauty has no expiration date, to be beautiful you just need to trust yourself and be authentic.



Alejandras youthful appearance reminded us of another famous god of eternal youth, Chuando Tan, a former male model who looks better in his 50s than most people do in their 20s and 30s.


Las Cruces Plans to Hire Travel PR Partner Wed., Oct. 9, 2024 Visit Las Cruces, which is the convention and visitors bureau of New Mexicos second largest city, wants a PR firm to help position it as a premiere tourism destination.
BIRR Comhaltas welcomes the Fleadh back to Birr after a break of over sixty years! The competitions will be held in St Brendan's Community School and the music sessions will be held at the Courtyard in Birr Castle and Dooly's Hotel, senior sessions and singing sessions in the bars throughout the town.

The Fleadh Mass will be held in St Brendan's Catholic Church on Saturday evening at 7.30pm. So if you play an instrument, dance or sing a song or even tap your foot please make your way to the Offaly Fleadh in Birr next weekend!

Birr Comhaltas branch was formed in the early 1950s and was one of the earliest branches to be formed. Its founder members were Matt Spain, Frank Watson, Paddy Duffy, Tommy Pey, Jack Grogan and Johnny Rowe. Johnny Rowe ran music classes in the Marian Hall where Pat Barton and John Bowe amongst others obtained these talents for fine Accordion music.

Birr hosted the Leinster Fleadh in the early 1960s. Local man Finbar Spain recalls the huge crowds in the town that weekend as he attended the prize winners' concert in the new cinema at that time. Master pipers Liam Og OFlynn and Finbar Furey competed at that Fleadh and were teenagers at the time.

Birr Comhaltas was later joined by Jim Kinsella, Anthony Lawton, Mary Darcy and Jack Quirke who all served as chairpersons over many years. Birr Comhaltas also had a rich tradition of dancing. Every night at the monthly sessions many dancers would belt out some lively sets. These were all done under the stewardship of Eamonn Sheppard, Michael Ryan and Donal Morrissey. Donal went on to run fantastic Set Dancing weekends in the Marian Hall. These were very successful and he brought the best Ceili dance bands at the time to perform.

Birr Comhaltas has enjoyed many successful days competition wise with many All Ireland winners, John Bowe (Box), Padraig Kinsella (Box), David Kinsella (Pipes), James Kinsella (Box), Eddie Whelan (Mandolin and Banjo) and of course our wonderful dancing troops with Sarah Cooke and her team.

To this day Birr Comhaltas is working hard to promote music, song and stories at the fantastic sessions every second Friday of the month, led by Mr Richard Kennedy. The Slieve Blooms sessions are still going strong on the last Wednesday of every month at the Slieve Bloom Bar in Kinnitty. And of course Kelly's Bar in Birr run a great session every Thursday night. Remember these are all free to attend and all visiting musicians are always welcome to join in those sessions.

Birr CCE and their Fleadh Committee have been working hard organising an action packed weekend of activities during the Fleadh Cheoil Uibh Fhaili. On Thursday the official launch will take place at Kelly's Bar. For those who just love a good song or story, there is a session in Kennedy's Market House Tavern at 8pm. Their musicians will be in Havertys for a lively music session from 10pm.

On Saturday competitions will throughout the day, followed by the Junior Session at the Courtyard at Birr Castle at 4pm. On Saturday evening they have their Fleadh Mass in St Brendan's Church at 7.30pm. To finish off Saturday there will be a session at Nolans Bar, Connaught St and all are welcome.

Sunday will follow a similar format with competitions in St Brendan's Community School from 11 am until 5pm. They will have a junior session in Dooly's Hotel at 4pm. All are welcome to attend. The grand finale session of Fleadh Cheoil Uibh Fhaili will be held at Craughwells Bar. This will be the official end of the Fleadh activities.

Birr CCE and the Fleadh Committee would like to extend a warm welcome to all their visitors over the weekend and they wish all the competitors the very best of luck in the competitions. They sincerely hope you will all enjoy the weekend.
An Offaly student has been awarded an All Ireland Scholarship which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies.

Caoimhe Quinn was honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Awards Ceremony recently in University Concert Hall, University of Limerick.

In attendance at the ceremony was scholarship sponsor JP McManus, Guest of Honour and CEO of Northwell Health, Michael J. Dowling, Minister for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins T.D. and Director of Skills, Strategy & Policy, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Graeme Wilkinson as well as the family, friends and school representatives of the scholarship recipients.

Commenting at the awards ceremony, Scholarship Sponsor JP McManus said, I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of these 125 students. To date, 1,799 students have received an All Ireland Scholarship and 1,348 of those students have since graduated from university. Today is a very special occasion for the students, their families and principals. They should all be very proud of themselves, and we are looking forward to seeing what they do in years to come.

The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus and this year marks its 16th anniversary. The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest  achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each of the 32 counties. The recipients must meet a further set of criteria, including attending a non-fee-paying school and be in receipt of a third level education maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) or be in receipt of an Education Maintenance Allowance in Northern Ireland. The scholarship offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies.
Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has called for additional funding for the local authority to repair roads.

"Poor road conditions can result in accidents, particularly at night. The recent incessant rain has caused serious damage to many roads across the country. Unlit roads in rural locations are particularly hazardous. Regional roads have also been ravaged by persistent heavy rainfall", Deputy KLowry told the Dail.

"Tipperary County Council is in urgent need of additional Government funding to address road repairs.

"In many cases the work they have already carried out has been eroded by the unrelenting rain, leaving treacherous conditions for unsuspecting motorists. With funding depleted their hands are tied and this must be rectified" Deputy Michael Lowry told the Dail during Statements on Road Safety on Wednesday.

"Accident blackspots have been identified across Tipperary and the country. A special fund should be made available to Local Authorities to carry out works to make these blackspots safe. This would require a managed, coordinated programme of funded works.

"Irelands record for road fatalities was in dismal contrast to other EU countries in 2023. While most countries reduced their number of road deaths, ours increased by 19%.

"Sixteen people lost their lives on roads in Tipperary last year. This figure was more than double the number that died on the countys roads the previous year, making Tipperary the county with the highest number of road fatalities in 2023.

"Nationally, fatalities occurred across all categories of road users including drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and pedestrians.

"Sadly, this year is already revealing grim statistics with a high proportion of fatalities in the under 30 age group.

"Fingers point immediately at the Gardai. In times of grief, it is human nature to target someone. Gardai responded last week by revealing plans to place every Garda on duty on at least 30 minutes of roads policing activity on every shift.

"Their decision to do so is welcome, but it can only address one aspect of the problem. Gardai cannot be everywhere all the time.

"Ongoing and hard-hitting education and awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of any mind-altering substance must be a major focus. Campaigns on drink and drug driving may not be pleasant, but if they create awareness and save lives, it makes them invaluable."
AUBURN  After tearfully apologizing to one of the owners of a Cayuga County dairy farm, a man was sentenced Tuesday for stealing over $250,000 from the business.

Scott Brenchley, of Lansing, was sentenced to 1.5 to 4.5 years in state prison for second-degree grand larceny (a class C felony) by Judge Jon Budelmann in Cayuga County Court that morning.

Chief Assistant Cayuga County District Attorney Chris Valdina said Brenchley stole $280,834.07 while he was controller of Aurora-Oakwood Dairy in Ledyard.

Garrett Miller, a junior partner at the dairy, said in a victim impact statement that Brenchley wrote 24 checks from the business to himself, all with Miller's name forged on them. Miller said Brenchley used the money to buy tires, a gaming system, rifle scopes and gifts for his family. Miller added that the theft caused him anxiety and impacted his ability to trust people.

"This crime has caused undue stress in all aspects of my life," he said.

The district attorney's office said Brenchley also used the business's credit card to make unauthorized purchases.

Calling the theft "staggering," Valdina said it was either the biggest case of embezzlement in Cayuga County, or one of the biggest, in 25 years. Although Brenchley is employed, the prosecutor continued, he said he feels it's unrealistic to expect the defendant to be able to satisfy his sentence's additional requirement of full restitution to the farm. Valdina went on to argue for Brenchley receiving prison time instead of probation, as the prosecutor believes the primary motive for the crime was greed and such a sentence could deter others from attempting to commit similar crimes in Cayuga County.

Brenchley's attorney, Charles Kee, said he doesn't believe his client's motive was greed, as he saw "enormous evidence of compulsion." Noting that Brenchley is a veteran who served in Kuwait, Kee said his client has PTSD and is in treatment for substance abuse and gambling addiction. The attorney also said Brenchley has received support from his family, and argued he is unlikely to reoffend.

When asked if he wanted to say anything on his own behalf, Brenchley stood up. Becoming emotional at times, he said he was remorseful and "extremely ashamed" of his actions.

"I do realize my actions were despicable," he said. "I don't have an excuse for them."

Brenchley also said he ruined his relationship with Miller  and that his victim impact statement affected him  as well as the other partners in the business. Brenchley's family, he continued, were additional victims who "had nothing to do with any of this." He then talked about the treatment he has received, such as meeting with a psychologist and a psychiatrist.

"I know I won't be forgiven and I don't deserve to be," Brenchley said.

Before announcing the sentence, Budelmann said he was pleased that Brenchley had shown remorse both in court and in his presentence investigation report. But the judge noted the scope of the defendant's actions and how they affected the business, the co-owner of the farm and his family. As Brenchley was led out of the courtroom, he mouthed "I love you" to some to his family members there.

Also in court

 Tynesha A. Collins, of Syracuse, was sentenced to five years of probation, starting with six months in the Cayuga County Jail, for fourth-degree grand larceny and three years of probation for second-degree criminal impersonation, with those sentences running concurrently.

 George N. Williams was sentenced to two years of state prison followed by two years of post-release supervision for two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, with those sentences running concurrently.
Bajaj Auto has dropped the first teaser for the biggest Pulsar yet on social media. The upcoming Bajaj Pulsar NS400 will be the new flagship motorcycle packing the largest capacity engine on any motorcycle from the brand and also its fastest yet. Ahead of the launch on May 3, 2024, the company has hinted at the return of The Fastest Indian, a tagline that became synonymous with the Pulsar 220F back in the day.

The upcoming Bajaj Pulsar NS400 will be the new flagship motorcycle packing the largest capacity engine on any motorcycle from the brand and also its

The teaser video gives a glimpse of the tyre hugger on the new Bajaj Pulsar NS400 while alluding to the bikes quick acceleration. The new offering is expected to get the newly-developed 399 cc single-cylinder engine co-developed with KTM, which powers the KTM 390 Duke. However, this could be a re-tuned engine that will make slightly less power and torque in comparison to the KTM in a bid to keep the running costs low.

Also check these Bikes Find more Bikes Bajaj Pulsar NS400 373 cc 373 cc 154 kmph 154 kmph  1.85 Lakhs Compare Yamaha MT-15 V2 155.0 cc 155.0 cc 56.87 kmpl 56.87 kmpl  1.68 Lakhs Compare View Offers Yamaha R15 V4 155.0 cc 155.0 cc 55.20 kmpl 55.20 kmpl  1.82 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING CFMoto 250NK 249.0 cc 249.0 cc 33.0 kmpl 33.0 kmpl  1.75 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Bajaj Pulsar NS200 199.5 cc 199.5 cc 40.36 kmpl 40.36 kmpl  1.57 Lakhs Compare KTM 200 Duke 200 cc 200 cc 33.0 kmpl 33.0 kmpl  1.97 Lakhs Compare

Also Read : 2024 Bajaj Pulsar F250 and Pulsar RS200 to launch with upgrades soon

Weve seen a similar understanding with the Pulsar NS200 and Dominar 400 as well, which received re-tuned engines compared to their KTM counterparts. Expect power figures around 40 bhp and 35-37 Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 6-speed gearbox. We also expect to see an assist-and-slipper clutch, a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, all-LED lighting, USD front forks, disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, and possibly traction control as well.

Its noteworthy to mention that the new Pulsar N250 that we rode recently comes with traction control, albeit with a more rudimentary setup. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 could get traction control via ride-by-wire, which could also bring the possibility of riding modes on the bike. The bike will ride on 17-inch alloys with the teaser revealing the alloy design to be similar to that on the NS200. That said, we expect wider tyres on the flagship Pulsar.

The design language remains a mystery at the moment considering theres no indication of which direction Bajaj will take. The styling on the current NS Series is technically a decade-old and it would make sense to expect a more contemporary design language on the bike. Expect to see muscular styling and a strong presence from the NS400 when it arrives, along with new body graphics and colour options. A new chassis will also be relevant to the motorcycle.

Watch: 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 review: Better balance between performance and usability

The 350-400 cc segment is booming with options the Bajaj Pulsar NS400 will be taking the fight to a host of offerings including the Triumph Speed 400, KTM 390 Duke, Hero Mavrick 440, Harley-Davidson X440, and more. Expect prices to start just under 2 lakh (ex-showroom) for the NS400.

Check out Upcoming Bikes In India.

First Published Date:
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 24, ZF Automotive Safety Systems (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. held a ceremony to commemorate its relocation to a new factory in Wuhan, Hubei Province, according to ZF Group's WeChat account.

ZF Group's Passive Safety Systems Division recently launched a new brand, "ZF LIFETEC," to develop its business independently, and further enhance sales and profitability in response to major industry trends.

Photo credit: ZF Group

As a crucial part of ZF LIFETEC, ZF Automotive Safety Systems (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. is located in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone in Hubei Province, which boasts a strategic geographical location with convenient transportation. The newly built factory spans a total area of 66,000 square meters and will serve as ZF's largest production base for safety airbags in the Asia-Pacific region. It will also act as one of the R&D centers for passive safety products in China, leading automotive passive safety technology innovations and supplying high-quality airbag products to the global market, ensuring every journey is safe and trusted for consumers.

Dr. Martin Fischer, a board member of ZF Group, stated that Wuhan, as one of Chinas major "Automobile Cities," has always been a strategic focal region for ZF Group. The new factory's inauguration marks a significant step in ZF LIFETEC's strategy to expand and deepen its commitment in the Asia-Pacific region and is a vital component of ZF LIFETEC's global strategy.

ZF LIFETEC has operated 46 production sites across 20 countries in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, employing approximately 35,000 staff members. Adhering to the highest quality and safety standards, ZF LIFETEC develops and produces intelligent seat belts, steering wheel systems, airbag modules, and gas generators for the mobility sector. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of safety systems, ZF LIFETEC offers a broad range of products to well-known global automotive manufacturers, boasting over 60 years of illustrious history and achieving a sales turnover of 4.7 billion euros in 2023.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Recently, Shanghai Tinychip Limited (hereafter "Tinychip"), a leading mixed-signal automotive-grade chip manufacturer in China, announced the completion of a new round of strategic financing with tens of millions of yuan raised, according to a post on the companys WeChat account. Chongqing BOAO Industrial Co., Ltd. serves as the strategic investor of the fresh round.

Photo credit: Tinychip

Founded in September 2019, Tinychip has experienced rapid development over four years, establishing a complete product matrix in the field of automotive-grade MCUs, with products catering to multiple applications related to automotive sensing and actuation. The company said its automotive-grade touch control chips have become a leading product in China and are adopted by numerous automakers, including Volkswagen, Geely, Huawei, GAC Group, Toyota Motor, and General Motors. Tinychip's integrated ambient light driving chips, as scarce products with high reliability and cost-effectiveness, have been successfully introduced to nearly all top-tier ambient light component manufacturers in China, securing dozens of designated projects with various car factories and entering mass production. Besides, its integrated micro-motor driving chips have also been adopted in several projects due to their high integration, cost-effectiveness, compatibility with various motors, and a complete set of algorithms and solutions, in applications such as air conditioning vents, thermal management, seat ventilation, and AGS.

The company added as an early proponent and practitioner of the "MCU+" model, Tinychip has, after years of accumulation and iteration, developed a mature approach to defining, developing, and selling specialized chip products. At the time when the counts of chips per vehicle are rapidly increasing and cost sensitivity is a concern, high integration is an inevitable trend for automotive chips. Against this backdrop, Tinychip will also continue to launch more specialized chips to meet market demands.
Devon T. Horace, past president of the Northeast Portland nonprofit Alberta Main Street, is accused of stealing at least $100,000 from the groups operating account while he led the agency, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Alberta Main Street was set up to support the neighborhoods business district.
At the Portland Baha'i Center, adapted from the old St. Johns post office, a roomful of people gathered April 20, to celebrate the first day of Ridvan, the holiest and most significant festival in the Baha'i calendar.

At the service, there was no appointed pastor; instead, community members narrated devotional readings from a variety of religions. The Satori Mens Chorus, a religiously unaffiliated community choir, stood at the front of the room offering songs between readings.

Ridvan, which means paradise in Arabic, commemorates the 12-day period in 1863 when Baha'ullah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, declared his mission as the Promised One, foretold by the worlds major religions. During this period, the community comes together on the first, ninth and 12th days of Ridvan for devotionals and social gatherings.

John Ng, an active member of the Baha'i assembly in Portland, took part in the service, explaining the Baha'i mission and beliefs.

[The faith] is 181 years old and was formed in Iran, out of the cradle of Islam, much like Christianity came out of the cradle of Judaism, Ng said. Some of the teachings include theres one God and theres really one religion. All these religions are actually part of the same religion, just different chapters in a book.

The Baha'i faith is one of the youngest independent religions in the world. According to Ng, it is also considered the most geographically distributed faith with around 8 million adherents around the world.

What sets the Baha'i faith apart is its vision of a unified society. Baha'is believe that all the worlds major religions come from the same divine source and that each has contributed to the evolution of human civilization. Other principles of the faith include the elimination of prejudice, the equality of women and men, and the harmony of science and religion.

Roger Nesbit, a member of the Satori Mens Chorus, has been a Baha'i for over 50 years. He explained his journey finding the faith in college, reading Baha'ullahs writings and feeling a connection to the beliefs.

One of the things is it opens up the whole worlds sacred literature because Baha'is believe it all comes from God, Nesbit said. And so theres no point in comparing  because if all the religions are saying the same thing, theres a better chance that thats probably true.

Central to the Baha'i faith are the ideas of universal education and the independent investigation of the truth.

Were all educated, we have access to direct holy writings, Ng said. We read, we study and we come to our own conclusions of whats true and whats not.

There are also no sects or divisions since the Baha'i faith is the same all around the world, explained Ng. The leaders of each community are elected spiritual assemblies of nine, that only have authority as a group.

The Portland Bahai community is gathering this week to celebrate Ridvan, a festival commemorating Baha'u'llah's declaration that he was a Manifestation of God.Chiara Profenna

In Portland, the Baha'i community is a small, but present force, actively engaging in the surrounding community. According to the website for the Portland/Vancouver Metro Baha'i community, over 2,000 Baha'is live in Oregon.

The center, recently renovated, has space for community groups to gather and local artists to display their work. The community frequently holds workshops and interfaith dialogues in the center and is collecting canned goods for the St. Johns Food Bank.

The space is open to all and frequently collaborates with the St. Johns All Nations Church of God in Christ. Sunday devotionals are also held weekly at 10 a.m. in the center.

Ridvan celebrations will continue this week, with devotional services held at 10 a.m. on the ninth day, April 28, and at 7 p.m. the 12th day, May 1, in the Portland Baha'i Center, 8720 N. Ivanhoe St. You can learn more about the Portland Baha'i community here.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
A cow named Ruby endured a cow-culated technical rescue Sunday according to a Mist-Birkenfeld Rural Fire Protection District Facebook post .

Rubys owners called Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD volunteers saying that the cow was stuck in a marshy area of their property in Mist, Oregon and needed help, the post said.

Volunteers contacted the Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD, who have special animal rescue equipment and training. The Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District and Westport Fire and Rescue also assisted on scene.

Videos and photos show Ruby neck deep in mud, surrounded by about a dozen people pulling her out of the bog with ropes and other gear. Once out of the bog, the crew continued to pull Ruby on her side up a small hill and into a trailer.

Our Fire District is a bit unique  a few years ago we had someone donate a horse trailer, over $10k worth of specialized animal technical rescue equipment and a three-day training course led by experts who drove from Arizona to teach the class on Large Animal Technical Rescue, said Hailey Palmore, PIO for Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD, via a Facebook message.

So our trailer was deployed to the scene with all of the equipment - you can see the black plastic slides in some of the photos and videos - to help get her out, Palmore said.

Ruby was exhausted from the rescue but is recovering and walking around the pasture, Palmore said.

But Palmore said that Rubys good luck was thanks to the tight-knit community of Mist, an unincorporated community in Columbia County.

Many of the responders on scene have been professionally trained in animal technical rescue which is not a common training most fire agencies put their people through. Ruby had the right people on scene! Palmore said.

Our agency is over 90% volunteer so almost every person on scene that day was there out of the kindness of their hearts and not being paid. We are a tight knit community.

-- Teresa Mahoney
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On April 22, BAIC Groups premium new energy vehicle brand ARCFOX officially kicked off pre-sale of its  S5 model, with two variants available, the 650 ULTRA and the 708 MAX, priced at 199,800 and 219,800 yuan, respectively.

Additionally, the manufacturer announced various benefits, bringing the actual starting price down to 174,800 yuan.

Photo credit: ARCFOX

Positioned as a midsize sedan, the ARCFOX  S5 measures 4,820mm/1,930mm/1,480mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2,900mm. Both the 650 ULTRA and the 708 MAX variants are equipped with a 79.2kWh battery pack, and as indicated by their names, the models boast ranges of 650km and 708km under CLTC standard.

Photo credit: ARCFOX

In terms of features, the  S5 comes with a 68-inch AR-HUD supporting movie displaying. The infotainment system features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and integrates various large games like the Asphalt 9, allowing for linkage with air conditioning, audio system, ambient lighting, and two ARCFOX professional gamepads, transforming the cabin into a gaming paradise. Even the Nintendo Switch console can connect to the infotainment screen.

Utilizing a comprehensive 800V silicon carbide architecture that supports a 2.6C charging rate, the ARCFOX  S5 offers multiple driving modes. In the Track mode, users can customize vehicle parameters including acceleration pattern, torque distribution, energy recovery, and stability assistance.
This story is part of OU Dailys summer magazine. This publication will be available in mid-April on racks around campus and online at oudaily.com.

When a call reporting an active shooter on OUs Norman Campus came in, David McLeod, interim director of the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, immediately checked to see if his college was holding nighttime classes.

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McLeod rushed to figure out where the potential shooter was on campus and worked to make sure that his students and faculty were safe.

How do we lock the building down? How do we make sure everything, everyone, is taken care of and safe? McLeod said he asked himself that night.

On April 7, 2023, Friday night plans were interrupted at 9:25 p.m., when OU sent out an alert warning students of a potentially deadly situation:

There is an active shooter at the Van Vleet Oval. Take immediate action now. Run. Hide. Fight!

For the next 90 minutes, OUs campus would be on a complete lockdown. The South Oval would be blanketed with a sea of blue and red flashing lights as first responders from eight different state agencies rushed to investigate a possible active shooter threat.

OUPD issued an all-clear at 10:53 p.m., determining there was never any threat to campus. Those 90 minutes were the result of a swatting, the act of falsely reporting mass violence to attract the attention and services of several law enforcement agencies, a situation that has become more frequent in past years across the nation.

Between April 4 and 9, 2023, 10 universities were swatted including OU: Clemson University, University of Florida, Boston University, Harvard University, Cornell University, University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers University, Middlebury College and Wake Forest University.

Before joining OUs faculty, McLeod was a police detective and SWAT operator for six years in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Something I think when we look at all these (swattings) on college campuses over the past year is, why? McLeod said. Who would benefit, why do we want to have all this fear and disarray on college campuses?

In 2008, the FBI released a blog post detailing the new phenomenon of swatting, calling the schemes fairly sophisticated. The post read the reasoning behind these swattings include ego-driven factors and bragging rights.

McLeod said the impact of calls can stick with community members as they begin to unpack how they felt during the incident.

The idea of a shooting on campus is terrifying, McLeod said. I dont want my colleagues to lose their lives. I sure dont want my students to lose their lives, and its just not funny.  Its worse than a bad joke, the consequences can be really significant and they can last a long time.

Signs and frequency of false calls

Two months after OUs swatting, the Norman Police Department released four calls, three to the Norman Police Departments non-emergency line and one to 911. The calls included simulated gunfire, locations and suspect descriptions, leading officers to the Bizzell Memorial Library.

One caller told operators a 6-foot-tall white man was heading north to the library carrying an AR-15 rifle. Another called from inside the library, saying their friend had been shot in the stomach and leg. A final call reported shots at Ravenson Hall, a nonexistent location on campus. Gunshots were heard on these three calls.

OUPD Chief Nate Tarver was part of the response to the South Oval. Upon reflection, Tarver said there were certainly signs that would point to a swatting attempt but nothing could be confirmed until officers responded.

Dont get me wrong, even with all those clues, when we get them, were still gonna go to the building, were still gonna go check it out, Tarver said. We have too many people on campus. Our responsibility is too big not to ensure that there is not something going on, and we need to make sure that everyone is safe.

Tarver pointed to the use of the 10-digit NPD phone number rather than the quicker 911 as one of the first red flags he noticed. While students typically refer to the Van Vleet Oval as South Oval and the Bizzell Memorial Library as the Bizz, the callers used the official names of those locations, another thing that stuck out to Tarver.

In the heat of the moment, those arent things you sit there and think, I wonder, why would they say that? when we should be moving toward going over there to find out whats going on, Tarver said.

Amy Klinger, director of programs at the Educators School Safety Network, said most swatting calls sound similar to the ones NPD received. Klingers organization specializes in K-12 safety.

In the 2022-23 school year, the Educators School Safety Network found that the most frequent violent incident in K-12 schools was false report of an active shooting. Over 63% of all violent incidents were swatting calls.

False reports increased by 546% from the 2018-19 school year to the 2022-23 year. As of April 1, 128 false reports have been called into K-12 schools this academic year.

We know these things occur, and so we should be having these conversations beforehand. We should be talking about what swatting is, what it means and how people should respond, Klinger said. We should be talking about all different types of response so that people feel competent and capable to respond so that you dont have that sense of panic.

Klinger said the increase of swattings can partly be attributed to the fact that the calls generate panic, achieving the response the swatters set out to get through their false report. Klinger said swattings are meant to cause anxiety and chaos, and callers want to make people feel unsafe.

Swatting stops working when people are prepared, when people know what to do and theyre empowered to do it, and they feel less anxious, and they understand whats happening, Klinger said.

Lessons learned from April 7, 2023

As OU community members began to unpack the swatting event, responding agencies began to do the same. McLeod said swatting calls lead departments to review their responses to the incident and any associated calls.

(Swatting) changes the way that we police communities and think about covering communities, and respond to changes, the way that we respond to calls or threats or incidents like that, McLeod said.

In the days following April 7, OUPD started examining how they responded along with analyzing the calls from that night. Thats when they were able to point to some of the mistakes in the calls.

We evaluate it to see how we can do better, because we try to do better every time we go through an incident, see where we might have made mistakes, or where things could have been improved, Tarver said. We did a lot of good things that night.

The swatting on April 7 brought swarms of law enforcement to campus, from Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and police departments from Norman and surrounding communities.

Tarver said in some ways, the April swatting was almost like practice for an actual event.

He said the swatting was a waste of resources and time initially, but as he thought more, Tarver saw it as a learning opportunity. While most departments have some kind of simulated training event, Tarver said the April swatting had anxiety and elevated emotions a real active shooter event would have.

Klinger said departments have the opportunity to debrief and evaluate following a swatting, similar to what Tarvers staff did. In terms of new policies post-swatting, departments can examine the call as it comes in, look for those warning signs of a false report, and respond accordingly on top of tracking the location of a caller, Klinger said.

The ability to dial up our response and dial it back, to be able and have the capability to respond quickly and very aggressively and very impactfully to save people and to ensure youre responding, but also to be able to dial it down, Klinger said. To be able to quickly pivot to something that is clear very quickly that its swatting, and so we can still respond, but maybe not an all one size fits all kind of response.

OUPDs evaluation of calls was put into practice on Feb. 17, when someone called in another false active shooter threat on campus, seemingly directing law enforcement to Evans Hall.

Instead of the Run. Hide. Fight! message sent during the April swatting, the university sent an alert that instead read:

Reported Law Enforcement emergency on Norman campus in area of EVANS HALL. Avoid Area.

Tarver said likely within the first minute or two, a dispatcher could determine whether the call is an active situation or a false report, which happened with the February call to Evans Hall.

In a call to the 10-digit NPD non-emergency line, obtained by OU Daily, the caller told the dispatcher they were at the main entrance to the university and would not say a building name or street name, a seemingly odd way to describe a location on campus given OU has no official entrance. The caller, however, gave the exact street address for Evans Hall, 660 Parrington Oval. The call also had simulated gunfire.

Body camera footage from that day showed NPD responding to campus, closing down the Parrington Oval and parts of Boyd Street. A police incident report obtained by OU Daily labeled the event as a domestic disturbance.

Our officers went over (and) said, Hey, this sounds like this is not the real deal, Tarver said. But, were gonna go over, and we check and we listen.

In less than 20 minutes, an all-clear was issued for campus. Only a few OUPD officers responded to the call, which found no threat to Evans Hall or anywhere near OU.

Impact

In December and January, Harvard University was swatted multiple times. There are instances where several school districts are targeted in swatting calls within a similar time frame. On Jan. 17, 13 school districts in Iowa received calls reporting false incidents. In October, 10 districts were swatted in New York.

McLeod said when these events happen several times over, it works its way into how the brain assesses situations, creating a boy who cried wolf situation. The implementation of this into the thought process is unavoidable, McLeod said.

When we hear about false alarm, false alarm, false alarm, it changes our culture and our ability to or how we think about our own public safety systems and the ways they need to respond, McLeod said. We've come through a cycle.

The frequency of swatting calls can leave community members questioning whether all calls are legitimate or not. This questioning can lead to risks, given the claims of swatting calls.

Because of the nature of those calls and the risk thats involved, seconds literally matter, McLeod said. You do that enough and then we have situations, scenarios, where we respond slower than we should, or in ways that aren't as effective as they could be. And then people can lose their lives.

In the name of safety for the campus community, Tarver said the department is required to send RAVE alerts by the U.S. Department of Education through the Clery Act. Signed in 1990, the Clery Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, publicly outline safety policies and procedures and send timely warning and emergency notifications.

The act requires crimes including robbery, assault, burglary, homicide, sexual assault, hate crimes, motor vehicle theft and arson to be reported to campus communities.

In January, fines for violating the Clery Act were raised to just under $70,000 per violation. In March, the U.S. Department of Education fined Liberty University $14 million due to several violations of the Clery Act, including the failure to notify campus security authorities of crime statistics and their obligations. Tarver said on the night of April 7, 2023, the notifications sent were within the requirements of the Clery Act, adding that some people felt uninformed while sheltering from a potential shooter. The U.S. Department of Education requires messages to be sent every 15 to 20 minutes, according to Tarver.

We didnt get the messages out as timely as we should have,  because my dispatchers are having to deal with a plethora of phone calls, Tarver said.

Since the swatting, OU changed its practices. During a false alarm at Gaylord Hall on Feb. 16, RAVE alerts were sent more frequently than the night of the swatting.

Post-swatting, Tarver said there was a lot of support for the department coming from the OU community, leaving Tarver confident in OUPDs response on April 7.

Tarver said as far as the department is concerned, officers will continue their duty to respond to all calls. He pointed to the panic alarms around the OU Health Sciences Center campus in Oklahoma City, saying they go off quite often.

On Feb. 9, OUHSC had a false alarm scare through those panic buttons when one was triggered inside the College of Dentistry. There was a police presence on the campus that afternoon as a result.

We cant afford not to take them seriously, Tarver said. The one you ignored is going to be the one thats the real deal.

As departments begin to adapt to the reality of swatting calls, Klinger said swatters will begin to look for new ways to target communities. According to Klinger, the future of campus security, and its possible threats, leave departments in a position where they must be aware of all ways people could target campus.

Swatting, the way that weve seen it, is going to be replaced with something else. Its going to be replaced with some other threat or some other way to try to traumatize folks, Klinger said. Thats why the work of safety is so important to be ongoing because you have to continue to adapt, you have to continue to look at trends and see whats happening and try to stay a step ahead.

Read more from summer magazine:

This story was edited by Karoline Leonard, Anusha Fathepure and Ismael Lele. Natalie Armour, Avery Avery, Mary Ann Livingood and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.
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Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A delegation from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority has visited Misrata International Airport, 220 km east of Tripoli, to assess the security and operational procedures, as well as their degree of compliance with international operational standards
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade, Mohamed al-Haweij, has ordered the relevant departments of the Ministry to provide facilities for Chinese companies wishing to work in the country and to resolve their problems and obstacles in resuming their work and completing their investment projects
Valmet to Supply an IQ Moisturizer for Corrugator to Adara Pakkaus in Finland

Valmet's delivery includes a Valmet IQ Warp Control system and an IQ Moisturizer (pictured above), which is used to correct all kinds of warping, decrease cracking tendency and optimize glue consumption. Valmet's delivery includes a Valmet IQ Warp Control system and an IQ Moisturizer (pictured above), which is used to correct all kinds of warping, decrease cracking tendency and optimize glue consumption.

April 24, 2024 - Valmet will supply a Valmet IQ Moisturizer system to Adara Pakkaus, a leading manufacturer of corrugated board and corrugated packaging located in Valkeakoski, Finland.

According to Valmet, the system will be automatically controlled according to existing Valmet IQ Warp measurement. The order is a system expansion for the existing Valmet IQ MD Moisture Control System. The target of the investment is to reduce warp waste, improve corrugated board quality and production efficiency.

"We have a very good cooperation with Valmet, and now we are upgrading the existing quality management system with an automatic profiler, aiming to reduce Edge-warp and S-warp that are impossible to be corrected with typical corrugator actuators even if they are well-maintained and in perfect condition," said Teemu Salo, Managing Director, Adara.

Aki Leiniainen, Technical Sales Manager, Automation Systems business line, Valmet, explained, "We have earlier supplied Adara with automatic moisture and temperature controls, utilizing the Valmet IQ moisture measurement family to keep moisture levels in balance throughout the process. The IQ Moisturizer will be automatically controlled according to the existing Valmet IQ Warp Measurement, working in parallel with the existing Valmet quality management system in the production line. The target is to ensure sheet flatness also in problematic unbalanced grades in the corrugator and to avoid post-warp."

The delivery includes a Valmet IQ Warp Control system and an IQ Moisturizer, which are used to correct all kinds of warping, decrease cracking tendency and optimize glue consumption. It features air atomized spray nozzles and linear water control valves. Together with the Valmet IQ measurements for automatic MD/CD control, the IQ Moisturizer delivers warp-free production in all circumstances.

Valmet's delivery is scheduled for the third quarter 2024.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.

SOURCE: Valmet
A mother of three from California recounts surviving two perilous incidents within a short timeframe.

Mother of Three Confronts Life-Threatening Stroke

Christina Aleksanian, 36, of Granada Hills, was recovering in the hospital after childbirth to her third child, Stephanie, when she encountered numbness in her hand.

Originally referring to a migraine, she quickly became not responsive while talking with her daughter's pediatrician. Shortly after giving birth to her healthy baby on May 23, 2023, her husband, Gary Galfayan, observed medical personnel hurrying her away for immediate treatment after a stroke was identified.

Following swift medical interference, including a cerebral angiogram and emergency thrombectomy, doctors diagnosed her stroke as a result of a congenital heart defect called patent foramen ovale (PFO), of which she was unaware.

Despite the rarity of her condition, Aleksanian survived without lasting effects. Her husband noted the critical role of the pediatrician in recognizing her symptoms, emphasizing the urgency of her situation.

While recuperating, Aleksanian faced yet another difficulty when her family was involved in a multi-vehicle accident. Miraculously, all family members appeared with minor injuries.

On June 28, Aleksanian and her family were involved in a car accident while driving between medical appointments for herself and her daughter Stephanie.

Their car was struck by another vehicle that had veered off the highway, leading to wounds to six individuals. Despite the harshness of the blast, they were all transferred to the hospital by ambulance and escaped major injuries, including Stephanie, who was only a month old at the time.

As they approach Stephanie's first birthday, Aleksanian comically correlates it to her own "second birthday," reflecting on the near-death encounters they've conquered in the past year.

Both Aleksanian and her husband conveyed appreciation for what they see as a protective force that has kept their family safe throughout their ordeal, though Aleksanian recognizes the emotional challenges of processing their frightening journey.

New Mom Experience Stroke After Giving Birth

A recent mother shares how her life drastically changed after experiencing a stroke just two weeks following childbirth. Rachel Gardiner, aged 26 at the time, had the stroke unexpectedly while bringing her baby home from a baby class.

Despite the warning signs, she originally associated her symptoms with fatigue from caring for her newborn. However, two hours later, Rachel collapsed and had a seizure at home, prompting an ambulance to hurry her to the hospital.

Doctors verified she had experienced a stroke, leaving her family worried for her survival. Rachel expressed feeling like she missed out on important milestones, both hers and her daughter's, due to the aftermath of the stroke.

She affirms the significance of hearing one's body and seeking medical attention, regardless of age or perceived harshness of symptoms.

The Stroke Association's study emphasizes the misconception that strokes only affect older individuals, highlighting the need for greater awareness and assistance for young stroke survivors.

Alasdair O'Hara of the Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of challenging this misinterpretation and guaranteeing that stroke survivors get the required assistance to rebuild their lives.

The Stroke Association offers numerous services to aid stroke survivors in their recuperating journey, including communication and emotional support, peer mentorship, and helpline aid.

They urge people to reach out for support and information, intensifying that stroke survivors should not miss out on life's important milestones.
Health officials from the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) revealed that people who attended a total solar eclipse event at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indiana might have been at risk of measles.

Attendees of Total Solar Eclipse Event Potentially Exposed to Measles

According to Melissa McMasters, the MCPHD's administrator of infectious disease and immunizations, an infected person traveled from out of state to the affair on April 8, as reported in a late Friday news issue.

The infected patient's details, including identity, age, and origin, remain confidential due to privacy regulations. The health department declared that manifestations of measles could display between April 22 and April 29, with the beginning signs commonly displaying seven to 14 days post-exposure.

The Children's Museum verified 3,527 attendees on April 8 and has reached out to affected households, staff, and volunteers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defined measles manifestations, as containing fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.

McMasters noted that the danger to the public is low, considering extensive vaccination coverage, though anyone suspicious of measles is recommended to seek medical attention immediately.

The Children's Museum guarantees that it's collaborating with health authorities and has informed probable risk people. This circumstance coexists with a rise in measles cases in early 2024, emphasizing the significance of vaccination.

Read Also : CDC Warns Measles Elimination Status in the US at Risk Following 2024 Outbreak

Indiana Children's Museum Advises Parents About Possible Measles Exposure

The Marion County Public Health Department is cautioning parents regarding a potential measles risk at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

The department stated that an individual infected with measles visited the museum from another state for the solar eclipse event held on April 8.

Susceptible individuals who were exposed to the virus might experience symptoms before April 22, with the possibility of symptoms emerging as late as April 29.

These symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, small white spots inside the mouth, and a rash starting from the hairline and face and spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs.

Pediatrician Dr. Eric Yancy highlighted the harshness of measles, specifically for unvaccinated young kids, as it can result in severe difficulties such as meningitis, pneumonia, dehydration, and in extreme cases, death.

He emphasizes measles' high contagiousness, with unimmunized individuals having a 90% chance of contracting the virus if exposed to someone eagerly infected.

Despite not experiencing measles cases since the 1970s, Yancy conveyed displeasure in vaccine-preventable diseases resurfacing due to misunderstanding about immunization effectiveness.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis emphasized its engagement in guaranteeing the health and safety of visitors, staff, volunteers, and the community, aligning with guidance from local health departments.

They eagerly distribute information to persons present on the specified day and encourage those with questions or concerns to consult local health authorities or medical professionals.

In the situation of measles manifestations, experts suggest a person remain at home and immediately contact a healthcare provider, telling them beforehand to enforce infection control measures.

The health department specified no verified measles cases in Marion County this year, referring a low risk to the general public.

Commonly, children get measles vaccinations at ages 12-15 months and again between 4-6 years old, with high-danger children qualified for vaccination as early as 6 months old.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

GWM scores 1,752.55% YoY spike in Q1 2024 net profit attributable to shareholders

On April 24, Great Wall Motor ("GWM") released its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. During this period, GWM achieved revenues of 42.86 billion yuan, representing a 47.6% surge year-over-year. Meanwhile, its net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company reached 3.228 billion yuan, marking a dramatic increase of 1,752.55% compared to the same period last year.

Photo credit: GWM

GAC Trumpchi's i-GTEC 2.0 tech brand upgraded to 2.0 phase

On April 23, GAC Trumpchi announced that its technology brand, i-GTEC, has officially advanced to the 2.0 phase. The upgrade encompasses enhancements in chassis, battery, electric motor, electric control system, intelligence, and technological platforms. Starting from 2025, technologies under the i-GTEC 2.0 will be progressively implemented in Trumpchi's new energy vehicle models.

VOYAH aims to hit second 100,000-NEV annual sales target in 2024

In the afternoon of April 24th, VOYAH, the premium new energy brand under Dongfeng Motor, conducted its 2024 Spring Technology Communication Meeting. The carmaker stated that in 2024, VOYAH is committed to achieving its second annual sales target of 100,000 new energy vehicles, which would represent a 100% surge year-over-year.

Huawei, BAIC's STELATO S9 sedan to debut at Auto China 2024

At the launch event for the new AITO M5 on April 23, Huawei's CEO of the Consumer BG, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Intelligent Automotive Solution, Yu Chengdong announced that STELATO, a new brand under the Harmony lntelligent Mobility Alliance, will debut at the Auto China 2024 this week.

The brand's flagship model, the S9, is positioned as a luxury executive sedan and is expected to hit the market in July or August.

China's auto-grade chip maker Tinychip closes new strategic funding round

Recently, Shanghai Tinychip Limited (hereafter "Tinychip"), a leading mixed-signal automotive-grade chip manufacturer in China, announced the completion of a new round of strategic financing with tens of millions of yuan raised, according to a post on the companys WeChat account. Chongqing BOAO Industrial Co., Ltd. serves as the strategic investor of the fresh round.

ZF celebrates relocation of airbag production base in Wuhan city

On April 24, ZF Automotive Safety Systems (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. held a ceremony to commemorate its relocation to a new factory in Wuhan, Hubei Province, according to ZF Group's WeChat account.

WeRide, Tencent Cloud to team up on building cutting-edge intelligent driving solutions

On April 24, WeRide, a leading, commercial-stage global company that develops Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Tencent Cloud Computing (Beijing) Co., Ltd. ("Tencent Cloud"), according to WeRide's press release.

Black Sesame Technologies, Tencent Cloud to promote cooperation on building intelligent driving chip ecosystem

On April 24, Black Sesame Technologies (Black Sesame) and Tencent Cloud Computing (Beijing) Co., Ltd ("Tencent Cloud") inked a strategic cooperation agreement, under which the two companies will jointly develop cost-effective solutions for intelligent driving system through approaches integrating software and hardware, and promote the development of autonomous driving chips on both the vehicle and cloud fronts.

Windrose Technology unveils new energy heavy-duty trucks, new-generation chassis-by-wire system

On April 23, Chinese electric heavy-duty truck startup Windrose Technology held a launch conference, on which the company unveiled its first battery-electric heavy-duty truck, first hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck, and the new-generation chassis-by-wire system.

Geely's Radar Auto puts RADAR Horizon model onto market

On April 23, the RADAR Horizon, the new model under Geely's high-end new energy outdoors lifestyle vehicle brand, Radar Auto ("RADAR"), officially went on sale with guidance prices ranging from 181,800 yuan to 221,800 yuan.

2024 Haval Menglong SUV goes on sale, starting at 165,800 yuan

On April 23, the 2024 Haval Menglong SUV hits market, offering four variants with prices ranging from 165,800 yuan to 192,800 yuan.

Haomo.ai, Qualcomm launch Snapdragon Ride-based intelligent driving solution HP370

On April 23, Great Wall Motor-backed autonomous driving tech firm Haomo.ai, in collaboration with Qualcomm, unveiled the Haomo HP370 intelligent driving solution built on Qualcomm' latest Snapdragon Ride platform (SA8620P).

Polestar launches Polestar Phone at 7,388 yuan

On April 23, the high-end pure electric high-performance car brand Polestar unveiled its first in-house-designed AI flagship smartphone, the Polestar Phone, priced at 7,388 yuan.

ARCFOX  S5 kicks off pre-sale with actual starting price at 174,800 yuan

On April 22, BAIC Group's premium new energy vehicle brand ARCFOX officially kicked off pre-sale of its  S5 model, with two variants available, the 650 ULTRA and the 708 MAX, priced at 199,800 and 219,800 yuan, respectively.

Additionally, the manufacturer announced various benefits, bringing the actual starting price down to 174,800 yuan.
A Kansas City mother, Tasha Haefs, will now be facing trial for the bathtub murder she committed in 2022.

Haefs was charged with killing a dog and her 6-year-old son in 2022 but was deemed not mentally fit and competent to undergo the criminal trial. However, after receiving therapy, a judge recently overturned the decision, and trial for the crime shall commence.

Kansan City Mother Now Set for Trial

A judge ruled that a 37-year-old woman from Kansas City, previously deemed unfit for trial, is now mentally capable of standing trial for the alleged murder of her 6-year-old son, as per court documents.

The woman, Tasha Haefs, was arrested on February 15, 2022, facing charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, as outlined in Missouri court records.

The case revolves around accusations that Haefs decapitated her son, Karvel Stevens, in a bathtub, as reported by the Kansas City Star.

Haefs' legal proceedings were halted for over two years due to her initial incompetence to stand trial, according to Missouri court records.

During this time, Haefs underwent extensive treatment to address her mental state, leading to the submission of a confidential mental health report by the state's Department of Mental Health.

Following this evaluation, the state proceeded with the murder case without contestation from Haefs or her legal counsel, as stated in court documents.

In light of the mental health report's findings, the judge's order confirmed Haefs' readiness to proceed with legal proceedings.

However, she will remain under inpatient care at a Department of Mental Health facility until the criminal proceedings recommence, as per the judge's directive. Haefs is expected to be formally arraigned on April 29, according to court records.

Bathtub Murder of Her 6-Year-Old Son

On the day of the incident, law enforcement from Kansas City, Missouri, responded to Haefs' residence and observed bloodstains on the front steps, along with blood and hair on the front door, according to legal filings.

Despite the known presence of multiple children in the house, Haefs allegedly refused to permit entry when officers attempted to gain access.

Upon seeing what appeared to be a body part near the entrance, officers became concerned for the safety of any children within the premises, the legal documents noted. Subsequently, they forced entry and detained Haefs without resistance.

During the subsequent search of the residence, authorities discovered the body of a child near the front door, as outlined in the complaint affidavit.

Haefs reportedly had blood on her person, and several knives, visibly stained with what seemed to be blood, were found throughout the house.

After ensuring there were no other children present, the officers left the scene and informed homicide investigators, according to the legal records.

Following the execution of a search warrant at the residence, detectives located additional incriminating evidence, including a knife, knife handle, and a bloodied screwdriver on the dining table, the court filing detailed.

Another knife, also bearing traces of blood, was uncovered in the basement.

During questioning at the police station, Haefs allegedly confessed to the murder, identifying her biological son as the victim and specifying that the killing occurred in the bathtub, the affidavit stated.

Court documents further revealed Haefs' history of struggles with drug addiction, depression, trauma, and hallucinations, as noted by prosecutors. The upcoming hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024.
Africa is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture. With summer approaching, it's the perfect time to take in all that the continent has to offer through thrilling adventures. From safaris to mountain treks, there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Africa. In this article, we will explore the best African adventures to consider this summer, from iconic destinations to hidden gems.

Serengeti National Park Safari

No African adventure list is complete without mentioning the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This vast and diverse ecosystem is home to the iconic wildebeest migration, where millions of animals migrate in search of greener pastures. A safari in the Serengeti offers an up-close and personal experience with some of Africa's most majestic animals, like lions, elephants, and giraffes. You can also witness the annual wildebeest calving season, where the park comes alive with newborn calves. With a variety of accommodations, from luxury lodges to camping sites, the Serengeti offers the perfect safari experience for all adventurers.

Cape Town, South Africa

Known as the "Mother City," Cape Town is a must-visit destination in Africa. This vibrant city boasts a stunning backdrop of mountains, sea, and city skyline. It offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with activities such as hiking, surfing, and wine tasting. For the adrenaline junkies, Table Mountain offers a thrilling experience with its cable car ride and opportunities for abseiling. You can also opt for a boat trip to visit Seal Island and get up close and personal with the playful seals. The city is also rich in history and culture, with landmarks like Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Dubbed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is a must-visit destination for any adventure seeker. This majestic waterfall borders Zambia and Zimbabwe and is known for its breathtaking views and exhilarating activities. You can take a helicopter ride over the falls for a bird's eye view or opt for a white-water rafting excursion to feel the rush of the Zambezi River. For a more leisurely experience, you can go on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi and witness animals like elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Marrakech, Morocco

For a cultural adventure, head to Marrakech in Morocco. This vibrant city is a melting pot of Arab, Berber, and European influences. The iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square is a must-visit, with its bustling markets, street performers, and delicious food stalls. You can also explore the vibrant souks (markets) and haggle for souvenirs like spices, pottery, and decorative items. For a more tranquil experience, take a trip to the Atlas Mountains and witness the breathtaking landscapes and traditional Berber villages.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This small East African country is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to see them in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience. You will be guided through the dense rainforest by experienced trackers to come face to face with these magnificent creatures. As you observe them in their natural habitat, you will gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

Kilimanjaro National Park Hiking

For the ultimate African adventure, embark on a hiking expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. At 19,341 feet, it is the highest peak on the African continent and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. You will trek through diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforest to rocky terrain, before reaching the snow-capped summit. The views from the top are truly breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment is unmatched.

Conclusion

Africa offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you prefer a safari in the wild, Kilimanjaro Hiking, or a cultural experience in a bustling city, there is something for every type of adventurer. This summer, consider embarking on one of these African adventures and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the continent.
The FDA has confirmed that some pasteurized milk sold in the U.S. is possibly contaminated with bird flu fragments.

On Tuesday, April 23, the US Food and Drug Administration reported the detection of H5N1 avian influenza viral particles in retail milk, yet maintains its stance on milk safety.

The FDA attributes this finding to sensitive lab tests, suggesting these particles are likely remnants from pasteurization and unlikely to pose infection risks, though further testing is underway for confirmation.

Bird Flu Fragments in US Milk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently revealed that there are present fragments of the bird flu virus in select samples of pasteurized milk within the United States.

Despite this finding, the FDA assures consumers that the milk remains safe for consumption, pending comprehensive study results. These viral fragments were uncovered during routine testing of pasteurized milk samples, employing the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing method designed to detect genetic material. However, a positive PCR result does not indicate the presence of live, infectious virus.

The FDA's stance on the safety of commercial milk remains steadfast, with pasteurization likely deactivating the virus while not eliminating viral particles entirely. This assurance is part of the FDA's ongoing investigation into the effectiveness of pasteurization in neutralizing bird flu within cow milk, with conclusive findings expected within the coming weeks.

In its testing procedures, the FDA utilizes egg inoculation tests, recognized as the benchmark for assessing a sample's infectious potential. This involves injecting a small amount of infected milk into a chicken egg and monitoring any active virus replication.

The agency reaffirms the reliability of these egg inoculation tests in determining the viability and infectiousness of a virus, providing critical insights into public health safety measures.

Comprehensive study results are forthcoming, contributing to the ongoing assessment of the safety of the commercial milk supply.

Through these rigorous testing methods and ongoing research efforts, the FDA aims to uphold consumer confidence in the safety and integrity of pasteurized milk products, ensuring robust public health standards are maintained.

In response to the initial results, Michael Osterholm, an expert in infectious diseases and the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, expressed his lack of astonishment.

He said, "If you tested most milk, you'd find E. coli and listeria and other things in it, too, but they'd all be dead. Pasteurization doesn't take them out, it just kills them."

This indicates that although detectable, non-viable particles are improbable to induce illness in individuals.

H5N1 Bird Flu in Cows

Less than a month ago, the emergence of the H5N1 bird flu strain among dairy cow herds across multiple states marked a significant development. Subsequently, the virus has been identified in herds spanning eight states.

Collaborating closely, the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are diligently investigating this outbreak.

The USDA's proactive approach not only mandates reporting of H5N1 in poultry but also incentivizes prompt reporting of any signs of illness in flocks.

Additionally, it financially compensates producers for the disposal of affected birds and eggs, fostering transparency and cooperation among farmers, notes Dr. Michael Osterholm, who leads the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

While the USDA encourages farmers to report sick cattle to state animal health authorities, widespread screening of both cattle and individuals in their proximity for the infection remains limited due to consent requirements. Discussions include the possibility of testing wastewater in outbreak areas.

In lieu of extensive screening, the CDC relies on monitoring emergency department and flu testing data in regions with H5N1 presence among dairy cattle. They are vigilant for any unusual patterns indicating flu-like illness or conjunctivitis. So far, surveillance data indicate no unexpected trends or heightened activity related to H5N1.

According to CDC spokesperson Jason McDonald, 23 individuals with exposures to H5N1 have undergone testing, including one positive case in Texas from earlier.

However, no other cases have been detected in the current outbreak, ang the FDA is maintaining a cautious yet vigilant stance amid ongoing monitoring efforts.
+ Scientific Corroboration of the Biblical Data Regarding Kiln-Baked Bricks

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2 Kings 12:17 (RSV) At that time Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath, and took it. . . . (cf. 1 Kgs 19:15; 2 Kgs 8:8; Amos 1:4)

Encyclopaedia Britannica (Hazael) states:

Hazael (flourished 9th century BC) was a king of Damascus, whose history is given at length in the Bible, II Kings 813. . . . He was eventually conquered by Shalmaneser III (859824 BC), king of Assyria, . . .

Hazaels reigned c. 842  c. 800 BC. Shalmaneser III of Assyria records that he defeated Hazael in battle and captured many chariots and horses from him, which is archaeologically verified by his Black Obelisk: dated 827-824 BC. Most scholars think that Hazael was the author of the Tel Dan Stele, which is the most significant archaeological evidence of the existence of King David. See: Hagelia, Hallvard (January 2004). The First Dissertation of the Tel Dan Inscription. Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament. Volume 18, Issue 1, p. 136.

Recent excavations and dating techniques at Tell es-Safi/Gath: ancient Gath, the Philistine city where Goliath came from, verify these events and dates. The article recounting the findings is, Applying thermal demagnetization to archaeological materials: A tool for detecting burnt clay and estimating its firing temperature (Yoav Vaknin et al, Plos One, 9 October 2023). It stated in its Abstract:

We implemented the thermal demagnetization method on burnt materials from an Iron Age structure at Tell es-Safi/Gath (central Israel), which led to a revision of the previously published understanding of this archaeological context. We demonstrated that the conflagration occurred within the structure, and not only in its vicinity as previously suggested. We also showed that a previously published hypothesis that bricks were fired in a kiln prior to construction is very unlikely. Finally, we conclude that the destruction of the structure occurred in a single event and not in stages over several decades.

More specifically, the authors concluded:

Tell es-Safi is one of the largest archaeological mounds in central Israel. It is located ca. 40km west-south-west of Jerusalem and identified with biblical Philistine Gath. Excavations at the site have revealed a well-defined destruction layer with extensive evidence of a site-wide destruction, with massive burning, in a well-defined chronological horizon [41]. This destruction is dated to ca. 830 BCE (based on radiocarbon and pottery seriation) and is linked to the siege and destruction of Philistine Gath by Hazael, King of Aram Damascus, as mentioned in II Kings 12:18.

This is consistent with the known time of Hazaels reign, and is, therefore, yet another of the innumerable verifications of the Old Testaments profound historical accuracy and trustworthiness. It corroborated an earlier article, The 9th century BCE destruction layer at Tell es-Safi/Gath, Israel: integrating macro- and microarchaeology (Dvory Namdar et al, Journal of Archaeological Science, Volume 38, Issue 12, December 2011, Pages 3471-3482), which had concluded:

Here we examine the case of a seemingly short-term violent event: the destruction of Tell es-Safi/Gath, Israel (Fig. 1a), dated to the mid/late 9th century BCE, most probably as a result of an Aramaean military campaign by Hazael king of Aram Damascus (Maeir, 2004, Maeir, 2008, Maeir, 2009).

The Jerusalem Post noted the significance of this study:

Using a breakthrough technology based on measuring the magnetic field recorded in burnt bricks, researchers at four Israeli universities have corroborated the occurrence of an event described in the Bibles Second Book of Kings  the conquest of the Philistine city of Gath by Hazael, King of Aram. . . . Throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, the main building material in most parts of the Land of Israel was mud bricks. This cheap and readily available material was used to build walls in most buildings, sometimes on top of stone foundations, Lipschits explained. . . . [Vaknin stated] Most researchers, however, believe that this technology did not reach the Land of Israel until much later with the Roman conquest; until that time the inhabitants used sun-dried mud bricks. Thus, when bricks are found in an archaeological excavation, several questions must be asked: First, have the bricks been fired, and if so, were they fired in a kiln before to construction or on site, in a destructive conflagration event? Our method can provide conclusive answers. (Judy Siegel-Itzkovich, Israeli research uses Earths magnetic field to verify event in Bibles Book of Kings, 1-4-24)

In the final Conclusions section, Vaknin et al wrote:

The common understanding that in the Southern Levant, sun-dried mud bricks and not pre-fired bricks were used for construction prior to the Roman period is most probably correct.

This is biblically interesting insofar as the Bible mentions the use of kiln-baked bricks in Mesopotamia, in conjunction with the Tower of Babel story:

Genesis 11:3 And they said to one another, Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar.

That was around 2900 BC, give or take a hundred years, by my best estimates. I wrote about the use of baked bricks in my article, The Tower of Babel, Archaeology, & Linguistics [4-13-23]. I had noted:

Kiln-fired Mesopotamian bricks were different from the bricks used in Palestine, which only utilized sun-dried mud bricks. Footnote: See Kathleen Kenyon, Archaeology in the Holy Land (New York: Norton, 4th ed., 1979) 46, 87, 91, 164, etc.

The Old Testament never mentions baked or (implied) kiln-fired bricks in relation to Israel itself, which is consistent with what we know about their non-presence in Israel until the Roman period. In the description of bricks made by the Hebrew slaves in Egypt (Exodus 5), they are made of mud and dried in the sun (see a related reference concerning this). The Bible does mention kiln-baked bricks in the story of King David conquering Rabbah, the capital of Ammon and the Ammonites (And he brought forth the people who were in it, and set them to labor with saws and iron picks and iron axes, toil at the brickkilns; and thus he did to all the cities of the Ammonites: 2 Samuel 12:31). But Ammon was east and north of the kingdom of Judah, in present-day Jordan.

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Thus, once again, and remarkably, the Bible gets all the fine and verifiable details right. It would be easy to trip up on some of the facts, but it didnt happen, as I document time and again in my two books:

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The Word Set in Stone: Volume Two: More Evidence of Archaeology, Science, and History Backing Up the Bible (free book with 162 sections and possible future additions) [5-25-23] with 162 sections and possible future additions) [5-25-23]

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This article will be section #162 in the second book above.

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Photo credit: Dr. Yoav Vaknin (credit: TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY) / The Jerusalem Post (1-4-24)

Summary: A recent archaeological study verified the biblical accuracy of both the date of the sacking of Gath (Goliaths hometown) and the non-use of kiln-fired bricks in Israel.
At a Glance Expert's Rating Pros Good speeds

Free version available

Streaming supported servers Cons Expensive

No independent audit

Some privacy issues Our Verdict Hotspot Shield is a good-quality VPN with some of the fastest speeds Ive ever seen from a VPN. It also has a slick desktop app and a large server network. Privacy is an issue though as there is no independent audit and the service collects user data that may be uncomfortable for some.

Hotspot Shield in brief:

P2P allowed: Yes

Device connections: 5 simultaneous connections

Business location: United States

Number of servers: 1,800+

Number of country locations: 90

Cost: $12.99 per month or $95.88 for a yearly subscription

In our previous reviews, Hotspot Shield has been our reigning speed champion, taking our top spot for fastest VPN by a mile. But with so many VPN services bolstering their servers and adopting faster protocols, its worth taking another look to see how it stacks up in todays market.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best VPN services to learn about competing products.

What are Hotspot Shields features and services?

Sam Singleton Sam Singleton Sam Singleton

When you start Hotspot Shield it shows a matte-black background with a giant power button in the center of the window. The default screen includes two tiles below the power button. One is for choosing your location, and the other displays your cumulative daily data usage. Its a pleasing user interface that continues to feel slick and modern  even though it hasnt changed in years.

Hotspot Shields server list includes streaming and gaming optimized servers. Hotspot Shields server list includes streaming and gaming optimized servers. Sam Singleton Hotspot Shields server list includes streaming and gaming optimized servers. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton

When you open up the server locations tab, youll find an extensive list of 1,800 or so servers spread across an impressive 90 countries. Before Hotspot Shield changed ownership to Aura, it had over 3,200 servers. When we previously reached out to Aura to ask why it decided to drop server count the company said, Aura uses more powerful servers and has a more efficient software stack. We have continued to innovate on the VPN infrastructure stack leveraging our proprietary Hydra technology, which has led to an architecture that utilizes a smaller number of specialized servers that work together to deliver a superior VPN experience.

Hotspot Shield also supports streaming services such as Netflix. Rather than making a blanket statement that its servers will work with streaming, it actually has dedicated streaming servers in both the U.S. and UK. In addition to streaming locations you can choose servers dedicated to gaming as well.

Zooming back out to the home screen, there are a number of options on the left rail to choose from. These include a handy built-in speed test, account information, a support page, and a settings menu.

Hotspot Shields settings menu provides a good amount of customization options for the VPN. Hotspot Shields settings menu provides a good amount of customization options for the VPN. Sam Singleton Hotspot Shields settings menu provides a good amount of customization options for the VPN. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton

The settings area has a number of useful items. Theres an internet kill switch that stops all web traffic if the VPN connection crashes, and resumes only when you reconnect to the VPN. Theres also an Auto-protect feature that will automatically connect to the VPN when youre on public Wi-Fi.

In fact, since our last review, Hotspot Shield has added a number of great new features that can be turned on under the settings menu. It now offers split tunneling which allows you to pick and choose which apps or websites should be run through the VPN and which should be excluded. Additionally, it added support for the WireGuard protocol.

Ian Paul Ian Paul Ian Paul

Once youre connected, the app displays small informational tiles that show your VPN location, the VPN IP address youre using, the amount of bandwidth youve used going up and down, speed data, plus the name of the local network youre currently on. The server information tile also has some nice data in it, including your current IP address, the load of the server (as a percentage), the latency, and length of time connected.

Hotspot Shield supports up to five simultaneous device connections, which for a service this pricey is on the low side and hasnt been changed in recent years. The service has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are also instructions for setting up a router, as with numerous other services.

How much does Hotspot Shield cost?

Hotspot Shield is one of the more expensive VPNs at $12.99 per month. There is also a yearly plan that drops the price to $7.99 per month or $95.88 for the whole year. In the past, these higher prices could be justified as Hotspot Shield offered its subscriptions as bundled services  not just the VPN, but also a password manager, antivirus, and call blocker. Nowadays, though, many other services are offering these same features for no additional price.

Hotspot Shield does offer a free version of its VPN for no charge whatsoever. The free version limits you to 500MB of data per day, connection speeds are capped at 2Mbps, and there is only one U.S. server available. Youll also have to wade through quite a few ads while using it, especially with the Android app. Still, these restrictions arent a dealbreaker and are actually relatively mild compared to those of many other free services.

Hotspot Shield accepts payments via credit card and PayPal.

How is Hotspot Shields performance?

For a long time, Hotspot Shields Hydra protocol was the flat-out fastest VPN you could find. In recent years, however, thats changed, as many competitors have adopted the new-ish WireGuard protocol. The lightning-fast speeds of WireGuard mean that Hotspot Shield no longer stands alone at the top of the heap of fastest VPNs.

When testing Hotspot Shields performance, I measured connection speeds across its servers in six different countries around the world and then compared them to my baseline internet speed. I did this using both its proprietary Hydra protocol as well as WireGuard.

The average download speeds for the once vaunted Hydra were 61 percent of base download speed. Upload speeds clocked in at 70 percent of my base upload speed. Thats not bad, but its no longer great either. Just like an aging Usain Bolt, the competitors were bound to catch up eventually, I guess.

When connected to WireGuard, however, I actually noticed a slight speed increase, with download speeds jumping to 64 percent of base while upload speeds remained about the same. This just goes to show that Hydra isnt what it once was and, quite honestly, Id be hard pressed to recommend it over WireGuard going forward.

All of this is not to say that Hotspot Shield is slow. Its still much faster than many other VPNs, but it no longer runs away with the fastest title. Other VPNs such as NordVPN and ProtonVPN have caught up and overtaken it.

For those whore looking to use Hotspot Shield to unblock streaming content, youre in luck. It worked surprisingly well when it came to accessing geo-restricted content on sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and others. The service maintains a few streaming optimized servers in the U.S. and UK, but I actually found that even random servers I connected to in places like Japan and Australia allowed me to access content as well.

How is Hotspot Shields security and privacy?

Hotspot Shield offers three protocols to choose from: WireGuard, IKev2, and its own Hydra protocol. Hotspot Shield offers three protocols to choose from: WireGuard, IKev2, and its own Hydra protocol. Sam Singleton Hotspot Shield offers three protocols to choose from: WireGuard, IKev2, and its own Hydra protocol. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton

Hotspot Shield offers three protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, and its own proprietary protocol called Catapult Hydra. There isnt too much known about Hydra, but it is used by Kaspersky, Bitdefender, and McAfee, among other trustworthy security brands and I suppose that goes a long way towards demonstrating its reliability.

The service also offers a kill switch, turned off by default, which in my testing successfully blocked my internet traffic when my VPN connection was unexpectedly terminated. Its worth noting, however, that the kill-switch function only works with the Hydra protocol, not with WireGuard or IKEv2. This is highly unusual and quite vexing as Ive never come across a VPN that doesnt allow its kill-switch feature to work across all protocols.

Hotspot Shields privacy notice when you first open the application. Hotspot Shields privacy notice when you first open the application. Sam Singleton Hotspot Shields privacy notice when you first open the application. Sam Singleton Sam Singleton

While the security might be top-notch, Hotspot Shield drops the ball when it comes to privacy. Its parent company Aura still collects the domains you visit, as did the previous Hotspot Shield owners. Not the specific URLs, mind you, just the higher-level domains. Aura says it does this in order to, monitor, support, and optimize our VPN services. As a side note, this optimization is likely one of the reasons Hotspot Shield is able to stay at the top of our speed rankings.

In addition to the domains, Hotspot Shield also creates a hash based on your device attributes and uses that to measure bandwidth use, provide support, analytics, and so on. Your IP address is also kept (in an encrypted state) during your VPN session and then deleted. Finally, the company also collects the duration of your sessions and bandwidth consumption. Aura says it does this to monitor, support, and optimize our VPN services, as well as enforce free app usage limits.

Although Hotspot Shield claims that this data is anonymized and logs cant be traced back to specific users, this has unfortunately never been verified by independent audit. So its up to you whether youre willing to take them at their word.

Is Hotspot Shield worth it?

Hotspot Shield is a great option if your only concern is VPN speeds for streaming, gaming, and so on. Its no longer the standout that it once was, as other VPNs have caught up, but its still plenty fast. The Windows and Android apps are easy to use and it works with Netflix and other streaming services.

The companys privacy policy leaves a lot to be desired though, and proprietary VPN protocols, even one with wide support like Hydra, are still a little questionable. The reality is that there are other VPN services that log far less data, and still have acceptable speeds. Go with Hotspot Shield for the speed, but not the privacy.

Editors note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, this review is subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the service. Any changes to text or our final review verdict will be noted at the top of this article.
In a heart-warming display of solidarity and support, Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana has stepped forward to extend a helping hand to the Ghana Health Service in the Ashanti region.



Recognising the critical need for essential medicines amidst challenging times, the pharmaceutical company has generously donated medicines worth over GHC 180,000 to aid the healthcare efforts in the region.



Amidst the backdrop of global health challenges, partnerships and collaborations have become paramount in ensuring the well-being of communities worldwide.



With a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, as spearheaded by Managing Director, Mr. Gagan Sharma, Bliss GVS Pharma has exemplified this spirit of collaboration by partnering with the Ghana Health Service to address healthcare needs in the Ashanti region of Ghana.



The donation of medicines by Bliss GVS Pharma underscores their dedication to improving access to healthcare and ensuring the availability of essential medications, particularly in underserved regions.



Through this act of generosity, the company aims to contribute to enhancing healthcare services and the community's overall well-being.



During the donation, Pharm Bismark Amponsah, a medical representative of Bliss GVS Pharma stated, "We are deeply committed to supporting the healthcare delivery and addressing the healthcare needs of communities.



Our partnership with the Ghana Health Service in the Ashanti region reflects our ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and our mission to impact health in Ghana positively. We donated anti-malaria medicines such as LONART and GSUNATE, as well as other essential pharmaceuticals crucial for combating various diseases", he said.



This is the fourth year of our donations under the campaign Act for Africa a Malaria-free continent, he noted.



Receiving items on behalf of The Ghana Health Service, Ashanti Region, Mr Micah Asare Bediako, Deputy Director of Administration expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasising the significance of such support in bolstering their efforts to provide quality healthcare services to the populace.



He said, The donated medicines will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of essential treatments for various health conditions, thereby improving health outcomes and saving lives.



This act of generosity by Bliss GVS Pharma serves as a shining example of corporate philanthropy and underscores the power of collaboration in addressing pressing healthcare challenges. In vain of this, a similar donation of medicines worth over GHC 90,000 was made at Living Water Hospital in Kumasi same day. Through such collective efforts, meaningful change can be achieved, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient communities.



As the world continues to navigate through unprecedented challenges, acts of kindness and solidarity like this serve as beacons of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter and healthier future for all. Bliss GVS Pharma's donation to the Ghana Health Service and Living Waters Hospital in the Ashanti region stands as a testament to the transformative impact that compassionate collaboration can have on the lives of individuals and communities alike.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Gordon Asare-Bediako, the Managing Editor of ABCNews, has condemned the recently announced hikes in fees and charges for obtaining or replacing a Ghana Card.



Asare-Bediako, also a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) communication team, minced no words as he lambasted the government for what he perceived as an unjust burden on the citizens.



He says the Ghanaian populace has committed no offence warranting such treatment.



He expressed dismay at the new charges, emphasising the hardships citizens endure in obtaining the Ghana Card, only to face exorbitant fees for replacements. "What crime have Ghanaians committed?" he questioned.



Asare-Bediako directed his criticism at the NPP, cautioning that their actions could cost them in the upcoming 2024 elections.



He urged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the NPP's flagbearer, not to jeopardise his chances by ignoring the people's grievances.



Drawing attention to the disconnect between the leadership and the grassroots, Asare-Bediako emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue.



"Sometimes, when we speak, our leaders argue that when issues arise, we need to take our time. We are also on the ground and hear about things that are going on.



"I witnessed this on Saturday and the way people are angry. For the new charges, if President Akufo-Addo himself were to make an announcement, I would expect Dr. Bawumia to also issue a counter-announcement.



"What crime have Ghanaians committed? People struggled greatly to register for this Ghana Card, and perhaps by mistake, some have misplaced it. And yet, you're discussing such high charges. What kind of madness is this?



"Nobody can defend this rubbish. Forgive me for using harsh words, but these are the realities. Nobody can defend this rubbish, and if you guys go ahead to do this, kiss 2024 goodbye. Why?" he said on a panel discussion on Wontumi radio on April 22, 2024.







Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Chief Executive Officer of the InterCity State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea has appealed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to provide a power schedule to guide Ghanaians in the current power crisis.



The ECG has refused to provide a timetable to help electricity consumers plan their daily activities.



According to the electricity supplier, the current situation cannot be likened to the electricity crisis under the previous Mahama administration, locally translated as 'dumsor', but attributes the problem to what they term as "localized fault".



In view of this, the authority has ignored the calls for a load-shedding timetable and the sector Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has backed the ECG.



Contributing to Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', Nana Akomea asked the ECG and the stakeholders in the energy sector to do the needful, questioning why they won't give Ghanaians a timetable.



"This doesn't help the government in anyway . . . this is not right. It is not a good record," he lamented.



He insisted for a schedule stressing "in the meantime, give us a timetable".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has raised concerns over the long silence of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on the calls for them to give electricity consumers a timetable.



The electricity company has refused to draw a schedule to guide the citizens as they are saddled with irregular power supply.



The ECG's reason for not providing a timetable is that what Ghanaians are experiencing is a "localized fault" and not akin to the power crisis they faced under the previous Mahama government which gained the popular term "dumsor".



But there is a public outcry for the electricity supplier to resolve the current electricity problem and in the meantime provide a schedule to guide their customers.



Tackling the issue on Tuesday's edition of Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning programme, Kwesi Pratt was alarmed at the way and manner the government is treating Ghanaians.



"Why? What will happen if you give us a timetable?", he questioned, insisting "give us a timetable; this is a minimum demand".



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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LOS ANGELESCounsel for Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub and its affiliated companies, has asked a federal district judge to trim a lawsuit alleging trafficking claims filed by a victim of the GirlsDoPorn sex trafficking ring.

Jane Doe, formerly known as Kristy Althaus, filed a lawsuit last September in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. She accuses Aylo of profiting from her trafficking and abuse by advertising her videos through the content partnership program. GirlsDoPorn was a part of the content partnership program hosted by Pornhub before it was revealed that the studio, led by Michael James Pratt, defrauded and trafficked dozens of women.

"Our concern is, what this complaint does, is it explodes it into all sorts of places where it really doesn't need to be," said attorney Marc E. Mayer, who was quoted in coverage of a recent hearing on the matter by Law360.com.

Mayer represents eight of the nine defendants named in Doe's initial complaint. He is a partner at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP in Los Angeles.

Before U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald, Mayer argued that defendants were "improperly grouped ... together without alleging how each defendant participated in the alleged wrongdoing."

He added he doesn't wish to dismiss the mention of trafficking but rather narrow the claims to fall under provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. Doe alleges violations of the act, including violations of California anti-trafficking laws and the Lanham Act.

Doe, when she was still going by Althaus, was a runner-up in a teen beauty pageant in Colorado. She was doxxed shortly after appearing in a viral scene for GirlsDoPorn. It became the most popular video on Pornhub in 2014.

In her lawsuit, Doe also alleged that she was trapped in a hotel room in an intoxicated state. Doe argued in the lawsuit: "Pratt and his conspirators deceived, coerced, and forced plaintiff to perform sexual acts on film. ... Production of the video took approximately 9-10 hours, and included protracted filming of plaintiff's non-consensual sex  i.e. rape."

AVN reported that Doe also claims that she was forced into performing in scenes because of fear for her personal safety and that of her family. Exhibits presented in the complaint include a message chain screenshotted by Doe showing Pratt threatening her with the graveyard. Doe was forced to change her name as a means to regain a level of privacy after her name was released by GirlsDoPorn.

Last month, Michael James Pratt, who founded the GirlsDoPorn website, appeared for the first time in a San Diego federal district court on the 19-count indictment against him on charges including sex trafficking, production of child pornography and money laundering. Pratt pleaded not guilty. The degree of Aylo's involvement is central to Doe's lawsuit, nonetheless.

Doe claims that Pornhub circulated and profited from Does exploitation for several years, including up to GirlsDoPorns official shuttering and the suspension of the studios content partnership with Pornhub at the time.

Aylo settled a 30-month criminal investigation into Pornhub's involvement in the GirlsDoPorn scheme through a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA). The Aylo DPA permits federal courts to hold Aylo liable for any restitution.
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has expressed its frustration over the governments non-compliance with the National Labour Commission's (NLC) Compulsory Arbitration Awards to members of the association and issued a one-month ultimatum for its implementation.



It warned that if the outstanding awards were not fully implemented by May 31, 2024, CETAG members would take matters into their own hands.



Non-compliance

At a press conference at the Accra College of Education yesterday, CETAG President, Prince Obeng-Himah, said despite the NLC's binding orders, their employer had refused to implement the awards.



The non-compliance, he said, was affecting all the 2,000 members of the association in the 46 public colleges of education across the country.



Earlier strike

Mr Obeng-Himah said CETAG embarked on an indefinite strike in August 2023, which was later called off due to the intervention of the NLC. However, the employer's failure to comply with the awards has led to a deepening of the crisis.



The association, he said, had written several reminders to the NLC and its employer, but no action had since been taken. Mr Obeng-Himah stressed that CETAG was demanding what was rightfully theirs and that their patience was wearing thin.



Appeal

The association, therefore, called on the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to intervene and ensure compliance with the NLC's orders to prevent industrial disturbances this academic year.



The association also urged the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice and the Chairman of the National Labour Commission to prevail on their employer to uphold the rule of law and comply with the NLC's Compulsory Arbitration Awards orders.



Demands

CETAG's demands include payment of one month's salary based on the respondent's proposed salary grade as compensation for additional duty performed in 2022 and the application of agreed rates payable to public universities to deserving members.



They also demanded the implementation of the completed staff audit exercise, which commenced on January 1, 2023.

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.

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Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), Adjenim Boateng Adjei, has pleaded not guilty to the fresh criminal charges filed against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).



The charges, which were filed at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra last Wednesday, are eight counts of using public office for profit and indirectly influencing procurement processes to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of procurement contracts.



The court, presided over by Justice Maries-Louis Simmons, admitted Adjei to bail in the sum of GH4 million with two sureties, both to be justified. As part of the bail conditions, the Registrar is to confirm from relevant authorities the authenticity of documents from the sureties, who are to deposit their Ghana Cards.



Mr Adjei is to produce every passport he has in his possession to the Registrar. The case has been adjourned to May 14, 2024, for a Case Management Conference.



Old charges withdrawn

Earlier in the day, Mr Adjei and his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku Arhin, were discharged by a different court where they had been standing trial for the past one year and 11 months.



That was after a prosecutor from the OSP, Adelaide Kobiri-Woode, notified the court of her intention to withdraw the case involving 18 counts of using public office for profit and nine counts of directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of a procurement contract against the two.



Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh struck out the old charges as withdrawn. The withdrawn charges were filed in May 2022.



Before he was discharged, the prosecutions star witness, Manasseh Azure Awuni, who conducted the investigation leading to the interdiction of Adjei, was under cross-examination by lawyers for the accused.



The former PPA boss lawyer, Kwame Acheampong Boateng, expressed disappointment at the move by the OSP, adding: Having gone through trial we thought the matter would be extremely expeditious.



Prosecutions facts



The facts accompanying the charges are that by a letter signed by his Secretary, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo referred allegations of corruption against Adjei to the OSP.



The referral was on the back of and based on an audio-visual documentary titled Contracts for Sale  an investigative journalistic piece conducted by Mr Awuni and aired by the Multimedia Group.



It said evidence established that Adjei was at all material times the Chief Executive of the PPA, a member of the Governing Board of the PPA and a member of the Due Diligence Unit of the PPA (by virtue of his position as the Chief Executive of the authority).



The accused and another person incorporated Talent Discovery Limited in Ghana as a company limited by shares on June 19, 2017, three months after he was appointed as the Chief Executive of the PPA.



It said at all material times, the accused was the majority shareholder and a director of Talent Discovery Limited. It added that during the tenure of the accused as the Chief Executive, Talent Discovery Limited participated in several restricted tenders in respect of public works contracts awarded by the Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Education, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.



The accused, in his capacity as the Chief Executive, a member of the Governing Board and a member of the Due Diligence Unit of the PPA, conducted the procurement processes in respect of tenders in which Talent Discovery Limited was shortlisted.



He actively participated in the due diligence and decision-making processes leading to the selection of Talent Discovery Limited as the contractor in respect of the tenders, without disclosing his personal interest as the majority shareholder and a director of the company, it said.



The prosecutor said Mr Adjei also employed his position as the Chief Executive of the PPA to improperly alter the decision of the Governing Board of the PPA in respect of two Ministry of Education contracts in favour of Talent Discovery Limited, allegedly leading to the improper award of the contracts to Talent Discovery Limited.



The accused benefited personally and pecuniarily through the use of public office for profit and influencing the public procurement process to obtain unfair advantage in favour of Talent Discovery Limited, in respect of which he had a financial interest as the majority shareholder, the prosecutor told the court.

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.

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A Chinese-owned supermarket in Nigeria's capital has been shut by the authorities over allegations that it denies entry to African shoppers.



The supermarket in Abuja allegedly "exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter", Nigeria's consumer protection watchdog said on X.



It has summoned the supermarket's owner.



The Chinese Chamber of commerce in Nigeria has denied the racism allegations.



The supermarket is a tenant in a building run by the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC).



Boladale Adeyinka, an official at Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), said that the watchdog had launched an investigation into the allegations.



This follows widespread outrage on social media after some Nigerians shared their experiences of allegedly being turned away by security when they attempted to go to the supermarket.



In one of the videos, a man said he had discovered the supermarket online but was blocked from entering the complex where it is located.



"At the gate, the security people told me that the supermarket is strictly for Chinese people. If you are a Nigerian, you can't go inside or buy anything," he said in the clip posted on X, formerly Twitter.



In another video on X, a group of Nigerians are seen visiting a building to verify the reports that non-Chinese shoppers were being turned away.



A security guard outside the entrance appears to tell them that the supermarket had cut off access to Nigerians since January.



Several Nigerians have demanded the closure of the supermarket, including former senator Shehu Sani, who said that any store in Nigeria that was not accessible to citizens "should be forcibly opened or be pulled down".



In a statement quoted by local media, the CGCC said it stood for "equality and inclusiveness".



"Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development," it added.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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As the global community observes International Earth Day, Pure Earth Ghana, a non-governmental organization reaffirms its dedication to addressing the critical issues of mercury and lead pollution, emphasizing the profound impact on health and ecosystems. With increasing levels of these toxic substances detected in the environment, Pure Earth, Blacksmith Initiative, amplifies its commitment to implementing sustainable practices for a healthier planet.



In a statement released by Pure Earth Ghana Intensifies, Mercury and lead pollution pose significant challenges in various Ghanaian communities, contributing to environmental degradation and health crises.



The Minamata Convention on Mercury ratified by over 128 countries including Ghana recognizes mercury as a chemical of global concern due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment. Similarly, lead contamination prevalent in paints, batteries, and industrial emissions, poses risks to children's brain development.



Studies highlight the devastating consequences of mercury and lead exposure on ecosystems and human health with irreversible impacts worsening over time. Pure Earth and Ghana Health Service's recent study revealed alarming levels of lead exposure among children, surpassing the World Health Organization's recommended threshold for public health action.



Traditional eyeliner (Chilo) samples tested also exceeded lead standards, posing a significant risk of exposure to children. Additionally, metal cookware including locally fabricated aluminum cookware (Dadesen), has been found to contain lead, further exacerbating health risks.



Pure Earth Ghana spearheads initiatives focused on community outreach, site remediation, policy advocacy, and collaboration with local industries to adopt cleaner technologies. However, addressing the scale of pollution requires collective action from government agencies, international bodies, and stakeholders.



Pure Earth Ghana calls for strengthened policies, investment in clean technology, rigorous enforcement of regulations and support for research and grassroots initiatives to mitigate the impact of mercury and lead pollution.





Source: Sika Ayim/ Peace FM Newsroom









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, welcomed Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife, Samira and other government officials to the Vatican.



On Monday, Dr Bawumia embarked on a diplomatic mission to Italy and the Vatican State. During his visit, he is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with His Holiness, Pope Francis, focusing on shared values of love, mercy, and inclusivity. The discussions aim to align with the Pope's efforts to foster unity and understanding among all people across the globe.



The diplomatic tour highlights Ghana's commitment to peace, justice, and solidarity, in line with international principles governing collaboration and mutual benefit between nations.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Atik Mohammed says he disagrees with those calling on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to provide them with a load-shedding timetable.



There are incessant calls on the electricity distributor to release a power schedule so as consumers can plan their daily activities.



The schedule is aimed at alleviating the impact of the power cuts on Ghanaians as the unpredictability of the situation is destroying home appliances, food and other relevant and costly items.



This is compounding the economic pressures on Ghanaians, hence the ECG comes under intense criticisms for refusing to give out the timetable.



Commenting on the matter during Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show, the ex-PNC General Secretary stated it is premature to release a timetable now because the problem might be temporary.



To him, what is important is for the ECG to tell the truth by revealing the real problem to determine whether or not a timetable is necessary.



For now, I do not support the idea that we should be given a timetable. What if the problem is temporary, a problem that will go after a month or two and you rush to demand a timetable, youre putting the cart before the horse, he told Nana Yaw Kesseh.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Three persons who allegedly robbed a Quantity Surveyor at his residence at Anyaa and made away with his mobile phone and other electrical gadgets have been put before an Accra Circuit Court.



Richard Garbah, an Okada rider, Joseph Atiogbe, alias Jazzy, a trader; and one Obed, alias Tinny now at large, were exposed after the complainants iPhone 14 Pro Max was tracked and retrieved from Stephen Morrison, an accountant and the fourth accused person.



Morrison is said to have told the Police that the iPhone was sold to him by Atiogbe.



Garbah, Atiogbe and Obed have been jointly charged with conspiracy and robbery.



Morrison was charged with dishonestly receiving.



Atiogbe and Morrison, who were present in court, pleaded not guilty.



The court presided over by Afia Owusuaa Appiah remanded Atiogbe into police custody and granted Morrison bail in the sum of GH50,000 with two sureties to be justified.



The court has adjourned the matter to May 8, 2024



The prosecution led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Evans Kesse said the complainants name, withheld, was a Quantity Surveyor residing at Anyaa.



It said on July 27, 2023, at about 1:30 am Garbah, Atiogbe and Obed armed with cutlasses, broke into the apartment of the complainant, who lived alone at Anyaa.



The court heard that the three accused persons assaulted the complainant and robbed him of his iPhone 14 Pro Max valued at GH25,000, an Alcatel Smart phone valued GH 1,500, an iPod valued at $99, a TCL 55 inches television valued at GH10,740, a decoder valued at GH250 and cash of GH3,500.



The prosecution said the accused person forced the complainant to give them his iPhone password and thereafter locked him up in his bedroom and bolted with the booty.



The prosecutor said the complainant raised the alarm and a neighbour opened the door from the kitchen.



It said the complainant reported the matter to the Police.



During investigations, the prosecution said the iPhone of the complainant was tracked by the Police and the same was retrieved from Morrison.



It said Morrison told the Police that he bought the phone from Atiogbe at GH8,000.



Police intelligence led to the arrest of Garbah who had on him the complainants Alcatel phone.



According to the prosecution, Garbah said he also got the phone from Atiogbe who was then at large.



On March 23, 2024, Atiogbe was also arrested and during interrogation, he admitted selling the iPhone to Morrison.







Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Huawei Digital Power has held the maiden edition of itsFusionsolar Partner Summit in Accra, Ghana. The Summit themed, Lighting Up a Greener Africa, was aimed at bringing together Huawei Digital Power channel partners to release its latest sustainable energy solutions in the industry.



Speaking at the event, Mr. Tommy Liang, the Managing Director of Huawei Ghana, indicated that, Huawei as a corporate entity is committed to leveraging technological innovations to promote sustainable energy solutions and contribute to the global energy transition.



Mr. Tommy Liang, Managing Director, Huawei Ghana



According to him, the company is committed to investing in Ghana through collaboration with local enterprises to help develop solutions tailored to the needs of the local market.



Our vision for partnership is built on the belief that collaboration with Ghanas local channel partners can not only facilitate technology localization but also create jobs, cultivate professional talent, and achieve mutual success. We are dedicated to supporting our partners through professional training and market development initiatives.



Mr. David Bian, Smart PV Director, Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan, also indicated that, With the continuous improvement of photovoltaic generation efficiency and lower prices, the era of PV+ Storage parity is coming, and PV + energy storage will become the most economical and universal form of power. Huawei is the leading industry supplier that can provide full-scenario solar solutions. As a leading vendor in the ICT industry, Huawei's Digital Power brings valuable additions to the transformation of the energy industry based on 4TBit, Thermal, Watt, Battery technologies. This means that for the long-term development of the PV industry, Huawei can provide partners with strong support of "Innovative Portfolio, Quality, Delivery, Service, OEM Brand and Training support".



He further indicated that, Facing the booming market prospects of the PV industry, Huawei Digital Power will continue to deepen its ecological strategy, adhering to the principles of "shared benefits as the bridge, integrity as the foundation, and rules as the guarantee.



Mr. David Bian, Smart PV Director, Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa



Mr. Jeffery Zhang, Channel Director, Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa Regionunveiled the companys channel partner policy based on "trust, profit, simplicity, and growth", in line with its commitment to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes with partners in an integrated ecosystem. The ecosystem partner policies are capability-driven, based on four PSEE measures that is- Profitability: to secure the profitability of partners; Simplicity: to simplify policies and processes for easier cooperation; Enablement: to improve partner capabilities continuously; and Ecosystem: to invest in ecosystem development. Huawei Digital Power also outlined trends in the global smart PV industry, including growth in smart string inverters for which Huawei is the principal promoter globally.



All-Scenario Smart PV+ESS Solutions introduced at the event:



Residential Smart PV Solution: A Home That Always Shines



 Huawei Residential Smart PV Solution optimizes energy yield, storage, consumption, and safety to ensure electricity self-sufficiency.

 Residential Smart PV & ESS Solutions: Power-M and Luna. The LUNA is a one-stop solution which offers stable and reliable power to homes, offices and apartments. Power-M is an all-in-one modular Smart String Energy Storage system, with multi-scenario applications, such as apartments, business outlets, homes or villas, and it is a hybrid power solution which integrates grid, solar, Diesel Generator (DG) and battery.



Commercial & Industrial Smart PV Solution: One-stop for a Sustainable Business



 For commercial and industrial (C&I) users, the energy storage products, such as LUNA2000-200KWH, have been highlighted which features security and efficiency, simple O&M, and added power revenue.

 Huawei Smart String ESS solutions, which include the LUNA 200kWh, LUNA 1MWh, LUNA 2MWh, and Power-S. These Huawei Smart String ESS solutions provide more safety, longer product life, more usable energy, simplified O&M and provide independent battery racks and packs control, compared to Central ESS solutions.



Utility Smart PV&ESS Solution: Enabling PV Electricity as a Main Energy Source



 Huawei Digital Power employs Artificial intelligence (AI) + grid forming technologyto create intelligent PV + ESS generator, utilizing three major stability reconstruction technologies, namely voltage stability reconstruction, frequency stability reconstruction, and power angle stability reconstruction. It serves as a crucial core solution for addressing the weak power grids in Africa and is the optimal choice for large-scale bases.



At the summit, some of key partners also shared the energy experience of their partnership and cooperation with Huawei, based on Huaweis premium product solutions, extensivechannel policy and their notable projects.



Huawei believes that partnership is the key in the new era of solar. With the spirit of creating a low carbon society, Huawei pledges to create a better, greener future with its partners in the spirit of lighting up a greener Africa.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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In a move to accelerate the passing of the Affirmative Action Bill, Chief of Staff, Hon Akosuah Fremah Osei Opare, has made a passionate appeal to Asantehene, the revered traditional ruler of the Ashanti Region.



The bill, aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women, has gained significant attention nationwide.



Hon Fremah recognizes the influential role Asantehene plays in the region and believes his support could be a game-changer.



Hon Fremah Osei Opare at a food fair at Manhyia Palace as part of activities marking Asantehenes 25th anniversary, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving progress for all.



She highlighted how the bill would create a more inclusive society, providing equal opportunities for women in various sectors.

By appealing to Asantehene, Hon Fremah seeks to leverage his influence and rally support from all corners to push the bill through parliament.



The Affirmative Action Bill is a proposed Legislation that seeks to provide gender parity in Ghanaian politics. The bill aims to increase womens participation in decision making positions that at least 40% of public offices be reserved for women. The bill has been in parliament for over a decade but has not received the needed attention for it to become law.



She lauded Asantehene for his continuous support to empower women in the Ashanti Region and beyond which according to her has made many women to have better stand in society today







The King was praised for his contribution to health care delivery, education and other socio-economic areas to revive the both the local and national economy of the country.





Hon Fremah expressed her gratitude to Asantehene for his tireless efforts in breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive society where women can thrive. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support from all sectors to ensure that women's voices are heard and their contributions are valued.



It's truly inspiring to see leaders like Asantehene and Chief of Staff working together to empower women and create a more equitable society  she added.



TRADITIONAL FOOD RECIPE



The Chief of staff recounted how Ashanti traditional recipes are gradually missing out from the system and proposed that the recipes can be published for next generation to learn from it.



This too according to her will also promote local tourism as visitors too will try preparing some of the traditional recipes.



The proposed recipe book aims to capture the essence of traditional dishes, ensuring that future generations have access to these cherished recipes.



Hon Fremah believes that by highlighting the importance of eating traditional foods, the book will encourage Ghanaians to embrace their cultural identity and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The recipes will showcase the diverse flavors and techniques that have been passed down through generations, promoting the use of locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Institute of Energy Security (IES) says the Energy Minister's inability to solve the energy crisis the country is experiencing in recent times is enough for the president to sack him from office.



The Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi VII said Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh's leadership should be relieved so he can focus on other 'agenda' he seems much more interested in.



Where we have gotten to, there is no circuit and so what is the use of the minister in that space? He must be relieved, probably to concentrate on any other agenda he is bidding for. He must be relieved of his post.



"It is becoming too much. Is it not insulting with the statement that he made? Total disrespect to consumers. Are we asking for too much? Nana Amoasi VII said in an interview with Citi FM and monitored by Peacefmonline.com.



He further expressed disappointment with the minister's posture in dealing with the crisis that has left many Ghanaian businesses collapsing.



For Gods sake, I am a prepaid consumer. I have paid for that power that you need to supply me. In fact, you chose to put a meter in my house at a fee, which is also a contract in a form, and he chose to take my money in advance.



If I am not going to get the power, then just out of respect, at least tell me when I can have the power. But dont look into my face and say, I should go and produce my own timetable, he noted

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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NEW YORKIn a historic first in the United States, former Republican President Donald Trump is on trial for falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 pay-off to prevent adult star Stormy Daniels from speaking on an affair the two had in June 2006. He also faces an array of other charges, totaling an indictment on 34 felony counts. The trial officially commenced on Monday, April 22, after jury selection last week.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office announced the charges against Trump last spring, including alleged felony violations of falsifying documents in a scheme to influence the 2016 election in the former president's favor. After a tumultuous jury selection process, Trump was seen in a Manhattan courtroom Monday resigned and quiet, wearing a blue necktie.

Trump pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in April 2023. Now that the trial has begun, the details of the case already made public in the indictment, and an initial statement of facts document released by the district attorney's office is now before a New York court judge, Juan Merchan, and a 12-member jury.

Prosecutors accused Trump of engaging in a "catch-and-kill" scheme to suppress any bad press about him in order to get elected. He enlisted the assistance of David Pecker, the former publisher of the tabloid National Enquirer. This scheme, prosecutors argue, included former Trump attorney Michael Cohen paying off Daniels.
Funeral for late Highlife legend, Kwabena Kwakye Kabobo, fondly remembered as KK Kabobo, will be held in Accra on June 15 and 16 2024 when his remains will be buried.



This was announced during his One-Week observance service, held on Saturday, April 20, at the Police Depot in Accra.



The event, which drew a number of mourners, including fellow Ghanaian music icons Abrantie Amakye Dede, Okyerema Asante, and Obuoba JA Adofo, served as a poignant moment for the music industry to bid farewell to one of its beloved figures.



KK Kabobo, whose music resonated deeply with many, succumbed to liver disease on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at the University of Ghana Medical Center.



The late Highlife legend was not only celebrated for his musical prowess but also for his contributions to the music industry.



As a member of the Professional Musicians Association of Ghana (PROMAG) and a board member of the copyright management team, KK Kabobo played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Ghanaian music.



KK Kabobo leaves behind a rich legacy, with timeless classics such as Onyame Ahu Wo, Nyatse Nyatse Girl, and Running Away etching his name in the annals of Ghanaian music history.



As preparations for his final farewell begin, fans, colleagues, and admirers alike will gather to pay their respects and honor the memory of a true Highlife icon.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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If youre looking to dine at a Tijuana Flats restaurant the next time youre down south, it may not be there.

The Central Florida fast-casual Tex-Mex chain announced on Friday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and has closed 11 of its restaurants. The chain didnt say which locations closed. The company now has 65 company-owned locations throughout Florida, along with 26 franchised restaurants in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

The bankruptcy filing and restaurant closings are in conjunction with the sale of the company. Flatheads LLC has acquired the brand from TJF USA LLC.

Our company is excited by the new ownership groups plan to reinvest, focus, and emphasize the things that originally brought so many people to love Tijuana Flats. We understand the immediate financial actions taken by them to ensure the long-term health of this great and iconic brand, Joe Christina, CEO of Tijuana Flats, said in a news release.

The sale and subsequent bankruptcy filing are the culmination of a strategic review that started in November when the company began exploring various options which included a potential sale.

Tijuana Flats was founded 30 years ago.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides businesses or large investors with protection from creditors while they continue operating and develop a repayment plan. Both creditors and owners must agree on a reorganization plan, which ultimately must be approved by a federal bankruptcy judge. Tijuana Flats will continue operating during Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
A company that repairs ships in Philadelphia is closing its facility in the City of Brotherly Love.

North Atlantic Ship Repair filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state it will close its facility at 5195 S. 19th St. in Philadelphia and 58 people will be laid off as a result of the closure.

Layoffs are expected to begin on June 23 and take place within two weeks of that date. The Philadelphia Shipyard location will close on June 28.

The company provides a variety of services from emergency ship services and sea valve repairs to anchor chain inspections and painting; machinery overhauls, upgrades, and installations; and vessel switchboard cleaning.

The company was founded in 1995 and also repairs ships in Boston, Massachusetts.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated April 22.
A 33-year-old Lebanon man fatally shot himself Wednesday morning, the same day a jury was expected to issue its ruling in his trial on felony charges stemming from abuse of his infant, according to the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office.

Brian Hungler was facing one count of aggravated assault and one count of endangering the welfare of children after his infant child suffered serious injuries to their brain, ribs and leg bones on May 16, 2022, according to a news release from the DA. The baby survived, but no updates were available on the childs prognosis.

Hunglers trial, prosecuted by the Lebanon County District Attorneys Office, started on Monday, according to online court records.

After the jury heard testimony from several doctors, including Penn State Hershey Medical Centers Child Protective Team, the DAs office gave closing remarks on Tuesday. A decision was expected on Wednesday.

However, police responded to Hunglers home early Wednesday morning for a reported gunshot injury and found him deceased, holding a semi-automatic handgun, with a gunshot wound to his head. The DAs new release said Hunglers gunshot wound was consistent with self-inflicted injury.

Emergency medical services unsuccessfully attempted to save Hunglers life. He was later pronounced dead at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

District Attorney Pier Hess Graf included these comments in the news release from her office:

In quantifying criminal behavior, abusers of infants are the lowest of the low. The baby suffered daily, unable to speak for himself and cry out against his attacker  his own father. To then take his own life in lieu of facing the jurys decision is utter cowardice.

Our office will never be deterred from prosecuting and convicting child killers and child abusers. We will always pursue justice for victims of abuse and violence, even when their perpetrators choose suicide over accountability and facing the consequences of their own actions.

The Lebanon County Detective Bureau and North Lebanon Township Police are investigating Hunglers death.
Welcome to PennLives coverage of the 2024 primary election in Pennsylvania.

Although the candidates for president are known for both Democrats and Republicans, there are key races to determine who will run in Novembers general election. However, as the Associated Press notes, there could be a number of uncommitted votes for incumbent President Joe Biden, protesting the US response to the Israel-Hamas war.

There are five Democrats vying for that partys nomination for state attorney general. There are also contested races for the Democrats for auditor general and state treasurer.

In central Pa., there are six Democrat candidates running in the race for 10th Congressional District, where the winner will take on incumbent Scott Perry in the fall. Other contested races in this area include the Democrat one for 103rd state House District and Democrats and Republicans running for the 15th state Senate District. We will also be following contested statewide races.

The most recent updates will be at the top of the post, so please refresh throughout the night to see the latest.

FINAL UPDATE: 12:38 a.m.

Our final update of the night comes from PennLive reporter Zack Hoopes on the 92nd state House district race:

Marc Anderson emerged the winner Tuesday night in a five-way race for the Republican nomination to succeed Rep. Dawn Keefer in her northern York County statehouse seat.

Anderson came away with 36.6% of the vote in the 92nd House District, edging out second-place finisher Zak Kile, who garnered 31.4% of GOP voters support.

Anderson will be heavily favored to win the November general against Democratic candidate Dan Almoney, who ran for his partys nomination unopposed. The district broke for Donald Trump by 34 points in 2020; Keefer has held the seat since 2016 but opted not to run for re-election in order to seek the state Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mike Regan.

Read the full story: Anderson wins GOP primary to succeed Keefer in York County statehouse seat

UPDATE: 12:17 a.m.

The Philadelphia Inquirer writes on the primarys low turnout:

PHILADELPHIA  A primary election day that was wall-to-wall splendid around here with unimpeded sun and a generous ration of April warmth was absolutely perfect for voting. And evidently for not voting.

With nominees already essentially chosen for president  and not everyone is happy with them  and U.S. Senate and a general absence of passion, indications were that 70% or more of voters in the region and across the state decided this primary wasnt worth their trouble.

Based on reports from polling places, Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the election watchdog group Committee of Seventy, said she expected final figures to show a super-low turnout.

No major problems were reported, and certainly no one was complaining about long lines.

Read the full story: On perfect day for voting, Pa. primary generates a super-low turnout

UPDATE: 11:34 p.m.

PennLives J.D. Prose writes on the attorney general race:

Former Democratic state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and Republican York County District Attorney Dave Sunday will face off in the race for Pennsylvania attorney general this fall after winning their parties nominations on Tuesday.

With 84% of votes counted in the Democratic primary, DePasquale, a Pittsburgh resident who was once a York County state representative, had over 344,000 votes, or 38%, more than enough to win the nomination in a crowded field featuring four other candidates from southeast Pennsylvania.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer was second with 19%, followed by former Bucks County solicitor Joe Khan with nearly 16%, former public defender Keir Bradford-Grey of Philadelphia with 14% and state Rep. Jared Solomon with 13%.

Read the full story: DePasquale, Sunday win primaries to vie for Pa. attorney general in the fall

UPDATE: 11:32 p.m.

Outside of Pennsylvania, no money means no comeback for George Santos.

George Santos ends comeback bid for Congress after raising no money https://t.co/JfiSWpn3uj  The Associated Press (@AP) April 24, 2024

Announcement!



I have decided to withdraw from my independent run for #NY1



I dont want my run to be portrayed as reprisal against Nick Lalota Although Nick and I dont have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I dont want to split the  George Santos (@MrSantosNY) April 23, 2024

UPDATE: 11:18 p.m.

PennLives John Luciew has the results from the 103rd state House District race, where current officeholder Rep. Patty Kim is running for state Senate:

The 103rd State House district is all about straddling both shores of the Susquehanna River. The Democrat candidate who best did that, based on unofficial returns, was longtime legislative staffer Nate Davidson.

With 2,106 votes and all of the returns in, Davidson outpolled the other four Democrats on his home turf of Harrisburg and held his own in the Cumberland County communities of Lemoyne, Wormleysburg, Camp Hill and East Pennsboro Township.

From the outset, the 5-way race for the Democratic nomination was dominated by diversity. There was the large number of candidates  three women and two men. And theres the district itself, which takes in uptown Harrisburg on one side of the Susquehanna River and Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Wormleysburg and East Pennsboro Township on the other.

Read the full story: Nate Davidson wins Dem nod in 103rd House, drawing support from both shores

UPDATE: 11:16 p.m.

PennLives Zack Hoopes has the results of the 199th state House District race.

Rick Christie has won the Democratic nomination to face incumbent Republican Rep. Barb Gleim in the race for Pennsylvanias 199th House District seat.

Christie came away Tuesday night with 78% of vote, edging out fellow Democratic hopeful Montana Hartman in the district which encompasses Carlisle and the western portion of Cumberland County.

Im not a place-marker, Im in it to win it, Christie said Tuesday night, complimenting Hartman as a smart person whos got a bright future.

Read the full story: Christie clinches Democratic nomination to challenge GOP Rep. Gleim

UPDATE 11:05 p.m.

From Jan Murphy:

If the results that I am seeing on the Dept. of State website are final - which is hard to tell, it looks like two House incumbents are in jeopardy of losing their seats - Kevin Boyle and Jim Gregory  Jan Murphy (@JanMurphy) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 10:54 p.m.

There was an upset in the state treasurers race. PennLives Jan Murphy reports:

A former Allegheny County project manager on Tuesday upset the Democratic Party-endorsed candidate to win her partys nomination for state treasurer.

Erin McClelland was declared the winner over party-endorsed state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro of Erie County, according to the Associated Press. Bizzarro was unopposed in the primary for the Democratic nomination for the House seat he has held for 12 years.

McClelland, 48, will now take on Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity, 59, who was unopposed for her partys nomination, in November.

Read the full story: In an upset, McClelland wins Democratic nomination for state treasurer

UPDATE: 10:43 p.m.

PennLives Ivey DeJesus has the results for the 15th state Senate race:

The race for Pennsylvanias 15th Senate District will pit Democrat Rep. Patty Kim against Republican Nick DiFrancesco, who is Dauphin County Treasurer.

In unofficial results in Tuesdays primary, Kim clinched her partys nomination, sweeping nearly 90% of the vote. Kim handedly beat out Harrisburg pastor Alvin Q. Taylor by more than 11,865 votes in early results.

In the Republican contest, DiFrancesco is projected to beat opponent Army veteran Ken Stambaugh, besting with about 63% of the vote, in unofficial results. With about half of the precincts reporting, DiFrancesco led with 5,656 votes to Stambaughs 3,268.

Read the full story: In race for 15th state Senate District, Patty Kim will face off against Nick DiFrancesco

UPDATE: 10:32 p.m.

Jonathan D. Salant, Benjamin Kail and Mike Wereschagin, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette write that the primary election in Pennsylvania sends warning signals to incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump:

An election that was never in doubt has nonetheless cast a long shadow over the campaign for the presidency as voters in the countrys largest swing state went to the polls on Tuesday and expressed serious misgivings about their parties nominees.

Both Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump locked up their nominations more than a month ago, and theyve trained their sights on Pennsylvania, where the states 19 electoral votes could decide the November election.

But as Trump sat in a courtroom in Manhattan during the first criminal trial of a former president in U.S. history, some staunchly Republican voters told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that they could not vote for their partys standard-bearer.

Im a pretty strong Republican, but its hard to support Mr. Trump, said Terry Bimle, 68, of Bethel Park.

Bimle instead cast his vote for Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who suspended her campaign in early March but who has become a vehicle for GOP voters to register their opposition to Trump in primaries that took place after she left the race.

In the other party, the war between Israel and Hamas led to an organized push by some activists to persuade Democrats not to vote for Biden, though early returns showed far fewer protest votes against him than were cast in the GOP primary.

I have a history of teaching many Palestinian students, said Hollie Link, 40, a preschool teacher in Upper St. Clair. I feel really bad for those innocent people not getting aid.

Link said she cast a write-in vote for uncommitted on Tuesday, echoing protests in other states primaries that have drawn tens of thousands of voters who will be crucial to Bidens re-election chances in November.

Read the full story: Pennsylvania primary voters send warning signals to Trump, Biden

UPDATE: 10:17 p.m.

State Rep. Russ Diamond has fended off a party challenger to win the Republican nomination in the 102nd state House District. From PennLives Sue Gleiter:

Fifth-term state Rep. Russ Diamond won the Republican nomination in the 102nd House District primary race, defeating Rachel Moyer, according to Lebanon County election results.

Diamond received 5,773 votes versus Moyers 3,078 votes in the district representing most of Lebanon County.

Weve seen enough results to declare victory. Thank you for your support! Diamond posted on Facebook.

Diamond, who first gained prominence as an opponent of the 2005 legislative pay raise, has represented the 102nd district since 2016. He will run unopposed in November pending any write-in candidates.

Read the full story: Incumbent Russ Diamond wins Republican nomination for House seat

UPDATE: 10:08 p.m.

PennLives J.D. Prose reports on Eugene DePasquales response to winning the Democratic nomination in the attorney general race.

Former PA auditor general Eugene DePasquale in victory speech for Dem attorney general race: This was not an easy race. We ran against four incredibly qualified, tough opponents. They made me better. Hopefully, I made them better."  J.D. Prose Sr. (@jdprose) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 10:06 p.m.

The Associated Press has called the Democratic nomination for state attorney general for Eugene DePasquale.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (@AP) _ Democrats have nominated former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale of Pittsburgh in a five-way race for attorney general of Pennsylvania.  Marc Levy (@timelywriter) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 10 p.m.

PennLives Jan Murphy posts that state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) will run against incumbent Tim DeFoor in the auditor generals race this fall:

A Philadelphia Democratic state lawmaker got past his primary challenger on Tuesday, positioning him to take on incumbent GOP state Auditor General Timothy DeFoor in the Nov. 5 election.

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who also won a primary contest for re-election to his House seat, bested Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley, according to The Associated Press.

DeFoor, 62, the former Dauphin County controller, was unopposed in his re-election bid in the Republican primary.

Im running to be the next auditor general because its time for the underdog to be the watchdog for Pennsylvanias working families, Kenyatta said in a statement.

Read the full story: Auditor generals race to pit a state rep against incumbent

UPDATE: 9:57 p.m.

David McCormick posts his thanks for receiving the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. He will run against incumbent Bob Casey in the fall.

Im honored to receive the endorsement of our party to run for the US Senate.



Our movement is strong. Now lets retire Bob Casey and renew our nation.  pic.twitter.com/sxZm0ImSwn  Dave McCormick (@DaveMcCormickPA) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:54 p.m.

From LehighValleyLives Kurt Bresswein:

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie on Tuesday took the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild in Pennsylvanias 7th Congressional District in the Nov. 5 election, according to incomplete and unofficial results.

The term is for two years. PA-07 covers Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties and a portion of Monroe County.

Mackenzie, of Lower Macungie Township, is in his sixth two-year term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. His 187th Legislative District consists of part of the Lehigh County townships of Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lynn, Upper Macungie (part), Washington and Weisenberg, plus Alburtis and Macungie boroughs.

Now more than ever we need proven leaders who will always fight for Americas future, Mackenzie said last July in announcing his candidacy.

He faced in the primary Kevin Dellicker and Maria Montero.

Read the full story: Ryan Mackenzie wins 3-way race to challenge Susan Wild for Lehigh Valley congressional seat

UPDATE: 9:48 p.m.

AP race calls have come in for auditor general and attorney general races.

AP has called Dem primary race for auditor general for state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta & GOP primary for attorney general for York County DA Dave Sunday.  J.D. Prose Sr. (@jdprose) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:44 p.m.

Democratic candidate Janelle Stelson given a kiss on the cheek by sister Jeri Stelson at election night watch party. April 23, 2024. Jimmie Brown. jbrown@pennlive.comJimmie Brown Jr.

Janelle Stelson thanked voters for their support in her race for the 10th Congressional District Democrat nomination.

I am honored to be your nominee to take on insurrectionist @RepScottPerry. Together, we can defeat his extremism and chaos and bring commonsense problem-solving back to Congress.



Will you chip in today to join our movement to defeat Perry? https://t.co/5Z4yr7CjRl  Janelle Stelson for Congress (@JanelleStelson) April 24, 2024

PennLives Charlie Thompson writes on Stelsons win:

Janelle Stelson dutifully brought south central Pennsylvanians the evening news for more than three decades.

On Tuesday, she cashed in some of that Walter Cronkite-type trust she banked through the regions television screens, using her familiarity with area voters to claim an easier-than-expected win in the six-candidate Democratic primary for the 10th Congressional District.

Stelson now becomes the Democratic Partys next great hope to take down U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, the lightning rod conservative Republican from northern York County. Perry, who was unopposed in Tuesdays Republican primary, is seeking a 7th term in office.

Read the full story: Janelle Stelson wins Democratic nod in Pa. 10th; will face U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in fall

UPDATE: 9:30 p.m.

The Associated Press has called the Democratic nomination for the Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District for Janelle Stelson. Stelson will face Republican incumbent Scott Perry in the fall.

BREAKING: Janelle Stelson wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District. #APRaceCall at 9:30 p.m. EDT. https://t.co/FjgpZFcJ4E  AP Politics (@AP_Politics) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:23 p.m.

The Associated Press has called the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House District 12 seat for incumbent Summer Lee, in a race where criticism over the U.S. actions in the Israel-Hamas War played a factor.

BREAKING: Summer Lee wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. #APRaceCall at 9:21 p.m. EDT. https://t.co/FjgpZFcJ4E  AP Politics (@AP_Politics) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:16 p.m.

From PennLives Jan Murphy:

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt described Tuesdays primary election day as relatively calm and successful. He said the number of calls to the departments voter hotline were down significantly from the 2020 presidential primary and the midterm primary election. Specifically, he said there were about 600 calls to the hotline compared to 3,600 in 2020 and 1,100 in 2022.

Schmidt said while 600 isnt insignificant, it is a significant decrease, one that we believe demonstrates that Pennsylvanias voters overwhelmingly encountered an improved voter experience this year. He thanked election workers and the training they received for helping to make that possible.

He said of the more than 895,000 mail-in ballots that had been requested, at least 75% had been returned at last check, according to reports from counties. Schmidt urged voters to be patient as the task of counting votes takes time.

UPDATE: 9:11 p.m.

U.S. Senate candidate Bob Casey has thanked voters for his nomination to the general election.

Thank you to everyone who voted today and supported our campaign.



Im honored to once again be the Democratic nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania.



There are 196 days until the general election, and were going to win.  Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:07 p.m.

Out in the Philadelphia area, U.S. Reps Brian Fitzpatrick and Dwight Evans fended off opponents within their own parties in their bid for re-election.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican, staved off a challenge from the right to win his partys nomination to retain his suburban Pennsylvania district. https://t.co/PoPhwibgMf  The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:05 p.m.

PennLives Ivey DeJesus has an early update on the state Senate race for the 15th District.

This is early: in GOP primary contest for 15th Senate District, Dauphin County Treasurer Nick DiFrancesco holds a slight lead over Ken Stambaugh, who had endorsements of GOP power brokers.  Ivey DeJesus (@iveydejesus) April 24, 2024

Also early, but looking definitive: Rep. Patty Kim on track to sweep the Dem nom in the 15th Senate District race.  Ivey DeJesus (@iveydejesus) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 9:03 p.m.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt is holding a press conference updating on todays primary. You can watch it below.

UPDATE: 8:55 p.m.

An initial look at the race for the 10th Congressional District, where former news anchor Janelle Stelson is holding a clear lead over her Democrat opponents.

Just an early note... @JanelleStelson has opened up a big lead in mail-in returns in Pa's 10th Congressional District.

Like, more than twice her nearest challenger. Going to be tough to beat.  Charles Thompson (@ChasThompson1) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 8:31 p.m.

An initial look at the results for the states row offices, with Eugene DePasquale holding a clear lead over his Democrat opponents for state attorney general.

UPDATE: 8:16 p.m.

The Associated Press has called former President Donald Trump the winner of the Republican presidential nomination from Pennsylvania.

BREAKING: Donald Trump wins the Republican presidential primary in Pennsylvania. #APRaceCall at 8:09 p.m. EDT. https://t.co/FjgpZFcJ4E  AP Politics (@AP_Politics) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 8:06 p.m.

From PennLives Amy Worden:

For anyone following, or participating in, the uncommitted movement against President Biden, Trib Lives Ryan Deto points out that Pennsylvania counts totals, but generally not specific write-in votes. Getting a total is possible but would likely take days if not weeks, Deto said in an X post.

Important context for "uncommitted" write-in protest votes against Biden in PA primary. Counties in PA only count total number of write-in votes, but DO NOT specific write-in votes unless total has a chance to win. Very unlikely we know exactly how many uncommitted votes tonight  Ryan Deto (@RyanDeto) April 23, 2024

UPDATE: 8:04 p.m.

The Associated Press officially called the presidential nomiation on the Democrat side for incumbent President Joe Biden.

BREAKING: Joe Biden wins the Democratic presidential primary in Pennsylvania. #APRaceCall at 8:02 p.m. EDT. https://t.co/FjgpZFcJ4E  AP Politics (@AP_Politics) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 8:02 p.m.

As mentioned above, its expected for a number of voters to write in uncommitted instead of voting for Joe Biden on the Democrat side.

Gaza is the ~13th~ most important issue to Gen Z voters, according to the new Harvard Youth Poll.



#1 - still the economy https://t.co/R11RFuB6PV  Peter Hamby (@PeterHamby) April 23, 2024

UPDATE: 8 p.m.

The polls are now closed, and the Associated Press immediately announced that Democrat Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick have won nominations for the U.S. Senate Race.

Meanwhile:

Polls have closed, but if you were in line by 8 p.m., you can still vote. We know timely results are important, but remember that county election officials number-one priority is making sure each eligible ballot is counted accurately and securely. Please be patient while pic.twitter.com/nbrQoj4UxP  PA Department of State (@PAStateDept) April 24, 2024

Polls are now closed in PA, but if you're in line to vote stay there. You will be allowed to vote if you're already in line.  J.D. Prose Sr. (@jdprose) April 24, 2024

UPDATE: 7:53 p.m.

Our election night intern is ready to help deliver results.

Nisha, the election night internMegan Lavey-Heaton | mheaton@pennlive.com

UPDATE: 7:45 p.m.

From The Associated Press:

Tuesdays Pennsylvania primaries will cement the lineup for a high-stakes U.S. Senate race between Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick, a contest that is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars and could help decide control of the Senate next year.

Casey, seeking his fourth term, is perhaps Pennsylvanias best-known politician and a stalwart of the presidential swing states Democratic Party  the son of a former two-term governor and Pennsylvanias longest-ever serving Democrat in the Senate.

McCormick is a two-time Senate challenger, a former hedge fund CEO and Pennsylvania native who spent $14 million of his own money only to lose narrowly to celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz in 2022s seven-way GOP primary. Oz then lost to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman in a pivotal Senate contest.

READ MORE: How did David McCormick dodge a primary in his bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey?

UPDATE: 7:40 p.m.

The polls close in 20 minutes. If you are in line, STAY THERE. You are entitled to vote.

UPDATE: 7:05 p.m.

The Philadelphia Inquirer takes a look at the role that state attorneys general have played in national politics and what it could mean for the eventually winner of Pennsylvanias race.

State attorneys general have played an increasingly important role in national politics in recent years.https://t.co/BWuvUAP9d9 pic.twitter.com/IOgmJMoH33  The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) April 23, 2024

UPDATE: 6:35 p.m.

Polls close at 8 p.m. You can vote if you are in line by 8 p.m.



If you did not return your mail ballot and want to vote at the polls, bring your mail ballot packet, including the outer envelope, to your polling place to be voided. Then you can vote on your countys voting pic.twitter.com/ssyr1J2Bkc  PA Department of State (@PAStateDept) April 23, 2024

UPDATE: 6:31 p.m.

From Spotlight PA:

A design change Pennsylvania officials made to prevent voters from making a disqualifying error on their mail ballots appears to have backfired.

The issue  voters failing to write the final two digits of the year on the return envelope  is leading some counties to reject ballots in the primary, despite the states new advice to count them.

Last fall, the Pennsylvania Department of State announced it was redesigning the states mail ballot return envelope, in part to reduce the number of ballots rejected for lacking a proper date, which is required by law. This years envelope has 20 prefilled in the year line and leaves spaces for the voters to fill in the last two digits.

One election director said a significant number of voters who returned flawed ballots had not filled in the last two digits of the year, and other election officials around the state echoed that observation.

On the Friday before the election, Deputy Secretary for Elections Jonathan Marks sent an email to counties advising them to count ballots even if the envelope lacks the last two digits of the year.

It is the Departments view that, if the date written on the ballot can reasonably be interpreted to be the day upon which [the voter] completed the declaration, the ballot should not be rejected as having an incorrect date or being undated, Marks wrote, citing a 2022 Pennsylvania Supreme Court case.

But the departments emailed advice does not carry the force of law, and counties are making different decisions about whether to count the ballots. Votebeat and Spotlight PA contacted eight counties and found that Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Delaware counties are counting the ballots, while York, Lycoming, Lancaster, and Snyder counties are rejecting them. Montgomery County said it would make a decision next week.

Its unclear exactly how many voters will be affected by rejections.

UPDATE 6 p.m.:

Reporter Daniel Urie said that as of earlier this afternoon, there were no problems at the polls. County election offices have begun pre-canvassing mail-in and absentee ballots at 7 a.m.
By Katie Bernard and Aliya Schneider, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

PITTSBURGH  U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, a progressive Democrat, staved off a moderate challenger to retain her Pittsburgh-area seat Tuesday.

Lee defeated Bhavini Patel, overcoming criticism that she was too far to the left for the 12th District and too critical of President Joe Biden. The Associated Press called the race for Lee at 9:21 p.m. Eastern time. She will likely face Republican business executive James Hayes in November.

A freshman congresswoman, Lee won her first primary in 2022 by less than 1,000 votes. Upon entering office Lee, the first Black woman to represent Pennsylvaniain Congress, became a member of the Squad, a group of progressive Democrats, including New Yorks Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Missouris Cori Bush.

While Lee has focused her reelection campaign heavily on constituent services and projects she brought home to her district, it has become a microcosm of the debate between moderates and progressives in the Democratic party. It will be an early test of progressive strength against outside spending.

Lee faced a serious challenge from Patel, who said she would be a more loyal ally to Biden. Patel also criticized Lee, who has called for a cease-fire in Gaza, of ignoring Jewish voters.

Even among her supporters Lees position on Israel was controversial, especially among voters in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh, which has a significant Jewish population.

The day after Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Pittsburgh residents rallied in support of Israel. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Democrat who represents other parts of Allegheny County, attended the event, but Lee did not. Lee said at a candidate forum that she could not attend every event because she has a job in Washington, D.C.

I think she lost a lot of support because of that, said Michele Feingold, 66, who voted for Patel after supporting Lee in the past. Feingold is a member of the local 14th Ward Democratic Committee, which endorsed Lee.

Liz Healy, 77, the chair of the local committee, said she was voting for Lee even though she felt supporting her could be misconstrued to suggest that she doesnt embrace the feelings of fear in the community after Oct. 7.

But I really believe that in terms of the progressive values that I hold, that Summer is the best person whos going to be able to represent those, she said.

Patels campaign was buoyed by donations from Republican voters and support from Moderate PAC, which is funded by a Pennsylvania billionaire who has donated to Republicans. Healy said she was concerned Patel would be pressured to appease those donors in office.

2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Kellie Pickler is back and honored her late husband as she graced the stage for the first time since his death.

The American Idol alums big return since the death of husband Kyle Jacobs happened Monday night during a tribute concert to Patsy Cline at Nashvilles Ryman Auditorium.

Id be lying if I didnt say I was not incredibly nervous right now, Pickler said in a video taken of the performance that was shared on TikTok by Music Mayhem Magazine. Its the first time Ive been up on stage in a while.

Jacobs, Picklers husband of 12 years and a songwriter/producer who worked with artists such as Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw, was found dead inside the couples home in February 2023 from an apparent suicide, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reported at the time. He was 49 years old.

Pickler performed The Woman I Am, from her 2013 album of the same name, which she co-wrote with Jacobs.

My husband and I actually wrote this song together, gosh, over a decade ago, Pickler told fans while onstage. The last time I was here in the Ryman Auditorium was with him on a date night, and I know he is here with us tonight.

Following Jacobs death, Pickler broke her silence in a statement to People magazine last August, writing: One of the most beautiful lessons my husband taught me was in a moment of a crisis, if you dont know what to do, Do nothing, just be still. I have chosen to heed his advice.

In a statement provided to the Nashville Tennessean, she also thanked fans for their support.

Thank you to my family, friends, and supporters, for the countless letters, calls, and messages that you have sent my way, she said at the time. It has truly touched my soul and its helping me get through the darkest time in my life. As many of you have told me, you are all in my prayers.

Jacobs and Pickler got married in January 2011 and previously starred together on the reality show I Love Kellie Pickler. Before then, Pickler competed on American Idol in 2006 and finished in sixth place. She went on to earn a Country Airplay top 10 hit with Best Days of Your Life, according to Billboard.
By Steve Karnowski and Mike Catalini, The Associated Press

ST. PAUL, Minn.  A movement to ban book bans is gaining steam in Minnesota and several other states, in contrast to the trend playing out in more conservative states where book challenges have soared to their highest levels in decades.

The move to quash book bans is welcome to people like Shae Ross, a queer and out Minnesota high school senior who has fought on the local level against bans on books dealing with sexuality, gender and race. Ross, 18, said she is encouraged to see her governor and leaders of other states are taking the fight statewide.

For a lot of teenagers, LGBT teenagers and teenagers who maybe just dont feel like they have a ton of friends, or a ton of popularity in middle or high school ... literature becomes sort of an escape. Ross said. Especially when I was like sixth, seventh grade, Id say reading books, especially books with gay characters ... was a way that I could feel seen and represented.

Minnesota is one of several Democratic-leaning states where lawmakers are now pursuing bans on book bans. The Washington and Maryland legislatures have already passed them this year, while Illinois did so last year. It was a major flashpoint of Oregons short session, where legislation passed the Senate but died without a House vote.

According to the American Library Association, over 4,200 works in school and public libraries were targeted in 2023, a jump from the old record of nearly 2,600 books in 2022. Many challenged books  47% in 2023  had LGBTQ+ and racial themes.

Restrictions in some states have increased so much that librarians and administrators fear crippling lawsuits, hefty fines and even imprisonment if they provide books that others regard as inappropriate. Already this year, lawmakers in more than 15 states have introduced bills to impose harsh penalties on libraries or librarians.

Conservative parents and activists argue that the books are too sexually explicit or otherwise controversial, and are inappropriate, especially for younger readers. National groups such as Moms for Liberty say parents are entitled to more control over books available to their children.

But pushback is emerging. According to EveryLibrary, a political action committee for libraries, several states are considering varying degrees of prohibitions on book bans. A sampling includes California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, though some in conservative states appear unlikely to pass. One has also died in New Mexico this year.

One such bill is awaiting Democratic Gov. Wes Moores signature in Maryland. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill last month that sets a high bar for removing challenged materials, especially those dealing with race, sexual orientation and gender identity. A version pending in New Jersey would protect librarians from civil or criminal liability.

Some proposals are labeled Freedom to Read acts.

Thats whats so critical here. The voluntary nature of reading, said Martha Hickson, a librarian at North Hunterdon High School in New Jersey. Students can choose to read, not read, or totally ignore everything in this library. No one is asking them to read a damn thing.

Hickson recalled how parents first suggested her book collections contained pedophilia and pornography during a school board meeting in 2021. She watched the livestream in horror as they objected that the novel Lawn Boy and illustrated memoir Gender Queer were available to students and suggested she could be criminally liable.

Tears welled up, shaking Hickson said. But once my body got done with that, my normal attitude, the fight side kicked in, and I picked up my cellphone while the meeting was still going on and started reaching out.

Book bans have been a sore point for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former high school teacher. The Minnesota Senate passed his proposal this month. It would prohibit book bans in public and school libraries based on content or ideological objections and require that the key decisions about what books will or wont be offered be made by library professionals.

The state House is considering an approach with more teeth, including penalties and allowing private citizens to sue to enforce it.

Im working with stakeholders, with the Department of Education, librarians, school districts and their representatives, said Democratic Rep. Cedrick Frazier, of New Hope. Were working to tighten up the language, to make sure we can come to a consensus, and just kind of make sure that everybodys on the same page.

Ross, a student at Jefferson High School in Bloomington, was alarmed when she heard last year that conservative groups were organizing in her community to ban books based on their content. So she and her friends got organized themselves, and they helped persuade their school board to make it much harder to remove books and other materials from their libraries and classrooms.

Because of her activism, Ross was invited when Walz went to Como Park Senior High School in St. Paul last month to view a display of books banned elsewhere. The governor called book bans the antithesis of everything we believe and denounced what he depicted as a growing effort to bully school boards.

At a House hearing last month, speakers said books by LGBTQ+ and authors of color are among those most frequently banned. Karlton Laster, director of policy and organizing for OutFront Minnesota, who identifies as Black and queer, said reading their works helped him communicate my hard feelings and truths to my family and friends, and helped him come out to his family.

Kendra Redmond, a Bloomington mother with three children in public schools, testified about efforts to push back against a petition drive by conservatives to pull about 28 titles from the citys school libraries.

Pushback from Ross, Redmond and others succeeded. The Bloomington School Board last month made it much harder to seek removals. Parents can still restrict access by their own children to material they deem objectionable.

Many challenges in the district came from the Bloomington Parents Alliance. One of its leaders, Alan Redding, recalled how his sons 9th grade class was discussing a book a few years ago when graphic passages about date rape were read aloud in class. He said his son and other kids were unprepared for something so explicit.

They were clearly bothered by this and disgusted, Redding said. My son absolutely shut down for the semester.

Shae Ross, a senior at Jefferson High School, pose for a photo April, 19, 2024, in Bloomington, Minn. Ross and other students successfully campaigned their district not to ban certain books dealing with sexuality, gender and race after some parents objected to their presence in classrooms and libraries. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave)AP

Minnesota Republican lawmakers have argued that instead of worrying about book bans, they should be focusing instead on performance in a state where just under half of public school students can read at grade level.

Every book is banned for a child that doesnt know how to read, said GOP Rep. Patricia Mueller, a teacher from Austin.

Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey. Associated Press reporters Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland, contributed to this story.
By Peter Smith, The Associated Press

Thousands of United Methodists are gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their big denominational meeting, known as General Conference.

Its a much-anticipated gathering. Typically it is held every four years, but church leaders delayed the 2020 gathering until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the 11-day gathering runs from April 23 to May 3. Among those assembling are hundreds of voting delegates  the United Methodists from across the globe who were elected to represent their regional church body  though as many as one-quarter of international delegates are not confirmed as able to attend. The delegates, half clergy and half lay Methodists, are the decision makers at General Conference.

WHAT HAPPENS AT GENERAL CONFERENCE?

General Conference  the only entity that can speak for the entire denomination  is a business meeting where delegates set policy, pass budgets and address other church-wide matters. Its the only body that can amend the United Methodist Book of Discipline, which includes church law. It also includes Social Principles, which are non-binding declarations on social and ethical issues. Theres worship and fellowship, too.

IS THERE SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT THIS YEARS MEETING?

Yes. This will be the first General Conference since more than 7,600 mostly conservative congregations left the United Methodist Church between 2019 and 2023 because the denomination essentially stopped enforcing its bans on same-sex marriage and having self-avowed practicing homosexuals serving as clergy and bishops.

WILL THE GENERAL CONFERENCE LIFT THOSE LGBTQ-RELATED BANS THIS YEAR?

Its possible. The delegates in Charlotte are expected to vote on whether to eliminate them. Similar efforts have failed in years past, but with the election of more progressive delegates and the departure of many conservatives, supporters of removing the bans are optimistic.

WHAT OTHER KEY ISSUES ARE UP FOR CONSIDERATION?

Disaffiliations: The rules that allowed U.S. congregations to leave between 2019 and 2023. It allowed them to leave with their properties, held in trust for the denomination, under friendlier-than-normal legal terms. Some want similar conditions for international churches and for U.S. churches that missed the 2023 deadline.

Regionalization: A proposal to restructure the denomination into regional conferences around the world, rather than having distinct names for U.S. and other jurisdictions. It would define the role of regions more precisely and put American congregations into their own regional body. Under this proposal, all regions would be able to adapt church policies to their local contexts, including those on marriage and ordination.

Budgets: Because of all the disaffiliations, the conference will vote on a much-reduced budget proposal for the coming years.

HOW IS THE CONFERENCE STARTING OFF?

New York Area Bishop Thomas Bickerton, president of the denominations Council of Bishops, addressed the recent schism head-on in feisty remarks during Tuesdays opening worship, which included music and Communion.

Bickerton spoke of his recent visit to a Texas conference that had lost more than half its congregations and said those remaining were committed to rebuilding the church. He said those at the General Conference should be doing the same  not continuing the controversy.

The Rev. Tracy Cox of First United Methodist Church and members of her congregation pray for Tracy Merrick, who will attend the United Methodist General Conference as a delegate representing Western Pennsylvania, as well as Anais Hussian and Joshua Popson who will also be in attendance, Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Hussian is a reserve delegate and Popson will be advocating for LGBTQ inclusion with the Love Your Neighbor Coalition. Many, including Rev. Cox, hope that this is the year they change longstanding bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)AP

Are you committed to the revitalization of the United Methodist Church? Bickerton said to applause. Are you here to work for a culture marked by compassion, courage, and companionship?  If you cant agree to that, what are you doing here anyway? Maybe, just maybe, youre in the wrong place.

He alluded to criticism of the denomination during the disaffiliation debates and said it was holding on to its core beliefs.

Dont you tell us that we dont believe in Scripture, he said. Dont you tell us that we dont believe in the doctrine of the church. And Lord have mercy, dont tell us that we dont believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We have got to rebuild the church and weve got to do it together.

WHERE ARE THE DELEGATES COMING FROM?

Though thousands of Methodists with be attending the conference, there are only 862 official voting delegates, from the following regions of the church:

55.9% from the U.S.

32% from Africa

6% from the Philippines

4.6% from Europe

1.5% from concordant (affiliated) churches

WILL THEY ALL BE THERE?

No. As of last week, only about three-quarters of international delegates were confirmed as able to attend, the Commission on the General Conference reported Thursday. The other quarter includes 27 delegates unable to get visas or passports, others who couldnt attend for various reasons, and 62 delegates still unconfirmed. African groups have strongly criticized denominational officials, faulting them for delays in providing necessary paperwork and information and raising questions about whether African conferences will accept voting results from the conference.

However, denominational officials defended their work Tuesday, telling the General Conference that visa requirements are stricter than in the past, that some regional conferences hadnt followed correct procedures in sending reserve delegates  and that some would-be delegates received invitations sent by an unauthorized person or people. Delegates now must wear picture badges amid heightened scrutiny that their credentials are authentic. The conference overwhelmingly approved a resolution to make every effort to listen to and carefully consider voices from regions that are underrepresented.

HOW ARE CONGREGATIONS PREPARING?

That varies widely, but those long active in the movement to repeal LGBTQ bans are focused strongly on the conference. First United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, for example, held a commissioning service on April 14 for three members attending the conference in varying capacities. It will be deeply meaningful for me personally to vote for those changes, said member Tracy Merrick, who will be a delegate.

WHAT ARE UNITED METHODISTS, ANYWAY?

Theyre part of a larger worldwide family of Methodists and other groups in the tradition of 18th century British Protestant revivalist John Wesley, who emphasized evangelism, holy living and social service. They hold many beliefs in common with other Christians, with some distinct doctrines. United Methodists traditionally ranged from liberal to conservative. They were until recently the third largest and most widespread U.S. denomination. Methodist missionaries planted churches worldwide, which grew dramatically, especially in Africa. Some became independent, but churches on four continents remain part of the United Methodist Church.

HOW MANY UNITED METHODISTS ARE THERE?

5.4 million in the United States as of 2022, but that will decline significantly due to 2023 disaffiliations.

4.6 million in Africa, Asia and Europe. Thats lower than earlier estimates but reflects more recent denominational reports.

SOURCES: General Council on Finance and Administration and other United Methodist entities.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
NEW YORKThe second day of the historic Donald Trump "hush-money" trial involving award-winning adult star Stormy Daniels concluded with Judge Juan Merchan not yet ruling that the former president violated a gag order.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Trump has continued to defy the gag orders issued by Merchan to prevent the accused from intimidating witnesses and tampering with the jury.

Attorneys for the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg pressed Merchan to hold Trump in contempt of court and levy fines totaling more than $9,000.

A lawyer representing Trump, Todd Blanche, and his colleagues were admonished by Merchan for defending his client's supposed right to violate the gag orders. During a hearing on the gag orders, before witness testimony continued, Blanche said that there was absolutely no willful violation of the gag orders.

Growing frustrated, Merchan said, "I keep asking you over and over to give me an example, and Im not getting an answer." The judge then said to Blanche, Youre losing all credibility.

But the real highlight of the day was when David Pecker, the former publisher of the tabloid National Enquirer, testified on behalf of the prosecution, explaining the scheme to catch and kill any story that would harm Trump in the 2016 electionnotably, the fact that Daniels had an affair with Trump in 2006 and was paid off by Trump fixer and personal attorney Michael Cohen.

According to Pecker, he had a meeting with then-candidate Trump in August 2015. During that meeting, Pecker and Trump reached an agreement for Pecker's outlet and its parent company, American Media Inc., to serve as an "eyes and ears" for the Trump campaign and inform Cohen of any potentially negative stories. This is the "catch-and-kill" schemepay for the rights to a hot story, kill the story, bury any evidence of it.

This arrangement, explained Pecker, resulted in two noteworthy events. First, in September 2016, Cohen was instructed to pay a hush money payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

McDougal maintains that she had an affair with Trump between 2006 and 2007. Reportedly, she was paid $150,000. Shortly after the release of the notorious Access Hollywood video featuring Trump and former disgraced host Billy Bush, Cohen paid $130,000 to Daniels through a former attorney in exchange for her being silent about the affair between herself and Trump that took place in 2006.

Pecker also explained that he had a "decades-long" relationship with Trump before he even considered running in the 2016 Republican primary race. The former publisher added that he personally knows McDougal.

"Yes, I do," Pecker said in response to a prosecutor's inquiry about such. This affirms in the prosecution's case that Pecker knew of McDougal and that her story was targeted for the "catch-and-kill" scheme that would aid the Trump campaign.

In 2018, the Wall Street Journal broke the story that in 2016 Cohen paid hush money to Stormy Daniels for her affair with Trump. This led to Cohen being indicted by federal authorities for tax evasion, campaign finance violations and other counts. McDougal's story was first reported by Ronan Farrow, the Pulitzer Prize-winner who helped take down Harvey Weinstein, in a 2018 piece for The New Yorker.

Read AVN's coverage of the first day of Trump's trial here.
Anne Innis Dagg is shown in this undated handout photo. For decades, Anne Innis Dagg was the world's leading expert on giraffes and a staunch advocate for gender equality in the face of sexist attitudes that derailed her academic career. But even as she compiled "binders and binders" of her research and advocacy work, the Waterloo, Ont., zoologist and feminist was never motivated by accolades, her daughter said. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Pursuing Giraffe Adventures Inc.
Ryan Clark negotiates own deal with ESPN and opens up on what the process was really like on his The Pivot podcast.

After Stephen A. Smith defended Donald Trump for comparing himself to the plight of Black Americans, Ryan Clark explained why he disagrees with his ESPN colleague.

In February, Trump boasted about his criminal indictments, claiming those legal issues are attracting the support of Black voters. Because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, Trump said. And they actually viewed me as Im being discriminated against. Its been pretty amazing.

Last week, Smith made one of his many appearances with Sean Hannity on Fox News. And upon being asked about Trumps newfound support from Black Americans, Smith defended the former presidents rationale for those gains. As much as people may have been abhorred by Donald Trumps statement weeks ago talking about how Black folks, hes hearing that Black folks find him relatable because of what he is going through is similar to what Black Americans have gone through, he wasnt lying! He was telling the truth, Smith declared.

Smith has since apologized, noting friends, loved ones, colleagues and contemporaries were pissed at him, although he simultaneously blamed the controversy on having his words misconstrued and taken out of context. However, Ryan Clark is one colleague who heard and disagreed with Smiths Trump comments.

Stephen A. Smith recently clarified a statement made during an appearance with Sean Hannity. At the time he seemed to agree with Donald Trumps thoughts on black voters. Based on SAS platform it was an important statement of accountability. That would not be a representation of pic.twitter.com/9klOdM3NU3  Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) April 24, 2024



I respect Stephen A. and the platform that hes built, but I respectively disagree with him here, Clark said on The Pivot Podcast. First off, lets talk about the simple statement that Black people can relate to former president Donald Trump based on discrimination by the judicial system. Hes not being discriminated against. What Donald Trump did was make bad decisions. And because of those bad decisions, hes now been investigated; hes now been accused, alleged, and then now prosecuted.

The one thing that Black people cant relate to is having these run-ins with the law and being the President of the United States of America. We couldnt be the president of the 4-H club if we had this many run-ins with the law. We couldnt be the president of our own HOA. Also, when you agree with this, youre allowing him to break us down to the lowest common denominator.

As the support seems to grow for him in certain Black communities, we have to be smart about why that support is growing, Clark continued. And we cant attribute, with our acknowledgments or with our agreements, that the lowest common denominator of us is that we all relate and have an affinity for those who break the law. Because thats an untruth.

Trump gaining the support of Black voters as the 2024 presidential election approaches is factual. Donald Trump, Sean Hannity, Stephen A. Smith, or anyone else citing that fact was never the controversy. The controversy was defending Trump, attributing the support to racial stereotypes. And as Clark notes, we have to be smart about why that support is growing.

[The Pivot Podcast]
After nearly 18 hours of play a winner has emerged from a field of 178 in Event #13: $3,300 High Roller here at the 2024 World Series of Poker Playground. When the dust had settled Francois Billard was the last player standing, last defeating Kevin Rivest in heads-up play to take home his first circuit ring and the $112,500 winners payout.

Billard was under the radar as one of the smaller stacks throughout the day until going on a heater at the final three to snatch the victory from the hands of perennial chip leaders Kevin Rivest and Adil Morkos.

Final Table Result

Place Player Country Prize (CAD) 1 Francois Billard Canada $112,500 2 Kevin Rivest Canada $77,500 3 Adil Morkos Canada $52,500 4 Timothy Ulmer United States $40,000 5 Anoop Jugurnath Canada $31,000 6 Stephane Blouin-Verroeulst Canada $26,000 7 Renmei Liu Canada $22,000 8 Wenping Chen Canada $18,000 9 Kyle Yun-Wing Ho Canada $15,000 10 Jaime Staples Canada $12,000

Action of the Night

The thirteenth of fifteen circuit events attracted a total of 178 entrants, generating a total prize pool of $534,000 to surpass the $500,000 guarantee. Some notable players who fell on Day 2 before the money was reached include Eliot Hudon, Santiago Plante, Chanracy Khun and Mike Leah. Renmei Liu claimed Leahs stack after a brutal river and was able to ride that early success all the way to the final table where he finished in seventh place.

Renmei Liu

Samuel Roussy-Majeau was the unfortunate soul to bust on the stone bubble after losing a preflop race to Seyed Hosseini. From that point on all players were guaranteed at least a min-cash of $4,500 but all eyes were on the top prize of $112,500. Dustin Melanson, who just yesterday took down the $1,700 Main Event for $339,770, was also able to make the money but fell before the final table in 23rd place for $5,500.

Adil Morkos started building a monster stack with two tables left after turning a flush to knock out Danny Boyaci. That hand helped propel Morkos to the final table where he entered with the chip lead.

Players were very deep-stacked at the start of the ten-handed final table and it took roughly two hours for any eliminations to occur. Jaime Staples was first to fall after Billard rivered a set to triple up and avoid elimination himself. Kyle Yun-Wing Ho was also left short after that hand and busted shortly afterwards. Ho was followed out the door by Wenping Chen, Liu and start of day chip leader Stephane Blouin-Verroeulst in eighth, seventh and sixth place respectively.

Anoop Jugurnath traded the chip lead back and forth with Morkos at the beginning of the final table before finding himself short-stacked after doubling up Billard. Rivest got the rest of his chips soon after before Timothy Ulmer bowed out in fourth place after running into Morkos' aces.

Adil Morkos

Morkos entered three-handed play with over half the total chips and began putting relentless pressure on his opponents. That all changed after Rivest put his chips in the middle with a higher pocket pair and held to take the chip lead and leave Morkos short. Billard got the rest of Morkos' chips not long after to enter heads-up play against Rivest.

Kevin Rivest

Rivest started heads-up play with a modest lead over Billard and did a good job whittling Billard down in the early parts of the heads-up duel. The momentum shifted suddenly after Billard doubled up through Rivest twice. Those hands left Rivest on fumes and Billard finished him off with a few hands later in one last preflop race to take home the high roller title, top prize of $112,500 and his first WSOP circuit ring.
President Biden blasted Trump for taking away reproductive freedom as the former president/criminal defendant complained about being cold in court.

President Biden said in part at a campaign reproductive freedom event in Florida:



Donald Trump is worried voters are going to hold him accountable for the cruelty and chaos he created. Folks, the bad news for Trump is we are going to hold him accountable. We are. He should be held accountable. He should be accountable for states enacting extreme laws that put IVF treatments at risk for women desperately trying to have families.

Voters are going to hold Trump accountable for women being turned away from emergency rooms like my introducer was. Forced to travel hundreds of miles to get basic health care. Forced to go to court to plead for help to protect herself and her ability to have Children in the future. Folks, voters are gonna hold Trump accountable when women are told by extreme politicians and judges to wait get sicker and sicker to the point where your life is determined and to be in danger.



Now in America today, in 2024, women have fewer rights than their mothers. And their grandmothers had because of Donald Trump. Look, I dont think were going to let them get away with it. Do you? And folks, in a sense, I dont know why hes, were surprised by Trump.

How many times does he have to prove we cant be trusted? Trump bragged how proud he was to get rid of Roe v. Wade over it. He took credit for it. He said there has to be punishment for women exercising their reproductive freedom. His words, not mine. He described the Dobbs decision as a miracle. Maybe its coming from that Bible hes trying to sell.

Whoa. I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hells in it. Folks, it was no miracle. It was a political deal to get rid of Roe v. Wade.

Video of President Biden:

Biden speaking about Trump in Florida, He described the Dobbs decision as a miracle. Maybe its coming from that Bible hes trying to sell. I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hells in it. pic.twitter.com/PnP1QifmVP  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) April 23, 2024

The Biden campaign had previewed this line of attack before the Presidents speech , and it is clearly bothering Trump, who mentioned the fact that Biden was off campaigning while he was sitting in a cold courtroom all day.

Trump could be campaigning too, if he wanted to be. Court ended for the day at around 2 PM ET. Court is not in session on Wednesdays. There is nothing stopping Trump from hopping on his plane and going to campaign in a swing state each day after the trial concludes.

Donald Trump has been only holding campaign events on Saturdays.

Trump doesnt want to campaign because he has no energy or stamina. Biden is running circles around Trump and hitting on the reproductive rights that resonate with voters nationwide.

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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.

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President Biden took down Trump and said that when the ex-president injected bleach, it missed his vein and went to his hair.

President Biden said while speaking to the North Americas Building Trade Unions that just endorsed him, In fact, construction of new factories has more than doubled in our administration. Meanwhile, meanwhile, Donald Trump still thinks windmills cause cancer. Thats what he said. By the way, remember when he was trying to deal with COVID, he said, Just inject a little bleach in your veins. He missed it, it all went to his hair.

Video of President Biden:

Sean McGarvey President of North Americas Building Trade Unions on why they endorsed Biden on MSNBCs Morning Joe, He saved our pensions that are now creating the biggest infrastructure boom we have ever seen, and we call it the infrastructure generation Joe Biden is creating.

Video:

Sean McGarvey President of North Americas Building Trade Unions on why they endorsed Biden, He saved our pensions that are now creating the biggest infrastructure boom we have ever seen, and we call it the infrastructure generation Joe Biden is creating. #MorningJoe pic.twitter.com/SfhJxh37oY  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) April 24, 2024

Biden has been very good for workers involved in building and infrastructure. There is a building and infrastructure boom happening in the United States, and it is because of the policies of the current administration.

Trump is sitting in Trump Tower sulking and raging about his criminal trial and legal problems while President Biden is campaigning and organizing key constituencies. Biden is taking Trump apart from coast to coast, and Trump is responding by trying to avoid a criminal conviction that would virtually end his odds of ever becoming the next president.

President Biden is literally rebuilding America, while prosecutors are building a case that could convict Donald Trump.

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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.

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Michigan prosecutors consider Donald Trump a co-conspirator in the GOP plot to use false electors to overturn the 2020 election.

The Detroit News reported:

Howard Shock, a special agent for Nessel, said Trump; Mark Meadows, who was Trumps chief of staff; and Rudy Giuliani, who was his personal lawyer, are unindicted co-conspirators in Michigans false elector case. In total, over the last two days, Shock has identified 11 conspirators who havent been charged. That means prosecutors believe they participated, to some extent, in an alleged scheme to commit forgery by creating a false document asserting Trump had won Michigans 16 electoral votes when Democrat Joe Biden had won them.

Shocks testimony came on the sixth day of preliminary examinations in Ingham County District Court as Nessels office pursues felony charges against a group of Republican activists who signed the certificate of votes claiming Trump won.

Trump, Meadows, and Guilani are currently considered unindicted co-conspirators. This doesnt mean they will remain unindicted co-conspirators, but they participated in the plot and have not been charged yet.

With Trump already facing four criminal trials, charging him in Michigan could be the straw that breaks the camels back. There are reasons not to charge Trump and his associates at this time, and they mostly involve the fact that as we have seen in Georgia, charging Trump slows every case down.

If prosecutors want to get this case wrapped up quickly, they could hold off on charging Trump until they have finished prosecuting others who were involved with the plot.

Trump is trying to flip Michigan and return to the White House, but the fake elector plot and his role in it could crush those hopes.

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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.

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A new poll from Quinnipiac University reveals that the vast majority of Americans following Trumps trial, believe he did something illegal or wrong, and if he is convicted, it will wreck his chances.

Quinnipiac University wrote about their poll:

Nearly 7 out of 10 voters (69 percent) say they are following news regarding the trial either very closely (34 percent) or somewhat closely (35 percent), while 30 percent say they are following it not too closely.

Six in 10 voters (60 percent) think the charges of falsifying business records, including a hush money payment to an adult film actress, are either very serious (40 percent) or somewhat serious (20 percent), while 35 percent think the charges are either not too serious (13 percent) or not serious at all (22 percent).

Forty-six percent of voters believe former President Trump did something illegal, while 27 percent believe he did something unethical but nothing illegal, and 18 percent believe he did not do anything wrong.

Voters were asked how it would impact their vote if Donald Trump were convicted in the New York City criminal trial. If Trump were convicted, 21 percent say they would be less likely to vote for him, 62 percent say it would not make a difference to their vote, and 15 percent say they would be more likely to vote for him.

Five percent of Trump voters say if he were convicted they would be less likely to vote for him, 62 percent say it would not make a difference to their vote, and 31 percent say they would be more likely to vote for him.

These numbers are brutal for Trump. Voters are paying attention to the criminal trial. Voters also arent buying what Trump is selling about how the trial is a conspiracy orchestrated by Joe Biden. Just eighteen percent of voters believe Trump that he did nothing wrong.

The message from this poll is that Trumps strategy of claiming total innocence is not working.

Voters arent buying his denials, and if Trump gets convicted and automatically ruled out by 21 percent of voters, it could prove to be fatal to his chances of winning in November.

The number that should worry Trump and his supporters the most is that 5% of his own supporters would abandon the ex-president if he is convicted.

Republicans and some in the media like to pretend that the trial doesnt matter or has no bearing on the campaign, but the opposite is true. The Manhattan trial could be the one external event that has the ability to reshape the trajectory of the rest of the presidential campaign.

Everything is riding on the outcome of this trial for Trump and the Republican Party, and a conviction could end Donald Trumps run in federal politics.

A Special Message From PoliticusUSA

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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.

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RIDGELAND  Alvin Abby Adkins tenure on the Jasper County Council will come to a premature close after an April 23 special election loss to Republican challenger William Joey Rowell III.

Rowell leads Adkins, a Democrat, by 557 votes according to unofficial results provided by the Jasper County Board of Elections and Voter Registration. Participation in the special election was tepid; slightly more than 12 percent of registered voters in the county with 2,758 residents cast a ballot.

Rowell, 43, is expected to assume the Pocotaligo Township District seat on the council once Jasper Countys elections board certifies the results.

Rowell is currently the deputy fire chief of administration in Hardeeville and has worked in public service in the county for 24 years. Rowell told The Post and Courier that he ran for office because he believes Jasper County needs to better adjust to its rapid growth. From 2020 to 2022, Jasper was the fastest-growing county in South Carolina. He said the county needs to ensure its utilities and roadways can handle the population increase. Rowell also spoke about recruiting higher-paying employers to the area.

I am 100 percent pro growth, but I am 100 percent pro smart growth, he said.

The special election marks the latest chapter in the saga surrounding Adkins residency, which spurred a court battle lasting more than two years. Adkins did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Adkins was first elected to the Pocotaligo seat on the County Council in 2020 after winning the primary and not facing opposition in the general election. Almost a year after Adkins assumed the seat on the council, Jasper County became aware that he lived in the Coosawhatchie Township District when he was elected to the Pocotaligo seat, a December 2023 order from Judge Michael G. Nettles said. Former South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Trav Robertson Jr. certified Adkins qualifications to the Jasper elections board in April 2020, according to Nettles order.
COLUMBIA  A Fairfield man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for vulgar death threats he made on social media, such as calling for the execution and killing of FBI agents and government officials as well as Black Americans.

The FBI had received numerous complaints regarding the almost daily posts made by 48-year-old Casey William Degolyer, who lives in the rural community of Blair in Fairfield County.

In one post, Degolyer said everyone in the government, from president to janitor, needs to be executed. He said one politician needs to "hang from a rope in the streets of Washington, D.C."

In what appeared to be a reference to the federal judges presiding over the Jan. 6 cases, he said they need to be "dragged out of their households" and "brutalized in the streets."

Some threats targeted the Black community during protests. Degolyer wrote that he was "locked and loaded" and ready to use "deadly force," according to court records.

"If we were serious. would have already started this God damn Revolution and race war. I'm getting sick of talking and posting," Degoyler wrote, according to court records. "I'm about to go dark and take (expletive) action."

When Black teenagers were shot at a gas station, Degolyer, according to court records, wrote "Self-respecting southern white boys dont do this kind of sh unless its in retaliation like that teenage hero Dylan Roof."

Even after being contacted by law enforcement, the threats continued, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"It is no wonder why FBI had to respond," U.S. Assistant Attorney Elliott Daniels wrote in a court filing. He prosecuted the case alongside U.S. Assistant Attorney Carrie Fisher Sherard.

"The harm Degolyer caused is not academic. Agents had to go to Degolyers door knowing he had guns and ammunition (illegally), and knowing that he had these views," Daniels wrote. "SWAT teams were used for a reason."

When Degolyer was arrested, he was found with four firearms and ammunition which he was not allowed to possess under federal law, according to prosecutors. Degolyer has prior convictions for criminal domestic violence, violating an order of protection, violating a restraining order and unlawful use of a telephone, according to prosecutors.
The Georgetown County Board of Education voted April 23, 2024, to hire a consulting firm in order to move forward in its search for a new superintendent. Earlier in April, Superintendent Keith Price announced that he would be leaving the district June 30, 2024, for another position in the Midlands.
GREENVILLE  Looking for allies amid fractures within his own party, firebrand Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz took a trip to the Palmetto State to throw his support behind S.C. Rep. Adam Morgan for William Timmons' congressional seat.

Gaetz's visit April 23 to the Greenville Marriott was the product of a popularized March video that gave Morgan momentum in his bid against the incumbent Timmons in District 4.

The video, a 2023 clip of Morgan going back and forth with a Democratic lawmaker about whether voters should have more of a voice than bureaucrats, went viral after Gaetz reposted it on X, writing, "Inject this into my veins."

It set the stage for the evening: a rally for transparency and accountability in Congress in front of an energetic crowd of roughly 200.

Chairman of the ultra-conservative South Carolina Freedom Caucus, Morgan leaned on his record of being outspoken against South Carolina Republicans who have opposed his branch within the party.

"If you're going to do what's right in elected office, you will make enemies literally everywhere: in both parties, everybody in the lobby," Morgan said, describing the pressure of being a politician. "Everybody hates you, except your constituents."

Morgan said being able to withstand the pressure and still do what's right is what he has proven he is able to do.

Gaetz and Morgan were joined by U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who criticized Timmons for what he says has been pandering to the interests of lobbyists and what would further his own career.

"Until recently, (Timmons) just wanted to move up and he wanted to please," Norman said.
Hazel was born September 20, 1932 in Hatch Bend, Florida, a town that was founded by her grandfather. She was the youngest of six. She grew up on a farm, which had no electricity until she was in grade school. Her chores included plucking chickens and helping her brothers skin squirrels. As  Read moreObituary Hazel Lee Carlton
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, a group of at least 30 people from 6 weeks old to 80+ years gathered at First Baptist Church for an opening prayer led by organizer Rev. Ian Geimer, pastor of FBC of Kingstree. The event organized by Jean Nexsen, Mission Committee chairperson, and committee has be Read moreFelecian Center sponsors Prayer Walk
The sixth annual Pink Promenade celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month saw 10 survivors showcase the latest in pink fashion on Oct. 12 at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Prior to the catwalk, attendees were clued in by Dr. Philip A. Albaneze on Roper St. Francis Foundation's efforts to he Read morePink of Health: Survivors strut the runway at Pink Promenade
MOUNT PLEASANT  The felony assault and battery case against the son of a local congressional candidate almost wasn't pursued because an inexperienced officer didn't see it as warranted.

The disclosure was made by the town's police chief after The Post and Courier reviewed 25 pages of police records obtained through a S.C. Freedom of Information Act request.

In a statement to the newspaper, Chief Mark Arnold said that after a parent filed a report about her 16-year-old son being assaulted, "the case was initially investigated by a less experienced officer and closed."

The chief's April 23 statement continued that after a review of the incident, the case was reopened "and assigned to a detective, who is a seasoned officer. Additional witnesses were interviewed and when probable cause existed, an arrest warrant was issued."

The comment refers to the arrest of Brooks Hampton Templeton, the 18-year-old son of Republican congressional candidate Catherine Templeton.

At the center of the investigation is an alleged assault that occurred Jan. 12 on Haddrell Street where teenagers had flocked to a house party in the Old Village that night and were consuming alcohol.

Templeton is accused of starting a fight with a younger classmate from Lucy Beckham High School, with witnesses claiming the incident began with Templeton calling the victim and his friends lewd, derogatory names. It escalated when Templeton attacked him from behind in the street and then proceeded to strike him in the head repeatedly, according to his arrest records.

The 16-year-old suffered significant bruising, including two black eyes, and later experienced multiple seizures and was sent to a local hospital, according to police documents.

When police arrived on scene after receiving calls about a fight in progress, a group of high school students tried to scatter. Arnold said responding officers managed to speak to numerous individuals, but they "had conflicting stories and stated there wasnt a fight." Alcohol was spotted. Parents were called.
SPARTANBURG  Customers voiced displeasure during the latest hearing about Duke Energys plans to charge Upstate customers more for energy.

Electricity, like water, is a necessity for every American household and should be readily available and affordable, Spartanburg City Councilwoman Ruth Littlejohn said April 23 during a 3-hour session at County Council Chambers.

The rate increase would amount to an extra $24 per power bill for the average residential customer in the coming years. The first increase would begin Aug. 1 this year with another starting in 2026.

It would impact around 658,000 customers, according to Duke Energy.

The energy company asked for the rate hike because of the Upstates growing population and several necessary updates and improvements, according to its rate increase application submitted to the South Carolina Public Service Commission.

Current rates are not enough to cover the costs of its day-to-day operations, the utility said.

Utilities cannot raise rates in the state without first having the states Public Service Commission approve the increase. The commission sets out to regulate just and reasonable rates and services of public utilities in the state.

As part of this process, the Public Service Commission has had public hearings to discuss the rate increase plan across the Upstate since the beginning of April. And Spartanburg customers got their chance to voice their concerns about the plan on April 23, with more than two dozen customers testifying before a nearly full room.

As part of her testimony, Littlejohn advocated for seniors and low-income people in her district, saying they could not afford to pay higher rates for electricity.

Concerns from older folks were not uncommon during the hearing. Many echoed the sentiment that they and others on a fixed income could either not afford the rate hike or would have to decide how to prioritize food, energy or housing costs.
Dr Frances Wood, a well-known British sinologist, gives a speech on the launch event. Photo: Courtesy of the exhibition organizers



By Global Times

The "Evolution of Chinese Characters" exhibition and a series of events were launched in London during the weekend, celebrating the 15th United Nations Chinese Language Day which falls on April 20.

Organized by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, in collaboration with Art and Design Press, National Museum of Chinese Writing, School of Foreign Languages, Tongji University, and the Beijing International Chinese College, this ten-day exhibition aims to showcase the rich history and cultural significance of Chinese characters.

Minister Yang Xiaoguang from the Chinese Embassy in the UK, said that Chinese characters are among the oldest writing systems in the world. Having evolved and developed over thousands of years, Chinese characters bear witness to the origin of Chinese civilization, document the changes in Chinese history, and facilitate cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

Chinese characters have long been integral to the preservation and evolution of Chinese cultural traditions, with their origins dating back to the Xia Dynasty (Approximately 2070 BC to 1600 BC). The discovery of oracle bone inscriptions in the Yin ruins of Anyang, China, provided early glimpses into the development of written language during the Shang Dynasty (Approximately 1600 BC to 1046 BC).

Dr Frances Wood, a well-known British sinologist, mentioned in her speech that Chinese characters have played an extremely important role in the inheritance and development of Chinese history and culture. She specifically mentioned a replica of a page from the Diamond Sutra, which is the world's first printed book with a confirmed date of 868 AD, currently housed in the British Library. The exhibition also showcases the different styles of Song and Tang Dynasty Chinese characters through woodblock printing. She hoped that more British audiences would visit the exhibition to understand this ancient and fascinating technology.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to engage in a series of special events. These include a lecture on Eastern and Western culture by Professor Wu Yun, a seal cutting experience guided by a professional from the China National Academy of Painting, a discussion on diverse writing systems in China led by Dr Cheng Xunchang from the University of Reading, and a talk on traditional Chinese medicine and culture by Ke Songxuan, Director of the Asante Academy of Chinese Medicine. Through the exploration of Chinese characters, visitors can gain valuable insights into the profound history and inclusivity of modern-day China.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 16:30:23

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MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 /AcuityTec, a leader in KYC and fraud prevention solutions, is proud to announce a significant platform expansion. This strategic advancement is designed to outpace sophisticated fraudsters, empower clients to stay agile, and safeguard transactions and customers, while effortlessly managing complex fintech fraud prevention.AcuityTec Enhances PlatformExpanded Identity Verification Insight The KYC solution at AcuityTec has undergone an impressive expansion. It now boasts a robust global database identity match verification service that services 167 countries with over 300 data sources. This integration brings data-driven identity checks to the forefront, providing clients with comprehensive single source and 2+2 identity verifications.Furthermore, in response to AcuityTec's dedication to supporting B2B underwriting to safeguard business relationships and our online ecosystem, they have implemented a KYB basic verification service. This enables swift, reliable business entity verifications that provide high-level validity information on business name, address, status, type, registration number and more.AcuityTec's Global Negative Database experienced refined data quality, advanced logic behind data removal, and optimized search results, allowing for more precise and informed decisions.Precision-Tuned Fraud Screening and Notification LogicAcuityTec introduces two new cutting-edge, dynamic rules to support anti-money laundering and bank account verifications, signifying a leap forward in fraud screening precision. Additionally, AcuityTec crafted six new notification rules to fortify monitoring and response protocols, each a testament to a meticulous approach to risk management. Refinements to existing risk parameters and the strategic coordination of thresholds ensure that notifications are astutely targeted and delivered without delay."In an industry where the landscape of risk is in constant flux, it's imperative that our technology not only keeps pace, but sets the pace," explains Alfredo Solis, Managing Director, AcuityTec. "Our platform enhancements reflect a deep understanding of the dynamics of fraud prevention. We equip our clients with tools that are sophisticated, intuitive and pre-emptive." Insightful Analytics for Empowered Decision-Making AcuityTec provides comprehensive reporting, from customer onboarding to verification performance, transactional reporting, and live monitoring. At the forefront of fraud prevention, AcuityTec continually strives for precision in its reporting capabilities. Its latest enhancements include an upgrade to its data filtering systems, improved date-time intelligence, enrichments to agent system logs, enriched data reporting output, and more. These advancements enhance readability and analysis and drive overall operational efficiencies."As we navigate the changing digital age, our mission remains steadfast: to provide a robust, adaptive, and dynamically intelligent platform. We empower our clients with accurate and reliable fraud screening and B.I. to safeguard their customers, transactions, and revenue against the ever-advancing threat of fraud," affirms Alfredo Solis.AcuityTec's continuous platform advancements showcase their unwavering dedication to setting industry benchmarks in transactional security and fraud deterrence. In a landscape where the integrity of each transaction is critical, AcuityTec stands as an innovative partner. Explore the future of transactional fraud defense at acuitytec.com and see how their sophisticated solutions can fortify your operations.For media inquiries, contact marketing@ acuitytec.com Contact Information Alfredo SolisManaging Directoralfredo@ acuitytec.com +1-866-504-2170SOURCE: AcuityTecView the original press release on newswire.com
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ANGLE signs agreement to tailor existing Parsortix-based DNA damage response assay for use in pharmaceutical R&DGUILDFORD, SURREY / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / ANGLE plc (AIM:AGL OTCQX:ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company with innovative circulating tumour cell (CTC) solutions for use in research, drug development and clinical oncology has signed a supplier agreement with the global biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca PLC, to develop and validate a methodology leveraging ANGLE's existing DNA damage response ("DDR") assay for the detection of micronuclei in CTCs as a measure of DDR.Under the agreement, ANGLE will develop a novel methodology for CTC micronuclei detection based on its existing pKAP1 CTC-based DDR assay, which measures expression of a key protein in the DNA damage response. Assay development will take place in ANGLE's laboratories in Guildford, UK, and follows the Company's development and launch of two highly sensitive and specific DDR assays in 2023. The 6-month development phase is worth an initial 150,000 to ANGLE.ANGLE's DDR assay has the potential to be used as a repeatable, minimally invasive means to better understand the DDR pathway to enable development of therapies capable of targeting tumour-specific DDR dependencies to preferentially kill cancer cells. The assay may also have the potential for monitoring treatment response to DDR therapies administered in combination with other cancer drugs.ANGLE Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Newland, commented: "This is ANGLE's second large pharma company agreement of 2024 as we look to drive a significant expansion of the pharma services business. It demonstrates the importance of CTC analysis and is a validation of ANGLE's Parsortix system. ANGLE is also working to expand its DDR work with other large pharma customers and continues to generate significant new customer interest through its business development activity." ANGLE Chief Scientific Officer, Karen Miller commented: "We are delighted that our expertise in CTC assay development continues to make great strides. With the increasing investigation of DNA damage response / PARP inhibitors, alone or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, there is a need for minimally invasive, robust and repeatable DDR assays. All the development work continues to add to the menu of assays owned by ANGLE that we can offer to other customers." The DDR therapeutics market was estimated to be valued at US$5.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$10.4 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 6.5%1. This is expected to be driven by an increase in the use of combination therapy for the treatment of drug-resistant cancers and the need for novel targeted medicines for cancer treatment. Most cancers rely on the DDR pathway to a greater extent than healthy cells. Treating patients with a DDR inhibitor alongside another cancer drug helps to maximise DNA damage and selectively kill cancer cells. This provides a targeted approach to cancer treatment with the potential to improve patient outcomes across multiple tumour types.1. www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/07/05/2699419/0/en/DNA-Repair-Drugs-Market-to-Grow-at-6-5-CAGR-Touching-US-10-4-Bn-by-2031-TMR-Study.html For further information:ANGLE plc +44 (0) 1483 343434 Andrew Newland, Chief ExecutiveIan Griffiths, Finance DirectorBerenberg (NOMAD and Corporate Broker)Toby Flaux, Ciaran Walsh, Milo Bonser+44 (0) 20 3207 7800FTI ConsultingSimon Conway, Ciara MartinMatthew Ventimiglia (US)+44 (0) 203 727 1000+1 (212) 850 5624The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the EU Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014). Upon the publication of this announcement via a regulatory information service, this information is considered to be in the public domain.For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.For Frequently Used Terms, please see the Company's website on https://angleplc.com/investor-relations/glossary/ Notes for editorsAbout ANGLE plcANGLE is a world-leading liquid biopsy company with innovative circulating tumour cell (CTC) solutions for use in research, drug development and clinical oncology using a simple blood sample. ANGLE's FDA cleared and patent protected circulating tumour cell (CTC) harvesting technology known as the Parsortix PC1 System enables complete downstream analysis of the sample including whole cell imaging and proteomic analysis and full genomic and transcriptomic molecular analysis.ANGLE's commercial businesses are focusing on diagnostic products and clinical services. Diagnostic products include the Parsortix system and associated consumables. The clinical services business is offered through ANGLE's GCP-compliant laboratories. Services include custom made assay development and clinical trial testing for pharma.Over 90 peer-reviewed publications have demonstrated the performance of the Parsortix system. For more information, visit www.angleplc.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: ANGLE plc
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FORT MILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE American:VTAK) ($VTAK), a leading MedTech company specializing in innovative products for cardiac electrophysiology, including its VIVO and LockeT products, announces that is has received its first purchase order (PO) for LockeT from an HCA Healthcare facility. With over $64 Billion in revenue in 2023, HCA Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, comprised of 186 hospitals with approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.David Jenkins, Catheter Precision's CEO, said, "HCA is known to be very value conscious and to have a product approved within their national healthcare system demonstrates that hospitals and physicians see the value LockeT brings to their procedures. This purchase order comes from one of HCA's regional medical centers that has the potential to use 1,000 devices per year across several medical specialties. Based on my discussions with our new sales team, I believe that this is just the beginning of broad acceptance with well-regarded hospital groups including academic teaching hospitals." About LockeT Catheter Precision's LockeT is a suture retention device intended to assist in hemostasis after percutaneous venous punctures. LockeT is a Class 1 device registered with the FDA.About VIVO Catheter Precision's VIVO (View Into Ventricular Onset), is a non-invasive 3D imaging system that enables physicians to identify the origin of ventricular arrhythmias pre-procedure, thereby streamlining workflow and reducing procedure time. VIVO has received marketing clearance from the U.S. FDA and has the CE Mark.About Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE-American:VTAK) ($VTAK)Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE-American: VTAK) ($VTAK) is an innovative U.S.-based medical device company bringing new solutions to market to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It is focused on developing groundbreaking technology for electrophysiology procedures by collaborating with physicians and continuously advancing its products. Reincorporated as Ra Medical Systems, Inc. in Delaware in 2018, the Company changed its name to Catheter Precision, Inc. on August 17, 2023.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "may," "might," "can," "could," "continue," "depends," "expect," "expand," "forecast," "intend," "predict," "plan," "rely," "should," "will," "may," "seek," or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, the following: our belief that we are well positioned to fortify our sales efforts, our expectation that we can demonstrate the utility and cost effectiveness of our products, our belief regarding the growth and opportunities within our field of cardiac electrophysiology, statements regarding our interpretation of our initial clinical trial data for LockeT and regarding the timing of the completion of our second clinical trial for LockeT, and statements regarding our plans to file and prosecute patents throughout the global marketplace. The Company's expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties included under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov . These risks and uncertainties include, but aren't limited to, that we do not have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations through May 2024 unless we are able to obtain additional financing or enter into a strategic transaction that would provide additional liquidity, we will not be able to reach profitability unless we are able to achieve our product expansion and growth goals, our research and development and commercialization efforts may depend on entering into agreements with corporate collaborators, we have entered into joint marketing agreements with respect to our products, and may enter into additional joint marketing agreements, that will reduce our revenues from product sales, royalty agreements with respect to our LockeT device will reduce any future profits from this product, if we experience significant disruptions in our information technology systems, our business may be adversely affected, litigation and other legal proceedings may adversely affect our business, if we make acquisitions or divestitures, we could encounter difficulties that harm our business, failure to attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel could also impede our growth, failure to maintain effective internal controls could cause our investors to lose confidence in us and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, we have determined that our internal controls and disclosure controls were not effective as of December 31, 2023, and as a result, without effective remediation of the material weaknesses that we have identified, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, our revenues may depend on our customers' receipt of adequate reimbursement from private insurers and government sponsored healthcare programs, we may be unable to compete successfully with companies in our highly competitive industry, many of whom have substantially greater resources than we do, our future operating results depend upon our ability to obtain components in sufficient quantities on commercially reasonable terms or according to schedules, prices, quality and volumes that are acceptable to us, and suppliers may fail to deliver components, or we may be unable to manage these components effectively or obtain these components on such terms, if hospitals, physicians and patients do not accept our current and future products or if the market for indications for which any product candidate is approved is smaller than expected, we may be unable to generate significant revenue, if any, our medical device operations are subject to pervasive and continuing FDA regulatory requirements, our products may be subject to additional recalls, revocations or suspensions after receiving FDA or foreign approval or clearance, which
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MILAN, ITALY / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / The Italian group CESI has secured a contract, with options valued at over one hundred million euros over five years, with one of the world's leading companies in the production of space systems. According to the agreement, CESI is tasked with providing hundreds of thousands of solar cells over these five years, enough to equip eight satellites per month.CESI thin space solar cell These cells will power American space satellites, providing them with the energy needed to bring the internet to every corner of our planet, including the poles. This is a strategically significant investment that places CESI and Italy at the forefront of the Space Economy."The recent contract signed is not just a sign of our technological competence but also of our ability to be an integral part of ambitious projects. Space technologies will increasingly support terrestrial applications, thus contributing to the improvement of life on our planet. This implies profound expertise for their development in the years to come. CESI is ready for this challenge," says the CEO of the Group, Domenico Villani.Within this context, CESI has leveraged proprietary technologies to design, produce, and test solar cells in its Milan laboratories. These cells now power over a hundred civilian satellites for clients across twenty-five countries worldwide. CESI's solar cells are made from materials like gallium arsenide and indium gallium phosphide, exceptionally suited to the harsh conditions of space, where common terrestrial silicon solar cells would not adequately withstand.The Italian multinational has developed several groundbreaking technologies, including flexible cells that can conform to the surfaces of satellites or spacecraft, and the Integral Assembly. This innovation focuses on optimizing the cell assembly process, eliminating the need for protective glass and thereby reducing the weight and launch costs of satellites. CESI's cells are qualified for both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites.Finally, the company stands as one of only four global manufacturers of these products and the sole proprietor with complete European control.Space solar cells convert solar energy into electricity in harsh environmental conditions, providing power to satellites. They are light, compact, and highly efficient, crucial features for minimizing launch costs and maximizing satellite payload capacity. Moreover, they withstand extreme temperatures and radiation, ensuring stable and continuous power supply. In short, they are an essential element for the functioning of satellites in orbit, devices for which a significant production increase is expected, given their use on various fronts beyond the traditional telecommunications.CESI For nearly seventy years, CESI has been offering its clients, spread across more than 70 countries, a range of services in innovation, digitalization, testing, engineering, and consultancy for the electrical sector as well as in civil and environmental engineering. CESI is among the few companies globally that develop and produce advanced solar cells for space applications.Contact InformationPaolo Chighine Executive Vice President Group External Relationspaolo.chighine@cesi.it Davide Cospito Media Manager Group External Relationsdavide.cospito@cesi.it +39 02 2125 5032Related Image (Caption: CESI thin space solar cell)SOURCE: CESI SpAView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 17:01:31

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Expanding Business Operations in the USNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Digital Clarity (DC), a digital marketing management consultancy, and the wholly-owned operating flagship and brand of Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc. (DBMM), a fully reporting US public holding company, is pleased to announce another geographic expansion into the US- and now the West Coast, in Irvine, California.As part of Digital Clarity's commitment to growth in the US market, the decision to establish a presence in Southern California reaffirms the company's growth blueprint for expansion geographically, with a near-term strategic and tactical focus on the US. This move aligns seamlessly with the insights and direction provided since the 4Q 2023 described in the company's 10-K, 10Qs, and Updates.Irvine, California is one of the best cities to do business on the West Coast and is recognized as a central hub for tech businesses and innovation. As such, it is an ideal location for Digital Clarity to further penetrate the American market. With its vibrant ecosystem of tech companies, Irvine is a master planned city and the largest in Orange County, with proximity to other major business hubs like the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Newport Beach, and San Diego."We are excited to further expand our footprint in the United States with carefully selected and designed representation in Irvine, California," said Reggie James, the Founder and Managing Director of DC and the COO and Director of DBMM. "The West Coast serves as a strategic gateway for us to access a dynamic market and foster innovation-driven new clients, partnerships, and strategic alliances. DC intends to leverage the region's unparalleled resources and access to the USC talent pool, as it continues to drive its growth trajectory in the US and beyond. With our commitment to delivering exceptional service and results, we look forward to establishing a unique footprint in the region." James added, "Digital Clarity's representation in Irvine will focus on delivering a service-driven engagement that emphasizes business development, including lead generation and content creation. By offering our comprehensive suite of services, including brand development and digital advertising strategies, value proposition planning, revenue acceleration programs, and go-to-market strategies, we are poised to meet the diverse needs of clients across various industries." DC chose its representation carefully to spearhead its expansion efforts in yet another geography to initially serve the B2B tech market. The skill set of resources will enable DC to deliver exceptional value to new clients with individualized, advisory services and quantifiable bottom-line results.We are excited about the integrated business model, and see Irvine as the next successful execution. Additionally, we are planning a series of podcasts which we will be sharing shortly.---About Digital ClarityDigital Clarity (DC) is a leading digital marketing management consultancy and the wholly owned operating flagship and brand of DBMM Group, Inc. (DBMM), a fully reporting US public holding company. Digital Clarity helps B2B technology leaders achieve business growth through a series of marketing strategies that have been developed over 2 decades.About DBMMDigital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc. (DBMM) is a fully reporting US public holding company that trades on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Market, with its headquarters in New York City and its 100%-owned/operating subsidiary and brand, Digital Clarity, headquartered in the UK.Safe Harbor StatementThe foregoing contains certain predictive statements that relate to future events or future business and financial performance. Such statements can only be predictions, and the actual events or results may differ from those discussed due to, among other things, those risks described in DBMM's reports filed with the SEC. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. This document is published solely for information purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any state. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Additional information is available upon request.Contact: Reggie James, Digital ClarityPhone number - +1 (646) 722-2706Email address - mailto:info@ dbmmgroup.com SOURCE: Digital Brand Media & Marketing Group, Inc.
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Breakthroughs in additive manufacturing production speeds spark soaring demand and rapid expansion.OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 /Equispheres Inc. announces it has completed an initial close on its Series B financing totaling approximately C$20 million. The financing was led by global automotive leader, Martinrea International Inc., with participation from new institutional investors. The financing will remain open until June 30, 2024.Equispheres logo - 3D printed in aluminum with additive manufacturing Equispheres enables the true potential of industrial additive manufacturing with its innovative atomization technology for metal powders. For instance, Equispheres Aluminum powders increase printing speeds up to nine times higher than industry standards, thereby lowering production costs by up to 80%. Equispheres further supports industrial adoption by improving the mechanical properties of printed parts while increasing energy efficiency, reusability, and safety of metal additive manufacturing."The potential of additive manufacturing to transform traditional manufacturing is undeniable as evidenced by the fact that most of the top companies in the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors are actively engaged. Yet widespread industrial adoption requires a leap in productivity," said Kevin Nicholds, President and CEO of Equispheres. "By working closely with global leaders in automotive, aerospace and defense, we have been able to use our technology to engineer materials that unlock new high-speed additive manufacturing processes and new applications." "We believe our path to success lies in partnering with our customers to reduce the overall cost of additive manufacturing," said Nicholds. "This will lead to tremendous growth potential, where metal powders will be the largest part of the value chain," noting that the global casting market for aluminum alone is approximately C$100 billion annually.Funding will be used to bring on multiple new reactors in 2024 to support existing production programs, expand facilities and continue to expand collaboration on new materials with strategic partners."Equispheres' continuing track record for driving performance improvements with additive manufacturing is truly impressive, opening doors to a wide variety of new and exciting higher-volume applications," said Pat D'Eramo, Chief Executive Officer of Martinrea International."Martinrea is the ideal lead investor for our Series B financing," Nicholds said. "Not only are they a highly successful global automotive leader who are experts in lightweighting of aluminum components, but they are also an innovative thought leader with a great culture. We can learn a lot from Martinrea on our journey to be the leader in what is forecast to be a multi-billion materials market for additive manufacturing." "We are also grateful to have the continued support of Business Development Bank of Canada and Sustainable Development Technology Canada at this critical growth stage," he added.INFOR Financial Inc. and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. acted as financial advisors, and McCarthy Tetrault LLP acted as legal counsel to Equispheres in connection with the financing.About Equispheres:Equispheres develops breakthrough technologies for the production and use of advanced materials in additive manufacturing. Leveraging our unique technology and process expertise, we are dedicated to enabling the industrialization of additive manufacturing for the automotive, aerospace and defense industries. By improving the performance and lowering the cost of industrial 3D printing, we empower innovation. Photos for use by the media are available on the Equispheres media page.About MartinreaMartinrea International Inc. is a leader in the development and production of quality metal parts, assemblies and modules, fluid management systems, and complex aluminum products focused primarily on the automotive sector. Martinrea operates in 56 locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, China, South Africa and Japan. Martinrea's vision is making lives better by being the best supplier we can be in the products we make and the services we provide. For more information on Martinrea, visit www.martinrea.com About Sustainable Development Technology CanadaSustainable Development Technology Canada is a foundation created by the Government of Canada to advance clean technology innovation in Canada by funding and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises developing and demonstrating clean technology solutions.About Business Development Bank of CanadaThe Business Development Bank of Canada is a partner of choice for all Canadian entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Its investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the country's most innovative firms. They are one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and Canada's Best Diversity Employers.Follow us:Facebook: Equispheres X/Twitter: @equispheres LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equispheres Contact Information:Shawna TregunnaDirector of Marketingshawna.tregunna@equispheres.com +1 613-899-8485SOURCE: Equispheres Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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Timeless bridal gowns for a memorable wedding dayLENEXA, KS / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Classic yet modern bridal style takes center stage in the newest collection from globally renowned wedding dress designer Essense of Australia. Designed for every bridal vision and love story, the new collection delivers beautiful wedding gowns for a dream-worthy wedding day.M24 ESS D4123 M24 ESS D4123"Brides are dreaming of celebrating their next chapter in a stunning wedding dress with the most unforgettable details," says Martine Harris, Chief Creative Officer, Essense of Australia. "The latest collection offers eye-catching wedding gowns that evoke that first look' kind of feeling." Effortless beauty comes to life in the newest collection. Elevated necklines, like square, sweetheart and halters, let brides make a statement on and off the aisle. Strapless and off-the-shoulder silhouettes offer a chic update to traditional bridal styles, while detachable accessories, like long sleeves and bows, add a touch of elegance and glamour. Romantic design details, from intricate beading and gorgeous pearls to 3D floral lace and hints of sparkle and shine, add head-turning style to any bridal silhouette. A striking new color, French Blue, gives brides a chance to showcase their captivating aisle style.With so many breathtaking gowns to choose from, brides can find a dress that lets them celebrate their most special moment on and off the aisle. The new Essense of Australia collection is now available at a retailer near you, featuring over 27 new gowns. Gowns are available in U.S. sizes 2 to 20, with many styles available in the EveryBody/EveryBride collection for U.S. sizes 22 to 34. To view the entire collection or find a store, visit www.essensedesigns.com About Essense of AustraliaEssense of Australia is a leading international bridal design house and wholesaler that creates and manufactures award-winning gowns for independent bridal retailers throughout the world under labels Stella York, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana, Martina Liana Luxe and All Who Wander, as well as private label collection Oxford Street and bridesmaid label Sorella Vita. The Essense of Australia family of brands can be found at more than 1,200 retailers worldwide including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe.Contact InformationLindsay SanteeAssociate Director of Strategic Communicationslindsays@ essensedesigns.com 9139098623SOURCE: Essense of AustraliaView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 15:02:15

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Showpass Sets New Standard for Workplace Excellence in Calgary's Tech Community With Monumental Office ExpansionCALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Move over Silicon Valley because Showpass is leveling up Calgary's tech scene with the launch of its state-of-the-art office space. Showpass, Canada's fastest-growing ticketing company headquartered in Calgary, has unveiled a spectacular office facility that rivals the innovation hubs of the largest tech giants.CEO Lucas McCarthy in Showpass' New HQ Showpass' new pet-friendly office featuring the CEO & his dog.Showpass , the event discovery and ticketing platform that brings you events like Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Spruce Meadows "Masters," The Shaw Charity Classic, and more, has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a University of Calgary graduate's basement. Today, with over 100 dedicated team members, the new 30,000-square-foot headquarters was imperative to meet the demands of the growing company.Showpass is focused on shifting the narrative from the energy industry to Calgary's booming tech ecosystem. Its new headquarters is poised to set the standard for tech offices in Calgary by creating a space where people want to come together."Our office is built to be a second home. We've got everything covered from the food to the relaxation spaces - even pets are welcome. We want to create an environment where every team member feels that they can reach their highest potential," says Showpass CEO Lucas McCarthy.Showpass' office features eccentric board rooms with themes like Candy, Lego, Calgary Sports, Rock & Roll, and The Jungle. Visitors can also find a fully stocked gym, a lush atrium and a private patio. With meticulous attention to detail, the space took over a year to complete.Most central to the Showpass experience is a 3,000-square-foot restaurant-grade kitchen where an in-house chef prepares a fresh breakfast and lunch daily. The availability of two meals a day, a corporate chef and a fully stocked cafe was something McCarthy was insistent about. "At Showpass, we centre ourselves around bringing people together through the power of events and experiences. Similarly, we see food as a catalyst for fostering community and creating connections." Showpass' future plans include utilizing this space as a community hub to focus on what the company loves most - events and bringing people together.For media inquiries or to schedule a tour of Showpass' innovative office space, please contact Katelyn Marchyshyn at katelyn.marchyshyn@showpass.com About Showpass:Showpass is the world's first customer-centric ticketing and discovery platform for events, activities, and things to do. The fastest-growing ticketing company in North America, Showpass, empowers event organizers to create experiences through next-level technology. By combining a passion for technology with a love for live events, Showpass delivers a solution that partners can be proud to work with. To find out more, visit showpass.com or the Showpass LinkedIn.Contact InformationKatelyn MarchyshynMarketing & Communications Specialistkatelyn.marchyshyn@showpass.com Related ImagesCEO Lucas McCarthy in Showpass' New HQ Showpass' new pet-friendly office featuring the CEO & his dog. 3,000 SF Kitchen Inside of Showpass' New Office The Showpass team enjoys chef-prepared breakfast and lunch every day in this luxurious restaurant-grade kitchen. SOURCE: ShowpassView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 16:05:41

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CONSHOHOCKEN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / JPOrleans, in partnership with the Piazza family, has announced its recent acquisition of an exceptional 18-acre parcel in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. This strategic move underscores JP Orleans' ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier homes in sought-after locations.River Trail at Valley Forge New residential community featuring 2 and 3-story townhomes.Situated in the heart of King of Prussia, the newly acquired land will be transformed into River Trail at Valley Forge, a residential community featuring two- and three-story townhomes. This idyllic setting is enveloped by nature, bordered by the Schuylkill River Trail, and positioned adjacent to the Schuylkill River. Residents will enjoy ample recreational opportunities, coupled with proximity to the historical richness, cultural vibrancy, and convenient amenities of the King of Prussia Town Center.The development marks a unique opportunity for JP Orleans to contribute to community growth while offering homebuyers modern and thoughtfully designed residences. Jeffrey Orleans, CEO of JP Orleans, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are excited about working with the Piazza family on the development of River Trail at Valley Forge. This new community aligns perfectly with our mission to create exceptional living spaces in spectacular locations." King of Prussia's dynamic atmosphere, offering a vibrant and convenient lifestyle, sets the stage for JP Orleans to introduce its signature craftsmanship and innovative designs to the thriving neighborhood. With a history spanning over a century, JP Orleans is renowned for seamlessly blending quality, style, and functionality in prime locations, and River Trail at Valley Forge is poised to continue this tradition.This maintenance-free community will feature a diverse range of home designs, including spacious two- and three-story modern townhomes, all equipped with two-car garages. The plans encompass various floor layouts, with many offering first-floor owner's suites, appealing to a broad spectrum of potential homebuyers.JP Orleans pledges to keep the community informed with updates on construction timelines, home design options, and the launch of sales, which will be available on JPOrleans.com About JPOrleansJPOrleans is a third-generation homebuilder with a tradition of excellence, dependability, and value. With more than 100 years of family history in homebuilding, the company has earned the confidence of generations of homeowners through a strong commitment to excellence and reliability. JPOrleans homes are located in highly desirable locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Charlotte, N.C. area.Contact InformationGary StefanoniVP Sales & Marketinggstefanoni@ jporleans.com 609.251.6056SOURCE: JPOrleansView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 23:14:36

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CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company") (NYSE:KFS) today announced that CEO John T. Fitzgerald will host a fireside chat with Will Thorndike at its Investor Day in New York City on Monday, May 20, 2024. The conversation will cover a range of topics including capital allocation, the power of long holding periods, and Mr. Thorndike's experience as an original and long-time investor in the Search Fund ecosystem.Mr. Thorndike is Managing Partner of The Cromwell Harbor Partnership, author of "The Outsiders, Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success", and a member of the Kingsway Search Xcelerator ("KSX") advisory board.The investor day, inclusive of the fireside chat with Mr. Thorndike, will begin at 9:30 am ET running until approximately midday. Separately, the Company will be hosting a cocktail reception later that day at another venue beginning at 5:00pm ET.Event DetailsThe investor day will take place at the New York Stock Exchange (RSVP required) and will also be available virtually at the investors section on the company website: https://kingsway-financial.com/ . Individuals interested in attending the in person investor day, as well as the offsite cocktail reception, may RSVP by emailing James@ HaydenIR.com About the CompanyKingsway is a holding company that owns or controls subsidiaries primarily in the extended warranty and business services industries. The common shares of Kingsway are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol " KFS." The Company serves the extended warranty industry through its operating subsidiaries IWS ( iwsgroup.com) , Penn Warranty ( pennwarranty.com) , Preferred Warranties ( preferredwarranties.com) and Trinity Warranty Solutions ( trinitywarranty.com) The Company serves the business services industry through its operating subsidiaries CSuite ( csuitefinancialpartners.com) , Ravix ( ravixgroup.com) , Secure Nursing Service ( securenursing.com) , SPI Software ( spisoftware.com) and Digital Diagnostics, Inc ( ddimagingusa.com) For Media Inquiries:Hayden IRJames Carbonara(646) 755-7412 james@ haydenir.com For Company Inquiries:Kingsway Financial Services Inc.Kent Hansen, CFO(312) 766-2163 khansen@ kingsway-financial.com SOURCE: Kingsway Financial Services, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 20:17:37

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STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Hilbert Group (STO:HILB-B)(FRA:999) The shareholders in Hilbert Group AB (publ), corporate identity number 559105-2948 ("Hilbert Group" or "the company"), are hereby summoned to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10.00 AM in the office of Advokatfirman Nerpin, Birger Jarlsgatan 2, 3rd floor in Stockholm.A. Entitlement to participation and notification Shareholders who wish to participate in the EGM must: (i) be recorded in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB ("Euroclear") as of Thursday, May 16, 2024, and (ii) notify the company of their intention to participate in the EGM no later than Friday, May 17, 2024. The notice may be done in writing by post to Hilbert Group AB, c/o Advokatfirman Nerpin, Mailbox 545, SE-114 11 Stockholm, or by e-mail to ir@ hilbert.group , or by telephone to +46 8 502 353 00. When registering to attend, the shareholder must provide name, personal identity number or registration number, address, and telephone number, as well as the number of any advisors (no more than two).Shareholders whose shares are nominee-registered must temporarily re-register their shares in their own name in the shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear in order to participate in the EGM. Voting rights registrations made no later than the second banking day after the record date May 16, 2024 will be taken into account in the preparation of the share register. Shareholders must, in accordance with the respective nominee's routines, in due time before said date, request their nominee to carry out such voting rights registration.If the shareholder is represented by a proxy, a written and dated power of attorney, signed by the shareholder, is to be issued to the proxy. The power of attorney or any other documents of authorization, such as a copy of the registration certificate, is to be provided at the EGM. Any power of attorney or other document of authorization should also be enclosed in the notice to attend the EGM. A form of proxy is available on the company's website, www.hilbert.group B. Shareholders' right to request information The board of directors and the CEO shall, if any shareholders so requests, and if the board of directors considers that it can be done without significant harm for the company, give information on circumstances that can affect the assessment of an item on the agenda and the company's relation to other group companies.Proposed agendaOpening of the Annual General Meeting Election of chairman at the Annual General Meeting. Establishment and approval of the voting list. Approval of the agenda. Selection of one or two adjusters. Examination of whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened. Presentation of the annual report and the auditor's report as well as the consolidated accounts and the consolidated auditor's report. Decision on approval of the income statement and balance sheet as well as the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet. Decision on dispositions regarding the company's profit according to the approved balance sheet. Decision on discharge of liability for the members of the Board of Directors and the President. Determination of the number of board members. Determination of the number of auditors and deputy auditors. Determination of fees to the Board. Determination of fees to the auditor. Election of board members and chairman of the board. Election of auditor and any deputy auditors. Resolution authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on the issue of shares and/or warrants. Resolution to amend the Employee Stock Option Plan resolved by the AGM 2023 Resolution to issue warrants and approval of transfer of warrants Resolution on principles for the appointment of a Nomination Committee and instructions for the Nomination Committee Close of the Meeting Motions for resolutionItem 2 - Election of chairman at the Annual General Meeting The Board of Directors proposes that the Chairman of the Board, Erik Nerpin, be elected Chairman of the Annual General Meeting.Item 9 - Resolution on dispositions regarding the company's profit according to the approved balance sheet The Board of Directors proposes that no profit dividend be paid and that disposable profits be capitalized in a new account.Item 11 - Determination of the number of board members A group of shareholders who together represent approximately 60 per cent of the voting rights in Hilbert Group (the "Principal Shareholders") has submitted the proposals outlined under items 11-16 below.The Principal Shareholders propose that the number of Board members be five.Item 12 - Determination of the number of auditors and deputy auditors The Principal Shareholders propose that a registered auditing company without a deputy be appointed as auditor.Item 13 - Determination of fees to the Board The Principal Shareholders propose that the yearly fee to the Chairman of the Board shall be SEK 200,000 and that the yearly fee to other Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting who are not employees of the company shall be SEK 125,000 each.Item 14 - Determination of fees to the auditor The Principal Shareholders propose that fees to the auditor be paid in accordance with an approved invoice.Item 15 - Election of board members and chairman of the board The Principal Shareholders propose re-election of the Board members Erik Nerpin, Frode Foss-Skiftesvik, David Butler, Stuart Connolly and Tim Grant for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. Furthermore, it is proposed that Erik Nerpin be re-elected Chairman of the Board.Item 16 - Election of auditor and any deputy auditors The Principal Shareholders propose re-election of the registered auditing company PricewaterhouseCoopers AB as auditor for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. The principal auditor will be the authorized public accountant Johan Engstam.Item 17 - Resolution authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on the issue of shares and/or warrants The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to authorize the Board of Directors to, on one or more occasions, during the period up to the next Annual General Meeting, decide on the issue of shares and/or warrants with or without preferential rights for shareholders. The Board of Directors may decide that such issues be made with a provision on non-cash, set-off or cash payment.The purpose of the authorization and the reasons for any deviation from the shareholders' preferential rights is that issues should be able to take place to increase the company's financial flexibility and enable the company to finance any company acquisitions fully or partially by issuing financial instr
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Bringing extensive asset management experience, Bjorkman joins PEG to deepen the organization's footprint as a vertically integrated commercial real estate leader.PROVO, UT / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / PEG Companies ["PEG"], a leading commercial real estate investment firm, today announced the appointment of Garett Bjorkman as Co-Chief Executive Officer alongside Founder and Chief Executive Officer Cameron Gunter. This strategic move underscores PEG's commitment to investing in its organizational infrastructure and asset management platforms as it prepares for its next chapter of growth.PEG Companies Co-CEOs Cameron Gunter & Garett Bjorkman Bjorkman joins PEG from CIM Group, where he spent nine years and served as Managing Director leading portfolio management for CIM's private real estate debt and develop-to-core investment strategies. During his tenure at CIM, Bjorkman was responsible for leading a team that grew credit assets under management by over $10 billion and develop-to-core assets under management by over $2.5 billion."For over a year now, I have been diligently searching for a leader to help further institutionalize PEG Companies' asset management functions; and when one of our trusted Board members introduced us to Garett, it was clear he was the leader I have been looking for," Gunter explained. "Garett's vision and expertise seamlessly align with our goals, and I firmly believe Garett's appointment as Co-CEO will not only strengthen our alignment with stakeholders, particularly partners and investors, but also drive tangible results across our entire vertically integrated organization." Since 2003, Gunter has grown PEG into the nationally recognized vertically integrated owner, operator, and developer of real estate assets throughout North America. Today, the firm has approximately $2 billion of assets under management across over 80 assets and employs over 1,100 team members. In addition to serving as Co-CEO alongside Bjorkman, Gunter will continue his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors."I am humbled to join PEG Companies as Co-Chief Executive Officer to work in partnership with Cameron to guide PEG through its next chapter of growth," Bjorkman said. "My experience and familiarity with vertically integrated organizations along with my commitment to excellence through hard work, transparency, and client experience align perfectly with PEG's vision for the future. At a time when alternative investments are becoming commonplace in traditional portfolio allocations, I am excited to lead the development of a broad array of institutional and private wealth investment products that utilize PEG's unique competitive advantages to drive strong investment performance and an exceptional client experience." PEG will officially welcome Bjorkman to the team on May 1, 2024. Bjorkman will be presenting at PEG360 - PEG's 2024 Annual Investor Meeting on May 21, 2024 at Sundance Mountain Resort.###Media Contact: Ali Monsen l 801.783.7334 l amonsen@ pegcompanies.com ABOUT PEG COMPANIES: Founded in 2003, PEG Companies is a vertically integrated owner, operator, and developer of multifamily, hospitality and build-to-rent assets in the U.S. and Canada with a focus on the Mountain West. Initially best known for its creative and well-executed real estate developments, PEG today encompasses five synergistic companies that each manage a different phase of the commercial real estate investment process. Currently, PEG's robust $1.9B AUM encompasses investments in 29 US states and one Canadian province. PEG Companies employs more than 1,100 employees nationwide. For more on PEG, visit www.pegcompanies.com Contact Information Ali MonsenVice President, Branding & Communicationsamonsen@ pegcompanies.com 801.783.7334SOURCE: PEG CompaniesView the original press release on newswire.com
PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-24 13:31:33

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Rush Rare Metals Corp. (CSE:RSH) ("Rush" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has added three new and highly prospective areas totalling 1,398 acres to the Copper Mountain Project (hereinafter "Copper Mountain" or the "Property"), which areas now join the original area subject to an earn-in agreement with Myriad Uranium Corp. (hereinafter "Myriad"). More details surrounding these new areas are provided below.On October 18, 2023, Rush signed a property option agreement with Myriad pursuant to which Myriad has the option (the "Option") to earn up to a 75% interest in and to Rush's Copper Mountain Project, now covering approximately 4,200 acres near Riverton, Wyoming. To earn its 75% interest, Myriad must make expenditures on the Property and make share payments to Rush, and in addition Rush will retain a favourable split on early production (see previous Rush news release dated October 20, 2023 for full details).Rush and Myriad have been conducting a comprehensive review of a cache of recently found historical documents indicating tens of millions of dollars in previous exploration work conducted at Copper Mountain, much of it by Union Pacific prior to 1980. The review is ongoing, but Myriad released an interim update referenced in a Rush news release dated November 1, 2023. The newly discovered documents include historical resource estimates, mining feasibility studies, geological reports, mining plans, drill logs, and a wealth of other highly useful data. This data has, in turn, provided enormous benefit to Myriad, allowing them to focus efforts on areas previously acknowledged to have the highest grades of uranium and to conduct advanced investigation into new areas that might otherwise have been considered as purely greenfield.Also based on this data cache, additional areas around Copper Mountain, deemed by previous operators such as Union Pacific to be prospective based on drilling and other exploration work, have been identified by Myriad and Rush and, in turn, added to the Property area. The three most recently added areas are as follows:The Midnight claim area, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 798 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 1 below and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 15, 2024. The historic Bonanza and Kermac/Day uranium mines, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 280 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 2 below, and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 19, 2024. Additional key grounds expanding control around the Canning area, secured by executing a 20-year mining lease, adding a further 320 acres as shown in Figure 3 below, and as described in Myriad's new release of April 22, 2024.Figure 1. Addition of the Midnight Claim AreaFigure 2. Addition of the Bonanza and Kermac/Day Claim AreaFigure 3. Addition of Diamond X Claim AreaThese newest areas are added to the Knob claims, also recently staked by Rush, and as described in the Company's news release of February 27, 2024. The Copper Mountain claim area is now comprised of 4,206 acres and contains a variety of former uranium mines and historical occurrences, including Allard, Mint, Gem, Canning, Fuller, Hesitation and the Arrowhead Mine, and now including Midnight, Knob and the Bonanza and Kermac/Day mines.A map showing the whole claim area as it stands today is shown below in Figure 4.Figure 4. Full Copper Mountain Claim AreaRush CEO Peter Smith commented, "the significance of these new areas cannot be over-stated. Midnight was highlighted as a significant uranium prospect on historical maps. The Canning area is now expanded so that all historically significant areas of it are fully within our control. Bonanza and Kermac/Day were previous uranium producing mines. We've secured these new zones based on reports and data generated by millions spent by Union Pacific and others exploring Copper Mountain, decades ago. Now that there is tremendous pressure to ramp up domestic production of uranium again, we have these invaluable blueprints', in the form of historical data, to guide our ongoing expansion efforts. Myriad has done a tremendous job analyzing all this data and determining where all the best prospects are to add to our already massive potential at Copper Mountain." Mr. Smith recently (in early April) visited Copper Mountain and produced a site-tour video, which can be viewed by clicking here, or by visiting our website's media page.Rush's earn-in partner Myriad has produced an excellent project overview video for Copper Mountain, which can be viewed by clicking here.About the CompanyRush currently has 100% ownership in two projects - the aforementioned Copper Mountain Property in Wyoming (subject to the earn-in agreement with Myriad described above), and a niobium prospect in Quebec called Boxi.BOXIBoxi is a road accessible property comprised of over 8,000 hectares a short distance from Mont Laurier. Boxi was formerly held by Areva S.A. (now Orano), which held the property based on early samples returning very high values for uranium. Note that this early work for Orano was also conducted by Resources Maxima, the company currently assisting Rush with exploration. Orano dropped the property following the Fukushima incident in 2013, and uranium mining was subsequently suspended in Quebec under a temporary moratorium still in place today. Rush originally acquired the property from Resources Maxima (who picked up the original core clams after they were dropped by Orano) on the strength of niobium values in samples taken in 2011.Niobium is categorized as a critical mineral in Canada and is used to make strong, light weight and corrosion resistant steel, superconductors, and various other highly topical products. There are only three niobium mines of any significance in the world, two of them in Brazil, and the third, the Niobec Mine, just 350km from Boxi in Quebec. At Niobec, mining occurs at between 90 and 450 meters, and niobium grades are between 0.4 and 0.5% (based on previous disclosures made by Niobec's operator).For more information about upcoming plans for the Boxi property, as well as exploration progress to date, please refer to our news release from April 2, 2024.About Rush Rare Metals Corp.Rush Rare Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on its Boxi Property located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Rush also owns the Copper Mountain Project located in Wyoming, USA, which it has optioned to Myriad Uranium Corp. For further information, please refer to Rush's disclosure record on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca) or cont
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Sharp Creative , a Minneapolis-based independent studio with a proprietary approach to strategic design solutions, has achieved a spectacular sweep of five awards at the prestigiousNetty Awards . These accolades highlight Sharp Creative's commitment to innovation, creativity, and strategic mastery in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.Branding Agency of the Year: Redefining Brand NarrativesWinning the Branding Agency of the Year' title, Sharp Creative has reimagined the art of brand storytelling. Their approach transcends traditional branding methods, combining a company's historical essence with cutting-edge digital strategies. One of their crowning achievements is rebranding a historic financial institution, where they masterfully balanced traditional values with modern design sensibilities. This project has become a benchmark for strategic branding, demonstrating Sharp Creative's ability to create brand identities that resonate with diverse audiences across generations.Boutique Agency of the Year: Pioneering Personalized Branding SolutionsAs an Honoree for Boutique Agency of the Year,' Sharp Creative has shown an unparalleled ability to deliver bespoke branding solutions. Their innovative WhetstoneSM Brand Workshop has been instrumental in their success, allowing clients to redefine their brand identity. This approach has translated into tangible results, including a significant revenue increase for their clients. Such successes underscore Sharp Creative's expertise in delivering tailored branding strategies that drive growth and redefine market presence.Best Technology Design: Visualizing the InvisibleSharp Creative's collaboration with Microtrace, LLC, culminated in the Best Technology Design' award for the Microtrace Analyzer. This project highlights Sharp Creative's skill in visually articulating complex technological concepts. By transforming Microtrace's invisible authentication technologies into engaging and comprehensible designs, Sharp Creative has set a new standard in for design in the technology space. Their ability to communicate intricate technical details through intuitive design speaks volumes of their innovative design philosophy.Best Interactive UX Design: Enhancing Public EngagementAwarded for Best Interactive UX Design' in collaboration with Creative Arc, Sharp Creative redefined the website user experience for New York City's Bryant Park. Addressing the park's diverse visitor needs, they developed a user-friendly platform that simplifies navigation and event participation. This redesign not only improved website performance metrics but also significantly contributed to increased physical attendance at park events. Their work stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful, user-centric design in enhancing public spaces both online and offline.Best Symbolic Logo Design: Crafting a Digital-Ready LegacyThe award for Best Symbolic Logo Design' was bestowed upon Sharp Creative for their exceptional work with Northeast Bank in Minneapolis, MN. They successfully merged the bank's storied heritage with a contemporary aesthetic, resulting in a logo that speaks to both legacy and forward-thinking. The new brand identity has resonated deeply within the community, leading to significant increases in digital engagement and reinforcing the bank's position in the financial sector.A Word from the CEOIn reflecting on Sharp's impressive feat at the Netty Awards, Sharp Creative's CEO Ben Harris shares that "An ethical approach to strategy-first marketing has been at the core of Sharp Creative's business philosophy since we were founded in 2010. The Netty Awards have confirmed the effectiveness of this approach with five national awards, and I'm encouraged that this exposure will continue to influence the marketing industry toward positive, human-centered strategies that produce meaningful results for our clients." About Sharp CreativeSharp Creative, based in Minneapolis, MN, is at the forefront of the strategic design field. Their unique blend of design expertise and strategic thinking has made them a pivotal player in crafting enduring brand relationships. With their proprietary Whetstone Brand Workshop, Sharp Creative ensures that each branding initiative is tailor-made to foster significant growth, aligning closely with a company's vision and market dynamics.About The Netty AwardsThe Netty Awards are a prestigious awards program that honors top leaders and companies across various industries in the digital age. With over 100 unique categories and a longstanding track record as one of the most trusted organizations in the industry, the Netty Awards celebrate achievements in Design, Social Media, Influencers & Creators, Web, Advertising & PR, and Apps & Software.Contact InformationBen Harris ben@ sharpcreative.com SOURCE: The Netty Awards
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Sagebrush Apartments Brings High-Quality Affordable Housing to Southern Weld CountyFORT LUPTON, CO / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Fort Lupton Mayor Zo Hubbard yesterday joined executives from The Michaels Organization, the Colorado Housing and Finance Agency, and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, as well as Fort Lupton residents to celebrate the grand opening of Sagebrush Apartments, the first newly constructed affordable living community developed in Fort Lupton in more than 15 years.Sagebrush Apartments Ribbon Cutting Happy Resident Amanda Knox smiles after cutting the ribbon at Sagebrush, the first affordable housing community developed in Fort Lupton in 15 years."Having workforce housing located right on a major transportation corridor and so close to grocers, medical care, bank, hardware, auto parts and even our new library has made this project even more important than we knew originally," said Mayor Zo Hubbard."Sagebrush represents far more than just new apartments," said James Weglarz, Regional VP of Development for The Michaels Organization. "This new community is a significant investment in the lives of Fort Lupton residents and will ensure affordable housing is an accessible resource for all in Southern Weld County." Sagebrush offers 72 apartment homes across two 36-unit buildings in the heart of Fort Lupton's city center. All units at Sagebrush Apartments are 100% affordable. Using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit regulation of Income Averaging, the unit mix has a variety of income tiers from 30% AMI to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), which creates affordability for households with a wide variety of incomes."Sagebrush Apartments' ribbon cutting marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to creating and maintaining housing for all Coloradans, regardless of their budget," said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs. "Projects like Sagebrush demonstrate the importance of affordable housing initiatives in addressing the diverse needs of our community and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Colorado. Together, we are building a more inclusive and resilient future where housing affordability is within reach for all." In addition to spacious, energy-efficient apartment homes, available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, the community features a 2,300-square-foot clubhouse and leasing center. Additional community amenities include in-unit washer and dryers, a fitness center, and pet park.The $25 million Sagebrush Apartments development was been made possible by several stakeholders and funders, including private equity raised through the sale of Low Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Colorado Housing Finance Agency. The Weld County Housing Authority provided vouchers and The Fort Lupton Housing Authority assisted in obtaining a PILOT for real estate tax relief. Berkadia Affordable syndicated the tax credits to the Bank of Montreal (formerly Bank of the West), which also served as the construction lender. The Department of Local Affairs provided vital Housing Trust Funds. Sagebrush will also go through a permanent loan conversion using the CHFA HUD Risk Share loan program.Sagebrush Apartments has been certified as an Enterprise Green Community. The new development is also part of a greater redevelopment effort spanning a total of 12 acres in Fort Lupton to bring residents and businesses to the growing area.In addition to Michaels, the Sagebrush Apartments development team included Architect Kephardt and General Contractor B.C. Builders LLC. The property will be managed by Michaels.About The Michaels OrganizationMichaels is a national leader in residential real estate that has been pioneering solutions to the nation's housing challenges for more than 50 years.Offering full-service capabilities in design, development, property management, construction, and investment management, Michaels' expertise spans across housing markets, including affordable, attainable/workforce, student/market, and privatized Military housing. Serving 200,000 residents in more than 600 communities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Michaels is committed to crafting attainable housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and to creating Communities That Lift Lives. Visit TMO.com our Media Room, and follow us on LinkedIn.Contact InformationLaura ZanerVice President, Michaels Corporate Marketinglzaner@ tmo.com 856-988-5983; 856-630-1540SOURCE: The Michaels OrganizationView the original press release on newswire.com
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ROCK HILL, SC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / As the end of April rapidly approaches, trucking companies and interstate motor carriers are urged to take immediate action to ensure compliance with the 1st Quarter International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) filing deadline on April 30th.IFTA is a vital component of the transportation industry, streamlining the reporting and payment of fuel taxes across multiple jurisdictions. Failure to meet IFTA requirements can result in severe penalties and disruptions to operations. With the deadline approaching, now is the time for drivers to act."This is a critical reminder for all trucking companies and interstate carriers," said William Binkley, Client Relationship Specialist. "The 1st Quarter IFTA deadline is fast approaching, and non-compliance is not an option. Companies must immediately gather documentation, review records, and file accurately to avoid penalties." To ensure a smooth filing process, drivers and fleet managers are encouraged to:Gather all necessary documentation, including fuel receipts and mileage records.Review records carefully for accuracy and completeness.Use TruckLogics to calculate fuel taxes owed for each jurisdiction using IFTA fuel tax rates. Quarterly IFTA tax rates may fluctuate, but with TruckLogics, you never have to worry. TruckLogics automatically updates the tax rates, ensuring you're always up-to-date without additional worry or effort. Learn more about the 1st Quarter IFTA tax rateshere :Seek guidance from qualified tax professionals or state IFTA offices if needed.It's easy to underestimate the importance of timely and accurate IFTA filings. However, the consequences of non-compliance can be severe, including hefty fines and penalties. With the deadline just days away, there's no time to waste. Act now to ensure compliance and avoid costly repercussions.For more information and resources on IFTA filing, visit TruckLogics.com today!About TruckLogics:TruckLogics is a leading truck management solution designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and facilitate compliance for trucking professionals. With cutting-edge AI technology and user-friendly features, TruckLogics is the perfect tool for businesses of every size in the trucking industry to forge a path to efficiency and success!Clients can easily integrate their Motive and Samsara accounts with TruckLogics, enabling direct importation of their fuel/distance data. Alternatively, they can utilize our provided Excel templates for bulk data upload.Clients never have to worry about tax calculations again. TruckLogics ensures accuracy and efficiency by automatically updating tax rates every quarter. With just a few simple steps, clients can swiftly generate a file-ready IFTA report.About SPAN EnterprisesBased in Rock Hill, South Carolina, SPAN Enterprises has been developing industry-leading software solutions for IRS e-filing and business management tools for over a decade.The SPAN Enterprises portfolio of products includes TaxBandits, Tax990, ACAwise, ExpressExtension, 123PayStubs, and TruckLogics.For press inquiries and further information, please contact:Amber Tabbamber@ trucklogics.com SOURCE: TruckLogics
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KELOWNA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Tryp Therapeutics, Inc. ("Tryp" or the "Company") (CSE:TRYP)(OTCQB:TRYPF) is pleased to announce that the shareholders of Exopharm Limited ACN 163 765 991 ("Exopharm") have approved the previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") between the parties.The Company is also pleased to confirm that all conditions precedent to the completion of the Arrangement have been satisfied or waived (with the exception of the conditional approval of the Australian Securities Exchange (the "ASX"), which is expected to be received on April 30, 2024) and the parties anticipate that the Arrangement will be completed on or about May 1, 2024, with the combined company's shares to commence trading on the ASX under the name "Tryptamine Therapeutics Limited" and the ticker symbol "TYP" on or about May 15, 2024, following the combined company's satisfaction of the ASX admission conditions.In anticipation of the closing of the Arrangement, Tryp has voluntarily requested that trading in its common shares (the "Tryp Shares") on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") and on the OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB") be halted effective April 29, 2024. Subsequent to the completion of the Arrangement, the Tryp Shares are expected to be delisted from the CSE and to cease trading on the OTCQB.In order to receive the consideration to which they are entitled for their Tryp Shares, all registered shareholders of the Company must complete, sign, date and return the letter of transmittal, which has been previously mailed and is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca , with accompanying Tryp Share certificate(s) or DRS advice-statement(s) (if applicable) to Computershare Investor Services Inc. Non-registered shareholders should contact their broker or other intermediary for instructions and assistance in receiving the consideration in respect of their Tryp Shares.About TrypTryp Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing proprietary, novel formulations for the administration of psilocin in combination with psychotherapy to treat diseases with unmet medical needs. Tryp's lead program, TRP-8803, is a proprietary formulation of IV-infused psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) that alleviates numerous shortcomings of oral psilocybin including: significantly reducing the time to onset of the psychedelic state, controlling the depth and duration of the psychedelic experience, and reducing the overall duration of the intervention to a commercially feasible timeframe. The Company has completed a Phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of binge eating disorder at the University of Florida, which demonstrated an average reduction in binge eating episodes of greater than 80%. The Company also recently announced commencement of patient dosing in a Phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of fibromyalgia in collaboration with the University of Michigan and is preparing to initiate a Phase 2a clinical trial in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital for the treatment of abdominal pain and visceral tenderness in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Each of the studies is utilizing TRP-8802 (synthetic, oral psilocybin) to demonstrate clinical benefit in these indications. Where a positive clinical response is demonstrated, subsequent studies are expected to utilize TRP-8803 (IV-infused psilocin), which has the potential to further improve efficacy, safety, and patient experience. For more information, please visit www.tryptherapeutics.com Investor & Media ContactPeter Molloy Chief Business Officer Tryp Therapeutics Inc. pmolloy@ tryptherapeutics.com Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements concerning the halt in trading and delisting of the Tryp Shares from the CSE, the listing of and commencement of trading of the combined company's shares on the ASX and all other statements that are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Tryp to control or predict, that may cause Tryp's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set out in the filings available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca . Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. 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. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.SOURCE: Tryp Therapeutics, Inc.
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Deal Recognizes Power of Public-Private Partnerships to Bolster State's Food SystemPORTLAND, ME / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 /Vertical Harvest Farms, an indoor farming company focused on customized employment for people with disabilities, is proud to announce the closing of $59.5 million in project financing to develop and operate a 51,000-square-foot hydroponic vertical farm in downtown Westbrook, Maine.Vertical Harvest Maine Vertical Harvest Farms location in Westbrook, Maine, is currently under construction.The project is a critical piece of the state's food system infrastructure and will significantly contribute to the New England Food Vision, where the region's six states committed to a goal of locally producing 30 percent of the food consumed in the region by 2030 (and 50 percent of the region's food by 2060), by producing approximately 2.5 million pounds of fresh, leafy greens every year - ranging from mature lettuce, petite greens, microgreens and herbs.This project also aligns with Vertical Harvest's "feed locals first" philosophy and goal of providing greens from farm-to-fridge within 24 hours. In this way, the company helps New Englanders avoid the 30 percent loss of nutritional value that occurs within three days of harvest, which widely affects the produce shipped into the region from California, Arizona and abroad. It also significantly helps mitigate food waste by providing longer shelf life and less shrinkage at the retail and institutional level. The company offers these benefits while fulfilling its dual mission to grow food and futures by offering meaningful employment for people with disabilities in this emerging, tech-forward sector.Vertical Harvest CEO Nona Yehia said, "We're on a mission to grow food as local, fresh and fair as possible, and ensure there's a place at the table for everyone in the future of food." As the U.S. became a net food importer for the first time ever in 2023, stakeholders are realizing that traditional agriculture is under greater stress from extreme weather, water scarcity and climate change. This has made diversifying food production, leveraging technologic innovations, shortening supply chains, and ensuring access to fresh local food for years to come, imperative. USDA Rural Development recognizes this as well and is incentivizing efforts to future-proof the food system."As The People's Department,' we are happy to support fresh food, and good jobs here in Maine, as well as the equity of access to both. USDA Rural Development is committed to building communities and feeding Mainers, and we look forward to Vertical Harvest being a part of the team fulfilling those shared goals," said USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson.This funding also aligns with the CEA industry's shift to project-level financing. Vertical Harvest is excited by the public and private partners that made this deal possible."We are thrilled to provide financing and partner with Vertical Harvest. Through two pioneer programs from the USDA and other community facilities, we were able to creatively structure this challenging project. We believe this will have a tremendous impact on the local community and the future of food production," said Alexios Georgousis, Madison One CUSO.The funding was led by Madison One and supported by Waterside Commercial Finance. The financing includes $25 million and $23,795,000 loans that utilize USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Loan Guarantees and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans, respectively.This financing is supplemented by a $8,655,189 Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) loan - the first in Maine administered by the Efficiency Maine Green Bank and issued through Nuveen Green Capital - and $2 million of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding through the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)."We are pleased to have approved Vertical Harvest for this funding through the Efficiency Maine Green Bank in partnership with one of our capital providers, Nuveen Green Capital," said James Neal, senior manager for finance initiatives at Efficiency Maine. "We strongly encourage more of Maine's municipalities to follow Westbrook's example and adopt this ordinance so their local businesses can take advantage of this unique pathway to finance energy improvements, such as upgrading lighting or installing heat pump systems for heating and cooling in their buildings." In addition, borrower and partner contributions of $19,189,210 are possible thanks to partners such as Crossroads Impact Corp, Enhanced Capital, Waterside Commercial Finance, Maine Technology Institute, and others."Public-private partnerships benefit a wider group of stakeholders than private capital can alone," said Enhanced Capital's Chief Impact Officer and Managing Director Gingee Prince. "In 2017, we partnered with Vertical Harvest to pioneer this space and are excited to see them building even more ambitious capital coalitions today." This array of funding follows Vertical Harvest's model of using public-private partnerships to catalyze resilience within a state's food system. The company believes this financing model, piloted in Wyoming and now proven in Maine, will pave the way for financing future farms such as the company's next facility in Detroit, Michigan, to be developed in partnership with Bedrock. By bringing together municipal, state and federal funding alongside private capital, not only is the company relocalizing production of perishable produce closer to consumers, but because of Vertical Harvest's social mission, delivering outsized impact, inclusively.About Vertical HarvestVertical Harvest is a hydroponic, vertical farming company dedicated to community-oriented farms, food and futures. In addition to our passion for local, healthy food grown sustainably, Vertical Harvest also operates on an inclusive, customized employment model with farms designed for accessibility and staffed via hiring practices developed to support meaningful employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.verticalharvestfarms.com and sign up for the newsletter, visit https://verticalharvestfarms.com/invest-in-vertical-harvest/ to learn about a community raise and follow on socials at @verticalharvestfarms.Contact InformationCarla TracyCarla Tracy Public Relationscarla@ carlatracypr.com 646-591-7126Related ImagesVertical Harvest Maine Vertical Harvest Farms location in Westbrook, Maine, is currently under construction.SOURCE: Vertical Harvest FarmsView the original press release on newswire.com
Under the calm skies of a late February evening in Patigi, Kwara State, over 60 people crowded into a small boat departing Etsungi ferry port for Minna, the capital of Niger state. The vessel, overloaded by double its capacity, lurched away from the dock well past a safe hour for travel.

Had the passengers, mostly traders returning after the days business, chosen the road instead, their trip would have taken about six to seven hours and cost nearly N4,000. By boat, they paid N400 and made it under an hour.

As dusk settled, and without lighting, the worn-out vessel slowly sailed eastward, drifting along the evening waves as its fatigued occupants sprawled across its deck  none wearing a life jacket as required by federal regulation.

Last June, a boat traveling in the same area at night, also overcrowded without safety kits, ended in a tragedy with over 100 people dead.

Workers at the Etsungi ferry port in Patigi eerily recalled that event, but cared less. Our people believe that those who lost their lives died because that was their fate, said Mohammed Baba, a boat operator.

While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, the top regulator cited the late travel and travellers disregard for safety protocols as possible factors.

This accident was clearly an unfortunate and avoidable one, said the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

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The agency said the boat was travelling at about 2:30 a.m.

For a wooden boat to have allegedly been carrying more than 200 passengers at once without using life jackets and sailing in the night was certainly gross overloading and misconduct, NIWA said.

Nearly a year after Nigerias deadliest boat accident in five years, a joint investigation by Pluboard and PREMIUM TIMES found no real change in how people travel by water in the region. Safety upgrades remain absent, and systemic failures continue to plague the inland waterway sector. The failures include regulatory shortcomings, operational issues, and a disregard for safety rules.

The examination found rampant use of dilapidated boats, continued night-time travel, a lack of safety gear usage, overcrowding, and weak enforcement of regulations. In some coastal areas, we found a troubling conflict of interest as local leaders, who own many boats, are responsible for enforcing regulations.

Compounding the problem, government interventions often fall short. Regulators prioritize urban areas, leaving remote communities that rely heavily on water transport with minimal government presence and emergency services. The lack of oversight allows unscrupulous operators to flout safety regulations and run dangerous trips using unmaintained boats.

NIWA acknowledged problems, especially the challenge of boat quality.

The problem we are facing is people use rickety boats and boats that have stayed too long and they are not supposed to use them, NIWAs deputy manager for corporate affairs, Suleiman Makama, told us.

If you ask, they will say this boat that my great grandfather used and passed it to my father, and my father passed it to me, so they patch up the boat and do overloading.

Persisting boat accidents

Nigerias vast waterways, stretching over 10,000 km, hold immense transportation potential, but only 3,800 km are navigable year-round.

Because a significant portion of waterway transport operates informally, operators often bypass safety regulations. Underdeveloped infrastructure and limited enforcement add to the safety crisis, experts say.

Chinedum Onyemechi, a professor of Maritime Innovation, Transportation, and Strategy at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, identified some of the factors blighting water transportation in Nigeria as: Bad boats, a good number of which lack class by classification societies, poorly-trained boatsmen, and poor training facilities.

A good number of the causes are already covered in the news, he said.

Between 2019 and 2023, Nigeria recorded 71 fatal boat accidents with at least 1,072 fatalities, according to our compilation of reported figures. The regulator, NIWA, did not provide data requested through a freedom of information request.

Our investigation shows that in the last five years, 2023 was the deadliest year with 421 deaths, and the single deadliest accidents occurred in Kwara (June 2023: 106 deaths), Taraba (October 2023: 100 deaths) and Kebbi (May 2021: 98 deaths).

Since the accident in Kwara State last June, the nation has recorded 15 more accidents, with at least 278 fatalities. The latest incident occurred early 10 April in the Delta States section of the River Niger, taking the lives of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and four others.

Our review focused on factors that could cause accidents on inland waterways and steps to prevent them: state of boats, operators skills, travel time, overcrowding, navigation, and regulatory enforcement.

We examined measures to minimize the impact if a crash happens, including using life jackets and emergency response. We also assessed post-accident measures such as investigation and implementation of recommendations, punishing those responsible, and providing support to survivors and the sector.

Boat operators not playing by the rules

The NIWA has an elaborate regimen of regulations. Some of the most relevant are:

Trips should be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Boat operators must not exceed the capacity of the vessel.

Operators should avoid using old and rickety boats  defined as any boat that has been in use for more than five years.

Boat operators must refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs before and during boat rides.

Passengers must always wear life jackets before boarding a boat.

All boats and boat operators must be registered with NIWA.

Operators should regularly check weather conditions to ensure safe sailing.

Before setting sail, boat operators are required to share safety knowledge with passengers.

Operators are required to carry hand paddles, which can be crucial in case of engine failure.

In 2022, the agency announced it would begin the enforcement of new regulations gazetted by the federal ministry of justice. The rules imposed a seven-year sentence on watercraft operators and passengers who fail to use life jackets or violate waterways regulations. The same penalty applies to jetty operators who run overcrowded boats or operate past 7 pm.

Despite having these rules in place and speaking against violations, enforcement has remained lax. NIWA lacks patrol presence at several inland waterway locations, such as in Patigi, Kwara State.

During our visits to riverine communities in Kwara and Kogi states, along the Niger River, Nigerias top federal navigable waterway, our teams found nearly all the regulations were observed in the breach.

Passengers did not receive safety briefings and many did not wear jackets. While operators complained about the high cost of jackets, where donated jackets were available, some passengers complained they could not use gear worn previously by others. Operators did not use the gears.

Most of the boats were in poor condition and overcrowded. Night journeys were commonplace. We saw boats that had no NIWA stickers, meaning they were not registered.

Virtually all the vessels used for transport on Etsungi Ferry Port should normally not be allowed to ply that waterway because they are poorly maintained, apart from being overly aged and rickety, said Afeez Adewale, a captain and top officer at the Nigeria Army Forward Operating Base, Patigi, Kwara State, who leads regular patrols around the area.

The challenge extends to other ports we visited in the area.

Virtually all the ferry ports in Patigi suffer from this problem. I know this because we are always on patrol even at night to carry out surveillance on the activities at the banks of River Niger. This I can say is one of the factors that is often responsible for constant boat accidents on waterways, Mr Adewale said.

Mohammed Kutigi, a 48-year-old boat operator at Etsungi Ferry Port in Patigi, acknowledged the poor quality of the boats. He said it was difficult to properly maintain or replace boats because of cost. A new engine-run boat could cost as much as N4 million.

Most of the transport-unworthy ferries would have been off the waterways and that would have helped stem the tide of boat mishaps if there had been adequate monitoring, he said.

Despite their conditions, the boats are largely overcrowded. Both the operators and passengers often want to maximize the economic gains offered by the waterways transport systems because it is so cheap in sharp contrast to road transport. As a result, they often overload the vessels with cargoes and human passengers, Mr Adewale said.

June 15 Incident

Communities along the River Niger rely largely on water transportation due to the poor condition of roads in their localities. In Kwara, for example, where deplorable conditions forced up transport fares, a round trip from Patigi headquarters to Kpada, a far-flung community some two hours away by motorcycle, cost N10,000.

Isolated from the rest of the state due to the poor road network, residents, many of them rice farmers and fishermen, find themselves geographically closer to Kogi and Niger states.

The 15 June 2023 deadly boat accident occurred at Kpada. The passengers were returning from a wedding ceremony at Egboti, a town on the other side of the river, at night. Using motorcycles or okada would have not only been too expensive, but the roads would not have been passable since it had rained heavily the previous day.

Over 200 wedding guests boarded the boat, with some bringing their motorbikes aboard, according to local accounts. As the boat set sail from the waterside, the clouds still dark, disaster struck within minutes. The boat collided with an obstacle, causing water to rush in as the engine faltered. Most of the dead were women and children.

When our reporter visited the most affected communities  Dzakan, Kuchalu, Sampi, Kpada, Ebu, and Egboti  locals were still grappling with their losses.

A community leader in Kpada, Muhammad Ndanusa, said the town was still in mourning.

Thirty-nine-year-old Fatimah Makwojis husband died of illness just 40 days before the boat accident. Her son died in the boat mishap while she was pregnant.

Gana Alhassan, a retired director at the Kwara State Civil Service and a community leader, who spoke on behalf of Mrs Makwoji and other grieving families, said they now rely on the generosity of immediate family members and the community.

Rakiyat Issa, a 42-year-old trader, lost her 25-year-old daughter in the boat tragedy. Two sisters  Fati and Ayarat Ndaji, aged 17 and 19, respectively  died in the accident.

At Ebu, Mohammad Ebu, a 44-year-old fisherman, said he lost 28 relatives. His family compound stood virtually empty, enveloped in silence during our visit.

Alhassan Ebu, a rice and cassava farmer, said he lost 10 relatives.

Delayed promise to probe boat mishaps

Despite the tragedy, disregard for safety persists at ports we visited in Kwara, including Pata Ebu and Etsungi.

In boat after boat, most passengers and operators arrived and departed without life jackets. In one striking case, dozens of donated life jackets hung nearby while people travelled without them.

Rickety vessels powered by small engines carried passengers beyond their capacity, many with additional cargoes such as motorcycles. Night travel continued too  all without monitoring and enforcement by the authorities.

Locals said things improved a little after the traditional leader in the area, the Etsu Nupe, gave instructions following the last accident that boats reduce passenger numbers to minimize the risk of accidents.

The boat that journeyed from Etsungi to Minna left without light at past 7 p.m. and locals said it was normal.

The people riding the boats know the job. They know the road, they dont use light, said Mr Baba, the boat operator.

Asked why there was poor observance of safety protocols despite the recent tragedy, Mr Baba, 56, said it bordered on traditional and religious beliefs in fate. Boat accidents would keep happening until we are able to take lessons of the past tragic incident, he said.

Passenger Abubakar lamented the state of the boats: I find it difficult to imagine that old vessels could not be replaced by the owners who eke their livings from their services.

Daily, the ports teem with activities as boats ferry people and goods across the water. For the rice farming communities, it is the only route to markets in neighbouring states, and boats filled with paddy bags are a common sight.

Idris Jubril, a 70-year-old boat operator, said the existing old boats were all the communities could afford. He said a promise by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, after the last accident, to provide new boats to them had not been fulfilled.

Idris Mohammed, a 67-year-old operator, made a similar claim.

Governor AbdulRazaqs office initially denied that he pledged new boats to the communities, despite media coverage of the promise. A spokesperson offered no response on how the governor supported survivors beyond donating life jackets, and what he did to avoid another boat tragedy.

Weeks after our inquiry, the government sent us a statement on 26 March announcing that the governor had fulfilled his commitment by donating five boats and additional life jackets  nine months after the tragedy.

The statement said Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Shehu Usman, presented five boats and life jackets to the people of Patigi and Lafiagi on behalf of Governor AbdulRazaq.

Today marks another milestone in the history of Kwara State since inception in 1967, Commissioner Usman was quoted as saying by Press Secretary Yakub Aliagan. You would recall that during the last boat mishap involving more than one hundred people, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during his condolences visit, promised to find a lasting solution to the mishap and today we are witnessing promise fulfilled with the donation of standard boats and life jackets, two for Patigi and two for Lafiagi.

The equipment was presented to the traditional chiefs of the areas  Etsu Patigi, Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, and the Emir of Lafiagi, Muhammad Kawu.

Such sluggish policy responses plague the entire regulatory chain governing Nigerias inland waterways.

With government oversight lacking, the industry remains largely in the hands of a few local figures who own most of the boats and have little incentive to implement strict safety measures themselves.

Such an arrangement applies in Patigi, as it does in other parts of the country. The chairperson of the transition implementation committee in Patigi Local Government Area, Mohammed Liman, did not respond to calls and a message seeking comments. An official in his office said the boat issue was sensitive and Mr Liman may not want to comment.

The official, who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the local government responded to problems in the sector based on resources available to it.

Not different in Kogi

In Kogi, where NIWA has its head office, the problems were the same.

Jubril Asibi, a fisherman, recounted how he barely made out alive on a boat trip with his brother from Adankolo community in Lokoja, the state capital, to another local government, Ankpa.

For them, it was a regular journey. Going by road would have taken three hours, triple the amount of time if they used the water.

The boat they were travelling in tumbled due to turbulent weather about 20 minutes into the journey. Mr Asibi, his brother and other passengers managed to swim to safety.

Mr Asibi said besides negligence by boat operators and passengers, many operators are not trained and their knowledge of navigation is poor, which exposes them to the risk of bumping into rocks and other obstacles.

The water has no signal, the sailors cannot identify where there are obstructions, so they end up bumping into it, he said.

Other members of his Kabawa community, a Hausa-dominated area in Lokoja, whose residents are mostly fishermen, also pointed to the channels low depth.

Idris Abubakar, auditor of the Marine Transporters Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, said when accidents happen, it takes too long for help to reach the victims.

If you are not a swimmer, you will end up dying, he said, recounting his experience in 2022 when he held on mid-water for long before help arrived.

The traditional ruler of the community, Mohammed Tukura, who is known locally as the Sarkin Ruwa, Hausa words for chief of water, admitted the poor attitude of operators regarding safety.

Sometimes people will see that the boat is small and they will keep saying, let me manage, then they end up carrying more than the required number of persons, he said.

Farouk Bakabe, a fisherman and a youth leader in the community, said NIWA officials occasionally raid the local port and arrest boat operators if passengers have no life jackets. After an accident last year, officials raided the port.

The government came to arrest some of the transporters when they visit and measures are not taken, said Mr Bakabe, who said he survived an accident that killed about 50 people. He attributed the incident to shallow waters and poor navigation skills, which should have enabled the boat driver to steer clear of a rock.

Such chance raids have not changed much as only a few passengers wear life jackets. On a February afternoon, our team witnessed multiple boats leaving with several passengers without life jackets from the Ganja shore as children played and screamed nearby.

Federal rules expect captains and sailors to provide their passengers with the jackets before each trip, but operators say a major problem is the cost.

Prices range from 7,000 for locally made models with cotton straps and styrofoam pads, to 50,000 for high-quality inflatables. Operators complain that given the low amounts they make daily; it is difficult to fork out hundreds of thousands for life jackets for the number of passengers they carry.

As you can see, not all passengers are wearing their safety jackets, there are no marine officials that can help victims if anything happens around, said one passenger, Abubakar, who lamented the absence of government presence at ports. He did not give a second name.

There was no indication the authorities punish offenders as the rules provide. NIWA did not also show data evidence of those arrested and sentenced, if any.

It did not also provide evidence showing it properly investigates the tragedies to learn from them and avoid a repeat. NIWA did not provide any report to us as requested.

The main federal agency tasked by law and President Tinubu to investigate the disaster, the Accident Investigation Bureau, too had no report. After the last major accident, the AIB said it was investigating the disaster. A spokesperson did not provide any details when we contacted despite promising to revert.

Professor Onyemechi said there should be more cooperation amongst relevant government agencies, such as NIWA and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to improve regulation. Those agencies should work with the academic sector to fashion out solutions.

Safety issues should be addressed regularly on an annual basis while modalities to address these are developed under the supervision of the new Ministry of Blue Economy, he said.

He said in addition to adopting safety protocols, long-term efforts should include developing an inclusive maritime domain that will accommodate boat building and operating sub-sector.

The plan should be to encourage mini-cargo shipping as an alternative transport system for road decongestion.

This will certainly create an enviable short sea shipping infrastructure that will say bye-bye to boat accidents, he said.

This report was facilitated by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project.

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In the early hours of an August morning in 2023, a Billings teen was riding in the back of a black SUV. Hed been shot twice.

His mother, at the wheel of the SUV and speeding toward a hospital, had a gunshot wound to her leg. The teenage boys friend in the front passenger seat had been shot through his chest.

The trial is underway this week for the Billings man accused of shooting the teen, his mom and his friend. Darrell Colton Bryant, 40, is facing multiple felonies, including three counts of attempted murder. As alternatives to the deliberate homicide attempt charges, Yellowstone County prosecutors have filed three charges of assault with a weapon against Bryant. The trial concluded its second day Tuesday, during which jurors heard testimony from the teenage boy, his mom and one of the surgeons assigned to treat the three at the Billings Clinic.

The teen, now 18, recalled the morning he was shot before a jury Tuesday in Yellowstone County District Court. He walked Deputy Yellowstone County Attorney Sabrina Currie through the moments leading up the shooting at a local trailer park, and the aftermath of his wounded mother driving him to Billings Clinic. Currie showed the teen and jurors photos of the inside of the SUV. Crimson smears of blood were splashed on its interior.

During his testimony, the prosecutor asked the 18-year-old what he was worried about when he got into the SUV to get to a hospital.

Dying, he said.

In mid-August 2023, Billings law enforcement agents filled the streets of the Golden Meadows Mobile Home Park. They gathered in response to a shooting reported from one of the homes in which three people were shot: a woman and two teens ages 16 and 18. Police suspected the alleged shooter, Bryant, was barricaded in a trailer.

During the subsequent nine-hour standoff, SWAT teams with BPD and the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office surrounded the home and evacuated neighbors. A portion of King Avenue West was shut down. SWAT teams launched flash bang grenades and tear gas into the cordoned off residence. By the end of the standoff, several windows were shattered.

Later that same day, law enforcement found Bryant in Columbus. He was arrested and then booked into Yellowstone County Detention Facility. Along with the three counts of attempted murder, and the three alternate charges of assault with a weapon, Bryant has been charged with two counts of criminal endangerment and illegally possessing a firearm while a felon. Attorneys representing Bryant in the trial are arguing that he was justified in his use of force, according to court documents.

The alleged shooting was preceded by an argument between Bryant and one of the teenage victims. The boy was standing outside a trailer with Bryant and the 18-year-old. The argument began with one of the boys accusing Bryant of having the keys to his mothers SUV, the 17-year-old boy testified Tuesday. That argument escalated to Bryant pulling a handgun from his waistband and firing it, court documents said. Both teenagers ran inside the trailer home.

The boys mother testified in court that she had just fallen asleep that morning when she heard gunfire. She then heard her son and his friend at the front door. When she got to the door and answered it, both said Bryant was the shooter, she told jurors.

Bryant allegedly kicked in the front door and fired several rounds. Bullets hit the teen, his friend and his mother. The three alleged victims suffered a total of five gunshot wounds. Bryant fired at the 17-year-old first, the teen said in court, shooting him in the leg and wrist.

When his handgun ran out of ammunition, according to charging documents, Bryant picked up a candelabra and started hitting one of the boys with it. Bryant then walked down a hallway, the three victims got out of the residence and drove to Billings Clinic, court documents said.

At the hospital, physicians and nurses laid the teen on a table and cut off his clothes, tracking down all of his wounds. Bullets had hit him in the thigh and his wrist, coming within centimeters of his radial and femoral arteries.

Without emergency treatment, Dr. Gordon Riha testified Tuesday, the 17-year-old would have certainly lost the use of his hand, and his friend would have died. Riha, a trauma surgeon at Billings Clinic, was part of the team that treated the three shooting victims. The teens 18-year-old friend had a wound through his chest that had caused a pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition in which air seeps into the chest cavity and causes the lung to eventually collapse.

He absolutely would have died without emergency care, Riha said.

Although the teens mother didnt require emergency surgery the morning of the shooting, she left the hospital with the bullet still in her body. Billings Clinic saw a little over 1,400 patients for trauma throughout 2023, Riha testified. Of those, he estimated that about 10% were due to a penetrating trauma mechanism, that is gun or knife wounds.

When police determined Bryant was no longer in the trailer home during the standoff, investigators allegedly pinged the cell phone of a known associate of Bryants. The cell phone, court documents said, was in Columbus.

Members of the Stillwater County Sheriff's Office allegedly found Bryant there, and arrested him with the help of Columbus police, BPD and YCSO. He was a passenger in a vehicle with the associate, court documents said. Police searched through a satchel Bryant was carrying at the time of his arrest, inside of which they found a handgun. Since his arrest last year, Bryant has remained in custody on a $7.5 million bond.

Firearms, specifically handguns, were the most common weapons used in assaults investigated by BPD last year, according to the departments annual statistics report.

Bryants trial is slated to continue through the week. District Judge Colette Davies is overseeing the trial.
Oil and gas firm Oando has released its delayed 2022 audited account, indicating that as of December 2022, it required at least N3 trillion to clear debts and inject cash into its operation.

However, it is now about 16 months since the company faced that dire situation and it is unclear how much of that lifeline it has raised so far. In November 2023, it was widely reported that the firm signed an agreement with Afreximbank for a $800 million loan to facilitate its acquisition of 100 per cent shares of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in OML 60-63.

According to the companys 2022 audited report, the most pressing of its obligations in the twelve-month period reviewed by its auditors was N686.6 billion (84.1 per cent of outstanding borrowings), which became due and needed to be paid.

Oando, listed in Lagos and Johannesburg, said its liabilities to trade partners and other payables as of 31 December 2022 stood at N705.8 billion.

A material uncertainty, therefore, exists that may cast significant doubt on the companys and groups ability to continue as a going concern, thereby resulting in the companys and groups inability to realise the assets and settle the liabilities in the ordinary course of business at the amounts recorded in these consolidated and separate financial statements, said Independent auditor BDO Professional Services.

The company shares had plunged by 9.8 per cent in Lagos at 15:40 WAT on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the earnings report was released.

It is a major sign of business collapse, meaning that their liabilities are far more than the assets, Folorunso Adeleye, team lead internal audit and compliance at Lagos-based commercial printing company Superflux International, said, referring to the independent auditors comment.

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Even at the points of liquidation, if the assets are disposed of, it may not cover the commitments.

However, the company said its management has lined up a list of plans to rescue the company and return it to profitability.

One of the measures is a fresh loan of N1 trillion it planned to source in the form of bonds from investors to partly close its N3 trillion funding gap by 32 per cent. What progress the company has made on that front in the past 16 months remains unclear.

Management has progressed the initiative to mitigate the ongoing concern uncertainties on profitability, working capital deficiency and negative shareholders fund by appointing a rating agency to provide a rating analysis of the bond, which process started in 2022, Oando said.

As of December 2022, accrued but unpaid interest on borrowings stood at N154.6 billion, the report noted.

The repayment of the outstanding principal amounts and coupon will be made from cash flows from operations arising from efficient operatorship of the NAOC acquisition, the energy company stated in the earnings report.

The Group has forecast that it will return to profitability by 2024, but the forecast is highly dependent on the successful completion of the acquisition of NAOCs working interest in OML 60  63, Oando added.

Eni signed a Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Oando last September to sell its local onshore unit NAOC  Nigeria Agip Oil Company in total  in OML 60  63, a joint venture in which NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, a subsidiary of state-owned NNPC Limited (NNPCL), holds a 60 per cent stake.

A group of shareholders want to take the company private and are currently in court seeking approval to do this. Wale Tinubu, Oandos CEO and his deputy Omamofe Boyo, owned substantial stake in the company within the period under review, details of the 2022 earnings report showed.

Ocean and Oil Development Partners Limited (OODP) owns 7,131,736,673 shares (representing 57.37% of the total number of shares) in the company. OODP is ultimately owned 66.67 by the Group Chief Executive and 33.33% by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Company at year end, the report said.

Management has additional plans to address the uncovered 68% of the projected funding gap through a combination of advances from its existing major shareholders and additional equities, Oando said in the financial report.

Oando also said in the 2022 account that it considered the issuance of stock instead of cash for payment for services to vendors until profit and healthy cash flows from profitable operations may be achieved.

EDITORS NOTE: This post has been updated to correct some errors in the earlier version and reflect new information obtained by us.

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The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has said its initiatives have increased the enrolment of girls in schools in Kebbi State.

Alongside Sokoto and Yobe States, Kebbi has one of the highest out-of-school children in Nigeria. There are up to 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, according to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES in a recent interview, the Technical Assistant on Monitoring and Evaluation for the project in Kebbi State, Awoseye Joshua, said there has been a 19 per cent increase in enrolment and retention in the girls schools selected for the intervention.

Statistics

According to him, over 40,000 girls in 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are currently benefiting from the conditional cash transfer component of the project. He said N163.2 million has been disbursed under the project.

He said 25,486 beneficiaries are in the Junior Secondary School (JSS), while the remaining 14,728 are Senior Secondary School (SSS) students.

He said: Girls from 16 LGAs are currently benefiting. There are conditions for enrolling girls into the project such as vulnerability assessment and the use of National Social Safety Net Program databases.

It is important to mention here that the AGILE project officials plan to make subsequent payment on the condition that the girls achieve 70 to 80 per cent attendance in classes and also do very well in their studies.

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He listed the benefitting LGAs to include Aleero, Arewa  Dandi, Augie, Bagudo, Bunza, Dandi, Fakai, Gwandu, Jega, Ngaski, Sakaba, Shanga, Suru, Wasagu / Danko, Yauri, and Zuru.

He added that the remaining local government areas will benefit from the project in the subsequent cohort.

About AGILE

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) is a World Bank-assisted project of the Federal Ministry of Education geared at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20.

The pilot phase of the project started with seven states and has now been extended to 11 additional states.

The benefitting states are Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi, and Gombe.

Others are; Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states.

According to the World Bank, over 5,000 classrooms have been renovated, and over 250,000 eligible girls have received scholarships under the project.

The AGILE programme has supported the construction and rehabilitation of WASH facilities in secondary schools and the installation of computers and solar panels, which make attending school more convenient and conducive for girls and boys. Life skills, systems strengthening, and advocacy are other key aspects of the programme which address social norms impeding girls education, it said.

The AGILE project has three major components. Component one is meant to address the supply-side constraints to girls education, such as the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, expanding existing primary and junior Secondary schools (JSS) to include Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) as well as the provision of Teaching and Learning Materials, (TLMs) to make schools functional, safe, inclusive, and more conducive for teaching and learning.

The second component of the project is aimed at seeking support for girls education and empowerment among families, communities, and schools.

Meanwhile, the third component aims to support institutional capacity building at the federal, state and local levels to manage, implement, and provide oversight for promoting girls education.

The project financially incentivises girls transition to Junior and Senior Secondary School and ensures their attendance as well as completion, Mr Joshua said.

Also, to ensure sustainability, this subcomponent leverages existing systems and programmes in Kebbi state, such as the National Social Safety Net Program (NASSP), which provides financial support to offset the costs of girls enrolment in secondary school.

He added that the priority for accessing the financial incentive was given to eligible poor and vulnerable households captured in the National Social Register (NSR), established under NASSP.

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Abubakar Sulaiman, the director-general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), says Sergeant-At-Arms should be fortified for a secured legislature across the country.

Mr Sulaiman, a professor, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a workshop for Sergeant-at-Arms, Chamber Assistants, Para-Military Personnel, and Legislative Aides from the National Assembly and some state assemblies.

A sergeant-at-arms is an officer appointed by a parliament to ensure order during its proceedings and other parliamentary activities.

Mr Sulaiman said that Nigeria, a major player in global affairs and a leading nation in Africa, was faced with insecurity

Insecurity, according to him, manifests through violent extremism, communal conflicts, insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, hunger and poverty.

The DG said though the legislature was positioned to address the challenges using its functions of lawmaking, oversight, and representation, it was pertinent that they did so in a secure and peaceful environment.

He said that Section 12 Subsection 2 of the National Assembly Service Commission Act, 2014, provides that the Sergeant-At-Arms and other security personnel of the National Assembly Service shall be vested with all the powers, privileges, and immunities of police in performing their duties.

He said that despite the legal provision, training and capacity-building for Sergeant-At-Arms had not received the needed attention in this direction.

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The legal framework for the Sergeant-At-Arms also needs to be strengthened to enhance the preventive and responsive stance of the Sergeant-At-Arms to any form of crisis within the legislature and for legislators.

In the event of the kind of uprising experienced in the United States Capitol building on January 6, 2021, it is unlikely that the present state of readiness of the institution of the Sergeant-At-Arms in our legislature will be able to curtail such situation from escalating.

It is therefore pertinent to continue to commit resources to the training of the institution of the Sergeant-At-Arms as the nucleus of the security architecture of the legislature, he said.

In his remarks, a Chamber Assistant in the National Assembly, Ikechukwu Alaribe, recalled that on 18 April 2018, hoodlums invaded the Senate chambers and made away with the mace, the symbol of authority.

He said that Rivers, Plateau, and Edo Houses of Assembly, among others, had been invaded at different times, and several havocs were recorded.

Effective security management in the legislature for the sergeant-at-arms is a very noble training for us; this is all-important, it is very timely, he said.

He commended the leadership of the institute for organising the training and for the effective running of programmes and mandate implementation.

Also speaking, Akande Olawale, a sergeant-at-arms from Ogun State House of Assembly, said the training was very important for the men and officers of the legislature.

He said that it would lead to speedy growth and maturity of democracy in the country, thereby positioning the country for improved dividends.

Mr Olawale said that such training would also prepare the country for the introduction of state police for overall security.

Other state assemblies represented at the workshop included Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba.

(NAN)

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The Ogun State Agro-cargo International Airport will begin scheduled and non-scheduled flights in the next few weeks.

The state governor, Dapo Abiodun, made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair breakfast meeting with chief executive officers, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, investors and stakeholders in Abeokuta.

He noted that the approval process to get the airport running had reached an advanced stage, with the approval expected in a few days time.

He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Special Agro Processing Zone as a Free Trade Zone.

Our newly built Gateway International Airport, which will soon be commissioned, possibly this week, will get approval to begin to operate non-scheduled flights. This means that private planes can now come to that airport, just like they go to any other airport.

I believe within the next two weeks or less, we will also get the approval for scheduled flights to begin to operate out of that airport. That means you can attend to your business, and bring in raw materials by air into the state, he told the gathering.

Mr Abiodun hinted that a neighbouring country had indicated interest, and made a decision that they will not build a cargo airport in their country.

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He said that the country decided it would rather drop all its agro produce at the cargo airport in Ogun State and export the produce from there.

The governor disclosed that his administration would soon be flagging off the Kajola Inland Container Terminal, adding that when fully operational, the terminal would afford investors within the state an opportunity to pick up their containers, process their raw materials and also export their goods efficiently.

We will soon be flagging off the Kajola Inland Container Terminal, called a dry port. We are particularly determined to see this through because we understand the plight of most of you. What you have to go through by importing your raw materials into Tin Can or Apapa and incurring unnecessary expense in demurrages before bringing them by road, struggling through the bottlenecks and the traffic out of Lagos.

On completion, the Kajola Inland terminal dry port will serve your purposes, meaning that you can now ship your goods from anywhere in the world, destined to Kajola and just pick up your container, process your raw materials and also have the opportunity of exporting efficiently through the same channel, he said.

Mr Abiodun noted that the Lagos States Red and Blue Rail Lines would be extended to Ogun State to facilitate the ease of travel of goods, people and services between the two states and the rest of the hinterland.

Speaking on the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, he said that his administration was irrevocably committed to the completion of the road, assuring that contractors will soon be fully mobilised back to site.

Mr Abiodun further revealed that his administration was also committed to rehabilitating internal roads within Agbara, and was working to partner with the investors in the axis.

He appealed to investors to stop buying land from family members and speculators to avoid paying twice, as all the lands in the state belonged to the state government.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, disclosed that the meeting was meant to foster cordial relationships between the government and the private sector.

He added that the gathering would provide an opportunity for the state government to inform private sector players about the policies of the government.

In his remarks, the Zonal Director, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Lawal Hassan, noted that Ogun State was fast becoming the first choice for investors because of the conducive business environment made possible by the reforms of Mr Abiodun.

On his part, the Group Managing Director, Flour Mills, Boye Olusanya, noted that improvement in the states infrastructure had brought manufacturers into the state.

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The student who was bullied at Lead British International School, Abuja, Namtira Bwala, has threatened legal action against the school if it fails to punish those who assaulted her.

She urged the school authorities to immediately investigate and pronounce the stiffest possible sanctions in the students rule book on Maryam Hassan, Faliya, and nine other students.

In a viral video posted on the internet on 22 April, Miss Bwala was seen being bullied by a notorious group of student bullies in the school, led by a confident Maryamn Hassan and Ms Faliya.

The school had been shut down over the incident. The shutdown order was issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye.

However, in a letter through her solicitors, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, the bullied student said if the school authorities failed to sanction the student bullies within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter, she would seek an immediate and severe legal redress against the school.

We are Solicitors to Miss Namtira Bwala (acting through her next friend), from now on referred to as our client, on whose instruction we act.

Our client and several other parents in Lead British International School have informed us, and we verily believe them, that this act of bullying is a recurring issue in the school, and despite several attempts to draw the schools attention to it, the problem has persisted, leaving our client traumatised from the emotional and physical effect of the oppressive acts by these daredevil bullies.

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Regrettably, our client has, once again, been subjected to physical attacks in the hands of these bullies, with the video of the act going viral on social media, the letter, signed by Marvin Omorogbe, read in part.

Miss Bwalas lawyers lamented that rather than address the issue head-on by imposing severe sanctions on the student bullies; the school issued a timid statement lacking in force or recognition of the severity of the situation.

They stated that the bullied student completely dissociated herself from the statement issued by the school on 22 April, wherein a case of battery was unconscionably referred to as an incident between minors.

They stressed that it is this type of statement, coupled with the schools gross negligence, that has enabled the student bullies, leading to increased incidences of unchecked bullying in the school, an environment that should ordinarily be a safe space for students.

Sequel to the preceding, we have our clients instruction to demand the immediate investigation and the pronouncement of the stiffest possible sanctions in the students rule book on Ms Maryam Hassan, Miss Faliya and nine other students who have formed a cult of bullies in Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Please note that if the school fails to sanction the student bullies within 48 hours of the receipt of this letter, we have our clients further instruction to seek an immediate and severe legal redress against Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, without further recourse to you, the letter added.

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The police in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria, have arrested a vigilante leader and three others for allegedly vandalising and dismantling a telecommunication mast for sale.

The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringge-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, identified the suspect as Kingsely, also known as Obubochi, a vigilante leader, in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs Iringe-Koko, a police superintendent, said the three other suspects are also executive members of the vigilante group, Punch newspaper reported.

They were arrested on 26 March.

The arrest

The police spokesperson said executive members of the group  Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu  took advantage of their unrestricted access to the groups armoury to use it to perpetrate crime.

The sequence of events leading to their arrest unfolded when a scrap dealer, known as Prince, approached Ododo (Obubochi), during a vigilante group members burial.

Prince, presenting himself as a businessman from Omagwa, proposed a joint venture involving the dismantling and sale of a mast belonging to Globacom, located on a secluded road in Elele.

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Mr Ododo, the police spokesperson said, agreed to provide firepower and monitoring during the operation for a fee of N500,000 for Princes team carrying out the masts disassembling.

The suspect allegedly commenced disassembling the mast with Mr Ododos and his team providing cover for them.

They were, however, intercepted by a police patrol team as the operation progressed, leading to confrontation and arrest of the suspects, Mrs Iringe-Koko said, adding that two of the vandals escaped.

The police spokesperson listed items recovered from the suspects to include three automatic pump-action guns, one live cartridge, one plier, one machete, and two Qlink motorcycles without registration numbers.

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the state commissioner of police has expressed dismay over the involvement of the vigilante members in criminal activities.

The commissioner, the police spokesperson said, has reiterated the commitment of the command to arrest all the suspects involved in the crime irrespective of their affiliations and position within the law enforcement structures.

The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the remaining fugitive suspects involved in this criminal network, he said.

The police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

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The Lagos State Government has sealed off Carrillion Constructions building in Victoria Island for the illegal discharge of sewage into public drainage via a pumping machine.

The states Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on his X handle said that the building was sealed off on Wednesday.

The commissioner also said that the state would not tolerate environmental pollution at any level.

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) today Wednesday, 24 April 2024, sealed off the office building of Carrillion Construction at Plot 10b, T.F Kuboye Street, Oniru extension, Victoria Island after it was discovered that the building had been carrying out illegal discharge of sewage into the public drainage via a pumping machine, the commissioner wrote.

Mr Wahab reiterated that the Lagos State Government had zero tolerance for the illegal discharge of untreated sewage/wastewater into the public drains and water bodies.

He called on citizens to desist from the unlawful act, which is a serious act of degradation of the environment.

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The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has received key recommendations from its committee on the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), including a proposed merger with the Central Bank of Nigerias NIRSAL Microfinance Ltd and a fresh capital injection to revitalise the bank.

Addressing the second NCP meeting of 2024 at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, reiterated President Bola Tinubus commitment to repositioning and reforming BOA to drive the administrations food security agenda.

Lets get very sound professionals with integrity to manage the bank. If we use it well, its going to be a tool for the transformation of our economy because agriculture is the key, the vice president said.

Presenting the committees report, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who doubles as NCP vice chairman, said the councils decision was informed by the challenges identified and the need for urgent resolution of the issues confronting the bank.

Mr Edun outlined the major recommendations, including the immediate reconstitution of the voard of directors of the bank to enhance corporate governance and a merger of BOA with the CBNs NIRSAL Microfinance Ltd.

He also highlighted the proposal to cede National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) land titles to BOA so that it reflects in its Balance Sheet, thus increasing its capital adequacy for the purpose of raising funds from institutional investors.

Acknowledging the need for financial reinforcement, the minister identified adequate capital injection into the bank by the shareholders as a crucial step forward.

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The committees report comes after the NCP empanelled an eight-member inter-ministerial body in December 2023 to review the state of affairs at BOA, given agricultures critical role in the economy and the Tinubu administrations commitment to food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In 2016, the NCP had approved the collaboration between the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the then Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Federal Ministry of Finance to restructure and recapitalise BOA.

A consultant, Lead Capital Consortium, was engaged in 2019 to review the banks operations and advise on strategies for rebirth and growth. The consultants core recommendation was for the government to recapitalise the bank, implement reforms, provide technical assistance, and transform BOA into a sustainable agricultural development bank.

Mr Edun further outlined additional recommendations, including Provision and upgrade of the Banks ICT infrastructure to automate processes, reduce costs and enhance the Banks outreach to the grassroots and Enhance governance and risk management by appointing qualified Board members and senior management with relevant expertise.

In a move to bring transparency and efficiency to the nations energy sector, the NCP also noted the proposal seeking approval for the establishment of an independent system operator from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

NCP Chairman, Vice President Shettima, set up a committee to liaise with the special adviser to the president on energy and the Federal Ministry of Power to provide a roadmap and reach out to stakeholders.

The committee is chaired by Oye Hassan-Odukale, Technical Committee Chairman of NCP.

On a Strategy Paper for the Optimisation of Oil and Gas Assets, the council also formed a committee to look into issues concerning oil and gas infrastructure, stressing the strategic importance of investors in the sector.

The committee chaired by the Minister for Budget and Economic Planning includes the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the NCP Secretariat, the Ministers of Power, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas),

The committee was given three weeks to come up with its report on optimising the nations oil and gas assets.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

24th April, 2024

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced a cabinet reshuffle, a move that has two commissioners loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike redeployed from two key government ministries.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zacchaeus Adangor, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has been redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties within the Governors Office, while the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamau, has been moved to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment.

The State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, confirmed the minor cabinet reshuffle to PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday night.

Justifying the government actions, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, said the redeployment was aimed at enhancing efficiency and bolstering key sectors of governance.

The statement was posted on Facebook.

All parties involved are mandated to facilitate seamless transitions, with immediate handovers to their respective Permanent Secretaries, Mr Danagogo said, stressing that all handover processes must be completed without delay.

The reshuffle reflects Governor Fubaras proactive approach to governance, ensuring that the right individuals are placed in key positions to advance the states development objectives. With these strategic appointments, the administration reaffirms its commitment to delivering impactful governance and fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for all citizens of Rivers State, the statement said.

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There were no details of new redeployments to the positions the two commissioners are leaving.

It is also not clear if the two commissioners will accept their new postings.

The two commissioners were among nine Wike loyalists serving in Governor Fubaras cabinet, who resigned their positions following the political feud between Messrs Wike and Fubara.

Another of Mr Wikes loyalists, Dakorinama Kelly-George, who served as Commissioner for Works, resigned weeks ago to take up a federal appointment.

The political feud between Messrs Wike and Fubara had split the state legislature into two  27 lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike, who is now the FCT Minister, and four lawmakers backing Governor Fubara.

The commissioners returned to Governor Fubaras cabinet after President Bola Tinubu, in December last year, brokered a controversial peace deal to end the political rift between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike.

Consequently, the commissioners were screened and reconfirmed for the second time by the state assembly led by The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, another Wike loyalist.

Mr Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers in the state assembly whose seats were declared vacant following their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), were also beneficiaries of the peace deal.

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A Helena middle school student who appeared to be intoxicated had a loaded handgun in their possession during the school day Tuesday, according to officials at C.R. Anderson Middle School.

Principal Kathleen Prody sent an email Tuesday to families saying school officials found the gun when investigating a student who appeared to be intoxicated.

The email, which was sent about 3:24 p.m., said that administrative staff and a school resource officer secured the firearm from the student and looked deeper into the situation.

School officials told parents later the loaded handgun was found in a locker.

"We take any incident involving weapons very seriously. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement regarding this incident," Prody said in an email. "The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our utmost priorities, and I want to assure you that appropriate actions have been taken and will continue to be taken as we move forward."

The email said the school has protocols and procedures in place to handle situations like this and will cooperate with law enforcement.

Later on Tuesday in an email to district parents, Prody said students will see increased adult supervision when they arrive at school Wednesday, and there will be an additional school resource officer on duty.

During lunch recess, we will have additional adult support in the playground," she said. C.R. Anderson does have a no-backpack policy and we will reinforce this with the students. The counseling staff and other counselors from the district will be available to support students.

Helena Public Schools Superintendent Rex Weltz, who told parents the firearm was a "loaded handgun," sent out a notification to district parents Tuesday evening, adding he wants such notifications to family and staff to be both timely and accurate, ensuring that were not propagating misinformation.

I want you to be informed and to know that our district takes any incidents involving weapons extremely seriously, Weltz wrote in the email sent at 6:24 p.m. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement  following established protocols and procedures  with the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority.

He said after consultation with the chief of police, a lockdown was not implemented because the firearm was discovered as the students backpack was searched for drugs or alcohol.

The gun was immediately secured without incident, Weltz said. He added that because the student is a minor, the information the district can provide about the incident is "strictly limited by law."

I want to assure you that appropriate actions have been taken and will continue to be taken as we move forward, he said.

Weltz said the district is providing emotional support to C.R. Anderson students and staff and others throughout the district. He said the district will continue to keep the public informed as information becomes available.

He said those with questions should reach out to their school principal.

Here is the complete text sent Tuesday evening by Superintendent Rex Weltz:

Dear Families,

As Ive shared with you before, transparency and communication are top priorities for me, both personally and as your school superintendent.

For that reason, I want you to be informed that a weapon was confiscated this afternoon by administrators at CR Anderson Middle School. Please understand the sharing of information must be balanced with the time it takes to investigate and ensure that we have accurate information. We want notifications to family and staff to be both timely and accurate, ensuring that were not propagating misinformation.

As administrators investigated a student at CRA who appeared to be under the influence, they searched the students property and found a loaded handgun. Administrative staff and the HPD school resource officer (SRO) promptly secured the weapon and launched an investigation. CRA Principal Kathleen Prody shared this information with CRA families shortly afterward.

I want you to be informed and to know that our district takes any incidents involving weapons extremely seriously. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement  following established protocols and procedures  with the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority.

Weve been asked why there wasnt a lockdown. In consultation with the chief of police, a lockdown was not implemented because the weapon was discovered as we searched the students backpack for drugs or alcohol; The gun was immediately secured without incident.

In cases involving a minor, the information we can share is strictly limited by law; However, I want to assure you that appropriate actions have been taken and will continue to be taken as we move forward.

We are providing emotional support to our students and staff at CRA and throughout the district. If you or your child have questions or concerns, please reach out to your principal.

I also want to encourage you to make use of the districts new Montana Cares App. For families with older children who use cellphones, please let your student know about this new school safety tool, which offers resources for mental health support as well as an anonymous way for students to report safety concerns. The app is available for download via Apples App Store and Google Play. This app is just one small piece of our broader work around safety and security; However, it is an important tool that is immediately available.

While the app is a strong tool, one of the most powerful ways to promote school safety is to encourage students to share concerns with a trusted adult  if you see something, if youre aware of something, say something.

We will continue to keep you informed as information becomes available.

Respectfully,

Rex M. Weltz, Superintendent

Helena Public Schools
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed the transfer of regulatory oversight of the electricity markets in Ekiti and Ondo states from NERC to the Ekiti State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (EERB) and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), respectively.

The move is in compliance with the amended constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act (EA) 2023.

Recall that the Commission had earlier on Monday directed the transfer of regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Enugu from the Commission to the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) in an order marked NERC/2024/039.

The directive, contained in a statement by the NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba and commissioner in charge of Legal, Licencing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, said all transfers between the Benin Electricity Distribution Companies(BEDC) , Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), and EERB and OSERB, envisaged by this order shall be completed by 22 October 2024.

The directive, according to NERC, shall take effect from 1 May 2024 in accordance with the Electricity Act 2023.

The nations electricity market was previously centralised. But the presidential assent to the amendment of relevant portions of the Nigerian Constitution in March last year granted legislative autonomy to federating states by empowering the sub-national governments to legislate on the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity within respective states.

According to the order, the three states have initiated the implementation of the provisions of the recent amendment to the CFRN and the EA.

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Hence the act mandates the Commission to develop a transition plan and timeline for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market from NERC to EERC, EERB and OSERB upon receipt of a formal notification from the states, the order stated.

NERC further explained that Ekiti and Ondo states have both complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified NERC and requested for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market in the states.

The commission noted that the transfer order has directed Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) to incorporate subsidiaries BEDC SubCo and IBEDC SubCo to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Ekiti and Ondo states from BEDC and IBEDC.

A transfer of regulatory oversight notification shall be issued by the Commission to the companies in the register whose activities are limited within Ekiti and Ondo States, informing the entities of the transfer/assumption of regulatory oversight for their activities by EERB and OSERB. All cross-border transactions involving the national grid shall be subject to the approval of the Commission in accordance with the CFRN and .

READ ALSO: NERC transfers regulatory oversight of Enugu electricity market to state govt

EERB and OSERB shall have the exclusive responsibility of determining and adopting an end-user tariff methodology applicable within its area of regulatory oversight. Where the SubCos receive electricity from grid connected plants, the contracts and tariffs applicable for generation and transmission services shall be approved by the Commission. The final end-user tariffs approved by the Bureaus shall be the exclusive tariffs that apply in Ekiti and Ondo States and all tariff policy support for end-use customers in the states shall be the responsibility of the Ekiti and Ondo State governments, the order stated.

However, the commission stated that it retains the role as central regulator with regulatory oversight on the inter-state/international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations based on the provision of the EA 2023.

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The Kaduna State House of Assemblys ad-hoc committee investigating the management of the finances and assets of the state under former governor Nasir El-Rufai has summoned the states commissioner for finance.

The committee is probing the sale of government properties and loans collected by the government under the administration of Mr El-Rufai.

The Clerk of the House, Sakinatu Idris, in a letter dated 22, April asked the finance ministry to appear on Thursday before the ad-hoc committee with a Memorandum (official memo) and relevant documents detailing the total loan collected by the government between 2015 and 2023.

The total loans collected from May 2015 to May 2023 with the approval of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the account into which the loans were lodged and drawdowns as recorded by the Project Finance Management Unit (PFMU) and Debt Management Office (DMO).

Relevant State Executive Council Minutes of meetings, Councils Extract and Resolutions with regards to the loans.

Payments and Outstanding Liabilities to contractors from May 2015  May 2023. Report of salaries paid to staff from 2016 to 2022. Dloyd Reports on KADRIS from 2015 to 2023.

Terms, purpose and conditions on those loans. Appropriation items related to the loans. All record of payments made to all contractors engaged by the State Government and relevant documents from May 2015 to May 2023, the committee requested from the finance ministry.

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The lawmakers also asked the finance ministry about the modalities for payment of contracts, documents of all payments made to the contractors and sale of government properties, the accounts in which the proceeds were lodged and how the money was expended.

The lawmakers said 30 copies of the documents should reach the office of the clerk on or before 25, April by 10:00 am.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the lawmakers set up the committee to probe Mr El-Rufais administration in response to Governor Uba Sanis complaint about the loan burden he inherited from Mr El-Rufai.

Mr Sani said his administration was finding it difficult to pay workers salaries because of the repayment of the states huge debts.

The governor said the administration inherited $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the administration of Mr El-Rufai.

Mr Sani lamented that due to the rise in the exchange rate, the state is now paying back almost triple what was borrowed by the previous administration.

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A woman politician and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Aisha Galadima, has sued the State Security Service (SSS) for alleged illegal detention and torture.

Ms Galadima, a political ally of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was reportedly arrested on 14 April by the SSS following remarks on social media perceived as an attack on the ruling APC and the state government.

She made the remarks against the backdrop of a crisis in the party since Governor Uba Sani complained about the loan burden he inherited from the administration of former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In suit No FHC/Abuja/CS/502/2024, dated 17 April, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja through her lawyer, Ajayi Olowo, Ms Galadima wants the court to declare her alleged arrest, incarceration and torture as illegal, unconstitutional and oppressive.

She said the treatment violates her fundamental human rights as guaranteed by section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

Ms Galadima also wants the respondents to tender an apology to her in writing within seven days of the court granting the relief.

She also asks the court to award damages against the respondents in the sum of N500 million.

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Background

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Governor Sani said his administration was finding it difficult to pay workers salaries because of the repayment of the states huge debts.

The governor said the administration inherited $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from the administration of Mr El-Rufai.

Mr Sani further lamented that due to the rise in the exchange rate, the state is now paying back almost triple what was borrowed by the previous administration.

The governors statement sparked a crisis in the APC in Kaduna with loyalists and sympathisers of Mr El-Rufai accusing the governor of ingratitude to his predecessor.

Messes Sani and El-Rufai were close political allies with the latter supporting the former to become a senator in 2018 and governor in 2023.

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Zacchaeus Adangor, the Rivers State attorney general and commissioner for justice, has resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubaras cabinet hours after he was redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties.

Governor Fubara on Tuesday night announced a minor cabinet reshuffle, where two commissioners loyal to ex-Govenor Nyesom Wike were moved from two key government ministries to new ones.

The second commissioner, Isaac Kamalu, who was in charge of the Ministry of Finance, was moved to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment.

The Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Dangogo, who announced the redeployment, had asked the two commissioners to perfect their handing over immediately, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

But in a letter dated 24 April and addressed to Mr Danagogo, the former Attorney General said he has rejected his redeployment and has resigned from the state executive council.

But in a letter dated 24 April and addressed to Mr Danagogo, the former Attorney General said he has rejected his redeployment and has resigned from the state executive council.

My attention has been drawn to your letter dated 23 April, and widely circulated on social media where I was deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governors Office).

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Further to the referenced letter, I at this moment give you notice of my rejection of the said deployment and resignation from Rivers State Executive Council with effect from 24 April, he said, adding that he was no longer willing to serve in Governor Fubaras administration in any capacity whatsoever.

Reason for resignation

Mr Adangor, a professor, in his resignation letter, accused Governor Fubara of interfering with his duties as Attorney General.

It is important to mention that the Governor of Rivers State had in the past couple of weeks willfully interfered with the performance of my duties as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, by directing me not to defend, oppose, or appear in suits instituted against the Honourable Attorney General and the Government of Rivers State by persons admittedly hired and sponsored by the Government of Rivers State, Mr Adango said.

State Government reacts

The Commissioner for Information in Rivers State, Joseph Johnson, on Wednesday, told PREMIUM TIMES that the state government has not received the former commissioners official communication of his resignation.

We have not received it officially, Mr Johnson said but admitted seeing the resignation letter on social media.

It looks like he has gone for real, he wrote in a text to PREMIUM TIMES.

Nelson Chukwudi, the chief press secretary to the governor, when contacted, told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr Adangor claimed to have resigned.

Asked if Governor Fubara has not accepted his resignation, Mr Chukwudi said the governor had yet to react to the resignation.

This is the second time in less than one year that Mr Adangor is resigning from Governor Fubaras cabinet.

The lawyer was among the nine Mr Wike loyalists serving as commissioners in Mr Fubaras cabinet, who resigned following the political feud between Mr Fubara and Mr Wike, now the FCT Minister.

They, however, returned to the cabinet after President Bola Tinubu brokered a peace deal to end the rift between Messrs Fubara and Wike.

The redeployment of Mr Adangor and his subsequent resignation suggests that the political feud between Governor Fubaara and the FCT minister was not over despite the peace deal.

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The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, advocated far-reaching reforms in Nigerias justice system.

One of the areas which Mr Akpabio wants amended is the statutory burden placed on a judgement creditor to obtain the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) before a monetary judgement can be enforced against the federal government.

Mr Akpabio spoke on Wednesday at the National Summit on Justice 2024 in Abuja.

Another area requiring urgent reform is obtaining the Attorney Generals consent before executing judgements, he said.

Mr Akpabio, an ex-governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom State in South-south Nigeria, explained that the requirement constitutes a bottleneck, delaying justice and undermining the autonomy of our judicial system.

The enforcement of a monetary judgement is guided by the Sheriff and Civil Process Act and Judgement Enforcement Rules.

But, enforcing judgement debts against the government in Nigeria, especially regarding suits bordering on fundamental human rights violations, is tough and near impossible.

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Human rights violations are rife in Nigeria, with many citizens being brutalised or illegally detained by police and the military on daily. However, the victims are discouraged from seeking legal redress because of non-enforcement of court outcomes by the government.

Many Nigerians who obtained rights enforcement judgements against the government, its agents or its officials cannot enjoy the court-ordered monetary compensation.

For instance, in December 2016, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the State Security Service (SSS) to pay the leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife Zinat, N50 million as compensation for their illegal incarceration.

Mr El-Zakzaky was arrested by the military on 14 December 2015 after a clash between the movement and officers of the Nigerian army.

The monetary judgement has yet to be complied with by the government.

Also, Nigeria has earned notoriety for not complying with verdicts from the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

The lack of judgement and debt enforcement against the government perpetuates impunity among law enforcement agents and citizens.

Proposed solution

Mr Akpabio did not stop at decrying the impact the lack of judgement enforcement has had on the countrys justice system.

In our view, to enhance efficiency while maintaining necessary checks, we propose replacing the requirement for the Attorney Generals consent with a mandatory notification system. Upon receiving a judgment against the government, the relevant authorities will notify the Attorney General immediately in writing.

Following the notification, the Attorney General will have a specified period, say 30 days, to respond. The response could involve initiating an appeal or settling the matter directly. This timeline ensures prompt action and prevents undue delays in justice delivery.

If there is no response from the Attorney General within this period, the judgment will be executed automatically.

This measure is crucial to prevent stalling and ensure that judgments are respected and enforced promptly. In cases where the decision comes from a final court, the option to appeal is not available.

Therefore, the Attorney Generals response would be primarily directed towards settlement. This approach ensures that the government acts responsibly as a litigant and respects the decisions of our highest court in the land. Reforms like this foster trust in the justice system and improve the overall efficiency of legal proceedings involving the government, Mr Akpabio said.

Other areas of reforms

The Senate President acknowledged that the National Assembly was aware of the delays plaguing the court system.

Mr Akpabio said the delays in hearing and determining cases deny timely justice and undermine faith in our judicial system.

He promised parliamentary approvals for budgets aimed at the implementation of judicial reforms.

Together, we can build a justice system that fits the 21st century.

The lawmaker called for the deployment of digital technology in adjudicating.

However, the use of electronic resources in the hearing and determination of suits has been at snail speed after COVID-19 compelled the Nigerian judiciary to conduct virtual proceedings in 2020.

The justice sector reform summit was declared open by President Bola Tinubu, whom Vice-President Kashim Shetima represented.

Lawyers and judges of diverse backgrounds, as well as heads of security agencies, are brainstorming in Abuja for two days to fashion out effective and efficient ways of tackling the challenges in the countrys justice system.

The event was attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Deputy Senate President, Bala Jibrin; the President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem; and John Tsoho, Chief Judge, Federal High Court.

Other dignitaries were the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general, and Chairpersons of the EFCC and the ICPC, among others.

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The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has been awarded funding support by Luminate to establish an inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) collective in Nigeria.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to spearhead nationwide research, innovation, and governance of AI technologies while fostering a vibrant community of practice.

CJID, and its partners in the collective, Lagos Business School (Pan-Atlantic University) and Data Science Nigeria, will lead this initiative, and their collaborative efforts will seek to ensure that AI in Nigeria is designed, developed and deployed in a safe, responsible and ethical manner, for the benefit of society at large.

In a statement released by Luminate, CJID will coordinate the Collectives work around AI governance, working with other civil society organisations and media NGOs to explore the implications of AI in the information ecosystem and wider society.

The Lagos Business School (Pan-Atlantic University) is expected to lead research activities and serve as research manager whilst providing training programmes and nurturing talent through academic courses and research projects.

Simultaneously, Data Science Nigeria, the first dedicated AI start-up incubation hub in Nigeria, will spearhead initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in AI, establishing a platform for start-ups to develop and scale AI solutions.

Luminate expressed optimism about seeing how this inclusive strategy process and the work that comes out of it will shape Nigerias approach to AI, inspire other work across the continent and add to the global discussions on the governance and guardrails needed for this potentially transformative technology.

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It further stated that establishing the Nigerian AI Collective would ensure a future in which Nigeria leverages the transformative potential of AI to spur economic growth, innovation, and societal advancement, thereby positioning itself as a leading force in AI for good on the African continent and globally.

CJID speaks

Speaking on the initiative, Akintunde Babatunde, the Director of Programmes at CJID, expressed gratitude to Luminate, noting that CJID is proud of its role in enhancing journalism across Africa by developing innovative tools and supporting journalists and civil society to leverage civic technology and AI to advance democratic accountability.

He said: We are immensely grateful to Luminate for supporting us to extend our impact work through the AI Collective. At CJID, we believe conversations around the future of new digital technologies and artificial intelligence should include critical perspectives from African policy experts with a vibrant media understanding and framing for policy uptake.

With this, we hope to support the collective over the next three years by launching a media fellowship on AI. We will host dialogues and discussion series on various use cases of AI while working with media organisations and civil society groups to explore the implications of AI on the information ecosystem and society more broadly.

Objectives of the Nigerian AI Collective

Luminate highlights that a key objective of the Nigerian AI Collective is to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration. This involves creating a platform where AI professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders can exchange knowledge, best practices, and research findings and collaborate to strengthen the AI ecosystem.

Another key objective includes capacity building through the development and execution of training programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing the capacity of AI practitioners and enthusiasts. This initiative is to promote continuous learning and skill advancement with evolving AI technologies.

Innovation and research also stand as central objectives for the cohort, aiming to back and advance AI-focused research and development efforts that tackle local issues while contributing to the broader field of global AI knowledge. The objective is to stimulate the formation of AI startups and incubators to fuel innovation across various sectors.

Further objective is policy advocacy, which focuses on collaborating with policymakers to craft AI-friendly regulations and policies that nurture a supportive environment for AI research, development, and application. This effort includes promoting ethical AI practices and the responsible use of AI technologies, ensuring alignment with international standards.

The final objective involves cultivating international partnerships and forging ties with global AI organisations, academia, institutions, and industry players to tap into worldwide expertise and resources. This initiative seeks to position Nigeria as a pivotal participant in the international AI community.

CJID and Media Innovation

CJID is a media innovation and democratic accountability organisation with a mission to transform African media landscapes. As a leading media development think tank, CJID is dedicated to breaking information barriers and bolstering democratic processes through groundbreaking research and technological advancements in journalism.

Beyond research, CJID said it actively supports media organisations, journalism schools, and civil society groups. These partnerships, it said, centre on advancing journalism excellence and driving media innovation across Africa by developing innovative tools tailored for journalism and the media industry, CJID empowers journalists and media professionals to amplify their impact in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

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As part of its resolve to ensure a safer environment, the Ekiti State government on Wednesday inaugurated the Ekiti Agro Marshals to safeguard farmlands, schools, and palaces across the state.

The government said this is to create a conducive environment for farming to thrive, thereby boosting food security in the state.

Speaking during the passing out parade of the Marshals in Ado-Ekiti, the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji said the local security outfit is designed to complement the efforts of the Police and other security agencies in the war against criminality in the state.

The governor explained that the Agro Marshals became necessary following the instruction of President Bola Tinubu to the Governors to set up a Special Guard to protect farmlands and the forest.

This, in addition to suggestions of the security council and that of the traditional rulers in the state, led to the establishment of the new outfit.

Emphasising the importance of securing agricultural resources, educational institutions and cultural heritage sites to ensure sustainable development and communal harmony, Mr Oyebanji said the main mandate of the Marshals was to ensure that farmlands, palaces and schools were protected across the state.

The governor, while maintaining that his government remained committed to the security of lives and property, expressed confidence that with the right collaboration between the Marshals and other security agencies, Ekiti will be the safest place in the country.

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He added that the initiative was a collaborative effort between the state, the local government and traditional institutions to safeguard the lives of farmers to enhance safety on the farms, thereby boosting food production and food security.

The Governor charged the Marshals not to violate the fundamental human rights of citizens, but to discharge their duties diligently within the confines of the constitution of the country.

They are to complement the efforts of the formal security apparatus; they are not to replace them. They are to work together, gather intelligence because they are locals that have access to intelligence, understand the community and the environment, he said.

READ ALSO: Scores rendered homeless as rainstorm wreaks havoc in Ekiti communities

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the Marshals, Olamide Oni, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, commended Mr Oyebanji for ensuring that citizens can sleep with their two eyes closed.

He disclosed that the Marshals have been trained on the requirements for carrying out their duties effectively and efficiently.

He assured the governor that the state would henceforth experience peace on the farmlands and forests.

In his goodwill message, the chairperson, Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro, on behalf of all royal fathers in the state, expressed appreciation to the governor for his efforts at ensuring that Ekiti remained the safest state in the country.

He assured Mr Oyebanji that traditional rulers in the state would provide the necessary support to the Marshals.

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President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola have acknowledged that many Nigerians lack access to justice delivery.

They spoke at the opening ceremony of the National Summit on Justice in Abuja on Wednesday.

Access to justice remains a distant reality for far too many Nigerians, Mr Ariwoola noted.

He said issues of procedural complexities to socioeconomic disparities constitute barriers to justice in the country.

The two-day justice sector summit is being organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council.

The CJN explained that justice was essential for the maintenance of peace because it is the pillar upon which democracy stands.

Speaking on the problems of delays in the adjudication of cases in Nigeria, Mr Ariwoola said, The quest for justice should not be a privilege reserved for the few, but a right to all regardless of their circumstances.

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He said the challenges should compel players in the justice sector to embark on a journey of comprehensive reforms to ensure that justice is not only dispensed but also perceived to be dispensed fairly and impartially.

Suggestions

In proffering solutions to the problems, Mr Ariwoola recommended constitutional, statutory and operational reforms to reposition the justice sector for the 21st Century.

We must critically examine our legal framework; identifying gaps and inconsistencies that hinder the efficient administration of justice.

The CJN advised the National Assembly to be bold in its pursuit of legislative reforms that reflect the evolving needs of our society.

The justice system must deliver well-being of citizens  Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the three arms of government owe Nigerians a duty to deliver an efficient and effective justice system.

Mr Tinubu advised the judiciary to tailor its activities within the tenets of his administrations Renewed Hope Agenda, regarding inclusivity, fairness, rule of law, and anti-corruption stance

I accordingly urge the leadership of all justice sector institutions to seek a new direction and focus on outcomes by creating a justice system that truly responds to the needs of our citizens  one that serves Nigerians now and for generations to come.

I demand informed and coordinated responses to the identified challenges plaguing the effectiveness and efficiency of the sector. I demand performance so that Nigerians can feel and acknowledge the impact of your reform efforts, the president said.

In a goodwill message, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio called on participants at the summit to develop workable solutions to address the justice sector challenges.

He suggested that interlocutory appeals in civil cases should not be entertained until the determination of the substantive matter.

Court dockets are clogged from the high courts to the appellate courts because of a variety of issues that have hampered the speedy dispensation of justice.

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to build a genuine shared future and prosperity, Africa and China need greater cooperation. Humanity is in need of mutually beneficial cooperation and solidarity in working together and aligning individual interests to solve problems. There is no better place to forge that cooperation than in Africa. The way Africa and China are going promises to build a community of shared future for humanity.

As responsible members of the global community, Africa and China have created a reliable path towards a shared future. It is in indeed in Africa that the Chinese concept of a global community of shared future is gaining a broader and deeper meaning, and setting a clearer goal and blueprint for the peoples of the continent. To have a common future where there is prosperity and people-to-people connectivity, the Chinese footprint has begun to be seen across much of the socio-economic lives, infrastructure, and technological modernisation of the peoples of Africa.

The idea of building a community of shared future came from President Xi Jinping, when in Moscow in 2013 he proposed a new approach for international relations and new ideas for global governance and exchanges. It is a concept that holds that all countries share a common future, and envisions a world characterised by openness and inclusiveness, equity and justice, harmonious coexistence, diversity and mutual learning, alongside unity and cooperation. That vision serves the common interests of both parties.

Like a consensus decision, African countries quickly embraced the idea and took it up from there to build partnerships based on equality, a secure environment, while promoting harmony and inclusive development, respect, diversity, and the building of a green ecosystem. The two parties already shared some levels of history, cultures, demographics, and the experience of external imperialism. Today, the two parties are forging steadily in concretising the idea that is defining the kind of world they think they need, and to co-exist with other races. Trust and confidence is being built into the friendship.

As a student of diplomacy and globalisation, and an ardent follower of great power politics in Africa, I have come to the realisation that Africas development, to a very large extent, is gradually bearing Chinese characteristics and China too is tremendously benefiting from the continents rich resources and large markets. Through bilateral and multilateral frameworks across different human endeavours, African countries have found and are pursuing a common purpose and common destiny with China.

China has demonstrated itself as a responsible partner to lift these countries out of economic and security challenges. There is no complaint of discrimination and domination. Also, globalisations benefits are shared more with Africa by China than any other advanced countries. The no-holds barred modernisation and revitalisation that many cities and towns are putting up in Africa, in terms of roads, bridges, rails, airports, dams, hospitals, fintechs, and economic zones, attest to mutually beneficial cooperation.

For example, initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) are building common prosperity in some African countries, as clearly evident of a win-win cooperation. This means that both the developed China and developing African countries are creating a community of shared interests, responsibility and destiny, whose wellbeing and security are interrelated.

But come to think of it, we are all one human family, living in a shared earth, our only home. The only planet we have and the only one that is known to support life. It behoves on us to care for it and its future. Humanity, that is all human beings collectively living on the earth, should take responsibility in caring for its peace, security, health, happiness and sustainability. Africa too is making attempts to strike harmony between humanity and nature. To get there, humanity must cooperate across every sector. Climate change, food security, debt management and pandemics are some of the areas in which the interdependence and interconnectivity of nations are needed to address these issues.

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Therefore, the call for altruistic support from outside to mitigate Africas challenges received attention from China. Many African countries are addressing poverty, diseases, illiteracy, violence and insecurity through trade and economic and security cooperation with China. While some are being solved, others are getting more complex and intractable in a number of African countries. Amidst the great power rivalries in the region, the Cold War mentality and weakening global governance, the situations in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and DRC are giving way to alternate and responsible partners. For instance, Niger complained of the condescending attitudes of France and the Western powers in negotiating with them to resolve the ongoing political impasse.

On the other hand, China has demonstrated itself as a responsible partner to lift these countries out of economic and security challenges. There is no complaint of discrimination and domination. Also, globalisations benefits are shared more with Africa by China than any other advanced countries. The no-holds barred modernisation and revitalisation that many cities and towns are putting up in Africa, in terms of roads, bridges, rails, airports, dams, hospitals, fintechs, and economic zones, attest to mutually beneficial cooperation. There are good testimonies of these infrastructure initiatives from Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, to Ethiopia, Djibouti, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt ,and other places.

Both should strengthen their cooperation and understanding to promote shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs. As the current lopsided international order has done disservice to the continent, the open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that will foster lasting peace, common security and common prosperity are what Africa needs as the world is poised for a new order.

Africas modes of production and services have significantly improved through Chinese technology and innovation. Information, communication, transportation, power, agriculture, defence and security, and other aspects of national management, have received the quality boost of China. Information technology advances such as the internet, Big Data, quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence, are providing development and employment opportunities to millions of African youth. Many of their peers have died en route to Europe.

Africas connectivity and exchanges have become faster, deeper, broader and more extensive than ever before. In the past, telephone calls and even commercial air flights from most African countries to others were routed through Europe. Tunisia to South Africa can be covered within eight hours by flight. To address trade barriers in the continent, technology is also enhancing seamless trade among the countries through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. This is enhancing economic growth and competitiveness. There are capital inflows into the continent from Beijing. For example, the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun outlined quite a lot of strategic initiatives achieved within his three-year mission in the country, which included the development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Blue and Red Line Rails, the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna rail lines, the Zungeru Hydropower Plant, the Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre in Bwari Abuja, 5G technology, and the airport expansions across the country. Envisioning a Nigeria-China symphony, he charted the next 50 years of the Nigeria-China relationship, guided by the five Is (Infrastructure, ICT, Industry, Investment, Import and Export). Africa awaits the New Qualitative Productive Forces to engender a new use of technology to drive progress and development.

The above shows both partners are paying attentions to their collective future, in which the wishes of their peoples will be achieved. The world does not need an arms race or the threat of nuclear war but peaceful coexistence. Humanity needs to avoid unilateralism, protectionism, self-destruction, hegemony, exploitation, conservatist populism or any shade of mans inhumanity to man, but peace and development. So, to build a genuine shared future and prosperity, Africa and China need greater cooperation. Humanity is in need of mutually beneficial cooperation and solidarity in working together and aligning individual interests to solve problems. There is no better place to forge that cooperation than in Africa. The way Africa and China are going promises to build a community of shared future for humanity. Africa should adhere to principles of openness, inclusivity, mutual benefit, equity and justice to its peoples.

China should support Africas aspiration to become a member of the UN Security Council, to promote solidarity and for a better future for humanity. Both should strengthen their cooperation and understanding to promote shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs. As the current lopsided international order has done disservice to the continent, the open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that will foster lasting peace, common security and common prosperity are what Africa needs as the world is poised for a new order.

Olalekan A. Babatunde, a fellow at the Nigerias Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja , writes via: austinebabatunde@yahoo.com

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When the Federal Government, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, decided to impugn the sanctity of the OPL 245 Settlement, picking on Adoke as the scapegoat by accusing him of all sorts, it was not Adoke that was on trial. It was Nigeria that was on trial. It was the way Nigeria rewards its patriots that was on trial. As all the court documents show, it was former President Olusegun Obasanjo who revoked OPL 245 from Malabu Oil in 2001 that decided to restore the oil block to Malabu Oil in 2006

While most Nigerians followed the OPL 245 trial at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Division, via media reports, I was in court at every sitting  except if I was not in town. As a legal practitioner myself, I took keen interest in every detail of the proceedings. I took notes from when proceedings started in 2020 till when the ruling was delivered in 2024. I listened to the testimonies of the 10 witnesses presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). I listened to the submissions of the commissions legal counsel.

That the case ended the way it did was inevitable. That Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi upheld the no case submissions of the seven defendants, discharging and acquitting them, was just the fitting end to a show trial that was clearly lacking in substance and targeted at convicting one person: Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice. No competent and conscientious judge would have ruled otherwise.

For all the drama, none of the prosecution witnesses mentioned the name of Adoke, the first defendant, regarding the committing of any infraction during the entire proceedings. Adoke was charged regarding the OPL 245 Settlement for disobeying the direction of the law with intent to cause injury, disobeying the direction of the tax laws, and collecting gratification of N300m from the second defendant, Aliyu Abubakar. Most of the witnesses only said they knew Adoke as former AGF and had no dealings with him.

For someone who turned down $20 million from an oil magnate in 2011, there was no way in this world I would believe he collected the equivalent of $2 million from the OPL 245 Settlement. It does not make any sense. In fact, Mr Vincenzo Armanna, a former manager of Eni/Agip, testified before the Court of Milan during the trial of Shell and others that Adoke threatened to jail him and others for discussing kickbacks in the OPL 245 deal. That is the Adoke I know.

The only witness who mentioned Adokes name was Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, the police investigation officer. He ended up contradicting himself on the source of the N300 million, which had been charged as gratification. Before Justice Kutigi, Ahmed said it was a bribe from the OPL 245 resolution. Before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, he said it was a mortgage Adoke took from Unity Bank. That effectively killed the allegation. That the EFCC filed two different proceedings using the same particulars but making contradictory claims was fatal to their cases, as both courts ruled.

I need to make full disclosure at this point: I know Adoke very well. Having worked with him for over 10 years, I can testify at gunpoint that he did not break any law or dirty his hands in the OPL 245 Settlement of 2011. He did not need to tell me that he did not collect a bribe: I knew he didnt; I knew he wouldnt. That would go contrary to everything he stood, and still stands, for. I knew, and still know him, as a man of integrity. He always warned us, his proteges and subordinates, to avoid greed and corruption. He did everything possible within his financial means to make us comfortable, so that we would be able to work honestly and think straight in all our dealings. I say this with every ounce of honesty in me.

When he was the AGF and Minister of Justice from 2010 to 2015, I saw him turn down gratifications running into billions of naira and millions of dollars. I saw him do favours for governors, ministers and business people without as much as collecting a cup of tea from them, much less material benefits. He always told them he was only doing his job. I saw him help people get paid judgment debts running into billions, while turning down offers of thank you. These are the people that should have stood by him during his travails but they ran away for the fear of EFCC. For someone who turned down $20 million from an oil magnate in 2011, there was no way in this world I would believe he collected the equivalent of $2 million from the OPL 245 Settlement. It does not make any sense. In fact, Mr Vincenzo Armanna, a former manager of Eni/Agip, testified before the Court of Milan during the trial of Shell and others that Adoke threatened to jail him and others for discussing kickbacks in the OPL 245 deal. That is the Adoke I know. That is the Adoke that became my role model early in life.

Nigeria tried to throw Adoke, an innocent man, under the bus. Nigeria put Adoke on trial across the world hoping to disgrace and destroy him for the rest of his life in order to exact a price from the oil companies, as well as compensate those who wanted a pound of flesh. Those behind the plot succeeded for over eight years, threatening him and chasing him out of his fatherland. But it was Nigeria that was on trial in the end, losing all the cases and wasting millions of dollars home and away.

When the Federal Government, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, decided to impugn the sanctity of the OPL 245 Settlement, picking on Adoke as the scapegoat by accusing him of all sorts, it was not Adoke that was on trial. It was Nigeria that was on trial. It was the way Nigeria rewards its patriots that was on trial. As all the court documents show, it was former President Olusegun Obasanjo who revoked OPL 245 from Malabu Oil in 2001 that decided to restore the oil block to Malabu Oil in 2006 after a series of litigation leading to an out-of-court settlement. All Adoke did in 2010 was to advise former President Goodluck Jonathan to respect and implement the legally binding Consent Judgment. That was what led to the final resolution of the OPL 245 dispute that had lingered for a decade. Adoke was put on trial for stirring Nigeria in the direction of the rule of law.

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In the Court of Milan, Italy, and the Commercial Court of England and Wales, it was Nigeria, not Adoke, that was on trial. Lawyers after lawyers and witnesses after witnesses spoke, most of them exonerating Adoke. But the EFCC collaborated with the Italian prosecutors to accuse Adoke of collecting a bribe of N300 million, all in an attempt to stain the OPL 245 Settlement and get the oil companies convicted for international corruption and, in the imagination of some people, get them to pay for OPL 245 a second time. The Italian judges commended Adoke for the role he played in settling the OPL 245 dispute and said rather than being an accomplice with Chief Dan Etete, the beneficial owner of Malabu Oil. Adoke actually threatened him to either take the deal or the Federal Government would be forced to pull out of the resolution. That was the act of a patriot. In the UK, the judge dismissed all allegations against Adoke and said there was no evidence of fraud, or any proof that Nigeria was shortchanged.

Nigeria tried to throw Adoke, an innocent man, under the bus. Nigeria put Adoke on trial across the world hoping to disgrace and destroy him for the rest of his life in order to exact a price from the oil companies, as well as compensate those who wanted a pound of flesh. Those behind the plot succeeded for over eight years, threatening him and chasing him out of his fatherland. But it was Nigeria that was on trial in the end, losing all the cases and wasting millions of dollars home and away. Those behind the wild goose chase should face the music for misleading the country and wasting precious time and resources. But I know I am asking for too much. Nevertheless, Adoke has been vindicated and he will be back on his feet again. As it is said, it is better for a man to fall and rise again than to stand hopelessly forever.

Ojochenemi Fatima Audu, a legal practitioner, lives in Abuja.

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Oando, Nigerias leading indigenous energy solutions provider, published its Full Year Ended (FYE) 31 December, 2022, financial results.

The release of the Companys FYE 2022 results indicates that it is finally on track to becoming fully compliant with its regulatory obligations by publishing all its outstanding results.

According to the Companys statement, in its downstream business, Oando sold approximately 21.8 million barrels of crude oil under various contracts with NNPC Ltd., a 25% increase from FY 2021 at 17,445,255 million barrels of crude oil and delivered 1,937,833 MT of refined products compared to 962,371 MT of refined products in FY 2021.

In its upstream business, Oandos average daily oil production decreased by 23% to 20,703boe/day from 26,775 boe/day in 2021. In 2022, the Companys production consisted of 4,939bbls/day of crude oil as against 8,849bls/day FYE 2021, 472bbls/day of NGLs and 15,292boe/day of natural gas as a result of production downtimes from shut-in due to repairs and persistent sabotage activities.

In addressing the operational challenges faced during the reporting period, Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Mr Adewale Tinubu, said, The heightened militancy and pipeline vandalism acts within the Niger Delta region dealt a substantial blow to our upstream operations, resulting in a marked reduction in our crude production volumes due to the protracted shut-ins for repair following each incidence. This was further compounded by a major gas plant fire incident, which also necessitated a lengthy downtime.

Whilst the Company has reported a loss after tax position, its important to note that the numbers do not reflect the Companys current reality and external environment. Stakeholders should look forward to its FYE 2023 and 2024 interim results for a more realistic view of the Companys operational outlook and external environment.

A major contributor to the Companys significantly reduced production levels, as highlighted by the Group Chief Executive, was heightened militancy and pipeline vandalism. Oando, alongside other major International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous companies were impacted by this.

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Due to crude oil theft, Nigeria lost a staggering $1 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2022. According to Gbenga Komolafe, the Chairman of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) only about 132 million barrels of the 141 million barrels of oil produced in the first quarter of 2022 were received at export terminals.

Nairametrics reported in 2022 that founding MD/CEO of Seplat Energy and Executive Chairman AA Holdings, Austin Avuru warned that Nigerias oil production has reached an emergency critical status. He stated that some oil production wells dont get to see 80% of production making it to the terminals due to oil theft.

The theft resulted in the Bonny Oil & Gas Terminal, a pipeline that transports crude from the oil-rich Niger Delta to export vessels, among other places, declaring a force majeure, which made the atmosphere unfriendly and discouraging for investors.

Speaking at the 2022 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2022), the Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Dr Osagie Okubor, said the 180, 000 barrels per day Trans Niger Pipeline had remained shut for more than one year  March 2022 to March 2023. The loss from March 2022 to March 2023 brings the total shut-in/loss to about 65,700,000 barrels. Brent crude price averaged about $83 per barrel from March 2022 to March 2023, meaning the country lost as much as N2.3tr to the menace.

The year 2023 saw Oando record positive highlights, including the announcement of its intent to acquire the Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited (AGIP) from Eni, the successful completion of the Proof-of-Concept phase of its Electric Mass transit buses and the commencement of the pilot phase in partnership with the Lagos State Government, its collaboration with the Edo State Government for the establishment of a pioneering 175 MW wind power plant in Benin; signalling that amidst the challenging environment, the Company continues to look for innovative ways to create value and increase revenues.

Whilst the 2022 results are not indicative of the Companys future, corporate actions taken in 2023, specifically those that will positively impact crude oil production, speak to a promising future for the indigenous giant.

Speaking to the future, Adewale Tinubu said; In response, we have put in place definitive measures to bolster our production and cash inflows towards ensuring a speedy return to profitability by collaborating with our partners to institute a comprehensive security framework aimed at permanently curbing the persistent pipeline vandalism whilst concurrently exploring inorganic growth opportunities to increase our reserves and production capabilities. We have also implemented a strategic restructuring of our key facilities to ensure they align with our cash flow dynamics.

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RE: YAHAYA BELLO: EFCC NEVER DISOBEYED COURT ORDER: EFCC LIED!

The Media Office of former Governor Yahaya Bello has released the statement below to debunk claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that it did not violate a valid order of a court in its handling of the case involving the former governor.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW.

1. Our attention has been drawn to a publication/press statement issued by one Wilson Uwujaren, Ag. Director, Public Affairs of the EFCC.

2. Mr Uwujaren, whom we strongly believe is not a lawyer, attempted (albeit disingenuously) to spin the EFCCs way out of their now established position as a lawless Government agency in Nigeria. Unfortunately for Mr. Uwujaren and the EFCC, records/documents do not lie, Court documents have dates and times of filing, including dates and time of payment, which are endorsed on the face of the Court processes.

3. In paragraph 3 of the Publication, the EFCC stated that they invited Alhaji Yahaya Bello immediately after his tenure ended on the 27th of January 2024. We challenge the EFCC to publish a copy of the invitation delivered to Yahaya Bello. They should also tell Nigerians the date the alleged invitation was delivered and to whom it was delivered. We are certain that the EFCC will not be able to produce any of the foregoing as, to date, they have yet to invite Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

4. Indeed, just about the end of his administration, several online news sites published that the EFCC would arrest the Governor as soon as he handed over power to his successor as they intended to charge him for alleged crimes committed as Governor of Kogi State.

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5. True to the stories, the EFCC, on the 5th day of February 2023, in an ongoing trial of other persons in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 before Honourable Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, amended the Charge to include in Count 1 thereof, the allegation that Yahaya Bello conspired with others, including a Kogi State Government House Cashier, in September 2015, to convert the sum of 80 Billion.

6. In the said amended Charge, filed by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, an EFCC operative and Special Assistant to the President on Financial Crimes and Public Prosecution Compliance, Yahaya Bello was described as (still at large), meaning that he was already on the run when he was never invited!!!

7. It must be noted that as of September 2015, when he was said to have conspired with a Kogi State Government official and others to convert 80 Billion Naira, he was not yet the Governor of Kogi State (having assumed office on the 27th day of January 2016) and never had any financial transaction with the Kogi State Government.

8. Assuming without conceding that the EFCC made a mistake in the date of the alleged crime and that the correct date was 2016, the total approved Budget for Kogi State in 2016 when he became Governor was Ninety Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-One Naira (N99,998,674,261) while the total expenditure in the audited Financial Statements stood at Eighty One Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Four Naira (N81,398,827,854). It was thus impossible for Yahaya Bello to have converted the sum alleged and at the time alleged. Worse still, the Commission said in its fresh Charge that this offence was now committed in February 2016, less than one month after the former Governor assumed office.

9. The news of the inclusion of his name in the Charge, as usual, was given wide publicity by the EFCC, who still had not invited him but had described him as being at large. It was thus clear from the foregoing that the EFCC was out for mischief. A stage was being set to move in a Gestapo manner to his home, lay siege there and violently arrest him with the aim of tarnishing his name and ruining his reputation as if he were a fugitive even though he was not invited.

10. For the protection of his reputation, rights to presumption of innocence, liberty, and dignity of the human person, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as a law-abiding citizen, caused to be filed a Fundamental Rights Enforcement action in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the 8th day of February 2024, at the High Court of Justice, Kogi State.

11. The belief of the imminent dramatic arrest, which eventually occurred on the 17th of April 2024 in Abuja, was indeed predicted in paragraph 36(c) of the Affidavit in Support of the Originating Summons filed on the 8th of February 2024.

12. Upon the above facts, particularly that he was to be investigated, invited, arrested, or prosecuted on an impossible allegation, the High Court granted him reprieve by restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, and prosecuting him, pending the determination of the Originating Motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights. The said Order was served on the EFCC on the 12th day of February 2024.

13. Two Senior Lawyers participated in the Fundamental Rights Proceeding at the High Court, i.e. Rotimi Oyedepo SAN as an informant in the Counter-Affidavit and one J.S Okutepa SAN later filed processes and argued the matter on behalf of the EFCC. Indeed, J.S Okutepa SAN, on the 26th day of February 2024, appealed against the said Order to the Court of Appeal.

14. The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, adjourned the Appeal to 22nd April 2024 while refusing to hear the application for a stay of the order of interim injunction.

15. It is pertinent to note that every Court has the inherent power to grant orders to protect the subject matter of the suit before it to ensure that by the time judgment is delivered, the suit before it has not been rendered useless by a party who has resulted to self-help. This was the aim of the Order of that Court!

16. The EFCC has argued that the Court cannot restrain the EFCC from arresting, investigating, or prosecuting. This is far from the truth as the Court of Appeal in OKEKE v. IGP & Ors (2022) LPELR-58476(CA) 1 at Pp. 9 paras. A, Per NWOSU-IHEME, J.C.A relied on a decision of the Court to hold that the Police can be restrained from the improper use of its powers.

Specifically, the Court held as follows:

In the unreported case of LUNA V. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE RIVER STATE POLICE COMMAND in Appeal No CA/PH/216/2004, this Court Port-Harcourt Division held:

 Notwithstanding the power of the Police as spelt out in Sections 4 and 24 of the Police Act, where this Power is improperly used, the Court can stop the use of the power for that improper purpose, as that would no longer be covered by Section 35(1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution. In other words, an order restraining the Police from arresting on some particular occasion or for some particular improper purpose may be made by the Court.

17. Despite the clear Order of the Court, which the EFCC appealed against, these two Senior Advocates, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN and J.S Okutepa SAN, who participated in the proceeding of the trial Court and who knew that there was an extant Order restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, detaining and prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, caused to be filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja-FCT, a Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 against Yahaya Adoza Bello on the 6th day of March 2024.

18. By filing the Charge, the EFCC violated the Order of the interim order of the High Court of Justice of Kogi State which was still extant and subsisting and which effectively prohibited the EFCC from prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello! This was, in this case, the 1st disobedience to Court Order!

19. It must be further noted that despite the new charge, the EFCC still alleged that the 80 Billion was allegedly embezzled within one month of his being in office as Governor.

20. Mr Uwujaren, on behalf of the EFCC, has cleverly avoided the interim order of the Court, which the EFCC flouted. Rather, he has painted the scenario as if the only order the High Court of Kogi State made was the final Judgement of the Court, which he has reproduced extensively and which was only read out at 12:00 Noon on the 17th day of April 2024.

21. Let it be clear that as of 12:00 noon on the 17th day of April 2024, the interim order of injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting, inviting, detaining, or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello was still extant as the Court had yet to finish delivering the judgment which Mr Uwujaren selectively reproduced in his epistle.

22. It therefore follows that the attempt to arrest Alhaji Yahaya Bello on the 17th Day of April 2024 was a violation of the Order of the High Court of Justice of Kogi State granted on 9th February 2024. This was the 2nd disobedience to the Court.

23. Indeed, the Officers of the EFCC who had been loitering around the Zone 4 residence of Alhaji Yahaya Bello since about 7:00 am on the 17th of April 2024 were shown the Order and they were informed that they were on illegal duty, it was based on the foregoing that the EFCC hurriedly proceeded to file an Ex-parte Motion at the Federal High Court Abuja at about 8:24 am praying the Court for a Warrant of Arrest against the Alhaji Yahaya Bello despite the pendency of the Order of the Kogi State High Court of Justice. This was indeed the third act of disobedience!!!

24. Mr Uwujaren has cleverly but falsely tried to portray that it was after the Judgment of the Kogi State High Court of Justice of 17th April 2024 that the EFCC filed the Charge against Yahaya Bello and obtained the Ex-parte the Warrant for his arrest, this is absolutely false given that the Charge was filed over a month before the Judgment and the Motion Ex-parte was filed at 8:24 am on the morning of the day of arrest, i.e. 17th April 2024 and when they were already in his home.

25. From the above, Nigerians can also see that Mr Uwujarens statement that it was the attempt to enforce the warrant of the Federal High Court that took them to Zone 4 is absolutely false as they were already in Alhaji Yahaya Bellos House to arrest him before they filed the application for Warrant of Arrest!!! Nigerians watched live!

26. It must also be noted that the EFCC never produced the Warrant they obtained at Yahaya Bellos Residence before they dispersed.

It was only in the news at about 4 pm that we read of a Warrant of Arrest obtained by the EFCC for the arrest of Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

27. It must also be clarified, contrary to the Claims of the EFCC, that the implication of the Judgment of the High Court of Kogi State, Lokoja, was that Alhaji Yahaya Bello should not be invited, arrested, and detained on any allegation of corruption unless the Leave of a Superior Court of Record is sought and obtained to that effect by the EFCC.

The EFCC should know that the leave referred to in that Judgment is not a Warrant of arrest and certainly not one applied for or obtained before the Judgment! Indeed, the Warrant was obtained in disobedience of the Order of the Kogi State High Court of Justice which restrained them from arresting Alhaji Yahaya Bello! This is indeed disobedience number four!

28. The attempt by the EFCC through Mr Uwujaren to distort the facts and timelines of events is to allow the EFCC to forge on to rely on the illegally obtained Warrant of Arrest. The Warrant is not only illegal because it was obtained in contravention of an order of the Court but also because the Court was misled into granting the same as the Court lacked the jurisdiction to grant same.

29. By the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, a Warrant can only be issued against a suspect (a fleeing suspect or one who is likely to flee). Alhaji Yahaya Bello having been charged to Court in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024 cannot be called a suspect. He is a Defendant. Only the Court can compel his appearance after he has been served with the Charge and the Charge has yet to be served on him.

30. Let it be known to all that Alhaji Yahaya Bello is not afraid of the EFCC, he is not a fugitive running from the Law. All he demands is that the rule of law be respected!!

31. Finally, let us point out that Alhaji Yahaya Bello is not a party to the case of EFCC v. Kogi State Government and 4 Ors, which Mr Uwujaren referred to in paragraph three of the Press Release. Hence, he could not have disregarded the same in any way as claimed.

32. The judgment of the High Court of Justice, Kogi State, delivered on the 17th day of April 2024, vindicates Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the Court pointedly held as follows:

Thus, the serial actions of the Respondent (EFCC), dating back to 2021, right up to 2024, targeted against the applicant (Yahaya Bello) has corroded their legitimate statutory duties of investigation and prosecution of financial crimes. These collective infractions on the rights of the applicant border on the infringement of his fundamental right from discrimination. (Words in bracket ours).

33. It is our position that the EFCC has further exposed itself as a dishonourable institution with this press statement, which contains lies, untruths, and twisted facts. Citizens of this Country must continue to speak up against the excesses of this organization until a wholesale reform of its modus operandi is carried out! Alhaji Yahaya Bello will not be intimidated!

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Three persons have been reported killed and eight others abducted by bandits in two attacks reported in Kaduna State on Monday and Tuesday.

The abductions happened at Unguwan Habuja, a village in Kakangi ward of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state, where two persons were also reported killed.

The village lies about three kilometres from Kakangi town, with the villagers saying the attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening, caught them off guard.

Today, there was an attack in Kakangi resulting in two deaths and eight abductions, a resident of the village who declined to give their name out of safety concerns told PREMIUM TIMES.

According to another resident, a man was killed in the other incident at Gonan Alhaji Muntari on the Birnin-Gwari Kakangi road the previous day (Monday).

The source said one other person wounded in that incident was still receiving treatment at the Jibril Mai Gwanotheral Hospital.

Yahaya Salio, the member representing Kakangi constituency in the State House of Assembly, confirmed the incident, but said he was still awaiting briefing by the councilor for the ward.

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

 Yes, it is true that three people were killed and others kidnapped across the affected communities. But Im waiting for full details of the incident from the ward councillor, he said.

Police spokesperson in the state, Mansur Hassan, could not be reached on the phone and did not respond to a text message when filing the report.

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has ordered the Commissioner of Police in the state, Kene Onwuemelie, to ensure the prosecution of police officers involved in the killing of a businessman in the state.

The businessman, Emmanuel Okocha, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, died on Friday in the state after a police operative shot him for allegedly refusing to give a bribe to a team of police operatives.

The late Okocha hailed from Abiriba, a community in Ohafia Local Government Area in the South-eastern state.

The operatives were reportedly from the Rapid Response Squad of the police command in the state.

They were said to have demanded a bribe from the victim despite having his complete vehicle documents and drivers licence

This newspaper earlier reported that police authorities in Abia State Saturday arrested one of the police operatives, identified as Obagi Njok, a police corporal attached to the Abayi Police Division in the state.

Otti speaks

Reacting, Mr Otti expressed sadness over the incident and assured that the killing would not be swept under the carpet, according to a statement by the Secretary to State Government, Kenneth Kalu, on Wednesday.

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The governor urged the police authorities in the state to ensure that one of the officers already arrested was investigated, sanctioned appropriately and charged to court if found culpable in the killing.

He commended communities in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state where the victim hailed from for heeding to the appeal not to go on protest or take laws into their hands out of anger for the death of their brother.

The state government would like to reassure the citizens and residents of its commitment to protecting their lives and property at all times and enjoins everyone to go about their lawful businesses without fear or hindrance, the statement said.

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The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has urged the Lagos State

government to unconditionally reverse the disengagement of 405 permanent

staff of the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) who were fired allegedly

because they were redundant.

RDI said it is convinced that the disengagement exercise, carried out by

the new management of the LWC led by Tijani Muktar is only a

smokescreen and part of the long-standing grand plan to privatise water

resources in Lagos.

On 15 April 2024 staff of the Corporation who had resumed for work were

issued disengagement letters.

The sack was without prior notice or in compliance with Nigerias Labour laws which requires an employer to notify the trade union or workers representative of the reasons for and the extent of the redundancy before terminating the employment of its staff on account of redundancy.

The exercise was carried out at a time reports were also rife that the

LWC had less than 600 staff Lagos statewide, a revelation which would

have necessitated recruiting more staff instead of load shedding.

With the disengagement exercise which affected 405 workers the staff

strength of the corporation is now less than 100 Lagos state-wide.

RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor said:

We refuse to be hoodwinked. The purported disengagement of staff of the

LWC on the grounds of their being redunant is a ruse to ram through the

privatisation agenda of the Lagos government by weeding the corporation

of vocal opponents of the plan. It is unacceptable and must be reversed

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 Jakpor explained that with information putting the total staff strength

of the corporation as at March 2024 at 588 statewide there is no

correlation between this unjustifiable sacks and boosting the operation

of the corporation.

We make bold to say that since the assumption of office of the current

Managing Director of the LWC, Engr. Tijani Muktar in July 2023 the

privatization agenda of the Lagos government has accelerated in pace.

Attempts at removing the vocal champions of pro-people water policies

will not stop the resistance to water privatization.

READ ALSO: Group seeks probe of alleged contract procurement violation in Lagos waterfront ministry

Section 20 of the Labour Act explicitly outlines the proper procedures

to be followed in cases of redundancy. Clearly these rules have not been

followed.

He insisted that dialogue and engagement of the staff of the water

corporation is the only way to address the crisis in the corporation and

not through bullying or contravention of laws.

Our position is unchanged. To address the water crisis in Lagos the

citizens must be part of the solution and the solution is within the

realm of public democratically managed water systems. The purported sack

of proponents of this vision which will guarantee access to all will not

stand, Mr Jakpor insisted.

Philip Jakpor

Executive Director

Renevlyn Development Initiative

08037256939

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President Joe Biden has nominated Montana attorney Danna Jackson to the U.S. District Court in Montana.

If confirmed, Jackson would take the federal bench to replace Judge Dana Christensen, who in late 2022 announced he was taking senior status.

Jackson, a first-generation Kootenai descendant, would be the first Native American to serve as a federal judge in Montana.

A tribal attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Jackson was former chief legal counsel to the Montana Department of Natural Resources from 2016 to 2021 following six years as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Following her time with the Montana DNRC, Jackson worked at the U.S. Department of the Interior as senior counselor to the director of Bureau of Land Management and then senior counselor to the assistant secretary for water and science from 2021 to 2023.

A notice from DOI in 2021 states she had spent her entire legal career in the natural resources and Indian law arenas. It notes she grew up on a cattle ranch on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Jackson has been counsel to the CSKT in Pablo since 2023. She received her law degree from the University of Montana in 1996.

"I work alongside Ivy Leaguers who aint got nothing on a Griz," she wrote in an alumni spotlight with the University of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law in May 2021.

Jackson, at the time a senior counselor to the Bureau of Land Management director, said she is unique as a lawyer who has both litigated and served in policy positions.

CSKT Tribal Council Chairman Michael Dolson released a statement on the nomination through a spokesperson:

"We have followed Danna throughout her career  and as a CSKT descendant who hales from our community, we are very proud of her accomplishments," Dolson said Wednesday. "Danna brings considerable expertise and depth of knowledge to her work in the legal system, and is an excellent candidate for the federal bench. We are glad for her nomination and support her confirmation."

Biden announced Jackson as a nominee Wednesday among six others.

A White House release provided early to the Montana State News Bureau states the nominees reflect Bidens promise to ensure that the nations courts reflect the diversity of the nation. This will be the 48th round of nominees Biden has made to the federal bench, bringing the total of federal judicial nominees to 236. As of April 10, 193 of those nominees have been confirmed.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester on Wednesday applauded Jackson's nomination and said he'd work to confirm the nominee.

"Danna Jackson has a proven track record of applying the law with fairness and integrity throughout her legal career, and I have no doubt that shell bring these high standards to the federal judiciary and District of Montana," he said in a statement. "As a born-and-raised Montanan, her extensive experience at every level of Montanas legal system makes her well qualified to serve our state and Im looking forward to getting her nomination across the finish line with bipartisan support in the Senate."

Montana's Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines blasted Biden for failing to confer with his office prior to Wednesday's announcement, but refrained from making an immediate judgement call on Jackson's qualifications.

"Federal judges in Montana are crushing our way of life because they legislate from the bench," Daines said in a statement. "Montanans want judges who will bring balance to our courts and uphold the Constitution. Unfortunately, President Biden failed to seriously consult with me prior to making this nomination. This is inexcusable and a missed opportunity. I look forward to reviewing Ms. Jacksons background and record to evaluate if this nomination is the right fit for Montana."

Its an election year, and the path to Jacksons confirmation will be through a tightly wound U.S. Senate with a thin Democratic majority and a GOP focused on reclaiming the chamber. Montanas two senators occupy seats on either side of the partisan aisle, presenting a potential split in support for advancing a Democratic presidents nominee through the upper chamber.

Tester in 2023 supported Montanan Anthony Johnstone's nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, while Daines opposed the appointment.

Carl Tobias at the University of Richmond School of Law taught for 20 years at the University of Montana and remembered Jackson among the ranks of law school students.

"I know she made an impact on people when she was at the law school and the work she's done since then has just been incredible," he said.

Natural resources, public lands and American Indian law combine for a potent background on issues specific to Montana's federal courts, Tobias added, particularly federal land policy in the state and the Indian Child Welfare Act.

'Clear victory': Tribes in Montana celebrate ICWA ruling The positive impact of todays decision will be felt across generations, the Protect ICWA Campaign said in a statement.

"All of those things will be important," Tobias said. "She'll appreciate what happens at the interior department, or the (Bureau of Indian Affairs), or BLM, which holds a lot of land in Montana."

The National Congress of American Indians, the Native American Rights Fund and the National Native American Bar Association all heralded Jackson's nomination Wednesday.

The three organizations have long advocated for better representation of Native communities in the federal court system. NARF said Jackson is the fifth Native American Biden has nominated to a federal judgeship.

"Danna Jackson has a long track record of public service, extensive federal legal experience, and is well qualified to be a federal judge," Native American Rights Fund Executive Director John Echohawk said in an emailed statement. "We commend the Biden Administrations selection of this historic nominee and exhort her confirmation. She will be a strong addition to the federal judiciary in Montana."

Jackson's confirmation process may unearth some of Jackson's work in policy arenas that senators may find objectionable, Tobias said, but in large part the Senate Judiciary Committee and the upper chamber at large will likely look to the nominee's home state senators for their cue.

Tobias said Jackson's hearing to be vetted by the Senate Judiciary Committee could be as early as next month.

"It could happen this summer," he added. "There are very few nominees ahead of her.  I'm cautiously optimistic that could happen, or in any event it could happen in June."

Christensen, who is based in Missoula, had served as chief judge of the federal courts in Montana from 2013 to 2020. Judge Brian Morris, in Great Falls, has held that title in the four years since. Christensen and Morris were both nominated by former President Barack Obama.
Industry-leading BlueVoyant continues to expand and invest in the UK and EMEA with cutting-edge facility

LEEDS, England, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVoyant, a cyber security company that illuminates, validates, and mitigates internal and external risks today announced the successful opening of its new Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Experience Centre in Leeds. The new centre is part of BlueVoyant's multi-million-pound investment in the UK since 2017. The opening highlights the company's continued investment and expansion in the UK with local revenue growing 283% since 2017.

James Rosenthal (left), CEO and co-founder of BlueVoyant, and Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite (center), cut the ribbon for the BlueVoyant SOC and Customer Experience Centre in Leeds, England.

The new office, in the heart of Leeds city centre, highlights the evolution of security operations. No longer is it sufficient to have a traditional SOC with legacy technology and manual processes. Instead, clients are looking for next-generation managed security that takes a full-spectrum look at their attack surfaces and uses Machine Learning (ML) to quickly find and mitigate the most critical threats.

The SOC will be used to monitor clients' networks and digital ecosystems and mitigate threats. The Customer Experience Centre will also offer the opportunity for BlueVoyant clients, business partners, and local organisations to learn about the latest cyber security threats and best response tactics, including how to incorporate ML. In addition, with new regulations being enforced in both the UK and European Union, BlueVoyant will use the new facility to educate clients on how to achieve compliance.

"Improving the cyber defence posture of organisations in the UK and across EMEA with advanced technology and threat intelligence remains a priority for BlueVoyant," said James Rosenthal, BlueVoyant's CEO and co-founder. "Our new SOC and Customer Experience Centre shows our commitment to and investment in the UK, and builds on our rapid growth and expansion in the region."

The official opening took place on 23 April with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite at the event, cutting the ribbon. In addition to BlueVoyant executives, representatives from financial services firm Beeks Group, specialist professional services and technology business, Davies, and other leaders from the finance, insurance, and professional service industries were in attendance. With BlueVoyant being an award-winning Microsoft Security partner, Microsoft Security executives attended the opening.

Leeds has been named the fastest growing digital economy by Lloyds Bank, as well as a number of trade and local publications, which inspired BlueVoyant to choose the city for its new SOC and Experience Centre. The company is hiring from the diverse local tech talent, with nearly 20 roles to be filled in the first instance.

"BlueVoyant is excited to add its name to the list of tech companies in Northern England that are pushing the boundaries of innovation," said Robert Hannigan, BlueVoyant's head of international business and former director of GCHQ. "The UK remains a strategic priority for BlueVoyant. Our advanced ML brings clients across EMEA full-spectrum cyber defence to help solve their cyber security challenges."

BlueVoyant has supported clients in the UK since the company's inception in 2017. In 2021, BlueVoyant acquired Marclay, a UK-based cyber security consultancy that provided world-class incident response and cyber investigation services for global organisations.

The company's cutting-edge technology has garnered industry recognition, including from Microsoft which named BlueVoyant the MISA Security MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) of the Year in the Microsoft Security Excellence Awards 2023. BlueVoyant is also the 2023 and 2022 Microsoft U.S. Security Partner of the Year, the 2022 U.S. Defence and Intelligence Partner of the Year, and is a member of the Microsoft Copilot for Security Design Council.

With the opening of its new centre, BlueVoyant joins Bruntwood SciTech's innovative technology ecosystem in Leeds, as well as Bruntwood SciTech's UK-wide science, tech, and innovation community of 1,100 like-minded businesses to build new connections and access collaboration opportunities.

"As ambitious leaders in cyber security, BlueVoyant will form an integral part of our innovation ecosystem in Leeds and have access to our specialist business support," said Katrina Jones, associate director at Bruntwood SciTech - a partnership between property company Bruntwood, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. "As a pioneering international business with a strong reputation for its defence platform, BlueVoyant's arrival in the city contributes significantly to a growing understanding that Leeds, and the wider Yorkshire region, is becoming an increasingly important hub nationally for tech businesses."

CBRE's Leeds Occupier Services team acted for BlueVoyant and associate director Charles Parkinson said: "To have secured this global inward investment into central Leeds is great news for the city and demonstrates that we have the right demographics and offices here to attract growing organisations from overseas seeking to expand in the UK."

BlueVoyant plans to continue to expand and invest in serving more clients in the UK and across EMEA.

About BlueVoyant

BlueVoyant combines internal and external cyber defence capabilities into an outcomes-based cloud-native cyber security solution by continuously monitoring your network, endpoints, attack surface, and supply chain, as well as the clear, deep, and dark web for threats. The full-spectrum cyber defence products and services illuminates, validates, and quickly mitigates threats to protect your enterprise. BlueVoyant leverages both machine-learning-driven automation and human-led expertise to deliver industry-leading cyber security to more than 900 clients across the globe.

BlueVoyant Press Contact:

Jim Pople

C8 Consulting

BlueVoyant@c8consulting.co.uk

+44 (0)7894 339645

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2395373/BlueVoyant.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2006175/BlueVoyant_Logo.jpg
PHOENIX, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - 4Front Ventures Corp. (CSE: FFNT) (OTCQX: FFNTF) ("4Front" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator and retailer, announced that it has authorized the issuance of certain securities in consideration for services provided by consultants, directors, and officers.

Class A Shares

The Company has agreed to issue 1,000,000 class A subordinate voting shares in the capital of the Company ("SVS") to settle obligations of the Company pursuant to a Severance and Consulting Agreement effective January 8, 2024 between the Company and Leonid Gontmakher, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The SVS will be issued at a price of C$0.10 per SVS.

Restricted Share Units

The Company also announced that it has agreed to issue a total of 14,718,644 restricted share units ("RSUs") at a deemed issue price of C$0.10 based on the closing price of the SVS on April 24, 2024, to certain consultants, directors, and officers of the Company in payment of compensation owed. The RSUs represent the right to receive one SVS upon the earliest to occur of a change in control, disability, death, unforeseeable emergency, separation from service other than for cause, or the date that is 18 months following the grant date, each as more particularly described in the applicable restricted share unit agreement.

Warrants

Further, the Company has agreed to issue 5,483,600 purchase warrants convertible into SVS (each a "Warrant") to settle debt owed to a service provider. Each Warrant will be exercisable at US$0.07 into one SVS for a period of 4 years upon the satisfaction of specified commercial milestones.

About 4Front Ventures Corp.

4Front is a national, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with operations in Illinois and Massachusetts and facilities in Washington. Since its founding in 2011, 4Front has built a strong reputation for its high standards and low-cost cultivation and production methodologies earned through a track record of success in facility design, cultivation, genetics, growing processes, manufacturing, purchasing, distribution, and retail. To date, 4Front has successfully brought to market more than 20 different cannabis brands and over 1,800 products, which are strategically distributed through its fully owned and operated Mission dispensaries and retail outlets in its core markets. As the Company continues to drive value for its shareholders, its team is applying its decade of expertise in the sector across the cannabis industry value chain and ecosystem. For more information, visit 4frontventures.com.

SOURCE 4Front Ventures Corp.
WEIFANG, China, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from the Shandong Office of Hong Kong Business Daily. On April 20th, the 37th Belle International Kite Festival opened in Belle, France. Shandong Weifang kite artists Guo Hongli and Yang Hongwei were invited to participate in kite flying and exhibition activities. The 100 meter long "Chinese Loong" kite brought by Guo Yunbo attracted many local people and tourists to stop and watch as soon as it was launched, demonstrating the unique charm of Weifang kites.

"This time, I took more than 200 kites to participate in the Belque International Kite Festival in France. I also specially took the dragon head centipede kite, a representative of Weifang's traditional kites, and flew in the flying field to show Weifang's kite culture." Guo Hongli said that the dragon head centipede kite, named "Chinese Loong", was 100 meters long and brightly colored. The dragon head and waist section were all hand drawn, showing the unique style of Weifang kites.

On April 20, the "Chinese Loong" kite was officially unveiled at the International Kite Festival in Belk, France, which instantly caused a sensation on the scene, winning the cheers of local people and tourists from other places. Everyone praised Weifang's superb kite making skills. At the 37th Belle International Kite Festival in France, Weifang kite artist Yang Hongwei also interacted and exchanged ideas with the local people on site, introducing Weifang kites, allowing more foreign friends to have a further understanding of Weifang kites.

The Kite Festival will continue until April 28th and is expected to receive over one million visitors, making it a great opportunity to promote and showcase Weifang kites.Shandong Office of Hong Kong Business Daily
GUANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC has wrapped up its 2024 International Global Distributor Conference with resounding success. Themed "Quality Leads Our Way Forward," the event convened over 160 attendees from 41 countries and regions, setting the stage for strategic planning and collaborative innovation.

GAC GROUP achieved record-breaking production and sales exceeding 2.5 million units in 2023, a milestone for Chinese independent brands. With a remarkable YoY export surge of approximately 130% and strategic penetration into 39 countries and regions, GAC International has laid a robust groundwork for future growth ambitions. The conference saw senior leaders of the company delivering profound insights into the GAC's internationalization strategy, coupled with guidelines for the company's 2024 business blueprint.

President of GAC Group, Mr. Feng Xingya, delivered a keynote address that outlined the company's remarkable successes and emphasized the need to expand GAC's international presence through localized operations and collaborations. "GAC Group deeply recognizes that successful internationalization relies on localized management," said Feng. He called for a united effort to upgrade brand image, expand sales channels, and develop marketing innovation, to reinforce GAC's brand values across the globe.

The conference also featured a detailed exploration of GAC's forward-looking technologies and new models set to enter global markets. Mr. Wei Haigang, General Manager of GAC International, expressed optimism for the future. "We will work together with all our distributor partners to overcome industrial and macro environmental challenges, seize the opportunities for growth in Chinese auto exports, serve global customers with better products, and achieve stable and efficient growth," said Wei.

Mr. Zhang Fan, Vice President of GAC R&D Center, unveiled the company's cutting-edge advancements in electrification, connectivity, digitalization, and sharing, reinforcing GAC's reputation as a visionary automotive manufacturer.

The conference also served as a platform for distributor partners to share their successes, with representatives from the Philippines, Kuwait, and Nigeria spotlighting their strategic achievements and insights. Accolades and awards were bestowed upon teams and individuals for exceptional contributions throughout the previous year. These narratives serve as benchmarks of recognition and excellence for the broader GAC network as the company continues to expand its global footprint.

The 2024 GAC International Distributor Conference is a reflection of the many enduring partnerships forged amidst the pursuit of excellence. With a relentless focus on quality and innovation, GAC is poised to enhance its position through strategic internationalization and strong partnerships.

SOURCE GAC
DUBLIN, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACTS LAW's Doug Rochen currently represents more than 1,000 men and women who have been subjected to sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment while incarcerated in jails and prisons throughout California.

Recently, the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin is facing closure over allegations of similar types of behavior, with matters so bad it was known as a "rape club" by inmates and workers.

"The racial and class inequity that leads to women being imprisoned has never been addressed in our state," Mr. Rochen said. "In the FCI Dublin institution, inmates were subjected to all manner of horrific sexual crimes on a daily basis. This is something that should have been stopped and fixed decades ago, and there are likely thousands of women who suffered sexual abuse and assault at FCI Dublin."

With a long history of sex crimes against women, FCI Dublin saw a correctional officer sentenced to 72 months in prison recently for his crimes of sexually abusing five female inmates. He was the supervisor of the call center operated by the federal prison, where these women worked.

"In our prison abuse cases, we've seen women treated worse than animals," Mr. Rochen added. "This disgusting behavior happens at prisons throughout the state, and these women deserve justice for the crimes they've suffered."

California Prison Sex Abuse

Mr. Rochen represents more than 1,000 individuals who were sexually assaulted, abused, and harassed while in California jails. In several lawsuits, the complaints list the horrific treatment female inmates were subjected to, including:

Women subjected to more than 40 instances of rape and/or sexual misconduct from the same guard

Sexual abuse while in and out of jail cells

Forced oral copulation and/or digital penetration

Lewd comments and harassment

Groping

In a separate lawsuit involving male inmates, the complaint alleges systemic failure by the County of Los Angeles to protect vulnerable minors in the juvenile detention system. These alleged acts of sexual deviance and criminal behavior were directed toward minors who were completely under the control of sworn peace officers.

The lawsuits are:

John DL-2 Roe et al. v. County of Los Angeles , Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 23STCV13438

and

, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 23STCV13438 and Jane Roe et al v. State of California , California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation et al., Sacramento Superior Court, Case No. 23CV013894.

About ACTS LAW

ACTS LAW has over a decade of experience with skilled and knowledgeable attorneys representing victims in a broad array of case types. They have recovered over a billion dollars in settlements, helping their clients receive the justice that is so rightfully deserved.

CONTACT: Douglas Rochen, 833-212-4446

SOURCE ACTS Law
DETROIT, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In observance of Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, Quest Research Institute (Quest), a site within Alcanza Clinical Research's network located in Detroit, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about Parkinson's disease (PD), recognizing its symptoms, and understanding the available clinical research avenues for patients.

With over two decades of experience and a broad spectrum of studies exploring investigational therapies and interventions, Quest is actively contributing to PD research. Kara Bardram, Quest's Site Director, underscores Alcanza's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing patient care, emphasizing the significance of PD research, especially in Michigan, where over 35,000 individuals are affected by the disease. Notably, across the network, other sites are also actively engaged in conducting PD trials, reflecting a coordinated effort within Alcanza to address Parkinson's Disease comprehensively.

Recent research published in The Journal of American Medical Association's (JAMA) Network highlights progress in the PD field, such as a biomarker skin biopsy test funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). Quest has conducted numerous studies utilizing this test, aiding in the diagnosis of PD by detecting alpha synuclein, a marker for the disease in addition to other studies funded by the MJFF.

"Research like the skin biopsy test is important as it has already migrated to use in clinical practice  it helps clinicians differentiate between PD and other similar neurodegenerative disorders," said Dr. Aaron Ellenbogen, Quest's Medical Director, who has been using this skin test in clinical practice for more than a year. "Without people willing to participate in studies, tests like this would not be able to be developed."

Parkinson's disease remains a progressive neurological condition that significantly impacts movement and presents challenges for patients and healthcare providers worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment options, further research is imperative to address the unmet needs in PD care.

Regarding Alcanza Clinical Research and Quest Research Institute:

Alcanza operates as a unified network of research centers committed to diminishing obstacles to clinical research involvement, particularly among marginalized patient demographics. The network encompasses 22 dedicated research centers, including Quest, and several additional sites integrated within specialty clinics. Quest focuses on Phase I-IV trials spanning diverse therapeutic fields, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related movement disorders.

Contact:

Alcanza Public Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Alcanza Clinical Research
Survey Reveals 65% of Consumers Do Not Consider Laundry as a Part of Their Skin Care Routine  To Change That, the No. 1 Detergent Brand Recommended by Dermatologists is Teaming Up with Top "Derm-Fluencer," Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky

STAMFORD, Conn., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- all free clear , the #1 detergent brand recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin, today announced it is partnering with Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky  a board certified dermatologist and one of social media's most-followed "derm-fluencer" voices, encompassing more than two million followers across Instagram and TikTok as the brand's first-ever Chief Dermatology Advisor.

all free clear Announces First-Ever Chief Dermatology Advisor, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky

With only one-third (35%) of consumers surveyed considering laundry as part of their skin care routines but nearly half (49%) reporting having sensitive skin*, there is a gap between laundry and skin care that needs to be bridged. As Chief Dermatology Advisor, Dr. Zubritsky will educate consumers about the impact laundry can play in our sensitive skin care routines and other helpful tips about managing sensitive skin. Providing her expertise and serving as a liaison between all free clear and consumers, the aim is to send a clear message: skin care can also happen in the laundry room.

Dr. Zubritsky will make her debut as Chief Dermatology Advisor for the all free clear brand on the most-watched daytime talk show The View on May 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET and brand fans can join her for virtual "Office Hours" hosted via her Instagram Stories (@dermguru) on May 8 and May 23. During Office Hours, Dr. Zubritsky will answer top consumer questions about the connection between laundry and skin care and share advice for developing an updated laundry day routine and managing sensitive skin.

Consumers can visit all-laundry.com/CDA.html to submit their questions and follow @all_laundry on Instagram to stay up to date on all Chief Dermatology Advisor-related happenings.

"In my profession, I am often asked about how to best take care of sensitive skin and many people don't realize that part of a sensitive skin care routine is choosing the right laundry detergent," said Dr. Zubritsky. "Whether it's clothes, bed linens or bath towels, our laundry touches our skin. So, the laundry detergent we wash with should be considered a factor in taking care of sensitive skin. That's why I recommend a detergent brand like all free clear for my patients and my own family. Because as a dermatologist, I believe laundry care is an important part of sensitive skin care."

all free clear is the #1 detergent brand recommended for sensitive skin by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians. Developed from the bottom-up to specifically meet the needs of consumers with sensitive skin, its unique formula is 100% free of dyes and perfumes, hypoallergenic and removes 99% of top everyday and seasonal allergens**. The laundry detergent is Safer Choice Certified by the US EPA and the first laundry detergent brand to be awarded the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance , making it ideal for those with sensitive skin and consumers who want a clean they can feel good about.

"We have a science-led, skin-first mindset at all free clear, which is why we created a laundry detergent using only intentionally selected ingredients that provides an effective clean that is gentle on skin," said Julia Galotto, Vice President of Marketing at Henkel. "Over the years, we've made it a priority to partner with dermatologists who celebrate diverse skin types and inspire laundry-related advice. We're proud to partner with Dr.

Zubritsky as our first-ever Chief Dermatology Advisor to elevate this influence and reframe how consumers think about laundry as part of their overall self-care and skin care."

For more information about the all free clear Chief Dermatology Advisor and sensitive skin laundry tips, please visit all-laundry.com/sensitive-skin.html . The full portfolio of all laundry products can also be found online at all-laundry.com and in-store at retailers nationwide.

*The all Laundry Survey was conducted by an independent market research agency. It consisted of 38 questions covering consumer's behaviors and sentiment toward laundry care as it relates to skin care and garnered responses from 2,020 U.S. adults ages 18+ who do laundry and play a role in making purchase decisions for household cleaning products. March 2024.

**Dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, grass/tree pollen. all free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.

About all

Sold in the United States, the all laundry brand has been a recognized leader and laundry partner for generations. Its portfolio of laundry care products includes concentrated liquid and single dose pac detergents, as well as liquid and sheet fabric softeners. all free clear detergent is the #1 doctor recommended brand for sensitive skin. Learn more at https://www.all-laundry.com/ or follow all on Instagram @ all_laundry and Facebook @ allLaundry .

About Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD

Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in general medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, cosmetics, and pediatric dermatology. Dr. Zubritsky is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and serves as one of their social media ambassadors. She is also an editor for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) and has lectured at several national and local conferences including as a guest speaker for Grand Rounds at numerous dermatology residency programs across the country. She is passionate about all things dermatology, especially debunking skin care myths and educating the public using her social media platforms. She has lectured at several national and local conferences and was the guest speaker for Grand Rounds at numerous dermatology residency programs across the country.

About Henkel in North America

Henkel's portfolio of well-known brands in North America includes Schwarzkopf hair care, Dial soaps, Persil, Purex, and all laundry detergents, Snuggle fabric softeners as well as Loctite, Technomelt and Bonderite adhesives. With sales close to 6.6 billion US dollars (6 billion euros) in 2023, North America accounts for 28 percent of the company's global sales. Henkel employs around 8,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel- northamerica.com, and on Twitter @Henkel_NA .

Brand Contact: Agency H5 (on behalf of all free clear)

Contact: Amanda Vassall

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE all
CUPERTINO, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ambow Education Holding Ltd. (NYSE American: AMBO) ("Ambow" or the "Company"), an AI-driven educational technology company, today announced that it presented its innovative HybriU AI education technology and solutions at its open house event held last week at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design Campus in San Diego, California. Education institutions, educators, investors and students who attended the event were able to view HybriU's compelling technology and total solution firsthand.

A video highlight reel of the event can be seen here: https://www.hybriu.com/.

HybriU is the first available total solution, integrating innovative AI, lecture capture, connectivity, immersive technologies, and a comprehensive management platform for educational purposes. This powerful integrated solution is designed to advance the future of education, break down educational barriers and empower educators and students worldwide.

HybriU facilitates interactive live sessions between teachers in person and remote students, enhancing student engagement. A traditional classroom is instantly and seamlessly transformed into a dynamic learning environment with HybriU that optimizes the teaching and learning experience by combining interactivity, adaptability and accessibility. HybriU features showcased at the open-house event included:

AI Immersive 3D Technology: HybriU's 3D solution includes 3D signal capture, recording, transformation and display on a large 3D LED wall. 3D technology enhances learning by providing a more immersive experience, allowing students to explore and understand complex concepts through visually engaging content. This technology makes it possible to broadcast a life-sized 3D image of a professor in a remote classroom, bringing this innovative concept to reality.

AI-Driven Connectivity to Support Multi-Location Engagement: HybriU seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional in-person learning environments and virtual classrooms, promoting live instruction to students in the classroom and those joining remotely. It utilizes patented technology that automatically shifts cameras and views to facilitate engagement and participation while promoting discussions, group activities and feedback.

AI Intelligent Multi-Modal Lecture Capture: Classroom lectures are instantly captured and summarized to facilitate efficient student review and enhance learning outcomes. Advanced AI-driven functionality seamlessly brings class interaction into the video recording and transcripts, including participation and contribution from remote students. The intelligent recording presents the accessibility and interactivity of the learning environment, promoting greater inclusion and engagement for both in-person and remote learners.

Proprietary Video Editing Technology: One-click integrated video and audio content editing allows educators to edit recorded content with an easy editing feature that is as simple as deleting text.

AI Interactive Learning via Teaching Assistant for Personalized Learning: Students no longer need to write down what a teacher says. Transcriptions generated during the lesson enable students to highlight, annotate and pose questions with the help of an AI assistant, enhancing the way students engage with and comprehend lecture material during and after a class.

AI Real-Time Analytics & Feedback: Student activity and progress during the class are aggregated and immediately presented to the instructor on a dashboard, facilitating adjustment to content focus, timely interventions and personalized support.

AI Multilingual Support: Close captioning of live and recorded lectures, along with real-time translation of lecture transcripts into over 80 languages, facilitates greater learner access and understanding during the class. It also enables the review of recorded educational content in students' preferred language after the class, thus widening access and participation on a global scale.

For more information on HybriU and how it improves educational outcomes, please visit https://www.hybriu.com.

About Ambow

Ambow Education Holding Ltd. is a U.S.-based, AI-driven educational technology company. Its mission is to empower educators, students, higher learning institutions and organizations with advanced technology designed explicitly for the education industry. Through HybriU, Ambow's dynamic patented open-platform technology that facilitates hybrid learning, and its for-profit college, NewSchool of Architecture & Design, based in San Diego, California, Ambow offers high-quality, individualized, and dynamic career education services and products. For more information, visit Ambow's corporate website at https://www.ambow.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" and similar statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates, and projections about Ambow and the industry. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and Ambow undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Ambow believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.

For more information, please contact:

Ambow Education Holding Ltd.

Email: [email protected]



The Piacente Group | Investor Relations

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Ambow Education Holding Ltd.
CERTIFICATION INCLUDES NEW PACKAGING SEAL FOR PRODUCTS MADE WITH INGREDIENTS GROWN BY AMERICAN FARMERS

ST. LOUIS, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Anheuser-Busch recently announced the national rollout of its newly-adopted U.S. Farmed certification and seal for several of its industry-leading beer brands, showing support for farmers in the U.S., including Louisiana, where the state's farmers sold $4.8B worth of agricultural products in 20221. Developed and verified by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) , a national nonprofit that helps to keep American farmers on their land, the U.S. Farmed certification and packaging seal helps shoppers choose products that derive at least 95 percent of their agricultural ingredients from farms in the United States.

Anheuser-Busch is a proud supporter of American farmers, including its grower partners in Louisiana whom the brewer purchases over $16 million in rice from each year. Consumers in Louisiana are empowered to purchase U.S. Farmed certified products to benefit U.S. farmers and invest in the future of domestic ingredient sourcing, helping to ensure a vibrant and thriving agricultural sector in America for generations to come. The U.S. Farmed seal will first appear on Anheuser-Busch's Busch Light this May, and Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob ULTRA have also obtained U.S. Farmed certification.

Companies across the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry are encouraged to join the effort by obtaining U.S. Farmed certification for their domestically-sourced products. AFT will use funds raised through those certifications to expand programs and provide U.S. farmers across all 50 states with free resources and expert advisory services to help them access, protect, and maintain American farmland.

By harnessing the potential of U.S. sourced goods across the entire CPG industry, the U.S. Farmed certification aims to create a far greater impact for American agriculture than any one company could alone. This industry-wide effort will be supported by an Anheuser-Busch led campaign, "Choose Beer Grown Here," to encourage consumers to seek the U.S. Farmed certification and seal when shopping for products.

"American farmers are the backbone of this country, and Anheuser-Busch has been deeply connected to the U.S. agricultural community and committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients from U.S. farmers for more than 165 years  that's who we are," said Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth. "We source nearly all the ingredients in our iconic American beers from hard-working U.S. farmers  many of whom we have worked with for generations. The U.S. Farmed certification takes our commitment to the next level, and we are proud to lead the industry in rallying behind American farmers to ensure the future of U.S. agriculture, which is crucial to our country's economy. We look forward to other companies joining us in seeking U.S. Farmed certification for their products so that together we can make an even greater impact and show our support for American farmers."

The U.S. Farmed certification comes at a critical moment for American agriculture. According to AFT, within the next 15 years, ownership of over 30 percent of our nation's agricultural land could be in transition as the current generation of farmers prepares to retire. At the same time, farmland loss threatens the very foundation of our agricultural capacity, and new and beginning farmers are often challenged to secure the capital needed to enter agriculture. The U.S. Farmed certification will address this challenge head on by providing growers in Louisiana and across the country with access to the direct support needed to pursue their options for maintaining and protecting their farmland, as well as innovative strategies for transitioning their land to the next generation of farmers.

"For over four decades, American Farmland Trust has worked tirelessly to ensure the land that sustains us remains in farming and its soils stay healthy and productive. Now, with the launch of the U.S. Farmed certification, we're taking a bold step to help secure the future of American agriculture and create both a movement and a market niche that celebrates and supports our nation's farmers," said Beth Sauerhaft, PhD, AFT Acting President and CEO. "Each U.S. Farmed certification has the potential to open new opportunities for farmers to receive assistance with succession planning, farmland protection tools for their operations, and other useful tactics to safeguard their land  our nation's food systems. We appreciate Anheuser-Busch's leadership in bringing the U.S. Farmed certification to some of the country's most iconic brands, while also making tangible impact for American farmers."

"Farming is an integral part of American heritage, and I applaud American Farmland Trust and Anheuser-Busch for partnering on the U.S. Farmed certification. The certification helps consumers make an informed choice when looking for American-grown beer," said Meryl Kennedy Farr, President of Kennedy Rice. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the history of U.S. agriculture and am grateful for the certification's work to strengthen American communities and economies."

For more information on the U.S. Farmed certification and seal, including resources for American Farmers and product certification, please visit http://www.farmland.org/us-farmed.

Learn more about Anheuser-Busch's commitment to U.S. farmers here http://www.anheuser-busch.com/USFarmed.

ABOUT AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 7.8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Learn more at www.farmland.org.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States.

We are home to several of America's most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

1 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services (2022). Census of Agriculture. Retrieved from https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/index.php.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch
A champion for patients and a leader devoted to the underserved

FAIRFIELD, N.J., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, American Liver Foundation mourns the passing of a leader on Capitol Hill, the Honorable Donald Payne, Jr, (D-NJ). A champion for patients affected by diabetes, obesity, kidney and liver disease among others, he was devoted to addressing the needs of underserved communities.

"On behalf of the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Congressman Payne, a true champion who cared deeply about people affected by some of life's most difficult diseases and conditions and who fought for equity in healthcare throughout his long career," said Lorraine Stiehl, CEO of American Liver Foundation. "We are so grateful to Congressman Payne for his efforts to support our legislative priorities on behalf of liver patients and are deeply saddened by the unexpected news of his passing."

American Liver Foundation mourns passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. a champion for patients and the underserved. Post this

About the American Liver Foundation

American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a national community of patients, caregivers and medical professionals dedicated to helping people improve their liver health. Providing guidance and life-saving resources, we are a beacon for the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. We advocate for patients and families, fund medical research and educate the public about liver wellness and disease prevention. We bring people together through our educational programs and events and create a network of support that lasts a lifetime. ALF is the largest organization focused on all liver diseases and the trusted voice for patients and families living with liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call 1-800-GO-LIVER.

Contact: Julie Kimbrough

[email protected]

Direct dial: 646-737-9409

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

SOURCE American Liver Foundation
Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with over $7 billion of regulatory assets under management. Post this

Prior to joining Trive, Amy spent 10 years at The Carlyle Group, where she was most recently the Chief of Staff to the Global Head of Investor Relations, responsible for department operations, distribution strategy and strategic initiatives. Previously, she served as the Head of Investor Relations for Carlyle's Real Estate Solutions Group. Prior to Carlyle, Amy worked in the UBS Private Funds Group, both in New York and London, where she advised financial sponsors on fundraising strategy and managed the global execution of private equity and private real estate fundraises. Amy holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

In her new role at Trive, Amy will work closely with other members of Trive's leadership team to develop and manage the strategy for strengthening and growing existing investor relationships and sourcing new investor relationships.

Conner Searcy, Managing Partner at Trive stated, "We are pleased to have Amy Wesley join Trive Capital as Global Head of Investor Relations where her immediate focus will be on relationship building and communications with our existing investors and institutionalizing the firm's investor relations function. Over the longer term, her responsibilities will include capital formation and product development. We believe Amy is a great fit, and her track record of leadership and teambuilding in diverse situations made it obvious that she was the right talent to lead the development of Trive's investor relations team and best position the firm to serve its investors as we continue to grow the firm."

Amy Wesley added, "Trive has impressed me with its mission to create fulfillment and lasting impact for its team, partner companies and investors. I feel privileged to join this growing organization and look forward to what we can build, together."

About Trive Capital

Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with more than $7 billion of regulatory assets under management. Trive focuses on investing equity and debt in what it sees as strategically viable middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement. We seek to maximize returns through a hands-on partnership that calls for identifying and implementing value creation ideas.

The Trive team is comprised of seasoned investment professionals who have been involved in over 100 middle-market transactions representing in excess of $6 billion in revenue across Trive's targeted industry sectors and situations.

SOURCE Trive Capital
The California-based hedge fund is a finalist in three categories

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Anacapa Advisors, a market-directional investment manager, announced today that the firm has been shortlisted in the 2024 Family Wealth Report awards (FWR) for three categories: Alternative Asset Manager, Asset Management Firm Serving Family Offices and Private Banks, and Private Client Investment Platform.

"We are off to a nice start in 2024. Our team continues to grow, and we have steadily built up our assets under management, while showing strong and consistent returns for our investors," noted Phil Pecsok, founder and CEO of Anacapa. We ended last year with a 46% average return across both funds, and we are thrilled to be recognized in this year's Family Wealth Report awards for the performance we have achieved."

This announcement follows the firm's win in the 2024 Private Asset Management Awards for Investment Manager of the Year, as well as a 2023 win in the PAM awards for Best Private Wealth Manager  Performance.

The annual Family Wealth Report Awards, offered by Clearview Financial Media, recognize the most innovative and exceptional firms, teams and individuals serving the family office, family wealth and trusted advisor communities in North America. Winners will be announced on May 2nd at a Gala Ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York.

About Anacapa

Anacapa Advisors LLC, founded in 2018 by Phil Pecsok, manages two market-directional hedge funds (Alpha and Quantum) designed to outperform their respective benchmarks in most market environments. Unlike other hedge funds, it is guided by an investor friendly philosophy and fee structure  with a low, 0.50% management fee, and a performance fee earned only when outperforming the respective benchmark.

Media Contact

Ryan Walker

R.J. Walker & Co.

[email protected]

SOURCE Anacapa Advisors
NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global anticoagulants market size is estimated to grow by USD 18.09 billion from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 8.42% during the forecast period.

To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Anticoagulants Market 2023-2027

Key Trends Fueling Growth:

Increasing focus on emerging economies:

Vendors are increasingly turning their attention to untapped markets such as the Middle East , Africa , India , and China. Large geriatric population bases in emerging markets such as China , Mexico , and India are showing significant growth in the healthcare sector, opening up opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to expand their operations in regions such as North America and Asia . Additionally, the regulatory environment in many emerging markets is becoming more favorable for pharmaceutical companies, resulting in easier market entry and a faster approval process for new drugs. This has made it easier for companies to bring new anticoagulants to market and increase sales. Hence, increasing focus on emerging markets will drive the growth of the global anticoagulants market during the forecast period.



For more detailed insights on the market trends with forecast market size and historic data (2017 - 2021) - Buy This Report Now

Major Challenge

Strong side effects of anticoagulants:

Blood clotting is the body's natural mechanism to stop excessive bleeding. Anticoagulants reduce the ability of blood to form clots, slowing the blood clotting process. This causes uncontrolled blood flow, even in small cuts. Long-term use of anticoagulants is associated with increased cardiovascular risks such as stroke and heart attack. Excessive bleeding from various heparin and warfarin uses can lead to a significant drop in platelet count. Other side effects associated with anticoagulant use include severe bruising, persistent nosebleeds, and vomiting. Anticoagulant use is also associated with severe back pain, chest pain, dizziness, headache, and jaundice. Due to the strong side effects, the market is declining the use of these drugs. Thus, the increasing awareness of the side effects of anticoagulants is expected to hamper the growth of the global anticoagulants market during the forecast period.



To know more about the market opportunities impacted by market dynamics, click here to Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Analyst Review

The Anticoagulants Market encompasses a range of drugs used to prevent the coagulation of blood and reduce the risk of blood clot formation in individuals with chronic disorders such as Deep Vein Thrombosis, Atrial Fibrillation, and Cardiovascular Diseases. Novel Oral Anticoagulants and injectable anticoagulants are the two primary drug categories, with the former gaining significant product penetration due to their convenience and ease of administration via the oral route.

Genetic testing plays a crucial role in identifying patients who may benefit from anticoagulant therapy, particularly those at risk for Venous Thromboembolism, Pulmonary Embolism, and Myocardial Infarction. The geriatric population and those with a prevalence of obesity are key demographics for the anticoagulants market, as they are at higher risk for cardiovascular disorders and blood clotting complications. The coagulation pathway is the primary target for anticoagulant drugs, which function by inhibiting specific coagulation factors or extending clotting time.

Market Overview

The Anticoagulants Market encompasses a range of drugs used for preventing and treating abnormal blood clotting. These therapies, including Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) and Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs), are essential in managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, making the Anticoagulants Market a significant player in healthcare.

The market is driven by factors like an aging population, rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, and increasing awareness and adoption of anticoagulant therapies. Additionally, technological advancements in anticoagulant drugs, such as novel oral anticoagulants, contribute to market growth.

However, challenges like drug interactions, bleeding risks, and high costs remain concerns for market stakeholders. The market is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years, with key players focusing on innovation, expanding their product portfolios, and enhancing patient safety.

To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

Route Of Administration Oral Anticoagulants Injectable Anticoagulants

Type Factor Xa Inhibitors DTIs Heparin Vitamin K Antagonists

Geography North America Europe Asia Rest Of World (ROW)



8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Vendor Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

12 Appendix

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
XTANDI is now the first and only novel hormone therapy available for the treatment of high-risk biochemical recurrent non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in the European Union (EU)





XTANDI can be given alone or in combination with androgen deprivation therapy





Approval is based on results from the positive Phase 3 EMBARK study which showed XTANDI alone or in combination with leuprolide reduced the risk of metastasis or death

TOKYO, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced the European Commission (EC) has approved a label extension for XTANDI (enzalutamide) as monotherapy or in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the treatment of adult men with high-risk biochemical recurrent (BCR) non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) who are unsuitable for salvage-radiotherapy.

The extended approval for XTANDI is based on results from the Phase 3 EMBARK trial in 1,068 men with high-risk BCR nmHSPC, in whom levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the biomarker which can be indicative of prostate cancer activity, doubled in nine months or less. The study showed patients treated with XTANDI in combination with leuprolide had a 57.6% lower chance of their cancer spreading or dying compared to those treated with leuprolide alone. Participants who were treated with XTANDI alone had a 36.9% reduction in risk.1

The European Association of Urology (EAU) revised their treatment guidelines in April 2024, recommending enzalutamide for men with high-risk BCR nmHSPC with or without ADT, after radiation therapy or surgery. Up until now, there has been no consensus on the standard of care for men in this setting.2

Dr. Antonio Alcaraz, Chairman of the Department of Urology at the University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona:

"When non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer recurs and is allowed to evolve, it could potentially lead to metastasis. Facing a particularly high risk and poorer outcomes in this stage of prostate cancer are men with a rapidly rising PSA, where PSA levels double within 9 months. It is critical to manage the cancer carefully then, and I urge clinicians not to delay treatment in this setting. With this expanded approval for enzalutamide, clinicians now have an important new option to treat men with non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer at high risk of metastasizing, which could become a new standard of care."

Ernst-Gunther Carl, Chairman, Europa Uomo:

"There is a desperate need for additional effective treatment options for those living with advanced prostate cancer. Many men with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer undergo arduous surgery and rounds of radiotherapy, which can be a successful way to keep their cancer at bay. It is devastating then, when up to four in ten of those will go on to develop a recurrence that puts them at significantly greater risk of their cancer spreading and early death. The patient community welcomes any ongoing therapeutic research advances that may benefit those living with prostate cancer in progress."

Ahsan Arozullah, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology Development, Astellas:

"This expanded approval for XTANDI is a vitally important advance for patients with nmHSPC with high-risk BCR and is a testament to our long and ongoing collaboration with a global network of dedicated clinical trial investigators, patient groups, clinical trial participants and their families. Efficacy and safety results from the EMBARK study demonstrate the potential for XTANDI as a new option for treatment in the early, recurrent hormone-sensitive prostate cancer setting. Astellas is in active discussions with regulatory authorities around the world to bring XTANDI to those who may benefit."

The EC approval follows the positive opinion issued by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in March 2024, recommending approval of XTANDI in the high risk BCR nmHSPC setting.3

XTANDI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC; also known as nmHSPC) with BCR at high risk for metastasis in November 2023.

Astellas will reflect the impact from this matter in its financial forecast of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 that is scheduled to be disclosed on April 25, 2024.

For more information, please see the press releases "Astellas Receives Positive CHMP Opinion for XTANDI in Additional Recurrent Early Prostate Cancer Treatment Setting" issued on March 25, 2024, and "European Medicines Agency Validates Type II Variation for Astellas' XTANDI (enzalutamide) for Treatment of Non-Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Biochemical Recurrence" issued on September 12, 2023.

About EMBARK

The Astellas- and Pfizer-led Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-national trial enrolled 1,068 patients with nonmetastatic hormone- (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC) with high-risk BCR at sites in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients who were considered to experience high-risk BCR had a prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSA-DT)  9 months; serum testosterone  150 ng/dL (5.2 nmol/L); and screening PSA by the central laboratory  1 ng/mL if they had a radical prostatectomy (with or without radiotherapy) as primary treatment for prostate cancer, or at least 2 ng/mL above the nadir if they had radiotherapy only as primary treatment for prostate cancer. Patients in the EMBARK trial were randomized to receive enzalutamide 160 mg daily plus leuprolide (n=355), enzalutamide 160 mg as a single agent (n=355), or placebo plus leuprolide (n=358). Leuprolide 22.5 mg was administered every 12 weeks.

EMBARK met its primary endpoint of metastasis-free survival (MFS) for the XTANDI plus leuprolide arm, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in the risk of metastasis or death over placebo plus leuprolide. MFS is defined as the duration of time in months between randomization and the earliest objective evidence of radiographic progression by central imaging or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first.

The study also met a key secondary endpoint, by demonstrating that patients treated with XTANDI (single agent) had a statistically significant reduction in the risk of metastasis or death versus placebo plus leuprolide, meeting its MFS endpoint.

In EMBARK, Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) were reported in 46% of XTANDI plus leuprolide patients, 50% of patients treated with XTANDI (single agent), and 43% of patients receiving placebo plus leuprolide. Permanent discontinuation due to AEs as the primary reason was reported in 21% of XTANDI plus leuprolide patients, 18% in XTANDI (single agent) patients, and 10% in placebo plus leuprolide patients.

For more information on the EMBARK trial (NCT02319837) go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About High Risk Biochemical Recurrent Non-Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer

In non-metastatic hormone (or castration-) sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC or nmCSPC), no evidence of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body (metastases) is detectable with conventional radiological methods (CT/MRI), and the cancer still responds to medical or surgical treatment designed to lower testosterone levels.4 Of men who have undergone definitive prostate cancer treatment, including radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, or both, an estimated 20-40% will experience a BCR within 10 years.5 About 9 out of 10 men with high-risk BCR will develop metastatic disease, and 1 in 3 will die as a result of their metastatic prostate cancer.6 The EMBARK trial focused on men with high-risk BCR. Per the EMBARK protocol, patients with nmHSPC and high-risk BCR are those initially treated by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, or both, with a PSA-DT  9 months. High-risk BCR patients with a PSA-DT of  9 months have a higher risk of metastases and death.7

About XTANDI (enzalutamide)

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor. Enzalutamide is a standard of care and has received regulatory approvals in one or more countries around the world for use in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR). Enzalutamide is currently approved for one or more of these indications in more than 90 countries, including in the United States, European Union and Japan. Over one million patients have been treated with enzalutamide globally.8

About XTANDI (enzalutamide) in the E.U.9

Enzalutamide is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor indicated in the E.U.:

as monotherapy or in combination with androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of adult men with high-risk biochemical recurrent (BCR) non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) who are unsuitable for salvage-radiotherapy.

in combination with androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of adult men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).

for the treatment of adult men with high-risk non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

for the treatment of adult men with metastatic CRPC who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after failure of androgen deprivation therapy in whom chemotherapy is not yet clinically indicated.

for the treatment of adult men with metastatic CRPC whose disease has progressed on or after docetaxel therapy.

Important Safety Information

For Important Safety Information for enzalutamide please see the full Summary of Product Characteristics at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/xtandi-epar-product-information_en.pdf

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+ healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/

Cautionary Notes

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.

Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

References

1 Freedland SJ, et al. Improved Outcomes with Enzalutamide in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2023;389:1453-146.

2 European Association of Urology (EAU). EAU Guidelines: Prostate Cancer. Available at: https://d56bochluxqnz.cloudfront.net/documents/full-guideline/EAU-EANM-ESTRO-ESUR-ISUP-SIOG-Guidelines-on-Prostate-Cancer-2024.pdf. Accessed: April 24, 2024.

3 European Medicines Agency. Meeting highlights from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). March 18-21, 2024. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-committee-medicinal-products-human-use-chmp-18-21-march-2024. Accessed: April 24, 2024.

4 Cancer.net. Prostate Cancer: Types of Treatment. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/types-treatment. Accessed: April 24, 2024.

5 Ward JF, Moul JW. Rising prostate-specific antigen after primary prostate cancer therapy. Nat Clin Pract Urol. 2005;2(4):174-82.

6 Antonarakis ES, et al. The natural history of metastatic progression in men with prostate-specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy: long-term follow-up. BJU Int. 2012;109(1):32-9.

7 American Society of Clinical Oncology. ASCO Answers: Prostate Cancer Guide. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/sites/cancer.net/files/asco_answers_guide_prostate.pdf. Accessed: April 24, 2024.

8 Astellas. Data on File. XTANDI patient. January 2023.

9 European Medicines Agency. XTANDI EU SmPC. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/xtandi-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Accessed: April 2024.

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.
MEXICO CITY, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR; BMV: ASUR) (ASUR), a leading international airport group with operations in Mexico, the United States, and Colombia, today announced that shareholders approved the following resolutions and considered the following matters at the General Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting held in Mexico City on April 24th, 2024:

General Annual Ordinary Meeting

Summary of Resolutions

Approval of the report submitted by the Chief Executive Officer to the Board of Directors, accompanied by the independent auditor's report, with respect to the operations and results of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31 st, 2023, as well as the Board of Directors' opinion regarding the content of said report.





Approval of the report submitted by the Board of Directors which contains the principal accounting and reporting policies and criteria followed in the preparation of the Company's financial information. Furthermore, note was taken of the report submitted by the Board of Directors with respect to the transactions entered into with Related Persons and Relevant Shareholders, or contracts exceeding US$2,000,000.00 .





Due note was taken that the report of the activities and operations in which the Board of Directors intervened, pursuant to Article 28 IV (e) of the Securities Market Law, was not prepared because during the fiscal year ended on December 31 st, 2023, the Board of Directors did not intervene in any such activities or operations to be reported.





Approval of the audited individual and consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31 st, 2023.





Approval of the report submitted by the Audit and Corporate Practices Committee of the Company with respect to its activities during the fiscal year ended December 31 st, 2023.





Approval of the activities of the Board of Directors during the year ended December 31 st, 2023.





Approval of the report on fulfillment of the tax obligations of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31 st, 2022. Due note was taken that the report for the year ended December 31 st, 2023 has not yet been issued and will be presented for approval at the first General Shareholders' Meeting to be held after the report is issued.





Approval to set aside Ps. 1.18 ( one peso and eighteen cents , Mexican legal tender) from the accumulated net profits for the year ended December 31 st, 2023 to increase the legal reserve of the Company, in accordance with Article 20 of the Mexican General Corporations Law (Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles).





Approval of (i) an ordinary cash dividend from accumulated retained earnings in the amount of Ps. 10.926 ( ten pesos and ninety-two point six cents , Mexican legal tender) per share, payable in May 2024 ; as well as an extraordinary cash dividend from accumulated retained earnings in the amount of Ps. 10.00 ( ten pesos and zero cents, Mexican legal tender) per share, payable in June 2024 , to be paid out in a single installment to each of the outstanding, common, Series "B" and "BB" shares representing the paid-in capital stock of the Company, and that are issued, subscribed, fully paid and released on such date and (ii) the taxes that the Company incurs with respect to the dividend payment.



Payment of the ordinary dividend shall be made through the Variable Income (Renta Variable) department of S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V., at its offices located at Paseo de la Reforma No. 255-3rd floor, Colonia Cuauhtemoc , 06500, Mexico City, Mexico , from Monday through Friday from 9:30 through 13:00 hours as of May 29 th, 2024. Payment of the dividend shall be made against delivery of coupon "17" (seventeen) of the outstanding stock certificates in accordance with the terms notified to shareholders.



Payment of the extraordinary dividend shall be made through the Variable Income (Renta Variable) department of S.D. Indeval, S.A. de C.V., at its offices located at Paseo de la Reforma No. 255-3rd floor, Colonia Cuauhtemoc , 06500, Mexico City, Mexico , from Monday through Friday from 9:30 through 13:00 hours as of June 26 th, 2024. Payment of the dividend shall be made against delivery of coupon "18" (eighteen) of the outstanding stock certificates in accordance with the terms notified to shareholders.



The dividend payment notices shall be published no later than April 25 th, 2024 in a newspaper in general circulation.





Approval to set aside all remaining accumulated net profits for the year ended December 31 st, 2023 for the repurchase of shares by the Company during the fiscal year 2024, pursuant to Article 56 of the Securities Market Law.





Approval of the activities of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary during the year ended December 31 st, 2023, and release from any liability they might have incurred in the execution of their duties





Ratification of Mr. Fernando Chico Pardo as Chairman of the Board of Directors.





Ratification of all other members and alternate members of the Board of Directors, as well as ratification of non-member Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors.





Ratification of Mr. Ricardo Guajardo Touche as Chairman of the Audit Committee.





Ratification of Ms. Barbara Garza Laguera Gonda, Mr. Fernando Chico Pardo and Mr. Jose Antonio Perez Anton as members of the Nominations and Compensation Committee.





Approval of the proposal made by the Nominations and Compensation Committee to pay the following compensation to the members of the management bodies of the Company:



- Each member of the Board of Directors will receive Ps. 90,000.00 ( ninety thousand pesos 00/100 Mexican currency), plus travel expenses, if any, per meeting attended.



- Each member of the Audit and Corporate Practices Committee will receive Ps. 125,000.00 (one hundred and twenty-five thousand pesos 00/100 Mexican Currency), plus travel expenses, if any, per meeting attended.



- Each member of the Operations Committee will receive, Ps. 90,000.00 ( ninety thousand pesos 00/100 Mexican currency), plus travel expenses, if any, per meeting attended.



- Each member of the Nominations and Compensations Committee will receive Ps. 90,000.00 ( ninety thousand pesos 00/100 Mexican currency), plus travel expenses, if any, per meeting attended.



- Each member of the Acquisitions and Contracts Committee will receive Ps. 30,000.00 ( thirty thousand pesos 00/100 Mexican Currency), plus travel expenses, if any, per meeting attended.

Special delegates of the Ordinary Annual General Shareholders' Meeting were appointed to appear before a notary public to legalize the minutes of the meeting and to undertake any other action necessary to formalize and give effect to the resolutions taken at this meeting.

About ASUR:

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V. (ASUR) is a leading international airport operator with a portfolio of concessions to operate, maintain, and develop 16 airports on the American continent. The company operates nine airports in the southeast of Mexico, including Cancun Airport located in the biggest tourist destination in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America; as well as six airports in northern Colombia, including Medellin international airport (Rionegro), the second busiest in Colombia. ASUR also holds a 60% stake in the capital stock of Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC, operator of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. The airport in San Juan is the main point of entry to the island for international flights and continental flights from the U.S.; it was the first and is currently the only airport in the United States to have achieved a successful public-private partnership under a pilot program implemented by the FAA. Based in Mexico, ASUR is traded on the Mexican Bolsa (BMV) under ticker symbol ASUR, and on the NYSE under the symbol ASR. One ADS represents ten (10) B-series shares. For further information, visit www.asur.com.mx

SOURCE Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. de C.V.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative today announced that co-founder Noubar Afeyan has issued a global call to action to prevent a second Armenian genocide, on this 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Day of Remembrance. Afeyan made the global call to action in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The London Times, as well as on global social media channels.

The Call to Action underscores the similarities in atrocities that took place 109 years ago, and are happening again today:

"Even as we mourn the past, history is repeating itself. Armenians are once again the target of ethnic cleansing, political leaders are unlawfully held as hostages, and the country of Armenia faces existential threats to its sovereignty and self-determination.

A busy world has been looking the other way. So it's not widely understood that since last September, Azerbaijan has driven 120,000 Armeniansthe entire population of Artsakh, the Armenian enclave also known as Nagorno Karabakhfrom their ancestral homeland."

He also calls on the government of Azerbaijan to restore peace in the region and to act with justice towards the prisoners it has unlawfully captured:

"Azerbaijan also continues to unlawfully hold Armenian hostages, including my friend and colleague Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman and philanthropist who briefly served as state minister of Artsakh. Meanwhile, escalating clashes on Armenia's border continue to fuel growing fears that Azerbaijan may be planning to invade Armenia itself.

Azerbaijan today should find no grounds for conflict with Armenia. After last year's invasion, Armenia relinquished efforts at self-governance in Nagorno- Karabakh. For Azerbaijan to now insist that peace must be premised on Armenia accepting incursions on its own internationally recognized border to enable a corridor connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and Turkey is both unlawful and unjust."

Commenting on his effort to raise awareness of the injustices happening against Armenians and the fear of a second genocide, Afeyan said, "Today is the 109th anniversary of 1.5 million Armenians being driven from their homes and killed at the hands of Ottoman Turks, and now, it is happening again. Today, we must do more than mourn the massacres of the past. It's time to step up to prevent the massacres of the future."

For the full Call to Action, please visit: Don't Just Remember. Act!

About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with the focus on helping the most destitute. Its mission is rooted in the Armenian history as the Initiative was founded in 2015 on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors and strives to transform this experience into a global movement. Aurora's flagship program is the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a $1 million global award recognizes those who risk their lives, health, or freedom to save the lives, health, or freedom of others. More: www.AuroraPrize.com.

Media contact: [email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2343966/4667446/Aurora_Logo.jpg
A McKenzie County man accused in the shooting death of a woman about a year ago is back in North Dakota after being arrested in Gillette, Wyoming.

Hugo Hernandez Jr., of Watford City, is charged with negligent homicide and unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits following an incident at an apartment in Watford City shortly before midnight on March 22, 2023, according to an affidavit.

Hernandez was taken into custody last week in Gillette at a motel where he surrendered without incident, according to police in that city. He was then extradited back to North Dakota. A judge on Wednesday set his bond at $10,000 cash or surety.

If convicted of the most serious charge -- negligent homicide -- Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The defense attorney indicated in court records did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment.

McKenzie County authorities have accused Hernandez of shooting an unidentified woman inside the apartment with a handgun then attempting to conceal his actions by deleting surveillance video and trying to hide the gun from investigators, the affidavit states.

The document reports a third person was inside the residence and that person, identified as Zachary King, told authorities he, Hernandez and the woman were inside the apartment where Hernandez was cleaning a disassembled .40-caliber pistol. Hernandez reassembled the gun, loaded and cocked it, pointed it at the woman and pulled the trigger, striking her in the abdomen, the affidavit alleges. She later died at a Watford City hospital.

King reportedly told police he was instructed to go outside the apartment and wait for an ambulance, leaving Hernandez and the woman alone inside, where Hernandez allegedly stopped providing any medical aid and instead took steps to delete surveillance video and hide the weapon, which authorities later found. Authorities also recovered a .40-caliber shell casing, according to the affidavit. The casing, the recovered gun and a bullet retrieved from the woman's body have all been sent to an FBI lab for analysis.

Hernandez's next court appearance is a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 20. He is in custody at the McKenzie County Correctional Facility in Watford City.
TAMPA, Fla., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Joseph's Hospital today announced that it becomes the first health care facility to use checkout-free technology in a hospital cafeteria, demonstrating BayCare and St. Joseph's Hospital's commitment to innovation, patient care and team member experience.

St. Josephs Hospital becomes the first health care facility to use checkout-free technology in a hospital cafeteria. Erica Salgado, BayCare's director of food and nutrition services for the East Region, selects a grab-and-go item from the Season's Cafe cooler at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. More than 4,000 customers visit the cafe each day to find a variety of items from baked goods, premade sandwiches and a salad bar, to fresh pizza and hot meals that change daily. Amazon's Just Walk Out technology streamlines the shopping experience.

Located inside the hospital, Season's Cafe uses Amazon's Just Walk Out technology to eliminate checkout lines and allow guests access to the full range of cafeteria items 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday. The cafeteria is only closed from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Sundays. Employees will also be able to use their badge to pay through an integration between Just Walk Out technology and Quickcharge, a division of Transact Campus.

Amazon's Just Walk Out technology is designed to be an effortless shopping experience. Guests enter the cafeteria by using their credit card, mobile wallet, or team member badge at the entry gate. The technology detects what each shopper takes from or returns to the shelves and creates a virtual shopping cart. When guests have completed their shopping experience, they can leave the store without having to wait in a checkout line, and their chosen payment method will be charged for the items they took with them.

"More than 4,000 team members, physicians, volunteers and visitors per day will experience a quick and seamless shopping experience with wholesome and comforting food choices," said Erica Salgado, BayCare east region director of food and nutrition services.

Amazon's Just Walk Out technology is made possible by artificial intelligence, computer vision and deep learning techniques, including generative AI, which enables the technology to accurately determine who took what in any retail environment. Amazon built synthetic datasets to mimic millions of realistic shopping scenarios  including variations in store format, lighting conditions, and even crowds of shoppers  to ensure accuracy in any environment.

"BayCare's innovation team led this effort to streamline the customer experience inside Season's Cafe, taking into consideration the busy schedules of our hospital staff, as well as visitors," said Craig Anderson, BayCare's vice president of innovation. "This technology will allow our store to operate longer hours, providing an array of healthy food options for third-shift employees and late-night visitors."

"We're thrilled to launch the first hospital cafeteria powered by Just Walk Out technology at St. Joseph's Hospital," said Jon Jenkins, Vice President of Just Walk Out technology, Amazon. "We look forward to building on this work with BayCare Health System and providing more hospital employees access to healthy meals at any time of day."

The cafeteria offers a variety of items, from baked goods, premade sandwiches and a salad bar, to fresh pizza and hot meals that change daily. Menu items from guest restaurants are often available.

About St. Joseph's Hospital

St. Joseph's Hospital, part of the BayCare Health System, is known for advanced medical technology and compassionate care. Its Centers of Excellence include the Heart and Vascular Institute, Cancer Institute, Stroke and Neuroscience Program, Robotic Surgery Program and Emergency/Trauma Department, which provides more emergency care than any other hospital in Tampa Bay. More than 70 specialties are represented among the medical team, including internal medicine, cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery. The hospital was founded in 1934 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. The 615-bed hospital is located at 3001 West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Tampa, Florida.

For more information: BayCare.org/SJH .

SOURCE St. Joseph's Hospital
BOSTON, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The signing of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2001 marked a historic moment, as it was the first global treaty aimed at eliminating or restricting chemicals harmful to human and environmental health. The addition of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) to the Convention in 2009 marked yet another milestone, as PFOS and its related substances became the first of the PFAS family to be regulated on an international level. PFAS stands for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and are colloquially called 'forever chemicals' for their persistence in the environment. PFOS would not be the only 'forever chemical' regulated by the Convention, as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonate) were added in 2019 and 2022, respectively.

Despite the Stockholm Convention's international reach, its inclusion of just three PFAS chemicals only scratches the surface of the PFAS family, which, under the OECD definition of PFAS, includes nearly 5,000 substances. Given that research is increasingly identifying further risks that different PFAS pose to human and environmental health, activists and legislators worldwide are beginning to take a more active approach to regulating PFAS.

With a new framework of PFAS regulations potentially developing internationally, it is essential for businesses to understand the new PFAS regulatory landscape to identify its potential effect on them. This is particularly relevant for businesses in emerging high-tech industries, whose technologies may rely on the utilization of PFAS. In IDTechEx's report, 'Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 2024: Emerging Applications, Alternatives, Regulations', a deep dive into the regulations surrounding PFAS in 8 different countries/regions is provided so that businesses in five key emerging markets could understand their impact in their respective industries. This article provides a brief look into the global regulatory landscape of PFAS in three key regions: Asia-Pacific, USA, and Europe.

Asia-Pacific (APAC): Aligning with the Stockholm Convention

In major APAC countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, there appears to be a general trend towards adopting and enforcing the restrictions on the specific PFAS outlined in the Stockholm Convention. This is most notable for China, which is a major chemical producer (including PFAS like PFOA). However, China does appear to be increasing regulations on its chemical industry broadly, having published the first List of New Pollutants for Priority Management in 2023.

Still, for the most part, APAC countries do not appear to be moving towards broader PFAS bans beyond those PFAS identified in the Stockholm Convention. However, there are some instances of PFAS regulations being introduced for specific industries. For example, South Korea proposed the ban of 8 PFAS in the cosmetics industry in 2022.

Europe: The most aggressive approach to PFAS regulation

The introduction of the universal PFAS restriction by the European Union (EU) was by far the most aggressive approach to regulating PFAS to be considered. Under this restriction, the manufacture, import, and use of all PFAS would be banned in the EU, except for very specific exceptions. Currently, the European Commission is debating the proposal, having received over 5,000 from relevant stakeholders last year.

The universal PFAS proposal does allow for time-limited exceptions, where certain industries lacking an appropriate alternative to PFAS or needing time to ramp up production of the alternative would have more time to comply with regulations. For example, in the initial proposal, proton exchange membranes for fuel cells were identified as an area requiring a time-limited exception. PFSA (perfluorosulfonic acid) membranes are key materials in this field, and IDTechEx's report examines potential alternatives for this key fluorinated material.

United States: A mixed approach to PFAS on a federal and state level

The United States (US) is a key economic market for PFAS, but the approaches to PFAS regulations in the US are far from settled. For starters, the US is technically not a signatory to the Stockholm Convention. On a federal level, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating and managing harmful chemicals, and a key priority for the US EPA currently is to control the level of PFAS found in municipal water supplies. Still, at a federal level, no PFAS is definitively banned; instead, the US EPA has regulations in place to prevent companies from resuming the manufacture, import, and use of phased-out PFAS. There are also programs to encourage the voluntary phase out of certain PFAS by companies.

However, at the state level, there are far more aggressive regulations on PFAS being adopted. Both Maine and Minnesota have adopted universal PFAS restrictions similar to the restrictions being debated in the EU. Other states are restricting PFAS in key consumer-facing sectors, like food packaging and cosmetics. A key market to monitor will be California; they are already restricting PFAS in numerous industries, and in 2024, a state legislator introduced a bill to ban all PFAS in the state.

For more information on the IDTechEx report 'Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 2024: Emerging Applications, Alternatives, Regulations', including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/PFAS.

For the full portfolio of sustainability market research from IDTechEx, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Sustainability.

Upcoming free-to-attend webinar

Forever Chemicals: Insights into Regulations Affecting PFAS and Potential Alternatives

Sona Dadhania, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx and author of this report, will be presenting a free-to-attend webinar on the topic on Thursday 2 May 2024 - Forever Chemicals: Insights into Regulations Affecting PFAS and Potential Alternatives.

Discussion points in this webinar include:

The definition and scope of PFAS

Concerns about the effects of PFAS exposure

Regulatory frameworks impacting PFAS worldwide

Emerging applications utilizing PFAS

Potential alternatives for PFAS in selected emerging applications

Please click here to check timings and register for your specific time zone.

If you are unable to make the date, please register anyway to receive the links to the on-demand recording (available for a limited time) and webinar slides as soon as they are available.

About IDTechEx:

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

Media Contact:

Lucy Rogers

Sales and Marketing Administrator

[email protected]

+44(0)1223 812300

Social Media Links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/IDTechEx

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/IDTechEx

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478371/IDTechEx_Logo.jpg

SOURCE IDTechEx
LAS VEGAS, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean company Bigglz(www.bigglz.com) will show its character IP and attractive AI technologies at Las Vegas Licensing Expo 2024.

Visitors who come to this expo can experience various AI technologies specialized in the IP industry at the Bigglz booth, such as a psychological counseling chatbot with characters, automatic social media comment generation, motion effect linkage according to conversation content, and image creation through conversation based on a learned character.

Virtual pet raising application, Bigglz is a mental care simulation mobile app service that fosters, talks, and heals virtual pet characters. It is evaluated as a trend-tailored service for teenagers, with the main users accounting for most of the users.

Bigglz, which received 1 million USD from the Korean government in November last year for development of a special counseling persona AI agent with a gamification element and establishment of a specialized sLLM, plans to promote its own warm IP characters, AI technologies, and app services incorporated with them and to begin full-fledged expansion of them into the global market by participating in the expo.

Heejung Lee, CEO of Bigglz, said, "It is difficult to expect a super-personalized good chatbot which can prevent an effect of hallucination that is dangerous to younger generations and provide fun and a mental care effect only with an LLM like ChatGPT. However, Bigglz solved this problem with special RAG technology and AI technologies such as prompt engineering. The key to a conversation with a virtual character is to form a natural bond of sympathy. We maximized immersion in the conversation and formation of the bond of sympathy by clearly remembering conversation content of the users and automating production of various character reaction motions through detection of their emotion in the conversation with the chatbot. Through this, although it was a friend created with AI, we were able to make it to provide a natural psychological counseling, and we are solving cost, response speed, security issues, and others by utilizing our own sLLM engine. In this show, we plan to actively propose our partnerships of AI technology and IP licensing to global IP holders,"

They operate Bigglz and Hiing app services based on a specialized persona chatbot technology through generative AI technology, and both services are receiving a good review in the market.

In Korea alone, with 500,000 cumulative downloads, 90,000 MAU, and secured database of over 2.3 million conversations within 1 year and 5 months after its launch, the Bigglz app called Tamagotchi pet in the GTP era is growing rapidly.

Based on the show in Las Vegas, the company plans to begin full-fledged expansion of its app services into regions such as the United States, Southeast Asia, and Brazil.

Recently, it is expanding its business area by proposing a differentiated non-face-to-face mental care solution through launch of Hiing app which is based on a youth mental care chatbot with its new IP Fogni at its core.

Response to six character IPs, another asset of Bigglz, has also increased, and the company recently signed a licensing agreement with a global beauty cosmetics company MPR Brain and is currently producing products for its new brand called MIOMER, which will be introduced for the first time in the United States in July this year.

In addition, Bigglz is rapidly promoting IP partnerships with various brands.

Troy Malone, CEO of Relevant, a global partner, said, "The Bigglz's AI chatbot will definitely provide fans with an innovative fan experience. Many companies visiting the expo will pay attention to the Bigglz's unique warm AI technology and IP"

The Las Vegas Licensing Expo will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on May 21  23 with the Bigglz's booth at L194.

SOURCE Bigglz
North America's Leading Blow Dry Bar Franchise Brings Three New Bars to California as Development Surges

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blo Blow Dry Bar, North America's original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise, has secured a multi-unit agreement that will mark the brand's debut in Orange County. Three bars will be coming to the market with the first one slated to open this summer at 4370 Katella Avenue in Los Alamitos. As the industry continues to surge, prospects are looking to stake their claim within Blo Blow Dry Bar's franchise opportunity.

Local husband and wife are bringing Blo Blow Dry Bar to Orange County through a multi-unit franchise agreement.

Behind the multi-unit agreement is a local husband-wife team, Brandon and Leanne Anderson. Leanne is a lifelong California resident while Brandon has lived in the state for nearly 20 years after exiting the marine corp. What will surely serve as an asset to the couple, Brandon has more than a decade of experience as a franchise consultant as well as years of experience in sales. As for Leanne, while the first 10 years of her career were in financial services, she has spent the last 12 years working for a healthcare company that ranked number five on the Fortune 500 list in 2023.

The Anderson's bring a vast amount of knowledge as well as a passion for the industry and franchising as a whole. Leanne has always been interested in the beauty industry, and has been doing hair and makeup for her friends for years in addition to her corporate career. Having consistently discussed their interest in franchising, the couple started to look into several concepts. The decision to join the Blo Blow Dry Bar system stemmed from a few factors  they believed in the business model and knew it was a service that was needed in the Orange County area.

"Brandon and I couldn't be more excited to embark on the next chapter of our professional lives, and to have the opportunity to take it on together," shared Leanne. "As we open our bars, we strive to create environments for people to escape the stress of their day-to-day lives, build a culture rooted in family-orientation, and provide confidence-boosting services to all members of the community. It's easier to get into the wrong business than it is the right one  but we're confident Blo Blow Dry Bar couldn't be more right for us."

The Anderson's envision the Los Alamitos bar to be their flagship location, and have plans to incorporate local philanthropic initiatives into their business. Site selection is currently underway for the additional two locations but with no other concepts in the area, the potential is tremendous.

"We've started 2024 on a high note through aligning with partners like Brandon and Leanne who both firmly believe in our concept and are fully committed to living out our mission," says Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar and LashKind. "We have full confidence that these are the right franchise partners to introduce our concept to communities across Orange County, and look forward to seeing the Andersons shine within each of their bars."

Just at the start of the runway, the global salon services market is currently valued at $230.6B and expected to experience continuous growth. With consumers placing a greater focus on experience, Blo Blow Dry Bar is primed to match their growing demands with an established business model that is designed for franchisee success.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is currently seeking single- and multi- unit operators to join the brand's rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities visit franchise.blomedry.com.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is North America's original blow dry bar and the world's largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the "no cuts, no color" concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 150 locations across the U.S. and Canada and continues to expand rapidly. The brand has also evolved over time, adding makeup services, a membership program, and quality retail products to its bars. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

Media Contact: Marisa Beaumont, Fishman Public Relations, 847.945.1300, [email protected]

SOURCE Blo Blow Dry Bar
ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

First Quarter 2024

Undertaking comprehensive actions in our commercial business to strengthen quality and safety

Financial results reflect lower 737 deliveries and 737-9 grounding customer considerations

Revenue of $16.6 billion , GAAP loss per share of ($0.56) and core (non-GAAP)* loss per share of ($1.13)

Operating cash flow of ($3.4) billion and free cash flow of ($3.9) billion (non-GAAP)*

Total company backlog grew to $529 billion , including over 5,600 commercial airplanes











































Table 1. Summary Financial Results

First Quarter







(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)

2024

2023

Change













Revenues

$16,569



$17,921



(8) %













GAAP











Loss from operations

($86)



($149)



NM Operating margins

(0.5) %

(0.8) %

NM Net loss

($355)



($425)



NM Loss per share

($0.56)



($0.69)



NM Operating cash flow

($3,362)



($318)



NM Non-GAAP*











Core operating loss

($388)



($440)



NM Core operating margins

(2.3) %

(2.5) %

NM Core loss per share

($1.13)



($1.27)



NM











































*Non-GAAP measure; complete definitions of Boeing's non-GAAP measures are on page 5, "Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures."

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recorded first quarter revenue of $16.6 billion, GAAP loss per share of ($0.56) and core loss per share (non-GAAP)* of ($1.13) (Table 1). Boeing reported operating cash flow of ($3.4) billion and free cash flow of ($3.9) billion (non-GAAP)*. Results primarily reflect lower commercial delivery volume.

"Our first quarter results reflect the immediate actions we've taken to slow down 737 production to drive improvements in quality," said Dave Calhoun, Boeing president and CEO. "We will take the time necessary to strengthen our quality and safety management systems and this work will position us for a stronger and more stable future."















































Table 2. Cash Flow

First Quarter























(Millions)

2024

2023















Operating cash flow

($3,362)



($318)

















Less additions to property, plant & equipment

($567)



($468)

















Free cash flow*

($3,929)



($786)









































































*Non-GAAP measure; complete definitions of Boeing's non-GAAP measures are on page 5, "Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures."

Operating cash flow was ($3.4) billion in the quarter reflecting lower commercial deliveries, as well as unfavorable timing of receipts and expenditures (Table 2).































Table 3. Cash, Marketable Securities and Debt Balances

Quarter End (Billions)

Q1 24

Q4 23 Cash

$6.9



$12.7

Marketable securities1

$0.6

$3.3 Total

$7.5

$16.0









Consolidated debt

$47.9

$52.3

1 Marketable securities consist primarily of time deposits due within one year classified as "short-term investments."

Cash and investments in marketable securities totaled $7.5 billion, compared to $16.0 billion at the beginning of the quarter reflecting debt repayment and free cash flow usage in the quarter (Table 3). Debt was $47.9 billion, down from $52.3 billion at the beginning of the quarter due to the pay down of maturing debt. The company has access to credit facilities of $10.0 billion, which remain undrawn.

Total company backlog at quarter end was $529 billion.

Segment Results

Commercial Airplanes























































Table 4. Commercial Airplanes

First Quarter























(Dollars in Millions)

2024

2023

Change





































Deliveries

83



130



(36) %





































Revenues

$4,653



$6,704



(31) %











Loss from operations

($1,143)



($615)



NM











Operating margins

(24.6) %

(9.2) %

NM











































































Commercial Airplanes first quarter revenue of $4.7 billion and operating margin of (24.6) percent primarily reflect lower 737 deliveries and 737-9 grounding customer considerations (Table 4).

During the quarter, the 737 program slowed production below 38 per month to incorporate improvements to its quality management system and reduce traveled work within its factory and supply chain. In addition, Commercial Airplanes is implementing a comprehensive action plan to address feedback from the FAA audit of 737 production.

Commercial Airplanes booked 125 net orders, including 85 737-10 airplanes for American Airlines and 28 777X airplanes for customers including Ethiopian Airlines. Commercial Airplanes delivered 83 airplanes during the quarter and backlog included over 5,600 airplanes valued at $448 billion.

Defense, Space & Security























































Table 5. Defense, Space & Security

First Quarter























(Dollars in Millions)

2024

2023

Change





































Revenues

$6,950



$6,539



6 %











Earnings/(loss) from operations

$151



($212)



NM











Operating margins

2.2 %

(3.2) %

NM











































































Defense, Space & Security first quarter revenue was $7.0 billion. First quarter operating margin increased to 2.2 percent, primarily driven by higher volume and improved performance. Results also reflect $222 million of losses on certain fixed-price development programs.

During the quarter, Defense, Space & Security captured awards for 17 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force and German Navy, secured the final new-build production contract from the U.S. Navy for 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets, and was awarded an MQ-25 cost-type contract modification from the U.S. Navy including two additional test aircraft. Backlog at Defense, Space & Security was $61 billion, of which 31 percent represents orders from customers outside the U.S.

Global Services























































Table 6. Global Services

First Quarter























(Dollars in Millions)

2024

2023

Change





































Revenues

$5,045



$4,720



7 %











Earnings from operations

$916



$847



8 %











Operating margins

18.2 %

17.9 %

0.3 pts











































































Global Services first quarter revenue of $5.0 billion and operating margin of 18.2 percent reflect higher commercial volume and favorable mix.

During the quarter, Global Services opened a maintenance facility in Jacksonville, Florida, supporting military customers and the U.S. Navy exercised options on a P-8 sustainment modification contract.

Additional Financial Information







































Table 7. Additional Financial Information

First Quarter















(Dollars in Millions)

2024

2023







Revenues















Unallocated items, eliminations and other

($79)



($42)









Earnings/(loss) from operations















FAS/CAS service cost adjustment

$302



$291









Other unallocated items and eliminations

($312)



($460)









Other income, net

$277



$302









Interest and debt expense

($569)



($649)









Effective tax rate

6.1 %

14.3 %























































Other unallocated items and eliminations primarily reflects timing of allocations.

Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures

We supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (GAAP) with certain non-GAAP financial information. The non-GAAP financial information presented excludes certain significant items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, results from our ongoing business operations. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide investors with additional insight into the company's ongoing business performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and other companies may define such measures differently. We encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. The following definitions are provided:

Core Operating Earnings/(loss), Core Operating Margin and Core Earnings/(loss) Per Share

Core operating earnings/(loss) is defined as GAAP Earnings/(loss) from operations excluding the FAS/CAS service cost adjustment. The FAS/CAS service cost adjustment represents the difference between the Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) pension and postretirement service costs calculated under GAAP and costs allocated to the business segments. Core operating margin is defined as Core operating earnings/(loss) expressed as a percentage of revenue. Core earnings/(loss) per share is defined as GAAP Diluted earnings/(loss) per share excluding the net earnings/(loss) per share impact of the FAS/CAS service cost adjustment and Non-operating pension and postretirement expenses. Non-operating pension and postretirement expenses represent the components of net periodic benefit costs other than service cost. Pension costs allocated to BDS and BGS businesses supporting government customers are computed in accordance with U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), which employ different actuarial assumptions and accounting conventions than GAAP. CAS costs are allocable to government contracts. Other postretirement benefit costs are allocated to all business segments based on CAS, which is generally based on benefits paid. Management uses core operating earnings/(loss), core operating margin and core earnings/(loss) per share for purposes of evaluating and forecasting underlying business performance. Management believes these core measures provide investors additional insights into operational performance as they exclude non-service pension and post-retirement costs, which primarily represent costs driven by market factors and costs not allocable to government contracts. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is provided on page 12.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is GAAP operating cash flow reduced by capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment. Management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available for shareholders, debt repayment, and acquisitions after making the capital investments required to support ongoing business operations and long term value creation. Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it excludes certain mandatory expenditures such as repayment of maturing debt. Management uses free cash flow as a measure to assess both business performance and overall liquidity. See Table 2 on page 2 for reconciliation of free cash flow to GAAP operating cash flow.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future financial condition and operating results, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are risks related to: (1) general conditions in the economy and our industry, including those due to regulatory changes; (2) our reliance on our commercial airline customers; (3) the overall health of our aircraft production system, production quality issues, commercial airplane production rates, our ability to successfully develop and certify new aircraft or new derivative aircraft, and the ability of our aircraft to meet stringent performance and reliability standards; (4) changing budget and appropriation levels and acquisition priorities of the U.S. government, as well as significant delays in U.S. government appropriations; (5) our dependence on our subcontractors and suppliers, as well as the availability of highly skilled labor and raw materials; (6) work stoppages or other labor disruptions; (7) competition within our markets; (8) our non-U.S. operations and sales to non-U.S. customers; (9) changes in accounting estimates; (10) realizing the anticipated benefits of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures/strategic alliances or divestitures; (11) our dependence on U.S. government contracts; (12) our reliance on fixed-price contracts; (13) our reliance on cost-type contracts; (14) contracts that include in-orbit incentive payments; (15) unauthorized access to our, our customers' and/or our suppliers' information and systems; (16) potential business disruptions, including threats to physical security or our information technology systems, extreme weather (including effects of climate change) or other acts of nature, and pandemics or other public health crises; (17) potential adverse developments in new or pending litigation and/or government inquiries or investigations; (18) potential environmental liabilities; (19) effects of climate change and legal, regulatory or market responses to such change; (20) changes in our ability to obtain debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, at competitive rates and in sufficient amounts; (21) substantial pension and other postretirement benefit obligations; (22) the adequacy of our insurance coverage; and (23) customer and aircraft concentration in our customer financing portfolio.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact:





















Investor Relations:

Matt Welch or David Dufault [email protected] Communications:

Michael Friedman [email protected]

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

































Three months ended

March 31















(Dollars in millions, except per share data) 2024

2023







Sales of products $13,268



$14,914









Sales of services 3,301



3,007









Total revenues 16,569



17,921

























Cost of products (12,064)



(13,553)









Cost of services (2,629)



(2,445)









Total costs and expenses (14,693)



(15,998)











1,876



1,923









Income/(loss) from operating investments, net 67



(27)









General and administrative expense (1,161)



(1,304)









Research and development expense, net (868)



(741)









Loss from operations (86)



(149)









Other income, net 277



302









Interest and debt expense (569)



(649)









Loss before income taxes (378)



(496)









Income tax benefit 23



71









Net loss (355)



(425)









Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (12)



(11)









Net loss attributable to Boeing Shareholders ($343)



($414)

























Basic loss per share ($0.56)



($0.69)

























Diluted loss per share ($0.56)



($0.69)

























Weighted average diluted shares (millions) 613.2

602.5

















































The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)























(Dollars in millions, except per share data) March 31

2024

December 31

2023 Assets





Cash and cash equivalents $6,914



$12,691

Short-term and other investments 615



3,274

Accounts receivable, net 2,959



2,649

Unbilled receivables, net 9,673



8,317

Current portion of financing receivables, net 57



99

Inventories 83,471



79,741

Other current assets, net 2,843



2,504

Total current assets 106,532



109,275

Financing receivables and operating lease equipment, net 833



860

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $22,414 and

$22,245 10,696



10,661

Goodwill 8,089



8,093

Acquired intangible assets, net 2,034



2,094

Deferred income taxes 68



59

Investments 1,042



1,035

Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of of $1,098 and $1,046 5,190



4,935

Total assets $134,484



$137,012

Liabilities and equity





Accounts payable $11,616



$11,964

Accrued liabilities 21,607



22,331

Advances and progress billings 58,972



56,328

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt 1,063



5,204

Total current liabilities 93,258



95,827

Deferred income taxes 223



229

Accrued retiree health care 2,196



2,233

Accrued pension plan liability, net 6,400



6,516

Other long-term liabilities 2,546



2,332

Long-term debt 46,877



47,103

Total liabilities 151,500



154,240

Shareholders' equity:





Common stock, par value $5.00  1,200,000,000 shares authorized;

1,012,261,159 shares issued 5,061



5,061

Additional paid-in capital 10,539



10,309

Treasury stock, at cost - 398,878,880 and 402,746,136 shares (49,105)



(49,549)

Retained earnings 26,908



27,251

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (10,412)



(10,305)

Total shareholders' deficit (17,009)



(17,233)

Noncontrolling interests (7)



5

Total equity (17,016)



(17,228)

Total liabilities and equity $134,484



$137,012



The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)



























Three months ended

March 31 (Dollars in millions) 2024

2023 Cash flows  operating activities:





Net loss ($355)



($425)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:





Non-cash items 





Share-based plans expense 119



222

Treasury shares issued for 401(k) contribution 606



553

Depreciation and amortization 442



457

Investment/asset impairment charges, net 21



11

Other charges and credits, net 10



33

Changes in assets and liabilities 





Accounts receivable (328)



(341)

Unbilled receivables (1,357)



(1,055)

Advances and progress billings 2,718



1,417

Inventories (3,778)



(390)

Other current assets (249)



82

Accounts payable (264)



231

Accrued liabilities (666)



(769)

Income taxes receivable, payable and deferred (59)



(122)

Other long-term liabilities (83)



(117)

Pension and other postretirement plans (261)



(244)

Financing receivables and operating lease equipment, net 79



101

Other 43



38

Net cash used by operating activities (3,362)



(318)

Cash flows  investing activities:





Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment (567)



(468)

Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment 11



5

Contributions to investments (243)



(3,561)

Proceeds from investments 2,907



2,203

Other (34)



(2)

Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities 2,074



(1,823)

Cash flows  financing activities:





New borrowings 27



17

Debt repayments (4,442)



(1,699)

Stock options exercised



44

Employee taxes on certain share-based payment arrangements (65)



(42)

Other 18





Net cash used by financing activities (4,462)



(1,680)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (28)



10

Net decrease in cash & cash equivalents, including restricted (5,778)



(3,811)

Cash & cash equivalents, including restricted, at beginning of year 12,713



14,647

Cash & cash equivalents, including restricted, at end of period 6,935



10,836

Less restricted cash & cash equivalents, included in Investments 21



24

Cash & cash equivalents at end of period $6,914



$10,812



The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Summary of Business Segment Data (Unaudited)

































Three months ended

March 31















(Dollars in millions) 2024

2023







Revenues:













Commercial Airplanes $4,653



$6,704









Defense, Space & Security 6,950



6,539









Global Services 5,045



4,720









Unallocated items, eliminations and other (79)



(42)









Total revenues $16,569



$17,921









Loss from operations:













Commercial Airplanes ($1,143)



($615)









Defense, Space & Security 151



(212)









Global Services 916



847









Segment operating (loss)/earnings (76)



20









Unallocated items, eliminations and other (312)



(460)









FAS/CAS service cost adjustment 302



291









Loss from operations (86)



(149)









Other income, net 277



302









Interest and debt expense (569)



(649)









Loss before income taxes (378)



(496)









Income tax expense 23



71









Net loss (355)



(425)









Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (12)



(11)









Net loss attributable to Boeing Shareholders ($343)



($414)









Research and development expense, net:













Commercial Airplanes $518



$444









Defense, Space & Security 235



195









Global Services 26



26









Other 89



76









Total research and development expense, net $868



$741









Unallocated items, eliminations and other:













Share-based plans $10



($52)









Deferred compensation (30)



(54)









Amortization of previously capitalized interest (23)



(23)









Research and development expense, net (89)



(76)









Eliminations and other unallocated items (180)



(255)









Sub-total (included in Core operating loss) (312)



(460)









Pension FAS/CAS service cost adjustment 230



223









Postretirement FAS/CAS service cost adjustment 72



68









FAS/CAS service cost adjustment 302



291









Total ($10)



($169)



















































The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries Operating and Financial Data (Unaudited)





























Deliveries

Three months ended

March 31 Commercial Airplanes

2024



2023

737

67



113

747





1

767

3



1

777





4

787

13



11

Total

83



130













Defense, Space & Security







AH-64 Apache (New)





7

AH-64 Apache (Remanufactured)

6



13

CH-47 Chinook (New)

1



5

CH-47 Chinook (Renewed)

1



1

F-15 Models

1



2

F/A-18 Models

1



7

KC-46 Tanker

3



1

P-8 Models

1



3

Commercial Satellites





3

Total1

14



42

1 Deliveries of new-build production units, including remanufactures and modifications







































Total backlog (Dollars in millions)

March 31

2024



December 31

2023

Commercial Airplanes

$447,533



$440,507

Defense, Space & Security

60,744



59,012

Global Services

19,693



19,869

Unallocated items, eliminations and other

779



807

Total backlog

$528,749



$520,195











Contractual backlog

$505,918



$497,094

Unobligated backlog

22,831



23,101

Total backlog

$528,749



$520,195













The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

(Unaudited)

The tables provided below reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures Core operating loss, Core operating margin, and Core loss per share with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures of Loss from operations, operating margin, and Diluted loss per share. See page 5 of this release for additional information on the use of these non-GAAP financial measures.











































(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

First Quarter 2024





First Quarter 2023



$ millions Per Share

$ millions Per Share Revenues

16,569





17,921



Loss from operations (GAAP)

(86)





(149)



Operating margins (GAAP)

(0.5) %



(0.8) %















FAS/CAS service cost adjustment:











Pension FAS/CAS service cost adjustment

(230)





(223)



Postretirement FAS/CAS service cost adjustment

(72)





(68)



FAS/CAS service cost adjustment

(302)





(291)



Core operating loss (non-GAAP)

($388)





($440)



Core operating margins (non-GAAP)

(2.3) %



(2.5) %















Diluted loss per share (GAAP)



($0.56)





($0.69)

Pension FAS/CAS service cost adjustment

($230)

(0.37)



($223)

(0.37)

Postretirement FAS/CAS service cost adjustment



(72)

(0.12)





(68)

(0.11)

Non-operating pension expense

(123)

(0.20)



(134)

(0.23)

Non-operating postretirement expense



(18)

(0.03)





(15)

(0.02)

Provision for deferred income taxes on adjustments 1

93

0.15



92

0.15

Subtotal of adjustments

($350)

($0.57)



($348)

($0.58)

Core loss per share (non-GAAP)



($1.13)





($1.27)















Weighted average diluted shares (in millions)



613.2





602.5





1 The income tax impact is calculated using the U.S. corporate statutory tax rate.

SOURCE Boeing
LONDON and NEW DELHI, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Businessabc.net part of ztudium group partners with Indo-European Business Forum IEBF and signed an MOU to collaborate in building tech AI-powered tools and trade corridors and technological solutions for businesses in India, UK, and Europe.

Businessabc.net is a global business abc AI, digital certification search engine, and directory marketplace that offers a fresh approach to business insights, and analytics and makes it accessible to every company, and employee, empowering knowledge-sharing and strategic insights across every level for businesses worldwide. Businessabc offers a digital hub marketplace to empower SMEs and businesses of all types with B2B, B2C, and AI-powered tools, that give them access to strategies, and insights and connect them with chambers of commerce, trade corridors, digital supply chains, provenance tools, and multi-store e-commerce solutions. The Indo-European Business Forum - IEBF is an independent, impartial organisation promoting two-way flows of trade, and investment in India, the UK, and EU member countries.

Businessabc.net owned by ztudium announces this strategic partnership with the IEBF and announces Dilip Pungliya as a new partner and Board Member to lead these endeavours. In this role, Mr. Pungliya, a tech, business, and data scientist executive will bring his extensive expertise in business strategy and digital transformation to lead key initiatives within the organisation.

The growth of Generative AI among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) worldwide has been steadily gaining momentum, and in India, the UK, and Europe a burgeoning tech ecosystem is growing awareness of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

IEBF and Businessabc.net join forces to expand the platform with new indexes powered by Generative AI to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and give companies a competitive edge in the market. Factors such as the availability of cost-effective AI solutions, the skilled workforce, and a global need to push towards digitalisation have contributed to the adoption of Generative AI technologies. GenAI tools and tech solutions are critical to unlocking new value for businesses and becoming the most important tools for organisations of all sizes. AI revolution through platforms such as businessabc.net semantic and GenAI search, indexes, and chatbots, can solve business problems and offer leaders integrated solutions for their growth.

IEBF has been collaborating with Governments in India, UK, and Europe,. Their contribution includes events in the UK House of Lords, Indian governmental organisations, and research and education initiatives for businesses. Created by Mr. Vijay Goel and Mr. Sunil Kumar Gupta the founders, responsibles for the organisation said about this: "We are excited to work and enhance business solutions between IEBF and Businessabc.net, part of Ztudium group. All businesses need to be aware, educated, and prepared for this new AI and digital growth tools world. Data from India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reports that GenAI is expected to add USD 450500 billion to India's GDP by 2025 - 10% of the country's USD 5 trillion GDP target. We expect to work together to empower businesses in India, the UK, and Europe joining forces with Businessabc.net to organise strategic trade corridors, events, and Indexes."

Dinis Guarda , Founder of Ztudium / Businessabc.net, a business top thought leader, author, and Youtuber said about the partnership: "We are thrilled to work with IEBF to expand the businessabc.net solutions to India, UK, and Europe businesses and welcome Dilip Punglyia to support, lead this partnership and Ztudium group. Together we will offer cutting-edge simple tools that use genAI in business and finance. In the financial sector alone GenAI is expected to increase global gross domestic product (GDP) by 7%nearly $7 trillionand boost productivity growth by 1.5%, according to Goldman Sachs Research."

Dilip Pungliya, a seasoned tech, digital, and business strategy leader with more than twenty five years of experience creating data-driven solutions will be at the forefront of this partnership. Mr. Dilip Pungliya said about this: "I'm thrilled to join businessabc.net and Ztudium leadership team and contribute to the growth of the partnership with the IEBF and its holistic company's mission of driving innovation and digital transformation through cutting-edge technologies like AI, fintech, Web 3.0, Metaverse, and Blockchain. This partnership will allow us to create a digital ID, new AI data-driven generative tools, and scale growth for businesses in India, UK, and Europe, and Dilip's wealth of experience and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and empower businesses with transformative technologies."

About the Indo-European Business Forum

IEBF is an independent, impartial body actively promoting two-way flows of trade, and investment in India and EU member countries. Indo European Business Forum is an open forum comprising like-minded people who believe that "India can offer strong and sustained business opportunities for European Union countries". IEBF is patronised by leading personalities from both India and the EU having excellence in the fields of business, finance, real estate, and art, to name a few. Our advisory board consists of people who are determined to create a progressive world.

About the Businessabc.net ,

Founded in August 2011 by Dinis Guarda, who was joined by Sonesh Sira as board and partner some years after businessabc.net part of Ztudium group has been creating Digital Transformation, and AI tools and being recognised as one of the top global thought leaders organisations by organisations like Thinkers360.com. The company has been working and advising Fortune 500 companies and governments and offers technology products and platforms. Some of its offers are citiesabc.com, fashionsabc.com, sportsabc.org. It also manages a media division with intelligenthq.com, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and services that integrate a wide range of 4IR, AI, 3D, web 3.0, and blockchain technologies solutions such as Metaverseabc. tech, MStores.shopping, iDNA.technology, and AI.DNA. The platform unveiled recently its Top 10,000 Public Companies Market Cap Index , which lists tech giants like Apple , Microsoft, Google, Alphabet, Nvidia, and Meta, and LVMH, IBM, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., from other industries at the top.

About Ztudium: The maker of 4IR, AI, Web 3.0, and Smart Cities technologies

Ztudium is a UK-based global maker of leading proprietary intellectual property and technologies that integrate Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. The company creates technology products, platforms, media, and services that integrate fintech, smart cities, Web 3.0, AI, Metaverse, and Blockchain. Ztudium collaborates with multiple governments, organisations, educational institutions, and business networks worldwide.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Contact Name: Manan Kothari

Email Address: [email protected]

Phone Number: +44 7833881659

Company Name: Businessabc / Ztudium

Company Address: 85, Great portland street, London W1W7LT

Website URL: www.businessabc.net , www.ztudium.com

SOURCE Ztudium Group
The new integration marks another way Relay is helping fleets digitize over-the-

road expenses on a single payment network

ATLANTA, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Relay Payments , the fintech company modernizing payments for the trucking and logistics industries, launched an integration enabling carriers and drivers to seamlessly pay with Relay for more over-the-road expenses. Fleets can now use their Relay accounts in the Weigh My Truck app from CAT Scale, the largest truck scale network in the world.

"We're committed to being a fully digital, end-to-end payments provider for trucking," said Emily Neuman, Relay's EVP of Operations. "Integrating with some of the most popular options to pay for scales allows drivers to use Relay to pay for all over-the-road expenses, while easily monitoring their cash flow. We have thousands of customers who now use Relay for fuel, unloading, broker, and scale payments."

The robust integration lets drivers use Relay to pay for scales at more than 2,200 locations, providing nationwide coverage. Carriers benefit by being able to leverage existing Relay accounts to consolidate fuel, lumper, scales, cash, and other over-the-road transactions, unify reporting and simplify back-office management.

"We are pleased that Relay Payments customers can now use their account for Weigh My Truck transactions and realize the significant time savings it offers," says Heather DeBaillie, VP of Operations and Marketing for CAT Scale.

Relay introduced its modern digital payment solution in 2019. Fleets rapidly adopted the platform, foregoing archaic payment methods like cash, checks, and fleet cards, and gaining increased hours of service and supply chain efficiencies as a result. Relay's payment network has continued to expand, allowing fleets to make fast and secure fuel, unloading, scales, and other over-the-road payments across the country. Relay is now trusted by more than 350,000 drivers, 90,000 carriers, 1,500+ truckstops.

For more information about Relay Payments or to download the mobile app, visit relaypayments.com .

About Relay Payments

Relay Payments is building a modern digital payment network to revolutionize the trucking and logistics industries. Trusted by more than 350,000 drivers, 90,000 carriers, and 1,500 truckstops nationwide, Relay has brought efficiency and automation to an industry historically reliant on cash, checks, and cards. Relay has joined forces with industry leaders like Pilot Company, Maverik, Schneider, Coyote Logistics, Lineage Logistics, and others to provide secure, reliable over-the-road transactions. Founded in 2019, the Atlanta-based fintech includes more than 150 team members and has won awards for product innovation, customer service, and organizational culture. It is a proud sponsor of NASCAR and William Byron from Hendrick Motorsports for 2024. For more information about Relay, visit relaypayments.com .

About CAT Scale

CAT Scale Company is the world's leading truck scale network providing guaranteed, accurate weights at over 2,200 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Walcott, IA; CAT Scale Company is the #1 choice for professional drivers when weighing their load. For more information about CAT Scale and the Weigh My Truck app, visit catscale.com.

Media Contact:

Hela Sheth

678-938-1318

[email protected]

SOURCE Relay Payments
- Real-world evidence provides valuable insights about the management and monitoring of patients with Fabry disease for healthcare providers, researchers, and industry partners -

BOSTON, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, a business unit of the Chiesi Group established to deliver innovative therapies and solutions for people living with rare diseases, today announced the publication of results from a Fabry disease patient survey in the peer-reviewed Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

"There continues to be a general lack of awareness and a limited appreciation of the numerous unique challenges that rare disease patients face every day, including those who are living with Fabry disease," said Giacomo Chiesi, head of Chiesi Global Rare Diseases. "We are focused on putting patients at the center of everything we do, and we must understand the impact of Fabry disease on daily life from the patient's perspective. The results of this survey will help us partner with healthcare providers to improve the care of patients with Fabry disease by addressing their most relevant unmet needs."

The 33-question online survey was designed to assess patient-reported patterns of disease monitoring, understand the patient's perception of disease burden, and learn about the impact of therapy on patients' quality of life. A total of 280 adult patients with Fabry disease in the U.S. and Canada responded, 84% of whom were currently receiving either enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or chaperone therapy.

Respondents reported that common symptoms included low energy or fatigue (72%), tingling (62%) or pain (60%) in the hands or feet, ringing in ears or hearing loss (54%), general body pains or pain crises (51%), and abdominal or stomach pain (50%). More than half (51%) of respondents reported their symptoms as bothersome (38%) or difficult to control (14%).

In addition, temporary worsening of symptoms between infusions was reported by about half of respondents who were currently receiving or had previously received ERT, and less than half reported those worsening symptoms to their physician. Of those who reported worsening symptoms (n=59), 41% said that their physician prescribed medication to manage their symptoms or changed their treatment regimen.

"Treatments for Fabry disease have improved the management and outcomes for patients, but important clinical and convenience limitations still exist," said Lisa Berry, LGC, Division of Human Genetics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, lead author of the publication. "Our analysis highlights the gap between current standard-of-care in disease monitoring and patient perception of disease progression among patients with Fabry disease."

About Chiesi Global Rare Diseases

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established to deliver innovative therapies and solutions for people affected by rare diseases. As a family business, Chiesi Group strives to create a world where it is common to have a therapy for all diseases and acts as a force for good, for society and the planet. The goal of the Global Rare Diseases unit is to ensure equal access so as many people as possible can experience their most fulfilling life. The unit collaborates with the rare disease community around the globe to bring voice to underserved people in the health care system.

For more information visit www.chiesirarediseases.com.

About Chiesi Group

Chiesi is an international, research-focused biopharmaceuticals group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. The company's mission is to improve people's quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment.

By changing its legal status to a Benefit Corporation in Italy, the US, and France, Chiesi's commitment to create shared value for society as a whole is legally binding and central to company-wide decision-making. As a certified B Corp since 2019, we're part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. The company aims to reach Net-Zero greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 2035.

With over 85 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), operates in 31 countries, and counts more than 6,500 employees. The Group's research and development centre in Parma works alongside 6 other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden.

For further information please visit www.chiesi.com.

Chiesi Group Media Contacts

Chiara Travagin

Rare Communication Manager

Tel: +39 348 8818985

Email: [email protected]

Adam Daley

Berry & Company Public Relations

Tel: +1 212 253 8881

Email: [email protected]

PP-EF-0532 V1.0

SOURCE Chiesi Global Rare Diseases
BANGALORE, India, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clayfin Technologies, a leading provider of innovative Digital Customer Experience solutions for Banks and Financial institutions, and Jana Small Finance Bank, one of India's leading small finance bank in India, proudly announced their partnership's recognition as 'Regional Winners: Asia' at the IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024. Their exceptional collaboration was honoured for the innovative 'Omnichannel Digital Banking Solution for Retail and Corporate Customers'.

The recognition is a testament to Jana Small Finance Bank's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences across digital platforms. Clayfin's omnichannel Digital Banking Solution offers a comprehensive 360-degree view to Jana SFB's customers, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility across mobile and internet banking platforms.

Nikhil Gokhale, Director - Research & Digital Properties at IBS Intelligence, extended congratulations to Jana Small Finance Bank and Clayfin for their achievement as the 'Regional Winners: Asia' at the Digital Banking Awards 2024. Clayfin's Omnichannel Digital Banking Solution at Jana SFB led to significant improvements in productivity, efficiency, and cost savings, highlighting their leadership in digital transformation.

Ashish Saxena, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Jana Small Finance Bank, said, "We are honoured to receive this recognition at the IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024. This award strengthens our commitment to provide digital experiences to our customers. This win motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in digital banking, ensuring value for our customers."

Thanking IBS Intelligence and Jana Bank, Rajesh BLN, CEO of Clayfin, added, "Clayfin's Omnichannel Digital Banking Solution has seamlessly integrated with Jana Bank's vision of providing convenient digital experience to customers. Today, this solution ensures easy digital transactions, providing a unique experience for Bank's customers. We are excited about the new services on the platform and are committed to further enhancing the Bank's digital footprint, contributing to the growth of their business."

About IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024

IBS Intelligence (IBSi) is the world's only pure-play Financial Technology focused research, advisory, and news analysis firm, with a 30-year track record and clients globally. The IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024 seek to identify and honour the most innovative and impactful technology implementation projects that help banks and FinTechs reach their clients via digital channels. The fourth edition of the Digital Banking Awards evaluated 60+ installations across multiple geographies.

About Jana Small Finance Bank

Jana Small Finance Bank, a scheduled commercial bank, is the 4th largest Small Finance Bank in India with an experience of over 16 years in lending and serving 12 million customers. The Bank was launched in March 2018, is a solid combination of a digital institution and national presence across 22 states and 2 union territories, spread across 808 branches.

About Clayfin

Clayfin is a leading provider of Digital Customer Experience solutions for Banks and Financial institutions. Clayfin enables Banks and financial institutions to nurture and grow close ties with their customers by providing a seamless omnichannel experience delivered at any digital point of interaction that the customer prefers. Clayfin works across geographies, and currently supports 75+ implementations across 25+ financial institutions.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2394840/Clayfin_Jana_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Clayfin Technologies
TIME Recognizes CodeSignal's Groundbreaking Contributions in Educational Technology

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CodeSignal has been honored in TIME Magazine's World's Top EdTech Companies 2024, ranking 34th out of 250 companies.

This prestigious award, presented by TIME and Statista Inc., recognizes companies that have demonstrated exceptional innovation and impact in the field of educational technology. They analyzed over 7,000 companies, considering industry impact, financial strength, and product relevancy in their evaluation process. CodeSignal's inclusion in this list is a testament to its commitment to revolutionizing education through cutting-edge solutions.

Earlier this year, CodeSignal announced CodeSignal Learn , a practice-based learning platform that offers one-on-one guidance and AI-powered learning tools to help individuals cultivate in-demand technical skills. At the heart of CodeSignal Learn is Cosmo, CodeSignal's AI tutor and guide, which leverages artificial intelligence to personalize learning experiences and provide tailored guidance to learners. In addition, CodeSignal Develop marks a significant advancement in how organizations upskill and consistently nurture their technical teams. CodeSignal has continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional learning methodologies in order to discover and develop the skills to shape the future.

"We are honored to be recognized among the world's top EdTech companies," says Tigran Sloyan, CEO & Co-Founder of CodeSignal. "This award exemplifies our unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to drive positive change in education."

CodeSignal establishes a culture of continuous learning and skill development, empowering individuals and organizations with the tools they need to succeed in today's dynamic world. Its groundbreaking AI Skills Report: Meeting the Demand for AI & ML Engineers outlines solutions for filling artificial intelligence (AI) skills gaps on technical teams, alongside strategies for upskilling and reskilling current employees. In embracing this prestigious recognition, CodeSignal reaffirms its dedication to leading the way in groundbreaking advances in educational technology.

About CodeSignal

CodeSignal is on a mission to discover and develop the skills that will shape the future. Our skills assessments and AI-powered learning tools empower high-performing teams to go beyond skill gaps and help individuals cultivate the skills they need to level up. Wherever you are on your skills journey, CodeSignal meets you there and gets you where you need to go.

Founded in 2015, CodeSignal has powered almost 3 million skills evaluations and is trusted by leading companies like Netflix, Capital One, Meta, and Dropbox.

Learn more at codesignal.com or follow CodeSignal on LinkedIn.

SOURCE CodeSignal
SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 4th, Wayfinder Family Services will host Derby Day, its annual fundraiser at Mulvaney's B&L restaurant in Sacramento. All proceeds will benefit Wayfinder's foster care and adoption programs in Northern California.

Since 1980, nearly 18,000 children have found stability and permanency in loving homes through Wayfinder's adoption programs and last year it served over 10,000 foster, adoptive and kinship families. The organization serves a total of over 21,000 individuals statewide each year through child welfare and disabilities programs.

Derby Day will feature a live and silent auction, a hat contest, Southern-inspired food and live feed of the Kentucky Derby race. John Nicolaus, principal landscape architect for Wood Rodgers, Inc. and a fifth generation Sacramento native, will also be honored at the event.

Six years ago, Nicolaus volunteered to design the landscaping of Wayfinder's Citrus Heights office to improve access for people with disabilities. He was so moved by the organization's mission that he became a member of Wayfinder's board of directors. He has been a passionate supporter of the organization ever since. He also co-chairs Wayfinder's Community Council. This dynamic group of volunteers raise funds and awareness for the organization and are the hosts for this year's Derby Day.

"We are incredibly grateful to John for his leadership, generosity and dedication to children, youth and families and look forward to presenting him with the Wayfinder award this year," said Jay Allen, Wayfinder's president and chief executive officer.

Nicolaus shared, "I want to encourage anyone in the Sacramento area to join us at Derby Day! May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and if you care about this issue, we need you to get involved. And, our Derby Day event also happens to be great fun!"

Guests can register to attend Derby Day at www.wayfinderfamily.org/derby. Registration closes on April 29 at 6:00 p.m.

About Wayfinder Family Services

Wayfinder Family Services provides expert, individualized support and services to children, youth, adults and familiesfrom people with vision loss and developmental disabilities to children in need of temporary shelter, foster care and adoption.

SOURCE Wayfinder Family Services
AUSTIN, Texas, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today that Susan Swanezy, a 30-year veteran of institutional real estate and infrastructure private capital raising, has been appointed to the company's Board of Directors as an independent director, effective April 23, 2024.

"We are delighted to welcome Susan to our Board of Directors," said Mary Hogan Preusse, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Susan brings invaluable experience and relationships in capital formation that should prove particularly helpful as we further evolve the strategic private capital funding model that we architected and accelerated last year."

Ms. Swanezy began her 30-plus year career as a real estate investment banker and later focused on real estate investment management. She recently retired from her role as a Partner of Hodes Weill & Associates where she led the firm's Infrastructure and other Real Assets initiatives, raised capital for real estate strategies, and was a member of the firm's Operating Committee. Previously, Ms. Swanezy was an executive at Credit Suisse, Stockbridge Capital Partners and Deutsche Bank, where she played a leading role in the firm's acquisition of RREEF and worked with institutional investors across a variety of real estate investment strategies and vehicles following the acquisition.

Ms. Swanezy serves on the Board of Directors of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. and is the Chair of its Nominating, Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee. She is also a current member of the Pension Real Estate Association and WX Women Executives in Real Estate. Ms. Swanezy joins Digital Realty's Board following the departure of Alexis Black Bjorlin last year, returning the Board to nine directors.

"It's a privilege to join the Digital Realty Board," said Swanezy. "Digital Realty is a global leader in the dynamic and expanding data center sector. I'm excited to help PlatformDIGITAL capitalize on the large and growing opportunity that lies ahead."

About Digital Realty

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For Additional Information

Investor Relations

Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby

Digital Realty

+1 737 281 0101

[email protected]

Media Contacts

Helen Bleasdale

Digital Realty

+1 737 267 6822

[email protected]

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this press release, the words "estimated," "anticipated," "expect," "believe," "intend," "continue," "should," "may," "likely," "plans," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Other factors that could cause results to differ materially are described in the filings made from time to time by Digital Realty with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and include the risk factors and other risks and uncertainties described in Digital Realty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future plans and performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Digital Realty does not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, or publicly release the results of any forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE Digital Realty
Charities can learn more and express interest by Friday, May 10 at EmilyCoyneEvents.com/Charity

LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emily Coyne Events, a leading luxury event planning firm based in California, is excited to announce an incredible opportunity for one lucky non-profit organization. Thanks to a generous donation from a client, the firm is offering a charity the opportunity to host an event, complete with event planning services, in the summer of 2024 at the prestigious Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California.

The offer is valued at $225,000, which includes event venue, catering and beverage services, tax and service fees, and full event planning, design, coordination and execution by Emily Coyne Events. This extraordinary gift will be bestowed on one lucky organization that is available to hold their charity event in the summer of 2024.

Known for creating bespoke, high-end events for discerning clients, Emily Coyne Events looks forward to partnering with one non-profit organization to host a one-of-a-kind fundraising event on a beautiful California property. This unique opportunity will provide the selected organization with access to the 5-star luxury venue of The Resort at Pelican Hill, which is known for its stunning ocean views, elegant Italian Renaissance architecture and world-class amenities, in addition to the event planning services of Emily Coyne Events.

"We are grateful to be in the unique position to partner with one of the many charities who are making a significant impact in our community," said Emily Coyne, founder and CEO of Emily Coyne Events. "We are honored to be able to amplify the meaningful work of a nonprofit with a special summer fundraising event that supports their mission and future programming."

Non-profit organizations interested in this opportunity can express interest via the Emily Coyne Events website. The firm asks that organizations describe how the event will support their cause and submit their event-specific requests or needs. The deadline is Friday, May 10, 2024, and the final partnership will be announced by Monday, May 31, 2024.

About Emily Coyne Events

Defined by style and impeccable attention to detail, Emily Coyne Events is a luxury wedding planning firm producing highly customized destination events worldwide. With a background in hospitality, celebrity clientele, and the expertise that comes from producing over 500 events, Emily Coyne Events is known worldwide for its concierge-style approach to destination wedding planning.

From Los Cabos to Lake Como, Emily Coyne's event production method leads to flawless weddings by discovering the inspiration behind each event and finding the ideal location based on the story, preferences, and priorities of each client. With access to top partners and vendors worldwide and a focus on detail, the Emily Coyne Events team creates immersive luxury weddings and events that are stylish, personalized, and enjoyable.

Media Contact:

Anjelica Gutierrez

[email protected]

(832) 596-9401

SOURCE Emily Coyne Events
New Solution Helps Employers Keep Up with Changing Regulations and Better Streamline the Employee Forms Experience

ATLANTA, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax  (NYSE: EFX) Workforce Solutions continues to help businesses transform the employee experience with the launch of Forms HQ , a new offering designed to help automate the delivery, completion, and tracking of essential employee forms, including those related to onboarding, tax withholding, state requirements, annual notices, offboarding and more. It is the latest innovation within the PeopleHQ portal, an Equifax Cloud-native solution that brings together multiple best-in-class employer services in a single, more unified experience.

"Improving the employee experience is a top priority for HR professionals," said Lisa Chall, General Manager, Onboarding, Equifax Workforce Solutions. "As HR leaders strive to keep up with changing government regulations, Forms HQ can help them get the right forms to the right people at the right time, making for a better employee experience and more streamlined HR processes."

Forms HQ supports employers in four critical areas:

Employee Experience: provides guided processes, chat options, and a more accessible design that is compatible with any device, with both text and email notification options.

Regulatory: helps employers keep up with changing regulations and better deliver the right form at any time of the employee lifecycle  including onboarding, active employment and offboarding.

Automation: helps reduce manual tasks by streamlining employee packets with more configurable and automated actions to help drive workflows.

Applicant Review: offers ability to pull data from applicant tracking systems (ATS), which can reduce the amount of time from application to interview by helping minimize errors and providing a more detailed audit trail.

In addition to Forms HQ, the PeopleHQ portal houses Equifax services including The Work Number , I-9 HQ  , and ACA HQ  . To learn more about Forms HQ or other people-driven, data-powered HR solutions from Equifax, please visit our website .

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com .

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dan Jenkins for Equifax Workforce Solutions

mediainquiries@equifax.com

SOURCE Equifax Inc.
This agreement is the second of its kind after the signing Al Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qaar Governorate

T he total number of beds that will be managed for both hospitals will reach approximately 1,000

Operation and management of the hospitals will commence in the next two months, especially as the two hospitals are already operational

DOHA, Qatar, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elegancia Healthcare W.L.L, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding has entered into a second strategic agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Health to manage and operate Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, with the capacity of 492-bed in Karbala Governorate in Iraq.

This agreement is the second of its kind for Elegancia Healthcare in Iraq, where an agreement was signed recently to manage and operate Al Nasiriya Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qaar Governorate, bringing the total number of beds managed to nearly 1000 beds between the two hospitals.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Sabah Noor Al-Musawi, Director General of Karbala Health and Eng. Mohammed bin Bader Al-Sadah, in his capacity as Group CEO of Estithmar Holding. (PRNewsfoto/Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C)

The agreement was signed by Dr. Sabah Noor Al-Musawi, Director General of Karbala Health and Eng. Mohammed bin Bader Al-Sadah, in his capacity as Group CEO of Estithmar Holding.

On this occasion, Eng. Mohammed bin Bader Al-Sadah, Group CEO of Estithmar Holding, commented on Elegancia Healthcare's expansion in Iraq, stating: " This initiative is in line with Estithmar Holding's efforts to expand its business and projects in Iraq and is an addition to the recently signed agreement with Dhi Qaar Governorate. We are pleased to move forward with this strategic partnership, which aims to develop and upgrade the health sector in the Republic of Iraq, as we take pride in our numerous collaborations with the Iraqi Ministry of Health.

"Elegancia Healthcare, known for its efficient and excellent operation and management of significant healthcare projects and facilities worldwide, is committed to enhancing and expanding its business portfolio. This initiative aims to foster growth opportunities and enhance shareholder value."

Mr. Joseph Hazel, CEO of Elegancia Healthcare, said: "These agreements seek to elevate the quality of healthcare services offered by Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital and Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital. This includes improving operational efficiency, expanding medical specialties, and implementing the latest administrative and operational strategies, while leveraging Elegancia Healthcare's extensive expertise in managing and operating healthcare facilities."

It is worth mentioning that these agreements are notable for their significant scope, specifically that Al Hasan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital encompasses three buildings and a wide array of healthcare services. This project includes comprehensive surgical treatment facilities for in-patient hospitalization, as well as a significant number of outpatient clinics offering various specialties. Al Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital project also includes nineteen medical departments.

Tel: +974 4429 2200 Fax: +974 4468 8944

PO BOX 201184, The Eighteen Tower, Zone 69, Street 303 Lusail City, Qatar

Estithmar Holding [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2396539/Estithmar_Holding.jpg

SOURCE Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C
CHICAGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest focus insight research report, the Europe camping tent market is growing at a CAGR of 8.29% during 2023-2029.

To Know More, Click: https://www.focusreports.store/report/europe-camping-tents-market-focused-insights

Europe Camping Tents Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029

The Europe Camping Tents Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size (2029) $1.5 Billion CAGR (2023-2029) 8.29 % Historic Year 2020-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029

Consumers across Europe are progressively gravitating towards camping tent designs, prioritizing lightweight and portability. This inclination underscores a desire for seamless outdoor experiences, where the ease of transportation becomes a paramount consideration. The market responds by offering innovative designs that provide shelter and align with the contemporary demand for hassle-free and convenient camping solutions.

Camping tents in Europe are entering a new era with the integration of smart technologies. Features like built-in solar panels, LED lighting, and connectivity options are becoming increasingly common. This technological evolution caters to the preferences of tech-savvy outdoor enthusiasts who seek enhanced comfort and convenience during their camping experiences. The marriage of nature and technology in camping tents reflects the broader trend of smart innovations permeating various aspects of modern life.

Germany to Lead the Market with more than $380 Million by 2029

In Germany, people love doing stuff outdoors, so there's a big market for outdoor gear. They've got all kinds of tents for different activities like hiking and climbing. One company, Jack Wolfskin, makes tents for all sorts of outdoor adventures. German tent makers are good at making tents with cool features. They use fancy materials to keep you warm and even have smart technology in some tents. Heimplanet makes this tent called the Cave, which inflates and has smart features. They also care about the environment, making tents with recyclable stuff and using eco-friendly methods. One tent, the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW, is super eco-friendly.

Many people in Germany like RV camping, so they make tents that work well with RVs. Some tents, like the Outwell Milestone Pace Air, connect to RVs and have inflatable parts. And there's Outwell Scenic Road 250, which connects to vehicles and looks like a dome.

New Product Innovation

In 2023, Outwell introduced the Outtex 6000 Endurance RS fabric, featuring a double wall ripstop for exceptional strength and a 6,000 hydrostatic head for weather endurance. This fabric becomes the material of choice in their Superior Air tents, showcasing resilience in extreme weather conditions. The impact on the market suggests a shift towards emphasizing material strength and weather resistance. Market players should consider investing in advanced fabric technologies to compete effectively and meet consumer expectations for tents that withstand various weather challenges.

In 2023, Robens introduced the Cobra Stone 5, a free-standing dome tent designed for versatility and ease of use, with full standing height throughout. This tent addresses the changing needs of adventurers, offering multiple options for dealing with varying weather conditions. The impact on the market suggests a demand for versatile and adaptable tent designs. Market players should consider incorporating similar features into their product lines, emphasizing ease of setup and adaptability to diverse outdoor activities.

Vendor Insights

High Peak has been a stalwart in the European camping gear market since its establishment in 1984. Headquartered in Schwalmtal, Germany , the company has forged a reputation for crafting high-quality tents, sleeping bags, mats, and a diverse array of camping accessories tailored to demands for various outdoor activities. High Peak stands out as one of Europe's leading suppliers of camping equipment, particularly dominating the German, Austrian, and Swiss markets. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its standing in the competitive landscape of the camping industry.

, the company has forged a reputation for crafting high-quality tents, sleeping bags, mats, and a diverse array of camping accessories tailored to demands for various outdoor activities. High Peak stands out as one of leading suppliers of camping equipment, particularly dominating the German, Austrian, and Swiss markets. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its standing in the competitive landscape of the camping industry. NEMO Equipment, a renowned outdoor equipment company, specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality camping gear, including tents, sleeping pads, and shelters. Founded in 2002, NEMO Equipment has made significant strides in the industry. While their headquarters are in Dover, New Hampshire , and the US, their products have a global reach, including Europe . Its commitment to innovation and quality has earned it accolades, and its gear is trusted by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Whether embarking on a European camping adventure or exploring any other wilderness, its tents are designed to enhance your outdoor experience.

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Segmentation & Forecast

Product Dome Tunnel Geodesic Others

Material Nylon Polyester Cotton Others

Capacity 1-4 person 5-8 person 9-12 person Above 12 persons



End-users

Individual Government & Defences Event Organizers



Region Germany The UK France Italy Spain Austria Norway Sweden Netherlands Switzerland Belgium The Rest of Europe



Vendors List

Key Vendors

AMG Group

Johnson Outdoors

The Coleman Company

Oase Outdoors

The North Face

Other Prominent Vendors

Beckel Canvas

High Peak

E-Z UP

NEMO Equipment

Decathlon

Big Agnes

CanvasCamp

MSR

Dometic Group

Fjallraven

Jack Wolfskin

Hilleberg

Cabanon

HTS TENTIQ

Terra Nova Equipment

Trigano

Nordisk

VAUDE

HEIMPLANET

Alpkit

Zempire Camping

Black Diamond

Ferrino

Tatonka

EXPED

Exxel Outdoors

ADL-Tent

Sea to Summit

Salewa

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

How large is the Europe camping tent market?

What are the latest trends in the camping Tents market?

Who are the key players in the camping Tents market?

Which region has the largest share in the Europe camping tent market?

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SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
BALTIMORE, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Evermore Cannabis Company, a leader in innovative cannabis cultivation and product development, is thrilled to announce its remarkable success at the first-ever Maryland Leaf Bowl, held on April 13th. Demonstrating excellence across multiple categories, Evermore Cannabis Company has proudly secured four prestigious awards, setting a high standard for the industry and underscoring its commitment to quality and innovation.

In a competition that brought together the best of Maryland's cannabis industry, Evermore Cannabis Company stood out with its exceptional product offerings. The company's Dark Chocolate Peppermint Discos clinched the trophy for Best Chocolate Edibles, a testament to their commitment to creating enjoyable and high-quality cannabis-infused products. The Sour Peel variety was awarded Best Tropical/Floral Indoor Flower, showcasing Evermore's prowess in cultivating strains with complex profiles and unparalleled flavors. Additionally, the GS CBD strain won the title of Best CBD-Rich Indoor Flower, highlighting the company's dedication to offering therapeutic options for consumers. The event's highlight came when Evermore's Midnight Circus was named the Best Exotic Indoor Flower, solidifying its status as a crowd favorite and a testament to the innovation and care that go into Evermore's cultivation practices.

"We are incredibly honored and excited to have been recognized in such a significant way at the Maryland Leaf Bowl," said Craig Schulman, CEO of Evermore Cannabis Company. "These awards are a reflection of the passion, dedication, and hard work of our entire team. We aim to set the bar high in the cannabis industry, and receiving these accolades motivates us to continue innovating and providing our customers with the best possible products. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Maryland Leaf Bowl judges for acknowledging our efforts and to our loyal customers for their unwavering support."

Evermore Cannabis Company's success at the Maryland Leaf Bowl is a milestone in its mission to lead and transform the cannabis industry through excellence in cultivation, product development, and customer experience. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the cannabis space, guided by a deep understanding of its customers' needs and preferences.

For more information about Evermore Cannabis Company and its award-winning products, please visit www.evermorecompany.com.

About Evermore Cannabis Company

Evermore Cannabis Company is a premier, Baltimore-based cannabis company specializing in the cultivation, production, and retail of high-quality cannabis products. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Evermore is dedicated to enhancing the cannabis experience for consumers in Maryland.

Contact:

Brittany Ruth

Marketing Manager

Evermore Cannabis Company

[email protected]

SOURCE Evermore Cannabis Company LLC
Global manufacturing company shows tech-enabled Injection Molding Innovation at the show!

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fictiv, a global manufacturing company with manufacturing centers in Mexico, India, China, and the USA, will debut innovations for its Injection Molding offerings at this year's NPE2024 show in Orlando. The show is hosted by the Plastics Industry Association, and Fictiv will be in Booth S26140.

Fictiv NPE Fictiv NPE Booth

As artificial intelligence continues to transform nearly every industry, Fictiv is introducing Materials.AI for Injection Molding, revolutionizing material selection for production parts. The new OpenAI-powered tool is freely accessible on the Fictiv platform to assist users with optimal material selection based on mechanical properties, desired tool life, or end-use application of customer parts. Materials.AI for Injection Molding further delivers on Fictiv's promise to simplify sourcing for custom manufacturing, accelerate new product introduction, and ensure manufacturing quality.

Fictiv is also launching the first-of-its-kind Mold Library , which helps engineers and supply chain teams digitally track their tool inventory, quickly re-order parts, and look up the remaining tool life based on historical part production, and enabling companies to manage/depreciate tools as they do for other assets in their business. Fictiv's Director of Injection Molding, Robbie Long , will be attending NPE to answer additional questions and demonstrate Materials.AI and the recently released Mold Library capabilities.

Every three years, bold leaders, creative thinkers, and visionaries from every industry in the world gather at NPE to advance their business through innovations in plastics.

With more than 55,000 leaders from over 110 countries representing every industry, NPE is the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, taking place May 6-10 at the Orange County Convention Center. Fictiv is looking forward to learning more about customer needs and requirements and engaging with them at the show.

To claim your complimentary registration pass to the show, please visit here .

This one is on us!

About Fictiv

Fictiv is a global manufacturing company that simplifies sourcing for custom manufacturing, from prototype to low-volume production. Through its highly-vetted manufacturing network, AI-powered technology platform, and global operations centers across the USA, Mexico, India, and China, Fictiv delivers fast, high-quality custom manufacturing services from quote to delivery. Fictiv's capabilities span the full mechanical bill of materials, including Injection Molding, Compression Molding, 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Die Casting, and Sheet Metal. To date, Fictiv has delivered more than 30 million commercial and prototype parts for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate faster, free up precious resources, and drive profitable growth.

Contact

Courtney Tolbert

[email protected]

SOURCE Fictiv
SHANGHAI, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FinVolution Group ("FinVolution," or the "Company") (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech platform, today announced that its Philippines financial application, Juanhand, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with UnionBank of the Philippines (UnionBank), a digital bank dedicated to embracing technological innovations to empower its customers. Under the terms of the agreement, UnionBank will provide Juanhand with a funding facility of approximately 45 million pesos, accelerating financial inclusion for Juanhand users.

This agreement further strengthens FinVolution's service offerings in the Philippines and advances the Company's mission of connecting underserved borrowers with financial institutions, while also serving as an opportunity to explore deeper future cooperation.

Mr. Tiezheng Li, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FinVolution Group, commented, "We are honored to be UnionBank's first fintech partner to be granted a credit facility. Guided by our effective Local Focus, Global Outlook strategy and commitment to improving financial services through technology, we will continue to innovate, educate, enhance user experience, and expand our customer base in all markets we operate while improving efficiency across all our operations. We are confident that new partnerships like this, will empower FinVolution to replicate our success in China and Indonesia throughout the Philippines and other international markets, bringing our diverse financial solutions to more customers and driving the rapid growth of the fintech industry in Southeast Asia and beyond," concluded Mr. Li.

About FinVolution Group

FinVolution Group is a leading fintech platform with strong brand recognition in China and the international markets connecting borrowers of the young generation with financial institutions. Established in 2007, the Company is a pioneer in China's online consumer finance industry and has developed innovative technologies and has accumulated in-depth experience in the core areas of credit risk assessment, fraud detection, big data and artificial intelligence. The Company's platform, empowered by proprietary cutting-edge technologies, features a highly automated loan transaction process, which enables a superior user experience. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had over 180.2 million cumulative registered users across China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

FinVolution Group

Head of Investor Relations

Jimmy Tan, IRC

Tel: +86 (21) 8030-3200 Ext. 8601

E-mail: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE FinVolution Group
Additional National Awards Demonstrate Strength of Company, Leadership and Employee Experience

PITTSBURGH, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB) announced today that its banking subsidiary, First National Bank, has been honored as a Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards winner by Energage, an independent research firm specializing in workplace engagement and organizational health. Based solely on internal feedback, the awards highlight the priority the Company places on employee success.

"FNB's ability to stand out as a corporate leader is built on the hard work of our teams and our commitment to doing right by all those we serve," said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. "When our employees feel supported personally and professionally, it strengthens their connection to our Company and our clients, drives performance and adds value for our shareholders."

2024 marks the third consecutive year that FNB has received Culture Excellence Awards and is the first time the Company has garnered recognition in all five categories:

Leadership , which recognizes organizational leaders who inspire confidence in employees and the company direction.

, which recognizes organizational leaders who inspire confidence in employees and the company direction. Innovation for creating a culture where new ideas are encouraged, which helps employees to reach their full potential and benefits performance.

for creating a culture where new ideas are encouraged, which helps employees to reach their full potential and benefits performance. Purpose & Values for successfully communicating the company mission and integrating those aspirations into the culture.

for successfully communicating the company mission and integrating those aspirations into the culture. Work-Life Flexibility for enabling employees to meet the demands of their personal lives while maintaining high performance.

for enabling employees to meet the demands of their personal lives while maintaining high performance. Compensation & Benefits for providing packages that employees believe are fair for the work being done and compared to others in the industry.

Since the beginning of 2024, FNB has been honored numerous times as an employer of choice, building on more than a decade of sustained recognition for workplace excellence. Energage, along with USA Today, also named FNB a Top Workplace USA for the fourth consecutive year, while DiversityComm has selected the Company for its lists of Top Hispanic Employers, Top Black Employers, Top Women Employers and Top Disability-Friendly Companies. A comprehensive list of FNB's various accolades is available at fnb-online.com/awards.

About F.N.B. Corporation

F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a diversified financial services company operating in seven states and the District of Columbia. FNB's market coverage spans several major metropolitan areas, including: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and the Piedmont Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point) in North Carolina; and Charleston, South Carolina. The Company has total assets of nearly $46 billion and approximately 350 banking offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

FNB provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking and wealth management solutions through its subsidiary network, which is led by its largest affiliate, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, founded in 1864. Commercial banking solutions include corporate banking, small business banking, investment real estate financing, government banking, business credit, capital markets and lease financing. The consumer banking segment provides a full line of consumer banking products and services, including deposit products, mortgage lending, consumer lending and a complete suite of mobile and online banking services. FNB's wealth management services include asset management, private banking and insurance.

The common stock of F.N.B. Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FNB" and is included in Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Regional Banks Sub-Industry Index. Customers, shareholders and investors can learn more about this regional financial institution by visiting the F.N.B. Corporation website at www.fnbcorporation.com.

SOURCE F.N.B. Corporation
New Enhancements Inspire Experimentation and Give Early Career Researchers a Dedicated Space to Share Research Outcomes and Learn from Others

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gale, part of Cengage Group, has expanded the Gale Digital Scholar Lab (the Lab) platform with enhanced support for conducting and presenting digital humanities researchfrom idea to publication. The new "Projects" feature within Gale Digital Scholar Lab offers a guided framework to help students compile their research into a final report, and Gale Research Showcase gives early career researchers an opportunity to share their projects with a worldwide audience of Lab users and others as a first step in academic publishing. These new capabilities support and increase the impact of digital humanities in the classroom, expanding pathways to interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and careers. Read The Gale Review blog about these new enhancements.

Gale Digital Scholar Lab: Projects Dashboard

"We added and refined the new Gale Digital Scholar Lab upgrades in consultation with librarians, instructors and graduate students to support all stages of research, including final publication," said Seth Cayley, vice president of global academic product at Gale. "After more than a year of hard work, we are thrilled to release these updates to help students and early career researchers get their ideas out into the world."

The Lab's new enhancements include:

Gale Research Showcase: an open access repository of student-written digital scholarship created in the Lab , using Gale Primary Sources . It gives students a dedicated, peer-reviewed space on gale.com to publish and share their digital humanities research and learn from others around the globe who use the Lab .

an open access repository of student-written digital scholarship created in the , using . It gives students a dedicated, peer-reviewed space on gale.com to publish and share their digital humanities research and learn from others around the globe who use the . Gale Digital Scholar Lab: Projects: this new major addition allows users to take draft materials from their Notebook and elsewhere in the Lab and thoughtfully compile them together into a formal report. Working in tandem with existing Lab features such as the Notebook, Projects allows the researcher to undertake their entire research workflow without needing to leave the platform. Features in Projects include: My Research dashboard : helps students streamline and organize their research workflow. The dashboard is a central hub for research activities, including information-gathering in Content Sets, documentation in Notebook and reporting in Projects. New Projects space: a framework that helps students transform their insights into a structured report for presenting in the classroom, at conferences and in journal publications. It also provides instructors with a digital humanities essay framework for course assignments or capstone. Students can: Import information directly from their Content Sets and Notebook into multiple different final reports, while retaining their original draft notes. Build a presentation-ready report with "Add Header" or "Add Section" commands. Collaborate on reports with other researchers. Preview their final report to ensure a polished product and prevent accidental submission. Submit their work to the Gale Research Showcase , a peer-reviewed online destination for digital humanities research and projects.

this new major addition allows users to take draft materials from their Notebook and elsewhere in the and thoughtfully compile them together into a formal report. Working in tandem with existing features such as the Notebook, Projects allows the researcher to undertake their entire research workflow without needing to leave the platform. Features in Projects include: Updated Learning Center: supports new enhancements for presenting research outcomes. These include three programs written in Python that expand on the product's Named Entity Recognition (NER) and Sentiment Analysis tools. Users with no knowledge of coding languages can use these pre-written programs to enhance their data analysis and presentation options. For example, researchers can run a script that instantly maps a list of place names revealed through the Lab's NER tool to their geographic locations.

"By submitting work to the Gale Research Showcase, students have a rare opportunity to experience the peer-review process and publish their research for a global audience," said Cayley. "As it grows, the Showcase will provide inspiration and guidance to researchers looking to expand their horizons and develop their own digital scholarship projects."

Gale Digital Scholar Lab is a cloud-based research environment designed to transform how scholars and students access and analyze Gale primary source materialsand their local collectionsby offering solutions to some of the most common challenges facing researchers in the digital humanities today. By integrating an unmatched depth and breadth of digital primary source material with some of today's most popular tools for digital humanities analysis and visualization, the Lab provides a new lens to explore history and empowers researchers to deepen their understanding of the world and how it is represented in the written word.

For more information or to request a trial, visit the Gale Digital Scholar Lab web page.

About Cengage Group and Gale

Cengage Group, an education technology company serving millions of learners in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality, digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, professional, library, English language teaching and workforce training markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Group, provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools and technology that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. For more than 65 years, Gale has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights  where, when and how people need it. Gale has 500 employees globally with its main operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit www.gale.com.

Follow Gale on:

Media Contact:

Kayla Siefker, Gale, part of Cengage Group

248-378-3376

[email protected]

SOURCE Gale, part of Cengage Group
NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The genomics market size in US is estimated to grow by USD 5.28 billion from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.45% during the forecast period.

To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Genomics Market in US 2023-2027

Key Trends Fueling Growth:

Increasing adoption of single-cell-based genomics analysis: The single-cell genomics analysis involves the extraction and isolation of genetic material at a single-cell level or from a homogenized cell sample. Single-cell genomics analysis is being used extensively in cancer research applications. However, sequencing the DNA of an individual cell provides information on the genetic mutation that is carried by a small population of cells. This provides insight into variability in cell-to-cell. The increasing adoption of single-cell genomics analysis in cancer research is expected to drive the demand for advanced genomics products such as microfluidic instruments, dPCR, and single-cell sequencers, which will contribute to the growth of the US genomics market during the forecast period.



For more detailed insights on the market trends with forecast market size and historic data (2017 - 2021)  Buy Now

Major Challenge

Shortage of skilled genetics professionals: The performance of delicate and complicated procedures such as gene editing, multigene manipulation, sequence typing, and amplification is involved in genome studies. The use of genomics solutions in highly regulated applications such as drug development and disease diagnosis necessitates the maintenance of accuracy and precision, which increases their reliance on the skills and expertise of genetics professionals. However, In the US, it has become a major problem to find these technically and professionally educated gene scientists because of their lack of availability. Markets and end-users are finding it challenging to source trained genetic professionals, geneticists, and genetic counselors who can ramp up their routine operations related to genomics-based screening and diagnosis, drug development, research, and counseling. The shortage of trained experts in the US genomics market has become one of the major challenges that will negatively impact the growth of the market in focus during the forecast period.



To know more about the market opportunities impacted by market dynamics, click here to Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Analyst Review

The Genomics Market in the US is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies from companies like Pacific Biosciences, Nanopore Technologies, Guardant, and Freenom. These innovations have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including viral diseases, genetic disorders, and cancer.

The Consumables segment and PCR segment are key contributors to the market's expansion. Ethical issues surrounding genomic data privacy and consent are being addressed by trained professionals. The Diagnostics segment benefits from NGS applications in microbiology and genetics, which are funded by organizations like the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Allogene Therapeutics is leading the way in gene therapy, further expanding the market's potential. Quantitative units of genomic data continue to increase, fueling the demand for more advanced technologies and applications in food and other industries.

Market Overview

The Genomics Market in the US is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of genomics technologies in various sectors. The market is driven by the advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, which have made genomic analysis more accessible and affordable.

The use of genomics in personalized medicine, agriculture, and research is expanding rapidly. The market is also fueled by the growing demand for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, as well as the increasing focus on precision medicine. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with major players such as Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Qiagen leading the way.

The use of genomics in gene therapy, gene editing, and synthetic biology is also expected to provide new opportunities for market growth. The market is segmented by application, technology, and end user. The major applications include diagnostics, research, and therapeutics. The major technologies include NGS, Microarray, and PCR. The major end users include hospitals, research institutions, and biotechnology companies. The market is expected to reach a value of USDXXX billion by 2027.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

Application Diagnostic Drug Discovery Others

End-user Hospitals And Clinics Academic And Research Institutes Pharmaceutical And Biotechnology Companies Others

Solution Products Services

Geography North America



8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Vendor Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

12 Appendix

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
BEIJING, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As a special economic zone and a city blossoming on science and technology, Shenzhen, in South China's Guangdong Province, is not only an economic front-runner, but also a great "mirror" illustrating China's quick pace of technology innovation and economic development.

The development of Shenzhen has been subject to questioning on many occasions in the past decades, but the city has always responded by ironing out the doubts through its rapid development in both headwinds and tailwinds.

Shenzhen represents new quality productive forces, new systems, as well as birth of new and creative policies. It is the best window to observe the transformation of China's economic development. A more in-depth examination of Shenzhen's economic growth can offer proof of the stable and high-quality development of China.

Shenzhen's rapid rise demonstrates the strength of China's ability to achieve quality breakthroughs in its economy, reinforcing public confidence in the country's economic creativity and capability.

Despite the challenges posed by the lackluster global economy and an increasingly complex and uncertain world environment, China's economy managed to achieve 5.2 percent growth in 2023. During the same period, Shenzhen's local GDP reached 3.46 trillion yuan ($480 billion), representing a 6 percent year-on-year increase, ranking first among the first-tier cities in China, outpacing the growth of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

In 2023, Shenzhen's strong retail sector has become a major new driving force for economic growth. Total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1.05 trillion yuan last year, an increase of 7.8 percent over 2022, officially entering the club of Chinese cities with one-trillion-yuan consumption.

From the perspective of industrial structure, Shenzhen regards the development of strategic emerging industries and the cultivation of future industries as important levers to accelerate the formation of new quality productive forces, and coordinates the construction of industrial clusters with advanced manufacturing as its backbone.

By 2023, the strategic emerging industries in Shenzhen have achieved an added value of 1.45 trillion yuan, accounting for 41.9 percent of the city's GDP, with a year-on-year growth of 8.8 percent. In terms of the emerging industries, Shenzhen dares to make forward-looking layouts in cutting-edge technology innovation.

New technologies are broadly utilized in Shenzhen, helping form new industries in China. Shenzhen-headquartered company BGI Genomics has been leading in the global genetic technology field. Tencent, a Fortune Global 500 company, has played a significant role in promoting the development of China's digital economy. DJI has gone from Shenzhen to the global market, promoting the development and growth of China's drone industry.

The sustained economic growth of Shenzhen highlights the significant potential of China's economy, reflecting the promising prospects for continued growth and ongoing improvement in China's future development.

Innovation is the primary driving force behind Shenzhen's rise, serving as the lifeblood of the city. Innovation is a defining characteristic of Shenzhen, playing a vital role in its development. Similarly, innovation is essential for the progress of China's overall economy. More emphasis should be put on technological innovation on the national level, fostering new quality productive forces.



The economic vitality of Shenzhen comes not only from innovation, but also relies on the thriving development of the private economy. Shenzhen focuses on the common problems faced by private enterprises, supporting their development through major project construction, stimulating technological innovation vitality, opening up application scenarios, and expanding overseas markets.

The development of Shenzhen is based on reforms that are carried out in response to the demands of China's market economy. As a pilot city for improving business environment, Shenzhen proposes it accelerate the creation of a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, rule of law-based, and internationalized.

The success of Shenzhen's economy also comes on the back of continuous efforts to expand opening-up. In order to promote its alignment with international rules, Shenzhen has established an international arbitration court to serve businesses in adapting and connecting to international rules.

Eyeing high-quality development, Shenzhen is making great efforts to construct an industrial technology innovation center, playing the role of the leading incubator for Chinese technological advancement, and serving China's future development.

Now, China has a number of emerging technology-heavy cities with development advantages such as Dongguan in South China's Guangdong Province, Suzhou in East China's Jiangsu Province, and Qingdao in East China's Shandong Province. These cities are actively supporting technological innovation, the growth of private sector, and the cultivation of new quality productive forces, which will further stimulate the vitality and momentum of China's development.

China's economy is experiencing a period of steady recovery and a structural adjustment, with sufficient potential for endogenous dynamism and a large room for continued growth. As long as China focuses on solving all the problems in the course of its development, adheres to openness and high-value innovation, and continuously develops new quality productive forces, there is no reason why the Chinese economy will "peak" any time soon.

SOURCE Global Times
NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation observes the Month of the Military Child, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation extends its gratitude to Goldman Sachs executives who have utilized the Goldman Sachs Gives program, in partnership with the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, to provide unwavering support and extraordinary opportunities for military families.

Through the GS Gives program, over 60 individual executives within Goldman Sachs have tied their personal giving to Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, aligning with the foundation's mission to offer college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. These executives' dedication, combined with Goldman Sachs' generous matching program, has generated nearly $1.7 million in support of Gold Star scholars. This support has paved the way for 270 years of college education and created an estimated $27 million in social impact.

"The significance of the partnership between Goldman Sachs executives and Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation extends far beyond monetary contributions," said David Kim, Co-founder of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. "It embodies the core values of compassion, generosity, and commitment to service to our military veterans that define it. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and impact this program has had on our Gold Star scholars."

Goldman Sachs executives' scholarships have served as a lifeline of opportunity for military families, providing access to higher education and offering hope for a brighter future. Through their ongoing support, they have not only invested in the education of Gold Star scholars but also honored the legacies of fallen heroes and their families.

About Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation honors the sacrifices of our fallen military heroes by ensuring the success of their children through college education. Since 2002, we have provided over $79 million in support to more than 3,200 military children from all branches who lost a parent in the line of duty. We estimate there are approximately 25,000 such children, and they will need $625 million to complete college. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has earned a perfect rating from Charity Navigator, and due to generous Board donations, 98% of third-party donations go to programs. Help today by visiting www.fallenpatriots.org.

About Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.

Contact: Julie Dion Office: (904) 249-9784 Mobile: (904) 612-8976 https://www.fallenpatriots.org/

SOURCE Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
The oversubscribed round was Initiated by Mucker Capital and Everywhere Ventures, with participation from Tau Ventures, Riverfront Ventures, DHVP, Boutique Venture Partners, Plug and Play Ventures and Techstars.

LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Handl Health, a first-to-market AI platform built to help benefits consultants design and deliver affordable health benefits, today announced an oversubscribed $2.5M Seed fundraise initiated by Mucker Capital and Everywhere VC, with participation from Tau Ventures, Riverfront Ventures, DHVP (Digital Health Venture Partners), Boutique Venture Partners, Plug and Play Ventures and Techstars. This funding will enable Handl Health to realize its vision of revolutionizing employer-sponsored healthcare through data-driven health plan design and management.

Handl Health was founded in 2022 after founders Ahmed Marmoush and Ria Shah were awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to research the effect of price transparency legislation  such as Hospital Price Transparency and Transparency in Coverage  on the American employer and consumer. This research led to the development of Handl Health's platform, which leverages proprietary AI models to mine, clean and organize healthcare price transparency data from publicly available sources at scale. Today, the platform is used by benefits consultants across the country to build affordable health plans for their employer clients. With the Seed funding, Handl Health plans to invest in further advancing its analytics and workflow automation capabilities to give benefits consultants a single place to access verified price transparency data to build and manage high performing health plans.

"We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone in our journey. Securing $2.5M seed funding from our esteemed investors validates our vision and underscores their confidence in our ability to revolutionize the employer-sponsored benefits market," shares Ahmed Marmoush, CEO & co-founder of Handl Health. "This funding not only fuels our growth but also affirms our commitment to empowering brokers and transforming the way health plans are built and managed."

In addition to their Seed funding, Handl Health has been awarded a $1.3M Phase II SBIR grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research of the NIH (Award Number R44NR021119) to drive the development of an interconnected system that manages pre-appointment billing and payment of healthcare services between third party administrators, providers and plan members. With the Seed funding and Phase II grant, Handl Health's trajectory promises to revolutionize the ecosystem of employer-sponsored benefits, from building plans to paying for care.

"We're proud to support Handl Health in their Seed raise, and are excited about their innovative approach and dedication to revolutionize the way employer-sponsored benefits are designed and delivered," explains William Hsu, Partner and co-founder at Mucker Capital. "With their rapid momentum, we have no doubt that Handl Health will deliver valuable and transformative solutions to brokers and employers."

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R44NR021119. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

About Handl Health

Handl Health (Techstars '23, AlphaLab Health '23) is a first-to-market AI platform that aggregates and analyzes publicly available healthcare pricing data to help benefits consultants convert new business, retain clients and execute on savings opportunities. Fueled by newly published hospital and health plan price transparency data, Handl Health's platform introduces the next generation of possibilities for employer-sponsored benefits. To learn more, visit: www.handlhealth.com .

Media Contact: [email protected]

About Mucker Capital

Founded in Santa Monica, CA in 2011, Mucker Capital provides Pre-Seed, Seed and Series A capital and support for startups in Southern California and in other, similarly underfunded ecosystems outside Silicon Valley.

SOURCE Handl Health
The list of North America's 50 Best Bars 2024 was announced at a live ceremony in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Handshake Speakeasy , Mexico City, is crowned No.1 and The Best Bar in Mexico , sponsored by Perrier

, Mexico City, is crowned No.1 and This year's list features 26 U.S. bars, 15 from Mexico , 7 hailing from Canada , and 2 based in the Caribbean

, 7 hailing from , and 2 based in the Civil Liberties , Toronto, at No.21, is named The Best Bar in Canada , sponsored by Naked Malt , for the third year in a row

, Toronto, at No.21, is named , for the third year in a row La Factoria , Puerto Rico, No.18, earns The Best Bar in the Caribbean , sponsored by Amaro Lucano

, Puerto Rico, No.18, earns Claudia Cabrera of female-led bar Kaito del Valle (No.28) in Mexico City wins the Roku Industry Icon Award

of female-led bar Kaito del Valle (No.28) in wins the Simpl Things , Toronto, wins the Campari One To Watch Award

, Toronto, wins the Library by the Sea , Grand Cayman, No.35, is awarded London Essence Best New Opening Award

, Grand Cayman, No.35, is awarded True Laurel , San Francisco , No.30, earns the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award

, , No.30, earns the Meadowlark , Chicago , No.32, wins the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award

, , No.32, wins the Martiny's , New York, No.4, is the Nikka Highest Climber Award winner

, New York, No.4, is the winner Avondale Bowl , Chicago, earns Bareksten Best Bar Design Award

, Chicago, earns Superbueno, New York, No.2, wins Disaronno Highest New Entry Award

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Mexico, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The list of North America's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was announced at the live awards ceremony on April 23, 2024 at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This was the second year that the awards ceremony was held in Mexico and continues to platform the country's place as a leader of the global cocktail scene. The annual ranking features bars from across North America, including the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City is crowned No.1 at the third annual North America's 50 Best Bars awards 2024, sponsored by Perrier. View PDF

Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy is crowned No.1 as The Best Bar in North America and The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Perrier. New York City's Superbueno is ranked at No.2 and claims the title of Disaronno Highest New Entry as well as The Best Bar in Northeast USA 2024, sponsored by Disaronno. New York City's Overstory follows at No.3.

Toronto's Civil Liberties, No.21, wins the title of The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Naked Malt for the third year in a row alongside Puerto Rico's La Factoria, at No.18, recognized as The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by Amaro Lucano for the third year as well. Overall, the U.S. leads the list with 26 bars followed by Mexico with 15 bars, seven from Canada and two on the list from the Caribbean.

The full list of North America's 50 Best Bars 2024 is at the bottom of this press release.

Handshake Speakeasy makes history as the first bar in Mexico to be named No.1 on a North America's 50 Best Bars list. The hidden bar is difficult to find, but those who discover the Mexico City lounge are rewarded with an unforgettable, high-end cocktail experience. While the design and ambiance, with a long marble bar and copper arches, recall the glamour and allure of the Prohibition era, the cocktail menu looks to the future. Bar Director Eric van Beek uses molecular mixology to create unexpected cocktails that may appear traditional but reveal complex layered flavors on the palate. On the menu, guests can find cocktails featuring clarified juices, fat-washed spirits and unusual, home-made syrups and infused cordials. Handshake Speakeasy also features batch cocktails on draft and a laboratory hidden within the bar where the team concocts its next liquid revelations. Handshake Speakeasy has featured prominently on the global stage since opening, ranking as No.3 on The World's Best Bars 2023 list and No.2 on North America's 50 Best Bars 2023 list.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America's 50 Best Bars, says: "What a momentous occasion for the Mexico cocktail scene! We give our biggest Felicidades! to Handshake Speakeasy and head bartender Eric van Beek for the team's incredible work in delivering excellence. Handshake Speakeasy continues to push the boundaries of the art of cocktail creation as well as always putting service first, so we are pleased to see them crowned the first bar in Mexico City named No.1 on North America's 50 Best Bars list. We also extend our congratulations to all the other incredible bars on this year's list that are testament to how exciting, innovative and dynamic the North American bar scene truly is."

Elisa Gregori, Perrier Global Business Unit Director, says: "It is an honor once again to join in celebrating the hard work, ingenuity, and innovation of the great bartenders, mixologists, and professionals who continue to push the bar scene to new heights. North America is the melting pot of the world, where cultures, flavors, ingredients, and techniques combine. This is on display like nowhere else in the bar community that leads the way in terms of innovation and creativity, where hospitality is more of a way of life than just a job. I would like to express my gratitude for always raising the bar on what is possible in the cocktail culture. And, likewise, the entire Perrier team would like to express their gratitude to the bar community. Your extraordinary efforts and unwavering commitment, with which you have created unique shared experiences for everyone who has passed through your doors in the past and in the future, are an inspiration."

New York Continues to Account for the Most of North America's Top Bars

Each year, New York continues to excel in delivering the world's most amazing craft cocktails. In 2024, New York holds 12 of the 26 U.S. listees, including the continent's highest achievers. The list includes Superbueno (No.2) which is the Disaronno Highest New Entry, Overstory (No.3), and Martiny's, which jumped 25 spots to No.4 to earn the Nikka Highest Climber Award. Alongside these are additional notable bars including Double Chicken Please (No.7), Katana Kitten (No.12), Employees Only (No.15), Dante (No.20), Attaboy (No.31), The Dead Rabbit (No.33), Maison Premiere (No.41), new entry Angel's Share (No.43), and Milady's (No.44).

Cocktail hotspots across the U.S. such as New Orleans' Jewel of the South (No.7) named The Best Bar in South USA, sponsored by Tia Maria, and Cure (No.47) have remained on the list in 2024. Top establishments across the U.S. in cities that have been consistently recognized for their cocktail culture include Los Angeles' Thunderbolt (No.8), named The Best Bar in West USA, sponsored by Remy Martin, Miami's Cafe La Trova (No.13), Kumiko (No.19) from Chicago, which named The Best Bar in Midwest USA, sponsored by Torres Brandy, as well as Service Bar (No.22) and Allegory (No.23) from Washington DC. This year, Los Angeles' Mirate (No.46) and Chicago's Best Intentions (No.48) are new entries to the list.

San Francisco's True Laurel (No.30), another new entry, wins the Kettle One Sustainable Bar Award, with new entry from Chicago Meadowlark (No.32) taking home the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award.

Mexico City Continues to Grow Its Global Cocktail Presence, Winning 9 of Mexico's 15 Bars

Mexico City accounts for more than half of this year's best bars in the country. Handshake Speakeasy (No.1) wins The Best Bar in Mexico, sponsored by Perrier for the third year in a row.

Handshake Speakeasy is joined by Mexico City's Rayo (No.5), Licoreria Limantour (No.9), new entry Tlecan (No.10), Cafe del Nadie (No.17), Baltra Bar (No.26), Kaito del Valle (No.28), Hanky Panky (No.42) and Brujas (No.45).

Mexico's wider bar scene continues to grow, as can be seen in the list, which includes Playa del Carmen's Zapote Bar (No.11), Guadalajara's El Gallo Altanero (No.14), and Tijuana's Aruba Day Drink (No.16), as well as the country's newest entry, Bekeb (No.27) in San Miguel de Allende, plus Arca (No.37) in Tulum and Oaxaca's Selva (No.34).

Canada Continues to Thrive in Cocktail Culture

Civil Liberties (No.21) in Toronto has been named The Best Bar in Canada, sponsored by Naked Malt for the third consecutive year. Vancouver's Botanist Bar (No.24), Toronto's Bar Pompette (No.29), Montreal's Cloakroom (No.39), and a re-entry for this year in Vancouver, The Keefer Bar (No.49) are also part of the list.

The Caribbean: Grand Cayman Joins the List

La Factoria (No.18) continues to remain on the list as The Best Bar in the Caribbean, sponsored by Amaro Lucano. Grand Cayman has joined the locations of top bars in the Caribbean with Library by the Sea (No.35) as a new entry.

Special Awards

Among all the spectacular highlights, Simpl Things in Toronto joins the stellar lineup as Campari One To Watch, an accolade given to a bar outside of the main list that the 50 Best team believes has the ability to be named on future editions of the ranking.

Meadowlark (No.32) in Chicago is named winner of the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award. The rotating menu celebrates the history of the region, featuring local spirits and liqueurs. Any bar on the North America's 50 Best Bars list is eligible to enter this award, which is decided upon by a panel of Academy Chairs. This award was introduced in 2021 to reward bars for their innovation, design, drinks craftmanship and menu communication.

Claudia Cabrera of Mexico's Kaito del Valle (No.28) receives the accolade of Roku Industry Icon. For this award, all 270 members of the voting Academy are asked to name the person who has done most to progress the bar sector. Cabrera is a vocal advocate for gender equality in the drinks industry and champions the need for more female representation behind the bar. At Kaito del Valle and in the wider industry, Claudia's dedication to her fellow bartenders, her mentorship to colleagues and her passion to provide outstanding hospitality shines through the bar's Japanese izakaya-style cocktail menu.

Grand Cayman's Library by the Sea (No.35) earns the London Essence Best New Opening Award, as the bar enters the list for the first time. Library by the Sea presents a drinks program highlighting art, literature and local Caymanian and Caribbean culture, while balancing inventive names and flavors that are enriched with the history of the region. The bar brings each of its drinks concepts to life without limitations, using bespoke ingredients made with local botanicals such as a sea mineral-adjusted vermouth to bring the complexity and heritage of local island flavors to the fore.

True Laurel in San Francisco earns the title of Ketel One Sustainable Bar at No.30. The award is gifted to bars that demonstrate the strongest commitment to sustainability. The Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award is independently adjudicated by 50 Best's international audit partner, the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Additional special award winners, announced prior to the reveal of this year's list, include New Orleans' Jewel of the South (No.6) receiving the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award and Kate Boushel of the Barroco Group and Atwater Cocktail Club (No.50) in Canada, who is celebrated as the winner of Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award.

EDITOR'S NOTES:

1-50 LIST

Position Bar Town 1 Handshake Speakeasy Mexico City 2 Superbueno New York 3 Overstory New York 4 Martiny's New York 5 Rayo Mexico City 6 Jewel of the South New Orleans 7 Double Chicken Please New York 8 Thunderbolt Los Angeles 9 Licoreria Limantour Mexico City 10 Tlecan Mexico City 11 Zapote Bar Playa del Carmen 12 Katana Kitten New York 13 Cafe La Trova Miami 14 El Gallo Altanero Guadalajara 15 Employees Only New York 16 Aruba Day Drink Tijuana 17 Cafe de Nadie Mexico City 18 La Factoria San Juan 19 Kumiko Chicago 20 Dante New York 21 Civil Liberties Toronto 22 Service Bar Washington DC 23 Allegory Washington DC 24 Botanist Bar Vancouver 25 Herbs & Rye Las Vegas 26 Baltra Bar Mexico City 27 Bekeb San Miguel de Allende 28 Kaito del Valle Mexico City 29 Bar Pompette Toronto 30 True Laurel San Francisco 31 Attaboy New York 32 Meadowlark Chicago 33 The Dead Rabbit New York 34 Selva Oaxaca 35 Library by the Sea Grand Cayman 36 Century Grand Phoenix 37 Arca Tulum 38 Pacific Cocktail Haven San Francisco 39 Cloakroom Montreal 40 Bar Mordecai Toronto 41 Maison Premiere New York 42 Hanky Panky Mexico City 43 Angel's Share New York 44 Milady's New York 45 Brujas Mexico City 46 Mirate Los Angeles 47 Cure New Orleans 48 Best Intentions Chicago 49 The Keefer Bar Vancouver 50 Atwater Cocktail Club Montreal

For media centre access, please visit: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

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About North America's 50 Best Bars

Following the success of The World's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, and the establishment of Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2016, 50 Best launched North America's 50 Best Bars, with the first edition of the awards held in New York, N.Y. on June 7, 2022. It shines a much-deserved spotlight on the region as a world-class drinks' destination and acts as a mouthpiece for the outstanding talent coming through. The inaugural North America's 50 Best Bars awards ceremony and unveiling of the list provided a unique opportunity to unite bartenders, bar owners, cocktail aficionados and drinks media from all over the region at a captivating celebration of drinks, hospitality, passion and talent. North America's 50 Best Bars includes voting for bars from Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. William Reed, which owns the 50 Best brand, is entirely responsible for the organization of the awards, the voting system and the respective lists.

How the Voting Works

The ranking for North America's 50 Best Bars will reflect the best bar experiences based on the votes of the Academy members, who comprise anonymous North American bar industry experts (including bartenders, bar owners, drinks media and well-traveled cocktail connoisseurs) from the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In 2023, the Academy expanded to 270 members. This change was implemented to obtain a wider snapshot and ensure a greater number of diverse voices voting for the awards. Moreover, as per all 50 Best lists for restaurants, bars and hotels, 25 per cent of Academy members are refreshed annually to keep the perspectives dynamic and relevant. Members of the 50 Best organization do not vote and do not control the composition of the list; that is the collective role of the voting Academy. This means that bars cannot apply to be on the list and no sponsors have any influence on the list.

The Academy is divided into 7 regions: USA Northeast; USA Midwest; USA West; USA South; Canada East; Canada West; Mexico and the Caribbean. Each region has its own panel of members including a chairperson, called the Academy Chair. The Chairs each then select a voting panel, ensuring a balanced selection. Each North America Academy member will vote for 7 bars, with a maximum of 5 in the home country (or state in the U.S.) where they are based. Voters also have the option to vote for a further 2 (or more) bars located outside of their home country (or U.S. state) up to a maximum of 7.

Voting is carried out individually and strictly confidentially on a secure site and remains confidential before the list announcement. Academy Chairs are not privy to, and have no knowledge of, the votes cast by the voters in their respective regions. They are neither spokespeople for the 50 Best brand.

The list will be the result of a poll of 270 experts (all within the North American continent), who each cast votes for the bars where they have had their 'best experience' during the last 18 months before the voting deadline. The list is a simple computation of votes by North American voters for bars in North America. Further information on the Academy Chairs and how the voting works is available on the FAQs page here.

About the Main Sponsor: Perrier

For more than a century, Perrier has collaborated with some of the world's most influential major artists, including Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Bernard Villemot, and Jean-Gabriel Domergue, each of whom in their own way have demonstrated a certain artistic irreverence. With a history that began in 1863 in Vergeze, in the Gard region of France, the Perrier brand is now recognized worldwide thanks to its iconic green bottle. Appreciated in more than 140 countries, the brand is acclaimed for its natural mineral water combined with the power of its bubbles.

Partners:

San Miguel de Allende  Official Host Destination Partner

 Official Host Destination Partner Perrier  Official Water Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in North America and The Best Bar in Mexico

and The Best Bar in Michter's  Official American Whiskey Partner; sponsor of Michter's Art of Hospitality Award

Nikka Whisky  Official Whisky of the World Partner; sponsor of Nikka Highest Climber Award

Ketel One  Official Vodka Partner; sponsor of Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award

Siete Misterios  Official Mezcal Partner; sponsor of Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award

The London Essence Co.  Official Mixers Partner; sponsor of London Essence Best New Opening Award

Disaronno  Official Italian Liqueur Partner; sponsor of Disaronno Highest New Entry and The Best Bar in Northeast USA

Roku Gin  Official Gin Partner; sponsor of Roku Industry Icon Award

Altos Tequila  Official Tequila Partner; sponsor of Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award

Matusalem  Official Rum Partner; sponsor of ceremonial scarves

Naked Malt  Official Scotch Whisky Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Canada

Remy Martin  Official Cognac Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in West USA

 Official Cognac Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Campari  Official Bitters Partner; sponsor of Campari One To Watch Award

Mancino Vermouth  Official Vermouth Partner; sponsor of ceremonial shakers

Amaro Lucano  Official Amaro Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in the Caribbean and ceremonial shakers

 Official Amaro Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in the and ceremonial shakers Tia Maria  Official Coffee Liqueur Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in South USA

 Official Coffee Liqueur Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Torres Brandy  Official Brandy Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Midwest USA

 Official Brandy Partner; sponsor of The Best Bar in Midwest Scrappy's Bitters  Official Cocktail Bitters Partner

Bareksten  Official Aquavit Partner; sponsor of Bareksten Best Bar Design Award

Live Aqua  Official Hotel and Venue Partner

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende  Official Hotel and Venue Partner

 Official Hotel and Venue Partner Hotel Amatte  Official Hotel & Venue Partner

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2395880/NA_50_Best_Bars_2024_No_1.jpg

PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2395288/50_Best_Bars_2024_PDF.pdf

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2386022/NA_50_Best_Bars_2024_Logo.jpg

SOURCE 50 Best
Hanmi Pharmaceutical announces Clinical Trial Collaboration with MSD to evaluate 'BH3120' in combination with KEYTRUDA in phase 1 clinical trial in patients with progressive or metastatic solid tumors

SEOUL, South Korea, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanmi Pharmaceutical (KOSPI: 128940, CEO: Jae-Hyun Park), a leading biopharma company in Korea that focuses on research areas such as oncology, obesity/metabolism, and rare diseases, announced it has entered into a Clinical Trial Collaboration and Supply Agreement (CTCSA) with MSD (a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA).

Upon the execution of the agreement, Hanmi Pharmaceutical will conduct a phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its immuno-oncology drug, 'BH3120', in combination with MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), in patients with progressive or metastatic solid tumors. Hanmi Pharmaceutical will sponsor the clinical trial, and MSD will supply KEYTRUDA.

'BH3120' is a next-generation immunotherapy drug that applies 'Pentambody', a bispecific antibody platform technology, currently under joint development by Hanmi Pharmaceutical and its Chinese subsidiary, BJHM (Beijing Hanmi Pharmaceutical).

Pentambody is a technology that combines one antibody to two different targets simultaneously, facilitating both immuno-oncology therapy and targeted therapy.

More specifically, BH3120 is an lgG-like bivalent bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and 4-1BB with biased binding affinities towards PD-L1.

This design aims to induce strong anti-tumor activities, particularly in PD-L1 overexpressed tumor tissues within the tumor microenvironment (TME), while minimizing undue immune activation in normal tissues.

Most of the existing antibody candidates targeting 4-1BB have limitations in terms of safety. However, BH3120 has been shown through various non-clinical studies to exhibit a clear decoupling of immune activity between TME and normal tissue, confirming its potential as an effective and safe anticancer agent.

Dr. Kim Dong-wan, the director of the Seoul National University Hospital Clinical Trials Center (Hemato-Oncology Department), is the Principal Investigator of the phase 1 clinical trial of BH3120 in Korea and the US. He said, "Through the collaboration with MSD, we expect BH3120 in combination with KEYTRUDA could improve outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory disease."

A Hanmi representative stated, "BH3120 is our first global clinical research project using the next-generation bispecific antibody platform technology 'Pentambody' in the field of immuno-oncology therapy, potentially changing the paradigm of anticancer treatment," and added, "We are dedicated to surpassing the constraints of current therapies and innovatively boosting therapeutic efficacy through our next-generation immune-oncology therapy."

KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

Contact info:

Official Websites: www.hanmipharm.com

[email protected], +08-2-410-0467

Introducing Hanmi Pharmaceutical

Established in 1973, Hanmi Pharmaceutical is an R&D-centric pharmaceutical company that strives to create global first-in-class drugs through industry-leading R&D investments. Hanmi Pharmaceutical has strategically established more than 30 pipelines covering metabolic diseases(diabetes, obesity), inflammation-fibrosis(MASH) treatment, anticancer drugs, and rare disease treatments, among which 'Rolontis', a neutropenia treatment, has received marketing authorization from the FDA in 2022. The company retains solid partnerships with leading global pharmaceutical companies based on proprietary technologies such as 'LAPSCOVERY', a platform technology that prolongs the duration of action of biologics, and 'PENTAMBODY', a bispecific antibody platform technology. Hanmi Pharmaceutical is enhancing the synergy of various R&D activities, such as AI new drug development and immuno-anticancer drug development, through the 'Open Innovation' strategy that opens the door to excellent external R&D capabilities. For more information, please refer to our website https://www.hanmipharm.com

About BH3120

BH3120 is a heterodimeric bispecific antibody (PENTAMBODY) designed to target 4-1BB and PD-L1 simultaneously to stimulate anti-tumor immune response either by inhibition of an immune checkpoint mechanism and by activation of a co-stimulatory signal in tumor microenvironment (TME) focused manner. Non-clinical observations with BH3120, either as a monotherapy or in combination settings, consistently explain strong anti-tumor T cell activities in a tumor tissue-specific manner with clear dose dependency, while systemic immune response is minimally modulated. These properties support further evaluation of the immune-modulating bispecific antibody, and BH3120 will be studied as a therapeutic candidate with multiple types of solid tumors.

SOURCE Hanmi Pharmaceutical
Final Access Rule provides important framework for many positive enhancements to home-based care

CHICAGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Help at Home, the leading national provider of innovative, high-quality, home care services, today announced that it is encouraged by the Administration's continued recognition of the value of the home care industry and its critical role in support of millions of complex, fragile individuals receiving care in the home.

"Help at Home believes that a high standard for the home care industry will improve access to quality care and services for some of the country's most vulnerable," said Help at Home's President of Home Care Tim O'Rourke. "We appreciate the actions taken by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the final Access Rule to clarify and broaden its definition of the direct care workforce, include a thoughtful approach to data collection and recognize the need for more consistent state-level rate adequacy."

The company fundamentally believes that a well-trained and properly supported care workforce will be best positioned to significantly improve the access and quality of care provided to Medicaid and dually eligible beneficiaries. While Help at Home acknowledges there is more work to be done, it is encouraged by many of the modifications made to the "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services" final rule based on stakeholder input during the comment period including, but not limited to, increased state flexibility, improved data collection processes and extension of the implementation period to six years. As the industry leader dedicated to Medicaid-funded, home-based care, Help at Home is committed to continuing to improve access and quality of care in the home and looks forward to continued engagement with both federal and state agencies on our shared objective.

About Help at Home

Help at Home is the leading national provider of high-quality, home care services offering innovative programs designed to help seniors and underserved complex chronic populations remain healthy in their homes. As of December 31, 2023, Help at Home operated more than 180 branch locations across 11 states and provided in-home personal care and integrated care management services to approximately 70,000 clients with the help of more than 55,000 highly trained and compassionate caregivers. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Help at Home has nearly 50 years of operating experience in the home care industry. For more information about Help at Home, visit helpathome.com.

Kristen Trenaman

VP of Public Relations

[email protected]

Contact: 502-445-4126

SOURCE Help at Home
Company Names Chad Randick Successor

AUSTIN, Minn., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Jeff Grev, vice president of legislative affairs, will be retiring after a 40-year career with the company. Chad Randick, director of strategy and current lead of the company's transformation and modernization initiative, will succeed Grev as vice president of legislative affairs.

Jeff Grev Chad Randick

"I want to thank Jeff for his four decades of extraordinary service to our company. I'm grateful for his leadership, vision and the significant contributions he made in sales, marketing, corporate development and most recently as vice president of legislative affairs," said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. "I wish Jeff and his wife Chris all the best in retirement."

As vice president of legislative affairs, Randick will assume responsibility for overseeing all state and federal legislative affairs, and regulatory affairs.

"Chad's deep knowledge of our business and leadership experience in finance, sales, operations and business management makes him the ideal person to lead our legislative and regulatory affairs efforts going forward," Snee said.

About Jeff Grev

Grev began his career in 1984 in sales in Louisville, Kentucky. A year later, he became a sales representative for the Michigan territory and then the New England territory. In 1987, he advanced to the manager of sales training at the Corporate Office (Austin, Minnesota.). Grev became an associate product manager in 1988, and held several marketing positions until 1996, when he became a group product manager. In 2006, he took on a special assignment to become the general manager of the Valley Fresh Foods business based at the Corporate Office. He was named corporate manager of mergers and acquisitions in 2007, and then director of corporate development in 2013. He assumed his current role of vice president of legislative affairs in 2014.

About Chad Randick

Randick began his career with the company in 1994 as a cost accountant. He became a credit analyst and senior credit analyst before being promoted to manager of accounts payable and payroll for the Jennie-O business in 1996. Randick spent almost the next two decades in the Jennie-O business, advancing through roles of general accounting manager, several regional sales managers, and director of sales before being named to vice president of the Jennie-O foodservice division in 2013. Two years later, he became the president of the Burke Corporation team in Nevada, Iowa. Randick was named to his current role of Director of Strategy and current lead for the company's transformation and modernization initiative in 2023.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters, Skippy, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly, Hormel Black Label, Columbus, Jennie-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized on Fast Company's list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, received a perfect score of 100 on the 202324 Corporate Equality Index and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
Innovature BPO is the first integrated outsourcing provider from Vietnam. During 10 years, our dedicated and talented teams have provided various services, including Finance and Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytical, and Customer Services for global clients. With a decade of growth, we've built strong relationships with clients in multiple industries, such as IT Staffing, Software, Car/ Life Insurance, Animal Hospital, and more.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovature BPO was honored with the two Silver Trophies of the 18th Stevie Awards announcement in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on April 12, 2024.

Silver Award in Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year

Innovature BPO Earns 2 Silver Awards at the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Silver Award in the Use of Data & Analytics in Customer Service

Details of the Achievements

Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year:

For this award, we've significantly enhanced the customer service function for a small US-based charity event organizer. We reduced complaint rates to 0.1% and increased email and data processing performance by 200%, turning the service into a profitable venture that doubled the client's sales revenue. These improvements demonstrate our commitment to exceeding client expectations with effective and innovative strategies.

Use of Data & Analytics in Customer Service:

For this recognition, our initial team of five quickly expanded to 30 members within five months, processing 20 times the initial volume of documents from various international sources. This rapid expansion positioned us as a top provider, consistently earning excellent feedback from the client. To support our growth and enhance service capabilities, we implemented an automated reporting system with ETL, Data Warehouse, and Dashboards. This enhancement significantly boosted our processing speed and accuracy, improving decision-making and overall service effectiveness.

Comments from the CEO

Thuy Doan, CEO and Founder of Innovature BPO, commented, "These awards recognize our team's dedication to excellence and innovation in customer service and our strategic use of data analytics. We are proud to stand as a benchmark in the industry, demonstrating that our efforts contribute to the shared services activities of our clients, helping them bridging the skills gap of all regions in the world."

About the Stevie Awards

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world's top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries annually from organizations in more than 70 nations. Winning these awards places Innovature BPO among the elite for achieving high standards of performance in a highly competitive global marketplace.

About Innovature

In our 10 years of operation, Innovature has been a proud partner of more than 50 clients from multiple industries such as IT Staffing, Software, Insurance, Veterinarian, Ecommerce and Fashion and in North America and APEC region. Our vision is to enable clients to become high-performance businesses and create long-term relationship by helping drive productivity and efficiency while delivering measurable results. Our headquarter is located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and our two branches are in Cebu City, Philippines and Texas, USA.

Press Contact:

Ella Nguyen

+84 918705429

http://innovatureinc.com

SOURCE Innovature


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Why India, China's Bitter Foe, Won't Become a U.S. Ally

https://www.newsweek.com/why-india-chinas-bitter-foe-wont-become-us-ally-1792564#:~:text=

By Tom O'Connor, Senior Writer, Foreign Policy & Deputy Editor, National Security and Foreign Policy Apr 11, 2023

India Ready For 'Any Contingency' Against China, Warns Head Of Army

Amid heightened tensions between neighboring Asian powers that are home to the world's two largest populations, India has grown closer to the United States and other Western-aligned nations, while becoming increasingly wary of a rising China.

But even as New Delhi takes unprecedented steps toward shoring up relations with the Washington, there appears to be little chance the traditionally non-aligned nation will establish any formal defense alliance with the U.S.

"In fact, we do refer to India and the USA as natural allies," former Indian ambassador to China Ashok Kantha told Newsweek, "but this is not in the sense of a military alliance."

Such an alliance would run contrary to more than 75 years of India's post-colonial history after winning its independence from the United Kingdom and suffering a violent partition with Pakistan, sparking the first of several wars over disputed territory with the neighboring Islamic Republic as well as one with China six decades ago. Even during some of the nation's most dire crises, however, India has opted to not choose sides among world powers.

"We had to suffer a period of colonial subjugation lasting two centuries, and then we emerged as one of the most populous countries in the world, which was also innovative in democracy, in multiculturalism and in an open society," Kantha said. "We came to the conclusion during the Cold War period that India cannot be a camp follower of either great power, at that time the USA and the Soviet Union, that we will work with both countries."

Today, this policy referred to by India as "strategic autonomy" continues amid growing frictions between the U.S. and China, even if New Delhi saw Washington as the better partner.

"We will not be equidistant, we will take positions on issues," he added. "On some issues we might be closer to the USA, but we will not join a military alliance. And this basic consensus has remained unchanged."

In this Newsweek photo illustration, U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands during the G20 Summit on November 15, 2022 in Nusa Dua, Indonesia.

Such a position has never implied neutrality. Throughout the Cold War, New Delhi forged a tight strategic partnership with Moscow, a relationship still very much alive today in the form of diplomatic interactions and the outsized presence of Russian weaponry comprising the arsenal of the Indian Armed Forces.

So, while Kantha asserted that India had "serious misgivings" regarding Russia's decision to launch a war in Ukraine in February of last year, he said "we abstain from condemning Russia because it's a relationship that has been historically important to us, and even today for a variety of reasons."

Even before the conflict in Ukraine, however, Kantha said that New Delhi was looking to diversify its military partnerships, a trend that has served as a major opportunity for U.S.-India relations, in which he said that "defense is emerging as a very major area." In addition to a broadening array of intelligence-sharing pacts, the two countries have pursued a growing number of joint exercises, including the Yudh Abhyas training that took place in November near India's disputed border with China.

The contested 2,100-mile boundary separating China and India, known as the Line of Actual Control, has been the source of the most serious tensions between the two powers in decades, beginning with a deadly series of clashes in 2020. The two sides have repeatedly attempted to de-escalate the situation, but tense encounters and skirmishes have continued among troops armed with clubs and stones.

After the latest publicly acknowledged clash that occurred in December, U.S. News & World Report cited unnamed sources claiming that the U.S. offered India real-time intelligence support throughout the incident.

Kantha, who was personally involved in navigating China-India diplomacy during his tenure as ambassador, said Beijing's actions in recent years "caused deep pain or anxieties and misgivings in India, as also in the USA."

"So while India is definitely not inclined to move towards any kind of containment of China, we believe that a country like China cannot be contained, or nor are we interested in the economic decoupling from China," Kantha said, "I think we are more inclined towards some kind of de-risking strategy vis-a-vis China, we are inclined to build deterrence to guard against China's reckless behavior to avoid a repetition of what happened along the borders in the western sector in April and May 2020."

The task at hand for India, according to Kantha, "will largely be building our own capabilities, but also requires an aspect of external balancing of China and then working together with USA and other likeminded countries will become, and is already in fact, an important component of our policy."

And while he was skeptical of any major improvement in China-India relations without serious progress made on the border dispute, he said avoiding a more serious conflict was crucial for India to achieve its national goals on other fronts.

"It's extremely important, because our defense budget remains relatively modest and we would like to focus on development for the foreseeable future," Kantha said. "Getting distracted by any conflict or protracted escalation of tensions along the borders is definitely not in our interest."

Indian army soldiers stand guard outside their bunker on the Srinagar-Leh highway on January 6 in Zojila, 67 miles east of Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir. The strategic pass connects Kashmir with Ladakh, which is located.

Swaran Singh, a visiting professor at the University of British Columbia with decades of experience lecturing at India's major diplomatic and military institutions, also argued that managing this relationship was essential for achieving the long-term objectives of both powers.

"De-escalation is the only way as both China and India cannot afford to derail their development trajectories and miss their imagined historic resurgence to the center stage of world affairs," Singh told Newsweek. "But as two rapidly growing economies and peer civilizational states reclaiming their place under the sun, their competition remains inevitable."

The dynamic between China and India was not always so grim. While their 1960s border war, China's close ties with Pakistan and India's hosting of the separatist government-in-exile of Tibet following the region's annexation by China in the 1950s fostered deep-rooted bitterness between the two powers, efforts began in the late 1980s and early 1990s to rehabilitate their relations and, as recently as 2018 and 2019 Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held summits in their respective countries.

Their fatal border spat three years ago, just as COVID-19 began to grip the world, signaled a dark turn, however. The feud has continued to make headlines as the Indian Foreign Ministry rejected China's decision last week to rename 11 places within territory claimed by India and the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized Indian Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the contested frontier region on Monday.

And yet, with border tensions still simmering, Singh asserted that "both sides agree on the need to begin a new chapter of confidence building to suit their new avatar as rapidly developing major powers."

At the same time, he said "both also continue with heavy forward deployments while also working on military disengagement which has been, even in face of regular core commander level and inter-ministerial meetings, patchy and uneven."

"As they learnt to deal with their bilateral and historic problems," Singh said, "they now need to learn ropes of engaging each other in their new avatars as major powers and especially in their interface in regional and global fora."

The two countries have managed to share at least some common ground in certain key venues gaining more relevance in an increasingly multipolar international order. These include the nine-state Shanghai Cooperation Organization bloc and the informal coalition known as BRICS, in which China and India are joined by Brazil, Russia and South Africa.

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A number of other countries have applied to or expressed interest in joining these two groups that promise to put bilateral quarrels aside in the interest of greater security and economic coordination.

Still, China's growing clout in the economic, military and diplomatic spheres have presented both risk and opportunity for New Delhi.

"While China has demonstrated an unprecedented economic growth that undergirds its political influence and military modernization, China's rise has made India the preferred partner for status quo powers in the U.S.-led liberal world order," Singh said. "This has opened doors for technology transfers and defense cooperation for India, making India the only neighbor that has showcased capacity to stand up to China."

India has also doubled down on its participation in another multilateral group, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, alongside the U.S., Australia and Japan. The quartet has intensified cooperation among members and it is regularly accused by China of representing an attempt to form a bloc built on containing the People's Republic.

But, like Kantha, Singh pointed out that there were limits to these ties built into India's core tenets as a nation.

"Even at its weakest moment of independence with partition, India chose nonalignment that defines its civilizational DNA," Singh said. "Today, as the world's largest population country, third-largest defense spender, fifth-largest economy and a state with nuclear weapons, this sentiment stands reinforced and reflected in its axiom of multialignment."

He also argued that the same instability in the world order that has made room for growing roles for both China and India has also helped to prevent the two sides from effectively catering to their ailing bilateral relations.

"Pandemic and the Ukraine war have surely distracted both China and India from attending to their bilateral problems, if not further complicated China-India equations," Singh said. "So, while a more peaceful world may avail them opportunities to redress some of their irritants, some amount of brinkmanship will continue to define China-India relations."

(L-R) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz.

Happymon Jacob, an associate professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and founder of the Council for Strategic and Defense Research in New Delhi, pointed to another important factor in the complex dynamic of China-India relations.

While the U.S. surpassed China as India's top trading partner last year, the People's Republic remains an influential economic player. As such, Jacob told Newsweek that there is "an absence of a consensus in India on openly calling out Chinese aggression, which is primarily a result of India's economic relationship with China."

Fundamentally, however, he too saw the ongoing dispute over territory as primarily driving the downturn in China-India relations.

"The reason behind the deterioration in Sino-Indian relationship is China's land grab strategy on the border with India," Jacob said. "China is also unhappy about India's growing partnership with the U.S., which (at least partly) is a result of China's aggression in the first place."

"If China were to reinstate the territorial status quo as it existed prior to the summer standoff of 2020 and stake no more claims to Indian territories, it is possible to deescalate bilateral tensions," he added. "But I don't think China is keen to do that."

Given the level of mistrust that has been fostered among the two sides, Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation who has served in national security advisory roles in India, also told Newsweek that "the chances of a rapprochement are low."

"The two countries have been very careful in ensuring that things don't go from bad to worse, but there seems to be no meeting ground on which a new modus vivendi can rest," Joshi said. "De-escalation can be worked out and is, in fact, being worked out. But rapprochement is unlikely. Suspicions will not go away easily."

"The situation will remain fraught, especially since both sides continue to build up their forces on either side of the Line of Actual Control that marks their border," he added. "The earlier process had rested on agreements that had sought to build down such forces."

But obstacles exist to India's growing proximity to the U.S. as well. While the perceived threat from Beijing has helped fuel New Delhi's shift toward Washington, there are a host of other geopolitical issues on which India and the U.S. are at odds.

"The power gap between India and China, is certainly a major factor driving the current convergence of U.S.-India ties," Joshi said. "But India's positions are mainly driven by its size and interests. It perceives a significant security threat from Pakistan, whereas the U.S. has been at various times a major military ally of Pakistan. And where it sees Iran as a relatively benign actor in the Persian Gulf and a friend, the U.S. has seen Tehran as a hostile player."

"This rules out the possibility of a formal military alliance with the U.S.," Joshi said, "something that would require a much closer identity of views."
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspire Agency, a full-service PR, branding, content and communications agency, added three new life science organizations to its expanding client roster, SHL Medical (SHL), Greenwood Genetics Center (GGC), and SCbio. Each organization plays a vital role in the rapidly growing South Carolina's life sciences ecosystem.

SHL Medical

SHL is a pioneering leader in self-injection solutions, including autoinjectors, pen injectors and specialty delivery systems. The company's products enable patients to live an independent life. The company offers customization and optimization for each project and program it supports. SHL joined the South Carolina life sciences ecosystem in 2022 when, as part of its expansion strategy, it announced an autoinjector manufacturing facility in North Charleston that strengthens its global medical device injection molding and assembly capabilities. The South Carolina site is key to SHL's long-term strategy to meet the growing autoinjector demands and future manufacturing needs. The nearly $200 million, 270,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational the summer of 2024.

"As a new employer in the North Charleston area with several key, high-paying roles to fill, it was important to have local PR and branding support from Inspire Agency to get the word out about our patient mission and the many advantages of working for SHL Medical," said Kimberlee Steele, SHL Medical Managing Director, North America.

SCbio

SCbio is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal advocate for South Carolina's life sciences community that includes members from industry, academia, economic development organizations, healthcare, government, and service providers. The organization is the voice of the life science industry that is growing two times faster in South Carolina than in other southeastern states.

The voice of South Carolina's life sciences ecosystem, SCbio champions the people and organizations in the industry that provide a healthier and better environment for everyone. In addition to serving as the voice of the life sciences in South Carolina, SCbio is focused on economic development initiatives that support the continued expansion of a $25.7 billion industry.

"It is essential that we craft a message that emphasizes the value of South Carolina's life sciences industry and leverage its support from our state leaders," said James Chappell, President and CEO of SCbio. "Inspire Agency has the creative and communications experience and industry knowledge to help us tell that story effectively and, most importantly, to the audience that needs to hear it most."

Greenwood Genetic Center

A trailblazer in genetics and genomics, GGC has been a cornerstone of South Carolina's life sciences community for 50 years. A nonprofit organization providing clinical genetic services, diagnostic laboratory testing, educational programs and resources, and medical genetics research, GGC provides new insights and treatment options for hereditary disorders.

Guided by its mission statement of "Compassion Inspires Progress," GGC has made significant advances in not only identifying variant genes and their mechanisms related to hereditary disorders but also developing treatments and prevention strategies for intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and birth defects.

"For 50 years, Greenwood Genetic Center has compassionately served patients in need of genetic services that can improve the quality of their lives. With Inspire Agency's expertise in life sciences, they keenly understand the importance of our mission and is providing us with a new level of communication that is helping effectively tell the story of our organization and raise awareness of us," said President and CEO of Greenwood Genetic Center Dr. Steven A. Skinner.

Specializing in the life sciences, Inspire Agency is comprised of a team of highly skilled researchers, content strategists, writers, designers, PR and multi-media professionals who are hand-picked to support the communications and marketing needs of each Inspire client. The Company conducts detailed audits that identify marketing gaps and opportunities, develop strategic marketing plans, bolster investor pitch decks, help explain complicated science, amplify client news stories, improve internal and external communications and generate media interest in client projects and programs.

"Life sciences is special, and it takes specialists in the industry to know how to market science. Marketing science is truly a science," said Inspire Agency President and Chief Inspirer Juliette Bogus. "We are honored to be working with SHL Medical, SCbio and GGCliving out our mission on their behalf to 'inspire the world' to lean in and learn more about them."

About Inspire Agency

Inspire Agency (Inspire) is a full-service PR, branding, content and communications marketing agency helping brands find their voice and soul. Our Company's purpose is to inspire the world through mission-driven content that attracts and retains target audiences. We work across a variety of industries and specialize in life sciences, medtech, healthcare and mental health. Inspire Agency's services include brand development, content strategy, media relations and corporate communications, video production, animation and more. For more information, go to inspire-agency.com and find us on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Media Contact

Juliette Bogus

Inspire Agency

[email protected]

SOURCE Inspire Agency
Public Sector Teamsters' Opposition to SF2374 Kills the Bill

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Intense and sustained opposition by Iowa Teamsters to SF2374, legislation that would gut public sector unions, led to the bill's final defeat at the close of the legislative session on Saturday.

The bill, originally introduced by Senators Adrian Dickey (R-Packwood) and Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) in February 2024, received strong public pushback from Iowa Teamsters, including the Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters, Joint Councils 25 and 32, and Locals 90, 120, 238, 371, 554, and 710.

If signed into law, the bill would have required public employers to submit a list of their employees to the state upon the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement. If the employer chose not to provide the list, the union would have had to sue the employer in district court or be decertified.

"Working people have crushed an absolutely disgusting bill that would have hurt public employees and unfairly targeted unions," said Alano De La Rosa, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 90 in Des Moines. "Since 2017, Iowa lawmakers have set their sights on destroying public sector unions. This attack on Iowa public sector unions is now where it belongsin the trash."

"Iowa legislators heard Teamsters loud and clear about how disastrous this bill would have been," said Tom Erickson, President of Joint Council 32 and Teamsters Central Region International Vice President. "Public sector workers are essential to every community in Iowa. Every day, they deserve the respect and protections of strong collective bargaining agreements that preserve dignity on the job. If elected officials in Iowaor anywhere across the nationwant to continue to push legislation undermining public sector workers, those corporate-owned politicians better be prepared to go to battle with 1.3 million Teamsters."

Iowa's original public sector bargaining law passed in 1974 by a Democrat-led legislature and signed by a Republican governor in a bipartisan fashion and was considered one of the fairest and most effective laws in the nation for more than 40 years. In 2017, Iowa legislators drastically weakened public sector bargaining laws in the state when Republicans took over all three branches of government. The aftermath has led to higher turnover and lowered standards in what had previously been considered career jobs.

Teamsters Joint Council 32 represents more than 75,000 active and retired members at 12 affiliate unions in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, visit TeamstersJC32.org.

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 32
BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jason E. Zimmerman of Bridgehampton Equities and Bridgehampton Benefit has supported meaningful causes. Recently, Jason Zimmerman was named donor of the year by the Jack Brewer Foundation at their charity event on the weekend of April 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida.

The gala for the Jack Brewer Foundation raised crucial funds for the removal of Americans in Haiti. Hundreds of Americans have now been evacuated to safety due to these relief efforts.

"It was a group effort," said Jason, "I pulled together a group of people to support the relief in Haiti through the Jack Brewer Foundation. The fundraising event was amazing, and attendees included our team at Bridgehampton Equities as well as our new client, DryWater, and its founder and CEO, Bryan Appio." Zimmerman shared, "I have partnered with Jack Brewer on many events and I'm always ready to support his fundraising efforts. He's an incredible person who truly cares about others and greatly impacts communities in need with his foundation."

The Jack Brewer Foundation is increasing daily evacuations and working diligently to ensure the safety of Americans who remain stranded in Haiti. In only a matter of days, JBF was able to distribute thousands of pounds of food, successfully relocate orphans, and even rescue a 91-year-old woman, along with other evacuation and relief efforts.

"As they continue evacuation efforts, the best thing we can do is spread the word." Said Jason. Bridgehampton Benefit, the charity arm of Bridgehampton Equities, looks forward to collaborating on a Summer 2024 fundraiser event with the Jack Brewer Foundation.

To learn more about Bridgehampton Equities, Bridgehampton Benefit, and Jason E. Zimmerman, visit www.bridgehamptonequities.com . To find out more about the Jack Brewer Foundation, please visit www.thejackbrewerfoundation.org and view updates on their social media pages.

SOURCE Bridgehampton Equities
TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JMIR Publications invites submissions to a new theme issue titled "Incorporating Participatory Methods in Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating Rehab Interventions and Assistive Technologies" in its premier, open access journal JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies (JRAT).

JRAT is a peer-reviewed journal indexed in PubMed and PubMed Central, SCOPUS, DOAJ, Web of Science, Sherpa Romeo, and EBSCO and EBSCO Essentials. This theme issue aims to showcase research that actively engages patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders (knowledge users) in rehabilitation research.

Focus on Collaboration and Patient Engagement

The theme issue welcomes submissions of research encompassing various methodologies, including qualitative studies, mixed methods designs, and implementation science frameworks, as well as studies exploring suitable patient engagement outcome measures. The journal is particularly interested in research that showcases the collaborative efforts of researchers and individuals with lived experiences.

Potential Submission Topics:

Patient involvement in developing or evaluating rehabilitation programs and assistive devices

in developing or evaluating rehabilitation programs and assistive devices Experiences of knowledge users with participatory research

with participatory research Novel methods used in the context of participatory approaches

used in the context of participatory approaches Designing participatory research for specialized rehabilitation populations

for specialized rehabilitation populations Ethical considerations in participatory research involving these populations

All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process, and accepted articles will be published as part of the theme issue, providing authors with increased visibility within the field of rehabilitation research.

Those interested in submitting research for this theme issue are encouraged to visit the journal's website for submission guidelines.

About JMIR Publications:

JMIR Publications is a renowned publisher with a long-standing commitment to advancing digital health research and progressing open science. Our portfolio includes a wide array of prestigious open access, peer-reviewed journals dedicated to the dissemination of high-quality research in the field of digital health. JMIR Publications is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024 as the leading open access, digital health publisher.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

Media Contacts: Jane Kelly

[email protected]

SOURCE JMIR Publications
PARSONS, Kan., April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kansas Proving Grounds at Great Plains Industrial Park, a leading facility for testing and innovation, is proud to announce its partnership with SkyscoutAI Innovations Inc., a pioneer in AI-powered wildfire detection and response using drones and satellites. This collaboration marks a significant step in the deployment of cutting-edge anti-wildfire drone technology at America's first carbon zero industrial park.

Kansas Proving Grounds at Great Plains Industrial Park 6,800 acre is a 6,80development site focused on commercialization of leading industrial, energy, defense, manufacturing, and logistics technologies.

Brad Reams, Director of the Great Plains Industrial Park, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with SkyScoutAI to introduce their advanced wildfire drone and AI solution to our 14,000-acre park. This initiative offers a vital tool in addressing the growing threat of wildfires and our commitment to public safety."

Scott Shepherd, CEO of SkyScoutAI, added, "Our collaboration with the Kansas Proving Grounds is a strategic move to position our wildfire solution using a network of drones and satellites in the heart of the continent. We believe this partnership will be instrumental in detecting and combating wildfires, ultimately protecting lives and property here and around the world."

The partnership will initiate a pilot project to train wildfire drone pilots, including local individuals and veterans from across North America. The trained pilots will also utilize SkyScoutAI technology to monitor the 14,000-acre Great Plains Industrial Park for potential wildfire and industrial fire outbreaks and take their skills back to their own communities.

SkyScoutAI employs a comprehensive network of satellites and drones to rapidly detect early signs of wildfires. Upon detection, the system dispatches tanker drones equipped with environmentally safe fire retardants to extinguish or contain the fires. SkyScoutAI also offers the capability to pre-spray properties and land to prevent ignition, adding an extra layer of protection in areas prone to wildfires.

The mobility of SkyScoutAI's drone systems, which can be housed in easily transportable customized trailers, ensures swift deployment to regions at risk of or currently experiencing wildfires. This agility, combined with the system's affordability and scalability, makes it an essential tool for communities, property owners, and agencies facing the challenge of unprecedented wildfire incidents.

SkyScoutAI and the Kansas Proving Grounds are now formalizing the financing of the first pilot project, with the goal of making it available for the coming wildfire season.

About the Kansas Proving Grounds:

The Kansas Proving Grounds' home is Great Plains Industrial Park, America's first carbon neutral industrial park dedicated to testing and innovation of sustainable, low carbon technologies. Located outside of Parsons, Kansas, the proving grounds serve as a hub for the development and deployment of sustainable technologies, creating local employment and advancing America's journey to a low-carbon future. For more information, visit www.greatplainsindustrialpark.com

About SkyScoutAI Innovations Inc.:

SkyScoutAI Innovations Inc. specializes in wildfire detection and prevention, utilizing AI, drones, and satellite surveillance to protect communities, properties, and lives from the threat of interface wildfires. The company's platform and drones can quickly detect small fires or ember hotspots, pinpoint their location, and dispatch Tanker Drones to the site within minutes, keeping carbon emissions from wildfires out of the atmosphere. For more information, visit www.SkyscoutAI.com.

Contact Information:

Brad Reams

Director Great Plains Industrial Park

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 620-241-1228

SkyScoutAI Innovations Inc.:

CEO Scott Shepherd

Email: [email protected], Contact: https://www.skyscoutai.com/contact

Phone: +1-604-805-4041

SOURCE Great Plains Development Authority
US imports from 14 Asian low-cost countries and regions decline by $143 billion

Mainland Chinese imports decline by 20 percent, or $105 billion

Imports from Canada increase steadily for the past three years

Mexico surpassed mainland China as largest exporter to the US for the first time since 2013, increasing by 32 percent since pre-pandemic

Mainland China reroutes its exports to other Asian countries and regions from which the US imports; Vietnam is reshuffle's biggest winner

US consumers are starting to "buy American," with rates increasing 5 percent between 2022 and 2023

US hurdles include severe lack of skilled workers, labor costs, and infrastructure challenges

CHICAGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, global management consultancy Kearney released its 11th annual Reshoring Index, a unique barometer tracking the extent to which America is reshoring manufacturing after decades of offshoring. This year's report, Made in America: Here to stay?, focuses primarily on import and export flows between the US and 14 Asian low-cost countries and regions (LCCRs), including mainland China, as well as import trends with Canada and Mexico. The 2024 Kearney Reshoring Index finds a US market increasingly importing goods made closer to home and less on goods from LCCRs, continuing trends that have been set in motion over the past few years.

"While it sounds like an election year bumper sticker, the phrase 'Made in America, for America' could describe the foreseeable future of industrial manufacturing in the Western hemisphere," noted Patrick Van den Bossche, partner and lead author of the annual Reshoring Index report. "However, that doesn't mean mainland China and other producer nations are sitting idly by as more and more nearshored goods flow into the US market. Our research shows an emerging correlation between the uptick in US imports from Asian LCCRs other than mainland China and the rise in imports these countries see from mainland China. Mainland China is now running trade surpluses with Vietnam, India, and Thailand, which in turn are running widening surpluses with the US."

The Index shows that American, Canadian, and Mexican nearshored and reshored industrial production efforts continue to take market share away from Asian manufacturers, including mainland China. US imports from 14 Asian LCCRs declined from $1.022 billion in 2022 to $878 billion in 2023, while domestic manufacturing gross output (MGO) stayed essentially flat. While the majority of the drop in Asian LCCR imports was caused by a whopping 20 percent reduction in Chinese imports, for the first time since the inaugural 2013 Reshoring Index, some Asian LCCRs other than mainland China, including Vietnam and Malaysia, also saw a dip in imports.

The report found that imports from Canada have steadily increased since the pandemic, keeping pace with Asian LCCR imports. South-of-the-border trends detailed in Kearney's 2023 report also continued and expanded in the new Index. Last year, for the first time since 2013, Mexico surpassed mainland China as the largest exporter to the US. Mexican manufactured goods imported into the US grew by 32 percent, from $320 billion to $422 billion, since the pre-COVID period.

"US investments in reshoring remain strong, but despite receiving considerable support from both the private and public sectors, domestic manufacturing still faces considerable hurdles, including a lack of skilled workers, labor costs, and infrastructure challenges," noted Mexico-based Omar Troncoso, a partner in Kearney's consumer and retail practice and co-author of the Index. "Our research nonetheless shows that the vast majority of leaders looking to bring their manufacturing operations closer to the domestic market are considering the US. This year's peaking Reshoring Index shows strong continued interest from CEOs in reshoring and nearshoring activities, underscoring what now appears to be a decisive shift in strategic business operations toward manufacturing products closer to the US domestic market. In addition, mainland China's growing presence in Mexico is testimony to mainland China's intent to remain a fixture in the US imports picture."

Added Patrick Van den Bossche, "That said, US companies and consumers are starting to truly 'buy American,' as shown by our US self-sufficiency index (SSI), which tracks how what's made in the United States for the US market compares against what's imported and stays in the US market." The SSI gradually declined from 2013 to 2020 but started flipping modestly in 2021 and increased by 5 percent between 2022 and 2023.

The movement of making goods for the US market closer to that market is now well established and strong continued interest from CEOs and their stakeholders in reshoring activities underscores what now appears to be a decisive shift in strategic business operations toward repatriating manufacturing to the United States. To echo the popular song, "Born in the USA" seems to be taking hold.

Read the full report here.

US Media Contact:

MKPR/Meir Kahtan

+1 917-864-0800

[email protected]

About the Kearney Reshoring Index

Launched in 2013, the Kearney Reshoring Index is a unique barometer for tracking the extent to which America is reshoring manufacturing back from Asian countries that have benefitted for decades from US companies offshoring their manufacturing operations. The Reshoring Index is determined by dividing the import of manufactured goods from the 14 Asian LCCRs by the US domestic gross manufacturing output to calculate a manufacturing import ratio (MIR). The Reshoring Index reflects the year-on-year change in the MIR.

About Kearney

Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been a trusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we work alongside our clients to regenerate their businesses to create a future that works for everyone. www.kearney.com.

SOURCE Kearney
Firm honored based on growth and client, peer recommendations

NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingswood U.S., part of a network of independent wealth management firms that oversees more than $14 billion in client assets globally, announced it has been named to USA Today's Best Financial Advisory Firms 2024. The award, presented by USA Today and Statista Inc., honors the top registered investment advisory (RIA) firms in the U.S. based on recommendations from financial advisors, clients and industry experts, as well as firm growth.

"For two years in a row, we earned a spot on USA Today's list of Best Financial Advisory Firms thanks to the leadership of our team and successful execution of our growth strategy," said Michael Nessim, CEO, President and Managing Partner of Kingswood U.S. "And while we celebrate our own success, being named to this list by our clients and peers means even more to all of us at Kingswood U.S."

Recommendations were collected via an independent survey among more than 25,000 individuals. Both short-term (12-month) and long-term (5-year) development of Assets Under Management (AUM) were analyzed using publicly available data.

Earlier this month, Kingswood U.S. announced a significant expansion of the Kingswood Investments team, which follows the strategic buildout of the firm's in-house investment banking capabilities over the past few years and illustrates the firm's commitment to this successful and growing business.

About Kingswood U.S. / Kingswood Group

Kingswood U.S., part of the Kingswood Group, is a network of wealth management firms that includes an SEC-registered RIA and a FINRA-licensed broker-dealer, offering comprehensive wealth management and business-building services, designed specifically for the independent financial advisor. With our parent company, we represent more than $14 billion in AUM, and support 400 registered individuals. Kingswood has the resources and capital of a very large financial services firm and the personalized touch and feel of a boutique company. Kingswood has earned a reputation as a firm built for advisors by advisors.

Media Contacts

Haven Tower Group

Donald C. Cutler or Elizabeth Shim

424.317.4864 or 424.317.4861

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Kingswood U.S.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LoanSnap today announced it has joined NVIDIA Inception , a program that nurtures startups revolutionizing industries with technological advancements.

LoanSnap is focused on helping consumers save money by using artificial intelligence to minimize debt with technology-driven methods that were previously too time- consuming to research and implement. The company saved its customers over $80 million last year. Its proprietary neural network and software, called LoanFlow, accomplished this feat by sorting through thousands of options for the customer within seconds and closing loans in as little as 24 hours while competitors take 50 days or more, according to a May 2023 CNBC report.

LoanSnap plans to use the resources available through NVIDIA Inception, including technological assistance and hardware access, to accelerate its LoanFlow product and find even more ways to help consumers save money. The program will also offer LoanSnap the opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading experts and other AI-driven organizations.

"We are excited to be welcomed to NVIDIA Inception and look forward to working with NVIDIA to accelerate our progress toward our goal of saving our customers $1 Billion per year."

 Karl Jacob, CEO and Co-founder of LoanSnap.

"With support from NVIDIA Inception, we're poised to unlock 30% more options for our customers to save money. These accolades aren't just progress; they're a testament to our dedication. LoanSnap's collaborations propel us towards a future where savings and technology converge seamlessly to benefit people."

 Allan Carroll, CTO and Co-founder of LoanSnap.

NVIDIA Inception helps startups during critical stages of product development, prototyping, and deployment. Every Inception member gets a custom set of ongoing benefits, such as NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute credits, preferred pricing on NVIDIA hardware and software, and technological assistance, which provides startups with the fundamental tools to help them grow.

LoanSnap is at the forefront of fintech innovation, dedicated to improving American financial health through advanced technology. The company specializes in SMART Loan solutions, offering personalized insights to empower consumers in their financial decisions. The company also created LoanFlow, which empowers mortgage companies and independent loan officers to offer SMART Loans to their customers. For more information, visit www.goloansnap.com . For press inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Media Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE LoanSnap, Inc
MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking and life-altering dinner that transcended social and economic boundaries, students from diverse neighborhoods across Shelby County, Tennessee gathered at Ruth's Chris last night for an extraordinary evening hosted and sponsored by the transformative poverty-fighting organization, From The Streets To Wall Street Foundation. Dr. Gerald Kiner, the visionary founder of the foundation, painted a picture of a world where underprivileged youth can find liberation and equality, emphasizing that the stock market holds opportunities without discrimination.

After dinner photo shoot with Dr. Gerald Kiner, Mrs. Brunson and her Melrose High School students along with Lauren Michelle of Collierville High School.

The atmosphere was electrifying as Dr. Kiner and a team of successful mentors shared invaluable insights over a sumptuous dinner, guiding the inner-city and suburban students on principles such as investing in their 401Ks, maintaining stellar credit, early financial aid applications for college, and unraveling the complexities of the stock market. Mrs. Mosesella Brunson, an Economics teacher at Melrose High School, was moved to see her four students immersed in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, while Bruce Dailey Sr, a mentor, and Lead AP Mechanic and Federal Express shared his inspiring journey to his upcoming retirement as a millionaire through prudent 401K investments.

Aziel Sneed, a student from Hillcrest High School, described the event as "unbelievable," while Lauren Michell of Collierville High School expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that the dinner had profoundly impacted her perspective. Witnessing the transformation in her peers, she was touched by the newfound awareness they had gained.

This event was not just a meal and a conversation; it was a gateway to a new world for these high school students. From The Streets To Wall Street Foundation is dedicated to erasing the disparity between underprivileged youth and financial literacy, offering mentorship, resources, and educational initiatives to empower individuals towards financial independence, steering them away from the temptations of criminal paths.

When asked why he invites suburban kids to his dinners with the majority of inner-city kids, Dr. Kiner responded, "People don't realize that through explicit rap lyrics, suburban kids fall victim to the street culture just as much as inner-city kids do. Our slogan is 'Stories Rewritten, Destinies Rerouted'. We want to reroute all children from that street culture no matter where they are  and we will."

To learn more about the Foundation, and future events, or to get involved as a mentor or mentee, please visit http://www.fromthestreetstowallstreetfoundation.org or call 901-570-3220. Join us in shaping a future where every young mind has the tools to thrive in the world of finance.

SOURCE From the Streets to Wallstreet Foundation
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucinity , a leader in generative AI for financial institutions, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Udi Nessimyan as its new President and Chief Revenue Officer. Udi brings to the role a wealth of experience from his time in AI development at some of the world's most prestigious tech companies, including Sealed.ai, Oracle, and Amazon Web Services.



Gudmundur Kristjansson, Founder and CEO of Lucinity, expressed his enthusiasm about Udi's appointment, stating, "Udi's proven track record of driving growth and innovation aligns perfectly with our core mission at Lucinity. His strategic acumen and deep industry knowledge are invaluable as we continue to develop and deliver AI solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our clients' operations."

Udi's career highlights include co-founding and leading Sealed.ai as CEO, where he spearheaded the development of a cutting-edge conversational AI platform that redefined standards in business communication. At Basis Technology, he was instrumental in driving sales and operational strategies for their flagship products, including Rosette and various Cyber Forensics tools, achieving an annual recurring revenue growth rate exceeding 30%.

In his new role, Udi will focus on refining Lucinity's approach to marketing, sales, and customer onboarding. His expertise will be crucial in ensuring that Lucinity's innovative AI solutions are effectively communicated and reach the right audiences, thereby maximizing their impact and facilitating the adoption of the technology.

"Udi's involvement is vital as we strive to make our AI tools more intuitive and impactful," said Kristjansson. "His insights and leadership will enhance our ability to deliver these technologies efficiently and effectively, aligning them closely with customer needs and industry demands."

Under Udi's leadership, Lucinity is set to deepen its commitment to unleashing human efficiency with AI, expanding the reach and impact of its mission to create AI that makes people better at what they do.

Lucinity thanks its partners and stakeholders for their continued support and interest as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.

About Lucinity:

Lucinity is a leader in generative AI technologies for financial institutions, designed to accelerate workforce efficiency. Its platform features Luci, an AI copilot that enhances intelligence gathering, analysis, and decision-making, allowing institutions to streamline operations and reduce costs. As an open, configurable, no-code platform, Lucinity is a crucial tool for enhancing productivity and operational efficiency in the financial sector.

Media Contact

Celina Pablo

Senior Marketing Manager

[email protected]

+354 792 4321

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2208676/4669079/Lucinity_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lucinity
   

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SAN DIEGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LUXE Bidet, the #1 bidet attachment provider in America, is delighted to share its recent success at the esteemed Hermes Creative Awards for its project "LUXE Bidet  Good Clean Fun," featuring a host-read with Conan O'Brien. The company's advertisement, led by Conan O'Brien, has been honored as a 2024 Gold Winner, signifying a remarkable achievement in creative excellence and industry recognition.

LUXE Bidet celebrates winning the 2024 Hermes Creative Gold Award for its exceptional bidet attachment project. Post this LUXE bidets are built to last with durable, premium materials. Designed to deliver high-quality at an affordable price. LUXE Bidets patented technology elevates the bathroom experience and quality of life for a wide range of users.

While initially met with laughter, owning a bidet proves to be a decision appreciated in the long run. This sentiment was vividly illustrated in LUXE Bidet's partnership with Conan O'Brien. Conan's immediate reaction to the advertisement talking points echoed the amusement often associated with bidets. However, he skillfully transformed this amusement into an engaging narrative that lasted nearly four minutes. Amidst the comedic tone, Conan's delivery underscored the significance of hygiene, subtly reminding listeners of its importance. This collaboration served as a testament to the bidet's efficacy beyond mere amusement, emphasizing its role in promoting cleanliness and comfort.

LUXE Bidet celebrates the unprecedented success of this ad campaign, which has garnered major virality across all social media platforms. Since its release, the advertisement has amassed 1.6M views, captivating netizens, bidet enthusiasts, and sparking heated conversations surrounding the delivery of the ad read by Conan. LUXE Bidet remains committed to delivering impactful content and setting new standards of excellence in the industry.

In addition to the engaging content, the advertisement featured compelling quotes that emphasized the practical advantages of bidet usage. It commenced with an impactful assertion, highlighting how bidets effectively tackle post-meal clean-up, contrasting with the inefficiency of toilet paper: "Toilet paper has no business trying to battle the mess of a large holiday meal. Bidets, on the other hand, shoot a precise stream of refreshing water exactly where you need it. No more smearing, and no more feeling like you're trying to scrub a stubborn stain with a tissue!" To which Conan replied "No toilet paper can handle that. No! You need a whole other device. You need a bidet!"

Another quote underscored the lasting impact of a LUXE Bidet as a transformative gift, reflecting both initial amusement and long-term gratitude from users: "A LUXE Bidet makes a great life-changing gift. People will laugh when they first see it and will thank you forever when they start using it. People who try and buy it, often feel that this has been one of the best purchases they've ever made!"

Conan O'Brien, renowned podcast host of "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend" (Team Coco), along with a talented team from Studio Resonate, SiriusXM Media, including Casey Baker, Chelsea Campbell, Veronica Kwiatkowski, Tyler Ott, Shauna Casey, Ben Cabonargi, Drew Daigle, Aura Reyes, and LUXE Bidet team including Emma Andersen, James Kelley, Kaitlyn Chan, and Anjum Gupta, collectively contributed to the success of the award-winning advertisement.

Reflecting on the recognition, Anjum Gupta, CEO of LUXE Bidet, expressed gratitude, stating, "Receiving this recognition Hermes Creative Awards is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in making America bidet-aware. We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in promoting hygiene and enhancing the bathroom experience for our customers."

About The Hermes Creative Awards

The Hermes Creative Awards is renowned for celebrating innovation and creativity across traditional and emerging media, is an esteemed international competition administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). With a rigorous judging process led by industry experts, the awards honor outstanding achievements in publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, advertising, marketing, and communication programs.

About LUXE Bidet

LUXE Bidet is the #1 best-selling bidet attachment in America, happy to be serving over three million customers nationwide. LUXE bidets are built to last with durable, premium materials. Designed to deliver high-quality at an affordable price, LUXE Bidet's patented technology elevates the bathroom experience and quality of life for a wide range of users.

For more information about this award and to access the audio, please visit this link.

Media Contact

Emma Andersen

Marketing Manager

LUXE Bidet

[email protected]

SOURCE LUXE Bidet
Study completion marks an important next step in the Company's Europe program

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lykos Therapeutics (formerly MAPS Public Benefit Corporation) ("Lykos"), a company dedicated to transforming mental healthcare, announced the completion of a European Phase 2 study (MP18), an open-label, multicenter feasibility study of investigational midomafetamine (MDMA) capsules used in combination with psychological intervention ("MDMA-assisted therapy") for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"). Having completed the pivotal clinical Phase 3 studies in the United States, the new drug application ("NDA") for Lykos' investigational midomafetamine capsules is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA").

"Given the substantial need for new treatment options for individuals with mental health conditions in Europe, the completion of this Phase 2 study is an important step to helping address unmet needs outside the United States," said Amy Emerson, chief executive officer at Lykos Therapeutics. "By pursuing FDA approval of MDMA-assisted therapy first, we believe the learnings will be beneficial as we determine our regulatory strategy in the United Kingdom and Europe. We are exploring different avenues to bring MDMA-assisted therapy to market outside the United States."

The study included twenty-one participants treated in sites in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Germany, and Norway. The study included an optional fMRI sub-study assessing changes in brain activity in subjects with PTSD.

"Successful completion of this Phase 2 study in Europe is an important step to build on the body of evidence evaluating the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted therapy in the United States where this novel therapeutic approach now is under FDA review," said Eric Vermetten, professor of psychiatry at Leiden University Medical Center and lead investigator of the study. "There is an urgent need for new and effective evidence-based treatments for PTSD in Europe where the reported PTSD prevalence is up to 6.7%."1



On February 9, 2024, the FDA accepted the company's NDA for midomafetamine (MDMA) capsules used in combination with psychological intervention, which includes psychotherapy (talk therapy) and other supportive services provided by a qualified healthcare provider for individuals with PTSD. The FDA granted the application Priority Review and has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA") target action date of August 11, 2024. The FDA grants Priority Review for drugs that, if approved, would represent significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions when compared to standard applications.2 If approved, this would be the first MDMA-assisted therapy and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Midomafetamine (MDMA) capsules have not been approved by any regulatory agency. The safety and efficacy of midomafetamine have not been established for the treatment of PTSD. Investigational midomafetamine is also being studied in other indications.



Lykos Therapeutics (Formerly MAPS PBC)

At Lykos Therapeutics, a public benefit corporation (PBC) founded by MAPS, our mission is to transform mental healthcare. We're applying our decades in evidence-based research to develop investigational psychedelics to catalyze therapeutic approaches for mental health conditions. We are relentlessly exploring and reimagining novel approaches to address unmet needs in the mental healthcare space, with an initial focus on PTSD. As a PBC, we are focused on delivering positive impact on our people, communities and society. To learn more visit us at www.lykospbc.com and on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and Facebook.



1 Burri A, Maercker A. Differences in prevalence rates of PTSD in various European countries explained by war exposure, other trauma and cultural value orientation. BMC Res Notes. 2014;7:407. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-407

2 FDA Priority Review. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/patients/fast-track-breakthrough-therapy-accelerated-approval-priority-review/priority-review. Accessed January 2024.

SOURCE Lykos Therapeutics
This collaboration will see MAKO Medical and Rebuilding Together bring their resources, volunteers, and expertise together to make critical repairs and improvements to a veteran's home. The project aims not only to enhance the living conditions of the veteran and their family but also to ensure their home is a safe, healthy, and comfortable place to live.

Chad Price, CEO of MAKO Medical, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, "It is a privilege to partner with Rebuilding Together on this important project. At MAKO Medical, we have immense respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military veterans. This collaboration is a way for us to express our appreciation and support for those who have served our country, by ensuring they have a safe and dignified place to call home."

Rebuilding Together is known for its work in improving the homes and lives of veterans, low-income families, and those in need. By focusing on making homes safer and more accessible, Rebuilding Together helps to preserve affordable homeownership and stabilize communities.

"Our partnership with MAKO Medical shows the power of collaboration in improving the lives of homeowners in need, especially for veterans," said Dan Sargent, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. "Working together with partners like MAKO Medical, we're honored to help make homes safe and accessible for local heroes and their families."

Both organizations mobilized teams of volunteers and resources to complete the work. The initiative is part of MAKO Medical's broader commitment to supporting veterans and their families, aligning with the company's values of service, integrity, and community engagement.

For more information about the project, volunteering, or how to support MAKO Medical and Rebuilding Together's efforts, please visit www.makomedical.com and https://www.rttriangle.org.

About MAKO Medical

Founded with a commitment to excellence in healthcare, MAKO Medical provides leading-edge diagnostic services and laboratory testing across the United States. Dedicated to innovation, accuracy, and efficiency, MAKO Medical supports various community and national charitable initiatives, focusing on improving health outcomes and making a positive impact on society.

About Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is a leading national nonprofit in safe and healthy housing with more than 40 years of experience. Together with its network of affiliates, corporate and individual donors, and thousands of volunteers, it repairs homes, revitalizes communities, and rebuilds lives, focusing on serving veterans, elderly, disabled individuals, and families in need.

SOURCE Mako Medical Laboratory
The global HR research and advisory firm has published a new resource that suggests that when organizations enable menopausal staff to thrive, the benefits extend beyond the individual employee to the broader organization. Benefits cited include increased retention and productivity as well as improved morale and communication.

TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As the conversation surrounding menopause in the workplace continues to gain traction, many organizations still lack critical support systems to ensure employees who are experiencing menopause have the resources they need to succeed. In response to the lack of training and education as well as discomfort discussing the topic, McLean & Company has published its new guide, Be an Ally for Menopausal Staff. The global HR research and advisory firm's resource has been designed to empower people leaders to become allies for menopausal staff by enhancing their understanding, fostering inclusivity, seeking out unique ways to offer support, and cultivating positive team relationships.

When organizations empower menopausal staff to thrive, they also enable the broader organization to thrive. However, many menopausal staff face challenges at work due to menopausal symptoms, with most feeling unable to voice their concerns because they fear their employers will see them as less efficient or capable, McLean & Company explains in the new resource. (CNW Group/McLean & Company)

"We know that menopause affects women, individuals with medical menopause related to personal health needs, as well as some non-binary, intersex, and transgender people. This means approximately half of the workforce is impacted by menopause," says Karen Mann, senior vice president, Human Resources Research, Learning & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. "While there is often more support for menopause in the workplace in regions such as Northern Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, menopausal support is critically lacking in North American environments. People leaders play a key role in helping all staff thrive, so they must take a proactive and informed approach to dispel any misconceptions they may have and strengthen their understanding of the common challenges menopausal staff may face."

Menopause is a natural stage of life with symptoms that can vary greatly, including emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression, cognitive symptoms such as brain fog and memory lapses, and physical symptoms like hot flushes, chills, and insomnia, the new HR resource explains. These challenges can span multiple years across four phases, which are pre-menopause, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, and can be managed through tailored workplace support.

"Menopause can impact a person's working life, but it does not diminish their ability to perform their job effectively," shares Michelle Courneyea, research analyst at McLean & Company. "Being an ally for menopausal staff is no different from supporting any other team member and requires prioritizing inclusion. It's important to remember that inclusive practices benefit everyone; they may just need to be fine-tuned to meet team members' unique needs."

McLean & Company has identified five key actions people leaders can take to create a workplace environment in which menopausal employees can thrive, as outlined below:

Inform. Leaders must first develop their knowledge of menopause and mitigate any biases they may have. This looks like challenging their own assumptions, consulting organizational resources, learning from others, and conducting their own research.



Empathize. Use emotional intelligence to build trusting coworker relationships. Doing so requires leading with empathy, respecting team members' privacy and confidentiality, and creating opportunities for employees to connect with people leaders to safely share experiences and voice concerns.



Understand needs. As a leader, it is important to understand that menopause experiences are unique to the individual. Recognizing behaviors that may impact work-life balance and may be tied to menopausal symptoms, such as reduced participation in team meetings or frequent yawning and irritability due to insomnia, is a key step to proactively supporting employee needs.



Accommodate. Supporting menopausal staff enhances both individual and organizational success. By providing tailored support, such as flexible working hours, modified working locations, or adjusted deadlines, leaders can improve employee morale and inclusivity within the team.



Advocate. To be an ally for menopausal staff, leaders must champion menopausal awareness and be role models for how other team members can support employees experiencing menopause. Raising awareness about menopause requires keeping the team informed by sharing relevant resources, standing up for menopausal staff by addressing comments that create an opportunity to educate, and celebrating ally behaviors through positive reinforcement and recognition.

As people leaders work to understand how to best support staff experiencing menopause, McLean & Company reminds them that lack of awareness, confidence, and policies are common obstacles that can be overcome by taking an intentional and inclusive approach. When leaders commit to leading with empathy and understanding to support menopausal staff, advocating for tailored assistance, and promoting an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, both the employees and the organization will benefit.

To access the full resource, please visit Be an Ally for Menopausal Staff.

The firm is also pleased to offer its spotlight resource, Overcoming the Taboo: Menopause in the Workplace.

To attend upcoming free webinars on a variety of topics or explore the publicly available archive of recorded sessions, please visit McLean & Company's webinars page.

Please note that a selection of McLean & Company's research-based webinars are now offering professional development credits for recertification with SHRM, HRCI, and HRPA.

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights and commentary on psychological safety in the workplace, DEI, generative AI in HR, HR trends in 2024, the future of work, and more can contact Senior Communications Manager Kelsey King at [email protected].

About McLean & Company

Through data-driven insights and proven best-practice methodologies, McLean & Company offers comprehensive resources and full-service assessments, action plans, and training to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McLean & Company
WALTHAM, Mass., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercy BioAnalytics, Inc., a pioneer in extracellular vesicle-based liquid biopsy for the early detection of cancer, will present data at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting showing the performance of its Mercy Halo Ovarian Cancer screening test in a large cohort of asymptomatic, postmenopausal women. The results of the study, which included more than 1,300 women, will be shared in a poster presentation on June 3rd, 2024.

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women. More than 70% of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in women over 50 years of age, and nearly 80% of ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease, when survival is poor. Today, there are no guideline-recommended screening tests for ovarian cancer, which kills nearly 13,000 women each year in the US alone.

"Legacy technologies such as CA125 serum biomarker testing and transvaginal ultrasound imaging have not proven accurate enough to justify their use for population ovarian cancer screening. Unfortunately, no alternative technology has demonstrated superior clinical performance in a screening population since CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound were introduced nearly four decades ago," said Dawn Mattoon, PhD, Mercy's CEO.

Mercy is developing a highly sensitive and specific screening test designed to help detect ovarian cancer earlier in asymptomatic, postmenopausal women. Mercy analyzed samples from the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) in which 200,000 women were enrolled, randomized to no screening or annual screening, and followed for up to 20 years. All trial participants donated a blood sample at the time of enrollment. Mercy analyzed the blood of more than 1,300 trial participants to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Mercy Halo test for detecting ovarian cancer up to three years prior to clinical diagnosis.

"This study allowed us to see how far in advance of the presentation of clinical disease our test can detect early-stage ovarian cancer, and at what sensitivity and specificity," Mattoon said. "We're excited to share the outstanding performance of the Mercy Halo test in this large patient cohort that is representative of our intended patient population."

The Mercy Halo test achieves high sensitivity and specificity through the simultaneous detection of multiple cancer-related biomarkers co-localized on the surface of individual tumor-associated extracellular vesicles. The high abundance of extracellular vesicles in circulation enables the Mercy Halo test to be run on a very small volume of serum or plasma with a simple qPCR-based read-out, unlike cell-free DNA-based tests which typically require a larger volume of blood and next-generation sequencing to generate results.

The Mercy ovarian cancer data will be shared on June 3rd in a poster titled "Evaluation of a novel extracellular vesicle (EV) based ovarian cancer (OC) screening test in asymptomatic postmenopausal women."

About Mercy BioAnalytics

Mercy BioAnalytics, Inc. is on a mission to relieve suffering and save lives through the early detection of cancer. Early-stage cancer is difficult to detect, but when found, is more often amenable to curative therapy. The patented Mercy Halo liquid biopsy platform utilizes biomarker co-localization to interrogate highly abundant, blood-based extracellular vesicles that carry unique cancer signatures from their parent cells. The Mercy Halo platform is designed to detect Stage I cancer, when it is most treatable, and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Mercy's initial focus is the early detection of ovarian and lung cancers. Ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecological cancer, typically goes undetected until it is too late to cure. Lung cancer, the number-one cancer killer, takes more lives than breast and prostate cancers combined.

SOURCE Mercy BioAnalytics
MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) released a new RogueRx Activity Report, Injectable Weight Loss Drugs: How Illegal Online Drug Sellers Are Taking Advantage of Patients, which explores how bad actors are taking advantage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist) medications "going viral." This class of drugs, including semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Among patients, these drugs are commonly known for promoting weight loss. Unfortunately, because of the drugs' popularity, criminals have seized the opportunity to illegally sell the drugs online, putting patients at risk.

These GLP-1 agonists are in high demand by patients; however, they are expensive and often not covered by insurance. In addition, some dosages of these approved drugs are on Food and Drug Administration's Drug Shortage List, meaning that the available supply cannot meet the current demand. As a result, some patients go online to find these popular medications. Illegal online sellers are exploiting this demand by offering substandard and falsified GLP-1 agonists to vulnerable patients. According to the Partnership for Safe Medicines, substandard and falsified Ozempic has been found in at least 16 countries to date. In the report, NABP highlights the methods illegal actors use to sell substandard or falsified GLP-1 agonists:

NABP's RogueRx Activity Report explores illegal activity that has followed the rise of injectable weight loss drugs. Post this

Criminals sell these drugs online without requiring a valid prescription and without the required pharmacy licenses.

Some bad actors trick purchasers by mimicking legal sellers' websites, branding, or packaging.

Others employ a non-delivery scheme, meaning patients never receive the goods they pay for online.

Sellers may also try to skirt enforcement by advertising drugs as "peptides" with claims that they are for "research purposes only" and "not for human consumption."

Government agencies around the world are actively investigating illegal sellers, and online marketplaces and e-advertising platforms are working to remove illegal drug sellers from their platforms. NABP applauds the efforts of these agencies and organizations.

Patients are encouraged to visit NABP's Safe Pharmacy website for resources, such as the Safe Site Search Tool, to help protect them when purchasing medication online. Learn how you can warn patients against illegal online sellers of GLP-1 agonists by reading the RogueRx Activity Report.

About NABP

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial 501(c)(3) nonprofit Association that assists its state member boards and jurisdictions in protecting the public health. NABP was established in 1904 to assist the state boards of pharmacy in creating uniform education and licensure standards. Today, we help support patient and prescription drug safety through examinations that assess pharmacist competency, pharmacist licensure transfer and verification services, and various pharmacy accreditation and inspection programs.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person's right to age well, is hosting its 2024 Age+Action Conference on May 6-8, 2024, in Arlington, VA.

Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, will keynote the event, attended by over 900 professionals in the field of aging.

Expert speakers from across the country will present over 100 concurrent education and main stage sessions on such critical topics as ageism, retirement income, chronic care, mental health, evidence-based programs, and nutrition.

What: 2024 Age+Action Conference

When and Where:

Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia , May 6-8, 2024

, Register at https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=761665

Who. Select speakers include:

Jennifer Klein , Assistant to the President and Director, White House Gender Policy Council Alison Barkoff, Performing the duties of the ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Administration for Community Living Kathy Greenlee, Board Chair, National Council on Aging, and former Assistant Secretary for Aging Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, National Council on Aging Haleh Nazeri , Lead, Longevity Economy, World Economic Forum Jason Fichtner, Chief Economist, Bipartisan Policy Center Trish D'Antonio, Executive Director, National Center to Reframe Aging Marcus Escobedo, Vice President, Communications, The John A. Hartford Foundation Lizzy Letter, Staff Director, U.S. Senate Committee on Aging Elizabeth White, Entrepreneur, activist, and author of 55, Unemployed, and Faking Normal

Members of the press are invited to attend, and some speakers are available for media interviews. Please contact Simona Combi for a free press registration code at [email protected] or 571-572-3982.

About NCOA:

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person's right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging .

SOURCE National Council on Aging
Study reveals majority of Colorado female teens have missed school due to lack of period products

Click here for photos

DENVER, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Denver nonprofit Justice Necessary unveils data from its latest study on teen period poverty in Colorado, shedding light on a deeply concerning issue. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for action to address the need for teens to have access to period products in schools.

Key highlights from the study include:

Justice Necessary One Month Period Bags

80% of female teens in Colorado have missed class due to lack of period products.

have missed class due to lack of period products. 90% of female teens in Colorado have started their periods unexpectedly in public without proper period products.

have started their periods unexpectedly in public without proper period products. 66% of female teens in Colorado have missed opportunities to participate in before and after school activities, including studying with peers, due to a lack of period products.

"The pursuit of student learning and engagement is a shared objective. Ensuring students have access to fully stocked restrooms facilitates this crucial endeavor," said Justice Necessary Founder and President Diane Cushman Neal. "Justice Necessary is dedicated to ensuring students have access to period products year-round allowing students to participate in all school activities as well as extracurricular activities and not miss any time in the classroom, because access to period products, just is necessary!"

To better understand the needs of students, The Colorado Teen Period Poverty Study also asked teens how access could be improved. Here are a few of their responses:

"Having it [period products] in public restrooms in buildings like libraries, schools, and stores."

"I think they [the schools] should have machines in the school bathrooms so when we start our period we can just grab a tampon or pad from the bathroom instead of having to go to the nurse."

"They [period products] are needed just like toilet paper."

In April, Justice Necessary is hosting five-period packing parties, providing more than 300,000 period products for Colorado students ensuring they have what they need throughout the summer.

Join Justice Necessary on April 26 and April 27 in conjunction with the Aurora Police Community Outreach and Aunt Flow to pack one-month period bags for students at Aurora and Cherry Creek School Districts, Aurora Community College, as well as Amigos de Mexico, and The Salvation Army. The Aurora Community Period Packing Party will be held each day from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at The Salvation Army Emergency Warehouse (11701 E. 33rd Ave. #1426, Aurora, CO 80010). To learn more or to sign up, go to https://justicenecessary.org/get-involved .

ABOUT JUSTICE NECESSARY

Founded in 2020 by Diane Cushman Neal, Justice Necessary is a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to combating period poverty and hygiene poverty in Colorado communities. They work throughout Colorado to deliver essential hygiene products to address immediate needs, while also focusing on community engagement, continuity of products, education, and legislative support. Since its inception, Justice Necessary has provided more than 4,550,000 organic period products, more than 245,000 basic hygiene products, and more than 195,000 eco-friendly diapers and wipes. Justice Necessary is running the "Free Menstrual Products to Students" legislation in the 2024 legislative session to ensure access to period products for Colorado's middle and high school students.

Learn more at justicenecessary.org . For an interview with the Justice Necessary team, contact Emily Tracy at Prim + Co. at [email protected] or 919.449.4803.

Contact: Emily Tracy

Prim + Co.

919.449.4803

[email protected]

SOURCE Justice Necessary
WESTPORT, Conn., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Newman's Own, Inc.  the food and beverage company that donates 100% of its profits to help kids who face adversity  announced the appointment of Anne Laraway to its board of directors.

Ms. Laraway is currently the CEO and "Mom in Chief" of Happy Family Organics, the largest organic baby food brand in the US and an original trailblazer in the category. She is an accomplished leader of consumer businesses with deep experience in both entrepreneurial environments and large CPG food companies like Unilever and General Mills.

"We are delighted to have Anne join the Newman's Own, Inc. Board of Directors," said Ellen Marram, board chair. "Her deep experience in driving growth in a variety of innovative, better-for-you consumer food businesses will be very helpful as we continue to build the Newman's Own business."

"It is an honor to join the Newman's Own, Inc. Board of Directors and be a part of such a meaningful organization that makes great food and helps transform the lives of children in so many ways through its unique giving model. I look forward to continuing to further the mission that Paul Newman originally set for the company," said Ms. Laraway.

Ms. Laraway serves on the Board of Directors for BabyNov USA. In the past, she served as the Board Chair for Metropolitan Lighthouse (now Nuasin Next Generation) Charter School in the Bronx. She received her BA from the University of St. Thomas and her MBA from Columbia Business School. Ms. Laraway currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her husband and three children.

About Newman's Own

Newman's Own, Inc., founded by Paul Newman in 1982, offers great tasting, high-quality food and beverage products for people and their pets. Its products include among others salad dressings, frozen pizza, cookies, pasta sauces, salsa, refrigerated drinks, and dog treats. Newman's Own, Inc. continues Paul Newman's founding commitment to "give it all away," with 100% of its profits going to the Newman's Own Foundation to help children who face adversity. To learn more please visit NewmansOwn.com.

SOURCE Newman's Own, Inc.
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, commends Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for signing into law SB 2223, the Second Amendment Privacy Act. This NSSF-supported law protects the privacy and sensitive financial information of people purchasing firearms and ammunition in The Volunteer State. With Tennessee, there are now 13 states with laws that protect the Second Amendment financial privacy of their citizens.

The law prohibits financial institutions from requiring the use of a firearm code, also known as a Merchant Category Code (MCC), from being assigned to firearm and ammunition purchases at retail when using a credit card. The law also forbids discriminating against a firearm retailer as a result of the assigned or non-assignment of a firearm code and disclosing the protected financial information. Additionally, the law prohibits keeping or causing to be kept any list, record or registry of private firearm ownership.

"Governor Bill Lee's signature on the Second Amendment Privacy Act is crucial to ensuring citizens of his state won't have to be worried that 'woke' Wall Street banks, credit card companies and payment processors will collude with government entities to spy on their private finances when they lawfully purchase firearms and an ammunition," said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. "NSSF is grateful to state Representative Rusty Grills and state Senator Jack Johnson for ushering this legislation through to become law. No American should fear being placed on a government watchlist simply for exercise their Constitutionally-protected rights to keep and bear arms."

NSSF worked closely with Tennessee legislators to protect private and legal firearm and ammunition purchases from political exploitation. The Second Amendment Privacy Act is designed to protect the privacy of lawful and private firearm and ammunition purchases from being abused for political purposes by corporate financial service providers and unlawful government search and seizure of legal and private financial transactions.

The U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) admitted to U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in a letter that it violated the Fourth Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens that protect against illegal search and seizure when it collected the credit card purchase history from banks and credit card companies of individuals who purchased firearms and ammunition in the days surrounding Jan. 6, 2020. Treasury's FinCEN had no cause, and sought the information without a warrant, to place these law-abiding citizens on a government watchlist only because they exercised their Second Amendment rights to lawfully purchase firearms and ammunition.

The idea of a firearm-retailer specific MCC was borne from antigun New York Times' columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin and Amalgamated Bank, which has been called "The Left's Private Banker" and bankrolls the Democratic National Committee and several antigun politicians. Amalgamated Bank lobbied the Swiss-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the code's creation. NSSF has called on Congress to investigate Amalgamated Bank's role in manipulating the ISO standard setting process.

Sorkin admitted creating a firearm-retailer specific MCC would be a first step to creating a national firearm registry, which is forbidden by federal law.

Tennessee joins a growing list of states that are standing against the invasion of financial privacy when exercising Second Amendment rights, including Iowa, Kentucky, Wyoming, Indiana, Utah, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Texas and West Virginia. These states passed laws protecting citizens' Second Amendment privacy. Other states are considering similar legislation. U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) introduced S. 4075, the NSSF-supported Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act in the Senate. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik introduced H.R. 7450, with the same title in the U.S. House of Representatives. California's Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law requiring the use of a firearm-retailer specific MCC and Colorado passed similar legislation that is awaiting Gov. Jared Polis' consideration.

About NSSF

NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has over 10,5000 members including manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.

SOURCE NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION
Napa's First and Only Impact Driven Wine Club now with More Flexibility, Value and Exclusive Access to Award-Winning Wines

RUTHERFORD, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ONEHOPE Wine , a Napa Valley winery founded with the mission to change the world by sharing wine and giving hope has relaunched the Wine Club offering more flexibility and completely customizable options. Tapping into ONEHOPE's technology platform, Wine Club members can select different wines with each shipment, adjust the frequency and timing of delivery and change the number of bottles purchased. In addition, with each purchase customers can select a nonprofit of their choice to receive 10% of all proceeds  making this the only impact driven Wine Club where every order gives back to the causes that matter to its members.

ONEHOPE Wine ONEHOPE Wine

"Since day one our mission has been to bring the Napa experience and the amazing award-winning wines from our region to more people who enjoy wine and giving back to the causes that matter most," shared Jake Kloberdanz, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, ONEHOPE Wine. "We are proud to offer our Wine Club members the incredible flexibility to receive the wine they want, when and how they choose to receive it along with access to some of our exclusive vintages and our state-of-the-art winery in the heart of Napa."

Joining the ONEHOPE Wine Club offers members significant benefits valued at $500. Perks of membership include free shipping, special discounts, free wine gifts and exclusive offers. Membership benefits include:

Free Shipping - Wine Club members receive free shipping on all their subscriptions and on all orders over $99

- Wine Club members receive free shipping on all their subscriptions and on all orders over Savings - Save 10% on 6-bottle and 20% on 12-bottle purchases all year round

Save 10% on 6-bottle and 20% on 12-bottle purchases all year round Wine Gifts - Alongside your wine selection, receive exclusive wine gifts on your second and fourth shipments

- Alongside your wine selection, receive exclusive wine gifts on your second and fourth shipments Winery Tastings - On your third shipment, enjoy an exclusive invitation to our acclaimed tasting room, in the heart of the world-renowned Napa Valley

- On your third shipment, enjoy an exclusive invitation to our acclaimed tasting room, in the heart of the world-renowned Exclusive Wines - Wine Club members receive exclusive access to our newest selections, most unique options, and limited-release vintages

- Wine Club members receive exclusive access to our newest selections, most unique options, and limited-release vintages Greater Giving - As always every order gives back and wine club members average $60 a year to their cause of choice

Exclusive Access: To sign up and become a member of ONEHOPE's Wine Club visit https://www.onehopewine.com/wine-club and begin to experience the incredible offerings of ONEHOPE's vintages.

About ONEHOPE:

ONEHOPE was founded in 2007 with the mission to change the world by bringing people together to share wine and giving hope to help nourish the future for generations to come. Together with our inspiring 10,000+ Cause Entrepreneurs, ONEHOPE has proudly donated to nonprofits around the world, helping fund over 3 million meals to children in need, planting an entire forest in Indonesia, building three schools in the developing world, and so much more. We are democratizing the Napa Valley experience with award-winning wines and empowering consumers to support the causes that matter most to them through wine.

ONEHOPE offers a platform to donate 10% of the proceeds to benefit nonprofits chosen by customers. To date, ONEHOPE has supported over 50,000 unique nonprofits and in fall 2023 passed the milestone of $10 million in donations.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Bergman

917-903-6768

[email protected]

SOURCE ONEHOPE Wine
LEHI, Utah, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PCF Insurance Services, a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage, has closed $400 million in incremental debt financing led by Blue Owl, a global alternative asset manager that acted as lead arranger and administrative agent. The financing was materially oversubscribed and was upsized from $300 million to $400 million in response to strong demand from new and existing lenders. In addition, the company reduced the margin on the majority of its debt by 50 basis points, which will represent a significant annual savings in ongoing interest expense.

This most recent financing is a testament to the strength of our team and commitment to growth and will enable us to further accelerate our M&A strategy, said Felix Morgan, Chief Executive Officer for PCF Insurance.

"This most recent financing is a testament to the strength of our team and commitment to growth and will enable us to further accelerate our M&A strategy," said Felix Morgan, Chief Executive Officer for PCF Insurance. "As part of PCF's long-term commitment to growth, we seek to identify and acquire businesses that will benefit from strong shareholder value and robust shared services offerings along with access to collaborative, industry-leading professionals."

The deal includes a delayed draw term loan to support M&A that will be pari passu and mature concurrently with the company's existing secured credit facilities. PCF Insurance last accessed the capital markets in July 2023, when it secured $400 million in incremental debt financing, which was also led by Blue Owl, and in February 2023 with a $500 million preferred equity investment co-led by Carlyle's Global Credit platform and private equity firm HGGC. Blue Owl and Crescent Capital, both of which have existing minority equity stakes in the business, also participated in the preferred equity transaction.

"Felix and the management team at PCF Insurance Services continue to successfully execute on their growth strategy, and we are pleased to provide the company with additional capital to fund their long-term plan," said Lukas Spiss, Managing Director at Blue Owl Capital. "We look forward to seeing what they can accomplish over the coming years and are excited to continue our partnership."

PCF Insurance was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the second consecutive year in 2023. PCF Insurance leverages the industry knowledge and experience of its more than 4,000 employees across 40 states to provide its highly diversified suite of risk management, benefits design, and insurance brokerage services. PCF Insurance strategically slowed M&A efforts in 2023. In 2024, the company has accelerated both M&A and organic strategies to drive growth.

About PCF Insurance Services

A top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage headquartered in Lehi, Utah, PCF Insurance Services of the West, LLC offers a broad array of commercial and personal lines, life and health, employee benefits, and workers' compensation solutions. PCF Insurance's operating model and entrepreneurial environment support its tremendous growth profile, offering its businesses alignment through equity ownership, enhanced coverage solutions and capabilities for clients, and shared-services resources. With more than 4,000 employees across the U.S., PCF Insurance is a notable leader in the insurance space, ranking #20 on Business Insurance's 2023 Top 100 Brokers and #12 on Insurance Journal's 2023 Top Property/Casualty Agencies. Visit pcfins.com for more information.

About Blue Owl

Blue Owl (NYSE: OWL) is a leading asset manager that is redefining alternatives. With over $165 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023, Blue Owl invests across three multi-strategy platforms: Credit, GP Strategic Capital, and Real Estate. Anchored by a strong permanent capital base, Blue Owl provides businesses with private capital solutions to drive long-term growth and offer institutional and individual investors differentiated alternative investment opportunities that aim to deliver strong performance, risk-adjusted returns, and capital preservation. Together with over 685 experienced professionals globally, Blue Owl brings the vision and discipline to create the exceptional. To learn more, visit www.blueowl.com.

SOURCE PCF Insurance Services
JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Pharma Parenteral Packaging Market  By Drug Type (Small Molecules, Biologics, Vaccines, Biosimilars, & Others), By Product Type (Bottles, Ampoules, Vials, Prefilled syringes, Cartridges, & Others), By Material (Glass, Polymer, PVC, Others), By Packaging Type (Small Volume Parenteral, Large Volume Parenteral) Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2031."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the Global Pharma Parenteral Packaging Market is valued at US$ 13.28 Bn in 2023, and it is expected to reach US$ 18.85 Bn by 2031, with a CAGR of 4.47% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

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Pharma parenteral packaging is created to hold and transport sterile pharmaceutical goods administered through injections. These packaging techniques keep medical products safe, contamination-free, and undamaged in storage, and transit and maintain their potency.

The growing pharmaceutical sector, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, technological advancements, demand for parenteral packaging and sterile packaging solutions, and increased pharmaceutical expenditure worldwide are driving the pharmaceutical packaging market.

However, with stringent government regulations and standards, the high cost of raw materials used in pharma parenteral packaging, such as glass and plastic, can fluctuate significantly and hamper the market's growth.

List of Prominent Players in the Pharma Parenteral Packaging Market:

Adelphi Healthcare Packaging

Akorn, Inc.

Alcami Corporation, Inc.

Amcor

Ardena Holding NV

Baxter International Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing

Berry Global Inc.

Catalent Inc.

Gerresheimer AG

Nipro Corporation

PCI Pharma Services

Schott AG

Schur Flexibles Group

SGD Pharma

SiO2 Materials Science.

Stevanato Group S.p.A

Terumo Corporation

UDG Healthcare Plc.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Ypsomed Holding AG

Order this 180 Pages Detailed Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/buy-report/2446

Pharma Parenteral Packaging Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2023 USD 13.28 Bn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 18.85 Bn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 4.47% from 2024 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn, Volume (Tons) and CAGR from 2024 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Drug Type, By Product Type, By Material, By Packaging Type Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

The growing demand for pharma parenteral packaging market is primarily fueled by the increasing popularity and penetration of generic medications coupled with blockbusters and other small-molecule drugs going off-patent globally. Packaging is crucial for safely storing and transporting medicines. Thus, pharma parenteral packaging utilization will be propelled by the increasing need for generic pharmaceuticals.

Challenges:

Stringent government regulations and standards can potentially slow innovation and increase manufacturers' costs. Pharma parenteral packaging manufacturers must comply with regulations set by agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) regarding material compatibility, sterility, and labelling.

Regional Trends:

The North American pharma parenteral packaging market is anticipated to register a significant market share in revenue. It is projected to grow at a high CAGR in the near future because of the presence of major market players, the growing pharmaceutical industry, and more demand for injectable medicine packaging. Besides, Europe had a substantial market share because of expanded vaccine programs and the number of people suffering from chronic and infectious diseases.

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Recent Developments:

In January 2024 , SCHOTT Pharma expanded its global manufacturing network and invested a double-digit million euros in a new production site for pharma drug containment solutions and delivery systems in Jagodina in central Serbia.

SCHOTT Pharma expanded its global manufacturing network and invested a double-digit million euros in a new production site for pharma drug containment solutions and delivery systems in Jagodina in central Serbia. In Nov 2023 , Amcor announced the introduction of the newest generation of its Medical Laminates products. Amcor's newest discovery makes it possible to create recyclable all-film packaging in the polyethylene stream. A mono-material polyethylene (PE) laminate is the latest packaging solution; it can be utilized for catheters, injection and tubing systems, curtains, and protective coverings.

Amcor announced the introduction of the newest generation of its Medical Laminates products. Amcor's newest discovery makes it possible to create recyclable all-film packaging in the polyethylene stream. A mono-material polyethylene (PE) laminate is the latest packaging solution; it can be utilized for catheters, injection and tubing systems, curtains, and protective coverings. In October 2023 , Gerresheimer launched COP (Cyclic Olefin Polymer) to fill and store sensitive biopharmaceutical mRNA active ingredients.

Gerresheimer launched COP (Cyclic Olefin Polymer) to fill and store sensitive biopharmaceutical mRNA active ingredients. In Nov 2022 , BD developed the Effivax glass prefillable syringe to enhance biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes by running smoothly on fill/finish packaging lines. The fill/finish and container reliability of Effivax's design improvements are intended to assist the company's biopharmaceutical clients in meeting the exacting requirements of vaccine manufacture. The syringe lowers the possibility of a line halt, raises manufacturing capacity, and lowers the total cost of ownership.

Segmentation of Pharma Parenteral Packaging Market-

By Drug Type-

Small Molecules

Biologics

Vaccines

Biosimilars

Others

By Product Type-

Bottles

Ampoules

Vials

Prefilled syringes

Cartridges

Others

By Material-

Glass

Polymer

PVC

Others

By Packaging Type

Small Volume Parenteral

Large Volume Parenteral

By Region-

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

South East Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of the Middle East and Africa

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Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for global Pharma Parenteral Packaging market

To receive industry overview and future trends of global Pharma Parenteral Packaging market

To analyze the Pharma Parenteral Packaging market drivers and challenges

To get information on the Pharma Parenteral Packaging market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031

Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisition in global Pharma Parenteral Packaging industry

Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Pre-Sterilized/Ready to Use Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Sustainable Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Pharmaceutical Packaging Market

Active, Smart and Intelligent Packaging Market

About Us:

InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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SOURCE InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd
Through USDA's Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program, the Initiative is Recruiting 24 Minority and Underserved Georgia Farmers to Adopt Hydroponic Farming

ATLANTA, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Food Security (CFS), led by minority-owned AgTech start-up, Ponix , is implementing a $5 million United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant, as part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, which helps measure and promote climate-smart farming practices. The program will design and launch an inclusive marketplace for sustainable vegetable producers, empowering minority and underserved communities to sell both their produce and carbon credits to corporate partners.

CFS is researching which farming method produces less harm to the environment  a tech-enabled farm that grows lettuce with Ponix's proprietary indoor hydroponic vertical farming methods or a conventional farm that employs outdoor farming practices.

If successful in emitting less greenhouse gas emissions than its conventional counterpart, CFS's tech-enabled farm would allow a new carbon credit program to develop where farmers, major distributors and retailers, and individual consumers would be able to earn, buy and sell carbon credits.

"We're passionate about the benefits of hydroponic farming," said Ponix CEO, Michael Choi, who has incubated tech-enabled solutions for public and private sectors throughout his 15 year career. "It's hyper local and yields a more nutritious product that doesn't require pesticides, recirculates water and conserves land," he said.

Last month, CFS established Ponix's hydroponic farm within a 300 square-foot footprint in a facility in Decatur, which is equivalent to one acre of an outdoor conventional farm. Its first harvest is slated for mid-May. The Ponix hydroponic farm will grow just under a ton of lettuce per month. Both the hydroponic and conventional farms are growing red fire lettuce.

"With current conventional farming-related emissions estimated to account for 24% of total greenhouse gas emissions, the success of the CFS pilot presents a major opportunity for the future of the agricultural industry by creating a blueprint on how to not only mitigate the devastating impact of climate change, but also reduce food insecurity and racial inequities," said Choi.

Studies show that nearly 25% of Atlantans live in food deserts  areas that have low access to healthy, affordable food. Moreover, they are located largely inside minority, underserved communities, who, without easy access to fresh, healthy food, rely on inflammatory, unhealthy fast food.

CFS's diverse coalition of multidisciplinary and minority-focused partners includes Ponix ; the PROPEL Center , the first innovation hub built for the future of HBCUs powered by Apple and Southern Company; Slater Infrastructure Group , a woman- and minority-owned professional services firm that specializes in water, transportation, environmental and energy services; GTC 360 Advisors , a business strategy, government contracting and carbon credit consulting firm; FoodChain , an online marketplace, which connects sustainable food producers with wholesale buyers; the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) the nation's capital's only public, land-grant, research HBCU; and Georgia Bio , a non-profit that is empowering the next generation through biotech.

Through these partners, CFS is recruiting and educating 24 minority-owned landowners, underserved farmers and HBCU students on how to use and adopt Ponix's AgTech hardware and software solutions. Additionally, CFS is providing internships to HBCU students and providing agribusiness opportunities. More information can be found at coalitionforfoodsecurity.com .

USDA is committed to supporting a diverse range of farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners through Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities. This effort will expand markets for America's climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production, and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers.

USDA is investing more than $3.1 billion for 141 projects through this effort and all the projects require meaningful involvement of small and underserved producers.

"Through Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, USDA will provide targeted funding to meet national and global demand and expand market opportunities for climate-smart commodities to increase the competitive advantage of American producers," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "We want a broad array of agriculture and forestry to see themselves in this effort, including small and historically underserved producers as well as early adopters."

USDA has already invested nearly $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and an additional $325 million in 71 more projects under the second funding pool.

About Ponix:

Ponix, Inc., a pioneering, minority-owned, AgTech company, is revolutionizing the way we grow food through its proprietary technology and turnkey, modular, smart indoor farming solutions. Ponix indoor farms cultivate fresh crops year-round with zero pesticides and require 90% less land and water than conventional methods, directly addressing public health concerns, nutritional deficiencies, food insecurities and breathing new life into both urban and rural communities. Discover more at www.ponixfarms.com .

About the USDA:

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov .

SOURCE Ponix, Inc.
FREMONT, Calif., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Knot LLC, the market leader for on site organic waste management solutions announced today that it has received orders for more than 50 units of the LFC biodigester from His Majesty's Prison Service (HMPS) in the UK. Multiple orders for machines demonstrate HMPS's commitment to Power Knot's solutions.

HMPS is responsible for managing prison facilities in England and Wales. There are an estimated 84,000 inmates and 44,00 staff members onsite. HMPS has focused on food waste management as part of their zero waste initiative. After an extensive evaluation of food waste options with Power Knot UK, HMPS chose Power Knot as their premier organic waste management provider and placed orders for more than 50 units of the LFC biodigester.

The LFC biodigester is a machine that digests food waste. These machines are usually installed in a commercial kitchen and reduce the expense, inconvenience, mess, and carbon footprint of disposing of waste food that would otherwise be hauled to a landfill. Power Knot has eight different sizes that digest from 10 kg (20 lb) per day to 3000 kg (6600 lb) per day of waste food.

"Multiple orders from HMPS demonstrate that the LFC biodigester is the best in the industry," said Iain Milnes, President of Power Knot. "These machines are the most reliable solution for any organization seeking to reduce their organic waste with minimal maintenance. We look forward to building on our relationship with HMPS to create a more sustainable prison environment."

HMPS joins the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) as part of the many federal prison systems currently relying on the LFC biodigester as their food waste solution. Some of these facilities have selected the LFC Security Package which brings security to sustainability. The LFC Security Package helps prevent any unauthorized person from configuring, using, or otherwise tampering with the LFC biodigester.

About Power Knot

Power Knot provides safe and economically sound solutions for commercial, industrial, and military customers globally seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. We offer nine biodigester models that process from 10 kg (25 lb) to 6000 kg (13,200 lb) of food waste per day. Our technologies are proven, available today, have been in reliable use for many years, and offer a payback period typically of less than two years. We design, develop, and manufacture our products in our headquarters in Silicon Valley, California.

For more information, access www.powerknot.com.

Company Contact:

Cecillia Wong

Marketing manager

Power Knot LLC

+1-408-889-8433

[email protected]

SOURCE Power Knot LLC
V-Bio Ventures leads international syndicate which includes Johnson & Johnson Innovation  JJDC, Inc., QBIC Fund, Flanders Future Tech Fund, Curie Capital as well as seed investors Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge and BOM

Flindr discovers and develops precision oncology therapeutics with the potential to eradicate tumors in specific patient populations

Lead asset is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of the cancer driver RNF31

OSS, Netherlands, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Flindr Therapeutics B.V. ("Flindr" or "the Company"), a precision oncology therapeutics company, today announces a 20 million Series A financing to advance its pipeline of first-in-class, small molecule inhibitors for treatment of cancer. V-Bio Ventures led the financing alongside other new investors Johnson & Johnson Innovation  JJDC, Inc. (JJDC), QBIC Fund, Flanders Future Tech Fund and Curie Capital, as well as existing investors Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge and Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM).

Flindr combines world class science and expertise in translational biology, cancer target identification, immuno-oncology and small molecule oncology drug development. The expert team has a successful track record in the identification and development of covalent small molecules inhibitors from discovery to market approval.

The Company utilizes the "ImmunoGram Drug Discovery Engine", which has evolved from seminal work in the laboratories of the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and the Oncode Institute. This approach involves reverse-translating the heterogeneity in tumor-specific and host-specific factors, as commonly seen in patients in the clinic, into lab-based biological models to screen for and select the most important drug targets involved in patient clinical response.

Flindr's lead program is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of RNF31 (also known as HOIP), a protein-stabilizing E3 ubiquitin ligase which is aberrantly activated in solid and hematological malignancies. The Company has already obtained highly promising activity for the drug candidate in preclinical ovarian cancer and B-cell lymphoma models, and identified biomarkers which will help select patients most likely to respond to treatment with RNF31 inhibitors. Flindr will use the funds to progress its lead program to IND, develop an exciting second program, and broaden its pipeline using the ImmunoGram Drug Discovery Engine.

Flindr Therapeutics was created in 2020, with Maarten Ligtenberg as the founding CEO, and initial seed financing from BOM, Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge Capital and Innovatiefonds Noord Holland. In 2023, Flindr joined forces with VIB, Flanders' leading life sciences research institute, and the lab of Professor Rudi Beyaert (of the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research), to leverage their deep expertise of immunology - including RNF31 biology - and development of animal cancer models. Their work with Flindr in these areas will provide further validation of RNF31 as a target and will enable the Company to make safety predictions.

Maarten Ligtenberg, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Flindr, said: "This 20 million Series A financing will help us translate our precision targets into precision therapies, with the ultimate goal of potentially transforming the lives of patients with cancer. The backing of this highly regarded investor syndicate is a strong validation of our unique approach and the potential of our pipeline."

Christina Takke, Managing Partner at V-Bio Ventures, commented: "We strongly believe that a complementary team is crucial for any success. The Flindr team combines well-established identification expertise from the NKI with world class biological insights from VIB, and its deep experience and successful track record in the identification and development of covalent small molecules inhibitors."

Following financing, the Flindr Supervisory Board of Directors will include Christina Takke, V-Bio Ventures, Chris De Jonghe, Oncode Institute, Tine Bekaert, Flanders Future Tech Fund, Cedric van Nevel, QBIC Fund and Allard Kaptein, CEO of Genase Therapeutics and Chief Strategy Officer of IMMIOS, as well as a representative of JJDC.

About Flindr Therapeutics

Flindr Therapeutics, based in Oss in the Netherlands, is a private pre-clinical biotech company developing next-generation precision oncology treatments. The Company, previously called Immagene, was spun out of the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and Oncode Institute in 2020, by founders Prof Daniel Peeper, Prof Christian Blank and Dr Maarten Ligtenberg. Flindr is actively building a pipeline of highly promising, first-in-class precision oncology therapies identified through the ImmunoGram Drug Discovery Engine. It is backed by V-Bio Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Innovation  JJDC, Inc., QBIC Fund, Flanders Future Tech Fund, Curie Capital, Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund, Swanbridge, Innovatiefonds Noord Holland, and BOM. Flindr has entered into a research collaboration with the NKI, and the VIB (Flanders Institute of Biotechnology).

About V-Bio Ventures

V-Bio Ventures (www.v-bio.ventures) is an independent venture capital firm specialized in financing and supporting innovative life sciences companies. V-Bio Ventures was founded in 2015 and works closely with Belgium-based VIB, one of the world's leading research institutes in the life sciences. The fund invests across Europe in high growth potential start-ups and young companies targeting transformational innovations in the biotech, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

About QBIC Fund

Qbic is a sector-agnostic seed and early-stage venture capital fund, focusing on creating impact through the transformation of technological breakthroughs into sustainable business. The fund's goal is to support young innovative companies that valorize research from Qbic's knowledge partners. The fund typically participates in the first external investment round of a company and continues to support and invest in these companies throughout their growth. Across 3 funds, Qbic has close to 200M in AUM.

About Flanders Future Tech Fund

The Flanders Future Tech Fund is an early-stage funding fund, managed by the Flemish investment company PMV, that aims to respond to the funding needs of early technology initiatives by research centers, universities and Flemish spearhead clusters, as well as private parties. With its investments, the Flanders Future Tech Fund aims to focus on the valorisation of technology developed by Flemish companies, with a particular focus on the spearhead domains of Care and Welfare, Digital Transformation and Climate & Sustainability. The Flanders Future Tech Fund has a fund size of 75 million euros and can enter into financings of 0.5 to 5 million euros.

About Curie Capital

Curie Capital (www.curiecapital.nl) is a life science focused venture capital firm founded in 2018. Curie Capital is based in Amsterdam and invests in Seed and Series A stage biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies with talented teams. We support portfolio companies with our broad experiences in various areas and access to our extensive network. The founding partners Mariette van der Velden and Han de Groot both have extensive experience in investing, entrepreneurship and managing companies across the full life cycle from startup to exit.

About VIB

VIB's core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB's technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies.

About Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund

Oncode Oncology Bridge Fund is focused on providing first seed financing to start-up companies in the field of oncology, that are either based on scientific findings originating from Oncode Institute or that are founded by Oncode Investigators. The fund was established in 2018, operates with Shobhit Dhawan as dedicated fund manager and has built a growing portfolio of promising oncology ventures.

About Swanbridge Capital

Swanbridge Capital is an early-stage venture capital fund that is focused on (pre-)seed investments in the life sciences industry. The fund invests in the development of novel therapies, diagnostics and medical devices. Swanbridge Capital was founded in 2016 and is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

About Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)

Entrepreneurship is the driver of innovation. From sustainable food sources to a healthy future, climate-neutral energy, and developing promising key technologies  the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) ensures that startups playing a role in these fields get off to a flying start and grow into scaleups, that the right facilities are always available to Brabant-based companies, and that companies that aspire to go global can actually do so. Every year BOM works with dozens of companies to create this impact. BOM is an executive body of the Province of Brabant and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. BOM. Catalyzing Change.

SOURCE Flindr Therapeutics
Independent Meta-Analysis Shines Light on Important Visualization Modality

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus, a global medical technology company committed to making people's lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling, announced today data showing that the use of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) technology with patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) led to 37% less likelihood of recurrence over 12-35 months.1

Olympus announced that data showing that the use of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) technology with patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) led to 37% less likelihood of recurrence over 12-35 months.

The data are drawn from the hazard ratio referenced in a meta-analysis, "Narrow band imaging versus white light cystoscopy alone for transurethral resection for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer," published in 2022 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.1

"Without dyes, without any change to the patient's standard cystoscopy, and with only a push of a button, urologists can better visualize a lesion, and potentially contribute to reduced recurrence of what is a notoriously recurrent cancer," said Richard Reynolds, President, Olympus Medical Systems Group. "As more urologists become aware of the benefits of NBI technology, and as more studies are published, we believe use of the modality will become the norm in an elevated standard of care."

As reported by the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer has one of the highest recurrence rates.2 Additionally, "recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is highly variable, depending on tumor classification and grade at diagnosis. For example, in patients diagnosed with low-grade noninvasive urothelial carcinoma (Ta), recurrence rates range from 30% to 60% at 5 years; however, the risk of progression to MIBC is 5%. In contrast, patients with high-grade urothelial carcinoma invading into the lamina propria (T1) have progression rates of 30% to 70%." 2

Keeping a close eye on bladder cancer is critical because of these recurrence rates, with patients typically undergoing cystoscopy every 3-6 months for years after a diagnosis.3

This recent recurrence data complements existing NBI technology claims, indicating that, in comparison to white light, NBI technology visualized NMIBC lesions in:

17% additional patients

24% additional tumors

28% additional Carcinoma In Situ (CIS ).4

NBI is not intended to replace histopathological sampling as a means of diagnosis.

"Whether in the office or the OR setting, I find NBI technology a necessary additional evaluation component in cystoscopy for bladder cancer patients," said Michael B. Williams, MD, MS, Associate Professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School. "Physicians should know that training to incorporate NBI technology into their practice is available and it does require some time to identify lesions effectively. However, with additional analysis showing a reduction in recurrence of NMIBC for patients whose physicians used NBI technology, there are now more reasons to adopt use of this visualization technique."

Recent start-up activity around NBI technology and bladder cancer was recognized by Olympus in its selection of Vesica AI, a promising medical startup company, as the winner of the inaugural Olympus Asia Pacific Innovation Program (OAIP). Vesica AI was chosen from a field of four finalists for its innovative AI-based clinical visualization software that supports and enhances the early detection of bladder cancer through the cystoscopy procedure. Vesica AI is the result of a collaboration between the University of Tsukuba Hospital in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), a Japanese public agency promoting scientific development. As the winning innovator, Vesica AI will receive grant funding of $75,000 as well as an exclusive mentorship program with key thought leaders from Olympus. The mentorship program will connect Vesica AI with experts from Olympus in meaningful ways that aim to support the future success of the company.

Olympus provides information, images, video and more at the NBI technology for urology product page. NBI technology will also be available for demo at the Olympus booth at the American Urological Association (AUA) conference, May 3-6, 2024, in San Antonio, TX.

About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to our purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals striving to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more information, visit medical.olympusamerica.com.

1 Lai LY, Tafuri SM, Ginier EC, Herrel LA, Dahm P, Maisch P, Lane GI. Narrow band imaging versus white light cystoscopy alone for transurethral resection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Apr 8;4(4):CD014887. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD014887.pub2. PMID: 35393644; PMCID: PMC8990285.

2 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/long-term-health-concerns/recurrence/cancer-recurrence-rates.html

3 cancer.org/cancer/types/bladder-cancer/treating/by-stage.html

4 Li, K., Lin, T., Fan, X., Duan, Y., & Huang, J. (2013). Diagnosis of narrow-band imaging in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Urology, 20, 602-609. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23113702

SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas
STOCKHOLM, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual General Meeting of ASSA ABLOY AB was held on Wednesday 24 April 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Adoption of income statements and balance sheets and discharge from liability

The Annual General Meeting adopted the parent company's and the Group's income statements and balance sheets for the financial year 2023. The members of the Board of Directors and the CEO were discharged from liability for the financial year 2023.

Dividend

The Annual General Meeting approved the dividend of SEK 5.40 per share proposed by the Board of Directors, to be paid out in two equal installments, the first with the record date Friday 26 April 2024 and the second with the record date Monday 11 November 2024. The first installment is estimated to be paid on Thursday 2 May 2024 and the second installment on Thursday 14 November 2024.

Election of the Board of Directors and auditor

The Annual General Meeting re-elected Johan Hjertonsson, Carl Douglas, Erik Ekudden, Sofia Schorling Hogberg, Lena Olving, Victoria Van Camp, Joakim Weidemanis and Susanne Pahlen Aklundh as members of the Board of Directors. Johan Hjertonsson was re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Carl Douglas was re-elected as Vice Chairman.

The Annual General Meeting re-elected the audit firm Ernst & Young AB as auditor for the time period until the end of the Annual General Meeting 2025.

Remuneration to the Board of Directors and the auditor

The remuneration to the Board of Directors will totally amount to SEK 9,945,000 (excluding remuneration for committee work). Auditor fees shall be paid according to contract.

Resolution on approval of remuneration report

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board of Directors' previously published proposal, to approve the Board's remuneration report.

Resolution regarding authorization to repurchase and transfer Series B shares in the company

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board of Directors' previously published proposal, to authorize the Board of Directors to, on one or more occasions, repurchase Series B shares in the company for the period up until the Annual General Meeting 2025. The repurchase shall maximum comprise so many Series B shares that the company's holding does not at any time exceed 10 per cent of the total number of shares in the company.

Resolution regarding long-term incentive program

The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the Board of Directors' previously published proposal, to implement a long-term incentive program for senior executives and key employees within the ASSA ABLOY Group ("LTI 2024").

Minutes from the Meeting including complete resolutions will be available on the company's website assaabloy.com/general-meeting.

For more information, please contact:

Nico Delvaux, President and CEO, tel. no: +46 8 506 485 82

Erik Pieder, CFO and Executive Vice President, tel. no: +46 8 506 485 72

Bjorn Tibell, Head of Investor Relations, tel. no: +46 70 275 67 68

About ASSA ABLOY

The ASSA ABLOY Group is the global leader in access solutions. The Group operates worldwide with 61,000 employees and sales of SEK 141 billion. The Group has leading positions in areas such as efficient door openings, trusted identities and entrance automation. ASSA ABLOY's innovations enable safe, secure and convenient access to physical and digital places. Every day, we help billions of people experience a more open world.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/assa-abloy/r/resolutions-at-assa-abloy-ab-s-annual-general-meeting-24-april-2024,c3966574

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/7333/3966574/2754153.pdf Press release (PDF)

SOURCE ASSA ABLOY
FAIRFIELD, N.J., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes has recognized seven Bleakley Financial Group advisors among the Best-In-State Wealth Advisors according to its annual list that spotlights top advisors across the country. Andy Schwartz, Scott Schwartz, Jack Cooney, Michael Axelrod, Frank Lepore, Ricky Wright, and Lyle Weintraub have all been recognized based on several key factors including their years of experience, assets under management, compliance records, and their approach to working with clients. The 2024 list for Northern NJ includes 179 advisors in the state of New Jersey, and Bleakley Financial Advisors comprise four of the top 25.

Michael Axelrod, Principal of Bleakley Financial shared, "We are so proud of the culture of independence and excellence that we have built at Bleakley Financial Group. I am excited to see so many of our top advisors being honored on the prestigious Forbes/Shook top advisor list."

This recognition underscores the contributions made in representing the best of our industry and the deep trust they have built with their clients as well as their dedication to upholding high levels of professionalism and expertise in the work they do.

Principal Jack Cooney said, "We are truly honored to be acknowledged among such a distinguished group of advisors. Our gratitude extends to our valued clients, whose trust in us is deeply appreciated, and to the support we receive from our staff, which has been instrumental in our success."

Partner & Wealth Management Advisor, Frank Lepore added, "This accolade is a testament to the strength of our team and the innovative strategies we employ to meet the diverse needs of the clients we serve. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in their lives and look forward to continuing our journey together."

We extend our congratulations to Andy, Scott, Jack, Michael, Lyle, Ricky, and Frank on their remarkable achievement. Their professionalism and dedication to client service embody the core values that Bleakley Financial Group stands for in the financial planning and wealth management industry.

For additional details about Bleakley Financial Group and our professional team of advisors, we invite you to visit our website or contact our office.

View Full Forbes Best-In-State Advisor List for 2024

**About Bleakley Financial Group**

Bleakley Financial Group stands as a leading financial planning and wealth management firm, dedicated to offering bespoke financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses. Our experienced advisors prioritize client objectives, delivering personalized planning and strategic investment management aimed at achieving financial aspirations.

The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking was developed by SHOOK Research. These rankings are based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee from Bleakley Financial Group, LLC or Scott Schwartz in exchange for these rankings.

Advisors associated with Bleakley Financial Group, LLC may be: (1) registered representatives with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, (2) registered representatives with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC; or (3) solely investment advisor representatives of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Investment advice offered through Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. Scott Schwartz is solely an investment advisor representative of Bleakley Financial Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial.

CONTACT: Vincent Nauheimer, [email protected]

SOURCE Bleakley Financial Group
NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stax LLC, a global strategy consulting firm specializing in commercial due diligence, value creation, and exit planning for private equity firms, PE-backed companies, hedge funds, and investment banks has appointed Andrew Keller to the role of Director in the London office. Andrew's expertise encompasses over 15 years of involvement in strategy consulting and commercial due diligence, advising private equity and corporate clients across the technology and business services sectors at Kroll, EY, and OC&C. Additionally, he brings more than six years of experience in corporate finance and strategy at private equity-backed portfolio companies.

Andrew Keller, Director, Stax London

"We are delighted to welcome Andrew Keller to Stax. His recent appointment marks a significant step in the growth of Stax's London office, signifying an expansion of our sector coverage. This move also allows us to leverage our established success in North America to better support our clients in London and across Europe," remarked Phil Dunne, Stax U.K. Managing Director. "Andrew brings a wealth of experience in private equity due diligence and value creation, complemented by firsthand insights gained while working at private equity-owned businesses. His extensive expertise spans various subsectors within the technology vertical, including travel, maritime, construction, and financial services."



"I am genuinely excited to be joining a firm exclusively dedicated to strategy, commercial due diligence, and value realization. What particularly attracts me to Stax is its impressive growth trajectory. With a strong foothold in the U.S., particularly in technology and software, and a strategic investment in the London and European markets, Stax presents a compelling growth platform," expressed Andrew Keller. "I am eager to contribute my technology-specific expertise, focusing primarily on deals involving construction software, maritime technology, and TravelTechgained from my tenure at global booking technology company Travelport. Additionally, I bring valuable experience in the investment landscape of the business services sector, having worked on significant deals around the globe."

As Stax strategically expands, the London office is a key element of the growth strategy aimed at serving private equity, hedge fund, and investment banking clients across Europe. Andrew's appointment reinforces Stax's commitment to enhancing value for U.K.- and EMEA-based clientsrepresenting one of the firm's fastest-growing markets. With Andrew leading the technology vertical, Stax is also broadening its sector expertise in the healthcare and consumer sectors in London, aiming to provide clients with a comprehensive portfolio of specialized experts spanning technology, industrials, business services, healthcare, consumer and retail, and information services.

About Stax LLC

Stax LLC is a global management consulting firm serving corporate and private equity clients across a broad range of industries including software/technology, healthcare, business services, industrial, consumer/retail, and education. The firm partners with clients to provide data-driven, actionable insights designed to drive growth, enhance profits, increase value, and make better investment decisions. Please visit www.stax.com and follow Stax on LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

SOURCE Stax LLC
FRIBOURG, Switzerland, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sulpayments Switzerland and GameCash Mexico, have announced their consolidation under a unified holding structure. This strategic move aims to leverage synergies between the two companies, combining Sulpayments' expertise in secure and efficient payment solutions with GameCash's stronghold in the gaming industry.

SulPayments team: Tilmar, Christian, Eduardo and Fernando

Under this unified structure, both entities will maintain their distinct identities and operations while benefiting from shared resources, strategic alignment, and enhanced capabilities. The consolidation underscores a commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering unparalleled value to customers across the intersecting domains of finance and gaming.

Gamecash a pioneering payments startup based in Mexico by its holding entity, founded by the entrepreneur Hugo Castrejon, Gamecash has been facilitating seamless payment transactions in Mexico, offering an array of services including SPEI, cash payments, Oxxo & Paynet, and transactions with local Mexican cards employing the latest 3D Secure 2.0 protocol to ensure the highest conversion rates.

Sulpayments, a Swiss-based fully authorized fintech firm, is making significant strides in the Brazilian market by specializing in cutting-edge payment solutions collaborating with Brazilian partners licensed by the Central Bank of Brazil. SulPayments focus is facilitating cross-border transactions by offering seamless USDT settlements, catering to the needs of businesses operating within Brazil's dynamic financial landscape. Leveraging its Swiss expertise and global network, Sulpayments provides secure, efficient, and compliant payment services, enabling clients to navigate the complexities of international finance with ease.

Tilmar Goos, CEO of Sul Payments, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition: "Integrating Gamecash into our holding is a pivotal step towards achieving our goal of expanding our footprint in Latin America. With Gamecash's expertise in the Mexican market, we are now positioned to offer our clients comprehensive local payment solutions and USDT settlements through Sul Payments, an authorized entity in Switzerland. This move not only strengthens our presence in Mexico but also aligns with our vision of simplifying payment processes for businesses across Latin America."

Hugo Castrejon, founder of Gamecash, shared his optimism about joining forces with Sul Payments: "This acquisition represents a significant achievement for us at Gamecash. Following our successful exit from Banwire, we are excited to embark on this new journey. Our combined efforts will enable us to offer unparalleled local payment solutions and USDT settlements, ensuring a secure, efficient, and compliant operation for our clients, as highlighted on our website."

The integration of Gamecash into Sul Payments' offerings paves the way for businesses in Brazil, Mexico, and beyond to accept all local payments and receive settlements in USD, EUR, or USDT without the necessity of establishing a local entity. This collaboration signifies a step forward in Sul Payments' commitment to enhancing its service portfolio and adding value to its clients' operations in the ever-evolving digital payment landscape.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2393111/photoreleasesul.jpg
TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) will release its first quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, May 9, 2024 after markets close. Sun Life will hold its earnings conference call and live webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET the following day.

Date: Friday, May 10, 2024

Time: 10:00 a.m. ET

To access the call and presentation via live webcast, please click here.

To access the call via telephone, please click here.

The webcast replay will be available after the event.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.40 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

Media Relations Contact:





Investor Relations Contact: Krista Wilson





David Garg Director





Senior Vice-President, Capital Corporate Communications





Management and Investor Relations T. 226-751-2391





T. 416-408-8649 [email protected]





[email protected]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.
MACON, Ga., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Macon-Bibb County got a little cooler on April 18. Community members gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating Ti Cold's latest accomplishmentdesigning and building an Agile Cold Storage facility.

Ti Cold, being a nationally recognized leader in the cold chain industry, worked with Agile to design and build a facility developed with a focus on energy efficiency, advanced warehouse management and value-add services to refrigerated and frozen food providers.

Ti Cold Ti Cold

This complex project captured the attention of government officials, dignitaries and other special guests because of the technological advancements and the relatively quick turnaround. After breaking ground in May of 2023, Ti Cold moved swiftly to complete this new, multi-temperature, state-of-the-art cold storage facility.

"I had hoped that we could have a builder that in the middle of torrential rains could open a building on time and in budget, and we found that with Ti Cold and the rest of our partners," Agile President and CEO Don Schoenl said at the ceremony. "We gave you a not ideal site and not ideal conditions and you delivered a product that you're proud of and that we're going to be proud of for years."

Strategically located on Joe Tamplin Industrial Boulevard, the site allows for easy access to I-16 and I-75 and the Port of Savannah. The facility includes a 215,100 square feet, 50-foot-tall building and holds an impressive 33,666 pallet positions.

Ti Cold implemented an environmentally friendly, low-charge ammonia refrigeration system. That means it consumes less electricity than traditional systems while maintaining temperatures ranging from 40 to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, reinforcing the company's sustainability initiatives and commitment to cold.

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to partner with Agile Cold Storage in support of this important project," President of Ti Cold Sam Tippmann said. "The facility brings best practices to receiving, storage, import/export, distribution and shipping of products. It is an essential hub in the cold chain, which ensures that products arrive on time and in perfect condition."

About Ti Cold

Ti Cold is known as a specialty, award-winning industrial cold storage builder and developer with decades of experience in designing and building state-of-the-art facilities. They utilize time-honed expertise and advanced technology solutions to create efficient buildings that scale with a business and maximize profitability by fully integrating operations and supply chain. Ti Cold provides a full suite of cold storage construction and development services, including master site planning and operations guidance. Their consulting services help companies navigate the unique challenges associated with a rapidly changing industry. Ti Cold has offices in Florida and Indiana but makes an impact across the United States. For more information, contact Rob Adams at [email protected].

About Agile Cold Storage

Headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia, Agile Cold Storage (agilecoldstorage.com) offers diversified storage and logistics solutions customized to fit client needs. The company aims to deliver better, faster, and more cost-efficient supply chain solutions while maintaining a commitment to upholding the highest level of customer service. Focusing on safety and service, Agile partners with North American food manufacturers, processers, and growers in need of temperature-controlled warehousing services and brings proven technologies and a flexible solution-oriented mindset to assist in resolving their supply chain challenges.

Media Contact:

Rob Adams

260-424-2222

[email protected]

SOURCE Ti Cold
April 29 through May 5 , every purchase of a Smile Cookie will help give back to local communities. 100 percent of the profits ( $1.50 per cookie) will be donated to over 25 charities and community groups across the U.S., selected by local Tims restaurant owners.





, every purchase of a Smile Cookie will help give back to local communities. 100 percent of the profits ( per cookie) will be donated to over 25 charities and community groups across the U.S., selected by local Tims restaurant owners. Last year, Tim Hortons guests in the United States helped raise more than $400,000 through the annual Smile Cookie campaign!

NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual Smile Cookie campaign is back at Tim Hortons restaurants in the United States starting Monday, April 29, through Sunday, May 5. When buying a Smile Cookie  a baked-daily Tim Hortons Chocolate Chunk Cookie hand-decorated with a blue and pink icing smile  guests help give back to their local community. 100 percent of profits ($1.50 per cookie) are donated to over 25 charities and community groups selected by local Tims restaurant owners.

Tim Hortons will donate 100% of the profits from every Smile Cookie purchased beginning April 29 through May 5 to charities and community groups selected by local Tims restaurant owners.

Across the U.S., donation recipients include local children-focused organizations, hospitals and community care organizations.

"Knowing that Tim Hortons supports [our local children's hospital and other charities] means the world to us. It means we have access to the technology and services that we need. And knowing that Smile Cookie can help other people like us is a fantastic feeling," said Michelle McKinney, parent.

To see the nearby organizations that benefit from the week-long event, visit timhortons.com/smile-cookie.

"Every year, we look forward to this impactful charitable campaign that empowers guests to support important causes close to home while also enjoying delicious and adorably decorated Smile Cookies," said Katerina Glyptis, president of Tim Hortons U.S. "Last year, our guests' engagement led to a new record, raising over $400,000 for local youth and community organizations  and we're looking forward to even more impact this year."

The first Smile Cookie campaign launched in 1996 in Canada, originally raising funds for Hamilton Children's Hospital. Since then, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $80 million across Canada and the United States for charities and organizations.

ABOUT TIM HORTONS

Tim Hortons is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks, (including Cold Brew with cold foam, hot and iced lattes, our famous Iced Capp beverages, TimsBoost energy infusions, and Tim Hortons Refreshers), baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, breakfast snacking items and other food products. Tim Hortons has more than 5,700 systemwide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and around the world. More information about the company is available at timhortons.com.

SOURCE Tim Hortons
TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tri Ri Asset Management Corp today disclosed a strategic transition in its leadership, effective immediately. Asad Ali, the incumbent Chief Investment Officer, will pivot to a leadership role within Tri Ri's Venture Fund following a brief hiatus.

During his tenure as Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Ali presided over the core fund, delivering notable returns of 115.80% annualized over a four-year span. His stewardship played a pivotal role in steering the fund through favorable market conditions.

Tri Ri acknowledges Mr. Ali's significant contributions to the firm's success. The decision to transition Mr. Ali reflects the company's commitment to aligning leadership roles with evolving organizational dynamics.

Tri Ri maintains a steadfast dedication to upholding its esteemed reputation in the financial industry. The leadership transition underscores the firm's unwavering commitment to optimizing performance and maintaining the trust of its stakeholders.

During this interim period, Adeel Hussain, Senior Portfolio Manager, will assume leadership responsibilities. TRAM assures stakeholders that leadership remains firm and a new Chief Investment Officer will be announced in the coming weeks.

The company extends its best wishes to Mr. Ali as he embarks on this new chapter within Tri Ri's Venture Fund.

About Tri Ri Asset Management Corp

Tri Ri Asset Management Corp is a concentrated, research-intensive, fundamental value investor in the public markets. Since 2019, Tri Ri has executed an aggressive but disciplined growth strategy, building a balanced portfolio of public market and real estate holdings. As of March 2024, Tri Ri's portfolio composed of USD 850 million in assets under management along with USD 1.2 billion in Co-investments and 7 renowned properties with over 1500 rooms.

SOURCE Tri Ri Asset Management
Interactive digital resource will empower students in grades 8-12 with the skills and knowledge to make safe and healthy decisions about prescription drugs and understanding of the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills

WASHINGTON and CHARLESTON, S.C., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Truth Initiative , the organization behind truth , the nationally recognized, proven-effective youth tobacco and opioid prevention public education campaigns, and EVERFI from Blackbaud , the leader in powering social impact through education, are teaming up once again to deliver Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth. The Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General is supporting this important resource through its Community Drug Abuse Prevention (CDAP) grant program (made possible by the Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Fund) to deliver the innovative digital course to students in grades 8-12 across the Commonwealth. The course educates students about the dangers of misusing prescription drugs, including fentanyl, exploring the impact misuse can have on their physical and mental health, relationships, communities  and their futures.

The fentanyl overdose crisis continues to be a major problem for communities across the country, including in Pennsylvania. A potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl was involved in 84% of the more than 2,200 cases of reported adolescent drug overdose deaths that occurred from 2019 to 2021. The most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 12.2% of high school students nationally  and 9% of high school students in Pennsylvania  had misused prescription opioids in their lifetime, with nearly half indicating they had misused them in the past 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, overdose deaths by counterfeit pills more than doubled from 2019 to 2021, and over half of those who died were age 35 or younger.

Through personal stories and interactive scenarios, students will learn about appropriate use, misuse, and the addictive potential of prescription drugs, treatment and recovery, and the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs. Truth Initiative and EVERFI will work with educators, administrators, and district-level officials to implement the program in line with local context and relevant themes.

"Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prevent prescription drug misuse is crucial. Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth will empower Pennsylvania youth to become safe and informed users of medication, while also providing the tools to recognize and respond to an overdose situation," said Kathy Crosby, the CEO and President of Truth Initiative. "Additionally, by educating students about the dangers of fentanyl, we are giving them the power to stay safe and protect others in their communities."

The course comes as states increasingly allow school systems to stock naloxone, a powerful medication that can quickly reverse opioid overdose. About 53% of school nurses in Pennsylvania stock naloxone. Both the American Medical Association (AMA) and National Association of School Nurses (NASN) support supplying school staff with naloxone to save young lives.

Originally released in 2017, Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth guides students through real-world scenarios delivered in Truth Initiative's authentic peer-to-peer voice. Thanks to the growing roster of schools leveraging the course, the program is expected to reach 250,000 students nationwide this school year, providing them with a better understanding of the growing youth fentanyl crisis and teaching them how to support others in situations involving prescription drug misuse and overdose.

"We applaud Attorney General Henry for her dedication to deploying this prevention education initiative across the Commonwealth to ensure students in all communities are provided critical education on prescription drug misuse, opioids, and fentanyl," said Ray Martinez, co-founder and president, EVERFI from Blackbaud. "This educational resource has already been found to promote responsible behavior among teens and school districts are seeking out impactful and engaging resources to provide their students with the information needed not just to make healthy choices but also to fight the opioid and fentanyl crisis."

A recent independent study found that EVERFI's Prescription Drug Safety course has a positive and lasting impact on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding safe prescription drug use. This impact was consistent across all genders, races and other demographics, demonstrating the program's ability to empower a broad range of students.

"An important part of the mission of the Office of Attorney General is to help educate young people to make good life choices," said Attorney General Michelle Henry. "We all have a collective responsibility to show up for the youth and help them reach their full potential. Through education we can empower young people and communities to grow stronger, safer, and more prosperous."

Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth is the latest collaboration between Truth Initiative and EVERFI and is available to schools at no cost. Previously, the organizations worked together on Vaping: Know the truth, a self-led interactive curriculum that provides students with facts on the health risks of e-cigarettes and nicotine use, and This is Quitting, a free and anonymous text message program from Truth Initiative that helps youth and young adults quit vaping nicotine.

About Truth Initiative

Truth Initiative is a national public health organization dedicated to achieving a culture where all young people reject smoking and vaping, and anyone can quit. Our impact has helped drive youth smoking prevalence down from 23% in 2000 to a historic low of 2% in 2023. Through our proven-effective and nationally recognized truth public education campaign and market leading cessation programs, we are leading the fight as e-cigarette use threatens to put a new generation at risk of nicotine addiction. Our first-of-its-kind, text message quit vaping program This Is Quitting has enrolled over 700,000 young people nationwide and our youth e-cigarette prevention curriculum Vaping: Know the truth is being used in more than 9,000 schools nationwide. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment continue to help end one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington D.C., our organization was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

About EVERFI from Blackbaud

EVERFI from Blackbaud is an international technology company driving social impact through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to mental health to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI's Impact-as-a-Service solution and digital educational content have reached more than 45 million learners globally. In 2020, the company was recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and was featured on Fortune Magazine's Impact 20 List. The company was also named to the 2021 GSV EdTech 150, a list of the most transformative growth companies in digital learning. Blackbaud acquired EVERFI in December 2021. To learn more about EVERFI, please visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or X/Twitter @EVERFI.

Blackbaud Forward-looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

SOURCE Truth Initiative
NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment ( Cambridge ) today announced Marisa Medvetz Santos, Cambridge Advanced English Language teacher at Seminole Ridge Community High School, Florida, as the regional winner of the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in North America.

Marisa Medvetz Santos

The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards is a global competition that celebrates the achievements of teachers around the world. Now in its sixth year, the competition highlights the important role that teachers play in shaping the lives of their learners and preparing them for the world. It gives students, parents, and peers the chance to nominate a current teacher for outstanding commitment to their students' education.

As a regional winner, Marisa will win $600 worth of books for her school, a trophy, take part in a regional awards ceremony, and receive publicity for her and her school during the coming year. Marisa will also appear on a 'thank you' page at the front of new Cambridge textbooks.

Marisa Medvetz Santos has been named the regional winner in North America for going above and beyond for her students through her use of innovative teaching methods during challenging circumstances. The judges praised her commitment to her students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was one of the first educators back to the classroom. Marisa spent time outside of the classroom developing engaging instructional videos to reach students learning from home  keeping the learning energy and excitement alive for her students.

On her win, Marisa said: "Receiving this award is truly an incredible honor. The challenges we face as educators are endless, and I'm deeply touched that Cambridge is recognizing the sacrifices teachers make every day. It's essential for educators to adapt and come up with new ways to engage students, ensuring we spark a lifelong passion for learning and empower students to take charge of their education. This award truly warms my heart, as it celebrates not just my efforts, but the collective resilience and unwavering commitment of all teachers to their students."

A Global Competition

This year saw a record number of nominations from people wanting to thank a teacher. Cambridge received 14,840 nominations across 141 countries, topping the previous record by over 1,000 nominations.

"It is inspiring to see the volume of nominations we received this year from people all over the world looking to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Cambridge teachers," said Mark Cavone, Regional Director for North America, Cambridge International Education. "The dedication of teachers like Marisa to engage students and ignite a love for learning is very inspirational and commendable. We are thrilled to celebrate Marisa's commitment to her students and their learning."

The public can now vote on their favourite teacher out of the nine regional winners, to become the overall winner of Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards 2024. The deadline to vote is May 6, 2024 and the global winner will be announced on May 29, 2024.

To find out more about Cambridge and vote for your favourite teacher in the competition, please visit dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote .

About Cambridge

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world.

We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators.

With recognized qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive support, and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org

SOURCE Cambridge University Press & Assessment
SINGAPORE, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global imperative to improve access to and the quality of education continues to be paramount. In this regard, independent charity Vantage Foundation notes that India has made significant strides in its education system, with strong indicators pointing to the country's notable efforts to enhance learning outcomes.

Vantage Foundation supports education activities of the UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi in India

Notably, Vantage Foundation recognises the pivotal role played by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in facilitating India's transition toward a digitally empowered society. UNESCO's profound insights, showcased through the State of Education Report (SOER) published by the UNESCO New Delhi Office, serve as a testament to its commitment to driving positive educational reforms.

"UNESCO New Delhi produces our flagship report on the issues relating to the domain of education in India such as artificial intelligence in education, technical and vocational education, climate education etc.," explains Joyce Poan, Programme Specialist and Chief of Sector for Education, UNESCO New Delhi. "We collaborated with Vantage on the topic of artificial intelligence and education. These reports are useful to policymakers because they provide updated information and ten concrete recommendations, specific to India."

"The SOER was the result of meticulous research by experts and designed for practical application. As such, we can bear witness to its tangible effects in India today," says Steven Xie, Executive Director of Vantage Foundation. "More importantly, its universal insights have the potential to transcend borders, offering far-reaching benefits that extend beyond India."

Joyce also highlights the reports' wide-ranging use cases. "Our reports serve as an essential compilation of best practices, going beyond merely informing policymakers. They also represent an important repository of knowledge on the chosen topic, aimed at educating teachers, students, and the public alike," she explains.

When asked about the future updates to its knowledge base, Joyce explains, "This year, UNESCO New Delhi will prioritise cultural and arts education in India. Our upcoming report will spotlight best practices from different Indian states and strategies for enhancing cultural and arts education across the country."

Through their collaborative efforts, Vantage Foundation and UNESCO New Delhi exemplify a shared dedication to nurturing educational excellence and societal progress. These initiatives are crafted to inspire the next generation to strive for greater accomplishments, both within India and on a global scale.

About Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organisation launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK with the support of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the NEOM McLaren Extreme E team in 2023. For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation

SOURCE Vantage Foundation
SAN DIEGO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Battery materials pioneer Wildcat Discovery Technologies today announced it received its 100th patent, reinforcing its industry-leading innovation and advancing its strategy for U.S.-based cathode materials manufacturing.

Wildcat has been developing battery materials since 2006 and plans to build a plant in the United States to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) in late 2026, lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) in 2027, and disordered rock salt (DRX) in 2028. The company has received patents for cathode active materials (CAM) innovations, novel electrolytes and anodes, and various other battery-related technologies  including its unique high throughput platform that accelerates materials development and testing.

The 100th Wildcat patent, granted by the U.S. in January 2024, protects the company's leading-edge development of "Cathode with Disordered Rocksalt Material and Method of Forming the Cathode." Wildcat is poised to disrupt global CAM markets with DRX, which has gained significant attention in the field of energy storage due to its high energy density.

"Congratulations to our innovative Wildcat team for continuing to lead the industry in battery materials development," said Wildcat President and CEO Mark Gresser. "Wildcat's mission is to produce high-performance U.S.-made cathode materials to enable widespread adoption of clean energy, and our development and engineering capability is central to our strategy."

Wildcat's first U.S. patent, granted in 2010, recognized the company's unique "High Throughput Mechanical Alloying and Screening." It was the first in a series of patents relating to the Wildcat platform that allows scientists to perform comprehensive materials testing and development 10 times faster than conventional methods.

Wildcat has received 61 U.S. patents and 39 patents from other countries, including China, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, and South Korea. In addition, Wildcat has approximately 60 patents pending.

About Wildcat Discovery Technologies

Wildcat's mission is to produce high-performance U.S.-made cathode materials to enable widespread adoption of clean energy. Founded in 2006, the company plans to manufacture a portfolio of nickel- and cobalt-free cathode materials at Wildcat's new U.S.-based manufacturing facility, currently in the final stages of design. Wildcat will continue to leverage its 15 years of materials development to help customers utilize Wildcat cathode materials and achieve the best possible integrated battery cell.

Wildcat was named one of the "50 Most Innovative Companies" by Technology Review magazine. For additional information, visit us at wildcatdiscovery.com, or follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Wildcat Discovery Technologies
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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 24 : The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested a Delhi Police constable on Tuesday for arranging a resort in Haryana's Gurugram for aspirants to read and solve question papers of the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable Examination, said senior police officials.

The accused was arrested near the Peripheral Expressway flyover in Baghpat.

The STF officials said the accused was identified as Vikram Pahal, a resident of Jind, Haryana.

They said he was recruited as a constable in Delhi Police in 2010 and served there at different units for around 14 years.

The officials said the accused met Ravi Attri, one of the two alleged masterminds of the question paper leak case, through his childhood friend Nitin of Sonipat, Haryana, and got into the nexus involved in the leaking of question paper of different recruitment examinations.

They added that he only arranged the Nature Valley Resort at Manesar of Gurugram, Haryana, where as many as 500 aspirants were made to read and solve question papers.

They said the Haryana resort owner Satish Dhankad was arrested from his hideout on March 21.

"Other than Nature Valley resort, the racketeers had arranged read and solve facility for around 300 aspirants at Shiv Maha Shakti resort of Rewa. The involvement of Shiv Maha Shakti resort is still under investigation," an STF official said.

Earlier on April 3, one of the two masterminds of the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable exam question paper leak, Rajiv Nayan Mishra, 32, was arrested from Gautam Buddha Nagar by the STF. He revealed that the aspirants were made to solve the question papers on February 16, around 24 hours before the recruitment examination scheduled on February 17 and 18 earlier this year.

The second kingpin of the paper leak, Ravi Attri was also arrested from Gautam Buddha Nagar on April 10.

More than 400 people have been arrested so far in connection with the paper leak.
Moscow, April 24 : Russia will intensify attacks on logistics centres and storage facilities of Western weapons in Ukraine, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

In proportion to the threats posed by the US and its allies, Russia will continue to improve its military composition and produce more of the most in-demand weapons and military equipment, he added on Tuesday during the Defence Ministry's board meeting.

Noting NATO's increased activities in the Arctic and Russia's western and northwestern borders, Shoigu said Russia would take adequate response measures, Xinhua news agency reported.

He added that the recently re-established Moscow and Leningrad military districts have begun carrying out relevant tasks since March 1.
Beirut, April 24 : The damage caused by Israel to the agricultural field and other sectors in southern Lebanon is worth more than $3 billion, said Lebanese Agriculture Minister Abbas Hajj Hassan.

Hajj Hassan added on Tuesday that the Ministry updates daily a map that includes direct and indirect damage caused by Israeli attacks in the southern villages and towns, reported the National News Agency.

The Minister said it is impossible to obtain a scientific answer as to whether Israeli attacks harmed the soil of the south until necessary studies are carried out after a ceasefire, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We formed a committee ready to study this soil as soon as the Israeli attacks stop," he said, adding that the Ministry will plant 10 trees for every tree burned by the "enemy".

He added that there is also a plan to develop the fish sector with Norwegian funding of about $2 million, calling for Arab investment in Lebanese agricultural projects.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.
Doha, April 24 : Qatar is undergoing reassessment of its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas in the ongoing Gaza conflict due to "campaigns against Qatar," said a Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

These campaigns by various media outlets and officials were aimed at "attacking Qatar's role as a mediator," said Majed Al-Ansari at a media briefing on Tuesday.

They are "using false information to justify such attacks," he added.

Qatar has come under criticism from some Israeli and US politicians, who have accused the Gulf state of being too close to the militant organisation. Doha has repeatedly pushed back against the accusations since the onset of the conflict, Xinhua news agency reported.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages have reached an impasse.

"We are waiting to see if any changes in the positions of both sides will lead to further negotiations," the spokesperson said.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, Qatar has been making mediation efforts between the two warring parties.
Lucknow, April 24 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh will now call up 50 voters each every day and convey the 'Pranam' (greeting) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to every household.

The BJP functionaries will also urge the voters to cast their votes on polling day before they begin other tasks.

The initiative has been planned to increase voter awareness, especially in view of the perceptible dip in the polling percentage in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in UP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been urging people in his rallies to convey his 'pranam' to voters and urge them with 'pehle matdaan, phir jalpan (vote first, breakfast later'.

He has also been underlining the importance of every vote in his speeches.

Data show that the average polling percentage in UP's eight parliamentary seats which went to polls in the first phase dropped from 66.58 in 2019 to 60.25 per cent this year -- a fall of over 6 per cent.

The biggest drop of over 9 per cent has been recorded in Muzaffarnagar. Rampur, too, witnessed a sharp drop in polling percentage as only 54.77 per cent of voters turned up at polling booths this year as against 63.19 per cent in 2019.

BJP sources said that state president Bhupendra Chaudhary and state general secretary (organisation) Dharampal Singh, too, have been asked to step up day-to-day monitoring to bolster the ground-level mobilization in a bid to increase the polling percentage in the upcoming phases.

The measures also include forming 'Panna Samitis' which would include at least one member of each family in the voter list of that particular booth. "This is also a busy time for farmers who are engaged in harvesting wheat and it is also the wedding season," said a senior BJP functionary.

BJP state general secretary Sanjay Rai said that the heatwave conditions had certainly led to a fall in polling percentage. "But the BJP supporters came out to vote more vociferously as compared to those of the opposition," he said.
Mumbai, April 24 : Actresses Madhuri Dixit Nene and Karisma Kapoor will set the stage on fire as they will be seen recreating the magic of the 'Dance Of Envy' from the iconic 1997 film 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'.

Karisma will be a guest on the upcoming episode of the reality show 'Dance Deewane'. She will be joining Suniel Shetty, with whom she worked in 'Rakshak' and her 'Dil To Pagal Hai' co-star Madhuri Dixit Nene.

A promo shared by the channel on Instagram showcased the two actresses recreating the iconic face-off dance, which is called the Dance Of Envy. The two nailed it to the T as they took over the stage on the show.

Suniel gave them a standing ovation and praised the two by saying: "Tab bhi aap logo ke liye dil paagal tha aur aaj bhi dil paagal hai. The greatest dancing stars of our industry and country."

The song is from Yash Chopra's 1997 blockbuster. In the film, both actors were cast opposite Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone recall old feud which led to all out hatred between them. Image Source: IANS News

Los Angeles, April 24 : Hollywood stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone warred over everything from their earnings to their muscles and the size of the weapons they wielded in their films at the peak of their action movie popularity in the 1980s.

In an upcoming joint TV interview titled 'TMZ Presents: Arnold and Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons', the actors said they are still unsure who had the bigger career, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

A preview of the chat shows Schwarzenegger sitting alongside Stallone, saying: "We ended up kind of like, 'Well, you killed 28 people in the movie; I killed 32'."

Stallone added: "I got to top that."

Schwarzenegger then said: "He killed 80 people, so I had to kill 87 people."

'Rambo' and 'Rocky' star added: "It was now the body count and then it was kind of, like, 'Well, what was your body fat?' I was down to seven per cent."

To which, Schwarzenegger added: "And then I said, 'I was down to 10 per cent.' So it became a competition with the body."

The 'Terminator' star and former governor of California said that he got jealous of the weapons Stallone used on camera, from his 'Rambo knife' to the sub-machine guns he wielded in the 'Rambo' franchise.

He admitted he soon demanded automatic guns that were just as huge.

Schwarzenegger went on: "And then he started using machine guns that were kind of, like, huge machine guns. I was running after him, he was not running after me. So I said, when we did 'Predator' 'I've got to have a bugger machine gun than Sly used in 'Rambo'. So this is how it went."

The two have enjoyed a decades-long friendship since they were arch-rivals in the 1980s.
New Delhi, April 24 : A 12-year-old boy got electrocuted after he came in contact with a Bombay Suburban Electric Supply (BSES) pole while playing near his house in Delhi's Dwarka area, police said on Wednesday.

Sharing the details, police said that a Police Control Room (PCR) call regarding the electrocution of a boy was received at Chhawla police station, following which, a police team was dispatched to the spot.

"He was immediately taken to RTRM Hospital, where he was declared brought dead," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh.

During the inquiry, it was found that one boy, Kaif Mohammad, a resident of Khaira, Delhi was playing in the gali (lane) of his house near the pole of BSES.

"Suddenly, he came in contact with the pole and he got electrocuted. Both the district crime and BSES teams have inspected the spot and a case under relevant sections of law is being registered," said the DCP.
Srinagar, April 24 : Two soldiers were injured on Wednesday in an encounter between the security forces and the terrorists in J&K's Bandipora district.

Officials said that hiding terrorists fired at the security forces in the Renji forest area of the district after which an encounter started.

In the initial firing by the terrorists, two soldiers were injured.

"They have been shifted to hospital where attending doctors described their condition as stable," officials said.

Two days ago, terrorists killed an employee of the government social welfare department in Rajouri district after his brother, a Territorial Army soldier escaped from their clutches. On Wednesday, the J&K Police announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh to anyone giving information about the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist responsible for the murder of the government employee in Rajouri on April 22.
Seoul, April 24 : South Korea's health ministry on Wednesday expressed regret over medical professors' decision to take a weekly day off starting next week and urged them to engage in dialogue rather than resort to collective action amid the prolonged medical vacuum in the country.

On the previous day, an emergency committee of medical professors vowed to have a day off next week, claiming their fatigue has reached the utmost limit amid a prolonged walkout by trainee doctors, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The government expresses regret over the decision by medical professors to take a weekly day off while vowing to resign as scheduled," Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters.

About 12,000 trainee doctors have left their worksites since February 20 in protest of the government's plan to boost the number of medical students, forcing major hospitals to delay or cancel surgeries and other public health services.

In support of the walkout by junior doctors, medical professors submitted their resignations last month as well. Park urged the medical professors to approach the negotiation table with a rational and unified proposal, emphasising that the government has made efforts, including accommodating a request from the heads of national universities for flexibility in expanding the medical school enrollment quota.

Under the decision announced last week that is largely considered a compromise, universities will be permitted to increase their admission quotas freely, with the range of annual increase ranging between 50 per cent and 100 per cent.

"The government is open to holding one-on-one discussions with the medical community, including the emergency committee of medical professors, and will continue making efforts to seek communication," Park added.

While some professors vowed to begin stepping down Thursday, a month after submitting letters of resignation in collective action, Park reiterated that the resignations will not be processed automatically.

"According to education authorities, there are no instances where resignation letters have been officially submitted to universities for processing," the second vice health minister said.
New Delhi, April 24 : AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday alleged that the BJP, which once opposed a first-come, first-served basis in spectrum allocation before coming into power, now wants the same policy to be implemented.

Addressing a press conference here, the AAP leader said that in 2012 the Supreme Court delivered a historic judgement, stating that the spectrum allocation and licensing should be auctioned rather than distributed on a 'first-come, first-served basis'.

"But PM Modi and his government have now been exposed before the entire nation. When 150 MPs in 2023 were outside the Parliament, they passed the same policy that BJP opposed -- the first-come, first-served policy. This was passed after committing the murder of democracy by suspending 150 MPs," said Singh.

The Rajya Sabha MP said that now they (BJP) have reached the Supreme Court to seek permission to allocate the 5G spectrum on a first-come, first-served basis, i.e., based on administrative grounds.

"First, they passed the law, and now they have gone to the Supreme Court," said Singh.
Mumbai, April 24 : The upcoming streaming series 'Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond', which stars Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Prasanna, had its climax shot in the Serbian parliament. The series is based on the aftermath of the terror attack in Pulwama and the retaliatory action by the Indian Air Force.

The director of the series, Santosh Singh shared that the climax of the series was shot inside the Serbian parliament. He said that a generous part of the series has been shot in Serbia and that he drew from his past experience filming in Serbia for 'Apharan 2'. He shared that the Serbian parliament offered the perfect backdrop, lending authenticity to the narrative.

The director told IANS: "We shot extensively on all the military bases, on the air bases, we shot in the state prison, we shot our climax in the Serbian parliament. We wanted an international-looking location for this big international council meeting where India and Pakistan are debating with each other. We were talking to them about where we can shoot the part and they offered their parliament. It was so amazing, it looked real and so authentic. It all seems correct in that sense, they really helped us out."

He further spoke about how shooting in Serbia with the aircraft was an arduous task as seven countries around Serbia had to be informed given that Serbia is a landlocked country and the aircraft after take-off ventures into different airspaces of surrounding countries

Shedding light on the same, he said: "Serbia is a very small country and as soon as it takes off, the aircraft is going into different countries' airspace. We have to inform seven countries around Serbia that there is a shoot happening and there will be planes flying which are not scheduled so please do not shoot any plane down. It was a big thing, there was always a fear that what if an unscheduled plane flies and gets shot."

He continued: "The other interesting part was shooting in the Serbian air base because we were shooting with the real jets, their pilots were dressed as Indian Air Force officers and they were flying the planes. It was such a huge planning that went behind shooting the Air Force was something we needed to talk about."

The series leaves no stone unturned to bring authenticity to the fore as 50 real tanks sourced from the Serbian army were deployed for the shoot with Serbian soldiers posing as Indian Army soldiers.

He said: "It was very difficult to plan and execute the shoot. Talking about the army bases, we shot 50 real tanks which we got from the Serbian army. Again the Serbian army people were dressed as Indian army people and running and doing all the drills that were needed, driving the tanks, fighting the tanks. It was very surreal and very overwhelming and a great experience."

Produced by Sphire Origins with Sunjoy Wadhwa and Comal Wadhwa at the helm, 'Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond' is set to premiere on April 25 on Jio Cinemas.
Ankara, April 24 : German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will end his three-day visit to Turkey on Wednesday with a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan will first welcome his guest from Germany with military honours at 1.30 p.m. (1030 GMT), followed by lengthy talks, a press conference and a joint lunch.

Steinmeier and Erdogan are scheduled to meet for around three hours, with some unpleasant topics likely to be discussed.

It's thought Steinmeier will raise the cases of important representatives of Turkish civil society who are still in prison, including the cultural patron Osman Kavala.

The organisation 'Reporters Without Borders' has also appealed to Steinmeier to press for the release of media professionals who have been imprisoned in Turkey.

A particularly contentious issue is likely to be the war in Gaza, on which Berlin and Ankara have completely opposing positions. Erdogan has described Hamas, the Palestinian organisation responsible for the massacre in Israel on October 7, as a liberation organisation. He has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out a "massacre" in the Gaza Strip and has even compared him to Adolf Hitler.

Steinmeier also wants to find out how things might develop politically in Turkey after Erdogan and his AKP party's poor showing in the local elections at the end of March. For the first time in its history, the Islamic-conservative party was no longer the strongest force in the country. Instead, the country's largest opposition party, the CHP, celebrated a triumph.

Before his flight home, Steinmeier intends to meet CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel. A brief meeting with another leading figure in the CHP, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, is also planned.

--IANS/DPA

svn
Berlin, April 24 : UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will visit Berlin for the first time on Wednesday, 18 months after taking office.

His meeting with his German counterpart Olaf Scholz will focus on military aid for Ukraine and the war in Gaza. The controversial British asylum pact with Rwanda, which was approved by the British parliament on Tuesday, is also likely to be discussed.

Although Britain has not been a member of the European Union for more than four years, it is still one of Germany's most important allies in NATO, the G7 and the G20. Alongside Germany, the country is Ukraine's most important European arms supplier and has just pledged a large amount of new military aid.

In the Middle East, the British air force was recently involved in the defence against the major Iranian attack on Israel, unlike Germany.

The British asylum pact has also attracted a great deal of attention and criticism in Germany. Asylum seekers who arrive in the UK without valid papers could be deported immediately to the East African country in future and apply for asylum there.

There are also calls from the opposition in Germany to transfer asylum procedures to countries outside the EU.

--IANS/DPA

SVN
New Delhi, April 24 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clarify if the microcontroller is installed in the controlling unit or in the VVPAT (Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail).

A bench presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna sought to confirm if the microcontroller used in the poll process is "one-time programmable" or not.

"How many units of symbol loading units are available with you (ECI)?" further questioned the Bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta.

Saying that the limitation for instituting an election petition is 45 days under the Representation of the People Act, the Supreme Court sought to know if the retention of cast votes is required to be extended as opposed to current practice where EVM data is retained under the impression that the limitation period for filing election petition is 30 days.

"During the hearing, the reason given for storage for 45 days was that an election petition has to be filed within 30 days i.e. 15 days extra. But, when we went through Section 81 of the Representation of the People Act, it provides for 45 days. Accordingly, the storage should be extended," Justice Khanna told ECI and Centre.

Further, he enquired if both the control unit as well as VVPAT bear the seal or only the control unit is sealed till the counting of the votes.

The apex court told senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the ECI, to ask poll body officials to remain present at 2 p.m. to respond to its technical queries pertaining to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

"I will request the concerned officer to remain present before your lordships," assured Singh. The matter will be taken up post lunch-break for hearing.

Last week, the top court reserved its verdict on a batch of public interest litigations (PILs) seeking mandatory cross-verification of the votes cast in EVMs with Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips.

In April 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the ECI to increase the VVPAT slips from one Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) per Assembly constituency to five. It had issued guidelines for mandatory verification of VVPAT slips, out of five randomly selected polling stations, after completing the final round of counting votes recorded in EVMs. A VVPAT is considered an independent verification system for voting machines, allowing voters to verify whether they have correctly cast their votes.
Washington, April 24 : The US Congress has approved a $61-billion aid package for Ukraine after months of stalling.

The US Senate on Tuesday approved the bill with 79 votes in the 100-seat upper chamber days after the US House of Representatives on Saturday approved the bill with overwhelming bipartisan support.

It now needs the approval of US President Joe Biden.

"I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," Biden said shortly after the vote, adding he wants to start delivering weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.

By passing the legislative package, which also includes billions of dollars in aid for Israel and Taiwan, the US Congress has demonstrated the power of American leadership in the world, Biden said.

"We stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression."

There is an urgent need for support for Ukraine, which is being subjected to relentless bombardment from Russia, Biden said. The bill also contains aid for Israel, which has recently faced unprecedented attacks from Iran.

"This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin," Biden said.

The US aid package provides for around $23 billion to increase the US military stockpile. The money will therefore go indirectly to Ukraine, as the US usually provides the country with equipment from its stocks. The remainder is earmarked for further military support and financial aid, which is designed as a loan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the US Senate "for approving vital aid to Ukraine today."

"This vote reinforces America's role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world," Zelensky.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters in Washington that new military aid could be delivered to Ukraine "within days."

The deliveries would be "based on Ukraine's most urgent needs," Ryder said. "I think it's a good assumption to expect that it'll include air defense capabilities as well as artillery ammunition."

The US is considered Ukraine's most important ally in its defence against the Russian invasion. Since the start of the war in February 2022, Biden's administration has provided more than $44 billion in military aid to Kiev.

This is in addition to billions more in non-military financial aid.

--IANS/DPA

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Los Angeles, April 24 : Hollywood star Nicole Kidman has completed 40 years in the world of films and she celebrated it on social media.

The 56-year-old actress shared a heartwarming video of her first role at 14 in 'Bush Christmas', which was released in 1983.

"This 14-year-old girl could never have predicted all the talented people she would work with and the many different characters she would play," Kidman wrote in the caption.

Kidman gained the spotlight with her portrayal of Rae Ingram in 'Dead Calm' in 1989. Since then, she has worked with prestigious directors such as Jane Campion, Sofia Coppola, Baz Luhrmann, Sydney Pollack, Aaron Sorkin and Stanley Kubrick.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to cinema, the American Film Institute (AFI) bestowed upon Kidman its Life Achievement Award on April 27, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The actress is the first Australian to receive this honour. Kidman has earned numerous accolades over the years, including five Academy Award nominations and an Oscar win for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in Stephen Daldry's 'The Hours'.

She has also won a BAFTA Award, two Emmys, and six Golden Globes.
Marital status cannot take away woman's identity: Madras HC on temple not permitting widow entry. Image Source: IANS News

Chennai, April 24 : Madras High Court has declared unconstitutional a 2010 amendment which brought Waqf properties under the ambit of the Tamil Nadu Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act of 1976.

This amendment empowered the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to order the eviction of encroachers in his/her capacity as Estate Officer.

The first bench of the Madras Hugh Court comprising Chief Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala and Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy on Wednesday declared the 2010 amendment made by the state legislature repugnant to the Waqf Act of 1995.

It may be recalled that the Waqf Act of 1995 is a Central legislation.

The judges held that encroachers of Waqf properties could be evicted only by Waqf tribunals constituted pursuant to an amendment made to the Central legislation in 2013.

The Bench refused to accept the state government's contention that the state law as well as the Central law could co-exist with the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board CEO being given the option of ordering eviction

The division bench said that the original provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995 were not stringent enough to deal with encroachment or illegal occupation of waqf properties.

Therefore, the Sachar Committee recommended that the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 should be applied to waqf properties too, as these properties were also for the benefit of the public at large.

Though Tamil Nadu brought in the 2010 amendment following the recommendation, many other states did not do so.

Parliament amended the Waqf Act in 2013 to ensure uniformity across the country in the eviction of encroachments.

The 2013 amendment clearly stated that the encroachers of Waqf properties could be evicted only as per procedures prescribed under the Central enactment.

The division bench said that since the 2013 amendment to the Central law was subsequent to the 2010 amendment to the state law, it should be presumed that Parliament was well aware of the state amendment and yet, it had consciously amended the Waqf Act of 1995.

The bench said, "It can be seen that Parliament wanted to provide effective mechanisms with respect to recovery of possession."

In the concluding remarks, the division bench of the Madras High Court said, "The Central Act is thus made as an exhaustive code on the subject. Therefore, the state enactment is repugnant to the Waqf Act of 1995 as amended in the year 2013."
Colombo, April 24 : Amid the tension in the Middle East, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka following his three-day visit to Pakistan.

Tight security was imposed across the country, especially closing all roads where the Iranian President is scheduled to travel during the one-day visit to the island nation.

Police spokesman and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa said that additional security personnel from Army, Navy, Air Force and the police elite force, Police Special Task Force (STF) have been deployed to provide extra security for the visiting dignitary.

"The security programme will cover areas where the Iranian President is due to travel to," Thalduwa said, adding that multiple roads would be closed to provide special security to the Iranian President.

Visiting on the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Raisi is scheduled to inaugurate the much-delayed Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP), one of the largest irrigation and hydro-electricity projects in Sri Lanka.

"A highlight of President Raisi's visit will be the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between Iran and Sri Lanka," the President Media Division (PMD) announced.

Originally started in 2008, the project is aimed to provide irrigation water to about 4,500 hectares of new land and 1,500 hectares of existing agricultural land in the Monaragala district and three districts getting 39 million cubic meters (MCM) of water for drinking and industrial purposes and also to generate 290 GWh of electrical energy annually to the National Grid.

The total $514 million contract became effective on March 15, 2010. Initially, the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) was to fund USD 50 million until 2013, but due to international sanctions against Iran, funds could not be provided. However, the project was continued with Sri Lankan funds and with the Iranian contractor Farab Company.

Due to financial challenges, disruptions caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic and protests due to environmental damages, the completion date was changed to March 2024 from March 2015.

The historical ties between Sri Lanka and Iran date back centuries with interactions between the two nations being primarily centered on the Strait of Hormuz during the Persian era. Formal diplomatic relations were officially established in 1962 and Iran established its mission in Colombo in 1975, while Sri Lanka established its mission in Tehran in January 1990.

Iran has provided development assistance to Sri Lanka with loans focusing on enhancing infrastructure, irrigation, and power sectors. Sri Lanka has already repaid over $19 million to Iran, with a remaining gross payable amount of around $35 million.

The PMD stated that the two countries have collaborated closely with the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, offering mutual support on matters of shared concern. Both nations are active members of various international and regional organisations, including the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

To facilitate much-needed tourists from Iran, Sri Lanka has approved Mahan Air flights between the two countries. In 2022, Iran ranked 27th among countries with the highest international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. By June 2023, Sri Lanka had welcomed 5,973 Iranian tourists.

Following tensions in West Asia, where Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on April 14 in a tit-for-tat to a suspected Israeli airstrike on April 1 that targeted a compound at its Consulate in Damascus, Syria, there were doubts about the visit of Iranian President to Sri Lanka, but an Iranian official had confirmed his visit.
Mumbai, April 24 : Actress Sunny Leone, who played a pivotal role in the Anurag Kashyap directorial 'Kennedy', is currently shooting for her yet-to-be-titled Malayalam project in Kerala. A video from the shoot is going viral on social media, showing the actress amid the film's crew.

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Actress Sunny Leone, who played a pivotal role in the Anurag Kashyap directorial aKennedya, is currently shooting for her yet-to-be-titled Malayalam project in Kerala. A video from the shoot is going viral on social media, showing the actress amid the filmas crew.

In the video, she can be seen being briefed on a scene. The actress appears wearing a pink coloured shirt which she paired with denim shorts.

A few days ago, Sunny performed the muhurat pooja with the National Award-winning director Pampally and the filmas team in Kerala.

Sunny Leone has never failed to surprise her fans with her careful choice of films. With the recently announced untitled film, the actress has piqued curiosity among the audience, who cannot wait to see what Sunny will bring to the table.

Meanwhile, the actress is currently seen hosting the latest season of aSplitsvilla X5a. Earlier, her film aKennedya received a round of applause at its Cannes Film Festival premiere. While the film, directed by Anurag Kashyap, has been receiving accolades across the globe at various film festivals, it is yet to release in theatres. The actress also has an upcoming film aQuotation Ganga in the pipeline.
New Delhi, April 24 : Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday met incarcerated Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar prison.

The meeting between the two took place within the confines of the prison's 'Jangla Mulakat' room, a space partitioned by a glass wall with intercom facilities on both sides, said the prison sources.

"I met the CM through the Mulakati Jangla (Glass barrier). We spoke about many things which can't be discussed publicly," said Bharadwaj, after meeting CM Kejriwal.

Earlier, on April 15, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the Tihar Jail in Delhi on Monday to meet his counterpart, Arvind Kejriwal.

CM Kejriwal, who was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged excise scam, is lodged in Tihar's Jail No-2.

The jailed Delhi CM has provided a list of six individuals who can meet him in the jail.
Kabul, April 24 : Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President's Special Representative for Afghanistan, travelled to Kabul to hold meetings with the interim senior leadership of Afghanistan, including Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Kabir, Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Acting Minister of Interior Affairs, Sirajuddin Haqqani.

"The meeting focused on bilateral relations between both the countries. Regional political and security issues were also discussed," said the Afghan Interior Ministry in a statement.

Moscow, on the other hand, said that the main topics of discussion during Kabulov's trip on Tuesday were the further development of diverse bilateral cooperation in the political and economic fields, and the establishment of regional cooperation with Afghanistan within the Moscow format.

"The responsibility of the US and its allies for the negative consequences of a 20-year stay in Afghanistan is emphasised. The need was emphasised for the immediate and unconditional 'unfreezing' of the country's national assets with their transfer to the disposal of the Central Bank of Afghanistan, as well as the lifting of all illegitimate unilateral sanctions against this state," stated the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, the local media in Kabul reported that, during the meeting with Kabulov, Kabir advocated for the Taliban to be granted Afghanistan's representative seat at the United Nations and also opposed the appointment of a UN Special Envoy to Afghanistan.

In December, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy for Afghanistan, provided with robust expertise on human rights and gender, as it also stressed the critical importance of a continued presence of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

During a Security Council open debate on protecting women against sexual violence in conflict held on Tuesday, representatives of many member states voiced their concern over the "systematic assault" on women destroying lives and livelihoods in Afghanistan and called for a "speedy appointment" of the UN Special Envoy to support the implementation of the independent assessment's recommendations.
Hyderabad, April 24 : BJP's Hyderabad Lok Sabha candidate K. Madhavi Latha filed her nomination after leading a rally from Charminar on Wednesday.

Hyderabad, April 24 (IANS) BJPas Hyderabad Lok Sabha candidate K. Madhavi Latha filed her nomination after leading a rally from Charminar on Wednesday.

She along with her supporters offered prayers at Bhagya Laxmi temple abutting the historic monument before leaving for Hyderabad district collectorate to file her nomination.

Hundreds of BJP supporters, holding party flags and raising slogans, participated in the rally which passed through Gulzar Houz, Pathergatti, Madina, Naya Pul and Afzal Gunj.

Wearing saffron robes, Madhavi Latha participated in the rituals at the temple and also blew the conch.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur later joined the nomination rally and appealed to people to back the BJP candidate.

Earlier, talking to reporters at Charminar, the BJP candidate sought peopleas support to defeat acommunala AIMIM, Congress and BRS.

The BJP nominee, who was booked by police for her provocative gesture of firing an imaginary arrow towards a mosque during Ram Navami procession, reiterated that the video was edited to target her.

She said her political rivals were resorting to these tactics as they were afraid of losing the election.

Replying to a query, she said Muslim women studying in madrasas can wear Hijab but a religious dress code canat be allowed in common schools.

She said under Article 30 of the Constitution, minorities have the right to open their schools like madrasas and there the girls can go with Hijab. She said Hindus canat open similar schools to teach their religion.

She, however, found fault with the management of madrasas for not introducing English and modern education.

Madhavi Lathaas nomination rally was held a few days after AIMIM organised a similar rally from the historic Mecca Masjid near Charminar. After offering Friday prayers at the mosque, AIMIM chief and sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi left in a rally to file his nomination papers.

Hyderabad constituency is a stronghold of AIMIM, which has been winning the seat for the last four decades. It has never lost an election here since 1984.
Kolkata, April 24 : The electoral battle between BJP and Trinamool Congress is going to be interesting this time in the tribal-dominated Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency, where BJP candidate Kumar Hembram bagged a surprise victory in 2019 though with a thin margin of little over 11,000 votes.

However, this time BJP has replaced Hembram with Dr Pranat Tudu, who till recently was a government doctor attached to the Jhargram Medical College & Hospital. He resigned from his government services to contest the polls and the BJP is banking on his popularity in the constituency as a doctor to retain its seat.

On the other hand, Trinamool Congress' masterstroke too is in the choice of its candidate this time. To avoid infighting within the party over the choice of candidate in Jhargram, the ruling party has fielded Padma Shri award-winning Santhali playwright, and author Kalipada Soren, who is popular as Kherwal Soren.

A winner of the Padma Shri award in 2022, Soren is popular for his literary works in the constituency, especially among the people with tribal backgrounds who contribute to a major percentage of the total voters in this Lok Sabha seat.

Also in the poll fray is CPI(M)'s young face, Sonamani Murmu (Tudu) who has previously worked as an anchor in Bengali, Hindi and Santhali languages with Prasar Bharati. She also runs her own homestay business in the area. She is often termed as 'Pad Woman' in the area moving from door to door, enlightening the local women about the essentiality of the use of sanitary napkins.

What makes Trinamool Congress confident of winning Jhargram this time is its performance in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. In 2021, Trinamool Congress candidates were elected from all seven Assembly constituencies under the Jhargram Lok Sabha.

In fact, in the post-poll analysis after the 2021 polls, the state BJP leadership too admitted that the results were unexpected for them.

The key issue for this constituency traditionally had been abject poverty and lack of development. The Left Wing Extremists at one point in time managed to strengthen their bases riding on the twin issues of poverty and lack of development. However, the constituency has a tourist attraction because of its natural beauty combining jungles with hillocks.

Jhargram had been traditionally a red bastion giving CPI(M) ten consecutive victories from 1977 to 2009. Even amid the massive Trinamool Congress wave in 2009, CPI(M)'s Dr Pulin Bihari Baske got elected from that constituency by a margin of around 2.9 lakh votes.

However, the trend reverted in 2014, when Trinamool Congress' Uma Soren got elected by a margin of around 3.5 lakh votes.

The trend changed again in 2019 with BJP's Kumar Hembram getting elected though with an extremely thin margin. So this time the situation is "do or die" for both Trinamool Congress and BJP.
Jakarta, April 24 : Indonesia's General Election Commission (KPU) here on Wednesday declared Prabowo Subianto as the country's eighth President after appeals of two defeated presidential candidates concerning a dispute over presidential polls in February were rejected by the constitutional court.

KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari announced that Prabowo and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka have been selected to be the president and vice president for the period of 2024 until 2029 with around 96 million or nearly 59 percent of the total votes, Xinhua news agency reported.

Prabowo-Gibran defeated the Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar pair who got around 41 million votes, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD who obtained around 27 million votes.

Prabowo, who is currently the Southeast Asian country's defense minister, is scheduled to be inaugurated on October 20 this year.
Raipur, April 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the Congress, saying that the party seeks to destroy the ordinary people of India economically and is about to set a "dangerous precedent" by implementing an 'Inheritance Tax' if voted to power.

"Now, the Congress is saying there will be an inheritance tax on inheritance from parents... They will hit you with a higher tax rate till the time you are alive. And after that, they will impose an inheritance tax," the PM said while addressing a public rally in Chhattisgarh's Ambikapur.

Prime Minister Modi's comments came hours after Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) Chairman Sam Pitroda, a senior party leader who is considered close to Rahul Gandhi, created a massive storm with his remarks on inheritance tax in America.

"If a person has property worth US dollars 10 million, then after his death, 45 per cent of the property goes to his children and 55 per cent of the property goes to the government," Pitroda said and added that there is no such law in India.

"Such issues should be discussed. We are talking about policies that are in the interest of the people, not just the rich," said Pitroda.

Reacting strongly, PM Modi said, "Congress simply aims to loot the 'hard-earned money' of the 'common people' to fill their coffers."

Accusing the Congress of disrespecting the founders of the Constitution and pushing for "reservation on the basis of religion", PM Modi mentioned once again that the Congress' mentality symbolises that of the Muslim League.

"Congress' anti-Constitutional tendencies aim at providing reservation on a religious basis for vote-bank politics," added the PM.

After Chhattisgarh, PM Modi is scheduled to address two public rallies and will lead a mega roadshow in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh later in the day.
Berlin, April 24 : The German far-right AfD party's top candidate for the European elections, Maximilian Krah, announced on Wednesday that he will continue leading the party's campaign despite the arrest of an aide on allegations of spying for China.

Krah told journalists in Berlin following a 20 minute crisis meeting with AfD party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla that he would not be taking part in the AfD's election campaign launch event at the weekend.

"But if you now believe that this is the end of my leading candidacy, then I have to disappoint you. I am and will remain the lead candidate," Krah said.

Krah said he would adjust the campaign strategy ahead of the European Parliament elections in June, but that he plans not to discuss the allegations against his staff member at the European Parliament.

"The aim is for us to talk about Europe and for this matter to go where it belongs, namely to the judicial authorities," Krah said, describing the spying allegations against his aid as an unpleasant matter.

Krah said he planned to fire the employee, who remains in police custody, on Wednesday. The aide is charged with acting as an agent for a foreign secret service.

"But the fact remains that I cannot be accused of any personal misconduct," he said, adding that he would remain in close contact with party leadership.

The aide to Krah was detained in Dresden on Monday evening on suspicion of passing on information from the European Parliament to China, according to prosecutors, although the arrest was only publicly announced on Tuesday.

Prosecutors said the suspect had also spied on Chinese opposition members in Germany.

The Chinese government has rejected the allegations, calling them slanderous.

"I am very interested in the investigation and will endeavour to find out what exactly is being accused," Krah said on Wednesday. "We will also continue to work in my office to reconstruct everything that was handled by him during the period in question."

Krah described the conversation with Weidel and Chrupalla as very friendly, constructive but appropriately serious.

The two party leaders themselves declined to comment, but said that the party plans to release a statement later.

--IANS/DPA

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New Delhi, April 24 : The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) and IIT Guwahati's Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) on Wednesday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote entrepreneurship and provide support to technology startups.

The MoU aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem by facilitating collaboration between ADIF's network of startups and entrepreneurs, and IIT Guwahati's pool of innovators, faculty, and incubation facilities.

Under the agreement, ADIF will provide alliance membership to TIC's portfolio startup companies, giving them access to ADIF's startup toolkit of discounted services, resources, and mentorship opportunities.

On the other hand, TIC will assist ADIF members through mentoring, market linkages, pitching support, networking events, and acceleration programmes.

The partners will jointly organise startup courses, workshops, hackathons, and research initiatives involving students, faculty, and entrepreneurs. In addition, ADIF will also promote TIC's events and programmes through its channels for greater visibility.

"We are excited to partner with the prestigious IIT Guwahati, Technology Incubation Centre to empower early-stage startups through our combined resources and networks. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of catalysing India's entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Prateek Jain, Associate Director at ADIF.

"IIT Guwahati Technology Incubation Centre is delighted to join hands with ADIF to create a more conducive environment for our brightest minds to transform their innovations into successful businesses, especially in North East India," said Prof. G. Krishnamoorthy, President, IITG, TIC. "We look forward to nurturing entrepreneurship through this synergistic partnership."

The partnership will also provide startups crucial support in areas like policy advocacy, technology solutions, mentoring, funding opportunities, and more to help them scale rapidly.
New Delhi, April 24 : India and Japan on Wednesday exchanged a wide range of views on major current issues in the fields of disarmament and non-proliferation, including nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, during the 10th Round of India-Japan Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Export Control held in Tokyo.

"The two sides exchanged views on developments in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation relating to nuclear, chemical and biological domains, outer space security, non-proliferation issues, conventional weapons and export control," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Katsuro Kitagawa, Director General, Department of Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant officials participated from the Japanese side while the Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Disarmament and International Security Affairs, in the MEA.

The two sides also discussed export controls, efforts against conventional weapons, and other regional issues and agreed to deepen cooperation between the two countries in multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations.
Tel Aviv/Gaza, April 24 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have mobilised two additional reserve brigades ahead of a possible deployment to the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The brigades had previously been deployed on Israel's border with Lebanon. In recent weeks, however, they have been training for operations in the Gaza Strip, the IDF said on Wednesday.

"The soldiers practiced combat techniques and learned the main insights and lessons from the fighting and ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip so far," the IDF said in a statement.

At the beginning of the Gaza war more than six and a half months ago, Israel mobilised around 300,000 reservists. However, most of them have since been released.

Most recently, active troops have been deployed mainly in the Gaza Strip. Israel does not publicise its troop numbers, but a brigade usually consists of several thousand soldiers.

A Rafah ground offensive is highly controversial, as Israel's allies, including the US, its strongest supporter, have warned against this because hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees are in the southern city and its surroundings.

The town near the Egyptian border is considered to be the only one in the sealed-off coastal strip that is still relatively intact. Israel is planning to evacuate Rafah and wants to relocate the civilian population to safer areas such as the al-Mawasi camp.

--IANS/DPA

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Moscow, April 24 : In the midst of Russia's war against Ukraine, a court in Moscow has remanded Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov in custody on suspicion of corruption.

Ivanov, 48, must initially remain in custody until June 23, the press service of the court in the Basmanny district of Moscow announced on Wednesday. He has denied the charges.

The high-ranking official is accused of accepting bribes on a particularly large scale.

Ivanov was primarily responsible for construction projects - including in the occupied south-eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which Russia's army completely destroyed during its seize of the port city in the first months of the war in 2022.

Another suspect in the case has also been remanded in custody, the court said. This is said to be a businessman who is a friend of Ivanov's.

The team of Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in February, had already made allegations of corruption against Ivanov at the end of 2022, but there was no official reaction at the time.

In an investigation, Navalny's group accused Ivanov of having financed the construction of properties in several Russian regions via defence ministry contractors.

Ivanov is considered a confidant of Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. He has been one of the minister's 12 deputies since 2016.

In 2012, he was head of the government of the Moscow region, where Shoigu was governor at the time. Shoigu later took Ivanov with him when Shoigu was transferred to the Ministry of Defence.

The Kremlin said after the arrest that Shoigu had been informed of the move in advance.

--IANS/DPA

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LONDON (PTI): British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday announced what he characterised as the biggest strengthening of Britains national defence in a generation to meet the challenge of an increasingly dangerous world and pledged to grow the countrys defence budget to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030  amounting to an additional GBP 75 billion in funding over the next six years.



Delivering a speech alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Poland, Sunak said Europe was at a turning point and urged allies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to step up against an "axis of autocratic states".



With Russia, Iran and China increasingly working together to undermine democracies, investment in defence was crucial to protect the world order.



We will increase defence spending to a new baseline of 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030  a plan that delivers an additional GBP 75 billion for defence by the end of the decade and secures our place as by far the largest defence power in Europe, said Sunak.



Today is a turning point for European security and a landmark moment in the defence of the United Kingdom. It is a generational investment in British security and British prosperity, which makes us safer at home and stronger abroad, he said.



In a world that is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the Cold War, we cannot be complacent. As our adversaries align, we must do more to defend our country, our interests, and our values, he added.



The British Indian leader said Russia, Iran and China are investing heavily in their militaries and cyber capabilities and low-cost technology, as seen in the Shahed attack drones Tehran fired towards Israel last weekend.



This he described as a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of people in the UK, as well as across Europe and the wider world.



Under his funding hike plan, the UKs defence spending will increase immediately and then rise steadily to reach GBP 87 billion at the end of the decade  hitting 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.



The British Prime Minister set out three areas of focus for the countrys bolstered defence budget: investing at least an additional GBP 10 billion over the next decade on munitions production; modernising the armed forces by radically reforming defence procurement; and backing Ukraines defence in its ongoing conflict with Russia.



Ukraines security is our security. As part of this plan, the government will commit an additional GBP 500 million this year for the ammunition, air defence and drones Ukraine needs; the largest-ever single delivery of military equipment to Ukraines frontlines; and a cast-iron commitment to maintain existing levels of support to Ukraine for as long as it is needed, a UK government statement said.



The UK said its move sets a new standard for other major European NATO economies to follow. If all NATO countries committed at least 2.5 per cent of their GDP to defence, the collective budget of the defence alliance would increase by more than GBP 140 billion.



UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: It speaks to Britains global role that, with an improving economy, we can make this commitment to peace and security in Europe.



It also sends the clearest possible message to [Russian President] Putin that as other NATO European countries match this commitment, which they will, he will never be able to outspend countries that believe in freedom and democracy.



The mounting threats we face mean we must invest in defence if we want to continue to defend our values, freedoms and prosperity. Todays announcement marks the greatest strengthening of our defence since the Cold War, which will support jobs, boost growth, and strengthen our incredible Armed Forces as a modern fighting force, added UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.



The increased investment will focus on key high-tech capabilities, including air defence missiles and anti-armour munitions, in addition to continued investment in UK-built 155mm artillery ammunition. A newly created Defence Innovation Agency will manage scaled-up investment in R and D, bringing together the fragmented defence innovation landscape into a single responsible organisation.



Additionally, Sunak also announced plans on Tuesday to reform the UK Ministry of Defences Head Office to operate as a fully functioning strategic headquarters  holding the front-line command accountable for delivery, driving better pan-defence prioritisation and ensuring value-for-money, supported by the National Security Council.


Mumbai, April 24 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday directed Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited to stop onboarding of new customers through its online and mobile banking with immediate effect and also barred the bank from issuing fresh credit cards.

The bank shall, however, continue to provide services to its existing customers, including its credit card customers, the RBI said.

"In the absence of a robust IT infrastructure and IT Risk Management framework, the bank's Core Banking System (CBS) and its online and digital banking channels have suffered frequent and significant outages in the last two years, the recent one being a service disruption on April 15, 2024, resulting in serious customer inconveniences. The bank is found to be materially deficient in building necessary operational resilience on account of its failure to build IT systems and controls commensurate with its growth," the RBI order states.

The business restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank have been imposed in the interest of customers and to prevent any possible prolonged outage which may seriously impact not only the bank's ability to render efficient customer service but also the financial ecosystem of digital banking and payment systems, according to the RBI order.

The RBI said Kotak Mahindra Bank was assessed to be deficient in its IT Risk and Information Security Governance for two consecutive years, contrary to requirements under Regulatory guidelines. During the subsequent assessments, the bank was found to be significantly non-compliant with the Corrective Action Plans issued by the Reserve Bank for the years 2022 and 2023, as the compliances submitted by the bank were found to be either inadequate, incorrect or not sustained.

These actions are necessitated based on significant concerns arising out of the Reserve Bank's IT Examination of the bank for the years 2022 and 2023 and the continued failure on the part of the bank to address these concerns in a comprehensive and timely manner. Serious deficiencies and non-compliances were observed in the areas of IT inventory management, patch and change management, user access management, vendor risk management, data security and data leak prevention strategy, business continuity and disaster recovery rigour and drill, etc.

In the past two years, the Reserve Bank has been in continuous high-level engagement with the bank on all these concerns with a view to strengthening its IT resilience, but the outcomes have been far from satisfactory. It is also observed that, of late, there has been rapid growth in the volume of the bank's digital transactions, including transactions pertaining to credit cards, which is building further load on the IT systems.

The restrictions now being imposed will be reviewed upon completion of a comprehensive external audit to be commissioned by the bank with the prior approval of RBI, and remediation of all deficiencies that may be pointed out in the external audit as well as the observations contained in the RBI Inspections, to the satisfaction of the Reserve Bank. Further, these restrictions are without prejudice to any other regulatory, supervisory or enforcement action that may be initiated against the bank by the Reserve Bank.
New Delhi, April 24 : The Delhi Police told the High Court that it has prepared a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for universities and colleges in the Delhi-NCR region to ensure the safety and security of students, particularly female attendees, during events and festivals, leading it to close its suo moto PIL.

The High Court, last year, took suo motu cognisance of an incident where women students of Delhi University's Bharati College were secretly filmed in a washroom during a college fest organised by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

The incident occurred on October 6, and the accused, a member of IIT Delhi's housekeeping staff, was identified from CCTV footage.

The court had treated the newspaper report (the Indian Express), dated October 9, 2023, titled "Harassment at college fests leaves students anguished, shaken" as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The report had highlighted lapses in security measures employed for annual college festivals organised by universities across the state, resulting in injuries, violations, and trauma for students attending such festivals.

A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora recently concluded the suo moto PIL.

Expressing concern about the potential misuse of the videos, including their circulation on social media platforms, the court had issued notices to Delhi University (DU), IIT-Delhi, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), seeking their response.

The universities were also directed to submit reports on their existing security policies for college festivals. The court had pointed out the need for discretion in the investigation to protect the anonymity of the women involved and to prevent the dissemination of photographs or videos by the accused on social media platforms.

Counsel from institutions such as the DU, the IIT Delhi, and the GGSIPU assured the court that they would adhere to the SOP outlined by the Delhi Police, in addition to complying with any directives or advisories issued by law enforcement authorities. They clarified that their existing protocols do not conflict with the newly established SOP.

The court acknowledged the commitments made by the universities and closed the matter, stating that the recorded undertakings and statements were accepted. It further said that any future revisions to the SOP would require the consent of all parties involved.
New Delhi, April 24 : Singapore-based startup Zilingo came back to the news after its co-founder and former CEO, Ankiti Bose, filed a first information report (FIR) against co-founder Dhruv Kapoor and former COO Aadi Vaidya, for alleged cheating, fraud, and sexual and mental harassment.

Bose, who was sacked after alleged financial irregularities at the fashion startup -- which raised more than $300 million from top investors, including Temasek Holdings Pte and Sequoia Capital India (now Peak XV Partners) -- alleged that Kapoor and Vaidya "have engaged in deceptive activities, misleading both myself and investors in an attempt to gain financial advantages and coerce me into relinquishing my shares and business under false pretences".

"Kapoor and Vaidya threatened me, used lewd language and sent me vulgar sexually explicit messages from untraceable accounts and also threatened me that they will target me online and that they will get me into a terrible mental state where I will commit suicide," alleged Bose.

Kapoor was quoted as saying in reports on Wednesday that Boseas allegations are "completely baseless, untrue, and malicious".

"Throughout my tenure at Zilingo, I upheld my integrity by aiding the board's inquiry into Ankiti's misconduct while fostering professional relationships and striving to build ethical products," said Kapoor.

Vaidya also said that the allegations "are completely baseless and untrue".

"This seems like nothing but a clear afterthought done with a malicious intention to harm my reputation and harass me," he was quoted as saying in reports.

In her criminal complaint, Bose alleged that Kapoor and Vaidya have "deliberately disseminated false and malicious information about me, with the intent of tarnishing my personal and professional reputation".

Zilingo entered liquidation in January last year. The startup ecosystem has been rocked by several such cases in the past, including BharatPe Co-founder Ashneer Grover, Broker Network (operated by 4B Networks) founder Rahul Yadav and others.
Seoul, April 24 : The vice foreign ministers of South Korea and Canada held talks Wednesday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy and key minerals, the foreign ministry said.

During the talks in Seoul, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun and her Canadian counterpart, Rob Stewart, also agreed on the need to step up cooperation as South Korea and Canada are set to chair the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and Group of Seven (G7) Summit, respectively, next year, Yonhap news agency reported.

The two sides stressed the need for Seoul to strengthen ties with the G7 countries, according to the ministry.

The G7 consists of the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

South Korea was recently excluded from a list of countries invited to the upcoming G7 summit, set to take place in Italy in June, though the country has been pushing for a "G7 Plus" initiative to expand its role and responsibilities as one of the world's major middle powers.

Kang also noted "great potential" for cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of key minerals and high-tech future industries, such as electric vehicles and batteries.
Chennai, April 24 : A division bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that all the commercial transactions of around 4,500 film songs for which the acclaimed composer R. Ilaiyaraaja had given music to, would be subject to the result of an appeal in a case filed by Echo Recording Private Limited.

The Second Division Bench of Justices R. Mahadevan and Mohammed Shaffiq on Wednesday passed the interim order. The bench, however, recognised the composer's moral right over his compositions.

The hearing of the appeal has been adjourned till the second week of June.

Senior counsel Vijay Narayan appearing for the appellant contended that a composer who had taken remuneration from a film producer for composing songs could not continue to claim any right over those songs. The senior lawyer quoted profusely from provisions of the Copyright Act of 1957.

He argued that the copyright of the songs would vest with the film producers and added that Echo Recording had purchased those rights from multiple film producers.

Narayan stated that in the light of these facts the composer could not be allowed to commercially exploit those songs by giving a licence to music streaming platforms such as Spotify.

The senior counsel appearing for Echo Recording argued that Ilaiyaraaja ought to have produced all the agreements between him and the producers of the movies when he had filed a civil suit before a single judge in 2014.

Narayan said none of these agreements had been submitted in court.

Senior counsel Satish Parasaran representing the music mastero quoted Section 17 of the Copyright Act and contended that the copyright for his client's compositions would continue to subsist with him regardless of the agreements entered into with the film producers.

Parasaran said that Ilaiyaraaja as composer is the owner of the copyright and added that if there was any challenge to his title, the petitioners would have to show an employment agreement.

He said, "Your Lordships can generally take my word that a music composer by the very innate work that is involved is never an employee,"

Justice Mahadevan asked whether Ilaiyaraaja could claim a right over the lyrics also which had been penned by someone else, for lyrics are an important part of a song.

He asked whether the composer would seek his claim for the lyrics also or restrict his claim only with respect to the musical notes.

Ilaiyaraaja's counsel said that lyricists receive royalties irrespective of the songs being exploited commercially by the composer or the film producer.

He told the court that Echo Recording had sold its rights to Sony Music, which had filed a case against Ilaiyaraaja before the Bombay High Court.

Parasaran also said that Sony Music has informed the Bombay High Court that Ilaiyaraaja has lost all his rights and that he cannot even perform his songs.

He also said that Sony Music was stating that a music composer of the stature of Ilaiyaraaja was a nobody and that was not acceptable.
Bengaluru, April 24 : Karnataka's Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena on Wednesday announced the voters' list for the 14 Lok Sabha seats which would go for polling on May 7, in the third phase of the polls, has been finalised and has more women voters than men.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that there are a total of 2.59 crore (2,59,17,493) voters in the remaining 14 Lok Sabha seats which would go to polling in this third phase in the country, and the second and final phase in Karnataka. (Polling in the state begins in the second phase with voting in 14 seats, mostly in south Karnataka, on April 26).

The electorate for the May 7 phase in the state also includes 35,465 service voters and 418 overseas voters.

"About 6.90 lakh young men will cast their votes for the first time. There are 2.29 lakh voters above the age of 85 years and the number of voters with personal disabilities is 3.43 lakh. The biggest constituency is Kalaburagi with 20.92 lakh voters and smallest is Uttara Kannada with 16.49 lakh voters," the CEO said.

He also said female voters, 1,29,83,000, are more in number than the male voters, at 1,29,67,000.

There are a total number of 28,269 polling stations in 14 Lok Sabha seats, he added.

Most of the seats which go to polling on May 7 are located in the north Karnataka region.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi is contesting from Dharwad, Congress President Mallikarjun Khargeas son-in-law Radhakrishna Doddamani from Kalaburagi, Union Minister Bhagwanth Khuba from Bidar, former CM B.S. Yediyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra from Shivamogga, former CM Basavaraj Bommai from Haveri and former CM Jagadish Shettar from Belagavi.
Alappuzha : , April 24 (IANS) On the last day of campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday slammed the ruling CPI-M-led Left and the opposition UDF led by the Congress in the state.

The 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala go to the polls on Friday.

"For years, these two political fronts have been cheating the people of Kerala, and now the time has come for the BJP to make an entry into the state. I appeal to the people of Kerala to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is given a third term, as we assure you that we will take care of the developmental needs of Kerala," Amit Shah said.

The Home Minister made the remarks while addressing an election rally in support of the BJP candidate from the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat, Sobha Surendran, who is pitted against sitting CPI-M MP A.M. Ariff, and two-time former MP and Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, presently a Rajya Sabha member.

"Communism has become history the world over, and soon Communists will disappear from the country. Likewise, the Congress too is heading towards the same direction and hence this is the right time to welcome the BJP into Kerala," the Home Minister said.

Turning to the alleged scams in the state, Amit Shah accused the CPI-M of looting the cooperative sector.

"The cooperative sector is for the common people. But the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detected 'loot' in the Karuvannoor Cooperative Bank, which is managed by the CPI-M. The Congress also did the same. Both these parties are cheating the people in Kerala and West Bengal, while they remain friends in Delhi as part of the INDIA bloc," he said.

The Home Minister also said that the priceless mining sector in Kerala is the biggest source of corruption.

"This sector is being used by both the CPI-M and the Congress leaders," he said.

Stating that both these political fronts had a soft corner for the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI), the Home Minister said, "While the SDPI (the political arm of the PFI) has pledged its support to the Congress, the PDP (led by jailed Abdul Nassar Maudany) supports the Left. You should all know that it was the Modi government which banned the PFI."
New Delhi, April 24 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi as well as the Congress party over their claims of 'democracy in danger' and said that they must remember how their 'own people' harmed the democratic set-up in the 1970s.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Dhami said that the Congress crown prince makes absurd claims about the 'constitution under threat' and calls for safeguarding it but forgets how his own party and grandmother murdered the democracy.

"Indira Gandhi government imposed the Emergency, snatched the basic and fundamental rights of citizens but Cong's Yuvraj will remember nothing about the death of democracy," Dhami told IANS.

Sharing his views on the Congress manifesto and its thrust on anti-defection law, Dhami said that the grand old party should do deep introspection rather than blaming the BJP, for a series of defections.

He said that Congress accuses us of toppling governments but its own history is replete with multiple instances of dislodging state governments.

"Today, there is a rule of law in every sphere of governance. But, the Opposition parties have one common agenda -- to spread canard and lies to defame the government," he said.

The Uttarakhand CM said that the Opposition parties have ganged up for a certain motive i.e. to save themselves from the clutches of law.

"BJP's 'Bhrashtrachar hataao' vs Opposition's 'Bharastachari bachaao' pitch speaks much about their priorities. And, the people of the nation are able to clearly see through this ploy," he said.

Dhami further said that the Opposition parties have aligned with anti-national forces and are now resorting to spreading fake narratives on social media but this won't do them any good as they neither have any standing on the ground nor have connect with the masses.

"Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister again, for record third term," he asserted.

Dhami further told IANS that the Cong-led INDIA bloc was no match for the BJP in the ongoing 2024 elections.

Describing the INDIA bloc as a 'coalition of the opportunists', Dhami said that they are fighting for their political survival, to save the corrupt ones from getting exposed and also to save the families of 'bhrashtachari netas'.

He also said that the INDIA bloc won't stand in front of PM Modi as he has the blessings of 140 crore people.
Saint Petersburg, April 24 : National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday emphasised that India will continue cooperation for countering misuse of information and communication technologies by terrorists and criminals, as also for countering terror funding.

Speaking at the plenary session of the '12th International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters' in Saint Petersburg, NSA Doval also underscored India's policy to use digital technology for inclusive economic development and called for international cooperation for an open, stable, secure, reliable and inclusive framework for ensuring information security.

In his intervention at the plenary session on 'Ensuring Information Security in the Polycentric World', NSA Doval laid out a roadmap for such cooperation that should include all the stakeholders, from governments to the private sector, academia, technical communities, and civil society.

He also stressed the need for holding regular institutional dialogues to help develop a common understanding of critical issues; capacity building of like-minded nations through training, education, awareness programmes, and development of security standards for emerging technologies besides the creation of mechanisms for cooperation at domestic and international levels.

The NSA emphasised that India shall continue cooperation for countering misuse of information and communication technologies by terrorists and criminals, as also for countering terror funding.

The NSA also held bilateral meetings, including with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung on the current situation in the neighbouring country and the India-funded infrastructure projects in Myanmar, on the sidelines of the event.

"They also discussed the recent developments along the India-Myanmar border, including issues related to security, refugees, development projects, etc.," the Indian Embassy in Russia posted on X.

The three-day meeting is being attended by secretaries of security councils, national security advisors and assistants, deputy prime ministers, heads of security forces and intelligence services from 106 countries, as well as representatives of 10 international organisations.

NSA Doval also interacted with the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, on Wednesday.

Opening the plenary session, Patrushev said: "Russia will continue to defend the creation of a fair world order that meets the interests of the majority of countries, based on the principles of equality and respect for cultural and civilisational identity".

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the participants virtually and stated that international terrorism remains one of 21st century's "gravest threats" with the terrorists becoming increasingly complex and barbaric.

"The objectives behind terrorist attacks occurring across various regions are not solely driven by radical groups, but also involve the intelligence services of certain nations. Their aim is to undermine constitutional foundations and destabilise sovereign states, fuelling interethnic and interreligious discord," President Putin said.
Gandhinagar, April 24 : Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, is set to visit Telangana on Thursday to campaign for BJP candidates ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state.

During his visit, the Chief Minister will attend the Karimnagar nomination-filing event of BJP candidate Sanjay Kumar Bandi, early in the day.

Later, CM Patel is scheduled to address an election rally in the Kurnool Lok Sabha constituency in support of Bharat Prasadji.

The CM is expected to outline the partyas vision and commitments for the region.

After a full day of campaigning, CM Patel will return to Gandhinagar in the evening.

Meanwhile, in Gujarat, CM Patel asserted in Kutch that voters will have clear choices for the first time as they head for polls.

At the election rally in Nakhatrana in Kutch on April 22, CM Patel noted, "For the first time, voting will be conducted with clarity. Therefore, everyone anticipates that PM Modi will secure a third term as Prime Minister."
Baghpat : , April 24 (IANS) Baghpat, which has been won by Chaudhary Charan Singh and Ajit Singh for 10 terms, can rightly be termed as a Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) bastion.

It has been a stronghold of Jat politics and has emerged as the epicentre of farm politics in recent years.

Ironically, this is the first time that no member of Chaudhary Charan Singh's family is contesting the poll from this seat yet the family continues to rule the hearts of the people here.

By conferring the Bharat Ratna on the late Chaudhary Charan Singh, the BJP has also turned the tide in its favour.

Late Charan Singh won this seat in 1977, 1980 and 1984 while his son Ajit Singh won it six times in 1989, 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004 and 2009.

His son Jayant Chaudhary lost the election from Baghpat to Satyapal Singh in 2019.

This time, the Rashtriya Lok Dal is all set to wrest back this seat and the alliance between BJP and RLD is making its easier.

The RLD has fielded Rajkumar Sangwan, as the candidate of the BJP-RLD alliance while the BJP denied a ticket to former Mumbai commissioner Satyapal Singh to pave the way for Sangwan.

Congress-SP alliance candidate is Amarpal Sharma and the BSP has fielded Praveen Bansal.

Rajkumar Tyagi, a local farmer, explains, "This is not the time to discuss old issues. Chaudhary Saheb (Charan Singh) has been given Bharat Ratna and we must honour Jayant Chaudhary's decision to align with BJP. Our vote is for the alliance and there is no denying it."

However, people do not deny that there will still be a fiercely contested battle in the constituency.

The constituency has 22.4 per cent Jat, 18.8 per cent Muslim, 20.4 per cent Dalit, 11.4 per cent Gujjar, 3.2 per cent Yadav, 3.2 per cent Vaishya, 3.1 per cent Tyagi, 3.1 per cent Thakur and 6.4 per cent Brahmin among others.

A local advocate Harish Malik says, "RLD needs to stitch voters of other castes with dominant Jat votes to ensure victory of its candidate as division in votes of these castes would turn the contest into a close fight."

Besides, Baghpat is known to spring surprising results in the past. The then RLD chief Ajit Singh had finished at third place with 19.86 per cent votes in the 2014 Lok Sabha election held a few months after communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts.

The riots had affected RLD's trusted winning equation of Jats-Muslims and angry Muslims did not vote for Ajit Singh which paved the way for the victory of BJP's Satya Pal Singh who secured 42.15 per cent votes.

Baghpat, incidentally, is going to polls on April 26 in the second phase of elections with a new identity --its connection with Mahabharata.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was the first to mention the Mahabharat connection of Baghpat when, along with RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary, he launched the election campaign earlier this month.

Baghpat is believed to be one of the five villages of the epic age that the Pandavas requested from Duryodhana to avoid the battle of Mahabharat.

Baghpat, said to be the site of Lakshagraha (a palace made of wax built to kill the Pandavas) at Barnawa in nearby Baraut, now basks in the glory of its epic age connection.

Situated in the agriculturally enriched western region of Uttar Pradesh, Baghpat is also known for its home furnishing products.

Baghpat derives its name from 'Vyaghraprastha' (tiger city), owing to its historical population of tigers. However, political parties in their rallies are using a lesser-known name 'Vakyaprastha' (city of delivering speeches) as the word of origin for Baghpat.
Yavatmal : , April 24 (IANS) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday fainted while addressing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) election rally in Pusad town of Yavatmal district in the blistering summer heat.

A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing Nitin Gadkari stumbling and almost falling but was helped by his aides around the stage.

They helped carry him away and managed to revive him, after which he returned to the stage after a while, said local eyewitnesses. Pusad recorded 39 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Subsequently, Nitin Gadkari also posted on X saying he was "absolutely healthy" and was leaving to address another election rally at the next venue.

"I felt uncomfortable owing to the heat during the rally in Pusad, Maharashtra. But now I am completely healthy and leaving for Varud to attend the next meeting. Thank you for your love and good wishes," the Union Minister said in a reassuring tweet.

Nitin Gadkari, 66, was campaigning for the ruling MahaYuti-Shiv Sena candidate Rajashri Hemant Patil who is contesting the Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency, going to polls on April 26 (Friday).

Nitin Gadkari is also a candidate from the Nagpur LS constituency where he is aiming for a hat-trick.
Mumbai, April 24 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday issued an alert against unauthorised entities offering foreign exchange (forex) trading facilities to Indian residents with promises of exorbitant returns.

The RBI has asked all banks to refer to an "alert list" which mentions the names of entities that are not allowed to undertake forex transactions and to inform their customers as well.

An RBI investigation has revealed that to facilitate unauthorised forex trading, these entities have taken recourse to engage local agents who open accounts at different bank branches for collecting money towards margin, investment, charges, etc.

These accounts are opened in the name of individuals, proprietary concerns, trading firms etc. and the transactions in such accounts are not found to be commensurate with the stated purpose for opening the account in several cases.

It is also observed that these entities are providing options to residents to remit/deposit funds in rupees for undertaking unauthorised forex transactions using domestic payment systems like online transfers, payment gateways, etc.

The RBI has directed banks to advise their customers to deal in forex only with 'authorised persons' and on 'authorised ETPs' and give wide publicity to the list of 'authorised persons' and the list of 'authorised ETPs' available on the RBI website.

AD Cat-I banks have also been advised to give publicity to the 'alert list' and press releases issued by the RBI in this regard.

The RBI letter states that there is a need for greater vigilance to prevent the misuse of banking channels in facilitating unauthorised forex trading.

"AD Cat-I banks are, therefore, advised to be more vigilant and exercise greater caution in this regard. As and when AD Cat-I banks come across an account being used to facilitate unauthorised forex trading, they shall report the same to the Directorate of Enforcement, for further action, as deemed fit," the letter states.

The RBI has reminded banks that no entity shall operate an Electronic Trading Platform (ETP) without obtaining prior authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India.
New Delhi, April 24 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a scathing attack against the Congress' "Muslim appeasement politics".

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a scathing attack against the Congress' "Muslim appeasement politics".

Speaking at an "intellectual meet" in Visakhapatnam, the Defence Minister went at length, talking about how the Congress in an attempt to gain Muslim votes is promising things to the community that are divisive in nature and detrimental to the nation's unity and integrity.

To buttress his views, Rajnath Singh said the Rangnath Mishra Commission and the Sachar Commission were established by the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government only to appease a particular community on the pretext of minority welfare.

The Defence Minister also said that he considers then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement as unconstitutional in which he had stated that the minority community, especially the Muslims, has the first claim to the nation's resources.

He also said it was the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh that created its first laboratory of 'communal agenda' and gave the Muslim community reservation in government jobs on the basis of religion, flouting the Constitution.

In Andhra Pradesh, an attempt was made to give reservations to the Muslims by reducing the reservations given to the SC/ST and OBCs, and a dirty game was played due to vote bank politics, Rajnath Singh remarked.

But the Andhra Pradesh High Court put a stay on this decision, said the Defence Minister, adding, "Despite that, between 2004 and 2010, the Congress tried to implement 'Muslim reservation' in Andhra Pradesh four times. But due to legal aspects and the Supreme Court's intervention, it could not fulfill his plans."

Rajnath Singh also said that the Congress has again included in its election manifesto the idea of 'Muslim reservation'.

"After our Prime Minister exposed this trickery of the Congress, the party is attacking him," the Defence Minister said.

The Congress says that the Prime Minister is lying whereas the truth is that the Congress is hoodwinking the people of this country, he alleged.

According to Rajnath Singh, Congress' promises in the manifesto will create new divisions in the country.

When Sections 3 and 6 of the Minorities Chapter of the Congress manifesto are read together, it becomes clear what the party is trying to do, he said.

Rajnath Singh also said that it has been written in Section 3 that "we will encourage and assist students and youth belonging to the minorities to take full advantage of the growing opportunities in education, employment, business, services, sports, arts and other fields".

In Section 6, it is written that "we will ensure that the minorities receive their fair share of opportunities in education, healthcare, public employment, public works contracts, skill development, sports, and cultural activities without discrimination", Rajnath Singh said.

On one hand, the Congress will promote the youth of minorities so that their role increases in education, employment, business, services, sports, arts, and other fields, while on the other hand, it will ensure that they get their share, Rajnath Singh said, adding that this is in fact done by making a legal provision, which is being expressed through the word 'ensure'.

This means now the Congress is preparing to bring 'religion-based reservation' through the backdoor, he alleged.

"My concern is even bigger because whatever Congress has said in its manifesto in the name of 'minority welfare' is influenced by the 'Sachar Committee' report," he said.

When the Sachar Committee, formed during the Congress government, had given its report in 2006, it had also suggested conducting a census based on religion in the Indian Army, Rajnath Singh said.

For the first time in the history of Independent India, an attempt was made to divide the military forces on religious lines, he pointed out.

"At that time, the BJP was in the opposition and we had opposed the Sachar Committee report with full force," he said.

"This is the real face of the Congress, it wants to create division in every institution, every system of this country, but the BJP has always opposed it staunchly," he said.

This Congress manifesto has indicated reservation for religious minorities in government jobs, which if implemented, can also include the armed forces under its ambit, the Defence Minister said at the meeting.

He said that this is an idea that affects the unity and integrity of the country, and would lead to a terrible situation.

The Congress, which divides the country in the name of religion, has been doing appeasement politics that divides the society since the first day after Independence, the Defence Minister said, adding that appeasement and vote bank politics are in the DNA of the Congress.

He added: "Whenever I get an opportunity to visit Andhra Pradesh, I am attracted by its vibrant culture and tremendous potential. When Andhra Pradesh was divided in 2013, there were many outstanding issues whose solution was not given by the Congress.

"If you compare with the NDA government, Atal Bihari Vajpayee created not one but three new states and everything happened so smoothly that all the issues were resolved very easily. We have the example of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand," he said.

When national and state issues come up before the Congress, it is neither able to do "any addition, nor multiplication, nor is it able to do division properly", the senior politician said.

But when the question of dividing the country and society comes before the Congress, it seems to be an expert, Rajnath Singh charged.

The Visakhapatnam Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) that is being built in Andhra Pradesh is going to prove to be the economic backbone of the state, he asserted.

This approximately 465 km long VCIC corridor is a key component of the East West Economic Corridor, which will bring investments worth $100 billion to India which will result in the creation of about one million jobs, he said.

Rajnath Singh also alleged that due to the laxity of the state government, the expected work in this project has not been done yet.
London, April 24 : The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Wednesday launched a preliminary probe into partnerships between tech giants over artificial intelligence (AI), like Microsoft and Mistral AI, and Amazon and Anthropic.

The anti-trust regulator has asked interested third parties to give their views on whether these AI partnerships (including Microsoftas hiring of former employees and related arrangements with Inflection AI) fall within UK merger rules and the impact that these arrangements could have on competition in the country.

"We will assess, objectively and impartially, whether each of these 3 deals fall within UK merger rules and, if they do, whether they have any impact on competition in the UK," said Joel Bamford, Executive Director of Mergers at the CMA.

Competition authorities around the world are actively looking into AI.

"While we remain open-minded, and havenat drawn any conclusions, our aim is to better understand the complex partnerships and arrangements at play," Bamford added.

The anti-trust regulator is inviting views by May 9.

The CMA said it is also considering feedback received earlier this year on Microsoftas partnership with OpenAI and is currently waiting for information it has requested from the firms.

It has not yet opened a formal Phase 1 review of the Microsoft-OpenAI deal.

The authority said it remains vigilant against the possibility that incumbent technology firms could use partnerships and investments to shield themselves from competition.
New Delhi, April 24 : Chip-maker Qualcomm on Wednesday expanded its Snapdragon X Series portfolio with a new platform to deliver better performance, longer battery life and on-device AI capabilities for more Windows PCs.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are expected to launch PCs powered by Snapdragon X Plus alongside devices powered by Snapdragon X Elite, starting mid-2024.

Snapdragon X Plus features 'Qualcomm Oryon CPU', a custom-integrated processor that delivers up to 37 per cent faster performance compared to competitors, while consuming up to 54 per cent less power, the company said in a statement.

"Snapdragon X Plus will power AI-Supercharged PCs that enable even more users to excel as radical new AI experiences emerge in this period of rapid development and deployment," said Kedar Kondap, SVP and general manager of compute and gaming, Qualcomm Technologies.

"By delivering leading CPU performance, AI capabilities, and power efficiency, we are once again pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mobile computing," Kondap added.

The chip is designed to meet the demands of on-device AI-driven applications, powered by the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU capable of 45 TOPS (tera operations per second), making it the world's fastest NPU for laptops, said the company.
Agartala, April 24 : With the state buffeted by a heat wave, the Tripura government on Wednesday declared a holiday in all schools for four days from Wednesday to provide respite to children.

Tripuraas Additional Secretary, Education (School) Department N.C Sharma said that in view of the prevailing heat wave and in pursuance of the advice of the Revenue Department, the state government has decided that all government, government-aided, and privately-managed schools would remain closed from April 24 to April 27.

All the district education officers were asked to convey this decision to each and every school under their jurisdiction, the order said.

The Education Departmentas order was issued soon after the Revenue Department issued an advisory saying that Tripura has been reeling under hot and humid weather conditions since last week and as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the same weather conditions are likely to continue for a few more days.

The Tripura government had earlier declared heat waves, sunstroke and sunburn as state-specific disasters.

For management of the prevailing hot and humid weather, all district disaster management authorities were asked to conduct extensive awareness, update the public about weather conditions, provide safe drinking water and shade at public and strategic places, and extend medical support and other necessary provisions for the vulnerable communities in the districts.

The state government has also issued doas and donats during the heat wave period and provided medical tips to the people.

Maximum temperatures in Tripura settled 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal during the past ten days.
New Delhi, April 24 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has become the need of the hour for the nation and it will turn out to be a gamechanger in the near future, especially for women.

In a free-wheeling conversation with IANS, Pushkar Dhami said that the UCC will not only facilitate women's emancipation but will also help them unshackle the societal barriers, paving the way for their unhindered growth and prosperity.

Notably, Uttarakhand is the first state to have cleared the UCC law and it will see its roll-out soon, once the rules of implementation are ready.

Dhami said that the BJP believes in fulfilling its poll promises and added that the UCC is clearly highlighted in the party's manifesto for the 2024 elections.

He said that the UCC promotes equality and uniformity in laws and the BJP has always had it in its poll agenda.

"Today, our Muslim sisters are very happy over UCC. They also firmly believe that this law will help them fight against societal bias and help unlock their true potential. The UCC will be a boon for people across all classes and societies," Dhami told IANS.

"The Gangotri that emanated from Uttarakhand will spread across the country," he said, hinting that the state's UCC draft would be replicated in other states too.

Mincing no words on 'land jihad', Dhami said that the Opposition Congress was behind provoking a certain community and also asserted that his government will deal with rioters and trouble-makers with a firm hand.

"We won't allow the fabric of Devbhoomi to get disturbed because of someone's conspiracies and machinations. Our government has cracked down on all illegal encroachments," he said.

When questioned on Congress' call for 'wealth redistribution to minorities', the Uttarakhand CM said that the grand old party always practised appeasement politics and as part of this strategy, they kept the majority deprived and always preferred pro-minorities policies.

Touching upon the state's Population Control Committee, he said that his government has led from the front on UCC and it wouldn't hesitate in giving shape to another 'revolutionary' policy for the nation's growth.
Amravati : , April 24 (IANS) In a major announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi here on Wednesday assured of setting up a special farmers commission to tackle the problems of agriculture loans and set up a mechanism to ease the financial burden of the land-tillers, and ensure 'nyay' (justice) to various sections of the society.

Addressing an election rally in the Amravati (SC) Lok Sabha constituency, Rahul Gandhi said that if elected, the INDIA bloc-Congress government will immediately write off the loans of all farmers in the country.

"Not only this, we shall also set up a farmers' commission which would advise the government whenever a loan waiver is required, and it will be done, as many times as required," the Wayanad MP said.

In a speech punctuated with huge rounds of applause and cheers from the gathering, Rahul Gandhi claimed that in the last 10 years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule, the peasants' loans have not been waived off.

Promising to uplift crores of families and make them millionaires, the Congress leader said that the Mahalakshmi Scheme will be first implemented as mentioned in the party's election manifesto.

"We shall prepare a list of all the poor families in the country and one woman shall be selected per household, and the INDIA bloc government will deposit Rs 1 lakh into their bank accounts, or Rs 8,500 per month. The entire family would benefit from this amount. They (BJP) made 25 billionaires, we shall make crores as millionaires," Rahul Gandhi said, to a deafening roar of applause.

On the question of Anganwadi workers, he said that the salaries of these women shall be doubled, and women shall be entitled to reservations in government and public sector jobs.

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led regime for failing on its promises of 2 crore jobs, Rahul Gandhi said that this has resulted in the highest unemployment rate facing the country in the past 45 years.

"Many of the jobless youth are wandering around aimlesslya our government shall provide apprenticeships to all the qualified jobless persons in the country with a job guarantee in the government, public or private sector and Rs 1 lakh per year in their bank accounts," the Congress leader said.

Promising a Caste Census after the INDIA bloc comes to office, Rahul Gandhi said that now there are 15 per cent Dalits, 8 per cent tribals, 50 per cent OBCs, 17 per cent minorities, plus 5 per cent of the very poor sections, or more than 90 per cent of the people, but their representation in the government and private sector, media and the top corporates is bare minimum. "Whenever we speak of justice for the poor and the deprived in the country, PM Modi tries to divert the people's attention to other issuesa the Constitution is a powerful weapon in the hands of the poor, which the government is trying to destroy. This election is for saving the Constitution and democracy," Rahul Gandhi said.

The Congress MP was campaigning for the Maha Vikas Aghadi-INDIA-Congress nominee Balwant B. Wankhade who is contesting the Amravati (SC) constituency, going to the polls on Friday, April 26.
New Delhi, April 24 : Financial services platform Northern Arc on Wednesday said that it secured $80 million in funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The investment comprises an equal split of equity and debt, each contributing around $40 million, demonstrating IFCas confidence in Northern Arcas scalable and sustainable business model and Indiaas expanding credit market, the company said.

"The investment marks the beginning of a long-term relationship with IFC and other multi-laterals who believe in the India story and Northern Arc playing an instrumental role in Indiaas growth story through financial inclusion," Ashish Mehrotra, MD and CEO of Northern Arc, said in a statement.

The company said that the new funding from IFC will support the expansion of Northern Arcas reach to end customers, fostering social impact through improved credit access to customers across its focused sectors.

"Our partnership with Northern Arc is a key component of our strategy to harness private sector expertise and finance in reaching millions of MSMEs and mid-market companies through innovative products," said Wendy Werner, IFC India Country Head.

As of September 30, 2023, Northern Arc has facilitated financing of over Rs 1.5 trillion in credit through its technology platform using data insights derived from a large data repository and domain expertise, underscoring its role in the financial ecosystem.
Hyderabad, April 24 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President K. Chandrasekhar Rao embarked on a bus yatra in Telangana on Wednesday to step up the party's campaign for next month's Lok Sabha polls.

Hyderabad, April 24 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President K. Chandrasekhar Rao embarked on a bus yatra in Telangana on Wednesday to step up the partyas campaign for next monthas Lok Sabha polls.

The former Chief Minister launched his 17-day bus yatra after garlanding the statue of Telangana Talli at the BRS headquarters here. He then left for Miryalguda on a bus along with top BRS leaders.

The bus yatra passed through L.B. Nagar, Chout Uppal, and Nalgonda to reach Miryalaguda. After addressing a meeting at Miryalaguda on Wednesday evening, he will conduct a roadshow at Suryapet.

KCR, as Chandrasekhar is popularly known, got down from the bus at a few places in Nalgonda district and met the farmers, who explained to him the problems faced by them.

KCR will address meetings in 40 towns across 12 out of the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state during the bus yatra which will continue till May 10.

During the day, the BRS chief will inspect the agriculture fields and interact with the farmers to know about their problems due to the alleged lack of water and power supply and unseasonal rains. In the evenings, he will address public meetings.

KCR, who lost power to Congress four months ago, has already addressed public meetings in Karimnagar, Medak, and Chevella Lok Sabha constituencies.

Barring Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Chevella, Malkajgiri, and Adilabad, the bus yatra will cover all the other Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The BRS has made large-scale arrangements for the success of the bus yatra. Given the heat wave conditions prevailing in the state, the party is taking certain precautions. Wherever necessary, small buses have been arranged. Leaders have also been assigned responsibilities for the success of the yatra in their respective constituencies.

Adequate security measures are being made for KCR during the yatra, with the party deploying private security personnel, including bouncers.

After losing power to the Congress in the Assembly elections held in November 2023, the BRS has received a series of setbacks with five sitting MPs, three MLAs, and other elected representatives joining the Congress or the BJP.

In the Assembly polls, BRS bagged 39 seats in the 119-member House.
Mumbai, April 24 : Two workers were killed and one was seriously injured while cleaning a sewerage drainage line at a construction site here on Wednesday, the BMC Disaster Control said.

The incident occurred when the three workers had entered the drainage line at Raheja Tower in Malad west suburb and got stuck inside at around 3.45 p.m.

When they did not emerge for quite some time, the other labourers raised an alarm and the fire brigade was summoned.

The rescuers managed to bring out the trio and rushed them to the Trauma Care Hospital where Dr. Leena Mane declared two of them as dead and the third worker in a critical condition.

They are identified as Raju, 50 and Javed Shaikh, 35, both deceased, while Aquid Shaikh, 19, is admitted to the hospital and his condition is described as serious.

As per preliminary reports, the trio reportedly got trapped in the toxic fumes that may have accumulated in the sewerage, and it is not known if they were wearing any safety gear like gas-masks.
New Delhi, April 24 : The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, has recommended an extension of term of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court for a year.

In February, the Collegium of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh made the recommendation for the appointment of Justice Nargal as an Additional Judge for a fresh term as no vacancy of a Permanent Judge was available.

The SC Collegium said that the committee of two judges of the Supreme Court constituted by the Chief Justice of India assessed the judgments of Justice Nargal and rated the quality of his judgments as "good".

It added that the SC Collegium scrutinised and evaluated the material placed on record including the opinion of the consultee-judges who are conversant with the affairs of the J&K and Ladakh HC.

Having regard to all the relevant factors, the SC Collegium recommended that Justice Nargal be appointed as an Additional Judge for a fresh term of one year with effect from June 3, 2024.
New Delhi, April 24 : The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which comes under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, on Wednesday warned users of multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Edge which could allow an attacker to obtain sensitive information, bypass security restriction and cause denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on the targeted system.

The affected software includes Microsoft Edge (Stable) versions before '124.0.2478.51'.

"Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Microsoft Edge (chromium-based) which could allow the remote attacker to cause a denial of service condition, remote code execution, sensitive information disclosure and security restriction bypass on the targeted system," said the CERT-In advisory.

According to the cyber agency, these vulnerabilities exist in Microsoft Edge due to object corruption in V8 and WebAssembly, use after free in V8, downloads and QUIC, inappropriate implementation in autofill, inappropriate implementation in extension, network and prompts, and others.

"A remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a specially crafted request on the targeted system," the agency mentioned.

Cert-In advised users to apply appropriate security updates as mentioned by the company. Earlier this month, the cyber agency warned users of multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft products which include -- Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Developer Tools, Azure, Brower, System Center, Microsoft Dynamics, and Exchange Server. As per the advisory, these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to obtain information disclosure, bypass security restrictions and cause DoS conditions on the targeted system.
, April 24 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday dared the NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to apologise to the families of farmers from Vidarbha who committed suicide.

Addressing an election rally in support of the BJP nominee from Amaravati, actress-turned-politician Navneet Kaur Rana, the Home Minister said, "Sharad Pawar should apologise to the families of the farmers who committed suicide in Vidarbha for not doing anything for the farming community of the region.

"Sharad Pawar was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the Agriculture Minister at the Centre, but he did nothing for the farmers of Vidarbha. Thatas why thousands of farmers committed suicide."

Amit Shah also criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, claiming that the latter has deserted the values and teachings of his father and Shiv Sena founder, the late Balasaheb Thackeray.

"Uddhav Babu, you left Balasaheb Thackerayas values and teachings which are now being taken forward by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The so-called 'Hindu Rakshak' did not do anything when Umesh Kolhe, who ran a medical store in Amravati, was killed in 2022 (for allegedly supporting the statement of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Prophet Muhammad). But such killings will not take place under the Shinde-Fadnavis government in Maharashtra, as no one will dare to commit any such act," the Home Minister said.

Amit Shah also accused the Congress and the INDIA bloc of opposing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

"The Congress and its allies always kept the issue of Ram Mandir hanging. But Narendra Modi built the temple and by installing the Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, he fulfilled the decades-long wish of scores of devotees," the Home Minister said.

He also claimed that a 'Nakli' (fake) Shiv Sena chief skipped the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya out of his fear for Sonia Gandhi.

"An invitation was also sent to Sharad Pawar, who did not turn up citing health issues. However, he is now travelling across the state for election campaigning" he added.
New Delhi, April 24 : The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, on Wednesday recommended the appointment of an additional judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court as a permanent judge and an extension of term of two additional judges for a year.

In November last year, the Collegium of the High Court of Chhattisgarh forwarded its unanimous recommendations for appointment of additional judge, Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey, as a permanent judge and for further extension of the term of Justices Sachin Singh Rajput and Radhakishan Agrawal.

The SC Collegium said that it consulted other judges of the apex court who are conversant with the affairs of the Chhattisgarh High Court in terms of the Memorandum of Procedure to ascertain their suitability, adding that the committee of two judges of the Supreme Court constituted by the Chief Justice of India also assessed the judgments of these additional judges.

After scrutinising and evaluating the material placed on record and having considered all aspects of the matter, the SC Collegium found that Justice Pandey is fit and suitable for being appointed as a permanent judge and recommended that Justices Rajput and Agrawal be appointed as Additional Judges for a fresh term of one year with effect from May 16, 2024, and August 2, 2024, respectively.

"We have duly taken note of the views of the Chief Minister and the Governor of the State of Chhattisgarh," said a statement uploaded on the website of the apex court.
Betul : , April 24 (IANS) Urging people to be cautious of Congress' 'agenda', Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the opposition INDIA bloc is busy strategising a 'one year, one PM' formula over who will become the country's next Prime Minister.

Addressing a public gathering in Madhya Pradesh's Betul, PM Modi said he has been told that discussions are going on in the "highest echelons" of the opposition alliance on devising such a formula which would mean having five Prime Ministers in as many years.

"Today, when the country is working towards its 25-year goals, planning the roadmap for the next five years, work is underway on the decisions of the first 100 days after coming to power, the INDI Alliance partners are also discussing their strategy," PM Modi told the gathering.

"Some media reports suggest that the coalition partners are discussing who will become the Prime Minister after their victory. It is said that these people are now thinking about the 'one year, one PM formula'. Their intention now is to wrestle for the PM's chair. One will sit on top, while four people will pull the chair's legs together," he added, saying that such a formula will be rejected by the voters.

The Prime Minister also warned against Congress' approach towards 'inheritance tax', saying that the party hates the very identity of India.

"Congress also wants to impose inheritance tax on the property you want to leave for your children. Congress has cut so much from India's social values, the sentiments of the Indian society," he said.
Chennai, April 24 : The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) welcomes the Indian government's decision to review the regulations controlling drug prices, which will cover include medical devices too, an association official said.

"We're happy that the Indian government plans to review the regulations controlling drug prices, which will now include medical devices too. As the main association for the medical device industry in India, we're pleased to be part of the discussion," AiMeD's forum coordinator Rajiv Nath told IANS.

He said the government has decided to expand the list of special invitees for the committee constituted for Reforms in the Pricing Framework for Drugs and Medical Devices.

As per the order issued by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, 12 more organisations representing the pharma and medtech industries have been invited as special invitees to the Committee.

"We believe that medical devices need separate rules. We want to encourage fair marketing based on quality and value, not on pushing products with high profit margins. For a while now, we've been asking for rules that stop companies from artificially raising prices on medical device labels. This practice hurts honest manufacturers and marketing companies. Instead, we want fair competition based on the real value of the products, not inflated prices," Nath added.
New Delhi, April 24 : Adani Group stocks remained steady on Wednesday after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated a probe against two foreign portfolio investors, including one accused of allegedly shorting stocks in Adani Group companies prior to a report from Hindenburg Research.

The capital market regulator is seeking explanations from these two separate groups of foreign funds for "possible rule violations".

The group, facing market manipulation allegations, is suspected to have shorted stocks in firms led by billionaire Gautam Adani after getting wind that a short seller report would be published soon, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are not public.

The people did not name the funds.

The second group of investors faced scrutiny in June 2021 for investing heavily in Adani stocks.

The Adani Group has already denied any association with these funds.

The market regulator will issue a final order in new probes after hearing the fundsa explanations.

The SEBI or Adani Group did not comment on the reports. According to reports, the SEBI has accused the funds of failing to maintain and disclose information about their "ultimate beneficial owners as well as for breaching investment limits in listed entities of Adani Group during certain periods".
Chennai, April 24 : Tension gripped Ambalavanampettai in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district on Wednesday after the police arrested four persons for attempting to hurl a Molotov cocktail on a statue of B.R. Ambedkar.

A dispute between caste Hindus and members of the Adi Dravidar community is believed to be the reason behind the attempt to damage Ambedkar's statue.

The police told IANS that adequate security arrangements have been made in Ambalavanampettai to avoid further escalation of tension. The officers who made the arrests told IANS that a bottle filled with petrol fell on a dilapidated panchayat building near the Ambedkar statue and exploded. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident that took place in the early hours of Wednesday.

The arrested persons have been identified as P. Sathish Kumar (29), G. Krishnakumar (21), M. Vijayaraj (22), and V. Vetrivel (22), all from Ambalavanampettai. The arrests were made following a complaint filed by the VCK town secretary, A. Ambeth. The accused have been booked under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

A senior VCK leader told IANS, "The caste Hindus are trying to intimidate and insult us, but we will not allow them to browbeat us."
The Bodami family has long been known for their expertise in taking down power plants and large industrial buildings and then cleaning up the properties for clients.

But now, they are setting their sights on building up a big property of their own instead  on Tonawanda Island.

The Bodamis, who own Total Wrecking & Environmental, have acquired a 21.46-acre stretch of land on the west side of the small island in the Niagara River, giving them more than 1,500 linear feet of waterfront property in North Tonawanda.

The largely vacant site consists of a big property at 2 Bridge St. that fronts on the river, plus a long and slender parcel behind it at 4 Bridge, and then two adjacent properties at 133 and 231 Michigan St., closer to the center of the island.

The land is sandwiched between the Smith Boys Marina to the north, Taylor Devices and International Fibre Corp. to the east, and The Shores Waterfront Restaurant on the south end of the island.

Led by Frank Bodami Sr. and his wife, Sandy, the family bought the property through a separate company they previously launched, Nostra Development, paying $1.9 million to former owner Judith M. Arida of Kenmore in early February, according to broker Vito Picone of GIO Real Estate Group.

Arida had it under contract with other buyers previously, but none were able to complete their purchase until now.

Now, Nostra is working on plans for a development that could involve apartments, commercial or retail space, or possibly even a boutique hotel. But the Bodamis won't get into the specifics yet, because it is not yet firm. They say it is premature and they don't want to promise something they can't deliver.

"We are in the process, now, of putting together a development package that we will release soon enough, and we look to do great things for the city of North Tonawanda," Frank Bodami Sr. said. "We just want to make sure we give people whats really going to happen."

But the company noted that the property is highly attractive and valuable as one of the only available areas with that much waterfront space.

"We're excited. It's going to be really cool," said Frank Bodami Jr., who co-founded Nostra with his sister, Sandy Bodami Oca, and who is spearheading the development project.

The acquisition marks the latest effort to revive the long-dormant property, which contains three deteriorating warehouses totaling 51,536 square feet of space, and a one-story blue house.

Occupying the northwest corner of Bridge and Michigan streets, and extending northward, the site is zoned as "waterfront district," and has been marketed for years as a "prime waterfront development opportunity" and "mixed-use waterfront destination."

The Bodamis have been working on the acquisition and project for four years, and even gave a preliminary presentation to the North Tonawanda Planning Board in 2021. That is also when they initially sought to participate in the city's $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from the state, but they were not awarded any funds, as "we were in the infant stage of the project, still in due diligence," Bodami Jr. said.

The property was at one time home to the R.T. Jones Lumber Co., the second-largest manufacturing employer in North Tonawanda before it went bankrupt in 1992 following a recession and closed shortly after. That company had been founded in 1902, and had become one of the nation's five largest industrial wire-bound manufacturers, making wooden boxes bound with wire.

"There's a lot of cool history there," Bodami Jr. said.

It is now a contaminated site, though, so "we'll have some earth to clean," he said. But the cleanup and redevelopment under the state Brownfield Cleanup Program would make Nostra eligible for related state tax credits to offset the cost of the project.

"Were very familiar with brownfield cleanup and industrial sites. It can be handled in-house," Bodami Jr. added.

Nostra has set high expectations for itself for the project, which will be the largest development it has undertaken, so far. The younger Bodami said Nostra considered nine architectural firms from across the country through a request-for proposals, before narrowing their list to four that they are currently vetting. The company is similarly evaluating proposals from a shortlist of four firms for construction manager.

Both will be decided within the next month or two, he said, at which time the family will work with its team to determine what plan to pursue.

"We've done in-depth research of mixed-use communities across the country, just trying to figure out what the best use is and the best team to put on the project," Bodami Jr. said. "Were not just looking locally. Were looking for the best people we could get on our team."

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Bhopal, April 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, speaking at a rally in Madhya Pradesh, urged the people to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Lok Sabha elections to secure the future of their children.

Addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh's Betul Lok Sabha constituency, PM Modi said whenever he visited the state in the last 10 years, he gave something to the state and now, he needs the support of the people to ensure the safety of the country and its citizens.

"I bow down my head before you today. I would appeal to you to vote for the BJP to make the future of your children safe. Do not support those who conspire to destroy the country," PM Modi said while addressing the massive public gathering in Dhar assembly segment of Betul Lok Sabha constituency.

The polling in Betul was scheduled for April 26.

However, after the death of BSP candidate Ashok Bhalavi earlier this month, the polling was rescheduled for May 7.

The sitting Betul MP is BJP's Durga Das Uikey, who defeated Congress leader Ramu Tekam in 2019 by a margin of over 3.6 lakh votes.

The constituency is set to see another 'Uikey versus Tekam' contest this time.

Betul recorded a voter turnout of 78.18 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The constituency is reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Bhubaneswar, April 24 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday hit the campaign trail by addressing two public rallies at his home turf Hinjili Assembly segment under the Aska Lok Sabha constituency in Ganjam district.

Addressing the gatherings, CM Patnaik said that Odisha will be the number one state in the country by 2036 when it will complete 100 years of its formation as a separate state.

While detailing his government's achievements during the last 24 years, he tore into the opposition parties by terming them as 'anti-development'.

"With the blessings of the people, BJD will continue its victory march and register a massive win in the Assembly elections besides performing well in the Lok Sabha (which will be held simultaneously in the state).

"I am happy to launch BJD's election campaign for the general elections from Hinjili. Our victory march begins from Hinjili," said the Chief Minister.

Thanking the people for their support, the BJD chief said the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are his family and he has always worked for their welfare.

He also said that Odisha is a leader in women's empowerment, disaster management, supplying food grains to the PDS system in the country, and investment.

The Chief Minister also referred to the flagship Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana launched by the state government, saying that Odisha is the first state in India to make a separate budget for the farmers.

He also promised to bring a separate budget for the youth of Odisha.

"A budget will be introduced for the utilisation of the youth in the development of the state. The 10 years from 2024 to 2034 will be the golden period for youth power in Odisha. The youth budget will focus on industry investment, employment generation, and skill development," he said.

Training his guns at the opposition parties, CM Patnaik said, "Development is our identity. But unfortunately, the opposition parties are doing politics on every issue. They are engaging in smear campaigns against every project, be it the Jagannath Parikrama Prakalpa, Ekamra Prakalpa, or the Maa Samalei Prakalpa. But the people of Odisha are aware of their anti-development attitude. People now know the real face of the opposition."

Patnaik also thanked the people for gathering in large numbers for the public meetings despite the heat wave conditions.

Patnaik is eyeing to win from the Hinjili Assembly constituency for a record sixth term and become the longest-serving Chief Minister of India. Patnaik is also contesting the Kantabanji Assembly seat in Balangir district.

Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases from May 13 to June 1. The results will be declared on June 4.
New Delhi, April 24 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, talking to IANS on wide range of issues, expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will emerge victorious in all five Lok Sabha seats of the state and achieve '400 paar' target under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dhami said that he had no doubts in mind about BJP's thumping victory, not just in his state but also across the country.

"Some people are saying that less polling will result in less victory margin but I must say that BJP and PM Modi supporters have thronged the booths in large numbers... and those who did not turn up as expected were the supporters of INDIA bloc. So, the margin of victory will be bigger," Dhami told IANS.

The Chief Minister further pointed out that whenever PM Modi sets any target, his supporters go all the way to turn that promise into reality.

"In 2019 elections, we had set 300 plus target and that was easily achieved by the party alone. This time also, it will be made possible because PM Modi-led government has consistently worked towards people welfare, country's growth in terms of economy and spirituality and the electorate will make it a point to return this in form of votes," he said.

He added: "Today, India has got new prominence under PM Modi's leadership and therefore people will vote for him in large numbers for further strengthening the nation."

Stating that Uttarakhand remains close to the Prime Minister's heart, Dhami listed many state-specific projects including Chardham road, Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line that went a long way in building a seamless road connectivity in the state.

He also recalled how Prime Minister's approach to Mana village, considered as the last village of the country completely changed the outlook of people as well as policymakers.

"PM Modi described Mana village and similar regions as the country's first village and this brought a paradigm shift in development in those regions," he pointed out. The reconstruction work in Kedarnath and Badrinath, Hemankund Sahib after the big devastation and the ropeway project in Kedarnath could be possible only because of PM Modias determination and vision.
Agartala, April 24 : Rejecting the CPI-M's complaint of "irregularities" after voter turnout reportedly exceeded 100 per cent at a few polling centres under the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat, the Returning Officer (RO) of the constituency has clarified that the mismatch was caused as the reserved polling officials from the nearby areas cast their votes in these polling stations.

Agartala, April 24 (IANS) Rejecting the CPI-M's complaint of "irregularities" after voter turnout reportedly exceeded 100 per cent at a few polling centres under the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat, the Returning Officer (RO) of the constituency has clarified that the mismatch was caused as the reserved polling officials from the nearby areas cast their votes in these polling stations.

Voting was held in the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat in the first phase on April 19.

In his inquiry report, the RO, Vishal Kumar, ruled out any discrepancy or subversion of the election process.

"A report has been obtained from the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for all four polling booths which showed the mismatch was the result of the votes of the election officials with Election Duty Certificate (EDC) polled in these polling stations.

"These polling stations are located near the ARO headquarters, dispersal centres, and strong rooms. In addition, many reserved polling officials were deployed in the nearby areas who cast their votes in these polling stations through EDC on the polling day," Kumar said.

In the ENCORE application, the total electors have been taken as per the electoral rolls (total electors in the polling stations).

The EDC is not added to the total column in ENCORE. However, the EDC votes are added to the total vote cast. Hence, the percentage of votes cast exceeded 100 per cent at a few polling stations, the RO said in his report.

Alleging booth capturing and rigging, the opposition CPI-M on Monday demanded fresh polling in the Tripura West Parliamentary constituency.

Immediately after the polls on April 19, the INDIA bloc, comprising the Congress, the CPI-M, and six other parties, alleged large-scale booth capturing, intimidation, and malpractices as they demanded countermanding of the elections to the seat.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Monday, Tripura CPI-M Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury submitted data from the Tripura Election Department about polling in parts of three Assembly segments under the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat.

Citing the data of votes polled and the eligible electorate, he claimed that voter turnout had exceeded 100 per cent at four polling centres in Majlishpur, Khayerpur, and Mohanpur Assembly segments.

Alleging that the polling figures showed a 'mismatch' with the figures on the ground, Chaudhury said: "The records of the statements of the Election Department unequivocally vindicate that the elections were not held in a free, fair, and transparent manner."
New Delhi, April 24 : Graphics chip giant Nvidia on Wednesday said it has acquired Run:ai, a Tel Aviv-based workload management and orchestration software provider.

According to reports, the deal size could be around $700 million.

The Israeli startup offers efficient cluster resource utilisation for AI workloads across shared accelerated computing infrastructure.

The company has built an open platform on Kubernetes, the orchestration layer for modern AI and cloud infrastructure.

"Run:ai has been a close collaborator with Nvidia since 2020 and we share a passion for helping our customers make the most of their infrastructure," said Omri Geller, Run:ai cofounder and CEO.

"We're thrilled to join Nvidia and look forward to continuing our journey together," Geller added.

Run:ai enables enterprise customers to manage and optimise their compute infrastructure, whether on premises, in the cloud or in hybrid environments.

Nvidia said its DGX and DGX Cloud customers will gain access to Run:ai's capabilities for their AI workloads, particularly for large language model deployments.

Nvidia's accelerated computing platform and Run:ai's platform will continue to support a broad ecosystem of third-party solutions, giving customers choice and flexibility.
New Delhi, April 24 : The revered Char Dham Yatra is all set to begin next month, with the opening of doors of Gangotri-Yamunotri and Kedarnath Dham likely on May 10.

Ahead of the auspicious pilgrimage, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami told IANS that all-round preparations are underway for a providing a safe, secure, hassle-free and comfortable yatra to the devotees.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, in an exclusive interaction with IANS said that the Chardham pilgrims will have access to the best facilities during the yatra, in all aspects including health.

Notably, health has emerged as a big concern for pilgrims visiting the state for Chardham darshan in post-Covid phase.

This year, the state government has made a special focus on improving health services on the Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath Dham yatra routes.

Pushkar Singh Dhami told IANS that religious tourism makes for the economic mainstay of the state and the pilgrimage has seen sharp spike in numbers after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mount Kailash.

He said that more than 56 lakh pilgrims took part in the Chardham yatra last year and this will only get bolstered further with each passing year.

He said that many big projects and infrastructure initiatives were in the works and the next few years will see the Yatra and the facilities completely revamped and refurbished.

The Chief Minister further said that all facilities including vehicle parking, transport and traffic, law and order are being looked into with detail.

Dhami recalled a statement by PM Modi where the latter said that the third decade of the 21st century will belong to Uttarakhand and said that the state government was assiduously working to achieve the same goal.

On questions about promoting film shoots in the hilly state, Dhami said that the state was rich in natural resources, including rivers and lakes. And, this makes it for a pleasant holiday trip for tourists as well as film buffs.

Sharing an insight into the increasing number of film shoots, he said that more than 200 films were shot in the state last year alone.

The state government is working towards easing off the whole process and also cutting down the multiple permission centers while offering exciting packages, he said.
New Delhi, April 24 : Infina Finance, one of the promoter group entities of Kotak Mahindra Bank which was barred by the RBI on Wednesday from onboarding new customers, had donated electoral bonds worth Rs 60 crore to the BJP.

Infina Finance, owned by the Kotak family, is listed as one of the promoter group entities of Kotak Mahindra Bank which has now been stopped by the RBI, with immediate effect, from taking on new customers and issuing fresh credit cards.

The RBI order issued on Wednesday said business restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank have been imposed in the interest of the customers as the Uday Kotak-controlled bank was assessed to be deficient in its IT Risk and Information Security Governance.

BSE data shows that, as of March 2024, the promoter and promoter group entities hold a 25.89 per cent stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Uday Kotak is the promoter and single-largest shareholder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, with a 25.71 per cent stake. The remaining 0.18 per cent stake is held by other promoter group entities.

Infina Finance donated electoral bonds worth Rs 60 crore to the BJP which were purchased in the denomination of Rs 1 crore in 2019, 2020 and 2021, according to data submitted by the State Bank of India (SBI) to the Election Commission.

The RBI order states: "In the absence of a robust IT infrastructure and IT Risk Management framework, the Kotak Mahindra Bank's Core Banking System (CBS) and its online and digital banking channels have suffered frequent and significant outages in the last two years, the recent one being a service disruption on April 15, 2024, resulting in serious customer inconveniences. The bank is found to be materially deficient in building necessary operational resilience on account of its failure to build IT systems and controls commensurate with its growth."
Solapur : , April 24 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said here on Wednesday that the INDIA bloc will 'fight any power' that threatens to change or tamper with the Constitution.

Addressing an election rally here, Rahul Gandhi said that for the first time in the country's history, a ruling party -- the BJP -- led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS were attacking the Constitution and working to destroy it.

"The BJP leaders are publicly saying that the Constitution will be changed after that party returns to powera they are trying to destroy and do away with the Constitution itself. However, no power can tamper with the Constitution and the INDIA bloc will fight to protect it," the Wayanad MP said.

He said the Constitution of B.R. Ambedkar "is not merely a book, but a document of the rights" of the poor people, the tribals, the Dalits and the common citizens, it is a 'weapon' in the hands of the ordinary masses to safeguard themselves.

"We shall not tolerate ita we will strongly oppose and fight any attempts to weaken or destroy the Constitution. This election is to save the country's Constitution and Democracy," the Congress leader said. Accusing PM Modi of diverting the people's attention whenever the Opposition parties raised major issues of national concerns, Rahul Gandhi said that the youth of the country are frustrated and directionless without employment opportunities.

"The BJP had promised to give two crore jobs to the youth but that did not happen. Now, the country is facing the highest rate of unemployment in the past 45 years. The youth roam around with nothing to do but the INDIA bloc will change matters after coming to power," he said.

For this, he said that the new INDIA bloc government will create a new law ensuring a 'job guarantee' and provide training and stipend to all educated youth and make them ready for any jobs of their choice.

He said the next government would identify all the jobless graduates or diploma holders and train them for one year at government, public and private sector offices, plus also give them Rs 1 lakh stipend per year to prepare them for any kind of employment opportunities.

Declaring that there is no dearth of resources in the country, Rahul Gandhi said it needs to be shared equitably among the poor, and flayed how a handful of rich persons control the largest chunk of India's wealth under the BJP rule.

Here, he mentioned the Congress election manifesto's promises to make crores of people as millionaires compared with the two-dozen helped by the BJP, deposit Rs 8,500 per month or Rs 1 lakh per year directly to the bank accounts of millions of women from poor families under the Mahalakshmi Scheme.

"PM Modi is a leader of the rich, billionaires and industrialists, he is not a leader of the poor masses in the country and that is why he is scared of losing the elections, and out of that fear and anxiety, he starts misleading the country with false claims," Rahul Gandhi alleged.

Accusing PM Modi-led regime of being 'anti Dalits and tribals' and insulting them, Rahul Gandhi said:

"The INDIA bloc will change all this. It will conduct a caste census to determine the socio-economic status of all sections of the people like Dalits, Tribals, OBCs and minorities to ensure that they get the fruits of development and 'nyay' (justice) that they have been denied."

The Congress leader was campaigning for the INDIA-Maha Vikas Aghadi-Congress nominee Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde, who is contesting the Solapur (SC) LS constituency, in the presence of top leaders like Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat, Sushilkumar Shinde and other state and central leaders, plus representatives of the INDIA bloc leaders in Maharashtra.

Solapur (SC) is slated to go for elections along with 10 other constituencies on May 7 in the third phase of polling in the state.
Chennai, April 24 : The Madras High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea for a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the cases related to the seizure of Rs 3.99 crore from three passengers in a train bound for Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli from Chennai's Tambaram and Rs 2.85 lakh seized from a DMK office in Tirunelveli earlier this month.

The petitioner, C.M. Raghavan, an Independent candidate from Tirunelveli Lok Sabha constituency, had argued in the court that the money seized was for election funding by the BJP and the Congress candidates for Tirunelveli Lok Sabha seat, and sought action against Nainar Nagendran (BJP) and Robert Bruce (Congress).

The order by a division bench of Justices M.S. Ramesh and Sunder Mohan came after Special Public Prosecutor of the ED, N. Ramesh informed the court on Wednesday that the offences, under which the Tamil Nadu Police had registered the case on the seizure of Rs 3.99 crore, were not scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and hence, the ED would not be able to investigate the case.

The bench, which had asked the ED on Monday if the offences registered by the police were scheduled offences, also stated that a detailed order, giving reasons for the dismissal, would be issued later.
Kolkata, April 24 : The Election Commission has chalked out a formula for the phase-wise increase in central armed paramilitary forces (CAPF) deployment for the seven-phase polling in West Bengal.

Even before the second phase of polls for the three constituencies of Darjeeling, Raiganj and Balurghat on April 26, the state commission has finalised the CPAF deployment for the third phase in the four constituencies - Maldaha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Murshidabad, and Jangipur on May 7.

While 299 companies will be deployed for the second phase, the number will be increased to 334 companies in the third phase, insiders from the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer said.

The total deployment of CAPFs in the first phase on April 19 was just 263 companies.

"Before the third phase of polls on May 7, there will be a total of 403 companies of CAPFs in West Bengal. However, out of that, 334 companies will be deployed for the four Lok Sabha constituencies that will be going for polling in the third phase and the remaining will be kept on reserve," said a CEO office source.

He added that in the subsequent phases, the deployment of CAPF personnel will be increased proportionately, reaching the maximum level in the seventh and final phase on June 1, when a total of nine constituencies will be going for polling.

Another crucial decision, taken by the Election Commission on Wednesday, was that from the second phase, a senior CAPF official will be present in the district control rooms of the state police throughout the polling period and till the time the EVMs reach the strong-rooms.

"In the first phase, the process was long, where first, a communication was made to the higher officials of CAPF from the state police control rooms and subsequently, the messages were conveyed to the company commanders. However, from the second phase, the senior officials present at the state police control rooms will be able to pass on the communication immediately to the company commanders concerned," the CEO's office source said.
A Hudson Valley plant-based dairy products startup is moving to Buffalo.

Edenesque will be bringing its headquarters to the area, as it expands into more stores and restaurants, including some in Western New York, and makes additional hires.

The Black woman-owned companys products will hit the shelves at Whole Foods this summer, and Edenesque will begin sales and marketing efforts in the area.

Right now, the companys products are sold in stores throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan and in corporate offices such as Calvin Klein and Estee Lauder, as well as restaurants and cafes in New York City.

Leslie Woodward founded the company in 2014 after spending more than 20 years as a chef in New York City. Edenesques environment-conscious, almond and oat milks are gluten-free, vegan and bring a combination of nutrient density and flavor, with no thickeners or stabilizers.

There is tremendous consumer demand in the nondairy consumer packaged goods market right now, and Edenesque has a unique opportunity to present a product that lives up to customer expectations in both nutrition and taste, Woodward said. We are absolutely thrilled to enact this vision in our new hometown of Buffalo.

She plans to build a team of employees in Buffalo, including hiring a chief of staff and sales personnel.

The company will now be closer to its contract manufacturing partner, Steuben Foods in Elma, and its main distribution partner, Sonwil Logistics in West Seneca. Based on increasing demand for the product, Edenesque decided last year to shift manufacturing to a contract partner that could handle larger orders.

The company is also participating in the University at Buffalos Cultivator accelerator program, which calls on participating companies to be located in Western New York.

Launch NY is investing $175,000 in Edenesque and will be featuring it in the coming weeks on its Investor Network, providing an opportunity to inject more growth capital into the company.

The investment includes $75,000 from Launch NYs nonprofit seed fund and $100,000 from its new for-profit LP Fund II, including $50,000 from the NY Ventures State Small Business Credit Initiative, which matches Launch NYs LP Fund II investment vehicle.

Launch NYs involvement with Edenesque started with its Founders Go Big program, which engages startup founders from underrepresented communities and provides them with mentorship, business resources and investment. Less than .5% of venture capital invested in the U.S. last year went to Black women founders.

We are extremely proud to be adding yet another underrepresented founder to our portfolio, as Leslie moves her headquarters to Buffalo and embarks on plans for significant growth, said Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY.

This is a huge win for our region as it will bring high-quality jobs to Buffalo, increase its diversity of startup founders and support a health-conscious product that is good for our bodies and the environment, she said.
Jaipur, April 24 : The Health Department in Rajasthan on Wednesday suspended the registration and renewal certificates issued to the Manipal Hospital in Jaipur to conduct human organ transplantation for its alleged involvement in a case related to the issuance of fake NOCs for organ transplants.

State health official Rashmi Gupta said the registration and renewal certificates (Forms 16 and 17) of Manipal Hospital for human organ transplants have been suspended under the Transplant of Human Organs Act.

Earlier, an upper division clerk at Fortis Hospital named Girraj Sharma was arrested for the alleged issuance of fake NOC for organ transplant which brought the matter to the fore. The employee was previously working with the Manipal Hospital, putting him under the lens of carrying out similar activities at his earlier workplace.

Singh was allegedly involved in forging the signatures of committee members responsible for issuing NOCs for organ transplantation.

The matter is being probed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the police.

Earlier, the registration and renewal certificates for organ transplants of Fortis Hospital and EHCC Hospital in Jaipur were suspended in the fake NOC case.

Officials said that several private hospitals in Jaipur are under the scanner after the Anti-Corruption Bureau busted a nexus of employees at a private hospital and at the SMS Hospital which was involved in forging no objection certificates (NOCs) for organ transplants.

The modus operandi involved illegal organ trade by enticing foreign citizens, especially from Bangladesh, promising a quicker process for transplants.

Additionally, the agency also detained Anil Kumar Joshi and Vinod Singh, who served as transplant coordinators for two private hospitals.

The Rajasthan government, following the busting of the racket, formed a special committee to investigate the irregularities in the issuance of NOCs.

A significant development in the case was reported when the authorities raided a guest house in Gurugram on April 4, exposing a racket wherein middlemen brought Bangladeshi citizens to hospitals in India, involving them in the illegal organ trade.

Officials in Haryana claimed that this racket was connected to the nexus busted by the ACB in Rajasthan.
Bhubaneswar, April 24 : The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha on Wednesday released a 50-page 'chargesheet' against the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) during a special programme here, highlighting the "corruption and incompetence" of 25-year-rule of BJD government in the state.

The party in its chargesheet indicated the poor law and order situation, unemployment, injustice with tribals, failure to thwart massive migration of labourers, rampant corruption etc., in the state.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, state BJP president Manmaohan Samal, BJP's Kendrapara Lok Sabha candidate Baijayant Panda along with other party leaders were present during the release of the booklet.

"The Biju Janata Dal government has failed miserably in issues related to women safety, providing employment, education and safeguarding the cultural dignity of Odisha," said Bhupender Yadav.

He asserted that the people of Odisha are asking as to why the consumers in the state are being charged more than the price at which Tamil Nadu is buying electricity from Odisha.

The state is selling electricity to Tamil Nadu at Rs 2.53 per unit while consumers in Odisha are paying Rs 2.83 per unit.

"Why are more number of teacher posts in Odisha lying vacant as compared to other states? Why is the number of beneficiaries in schemes like KALIA going down? Why so much corruption in PMAY? Why is the achievement in Jal Jeevan Mission just 3.51 per cent as per the available data for 2019?

"The BJD leaders had come to power promising to establish cold storages in every block of the state. Why are there no cold storages built in the blocks? The BJD government is still being questioned as the illegal mining has not yet stopped in Odisha despite the Shah Commission's report," Bhupender Yadav said.

The Union Minister said that all these questions have been raised in the 'chargesheet' released by the party on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, state BJP chief Manmohan Samal alleged that the BJD government is anti-farmer, anti-student, anti-youth and anti-poor.

He said that the 'chargesheet' will be discussed in every village.

The opposition BJP in its chargesheet alleged that the BJD failed to provide irrigation facilities to 35 per cent land of the 314 blocks of the state as promised by the party in 2018.

The BJP alleged that as many as 1,895 farmers, including 247 women, have died in the state due to the loan burden.

The party also said that more than 9 lakh youth of the state are in search of employment.

Similarly, 3,000 posts of doctor are lying vacant in the state, exposing the poor status of the health sector in Odisha.
New Delhi, April 24 : 2020 Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case accused Umar Khalid's advocate Trideep Pais on Wednesday challenged the Delhi Police's repeated mention of his client's name in the charge sheet.

Appearing before Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of Karkardooma courts during the bail arguments, Pais argued against the media trial and stressed the need for a thorough examination of witnesses and evidence.

He questioned the validity of the charges against Khalid and criticised the prosecution's attempt to keep him in jail.

In the previous hearing, the Delhi Police had objected to granting bail to the former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist in the case, alleging that Khalid has a history of manipulating social media narratives to influence bail hearings.

Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad had informed the court that Khalid engaged with actors and politicians to amplify his narrative to create public sympathy, framing it as part of a "larger conspiracy".

Pais, on Wednesday, raised objections to the Delhi Police's handling of the charge sheet during bail arguments, criticising the repetitive mention of Khalid's name, and questioning whether repetition could turn a falsehood into truth.

He highlighted discrepancies in the treatment of other accused individuals and questioned the basis for Khalid's continued detention.

Pais challenged the prosecution's claim that Khalid's sharing of certain links with individuals constituted a criminal or terror act, seeking an examination of the evidence. He also raised concerns about the media trial, citing instances of anchors reading from the charge sheet on news channels.

Counsel stressed the need for a detailed analysis of witnesses and documents to determine the validity of the terror charges against Khalid, and criticised the prosecution for what he perceived as a lack of substantial evidence.

He also cited the chilling effect of anti-terror laws on freedom of expression, saying that individuals who speak out are silenced under the pretext of national security.
Gandhinagar, April 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be in his home state Gujarat on May 1 and 2 to campaign for his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

During his two-day visit, he will address six major election rallies across critical regions such as Kutch-Saurashtra, and north and central Gujarat, as per the BJP.

The Prime Minister will begin with a roadshow in Vadodara, followed by public gatherings in Banaskantha and Anand on May 1.

On May 2, he will address rallies in Surendranagar, Bharuch, and Sabarkantha. These events are anticipated to draw large crowds and are crucial in garnering support for the BJP in these areas.

In preparation for the PM's campaign, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will engage in a series of public meetings across the state from April 25 to 27, beginning with Bardoli in south Gujarat.

Elections to all the 26 Lok Sabha seats of the state will be held on May 7, in the third phase.
Guwahati, April 25 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the minorities have been realising that they have been misled by the Congress just for the sake of votes.

"Congress had instilled in them the fear of the BJP. However, everyone, including Muslims, is attracted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas mantra. Because of this, today, the BJP has been able to expand its base in the Muslim-dominated areas," the Assam CM said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Chief Minister was welcomed by a large crowd of Muslim people as he campaigned in the minority-dominated areas of Nagaon and Darrang-Udalguri Parliamentary constituencies.

Addressing a public meeting in Laharighat, he said that more than 70 per cent of the voters in this constituency are Muslims.

"Congress has been winning Laharighat since 1967 by playing the Muslim card only. But it did not benefit the minority people. Muslims earlier did not lose faith in Congress even after imposing Emergency in the country by (late former PM) Indira Gandhi. In the same way, they were not moved by large-scale corruption during the UPA government's tenure.

"Now, the scenario has changed. Minority people could also understand that if PM Modi fails to become the Prime Minister for the third time, the progress and development in the country will be choked," CM Sarma said.

The Assam Chief Minister appealed to the Muslim voters to support the BJP by saying: "Your one vote can free the Muslim sisters from the shackles of polygamy and child marriage."

In fact, he has said many times that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will get the votes of Muslim girls, married women and youth in the Lok Sabha polls.

He said: "The BJP government has saved Muslim girls from the pain of child marriage. Muslim women are protected as triple talaq is banned in the country."

According to the Chief Minister, due to BJP's tough stance to provide government jobs only on merit, Muslim youths are also benefiting from it.

Meanwhile, in Assam, Muslim scholars are also coming forward in support of the BJP.

A group of Muslim religious leaders prayed for the victory of BJP candidate Suresh Bora from Nagaon.

Sarma said: "During the 2021 Assembly polls, some minority youth pelted stones on my vehicle in Nagaon. This time they welcomed me with flowers. I can bet that by seeing these things, it is clear that the days of Congress are over. They will not be able to do vote-politics using Muslim people.

"Everyone understands that the BJP is not an enemy of anyone. Sabka Sath is the main goal of BJP," he added.
Bengaluru, April 25 : Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is indulging in drama by showing sympathy in connection with the murder of an MCA student and Congress leader's daughter Neha Hiremath to control 'political damage and losses'.

Neha Hiremath was stabbed to death at a college campus by a youth, Fayaz Kondikoppa -- with whom she was in a 'relationship' -- last week. Her family is suspecting it to be a case of love jihad.

"The Congress government is showing sympathy six days after Neha's murder. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah does not have genuine concern for Neha's family. If he had genuine concern, he would have spoken to her parents the day when the incident took place.

"Siddaramaiah could have spoken to the members of the family when Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar and Minister for Labour Santhosh Lad visited the residence. But, there was no necessity to send Minister for Law H.K. Patil much later and speak to the family over the phone," Pralhad Joshi said.

He said every family across the state has been talking about the Neha murder case.

"The government's conduct... and the way the case was handled, is being slammed. After coming to know that voters are turning against Congress, the CM and other leaders are enacting a drama by showing sympathy for the family.

"It is not about Hindus and Muslims. We will raise our voices wherever there is injustice. We have attempted to get justice for her family," the Union Minister said.

He further said: "Shouldn't the BJP raise its voice over the killings of Hindus? Over attacks on women? The Congress is carrying out the politics of vote-bank and blaming the BJP."
Bhopal, April 25 : On the last day of campaigning for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed two back-to-back public meetings in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar and Betul and later, held a mega roadshow in the state capital.

At public meetings, Prime Minister Modi cornered the Congress over issues of reservation, corruption, and appeasement politics. He accused the Congress of promoting reservation on the basis of religion.

The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of reducing the quota for the OBCs in Karnataka by putting Muslim castes in the same category and claimed that it plans to replicate this across the country.

He dubbed the main opposition party the "biggest enemy of the OBCs".

"Once again, the Congress has given reservation on the basis of religion in Karnataka through the backdoor by putting all Muslim castes along with the OBCs. By doing so, it has snatched a big chunk of reservation from the OBC community. Congress indulged in this dangerous game which will destroy your (future) generations. It is the biggest enemy of the OBCs," Prime Minister Modi said.

He said that the Constitution clearly mentions that no one will be given reservation on the basis of religion. "Babasaheb Ambedkar himself was against reservation on the basis of religion. But Congress made a dangerous resolution of (providing) reservation on the basis of religion years ago. It is adopting various tactics to fulfil the resolution," the Prime Minister added.

He highlighted various projects of the BJP-led Central government for Madhya Pradesh in the last 10 years and said that he has high expectations from the people of the state.

In the evening, Prime Minister Modi held a mega roadshow in Bhopal. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, state BJP chief V.D. Sharma and party's Bhopal seat candidate Alok Sharma.

The Prime Minister received a rousing welcome during the roadshow.

Madhya Pradesh's six Lok Sabha seats a" Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho (all three from Bundelkhand region), Satna, Rewa (from Vindhya region) and Hoshangabad will go to polls in the second phase on April 26.

The election in Bhopal and Betul will be held in the third phase along with five other constituencies on May 7.

In the 2014 and 2019 parliamentary elections, the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi won 27 and 28 seats respectively in Madhya Pradesh. The state has a total of 29 Lok Sabha constituencies.
New Delhi, April 25 : Advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai assured the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that he would refrain from making any statements accusing BJD MP Pinaki Misra of conspiring against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The court was hearing a defamation suit filed by Misra against Dehadrai over claims of corruption.

Dehadrai gave this undertaking after Justice Jasmeet Singh noted that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is already investigating a complaint lodged by Dehadrai against Misra. The court recorded Dehadrai's assurance, which will remain in effect until the next hearing.

Earlier on Wednesday, the court observed that the allegations of conspiracy against the Prime Minister cannot be made irresponsibly and need to be based on "cogent and substantial reasons".

The court said the conspiracy to target the PM is an offence under the IPC.

"It is treason," Justice Jasmeet Singh said.

Dehadrai pledged not to make any public statements alleging that Misra was involved in a conspiracy against PM Modi.

Advocate Raghav Awasthi appearing for Dehadrai assured the court that no allegations of Misra's involvement in a criminal conspiracy against the Prime Minister would be made. The court recorded this undertaking in its order, specifying that it would remain valid until the next hearing.

Misra, who is also a senior advocate, has sought the relief of permanent injunction and damages against the defendants -- Dehadrai, ANI, PTI, and X -- urging the court to restrain them from making, publishing, or circulating ex facie false and defamatory allegations against him.

Misra is a BJD MP representing the Puri Lok Sabha constituency in Odisha.

He has also alleged that Dehadrai called him "Canning Lane", "Odia Babu", and "Dalal of Puri".

Advocate Samudra Sarangi appeared for Misra and Dehadrai while represented by advocate Raghav Awasthi.

On the allegation of Misra being the architect of the conspiracy to target the Prime Minister, his counsel Sarangi said that "my party (BJD) is ideologically aligned with the BJP and the Prime Minister".

The judge also asked Dehadrai's counsel how Misra targeted the Prime Minister.

The court said, "These are very serious allegations against the PM. You can't be trigger-happy. You are levelling serious allegations of conspiracy against the PM by a sitting MP. You explain it or I will injunct you."

Awasthi responded by saying that his client had personally witnessed it.

"The second aspect is the sworn affidavit by Darshan Hiranandani," Awasthi said.

Making submissions by himself, Dehadrai said, "I have personally witnessed conversations between Hiranandani, Ms (Mahua) Moitra and Pinaki Misra. Misra would write her speeches and explain what kind of allegations to make."

Justice Singh said, "What you are saying has very serious consequences. It affects the highest office of the country."

He added, "When you say conspiracy against the PM, it is a very serious issue. You may say the plaintiff is a politician and he can't be thin-skinned, I agree with that. But what you are alleging is very serious."

Misra has alleged that on October 14, 2023, a CBI complaint was filed by Dehadrai against Trinamool leader Mahua Moitra wherein he made a slew of allegations against her on account of personal differences between them.

Later, Misra alleged, Dehadrai created a pseudonymous account named 'Chandraswami Pinaki Moitra' (this account was previously named 'Ahmed Ansari') and published the first tweet on this account.

He began publishing tweets which contained references to 'Canning Lane' and 'Oriya Babu/Odia Babu'.

Misra has claimed that Dehadrai published a tweet with a picture of Moitra speaking in the Parliament, with Misra seated adjacent to her.

He further alleged that Dehadrai published a tweet with various pictures of Moitra and him (Misra) during Lok Sabha proceedings, along with tweets indicating the actual target of his allegations.

Misra also accused Dehadrai of specifically naming him in his interviews to ANI and PTI, saying Dehadrai made ex facie false and per se defamatory allegations, and continued to publish tweets with fraudulent, frivolous, and baseless allegations against him without having any shred of evidence.
Hyderabad, April 25 : Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi both are trained in "Aurangzeb school of thought" with democracy on their lips but "Shariah in their hearts and minds".

Addressing a press conference here, he slammed the Congress saying, "Is Rahul Gandhi the 'B' team of Owaisi or Owaisi the 'B' team of Rahul Gandhi? Is Rahul Gandhi a peddler of Owaisi's communal agenda? This is what appears from the Congress manifesto."

Union Minister Thakur further said that just like Rahul Gandhi was defeated by a woman in Amethi, Owaisi will be defeated by a woman in Hyderabad.

"Owaisi has been missing in action ever since Madhavi Latha (BJP candidate) entered the fray. The time to cut the kite's string has come," said the Union Minister, who earlier participated in the nomination rally of the BJP candidate.

He also claimed that the people of Hyderabad want to defeat Owaisi. "I have seen people's enthusiasm, support and blessings on Hyderabad roads for our party candidate," said the Union Minister.

He also alleged that Owaisi won many times on the basis of fake votes. "The genie of fake votes has been capped in a bottle. It's time for him to pack up," he said.

Union Minister Thakur accused Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi of being silent on the demand of their party councillor in Karnataka for a CBI probe into the murder of his daughter due to 'Love Jihad'. "How many more daughters will be sacrificed in the name of 'Love Jihad'," he asked, reading out names of victims and accused.

"Hundreds of Hindu daughters were killed by infiltrators and people of a particular community. Why do you have sympathy for them," he asked and accused Congress leaders of doing vote bank politics.

"Did they not shout 'Pakistan Zindabad' in the Karnataka Assembly? There were bomb blasts in Bangalore and the accused were sheltered in Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Can our daughters be safe or our borders be safe with appeasement politics?" he said.

The Union Minister alleged that the Congress party is bent on destroying 'Sanatana Dharma'. "They opposed the construction of Ram Temple, rejected the invitation for its inauguration and called Ram Setu fictional. The EVM beeps will give an answer to such beef-eating people," he remarked.

Union Minister Thakur claimed that Congress will snatch away property and hard-earned money of citizens for distribution among those who are its vote bank and with whom it does politics of appeasement.

Referring to Sam Pitroda's statement, he said Congress' hidden agenda had come out. "It clearly shows, even after your death, they will keep on looting you in the name of inheritance tax. I call it vasooli tax," he said.
Hyderabad, April 25 : Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday held a roadshow near the historic Charminar here in support of BJP's Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat candidate Madhavi Latha.

Before the roadshow, the Union Minister along with the BJP candidate performed prayers at the Bhagya Laxmi temple abutting the monument.

Scores of BJP workers, holding the party flag and dressed in saffron, participated in the nomination rally of Madhavi Latha.

At Gulzar Houz near Charminar, the Union Minister raised the slogan 'Owaisi ka nahin koi ata-pata, jabse aai Madhavi Latha' and exhorted supporters to repeat after him.

He exuded confidence that the BJP will wrest the constituency from AIMIM, which has been winning the seat for the last 40 years. The Union Minister said that the AIMIM has "done nothing for the development of Hyderabad in 40 years".

He said AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi was missing when the Bill for women's reservation was tabled in the Parliament.

"The time to cut the kiteas string has come. Itas time for Lotus to bloom in Hyderabad," Union Minister Thakur said, referring to the election symbols of AIMIM and BJP.

He also exuded confidence that Madhavi Latha will put a brake on Owaisias victory and the AIMIM chief will lose his deposit.

The Union Minister slammed the Congress, claiming that the latter has the "thinking of dividing people in the name of north and south and Hindus and Muslims".

He said that the Narendra Modi government never discriminated against people on the basis of religion, caste or region.

Madhavi Latha later filed her nomination at the office of Hyderabad District Collector.

The BJP candidate is likely to give a tough fight to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who is seeking re-election for the fifth consecutive year.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office later in the day, Union Minister Thakur said that just like Rahul Gandhi was defeated by a woman in Amethi, Owaisi will be defeated by a woman in Hyderabad.

The AIMIM has never lost an election from Hyderabad since 1984.
Bengaluru, April 25 : Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who is BJP's candidate from Karnataka's Dharwad Lok Sabha seat, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and Rahul Gandhi over the 'wealth redistribution' row.

Addressing a press conference in Hassan, JD-S supremo Deve Gowda said that Rahul Gandhi, with his remarks on wealth redistribution, has insulted and humiliated two Congress Prime Ministers who brought market reforms and increased the wealth of this nation.

"Rahul Gandhi wants to do a wealth survey and redistribute wealth. Does he think he is a Maoist leader? Is he dreaming of a revolution?," Deve Gowda said.

"Rahul Gandhi wants to give 30 lakh new central government jobs. I have run this country. There are only 40 lakh sanctioned jobs. How can he add 30 lakh more overnight? How much will he pay these people? Where will he employ them? Will he make them lift operators in government offices in four shifts? Only someone with no practical knowledge can speak like this," the JD-S supremo said.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Union Minister Joshi said that the Congress has the "agenda of snatching away properties of all sections" and people should be careful about the "conspiracy".

"The Congress wants to push this country into the Maoist system. This is clear with the manifesto of the Congress party and the speeches of its leaders. Maoism has failed in the entire world. But, now attempt is made to bring it here. People should be careful," he said.
Oakland, Calif., poet laureate Ayodele Nzinga is one of four multi-disciplinary recipients of a 2024 Rainin Arts Fellowship, an award given to Bay Area creators by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation that comes with $100,000 of unrestricted funding and tailored support. Nzinga, who also goes by the nickname WordSlanger, received the Rainin for her work in theater, though her projects include a poetry anthology, The Bridge (Oso Perezoso Press, forthcoming), and a spoken word recording with cellist Mia Pixley and producer Sonny Smith, Ghetto Grimoire.

The three other Rainin recipients include Adrian Burrell (for film); Antoine Hunter, known as Purple Fire Crow (for dance); and the Filipinx American team known as TNT Traysikel (for arts in the public space).

Nzinga is most excited that the Rainin Arts Fellowship provides her with time"time to make decisions, to be creative, to find some other way to get things done in the world. Asked what projects she might prioritize, Nzinga joked, Ive been accused of being a serial programmer. I have a full-to-overflowing plate of work that can now perhaps happen in a more expansive way, thanks to the award. Among her projects are a theater trilogy titled Government Housing, set to premiere this November, and the Oakland Womens Network Television, aka TOWN TV, a plan to give her communitys artists greater exposure for their creative work.

The Bridge, a bilingual poetry anthology, will be the debut publication of Oso Perezoso Press, a new imprint founded by J.K. Fowler, former publisher of the nonprofit Nomadic Press. When Nomadic Press was forced to close due to a loss of funding in January 2023, Black Lawrence Press provided a home for most of Nomadics backlist and forthcoming titles, including Nzingas SorrowLand Oracle and The Horse Eaters.

Nzinga and Fowler, who previously compiled The Town: An Anthology of Oakland Poets, are co-editing The Bridge, which includes poets from Northern California selected by Nzinga and poets from Xalapa, Mexico, selected by Fowler. All the poems will appear in both English and Spanish, on facing pages.

Nzinga, who is in her last year as poet laureate of Oakland, said that The Bridge is a way to spotlight poets "in conversation" between California and Mexico. In times of great chaos," she added, "what might be the grounding factors, the through points, and the ways to build bridges across cultures?

Oso Perezoso Press is interested in what is lost in translation, Fowler said, echoing Nzingas bridge metaphor. Hes especially interested in cross-cultural linkages because, since 2022, he has lived in Xalapa, where he established a cafe and cultural center known as Bundo (on hiatus while a new location is established) and a residency space called Huerto de Osos Perezosos (vegetable patch of the sloths) that has hosted writers including mimi tempestt, Keenan Norris, and Javier Penalosa.

Fowler expressed regret for the closure of Nomadic Press, but optimism around the new venture, which will focus on poetry while remaining open to fiction and nonfiction projects. Everybody was sad [about Nomadic], including myself, but we ended it correctlyI was able to pay off everybody who was owed, and we didnt want to take on books and then find ourselves with debts we couldnt pay, he said. I want to move slower with this press [Oso Perezoso] and work on some of the cool things Ive noticed in Mexico in terms of book art. I think people are longing for those tactile objects they can dive into.

Oso Perezoso will explore the untranslatable, the important but ultimately impossible attempts to bridge fronteras, the fact that despite this impossibility it occurs, Fowler said. We are interested in the paradox of being able to communicate while at the same time never being able to fully comprehend. The Bridge, a publication developed with Rainin winner Nzinga, will amplify poets efforts to connect across borders and differences.
The Hellenic Foundation for Culture has announced the second iteration of the International Professional Program at the Thessaloniki Book Fair (TBF), which will take place May16-18, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre in Greece. Following its successful launch last year, which highlighted American literature, the program aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between the Greek and international publishing worlds.

As part of the program, the fair established a professional rights presence, dubbed the Dialogue Right Center. This year, more than 30 literary agents and foreign rights representatives from at least 22 countries are participating. Petra Hardt, former rights director at Germany's Suhrkamp Verlag, will be this year's Fellowship Ambassador. Mauro Spagnol, founder of London-based Books Everywhere, a literary agency focused on children's books, will be a special guest for the international children's book market. Among the Americans participating in the rights center are Brooke ODonnell (Independent Publishers Group) and Peter Joseph (HarperCollins).

"Hosting U.S. as the guest of Honor in TBF last year was a wonderful experience for the publishers and the public, but also an invitation to dialogue from Greece to the grand and most prestigious book market, the U.S. one," Nopi Chatzigeorgiou, director of the fair, said. "This kind of focus offers the possibility to both sides to discover not so visible works and opportunities making the platform for business and cultural exchange. This year we had seven U.S. applicants for the 2nd Fellowship program. There is a new interest that makes us optimistic about further collaborations. I do believe we will see the results soon."

The United Arab Emirate of Sharjah is the guest of honor at this years fair. The program includes meetings between young Greek and Arab writers and poets, panels discussing the social role of literature in both countries, and the exploration of cultural bonds and the influence of Greek philosophy on modern Arab and Greek literature. Ten books by modern Arab writers already have been translated into Greek in preparation for the fair.

Bodour Al Qasimi, former president of the International Publishers' Association and president of the Sharjah Book Authority, will offer a talk as part of the program.

Other notable guests include Gvantsa Jobava, v-p of the IPA; Anne Bergman, director of the Federation of European Publishers (FEP); and Bojan Sazdov, President of the North Macedonian Association of Publishers.

The international networking forum PublisHer  Women in Publishing, founded by Al Qasimi, is organizing events with women publishers from Greece and the Emirates, and it will offer a series of panels aimed at empowering women in the industry. In addition, the European Network for Literary Translation (ENLIT), an organization representing institutions supporting literary translation, will hold its annual meeting during the fair.

A diverse group of acclaimed international authors from various countries and genres will be at the fair, including Italian writer Fabio Stassi and Carlo Lucarelli, Icelandic crime novelist Yrsa Sigurdardottir, German superstar thriller author Sebastian Fitzek, and renowned Turkish writer Zulfu Livaneli.

Following the fair, The Hellenic Foundation for Culture, together with BIEF (Bureau International de l'Edition Francaise) and the French Institute of Greece, are offering Greek-French Workshop for Children's Book and Comics in Athens on June 6-7. The event aims to offer participants the opportunity to get to know the French market. Additional events related to Sharjah and the Arab world will also take place in Athens, including workshops and music events at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and elsewhere throughout the city.
Elite universities can work toward greater free speech, but things wont improve until legacy campus publications are challenged.

We have conservative columnists, but we fact-check them twice, said the then editor-in-chief of The Daily Pennsylvanian during my freshman year at the university, in response to a question about publishing conservative views.

Undeterred by the warnings of campus conservatives, I applied to and was accepted to the papers Opinion section, where I wrote for four years. I felt that it was my obligation to offer a different perspective from on-campus orthodoxy. This has become increasingly difficult as the hostility to diverse opinions within legacy media has become more intense.

Last month, for example, former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel was hired by NBC News, only to be fired four days later due to an on-air revolt from the networks top pundits.

Back in 2020, young staffers at the New York Times revolted over the publication of an op-ed by U.S. Sen.Tom Cotton calling for National Guard intervention to aid in quelling the violence in Americas cities. The result was a lengthy and condescending editors note condemning Cottons column. Soon after, long-time editor Bari Weiss resigned from her position with the Times, citing its illiberal and bullying environment.

In recent weeks, former New York Times editor Adam Rubenstein revealed the extent of this problem in an Atlantic expose, where he describes being treated as a heretic at the paper. A similar story has been told by Uri Berliner, senior business editor at NPR, who voiced his concerns over the networks hard-left shift and growing tendency to tell listeners how to think. Berliner was suspended for his comments and then resigned.

This ideological bullying is passed down from top-tier journalists to smaller newsrooms like The Daily Pennsylvanian. In 2022, the paper took down an article criticizing the NCAAs guidance around transgender swimmers during the Lia Thomas controversy due to internal staff criticism. Ideology was constantly prioritized in editing. Amid Penns draconian COVID-19 measures, executive leadership of the paper tried to prevent my columns condemning them from being published in The Daily Pennsylvanian. The paper censored Wharton Board of Advisors chairman Marc Rowans letter criticizing the University of Pennsylvanias response to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks while rapidly publishing then-Chairman Scott Boks response. Clearly Rubensteins warning that activism is winning out over journalistic goals is relevant at The Daily Pennsylvanian, too.

You might ask: Whats the big deal? If NBC wont hire Ronna McDaniel, cant you change the channel to Fox? And if a U.S. senator is censored by the New York Times, surely he can publish future articles in National Review? But this polarization of media has serious consequences for democracy. It has acted as a profound deterrent to conservative voices in journalism.

A study conducted by the Syracuse Newhouse School of Journalism found that only 3.4% of journalists identify as Republican compared with 25% in 1971. The problem is substantially worse at the college level. In its 2023 DEIB report, The Daily Princetonian found that 90.2% of its editors identified as left-wing. The Daily Pennsylvanian does not track these numbers in its own diversity report, but as a former member, Id estimate a similar breakdown among staff.

This lack of ideological diversity should concern everyone, regardless of political leanings. Ensuring that the media landscape has a range of views remains crucial to safeguarding free thought and the integrity of information in our society.

Even more concerning is the widening partisan divide in media consumption and distrust in journalism. Pew has found that Americans are progressively more segregated in their news choices, with Republicans and Democrats getting their information from almost completely different sources. Consequently, its unsurprising that 74% of Americans believe that the media plays a major role in the growing political divide. How are we supposed to live, work, and vote together if we are operating with such different facts from such opposed media sources?

American trust in legacy media stands at a historic low. The only solution is to provide an alternative. Organizations not plagued by restrictive sensitivity standards, and that attract writers and readers interested in asking questions, not just regurgitating talking points, are what we need. Publications like The Free Press, and similar models on college campuses like Penns new student paper, The Pennsylvania Post, which I helped found, have begun to do just that.

It will be an uphill battle, and those waging it wont be spared the dreaded accusations of conservatism at every turn. I encourage all young journalists to ask questions and challenge the orthodoxy. The future of the free press starts and ends with us.
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record, SIG Sauer broke out their big brains with the wildly successful P320 and P365 families of pistols. Not only were they designed to be modular, with serialized fire control units in their grip modules, SIG also supported third-party companies in developing accessories for them. This created a robust aftermarket and ecosystem around SIGs handguns.



One of the most significant modifications you can perform on your SIG pistol is to swap out the factory polymer grip module for an aftermarket one. Sharps Bros makes a range of metal grips to trick out your P320 or P365; shown here are two of the latest variants of their Improved Grip Modules.

The P320 grips come in two colors, while the P365 grips can be had in X/XL and X-Macro sizes in various permutations of color, grip panels, and with or without manual safety. Not only do they look sharp, they offer a number of benefits over the original polymer grip.



Sharps Bros machines them from billet 7075-T6 aluminum; those for the P365 have steel lug inserts for durability, like SIGs AXG Legion. Youll notice that added heft and stiffness compared to polymer when sending rounds downrange. On our scale, the Sharps P320 grip weighs 7.6 ounces, compared to a factory M18 grip at 3.5 ounces and SIGs AXG at 8.2 ounces. Their X-Macro grip weighs 5.8 ounces, versus 2.5 ounces for a factory unit.



The grips are carefully shaped and contoured to provide enhanced ergonomics and control. The front and back straps are checkered, increasing grip without being aggressive. The models highlighted here come with nice Brazilian cherry wood grip panels; the P320 grip can also be ordered with Wenge wood grips. For the P365, theres a wide selection of optional stocks made by VZ Grips and Burkett Family Customs, in various sexy colors and textures, carved out of wood, G10, carbon fiber, and even exotic materials.



The factory P365 grip maximizes concealability with its 1-inch width and slim contour, but sacrifices some shootability, especially for those with larger hands. Sharps tips the scales in the other direction, better filling the hand with an extra 0.3 inch of width. On the other hand, the P320 is a service pistol; our M18 measured a chubbier 1.34 inches wide.

So both SIG with the AXG and Sharps actually slimmed it up a bit, a bit under and over 1.3 inches, respectively. Sharps took it one step further, digging out the grip at the base of the beavertail by 0.2 inch compared to factory  think of it like a built-in short reach trigger.



Moving forward, the ergonomics gravy train continues with the trigger guards, undercut aggressively to get your firing hand as high as possible and shaped concavely on the bottom for your support hand. Additionally, the P365 grip has Gas Pedal thumb rests on both sides of the frame for better recoil management and an index point  and yes, the Gas Pedal moniker officially applies as Sharps licensed the design from GoGun.



At the muzzle end, both dust covers sport Picatinny rails to mount your favorite weapon light. Sharps added an extra slot on the P320.



Installing your fire control unit into the grip modules is as easy as youd expect it to be. Sharps added another nice touch to their P365 grip, incorporating a tapered, threaded rear pin to secure the FCU  so you dont have to fuss with a punch and also get a nice snug fit.



At the range, the Sharps Bros grip modules worked very well, with excellent ergonomics and enhanced shootability. The P365 grip is a little chunky compared to a factory gun, but it still conceals fine  its a reasonable trade-off for what you get in return.

It wont fit in a regular P365 holster, but the Sharps website has links to compatible holsters from companies like TXC, Tier 1 Concealed, Tacrig, and MIE Productions. The P320 feels great and shortens reach to the trigger as a bonus. If youre looking to upgrade your P365 or P320, check out the Improved Grip Modules from Sharps Bros.

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I had never read a narrative with such a unique perspective and insight into life. Since then, I have gone on to be an avid reader of poetry and never fail to be amazed by the way poems can express the deepest thoughts and feelings in ways that I could never have imagined.
In a recent press release, The University System of Georgia recently announced that the temporary waiver of test score requirements will continue for the 2025-2026 academic year.

According to USG, 23 of the 26 Georgias public colleges and universities will be test optional. The temporary waiver excludes the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Georgia College & State University.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries announced on Tuesday that it has received bids from seven players for the re-bidding tender of the 10 gigawatt-hour (Gwh) tranche of the Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing production-linked incentive (PLI).

Photograph: Courtesy, Ministry of Heavy Industries

The list of bidders (in alphabetical order) who have submitted bids in response to this tender are ACME Cleantech Solutions, Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies, Anvi Power Industries, JSW Neo Energy, Reliance Industries, Lucas TVS, and Waaree Energies for a cumulative capacity of 70 Gwh, the ministry said in a statement.

After the re-auctioning for the manufacturing unit was announced in January, the pre-bid meeting was held on February 12, the ministry said.

The deadline for submission of applications was Monday, and the technical bids were opened on Tuesday.

The first round of the ACC PLI bidding concluded in March 2022, with three beneficiary firms allocated a total capacity of 30 Gwh, and the programme agreement with selected beneficiary firms signed in July 2022.

The 30 Gwh awarded in 2022 was against a targeted capacity auction of 50 Gwh.

This 10 GWh capacity, with a maximum budgetary outlay of Rs 3,620 crore, will be awarded out of the 20 Gwh that was to be re-auctioned after the exit of Hyundai Global Motors.

The re-auctioning of the 10 GWh capacity had to be undertaken after a controversy erupted with one of the four qualified bidders  Hyundai Global Motors.

The company had been awarded 20 GWh of capacity but had to back out after the South Korean automobile giant Hyundai Motor Company issued a public statement in August 2022, stating it had no link with Hyundai Global Motors and the latter was not authorised to use the Hyundai trademark and logo.

Of the four companies declared bid winners, Rajesh Exports was awarded 5 Gwh of capacity, followed by Hyundai Global Motors (later rescinded), which was awarded 20 Gwh of capacity.

Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ola Electric was awarded another 20 GWh, and the fourth was Reliance New Energy Solar, which had expressed interest in 20 GWh of capacity but was awarded only 5 GWh.

According to the ministrys statement, the conglomerate is now in the fray for 10 GWh more.

ACCs are high-capacity and high-efficiency electrochemical energy storage cells, important for industries requiring battery storage such as electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

In May 2021, the Cabinet approved the technology-agnostic PLI scheme on the National Programme on ACC Battery Storage for achieving a manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh of ACC with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore.

The battery PLI is among the slew of incentive schemes launched by the Centre to foster a domestic manufacturing-based economy in several sectors where India doesnt have a robust supply chain.

Post the technical round, the ministry will call for financial bids from eligible bidders and thereafter declare the winners.

Bidders are expected to place bids for the PLI amount they would require for setting up their facilities.
'From April 25, 2021, Modi disappeared. He made no public appearance for 20 days.'

'The prime minister of India fled the field when his people needed the government most,' points out Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: The mass cremation of those who died from COVID-19 at a crematorium in New Delhi, April 26, 2021. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Three years ago, on April 15, 2021, the National Taskforce on Covid met for the first time in three months (the last meeting was on January 11, 2021).

Cases were now at 216,000 and deaths over 1,100. Two days after that, April 17, Narendra Modi held what he said was his largest-ever rally in Asansol, with lakhs of people in audience.

Daily positive cases that day were 260,000 with 1,500 deaths.

Till this time, Modi appeared to be oblivious to the power of exponential growth though the government was warned specifically and severally about an impending second wave.

It was only after he returned that evening from Bengal and perhaps internalised the commentary on television of the devastation in Delhi's hospitals that Modi acted.

The next day, April 18, Modi cancelled further activity at the Kumbh.

Daily cases were now at 275,000 but it still took another four days for Modi to cancel his rallies in Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Kolkata.

He said the rallies would be 'virtual' (in reality, only the speaker was virtual and appeared on a screen; the crowd still gathered).

By now, cases were at 332,000 with 2,200 deaths daily. The same day that Modi cancelled his rallies, the obliging Election Commission banned rallies for all parties.

In guiding India through this second wave, Modi flew by the seat of his pants.

Structurally, there was nothing other than his office running the Covid strategy.

The Union Cabinet did not decide or discuss a single issue related to the pandemic as the second wave surged through March and April 2021.

It met five times, but only to clear things like the second phase of Bangalore's metro project and some memoranda of understanding with foreign nations.

Even on May 11, it met only to approve things like a ropeway project in Uttarakhand.

Ministers did not appear to know what Modi's vaccination strategy was, or if indeed he had any.

On May 18, Nitin Gadkari asked for more firms to be issued the licence to make the vaccine.

This was reported the next day, and it was pointed out that this was exactly what Dr Manmohan Singh had suggested to Modi a month before (a suggestion that was met with an insolent reply from Harsh Vardhan).

In the face of calamity, Modi froze. In the seven months from March to September 2020, Modi made 82 public appearances -- physical as well as virtual. In the next four months, he made 111 such appearances.

From February to April 25, 2021, he clocked 92 public appearances.

From April 25, after he called off the Kumbh and his Bengal rallies, Modi disappeared.

He made no public appearance for 20 days. The prime minister of India fled the field when his people needed the government most.

Twice in 2020, in April and in November, the government had been warned that an oxygen shortage was looming.

The minutes of one meeting said in clear terms: 'In the coming days India could face a shortage of oxygen supplies.'

While before April Modi did not himself take the pandemic seriously, he also insisted on managing it personally.

If there was any strategy at all in tackling the pandemic, it came directly from Modi's office; there was 'no role for the Cabinet in pandemic control, PMO calls the shots', as an Indian Express headline put it.

This was in keeping with the way in which he has run the government all this time.

A wave that began at the end of February was not only allowed to gather momentum, it was goaded on.

Through four weeks of March, through three weeks of April, India held gigantic gatherings directly organised by the BJP or approved and encouraged by it.

The consequences were felt by the country's healthcare system, which was always fragile and unavailable to the poor at the best of times.

Here, the second aspect to tackling a pandemic, the failure to anticipate the effects of a sudden wave and the preparation of a warchest of medical equipment, came into play.

In the eight weeks between March 1 and April 30, India's daily cases grew 40 times from 11,000 to more than 400,000.

No healthcare system in the world can handle an explosion of patients of this sort.

The only way to protect the population is to stockpile things that may not be immediately required today but are produced and procured and set aside in anticipation of a wave's peak.

India did not do that.

In April 2020, the government decided it would procure 50,000 'Make in India' ventilators, but ultimately only procured 35,000 of them after it determined that the pandemic had been seen off.

Corporates like Maruti said they had made ventilators, but the government chose not to procure them.

Two months before the second wave, on February 21, 2021, the BJP passed a resolution: 'It can be said with pride that India not only defeated Covid under the able, sensitive, committed and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, but also infused in all its citizens the confidence to build an "Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

'The party unequivocally hails its leadership for introducing India to the world as a proud and victorious nation in the fight against Covid.'

When the crematoria began to overflow, no reference was this to made.

All this may not affect the claims and the bombast, but this is not history from 1526, this happened to us three years ago and must not be forgotten.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
No government in the past initiated the process of policy making for its next tenure even before going in for elections.

Once the Model Code of Conduct is enforced by the Election Commission, should the government of the day refrain from taking an active interest in policy making for the next five years and let that be the function of the new government?, asks A K Bhattacharya.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Narendra D Modi, right, and Himanta Biswa Sarma at an election meeting in Nalbari, Assam, April 17, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Members of India's fabled steel frame, or civil servants belonging to the Indian Administrative Service, have been experiencing something quite unusual this summer.

Lok Sabha elections have been announced. The Election Commission of India has enforced the Model Code of Conduct.

Yet, senior civil servants, who usually heave a sigh of relief from their routine work for a few weeks before a general election, are under even greater pressure to work overtime.

In the past, most bureaucrats, apart from those entrusted with election duties, would treat this pre-election period as an occasion for recharging their batteries through some relaxed work and training.

But that has not been their experience this time.

How different has 2024 been so far for civil servants?

The reality this year is that even those not on election duty have been burning the proverbial midnight oil to prepare an action plan for implementation by the government that would be formed in June 2024.

This is no ordinary action plan. It will contain measures and policies that the new government should take and implement during its five-year tenure. Not just that.

The plan should also include a series of steps that the government could take in the first 100 days of its fresh term. Why 100 days?

Presumably, the 100-day deadline is meant to induce a sense of the speed and focus with which the newly elected government would be implementing those decisions.

Or, perhaps, the idea is to recreate the excitement that the 100-day blitzkrieg of policy action taken by the P V Narasimha Rao government had created more than three decades ago!

Not that civil servants do not work in similar mission mode after general elections are called.

In 2009, for instance, the civil servants worked hard on how to rescue information-technology firm Satyam from financial fraud, to which its owner had confessed in January that year.

Civil servants in the finance ministry and the corporate affairs ministry spent many a sleepless night helping an independent committee of professionals to complete the process of finding a buyer for financially beleaguered Satyam and, as many would argue, to save the reputation of India's famed IT industry.

Indeed, a new buyer for Satyam was found in Tech Mahindra through an auction by April, much before the elections were concluded and a new government was in place.

There is, however, no such crisis or scandal that should have driven the Narendra Modi government into overdrive in 2024.

The urgency of work among civil servants has arisen from a different set of factors.

Mr Modi has already told voters that they should expect a series of new measures to counter corruption in the first few days of the formation of the new government.

There are also reports of the Modi government's decision to put this plan out in the public domain to ensure that everyone is aware of the new government's vision and road map to achieve its goals of making India a developed country by 2047.

Some news reports are talking about a renewed push for infrastructure building, while others are referring to economic policy reforms like notifying the four labour codes that were passed by Parliament a few years ago.

It would appear that the finance ministry has already begun internal preparations for the full Budget for 2024-2025 the new government would have to present after the elections.

Even the Reserve Bank of India was gently told by Mr Modi that it should engage in internal deliberations for the next few weeks, because soon after the formation of the new government, a series of steps would have to be taken.

Why do these initiatives appear to be unusual? They do appear unusual because no government in the past initiated the process of policy making for its next tenure even before going in for elections.

Not even Mr Modi attempted such an exercise before the general elections of 2019.

Clearly, this is an outcome of the ruling party's supreme confidence in its electoral prospects.

The formation of a government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party in June 2024 is a foregone conclusion that even Opposition parties do not question.

So, the government is not losing any time in finalising its 2024-2029 action plan during the pre-election days.

But two sets of questions arise over these initiatives.

The first set is about the convention a government should follow.

It is the same convention that obliges a government to present only five full Budgets in its five-year tenure.

That's why last February the finance minister presented only an Interim Budget and not a full Budget despite its belief even then that the BJP would return to power after the elections.

Thus, if there is no emergency situation, can a government in the run-up to the elections ask the civil servants to prepare an action plan that it wants to implement once it gets re-elected?

Should there be a pause in government planning or decision making once elections are called, provided there is no crisis to handle?

The second set of questions pertains to how the Election Commission should view such policy plans being prepared by the civil servants.

The key question here is whether there is a change in the character of the government when the Election Commission notifies the election schedule.

Once the Model Code of Conduct is enforced by the Election Commission, should the government of the day refrain from taking an active interest in policy making for the next five years and let that be the function of the new government?

There is yet another sensitive issue. It is only natural that if central ministries are asked to prepare their action plans for the next five years, some of those details may come out in the public domain even while elections are being held.

Doesn't the ruling party, therefore, enjoy an advantage over the other contesting parties, which can rely only on their election manifestos?

Isn't that why the RBI sought in 2014 permission from the Election Commission before announcing the names of those who would be granted bank licences?

Of course, most of these questions are in the grey area.

But they do trigger thoughts about the fine distinction between the letter and spirit of governance and the electoral code of conduct.

And a debate over such issues can only strengthen India's democracy and its institutions.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) gave a clean chit to Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was named as the ruling National Democratic Alliance's surprise pick for Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, in the Rs 25,000 crore Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) 'scam' case.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar with his wife and NCP candidate from Baramati seat Sunetra Pawar and State Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis during a public meeting, in Pune on April 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The EOW stated in its closure report that it did not see any criminality or wrongdoing in the matter, adding that the bank in question did not suffer any losses in the process of sanctioning loans or selling the Jarandeshwar Sugar Mill.

The closure report comes at a time when the leaders in the Opposition combine -- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) -- have renewed their 'washing machine' charge at the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that probe agencies go slow on dissident leaders once they jump ship and join the ruling party at the Centre.

According to EOW, Sunetra, who is up against sitting MP and Nationalist Congress Party patriarch Sharad Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule, in the battle for Baramati; resigned from the post of director of Jai Agrotech in 2008, two years after which the firm allocated Rs 20.25 crore to Jarandeshwar Sugar Mill.

Thereafter, Guru Commodity bought Jarandeshwar Opp Sugar Mill through an auction, at Rs 65.75 crore, the closure report states, adding that Guru Commodity gave the sugar mill on lease to Jarandeshwar whose director, Rajendra Ghadge, is a relative of Ajit Pawar.

Jarandeshwar paid Rs 65.53 crore to Guru Commodity in rent, the EOW stated in its report.

Meanwhile, responding to the clean chit to Sunetra Pawar, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Anand Dubey said, "Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, has got a clean chit from the EOW in the Rs 25,000 crore MSCB bank scam case. PM Modi once called them a corrupt family but today, she received a clean chit. The closure report says the EOW did not find any criminal wrongdoing in the case. All Opposition leaders, accused of some wrongdoing or the other, get clean chits after joining the BJP. They make allegations against Opposition leaders, only to get them on their side thereafter and ensure they get a clean chit."

"However, those who are not with the BJP and dare to stand up to them are being harassed and raided by central investigating agencies. Cases are registered against them and they are thrown behind bars. Even chief ministers (of Opposition-ruled states) aren't being spared. And if dissident leaders decide to go with the BJP, they are made ministers and deputy chief minister or are rewarded with tickets to contest the Lok Sabha elections," Dubey said, adding, "If this isn't a dictatorship, then what is?"
Bikaner Bharatiya Janata Party minority morcha district president Usman Ghani, who expressed displeasure with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks in Rajasthan, was on Wednesday expelled from the party for 'tarnishing' its image.

IMAGE: BJP workers stage a protest against the Congress party, at Akbar Road, in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

Ghani, while talking to a news channel recently in New Delhi, had said that the BJP was going to lose three-four Lok Sabha seats out of 25 seats in Rajasthan.

He also condemned Modi's remarks regarding Muslims during election rallies in the state.

When asked about the remarks of Modi regarding Muslims, Ghani had said that being a Muslim, he was disappointed at what the prime minister said.

He said that when he 'goes to Muslims to seek votes' for the BJP, the community people talk about the kind of remarks made by the PM and 'look for answers' from him.

He also said that the Jat community is angry with the BJP in the state and they have voted against the party in Churu and other constituencies.

Ghani had also said that he was not afraid if the party takes any action against him for what he was saying.

After a video of Ghani surfaced on social media in which he is talking to a news channel reporter, BJP state disciplinary committee chairman Onkar Singh Lakhawat said that an attempt was made by Usman Ghani to 'tarnish' the image of party in the media.

'The party took cognizance of the act of Usman Ghani to tarnish its image and expelled him from the primary membership of the party for six years, considering it a breach of discipline,' Lakhawat said in a statement.

Bikaner Lok Sabha seat went to polls in the first phase on April 19.

While addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara, PM Modi on Sunday had suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it would 'redistribute' wealth to Muslims. He alleged that the Congress plans to give the people's hard-earned money and valuables to the 'infiltrators' and 'those who have more children'.

The remarks have triggered a backlash from several opposition parties.
The curtains came down Wednesday evening on a high-voltage campaigning for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls in 88 seats across 13 states on April 26.

IMAGE: BJP candidate for Mathura, Hema Malini holds a roadshow on the last day of the election campaign for the Lok Sabha election, in Mathura on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Staggered over seven stages, the first phase of the elections held last Friday for 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories saw a voter turnout of around 65.5 per cent.

Polling is scheduled in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, eight seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, six seats in Madhya Pradesh, five seats each in Assam and Bihar, three seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the prominent contestants are Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram), Bharatiya Janata Party's Tejasvi Surya (Karnataka), Hema Malini and Arun Govil (both Uttar Pradesh), Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi (Wayanad) and Shashi Tharoor (Thiruvananthapuram), Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's brother D K Suresh (Congress), former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy (Janata Dal-Secular).

During the campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra kicked up a row on Sunday while addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara.

Slamming the Congress manifesto, he alleged that the opposition party was planning to give people's hard-earned money and valuables to 'infiltrators' and 'those who have more children' and referred to former prime minister Manmohan Singh's speech in 2006 to contend he had said that Muslims have the 'first claim' on the country's resources.

The Congress was quick to react, saying that after facing 'disappointment' in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, the prime minister was resorting to 'lies' and 'hate speech' to divert people from the real issues.

The party also urged the Election Commission to take action against Modi for his remarks, alleging they were 'divisive', 'malicious' and targeted a particular religious community.

The next day, Modi again accused the Congress of planning to redistribute people's property if it is voted to power, but stopped short of saying that the wealth would go to Muslims.

Addressing a rally in Aligarh, a western Uttar Pradesh constituency with a sizeable Muslim population, Modi further said he wanted to 'alert' people about the "intentions" of the Congress and the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

As campaigning was drawing to a close, remarks by Congress leader Sam Pitroda on inheritance tax gave enough fodder to Modi and other BJP leaders to launch an all-out attack on the issue of 'wealth redistribution'.

In his poll rallies on Wednesday, Modi framed Pitroda's comments in his wider onslaught against the Congress, asserting that they have exposed its hidden agenda and that the party has become so removed from the country's social and family values that it wants to legally rob people of their assets and lifelong savings they want to bequeath to their children.

The Congress swung into damage control, distancing itself from the comments of the United States-based president of its overseas wing.

Over the past few weeks, various political parties held rallies and road shows across the states and also did door-to-door campaigning.

In Kerala, where the BJP has pulled out all stops in its bid to make inroads, diverse issues ranging from Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 'love jihad', controversies surrounding 'The Kerala Story' movie, Rahul Gandhi's candidature in Wayanad, and BJP's declaration that it would change the name of Sultan Bathery to Ganapathy Vattom dominated the high-decibel public campaigns.

During campaigning, ruling Left Democratic Front MLA P V Anwar sparked a row by referring to Rahul Gandhi as a 'fourth class citizen', someone who is not eligible to use the Gandhi suffix along with his name and should 'undergo a DNA test'.

He was reacting to Gandhi's remarks against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and asked how a person hailing from the Nehru family could make such statements.

Gandhi, during his election campaigns in the state, had sought to know why Vijayan was exempted from being interrogated and arrested by central agencies, though several allegations had cropped up against the Left veteran.

Vijayan, in response, recalled 'an old name of Rahul Gandhi' to attack the Congress leader. He was apparently referring to former chief minister V S Achuthanandan's calling Gandhi an "Amul baby" a decade ago.

After Friday's phase, polling will be over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura.

In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1).

In 2019, the National Democratic Alliance had won 56 of these 89 seats and the United Progressive Alliance 24. Six of these seats have been redrawn as part of the delimitation exercise.

Authorities in these constituencies have been directed to ensure that no outsider remains in these areas 48 hours before polling.

Any form of electioneering, public meetings, press conferences by political parties, interviews and panel discussions in electronic or print media have been strictly prohibited.

The third phase of polling for 95 seats in 12 states and Union Territories will be held on May 7.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said the Constitution intended to bring about a 'sense of social transformation' and it would be 'dangerous' to say that the private property of an individual cannot be regarded as material resources of community and taken over by state authorities to subserve 'common good'.

Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

The observations were made by a nine-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, examining whether privately-owned resources can be considered 'material resources of the community', when the counsel for parties including the Property Owners Association (POA) of Mumbai made vehement submissions that the private properties cannot be taken over by state authorities under the garb of constitutional schemes of Articles 39(b) and 31C of the Constitution.

The bench is considering the vexed legal question arising from the petitions whether private properties can be considered 'material resources of the community' under Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

"It may be a little extreme to suggest that 'material resources of the community' only means public resources and we do not have their origin in the private property of an individual. I will tell you why it would be dangerous to take that view.

"Take simple things like mines and even private forests. For instance, for us to say that the governmental policy will not apply to the private forests under Article 39 (b)... therefore keep the hands off. It will be extremely dangerous as a proposition," said the bench which also comprised justices Hrishikesh Roy, B V Nagarathna, Sudhanshu Dhulia, J B Pardiwala, Manoj Misra, Rajesh Bindal, Satish Chandra Sharma and Augustine George Masih.

Referring to social and other prevalent situations in the 1950s when the Constitution was made, the bench said, "The Constitution was intended to bring about social transformation and we cannot say that Article 39 (b) has no application once the property is privately held."

It said whether the Maharashtra law, empowering authorities to take over dilapidated buildings, was valid or not was a completely different issue and would be decided independently.

The bench asked can it be said Article 39 (b) will have no application once properties are privately held ones because the society demands welfare measures and there was a need for redistribution of wealth as well.

The CJI referred to the abolition of 'Zamindari' and the purely capitalist concept of property also and said it attributed a sense of 'exclusiveness' to property.

"The socialist concept of property is the mirror image which attributes to property, a notion of commonality. Nothing is exclusive to the individual. All property is common to the community. That's the extreme socialist view," the CJI said, adding that the DPSPs have their foundation in the Gandhian ethos.

"And what is that ethos? Our ethos regards property as something which we hold in trust. We don't go as far as to adopt the socialistic model that there is no private property...

"But, you know, our concept of property has undergone a very different, very subtle change from either the extreme capitalist perspective or the extreme socialist perspective," Justice Chandrachud said.

He said we regard property as something of holding in trust.

"We hold the property because for the succeeding generations in the family, but broadly, we also hold that property in trust for the wider community. That's the whole concept of sustainable development.

"That property which we have today, as today's generation, we hold in trust for the future of our society. That's what you call an inter-generational equity," the bench said.

It also observed that there was no need to distribute private properties, which have been considered as material resources of the community and gave the instance of nationalisation of private assets.

"You must understand that Article 39 (b) has been crafted in a certain way in the Constitution because the Constitution was intended to bring about a social transformation. We shouldn't therefore go that far to say that the moment private property is private property, the Article 39 (b) will have no application," the CJI said.

The bench also said it will also deal with the issue pertaining to Article 31C which grants immunity to laws meant to protect DPSP.

The observation was opposed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta saying that it was not referred to.

Mehta said though the issue of Article 31 C was not referred to the nine-judge bench, but, he will assist it.

The arguments remained inconclusive and would resume on Thursday.

Article 39(b) makes it obligatory for the State to create policy towards securing 'that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good'.

As many as 16 petitions including the lead petition filed by the Mumbai-based POA was heard by the bench.

The lead plea was filed by POA way back in 1992 and it was referred thrice to larger benches of five and seven judges before being referred to a nine-judge bench on February 20, 2002.
Amid mounting opposition pressure, the Election Commission is learnt to have started examining complaints against a speech made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajasthan in which he suggested that if the Congress came to power, it would redistribute the wealth of people to Muslims.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in support of BJP candidate Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya for the Lok Sabha polls, in Banswara on April 21, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Congress and the Communist Party of India-Marxist had separately urged the poll panel against Modi's speech on Sunday.

Modi on Sunday suggested that if the Congress came to power, it would redistribute the wealth of people to Muslims and cited former PM Manmohan Singh's remark that the minority community had the first claim on the country's resources.

Sources said the Election Commission has started examining complaints against the speech made by the prime minister.

The Congress, while urging the Election Commission to take action against Modi for his "redistribution of wealth" remarks made in Rajasthan's Banswara, alleged they were 'divisive', 'malicious' and targeted a particular religious community.

Separately, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, in a post on X, also urged the Election Commission to take cognisance of the complaint and launch proceedings against Modi and the BJP.

He also demanded that an FIR be lodged.

"Urge the ECI to take cognisance of this latest complaint and immediately launch proceedings against Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). An FIR needs to be lodged for inciting communal passions and hatred," he said.

Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi said it was a "trial of the EC" too and the poll panel risks tarnishing its legacy and abandoning its Constitutional duty by setting a precedent of helpless inaction that will go down in infamy.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday that as the first round of voting for the Lok Sabha polls was over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was afraid of invisible voters, and that's why he is always criticising the Congress party.

IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addresses a public meeting for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, in Wayanad. Photograph: ANI Photo

If the Congress is nothing, why is the Prime Minister bothered about the grand old party, Kharge asked at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said he had travelled to nearly 10-12 states and added the party was getting a very good response from voters there.

"I hope the undercurrent, that I can say, is not visible, but Modiji is afraid of these invisible voters who will come out in the election, and that's why he is always criticising the Congress," Kharge told reporters.

If the BJP will get 400 seats this time and they have such great confidence, then why is the saffron party welcoming corrupt people to their fold, the veteran leader asked.

"You (the BJP) say on one side that Modi never tolerates corruption. Then you purchase...instead of purchase, I will say you lured nearly 444 MLAs, irrespective of the parties to which they belong," he further said.

He charged that the BJP also welcomed 23 big people, including chief ministers, contractors, and others, in the past, and as soon as they joined the saffron party, "they became clean."

Taking a dig at the BJP, he further said as long as they were with the Congress or other opposition parties, those leaders were very corrupt.

"I am not able to understand that a man who ruled this country for nearly 10 years as a PM and for nearly 13 and a half years as a chief minister is not able to distinguish who is corrupt...who is good...and who is bad," he said.

It is unfortunate for the country that such a man is ruling, he said, adding that Modi and Amit Shah have very big "washing machines" to clean up corrupt people.

Accusing the Prime Minister of acting like a "petty politician," the AICC president said he had forgotten everything he had said earlier and during the 2019 elections.

Saying that Modi had promised two crore jobs to youngsters, he asked where those two crore jobs were.

Kharge recalled how Modi had promised to give Rs 15 lakh to every family and double the income of farmers. The PM also announced that he would bring back the black money kept outside by the Congress, he said.

Kharge asked the people to judge whether the PM or the Congress is lying.

"When I say Modiji you are a liar, then people ask why Khargeji is calling a Prime Minister a liar like this. Because these are facts...you cannot hide," he said.

The AICC chief also criticised Modi's guarantee slogan being used by the PM and the BJP during the campaigning for the polls this time.

"What is Modi's guarantee? Something not to implement whatever promises he gives. That is the guarantee," he alleged.

Modi's guarantee is that he will not fulfil the promises he is making, the Congress veteran charged.

Alleging the Prime Minister was thoroughly "frustrated," he said that's why Modi is saying that the Congress would take the money and other assets of the Hindu community and give them to Muslims.

"Has he said that or not? That's why I request you (media)...appeal to you...you highlight these things... to save this country...to save democracy, and to save the Constitution," he said.

Kharge also criticised Modi's alleged reference to Muslims as a community that has more children.

"I (myself) have got five children. What can I do?" he asked on a lighter note.

Criticising Modi for giving religious connotation to the number of children, the Congress leader pointed out that even Ambedkar was the 14th child in his family.

Accusing Modi of trying to destroy the country by connecting everything with religion, Kharge wanted him to read more about this country's history and learn how to keep the nation united.

He said the PM never listens to others' words and never even allows presspersons to ask questions.
The Congress on Wednesday asserted that it has no plans to introduce inheritance tax in the country as a row erupted over the remarks by its leader Sam Pitroda, who also later said that his comments on the issue had nothing to do with the party policy.

IMAGE: Congress general secretary in-charge (communications) Jairam Ramesh. Photograph: Mohd Zakir/ANI Photo

Pitroda had spoken about inheritance tax in the United States while delving into the issue of redistribution of wealth.

As the Bharatiya Janata Party latched on it to target the Congress, the opposition party first distanced itself from the remarks of the US-based president of its overseas wing and then launched a counter-offensive claiming it was the BJP that wanted to impose an 'inheritance tax'.

It cited the remarks made in the past by some ruling party leaders, including former union minister Jayant Sinha and the party's social media head Amit Malviya, to buttress its claim.

"I would like to categorically state that Congress has no plan on the inheritance tax. (Sam) Pitroda is a very distinguished professional and has made many contributions to the development of India. He expresses his views on the topic he feels strongly about.

"He has expressed his views in the American context, which has no relevance for us. He does not speak on behalf of the Congress," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said.

With his remarks triggering a row, Pitroda said on X, 'It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies the PM is spreading about the Congress manifesto. PM's comments on Mangal Sutra and gold snatching is simply unreal.'

'I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party including Congress,' he said.

'Who said 55 per cent will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why is BJP and media in panic,' Pitroda asked.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seized on Pitroda's remarks on inheritance tax to step up the BJP's attack on the issue of 'wealth redistribution', saying 'zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi' is the opposition party's mantra to 'loot' people.

Ramesh said it was former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi who had abolished Estate Duty in 1985.

He also shared a 15-minute speech by Jayant Sinha at the Forbes India Philanthropy Awards 2013 to claim that he was in favour of an inheritance tax.

'The Congress has no plan whatsoever to introduce an inheritance tax. In fact, Rajiv Gandhi abolished Estate Duty in 1985. Please listen to BJP MP Jayant Sinha, once MoS Finance in the Modi Sarkar, and later Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance.

'He has spent 15 long minutes vehemently arguing in favour of an Inheritance Tax of 55 per cent, like in the US,' Ramesh said.

He also alleged that the prime minister 'is worried and is scared and has been deliberately giving communal colour to our manifesto'.

"He is deliberately making all kinds of allegations against us as he is set to be defeated this time and BJP is halved in the North and is wiped out in the South. So all this is being done to divert attention from the real issues.

"Pitroda ji's comments are being deliberately sensationalised and presented out of context to divert attention from the malicious and hate-filled election campaign of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Congres leader claimed.

Ramesh said in a democracy an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views.

'This does not mean that Mr Pitroda's views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. Many times they do not,' he said.

'Sensationalising his comments now and tearing them out of context are deliberate and desperate attempts at diverting attention away from Mr Narendra Modi's malicious and mischievous election campaign; that is anchored only in lies and more lies,' Ramesh said in his post on X.

He also posted, '... In 2017, reports emerged that the Modi Sarkar was going to re-introduce inheritance tax. Fact Three: In 2018, the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley praised Inheritance Taxes for spurring large endowments to hospitals, universities in the West.'

'Fact Four: News reports emerged that Modi Sarkar would introduce an Inheritance Tax in Union Budget 2019,' Ramesh said in another post.

In his poll rallies, Modi claimed that Pitroda's remarks have exposed the Congress' hidden agenda and that the party has become so removed from the country's social and family values that it wants to legally rob people of their assets and lifelong savings they want to bequeath to their children.

Home Minister Amit Shah also flayed Pitroda's remarks, saying, 'The appeasement politics of the Congress stand exposed today with Sam Pitroda's statement on wealth redistribution. He reaffirmed the party's intention to seize the property of the majority and distribute it among the minority.'

'It yet again brings to the fore that the empowerment of India's poor, Dalits, youth, tribes, and backward classes was never on Congress's agenda,' he said on X.
The Supreme Court said on Wednesday it cannot 'control the elections' or issue directions simply because doubts have been raised about the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), as it reserved its judgment on a clutch of petitions claiming the polling devices can be tinkered with to manipulate the results.

IMAGE: A police personnel stands guard near the EVMs and VVPATs on display during the special training of the zonal and sector officers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, in Sonitpur. Photograph: ANI Photo

The court said it cannot change the thought process of those doubting the advantages of polling machines and advocating going back to ballot papers.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), after taking note of the answers to queries it had posed to the Election Commission.

It sought answers from an official of the poll panel to five questions related to the functioning of EVMs including whether the microcontrollers fitted in them are reprogrammable.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas, who had earlier made a presentation to the court on the functioning of EVMs, was summoned by the bench to appear at 2 pm to answer the queries.

Vyas, while responding to the question about microcontrollers, said they are one-time programmable at the time of manufacture and installed in all the three units of EVMs -- the balloting unit, VVPAT and the control unit.

They cannot be reprogrammed thereafter, he asserted.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner NGO 'Association for Democratic Reforms', claimed the EC official's statement was not fully correct. He cited a report by a private body to back his contention.

"The report says that the kind of memory used in these three units can be reprogrammed. A malicious programme can easily be uploaded at the time of symbol loading," he claimed, adding efforts should be made to remove the doubts about the transparency of EVMs.

Justice Khanna told Bhushan that the court has to rely on the data and information provided by the EC, a constitutional body, which says the programme in the memory of an EVM can be written only once.

"If you are prejudiced or predisposed about something, then we cannot help it. We cannot change your thought process," the bench told Bhushan.

Justice Datta said, "Can we issue a mandamus (directions) on the basis of a suspicion? The report you (Bhushan) are relying on goes on to say that there is no incident of manipulation yet. We can't control the elections. We are not the controlling authority of another constitutional authority."

He told Bhushan that law will take care if something goes wrong with the voting machines.

The bench recalled that the top court had in the past issued two orders on VVPAT, an independent vote verification system which enables electors to see whether their votes have been recorded correctly.

"One order was passed when the court ordered the use of VVPAT during elections and the other order was when the court directed that the use of VVPAT should be increased from one to five booths. Now, you all want us to issue directions for going back to ballot papers," the bench said, adding all it can do is pass directions to strengthen the existing EVM system, if required.

The apex court had in April 2019 asked the poll panel to increase the number of EVMs that undergo VVPAT physical verification from one to five per assembly segment in a parliamentary constituency.

One of the petitioners has sought each and every vote cast to be tallied with the VVPAT slips.

Referring to the earlier verdicts, Justice Datta said, "One of the two judgments said use VVPAT and it was followed. But where did it say match all VVPAT slips (with votes cast using EVMs)? Has any candidate ever come forward to say that there were instances of mismatch based on VVPAT slips?"

Justice Khanna told Bhushan that the matter was listed on Wednesday for a second time because the court needed clarification on certain aspects as there was some confusion over the answers given by the EC to 'frequently asked questions' (FAQs) about EVMs.

"We needed some clarification and therefore we called them (EC)," the bench said, adding there cannot be any second hearing on the efficacy of EVMs.

Justice Khanna said the EC has its own independent system, its own technical experts and it is not a political party.

During the hearing, Vyas told the court that microcontrollers installed in balloting unit, control unit and VVPAT cannot be accessed physically in any manner as there is a tamper detection feature which makes an EVM inoperative the moment anyone tries to open the machine.

Vyas said EVMs are stored for 45 days after the polling in conformity with the limitation period for filing an election petition under the Representation of the People Act.

"On the 46th day, the returning officer writes to the registrar general of the high court on whether any election petition has been filed. If the registrar general informs about filing of election petition, then EVMs of that constituency are sealed and preserved for future purpose," he said.

When senior advocate Santosh Paul, appearing for one of the petitioners, said that source code of EVMs should also be disclosed for transparency, the court rejected his contention, saying, "No, the source code cannot be disclosed as there is a chance of it to be misused."

After a two-day hearing, the bench had on April 18 reserved its verdict on the pleas. However, the matter was listed again on Wednesday as the court wanted some clarifications from the EC.

NGO 'Association for Democratic Reforms' (ADR), one of the petitioners, has sought reversal of the poll panel's 2017 decision to replace the transparent glass on VVPAT machines with an opaque glass through which a voter can see the slip only when the light is on for seven seconds.

The petitioners have also sought the court's direction to revert to the old system of ballot papers.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls began on April 19 and will conclude with the announcement of results on June 4.
Alleging the Tihar Jail administration cancelled Delhi Minister Atishi's meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the last moment, Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday said 'even the British rule did not see this kind of behaviour'.

IMAGE: AAP candidate from East Delhi Lok Sabha Seat Kuldeep Kumar, party workers and its doctors' wing stage a protest over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the alleged liquor policy case and the row over administering of insulin to him in jail, in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

According to Tihar official sources, Atishi's name was added after Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj's name into the list of visitors for Kejriwal.

She will be meeting him on April 29.

Sources said that Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot's name will also be added to the list of visitors and he will be meeting Kejriwal soon.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said that Bharadwaj and Atishi were supposed to meet the chief minister in Tihar.

"But Atishi's meeting was not confirmed yesterday. Delhi Education Minister Atishi applied for the meeting and at the last moment her meeting was cancelled," Singh said.

"After her meeting was cancelled, party national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak was supposed to accompany Bharadwaj, but he was informed around 9.30 am today that even his meeting was cancelled," he added.

Tihar sources said that Pathak himself did not come.

Singh questioned the reasons behind the move and feared that Kejriwal might not even be allowed to meet his wife in future.

"You are cancelling an MP's meeting, a minister's meeting with Kejriwal. You had cancelled my meeting with him earlier. Tomorrow you might cancel the meeting with his wife. Even the British rule did not see this kind of behaviour," he said.

An inmate is allowed to write down the names of 10 people, including his family, whom he is allowed to meet, he said.

"If any prisoner wants to meet any of these, he cannot be stopped from meeting these people," he added.

Singh said that he would be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena regarding the same.

"He is being meted out worse treatment than the one meted out to terrorists or hardcore criminals. They are allowed to meet in person their lawyers and their families but you are stopping his meetings," he said.

"If he kept asking for insulin for 23 days and you did not provide it to him, why is he being provided the same insulin after 23 days? This means that we were right throughout that the CM's life was being played with, a deep conspiracy was being hatched to kill him, which we have been saying again and again," Singh said.

The AAP leader said that 'no reason was given' for cancellation of the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Bharadwaj had a 30-minute-long meeting with Kejriwal.

"I had a half-an-hour meeting in the 'mulakat jangla'. He said that people should not worry about him. He said he is strong and he will continue his fight with the blessings of the people of Delhi," he told reporters after the meeting.

The 'mulakat jangla' 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.

Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case on March 21.

The chief minister has not stepped down post his arrest with the AAP asserting that he would continue to run the government from jail.
Anyone considering a business deal with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions from the United States, an official said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on April 22, 2024. Photograph: @PakPMO/X

"Just let me say broadly, we advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits," Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, said while responding to a question on a recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.

During the visit, Pakistan and Iran signed eight MoUs (memoranda of understanding) and also agreed to push bilateral trade to USD 10 billion.

Early this week, the US imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, including three companies from China.

"The sanctions were made because these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery. These were entities based in the PRC (People's Republic of China), in Belarus, and that we have witnessed to have supplied equipment and other applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme," Patel said.

"They are following our October 23 designation of three PRC entities who have worked to supply Pakistan's missile programme. We are going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities, wherever they may occur," he added.

At a separate news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Patt Ryder said the US maintains good relations with Pakistan. "They are an important security partner in the region," he said.
Some have been cherry-picked to assert the BJP's supremacy over its allies or, significantly, its leaders who charted an independent course in the recent past.

IMAGE: Rekha Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Basirhat, addresses a gathering ahead of the Lok Sabha elections at Basirhat in North 24 Parganas, March 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

From the Bharatiya Janata Party's perspective, in the past, the marquee seats that commanded the party's time, energy, and resources were those contested by its cherished leaders -- Lucknow (Atal Bihari Vajpayee), Gandhinagar (L K Advani), Vidisha (Sushma Swaraj), Varanasi (Narendra Modi), and Gorakhpur (Yogi Adityanath).

Or seats which the BJP was determined to wrest from the Opposition -- Amethi (Rahul Gandhi), Chhindwara (Kamal Nath), and Azamgarh (Akhilesh Yadav).

In the 2024 elections, it is not necessarily about investing in high-profile candidates -- at least candidates who have not acquired the cachet so far -- but rather about making a politically significant point to the Opposition wherever a non-BJP entity has had an advantage so far.

Of course, not all seats fall into this category. Some have been cherry-picked to assert the BJP's supremacy over its allies or, significantly, its leaders who charted an independent course in the recent past.

What are some of these constituencies, and who are the candidates?

REKHA PATRA

At 31, Rekha Patra is the BJP's nominee from Basirhat in West Bengal, pitted against Haji Nurul Islam of the Trinamool Congress Party, who replaced actor Nusrat Jahan.

The BJP imbued Rekha with high symbolism because she was among the women of Sandeshkhali village who led the protests against the sexual harassment of women and land usurpation by TMC muscleman Sheikh Shahjahan, who is now suspended from the party.

Narendra Modi phoned her to say she was 'Shakti Swaroopa' (manifestation of power), invoking images associated with Goddess Durga.

AMRITA ROY

At the other end of the social spectrum stands Amrita Roy, the BJP's candidate from Krishnanagar, which was won in 2019 by the TMC's Mahua Moitra.

Amrita traced her lineage to Krishna Chandra Roy's family of social reformers who, she revealed, had worked in the 18th century to 'save Sanatana Dharma'.

In a call to her, Modi emphasised the centrality of fighting corruption, an issue that the BJP hoped would resonate with Krishnanagar's voters after Mahua was accused of transacting an unlawful quid pro quo with a businessman.

KOMPELLA MADHAVI LATHA

She described herself as a 'daughter of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh', a 'typical Indian woman', an entrepreneur, a hospital administrator, and a trained Bharata Natyam dancer, but the multi-faceted Latha faces her first electoral test.

The BJP put her up against Asaduddin Owaisi from Hyderabad, a seat held either by Asaduddin or his father, Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, since 1984.

The 49 year old was chosen over BJP veteran Bhagavanth Rao Pawar, who lost the 2014 and 2019 elections to Asaduddin.

Latha hit the ground running with a dare to Asaduddin. I will campaign in each bylane of the Old City. If a single stone is hurled at me, Asaduddin will be answerable.

NAVNEET KAUR RANA

She and her husband, Ravi Rana, a BJP politician, were in the news in 2022 for reciting the Hanuman Chalisa in front of Matoshree, the residence of Uddhav Thackeray, who was then the Maharashtra chief minister. Navneet was arrested and released.

In 2019, she won the reserved Amravati parliamentary seat as an Independent candidate. Although initially aligned with the undivided Nationalist Congress Party, she joined the BJP in 2023. Despite being a late entrant, the BJP overruled the claim of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) candidate Anandrao Adsul, a former MP, and fielded Navneet.

SAKET MISRA

The son of Nripendra Misra, who was Modi's principal secretary and now chairs the construction committee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Saket earned his political spurs as a nominee to the Uttar Pradesh legislative council. He is the BJP's candidate from Shravasti, a seat once held by UP veteran Kalraj Mishra.

Saket, an IIM-Calcutta graduate, was an investment banker abroad. He moved to India in 2016 and made Eastern UP his 'karmabhoomi', focusing on 'sustainable poverty alleviation'.

Poorvanchal is his maternal grandmother's birthplace, and his grandfather Badlu Ram Shukla was once elected from Bahraich, Shravasti's neighbour, in 1971 from the Congress.

Knowing Misra Senior's exalted place among the BJP's apparatchiks, the party is expected to go the whole hog to ensure victory for his son.

VARUN GANDHI

He expectedly lost his chance at being nominated again from Pilibhit, a constituency held interchangeably by his mother, Maneka Gandhi, and him since 1989. Varun criticised the Modi government albeit subtly, but he regarded himself as a 'conscience keeper'.

Maneka has got a ticket again from Sultanpur, but mother and son indicated their unhappiness with the BJP by staying away from a meeting addressed recently by Modi. The seat is a test for the new BJP candidate, Jitin Prasada.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Rain. High 46F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 43F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
BENNINGTON  Metropolitan Opera star Oren Gradus has been singing with gusto for over 20 years, including an 18-season stint with the famed company.

He brings his considerable talent but also a different approach to his upcoming role as Tevye in a new production of Fiddler On The Roof, which is playing a limited run at the Monument Arts and Cultural Center in Bennington beginning Thursday.

Gradus' father Ari Gradus, who is also a painter whose work is on display at Monument Arts, lives in nearby Hoosick Falls and is directing the production. Gradus' mother and father met in an off-Broadway production and Oren was raised in New York, where they often went to Broadway shows.

His parents encouraged him in his artistic endeavors, especially when he started developing his voice at 16. Gradus eventually moved into opera, because of his bass-baritone voice, but he was always a big fan of musical theater. South Pacific was his favorite.

Gradus' path to Bennington began when visiting his parents in the area at times he wasn't on tour.

I came by [Monument], and I was just blown away by the facility here, Gradus said. He had heard through the grapevine what executive director Kristine Lewis was building. There's so much potential here.

After a discussion with Lewis, they agreed that he would perform an aria recital, which occurred last October. He performed pieces from Schubert and Don Quixote, as well as some musical theater numbers. It was also the first time he performed If I Was A Rich Man from Fiddler in public.

Lewis approached Gradus soon after to play Captain von Trapp in The Sound Of Music last December. However, the resounding performance of If I Was A Rich Man inspired the production of Fiddler.

Gradus says Tevye is a great character for him at this point in his life. He thinks back to the iconic performance of Israeli actor Chaim Topol, who played the role onstage into his 60s after starring in the Oscar-winning 1971 film.

Gradus is 49 and the age of this character seems utterly comfortable. He is also a father, and the parallel of working on it with his own dad is undeniable. I mean, (Fiddler is) one of those dream roles, Gradus said.

When I started working on it, I felt so comfortable doing it. The music is glorious and it's just such a wonderful, exciting departure from opera.

Gradus said some of the younger actors have asked him what his favorite part of the role has been: Tevye, as a character, has so much joy and also so much pain. It was about embracing those aspects. That said, even as an opera performer, the acting base has always informed the emotion of Gradus' singing.

I always love to come at the music in opera acting first. Gradus mentioned this as advice he was given by Natalie Dessay, who is considered one of greatest current sopranos. She always said she was a singing actress first. With his approach to Tevye, first and foremost, for Gradus, it is about the acting; it's the dialogue, the interchange in the characters.

The story of Fiddler is also extremely relevant in current times.

There's definitely very sensitive subjects here (with) what's going on in the world today. I did say at one point, when we decided to do this, 'I think we have to be sensitive to what's going on ... just because the world is really crazy right now.'

That said, music is universal, but the symbolism of the play is definitely prevalent in his mind. However, the intimacy of being able to see the faces of the audience at a venue such as Monument Arts is a gift.

This is an amazing location. Kristine's doing something incredible. For Gradus, having traveled and seen what's out there in terms of facilities, this is a jewel that's sitting in Bennington, and the area's so lucky to have this. He believes great things can happen here. It's just a matter of getting the word out. The theater, he adds, at 350 seats, is a perfect size.

It's intimate enough, but still large enough that you can get a nice audience in there. He uses the Met as a comparative at 3,880 seats where the performer usually can't see the audience though the applause is undeniable. He mentioned the wonderful standing ovations during his previous performances of The Sound Of Music.

The Monument is a perfect venue to bring a production like Fiddler to the community.

If you can bring [theater] to people and have them really be this close to the action and really feel part of it, I just think it's magical.
Buffalo and other municipal governments across the state got their wish for more state aid.

But Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown is not happy.

The 2024-25 adopted New York State budget includes an additional $50 million in financial aid for villages, towns and cities, excluding New York City. Its the first increase in aid to municipalities in more than a decade.

The extra $50 million in unrestricted aid boosted the state aid to municipalities to $765.2 million, according to a news release from the state.

The figure had been at $715 million for about 15 years, said Barbara Van Epps, executive director of the New York State Conference of Mayors.

Buffalo will receive an extra $5 million, but Brown thinks the city should have gotten an extra $10 million or more.

That is because each municipalitys share of the extra funding is based on the proportion it received of the total amount appropriated for the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities program, said Buffalos Finance Commissioner Delano Dowell. Under this, Buffalo should receive about $10 million but the State Legislature capped any municipalitys share at $5 million.

So Buffalo loses quite a bit from what its ordinary share would be absent the cap, Dowell said.

Brown said he is gravely concerned.

I am gravely concerned with New Yorks States decision to cap the additional allocated AIM funding to $5 million, which impacts the City of Buffalo the greatest of any municipality across the state, Brown said. Because of the cap, Buffalo will receive $6.3 million less than it would otherwise.

Throughout the state budget process, I informed state officials of the gravity of the City of Buffalos budgetary concerns stemming in part from post pandemic challenges, Brown said. Unfortunately, New York States answer puts Buffalo in a difficult position, which will make a direct impact on our taxpayers.

The budget refers to the new $50 million in allocations as the Temporary Municipal Assistance program.

The $50 million in funding will be applied over the course of three years to municipalities, said Buffalo Common Council President Christopher P. Scanlon.

I think well end up with $5 million per year. Thats my understanding, Scanlon said.

A state Division of Budget document identified how much municipalities in Erie and Niagara counties would receive of the extra $50 million in state funding for the 2025 fiscal year, including these amounts:

Buffalo: $5 million

Niagara Falls: $2,066,314

Lackawanna: $732,706

North Tonawanda: $503,399

City of Lockport: $307,783

City of Tonawanda: $302,160

Cheektowaga: $57,427

Amherst: $46,428

Kenmore: $44,866

Town of Tonawanda: $40,938

West Seneca: $24,383

Town of Hamburg: $19,411

Other municipalities in the two counties will receive smaller amounts.

This is a good start, said Van Epps, of the conference of mayors.

NYCOM is grateful that after 15 years, the governor and the State Legislature agreed to an additional $50 million in unrestricted state aid for cities, villages and towns, she said. Our members made their voices heard in every corner of the state, which led to a positive outcome not just for local governments, but for all of New York. We firmly believe that the only way to make our state safer, stronger and more affordable is by working together  and local officials are more than ready to do that. We are confident that the benefits of this increase will clearly demonstrate to our state leaders the value that comes from investing in their municipal partners and hope that this will pave the way for consistent and meaningful support for our communities going forward.

The state AIM funding is Buffalos No. 1 revenue source, and it has been set at $161 million annually since 2012, but the citys expenses continued to increase, city officials said.

With the extra funding, Buffalo will now get $166 million.

Brown and other mayors and municipality leaders had been calling on the state to increase AIM funding beyond the $715 million where it has been stuck for 15 years.

In February, Brown was joined at a joint legislative budget hearing in Albany by mayors of the other Big Five cities outside of New York City  Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers and Albany  who made similar requests of state lawmakers for more aid to address issues ranging from affordable housing to reducing gun violence.

Last month, mayors and leaders from around the state met in Buffalo to call on the governor and state lawmakers to increase AIM funding for municipalities in the states 2025 budget.

The extra $5 million in state aid for Buffalo comes as Brown is set to present his city budget recommendations by May 1 for the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year. He has indicated already that taxes may go up for property owners in Buffalo, primarily due to increased costs for snow removal.
Telco One NZ is supporting partners with a mobile virtual network enablement (MVNE) platform dubbed LaunchPad MVNE based on Matrixx Software.

The platform speeds and simplifies the onboarding of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), helping to bring on 10 new partners in its first year.

It can help MVNOs capture and grow market share by creating value-based offers for a particular segment and/or bundling mobile services alongside their other product portfolios to add value to existing customers.

Its our belief that the conditions are now right to help New Zealand grow its MVNO market, and One NZ will work with partners that can complement our brand and help us increase our network utilisation, said One NZ director of wholesale and infrastructure Tony Baird.

One NZ MVNOs include online retailer Mighty Apes Mighty Mobile, and Rocket Mobile, owned by MyRepublic.

Monica Ricci, head of global solutions marketing at Matrixx, said One NZ selected the platform as its monetisation vendor over a decade ago and had begun a fresh journey to launch innovations for their consumer and enterprise segments.
As part of its significant international expansion plans, enterprise conversational and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) platform Kore.ai has hired Paul Rilstone as its new Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) vice president.

Headquartered in Orlando, Kore.ais platform, no-code tools and solutions are used to deliver end-to-end customer and employee experiences from automated to human-assisted and to build generative AI enabled applications.

Kore.ai secured a US$150 million funding round in late January to aid its expansion efforts and has a network of offices including in India, the UK, the Middle East, Japan, South Korea and Europe.

Based in Sydney, Rilstone will be responsible for propelling the companys A/NZ presence and sales growth in the GenAI enterprise market.

He will also lead the regions partner strategy, addressing a growing market need for generating optimal conversational experiences among the regions enterprises and public sector agencies.

Rilstone comes into the role with more than 20 years experience in the IT industry, including more than 10 years experience in the customer contact centre market, previously working for Amelia, Telstra and Commonwealth Bank.
Peace requires turning against the junta, not trying to prop up its dying power through negotiations.

Thailands Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has reiterated his countrys offer to mediate between military junta forces and rebel groups to restore peace quickly in Myanmar.

The latest call from Bangkok for negotiations comes as ethnic armies and other anti-junta forces are gaining the upper hand in the three-year-old conflict, which has edged close to the Thai-Myanmar border, sending refugees across into Thailand.

Speaking this week from Mae Sot, a Thai district that sits on the border with Myanmars Kayin state, Parnpree revealed that initial discussions had already taken place with various military and ethnic groups in Myanmar. ASEAN would play a key role in talks, he said.

They havent had the time to discuss with us yet, but they are aware that we are ready to act as a mediator and to comprehensively resolve Myanmars issues to restore peace quickly, said the foreign minister, who also serves as a deputy prime minister.

Parprees appeal follows a call from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for Myanmars warring parties to agree to a ceasefire.

The current regime is starting to lose some strength, he said earlier this month, adding, "but even if they are losing, they have the power, they have the weapons. Maybe its time to reach out and make a deal.

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gives a thumbs-up during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, April 10, 2024. (Sakchai Lalit/AP)

Another voice for negotiations from ASEAN is former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who, as if to make his allegiances known from the outset, met with the Myanmar juntas envoy in one of his first acts after returning to frontline politics as the acting head of state.

Hun Sen said he wants to speak with Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, to engage in discussions and idea exchange aimed at resolving the crisis. Hun Sen failed to move Min Aung Hlaing in January 2022 when he visited Naypyidaw  the first foreign leader to do so since the coup  against the wishes of other ASEAN states.

The interventions of Hun Sen and Srettha imply disregarding the liberty of the Burmese people.

Hun Sen fancies himself as a geostrategist, a Lee Kwan Yew incarnate, but he has yet to distinguish himself in that role. But he also has a lot of time on his hands now that his son is prime minister.

War spillover fears

Srettha is, justifiably, fearful of the Myanmar civil war spilling over into Thailand, especially now as the anti-junta forces are capturing border towns in eastern Myanmar.

He has been unfairly burdened by his ASEAN colleagues with the task of sorting out the Myanmar crisis after three years of ineffectual efforts to push the junta to stop fighting its people and talk to its opponents.

Less justifiably, Srettha is overly concerned about declining trade with Myanmar and seems to be reveling in the international prestige hes getting from the crisis. But he is still politically dependent on the Bangkok generals who only last year sought full re-engagement with the junta.

Perhaps some other of Myanmars neighbors are getting jittery about what happens if the anti-junta forces succeed. The people of Myanmar are on the cusp of a popular democratic revolution, one of the few in Southeast Asian history.

This cannot sit well with communists in Hanoi or Vientiane, nor with Cambodias family-run despotism  or with the generals in Bangkok.

Would Myanmar set off a Southeast Asian Spring? Probably not.

But other peoples sweltering under the heat of oppression would be able to look to their near neighbors who had thrown off tyranny by their own hands without any foreign support in the shadows of global attention.

Nonetheless, even hard-nosed opportunists like Hun Sen and the Thai generals advising Srettha must understand that a negotiated settlement that leaves the military with political power is not a path towards long-term stability in Myanmar.

A Karen National Liberation Army soldier carries an RPG launcher at a Myanmar military base at Thingyan Nyi Naung village on the outskirts of the Thailand-Myanmar border town of Myawaddy, April 15, 2024. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters)

A premature deal would fail to take Myanmar off the ASEAN agenda, the desire of everyone else in Southeast Asia.

Suppose, however, the junta were to agree to negotiations. What would it demand? Certainly that the Tatmadaw, the military, remains in its current state as the national military without any civilian meddling.

The generals would demand to keep their stranglehold over politics, including military-appointed seats in parliament. For the 2008 Constitution would remain in force. Theyd oppose any tribunals against military officials over their atrocities. And they would probably want to prosecute the rebels it calls terrorists.

Propping up the junta

Would most of the anti-junta forces accept such terms? Almost certainly not. The National Unity Government (NUG) isnt eager to enter a coalition with the generals.

The Peoples Defence Forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) would understand negotiations to be a capitulation of their federalist, democratic cause. Too much blood has been spilt for a truce.

Even if the junta accepted a much diminished political role, no one can trust it not to launch another coup in the future.

Maybe some of the EAOs might accept a negotiated deal, but that would be dependent on their regions gaining far more autonomy than the military has ever countenanced beforeand which the military would try to roll back sometime in the future.

Myanmar junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing inspects officers during a parade to commemorate Myanmar's 79th Armed Forces Day, in Naypyidaw, March 27, 2024. (Aung Shine Oo/AP)

Some degree of violence would continue and the government that is created by a negotiated settlement would not control most of the country.

Anyone can call for peace and reach for the cliche that all wars end in negotiations, which isnt actually true. Civil wars end unconditionally or they dont end at all  the seven-decade ceasefire on the Korean Peninsula, for instance.

Hun Sen, when ending the Cambodian civil war in the 1990s, didnt make peace with the Khmer Rouge; he hollowed it out through violence and defections. There was no win-win for those who remained his enemies.

Now that Myanmars anti-junta forces are on the march and the despots are in retreat, this is not the time for others to intervene and forestall the revolution.

If Southeast Asian leaders really wanted to hasten the end of the conflict, they would turn against the junta, not try to prop up its dying power through calls for ceasefires and negotiations.

David Hutt is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) and the Southeast Asia Columnist at the Diplomat. He writes the Watching Europe In Southeast Asia newsletter. As a journalist, he has covered Southeast Asian politics since 2014. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of RFA.
A photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns meeting with senior Chinese official Zhao Leji in Pyongyang this month has been shared in Chinese-language social media posts, claiming that it shows Kim humiliating Zhao with the seating arrangement  Kim alone on one side of a big oval table and nine or 10 Chinese officials facing him on the other.

But the claim lacks evidence. The same seating arrangement has been used before at several meetings Kim conducted with senior Chinese and Russian officials. Experts on North Korean matters also dismissed the claim.

The claim was shared on X on April 15, 2024.

The senior Chinese Communist Party officials are treated as ministerial officials in front of Kim Jong Un, it reads. It not only severely humiliated Zhao Leji, but also mocked the core of Xi.

The claim was accompanied by what appears to be a photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns meeting with Zhao Leji, who ranks third in the Chinese Communist Party hierarchy and heads the ceremonial parliament.

A reverse image search on Google found the same photo published here by Chinas state-run Xinhua News Agency on April 14, 2024.

Newtalk News, Sound of Hope and other outlets repeated claims that the unusual seating arrangement for Kim Jong Uns meeting with Zhao Leji was a deliberate snub against the Chinese officials. (Screenshots / Newtalk News and Voice of Hope)

The seating arrangement in the photo has led some online commentators to interpret the scene as though Kim is being briefed by the Chinese officials, suggesting a dynamic where Kim appears in a more senior capacity.

The photo and the similar claims have been shared on other Chinese-language media outlets here, here and here.

But the claim lacks evidence.

Seating arrangement

A combination of keyword and reverse image searches found that the same seating arrangement has been used before at several meetings Kim conducted with senior Chinese and Russian officials as seen here and here.

The similar seating arrangement was also used at meetings between Kim and now Foreign Minister Wang Yi in May 2018, Chinas Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Li Hongzhong and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in July 2023 as well as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in October 2023.

When receiving past delegations of Chinese and Russian officials, Kim has frequently been seated alone except for a single interpreter. (Screenshots/ CCTV, Reuters and the official website of the Chinese Embassy in North Korea.)

Oval table

The use of an oval table is what sets Kims meeting with Zhao apart from other meetings mentioned above, where a rectangular table was used.

But AFCL found that there is no particular stigma associated with oval tables in either Chinese or Korean diplomatic culture.

For instance, South Korea chose an oval table for the April 2018 Inter-Korean summit in order to allow the two sides to sit closer and facilitate dialogue.

Apart from that, the official Chinese protocol for diplomatic meetings lists both rectangle and oval tables as common and acceptable table shapes used for bilateral talks.

Lim Eul-chul, director of North Korea Research Center at Kyungnam University believes there was no reason for Kim to humiliate Zhao and that if the North Korean leader had wanted to do so he simply would have canceled the meeting.

He noted, however, the decision to have Kim seated across from nine senior officials on his own may have been a subtle move meant to highlight the leaders self-confidence.

Lin Chih Hao, an assistant research fellow at Taiwans Institute for National Defence and Security Research with expertise on North Korean politics, said Zhaos trip to Pyongyang was actually one the warmest receptions a Chinese delegation has received in the last six years.

Lin also pointed out Kim has consistently chosen to meet with foreign officials alone over the last few years.

Translated by Shen Ke. Additional reporting by RFA Korean. Edited by Shen Ke, Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) was established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. We publish fact-checks, media-watches and in-depth reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of current affairs and public issues. If you like our content, you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.
The delegation is led by Yun Jong Ho, who has been active in the countrys increasing exchanges with Russia.

North Korean External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong-ho speaks during a meeting with Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov (not pictured) in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Nov. 15, 2023.

A North Korean delegation led by the cabinet minister for international trade is visiting Iran, the Norths state-run media reported on Wednesday, amid suspicion Tehran used North Korean weapons technology for its attack on Israel.

The minister for external economic relations, Yun Jong Ho, left Pyongyang on Tuesday by air leading a ministry delegation to Iran, the Korean Central News Agency said, without providing further details.

Yun, who previously worked on ties with Syria, has been active in North Koreas increasing exchanges with Russia, this month leading a delegation on a visit to Moscow, KCNA added.

The Norths announcement comes after some experts raised the possibility that North Korean parts or military technology could have been used by Iran against Israel, following the launch of more than 300 drones and missiles on April 13. The experts cited close military cooperation between Pyongyang and Tehran.

South Koreas spy agency, the National Intelligence Service, said last Wednesday it was looking into whether the Norths weapons technology was used in the ballistic missiles that Iran launched against Israel.

We are keeping tabs on whether the North Korean technology was included in Irans ballistic missiles launched against Israel, given the North and Irans missile cooperation in the past, the NIS said.

Separately, Matthew Miller, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, said last Tuesday that the United States was incredibly concerned about long-suspected military cooperation between North Korea and Iran.

Having established diplomatic ties in 1973, North Korea and Iran have long been suspected of cooperating on ballistic missile programs, possibly exchanging technical expertise and components for their manufacture.

A 2019 report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency showed Irans Shahab-3 ballistic missiles were developed based on North Koreas midrange Rodong missiles.

The Khorramshahr missile that Iran has developed is also believed to be technically linked to North Koreas Musudan missiles.

North Korea has also been suspected of involvement in arms trade with Russia, although the two countries have denied that transfers have taken place.

Since August, North Korea has made 10 weapons transfers of an estimated one million shells to Russia, according to the NIS, which is widely seen as an attempt by North Korea to boost its sagging economy amid aftermath of COVID-19 and international sanctions.

Other reports have suggested North Korea has delivered ballistic missiles to Russias military, citing U.S. satellite images.

Edited by Mike Firn.
Park Chung-kwon is one of about 34,000 people who escaped from North Korea and resettled in the South. He is the third escapee to be elected to South Koreas National Assembly.

His story is unusual. Unlike most escapees, who generally flee economic hardship, Park was a member of the North Korean elite on the fast track to a cushy life of power and privilege.

He was a graduate at the Kim Jong Un National Defense University and worked developing nuclear missiles, but after living a life most North Koreans could only dream of, he came to realize that he was helping to prop up a broken system that keeps most people living in misery.

So in 2009 he fled the country and defected to the South. While many escapees feel they are marginalized, Parks drive to succeed suited South Korean society well. He entered the prestigious Seoul National University, where he earned a masters degree and a doctorate in materials engineering and later became a lead researcher at Hyundai Steel.

RFA Korean interviewed Park about why he decided to leave his relatively privileged life in North Korea to come to the South, why he decided to enter politics and what policies he hopes to enact during his term in office. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

RFA: You were an elite member of North Korean society and you were living a relatively comfortable life. What made you decide to escape?

Park: It was a direct trigger for me to learn the reality of the North Korean system and realize its essence. If I had stayed in North Korea, I might have been on the gravy train. I graduated from a university that develops, produces and researches strategic weapons. I was assigned to a job at a time when the North Korean authorities were promoting military-first politics and emphasizing the military.

The problem is that after learning about the reality of the North Korean system, my world view completely changed. The future, which I previously thought to be very hopeful, turned completely gloomy and all of my dreams and hopes disappeared.

Also, the society of North Korea itself felt like a huge prison, and the everyday lives of residents were nothing but misery. In the meantime, I couldnt even raise my voice to say that this was wrong. Even if I wanted to change something, there was nothing I could do. So, I escaped from North Korea with the idea of going out and working to inform and change the reality of the North Korean system.

RFA: Many North Korean escapees decide to escape only after experiencing the outside world first-hand. How is it that a young Pyongyang elite who had never left the country became skeptical of the North Korean system?

Park: Before I changed my mind, you could say that I was a staunch defender, supporter and loyalist of the system. However, while I was in college, I witnessed a lot of corruption that is rampant in the North Korean system.

I recognized that corruption among officials was a problem as I saw situations where one official committed a mistake but got away with it by paying a bribe, or where another official wanted to have power or be assigned to a good job and could get that with the right bribe.

Beginning in the third year of college, I became a student official. In North Korea, a student official has power to control students and manage their organizational lives. As a result, I learned how the North Korean system works and how it controls people.

At that time, I read two essays written by (former leader) Kim Jong Il. It was Kim Jong Ils rebuttal against criticisms of the socialist system from the outside world. But I found that everything that the outside world pointed out was correct.

Socialism is totalitarianism, administrative order and empty rhetoric. Everything is correct. Also, North Korea talks about a monolithic ideological system, but it is natural for everyone to have different thoughts. So, I wondered why politically, we all had to become one.

Just like a planned economy, how does the state know what I want to eat for breakfast tomorrow? Thats how the theoretical transition occurred. By the time I graduated from university, I realized that the system was wrong from the top.

Park Chung-kwon, elected as a proportional representative to the South Korean National Assembly, in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA)

RFA: When you escaped from North Korea, did you have a plan for what you would do once you arrived in South Korea?

Park: I had several career-related scenarios, and one of them was to continue my studies at university. When I was living in North Korea, I looked up the best university in South Korea in the Rodong Sinmun, it said it was said to be Seoul National University. I thought, I should give it a try at Seoul National University so I continued my studies there once I arrived.

Also, I had the idea that I wanted to expose the reality of North Korean society to the outside world and help change the North Korean system. I also had thoughts about possibly working at the South Korean National Intelligence Service (the countrys spy agency).

RFA: So here you are, established in South Korea with a successful career. What is it that made you want to go into politics? When did you get the inkling to pursue political life?

Park: I never thought about going into politics. Rather, I was interested first in just making money and eventually starting a business. The opportunity for political life came when I received a recruitment offer from the People Power Party, South Koreas ruling party.

The reason I wanted to make money was because I always wanted to live a helpful life to our society, but I also wanted to live a meaningful life after risking my life to escape from North Korea.

It was not an easy decision. After a lot of sleepless nights thinking about it, I decided to enter politics because I thought there is a definite role for someone like me.

RFA: Your National Assembly term begins on May 30. What do you plan to focus on during your four-year term?

Park: Since I have a background as a North Korean escapee and an engineering student, I plan to focus on inter-Korean relations, North Korea policy, and science, technology and industry.

First, we plan to prepare bills for North Korean escapees so that they can have a support system within South Korean society beyond initial settlement, such as in employment and starting a business.

Also, as someone who has experienced the North and South Korean systems sequentially and as an active supporter of liberal democracy and the market economic system, I would like to play a role in protecting South Koreas liberal democratic system.

I also plan to act as a speaker to help the South Korean people discern how they view North Korea, so as to view the North Korean regime and its people separately.

I majored in weapons development in North Korea, so I plan to actively participate in South Koreas security and defense fields.

I am a representative of young scientists in the fields of science, technology and industry, so I will actively support scientists so that they can work with pride. I will work to create a better environment for companies to do business.

RFA: What specific policies do you think are needed regarding North Korean escapees in South Korea?

Park: Current policies to support North Korean escapees are focused on those who initially entered the country. The number of escapees entering South Korea has plummeted since the onset of coronavirus. Nevertheless, the number of relevant support organizations and staff has expanded. In line with the changed situation, policies to support North Korean escapees need to be improved in a streamlined and systematic direction.

Additionally, it is quite difficult for North Korean escapees to find employment. Even if they get a job, it may be difficult to continue working long term. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to provide employment opportunities for North Korean escapees until they successfully settle down. What I want to say to the public in South Korea is that there is a need to understand and wait for North Korean escapees to adapt to South Korean society. Doing so will greatly help North Korean escapees to adapt.

When I first came to South Korea, I also felt that the gap between the two Koreas was so distant that it could not be seen with my naked eyes. Still, I was proud of having received an elite education in North Korea, but that pride collapsed when I entered graduate school in the South. In the early days of graduate school, I studied with less than 4 hours of sleep a day. I felt so pitiful and knew so little. But my classmates and my colleagues understood me, waited for me, and helped me. So, I was able to adapt quickly and succeed in settling down.

RFA: You said you would serve as a speaker for the North Korean people. What is the most serious human rights problem in North Korea in your opinion? What efforts are needed to improve it?

Park: When it comes to human rights issues in North Korea, it is no exaggeration to say that almost everything is a problem.

But what I think is the most serious problem is the harsh punishment. In North Korea, basic human rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of movement and ownership are not guaranteed, and when you do exercise your basic rights, you are severely punished. For example, the most serious problem is that people are executed for accessing information from the outside world.

To improve this situation, the North Korean authorities must recognize that the way of maintaining the system by blocking the people from the outside world and the flow of information is no longer working.

Times have changed a lot. The minds of North Korean residents have also changed significantly from the past. We must work externally to help the North Korean regime face this reality and find a different strategy.

The North Korean regime also needs to recognize that this method of controlling North Korea by cutting it off from the outside world will no longer work due to advances in science and technology. Not only South Korea but the entire world must continue to pay attention to North Korean residents and work to improve their human rights.

RFA: I was wondering if there were any cases where you personally felt a change in the mind of the young generation while living in North Korea.

Park: I think it was when I was in my fourth year of college. I went to my hometown and had dinner with my high school classmates. Blackouts are common in North Korea, so there was no electricity, and we were eating by lamplight. Then, the electricity came on for a moment and we were all very happy. But, less than 5 minutes later the power went out again.

In this situation, a friend asked if there would be news in the paper about the five-hour power outage in Hamhung. In North Korea, power outages are not accidents, but everyday life. But this friend had the perception that it was an accident.

Just before I escaped from North Korea, the North Korean leadership began to transfer power to Kim Jong Un and was spreading rumors  that Kim Jong Un was a very good leader and a genius.

Young friends who heard the rumor responded by saying, No matter how much they say he is a genius, how good will he be?

There have been quite a few cases that I cannot talk about openly, but Ive been surrounded by such expressions.

Park Chung-kwon, elected as a proportional representative to the South Korean National Assembly, in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA)

RFA: At the end of last year, Kim Jong Un defined inter-Korean relations as hostile and said that unification of the two Koreas cannot be achieved. What do you think is the reason?

Park: I believe that the North Korean leadership is feeling a sense of crisis over the survival of the system because the changes in the peoples minds have reached a point where it is impossible for the Kim Dynasty to succeed to a fourth generation.

To make such a transition possible, it will be very important to bring about a change in the people's minds. There is admiration for South Korea among North Korean residents, especially young people, so I think the North Korean authorities are working to instill a vague fear of South Korea in peoples minds by defining South Korea as a hostile country and not an object of unification.

RFA: Do you think unification of North and South Korea is possible?

Park: I believe that regardless of whether we think that unification is possible or not, that it could occur at a time when we cannot predict it, and whether we want it or not.

I believe that unification is the destiny of our race. It would be most desirable for a change in the North Korean peoples minds to lead to a change in the North Korean governments strategy and for unification to occur after North Korea becomes a normal country. But this ideal situation may not happen.

Whatever the method, it is important to change the mindset of the North Korean people to minimize the impact of unification. The more that the North Korean authorities say that South Korea is not the target of unification and that they are not part of the same race, the more South Korea should pay attention to North Koreans and work to improve their human rights and change their mindset. We need to ensure that North Koreans have positive feelings toward South Korea so that when unification occurs, we can minimize the shock.

RFA: What message can your story as an elected representative give to North Korean residents?

Park: I graduated from a good university, and had a good job, so North Korean people are probably curious as to why I escaped.

It would be quite a shock to hear that someone came to South Korea on his own, received a doctorate from the best university, worked as a researcher at a good company, lived a good life, and then became a member of the National Assembly representing the people.

I think it could be a source of hope not only for those who are loyal to the North Korean system, but also for those who have already changed their minds but have no choice but to conform to the system.

I am excited to see what the results will be if this news spreads to North Korean residents, especially the elites and young people. I think it will be a bigger message if I am recognized by the South Korean people for doing well in legislative activities in the National Assembly rather than being a waste of taxes.

Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster.
The group denies killing the men, saying it's a result of warring drug gangs.

The entrance of Maungdaw city taken on an unknown date

Five Rohingya Muslims arrested by ethnic minority insurgents in western Myanmar have been found dead, sources close to the victims families told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

The five ethnic Rohingya men were arrested by the Arakan Army in Rakhine States Maungdaw township on April 17, they said. Their bodies were found on Monday. The Arakan Army denied killing the men.

Rohingya Muslims have faced persecution in Buddhist-majority Myanmar for generations. Recently, they have been targeted by the junta in a recruitment drive to bolster their armys numbers. Many Rohingya have been forced to move into poorly equipped camps because of a surge in fighting between members of the Arakan Army, drawn largely from the Buddhist community, and junta forces. Travel bans and security blockades have further affected many residents of the state.

The five men, from Ah Bu Gyar village, had not been heard from after they were detained, one person close to the family of one of the dead said.

The Arakan Army detained the men for interrogation after clashing with members of a Muslim insurgent group, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, near the village, residents said.

They have been arrested since April 17 and have not been able to contact their families. [The Arakan Army] said they would release them, said one resident, who declined to be identified for security reasons. But on April 22, some villagers found them at the Ywet Nyo Taung creek shore.

The families did not know why the five were killed, one relative said, adding that relatives were also not allowed to collect the bodies.

Sources close to the families identified the victims as Abdul Amen, 54, a former village secretary, Malawe Mohamed Sayad, 40, Aisalam, 61, Arbul Karlam and Numar Lal Hakem 27.

Arakan Army spokesman Khaing Thukha told RFA his group did not arrest the five residents, nor did it kill detainees. The group had nothing to do, with the case, he said.

We would never do this kind of lawless and unjust killing, Khaing Thuka told RFA.

Khaing Thukha said various insurgent groups and drugs gangs operated in the region

Its a complex area, he said. Among the criminal gangs, there are sometimes murders because one side is not satisfied with the other.

He also said that people opposed to the Arakan Army could be trying to damage its reputation in the community.

Arakan Army fighters attacked a police station near the border with Bangladesh, near Maungdaw townships Ywet Nyo Taung village, on April 17, residents said. Almost all villagers in the area had abandoned their homes and fled after the attack.

A Myanmar army offensive in the area launched after insurgent attacks on police posts in 2017 sparked an exodus of some 750,000 refugees into Bangladesh.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn.
But an expert said ministers comments may not be enough to restore public confidence in border security.

Minister of Defense Sutin Klungsang (R), Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara (C) and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul (L) give a press conference at Mae Sot International Airport on April 23, 2024.

Thailand has warned Myanmars junta and rebel groups against using its territory for their own sake, Thailands defense minister said, amid fears that fighting in eastern Myanmar could spill over the Thai-Myanmar border.

Over the weekend, Myanmar junta forces battled anti-junta insurgents in the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy, opposite the Thai town of Mae Sot, a major conduit for trade between the neighbors.

The escalating violence in Myanmar has sent refugees fleeing across the border into Thailand. Junta air strikes on Saturday and Sunday, in response to the capture by rebels of junta strongholds in Myawaddy, sent about 3,000 people over the Thai border seeking safety.

Today, we were able to have a discussion and send a message to the other side [Myanmar junta and ethnic groups] regarding whether there are planes to be flown in the area, Thailands minister of defense,Sutin Klungsang, told a conference with other senior Thai government officials on Tuesday.

We would have the capacity to intercept those planes. It was a friendly message, but meant as somewhat of a warning.

Myanmars neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have tried to promote a resolution of the crisis in Myanmar which began when the military overthrew an elected government in early 2021. But Myanmars generals have largely ignored ASEANs efforts. Thailand has established a committee to handle the crisis but political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn believes this only indicates that previous mechanisms are not working.

It suggests to you that the normal mechanism at the office for the National Security Council doesnt work, its quite problematic, Panitan told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

He said Thai government statements on protecting sovereignty, and on humanitarian aid and neutrality may not be enough to restore public confidence in border security and reactions were too slow and general.

This is not enough to calm down the panic or the worries of the people, of the traders, of the international community and ASEAN, he said, emphasizing that Thailands defense system also needed to be improved.

We need to move more quickly to exert our power and push the position to get more things done.

Thai media outlets reported more clashes in Myawaddy as of Tuesday, but Thai government ministers said they were hopeful that the situation was returning to normal.

On Wednesday, there were reports that the anti-junta Karen National Liberation Army had withdrawn temporarily from Myawaddy following a counteroffensive by the junta.

The situation has improved in the past couple of days and we are happy to see it under the good care of the agencies on the ground, said Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul at Tuesdays conference. We look forward to the normalcy that will come in the days ahead.

Anutin added that tourists could safely visit Mae Sot and that border trade was still flowing.

This is Thai sovereign territory and we are well-prepared to respond to any eventuality, he said.

Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
Summers of languid afternoons splashing in and out of the water are just around the corner.

And one of the best things about holidaying in Europe is you dont need to fly for scenic beaches and refreshing dips.

Flight-free experts at Byway have curated a series of journeys by train for travellers who want to dive into a more sustainable adventure.

Chlorinated pools can have an annual footprint of 1,400kg CO2, so all these trips take you to dreamy natural swimming spots.

Surf all summer long in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is often dubbed Spain's foodie capital, but it is also one of the country's best-loved surf towns.

La Zurriola Beach hosts top surf events throughout the year. With the reliable Atlantic swell and handful of surf schools, it is a perfect spot even for total beginners.

San Sebastian is often dubbed Spain's foodie capital, but it is also one of the country's best-loved surf towns. - Byway

To get to San Sebastian, take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris and then the TGV to Bordeaux. Here, you can stop for the night before continuing on to Hendaye and finally San Sebastian.

Swim in the bracing British sea in Cromer

The North Norfolk coast is the terminus of the Bittern railway through the watery landscape of the Broads.

Life-guarded beaches at Sheringham and Cromer are ideal for sea swims, with a slew of coffee spots to boost circulation post-dip.

By train from London, youll need to change in Norwich before arriving at the coast in Cromer.

Dip your toes in Slovenias Lake Bled

Grajsko Kopalisce is a designated public bathing spot on Lake Bled which will be reopening in time for summer. It has four natural pools and thickets of chestnut trees that provide ample shade for lakeside picnics.

With Byway, you can make the trip to Slovenia into a seven night adventure that includes a ride on the EuroNight sleeper from Stuttgart to Bled.

Enjoy urban floating in Bern, Switzerland

There's an art to joining Bern's thriving urban swim scene. Do as the Bernese do and think less 'swim' and more 'float'.

Let the River Aare carry you to the Marzili open-air pool - Byway

Follow the regulars to Eichholz Park and let the River Aare carry you to the Marzili open-air pool - they say there's no better way to see the city.

En route from London, you can stop in Basel to peruse art galleries and wander the Rhine river before continuing by train to Bern.

Jump into Penzance's Jubilee Pool

Set to reopen early on 4 May 2024, Penzance's Art Deco lido is the largest seawater pool in the UK.

It was designed in the early 1930s and is now run by a community enterprise that has seen the construction of a new geothermal pool and updated changing facilities.

Take the Night Riviera sleeper train from London, waking up in Penzance in time for breakfast.
Manasseh Sogavare, the pro-Beijing prime minister of the Solomon Islands, commands the largest bloc in Parliament after elections last week, but fell short of a majority and faces several rivals for leadership of the Pacific island country.

A consecutive term for Sogavare is a possible flashpoint for the economically struggling country where many voters are frustrated by stagnating living standards. The outcome is also being watched by governments from China to Australia and the United States as they jostle for influence in the Pacific.

Sogavares Ownership Unity Responsibility Party, known as OUR, won 15 seats in the 50-member Parliament, state media and election commentators said Wednesday  well short of the numbers needed to elect Sogavare prime minister after independents and opposition parties unseated some of his loyalists.

At a minimum the message is pro-change, Jaydee Nomisasa, a commentator on Solomon Islands politics, told RFA-affiliated news organization BenarNews.

Predominantly its the dissatisfaction with the way things have been going economically  a 20 kilo bag of rice, which was costing 90 [Solomon Islands] dollars, 100 dollars five years ago, is now something like 200 dollars.

The Apr. 17 election in the country of 700,000 people was the first since Sogavare switched diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan in 2019 and signed a security pact with the superpower. Dissatisfaction with the diplomatic switch culminated in economically ruinous riots in the capital Honiara in late 2021.

Sogavare retained his East Choiseul constituency in a close first-past-the-post race. His share of votes in the seat was down more than 10 percentage points from 2019, official results show.

He acknowledged his very small winning margin, in an interview broadcast by Solomon Islands news site Tavuli News on Wednesday, and appeared to blame the U.S. and its allies for the decline in his support.

There have been a number of decisions [by the Cabinet] that did not go down well with the international community, especially the Western allies led by the United States of America, he said.

Campaigning in the constituency included claims the U.S. would be doing a lot of things for East Choiseul, would be building this, building that, Sogavare said.

Despite the apparent backlash against the government, Sogavare still seems in a strong position to be prime minister again, said Nomisasa, who estimates he already has at least 19 members of Parliament in his camp.

The Solomon Islands Parliament is seen from a street in Honiara on Nov. 19., 2022. (Stephen Wright/BenarNews)





Mihai Sora, a Pacific analyst at the Lowy Institute think tank, said Sogavare, former prime minister Gordon Darcy Lilo  who won the Central Honiara constituency with a landslide majority  and Sogavares Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele are considered contenders to become prime minister.

Matthew Wale, who was opposition leader in the last Parliament, and Peter Kenilorea Jr., son of the Solomon Islands first independence-era prime minister, are also in the picture, he said.

If opposition figures like Peter Kenilorea Jr. or Matthew Wale are successful in forming a government, there is some scope to slow or reverse the trend of increasing Chinese influence in the country. But in some ways that horse has bolted, said Sora.

Much still depends on how the new government is formed, who takes the top job, and what promises were made along the way.

Wales Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment, known as CARE, has 13 seats in Parliament and Keniloreas United Party won seven. Both parties substantially increased their share of the vote from the 2019 election.

Independents hold 10 seats and the remainder is shared among smaller parties.

There are no figures from the 2019 election for the OUR party. Sogavare was elected as an independent in 2019 and subsequently brought together independents and others to form a majority under the banner of OUR, which was registered as a party following the election.

Going into last weeks polls, voters interviewed by BenarNews in Honiara and other areas of Guadalcanal said they were frustrated by the governments ineffectiveness in providing basic services and preoccupied by the daily struggle to earn enough to get by.

Crumbling roads and run down health clinics were a common complaint as were high prices in mostly Chinese-owned shops in Honiara. In a village kilometers from the capital, one resident said he hoped the community could get bore water and proper toilets rather than having to dig pits in the ground.

Anti-China sentiment appeared to be a factor in voting in Malaita, the most populous province, where a prominent Beijing critic, Daniel Suidani, was reelected to the provincial assembly after being ousted as premier last year.

Hundreds of police and troops from Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand provided security for the national and provincial elections, which were also monitored by nearly 400 independent observers.

Based on past experience, there could be prolonged negotiating and horse trading among members of Parliament to choose a prime minister and form a government, analysts said.

At this very early stage in the political bargaining process, its still anyones game to win, said Sora, a former diplomat in the region.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization.
Environment, economic impacts and security challenges were cited as main reasons for the need for further dialogue.

Passengers take a ferry across Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong River, in Phnom Penh on February 27, 2023.

Participants at a Vietnamese-sponsored consultation have suggested that Hanoi should ask Phnom Penh to delay a proposed canal project for further discussions, amid Vietnamese worries about the projects environmental and economic impact.

Construction of the 180 km (112 mile) Funan Techo canal, connecting the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, with the Gulf of Thailand, is planned to begin later this year and to be completed within four years.

The proposed canal will include a section of the Mekong River, raising concern in Vietnam about the impact downstream, especially in Vietnam's rice-growing Mekong Delta. The canal could reduce the flow of the river by up to 50% by the time it comes to Vietnam, said Le Anh Tuan, a prominent Vietnamese scientist.

Vietnam needs more time for consultation in order to protect the rivers delta, home to 17.4 million people, Tuan told the meeting in the town delta of Can Tho.

Another expert, Dang Thanh Lam from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Vietnam must ask for an environment impact report from Cambodia.

The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh also called for more information, saying that while the U.S. respects Cambodias sovereignty in internal governance and development decisions, the Cambodian people as well as people in neighboring countries would benefit from transparency on any major undertaking with potential implications for regional water and agricultural sustainability.

We urge authorities to coordinate closely with the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to provide additional project details and to participate fully in any appropriate environmental impact studies to help the MRC and member countries fully understand, assess, and prepare for any possible impacts of the project, an embassy spokesperson said.

Ly Van Bon, the owner of the Bay Bon fish pond located on the Mekong river which was affected by sediment, shows redtail catfish inside his fish pond in Mekong's regional capital Can Tho, Vietnam, May 25, 2022. (Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha)





For its part, Cambodia said it had secured endorsement for the project from the MRC chairman  Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.

Sisoulith has just visited Phnom Penh and, during a meeting with Cambodian Senate leader and former prime minister Hun Sen, he was asked to show his support for the canal.

In response, the Laotian president, without hesitation, announced his support, Cambodias Fresh News media outlet, which is supportive of the government, reported.

No obligation

Laos and Cambodia are both long-term allies of Vietnam but both have in recent years leaned more towards China.

Vietnam has repeatedly expressed concerns about the possible environmental and economic impacts of the project.

This month, a Vietnamese foreign ministry spokesperson urged Cambodia to provide information and an impact assessment on the water resources and ecological balance of the delta region.

In response, a senior Cambodian official said that Phnom Penh was not obliged to do so.

Cambodias Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister in charge of ASEAN affairs, So Naro, told the Khmer Times that Cambodia was not legally required to submit any document to Vietnam regarding the studies and construction of the Funan Techo canal.

Cambodia had submitted all documents of the studies on the canal related to the impacts on the environment and the water resources to the MRC, So Naro said. The MRC is an intergovernmental organisation in charge of the sustainable management of the Mekong basin.

The Vietnamese authorities can request access to those files, So Naro said.

Cambodia has insisted that the canal would not disrupt the flow of the Mekong.

(Credit: Cambodia National Mekong Committee)





Officially known as the Tonle Bassac Navigation Road and Logistics System Project, the Funan Techo canal will be developed by a Chinese company at a cost of US$1.7 billion.

It will mean that more trade can flow directly to Cambodian ports, bypassing Vietnam. The Cambodian government said it would cut the transport costs and reduce dependence on Vietnamese ports.

It also said that the project will bring great social and economic benefits to 1.6 million Cambodians living along the canal.

Security questions

Besides the environment and economic impacts, analysts say Vietnam is also worried about the security implications of the canal.

There have been suggestions that the canal could allow Chinese navy ships to travel upstream from the Gulf of Thailand and the Chinese-developed Ream naval base on the Cambodian coast close to the border with Vietnam.

Cambodia has rejected such speculation with Hun Sen insisting that Cambodia and Vietnam are good neighbors and have good cooperation in all fields.

But Vietnam has been in dispute with China over some island chains in the South China Sea and it eyes Chinas involvement in the region with suspicion.

Vietnam shares a long land border with Cambodia. Between 1977-1978 there was fighting between Cambodias Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese troops during the so-called southwest border war, which led to a Vietnamese invasion and the establishment of a pro-Hanoi government in Cambodia.

The situation on Vietnams western border should get more attention because of threats of untraditional security challenges, mostly over the Mekong delta, said Nguyen The Phuong, a Vietnamese political scientist at the University of New South Wales in Australia.

A loss of the Mekong's ability to sustain large scale food production will have tremendous impact on Vietnam's security in the south, Phuong said.

From my point of view, the western front is becoming more critical day by day but Vietnam is too distracted by maritime issues at the eastern front, or the South China Sea.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.








Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said during a visit to Berlin on October 11 that it was important that Ukraine's allies do not decrease their assistance next year as he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Zelenskiy has been on a whirlwind tour of major European capitals meant to win backing for his "victory plan" aimed at ending the war with Russia.

His main goal in his visits to London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin, his final stop, was to press for additional military and financial aid as Kyiv faces difficult months ahead in its fight to stop a slow but continuous Russian advance in the east.

In Berlin, Zelenskiy thanked Germany for its backing and said that "it is very important for us that this assistance does not decrease next year."

He said he would present Scholz with his plan for winning the war, repeating his hope that the conflict would end no later than next year.

"Ukraine more than anyone else in the world wants a fair and speedy end to this war," Zelenskiy said.

After his stops in London, Paris, and Rome on October 10, Zelenskiy said on X that he had "outlined the details" of his proposed "victory plan" to defeat Russian forces during his meetings with the leaders of Britain, France, and Italy.

He added that he and the other leaders agreed to work on the plan together but gave no details on what it says.

Scholz said he and the Ukrainian leader agreed on the need for a peace conference that includes Russia, but that peace "can only be brought about on the basis of international law."

"We will not accept a peace dictated by Russia," Scholz said.

Scholz also announced a 1.4 billion-euro ($1.53 billion) military aid package for Ukraine from Germany with partner countries Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, saying it includes more air defense, tanks, combat drones, and artillery and sends a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that "playing for time will not work" and vowing "not let up in our support for Ukraine."

During a 35-minute meeting with Pope Francis on October 11, Zelenskiy sought the Vatican's help in securing the return of adults and children taken prisoner by Russia, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

"The issue of bringing our people home from captivity was the main focus of my meeting with Pope Francis," he said.



Zelenskiy gave Francis an oil painting called the Bucha Massacre, depicting the mass killings of civilians by Russian troops in the Ukrainian city in 2022.

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.

Zelenskiy's arrival in Berlin comes after an October 12 summit of the Ramstein group of Ukraine's main backers was canceled at short notice when U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, abandoned their travel plans as the southern U.S. states braced for Hurricane Milton.



The White House said in a statement that Biden spoke to Scholz on October 10 and noted "his intention to continue our strong collaboration on geopolitical priorities, including supporting Ukraines defense against Russian aggression."

The United States has been Ukraine's main backer and by far the main contributor in terms of financial and military aid, but a victory by Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump in the election could cast doubt about Washington's continued support for Kyiv.



Zelenskiy's diplomatic efforts are taking place as Russia continues to keep up the pressure on Ukraine's cities.

As Zelenskiy arrived in Berlin, the number of civilians killed in a Russian missile strike on Odesa on October 11 rose to nine, including a teenage girl, and Russian troops struck the city of Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine.

"A two-story building where civilians lived and worked was destroyed," Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram.

Odesa, Ukraine's main hub for grain exports, has been repeatedly struck by Russian forces since the start of the war.

Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said there were no injuries in one strike but an inspection following another missile strike on the Derhachiv community of Kharkiv was ongoing.

Outside Kharkiv, a 38-year-old man was killed by a Russian drone strike on the village of Kozacha Lopan, the region's military administration reported.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the capital was targeted by Russian drones early on October 11. The military administration of the Ukrainian capital later reported on Telegram that all the attacking drones had been shot down, without specifying a number.

On the battlefield, outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces were fighting Russian troops inside the strategic city of Toretsk in the eastern region of Donetsk after abandoning Vuhledar, another strategic hub in the region, last week.

Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces carried out fresh attacks near Vremivka, Kharkiv, Kupyansk, and Siversk, the General Staff of Ukraine's military reported on October 11.

Separately, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said at least 208 civilians were killed and 1,220 injured in Ukraine in September. That made it the month with the highest number of civilian casualties in 2024, the mission said.

The organization said that 46 percent of the dead were over the age of 60. In addition, nine children were killed and 76 were injured in September.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
A picture of a prayer session inside the St. John the Baptist Church in Nagorno-Karabakh was posted to Twitter by Azerbaijani parliament member Jala Ahmadova in July 2021 to demonstrate what she called an "atmosphere of ethnic and religious tolerance," after Azerbaijan recaptured Susa, a town known in Armenian as Shushi. Today that church, built by Armenians in the 19th century, no longer exists.

Images released recently by the monitoring group Caucasus Heritage Watch indicate that the Susa church, which was wrapped in scaffolding through much of its time under Azerbaijani control, was demolished in the winter of 2023-24. Baku retook control of Susa from ethnic Armenian forces in November 2020 after launching a war to retake territory internationally recognized as Azerbaijani land.

Two kilometers south of the erased church, satellite images released in April reveal that an entire village appears to have been razed to the ground. Today a large mosque is under construction in the broken soil where a settlement once stood, which was known in Armenian as Karintak and as Dasalti in Azeri.

Husik Ghulyan, a lead researcher at Caucasus Heritage Watch who published the satellite images of Dasalti/Karintak, told RFE/RL, "I think the goal of Azerbaijan in this case was to completely demolish [the settlement] to rebuild a new village for Azerbaijani internally displaced people or other resettlers." The researcher said the village's church, visible to the right of the mosque, "is a legally protected heritage object even by Azerbaijani laws," which he said, was "probably the reason they left it intact."

Dasalti/Karintak, which means "under the rock," in both Azeri and Armenian, takes its name from the massive cliffs that loom above it. The village was the site of several natural springs and had a history of agriculture. A traveler to the village in the late 1890s described it as a settlement where "the land is fertile, but the crops are scarce and produce little." Locals, the observer said, "planted wheat, barley, millet, and other crops." Under Soviet rule the village was home to a silk production plant and a factory making electrical components.

During the second Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020, the village became a key battleground ahead of the fight for Susa. Images taken in December 2021 show bullet marks on buildings in the settlement, which resembles a ghost town in the photos after its ethnic Armenian population fled the Azerbaijani advance.

The most recent images of Dasalti/Karintak were made when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited to oversee progress on a new mosque being built. Images released by Aliyev's office in July 2023 show houses in the settlement were still intact at that time but photos of Aliyev's late December visit to the village do not feature wide shots of the landscape, suggesting demolition work might have been under way by then.

Ali Mozaffari, an Iranian academic of Azerbaijani descent who is a senior research fellow at Australia's Deakin University, says the latest apparent drive to wipe out physical traces of Armenian heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh is an issue that may extend beyond a conflict between Baku and Yerevan. "There is a strong push, led by Turkey, for realizing the idea of a unified and connected Turkic World, and extending eastward to the Chinese border," Mozaffari told RFE/RL. "Heritage is very important to justifying this geostrategic vision," he said. The academic adds that both Azerbaijan and Armenia have carried out well-documented cultural destruction, but says Baku has done so "more widely and systematically."

Lori Khatchadourian, an associate professor at Cornell University and the co-founder of Caucasus Heritage Watch, says the monitoring group has so far noted the destruction of 10 heritage sites within Azerbaijan's retaken territory since 2020 and is currently beginning a new survey of hundreds of heritage locations. She points to the precedent of the virtually complete erasure of Armenian heritage in the Azerbaijani exclave of Naxcivan as an example of what may lie ahead in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

Previewing Xi's Big Europe Trip

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Hungary, Serbia, and France on a high-profile tour in early May, marking his first trip to Europe since the pandemic.

Here's what to watch.

Finding Perspective: The trip will be rich in symbolism and comes at a crucial time with Russia advancing on the battlefield in Ukraine, escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels, and potential fallout from November's U.S. election.

Against this backdrop, Xi will be looking to repair some of the damage done to the relationship with Europe since his last trip to the continent. In particular, he'll be aiming to unwind some of the European Union's moves toward de-risking, which Beijing sees as an unwelcome alignment between Brussels and Washington.

Another thing on the agenda will be China's participation at the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland about the war in Ukraine set for mid-June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been trying to court China to participate, as was German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Beijing last week.

EU officials say Beijing has been pushing for Russia to have a seat at the table as well, something Kyiv (and perhaps even Moscow) is not willing to accept at the moment. With that in mind, it's unclear if China will participate or boycott the talks.

One Thing To Watch: The dates of the tour have not been publicly announced, but various European officials have pointed toward May 7 as a starting day, a date that has also been reported by Serbian media as when Xi could visit Belgrade.

The date makes sense as it falls on the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of China's embassy in Belgrade, which serves as a major event in the countries' relations.

The destroyed embassy has since been transformed into an expansive Chinese cultural center that is set to be the largest in Europe.

When I reported about the center during a trip to Belgrade in 2022, it was already completed and staff could be seen going in and out of the building. However, it's still not officially opened, and it has been speculated that Serbian and Chinese officials were waiting for a visit from Xi to mark the occasion.

Xi also visited the site the last time he went to Serbia in 2016, laying flowers and making a speech at a monument on the compound in honor of the Chinese diplomats who were killed in the 1999 bombing.

Why It Matters: While the visit to Paris is an opportunity to focus on China's wider relationship with Europe, the stops in Hungary and Serbia will allow Beijing to show that its influence in Central and Eastern Europe is still intact.

Over the last few years, the 17+1 (China's diplomatic grouping to engage with the region) has seen members leave, making it the 16+1, while other Central and Eastern European countries have downgraded and deprioritized the bloc.

Showing its stature in an EU member like Hungary also sends an important message. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has courted Chinese investment and closer ties as he's sparred with Brussels. In February, Budapest announced a new security deal with China that could see Chinese police patrols in the country.

Meanwhile, Hungarian and Chinese officials are active in the leadup to the visit, likely looking to announce new initiatives and progress on long delayed projects.

Hungarian Economy Minister Marton Nagy received a Chinese delegation on April 18 where they discussed, among other things, the status of the Chinese-financed $1.9 billion Budapest-Belgrade railway project.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. A Russian Oligarch Looks To China

Vladimir Potanin, one of Russia's richest men, announced plans to launch a new mineral venture in China a week after the United States and Britain levied sanctions on Russia's mineral industry, RFE/RL's Russian Service reports.

What It Means: Potanin, who made much of his initial money in the 1990s through Russia's loan-for-shares program, said on April 22 that Norilsk Nickel, the billion-dollar mining and smelting company, will open a joint venture in China, where it will supply copper.

Potanin told Interfax the company has been having issues with processing international payments and sanctions have seen the company lose up to 20 percent of its prewar revenue.

The announcement of the new business in China came shortly after London and Washington banned the supply of Russian copper, nickel, and aluminum from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the London Metal Exchange, as well as any direct imports of the minerals from Russia.

2. A Diplomatic Fumble In Georgia

For unknown reasons, the Chinese Embassy in Georgia's website used a photo of a Russian landmark in its welcome banner on its homepage, my colleague Luka Pertaia reported for RFE/RL's Georgian Service.

The Details: As part of a banner on its landing page, the Chinese Embassy featured four photos: two from Georgia, one from China, and one of Dormition Cathedral, which is located inside the Kremlin complex in Moscow.

No explanation was given, and the embassy did not respond to Luka when he reached out for comment, but shortly afterward publication of the article all the photos were removed from the website.

The use of the photos is a small but clumsy error on the part of the embassy, especially considering sensitivities with Russia in Georgia after Moscow's 2008 invasion. The Kremlin has also militarily and diplomatically propped up the breakaway authorities in the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Georgians say is an occupation.

3. Chinese Spies In Europe

On the same day that Germany arrested three of its nationals for allegedly working for China's security services, Britain also charged two of its nationals for spying for Beijing.

What You Need To Know: Christopher Cash, a parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged with spying on April 22 and both will appear in court later this week in London.

Cash is accused of obtaining, collecting, recording, publishing, or communicating notes, documents or information "calculated to be, might be, or were intended to be, directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy" between January 2022 and February 2023, according to a statement by Britain's Crown Prosecution Service.

Berry is charged with the same offenses of Britain's Official Secrets Act from December 2021 to February 2023.

In a statement, London's Metropolitan Police Service said the foreign state in question for both men was China.

German prosecutors arrested three nationals on April 22 who they said are "strongly suspected of having worked for a Chinese secret service," including one accused of being an agent for China's spy agency, the State Security Ministry.

After the news broke, Reuters also reported on April 23 that German police had arrested an aide to a German lawmaker in the European Parliament from the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) on suspicion of spying for China and passing information about opposition legislators to Chinese handlers.

Across The Supercontinent

Not Playing Around: My colleague Meliha Kesmer from RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports that Bosnia-Herzegovina banned the import of 600 Mickey Mouse dolls made in China into the country due to high levels of toxic chemicals found in them. Bosnian officials told Meliha that this was the third Chinese toy delivery banned this year over safety concerns.

Middle Corridor Update: China-Europe rail traffic through Kazakhstan continues to see growth in 2024. The first quarter of the year shows a 13.7 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.

Fox Hunt And Skynet: Beijing has successfully compelled thousands of alleged fugitives living outside of China to return to the country as part of its transnational repression efforts, the nonprofit research and advocacy group Safeguard Defenders said in a new report.

Putin Incoming: While attention is focused now on Xi's upcoming tour, Russian President Vladimir Putin will reportedly visit China in mid-May, shortly after the Chinese leader ends his trip to Europe.

One Thing To Watch

While the U.S. Congress debates how to handle the app TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance, the EU has said it will ban a new service launched by TikTok in Europe that it believes could be "as addictive as cigarettes" unless the company offers "compelling" fresh evidence that children are safeguarded.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

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At least 21 Ethiopian migrants killed as boat capsizes off Djibouti

At least 21 Ethiopian migrants killed as boat capsizes off Djibouti

At least 21 migrants were dead and 23 others missing after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, the UN migration agency said.

The boat was carrying 77 people, including children, across the Red Sea from Yemen to Djibouti on Tuesday, the International Organisation for Migration said.

At least 33 people were rescued, with many of the survivors requiring transport to a hospital in Djibouti for treatment. Search continues for the missing.

Those rescued and treated have been repatriated to Ethiopia, the agency said.

Thousands of migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia have been leaving for better work opportunities in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. Many are killed as they undertake dangerous voyages across the Red Sea and many get stranded in Yemen where they live in harsh conditions, the migration agency said.

A capsized boat is seen near the coastal town of Obock in northeastern Djibouti Tuesday (AP)

Tanja Pacifico, head of the agencys Djiboutian office, sounded concern over rising shipwrecks off the Djibouti coast. What is exceptional is that is we had another shipwreck with 38 Ethiopian nationals just less than two weeks ago, Ms Pacifico told Reuters.

These numbers have been increasing over the past few months.

Another boat had capsized in the same waters on 2 April, leaving 38 migrants dead.

Ms Pacifico said all the dead in the latest tragedy were Ethiopians.

Berhanu Tsegaye, Ethiopias ambassador to Djibouti, condoled the deaths.

"Illegal travel from Djibouti to the Middle East countries is extremely dangerous and we are constantly losing the lives of our citizens," he said.
Give the summertime classic drink a serious upgrade with one of these industry favorites.

Food & Wine / Photo by Guillermo Riveros / Food Styling by Oset Babur-Winter / Uruapan Azul / Empirical / Ten To One

The backbone of classic drinks like the Daiquiri, Mai Tai, and iconic Mojito, rum is a sugarcane-based spirit that is shifting its perception as a simple mixer thanks to terroir-driven takes on the centuries-old liquor.

The classic Cuban Mojito is the perfect example of how a quality rum can impact a relatively straightforward drink. Mixed with mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup before being strained into an ice-filled highball and topped with chilled soda water, the Mojito doesnt have to rely on theatrics  a simple stir and its ready to sip.

For a classic Mojito, I look for white rums, usually aged and then color-stripped with charcoal, says Mike Ryan, corporate beverage director of Jarana, a Peruvian restaurant in East Rutherford, NJ. Whether Im making a fast, shaken, brash style of Mojito or a slower, gently muddled and contemplative Mojito, I tend to reach for a few brands over and over again.

With rums so unique in profile that they could be sipped and savored in the same style as Scotch or whiskey, these bartender-approved bottles are the missing ingredient you need to perfect your Mojito.

Havana Club 3 Year

Food & Wine / Havana Club



Cuba-produced Havana Clubs legal status remains in limbo in the United States, where the rum has been unavailable due to ongoing trade embargoes. A competing Havana Rum brand is available in the U.S., produced by Puerto Rico-based Bacardi and is said to be made from the recipe created by the Arechabala family who founded the original Cuban distillery. However, for some who can still source the Cuban version, it remains a Mojito essential.

Although the history of the Mojito is long, there's no denying that its fame is synonymous with Cuba, says Liana Oster, bar director at the NoMad London. Using a Cuban rum adds to keeping the history alive and, in general, it tastes delicious with Havana Club, which is so well suited to bright and refreshing cocktails like the Mojito.

Using a classic like Havana Club helps pay tribute to the islands traditional methods of rum-making. Crafted and aged in Cuba from local sugarcane molasses, Havana Club 3 is a bar staple for Mojitos and Daiquiris.

Its character adds depth to these cocktails as well as body, says Oster. The palate itself is quite citrusy with little nuances of oak from its time in bourbon barrels, creating a complex and delicious Mojito.

Don Q Cristal White Rum

Food & Wine / Don Q Rum

This Puerto Rican rum is the result of six generations of the Serralles family perfecting their recipe, which is light, crisp, and smooth thanks to time spent aging in American white oak barrels.

Don Q Cristal works wonderfully in a Mojito, allowing the refreshing mint and zesty lime flavors to shine, says Wael Deek, beverage director at One More Hospitality Group in New York City, whose portfolio includes Alice, Travelers, Poets & Friends, Alaluna, Osteria57, and Pamina Dolci e Gelato. Mojitos are about fresh ingredients and the right amount of sweetness, and the smoothness of this rum makes it easy to mix to create a well-balanced drink.

Puerto Rico-born-and-raised bartender Alberto Miranda, beverage director and partner at Nobody Told Me in New York City, agrees.

Its smooth and crisp due to its multiple distillations, and the five-year-old, barrel-aged rum in the blend gives it character, making a Mojito refreshing while still keeping it interesting, he says. Its what I grew up drinking, and its the rum I expect when ordering a Mojito on the island.

Hampden Estate Rum Fire

Food & Wine / Hampden Estate Rum

Produced in Trelawny Parish and dubbed the grand cru of Jamaican rum, this overproof rum has been crafted the same way since the 18th century.



The bold flavors and higher alcohol levels (this one clocks in at 63% ABV) gives bartenders flexibility. The extra kick from Rum Fires higher ABV allows us to reduce the rum content and leaves us extra room for soda water, resulting in a crisper Mojito, says Alex Francis, founder of De Vie in Paris. The extra carbonation even further enhances the bright banana and papaya top notes, and the dilution completely changes your perception of the rum.

Francis even goes a step further, flash-infusing the rum with mint and cold-distilling it, so the resulting Mojito flavor feels like its turned up to 110%.

Uruapan Charanda Blanco

Food & Wine / Uruapan Azul



The house rum at Mexican-American cocktail bar Superbueno in New York, single-blended Uruapan Charanda Blanco hails from the Mexican state of Michoacan, where a denominacion de origen (D.O.) has existed for nearly 20 years.

The sugarcane is grown in volcanic red soil, which contributes to some very rich flavors and structured mineral characteristics in the rum, says Superbueno head bartender Kip Moffitt.

A family tradition started by the Pachecos in 1907, Charanda was a more profitable alternative to the not-as-popular mezcal  and with the creation of the denomination of origin, the local tradition of sugarcane distillation (and the producers) is protected.

Distilled from 50% pressed sugarcane and 50% molasses, it has a beautiful marriage of flavors, says Kyle Bobkowski, beverage manager at Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City. It meets the sweetness and brightness of lighter and white rums (think Havana Club Blanco, Bacardi Superior, and Plantation 3 Stars) and merges that with the punchy, grassy, and incredibly interesting character of clairin or agricole rums.

Saison Pale

Food & Wine / Rum Saison



Some complain about making Mojitos  muddling can be bothersome  but I love escapism in a glass, says Max Green, bar director of New York-based Hospitality Department (the group behind The Press Club Grill and soon-to-open Bronze Owl).

When whipping one up, I often grab a bottle of Saison Pale, subtly sweet and grassy, without any dosage, it lends perfectly to the light and refreshing classic. Its quality juice that doesnt break the bank, which helps when everything feels just a little more expensive these days.

Cognac cellar master Jerome Tessendier borrows the methods behind the classic French brandy when blending rums from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica in French oak barrels on the banks of the Charente River in Cognac. It results in a rum thats fresh, fruity, and floral, while balancing the distinct characteristics of the three Caribbean islands.

Empirical Soka

Food & Wine / Empirical



For a funkier Mojito, I really like Empiricals Soka, says Sasha Wijidessa, co-owner of Fura in Singapore. It isnt actually a rum  Soka is made from fresh sorghum cane that's fermented with a Thai rice Chong yeast and then vacuum-distilled to create a spirit akin to rhum agricole.

Incorporating fermentation methods inspired by Jamaican distilleries, the made-from-scratch spirit is grassy, slightly earthy, but at the same time very bright, fresh, and has intense green apple notes on the palate, all of which complement the ingredients in a Mojito while adding a layer of complexity, says Wijidessa.

Bounty Premium White

Food & Wine / Spiribam Fine Spirits Family

A column still rum from Saint Lucia is quickly becoming one of our favorite rums to make Mojitos, says Andy Cabrera, cantinero at Miamis Cafe La Trova and co-owner of bar consulting company The Garnish, referring to Bounty Premium White rum.

Aged two years in used bourbon casks and filtered to remove any color extracted from the oak, this super-smooth rum  crafted with molasses from the Dominican Republic  lends light, tropical citrus notes like lemon zest to the classic cocktail. Its medium body and fruity notes pair especially well with the refreshing flavors of mint without adding too much complexity, says Cabrera.

Ten to One White Rum

Food & Wine / Ten To One



Marc Farrells blend from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic is part of the Black founders goal to redefine rum as a premium spirit  a liquor thats versatile enough to blend beautifully in a craft cocktail.

A lot of people like Ten to One White Rum for its flavors and aromas of orange zest and tropical fruit, namely bananas, says Darryl Chan, bar director and head bartender of The Portrait Bar at The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York. But I also love it because it is super layered and interesting with savory, vegetal notes that you can appreciate as a sipping rum, but this definitely doesnt get lost in rum drinks.

Probitas White Blended Rum

Food & Wine / Probitas



For something more adventurous, Probitas is my favorite, says Nick Jackson, head bartender at cocktail bar The Rum House in Times Square. The tropical rum notes pair nicely with the fresh mint  dont overdo it on the muddling  lime, and the effervescence of the soda water.

A blend from two dynamic distilleries, Probitas is a mix of three rums from Foursquare in Barbados and Hampden Estate in Jamaica. Its a combination of the best rums the Caribbean has to offer, and its expressive profile makes for a well-rounded Mojito, says Rocco DiLillo, bar manager of Alberts Bar in New York City.

At 47% ABV, it stands up to the lime and mint flavors in the cocktail with ease and allows for the rum to be the star focus of this classic cocktail.



Rhum J.M Agricole Blanc

Food & Wine / Spiribam Fine Spirits Family



The best rum for a Mojito is a white rhum agricole, which is made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than fermented molasses, says Jose R Rodriguez, general manager at Coa at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico. His go-to is Rhum J.M Blanc from the island of Martinique.

Rhum agricole brings unique notes to the Mojito without being overpowering, keeping it light and refreshing, he says.

An easy bottle to find at most liquor stores, Rhum J.M Agricole Blanc provides depth and a layer of herbaceous notes that complement the citrus and mint really well, adds Betty Woodward, director of food and beverage at Hotel Heron in Old Town Alexandria, VA.



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Esker House Women's Refuge and Domestic Abuse Support Service, located in Athlone, is rolling out a new initiative where local businesses and organisations can receive training in the area of domestic violence advocacy (DVA).

Esker House provides temporary safe accommodation for women and their children, and support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse. It caters for many women in Roscommon and Galway as well as Westmeath.

Deirdre Berry, Head of Services at Esker House, said the service was excited to launch The Purple Hand Champion.

The Purple Hand champion offers the opportunity for businesses, organisation and groups in the midlands to participate in training that will allow them to recognise and respond to DVA appropriately, explained Deirdre.

Once this training is completed the company will be awarded a purple hand to display within their business or service. This will alert women in the community that they are a Purple Hand Champion, and the establishment of a safe space for women to gain support and information regarding DVA, she said.

Esker House is now extending the opportunity to the Monksland area to become the first The Purple Hand Champion community.

We are delivering our Purple Hand Champion training in Monksland Community Centre in the coming weeks and the invitation is extended to all local businesses and services in the Monksland area.

This is Monklands opportunity to stand in unity with the women of their community and to prove to perpetrators of domestic abuse that there is nowhere left where domestic abuse will be tolerated or excepted.

We have had loads of interest in this campaign and are in the planning stages with GAA and sporting clubs to bring this to their club and extended community. Training has already commenced with hairdressers and local councillors, said Deirdre.

Esker House is also inviting hotels, pharmacies, companies, big and small, to get on board.

The success of this project will rely on public engagement. Long has domestic abuse been a hidden secret in our communities and homes, people did not know what to say or do, people will say it is a private matter, said Deirdre. One if four women in Ireland experience domestic abuse, we need to let women know where to go for support, we need to empower our community to respond to this, we need to show perpetrators of abuse that abuse of any sort has no place in our community. Local Athlone councillor Frankie Keena, one of the many local representatives signed up to the training in the coming weeks, acknowledges the importance of this project.

I feel the Esker Project and the training it is providing is essential ensure public representatives are informed and ready to respond appropriately. I am meeting people every day, talking and assisting them with various issues. It is important to be aware of the services available to the community, he said.

Sarah Jayne Brennan, co-ordinator of training and engagement at Esker House, is urging people to reach out and engage in The Purple Hand Champion project. All it takes is for one person in the organisation, club or group to take an interest, build the momentum, get in touch and get working on tackling this issue, she said.

If anyone is interested in getting involved, they can contact the training and community engagement co-ordinator by emailing eskerproject@eskerhouse.ie The Purple Hand Champion is one of several targeted initiatives under the Esker Project, which is funded by the Community Innovation Fund under the Department of Justice.

In January of this year, Esker House was successful in its application for this funding. It is the first time the service has had the resources to conduct awareness raising campaigns and focus on delivering capacity training. Esker House utilised this funding to establish the Esker Project, which ranged from brief training series that will cover topics such as coercive control, post separational abuse, children and domestic violence abuse, and legal support.

Esker House is now also resourced to delivering bespoke workshops in schools in relation to health relationships and gendered based violence.

The service also launched its 24-hour freephone helpline earlier this month. It operates a 24-Hour Crisis Helpline 0906474122 or freephone 1800662288.

Esker House also provides temporary refuge accommodation, support and information service, court support services and specialist services for children and young people.
Almost 15,000 has been raised for a mother and her three children who had to leave their home due to flooding at Lough Funshinagh.

Ellie Mc Laughlin and her three children had to leave their home in Carrick, Curraghboy in recent days. A Go Fund Me page was set up by Ellies brother Barry and thousands of euro has already been donated.

Surrounded by water: Ellie Mc'Laughlin' home at Carrick, Curraghboy surrounded by water on all sides.

Speaking to the Herald, Ellie said she was overwhelmed by peoples generosity.

I am much better than I was a week ago, I can sleep again, I dont feel as scared. To say I am blown away is the understatement of the century, she said. I was so nervous when my brother mentioned it to me, but he said so many people want to help and that people were suggesting a fundraising page. The level of support and kindness I have received has given me hope. Family, friends, and people all over the world have contributed to help me and the kids rebuild our home. There have been donations from Poland, America, Canada, and South Africa. Friends in Australia have also contributed. It has put a smile back on my face when I didnt think I was going to smile for a long time.  Ellie thanked everyone for all the help, support, words of encouragement and kindness that they have showed her and the children while we try and recover from this awful crisis where we lost our home.

I am eternally grateful to everyone, she said. It has also been really reassuring to the kids too. They are saying Where do we live? We want to go home, were really sad, whats going to happen?. I didnt know how I was going to reassure them, but now I can, because there is hope. We are getting so much help and support that I know we are going to be okay. She explained that both she and her father, Gerry, went down to the house on Saturday to see if they could retrieve anything.

I had to leave so much behind because we left in such a rush. I had wellies on and dad had waders on. I couldnt get anywhere near the house, but dad went up with the waders on and the water was up to his waist, she said. There is no way anyone is getting up to the house without a canoe at this stage. She said that there could be five feet of water in the fields around her house, and if the water comes over the wall, my house is gone.

The council staff are brilliant and doing everything they can but it is a battle. They have a new pump and it is keeping the water outside the wall. Hopefully it will keep the house from being further damaged. Ellie and her children had been staying in a hotel but are now living with friends and family.

We are living on the go, but all things considered, were doing okay, she said, and she was hopeful they would find a house to rent.

Just somewhere that might feel a bit more like home while this is unfolding. It could be six months before we can assess the damage. She said that the houses floors and walls have been damaged by water, but the council is fighting it as well as they can.

She called on the Government to act to help her and her neighbours. To donate, please visit the Help Ellie and her 3 kids after devastating flood Go Fund Me Page.

Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane has urged the Taoiseach to act now for people at Lough Funshinagh "The situation at Lough Funshinagh is worsening hour by hour with water continually rising and the rain keeps coming, she said in the Dail last week.

"As I stand here today a fifth home is now likely to be evacuated. Water is now rapidly flowing towards Curraghboy village extending this crisis even further. An overflow pipe, as a temporary and emergency measure, is 60% completed and stalled. Responding to Deputy Kerrane, the Taoiseach advised that he intended to visit the area and that he had asked the attorney general to prioiritise advice on taking emergency action.

Ellie McLaughlin's home at Carrick, Curraghboy before it was flooded.

Fianna Fail Senator Eugene Murphy said that the intervention of the Tanaistes Office last week could be crucial to a solution being found.

The Tanaiste is hoping to visit residents in the coming weeks but made it clear to me that there was not much point in another politician looking into a flood without something concrete regarding a solution, he said.

Senator Murphy also welcomed the visit of OPW Minister Kieran O'Donnell and welcomed his sincerity and honesty on the matter.

I truly hope we can find emergency legislation to allow the removal of water from the turlough.
Sean McCarthaigh

A fast-food restaurant worker who was fired on the spot after a row with his manager while holding a knife in his hand has been awarded 500 compensation.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that the employee, Martin Murphy, had been unfairly dismissed in a case taken against Tom Harrington, the owner of the Cork-based chain of Burgerhut restaurants.

The manager of the outlet told the WRC that he arrived in the shop on September 15th, 2023, in order to speak to Mr Murphy about slacking off on the job.

The manager said he had already had numerous informal conversations with the complainant about the same issues over several months.

He gave evidence that he regarded the latest conversation as a verbal warning.

The manager said he approached Mr Murphy, who was preparing potatoes in a back room, that he was not fulfilling all his duties and action would be needed to resolve the issues.

He claimed Mr Murphy immediately became agitated and began shouting: I am working here longer than you; you dont tell me how to do my job. No one ever had a problem with how I do my job.

The manager said the complainant also said he would drag you through the courts if he was being threatened about his job.

He pointed out that no threats had been made about Mr Murphys job at that point, but he had remarked: Do your job right, because I am sick of picking up the slack.

Dont you dare speak to me like that.

The manager recalled that the worker had a knife in one hand and was pointing it in his face, shouting: Dont you dare speak to me like that. Who are you to do that?

He recalled pushing Mr Murphys finger away from his face while saying: Who are you pointing fingers at? You are the one not doing your job. I am doing your job every day. You cant work with me with that attitude. You need to leave.

Mr Murphy replied that only the restaurants owner could tell him to leave.

The manager replied: I am coming here to tell you to do your job, not to fire you. You are the one shouting and roaring.

He gave evidence that he felt it was fair to dismiss Mr Murphy due to his consistent lack of respect, his incompetency to fulfil all duties of his role, his behaviour towards female staff members, shouting at me while wielding a knife and aggressively pointing his finger in my face.

The manager said Mr Murphy begged him to reconsider his decision, but he refused.

I have been a store manager in several fast-food stores for the past 15 years in Ireland and I have never come across someone with so little respect for his role and co-workers, he added.

The manager said the incident was a result of tensions which had been building due to Mr Murphys dissatisfaction with the appointment of a new assistant manager and his own rate of pay and hours not being increased.

He claimed the complainants level of aggression was unacceptable.

Dismissal

In evidence, Mr Murphy denied that he had pointed a knife in the managers direction.

He said the manager claimed he was not doing enough work during his shifts and told him to leave the premises.

Mr Murphy said he believed he had got on great with other staff, and believed there were now three people doing his job.

He also told the WRC that he had not been looking for other work due to personal/carer reasons.

WRC adjudication officer, Gaye Cunningham, ruled that Mr Murphy had been dismissed without notice following the altercation with his manager.

Ms Cunningham said no written reason for his dismissal had been provided to the complainant and no formal disciplinary procedure had been followed.

While there was some conflict of evidence about the nature of the altercation and Mr Murphy had brought a certain level of aggression to the situation, Ms Cunningham said instant dismissal was not warranted.

She said it was understandable that the manager was dissatisfied with Mr Murphys work performance and attitude.

However, she said the complainant should have been subjected to a disciplinary process in such circumstances.
New aircraft for the European F-16 Training Center hosted by Romania

Dutch fighter jets were deployed at the F-16 Training Center in Fetesti.

Photo: agentia media a armatei

Agentia Media a Armatei, 24.04.2024, 14:00

Three aircraft of the Dutch Air Force landed last week at the F-16 Training Center in Fetesti. The Dutch Minister of Defense, Kajsa Ollongren, also arrived in Romania on board one of them. The Dutch planes were accompanied in the Romanian airspace by two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Forces, one of which carried the Romanian Minister of Defense, Angel Tilvar. The aircraft landed at the 86th Air Base in Fetesti, where the two officials discussed the security situation in the Black Sea region. In the European Training Center there are now 8 Dutch F-16 aircraft used for the training of the Romanian pilots and of those of allied and partner countries.

On the other hand, the US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, met with the American and Romanian soldiers stationed at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base (southeast). Kavalec said that the presence of American soldiers at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Base is a symbol of the commitment of the United States to the security of Romania and the Alliance.

My visit is intended to support Romanias defense modernization efforts, including here, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu base, that hosts a large contingent of American forces, the largest contingent in Romania, said Katleen Kavalec. Also, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Base, five Eurofighter jets of the Spanish Air Force and a detachment of about 70 soldiers were deployed for aerial surveillance missions, after four of the six British fighter planes in our country were repositioned closer to the area of Irans recent drone and missile attack on Israel.

A group of soldiers from the 95th Air Base in Bacau (northeast) along with a French detachment participated in the VAMPIREX 24 exercise, held in the Secondary Combat Training Center Smardan, Galati County (east). Also last week, in the Capu Midia range in Constanta county (south-east), a tactical exercise with live firing was held, in which the M-LIDS (Mobile-Low Integrated Defeat System), an anti-drone air system, was integrated into the military maneuvers carried out by the Romanian and US Armies. With the help of this system, the soldiers were able to identify, track and destroy the threats, using a combination of electronic warfare and high-caliber machine guns, according to a press release of the American Embassy in Romania. The deployment of the anti-drone air system in Romania is very important, M-LIDS being the newest anti-drone system of the US military that ensures successful countermeasures against enemy drones.

SEA SHIELD 24, the biggest exercise of the Romanian Naval Forces this year, came to an end on Sunday, after two weeks of actions carried out by over 2,200 soldiers, of whom almost 400 foreign soldiers, with 135 technical means. Planning and conducting combat actions, combating illegal actions at sea and river, control of maritime and river traffic and search and rescue at sea, in keeping with NATO standards and in the context of current security threats, were practiced. (EE)
2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Romania, released

The US Department of State's report on human rights shows that Romania's hospitals, police and customs are still plagued by corruption and abuse.

Photo: pixabay.com

Mihai Pelin, 24.04.2024, 13:50

The US Department of State has published its Report on Human Rights Practices in Romania in 2023. Among the problems identified were, among others, credible reports of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by or on behalf of the government and serious government corruption. The government took steps to identify and punish officials who may have committed human rights abuses, but in some cases actions were insufficient and impunity was a problem.

On the other hand, inefficiency and lack of accountability in judicial oversight sometimes undermined the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. The document refers to a judge with the Cluj Court of Appeal (in the north-west), who, in November 2023, denounced the relatives of the mayor of Baia Mare, Catalin Chereches, for attempting to bribe her with 50,000 euros in exchange for acquitting Mayor Chereches of corruption charges. Despite being the one to denounce Chereches, she remained part of the panel of judges who ultimately convicted the mayor for corruption, after claiming she would be able to remain impartial.

The report also mentions the case of journalist Emilia Sercan who signaled she was the target of threats and blackmail after, in 2022, she had published an investigation regarding the alleged plagiarism committed by Nicolae Ciuca, Prime Minister of Romania at the time of publication. Sercan stated that she was the victim of a well-documented campaign of defamation orchestrated by the government, but in October, the Prosecutors Office of the Bucharest Court of Appeal closed the investigation.

Another problem pointed out by Washington refers to frequent bribery in the public sector, especially in the healthcare system. Corruption and misuse of public funds was widespread, the report says, citing information from Transparency International, which noted high levels of corruption at the customs and within police units. At the same time, the media reported that, in 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) investigated more than 50 cases related to corruption in the healthcare system.

There are also labor law issues, according to the document. In recent years, companies have often created separate legal entities to transfer employees, thus avoiding representation thresholds. It is basically an anti-union movement. Last but not least, the authors of the report also signal cases where the authorities did not effectively apply the law on domestic violence. Among the causes mentioned would be the lack of procedures for the effective application of restraining orders. In addition, the courts have handled very few cases of domestic violence.

The document also refers to an example related to ethnic discrimination, the one at the hospital in Urziceni (south), where employees refused to provide emergency medical assistance to a pregnant Roma woman, who gave birth on the sidewalk. (EE)
The United States has imposed sanctions on two Iranian companies and four individuals for their years-long cyber attacks targeting U.S. companies on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command (IRGC-CEC).

Iranian nationals Hossein Harooni, Reza Kazemifar, Komeil Baradaran Salmani, and Alireza Shafie Nasab were targeted for their involvement in a cyber-enabled campaign to compromise more than a dozen U.S. companies and government entities through cyber operations, including spear phishing and malware attacks.

They include the U.S. Departments of Treasury and State, defense contractors, and two New York-based companies.

The U.S. Department of State is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of the group and the defendants.

Dadeh Afzar Arman and Mehrsam Andisheh Saz Nik, which are used as front companies to support the IRGC-CEC, also were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation unsealed an indictment against the four individuals for their roles in cyber activity targeting U.S. entities.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
JAIN (Deemed-to-university): Shaping Futures with Diverse BA Programs in Kerala

Kochi (Kerala) [India] Published : April 23, 2024



JAIN University offers a myriad of Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs that cater to the dynamic needs of today's learners. With a rich domain of disciplines ranging from Psychology, Business English, Human Resource & Employee Relations to Economics, Journalism and Mass Communication, and English, JAIN University is synonymous with quality education and holistic



BA Journalism and Mass Communication: Shaping Media Mavericks



In an era defined by rapid information dissemination, JAIN University offers one of the top BA Journalism and Mass Communication program in that empowers students to become adept communicators and storytellers. Through hands-on training in reporting, editing, and multimedia production, students hone their journalistic skills while exploring the ethical and societal implications of media practices. With a focus on experiential learning and industry exposure, graduates emerge as versatile media professionals ready to make an impact in the digital age.



JAIN University takes pride in its status as one of the best BA Journalism and Mass media colleges in Kerala, fostering a culture of journalistic integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. With state-of-the-art media labs, experienced faculty members, and industry partnerships, JAIN provides students with a platform to unleash their creativity and pursue their passion for storytelling. From print to digital media, students explore diverse formats and platforms, preparing them for a dynamic career in journalism and mass communication.



BA English: Celebrating Language and Literature



The BA English course offered in Kerala campus of JAIN University (also referred as bachelor of arts in literature in Kerala by many colleges) transcends traditional boundaries, celebrating the richness of language and literature. From classic literary works to contemporary texts, students embark on a transformative journey of exploration and discovery. Through critical analysis, creative expression, and scholarly inquiry, students deepen their appreciation for the English language while honing their communication and critical thinking skills.



Embracing Excellence with BA Course in Kerala



JAIN University takes pride in offering a BA course in Kerala that embodies excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. With a diverse range of programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts, JAIN fosters an environment where students can explore their passions, cultivate their talents, and realize their full potential. Through rigorous academics, hands-on experiences, and holistic development initiatives, JAIN prepares students to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world.



In conclusion, JAIN (Deemed-to-university) stands as one of the top BA colleges in Kerala for its power of education to transform lives and shape futures. With its diverse array of BA courses, exemplary faculty, and commitment to excellence, JAIN University continues to inspire, innovate, and empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers in Kerala and beyond.



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Confidence among British manufacturers improved in April and their output expectations hit the strongest in six months, the latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey results from the Confederation of British Industry showed on Wednesday.

The sentiment indicator rose to +9 percent in the quarter to April from -3 percent in January.

Export optimism for the year ahead also advanced in April, with the index rising to +6 percent from -20 percent.

Further, the survey showed that new orders dropped at a slower pace in April. The corresponding index posted -6 percent compared to -13 percent in January. A net 8 percent of manufacturers expect orders to return to growth over the next three months.

A net 3 percent of respondents said output volumes increased in the quarter to April, up from -10 percent in three months to March. A balance of 11 percent said volumes will rise over the coming quarter.

Average cost growth remained elevated compared to historical norms. The indicator measuring average costs per unit of output posted 39 percent compared to 43 percent in January. A net 42 percent expects cost growth to rise in the quarter to July.

Further, manufacturers plan to raise investment over the year ahead. The index improved to +15 percent in the quarter to April, the strongest since January 2022.

"Conditions facing manufacturers have taken a turn for the better, with sentiment improving and expectations for future output growth their strongest in six months," said Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist.

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Business News
Medicare has recently decided to include coverage for Novo Nordisk A/S's (NVO) obesity medication, Wegovy (semaglutide), for the treatment of heart disease in overweight individuals.

A new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) suggests that approximately 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries could potentially benefit from this decision, accounting for about 7% of all Medicare recipients according to data from 2020.

The FDA approved Wegovy last month to lower the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity. The approval was based on a study by Novo Nordisk, which demonstrated a 20% decrease in major adverse cardiovascular events.

However, this expanded coverage could lead to Medicare spending close to $3 billion annually and potentially result in increased Part D premiums for all beneficiaries. It is important to highlight that current Medicare prescription drug plans under Part D, which are managed by private insurers, do not cover Wegovy and similar GLP-1 drugs for weight loss purposes alone.

Eligible beneficiaries who opt for Wegovy may be required to contribute a percentage of the drug's list price for a month's supply, translating to monthly costs ranging from $325 to $430.

While some Part D plans have indicated their intention to cover Wegovy in the current year, the extent of coverage remains uncertain.

KFF pointed out that many plans may be hesitant to expand coverage at present, as they are unable to adjust premiums midway through the year to accommodate the increased costs associated with the drug's utilization.

KFF suggested that broader coverage for Wegovy may be more likely in 2025.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Health News
Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships [Credit] Vusumzi Tshekema

By Siviwe Mxuma

Rhodes Universitys celebration of its 120th anniversary was marked by a significant event on 22 April 2024  the launch of the EU-funded collaboration project Nature-based Solutions for African Resilience (NbS4AfrRes).

Aptly timed on Earth Day, this launch symbolised a commitment not just to commemorate the past but to shape a sustainable future for Africa.

The NbS4AfrRes project consortium, a formidable alliance comprising two South African universities, Rhodes University and the University of Cape Town, alongside two Senegalese institutions, Ecole Polytechnique de Thies and Universite Cheikh Anta Diop, together with three esteemed partners from the EU  TU Delft (Netherlands), AgroParisTech (France), and Institut National de Recherche Pour LAgricuture, Lalimentation et LEnvironnement (INRAE, France)  embarks on a mission to enhance the capacity of both current environmental specialists and future professionals.

At the heart of this initiative lies a shared commitment to promoting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as a cornerstone for climate resilience. With NbS gaining prominence on the agendas of global, continental, and national policies, the project endeavours to integrate these solutions into higher education curricula. By doing so, it seeks to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world, while also equipping current professionals with specialised training courses to address pressing environmental challenges.

Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Rhodes University Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, set the tone for the event with her impassioned opening address, highlighting the critical importance of embracing nature-inspired solutions in the face of unprecedented environmental threats.

She underscored the project's overarching objective of fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature, emphasising the transformative potential of collaborative efforts and innovative approaches. "The project's overall objective is to enhance the capability of future professionals through updated curriculum at four African higher education institutions in South Africa and internationally. The project will also build capacity of current environmental specialists and engineers for facilitating climate resilience in Africa. In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges, it is critical that we look to the wisdom of nature for guidance and solutions. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, the project aims to restore and protect our planet's ecosystems and show a harmonious coexistence with nature. Nature-based solutions hold the promise for a healthier, more resilient future.

The attendees were treated to a compelling video presentation by NbS4AfrRes, illustrating the urgent need for action in the face of climate-induced destruction.

Against this backdrop, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, reflected on the significance of the launch, coinciding with the University's 120th anniversary. He emphasised Rhodes University's commitment to nurturing future leaders and professionals, recognising the interconnectedness of global challenges that transcend geographic, social, and economic boundaries. "I sincerely hope this project will help deepen our knowledge and understanding of the interrelatedness and the inseparability of economic development, environmental justice, social justice, human rights and sustainable development  and that through this knowledge, we can act, individually and collectively to protect and preserve our planet, mitigate the impact of climate change, and build a more resilient future for generations to come."

The distinguished guests, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Aminata Niang Diene from Universite Chiekh Anta Diop, Director Prof. Alassane Diene from Ecole Polytechnique de Theies, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Daya Reddy from the University of Cape Town, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, underscoring its potential to drive meaningful change in Africa and beyond.

Ms Elodie Popenda, Head of European Affairs, AgroParisTech Mr Laurent Buisson, Dean of AgroParisTech, and Mr Willem van Valkenburg, Executive Director, TU Delft Extension School, emphasised the importance of engaging young people in nature-based solutions, highlighting the pivotal role of education in shaping a sustainable future. Ms Paivi Hernesniemi, the Project Coordinator from the European Union Erasmus+, stressed the need for genuine collaboration between higher education institutions and various stakeholders, emphasising the importance of curriculum development in driving the project forward.

As the event drew to a close, Dr Mzilikazi, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to the project's success. She reiterated Rhodes University's proud tradition of fostering collaboration and excellence in research and education, reaffirming its dedication to building a more resilient future for generations to come.

The launch of the NbS4AfrRes project marks a pivotal moment in Rhodes University's history, as it redoubles its efforts to address pressing environmental challenges through education, research, and collaboration. As the project gains momentum, it holds the promise of not only enhancing climate resilience in Africa but also inspiring global action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
India-spec Honda Elevate is sold as the new-gen WR-V in Japan in the price range of JPY 2,098,800 to JPY 2,489,300 (~ Rs. 11.29 lakh to Rs 13.39 lakh)

Honda introduced the Elevate SUV in Japan in March 2024. Just like in India, Elevate has emerged as a bestseller in Japan as well. Elevate is Hondas first made-in-India car that is being exported to its home market.

Honda Elevate (WR-V) 13k bookings in one month

Within a month of launch in Japan, cumulative bookings of Honda Elevate have reached 13,000 units. This is four times more than the modest 3,000 units that Honda was expecting. In India, Elevate had registered 20k bookings within 100 days of launch. Market sentiments indicate that Elevate will continue to remain a popular choice in Japan. Honda is likely to introduce the Elevate SUV in other international markets as well.

Who is buying Elevate (WR-V) in Japan?

An analysis conducted by Honda has revealed interesting details about Elevates target audience in Japan. Primary buyers are folks who are upgrading from light cars, compact cars, minivans and other SUVs. Honda has also noted that Elevate is being preferred across a wide range of age groups.

Why is Elevate so popular?

There are multiple reasons for Elevates soaring popularity. Elevate users are appreciative of the good view from the drivers seat. It makes is easier to see things at the front and get a good estimate of the distance in front of the SUV. Elevate is also offering best in class boot space.

The SUV has a dynamic exterior profile thats neither too outlandish nor too dull. There are a wide range of colour options to choose from. Elevate offers a comprehensive range of features and is available at an affordable price point. A wide safety net is available including ADAS.

Elevate delivers a robust performance with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. It churns out 121 PS and 145 Nm. While India-spec Elevate has both manual and CVT automatic gearbox, Japan-spec Elevate (WR-V) is available with only the CVT unit. Fuel efficiency is 15.31 km/L with the manual and 16.92 km/L with the CVT gearbox.

Elevate (WR-V) variants in Japan

A total of three trims of Elevate are offered in Japan  X, Z and Z+. Much of the demand, around 55%, is for the mid variant Z. The base variant X has 15% bookings, whereas the rest 30% bookings are for the top-spec Z+ variant. Most popular colours for Elevate in Japan are Platinum White Pearl (35%), Crystal Black Pearl (28%) and Meteoroid Gray Metallic (18%). In India too, Elevate is available in a wide range of single tone and dual tone colour options.

With Elevate gaining traction in Japan and plans to launch the SUV in other markets, Hondas exports from India can witness a significant jump in the coming months. In FY24, Honda was ranked 6th in car exports. Maruti topped car exports in FY24, followed by Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen and Nissan.
A woman charged with intentionally driving into a Christmas display at Irvine Park in December has been found incompetent to stand trial and has been committed to the Department of Health Services for treatment. The case is suspended until she is found competent to face the charges.

Ebony R. Hudson, of Tennessee, appeared Tuesday in Chippewa County Court. The 32-year-old was charged with second-degree recklessly endangering safety, criminal damage to property, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and disorderly conduct related to a Dec. 13 attack on the Christmas Village display in Irvine Park.

Hudson has also been charged with criminal damage to property and bail jumping, after she was accused of causing damage while incarcerated in the Chippewa County Jail.

Hudson testified that she believes she is competent.

Psychologist Kevin Rooney gave Hudson the competency review, which he filed with the court.

After hearing from Rooney, Judge Benjamin Lane ruled that she is not competent but could become competent in the next year.

Lane found that Hudson poses a threat to herself and she is not competent to refuse treatment.

According to police reports, Hudson drove a van into the Christmas Village park displays, intentionally knocking them over near the entrance to Irvine Park off of Bridgewater Avenue. She rammed her van into an occupied parks department vehicle multiple times while trying to flee.

Police said they arrested her without incident. There were no signs of intoxication, and its unclear what led to the incident according to the police report.

When asked for identification, Hudson told officers she didnt know her name, but she handed them her ID from her wallet, according to police reports.

The fencing was rebuilt and the Christmas Village lights were back on that night in the park.

The countys Victim/Witness Office has recommended Hudson be required to pay $5,700 in restitution and fines.

Hudson has also been accused of causing damage while incarcerated in the Chippewa County Jail. According to a recent criminal complaint, Hudson is accused of breaking a television set after picking up a chair on Jan. 13 and striking the television three times with it.


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Army Maj. Michael Rutherford, a San Diegan serving in Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, has one of the most important jobs in the war zone.

Every soldier stationed in Iraq is working, one way or another, to bring the last U.S. troops home after more than eight years at war in the Middle East. But as the American force heads for the exits, Rutherford is one of the few directly responsible for handing the keys to the last U.S. military bases to their new Iraqi landlords.

The 46,000 U.S. troops remaining in Iraq are scheduled to withdraw by the end of this year, unless the Iraqi government requests an extension. Meanwhile, the U.S. pullout is well under way.

The details of turning the lights out and ending the war in Iraq have occupied Rutherford since he deployed there last August as the regimental logistics officer. Since then, he has worked to hand over several U.S. military bases: Hussiniyah, Shocker and Hamiyah; and made room for several others to be shared with Iraqi forces through 2011: Stackhouse, Delta and Kalsu  the site in the southern Iraqi province of Babil where Rutherford is stationed.

Those base transfers are part of the larger drawdown happening all over Iraq, where more than 400 have been turned over or closed since early 2008. So far this year, the number of U.S. bases has fallen from 92 to 52.

Rutherford, 44, must account for all infrastructure on each base his regiment relinquishes, check environmental conditions for things like soil contaminated by Humvee oil spills, and make sure the property deed is transferred to the correct Iraqi ministry.

Its a painstaking and sometimes frustrating job, Rutherford said, but rewarding. I dont think its a military secret that most soldiers would like to transition the bases back to the Iraqis and go home, he said in a telephone interview from Iraq.

As U.S. military officers like Rutherford inventory assets and otherwise prepare for their final exodus from Iraq, Americans are taking stock of the war in other ways.

By the end of this fiscal year, the United States will have spent $806 billion on the Iraq War since 2003, making it the second costliest U.S. conflict (in current dollars) behind only World War II, according to the Congressional Research Service. The human toll has included more than 3,500 U.S. troops killed in action and 32,000 wounded.

The U.S. combat mission in Iraq officially ended last August. Now, as the last support troops prepare for a well-publicized exit, violence has spiked. Last month, 15 U.S. troops were killed in Iraq, the highest monthly tally in two years.

American and Iraqi military commanders are said to favor an extension of the U.S. troop presence in Iraq. But that option is politically unpopular in both countries. Last week, the coalition Iraqi government met to discuss a possible extension request but failed to come together on the issue, prompting the new U.S. defense secretary, Leon Panetta, to gripe publicly during his first visit to Iraq: dammit, make a decision!

Whether some ground troops remain into 2012, the U.S. military will likely have an enduring presence throughout the Middle East for many years, Panetta predicted.

Rutherford usually acts as the head bean counter and purveyor for his regiments 3,000 troopers stationed across five provinces in southern Iraq, making sure they have everything they need, be it food, water, medical supplies, laptop computers or power generators.

As the deadline to withdraw U.S. troops approached, Rutherfords job became consumed with getting rid of the beans. By the end of December, all U.S. bases are expected to be closed or handed to the Iraqis.

Rutherford said his packing list includes enough containerized generators to power a small town, more than 2,000 air conditioners, more than 15,000 pounds of dumbbells and other weights, enough modular concrete walls to encircle Qualcomm Stadium and its extended parking lots, and a kitchen set equipped to whip up a meal for 8,000.

The regiments odds and ends are among 1.3 million items in Iraq belonging to the Defense Department that must be tended to. The final destination for each item varies. An electrical generator, for instance, might be given to the State Department or other U.S. agencies operating in Iraq or to the Iraqis themselves, remain behind for the last American troops, head to Afghanistan, or get shipped back to the United States.

We are transitioning functioning bases to the Iraqis, not just empty metal boxes, Rutherford said. That means accounting for every water purification system, garbage incinerator, and Internet cable in the ground. We have to locate all of those and makes sure the Iraqis know exactly where they are.

Sending the Americans home is the easy part, Army Gen. Lloyd Austin III, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, said last week. The harder parts are moving the mountains of equipment and closing the bases, he said.

Were all away from our spouses. We are all lonely, were all frustrated and tired, Rutherford said.

But, he added, we are ending this conflict in the most constructive way possible, bringing to a close almost a decade of sustained effort, of sacrifice.
Support staff in Chippewa Falls public schools are frustrated with the new district wage scale, which they claim is far from what they were promised.

Some new hires will see a wage increase of over $4 per hour, while those who have worked at the district for years will see a much lower pay bump.

The average wage increase is 4.7%, but there is wide disparity between raises.

Support staff have expressed concern about a lack of living wage and the impact of ensuing financial struggles on their personal lives. On Monday, compensation scales laid out in the new district staffing plan were a topic of contention.

Speakers during the public comment time of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District board meeting advocated for more equitable pay raises. Several speakers said they are frustrated with the district's new wage scale.

The new wage scale that they gave us is a far cry from the promises given, staffer and parent Sally Inzerillo said to the board. We were told, and I'm paraphrasing, a big increase to meet the cost of living has been kicked down the road for too long and this is the year we're gonna make it right. We were told we are the backbone of the district. We were told they had numbers in mind but if the referendum passes, there would be more.

Referendum funds

Voters approved an operational referendum allowing the district to exceed its revenue limit by $2.5 million per year for three consecutive years in the April election. The funding will begin with the 2024-25 school year.

District officials said the funds would be used for operational and maintenance expenses and to maintain staffing levels, programs, services and facilities.

Despite additional funds available to the district from the operational referendum, Inzerillo said she was concerned about a lack of living wage for the special education departments support staff employees.

She said some new hires are looking at a wage increase of over $4 per hour while she and others who have worked at the district for years would receive $0.40 per hour more with the new pay scale.

The board also discussed a planned reduction of more than 16 full-time equivalent positions between the 2023-24 school year to the 2024-25 school year, totaling a little over $1.1 million in savings.

The bulk of those cuts come from special education and pupil services with 7.3 full-time equivalent positions being reduced, though some are due to attrition. Other reductions are coming from the high school and middle school.

Variance in wage increases

Staff are paid by what are called steps. Workers are categorized into 10 pay raise steps. Going forward step one hires will see a pay increase of about 29%, according to documents shared at the meeting.

Inzerillo said that looks great for the new hires who get a huge increase at over $4 an hour, which is a cry from livable wage, but it's a promising increase.

Workers who have been on staff for a while will see a much lower pay bump.

After all the promises of getting us closer to a livable wage, my annual step increase will be reduced from 72 cents to about 46 cents a year. Inzerillo told the board. We deserve more and you can do better.

The average wage increase is 4.71%, but there is wide disparity with raises, interim executive director of human resources and public relations Jenny Starck said during the meeting.

People who have worked for the district for more than 25 years will have a 5% raise, Starck said.

But as people have said, some staff are getting just over 40 cents, she said. We did look at a minimum of a 40 cent increase to try to help.

Starck said support staff pay raises are calculated based on comparable school district pay from both the public and private sector.

You look at the 51st percentile and you kind of look at what's the minimum paid, the maximum paid for categories and then at the midpoint and then you sort of spread that out, she said. One of the things that was desired was just to say instead of the 51st, let's look at the 61st percentile, which sounds like a great idea. But there were some unintended consequences with that.

One of the things that happened was adjusting wages based on the 61st percentile bumped up step one and two workers, giving them a starting pay at a higher increase than step eight and nine workers who have been with the district for years, Starck said.

If you think about our comparables, many of them have bumped up entry pay because they're trying to get employees, she said. Pay for people that have been there a long time didn't always bump up to the same degree when we looked at those comparables so it compressed our schedule.

Starck said the steps are not necessarily tied to years worked in the district.

I think something that, I don't know if it feels confusing, but maybe it just doesn't feel good, is you think of steps equating to years but they don't really. It just equates to where you fit, she said.

One person who addressed the board said some of her colleagues wanted to address the board but worried about repercussions for doing so.

I just want to make it clear. It is absolutely a constitutional right to speak in front of the board and the board encourages that. We wish there would be more of that," board president David Czech said. We would absolutely as a board never allow anyone to retaliate for someone who spoke and we appreciate everything that you guys have to say.

Sarah Huebner also addressed the board Monday and said she works for the district and is a parent of students there. She said she left a job in social work after COVID-19 to come work for the schools, but that since doing so she has had to go without medication to make ends meet financially.

I have five jobs right now just so I can work as a (paraeducator) in the school district, she said.

Huebner said she relies on food banks and public assistance to heat her house.

That is absolutely ridiculous, she said. Were helping teachers so that they can be successful and help the students and were dealing with the childs behavior so that the teacher continues teaching the class and goes uninterrupted. If we continue to make these poor wages that we are, you're going to be like myself and eventually start looking at other places.

Step system challenged

Inzerillo said the jobs support staff do are not minimum wage work.

As paraeducators, we deal with being hit, spit on, a variety of bodily fluids. We supplement what the teachers teach, including coming up with curriculum to modify the materials for our students, Inzerillo said. I love my job. I love these kids. And I feel like I make a difference. And in the five years that I've been here, I know we have an impact on these kids' lives. That shouldn't be ignored. But this schedule is absolutely unsustainable.

Board member David Martineau challenged the pay scales used by the district for support staff.

I know teachers, I know administrators, I know what their pay looks like, but for support staff this is the wild west of steps, Martineau said. The system that is for the support staff is so complicated, that it's going to always leave someone out in the cold.

Martineau said the current system is not working.

There are 300 support staff that are talking to one another and some have benefited but others have been left behind. And all of them are feeling like you don't care. And I know that's not the truth. Despite my yelling and getting angry and stuff, the reality is this compensation process sucks and we need to change it, he said.

Martineau proposed a district-wide overhaul of support staff compensation, though that will not help workers immediately. He said that at this point, the board probably needed to accept the proposed pay changes with the stipulation that the board look at changing it next school year.

He said he would like to see annual raises and pay increases based on longevity or years of service.

Although the board approved the 2024-2025 staffing plan discussed Monday, members tabled discussions about adjusting compensation for hourly staff until the next board meeting.
ESAs Mars Express spacecraft have spotted the telltale traces of spiders scattered across the southern polar region of Mars.

Rather than being actual spiders, the Martian spiders form when spring sunshine falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited over the dark winter months, members of the Mars Express team said.

The sunlight causes carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer to turn into gas, which subsequently builds up and breaks through slabs of overlying ice.

The gas bursts free in Martian springtime, dragging dark material up to the surface as it goes and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick.

The emerging gas, laden with dark dust, shoots up through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains or geysers, before falling back down and settling on the surface.

This creates dark spots of between 45 m and 1 km (148-3,280 feet) across.

This same process creates characteristic spider-shaped patterns etched beneath the ice  and so these dark spots are a telltale sign that spiders may be lurking below.

The dark spots can be seen all over the Mars Express image. However, most can be seen as small spots in the dark region to the left, which sits just at the outskirts of a part of Mars nicknamed Inca City, the researchers said.

The reason for this name is no mystery, with the linear, almost geometric network of ridges being reminiscent of Inca ruins.

More formally known as Angustus Labyrinthus, Inca City was discovered in 1972 by NASAs Mariner 9 probe.

Were still not sure exactly how Inca City formed. It could be that sand dunes have turned to stone over time, the scientists said.

Perhaps material such as magma or sand is seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Or, the ridges could be eskers, winding structures related to glaciers.

The walls of Inca City appear to trace part of a large circle, 86 km (53.5 miles) in diameter.

The researchers suspect that Inca City sits within a large crater that itself formed as a rock from space crashed into the planets surface.

This impact likely caused faults to ripple through the surrounding plain, which were then filled with rising lava and have since worn away over time, they said.
This article is made possible through Spotlight PAs collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Sign up for Votebeat's free newsletters here.

A design change Pennsylvania officials made to prevent voters from making a disqualifying error on their mail ballots appears to have backfired.

The issue  voters failing to write the final two digits of the year on the return envelope  is leading some counties to reject ballots in the primary, despite the states new advice to count them.

Last fall, the Pennsylvania Department of State announced it was redesigning the states mail ballot return envelope, in part to reduce the number of ballots rejected for lacking a proper date, which is required by law. This years envelope has 20 prefilled in the year line and leaves spaces for the voters to fill in the last two digits.

One election director said a significant number of voters who returned flawed ballots had not filled in the last two digits of the year, and other election officials around the state echoed that observation.

On the Friday before the election, Deputy Secretary for Elections Jonathan Marks sent an email to counties advising them to count ballots even if the envelope lacks the last two digits of the year.

It is the Departments view that, if the date written on the ballot can reasonably be interpreted to be the day upon which [the voter] completed the declaration, the ballot should not be rejected as having an incorrect date or being undated, Marks wrote, citing a 2022 Pennsylvania Supreme Court case.

But the departments emailed advice does not carry the force of law, and counties are making different decisions about whether to count the ballots. Votebeat and Spotlight PA contacted eight counties and found that Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Delaware Counties are counting the ballots, while York, Lycoming, Lancaster, and Snyder Counties are rejecting them. Montgomery County said it would make a decision next week.

Its unclear exactly how many voters will be affected by rejections. Philadelphia said those figures would not be available until Thursday. In Snyder County, 10 of the 21 ballots rejected for dating issues were properly dated except for the last two digits of the year, Election Director Devin Rhoads said.

In Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, spokesperson Abigail Gardner said ballots with dating errors were the majority of the countys mail ballots at risk of rejection, and this specific dating error was an overwhelming majority of those. Gardner said that until Friday, Allegheny County had been marking these ballots as improperly dated but changed that determination after receiving Marks email.

Lycoming County election director Forrest Lehman said his county will reject ballots that lack the final two digits. He added that such ballots make up a significant number of the ones his staff was rejecting, though he did not have exact figures.

Reacting to the Department of States advice, Lehman said, I dont know what theyre basing it on or why they decided to say it at the last minute.

As part of the 2022 case Marks cited, Ball v. Chapman, the state Supreme Court issued an order on what a proper date for a ballot was. That order defined a proper date by setting a date range with the full, four-digit year. Lehman said he thinks counties will look at that as a signal that all four digits must be included.

Asked about this contradiction with the Ball case, Amy Gulli, director of communications for the Department of State, said Marks email speaks for itself.

The email also appears to run afoul of Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidts promise not to issue any new election-policy guidance to counties within 45 days of an election.

The department said the email did not violate the secretarys promise, as it was not full guidance but rather an email in response to multiple questions from counties.

Asked if the state would be redesigning the envelopes in response to the problem, Gulli said the department is continually looking for ways to improve election administration and will follow up with the counties on their experience after the primary.

Whether voters should even be required to write the date on ballot return envelopes has been a subject of debate and litigation since 2020, when Pennsylvanias mail voting law, Act 77, went into effect. The NAACP, which along with other voting rights organizations being represented by the ACLU of Pennsylvania, is currently seeking to invalidate the requirement in federal court based on a provision from the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Marian Schneider, senior voting rights policy counsel at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said the email from the department was a good attempt to keep voters from being disenfranchised.

If someone wrote 4/17 and didn't write the year, theres only one year it possibly could have been written because we know when counties mailed the ballots and when the counties received them, she said. What Jonathan is writing is common sense guidance.

Carter Walker is a reporter for Votebeat in partnership with Spotlight PA. Contact Carter at cwalker@votebeat.org.

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.
Clean water and air technology specialist MyCelx Technologies said in an update on Wednesday that, following the successful sale of its Saudi Arabian business operations in the first quarter, it had redirected internal resources towards advancing its marketing and sales plan for its technologies in the PFAS remediation and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) markets.

The AIM-traded firm said that in the United States, it had successfully completed a treatability study, paving the way for participation in a four-month pilot trial treating PFAS contamination at a municipal wastewater treatment facility, expected to start in the first quarter of 2025.

Additionally, it said it was conducting a short-term emergency PFAS remediation project at a refinery, aiming to expand Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) clean-up projects globally.

Moreover, MyCelx said it was engaged in pre-treatment system identification for a landfill leachate project and ramping up rapid small scale column tests for PFAS water characterisation and removal.

On the commercial and strategic front, MyCelx said it anticipated finalising an agreement with a US-based water system supplier to integrate its PFAS media into their product line.#

It said it was also pursuing discussions with potential partners in PFAS target markets and recently hired a technical expert with nine years of PFAS experience.

In Australia, MyCelx reported increased sales of PFAS systems by its Australian distribution partner, with recent successes in liquid waste facility and engineering firm projects.

In the realm of REGEN for EOR and beneficial reuse, MyCelx said it was running a pilot with a global energy technology company in the Middle East to showcase REGEN media's capabilities.

Additionally, the company said it was commencing a REGEN pilot trial in Canada with an EOR producer.

On the commercial and strategic front for REGEN, MyCelx said it delivered the first REGEN retrofit package to a Middle Eastern EOR customer and received notification from a global product supplier favouring REGEN technology for EOR produced water treatment.

The company also strengthened the REGEN team with the addition of an experienced engineer.

We continue to be upbeat about the progress we have made in 2024 and the outlined developments mentioned reinforce the significant advancements we are making as a business, said chief executive officer Connie Mixon.

We intend to capitalise on positive recent developments in the US, following the publishing of the EPA PFAS Drinking Water regulations, and we continue to aggressively pursue partnerships, pilots, data collection and projects in our core markets.

There is tremendous opportunity in the EOR market for our REGEN product.

Mixon said the company was engaged with multiple producers who required better performance and a reliable solution to water management during production for EOR and beneficial reuse.

Both our PFAS and REGEN offerings are designed to be best in class in their applications and we expect to see a continued uptick in demand for sales and/or pilot projects from globally recognisable firms over the rest of 2024.

At 0850 BST, shares in MyCelx Technologies Corporation were up 4.44% at 57.44p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Heineken posted a rise in quarterly revenues and volumes on Wednesday, despite a challenging and uncertain economic outlook.

The Dutch brewer  which also owns Tiger and Birra Moretti, among others  said revenues in the three months to March end rose 7.2%, to 8.2bn.

Organic beer volumes grew by 4.7%, comfortably above analyst expectations for a 2.5% rise.

All regions saw growth during the quarter, with the Americas and Europe in particular benefiting from the early Easter.

Premium beer volumes also performed well, up 7.3%.

Dolf van den Brink, chief executive, said: We had an encouraging start to 2024. All regions grew volume and net revenue, and we continued to see a sequential improvement in the performance of the business, growing in line or ahead of the category in the majority of our markets.

However, the brewer, the worlds second-largest after AB InBev, also acknowledged the difficult economic backdrop.

It said: We continue to see the economic environment as challenging and uncertain, and will remain agile and focused on strengthening our business.

Despite the solid start to the year, we cannot extrapolate the reported top-line growth to the rest of the year.

All-in-all, we continue to expect operating profit to grow organically by low-to-high single digits and net profit organic growth lower than the operating profit growth.

As at 1015 BST, shares in Heineken were up 1%.
Heathrow posted an historic surge in passenger numbers on Wednesday, but warned that current government policies were "curtailing" the UK's competitiveness.

A record 18.5m people travelled through Heathrow in the first three months of the year, a near 10% jump on the previous year.

The first quarter is traditionally a quiet period for the airport. However, Heathrow said passenger numbers had benefited from growth on key business routes like Delhi and Mumbai as well as strong North American traffic.

East Asian demand also jumped, up 40% year-on-year.

As a result, Heathrow increased its full-year outlook to 82.4m passengers, boosted by what it predicted would be the busiest-ever summer getaway.

However, it also warned that current government policy was curtailing the UKs growth and competitiveness. It urged ministers to rethink "anti-growth policies" such as travel visas for transiting passengers and to bring back VAT-free spending for overseas visitors.

It continued: A supportive policy environment for aviation would deliver a much-needed economic boost by encouraging people to visit, spend and do business here in the UK.

Revenues eased nearly 1% to 808m, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation fell 9% at 443m. Adjusted pre-tax profits came in at 83m, compared to losses of 139m a year previously.

Heathrow said: We have strong liquidity of 3.8bn and our focus remains on delivering excellent service to our customers while maintaining strong cost control and delivering efficiencies to close the 400m gap in the H7 settlement set by the CAA.

The update came a day after Unite confirmed that nearly 800 Heathrow workers had voted to strike between 7 and 13 May. The union is opposed to plans by Heathrow to outsource hundreds of roles.
UK banks are leaving themselves open to severe, unexpected losses, by failing to properly measure how exposed they are to the $8tn private equity industry, the Bank of England has warned. In a speech on Tuesday, Rebecca Jackson, a senior executive at the central bank, said there was a creeping sense of complacency among lenders, who  despite a boom in loans and financing to the sector  had almost no ability to put together data or even appreciate its crucial importance.  Guardian

The Senate voted Tuesday to pass a bill that will either ban TikTok or force a sale of the short-form video app, giving its China-based parent company ByteDance up to one year to divest its crown jewel before facing deletion from US app stores. The vote was a landslide, with 79 senators voting in favor and 18 against. The bill passed in the House on Saturday by a margin of 360 to 58, as part of a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. It will now make its way to the desk of Joe Biden, who has previously said he would sign the legislation.  Guardian

Tesla is speeding up plans for a range of cheaper cars as Elon Musks electric vehicle maker attempts to take on a wave of cut-price Chinese manufacturers. The company said it would accelerate the launch of new models including more affordable models with production starting next year. Teslas shares rose by more than 5pc in after-hours trading despite the company reporting its biggest drop in sales in more than a decade.  Telegraph

KPMG, the Big Four accounting firm, is to start hiring more ex-offenders after a very positive two-year trial. The move by one of Britains largest employers is a major boost for the government, which is trying to encourage more big businesses to recruit prison leavers to help cut reoffending, which costs an estimated 18 billion a year.  The Times

The new chief executive of AG Barr is to receive a 130,000 relocation package to help him buy a property in Scotland. The soft drinks firm said that Euan Sutherland, who is Scottish, would get the lump sum as part of his joining package when he officially takes over on May 1. He and his family live in Surrey but the new role will see him splitting time between London and Scotland.  The Times
India is rapidly advancing its position in the global semiconductor industry, with the commissioning of four new semiconductor manufacturing units and plans to become one of the world's largest semiconductor hubs within the next five years. Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the country's significant strides in a recent interview with IANS, emphasizing the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in driving this growth and creating thousands of new jobs.

According to Vaishnaw, India now has a clear policy aimed at bringing state-of-the-art technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, and semiconductors to the country. This approach aims to create more employment opportunities for the country's youth and boost domestic startups.

India's semiconductor journey, which had been envisioned since the 1960s but only recently gained momentum under PM Modi's leadership. Vaishnaw revealed that four semiconductor units have been commissioned, with technology rapidly developing and construction moving forward at a fast pace. The realization of these initiatives marks a milestone in, which had been envisioned since the 1960s but only recently gained momentum under PM Modi's leadership. Vaishnaw revealed that four semiconductor units have been commissioned, with technology rapidly developing and construction moving forward at a fast pace.

One of the highlights is the Sanand plant in Gujarat, where Micron Technology is constructing a chip fabrication facility with an investment of Rs 22,500 crore. The first 'Make in India' chip is expected to be produced at this plant by December of this year.

Furthermore, Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) is setting up a chip fabrication facility in the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) in Gujarat, with an investment of over Rs 91,000 crore. This facility is part of PM Modi's foundation stone-laying ceremony for three major semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore in March.

Additionally, TEPL is investing Rs 27,000 crore in an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Morigaon, Assam. This facility will focus on Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP). In Sanand, Gujarat, CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited is establishing another OSAT facility with an investment of Rs 7,500 crore.

The Minister noted that the plant in Assam will utilize the chips made there in the world's largest Electric Vehicles, demonstrating India's expanding role in global EV manufacturing.

Vaishnaw reiterated India's strong foundation in semiconductor design and emphasized the Prime Minister's commitment to bringing semiconductor manufacturing to India. He believes that these efforts will enable India to become one of the world's leading semiconductor hubs in the next five years.

This ambitious push into the semiconductor industry showcases India's commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation. The development of these semiconductor facilities will play a pivotal role in driving the country's growth, providing opportunities for its youth, and strengthening its position on the world stage.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Weeks after an alleged carjacking on Staten Island in which the defendant claimed he was working security  his attorney is asking that her clients bail amount be lowered.

Roger Cummins, 48, of Housman Avenue in Elm Park, was arraigned Wednesday in state Supreme Court, St. George, on a slew of charges including first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a loaded firearm in connection with the April 14 incident.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In supporting victims of sexual assault, community leaders, providers and survivors rallied on the steps of Borough Hall in St. George Tuesday afternoon.

More than 150 members of the community gathered before the steps of Borough Hall, many of them clad in denim to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Denim Day.

Today, Denim Day is acknowledged across the globe as a day to show support for survivors of sexual assault.

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Denim Day was established in 1999 on the heels of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court of Appeals decision in which the court overturned a rape conviction because of the tightness of the victims jeans, according to DenimDay.org.

The conviction was overturned because the justices believed that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have assisted the individual responsible in removing her jeans, thereby implying consent. The very next day, the women in the Italian Parliament took to work in jeans; a sign of solidarity with the victim, DenimDayInfo.org reports.

Dozens of jeans inscribed with messages denouncing sexual assault and the idea of victim blaming coated the steps of borough hall, as denim coats hung from lamp posts.

As we wear our denim today, we stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual abuse and reiterate the importance of consent, and that no will always mean no, Distirct Attorney Michael E. McMahon said. And no victim should ever be told that an act of sexual assault is their fault.

Theres never an excuse for sexual assault, and as district attorney and Staten Islands chief law enforcement officer, I am committed, and I know our partners in the New York City Police Department, represented by Chief Hurson today, that we are fully committed to prosecuting the crimes of sexual abuse perpetrated against any Staten Island resident to the full extent of the law, and to ensure that the victims get the justice they deserve,' he said.

Richmond County District Attorney District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks at the Denim Day rally held at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Speakers from the Richmond County District Attorneys Office, Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI), the William L. Murphy Staten Island Family Justice Center, and Safe Horizon took to the podium, centered on the stretch of steps. Backed by scores of advocates supporting victims of sexual assault, the series of speakers shed light on the issue, noted the history of Denim Day, and stood in solidarity.

Twenty five years after the founding of this campaign, we are here, stronger than ever, said Marjorie Cohen, executive director of the William L. Murphy NYC Family Justice Center and NYC Office to End Domestic and Gender Violence. And we will continue to be here, to stand up, to fight, and to continue the impact for those who cant yet raise their voice. We will stand for those who cant yet come forward, making lots of noise, making our voices heard, drowning out those who want to victim blame and oppress survivors.

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Those in attendance lent an attentive ear to the speakers, displaying signs denouncing sexual abuse; the crowd growing as the rally proceeded. One of the last speakers was Edwina Frances Martin, the public administrator of Richmond County, who, in a tearful address, said the following:

Im here today for friends and family members who are survivors of sexual assault; some who couldnt come because they are at work, couldnt get the time off, or are taking care of children. But also because they have an incredible fear of outing themselves, of coming forward, of being judged because maybe they wore a short skirt or tight jeans. So, Im here for them and for friends who have not survived. This issue is a public health crisis. Do not fool yourselves, it stays in the shadow because of fear, but it is happening all around us.

The Denim Day rally follows Mondays art dedication in memory of a Staten Island murder victim; the event kicking off National Crime Victims Rights Week.

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Public Administrator of Richmond County Edwina Frances Martin speaks at the Denim Day rally held at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Richmond County District Attorney District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks at the Denim Day rally held at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Richmond County District Attorney District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks at the Denim Day rally held at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete

Scenes from Denim Day hosted at Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA) has announced its approval of financial assistance to three companies that will construct four battery energy storage systems (BESS) on Staten Island and in Queens. One site, which is slated for development on a 15,910-square-foot parcel in Charleston, is located in the shadow of the Outerbridge Crossing.

A just transition to a clean energy future will require using battery energy storage systems  a solution that will balance supply and demand by creating a safe, more efficient, and resilient energy grid, said Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the organization which administers funding incentives through NYCIDA. A key commitment in the first-of-its-kind Green Economy Action Plan, these projects will not only bolster our green economy, but also follow some of the strictest safety standards in the nation.

Two of the four projects approved for funding will be placed on Staten Island: The one near the Outerbridge is located at 4838 Arthur Kill Rd., the site of the former Country Estate Kennels; the other is situated at 4401 Victory Blvd. in Travis -- where an existing 15.1MW gas turbine at the Arthur Kill Generating Station will be retired. The other two projects approved by NYCIDA will be located in Queens.

The boards decision to approve these four important energy storage projects will help reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuels, with the Victory Boulevard project directly leading to the retirement of a fossil fuel power generator, Elijah Hutchinson, the mayors director of Climate & Environmental Justice, said in a statement to the press.

First reported by the Advance/SILive on March 4, the Outerbridge project will consist of two battery energy storage systems with an estimated capacity of 4.9MW each, as well as two solar canopy systems with an estimated solar power generation of 120 kilowatt hours per day. Project costs are estimated at $39,440,000, and the site is registered for development by Chickadee Clean Energy LLC, a subsidiary of NineDot Energy.

Several of Staten Islands elected officials banded together to raise concerns about the site, submitting testimony to the NYCEDC to protest construction of the facility. The project was subsequently pulled from a Build NYC/NYCIDA board of directors meeting on March 12, when the vote to offer financial assistance in the form of tax waivers and mortgage benefits was originally scheduled.

The EDC did not provide further comment about why the project was removed from the agenda, offering only that the item is still being considered.

NineDot Energy also refused comment, stating that company policy is not to comment on specific governmental proceedings outside of the official agency/board commenting process.

But now, six weeks later, NYCEDC has issued a press release stating that the funding has been approved.

We are grateful to NYCEDC and the NYCIDA Board for their support as we advance New York Citys clean energy transition -- and the growth of Green Economy jobs -- through our community-scale battery storage projects, David Arfin, CEO of NineDot Energy, said in the press release. The project approved today by NYCIDA will be enough to power up to 10,000 households for four hours on a peak summer day, significantly reducing our reliance on high-emissions peaker plants and supporting advancement of renewables like wind on Staten Island.

HOT-BUTTON TOPIC

BESS siting has been a hot-button topic on Staten Island for the past year, with Community Boards voting against their proximity to bakeries and storefronts. In one instance, an energy developer retracted plans to place batteries in a Bulls Head church parking lot.

In January 2023, Borough President Vito Fossella called for an immediate moratorium of approvals for BESS applications filed with the Department of Buildings near residential and commercial districts in the borough. And just last month, Fossella and Councilmember David Carr (R-Mid-Island) hosted a press conference, denouncing plans for another proposed BESS  this one reportedly slated for construction near a strip of businesses and adjacent to several residential homes at 1963 Victory Blvd.

Both Borelli and Carr voted against Mayor Eric Adams City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality initiative in December, a bill which will usher in 17 new clean energy-focused zoning changes  one of which will make it easier to install battery energy storage infrastructure in residential neighborhoods.

WE ARE MORE AT RISK

[We knew] there was going to be a deluge of these applications here on Staten Island, Carr said at the press conference referenced above. The state has very ambitious goals for having BESSs [placed] across the state and in particular here on Staten Island. And unlike our sister boroughs, land is a little bit more affordable [here] and so we are more at risk to seeing these sites developed.

But North Shore City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore), Staten Islands third voice in the City Council, voted in favor of the City of Yes initiative, stating that the legislation has broader benefits.

The City of Yes legislation has broader benefits particularly, in addressing flood mitigation and resilience, Hanks said in a statement. Recent storms in areas like Port Richmond, West Brighton, and Clifton have emphasized the need for such measures to be addressed. We have had discussions with Con Edison representatives, and they have provided assurances regarding the safety and advanced features of these facilities.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikToks China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers thats expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.

The TikTok legislation was included as part of a larger $95 billion package that provides foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and was passed 79-18. It now goes to President Joe Biden, who said in a statement immediately after passage that he will sign it Wednesday.

A decision made by House Republicans last week to attach the TikTok bill to the high-priority package helped expedite its passage in Congress and came after negotiations with the Senate, where an earlier version of the bill had stalled. That version had given TikToks parent company, ByteDance, six months to divest its stakes in the platform. But it drew skepticism from some key lawmakers concerned it was too short of a window for a complex deal that could be worth tens of billions of dollars.

The revised legislation extends the deadline, giving ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, and a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill would also bar the company from controlling TikToks secret sauce: the algorithm that feeds users videos based on their interests and has made the platform a trendsetting phenomenon.

TikTok did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night.

The passage of the legislation is a culmination of long-held bipartisan fears in Washington over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans. For years, lawmakers and administration officials have expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data, or influence Americans by suppressing or promoting certain content on TikTok.

Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company, Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell said. Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel.

Opponents of the bill say the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, including through commercial data brokers that traffic in personal information. The foreign aid package includes a provision that makes it illegal for data brokers to sell or rent personally identifiable sensitive data to North Korea, China, Russia, Iran or entities in those countries. But it has encountered some pushback, including from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the language is written too broadly and could sweep in journalists and others who publish personal information.

Many opponents of the TikTok measure argue the best way to protect U.S. consumers is through implementing a comprehensive federal data privacy law that targets all companies regardless of their origin. They also note the U.S. has not provided public evidence that shows TikTok sharing U.S. user information with Chinese authorities, or that Chinese officials have ever tinkered with its algorithm.

Banning TikTok would be an extraordinary step that requires extraordinary justification, said Becca Branum, a deputy director at the Washington-based Center for Democracy & Technology, which advocates for digital rights. Extending the divestiture deadline neither justifies the urgency of the threat to the public nor addresses the legislations fundamental constitutional flaws.

Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat who voted for the legislation, said he has concerns about TikTok, but hes also worried the bill could have negative effects on free speech, doesnt do enough to protect consumer privacy and could potentially be abused by a future administration to violate First Amendment rights.

I plan to watchdog how this legislation is implemented, Wyden said in a statement.

China has previously said it would oppose a forced sale of TikTok, and has signaled its opposition this time around. TikTok, which has long denied its a security threat, is also preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation.

At the stage that the bill is signed, we will move to the courts for a legal challenge, Michael Beckerman, TikToks head of public policy for the Americas, wrote in a memo sent to employees on Saturday and obtained by The Associated Press.

This is the beginning, not the end of this long process, Beckerman wrote.

The company has seen some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never sought to prevent federal legislation from going into effect.

In November, a federal judge blocked a Montana law that would ban TikTok use across the state after the company and five content creators who use the platform sued. Three years before that, federal courts blocked an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump to ban TikTok after the company sued on the grounds that the order violated free speech and due process rights.

The Trump administration then brokered a deal that had U.S. corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok. But the sale never went through.

Trump, who is running for president again this year, now says he opposes the potential ban.

Since then, TikTok has been in negotiations about its future with the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a little-known government agency tasked with investigating corporate deals for national security concerns.

On Sunday, Erich Andersen, a top attorney for ByteDance who led talks with the U.S. government for years, told his team that he was stepping down from his role.

As I started to reflect some months ago on the stresses of the last few years and the new generation of challenges that lie ahead, I decided that the time was right to pass the baton to a new leader, Andersen wrote in an internal memo that was obtained by the AP. He said the decision to step down was entirely his and was decided months ago in a discussion with the companys senior leaders.

Meanwhile, TikTok content creators who rely on the app have been trying to make their voices heard. Earlier Tuesday, some creators congregated in front the Capitol building to speak out against the bill and carry signs that read Im 1 of the 170 million Americans on TikTok, among other things.

Tiffany Cianci, a content creator who has more than 140,000 followers on the platform and had encouraged people to show up, said she spent Monday night picking up creators from airports in the D.C. area. Some came from as far as Nevada and California. Others drove overnight from South Carolina or took a bus from upstate New York.

Cianci says she believes TikTok is the safest platform for users right now because of Project Texas, TikToks $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle.

If our data is not safe on TikTok, she said. I would ask why the president is on TikTok.

__

By HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Matt OBrien contributed to this report.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Diane Laura Hesterhagen, 59, passed away on Monday April 22, 2024 with her loving family by her side.(Legacy)

Diane Laura Hesterhagen (nee Cappola), 59, a stalwart in Catholic education on Staten Island, and Executive Director of the Seton Foundation for Learning, passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 22, 2024.

A native of Brooklyn and longtime Staten Island resident, Diane was an exceptional educator and administrator, she attended the College of Staten Island where she earned a Bachelors and Masters in English Education. A devoted lifelong learner, Diane returned to school at the age of 52 to earn the Orton Gillingham Teacher and Dyslexia Specialist Certification from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She taught at St. Anns School from 1986-1997, was principal of St. Adalbert School from 1997-2020, successfully merged St. Adalbert School and Holy Rosary in 2020 as principal of the Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, served as an adjunct professor at St. Johns University from 2014-2020 and finally served as the Executive Director of the Seton Foundation for Learning in 2023.

Diane was deeply involved in the veterans community and cherished her role bridging students with local heroes.

Dianes legacy is marked by her passion for education and community service. A wake will be held at Hanley Funeral Home on April 24, with a funeral mass at Holy Rosary Church the following morning.

Read the full obit on SILive

OpenAI was used to help generate an initial draft of this article, based on data provided by Legacy.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York Gov. Kathy Hochul this week launched a public awareness campaign aimed at students, administration officials and education leaders to encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), unlocking state and federal financial aid opportunities.

This week, students at the State University New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) campuses, as well as at other New York colleges and universities, will assist in the public awareness campaign to help students fill out the FAFSA, the governors office said.

Additionally, leaders from Hochuls cabinet will participate with video PSAs to post on social media and as a resource for schools to share with students. This push is a part of Financial Aid Awareness Month, which Hochul launched at the beginning of April to ensure students can access the tools they need.

Higher education can change peoples lives, and we are expanding pathways to college for all New York students, Hochul said. This week, were encouraging every student pursing a college degree to fill out the FAFSA as soon as they can to access the financial support available to them.

$200M IN UNCLAIMED AID

Last year, New Yorks high school students left over $200 million in federal aid unclaimed by not filling out the FAFSA, according to the governors office. Mirroring national trends, FAFSA submission rates in New York State are down 24% compared to the same time last year as a result of federal challenges and delays issuing the new FAFSA form.

The FAFSA is free and opens the door to federal and state aid, including TAP and Excelsior Scholarship, as well as other college funding awards.

Earlier this week, the governors office announced that all New York state high school students will soon be required to fill out the FAFSA or the New York State Dream Act Application. The plan is included in the Fiscal Year 2025 Enacted State Budget, the governors office announced. Students who choose not to fill out an application will be required to sign a waiver form indicating that they are aware of the available financial aid but choose not to pursue it.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

In 2023, SUNY launched the SUNY FAFSA Completion Corps to help prospective students complete the FAFSA. SUNY received a nearly $300,000 grant from AmeriCorps to launch the initiative, and there are currently nearly 50 SUNY students involved across seven SUNY campuses.

Earlier this month, CUNY launched the CUNY Financial Aid Support Team (FAST) to help students and families access financial aid, the governors office announced.

Students participating in the SUNY FAFSA Completion Corps and CUNY FAST are leading the FAFSA completion efforts on their campuses and on social media to offer support and make sure students know what financial aid is available to them.

Students can follow #FAFSAReady on social media to hear from current college students about their FAFSA experience.

In addition to students, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), SUNY, CUNY and academic and community organizations in New York are joining the governor in her campaign to make sure New Yorkers take every opportunity to access funding for college.

Each institution will host multiple events this month to help students and their families. Events will include information sessions on how to fill out financial aid applications, virtual drop-in opportunities to connect with HESC, SUNY and CUNY experts, and discussions about scholarship opportunities for students.

PROGRAM EXPANSION

In the recently approved state budget, Hochul secured provisions to help expand access to financial aid. The initiatives include making FAFSA completion universal in New York state and expanding the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). The TAP expansion increases the minimum award from $500 to $1,000. Additionally, the budget increases the dependent student net taxable income (NTI) limit for TAP eligibility from $80,000 to $125,000, the independent married student NTI limit from $40,000 to $60,000, and the independent single student NTI limit from $10,000 to $30,000.

There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and access to financial aid is crucial to helping students achieve their college dreams, said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. Across New York state, SUNY and our partners in higher education are proudly banding together with Governor Hochul to make sure every single high school senior, as well as every prospective and returning college student, knows that there is federal and New York state tuition assistance available and that completing the FAFSA is the key to gaining access to that funding.

CUNY Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez said that each year New Yorkers leave money for college on the table by not completing financial aid forms.

We know this year has been even more challenging to complete the federal forms because of glitches and delays,' he said. CUNY encourages all families to be persistent and fill out the FAFSA.
Australian oil and gas giant Woodside has been rocked by the biggest investor uprising ever seen against a major emitters approach to climate change as 58 per cent of its shareholders rejected the companys decarbonisation plans as inadequate.

The countrys top producer of the fossil fuels and its high-profile chairman, Richard Goyder, faced extensive criticism at Woodsides annual shareholder meeting in Perth on Wednesday for refusing to do more to align the business with hastening international efforts to restrain rising global temperatures.

Woodside's Karratha gas plant. Credit: Aaron Bunch

The Woodside investor revolt is significant because it is the first time a majority of shareholders at a publicly traded company have defied the board in a so-called Say on Climate vote over the credibility of its plans to continue operating in a carbon-constrained world.

While the vote is not binding, its 58 per cent rejection marks an embarrassing blow for the board after it spent two years engaging with shareholders to improve its strategy.
The swelling of global inventories has in turn led to waves of price-cutting. Tesla recently cut $US2000 off the prices of its EVs in China (which accounts for about a third of its sales) and the US. Loading GM lost money in the over-supplied Chinese market, about $US106 million, and is losing money on its own EV production, even as it ramps it up. GM expects to produce about 10 times as many EVs  between 200,000 and 300,000  this year compared with last year. But it made its profits on sales of conventional pick-up trucks and SUVs. Musk blamed Teslas performance on the conflicts in the Middle East, an arson attack on its Berlin factory, and the ramp-up of an updated version of its Model 3, but the increasing levels of excess capacity and production have been a more significant factor. Buyers have also drifted towards plug-in hybrids over pure EVs. It hasnt helped that Teslas line-up is looking stale and outdated, and that its newest model, the Cybertruck, has sold poorly (only about 4000) and recently been recalled.

Despite the poor performance, which generated negative cashflows of $US2.5 billion over the three months, Teslas share price showed signs of life after the results were announced, soaring nearly 14 per cent in after-hours trading. But based on Tuesdays closing price, the stock is still down more than 40 per cent this year, and Teslas market capitalisation of $US461 billion is a fraction of its $US1.3 trillion peak in late 2021. The share price was responding to Teslas statement that it had updated its future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new cheaper models. The more affordable EVs would be produced on existing manufacturing lines and use some existing components to avoid the need to build new plants, although the company said this might result in less cost reduction than it previously expected.

Tesla has previously foreshadowed plans to build a $US25,000 ($38,000) EV, dubbed Model 2, to compete in the lower-priced segment of the market. Recent reports that it had shelved plans for the Model 2 to focus on robotaxis were a factor in its share price weakness, which is why the announcement of its (somewhat revised) plan to build cheaper cars created some excitement. Loading Musk hasnt abandoned his robotaxi ambitions, which have been on his agenda for the best part of a decade. He plans to unveil a self-driving robotaxi in August, even though there would be a maze of technological and regulatory obstacles to any mass roll-out of self-driving vehicles. Tesla sees its software as its competitive advantage in a market where Chinese companies such as BYD (which briefly topped Tesla as the worlds largest EV manufacturer late last year) can produce EVs more cheaply, hence the continuing fixation on autonomous driving systems. Blindingly obvious move

Not quite betting the company, but going balls to the wall on autonomy is a blindingly obvious move. Everything else is like variations on a horse carriage, Musk wrote last week on his social media platform, X. Tesla invested $US1 billion in its AI infrastructure in the quarter. Whether robotaxis and low-priced EVs (in a global market awash with Chinese-built low-cost EVs) address the larger question of Teslas ability to compete profitably in an increasingly difficult market is an open question. Autonomous driving technologies may, perhaps, be its long-term future, but thats a long way off  and investors, having priced Tesla shares (even after this years steep decline) at more than 65 times earnings, will want to see profitable growth in the meantime. The result, and the threatening trends within it, may complicate Musks ambition of reviving a planned $US50 billion-plus options package that was struck down by a judge in Delaware earlier this year, after she concluded that the board process leading up to the shareholders approval of the package in 2018 had been deeply flawed and that disclosures to shareholders had been inadequate.

Tesla is asking shareholders to approve the plan again, while also seeking their approval for a shift in the companys incorporation away from the pesky courts in Delaware to a more Musk-friendly Texas. Loading Asking shareholders to simply gift him $US50 billion or so when he has just sacked a big slice of his workforce and disclosed a huge slump in revenues and earnings  a slump that will, Tesla said, produce lower earnings for the full year  will test shareholders loyalty and their confidence in the companys prospects. When the package was originally presented, it provided for 12 tranches of options, each representing 1 per cent of Teslas capital. The options would vest if its market capitalisation hit targets spaced at $US50 billion intervals  the first tranche would vest if the market capitalisation hit $US100 billion, and the last if it reached $US650 billion. Musk achieved those seemingly demanding targets easily. Tesla was valued at twice the $US650 billion stretch target in 2021.

However, it is now valued at just over $US460 billion. Should the package, if approved, be adjusted to reflect the reality that the companys market value is substantially below the levels that would have delivered the final tranches of options? Despite the dark clouds over Teslas near-term future, with Musk threatening to take AI development  the key to Teslas autonomous driving technologies  outside the company if he isnt given a bigger ownership stake, there is a very real prospect that he will get what he wants. As Anthony Albanese and Australias eSafety commissioner have recently discovered, Musk plays by his own rules. Read more: Victoria Waldersee: Tesla to cut more than 14,000 jobs as troubles deepen

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CBD would be remiss in its patriotic duty if we fired off todays effort without a dollop of Anzacery, so well raise a tot of rum to Barnaby Joyce for his much-needed reminder on Wednesday that he is opposition veterans affairs spokesman.

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Some unkind souls had been suggesting that Joyces wife Vikki Campion had been doing more work in the portfolio through her columns in the News Corp tabloids than her other half.

So were heartened to see Barnaby answer the call to arms from Campions employer  theres a bit of a feedback loop here  about a bunch of teachers disrespecting the national day of remembrance, or something.

But we do worry the Barn-Stormer, reaching perhaps for a martial tone in his press release, has crossed the line into threatening.
CBD would be remiss in its patriotic dooooty if we hit send on todays effort without a dollop of Anzacery, so well raise a tot of rum, to Barnaby Joyce for his much-needed reminder on Wednesday that he is shadow veterans affairs minister.

Some unkind souls had been suggesting that Joyces wife, Vikki Campion, had been doing more work in the portfolio, through her columns in the US-owned News Corp tabloids, than her other half.

Barnaby Joyce and wife Vikki Campion during a rally against renewable energy. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

So were heartened to see Barnaby answer the call to arms from Campions employer  theres a bit of a feedback loop here  about a bunch of teachers disrespecting the national day of remembrance, or something.

But we do worry that the Barn-Stormer, reaching perhaps for a martial tone in his press release, has crossed the line into threatening.
Police were called to a chaotic meeting of Liverpool City Council on Wednesday as union members allegedly refused to vacate the chamber for a closed-door debate about the future of council chief executive John Ajaka, a former Liberal MP.

Ajaka was appointed to the $500,000-a-year job under Liberal mayor Ned Mannoun in December 2022 but was stood down on Wednesday night pending an independent investigation into alleged behaviour at a budget meeting last week.

Police were called to a meeting of Liverpool City Council on Wednesday when people refused to leave the chamber.

Ajaka is alleged to have told Mannoun to shut the f--- up amid a heated discussion about staffing. Ajaka was contacted for comment.

It is the second time in this council term that Mannoun has led action against a sitting chief executive, having ousted Eddie Jackson in February 2022  at the first council meeting after the 2021 election  before appointing Ajaka later that year.
Students have set up camp at Sydney University on the back of pro-Palestinian encampments and demonstrations that have swept through US institutions and led to mass arrests and cancelled classes.

Sydney Universitys acting vice chancellor said the institution remained committed to allowing peaceful protests but warned anyone breaching the universitys rules would face disciplinary action.

Colleges across the United States have been rocked by mass protests which began at Columbia University on April 17 and quickly spread to other institutions including New York University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and The New School.

The pro-Palestinian encampment started by students on the university quad. Credit: Steven Siewert

On Tuesday night, an encampment sprung up at Sydney University with tents and banners covered in graffiti that read from the river to the sea, Columbia First, USYD next. Students, who were last night joined by federal Greens Senator David Shoebridge, are demanding the institution cut ties with Israeli universities and arms manufacturers.
A Marion County judge denied a second attempt to suppress evidence from a fatal freeway crash last spring near Albany.

California resident Lincoln Clayton Smith, 53, is accused of killing seven people on Interstate 5 just north of the Marion-Linn County line.

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.

Smith was charged with manslaughter after the crash, which is believed to be the deadliest on I-5 in decades. Authorities believe Smith was intoxicated at the time. Court documents allege Smith had cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system, and allege meth was found in Smiths clothing.

Smiths Salem-based attorney, Tiffany Humphrey, brought a motion against a search warrant used to obtain Smiths blood and urine for drug testing purposes, seeking to suppress blood test results as well as testimony and evidence regarding the blood test.

In a hearing held Tuesday, April 23, at the Marion County Courthouse in Salem, Humphrey argued that Oregon State Police Sgt. Randall Walker cherry-picked his observations and Smiths statements in writing a search warrant affidavit for Smiths blood.

She said factors in suspecting drug use, such as Smiths dizziness, difficulty focusing, constricted pupils and bloodshot eyes could have had other causes, such as a head injury or seasonal allergies, the chaos of the scene or trauma from the horrific crash.

Humphrey also said the affidavit was inaccurate because suspected nitrous oxide canisters found by another trooper at the crash scene and referenced in the affidavit were CO2 canisters for a BB gun.

Deputy District Attorney David Wilson argued that Walker was accurate, truthful and wrote the affidavit in good faith. He said even if the court ruled that certain portions of the affidavit should be excised, as Humphrey requested, there would have been enough probable cause to take Smiths blood.

Walker testified during the hearing, explaining and defending his investigatory process and observations of Smith during six hours of questioning Smith between the crash and being treated at Salem Hospital.

Judge Daniel Wren ruled in favor of the state, saying the affidavit did not misrepresent the facts, and was not required to fully explore and document every possibility related to Smiths condition after the crash. He agreed with Walkers determination that Smith was slow or struggled to answer questions at times, which could indicate intoxication.

Failed motion No. 1

The motion followed a similar one made in February, also unsuccessful, to suppress comments Smith made to investigators after being taken to the hospital, as well as to suppress evidence obtained while Smith was at the hospital.

That motion argued Smith was not read his Miranda rights before he was questioned at the hospital and was too impaired to waive those rights because hospital staff gave him morphine. The motion also said he was in shock from learning the extent of the carnage.

Miranda rights, named after a case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, grants suspects certain rights, including the right not to speak, and investigators are required to disclose these rights before questioning.

In ruling against that motion, Wren said Smith was Mirandized before he was taken to the hospital and exercised his rights at times during questioning, giving thoughtful responses despite being in pain and medicated.

Seven dead

Smith, prosecutors allege, was driving a semitrailer truck northbound on I-5 just north of Albany when he hit a Ford Econoline passenger van parked on the east shoulder, killing seven and injuring four others May 18.

The occupants were reportedly farmworkers heading home after their workday. Their van was parked behind a Target truck on the side of the road, and a passenger was outside, fixing a portable toilet the van was pulling, according to court documents.

The semi crushed the van against the parked truck near the Santiam River Rest Area in Jefferson. Responders declared six people dead at the scene, and a seventh was declared dead at a hospital.

Smith is charged with seven counts of felony of second-degree manslaughter and three felony counts of third-degree assault as well as misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants. He has been held without bail at the Marion County Jail since May 19.

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An evangelistic pastor and former political candidate with the Family First and Rise Up Australia parties has faced court after being charged with the assault of a woman at a property in Melbournes south-east.

Daniel Nalliah, 59, who once claimed the Black Saturday bushfires were Gods revenge for Victorias incendiary abortion laws which decimate life in the womb, has denied assaulting the woman on April 27 last year.

Pastor Daniel Nalliah of Reformation Harvest Fire Ministries pictured in 2016. Credit: Simon Schluter

He will face a contest mention hearing in the Dandenong Magistrates Court in June.

Nalliah had previously pleaded guilty to the assault charge at a hearing on March 20, but withdrew the plea when informed by Magistrate Christina Windisch that she would release details of the case to The Age.
An arrest warrant has been issued for former Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger, who allegedly absconded from a Melbourne hospital during a court-ordered medical assessment.

Pledger, 30, was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Monday after being granted bail at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he had faced charges for allegedly assaulting a woman.

Orpheus Pledger absconded from a Melbourne hospital on Monday before a scheduled court appearance. Credit: Getty Images

The actor was ordered to return to court following the assessment but failed to appear on Tuesday.

Police are appealing for public help to help locate Pledger.
The Coalition cannot commit to Australias 2030 emissions reduction targets, with senior Nationals MPs conceding a plan to adopt nuclear power would mean a future Coalition government would not comply with the Paris Agreement.

Days after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton delayed his announcement of up to six sites for future nuclear power plants  the announcement is now expected after the budget  Nationals leader David Littleproud told this masthead the path to net zero emissions by 2050 would not be linear under a future Coalition government.

Nationals leader David Littleproud. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The Nationals stated aim of slowing down the rollout of large-scale renewable energy projects, combined with the 15-year timeline for building a nuclear plant, means the Coalition would struggle if returned to power to meet Labors current target of 43 per cent emissions reduction by 2030.

But a Coalition government would inherit Australias legally binding 2030 target under the Paris Agreement, which requires nations to contribute to an international effort to keep global warming under 2 degrees.
Isurava: Papua New Guineas Prime Minister James Marape says he would be delighted for his citizens to serve under the Australian flag as a way to help the Australian Defence Force solve its recruitment crisis.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed last week that the federal government was exploring options to allow non-citizens from friendly nations, including the Pacific, to serve in the ADF.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has no problem with his citizens serving in the Australian military. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

It would be a high honour for PNG soldiers to serve with the ADF, Marape told this masthead while walking the Kokoda Track with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

As soon as you change the laws, we will be ready. You will find our soldiers will be very loyal.
London: Britains Prince William and his wife, Catherine, have thanked the public for their messages on the sixth birthday of their youngest son, Louis.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also issued a picture of Louis on social media to mark the occasion, showing a close-up image of the beaming young prince.

Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today, their office, Kensington Palace, said on X.

Prince Louis in a picture taken by his mother, Catherine, Princess of Wales, earlier this week in Windsor to mark his 6th birthday. Credit: Handout/AP

The picture was taken by Catherine in Windsor where the family lives. Louis is the youngest of their three children. Prince George is 10 and Princess Charlotte will celebrate her ninth birthday next month.
New York: The United Nations has called for a clear, transparent and credible investigation of mass graves uncovered at two major hospitals in war-torn Gaza that were raided by Israeli troops.

Credible investigators must have access to the sites, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters, and added that more journalists needed to be able to work safely in Gaza to report on the facts.

Palestinians walk through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive near Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Credit: AP

Earlier, UN human rights chief Volker Turk said he was horrified by the destruction of the Al Shifa medical centre in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, as well as the reported discovery of mass graves in and around the facilities after the Israel Defence Forces left.

He called for independent and transparent investigations into the deaths, saying that given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators.
Washington: The US Senate has passed legislation to force TikToks China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move thats expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.

The TikTok legislation was included as part of a larger $US95 billion ($145 billion) package that provides foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and was passed 79-18. It now goes to President Joe Biden, who has backed the TikTok proposal and has said he will sign the package as soon as he gets it.

The US Congress has approved legislation to force the Chinese owners of TikTok to sell the company or face a ban in the US. Credit: AP

A decision made by House Republicans last week to attach the TikTok bill to the high-priority package helped expedite its passage in Congress and came after negotiations with the Senate, where an earlier version of the bill had stalled. That version had given TikToks parent company, ByteDance, six months to divest its stakes in the platform. But it drew scepticism from some key representatives concerned it was too short of a window for a complex deal that could be worth tens of billions of dollars.

The revised legislation extends the deadline allowing ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, and a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill would also bar the company from controlling TikToks secret sauce: the algorithm that feeds users videos based on their interests and has made the platform a trendsetting phenomenon.
In a country celebrated for its mosaic of cultures, are Canadas Bereavement Leave policies adequate in supporting immigrant employees who have experienced the death of a loved one back home?

For many immigrants from far-flung nations like India, China, the Philippines, and various African countries, the journey to their country of origin is not just lengthy but also costly, posing a significant challenge during times of loss

New Canadian Media writer Ruhina Taskin, learned from first-hand experience that the answer is generally, no.

Here is her story:

On a stormy night in December 2022, I received the most dreaded phone call that is the nightmare of every immigrant. The odd-hour phone call is always scary. This one brought me the news of my mother having a heart attack and she passed away.

I still can remember that the first thing I did was frantically looking for my passport everywhere in my home. My husband got on his computer looking for a ticket for me. It was during the Christmas holiday. The weather was stormy and a lot of airlines were not operating.

I was just able to send a Whatsapp message to my supervisor at the office that I am going home. Thankfully, I got a ticket from Biman Bangladesh Airlines which could take me home in about 20 hours.

I can remember, my coworker went through a similar situation in 2020. She was a newcomer in Ontario and worked for a non-profit.

At around 4 a.m I received a call from home which immediately told me something was not right. My mother passed away. It was so tough for me to travel because of COVID-19. But we managed to book a flight and go. I took leave for an unpaid month, she said in a conversation with NCM.

She was able to join work after coming back. But after about two months, the company asked me to rethink if I need more time off. They implied that the whole situation was hampering my performance. I resigned from the company. Even though they did not ask directly, when I look back I cannot help but think, they just asked me to leave voluntarily. For that, I was not even eligible for Employment Insurance, she said.

These incidents made me dig deeper into government policies. Getting in your car and attending the funeral of a family member within your province and flying a thousand miles home and back is not the same.

Currently, almost 500,000 new immigrants come to Canada annually  one of the highest rates per population of any country in the world. Over eight million immigrants with permanent residence are living in Canada, equal to about 20 percent of the total population, as of 2023. Ontario had the most immigrants, with 199,297 arriving between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

Employees working in federally regulated jobs such as babysitters, federal government workers, bank tellers, long-haul truck drivers, lawyers, and pilots, are entitled to up to 10 days of bereavement leave in the event of a death of an immediate family members death.

Globalfaces Direct (GFD), a company that provides fundraising services in Canada and the US offers two days of job-protected bereavement leave per calendar year due to the passing of a family member.

These two days of bereavement leave are unpaid initially but become paid once an employee completes their probation period, which is usually 90 days. A significant portion of our contact center workforce comprises international students, and we also have recent immigrants in our HQ operations, says Osas Ogiesoba, human resource business partner at GFD.

We have encountered situations where our immigrant employees have needed to travel back to their home countries due to the passing of a family member. In addition to the two days of bereavement leave, we offer an option for an unpaid leave of absence to provide further support and flexibility. We work closely with the individual to ensure they have the time they need to be with their families. Furthermore, we assist them by providing a Record of Employment (ROE) to facilitate their application for Employment Insurance (EI) if they are eligible, added Ogiesoba.

The Employment Standards Act (ESA) does not ensure that employees get paid leave. It is up to the employers to decide if they want to grant paid leave to the employees in such cases, explained Christopher Achkar, an employment and litigation lawyer who works with both employees and employers regarding all their employment law needs.

Two unpaid days under the ESA and up to ten days for federally regulated jobs might not be enough for all, Achkar agrees. If you have to travel to care for a family member or deal with such matters and leave, you may look into the Human Rights Code and Canadian Human Rights Act. According to these Code and Act, employment is protected from termination when and if the employee requires accommodation, particularly for family status needs, in this situation.

We understand that many of the employers are small businesses with limited resources. They want to be careful before making a decision in such cases. For employers to create a more inclusive environment in the workplace, Achkar suggests, Be careful before you say yes or no. Because it can open up human rights issues. In the end it may become so much more expensive than acting haphazardly without seeking proper legal advice first.

Aanal Suryawala, an HR manager, says bereavement leaves should be longer than three days.

I think we should not discriminate, bereavement leave should be extended for all, regardless of who are immigrants or who have families in Canada. Because trauma hits everyone differently. We do not know what people are going through, Suryawala adds, I think three days are just not enough. Because the first three days are gone in shock, later you start figuring it out.

I have seen people in my company taking this leave every year. Out of compassion, I cannot ask them for proof but I can tell that they are not being truthful.

But that should not stop us from making things better. There will be drawbacks, but we should focus on doing the right thing for our employees. Suryawala concludes.

A study on death and mourning put forward how the bereavement process is more challenging for migrants as they are already caught up in a series of losses and bereavement regarding new environment, culture, family ties etc. Having to go through the bereavement process in a new country makes them bear the additional burden of their losses.

There isnt any law or act that advises the Canadian employers to ensure mental health support for the employees in such conditions. But we always encourage them to offer benefits if they can. Because ultimately it makes the employees happy which is positive for the business, says Ackhar.

This article was produced as part of an Inclusive Journalism Microcredential offered by New Canadian Media and Seneca Polytechnic.
N. Korean economic delegation visits Iran: KCNA



Seoul, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



A North Korean economic delegation has departed Pyongyang for Iran, the nuclear-armed country's official media reported Wednesday, on a rare visit that analysts said raises concerns of cooperation between the two states.

The delegation, led by external economic relations minister Yun Jong Ho, flew to Iran on Monday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency said in a one-sentence dispatch that offered no further details.

The visit comes after Pyongyang bolstered military ties with Moscow in recent months.

Seoul claims the North has sent around 7,000 containers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, possibly in exchange for Moscow's technical assistance for its budding spy satellite programme.

Russia also recently used its Security Council veto power to upend UN sanctions monitoring on North Korea amid a probe into the alleged arms transfers, with Kim Jong Un's regime expressing its thanks after the vote.

Iran and Russia are also close military and political allies, with Moscow purportedly using Iranian drones in its war against Ukraine.

North Korea's visit comes after Iran launched its first-ever direct drone and missile attack on Israeli territory.

The barrage was in response to an April 1 air strike, widely blamed on Israel, that levelled an Iranian consular building in Damascus and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

The trip signals Pyongyang's intention to expand and deepen its ties with Tehran, possibly by providing it with arms that could be needed in its confrontation with Israel, said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

"This visit deserves much attention given the ongoing situation involving Tehran and Jerusalem," he told AFP, adding that Tehran and Pyongyang were long-time allies who have cooperated on weapons programmes dating back to the 1980s.

In the same way that Pyongyang has provided Moscow with weapons, it could also do so for Tehran "in exchange for rewards such as oil and financial assistance", he added.
UK's Sunak to discuss European security with Scholz in Berlin



Berlin, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



UK premier Rishi Sunak will talk defence and security with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday when the British leader makes his first trip to Berlin since becoming prime minister 18 months ago.

Discussions are expected to focus on Ukraine, defence spending levels, and a push by Germany to bolster NATO's air defences in Europe amid Russia's relentless missile strikes on Ukraine.

"At this dangerous moment for the world, the UK and Germany are standing side by side to preserve security and prosperity at home and across our continent," said Sunak, haling "a new chapter" in the countries' relationship.

Sunak's visit to Berlin is the second day of a two-day trip to Europe. He visited the Polish capital Warsaw on Tuesday where he pledged to gradually increase UK defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2030.

Sunak said that the West was facing its most dangerous period since the end of the Cold War, with Russia's assault on Ukraine in its third year, but also the threat of escalation in the Middle East.

NATO countries are facing pressure to raise defence expenditure in the face of these global threats.

More of NATO's European members -- including heavyweights France and Germany -- have increased their defence spending recently to meet the alliance's two percent of GDP target.

But EU chief Ursula von der Leyen recently warned that more needs to be done and Brussels is set to come up with further proposals for financing the defence push by a summit of EU leaders in June.

It has put forward a 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) strategy to step up defence production, but officials say this is nowhere near sufficient.

"Germany and the UK are the two largest defence spenders in Europe and are the two countries which have been at the forefront of providing support to Ukraine," Sunak said in Poland on Tuesday.

"I'm confident that that will continue and we are actually in the process of strengthening our defence and security co-operation with the Germans," he added.

Sunak and Scholz are due to announce plans for a joint endeavour to develop remote-controlled Howitzer artillery systems that will be fitted to Boxer armoured vehicles.

They are also likely to discuss Germany's common air defence project, the European Sky Shield Initiative.

Berlin has urged allies to buy deterrence systems together and the UK, which left the European Union in early 2020, is among some 20 countries to have signed up to the plan.

The project would involve joint procurement for short-, medium- and long-range systems, including the German-made Iris-T, the American Patriot system and the US-Israeli Arrow 3.

France has so far declined to sign up to the pact, with officials there arguing instead for an air defence system using European equipment.

Sunak and Scholz are due to hold a press conference at 1:45 pm (1145 GMT).
Russian deputy defence minister held in custody on bribery accusations



Moscow, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



A Russian deputy defence minister who was exposed in an investigation by late opposition leader Alexei Navalny's team was remanded in custody Tuesday on suspicion of taking large bribes.

The arrest of Timur Ivanov, a long-time ally of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, is the most dramatic corruption case in Russia in recent years, and comes as spending on the military has ballooned amid its offensive on Ukraine.

Ivanov, 48, oversaw construction and procurement for the armed forces, and was linked to Russia's high-profile rebuilding of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, occupied by Moscow's forces.

"The deputy defence minister of the Russian Federation was sent to a pre-trial detention centre," the press service for Moscow courthouses said in a statement on social media.

He faces up to 15 years in prison for bribe-taking "on a particularly large scale," it added.

Several independent Russian media outlets have alleged that Ivanov and his family acquired vast wealth through kick-backs on contracts he agreed at the ministry.

In December 2022, Navalny's team said they had obtained thousands of leaked emails from Ivanov's wife, Svetlana Maniovich, that showed a lavish lifestyle well beyond what his official salary could cover.

They said she had spent hundreds of thousands of euros on luxury cars, jewellery, clothes, parties, and renting premium property and yachts in the south of France.

Some of the transactions were routed through third parties, including defence ministry contractors, it alleged.

In court on Tuesday, Ivanov, 48, stood in a glass dock for defendants in military uniform.

The court said investigators believe he was part of a "criminal conspiracy" to take a "bribe on a particularly large scale in the form of property services, during the course of contracting and subcontracting work for the defence ministry."

It did not provide further details.

The judge sent him to pre-trial detention until at least June 23. He will be held at the notorious Lefortovo jail in Moscow, the state-run TASS news agency reported.

Campaigners, including Navalny, have long argued that corruption is endemic in President Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Arrests of high-profile government figures are rare, usually the result of political infighting, analysts say.

Activists say the vast sums being poured into the Ukraine offensive has given officials new opportunities to enrich themselves through secretive procurement deals.
US commander sees 'breathtaking' development of China's space power



Sydney, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



China's military capabilities in space are developing at a "breathtaking" pace that only looks set to intensify after recent defence reforms, the head of the US Space Command said Wednesday.

General Stephen Whiting told journalists that Beijing had "tripled the number of intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance satellites on orbit" in just six years, with repercussions across military domains.

"Frankly, the People's Republic of China is moving at breathtaking speed in space and they are rapidly developing a range of counter-space weapons to hold at risk our space capabilities," Whiting said.

Describing China as the United States' top "pacing challenge", Whiting said Beijing had used "space capabilities to improve the lethality, the precision and the range of their terrestrial forces".

China's leaders had underscored future space ambitions with recent military reforms, he added.

Beijing on Friday announced the creation of an information support force within the People's Liberation Army, essentially reforming the way cyber, information, logistics and space operations are run.

The changes "further enhance the importance of space and information warfare and cyber operations" in China's military, Whiting said, offering an initial assessment of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's April 19 announcement.

The head of the US Space Command -- a unified combatant command that brings together all service branches including the Space Force -- urged "more transparency" from China, as it develops civilian and military space capabilities.

The world's second-largest economy has pumped billions of dollars into its military-run space programme in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia.

China will on Thursday send a fresh crew to its Tiangong space station, part of an effort to send astronauts to the Moon and establish a research base on the lunar surface by 2030.

China has billed the International Lunar Research Station as a cooperative and scientifically focused project.

"We've seen the announcements of China's ambitions to go to the Moon and you know, those appear to be exploratory and scientific on the surface," said Whiting.

"But the Chinese aren't very transparent with what they do in space. And so, you know, we hope there's not a military component to that. But we would certainly welcome more transparency."
Water release resumes after partial power outage at Fukushima plant



Tokyo, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



The release of treated wastewater into the ocean from Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant resumed Wednesday after being suspended as a partial power outage affected the site, operator TEPCO said.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said in a statement that the water release restarted at 5:16 pm "with no abnormalities detected", after an hours-long halt.

In 2011, the Fukushima-Daiichi plant on Japan's northeastern coast went into meltdown after a huge earthquake and tsunami that killed 18,000 people. It was one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

"At around 10:43 am (0143 GMT), electricity source line A stopped," Wednesday's TEPCO statement initially said without giving details.

The release of water treated through a filtration process called ALPS also stopped at the same time, it said.

The firm said the system to cool reactors remained operational and "no meaningful change" had been detected at plant facilities that monitor radioactivity.

TEPCO added that a worker had been injured during an excavation operation.

An inspection later found the worker was near an electric circuit when the incident occurred.

"Therefore, it is assumed that the worker damaged the cable during excavation work," the company said in a statement.

Earlier, a TEPCO spokesman told AFP that "there seems to be a link between this electricity loss and suspension of the ALPS operation."

"We are trying to figure out" a potential link between the injury and the electricity loss, he said.

The worker was conscious and not contaminated, but was seen by an on-site doctor and an ambulance was called.

Last year, Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The facility was running out of space to build more water tanks, and TEPCO needed to clear the area for the much more hazardous task of removing radioactive fuel and rubble from three stricken reactors.

Japan argues that the water being released gradually over decades is harmless and heavily diluted with seawater.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and many leading economies have endorsed the release.

But China, later joined by Russia, banned all Japanese seafood imports, saying that Japan was polluting the environment.

IAEA officials and international experts are currently in Japan to review the water release.

Their mission to review "the safety and regulatory aspects of the discharge" is scheduled for April 23-26.
Israel pummels Gaza after US Congress approves military aid



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



Israel pounded Gaza with air strikes and artillery fire in its war against Hamas on Wednesday after the US Congress approved $13 billion in military aid.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said the Senate's approval of the aid package already passed by the House of Representatives sent a "strong message to all our enemies" in a post on social media platform X.

US-Israeli relations been strained by Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's determination to send troops into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, where 1.5 million people are sheltering, many in makeshift encampments.

Fears are rising that Israel will soon launch an assault on Rafah, which it says is the "last" major Hamas stronghold, but aid groups warn any invasion would create an "apocalyptic situation".

Early Wednesday, hospital and security sources in Gaza reported Israeli air strikes in Rafah, as well as the central Nuseirat refugee camp.

An AFP correspondent and witnesses also reported heavy bombardment of several areas of northern Gaza during the night, while the Israeli military said its aircraft "struck over 50 targets" over the previous 24 hours.



- New tent blocks -



Netanyahu, however, has insisted the assault on Rafah will go ahead.

Citing Egyptian officials briefed on the Israeli plans, the Wall Street Journal said Israel was planning to move civilians from Rafah to nearby Khan Yunis over a period of two to three weeks.

Satellite images shared by Maxar Technologies showed new blocks of tents that had been set up in recent weeks in southern Gaza.

The Journal reported that Israel would then send troops into Rafah gradually, targeting areas where Hamas leaders are thought to be hiding in an operation expected to last six weeks.

Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas government media office said an invasion would be a "crime" and that central Gaza and Khan Yunis "cannot accommodate the numbers of displaced people in Rafah".

The war began with an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of around 1,170 people, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

In retaliation, Israel launched a military offensive that has killed at least 34,262 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

The Israeli army announced the death of a soldier in Gaza, raising its losses to 261 since the ground operation began.

Israel estimates that 129 of the roughly 250 people abducted during the Hamas attack remain in Gaza, including 34 it says are presumed dead.



- Hospital bodies -



The UN human rights office said on Tuesday it was "horrified" by reports of mass graves found at the Gaza Strip's two biggest hospitals after Israeli sieges and raids.

Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals during the war, accusing Hamas of using them as command centres and to hold hostages abducted on October 7. Hamas denies the accusations.

Gaza's Civil Defence agency said nearly 340 bodies were uncovered of people killed and buried by Israeli forces at the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis.

The Israeli army said claims it had buried Palestinian bodies were "baseless", without directly addressing allegations that Israeli troops were behind the killings.

It said that "corpses buried by Palestinians" had been examined by Israeli troops searching for hostages and then "returned to their place".

The European Union backed a call from UN human rights chief Volker Turk for an "independent" probe into the deaths at the two hospitals.

"This is something that forces us to call for an independent investigation of all the suspicions and all the circumstances, because indeed it creates the impression that there might have been violations of international human rights committed," EU spokesman Peter Stano said Wednesday.

UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said some of the bodies found at Nasser Hospital were allegedly "found with their hands tied and stripped of their clothes", adding that efforts were underway to corroborate the reports.



- Call to renew UN agency funding -



The war has left much of Gaza's medical system in ruins, with medics struggling to treat both casualties of the war and people with pre-existing conditions.

Amjad Aleway, an emergency doctor in Gaza City speaking in the ruins of Al-Shifa hospital, told AFP "the number of casualties is overwhelming, and we lack sufficient operating theatres to address them, nor do we have specialised facilities for patients with kidney and heart conditions".

The European Union's humanitarian chief Janez Lenarcic called on donor governments to fund the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, which has been central to aid operations in Gaza.

His comment came after an independent report found "Israel has yet to provide supporting evidence" for its claim that UNRWA employs "terrorists".

The report did find "neutrality-related issues", such as agency staff sharing biased posts on social media.

After the report was released, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini called for an investigation into the "blatant disregard" for UN operations in Gaza, adding that 180 of the agency's staff had been killed since the war began.

While some governments have renewed funding for the agency -- including Germany, which announced it would resume cooperation on Wednesday -- the United States and Britain are among the holdouts.

The White House would "have to see real progress" before it restores funding, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

Since the start of the war in Gaza, there has been a surge in deadly violence in the occupied West Bank.

On Wednesday the Israeli military said it had killed a woman during an "attempted stabbing" near Hebron. The Palestinian health ministry identified her as Maimunah Abdel Hamid Harahsheh, 20.

burs-pjm/dcp/kir
Four injured as escaped army horses bolt through central London



London, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



Four people were taken to hospital after spooked army horses broke loose during morning exercises in central London and galloped through the streets at rush hour, the army and emergency services said.

Photos and video posted on social media by British news outlets showed two horses running along busy roads, dodging buses, taxis and other traffic.

Both were wearing saddles and bridles, with one apparently covered in blood on its chest and forelegs.

"A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning," an army spokesman said.

"All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.

"A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention."

A number of prestigious army cavalry regiments have stables in the British capital and horses are a regular sight around government buildings on Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, The Mall and in nearby Hyde Park.

The seven horses and six soldiers from the Household Cavalry were on an extended exercise in Belgravia, near the regiment's barracks off Hyde Park, when the chaos erupted.

Four service personnel were thrown from their horses and five of the animals got loose.

It is believed the animals were spooked when some concrete being moved by builders hit the ground.

"Five of the horses ran off and two remained in place," the army said.

"Four soldiers were unseated and three injured."

The three soldiers were taken to hospital where they were being assessed but none was in a life-threatening condition.

London Ambulance Service said it was called at 8:25 am (0725 GMT) to reports of a person being thrown from a horse on Buckingham Palace Road.

Two of the horses were recaptured by the City of London Police, which polices the Square Mile financial district.

Officers contained two animals while "an army horse box had collected the horses and transported them to veterinary care".

The driver of a Mercedes car told LBC radio he had been waiting outside a hotel in Buckingham Palace Road when he felt something smash into his car.

He said he saw three or four horses near the vehicle, and that an army rider had been thrown off and injured.

One horse crashed into a parked double-decker tour bus, smashing the windscreen.

One commuter shared a video on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, showing a black horse and a white horse being pursued by a black car.

"It was the street from Tower Bridge towards Limehouse Tunnel... just running past cars and an unmarked Range Rover following them," the person said.

srg-har/phz/db

DAIMLER
Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism': security, health sources



Nasiriyah, Iraq, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



Iraqi authorities have executed at least 11 people convicted of "terrorism" this week, security and health sources said Wednesday, with rights group Amnesty International condemning an "alarming lack of transparency".

Under Iraqi law, terrorism and murder offences are punishable by death, and execution decrees must be signed by the president.

A security source in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province told AFP that 11 "terrorists from the Islamic State group" were executed by hanging at a prison in the city of Nasiriyah, "under the supervision of a justice ministry team".

A local medical source confirmed that the health department had received the bodies of 11 executed people.

They were hanged on Monday "under Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law", the source added, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

All 11 were from Salahaddin province and the bodies of seven had been returned to their families, the medical official said.

Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death and life sentences in recent years for people convicted of membership in "a terrorist group", an offence that carries the death penalty regardless of whether the defendant had been an active fighter.

Iraq has been criticised for trials denounced by rights groups as hasty, with confessions sometimes said to have been obtained under torture.



- 'Vague' charges -



Amnesty in a statement on Wednesday condemned the latest hangings for "overly broad and vague terrorism charges".

It said a total of 13 men were executed on Monday, including 11 who had been "convicted on the basis of their affiliation to the so-called Islamic State armed group".

The two others, arrested in 2008, "were convicted of terrorism-related offences under the Penal Code after a grossly unfair trial", Amnesty said citing their lawyer.

The Britain-based rights group denounced "a disturbing lack of transparency regarding executions in Iraq in recent months".

"The Iraqi government must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions and work towards abolishing the death penalty entirely," said Razaw Salihy, Iraq researcher at Amnesty.

In late January, UN experts looking into capital punishment in Iraq expressed their "deep concern at reports that Iraq has begun mass executions in its prison system".

The independent experts, who are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on its behalf, mentioned in their statement executions carried out late last year in the same Nasiriyah prison.

The statement said that "13 male Iraqi prisoners -- previously sentenced to death -- were executed on 25 December 2023", calling it "the largest number of convicted prisoners reportedly executed by the Iraqi authorities in one day" since November 16, 2020, when 20 were executed.

The IS group overran large swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria in 2014, proclaiming its "caliphate" and launching a reign of terror.

It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 by Iraqi forces backed by a US-led military coalition, and in 2019 lost the last territory it held in Syria to US-backed Kurdish forces.

But its remnants continue to carry out deadly hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, particularly from remote areas and desert hideouts.
Strategic patience is crucial for creating the systemic change we need, but sometimes the sheer scale of the crises facing our natural world, and the short time we have to address them, can induce a sense of panic. Our natural systems, like social systems, often change slowly and then very quickly. An exhibition this week in London by Lena C Emery called The Mountains Between Us  being held in support of ClientEarth  explores the devastating impact of climate change on the Rhone Glacier, and desperate attempts to save it. The melting of an Alpine glacier can cross a tipping point: as more dark rock is exposed, it absorbs more and more heat from the sun, dramatically accelerating the melting. The Rhone Glacier sits high up in the Swiss Alps, and has towered above the Swiss women all their lives. Over the years they spent working on their case, its decline has sped up.
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The ICO said that during its investigation, OSL blamed screening responsibility on its contracted partners and claimed it had internal screening systems in place. But the ICO found this to be incorrect, as nearly 142,000 calls were still made to people marked as do not call on its own systems.
The significance of what we are doing is matched by the demanding nature of the deployment  were deploying helicopters and everything we need to operate them across Europe, to build relationships with our allies, understand their capabilities and procedures, to then plan and carry out missions together.
I'd love that situation to be the case again, that's the most sensible thing. People land on a beach in Kent, you take them straight back to France, you therefore break the model of the people smugglers. That's not available at the moment. It's simply not possible

Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron
Following the online pushback, Ofcoms broadcasting director Cristina Nicolotti Squires said she did not agree with comments that said Ofcoms guidance did not provide a clear enough warning about impartiality, saying: What weve done with todays research is that weve actually spoken to audiences, rather than presenters of various programmes or commentators, and what the audience told us is what weve what weve published today.
And were simply saying that defence of the realm is the absolute number one priority, it comes before everything else and if we dont defend the nation, then everything else becomes slightly less of an issue.
However, the House left Washington for a week-long recess, without triggering a vote to remove Mr Johnson.

The House passed the Ukraine funding by 311-112, with all no votes coming from Republicans, many of whom were bitterly opposed to further assistance for Kyiv. Only 101 Republicans voted for it, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson to rely on Democratic support and prompting calls for his ouster as House leader.

The influx of weapons should improve Kyivs chances of averting a major breakthrough in the east by Russia, although it would have been more helpful if the aid had come closer to when Mr Biden requested it last year, analysts said.

I think weve turned the corner on the isolationist movement, he said.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a strong advocate for assisting Ukraine, expressed regret about the delay, largely due to hardline Republicans objections to adding more to the $113 billion (91 billion) Washington had authorized for Kyiv since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Mr Schumer said he left a message for Mr Zelensky on Tuesday night, telling him, OK, we got it done. Now go win the fight.

This national security bill is one of the most important measures Congress has passed in a very long time to protect American security and the security of Western democracy, said Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The Senates Democratic and Republican leaders predicted that Congress had turned the corner in putting Putin and other foreign adversaries on notice that Washington will continue supporting Ukraine and other foreign partners.

Britain, which has led the West in arming Ukraine, has also announced a further 500 million of military aid for Kyiv , including more Storm Shadow long-range missiles.

It wants Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMs, from the US and Taurus cruise missiles from Germany, as well as more Patriot air defence systems.

Ukraine says that to win the war it needs longer-range missiles it could use for potentially game-changing operations such as cutting off occupied Crimea.

The US funding can probably only help stabilise the Ukrainian position for this year and begin preparations for operations in 2025, said Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the London-based Royal United Services Institute think tank.

Sometimes in warfare youve just got to stay in it. Youve just got to avoid being rolled over.

Michael Clarke, visiting professor in war studies at Kings College London, said: Ultimately it offers Ukraine the prospect of staying in the war this year.

This vote reinforces Americas role as a beacon of democracy and leader of the free world, he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the agreement for $61 billion (48 billion) of new military aid for Kyiv.

The four bills were combined into one package in the Senate, which President Joe Biden said he would sign into law on Wednesday, with the supply of more military aid to Ukraine due to start within days.

The Senate approved by 79 to 18 four bills passed by the House of Representatives on Saturday, after House Republican leaders abruptly switched course last week and allowed a vote on the $95 billion (76 billion) in mostly military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and US partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Meanwhile, fire broke out at energy facilities in Russias Smolensk region after a Ukraine-launched drone attack and people were evacuated from parts of Lipetsk in Russias southwest after a drone there fell on an industrial park, regional officials said.

Mr Terekhov said the work to repair the gas pipeline continued as the city raced to restore gas supply to the impacted part of the city on Wednesday morning.

The citys mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said two S-300 missiles were used in the attack but did not deal significant damage to the residential areas of the city.

The attack damaged three residential buildings, two offices, three non-residential buildings and a gas pipeline in the central district of the city, according to the governors statement.

Save 20 per person on autumn and Christmas days out by steam

UK announces missiles and more training for Ukrainian military

Starmer will travel to Washington for second Biden meeting

Russia accused of 'reckless sabotage' across Europe by MI6 and CIA chiefs

In the latest Russian attacks, missiles damaged residential buildings and injured six people in Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv, early on Wednesday, Governor Oleh Synehubov said.

Putin is believed to want to seize the town in time for the May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow which celebrates the Soviet Victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Capturing the strategically important hill town of Chasiv Yar would allow the Russian army to move toward Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, key cities Ukraine controls in the Donetsk province.

Russian forces maintained a relatively intensified rate of ground attacks between Svatove and Kreminna on April 23 but did not make any confirmed advances.

The Washington-based think tank added: Russian forces continued ground attacks in the Siversk direction (northwest of Bakhmut) on April 23, but there were no confirmed changes to the frontline in this area.

Geolocated footage published on April 22 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently marginally advanced SE of Ivanivske.

In a new update, the Institute for The Study of War said: Ukrainian forces recently regained lost positions east of Chasiv Yar as Russian forces continued offensive operations in the area on April 23.

But Russian units are continuing attempts to break through Ukraines defensive line before new US military aid reaches the wartorn country.

They are reported to have taken back territory near the town of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk province.

Ukrainian forces have regained lost positions as they seek to fight off an advance by Vladimir Putins army in the east of the country, say military experts.

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The Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) has signed an MoU with SpaceXs Starlink to provide internet access in Indonesia as the LEO satellite operator awaits final regulatory approval to operate in the country.

APJII chairman Muhammad Arif said in a statement that Starlink will focus on rural areas, especially in the underdeveloped, frontmost and outermost regions of the archipelago.

According to APJII, the latest statistics show that 79.5% of the Indonesian population is connected to the internet. In urban areas, internet penetration stands at 82.2%, while rural penetration is at 74%. However, rural internet users only contributes 30.5% of total internet usage.

Arif said that integrating Starlink services with existing infrastructure will enable local ISPs to expand their reach, while Starlink can use terrestrial infrastructure to reach more users across Indonesia.

With Starlink connected to IIX [Indonesia Internet Exchange], we look forward to accelerating local internet access and increasing the overall quality of service for internet users in the archipelago, he said.

Earlier this month, we reported that SpaceX has formally applied for an ISP permit to operate in Indonesia, as well as a VSAT licence. Starlink also aims to supplement internet connectivity in the upcoming new capital city of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), with feasability tests expected to kick off as early as next month.

According to the government's Antara news agency, Indonesias Communications and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said at an event on Tuesday that Starlink has fulfilled almost all requisites to operate in Indonesia, and will be allowed to enter the market as long as it complies with local regulations and pays its spectrum fees.

Setiadi also lauded Starlinks tie-up with APJII, saying it will be helpful to various regions in Indonesia, for instance, the eastern Indonesia region.
TikTok has 170 million users in the US and has said that the law is an "extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights, the BBC has stated. This, they say, would compromise the First Amendment of the US constitution.
Member countries have no legal obligations to one another but are connected through their use of the English language and historical ties as former colonies. Their stated shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and promoted by the Commonwealth Games, which take place every four years.
POTLATCH  An attorney for the Latah County Library District said those who want libraries to remove harmful books from their shelves must meet a burden of proof first.

Geoff Schroeder spoke to the Latah County Library board of trustees Tuesday at the Potlatch Library about the recently signed HB 710. The legislation prohibits certain harmful library materials from being available to minors. It goes into effect July 1.

Schroeder is a lawyer, but he is also a Republican Idaho state senator from Mountain Home representing District 8. Schroeder did not sponsor HB 710, but he did sponsor the rejected SB 1289 bill that would have created a standard procedure for how library materials are reviewed and removed.

Schroeder told the library board that anyone who demands that libraries remove books must first go through a series of steps.

For example, they must prove the book meets the definition of harmful. The bill includes language from the Miller Test, which was created in the 1970s to determine if materials were obscene.

Schroeder said the book must meet the Miller Test to be considered harmful, which means the book cannot be harmful if it possesses serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors. He said the challenger needs to consider the book as a whole and not just a single passage.

Schroeder said libraries can require patrons to identify how the allegedly harmful book meets the Miller Test.

If the material doesnt meet the test, you dont have to do any of the other stuff, he said.
Ahold Delhaize, which owns the Mega Image chain of stores, will launch a technology hub in Bucharest and aims to attract more than 250 technology specialists to develop innovations in the customer experience and services for the European brands that are part of the group.

AD/01 will play an essential role in strengthening the Ahold Delhaize group as part of the digital, data and technology ecosystem. The teams in the new technology hub will be involved in a wide range of projects, from web and application development to the support and initiation of strategic projects in the fields of eCommerce, Infra, Data, Loyalty, Core Retail and more, it is shown in the group's press release.

The recruitment processes focus on the Romanian market, which already has a base of specialists in the technological field, recognized at the European level.

As our customers' needs evolve, so do new challenges, which is why we are now launching AD/01. This technology hub will bring together the best IT&C specialists to develop innovations that serve today's and tomorrow's consumers, across all brands. Thus, we have chosen to invest further on the Romanian market, where we already have a solid presence through our local brand, Mega Image, said Wouter Kolk, CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia, according to the quoted source.

Founded in 1995, Mega Image is one of the largest supermarket chains in Romania, with a network that currently includes 975 stores, under the Mega Image and Shop&Go brands.
The Ambassador of Romania to Australia, Radu Gabriel Safta, ended on Wednesday an official visit of several days to Perth, the capital of the state of Western Australia, a region of the Australian Commonwealth that provides almost half of the country's export revenues, mainly through mining and processing of no less than 50 different minerals.

According to a press release issued by the embassy, the Romanian diplomat had meetings with the governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson, the president of the Legislative Assembly (lower house) of the State Parliament, Michelle Roberts, the president of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, Peter Quinlan, the minister of energy, environment and climate action, Reece Whitby, the deputy speaker of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council of Parliament (upper house), Tjorn Sibma, mayor of Perth, Basil Zempilas, and state representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Labour, Tourism, Science and Innovations, of the University of Western Australia, the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and the Perth Mint.

The Romanian ambassador's discussions with the Australian dignitaries resulted in the interest for Romania's bilateral economic and sectoral cooperation with Western Australia, with an emphasis on the fields of energy, university cooperation, agriculture and medicine. The vast natural resources, including the minerals necessary for the green transition (Western Australia is the world's largest producer of lithium, being also one of the main global producers of nickel, indispensable elements for the production of batteries) and the expertise acquired in their processing gave the city of Perth the informal title of resource and energy capital of the Indo-Pacific, turning Western Australia into a global interlocutor on energy issues.

Parliamentary diplomacy was identified as a special area of interest in the meetings with the president of the Legislative Assembly in the State Parliament, Michelle Roberts and with the deputy chairman of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council of the Parliament, Tjorn Sibma. At the same time, during the meetings, the role of the Romanian community in Western Australia for the evolution of some key economic fields, such as mining or IT, was highlighted.

The meetings with the mayor of the city of Perth and with representatives of the University of Western Australia, the Harry Perkins Medical Research Institute and the Perth Mint (one of the most prestigious institutions in the world in gold and silver refining) allowed the exploration of cooperation or association possibilities with similar institutions in Romania, through possible twinning possibilities at the city level, university mobility opportunities for professors, researchers and students or exchange of experience in the field of gold refining.

In addition to the program of the official visit, organized in collaboration with the Department of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in Western Australia, the Romanian ambassador also had a meeting with the federal deputy of the Labour Party, Josh Wilson, part of an Australian parliamentary delegation that visited Romania in 2018. At the same time, the visit of the Romanian ambassador to Perth led to meetings with the representatives of the Romanian community in the capital of Western Australia.
Leader of the National Liberal Party's Bucharest branch Sebastian Burduja, who is running for Bucharest Mayor, is critical of the current local administration for making "too few and too slow" investments in the rehabilitation of the city's district heating network.

Burduja's comments came after a major breakdown occurred Tuesday evening in the heating network operated by Termoenergetica.

Incumbent Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja mentions that the ministry has launched an almost EUR 600 million call for the modernization of district heating networks, but that Bucharest "has not prepared any" project.

He also said that the city can no longer afford to "idle around" for yet another four years and asks the candidates for Bucharest Mayor to specify what projects they envisage for changing the Bucharesters' lives for the better.

"Those in the competition for the Bucharesters' trust must answer a simple question: what will each of us do to change the life of the people of Bucharest for the better?," the leader of PNL Bucharest asks.

He brings to mind that several months ago he presented five solutions "that can cut the Bucharesters' utility bills to half": the rehabilitation of the heating network with non-refundable funds; the merger of power and heat company ELCEN with municipal utility company Termoenergetica; the direct connection of ELCEN to the Transgaz network; the modernization of the Bucharest heat and power plants, which are 50-60 years old; geothermal energy for district heating.
Two abortion-rights groups took steps late last week to continue to advocate for more exceptions in Idahos strict abortion bans.

The states abortion laws on the books offer a narrow exemption to prevent the death of the mother, and it has been an ongoing debate whether this is sufficient protection for health care providers and for pregnant mothers who face complications. There are also limited exemptions for cases of rape and incest with a police report and if its within the first trimester of pregnancy.

This is not what Idaho wants, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Idaho State Director Mistie DelliCarpini-Tolman said. This is not what any of the polling shows that Idaho wants and yet we see a few extremist lawmakers calling the shots for everybody in the state and creating this really irresponsible and dangerous situation.

Idaho has three separate laws that ban the procedure: a six-week fetal heartbeat ban; a total ban that made nearly all abortions felonies triggered by the overturning of Roe v. Wade; and a Texas-style civil liability law, which allows family members of a fetus aborted after six weeks to sue the abortion provider for a minimum of $20,000.

Many health care providers also say the exemptions arent adequate to feel confident they can provide emergency abortions in cases where death may not be imminent but from which serious health complications could arise.

The issue has been fought in the Legislature, in the courts and with an expected voter initiative proposal.

On Friday, a coalition called United for Women and Families announced it would launch an effort to get an initiative on the ballot in 2026 that would likely try to add a clear health exemption to the laws. On Sunday, abortion-rights advocates gathered at the Capitol to show support for emergency abortion care ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on a challenge to Idahos total ban.

The Department of Justice is arguing that Idahos ban violates the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). Idahos attorneys argued in a briefing to the court that the federal law requiring emergency treatment to be provided does not include abortion, especially if its illegal in that state.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on Wednesday.

The rally Sunday was planned by Planned Parenthood Greater Northwest as well as its advocacy arm, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and other partners such as the ACLU of Idaho and Legal Voice.

Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, said that the rally Sunday was meant to increase the visibility of the issue facing doctors and pregnant people.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe, they really have created a nationwide reproductive health care crisis, Gibron said in an interview. She said there are 36 million people who live in states where abortion is illegal.

The threat of felony punishment and prison has made recruiting and retaining health care providers difficult, especially for OB-GYNs, she said, and many people in rural areas are a long ways from accessing these services in other states where its legal.

Around 500 people gathered Sunday at the Capitol steps for the rally, which included remarks from Gibron, DelliCarpini-Tolman, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, and Rabbi Daniel Fink. The event also included an exhibit to highlight stories from providers and patients.

DelliCarpini-Tolman said in the interview the event was also meant to protest the fact that Idaho was arguing in court that their abortion ban applies even when the patients life is in danger.

It feels like a callous and cruel move, she said.

Physicians and advocates have urged the Legislature to amend the laws on the books, but nothing was introduced and heard in the past two sessions. Asked about the number of health care providers leaving the state, House Speaker Mike Moyle told reporters at a news conference he wasnt sure the abortion laws were to blame and that it was a convenient excuse.

He also said the Supreme Court case will help determine if more needs to be done to amend the law for emergency situations.

Leaders from Planned Parenthood and the newly formed United for Women and Families group argued that the majority of Idahoans support at least some exemptions.

Spokesperson for the group Melanie Folwell said Moyles comments were dismissive and gravely disappointing.

Its just not the reality on the ground, Folwell said. And so this group is very much trying to respond to the fact that we have not been able to get a fix from our politicians, from our lawmakers. We are going to seek a fix from people. Because the people of Idaho seem to understand the contours of this problem and the realities of this problem.
From April 24, Romania will participate for the time in the Kazakhstan International Exhibition KITF Tourism and Travel to promote its destinations Constanta - Mamaia, Eforie, Borsa - Maramures, Secretary General of the Federation of Employers in Romania's Hospitality Industry (FPIOR) Corina Martin announced on Wednesday.

Martin, who is also the honorary consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Romania, said that KITF , now in its 22nd edition brings together exhibitors from many countries, including Italy, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, Thailand, with an impressive list of hotels and resorts that want to promote themselves.

"We proposed to start promoting ourselves on an extremely important tourism market, previously unapproached by Romania, and I want to thank the Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Mr Radu Oprea, as well as my colleagues from the Tourism Advisory Council, who understood the opportunity and importance of presenting Romanian destinations on the Kazakh tourism market through Romania's participation, for the first time, in this fair. (...) I believe it is time to approach a niche market of real opportunity - to attract Kazakh holidaymakers and visitors to holiday destinations and cities in Romania. Businesspeople are also tourists - but Kazakhs know nothing about Romania and what makes us unique in the world as a country, "Martin is quoted as saying in a press statement released on Wednesday.

According to Martin, the largest foreign investment endeavour in Romania has several hundred Kazakh employees in Petromidia - Navodari and Vega - Ploiesti refineries. They are visited annually by relatives, families, friends, who then tell about Romania's unique nature, landscapes, traditions and tourist attractions - including Dracula's Castle in Bran, Peles Castle in Sinaia, Transfagarasan, Transylvania, the Danube Delta and multiethnic and rich Dobrogea on the seaside area with diversified resorts and Ana Aslan therapies.

Currently, the Constanta Port has become a hub of major interest in the movement of goods between the Caucasus basin and Western Europe, which has generated a consistent increase in the volume of business trips between Kazakhstan and Romania, and Kazakh officials and business people are discovering with amazement Romania, a country that has never been promoted before in Kazakhstan.

Dipslayed at Romania's stand will be the tourist destinations of Constanta, Mamaia, Eforie, as well as Borsa, in Maramures. Two reputable hotels in the spa area and two tour operators will also be there at the meeting with the Kazakh market. FPIOR and RESTO Constanta will be there to support the Romanian destinations they represent and promote, these days, at the fair. A
Romanian and Swiss entrepreneurs and investors, members of the Switzerland-Romania Chamber of Commerce (CCE-R), have a new board of directors consisting of eight members, elected at a general assembly meeting on April 15, 2024 in Bucharest.

Subsequently, on April 19, the new board of CCE-R elected a new chair, namely Adriana Cioca, managing director of Artemis Romania, part of Artemis Holding Switzerland.

"My mission is to continue and amplify the valuable work I have done so far with the CCE-R team. We will promote collaboration between members and develop innovative projects that support the interests of our members, both in Romania and Switzerland. We will continue to identify and create profitable business opportunities and support the growth of companies within this dynamic community," said Cioca.

Cioca has extensive experience with family businesses and has coordinated national and international projects in FMCG, real estate, aviation and agriculture. A graduate of an MBA program at the WU Executive Academy business school in Vienna and a specialist programme at Harvard, Cioca attended Management doctoral studies at the Valahia University of Targoviste.

The Swiss-Romanian Chamber of Commerce counts 117 members from various sectors that together generate revenues of EUR 19.8 billion globally and employ over 18,000 people.

Switzerland is ranking 8th among the largest investors in Romania, with cumulative investments of EUR 4 billion at the end of 2023, representing 3.7% of the total stock of foreign direct investments, according to data with the National Bank of Romania.

The Switzerland-Romania Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association with a history of 24 years in Romania that aims to facilitate business relations between Swiss and Romanian investors and to provide economic information and advice to companies interested in developing business in the two countries.

Supported by the Swiss Embassy in Romania, CCE-R has become the main player of Romanian-Swiss economic relations over the past two decade, having set up 10 working groups designed to assist CCE-R members and also the communities in which they operate.
On the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut, authorities arrested at least 47 protesters on Monday evening, the university said in a statement . Students who were arrested will be referred for disciplinary action.

The police crackdowns came after Columbia University canceled in-person classes on Monday in response to protesters setting up tent encampments at its New York City campus last week.

Several hundred people had been protesting on the Yale university campus, demanding the university divest from military weapons manufacturers. Yale said it had repeatedly asked students to leave, and warned them they could face law enforcement and disciplinary action if they didnt.

In New York, officers moved on an encampment at Gould Plaza near New York University shortly after nightfall. There, too, hundreds of demonstrators had defied university warnings that they faced consequences if they failed to vacate the plaza.

Protesters tussled with officers and chanted, We will not stop, we will not rest. Disclose. Divest. Video on social media showed police taking down tents in the protesters encampment in a tense and at times chaotic scene. Some officers tossed tents, and others grappled with demonstrators. A New York police spokesperson said arrests were made after the university asked police to enforce trespassing violations but the total number of arrests and citations would remain unknown until much later.

The Washington Square News , the student newspaper, reported that the NYPD said over a loudspeaker announcement that students were being arrested for disorderly conduct and that protesters were unlawfully blocking traffic.

The law enforcement actions at Yale and NYU came after a tense few days on campuses across the US.

Columbia University president, Nemat Minouche Shafik, called in New York police last week to clear a tent encampment on its main lawn of students demanding the university divest from companies with ties to Israel.

More than 100 students were arrested on Thursday on charges of trespassingand the university and the affiliated Barnard College have suspended dozens of students involved in the protests.

On Monday, Columbia University announced it was canceling in-person classes on its New York City campus to try to reset the situation and deescalate the rancor.

A new encampment has now emerged and hundreds of faculty members have held a mass walkout to protest against the presidents handling of the situation.

Bassam Khawaja, an adjunct lecturer at Columbia law school and supervising attorney at the schools human rights clinic, told the Guardian she was shocked and appalled that the president went immediately to the New York police department. This was by all accounts, a non-violent protest, she said. It was a group of students camping out on the lawn in the middle of campus. Its not any different from everyday life on campus.

After the crackdown at Columbia, students across the US launched their own protests in solidarity, many of them calling for their universities to back a ceasefire in Gaza and divest from companies with ties to Israel. Students at Brown, Princeton and Northwestern held protests on Friday and over the weekend.

Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Emerson College, both in the Boston area, have started their own protest encampments.

Other institutions that saw protest actions included Boston University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The movies to be shown at the 17th annual QFest St. Louis all fall into the festivals overall theme of Love, but the overarching idea is broader.

The films all look at what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer in America and around the world.

Sponsored by Cinema St. Louis, the festival will be held April 26-28 and May 3-5 at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Avenue. The films to be shown include a Midwest premiere, three pictures (including two shorts) made by St. Louis-based filmmakers, an audience favorite from last years St. Louis International Film Festival and an absolute classic of the genre from 1994.

Films from nine countries are represented in the festival, including works of both fiction and nonfiction. Two programs of short films are devoted to narrative works, one will be focused on documentaries.

The Midwest premiere, Concerto for Abigail, kicks off the festival at 7:30 p.m. April 26. Directed by Jan Miller Corran, the story tells of a musician (Monica Young) who is rapidly losing her hearing while at the same time finding love with another woman (Andrea Bogart). The physical change in her life begins to affect her newfound emotional ties.

Transmexico, which will be shown at 1 p.m. April 27, is the picture that was so popular at last years international film festival. Director Claudia Sanchezs documentary about trans women in Mexico reveals a subculture that struggles for acceptance and basic rights even as it coalesces in love, respect and professional success. A post-film discussion will talk about what it means to be young and queer in St. Louis.

Five short narrative films ranging from 6 minutes to 25 minutes comprise the program of shorts called What is Love, which will be shown at 4 p.m. April 27. One film from India, If, shows how an arranged marriage threatens to break up a lesbian couple. The others are from the United States, including Safety State, which depicts a dystopian future in which a gay couple and lesbian couple form a bond as they flee to freedom.

St. Louis cinematographer Bobby Bests hourlong documentary Tens Across the Board examines the local ballroom culture in its current iteration. These days, ballroom culture is a combination of high-energy dance, music and style that welcomes gender fluidity and embraces it. It will be shown at 7 p.m. April 27. After the screening, director Best will take questions, and dancers from the film will perform.

A program of five narrative short subjects grouped around the theme of Love on the Edge will be shown at 1 p.m. April 28. One is from Iran, one from the United Kingdom and the rest are from the U.S., including WWJD by St. Louisan Sofia Voss. In that film, a 16-year-old girl wakes up with stigmata and tries to figure out with her best friend Mary what is happening.

Two films, both dealing with how the LGBTQ community looks at body image, will be shown at 4 p.m. April 28. Body Electric is a documentary in which the filmmaker, Nick Demos, examines his own dysmorphia (a condition in which people obsess over what they perceive to be their own physical flaws). Aligned is a Greek/American narrative film about two dancers from different cultures who find a connection beyond the dance floor.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was an arthouse hit when it was released in 1994, attracting gay and mainstream audiences alike. Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce star as cross-dressers, with Terence Stamp as a transgender woman, who drive a bus (the Priscilla of the title) from Sydney to tiny Alice Springs in the Australian desert. Along the way, secrets are shared, opera is heard and a hilarious story about ABBA is told. 7 p.m. May 3.

Seven documentary shorts make up the program called Love & Hope & Dreams, which will be screened at 1 p.m. May 4. Among them is Letter to My Daughter, in which the queer and nonbinary St. Louis filmmaker Jess T. Dugan reads a letter to their 5-year-old daughter describing the long road to becoming a parent and the pleasures and pains associated with having a child.

Dee Rees 2011 film Pariah, will be shown at 4 p.m. May 4. In it, a Black teen from Brooklyn faces challenges from her family, friends and society as a whole as she struggles to learn what it means to be a lesbian. After the screening, community leaders, artists and activists will discuss what it means to be Black and queer in St. Louis.

Blue ID, which screens at 4 p.m. May 5, is a Turkish documentary about a well-known actress who is in the process of transitioning into a man in homophobic and transphobic Turkey. The blue-colored ID card of the title would represent official recognition that he is now a man.

Before he died of AIDS, the young German artist Jurgen Baldiga discovered photography as his medium of choice. The documentary Baldiga, Unlocked Heart, which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. May 5, delves into his life and personality, and art as he photographs the gay culture of West Berlin in the 80s and early 90s.
Panel to discuss student voting

A panel discussion, Voting 101 for Students, is scheduled from 5-6 p.m. today at the Associated Students University of Idaho Vandal Lounge. The lounge is on the second floor of the Idaho Student Union Building on campus.

The discussion will feature Moscow City Councilor Bryce Blankenship and Latah County Clerk Julie Fry. It is sponsored by the ASUI in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Moscow. The discussion and accompanying resource table will provide students with information about voting and new registration laws recently enacted by the state of Idaho.

Moscows red light district the focus of talk

Local historian Priscilla Wegars will speak Thursday about the little-known red light district in Moscow.

Wegarss presentation is part of the Suds with a Scholar series, and is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Lecompte Auditorium at the 1912 Center in Moscow.
ST. LOUIS  Alana C. Green compared her run as executive director of the St. Louis Housing Authority to that person at home who is willing to identify the messiest closet, dump all the clutter onto the floor, and reorganize the boxes.

So someone else can put it where it needs to go, Green said Tuesday.

But the leader meant to finish the job at the public housing agency hasnt yet been officially named.

I didnt dislike my job, said Green, 45, who was executive director from November 2018 until December 2023. I just couldnt work 80 hours a week anymore and be strong enough to do so.

In a wide-ranging interview, she described a particularly stressful tenure, given fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and $202 million in unmet preventive maintenance and other needs to the public housing system. The agency heavily relies on funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD doesnt provide the amount of money you need  I should say Congress  to take care of the maintenance needs and the capital needs of the properties, Green said.

She left during a historic time. The agency has ramped up and hired dozens of employees to take over property management responsibilities for 1,748 of the 2,809 public housing units in St. Louis that The Habitat Co., a Chicago firm, used to be paid to handle. There is a plan in place to revamp Clinton-Peabody, the 358-unit complex in the Near Southside neighborhood that previously garnered a lot of headlines over living conditions.

Meanwhile, residents have been complaining for months about water leaks, security, broken elevators, and other concerns at West Pine Apartments and Parkview Apartments in the Central West End. At least one small business owner claims he still hasnt been paid for over $300,000 of work he did at various public housing properties.

All the while, many people are trying to get into the fold of the overwhelmed public housing system.

Green said she received hundreds of desperate calls and emails a week from people who werent even involved in the agencys programs.

Its a lot of doom and gloom, she said. You deal with a lot of people in crisis, and a lot of times it landed at my door, instead of people it should have.

She said she first notified the Board of Commissioners in June, around the time her law school loans were being erased upon completion of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, that she would be leaving the agency in December.

I needed balance, she said. For my family, I wasnt fun to deal with.

Still, she said, she stayed on at the agency as an adviser, partly to help guide the major property management transition and the national search for her replacement as executive director. She left that position last Thursday.

I got to feeling like I felt when I was there  overwhelmed, she said.

Green confirmed that she ended the part-time position the same day a Post-Dispatch reporter was denied access to view meeting minutes at the agencys central office at 3520 Page Boulevard. She said in the interview that the public records should have been released without rigamarole.

I dont think the team is trying to do anything inappropriate, I think there is a fear of the media, Green said.

Sal Martinez, chairman of the Board of Commissioners, hasnt responded to requests for comment for recent stories about the agency. Regina Fowler, another commissioner, forwarded questions to Val Joyner, a spokesperson for the agency. Joyner said Tuesday by text that shell address questions electronically; she refused to speak by phone. Asked for salary information, Joyner said by email that the agency paid Green $134 an hour in 2024 for about 20 hours of work per week. Joyner didnt provide Greens full-time salary in 2023 by press time on Tuesday night. [Following publication of this story and in response to a Sunshine request, the authority said Green was paid $178,338 in 2023.]

Even though others left, Green said: The staff is probably the best Ive seen at the agency.

Latasha Barnes is the interim director while the agency does a national search, an effort that Green participated in until last week. Green said she suspects the new executive director will be formally announced by July. A recruitment brochure for the position doesnt provide a salary range.

There are some good applicants, she said.

Despite many challenges, Green said shes proud of the progress that the agency made under her leadership, like boosting residence confidence, security deposit assistance for families in need and getting a plan in place to redevelop Clinton-Peabody.

At this point, we are just looking for funding, she said of the historic complexes.

Before running the housing authority, Green, a St. Louis native, was executive director of the citys Community Development Administration and assistant director of the DeSales Community Housing Corporation. She currently works at Community Development Solutions LLC, a consultancy firm she founded that goes beyond housing.

Its fun to help organizations to get on the paths they want to get on, she said.

As for her own home, she still lives in a small, tidy brick house that she bought in her mid-20s on the citys far south side near Carondelet Park. There are chairs and pots of colorful flowers on the front porch.

She said its a nice and quiet neighborhood, one she hopes to enjoy more. She said shell be in better shape to help low-income families if she prioritizes her own life.

Everybody should take time for themselves, she said.

Editors note: Updated Friday, April 26, with Greens 2023 compensation from the housing authority.
JEFFERSON CITY  St. Louis police Chief Robert Tracy returned to the capital city Wednesday to again testify against a proposal to end local control of a police department hes been running for less than two years.

The legislation would place the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department under the oversight of a five-member board of police commissioners consisting of the citys mayor and four appointees of the governor  an arrangement that was previously in effect until a statewide referendum in 2012 when Missouri voters ended 150 years of state control.

I would not have taken this job if I thought I couldnt do this job, and there would be politics that would prevent me from doing the job that needed to be done, Tracy said.

Tracy reports to St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones.

Theres no question that we have a crisis in St. Louis, said bill sponsor Rep. Brad Christ, R-south St. Louis County. The public safety crisis is a mess. The police are hurting. Were down to one of our lowest counts of police officers ever. Its dangerous for them. Its dangerous for the citizens.

Like last year, lawmakers have put forward state control of the St. Louis police department as a way to reduce the influence of politics on policing, address crime, and stem the tide of officers leaving the department.

As of today, SLMPD is 353 officers short. We have nearly 270 officers eligible to retire. So thats a terrifying thought and a cliff that could actually be a major problem, said Jane Dueker, a lobbyist for the citys police union.

The department is facing its lowest staffing levels on record.

Tracy told the committee that in talking with other police chiefs around the country, the number of police officers and recruitment is the No. 1 issue.

Were all in a crisis, Tracy said. Im not sure state control is going to help with that  bringing people into this profession.

The St. Louis region makes up half of the states economy, said committee chair Sen. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit. As St. Louis goes, the state goes.

The overarching concern, Fitzwater said, is that St. Louis is a struggling, dying city from which residents and businesses are fleeing.

Without some significant change, that failure flywheel is continuing to kind of spin faster and faster, Fitzwater said.

Sen. Nick Schroer, a St. Charles County Republican who last year pushed for the measure, asked Tracy how he makes sense of the fact that both the Ethical Society of Police and the St. Louis Police Officers Association support a return to state control. ESOP is an association largely representing Black officers; SLPOA is the police union.

How do you explain two groups that have historically never agreed on a darn thing, are both 100% in line with this bill? Schroer asked.

Tracy replied: Were in a different time. We are in a whole different time. And I think people are trying to get back to a time that is gone. Weve gone through Ferguson. Weve gone through Stockley riots. Weve gone through the pandemic. And we went through civil unrest after George Floyd.

He added: I disagree with them. But I can understand where theyre coming from. And I have a very good relationship with both those organizations, and Im gonna continue to work whether we disagree or not.

This legislation is House Bill 1481.
Science has given us many marvels. Electricity immediately springs to mind, as does the telephone. The remarkable ease with which were able to trace our ancestry is utterly astounding, and I have no doubt enjoyed more than my fair share of instant oatmeal. I am grateful to science for these and so many other life-changing wonders.

What I cannot abide, however, are scientific advances achieved through the pain and deaths of animals. '

Wednesday is World Day for Animals in Laboratories. On this day, animal advocates commemorate the suffering of millions of mice, rabbits, dogs, fishes, monkeys, pigs and other animals used in research, product testing and medical training. (The day is observed on April 24 to honor antivivisectionist Hugh Dowding, who was born in Scotland on this day in 1882.)

Humane Society International estimates that more than 115 million animals worldwide are used in laboratory experiments every year. These animals are beaten, blown up, burned and blinded. They are starved, suffocated, shaken and shot. They are nailed down, tied up and sliced open.

They are forced to inhale tobacco smoke, drink alcohol and consume a variety of highly dangerous narcotics, including heroin. They are infected with diseases, sickened with toxic chemicals and injected with lethal pathogens. Their organs are pulverized, their limbs are severed, their bodies are irradiated and their spirits are broken. Nearly all these animals are killed after the experiment.

Animal testing is one of the most contentious practices in our society, pitting scientists and researchers against animal advocates and a growing population of compassionate consumers.

Since we share a large percentage of our genes with mice, chimpanzees, dogs and other vertebrates, scientists have commonly assumed that these animals are good models of human biology and that whatever harms them will also harm us.

The dangerous reality, however, is that there exist many disparities between the animal models and the human condition, and this translational inaccuracy can result in deadly failures. Four young boys perished after participating in a gene therapy trial in 2020, for instance, and three adults died in 2022 after taking an experimental drug for Alzheimers disease called lecanemab.

Indeed, according to the FDA, 92 percent of the drugs that prove safe and therapeutically effective in animals fail in clinical trials using humans. One study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the worlds largest funder of biomedical research, found that of 93 dangerous drug side effects, only 19 percent could have been predicted by studies using animals.

I can already hear the Yes, but  defenses: Animal experiments save so many human lives; we cant find cures without animal testing; animal models give us medical advances and promising treatments; et cetera.

It is true that animal testing has led to benefits for humans; it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. But there are humane alternatives to animal testing that do not require the exploitation of animals.

In February, Monica M. Bertagnolli, director of the NIH, announced that they plan to prioritize novel alternative methods of research that do not rely on animal testing. These complementary, non-animal-based approaches hold tremendous promise, she wrote on X.

Such alternatives include in vitro testing, which involves conducting experiments in controlled laboratory environments using human cells or tissues or sophisticated cell culture systems; organoids, which are threedimensional miniaturized versions of organs or tissues that are derived from cells; organ-on-a-chip technology, an in-vitro micro-scale biomimetic platform that helps in reproducing physiological environment of human organs; and artificial intelligence, which can analyze vast data from computational models and predict drug interactions.

And lets not overlook the role of human volunteers in testing the safety and efficacy of new treatments or products. Micro-dosing, for instance, involves administering small drug doses to volunteers, affecting cells without causing major physiological effects and helping to identify nonviable drugs.

We have a moral obligation to animals. The NIHs announcement  coupled with the passage in 2022 of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 allowing drug developers to use non-animal methods to test for safety  gives me hope that humanity is edging ever closer to a day when we are no longer subjecting these sentient beings to pain, emotional suffering and death in laboratories.

Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the Humane Cosmetics Act, H.R. 5399, legislation that would prohibit animal testing for cosmetics manufactured or sold in the U.S. Click here for more information.
There are valid arguments to be made that in its continuing response to Hamas barbaric attack of Oct. 7, the Israeli government itself has ushered in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that it must end. Reflexively alleging that any criticism of Israel is prima facie antisemitism improperly silences that important debate.

But too many pro-Palestinian college student protesters here appear blind to the fact that violent antisemitism is real  and that their protest movement risks giving the cover of legitimacy to that vile philosophy.

If justice and humanity are truly their goals, these students should be more diligent in separating their cause from that one. They should insist that legitimate protest never under any circumstance includes the language of violence, harassment and hate.

Political protest has a long, proud legacy on American college campuses. In the 1960s, student demonstrators demanded an end to the Vietnam War. In the 1980s, they pressed for corporate divestment from South Africa because of the white governments policy of racial apartheid. In the early 2000s, they condemned the ill-conceived U.S. invasion of Iraq.

History has vindicated each of those protest movements in their goals, if not always their tactics. Freedom of speech and assembly in America are fundamental rights but not limitless ones. Protesters who engage in violence, intimidation or hate speech to further even valid goals invalidate themselves and diminish their cause.

That line is an especially complicated one to walk regarding the current spate of campus protests around the nation, including in St. Louis, regarding the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Columbia University in New York has been the epicenter recently of pro-Palestinian student protests that have spread to other campuses around the country. In addition to the familiar sight of students chanting and waving signs, protesters have set up tent encampments, forcing the hands of college administrators who cant reasonably ignore such obstructions to student campus life.

While the protesters demands have varied, a common one has been divestment from companies that make equipment or weapons that ultimately aid Israel in its Gaza campaign.

That was the crux of a protest earlier this month at Washington University in St. Louis, where demonstrators demanded the university cut ties with Boeing. About a dozen people were arrested for interrupting an event for newly admitted students and refusing to leave. Three students face university disciplinary action.

Balancing the rights of some students to peacefully protest with the rights of others to go about their college lives unimpeded is something college administrators have had to contend with for several generations now. Both priorities merit protection; neither should be allowed to cancel out the other.

The fact that Columbia University has been forced to move to all-virtual final exams in an effort to keep students safe from protests that were edging toward violence clearly sacrifices the rights of many students to just be students. Worse, reports of threats and violence against Jewish students there have prompted Jewish leaders to call for them to leave campus.

As reported by Al Jazeera and others, social media footage has shown protesters telling Jewish students that the Oct. 7 attack is going to be every day for you and that they should go back to Poland  a reference to Jewish ghettos there liquidated by Nazi Germany during World War II. At Yale on Saturday night, a Jewish student journalist was jabbed in the eye with a flag pole by an anti-Israel protester.

Some protesters have taken pains to insist their dispute is with Israeli government policies and not Jewish people generally. Thats a crucial distinction.

But that inevitably wont be what everyone hears when protesters borrow rhetoric from those on record as yearning to kill all Jews. U.S. protesters routinely invoke a chant (From the river to the sea) that is interpreted by many as a call for the complete destruction of Israel. Which is, after all, the stated goal of Hamas.

None of this is to say Israel should be immune from criticism. As we have argued before, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has played right into Hamas hand with his relentless bombardment of Gaza, yielding the moral high ground and costing crucial global support. And Netanyahus continuing refusal to back a two-state solution with an independent Palestine blocks the one avenue that could lead to lasting peace.

But Israel only came into existence in the first place because of a mass genocide against Jews that  unlike the one todays protesters claim Israel has committed against the Palestinians  was literal and intentional.

That factor appears not to be relevant to todays campus protesters. Maybe their youth prompts them to dismiss the Holocaust as ancient history. But the here-and-now fact is that Israel remains a bastion of democracy in the Middle East, closely surrounded by terrorist entities and governments dedicated to its destruction.

If the first casualty of war is the truth, surely perspective and nuance are close behind. Those are two elements that feel conspicuously absent from the angry young voices vilifying Israel today.

If thats their stance, so be it. The First Amendment protects the right to even shortsighted views that disregard historic fact and current geopolitical reality.

It doesnt, however, protect harassment, threats and violent antisemitism. And when those are the kinds of comrades that these campus protesters find lining up beside them, perhaps they should pause to consider whether theyre really on the right side.
Regarding Lynn Schmidt's column "The unintended consequences of 'defund the police'" (April 14): I agree that the relations between the police and community are broken. Police brutality and excessive force have led to calls for progressive reforms.

Crime has many causes. We cant put a police officer in every retail store. Given that guns are ubiquitous, store managers have wisely refrained clerks from chasing shoplifters. Who wants to be shot or killed for a few stolen items?

State legislators need to give us sensible gun control. Stepping in front of armed criminals is dangerous. Blaming residents for "not holding up their end of the bargain and not calling out criminals is insulting. The vast majority of residents do reject lawlessness. Give us sensible gun control and an empowered, responsible and responsive police force.

Kirk Fortune

St. Louis
April 24, 2024: In 2023 a coalition consisting of Germany, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovenia and Latvia and the Netherlands agreed to jointly select and purchase enough air defense systems to protect all of them from missile attacks by Russia. Now Switzerland wants to join. The Swiss have stayed out of European wars for over 200 years but the recent Russian aggressiveness and frequent use of guided missile carrying non-nuclear warheads has changed Swiss attitudes towards total neutrality.

There are another nine nations in eastern Europe making similar joint purchasing plans. The most likely purchases will be of systems like the American Patriot, the European IRIS-T, the Norwegian NASAMS and the Israeli Arrow system for use against longer range, and thus faster ballistic missiles. In addition to the Russian threat, Iran also has guided missiles and has threatened to use them against Europe. Israel has been subject to that threat for over a decade and developed the Arrow system to deal with it. Arrow works and some European nations are looking into purchasing Arrow as well.

Until Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, Europe was not concerned about air defense systems because there was no threat. But the war in Ukraine involved heavy use of cruise and ballistic warheads with high-explosive warheads. In effect, these missiles were unmanned bombers that were difficult, but not impossible to stop. Western Europeans realized that they were within range of these missiles and now they had an air defense problem they could not avoid. That led to the Sky Shield Coalition.

While Patriot has been in combat before, especially during the 2003 Iraq War, it has seen a lot of combat actions since. That enabled more improvement to the system that made the Patriot more capable, especially against ballistic missiles. The European IRIS-T is undergoing a similar situation in Ukraine. The Ukrainians were quick to master the operation of both Patriot and IRIS-T systems they received. The Ukrainians had experience with Russian built systems and found Patriot and IRIS-T a major improvement. Ukraine also obtained the Norwegian NASAMS systems, which was favored because of its adaptability.

The Ukraine War was the first time there was heavy demand for the European IRIS-T SAM (Surface to Air Missile) system. Until 2022, IRIS-T found it difficult to compete against the similar and earlier NASAMS system. While demand for NASAMS was also heavy, IRIS-T was a bit cheaper and available for NASAMS customers who did not want to wait.

This all began in 1998 when Norway pioneered the use of American AMRAAM air-to-air missiles as surface-to-air weapons and developed the fire control and launcher equipment needed to make it all work. It was a simple but very effective use of air-to-air missiles for air defense. Other air-to-air missiles have been used for ground-based air defense systems, but the Norwegian version is seen as the best of the lot. Norway has six NASAMS batteries for its own defense. Eleven other nations, like Hungary, Spain, Holland, Chile, and the United States, Finland and Lithuania also bought NASAMS before the Ukraine War. Fortunately, NASAMS was still in production but soon found itself unable to keep up with demand.

NASAMS was initially developed for the Norwegian Air Force by Norwegian firm Kongsberg, in cooperation with American partner Raytheon, which produces AMRAAM. A major upgrade, NASAMS 2, officially entered service in 2007 and since then it has gained interest in more nations.

NASAMS popularity is due to a truly open architecture that, unlike the competitor systems, allows NASAMS to be used with a wide variety of radars. Initially NASAMS used the American made MPQ-64 Sentinel radar but some customers requested a system that could work with different radars and air-to-air missiles. NASAMS has been tested and configured to work with nearly 30 different radar systems and can fire just about any air-to-air missile that can be fired from NATO aircraft. All that is required are modifications to the size and electrical connections in the NASAMS launcher cells and software modification of the fire control system. Since NATO has long-established standards for NATO weapons, NASAMS takes full advantage of this.

So far NASAMS has been configured with AIM-120 AMRAAM (together with the longer-range ER variant), AIM-9X Sidewinder and the European IRIS-T. The last one is an interesting story. Norway had a big stock of the initial air-to-air version of IRIS-T for their F-16 fighters, but the new Norwegian F-35 is not compatible with IRIS-T, so they decided to use this very modern European missile as a ground-to-air anti-aircraft missile in NASAMS systems. This example clearly shows how flexible this system is while the competitor systems are tied to a limited number of missiles and radar.

A typical NASAMS battery consists of 12 launcher vehicles (each carrying six missiles), eight radar vehicles, one fire control center, and one tactical control vehicle. NASAMS does not provide protection for a large area because the max range of its missiles is 30-50 kilometers while range of battery radar target detection is up t0 160 kilometers.

Seven years later, in 2005, Germany introduced a similar and cheaper SSM system based on and called IRIS-T. The IRIS-T missile has a shorter range than NASAMs systems that use the American AMRAAM. Launched from the ground, AMRAAM has a range of 30 kilometers. The updated AMRAAM 2 has a 50 kilometers range. IRIS-T has a range of 25 kilometers.

Ukraine received both NASAMS and IRIS-T and found that both systems were equally effective at intercepting Russian missiles fired at cities. Ukraine also received the longer range (200 kilometers) Patriot air defense system. The Ukrainians found a way to use Patriot against Russian hypersonic missiles aimed at ground targets. The Russians were not expecting this and were not pleased.

One IRIS-T battery consists of three truck-mounted launchers, carrying eight missiles each. The missiles have a range of 40 kilometers or 25 miles), and a separate command vehicle that can be positioned up to 20 kilometers (12 mi) away. A NASAMS battery consists of six to nine launcher vehicles, each with six missiles in storage/launching containers. These are controlled by a radar and fire control system, each mounted on trucks.
April 24, 2024: Several years ago, Iran developed a new weapon to destroy enemy UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The Iranian weapon is the 358 loitering munition that is designed to detect and destroy low and medium altitude UAVs or even helicopters. The 358 is 2.7 meters long, weighs about 40 kilograms and carries a ten kilogram explosive warhead. The 358 is programmed to circle or fly a pattern over an area until it detects a target with its heat seeking guidance system and a laser-proximity fuse so the 358 warhead detonates when the 358 is as close as it is going to get to a target. Speed of the 358 is about 500 kilometers an hour. The 358 uses a small solid fuel explosive charge or rocket to get it out of its launch canister and into the air where its gas turbine engine takes over. The 358 travels along a figure eight pattern at an altitude of a thousand or less meters until it detects and attacks a target. If no target is detected by the time the fuel runs out, the 358 crashes to the ground. The 358 can be equipped with a communications link so an operator can move the 358 to another patrol area.

The 358 has been in use since 2018 and ships of the American naval blockade of Iran and Yemen have captured dozens of them that were being smuggled to Iran backed groups like the Shia Houthis of Yemen and similar groups elsewhere in the region. The 358 has also shown up in Lebanon and western Syria where they destroy UAVs and threaten low flying helicopters. The 358 is less of a threat to low flying jet fighters unless the jet flies right by them. Loitering near airbases, 358 can attack aircraft that are landing or taking off. A helicopter gunship can destroy 358s but must be careful that the 358 doesnt attack first.

If there are 358s in an area where helicopters or low flying jets are operating, or landing and taking off, 358s can be a threat because their guidance and detection systems allow 358s to attack any nearby and accessible target. That, in general, is what loitering munitions do. For example, last year in Ukraine the United States sent Switchblade 600 loitering munitions for use against Russian ground targets. Ukraine received hundreds of Switchblade loitering munitions and some of the larger Switchblade 600s. Ukraine uses the smaller 2.5 kg Switchblade 300s and larger 600s to find and then attack targets. These are not reusable weapons. The Switchblade was introduced in 2020. The original Switchblade that was introduced in 2011 weighed a kilogram while the latest Switchblade is ten times heavier at 23 kg, can stay in the air for 40 minutes and be controlled up to 80 kilometers from the operator. Top speed is 180 kilometers an hour and more economical cruise speed is closer to 150 kilometers an hour. The heavier warhead can destroy most tanks, although some modern tank designs include protection from top attack.

The 600 can be carried into a remote area and used quickly. Switchblade 600 was requested by the U.S. Army for longer range surveillance missions and the option to hit specific small targets, like a building or enemy position. Unlike the earlier Switchblades, the 600 uses a tablet controller with more options, including manipulating the more powerful video camera. Video transmitted back to the operator can be saved and passed on. The operator also has a wave off feature in which a quick tap on the controller screen can cause the 600 to abort an attack and be available for another try. The 600 can also be programmed to carry out a mission without operator control. This means there is no control signal for enemy electronic warning systems to detect or jam. In this case when time is up the 600 self-destructs. The 358 has a similar feature This guidance option was the only one that could get past the occasional Russian use of their Strizh-3 UAV signal jammer.

Over the last decade the American military has been upgrading the security of their communications. These upgrades are especially critical for weapons and aircraft that are controlled via wireless signals. A recent example was the U.S. Army decision to upgrade all its older Switchblade UAVs to the Block 10C standard. This involved upgrading the communications between operator and UAV to use an encrypted digital link. This makes it nearly impossible for enemy forces to eavesdrop or hijack Switchblade communications. Block 10C Switchblades were introduced in 2016 but there were still older models without the encrypted data link and, with Russian EW (Electronic Warfare) forces so active in Syria and elsewhere, it became important to use only Block 10C Switchblades. Moreover, Switchblade is frequently used by special operations troops where secure communications and reliability are particularly important

Since 2014, when most American and NATO forces were withdrawn from Afghanistan, most of the U.S. troops in combat are SOCOM (Special Operations Command) commandos and Special Forces in Iraq and Syria and elsewhere. These troops require some special equipment and one of the most used items is Switchblade, which is a one kilogram expendable UAV that can be equipped with explosives and also used as a weapon. The Switchblade is launched from its shipping and storage tube, at which point wings flip out, a battery powered propeller starts spinning and a vidcam begins broadcasting images to the controller. The Switchblade is operated using the same controller as the larger two kg Raven UAV.

A complete Switchblade system including missile, container, and controller weighs 5.5 kg. Switchblade was very popular with troops in Afghanistan, where it was first tested, and with SOCOM in all sorts of places they wont discuss in detail. Switchblade is still widely used with over 6,000 produced so far. Switchblade first saw combat in 2009 and each one costs about $80,000. For SOCOM forces, who often travel light into enemy territory, hauling along a Switchblade or two can be crucial for completing a mission, not to mention a lifesaver in emergencies.

Users regarded Switchblade as a micro-UAV/cruise missile. It was both aerial surveillance and a weapon. More importantly, it could be carried and used by individual troops. Moving at up to a kilometer a minute, the Switchblade can stay in the air for 10-15 minutes depending on whether or not it is armed with explosives and remain under operator control up to ten kilometers away. The armed version can be flown to a target and detonated, having about the same explosive effect as a hand grenade. Switchblade enables ground troops to get at an enemy taking cover in a hard to see location. Technically a guided missile, the use of Switchblade as a reconnaissance tool encouraged developers to refer to it as a UAV. But because of the warhead option, and its slow speed, Switchblade also functions like a rather small cruise missile and can be flown by its controller or autonomously via GPS coordinates. The troops were particularly enthusiastic about the armed version because it allowed them to easily take out snipers or a few enemy soldiers in a compound full of civilians.

The United States sent some Switchblade UAV systems to Afghanistan in 2009 for secret field testing. This was very successful, and the troops demanded more, and more, and more. That was unexpected because initially Switchblade was used largely by Special Forces and other special operations troops. In 2011, after more than a year of successful field testing, the army ordered over a hundred Switchblades for troop use and every year more had to be ordered because regular infantry units in combat got their hands on it and demanded more. By 2012 the U.S. Marine Corps was using Switchblade as well.

Others noticed Switchblade. In 2015 An Israeli firm introduced the new Hero loitering UAVs. These were portable enough, at 3 kg, for the infantry to carry and use. The Hero 30 has 30 minutes endurance and has a small warhead that can use used to turn it into a weapon if the onboard vidcam indicates a target that has to be taken care of immediately. Otherwise, it can be landed and reused. Hero 30 is based on the older Hero 400 which weighs 40 kg and has an 8 kg warhead. This UAV has a four hour endurance and can operate up to 150 kilometers from the operator. Israel noticed that the United States was having a lot of success and demand from SOCOM and infantry units for the Switchblade that was similar to the Hero 30.
What Is ATSC 3.0 and Is it Coming for Streaming?

Questions abound about ATSC 3.0, aka NextGen TV: Is it OTA? Is it OTT? Is it CTV? Can my TV play it? Is it coming for streaming with its promise of new lean-forward, interactive consumer experiences and addressable advertising? Where does it overlap with OTT and FAST, and what does it offer viewers that they arent getting from OTA TV now? Rob Dillon, Principal Strategist, Dillon Media Ventures, explores these questions with Madeleine Noland, President, Advanced Television Systems Committee Inc., Kerry Oslund, VP, Strategy & Business Development, E.W. Scripps, and Scott Ehrlich, Vice President, Emerging Platform Content, Sinclair Broadcast Group, in this clip from Streaming Media Connect 2024.

Dillon says to the group, Is ATSC a hybrid OTA, or is it OTT? Is it coming for streaming? Is it coming for broadcast? How do they work together?

A Seamless Blend of OTA and OTT

Noland breaks down the technical aspects of ATSC 3.0 and discusses how it can be used without a broadband connection while offering enhanced features when connected to the internet. She says that a broadband connection is not necessary to watch an ATSC 3.0 TV, however if a broadband connection is available, it can greatly enhance the viewing experience. Imagine you're watching a program on linear TV, you tune in, and it first says, Do you want to start this program over? We noticed you tuned in 12 minutes late. Wait a minute. Do I get to watch linear TV on demand over the air? Really? So you go, Yes, and suddenly the program just starts over from the beginning, and you're watching that, and then you have an option. Do you want to return to live TV? Sure, go ahead. And you can say, Oh, I'm going to channel up, down. I'm going to do all the different things that I have always done with TV. The viewer doesn't know that the minute you clicked yes to start over TV, you switched seamlessly from the over-the-air (OTA) linear feed coming in on your antenna to an over-the-top (OTT) streaming feed coming in off of your broadband connection. But the coolest thing about it is that the user experience is seamless. And so you're bopping between streaming and linear without even knowing.

Better User Engagement and Enhanced Addressable Advertising

Oslund further highlights the interactive features of ATSC, such as voting or purchasing through the remote control, and how the technology also better enables addressable advertising. If you want to be engaged, we can create ways for a consumer to be further engaged in the programming, he says. Think of the words win, play, vote, buybe better informed, all through your remote control, and then business models that support all of those things along the way. So the viewer and the advertising experience will be very interactive, much like the streaming experience, and also when it comes to revenue creation in addressable advertising.

How ATSC 3.0 Can Enable Bespoke and "Pop-Up" Local Channels

Ehrlich says that ATSC can also enable the delivery of new, bespoke, local channels via OTA. In contrast, now, with OTT, it can primarily only be delivered via Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST). One of the ways 3.0 could be used is just more channels back to the multicast point, but it can be enabled in personalized ways, he says. If I know it's you, I can serve things to you. I can do a lot of the things that we can do on CTV today. CTV is a little bit of a petri dish for what we can do on television. And [Sinclair] just launched 25 local FAST news channels. He mentions that, years ago, Cablevision launched MSG Metro Channels in New York. It was this package of three channels, he says. One was a dedicated local news channel, one was a dedicated local traffic channel, and the other was a dedicated local events channel. But, today, these types of bespoke local channels [can only be done over FAST], but to be able to have them on FAST and over the air starts to become a more complete broadcast picture.

Oslund brings up the unique possibility of pop-up channels, Where a channel doesn't exist today, but it exists tomorrow, and it exists for the next 30 days, because it's all about the Iowa State Fair, and then it goes away, he says. "I think you're going to see business models and channels like that start happening on over-the-air television.

See videos of the full program from Streaming Media Connect February 2024 here.

We'll be back in person for Streaming Media NYC May 20-22, 2024. More details here.

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When Ronald Williams Jr., an airfield operations specialist at Forney Army Airfield on Fort Leonard Wood, graduates April 25, he will be the first Army Fellow to graduate from the Civilian Career Program of Aviation.

I feel like a trailblazer in the Aviation Functional Community, Williams said.

According to the Army Fellows Program website, the AFP is a system that ensures the development of civilian members of the force through a blending of progressive work assignments, formal training and self-development for individuals as they progress from entry level to key positions.

After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. in 2021, Williams decided to check USAJobs, a federal careers website, for potential employment opportunities.

My dad was in the Army for 30 years, so I thought about USAJobs.gov, Williams said. In April of 2022 he started working at Forney Airfield.

We need young, educated professionals in the aviation career field. When I saw Mr. Williams experience, I knew we had to get him. As a Level 2 Certified Pilot, he brought a wealth of knowledge into our system, said David Robinson, Forney Airfield manager and Aviation Division chief with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. As an aviator, he has been a strong asset for us. We are getting older and will retire soon. We need to be able to pass our knowledge on. In this career field, age limit can be a barrier. For instance, air traffic controllers can only work until they are 56.

According to Williams, while working at Forney Airfield, he has learned to process flight plans and what are called notice to air missions with an aviation authority.

We also serve as property managers of the airfield for all the concrete, equipment and lights. We must check these daily to make sure they are all up to regulations, Williams said.

Performing this job for two years has made him a more well-rounded pilot, Williams added.

The aviator in me wants the full experience. It has been very beneficial for me to learn about how things work on the ground in airfield management. This job makes me a better pilot because I have a full understanding of why airports do what they do, Williams said.

Williams said he will take the military work ethic and lessons he has learned on Fort Leonard Wood with him throughout his career.

The military doesnt stop moving. Jackets, parkas, raincoats, whatever, we are out there making sure we have the current runway status. The wind we just had blew some stuff over, we were out there cleaning it up because the mission always carries on, Williams said. I have had to learn how to do wing walks. The C-17s wingspan makes for some tight corners on our ramp, so we had to wing walk and marshal it in. I also didnt know they can go backwards, that was fun to see.

One of the best parts of working at the airfield, according to Williams, is seeing how different branches of the military operate with their diverse aircraft.

I like learning about the different aircraft that come in and out of here. I have seen C-17 Globemasters, A-10 Thunderbolts, UH-60 Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. We see active duty, Reserve and National Guard aircraft here from several different branches. I like learning how they all work together, Williams said.

As part of the AFP, Williams was sent to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., for six weeks to attend the Airfield Management Course.

That is an opportunity I wouldnt have got anywhere else, Williams said.

Following graduation, Williams said he hopes to stay at Fort Leonard Wood and is looking forward to continuing his career with the Army.

And if Williams decides to spread his wings and leave Missouri, Robinson said he will be prepared.

This is a great start for his career. He has learned a lot, Robinson said.

As far as Williams is concerned, the skys the limit with the AFP, and he said he hopes more people use the program to follow their dreams.

Put yourself out there, Williams said. You never know where you will end up or who you will meet. It is an adventure.
FORT NOVOSELHistory, when left to the textbooks, can teach; but when its a hands-on experience, it can transform. Fort Novosel recently opened the William A. Howell Training Support Facility (TSF), adjacent to the U.S. Army Aviation Museum, to transform the educational landscape for future soldiers on Fort Novosel.

The fourth TSF in the Army Museum system was designed in 2016, broke ground on Fort Novosel in Sept. 2019 and officially opened the doors on the Army Aviation branch 41st birthday, April 12.

Charles Bowery, United States Army Center of Military History Executive Director, opened the ceremony by sharing his personal connection to the branch. Opening new facilities is one of the best parts of my job, said Bowery. This one is especially close to home for me, because I am a retired Army Aviator and proud of it. Ive spent much of my career living and training here in the Wiregrass.

The Army Museums are not designed for soldiers to conduct training and educational activities on the historical systems, according to Bowery. We envision the TSFs as unique spaces that are focused on soldier learning, using the technologies of the past to give the soldiers of today a sense of context for the systems that they employ. We believe this will improve their employment of these systems, their faith in the equipment that the Army gives them, and their resiliency in accomplishing their missions.

Since its beginning in 1964, under the curation of William A. Howell, the Army Aviation Museum has safeguarded the worlds most significant collection of rotary wing aviation artifacts, according to Bowery. The size of the collection exceeded the museums storage capacity, which resulted in challenges for preservation and maintenance.

Bob Mitchell, director of the Army Aviation Museum, played a large role in the final design and implementation of the TSF. Bob and the team here have designed the interior to support systems-based education, said Bowery. My challenge to the Aviation Center of Excellence is to plan for a TSF component for every course that is taught here at Fort Novosel. And I know they will accomplish that.

Another dimension of the plans for the TSF is to be a hub for Fort Novosel and USAACE community engagement through school groups, community groups and political leadership visits to the installation. The museum plans to host quarterly open house days for the public to visit the facilities and dive deeper into Army Aviation history.

Bowery continued, I want you to see this as your museum. With an emphasis on your. The professionals at the Center for Military History are here to manage it behind the scenes. Its like a duck paddling on the water. We dont want you to worry about what goes on beneath the surface, we want you to see the excellence that happens above the surface in your TSF.

Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel commanding general, informed the audience of the history behind the namesake of the TSF, retired Lt. Col. William A. Howell.

Howell was a distinguished soldier, aviator, and the first civilian curator at the Army Aviation Museum here on Fort Novosel, said McCurry. He served valiantly for 26 years on active duty, in WWI and Korea. He achieved qualification of over 20 different aircraft, fixed and rotary wing, logging over 5,000 hours.

The William A. Howell TSF is a State-of-the-art climate-controlled environment that insures the longevity of the aviation machines and the preservation of the technologies and artifacts. Many of the artifacts on display, some of which were only good ideas at the time, had limited development, according to McCurry.

When you fast forward many years you see them in todays technology. Those ideas became possible. Its important for us to preserve those ideas and without a doubt, this facility will help us do that, said McCurry.

People from all walks of life can now come and see the messages of Army Aviation history at the TSF during the open house days. Soldiers training on Fort Novosel, now and in the future, use the facility to learn about aviation heritage, culture and the sacred trust of the soldier on the ground, said McCurry.

The TSF has a specific classroom dedicated to teaching historical studies to the new aviation students as part of their professional development.

Our aviation students must know from where they came, and the service and sacrifice of those that came before them, said McCurry.

Mitchell spoke about the significance of naming the building after Howell.

They are a local Alabama family that are important to the community. We are proud to have them here in attendance today and it just makes the whole event that much more special.

The official ribbon cutting team consisted of McCurry, Bowery, Mitchell, and Sandra Howell Kee, Howells sister.

After cutting of the ribbon and unveiling the official sign, members of the audience entered the facility to a ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate the Army Aviation Branch birthday.

Looking into the opened hanger door filled with living history of the Army Aviation branch, Mitchell said, If you dont know your history, you are probably doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.
EUFAULA  One hundred children will be left with nothing to do if the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Eufaula closes its doors and Scharon Peterson is striving to ensure that does not happen.

Peterson is the Chief Executive of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake Eufaula. This is a heartbreaking situation, she said this week. Last year we lost some funding from a major sponsor, and weve been scrambling to replace that.

The club facing closing is the 22-year-old club located at 446 Sanford Ave. The club has only two months of funding left to keep its doors open at this critical location, Peterson said. This club is an afterschool haven for more than 100 children, and we are located about 100 feet from the elementary school in one of the communities that needs us most.

There are four clubs under the Lake Eufaula umbrella. Another Eufaula club at 12 Engram St. and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Daleville and Abbeville, also under the umbrella of the Eufaula club, will not be affected, Peterson said.

An open house at the Sanford Avenue club is May 3 from 5 until 7 p.m. and the public is invited to meet some of the club members, tour the facilities and see activities offered. Come see firsthand the positive impact the club has on Eufaulas youth and learn how you can help, Peterson said.

The city and county have been supportive of the club, as has the Wiregrass United Way, Peterson said. We are extremely thankful to all of the generosity shown within our BGC communities.

Support from our local community is great and our Annual Steak and Burger Fundraiser regularly generates 20% of our income, she said. With the addition of more children, expenses have escalated and the need for more funds becomes a never-ending struggle.

Peterson said she needs to raise $50,000. Every dollar counts, especially with program fees of only $55 per week per child for the summer program, and $7.50 per child per month during the school year, she said.

This is a crisis as over 100 children attend this location, leaving them to their own devices and often with no other place to go for after-school care or during summer break, she said. Please help spread the word, as the club is desperate to raise funds to stay open.

The Sanford Avenue club has been open since 2022 after a group of concerned citizens two years earlier formed a seven-member steering committee that established a board of directors and started a fundraising campaign. The Eufaula City School system and Eufaulas Parks and Rec Department provided Sanford Gymnasium as the facility and churches provided the means to open to the public on July 9, 2002, under the management umbrella of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Alabama in Ozark, where it remained until 2009 when it became its own club.

In August 2013, the Eufaula Housing Authority provided a second local site in the city. In 2014, a club opened in Abbeville in Henry County and in 2020, the Boys and Girls Club of Daleville in Dale County opened, both under the Eufaula management umbrella.

Peterson said the Boys & Girls Club is more than just a place to stay off the streets, citing proven results as of May 2023:

97% of club teens expect to graduate high school;

92% of fourth graders who attend regularly met standardized testing reading proficiency, compared to only 72% of their Alabama peers; and,

98% of club youth regularly exercise at least 120 minutes during the week.

These statistics paint a clear picture that the Boys & Girls Club is making a tangible difference in the lives of Eufaulas youth, Peterson said. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake Eufaula has impacted the entire communities it serves.

For more information, call (334) 687-7030 or visit www.bgclakeeufaula.org.
Pearl is an advanced AI tool designed to revolutionize customer interactions for businesses, offering outbound sales, inbound support, and appointment scheduling services. With Pearl, businesses can access a human-like AI colleague that enhances client interactions in real-time.

One of the key features of Pearl is its ability to conduct natural conversations with customers, ensuring that they feel valued and heard. Businesses can benefit from unlimited Pearls, maximizing call volume and efficiency for 24/7 customer connections. Pearls Conversational Power, customization options through the NLPearl Console, and unlimited data management capabilities make it a versatile tool for enhancing customer experiences.

With advanced NLP capabilities, Pearl can adapt to various industries and languages, including upcoming expansions to Italian, French, German, and Spanish. Whether engaging in outbound sales or providing inbound support, Pearl can handle a wide range of tasks, from upselling products to resolving client issues and scheduling appointments.

By delegating tasks to Pearl, businesses can streamline their operations, stay ahead of the competition, and provide exceptional customer service. With Pearl as your new employee, businesses can trust in its capabilities to adapt to any challenge and provide valuable insights into customer conversations. Join the future of customer interactions with Pearl and transform the way you communicate with your clients.

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When talking about AI regulations, it is important to remember businesses will find it critical to infrastructure modernisation and creating data driven value. Rhonda Robati Asia Pacific Executive Vice President for Crayon

Business will be handed a major say on the future of artificial intelligence in Australia, with the government planning to revamp the expert group helping set the direction of regulation on the pivotal technology, reported the Australian Financial Review.

They added that Two visions of regulation for high-risk AI are being considered behind the scenes, according to sources familiar with the matter: a stringent European Union-style AI law or legislation relying on broad principles.

Earlier, the Australian government considered new laws to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in high-risk areas like law enforcement and self-driving vehicles. Voluntary measures were also explored, including encouraging companies to label AI-generated content. The country outlined its plan to respond to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.

Rhonda Robati Asia Pacific Executive Vice President for Crayon: It is welcome news that Australian businesses will be able to contribute their recommendations on the future of AI in this country. AI is a continually evolving, highly complex field with millions of use cases  many of which are still unknown. While the industry is making progress and finding new and innovative ways of using the technology, the regulation around how the technology is used is still evolving.



AI can give businesses a competitive advantage if utilised in the right way. It can transform solutions by taking in telemetry data to create better products, operational data to make more efficient operations, use employee inputs to better the experience for workers and use customer signals to create deeper relationships with customer contacts. When talking about AI regulations, it is important to remember businesses will find it critical to infrastructure modernisation and creating data driven value.



A key area that must be decided is who is accountable for decisions AI systems make  at the moment this is a somewhat of a grey area and it needs some clarification. We understand and support the need of ethical responsibility to ensure AI is being used in the right way, supporting privacy and security of people and customers and end users.

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported that one topic being considered by the advisory body is the model for future AI laws, which could impact various industries perceived as higher risk, including healthcare, finance, and housing. These laws might either ban specific practices such as creating social scores for customers, similar to what the European Union has implemented, or establish general standards like prohibiting discrimination.

According to sources familiar with the governments plans, the new advisory body would be permanent and would include more business representatives. This shift is because companies will primarily be the ones deploying AI tools. Currently, business groups like the Business Council of Australia only serve as observers on the existing body.

Under the Canberra governments plan, safeguards would have been applied to technologies that predicted the chances of someone committing a crime again, or that analysed job applications to find a suitable candidate.

Australian officials had said that new laws could have also mandated that organizations using high-risk AI must ensure a person was responsible for the safe use of the technology. The Canberra government also wanted to minimize restrictions on low-risk areas of AI to allow their growth to continue. An expert advisory committee was to be set up to help the government prepare legislation.

Ed Husic was Australias federal minister for industry and science. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Wednesday that he wanted AI-generated content to be labelled so it couldnt be mistaken as genuine. We need to have confidence that what we are seeing we know exactly if it is organic or real content, or if it has been created by an AI system. And, so, industry is just as keen to work with government on how to create that type of labelling, he said.

More than anything else, I am not worried about the robots taking over, Im worried about disinformation doing that. We need to ensure that when people are creating content that it is clear that AI has had a role or a hand to play in that.

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Rural library opens new vistas for villagers in southwest China canyon

09:00, April 24, 2024 By Lu Yifan and Xiong Xuan'ang ( Xinhua

Gan Wenyong arranges books at the "Banshan Huayu" library in Qiunatong Village of Bingzhongluo Township in Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Nujiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

KUNMING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Gan Wenyong's first-ever exposure to extracurricular reading occurred at the age of nine, when he encountered the book "The Little Prince" by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

The experience served as a motivation for Gan to step out of the mountains and explore a different world. Also inspired by the book, he returned to his hometown in southwest China's Yunnan Province over a decade later and built a rural library to nurture the dreams of the local children.

"Books lighted my way forward, and I think children in the mountains need the same passion to explore the world," he said.

Gan, 29, is the founder of the library called "Banshan Huayu" (half hill flower talks) and a legal aid services provider. He was born and raised in Qiunatong, a village nestled at the northernmost tip of the Nujiang River canyon in the province's Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County.

Qiunatong was once entrenched in absolute poverty. Due to the financial difficulties of his family, Gan missed out on educational opportunities in his early years. Instead, he spent his childhood collecting herbs, fetching water from mountains, and tending to livestock.

"I didn't have shoes until I was six years old," he recalled, adding that back then, there was no electricity in the village, and candles were used to illuminate his home after sunset.

In the summer of 2005, a tourist met Gan and gave him "The Little Prince" as a gift. The adventures of the little prince and the vivid words in the book, which were read out to Gan by his brother, inspired him to explore the outside world. "I wanted to go to school and read more books," he said.

Positive changes unfolded in 2006 as the revised Compulsory Education Law took effect, with the objective of providing nine years of free compulsory education to rural as well as urban children.

In 2007, at the age of 13, Gan commenced his studies in the fourth grade at a primary school. In 2016, he was accepted into a university in the provincial capital Kunming, where he majored in law.

Children read books at the "Banshan Huayu" library in Qiunatong Village of Bingzhongluo Township in Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Nujiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

After the annual national college entrance exam, known as the gaokao, was over, Gan returned home with the 400 extracurricular books he had collected in high school. Upon learning of this, children from the village flocked to borrow books, with some even spending entire days seated in front of his house engrossed in reading.

This evoked memories of Gan's encounter with "The Little Prince" a few years ago, sparking the idea of building a library and he resolved to pursue it.

In 2016, Gan converted the two rooms his family vacated into a library. He crafted bookshelves from wood and affixed a door plate, marking the humble beginnings of the village's first library.

While Gan attended university, his parents and brother assisted in maintaining the library, organizing bookshelves and ensuring its cleanliness. During winter and summer breaks, he would return home with new additions to the library's collection, engaging with the children in shared reading sessions.

In 2020, Gongshan was lifted out of poverty. "My education journey would not be possible without the support of the state and society, so I should do something for my hometown to repay," he said.

To improve the reading environment for villagers, Gan borrowed 80,000 yuan (about 11,260 U.S. dollars) in loans to expand and decorate the library, which now covers around 400 square meters.

In 2020, he returned to his hometown to take charge of the library. He invested in new bookshelves and desks, adorning the space with decorations crafted from pine cones, corn and light strips. He also planted a variety of flowers, including roses, around the library grounds.

Thanks to government aid and the support of individuals from all walks of life, the library now has a collection of more than 40,000 books, ranging from astronomy and geography to history and literature.

"Growing up in the mountainous areas, some of the children become introverted due to the lack of parental companionship, but books can offer them a spiritual experience," he said, adding that last year, eight children from the village were admitted to university.

Gan Wenyong arranges books at the "Banshan Huayu" library in Qiunatong Village of Bingzhongluo Township in Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Nujiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)

But Gan felt there was more to be done. To create more diversified experiences for the children, Gan and volunteers from Shenzhen University in south China's Guangdong Province launched a program in 2020, offering painting, photography and English courses during vacations.

In 2023, he set up a new multi-purpose classroom in the library. This summer, the library will expand its offerings to include dance and music classes, making it a window to the world for the children in the canyon, according to Gan.

Moreover, many villagers come to the library to read books on agricultural technology. "Villagers who come to borrow books do not need to register, and there is no deadline for returning. As long as they are willing to read, the place is open 24 hours a day," he said.

Currently, Gan works at the justice bureau of Gongshan county, where he offers legal aid services during weekdays. During weekends, he returns to the village to oversee the operations of his library.

Speaking about his future aspirations, he said he hopes that the fragrance of books can continue to accompany the children to farther places.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
State Bank of Vietnam to host second gold auction

Gold bars seen at a jewelry store in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

The State Bank of Vietnam will auction 16,800 taels of gold bar to businesses Thursday for the second time.

The central bank will auction the same amount as the first auction on Tuesday, and buyers can bid to buy between 1,400 and 2,000 taels (a tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces), it said Wednesday.

It has not revealed the starting price.

In the last session prices started at VND81.30 million ($3,199.53) per tael and two businesses bid to buy 3,400 taels, or 20% of the total. The price was 1.45% lower than market rates.

Some industry insiders said that the high starting price is why only two out of 11 participants of the auction made bids.

On Wednesday gold bar price surged 1.8% to VND84 million per tael.

Also Wednesday Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai ordered the central bank to ensure a reasonable supply of gold to stabilize prices.

The last time the central bank sold gold bars was in 2013 when over 1.8 million taels were offloaded, with a total of 76 auctions.
Horrific human rights abuses along with an acute need for humanitarian assistance are tragically evident in Haiti, where indiscriminate violence continues at the hands of well-armed, power hungry gangs.



At a UN Security Council briefing, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs Robert Wood noted that in addition to attacking civilians, police, and infrastructure, gangs control key transport routes and economic activity, resulting in a lack of goods and services.



Its clear that the people of Haiti need humanitarian assistance. They need the violence to abate. And they need a more stable political situation, with a clear return to a democratic path.



Ambassador Wood said there have been signs of progress in Haiti in recent weeks. The National Police, including its specialized units, has conducted successful counter-gang operations. Also, a new transitional body, called the Transitional Presidential Council, has been established:



This inclusive, broad-based TPC brings together most of the major political parties in Haiti, as well as stakeholders from the private sector, religious communities, and civil society. And its establishment is a positive step towards resolving Haitis political and security crisis, laying the groundwork for free and fair elections, and deploying the MSS mission.



The UN-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission is to be led by Kenya with troops from several Caribbean countries. Among other duties, said Ambassador Wood, it will provide support to the Haitian National Police helping them counter gangs and improve security conditions:



It will help prevent, mitigate, and address human rights abuses, while engaging with Haitian civil society and communities to build trust. And it will operate with accountability and oversight, including measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, and meaningfully include women-led and civil society organizations.  It will help stabilize security and humanitarian conditions, while the TPC works to pave the way for free and fair elections.



For the MSS mission to succeed, Ambassador Wood told the Security Council, it needs international support both financial and in-kind.



Let us work to not only address the crisis facing Haiti today, but tackle its root causes, encouraging wider participation and engagement, he declared. Together, we can help efforts like the MSS succeed, and set the country back on the path to stability and democracy. The people of Haiti deserve nothing less.
Standing up for freedom and human rights is simply the right thing to do, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the recent release of the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. These reports, he explained, present a factual, systematic account of human rights records across nearly 200 countries and territories.



The report illustrates that there is much work to be done to uphold the rights set out in the Universal Declaration, said Secretary Blinken:



We once again see human rights and the rule of law under stress in more ways and in more places across the globe. Governments continue to lock up citizens who challenge those in power and call for a better future, from Belarus to Venezuela. Many are young. Of the roughly 1,000 political prisoners in Cuba, the average age is just 32.



Tragically, along with opposition leader Aleksey Navalnys unjust imprisonment in a Russian penal colony, incarceration can come with abuse, and even death, said Secretary Blinken:



Governments like Russia also arbitrarily detain foreign nationals for political purposes, using human beings as bargaining chips. Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and every unjustly held individual deserves to go free. The United States and our many partners will keep working every day to reunite them with their families and to hold accountable governments that engage in this deplorable practice.



The report documents atrocities reminiscent of humanitys darkest moments, said Secretary Blinken:



In Sudan, both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have committed war crimes. Rohingya in Burma, Uighurs in Xinjiang  each victims of genocide and crimes against humanity. The United States will continue to raise our deep concerns directly with the governments responsible.



Governments are deploying artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, and even tracking people based on their DNA.



Nevertheless, 2023 saw some encouraging developments, noted Secretary Blinken. Estonia, Japan, and Mauricius advanced the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. Unions from South Africa to Mexico to Brazil improved working conditions and advanced workers rights to organize. And Jordan took steps to ensure that children with disabilities could attend school.



These bright spots are an important reminder that progress on human rights is indeed possible, said Secretary Blinken, as long as committed individuals in every part of the globe continue to work to uphold fundamental dignity for all people.
ELKO  A groundbreaking ceremony is planned on Friday at the future site of the new school at Owyhee that is receiving $64.5 million in state funds, and Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo may be among the guests.

The governor signed AB519, the bill providing the money for the school.

According to the evens agenda, state and Elko County School District officials will speak, along with students.

It should be a good event, Elko County School District Superintendent Clayton Anderson told the School District Capital Projects Oversight Committee on Tuesday.

The event begins at 11 a.m. Mountain time, 10 a.m. Pacific time, at the future site of the Owyhee Combined School at the access road north of the grocery store at Owyhee. A catered lunch is planned.

The Nevada Legislature approved $64.5 million in AB519 for the new school, and Superintendent Clayton Anderson said the district has received the first half of the money. The state will reimburse the school district as expenses are submitted for the second half of the allocation.

He said the district has spent a little more than $1 million so far for Design West to design the school and for technical consultants.

Were all interested in getting this done the best way we can, Anderson said.

Steve Smith, director of building operations and construction, said the design for the Owyhee school is 90% complete, and there will be cost forecasts coming that could make a difference on the final design.

Elko County School District Trustee Joshua Byers, who represents the school board on the oversight panel, asked how the tribal contributions to the school project will be documented, and Smith said an interlocal agreement needs to be completed.

The tribes at Duck Valley Indian Reservation are providing the land for the new school, site preparation and plan to set up an aggregate batch plant.

Daliah Abel, the Shoshone-Paiute tribal representative to the oversight panel, said were pretty close to having an estimate of the Shoshone-Paiute contributions to the school project.

Elko County Commissioner Jon Karr, who chairs the oversight panel, said once the school is built, the school district will have full responsibility for maintenance and upkeep, and Anderson confirmed the school district will own the building. The Shoshone and Paiute tribes will own the land.

AB519 provides the money for the new Owyhee school and provides $25 million in grant money for rural school districts to seek matching funds for projects, and the bill provided another $25 million for grants to Indian reservations with their own schools.

School board President Matt McCarty asked the oversight panel to consider whether there is a way for Elko County to front load tax revenue from the 20-cent tax county commissioners approved for school projects, so the district can get started on projects before the tax revenue comes in more than a year from now.

A 20-cent tax would raise between $5 million and $6 million a year for ECSD.

He said if the county advances the expected tax revenue, the school district can approach the state for a matching grant.

The sooner we get funds, the sooner we can get money from the state, he said.

The priority project chosen by the school board this month is to install new boilers at Grammar No. 2 in Elko, and Anderson said this project, estimated to cost $900,400 would be a good one for advance funding and a state match.

Smith told school trustees on April 2 that Grammar No. 2 should be the most immediate project because the school has only one boiler running, and if that fails, the school will have to shut down.

He said then the heating system at Grammer No. 2 and those at the other schools on the top-four list are about 30 years old or older and finding parts is getting harder and harder.

Karr told the panel he toured Grammar No. 2, and he was pleasantly surprised at how well the boiler was maintained. Its just an old system.

He said he would like to see early money for Grammar No. 2 because it is a simple project but needed, and he told the panel he plans to tour other schools on the priority list.

The revised list of projects Anderson presented to the advisory panel included a boiler and mechanical upgrade at Mountain View Elementary School in Elko, estimated to cost $3.5 million, and upgrade of the mechanical system at West Wendover High School that would include a complete heating and air conditioning overhaul at an estimated cost of $6.9 million.

A heating and air conditioning upgrade at all four buildings at Spring Creek High School is also on the list at an estimated cost of $9.2 million.

AB519 allows the school district to apply for matching funds for school projects, but Anderson said at the April 2 school board meeting and after the advisory panel meeting on Tuesday that the law is very specific that the matches are only for funds that are raised through tax dollars and cant be remaining pay-as-you-go money.

Elko County voters defeated extension of the 75-cent, pay-as-you-go tax for school construction in 2020, but tax collections continued the next year. The school district recently reported the balance in the pay-as-you-go account is $14.23 million, but Comptroller Susan Paprocki said on Tuesday she has the balance at $16.99 million. McCarty said he saw an $11 million balance.

Although the county approved a 20-cent tax out of every $100 assessed valuation, Karr reported to the oversight panel that were going to try to get the cities to give 3 to 5 cents of their capital and give it back to the school district.

The cities of Elko, Carlin, Wells and West Wendover will be asked to contribute tax levies to school projects, in addition to the 20 cents the county approved.
ELKO  Volunteers keep the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada running smoothly, executive director and fourth-generation Nevadan Tiandra Rushing says.

In Northern Nevada, we had over 500 volunteers in this last school year, which was absolutely amazing. And with those volunteers, we were able to respond to over 125 homebuyers and assisted in helping over 300 individuals in need during that time, Rushing said.

The organization is taking on Elko-relevant goals in the coming year, she said. As it serves all of northern Nevada from Nye County north, we are really trying to branch out our wings to be able to serve all of our rural communities better, build that capacity and help the community become more prepared in the time of disaster, she said. So, we are recruiting additional volunteers and community volunteer leads in each one of those counties to help those initiatives and those efforts.

Volunteers make up 90% of the organizations workforce, so constantly finding more people is important, Rushing said.

Rushing said American Red Cross of Northern Nevada board member Sarah Stevenson will help start branching out into the Elko and Spring Creek area in hopes of bringing programs here. Stevenson is also a Nevada State Bank branch manager.

A lot of our initiatives are around preparedness and building resilience in the community, Rushing said. Along with providing the Red Cross many training services, which include courses for CPR, AED, first aid, basic life support, babysitting, caregiving and lifeguarding, American Red Cross of Northern Nevada also offers hands-only CPR training for free.

Its not a full certification, but it is training to help with life saving efforts, Rushing said.

We also focus on our school-aged children, she said. The Prepare with Pedro program features activity books and games with a cartoon penguin that teaches children the basics of navigating an emergency. In the Pillowcase Program, Red Cross volunteers bring disaster and survival training to grades 3 through 5. Each student receives a pillowcase to use for building an emergency supply kit.

These youth programs teach children how to be ready in the time of disaster, how to build a preparedness kit and if you are to go through a disaster, how to handle it mentally and physically afterwards, Rushing said. The students also learn how to create an exit plan in case of a home fire, as well as a strategy and communication plan with their families.

We focus on the home fires since those are the biggest disasters we face in Northern Nevada right now, along with building those community partnerships to help support those efforts and building the volunteer base, Rushing explained. In a time of need, such as a flood or wildfire, American Red Cross volunteers are on hand to help with sheltering and any evacuations, she said.

What volunteer roles can residents seek from the Red Cross? Anything from administrative positions to receptionist positions to facilities cleaning, Rushing said. Think of any type of regular corporation, a paid position. We translate that to volunteers.

Their most popular volunteer positions, though, are the Disaster Action Team responders, she said. In addition to responding to home fires and helping affected families find financial assistance, they also open any type of sheltering, evacuation centers, canteens, help find those shelters and do inspections on them to make sure we have an accurate list of whats available in the communities and create a feeding agreement with feeding partners in the time of evacuation.

While the boots-on-the-ground positions are important, all departments need administrative support, whether in person or remote, Rushing said.

Bringing services to rural Nevada communities will require careful planning, she said.

Right now, our first line of defense is to go in and evaluate the community and identify who our community partners are and what resources are being provided, as well as seeing what the community needs themselves, she said.

We really want to try to be the organization that could help support where the gaps are. As long as people can help, we are there to do that. We are a humanitarian service, so we try to spread our wings further than what day-to-day programs are offered on our list, Rushing explained.

American Red Cross of Northern Nevada does not have a brick-and-mortar office in Elko, she said. Once we start building the capacity up there, that will be something we will look into.
A team from Pacific Federal Management Inc. removes tree stumps from a housing area at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on April 21, 2024. (U.S. Air Force)

More than 250 dead trees and stumps  among the last reminders of a major typhoon that struck Guam last year  are slated for removal from Andersen Air Force Base in the coming months.

Typhoon Mawar passed just north of Guam as a category-4 storm on May 24. It lashed the island with heavy rains and wind gusts of up to 167 mph, flooding low-lying areas and toppling trees.

After the storm passed, a team of 60 contractors and airmen spent 30,000 hours between May and July clearing out 1,000 trees that posed safety risks on Andersen, base spokeswoman 1st Lt. Ariana Wilkinson said by email Friday. A second phase began in March, with the goal of removing approximately 250 remaining dead trees and stumps.

Now that all infrastructure and facilities are on a good path towards recovery, we can refocus our efforts on base improvements and appearance, she said.

A team of 10 people should have the remaining stumps removed by the fall, Wilkinson added. So far, project workers have been running full speed to remove, dispose and backfill 91 trees/stumps around base, she said.

The work is being done by the 36th Civil Engineering Squadron, the Pavement and Heavy Equipment and Grounds Maintenance shops and private contractor Pacific Federal Management Inc., Wilkinson said.

She was unable to provide an exact cost for the project as of Tuesday afternoon.

Base commander Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske discussed the tree stumps with base residents in a Facebook post on April 15, and identified Pacific Federal Management as the company heading up their removal.

Its amazing what you can accomplish if you are willing to throw $300K at the problem, he replied to a comment on that post.

Records from USASpending.gov show the Defense Department awarded Pacific Federal Management a contract on Dec. 7 for approximately $360,000 in landscaping and groundskeeping services.

The contract lists Yiga, the northernmost village on Guam and home of Andersen, as the location of the work. The project has a potential end date of Nov. 30.

Pacific Federal Management has been under contract for landscaping and groundskeeping services at Guams military installations since November 2019, a contract that serves as the parent award for the December 2023 contract.

The island is also home to Naval Base Guam and the Marine Corps Camp Blaz, which is still under construction.

The company has been paid more than $64 million since November 2019, according to USASpending.gov.
A memorial honors the sacrifices of Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Pernaselli and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Watts, service members from the USS Firebolt, who were killed in a 2004 attack. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)

MANAMA, Bahrain  Hundreds of service members and senior military officials gathered at Naval Support Activity Bahrain on Wednesday to mark 20 years since a Persian Gulf suicide bombing killed three people aboard the patrol ship USS Firebolt.

Seven crew members set out from the Firebolt in an inflatable boat on April 24, 2004, to inspect fishing dhows lurking around protected Iraqi oil terminals in the Persian Gulf.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Pernaselli and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Watts were killed when an explosive on one of the fishing boats detonated.

Four crewmembers risked their lives by swimming toward the victims and trying to save them.

The USS Firebolt, a U.S. 5th Fleet coastal patrol ship, in the Persian Gulf in 2014. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Pernaselli and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Watts were killed in a suicide bombing in a 2004 attack during a routine patrol aboard the Firebolt in the Persian Gulf. (Stars and Stripes)

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, delivered remarks that linked the tragedy 20 years ago to current events in the Middle East.

Even as we speak, sailors, not unlike these three brave men, are facing down anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden or boarding suspect vessels trafficking illegal narcotics or arms in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf, Wikoff said. Like the heroes of the Firebolt, they sail unflinchingly into harms way, knowing theres no such thing as a routine mission.

Former Firebolt crewmembers from over the years came to pay their respects Wednesday and talked about the impact of that day.

Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, speaks at a memorial service marking 20 years since the killing of three service members from the USS Firebolt. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes) Sailors and Marines attend a memorial service Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Naval Support Activity Bahrain in honor of three USS Firebolt service members killed in a 2004 attack. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes) Sailors and Marines salute at a memorial service Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, in honor of three USS Firebolt service members killed in a 2004 attack. (Shannon Renfroe/Stars and Stripes)

Ceremonies are always humbling, especially if you have done some of the operations that caused this tragedy, said Master Chief Petty Officer Raul Valladares.

In 2022, the ship was decommissioned and transferred to Bahrains navy, which renamed it the Jenan.

The ship transfer reflected the close military ties between the U.S. and Bahrain, which recently signed a comprehensive joint security agreement.

That little ship has been through a lot, just from commissioning to deploying, drug interdictions in South America and homeporting in Bahrain, Valladares said.

I was sad to see it decommissioned, he added. But it was humbling to see it go to a host nation in use and not just go out to sea and become target practice at the next multinational exercise.
An oil painting of retired Lt. Cmdr. Louis (Lou) Conter, painted by Julie Thurston of Julie Thurston Fine Art, is displayed during his memorial service at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Grass Valley, Calif, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Conter was 102 when he passed away peacefully in his home. In addition to being the last living USS Arizona survivor, Conter also flew more than 200 missions in the South Pacific and survived being shot down twice. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

The last survivor of the USS Arizonas sinking during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor has been laid to rest.

Lou Conter was memorialized by family, friends, veterans, active-duty service members and community leaders at a service Tuesday at Saint Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Grass Valley, Calif. Conter, who died at 102 at his home in Grass Valley on April 1, received full military honors conducted by sailors from Navy Reserve Center Sacramento, Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 23 and a flyover from Strike Fighter Squadrons 125 and 151.

Conter was laid to rest next to his wife Valerie.

Aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadrons 125 and 151 conduct a flyover at retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters memorial service in Grass Valley, Calif., Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Lou Conter represents the best of America through his example of service, patriotism and courage. These ideals, so common with Lous generation, are still an inspiration for todays sailors and Marines, Rear Adm. Richard Brophy, chief of Naval Air Training, said during the ceremony. I am honored to have been invited, in this final flight of his life, as a representative of the service for which he has sacrificed so much for.

Conter was born Sept. 13, 1921, in Ojibwa, Wis., and enlisted in the Navy in 1939. He reported to the USS Arizona in Hawaii in 1940 with the rank of quartermaster third class.

On the Sunday morning of the surprise Japanese attack, Conter was on watch on the quarterdeck station between the ships third turret and main deck when sirens began wailing to announce the first wave, he said in an audio interview in 2015 for the National World War II Museum. When the first bomb hit the Arizona, Conter was knocked forward onto the deck, while many of his fellow crew members were blown entirely off the ship.

Conter escaped on a lifeboat. In the following days, he worked at the grim task of recovering bodies from the harbor and containing fires, he said.

Smoke rises from the battleship USS Arizona as it sinks during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. (U.S. Navy)

He would go on to fly more than 200 missions in the South Pacific and was shot down twice. After the war, he became an intelligence officer and flew combat missions during the Korean War while he was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard. He is credited with creating the Navys first survival, evasion, resistance and escape program, or SERE, according to the Historic Pacific Parks.

Sailors sought out opportunities to assist with Conters memorial service any way they could, Petty Officer 2nd Class Morgan Danfelt, a hospital corpsman and NRC Sacramento funeral honor detail coordinator, said in a Navy news release.

There were a lot more hands involved with this service than we generally see, Danfelt said. We had a lot of sailors who were very eager to be a part of this because it is an honor. All of us wanted to do absolutely the very best job we could to provide a memorable service for his family members.

Louann Daley, retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters daughter, receives a flag from Rear Adm. Richard Brophy, chief of Naval Air Training, at Conters memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

After receiving the folded American flag from Brophy, Louann Daley, Conters daughter and next of kin, spoke about the importance of the military in both her and her fathers lives.

We could not have gotten through it without the support of the military, she said. The military was such a big part of his life. This was the final salute. We were so blessed to have him for 102 years.

Stars and Stripes reporter Wyatt Olson contributed to this report.

Grass Valley, Calif., firefighters raise a flag over the street in celebration of the memorial service of retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conter. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Pallbearers carry the casket of retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conter into the St. Patrick Catholic Church for his memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Family, friends, military personnel, and community leaders gather at the St. Patrick Catholic Church for retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Sgt. Noemi Basaldua of Maintenance Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, leads a Marine Corps honor detail at retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Navy Reserve Center Sacramento funeral honor detail sailors carry the casket of retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conter during his memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Navy Reserve Center funeral honor detail sailors stand at attention around retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters casket during his memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Louann Daley, retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters daughter, looks on as Navy Reserve Center Sacramento funeral honor detail sailors stand at attention around Conters casket during his memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Navy Reserve Center Sacramento funeral honor detail sailors ceremoniously fold the flag above retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conters casket at his memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)

Rear Adm. Richard Brophy, chief of Naval Air Training, salutes the passing casket of retired Lt. Cmdr. Lou Conter during Conters memorial service. (John Pearl/U.S. Navy)
A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon prepares to take off from Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 11, 2024. (Ashley Guire/U.S. Navy)

TOKYO  The U.S. Navy is sending an aircraft to help scour the Pacific for seven Japanese aviators missing since two helicopters crashed on Saturday, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said this week.

A P-8 Poseidon patrol and surveillance plane will join the search for two SH-60 Seahawk crews with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, he said at a press conference Tuesday. The helicopters went down during nighttime training about 370 miles south of Tokyo.

Kihara did not indicate when the Poseidon would begin its search. U.S. 7th Fleet spokeswoman Lt. Jamie Moroney acknowledged a request for comment Wednesday but was unable to provide an immediate response.

The Poseidon will join about 10 ships and five other aircraft from the Self-Defense Force and Japan Coast Guard to comb the area where contact was lost with the helicopters, Kihara said. The search area, however, is steadily expanding over time due to the tides.

In any case, we will carry out search and rescue operations with all our efforts to safely rescue all seven mission personnel as soon as possible, he added.

The Self-Defense Forces oceanographic research ship JS Shonan is also joining the mission, bringing with it the capability to search underwater and identify exactly where the helicopters sank.

The helicopters, both assigned to Japans Fleet Air Wing 22, went missing at 10:38 p.m. Saturday during an anti-submarine warfare drill alongside a third helicopter about 170 miles east of Torishima in the Izu island chain.

Eight crewmembers were aboard the helicopters; one was found and confirmed dead Sunday.

The flight recorders have been recovered, and the defense ministry is analyzing them to determine the cause of the crash. There has been no indication of a mechanical malfunction, so far, Kihara said.
The USS George Washington welcomed back its plank owners for a reunion Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, morning at Naval Station Norfolk. (Stephen M. Katz, The Virginian-Pilot/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  The USS George Washington aircraft carrier will leave Hampton Roads Thursday as it deploys to South America en route to its new homeport of Yokosuka, Japan.

The Washington is deploying for the first time in nearly a decade as part of Southern Seas 2024. The carrier will operate alongside forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay over the next several months while it circumnavigates South America.

From South America, the Washington will head to San Diego before transiting to Japan, where it will be the forward-deployed carrier, later this year. It will relieve the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Washington was previously homeported in Japan from 2008 to 2015, coming to Naval Station Norfolk in December 2015.

The bulk of the carriers time in the region was spent inoperable at Newport News Shipbuilding, where it was a fixture for more than six years. The carrier entered the shipyard in August 2017 for its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul. The process, which typically takes four years, was exacerbated by delays related to the pandemic.

During its time in the shipyard, there were nine suicides among the Washington crew, including three in one week in April 2022. The suicides among the Washington crew sparked a massive effort to change the way the Navy treats sailors experiencing mental health crises.

Since its redelivery to the Navy in May 2023, crew members have worked to qualify for deployment, including getting underway numerous times throughout the past year.

Team Warfighter is ready to go, said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of the Washington. Not only for the adventure that awaits in South America, but ready to serve as the nations forward-deployed naval forces carrier in Yokosuka.

caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com

2024 The Virginian-Pilot.

Visit pilotonline.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks in the press briefing room at the Department of State in Washington on April 22, 2024. (U.S. State Department)

SHANGHAI  Amid growing U.S. worries that Russias war on Ukraine is being made possible by Chinese support for Moscows defense industry, Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China on Wednesday on a three-day mission to push leaders to cut ties with the Kremlin.

The conversations in Shanghai and Beijing will be aimed at managing an increasingly thorny and contentious relationship, with ongoing disputes about Chinas role in the war in Ukraine, Beijings broad claims over the South China Sea and U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on Chinas technology manufacturing sector.

The Senates passage on Tuesday of a bill requiring the Chinese owners of TikTok to divest from their company was sure to add additional contention on the Chinese side.

This will be the top American diplomats second visit to China since relations hit bottom early last year when a Chinese spy balloon floated across the continental United States.

American officials played down expectations for breakthroughs but said it was important to keep talking. More than two years into wide-ranging Western sanctions against Russia, the Biden administration blames China for what it says is a systematic effort to keep Moscows defense sector afloat, enabling further civilian deaths in Ukraine. Officials hope to deliver a message coordinated with Europe, which they believe will be more effective than the United States making a solo push.

When it comes to Russias defense industrial base, the primary contributor in this moment to that is China, Blinken told reporters last week after a meeting of leading world economies in Italy, saying that China has been sharing machine tools, semiconductors and other items that have helped Russia rebuild its defense industry two years into its full-scale war in Ukraine.

If China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it cant on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War, Blinken said.

Beijing has bristled at Washington placing Ukraine front and center of attempts to thaw relations. Ukraine is not an issue between China and the United States. The U.S. side should not turn it into one, a senior Foreign Ministry official said in an unusually long and detailed rundown of Beijings demands for talks in a statement released on Tuesday.

Blinkens last trip to China, in June, marked the resumption of communications after a period of near-silence between high-level leaders in both countries following a trip by former House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in August 2022. Blinken was poised to make a trip that was canceled when the spy balloon floated across America just days before his scheduled departure.

But in recent months a steady stream of Cabinet secretaries has visited Beijing, while Chinese officials have made the return trip to the United States. Blinken isnt even the first member of President Bidens Cabinet to visit China this month, after Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen led an economic delegation and charmed her hosts by drinking beers in Beijing  even as she threatened sharper tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Still, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping showing little inclination to dial back his increasingly aggressive approach to projecting his nations power in the world, the United States is devoting significant diplomatic bandwidth to ringfencing China.

Biden and Blinken are building ties to Chinas neighbors to try to discourage it from making moves against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, and to warn it off its confrontational stance toward the sea fleets of other nations in the South China Sea. Earlier this month, Biden met the leaders of Japan and the Philippines together in the White House, part of a broader U.S. push to build small groupings of countries to work together to respond to Chinese activity.

Beijing has been especially unsettled by that U.S. strategy, arguing that the Biden administration is rerunning the Cold War playbook of containment that it once deployed against the Soviet Union. U.S. officials fire back that if Chinas neighbors feel threatened and want to work with each other to bolster their security, then Beijing should reexamine the way it is projecting its power.

Still, the relationship is far more stable than it was a year ago, and China appears to be signaling that it does not want to risk crossing the reddest of U.S. red lines. It has dialed back its rhetoric and military activity around Taiwan in recent months. And  after the Biden administration delivered a stark warning  it still has not sent weaponry to Russia, Blinken said last week.

But U.S. officials say that even the current levels of Chinese support for the Kremlin are far too much. They have warned counterparts that if Chinese companies keep supplying embargoed dual-use components to Russia, they could face crippling sanctions of their own.

Were prepared to take steps when we believe necessary against firms that are taking steps in contravention to our interests, a senior State Department official said ahead of the trip, speaking to reporters under ground rules of anonymity to discuss sensitive planning considerations. Our objective will be to clearly make the case what the implications are of this support and why that may in fact not be in Chinas interest going forward.

Blinken will need to convince Xi that this latest appeal is not an attempt to drive a wedge between him and Putin, said Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund, a think tank.

To appeal to the Chinese leaders interests, the United States needs to show him that curbing specific trade that aids Putins war effort can help stabilize relations with Washington, Glaser said. China really does not want to be front and center in our election campaign, she added.

A key goal for China is to ease American export controls on advanced technologies, after Xi warned Biden in San Francisco that more restrictions could deprive the Chinese people of their right to development.

Still, some officials said they did not expect an immediate shift in Chinese behavior. With Biden already working to isolate Chinese industry and detach trade ties to Beijing, he has less leverage over Chinas economy than in the past. Nor is China in the mood to split from the Kremlin, viewing Russia as a key partner in a world it sees as largely under by U.S. hegemony.

According to Shi Yinhong, a scholar at Renmin University in Beijing, there remain 16 sources of serious tension in the relationship, none of which have seen lasting mitigation even with more dialogue since [former president Donald] Trump left office.

On his list are military activity around Taiwan and in the South China Sea; human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang; decoupling in technology industries and efforts to safeguard supply chains; and growing ideological competition as part of a new Cold War. On every major issue there is an established pattern, Shi said. Its very difficult to make positive change.

Shepherd reported from Shanghai.
Undated photos of F-15J/DJ Eagles from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. (JASDF)

TOKYO  The number of flights Japanese fighter pilots made to intercept Chinese and Russian aircraft approaching Japan were down by 14% the past fiscal year, their lowest response in a decade, according to Japans Ministry of Defense.

Data released Friday shows Japanese jets scrambled 669 times during Japanese fiscal year 2023, which ended March 31.

Thats 109 fewer than the 778 scrambles Japanese pilots made the previous fiscal year and the lowest total since fiscal 2013.

Fighters are still intercepting foreign military aircraft at a high rate, Japans Joint Staff said in a statement released with the data.

There was only one violation of the countrys airspace involving a Russian aircraft, according to the data, which did not offer further details.

Since fiscal 2013, the number of scrambles continues to be at a high level, with over about 700 scrambles conducted every fiscal year, and military aircraft continue to be active around Japan, the release said.

Chinese aircraft were the most likely to approach Japan, provoking 479 scrambles during the past fiscal year. Thats down from 575 scrambles against Chinese aircraft the previous year.

Japanese Defense Minster Minoru Kihara visits Air Defense Command headquarters at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Japanese pilots scrambled 174 times against approaching Russian planes in fiscal 2023, according to the Defense Ministry release. The lowest response in a decade, 150 flights, occurred the previous year.

In June, Chinese aircraft passed between the Japanese islands of Miyako and Okinawa, according to the release. In June and December, Chinese and Russian bombers carried out a joint patrol over the East China Sea and Sea of Japan.

In August, a Chinese drone flew for the first time flew between Japans Yonaguni Island and Taiwan and over Sea of Japan, the release said.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara mentioned the flights at a news conference Friday.

The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to take all possible precautions to ensure vigilance and surveillance and take strict measures against airspace violations, he said.

Russian aircraft have noticeably reduced their activity near Japan since 2021, said James Brown, an international affairs expert at Temple Universitys Japan campus.

Russia is trying to maintain the pretense that its military capabilities in the Pacific are unaffected by the war in Ukraine, he said by email Tuesday. In reality, Russias invasion of Ukraine has limited its ability to show force in east Asia since so much of its equipment and men have been chewed up in the Ukrainian meat grinder.
A Shinto priest performs a purification ritual with salt and sake for the 33rd Rescue Squadron's new hangar at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, April 17, 2024. (Raymond Geoffroy/U.S. Air Force)

The Air Forces 33rd Rescue Squadron, based on Okinawa, is getting a new home to match its new rides.

Construction began April 17 on a new, 131,384-square-foot hangar at Kadena Air Base to replace an aging structure thats endured decades of environmental corrosion, a spokeswoman for the 18th Wing, Master Sgt. Natasha Stannard, said by email Tuesday.

A Shinto priest performed a traditional Japanese purification ritual to start construction of the hangar, in which the rescue squadrons complement of new HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters will be brought for upkeep and repairs.

The 18th Wing's vice commander, Col. Joshua Lundeby, takes part in a Shinto groundbreaking ritual for the 33rd Rescue Squadron's new hangar at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, April 17, 2024. (Raymond Geoffroy/U.S. Air Force)

The 33rds helicopters are maintained by the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Stannard said.

The hangar will also house administrative offices, an aircraft simulator and a wash rack, according to an April 18 news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

One of the newly arrived Jolly Green IIs, the replacement for the squadrons G model Pave Hawks, took its inaugural flight from Kadena on Feb. 27, according to Pacific Air Forces. The G models were in service at Kadena for 21 years. The new helos began arriving in January.

Nishimatsu Construction Co. Ltd. was awarded the $125.75 million contract in February 2023 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The estimated project completion date is February 2027, Stannard said.

The new facility is designed to meet modern construction standards such as the wind load requirements for typhoon winds on Okinawa, she said. It will also be equipped with an HH-60W flight simulator to allow pilots to maintain their proficiency at any time.

The Jolly Green II is based on the UH-60M Black Hawk design with improvements to support combat rescue missions, including greater fuel capacity for extended range, improved defensive systems and sensors for survivability in hostile environments, according to the Lockheed Martin website.

The new hangar will enable the rescue squadron to train, plan and execute their mission in keeping the Air Force pararescue motto: These things we do, that others may live, Stannard said.
In a screenshot from the Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy chapel's Facebook page, the Rev. Frank Watts celebrates the New Year's Day mass, Jan. 1, 2023. Watts has filed IG complaints alleging fraud and reprisal by the bases lead chaplain, who the priest says targeted him over the last year leading to the bases decision not to renew his contract. (Facebook/NAS Sigonella Chapel)

NAPLES, Italy  A priest who worked at Naval Air Station Sigonella for over a decade contends in a recent complaint filed with the Defense Department Inspector General that his impending dismissal is an act of reprisal by a military chaplain.

The Rev. Frank Watts submitted the complaint April 17, saying he was singled out for punishment and other unfair treatment over the last year. Those actions in turn led to the Sicily bases refusal to renew his contract, which expires May 31, he said.

Watts said he never was informed of the decision by NAS Sigonellas chaplaincy but learned about it through an email sent earlier this month by a base office responsible for contracts.

The chaplain whom Watts accuses of retaliating against him is on leave and wasnt immediately available to comment Wednesday. NAS Sigonella did not respond to a request to interview the chaplain.

A new contract for a priest will be up for bid to those who are interested in serving the NAS Sigonella Catholic community, Lt. j.g. Andrea Perez, a base spokeswoman, said Wednesday. Our goal is to avoid any lapse in support to our Catholic community.

The reprisal allegation stems from an April 2023 disagreement between Watts and the chaplain about control over, and spending, of Sunday offerings from parishioners, according to Watts.

The chaplain wanted to use some of those funds for a project that was incompatible with the Sigonella Catholic communitys traditional charitable outreach, said Watts, who has served at Sigonella since 2013.

Watts said he challenged the chaplains effort to control how contributions were spent. Not long after, he found himself being called into the chaplains office on allegations of rule violations, such as failing to meet office hour requirements, he said.

Watts said he signed a couple of disciplinary write-ups, including one for allowing his wife to use his computer with his DOD identification card, or CAC, inserted while she did ministry volunteer work.

However, he did not sign others because they were false, Watts said.

The chapel at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. A longtime priest at Sigonella has filed separate IG complaints alleging fraud and reprisal by the bases lead chaplain, who the priest says targeted him over the last year leading to the bases decision not to renew his contract. (Facebook/NAS Sigonella Chapel)

Watts married while he was an Anglican clergyman, prior to his conversion in 2011. He served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force from 2002-2011, according to a June 2013 story in Sigonellas The Signature.

The failure to renew his contract also may be related to questions he asked about falsification of financial records and abuse of authority, Watts said.

He made a separate complaint to the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central Inspector General in Naples about those issues on April 12.

On Wednesday, the office said it would not investigate the matter and would refer it to base commander Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, according to an excerpt of an email from the Naples IGs office that Watts shared with Stars and Stripes.

Subsequent emails from the contracting office to Watts said work performance issues were why his contract wasnt renewed, and that his contract no longer met the needs of the department.

Watts countered the work performance contention by citing his many years of service at the base. He celebrated 287 Masses in 2023, according to data he provided to Stars and Stripes. That same year, he also performed three baptisms, 12 first communions and 10 confirmations, according to the data.

I can prove Ive been doing my contract, Watts said. I have a 10-year-long record of performance.

NAS Sigonella confirmed that Watts contract will end next month, adding that an option to renew it for a year wont be exercised.

Shoemaker will meet Thursday with Catholics in the base community to address concerns and questions, Perez said.

The contract for Sigonellas Catholic religious education program director also was allowed to lapse without renewal. Base officials didnt answer questions about that decision.

Alicia Fabbri, a civilian worker at the base, said she is concerned about the lack of transparency in the decision not to renew Watts contract. Base officials have not explained to her and other parishioners the reasoning behind the decision, she said.

In addition, the possibility that Mass services may be reduced from five weekly to just one is troubling, as is the potential for youth programs to be disrupted, she said.

The congregation has 30 to 40 children, some of whom are preparing for their first Communion or looking forward to attending summer camp.

To me, that plainly communicates you are not familiar with the needs of the Catholic community, said Fabbri, who also filed an IG complaint alleging that Watts was subjected to discrimination and retaliation. We are not just a Sunday-only congregation.

A gap in services jeopardizes the mission readiness of the base, Fabbri said, adding that the remote location and high operating tempo make an assignment at NAS Sigonella challenging for service members and civilians alike, she said.

Without religious and spiritual support, its very difficult, she said. I dont know that we could stay here without that.
Kenneth Aungst, a retired Army first sergeant and Vietnam veteran, seen here at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany, on April 17, 2024, was the first American to receive the 7th Army Training Command's Good Neighbor Award for service to the U.S. Army and local community on April 19, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany  Kenneth Aungst, a retired Army first sergeant, made a vow after narrowly surviving an early morning attack on Kontum Airfield in January 1968.

A platoon of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the base, killing six of Aungsts men, wounding more than a dozen and destroying 16 aircraft, he recalled while speaking at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach last week.

The helicopter mechanic, now 87, was struck in the back of the head with shrapnel from an enemy grenade and was later asked to identify the bodies of his young troops.

I made a promise to myself that I was going to make my life a positive life, he said. If I make it out of here and get home to [my wife and daughter], Im going to be a good guy.

Aungst, who has German residency through his wife, Marga, is considered a community icon in the greater Ansbach area for his volunteering efforts, and his dedication to soldiers and veterans.

He was honored by the 7th Army Training Command with its Good Neighbor Award at Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr on Friday, along with nine German citizens for their support of the U.S. Army and local community. He is the first American to receive the award, which is often given to local mayors and clergy.

Kenneth Aungst on a helicopter in Vietnam in 1962. (Kenneth Aungst) Kenneth Aungst in Nellingen, Germany in 1955. (Kenneth Aungst) Kenneth Aungst, seen here during his Army service, was honored by the 7th Army Training Command for a lifetime of service to the greater Ansbach community during a ceremony in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on April 19, 2024. (Kenneth Aungst)

He is an outstanding partner with our unit, Col. Ryan Kendall, commander of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade at Ansbach, said after the ceremony. As each command team cycles through, hes that thread of continuity with those (community) relationships.

Aungst grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch on a farm in Pine Grove, Pa., he recalled. Both of his parents, Eldoria and Roy, worked to support the war effort in World War II.

Aungst left a job at a leather tannery to join the Army at 18.

In 1955, he arrived in Illesheim, Germany, straight out of basic training, he said. He met his wife at a guest house in Bad Windsheim. Wedding bells and a daughter, Barbara, soon followed.

During the first of three tours to Vietnam, Aungst helped evacuate the wounded in an air ambulance unit. He served as a technical inspector for the 57th Assault Helicopter Company during the second, which included the attack on Jan. 10, 1968.

Retired Lt. Gen. Hubert Smith, then a captain, said Aungst saved numerous lives that night.

We had guys who were in very bad shape, Smith said by phone Tuesday. Ken immediately took charge.

He has always been deeply concerned about the welfare of others, Smith said.

Aungst retired to the Illesheim area in 1980. He worked as shoppette manager and later as postmaster for Storck Barracks.

He began to focus more on good deeds to keep his post-traumatic stress at bay.

Aungst has provided snacks and coffee for COVID-19 vaccination drives and hes active with American Legion Post 1982. In the community, hes served as a point of contact for a program that brings together American families and foster children during the holidays. He also helps German widows get the benefits theyre entitled to receive.

Helga Moser, community liaison for the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, said Aungst is her go-to person when organizing cross-cultural events. Aungst said the secret to his success is simple.

Do what you can for other people, he said. A smile from somebodys face and a thank you for what you did for them is all you got to have.

burke.matt@stripes.com @MatthewMBurke1
The U.S. government unsealed an indictment against four Iranian men, Hossein Harooni, Reza Kazemifar, Alireza Shafie Nasab and Komeil Baradaran Salmani, clockwise from top left, accused of cyberattacks against American companies, including defense contractors. (FBI)

The U.S. is accusing four Iranians of hacking defense contractors and targeting military veteran job seekers, an indictment unsealed Tuesday said.

The indictment charges four hackers said to be part of a multiyear cyberwar campaign by Irans military against more than a dozen U.S. companies, as well as the State and Treasury departments.

Hossein Harooni, Reza Kazemifar, Komeil Baradaran Salmani and Alireza Shafie Nasab were members of a hacking organization working on behalf of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard from 2016 to 2021, the indictment filed in the southern district of New York said.

The four are all at large, and the State Department on Tuesday announced a $10 million reward for information on their whereabouts.

The U.S. also levied sanctions against the four Iranians and two front companies based in Iran that are associated with them, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday.

Todays charges pull back the curtain on an Iran-based company that purported to provide cybersecurity services while in actuality scheming to compromise U.S. private and public sector computer systems, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said in a statement.

The U.S. government unsealed an indictment against four Iranian men, Hossein Harooni, Reza Kazemifar, Komeil Baradaran Salmani, and Alireza Shafie Nasab, from left, accused of cyberattacks against American companies, including defense contractors. (FBI)

The hacking groups victims were primarily defense contractors cleared by the Pentagon and granted security clearances to access, receive and store classified information, a statement from the Justice Department said Tuesday. The indictment did not identify the contractors.

The hackers used spearphishing tactics in which they tricked people into clicking on a link that would infect their computers with malware, the indictment said. The group also impersonated women to gain the confidence of employees at defense companies before getting them to click on the links.

In one instance, the group is said to have gained access to an administrator email account at a defense contractor and used it to create fake personas and send spearphishing emails to a different contractor.

One campaign by the group compromised more than 200,000 employee accounts, prosecutors said.

The government also accused the group of testing malware intended to target job seekers, with a focus on military veterans.

Wednesdays sanctions against the group are the latest in a series of blacklisting actions by the U.S. against Iran, which has been engaged in a shadow war in the Middle East with the United States and its allies in the region.
Families of Israeli hostages protest next to an empty Seder table in front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus home in Caesarea on Monday, the first night of Passover. (Heidi Levine/The Washington Post)

CAESAREA, Israel  Around the world, Jews left empty seats at their Seder tables as they marked Passover  the religious celebration of the Jewish peoples freedom from slavery in Egypt. The vacant chairs served as a reminder of the more than 130 hostages still captive in Gaza.

On Monday, the first night of the holiday, hundreds gathered outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus residence in this seaside town shouting, Youre the head, youre to be blamed. Demonstrators demanded that Netanyahus government do more to free the hostages.

Israelis said the holiday was shrouded with sadness.

You cant walk and say happy holidays to people, said Maya Raviv, who came to demonstrate with her 8-year-old daughter, Liyah. Its not.

Liyahs friend and classmate, Naveh Shoham, was taken hostage on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants attacked communities in southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250 civilians and soldiers.

Although 8-year-old Naveh was released during a pause in fighting last year, his father, Tal Shoham, remains in Gaza. In Tel Aviv, at what has become known as hostage square, families set empty Seder tables and sang songs in honor of the missing.

Yuval Or, 72, the father of hostage Dror Or, wanted to mark the holiday with those who could understand his pain.

I do not want to celebrate Passover, but my son, Dror, has three children, and their mother was killed, so we are taking care of them now, he said. I will take them to the communal dinner at the hostage square.

Over the weekend, as has become customary, thousands of people streamed into Tel Avivs streets in anti-government protests. Negotiations to release more hostages from Gaza have stalled, driving demonstrators to call for the resignation of Netanyahu and for immediate elections.

One protester carried a sign that played off of the traditional four questions asked each year at the Seder table. How is this govt different from all others? the sign said, adding: 1,500 dead, 250 hostages, 100,000 displaced, strengthen Hamas.

Egypt got 10 plagues, said Maya Raviv, referring to the story of Exodus, retold each year on Passover, and Israel got one. Its called Bibi Netanyahu.

Mellen reported from New York.
Yuval Or, 72, the father of hostage of Dror Or, sits on a folding chair in the middle of the road during an anti-government protest Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Tel Aviv. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

JERUSALEM  Israelis marked a somber Passover this week, breathing easier after an ominous military escalation eased with Iran but bracing themselves amid growing signs Israel is preparing the next phase of its war in Gaza: a final fraught assault on Rafah, the packed city where Hamas remaining fighters are holding Israeli hostages and more than a million civilians are sheltering.

Gazans reported an increase in Israeli raids and shelling, and the Israeli military said Wednesday that it had struck more than 50 targets in the last 24 hours. It also called up two reserve brigades for both offensive and defensive missions inside Gaza.

World Food Program officials warned again of impending starvation in Gaza, particularly in the north. But the United Nations also offered a rare optimistic accounting of humanitarian aid shipments, saying a recent surge of deliveries has boosted the number of food trucks entering Gaza to the highest levels since the start of the war.

Some analysts see both the increased military activity and the humanitarian blitz, as well as signs of new tent cities in central Gaza, as precursors to an invasion of Rafah.

The Biden administration, which has pushed Israel for months to increase the delivery of aid, has warned the government it would not support a Rafah operation that fails to provide greater protection for the civilian refugees there.

The focus is back in Gaza, and everybody is waiting for the next move, said Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, an Emirati academic.

David Mencer, a spokesperson in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed Wednesday that Israel is moving ahead with our operation to target Hamas in Rafah. We will, as usual, be making every effort to move civilians out of harms way.

Families of the Israelis still held hostage observed Passover with vacant chairs at their Seder meals. Hundreds came out late Monday to protest Netanyahu, whom they blame for failing to reach a temporary cease-fire and a deal to release the hostages, leaving the captives in Hamas hands and in harms way for any attack on Rafah.

Militants kidnapped 253 people in the Oct. 7 surprise attack that also killed about 1,200 Israelis. A negotiated pause in the fighting in November coincided with the release of 105 Israeli hostages and foreign nationals in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

An unknown number remain alive. Hamas released on Wednesday a new video showing American Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the most-discussed captives, who was last seen being taken from the Nova music festival after his left hand had been blown off. The anguished video is the first public evidence that he is alive. The Hostages Families Forum issued a statement on behalf of his family saying, Hershs cry is the collective cry of all the hostages  their time is rapidly running out.

Families of Israeli hostages protest in front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus home on the eve of Passover in Caesarea, Israel, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

Enraged hostage advocates burned a symbolic Seder table near the prime ministers home in Caesarea, according to local media. Others said they had worked their anger at the prime minister into their reflections on biblical hardships.

Egypt got 10 plagues, Maya Raviv said at a protest over the weekend, referring to the story of Exodus, retold each year on Passover, and Israel got one. Its called Bibi Netanyahu.

Negotiations for a deal being brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt have stalled, and the worlds attention in recent weeks largely swung away from Gaza toward a burgeoning escalation between Israel and Iran.

The two exchanged air attacks, prompting fears that a regional war could erupt. Irans barrage of more than 300 missiles and attack drones marked an unprecedented direct attack from Iranian to Israeli soil. But a pop-up coalition including U.S., European and Jordanian forces combined with Israels air defense system to down more than 99 percent of the munitions.

After Israel responded with a limited attack that reportedly damaged an Iranian air defense unit but caused no fatalities, both sides seemed ready to stand down. Attention has now swung back to Gaza, leaving many observers to predict that Israel will move to fulfill its promise of a final push sometime after the Passover holiday.

Israeli attacks have killed more than 34,000 Gazans since the war began, according to Palestinian health authorities, and the toll continues to rise.

The U.N. called Tuesday for an investigation into the discovery of alleged mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The hospital had been the scene of heavy fighting since February before IDF forces pulled out in early April.

Gazan civil authorities said they found 238 bodies on the grounds over the weekend. They said the bodies were in various states of decomposition and some were in Israeli body bags.

The Israel Defense Forces said they did not bury the bodies, but had exhumed corpses in graves at the hospital grounds in a search for hostages. The examination was carried out  respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased, the IDF said in a statement. Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place.

Israel says it has to go into Rafah to finish its fight against Hamas. But preparation for that push come as aid groups, and many of Israels allies, warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis for Gazan civilians.

We are getting closer by the day to a famine situation, said Gian Carlo Cirri, Geneva director of the World Food Program, adding that Gazans could be six weeks from crossing three critical famine thresholds  food insecurity, malnutrition and mortality.

But United Nations leaders said a recent surge of humanitarian deliveries gave them some hope that famine could be averted. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the main U.N. aid agency for Palestinian refugees, said more than 310 aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday  some of them crossing at newly opened gateways from Israel  the highest number since Oct. 7.

It needs now to be sustained & further increased, Lazzarini said in a post on X. Famine in northern Gaza can be averted only through meaningful & uninterrupted supply.

Gazan civilians said they fear that any improvements in the food supply could be wiped out by the return of intense military operations in the northern and central sections of the enclave.

More flour and other rations have been available in recent days, according to Anwar Rabhi, 51, who has been taking his family of seven children from one shelter to another since their home near Beit Lahia was destroyed early in the war. After shelling picked up on Tuesday, they fled once again.

This may be the 20th time that I have moved from one place to another, Rabhi told The Washington Post in a phone interview. Here we are moving, and we do not know whether we will survive this wave or not.

Loveday Morris in Berlin, Heidi Levin in Tel Aviv and Hazem Balousha in Cairo contributed to this report.
Turkeys at a third-generation turkey farm in New Carlisle, Ohio. (Maddie McGarvey/The Washington Post)

Viral fragments of bird flu have been identified in samples of milk taken from grocery store shelves in the United States, a finding that does not necessarily suggest a threat to human health but indicates the avian flu virus is more widespread among dairy herds than previously thought, according to two public health officials and a public health expert who was briefed on the issue.

The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it had been testing milk samples throughout the dairy production process and confirmed the detection of viral particles in some of the samples, but it declined to provide details.

The presence of genetic fragments of the virus in milk is not unexpected. Pasteurization typically works to inactivate pathogens, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. It generally does not remove genetic material, Nuzzo said, but typically renders pathogens unable to cause harm to people.

The greater concern, however, is that its showing up in a lot more samples, meaning the infection is more widespread in dairy herds than we thought, said one public health official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information not yet made public.

In a four-page statement, the FDA said some of the samples collected have indicated the presence of the bird flu virus based on testing that detects viral particles but does not distinguish whether they are active or dead. The finding of virus does not mean that the sample contains an intact, infectious pathogen, the agencys statement said.

Additional laboratory testing is underway to grow the virus in cells and in fertilized eggs, the latter being the gold standard for sensitive detection of active, infectious virus, the FDA said. Importantly, additional testing is required to determine whether intact pathogen is still present and if it remains infectious, which determines whether there is any risk of illness associated with consuming the product, the FDA statement said.

FDA officials said results are expected in the next few days to weeks.

To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe, the agency said in its statement.

Officials and experts did not have additional details about the number of milk samples that were positive for particles of bird flu or where the samples originated.

Although this strain of avian flu has been circulating for more than 20 years, its leap into cows is of substantial concern, surprising even longtime observers of the virus. More than two dozen livestock herds in at least eight states have been infected with avian flu since March 25, prompting investigations by federal and state officials.

For weeks, key federal agencies have expressed confidence in the safety of the commercial milk supply, including pasteurized products sold at grocery stores. The FDA has highlighted data showing pasteurization inactivates other viruses and pointed to studies showing that the pasteurization process for eggs - which occurs at a lower temperature than what is used for milk - deactivates the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The International Dairy Foods Association, which represents the nations dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, said that viral fragments are nothing more than evidence that the virus is dead.

Milk and milk products produced and processed in the United States are among the safest in the world, spokesman Matt Herrick wrote in an email, adding that viral fragments are simply indicative of pasteurization doing its job effectively and protecting our commercial milk supply.

In recent weeks, multiple experts expressed confidence that the pasteurization process ensures there is no threat to the safety of the nations milk supply but said the federal government should still perform tests to confirm that is the case.

Flu is a fairly wimpy virus, meaning it is fairly readily inactivated, said Richard J. Webby, a virologist at St Jude Childrens Research Hospital. But thats something that has to be tested.

One case of avian flu has been reported in a Texas farmworker in recent weeks, only the second human case ever of bird flu in the United States.

So far, the virus has not acquired the ability to spread efficiently in people.

But as it is able to jump from animal to animal, prospects increase for it mutating to cause sustained person-to-person transmission - a development that could fuel a pandemic.

State health officials have tested 23 people with flu-like symptoms, but only the dairy worker in Texas has tested positive during the current outbreak. Ongoing surveillance of emergency department visits and flu tests in regions where bird flu has been detected has not flagged unusual trends in flu-like illnesses, or eye inflammation, the only symptom experienced by the dairy worker, according to officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who say the risk to the general public of bird flu remains low.

The lack of more human cases is a good sign, health officials say.

The key to containing the outbreak resides in livestock herds. Testing of cows is voluntary. U.S. Department of Agriculture protocols restrict testing to cows with specific symptoms and limits the number of tests per farm.
A gavel rests on the judges bench in the courtroom of the 39th Air Base Wing legal office at Nov. 14, 2019, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. (U.S. Air Force)

AUSTIN, Texas  A federal jury on Tuesday convicted a Texas man of wire fraud and money laundering after he befriended his victims, told them he was a veteran of the Armys elite Delta Force and they needed to hand over hundreds of thousands of dollars so he could protect their children from being kidnapped by Mexican drug cartels.

Saint Jovite Youngblood, aka Kota Youngblood, 52, was first arrested July 31, after more than a year of swindling more than $821,000 from his victims, according to court documents. The FBIs investigation found at least 22 victims dating back to 2010 to whom Youngblood told intricate stories of investment opportunities or dangers posed that were often intertwined and difficult to keep straight.

Youngblood told the people, who are not named in court documents, that he was able to provide protection for them against drug cartels because of his past military experience and the contacts he had within the National Security Agency. He also claimed he freelanced for the Department of Defense to solve problems throughout the country.

Youngblood, who lived in Manor, a town about 15 miles northeast of Austin, claimed to serve 22 years in the Armys 82nd Airborne Division and Delta Force, which is primarily devoted to counterterrorism operations, such as capturing and killing a high-value target, breaking up terrorist cells or conducting hostage rescues.

Yet FBI investigators found no military service records for him.

With one of Youngbloods victims, he would post negative reviews online that alleged criminal behavior about the victims businesses. Youngblood told the victim that it was the cartels way of threatening him and payments would make the online harassment stop.

Youngblood had his victims pay with checks through a business associate he described as an antique dealer who commonly deposited large checks, according to court records. The payments to protect their families would double as business investments and give returns, Youngblood told them.

He instead gambled the money away during trips to Las Vegas, according to court documents. The FBI arrested Youngblood at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as he planned to depart on one of these trips, according to KVUE News, a local TV station.

Sentencing for Youngblood is pending with U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in the Western District of Texas.
Anthony S. Fauci, who was then director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies before the Senate health committee in 2022. (Sarah Silbiger for The Washington Post)

Anthony S. Fauci has agreed to testify in front of the House panel investigating the nations coronavirus response, the first time the prominent infectious-disease expert will publicly face Congress since leaving government nearly 1 years ago.

Fauci, who helped steer the Trump and Biden administrations efforts to fight the virus, is scheduled to testify June 3 in front of the House Oversight select subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic, with lawmakers expected to press him on the still-unknown origins of the pandemic, the governments vaccine mandates and other issues that remain politically divisive, more than four years after the outbreak began.

The GOP-led panel includes some of Faucis most persistent critics in Congress, such as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-La.) and Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), who have repeatedly alleged that the pandemic began with an accident at a lab in China funded by Faucis agency and covered up by U.S. officials.

Retirement from public service does not excuse Dr. Fauci from accountability to the American people, Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), who chairs the panel, said in a statement. On June 3, Americans will have an opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Fauci about his role in overseeing our nations pandemic response, shaping pandemic-era policies, and promoting singular questionable narratives about the origins of COVID-19.

Fauci has denied wrongdoing, and public health leaders have praised his work and said Republicans have unfairly targeted him.

Debate about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains, with evolutionary biologists and virologists saying the outbreak probably began because of a spillover from infected animals, but some scientists suggesting a leak from a lab was the likely source. A declassified government intelligence report released last year said U.S. intelligence officials were unaware of a lab leak that could have caused the pandemic, adding that officials had no evidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese laboratory where researchers were studying coronaviruses, had SARS-CoV-2 or a close progenitor in its possession before the outbreak.

The select subcommittee has not uncovered any evidence that directly implicates Dr. Fauci and [former National Institutes of Health director Francis] Collins in a coverup of the pandemics origin or collusion with scientific journals to suppress the lab-leak hypothesis, Rep. Raul Ruiz (Calif.), the panels top Democrat, said at a hearing last week.

The 83-year-old Fauci led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly 40 years, where he forged relationships with prominent politicians, such as then-President George W. Bush, and helped shape the nations response to HIV/AIDS, Ebola and other infectious diseases.

The longtime government official quickly became a household name in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, routinely appearing at White House briefings where he urged Americans to wear masks, get vaccinated and take other precautions. Many Americans said they were reassured by his briefings  particularly in contrast to then-President Donald Trumps freewheeling medical advice, such as endorsing anti-malaria drugs to fight COVID. President Biden named Fauci his chief medical adviser, and the Biden administration relied on him as a key spokesman during its vaccine rollout in 2021.

But public confidence in Fauci and other health officials deteriorated amid frustrations about pandemic-era policies such as remote schooling and attacks from GOP lawmakers. Fifty-three percent of Americans in April 2022 said they trusted Faucis recommendations on coronavirus vaccines, down from 68% in December 2020, according to polling by KFF, a nonpartisan health research organization. The dip was driven by growing Republican skepticism; just 25 percent of Republicans said they trusted Faucis coronavirus vaccine recommendations in April 2022, down from 47 percent in December 2020, while Democrats trust in Fauci remained largely unchanged.

After leaving government in December 2022, Fauci joined the Georgetown University faculty as a distinguished professor and wrote a memoir set to publish in June.

Fauci privately testified in front of House lawmakers in January 2023, answering questions about his role in the nations coronavirus response, whether scientists should experiment with risky viruses in their labs and how his agency funded research abroad. Attendees offered starkly different representations of the closed-door hearings, with Republicans saying Fauci dodged direct questions and changed his answers on lab leak-related issues, while Democrats countered that Fauci was helpful and the GOP-led questions broke little ground.

The Republicans have totally distorted Dr. Faucis testimony, Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) said after the first day of closed-door hearings, adding that she hoped Faucis private comments would be quickly made publicly available. The transcript has not yet been published.

Although Fauci has been out of government since late 2022, and many Americans focus on the pandemic has dwindled as the virus has receded, he continues to be routinely invoked by Republicans as a political symbol. The coronavirus panels GOP lawmakers and their witnesses maintain that the longtime government official exerted too much control over the nations pandemic response and should have been regarded with more skepticism.

The media parroted whatever Fauci and the CDC fed them, Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins transplant surgeon and Fox News analyst, said at a hearing last year.

Other notable figures are set to soon face the House panel, including Peter Daszak, president of the New York-based research organization EcoHealth Alliance, who is scheduled to testify next week. EcoHealth has defended its research with the Wuhan Institute of Virology and denied any connection between that work and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2.
Photo: Wechat account of China's Ministry of Commerce

China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao attended a forum on Monday between China and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) in the Macao Special Administrative Region, to discuss further upgrades to multilateral cooperation by connecting with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).

Before the forum, Wang met with visiting Portuguese Minister of Economy Pedro Reis on Sunday. The two sides had in-depth discussions in multiple key areas including China-Portugal economic and trade relations and enhancement of bilateral cooperation.

The 6th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao, was held on Monday, which clarified key areas of economic and trade cooperation between China and PSCs and reinforced Macao's role as a commercial and trade service platform.

Wang pointed out that as most of the PSCs have signed documents related to the BRI, MOFCOM will promote the connection between Forum Macao and the BRI.

China is ready to work with PSCs in facilitating trade and investment, opening up the industrial and supply chains, increasing support for livelihood promotion projects, improving the Forum Macao mechanism, and forming a diverse and new cooperation pattern, said Wang.

Representatives from nine PSCs - Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste - attended the forum and delivered speeches.

The representatives said that Forum Macao is a major platform for conducting mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as investment, industry promotion, and personnel and cultural communication.

2024 marks the 45th anniversary of China and Portugal establishing diplomatic relations. During the meeting with Reis, Wang said China and Portugal should develop more practical cooperation to address the consensus by leaders of the two nations, and inject vitality into China-PSC relations.

Reis said China-Portugal business and trade cooperation has seen good results, playing a positive role in boosting economic development. He also said that Portugal wishes to maintain close communication and cooperation with China, enhance bilateral investment, and promote third-party market cooperation.
Multiple 155mm rounds are displayed during a howitzer live-fire exercise at al Asad Air Base, Iraq in 2020. (U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON  The Pentagon on Wednesday announced new military aid for Ukraine, including air defense systems and artillery rounds, worth about $1 billion after President Joe Biden quickly signed the legislation passed Congress to move much-needed weapons and equipment to forces trying to stop a surging Russian invasion.

In the next few hours, were going to begin sending equipment to Ukraine for air defense munitions, for artillery, for rocket systems and armored vehicles, Biden said.

The Pentagon hasnt been able to provide Ukraine with more weapons or ammunition since its last aid package of $250 million in December.

The U.S. was able to send $300 million in weapons and ammunition in March after defense officials said the Pentagon was able to find cost savings in earlier Ukraine contracts and used that money to send more military aid to Ukraine.

The House on Saturday passed legislation that included $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, with $60 billion going to Ukraine. The Senate passed the legislation Tuesday night, and Biden signed it into law Wednesday morning.

The new funding ended months of political deadlock that saw the bill stall because some Republicans were opposed to arming Ukraine even though Russia gained momentum on the battlefield.

When our allies are stronger, we are stronger. This is a reminder of what America can do when we come together despite our differences, Biden said.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in posts on X thanked the House and Senate for passing the foreign aid package.

I am also grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and recognize that the historical significance of this bill extends beyond politics, Zelenskyy said in a statement Tuesday. Ukraines long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner.

Previous aid has been provided through presidential drawdown authorities, where equipment is pulled from existing U.S. military stocks and sent to Ukraine on an emergency basis, or long-term assistance to procure weapons and munitions from the defense industry or partner countries for a later time.

With the latest package, the U.S. has provided nearly $46 billion in aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 that has stretched into its third year.

Items in the military aid package include:

 RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles for air defense.

 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.

 Small arms and additional rounds of small arms ammunition, including .50 caliber rounds to counter drones.

 Additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.

 155mm artillery rounds.

 105mm artillery rounds.

 60mm mortar rounds.

 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles.

 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.

 Logistics support vehicles.

 Tactical vehicles to tow and haul equipment.

 Tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles.

 Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems.

 Precision aerial munitions.

 Airfield support equipment.

 Anti-armor mines.

 Claymore anti-personnel munitions.

 Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing.

 Night vision devices.

 Spare parts, field equipment, training munitions, maintenance, and other equipment.
More than 80 years after joining the Army, 102-year-old World War II veteran Neil Korn was presented with five medals and awards for his military service to the U.S., Monday, April 22, 2024. (Congressman Derrick Van Orden/Facebook)

(Tribune News Service)  More than 80 years after joining the Army, a 102-year-old veteran from Chippewa Falls was presented with five medals and awards for his military service to the U.S.

On Monday, family, friends and fellow tribal members from the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe showed up with a throng of military veterans to celebrate Neil Korn and thank him for his Army service.

Korn, the oldest living member of the Lac Courte Oreilles tribe, was also honored by tribal members during the awards ceremony at the VFW Post 305 in Eau Claire.

Korn was born March 22, 1922, in Stanley, grew up in Chippewa Falls and Boyd and spent a lot of time at Lac Courte Oreilles reservation.

Korn said he was grateful for all the people who showed up Monday at his awards ceremony.

I like it, and I appreciate it, he said.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, who is the chairman of the Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, presented Korn the medals, which honor his service in the U.S. Army from January 1943 to December 1944.

Things are getting a little zippy in the country right now. Todays the day where to put all of that aside, Van Orden said. Im here to celebrate and publicly acknowledge a man who is responsible for our freedoms today. Im incredibly thankful to be here.

Van Orden said Korn is one of our nations heroes and part of the Greatest Generation.

Korn was drafted into the U.S. Army at 19 years old and served in World War II as a private first class in the 405th Artillery Battalion. He was deployed in east Africa, England and France.

He served our country honorably, and were forever indebted to him for his service, Van Orden said.

Korn declined to speak during the event but did get teary-eyed a couple of times while he was being honored.

The medals awarded to Korn on Monday include:

 The Good Conduct Medal, awarded to active duty enlisted military members who conducted honorable and faithful service.

 The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, awarded to military service members who performed military duty in the European Theater, with the Army Three Bronze Stars.

 The World War II Victory Medal, awarded to active duty service members who served during the time between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946.

 The Army of Occupation Medal, awarded for 30 consecutive days at a normal post of duty on assignment of the armies of occupation, with the Germany Clasp.

 The Honorable Service Lapel Button, awarded for honorable federal military service between 1925 and 1946.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who is the chairman of the Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, presented Neil Korn the medals, which honor his service in the U.S. Army from January 1943 to December 1944. (Congressman Derrick Van Orden/Facebook)

Lac Courte Oreilles honors Korn

Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal governing board member Gary Clause honored Korn during Mondays ceremony before Gary Quadarer Sr. presented him with an eagle feather.

Clause said that was a high honor for the Ojibwe people.

This eagle feather, as you know, comes from the eagle. He is the one who soars the highest and the closest to the great spirit, Quadarer said. So the eagle is highly revered amongst our Indian people all over Turtle Island, and to us as Indian people, it is the highest honor you can bestow upon another person, is a gifting of an eagle feather.

Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal board member Michelle Beaudin read a proclamation during the awarding of the feather. Korn was then covered with a blanket, another custom of the Ojibwe people, Clause said.

Quadarer offered a prayer for Neil, saying that he was grateful for all the veterans who gathered to honor a great man.

Many thanks for the long life that you have given him to walk amongst us on Mother Earth, Quadarer said. And I pray that you give him many more years to come so that we can enjoy his company. I ask for blessings upon him and for all his relatives here and all veterans.

Beaudin said Korns awards and recognition were a long time coming.

Im glad that he is still here to be able to receive the awards and to see this day. We have all kinds of military service among all Native Americans, Beaudin said. They are our warriors. It is the highest honor we have to be a warrior, to serve our country and serve and protect our people.

Korns family

Cliff Korn, a U.S. Air Force veteran and nephew to Neil, said Neil is the last survivor of his generation. He had eight siblings, most of whom lived into their 90s, Cliff said.

Roger Kubera stood alongside Neil for much of Mondays ceremony.

Neil is the father of my half-brother, who was seven years older than I was. He married my mother when she was 16, Kubera said. On Jan. 6, 1943, he married my mother. On Jan. 8, he was drafted into the Army.

Kubera said that while Neil was serving, his artillery ship got hit and he had to spend 45 days on a beach dealing with the aftermath.

We had to bury the bodies, Neil said.

Kubera said he was proud to stand with Neil.

Ive known Neil my whole life, and he is so deserving of this recognition, Kubera said.

Neil said he thinks the secret to a long life is not drinking, not smoking and exercise. He still works out 20 minutes each day, he said. Neil drove his own car until two months ago when he finally had his keys taken away, Cliff said.

Hes really something, said Cliff.

(c)2024 The Chippewa Herald, Chippewa Falls, Wisc.

Visit www.chippewa.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Stephen Leech (40) also had 50 deals of heroin on his person

A Dublin man who went to collect over 680,000 of cannabis concealed in a consignment of almonds has been jailed for six years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Stephen Leech (40) pleaded guilty to possessing the cannabis for sale or supply at Kincade, Shielmartin Road in Sutton on May 5, 2023.

He also admitted possessing 3,500 in cash as the proceeds of crime on the same occasion.

The court heard that Leech and a co-accused, who is still before the courts, were caught as they attempted to flee the premises following a controlled delivery of the consignment by customs officers and members of the Garda National Organised Crime Bureau.

Gardai also seized over 4,000 worth of heroin along with small quantities of cocaine and 30 Alprazolam tablets, used to treat anxiety disorders.

Passing sentence today Judge Martin Nolan said Leech was the holder, receiver and transporter of the drugs, but that his culpability was low as he had been imposed upon by third parties.

Judge Nolan said those higher up in the chain had insulated themselves as was always the case, and that Leech was part of the insulation.

The judge said that although the value of drugs was high, Leech had substantial mitigation including a very early plea, full cooperation, a long work history, a good family background and impressive references.

The court heard that Leech has now dealt with his own drug addiction and has volunteered for the Simon Community and taken part in soup runs.

Garda Kerry Harmon told Emmet Nolan BL, prosecuting, that customs officers had examined a consignment of pallets of almond nuts that arrived from Bilbao, Spain on May 4 last.

The pallets had been delivered to a premises in Kingswood Business Park in Dublin 22, but were moved to the Customs House where a sniffer dog confirmed the presence of cannabis.

Customs officers and gardai then carried out a controlled delivery of the consignment to Kincade on Shielmartin Road in Sutton, where Leech tried to flee on foot but was apprehended at the rear of the property.

He had 50 deals of heroin on his person, with a street value of 2,142.

The consignment was found to contain over 31kg of cannabis, valued at 682,400.

During a follow-up search of a nearby house, gardai found 18 grammes of heroin valued at 2,520, together with 60 worth of Alprazolam tablets, 141 of cocaine and cannabis worth 60.

The total value of all drugs seized was 687,323, the court heard.

Leech took responsibility for the drugs and for 3,500 in cash that was also seized.

The court heard that Leech has several previous convictions, including two for drugs offences and others for public order and traffic charges, all of which were dealt with at District Court level.

Garda Harmon agreed with Michael Bowman SC, defending, that Leech came from a very decent, hardworking and respectable family, but had started using drugs at the age of 16.

His drug use escalated from cannabis to ecstasy to intravenous use of heroin by the age of 18.

Mr Bowman said Leech and the co-accused man had been in town getting heroin for themselves on the day when they got a call from an associate asking him to drop something quickly.

Leech had built up a drug debt of about 7,000 and was told he would have debt forgiveness of 1,000 if he did the job, while his co-accused would get his debt reduced by 2,000.

Leech told gardai that the 3,500 in cash was his own money which he had put aside to pay off his debt.

A booklet of testimonials was handed in on Leechs behalf, including a letter from his pregnant girlfriend.

Mr Bowman said his client has a history of substance abuse but is now clean of drugs and currently employed.

Hes not without promise, ability and the capacity to turn his life around, said Mr Bowman.

Leech was sentenced to six years in prison.
Her latest offences included drunkenly shouting at the public watching Dublins St Patricks Day parade, smashing hundreds of euros worth of drinks bottles in shops and becoming violent after arrest.

A serial offender with what is believed to be Irelands longest criminal record has now clocked up more than 900 convictions due to her latest litany of charges.

Jennifer Armstrong (49) already had 894 prior convictions when she admitted more than 90 new crimes and was jailed for nine months.

Her latest offences included drunkenly shouting at the public watching Dublins St Patricks Day parade, smashing hundreds of euros worth of drinks bottles in shops and becoming violent after arrest.

Judge Treasa Kelly said Armstrong had a very poor record and she had no option but to imprison her. The petty criminal pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour, public intoxication, violent behaviour in a garda station, obstructing a drug search, theft, criminal damage and possession of a weapon in a series of disturbances in central Dublin between May last year and March this year.

Garda Sergeant Niall Murphy said on St Patricks Day this year, Armstrong was intoxicated and shouting at people watching the parade on OConnell Street.

Jennifer Armstrong

Separately, she entered the Criminal Courts of Justice drunk and threw plastic trays on the ground. She also shoplifted more than 1,000 worth of goods including perfume and alcohol around the city.

Many times, she deliberately smashed wine bottles in stores, and threw crockery and food on the floor of one restaurant.

She tried to spit and strike at gardai after an arrest. She had scissors after being found drunk in the city centre, and on another occasion swallowed suspected drugs.

Armstrong had a terrible problem with drink and substance abuse and a lot of health problems, her solicitor Eoin Lysaght said.

She had been in prison for a long period last year but after release was brought back in again.

Mr Lysaght asked for leniency and the judge imposed a 12-month sentence with three suspended.

Thank you, your honour, Armstrong said.
Ali was found lying on the ground, intoxicated and shouting obscenities.

A drunken father of two arrested following anti-social behaviour in central Dublin was found lying on the ground shouting obscenities.

Mohammed Ali (33) was discovered by gardai after it was reported that men were kicking doors and shouting on a city street.

Judge Monika Leech fined him 250.

Ali, with an address at North Circular Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to public intoxication.

Dublin District Court heard gardai were called following a report that two men were kicking doors, shouting and acting in an anti-social manner at Henry Place in the north city centre.

Ali was found lying on the ground, intoxicated and shouting obscenities.

He was unsteady on his feet, incoherent, severely slurring his words and had a bottle of alcohol. He was deemed to be a danger to himself or others and was arrested.

Ali had previous convictions for public order and other offences.

The accused, from Somalia, had a turbulent upbringing, had been in Ireland since 2015 and had a difficulty with alcohol, his solicitor Brian Doherty said.

He was estranged from his partner and somewhat isolated.

Ali was trying to deal with his alcohol issues, was moving forward in life and had arranged to take a forklift driving course, Mr Doherty said.
Former car salesman Andrew Tinsley was jailed for repeatedly flouting the terms of a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO)

A former Co Down car salesman was today jailed for a year for repeatedly flouting the terms of a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO).

Andrew George Tinsley (48), of Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, pleaded guilty to ten counts of breaching his SOPO by accessing computers in public libraries across Northern Ireland.

He had previously been convicted in June 2021 of possessing voyeurism images and indecent images which had been found on his phone.

Part of the SOPO conditions imposed on him by the court was that he was not to access computers or the internet without the prior approval of his designated risk manager (DRM).

Prosecution counsel David McNeill told Belfast Crown Court that 161 images were found on Tinsleys phone, the vast majority of which were taken by the defendant while out of jurisdiction on holiday in Italy.

He told Judge Philip Gilpin that among the images were 21 movies depicting indecent images of children. The remaining 140 images related to adult males.

The court heard that following his conviction, Tinsley breached his SOPO on four further occasions between April and September 2022 and received suspended sentences.

Mr McNeill said that between November 26, 2022, and February 15, 2023, Tinsley further breached his SOPO by visiting libraries in Armagh, Ballynahinch, Banbridge, Belfast, Lisburn, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown to use their computers.

Tinsley claimed to police he had permission from his DRM to access the library computers. When contacted by police, the DRM adamantly denied this.

This is repeated and deliberate flouting of a court order. He has shown a complete disregard for the terms of that order, said Mr McNeill.

We say culpability is high but harm is low, as no harm was eventuated. However, when somebody repeatedly and deliberately breaches a SOPO which gives rise to a risk, those breaches require a penalty.

Defence counsel Taylor Campbell said the breaches of the SOPO could be described as technical, as the defendant had been accessing online news websites and was not searching for or downloading indecent images.

He said the original court case related to Tinsley taking voyeuristic pictures of adult males and children in toilets either over the top of a toilet cubicle or underneath the cubicle.

It was opportunistic whether they were adults or children and it wasnt really a paedophile case. He had this compulsion to take these pictures of people either showering or going to the toilet. He wasnt remotely behaving like a paedophile.

In relation to accessing the library computers, Mr Campbell contended: What he did was trivial in the extreme. This man went to a public area, he used his library card and he looked at entirely harmless [news] websites.

Judge Gilpin said the custody threshold had been passed in the case.

Imposing a 12-month prison sentence, Judge Gilpin told Tinsley: I am satisfied that your offending was repeated and it was deliberate and it involved a flouting of the court order.

Tinsley will remain the subject of a SOPO until June 2026.
Douglas Ryder had admitted a charge of careless driving causing death following the fatal collision with Michael Fleming (63)

A YOUNG truck driver who killed a cyclist driving while blinded by the sun has been given a suspended prison sentence and banned from the road for four years.

Douglas Ryder had admitted a charge of careless driving causing death following the fatal collision with Michael Fleming (63) on a rural Co Kildare road in August 2022.

At a previous hearing Mr Flemings widow had said in her victim impact statement the family did not want to see the truck driver sent to prison.

Judge Martina Baxter described Ann Flemings statement as deeply compassionate and the dignity the family have shown in court as truly humbling.

The judge remarked that Mr Ryder is continuing a life sentence he acquired as a result of his driving but it was not comparable to the Fleming familys immense loss.

Evidence had previously been heard that since the fatal incident he has suffered mental health issues and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress.

Judge Baxter imposed a 20-month sentence, fully suspended, as well as the road ban and attached certain conditions including that he complete an advanced drivers course.

While there was an element of speed involved, Judge Baxter said she took into account Mr Ryders early plea of guilty which saved the family the trauma of a trial.

She said he has shown genuine insight into the familys suffering and there had been a marked psychological reaction and was genuinely overwhelmed with grief and shame.

It was also taken into account the truck was roadworthy, Mr Ryder stayed at the scene and tried to help and had no intoxicants in his system.

Forensic analysis of his phone showed he was using it only to listen to music at the time of the collision.

Mr Ryder was also ordered to pay 5,000 to go equally to the National Rehabilitation Hospital and to the Irish Cancer Society.

In her victim impact statement last week Ann said her husband had always supported her as she underwent treatment for an incurable blood cancer and through two bone marrow transfers.

Speaking of her adult children she said that now their father wont be for them for when they lose me to this illness.

She also urged people to pay greater attention when driving and that 56 families have received the same news as they did so far this year.

Micks death could have been prevented as could so many others, she said.

Ann also acknowledged the letter of apology from Mr Ryder and they would not condone a custodial sentence

But, she added, addressing Mr Ryder, he had made a series of poor choices and he had to live with that.

The court previously heard earlier that Mr Fleming, had gone for a cycle early that day from his home in Naas and the accident happened 8.14am.

Mr Ryder, from Gilltown, Donadea, was driving a lorry cab and was going in the same direction as Mr Fleming, near Clane.

Detective Garda Christine Brady said an analysis of the lorrys tachograph showed it was travelling at 91kph for at least a minute or a road that had 80kph limit.

It also showed there were breaches of the regulations governing rest periods for drivers.

The impact of the collision had knocked Mr Fleming into a ditch where other drivers tried to assist him.

Mr Ryder asked a woman at the scene to call an ambulance and then did so himself as well, as did his father whom he had also called.

Two gardai who arrived at the scene also began CPR until a paramedic crew arrived before he was declared dead at the scene by a doctor.

A post-mortem report stated that he died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries.

Mr Ryder, a self-employed haulier driving since 2016 was arrested the following month and in interviews told gardai he was blinded by the sun.

Judge Baxter at Naas Circuit Court also offered her condolences to the family.
Banmeet Singh ran a 140 million online empire

A dark web drug trafficker who sent countless shipments of drugs to Ireland has been jailed in the US.

Banmeet Singh, a 40-year-old from India has been sentenced to five years in a US prison for running a dark web drug empire.

He was busted in London in April 2019 and extradited to the US in March 2023.

Singh pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in January.

According to court documents, Singh used dark web marketplaces, such as Silk Road, Alpha Bay, Hansa, and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, ketamine, and tramadol.

Irish customers paid in cryptocurrency for their purchases.

Post Office used by Singh (Fox 28)

In one instance, investigators tracked over 4,200 packages spanning over a year to just one customer.

Singh shipped to over 2,500 addresses both national and international. When agents raided one residence, they recovered 59 kilograms of MDMA, 14 Kilograms of ketamine, and other drugs.

Customers paid with Bitcoin and other assets for drugs ordered from Singh using the vendor sites.

Singh personally shipped or arranged the shipment of the drugs from Europe to Ireland.

He sent large packages also to the United States through US mail or other shipping services.

The investigation revealed that Singh controlled a network of distributors in several US states, including Ohio, Florida and New York.

These distributors received the drugs, repackaged them, and then shipped them to all 50 states, as well as internationally to Ireland, Canada, England, Jamaica, Scotland, and the US. Virgin Islands.

Authorities reported that Singh's operation moved hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs over several years.

This criminal enterprise generated millions of dollars in profits, which were laundered through cryptocurrency accounts.

The final value of these laundered funds was estimated to be around 140 million.

"The Singh drug organisation moved hundreds of kilograms of controlled substances throughout the United States," said the Department of Justice in a press release.

Among the evidence found were communications from at least 19 email addresses tied to dark web transactions controlled by Singh.

"Appropriate to call this guy a kingpin? Absolutely, he's a kingpin. He's shipping kilo level, and who knows how many lives have been shattered by this," Chief Deputy Rick Minerd said.

Singh was indicted in 2018, arrested in London in 2019, and extradited to the United States in 2023.

Prosecutors said he is one of eight defendants who have been convicted as part of the drug trafficking organization.
The Irish pub, The Ceili House, where McNally was working the night she was killed, posted details of the Mass on their social media on Tuesday

Sarah McNally will be remembered at mass this weekend

Friends and colleagues of Sarah McNally are to come together this weekend to remember the Irish woman who was murdered in Queens on March 30.

A month's mind Mass will be held for Sarah, from Longford, at St Adalbert's Roman Catholic Church in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City on Saturday at 5pm.

The Irish pub, The Ceili House, where McNally was working the night she was killed, posted details of the Mass on their social media on Tuesday.

McNally, who had been living and working in the US for a number of years, died on Saturday night, March 30 after being stabbed while working at the bar in Maspeth, Queens.

On Monday, April 1, Marcin Pieciak (36), of 76th Street in Glendale was arrested and charged with murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

Her former boyfriend had cruelly and brazenly taken the life of the much loved bartender by stabbing her up to 19 times before injuring himself, prosecutors alleged.

The accused had formally been indicted by a Grand Jury earlier this month in his absence as a result of self-inflicted stab wounds following the incident.

Sarah McNally will be remembered at mass this weekend

District Attorney Melinda Katz said the violent nature of the incident was one which had still to fully sink in for communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The defendant is accused of cruelly and brazenly taking the life of someone he purported to care for and doing so in front of her colleagues and bar patrons.

We are grateful to the grand jury for returning these serious charges and we will work to seek justice for Sarah McNally.

According to the charges, Pieciak entered the bar where Ms McNally had been working at approximately 6:30pm.

Prosecutors say CCTV footage taken from the scene shows Pieciak walk behind the bar and towards Ms McNally before suddenly stabbing the Longford woman 19 times in the neck, back and chest.

Moments later, Pieciak allegedly can be seen causing himself injury before a customer bravely attempts to detain the accused from fleeing the scene.

The charges go on to allege that when police detectives arrived soon afterwards, they managed to disarm Pieciak just as the accused emerges from behind the bar brandishing two knives.

Both Pieciak and Ms McNally were rushed to the nearby Elmhurst Hospital where the deeply admired Longford native passed away from her injuries.

Pieciaks latest court appearance came just over a week since countless tributes were paid to the car-loving enthusiast at her funeral mass at St Mels Cathedral in Longford town.

She had a heart of gold, said her best friend Aine Wade. She loved everyone and she made a lasting impression on people and one that we will all remember forever.

Her uncle, local publican Eddie Valentine, whom the late Ms McNally fondly referred to as her Uncle Ed insisted the legacy of one of Longfords brightest and most beautiful of daughters would live on.

Sarah, you were a beautiful, unique, very special, kind and very loving girl with the most beautiful smile, he said.

You lit up the room everywhere you went. We all loved you so much and we still will, all of us, and were going to miss you, so, so much.

Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, meanwhile, remanded Pieciak into continuing custody, ordering him to return to court on June 18.
The China-Laos Railway had handled over 8 million tonnes of import and export goods as of Sunday, said Kunming Customs.

On Sunday, durian imports from Thailand were shipped into China via the Lancang-Mekong Express service of the China-Laos Railway. Compared with the same period last year, durian imports via the China-Laos railway so far this year surged by more than 7 times.

The import and export goods transported via the China-Laos Railway include fruits, grains, frozen seafood, electronic and mechanical products, mineral products and new energy vehicles.

As a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the 1,035-km China-Laos Railway connects Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with the Laotian capital Vientiane. It began operations in December 2021.
The fugitive car dealer Peter Dube is facing two murder charges, and two attempted murder charges

An alleged on-the-run killer who had been living in Ireland under an assumed name has been remanded in custody by a court in Zimbabwe.

The fugitive car dealer Peter Dube who is facing two murder charges, and two attempted murder charges appeared before Gweru provincial magistrate court.

Dube followed proceedings from Whawha Prison Complex, where he is currently being held, as according to local news site, The Chronicle, since February this year, those accused of murder are no longer brought to court.

He has been remanded in custody to May 2 but could apply for bail at the High Court, it has been reported.

Dube has denied allegations that he shot dead his wifes suspected lover Shelton Chiduku of Kwekwe and his wifes best friend Gamuchirai Mudungwe.

He is also accused of turning his gun on his wife Nyasha and her sister Nyaradzo, who both survived the shooting.

Prosecutor, Hellen Khoza has alleged that on April 22, 2021, at around 11am, Chiduku, Mudungwe, Nyasha and Nyaradzo allegedly went to Masvingo, a city in Zimbabwe, to collect a passport for Nyaradzo.

Dube who had suspected Nyasha and Chiduku were having an affair, was displeased when he learned that the four had gone to Masvingo without his knowledge, the Chronicle reports.

Khoza said that at around 8pm that day, the accused allegedly armed himself with a Zastara pistol and went to number 11, Bensam Flats, Main Street, Gweru where Nyasha resided.

There was an altercation at the flats after which Dube went downstairs and shot Chiduku, who was in the drivers seat of a Toyota Hiace.

He was hit once on the front left shoulder and died instantly.

It is further alleged that Mudungwe, who was downstairs with Chiduku, tried to run up the stairs, but Dube shot her once on the left cheek, and she died on the spot.

The court heard that after allegedly killing Chiduku and Mudungwe, Dube went upstairs and shot Nyasha once on the right cheek. The bullet protruded to the left side of her neck, removed her right molar tooth and landed on the upper side of her shoulder.

Khoza said that after shooting Nyasha, the accused allegedly turned on Nyaradzo, shooting her once above the left ear, and the bullet protruded through and raptured her right eye.

Nyasha and Nyaradzo both survived the shooting having been taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital where surgeons successfully operated on them.

After the murders, the former car dealer went on the run to South Africa before going to Eswatini where he fraudulently acquired an identity document and passport.

While in Eswatini, Peter Dube changed his identity and assumed the name Xolile Mtsali.

It is alleged that Dube later flew to Ireland and had allegedly been using a fake identity when he was arrested in Dublin.

He was ultimately discovered living under the assumed name, Xolile Mtsali, and had been housed at an asylum centre in West Dublin when arrested by gardai on June 14 last year.

Dube denied all the charges during his first appearance in court earlier this month.

During the brief hearing, Dube was told he was have to apply to the High Court if he was looking for bail .

He was remanded in custody until April 17 for a further court appearance.

His luck ran out while he was in Ireland and he was arrested in June this year for violating that countrys immigration laws, Zimbabwean.com reported last year.

Dube was then deported to Mozambique by Irish officials after he claimed that he was a Mozambican using identity and travel documents with the false name Armando Quenete Muchanga.

However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, together with Interpol, discovered he had faked his identity, and he was later arrested in that country.

Dube was then flown back to Zimbabwe, having been deported from Mozambique for falsifying national identity and passport documents, where he is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and violating immigration laws.

He was immediately arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and placed in handcuffs in what was described as a significant breakthrough in the case, according to local media reports.

Peter Dube has not been extradited but has been deported from Mozambique due to fake identity and travel documents so these are the facts on the ground, Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told local media.
Edin Tito Gacanin is known as the European Escobar

Police in Bosnia and Herzegovina have arrested 22 people, including high-ranking police officers, suspected of being linked to an international drug cartel led by Kinahan ally Edin Tito Gacanin.

Gacanin is the head of a Bosnian-Dutch gang  known as the Tito and Dino cartel and has been dubbed the European Escobar by US officals.

They describe him as one of the top 50 drug dealers in the world.

The US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also determined that the Tito and Dino clan are closely linked to the Kinahan cartel.

The police operation on Monday was conducted in three cities and targeted individuals suspected of involvement in organized crime, the illicit trafficking of substantial drug quantities, money laundering, and related offenses, according prosecutors.

The State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) said that the operation, codenamed Black Tie 2, was conducted alongside the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Europol.

SIPA operation has arrested high profile cops (SIPA)

Among those nicked were Mustafa Selmanovic, head of the Special Police Unit of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Vahidin Munjic, the acting director of the Federations Police Directorate.

Businessmen Gordan Memija from Sarajevo and Haris Behram from Mostar as well as Tarik Zulovic, manager of a hospital in the central Bosnian city of Zenica, were nabbed as suspects, according to the Dnevni avaz daily newspaper.

Several special police officers who allegedly served as bodyguards during Gacanins visit to Sarajevo in 2016 were also nabbed.

The group reportedly recruited individuals from Bosnia and Herzegovina to launder billions of euro across Europe for the cartel.

Tito himself was sentenced in absentia in Holland for smuggling 2,400 kilos of cocaine from South America into Europe.

The kingpin received a seven year prison sentence late last year in the Netherlands, after making a deal with Dutch prosecutors. He was also hit with a 1 million fine.

Gacanin was running the operation from Dubai, where he was arrested in 2022 at the request of the Netherlands.

Dutch cops requested his extradition over two major cocaine shipments and regarding his involvement in procuring substances for the production of crystal meth.

Gacanin was one of the super cartel members at Daniel Kinahans wedding in 2017 at the Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai along with mob-bosses Raffaele Imperiale and Ridouan Taghi.

Imperiale, busted in 2021  is a major figure in the Camorra, one of Italys major mafias.

Imperiale is notorious for the stealing of two Vincent van Gogh paintings from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Rather ominously for gardai; instead of extraditing Tito when asked; Dubai authorities released the European Escobar on bail in January this year.

He has since disappeared off the radar and his whereabouts is unknown.
Its difficult because its not something you really spring on people as a surprise because it just does scare people away generally

A British man who claims he has the biggest penis in the UK has opened up about the difficulties his foot-long appendage causes.

Matt Barr (40) revealed how he had even been asked to leave a yoga class, as it was suspected he had become aroused.

He is also reluctant to share details of his manhood on first dates as he fears scaring people away.

In a bid to dispel some of the myths about having a 12-inch trouser snake, Matt has recently written his autobiography entitled A Long Story: Life With One Of The Worlds Largest Penises which he discussed on This Morning.

Im trying to dispel some of the stigmas, he insisted.

People have learned a lot of myths from pornography. They dont realise the implications that it would have when youre actually living with a situation on a day-to-day basis.

While discussing his dates reactions, he said: They love the idea more than the practicality.

Matt on This Morning

Its difficult because its not something you really spring on people as a surprise because it just does scare people away generally.

Obviously [you dont want to be] creepy and bring it up too early.

He also explained how in porn, theres lots of filters being used, its very small bodies, lots of camera angles and stuff, so when people encounter someone whos actually that size, its not what they want.

Host Ben Shepard suggested that the majority of people watching, will be going what an absolute gift to be able to stand there and have more than enough".

But Matt said: There are people who like it for a bragging point of view, revealing how a woman who tried to get him to appear on her OnlyFans page under the guise of a normal date.

It turned out he'd been asked out by the woman as she wanted to use him to make money.

Barr said he first realised his penis, which 12 inches long when erect - more than twice the global average of 5.1 inches  was unusual when, as a shy youngster, he wanted to be normal like his peers.

He described how he was accused of getting titillated during a yoga class when, despite the fact he was wearing a very baggy shirt and shorts because of the positions, people just got the wrong idea.

Despite the difficulties, Barr doesnt intend to take action to reduce his manhood as its very expensive surgery.

It costs about 15,000, he revealed.

Its only done, normally, in the cases of tumours and things like that. In the case of normal function, its not common.

Barr said that ultimately he hopes to dispel the stigma surrounding his phallus, explaining, I dont see why theres any difference talking about this and talking about your breasts or any other bodily part  its not sexualised. Its just a fact of life.
Iconic charity educating future Tidy Kiwis launches urgent appeal to sustain environmental programmes.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful, a charity empowering young minds with invaluable environmental education, says they will be forced to shelve their free school programmes beyond Term 2, 2024 unless they urgently secure the required funds to sustain them.

The not-for-profit, which has been around since 1967, is one of New Zealands leading and longest standing environmental charities.

With over 50 years of service to the community, their iconic campaigns Be a Tidy Kiwi and Do the Right Thing have become an intrinsic part of New Zealands identity.

The charity, which began as a government-led litter reduction agency, now provides Aotearoas largest environmental education framework to students and the community, with the objective of combatting climate change through interactive programmes that are focused on creating the next generation of Tidy Kiwis.

Unfortunately, the future delivery of these free climate literacy programmes is under threat.

Mandated yet not funded

Keep New Zealand Beautiful is named in the Litter Act 1979 as the body primarily responsible for the promotion of litter control in New Zealand.

However, unlike other charitable organisations mandated by legislation, they receive no guaranteed funding from central government.

In 2021, Keep New Zealand Beautiful tendered for and secured a two-year grant of $1.3 million from the Waste Minimisation Fund, including $220,000 allocated annually to environmental education.

This funding stream has now come to an end, and with no assurance of future funding under the new government coalition, the charity is proactively exploring alternative fundraising avenues, including running a crowdfunding appeal to sustain their successful education programmes.

APPEAL: Help Keep New Zealand Beautiful to raise over $150,000 to safeguard their free environmental education programmes for Kiwi kids, beyond Term 2, 2024.

Donate here: https://keep-new-zealand-beautiful.raiselysite.com/

In contrast to most environmental education service providers, Keep New Zealand Beautiful offers all of its lesson plans, teaching materials, facilitated classroom sessions, field trips, mentoring, and professional development to teachers and students for free.

We strongly believe that litter control and climate literacy can be proactively addressed through environmental education, and that every young person has not just the need, but a right to access this education regardless of any historical, sociocultural, geographical, or economic barriers they may encounter.

One of our organisations core values is inclusivity, which is why we dont charge for schools to participate in our education programmes and why we have a special emphasis on reaching out to Aotearoas most isolated, vulnerable, and marginalised communities, says Keep New Zealand Beautiful CEO Heather Saunderson.

We refuse to compromise our values by imposing costs on schools, as this would limit access to environmental education to only a privileged few and simply duplicate resourcing for children who are already being reached by other user pay providers.

Alternatively, pausing these programmes would hinder the progress we've made to date in fostering environmental awareness and action amongst our marginalised tamariki and rangatahi.



Achieving the unachievable

The Waste Minimisation Fund project that Keep New Zealand Beautiful tendered for back in 2021 encompassed just three project workstreams.

However, at the Ministry for the Environments discretion, the resulting Deed of Funding required that the charity complete an additional eight workstreams and contribute 26 per cent ($338,000) towards the cost of the project in its entirety.

This, Heather says, has placed significant financial pressure on the organisation, which in turn has impacted the charitys ability to continue to provide their environmental education programmes for free.

Despite these challenges, the not-for-profit has successfully expanded their education framework and delivered environmental programming to nearly 1,000 schools over two years, far surpassing their previous educational KPIs and the target set by the Ministry of 836 schools (over a third of all schools in New Zealand).

Andrew Corney, former Head of Faculty (Inquiry Learning) at Tauranga Boys College is just one of the teachers who has benefited from the charitys education programmes.

When I came across Keep New Zealand Beautiful's Eco-Schools programme, I thought  man, I wish Id found this four years ago!

It's a really great resource, Im sure there are other teachers and schools who, once they know about it, will have a similar reaction to what Ive had.

Curating Aotearoas most comprehensive framework of environmental education programmes and reaching over 144,000 students in nearly 1,000 schools over two years, with an annual budget of just $220,000 is something were incredibly proud of, says Heather .

In contrast, New Zealand's primary environmental education service provider receives $1.9 million of funding from central government annually, and also charges schools a fee to participate in their programmes.

After 23 years they have a network of 1,500 schools  so its not too difficult to see the cost savings and the return on investment that Keep New Zealand Beautiful can offer.

Appealing for help

Were as passionate about providing environmental education and minimising the waste of resources and funding, as we are about tackling litter and climate change, says Heather.

At a time when public spending is under scrutiny, wed hate to see New Zealanders investment in creating these programmes go to waste.

Wed also hate to see marginalised youth missing out on invaluable environmental education, which is why were asking Kiwis to help us raise $150,000 to sustain our school programmes and to ensure that we can continue to provide them for free until were able to secure additional funding from alternative avenues.

Help to educate the next generation of sustainable and climate literate Tidy Kiwis this Earth Day by donating to Keep New Zealand Beautifuls Safeguard Free Environmental Education appeal here: https://keep-new-zealand-beautiful.raiselysite.com/
Tool thefts continue to be a growing problem across the region, according to police and Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support.

Building and construction sites and along with work vehicles - sometimes parked at home - are being targeted.

Tauranga Police Inspector Zane Smith says the thefts create frustration, unnecessary down time, and lead to tradies having to buy new tools or pay insurance excess to replace their tools.

Police encourage you to mark your tools for identification, says Zane.

While some people mark tools to identify your tools on a site when multiple people use the same type of tools, this is often not enough for us to reunite your tools with their rightful owner.

We ask you to consider marking them with your driver licence number, or construction companies can engrave company names and phone numbers.

He says a driver licence is unique, routinely carried with you, and can help police identify you as the owner of tools police find.

Tools are often targeted to be sold on or traded at low prices, and its often harder for them to be on-sold or traded when its clear the seller is not the owner.

A person who buys property knowing that its probably stolen can be arrested for receiving stolen property. Most thieves won't take something that they cant on-sell or trade. By taking tools that are marked with a unique identifier the thief risks getting caught with the stolen item or no one wanting it," says Zane.

In my time working in Police there have been many occasions where we have come across property which is clearly stolen but cannot find the rightful owner. It is a frustrating process to go through potentially having to return stolen property to the thief or receiver because we cant find the rightful owner.

Tools marked with paint or initials dont give Police sufficient details to enable us to find the owner.

He says handy tips and tricks are available online about how to mark tools, including printing a sticker with the details and then tracking over the detail with an engraving tool.

Securing your tools and engraving them with your driver licence number reduces the chance of them being targeted and dramatically increases the chance of them being recovered and the thief being held accountable.

Police say construction sites are a popular target at the moment.

Neighbourhood Support Chair Kathy Webb says the group works closely with police in preventing crime, and urges tradies, builders and home tool users to follow Police advice.

April is Prevention Month for Neighbourhood Support New Zealand.

We know how frustrating it can be to have to replace expensive tools, and to hear that vehicles are being targeted at home is especially worrying. If youre not already part of Neighbourhood Support, join us at https://www.wbopns.org.nz/joinus," says Kathy.

Its free and means youll have your neighbours also keeping an eye on whats going on in your street. We know that theres less crime in streets where Neighbourhood Support street signs are up and members actively know their neighbours.
Medical items, including an AED defibrillator, have been taken from a dental trailer and police are appealing for information about the burglary.

The burglary is believed to have occurred between Monday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 10, when the trailer was parked on the ground of a Bankwood Road school in Hamilton.

A large quantity of items have been stolen, including laptops, x-ray devices, an AED7000 defibrillator, medication, dental drills, laptops and other medical equipment," says Waikato Tactical Crime Unit Detective Sergeant Matthew Lee.

Police are conducting enquiries including reviewing CCTV footage, conducting a scene examination, and speaking with victims."

The trailer targeted belonged to a charitable dental clinic which has been operating in the community for many years and provides free care to homeless and low income adults.

The victim is distraught and desperately wants these items returned so they can continue to serve the community.

Stealing these items not only targets the charity, but those the charity works to serve within the community," says Detective Sergeant Lee.

Police are working hard to identify those responsible and return as many items stolen as possible.

Police are asking anyone who saw suspicious activity on or near the Bankwood Road, Chartwell school between Monday, April 8, and Wednesday, April 10, or has any information that may assist in our investigation to contact Police.

"You can contact Police by calling 105 or going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using Update report and referencing file number: 240422/2595.

"Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
A fish dealer who failed to provide accurate sales records for the paua he was purchasing has been fined $2000 and ordered to do 40 hours community work.

The 67-year-old was sentenced in the Manukau District Council on one charge he pleaded guilty to under the Fisheries Act (Recordkeeping Regulations 1990), following a successful prosecution by Fisheries New Zealand.

Cheuk Kin Chung is a fish dealer and the sole director of New Silver Bell 2008 & 2013 Ltd which receives fish for the purpose of sale, says the Ministry of Primary Industries.

During an inspection of his records by Fisheries New Zealand fishery officers in October 2022, they found 51 invoices that did not comply with the regulations.

"Most seafood dealers take their record keeping seriously because they know that not having correct invoices undermines the traceability of the fish and casts suspicion as to whether it was legally caught," says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager, fisheries compliance, Andre Espinoza.

Andre says Chung told fishery officers he had been selling fish for more than 30-years, yet despite being educated and warned in the past by Fisheries New Zealand, he wasnt following his legal obligations which include evidence of the date of a transaction, the contact details of the person supplying the fish, along with the species, species state, weight, and price.

"The message to all fish dealers is simple  ensure your record keeping is accurate, because there are consequences. Traceability assures the buyer, theyve purchased seafood from a legitimate dealer and Mr Chung compromised his reputation by failing to live up to these important checks and balances," says Andre Espinoza.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry's 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
A rest home and some of its staff have been asked to provide written apologies to the whanau of a man who died two weeks after being in their care.

Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper found Oceania Care Company Limited, which owns Victoria Place Rest Home in Tokoroa, breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights for respite care provided to a resident in 2019.

In Coopers report she said the resident, a man in his 80s, lived at home with his wife and had Parkinsons disease, heart failure, poor hearing, blindness in one eye and recurring mini-strokes.

He and his wife, named Mr and Mrs B in the report, were both hearing-impaired and suffered from severely diminished vision.

Mr B needed assistance with mobilising, showering, toileting and dressing, and he used a walking aid.

Despite his health needs, Mr B was described by his daughter (named Mrs A in the report) as still very with it, intelligent, stoic and gentle.

Day One

Mr B was admitted to Victoria Place for a five-day stay as his wife needed respite care. He went to bed about 6pm.

Day Two

In the report, Mrs B said she visited her husband on the second day, and he told her he had the most terrible night of my life.

He had needed to use the bathroom during the night but could not see in the dark and could not find the call bell. He groped around in the dark and fell, lying on the floor for an indeterminate amount of time before pulling himselfon to the bed.

Mrs B found bruising on his head and elbows, and carpet grazes on his feet.

She said she told a nurse (RN D in the report) her husband had fallen during the night, and the nurse responded that it was unwitnessed.

When informed of the injuries, she said RN D replied We dont know that he has fallen. He could have just bumped into a doorway.

RN D said she did not recall any conversation to this effect and would not have spoken to the wife like that, but she apologised if she had spoken that way.

The nurse assessed the man and found a lowered oxygen level, but observed he was walking well with his walking frame.

Another nurse (RN E) asked the man about headaches, blurred vision, other pain, or distress, and recorded that the man had denied all of these.

No incident or accident report form was completed, the mans GP was not advised, a post-falls assessment was not conducted, nor was 24 hours of post-fall neurological observations as required by policy.

Mrs B said when her husband lay on the bed, he informed her that his back was sore. She said she asked for him to be transferred to hospital but RN E felt it was not necessary.

Another set of observations was taken at 4pm by RN C, who found further reduced oxygen saturation and that Mr B was short of breath . She advised him to rest with his head elevated and his breathing improved.

Day Three

Mrs B visited and said she found her husband curled in the fetal position on his bed. He was slurring slightly, she said, which usually meant he had suffered a mini-stroke, and had terrible pain in his lower back as if some vital organ had been injured.

After a difficult bathroom experience that left Mr B in a lot of pain, Mrs B said she told staff her husband needed help.

She said RN C replied she would give him an anti-depressant to calm him down. RN C denied saying this and RN E, also present, said she did not recall RN C making that statement. Mrs B said she asked for a doctor to visit but was rebuffed.

Mrs B called her daughter-in-law Mrs A, who drove to Victoria Place. When Mrs A asked for an ambulance to be called, Mrs B said there was discussion among staff about whether it was necessary.

Mrs A said if no ambulance was called she would take Mr B to the hospital herself. An ambulance was called.

Mrs B stated, I consider that the RN and other staff member. . . acted in a callous manner in dealing with [Mr B], myself and my daughter-in-law. Their attitude was aggressive, defensive, and abusive. As we were leaving [Victoria Place], the RN said See, you were right after all. Small comfort.

When the ambulance arrived, the crew administered oxygen to Mr B. Ambulance records state Mr B was alertalthough working quite hard to breathe. He was sweaty, pale and hypertensive, with an irregular pulse.

The pain in his back from the fall was a 9/10 on the pain scale when he moved, and the records noted bruising on his arms, legs and head.

He was admitted to hospital where his condition continued to decline. He died two weeks later, and Mrs A said most of the family did not get a chance to say goodbye to him in person.

Mrs A said the family cannot know how things would have gone if Mr B had been kept safe by the staff at [Victoria Place] and consider that the staff involved will never appreciate the guilt the family now feel for leaving Mr B at [Victoria Place].

Mr B never asked for much for himself, and his only wish was to be able to die at home, the report said.

The company and staff respond

Oceania told the commission there was a lack of information in Mr Bs records which did not meet its standards. An incident report should have been completed after Mr Bs fall.

The report said Oceania had stated it deeply regrets the events , acknowledged the impact Mr Bs death had on his family, and apologised that he did not receive the expected standard of care.

The company accepted there were deficiencies in the care provided, in the reporting and documentation of the clinical file, and that the initial falls assessment on admission was inadequate.

Oceania accepted staff did not show respect towards Mr and Mrs B.

Victoria Place has since had changes to its management and the region is now overseen clinically by a registered nurse with previous management experience.

The nurses involved in Mr Bs care were also provided an opportunity to comment on the report.

RN E said neither Oceanias nor the district health boards investigations found she held any responsibility.

She worked for Oceania for a year after the incident and management never questioned her nursing competence. She said her role was to offer clinical support to staff rather than supervise the care they delivered.

RN D said she was sorry for what happened and expressed her condolences to Mr Bs family. She said she intended to improve her communication skills in the workplace and be more sensitive to the needs of her residents.

RN C did not provide a response.

The commissioners opinion

The commissioner, Carolyn Cooper, said there were deficiencies in the care several staff members provided to Mr B and while she was critical of those individuals, there were broader system issues at Victoria Place.

In my view, this was poor care. Mrs B had made her concerns clear . . . and it was only after Mrs Bs daughter-in-law said that she would take Mr B to hospital herself that RN E called the ambulance service.

In my view, the attitude of [Victoria Place] staff added unacceptably to Mr and Mrs Bs anxiety and distress. Following Mr Bs fall, and in response to his breathlessness, Oceania failed to provide services to Mr B with reasonable care and skill...

Cooper said Victoria Place staff failed to treat Mr B with respect on several occasions. When Mrs B reported her husbands fall to RN D, Cooper said the nurses response was dismissive and disrespectful.

Although some of these incidents are disputed and, if they occurred, could be seen to be the actions of individual staff, my view is that management should set a positive culture with residents wellbeing at the centre and Oceania failed to do so. As stated by Mrs B, the attitude of staff was aggressive, defensive and abusive.

Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper.

Cooper said the ultimate responsibility lay with RN E as her role required she ensure Victoria Places clinical and care staff complied with processes, policies and procedures.

In my view, she must take responsibility for her failures and the failures of several of her staff to provide appropriate care to Mr B.

Cooper said RN C failed to follow up on concerns and treated Mr B in a dismissive manner. She expressed concern about RN Cs actions.

RN D failed to adequately respond to Mr Bs fall, Cooper said, but as RN E was involved, she was ultimately responsible.

Cooper recommended that Oceania, RN E and RN C each separately provide a formal apology to Mr Bs family. RN D had already apologised in writing.

The nurses should each undertake training on falls management, communication with consumers, and record-keeping.

Oceania should provide training about documentation policies to staff; arrange an independent audit of patient records; provide training on the breaches of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights; and ensure it has clear guidance on residents being admitted for respite care.

Changes made

The following changes have been made at Victoria Place since the complaint about Mr Bs care:

 A nurse practitioner has been employed to support the registered nurses and healthcare assistants.

 A new client management system has been implemented and training for nurses has begun.

 Oceanias falls management policy has been reviewed and updated.

 There has been a review of neurological observations charting and some more guidance in relation to neurological observations.

 Oceania has implemented a tool to assist staff identify any changes in care requirements.

 Oceania has reviewed the Oxygen Therapy Policy and has conducted training with staff.

 Oceania has conducted professional development days including for management of deteriorating residents and clinical documentation.

 A clinical governance review was undertaken by an independent review team.

 Oceanias internal auditing process now includes a whole clinical facility check and rates the facility on a risk level based on the robustness of its clinical systems and processes.

-Rotorua Daily Post.
A University of Canterbury animal behaviour expert is part of a global team launching pioneering research into the predatory behaviour of jumping spiders.

Professor Ximena Nelson, Associate Head of the School of Biological Sciences at Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, has become one of just a handful of New Zealand researchers to be awarded funding from the international Human Frontier Science Program.

Professor Nelson says the new study, which has received $1.35 million over three years from the HFSP, will explore the predatory cat-like behaviour of Portia jumping spiders, which live in tropical forests and feed on other spiders.

She says Portia spiders often take long detours in order to stalk other spiders unseen rather than confronting their prey head-on, which makes them similar to large predators.

Portia spiders spend long periods observing their prey and scanning the environment, reminiscent of lions on the African savanna peeking over tall grass while slowly approaching an antelope for a surprise attack.

This behaviour suggests the spiders are assessing, comparing the rewards and risks of various options, and forming a plan before taking action.

Professor Nelson says the new research is the first investigation of what factors determine this planning behaviour; whether it is good vision or the type of habitat  open and desert-like or densely complex as in a rainforest  the spiders are in.

Notably, Portias vision is exceptionally good among invertebrates, with visual acuity higher than a cheetah, despite being more than 100 times smaller.

The new research will test whether planning is possible, not only in mammals and birds with large brains, but also in small animals with tiny brains such as Portia, which has a brain with less than 1 million times fewer neurons than a human brain.

Our findings will be significant because they could lead to the development of algorithms that enable the creation of artificial planning systems in machines with severe power constraints, such as those used on space missions. This may have implications for artificial intelligence.

She is collaborating with researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Northwestern University in the United States, and Hubei University in China, on the project which will integrate field, lab, robotics-development, and computer-simulation work.
Carmel Country Estate Village is honouring fallen and veteran ANZACs in their own special way this year.

Resident Barbara Dunn decided to pool together her own sentimental ANZAC-related items, along with items contributed from other residents, to create a touching display.

She says ANZAC Day has a special place in her heart, with strong connections to her family.

Both of my parents served in WW2. My father in the 5th Field Ambulance, 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force. He was taken as a POW at Tobruk in 1941 and shipped to Italy.

My mother was an Army Nurse (WAAC) in the 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force and was stationed at Helwan Army Hospital, near Cairo.

My uncle was also killed in Egypt during WW2.

Barbara is used to setting up an annual ANZAC display, saying it was a tradition in her home.

I had always done a small display of photographs and medals in my own home, to honour my parents and to teach my own children the history. Then during lockdown in 2020, I did a display in my garage so that passers-by could see it.

As a result of this, I was asked last year to do a display in the Carmel Country Estate Village Centre, and then I was asked to do it again this year.

The display has fostered a number of conversations amongst residents, recalling their own relatives experiences.
The Hainan Provincial Tax Service set up a service center in the lobby of the main venue at the fourth China International Consumer Products Expo to provide international tax and fee guidance for exhibitors and visitors from 71 countries and regions. Assisting with cross-border commerce, the newly formed Tax Express Hainan Serve cross-border team  consisting of three foreign language specialists and two international tax experts  was on hand throughout the event to provide tax and fee guidance in both Chinese and English. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, the State Taxation Administration established a cross-border service brand in October. The Hainan Provincial Tax Service introduced its own sub-brand a month later. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to providing customized tax services for international taxpayers, both inbound and outbound. Throughout the expo, the Tax Express Hainan Serve service team distributed tax policy information related to Hainan Free Trade Port to exhibitors in need. The Plant-It Food Co of Ireland made its debut as an exhibitor at the expo. Ireland was honored as the guest of honor. Brian McKiernan, the sales and marketing manager, seized the opportunity to engage with the cross-border tax service team in the lobby. He lauded the team members' excellent English and the valuable insights gained during the consultation. "This is a great opportunity to learn about China's tax policies and the preferential tax policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port," he said. Upon learning of the Hainan Provincial Tax Service's initiative to create a WeChat group dedicated to addressing policy queries of foreign exhibitors at the expo, McKiernan immediately took out his mobile phone, scanned the QR code and joined the group. He said he would use the group to submit policy-related inquiries and seek detailed responses from the knowledgeable professionals. Huang Shichang, director of the international tax division of Hainan Provincial Tax Service, underscored the progress achieved since the introduction of the sub-brand Tax Express Hainan Serve. He said the provincial service has implemented an array of practical measures aimed at enhancing support for those needing to pay cross-border taxes and fees. The initiatives include specialized educational sessions, online access to bilingual tax records and statements for non-resident individuals, establishment of Chinese-English bilingual tax service windows in the tax halls of four prefecture-level cities and the creation of a dedicated Tax Express Hainan Serve channel on the official WeChat account of the Hainan Tax Service. By offering guidance on tax policies pertinent to the free trade port and cross-border investment during the expo, the tax service aims to promote the concept of enterprises venturing overseas and contributing to the province's high-quality inbound and outbound initiatives, the provincial tax service said. This approach is expected to align with the overarching goal of propelling Hainan Free Trade Port to the cutting edge of China's high-level opening-up.
VUFO President Phan Anh Son presents the insignia "For Peace and Friendship among Nations" to Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Abdelhamid Boubazine. (Photo: PANO)

Speaking at the ceremony, VUFO President Phan Anh Son confirmed that during his term, Ambassador Abdelhamid Boubazine had made many contributions to promoting cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Abdelhamid Boubazine has actively coordinated closely with the VUFO and the Vietnam-Algeria Friendship Association to organize the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Algeria (October 28), and the organization of a photo exhibition about relations between the two countries.

According to Mr. Son, Ambassador Abdelhamid Boubazine has promoted and supported the Vietnam National Drama Theatre to produce the play Nguoi i dep cao su (The Man in the Rubber Sandals), a famous work on Uncle Ho by Algerian playwright Kateb Yacine. The Ambassador also actively supported the film crew of the Military Radio and Television Center to go to Algeria to carry out a project to produce the documentary film "Dien Bien Phu seen from Africa" to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7)

In education, the Ambassador has made efforts to promote the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Diplomatic Academy and the Algerian Academy of Diplomacy and International Relations. Regarding cooperation between localities, Mr. Son highlighted the ambassador's role in the establishment of the twinning relationship between Vietnam's Dien Bien province and Algeria's Batna province, marking a new development in the people-to-people diplomacy between the provinces in particular, and the connection between the two countries in general.

Expressing his honor to receive the insignia, Ambassador Abdelhamid Boubazine shared his close feelings and good memories during more than 2 years of working in Vietnam, affirming that he will strive to further promote the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria regardless of his position./.
The spirit of remembrance will be stirring at the heart of Mount Maunganuis Arvida Ocean Shores Village on ANZAC Day, as 99-year-old World War 2 veteran Betty Percy leads a column of fellow residents into an 11am service at the village.

With her New Zealand flag fluttering proudly aloft, and wearing her army uniform and medals, Betty will lead an Anzac Day procession unlike most others, not on foot, but on her trusty scooter.

Her daughter Jennifer Goldsack, who lives in Auckland, says Betty is the only person living at the village who served in the Second World War, working in the NZ home guard as a truck driver.

Apparently I am the oldest one left, says Betty. And the only one left. The others all died during the year and they left me with the flag.

She hasnt had the honour of carrying it before, and only became aware of her special role one day earlier.

Betty Percy. Photo: Supplied.

Arvida Ocean Shores Village Manager Clare Eccles says Betty is one of 18 returned service people in the Mount Maunganui Living Well Community and shes the only one who served in WW2.

Betty plans to wear her army uniform for the service, although when donning it for a photograph with SunLives photographer Bob Tulloch on Wednesday, commented that shes too small for it now.

I didnt know Id lost weight until I put this on. It hangs around me, it used to fit nicely.

Pinned to her uniform are two medals from World War 2, inscribed on the back with For Service to New Zealand 1939  1945.

Betty Percy's marching team. Photo: Supplied.

Betty started working for the NZ Army when she was 17, but had to wait until she was 18 before she could officially join up. Prior to that she had been doing herd testing on many farms in the South Island.

I wasnt old enough to join the army, but I was old enough to do herd testing. As I was too young to join, they gave me six weeks in the office. When I got to the right age, as soon as I was able to, I joined.

The 18-year-old went straight to Napier where she got her uniforms.

I worked in the Napier army office and also doing truck driving.

She says when she drove the army trucks she had to sit on two cushions to be able to see out over the steering wheel.

I was supposed to be in the marching, but I was the only girl there, they were all men. So they decided to just use me occasionally and the rest of the time I was keeping the records of where they were going.

I would go and march and in between times would keep the records. I didnt do any of the hard work.

Betty Percy and her husband. Photo: Supplied.

She says after getting married to her husband Blake Cranston, they went to Auckland.

I was supposed to stay in the office but they got me a special discharge as I was pregnant, says Betty.

Her daughter Jennifer says older brother Gary was on the way.

Mum was released from the army and instead of Dad going overseas he opted for 'shore service', and chose lighthouse keeping, says Jennifer.

Their first post was to Centre Island in the Foveaux Strait, then to Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf, then Pungarehu in Taranaki.

Betty Percy and her husband. Photo: Supplied.

This year she turns 100 on September 6, having been born on that day in 1924. She says the secret of getting to 100 is just living here.

She is meaning, of course, at Arvida Ocean Shores, where she has lived for 11 years since 2012.

I like being here, because I was allowed to have my car and would go out every day, rain or shine. I used to take my car and Id drive it all around the North Island, and go around the South Island.

She says she continued on driving around NZ through her 90s, up until about two years ago.

I dont drive the car anymore. I actually can. My doctor said I could, but he thought its probably not very wise because of all the extra traffic you have these days. He said it would be very difficult with all the stopping and starting all the time. So he said to me I could go, but I wouldnt enjoy it. So I thought oh well.

She laughs at the thought.

Betty is well known amongst staff at the Arvida Ocean Shores Village for her flawless grooming and fashion sense, as also seen evident here in her early years. Photo: Supplied.

She says living in lighthouses meant she couldnt always attend ANZAC Day commemorations, due to the travel distance to the closest service.

They were too far away for me.

When asked what she thinks people would like to know about her and her years during the war, Betty says I dont really think people want to know anything about me at all.

Others would disagree, as it turns out Betty is one of the live wires of the village, enjoying life to the full.

Betty is known to zip around on her scooter and always looks so stylish. She is such a lovely person in our community and its hard to believe shes 99 years old, says Clare.

The engraving on the back of one of Betty Percy's two WW2 medals. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Asked what her goal in life is, Betty smiles and says just to keep on going.

Her keeping on going includes hair being perfectly coiffed thanks to the village salon, and shes well known amongst staff for her flawless grooming and fashion sense.

She likes to visit local fashion stores and get her nails done too, says Clare.

Shes always immaculately dressed, always has coordinated clothing with matching accessories, her nails are always done, shes really stylish.

Betty is expecting one of her children to visit on ANZAC Day.

The rest are all in different places. My daughter would love to come, she lives so far north. It takes her nearly a day to get here to see me.

Betty has been married twice, with six children from the first marriage and one from the second, and sadly, three of her children have passed away.

I really didnt want another man after that, says Betty.

But I had other offers.

She turned those marriage proposals down flat.

Two men was enough.

One arrived at the beginning and was waiting his turn for me to be his wife, but I wouldnt have any of it. He moved to Australia, and when the last one died, he came back straight away, but it was a waste of time.

Betty Percy dressed in her army uniform, taking the lift on her scooter. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

There are 36 Arvida Living Well Communities across New Zealand.

All communities will be holding services and many have already been commemorating ANZAC Day, from a unique and local twist on an ANZAC biscuit recipe in Kerikeri to pottery poppies at a community in Bethlehem, and knitted poppies as a fundraiser for the RSA in a community in Christchurch, says Clare.

Clare says there are 260 people living in their Arvida Ocean Shores independent living village, and every year the residents organise their own ANZAC Day service.

One of the most important days in our communitys social calendar is when many join together to honour our return service men and women and remember all that have served, says Clare.

ANZAC day starts with a parade of our return service men and women, followed by a service and an opportunity to share stories and experiences.

Following that the village kitchen will put on bangers and mash, says a staff member.

Thursdays commemoration will hold a special significance for Betty, a poignant reminder of steadfast dedication to honour the sacrifices of her comrades and preserve the memories of the fallen.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning - we will remember them.

Today, across the motu, people assemble at dawn to remember the Kiwi soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in the First World War.

It was a chilly start to the day with single digits heading to a high of 17C by 2 pm.

ANZAC  Australia New Zealand Army Corps  Day commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died during the war.

Mount Maunganui Dawn Service

The Mount Maunganui Dawn Service began at 5.45 am at Mount Maunganui Cenotaph, Marine Parade, opposite Mount Drury Reserve.

The march-off began at 5.55 am before the beginning of the service at 6 am.

Papamoa

The Papamoa Memorial Dawn Service has been held from 5.30am at the Papamoa Memorial at the Stella Place beach carpark on Papamoa Beach Road.

"It was wonderful we had about 2000 there and I'd say at least half of them were young people so it's really encouraging," Buddy Mikaere tells SunLive.

One plane flew above the Papamoa dawn service, "Classic Flyers came across dead on time.

"We had a representative from the British Embassy, an ex army guy Andrew Bryan, and we had an Australian representative Andrew Twaddle, he's from the navy.

"We had students from Papamoa College who read the ode from Flanders field, and then we had members of the scouts doing the flags at half mast.

"Then we had breakfast at the Papamoa fire station," says Buddy.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon.

Tauranga City Dawn Service

People assembled for the Tauranga City Dawn Service at the Tauranga Cenotaph at 5:55 am for a march off and service at 6 am.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

Western BOP Dawn Services

At 5:45 am, the ANZAC Day Service assembly met in the Katikati Library Carpark and marched to Katikati War Memorial Hall for Katikatis dawn service, which began at 6 am.

In Omokoroa at Remembrance Cairn, Gerald Crapp Reserve, Omokoroa Point, a dawn service was held from 6 am.

Maketus dawn service began at 6 am with a march to Remembrance Rock, followed by a march to Remembrance Rock, Park Road Reserve.

ANZAC Day is being marked around the world by New Zealand Defence Force personnel

From dawn services across New Zealand to ANZAC biscuits in South Sudan, serving New Zealand Defence Force personnel will commemorate ANZAC Day in various ways 109 years after the Gallipoli landings.

Although ANZAC Day originated at Turkiyes Gallipoli Peninsula, today, this occasion provides an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all personnel who have served New Zealands interests over the years.

More than 30,000 New Zealand military personnel have been killed in wars and conflicts since 1915.

Across major cities and rural communities from Northland to the deep south, New Zealanders will soon be gathering for dawn services this morning to spark a day of national collective remembrance.

On his final ANZAC Day as Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short will attend the Dawn Service and National Commemoration Service at Wellingtons Pukeahu National War Memorial.

It fills me with pride when I think of all the service and sacrifice our personnel, and importantly their whanau, have contributed to the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand in general, Air Marshal Short says.

From those who landed on the shores of Gallipoli to our servicemen and servicewomen posted abroad today protecting and upholding the international rules-based order and values intrinsically important to Kiwis - we remember and acknowledge them all.

On a personal note, representing the Defence Force at this commemoration has been incredibly moving and something I will forever feel privileged to have experienced. And marking my final ANZAC Day in uniform alongside our friends and colleagues from across the Tasman is truly significant for me.

Air Marshal Short will be joined at Pukeahu by his Australian Defence Force counterpart, General Angus Campbell, who is marking the occasion in Wellington.

It is an honour to spend ANZAC Day in New Zealand. The Australian Defence Force is proud to continue our long and deep service history alongside our close neighbour and ally, New Zealand, to support a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, General Campbell says.

ANZAC Day holds a very special place in the bond between Australia and New Zealand; it symbolises the enduring importance of our shared military history and commemorates the courage and sacrifice of those who have contributed to the freedom of our nations.

NZDF personnel also provide ceremonial support around the country today.

All three armed servicesNavy, Army, and Air Forceas well as personnel from the ADF will be represented at Go Media Stadium.

More than 150 uniformed servicemen and servicewomen will perform ceremonial duties and represent the Defence Force at the One New Zealand Warriors NRL fixture against the Gold Coast Titans.

In Australia, the NZDF will have been represented in services across every state and territory up to and on ANZAC Day.

Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Mutu, a military advisor to the New Zealand High Commission in Canberra, says the importance of the ADF and NZDF relationship cannot be underestimated.

The ANZAC spirit forged during the landings at Gallipoli is as strong now as it was then. Further, the broader defence relationship is open, based on mutual respect, and enduring, he says.

Further afield, an NZDF contingent, along with personnel from other nations who contributed to the battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula in the First World War, is gathering in Turkiye, where theyre due to hold a number of roles in commemorative events.

In the Republic of Korea, the 12 NZDF personnel deployed to the United Nations Command and its Military Armistice Commission will attend a joint Australian and New Zealand dawn service at the Korean War Memorial in Seoul.

Three NZ Army officers posted to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan will gather in Juba for ANZAC Day, where they will hold a short service followed by breakfast alongside their ADF colleagues.

With ANZAC biscuits a rare, if not impossible, find in South Sudan, local caterers have risen to the challenge of baking their own.

In the United Kingdom, NZDF personnel training Armed Forces of Ukraine recruits will serve at Codford Cemetery in Wiltshire, where 66 New Zealanders from World War One are buried.

The service will include representatives from the NZDF, UK, Australia and Ukraine.

The four personnel serving with the multinational Solomon Islands International Assistance Force will attend a dawn service in Honiara, while personnel deployed to the Middle East will attend commemorations with their ADF counterparts in the region.

More photos from the Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

2024 Tauranga City RSA Dawn Service. Photo: David Hall.

More photos from the Papamoa Dawn Service 2024

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Wayne Shadbolt.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Wayne Shadbolt.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Wayne Shadbolt.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Wayne Shadbolt.

2024 Papamoa Dawn Service. Photo: Wayne Shadbolt.
Thousands of people have turned out for the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Mount Maunganui.

Surrounding the Mount Maunganui Cenotaph which stands as a solemn sentinel, the community has gathered to honour and remember the sacrifices of those who served their country.

The public stood silent as City of Tauranga Pipe Band's bagpipe player Craig Watson led the march on at 5.45am, with a guard formed first around the four corners of the Cenotaph.

Marchers including veterans, scouts, police and other services, who marched on to the memorial site from opposite Mount Drury, which was packed with people watching the proceedings.

A period of silence and reflection followed until 6am when Mount Maunganui RSA President Arthur King welcomed everyone.

Mount Maunganui College student Morgan Kitching's beautiful clear voice rang out as she led the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the New Zealand National Anthem in Maori and English.

2024 Anzac Day Dawn service at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Mount Maunganui RSA Chaplain Marie Gilpin then led an opening prayer, followed by an address by Arthur.

"This morning we reflect on the ongoing conflicts around the world and we are mindful of the suffering of everyone concerned," says Arthur.

He reminded the listeners how NZ forces regrettably suffered over 58,000 casualties.

Thousands of people gathered on Mount Drury and along Marine Parade at Mount Maunganui for the 2024 Anzac Day dawn service at the Mount Maunganui Cenotaph. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

"At the end of WW1 the armistice agreement between Germany and the Allies was signed, an agreement that was supposed to end all world wars," says Arthur, before recounting how Australians and New Zealanders met in Egypt.

"Nowadays children and young adults have come to understand the word 'Anzac'.

"The word 'Passchendaele' has become synonymous with battles fought and lives lost. New Zealand suffered a further 18,000 casualties including 5000 deaths.

"This year marks the 108th anniversary of Returned Services Association."

An evocative poem was read expressing sentiments and loss, and giving moments to reflect and ponder on with lines such as "pools of crimson blood where shapes of men fell down".

2024 Anzac Day dawn service at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Arthur ended his address expressing hope for the future, and that people would come visit the Mount RSA.

"We are thinking forward, to encourage everyone to enjoy our services and camaraderie but learn the history."

Chaplain Marie Gilpin continued the service with a reading from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.

1 There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Sunrise following the 2024 Anzac Day dawn service at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

"We remember with deep sadness and pride the sons of Gallipoli and all those who died," says Marie.

She then prayed, giving thanks "with deep sadness and pride for the sons of Gallipoli, and all those who served, giving their lives even unto death".

"We pray that New Zealanders will live their lives in a spirit of justice, generosity and peace."

Mount RSA member Neale Mann lay the Mount RSA's wreath at the base of the Cenotaph.

Roads near to the Mount Cenotaph were closed for the 2024 Anzac Day dawn service at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Following the wreath laying, there was silence as a red hue of dawn started to touch the clouds across the sky. Moreporks, tuis and fantails could be heard from the pohutukawa trees across the road with the sound of waves breaking on the beach below.

A recorded song - 'The Sons of Gallipoli' - was played before Marie gave a benediction.

Thousands of people gathered for the 2024 Anzac Day dawn service at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The Anzac dedication (Ode) was said by Malcolm McGregor in Maori and English and bugler Peter Cranson played the Last Post.

Arthur closed the ceremony with an invitation to everyone to join RSA members for breakfast at the Mount RSA.

Bagpipe player Craig Watson then led the procession for the march off, while a single plane flew a salute overhead.

'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.' - from the poem 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon.

Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou, we will remember them.
As dawn pierced Rotoruas night sky, this years Anzac Day dawn service was not only a time to remember those who had given their lives at war, but those who kept the home fires burning.

Thousands packed Ohinemutus Te Papaiouru Marae this morning stretching from Lake Rotoruas waters edge, around the graves of the Muruika Soldiers Cemetery, past St Faiths Church and back towards Tamatekapua Meeting House.

Sir Robert (Bom) Gillies - the sole surviving member of the 28th Maori Battalion takes his position at the dawn service. Photo / Andrew Warner.

In the calm and dark morning, the steam rising from the nearby geothermal activity set a fitting backdrop as the last surviving member of the 28th Maori Battalion, 99-year-old Sir Robert (Bomb) Gillies, marched impressively past the dignitaries to take position near the front before the proceedings got under way.

Te Arawa Maori Returned Services League president Pererika Makiha welcomed the crowd and introduced guest speaker, Sqaudron Leader Poihaere Knight.

He says much thought went into selecting the guest speaker and for this year it was agreed it was time to acknowledge wahine (women) and especially those who stayed home during wartime and kept families together.

Dawn service guest speaker Squadron Leader Poihaere Knight. Photo / Andrew Warner.

Knight, originally from Gisborne, speaks Japanese, Spanish, Maori and English, has a Bachelor of Theology and is a trained secondary school teacher, spending time teaching English in Japan.

She was ordained as a priest in 2012 and is an understudy to Reverend Tom Poata in Rotorua. In 2012 she was commissioned as an officer in the Cadet Forces and is a current squadron leader.

She says she spent much time during the past year having many cups of tea talking to kaumatua and kuia as research for todays speech about what life was like for them as haukainga (people at home) while the men were at war.

Knight says children were taught to repurpose wool and knit socks, not to worry their parents, respect their clothing and not waste food - as there was no such thing as war pensions or funding like there is today.

It was also a generation of shutting down emotions and boys being told not to cry - although the children could hear their mothers weeping at night for their lost ones or praying for their safe return.

ANZAC Day dawn service at Muruika Soldiers cemetary, Ohinemutu. Photo / Andrew Warner.

She says the men who came back were different to the ones who had left - they were shell-shocked, sometimes silent, confused and angry.

But she says thankfully many strong services offered ongoing support for them and their families.

You and your ancestors supported them yesterday, we support them today and will continue to support them in the future.

ANZAC Day dawn service at Muruika Soldiers cemetary, Ohinemutu. Sir Bob Gillies. Photo / Andrew Warner.

Students from Hato Paora College in Feilding, who were at the service in support of Sir Robert, performed a haka for him following the services conclusion.

Sir Robert told the Rotorua Daily Post the occasion was very moving.

My favourite part is to thank God that we are alright and we will always remember those who died and didnt come home.

Why is Anzac Day significant?

Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies.

The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The New Zealand Expeditionary Force left in October 1914, combined with their Australian counterparts to form the Anzacs. Along with some British units, they mounted an amphibious expedition.

The raising of the New Zealand and Australian flags. Photo / Andrew Warner.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on April 25, meeting fierce resistance. The assault ended some eight months later as a saga of errors and horrors.

The infantry were not trained properly to land from the sea, were inadequately supplied with artillery shells, had no grenades, were without engineers or material for the construction of piers, were never fully supplied with other materials and never reinforced quickly enough or in sufficient numbers.

The cost to New Zealand was 2721 dead and 4725 injured (some of whom subsequently died)  a staggering 88 per cent casualty rate.

New Zealand and Australias reaction was to establish Anzac Day as an annual day of commemoration.

Whats open on Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is considered a restricted trading day and most shops must remain closed until 1pm.

It is an offence to open and shop owners are liable for a fine of up to $1000.

Exemptions apply to small grocery shops, pharmacies, service stations, takeaways, bars, cafes and other places providing services.

Bars and cafes can sell alcohol as long as its accompanied by a meal.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

We will remember them.

Response:

We will remember them

Lest we forget

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.

-Kelly Makiha, Rotorua Daily Post
Antonio J. Guerrero Wednesday, 24 April 2024, 12:04 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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A group of 38 students and their tutors have not been able to travel from Malaga province to the United Kingdom to improve their English after realising they were victims of an alleged scam by a travel agency based on the Costa del Sol.

According to Maria Jesus Morente, one of the teachers in the English department of the CEPER (Centro y Secciones de Educacion Permanente) Ignacio de Toledo de Antequera, the incident was reported on Tuesday 23 April at the Antequera National Police station.

A total of 35 students and three staff have lodged a collective complaint in which they stated the travel agency based in Torre del Mar did not send the documentation needed to start the trip on Monday from Malaga Airport - the trip was planned for 22-26 April.

The organisers of the trip contacted the travel agency, but at first they excused themselves for a delay on the part of the airline, then for a broken bone suffered by the manager of the company, and another alleged excuse caused by the non-compliance of the wholesaler, the teacher said.

Zoom The CEPER Ignacio Toledo in Antequera whose students have been left without a trip to England. A.J.G.

After not being able to leave for the trip, the group met on Monday and decided to file a complaint with the authorities to demand the return of the 26,975 euros, the sum paid by the entire group. It was supposed to be the end-of-term trip for the four CEPER groups, ranging from the first to the third year and the special B-1 preparation course. Most of those in the group are older people, many of them retired, who were keen to learn more of the English language and practise it in the UK.

Travelling to Oxford to get to know England

"The scheduled trip was from 22 to 26 April, travelling from Malaga to London where we would be transferred to Oxford, and would stay in a hotel with breakfast. From there, each day, we would be taken on an excursion, one day to Stonehenge, another to Windsor Castle and also have a free day in Oxford," Morente said. The price included: airfares, bed and breakfast, transport from the airport and the daily excursion with a guide and entrance to the castle.

Curiously, "last year we had already done it with the same company", after the recommendation of some students and when the trip was proposed again, it was decided to prepare another trip with the same agency. But this time, something wasn't quite right. "The check-in information didn't reach us," said Morente, who contacted the agent. "They told me they wouldn't let her do it because the airline company hadn't activated it," she added.

She called a second time to which the agent said the manager of the agency "had broken a bone and was awaiting surgery". Then again, the day before the date of the trip arrived, and the group still had not received their check-in instructions. "When I told her that we were not on the passenger list, she told me that she did not know what had happened, that she was also a victim," said one of the three teachers.

On Sunday 21 April, the group contacted the hotel in Oxford, but they did not have any reservations in their names. On the planned day of departure "we met to decide what to do" and followed the advice of a lawyer who "told us to make a collective complaint which was presented this Tuesday afternoon".

National Police officers are now investigating the incident.
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Karimullah Kamwar joined the Syracuse Northeast Community Center as digital empowerment manager in November 2022  not quite a year after arriving in the United States from Afghanistan.

Kamwar manages a staff of four digital navigators who help immigrants and refugees access the internet and learn how to use it to conduct the business of daily life. Clients are taught in their native languages  Spanish, French, Dari (commonly spoken among the Afghan community), Arabic, French, Pashto, Uzbek and several African languages, such as Swahili.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (Photo: VNA)

The leader conveyed Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's regard to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, congratulated Indonesia on the successful holding of its general elections in February, and expressed his belief that the country will develop further, gain a higher position in the international arena, and achieve its goal of becoming a developed country by 2045.

Speaking highly of the FM's important contributions to the success of the ASEAN Future Forum, the PM assessed that the Vietnam - Indonesia Strategic Partnership is developing strongly in all fields, with economic cooperation being a bright spot. Indonesia is currently Vietnams 3rd largest trade partner in ASEAN, while the latter is the formers 4th biggest. Trade turnover has increased nearly 3-fold 10 years after the establishment of the bilateral strategic partnership.

The two sides agreed to intensify collaboration to soon bring the partnership to a new height, step up delegation exchanges and contacts, effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms and agreements, and organise activities in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic ties in 2025.

They also agreed to work together to bring bilateral trade turnover to 18 billion USD by 2028 and in a balanced direction.

Marsudi said she will forward the Vietnamese side's proposals to relevant Indonesian agencies to study and consider facilitating Vietnamese agricultural and Halal products to access the Indonesian market; soon allow the export of young lobster to Vietnam; and strengthen cooperation in new fields such as green economy, circular economy, renewable energy, semiconductor technology, digital economy, energy transition, and the electric vehicle industry.

Speaking highly of Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and economic self-reliance, the FM said that Indonesia fully agrees and supports Vietnam's profound vision on the future of ASEAN. She also emphasised her hope to cooperate more closely in implementing the agreement between the two countries on food security.

Both host and guest affirmed to strengthen cooperation in other important fields such as defence, security, and maritime cooperation; and continue intensifying people-to-people exchanges, especially between young generations, and promote tourism collaboration.

They also agreed to back ASEANs central role in addressing regional issues, including maintaining the blocs common stance on the East Sea issue, and promoting the implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus on the Myanmar issue./.
Pitbull is coming to Upstate New York for three shows this summer, and tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

The rapper will bring his Party After Dark tour to Darien Lake, Syracuse and Saratoga Springs in September.

Hell be joined by special guest T-Pain.

A closer look at the three dates:

Friday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m.: Darien Lake Amphitheater, Darien Center | Tickets

Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m.: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview, Syracuse | Tickets

Sunday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m.: Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs | Tickets

The 26-date tour begins on Aug. 21 in Bristow, Virginia.

Tickets for all shows are available on Ticketmaster and Vivid Seats.

Pitbull, also known as Mr. 305 and Mr. Worldwide, started his musical career in the early 2000s. His single Timber (featuring Kesha) topped charts in multiple countries in 2013. Hes also produced hits such as Give Me Everything, I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) and Fireball.

He played 15 songs at a recent concert in Colorado.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Nearly all of the highest-paid school employees in Onondaga County suburbs were superintendents during the 2022-2023 school year, and seven of them made more than $200,000, according to state data.

All of the school workers in the county who were paid more than $200,000 during the 2022-2023 school year were superintendents except for one.
Join NY Cannabis Insider for its next industry meetup in Buffalo on May 14, 2024. Tickets available now.

Danny Murr-Sloat is the owner, founder and lead consultant at AlpinStash Genetics & Consulting. He answered eight simple questions for NY Cannabis Insiders People to know series.

What is your position and what do you/your company do in the cannabis space?

I am the founder, owner and lead consultant at AlpinStash Genetics & Consulting. I provide cultivation consulting and genetic licensing for the cannabis industry.

How long have you worked in the cannabis space?

Ive been growing cannabis for 15 years, working in the industry for 14 years, breeding for 10 years, and consulting for six years.

What did you do before you were involved in the cannabis industry?

Its always been cannabis.



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What led you to the cannabis industry?

Born in Boulder, I grew up enjoying the great outdoors, but began suffering from chronic stomach pains in my early 20s. Despite several extended hospitalizations, doctors were unable to deliver a correct diagnosis and began treating me with increasingly heavy doses of opiate pain medications. Further complications included thoracic outlet syndrome and a non-cancerous brain tumor, both of which required surgeries to fix and ever-growing doses of medications.

By 2009, I was on 19 different prescription medications, disengaged with life, becoming overweight and falling deeper into depression. Upon the urging of my father, I got my first medical cannabis card in December of that year. Shortly after beginning this plant-based treatment, my life began to change rapidly. Growing cannabis became the reason for me to get out of bed and gave me the drive to improve my health and life.

By mid 2010, I had lost 70 pounds and weaned myself off of pain medications completely. By 2024, I amassed 14 years of experience across the U.S. and Canada, developing my own proprietary genetics and consulting with some of the largest cultivations in the industry. I credit using and growing cannabis with saving my life and seek to give back as much as I can to this amazing plant.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the NY weed industry?

Make sure the people you trust with your cultivation know what they are doing and have experience cultivating cannabis in the regulated space at scale. I have seen many companies put their faith in growers with limited experience, or whose experience was strictly in the legacy market which does not often translate well to the regulated market. These companies inevitably face systemic and existential issues which, in some cases, have taken years to come back from, if they come back at all.

The nuances involved in a commercial facility, from cultivating a product which must adhere to strict testing, to leading a team in a supportive way, to interacting with stakeholders, and everything in-between are not for the faint of heart and are skills which come through experience. I have seen a number of well funded companies fail because they put their trust in a master grower with a silver tongue who is good at spending other peoples money. Take your time, do your due diligence, seek second opinions, and be wary of anyone who calls themselves a master grower.

Set your facility up correctly from the get go, and spend the money you need to do it right the first time! This includes genetics, SOPs, IPM SOPs, personal, infrastructure, costs, and more. When the wholesale price inevitably drops, the winners will be the businesses who have everything dialed in, those that have the right team working for them, a good culture in place, their cultivation on lock, and a solid understanding of costs.

Businesses that make all the correct moves from the beginning, find success.

What do you think the NY cannabis ecosystem will look like in five years?

Similar to what weve witnessed in other states who have legalized, an eventual oversupply in product will cause many businesses to fold or to be absorbed into bigger ones. Those left will be the ones who have every facet of their business dialed in, and those who have fought hard to stay there.

My hope is that the consumer will be educated enough to support the brands producing a truly quality product. The New York cannabis scene is known for its connoisseurs, and I look forward to seeing this market mature and lead the way when it comes to supporting the brand and companies who are doing it right.

Do you use cannabis? If so, whats your favorite method and why?

When I partake, my favorite method is smoking flower and old school hash, including bubble hash. Nothing beats the traditional consumption methods for me. Also, topicals rock.

Whats the best method for people to contact you?

Anyone looking to set up a cultivation in the right way from the start, anyone looking to elevate and differentiate their cultivation, anyone looking to license unique genetics bred to perform in a commercial setting, and anyone looking to nerd out on cannabis, drop me a note or give me a call! The best way to get a hold of me is via email - alpinstashconsulting@gmail.com or text - 720-818-1552.
New York state troopers are stepping up to fill in for grieving Syracuse police officers who dont want to work a special security detail Thursday when President Joe Biden visits Central New York, 11 days after two officers were killed in an ambush.

Other than specialty units and some command level leaders, all Syracuse police personnel working the detail for President Bidens visit will be on a volunteer status, Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said in a statement Tuesday.

He thanked the state police for offering personnel to reduce the number of Syracuse officers required to work.

Syracuse police are usually ordered to work the special security shifts for presidential visits, or are prevented from taking days off, which are called red line days, said Capt. Matthew Malinowski, a police spokesperson.

The decision to offer relief for the grieving officers follows days of phone calls and meetings between Biden administration and Syracuse officials about how to handle the presidents visit on the heels of the police shootings.

Cecile said he initially expressed concerns about the timing to Secret Service officials last week.

But Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh accepted an offer from Gov. Kathy Hochul to have state police cover for city police, as troopers did during the funerals for the officers Saturday and Monday.

Cecile and Walsh said in statements that they didnt ask the White House to delay the visit and are confident the department can handle the extra security demands on Thursday.

We did, however, in early conversations with the Secret Service, express our concern about SPDs capacity to adequately cover this detail, as we were grieving the loss of two fallen officersand planning their services, Cecile said in the statement.

Having said that, we are now fully engaged with Secret Service and all of our local law enforcement partners to ensure the presidents visit is seamless, the statement said.

In his statement, Walsh also said the police will be able to handle Bidens visit.

Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley is also confident his department will have no problem performing its duties during the presidents visit.

He obviously wished that it would have been postponed because of everything thats going on, said Tom Newton, speaking for Shelley. But he understands the nature of presidential visits. Its going to be a lot of people working together like we always do.

The White House received criticism over the planned visit from the head of Syracuses police union, who wanted Biden to postpone the visit.

Theres a lot of frustration among the membership about how insensitive the Biden administration appears to be, Joe Moran, president of the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association, told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

I cannot believe hes moving forward with this visit, given all that has gone on here this past week, Moran said hours after the funeral of Onondaga County Sheriffs Lt. Michael Hoosock on Monday, and days after the funeral for Syracuse police officer Michael Jensen on Saturday.

Moran, who represents nearly 400 Syracuse police officers, said he did not formally communicate his unions concerns to the White House or local elected officials, but he did inform Cecile.

When asked about the timing of the visit, a White House official said, Our team has been working closely with state and local officials to ensure that the presidents visit this Thursday is carried out in the most respectful way for the families and the community.

Local police from Cicero and North Syracuse also have agreed to help fill in for Syracuse police during the presidents visit.

Biden will visit Syracuse for an event tied to the CHIPS and Science Act that lured Micron Technology to Central New York.

He will talk about the historic deal to provide Micron with $6.1 billion in federal grants for the companys planned $100 billion complex of computer chip plants in the town of Clay and a smaller project in Idaho.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Former U.S. Rep. George Santos on Tuesday said he is dropping his longshot bid to return to Congress, months after he was expelled from the House while facing a slew of federal fraud charges.

Santos, who was running as an independent candidate for the 1st Congressional District in New York, said he was withdrawing from the race in a post on the social media platform X.

The announcement came after the disgraced former congressmans campaign committee reported no fundraising or expenditures in March, raising speculation that his campaign had failed to get off the ground.

Santos last month launched a campaign to challenge Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the GOP primary for the eastern Long Island congressional district, which is a different district than the one he previously represented. Weeks later, Santos said he was leaving the Republican Party and would instead run for the seat as an independent.

Although Nick and I dont have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I dont want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems, Santos wrote on X, adding, Staying in this race all but guarantees a victory for the Dems in the race.

Santos was expelled from the House in December following a damaging ethics committee report that determined there was overwhelming evidence of lawbreaking and that he cannot be trusted. He was just the sixth member expelled by colleagues in the chambers history.

The former congressman has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include deceiving Congress about his wealth, stealing from his campaign and obtaining unemployment benefits he didnt deserve. He has a trial tentatively scheduled for later this year.

In his post on X, Santos did not rule out seeking office in the future.

Its only goodbye for now, he wrote, Ill be back.
By Rick Karlin | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  The state Department of Agriculture and Markets is putting restrictions on the importation of dairy cattle from eight states amid an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu in the animals.

The virus does not pose a threat to humans but does for dairy herds. There also have been cases among goats.

While we have not seen any cases of HPAI in livestock here in New York state, were monitoring the situation closely and are in communication with our farmers, veterinarians, and partners at USDA and in other states, state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said in a prepared statement.

The temporary import requirements weve put into place will help us to ensure that animals coming into New York are healthy and are not from affected premises, so that our animals here in New York can continue to remain safe. We encourage our farmers to continue practicing good biosecurity and to stay in touch with us and their veterinarians as the situation evolves.

The virus was confirmed in dairy cattle in Texas in late March, and has since spread to Kansas, New Mexico, Michigan, Idaho, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Dakota.

It has also been diagnosed in young goats in Minnesota on a premises with HPAI-infected poultry.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the virus stemmed from the same variety that has affected wild birds and commercial poultry flocks. It has also caused sporadic infections in several species of wild mammals and goats in at least one herd in the United States.

HPAI in dairy cows can cause decreased milk production, decreased appetite, abnormal feces and fever.

It can also kill newborn goats.

The restrictions include a ban on importing cattle from premises where there is a confirmed case of HPAI. For importation of cattle from the listed states, a certificate of veterinary inspection is required 10 days prior to importation.

Dairy farmers are also being urged to exercise caution taking measures such as wearing special work boots for being around the animals and preventing cattle from drinking water that might be contaminated by waterfowl.

Agriculture Department officials stressed that the virus poses no human threat and that pasteurized milk remains safe to consume, as does thoroughly cooked meat.

___

(c)2024 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
Multiple travelers at an Upstate New York airport looking to drop off their rental car, handed the keys over to thieves posing as employees of the rental companies, police have reported.

According to 13WHAM, the Monroe County Sherriffs Office said nine vehicles have been stolen from the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport since the beginning of the year.

Eight of those stolen cars were rentals. Authorities said people posing as rental car employees approached customers asking for the keys to their rental cars as they were returning them.

One stolen vehicle belonged to an actual employee, parked in the rental lot. Eight of the cars have been recovered.

The most recent theft happened on March 16, 2024.

Deputies arrested four people in connection to these thefts, RochesterFirst reported. Of those arrested, Breanna Brummond, age 33; Nicholas Morales, age 32 and Esu Edwards, age 43 reportedly used these cars during larcenies and robberies in Rochester and Irondequoit.

The three suspects were charged with third-degree criminal possession of stolen property. A fourth person was arrested, but their identity and charges have yet to be released.

Andy Moore, the Airport Director, said they have not had any recent thefts since they implemented new security measures and will continue to work with MCSO and the car rental companies to prevent more thefts from happening.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Police have announced the downtown Syracuse streets that will be impacted Wednesday night and Thursday by President Joe Bidens visit on Thursday.

Biden will visit Syracuse to talk about the CHIPS and Science Act that lured Micron Technology to Central New York. The speech is at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology.

The main streets impacted are parts of North and South Franklin Street, Walton Street and West Jefferson Street.

There will be no parking allowed on the streets starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday. Cars that remain in the areas will be towed starting at 5 a.m. Thursday, police say.

All the streets will also be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.

Businesses will still be open, and anyone can walk through the area, police say, but cars will be prevented from driving in the area until Thursday evening.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
A student activist chants slogans inside a gate of Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus in New York City, the United States, April 22, 2024. All classes at Columbia University went virtual starting on Monday as divisive demonstrations and debates around the Israel-Hamas conflict heated up on campus recently. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

NEW YORK, April 22 (Xinhua) -- All classes at Columbia University went virtual starting on Monday as divisive demonstrations and debates around the Israel-Hamas conflict heated up on campus recently.

The university's president Minouche Shafik urged relevant parties to "sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions" and announced that all classes would go virtual.

Shafik sent a letter to the New York Police Department (NYPD) on April 18 requesting that the police help remove individuals who had occupied the South Lawn of the university's Morningside Heights campus a day earlier.

The students with "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" opposed Israeli military action in Gaza and demanded the university divest from companies that "profit from Israeli apartheid."

"The continued encampment raises safety concerns for the individuals involved and the entire community," said Shafik in the letter.

He added that the encampment and related disruptions pose a clear and present danger to Columbia University's substantial functioning.

The NYPD arrested more than 100 protesters from the campus of the university in the afternoon on April 18.

Shafik denounced antisemitic behavior by students and professors at the university and pledged consequences for those actions at the hearings by the House of Representatives on antisemitism on April 17.

The university also suspended students who participated in unauthorized protests and terminated a professor who supported the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

In a statement on Saturday, the Barnard and Columbia chapters of the American Association of University Professors condemned the suspension of students engaged in peaceful protest and their arrest by the NYPD.

"During the coming days, a working group of deans, university administrators and faculty members will try to bring this crisis to a resolution," said Shafik.

Security guards at Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus on Monday required ID issued by the university before granting access to the campus.

Around ten students from the university approached by Xinhua on Monday refused to comment on the encampment.

On Monday, the NYPD had a strong presence around the campus, while more than 100 outside protesters and agitators within the campus rallied at a gate by Columbia University Bookstore on Broadway.

"What I see is nothing but division. I don't know what the university is trying to do to facilitate people coming together," said an alumnus of Columbia University who identified himself as Max.

Max said the administration could do more to bring people together and help them understand each other.

"The authorities at this university have lost control...It's become a one-sided conversation. There is no dialogue," said Ross, who is Jewish and living in New York City.

The students should have meetings, discussions and debates, but not take over the campus, said Ross, who declined to give his full name.

"We saw this as an unacceptable escalation of repression," said Carl Dix, a representative of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA, of the police who were called in on the students. "And we had to stand with the students against that."

"Opposing genocidal attacks is right. It's correct, and it's not anti-semitism. In fact, the people in the ruling class who run all this stuff about the Jewish conspiracy. They're the ones who are anti-Semitic, not these students here," said Dix.

According to media reports, students from Yale University, New York University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of North Carolina also staged encampments in solidarity with their peers at Columbia University.

Over 40 students from Yale University, who occupied Beinecke Plaza at the center of campus starting Friday night, were arrested on Monday, according to the local police department.

New York University ordered scores of student protesters to disperse on Monday afternoon after "a breach in the barriers set up at Gould Plaza."

A student presents her university ID to enter Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus in New York City, the United States, April 22, 2024. All classes at Columbia University went virtual starting on Monday as divisive demonstrations and debates around the Israel-Hamas conflict heated up on campus recently. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

New York police officers stand guard at a gate of Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus in New York City, the United States, April 22, 2024. All classes at Columbia University went virtual starting on Monday as divisive demonstrations and debates around the Israel-Hamas conflict heated up on campus recently. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

Security guards stand at a gate of Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus in New York City, the United States, April 22, 2024. All classes at Columbia University went virtual starting on Monday as divisive demonstrations and debates around the Israel-Hamas conflict heated up on campus recently. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

Editor: WXL
People look at a model of rocket engine at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

A visitor poses for a photo with a model of core module of space station at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

A visitor tries a VR parachute at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

A man visits an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

A woman takes photos at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

A man visits an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

This photo shows a satellite model at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

A man visits an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

People visit an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

This photo shows the "Gaofen-5" satellite model at an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

People visit an exhibition on aerospace in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 23, 2024. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoon, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

Editor: JYZ
Brute force cracking of passwords takes longer now than in the past, but the good news is not a cause for celebration, according to the latest annual audit of password cracking times released Tuesday by Hive Systems.

Depending on the length of the password and its composition  the mix of numbers, letters, and special characters  a password can be cracked instantly or take half a dozen eons to decipher.

For example, four-, five-, or six-number-only passwords can be cracked instantly with todays computers, while an 18-character password consisting of numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and symbols would take 19 quintillion years to break.

Last year, Hives research found that some 11-character passwords could be cracked instantaneously using brute force. This years findings revealed the effectiveness of newer industry-standard password hashing algorithms  like bcrypt  for encrypting passwords in databases. Now, that same 11-character password takes 10 hours to crack.

In years past, companies were using MD5 encryption to hash passwords, which isnt very secure or robust. Now theyre using bcrypt, which is more robust, explained Hive CEO and Co-founder Alex Nette.

The good news is websites and companies are making good decisions to use more robust password-hashing algorithms, so cracking times are going up, he told TechNewsWorld, but given the increases in computer power, those times will start to go down again, as they have in years past.

Encryption Tradeoffs

While hashing passwords with strong encryption is a good security practice, there are tradeoffs. Encryption slows things down, Nette noted. Bcrypt is more secure, but if you create too many iterations of the hashing, it could make it slow to log into a website or make the site load slower.

If we had the best encryption in place, a website could be totally unusable for users on the internet, so theres usually a compromise, he added. That compromise could end up being an opportunity for hackers.

Bcrypt delivers a 56-byte hash versus a 16-byte for MD5, which accounts for the much stronger resistance to brute force attacks, noted Jason Soroko, senior vice president of product for Sectigo, a global digital certificate provider.

MD5 is still in wide usage and will probably continue to be, especially for large password databases due to the smaller and more efficient size, he told TechNewsWorld.

MJ Kaufmann, an author and instructor with OReilly Media, an operator of a learning platform for technology professionals, in Boston, acknowledged that stronger hashing algorithms have played a role in making it harder to crack passwords, but maintained that it only helps organizations that have changed their code to adopt the algorithms.

As this change is time-consuming and may require significant updates for compatibility, the shift is slow, with many organizations still using weaker algorithms for the near future, she told TechNewsWorld.

Worst Case Scenario for Hackers

Kaufmann noted that great strides have been made in recent times to protect data. Organizations have finally started to take data protection seriously, partially due to regulations such as GDPR, which has effectively given more power to consumers through harsh penalties to companies, she explained.

Because of this, she continued, many organizations have expanded their data protection across the board in anticipation of future regulations.

While it may take longer for hackers to crack passwords, cracking isnt as important to them as it used to be. Cracking passwords is not that important to adversaries, Kaufmann said. In general, attackers look for the path of least resistance in an attack, frequently accomplished by stealing passwords through phishing or leveraging passwords stolen from other attacks.

As fun as it is to measure the amount of time it takes to brute force hashed passwords, it is critical to understand that keylogging malware and credential harvesting by social engineering tactics account for a huge number of stolen username and password incidents, added Sectigos Soroko.

The study also makes the point that password reuse renders all brute force methods unnecessary for the attacker, he added.

Nette acknowledged that Hives table of password-cracking times represents a worst-case scenario for a hacker. It assumes a hacker was unable to get someones password through other techniques, and they have to brute force a password, he said. The other techniques could make the time to get a password lower, if not instantly.

Log In, Dont Break In

Cracking passwords has remained an important form of compromise for attackers, but as password encryption standards increase, other methods of compromise such as phishing become even more appealing than they already are, added Adam Neel, a threat detection engineer at Critical Start, a national cybersecurity services company.

If it is likely that the average password will take months or even years to crack, then attackers will take the route of least resistance, he told TechNewsWorld. With the assistance of AI, social engineering has become even more accessible to attackers through the form of crafting convincing emails and messages.

Stephen Gates, a security subject matter expert at Horizon3 AI, maker of an autonomous penetration testing solution, in San Francisco, noted that today, hackers dont have to hack into systems; they log in.

Through stolen credentials via phishing attacks, third-party breaches  that include credentials  and the dreaded credential reuse problem, credentials are still the number one issue we see as the method attackers use to gain footholds in an organizations networks, he told TechNewsWorld.

Also, theres a tendency among administrative users to choose weak passwords or reuse the same passwords across multiple accounts, creating risks that attackers can and have exploited, he added.

In addition, he continued, some levels of admin or IT-type accounts are not always subject to password reset or length policy requirements. This rather lax approach to credential management could stem from a lack of awareness about how attackers often use low-level credentials to get high-level gains.

Passwords Here To Stay

The simple way to eliminate the password cracking problem would be to eliminate passwords, but that doesnt look likely. Passwords are intrinsic to the way our modern lives function across every network, device, and account, declared Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security, a password management and online storage company in Chicago.

Nonetheless, he continued, its vital to acknowledge that passkeys will not supplant passwords in the near future, if ever. Among the billions of websites in existence, only a fraction of a percent currently offer support for passkeys. This extremely limited adoption can be attributed to various factors, including the level of support from underlying platforms, the need for website adjustments, and the requirement for user-initiated configuration.

While we inch closer to a passwordless or hybrid future, the transition is not a one-size-fits-all approach, he said. Businesses need to carefully assess their security requirements, regulatory constraints, and user needs to identify and implement effective, practical password alternatives.
The big picture: Many companies, including those in the tech sector, often use noncompete agreements to prevent employee poaching. However, the US Federal Trade Commission now deems this practice unfair, asserting that companies have alternative methods to safeguard their intellectual property. The commission anticipates that banning nearly all noncompete agreements will enhance working conditions and foster innovation.

The FTC has decided to ban all new noncompete agreements and most existing ones in the US after receiving thousands of comments overwhelmingly in favor of the measure. The new regulation will take effect 120 days after its publication in the federal registry, but the commission has not yet indicated when it will update the registry. The change is expected to take effect later this year.

Only existing noncompete agreements with senior executives can remain valid. This exception applies to those earning over $151,164 annually or holding "policy-making positions," which account for approximately 0.75 percent of employees.

Employers must inform all other workers that any previously signed noncompete agreements are no longer enforceable, and they cannot compel senior or non-senior employees to enter into new contracts. Employees can report suspected abuses by emailing the commission at noncompete@ftc.gov.

When the FTC proposed the rule in January 2023, it initiated a 90-day public comment period during which it received over 26,000 comments. Of those, over 25,000 supported a ban on noncompete agreements, which prevent employees from joining competitors for a certain period after leaving their companies. The commission estimates that around 18 percent of Americans, or about 30 million people, are subject to noncompete agreements.

In a press release, the FTC attributed the practice to lower wages, reduced innovation, and the forced displacement of workers from their preferred industries, or keeping them in undesirable situations. The commission cited cases where workers felt compelled to relocate, accept lower-paying jobs, or mount expensive legal defenses.

Although companies ostensibly use noncompete agreements to protect intellectual property and other critical knowledge, policymakers have determined that the practice is not the only effective method. Nondisclosure agreements and trade secret laws should suffice without restricting where individuals can work, and companies can incentivize workers to stay by increasing salaries.

The FTC anticipates that banning noncompetes could have a positive impact on competition, innovation, wages, and healthcare costs. It projects that thousands more patents and startups could emerge each year, workers could earn over $500 more annually, and healthcare expenses could fall by $74-194 billion over the ensuing decade.
Cutting corners: Following reports that sales of Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset have been falling as fast as interest in the device, a renowned analyst has claimed that demand is so low that Apple has slashed its shipment forecast for the rest of the year. Furthermore, it may decide not to release a new model in 2025.

We heard over the weekend that the Vision Pro headset Apple spent eight years and billions of dollars developing was rapidly losing steam in terms of both interest and sales.

After between 160,000 and 180,000 devices were sold in pre-orders across a weekend in January ahead of the official launch, reports claimed Apple Stores were now selling just a handful of units per week. In-store demo bookings were right down, too, and many of those who do book often don't turn up.

Now, famed Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has echoed those reports. He writes that Cupertino has cut its Vision Pro shipments to 400,000 to 450,000 units, around half the 800,000 units that were originally planned, due to waning demand.

Kuo adds that Apple cut the orders ahead of the Vision Pro launching in markets outside of the US, the only location it's currently available. This indicates that demand in the United States has fallen sharply beyond expectations, according to the analyst, and that Apple expects similar cool demand in other regions.

Apple releases Apple vision pro ... resulting in rise of Appleholes

Driver using apple vision pro while driving getting pulled over by police. People using them in public.....Appleholes... pic.twitter.com/GcyM1fmj9K  Darth Intra (@darthintra) February 4, 2024

It's not just shipments that are being affected; Kuo believes that Apple will now be adjusting its headset roadmap. It was expected that the company would release a cheaper, lighter model in the second half of next year, addressing two of the biggest complaints about the Vision Pro. But Kuo says there may be no new headset from Apple next year. Apple also expects year-on-year shipments of the current Vision Pro to decline in 2025  no surprise there.

Despite so many reviews hailing it as a technical marvel thanks to its micro-OLED display and impressive interface, the Vision Pro remains a niche product. That massive price combined with a lack of a killer app makes the headset a hard sell for consumers beyond die-hard Apple fans, which is probably why Apple has started really pushing the Vision Pro as an enterprise product.
After record-breaking heat crises last summer, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new online heat forecaster on Monday to help people prepare for the summer.



The CDC and National Weather Service's HeatRisk Forecast Tool give Americans a week's warning of potential heatwaves. Users just have to enter their zip code to view the latest heat predictions and updates on the HeatRisk Dashboard online platform, according to HealthDay.



"Heat can affect our health, but heat-related illness and death are preventable," said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. "We are releasing new heat and health tools, as well as guidance, to help people take simple steps to stay safe in the heat."



Last summer, as climate change caused more frequent and prolonged hot and humid weather, heat-related emergency department visits increased, especially among outdoor workers.

Beat The Heat

The CDC warned that excessive heat, especially without air conditioning, can harm people, especially those with health issues.

Recently introduced, the HeatRisk tool uses health and temperature data to provide a seven-day heat forecast on a five-level scale to assess heat danger in specific US locations. By inputting their zip code, the HeatRisk Dashboard provides individualized heat forecasts and precautionary measures. The portal also delivers local air quality data from the EPA's AIR NOW Air Quality Index.



"Even though heat can impact anyone's physical and mental health, children with asthma, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disease, among other groups, may be more sensitive," noted the US health agency.



According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, extreme heat events can also cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia by disturbing the body's capacity to regulate internal temperature.

Read Also : Apple Watch Fall Detection Saves Cyclist After Bike Accident

A billboard displays a temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celcius) during a record heat wave in Phoenix, Arizona on July 18, 2023.

The agency warned that outdoor laborers, athletes, socially isolated people, those below the federal poverty line, and communities of color are also at risk.

NASA Using AI Tech to Address Climate Change

As extreme weather events rise, NASA is increasing its efforts to study and battle climate change. In addition to its studies, NASA is using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable external researchers.

TechTimes previously reported that NASA and IBM Research created an AI geospatial foundation model in 2023. This model, trained using NASA's Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) data, is essential for AI-driven environmental research initiatives. NASA makes this model accessible to all interested parties to encourage collaborative research and discovery.



This agreement produces foundation models that scientists use to design a variety of applications that efficiently address environmental challenges.



NASA's Office of the Chief Science Data Officer (OCSDO) data science head, Manil Maskey, compared these models to multipurpose Swiss Army knives. After fine-tuning, the geospatial foundation model can recognize fire scars, floodwater, and crop and land use categories, according to NASA.



NASA and IBM Research collaborated to improve model development by providing computing resources and AI algorithm optimization skills, in addition to data and expertise sharing.



After the geospatial foundation model's success, NASA and IBM Research are developing a weather and climate model. This project will use the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) dataset alongside ORNL, NVIDIA, and other institutions. This paradigm will encourage collaborative creation and discovery, like its predecessor, by making it publicly available.
Those who missed Samsung's free TV presale deal must check this great deal: Huge discounts are now available for the highly deemed glare-free Samsung OLED S95D TV.

According to a report from The Verge, the 55-inch Samsung OLED S95D TV from Best Buy and Samsung costs $2,299.99, a $300 markdown. The 77-inch model, priced initially at $4,299.99, is also $300 cheaper.

Notably, Walmart is offering price drops on Samsung OLED TVs. If you're looking for bigger screens, the 65-inch smart TV model has a $400 discount, bringing its price down to $2,999.99, per Tom's Guide.

In January, reviews of the S95D OLED noted its outstanding glare reduction, even near light sources. The TV displays more brilliant colors than previous versions. Its four HDMI 2.1 connectors and 144Hz variable refresh rate display make it ideal for gamers. Samsung's Tizen OS smart TV supports Netflix, Apple TV, Disney Plus, Max, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

The newest Samsung OLED TV comes with a $300 price off and is the brightest and best in its class. This latest Samsung TV model has a 10% improvement in HDR and SDR brightness over the S95C, creating a matte, glare-free display.

Furthermore, with Samsung's Object Tracking Sound technology, the TV's built-in speakers increase positional audio, immersing viewers. The TV works with soundbars for enhanced audio, per Tom's Guide. With a new home user experience (UX) and AI-powered features to customize the viewing experience to personal tastes, the Tizen platform on the Samsung OLED S95D TV has undergone a significant update.

Superb Glare Reduction Technology for Excellent Viewing Experience

A review by Gizmodo on the Samsung S95D's predecessor, the S95C, found the smart TV to have good glare resistance but less brightness. Hence, television buyers are drawn to the S95D's superior glare-reduction technology, especially now that the Samsung OLED S95D TV is currently discounted by $300.

It is also important to note that even in bright conditions, the Samsung OLED S95D TV's anti-glare technology reduces reflections for an immersive viewing experience. Even in intense light, the TV had low glare, demonstrating its visual quality.

In addition to glare reduction, the Samsung OLED S95D TV features a high-resolution OLED display with rich colors and realistic blacks. The TV's brightness enhancement over its predecessor boosts picture vibrance and contrast, improving viewing.

Take Advantage of This Awesome Samsung OLED S95D TV Discount Today

The Samsung OLED S95D TV bright colors and flawless rendering are great for gamers, but testers couldn't get the device's full 144Hz refresh rate. The Samsung OLED S95D TV hub box also includes four HDMI connections for external device connectivity. Samsung Arc makes soundbar integration easy.

While the Samsung OLED S95D TV performs well in many aspects, Samsung's smart TV content menu is overwhelming and complicated, reducing the user experience.

Nevertheless, for those looking for the best home theater experience, the Samsung OLED S95D TV is recommended. And now that it comes at a discounted price, buyers should take advantage of this great deal to own one of the best smart TVs in the market today.
A new study has developed an artificial intelligence model that can predict a person's political beliefs through facial recognition technology; all it takes is analyzing images of an expressionless face.

The study, published in the prestigious journal American Psychologist, shows that AI systems can correctly anticipate an individual's political views. This is a remarkable achievement when contrasted with other factors like the association between alcohol use and aggression or the predictability of job interview results on job performance.

According to Michal Kosinski, the study's primary author and participant in the conversation with Fox News Digital were 591 participants in the trial. Before anything else, the participants were asked to answer questions about their political philosophies.

Afterward, a machine learning algorithm extracted what Mr. Kosinski called a numerical "fingerprint" from photographing the participants' faces. After that, a database with their survey replies was compared to this data, which allowed for the accurate prediction of their political opinions.

With a correlation coefficient of.22, the researchers discovered that the facial recognition algorithm could foresee political leaning. Even though it was small, this correlation was statistically significant and revealed that, apart from age, gender, and ethnicity, certain stable facial traits may be associated with political attitudes.

Read Also: US AI Legislation Proposals Draw Criticism From Citizens and Companies Alike

AI-Powered Facial Recognition

Sources indicate that artificial intelligence in the form of facial recognition technology uses patterns based on facial traits to identify and authenticate people. Fundamentally, the technology assesses different features of the face, like the contour of the cheekbones, the curve of the jawline, and the distance between the eyes, by using algorithms to identify people in photos or video feeds.

These measurements are converted into a face signature or a mathematical formula. This signature can be utilized in many ways, from security systems and cellphone unlocking to tagging friends on social networking, including matching it against a database of recognized faces.

The new study shows that facial recognition technology is becoming more widely utilized in both the public and private sectors, raising the prospect that it will be used for tasks other than identification, like predicting political leaning or other personal characteristics.

AI Predicts Voting Behavior

This is not the first time AI has demonstrated its political predictive capabilities; most notably, last year, a study showed it is also capable of predicting election outcomes and voter behavior.

Professors and graduate political science and computer science students at Brigham Young University (BYU) investigated in 2023 how well a GPT-3 language model simulated the complex interplay between human beliefs, attitudes, and sociocultural settings of subpopulations.

The researchers assessed the accuracy with which the AI answered difficult survey questions. They discovered that subtle patterns in reactions between AI and humans are very comparable.

In one experiment, the scientists created artificial individuals with various characteristics, including age, race, religion, and beliefs. Next, they investigated whether AI could cast votes in the 2012-2020 US presidential elections like actual people did.

Using a database known as the American National Election Studies, they compared the votes cast by the computer program to the ballots cast by actual voters in those elections. The votes cast by the computer program and those cast by actual individuals matched fairly well.

Related Article : Meta AI Chatbot Filtering Election-Related Queries Amid Gen
BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chen Min, vice minister of water resources, on Tuesday called for action to strengthen flood control in the basins of the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake.

Comprehensive flood control preparations should be made, and weak links should be shored up, Chen said.

The official also urged efforts to enhance rain forecasting and flood monitoring capabilities.

Water conservancy projects should be leveraged in a coordinated manner to mitigate flooding, Chen added.

Editor: WRX
Last week, a massive Chinese crackdown led to Telegram, Signal Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp being removed from China's version of the Apple App Store, and Telegram's CEO believes it is not about them. This led Telegram CEO Pavel Durov to share his two cents about it on his Telegram channel, claiming that Apple is the real 'target' of the Chinese authorities.

Durov's response highlights the Chinese crackdown issue, which points to a renowned root, the Android vs. iOS rivalry, which he regarded as the reason behind this.

Telegram China Removal: CEO Argues Apple is The Real 'Target'

Pavel Durov shared on his Telegram Channel (via 9to5Mac) that it was not them and the other instant messaging and social media apps that were China's problem, with Apple being the real "target" of this recent crackdown. This follows the Chinese government's request to Apple , which asked them to remove Telegram, Signal, and Meta's WhatsApp and Threads.

Last week, China forced Apple to remove apps such as Telegram from its Chinese App Store. We haven't seen any decrease in downloads coming from China - and I don't think Telegram was the main target of this change. Pavel Durov, Telegram CEO

However, it is known that these apps are not exactly available in the country, and Chinese users need to use VPNs to connect to said services as most Western or global apps are not allowed there.

Read Also : Apple Vision Pro Mainland China Debut Confirmed as Tim Cook Reveals Launch Plans, Potential Date

Chinese Apple App Store Crackdown is Android vs. iOS?

According to Durov, the main reason behind the crackdown is an attack on Apple, particularly the Android vs. iOS rivalry that has been known to the world for decades.

"It was a move against Apple itself: the Chinese authorities are forcing more of their citizens to switch from iPhones to Android smartphones produced by Chinese companies such as Xiaomi," said Durov.

Apple and China's Relationship

March 2024 saw a significant turn of events for Apple in its Chinese region operations, particularly as iPhone sales in the East Asian country dived by as much as 24 percent. This was because of the strong presence of a Chinese rival, best known for being one of Apple's rivals back when it could still access American technology, Huawei, which was going strong in the country.

Despite this, Apple CEO Tim Cook pushed through with his visit to China alongside the opening of a new Apple Store in Shanghai, with the executive doing more than seeing the country and his company's new retail store. This was because Cook pledged massive business with the country, increasing its investments in China, particularly as China is still part of Apple's supply chain.

Before March closed, there was another drop in iPhone sales and shipments in China, with the company's revenue in the country also seeing a decline, favoring more of its Chinese rivals.

However, the recent request by China for Apple is to remove instant messaging and social media apps, something which it is known to do, but the Telegram boss believes it is an attack on Apple, and they only got caught in the midst of it all.




Former President Donald Trump had once criticized the H-1B visa program as detrimental to Americans, however, his social media venture, Truth Social, recently applied for it.

This move by the company raises eyebrows considering Trump's previous efforts to limit the program during his presidency, a stance that some of his allies still support for a potential second term.

TOPSHOT - This illustration photo shows a person checking the app store on a smartphone for "Truth Social," with an image of former US president Donald Trump on a computer screen in the background, in Los Angeles, October 20, 2021. (Photo: CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's H-1B Visa Application

In June 2022, Trump Media & Technology Group, the organization responsible for Truth Social, submitted an application for an H-1B visa. The application was for a worker with a $65,000 annual salary, the minimum wage permitted by the program.

According to the Associated Press, the company's visa request was approved several months later. However, the company has stated that it ultimately did not hire the worker. Filing for the visa presents a paradox in Donald Trump's persona.

As a political candidate, he advocated for a protectionist agenda, urging companies to prioritize hiring American workers. However, as a businessman, Trump is willing to leverage all available company resources.

Interestingly, records reveal that an investment firm established by Trump's son-in-law and former White House adviser, Jared Kushner, also pursued an application under the same visa program.

Notably, the firm received approval to employ a foreign associate, adding another layer to the discussion surrounding Trump's approach to immigration policies and business practices.

Truth Social's Response

In a statement, Trump Media & Technology Group attributed the visa application to previous leadership, even though the current CEO, Devin Nunes, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman and longtime Trump ally, was already at the helm when the application was initially submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The company clarified that it has never employed, nor does it intend to employ, a worker through the H-1B visa program.

Upon learning of the application, which was initiated under previous management, the current leadership promptly terminated the process in November 2022.

While the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services records data on visa approvals, it does not explicitly indicate instances of revocation.

However, a spokesperson for the Labor Department, which also monitors H-1B applications, confirmed that there were no records of Truth Social requesting a withdrawal.

Trump's White House proposed curbs on legal immigration, including family-based visas and the visa lottery program, alongside his frequent discussions on illegal border crossings.

In a 2016 primary debate, Trump criticized the H-1B visa program, calling it "very bad" and "unfair" to U.S. workers, despite his prior use of it as a businessman.

Three months into his presidency, Trump issued the "Buy American and Hire American" executive order to reform the H-1B visa program to prioritize higher-paid or more skilled applicants and protect American workers.

According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, during his administration, government scrutiny of H-1B visa cases increased, with more requests for information and a higher rate of petition denials.
Google has fired an additional 20 employees due to protests over the tech giant's role in providing technology to the Israeli government amid the Gaza conflict, raising the total number of terminated staff to over 50, according to a report by AP.

Google Fires More than 20 Workers After their Protests

The protests centered on "Project Nimbus," a $1.2 billion contract signed in 2021 between Google, Amazon, and the Israeli government to provide cloud computing and artificial intelligence services.



Last week, employees staged sit-in protests at Google offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California, which resulted in police intervention and several arrests.



No Tech For Apartheid, the group behind the protests, initially reported that 30 workers were terminated last week, a number that later increased to 50 with the recent firings.



The additional dismissals occurred on Tuesday night, with Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, confirming that "over 20" more employees were fired.



According to Chung, Google's actions aim to suppress dissent and silence its workers, asserting the company's power over them. She criticized Google for terminating the livelihoods of more than 50 of its own employees without due process.



"Google's aims are clear: the corporation is attempting to quash dissent, silence its workers, and reassert its power over them. In its attempts to do so, Google has decided to unceremoniously, and without due process, upend the livelihoods of over 50 of its own workers," Chung said in a statement.



"That's because Google values its profit, and its $1.2 billion contract with the Israeli government and military, more than people. And it certainly values it over its own workers."





Google's Response

In response, Google stated that it fired the additional workers after an investigation revealed details of disruptive behavior by some employees during the protests.



The company identified employees who attempted to conceal their identities by wearing masks and not carrying their staff badges. However, Google did not specify the exact number of employees terminated.



Google refuted the claims made by No Tech For Apartheid, emphasizing that it carefully evaluated each case and ensured that those whose employment was terminated were directly involved in disruptive activities inside the company's buildings.



The protests were sparked by concerns over Google's involvement in providing technology to the Israeli government during the Gaza conflict. "Project Nimbus" involves offering cloud computing and AI services to Israel, but Google maintains that the project does not include weaponry or intelligence activities.



This is not the first time Google employees have voiced their discontent through protests. In 2018, employees successfully pressured the company to terminate its contract with the U.S. Defense Department for "Project Maven," which aimed to assist the military in analyzing military video footage.
The world's largest 3D printer has successfully constructed a house, showcasing its potential to streamline construction processes by reducing time and labor.

Meanwhile, an even larger printer was recently unveiled in Maine, suggesting the possibility of constructing entire neighborhoods.

The Factory of the Future (FoF 1.0)

The University of Maine (UMaine) recently unveiled a new 3D printer, known as the Factory of the Future 1.0 (FoF 1.0), at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC).

This printer, surpassing its predecessor in size, aims to advance sustainable manufacturing across various industries.



FoF 1.0 can print objects as large as 96 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high, with a printing speed of up to 500 pounds per hour.



This printer utilizes thermoplastic polymer and offers promising opportunities for eco-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing. It could be used in industries such as national security, affordable housing, bridge construction, and maritime vessel fabrication.



Substantial support from the Office of the Secretary of Defense through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made the development and fabrication of FoF 1.0 possible.



It is designed not only as a large-scale printer but also as a versatile system capable of dynamically switching between various manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, continuous tape layup, and robotic arm operations.

Read Also : Creality Initiates Sale of K1 Max 3D Printer with Better Price and Exciting Features as well as Amazon Prime Day Offers

New Research Frontiers

FoF 1.0's capabilities extend beyond traditional manufacturing processes, offering new research opportunities in collaborative robotics operations, sensor integration, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence.

These advancements are expected to meet rigorous quality standards and drive innovation across multiple sectors.



"FoF 1.0 opens up new research frontiers to integrate these collaborative robotics operations at a very large scale with new sensors, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to create born-certified systems that meet high quality standards," ASCC Executive Director Habib Dagher said in a press release statement.



The printer's potential extends to developing biobased feedstocks from Maine's abundant wood residuals. Initiatives such as BioHome3D aim to leverage this technology to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions while advancing lightweight structures and vessel technologies crucial for national security.



"Maine needs an estimated 80,000 additional homes by 2030, many specifically for households with incomes at or below the area median income.

This new technology allows UMaine-ASCC to scale up its research and production of its innovative biobased 3D printed home technology," said MaineHousing's Development Director Mark Wiesendanger.



"This effort creates another means of producing quality affordable housing, while further driving costs down, and using abundant wood residuals from Maine's sawmills."




Venezuela expels 10,000 from illegal gold mine, now closed



Caracas, April 23 (AFP) Apr 23, 2024



Venezuelan authorities said Tuesday they had expelled some 10,000 people from an illegal gold mine that claimed at least 16 lives when it collapsed in February.

The Bulla Loca mine in the Bolivar state in Venezuela's Amazon region has now been "closed and evacuated," general Domingo Hernandez Larez of the armed forces' operational command said on X.

He shared a video online showing huge craters left by illegal mining, as well as dozens of felled trees around the mine that sprung up inside the La Paragua Forest Reserve.

Evacuation began in February after the open-pit mine caved in. Locals say the death toll was much higher than the official tally of 16.

Since last year, some 14,000 illegal miners have also been evicted from the Yapacana National Park in the neighboring Amazonas state, where vast areas were devastated by mining.

Activists denounce "ecocide" in the area and the exploitation of children working long hours without protection.

Authorities say illegal miners fell and burn trees, contaminate water and engage in underground drilling that is damaging to the environment and harmful to Indigenous communities.

Last July, President Nicolas Maduro ordered the deployment of the armed forces to counter a scourge he said was "destroying the Amazon of South America... and Venezuela."

Rights activists have denounced excessive use of force during evictions of illegal mines where foreigners from Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador also operate.
Tesla profits tumble but shares rise on new vehicle plan



New York, April 23 (AFP) Apr 23, 2024



Tesla reported a big drop in quarterly profits Tuesday amid an increasingly cutthroat electric vehicle market, but shares rallied as CEO Elon Musk pledged to accelerate plans for a more affordable EV.

Tesla reported profits of $1.1 billion, down 55 percent from the year-ago quarter on revenues of $21.3 billion, down nine percent as the company described EV sales as "under pressure."

But shares rocketed up more than 11 percent in after-hours trading after Tesla pledged to "accelerate" new more affordable autos -- something Wall Street analysts have been clamoring for.

The results, which lagged analyst estimates, come as investors have sought greater strategic clarity from Musk amid a weaker performance and as the mercurial Tesla boss has touted Robotaxis as a venture at a time when there are increasing questions about the timeframe that autonomous technology will be commercially viable.

The company, which recently announced layoffs of some 14,000 workers, has also undertaken a recall of its Cybertruck due to an acceleration problem.

Cutting headcount by more than 10 percent will save Tesla more than $1 billion annually in costs, said Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja on a conference call with analysts.

In spite of the belt-tightening, Tesla's report did provide some news likely to cheer investors, saying it planned to "accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025."

The new vehicles will include "more affordable models," Tesla said.

At the outset of Tuesday's conference call, Musk said production on the vehicles would start in early 2025 or in late 2024, up from the prior timeframe of the latter half of 2025.

The vehicles "will use new aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platform," Musk said. "So it's not contingent on any new factory or massive new production line."

Musk declined to elaborate on the plan, saying more details would be released in August.

The Tesla CEO spoke at length about the promise of Tesla's autonomous ventures, saying valuing the EV maker like a car company is the "wrong framework."

"If somebody doesn't believe Tesla is going to solve autonomy I think they should not be an investor," he said.



- Robotaxis? -



The statement about new vehicles comes on the heels of speculation that Tesla is shelving plans for the "Model 2," the unofficial name of what is expected to be a mass-marketed, lower-priced vehicle.

While Tesla's statements about new vehicles boosted shares, "the company still hasn't offered timelines for these new vehicles, which could take years to come to market at a time when EV competition in various markets is intensifying," said Gadjo Sevilla, senior technology analyst at Emarketer.

Tesla also said Tuesday it will continue to pursue a "revolutionary" manufacturing strategy on a "purpose-built robotaxi product."

Leading analysts have expressed skepticism about the embrace of the Robotaxi venture.

Deutsche Bank analysts last week downgraded Tesla to a "hold," pointing to disappointments about the rumored Model 2 delay that weren't offset by the Robotaxi push.

Musk's announcement that the Robotaxi will be unveiled in August "in no way means the technology is ready," said Deutsche Bank, which pointed to "technological, regulatory and operational challenges" that could hamper its commercial prospects.

"We worry there is considerable execution risk to the development of Robotaxi technology and that a fleet deployment could be years away," Deutsche Bank said.

Shoggi Ezeizat, analyst at Third Bridge, said Tesla's ambitious push in robotaxis "could provide a competitive edge" with "sustained and robust" commitment.

However, the campaign "carries significant risks," including regulatory challenges, scaling demands and the potential for setbacks "that could impede progress and affect consumer trust in autonomous services," Ezeizat said.

Heading into 2024, Tesla watchers were already girding for a tougher path, with Musk's once-dominant leadership in EVs facing more competition from rivals, resulting in a series of price cuts.

But things have been bumpier than expected, with news of the job cuts and lower vehicle deliveries followed late last week by Tesla's recall of the Cybertruck due to an acceleration problem.
Partial power outage at Fukushima plant, water release suspended



Tokyo, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



The release of treated wastewater into the ocean from Japan's wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant was suspended on Wednesday as a partial power outage affected the site, operator TEPCO said.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said in a statement that the system to cool reactors remained operational and "no meaningful change" had been detected at plant facilities that monitor radioactivity.

In 2011, the Fukushima-Daiichi plant on Japan's northeastern coast went into meltdown after a huge earthquake and tsunami that killed 18,000 people. It was one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

"At around 10:43 am (0143 GMT), electricity source line A stopped," Wednesday's TEPCO statement said without giving details.

The release of water treated through a filtration process called ALPS also stopped at the same time, it said.

TEPCO added that a worker had been injured during an excavation operation.

An inspection later found the worker was near an electric circuit when the incident occurred.

"Therefore, it is assumed that the worker damaged the cable during excavation work," the company said in a statement.

Earlier, a TEPCO spokesman told AFP that "there seems to be a link between this electricity loss and suspension of the ALPS operation."

"We are trying to figure out" a potential link between the injury and the electricity loss, he said.

The worker was conscious and not contaminated, but was seen by an on-site doctor and an ambulance was called.

Last year, Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The facility was running out of space to build more water tanks, and TEPCO needed to clear the area for the much more hazardous task of removing radioactive fuel and rubble from three stricken reactors.

Japan argues that the water being released gradually over decades is harmless and heavily diluted with seawater.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and many leading economies have endorsed the release.

But China, later joined by Russia, banned all Japanese seafood imports, saying that Japan was polluting the environment.

IAEA officials and international experts are currently in Japan to review the water release.

Their mission to review "the safety and regulatory aspects of the discharge" is scheduled for April 23-26.
El Nino threatens grain shortages in southern Africa



Johannesburg, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



Severe drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon is threatening southern Africa with grain shortages and food insecurity, a UN food agency said Wednesday.

The recurring El Nino weather pattern, which causes a rise in global temperatures, returned in mid-2023 and is expected to last until May.

Grain shortages are set to worsen food insecurity, which has already affected 16 million people in the region in the first three months of the year, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said.

"The foreseen shortfall in production, especially for maize, is expected to intensify households' food insecurity, push up domestic prices and spur a surge in import needs across the subregion," the FAO said.

Maize accounts for almost 20 percent of the calories consumed in southern African countries.

Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe have each declared a state of national disaster, while shortages have also affected Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, the FAO said.

South Africa and Zambia, both traditionally grain exporters, will not be able to meet demand, it added.

These poor harvest forecasts are linked to "substantial" rain shortages in February and record high temperatures, the FAO said.

A World Weather Attribution report said the drought in southern Africa was driven mostly by El Nino, rather than by climate change.
EU parliament's youngest lawmaker eyes re-election



Strasbourg, France, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



When Kira Peter-Hansen took her seat in the European Parliament, aged 21, she was mistaken for an intern. Now the legislature's youngest member is 26 and eyeing a second mandate in June elections, aiming mainly to defend the EU's climate initiative.

A Danish lawmaker with the leftwing Greens group, Peter-Hansen entered the parliament five years ago, still a university student at the time and the youngest member in the chamber's history.

She is part of a small cohort of lawmakers who fall outside the 40-60 age range solidly represented in the chamber.

In the current 705-member parliament, she is one of just 13 MEPs who are under 30 -- fewer than those aged 70-plus, who hold 27 of the seats.

Initially, "it felt very overwhelming," she said. "It was crazy."

She experienced "some looks", and "some guards who thought I'm an intern and wanted me to go in a different entrance".

But it has not stopped her playing her part in shaping EU legislation, such as its ambitious climate action plan.

"I think you can be a good MEP without having 40 years of life experience," she told AFP.

It has also been a learning experience, with its share of frustrations -- among them the bureaucracy, and the European Parliament's near-monthly habit of travelling from its regular Brussels base to the French city of Strasbourg for plenary sessions.

But, Peter-Hansen said, her first term brought its share of legislative achievements, including what she described as concrete progress on fighting climate change.

The EU's landmark Green Deal sets bold plans for reducing planet-warming emissions -- but has fuelled angry protests by farmers.

"I do think we're making very good legislation," Peter-Hansen said.

Now she is looking to secure a second mandate in EU elections that will take place across the bloc June 6-9.



- Worries for Green Deal -



Navigating the "very different" national cultures in the parliament -- where MEPs hail from the EU's 27 countries -- has opened her eyes to different political styles and priorities.

The French determination to keep Strasbourg as the parliament's official location was understandable from a historical point of view, she said.

The French city sits on the border with Germany and having the legislature there is a symbol of postwar European unity -- as well as a regular economic bonus for Strasbourg's hotels and restaurants.

But, Peter-Hansen added, "personally, I think we should stop travelling from Brussels to Strasbourg".

The carbon footprint the regular MEP pilgrimage entails, the logistics and the cost to European taxpayers meant "we should find a way where we can be in one place for a longer time," she said.

The Dane said she shares the same worries about the upcoming elections held by many of the mainstream MEPs in the parliament.

They are confronted with surveys showing that far-right parties are going to make substantial inroads in the next legislature, which will have 720 representatives.

While centrist groupings will still dominate, their influence will likely be whittled down by the bigger proportion of extreme-right MEPs, many of whom oppose immigration, promote nationalism and question tenets of European unity.

Peter-Hansen said her main concern was that the EU's Green Deal could be put in jeopardy by the far-right.

It has been courting disgruntled farmers and other segments of the electorate who feel left behind by global trade and Brussels' policies.

"I think this is an election where you have to decide: do you want to continue the EU Green Deal, or do you want to stop it? Or do you want to roll it back completely?" she said.

"As it looks now, it will be a very difficult majority to find in order to continue the green transition."
Facing farmers' ire, EU lawmakers back rollback of environmental rules



Strasbourg, France, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



EU lawmakers on Wednesday approved a revision of the bloc's common agricultural policy (CAP) that scaled back some of the more eco-friendly requirements in a bid to appease farmers protesting what they say are overly strict rules.

Farmers have been mounting rolling protests in countries across the European Union, from Belgium and France to Spain, Italy and Poland, over a long list of burdens they say are depressing revenue.

The European Parliament rushed through the changes by a large majority at its last plenary session ahead of EU Parliament elections in June.

Much to the dismay of environmental NGOs, the European Commission had proposed in March to relax or even abolish some of the green criteria that the new CAP would impose on farmers starting in 2023.

The revision does away entirely with an obligation to leave a share of arable land fallow, a measure aimed at protecting soils and promoting biodiversity but a major gripe for farmers.

Farmers are still incentivised to do so.

EU member states will now have more flexibility to decide which soils to protect and in which season, and will be able to diversify crops as well as rotate them.

A key change also involves granting leeway to farmers who fail to meet CAP requirements because of extreme weather.

And it exempts small farms of fewer than 10 hectares (25 acres) from inspections and penalties related to CAP compliance.

France's agriculture minister Marc Fesneau welcomed the revision, as did farming lobby groups.

But Green MEPs and environmental NGOs denounced the relaxation of environmental standards in the EU's vast agricultural policy.

"This initiative undermines the EU's strategies on climate, biodiversity and soil protection," French MEP Benoit Biteau said.

"No significant measures are envisaged to improve farmers' incomes," he said.
Netherlands sued over 'forever chemical' pollution



The Hague, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2024



Eleven environmental organisations said Wednesday that they were suing the Dutch state for allegedly failing to protect the Netherlands against the harmful effects of contamination from so-called "forever chemicals".

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals are a family of artificial compounds widely used for decades to make textiles, non-stick pans and cosmetics for their resistance to heat or water.

But they have accumulated in nature and human bodies because of their durability and longevity, polluting the environment and posing serious risks to humans and animals, according to some scientific research.

The law firm Knoops' Advocaten said Wednesday that it had "issued a subpoena on behalf of eleven different interest organisations" against the Dutch state "in connection with the harmful effects of widespread PFAS contamination in the Netherlands".

The groups allege the government is "grossly neglecting its duty of care to protect Dutch citizens, animals and the environment from the harmful effects of PFAS contamination" despite knowing about the dangers, the firm said.

The collective is demanding the state be found guilty of PFAS pollution and carry out a national health investigation, public broadcaster NOS reported.

The state has three months to meet the demands, after which the lawsuit will begin, NOS said, with the law firm saying it would start at The Hague's district court on August 7.
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Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has wildly claimed, without any evidence, that Democrats want Donald Trump to be murdered in jail.

The right-wing lawmaker made the remarks during an interview with Infowars host Alex Jones, in which she suggested that the four criminal cases Mr Trump is facing - including an ongoing trial where he has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts relating to alleged hush money payments - are an intentional effort by his political rivals to imprison the former president until he dies.

She added that Democrats are also attempting to strip Mr Trump of his presidential Secret Service detail to accomplish their goal.

They want to lock him up in jail for the rest of his life so that he dies in jail, she told Jones, a conspiracy theorist who owes the families of Sandy Hook victims $1.5bn.

And they want to take away his Secret Service protection so that he is murdered somewhere in jail, possibly. This is how serious they are, she added.

Ms Greene was referencing a bill proposed last week by Mississippi Democrat Rep Bennie Thompson - the former chairman of the House January 6 Select Committee - that aims to strip Secret Service protections from former government officials convicted of a felony.

Firebrand Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed that Democrats want Donald Trump to be murdered in jail ( Getty Images )

The bill, titled the DISGRACED Act, was co-signed by eight other Democrats and would force the Secret Service to relinquish protective duties to prison personnel.

Unfortunately, current law doesnt anticipate how Secret Service protection would impact the felony prison sentence of a protectee - even a former President, Rep Thompson said in a statement in April.

Therefore, it is necessary for us to be prepared and update the law so the American people can be assured that protective status does not translate into special treatmentand that those who are sentenced to prison will indeed serve the time required of them.

It is not the first time Ms Greene has suggested that the criminal cases against the former president were manufactured by Democrats to kill him by putting him behind bars.

Bidens DOJ is trying to put [President] Trump in prison for the rest of his life which would be a death sentence, she wrote in a post on X in February.

Mr Trump, 77, is currently on trial in New York accused of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an alleged bid to cover up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

He allegedly paid Ms Daniels, 45, $130,000 in October 2016 in exchange for her silence over a 2006 affair the actress claimed they had.

Mr Trump denies the affair and all of the charges brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. If he is convicted of all 34 counts, he could theoretically face more than a decade in prison, according to CNN chief legal analyst Laura Coates.

He is also involved in two other criminal cases related to his alleged attempts to conspire to overturn the result of the 2020 election and another case related to retaining classified documents.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, and has slammed the legal proceedings as a witch hunt.

This sentiment was echoed by Ms Greene during her interview this week, in which she called the criminal cases against Mr Trump rigged.

Ms Greene, who is also a conspiracy theorist, has historically been one of Mr Trumps most vocal supporters. She previously claimed that the 2020 election was stolen but admitted she had no evidence of election fraud.

Meanwhile, during a town hall meeting last year, Ms Greene seemingly approved of a call to execute her political opponents for treason.

Before being elected to Congress in 2020, she accused then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of being guilty of treason, noting that it is a crime punishable by death.
Buying options in your own company right before a merger is announced is a red flag for regulators, and relatively easy for them to discover. Trading in anothers account, as Bechtolsheim was accused of doing, or in a company that is not directly involved in the deal but is likely to benefit from it, must seem less risky. Insider trading prosecutions are relatively infrequent, so it is difficult to determine just what really goes on in the home offices, executive suites and office parks. But researchers who analyse trading data say corporate executives broadly profit from confidential information. These executives try to avoid traditional insider trading restrictions by buying shares in economically linked firms, a phenomenon called shadow trading. Im invincible There appears to be significant profits being made from shadow trading, said Mihir N. Mehta, an assistant professor of accounting at the University of Michigan and an author of a 2021 study in The Accounting Review that found robust evidence of the behaviour. The people doing it have a sense of entitlement or maybe just think, Im invincible. Another recent Bay Area insider trading case shows how shadow trading works. Matthew Panuwat, an executive at the San Francisco biopharmaceutical company Medivation, was informed in August 2016 that Pfizer was acquiring his company. Minutes later, he bought shares in a third drug firm. When the deal for Medivation was announced, the third company became a hot prospect, and its shares soared, too. Panuwats profit: $US107,066.

At his trial earlier this year, Panuwat said the timing was a coincidence. A jury didnt buy it, and after only a brief deliberation on April 5 found him guilty of insider trading. White-collar defence firms anticipate an explosion of new cases. The successful prosecution of Mr Panuwat has armed the federal government with a powerful new precedent, Gibson Dunn, a law firm, told clients. Loading The SEC issued a brief statement after Panuwats verdict, saying that there was nothing novel about the case: This was insider trading, pure and simple. A lawyer for Panuwat didnt return a request for comment. The agency also considers Bechtolsheims case straightforward, though it was higher profile than usual. It was one of the few cases of wealthy company founders being charged since 2001, when lifestyle guru Martha Stewart was tipped to sell her shares in a medical company before it announced bad news. Stewart was sentenced to five months in jail for obstruction of justice.

Bechtolsheim grew up in rural West Germany, developing an interest at a very early age in how things worked. I spent all my free time just building stuff, he once said. He went to Stanford as a doctoral student in the mid-1970s and got to know the then-small programming community around the university. In the early 1980s, he, along with McNealy, Vinod Khosla and Bill Joy, started Sun Microsystems as an outgrowth of a Stanford project. When Sun initially raised money, Bechtolsheim put his entire life savings  about $US100,000  into the company. Zero risk You could end up losing all your money, he was warned by the venture capitalists financing Sun. His response: I see zero risk here. Asked in a 2015 oral history what his social life was like during Suns early years, Bechtolsheim replied: Social life? I didnt have any social life. I was working day and night on designing new workstations and building the company. That was the only thing that mattered to me at the time.

The wager paid off. Sun workstations filled a niche between the rudimentary personal computers of the era and high-end mainframes from IBM and others. Later, Sun expanded into computers that manage other computers called servers. At its peak in the late 1990s dot-com bubble, Sun had a stock market valuation of $US200 billion. Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page couldnt deposit Bechtolsheims cheque for a month because the company did not have a bank account. Credit: AP It was Bechtolsheims funding of Google in 1998 that made him a permanent part of Silicon Valley lore. The deal happened at a moment when Googles founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, werent even sure they wanted to build a company around their homemade search technology. They were focused on getting their Stanford doctorates. The investment happened like this, according to Steven Levys 2011 history of Google, In the Plex: Brin emailed Bechtolsheim one evening around midnight. Bechtolsheim immediately replied, suggesting a meeting the next morning. An impromptu demonstration was hastily arranged for 8am, which Bechtolsheim cut short. He had seen enough, and besides, he had to get to the office. He gave them a cheque, and the deal was sealed, Levy wrote, with as little fanfare as if he were grabbing a latte on the way to work. The founders celebrated at Burger King.

Page and Brin couldnt deposit Bechtolsheims cheque for a month because Google did not have a bank account. When Google went public in 2004, that $US100,000 investment was worth at least $US1 billion. Loading It wasnt the money that made the story famous, however. It was the way it confirmed one of Silicon Valleys most cherished beliefs about itself: that its genius is so blindingly obvious, questions are superfluous. The dot-com boom was a disorienting period for longtime Valley leaders whose interest in money was muted. Bechtolsheims Sun colleague Joy left Silicon Valley. Theres so much money around, its clouding a lot of peoples ethics, Joy said in a 1999 oral history with Bechtolsheim.

Bechtolsheim didnt leave. In 2008, he co-founded Arista, a Silicon Valley computer networking company that went public and now has 4,000 employees and a stock market value of $US100 billion. Bechtolsheim was chair of Aristas board when an executive from another company called in 2019, according to the SEC. Arista and the other company, which was not named in court documents, had a history of sharing confidential information under nondisclosure agreements. Loading This executive told Bechtolsheim that a smaller networking company, Acacia, was in play, according to the SEC. The executives company had been thinking of acquiring Acacia, but now another firm was making a bid. What to do? Whatever counsel Bechtolsheim supplied was not mentioned in the SEC complaint. But immediately after hanging up, the government said, he bought Acacia option contracts in the accounts of a close relative and a colleague. The next day, the deal was announced. Acacia shares jumped 35 per cent.

Aristas code of conduct states that employees who possess material, nonpublic information gained through their work at Arista may not trade in Arista securities or the securities of another company to which the information pertains. Levy, the In the Plex author, said there were plenty of legal ways to make money in Silicon Valley. Someone who is regarded as an influential funder and is very well-connected gets nearly unlimited opportunities to make very desirable early investments, he said. Bechtolsheim is no longer chair of Aristas board but has the title of chief architect. Arista issued a statement saying it will respond appropriately to the situation, but declined to say what that meant. McNealy, the former Sun CEO, said he did not know the details but that Bechtolsheims overall career should be taken into account. While Andy may have knowingly or accidentally made a mistake, he said, he will always be able to say he did real good.
Credit: If anyone can pull off a book from the perspective of a talking budgie, its Morris Gleitzman. The veteran childrens author has a knack for wackiness that makes the gambit work in his latest, Tweet, which follows Jay and his budgie Clyde on an epic adventure. Birds around the world have started behaving oddly, and they seem to have something they want to say. Jays parents are bird experts, and should be able to decode the message, but theyve gone missing, so its up to Jay and Clyde (and their friends Maxine and Dora) to find out what their feathered friends have to say. Their quest leads them on an odyssey that bridges the gap between human and natural worlds, leaving us with an urgent environmental message. Its warm-hearted and humane and accessible novel, perfectly pitched at its target audience. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK

Bullet Paper Rock

Abbas El-Zein, Upswell, $29.99 Credit: Amid the growing glut of mass-market memoirs, multifaceted gems such as this one are rare. The title captures, with exquisite and jarring concision, how war and conflict punctuated Abbas El-Zeins childhood and youth in Lebanon and how they continue to reverberate through his life in Australia. While hostilities in the Middle East brought him within a hairs breadth of becoming a casualty, the ruminations in these autobiographical essays are not defined by this violence. He is too aware of the subtle and random factors that shape our existence, the irresistible current of fate shoving us this way even as our minds scream in protest. Historical forces, family, the nuances of language and El-Zeins expansiveness of spirit combine to create a sometimes philosophical, sometimes dramatic discontinuous narrative full of wry and moving insights into the big and small moments that make up a life.

The Untold Story of William Shum

Sue Walker, The Beagle Press, $59.95 Credit: In 1902, Australian women got the vote and the first journal for Australian women, called New Idea, was launched. A far cry from todays celebrity news and gossip glossy, it fostered the talent of women writers such as the young Katharine Susannah Prichard and supported the suffragette movement, featuring interviews with activist Vida Goldstein. The editor was William Shum: journalist, photographer and lover of art and literature. He went on to edit Australian Home Beautiful, where he celebrated the work of landscape designer Edna Walling and innovative architects such as Walter Burley Griffin. This elegantly produced work, written by Shums granddaughter, Sue Walker, not only traces the trajectory of Shums life from the goldfields of Bendigo to Brighton Beach, it also reflects changing currents and fashions in the home, the arts and in society at large. The Way We Are

Hugh Mackay, Allen & Unwin, $34.99 Credit:
Retired Formula 1 star Mark Webber, 47, met the Flying Scot  three-time F1 world champion Jackie Stewart, 84  when he was just 20. Stewart would go on to became a mentor, grandfather figure and literal lifesaver.

Jackie Stewart and Mark Webber. I never did end up racing for him but, in many ways, hes been like another grandfather to me, giving me advice during my career, says Webber. Credit: Eddie Jim

Mark: As a young kid growing up in Australia, I spent a lot of time on a farm. I loved riding motorbikes and driving cars at a really young age  probably quicker than I needed to because I loved the wind in my hair  but Dad [Alan] was there to keep an eye on me. Jackie Stewart had obviously finished his racing career by then, but Id heard all the stories about him through my father. Dad used to hitchhike from Queanbeyan to Sydney to watch Sir Jackie race at Warwick Farm, and that had a huge influence on him. There was no motor racing at all in our family until Dad got addicted to Formula 1 through this legend.

I met Sir Jackie for the first time in 1997, when I was only 20 and had just started in British Formula 3 racing. I was doing well in a team that didnt have as much funding and finance as his team did, but there was this weekend when I managed to hose his drivers, and that got his attention.

He invited me to his house for dinner. I really didnt want to be late, so I got to his home in Buckinghamshire one hour early and parked around the corner. I was busting for a pee-eye-double-five, so I went into the woods there for a little pit stop, but a security guy came out of nowhere and clocked me: What are you doing here? I explained myself, and this guy was like, Well, were watching you. It turns out his property is next door to Chequers, the official country house of the British prime minister. The officer was actually security for Tony Blair. We laugh about that now.
And that wraps up our coverage of Anzac Day for 2024.

About 85,000 people attended dawn services and marches in Australias capital cities this morning, to honour those who have served in Australias armed forces. Thousands more also joined commemorative services in France and Turkey.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a dawn service in Papua New Guinea and said that Anzac Day did not ask Australians to exalt war, but to hold on to the names and deeds of those who had served, and protect them from the erosion of time.

Thanks for joining us today.
Anzac Day has become, quite rightly, a revered public holiday. It provides a poignant occasion each year to reflect upon and commemorate the sacrifices of Australian military personnel who have served and died.

For many, the dawn service is an annual ritual that allows all comers  no matter their cultural, religious or national identity  to share in a moment of collective reflection that honours, in a very personal way, the sacrifice many have made to ensure our security and freedom.

The Anzac Day dawn service last year at the Shrine of Remembrance. Credit: Jason South

Thats what is so special about Anzac Day. It powerfully reminds us that for all the perennial discussions of military strategy, weaponry and strategic alliances, which are no doubt vital, the defence of our nation relies principally on human endeavour. Its the character and the calibre of the men and women who join, train and deploy in our defence forces that are a critical measure of our defence capabilities.

And its for that very reason that the recent story of a fathers painful and frustrating quest for the truth behind his sons death cannot be ignored. Alex Naggs died, along with three other army aviators, in July last year off Lindeman Island, in Queensland, when the Taipan helicopter they were aboard plummeted into choppy seas.
Mercifully, this cloying official obsequiousness to Britain would not last, and Curtin was the man who ended it, horrified that Australias loyalty to Britain in extremis had not been returned in kind. No matter that Australia had lost 60,000 men killed in WWI in the service of Britain, and that at the outbreak of the Second World War Australia had promptly sent two full divisions of men, (including my father, Lieutenant P.M. FitzSimons, 2/4th Ak-Ak) to fight beside Britain in the Middle East to defend British interests. Now, it seemed to Curtin, after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour and the threatened fall of Singapore, when Australia was in need, Britain was missing in action. The 1st Armoured Brigade marches through Sydney to Prince Alfred Park on November 21, 1941. But Churchills views had been set in stone when, on November 22, 1940, he sent a memo to his First Sea Lord, insisting that there be a concentration of all possible naval and military aid in the European field, [my italics] to the exclusion of any other interest  This would involve  abandonment of any attempt to reinforce the Far East. And us in Australia, Prime Minister Churchill, in the Far East and facing the rising Japanese threat? We were on our own. Curtin felt that Churchill was abandoning us to purely British and more favoured colonial interests.

In early 1942, Curtin cabled his wife Elsie in Perth that The war goes very badly and I have a cable fight with Churchill almost daily. He has been in Africa and India and they count before Australia and New Zealand. The cables kept coming, building to a climax as Singapore fell on February 15, 1942, and Darwin was bombed by the Japanese four days later. In these cable fights, Churchill tried to soothe Curtin, maintaining that Australia was in minimal danger. But in private the English leader was scathing, claiming that the Australians were jumpy about invasion because they came from bad stock, according to David Day in The Politics of War. No, really. The biggest issue between the leaders concerned the Australian troops of the Sixth and Seventh Divisions then on the Indian Ocean and heading east, from North Africa to Australia. Churchill wanted them diverted to Burma to defend the jewel in Britains colonial crown, India, against a western Japanese thrust  while also putting garrisons in Ceylon and Java.

Curtin, call him crazy, wanted Australias finest sons to return to Australia. In an effort to convince Curtin, Churchill even engaged the support of US president Franklin D. Roosevelt, who sent cables to the Australian leader agreeing with the British prime ministers line of reasoning. (It was explained to Roosevelt that Australia was a sovereign nation, and Curtin was quite within his rights.) Even Australias representative to the United Kingdom, Earle Page  our own man  told Churchill that he would endeavour to change Curtins mind, and indeed tried to do so. Curtins reported comment in response to Pages recommendation was one for the ages: There are numerous geographical centres where an AIF or any other division would be useful, he said, but from the viewpoint of Australia, there is none east of Suez of greater importance than Australia [itself]. Finally, the climax  For, extraordinarily  believing himself to be the leader of the forces of the British Empire, and that was authority enough  Churchill gave orders to the British troopships to divert the Australian troops to Burma anyway, only informing Curtin 24 hours after the event.

Curtin, shocked that it had come to this, needed time to think. So he went for a long walk around Canberras Mount Ainslie. It was, in fact, so long that his key adviser on defence issues, Frederick Shedden, organised for messages to be put up on screens in the citys theatres around Canberra, broadly saying, if you are the Prime Minister, phone home. Curtin did return, just after midnight, and sent the cable which fully affirmed Australias right as a sovereign nation to determine where its own troops would be sent. Australias outer defences are now quickly vanishing and our vulnerability is completely exposed, he wrote flatly to Churchill. We feel a primary obligation to save Australia. This cable has been called Australias informal Declaration of Independence. The Conference of Dominion Premiers in London on May 1, 1944: (from left) Field Marshall Smuts (South Africa); Mackenzie King (Canada); Winston Churchill, John Curtin, and Peter Fraser (New Zealand). Curtin won the day, even if he did allow two brigades of the Sixth Division to stay in Ceylon as a temporary garrison. The rest of the convoy headed home, home to Australia, to the manifest relief of the troops themselves. And of course, those same Australian troops did go on to defend Australia, in the battles of Milne Bay, Kokoda and all the rest.

Through those battles, Curtin was resolute, and even summoned what I would call Churchillian language, in assuring the Americans in a subsequent radio broadcast of March 1942: The Anzac breed will trade punches with the Japanese, until we rock the enemy back on his heels. [No matter which way the battle turns] there will still be Australians fighting on Australian soil until the turning point be reached, and we will advance over blackened ruins through blasted and fire-swept cities, across scorched plains, until we drive the enemy into the sea. Loading And so the Australians did, though mercifully not on Australian soil. That was who John Curtin was  the great leader who Anthony Albanese is likely to be honouring in his Anzac Day address at Isurava. He was a great leader of his country, of his people, who came from modest beginnings and rose to be a truly great Australian, prioritising Australian interests  and the people loved him for it. At his funeral in Canberra in 1945, there was pomp and ceremony befitting a great PM who had died in office, and two of his pallbearers were Artie Fadden and Robert Menzies. Just after they had put the coffin down on the gun carriage Menzies said to Fadden, I dont want all this fuss when I go, Artie.
At the height of the Battle of Britain, Winston Churchill famously venerated the achievements of the fighter pilots and bomber crews taking on the German Luftwaffe.

In his parliamentary speech, he sought to galvanise the public by extolling the efforts of their countrymen in the skies above: Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.

Anzac veterans (from left) Brian Barry, Ross Swan and Max Barry. Credit: Louise Kennerley/Steven Siewert

Thankfulness is an ephemeral notion, but sometimes it becomes an emotion perhaps more enduring  gratitude  particularly towards almost 1 million Australians who served during World War II to end the totalitarian dictatorship of Adolf Hitler and repel the threat from Imperial Japan. Now they are so few.

The Australian Department of Veterans Affairs believes there are between 2500 and 3000 of those World War II servicemen and women still alive. By the end of 2026, the department estimates it is likely to be 800. So few.
Seven teenage boys allegedly belonging to a terror cell have been arrested in police raids across Sydney as part of a major counter-terrorism investigation launched after the stabbing of a Christian bishop last week.

A further five people, including two men and three other teenage boys, are being questioned by a joint counter-terrorism squad.

One of the teenagers arrested in Wednesdays counter-terror operation. Credit: NSW Police

Police made the arrests as part of an investigation that was launched after the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel at Christ The Good Shepherd Church, Wakeley, last Monday. A 16-year-old boy was charged with terrorism offences.

In the days after the stabbing, officers from ASIO, Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission started looking into the teenagers associates.
One video allegedly showed graphic Islamic State beheadings and people being run over by military vehicles underneath terrorist symbolism and music, while the other contained violent homophobia. Commonwealth prosecutor Matthew Nelson argued against the boys release on bail due to the videos alleged incredibly serious violence. It is quite varied in what it refers to in terms of different parts of the community  [the childs age] reflects not a level of immaturity where theyre not aware of what is depicted, he said. A supporter of the 14-year-old boy accused of possessing violent extremism material leaves Parramatta Childrens Court. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The childs defence barrister, Jehane Ghabrial, argued police only accused the child of having been sent the videos, not that he disseminated them or viewed them.

She said the boy left school to work with his father, was educated in Australia, comes from a moderate religious background and had no prior criminal record. She said he has a limited understanding of Arabic, the language used in the videos. Police said they made the arrests after judging there was a threat to the people of NSW. Credit: NSW Police Mulroney granted the child bail, after acknowledging the videos were clearly extremist, violent, distressing and reprehensible. The material is awful. It depicts the worst behaviour of humanity, he said.

But I do need to take into account there is no evidence he distributed the material to any other person. At this stage it is not clear how he received this material. Mulroney acknowledged the police alleged the material was of serious concern, but noted his age, lack of maturity and a considerably reduced capacity to consider the consequences of their behaviour. The material is awful  It depicts the worst behaviour of humanity. Magistrate Paul Mulroney He said the child came from a stable family and was likely to be found guilty but unlikely to face a sentence of full-time jail if convicted. He said strict bail conditions  including not leaving his house except with a parent or approval from a parent, and being barred from using social media  would help protect community safety.

However, just as the boys matter was about to end, the prosecutor advised the court of his intention to appeal, meaning the magistrates decision on bail was automatically stayed. The child is to remain in custody until the application is made again in the NSW Supreme Court. One of the teenagers arrested in Wednesdays counter-terror operation. Credit: NSW Police More than 400 officers from the Joint Counter-terrorism Team (JCTT) raided 13 locations across Sydneys south-west on Wednesday, including addresses in Greenacre, Strathfield, Bankstown, Prestons, Casula, Lurnea, Rydalmere, Chester Hill and Punchbowl. A location in Goulburn was also searched.

As well as the teenagers who faced court on Thursday, two 16-year-old boys were charged with conspiring to engage in any act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act. They made no bid for bail and their matters were adjourned to June 21. A 17-year-old was hit with the same charge, as well as carrying a knife in a public place. He appeared in court from custody via audio-visual link dressed in a blue shirt. His lawyer made no bid for bail but indicated he would make one when the case returns to court next Tuesday. The young people arrested in the Wednesday raids were all under surveillance by the JCTT following the Wakeley attack. The bishop suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the teenager was charged with a Commonwealth terrorism offence. Police say they were forced to move quickly on the young people who were under surveillance when it was determined the risk to the public was too great to continue watching them. Hundreds of people swarmed the church as police arrived to take the alleged attacker into custody. More than 50 officers were injured, and police believe some in the riot had no connection to the church but arrived after word spread about the attack through social media.
Isurava: After seven hours of arduous walking through thick mud and rocky mountain terrain, trekking prime ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape arrived on Wednesday afternoon at the Isurava Memorial camping ground, concluding their historic two-day hike.

After camping overnight, they will attend a dawn service on Thursday morning at the Isurava Memorial, the site of a crucial battle during World War II when Australian and PNG troops beat back the invading Japanese forces.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape celebrated his birthday with a post-trek swim. Credit: Dominic Lorrmer

Marape celebrated his 53rd birthday on Wednesday by stripping off his shirt and bathing in a clear running stream along the track, and later with chocolate cake that had been delivered to the camp site by helicopter.

Albanese said during the trek that the thing that had most struck him along the walk was the formidable conditions Australian and PNG soldiers encountered in the jungle during the war.
The Australian Turf Club told the Minns government that Rosehill Racecourse was one of its premier racetracks and insisted there was definitely no plan to relinquish it for housing only a fortnight before proposing to do exactly that.

New documents reveal a remarkably short turnaround between an October 25 meeting in which ATC officials told the NSW Planning Department it had no interest in shifting the historic course, and the racing bodys proposal on November 8 to develop the track into a massive mini-city for 25,000 new homes.

NSW Premier Chris Minns with ATC chair Peter McGauran announcing the plan to develop Rosehill Racecourse into a mini-city for 25,000 new homes in December last year. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

The documents  obtained by this masthead via a parliamentary order  suggest the ATC was initially far more interested in a potential redevelopment of Canterbury Racecourse, a proposal that had already been the subject of extensive scoping work by the planning department and the local council.

Despite the Minns government blocking the release of a swathe of documents relating to its dealings with the ATC in the lead-up to announcing a potential redevelopment of the racecourse late last year, a tranche of files shows how rapidly the plan developed and raises new questions about its adherence to unsolicited proposal rules.
A reluctance by Queenslands public servants to tell their boss whether they are living with a disability means the government will struggle to hit its ambitious diversity target.

But one advocate who works in the public sector says there are myriad reasons workers may not want to share the details of their disability.

Queensland author and disability advocate Robert Hoge, who works in the public service.

A recent survey of the Queensland public service revealed only 54 per cent of public servants living with a disability had spoken about it with their manager or supervisor.

Most who told their boss did so after they had been given the job, while 18 per cent had not told anyone in their workplace about their disability.
As some places around Australia revert to their original names, Magnetic Island, called Yunbenun by the local Indigenous Wulgurukaba people, seems like a likely candidate to follow suit.

It is, after all, named by mistake. Captain James Cook, during his voyage up the east coast of Australia in 1770, passed by and witnessed his compass go crazy.

Captain Cook believed the islands large boulders somehow had a magnetic effect. Credit: iStock

It must be something to do with this island, thought Cook, with its dramatic coastline of huge boulders, piled on top of each other hence the name.

It was, however, a blunder. There was nothing on the island that affected Cooks instruments (despite modern efforts to figure out what might have caused the phenomenon). So rather than retain it as some kind of tribute to the great explorer, reverting to its original name would also cover up one of Cooks embarrassing mistakes.
Famous churches? Ive seen a few. Been to Notre Dame, the Pantheon and St Peters Basilica. Strained my neck inside the Milan Cathedral, rung the bell of the Bled Island Church and looked for the grave of Charles Darwin in Westminster Abbey.

But a dozen churches and goodness knows how many suffering saints later, I grew weary of the queues and the litany of dull details and vowed to abstain from any more ABC (Another Bloody Church) tours again.

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo.

But then I heard whispers about the Church of Nativity of Christ in the village of Arbanasi in Bulgaria; an Orthodox Church, disguised as a humble house on the outside, but richly decorated with strange and perplexing icon paintings on the inside. Sensing a religious mystery, I sign up for the shore excursion faster than you can say Dan Brown.

Its day three of our 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe from Bucharest to Budapest aboard Viking Lofn when we leave the Danube River behind for the high plateaus of northern Bulgaria.
New York: The judge overseeing Donald Trumps criminal hush-money trial has warned Trumps lawyer that he was losing all credibility in his arguments that the former president should not be punished for violating a gag order in the case.

Justice Juan Merchan said he would not immediately rule on prosecutors request to fine Trump $US10,000 ($15,400) for violating the order, which prevents him from criticising witnesses and others involved in the case.

Judge Juan M. Merchan. Credit: AP

At a hearing on Wednesday (AEST), Merchan told Todd Blanche that he had neither case law nor evidence to support his argument that Trump was not intimidating witnesses, but responding to political attacks.

Youve presented nothing, Merchan said. Ive asked you eight or nine times, show me the exact post he was responding to. Youve not even been able to do that once.
Innovative Chinese products have gained global orders at the China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China News Service reported on Sunday.

Regarded as a barometer and indicator of China's foreign trade, the recently concluded Phase 1 of the 135th Canton Fair showcased new trends and signals of Chinese products on display and the number of purchasers.

Since its inception in 1957, the proportion of high-end products on display has gradually increased at Canton Fair, different from its original focus on small commodities and agricultural products.

People can see new energy vehicles, solar cells, service robots, high-end equipment machinery and smart home appliances at the 135th Canton Fair.

Phase 1 of this fair featured 10,898 exhibiting companies, including over 3,000 high-quality enterprises with national-level high-tech titles, up 33 percent from the previous session. The number of high-tech companies increased 24.4 percent from last session too.

China has seen the emergence of numerous national-level high-tech enterprises during its industrial and technological upgrading process, said Peng Peng, executive chairman of the Guangdong Society of Economic Reform.

In recent years, there has been a focus on exploring high-quality enterprises such as champions of individual manufacturing sectors and those specializing in cutting-edge technologies.

These efforts have inevitably led to the production of high-tech products such as smart living solutions, the "new trio" (electric passenger vehicles, lithium batteries and solar panels), and industrial automation, significantly enhancing the quality and market space of Chinese exports and attracting more overseas buyers.

The Canton Fair has delivered a clear signal to the outside world, showcasing the results of the high-quality development of China's manufacturing industry, said Mao Yanhua, director of the Institute of Regional Openness and Cooperation at Sun Yat-sen University.

During Phase 1 of this Canton Fair, overseas buyers came from 212 countries and regions including the United States, the United Kingdom and Indonesia. The offline participants exceeded 125,000, up 23.2 percent year-on-year.

Once Chinese companies get foreign trade orders at the Canton Fair, they promptly commence production and deliver products to overseas buyers on schedule, reflecting market-driven production behavior.

In the view of Mao Yanhua, recent speculation by some politicians and media in the West about the so-called "excess capacity of China's manufacturing" lacks economic common sense.

In today's era of economic globalization, China's export advantages are a result of global market competition. For instance, China's competitive edge in the new energy industry does not rely on subsidies; rather, it stems from economies of scale, a complete industrial chain and a large number of high-end technical talents.

China's comparative advantage in export has shifted from labor-intensive industries to high-tech industries, according to Peng.

China's products such as new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products not only meet domestic market demand but also significantly fill the gaps in overseas markets, contributing to the early achievement of global "dual carbon" goals, Peng said.

Mao Yanhua suggested that Chinese companies should continue to stabilize the European and American markets through platforms like the Canton Fair while further expanding into diversified markets.

China should especially tap into the Belt and Road markets and emerging markets to meet local consumer demands, thereby promoting stability in the global industrial and supply chains, Mao said.

Many overseas enterprises have forged connections with China through the Canton Fair and grown alongside China's development, enjoying mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. The number of global partners of the Canton Fair has increased to 198, covering 103 countries and regions.

Phases 2 and 3 of the 135th Canton Fair will continue in Guangzhou, upholding the atmosphere of "buying globally and selling globally".

Amid increasing uncertainties in external demand and sluggish global economic recovery, the holding of the Canton Fair once again demonstrates China's determination and confidence in expanding its opening-up and sharing development opportunities with the world, said Chu Shijia, director of the China Foreign Trade Center.
Brooklyn Brewery launches Brewing for Impact initiative

Breweries are uniting under new initiative Brewing for Impact, which will see breweries around the world trial fonio.

An ancient West African grain which is still used widely in African cooking, fonio has huge untapped brewing potential, according to the collective. The project is led by Garrett Oliver (pictured), brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery. This year, Oliver celebrates his 30th anniversary at the company, having joined in 1994.

Brewing for Impact brings together breweries from seven countries, and includes Brooklyn Brewery, Carlsberg, Guinness, and more. The breweries will produce a limited-edition series of fonio-brewed beers.

Oliver commented: In some ways Brewing for Impact is the most important work I've ever done. If what we  ve started truly catches hold in the industry, we will hopefully start seeing the wider use of a grain that has no need for irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, or other chemical inputs.

It also supports soil regeneration while providing a vital source of income for thousands of smallholder farms in West Africa, which are predominantly female-led  all while making some really fantastic beers. What more can you ask for?

Through Brewing for Impact, Oliver is hoping to highlight the sustainable, adapatable, and resilient nature of fonio.

The series of fonio beers will begin rolling out in April 2024, beginning with a Brooklyn A Dakar pilsner by Maison Kalao in Senegal, using Senegalese-grown fonio. The debut will be followed by unique expressions from further breweries in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, the United States, China, and Ireland.

A portion of the proceeds from all the beers released under Brewing for Impact will go to the Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, an organisation founded by Oliver to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) in the brewing and distilling industries.

24 April 2024 - Lucy Schofield
Congs ploy to break country: PM





SAKTI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at Congress over a remark by its Goa candidate that the Constitution was imposed on the coastal State, and said it was a ploy to break the country. Speaking at an election rally in Chhattisgarhs Sakti district, Modi said Congress, which divides the country in the name of religion, has been indulging in appeasement since day one after Independence. Congress is not able to digest the participation of Dalits, Adivasis and backward classes in power. Now the party has started a big game. Earlier a Congress MP from Karnataka said south India should be declared a separate country, now a Congress candidate from Goa said the Indian Constitution is not applicable in Goa, he said.

He is saying the Constitution was forced on Goa. He has told this to shehzade (apparently referring to Rahul Gandhi)... Isnt this an insult to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar? Isnt this an insult to the Constitution? Is this not tampering with the Constitution of India? the Prime Minister asked. People of Jammu and Kashmir also used to say... You gave blessings (to BJP), now their mouths are shut. Now the Constitution of India is in force there (after the abrogation of Article 370), he said. The Congress candidate (in Goa) made this statement publicly and said he told his leader about it, which means his leader has given a tacit consent to it, Modi said, in apparent swipe at Rahul Gandhi. It is a ploy to break the country. A huge part of the country has rejected Congress, and therefore the party wants to create such small islands, he claimed. The Prime Minister was referring to Congress candidate from South Goa, Viriato Fernandes, who said on Monday that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had said that Goa will decide its own destiny after it was liberated from Portuguese rule, but this did not happen, and the Indian Constitution was forced on the State. Modi further said that today Congress was rejecting the Constitution in Goa, and tomorrow it would do the sin of doing the same in the entire country.

The Opposition party neither has a vision for the country, nor does it know the ABCD of welfare of the poor, he said. The PM also countered Congress allegation that the BJP was planning to change the Constitution if voted to power for a third term, saying, Leave aside Modi and BJP, even Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar himself can not abolish the Constitution. Appeasement and vote-bank politics are in the DNA of Congress. For appeasement, they will not wait for a second to snatch rights of adivasis, Dalits and backwards, he said. BJP works on the mantra of Sabka sath, sabka vikas. Our priority is welfare of the poor, women, youth and farmers. Congress gave slogans of garibi hatao (remove poverty) for 60 years and kept on filling coffers of its leaders. Modi did not give any nara (slogan), rather he established nata (relation). In the last 10 years, 25 crore poor were brought out of poverty, he added. For garib kalyan (poors welfare), neeti (policy) should be right and more than that niyat (intention) should be right. When the intention is good, then the outcome also turns good, he added. Modi said, everyone thought Ram temple at Ayodhya will never be built but BJP ensured it was built. ...The country had lost hope that the Ram temple will be built. Everyone thought that this matter had ended. But the work of fulfilling this hope was done by those belonging to lotus (BJP symbol). Congress leaders used to taunt us in every election and asked about the date of construction of Ram temple.

We told them the date, time and even invited them to the consecration of Ram Mandir (in Ayodhya). But Congress is so arrogant that it considers itself to be bigger than Lord Ram . They rejected the invitation, he said. Isnt this an insult of our saints? Isnt this an insult of Shabri? Chhattisgarh is nanihal (birth place of Lord Ram maternal grandparents) of lord Ram and place of Mata Shabri. Congress has insulted Chhattisgarh by skipping Ram temple consecration ceremony, he said. When a tribal woman became our countrys President, Congress insulted her, the PM said. During the BJP-led Centre, the son of a Dalit family became President (Ramnath Kovind). Congress opposed that. Then we decided to make first tribal President of the country. Congress also opposed her and insulted her, he said. On Modis efforts for serving people, Congress says it will break Modis head, the prime minister said. Nobody can harm Modi as millions of mothers and countrymen are Modis protective shield, he added.

Extending his gratitude to people of Chhattisgarh for electing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in last years Assembly elections, the PM said, You (people) showered your blessings on every member of the party in the assembly elections. Now I have come again to seek your blessing for a third term for the BJP-led regime at the Centre. In the last 10 years, the country has come far ahead, but there is a lot left to be done, he said. He urged people to take time out for polling and support BJP. You should remember the vote given to the INDI alliance cannot help form the government at the Centre. Your vote for BJP and NDA will make India a developed country, he added.
Congress politics is like British divide and rule strategy: Sao





Raipur,

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Tuesday compared Congress politics to the British Divide and rule policy and stated that Congress party has shown fear, spread confusion and has gotten votes in the country. In an exclusively with ANI, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said, Congress partys appeasement politics is not going to run and I would also say that the way the Britishers used to implement the policy of divide and rule, Congress party has shown fear, spread confusion and got votes, this is the politics that has been done in this country. Now people of the country have understood and thats why Congress is moving towards its end. Congress has now become irrelevant and in the coming days Congress will not be able to make leader of the Opposition. Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modis Rajasthan poll speech Arun Sao said, Every time Congress has done politics of appeasement, vote bank and then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did say that minorities will have the first right to try countrys resources. So now that minority has the right then where will our Adivasi brothers and sisters will go? Where will our Scheduled Castes (SCs) people will go? What will happen to other backward-class people? What will happen to females, youth?.

On polling to be held on April 26 in Chhattisgarh, Sao said, In the last 10 years, Narendra Modi has done the work of bringing change in peoples lives and the expectations that people had, he has fulfilled that as well. In the last 100 days, the BJP State Government has fulfilled Modis guarantee, because of that there is an atmosphere of excitement amongst the people of Chhattisgarh and they are ready to make BJP win. Talking about one of the high profile seats Rajnandgaon, from where the former chief minister Bhupesh Bhagel will contest against the BJP MP Santosh Pandey, Sao expressed confidence in his party stating that 3 months back, the people of Chhattisgarh rejected Bhupesh Baghel and his work in the last 5 years. As far as Rajnandgaons seat is concerned, 3 months back, the people of Chhattisgarh rejected Bhupesh Baghel and his work in the last 5 years. Scams were done. Many people are in jail, many have FIRs against them too, Sao said. Bhupesh Baghel has done injustice to Rajnandgain when he was the chief minister. There has been a history in Rajnandgain that many big leaders were defeated by the BJP. Leaders like Motilal Voha and that is why the BJP is going to easily win in Rajnandgaon. Our candidate Santosh Pandey will win from there, Sao added. Rajnandgaon is a Lok Sabha constituency in Chhattisgarh which covers Pandariya, Kawardha, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon Dongargao, Khujji MohlaManpur.

In this Lok Sabha from the Mahasamund constituency, Roop Kumari Chaudhary (BJP) and Tamradhwaj Sahu (Congress) are contesting against each other. If we talk about Mahasamund, Tamradhwaj Sahu who has been the states home minister is the candidate there from Congress. The people of Durg Rural Assembly defeated him in the elections and now he is the candidate from Mahasamund. Mahasamund Lok Sabha has traditionally been a BJP seat and thats why BJP will certainly win Mahasamind Lok Sabha seat, Sao added. Mahasamund is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency in Chhattisgarh that covers Saraipali, Basna, Khallari, Mahasamund, Rajim, Bindrawagarh, Kurud and Dhamtari. This year from the Kanker constituency, Bhojraj Nag (BJP) and Biresh Thakur (Congress) are contesting against each other. As far as Kanker is concerned, in the last 5 years the Congress government neglected Bastar, exploited Bastar, and tried to loot Bastar and now that the people of Kanker and Bastar are worried, our government is fighting against Naxalism with full force. Our security forces are working continuously and hence people of Kanker feel that in the coming times, there will be prosperity, peace will prevail and progress will be made, Sao further said. Kanker is a Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency in Chhattisgarh which covers Sihawa, Sanjari Balod, Dondi Lohara, Gunderdehi, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker and Keshkal. BJP is going to win the three Lok Sabha seats of the second phase, Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund and Kanke, Sao said with confidence.

When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claiming BJP wont win more than 150 seats in Lok Sabha elections, Sao said, There is no need to take Rahul Gandhis words seriously. He has mastery in telling lies, spreading confusion and spreading rumours. Today, his party people dont take his words seriously. Today, in Chhattisgarh, there is a stampede in the Congress party. Every day Congress leaders are leaving the Congress party and joining the BJP. They cant even manage their party. Today if people have trust in anyone, its Modi ji and BJP, he added. On Congress leader Sachin Pilots South se Saaf, North se Half remark Sao stated, While making such a statement, if Sachin Pilot had also told the status of his party, where is Congress. He shouldve also told the plight of the countrys oldest political party. Congress is moving towards its end. BJP will form the government for the third time. The slogan of 400 paar has become the slogan of people and people themselves are coming forward to work for Narendra Modi and it is certain to get more than 400 seats, he added. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao further spoke about the political dynamics. Till now, no matter how adverse the circumstances have been in Chhattisgarh, we have been winning 8 to 10 seats since 1996. The last time State assembly elections were held, the Congress party won 68 seats and formed the government and after 3 months when Lok Sabha elections were done, the BJP won 9 Lok Sabha seats out of 11. Now, we have our government in Chhattisgarh. Modis guarantees have been fulfilled. There is attraction towards Modi and hence BJP will certainly win all 11 Lok Sabha seats, Sao said. The BJP in Chhattisgarh, won 9 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha, while the Indian National Congress (INC) was limited to only 2 seats. The rest of the seats in the state will vote on April 26 and May 7. The counting of votes will be done on June 4.
escalation of Israel-Iran war will impact Indias economy







By Girish Linganna

India relies heavily on the Middle-East for its energy requirements, primarily for oil and natural gas. These resources are crucial for powering the countrys vehicles, generating electricity, and supplying energy to various industries. The Middle-East is a key supplier due to its vast oil reserves, making it essential for India to maintain stable relations with countries in this region to secure its energy needs. Also Over 9 million Indians reside across various countries in the Middle-East. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, India has significantly deepened its strategic relationships with Israel while trade between India and Iran has decreased over the past decade. But India has maintained a careful balance in its relations with both Israel and Iran, avoiding taking sides for many years.

AS THE polling for the 18th Indian Lok Sabha elections began on April 19, New Delhi is closely monitoring the growing conflict between Iran and Israel. The situation in the Middle-East is creating risks for energy, security, and trade that could affect India, now the worlds most populous country. Harsh V Pant, Vice-President of studies and foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, said that India faces significant consequences depending on how the situation develops, which might compel the country to make some tough decisions. Pant cautioned that trade and energy security are crucial concerns. He warned that if the conflict escalates, it could impact the well-being and economic stability of Indian citizens. US officials reported that Israel attacked Iran as a response to Tehrans drone strikes on April 12. These drone strikes were retaliation for an earlier Israeli attack on a diplomatic location in Syria. Analysts note that Indias quick calls for calm after the drone strikes, along with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankars conversations with both his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, show New Delhis deep concern about the situation. At a public event on Monday, Jaishankar emphasised that the Governments worry about a highly sensitive area and called for peace. He added, For the rest of the world and especially for India, we are looking for ways to reduce the tension. India, with a population of 1.4 billion and as the third-largest oil consumer globally, imports more than 80% of its oil from the Middle-East to satisfy its domestic needs.

With strategic oil reserves only sufficient for one to three months, Indias need for energy imports is both significant and immediate. India relies heavily on the Middle-East for its energy requirements, primarily for oil and natural gas. These resources are crucial for powering the countrys vehicles, generating electricity, and supplying energy to various industries. The Middle-East is a key supplier due to its vast oil reserves, making it essential for India to maintain stable relations with countries in this region to secure its energy needs. Natural gas is a type of fossil fuel primarily composed of methane. It is found underground and is used as a source of energy for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. Its also used as a fuel for vehicles and as a raw material in the manufacture of plastics and other commercially important organic chemicals. Natural gas is valued for its efficiency and clean burning compared to other fossil fuels, producing fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases. Indias Trade Ministry has decided not to take any immediate policy actions regarding the Israel-Iran conflict, choosing instead to monitor the situation further before making any decisions. Analysts say that if the conflict worsens, many of Indias interests could be at risk, especially with potential instability in the Red Sea.

The situation became more pressing when Irans Revolutionary Guards captured a cargo ship with Indian sailors near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, highlighting the direct impact on India. Iranian forces released a female crew member, Ann Tessa Joseph, who returned home on Thursday. Diplomatic efforts continue to ensure the safe return of the other 16 crew members. About 1,00,000 Indians live in Israel, and 4,000 in Iran. A recent agreement that made it easier for Indian construction workers to go to Israel is now uncertain. The first group of workers travelled to Israel in early April. According to South China Morning Post, Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian diplomat with extensive experience in West Asia, said that a full-scale war between Israel and Iran is still unlikely. If a full-scale war were to happen, it would not only affect India but would also have serious repercussions for the entire world, said Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian diplomat who has served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. According to Talmiz Ahmad in an interview with This Week in Asia on Friday, as reported by South China Morning Post, Israels response was quick and forceful, primarily to protect its interests and maintain its image. He mentioned that this action is unlikely to have a significant impact beyond Israel and Iran. Indias main concern would be if the conflict spreads across the region. However, if the conflict remains between Iran and Israel, it will likely be minor.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, India has significantly deepened its strategic relationships with Israel in areas such as defense, agriculture, and technology. In 2017, Prime Minister Modi made a landmark visit to Israel, the first by any Indian Prime Minister. This trip set the stage for a dramatic increase in trade between the two countries, with bilateral trade nearly doubling from $5.56 billion in 2018-19 to $10.7 billion in 2022-23. Jon Alterman, Senior Vice-President and Director of the Middle-East Programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, noted in a report by SCMP that trade between India and Iran has decreased over the past decade. The relationship has become less strategic compared to when Iran was a key supplier of crude oil to India. Over 9 million Indians reside across various countries in the Middle-East. India has maintained a careful balance in its relations with both Israel and Iran, avoiding taking sides for many years. According to Alterman, a major conflict in Middle-East could significantly threaten safety of millions of Indians working there and disrupt Indias trade. Alterman further explained that New Delhi should concentrate on Indias global position. As major powers are more driven by competition, how India positions itself while maintaining flexibility is becoming more complicated.
HC dismisses suit against Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddins appointment





MUMBAI :

THE Bombay High Court on Tuesday held the appointment of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin as the 53rd al-Dai al-Mutlaq (leader) of the Dawoodi Bohra community as valid, dismissing a 2014 suit challenging his position. The court has only decided on the issue of proof and not faith, a single bench of Justice Gautam Patel said while dismissing the suit initially filed by Khuzaima Qutbuddin soon after his brother and the then Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin passed away in January 2014 at the age of 102. Burhanuddins second son, Mufaddal Saifuddin, then took over as the Syedna. In 2016, after Qutbuddin passed away, his son Taher Fakhruddin took over the suit, claiming his father had conferred the powers on him.

The suit sought the court to restrain Saifuddin from discharging his duties as Syedna. Qutbuddin had, in his suit, claimed his brother Burhanuddin appointed him as the mazoon (second in command) and privately anointed him as his successor through a secret nass (conferment of succession) before the mazoon announcement on December 10, 1965. Justice Patel, however, held that the plaintiff was unable to prove that a valid nass was conferred upon him. Justice Patel, while dismissing the suit, said, I dont want any upheavals. I have kept the judgment as neutral as possible. I have only decided on the issue of proof and not faith. Fakhruddin claimed that his father conferred and appointed him for the position before dying. The Dawoodi Bohras are a religious denomination among Shia Muslims. Traditionally a community of traders and entrepreneurs, it has more than 5 lakh members in India and more than 10 lakh across the world. The communitys top religious leader is known as the Dai-al-Mutlaq (most senior). As per faith and Dawoodi Bohra doctrine, a successor is appointed through divine inspiration.

A nass can be conferred upon any deserving member of the community and not necessarily a family member of the current Dai, although the latter is often the practice. The suit had sought the high court to restrain Saifuddin from acting as the Dai-al-Mutlaq. It also sought entry to Saifi Manzil, the house of the Syedna in Mumbai, alleging that Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin had taken over the leadership role in a fraudulent manner. Qutbuddin claimed that after Burhanuddin became the new Dai-al-Mutlaq, taking over from his father Syedna Taher Saifuddin in 1965, he publicly appointed his half-brother as the mazoon (second in command) and privately anointed him as his successor through a secret nass. Burhanuddin asked him to keep the private nass a secret, Qutbuddin claimed. He maintained that he abided by the oath of secrecy given to him by the 52nd Dai till his death. Syedna Saifuddin opposed the suit, claiming the nass of 1965 lacked witnesses and could not be accepted. He claimed that as per the established and prevalent doctrines of the Dawoodi Bohra faith, nass could be changed and revoked. As per the Syednas claims, on June 4, 2011, the 52nd Dai conferred nass on Syedna Saifuddin in the presence of witnesses at a hospital in London, where he was admitted after suffering a stroke. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddins supporters welcomed the decision and said it affirmed the position of the Syedna and the Dawoodi Bohra communitys age-old beliefs, customs, practices and doctrines.
High Court orders release of tractor on supurtnama bond of Rs 5 lakh





Staff Reporter

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued an order granting the release of a tractor which was seized in a crime upon the execution of a supurtnama bond of Rs 5,00,000. Parshv Tractors, from Mul town in Chandrapur district, represented by its Manager, Virendra Chandrapal Pawar, filed the criminal revision application after being rejected by Additional Sessions Judge, Chandrapur to release the tractor on March 8, 2023. The application has been rejected mainly on the ground that the vehicle is used in the case where an attempt was made using this vehicle on an employee of the Revenue Department by giving a dash using the tractor therefore, the vehicle has evidentiary value.

However, Parshv Tractors contended that they were not the accused in the said crime and that the vehicles condition was deteriorating as it remained idle at the Police Station. They proposed conducting a detailed panchnama, along with videography and photographs, to preserve evidence for the trial. Citing legal precedent, including the case of Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai vs State of Gujarat, they argued for the release of the vehicle.

The State opposed the application, citing the vehicles lack of registration and its evidentiary importance. After considering both arguments, the Court ruled in favor of Parshv Tractors. The order stated that keeping the vehicle idle served no fruitful purpose and stressed the need to address the prosecutions concerns regarding the evidentiary value of the vehicle. Justice M W Chandwani directed the release of the tractor upon the execution of a supurtnama bond of Rs 5,00,000. Additionally, it instructed the Investigating Officer to conduct a detailed panchnama, including photographs and videography, before handing over the tractor. Furthermore, the Court imposed several conditions on Parshv Tractors, including restrictions on altering the description of the tractor and using it for any criminal activities. Adv R M Tahaliyani represented the applicant while Adv Hemlata Dhande appeared for the State.
Indias first bullet train to run in 2026, says Vaishnaw





NEW DELHI,

SIGNIFICANT progress has been made in the construction of various stations for Indias first bullet train and we are geared up to run the first train in one section in 2026, Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. In an interview with IANS, the Union Minister said the work on bullet trains is progressing very well on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route. More than 290 kms of work has already been done. Bridges have been built over eight rivers. Work is going on at 12 stations. The stations have also come at the same level so that the work is nearing completion, Ashwini Vaishnaw informed. The work is going on at two depots. The work is going on at a very fast pace with the complete target of opening its first section in 2026, the Union Minister told IANS. The Bullet Train is a very complex project. The work on it started in 2017 and it took almost two-and-a-half years to complete the design. Its design is very complex because the vibrations are very strong at the speed at which the train has to run, informed the Union Minister.

How to manage those vibrations? If we have to take current from above electricity, then how to take that current? Everything like speed, aerodynamics etc. has to be looked at very carefully and the work started immediately after that, Ashwini Vaishnaw elaborated. In between, there was a little setback due to the COVID pandemic. In Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackerays Government had refused to give permission which delayed the project. But the work is progressing very well now, the Union Minister noted. The bullet train corridor has a 21-km-long tunnel, including a 7-km undersea stretch. The deepest point of the tunnel is 56 metres. Inside the tunnel, the bullet trains will run at the speed of 300-320 kmph.

The objective is to develop a high-frequency mass transportation system by constructing the High-Speed Rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, using Japans Shinkansen technology (also known as the bullet train). Meanwhile, Vaishnaw said that in the next five years, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantee that almost any passenger who wants to travel can easily get a confirmed ticket. He said that in the last 10 years, PM Modi has done unprecedented transformation in Railways. In the next five years, PM Modis guarantee is that the capacity of the Railways will be increased so much that almost any passenger who wants to travel can easily get a confirmed ticket, the Union Minister emphasised.
Majority Govt takes important decisions, like we did in 10 years: Nadda





Our Correspondent

SATNA,

We are in a changing India. In 10 years, BJP Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left behind economy of Britain, which ruled us for 200 years, and has now come down to fifth position. When there is a majority and stable government at the Centre, then important decisions are also taken. The Modi Government at the Centre has shown this in these 10 years. For many decades since 1951, the ruling parties had been cheating people. You made Ganesh victorious here and Modi Government was formed at the Centre. In which big historical decisions were taken. Be it abrogation of Article 370 or big issues like triple talaq. By bringing Citizenship Law, we have also done the work of giving citizenship to people. I used to listen to it since my childhood and even at that time we used to say that one country, two symbols, two constitutions and two heads cannot work. The Government formed by you has made the dream of one country, one symbol, one constitution, one head come true by abrogating Article 370. BJP National President J P Nadda expressed his views while addressing an election meeting organised at BTI Ground in Satna. He said that this is a changing India. In the field of automobile sector, we have left Japan behind and have stood at the third position.

We are second in the world in terms of making medicines and remembering medicine Nirvana. This has become possible when a government has been formed with the Bharatiya Janata Party at the centre. He said that 10 years ago we used to worship Lord Ganesha and that too was made from China. Toys and worship material were also made in China. After a tenure of 10 years, India has now reached the third position in the world in the toy sector. 10 years ago, the Zee mobile we were carrying in our hands was written on it: Made in China, Made in Korea, Made in Japan. It is because of Modis strong government that now Made in India is written on the back of mobiles. Mobile companies like Apple have also started manufacturing mobiles in India. On the stage, he has once again appealed to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for the third time by voting for BJP candidate, Ganesh Singh. He said that I want to assure that if the government is formed under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, then in 2027 we will emerge on the world stage as the country with the third largest economy in the world. He said that work has not been done even in Satna under the Bharatiya Janata Party government.

Satna has got medical college, gleaming highway, airport, world class railway station and trains like Vande Bharat. On the stage, the National President fiercely branded Ujjala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi among the public welfare schemes of the Central Government. During this, he once again attacked Congress and said that Congress is a party that promotes dynasticism. Even its allies and Congress also work to protect the corrupt. During the election meeting, Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Minister, Prahlad Patel, State President, BD Sharma, former State President, Prabhat Jha and other leaders were present. Nadda said, Congress neither left the space, nor left the sky, nor left the sea, nor left the earth nor left the underworld. These people have committed scams in all three worlds. You tell, whether Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Yadav are on bail or not. Is Kejriwal and TMC ministers in jail or not? Half of them are on bail and half are in jail. Counting scams of Opposition parties he said Mulayam Yadavs son Akhilesh in Gomti River Front, laptop, food grain scam, Kejriwal in liquor and medicine scam, DMK in sand scam, TMC in teacher recruitment scam.
NCL Singrauli DGM Pandey killed in mishap at Nigahi opencast mine





Staff Reporter

In a freak mishap, Deputy General Manager of Northern Coalfield Limited (NCL) Singrauli Omkaleshwar Pandey was killed and four employees were injured at Nigahi opencast mine, on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as DGM, Omkaleshwar Pandey while employees Santosh Yadav, Manish Kushwaha, Nakul Singh and one other were injured. According to sources, the incident took place when DGM Omkaleshwar Pandey along with four employees was travelling in a Bolero (MP-66T-3180) at Nigahi coal project. They were visiting the coal mining site when it was crushed under uncontrolled Hole-Pack Machine. Witnessing the incident, employees were gathered on the spot and started rescuing the persons stranded in the bolero car.

Before they managed to rescue the stranded persons and rushed them at Nehru Hospital Jayant. Hole-Pack machine was loading coal stock in dumpers when it was being reversed and crushed the bolero car. According to source, the Hole Pack machine was working on its specific track but the bolero was mistakenly reached the spot. Learning about the incident, senior officers of NCL Singrauli reached the spot and an inquiry has been initiated to ascertain reason behind the tragic incident. Director General Mining Safety is likely to reach Singrauli for further investigations into the case.
Peoples experience is that Rahul Gandhi is not a serious politician: Kerala CM Vijayan





KANNUR,

As the voting day in Kerala for the 2024 election nears, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday continued his attack against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a non-serious and immature politician. Many times when serious political developments happened in the country, Rahul Gandhi was not here. It is the experience of the people in the country that he is not a serious politician. We refrained from commenting on it because he is from another party and it is their internal issue. But during the time of the general election, coming here and making comments in support of central investigation agencies is highly immature, Vijayan said during a press conference here. Earlier, during his campaign speech in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi had asked why CM Vijayan was being scot-free by the Central investigation agencies for the various scandals against his Government though other Opposition leaders are being hounded by them. Vijayan also refused to criticise the remarks of LDF MLA P V Anvar who asked to examine Rahul Gandhis DNA to determine whether he was a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
PM Modi never did politics of religion: Rajnath Singh





NOIDA,

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never done politics on the basis of religion or by dividing the society and stressed that his predecessor Dr Manmohan Singh had in 2006 talked about extending reservation for the Muslims. The Defence Minister made the remarks at an election rally in Greater Noida in support of BJPs Gautam Buddh Nagar Lok Sabha candidate Mahesh Sharma. Prime Minister Modi on Sunday suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it would redistribute wealth of people to the Muslims and cited Dr Singhs remark that the minority community had the first claim on the countrys resources. Addressing a rally in Rajasthans Banswara, Modi also alleged the Congress plans to give peoples hard-earned money and valuables to infiltrators and those who have more children.

Addressing a gathering at Bisahda village in Greater Noida, the Defence Minister attacked the Opposition for creating a ruckus at this time and trying to put a question mark on Prime Minister Modi. Sisters and brothers, its not that I know the Prime Minister from today. We have had very good relations for a long time. He has never done politics of Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Our Prime Minister never thought of doing politics by dividing the society, Singh said. He (Modi) said at one place that Congress has said in its manifesto that we will get the properties surveyed. If it is said in the manifesto, then why should people have any objection to it. What do you want to do by getting the properties surveyed? Do you want to distribute the countrys resources equally? What do you want to do? he asked.

The veteran BJP leader also asked the Congress to clear its position on the matter. Dr Manmohan Singh ji was the Prime Minister of India. I respect Dr Manmohan Singh ji even today, I have respect for him, brothers and sisters. Dr Manmohan Singh himself in the meeting of the National Defence Council at the Vigyan Bhawan on December 9, 2006, had said that if anyone has the first right on the property of this country, it is the minority and especially he had said that it belongs to the Muslims, Singh said. Sisters and brothers, whatever property and whatever resources there are in this country, everyone should have equal rights, he had said this, we did not say this. Now when the Prime Minister said this, these people created an uproar over it, he added.
PM Modi to hold around one km-long roadshow today





By Bhavana Aparajita

Shukla

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is geared up to make Prime Minister Narendra Modis roadshow a grand event. Which will cover around one kilometre stretch from Malviya Nagar trisection to Major Nanke Petrol Pump cross section. Elaborating on this, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a roadshow on Wednesday evening in Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. He will be given a grand welcome from about 200 stages set up on roadside. It will be featured with flower petals, chants of Modi-Modi and with the slogan of MP Ke Mann Main Modi, Modi Ke Man Main MP. The Prime Minister will ride on an open chariot and greet people. Security arrangements have been in place in and around New Market area. It will be PM Modis second roadshow in Madhya Pradesh and fifth visit to the state in the last 18 days. He further said that in last 10 years, it is PM Modis vision which has laid strong foundation of development in the country and our State too reaped the benefits of this. Modiji is only PM who has visited highest number of times to Madhya Pradesh with respect to his predecessors.

Taking on Congress he said that Congress party used to do politics of vote bank and divide. It will be PM Modis second roadshow in Madhya Pradesh and fifth visit to the state in the last 18 days. The prime minister kick-started his poll campaign in the state on April 7 with a roadshow in Jabalpur constituency, another bastion of the BJP which it has been winning since 1996. BJPs Alok Sharma is pitted against Congress candidate Arun Shrivastava in the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, where polling will be held on May 7. Modi ji will lead the roadshow in the city on April 24 evening, Madhya Pradesh BJPs Media Cell chief Ashish Agrawal told to The Hitavada. The roadshow would cover a distance of 1.5 km from the old Vidhan Sabha to New Market area. It will commence around 7 pm, Bhopal Commissioner of Police Harinarayanachari Mishra said when contacted over phone. Security Tightened: Nearly 2,000 police personnel, including 24 IPS officers, will be deployed for security during the roadshow, he added.

Mishra added that from State hangar Prime Minister will reach Malviya Nagar by road and proceed for roadshow. During his convoys movement normal traffic from state hanger to Malviya Nagar will be restricted and routes will be diverted. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won 28 out of the total 29 Lok Sabha seats in the State, while the Congress won only the Chhindwara constituency. This time, the BJP is aiming for a clean sweep in the State. The BJP has been winning the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat since 1989. According to the Election Commission, there are 23,29,892 voters in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency. Before the roadshow in Bhopal constituency in evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address public meetings in Sagar and Betul (Scheduled Tribe) Lok Sabha seats on April 24. Betul votes in the second phase on April 26 while Bhopal and Sagar vote on May 7 in the third phase.
Police recover two pistols, bullets from Tapi river





MUMBAI :

THE Mumbai polices crime branch has recovered two pistols, magazines and bullets from the Tapi river in Gujarat during a search operation to recover weapons allegedly used in the firing outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khans residence, an official said on Tuesday. The crime branch has recovered two pistols, three magazines and 13 bullets during the search that began on Monday, the official said. A team of 12 officials, including encounter specialist senior police inspector Daya Nayak, is still at the spot. The search is underway with the help of scuba divers, he said.

The two arrested accused, Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21), allegedly fired outside 58-year-old Khans house at the Galaxy Apartment in the Bandra area of Mumbai on April 14 and then fled the spot on a motorbike. Based on the technical surveillance, they were apprehended on April 16 from the premises of a temple at Mata No Madh near Bhuj town in Gujarat by joint teams of the Mumbai and Kutch police. They were subsequently handed over to the Mumbai police for further investigation. The duo told the police during interrogation that they threw the weapon into the Tapi river from a railway bridge when they were fleeing to Bhuj in a train after reaching Surat by road from Mumbai following the firing incident. Prima facie, the duos main objective behind firing outside Khans residence was to create terror, police had said. The Mumbai police have declared jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi as wanted accused in connection with the incident. Gupta and Pal were allegedly receiving instructions from the two Bishnoi brothers, they have said. While Lawrence Bishnoi is lodged in the Sabarmati central prison in Gujarat in another case, his brother is believed to be in Canada or the US, an official earlier said.
Waits Over: MPBSE class X, XII results today at 4 pm





Staff Reporter

Wait for the result of classes X and XII is over as the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) is set to release the result on Wednesday at 4 pm. Evaluation of copy is concluded and board has started uploading the result on portal. The result will be made available on official website of MPBSE and via SMS. The board has made all preparations for the result. This year too results of both X and XII is being declared together on the same day. MPBSE had earlier asked students to check the official portal of board for accurate information. A meeting was also conducted with executive committee members on Tuesday to check last minute preparation for. There are 9.66 lakh students from class X and 8.57 lakh students from class XII who appeared for board exams. More than one crore copies were checked at 52 centers in State. Around 35,000 teachers evaluated the copies in 45 days. There are total 57.04 copies of class X and 42.99 lakh copies of class XII.

All these copies have been checked under CCTV surveillance. Seeking the date of result, higher numbers of students are calling on helpline number. Around 500 calls are being received on helpline every day. Many students said that they have started applying for further admission in universities and competitive exams due to which they are eager to know the result of class XII. After finding mistake in question paper, bonus marks have been rewarded to the students while evaluating the copies. Mukesh Mandal, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of MPBSE, said, result for both X and XII will be available on several portals on April 24, 4 pm. Candidates can download the same by entering their roll numbers on MPBSE mobile application too.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijani authorities plan to return more than 5,000 people to Lachin by 2026, a special representative of the Azerbaijani President in Lachin district, Masim Mammadov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the conference within the framework of the International Forum COP29 and the Green View for Azerbaijan.

We intend to return more than 5,000 people to Lachin by the end of 2026. By 2035, the general population of Lachin will be around 12,00013,000 people, he noted.

Mammadov further underlined that the presence of landmines in Lachin creates a significant barrier to people and business, especially given that the district is one of Azerbaijan's ten largest regions.

To date, about 2,000 residents have returned to the town of Lachin. More than 500 new houses and more than one and a half hundred new residential complexes have been built here, he added.

The return was accompanied by the kick-off of a conference titled "COP29 and Green View for Azerbaijan," where 64 authoritative experts from 30 countries arrived in Lachin on April 24.

Academics, former ambassadors, and representatives of international think tanks shared their experience in the field of sustainable development and green energy at a conference jointly organized by ADA University and the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAMO).

To note, they participated in an international forum on COP29 and the Green View of Azerbaijan at ADA University on April 23 and sent questions to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

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by Xinhua writers Lu Yifan and Xiong Xuan'ang KUNMING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Gan Wenyong's first-ever exposure to extracurricular reading occurred at the age of nine, when he encountered the book "The Little Prince" by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The experience served as a motivation for Gan to step out of the mountains and explore a different world. Also inspired by the book, he returned to his hometown in southwest China's Yunnan Province over a decade later and built a rural library to nurture the dreams of the local children. "Books lighted my way forward, and I think children in the mountains need the same passion to explore the world," he said. Gan, 29, is the founder of the library called "Banshan Huayu" (half hill flower talks) and a legal aid services provider. He was born and raised in Qiunatong, a village nestled at the northernmost tip of the Nujiang River canyon in the province's Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County. Qiunatong was once entrenched in absolute poverty. Due to the financial difficulties of his family, Gan missed out on educational opportunities in his early years. Instead, he spent his childhood collecting herbs, fetching water from mountains, and tending to livestock. "I didn't have shoes until I was six years old," he recalled, adding that back then, there was no electricity in the village, and candles were used to illuminate his home after sunset. In the summer of 2005, a tourist met Gan and gave him "The Little Prince" as a gift. The adventures of the little prince and the vivid words in the book, which were read out to Gan by his brother, inspired him to explore the outside world. "I wanted to go to school and read more books," he said. Positive changes unfolded in 2006 as the revised Compulsory Education Law took effect, with the objective of providing nine years of free compulsory education to rural as well as urban children. In 2007, at the age of 13, Gan commenced his studies in the fourth grade at a primary school. In 2016, he was accepted into a university in the provincial capital Kunming, where he majored in law. After the annual national college entrance exam, known as the gaokao, was over, Gan returned home with the 400 extracurricular books he had collected in high school. Upon learning of this, children from the village flocked to borrow books, with some even spending entire days seated in front of his house engrossed in reading. This evoked memories of Gan's encounter with "The Little Prince" a few years ago, sparking the idea of building a library and he resolved to pursue it. In 2016, Gan converted the two rooms his family vacated into a library. He crafted bookshelves from wood and affixed a door plate, marking the humble beginnings of the village's first library. While Gan attended university, his parents and brother assisted in maintaining the library, organizing bookshelves and ensuring its cleanliness. During winter and summer breaks, he would return home with new additions to the library's collection, engaging with the children in shared reading sessions. In 2020, Gongshan was lifted out of poverty. "My education journey would not be possible without the support of the state and society, so I should do something for my hometown to repay," he said. To improve the reading environment for villagers, Gan borrowed 80,000 yuan (about 11,260 U.S. dollars) in loans to expand and decorate the library, which now covers around 400 square meters. In 2020, he returned to his hometown to take charge of the library. He invested in new bookshelves and desks, adorning the space with decorations crafted from pine cones, corn and light strips. He also planted a variety of flowers, including roses, around the library grounds. Thanks to government aid and the support of individuals from all walks of life, the library now has a collection of more than 40,000 books, ranging from astronomy and geography to history and literature. "Growing up in the mountainous areas, some of the children become introverted due to the lack of parental companionship, but books can offer them a spiritual experience," he said, adding that last year, eight children from the village were admitted to university. But Gan felt there was more to be done. To create more diversified experiences for the children, Gan and volunteers from Shenzhen University in south China's Guangdong Province launched a program in 2020, offering painting, photography and English courses during vacations. In 2023, he set up a new multi-purpose classroom in the library. This summer, the library will expand its offerings to include dance and music classes, making it a window to the world for the children in the canyon, according to Gan. Moreover, many villagers come to the library to read books on agricultural technology. "Villagers who come to borrow books do not need to register, and there is no deadline for returning. As long as they are willing to read, the place is open 24 hours a day," he said. Currently, Gan works at the justice bureau of Gongshan county, where he offers legal aid services during weekdays. During weekends, he returns to the village to oversee the operations of his library. Speaking about his future aspirations, he said he hopes that the fragrance of books can continue to accompany the children to farther places.
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan's Lachin has great potential for hydropower development, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin district Masim Mammadov said at a conference within the framework of the International Forum themed "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan", Trend reports.

Four new hydroelectric power plants have been constructed in the area so far. Four more power stations are anticipated to be erected before the end of the year. We are also working to build a new reservoir with a capacity of 26.7 million cubic meters. It will be utilized for irrigation in the nearby Gubadli and Zangilan districts he noted.

Mammadov also stated that another project is underway to construct a massive reservoir on the Hakari river with a capacity of 91 million cubic meters, which will be utilized not only for irrigation but also to provide drinking water to other regions, maybe including Baku.



The International Forum's conference on "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan" has begun in Lachin, with 64 authoritative specialists from 30 nations in attendance.



Academics, former ambassadors, and officials from international think tanks offered their expertise in sustainable development and green energy during a conference co-organized by ADA University and the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR).

On April 23, they took part in the international forum on the above theme at ADA University and directed questions to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company has begun accepting pavilion applications from parties participating in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The organization of country pavilions and office spaces for the delegations representing the 198 parties to the Convention  197 member states and the European Union  is a key part of the preparation process for COP29.

The Operating Company has already drawn up and presented to the international community the procedure for the submission of detailed requests to establish country pavilions in the Conference venues Blue Zone.

Orientations.events, a company with a wealth of experience in organizing UN climate change conferences, has been selected as the Operating Companys partner in organizing COP29. The COP29 Representation Services Portal is available for use by interested parties. The portal will allow delegation representatives to express their interest in participating in COP29 and to select all the additional services they require for their participation in the Blue Zone.

In November this year, the Baku Stadium will be transformed into a single arena for COP29. It will also host the Green Zone and its separate programme of events. In collaboration with the UNFCCC organizing team, a detailed plan is being drawn up to divide the stadium area into COP29s Green and Blue Zones, and is in the final stages of completion.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Russia's Bashkortostan federal subject hopes for long-term cooperation with entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture of Bashkortostan Ilshat Fazrakhmanov said during the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

Fazrakhmanov stated that Bashkortostan is proposing agricultural cooperation with Azerbaijan.

"We plan to extend an invitation to Azerbaijani businesses to operate within our territories. We aim to establish comfortable conditions for the country's entrepreneurs to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation," he said.

It has been highlighted that the products manufactured will be exported to Azerbaijan, where Bashkortostan will receive a supply of fruits and vegetables in exchange.

He mentioned that Bashkortostan's favorable geographical location contributes to the expansion of the geography of product supplies from Azerbaijan to neighboring regions such as Naberezhnye Chelny, St. Petersburg, Izhevsk, etc.

Bashkortostan has accumulated considerable experience in milk production and processing, as well as in the production of milk powder, poultry, beef, and honey. Besides, Bashkortostan ranks fourth in Russia in terms of investment attractiveness and has all the conditions for a successful business. Azerbaijan is a friendly country to us, with which we have maintained relations since the times of the Soviet Union. Therefore, we expect further expansion of cooperation, he added.

To note, the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum was held in Baku on April 24. Within the forum, cooperation agreements were signed between the Association of Exhibition Organizers of Azerbaijan and Bashkir Exhibition Company (the agreement was signed by Farid Mammadov and Albina Kildigulova), MT Group, and Bashinkom NVP Company (Tarana Allahaverdiyeva and Linar Minnebayev).

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan plans to make a business trip to Bashkortostan, Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Tural Hajili said during the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum held in Baku, Trend reports.

Hajili noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia increased by 12 percent in the first quarter of this year.

"I believe that a business mission to the Republic of Bashkortostan will be organized within the framework of the agreements reached during this forum," he said.

The official added that AZPROMO in its activities, pays special attention to the constituent entities of Russia, holds joint business events with various regions of the country, including regularly organizing export missions, and supports the participation of local entrepreneurs in exhibitions held in Russia.

To note, the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum was held in Baku on April 24. Within the forum, cooperation agreements were signed between the Association of Exhibition Organizers of Azerbaijan and Bashkir Exhibition Company (the agreement was signed by Farid Mammadov and Albina Kildigulova), MT Group, and Bashinkom NVP Company (Tarana Allahaverdiyeva and Linar Minnebayev).

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A delegation of Russia's Bashkortostan has arrived in Azerbaijan with non-energy product supply proposals, Russia's trade representative in Azerbaijan Ruslan Mirsayapov said during the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum held in Baku, Trend reports.

"The delegation arrived with proposals for supplying non-energy products and aims to seek partners here. Their primary objective is to enhance cooperation with Azerbaijan, involving the supply of products from Bashkortostan and the purchase of high-quality goods from Azerbaijan. Of significant value is the delegation's contribution to enhancing food security in the Azerbaijani economy and expanding opportunities for small businesses. They bring new projects, developments, and technologies that can be effectively implemented in Azerbaijan's agro-industrial complex," he said.

To note, Baku hosted the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum on April 24. Cooperation agreements were signed between the Azerbaijan Exhibition Organizers Association (ASTA) and the Bashkir Exhibition Company. The agreement was signed by Farid Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of ASTA, and Albina Kildigulova, General Director of the Bashkir Exhibition Company. Additionally, agreements were signed between MT Group and NVP Bashinkom, with Tarana Allahverdiyeva and Linar Minnebayev representing the respective companies.

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After months of diagnostic delay...Migrant worker could access TB services only when a community health worker met him

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Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant (CNS)

Contd from previous issue

As there is always a likelihood of TB infection in the lungs to spread to others, Shanti went with Manjit to his home and counselled his wife to get herself and their three daughters screened for TB. His wife was initially reluctant to go for a TB test as none of them had any TB symptoms. But upon Shantis insistence she got convinced to take a free TB test. All tested negative except for one of the daughters who was found positive for TB of the lungs.

When she was taken to GTB Hospital for CBNAAT molecular test and LPA drug susceptibility test, her condition became so serious that she had to be admitted in the hospital for over two weeks. A CT scan later confirmed that she had abdominal TB too (in addition to TB of the lungs). Her treatment had also begun on the same day that she got diagnosed with TB.

It was only through Shantis untiring efforts, that Manjit and his 10-year-old daughter could get diagnosed with TB and receive treatment, care, and support all through their therapy.

Both got their medicines from the nearest dispensary in New Seemapuri.

I defeated TB says Manjit

Manjit successfully completed his 6 months long TB treatment on 1st of April 2024, and has tested TB free. I defeated TB, he said. His daughter is on the path of recovery and her treatment is hopefully about to complete later this month  subject to her test reports.

Shanti has been a pillar of support to Manjit during his entire treatment regimen. Shanti didi (didi is a Hindi word for sister) helped me access all the available medical facilities, like diagnosis and timely treatment, and helped me get food ration supplements. I too followed the doctors instructions as I was determined to defeat this enemy called TB. I religiously ate my medicines (3 pills a day) on time. I had no prior knowledge about this disease when it struck me. But thanks to Shanti didi and thanks to my doctors, I have learned a lot about TB and have also become treatment literate said Manjit.

Unlike many other TB patients, Manjit was fortunate enough to not have faced any stigma or discrimination from his friends, co-workers, or his employer. He received their support and solidarity all through his treatment.

Community health workers are critical link between vulnerable people and TB services

Shanti helped Manjit and his daughter to access social support provided by the government of India as well as by other NGOs. For instance, she helped them complete the formalities so that each of them could get direct benefit transfer under Indian governments Ni-kshay Poshan Yojna and receive INR 500 every month during their treatment in their bank accounts.

She gave them moral support to bear with the side effects of TB medication. They too responded in a very positive manner and did not miss any dose of medicine.

The likes of Shanti are engaged in the daunting task of finding TB in the unreached populations referred to as the key and vulnerable populations, such as, homeless, migrants, slum dwellers, daily wage earners- and connecting them with the healthcare system. As per the India TB Report 2024, key and vulnerable populations are those with heightened exposure to TB bacilli, constrained access to health services on account of socio-economic determinants of health, or an elevated risk of TB due to compromised immune function.

Shantis work at Humana People to People India is part of LEAD (Leveraging, Engaging and Advocating to Disrupt TB Transmission) project, supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), in close coordination with Indian governments National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

I work for an NGO. But this is not just a job for me. It gives me a lot of happiness and satisfaction for being able to do something for our fellow human beings who may be living in dehumanising conditions. Manjit was finding it difficult to walk when I had first met him and now, he can comfortably walk and go around his daily livelihood and support his family. This gives me a lot of strength to keep doing what we do. This is the driving force why we try our best to make the area we are allotted to work in, becomes TB free, said Shanti.

Manjits mantra is Never Say Die. One must have self confidence that he/ she/ they can fight TB (or for that matter any other disease). If I had become nervous and dejected and lost confidence about getting cured, it would have become difficult. I gave the disease a good fight - ate my medicines on time and kept my morale and confidence high - that I will get cured. And I won the battle. I defeated TB, said Manjit.

Manjit is not only a TB survivor but also a TB champion who proactively goes to health awareness camps to encourage those with symptoms to get screened for TB, and those with TB disease to stay strong, seek support and finish the therapy.

The indomitable spirit of Manjit and the unstinted support of Shanti bear testimony to the fact that Yes, we can end TB.



(Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant co-lead the editorial of CNS (Citizen News Service) and on the governing board of Global Antimicrobial Resistance Media Alliance (GAMA) and Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media). Follow them on Twitter @shobha1shukla and @bobbyramakant)
All set for second phase poll Speaking of issues

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Voters in 47 Assembly Constituencies have had their say in the just held Parliamentary elections in the first phase of the voting on April 19, followed by the repoll in 11 Polling Stations on April 22. Come April 26, or say 24 hours after readers go through this commentary, voters in the remaining 13 Assembly segments will have their say and demonstrate their choice in choosing the man they elect to send to the lower House of Parliament. No Assembly segment in the Inner Parliamentary Constituency will have their say in the second phase of the polling and as in the past, the main issues between the two Parliamentary Constituencies may be as different as cheese from chalk. Unsurprisingly the main issue around which the election was fought in the Inner Constituency is the ongoing clash between the Meiteis and the Kukis and in pushing the button of their choice, the voters have already made up their mind in deciding who is best placed to take the story of Manipur to Parliament and beyond. Remains to be seen if the best man available has indeed been chosen or not and this is something which will be known only on June 4. Manipur is now ready for the second phase polling for the remaining 13 Assembly segments and while the ongoing clash will feature as one of the more important issues, one can expect to see other more important issues hogging the limelight. Given the low key campaigning in the face of the sensitive period which Manipur is passing through right now, the debates or discussions that transpired in the run up to the election for the Outer Constituency were rather muted. It was more a case of the candidates reaching out to the different communities residing in the Outer, particularly the Nagas and the Kukis and in the first phase, the Meiteis whose segments fall under the Outer Constituency. Four candidates from the NPF, Congress and Independents and the poll battle line has been drawn. The interesting part is, there is no candidate from the Kuki-Zo community and making it more interesting is the decision of the BJP not to field its candidate in the Outer but instead extend support to the NPF candidate. How well this would have gone down with the Kuki-Zo voters as well as the Meitei voters who come under the eight Assembly segments that fall in the Outer Parliamentary Constituency remains to be seen and much will depend on how the NPF and the Congress are able to exploit the situation to their advantage.

What are the issues that could influence the voting behaviour of the people who will vote on April 26 ? Tough to say but it is more than certain that the ongoing peace negotiation between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India will figure high on the agenda. As the party which has the backing of the BJP, will the NPF be in a better position to push the interests of the Naga people, in case the BJP comes back to power at New Delhi, is a question worth exploring. This is also a point which the Congress must have studied minutely and to the advantage of the oldest political party in the country, it can always refer to the previous term when the BJP was in power and the Outer Parliamentary Constituency here had an MP from the NPF vis-a-vis the progress of the political negotiation. How much would the Naga voters be influenced by the status or position of the ongoing political negotiations ? And more importantly how much has the outcome of the Parliamentary election been able to influence the progress of the political negotiation that can be traced back to 1997 ? Questions at the moment, but these are points one can expect the candidates as well as the political parties they represent at the hustings to address or answer in a manner that would be acceptable to the Naga people. These are some immediate poll issues one can expect to influence the voting behaviour of the Naga people, and in the backdrop of the ongoing ethnic clash, one question which has been dogging Manipur, but which has never been vocalised publicly or even privately is, how long can the Naga people stay away from the ongoing clash, despite it affecting them as well.
Senapati DEO appeals

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Senapati, Apr 23 : The District Election Officer (DEO) /DC Senapati Mamoni Doley has appealed to all the voters in the district to exercise their franchise on April 26, the second phase of polling in Manipur. She said that the election in Senapati will begin at 7 am and conclude at 4 pm. The DEO also informed that those electors who cannot produce the Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) can produce other photo identity documents to establish their identity such as Aadhaar card, Smart card issued by RGI under NPR, MNREGA job card, Indian Passport, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office, Pension document with photograph etc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The best investment is in education and in the young generation. We're trying to do it for us. It's one of the main priorities, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the international forum themed COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan organized by ADA University.

We have special programs with our international partners, including a special presidential program for training our young generation in leading international universities, the head of state noted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia have a long history, and nowadays these relations are dynamically developing, MP Azer Badamov told Trend.

According to him, President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Russia on April 22 opened a new page in the development of relations between the two countries.

"Within the framework of the visit, the two heads of state held discussions on issues related to the development and strengthening of relations between the countries, including regional security. Relations between our countries are based on mutual respect and friendship. These relationships have a very long history. Over the years of independence, 263 documents related to the development and expansion of cooperation between our countries have been signed. On February 22, 2022, the Declaration on Allied Cooperation was signed. The parliaments of our countries closely cooperate and contribute to the comprehensive development of relations between our countries," he said.

The MP noted that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia in various directions is deepening day by day.

"If we look at the dynamics of the development of economic ties, we will see that these increasing dynamics have become sustainable. Thus, in 2023, trade turnover between our countries increased by 17.5 percent and exceeded $4 billion. The volume of transportation through our country on the North-South route increased by 17 percent. More than a thousand Russian companies are registered in Azerbaijan today. Russia has invested more than $8 billion, and Azerbaijan, in turn, has invested more than $6 billion in the Russian economy. Russia occupies an important place in Azerbaijan's non-oil exports," Badamov said.

The deputy noted that relations between the two countries are also developing in humanitarian and cultural spheres. "Today, 154,000 pupils study in 324 Russian-language schools operating in Azerbaijan. More than 801,000 students study Russian as a second foreign language. Students can continue their studies in Russian-speaking groups at 28 higher education institutions. Every year, about 270 of our young people have the opportunity to study in Russian universities under the quota allocated to Azerbaijani citizens," he said.

Badamov added that during the visit to Moscow, the Azerbaijani President also attended a solemn event dedicated to the 50th anniversary of BAM construction.

"Russia remembers the special contribution and role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline. It was a project of all-union significance, within the framework of which more than 2 million young people were mobilized. The most difficult thing was the construction of the railroad through roadless Siberian forests. Realizing the difficulties of the realization of the project, the Soviet leadership entrusted it to Heydar Aliyev. They knew that only Heydar Aliyev's experience, leadership skills, and determination could help realize this project, which happened. Heydar Aliyev mobilized all efforts for the construction of BAM, traveled to construction sites, met with collectives, and gave assignments. This attention and care motivated me even more, and the construction project was completed ahead of schedule. Those who participated in the construction of BAM do not forget about it even today and honor the memory of Heydar Aliyev. Including the railway station in Angoya settlement, which was named after Heydar Aliyev," he said.

He added that the North-South transport corridor created today with Azerbaijan's participation will connect the North Sea with the Indian Ocean.

"The formation of this international transport corridor will increase our geopolitical importance in the greater region by increasing our countries' participation in international transportation through the formation of a major route that will provide transportation from the Persian Gulf to the North Sea. Strengthening cooperation and friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Russia also brings stability and security to the region," the MP said.

Azerbaijani MP Mushfig Jafarov told Trend that today Russian-Azerbaijani relations are developing in a new context, which began to take shape in 2020.

He noted that communication issues in the region are certainly being widely discussed in Russia at present. The return of four Gazakh villages by Armenia also means a step closer to the opening of communications.

"Our state builds partnerships in foreign policy based on national interests. It is not easy to achieve this in a region where the interests of large states collide. However, in recent years, states that are major players in global politics have witnessed how Azerbaijan defends its national interests. All cooperation in the South Caucasus takes place within the framework of the national interests of our state," the MP said.

He emphasized that Azerbaijani-Russian relations are also rapidly developing in accordance with the political will of the heads of state.

"The development of political relations between the two countries at the highest level also has a positive impact on the expansion of economic relations. Azerbaijan has always attached great importance to mutually beneficial and equal relations with Russia. The development of Azerbaijani-Russian relations is important in terms of the progress of the region as a whole as well as ensuring peace and security in the region. Our state considers multifaceted cooperation to be in line with its national interests and seeks to expand the partnership," Jafarov said.

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Allegations of an attack on the CPM party office in Baranagar have been made against the ruling Trinamul Congress.

It has been claimed that miscreants affiliated to the ruling party set fire the party office at night, causing significant damage. Vladimir Lenins portrait was partially burnt and chairs and tables were destroyed.

Party workers assert that if they hadnt extinguished the fire promptly, it could have spread to nearby houses. Local CPM leadership accused Trinamul councillor Sunat Biswas of orchestrating the attack on their party office. CPM candidate from the seat Tanmay Bhattacharya demanded punishment for those responsible.

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The fire was first witnessed when flames were seen emanating from the office, late on Monday night and the people informed party workers. Ranjit Das, a local party worker, stated, We rushed to douse the fire. However, much property was damaged by then. The concern is that if we couldnt contain the fire, it could have spread to neighbouring houses, causing a major catastrophe. Those involved should be brought to book.

The CPM candidate, Tanmay Bhattacharya, said, If the police fail to take appropriate action, we will see what happens in the coming days. Then, well make it clear to the Trinamul that this isnt the CPM of 2011, but of 2024.

Sunat Biswas has denied the allegations. He claimed, This incident occurred due to infighting within the CPM. The Trinamul Congress is not involved. The law will take its course.

Its noteworthy that on 1 June, residents will vote in the by-elections for the Baranagar Assembly constituency, along with the Dum Dum Lok Sabha constituency. The CPM candidate, Tanmay Bhattacharya, Trinamuls Sayantika Bandopadhyay and BJPs Sajal Ghosh will contest from this seat. TMC MLA Tapas Roy has left the Trinamul to join the BJP and is now a candidate from North Kolkata, necessitating the by-election.
A youth fell victim to cyber extortion while trying to arrange Rs 51,000 for his sisters wedding. The victim, Ajay Das, who works as a temporary employee at Maniktala Blood Bank in Kolkata, was asked to deposit the money.

According to Ajays complaint, he received a call on his mobile phone on 10 April, from a person claiming to be a police officer from Uttar Pradesh accusing him of drug trafficking. The caller threatened him and coerced him into revealing his bank account details. Ajay explained that he initially believed the caller, as he had lost his bag containing personal documents a few weeks ago. Ajay, who lives with his sister and elderly parents in Nadia, had saved the money for his sisters wedding, but it was swindled by cybercriminals.

The police are investigating the incident. He has lodged a complaint with Maniktala police station regarding this matter. He said that the caller asked him to give details of his bank account as UP Police would investigate his bank details to know whether Ajay has any connection with drug trafficking. Thus, his account was hacked and money taken away.

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The Division Bench of Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court today observed that election at Berhampore, Murshidabad should be kept in abeyance in the face of heightened tension, which even culminated into violence while Ram Navami celebrations were on.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam was hearing a petition of an NIA inquiry into the alleged violence at Berhampore. He expressed his ire observing that no election should be conducted at Berhampore at this juncture.

We would tell the Election Commission to postpone the scheduled election at Berhampore, Murshidabad for the time being and conduct it at a deferred date.

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The chief Justice also observed that where the people could not celebrate their festival for eight hours peacefully, there is no need to hold elections now.

Following this, Justice Sivagnanam asked the state to submit its report in an affidavit by 25 April, when the case would come up for hearing on that date.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ripped into the BJP on Tuesday over the Calcutta High Courts judgment on Monday that cancelled the appointment of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff in the states schools in 2016, contending that the party controlled the courts and holding it responsible for the loss of livelihood of thousands of people.

How many jobs have you provided to the youths? Ask Modi Babu (Narendra Modi) where his promise of 2 crore jobs per year has gone? India has the highest unemployment rate in their rule. Ask BJP, have you provided a single job so far? Instead you are out to terminate jobs using a court that functions under your control, said Miss Banerjee while addressing an election rally here this afternoon. Referring to Mondays verdict, Miss Banerjee charged that the court acted under the diktat of the BJP, linking BJP leader Suvendu Adhikaris warning on Saturday of an explosion that would shake the government to the High Court judgment.

She said: I dont need to name a judge but its a fact that the court acts under your control and its one-sided judgment matched the prediction of your man. Addressing the judges who passed the order, she asked: Would you maintain the same order had your son been one of those who were working in these posts? Would you take responsibility if a candidate commits suicide? You are enjoying government facilities, security guards, but you are asking the teachers to pay back eight years salary at one go? Miss Banerjee promised those affected by the court judgment that she would fight for them to the best of her ability. Mamata Banerjee was campaigning at Eruar High School ground here in the agricultural bowl of East Burdwan for Trinamul candidates Kirti Azad and Dr Sharmila Sarkar nominated for the BardhamanDurgapur and Bardhaman Purba seats.

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She rubbished Dilip Ghosh, the BJP candidate for BardhamanDurgapur, saying: What a badmouth man he is? Have you heard his speeches? Shifting her sights back on Suvendu Adhikari, she said: Youve eaten up the jobs of 26,000 teachers. Now will the BJP cadres join in the vacant posts to teach the pupils in the schools? Youve gained enough money and muscle and bombs, and to avoid action by CBI, ED, NIA, youve taken shelter in the BJP but I warn you, this wont last long. She made a harsh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his colleagues and asked voters not to press the lotus button this time. She said: If this man continues in the office, hell end the countrys Parliamentary democracy. These people want to kill everyone or put them behind the bars for speaking against them.
Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee urged people of Malda to vote against BJP to establish their rights and defeat the BJP.

Mr Banerjee said, during Covid neither the Congress nor the BJP MPs could be seen working for the people. They did not come to the area and work for the people. Can anyone in Malda say that he or she has received any facility from the BJP?

He was addressing a gathering at Kaliachak III, Baisnabnagar, under Malda Dakshin Lok Sabha seat. Mr Shahnawaz Ali Rahan is the Trinamul candidate in Malda South.

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In 2019, AH Khan Chowdhury was elected from Malda Dakshin and Khagen Murmu from Malda Uttar. Trinamul did not have any MP from Malda. However, in the 2021 Assembly election, Trinamul improved its position.

Mr Banerjee said, In last 10 years, we have seen how Bengal has been deprived. The money meant for Awas Plus has been stopped along with MGNREGA. The money for rural roads has been stopped. Petrol, which was Rs 50 per litre, now costs Rs 100, the price of diesel which was Rs 40, now costs Rs 92. The price of vegetables has gone up. People are fed up with the BJP.

Mr Banerjee said the leaders, who are coming from Delhi, cannot speak our language and will demolish our long cherished cultural heritage. Rajnath Singh came to Malda and referred to the Malda south constituency as Malda east, which does not exist.

He said Mr Rehan, partys nominee, is far ahead of his BJP and Congress counterparts. He will bag 3.50 lakh votes and win the seat. People believe in Didis guarantee and not Modis incessant lies.

Mr Banerjee said Trinamul Congress, over the years has proved its mettle. From Swasthya Sathi to Lakshmir Bhandar, Mamata Banerjee has kept her word. People have been benefited by the schemes and that will be reflected in the ballot boxes, he said.
India is showcasing its innovative technologies and power generation practices at the 26th World Energy Congress, being held in the Netherlands from April 22 to 25.

The India Pavilion at the Congress is reinforcing the countrys commitment to environmental conservation on the global stage. Central Public Sector Enterprises under the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas are participating in the India Pavilion, giving a collective testimony to the countrys leadership in global energy transition.

The Pavilion was jointly inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of Power Pankaj Agarwal and Ambassador of India to the Netherlands Reenat Sandhu.

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Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Srikant Nagulapalli and CMDs and other senior officials of participating organizations such as NTPC, POWERGRID, PFC, REC, NHPC, SECI, IREDA, ONGC, and World Energy Council India are attending the event.
Amid the spiking prices, Delhi-NCR continues to be a hotbed for real estate activity. Land deals are playing a key role in propelling development across various sectors as a recent report reveals that the number of land deals in Delhi-NCR rose to 29 in FY24.

A report by ANAROCK, a leading real estate consultancy, said these deals encompass approximately 314 acres, compared to 23 deals covering 273.9 acres in FY23.

Residential and township projects dominated land acquisitions, accounting for roughly 298 acres across 26 separate deals, the report said.

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The report highlighted that Gurgaon emerged as the prime location for major land deals, attracting developers like DLF Homes (29 acres) and Signature Global (25.75 acres) for large-scale residential projects.

Majority of the deals (22) occurred in Gurgaon, followed by Noida (5) and Greater Noida (2). Delhi and Faridabad saw limited activity with 1 deal each, it said.

At least two land parcels exceeding seven acres each were earmarked for commercial real estate projects. A dedicated land deal of approximately 8.61 acres was secured for an education-related project.

As per the report, the top 10 land deals based on the acquired land area were Prestige Group: Ghaziabad (township project, 62.5 acres); DLF Homes Developers: Gurgaon (residential, 29 acres); Signature Global: Gurgaon (residential, 25.75 acres); Godrej Properties: Gurgaon (residential, 14.8 acres); Oberoi Realty: Gurgaon (residential, 14.8 acres); Adore Group: Faridabad (residential, 15 acres); Eldeco Group (Q3-2023): Gurgaon (residential, 8.5 acres); Eldeco Group (Q4-2023): Greater Noida (residential, 8.9 acres) and Multiple Deals (Year-Round): Varied locations (residential & retail, residential; range: 5.56  8.35 acres).

One of the key deals was of Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who acquired land in Delhis Dera Mandi village of 5 acres  in two separate transactions of 2.5 acres each. The transaction value of the deal was Rs 79 crore.
Iconic US-based global Asian fusion restaurant chain P.F. Changs just opened their doors for foodies in Gurugram and it wouldnt be wrong to say that one will be wrapped around each dish as every bite bursts with flavours in the mouth like a dynamite.

The popular restaurant chain, famous for its signature dishes such as lettuce-wrapped chicken and Dynamite Shrimp, was founded in 1993 by American restaurateurs Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming.

It celebrates the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking and honours the cultures and recipes primarily of China, Japan, Korea and Thailand.

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Keeping in mind the sensibilities of Gurugrams food, the restaurant chain has tweaked its menu. For instance, as Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments, pointed out, the famous Dynamite Shrimp of P.F. Changs comes in chicken and paneer variants.

From the presentation, where the delicacy was served in a martini glass, to the taste, everything about the Dynamite Chicken was mindblowing.

The Gurugram outlet also has some exclusive dishes, including sushi and dumplings, for vegetarians. The asparagus tempura roll, packed with flavours, is a must-try. And non-vegetarians just cannot miss the chicken dumplings with chilli oil, for every bite feels like a carnival of flavours in the mouth.

Mittals suggestions included the juicy pepper steak doused with pepper garlic sauce and consisting of a chunky flank steak with onions and bell pepper.

Then came the orange chicken, which can rightly be described as a flavour bomb, for it stays true to the name. It begins with a sweet and tangy taste and ends with a little heat, but beware: One serving will not be enough  you will keep wanting more.

Opened at Gurugrams popular food destination, Cyber Hub, on Sunday, April 21, P.F. Changs can be described as an upscale restaurant where a meal for two can cost up to approximately Rs 2,500. The price seems right for the taste and experience that is served.

On a sweeter note, the dessert section will leave those with a sweet tooth massively impressed. The banana spring rolls are a must try. These are crispy and crusty wontons wrapped around gooey banana and sprinkled on top with cinnamon. Served with ice-cream, the dish offers instant relief to the tastebuds.

Then there is the Great Wall of Chocolate, which the menu cautions is only For Sharing. Mittal said the size of the slice is a tad smaller than what is served abroad. Still, what the restaurant is serving in Gurugram is huge, but super delicious.

Yummy disclaimer: Be ready for the ultimate food coma at P.F. Changs.
Randeep Hooda shared that he wont confine himself to one theme and will explore various genres.

The actor also hinted at his next project as a filmmaker, possibly an action film.

When asked about the topics he plans to explore in his next project, Randeep told IANS: Even as an actor, I have jumped genres and I have jumped roles and characters. So similarly, as a filmmaker, Ill be jumping genres, and topics. Maybe the next one I will be making an action film.

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Randeep made his Bollywood debut in 2001 with Monsoon Wedding.

Over his two-decade-long journey in Hindi cinema, the actor has delivered some iconic characters and films, including Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Murder 3, Highway, and Sarbjit.

Does he feel theres an oligarchy that keeps natural talents at bay?

The industry is not one person or a group of people. Its different islands trying to do their own thing. As I am one. With a successful return to the big screens after seven years in a disrupter movie that challenges a lot of narratives, the love I have gotten from the audience as an actor and director has reinstated my belief that ultimately its the audience that decides the worth of a talent.

The actor added: Im not the one to crib about what I should have gotten, instead, I believe in working harder to keep winning the audiences love.

Randeep made a comeback as a solo lead after seven years on the silver screen with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which also marked his directorial debut. For the role, he shed almost 32 kg.

This isnt the first time he underwent a physical transformation for a film. Randeep lost 18 kg for his role in the 2016 film Sarbjit.

On social media, the actor has been compared to Hollywood star Christian Bale, known for his extensive transformations for various roles.

Responding to this, Randeep said: Well, hes a great actor, whose work and work ethic Ive always admired.

To be compared to him is a matter of great satisfaction to me personally, as I have been ploughing on in the same vein as an artiste in an industry that doesnt encourage or facilitate that kind of approach to ones work.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The 2nd meeting of the Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan was conducted with Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic in attendance, Trend reports.

Speaking at the event, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich!

Dear guests!

Once again, welcome to Azerbaijan!

We are very delighted to see you in our country again. You are making a state visit. I am confident that the results of the visit will serve to strengthen the brotherly and friendly relations between our countries and peoples.

Today, you and I have discussed many issues of bilateral interaction in a narrow format. Our approaches to the development of bilateral relations, as well as to the issues related to our participation in international organizations, mutual support within the framework of international structures, are completely identical. Today, we will hold the 2nd meeting of the Interstate Council and listen to what representatives of relevant ministries have to say about the work accomplished. In principle, the work on strengthening interaction between our countries has never stopped. The relevant ministries and agencies are in constant contact, actively cooperate and hold regular consultations. Therefore, I am confident that today's visit will also be an opportunity for the ministers to discuss topical issues of our interaction.

Today, we have already discussed the prospects for cooperation in the sphere of investments, and, as I have already mentioned, we are increasing the funds of the Azerbaijani-Kyrgyz Development Fund, as there are a lot of applications from business people who want to take advantage of these opportunities. In other words, I think this will be an important tool for cooperation in the sphere of investments.

Energy cooperation has also been discussed. There is immense potential of Kyrgyzstan and an interest of Azerbaijani companies to work in the field of renewable energy. We will also discuss this topic today.

Of course, we expect to further increase the trade turnover between our countries. There are prospects for this. The documents to be signed today will create a good basis for that.

Of course, in order to enrich our ties with even more content, we will also actively cooperate in the transportation sector in the future. Because both Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are implementing large infrastructure projects in the transportation sector, and joining and coordinating our actions are extremely important for the opening of new corridors and creation of new transport arteries.

I am very pleased that we will together participate in the unveiling of a monument to the great son of the Kyrgyz people, Chingiz Aitmatov, which is further evidence of the close fraternal relations between our countries.

So, welcome once again!

XXX

President Sadyr Zhaparov said:

- Thank you, Ilham Heydarovich.

Dear participants of the meeting.

First of all, let me thank you, Ilham Heydarovich, for the invitation to pay a state visit to brotherly Azerbaijan, as well as for the warm welcome extended to me and members of the delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic.

I would like to echo your warm words about Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani friendship with great pleasure. I fully agree with you. I am sincerely glad to meet with you on the hospitable Azerbaijani soil again and to share with you my opinions on further development of Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation. I am confident that this visit will give a great impetus to the deepening of relations between our two countries, and the documents to be signed today will contribute to the expansion of our cooperation.

Dear Ilham Heydarovich, I agree with you that we have ample opportunities for tangible cooperation in all spheres. The relations between our brotherly countries are based on a solid foundation  deep historical and spiritual ties between our peoples. We attach great importance to this visit as a significant and timely continuation of the strategic partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Kyrgyzstan is ready for the further development of high-level interstate relations and intergovernmental, interregional contacts on existing and future cooperation mechanisms. We have already discussed many important issues of our cooperation at the meeting in a narrow format, noted its main directions and priorities and will continue the discussion within the framework of the meeting of the Interstate Council. Thank you very much.

Ilham Aliyev: Thank you.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked a senior Election Commission of India (ECI) official to explain some of its queries regarding EVMs and VVPAT. The officials had been called by the Supreme Court at 2 PM.

The top court is likely to pronounce certain directions on a batch of pleas seeking mandatory cross-verification of the votes cast in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips today.

Before pronouncing the verdict, the court will understand the functions of the micro-controller installed in the EVMs, securing the EVMs and VVPATs. The queries also pertain to the maximum period for which the EVM machines are to be retained after polls.

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The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khana and Dipankar Datta had last week reserved its verdict on a batch of public interest litigations in the matter.

During the previous hearing, the bench observed that official acts are normally presumed to be done validly under the Indian Evidence Act and everything done by the Election Commission cannot be suspected.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had slammed the petitioners for periodically filing PILs on the eve of elections saying that the democratic choice of a voter is being turned into a joke.

The SG added that the issue has already been settled by the apex court with the dismissal of the pleas seeking similar relief in the past.

In April 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the ECI to increase the VVPAT slips from one Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) per Assembly constituency to five.

It had issued guidelines for mandatory verification of VVPAT slips, out of five randomly selected polling stations, after completing the final round of counting votes recorded in EVMs.
Campaigning for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in 8 seats of western UP and NCR ended at 6 pm on Wednesday.

Polling for the second phase will be held on 26 April from 7 am to 6 pm.

Two Bollywood stars  Hema Malini from Mathura and Arun Govil from Meerut  will try their electoral fortunes in this phase.

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Candidates pulled out all the stops to win over voters on the last day of the campaigning for the second phase.

While Hema Malini staged an impressive roadshow, other candidates opted for door-to-door campaigning. Senior leaders like BSPs Mayawati and SP president Akhilesh Yadav held election meetings.

A total of 91 candidates, including 10 women, from UP are in the fray in the second phase of polls.

A maximum of 15 candidates each are vying for victory in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Mathura seats and a minimum of six candidates are trying their luck in Bulandshahr. Twelve candidates are contesting in Amroha, eight in Meerut, seven in Baghpat, and 14 each in Ghaziabad and Aligarh.

A staggering 1,67,77,198 voters will decide the fate of these candidates.

In this phase, 23% of the candidates are facing criminal cases, while 46% are crorepatis.

According to political experts, all eyes are on whether BSP MP Girish Chandra can thwart the attempt of sitting BJP MP Bhola Singh to secure a hat-trick of victories in the Bulandshahr seat.

The second phase will also determine whether BSP MP Kunwar Danish Ali, who switched from the elephant symbol to the panja, will be able to replicate his past success on the Amroha seat.

The fate of Ghaziabad BJP MLA Atul Garg, who served as the Minister of State in the first term of the Yogi government, will also be decided in the second phase.

On Tuesday, all political parties went full throttle in their election campaigns. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed a public meeting in Gautam Buddha Nagar to rally support for the BJP candidate.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held public meetings in Amroha and Baghpat and also staged a roadshow in Meerut.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav held public meetings in Aligarh and Baghpat in support of his party candidates. BSP supremo Mayawati solicited public support for her party candidates in public meetings held in Aligarh and Meerut.

In this phase, the PM addressed election meetings in Meerut and Aligarh and held a roadshow in Ghaziabad.

The INDI alliance addressed a joint rally featuring Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav in Amroha and later held a joint press conference in Ghaziabad.

Meanwhile, CEO Navdeep Rinwa said that after the conclusion of the campaign, all political members from outside the constituency will have to leave the area immediately. He added that polling parties would leave for their respective booths on Thursday morning.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and communist parties alleging that they are giving shelter to terrorists in Kerala.

Addressing an election rally in support of BJP candidate in the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency Sobha Surendran, he said the Congress and the Communists are helping the banned terrorist organization Popular Front of India (PFI). He said that the Congress is seeking the support of SDPI, which is the political wing of PFI. The Communists are also vying for their support.

Amit Shah said the Union government banned the PFI to ensure national security.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to protect the country from organisations like the PFI .As long as Narendra Modi rules the country, the Popular Front of India(PFI)will not set foot on the soil of Kerala, he said.

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Calling the INDIA bloc a deceitful gang, Amit Shah said the Congress and the communist parties despite being partners in other States are fighting each other in Kerala.

He criticized the Congress and the Communists , accusing them of pretending to be adversaries in Kerala while collaborating in other regions of the country.

He said that Communism has collapsed globally and in India, and likewise, the Congress was also witnessing a diminishing influence across the nation.This is the time of the BJP, he said.

The senior BJP leader said this Lok Sabha election is the one to make India the worlds third-largest economy. Giving Narendra Modi and the BJP a third time will make India number one in the world in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing and technology. Voting for Modi means voting for development, voting for prosperity and voting for preserving culture and heritage in every nook and cranny of Kerala, Shah said.

Alleging the Congress and communist parties as anti-farmer, Shah said the Modi government had increased the minimum support price of crops and was committed to the welfare of the fisher community. He said a special package would be announced for the coir sector once the third Modi government assumed office.

Responding to the CPI-Ms demand for complete abolition of nuclear weapons, Shah said there is no change in the countrys nuclear policy, India would remain a nuclear power. On one side, the CPI-M calls for elimination of nuclear weapons, while on the contrary the CPI-M-led LDF government in Kerala is engaged in mineral sand-mining on the Kerala coast and exporting it, Shah said . The leaders of Left parties and the Congress have benefitted from it, he alleged.

Speaking on the Karuvannur cooperative bank scam, the Union Home Minister said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating it and the money looted by leaders of the CPI-M would be returned to the investors.

Stating that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan s family members and party leaders are involved in various scams, Amit Shah said the BJP government will punish the wrongdoers.
Amid the controversy over the reported remarks of its overseas chairman Sam Pitroda on inheritance tax in US, the Congress on Wednesday categorically said that his views do not reflect the position of the party.

The Congress also said that in a democracy, any individual can express his personal views.

In a post on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote, Sam Pitroda has been a mentor, friend, philosopher, and guide to many across the world, including me. He has made numerous, enduring contributions to Indias developments. He is President of the Indian Overseas Congress.

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Mr Pitroda expresses his opinions freely on issues he feels strongly about. Surely, in a democracy an individual is at liberty to discuss, express, and debate his personal views. This does not mean that Mr Pitrodas views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. Many times they do not, he said.

In a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rajya Sabha MP said, Sensationalising his (Pitrodas)comments now and tearing them out of context are deliberate and desperate attempts at diverting attention away from Mr Narenda Modis malicious and mischievous election campaign; that is anchored only in lies and more lies.

Pitroda, in an interview to a news agency, was quoted as saying, In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has USD 100 million worth of wealth and when he dies, he can only transfer probably 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. That is an interesting law. It says you in your generation made wealth and you are leaving now, you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair.

In India, you do not have that. If somebody is worth 10 billion and he dies, his children get 10 billion and the public gets nothingSo these are the kinds of issues people will have to debate and discuss. I do not know what the conclusion would be at the end of the day but when we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and programmes that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of the super-rich only, ANI quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile, Ptiroda said his statement was twisted to divert attention from the lies being spread by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the Congress manifesto.

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies the PM is spreading about the Congress manifesto. PMs comments on Mangal Sutra and gold snatching is simply unreal, he added on X.

He further said, I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts ? I said these are the kind of issues people will have to discuss and debate. This has nothing to do with the policy of any party, including the Congress.

Who said 55 per cent will be taken away? Who said something like this should be done in India? Why is the BJP and media in panic?, he questioned.

Ramesh added that it was the BJP which had intended to introduce the inheritance tax.

In fact, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi abolished Estate Duty in 1985. But it is the Modi Sarkar that has wanted to do so! Fact One: Jayant Sinha, then Minister of State for Finance, publicly stated that he wanted to introduce Inheritance Tax in 2014. Fact Two: In 2017, reports emerged that the Modi Sarkar was going to re-introduce inheritance tax. Fact Three: In 2018, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley praised Inheritance Taxes for spurring large endowments to hospitals, universities in the West.

Fact Four: News reports emerged that Modi Sarkar would introduce an Inheritance Tax in Union Budget 2019. Over to you Prime Minister Modi  what is your partys stance on this issue? #ChuppiTodoPradhanMantriji, he said in a series of posts on X.
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is set to host the sixth edition of the Uttar Pradesh Travel Mart (UPTM) from April 25 to April 29 in Gorakhpur at Baba Gambhir Nath Auditorium.

Uttar Pradesh is a leading destination in domestic tourism with an influx of 38 crore tourists in 2023, striving to achieve the same feat in inbound tourist footfall.

The travel mart is a strategically structured event that provides a platform for stakeholders, including leading tour operators, to engage in B2B meetings. The state government is actively seeking input from industry experts to craft new infrastructure developments at tourism destinations and elevating facilities. The upcoming edition is expected to kickstart a new phase of tourism development, bolstered by enhanced connectivity, improved law and order, and ongoing expansion of tourism amenities state-wide.

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According to Tourism department officials here on Wednesday, the inauguration ceremony on April 25, will begin with lamp lighting followed by a keynote address on Development of Eco-Tourism in Uttar Pradesh by Prakhar Mishra, Director, UP Tourism Department and Isha Priya, Special Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Tourism.

A presentation on IATOs Role in Tourism Development Of Uttar Pradesh by Indian association of tour operators (IATO) National President Rajiv Mehra is also scheduled later for the day. Ravi Ranjan, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation, will outline the future plans of the UP Tourism Development Corporation.

On the second day of the event, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra and Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram will provide an overview of the exhibition area and discuss Tourism Departments Strategy and Future Plans.

Additionally, a FAM trip will also be organised under UPTM by tour and travel operators to explore and learn about Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kaushambi, and Prayagraj while providing comprehensive information about the region.

The event will feature exhibitors from diverse sectors like UP Tourism, hotels, airlines, travel agents, and wedding management companies, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration, exploration, and growth. With over 150 participants, including both Indian and international delegates, UPTM in Gorakhpur offers a vibrant platform for networking and business prospects. Esteemed travel writers and bloggers will also attend the event, highlighting the array of experiences awaiting travellers in Uttar Pradesh.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police has arrested a Greater Nodia based man for allegedly evading GST liabilities, by registering fake firms for bogus billing, the police said on Wednesday.

According to the police, the 56-year-old man who lived in Greater Noida, was arrested on April 21, and is currently in police custody.

The police further said that a Chartered Accountant had filed a complaint alleging that his PAN card had been fraudulently used for obtaining a fake GST number in the year 2019.

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Using his PAN number, fraudulent transactions to the tune of Rs 14.80 crore were done within a short duration between July 2019 and November 2019, a police communique said on Wednesday.

During the course of investigation documents and information were obtained from the GST department, and the mobile number and email used in registration of the alleged GST number using fraudulent means were also procured from the department.

The ownership of the said mobile number was obtained which revealed that the said number is registered in the name of a person who happened to be a security guard of the accused.

The said security guard revealed that the accused had allegedly obtained copies of his Identity related documents from him in the name of opening a bank account for paying salary in his account, however he has never been informed regarding the bank accounts opened, if any, in his name.

The police further added that the probe further revealed that the accused also opened several bank accounts in a private Bank related to a total of eleven firms in the name of other persons who were presented as his known persons in the Bank for opening the accounts, and for doing the fraudulent transactions, and this was done to avoid scrutiny.

The EOW of the Delhi Police has also said that the accused was also involved in a case of similar nature registered at Police Station Sonipat city, Haryana

The police informing about the modus operandi of the accused alleged that he used to obtain copies of identity documents and photographs of his workers and employees and other known persons for the purpose of opening of bank accounts and after that he used those identity documents to obtain GST Registration from GST Department using their particulars.

Bogus transactions and billings were made from those firms which were indirectly controlled by the accused and his son, the police said, adding that further probe was underway in the matter.
Campaigning for the second phase of voting in the 18th Lok Sabha election ended on Wednesday, with the BJP and the opposition INDIA bloc leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in 89 constituencies spread over 13 states and Union territories.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held rallies in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was his partys star campaigner in his home state of Karnataka.

Of the 89 Lok Sabha seats involved in the second phase of voting to be held on April 26, 20 are in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Bihar and Assam, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur.

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It may be mentioned that polling in 15 Assembly segments in the Outer Manipur parliamentary seat was held in the first phase on April 19, and 13 Assembly seats will witness voting in the second phase.

Altogether 1,210 candidates are in the fray in the second phase of voting, according to the Election Commission. Prominent among the candidates are Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor.

Chandrasekhar is the BJPs nominee from Thiruvananthapuram seat, while Tharoor is Congress candidate from the same seat. Rahul is contesting from Wayanad, which he currently represents in the House.

The campaign in the second phase was marked by a war of words between the BJP and the Congress over Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks on the grand old party at a rally in Rajasthans Banswara on Sunday. The Congress called it objectionable and filed a complaint with the poll panel.

The Prime Minister, while addressing the rally, had alleged that the Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it, and then distribute that property. They will distribute it to whom  Manmohan Singhs government had said Muslims have the first right on the countrys assets.

Congress overseas chairman Sam Pitrodas reported remarks on inheritance tax in US also stoked controversy with the Prime Minister tearing into the Congress. The Congress, however, categorically stated that Pitrodas views do not reflect the position of the party.

The first phase of voting took place on April 19 with an estimated 62.37 per cent turnout in 102 constituencies spread over 21 states and Union territories.

The third phase of voting is scheduled to take place on May 7, fourth phase on May 13, fifth phase on May 20, sixth phase on May 25 and seventh phase on June 1. The results will be declared on June 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday claimed that the opposition INDIA bloc has failed to build consensus on its PM face and has decided to adopt a rotational policy.

Addressing a public meeting at Betul in Madhya Pradesh, he said: The country should know who is their PMs face. On our side, you have Modi in front of you, with a 10-year track record.

The opposition looked for a PM face but could not find one. Now some media reports said they are discussing the one-year-one PM formula, which means five prime ministers in five years. What will happen to the country, PM Modi asked.

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The PM said that although they are daydreaming it is a very scary proposal that will destroy the country.

This means they are now auctioning the PMs chair. One person will sit on the chair. And four others will wait for their term to end. This sounds like Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne (daydreaming) but this is not haseen. This is a very scary proposal which will destroy the country. This will shatter all your dreams, the Prime Minister added.

After the first phase of voting, PM Modi upped the ante and launched scathing attacks on the Opposition Congress over a number of issues including their alleged wealth distribution plan and religion-based reservation.

Dr BR Ambedkar was against religion-based reservation. Our Constitution makers brainstormed and concluded that a religion-based quota was not possible, he said.

But the Congress always wanted to snatch the quota from SC, ST and OBCs and give it to its favourite vote bank, he further said.

When the Congress was in the Centre, it started a religion-based quota in Andhra Pradesh. It was not successful but they are still in that game. In Karnataka, they tried to steal the OBC quota and made all Muslims OBCs, Modi said.
The public campaigning for the election in all 20 constituencies across Kerala came to an end at 6 pm on Wednesday. The state will go to polls on Friday.

The activists of different parties organised various programmes including Chenda Melam for the finale of the public campaign.

The excitement of the candidates and activists reached sky-high during the final lap of the campaigns. Violence erupted at many places during Kottikalasam, the last lap of the campaign.

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CR Mahesh, Congress MLA and several cops were injured in the stone pelting during a clash between UDF and LDF workers at Karunagappally in Kollam.

Clashes between the UDF and the LDF activists were reported from Wayanad constituencys Mananthavady and Vandoor, Perumbavoor under Chalakudy constituency and Pathanapuram under Kollam constituency.

A clash between the BJP and the LDF activists was also reported from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said on Wednesday that the electoral battle in Kerala is primarily between the LDF and the UDF except for a triangular contest in Thrissur. He expressed confidence in the UDFs victory in all 20 seats.

The UDF will have a massive victory. If there is any kind of defeat, I will be responsible for it, said Satheesan.

KPCC Acting President MM Hasan said that there is a wave in favour of the UDF in the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

One can see the wave against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It is the UDFs guarantee that it will win 20 out of 20 seats, said Hassan.

At a press conference here, Hassan asked whether the result of the Lok Sabha elections will be accepted as an assessment of the Pinarayi Vijayan government.

If there is a big defeat for the LDF, will the CM resign and seek the mandate of the people, he asked further.
Thousands of enthusiastic people greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhopal city of Madhya Pradesh, as he conducted a mega roadshow on Wednesday evening.

The PMs road show began at 7.40 pm from the Airtel traffic triangle near the Governor House in Malviya Nagar. It traversed a distance of 1.2 kilometres through Roshanpura Square, Apex Bank and concluded near Nanke petrol pump in New Market after about half an hour.

Clad in a white kurta and saffron waistcoat with a lotus symbol pinned on it, PM Modi wore a BJP scarf around his neck. He greeted the people from an open jeep that was decorated with flowers. The PM waved the BJP symbol of lotus held in his hand.

MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, MP BJP Chief Vishnu Dutt Sharma and BJPs Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Alok Sharma accompanied the PM on the open jeep.

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Throughout the roadshow, people chanted slogans like, Jai Jai Shree Ram, abki baar 400 paar, jab tak suraj chand rahega, Modi tera naam rahega, Modi zindabad, phir ek baar, Modi sarkaar, Modi, Modi and many more in support of the PM and the BJP.

Around 200 small stages were built outside the security corridor throughout the route. According to BJP leaders involved in the arrangements, about two quintal flowers and petals were used for decorating the route of the show.

Tribal artists greeted the roadshow all along the way by performing dances. People showered petals on the vehicle taking the PM through the roadshow.

The SPG and police set up a double layer security cordon throughout the route of the roadshow. More than 25 IPS officers and 2000 jawans of MP Police were deployed for ensuring security.

The Bhopal Lok Sabha seat has been a BJP stronghold. The party has been winning the seat continuously since 1989.

The voting in Bhopal would be held on 7 May.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Allahveran Ismayilov has been awarded the Order "For Service to the Motherland" of the 3rd degree, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

"Guided by paragraph 23 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I hereby decree:

To award Allahveran Ismayilov with the Order "For Service to the Motherland" of the 3rd degree for many years of fruitful activity in ensuring information security in the Republic of Azerbaijan," the decree of the head of state reads.

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Prime minister Narendra Modi will address an election meeting in the city of Taj on Thursday.

The PMs meeting will be held at the Kothi Meena market in the city, which will cover both the Agra and Fatehpur Sikri Lok Sabha constituencies.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present in the rally along with other BJP leaders of the region.

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Meanwhile, the police administration has made elaborate arrangements for the PMs rally. The Special Protection Group (SPG) team along with police officers took over the security arrangements of Kothi Meena market. Security personnel would be deployed on the rooftops while surveillance will also be maintained through drones. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed from Agra division and surrounding areas.

About 4,000 policemen will be deployed for security.

BJP Agra city President Bhanu Mahajan said the party was making preparations to gather a historic crowd for the PMs rally

Elections in Agra will be held in the third phase on May 7.
Claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has no competition in his Varanasi constituency but still the workers should strive hard for a landslide victory for him for the third time in a row, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Wednesday evening.

Addressing the BJP workers of Varanasi constituency in Motijheel, Shah said that PM Modis popularity is the best among 542 MPs. He has no competition with anyone.

Despite being so busy, PM Modi visits Kashi after becoming MP. Every time he has brought gifts for the people of Kashi, he added.

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Amit Shah gave the responsibility to the workers of Kashi to give PM Modi a landslide victory for the third time.

He said that I have been an MLA and an MP for 30 years but I have never had as much responsibility as Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The PM is concerned about everyone from various children to the age of 100 years of senior citizens. PM Modi is working on every aspect from poor mothers living in villages to the future of the youth and the security of the country, he claimed.

He said that PM Modi did the work of ending corruption in the country and liberating the country from nepotism.

UP Chief minister Yogi Adityanath and state BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were also present in the meeting.

Varanasi will go to polls in the last phase on June 1 and nominations will commence from May 7.

Earlier, the Union Home Minister was given a grand welcome from the airport to the public meeting venue in Varanasi. He is scheduled to have a night stay in Varanasi.
In view of soaring temperatures in Uttar Pradesh, medical kits will be provided to polling personnel for the voting scheduled on April 26 across eight constituencies in the second phase of the general election.

Directions have also been issued to ensure all necessary facilities for polling personnel and voters at polling stations.

The polling parties will depart for polling stations on April 25 (Thursday) to ensure fair and peaceful elections in the state. The eight constituencies of UP that are going to polls in the second phase include: Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura. These 8 Lok Sabha seats fall under 9 districts of the state, namely, Amroha, Hapur, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura.

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State Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said here on Wednesday that instructions have been given to all the District Election Officers to send polling parties on time for the second phase of voting in 8 Lok Sabha constituencies scheduled for April 26.

He mentioned that directions have been issued to all the concerned District Election Officers to ensure necessary facilities for voters and polling personnel at polling centres and polling booths.

Prior to the departure of polling parties, the polling personnel will be provided with medical kits to address health conditions such as heatstroke. In view of the heat, tents, sheds, drinking water arrangements and other necessary facilities will be installed as per the guidelines issued earlier.

Meanwhile, in compliance with the directives of the Election Commission of India, continuous operations are being carried out across Uttar Pradesh by the Police, Income Tax, Excise, Narcotics, and other departments. For thorough inspection, 480 interstate check posts and 1836 check posts within the state are operational.

From March 16 to April 23, 2024, the Police department seized 495 licensed weapons from criminals whereas licenses for 4553 weapons were revoked and deposited. Notices have been issued under the CrPC to 2,532,068 individuals over concerns of peace disruption, of which 2,061,166 have already been restricted.

Additionally, the Police department seized 7650 unlicensed weapons, 7753 cartridges, 2900.32 kilograms of explosives, and 411 bombs. Besides, raids were conducted on 3153 illegal weapon manufacturing centres, while 148 were busted.

On April 23, licenses for 249 weapons owned by criminals were revoked and deposited by the Police department.

Under the CrPC, 36,978 individuals were restricted as a preventive measure. Additionally, 105 unlicensed weapons and 171 cartridges were seized. Raids were conducted on 96 illegal weapon manufacturing centres by the police.
US banking giant JP Morgan Chase Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doing an unbelievable job in India, and said liberal press in the US beats the hell out of him when he has taken 400 million people out of poverty.

Dimon, in a webinar hosted by The Economic Club of New York, praised Modis government for alleviating poverty and implementing reforms.

He also complimented the PM for being tough and untangling the countrys bureaucratic system, adding that a little bit more of that is needed in the US.

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They (India) have got an unbelievable education system. Unbelievable infrastructure. They are lifting their whole country because this one man (PM Modi) is tough.

He criticised certain US government officials for allegedly imposing their views on how India should be governed, remarking that they are fantasising.

They have 29 states or something like that and the tax system is complicated.. Its like Europe. It leads to enormous corruption. He is breaking it down.. And so yeah there are these people who have turned things around.. And we need a little bit of that here as well, he said.

The CEO also said that 700 million people have opened bank accounts in the country and the transferred payments are going through.

Every citizen by hand or eyeball or by finger is recognised. Theyve bank accounts for 700 million people. Their transferred payments are going through, Dimon said.

Indias digital programmes like Aadhaar and bank accounts for 700 million people have led to financial inclusion. Every citizen, by hand or eyeball or by finger, is recognised. They have bank accounts for 700 million people. Their transferred payments are going through, he added.

Dimon praised Indias education system and infrastructure as remarkable. He indirectly referenced the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in curbing corruption arising from varying state tax systems.

The US bank CEO expressed confidence in the performance of the US economy over strong employment and healthy consumer finances. He said the US economic boom was unbelievable and even if the country goes into recession, the consumers still in good shape.

Interestingly, the CEOs comments coincide with general elections in which PM Modi is seeking a third consecutive term.

In a separate development, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition Congress after Sam Pitrodas comments on inheritance tax, and called them as partys dangerous intentions.

In a video, Pitroda described the inheritance tax in the United States as an interesting law and called for a debate and discussion on such a law.
Samajwadi Party president and former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, cautioning voters to be vigilant against its lies and loot.

The BJP has built the largest warehouse for criminals and corrupt people and all the corrupt and criminals have gathered in this warehouse, he alleged.

Akhilesh Yadav was addressing an election rally at the SS Memorial College ground in Etawah.

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He said that the trends of the election results have started reflecting in the speeches of those who are on the verge of losing power.

We want to convey to the people that it is time to talk about the Constitution. The guarantees they keep reiterating are akin to the sound of clanging plates during the Covid pandemic. Their guarantees are nothing but merely hollow promises. A decade ago, they coined a slogan, and now they claim its a guarantee, the SP president said.

Akhilesh Yadav said that this election represents a last-ditch effort to save the Constitution.

Your one vote will not only secure victory for Bijendra Singh but will also contribute to safeguarding the Constitution. Do you want to protect democracy or not? These people are giving big slogans but there is a looming threat that our right to vote might be taken away in the future. We are determined to save the Constitution. Remember, the 2024 election is also about churning the Constitution. Stay vigilant and guard against any attempts at booth rigging. If you let your guard down, the BJP supporters might resort to deceit, he said.

The SP president mockingly remarked that despite their claims of securing 400+ seats, they will not be able to handle the public discontent. Thus, instead of surpassing the 400 mark, they might find themselves losing by a margin of 400 seats.

Raising the issue of electoral bonds, the SP president said that the BJP seems to be on the back foot and thats why it has stopped speaking on the matter. They have saffronised the entrepreneurs as well. He further pointed out that while loans worth Rs 15 lakh crore of entrepreneurs were waived off, the loans of farmers were neglected.

Akhilesh Yadav asserted that an SP-INDI alliance government would be established after the elections. You people are going to form the government and we will enact an MSP law for farmers and will also waive their loans, he added.
Recently, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) refused to recognise the current geological time as the Anthropocene (Human) Epoch because adding an Anthropocene Epoch ~ and terminating the Holocene Epoch ~ was not supported by geological standards used to define epochs. This decision was unpalatable to many scientists and laymen, because undeniably humans are now the dominant geologic force on the earths surface.

However, the IUGS did recognise that the term Anthropocene described a distinct and definite time. The IUGS said: Despite its rejection as a formal unit of the geologic timescale, the Anthropocene will remain  an invaluable descriptor of human impact on the Earth system. This alternative view is more persuasive because human activities of digging mines, construction of dams, expansion of cities and clearing of forests for agriculture and urbanisation ~ will all be visible in the geological record. Also, associated phenomena of pollution, global warming, climate change, and habitat destruction, leading to mass extinction of plant and animal species are definitely an event ~ an informal term geologists use for profound changes to the earth system.

Scientific quibbles aside, it cannot be denied that human activities have made planet earth inhospitable for humans. Six leading international datasets used for monitoring global temperatures, consolidated by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) show that the annual average global temperature was 1.45  0.12 C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) in 2023. Global temperatures in every month between June and December set new monthly records, with July and August being the two hottest months in recorded history. This trend has continued; global temperatures rose to 1.66 C above average during January 2024, making it the hottest January on record. Recently, a number of extreme climate events were noticed:

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* Temperatures are rising worldwide, because increasing greenhouse gas emissions trap more heat in the atmosphere. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, the last eight years have been the hottest on record. After widespread heatwaves in 2022, April 2023 again saw heatwaves impacting all of Asia, including India and China. According to Scientific American, July 2023 was the hottest month in the last 120,000 years, with heatwaves in Europe, North America, North Africa, China and Japan.

* Recognising that globally droughts are becoming longer and more extreme, the UN marked 17 June 2023 as Desertification and Drought Day.

* Tropical storms are becoming more severe due to higher ocean water temperatures. Eightyeight storms occurred across the globe in 2022, of which 40 reached tropical cyclone strength (=119 kmph), and 17 reached major tropical cyclone strength (=178 kmph).

* Sea ice in the Arctic Ocean around the North Pole is melting faster with the warmer temperatures.

* As temperatures rise, there is less snowpack in mountain ranges and polar areas, and the snow melts faster.

* Glaciers are melting at a faster rate. According to a report from International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, glaciers in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan Mountain ranges melted 65 per cent faster between 2010-2019 than in the previous decade. The Ministry of Earth Sciences found that mean retreat rate of Hindu Kush Himalayan glaciers was 14.9-15.1 meters per year, 12.7-13.2 meters per year in Indus, 15.5-14.4 meters per year in Ganga, and 20.2-19.7 meters per year in Brahmaputra river basins. The European Alps experienced a record amount of ice mass lost (State of the Climate in Europe, 2022).

* Permafrost is melting, releasing methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.

* Sea levels are rising at double the pace of 1993-2002, threatening coastal communities and estuarine ecosystems.

In a mad rush for progress, national leaders often ignore environmental concerns. Recent floods in the United Arab Emirates, speculated to be caused by cloud seeding, killed at least 21 people, caused massive traffic jams, power outages and a closure of Dubai Airport. Such events are being replicated the world over. Last year, damage caused by torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand was accentuated by construction debris from road building and tunnelling being dumped randomly in rivers. Roads constructed unscientifically, after indiscriminate mountain blasting, subsided in the rains, causing huge landslides. Frightening videos, showing rows of houses disappearing in swirling rivers, landslides obliterating miles of highways, and people trapped under tonnes of mud, captured the horrifying results of climate-unfriendly activities.

Many lost their loved ones, their houses, and their means of livelihood; roads, railways and other infrastructure projects, built at humongous cost, simply disappeared. Ruthless exploitation of natural resources has led to the massive floods of 2013 and 2021 ~ two environmental tragedies in Uttarakhand in the last decade. Environmentalists termed the floods as disasters waiting to happen because tunnelling and blasting for 70 hydro-electric projects had fractured many aquifers and restricted river flows, upsetting the fragile ecological balance of the area.

More recently, cave-ins were noticed throughout the State. It appears that illexecuted tunnelling activities had caused aquifers to burst, leading to outflow of subsurface water, creating a void below the earths surface ~ which resulted in land subsidence. Before the Government of India issued a gag order, ISRO reported a subsidence of 5.4 centimetres in just 12 days. A human tragedy followed, particularly in Joshimath; most residents became homeless as their houses developed huge cracks, making them uninhabitable. The townspeoples woes were magnified manifold by harsh winter rains and snowfall, as also a perpetually leaking aquifer. However, NTPC, that had drilled the tunnels, consistently denied any link between land subsidence and tunnel drilling. The Power Minister, in a press conference, unambiguously reiterated NTPCs stance.

The official view could be gathered from the response of the Uttarakhand Chief Minister, who informed media persons: People sitting at different places in the country are talking about Uttarakhand, which is not right because 65 to 70 per cent of the people living there are leading their lives normally. In nearby Auli, which is a tourist attraction, everything is going on normally Char Dham Yatra will start in the next four months. This head-in-the-sand approach is not a recent development; after the horrendous floods of 2013 that caused more than 6,000 deaths, the then Uttarakhand Chief Minister denied that human activities like indiscriminate construction of hotels and houses were responsible for the tragedy. The Chief Minister went on to say: This is a very childish argument ~ that cloudbursts, earthquakes and tsunamis are caused by human factors.

In the history of hundreds of years of Kedarnath, no such incident has taken place My people are going to suffer because tourism is going to be affected. We have to put the infrastructure back on the rails. Almost identical statements, a decade apart, by Chief Ministers, from different political parties, indicate the real cause of the problem ~ a flawed development model imagined and implemented for Uttarakhand. In essence, successive Governments have tried to stimulate economic activity through tourism and massive infrastructure projects ~ that have been given a huge push by the current dispensation. Such misplaced zeal for development has made the Government brush aside environmental concerns. Pliant environmental regulatory bodies have unquestioningly towed the Government line, readily granting clearance to environmentally dangerous projects, as a result of which the unpolluted atmosphere, the gentle cool breezes of the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are a thing of the past.

Dust clouds from tunnelling work for the myriad railway tunnels and hydro-power projects, and the ubiquitously dugup roads for road widening projects, assail ones senses the moment one enters the hills. Scores of heavy trucks clog narrow hill roads, releasing unbearably toxic fumes in the clean mountain air. Probably, we need to discard the present one-size-fits-all model of development and evolve development strategies based on climate and geography. For example, hill States could be better served by a development model based on limited tourism, horticulture, traditional crafts, with knowledge industry hubs in bigger places like Shimla, Dehradun and Nainital.

The politically correct decision of IUGS of not calling the present epoch Anthropocene because it would highlight humankinds plunder of nature, and would also imply that the present flawed system would continue, fails to convince one, in face of the continuing evidence of human depredation everywhere.

Contrary to perception, right thinking people are seldom against development, but like Lord Byron, love nature more:

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is society, where none intrudes,

By the deep sea, and music in its roar:

I love not man the less, but Nature more.

(Childe Harolds Pilgrimage)

(The writer is a retired Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Naval Forces and the Ministry of Emergency Situations hold Wave-2024 joint tactical exercise in the territorial waters of the Caspian Sea, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

The exercise involving military personnel, equipment of the Naval Forces, and the MES aims to organize and fulfill joint activities, enhance the proficiency of commanders and headquarters in unit management.

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Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 51F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 41F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. High 51F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low 41F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
By Liu He

Traveling more than 1,000 kilometers from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region to Beijing, literature lover Ye Zhiyu soon hit it off with her net friends at an offline reading activity at the ongoing 2024 Beijing Book Fair.

More and more young Chinese choose social reading in the digital era as they combine online reading alongside offline interactions.

Live streaming technology enables young readers to identify reading clubs online easily. Once the sense of belonging gets built in, readers tend to take part in offline communication, since it coincides with more interpersonal contacts.

"The internet brought us book lovers together, while the book fair offers a platform to share our feelings face to face," Ye shared her joy of joining this offline activity on site.

Ye belongs to a reading club called, Girl viavia, a female readers community that encourages women to seek inner peace and build confidence in themselves through reading.

Club members from across the country have arrived at the event, and most of them have already known each other through live streaming and online communications, so they have quickly bonded together today, said Jian Daniu, one of the guests at the reading event.

Socialized reading goes beyond the book fair. According to a report published in the China Youth Daily in February, over 55 percent of university students surveyed have attended social reading activities or joined a book club to make new friends.

Approximately 48 percent of the respondents said they would share their reading notes and views online, over 12 percent said they would search for a "reading mate" to read together, while 18 percent prefer attending a reading club online or offline.

Yang Aihua, another guest and a full-time book blogger, said technology empowers reading as it helps her reach more people via live streaming and voice chat, and delivers greater convenience to readers.

The blogger, who has hosted more than 100 reading salons online and offline, also supports printed books, saying that offline book salons can provide participants with a more intimate experience.

The 2024 Beijing Book Fair, which opened on April 19, will run until April 29. Featuring over 400,000 books from 720 exhibitors, the book fair has attracted authors, publishers, and reading enthusiasts nationwide.




BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Egypt welcomes the agreement on Armenia's return of four villages of Azerbaijan's Gazakh, that had been occupied by the former, and also the concorded delimitation of borders between the two countries, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry states, Trend reports.

The ministry praised this important development in debates and called on both sides to take new steps that will build confidence in reaching an ultimate peace agreement.

To note, the eighth meeting of the State Commission on State Border Delimitation between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the Commission on State Border Delimitation and Border Security between Armenia and Azerbaijan was held on April 19, 2024.

The sides tentatively agreed on the passage of certain segments of the border line directly between the settlements of Baganis (Armenia) - Baganys Ayrim (Azerbaijan), Voskepar (Armenia) - Ashagy Askipara (Azerbaijan), Kirants (Armenia)  Kheyrimli (Azerbaijan), and Berkaber (Armenia) - Gyzylhajily (Azerbaijan) to bring them in line with the legally justified inter-republican border that existed within the Soviet Union at the time of its collapse.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan will contribute to strengthening the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries, President Ilham Aliyev said in a joint press conference with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, Trend reports.

Emphasizing the signing of bilateral documents, the head of state highlighted their importance in determining the future development of bilateral relations. Each of them holds great importance. I would particularly like to highlight the joint Declaration that we signed with Sadyr Nurgozhoevich, President Ilham Aliyev added.
Immediate Byte Pro is an all-new crypto trading platform specially designed for beginners in the trading world. This is an artificial intelligence-based system that claims to offer real-time market analysis. In this Immediate Byte Pro review, let us look into each aspect of this trading bot to find out if it will help make consistent profits.

Visit Immediate Byte Pro

The Immediate Byte Pro creator states that this system consists of advanced trading tools that can process vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. It is said that the real-time data provided are accurate and will help make informed trading decisions. Several Immediate Byte Pro reviews are also available online that present mixed opinions. So, a detailed investigation into all the claims made by the creator and the opinions available online is necessary to verify this trading platform's genuineness.

This Immediate Byte Pro review is penned based on data gathered from reliable sources like trusted crypto forums to provide you with legitimate answers about this platform. We have also discussed with crypto experts and surveyed real user responses. Once you complete reading the review, you will get clarity about what can be expected from the Immediate Byte Pro trading platform. So, get started right away.

Immediate Byte Pro - Facts Overview

Trading Bot Name Immediate Byte Pro Trading Bot Version Pro Version Immediate Byte Pro Platform Type Web-Based Trading Bot Verification Required Yes (Basic Details and Documents Required) Assets Supported A wide range of crypto assets and other digital assets like stocks, forex, and more Minimum Deposit $250 Payout Time Within 24 hours Platform Cost No charges Withdrawal Fees None Compatibility All devices, including mobile phones, desktops, laptops, and tablets Countries Eligible Available globally except in some places like the United States Deposit Options Several safe, fast, and transparent deposit options, including debit/credit cards Customer Support Availability 24/7 Official Website Click Here

What Is Immediate Byte Pro?

Immediate Byte Pro is a trading platform designed using the power of artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies to ease the whole trading process. This trading system is said to analyze the market situation continuously, examine market trends and patterns, and thereby help make informed trading decisions. The creator states that Immediate Byte Pro has been designed for all levels of traders, especially novice traders with no prior experience.

The Immediate Byte Pro system is a medium that will connect traders to trusted brokers registered with CySEC. The platform offers a demo account that traders can use to explore the capabilities of the system without making real investments and funds. It supports all popular cryptocurrencies and other digital assets like stocks, forex pairs, etc.

Click Here To Trade With Immediate Byte Pro For Free

Is Immediate Byte Pro a Scam?

Considering the hype surrounding this newly launched platform and the plentiful information available online, concerns about its legitimacy might have popped up in your mind. Well, several factors determine the safety and efficiency of a trading platform. We have analyzed in detail each of these and found that Immediate Byte Pro is legit. Here, let us go through each aspect of this platform that points to its legitimacy.

First of all, this crypto trading system uses the latest technologies and algorithms to analyze the market, automate the entire process, and simplify trading. In addition to these, the system has been integrated with advanced tools that provide technical support and a better understanding of the market conditions and your trading activities.

Immediate Byte Pro has a user-friendly interface that makes navigation easier and trading smoother. This is accompanied by a simple dashboard as well. Then, the registration process is simple, fast, and safe and no additional charges apply.

Next, the system connects traders with CySEC-registered brokers who will assist throughout the trading process. The platform requires just a minimum deposit of $2520 to begin trading and no other additional charges are needed. The funds deposited can be withdrawn at any time.

Immediate Byte Pro guarantees a high success rate and the responses from traders who trade through the system have been positive so far. From all these, the platform seems legitimate. That being said, you should beware of imitations circulating online that have no connection with the original platform. For safe trading, it is crucial to access the original Immediate Byte Pro website.

How To Register On Immediate Byte Pro?

The registration process through the Immediate Byte Pro trading system is straightforward, fast, and transparent. Here are the steps that you have to follow to start live trading on this platform:

Account Registration- Fill in the registration form

The first step that you have to complete is registering and opening an account on the Immediate Byte Pro system. For this, complete the registration form available on the official website by providing basic information such as name, email ID, phone number, a strong password, place of residence, and so on. Submit the form and wait for the confirmation mail. Within a few minutes, you will get a confirmation email that you have to open. Tap the link provided in this email to reach the original platforms of Immediate Byte Pro. With this, your account will be ready for use and as a next step, you will be connected to a trusted broker who is CySEC-registered.

Deposit Funds- Make the initial investment

Once the account registration process is complete, you can proceed to the fund deposition process. The minimum deposit required as the initial investment is $250 which the Immediate Byte Pro platform will use to execute orders when the right opportunities come up. You can deposit this amount via any deposit method that the system supports like debit/credit cards. Once you have explored the platform and the crypto market well and sharpened your trading skills, you can invest bigger amounts.

Begin Live Trading- Now you can invest real money and begin trading

Once the first two steps are successful, the final step is to enter the crypto market and execute profitable trades. After depositing the fund, you can adjust parameters and strategies. Using these, the Immediate Byte Pro platform will automatically do the rest of the work such as market analysis, price movement monitoring, and so on.

Register On Immediate Byte Pro For Free

Immediate Byte Pro Main Features

Here are the main features of the Immediate Byte Pro trading platform:

Use of artificial intelligence technology

The Immediate Byte Pro trading system uses artificial intelligence technology to meticulously analyze liquidity, volatility, and trading volume. So, this technology supports valuable investment decisions.

Seamless auto-trade functionality

This trading system has been integrated with an auto-trade feature that you can use to trade different assets. Even without any trading expertise, you can make consistent profits as the system will do all the trading tasks for you. You have to just make the investment and set the strategies and parameters.

24/7 customer support

Next comes the customer support feature of the Immediate Byte Pro app. The platform claims to offer round-the-clock customer support. So, you can get all your doubts cleared at any time and thereby improve your trading experience.

User-friendly interface

This trading app has a user-friendly interface and a simple dashboard that adds to the ease of using the system. The intuitive interface ensures smooth navigation of the platform and the comprehensive dashboard combines advanced tools and other aspects.

How Does Immediate Byte Pro Work?

Several tasks are involved in trading. The Immediate Byte Pro system works in a straightforward way using the latest technologies and mathematical algorithms to ease each process and simplify the whole process.

Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence have been integrated into the Immediate Byte Pro system to meticulously analyze liquidity, volatility, and trading volume. The analysis also includes other aspects like examining market conditions, keeping track of price movements, comparing current and historical price data, and more.

By providing accurate market data, the system will help make invaluable trading decisions. The automated mode is suitable for beginners as the system will do all the tasks in such a situation. Through in-depth analysis, the platform will spot profitable trade positions and deliver timely alerts or signals. With this information, you can execute orders. So, this is how the Immediate Byte Pro trading system works to support smooth, efficient, and profitable trading.

Trade On Immediate Byte Pro For Free

Immediate Byte Pro- Pros and Cons

This section will look into the positives and negatives of the Immediate Byte Pro trading system.

Pros

Free platform

Ensures accurate market data and forecasts

Processes vast amounts of market data

Uses artificial intelligence technology

Comes with a set of advanced tools

Suggests valuable investment strategies

Eliminates the possibility of human error

Supports different cryptocurrencies

Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts

Guarantees high accuracy and profit potential

Supports portfolio diversification and parallel risk reduction

24/7 customer support

The required minimum deposit is just $250

Free deposit and withdrawal

Cons

Though Immediate Byte Pro is available globally, the system might not be accessible in certain regions like Cyprus, the United States, etc.

Immediate Byte Pro- Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit

Considering all categories of traders, the Immediate Byte Pro creator has set the minimum deposit requirement of $250. So, to start trading on this system, you have to invest this amount that will be used to buy and trade cryptocurrencies in the market. Once you have explored the platform, developed your trading skills, and gained a clear picture of the market conditions, you can increase your investment. You can invest in different cryptocurrencies and diversify your portfolio without additional charges. Also, the funds deposited in your Immediate Byte Pro account can be withdrawn at any time.

Immediate Byte Pro Cryptocurrencies

The Immediate Byte Pro trading bot offers extensive cryptocurrency support thereby allowing portfolio diversification and parallel risk reduction. The major crypto assets that you can trade on this platform are listed here:

Ripple (XRP)

Doge

Montero (XMR)

Ethereum (ETH)

Bitcoin (BTC)

Litecoin (LTC)

Tether

Binance Coin (BNC)

Dash (DASH)

Polkadot (DOT)

Ethereum Classic (ETC)

Solana

Cardano (ADA)

USD Coin

Try Immediate Byte Pro For Free

Immediate Byte Pro Countries Eligible

The Immediate Byte Pro trading software is available globally except in regions like the US, Cyprus, Iran, Israel, and France where activities like trading have been restricted by local authorities. The countries where the Immediate Byte Pro system is currently available at given below:

Brazil

Sweden

Netherlands

Slovenia

Spain

United Kingdom

Canada

Norway

Slovakia

Poland

Switzerland

Belgium

Malaysia

Singapore

Hong Kong

Mexico

Germany

Finland

Japan

Taiwan

Thailand

Vietnam

Australia

South Africa

Immediate Byte Pro Accuracy and Profit Potential

The Immediate Byte Pro platform uses advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to ensure accurate market analysis. This is why the system guarantees a high accuracy rate of around 92%. As the system is automated and devoid of human errors, the results and the decisions are objective. This also contributes to the high accuracy of the platform. The advanced technologies and tools on the platform ensure a high profit potential. By helping spot the right opportunities on time, the Immediate Byte Pro system ensures high and consistent profits.

Immediate Byte Pro - Bottom Line - Safe Or Scam?

From everything discussed so far, the Immediate Byte Pro trading bot seems legitimate, safe, and efficient. The system has been integrated with artificial intelligence technology and advanced mathematical algorithms that support easy trading for traders from all backgrounds. As of now, the Immediate Byte Pro software has delivered potent results to many traders suggesting that it is safe and effective.

As per the Immediate Byte Pro reviews available on the internet, the system has been designed especially for beginners in the crypto-trading world. It has an intuitive interface, a simple dashboard, several tools like bar charts and histograms, a demo feature, an automated mode, and more.

The minimum investment required to begin trading on the Immediate Byte Pro trading bot is $250. Other than this, no charges are demanded from traders. The registration process is simple and free as well. So, on the whole, the Immediate Byte Pro trading system seems to deliver accurate trading signals and help make informed trading decisions. For anyone looking to level up their trading game, this platform seems to be worth a shot.

Trade On Immediate Byte Pro For Free

Immediate Byte Pro - FAQs

Is the Immediate Byte Pro platform easy to use?

The Immediate Byte Pro trading system has been created for all levels of traders. It has an intuitive interface with a simple dashboard, a demo mode, customization options, and more.

What if Immediate Byte Pro doesnt help make consistent profits?

In case you are not able to make consistent profits through this trading app, you can withdraw the funds at any time without paying any additional fees.

Is Immediate Byte Pro available in all regions?

Immediate Byte Pro is accessible in most places except France, Cyprus, the United States, Iran, and Israel where trading has been restricted by law.

What are the costs involved in using Immediate Byte Pro?

Immediate Byte Pro is a free trading platform. The only financial requirement is the investment of a minimum deposit of $250 which the system will use to execute trades.

What about the account registration process of Immediate Byte Pro?

The account registration process can be completed in a few minutes. It is safe and transparent. Also, no registration fee is required.
Immediate Folex is an all-new crypto trading platform specially designed for beginners in the trading world. This is an artificial intelligence-based system that claims to offer real-time market analysis. In this Immediate Folex review, let us look into each aspect of this trading bot to find out if it will help make consistent profits.

Visit Immediate Folex

The Immediate Folex creator states that this system consists of advanced trading tools that can process vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently. It is said that the real-time data provided are accurate and will help make informed trading decisions. Several Immediate Folex reviews are also available online that present mixed opinions. So, a detailed investigation into all the claims made by the creator and the opinions available online is necessary to verify this trading platform's genuineness.

This Immediate Folex review is penned based on data gathered from reliable sources like trusted crypto forums to provide you with legitimate answers about this platform. We have also discussed with crypto experts and surveyed real user responses. Once you complete reading the review, you will get clarity about what can be expected from the Immediate Folex trading platform. So, get started right away.

Immediate Folex - Facts Overview

Trading Bot Name Immediate Folex Trading Bot Version AI Version Platform Type Web-Based Trading Bot Verification Required Yes (Basic Details and Documents Required) Assets Supported A wide range of crypto assets and other digital assets like stocks, forex, and more Minimum Deposit $250 Payout Time Within 24 hours Platform Cost No charges Withdrawal Fees None Compatibility All devices, including mobile phones, desktops, laptops, and tablets Countries Eligible Available globally except in some places like the United States Deposit Options Several safe, fast, and transparent deposit options, including debit/credit cards Customer Support Availability 24/7 Official Website Click Here

What Is Immediate Folex?

Immediate Folex is a trading platform designed using the power of artificial intelligence and algorithmic technologies to ease the whole trading process. This trading system analyzes the market situation continuously, examines market trends and patterns, and thereby helps make informed trading decisions. The creator states that Immediate Folex has been designed for all levels of traders, especially novice traders with no prior experience.

The Immediate Folex system is a medium that will connect traders to trusted brokers registered with CySEC. The platform offers a demo account for traders to explore the system's capabilities without making real investments and funds. It supports all popular cryptocurrencies and other digital assets like stocks, forex pairs, etc.



Click Here To Trade With Immediate Folex For Free

Is Immediate Folex a Scam?

Considering the hype surrounding this newly launched platform and the plentiful information available online, concerns about its legitimacy might have popped up in your mind. Well, several factors determine the safety and efficiency of a trading platform. We have analyzed in detail each of these and found that Immediate Folex is legit. Here, let us go through each aspect of this platform that points to its legitimacy.

First of all, this crypto trading system uses the latest technologies and algorithms to analyze the market, automate the entire process, and simplify trading. In addition to these, the system has been integrated with advanced tools that provide technical support and a better understanding of the market conditions and your trading activities.

Immediate Folex has a user-friendly interface that makes navigation easier and trading smoother. This is accompanied by a simple dashboard as well. Then, the registration process is simple, fast, and safe and no additional charges apply.

Next, the system connects traders with CySEC-registered brokers who will assist throughout the trading process. The platform requires just a minimum deposit of $2520 to begin trading and no other additional charges are needed. The funds deposited can be withdrawn at any time.

Immediate Folex guarantees a high success rate and the responses from traders who trade through the system have been positive so far. From all these, the platform seems legitimate. That being said, you should beware of imitations circulating online that have no connection with the original platform. For safe trading, it is crucial to access the original Immediate Folex website.

How To Register On Immediate Folex?

The registration process through the Immediate Folex trading system is straightforward, fast, and transparent. Here are the steps that you have to follow to start live trading on this platform:

 Account Registration- Fill in the registration form

The first step that you have to complete is registering and opening an account on the Immediate Folex system. For this, complete the registration form available on the official website by providing basic information such as name, email ID, phone number, a strong password, place of residence, and so on. Submit the form and wait for the confirmation mail. Within a few minutes, you will get a confirmation email that you have to open. Tap the link provided in this email to reach the original platforms of Immediate Folex. With this, your account will be ready for use and as a next step, you will be connected to a trusted broker who is CySEC-registered.

 Deposit Funds- Make the initial investment

Once the account registration process is complete, you can proceed to the fund deposition process. The minimum deposit required as the initial investment is $250 which the Immediate Folex platform will use to execute orders when the right opportunities come up. You can deposit this amount via any deposit method that the system supports like debit/credit cards. Once you have explored the platform and the crypto market well and sharpened your trading skills, you can invest bigger amounts.

 Begin Live Trading- Now you can invest real money and begin trading

Once the first two steps are successful, the final step is to enter the crypto market and execute profitable trades. After depositing the fund, you can adjust parameters and strategies. Using these, the Immediate Folex platform will automatically do the rest of the work such as market analysis, price movement monitoring, and so on.

Register On Immediate Folex For Free

Immediate Folex Main Features

Here are the main features of the Immediate Folex trading platform:

 Use of artificial intelligence technology

The Immediate Folex trading system uses artificial intelligence technology to analyze liquidity, volatility, and trading volume meticulously. So, this technology supports valuable investment decisions.

 Seamless auto-trade functionality

This trading system has been integrated with an auto-trade feature that you can use to trade different assets. Even without any trading expertise, you can make consistent profits as the system will do all the trading tasks for you. You have to just make the investment and set the strategies and parameters.

 24/7 customer support

Next comes the customer support feature of the Immediate Folex app. The platform claims to offer round-the-clock customer support. So, you can get all your doubts cleared at any time and thereby improve your trading experience.

 User-friendly interface

This trading app has a user-friendly interface and a simple dashboard that adds to the ease of using the system. The intuitive interface ensures smooth navigation of the platform and the comprehensive dashboard combines advanced tools and other aspects.

How Does Immediate Folex Work?

Several tasks are involved in trading. The Immediate Folex system works in a straightforward way using the latest technologies and mathematical algorithms to ease each process and simplify the whole process.

Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence have been integrated into the Immediate Folex system to analyze liquidity, volatility, and trading volume meticulously. The analysis also includes other aspects like examining market conditions, keeping track of price movements, comparing current and historical price data, and more.

By providing accurate market data, the system will help make invaluable trading decisions. The automated mode is suitable for beginners as the system will do all the tasks in such a situation. Through in-depth analysis, the platform will spot profitable trade positions and deliver timely alerts or signals. With this information, you can execute orders. So, this is how the Immediate Folex trading system works to support smooth, efficient, and profitable trading.

Trade On Immediate Folex For Free

Immediate Folex- Pros and Cons

This section will look into the positives and negatives of the Immediate Folex trading system.

Pros

 Free platform

 Ensures accurate market data and forecasts

 Processes vast amounts of market data

 Uses artificial intelligence technology

 Comes with a set of advanced tools

 Suggests valuable investment strategies

 Eliminates the possibility of human error

 Supports different cryptocurrencies

 Suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts

 Guarantees high accuracy and profit potential

 Supports portfolio diversification and parallel risk reduction

 24/7 customer support

 The required minimum deposit is just $250

 Free deposit and withdrawal

Cons

 Though Immediate Folex is available globally, the system might not be accessible in certain regions like Cyprus, the United States, etc.

Immediate Folex- Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit

Considering all categories of traders, the Immediate Folex creator has set the minimum deposit requirement of $250. So, to start trading on this system, you have to invest this amount that will be used to buy and trade cryptocurrencies in the market. Once you have explored the platform, developed your trading skills, and gained a clear picture of the market conditions, you can increase your investment. You can invest in different cryptocurrencies and diversify your portfolio without additional charges. Also, the funds deposited in your Immediate Folex account can be withdrawn at any time.

Immediate Folex Cryptocurrencies

The Immediate Folex trading bot offers extensive cryptocurrency support thereby allowing portfolio diversification and parallel risk reduction. The major crypto assets that you can trade on this platform are listed here:

 Ripple (XRP)

 Doge

 Montero (XMR)

 Ethereum (ETH)

 Bitcoin (BTC)

 Litecoin (LTC)

 Tether

 Binance Coin (BNC)

 Dash (DASH)

 Polkadot (DOT)

 Ethereum Classic (ETC)

 Solana

 Cardano (ADA)

 USD Coin

Try Immediate Folex For Free

Immediate Folex Countries Eligible

The Immediate Folex trading software is available globally except in regions like the US, Cyprus, Iran, Israel, and France where activities like trading have been restricted by local authorities. The countries where the Immediate Folex system is currently available at given below:

 Brazil

 Sweden

 Netherlands

 Slovenia

 Spain

 United Kingdom

 Canada

 Norway

 Slovakia

 Poland

 Switzerland

 Belgium

 Malaysia

 Singapore

 Hong Kong

 Mexico

 Germany

 Finland

 Japan

 Taiwan

 Thailand

 Vietnam

 Australia

 South Africa

Immediate Folex Accuracy and Profit Potential

The Immediate Folex platform uses advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to ensure accurate market analysis. This is why the system guarantees a high accuracy rate of around 92%. As the system is automated and devoid of human errors, the results and the decisions are objective. This also contributes to the high accuracy of the platform. The advanced technologies and tools on the platform ensure a high-profit potential. By helping spot the right opportunities on time, the Immediate Folex system ensures high and consistent profits.

Immediate Folex - Bottom Line - Safe Or Scam?

From everything discussed so far, the Immediate Folex trading bot seems legitimate, safe, and efficient. The system has been integrated with artificial intelligence technology and advanced mathematical algorithms that support easy trading for traders from all backgrounds. As of now, the Immediate Folex software has delivered potent results to many traders suggesting that it is safe and effective.

As per the Immediate Folex reviews available on the internet, the system has been designed especially for beginners in the crypto-trading world. It has an intuitive interface, a simple dashboard, several tools like bar charts and histograms, a demo feature, an automated mode, and more.

The minimum investment required to begin trading on the Immediate Folex trading bot is $250. Other than this, no charges are demanded from traders. The registration process is simple and free as well. So, on the whole, the Immediate Folex trading system seems to deliver accurate trading signals and help make informed trading decisions. For anyone looking to level up their trading game, this platform seems to be worth a shot.

Trade On Immediate Folex For Free

Immediate Folex - FAQs

Is the Immediate Folex platform easy to use?

The Immediate Folex trading system has been created for all levels of traders. It has an intuitive interface with a simple dashboard, a demo mode, customization options, and more.

What if Immediate Folex doesnt help make consistent profits?

In case you are not able to make consistent profits through this trading app, you can withdraw the funds at any time without paying any additional fees.

Is Immediate Folex available in all regions?

Immediate Folex is accessible in most places except France, Cyprus, the United States, Iran, and Israel where trading has been restricted by law.

What are the costs involved in using Immediate Folex?

Immediate Folex is a free trading platform. The only financial requirement is the investment of a minimum deposit of $250 which the system will use to execute trades.

What about the account registration process of Immediate Folex?

The account registration process can be completed in a few minutes. It is safe and transparent. Also, no registration fee is required.
Patanjali Ayurved Limited published a public apology again on Wednesday, this time a larger one which covers a quarter of a newspaper page. This comes a day after the Supreme Court questioned yoga guru Ramdev and his aide Balkrishna on whether the apology was of the same size as its advertisements.

The fresh apology, titled "Unconditional Public Apology" read: "In wake of the ongoing matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India (Writ Petition C. No. 645/2022), we in our individual capacity as well as on behalf of the Company, unconditionally apologise for the non-compliance or disobedience of directions/ orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India."

"We unconditionally extend our apology for holding a meeting/press conference dated 22.11.2023. We earnestly apologize for the mistake made in publishing our advertisements and it is our whole-hearted commitment that such errors will not be repeated. We undertake to abide by the directions and instructions of the Hon'ble Court with due care and utmost sincerity. We undertake to uphold the majesty of the court and comply with applicable laws and directions of the Hon'ble Court of law/relevant authorities. Sincerely, Patanjali Ayurved Limited, Acharya Balkrishna, Swami Ramdev, Haridwar, Uttarakhand," the note added.

Interestingly, the apology published before was smaller, without any mention of the names of Ramdev and Balkrishna.

The Supreme Court, while considering the petition filed by the IMA against Patanjali alleging a smear campaign against the Covid vaccination drive and modern systems of medicine, had questioned Ramdev and Balkrishna about how prominently they have published their unqualified apology in newspapers.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the duo, told the bench they have issued on Monday an unqualified apology for the "lapses" on their part in 67 newspapers across the country.

To this, the court questioned whether the apology was of the same size as advertisements that the firm normally issued. The court said it wanted to see the actual apology published in newspapers. "The said advertisements are not on record. It is submitted that the same has been collated and shall be filed in the course of the day with copies to counsel for the parties. Needful shall be done within two days with copies to counsel for the parties," the bench said.
Bengaluru  the IT capital of India will go to polls to elect its three MPs on April 26, along with 11 other constituencies in the South Karnataka region, while the polling in the remaining 14 seats in North Karnataka will be held on May 7. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which conceded defeat in the Assembly elections exactly a year back, is confident of retaining all three seats in the state capital-- Bangalore South, Central and North -- as the city has always preferred the saffron party to any other in the Lok Sabha elections for two decades now, though denying a second consecutive term to any party in the state Assembly.



A scorching summer and an acute water scarcity in the IT city made global headlines but it has not entered the political discourse barring a few passing references in this election.

Gellona baa - Deshakke Modi, Dakshinakke Surya (Come, lets win. Modi for the country, Surya for South) the campaign anthem for BJPs Bangalore South candidate Tejaswi Surya plays in the loop and the incumbent sporting a T-shirt with the same slogan greets the voters during the roadshow and seeks his re-election from a constituency thats considered BJPs stronghold since 1977.

Surya (33), an advocate turned politician, who won the seat in 2019 to become the youngest MP is pitted against former MLA Sowmya Reddy (41), daughter of Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy. Sowmya who lost the Jayanagar Assembly seat by a narrow margin last May is trying her luck in the Parliament polls as Jayanagar is one of the eight Assembly segments of the Parliament constituency. While the Congress holds only three segments but banking on the five guarantees to win them votes, the BJP is hoping to retain the seat.

In 2019, Tejaswi Surya made his debut after five-term MP late Ananth Kumar, who served in both Vajpayee and Modi government, succumbed to cancer in 2018. Surya defeated Congress candidate B.K Hariprasad by 3.31 lakh votes in a constituency dominated by Brahmin and Vokkaliga communities and is home to the whos who of the city including IT turks Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani.

This time, the BJP leader, who is busy campaigning in apartment complexes, gated communities, parks and popular restaurants, appeals to the voters to overcome voter apathy and come out to vote.

Last time, only 53% of voters voted. Everyone understands they are voting to pick the next Prime Minister. If the educated and well-informed people stay away from voting, the small section of voters who can be lured with inducements will decide who wins. Last time, I won with a three lakh margin and this time, I want you all to help me get a five lakh margin. So ensure 100 % voting in your circles, said Surya, during his campaign in Shanti Park apartment in Jayanagar.

Taking a dig at his opponent, Surya tells people that Modi ji works for the future of the children of the country, unlike the Congress which is working to build the careers of the children of its ministers. The Congress chooses to focus on the beneficiaries of its guarantee schemes as Sowmya reminds her voters that the BJP always falters on its promises. Citing the example of devolution of funds, she argues the states share is unjust.

In Bangalore Central, BJPs three-time MP PC Mohan (60) will be facing a fresh face  Mansoor Ali Khan, 51, an educationist. The Congress holds five of the eight Assembly segments, where four have a sizeable minority population. Two of the three segments held by the BJP are reserved for the scheduled caste. Interestingly, Mohan, an OBC leader has managed to win despite the constituency having a large number of Ahinda (Muslim, Dalit and backward class) voters who have traditionally backed the Congress, besides Tamil and Telugu-speaking migrants. Last time, Mohan had beaten Congress Rizwan Arshad by 70,968 votes. This time, Mohan is once again pinning his hopes on the Modi governments achievement in urban infrastructure development and the PM's appeal among the educated voters.

A former Indian Institute of Management professor and ex-director of RBI will be locking horns with a Union minister in Bangalore North. Shobha Karandlaje, 57, currently Udupi-Chikmaglur MP, was booed out of her constituency by party workers for being inaccessible. She was shifted to Bangalore North to replace incumbent and former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda. Karandlaje, a firebrand Hindutva leader, who has earlier represented one of the eight (Yeshwantpur) Assembly constituency will take on Prof MV Rajeev Gowda, 60, a Wharton-educated academic and a former Rajya Sabha member. Both candidates belong to the Vokkaliga community.

The constituency which was earlier with the highest number of registered voters (31.7 lakh) has a sizeable Ahinda population and might favour the Congress despite the party winning only three of the eight segments. BJP MLA from Yeshwantpur ST Somashkhar is canvassing for the Congress candidate. The BJP s alliance with JDS, which holds sway over the Vokkaliga community, support from local MLAs and Modis charisma is hoped to work in favour of Karandlaje. Last time, Sadananda Gowda had defeated Congress candidate Krishna Byregowda by 1.47 lakh votes.

The battle for Bengaluru seems to have grown tougher for the Congress though both the national parties failed to provide for the fast-growing city buckling under concretisation, loss of green cover, lake encroachments and pollution, traffic jams, garbage mismanagement, depleting groundwater and potholed roads. In 2006, the H.D. Kumaraswamy government pushed for the amalgamation of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (100 wards) with eight urban local bodies and 101 surrounding villages to create Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with 198 wards. While the intention was to scale up infrastructure in the peripheral areas, it ended up escalating the land prices and did little to upgrade the neglected wards. Today, the BBMP is divided into 223 wards post delimitation.

The serious lack of infrastructure is a reflection of political apathy as the city has had no elected body (city council) since September 2020. The BBMP) polls were deferred citing delimitation and the reservation of the wards by subsequent governments and both the national parties are to equally blame.
Fuelled by Congress Sam Pitroda's statements on inheritance tax, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the party, stating that the "dangerous intentions" of Congress are coming to the fore.

"Now it says it will impose inheritance tax," Modi said, adding that "the property you have accumulated through your hard work will not be given to your children."

"The advisor of shehzada of the shahi parivar, who was also the advisor to the shehzada's father, had said that more tax should be imposed on the middle class and those who earn by toiling hard. Now, the Congress says it will impose an inheritance tax. It will impose a tax on the assets inherited by people from their parents. Now, the panja (Congress poll symbol) will snatch the assets from your children," the Prime Minister said.

He added: "As long as you are alive, Congress will impose higher taxes. And, when you are no longer alive, it will burden you with Inheritance Tax. Those people who considered the entire Congress party as their ancestral property and handed it over to their children now do not want Indians to pass on their property to their children."

The Prime Minister, addressing a poll rally in Ambikapur, the headquarters of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh, called the Congress a "vote bank hungry" and said it wanted to implement reservation based on religion.

He took a further dig at the Congress manifesto, adding that he had warned that the Congress manifesto has the imprint of Muslim League.

"When the Constitution was being drafted, it was decided under the leadership of Babasaheb Ambedkar that there would be no reservation on the basis of religion in India," he said. "If there will be reservation then it will be for by Dalit brothers and sisters and tribal brothers and sisters," he said.

"The Congress never cared about the words of the great personalities, sanctity of the Constitution and the words of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Years ago, the Congress made an attempt to implement reservation on the basis of religion in Andhra Pradesh. Then Congress has planned to implement it in the entire country," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said the Congress wanted to change the Constitution and hand over the rights of the SCs, STs and OBCs to its vote bank. "The intention of the Congress is not good, it is not according to the Constitution, social justice and secularism. If anyone can protect your reservation, it is the BJP," Modi said.
Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janta Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik is trying to get a straight sixth tenure after he made his intentions clear to continue in politics for the rest of his life. On Wednesday, he launched his electioneering for BJD on his home turf Hinjli assembly constituency in the Ganjam district. "Odishas 4.5 crore people are my family and I will continue working for them till the end," he said.



Odisha is going for assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously and the voting will take place next month in multiple phases. Patnaik,77, has been Chief Minister of Odisha since the beginning of 2000 and is running his 25th year as head of state. He is now the longest-serving Chief Minister in India.

With Patnaik addressing BJDs first election rally at Shergada, the campaign bugle was sounded in the state on Wednesday. In the 2019 election, he had started BJD's campaign from the same venue. Meanwhile, the national leadership of the other two main parties of the state -- BJP and Congress -- are yet to launch their campaign in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch BJPs campaign on Thursday at Sonepur in western Odisha. He is also scheduled to attend a meeting of party workers at Bhubaneswar after that.

Addressing a public rally at Shergada, the CM launched a scathing attack on the opposition. "They (Opposition) are opposing all developmental works undertaken by state government including the Puri Parikrama project around Sri Jagannath Temple, the Ekamra project around Sri Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar and the Samalei project at Samaleswari temple. They are politicizing every positive move of the government. The people of Odisha are aware of their nature and mean politics and will teach them a lesion in upcoming twin polls in the state.They should bear in mind that nobody has ever succeeded by opposing development, Patnaik said.

"Odisha will complete 100 years in 2036 and will be the number one state in the country by then, he added.

Reminding the people of the achievements of his government, Patnaik said through self-help groups (SHGs) and Mission Shakti initiative, women in rural areas are now driving development across the state. Farmers are also given interest-free loans.

"Odisha is number one in several fields now in the country like womens empowerment, attracting investment and Biju Swashtya Kalyan Yojana (states own health insurance)... In the days ahead, we have plans to introduce a youth budget," he said. VK Pandian and other prominent leaders of the BJD attended the programme.
Anyone considering a business deal with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions from the United States, an official said on Tuesday.

"Just let me say broadly, we advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits," Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, said while responding to a question on a recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.

During the visit, Pakistan and Iran signed eight MoUs (memoranda of understanding) and also agreed to push bilateral trade to USD 10 billion.

Early this week, the US imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, including three companies from China. "The sanctions were made because these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery. These were entities based in the PRC (People's Republic of China), in Belarus, and that we have witnessed to have supplied equipment and other applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme," Patel said.

"They are following our October 23 designation of three PRC entities who have worked to supply Pakistan's missile programme. We are going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities, wherever they may occur," he added.

At a separate news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Patt Ryder said the US maintains good relations with Pakistan. "They are an important security partner in the region," he said.
While the much-touted three-day long visit of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore that ended on Wednesday has ruled the recent media headlines in Pakistan, the very low-key visit of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) supremo Nawaz Sharif to Beijing is shrouded in mystery.

Sharifs five-day-long visit to China begins on Wednesday.

Being announced as a visit for medical reasons, Sharifs favourite port of call has always been London where he self-exiled himself from 2019 to 2023. London was also where the former PM had undergone medical treatment. In that sense, a trip to China for medical treatment doesnt make much sense.

What is surprising is that his senior party colleagues too did not have much idea about the ongoing visit.

Pakistans Dawn newspaper quoted information minister Attaullah Tarar as saying: "I have no idea." Nor did PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb have any. Yet another PML-N minister confirmed to the newspaper about Sharifs "private" visit to China.

Could it be that the apparent divergent voices within the party are indicative of fault lines in the PML-N even as Nawazs younger brother Shehbaz Sharif holds the reins of the government in Islamabad as the PM? This had led to intense speculation on what the visit could be for.

One could be to rein in Chinas worry over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and to assuage apprehensions. The CPEC was Nawaz Sharifs pet project which he inked with Chinas Xi Jinping in 2015. The two leaders had together inked a slew of 51 agreements and MoUs as a part of which China has already invested more than $50 billion.

A mega infrastructural project, the CPEC aims to put China-Pakistan trade onto the fast track as well as to integrate the other countries of the region.

But in the last few years, there have been a series of disturbances in the CPEC area with Baluchi separatist outfits and radical jihadist militants like the Islamic State of Khorasan (IS-K) having mounted attacks on Chinese assets including Chinese workers.

China is understandably not very happy about the developments and the ostensible threats to security. The elder Sharifs Beijing visit may be to assuage Chinese worries. Or even to seek active assistance from the Chinese to quell these disturbances.

Two, as an architect of the CPEC, Sharif enjoys substantial goodwill in China. With the Pakistani economy in the near doldrums, he may use the visit to meet business heads and companies that could lead to greater Chinese investments in Pakistan.

Three, it could also be about seeking more military aid. Already the China-Pakistan military cooperation is a thriving and prolific one. The PML-N supremo, citing concerns of growing asymmetry with Indias military might, may seek more from the Chinese. A key request may pertain to air defence systems including missiles. This is a field where India has taken remarkable strides in recent times.

Four, former PM Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and inarguably a power centre even though he is being interned in, is seen as being pro-China in his political ideology and strategy while PML-N was seen as being pro-West. With Chinas unquestionable rise and growing heft, the elder Sharif may be seeking out a better relationship. After all, China is a next-door neighbour.
HYDERABAD, India, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Woxsen University is pleased to release MBA Placement Report for the cohort of 2024, achieving an outstanding 100% placement rate once again. The highest package of 19 Lakhs was offered by Global Fintech company, Arcesium. The top 20% avg. & overall avg. package offered to the students were 12.40 Lac & 9.04 Lac, respectively.







Amidst the global economic downturn in 2023, with constant stories of major layoffs and hiring freezes, Woxsen approached this year's placement season with tenacity and fortitude. But overcoming all the uncertainties, Woxsen continued to stand resolute with 85+ companies hiring in this placement drive, showing its resilience and commitment to the future of its students.



Renowned IT/ITES firms such as Mircon, Tech Mahindra, Deloitte, TCS, Alight Solutions hired from Woxsen. In the Finance & Fintech sector, companies like Arcesium, Piramal Finance, ANZ Bank, Aditya Birla Capital, UBS, Federal Bank were amongst the prominent recruiters, reaffirming Woxsen's standing as a hub for future finance professionals.



Hiring trends suggest that IT/ITes companies dominated the recruitment landscape, constituting 31% of placements with companies in the Consulting & FMCG sector coming in at a close second with 21% recruits. Among the other sectors, BFSI accounted for 15% while EdTech contributed 12%.



Function-wise placement statistics show that 42% of the students secured roles as Business Analysts, 32% in Business Development, 20% in Finance Associates, 4% in Human Resources and 2% in Business Executives, highlighting the spectrum of roles that Woxsen's MBA graduates are prepared for.



"As we celebrate this achievement of 100% placements for our MBA 2022-24 batch, I am proud to attribute this success to the unwavering dedication of our Centre of Talent Development and the exceptional efforts of our Corporate Relations team. This year was indeed quite tough due to not so favourable headwinds, Woxsen University remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing talent and forging meaningful connections with industry partners. This is a testament to our faculty's relentless pursuit of excellence and our students' preparedness to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments," said Mr. Vishal Khurma, Chief Executive Officer, Woxsen University.



Click here, for detailed MBA Placement Report 2024.



About Woxsen University, Hyderabad:



Woxsen University, located in Hyderabad, is one of the first private universities of the state of Telangana, India. Renowned for its 200-acre state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, Woxsen University offers new-age, disruptive programs in the fields of Business, Technology, Arts & Design, Architecture, Law, Sciences and Liberal Arts & Humanities. With 120+ Global Partner Universities and Strong Industry Connect, Woxsen is reckoned as one of the top universities for Academic Excellence and Global Edge. Woxsen is Top Ranked in QS Business Masters World Ranking, 2024, #11 All India Top 100 B-Schools by Times B-School Ranking 2024, Rank #15 All India Top Pvt. B-School, BusinessWorld 2023, and features in India's Best B-Schools beyond IIMs by Dalal Street Investment Journal 2024.



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2395177/MBA_2024.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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Bengaluru | April 24th, 2024: Vidyashilp University, a new-age institution dedicated to shaping future leaders, is hosting an exclusive event titled The Future of Higher Education on April 27, 2024. This event, to be held at the Prestige Falcons Den, Off MG Road, Bengaluru, from 9 am to 2 pm, is specifically curated to inspire and equip aspiring students and their parents as they navigate the ever-progressing landscape of higher education.



Charting a course for success, the event fosters dialogue between ambitious students, parents, and industry leaders, providing valuable insights into how new-age undergraduate programs can prepare students to thrive in a dynamic professional environment. Attendees will engage in thought-provoking discussions that explore the future of work and the skills necessary for success.



Distinguished Speakers:



Speaking at the event as the keynote speaker, Mr. Ullas Kamath , Founder of UK&Co; Director on the Board of V-Guard Industries Ltd, AceVector Ltd, Wonderla Holidays Ltd, Veranda Learning Solutions Ltd, and Sami-Sabinsa Group Ltd; and Governing Council Member at FITT-IIT Delhi, will address the topic - Indias Rapid Growth in the 21st Century, offering a glimpse into the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.



Mr. Pranav Pai, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at 3one4 Capital, will participate in an interactive session on Investing in the Future: Indias Higher Education & Startup Ecosystem, highlighting the impact of transformative education on the disruptive startup ecosystem in India.



Vidyashilp Education Group (VSEG) alumni Mr. Vikrant Maini, Maini Group; and Ms. Vrishika Melanta, Boston Consulting Group, will share their unique learning experiences at VSEG that shaped them into bold leaders.



Expert Panel Discussion:



The event will culminate in an engaging panel discussion featuring:



Mr. Pranav Pai, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at 3one4 Capital



Mr. Aprameya Radhakrishna, Co-Founder and CEO of Koo, and Founder and Director of TaxiForSure



Dr. Subarna Roy, Associate Partner, Chief Data Scientist and Quantum Ambassador at IBM



This esteemed panel will delve into Aligning Higher Education with Industry Expectations, providing invaluable perspectives on the skills and qualities employers seek in future professionals.



Expressing his positive outlook about the event, Prof. PG Babu, Vice-Chancellor, Vidyashilp University, said, "At Vidyashilp University, we believe in making learning a liberating experience. This event brings together industry leaders and accomplished alumni to showcase how our interdisciplinary undergraduate programs equip students to thrive in the face of unprecedented change. We invite aspiring students and parents to join us and explore the transformative learning experience at Vidyashilp University, where they will be empowered to not only excel in their chosen domains, but also become the bold innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.



Established in 2021, Vidyashilp University (VU) aims to elevate higher education. Building on the 4+ decade legacy of the Vidyashilp Education Group (VSEG), VU fosters innovation and challenges the extraordinary to equip students for success in today's ever-progressing world. The University prioritises holistic development, nurturing well-rounded leaders. rigorous academics, coupled with best-in-class facilities and a supportive environment, empower students to evolve into courageous change-makers. Vidyashilp University cultivates not just academic excellence, but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability  skills essential for making a positive impact in the real-world.



Strategic Partnerships: VU encourages collaborative learning with global entities and leading institutions like The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Babson College. These partnerships enrich the curriculum and provide students with global perspectives and access to impactful knowledge.



Vidyashilp University fosters interdisciplinary learning, cultivating a deeper understanding of complex issues and equipping students to collaborate effectively across domains.



Building upon Vidyashilp Education Group's 800+ awards and affiliations with 15 national and international associations, Vidyashilp University carries forward a legacy of academic excellence.



Fulfilling its mission to revolutionise the educational landscape, the curriculum at VU fosters a community of not just future leaders but also job creators and entrepreneurs.



The University prioritises experiential learning, internships, and industry collaborations. By translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills, VU ensures graduates are well-prepared for their chosen professions.



The event details are as follows:



AGENDA:



Event Name: The Future of Higher Education

Date: 27th April 2024, Saturday

Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Venue: Prestige Falcons Den, Prestige Falcon Towers, Off MG Road, Bengaluru



Click here to register



(Disclaimer : The above Press Release is provided by HT Syndication and PTI will not take any editorial responsibility of this content.). PTI PWR

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Jobaaj Group founder CA Saksham Agarwal is making yet another headline in his recent influencer meet-up at the opening of their 1st Jobaaj Work Cafe and shared the vision of pumping 50 crores in the cafe business to create 100 more Jobaaj Work Cafes in the next 5 years which will help budding entrepreneurs in tier 1 & tier 2 cities that lack office space and a creative work environment to work on their goals and ideas.







We know that the youth today are the major force driving economic growth and innovation across India. They are the backbone of our societies providing the necessary aid. Not only this but with their young minds they are on a mission to build something for themselves as well as for the country.



CA Saksham Agarwal believes that the young Indian entrepreneurs are making a big difference in India. They're starting new businesses using new ideas and technology. These businesses are in many areas like banking, online shopping, and clean energy. By doing this, they're creating jobs and helping the economy to grow.



He is also one of the entrepreneurs who is focused on making things better for society, like helping people get education and sufficient work space to crave their ideas into reality.



Recently Jobaaj Group started their first cafe chain called Jobaaj Work Cafe in Agra that offers affordable subscriptions for people who need a place to work. These cafes provide a space with internet and other facilities, which helps entrepreneurs who might not afford expensive offices. So, these affordable options are giving a boost to budding entrepreneurs.



Inspired by this success of Jobaaj and driven by a passion to nurture entrepreneurship, CA Saksham Agarwal ( MD of Jobaaj ) conceived the idea of a space where startups could thrive amidst an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity. This move aims to give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed.



With the massive investment of 50 crores, Jobaaj is aiming to kickstart the growth of startups. It's a big deal, especially for the whole country. Many cities, commonly tier-2 cities often lack the resources that startups need to thrive, this is the reason Jobaaj wants to step in and Saksham Agarwal took this step after their successful venture of Jobaaj Learnings that equip todays youth with the 21st Century skills.



But how is Jobaaj making this initiative work?

Well, they have come up with a non-profit company Jobaaj Work Cafe aiming to provide a conducive ecosystem for startups, providing them with affordable office spaces and essential support services.



The subscription plan starts as low as Rs.1500 for a week where you can redeem the food worth Rs. 2000 and along with that you can also utilize the content creator rooms (specialized designed and equipped with Shure Mic, Sony Camera, Tripods & Studio lights to conduct podcasts, photo shoots & reel shoots).



This initiative comes as a boon for entrepreneurs who often ,m struggle to find affordable workspace, particularly in smaller cities like Agra.



When asked about how the thought of a workcafe arrived, Mr. Agarwal stated that, "When I first envisioned Jobaaj Work Cafe, it was born from my own experience. I understand how lack of access to the right space, mentorship, and basic resources can stifle a brilliant idea before it has a chance to grow. We're building an ecosystem here that removes those hurdles. We are here to create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive."



(Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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London, Apr 24 (AP) British competition regulators said Wednesday they'll scrutinise recent artificial intelligence deals by Microsoft and Amazon over concerns that the moves could thwart competition in the AI industry.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it's looking into Microsoft's partnership with France's Mistral AI and the company's hiring of key staff from another startup, Inflection AI. The watchdog also separately announced that it's investigating Amazon's $4 billion investment in San Francisco-based Anthropic.

Big Tech companies have been pouring money into generative AI startups amid growing public and business interest in the technology, but the investments have also drawn attention from antitrust authorities.

The UK watchdog said it was seeking comments from interested third parties," before deciding whether to carry out an in-depth antitrust investigation.

"We will assess, objectively and impartially, whether each of these three deals fall within UK merger rules and, if they do, whether they have any impact on competition in the UK," the watchdog's executive director of mergers, Joel Bamford, said in a statement.

Microsoft said it will provide the watchdog with the information it needs to carry out its inquiries.

We remain confident that common business practices such as the hiring of talent or making a fractional investment in an AI start-up promote competition and are not the same as a merger," the company said.

Microsoft last month hired Mustafa Suleyman, who co-founded Google's DeepMind AI research lab, to head up its consumer artificial intelligence business, along with the chief scientist and several top engineers and researchers from Inflection, his AI startup.

Microsoft also teamed up earlier this year with Mistral, which has become France's AI darling after being founded only last year. That followed Microsoft's previous existing partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which is also facing scrutiny from the CMA.

Amazon, meanwhile, has spent billions for a minority stake in Anthropic. The two companies are collaborating to develop so-called foundation models, which underpin the generative AI systems that have captured global attention.

It's unprecedented for the CMA to review a collaboration of this type, Amazon said in a statement. Unlike partnerships between other AI startups and large technology companies, our collaboration with Anthropic includes a limited investment, doesn't give Amazon a board director or observer role, and continues to have Anthropic running its models on multiple cloud providers.

The CMA said it's stepping up its scrutiny of the market for foundation models after it published a report that highlighted the risk that powerful companies could use partnerships with key AI players to strengthen their positions. (AP) SCY

SCY
Mumbai, Apr 23 (PTI) The cyber cell of Maharashtra police on Tuesday registered an FIR against an X user for allegedly uploading a `deepfake' or manipulated video where actor Ranveer Singh appeared to be making an appeal to vote for Congress.

The First Information Report was registered on a complaint filed by the actor's father, Jugjeet Singh Bhavnani, against the user @sujataindia1st, an official said.

Deepfake videos are videos that have been altered, in a convincing way, to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said. Recently, city police had registered an FIR against an unidentified person in connection with a similar deepfake video of actor Aamir Khan where he was purportedly seen promoting a political party.

Ranveer Singh gave an interview to the media while he was in Varanasi to promote a fashion show and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per his father's complaint.

As per the FIR, the actor said "it is Modi ji's purpose and goal to celebrate our rich culture, heritage, history, and legacy because we are moving ahead towards modernity very fast but we should never forget our roots, our cultural heritage."

But X account holder @sujataindia1st made a deepfake video in which he is heard saying it is "Modi ji's purpose and goal to celebrate our painful life, fear, and unemployment because we are moving ahead towards injustice but we should never stop asking for our development and justice, vote for justice, vote for Congress," the FIR said.

Ranveer Singh never said this, and he does not have any relation with any political party, his father said in the complaint.

The FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code including 417 (cheating), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 469 (forgery for the purpose of harming reputation) and sections of the Information Technology Act, and further probe was on, the official said.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know", a short film by four students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), has been selected for La Cinef Competitive section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

The film, directed by Chidanand S Naik, will compete with 17 other shorts for three La Cinef prizes, which will be awarded at a ceremony on May 23 in the Bunuel Theatre. The segment is dedicated to showcasing film school fiction or animated films, a press release from the festival organisers said.

"Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" has cinematography by Suraj Thakur, editing by Manoj V and sound by Abhishek Kadam. It presents the story of an elderly woman who steals the village's rooster that throws the community into disarray. To bring the rooster back, a prophecy is invoked, sending the old lady's family into exile, according to the official plotline.

For the 27 edition of La Cinef, the organisers received 2,263 entries from film schools all over the world.

"This years programme reflects the geographic mobility of film students, with a Singaporean director in Australia, an Indian and a Lithuanian in the UK, a Russian in the Czech Republic and three shorts made at American schools by Russian, Chinese and British filmmakers," the press release said.

The Pune-based premiere film institute also shared the news on its official handle on social media platform X and congratulated its students for the feat.

"Many congratulations to our talented students Mr Chidanand Naik (Direction), Suraj Thakur (Camera), Manoj V (Editing) and Abhishek Kadam (Sound), for this big achievement," FTII said.

The short film is a production of the institute's TV Wing One-year program where four students from different disciplines -- direction, electronic cinematography, editing, sound -- worked together for one project as a year-end coordinated exercise, the institute said.

Other entries for the La Cinef section include "Crow Man" (Lebanon), "Banished Love" (China), "The Chaos She Left Behind" (Greece), "In Spirito" (Italy), "Elevacion" (Mexico), "The Deers Tooth" (Palestine), "Plevel" (Czech Republic), "Forest of Echoes" (South Korea), "Withered Blossoms" (Australia) and "Its Not Time" (Israel).

Three films from the US and two each from the UK and France are also part of the lineup.

The jury, which includes Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, Paolo Moretti, Claudine Nougaret, Vladimir Perisic and Belgian actress Lubna Azabal, will select the winners of the La Cinef prizes as well as the Short Film Palme dor.

The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 14 to 25.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) Indian-American star Sendhil Ramamurthy says he loved working with Vidya Balan in "Do Aur Do Pyaar" and hopes the film brings many more opportunities from Bollywood, an industry he stayed away from due to language barrier and familial responsibilities.

In "Do Aur Do Pyaar", Ramamurthy stars as Vikram, an NRI photographer who falls for Vidya Balan's Kavya, a married dentist. The film, directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta, is earning praise for its depiction of an urban marriage where a long-time couple seeks love outside of the relationship.

The actor, 49, last worked in a Hindi production in "Shor in the City" in 2010. He said his absence from Hindi cinema was not driven by "a lack of desire".

"I didn't want to be away from the children for far too long and be so far away where I couldn't fly home on a weekend. I hope to be doing a lot more because my kids are teenagers now and it's not cool to hang out with your dad. So I'm much more open to the prospect of coming back and doing more work in India," Ramamurthy told PTI in an interview.

Best known for his film and TV projects such as "It's a Wonderful Afterlife", "Heroes", "Covert Affairs", "New Amsterdam", "The Flash" and "Never Have I Ever", Ramamurthy said language was also an issue that kept him away but with the global proliferation of platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney everywhere, the opportunity for crossover has never been better.

"I want to do more work in India, but previously, there was always this language barrier that I couldn't overcome. I had very realistic or low expectations, depending on how you look at it. I felt like it was a bridge too far and I can maybe dip my toe in, but then I'm going to have to dip right back out because there's not going to be an opening for me," he said.

"Do Aur Do Pyaar" happened by chance for Ramamurthy with one of the film's producers, Tanuj Garg, reaching out to him with the script. Garg was also involved with "Shor..." and "It's a Wonderful Afterlife". The character of Vikram was tweaked to make him an NRI after Ramamurthy came on board.

"I sat down and read the whole thing in an hour and a half and then I went back and read it again just because I thought, 'Can it actually be this good? Did I miss something?' I just read the Vikram-Kavya scenes again and realised that he doesn't say a whole lot. He has to convey everything with looks and gestures and I thought, 'that's such a great acting challenge for me'."

Working with Balan was the cherry on top but Ramamurthy did his homework by connecting with the director via zoom to understand her vision for the film, which is a remake of American film "The Lovers".

Balan, he said, was pure joy to work with.

"She's Vidya and I didn't know what to expect from her. I went in kind of expecting the worst like, 'What if she's like a big diva and all of this attitude and everything'. And then she disarmed me from the second I laid eyes on her. She just came up, gave me a big hug and I just felt okay... I was in an environment where I could give my best performance," he recalled.

Ramamurthy said the ease shown in the interaction between their characters was a direct extension of the comfort he shared off screen. The "Sherni" star even helped him out in a key emotional scene.

"Her natural instincts are some of the best I've ever worked with," he recalled.

Calling himself a fan of romantic comedies and relationship dramas, the actor said he loved the "understated" nature of the story and how there was room for actors to improvise.

"I thought this is the perfect storm of things -- a great script, I get to work with Vidya Balan, and this director has a great eye so it was actually a very easy yes," he said, also praising co-star Gandhi, though they appear together in just one scene.

As someone who found success at a time when representation was not even a buzzword in Hollywood, Ramamurthy said he is just grateful for the "incremental gains" that South Asians artists have made over the years.

The actor, who most recently starred in Mindy Kaling's Netflix drama "Never Have I Ever", is hopeful that the next generation will have an easier journey.

He said the high school drama, headlined by a South Asian star like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and featuring an Indian family at the centre of the story, broke through the "dam" to go mainstream in the West.

"Obviously in India, it's the norm but in the US, even in the UK, to have a big mainstream hit like that, where it's centred on South Asians, to be a part of that has been one of the great joys of my career. I hope that it has opened many doors for younger people and older people."

The actor, who was born in Chicago to Indian parents and raises two children with actor wife Olga Sosnovska, said there were many actors before him who didn't even have the opportunities that he had.

"It is those incremental gains that I'm grateful for. If I've had any part in more gains, then I'm very proud to have been a part of that. There's still a long, long way to go but we're getting there. It takes time. We're more than moving in the right direction right now."

According to Ramamurthy, there are many South Asian actors in the United States who would love to come over to India and work.

"I hope there's a way that we can kind of cross pollinate... Let's face it, at the end of the day, it is a business but the business can be so great. If you've got that cross pollination, look at the audience that you get access to."

Produced by Sameer Nair, Deepak Segal, Garg, Atul Kasbekar and Swati Iyer Chawla, "Do Aur Do Pyaar" also stars Ileana D'Cruz. The movie is currently running in theatres.

Next for Ramamurthy is an animated series for DreamWorks Animation and another romantic comedy.

"I'm going to be shooting it in Colorado, US. I love romantic comedies," he said.
* US Senate passes USD 95.3 billion package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and Indo-Pacific.



Former Japanese PM Taro Aso meets Trump.



Indian American loses Congressional primary race in Pennsylvania.



Anyone considering business deals with Iran should be aware of risk of sanctions: US.



Who would lead if US stepped off world stage? asks Biden.



Stories on Mideast tensions



Stories on Russia Ukraine war



Stories on political developments in Pakistan *
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan is determined to continue active interaction with Kyrgyzstan in all areas, President Ilham Aliyev said in a joint press conference with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, Trend reports.

Reflecting on the documents signed during the visit by the President of Kyrgyzstan, the head of state emphasized that the two countries are building a strong foundation for bilateral relations.
Seoul (South Korea), Apr 24 (AP) A high-level North Korean economic delegation was on its way to Iran, the North's state media said Wednesday, for what would be the two countries' first known talks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Embracing the idea of a new Cold War, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pushing to build up cooperation with countries confronting the United States, as his intensified weapons tests prompted the US and South Korea to expand their military drills.

Pyongyang's delegation led by Yun Jung Ho, North Korea's minister of external economic relations, flew out Tuesday for the trip to Iran, official Korean Central News Agency said Wednesday.

State media did not immediately provide further details.

Pyongyang and Tehran are among the few governments in the world that support Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, and both have been accused of providing Russia with military equipment.

The last known time North Korea sent senior officials to Iran was in August 2019, when a group led by Pak Chol Min, vice chair of Pyongyang's rubber-stamp parliament, made a weeklong visit. The two countries had active diplomatic exchanges until North Korea sealed its borders in an effort to stave off the pandemic, before a cautious reopening in 2023.

South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles affairs with the North, did not immediately comment Yun's visit to Iran.

North Korea has made efforts for months to boost the visibility of its ties with Russia and China as Kim attempts to break out of diplomatic isolation and join a united front against the US.

In 2023, Kim visited Russia's Far East for a rare summit with Putin, which highlighted the countries' expanding military cooperation, including the North's alleged transfers of artillery shells, missiles, and other munitions to Russia.

Earlier this month, Kim hosted top Chinese official Zhao Leji, who heads the ceremonial parliament and ranks third in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy. It was the highest-level meeting between the countries in years.

On Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader's powerful sister, slammed the latest rounds of US-South Korean joint military drills and insisted that the allies will never break the North's determination to build up our overwhelming and most powerful military muscle.

The statement comes a week after US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield called for the international community to be alert to the possibility of military cooperation between North Korea, Iran and Russia. Iran has been accused of providing drones to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.

We are concerned about  the Iranians providing weapons to the Russians and the Russians also supporting efforts to help (North Korea) expand their own research into developing weapons. And certainly, that would be the case with Iran as well, she said. (AP) NPK

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Islamabad, Apr 24 (PTI) Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said on Tuesday that the party has no interest in engaging in discussions with anyone, firmly denying any rumours of secret negotiations with the powerful establishment.

Today, I asked the partys founding chairman Imran Khan if some institutions had contacted him for the talks. Imran Khan clearly said that no one had contacted him, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan told reporters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

He said no one had even contacted him for dialogue, nor had he received any message for talks from anyone, Gohar Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

Gohar Khan's clarification came days after it was reported in a section of the media that Imran Khan had revealed that some PTI leaders were still in contact with the establishment (the military).

The same is the case with the other party leadership. Even if we receive any message from anyone for dialogues, we will inform the media, he said.

Gohar Khan made it clear that whenever PTI is interested in dialogues, they would be held openly and the media would be informed about it.

He also said PTI would not forge an alliance with any party that has stolen its mandate. However, the party would continue its efforts and struggle for the rights of the people of Pakistan. Earlier this month, the Dawn had reported that Imran Khan told reporters at

Adiala Jail after the hearing of the Al-Qadir Trust case that he was ready to hold a dialogue with anyone for the sake of the country.

The PTI founder said if he could hold talks with former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, who he later accused of being instrumental in the fall of the PTI government in April 2022, then he could meet anyone since the country was passing through a difficult phase.

Imran Khan said a few leaders in the PTI are still in contact with the establishment, apparently for negotiations. However, he did not elaborate, the report said.
Washington, Apr 24 (PTI) Anyone considering a business deal with Iran needs to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions from the United States, an official said on Tuesday.

"Just let me say broadly, we advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions. But ultimately, the government of Pakistan can speak to their own foreign policy pursuits," Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, said while responding to a question on a recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan.

During the visit, Pakistan and Iran signed eight MoUs (memoranda of understanding) and also agreed to push bilateral trade to USD 10 billion.

Early this week, the US imposed sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, including three companies from China.

"The sanctions were made because these were entities that were proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery. These were entities based in the PRC (People's Republic of China), in Belarus, and that we have witnessed to have supplied equipment and other applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme," Patel said.

"They are following our October 23 designation of three PRC entities who have worked to supply Pakistan's missile programme. We are going to continue to disrupt and take actions against proliferation networks and concerning weapons of mass destruction procurement activities, wherever they may occur," he added.

At a separate news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary Patt Ryder said the US maintains good relations with Pakistan. "They are an important security partner in the region," he said.
Colombo, Apr 24 (PTI) Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi on Wednesday inaugurated a USD 514 million hydropower project in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka which was partly funded by Tehran and was long-delayed due to international sanctions on the oil-rich nation.

This was the first visit by an Iranian president to Sri Lanka since an April 2008 visit by its then-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Raisi was received by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on his arrival at the southern provinces Mattala International Airport earlier in the day. Tight security was in place with roads being closed for normal traffic as the Iranian president was driven to the project inauguration site where he was met by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

During the inauguration, Raisi said Tehran was happy to assist the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) to forge closer ties between the people of Iran and Sri Lanka. Iranian engineers worked on the project to see its success.

Wickremesinghe in his address said he looks forward to Sri Lanka and Iran making joint progress as members of the Global South. He said Sri Lanka is grateful to Iran for the technical support provided to UMODP, the second-largest irrigation project in the island after the Mahaweli River diversion project in the 1980s.

According to a press release issued by the Sri Lankan government, the UMODP project costing USD 514 million was kicked off with USD 50 million provided by Iran.

The Sri Lankan government and Farab Energy and Water Projects (Farab Company) of Iran agreed in April 2008 to implement the project. The total contract sum amounted to USD 514 million and the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) funded USD 50 million until 2013.

However, due to international sanctions imposed on Iran later that year, Tehran was unable to continue providing funds for the project. Subsequently, Sri Lanka decided to proceed with the project using government funds while continuing with the same contractor, Farab Company, the release said.

The project would add 290 GWh to the national grid, while supplying water to 4,500 hectares of new agricultural land and 1,500 hectares of existing farmland and would meet the drinking water needs of thousands of families in Badulla, Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Kathmandu, Apr 24 (PTI) Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel has sought the help of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to secure the safe release of a Nepali student held hostage since October by the Hamas in the Gaza Strip, an official said on Wednesday.

The emir on Tuesday called on President Paudel at the Shital Niwas where the two leaders discussed matters related to bilateral interests and diplomatic relations, according to a statement issued by the President's Office.

On the occasion, President Paudel requested the emir to help secure the release of Bipin Joshi, who was taken hostage by Hamas during an attack against Israel in October last year, said Kiran Pokharel, press advisor to the president.

"Sheikh Tamim assured the president that he would take necessary initiative for the release of the Nepali student, Pokharel told PTI. The emir of Qatar said that he had earlier also taken the initiative for the same.

Joshi was among 17 Nepali students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture at Sudur Paschim University who had gone to Israel under an 11-month learn and earn programme. During the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October, 10 Nepalese students were killed, and six injured while Joshi was abducted and taken to Gaza.

The two sides also discussed the issue of migrant workers' conditions in the Gulf state, an official said.

On Sunday, New York-based Human Rights Watch called on Qatar, Nepal and Bangladesh to prioritise labour protection for migrant workers during the emir's visit.

Qatar hosts about 400,000 Nepali workers, mostly in construction and manual labour.

Concerns about working in extreme heat in Qatar - that could reach over 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) - inadequate living facilities and abuse have risen in recent years.

"Both leaders expressed happiness over the cordial relations subsisting between the two countries and agreed to further enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples, according to a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet and other officials were also present at the delegation-level meeting.

On Wednesday, Sheikh Tamim met Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and discussed the regional and international issues of common interest as well as ways to enhance bilateral cooperation as the two sides inked eight agreements.

Sheikh Tamim, who arrived here on a two-day visit to Nepal on Tuesday, met Prachanda at the Soaltee Hotel where the two leaders discussed the whole gamut of bilateral relationships to expand and deepen their cooperation for mutual benefit, according to the prime minister's office.

Prime Minister Prachanda welcomed the emir and the accompanying delegation, highlighting that the emir is the first Arab leader to visit Nepal, which reflects the depth of relations between the two countries.

On his part, the emir expressed his thanks to Nepal, its leaders and its people for the warm reception and hospitality.

He said he discussed with President Poudel and Prime Minister Prachanda about developing bilateral economic relations and strengthening them with various partnerships that raise bilateral cooperation to the desired level.

He also praised the Nepali community residing in Qatar, and its contribution to various development fields in the Gulf country.

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries, ways to enhance and develop them and exchanged views on the most prominent regional and international issues of common interest.

Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. Six agreements are at the government level while the other two are related to the private sector.

"The signing of these documents has paved the way for further enhancing cooperation and collaboration between the two countries on important areas, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The deals include an MoU for cooperation in the field of education, higher education and scientific research, an MoU for cooperation between the Public Prosecution in Qatar and the Office of the Attorney General in Nepal, and an MoU for cooperation in the field of youth and sports.

Later, Prime Minister Prachanda hosted a luncheon in honour of Sheikh Tamim which was attended by his delegation members and dignitaries from Nepal.

The emir left Nepal in the evening after successfully concluding the two-day visit.

Nepal government conferred the highest honour to the Qatar Emir during his less than 24-hour stay in Kathmandu amidst tight security.

The Nepali government declared a public holiday on Tuesday in honour of the emir's visit, the first high-level trip to Nepal from the Gulf nation.
Beijing, Apr 24 (PTI) Top US and Chinese naval officials held a rare meeting in China on Wednesday amid the growing tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea and discussed the increasing security challenges" in the Indo-Pacific region.

Admiral Stephen Koehler, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, met Admiral Yuan Huazhi, political commissar of the Peoples Liberation Army Navy, (PLAN) on the sidelines of the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium being organised by the Chinese navy at the coastal city of Qingdao.

Koehler met Yuan to discuss increasing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, a statement from the US Pacific Fleet, which provides naval forces to the Indo-Pacific Command, said.

Two days earlier, Koehler had met the commander of Chinas navy, Admiral Hu Zhongming, according to the statement.

In meetings with Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) officials, Koehler discussed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, operational safety and regional security concerns, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted the statement as saying.

The bilateral talks came after a series of senior-level talks between the two militaries, including the most recent between US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun.

The meetings took place alongside the symposium hosted by China and attended by 29 countries, including representatives from rivals Russia and the US.

The talks between Chinese and American naval took place against the backdrop of intensified clashes between China and the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea where they have overlapping territorial disputes.

The Philippines, backed by the US, has been trying to assert its claims over the South China Sea based on the 2016 ruling by a tribunal of the UN Convention of Law of Seas (UNCLOS) endorsing its rights.

China has boycotted the tribunal and rejected its findings.

China claims most of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims.

The meeting between the top US and Chinese officials took place as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China to hold talks with the Chinese leadership on a host of issues exacerbating tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Blinken arrived in Shanghai hours after the US Senate approved an aid package bill setting aside USD 8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific takeover of China's popular social media TikTok.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its mainland, has been sharply critical of the US assistance to Taipei and expressed its strong opposition to Washingtons efforts to force TikTok's sale.

The US is also accusing China of military assistance to Russia, allowing Moscow to largely reconstitute its defence industrial base, affecting not only the war in Ukraine but posing a threat to broader European security. However, China denies any military assistance to Russia.
Islamabad, Apr 24 (PTI) Pakistan and Iran have recognised the need to focus on combating terrorism and the need to develop a "united front" against the menace, the two countries said on Wednesday as Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi wrapped up his three-day maiden trip to the neighbouring nation.

Raisi's visit to Pakistan was the first by any head of state to Islamabad after the February 8 general election.

Recognising that terrorism posed a common threat to regional peace and stability and presented a major impediment to the development of the region, the two neighbours agreed to adopt a collaborative approach to confront this menace  while fully upholding the principles of the UN Charter, a joint statement issued by the two countries said.

The Pakistan government has complained regularly to Iran and Afghanistan, with which it shares a border, to rein in the militants belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other splinter groups who cross the border and carry out strikes in Pakistan.

The joint statement said, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, united, sovereign and independent state, free from the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking.

It further added that the two countries reaffirmed their willingness to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and security and to develop a united front against terrorism.

Noting the relevance of coordinating regional and international efforts to ensure security and stability in the region, both Pakistan and Iran recognised that increasing participation of all strata of Afghans in basic decision-making will lead to the strengthening of peace and stability in this country.

The statement further said that both sides stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

Tehran and Islamabad also agreed to expeditiously finalise a Free Trade Agreement (FTA as the two sides signed eight MoUs while vowing to increase trade to USD 10 billion in the coming years.

Raisi said Tehran was ready to exchange its prowess in industry, science, and technology with Pakistan while showing his resolve to remove trade barriers between the two neighbours.

According to the Foreign Office, the two sides held productive talks during the visit.

"The two sides held productive discussions and agreement to advance bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including in trade, connectivity, energy and people-to-people contacts, the FO said in a statement.

Raisi arrived on Monday with a large delegation to promote ties about three months after the relationship suffered a setback due to tit-for-tat air strikes against each other, apparently to hit terrorists.

In Islamabad, he held detailed talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir focussing on key security and economic issues.

The two sides agreed to eradicate the threat of terrorism which caused a fissure in ties in January when they resorted to air strikes against alleged militant hideouts on each other's soil.

The two countries voiced their support for the people of Palestine as they demanded Israel to halt attacking Gaza.

On Tuesday in Lahore, Raisi was received by Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz. He visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, known in Iran as Iqbal Lahori and revered for his Persian poetry.

Raisi and Maryam had reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cultural exchanges and fostering people-to-people contacts while Governor Rehman had hosted a luncheon in honour of the president and his delegation.

The same afternoon, he left for Karachi and spent a busy day meeting officials of the Sindh provincial government. He also visited the mausoleum of former prime minister Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage.

The Iranian president was also conferred an honorary PhD degree by the University of Karachi.

Raisi said he did not feel alienated in Pakistan, highlighting that the people of the country have a special affinity with Iran, Geo News reported.
Jerusalem, Apr 24 (AP) Germany said Wednesday that it plans to follow several other countries in resuming cooperation with the UN relief agency for Palestinians in Gaza after the publication of an independent review of its neutrality.

The head of the Arab League hailed the report, saying it showed that Israel's allegations were baseless and part of a systematic campaign meant to end the mandate of the agency.

Israel says that hundreds of UNRWA workers are members of Palestinian militant groups, and claims the report understated the problem. Its allegations led to the suspension of contributions to UNRWA by the United States and more than a dozen other countries.

Also Wednesday, the Israeli military said it is redeploying two reserve brigades from Israel's northern border to Gaza for defensive and tactical missions," as it prepares for an offensive in Rafah, which Israel describes as Hamas' last stronghold in the territory.

More than half of the territory's population of 2.3 million have sought refuge in Rafah.

The US Senate passed a USD 26 billion aid package late Tuesday that includes around USD 9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which experts say is on the brink of famine, as well as billions for Israel. President Joe Biden has promised to sign it immediately.

The Israel-Hamas war was sparked by the unprecedented October 7 raid into southern Israel in which the militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 hostages. Israel says the militants are still holding around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, around two-thirds of them children and women.



Currently:

 UN calls for investigation into mass graves uncovered at two Gaza hospitals raided by Israel

 US Senate passes spending package with $26 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and military aid for Israel

 Satellite photos suggest Iran air defense radar struck during apparent Israeli attack on Isfahan

 Students across the United States are upping their Gaza war protests

 Nepal asks visiting Qatari emir to help free Nepali student held hostage by Hamas



Here is the latest:

GAZA HEALTH OFFICIALS PROVIDE NEW DEATH TOLL IN DAILY REPORT CAIRO  The Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday the bodies of 79 people killed in Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours. Hospitals also received 86 wounded people, it said in its daily report.

That brings the overall Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war to at least 34,262, the ministry said. Another 77,229 have been injured, it said.

The Health Ministry doesn't distinguish between fighters and civilians in its tallies, but has said that women and children make up around two thirds of those killed.

The Israeli military says it has killed some 12,000 militants, without providing evidence to back up the claim.



ATTACK TARGETS SHIP NEAR BAB EL-MANDEB STRAIT

JERUSALEM  A suspected attack targeted a ship off Djibouti near the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait, authorities said Wednesday.

It wasn't immediately clear who carried out the attack, though Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched dozens of assaults on shipping since November over Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported the attack. The private security firm Ambrey did as well.

The attack happened near the Bab el-Mandeb, which separate the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.



ISRAEL CARRIES OUT AIRSTRIKES ON BORDER AREAS IN SOUTHERN LEBANON

BEIRUT  Israel's air force carried out a series of airstrikes on border areas in southern Lebanon Wednesday hours after Lebanon's militant Hezbollah said it fired dozens of rockets in retaliation for strikes a day earlier that killed two civilians.

Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV reported as many as 14 airstrikes Wednesday on the outskirts of the border villages of Aita al-Shaab and Ramia.

Israel's military spokesman said they are striking at Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon, adding that details will follow later.

Hezbollah earlier said that it fired dozens of rockets at the northern Israeli village of Shomera in retaliation for an airstrike the day before that killed a woman and a 10-year-old girl and also wounded six people.

Hezbollah also said that it fired two missiles at a building in the northern Israeli village of Avivim saying Israeli troops were taking positions inside it.

Hezbollah started attacking Israeli military posts along the border on October 8, a day after the militant Palestinian group Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages triggering the ongoing war.

Since then more than 350 people have been killed in Lebanon including over 260 Hezbollah members and about 50 civilians. The exchange has killed at least 12 soldiers and nine civilians in Israel.



EGYPT ARRESTS ACTIVISTS AT PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTEST

CAIRO  Egyptian authorities have arrested around two dozen activists who held a protest outside a UN facility in Cairo in solidarity with Palestinians in war-torn Gaza, a rights lawyer said Wednesday.

Lawyer Khaled Ali said at least 18 activists, mostly women, were arrested Tuesday when police forces broke up the protest outside the regional office of the UN women's agency in Cairo's district of Maadi.

There was no comment from the government.

The protesters called for the protection of women in Gaza amid Israel's monthslong war on Hamas. They were also voicing solidarity for civilians in Sudan, which has been plunged into a destructive war between rival generals since April last year.

Among those detained were prominent rights lawyers Mahinour el-Masry and Ragia Omran, and activists Rasha Azab and Iman Ouf, Ali said. A couple of bystanders were also detained when police forces dispersed the protest, he added.

Though Egypt's government has condemned Israel's campaign in Gaza, it has largely banned public protests against the war. Criticism of the country's ties with Israel, with which it signed a peace accord in 1979, is highly sensitive.

Earlier this month, security forces arrested 10 activists who participated in a pro-Palestinian protest. They were later released.



ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS IT SHOT WOMAN WHO RAN AT SOLDIERS WITH A KNIFE

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says its forces shot dead a Palestinian woman after she allegedly ran toward Israeli soldiers with a knife in the southern West Bank on Wednesday.

The military said it took place at Okfim junction near the Palestinian city of Hebron. No soldiers were injured.

Palestinian authorities identified the slain woman as 20-year-old Maimuna Harahsheh.

Violence has surged in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, when Hamas militants from Gaza broke into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people.

Rights groups and Palestinians say Israeli forces use excessive force against Palestinian suspects, a problem they say has worsened since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted.

Since October, at least 487 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank, the Ramallah-based Health Ministry says.

Many Palestinians have been shot dead in armed clashes, some in attempted stabbing attacks, and others for throwing stones at troops. Several appear to have been shot dead while posing no apparent threat.



ARAB LEAGUE WELCOMES REPORT ON UNRWA NEUTRALITY

CAIRO  The head of the Arab League on Wednesday hailed the conclusion of an independent review of the neutrality of the UN relief agency for Palestinians.

Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the wide-ranging 48-page report by the independent panel showed that Israel's allegations were baseless and part of a "systematic campaign meant to end the mandate of the agency, known as UNRWA.

The report, which was released earlier this week, found that Israel had never expressed concern about anyone on the staff lists it has received annually since 2011.

It said UNRWA has robust procedures to uphold the UN principle of neutrality, but it cited serious gaps in implementation.

Israel says that hundreds of UNRWA workers are members of Palestinian militant groups. Its allegations led to the suspension of contributions to UNRWA by the United States and more than a dozen other countries, but some have resumed contributions.

Israel says the report ignored the severity of the problem.

In a statement, Aboul Gheit urged all countries that suspended funding to resume financial assistance for UNRWA, which helps 6 million Palestinians.

He said a review of these countries' position is a humanitarian necessity and a moral duty," specifically urged UNRWA's largest donor, the US, to reconsider.



ISRAEL SENDS 2 BRIGADES TO GAZA AS IT PREPARES FOR RAFAH OFFENSIVE

TEL AVIV, Israel  The Israeli military said it is deploying two reserve brigades for missions in the Gaza Strip.

Wednesday's announcement came as Israel prepared for a ground invasion of Rafah, the southern Gaza city that Israel says is Hamas' last major stronghold.

More than half of Gaza's population of 2.3 million is sheltering in the city, and an offensive there has raised international concern over the potential harm to civilians. Israel has been gradually reducing the number of troops it has in the territory, but officials have said that was with the aim of regrouping as the army prepares to move into Rafah.

Israel considers an invasion there necessary to meet its war aim of destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities.

In a statement Wednesday, the Israeli military said the brigades would be involved in defensive and tactical missions in Gaza, without elaborating. It said the soldiers have been studying the main lessons from the fighting in Gaza ahead of their deployment.

The military said the brigades had previously been operating along Israel's northern border, where the militant group Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire throughout the war in Gaza.



GERMANY WILL RESUME WORKING WITH UNRWA

BERLIN  Germany said Wednesday it plans to follow several other countries in resuming cooperation with the UN relief agency for Palestinians in Gaza after the publication of an independent review of its neutrality.

Germany's foreign and development aid ministries said in a joint statement Wednesday that the recommendations of the report must now be implemented promptly.

Among those recommendations were stronger oversight of UNRWA's leadership and greater international involvement in supporting the agency as it addresses neutrality issues.

The German statement said that against this background and accompanying these reforms, the German government will shortly continue cooperation with UNRWA in Gaza, as Australia, Canada, Sweden and Japan, for example, already have done.

It said that Germany will consult closely with its closest international partners on the payment of further funds. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel. (AP) NPK

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Washington, Apr 24 (PTI) Indian American Bhavini Patel lost the Democratic primary Congressional race from Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, but not before giving a tough fight to the incumbent.

Incumbent Congresswoman Summer Lee was projected to be the winner of the primary race for the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. She received 59 per cent of the votes as against Patel's 41 per cent.

As expected, both President Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump won their respective presidential primaries. Biden got 94 per cent of the votes from the Democrats.

Trump received 80 per cent and Indian American Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race in March, surprisingly received nearly 20 per cent of the votes from the Republicans in the Pennsylvania presidential primary.

Patel (30) is a Biden supporter while Lee, the first-time lawmaker, has been an open critic of the president and has supported Palestine in its war against Israel.

"Her (Patel's) loss Tuesday shows that a progressive candidate like Ms Lee can still carry districts like Pittsburgh, despite Ms Patel and her supporters claiming that the incumbent's progressive views and alignment with the 'Squad' in Congress did not accurately reflect the politics of the area," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said after the election results were out.

The Squad is an informal group of the most progressive members of Congress, most commonly associated with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayana Pressley.

Originally from Gujarat in India, Patel's mother came to the United States as an immigrant. "She came to this country with very little, which I think is a story that resonates with many people in the Indian diaspora here in this country. When she came here, she raised my brother and I as a single parent. We moved around quite a bit, to various different cities, and she worked various odd jobs, washing dishes in the restaurant industry, working in the motel industry," Patel said in an earlier interview.
Washington, Apr 24 (PTI) Ex-Japanese prime minister Taro Aso has met former president Donald Trump and both the leaders discussed the enduring importance of the US-Japan alliance to their physical and economic security in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

Aso, vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, met Trump on Tuesday at the Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Both the leaders discussed the enduring importance of the US-Japan alliance to both countries physical and economic security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, according to a statement issued by the Trump Campaign on the meeting with the 83-year-old visiting Japanese leader.

They also discussed challenges posed by China and North Korea. President Trump praised Japans increased defence spending, the press release said after the meeting.

"He's a highly respected man in Japan and beyond and somebody that I've liked and I've known through our very dear friend Shinzo," Trump, the 77-year-old presumptive nominee of the Republican Party in the 2024 US presidential race, told reporters in New York.

The Trump-Aso meeting comes after US President Joe Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida earlier this month at the White House for a state visit, during which the president touted the US-Japan alliance as being stronger than its ever been and announced new plans for military cooperation with the country.

The meeting between Trump and Aso took place after the former presidents appearance in court for his hush money trial. Trump has in recent weeks increasingly met with foreign leaders, who have sought to bolster ties as polls continue to show a tight race to the White House between him and President Biden when the elections take place in November.

Japan has been at the centre of Bidens alliance-building in the Indo-Pacific region, with Kishida significantly shifting the countrys defence posture in recent years and providing ongoing support to Ukraine, CNN reported.

Last week, Trump met with Polish President Andrzej Duda at Trump Tower, where the two discussed NATO spending over dinner, according to the former presidents campaign.

Earlier this month, Trump also met with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, the report added.

In March, the former president hosted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago and spoke separately by phone with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, it said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Procedural grounds have been established in Azerbaijan for the court to consider the proposal of an executive official to seize the debtors property, Trend reports.

This issue has been reflected in the amendment to the Azerbaijani Civil Procedure Code, approved by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

According to Article 50.2 of the law "On enforcement proceedings", if there has been no seizure of the debtor's property before the enforcement document is sent for execution, or in cases where during the execution of the enforcement document the demand is directed towards the debtor's property, the seizure of the property is typically imposed based on a substantiated submission by the enforcement officer upon the court's decision.

Considering the above and the fact that the submission of the enforcement officer is considered by the courts in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Procedure Code, the phrase "issues of seizure of the debtor's property" was added to the title of Article 231, as well as to the text of Articles 231.3 and 231.4 of the code, respectively.

Furthermore, in accordance with the requirements of the added Article 231.3-1, specific timeframes for the court to consider submissions by the enforcement officer, applications for the postponement of the execution of the ruling or its execution in parts, and changes in the manner and order of executing the ruling have been defined.

Thus, the consideration of the submission regarding the seizure of the debtor's property will be carried out within five working days from the date of its receipt.

The consideration of applications for the suspension of enforcement proceedings, temporary restrictions on the debtor's right to leave the country, postponement of the execution of the ruling or its execution in parts, and changes in the manner and order of executing the ruling will be carried out within 10 working days from the date of receipt of these applications.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) The Indian Railways is unable to assess the completion date of the countrys first bullet train project because all work tenders have not been awarded yet.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is constructing the 508 km long corridor, said this in response to an application under the Right to Information Act.

Madhya Pradesh-based Chandra Shekhar Gaur sought to know if the NHSRCL is in a position to give a final date for the completion of the whole project though an application under the RTI.

Responding to the same, the NHSRCL said, Completion date for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project (MAHSRP) can be assessed after award of all tenders/packages.

The project was launched in 2017 and initially it was scheduled to be ready by December 2023 but land acquisition issues as well as Covid delayed its progress significantly.

The Railways Ministry has officially announced the completion of the first phase, a 50-km long stretch between Surat and Bilimora, by August 2026. It also announced in January 2024 that 100 per cent land was acquired for the project.

The NHSRCL also said in response to the RTI application that rail tracks have not been laid yet, adding, however, by April 6, 2024, a total length of 157 km viaduct has been completed.

Providing an update on the progress work of the corridor, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed on X on March 28, 2024 that 295.5 km of pier work and 153 km of viaduct has been completed.

Piers are big cylindrical columns erected on the ground. Girders are placed on piers to make a viaduct. On the viaduct, a reinforced concrete track bed is placed. Then comes the precast track slab on it. The rails are fitted on the track slab with the help of fastening devices, said an expert associated with the project.

Out of a total length of 508 km of the project, 465 km are on viaducts, 9,82 kms on bridges, 5,22 kms pass through mountain tunnels and 21km is underground with 7 km will be under the sea, he added.

According to the NHSRCL, the bullet train will run at its maximum speed of 320 km to cover the 508 km distance in 2 hours and 58 minutes which includes its stoppage time at all 10 stations. It will start from Mumbai and terminate at Sabarmati after covering ten stations namely Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand and Ahmedabad.

Out of 508 km, 352 km falls in Gujarat and Dadar & Nagar Haveli and remaining 156 km is in Maharashtra. There are a total 12 stations out of which 8 are in Gujarat and 4 in Maharashtra, a project expert said, adding the estimated cost of the project is 1,08,000 cr.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said those who call themselves "deshbhakt" are scared of the 'X-ray' of caste census but no force can stop it and his life mission is to secure justice for 90 per cent of population, as he hit back at the BJP amid the row on the issue of wealth redistribution.

Addressing the 'Samajik Nyay Sammelan' here, Gandhi said he was targeted by the BJP and the prime minister for just talking about finding how much injustice had been done to 90 per cent of the population.

"I am not interested in caste but in 'nyay' (justice). I am saying that gross injustice is being done to 90 per cent of the population. I have not even said till date that we will take any action on that.

"I just said let us find out how much injustice is being done. There should be no objection to that. If you get injured and I say that get an X-ray done, no one should object to that," the Congress leader said.

The former Congress asserted that it is his life mission to ensure justice for the 90 per cent of the population against whom injustice has been done.

"As soon as our government is formed, the first thing that would be done is a caste census," Gandhi said.

From the Rs 16 lakh crore transferred by Modi to select business people, the Congress is going to return a small amount to 90 per cent of the population, he said.

"We have calculated...what we felt is justice and that help should be given, we put it down in the manifesto," he said of the party's guarantees mentioned in the manifesto.

"Understand this is not a politics issue for me. This is my life mission," he said, adding, "I guarantee...no force can stop caste census. The more it is stopped, the more it will return with bigger force".

There is a difference between life mission and politics as one can compromise in politics but not in life mission, he said.

He also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has panicked after seeing the Congress' "revolutionary manifesto" which talks about the 'X-ray' and the income inequality created by Modi.

The BJP has alleged that the Congress will take people's wealth and redistribute it if it comes to power. On Wednesday, PM Modi and his party cited Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks on inheritance tax to claim that the Congress wants to legally rob people of their assets and lifelong savings they want to bequeath to their children.

The Congress has maintained that its manifesto speaks of social economic caste census and not about "redistribution" of wealth.

Taking a swipe at the media for dubbing him a "non-serious" politician in the past, Gandhi cited his involvement with the MGNREGA scheme, the Land Acquisition Bill, the Bhatta Parsaul movement, Niyamgiri Hills matter, and said for the media all this was "non-serious while talking about Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Virat Kohli was serious".

"Anybody who talks of the 90 per cent of the population is dubbed non-serious," Gandhi said at the event organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation.

He said that he looked into the stakeholders in the media industry and found that there was not a single OBC, Dalit or tribal anchor.

"So the loudspeaker is not with you. There is no representation in the media. Whose money goes into media, governments give money, whose money is it it comes in GST. This is the money of the 90 per cent people," he said addressing the gathering largely comprising those belonging to Dalits, tribals and backward organisations.

He said the same was the case with the judiciary, with out of 650 high court judges, only 100 belonging to the 90 per cent of the population.

Gandhi said in the top 200 firms of the country also, there was no Dalit, tribal or OBC.

"Narendra Modi has given Rs 16 lakh crore to 25 people from these firms. If you waive farmers' loans 25 times, that amount of money has been given by the prime minister to 25 people," he alleged.

"But look at the national media and Narendra Modi as soon as I used the word X-ray and said let us test how much injustice is there, they stood up and started saying that attempts were being made to divide the country, break it.

An X-ray will only tell about participation and all patriots would like this, he said.

"What does a deshbhakt want? A deshbhakt wants justice in the country. A deshbhakt wants India to move forward and become a superpower. So if you want to become a superpower and move ahead of China, one has to use the strength of 90 per cent of the population. Those who call themselves 'deshbhakt' are scared of X-Ray," he said.

"For 10 years Modi said he is an OBC but as soon as I talked about caste census, he said 'there are no castes'. If there are no castes how are you an OBC?

"Then you should have said I have no caste. He then says there are two castes rich and poor...if you say so, I say take out the list of poor and you will get Dalit, adivasis, backwards," Gandhi said.

He alleged that the BJP aims to divert the attention of Dalits, OBCs, and tribals.

"The problem they have is that you can only divert attention for a limited period and that time has come when OBC are asking - 'what is happening'. Ram Mandir was constructed and we did not see one of our (Dalits and tribals) person. Parliament building was inaugurated, but we did not see our person," Gandhi said.

Referring to President Droupadi Murmu, he said it is the head of state's job to inaugurate Parliament but she was excluded from the ceremony.

Asserting that a caste census will give clarity, Gandhi said it is not just a caste survey but an economic and institutional survey would also be attached to it.

The country will get to know how many Dalits, adivasis and poor general castes are there and their participation in various sectors, he added.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane is leading the Indian delegation to Kazakhstan for the annual meeting of the defence ministers of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation during which the "regional security issues" within the SCO will be reviewed, officials said on Wednesday.

Aramane is leading the delegation to Astana from April 25-26, the defence ministry said in a statement.

The meeting will review the regional security issues, including the defence cooperation initiatives, within the SCO, it said.

The defence secretary will deliver India's statement at the ministerial meeting. He will also hold meetings with the defence ministers of the friendly countries of the SCO to discuss issues of bilateral defence cooperation, it said.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.

In July 2023, Iran became the new permanent member of the SCO at an India-hosted virtual summit of the grouping.
Jammu, Apr 23 (PTI) Police on Tuesday claimed a foreign terrorist codenamed "Abu Hamza" of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba was involved in the killing of a government employee in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district and announced a Rs 10 lakh reward for information on him.

Mohammad Razaq (40) was killed on Monday in the Kunda Top village of the Thanamandi area. Razaq worked in the government's Social Welfare department while his brother Mohammad Tahir Choudhary is a soldier in the Territorial Army.

Razaq was buried in the village on Tuesday.

"Two terrorists affiliated to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) barged into the compound of a Territorial Army official in the village," a police spokesperson said.

Choudhary, however, escaped unhurt from the attack, she said.

A case has been filed at the Thanamandi police station, the official said and added, "An investigation has been launched to track down each person involved in this act of terror."

Credible evidence has been obtained that identifies one of the assailants as a "foreign terrorist" with the code name Abu Hamza, the spokesperson said.

The police and security forces deployed in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch are working to neutralise this group, she added.

A reward of Rs 10 lakh has been announced for providing information on the terrorist, the police said while releasing a poster of his likeness.

The 32-year-old terrorist was wearing a Pathani suit with a brown shawl and had an orange bag. He has been operating in the Shadra Sharief and the Der ki Gali areas and involved in numerous terror activities, the police said.

"Whoever provides any information leading to the arrest of the accused shall be rewarded Rs 10 lakh and the identity of the informant will be kept secret," the spokesperson said.
New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI) France will partner with India for the ambitious new National Museum in Delhi, and a top French official and a team of experts have discussed the "next steps in this cooperation", the country's embassy here said on Tuesday.

The upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum -- billed to be the largest museum in the world -- will have eight thematic segments telling the story of India spanning over 5,000 years.

The new museum, to be housed in the North Block and South Block in the heart of the country's capital, will cover an area of 1.17 lakh sqm with 950 rooms spread over a basement and three storeys, Indian officials had earlier said.

The French Embassy in India, in a post on X, said, "As announced by President @EmmanuelMacron and PM @NarendraModi, France will partner with India for the ambitious new National Museum in #NewDelhi. Yesterday, @lechevallierAS & a team of experts discussed the next steps in this cooperation & visited the upcoming museum site."

Aurelien Lechevallier, Director General for Global Affairs and Cultural and Economic Diplomacy, and the team of experts visited the site of the planned new museum on Monday.

The French embassy also shared pictures of a meeting in which Lechevallier and other representatives from the France's side and Union Cultural Secretary Govind Mohan and other officials from the culture ministry from India's side were present.

"Following the letter of intent on museum and heritage cooperation signed on 28 January 2020, India and France will explore the possibilities and mechanism for France to be a 'knowledge partner in the creation of a new National Museum in Delhi," the two countries had said in a joint statement in May 2022.

French President Emmanuel Macron had hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a brief working visit to Paris on May 4, 2022.

The French Embassy, in a statement on Tuesday, said Lechevallier co-chaired the Joint Working Group on Museology to further Frances contribution in this strategic field of the bilateral cultural cooperation, which includes collaboration in the development and management of museums, conservation and display of artifacts, and enhancing visitor experience.

"An important topic on the agenda was Indias project to create a new National Museum in New Delhi. As per the Letter of Intent signed on the occasion of Prime Minister Modis visit to France in July 2023, France will be Indias partner on this project through its national agency France Museums Developpement," it said.

Together with a delegation of museum experts, Lechevallier visited the North and South Block sites, where the new museum will be located, the statement said.

The statement added that Lechevallier, Director General for Global Affairs and Cultural and Economic Diplomacy, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and G7/G20 Sous-Sherpa of France, on Monday "visited India to participate in the Governing Council meeting of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and advance Indo-French cooperation on culture and global commons".

On this occasion, CDRI announced Lechevallier as the new Co-chair of its Governing Council, for a period of two years (2024-2026).

Lechevallier thereafter chaired the Governing Council meeting together with CDRIs Permanent Co-chair, P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, the statement said.

Frances candidacy to the CDRI co-chairship was first announced during President Macrons State Visit to India in January 2024. Frances commitment to CDRI, along with its co-chairship of the International Solar Alliance and its work with India on implementing the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, demonstrates how the Indo-French partnership for the planet seeks to advance cohesion in the world and deliver solutions to our common challenges", it added.

Lechevallier also took the opportunity of this trip to follow up on the implementation of the Partnership for the Planet pillar of the France-India Horizon 2047 Roadmap that was adopted by President Macron and Prime Minister Modi during the latters visit to France on July 14, 2023, the statement said.
Jaipur, Apr 24 (PTI) BJP's Lok Sabha poll in-charge for Rajasthan Vinay Sahastrabuddhe on Wednesday said the remarks of Congress leader Sam Pitroda advocating inheritance tax reveals the ideology of the Congress leaders.

"(Indian Overseas Congress chairman) Sam Pitroda, talked about making inheritance tax like America. Pitroda has said that if a member of the family dies, then some percentage of that money should be given to his heirs and the rest of the money should be deposited with the government. This exposes the thinking of the Congress leaders," he said at a press conference here.

Prime minister Narendra Modi in his recent election rallies in Rajasthan suggested that if the Congress comes to power, it will redistribute the wealth of the people to the "infiltrators" and "those who have several children".

Modi also accused the Congress of making an attempt to reduce the reservation for the Dalits, the tribal population and the backwards and give it to Muslims against the spirit of the Constitution.

Sahastrabuddhe said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has in the past advocated redistribution of wealth.

"The voters are apprehensive about the statement of Rahul Gandhi because people have earned their property by shedding blood and sweat and the Congress leaders talk about distributing it. The Congress has also advocated for religion-based reservation to end the reservation for SC, ST and OBC, whereas the Constituent Assembly had completely rejected religion-based reservation," he said.

Sahastrabuddhe said Prime Minister Modi used the term "politics of performance" after coming to power in 2014 because the BJP talks about performance while other parties including the Congress do not even pronounce the "P" of performance.

"All our national, state, district, divisional and booth level workers, including Prime Minister Modi, work very hard. The BJP workers try to make the people aware and we say that the voters should make their decision on the basis of our work," he said at the party office.

Sahastrabuddhe said in the last 40 days of the election campaign in Rajasthan, 14 senior leaders of the Centre, including Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Rajasthan for public meetings and other events.

During this period, a total of 37 meetings of the central leaders, 10 road shows, three press conferences and 14 other meetings were organised, he said.

Apart from them, 51 senior leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, BJP state president C P Joshi, former state president and cabinet ministers actively campaigned, he said.

"We have tried our best to cover all the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies of Rajasthan," the BJP leader said.

He said the BJP does politics of performance and development, hence, during the election campaign, Shah and other leaders have given facts and figures regarding development, which gives a clear picture of development done by the BJP and the Congress governments.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the construction of four proposed dams inside Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryanas Yamunanagar district.

A bench of justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta issued notices to the Centre, the Haryana government and others while seeking their replies.

The top court noted that the construction of dams will not only be detrimental to wildlife and population in Kalesar but also to the ecosystem and even the purpose for which the dams are proposed would not be achieved.

"Issue notice. We further direct that no steps shall be taken for construction of dams unless an order is passed by this court," the bench said.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal against the construction of four dams Chikan, Kansli, Khillanwala and Ambawali within Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary as it will have a negative impact on the flora and the fauna in the area.

Bansal submitted before the apex court that the National Board for Wild Life has granted permission to construct dams inside the the wildlife sanctuary without taking cognisance of the report of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) which says that there is no need of such dams.

"WII has categorically stated in its report namely 'Feasibility Study of Proposed Small Dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana' that the proposed dams are under protected area boundary of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary and as such would significantly affect the terrestrial as well as aquatic biodiversity of the protected area," Bansal submitted.

Referring to a letter by the principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, Haryana, Bansal said he has stated that the proposed dam sites which are located in the notified boundary of the sanctuary will affect the existing pattern of habitat use of various species.
New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) A 12-year-old boy was electrocuted when he came in contact with an electric pole in Delhi, which saw thunderstorms last evening, police said.

The victim, identified as Kaif Mohammad, was outside his house when the incident took place in Khaira village in Chhawla area on Tuesday evening.

He got electrocuted after coming in contact with an electric pole amid thunderstorm and dust storm in the national capital, a police officer said.

The boy was rushed to RTRM Hospital where he was declared brought dead, the officer said.

The districts crime team and officials from the power department inspected the spot and a case under relevant sections has been registered at Chhawla Police Station, he added.

Gusty winds with a speed of 40 to 70 kilometres per hour swept the national capital as parts of the city received light intensity rain on Tuesday.
Chennai, Apr 24 (PTI) A 51-year-old former faculty member of city-based Kalakshetra Foundation has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two ex-students, police said.

The arrested was identified as Sheehjith Krishna.



Based on the directions of the Madras High Court, a preliminary enquiry was conducted on the complaint of two women that Krishna sexually assaulted them when they were students of Kalakshetra during the period 1995-2007, an official release on Tuesday said.



A case was registered against Krishna at the Neelankarai All-Women Police Station and a team led by an inspector arrested him. The accused was later remanded to judicial custody.
Nagpur, Apr 24 (PTI) A 37-year-old man drowned in the swimming pool owned by the Nagpur Improvement Trust in the city, police said on Wednesday.



The deceased was identified as Kunal Kishor Salpekar, an engineer by profession.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night, Salpekar was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether lifeguards were present at the spot.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The charter capital of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund has been quadrupled to $100 million, President Ilham Aliyev said in a joint press conference with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, Trend reports.

Today, an addendum to the Agreement on the Charter Capital of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund was also signed. We increased the charter capital four timesfrom $25 million to $100 million. The primary reason for this increase is the high number of applications. We were informed that over 40 applications have been submitted to the fund for investment projects in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the head of state, adding that $100 million is not the limit.
A female terrorist attempted to stab an IDF soldier at the Haokfim Junction near Chevron on Wednesday morning, the first day of Chol Hamoed.

The soldiers opened fire and neutralized her.

The terrorist was later identified as Mimouna Kharahsha, a 20-year-old nursing student from a village near Chevron.

No IDF soldiers were injured during the incident.

(YWNs Jerusalem Desk is keeping you updated on the first day of Chol Hamoed in Israel.)
Royal Mail is one of this country's most iconic brands, woven indelibly into the fabric of our society.

It spans nearly 500 years, and its history has a rather nice symmetry, first providing services to the public under the reign of King Charles I in 1635 and continuing today under Charles III.

Although Royal Mail is no longer state-owned, and the faceless digital world chips away remorselessly at its relevance, more than seven billion letters are delivered countrywide every year by its army of posties bedecked in their striking red garb. That's a lot of letters.

Many people, especially the elderly, still depend upon it to pay utility bills or deposit cheques into postal operated savings accounts.

The deliveries that friendly posties drop through our letter boxes may not always be welcome.

More than 7 billion letters are still delivered countrywide every year by Royal Mail's army of posties bedecked in their striking red garb

But the thrill of receiving a physical birthday card or a hand-written note from a friend is something to behold (sending letters also brings its joys, as I can confirm).

Yet let's not overdo the spoonfuls of saccharine. Royal Mail, owned by International Distributions Services (a company listed on the UK stock market), is far from perfect.

In some ways, it's a corporate wolf in sheep's clothing. Like many private companies and public organisations, its executives live in their own cosy little world. They have lost touch with their customers.

The company's relationship with its heavily unionised workforce is feisty (and that's being polite) while its request to dumb down the universal postal service obligation it works under  it wants to deliver second-class mail only three days a week  has gone down like a lead balloon with both the public and politicians.

But the issue that could prove to be its Achilles heel is counterfeit stamps. Its attempt to deal with a locust-like swarm of fake stamps plaguing our postal service  most, allegedly, from China  is at best ham-fisted. At worst, it's immoral.

HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP What you need to know about money every week: This is Money podcast

Rather than putting all its energy into ensuring these counterfeits do not enter this country  and stamping down on retailers who buy them  Royal Mail has adopted an approach that is as bewildering as it is outrageously unfair.

Bizarrely, it has decided to effectively leave the crooks to go about their fraudulent ways. Instead, it has chosen to target the recipients of post sent using counterfeit stamps  issuing them with 5 fines if they want to receive their letters.

In other words, it is going after the innocents in this multi-million-pound racket in what appears to be a cynical attempt to recoup the vast losses it suffers from the counterfeit stamps. (For those unable to keep up with the soaring cost of stamps, a first-class stamp for a standard letter now costs 1.35.)

You couldn't make it up. Not even the risible tribe that recently went before Lord Sugar in TV's The Apprentice would dream up such a crazy solution to a business problem. This despicable targeting of the innocents should stop NOW.

Since the start of the year, Money Mail has received a stream of correspondence from readers who have been fined for receiving a letter sent using a counterfeit stamp.

This has turned into a torrent as the scale of the problem has emerged and more people have come out of the woodwork to admit they have also been fined.

Fakes: Counterfeit stamps have always been a problem. Yet it is only since the introduction of barcoded stamps in early 2022 that Royal Mail has the true scale of the issue been revealed

Counterfeit stamps have always been a problem for Royal Mail. Yet it is only since the introduction of barcoded stamps in early 2022 that Royal Mail has begun to get an idea of the true scale of the issue.

The barcode sits alongside the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation. Royal Mail says the code links physical letters to the digital world, allowing it to be scanned (in time) by the recipient to access messages such as a birthday greeting from the sender.

Yet its real purpose appears to be to identify fraud. Although it is relatively easy for counterfeit barcoded stamps to be produced by fraudsters, it is now much harder for fake stamps to escape detection  thanks to Royal Mail's revenue protection team and its army of fraud detection machines that scan the barcodes to see whether they are legitimate.

The result is that counterfeit stamps are STILL flooding the market, typically being sold either online or via websites such as eBay.

They find their way to retailers on the High Street and even Post Office counters. Since 1989, retailers have been legally able to buy stamps from whom ever they prefer. So many of those buying the counterfeits may not realise they are fakes and think they've found a terrific price online.

Others may be aware that the deal looks dodgy, but are willing to take the risk because they stand to make a huge profit as customers can't tell the difference at the till. The difference now is that, thanks to the barcodes, Royal Mail is suddenly able to reap rich rewards from this deluge of fakes.

It simply detects the stamps as they go through the postal system and issues a 5 fine to anyone sent a letter using a counterfeit  something that was extremely difficult before the barcodes were introduced.

Royal Mail's request to dumb down the universal postal service obligation it works under has gone down like a lead balloon with both the public and politicians

Challenging the fine is a waste of time. Royal Mail's response to customers who complain is risible. While accepting they are not responsible for the stamps used, it says Royal Mail must get paid for the postal service used, so the surcharge is 'non-refundable'.

Royal Mail then asks those fined to help it reduce stamp fraud by confidentially reporting it.

Even when complainants go back to Royal Mail and say that the sender of the offending letter bought the stamps from a local Post Office, the company is not interested. The fine still stands.

There is also growing evidence that some customers are being fined because of genuine stamps being wrongly identified as counterfeit by the machines it employs to detect fraudulent stamps.

In recent weeks, following investigative work by Money Mail, MPs from all the main political parties have called for Royal Mail to suspend the fines.

For example, Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park in Greater London, says it is 'ridiculous' for Royal Mail 'to be penalising innocent people'. Absolutely.

For the time being, Royal Mail is content to keep fining the innocents.

Yesterday, it told Money Mail: 'The combination of new barcoded stamps with added security features, the surcharge, and Royal Mail actively working with law enforcement authorities, has led to a 90 pc reduction in counterfeit stamps in our network.'

The statement is a tacit acknowledgement that it's using fines to try to stop an illegal trade.

Money Mail believes the 5 fine should be axed, not suspended. It's wrong.

Furthermore, Royal Mail should be required to pay back the money it has taken from innocent victims of this counterfeit scandal and apologise.

Sadly, for this U-turn to happen, we need the Government to step up to the plate. Although Ofcom regulates the postal service, it said yesterday that 'issues regarding the authenticity of stamps are not within the scope of Ofcom's regulation, which is set in legislation by Parliament.'

Well, they should be.

Royal Mail's fining of the innocents is the equivalent of corporate robbery. Dick Turpin plc. It shouldn't be allowed to get away with it any longer.

I imagine you agree.

jeff.prestridge@dailymail.co.uk
Global threats: There are concerns that arms makers are being excluded from access to funds

Ministers last night threw their weight behind investment in Britains defence sector in a rebuke to the woke agenda of some investors who have shunned it.

In a joint statement, the Treasury and the Investment Association, the asset management industry trade body, said the defence industry was compatible with sustainable investing amid rising global threats.

There are concerns that arms makers are being excluded from access to funds by investors who cite Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.

Russias invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and tensions between China and Taiwan have pushed Western governments to put a renewed focus on defence spending.

The joint statement said: Investing in defence companies contributes to our national security, defends the civil liberties we all enjoy, while delivering long-term returns for pensions funds and retail investors.

That is why the UKs world-leading investment management industry supports our defence sector, with the Investment Associations members having invested 35billion in UK defence companies.

Investing in good, high-quality, well-run defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations as long-term sustainable investment is about helping all sectors and all companies in the economy succeed.

And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would lift defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income to reach 87billion a year by 2030.
Tesla last night suffered its biggest drop in revenues for more than a decade as demand for electric cars stalls.

Just hours after announcing details of more than 6,000 job cuts in Texas and California, the company posted sales of 17billion for the three months to the end of March.

The 9 per cent fall was the largest since 2012. Profits also slumped 55 per cent to 910million compared to 6.4billion a year ago.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said the company would speed up its launch of more affordable vehicles.

The results came just hours after Tesla announced details of 2,688 job cuts at its factory in Texas, where it makes the Cybertruck and Model Y cars, and another 3,332 in California.

45bn pay deal: But Tesla boss Elon Musk (pictured) plans to axe 10% of the electric car maker's workforce worldwide

The job losses are part of plans to axe 10 per cent of staff worldwide to drive down costs  resulting in a total of 14,000 job losses.

The layoffs come at a rocky time for Tesla, which has been suffering with slowing demand for electric vehicles and production delays.

Earlier this month the group revealed its first year-on-year fall in sales since 2020.

The group delivered 386,810 vehicles in the three months to the end of March, down by more than fifth from the previous quarter and around 9 per cent less than in the same period of 2023.

And the total number of cars delivered by Tesla was also well below Wall Street expectations of 454,000.

However, Tesla was able to reclaim its crown as the worlds leading EV seller.

BYD, which is backed by investor Warren Buffett, overtook Tesla in the final quarter of 2023 when it sold 526,409 electric vehicles compared to Teslas 484,507.

This led some analysts to dub the company as the Tesla Killer after it came out on top in a brutal price war in China, a country which builds and buys more electric cars than the rest of the world combined.

In January, Musk warned that Chinese car makers were set to demolish global rivals.

Tesla also faces internal turmoil. The board is seeking to convince shareholders to approve a 45billion pay deal for Musk  just months after the package was struck down in court.

The payday, decided in 2018, would be the biggest in US corporate history.
Tie-up: Ithaca Energy has agreed to buy most of the upstream oil and gas assets owned by Eni UK

Ithaca Energys transformational combination with Italian oil major Uni will leave it very well placed to deliver growth and bumper shareholder returns, according to analysts.

The North Sea-focused group has agreed to buy most of the upstream oil and gas assets owned by Eni UK for around 754million, it told shareholders after market close on Tuesday.

The tie-up, which sees Eni UK take a 38.5 per cent stake, with the remaining stock held by Ithaca shareholders and its chair Gilad Myerson, will be capable of producing up to 87,000 barrels of oil per day this year. That figure is expected to rise to 150,000 within the next decade.

Ithaca has only recently scaled back investment on UK projects, with the group laying the blame on Britains Energy Windfall Levy  or windfall tax  which cost it $333.4million last year alone.

Shrinking profits have driven Ithaca shares almost 25 per cent lower over the last year, with their value now roughly 49 per cent below theot November 2022 listing price.

But Peel Hunt analysts said the tie-up leaves Ithaca very well placed to deliver organic and future inorganic growth as it upgraded its buy rating with a target price of 214p  almost 80 per cent ahead of its current level.

They said: The merger demonstrates Ithaca's ambition to grow and diversify.

'By combining portfolios, the enlarged company should benefit from long-term production cash flows with material growth from new developments.

Ithaca brings the growth potential from development projects at Fotla, Rosebank and Cambo, and ENI brings the long-term, low capex production cash flows to fund them.

The net result is a balanced, enlarged business, which should generate significant cash flows to underpin ongoing portfolio reinvestment, meaningful shareholder distributions whilst also maintaining a largely unlevered balance sheet capable of pursuing additional selective acquisitions.
London Heathrow anticipates its busiest ever summer this year despite the looming threat of industrial action at Europe's biggest airport.

The British Airways hub rebounded to profit in the first quarter of 2024 after a record 18.5 million travellers came through the airport.

It posted a 189million pre-tax profit for the opening three months of 2024, compared to a 60million loss during the same period last year.

Passenger numbers jumped by 9.5 per cent, which Heathrow partly attributed to greater business travel to destinations like Mumbai and New Delhi and a resurgence in demand from East Asia.

Rebound: Heathrow airport posted an 189million pre-tax profit for the opening three months of 2024, compared to a 60million loss during the same period last year

It observed growth across 'almost all markets,' particularly the UK, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where customer traffic increased by double-digit percentage levels.

Consequently, Heathrow now expects passenger volumes in 2024 will total a record 82.4 million, up from 79 million the previous year.

The travel hub expects the upcoming summer season will be its busiest ever, 'even if unnecessary industrial action materialises'.

On Tuesday, Unite the union announced that 800 Heathrow staff will go on strike between 7 and 13 May over the airport's plans to outsource hundreds of roles to save money.

By the start of June, employees in passenger services, who help travellers find their connecting flights, trolley operations, and campus security, will have their jobs outsourced, according to Unite.

A separate 72-hour strike involving 50 refuelling staff is due to commence on 4 May, to coincide with the early May bank holiday weekend.

Heathrow said it has a 'robust operating plan in place' to ensure the airport keeps running if walkouts go ahead.

Javier Echave, Heathrow's outgoing chief financial officer, said the airport 'is on a strong financial footing with a clear flightpath ahead.

'On the horizon is Heathrow's busiest summer yet, with more passengers and destinations served than ever before.'

British Airways recently launched a new route from the West London hub to Abu Dhabi and is due to open further routes to Kos, Greece and Izmir, Turkey.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has a new route from Heathrow to Bangalore, India, while low-cost airline Vueling now flies directly to Barcelona and Paris-Orly.

Heathrow also called on Wednesday for the UK Government to 'rethink anti-growth policies,' such as the tourist tax and 'unnecessary' visas for transiting passengers.

Until the start of 2021, international visitors could claim back VAT on items acquired but not consumed in Britain.

Hundreds of retailers and organisations have blamed the refund scheme's abolition for driving tourists to shop in other popular holiday destinations like Paris, Milan, and Rome.

Bringing back tax-free shopping would add up to 4.1billion to UK GDP and support 78,000 jobs, according to consultancy Oxford Economics.
On a topsy-turvy day Reckitt Benckiser was among the winners as the Footsie set a new record before giving up its gains.

The FTSE 100 hit 8092 before ending the day down by 0.06 per cent, or 4.43 points, at 8040.38, while FTSE 250 fell 0.4 per cent, or 80.35 points, to 19,719.37.

Reckitt led the way after reporting steady demand for hygiene and health products.

The consumer goods group behind Dettol and Nurofen said sales rose 1.5pc to 3.7billion in the first quarter.

It expects group revenues to rise 2-4 per cent this year  and shares were up 2.9 per cent, or 124p, to 4374p.

Sales up: Reckitt Benckiser shares rose 3.6p% after the consumer goods group reported steady demand for its hygiene and health products this year

Hipgnosis (up 0.4 per cent, or 0.4p, to 101.4p) will be in focus after US music rights firm Concord increased its offer to more than 1.2billion in a bidding war with private equity giant Blackstone.

Hipgnosis, whose song catalogues include Blondie and Beyonce, backed the offer, having previously accepted Blackstones bid.

Sensodyne toothpaste maker Haleon has poached Dawn Allen, finance chief of the ingredients maker Tate & Lyle. Shares fell 1 per cent, or 3.2p, to 329.6p.

Haleons second-largest shareholder, GSK, received a boost after US regulators agreed to take a look at whether the use of the companys medicine with chemotherapy can help treat women with endometrial cancer. Shares dipped 0.9 per cent, or 15p, to 1636p.

Cancer diagnostics company Angle landed a 150,000 deal with AstraZeneca to help the pharma giants research and development into oncology treatments, lifting it 26.5 per cent, or 3.25p, to 15.5p.

Stock Watch - Warpaint London Cosmetics brand Warpaint London raked in record sales and profits as its make-up flew off the shelves of high street store chains. Sales soared 40 per cent to 89.6million last year while profit more than doubled to 18.1million. Its lead brand W7 was launched in 71 Superdrug stores last year and 100 Boots shops this month. And more than 200 Morrisons stores started selling Warpaints Technic make-up in March. Shares gained 4.3 per cent, or 20p, to 490p.

Wealth manager Quilter added 3.6 per cent, or 3.7p, to 106.2p after assets under management rose 5 per cent to 111.6billion in the quarter to March 31.

Metal prices bounced back and lifted mining stocks, with Rio Tinto up 2.5 per cent, or 133p, to 5450p, Glencore gaining 1.2 per cent, or 5.6p, to 474.1p and Anglo American up 4.5 per cent, or 94p, to 2205p.

Ukrainian miner Ferrexpo reported its best quarterly performance since Russias invasion more than two years ago, but slipped 2.3 per cent, or 1.2p, to 51p.

Hochschild Mining is on course to meet forecasts after a positive first quarter with operations starting at a mine in Brazil.

It rose 3.6 per cent, or 5.4p, to 156.8p. Fresnillo, the largest gold producer in Mexico, rose 0.4 per cent, or 2p, to 580.5p despite a slump in production.

A broker downgrade sent Ocado down 3.5 per cent, or 13.2p, to 364.6p.

Jet2 fell 5.9 per cent, or 88p, to 1400p, after the package holiday and airline firm narrowed its annual profit forecast. Sales at chemicals group Croda dropped 10 per cent to 409million in the first three months of the year, pulling shares down 4.8 per cent, or 234p, to 4654p.

Construction materials group Breedon  down 4.1 per cent, or 15.5p, to 364.5p  said heavy rain in Britain led to a 9pc fall in revenues.

Sanderson Design said trading is likely to remain challenging as the luxury interior groups revenues fell 3 per cent to 108.6million in the year to January 31 while profit fell 5.4 per cent to 10.4million.

It fell 4.3 per cent, or 4.4p, to 98.6p.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Kyrgyzstan for its support for the restoration of the liberated territories, Trend reports.

In a joint press conference with President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President Ilham Aliyev said: I would like to express special gratitude to Sadyr Nurgozhoevich for his support for the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories. At the initiative of the President of Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan will finance the construction of a secondary school in the Aghdam district. Tomorrow we will visit together the Fuzuli and Aghdam districts and take part in the laying of the school's foundation. We are grateful for such fraternal support. It holds great significance for us.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev invited President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov to COP29, Trend reports.

"I invited Sadyr Nurguzhoevich to participate in the COP29 international conference in November," said President Ilham Aliyev at a joint press conference with his Kyrgyz counterpart, noting that each meeting is important and valuable both for strengthening interaction and communication, as well as for addressing key issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia is on the brink of signing, former Ambassador of Turkiye to Azerbaijan, representative of Turkiye in the IMZA Public Association, and honorary member of the Council of Elders of Azerbaijan, Hulusi Kilic told Trend.

During the recent eighth meeting of the commission on delimitation and border security between Azerbaijan and Armenia, an agreement was reached to return four villages to Azerbaijan, marking another success for the country.

"The agreement was reached without the involvement of other countries. The delay in signing the peace treaty is partly due to the interference of other nations in the process. Foreign countries' meddling in the process is one reason for the delay in signing the peace treaty. There may be remedies to the problems if these interferences stop. Azerbaijan and Armenia are also getting close to negotiating a peace treaty, as evidenced by the restoration of the four villages to Azerbaijan through bilateral discussions. This treaty would also lead to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkiye," he said.

To note, the eighth meeting of the State Commission on State Border Delimitation between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the Commission on State Border Delimitation and Border Security between Armenia and Azerbaijan was held on April 19, 2024.

The sides tentatively agreed on the passage of certain segments of the border line directly between the settlements of Baganis (RA) - Baganys Ayrim (AR), Voskepar (RA) - Ashagy Askipara (AR), Kirants (RA)  Kheyrimli (AR), and Berkaber (RA) - Gyzylhajily (AR) to bring them in line with the legally justified inter-republican border that existed within the Soviet Union at the time of its collapse.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. There are continuous attempts by external players to destabilize the peace process in the South Caucasus, said Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on special assignments, in an interview with BBC, Trend reports.

"There are continuous attempts by some external players to potentially destabilize the ongoing peace process and put it at risk. There is a clear attempt to turn the South Caucasus into an arena of geopolitical rivalry, and clear attempts to draw some new dividing lines in the region. Also, some of the Western partners try to bolster the military capacity of Armenia," he said.

Amirbayov pointed out that Azerbaijan reconfirms its full commitment to the peaceful resolution of the remaining differences with Armenia.

"We stand for the intensification of negotiations between the two parties, and we would like to reassure the Armenian side that the basic principle which is the recognition of territorial integrity is also a commitment taken by Azerbaijan. We also expect that Armenia will also stop blocking the land connection between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakchivan," he added.
CHONGQING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said people's wellbeing is of utmost importance in Chinese modernization during an inspection trip to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

Xi made the remarks on Monday while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District, which has taken on a new look and is in good order.

The CPC aims to ensure that the people live a happier life, Xi said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Armenia's own legislation is still an obstacle to a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, said Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on special assignments, in an interview with BBC, Trend reports.

"Armenia has to efficiently deal with fundamental incompatibility between their letter of spirit in the draft peace agreement and its current legislation, including their constitution that suggests that Karabakh is part of Armenia. This is indeed a territorial claim which needs to be addressed. Especially, after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on many occasions has confirmed that Karabakh is Azerbaijan," he said.

Amirbayov also noted that the reason for the remaining challenges in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is the lack of trust.

"This is a cautious optimism. But today there is a unique situation because we never had the accompanying factors that might lead to the peace process. Azerbaijan believes that, after we had put an end to this illegal occupation of Karabakh and surrounding regions last September, our countries stand a real and unique chance to strike a peace deal, because the most difficult challenge to peace, which is the illegal foreign military presence of Armenia in our territory, has been resolved. Today we have never been that close to peace," he pointed out.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Allegations that Azerbaijan plans to attack Armenia in any way have been debunked, said Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on special assignments, in an interview with BBC, Trend reports.

He reminded that, on April 19, the border commissions of Azerbaijan and Armenia decided that Armenia would withdraw its forces from four villages in the Gazakh region, which essentially kicked off the delimitation process between the two countries.

"This breakthrough decision proved the completely false and baseless nature of allegations put forward and artificially kept alive by Armenia and some of its Western supporters that Azerbaijan plans to attack Armenia and resolve the remaining difficulties by force. This unwarranted and highly destructive narrative by Armenia will hopefully end because we decided to resolve this by peaceful means," Amirbayov said.

The Azerbaijani President's representative also pointed out that this decision was adopted as result of direct bilateral engagement by Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"The decision was adopted without any involvement from outside third parties which shows that we can resolve issues ourselves," he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The Azerbaijani Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) Sabina Aliyeva has briefed the UK Ambassador Fergus Auld on the Armenian mine terror, a source in the Ombudsman's Office of Azerbaijan told Trend.

Aliyeva stated that Armenia's landmines have caused substantial impediments to the safe return of former internally displaced individuals to the territories liberated from occupation.



She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the United Kingdom for its assistance with demining activities in Azerbaijan.



The ombudsperson emphasized the importance of working with international organizations by discussing collaborations with foreign ombudspersons and national human rights agencies, as well as the signing of memoranda of understanding with many entities.



She stated that periodic reports are presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council as part of the Universal Periodic Review process.

Furthermore, Aliyeva informed about a series of significant international events hosted by Azerbaijan in recent years and engaged in discussions about prospects for cooperation within the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which Azerbaijan will host this year.

Meanwhile, after the second Karabakh war in 2020, 77 percent of the people who died from mine incidents in Azerbaijan were civilians. Since November 10, 2020, 352 people have been victims of landmines in the liberated areas; over 60 of them lost their lives, and nearly 290 were injured.

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Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has welcomed plans to extend the waiver scheme for development levies and the Water Connection Charge, calling the move wise and essential.

His comments come as Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien announced government plans to extend the scheme until the end of the year.

Mr Lowry said this will not only help builders but local businesses as well.

I have been actively promoting this move with the Minister for Housing, Darragh OBrien, having met with several people in my Constituency who are increasingly anxious about the availability of housing.

I have also been speaking with members of the Construction Industry Federation and the Irish Homebuilders Association, who have confirmed the effectiveness of the waivers to date, says Mr Lowry.

COUNCIL

At this months sitting of Tipperary County Council, several councillors called for the waiver scheme to be extended.

Cllr Michael Fitzgerald said it was vitally important for people building their first homes and to help builders.

He called on the council to apply pressure to ensure the scheme is extended.

Nenagh councillor John Carroll said the scheme is important for rural Ireland, while his colleague Michael OMeara said local authorities should make a strong argument for its extension.

It would be political suicide for the powers that be to get rid of the waiver scheme, said Cllr OMeara.

Cllr Andy Moloney said the scheme was essential to help young people get a start.

We have all spent good money putting them through college to get good jobs and now they cant get on the property ladder, said Cllr Moloney.

At the meeting, the director of services for planning Sharon Kennedy said they had contacted the department.

She said they had no intention to review the scheme.

DEVELOPMENT LEVIES

Development levies are paid to Local Authorities by developers when they build both residential and commercial buildings.

Last year the levies were suspended for one-off homes in the hopes of stimulating commencements.

That waiver is due to expire on April 24.

However, reports indicate the government plans to extend the suspension until the end of the year.
Tirlan and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur are celebrating 50 years in partnership by opening applications for their third successive Sustainable Farming Academy.

Twenty farmers are again invited to enrol for the fully-funded year-long University College Cork (UCC) Diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate which begins in September.

The recipients of this years Sustainable Farming Academy Bursary Awards were also honoured at the event.

Among this years bursary award winners are Michael Ryan from Ballingarry in Tipperary, who is studying at the South East Technological University; Joshua Mills from Kilcullen in Kildare, who is currently studying at UCD; Sinead Cusack from Dunmore East in Waterford who is studying at UCC; Daniel Kennedy from Coolgreany, Gorey, Co Wexford who is studying in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

While Michael Ryan was studying agricultural science in school, he gathered a greater understanding and appreciation for the science of farming and how it can benefit local farms like his own. Through studying agricultural science as a leaving cert subject, he was able to make a comfortable decision when deciding to study it at third level. He has a keen interest in innovative farming practices.

With an ever-increasing world population and demand for food, there is an increased demand on farmers to reduce their carbon footprint.

"This presents a challenge for the agricultural sector in Ireland as well as globally is to reduce the negative impact of their production while simultaneously increasing their output. After completing my course in agricultural science, I hope to be able to apply my newfound understanding of agriculture to help improve my family farm.

Announcing the opening of applications for Diploma places, Director of Ingredients at Tirlan, Aoife Murphy, said: As part of our Living Proof sustainability strategy we are committed to supporting Irish farming communities in addressing environmental, economic and social challenges by giving them the knowledge, skills and know-how to farm more sustainably. We are delighted to say there has been significant interest from our farmers in completing the Diploma.

This year marks a significant milestone for Tirlan and Baileys relationship as we celebrate 50 years in partnership this year and we are keen to continue to work closely to ensure we deliver a world-class, sustainable product and service. Tirlan first began supplying our high quality cream for the Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur in 1974 through our facility in Virginia, Co Cavan.

Aisling Gorman, Global Sustainability Marketing Manager, Baileys, said: Were proud Tirlan partners for 50 years and it makes sense that we would work together to upskill farmers in sustainable farming practices, so that together we can drive positive change and shape the future of farming in Ireland. We believe the Sustainable Farming Academy can deliver fundamental changes in farming practices and we are immensely proud to support this initiative and to acknowledge this first class of graduates. Together, we are working for change.

Larry Hannon, Academy graduate and Co Kildare dairy farmer, said: This is a brilliant programme and Im delighted that our Co-op is co-funding it. I signed up because I wanted to challenge myself, even though Ive been farming for over 30 years. It gave me a deeper understanding of what I needed to do on farm to be more environmentally and economically sustainable and how to achieve both.

Ive applied much of what Ive learnt. Were putting in a significant solar project; weve fenced off our watercourses and Ive a greater appreciation of the biodiversity corridor on my farm and how to nurture that. I never thought Id go to college. I juggled the college workload with farming and rearing a family. It was a challenge but it was so worth it.

Rachel Creighton, who farms along with her family on the Kildare-Wicklow border, is one of 20 students studying at UCC at present. The Sustainable Farming Academy is brilliant. I come from a dairy farm. Water quality is a major focus on many farms. Weve really good quality water, and the Academy has helped me focus on protecting that by looking at the projected nutrient flow on the farm and what could happen as a result of a significant rain event.

Looking to the future, were now considering installing a silt tank for yard runoff and planting a riparian margin and/or extra hedgerows in strategic areas on our farm to prevent any potential water contamination.

The highly sought-after Sustainable Farming Academy Diploma is delivered mainly online and is tailored to fit in with each farmers full-time, on-farm responsibilities. It equips Tirlan family farm suppliers with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge to continue to address sustainability challenges. The Academy is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The accredited and fully-funded Diploma is delivered through academic partner UCC. As part of the course, participants are required to submit a number of assignments, all of which are scheduled during quieter times in the farming calendar.

The Diploma also recognises prior learning and modules include Earth Science, Climate Change and Sustainable Development as well as Ecology, Applied Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Protection and Practical Environmental Management. All learning is directly applicable on farm.

Applications for the Sustainability Farming Academy are now open and the programme begins in September 2024. For further information, log on to www.tirlanfarmlife.com
The most stressful airports in Europe have been revealed, with Dublin ranking in eighth position.

International car rental company StressFreeCarRental.com have released their 2024 Stressful Airport Index, which analysed data from ten European airports over the past year to reveal the worst airports for travellers to pass through.

Airports were ranked based on five stress-inducing factors: passenger numbers, distance from the city centre, number of flight destinations, car parking charges and departure delays.

Dublin ranked as eighth most stressful in the index, the Irish airport is just 15.57 km away from the city centre and charges passengers 107 a week to park.

While the distance from the city centre is quite short for Dublin Airport, unlike many of its counterparts across Europe, the airport is only accessible by road, with no rail or metro links, resulting in a slightly higher ranking in the stress index.

Dublin is expected to have record-breaking figures passing through its gates once again this year, with almost 32 million passengers passing through in 2023.

Charles-de-Gaulle airport in Paris, France ranked as the most stressful due to the 31.66 km distance from the city centre, and one of the highest numbers of flight destination options at 270. Other overwhelming and stressful factors at Charles-de-Gaulle was the expensive car parking charge - at 100 for a week.

The most expensive car parking charge on the index was Heathrow in London - with passengers having to pay 143.34 for a week.

Out of the ten popular European airports that have been analysed, Zagreb in Croatia has been named the least stress-inducing, with low passenger numbers, a close distance to the city centre and the lowest departure delay score.

John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said that it's "extremely important that passengers feel relaxed before getting on a flight, or when arriving back home after their holiday."

"A bad and stressful airport experience could make or break the holiday. However, there are certain airports which can make travellers feel more stressed than others - and the 2024 Stressful Airport Index has shown us which factors at certain destinations are worse than others."
The State is planning to put counselling support in place for the Stardust families, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said.

A day after delivering a State apology to the families, he thanked them for engaging with him and said he does not take it for granted after they had been betrayed by the State so often over 43 years.

He said on Tuesday night he had another conversation with Stardust campaigner Antoinette Keegan, who had said she would like to see criminal proceedings brought over the 1981 Dublin nightclub fire.

Somebody should be held responsible for 48 deaths, she said outside Leinster House.

Forty-eight people were killed when a fire ripped through the Stardust nightclub in north Dublin in February 1981.

The victims were aged between 16 and 27 and they mostly came from the surrounding working class areas of Dublin.

After more than 40 years of the victims families campaigning for justice, last week an inquest found that the 48 young people had been unlawfully killed.

The jury also concluded that the fire started due to an electrical fault in the hot press of the bar, and that carpet tiles on the nightclubs walls and obstructed emergency exits were contributory factors in the spread of the fire.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Harris said there are four actions he plans to take in the wake of the landmark outcome of the Stardust inquest  the longest running in the history of the state.

My department has had further engagement with their legal representatives about whats next, he said.

Youll understand Im not going to comment on the criminal aspect because there is a process, gardai will have to consider the inquest report and the gardai will, independent of the political process, decide what action to take or not take.

An Garda Siochana said it is aware of the jurys verdict and is awaiting the coroners report.

It said: The thoughts of all in An Garda Siochana are with the families of the victims, as well as the survivors of the Stardust tragedy.

Mr Harris said he plans to issue a personal letter of apology to each of the families, which he will work on as quickly as possible.

He said the issue of counselling was raised during meetings with families and they would reach out to people very shortly in relation to a range of supports that will be put in place.

A national commemoration will also be looked at, he said, and although he has ideas for it he insisted the families should lead on what is suitable.

How do we commemorate and atone publicly for Stardust? he said.

The fourth action is the consideration of the Attorney General and relevant ministers of the inquests recommendations.
Many people who want to choose greener and more environmentally friendly options can't afford it, recent research has found.

New sustainability research published by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has revealed that while the majority of consumers indicate that they want to make more sustainable finance and purchasing choices, their sustainable intentions are often outweighed by factors such as cost and other practicalities.

Recently stories have emerged of modern heat pumps being extremely expensive to run, with people likening the high costs to being "like a second mortgage".

Those who had invested in energy efficient homes still faced high energy costs, despite their top Building Energy Rating (BER) rating.

While solar panels can reduce electricity costs significantly, they involve an initial outlay when upgrading your house and it will take a number of years for that investment to pay for itself.

The most important issue facing a person purchasing a car is price, the survey found.

Published ahead of BPFIs inaugural Sustainable Finance Conference, which will be opened today by Minister for the Environment and Climate, Eamon Ryan, the survey looked at the role that sustainability plays for consumers making decisions on savings and investments and car purchases, as well as the importance of energy efficiency when deciding on a buying a home.

Key findings from the survey show:

30% of adults said they planned to buy a car in the next year with 45% of those planning to buy an electric or hybrid electric car.

When asked about the various factors that would influence their decision when buying a car, only 32% of respondents said that fuel emissions would influence their decision to buy. In contrast by far the most important factor was price (cited by 81%) followed by reliability (57%) and insurance (47%).

In terms of attitudes to savings and investments, 58% of adults agreed that it is important that their savings and investments do not fund economic activities that have a negative impact on the planet, while 56% said they would be more likely to invest in a product if they knew it was sustainable.

A much higher proportion of younger adults (18-24) agreed that they would invest in a sustainable financial product at 70% compared to older adults (59+) at 50%.

A higher proportion of those living in Dublin (63%) also agreed that they would invest in a sustainable financial product compared to those living in Connacht (50%).

When it comes to buying a home and the importance of a good Building Energy Rating (BER) when choosing a property, over half of (53%) adults said it is very important but this dropped to 40% of younger people (18-24 year olds) and 37% of those currently living with friends and family.

Speaking on the publication of the survey, Louise OMahony, Head of Sustainable Banking, BPFI stated: "Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for consumers when it comes to thinking about where they are saving, investing and spending their money. However, it is clear from todays survey that other factors such as cost and other practicalities can dominate the decision-making process.

"For example, we can see that age is a factor when it comes to investment, with older people aged 55 or older less committed to sustainable investment compared to young people. Meanwhile, less than a third of those planning to buy a car in the next year will be influenced by fuel emissions compared to 4 out of 5 people being influenced by price. And while some 53% of adults said that a good BER rating was very important when deciding on a property to buy, only 40% of younger people rated a good BER as very important suggesting they would prioritise other factors in deciding to buy a home.

Pointing to the role of banks in addressing the discrepancy between what consumers say they want and the decisions they make, Ms OMahony continued: "Banks play a vital role in supporting people to make sustainable financial choices, given their direct relationships with customers in the real economy. Todays survey suggests that there is further opportunity to engage with customers to more closely match their interest in sustainable options with the wide range of products already available through the banks and other financial providers such as sustainability-linked loans and reduced rates for mortgaged properties with improved energy performances.

"Banks are also engaged in training their frontline staff and relationship managers to help educate customers on the benefits of sustainable products and some lenders offer green hubs, which provide practical information on sustainability and links to relevant third-party websites, case studies and details of green products and services".

Ms OMahony concluded: "As we kick off todays very first BPFI Sustainable Finance Conference it is a timely reminder that we need to keep customers front and centre in our discussions around financing the transition to a decarbonised economy and ensuring no one is left behind on the climate journey".

The BPFI Sustainable Finance Survey was conducted in March 2024 amongst a nationally representative sample of 1,000 people. The survey is published ahead of the BPFIs inaugural Sustainable Finance Conference, Wednesday 24th April, which will be opened by Minister Eamon Ryan and will explore, with leading national and international experts, the critical role of the banking sector in financing the transition to a decarbonised economy.
A Fianna Fail minister has put an emphasis on the future for Stardust families and survivors after former taoiseach Charlie Haugheys son was criticised for his Dail statement.

Housing Minister Darragh OBrien was asked about his party colleague Sean Haugheys statement in the Dail on Tuesday about the Stardust families quest for justice.

Charlie Haughey was taoiseach at the time of the Stardust fire and commissioned the tribunal of inquiry led by Mr Justice Ronan Keane that concluded the cause of the fire was probably arson.

Families felt the 1981 inquest was rushed.

The verdict was overturned in 2009 when it was concluded there was no evidence to support it.

Speaking on Tuesday outside Leinster House, Antoinette Keegan said that the Stardust families were annoyed that Mr Haughey spoke in the Dail after the State apology.

He shouldnt have spoke. A lot of the families are annoyed about him speaking.

His father interfered in our judicial rights. I know its nothing to do with Sean, but it caused us a lot of pain. We should have had our day in court. We should have been able to pursue it, but we were left in limbo when Justice Keane came back with arson. We had nowhere to go.

She added: It would be no harm for him (Sean Haughey) to apologise.

Sean Haughey told the Dail that the 1982 Keane tribunal reports finding that the cause of the Stardust fire was probably arson was incredibly insensitive and was very wrong.

He criticised the hierarchical society in place in Ireland during the 1980s and said he now felt the work he did as a local politician to represent the Stardust victims committee was not enough.

I also admit that my relations with the committee were at times fraught. I do regret that. I admit too that when Pat McCartan issued his finding in 2017 to the effect that no new inquiry was warranted I could not see how the case could be advanced further.

Mr Justice Pat McCartan was appointed in March 2017 to examine potential new evidence in the case and concluded months later that no new independent inquiry was warranted.

Mr Haughey concluded: The decision to seek a new inquest was an inspired one and I am in awe of the persistence of the families at that dark time to continue the fight. They did so with determination and great dignity.

Mr OBrien, who apologised in the Dail on Tuesday on behalf of the Fianna Fail party, said that successive governments had let the Stardust families down.

In relation to Deputy Haughey, as any deputy, he put forward his views and his regrets as well that his relationship wasnt better with the Stardust families at certain parts, and ended up at certain stages being fraught, he said on Wednesday.

I think for everyone, yesterday was really about us looking to the future as well, how we can, as the Taoiseach rightly said, assist further in helping the healing process.

Now that the families, rightly so, are vindicated and the victims are vindicated, how we can support them and how we can ensure that this never happens again.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The US welcomes the start of the delimitation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, said Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, at a briefing, Trend reports.

We welcome the announcement that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed upon the 1991 Alma Ata declaration as the basis for border delimitation between the two countries. This is an important step towards a durable and dignified peace agreement, he said.

Patel also noted that the State Department does not have any announcement to make in regard with the possibility of US State Departments Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations Louis Bono traveling to the region.

To note, the eighth meeting of the State Commission on State Border Delimitation between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the Commission on State Border Delimitation and Border Security between Armenia and Azerbaijan was held on April 19, 2024.

The sides tentatively agreed on the passage of certain segments of the border line directly between the settlements of Baganis (RA) - Baganys Ayrim (AR), Voskepar (RA) - Ashagy Askipara (AR), Kirants (RA)  Kheyrimli (AR), and Berkaber (RA) - Gyzylhajily (AR) to bring them in line with the legally justified inter-republican border that existed within the Soviet Union at the time of its collapse.
The internet will not forget those who did not express support for Palestinians, Game Of Thrones star Liam Cunningham has said.

The Irish actor said he had been participating in pro-Palestinian solidarity campaigns for 30-40 years.

Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said many people in the industry have told him that they respect his campaigning but added: What concerns me is that the people who do care and are not doing anything are, in my opinion, worse than the people who dont care.

That it sits well with them, they can ignore it.

Asked if he made pleas to other actors to join the campaign, Cunningham said he could not speak for anyone else.

However, he warned: The internet doesnt forget. When this comes around, when the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and ICC (International Criminal Court) hopefully do their work honourably, it is going to come out.

And the people who didnt talk  it is not going to be forgotten.

Its livestreamed this genocide  and the option to say you didnt know is not an option.

You did know and you did nothing, you stayed quiet.

I need to be able to look in the mirror and thats why I speak.
A clinical director in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) told the inquest into the death of Aoife Johnston that her death had a profound effect on everyone in the hospital.

Dr Damien Ryan told the court that the hospital will remain overcrowded, until capacity is improved.

However, he said: A lot of what we do in the future will be done in Aoife's memory.

Following on from other reports, six out of nine recommendations have now been completed.

These include having more senior staff on site, having a protocol in place for calling on consultants on call, having safe staffing levels and looking at putting patients through triage again when there are long waiting times.

Mr Ryan pointed out that he wasn't a member of the executive management team at the time of Aoife's death.

Fiona Steed was an executive on call on the weekend that Aoife died.

Becoming very emotional and tearful in the witness stand, she said she will never forget Aoife and that the teenager's death has completely altered her approach to life and to her own children.

As she spoke, Aoife's sister Meagan fled from the courtroom crying in distress.

Ms Steed told the court that clinical leadership and decisions were needed.

The ED should not hold all of the risk as it did on that night.

Ms Steed said she advised the assistant director of nursing to move trolleys so that up to 40 patients might be moved, but that advice was not followed through.

I wrongly and regrettably assumed my advice had been followed, she said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan's territories liberated from occupation will host a job fair for the first time, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan told Trend.

It was emphasized that the active employment programs for residents of the recently liberated territories of Azerbaijan are ongoing as part of the Great Return program.

"The state employment agency subordinated to the ministry will hold a job fair called "Learn a profession in Lachin!" on April 25 for the first time.

The fair, which will be held in the Lachin district, part of the East Zangezur Economic Region, with the support of the special representation of the President of Azerbaijan, will be organized on the bank of the Hakari river.

During the event, employers operating in Lachin will provide professional guidance to residents of Lachin city and Zabukh village in Lachin district. Additionally, there will be master classes on various professions," the department reports.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. On June 12, the State Agency for the Use of Mineral Resources under the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Auction Organization Center of the State Service for Property Issues under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan will hold another auction on the commissioning of mineral deposits, Trend reports via the service.

According to the information, investors will have the opportunity to bid on timber deposits "Ahmadli" (45.2 hectares) in Lachin and "Hajili" (18.5 hectares) in Gubadli, marking the first time such opportunities are available in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

The auction is scheduled to take place at the administrative building of the Community Center in Aghaly village in Zangilan district.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, April 24. The conference within the framework of the International Forum themed "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan" has commenced in Lachin with the participation of 64 authoritative experts from 30 countries, Trend reports.

At the conference organized jointly by ADA University and the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR), academics, former ambassadors, and representatives of international think tanks shared their experience in the fields of sustainable development and green energy.

On April 23, they took part in the international forum on the above theme at ADA University and directed questions to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The panel discussions held in Lachin as part of the 6th forum jointly organized by ADA University and CAIR are discussing important steps achieved in the region towards sustainable development, with particular attention to COP29 and Azerbaijan's green energy policy.

The panel dedicated to sustainable development in Karabakh commenced under the moderation of the Vice-Rector of ADA University and Director of the Institute of Development and Diplomacy, Fariz Ismayilzade.

Speakers on the panel include the special representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Lachin district, Masim Mammadov; the special representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, Aydin Karimov; and the special representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, Vahid Hajiyev.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijanis have sent five vehicles with humanitarian aid to flood victims in Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

The General Consulate of Azerbaijan in Aktau city, jointly with the Azerbaijani Diaspora of the city, received the aid from Azerbaijan and arranged its delivery to people hit by floods in Kazakhstan.

Floods in Kazakhstan began in March. A state of emergency was declared in eight regions of the country at the local level. Tens of thousands of people were involved in rescue work. Since the beginning of floods in Kazakhstan, more than 115,000 people have been evacuated.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, April 24. Shusha will become the first city in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region to operate electric buses, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, Aydin Kerimov said at a conference in Lachin, Trend reports.

He noted that the buses are produced in Ganja in collaboration with Belarusian partners.

Four such buses have already arrived in Shusha. They have proven themselves well in the local mountainous landscape and will be launched next month, he emphasized.

The conference, within the framework of the International Forum themed "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan," has commenced in Lachin with the participation of 64 authoritative experts from 30 countries.

At the conference organized jointly by ADA University and the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR), academics, former ambassadors, and representatives of international think tanks shared their experience in the fields of sustainable development and green energy.

On April 23, they took part in the international forum on the above theme at ADA University and directed questions to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The panel discussions held in Lachin as part of the 6th forum jointly organized by ADA University and CAIR are discussing important steps achieved in the region towards sustainable development, with particular attention to COP29 and Azerbaijan's green energy policy.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LACHIN, Azerbaijan, April 24. A large complex of 712 apartments is being built in Jabrayil, and part of the complex will be commissioned in two months, the special representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts Vahid Hajiyev told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, it's planned to resettle 712 families in this complex.

He noted that according to the state program for 2022-2026, 24 villages, five settlements, and three cities are planned to be built in Zangilan, Jabrayil, and Gubadli.

"Construction of houses continues in Zangilan. Currently, a complex of 13 buildings is being constructed, and this year resettlement will take place in Zangilan city.

Construction is underway in the Zangilan district's Jahangirbayli village, and resettlement is planned there. Construction has also begun in Mahrizli and Zilanli villages in the Gubadli district, and resettlement is envisaged in these villages," said Hajiyev.

He added that a total of 40,000 people are planned to be resettled in the Zangilan, Jabrayil, and Gubadli districts between 2022 and 2026.

Following the liberation of its territories from Armenian occupation in 2020, Azerbaijan initiated the long-awaited 'Great Return' program, which envisions the return of IDPs to their native lands.

Up to now, the former IDPs have returned to Lachin and Fuzuli cities, the villages of Talish (Aghdara district), Aghali (Zangilan district), and Zabukh (Lachin district).

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A few things to consider for our most loyal late night & early morning readers . . . Notice the trend, violent crime keeps ramping for Spring/Summer and travels beyond urban core boundaries.

On the bright side . . . There are a couple of worthwhile notes on community outreach and recognition of local law enforcement.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

KCPD investigating double shooting at Northland Thriftway The shooting was reported just before 6:30 p.m. at the Thriftway near N. Brighton Avenue and NE Parvin Road.

Prairie Village police arrest suspect involved in Kansas City chase Prairie Village police arrest a suspect accused of leading police on a chase and other crimes.

Overland Park man accused of stabbing that critically wounded victim An Overland Park man is accused of a Sunday night stabbing that wounded one man. Johnson County prosecutors charged Kevin Donovan Sr. with aggravated battery - great bodily harm.

Man charged in Overland Park stabbing A day after police responded to a stabbing that left a man critically hurt in Overland Park, the Johnson County District Attorney's Office filed charges against a suspect.

Addressing tragedies: Kansas City's police chief on stretch of violent crime Just days after three separate tragedies involving kids under the age of 18, violence was a topic at the KCPD's monthly police board meeting.

Family of Kansas City man murdered in 2019 still looking for justice On what would have been his 40th birthday, the family of a Kansas City man, who was brutally murdered, are still on the hunt for justice.

A Dozen Officers Receive Life-Saving Awards Twelve KCPD officers received life-saving awards at an awards ceremony the night of April 11 at the Regional Police Academy. These officers rescued people who had overdosed, people who were victims of violence, a boy choking on food, and a baby not breathing due to RSV.

Developing . . .
Once again, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is making a crisis over his rhetoric even worse . . .

Today he had a chance to take a loss and move on with his life following a controversial "open invite" to NYC Migrants. However, he seems to be occupied playing word games rather than acknowledging that his statements sparked EPIC local resistance.

Remember . . .

Insiders warned us that that the Mayor was sending council dude Nathan Willett's anti-sanctuary city resolution to his own"kill committee" for legal review.

And now . . .

MAYOR Q SHUTS DOWN KANSAS CITY NORTHLAND EFFORTS DECLARING OPPOSITION TO "SANCTUARY CITY" STATUS!!!

Context . . .

Remember that our blog community was the FIRST to report that Platte County Commissioner Scott Fricker & Clay County Commissioner Jerry Nolte had urged the Mayor to reverse course and consider Councilman Willett's resolution.



And now . . .

Sadly, Mayor Q is still doing damage control and attempting to talk his way out of this hot mess by way of fancy verbiage and committee moves.

A smarter strategy would've been to let the vote die with the council in order to spread the blame around or let it pass . . . Since the resolution was non-binding and pretty much echos some of the same sentiments that come from Jeff City daily.

However . . .

Killing the resolution will likely just enrage Mayor Q's critics even further and encourage Missouri GOP leaders to press on by targeting Show-Me State funding going to KCMO.



Here's today's update that our blog community insiders predicted over the weekend . . .



There is nothing that has been proposed that suggests we are a sanctuary city, he said.



There is nothing that has been proposed that suggests that this city is funding or in some conspiracy to help create more illegal immigration. Lucas said, therefore, he saw no reason to advance a resolution proposed by Councilman Nathan Willett that would assure the Missouri General Assembly that Kansas City was not on the path to becoming a city that would provide legal sanctuary to people in the country illegally.



But he didnt apologize for his earlier remarks, either.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas City Star: Why Mayor Quinton Lucas says Kansas City doesnt need a sanctuary city resolution



Developing . . .


Sakellaropoulou was welcomed by the Minister of Culture, Arts, and Cultural Heritage Carolina Arredondo, and the Museum Director Fernando Saez

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou was given a tour of the La Chascona Museum, the former home of poet Pablo Neruda, during her official visit to Chile on Wednesday, ANA reports.

The Greek president donated a historic photograph from the Anti-Dictatorship Youth Archive of Manolis Dalukas showing students sleeping in a lecture hall of the Polytechnic School on one of the nights of the building's occupation in 1973, showing the names of Salvador Allende and Pablo Neruda written on the blackboard behind them.

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
GLOBALink | Exhibition held in central China's Wuhan celebrating Space Day of China Pub Date:24-04-24 09:01 Source:Xinhua

WUHAN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition was held at Wuhan International Expo Center in central China's Hubei Province on Tuesday. The exhibition, as a part of the celebration of the Space Day of China this year, features science popularization and achievements of aerospace industry, exposing visitors to a comprehensive view of China's aerospace industry and its accomplishments in recent years. The exhibition will be open to the public on the afternoon of April 24, with the aerospace industry achievements exhibition area opening until April 27 and the science popularization area opening until May 5. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Editor:Qin Shuying

Related News Along the rural roads, beholding beautiful... Renowned Cantonese operas to be staged at ... China Mountain Bike Open Tournament 2024 h... Hybrid rice market expands in Asia
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. An alarm was declared at Heydar Aliyev International Airport due to the emergency landing of an Air France plane.

Boeing 777 airliner flying from Osaka to Paris sent a request for an emergency landing to the Baku airport due to smoke on board the aircraft.

All emergency services at Baku airport were put on alert as part of the alert.

The Air France aircraft landed successfully at 16:37 Baku time.

The 280 passengers on board the plane were immediately evacuated, and no one was injured as a result of the incident.

The aircraft is currently being inspected and a set of necessary measures is being organized to establish all the causes of the accident.
When you travel to Uruguay, you find out pretty quickly why it is considered the safest country in South America.

Located between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay stands out with its peaceful vibe and low crime rate. This country tops the Global Peace Index for the region, which means you can chill on the beaches of Punta del Este or walk through Montevideo's historic streets without worrying too much about safety.

Uruguay is a real gem that keeps you at ease whether you check out local vineyards or enjoy the laid-back coastal life. The local folks are friendly, and a sense of community and security is hard to find elsewhere.

Here are the other reasons WHY Uruguay is the safest country in South America.

Uruguay, the Safest Country in South America

Check the stats, and you will see Uruguay leading as the safest country in South America on the Global Peace Index. It is not by chance but the result of steady governance and effective community policies.

You can walk around its cities or relax on the beaches at night, feeling secure as crime rates are some of the lowest in the region. The strong police presence is comforting without being overwhelming, contributing to a general feeling of safety.

This sense of security is reinforced by stringent gun control laws and minimal corruption, setting a standard for the continent.

Economic Stability Boosts Safety

Uruguay's stable economy plays a critical role in its low crime rate. The country enjoys a high literacy rate and an effective education system, essential factors in its overall stability. It boasts a diversified economy, including significant revenue from agriculture, technology, and tourism, which keeps unemployment low.

Related Article : The World's Poorest President has this for a Secretary

Low economic disparity often correlates with reduced crime, making Uruguay a place where you can feel at ease. Such economic health, combined with progressive social policies, creates a society where safety is a natural part of life.

Robust Tourist Safety Infrastructure

Uruguay values its tourists and invests heavily in their safety with top-notch infrastructure and readily available assistance. The country's roads are well-kept, public transportation is reliable, and healthcare facilities meet international standards, all of which contribute to a safe travel environment.

Tourist assistance centers dot the landscape, offering help and advice to ensure you stay safe while enjoying your vacation. Specialized tourist police work to resolve any issues quickly, ensuring your trip is fun and safe.

The Importance of Safety for Travelers

When you choose a destination, safety is as crucial as its attractions. In Uruguay, you can genuinely relax and enjoy everything from the local culture to scenic spots without stress. It is especially important for families, as a safe environment ensures an enjoyable trip for both parents and children.

Safety enhances your travel experience, allowing you to engage more deeply with the local community and freely explore without undue worry. Choosing Uruguay, the safest country in South America, means you can focus on making unforgettable memories in a secure setting.
a top producing Cruise Planners travel advisor recently returned from an extraordinary summit experience aboard Taucks newest river ship, the honor of attending an ms Andorinha.



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - April 24th, 2024 -

Local Cruise Planners Travel Advisor

Attends Elite Summit

San Antonio, TX 4/23/24, Lorrie Ortega, a top producing Cruise Planners travel advisor recently returned from an extraordinary summit experience aboard Taucks newest river ship, the honor of attending an ms Andorinha. This exclusive event, held amidst the stunning landscapes summit hosted by Tauck Tours. The summit, held aboard the Taucks newest riverboat, MS Andorinha celebrated the hard work and accomplishments and being recognized as a top producing agent for the largest travel franchise company in the nation. As an ambassador for Cruise Planners, Lorrie had the privilege of partaking in a curated itinerary showcasing the best of Portugals Douro River, marked a pinnacle in Lorries dedication throughout the summit, Lorrie had the opportunity to network with industry leaders from several other major travel brands such as Ama Waterways, Disney Destinations, Europe Express, MSC Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea and Virgin Voyages to gain insights into immerging travel trends, and strengthen relationships vital to providing exceptional travel experiences for their clients. With a focus on personalized service and attention to detail, Lorrie is committed to curating custom vacations of all lengths to all destinations for their valued clients.

From 03/28/24 to 04/08/24, Lorrie embarked on a journey of cultural exploration and leisurely cruising, indulging in a meticulously curated itinerary that showcased the finest experiences the region has to offer. Guided tours of historic landmarks, visits to local wineries, and personalized shore excursions provided Lorrie with unforgettable moments and insights to enrich their expertise in crafting bespoke travel experiences.

Onboard the ms Andorinha, Lorrie enjoyed a wealth of exclusive amenities, including a chefs signature dinner, port cocktail-making workshops, and a gastronomic journey at an acclaimed 5-star Michelin restaurant. Each experience was carefully tailored to elevate Lorries understanding of luxury travel and enhance their ability to exceed client expectations.

In addition to mingling with esteemed Tauck executives, Lorrie had the privilege of engaging with representatives from prominent travel companies such as AmaWaterways, Disney Destinations, Europe Express, MSC Cruises, Seabourn, Silver Sea, and Virgin Voyages. These interactions provided Lorrie with invaluable industry insights and networking opportunities to further enhance their travel business.

We are proud to have Lorrie at this prestigious summit, said Michelle Fee, founder, and CEO of Cruise Planners. Their accomplishments underscore the dedication as Cruise Planners to providing clients with access to the finest travel experiences and reaffirms our commitment to excellence in the travel industry.

###
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan produced 4,867 tons of meat in live weight (including poultry) and 34,052 tons of milk in the districts liberated from Armenian occupation from January through March 2024, Trend reports via the State Statistics Committee.

The committee's data shows that meat production increased by 6 percent, or 271 tons, compared to the corresponding period in 2023, while milk production decreased by 1.3 percent, or 460 tons.

From January through March 2023, 4,596 tons of meat in live weight (including poultry) and 34,512 tons of milk were produced in the districts liberated from occupation.

To note, during the reporting period, the most meat and milk were produced in the Aghdam district - 1,192 tons of meat and 10,859 tons of milk.

In 2023, 22,570 tons of meat in live weight (including poultry) and 136,678 tons of milk were produced in the districts liberated from occupation.

The table shows meat and milk production in the liberated districts for January through March 2024.

Liberated districts Meat, tons Milk, tons Aghdam 1,192 10,859 Lachin 858 5,587 Kalbajar 850 6,575 Khojavand 629 1,022 Fuzuli 612 6,708 Jabrayil 509 2,064 Shusha 104 531 Khojaly 57 405 Gubadli 40 188 Zangilan 16 113

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan plans to make a business trip to Bashkortostan, Deputy Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Tural Hajili said during the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum held in Baku, Trend reports.

Hajili noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia increased by 12 percent in the first quarter of this year.

"I believe that a business mission to the Republic of Bashkortostan will be organized within the framework of the agreements reached during this forum," he said.

The official added that AZPROMO in its activities pays special attention to the constituent entities of Russia, holds joint business events with various regions of the country, including the agency regularly organizes export missions, and supports the participation of local entrepreneurs in exhibitions held in Russia.

To note, the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum was held in Baku on April 24. Within the forum, cooperation agreements were signed between the Association of Exhibition Organizers of Azerbaijan and Bashkir Exhibition Company (the agreement was signed by Farid Mammadov and Albina Kildigulova), MT Group, and Bashinkom NVP Company (Tarana Allahaverdiyeva and Linar Minnebayev).

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Arctic Innovation Competition awards over $45,000 for creative ideas

Sarah Lewis Photography

Arctic Innovation Competition main division winner Finn Oestgaard, center, holds awards with CBSM Dean Cameron Carlson, left, and Usibelli Coal Mine Vice President of Public Relations Lisa Cassino, right. Also representing Usibelli, in the back row, are Jared Rhea, left, and Justin Seavey, right.

A durable storage tote for expeditions took the top prize in the 2024 Arctic Innovation Competitions main division.



The competition awarded more than $45,000 in cash prizes and scholarships on Saturday, April 20, at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel.

More than 70 competitors from across North America participated in Alaskas original idea contest, submitting novel startup business, product, app or service concepts.

The UAF College of Business and Security Management hosts the competition, and Usibelli Coal Mine is the presenting sponsor.



Finn Oestgaard won the top prize and $15,000 in the main division (ages 18 and above) with his idea, FINN  Redefining Rigid Gear Storage. The tote is specialized for gear storage and outdoor excursions in the Arctic and other places with extreme weather. Oestgaard also received two $2,000 kicker awards in the competitions sustainable and Arctic categories.



Theyre super tough, you can jump on them, Oestgaard said as he sprang onto his prototype. Potential users are endless: mining, oil, gas, guiding companies and more. It seamlessly integrates with platforms used in remote, rural areas, including snowmachines, four-wheelers, boats and airplanes.

In the junior division (ages 13-18), Danika Dawley, a returning AIC competitor from North Pole High School, took first place with Ear Buddies and received a $1,000 prize. The light fabric shield protects earbuds from the wind, reducing feedback while listening to music and running.

Grail and Revy Conley won first place and the fan favorite award in the cub division (ages 12 and younger), winning $600. They proposed wire-mesh sleeves for tires as a cheap and efficient way to improve traction on icy roads.

Theres a problem, Grail said. Driving in winter is hazardous and snow tires are too expensive. SipingSleeves will help provide traction for all people in Arctic communities.

In the youth divisions, sponsored by Kinross Alaska, Alaska529 donated eight $2,000 scholarships to all placing competitors, a randomly drawn youth who submitted an idea and one teacher who encouraged students to participate.



Additional sponsors include GCI, the Alaska Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, Design Alaska and Northrim Bank.

For a complete list of winners, visit the AIC website. The full event was livestreamed and is available to watch on YouTube. AIC submissions for 2025 will be accepted in the fall.

185-24
The Kremlin is conducting a concerted air and information operation to destroy Kharkiv City, convince Ukrainians to flee, and internally displace millions of Ukrainians ahead of a possible future Russian offensive operation against the city or elsewhere in Ukraine.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said this in a new Russian offensive campaign assessment, Ukrinform reports.

The institute believes that the recent attack on a TV tower in Kharkiv is one of the moves of this information operation. In particular, analysts pointed out that Russian state media and milbloggers attempted to justify the strike by claiming that Ukrainian forces installed unspecified air defense communication and coordination equipment on the tower. They insinuated that Russian forces had tried and failed to down the Kharkiv City TV tower and other TV towers in Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts several times, including in March 2022. Russian forces notably struck a TV tower in Kyiv City on March 1, 2022, shortly after Russian forces launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin may intend to invoke the memory of the March 2022 Kyiv City strike and the early weeks of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to create panic among Ukrainians during another challenging moment of the war.

Analysts also cite warnings from Ukrainian media that Russian forces are seizing on concern about a possible Russian offensive operation against Kharkiv City to sow panic and a feeling of "impending, inevitable catastrophe" in Ukraine.

"Kremlin mouthpieces are seizing on concerns about a future Russian offensive operation against Kharkiv City to conduct a likely coordinated information operation in an effort to create outsized panic among Ukrainians. ISW assesses that the likelihood of a successful Russian ground offensive against Kharkiv is very low if Ukraine receives renewed U.S. military aid rapidly," the report said.

ISW previously assessed that a Russian offensive operation aimed at seizing Kharkiv City would be an extremely ambitious undertaking that would pose significant challenges to Russian forces and that the Russian military command will likely have to reconsider its objectives for its forecasted summer 2024 offensive effort to account for better equipped and manned Ukrainian forces.

"The Russian military command may attempt to destroy Kharkiv City with air, missile, and drone strikes and prompt a large-scale internal displacement of Ukrainian civilians if the Russian military determines that it cannot successfully seize the city with ground operations. Continued timely U.S. and Western military assistance, particularly the provision of air defense systems and missiles, will be critical to Ukraine's defense of Kharkiv City," ISW analysts said.

The institute recalled a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov from April 19 that Kharkiv City "plays an important role" in Russian President Vladimir Putin's idea of establishing a demilitarized "sanitary zone" in Ukraine to supposedly protect Russian border settlements from Ukrainian strikes.
During the day, 84 combat clashes were recorded along the Ukrainian frontlines.

Thats according to the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces, Ukrinform reports.

In total, the enemy executed 13 missile attacks and 51 airstrikes, as well as launched 16 rocket salvos, on the positions of Ukrainian troops and at populated areas. As a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, civilians were wounded in killed. Apartment blocks and private households, as well as other infrastructure objects, sustained destruction.

Volyn and Polissia axes: the operational situation saw no significant changes as no new threats were spotted.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: the enemy maintains its military presence near the border, conducting sabotage and reconnaissance missions, and shelling populated areas from across the border. More than 20 settlements, including Khotiivka and Leonivka in Chernihiv region, were hit by enemy artillery and mortars; as were Popivka, Simeykyne, and Pokrovka, Sumy region; as well as Veterynarne, Kudiivka, Hatishche, and Pletenivka in Kharkiv region.

Kupiansk axis: Ukrainian soldiers repelled an enemy assault near the settlement of Berestove, Kharkiv region. About 10 settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Synkivka, Stepova Novoselivka, and Pishchane of Kharkiv region.

Lyman axis: Ukraines Defense Forces repelled 18 attacks in the Serebrianske Forestry area and near Nevske, Luhansk Region; as well as near Terny and Torske, Donetsk region. The enemy launched an airstrike in the Serebriansk Forestry area of Luhansk region. Some dozen settlements were affected by artillery and mortar strikes, among them Makiivka, Luhansk region; Terny, Yampolivka, and Torske, Donetsk region.

Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian forces repelled 13 attacks in the areas of Bilohorivka, Luhansk region; Vyimka, Ivanivske, and Klishchiivka, Donetsk region. The enemy also launched airstrikes at Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, and Andriivka of Donetsk region. Nearly a dozen settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Kalynivka, Chasiv Yar, and Klishchiivka of Donetsk region.

Avdiivka axis: Ukraine repelled 15 attacks in the areas of Ocheretyne, Novokalynove, Berdychi, and Netaylove of Donetsk region, where the enemy, with air support, tried to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions. The enemy also launched airstrikes at Kalynove, Vovche, Oleksandropil, and Arkhanhelske of Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Keramik, Arkhanhelske, Soloviove, and Umanske of Donetsk region, were hit by Russian artillery and mortars.

Novopavlivka axis: the Defense Forces continue to hold back the enemy in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka, and Urozhaine of Donetsk region, where the enemy tried to break through Ukraines defenses 16 times. The enemy launched an airstrike in the Kostiantynivka area of Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Krasnohorivka, Maksymilianivka, and Paraskoviivka of Donetsk region.

Orikhiv axis: the Russians, with air support, attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders once in the Staromaiorsky area, Donetsk region. Their airstrike targeted the Robotyne area in Zaporizhzhia region. About 20 settlements, including Chervone, Bilohirya, Robotyne, and Kamianske of Zaporizhzhia region, were hit by Russian artillery and mortars.

Kherson axis: the enemy does not give up its intention to dislodge our units from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnieper. So, during the day, he carried out 1 unsuccessful attack on the positions of our troops in the area of the settlement of Krynka, Kherson region. He carried out airstrikes in the areas of Beryslav, Olhivka, Krynka settlements of the Kherson region. About 20 settlements, including Tyaginka, Ivanivka, Novotyaginka, and Tokarivka of the Kherson region, were subjected to artillery and mortar shelling.

During the day, Ukraines Air Force hit 11 enemy manpower clusters, while air defense forces downed a Russian Kh-59 guided air missile and three reconnaissance drones.

Units of Ukraines missile forces inflicted damage on a Russian manpower cluster.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the U.S. administration announced a $1 billion defense assistance package for Ukraine.
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Published April 24, 2024

CAPTION: Team members Lane Degenhardt (left) and Rich Simmerman (right) hoist the first-place Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup trophy. Their company, Cantaloupe, took home the $50,000 grand prize in the business plan competition.

MONROE, LA  The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup hosted its third annual awards luncheon on April 19, 2024, at ULMs Bayou Pointe Event Center. The luncheon was the culmination of the entrepreneurship competition, with $96,000 in prize money awarded to the three top teams, including their faculty advisors, and the winner of the live elevator pitch competition, voted on by attendees of the luncheon.

Cantaloupe, a team comprised of students from Tulane University and Southeastern Louisiana University, took home the first-place prize of $50,000. Their business plan is a software solution to aid businesses in the food service and hospitality industry with hiring and help reduce turnover. Cantaloupe features team leaderRich Simmerman, team membersJoshua Anderson and Lane Degenhardt, and advisor Jane Cooper.

The second-place prize of $25,000 was awarded to Tipzy, a team from Tulane University. Tipzy is a software platform designed to simplify the process of receiving and managing songs requests in bars, catering to both bar owners and patrons. Tipzy features team leaderJosh McCoy, team membersJake Marzullo and Tenley Gorman, and advisor Rob Lalka.

Third place and a prize of $10,000 went to Trigworks, a team from ULM. Trigworks is a device that aims to revolutionize muscle care with eco-friendly, heat equipped massage tools. Trigworks features team leaderJanet Stopka, team members Mackenzie King, Viktor Motov, and Valeryia Turbskaya, and advisor Veronkia Humphries.

The advisors from each of the top three teams also each received a $3,000 prize.

The winner of the live elevator pitch competition was Supriya Pudasainy from Sketchman. Pudasainy won the $2,000 prize after receiving the most votes from attendees of the luncheon, who voted via text message after hearing 90-second pitches from each team. Sketchman is an application powered by AI that is designed to create criminal sketches based on witness descriptions for law enforcement use.

In its third year, The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup expanded its eligibility and was open to teams from any four-year university or college in the state of Louisiana. The contest received 22 entries and included teams from the University of Louisiana Monroe, University of New Orleans, Tulane University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana Lafayette, Centenary College of Louisiana, and Northwestern State University.

Dhu Thompson, Premier Sponsor and Founder of The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup provided remarks at the luncheon.

After thanking those who helped make the competition happen and recounting his own entrepreneurial experiences, Thompson spoke directly to the student competitors. He told the students that failure is an inevitable part of being an entrepreneur. Once you fail, youll begin to see through the eyes of experience. When you begin to succeed, you will accomplish goals you never imagined, said Thompson. He also encouraged them to set goals, stating that real self-confidence comes from establishing goals and achieving them.

About The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup

Open to all majors with cash prizes totaling $96,000, The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup is the premiere business plan competition for Louisiana. It provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, team building, presentation, and other soft skills which are all important to career growth. The goal is to inspire participants and the community to think entrepreneurially by rewarding creativity, professionalism, and hard work. Twenty-two teams submitted written, formal business plans which were reviewed and scored independently by a panel of sixteen volunteer judges made up of business owners and investors. The panel of judges later deliberated in groups to select the six finalist teams.

The six finalist teams presented in-person oral presentations, held March 26th at The Hangar on the ULM campus. Six volunteer judges dedicated their time to listening to each team present their business plan and supporting visuals. The judges then deliberated and selected the first, second, and third-place winners.

The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup was founded by distinguished ULM alumnus Dhu Thompson. Thompson is the founder, past owner, and former chairman of the board for Delta Plastics, producer of agricultural irrigation tubing, and the largest recycler of plastics in Arkansas. He is also the former owner and past chairman of the board for Revolution Bag, which manufactures EPA-compliant trashcan liners. Thompsons honors include 2004 Arkansas Business Executive of the Year and SBA Person of the Year. In 2019 he sold the Revolution brands to a New York private equity firm and now focuses on entrepreneurship growth in Arkansas and Louisiana. In 2023, Thompson received the Warhawk Ambassador Award, one of ULMs highest honors. Earlier in 2024, Thompson was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.

For more information about The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup, visit www.ulm.edu/pelicancup

For more photos from the 2024 Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup Awards Luncheon, click here.

To watch the video of the Awards Luncheon, click here.
| By Wanda Haskel

Alumni Weekend 2024, April 11-14, was extra special for the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. As alumni have come to expect, the weekend was chock-full of favorite events, including the Alumni Honors Banquet, Golden Graduates Luncheon, Family Picnic, and Reunion Class Dinners. This year, graduates also had the singular opportunity to unite in celebration of Maryland Carey Laws 200th anniversary.

(L-R) Renee McDonald Hutchins, dean, Maryland Carey Law; Bill Ferguson, president, Maryland Senate; Jay Perman, chancellor, University System of Maryland; Tamika Tremaglio, chair, Maryland Carey Law Board of Visitors; and Bruce Jarrell, president, University of Maryland, Baltimore, blow out candles on a 200th birthday cake.

The highlight of the weekend was Friday nights bicentennial bash at the beautifully restored M&T Bank Exchange a block from the law school. The gracious space welcomed a glittering whos-who of the Maryland legal community, with speakers including U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, JD 67; Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, JD 10; University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman, MD; University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS; and Maryland Carey Law Board of Visitors Chair Tamika Tremaglio, JD 95, MBA. Attendees also enjoyed a recorded greeting from Gov. Wes Moore.

It is the people who make Maryland Carey Law such a special place, Dean Renee McDonald Hutchins, JD, said in her remarks, so coming together with you to mark this moment is beyond wonderful.

Following Hutchins was keynote speaker Cardin, who is part of four generations of family members who have attended Maryland Carey Law. Cardin looked back on the development of what came to be known as the schools Cardin Requirement, which guarantees and requires a clinical experience for all full-time day students. He recalled how, in 1987, professor Michael Millemann, JD, approached the Maryland legislature and proposed the requirement. Cardin, a U.S. congressman at the time, successfully led the charge in the legislature to provide the resources enabling the requirement.

I know the Clinical Law Program at Maryland Carey Law is ranked fifth, Cardin said, but its the best program in the country.

Also in the lineup was the video from Moore, who was unable to attend in person. He congratulated Maryland Carey Law on the schools impact on the state of Maryland, saying, This is not just a law school celebration or even just a Baltimore celebration. Its a Maryland celebration.

The program culminated as the dean led dignitaries in blowing out candles on the law schools birthday cake.

Other Maryland notables present were Comptroller Brooke Lierman, JD; Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue, JD; Secretary of Appointments Tisha Edwards, JD 00; Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby; and Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken.

Read more about Maryland Carey Laws 200 years of history.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A delegation of Russia's Bashkortostan has arrived in Azerbaijan with non-energy product supply proposals, Russia's trade representative in Azerbaijan Ruslan Mirsayapov said during the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum held in Baku, Trend reports.

"The delegation arrived with proposals for supplying non-energy products and aims to seek partners here. Their primary objective is to enhance cooperation with Azerbaijan, involving the supply of products from Bashkortostan and the purchase of high-quality goods from Azerbaijan. Of significant value is the delegation's contribution to enhancing food security in the Azerbaijani economy and expanding opportunities for small businesses. They bring new projects, developments, and technologies that can be effectively implemented in Azerbaijan's agro-industrial complex," he said.

To note, Baku hosted the Azerbaijan-Bashkortostan Business Forum on April 24. Cooperation agreements were signed between the Azerbaijan Exhibition Organisers Association (ASTA) and the Bashkir Exhibition Company. The agreement was signed by Farid Mammadov, Chairman of the board of ASTA, and Albina Kildigulova, General Director of the Bashkir Exhibition Company. Additionally, agreements were signed between MT Group and NVP Bashinkom, with Tarana Allahverdiyeva and Linar Minnebayev representing the respective companies.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The fourth meeting of Azerbaijan and Hungary's Working Group on Energy in Baku focused on the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement on the development and transportation of green energy among Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, as well as the advancement of gas cooperation development, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy.

"Zaur Mammadov, the co-chairman of the working group and head of staff of the Ministry of Energy, highlighted that meetings across various levels and signed documents are fostering the development of cooperation in both traditional and green energy sectors, with progress and achievements surpassing initial plans," the press release noted.

In turn, Isabella Feyerabend, Head of the Department of Energy and Climate Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, shared her views on the current state of cooperation within the working group and steps for 2024.

"The meeting featured talks on exchanging ideas about energy efficiency experience and the management of energy efficiency funds, training programs, and other related topics. At the conclusion, a protocol was signed, and it was agreed that the next meeting of the working group would be held in Budapest next year," the ministry said.

To note, Hungary is among the European buyers of Azerbaijani gas.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Jennifer Jacques' journey has been represented by triumphs, adversity, and leveraging of her influence. From her early academics to her burgeoning legal career, she has tirelessly worked to provide her clients with exceptional representation in the corporate arena, leveraging her relationships and creating opportunities to underserved communities through her nonprofit work. Recognized for her tenacity and continued advocacy for increased diversity within the legal profession, Ms. Jacques has established new precedents and inspired future lawyers.

About Jennifer Jacques

Ms. Jacques' philanthropic vision is equally ambitious, with wide-ranging charitable projects addressing healthcare, education, and social welfare. Whether challenging injustice through the courts or relieving struggles through her generous donations, Ms. Jacques' commitment has improved lives across communities. All are invited to explore the inspiring story of this renowned attorney's career and passionate advocacy for those in need.

Education and Legal Career

Recognizing education's power for individuals and society, Ms. Jacques leveraged academics for personal and professional growth and change. This foundation established her belief in education's importance for achieving professional goals through continuous refinement. Beyond her firm, Jennifer actively engages in initiatives that promote knowledge exchanges and advancements in the field through events and collaboration.

Philanthropic Work

Through her philanthropic initiatives and donations, Jennifer has made a lasting impact via community volunteering, charitable causes, and mentorship programs. Renowned for her leadership of diverse charitable projects and programs aimed at positive social change, she inspires many to join the honorable mission of giving back.

Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession

As an advocate, Ms. Jacques initiates endeavors driving meaningful change and has become integral to discussions on diversity within the profession. Instrumental in shaping conversations, she frequently adds context to discussions as a panelist, speaker, and author. In this way, she strengthens underrepresented voices and works to build an inclusive community. Beyond her obligations, she remains dedicated through mentorship and volunteerism. Through her influence and advocacy, Jennifer demonstrates to colleagues the importance of promoting diversity and equality.

Mentorship and Support for Young Lawyers

Jennifer Jacques ensures aspiring lawyers have committed guidance, creating collaborative programs that allow legal minds to shine. By prioritizing inclusion and diversity within mentorship initiatives and events, she empowers diverse voices and paves the way for all to advance their careers.

Humanitarian Efforts

Ms. Jacques' humanitarian efforts have profoundly impacted society through her advocacy, organized support, and community-building projects. Her commitment to humanitarian causes has improved the lives of many. Through vocal support, Ms. Jacques advocates for marginalized groups, pushing for policies and programs promoting equality and inclusion. Her community development projects have empowered residents by providing necessities and a sense of belonging.

Impact on Local Communities

Jennifer Jacques has had an immense impact on local communities through her dedication to empowering others. Whether organizing fundraising or donation drives, her efforts have uplifted many facing hardships. Through innovative programs promoting self-sufficiency in healthcare and education, she has helped instill resilience in community members.

The Future of Jennifer Jacques' Legal and Philanthropic Work

On the horizon lie promising new chapters for Jennifer Jacques' advocacy through law and humanitarianism.

Upcoming Cases and Projects

Her commitment to empowerment and innovation sets the stage for transformative projects in the legal field. With a keen eye for intricate legal details and a strategic approach to complex challenges, Ms. Jacques is poised to tackle litigation. Her analytical mind and ability to develop innovative solutions have earned her a reputation as a formidable advocate who pushes boundaries.

Plans for Further Philanthropy

Ms. Jacques has strategic plans for further philanthropic work focusing on community-driven initiatives and dedicated projects aiming to create lasting social change. Her passion for positive change highlights her commitment to making a difference through charitable initiatives. These endeavors showcase Ms. Jacques' dedication to supporting causes close to her heart and addressing societal issues by leveraging her resources and influencing others. Her vision includes intricate collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations to maximize the reach and effectiveness of her efforts.
In a groundbreaking move, New York State has implemented a new requirement aimed at increasing college access for its high school seniors. Starting with the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, every public school district in the state must ensure that every high school senior completes either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a similar financial aid form for undocumented students, or a waiver indicating that they or their parents have opted out of financial aid. This bold step comes as states across the country grapple with declining FAFSA completion rates and aims to ensure that students are aware of and can access the financial aid available to them.

Addressing the FAFSA Completion Crisis

The decision to mandate FAFSA completion or opt-out waivers is a direct response to the challenges faced by students in accessing financial aid. The National College Attainment Network estimated that as of March 29, FAFSA completions in New York state were down by 24 percent compared to the previous year. In New York City, the decline was even steeper, with a decrease of over 45 percent. This decline is particularly concerning as the FAFSA is a critical gateway for students to access federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

The reasons behind the decline in FAFSA completion rates are complex. The U.S. Education Department's rollout of the new FAFSA application has been fraught with issues, leading to confusion and frustration among students and families. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing barriers to completing the FAFSA, such as a lack of access to guidance counselors and other support services.

By requiring high school seniors to either complete the FAFSA or opt-out, New York State is taking proactive steps to address these challenges. The opt-out waiver is designed to ensure that students and their parents are aware of the financial aid available to them, even if they choose not to pursue it. This approach aims to reduce barriers to FAFSA completion while also promoting financial literacy and awareness among students and families.

Investing in Higher Education

The new mandate is part of a broader effort by New York State to increase access to higher education and support students on their path to college. The fiscal year 2024-25 budget includes significant investments in higher education, totaling $7.58 billion, up from $7.22 billion in the previous year. Governor Kathy Hochul has emphasized the importance of ensuring students have access to the financial support they need to succeed in college.

One key aspect of the budget is the increase in the state's minimum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award from $500 to $1,000. This change will help make college more affordable for low-income students and expand access to financial aid for more students across the state. Additionally, the budget raises income cutoff thresholds for TAP eligibility, further expanding access to financial aid for middle-income families.

The budget also includes increased state operating support for the City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems. This funding will help these institutions maintain and improve their academic programs and support services, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.

Impacting the Future of Higher Education

The new mandate and increased funding for higher education in New York State have the potential to have a lasting impact on the future of college access and affordability. By requiring FAFSA completion or opt-out waivers, the state is sending a clear message that it is committed to ensuring that all students have access to the financial aid they need to pursue higher education. Additionally, the increased funding for TAP and state operating support for CUNY and SUNY will help make college more affordable for thousands of students nationwide.

New York State's decision to require FAFSA completion or opt-out waivers for high school seniors is a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of college access and affordability. By ensuring that students are aware of and can access the financial aid available, the state is helping to level the playing field and create opportunities for students to succeed in college and beyond.
Just days after appearing before Congress, Minouche Shafik, the President of Columbia University, is under pressure from lawmakers to resign. This comes after a tumultuous weekend of protests both on and off campus, which left some Jewish students feeling threatened.

Campus Turmoil and Calls for Resignation

The turmoil at Columbia University began when Shafik asked the New York Police Department to clear a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus last week. This move sparked outrage among some students and led to a weekend of protests that spilled off-campus, with some reports of violence and intimidation targeting Jewish students.

Shafik's decision to cancel in-person classes on Monday, the eve of the Passover holiday, citing the need for a campus-wide reset, did little to quell the growing calls for her resignation. Pressure to step down is coming from House Republicans and some Democrats, with lawmakers condemning the events at and around Columbia and calling for a change in leadership to ensure a safe learning environment.

READ MORE : Columbia President Accused Of Misleading Testimony On Antisemitism Investigation

Bipartisan Criticism and White House Condemnation

The White House joined the chorus of voices condemning the violence and intimidation targeting Jewish students, describing it as "blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous." The calls for Shafik to resign have garnered support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with even those not explicitly calling for her resignation criticizing her handling of the situation.

Minnesota representative Ilhan Omar, whose daughter was suspended from Barnard College last week, weighed in on the protests, suggesting they had been "co-opted and made to look bad" to justify their shutdown. Omar emphasized that the protesters' demands, including divesting finances from corporations profiting from the Israel conflict, should be the focus rather than inflaming the situation.

Responses and Support for Jewish Students

In response to the escalating tensions, Columbia University spokespersons stated that Shafik is focused on de-escalating the situation on campus, working with faculty, administration, and community leaders. Meanwhile, Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina warned of potential consequences if order and safety were not restored, indicating that the committee she chairs would hold senior administrators accountable.

Amid the calls for Shafik's resignation, lawmakers and officials have visited Columbia's campus to show support for Jewish students and discuss safety measures. After meeting with Jewish students, New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the need for a safe and discrimination-free environment on college campuses, urging dialogue and understanding among students.

Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and other Jewish House members assured students of their support, stating they would do everything to ensure their safety and welcome at Columbia and other universities.

The turmoil at Columbia University, sparked by the handling of a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, has escalated into a broader debate over leadership and campus safety. Calls for President Shafik's resignation underscore the deep divisions and concerns regarding the treatment of Jewish students on campus.

As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how President Shafik and the university will address the concerns raised by lawmakers and students. However, the events at Columbia serve as a stark reminder of the challenges university leaders face in navigating complex geopolitical issues while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Columbia University in New York City and Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, have become focal points of escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Recent events, including mass arrests and contentious hearings, have prompted both universities to move all classes online. These actions come amidst protests, arrests, and growing concerns over safety and free speech on campus.

Escalating Tensions Spark University Responses

Last Thursday, Columbia University witnessed the arrest of more than 100 pro-Palestinian students on the South Lawn, sparking widespread outrage and further protests. President Minouche Shafik faced a contentious House hearing on Capitol Hill the following day. In response to these events, Columbia decided to transition all classes to online formats, citing security concerns and the need to address the escalating tensions.

Similar turmoil unfolded at Yale University, where approximately 45 student protesters were arrested and removed from the campus on Monday morning. The protesters, charged with misdemeanor trespassing, now face academic disciplinary action, including possible suspension. Despite the arrests, protests continued, with reports of a growing encampment of pro-Palestinian students on campus.

READ MORE : Online Education Makes Ivy League Schooling Possible At Home

University Responses and Student Safety

The decisions by Columbia and Yale to move classes online reflect the challenges college administrators face in balancing free speech with safety concerns. Jewish students, in particular, have expressed concerns for their safety, with some advising their peers to leave campus. Brian Cohen, executive director of Columbia/Barnard Hillel, urged Jewish students to remain on campus, stating that the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life would remain open to support them. However, others, including Eric Schorr and Elie Buechler, have suggested that Jewish students should leave campus for their safety.

At Yale, President Peter Salovey emphasized the university's commitment to free speech but warned that actions violating university policies would result in disciplinary actions. Despite these warnings, protests at Yale continued, with reports of a student journalist being stabbed in the eye during the protests. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of students and handling protests on campus.

National Impact and Solidarity Protests

The tensions at Columbia and Yale have reverberated nationwide, with students at other universities staging solidarity protests. Colleges, including the universities of Michigan and Maryland, Ohio State, and New York, as well as colleges across Boston, have established encampments supporting their peers at Columbia and Yale. These protests call for their respective administrations to divest from suppliers of arms to Israel and to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The protests highlight the broader implications of the conflict in the Middle East on university campuses and the challenges administrators face in maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. As tensions continue to rise, universities across the country are grappling with how best to address these issues while upholding principles of free speech and safety for all students.

Columbia and Yale's decisions to move classes online underscore the complex nature of the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on university campuses. As students continue to protest and express their views, universities must navigate the delicate balance between free speech and safety. The incidents at Columbia and Yale serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by higher education institutions in addressing contentious issues and ensuring the well-being of their students.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming integral to various industries, including higher education. Despite the concerning gap in AI policy implementation and curriculum adaptation revealed by a recent survey conducted by Inside Higher Ed, this article aims to inspire by delving into the challenges and opportunities AI presents in higher education.

Policy Implementation: A Critical Need

Despite AI's transformative potential, the survey indicates that most higher education institutions have yet to develop policies governing its use. This is a significant concern considering AI's increasing role in teaching and research. The urgency of policy implementation cannot be overstated.

Gregor Thuswaldner, provost at Whitworth University and president of the Association of Chief Academic Officers, acknowledges the low percentage of institutions with AI policies but suggests that, for many, existing plagiarism policies may extend to govern generative AI use. This indicates a potential blind spot in addressing AI specifically, which could lead to misuse and ethical dilemmas.

READ MORE : High Point University President Advocates For Life Skills In The AI Era

Curriculum Adaptation for the AI Era

The survey's findings are clear-only about one in seven provosts reported that their institutions have reviewed their curricula to ensure students are adequately prepared for the AI-driven workplace. This is a significant finding, as it underscores the importance of curriculum adaptation for the AI era. With AI set to revolutionize various industries, including education, institutions must equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Thuswaldner emphasizes the importance of preparing students for an AI-dominated world, stating, "AI is here to stay, and we cannot put our heads in the sand." He advocates for a shift in focus toward the learning process rather than the final product, suggesting that if AI can replicate tasks typically assigned to students, educators should reconsider the questions they pose.

Academic Integrity and AI

One of the most pressing concerns raised by provosts is the potential threat AI poses to academic integrity. The survey reveals that nearly half of the respondents expressed moderate concern, while 26 percent were very concerned about the implications of generative AI on academic integrity. This underscores the need for proactive measures to address these risks.

George Justice, provost at the University of Tulsa, highlights the importance of proactively addressing concerns about academic integrity. He notes that faculty members who ban AI without adapting their teaching methods risk fostering cynicism among students, leading to widespread cheating. Justice suggests that embracing AI in classrooms while emphasizing ethical practices and process-oriented learning can mitigate these risks.

Meeting the Challenge: Training and Support

Despite the challenges posed by AI, provosts are not without hope. The survey reveals that institutions are responding to the need for AI-related training. Nearly 80 percent of respondents reported that their colleges and universities have offered training in response to faculty concerns or questions about generative AI developments in the last year and a half.

Moreover, 45 percent of institutions already use AI for chatbots and virtual chat assistants, indicating a willingness to embrace AI's potential benefits. This demonstrates that support for AI integration is available. However, there is still a need for more comprehensive training and support, as evidenced by the 90 percent of provosts who reported that faculty and staff members have requested more training related to AI developments.

The survey findings underscore the urgent need for higher education institutions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Policy gaps and curriculum challenges must be addressed to ensure students are adequately prepared for the AI-driven future. By embracing AI responsibly, institutions can enhance the learning experience and prepare students for success in an increasingly AI-dominated world.
In the aftermath of the University of Texas at Austin's layoffs , which affected around 50 employees from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, President Jay Hartzell finds himself in a precarious position.

The layoffs, a response to comply with Texas Senate Bill 17, have sparked controversy and raised serious questions about the future of DEI efforts on campus. As Hartzell and other university leaders grapple with the fallout, they are faced with the daunting task of balancing state mandates with the preservation of their institution's values and mission.

Compliance Challenges and Campus Controversy

The layoffs at UT-Austin were part of a broader effort to comply with Senate Bill 17, a new state law prohibiting DEI offices, programs, and training at public universities in Texas. The law, which went into effect in January, has put universities like UT-Austin in a difficult position, forcing them to make significant changes to their operations and organizational structures.

Initially, Hartzell believed that closing a multicultural center and ending a scholarship for undocumented students would be sufficient to comply with the law. However, he soon realized that more drastic measures were needed to appease Republican legislators, who have been critical of DEI efforts in higher education.

The layoffs and restructuring efforts have not only sparked controversy but also a wave of backlash on campus. Faculty members, students, and staff, all integral parts of the university community, have expressed their outrage over the profound impact of the layoffs. Many perceive the actions taken by UT-Austin as a betrayal of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

READ MORE : Anti-DEI Legislation Sparks Massive Job Cuts In Texas Universities

Navigating Political Pressures and Public Perception

Hartzell and other university leaders are not only facing internal pressures but also external political pressures. State legislators, including State Sen. Brandon Creighton, the author of Senate Bill 17, have warned that universities could lose millions in state funding if they fail to comply with the law. This has put additional strain on university leaders, who must balance the demands of the state with the needs of their campus community.

Moreover, the controversy surrounding the layoffs has raised questions about the public perception of higher education in Texas. Conservative lawmakers and activists have long criticized universities for what they perceive as a liberal bias in their programs and policies. They argue that DEI efforts have gone too far and have sought to roll back these initiatives.

For Hartzell and other university leaders, the challenge is to comply with state mandates and address these broader political and ideological concerns. They must find a way to navigate these pressures while maintaining the integrity and values of their institution.

Looking Ahead: The Future of DEI at UT-Austin

As UT-Austin moves forward, the future of DEI efforts on campus remains uncertain. While the university has taken steps to comply with Senate Bill 17, the layoffs and restructuring have raised questions about the long-term impact on diversity and inclusion at the institution.

Despite the challenges, Hartzell has pledged to continue supporting DEI efforts at UT-Austin. In a statement to faculty, he emphasized the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion and expressed a desire to find new ways to support these values.

Yet, the path forward is expected to be complicated. With ongoing political pressures and a contentious public debate over the role of DEI in higher education, UT-Austin and other universities in Texas will need to carefully navigate these issues to ensure that they continue to uphold their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The layoffs at UT-Austin and the broader challenges posed by Senate Bill 17 have highlighted the complex and often contentious nature of DEI efforts in higher education. As President Jay Hartzell and other university leaders work to address these challenges, they must balance competing demands and navigate a rapidly changing political landscape.

The future of DEI at UT-Austin and other Texas universities will depend on their ability to find a path forward that both complies with state mandates and upholds their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This challenging task is essential for ensuring that higher education remains a place where all students, regardless of background or identity, can thrive.
April 24 2024

A former care home in Larkhall is to be demolished and replaced by 19 houses as part of a drive by South Lanarkshire Council to increase the supply of affordable properties in the area.

The former McWhirter House on Raploch Street is to be demolished and replaced by a mixed tenure build comprising detached homes, terraced houses and cottage flats opposite Larkhall Thistle FC.

In a statement, the local authority wrote: "The site has been designed with existing context in mind. Due to the residential make-up of surrounding areas, it lends itself to a successful social housing development.

"The available space has been adequately populated, while still maintaining the landscaped appeal of the current site and creating a welcoming space for residents and locals alike. The housing mix creates a dynamic community with a variety of tenants benefitting from the development."

Finished in brick and contrasting render the homes will be set among retained trees.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 24. Turkmenistan plans to step up the attraction of foreign capital to the country's oil and gas sector, Trend reports.

This was stated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in an address to the participants of the International Forum to Attract Foreign Investments in Turkmenistan's Energy Sector, which began its work today in Paris.

"Today, together with foreign companies, we continue to develop oil and gas fields in the Turkmen section of the Caspian Sea and on land in order to increase their production volumes. This partnership, which attracts foreign capital, is mutually beneficial as it is carried out on the basis of production sharing agreements. In the future, we intend to scale up and intensify the dynamics of such cooperation; this is a key goal," he said.

He noted that among the priorities are the development of the Galkynysh gas field and the laying of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, the successful solution of which will significantly diversify the fuel and energy complex and support regional energy security.

Meanwhile, the purpose of this event is to increase the chances of attracting foreign direct investment in all segments of the energy sector of Turkmenistan and improve the regional debate on the future sustainable development of energy.

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PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to adopt a fixed sales tax on services for lawyers and customs agents instead of a percentage.

The decision was taken in a meeting held on Wednesday between Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam and Director General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority Fouzia Iqbal.

It was decided that KPRA will send recommendations to the Advisor for Finance to switch lawyers and customs agents from a percentage regime of sales tax on services to fixed rates to make necessary amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sales Tax on Services Act 2022 in the upcoming budget for the next financial year.

The decision has been taken to provide an easy way for the customs agents and lawyers to efficiently pay their sales tax on services.

It was decided that rates for the fixed tax will be adopted as per the recommendations sent by the KPRA team to the finance department for the budget.

The lawyers will be allowed to submit their one-time fixed sales tax on services at the time of filing their Wakalatnama, or Power of Attorney, for each case at the courts, while for customs agents, a fixed amount on each GD, or Goods Declaration, will be paid to KPRA as sales tax on services.

Currently, a two percent sales tax on services is levied on layers, while an eight percent sales tax on services is levied on customs agents.

"We want to make tax payments easier for everyone in the province, and at the same time we have to bring them under the tax net as per law," said Advisor for Finance Muzzammil Aslam in his statement, adding that a fixed regime would also be adopted for wedding halls and beauty parlors as well.

"It will make tax payments easier for the business community and service providers in the province and will create a conducive environment for businesses in the province," he said.

The DG KPRA, Fouzia Iqbal, said, "Her team welcomes the business-friendly policies of the new government and that her team will be available to assist every taxpayer in the administration of their sales tax on services."
Directorate of Workers Education (DWE), a subsidiary of the Overseas Pakistanis and Human Development Foundation, is providing training to 300,000 workers of 350 industries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in phases, Rai Muhammad Akbar, the director of the DWE said

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) Directorate of Workers Education (DWE), a subsidiary of the Overseas Pakistanis and Human Development Foundation, is providing training to 300,000 workers of 350 industries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in phases, Rai Muhammad Akbar, the director of the DWE said.

He mentioned that individuals seeking opportunities to work abroad are receiving training in German, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean languages. Moreover, online training initiatives are in progress for students intending to pursue their education abroad.

Addressing an event aimed at land cleanup and expressing solidarity with sanitation workers, jointly organized by the Directorate of Workers Education (DWE) and the Japanese organization KOMATSU at G-8, Islamabad Park, he emphasized the vital role of sanitation workers in maintaining cleanliness in society. He underscored the importance of everyone's responsibility in ensuring cleanliness.

Hafiz Abdul Sami, deputy director of education and training at DWE, Zainab from Komatsu Pakistan Soft, employees from both Organizations, and youth from the Sanitation Department of CDA also attended the ceremony.

He mentioned that the DWE has initiated professional training programs, focusing on language proficiency in the destination countries for Pakistanis seeking job opportunities abroad.

He highlighted the ongoing training provided to Pakistanis visiting the Protector Office daily.

They are also initiating online mandatory training programs for expatriates abroad, soon to be implemented, he said. He emphasized that their organization primarily ensures workers' rights, and providing technical training and safety awareness to every worker. He mentioned that in the past five years, DWE trained 40,000 workers, but from last year to April 2024, they ramped up the training efforts as a team, resulting in 15,000 workers receiving training during this period.

He also highlighted that one of the organization's responsibilities is to train trade union officials to foster improved working relationships and prioritize the resolution of employee issues.

The KOMATSU representative Zainab expressed gratitude to the DWE for coordinating a program aimed at land cleanup and showing support for sanitation workers. She pledged to maintain close collaboration with the Directorate of Workers on health and environmental protection initiatives.
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Adviser to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Social Welfare, Special Education, and Women Empowerment, Mashal Yousafzai, has highlighted the profound bond of friendship between Pakistan and China, describing it as a source of immense pride

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) Adviser to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Social Welfare, Special Education, and Women Empowerment, Mashal Yousafzai, has highlighted the profound bond of friendship between Pakistan and China, describing it as a source of immense pride.

She emphasized China's unwavering support to Pakistan, especially during challenging times, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a prime example of this enduring friendship.

Yousafzai expressed these sentiments during her visit to China Window, a Chinese cultural center in Peshawar, where she praised the Chinese Embassy for providing the people of Peshawar with an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

During her visit, Mashal Yousafzai visited various galleries of the cultural center, adding her remarks to the visitors book and signing the friendship wall.

She lauded the CPEC as a testament to the strong ties between the two nations, celebrating the $29 billion already invested and anticipating further investments in the project's second phase.

Mashal Yousafzai also commended China's successful efforts in lifting millions out of poverty, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, citing it as a valuable lesson for Pakistan.

Looking ahead, Mashal Yousafzai expressed confidence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's commitment to following the example set by China in promoting social welfare and economic prosperity.

She welcomed the Chinese government's initiatives to provide higher education opportunities and scholarships to Pakistani students, expressing hope for continued cooperation in social welfare projects.

Mashal pledged the full support of the Social Welfare Department to China Window, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering friendship between the people of Peshawar and China.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam on Wednesday launched the "Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity Under Green Legacy" initiative of Ethiopia's Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed at the University of Sialkot.

The event was attended by various dignitaries including government officials, religious leaders, businessmen, academics, students, civil society representatives and members of the media. Special Envoy and Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Jemal Beker Abdula, was also present at the launch.

The initiative was launched as part of a collaboration among the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Climate Change and the University of Sialkot, a news release said.

More than 200 plants of different indigenous species were planted under the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity Under Green Legacy Initiative which was followed by a climate walk participated by a large number of people.

Speaking on the occasion, Romina Khurshid lauded Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula for fostering fraternity between the two nations through the Green Legacy Initiative.

The Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan said she was delighted to make a formal announcement regarding the collaboration between the Embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad and the Ministry of Climate Change of Pakistan regarding the Ethio-Pakistan Fraternity Under Green Legacy Initiative.

She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had accorded the approval to formalize the collaboration at the bilateral level between the two countries and assured the Government of Pakistans strong commitment in this regard.

Addressing the launching ceremony, Ambassador Jemal Beker expressed gratitude for the Government of Pakistan for joining hands with the Ethiopian Embassy to foster brotherhood and fraternity between the two big nations.

Today we gather here not only to save the planet earth but also connect the two big and historic nations the heirs of civilizations and protectors of the rule-based world order while fighting together the global challenges such as terrorism and climate change, the Ambassador remarked.

Ambassador Jemal Beker recalled the recent flash flood that brought devastation to Pakistans shore which, he had personally witnessed during his visit to tent cities in Sindh.

Climate change is an existential threat that will not spare any place or area on this planet earth if we do not come together to combat this challenge which is not a problem for only Pakistan or Ethiopia but the rest of the world, he said.

To this end, he said the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia launched the Green Legacy Initiative to contribute to the efforts of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan towards a greener and cleaner future for the next generations.

The Ambassador said the Embassy along with other stakeholders would do massive plantations throughout the week in other major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura and others.

Our efforts in this regard are completely aligned with the vision of Dr Abiy Ahmed who transformed Ethiopia under his Medemer philosophy which strongly advocates for aligning all the resources to provide homegrown solutions to the homegrown problems, the ambassador stressed.

He said the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed mobilized the whole nation under the Green Legacy initiative and so far, more than 32.5 billion seedlings planted across the country in the last five years which included saplings of fruits like avocado, papaya, banana, oranges, olives and many others.

Likewise, coffee, animal feed and floral plants were also planted taking us closer to our target of 50 billion seedlings until 2025.

In addition to that, more than 150,000 nurseries were set up in the country as well as over a million jobs.
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To celebrate International Dance Day, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is organizing folk, classical, and Sufi dance performances on April 29

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) To celebrate International Dance Day, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) is organizing folk, classical, and Sufi dance performances on April 29.

Talking to APP, Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayoub Jamali highlighted the significance of celebrating International Dance Day as a means of promoting diverse dance forms and preserving the cultural heritage of various nations.

With a history spanning centuries, dance holds a distinctive position within the performing arts, he added.

International Dance Day was created by the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute ITI, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.

Since its creation in 1982, the International Dance Committee and the International Theatre Institute ITI select an outstanding dance personality to write a message for International Dance Day each year.

This day is a celebration day for those who can see the value and importance of the art form dance, and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth.
Rome, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) Italy celebrates its liberation from Fascism on Thursday, an anniversary overshadowed by a censorship row at the public broadcaster centred on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right roots.

RAI, which has several tv and radio stations and is funded in part by a licence fee, abruptly cancelled a monologue on fascism by a renowned writer due to be broadcast on Saturday ahead of Liberation Day on April 25.

Critics have for months claimed RAI has appointed figures ideologically close to Meloni's government, the most right-wing since World War II, dubbing it "Telemeloni".

And the decision to pull Antonio Scurati's monologue, in which he accused Meloni's party of rewriting history, sparked widespread outrage.

"This RAI is no longer a public service but is being transformed into the megaphone of the government," said centre-left Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, echoing a phrase used by RAI's journalists' union.

Meloni herself, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, denied censorship on her part -- and responded to the row by posting Scurati's monologue on her Facebook account.

She suggested Italians decide for themselves, while making clear what she thought of him.

"Those who have always been ostracised and censored by the public service will never ask for anyone's censorship," she wrote.

"Not even those who think that their propaganda against the government should be paid for with citizens' money," she added, referring to reports Scurati wanted to be paid too much.
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Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) The US Congress gave final approval to a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine late Tuesday, with President Joe Biden quickly vowing to sign the long-delayed bill and begin delivering fresh supplies this week to the war zone as Russia makes battlefield gains.

The package of legislation also contains text that would ban TikTok in the United States if the popular social media app does not soon cut ties with its Chinese parent company.

Days after the Republican-led House of Representatives cleared the aid -- part of a larger $95 billion package of assistance to allies including Israel and Taiwan -- the Democratic-controlled Senate followed suit, passing it with bipartisan support on a 79-18 vote.

"I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," Biden said in a statement shortly after the vote.

Passage of the bill, which also provides much-needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza, Sudan and Haiti, comes after months of acrimonious debate among lawmakers over how or even whether to help Ukraine defend itself.

A similar aid package passed the Senate in February, but had been stalled in the House while Republican Speaker Mike Johnson -- heeding calls from ex-president Donald Trump and his hardline allies -- demanded concessions from Biden on immigration policies, before a sudden recent reversal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited Washington in December to plead for fresh aid, quickly thanked US lawmakers for passing the bill, saying on social media that he looks "forward to the bill being signed soon and the next military aid package matching the resoluteness that I always see in our negotiations."

"Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner."

Biden said the bill's approval showed America stands "resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression," while the Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, said it sends a message that the United States "will not turn our back on you"

The Ukraine measure also allows Biden to confiscate and sell Russian assets and provide the money to Kyiv to finance reconstruction, a move that has been embraced by other G7 nations.

The United States has been the chief military backer of Ukraine in its war against Russia, but Congress had not approved large-scale funding for its ally for nearly a year and a half.

The financing of the war has become a point of contention ahead of a presidential election in November that is expected to pit Biden against Trump once again.

- 'Strong message to our enemies' -

The bill also takes aim at TikTok. It would force the platform to divest from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a nationwide ban in the United States, where it has around 170 million users.

Western officials have voiced alarm over the popularity of TikTok with young people, alleging it is subservient to Beijing and a conduit to spread propaganda and gather personal data -- claims denied by the company.

TikTok and supporters have decried the prospective ban, warning it would trample free speech rights.

In addition to money for Ukraine, the package earmarks $13 billion for Israel, which is locked in a war with Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz thanked the US Senate for approving the military aid, saying on social media site X that it was "a clear testament to the strength of our alliance and sends a strong message to all our enemies."

The US approval comes as the war in Gaza enters its 201st day.

It was triggered by an October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Since then, Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas and engaged in a blistering assault on the militant group that rules the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian territory's health ministry said 34,183 people have been killed in Israel's military campaign in Gaza, most of them women and children.

The US aid package also allocates more than $9 billion for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and elsewhere, and $8 billion in military support for Taiwan as it faces down China.

- Ukraine aid 'within days' -

A Pentagon spokesperson told reporters Tuesday it could deliver fresh aid to Ukraine "within days."

Ukraine's military is facing a severe shortage of weapons and new recruits as Moscow exerts constant pressure from the east.

And frontline circumstances are expected to worsen in the coming weeks, with Ukrainian intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov predicting a "rather difficult situation" beginning mid-May.

The debate over Ukraine assistance has highlighted wide divisions between Democrats and Republicans in Congress -- but it has also revealed deep fissures within the conservative movement ahead of a likely Biden-Trump showdown in November.

While some hardline Republicans have been wary of sending funds overseas, Biden and the Democrats frame Ukraine aid as an investment in US security against Russian aggression.
Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) Authorities have cancelled hundreds of flights at French airports on Thursday despite the country's main air traffic controllers' union dropping a call for a one-day strike after making a deal for higher pay.

In Paris around 75 percent of flights at Orly and 55 percent at Charles de Gaulle airport would be dropped Thursday, the DGAC civil aviation authority told airlines in a notification seen by AFP.

Around 65 percent of services at Marseille airport and 45 percent elsewhere in France would also be cancelled, it added -- adding up to a similar impact nationwide to the reductions announced when the walkout was believed to be going ahead.

The SNCTA union had earlier walked back a strike call in a statement, saying it had struck a deal for higher pay and other measures with the DGAC.

Its demands had come in response to a planned overhaul of French air traffic control systems.

However, the DGAC did not confirm the union statement, and neither side released details of the reported agreement.

It was also unclear whether the two smaller unions which had also backed strike action would follow suit and call off the stoppage.

Unions had called the strike after an initial breakdown of talks, raising new concerns over the risk of walkouts during the Olympic Games that Paris is due to host from late July, when millions of visitors are expected.

The DGAC had asked airlines to cancel most of their flights scheduled for Thursday.

The main air traffic controllers' union had previously warned it could also order several days of strike action over a busy May holiday weekend if its demands were not met.
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Russia and Ukraine have agreed in a Qatari-brokered deal to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's invasion, the Kremlin's children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova announced in Doha Wednesday

Doha, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2024) Russia and Ukraine have agreed in a Qatari-brokered deal to exchange almost 50 children displaced by Moscow's invasion, the Kremlin's children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova announced in Doha Wednesday.

Moscow has been accused of forcibly taking Ukrainian children into Russian territory during its full-scale offensive, with Lvova-Belova wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges related to those allegations.

"For the first time in a face-to-face format, we held talks with the Ukrainian side. Twenty-nine children are due to go to Ukraine and 19 to Russia," Lvova-Belova announced.

She gave no details on why the children were in Russian hands or where they had come from.

Ukraine believes Russia has illegally taken more than 19,000 of its children since the start of the 2022 invasion, of which fewer than 400 have been returned.

Moscow denies that charge, saying that it has transferred children for their safety away from fighting zones.

The fate of the children has been highly sensitive in Ukraine since the war began two years ago.

Some of the children's parents were killed, while others were separated from carers by the fast-moving front lines at the start of the invasion.

Some were living in Ukrainian orphanages in areas Russia then occupied.

Ukraine says Moscow's forces illegally deported them to Russia, and accuses the Russian authorities of trying to wipe out their Ukrainian identity.

Teenagers that returned to Ukraine have said they were subjected to Russian patriotic education and made to praise the Russian army.
USM Brothers Earn Fellowships to Prestigious MIT Program

Wed, 04/24/2024 - 09:48am | By: Van Arnold

Kaitochukwu Chukwuka

Kaitochukwu and Otitodilichukwu Chukwuka, twin brothers and undergraduate polymer science students at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), have been awarded fellowships to the prestigious MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP).

MSRP began in 1986 as an institutional effort to address the issue of underrepresentation of African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Puerto Ricans in engineering and science in the United States. Today, the programs goal is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities and underserved (e.g. low socio-economic background, first generation) students in the research enterprise.

Otitodilichukwu Chukwuka

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, the Chukwuka brothers were encouraged by their parents to pursue an international experience when considering a college choice. USMs renowned polymer program and esteemed Honors College proved decisive in their journey to Hattiesburg, Miss.

Both students work in the lab of Associate Professor Xiaodan Gu, who also serves as Director of the Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices Initiative at USM. They harbor high expectations for the rigorous two-month fellowship program.

I will likely be working in a material science lab that focuses on organic electronics, which is close to what we do here at the Gu lab, but with more bioengineering applications. Something Id really like to get into, said Kaitochukwu, who was born three minutes ahead of his fraternal twin brother. They say MIT MSRP in intensive, and I really look forward to learning more techniques for fabricating organic electronics and honing more research skills, while making connections for grad school and beyond.

Added Otitodilichukwu: At MIT, I look forward to developing my skills of scientific observation and inquiry. I want to learn how to identify problems and propose relevant solutions in a scientific way. Learning new characterization techniques and making connections with renowned scientists and fellow students at MIT are also main goals of mine for the summer, but most important to me is to learn the art of observation and scientific inquiry because I believe that is how discoveries are made.

MSRP seeks to identify talented sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors who might benefit from spending a summer on MITs campus in Cambridge, Mass., conducting research under the guidance of MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced graduate students.

Noting their exceptional work ethic, Gu played a pivotal role in helping secure fellowships for the brothers.

They are highly motivated, which makes it a great match for them, said Gu. Having collaborated with the MIT faculty for many years, I was aware they could host USM students. Without any hesitation, I recommended my students for the program, expecting them to perform to high standards. As faculty, it is crucial for us to create opportunities for students, and this fellowship is an excellent chance for both of them.

When asked to describe the atmosphere of working in the same lab as his brother, Otitodilichukwu said, Working with my twin is the advantage I have. We help motivate each other, as well as keep an eye out for each other, making sure we both get work done. We also ask each other lots of questions that stimulate both of us intellectually.

Kaitochukwu concurred, noting: It is really amazing. Its like a friendly competitionwe are both trying to be the best at what we do and so its much motivation for the other person. We correct each other and are there to help each other when we struggle.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Algeria will take place in early June as part of the Baku Energy Week (the first week of June), Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan.

The issue was discussed on April 24 during a meeting between Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and a delegation led by the Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the National People's Assembly of Algeria Gharbi Abdelbasset.

"The meeting discussed the role of energy cooperation for a new stage of development in Azerbaijani-Algerian relations. Satisfaction was expressed with cooperation within such organizations and international formats as OPEC+ and GECF," the ministry noted.

The meeting also highlighted promising cooperation between the relevant ministries of the two countries, as well as between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Sonatrach company.

"The establishment and launch of the Joint Working Group between Azerbaijan and Algeria are important for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Algeria on cooperation in the field of oil and gas. The assessment of mutual investment opportunities in the energy sector is also important, particularly in alternative energy," emphasized the ministry.

To note, the visit of delegation led by Abdelbasset to Azerbaijan began on April 22.

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The financial aid awarded to each UTSA Top Scholar  a four-year scholarship covering 100% of tuition, fees, and room and board  was also a major factor in Nguyens decision.

The financial aid package isn't something you can ignore, Nguyen said. But beyond the financial package, there's the experiential package.

For Nguyen, this included unique learning opportunities offered by dedicated faculty, proactive degree planning and career support from Honors College advisors, and a close-knit community of peers who supported each others academic, professional and personal growth.

All of it comes together to create an experiential package where students can take their educational journey and make it their own, he said.

One of these key experiences took place in the lab of Karl Klose, a professor in the UTSA Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. A biology and statistics double major, Nguyen spent three years in Kloses lab exploring the field of medical research and gaining experience with vaccine development.

Undergraduate research was a big part of my time at UTSA, Nguyen said. Top Scholar and the Honors College helped open some doors along that route.

As he approached graduation, Nguyen, a student with majors in two UTSA colleges, needed a study abroad program that could fulfill requirements for both areas of study to stay on track for graduation.

The UTSA Study Abroad Office helped him find the perfect program that met his academic needs. It would take him to South Korea.

I was asking for a lot of things, but sure enough they found exactly one experience, which was the South Korea program, Nguyen said. Going from San Antonio to South Korea was a big jump, but I'm glad that I did it. There was a huge sense of adventure, and I got to make new friends from all different walks of life.

After completing his bachelors degree at UTSA, Nguyen attended the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin and earned a masters degree in business analytics. From there, he landed a job at Chevron as a data scientist in Houston, where he has worked since 2019.

He credits UTSA and its Top Scholar program for promoting his academic and holistic development, and for laying the groundwork for success in his graduate studies and his career as a data scientist.

I felt that my education, especially around statistics, was pretty competitive when I went on to the UT Business School program, Nguyen said. Even now in my current work at Chevron, I feel like my undergrad education and my foundation for statistics was very competitive.

Cory Nguyen and his younger brother, Cameron (right), are both UTSA alumni.

Recognizing the countless benefits he obtained from the UTSA Top Scholar program, Nguyen has continued to pay it forward to incoming Roadrunners. He mentors current Top Scholars and attends events during the selection process each year, meeting with prospective students and their parents to provide valuable insight into the program.

Nguyen is one of three Roadrunners in his family. His father and his younger brother, Cameron Nguyen 19, are also UTSA alumni.

Following in his older brothers footsteps, Cameron applied to be a Top Scholar after seeing the value Cory had gained in his first year. Like Cory, Camerons experience also served as a catalyst for his post-college success, and he was hired at Google shortly after graduating.

Cameron saw that I was growing from the program, and he had a chance to do the same thing, Cory said. And my closest friend was now in college with me, and we got to continue to do things together.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the US Treasury Department discussed cooperation opportunities, the CBA Governor Taleh Kazimov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"We had fruitful meetings with Anna Morris, Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Global Affairs, and Brian McCauley, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia. During the sessions, we went over the Central Bank's financial institution supervision measures and discussed macroeconomic issues. We also reviewed prospects for cooperation between the two organizations in the fields of risk assessment and management, enhancing cyber security measures, and guaranteeing overall financial stability," he added.

To note, on April 23, the visit of the Azerbaijani banking mission to the US, organized by the Association of Banks of Azerbaijan and the US Chamber of Commerce and Industry, began.

The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan (formerly the National Bank) was formed by the President's Decree on the Establishment of the National Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dated February 11, 1992. The Central Bank has an extraordinary role in issuing the country's national currency.

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Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Vietnam Exports to the US in Q1 2024 Reach US$25.77 Billion

Vietnam recorded a significant surge in exports to the US, totaling US$25.77 billion in the initial quarter of the year. This accounted for 27.7 percent of the entire export turnover of the Southeast Asian economy, marking a substantial 24.1 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

Among the notable export items, six surpassed the US$1 billion mark, eight exceeded US$500 million, and 19 exceeded US$100 million. The distinguished billion-dollar club comprised computers and electronic products, machinery, textiles, wood products, and footwear.

Compared to the same timeframe in 2023, 31 out of 36 export items to the US witnessed a surge in turnover. Notably, nine items experienced significant increases of over US$100 million, with one item, namely computers, electronic products, and components, registering an impressive increase of over US$1 billion.

Vietnams trade surplus with the US in the first quarter of 2024 soared to US$22.38 billion.

Despite Vietnams prominent position as one of the leading exporters to the US, its share in the imports of the worlds largest economy stands at about 3 percent. This indicates substantial untapped growth potential, particularly following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.

The U.S. and Vietnam have made great efforts to strengthen their relationship in recent years, so the upgrade in the official status of the relationship was well overdue and is a testament to the converging strategic interests as well as trade and investment ties between the two countries.  Kyle Freeman, Partner at Dezan Shira and Associates

The Vietnamese diaspora in the US, numbering over 2.5 million individuals, plays a crucial role as a liaison between Vietnam and the US across various domains, including investment, trade, tourism, and remittances, according to economists.

Furthermore, Vietnams exports to the US have reaped benefits from the depreciation of the Vietnamese ong.

Based on first-quarter-data, forecasts suggest that Vietnams exports, imports, and trade surplus activities with the US could heighten to reach US$103 billion, with a trade surplus exceeding US$90 billion in 2024.

READ: Outcomes for Vietnam from Bidens Visit to Hanoi
Editors note: This story has been updated to more accurately describe what is covered by the amount of aid in the bill.

President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday for $26 billion in additional wartime assistance to Israel, humanitarian aid, and U.S. operations in the region. It comes more than six months after a Hamas terrorist attack in Israel killed more than 1,200 people and triggered an Israeli response that has killed more than 34,000 people in Gaza.

Israels foreign minister thanked lawmakers for passing the security aid bill, calling the package a clear testament to the strength of our alliance and saying it sends a strong message to all our enemies.

The aid, passed over the opposition of some Democratic Party lawmakers, comes during an internal review by the administration on whether U.S. partners who were provided with American weapons have complied with international and U.S. laws.

The review was mandated by the president in February in what was known as National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM 20). It directs the departments of State and Defense to ensure that all recipients of aid meet U.S. legal requirements. This includes a mandate the U.S. cut off assistance to foreign military or law enforcement units if it finds there is credible evidence of human rights violations.

Israel provided its assurances of NSM-20 compliance in March. The State Department has until May 8 to report to Congress whether it finds Israel's assurances credible.

Ahead of that deadline, a group made up of critics of Israels conduct on Wednesday called for suspending the arms transfers, accusing the Israel Defense Forces of a systematic pattern of war crimes.

In a report released Wednesday, the Independent Task Force on the Application of National Security Memorandum-20 (NSM-20) casts doubts on the assurances of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government that Israel is using American weapons in full compliance with U.S. and international law.

Israels military insists that its operation in Gaza complies with international law, and that Hamas often conceals militants among civilians.

Determining whether countries use American weapons lawfully can be quite tricky, said Sarah Harrison, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, a U.S.-based liberal think tank.

She told VOA the administration should be very critical of Israeli actions in the war.

Restrictions on IDF

The U.S. State Department is also set to release the results of an investigation into whether it should restrict assistance to Israeli military units accused of human rights violations in the West Bank that were said to have mostly occurred before the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

If the U.S. announces restrictions, it would be the first time it has prohibited assistance to the Israeli military.

Prime Minister Netanyahu wrote in a social media post that such restrictions would be the height of absurdity and a moral low, at a time when Israeli troops are battling Hamas.

Restricting U.S. aid would be symbolically important, Harrison said, but that there would be no impact on the battlefield. Israel could purchase American weapons using its own funds and provide them to those units, she added.

VOA's Anita Powell contributed to this report.
The annual report released Wednesday by Amnesty International paints a dismal picture of human rights repression and international rule-breaking worldwide, all in the midst of deepening global inequality and an escalating climate crisis.

In the report, Amnesty had a rare note of commendation for Zimbabwe, praising the government for enacting the Children's Amendment Act of 2023, which criminalizes marriages of people under the age of 18.

But Lucia Masuka, head of Amnesty International in Zimbabwe, still had many critical things to say about President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.

"We are mainly concerned with the issue of repression of dissent, which we noted, which was characterized by the severe restrictions in freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, particularly during the election period," said Masuka. "We are also concerned with the cases that are lost after the (2023) elections, cases of abductions, torture and in some cases, you know, killings where the perpetrators are not apprehended or brought to account."

Rights groups have harshly criticized Zimbabwe for human rights abuses for decades, going back at least to the early 2000s, when the government of then-President Robert Mugabe engaged in alleged election rigging and forced thousands of white commercial farmers off their land.

Farai Muroiwa Marapira, spokesman for the ruling ZANU-PF party, disputes Amnesty International's conclusions about Zimbabwe, saying the agency releases its reports "not based on facts, not based on merit, but based on agendaism.

"We really do not have much respect for what they have to say, because they do not speak from a point of impartiality, they do not speak from a point of objectivity, and we cannot serve our people and our nation at the same time and attend to agendarists," said Marapira. "So, they are free to say what they want as usual, we will tell them what to do of it."

President Mnangagwa's government has rejected all criticism of the way the 2023 elections were conducted, despite critical reports from organizations such as the Southern African Development Community.

In a presentation of Amnesty's report, Deprose Muchena, a senior director in the rights group, touched on several other African crises.

Muchena noted that the conflict in Sudan has led to a major displacement internally. According to the United Nations, more than 9 million people have been internally displaced since April 2023, making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world.

"Up to 1.8 million people are now refugees in neighboring countries, such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt," said Muchena. "The catastrophic humanitarian crisis is now approaching famine proportions as many people watch."

He also noted the chronic human rights crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where violence has forced millions of people from their homes, and the effects of conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. War broke out in the Tigray region in November 2020 between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the party that dominated the region. The war lasted two years.

"Survivors and victims of this war in Ethiopia have faced horrendous human rights violations and neglect by Ethiopian authorities despite their persistent calls for justice," said Muchena. "After the guns were silenced in the Tigray region in 2022, two other armed conflicts in Oromia and Amara region continue to rage."

Women in Ethiopia, he said, "continue to bear the ultimate brunt of this conflict in violation. In addition to conflict-related sexual violence faced by tens of thousands of women, we are seeing harmful practices such as abduction for marriage, which are putting Ethiopia at risk. Ethiopia remains another forgotten crisis."

The report also warned that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence worldwide  and the disinformation that AI helps spread  could lead to further breakdowns in the international rule of law.

Some information for this report was provided by the Reuters news agency.
All About America explores American culture, politics, trends, history, ideals and places of interest.



Whats in a name? People born approximately between 1946 to 1964 have been dubbed Baby Boomers because of the sharp increase in birth rates after World War II. Millennials, now between the ages of 28 and 43, got their name because the oldest members of this generation became adults at the turn of the millennium. Social analyst and demographer Mark McCrindle isnt a fan of either moniker. A label that lasts for the best part of a century per generation, yet defines them at a particular point early in their life, is not particularly helpful, McCrindle says. Now in 2024, that shift into the millennium is more a footnote in their history, rather than the defining characteristic. So that's the problem with labels that are given at a particular point in time.

McCrindle knows a thing or two about generation labels. Hes credited with naming the generation thats being born now. Meet Gen Alpha, whose mothers will give birth to the youngest, and last, members of this group this year. Names that are blank pages are the best sort of names, because they're not ladened with values already, he says. It worked with Generation X, worked with Generation Z. And, I think, more important than the name that we give a generation is the name it makes for itself. There is no official group in charge of naming generations, but theorists Neil Howe and William Strauss were among the first to name the different generations in their 1991 book, Generations. They are credited with naming the Millennials. "We thought that an upbeat name would be good because of the changing way they were being raised. They would be the first to graduate high school in the year 2000, so the name millennial instantly came to mind," Howe told NPR in 2014. Canadian author Douglas Coupland gets the credit for coining, or at least popularizing, the term Gen X  in reference to people born between 1965 and 1980  in his 1991 book, Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. Gen Z is thought to have gotten its name for being two generations after Gen X.

McCrindle and his associates conducted a survey to see what the generation after Gen Z (generally born from 1995 to 2009) should be called. Many thought that the kids of millennials, those born between 2010 and 2024, should get a label thats associated with technology, like i-Gen or Digital Gen. McCrindle disagreed. This was the first generation truly growing up digital from the youngest age and a global generation amidst uncertain times. We're not going back to the start, he says. This is the beginning of a whole new reality and, therefore, I wanted to move away from that idea and I just put forward the concept of let's go with scientific naming, which is using the Greek alphabet. In accordance with the Greek alphabet model, the generation born between 2025 and 2040 will be known as Gen Beta, followed by Gens Gamma and Delta.
U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, saying, When our allies are stronger. We are stronger.

He said the new assistance, aimed at helping Ukraine fight Russias two-year invasion and Israel to fight Hamas militants and fend off airstrikes from Iran, is going to make America safer. It's going to make the world safer. And it continues America's leadership in the world.

Biden said that within hours, the U.S. would begin shipments of air defense munitions, artillery for rocket systems and armored vehicles into Ukraine to help Kyivs fighters in a war with Moscow that has largely stalemated on the eastern Ukraine battlefront.

He said the U.S. would ship munitions from its own stockpiles, then replace those with new munitions manufactured in the United States.

In other words, we're helping Ukraine while at the same time, investing in our own industrial base, strengthening our own national security, supporting jobs in nearly 40 states all across America, Biden said.

He called congressional passage of the aid bill, approved after months of debate, a historical moment, showing the U.S. would stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

We stand up against dictators, Biden declared. We bow to no one, certainly not Vladimir Putin.

The Senate late Tuesday completed passage of the new aid bill. The 79-18 vote came after months of delays, chiefly in the House of Representatives, where the legislation stalled in a dispute over sending aid abroad while failing to act on tighter security to curb migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The House ultimately approved the measure by a vote of 311-112 on Saturday. But the measure in the final version does not address the U.S. border migration concerns.

Ukraines battle against a Russian invasion is the major focus of the package, with $61 billion going toward that fight.

The bill also includes $26 billion for Israel at a time when it is battling Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, and $8 billion for countering Chinas actions threatening Taiwan and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging allies to provide more aid to help his military match up against Russias forces, particularly to defend Ukrainian cities from daily missile and drone attacks.

Zelenskyy thanked Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell following the Senate approval, saying the vote reinforces Americas role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world.

Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner, Zelenskyy said.

Schumer said late Tuesday the United States will soon deliver ammunition and air defenses to help Ukraine resist Russia, send aid to Israel to fight Hamas and stand up to Iran, deliver food and medicine to civilians in Gaza and help allies resist China.

We tell our allies, We stand with you. We tell our adversaries, Dont mess with us, Schumer said.

McConnell told the Senate ahead of the vote that the world was watching to see how lawmakers would act.

"History will record that even as allies and partners may have worried about the depth of our resolve, even as Moscow, Beijing and Tehran grew more convinced that our influence had run its course, and even as loud voices here at home insisted on abandoning the responsibilities of leadership, America stepped up," McConnell said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also thanked lawmakers for passing the security aid bill, calling the package a clear testament to the strength of our alliance and saying it sends a strong message to all our enemies.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
President Biden signs funding bills, including the long-awaited bill giving military aid to Ukraine; The World Food Program says famine is only weeks away in Gaza, where hostages have been held for 200 days. Plus are Chinese spies working in Europe and a dove is released in the European Parliament.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. AzInTelecom LLC (Azerbaijan International Telecom), operating under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, has joined the UN Global Compact on Sustainable Development, said Chairman of the Board of Directors at AzInTelecom Elkhan Azizov, Trend reports.

"We endorse the advancement of sustainable development across environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) realms. Our commitment aligns with the ten principles of the UN Global Compact on Sustainable Development, which include upholding human rights, combating corruption, promoting gender equality, and safeguarding the environment," he emphasized.

According to him, the LLC will increase its focus on the popularization of green technologies in its activities.

"Considering that 2024 has been designated as the "Green World Solidarity Year" in Azerbaijan and COP29 is to be held in Baku, our LLC will significantly prioritize environmental concerns and the advancement of green technological solutions," he said.

AzInTelecom LLC's activities include the provision of cloud solutions, the transmission of international voice traffic between Azerbaijan and other countries, information security services, and the operation of the SIMA digital solutions platform.

"The company's strategy is built on such basic characteristics as human value, reliability, innovation, adaptability, transparency, and confidentiality," the head of AzInTelecom LLC added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
U.S. President Joe Biden said he will sign legislation Wednesday providing $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after the Senate gave its approval late Tuesday.

The 79-18 vote came after months of delays, which included the Senate passing a similar measure and leaders in the House of Representatives refusing to hold a vote of their own amid disagreements over sending aid abroad and security priorities at home.

The House renewed the effort after negotiations among congressional leaders to overcome objections, ultimately approving the measure by a vote of 311-112 on Saturday.

Ukraines battle against a Russian invasion is the major focus of the package, with $61 billion going toward that fight.

The bill also includes $26 billion for Israel at a time when it is battling Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, and $8 billion for countering Chinas actions threatening Taiwan and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden said in a statement shortly after the Senate vote that the United States could start sending weapons and military equipment to Ukraine this week.

This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, Biden said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging allies to provide more aid to help his military match up against Russias forces, particularly to defend Ukrainian cities from daily missile and drone attacks.

Zelenskyy thanked Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell following the Senate approval, saying the vote reinforces Americas role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world.

Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner, Zelenskyy said.

Schumer said late Tuesday the United States will soon deliver ammunition and air defenses to help Ukraine resist Russia, send aid to Israel to fight Hamas and stand up to Iran, deliver food and medicine to civilians in Gaza, and help allies resist China.

We tell our allies, we stand with you. We tell our adversaries, dont mess with us, Schumer said.

McConnell told the Senate ahead of the vote that the world was watching to see how lawmakers would act.

"History will record that even as allies and partners may have worried about the depth of our resolve, even as Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran grew more convinced that our influence had run its course, and even as loud voices here at home insisted on abandoning the responsibilities of leadership, America stepped up," McConnell said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also thanked lawmakers for passing the security aid bill, calling the package a clear testament to the strength of our alliance and sends a strong message to all our enemies.



Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Botswana says it has rejected a proposal to accept asylum-seekers from the United Kingdom, an arrangement similar to the one Rwanda has agreed to.

The UKs House of Lords on Monday passed a bill that will see migrants deported to Rwanda in a move condemned by human rights activists and the United Nations.

In Botswana this week, an umbrella of civil society organizations urged the government to reject proposals from the U.K. to send thousands of migrants to the African nation.

Botswanas minister for foreign affairs, Lemogang Kwape, told VOA that U.K. officials had reached out, but authorities in Gaborone would not commit to hosting people not knowing what the end game would be.

Kutlwano Relontle, is the program manager for the Botswana coalition, the Universal Periodic Review NGO Working Group.

Relontle said the groups called on the government of Botswana "and other countries to distance themselves from this controversial U.K. program, which appears to be aimed at protecting only some of those who are fleeing their countries on the basis of fear of persecution, and not others."

"We noted that in the case of the conflict in Ukraine, those seeking asylum were fast-tracked into the system, and citizens even encouraged to host them in their homes, Relontle said.

Relontle said the group also wants the U.K. government to respect international conventions on the treatment of asylum-seekers.

Officials in the U.K. said they want to put an end to asylum-seekers arriving in small boats, mostly from Asia and Africa.

Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy in the U.K., said under the Rwanda arrangement, some deserving asylum-seekers will be turned away.

There is a general view that the small boats crisis needs to be resolved, [as] that it is very dangerous and unacceptable for people to be arriving in such numbers across the channel, but that does not mean that the majority of the population want to send people, particularly people who would have a claim to refugee status, to Rwanda.

Portes says it is not surprising that countries such as Botswana are turning down the controversial policy after it came under heavy criticism from the United Nations and activists.

Frankly it will be highly unlikely for any other country to participate in this, both from a reputational and practical point of view," Portes said. "I think frankly even the Rwandans, despite being offered really quite remarkably large sums of money by the U.K. government, are regretting or at the very least, having second thoughts about whether this policy is sensible.

The policy was first initiated two years ago, but the U.K. Supreme Court ruled it unlawful, which halted deportation.

Following Mondays passage of the bill, the U.K. is expected to start deporting asylum-seekers to Rwanda by mid-July.
The European Commission launched a probe into China's public procurement of medical devices on Wednesday, the latest in a series of moves that ratchet up trade tensions ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to Europe next month.

The investigation - which Beijing swiftly criticized  is meant to determine if European suppliers of devices ranging from needles and orthopedic appliances to complex scanners have been granted fair access in China.

If it concludes that they have not, it could lead to the bloc placing restrictions on Chinese medical device companies bidding in EU public tenders, ranging from enforcing a lower score for bidding Chinese companies to full exclusion.

The probe is the first under the EU International Procurement Instrument, which aims to promote reciprocity in access to international public procurement markets, following long-running complaints from European companies and governments over access to the Chinese market.

With the EU flexing its trade muscles, this investigation follows the launch in October of a major probe into cheaper Chinese electric vehicle.

And it comes just a day after a Chinese security equipment company was raided by the European Commission at its Dutch and Polish offices.

The EU is also looking at subsidies received by Chinese suppliers of wind turbines and solar power destined for Europe.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lobbied for better market access for German firms in China in talks with Xi this month.

"The EU has always boasted that it is the most open market in the world, but of course what the outside world sees is that the EU is moving step by step towards protectionism," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters.

The EU should "stop using all kinds of excuses to suppress and restrict Chinese enterprises for no reason", he said.

US approach

The EU's more robust stance dovetails with Washington's firm approach.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned China earlier this month that Washington would not accept new industries being "decimated" by Chinese imports. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Shanghai Wednesday, with trade issues also high on the agenda.

The EU official journal listed a number of ways in which the Commission suspected China was unfairly favoring Chinese bidders for medical devices, including a "Buy China" policy, restrictions on imports and conditions leading to abnormally low bids that profit-oriented companies could not offer.

"The Commission's preliminary assessment is that the above measures and practices result in a de jure and de facto serious and recurrent impairment of access of (European) Union economic operators," the EU Official Journal said.

The Commission has invited China to submit its views and also to enter consultations with the Commission to eliminate or remedy the alleged measures and practices, the journal said.

The investigation is to be concluded within nine months, although the Commission can extend this period by a further five months.
In a dramatic surge, U.S. border patrol authorities detained more than 24,000 Chinese citizens crossing the southern border in fiscal year 2023, a 12-fold increase from the previous year. Many come seeking asylum, and among those that do, a small group of Chinas ethnic Hui Muslims stands out. Aron Ranen brings us the story from the Big Apple.
Israel has taken significant steps in recent weeks on allowing aid into Gaza, the U.S. special envoy for humanitarian issues said on Tuesday, but considerable work remains to be done as the risk of famine in the enclave is very high.

David Satterfield declined to say whether Washington was satisfied by Israel's moves, weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden demanded action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying conditions could be placed on U.S. support for close ally Israel if it did not implement a series of "specific, concrete and measurable" steps.

"Israel has taken significant steps in these last two and a half weeks," Satterfield told reporters. "There is still considerable work to be done. But progress has been made."

The risk of famine throughout war-devastated Gaza, especially in the north, is "very high," he said, calling for more to be done to get aid to those in need in that part of the tiny, densely populated Palestinian territory.

The United Nations has long complained of obstacles to getting aid in and distributing it throughout Gaza in the six months since Israel began an aerial and ground offensive against Gaza's ruling Islamist militant group Hamas.

Israel's military campaign has reduced much of the territory of 2.3 million people to a wasteland with an unfolding humanitarian disaster. The war was sparked in October, when Hamas stormed into southern Israel.

The head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said on Tuesday that the daily average number of trucks entering Gaza during April was 200 and that there had been a peak on Monday of 316.

"We have always stressed that we were in a man-made situation, and it can only be addressed by political will and decisions, and the last few days show this is possible," he told reporters. "The more we sustain this, the more we will have a positive impact."

There was also now a focus on garbage collection, he added, especially in southern Gaza, in a bid to avoid disease outbreaks as the warmer weather approaches.

UNRWA has been described by top U.N. officials as the backbone of aid operations in Gaza. But earlier this year, Israel accused 12 UNRWA staff of taking part in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attacks that triggered the Gaza war. Israel's allegations led 16 countries to pause or suspend funding of $450 million to UNRWA.

Lazzarini said UNRWA has enough funding to pay for operations until June. However, funding by the U.S., UNRWA's biggest donor at $300 million to $400 million a year, has been suspended by the U.S. Congress until at least March 2025.

"If it is a lasting suspension, it will have sustainable impact on the agency. If it is a temporary suspension, I do believe we can find a temporary solution with some donors stepping in," Lazzarini said.

He also said there has been an "extraordinary kind of grassroots solidarity" with UNRWA, which had raised $100 million from online public donations in the past six months.
Gabon's month-long national dialogue intended to lay the groundwork for restoring civilian rule in the Central African nation concludes at the end of April, with delegates proposing a range of options for new governance.

The more than 600 delegates attending the talks in the capital, Libreville, offered scores of recommendations for rebuilding the political, economic, and social organization of the central African nation after more than 60 years of rule by former President Omar Bongo and his family, followed by months of military rule.

Jean Bernard Asseko Mve, a cleric of the Roman Catholic Church and the dialogue's spokesperson, spoke on Gabon's state TV on Wednesday. He said the participants were preoccupied with why Gabon has remained poor and underdeveloped despite the central African state's abundance of natural and mineral wealth, fertile soils, forests and petroleum resources.

Mve added that the first success of the dialogue is that Gabon's citizens appear to have put their differences behind them and are focused on the well-being of their country and its close to 2.5 million inhabitants.

Emmanuel Mve Mba is chairperson of Gabon's Inclusive National Dialogue Sub Commission on Employment, which discussed what it calls galloping youth unemployment, one factor government officials believe to be linked to mounting insecurity and highway robbery in the central African state.

Mba said the subcommission recommends that the more than 180,000 youths who applied for jobs since the military seized power on Aug. 30, 2023, be recruited into public offices strictly on merit and not as a political favors, which he said has been the case since Gabon's independence about 60 years ago.

Mba said Gabon needs 7,000 teachers, 6,000 health workers, and 20,000 police and soldiers to maintain peace in the central African nation.

Dialogue officials say strong recommendations have been made for Gabon to be a true democratic state, where civilians are not persecuted for holding contrary opinions to those of the ruling governments. They say an independent elections management body should be created to guarantee free, fair and transparent polls.

Other recommendations include establishing presidential limits in office to two five-year terms and reducing the influence of the central government in Libreville through decentralization  particularly by giving more power to local officials in Gabon's nine administrative units, known as provinces, with the possibility of electing governors.

Dialogue officials say the recommendations and resolutions will be examined during a plenary on April 30 and handed to transitional President General Brice Oligui Nguema. Nguema, at the beginning of the dialogue, promised to respect all resolutions taken at the Inclusive National Dialogue.

The participants say they asked Nguema to respect the transitional charter he set for himself and hand power to democratic rule by August 2025, when local council and legislative elections are expected to take place.
Iran on Wednesday condemned as illegal Argentina's request for Interpol to arrest Iran's interior minister in the 1994 bombing attack on a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani "strongly condemned the repetition of illegal requests based on lies ... by some Argentine judges about Iranian nationals in the AMIA case," a statement from the ministry said.

On April 12, a court in Argentina placed blame on Iran for the 1994 attack against the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires and for a bombing two years earlier against the Israeli embassy, which killed 29 people.

The Argentinean foreign ministry on Tuesday said the Iranian minister, Ahmad Vahidi, was part of a delegation from Tehran visiting Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and Interpol has issued a red notice seeking his arrest at the request of Argentina.

Argentina has also asked those two governments to arrest Vahidi, it added in a statement.

But Iran's official news agency IRNA reported that Vahidi was back in Iran on Tuesday, where he attended a ceremony to induct a provincial governor.

An official from Sri Lanka's foreign ministry told AFP that Vahidi was not listed as part of an Iranian delegation that arrived in the country on Wednesday.

"The accusations made in the AMIA case against Iranian citizens lacked any validity," the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said.

Iran "supports the execution of justice and the prosecution of those who, by destroying documents, caused serious deviations in the course of the AMIA case and escaped punishment for this incident," he added.

Kanani also urged the Argentine authorities to avoid "making baseless accusations against the citizens of other countries and not to be influenced by the enemies of the bilateral relations between Iran and Argentina."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has agreed with Iraqi officials to expand bilateral relations, an attempt that experts say will be challenged by neighbor Iran, which has established significant political clout in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said at a joint news conference with Erdogan on Monday that the 26 memorandums of understanding he signed that day provided a road map for sustainable cooperation between Iraq and Turkey.

Erdogan, on his first visit to Iraq in 13 years, hailed the memorandums.

"I believe that my visit and the agreements we signed will be a turning point in the relations between Iraq and Turkey, he said.

The documents address key issues between the two countries, including security, water management and trade.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of preliminary agreements among Iraq, Turkey, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a 1,200-kilometer highway and railway project known as the Development Road Project, which would connect the Persian Gulf countries to Turkey and Europe through Iraq.

However, some experts are skeptical about Turkeys ability to expand its interests in Iraq. They think Iran, as a regional competitor with more influence in Iraq, will ultimately shape Ankaras relations with Baghdad.

"Whether Iran will agree to a NATO member to become the main character in Iraq and Tehrans competitor is questionable, Sardar Aziz, a researcher at the Emirates Policy Center and a former senior adviser in the Kurdistan Regional Parliament, told VOA.

Aziz argued that the term of Iraqs current Cabinet is approaching its end, adding more uncertainty for Turkey.

Prime Minister al-Sudani has only one year left in office, and his chances of remaining in his position are very low, he said. Additionally, no money has been allocated in the Iraqi budget for these projects. These make it impossible for the agreements to become long term, unless Iran agrees to them.

While competition between Turkey and Iran over influence in Iraq is not new, Tehran has had the most influence since the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. In 2014, the Popular Mobilization Forces, an organization of Irans Shiite proxy militias in Iraq, further solidified Irans hand in Iraq.

However, experts say Turkey is seeking to balance Irans dominance by supporting Iraqs Sunni and Turkmen communities.

According to the Turkish presidency, Erdogan met with several representatives of Baghdads Turkmen community during his visit on Monday to Iraq. That meeting followed one with the Sunni community in the Iraqi capital.

Hassan Hanzal al-Nasir, an Iraqi writer and journalist in Baghdad, argued that Turkeys influence over Iraqi Sunnis was unlikely to help Erdogan because of a stark division in the Sunni political base, particularly after the removal of Iraqs parliamentary speaker.

Iraqs Sunni parliament speaker, Mohamed al-Halbousi, was removed from his position in November 2023 by the overwhelmingly Shiite Iraqi Supreme Court over forgery allegations. Some Sunni political leaders condemned the decision as an attempt to further marginalize their community.

"Iraqs Sunni political leaders are confused between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Emirates and even Jordan. There is no consensus among the Iraqi Sunnis to fill the position of the parliament head, al-Nasir told VOA.

Nazar Haidar, director of the Iraq Media Center based in Virginia, said Turkey is leveraging Iraqs sectarian divisions as a negotiating card.

Indeed, the Iraqi public has been shocked in the recent two days after seeing pictures of President Erdogan meeting with those he called the representatives of the Sunni community and the representatives of the Turkmen community. This is an extremely dangerous subject, he told VOA.

The Sunni and Turkmen communities see Ankara as a support force in the Iraqi political process, and Ankara sees the Sunni and Turkmen communities as the negotiating card with the Iraqi government, Haidar added.

Experts predict Irans involvement will similarly complicate Iraq's and Turkeys attempts to cooperate on security.

While speaking to reporters on his flight home, Erdogan said Iraqi officials had agreed to cooperate with his government against Turkeys Kurdish PKK militants. He said he wished to see concrete results of Baghdad's labeling of the PKK as a "banned organization."

Aziz, of the Emirates Policy Center, told VOA, "It seems that Turkey did not achieve its goal of convincing Iraq to recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization.

In practice, Iraq's assistance to Turkey against the PKK is difficult, because the issue has geopolitical and regional dimensions, he said, adding that Turkeys possible military operations inside Iraq, particularly in the city of Sinjar, where the PKK and PMF simultaneously operate, could lead to direct involvement from Iran.

But Haidar predicted no Iranian objection to a future Turkish military operation against Kurdish militants in Iraq.

Iran will agree on such an operation by Turkey because it will give [Iran] a good opportunity to further enhance its strategic interests inside the Iraqi territory. It will be a mutually beneficial scenario for Iran and Turkey, Haidar said.

This story originated in VOAs Kurdish Service.
Israels military said Wednesday it is deploying two reserve brigade divisions to the Gaza Strip, a move that comes as Israel prepares for a ground invasion in the southern city of Rafah.

The military said the brigades would carry out defensive and tactical missions, without offering further details.

Israeli officials have said an offensive in Rafah is necessary to achieve their goal of eliminating Hamas terrorists.

The United States, United Nations and others have expressed concerns about a ground invasion, saying it could bring a humanitarian disaster to Rafah. More than half of Gazas population is sheltering in the area, with many people having fled from other parts of the territory due to the fighting and Israeli evacuation orders.

Despite tensions between the United States and Israel over Rafah, President Joe Biden Wednesday signed into law a $95 billion foreign aid bill that contains $26.4 billion for Israel, including military spending, and about $1 billion for humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.

Israels foreign minister thanked President Biden on social media platform X.

Separately, the top U.N. aid official for Gaza told the Security Council on Wednesday that preparations for building the floating port and pier off Gaza are advancing, with the involvement of the United States and other countries.

Sigrid Kaag said the U.N. has outlined the parameters under which it can play a meaningful role in the distribution of aid from this corridor but was clear that neither sea nor air deliveries could substitute for truck convoys.

Land routes are the only way to bring in the bulk of supplies needed, she said.

Hope for one hostages family

On Wednesday, Hamas released a video apparently showing Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was among some 250 hostages taken during the October 7 terror attacks inside Israel.

The video could not be independently verified, but his family said they believe the video is of him.

In the nearly 3-minute-long video, the now 24-year-old Goldberg-Polin criticizes the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not protecting him and other Israelis on October 7. He said Netanyahu should be ashamed for leaving the hostages for more than 200 days and rejecting deals for their release.

Goldberg-Polin said he has been living in an underground hell and held up his left arm, showing the stump where his hand was blown off by a grenade during the attack on the Nova music festival where he was abducted.

His reference to how long he has been held, and another reference to the Jewish Passover holiday this week, suggest the tape was made recently. U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the FBI is examining the video.

'Time is rapidly running out'

Hamas periodically releases propaganda videos like this one to pressure Israels government, where citizens have been demonstrating daily for the release of the hostages, and to cause further psychological distress.

The Hostages Families Forum said the Goldberg-Polin family allowed the video to be shared after it was released by Hamas.

Hersh's cry is the collective cry of all the hostages  their time is rapidly running out, the forum said in a statement. With each passing day, the fear of losing more innocent lives grows stronger. We cannot afford to waste any more time; the hostages must be the top priority.

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, according to Israel. Israel says the militants are still holding about 100 captives and the remains of more than 30 others.

The United States, Britain, Israel and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist group.

Israels response, a military campaign it says is aimed at eliminating Hamas and ensuring the group cannot carry out a future attack, has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and injured more than 77,000 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says women and children account for two-thirds of those killed.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Indias main opposition Congress Party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of hate speech following remarks at recent election rallies in which he said the rival party would favor the minority Muslim community if voted to power.

Modis controversial comments came amid hectic campaigning by political parties as India holds phased elections that began this month and continue until June 1.

Political analysts said the remarks by Modi, who is leading his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Partys bid to win a third term in power, are an effort to shore up support among his Hindu voter base.

The prime minister told a rally held in the northwestern state of Rajasthan on Sunday that if the opposition Congress Party is voted into power, it will gather all your wealth and distribute it to those who have more children and to infiltrators. The remarks were widely seen as a reference to Muslims.

Modi cited a two-decade old comment by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, from when the Congress Party led a coalition government, in which Singh had said that Indias lower castes, tribes, women and in particular the Muslim community deserved a share in the countrys development. Singhs government had clarified that he was referring to all disadvantaged groups.

The remarks prompted an outcry from the Congress Party, which denied making any promise of taking away and redistributing wealth and said that the partys manifesto only talks about equality and justice for all.

The party said the prime ministers remarks were a "blatant and direct violation of electoral laws, which ban canvassing on caste and communal feelings.

In a complaint to the Election Commission, the Congress Party called the comments "divisive and malicious" and said they were targeted at "a particular religious community." It has petitioned the body that oversees Indias mammoth election, to act against Modi.

What Modiji said was hate speech and also a well-thought-out ploy to divert attention, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X.

Several other opposition parties, which accuse Modis BJP of polarizing voters for electoral gains, have also joined the chorus of protest against the prime ministers remarks.

Modi continued his attack on the Congress Party at election rallies this week, saying they wanted to implement reservations based on religion. That remark was a reference to a decades-long affirmative action program under which India sets aside quotas in government jobs and educational institutes for lower castes.

The BJP has defended the prime ministers remarks. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told reporters on Monday that he only echoed the sentiment of every citizen of the country who believes in equality.

On the campaign trail, Modi has sought votes largely on his pledge of making India a developed nation, expanding the economy and increasing welfare programs for the poor.

However, analysts say the prime ministers comments represent a change in tactics as the party seeks to energize its cadres and voters from the Hindu majority community.

It is communal politics and a concerted attempt to otherize minorities and Muslims in particular and instill a sense of insecurity among the majority Hindu community by pushing the opposition into the bracket of those who work for welfare of the minorities, said political analyst Rasheed Kidwai. And because the relationship between the majority Hindus and minority Muslims has a lot of historical baggage and there is a trust deficit, it is very easy to reap electoral dividends.

In an editorial, the Indian Express newspaper called the prime ministers speech divisive that does grave disservice to his high office, and said that Modi had framed politics as a zero-sum game and communities as adversaries.

The BJPs Hindu nationalist agenda has won huge support for Modi and the party in the Hindu majority nation and opinion polls have predicted an easy victory for him.

During his 10 years in power. Modi has fulfilled some of the partys Hindu-right agenda such as revoking Muslim majority Kashmirs special status and enacting a citizenship law that grants nationality to Hindus and people of some other faiths fleeing neighboring countries but excludes Muslims.

Critics and opposition parties accuse Modi of undermining the countrys secular ethos and rights groups say that Muslims have been targeted during his decade-long rule. The BJP strongly denies the allegations. It points out that welfare programs such as free rations and aid to build houses and toilets include all communities and says that the governments policies benefit all Indians equally.
BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Min Jiangtao, a 34-year-old junior officer in China's navy, has witnessed the launch of all three aircraft carriers of China, dubbed Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian. About seven decades ago when the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy had just been established, then naval commander Xiao Jinguang had to take a fishing boat to inspect Liugong Island, about 2.1 nautical miles from the coast of China's Shandong Province, a fact recorded in a stele inscription on the island. This year marks the 75th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy. Over the decades, the PLA Navy has undergone steady development, starting from scratch and growing into a strategic force consisting of five services, armed with both nuclear and conventional weapons. Poised to become a world-class naval force, the PLA Navy is determined to gain the capability to fulfill its missions and tasks in the new era, and to contribute more to maintaining peace in the world. TOWARD A WORLD-CLASS NAVY The PLA Navy's weaponry and equipment development has come a long way. In the early days of the establishment of the navy, the total tonnage of its vessels was just a few thousand tonnes, which was less than a single destroyer in the navy of a major power. The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012 marked the start of a "golden period" for the navy's development. The achievements included the launching of the first amphibious assault ship independently developed by China in September 2019 and the commissioning of the new 10,000-tonne destroyer Nanchang in January 2020. In June 2022, the first ejection aircraft carrier independently designed and built by China, the Fujian, was launched and named. COMMITMENT TO PEACE The Chinese Navy owes its development to peace and is going beyond the national borders for peace. The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, a commerce and trade hub in east China's Zhejiang Province, has witnessed the many departures of the Chinese naval hospital ship "Peace Ark" on its various humanitarian missions. The ship has provided medical services for more than 290,000 patients from 45 countries and regions since its commissioning in 2008. As the main maritime force of the country, the PLA Navy plays an active role in maritime public affairs, maintaining maritime peace, tranquility and order, while continuously providing public security products to the international community. In April 2023, the Chinese navy participated in the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan following the outbreak of armed conflict in the country. It was the third overseas evacuation of civilians carried out by the Chinese navy in recent years, following two previous operations in Libya and Yemen in 2011 and 2015, respectively. During the overseas evacuation of civilians, the Chinese navy demonstrated its commitment to international humanitarian assistance by helping hundreds of foreigners leave the crisis-torn countries. Over the years, the Chinese navy has been active in carrying out the country's assistance to other countries, including delivering 960 tonnes of fresh water to the Maldives during a water crisis caused by a fire incident in 2014, and sailing over 5,200 nautical miles to assist in disaster relief efforts in the wake of a volcanic eruption in Tonga in 2022. In the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, Chinese naval ships have been carrying out vessel protection operations since December 2008. Over the years, 46 consecutive fleets with over 150 vessels of the PLA Navy have joined the efforts, escorting more than 7,200 Chinese and foreign vessels, helping transform the area once known as "the world's most dangerous area" into a "golden waterway." The 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) is being held in east China's port city of Qingdao, gathering delegations from 29 countries. This is the second time the WPNS has been held in China after the country first hosted the event in 2014. Addressing the opening event on Monday, Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that China's armed forces have actively participated in international cooperation of maritime security and provided maritime public security goods, adding that China will play a more positive and open role in international military cooperation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The Communications Associate for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the Western Balkans and Azerbaijan Rezo Bitsadze has been appointed as Communications Associate responsible for EBRDs Green Communications and EBRD external communications in Azerbaijan, Trend reports via his post on social media.

"I will remain in charge of the EBRD's external communications in Azerbaijan, as well as global coverage of the bank's 'green' activities. This appointment for the bank's 'green' efforts occurred in 2024, which is very critical for Azerbaijan as it prepares for COP29," noted Bitsadze.

According to him, the EBRD is a leader in climate finance, and half of its business worldwide is already green.

Bitsadze emphasized the need to promote sustainable investments, support everything related to environmental protection, regulatory (financing) reform, and mobilize private financing.

To note, the EBRD actively finances infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan, and mutual cooperation has been successfully developing since 1992.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Afghanistans Central Asian neighbors are holding out hope that America, based on its pledges at Septembers C5+1 summit, will expand its role in this neighborhood. The wish list includes delivering more humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, facilitating the expansion of trade, and combating the threats of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

Officials speaking with VOA suggest that more aid could be channeled into Afghanistan via Uzbekistan. Additionally, Washington could offer more military assistance to Central Asian states and tangibly support their regional connectivity initiatives.

While no country has formally announced diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government, Central Asian nations have been engaging with the Taliban based on mutual interests, such as security, trade, and water sharing. Uzbekistan, which has extensive political and economic ties with Kabul, has been urging the West and the larger international community not to isolate Afghanistan.

Nearly three years since the withdrawal of American forces, U.S. officials insist that they have not abandoned Afghanistan, pointing to ongoing efforts and consultations with Central Asian counterparts. However, they admit Washingtons priorities have shifted to other issues, such as Russias war on Ukraine.

It will take the U.S. a decade or two to recover from the fact that we lost the war, said David Sedney, a veteran diplomat and former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia. It took us 20 years before we were able to engage in Vietnam in a productive way, he told VOA.

Scott Worden, who heads the Afghanistan and Central Asia programs at the U.S. Institute of Peace, thinks that Central Asian governments overestimate Washingtons leverage.

There are a lot of issues in the world that have to be addressed simultaneously, he noted in an interview with VOA. They [the U.S.] are balancing the leverage that they have against issues that are manageable and maybe achievable versus ones like women's rights, which I think the administration cares strongly about.

It's just a really tough situation, Worden added. In my view, you should not condition humanitarian assistance. Any economic sanctions wind up hurting the Afghans that we want to support. It's a difficult balance, and so I don't think there is any obvious additional tool or leverage that could be deployed that they're withholding.

Some Western nations including the United States, however, have filtered humanitarian aid programs through partner organizations that circumvent Taliban officials and deliver aid directly to Afghan civilians.

According to USAID, the U.S. supplied nearly $81 million in Afghan humanitarian aid in fiscal year 2024, and has supplied total funding for Afghanistan of "more than $2 billion since August 2021 ... including more than $1.5 billion in [USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance] funding and nearly $550 million in [the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration] funding."

Provided through international partners on the ground, says USAID, this assistance helps meet the needs of the most vulnerable through food and cash support, nutrition, health care, protection for women and children, and agricultural inputs to support Afghans in meeting their immediate food needs.

Like Sedney, Worden suggests being realistic. There is ample opportunity for the U.S. and other international partners to talk to the Taliban when they want to.

This is all part of a very difficult global conversation, he said.

But for Frederick Starr, chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, known for advocating closer ties with the region, Afghanistan is utterly ignored right now.

Starr emphasizes that this country is critical for regional integration and stability, two goals the U.S. has long vowed to support.

Sedney observes that "not many people want to talk about Afghanistan," not just in Washington but in other Western capitals as well.

Speaking last week at the American Foreign Policy Council, these experts stressed that Americas two decades of involvement in Afghanistan left it with an obligation to go beyond the status quo.

Starr approves of the steps Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have taken with Afghanistan, particularly regarding commerce, energy supply and water resources.

Other observers, however, warn about tensions between the Taliban and Tajikistan, which officially supports the National Resistance Front, an armed alliance of anti-Taliban forces that is loyal to the previous regime and carries out guerrilla attacks in Afghanistan. Dushanbe continues to host the previous governments ambassador.

Worden identifies several key interests and objectives for Washington, most of which align with those of the region. The first and most important objective is counterterrorism, ensuring that Afghan territory is never again used to launch attacks on the U.S. or its allies.

Others include negotiations on American hostages; the evacuation of Afghans that the U.S. promised to help following its withdrawal; women's rights and other human rights; humanitarian assistance; and economic development.

Perhaps the most abstract interest, according to Worden, is trying to maintain an international diplomatic consensus on the broad conditions and expectations that we have for the Taliban, which include in the endgame a more inclusive society that is not a threat to itself and for its neighbors as well as these U.S. interests.

It's remarkable that no country in the world has recognized the Taliban, he said, adding, however, that he sees a divergence between Western-allied emphasis on human rights and women's rights and the neighboring countries economic and security concerns.

In Wordens view, the U.S. is pursuing a policy of quiet engagement on humanitarian assistance and counterterrorism. At the same time, there is a firm position of non-recognition and not wanting to legitimize the Taliban.

Can this dualism sustain over time? asked Worden, who also sees a cleavage developing, where countries in the region will over time increase engagement with those in power in Afghanistan to achieve their economic and security interests. Not that they like the Taliban, but they feel like talking to them is better than not.

Regardless of who inhabits the White House next January, Worden doubts that U.S. attention toward Afghanistan will increase unless there is an acute crisis.

Republicans tend to prefer coercion to engagement when you're talking about regimes that we don't have much in common with, he said. So yes, there is the wild card of potentially making a great deal, but I think the odds of support for armed opposition would increase.

U.S.-based Afghan journalist Samy Mahdi, who runs Amu Television out of Virginia, points out that the Taliban enjoy close relations with Americas adversaries, such as Iran, Russia and China. He argues that U.S. assistance has brought about minimum results, and that the Taliban is as radical and dangerous as it was in the 1990s.

Mahdi recommends a full review of U.S. policy.

More communication and transparency are needed on Afghanistan, he said at the American Foreign Policy Council forum. We don't hear much from the U.S. administration about Afghanistan.
A North Korean delegation led by the cabinet minister for international trade is visiting Iran, the North's official media said on Wednesday in a rare public report of an exchange between the two countries believed to have secret military ties.

The minister for external economic relations, Yun Jong Ho, left Pyongyang on Tuesday by air leading a ministry delegation to visit Iran, the North's KCNA news agency said. It gave no other details.

North Korea and Iran have long been suspected of cooperating on ballistic missile programs, possibly exchanging technical expertise and components for their manufacture.

Iran has provided ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, Reuters reported in February.

North Korea is also suspected of supplying Russia with missiles and artillery, although both countries have denied the allegation.

Yun has previously worked on the country's ties with Syria, according to South Korean government database.

Yun has been active in the country's increasing exchanges with Russia, earlier this month leading a delegation to visit Moscow, according to KCNA.
The United States is planning to send a military aid package valued at up to $1 billion immediately after a supplemental funding bill under discussion in the Senate is passed and signed into law, two defense officials tell VOA.

The package drawn from U.S. military stockpiles will include ammunition for HIMARS and 155 mm rounds, along with Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Javelins, Stingers and other critical needs, added the officials, who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity to discuss security plans.

A senior White House official said President Joe Biden ordered the Department of Defense to deliver military equipment to Poland and Germany "a few weeks ago" in anticipation of passage of a supplemental aid bill to ensure immediate delivery once he signs the bill into law.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said the U.S. would be able to deliver the anticipated aid "within days." He added the package will likely include air defense and artillery capabilities.

On Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a four-part, $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of deadlock.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, structured the bills so they could be combined into one after each bill was approved, to prevent opposition to any one piece from derailing the entire deal. Johnson had declined to bring the aid packages to the floor for a vote for months.

The Senate initially passed a supplemental aid bill in February, as Ukraine said ammunition shortages were causing its forces to pull back in areas.

The newly passed House legislation includes $61 billion for Kyiv's defense against Moscow's invasion, as well as $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden in a statement Saturday urged the Senate to "quickly send this package to my desk so that I can sign it into law."

The United States may send additional military advisers to its embassy in Kyiv to advise and support the Ukrainian government and military, Pentagon spokesperson Ryder told VOA on Monday.

The troops would serve in a noncombat role to augment the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) at the embassy, Ryder said.

Two U.S. defense officials, speaking to VOA on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that were not finalized, said the number of advisers was "small" and could fluctuate slightly based on embassy requirements. A source familiar with the considerations said the number of troops was "fewer than two dozen."

The troops could advise on matters such as logistics, maintenance, communications and sustainment, the defense officials added.

Per the Pentagon, the ODC performs a variety of advisory and support missions and is embedded within the U.S. Embassy under the chief of the mission.

Misha Komadovsky of VOA's Russia Service contributed to this report.
Pakistan and Iran pledged Wednesday they would increase joint efforts against Afghanistans terrorism threat and urged Afghanistans hardline Taliban government to involve all Afghans in basic decision-making.



The two neighboring countries, which share long, porous borders with Afghanistan, made the promise in a joint statement released at the culmination of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisis three-day visit to Pakistan.



Both Tehran and Islamabad complain that transnational militant groups have increased cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghan sanctuaries since the Taliban reclaimed power in Kabul in 2021.



Noting that the existence of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to regional and global security, the two sides reaffirmed their willingness to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and security and to develop a united front against terrorism, the statement reads.



Islamabad alleges militants tied to the globally designated terrorist outfit Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, are being sheltered on Afghan soil and even facilitated by the Taliban administration to conduct deadly cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.



Iranian authorities have blamed an Afghan-based regional Islamic State affiliate known as Islamic State-Khorasan for recent high-profile terrorist attacks inside Iran.



In their joint statement, Pakistan and Iran again emphasized the need for the Taliban to rule their crisis-hit nation through a politically inclusive government.



While respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, the two sides recognized that increasing participation of all strata of Afghans in basic decision-making will lead to the strengthening of peace and stability in this country, the joint announcement noted Wednesday.



The Taliban deny allegations they shelter or allow foreign militants to operate and threaten neighboring countries from Afghan soil. The fundamentalist de facto rulers defend their leadership as an inclusive setup, and they reject calls for any reforms in it as interference in the domestic affairs of Afghanistan.



Pak-Iran pipeline



In meetings, Raisi and his delegation held with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade and economic ties and boost bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years.



The joint statement reiterated the importance of cooperation in the energy sector, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines, and the import of Iranian natural gas through a long-delayed pipeline project linking Pakistan and Iran, without sharing further details.



The United States has repeatedly warned Islamabad against joining the pipeline project with Tehran, citing sweeping sanctions on Irans energy sector over its nuclear program.



We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions, said Vedant Patel, the U.S. State Department principal deputy spokesperson, on Tuesday. He was asked for comments on the deals Pakistan and Iran signed during Raisis trip.



Tehran claims it has completed constructing 1,100 kilometers of the pipeline on its side of the border and is waiting for Islamabad to build its part of the project. Pakistan has not started the work despite repeated public pledges, fearing it would trigger U.S. sanctions for importing Iranian gas.



Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened to sue Islamabad in international arbitration and impose a penalty of around $18 billion for breach of contract.



Pakistan must take a long-term view of this problem. While ties with the U.S. are important, should Pakistan seek American approval for all key economic and strategic decisions? asked the prestigious English-language DAWN newspaper in a Wednesday editorial.



Today, the U.S. does not want the Iran pipeline to proceed. Tomorrow, if ties between Washington and Beijing nosedive, and the U.S. asks Pakistan to reconsider CPEC or our defense cooperation with China, will we comply? the editorial read.



The newspaper referred to the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, which has built Pakistani road networks, power plants, and other infrastructure with Chinese investment. The mega project is an extension of Beijings global Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure development program.



Middle East crisis

Raisis meetings with Pakistani leaders also focused on Irans military stand-off with Israel.



Tehran and Islamabad demanded through their Wednesday statement an immediate and unconditional cease-fire in Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian access to its besieged residents.



Both sides expressed their strong and unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing Israeli regimes aggression and atrocities against the Palestinian people, along with the inhumane blockade of Gaza that has resulted in widespread death and destruction, as well as displacement of millions of Palestinians, the statement said.



Israel declared war on Gaza-based Hamas after the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and leading to the capture of about 250 hostages.



Hamas has been designated as a terror organization by the United States.



Inside Gaza, Israel's counteroffensive has killed nearly 34,000 people, two-thirds of them women and children, Gaza health officials say Israel says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas fighters.



Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has no direct channels of communication with the Jewish state over the issue of Palestinian statehood.



On Wednesday, Pakistan and Iran also condemned Israels alleged April 1 attack on the Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus, calling it an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of Syria and of international laws.



The two countries, in their joint statement, declared the attack as an irresponsible act of the Israeli regime forces and blamed it for a major escalation in an already volatile region. The suspected Israeli strike killed seven members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards, including two generals.



Tehran responded to the suspected Israeli strike by firing more than 300 drones and missiles directly at Israel more than a week ago, fueling concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.
The 12-month grace period for student loan borrowers ended on September 30. The "on-ramp" period helped borrowers who are struggling to make payments avoid the risk of defaulting and hurting their credit score.

"The end of the on-ramp period means the beginning of the potentially harsh consequences for student loan borrowers who are not able to make payments," said Persis Yu, Deputy Executive Director at the Student Borrower Protection Center.

Around 43 million Americans have student loan debt, amounting to $1.5 trillion. Around eight million of those borrowers had enrolled in the SAVE plan, the newest income-driven repayment plan that extended the eligibility for borrowers to have affordable monthly student loan payments. However, this plan is currently on hold due to legal challenges.

With the on-ramp period and a separate program known as Fresh Start ending and the SAVE plan on hold, student loan borrowers who are struggling to afford their monthly payments have fewer options, added Yu. Student loan borrowers who haven't been able to afford their monthly payments must consider their options to avoid going into default.

If you have student loans, here's what you need to know.

What was the on-ramp period?

The Education Department implemented this grace period to ease the borrower's transition to make payments after a three-year payment pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year-long period, borrowers were encouraged to keep making payments since interest continued to accumulate.

"Normally, loans will default if you fall about nine months behind on making payments, but during this on-ramp period, missed payments would not move people towards defaulting and then being subject to forced collections. However, if you missed payments, you still be falling behind ultimately on repaying your loans," said Abby Shaforth, director of National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project.

Since this grace period has ended, student loan borrowers who don't make payments will go delinquent or, if their loans are not paid for nine months, go into default.

Borrowers who cannot afford to make payments can apply for deferment or forbearance, which pause payments, though interest continues to accrue.

What happens if I don't make my payments?

Borrowers who can't or don't pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits.

If a borrower missed one month's payment, they will start receiving email notifications, said Shaforth. Once the loan hasn't been paid for three months, loan servicers notify to the credit reporting agencies that the loan is delinquent, affecting your credit history. Once the borrower hasn't paid the loan for nine months, the loan goes into default.

If you're struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking at your expenses. You can see whether you qualify by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you've worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years.

What happens when a loan goes into default?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days  roughly nine months  the loan appears on your credit report as being in default.

Once a loan is in default, it goes into collections. This means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments.

What if I can't pay?

If your budget doesn't allow you to resume payments, it's important to know how to navigate the possibility of default and delinquency on a student loan. Both can hurt your credit rating, which would make you ineligible for additional aid.

If you're in a short-term financial bind, you may qualify for deferment or forbearance  allowing you to temporarily suspend payment.

To determine whether deferment or forbearance are good options for you, you can contact your loan servicer. One thing to note: interest still accrues during deferment or forbearance. Both can also impact potential loan forgiveness options. Depending on the conditions of your deferment or forbearance, it may make sense to continue paying the interest during the payment suspension.

What is an income-driven repayment plan?

The U.S. Education Department offers several plans for repaying federal student loans. Under the standard plan, borrowers are charged a fixed monthly amount that ensures all their debt will be repaid after 10 years. But if borrowers have difficulty paying that amount, they can enroll in one of several plans that offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Those are known as income-driven repayment plans.

Income-driven options have been offered for years and generally cap monthly payments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income. If a borrower's earnings are low enough, their bill is reduced to $0. And after 20 or 25 years, any remaining debt gets erased.

What is the latest with the SAVE program?

In August, the Supreme Court kept on hold the SAVE plan, the income-driven repayment plan that would have lowered payments for millions of borrowers, while lawsuits make their way through lower courts.

Eight million borrowers who had already enrolled in the SAVE plan don't have to pay their monthly student loan bills until the court case is resolved. Debt that already had been forgiven under the plan was unaffected.

The next court hearing about this case will be held on October 15.

What happened with the Fresh Start program?

The Fresh Start program, which gave benefits to borrowers who were delinquent prior to the pandemic payment pause, also closed on September 30. During this limited program, student loan borrowers who were in default prior to the pandemic were given the opportunity to remove their loans from default, allowing them to enroll in income-driven payment plans, or apply for deferment, among other benefits.
The United States has provided Ukraine with long-range tactical ballistic missiles known as ATACMS, U.S. defense department spokesman Major Charlie Dietz told VOA.

The ballistic missiles have a range of up to 300 kilometers, nearly doubling the striking distance of Ukraines missiles.

The missiles were sent to Ukraine as part of the United States $300 million military aid package provided to Kyiv in mid-March, Dietz said. He would not confirm whether more ATACMS are being sent in the latest aid package.

Two U.S. officials have confirmed to VOA that Ukraine used the ATACMS Tuesday night. Other media outlets are reporting that the weapons were first used last week on Russian targets in the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula.

We did not announce that we were providing Ukraine with this new capability at the time in order to maintain operational security for Ukraine, at their request, a senior administration official said.

The U.S. added more of the newer version of ATACMS to its stockpiles earlier this year, according to two officials. Once those were transferred into U.S. stocks, the military was able to send Ukraine some of the older version of its long-range missiles, they added.

President Joe Biden directed his team to take this step following Russias procurement and use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine, the senior administration official told VOA.

ATACMS will help Ukraine deny Russia safe haven anywhere in occupied Ukrainian territory, the official noted

Meanwhile, Russian officials reported fires Wednesday after Ukrainian drone attacks targeted parts of western Russia.

Vasily Anokhin, governor of the Smolensk region, said on Telegram the fires were in the Smolensk and Yartsevo districts, but that there were no reported injuries.

The governor of the Voronezh region, in southwestern Russia, said falling debris from a downed drone hit a house and sparked a fire.

Russias defense ministry said its air defenses shot down a drone over Smolensk and two drones over Voronezh overnight. Russian forces also destroyed two more Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region and three over the Kursk region, both areas that border Ukraine.

On the Ukrainian side of the border, officials in Kharkiv reported Wednesday that Russia struck the city of Kharkiv with missiles, injuring at least six people.

Oleh Synehubov, the governor in Kharkiv, said the missiles damaged three apartment buildings and five other buildings.

VOA White House correspondent Misha Komadovsky contributed to this report.
The South Korean government says it will push ahead with its foreign policy agenda despite a crushing defeat in parliamentary elections at the hands of a liberal opposition party that promises to push back against President Yoon Suk Yeol's foreign and security policies.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that the Yoon government will press on with its security cooperation with the U.S. and Japan in bilateral settings and in a trilateral framework.

Seoul will "cooperate closely" with the U.S. and Japan to carry out agreements made at a trilateral Camp David summit in August, the spokesperson said in an email to VOA's Korea Service. Those policies were developed in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

The spokesperson said the Yoon administration will also "continue to strengthen its partnership" with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to support universal values that include freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights."

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) lost the general election on April 10, securing only 108 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly.

The opposition Democratic Party (DP) won 175 seats but fell short of securing the 200 or more needed for a supermajority that would have allowed them to advance bills for passage without the PPP. Four independent parties secured the rest of the seats.

Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, said, "The opposition party is expected to step up its criticism of Yoon's foreign policies since it favors a more accommodating stance toward Pyongyang and Beijing, resistance to improving relations with Japan and greater independence from U.S. policies."

Klingner, who served as the CIA's deputy division chief for Korea from 1996 to 2001, continued, "But such policies have less public support due to the failed U.S. and South Korean summits with North Korea in 2018-19, Pyongyang's rejection of all requests for dialogue and escalating provocations."

North Korea said through its state-run KCNA on Tuesday that it had conducted its first nuclear counterattack simulation drills.

The DP mounted criticism against the Yoon administration on Sunday for what it described as China exclusionary policies. It urged the administration to "abandon its biased foreign and security policies," said a report by The Korea Herald based in Seoul.

The Rebuilding Korea Party, a DP partner that won 12 seats in the National Assembly, slammed Yoon for what it called his "one-sided foreign policies centered on the U.S. and Japan," according to the report.

On Friday, Yoon called DP leader Lee Jae-myung and proposed to meet with him for the first time since he took office in May 2022, according to South Korean media. Lee lost the presidential election to Yoon nearly two years ago. The presidential office told the press on Saturday the details and time of their meeting are undetermined.

Evans Revere, a former State Department official with extensive experience negotiating with North Korea, said, "The Democratic Party, together with its opposition partners, may try to use its budget-setting and investigatory powers in the National Assembly to slow or otherwise limit the ruling party's ability to easily pursue its foreign policy and national security agenda."

He continued, "The DP may also try to use dialogue with the ruling party and the Blue House [former presidential residence] to express a willingness to compromise on domestic economic and social legislation in return for changes to President Yoon's foreign policy agenda."

He added, "But President Yoon's commitment to his foreign policy agenda is highly principled and deeply felt, and it seems unlikely that he would yield to such an opposition party."

At a conference that Yoon hosted Monday in Seoul for South Korean diplomats assigned overseas, he described the administration's "global pivotal state diplomacy" as the country's "signature policy." He credited the policy for key achievements such as an upgrade in the country's alliance with the United States and normalization of relations with Japan.

Yoon has pursued his vision for the country to become the "global pivotal state" since taking office in 2022. It calls for South Korea to promote freedom, democracy and the rules-based international order.

Robert Rapson, who served as charge d'affaires and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul from 2018 to 2021, said it remains to be seen whether the DP and its affiliates can force adjustments on external issues such as Japan, China and North Korea, as well as economic security policy.

But they plan to give it a try, it seems."

VOAs Kim Hyungjin contributed to this report.
Hundreds of thousands of Argentinians filled the streets of the capital Buenos Aires Tuesday to protest President Javier Mileis budget cuts to public universities.

Professors and students joined with union leaders and opposition parties to demand President Milei increase funding to higher education, which largely depends on government subsidies.

Milei has dismissed the anger over the cuts as political, and he has accused public universities of indoctrinating their students.

Milei has imposed severe across-the-board spending cuts since taking office last December as part of his austerity program, using a chainsaw during his campaign to demonstrate his goal to slash government spending to achieve a zero deficit.

The cuts have led to mass layoffs of public employees and cuts in transportation and fuel subsidies, triggering mass public demonstrations like Tuesdays protests.

Milei says the cuts have helped the government post three months of fiscal surpluses at the start of the year.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to move ahead with $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, bringing the bill to the brink of passage after months of delays and contentious internal debate over how involved the United States should be abroad. We talk with University of Southern California professor Robert English about the aid. What began last week when students at a New York Ivy League school refused to end their protest against Israels war with Hamas had turned into a much larger movement by Tuesday as students across the nation set up encampments, occupied buildings and ignored demands to leave. A new robot allows doctors to produce safer and more accurate lung cancer diagnoses.
A new analysis of the state of global hunger finds conflict, climate change, and economic shocks are driving an increasing number of people into acute hunger, jeopardizing gains made over previous years in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development goal of ending hunger by 2030.

Published Wednesday, the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis finds 281.6 million people, or 21.5% of populations analyzed in 2023, faced high levels of acute insecurity in 59 food-crisis countries and territories.

When we talk about acute food insecurity, we are talking about hunger so severe that it poses an immediate threat to peoples livelihoods and lives, said Dominique Burgeon, director of the Food and Agriculture Organization, or FAO, in Geneva.

This is hunger that threatens to slide into famine and cause widespread death, he said. The report also tells us that 60% of children experiencing acute malnutrition live in the 10 countries facing the highest levels of acute food insecurity.

Gaza

The report says, Food crises escalated alarmingly in conflict hotspots in 2023, notably in Gaza and Sudan. It says at the end of the year, the Gaza Strip became the severest food crisis in its reporting history.

The situation in Gaza is extremely worrying. We all know that we are getting closer by the day to a famine situation, said Gian Carlo Cirri, World Food Program director in Geneva.

Malnutrition among children is spreading. We estimate 30% of children below the age of two are acutely malnourished or wasted [underweight for height] and 70% of the population in the North is facing catastrophic hunger.

There is reasonable evidence that all three famine thresholds  food insecurity, malnutrition, and mortality  will be passed in the next six weeks, he said, noting that people in Gaza cannot meet their most basic food needs, having exhausted all coping strategies and largely reduced to selling belongings to buy food.

They are most of the time destitute and clearly some of them are dying of hunger, he said, adding that when we declare a famine, it is too late. We have already lost a huge number of people.

Courtney Blake, senior humanitarian adviser for the U.S. Mission in Geneva, told journalists that senior government officials in Washington have clearly stated that more needs to be done to mitigate this situation.

Israel needs to provide unimpeded access to both northern and southern Gaza in order to reverse the fast-paced deterioration of the food situation and prevent the loss of life due to starvation, acute malnutrition and disease outbreaks, she said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied people are starving in Gaza and has blamed Hamas for the lack of humanitarian aid entering the occupied territory.

Sudan

The FAOs Burgeon said Sudan is facing a hunger crisis and requires immediate action to stop the rapid deterioration of the food security situation in the country.

We have about 18 million people who are in acute food insecurity ... and we have about 5 million people who are in IPC 4 [Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, which means] one step away from famine, and nine out of 10 of these people ... are in the current hotspots of Darfur, Kordofan, Al Jazirah, and Khartoum.

What is very concerning for us is that the bulk of those people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, said Burgeon. We are a couple of weeks away from the planting season; it is absolutely critical that wherever it will be possible to access people, we provide them with agriculture input on time so they can plant their fields.

Children worldwide

Stefano Fedele, global nutrition cluster coordinator at UNICEF Geneva, notes 36.4 million children under age 5 in 32 countries in crisis are acutely malnourished and 9.8 million are severely acutely malnourished and in urgent need of treatment.

These children are at increased risk of dying, he said. And even if they recover from malnutrition, they are likely to not meet their full cognitive or developmental potential, which obviously has a critical impact on the individual level, but also in terms of potential development of a country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022 resulted in significant economic repercussions for both the region and beyond. Specifically, traditional transportation routes linking Asia and Europe experienced notable negative impacts.

Consequently, key stakeholders in Europe and Asia have chosen several paths to restore the movement goods between the two continents, with the Middle Corridor being one prominent choice. This corridor traverses the territories of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye.

Although this route's current capacity is insufficient to handle normal cargo volumes, there is potential for its expansion. This potential is corroborated by analyses and reports from international financial institutions, which express their intent to invest in the development of transport infrastructure along this corridor.

Notably, in mid-April, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev embarked on his inaugural official visit to Armenia. This gesture can be seen as an attempt to strengthen bilateral collaboration between the two countries in view of the recently revealed reality in the South Caucasus. Previously, the development of strong commercial relations between Kazakhstan and Armenia was partly hampered by Kazakhstan's position on the Karabakh conflict. But now that Azerbaijan has returned its territory and a peace deal appears likely, the way forward is becoming more apparent.

Naturally, genuine peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which would ultimately enable a direct route between the two nations, holds the potential to strengthen economic collaboration between Kazakhstan and Armenia. Therefore, peace and the unblocking of transportation links are poised to bolster Armenia's trade relations with Central Asian countries, China, and other Asian nations. Although these kinds of conversations would have appeared unlikely ten years ago, the way the area has changed since 2020largely due to Azerbaijan's actionsmakes them possible now.

In this regard, Kazakh political analyst and director of the Kemel Arna Public Foundation, Zamir Karazhanov, told Trend about his vision of the possible benefits of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia for countries, particularly Kazakhstan.

According to the political analyst, a peace agreement, normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and unblocking of transport communications would benefit all countries in the region, as well as Kazakhstan.

"I believe that once the situation in the South Caucasus stabilizes, Kazakhstan and the regional countries will benefit. Large-scale opportunities arise from stabilization, therefore this is just the beginning for us. Considering developments across various regions, including the Middle East, it's safe to say that the Middle Corridor currently offers the most reliable route for cargo transportation between Asia and Europe. Through its utilization, we can boost cargo volumes and, as the saying goes, pave the way for a brighter future," he said.

According to Karazhanov, this development will also contribute to the growth of investment between the countries in the region.

"We recognize that transportation is merely the beginning. It is poised to bring other sectors along with it, such as investments, cultural cooperation, education, and more. In essence, all these facets are set to grow in intensity," he emphasized.

According to the analyst, Armenia sees and understands that all these regional projects bypass it, and the country's leadership realizes the losses from non-participation in them.

"Hence, I am of the opinion that Armenia is keen on this development. Currently, both sides are in talks regarding the specifics of the peace agreement, with achievable objectives being set. These include mutual acknowledgment of territorial integrity, border delimitation, demarcation, and more. Essentially, Armenia and Azerbaijan aim to address all matters comprehensively within one cohesive agreement, avoiding the need to revisit unresolved issues in subsequent stages. It is plausible, even likely, that this peace agreement will incorporate clauses on cooperation across various economic sectors, such as transportation, environmental protection, and possibly mutual arms control for security purposes. These discussions indicate a forward-thinking approach by the countries, looking beyond immediate needs. The pragmatic stance taken by these nations fosters optimistic expectations for the peace agreement and its subsequent phases," he said.

Saken Mukan, a Kazakh political scientist and professor at the Department of Media Communication and History of Kazakhstan at the International IT University (IITU), told Trend that Kazakhstan views the resolution of the Karabakh issue as a pivotal step towards enhancing relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Speaking about the possible opening of a transportation route to Armenia via Azerbaijan, the political analyst mentioned that it would facilitate Kazakhstan's trade with Armenia.

"During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Armenia, Kazakh officials emphasized to both local and Armenian media that the movement of cargo between the two countries is routed through Iran and Turkmenistan.

This route naturally complicates matters, both logistically and formally. Given that a visa is needed to enter Turkmenistan, this results in consumers purchasing these goods at a higher price. This situation runs counter to the essence and purpose of cooperation within the EAEU, as it hinders collaboration instead of fostering improvement," he said.

In his opinion, the route through Iran also limits exports and imports of products.

"The second aspect is Iran, through which Armenian wine and liquor products are not allowed as export products to third countries. Hence, Kazakhstan is interested in Armenia getting involved in further development of transportation projects in the region," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
As the legislative branch of the United States government, Congress is responsible for proposing and passing the nations laws. But in recent years, fewer and fewer laws have been making their way to the presidents desk to be signed.
NOTE: This story contains culturally sensitive information that may be distressing for some readers. Caution is advised.

WASHINGTON  In the summer of 1889, a group of cynical Chicago crime reporters organized itself as the Whitechapel Club, taking the name of the London district where serial killer Jack the Ripper found his victims.

They rented rooms in a back-alley saloon, and in keeping with the clubs macabre theme, they decorated the walls with relics of war and crimes: revolvers, knives, hangmans ropes.

I suppose the gruesome [sic] connotations of the name led to our practice of collecting relics of the tragedies we were constantly reporting, member Brand Whitlock recalled in his 1914 memoir, Forty Years of It.

John C. Spray, the former superintendent of the countys mental asylum, donated skulls which Whitechapel member Chrysostom Tomb Thompson converted into tobacco jars, drinking cups and shades for gas lamps.

Whitechapel member and Chicago Herald writer Charles Goodyear Seymour was among the correspondents who covered the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre of as many as 300 Miniconjou and Hunkpapa Lakota men, women and children in South Dakota. He returned home with a collection of war relics, including a womans ghost shirt  white cotton, embroidered with yellow  and Native American skulls, according to Brand.

Seymour also traveled to the Blackfeet and Piegan reservation in Montana, recounted in a May 12, 1891, article for the Herald titled, How to Steal a Skull. Seymour described how he and an Army infantry lieutenant sneaked into a graveyard at night and managed to retrieve two skulls.

There is not much fun in robbing a graveyard, he wrote, even if it is an Indian graveyard.

'A large collection'

The Whitechapel Clubs reputation helped grow its ghastly collection.

It became the practice of sheriffs and newspapermen everywhere to send anything of that kind to the Whitechapel Club. The result was that within a few years, it had a large collection of skulls of criminals, Whitlock would later write.

Among Seymours contributions was the skull of an Uncpapa [Hunkpapa Lakota] woman, described by Whitechapel member George Frank Lydston as the wife of one of the leading malcontents in the recent outbreak at Wounded Knee.

Lydston was a Chicago urologist and professor of criminal anthropology at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. He was also a staunch eugenicist who believed that the shape of peoples skulls indicated intelligence or undesirable traits such as criminality and other forms of degeneracy. Lydston, who was a member of the Whitechapel Club, used some of the skulls to support his research.

This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing. Click to reveal This image contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing - Click to reveal A screenshot from "The Diseases of Society" by G. Frank Lydston shows an illustration of a skull alleged to have belonged to a Hunkpapa woman who died at Wounded Knee.

The Wounded Knee skull was among several that Lydston presented in a 1904 book, The Diseases of Society: The Vice and Crime Problem.

He concluded little about the Hunkpapa skull, other than that she had an elongated and symmetrical head and was likely as intelligent as the average of the better class of her people.

So, who was she and what happened to her skull? Did she really die in the massacre, or had Seymour invented her identity to add to the skulls grisly appeal?

Shortly before his death in 1920, Joseph Horn Cloud, a Miniconjou Lakota Wounded Knee survivor who later co-founded the Wounded Knee Survivors Association, compiled a list of individuals who survived or were killed in the massacre.

In 2019, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's West River Eagle published a separate list, date unknown.

Most were Miniconjou followers of Spotted Elk from the Cheyenne River Reservation or Hunkpapa followers of his half-brother Sitting Bull from the Standing Rock Reservation.

Comparing both lists, VOA was able to identify three Hunkpapa women who died in the massacre: Zintaikiwin (Birds Belly), Itewakanwin (Sacred Face), and Wannawega tawicu (Wife of Breaks Arrows with Foot). Two women died later of wounds received in the massacre: Wowacinyewin (Dependable) and Kicinajinwin (Wife of Stands With).

It is not known if their bodies were recovered by their families or buried in the mass grave at Wounded Knee.

From Chicago to Washington

In May 1891, Lydston traveled to Washington to present his findings at the annual convention of the American Medical Association. He brought with him a trunk full of skulls, The Washington Post reported, including that of the Hunkpapa woman.

Lydston boasted that it was he, not Seymour, who had been sent to Wounded Knee and retrieved the skull, adding that while he was there, he had been taken prisoner and held for more than three weeks. He did not say by whom.

He was allowed just enough to live on, and was a walking skeleton when released, the Post reported.

Lydston told the newspaper he was donating the skulls to AMA.

Dr. Lydston says the club did not want to give up these specimens, but he persuaded the members into doing so, the Post concluded. He says that no amount of money would buy the specimens now in the hall of the Whitechapel Club.

VOA reached out to AMA about the Hunkpapa skull.

Based on a review of AMAs archives, the AMA neither currently nor in the past possessed human tissue or specimens, a spokesperson responded via email. In official proceedings, there are mentions of exhibits that contained human remains, but these were presented at meetings and then went on tour or home with the exhibitor.

The AMA says one of those exhibits at its Chicago headquarters was dismantled in 1935 and its contents donated to the citys Museum of Science and Industry.

Kathleen McCarthy, head curator at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, told VOA, We have no record of a donation of skulls from the American Medical Association in 1935. In all my time here, I have not heard of or seen any skulls in the collection.

What if Lydston did not donate the Whitechapel Club skulls as he claims and kept them for himself?

After the club dissolved in 1895, Lydston published Over the Hookah: The Tales of a Talkative Doctor in which an aging Dr. Weymouth relates a series of anecdotes to a young medical student.

Though it is a work of fiction, Lydston acknowledges in the preface that the tales are taken from life.

In one chapter, the student describes a large cabinet in the older doctors library. It contains a collection of curious and ghastly skulls that were the doctors pride.

Lydston died of pneumonia in 1923. In his last will and testament, he left all property to his wife. But there is no record of the contents of that property.

The 1990 Native American Graves and Repatriation Act, NAGPRA, requires museums and federal agencies to take an inventory of all human remains and funerary objects in their collection and work with tribes to return them. Updated rules give them until 2029 to comply.

The law is very clear that institutions do not own native bodies or cultural items unless they can prove a right of possession, said Shannon OLoughlin, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and CEO and attorney for the Association on American Indian Affairs. That means that there had to have been voluntary consent at the time of taking of the Native ancestor or other cultural items.

Nor did Congress provide a remedy for cases in which private collectors or non-federally funded organizations hold Native American remains and related artifacts.

If the Lydston family donated the Hunkpapa skull to a medical school or other public institution covered by the law, she may one day be returned to her lineal descendants and the Hunkpapa community.
The White House on Tuesday unveiled an updated national strategy on suicide prevention that includes more emphasis on health equity and diversity and the mental-health impact of social media, revising its decade-old plan amid a national rise in suicide rates.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff launched the new strategy at the White House, which he prefaced with words of comfort and encouragement.

"It's OK to talk about this, as tough as this topic is," he said. "So, that's why it's good that we're all here today together. It's important we do this, because as we all know, suicide affects everyone. Doesn't matter your age, race, gender or where you live. It impacts all of us."

The U.S. remains in a small clique of about 40 mostly high-income nations that have national plans to combat a menace that has left no society unscarred.

In a push for more countries to develop national strategies in 2018, the World Health Organization noted that "only a few countries in the low-income and middle-income categories have adopted a national suicide prevention strategy, even though 79% of suicides occur in these settings."

American health professionals told VOA a national plan is essential to tackling the problem.

"The new national strategy focuses on a "whole of society" approach, which is unique and critical  because no single entity alone can reduce suicide rates. But together, we have a real opportunity for impact," Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, told VOA in an email.

Doctors who worked with the White House on the plan noted that not all its recommendations are strictly medical. Many are social and involve being more open about a matter that is often seen as taboo.

"When it comes to a national strategy, you're actually looking to employ a multipronged approach," Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, told VOA. "So, you would be looking to increase your mental health professional workforce that is culturally aligned with the population.

"But you'd also be looking to other things that low- and middle-income countries can do more readily, such as increasing interpersonal connectedness in schools and in workplaces  really these community-based approaches that have been found to be incredibly effective at reducing suicides. So, things like addressing loneliness, addressing interpersonal violence."

American actor Ashley Judd, who spoke at the White House on Tuesday, also stressed the importance of legitimizing mental illness. Her mother, musician Naomi Judd, committed suicide in 2022.

"She won several Grammys, and she left country music better than she found it," Judd said of her mother, who was 76. "She also lived most of her life with an untreated and undiagnosed mental illness that lied to her and stole from her. And it stole from our family, and she deserved better."

Another issue the updated plan wrestled with is a uniquely American one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 55% of American suicides are committed with firearms.

"There is a very strong section on firearm suicide prevention in the national strategy," Moutier said, noting that the federal strategy mentions the important role of state-level red flag laws that would restrict firearms access for buyers who may harm themselves or others.

The new strategy also emphasizes the value of "lived experience"  the validity of survivors' stories and those of their loved ones, who are scarred by the suicide.

Musician Aloe Blacc spoke Tuesday of how he uses music to heal after the 2018 suicide of his close friend, Swedish electronica artist Tim Bergling  better known by his stage name, Avicii.

On the anniversary of his friend's death, Blacc recorded a version of his hit, "Wake Me Up."He also recorded a version he sang in Mandarin and Spanish.

And on Tuesday, Blacc, sitting in the high-ceilinged, marble-walled room on the White House campus, burst into spontaneous song. His warm tenor filled the cavernous room as he sang a gospel standard, "This Little Light of Mine."

"Just remember," he said. "You are the light."

Blacc offered some simple advice to those who themselves may be struggling or know someone who is.

"I want to encourage all of us here today and all of us watching to recognize the role that we can play, the positive role that we can play in someone else's life," he said.

Or, as Wesolowski said, "The most important thing we can do is show up. ...The action of reaching out is more important than the words you say, and sometimes it can make all the difference."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention shared with VOA this list of international suicide hotlines.
President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a $95 billion war aid measure that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and that also has a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in the U.S.

The announcement marks an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

We rose to the moment, we came together, and we got it done," Biden said at White House event to announce the signing. "Now we need to move fast, and we are.

But significant damage has been done to the Biden administrations effort to help Ukraine repel Russias invasion during the funding impasse that dates back to August, when the Democratic president made his first emergency spending request for Ukraine aid. Even with a burst of new weapons and ammunition, it's unlikely Ukraine will immediately recover after months of setbacks.

Biden approved immediately sending Ukraine $1 billion in military assistance and said the shipment would begin arriving in the next few hours"  the first tranche from about $61 billion allocated for Ukraine. The package includes air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles and other weapons to shore up Ukrainian forces who have seen morale sink as Russian President Vladimir Putin has racked up win after win.

But longer term, it remains uncertain if Ukraine  after months of losses in Eastern Ukraine and sustaining massive damage to its infrastructure  can make enough progress to sustain American political support before burning through the latest influx of money.

Its not going in the Ukrainians' favor in the Donbas, certainly not elsewhere in the country, said White House national security spokesman John Kirby, referring to the eastern industrial heartland where Ukraine has suffered setbacks. Mr. Putin thinks he can play for time. So, weve got to try to make up some of that time.

Tucked into the measure is a provision that gives TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell it or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States. The president can grant a one-time extension of 90 days, bringing the timeline to sell to one year, if he certifies that theres a path to divestiture and significant progress toward executing it.

The administration and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have called the social media site a growing national security concern.

TikTok said it will wage a legal challenge against what it called an unconstitutional effort by Congress.

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail, the company said in a statement.

Biden underscored that the bill also includes a surge of about $1 billion in humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza suffering as the Israel-Hamas war continues.

Biden said Israel must ensure the humanitarian aid for Palestinians in bill reaches Gaza without delay.

House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote on the supplemental aid package for months as members of his party's far right wing, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, threatened to move to oust him if he allowed a vote to send more assistance to Ukraine. Those threats persist.

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 presidential GOP nominee, has complained that European allies have not done enough for Ukraine. While he stopped short of endorsing the supplemental funding package, his tone has shifted in recent days, acknowledging that Ukraine's survival is important to the United States.

Indeed, many European leaders have long been nervous that a second Trump presidency would mean decreased U.S. support for Ukraine and for the NATO military alliance. The European anxiety was heightened in February when Trump in a campaign speech warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries that don't meet defense spending goals if he returns to the White House.

It was a key moment in the debate over Ukraine spending. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg quickly called out Trump for putting American and European soldiers at increased risk. Biden days later called Trump's comments "dangerous" and un-American and accused Trump of playing into Putin's hands.

But in reality, the White House maneuvering to win additional funding for Ukraine started months earlier.

Biden, the day after returning from a whirlwind trip to Tel Aviv following Hamas militants' stunning Oct. 7 attack on Israel, used a rare prime time address to make his pitch for the supplemental funding.

At the time, the House was in chaos because the Republican majority had been unable to select a speaker to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who had been ousted more than two weeks earlier. McCarthys reckoning with the GOP's far right came after he agreed earlier in the year to allow federal spending levels that many in his right flank disagreed with and wanted undone.

Far-right Republicans have also adamantly opposed sending more money for Ukraine, with the war appearing to have no end in sight. Biden in August requested more than $20 billion to keep aid flowing into Ukraine, but the money was stripped out of a must-pass spending bill even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington to make a personal plea for continued U.S. backing.

By late October, Republicans finally settled on Johnson, a low-profile Louisiana Republican whose thinking on Ukraine was opaque, to serve as the next speaker. Biden during his congratulatory call with Johnson urged him to quickly pass Ukraine aid and began a months-long, largely behind-the-scenes effort to bring the matter to a vote.

In private conversations with Johnson, Biden and White House officials leaned into the stakes for Europe if Ukraine were to fall to Russia. Five days after Johnson was formally elected speaker, national security adviser Jake Sullivan outlined to him the administration's strategy on Ukraine and assured him that accountability measures were in place in Ukraine to track where the aid was going  an effort to address a common complaint from conservatives.

On explicit orders from Biden, White House officials also avoided directly attacking Johnson over the stalled aid.

Johnson came off to White House officials as direct and an honest actor throughout the negotiations, according to a senior administration official. Biden had success finding common ground with Republicans earlier in his term to win the passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure deal, legislation to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry, and an expansion of federal health care services for veterans exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits. And he knew there was plenty of Republican support for further Ukraine funding.

Biden praised Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., saying in the end they stepped up and did the right thing.

History will remember this moment," Biden said. "For all the talk about how dysfunctional things are in Washington, when you look over the past three years, weve seen it time and again on the critical issues. Weve actually come together.

At frustrating moments during the negotiations, Biden urged his aides to just keep talking, keep working, according to the official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

So, they did. In a daily meeting convened by White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, the president's top aides  seated around a big oval table in Zients' office  would brainstorm possible ways to better make the case about Ukraines dire situation in the absence of aid.

Steve Ricchetti, counselor to the president, and legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff were in regular contact with Johnson. Goff and Johnsons senior staff also spoke frequently as a deal came into focus.

The White House also sought to accommodate Johnson and his various requests For instance, administration officials at the speaker's request briefed Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., two conservatives who were persistent antagonists of Johnson.

All the while, senior Biden officials frequently updated McConnell as well as key Republican committee leaders, including Reps. Michael McCaul and Mike Turner.

In public, the administration deployed a strategy of downgrading intelligence that demonstrated Russia's efforts to tighten its ties with U.S. adversaries China, North Korea and Iran to fortify Moscow's defense industrial complex and get around U.S. and European sanctions.

For example, U.S. officials this month laid out intelligence findings that showed China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry. Earlier, the White House publicized intelligence that Russia has acquired ballistic missiles from North Korea and has acquired attack drones from Iran.

The $61 billion can help triage Ukrainian forces, but Kyiv will need much more for a fight that could last years, military experts say.
Israeli forces stepped up attacks across Gaza on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas war entered its 200th day. Residents reported some of the heaviest shelling in weeks along with new orders to evacuate northern regions of the enclave, which Israeli officials called a "dangerous combat zone."

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee used the X social media platform to urge residents in parts of Beit Lahiya, along Gaza's northern edge, to proceed to designated shelter areas, saying Israel is moving forward with plans to "work with extreme force against terrorist infrastructure and subversive elements" in the region.

The orders come about four months after Israeli defense officials said Hamas militants no longer controlled that area.

Increased strikes were reported in southern and central parts of Gaza amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threats to invade Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city where an estimated 1.5 million displaced civilians have taken refuge, largely in makeshift encampments.

In nearby Khan Younis, about 8 kilometers north of Rafah, The Associated Press reported that a new compound of tents was being erected, possibly to shelter displaced civilians fleeing an anticipated attack on Rafah. The AP cited an official representing the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry who said the tent compound is being set up to house civilians currently sheltering in a hospital.

Britain, Germany hostage release

Western diplomats on Tuesday called for Hamas to release the hostages it is still holding in the Gaza Strip.

200 days ago, Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on X. 200 days on, hostages remain in captivity, and their loved ones continue to face unimaginable suffering.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: "As long as the hostages are not free, we will not let up. Only when they are home will peace have a chance."

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says the militants are holding about 100 captives and the remains of more than 30 others.

Israels response, a military campaign it says is aimed at eliminating Hamas and ensuring the U.S-designated terror group cannot carry out a future attack, has killed at least 34,183 Palestinians and injured more than 77,000 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says women and children account for two-thirds of those killed.

The United States said on Monday that Hamas has not agreed to a very significant proposal that was on the table for a halt in fighting, the release of hostages held in Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and an increase in humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that in recent weeks, Israel has moved somewhat to meet Hamas demands in negotiations, only to have Hamas then change those demands.

It takes two to make an agreement, and right now Hamas has signaled that they dont want an agreement, Miller said.

The Israeli military said Tuesday its forces conducted airstrikes overnight that destroyed two Hamas rocket launch positions in the southern Gaza Strip.

Ground forces also continued operating in central Gaza, while airstrikes killed dozens of militants throughout Gaza, the military said.

Strike on Hezbollah

Israeli forces killed at least two Hezbollah fighters in a series of strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, the military said Tuesday. It shared a video on social media showing a strike blowing up a car as it drove down a road.

Lebanese state media said an apparent Israeli strike on a car in the Adloun area killed at least one person.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Marijuana is a rare consensus issue in politically divided America, with polls showing that 88 percent of Americans support at least partially legalizing the drug. But cannabis advocates say neither of the leading presidential candidates are capitalizing on shifting attitudes.

Nearly three-quarters of Americans live in states where marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes. Half the population live where it is also allowed recreationally. But cannabis remains entirely illegal under federal law, where it is classified alongside heroin and LSD as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The overwhelming majority of American voters who think that should be changed makes cannabis a ripe opportunity for presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump, especially among young voters, according to Scotty Smart, a community organizer with the civic engagement group the New Georgia Project.

A lot of people dont understand policy. A lot of people dont know how policies affect their day-to-day lives. I think cannabis is an issue that ignites and excites young people to pay attention, Smart said.

At the National Cannabis Festival and Washington policy summit earlier this month, founder Caroline Phillips said neither Biden nor Trump have delivered.

For both of them, one thing that they have in common is that their track records on cannabis have been inconsistent and incremental. Weve heard promises from both administrations, neither of which have panned out in full, Phillips said.

Under Biden, the Department of Health and Human Services recommended changing marijuana to a lighter drug classification  rescheduling it instead of making it legal, which would be de-scheduling.

Phillips added, The current White Houses policy on marijuana remains slightly unclear. They have given us great signals that they are willing to shift toward de-scheduling, but most likely rescheduling. However, we havent quite seen the action to back up their words.

In 2018, then-President Trump said he would probably support efforts to end federal prohibitions on marijuana and leave its legality up to the states. That legislation never got out of Congress.

Trump told a Newsmax TV interviewer last year that studies show marijuana does significant damage and yet, from a voting standpoint, its a pretty popular thing.

Trumps track record on cannabis has been inconsistent at best. Weve heard him both say that people who sell drugs on the illicit market should be jailed and even put to death. I think thats some of the scarier rhetoric around that. But weve also seen him pardon people whove been locked up for cannabis, Phillips said.

U.S. voters shifting attitudes about marijuana show in Gallup polling, where last year, 70 percent of adults supported legalization. That is more than double the number who said they favored legalization in 2000.

Morgan Fox, a political director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws said, This is an issue that is increasingly important to voters, particularly young voters, and any candidate that wants to get ahead, whether its in the presidential election, in Congress or state legislatures or local legislators, if they ignore this issue, it is going to be at their peril.

Younger voters animated by legalizing marijuana are hoping for Biden administration action on cannabis before the November election.
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The conflict between Israel and Iran is distinct from that between the Arab population of Palestine and Jewish immigrants. Contrary to popular belief, the Persians have never been the enemy of the Jews. In fact, in ancient times, it was Cyrus the Great who enabled the Jews to escape from Babylon, where they had been held in slavery.

After the Second World War, when the United States seized the remnants of the British Empire, US President Dwight Eisenhower reorganized the Middle East. To dominate it, he appointed two regional powers to represent him: Iran and Israel. The two countries were both friends and rivals.

Eisenhower sent his Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles (brother of CIA Director Alan Dulles), to Syria to organize an Iranian-Syrian alliance to contain Israeli ambitions. A mutual defense treaty was signed between Damascus and Teheran on May 24, 1953. At the time, the Syrian president, General Adil Chicakli, was pro-British and anti-French. This treaty still exists today [1].

At the same time, the UK came into conflict with Shah Reza Pahlevis Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, who wanted to nationalize oil production. With the help of the United States, London organized a coloured revolution ("Operation Ajax" [2]). MI6 and the CIA paid thousands of people to demonstrate and overthrow Mossadegh. Responding to the "call" of his people, the sovereign changed his Prime Minister to Nazi general Fazlollah Zahedi [3].

Cooperation between the Shahs autocratic regime and Israel began in 1956 with the construction of the Elian-Ashkelon pipeline. Above all, in 1957, Mossad sent a team of "revisionist Zionists" [4], led by Yitzak Shamir, to set up the dreaded SAVAK political police [5].

In 1956, to seize the Suez Canal, which Egypt wanted to nationalize, the declining colonial powers, the United Kingdom and France, enlisted the help of the colonial state of Israel. After this operation, the France of socialist Guy Mollet thanked Israel by secretly sharing its atomic research with it. This research continued unbeknownst to the United States.

However, when the U.S. became convinced that Tel Aviv was heading for the bomb, it made sure to give it to Iran too. In 1974, French President Valery Giscard dEstaing brought Iran into the Eurodif consortium. It undertook to supply it with enriched uranium and to train its scientists. Two years later, US President Gerald Ford authorized Iran to pursue its own bomb.

In 1978, the United States took a dim view of Shah Reza Pahlevis military ambitions, which threatened Israeli power, and decided to impose a new Prime Minister with a new policy. Zbigniew Brzezinski, President Jimmy Carters security advisor, decided to rely on the Shiite clergy, some of whose assets had just been nationalized by the Shah (the "White Revolution"). In his view, Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini, whose preaching was circulated on audiocassettes throughout the country, had the authority to become the monarchs Prime Minister. Despite the opposition of Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, he organized his exile to the Paris region, where he stayed for four months before being flown to Tehran by Air France on a special plane. The United States had persuaded the Shah that they were in control of the situation, and only intended to fight his opposition. They had even asked the Savak to assassinate the philosopher Ali Shariati (a personal friend of Frantz Fannon and Jean-Paul Sartre) in London, so that his ant colonialist ideas would not interfere with their scenario. The Shah had agreed to take a leave of absence while Washington sorted out the problem at home.

However, on the day of his return, February 1, 1979, a crowd of one million people acclaimed the Ayatollah. From the airport, he made his way to the cemetery where 800 Iranian victims of political repression had just been buried. To the astonishment of Westerners, he delivered a violently anti-imperialist speech. There was no longer any question of a revolution within the Persian Empire, but of the establishment of an Islamic Republic.

Israel immediately seized the Iranian half of the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline. A long dispute ensued, which was only secretly settled much later.

Khomeini questioned the recognition of Israel as a colonial state, had the premises of its embassy seized and handed them over to the Palestine Liberation Organization.

In 1985, Robert McFarlane, Security Advisor to US President Ronald Reagan, planned to deliver arms to Nicaraguas counter-revolutionaries, the Contras, without the knowledge of Congress. To this end, he first approached Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres. The two men agreed that it was not possible to involve a revolutionary Arab state like Libya, but perhaps Iran. Through the intermediary of MP Hassan Rohani (future President of Iran), they contacted the President of the Iranian Assembly, the hodjatoleslam Hashemi Rafsanjani. Rafsanjani agreed to buy weapons to fight the Iraqi aggression, and to transfer some of them to the Contras. Thanks to this deal, Rafsanjani, already a large landowner, became the richest man in his country [6].

In 1988, Iraq used chemical weapons of mass destruction against the Iranian army and population. The result was a huge number of cripples. Even today, the threshold of tolerance to air pollution is very low in Iran. Often, the state issues an alert and the city of Teheran has to be evacuated for several days. I remember my friend, the great journalist Nader Talebzadeh, who, interviewing me on television, suddenly left the set, coughed up his lungs and was hospitalized. Responding to the suffering of his people, Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini declared weapons of mass destruction in general to be contrary to his vision of Islam. Since then, Iran has ceased its nuclear, biological and chemical military research. This ethical decision made the war last a little longer.

In 1992, Hashemi Rafsanjani, now a professional arms dealer and President of Iran, organized secret exchanges with President Carlos Menems Argentina. Now publicly collaborating with the United States, he sent troops to fight under NATO orders in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He also supplied Argentine arms to the Bosnians. Officially, he did not question Khomeinis anti-colonialist vision of the world, but supported the Bosnian president, Alija Izetbegovic. Israeli military personnel also took part in the operations.

The Iran-Argentina arms trade was interrupted by Israel, which organized the attack on its own embassy in Buenos-Aires (1992), followed by the attack on AMIA (1994) [7] and finally the assassination of Argentine President Carlos Menems son, Carlitos (1995) . [8].

In 2001, Washington abandoned its policy of balance in the Middle East. Gone were the ties between Israel and Iran (1953-79), Israel and Iraq (1979-91) and Israel and Saudi Arabia (1991-2001). The Pentagon intended to sow chaos throughout the "wider Middle East" (excluding Israel), i.e. from Afghanistan to Morocco [9]. Those who had chosen this new strategy had pulled out all the stops to impose it: the September 11th attacks.

In 2003, a former Guardian of the Revolution, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, became President of Iran. He reversed the policies of his predecessors and returned to the ideals of Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini. He never ceased to clash with the religious authorities, and even with the Supreme Leader. He industrialized his country, built social housing and tried to help the Shiite populations of the Middle East to find their own independence. Questioning the unspoken alliance with Israel

in 2005, he explained that the State of Israel would disappear like Apartheid South Africa. Reuters falsified his words, crediting him with announcing the destruction of the Israeli people [10].

In 2006, he organized a conference on the Holocaust in Teheran. His aim was not to deny the truth, but on the contrary to show that the State of Israel was not reparation for Nazi crimes, but a British colonial project. Israel then asserted that it is anti-Semitic, which it absolutely is not.

At the same time, Israel launched a worldwide press campaign claiming that Iran had resumed its military nuclear program. This was based on the fact that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had launched a vast civilian nuclear program. Indeed, he intended to discover another way of producing energy, through nuclear fusion rather than fission as in atomic bombs. At the time, Iran was planning to help the Third World develop by escaping Western control of hydrocarbons. A very long battle in international institutions began for Iran [11].. In addition to Irans pseudo-military nuclear program, Israel began to denounce Irans pseudo-imperialism in Iraq.

The agreement concluded in secret on March 2, 2008 in Baghdad between Admiral William Fallon, Commander of U.S. Forces for the Middle East (CentCom), and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was broken by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. The US military intended to pacify Iraq with Iran, not against it [12]. But Dick Cheney, who had been involved in the September 11th attacks, would not budge from the Rumsfeld/Cebrowski doctrine. Thats why he launched a colour revolution during Mahmoud Ahmadinejads second election [13].

The situation changed again in 2013. U.S. President Barack Obama wanted to put an end to the Rumsfeld/Cebrowski doctrine, which would require decades and millions of deaths before there would be any hope of a return on investment. He therefore planned to renew ties with the Iranian personalities who took part in the Iran-Contra affair, in other words, with Hashemi Rafsanjanis team.

He began secret contacts in Oman [14]. In the end, his interlocutors [15] promised to prevent Ahmaninedjads team from fielding a candidate in the next presidential election, so that Hassan Rohani could win. Simultaneously, in August, Barack Obama withdrew from Syria, where he claimed to have drawn a red line, leaving his French partner, Francois Hollande, alone with his warmongering.

As soon as he was elected, Hassan Rohani once again abandoned the ideals of Imam Rouhollah Khomeiny and began negotiating the sale of Iranian oil to the Europeans. Bribes were paid by Austria. On the other hand, the Islamic judiciary arrested and sentenced, one after the other, all the collaborators of former president Ahmadinejad. His vice-president, Hamid Beghaie, was arrested on a secret charge, tried behind closed doors and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment [16].

President Rohanis cabinet then proposed the creation of a Shiite federation with the various Shiite communities in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, in short, the restoration of the Persian Empire. At the same time, the 5+1 negotiations began in Geneva. Within a few days, an agreement was reached. A first document was presented on November 24, 2013. The Chinese and Russian ministers, Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov, declared that the agreement was easy to draft because all parties knew that Iran does not have, nor seek to have, an atomic bomb. A long year of silence followed, with the initial text not signed until July 14, 2015.

A little later, in 2016, Hassan Rohani concluded a discreet agreement with Israel to settle the Eifat-Ashkelon pipeline dispute. In 2018, the Knesset discreetly passed a law punishing any publication about the pipelines owners with 15 years imprisonment.

The new American president, Donald Trump, realized that he could not be cordial with his counterpart, Hassan Rohani. In the eyes of everyone, and especially the Iranians, their country is the unwavering enemy of the United States. So, on May 8, 2018, he tore up the nuclear agreement without warning. Washington and Tehran played this comedy as they did with Reagan and Rafsanjani: officially, they hate each other, in private, they do business. The Iranians, who continue to tighten their belts, discovered with amazement on social networks the incredible standard of living of their leaders and their families.

The two groups that have been at loggerheads for half a century in Iran - international businessmen and anti-imperialist fighters - are now crystallizing around President Hassan Rohani and General Qassem Soleimani. The latter promoted an alternative: the "Axis of Resistance". In the name of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, he armed and trained foreign Shiite groups, not to federate them, but to give them the means to achieve independence. From Ansar Allah (Yemen) to Hezbollah (Lebanon), each group would be responsible for itself, coordinating with others but refusing orders from Tehran. The men trained by Soleimani won victories against Daesh, against some of their own governments and against the West. He himself became the most popular man in the Middle East. Officially, he is not involved in politics, but his speeches inflame the Arab and Persian populations. If he stood for election, he would surely be elected president. The veterans of the Iran-Contra affair then decided to eliminate him. On January 3, 2020, he was assassinated at Baghdad airport by a US guided missile strike. President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for the operation, but the local consensus was that it had been conceived in Tel Aviv. The Iranian president, Ebrahim Raissi, could be elected without difficulty.

The Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus should not be interpreted as directed against President Ebrahim Raissis team, but against the Revolutionary Guards.
Photo: MEGA/GC Images

Alec Baldwins lawyers have issued a scathing critique of the prosecutors who want to bring the actor to trial on a felony involuntary-manslaughter charge for the fatal Rust set shooting. Baldwin, who pleaded not guilty, is hoping to dismiss the case, which could lead to up to 18 months in prison if he is convicted. In a new court filing obtained by Variety and People, Baldwins lawyers alleged a stunning abuse of prosecutorial power tied to a misdemeanor plea offer made to him last October. The deal included no jail time, six months of unsupervised probation, a $550 fine, 24 hours of community service, and a firearms safety class  but it was rescinded before Baldwin accepted it.

Special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey previously said she decided to proceed with a felony charge after learning that Baldwin had commissioned a documentary about the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and was trying to persuade witnesses to participate. Baldwins attorneys are arguing that is a completely inappropriate reason to indict someone, and further asserting that the actor has no control, of any kind over either of two documentaries being made about the tragedy. His team suggests that Morrissey got the information from an inaccurate article in the Daily Mail. Elsewhere in the filing, the defense accuses Morrissey of giving prejudicial instructions to the grand jury that ended up indicting Baldwin. According to Baldwins team, Morrissey is using the justice system to humble an arrogant celebrity that she dislikes.

Earlier this month, prosecutors responded to Baldwins motion to dismiss, calling claims from his lawyers patently false. In their filing, Baldwins lawyers describe aspects of the prosecutors response as appalling. As for the motion to dismiss, the judge can now either schedule a hearing or make a decision based on the filings from both sides. If the case is not dismissed, Baldwins trial is set to start in July.
Photo:  Arthur Jafa. Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery

Perhaps no character in American cinema has proved more relevant to our times than Taxi Drivers Travis Bickle, who seems to contain within him the demonic energies of all our incels and xenophobes and mass shooters and January 6 insurrectionists combined. As his yellow cab drifts through clouds of steam like a barge traversing the underworld, Robert De Niros Bickle famously muses to all of us, Someday a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets. The films cleansing flood arrives in a final climactic scene in which Bickle saves Jodie Fosters young prostitute from her pimp and his associates  all of whom are notably white  that still manages to shock with its violence today.

The lore surrounding the 1976 movie held that Martin Scorsese and screenwriter Paul Schrader changed the race of the pimp  Sport, played by Harvey Keitel  from Black to white from political considerations. The same went for the other two victims murdered by Bickle. Indeed, Schrader recently confirmed to the New York Times, someone at Columbia Pictures said to Marty, were going to have a riot in the theater if we cast Sport as Black, and I realized they were completely right. He added, I think it would have been a much more vile and revolting film if his hatred was directed completely at people of color. You cant make something that is so off the meter that it cant be seen or that people simply cant bear watching.

At the same time, Keitel always looked silly imitating a Black pimp. The movie itself doesnt shy away from blatant racism. It clearly signals that Bickle views Black people as part of the scum that needs to be washed away, along with the animals and fairies and buggers and dopers. Taxi Driver is a cultural landmark marking an onset of American carnage, but the racial confusion at the end makes it seem as if it is afraid of itself.

The artist Arthur Jafas devastating new film *****  which the artist says is pronounced Redacted  at the Gladstone Gallery reconfigures the massacre at the end of Taxi Driver. Using advanced forms of splicing and editing, Jafa seamlessly replaces the white characters with Black characters they had intended, as he told the Times. The result is as disturbing as Schrader had predicted  more so. This inversion lets us confront everything that was missing in the great but odd original. These replaced absences punctuate and supercharge Bickles hatred and narcissism, turning the spectacle of violence into what it really was: a hate crime against Black people.

Jafas 73-minute film plays variations of the scene over and over again. Its coloring and images are dark, each cut adds to and complicates the last one, and the sound tracks where characters are, all coming together to create a truer filmic realism. In each version, the first three cops to arrive at the scene of Bickles rampage are Black, and Jafa changes the pimps name from Sport to Scar, after the villain in John Fords 1956 The Searchers, a film that Scorsese and Schrader cited as an influence on Taxi Driver with its narrative of a white man saving a white woman from the clutches of the Comanche. Scar wears a Black Panther button. In one scene, he sings a Stevie Wonder song that filled the summer of 1976. Jafa even gives the pimp an actual scar on his face.

Taxi Driver depicted all kinds of racism. Theres talk of jungle bunnies, Scorsese himself plays a customer in Bickles cab who seethes over his wife having sex with a Black man and vows vengeance, and when Bickle shoots a Black robber in a bodega, the Puerto Rican owner lets him get away. To underscore just how obviously this film was always about race and the racial tensions boiling over then, Jafa depicts a brutal scene in which Peter Boyles Wizard, a fellow cab driver, talks about Mau Mau land in a diner while Black pimps glare at them. In the original, Bickle notoriously points his gun on himself and pulls the trigger, only to find hes out of bullets; in one alternate ending in Jafas mind-boggling reworking, Bickle blows his head off.

The critic Alex Greenberger has dismissed ***** as nauseating and not unlike the horrifying footage of snuffed-out Black life that has become an unfortunate staple of our current moment, a nihilistic loop from which viewers will want to escape. But the comparison  between civilian footage of mostly white cops killing very real, mostly Black victims and a Black artist foregrounding the racial intent and undertones of a classic American film  strikes me as wrongheaded. My Travis Bickle is Dylann Roof, Jafa told the Times. I think he always was Dylann Roof. The 73-minute loop of racially motivated murder in ***** is the masterpiece that Taxi Driver never was. Jafa offers a new filmic lens that renders the twilight zone of the original into something starkly real  and what it intended to be. The question it asks is whether we have the courage to see it.
Baby Reindeer Episode 1 Season 1 Episode 1 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next   Previous Episode Next Episode  Photo: Ed Miller/Netflix

Starting a crime-drama show that is based on a true story can be tricky. You have to decide: Do you want to know what happens in the end, or do you want to be surprised? (Maybe even horrified?) On the one hand, it can feel comforting to know whats going to happen and what you can expect, but on the other, theres an element of thrilling excitement if you dont spoil things for yourself. Humanity  or the lack thereof  can surprise you if you let it.

Thats particularly true with Baby Reindeer, a new Netflix series based on actor-creator Richard Gadds real-life trauma. First performed as a piece of theatre in an autobiographical stage play at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019, Baby Reindeer is the kind of story that invites further exploration. The miniseries adaptation dropped earlier this month on Netflix, and already there are countless stories online asking, Is Baby Reindeer a real story? and Who is the real woman in Baby Reindeer? Theres good reason for the curiosity. Even in its premiere episode, the show presents some wild questions, whether theyre about stalker Marthas backstory or Donny Dunns willingness to invite her in.

But lets not get ahead of ourselves. Baby Reindeers first episode opens in a police station with Donny attempting to report being stalked. The officer on duty seems skeptical. He asks whether Donny has had a sexual relationship with the woman stalking him and then, once Donny offers up that its taken him six months to report her stalking, he asks, Why did it take you so long to report it?

Thats presumably what well find out. As Baby Reindeer gets further into the episode, it becomes clear that the story is not just about a crazy stalker (thankfully) but also about Donnys quest for acceptance and recognition. Its an interesting parallel to when he first meets Martha, played by the excellent Jessica Gunning. When she walks into the pub where he works, Donny tells us via voice-over that he felt sorry for her, perhaps because she looked a little sad, but also perhaps because she was a little heavy or odd-looking. Its arrogant and condescending, but were supposed to think that its also kind of nice, especially when he gives her a cup of tea on the house since, as she says, she cant afford anything.

Its odd that she cant afford anything since Martha quickly tells Dunn that shes a lawyer, working as a leading advisor to people like David Cameron, Nick Clegg, and Tony Blair, all of whom appear in the address book on her candy-bar phone. Dunn is skeptical  because who wouldnt be?  but he humors her because, as he thinks, whats the harm?

Martha keeps returning to the bar, sporting new makeup, new hairstyles, and different outfits. She comes with stories about people Donnys never met and a big, jolly laugh. Everything about Martha intrigues Donny, who says he admires her endless confidence. (Or is it delusion?) He also loves the way she can spin phrases into poetry, like Some people run away by packing their bags. Some people run away by standing in the same place for too long. Thats some profound shit, man.

Thats why Donny plays along with Martha, telling her jokes and laying down some random flattery. The assholes that work at the bar with him put him on the spot about it, too, attempting to make fun of him for even talking to a woman whos not a perfect ten. She doesnt seem too massively affected by it, which is shocking, but he does, which says more about him than it does about her. Shes got a probably delusional amount of self-confidence, whereas hes not man enough to chat up whoever he wants, bar bros be damned.

Its through that exchange, though, that he agrees to go on a picnic with Martha, which then turns into a coffee after Donny, faced with Marthas very expensive picnic basket, says that picnics are what lovers do, and theyre just friends. All of this, mind you, is after we learn that Martha has found Donnys email and is now sending him 80 or so emails a day, continuing late into the night. They come from an email address thats a random string of letters and numbers, and theyre full of weird misspellings and iPhone references, even though she doesnt have one. And while he asks her later, at coffee, how she got his email address, he doesnt seem to address the text or frequency of the emails, nor does he ever respond.

He also never really turns away her sexual innuendos or come-ons. Thats not to say that he deserves to get stalked (no one does), but there is an element of whats to come that feels cruel, like he led poor Martha on; as if he knew what he was doing. Shes clearly not all there. We get a clear picture of that at the coffee shop and when we peek into her home later, but something is missing in Donny, too. In Martha, Donny has an audience for how he wants to be perceived  someone who will help him achieve the self-confidence he so sorely lacks. Through her oddness and affection, she gives him someone to talk to and a sympathetic ear at his comedy shows. Ribbing her gets him laughs, and shes willing  and unaware enough  to be the butt of the jokes.

All of that is to say that it is just a little bit sweet when Martha tells Donny that, if she could have any superpower, shed want to be able to zip someone open from head to toe so that she could step into their body all snug and secure. There are weird serial-killer vibes there, to be sure, but theres also something a little sentimental about it, like when you meet someone you just want to be around all the time. In an ideal situation, the person you admire isnt a sociopath, but you hope they like you back either way.

And thats why, even after Martha tells Donny she loves him (As a friend! Like you said!), he still considers accepting her Facebook friend request. He waffles, naturally, prompting a quick Google search for Martha Scott lawyer that yields a shocking series of articles about how shes been disbarred after stalking her former boss and making wild allegations about his family and how she even went to prison for the whole thing. But even knowing that, Donny accepts the friend request because she likes and sees him. And God knows what shell do if he doesnt try and see her right back.

Reindeer tales

 Donny says he thinks about the school balls no one took [Martha] to and the wedding dresses she tried on for fun. Laying the sad-fat-woman tropes on a little thick, bro! Whos to say she hasnt had a full, interesting life? (We know that she hasnt, but she could have.)

 The song that Martha sings is Somethin Stupid, by Frank Sinatra, in case youre wondering.

 Is it just me, or does Richard Gadd have kind of a bootleg British Gael Garcia Bernal thing going on?

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Photo: Apple TV+/FX

Sorry, anjinposters, FXs adaptation of Shogun has concluded. Toronaga reluctantly followed his fate and will now lead Japan to a new age of peace. The shows attention to period accuracy, its well-rounded characters, its perfect episode endings, and its endless parade of Japanese character actors will be missed. The series managed to make you feel for so many characters with so many (often conflicting) motivations. Then it made you watch that person you fell in love with get beheaded.

Theres always hopes for a Shogun season two, but none has been announced. That leaves a lot of people feeling kind of wistful behind their eightfold fence. The show was a great introduction for many westerners to the grand tradition of jidaigeki, or Japanese period pieces. If you want to delve deeper into an entire genre, there are plenty of samurai flicks to whet your appetite. But Shogun was a book first. And the romantic, tempestuous, uncertain Sengoku era reverberates throughout Japanese literature and the work of literary weebs in the west. Here are ten books, one manga, and one video game for when you miss Toronaga and the gang.

Shogun: The Complete Novel, by James Clavell $36 $50 now 28% off $36 I mean, of course youre going to read the source material. Theres no greater pleasure for a true fan of the written word than to watch an adapted movie or TV show and quietly mutter, Thats not how it happened in the book. James Clavell, a rabid individualist (and Ayn Rand stan) who was a Japanese POW during World War II, wrote a sweeping novel about duty and communal action and the nobility of the Japanese character. It then became a best seller and a critically acclaimed miniseries (twice)! May we all work through our trauma so lucratively. $36 at Amazon Buy $36 at Amazon Buy

Taiko, by Eiji Yoshikawa $47 $47 If you saw the flashbacks to the previous Taiko on Shogun and thought, Hey, whats that guys deal? Who is he to Toronaga? Why does he have so many consorts?, then read this series. There are three great unifiers of Japan: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Ochibas baby daddy), and Tokugawa Ieyasu (Toronaga). What Shogun is to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Taiko is to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Taiko was serialized during World War II in Japan, then compiled into books near the end of postwar occupation. An abridged translation was released in English in 1992. The book(s) tell the whole life story of Hideyoshi  from his farm-boy childhood to unifying Japan. $47 at Amazon Buy $47 at Amazon Buy

Interesting Times, by Terry Pratchett $16 $16 Speaking of fuck fate, this comedic fantasy book starts with Fate playing a game with Luck. Guess who wins. Lets face it: Shogun was, in many ways, a bummer. Maybe you need a palate cleanser. Enter Terry Pratchett, who could bring a silly goofy mood to even the most dire of subjects, this time endless internecine conflict and hollow revolutions. Interesting Times takes place on the Discworld, Pratchetts long-running setting that exists to parody fantasy tropes and do thinly veiled social commentary about our more globular planet. In this book, perennial loser wizard Rincewind travels to the Agatean Empire, where orientalist cliches go to die (probably by seppuku). This random foreigner becomes pivotal in the struggle between five noble families to rule the empire. Sound familiar? $16 at Amazon Buy $16 at Amazon Buy

Out, by Natsuo Kirino $15 $19 now 21% off $15 One of the best things about Shogun is how richly realized the female characters are. Its their story as much (if not more) than John Blackthornes or Toronagas. Out shows how few options women have under patriarchy centuries after the Battle of Sekigahara. Named Best Novel at the 51st Mystery Writers of Japan Awards, the book follows four women working the night shift at a bento factory. They try to dispose of a body, only to descend into infighting and blackmail. Even in modern Japan, a woman is still simply at war. But be forewarned: The book is intense. Well, gnarly was the word my friend used when she cautiously recommended it to me. $15 at Amazon Buy $15 at Amazon Buy

Convenience Store Woman, by Sayaka Murata $11 $16 now 31% off $11 Speaking of the themes of Shogun mapped onto contemporary Japan, Convenience Store Woman is about someone who brings a feudal level of loyalty to her part-time job at a konbini. Everyone in Keikos life is all like Start a family, or at least get a real job! But she finds comfort, structure, and purpose in making a convenience store an oasis of order and fresh egg-salad sandos. Sayaka Muratas protagonist is unique, well-written, and what BookTok would probably describe as autistic coded. We all must follow our fate, even if that fate is to be a cog in the corporate machine. $11 at Amazon Buy $11 at Amazon Buy

Silence; A Life of Jesus, by Shusaku Endo $12 $18 now 33% off $12 If Lady Marikos faith was a compelling subplot for you, try the works of Shusaku Endo. He was raised by a single mother who converted to Christianity. He often wrestled with his faith, his doubt, and his theories as to why the religion never took hold in Japan the same way it did other places. He often called Japan a mudswamp in which the flower of Christ could not flourish. The novel Silence (adapted into a movie by Martin Scorsese) shows what happened to the Jesuits after Tokugawa Ieyasu (IRL Toronaga) took power and worked to have Christianity suppressed in Japan. A Life of Jesus, on the other hand, tried to make Christianity more palatable to the Japanese by humanizing and motherizing Jesus. In brief, the Japanese tend to seek in their gods and buddhas a warm-hearted mother rather than a stern father, he wrote. So instead of Mean Daddy God, Endo wanted readers to see Jesus and go, Thats mother. $12 at Amazon Buy $12 at Amazon Buy

InuYasha, by Rumiko Takahashi $23 $23 Look. If you want a whole lotta content set during the Warring States period in Japan, Ive got you. If you want a guy serving looks and luscious locks like Evil Bro Saeki, Ive got you. If you want a lot of well-rendered interiors of Sengoku period palaces, Ive got you. If you want a manga series that takes the uncertainty of living during the Warring States period and turns it literal with hella monsters a la Buffy, Ive got you. If you want a story of romantic longing and enemies-to-lovers that actually works out, Ive got you. If you want anything with the seriousness of Shogun, look elsewhere. $23 at Amazon Buy $23 at Amazon Buy

Geisha, A Life, by Mineko Iwasaki $9 $19 now 53% off $9 If youd like to know what happened to the Willow World after Gin got her allotment of marshland, read this book. Mineko Iwasaki was interviewed by Arthur Golden to help him research Memoirs of a Geisha. Her involvement was contingent on anonymity, but Golden named her in the acknowledgments. Not cool! He also (according to Iwasaki) made up much about the world of geisha in Kyoto. Iwasaki sued Golden for defamation and breach of contract, then wrote her own autobiography with the help of Rande Gail Brown. $9 at Amazon Buy $9 at Amazon Buy

Not a book! Pokemon Conquest is the only game that had the (Poke)balls to ask, What if the great warriors of Japanese history had to fight their battles with adorable critters instead of humans? You play the daimyo of the fictional region of Aurora. If you conquer all of Japan, you will release legendary Pokemon and, idk, restore order to the Warring States and bring a peace unfelt for decades. But more importantly, legendary Pokemon. Meet the heroes of Japanese history and battle their Pokemon! Toronagas main is Aggron. How could you not want to play that?
Rachel McAdams and Lily Santiago in Mary Jane. Photo: Matthew Murphy

When Mary Jane takes her son to the hospital, its as if she descends through the ground into another world. Lael Jellineks set accomplishes this effect by moving upward: As an alarm sensor goes off, indicating that her chronically ill son is experiencing a seizure, the walls of Mary Janes modest Queens one-bedroom rise halfway into the rafters, though they dont disappear from view. Her furniture and appliances  a foldout sofa, the kitchenette, a fridge speckled with magnets and reminder notes  hang over the antiseptic white and gray of the pediatric intensive-care unit. Its like an insect molting an exoskeleton, one aspect of life sloughing away to reveal its new form underneath. As the set ascends up, you feel a primordial movement downward thats reminiscent of classical myth  Mary Jane has gone into the depths, like Orpheus or Gilgamesh, with the hope of bargaining for a souls return to the world above.

That gesture is typical of the understated yet gutting quality of this production of Mary Jane, which cuts the quotidian open to get to the bone of the existential. Amy Herzogs script introduces Mary Jane when shes more than two years into a medical nightmare: Her son, Alex, was born with cerebral palsy, among other chronic illnesses. Herzog herself is familiar with this world; she wrote the play during the experience of caring for her own chronically ill daughter. You dont see Alex himself  in the shows first act, hes behind the door of a bedroom; in the second, hidden among pillows and stuffed animals on a hospital bed  but you learn the details of the situation from Mary Janes conversations with the other women in her life who help care for him. Alexs father has left the picture. Mary Jane is barely holding down a job as an administrative assistant to cover the health insurance. The story heads in a certain direction  as a doctor reminds Mary Jane, no matter how good Alexs care is, his life expectancy is not long  though Herzog holds off from depicting the inevitable end onstage. Her script, guided by director Anne Kauffmans eye for detail, shifts the focus to the moments of grace, as well as frustration and mystical oddity, that occur in the course of taking care of someone. Note an early scene in which, when shes woken by a nurse in the middle of the night, Mary Jane pauses to admire the way a light-up ladybug toy scatters pinpricks of primary colors over her room.

That tonal balance is delicate, and it could tilt in any number of directions: too grim and it might be impossible to watch (I would understand someone not wanting to engage with the premise), too woo-woo and it might become sentimental. It asks a lot, specifically, of the actress playing Mary Jane. Rachel McAdams turns out to be more than up for the task. Shes making her Broadway debut (if you vaguely recall her as a Canadian Shakespearean, youre probably thinking of Slings & Arrows), but as she often does onscreen, McAdams works in ways that tend toward the understated, yet precisely observed. Crucially, she and Kauffman dont treat Mary Jane as too much of a saint; in fact, she plays the part as someone whos well-meaning but a flibbertigibbet. (A contrast to the 2017 Off Broadway version with Carrie Coon, who has an essential core of steel.)

Early on, I wondered if McAdams had fallen into the classic movie-actor trap of going too big once you get into a theater, but she used that energy to calibrate the character. In the first half, Mary Jane keeps making ill-timed half-jokes, which McAdams delivers with Look at me neediness. As Alexs condition worsens, however, McAdams layers more anger and frustration into those jokes; her pointed, sometimes relentless niceness is more visible as a coping mechanism. Through that choice, I could see Mary Jane more clearly as a person, not just an archetype living through an experience. McAdamss take helps draw out the arc underneath the surface of Herzogs chain of one-on-one conversations. I was struck, at the end of the play, by her haunted stillness.

McAdams is supported, like Mary Jane herself, by an ensemble of more than competent women, all playing doubled parts. Herzog has created a mini-community of other caregivers surrounding her protagonist, each of whom tends to be strung out in their own way  a quality intensified by Herzogs updated scripts passing references to pandemic-related understaffing  while also clear-eyed about what their experiences have taught them. In the first half, theres a building superintendent (Brenda Wehle), a nurse (April Matthis), a fellow mother new to caring for a sick child (Susan Pourfar), and the nurses niece (Lily Santiago); in the second, the same actors recur as a pediatric doctor (Matthis), a Hasidic woman (Pourfar), a music therapist (Santiago), and a Buddhist nun (Wehle). The conceit creates echoes between the characters, which adds to the mirror-world quality of the hospital scenes. Matthis, in both iterations, is the epitome of proficiency, though also working at the limit of her abilities  in either role, there is only so much she can do for Alex. Wehles rule-enforcing as a super gets reborn as spiritual knowledge, while Santiagos sweetness ports between both of her characters. In Pourfars first appearance, shes on cusp of a breakdown, thinking about how her life will change; in her second, shes a repeat visitor to the PICU, familiar with, though not hardened to, the experience.

In Mary Janes conversation with Pourfars character, Chaya, Herzog arrives at a kind of thesis. She asks Mary Jane if she can relate to the feeling that, when she has to go to the hospital with her son, the rest of the world seems to fall away. Everything I have been doing, that was very nice, but it wasnt real, Chaya says. This is real. And its a relief, thats what it is, its a relief to get back to it. The observation allows both for the horror of the experience of performing this kind of care as well as the way it can be an unwelcome blessing  the kind of blessing you dont know anything about and you dont want to know anything about, as Chaya calls it. They have taken a journey to a place where you can see through everything else, for better and worse. A few scenes later, I realized that, when I wasnt looking, the walls of Mary Janes apartment, previously lingering overhead, had disappeared into the rafters. The hospital, that underworld, was all there was.

Mary Jane is at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Photo: Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

No weapon formed against K.Dot shall prosper, apparently. The estate of Tupac Shakur successfully got Drake to cease and desist streaming Taylor Made Freestyle, which uses AI-generated Tupac and Snoop Dogg to diss Kendrick Lamar. Below, the latest updates on rap beef so convoluted the ghost of Tupac is involved.

No California Love For Drake

April 24, 2024: Turns out theres someone even less stoked than Snoop Dogg to find themself inserted into Drakes drama. The estate of Tupac Shakur has sent a cease and desist to Drizzy over Taylor Made Freestyle, demanding the song be pulled from streaming services or face a lawsuit. The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupacs voice and personality, it reads. Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupacs publicity and the estates legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use. Howard King, the estates attorney, also demanded a detailed explanation for how the sound-alike was created and the persons or company that created it, including all recordings and other data scraped or used. He points out that the AI Shakur would have had to be trained on something, most likely the estates copyrighted intellectual property. Drake has 24 hours to take down Taylor Made before further legal action is taken. Bethy Squires

Drakes Retreat

April 26, 2024: Drake was gonna bring out the coward in who? After receiving the Tupac estates cease and desist, Drake has pulled Taylor Made Freestyle off streaming, as Billboard reports. The track is now the second casualty of this beef, after J. Cole took his own Kendrick diss, 7 Minute Drill, off streaming earlier. Drake and the Tupac estate both declined to comment on the new takedown to Billboard. But the Pac estate has to be Team Kendrick, right? Justin Curto
When I started watching Under the Bridge, I never imagined that Id be shipping two of the characters, but here we are. It feels a bit weird that theres a rekindled romance at the heart of this true-life murder story, but its also kind of a relief from the doom and gloom of the rest of the narrative. Also, Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone have fantastic chemistry. The way that they often wordlessly communicate through eyebrow raises, shrugs, and face journeys is enough to hope that these two crazy kids might just make it by the end of the series  or, if not, that the two women might get cast together in something more lighthearted down the road.

This is a big piece-moving episode, and the development of Cam and Rebeccas relationship is an important one. We find out in no uncertain terms that they were in an intense relationship when Rebeccas brother, Gabe, died. In the wake of his passing, Rebecca wasnt doing very well, and instead of letting Cam take care of her, she ghosted her, peacing out of the country entirely. Cam is still hurt, but shes also happy to see her former lover. When Rebecca seeks out Cam to tell her that Josephine confessed to the murder, Cam shakes her head. She drove that route in her cop car the other day, and given the time when Reena was last seen (11:47 p.m.) and the time that Josephine returned to Seven Oaks (before the midnight curfew), theres no possible way for Josephine to have interacted with Reena and gotten back to the group home in time. So much for Josephine impressing Gotti.

In this conversation, we also get a little more information about Gabes death. Whatever happened seems to echo what happened with Reena, enough that Rebecca confesses that shes really struggling with the situation. Cam shoots back, Why would I think about how this affects you?! But then, oh, her face. And Keoughs face. The layers of expression and emotion here are like a delicious acting lasagna. If they gave out Emmys for face journeys, this scene would win, hands down.

Eventually, the two go out for a drink, dance, almost kiss, and then when Cam becomes aware that theyre in public in the boondocks in 1997, they move their dalliance to the bathroom. They hook up, but abruptly stop for a second until Rebecca says, Its okay to feel that. Did anyone else get the impression that Rebecca might have some sort of a scar, possibly even a scar related to Gabes death, that gave Cam pause?

While were talking about relationships, lets check in on Warren and Samara. Warren has had two very sweet interactions with Rebecca now, most recently running into her at the diner where she offers to buy him a meal and suggests that he order spaghetti and meatballs. Dinner for breakfast, just like her brother loved. We dont find out what Warren ordered  since hes a polite kid, Im guessing that he got the spaghetti dinner  but we do see that hes having a hard time. When Rebecca sees him at the diner, hes literally begging for scraps, and we also see him very excited to do laundry at his girlfriend Samaras house. Warren and Samara seem to be deep in puppy love, but when she goes to wash his pants and finds blood spatters on them, she has questions. Samara confronts Warren, saying she heard from a girlfriend of hers that he was involved in the fight with Reena. Uh-oh.

In a very high-school-boy effort to explain what happened, Warren puts on a song with the lyrics 187 in it. Street slang for murder is 187, and, honestly, we already know that Reena was murdered  we find out more about her brutal beating during her autopsy later in the episode  but is Warren trying to tell Samara that he had something to do with it? And if so, why?

We also check in with Josephine and her minions in Reena-centered flashbacks as well as the post-murder timeline. In the flashbacks, it feels like Dusty and Reena are really starting to become friends. They hang out and banter over whether theyd prefer Will Smith or Leonardo DiCaprio to be their dad. (Neither one of these hotties was old enough to be a father of a 14-year-old girl in 1997, but go off, queens.) They also hang out with Josephine and Kelly and watch as Warren is indoctrinated into the local teen gang by surviving a beating. Its a haunting echo of what happens to Reena, with her as a reluctant witness to it all. Josephine is unfazed by the beating; she just thinks its unfair that the girls cant join the gang, too. So she creates her own gang, and she and Kelly swear a blood oath, cutting their palms and mixing open wounds in an era where AIDS panic was a very real thing. Throughout this episode, Kelly is proving herself to be more and more of a borderline psychopath, and it occurs to me that we havent heard much from her, but weve seen her an awful lot.

Later, when Reena asks them if theyd like to come to her house for dinner, Dusty seems genuinely excited. Josephine, on the other hand, sneers and snarks when presented with the idea. She gives Kelly a pointed look and then agrees to go to the party; we just know that shes planning to steal shit. Josephine is truly the worst.

Or maybe Kelly is the worst? Because later in the episode, we see that shes been keeping Reenas mud-caked Steve Madden boots in her closet. When Josephine sees this, she nearly has a heart attack, leading us to believe that she was truly not complicit in anything that happened to Reena after she walked away from the bridge that night. But its starting to feel like Kelly might have actually done something terrible. Also, maybe Kelly is a complete idiot? Because why would she keep a souvenir stolen from the body of a dead girl?

The Steve Madden boots are a coveted object in the teen-girl circle, and Reenas cool uncle, Raj, gifted them to her for her birthday. As Reenas parents, Suman and Manjit, mourn away from prying eyes, Raj goes to a memorial for his niece. Hes angry, though, screaming about how any one of the kids in attendance might have killed her. Honestly? Hes probably right. He runs into Rebecca and she gives him her card. Later, Cam gets some information on Manjit from her absolute dickhole of a father and asks Rebecca to run it by Raj. She does, but we dont get to see the conclusion of this particular interaction. The reveal on Manjits secret past will have to wait until next week. (Or you can just Google it now.)

As everyone in Victoria is abuzz with speculation and trepidation, Reenas body is recovered. We hear Rebecca dictate a passage about the divers having carefully floated her corpse out of the river, a hauntingly poetic passage that is lifted directly from Godfreys book. Director Catherine Hardwicke treats the body with respect, carefully floating the reveal of the mangled corpse, but she also doesnt shy away from giving us glimpses of the horror that was wrought upon Reena before her death. We see the body being examined by a coroner who says that her injuries were consistent with a car crash. Given that Reena initially walked away from the beating, this might suggest that she was assaulted again at some point before her death. A bit later, when Suman goes to the morgue to identify the body, the camera lingers on the blue paint on Reenas fingernails and the horrifying cigarette burn in the center of her forehead.

The scene with Suman is absolutely heartrending. Archie Panjabi is able to convey so much with just a few glances at the body. Hardwicke stays with her for most of this segment, giving time for Sumans incapacitating grief and staggering guilt to radiate outward and pierce our collective hearts. Thus far, Suman has not been a very sympathetic character  from what weve seen, she pushed back against her daughters maturation process so much that it alienated her entirely  but here we see the regret and helplessness. Past a certain age, parents cannot protect their children from the horrors of everyday life, and while Suman surely knows this, she also feels as if shes failed. The emotion of the scene is heightened given the fact that Suman cannot touch her dead daughters body because it is now considered evidence. Panjabi instinctively moves to touch her child multiple times, only to suddenly draw her hand back, remembering that the killer is still at large.

Random Thoughts

 As mentioned above, this episode was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, of Twilight and Thirteen fame. Hardwicke is great at capturing teens in their natural habitats, and she demonstrates that ability here as she follows these kids into increasingly precarious situations as the walls close in and suspects are identified.

 Speaking of suspects, I cannot emphasize how stupid theyre making Kelly Ellard out to be. Who keeps a pair of shoes from a dead girl?

 Book Club Corner: I feel the desperate need to note that, in real life, both Josephine and Kelly took Reenas shoes and threw them in a dumpster the day after the murder. So they were obviously more complicit than the show lets on. In addition, Warren did not bleach the blood stains out of his own pants; his girlfriend Syreeta (named Samara in the show) did that for him instead. I feel like these are important distinctions, and Im interested to see how the changes play out for the characters in the show.
What is that foul stench that just wafted in from the past? No, it is not the smell of jet exhaust that keeps billowing from DJ James Kennedys Burbank bungalow; it is the man musk of serial liar, serial cheater, and cereal eater Jax Taylor. Oh, that reminds me 

Meanwhile, in The Valley

Girl, it is popping off in The Valley. Jesse  a Realtor with the body of a Peloton instructor, the soul of a demon, and the nips of a leather daddy  came for noted empath Kristen Doute and her boyfriend, Jake, the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine that LibsOfTikTok thinks Anthony Fauci is using to control our minds. The episode starts with Kristen saying, Seeing a negative pregnancy test sucks, and that is the only time in her life she has said it. For every negative pregnancy test that upsets Kristen, there are two dozen negative tests that leave her soul absolutely relieved.

However, when were not focused on Kristens fertility journey and how Jason is low-key the sexiest catch on Bravo, were entirely focused on Jesse and Michelles marriage falling apart. It cant be saved even by magic mushrooms and ayahuasca like Jesses therapist advises. It all goes down at the Mondrian, the breeding ground for Scandoval, when Jax has an event for guys losing their hair. Tom Schwartz shows up hoping that he can lose the terrible dye job Jo gave him, but then he realizes its not that kind of party.

Jesse spends the whole event flirting with some girl who is selling terrible clothes for Burning Man. As the whole cast goes to dinner at the hotel, drunk Jesse is considering the revelation he had two hours ago that his marriage is doomed and his wife is going to leave him. After antagonizing everyone, he slams the table, and Kristen wants to leave because she feels like shes being abused by his aggression. As Kristen storms out, she and Jesse are in the hallway together, and she says she doesnt want to out their whole marriage. Jesse then says if she airs any skeletons about his wife that he doesnt know, then he will bury her.

Thats when Luke gets up from the table and joins the fray. After Kristen tells Michelle that Jesse is going to leave her in two months (which is information from Jax that she is misinterpreting) and Luke tells Jesse to talk to his wife, Jesse lunges for him, first whacking Zack out of the way. Luckily, Zacks hair helmet prevented any head injury from occurring. Production keeps Jesse off Zack, but it cant keep Kristen from spreading the secret that she kept alluding to protecting Michelle from. It turns out that Michelle had a boyfriend for a year while still married to Jesse. They would meet up, text, and hang out (and I presume take the 101 freeway straight to Pound Town, though Kristen doesnt say it explicitly).

We hear all of this in confessional, and we can only marvel that Michelle, a woman who I assume has seen Vanderpump Rules, would trust Kristen with any stale crumb of information about her life and think that it wouldnt be aired right here on the Bravo network for all of us to gawp at. As Kristen and Luke are leaving and Michelle is about to address the assembled dinner, Kristen says, I didnt come back to deal with all this shit again. Id rather be on Vanderpump Rules. I have seen the fourth wall be broken before, but I have not seen it be broken, pull itself back together, and just stand there applauding the display of the reality television arts and sciences that we just witnessed. Good work all around.

Back on Vanderpump Rules

Jax shows up to make fun of Jamess house for being under a flight path and says that hes a father 18 times as if that changes the way he behaves or thinks about himself. He tells James that Katie was spreading rumors about him cheating on Brittany. These rumors are like my legs when Brock is around: No one has to spread em because they have already been spreadin. I could tell you from the moment they got married that Jax was going to cheat on her. He cheats on everyone. That is what he does. Thats like marrying a furry and then being upset when the sex costume keeps ending up in the wash. Now, hes supposedly banging their publicist. Girl, it is popping off in the Valley.

Jax has an obligatory scene with Katie Maloney Schwartz Maloney where she tells him to his face she doesnt like him and that she doesnt need to spread rumors about him because, well, the rhythm is gonna get him, and that rhythm is every action hes ever taken. Then he has an obligatory scene with Lisa where she proves that she is not superfluous to the show by having someone who is not even on the cast come and have a discussion with her that has nothing to do with the current story lines on the show. Theres our Lisa, front and center, let me tell you.

And thats enough of Jax and Brittany, who brought her permafrown to Scheanas house so Scheana could complain about Brock. Oh, Brock. Did you see him lounging in the pool in his Speedo? I couldnt stop drooling but also couldnt stop wishing he wouldnt yell at his wife like that. Cant I scoop out Brocks brain with a melon baller and replace it with a really smart dogs?

We saw a lot about Brock and Scheanas marriage this episode when they went for an anniversary dinner at Barton G, the novelty steakhouse that has featured fights from the casts of many Bravo-centric shows. Brock is upset because hes failing his family by not bringing in as much money as Scheana. Scheana tells him something that was heartbreaking in two different ways for two different reasons. First, she starts telling him that what he does for their daughter so that she can work is the most valuable service he can offer and shes thrilled that her daughter can have such a good relationship with her dad. Then it takes a shift, and she says Summer is maybe his second chance to be a dad since he failed his two older kids back in Australia. I have never needed the And I Oop video more than I need it right at this minute.

Brock and Scheana annoy each other later when the whole gang goes to Jamess for a pool party after the SUR brunch that James and Jax host together. (That monstrosity of a sentence is brought to you by goat-cheese balls and bad decisions.) Scheana wants to go home and put Summer to sleep, but Brock is having fun and wants to stay. He says Scheana should let the nanny do it. Wait, did they get a nanny? At the beginning of the episode, Scheana says that she didnt get a nanny because she is afraid that Brock is going to have an affair with her. Oh! All this time, I thought she didnt want a nanny because she was worried about her kid. No, she doesnt want a nanny because shes worried about her marriage. That makes so much more sense. I swear I am going to move to L.A. and start an agency called Ugly Nannies, where we dont hire anyone over a 3.5. All the child care, none of the worry. Im going to make a fortune.

This episode had more filler than Zack Efrons jawline  James worried about leaving his dog to go to a wedding with Ally; the incredibly amusing pilot for Bravos next show, Date My Ex: Tom and Katie; and Schwartz telling Ariana that he knows its a bad idea to move in with Sandoval and he is not going to do it  but the fight that Scheana gets into with Tom Sandoval after her fight with Brock about the nanny is by far the best part of the episode.

Scheana is talking to Kyle Chan and Tom Sandoval, who is dressed like Donald Duck going to a Boogie Nights party, and says she is going to perform both of her songs at Kyles event in San Francisco in the next episode. She asks if Tom heard her song Apples, which is potentially the worst song in the Bravo firmament, and Im including Danielle Staubs lesbian duet in that. Tom says he heard it, and Scheana says that the song, which has one oblique line about Scandoval in it, was about how she felt after the scandal and, yes, she wanted to capitalize on it.

This is the thing that seems to upset Sandoval most of all, that someone would capitalize on his pain. But they all have. Lala sold hoodies, Katie has the sandwich shop, Scheana has her little song. Shit, even Sandoval has the continued success of Schwartz & Sandys and all of his bands gigs, not to mention the Dipped Out T-shirt he wore in last weeks episode. He might not be getting Uber Eats jingle money, but every single person under a Spirit Airlines jet in James Kennedys backyard has milked this scandal for every single penny its worth, and may the great goddess Dula Peep bless them for it. That is what they are here for.

Sandoval is still bitter and says, Scheana, I need you to understand something; You werent involved in this. Say motherfucking what now? Yes, we love to play our favorite game, HDSMTAH (How Does Scheana Make This About Herself?), but she actually was involved. She cant help that she was in New York taping Watch What Happens Live the night that Ariana found out about the affair. She cant help her justified reaction to throwing Rachels phone in the street. Tom Sandoval showed up and took a giant dump in the middle of their workplace, and theyve been smelling it for a year. Dont tell me these people arent involved. If Tom had cheated with some rando, this would have been a blip. But he didnt, and it became bigger than Gronks jockstrap. So, yeah, Scheana is involved, and its Toms fault.

Theres also, you know, the restraining order that had Scheana in a trailer eating Pringles while the rest of the staff screamed at Rachel during the last reunion. But Scheana also tells him that it involved her because it made her think differently about her husband. She thought if Tom could cheat on Ariana, then Brock could cheat on her, bringing the episode wonderfully full circle.

Thats when Tom takes it too far, thats when he wraps the night up into a tiny parcel, places an M80 inside of it, and blows it to White Clawscented smithereens. Youve been the other woman in a relationship, he says. You could hear the OH! coming not just from everyone in the yard but also from everyone on Southwests 9:48 flight to Cleveland that just flew overhead. We know what he said was wrong and dont need to make Scheanas arguments for her: She was 21, it was almost 20 years ago, she didnt know he was married, and Lisa Vanderpump made her pay her wages of humiliation to get on this here reality-television program.

This is Toms go-to move, to show everyone that they were horrible at one time, too. Yes, Scheana slept with a married dude. So did James. Well, I dont mean that he slept with a married dude, I meant he also cheated. But Toms point continues to be spurious because, well, what he did was worse. It was worse than all of them. Its like Tom is being convicted of murder but says the jury cant judge him because one of them stole a pack of gum from a CVS when they were teenagers. This is dumb and continues to be dumb, just like Tom, who will never find forgiveness from others because he cant, even for a tiny little second, turn his eyeballs inside out and look at himself.

Just as Ariana is hugging Scheana in the driveway and Brock is calling an Uber, they all look to the street to see a Toyota Corolla speeding by with the windows down and Lorde blaring from the speakers. It doesnt slow; it doesnt even look at them, but they hear a woman screaming, Wheeee! Freedom!!! as it zooms past them. Ann is getting the hell out of the Valley for good. Its popping off a little too much for her taste.
Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: A24

Ironically, no film this year has pitted critics against each other like Alex Garlands Civil War. In one corner, writers who decry the films lack of specifics about the titular conflict. In the other, those who say thats the whole point; the movie treats a hypothetical 21st-century civil war the same way Hollywood has long depicted conflicts in other countries: as contextless background noise.

Personally, I come down more toward the second camp, but I cant fault anyone for wishing Garland had dived deeper into the alternate history of it all. Because while the actual film actively works against attempts to turn the underlying conflict into grist for the supplementary-content mill  Max Read calls it an anti-explainer movie  to sell Civil War to the public, A24s marketing has leaned into the birds-eye-view, strategy-game approach. (I cant fault the studio for this, either. Had it pitched Civil War as a film about the internal conflicts of war photographers, it would have grossed $3 million and been gone from theaters in a month.)

Take an image posted by A24s social-media accounts earlier this month, asking fans to pledge their allegiance to one of the apparently four sides in the conflict. (The movie itself mentions only three.) This is a vision of the fictional civil war as a state-versus-state conflict with clear battle lines between the warring parties. The map was baffling at first glance, prompting a million wags to ask how conservative Texas and liberal California could possibly be on the same side, and its even more maddening after you see the movie, where the civil war is very much  not like this.

Photo: A24 via X

But it got me thinking: If A24s Civil War is not exactly Alex Garlands Civil War, then what would happen in an actual A24 civil war? If the characters from the studios 100-plus feature films had to fight a war based on the battle lines shown above, who would win? Could California  powered by iconic female characters like Saoirse Ronans Lady Bird and 20th Century Womens Dorothea Fields  prevail? Would the neon-lit crazies of A24s Florida movies be able to win their independence? Or would the massive manpower of all those New York City dramedies overpower all comers? Thats what were here today to find out. First, well run down whos on what side; then well weigh up the combatants to see whos going to come out on top.

(Note: Were going by where films are set, not where they were shot. For instance, though Joel Coens The Tragedy of Macbeth was filmed on a Los Angeles soundstage, the story rather famously takes place in Scotland, which means Denzels usurper will not be taking part. Conversely, though Robert Eggerss The Lighthouse was shot in Nova Scotia, its titular lighthouse is supposed to be off the coast of New England, so it counts.)

Western Forces

The Iron Claw. Photo: Brian Roedel/A24

States: California and Texas.

Notable Films: The Bling Ring, 20th Century Women, A Ghost Story, Lady Bird, The Disaster Artist, mid90s, Gloria Bell, Under the Silver Lake, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Red Rocket, Everything Everywhere All at Once, X, Pearl, The Iron Claw.

We need not concern ourselves with the question of whether the two most populous states would ever join forces against the sitting U.S. president. Instead, just admire the breadth of talent on display here. Theres brains in Annette Benings Santa Barbara boardinghouse matriarch from 20th Century Women, whos got the leadership skills to corral a group that includes The Disaster Artists Tommy Wiseau and Simon Rexs motormouthed porn star from Red Rocket. Theres brawn in the Iron Claw wrestlers and the verse-jumpers of Everything Everywhere All at Once. The Bling Ring kids and Andrew Garfields conspiracy-cracking stoner from Under the Silver Lake should adapt nicely to intelligence work. As every armed conflict in world history has proven, homicidal maniacs like Mia Goths Pearl often thrive in a wartime environment.

Im not sure what tactical function Christine Lady Bird McPherson would serve, but you can bet shed be glad that something exciting was finally happening to her.

Florida Alliance

Moonlight. Photo: A24

States: Florida and the rest of the Southeast (except South Carolina), plus Oklahoma.

Notable Films: Spring Breakers, The Spectacular Now, Mississippi Grind, Moonlight, The Florida Project, Waves, Minari, Zola, Causeway, Priscilla, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt.

Florida punches well above its weight in A24s filmography. The Sunshine State provided the studio with its first hit, its first Best Picture winner, and a handful of other iconic titles. In a hypothetical war scenario, it may also be aided by the fact that a lot of its fictional characters happen to be absolutely insane. James Francos Alien in Spring Breakers (heck, the girls in Spring Breakers), Colman Domingos wildcard pimp in Zola, the kooky motel residents in The Florida Project  Im not too sure about their ability to form a cohesive fighting force, but as an irregular defense, they are 100 percent going to fuck you up.

And theyd better, because there are also a lot of innocents here to protect: the queer teens of Moonlight, the lovelorn high-schoolers in The Spectacular Now and Waves, the adorable tots from Minari and The Florida Project, even poor Priscilla Presley. Just as he did in Moonlight, lets hope Mahershala Alis Juan can keep an eye out. A lot is riding on Jennifer Lawrences injured veteran from Causeway and a film that basically doesnt exist: Barely Lethal, a low-budget action comedy in which Hailee Steinfeld plays a teenage assassin.

New Peoples Army

Lean on Pete. Photo: Scott Patrick Green/A24

States: The Northwest and Mountain West, stretching south to Utah and east to Minnesota.

Notable Films: Laggies, The End of the Tour, Green Room, Lean on Pete, Hereditary, First Cow, Showing Up, The Whale.

One way you can tell that the Civil War map was likely produced by a random marketing employee and should not be taken as a serious statement of artistic purpose from Garland is that the New Peoples Army is never actually mentioned in the film. In fact, the only time the Pacific Northwest ever comes up is in a stray comment about Maoists in Portland. (Likely place for them to be.)

Which is good, because most of the characters here are absolutely not getting involved in a war. These are among the least bellicose films A24 has ever released: dramas about sensitive oily-cake salesmen, frustrated ceramicists, lonely shut-ins, and boys who love horses. (David Foster Wallace is there on a book tour, too.) Unfortunately, you do have the white supremacists of Green Room, but if they can be defeated by one measly punk band, heres hoping the Maoists take care of them.

Of course, none of the above applies to Hereditary, but lets put a pin in that.

Loyalist States

Past Lives. Photo: A24

States: A wide swathe of the country running from the Northeast to the Southwest.

Notable Films: Obvious Child, A Most Violent Year, While Were Young, Slow West, Room, The Witch, It Comes at Night, Good Time, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, First Reformed, The Lighthouse, Uncut Gems, On the Rocks, Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Inspection, White Noise, You Hurt My Feelings, Past Lives, Problemista, Love Lies Bleeding.

Of all the sides in this conflict, the Loyalist States boast the largest population and the biggest geographical area, which is reflected in the fact that they also have the most movies. Unfortunately, a great many of these A24 films are dramedies about neurotic New Yorkers navigating relationship issues, the kind of characters you would least want on your side in a live-fire situation. Just imagine youre in a foxhole. To your left, youve got Ben Stiller wondering whether hes too old to hang with millennials; to your right is Greta Lee trying to choose between her childhood crush and her Xbox-loving husband. The person whos supposed to have your back is Julia Louis-Dreyfus, but shes mainly worried about whether her husband liked her book! In reserve are the woke zoomers of Bodies Bodies Bodies, who are almost certainly going to frag each other amid a heated debate about their respective levels of structural advantage. Theyre not sending their best, is what Im trying to say.

Luckily, its not all losers. I wouldnt want to come up against Katy OBrians female bodybuilder from Love Lies Bleeding in a fight, and while Robert Pattinson in Good Time and Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems dont make the best strategic decisions, those Safdie protagonists certainly know how to seize the initiative, one of the U.S. militarys fundamental operational doctrines. And dont discount the survivalist instincts of the postapocalyptic campers from It Comes at Night and Brie Larson in Room (which was set in Ohio, even though its the most Canadian movie ever made).

So Whos Going to Win?

Hereditary. Photo: Courtesy of A24

We can spend a lot of time debating whether Jenny Slates comedian from Obvious Child or the 13-year-old skateboarder from Mid90s is better suited to a mechanized infantry role, but ultimately, this debate is going to hinge on the fact that multiple A24 films include characters with superhuman abilities, whether those are comic-book-style powers or gifts bestowed upon them by some otherworldly force.

Thats bad news for the Florida Alliance. While A24s Florida movies are often hyperstylized, all of them take place in a version of the real world where normal rules of physics apply. But for the other three sides of the conflict, figuring out who should win demands we embrace the perennial nerd debate about whose superpowers are most super. If you find this sort of thing tiresome, I suggest you leave now, because its about to get silly.

First up, hailing from Utah and representing the New Peoples Army is Peter Graham from Hereditary, who by the end of the film is an empty vessel serving as host for Paimon, one of the eight kings of Hell. In the movie, Paimon mostly gets up to normal ghost stuff, but according to Occultist.net, he commands 200 legions of spirits. Pretty impressive!

However, you know whats more impressive than being one of the eight kings of Hell? Being that guys boss. Unless you subscribe to the theory that the entire plot of The Witch is a hallucination suffered by the characters after eating contaminated wheat, the Devil himself is a character in Robert Eggerss Massachusetts period piece, in both his guise as the goat Black Phillip as well as his human form. Now, as a supporting character, Satan is not automatically going to join the fight on the side of the Loyalist States. However, Anya Taylor-Joys Thomasin isnt the only Devil worshipper in A24s slate; theres also the protagonist of the horror film The Blackcoats Daughter, who murders a bunch of people at an upstate New York boarding school to appease the dark lord. Given the presence of multiple Satanists in the Loyalist camp, I think its fair to expect Beelzebub to express some kind of rooting interest, especially with the eldritch terrors of The Lighthouse and Barry Keoghans hoodoo from Killing of a Sacred Deer also onboard.

Can the Western Forces come up with a fighter strong enough to overpower literal Satan? Indeed they can. Alone, I dont know if Californias Evelyn Wang from Everything Everywhere All at Once possesses the power to go toe-to-toe with the Devil, no matter how many uses she can find for a butt plug. But shes not fighting demons all on her own. The West also has Evelyns daughter Jobu Tupaki, whose verse-jumping has given her godlike abilities. Lets run down the list of her powers: multi-versal consciousness, omniscience, reality manipulation, and transmutation  to say nothing about her capacity to create a black hole in the form of an everything bagel. Ill admit to not being as up on Christian theology as I should be, but I think I would have remembered if the Devil had ever done anything like that in the Bible.

So there you have it. An actual A24 civil war would end with a laundromat owner from Simi Valley and her lesbian daughter punching the lights out of Satan and his malevolent spaghetti-eating sidekick. Isnt that much more satisfying than whatever Alex Garland drew up?
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. Kazakhstan has ratified an agreement with Kyrgyzstan on cooperation in aviation search and rescue, Trend reports.

The corresponding law ("On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan on cooperation in aviation search and rescue") was signed by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The agreement was adopted following the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The primary goals of the agreement include enhancing mutual cooperation for the search and rescue of passengers and aircraft crews in distress, mutual notification of aviation accidents, taking necessary actions for passenger search and rescue, conducting joint search and rescue service exercises, and exchanging information and experiences.

To note, Kazakhstan has similar agreements with Russia and China. Agreements are planned to be signed with other border countries.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Rome bus, tram and subway ticket price set to rise to 2 this summer.

Rome's mayor on Monday said that the cost of travelling on the city's public transport network is set to increase from 1 July but stressed that the Lazio region will have the final say in the matter.

Roberto Gualtieri was speaking at the foreign press office in Rome where he outlined the progress of preparations ahead of Jubilee Year 2025 when the capital expects an influx of extra millions of pilgrims and tourists.

The mayor described the widely anticipated hike in the price of public transport tickets as "necessary" but said it would be offset by a reduction in the cost of yearly travel passes.

Ticket prices

Under the new pricing plan, first reported last week by Il Messaggero, the 100-minute ticket is set to rise to 2, up from 1.50, with the daily ticket increasing from 7 to 9.30 and the two-day ticket from 12.50 to 16.70.

The 72-hour ticket will rise from 18 to 24 and the weekly one goes from 24 to 32.

The 35 monthly pass remains unchanged while there is a 10 discount on the yearly pass which drops to 240.

''For some time we have been asking for more national resources for local public transport, then the [Lazio] region determines the fares on the basis of existing resources" - Gualtieri said - "If this intervention is confirmed as it seems, there will be maximum attention to accompany it with a reduction in season tickets."

In recent years the Lazio region postponed the looming fare hikes several times by injecting regional funds, a move seen as unlikely to be repeated this time round.

Earlier this year the Italian government rejected an appeal from Rome to pump an additional 100 million into the city's public transport system.

The last time Rome increased bus and metro tickets was in 2012 when the price rose from 1 for 75 minutes to the current 1.50 for 100 minutes.

More taxis

Gualtieri also said that the city "will have a thousand new permanent taxi licences" before the start of the Jubilee, adding that the public tender would be announced shortly.

The move follows repeated calls by Italy's antitrust regulator for more taxis to be introduced in Rome and other Italian cities, to address a chronic shortage, as provided for under the government's Asset decree.

Public works

In relation to the slew of public works projects either underway or planned ahead of Jubilee 2025, Gualtieri said that 27 per cent of the construction sites are already active.

This will rise to 50 per cent by May with the others "following very quickly", the mayor said.

With just eight months to go before 2025, this means that currently more than 70 per cent of the planned Jubilee projects have yet to start.

One of the biggest Jubilee infrastructure schemes currently underway in the city - the underpass at Piazza Pia near the Vatican - is on track for completion by "the opening of the Holy Door" on 8 December this year.

Gualtieri said the project would "heal a wound" by chanelling the busy road underground between Castel S. Angelo and Via della Conciliazione.

The mayor also ruled out any talk of Rome introducing a Venice-style entry fee for day-trippers - at least during Jubilee Year - but pointed out the capital recently increased its tourist tax.

Photo credit: cinemavision / Shutterstock.com.
Follow the Tiber in canoes and kayaks as well as by bicycle and on foot.

The Tiber is the focus of an annual sporting and recreational event that follows the course of the river from Umbria to Rome in various stages this spring.

The Discesa Internazionale del Tevere takes place over seven days between 25 April and 1 May, starting at Citta di Castello in Umbria before making its way towards the Eternal City.

On 29 April the tour of kayaks and canoes follows the river Tiber at Settebagni, on 30 April the Aniene river from Montesacro, and on 1 May from Ponte Milvio to the heart of the city.

Then, on 25 May, the tour will travel from Ostia Antica to the harbour at Fiumicino.

For more information about the initiative, which has the patronage of the Lazio Region and the city of Rome, see the TiberTour website.
A woman has been killed every four days in 2024. We bring you stories of lives lost in recent years. Some of the cases featured are still before the courts.

It used to be one woman a week. But this year, an Australian woman is being violently killed every four days.

The rate at which men are allegedly killing Australian women is significantly higher in 2024 than in recent years, prompting womens safety leaders to call on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to act.

Molly Ticehursts alleged murderer, Daniel Billings, was released on bail just weeks ago, after being accused of sexually assaulting her.

Twenty-five women had lost their lives to gendered violence by April 23, after Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst, 28, was found dead at her home on Monday.

Number 26 was confirmed on Wednesday, when 49-year-old Emma Bates, from Cobram in Victorias north, was found dead in her home on Tuesday about 2.15pm. Police believe she was the victim of a violent assault.
High-profile presenter Lisa Wilkinson is locked in a fresh fight with Ten over her million-dollar legal costs of defending Bruce Lehrmanns failed defamation suit, after the network suggested it should not be ordered to foot the bill for all the work performed by her lawyers.

Wilkinson, a former host of Tens The Project, had a major win in February when Federal Court Justice Michael Lee ruled it was reasonable for her to brief a separate team of lawyers, headed by Sydney defamation silk Sue Chrysanthou, SC, instead of being represented by Tens team.

Sue Chrysanthou, SC, and Lisa Wilkinson outside the Federal Court in Sydney. Credit: Nikki Short

The ruling opened the door to Ten reimbursing Wilkinson for her legal bills under an indemnity which covers costs properly incurred and reasonable in amount.

However, the precise amount Ten will have to pay is not yet clear. Lehrmann is expected to be ordered to pay at least some of Ten and Wilkinsons costs, but the unemployed former NSW Liberal staffer is unlikely to have the financial means to meet any order.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain David Cameron arrived in Astana on an official visit, the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan said, Trend reports.

Additionally, it was reported earlier that during his visit to Astana, Cameron will be received by the country's leadership and will hold negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu.

Besides, it was noted that during the visit it is planned to discuss bilateral cooperation in the political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as topical regional and international issues.

To note, several bilateral documents are expected to be signed as a result of the visit.

Kazakhstan-United Kingdom ties were formally established on January 19, 1992. The UK established an embassy in Kazakhstan in October 1992, and Kazakhstan established an embassy in the UK in February 1996.

Today, the UK is one of Kazakhstan's ten largest trading partners.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A dolphin that died off Bondi Beach has become an unintended victim of this seasons shark net program just days before government contractors remove the mesh for winter.

Jason Iggleden, who documents the marine life of Sydneys eastern beaches through the Drone Shark App Instagram page, captured footage of the dead bottlenose dolphin being untangled from the nets last Wednesday.

Its terrible. Its a pointless killing, Iggleden said. That dolphin couldve just been happily playing around forever but the nets have just ended its life for no reason.

The dolphin is one of five that died in nets across the states coast this season, the NSW Department of Primary Industries said. Shark nets are installed across 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong each year between September and the end of April.
His hands, however, were too numbed by the frigid sea to enable him to grasp a rope thrown from a rescue trawler, HMS Lord Middleton. He was saved only when a length of heaving line twisted around his arm. He was hauled aboard and laid out in the engine room to thaw. Miller celebrated his 21st birthday while on survivors leave back on shore in Britain, perhaps reliving the horror of the Arctic convoy in which he had taken part. On the way to Russia, 13 of the 40 merchant ships in the convoy had been destroyed by enemy action, many of their crews drowning. On the night Somali was torpedoed, three merchant ships and a fleet oil tanker also fell victim to the U-boat pack. Miller and McDonald were members of a curious contingent of about 500 Australians who served across the northern hemispheres dangerous waters with Great Britains Royal Navy during World War II. Often, such men found themselves the lone Australian aboard a warship under attack. They were recruited under a scheme of which most Australians know nothing.

They were called the Yachties. Officially, they were members of the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve. All of these men are believed to have gone now. Many are said to have spent their final years growing increasingly melancholy in the knowledge that their wartime service had almost never been recognised in their own country. Melbourne historian Janet Roberts Billett has finally put that neglect to rights. A landing craft loaded with Allied soldiers during World War Two. Credit: Lieutenant Ted Gregg (OC) She spent many years piecing together the stories of these men, first for an academic thesis and now for a book entitled The Yachties: Australian Volunteers in the Royal Navy 1940-45.

Roberts Billett spent three years finding and interviewing more than 20 of the men before they were gone, and several of their widows. To understand something of the sea, she took up sailing, despite her second husband  a former special forces commando and Royal Marine  warning her it was cold, wet and dangerous. Regardless, Roberts Billett spent 10 years sailing the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and declares: I just loved it, out in the fresh air and the sunshine. What she found about the Australian Yachties who went to war in the Royal Navy  and what she has now reported in her book  is a series of stories from a world unrecognisable to most. The Yachties were recruited in 1940 under what was known as the Dominion Yachtsmen Scheme.

With the Royal Navy under immense pressure to protect Britain and its allies from the Axis powers  Germany and Italy across the northern hemisphere  men presumed to have some knowledge of the sea were desperately needed to train as officers. And so the British looked to the Dominions like Australia. In July 1940, advertisements appeared in major newspapers in Australias capitals, inviting applications from men wishing to serve as officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. The Yachtsman Scheme was looking for gentlemen with knowledge of navigation equivalent to the Board of Trade and Yachtmasters (Coastal) Certificate. Initial recruitment was through existing yacht clubs, as if yachties would have the right stuff for the Royal Navy.

But after the Depression years, Australia was short of young men wealthy enough to own or sail yachts. An Allied landing craft bearing a red star on the bridge, painted for the Yugoslav partisans. Word spread, however, of the chance to become an officer in the Royal Navy. Young Australians with a bit of education, keen for adventure and bent on defending what at the time many Australians felt was the home country hurried to sign up, yachting experience or not. One of the Tasmanian Yachties, Max Germaine, remembered a naval officer  Commander Vic Ramage  laying out the recruitment spiel at the Royal Hobart Yacht Club. Gather round chaps, Ive got something very interesting to show you, Germaine recalled Ramage saying.

And he put out on the counter all these photographs of motor torpedo boats and motor gun boats tearing around in all directions with torpedoes and guns blazing and so on. It was clearly seductive. Germaine said it was remarkable how many young men signed up. The Australian Yachties were destined to give their all to a service that would be relegated, in the view of an increasing number of Australians later in the war, to the past. While the Yachties served the British in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, along the African coastline, the Arctic and to D-Day on the coast of France, Australia found itself under threat from the Japanese in Asia and the Pacific. The old natural allegiance to Britain began to crumble as Australian troops were brought home to fight the Japanese and the nation switched its reliance for security from Britain to the United States.

The Yachties, many of whom were promoted to Royal Navy officer status and endured immense hardship, their ships often enough attacked from both air and sea and sunk beneath them, were to discover their service was undervalued and ignored when they returned to Australia. Not all, of course, returned  at least 35 died on service. Roberts Billett found herself convinced many more would have been lost if it were not for the simple fact that the Australian Yachties were strong swimmers, unlike many of the British sailors conscripted from the counties. Of those Yachties, some of whom had commanded Royal Navy warships and who came home to offer their experience at sea to the Royal Australian Navy in its battles with the Japanese, almost all were dismayed to find they were offered tasks that fell far below their credentials. Among their number, 10 Yachties who spent their voluntary service in Britain defusing mines  an incredibly dangerous and stressful task both on land and in bulky diving suits beneath the sea  became the most decorated group of Australians in World War II. The history books overlooked their record.
Warning: This story contains graphic content.

A Perth jury has heard graphic details of the bludgeoning death of an eight-months pregnant woman, who was allegedly killed because her lover could not convince her to have an abortion.

Janet Dweh, 36, was found covered in blood and face down in bed in her Dayton home on October 4, 2021. She had been struck in the head with a claw hammer 30 times.

Janet Dweh was allegedly murdered by Hassan Jabbie inside her Dayton home.

Days later, the father of her unborn child, Hassan Jabbie, 53, was arrested and charged with her murder after police say they found incriminating voice messages he allegedly sent her, calling her a prostitute and a harlot and telling her to get rid of the baby.
Last week, Defence Minister Richard Marles used a speech to outline a huge increase in spending across our military. The real takeaway to anyone listening, though, was the major staffing problems facing Australias defence forces.

Its a problem that is going to weigh heavily on the governments ambitions  in areas from security to energy transition to aged care  while also putting huge question marks over the oppositions own plans.

Los Angeles-class submarine USS Annapolis arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. Australia is a long way from having enough people to crew our planned AUKUS submarines. Credit: Royal Australian Navy

Both sides of politics want to increase the number of men and women in uniform. Marles and his predecessors, Peter Dutton and Marise Payne, have been vocal on the issue.

In his speech last week, Marles confirmed that between 2020-21 and 2022-23, the Defence Department had met only 80 per cent of its recruitment targets. The shortfall was 4400 personnel.
The chair of Mental Health Australia has quit his position at the peak body, citing his frustration with the Albanese governments inaction on mental health.

In a move that will intensify scrutiny on Labors dedication to the issue, Matt Berriman, a former cricketer and businessman who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and attempted suicide, resigned on Wednesday after three years petitioning the government to improve the system.

Matt Berriman has quit as chair of Mental Health Australia, citing his frustration with the Albanese governments inaction on mental health. Credit: Simon Schluter

While I depart the organisation comfortable with the efforts taken to advocate for meaningful change, I feel that a lack of traction at the Australian government level means it is time for someone else to take this important mental health mantle, he said.

The nation is amid a mental health crisis and Australians need urgent collaborative attention at the highest level. Only increased investment in services and major public policy reform will affect the necessary change. Every Australian deserves a system that truly supports and enhances their mental health. Anything less just isnt good enough.
On a short-notice trip to Belgium I note we have a day roaming the World War I sites of Flanders Fields. The word boring comes to mind  Im not one of those war history nuts. But my travel writer motto is always: One persons boring is another persons fascinating  Ill go explore on behalf of our readers who might find it the latter.

Ive hit Belgian ground running and its only on the morning of day four, during our hour-long transfer from the city of Bruges to the UNESCO World Heritage Flanders Fields, that I contemplate my family connection to the area.

Every Australian, given the opportunity, should visit Flanders Fields. Credit: iStock

Growing up in a pre-internet world, I relished my late mothers recollections of her Tasmanian upbringing. She was an only child of a father who abandoned his wife and daughter, and a mother who died when my mum was young. Mum had little contact with wider relatives, so her memories were all my siblings and I had of maternal family history. But she was a great storyteller and loved her uncles, one of whom was Hubert Moore. Hubert also died at a relatively youthful age in Australia due to the effects of being gassed in the war, as Mum would say.

Fast forward to Melbournes lockdowns  and lots of time to indulge hobbies. I rediscover Great Uncle Hubert on Ancestry.com. I find his Australian Corps battalion and in 2021, my sister and I join the Melbourne Anzac Day March on his behalf.
It was a vain hope that Bangkoks choking traffic would have improved post-pandemic; its as bad as ever in rush hour. But after sitting at endless traffic lights that change from red to green and back again without the taxi moving more than a metre, the eventual arrival at the Mandarin Oriental could not be more of a contrast: cool marble, high ceilings, perfumed air and a flower markets worth of orchids. Calmly efficient staff quickly relieve you of both your luggage and your frustration, and escort you to your tranquil room overlooking the Chao Phraya river.

The look

Rich in history  the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

The charming original building with its ornate ceilings, eau de nil shutters and latticework balconies dates back to 1876, and was the Kingdom of Siams first luxury hotel when it opened as The Oriental. Youll find the Authors Lounge here, a reference to the many writers who have stayed over the years, from Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward, and the place for afternoon tea.

The more prosaic Garden Wing, built in 1958 and renovated in 2016, stands behind while to the side is the River Wing, built in 1976 and renovated in 2019 at a cost of $US90 million ($140 million), just in time for the pandemic to hit. Unfortunate timing aside, the result is worth the wait: designer Jeffrey Wilkes has replaced the lobbys former dark teak with river-inspired blues, greens and golds in bespoke rugs and fabrics, with huge decorative bell lanterns hanging in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The room
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) will hold a business forum and annual meeting on June 2728 in Kazakhstan's Almaty city, Trend reports, citing the EDB.

The event will encompass various formats aimed at fostering partnerships and the exchange of analytical insights and experiences in addressing key challenges for the region, including water and energy balance, the development of transport and logistics routes, financial markets, and other topics.

"We continue to forge platforms for international dialogue aimed at promoting potential partnerships and attracting new investments in the Eurasian region and Central Asian countries. I am confident that this event is an opportunity to combine the efforts of national and international development institutions, exchange experiences in project implementation, establish new connections, and expand cooperation in sustainable financing," said Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board.

In 2023, the EDB successfully organized the Annual Meeting of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), which brought together over 230 participants from 40 countries.

Furthermore, in total, over the 18 years of existence of the EDB, 104 projects were implemented in Kazakhstan for a total of $5.6 billion.

Last year, investments in Kazakhstan exceeded $1 billion. In 2023, among others, projects were launched in transport, energy, and the chemical industry.

Kazakhstan ranks first in terms of the investment volumes of the Eurasian Development Bank.
The Technical Committee on Customs Valuation (TCCV) held its 58th Session in Brussels from 15 to 19 April 2024, chaired by Qianyu LIN from China and attended by around 50 delegations.

The Session was preceded by a two-week online discussion phase on the WCO CLiKC! Platform, allowing delegates to exchange opinions on specific technical questions, and laying a robust foundation for the subsequent discussions at the in-person meeting.

The 58th TCCV Session focused on eight specific technical questions covering emerging challenges in Customs valuation, including transfer pricing, e-commerce and cryptocurrency. Additionally, the Technical Committee agreed to include two new questions submitted by Uruguay and Vietnam, respectively, in the agenda for its next session.

During this session, the Technical Committee completed its examination of the technical question submitted by Guatemala on the Meaning of the expression in substantially the same quantity according to Articles 2 and 3 of the Agreement and adopted a new instrument - Commentary 26.1.

This new instrument aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the concept and meaning of the expression in substantially the same quantity, with a view to providing guidance to Custom administrations when applying the valuation methods set out in Articles 2 and 3 of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement.

In the Commentary, the Technical Committee expressed the view that substantially should be understood as encompassing a quantity that aligns to the greatest extent possible with quantities found in previously accepted transaction values involving the same relevant commercial practices.

This Commentary will be submitted to the WCO Council for approval at its Sessions of June 2024.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. Kazakhstan has confirmed its commitment to the OPEC+ agreement and supported decisions taken jointly with OPEC+ member countries, Trend reports with reference to a statement of the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan.

"Following the decision of the 53rd meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC), Kazakhstan prepared a detailed compensation plan, according to which it will gradually compensate for the volumes exceeded in the 1st quarter throughout 2024," he said.

According to the Ministry, Kazakhstan will make every effort to comply with its obligations and compensate for overproduction in accordance with the intended compensation plan.

"We understand the importance of each country complying with its commitments and maintaining cooperation in order to stabilize the oil market," the Ministry said.

Previously, the Ministry of Energy reported that Kazakhstan will extend the voluntary additional reduction in oil production by 82,000 b/d in the second quarter of 2024.

This extension is part of the OPEC+ deal. As a result, oil production in Kazakhstan will amount to 1.468 mb/d by the end of June 2024.
ASTANA, Kazahstan, April 24. Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed an agreement on strategic partnership, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Vasilenko wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"An Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation has been signed between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom. It's a historic moment and a new chapter in our relations," he added.

The documents were signed by the Secretary of State for Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK David Cameron and the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu.

Earlier, it was reported that during his visit to Astana, Cameron would be received by the country's leadership and hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu.

It was also noted that within the framework of the visit, issues of bilateral cooperation in political, trade and economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as current regional and international topics, are to be discussed.

Kazakhstan's relations with the United Kingdom were formally established on January 19, 1992. The UK established an embassy in Kazakhstan in October 1992, and Kazakhstan established an embassy in the UK in February 1996.

Today, the UK is one of Kazakhstan's ten largest trading partners.

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A draft law being reviewed by Chinese legislators would require the improvement of energy development and utilization, and provide support for nonfossil and low-carbon energy.

The 69-article draft energy law was submitted for first review on Tuesday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

While lauding achievements in energy development, Li Chunlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also pointed out challenges such as inadequate structural adjustment, low levels of clean and efficient utilization, a weak reserve system and deficiencies in technological innovation.

"Formulating the law is of great significance in promoting high-quality energy development and ensuring national energy security," he said while explaining the draft law to national legislators on Tuesday.

The draft clarifies the direction for energy structure adjustment and supports the priority development of renewable energy and the promotion of clean, efficient and intensive utilization of energy resources.

Power, gas and heat energy supply companies should ensure safe, continuous and reliable energy services, it said, urging energy transmission pipeline facilities to improve operational safety.

In addition, it encourages the development of energy in rural areas, requiring the establishment and improvement of the energy emergency response system.

It also supports research and development, and the demonstration and widespread application of major technologies and equipment in key, foundational and cutting-edge areas of the sector.

On Tuesday, the NPC Standing Committee also began reviewing a draft atomic energy law to enhance the sound and sustainable development of the atomic energy industry.

"Our country lacks a fundamental law in the field of atomic energy, although in recent years we've already had over 10 laws and regulations related to nuclear matters, which have made specific provisions for nuclear safety and the prevention and control of radioactive pollution," said Zhang Kejian, head of the China Atomic Energy Authority.

"From an international perspective, it is common practice for nuclear powers and countries engaged in peaceful atomic energy development to use legal norms to regulate and promote the research, development and utilization of atomic energy activities," he told national lawmakers on Tuesday.

"Therefore, it's necessary for our country to formulate the atomic energy law to boost the healthy and sustainable development of the industry, and to uphold our nation's image as a responsible nuclear power."

The 53-article draft highlights the principle behind the utilization of atomic energy, which is to protect the environment and ensure the safety of people's health and property.

The draft stipulates that the country should strengthen scientific research and technological development in nuclear energy, with exploration of cutting-edge technologies and the promotion of training for talent in the field.

It allows the peaceful use of atomic energy in industrial and agricultural areas, stating that the application of nuclear reactors and nuclear technologies should be regulated and advanced.

Additionally, it underscores the significance of strengthening safety supervision and management, explicitly prohibiting the delay, concealment or false reporting of nuclear accidents.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 24. A working group will be established in Kyrgyzstan to develop a pilot project for satellite internet to assess its feasibility, Trend reports.

The decision was reached during a meeting between the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Development of the country and representatives of Starlink, according to the Ministry.

It is noted that particular attention was given to the implementation of satellite internet and the development of necessary regulatory frameworks during the meeting. Starlink representatives shared their experience and projects related to satellite internet worldwide and in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, discussing potential challenges and possible solutions.

Participants expressed hope for successful collaboration and confirmed their readiness to provide additional support in achieving mutually beneficial goals for satellite technology development in Kyrgyzstan.

A few years ago, representatives from Starlink visited Kyrgyzstan to discuss procedural matters regarding the opening of a Starlink office in the country. At that time, it was planned to launch the network in our country in 2023, but it was postponed. In June of last year, Starlink and some European companies contacted the Ministry of Digital Development regarding providing Kyrgyzstan with satellite internet.
Three Mayo students have been awarded an All Ireland Scholarship which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies.

Al-Mahi Tanzeem (St Geralds College, Castlebar), Ciara Buckley (St Mary's Secondary School, Ballina) and Kevin Gillespie (St Muredach's Secondary School, Ballina) were honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Awards Ceremony on the 30th of March in University Concert Hall, University of Limerick.

In attendance at the ceremony was sponsor JP McManus, Guest of Honour and CEO of Northwell Health, Michael J. Dowling, Minister for Further and Higher Education Niall Collins T.D. and Director of Skills, Strategy & Policy, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, Graeme Wilkinson as well as the family, friends and school representatives of the scholarship recipients.

Sponsor JP McManus and Minister Collins presenting All Ireland Scholarship Award to Kevin Gillespie, St. Muredach's College, Mayo.

Commenting at the awards ceremony, Scholarship Sponsor JP McManus said: I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of these 125 students. To date, 1,799 students have received an All Ireland Scholarship and 1,348 of those students have since graduated from university."

"Today is a very special occasion for the students, their families and principals. They should all be very proud of themselves, and we are looking forward to seeing what they do in years to come.

The All Ireland Scholarships were established in 2008 by JP McManus and this year marks its 16th anniversary. The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest  achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each of the 32 counties. The scholarship offers full academic financial support for the duration of the students' third level studies.
Several hundred homeowners from all parts of Mayo, who are impacted by the pyrite scandal, gathered at the Great National Hotel in Ballina for a public meeting last Monday, April 15.

Since 2013, homeowners in Mayo have been campaigning to deliver a fit-for-purpose scheme with 100% redress to enable them to rebuild their homes. However, last Mondays meeting heard of several issues that homeowners have faced - and continue to face - in their attempts to rebuild their homes under the terms of the current Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme. Several TDs, MEPs and local councillors were also in attendance.

Meeting organiser Martina Hegarty, of the North Mayo Pyrite Group, who organised the meeting, said the existing scheme is not fit for purpose.

We now have access to a grant scheme that only partially delivers for everybody. Some 400 families have applied so far but we expect 1,000 more individuals and families in Mayo to be impacted by this, she said.

Among the issues faced include the lack of available administrative resources in Mayo County Council to deal with scheme applications, crumbling boundary walls in estates that are not covered by the scheme, engineers' fees, making ancillary grant allocations available upfront, removing financial penalties for applicants, the demolition of semi-detached homes, the damage threshold limit and the lack of an appeals board and the inconsistency of decisions made by the Housing Agency.

Homeowners also believe there is a failure to deliver when it comes to testing foundations and are very disappointed that grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are not available for the replacement of windows and doors. Instead, they are being told to reinstate windows and doors that, in some cases, date back 20 years. There is also a lack of alternative temporary or rental accommodation and a failure to make retrospective payments to those who remediated their homes before the availability of any scheme.

There was also a call for a public inquiry into the entire issue and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

None of us are here because of anything that we did yet were the only people paying the price. Those responsible need to be made accountable, said Ms Hegarty.

Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh said all of these issues can be fixed quickly if the will is there from Government parties.

Fianna Fail Minister of State Dara Calleary said the current scheme is far from perfect but there is a framework in which it can be made to work.

Fine Gael Minister of State Alan Dillon and TD Michael Ring were not present.

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said she was a firm believer in 100% redress and stressed that mental health supports should be put in place for all affected by this issue.

Independent MEP Luke Ming Flanagan said he is hopeful that the EUs Petitions Committee can make a difference for affected homeowners, adding that pressure needs to be kept on for this issue to be resolved once and for all.

The meeting also heard from homeowners regarding the impact that pyrite has had on their finances, mental health and family stability.
The latest decree from the Holy See reads solemnly yet cannot obscure the profoundly unsettling realities it represents. As the Apostolic Nuncio's carefully worded statement makes clear, the Irish Catholic Church finds itself in an unprecedented period of "reorganisation" - a political euphemism masking the extent of the existential challenges it now confronts.

The subtext is dismaying for those of us still clinging to the faith and traditions handed down through centuries on this island. Two more ancient dioceses, Killala and Achonry, have been rendered vacant with the departures of their bishops. Let us be clear - this is no mere bureaucratic reassignment but rather a wrenching severance from a heritage stretching back to St Patrick's own missionary journey.

The impending mergers with the neighbouring dioceses of Tuam and Elphin portend a broader consolidation to remain viable as the Irish Catholic Church's long-precipitous decline only accelerates. It evokes the sense of a beleaguered army burning its villages in hopes of shoring up defences around a dwindling core of redoubts.

How can the faithful help but feel dispirited as hallowed ground consecrated over ages is abandoned inch by inch? Each battered retreat represents not merely the shuttering of a parish or realignment of boundaries but nothing less than the erasure of another link to an ancient spiritual heritage. Where they are not already deserted, churches that once overflowed with the devoted now risk being left solemn mausoleums amid dying devotions.

We cannot pretend this crisis has arisen from nowhere. Its origins trace back decades to the ruptures left by the horrific scandals of abuse and criminal cover-ups that shattered the Church's moral authority. A cancerous rot emanating from the highest chanceries globally metastasised through the Irish Catholic Church, leaving a legacy of trauma, anguish and institutional implosion.

Like calcified plaque gradually constraining an artery, these sins have steadily choked off the lifeblood of new vocations and increasing participation that a vibrant faith requires to flourish. No amount of profuse apology or corrective reform seems capable of fully restoring trust among those whose beliefs didn't survive the Church's abject failure to uphold the very tenets it so forcefully preached.

We appear to have reached an inflection point where even the most dedicated adherents must confront agonising questions about the Church's future in Ireland. Are the present consolidations and retrenchments presaging the eventual outright dissolution of the Irish Catholic Church? Should we resign ourselves to a progressive Romanisation where we take our lead from the Holy See rather than any lingering sense of national identity and customs? Or can a revitalised remnant emerge from these trials as a preserved bulwark of faith?

A faithful remnant must rediscover the disruptive zeal that made the Church such a transformative force across human civilisation. Stripped of their once pre-eminent societal standing, a renewal of devotional fervour could potentially reestablish the Church as a transcendent presence in the public square - unyielding before temporal attempts to constrain its moral witness.

The present trials facing the Irish Catholic Church are by no means unprecedented. The faith's establishment across this island was born of hardship, deprivation and unyielding dedication in the face of relentless opposition.

We need to look no further than the brutal centuries of suppression under the Penal Laws to appreciate how even the most draconian persecution could not extinguish Irish devotion.

The Elizabethan policy of religious re-conquest instituted harsh proscriptions and civil disabilities designed to coerce conversions by depriving Catholics of property, education, civic rights and religious practice itself. Priests were outlawed, Mass proscribed as illegal, mixed-faith marriages invalidated - every lever of coercion employed in a feverish effort to extinguish traditional devotion.

Yet, despite the closing of churches and monasteries, the torrent of punitive legislation aimed at "removing the sting of popery", and even capital punishment for those sheltering clergy, the stubbornly faithful Irish endured. Mass was secretly celebrated in rural thatched cottages and secluded mountain "mass rocks". Pastors continued ministering under constant threat of arrest, torture or execution. Devotional texts and liturgical items were jealously guarded as contraband.

Time and again, the viciously repressive laws proved ineffectual in their intended goal. Each new convulsion of oppression only deepened the cultural identification of Irish identity with the outlawed Catholic creed.

Across those grim centuries of second-class subjugation and human rights violations, the unflagging faithfulness woven into Ireland's very soul amazingly kept the faith alive. No amount of legislative harassment, economic depredation or violence could sever the people's bond to its church. Even amid the worst deprivations of the Great Hunger, priests heroically ministered to the afflicted while tending the cratered parishes and demoralised flocks.

This existential triumph over oppression laid the foundation for the Church's eventual resurgence in the post-emancipation era. When the fetters of discrimination were finally broken and civil disabilities lifted, Catholicism married to an invigorated sense of nationalism emerged from its underground exile into a new springtime of religious and cultural renewal.

The same indomitable spirit of steadfast adherents who preserved the faith through its most difficult trials became the catalysing force propelling Irish Catholicism's astonishing 19th-century revival. New churches and schools were erected, and religious orders were welcomed to minister wholeheartedly to the long-afflicted faithful. It stands as one of history's most remarkable religious resurgences.

This resilience is the inextinguishable heartbeat coursing through centuries of the Irish Catholic ethos - the ability to draw spiritual sustenance from even the most arid persecutions. Time and again, the Irish spirit has demonstrated its power to regenerate vigorously from periods of trial and adversity, emerging re-energised with vitality.

The amalgamation of four dioceses in Connacht is no mere bureaucratic reassignment but rather a wrenching severance from a heritage stretching back to St Patrick's own missionary journey. Illustration: Conor McGuire

The current tumult plaguing the Catholic Church in Ireland represents yet another crucible to be passed through, an opportunity to rekindle the zeal and fortitude synonymous with its legacy.

The ebbing of adherents and vacant dioceses we face are sobering obstacles. But they pale alongside the sheer existential threats Catholicism defied and transcended during its darkest nadir on this island. If the harrowing Penal Law period could not break the devotional spirit, neither should today's institutional upheavals ultimately erase the faith taught over generations.

Perhaps what is required is a period of welcomed austerity and a return to the elemental, even clandestine, practice that reinvigorated belief during the past persecutions. The sting of its present humiliation should be a catalyst for a return to Celtic simplicity. A smaller, embattled Church existing in the catacombs of Irish life may be precisely the purgative process needed to rekindle enthusiasm, a rediscovery of truths lost in the recent morass of worldly deception, power plays and betrayals.

Freed from aspirations toward cultural and civic importance, a season of renewed authenticity may take root. Persecution and adversity have so often catalysed the Church's greatest seasons of revitalisation precisely by dismantling complacency. We find resilience not through institutions and temporal power but by absorbing the sobering paradox that renewal is born through agonies.

In rediscovering its identity, the Church in Ireland can yet overcome its present vale of tears. From the charred remains of past dissenters' pyres and persecutions, after all, sprang the embers of regenerative rebirth.

We can ensure faith's future by reimagining a humble, decentralised Church more centred on its mission than earthly trappings and misplaced prestige. The path forward lies in zealously cultivating anchors to sink our roots ever deeper into the bedrock of truth passed down through generations - while simultaneously reaffirming our willingness to engage the present age anew.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly sunny and rather mild; a few scattered showers are possible, but mainly in the Poconos and along and north of the I-80 corridor..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with a few showers; many only get a couple hundredths of an inch at most but a bit more in the Poconos and points north...maybe as much as a quarter of an inch.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 24. The Ministry of Transport of Kyrgyzstan has opened a public discussion on a proposal to increase fees for storing goods when their removal from railway stations is delayed, Trend reports.

The relevant official website reads that, if difficulties arise due to delayed unloading of wagons, containers, and goods, Kyrgyz Railway (KTZ), the national carrier, will increase storage fees fivefold compared to the current tariffs of 6.13 soms ($0,069) per ton per day.

KTZ currently does not differentiate its storage rates for items.

According to the Kyrgyz State Statistical Committee, freight transportation in Kyrgyzstan totaled 7.773 million tons from January to February 2024, representing a nearly 400,000-ton increase, or 4.9 percent, over the same period in 2023.

The majority of the transported goods, totaling 6.297 million tons, were carried by automobile transport. Railway transportation amounted to 1.358 million tons, pipeline transportation to 117,200 tons, and air transportation to 600 tons. More than 80 percent of automobile freight transportation was handled by individual entrepreneurs.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 24. Seven new documents were signed following the high-level meetings during Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon's visit to Italy, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Tajik president, these include:

- Agreement between the Governments of Tajikistan and Italy on cooperation in security matters.

- Memorandum between the Drug Control Agency under the President of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Italy on operational cooperation in combating drugs.

- Memorandum between the Committee for Tourism Development under the Government of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Tourism of Italy on cooperation in the tourism sphere.

- Program of cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation between the Governments of Tajikistan and Italy for 2024-2027.

- Memorandum of cooperation in sustainable development between the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of Italy.

- Agreement between the Governments of Tajikistan and Italy on visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports.

- Cooperation program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy for 2024-2026.

Emomali Rahmon embarked on his first official visit to Italy and the Vatican on April 22. He met with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 24. Tajikistan and Italy have discussed the launch of direct flights, Trend reports.

According to the Tajik president's press service, this issue was raised during a meeting between Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two sides also explored collaboration in education and healthcare, including allocating quotas for Tajikistani citizens in Italian higher education institutions.

Additionally, they deliberated on their countries' cooperation within the frameworks of the UN, OSCE, and other international organizations.

Thoughts were exchanged on advancing Tajikistan's initiatives in water and climate-related fields, particularly glacier protection, and garnering support from the international community.

Given the complex international political landscape, effective cooperation in combating modern threats and challenges was deemed necessary. At the end of the meeting, Emomali Rahmon invited Giorgia Meloni to visit Tajikistan.

The President of Tajikistan embarked on his first official visit to Italy and the Vatican on April 22. He also met with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. Seven new documents were signed following the high-level meetings during the visit.
Climbing the mining-and-finance ladder to the top

Dr Fiona Perrott-Humphreys current jobs in London are a far cry from her early career as a teacher in rural KwaZulu-Natal.





From Left to Right: Prof Richard Bradley, Anton Ossip, Dr Allen Zimbler, Dr Fiona Perrot-Humphrey,

Prof Zeblon Vilakazi, Philip Lindop, and Mark Byrne.





Dr Fiona Perrott-Humphreys current jobs in London  one as Senior Adviser on Mining Investments to Rothschild & Co. and the other as Director of the London-Stock-Exchanged-listed Baker Steel Resources Trust, that invests in unquoted mining projects which are brought on to maturity  are a far cry from her early career as a teacher in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Born in Johannesburg, Fiona completed a BA in English and History in Pietermaritzburg at the University of Natal, followed by a teacher training course at UCT.

In those days the education department would fund your studies if you repaid them by working for them for three years, she recalls.

Having worked the requisite three years in fairly remote rural areas, it was time to return to the lure of eGoli for a change of career focus. Perrott-Humphrey chose to do an MBA at the Wits Business School because the Wits MBA was 18 months and considered to be more academic than the UCT one which was a year, so that attracted me, and of course Johannesburg was the centre of finance and industry. When I later went to lecture in Pietermaritzburg and tried to forge links for my students in the business community, there were only small businesses, whereas Joburg is in the centre of everything, she says. My switching to finance was all thanks to the Wits Business School. The lecturers were consulting out in the business world as well as teaching, so you felt like you were in the real world and not in an academic ivory tower.

The programme also took her out of her natural comfort zone. An MBA is a team thing, which was interesting for me because even now, in my analyst career, its a single-person type of environment, so I found it quite odd to be on a team but that was one of the strengths of the Wits MBA.

While becoming rooted in the financial world, she also became interested in mining and labour, completing a doctorate on training small black businesses that had been shut out by the apartheid system.

Perrott-Humphreys links with Wits have continued in the area of consulting and advice. She would like to encourage the establishment of a mining and business module. I think mining should be more actively linked to the business school in its bid to be the best business school in Africa.

Her advisory capacity has extended into monetising the research conducted in universities.

As universities need to fund more of their own expenses, this monetising of research excellence is a must. Weve had a few conversations with Wits and thats where I feel I can give back and help. Weve never seen a time, because of the energy transition, that is so ripe for new tech ideas, she adds.

Being one of the few women in a senior mining analyst position, Perrott-Humphrey is frequently asked to speak to those looking to further their careers. Young women, who are so much more driven and focused these days, will say: Tell us how to get from where we are now to where you are. And I say, It was seriously a random walk.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 24. The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and the director of the WeBuild Italian company, Pietro Salini, discussed the progress of the construction of the Rogun hydroelectric power station (HPP) in Tajikistan, Trend reports.

According to the press service of the Tajik president, the head of WeBuild informed Rahmon about the fulfillment of commitments and the progress of construction works on the HPP on which the company is currently working.

During the meeting, confidence was expressed that the company's management will mobilize all its capabilities to fulfill the work plans within the established deadlines.

WeBuild is engaged in the construction of a clay-core rockfill dam at the Rogun HPP. The Rogun HPP is a hydroelectric power station under construction on the Vakhsh River with an installed capacity of 3600 MW. In total, it is planned to install six units, each with a projected capacity of 600 MW.

The average annual electricity generation at the Rogun HPP is expected to exceed 17 billion kWh. The height of the dam is 335 meters.

The president of Tajikistan embarked on his first official visit to Italy and the Vatican on April 22. Seven new documents were signed following the high-level meetings during the visit.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 24. Tajikistan and Italy have signed an agreement on the exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the agreement was signed between the governments of Tajikistan and Italy during the visit of Tajikistan's President, Emomali Rahmon, to the country.

According to the inked agreement, citizens of both countries having diplomatic passports can enter, exit, transit, and stay on the other country's territory without a visa for up to 90 days.

Tajik citizens' 90-day period begins on the first day of entrance into the Schengen area.

The agreement is indefinite and will be enforced 30 days after the final formal notification is received via diplomatic channels.

The President of Tajikistan embarked on his first official visit to Italy and the Vatican on April 22. Seven new documents were signed following the high-level meetings during the visit.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 24. Uzbekistans Ministry of Economy and Finance and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed an agreement worth $293.5 million under the Integrated Rural Development Project, Trend reports.

According to Uzbekistans Ministry of Economy and Finance, the project envisages the construction and major repairs of social infrastructure facilities in 157 mahallas (a territorial and administrative unit, a community of people living in a certain territory in a city or district in Uzbekistan) in 21 districts of the Samarkand, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya regions.

Within the framework of the project, it is planned to improve the living standards of rural residents by improving road and transport infrastructure, engineering and communication networks, power supply systems, and the use of resource-saving and environmentally friendly technologies in the construction and reconstruction of social facilities, such as kindergartens, schools, and rural clinics.

The project intends to provide an opportunity for communities to identify their development priorities and needs through the development of community development plans, which will become the basis for the implementation of construction and investment projects.

Meanwhile, UNDP has launched a joint project with the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan on the development of green transportation. The project is funded by grants from the Global Environment Facility in the amount of $3.57 million and UNDP ($300,000). The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Transport in the period 20222027. The part of the project financed by Uzbekistan will amount to $25.57 million.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 24. Uzbekistan and UK signed joint declaration on comprehensive partnership and the memorandum of understanding in the fields of regional and international connectivity and infrastructure, Trend reports.

The documents were signed at a meeting between the Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov with UKs Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Cameron.

The sides outlined key tasks aimed at strengthening relations across all domains and paid attention to bolstering economic bonds between the countries.

Also, both parties discussed direct business-to-business ties and educational collaboration.

Meanwhile, according to the data from Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, a total of 523 citizens visited the country from UK in January 2024. The number of EU citizens visiting Uzbekistan for tourism purposes amounted to 4,601 in January 2024.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to the first China-Latin American and Caribbean States Space Cooperation Forum.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum jointly announced by the leaders of the two sides, Xi said that China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries have seen prosperous development over the past decade in their cooperation in various fields within the framework of the China-CELAC Forum to usher in a new era featuring equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and tangible benefits for the people.

Xi said China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries have yielded fruitful results in space cooperation in recent years, including new progresses in the fields of remote sensing satellites, communication satellites and the deep space station network, which has played an important role in promoting scientific and technological progress, strengthening regional connectivity and improving people's wellbeing.

China is ready to work with the Latin American and Caribbean countries to build a high-level space cooperation partnership, promote space technology to better benefit both peoples, and continue to promote the building of a community of China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries with a shared future, said Xi.

The space cooperation forum, co-hosted by the China National Space Administration and the Hubei provincial government, started on Wednesday in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province.

(Source: Xinhua)
Aerial photo taken on July 30, 2022 shows a view of the headquarters of the National Archives of Publications and Culture in Beijing, capital of China. [Xinhua/Li He]

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua)  A dictionary caught the attention of Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the China National Archives of Publications and Culture last June.

Versions of the Xinhua Dictionary published in the 1950s and 1960s were on display, with their pages having turned yellowish with age.

The Chinese dictionary, a reference book with a large circulation, is among the most popular dictionaries in the world.

"I've used these editions," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, told those at the scene while looking at several editions of the dictionary on display, his words tinged with nostalgia.

"I had such a dictionary in my pocket while working in the fields. During rest breaks, I would take it out to flip through a page or two, reading character by character," he recalled.

The president was referring to his life since 1969, when he was sent from Beijing to work as a farmer at Liangjiahe, a village in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. He spent seven years there and left at the age of 22.

"I would chew on the pronunciations and meanings of a character, figuring out the precise way to use the characters and phrases," he added.

The recollections showed an avid reader who developed this hobby from childhood.

Villagers in Liangjiahe still remember that Xi brought two suitcases full of books when he arrived in the village. During those years, the village had not yet been connected to the electricity grid. Xi read under a kerosene lamp.

During his stay, Xi read nearly all the literary classics he could find. For once, he overheard that a young man from Beijing had a copy of "Faust." Xi walked a long way to borrow it.

After reading "What Is to Be Done" by Nikolay Chernyshevsky, Xi emulated the protagonist to temper his will, removing the mattress and sleeping on a bare bed.

In addition to literary books, the young Xi Jinping also delved into classics like "Das Kapital." By the time he entered college in 1975, he had read the book three times, filling 18 notebooks with his reflections.

Decades later, he recalled a touching moment reading how Bishop Myriel helped Jean Valjean and changed his life in "Les Miserables," saying that "Great works always have such a great power to move readers."

Xi's passion for reading has constantly remained since childhood. Quoting an ancient Chinese proverb, Xi once said, "One's life is limited, but knowledge is limitless."

(Source: Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in carrying out urban renewal projects and ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

CHONGQING, April 23 (Xinhua)  Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said people's wellbeing is of utmost importance in Chinese modernization during an inspection trip to southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

Xi made the remarks on Monday while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District, which has taken on a new look and is in good order.

The CPC aims to ensure that the people live a happier life, Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in carrying out urban renewal projects and ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in carrying out urban renewal projects and ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, communicates with residents while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. [Xinhua/Ju Peng]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, communicates with residents while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. [Xinhua/Wang Ye]

(Source: Xinhua)


Gao Li is a researcher with the Institute of Plant Protection, under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). For the past 16 years, Gao has researched the causes of and comprehensive system for managing wheat diseases. Her research has achieved important results, and it has resulted in significant contributions to ensuring China's food security.

Gao's hometown, a rural area near Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has a long history of farming. Gao learned to farm at an early age. When she studied in primary school, the wheat in her hometown often suffered from diseases. Gao still remembers clearly the "troubled looks" on the villagers' faces as they worried about their harvests.

After she completed gaokao (China's national college-entrance examination), Gao submitted her application to study plant protection at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University. "I chose agriculture as my major because I grew up in the countryside. Studying agricultural sciences would enable me to prevent and treat diseases of crops. I hoped to help my fellow villagers live happy, prosperous lives through farming," says Gao.

After she obtained her Ph.D., in 2007, Gao began working in the nation's key lab (under the Institute of Plant Protection) for the comprehensive control of plant pests and diseases. Her research team focused on two concerns: Control of wheat rust and wheat bunt and smut.

Wheat rust, caused by obligate biotrophic pathogens, often occurs in a wide region, and it causes huge yield losses in China. During the first four years of her work, Gao spent most of her time studying wheat rust. She developed a technology that quickly and precisely determines  at an early stage  three types of wheat rust.

Wheat bunt and smut can result in a 75-90 percent reduction in yield. People and animals can be poisoned if they eat food made from wheat infected by wheat smut.

Gao and her team have achieved fruitful results in their wheat bunt and smut research. In fact, their research has provided theoretic and technical support to wheat production.



Helping Farmers

Gao often receives samples of diseased plants in the mail, some in envelopes and others in sacks. "I know many farmers and agricultural technicians. They send the samples to me, as they want me to detect the diseases of their plants," she says.

Gao always detects the plant samples as soon as possible, and she usually provides disease-management advice to the farmers.

Gao and her team work in wheat fields for nearly six months of the year. The harvest season is a good time to research wheat diseases. The researchers' skin, after lengthy exposure to the elements, often peels after the hot harvest season.

Gao and her team work hard to ensure they achieve innovation. They have stocked up on chemicals and studied technical methods to deal with outbreaks of wheat diseases.

In May 2022, Gao was named one of the "Most Beautiful Scientific and Technological Workers in Beijing." During a livestream event, to share stories of outstanding scientific and technological workers, some farmers in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region participated in a video call with Gao. They expressed their gratitude for her work.



Striving Hard

Gao was once interviewed by a fashion magazine. She said it would be good for women readers to see a woman scientist in the magazine. She hoped the interview would help women feel confident enough to engage in scientific research.

Gao always finds ways to inspire herself to keep striving, and to keep exploring. Each weekend, she spends at least one day working in the lab. As a mother of two, she does her best to balance work and family.

Gao cultivates her students based on their abilities. She believes assigning her students to research certain topics will help them improve their research capabilities, and will lay the solid foundation for their independent research in the future. "I hope they will give full play to their own advantages. As long as they are diligent, they will achieve some results in research," Gao says.

Gao's team has taken the lead, globally, in the research of wheat bunt and smut. Gao, as the first or corresponding author, has published more than 50 SCI (Science Citation Index) papers in major international journals.

Gao has obtained 23 national invention patent authorizations, and she was in charge of or participated in the compilation of more than 10 books. She has helped formulate and/or revise several national and/or industrial standards for disease testing and investigations. Gao has also been invited to give reports during several national and international academic events.

Given her outstanding achievements, Gao, in 2017, won the Chinese Young Women in Science Award. She has been named a woman pacesetter for making achievements, at the national level, and a National March 8th Red-Banner Holder.

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly March 2024)
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Demand for Welsh courses outstripping capacity

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Apr 24th, 2024

A target to reach a million Welsh speakers by 2050 is almost impossible to hit due to real-terms budget cuts, with demand for courses outstripping capacity, a committee heard.

Dona Lewis, chief executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, gave evidence to the Senedds culture committee as part of a one-day inquiry into post-16 Welsh provision.

Ms Lewis warned that the massive growth the National Centre for Learning Welsh had hoped to achieve this year will no longer be possible.

She told the committee there are waiting lists for people who want to learn Welsh, so the demand is higher than what we can reach at the moment.

Ms Lewis said: Our work has grown since the centre was established back in 2016 and funding has grown with that. But, to reach more people, clearly, more funding is needed.

Almost impossible

Llyr Gruffydd warned that budget pressures jeopardise the chances of meeting the target of a million Welsh speakers and doubling daily use of the language by 2050.

The Plaid Cymru MS for North Wales said: Reaching the targets of Cymraeg 2050 was challenging already and almost impossible now.

Mr Gruffydd suggested it is a tragedy that the National Centre for Learning Welsh cannot meet demand, saying: Theres a risk that were missing out on an historic opportunity.

The Welsh Governments 2024-25 budget allocates 53.5m to support Welsh language spending, with a near-3m reduction compared to last year, according to a report.

Ioan Matthews, chief executive of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, which works with colleges, universities and employers, said further education and apprenticeships are crucial.

Few and far between

Dr Matthews told the committee that opportunities to study through the medium of Welsh have been few and far between until relatively recently.

Dafydd Evans, representing Colleges Wales, welcomed a more positive approach since Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethols remit was widened to include further education.

Pressed about whether the Cymraeg 2050 targets are realistic, Mr Evans, who is chief executive of Grwp Llandrillo Menai, was not confident the aims are achievable.

Mr Evans, who has worked in the sector for 30 years, said: If were going to have new Welsh speakers then we would need a lot more resources in the pot to reach that target.

Carolyn Thomas, a Labour backbencher, highlighted the Welsh language commissioners warning that attempts to expand post-compulsory provision have been an uphill battle.

Losing momentum

Dr Matthews said there has traditionally been a lack of investment but the picture is changing and he was hopeful funding will be restored next year.

Asked about the impact of the re-prioritisation of the Welsh Governments budget, he told MSs that there is a risk of losing momentum and opportunities as a result.

Dr Matthews agreed that budget pressures will make the 2050 target more challenging.

He said: What we need is a plan and trajectory which sets out milestones for us. But any slowing down of that momentum will make that trajectory more challenging.

Mr Evans stressed the importance of focusing on transitions from education and promoting the value of Welsh in the workplace, so young people see the language as a skill.

Massive problem

Lisa Mytton, strategic director of National Training Federation Wales, raised concerns around recruiting qualified assessors and cuts to the apprenticeship budget.

Mr Evans called for a national strategy to create a bilingual teaching workforce, saying there is a massive problem in recruiting Welsh speakers in fields such as science.

He welcomed a review of vocational qualifications, carried out by Sharron Lusher, the former principal of Pembrokeshire College, but warned that progress on its findings has been slow.

Mr Evans said made-in-Wales qualifications and resources are currently not in place.

Dr Matthews pointed to the potential role of the forthcoming Welsh language education bill, which aims to transform provision in schools and give learners more meaningful skills.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
New economy minister sets out his priorities for Wales

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Apr 24th, 2024

Wales new economy secretary set out his priorities against the backdrop of a significant rise in economic inactivity and a fall in employment compared to the rest of the UK.

Jeremy Miles outlined his aim to make Wales the best place to start, invest in and grow a business by improving productivity, attracting investment and redesigning skills support.

In a statement to the Senedd about his economic vision on April 23, Mr Miles said increasing productivity and economic dynamism will be his number one priority.

He told the chamber his second priority is to attract and encourage business investment, both in established businesses based in Wales and from new investors.

The economy secretary said his third priority is to redesign employability and skills support, ensuring that economic priorities, apprenticeships and vocational education are all aligned.

However, opposition MSs warned that Wales economy is underperforming and urged the Welsh Government to set firm targets to measure success.

Cack-handed

Mr Miles, who is also responsible for energy, cautioned that ongoing financial constraints as well as political and economic uncertainty at a UK level make the aims more challenging.

He said: The legacy of EU withdrawal, the pandemic and ongoing budgetary constraints have weakened the economy.

The slowdown in UK productivity has impacted output, wages and household incomes, and these inequalities were already more acute in Wales before this time.

The former education minister, who retains responsibility for the Welsh language, criticised the cack-handed approach of the prime minister to so-called sick note culture.

Mr Miles described the UK Government crackdown on the number of people signed off from work as a brutal way of approaching a very complex challenge.

Staggering

Samuel Kurtz, the Conservatives new shadow economy secretary, raised concerns about worrying trends in economic inactivity and employment

He told the chamber that statistics show Wales unemployment rate was 60% higher than the UK average in the three months to February.

The Tory raised alarm about a staggering rate of economic inactivity at 26.2%, which he said is almost 27% higher than the UK average and rising three times as fast.

Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, called on the economy secretary to introduce job-creation targets.

He said it should be a sense of shame for the Welsh Government that Welsh workers have long taken home less money than their counterparts anywhere else in the UK.

Finger in the air

Luke Fletcher, for Plaid Cymru, said sectors across the economy have been calling out for a comprehensive and meaningful industrial strategy.

The South Wales West MS described the economy secretarys statement as essentially a list of economic goods the government would like to see in Wales.

Mr Fletcher warned: But theres no substantive plan on how those goods will be delivered, no road map, no waymarkers and no precise sense of the final destination.

The shadow economy secretary raised concerns about skills shortages in the green sector, calling for closer collaboration with further education providers.

He said: Its currently a case of them putting their finger in the air, seeing which way the wind blows, and hoping for the best. That doesnt fill me with much hope.

Tata

Mr Miles told MSs that potential job losses at Tata remain the most high-profile concern, vowing that the Welsh Government will do all it can to protect jobs and the steel industry,

The economy secretary said a general election offers the real possibility of a better and fairer economic policy from a new UK Government.

Mr Kurtz called for the Welsh Government to confirm if it has made any financial support available to the 100m Port Talbot transition board set up by UK ministers.

Meanwhile, Mr Fletcher urged the economy secretary to look at using the planning system to protect the future of the blast furnaces.

Mr Miles stressed that the Welsh Government has supported Tata through capital investment and skills support for many years.

He said: Weve been pressing for 14 years for a UK Government to take seriously the future of steel and to plan for a transition to greener production.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
Three arrested over intent to supply Class B drugs

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Apr 24th, 2024

Three people have been arrested and drugs, cash and phones have been seized following a drugs warrant in Wrexham.

The Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team have detailed they executed the warrant at a premises in Gwersyllt last Tuesday on April 16th.

They said, A large amount of drugs, believed to be cannabis, was seized, along with phones, cash and drug supply paraphernalia.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

They have all since been released under investigation.

Anyone with concerns about drug supply in their area can report it to us via our website, by calling us on 101, or anonymously via the independent charity CrimeStoppers.

North Wales Police also released images of a door to a property being hit by the big red key to gain entry.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 24. Russias Gazprom may open a representative office in Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

This is reflected in the companys statement on holding a meeting of the issuers board of directors and its agenda.

The meeting of the issuer's board of directors will be held in the form of absentee voting on May 6.

Meanwhile, Uzbek Uztransgaz JSC wants to invest $470 million in 20242030 to increase imports of Russian natural gas.

According to the investment program approved by the Uzbek government, the project will be financed by attracting funds from foreign banks.

According to the head of the Russian Gazprom company, Alexei Miller, the company is discussing cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan for a long-term period of 15 years, including opportunities for gas transit to third countries.
Hundreds of copies of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (PWRFC) statement Oppose Royal Mails Assault on the USO! Defeat CWUs Collusion! have been distributed at Royal Mail delivery offices in Bradford, Keighley, Sheffield, Barnsley, Leicester, Glasgow and Manchester.

The appeal to attend the PWRFCs Zoom meeting this Sunday, April 28, met with a welcome response, prompting pointed comments and wider discussions with postal workers who spoke with WSWS reporting teams about impossible workloads, the manufactured crisis of the mail service and prioritisation of parcels. They were critical of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) for last years sellout agreement tearing up terms and conditions and driving out thousands of postal workers.

South Yorkshire

At Sheffield North delivery office on Capel Street, one worker said, Were just the little guys. The CWU sold us out last time.

In relation to the plan unveiled by Royal Mail to break up the USO, posties reported they had not been informed about its content by the union, I havent heard anything about it, while others warned this was only the start: Its never ending, Customers arent necessarily concerned about the six-day service, but it is a slippery slope, itll be five days, then four, then three...

Sheffield North delivery office Capel Street

At Pond Street delivery office in Sheffield city centre, a postal worker explained how delivery rounds had been extended up to 15-20km per day. They raised concerns about the treatment of new entrants, citing a recruit made to work a difficult parcel delivery route with insufficient training and job experience. Many are now leaving the job and new ones are being brought in on rubbish terms.

At Barnsley delivery office in Pitt Street, discussion focussed on opposition to the two-tier workforce enshrined in the CWU-Royal Mail agreement. A new entrant listed the inferior termsmandatory Sundays, unpaid meal relief, and non-payment of the functional supplement for unaddressed mail. They expressed little faith in promises of improvements made by the CWU. They agreed this contract in the first place. Weve been treated unequally from the start for doing the same job.

I thought the strike had been about stopping a two-tier workforce! a long-standing postal worker stated. Many held the CWU responsible, describing union leaders as colluding or in bed with the company.

A young postal worker pointed to the Royal Mail emblem on their uniform, What does it say: Royal Mail. We are not a parcels company! They were on the old contract and described the new entrants terms and conditions as disgusting. Asked what he thought about the CWU leadership he replied, They have not got a backbone; it is all about money and profits, they are more interested in the shareholders than representing members.

West Yorkshire

At Bradford North delivery office a worker said, I totally agree that the unions are tied up with the management; we went on strike last time and disagreed with everything, but the union pushed it through. The unions have become part of the problem rather than the solution.

On plans to reduce the USO agreed by the CWU, a colleague explained, They are going to break our backs. The people need to know, we need to make a stand because they are throwing us under the bus. You have got to hit them in the pocket.

This is not a UK problem, its a global problem. How many people are going to lose their jobs with this new model they are introducing? They are going to get rid of a good 30 to 40 percent.

A young postie said, I dont know whats happened in the last few years since Covid. The company used Covid as an excuse to ride roughshod over workers rights and stuff like that.

While postal workers were classified as key workers during the earlier lockdowns, delivering test kits, basic workplace protections were not provided, with unofficial walkouts required to even to enforce social distancing and mask mandates.

A longstanding postal worker of more than 20 years added, The changes are horrendous. After returning from sick leave, I came back and the mail was piled sky high. A union guy came and took a photograph. I try to keep up with getting everything done but when I came back it was a meltdown. Over the years you had the chance of getting everything done, now it is totally overwhelming, but everybody has totally given up. Now I just work to my time.

At Keighley delivery office the running down of basic infrastructure was contrasted to shareholder pay outs: They just want more and more out of us. When we have said we cannot do it like that, they have turned round and instead of saying, Fine, well help you, they responded, We are going to add extra. There are literally people who cannot complete that have had another half round added on. Its just ridiculous.

And if they say they cant afford to pay us, its because theyve wasted all that cash. They gave half-a-billion pounds away to shareholders and theyve said they cant afford anything else. That cash ought to be reinvested in the business. Weve got 12-to-15-year-old vans in our delivery office. Its a joke. No other business has got vans that are falling apart.

If we cant get the mail out they say leave it! They really do not care. When I first started, if you left one letter behind, you could lose your job. You have got people now leaving tons.

Management wants to turn it into the likes of Evri and Amazon where its just the cheapest labour and workers have got very little rights. Its not what it was, it used to be a good job. You always had a turnover, but we have got guys that have been here for 15 or 20 years that are leaving now. They can see whats going to happen. Its getting worse. They are just going to drive the company down even more.

Manchester

The consensus was the same at Manchester Delivery Office, Oldham Road.

We havent got a post office anymore, its gone. We owned it, the post workers. Why are we buying shares? Ive been in the union 40 years, whose representing me to cut sick pay? Therell just be casuals going out in vans at this rate. This all started with Thatcher when the unions abandoned the miners.

Another long-serving postal worker was scathing: Its just ridiculous now. They used to hide their lies. Grant McPherson [the former chief operating officer who oversaw the largest cost-cutting revisions in company history last year] got his money, now hes gone. He destroyed everything. They got a 750 million bailout but theyre losing 1.7 million a day. Wheres it all gone?

A colleague added, How can we compete when the prices of postage is going up; this is a disaster. In response to the WSWS reporting team explaining workers should not be divided in the name of competition he responded, It is all about the profits of these companies; they should not have been taken out of public control. It is the system itself that is the problem and the system needs to change.

We urge postal and logistics workers to attend the next online meeting of the PWRFC on April 28 at 7 p.m., Oppose Royal Mails Assault on the USO! Defeat CWUs Collusion. Register here to attend.
The Conservative government has finally passed the legislation required to deport immigrants and asylum seekers to Rwanda. After two years of blocking by the House of Lords, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill was passed just after midnight Monday.

The Bill, first introduced by then-prime minister Boris Johnson in April 2022, was expected to be passed last week. However, this was delayed once again by amendments to the legislation by peers in the House of Lords.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a press conference on the Rwanda Bill in Downing Street, April 22, 2024 [Photo by Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that MPs and peers would have to stay up all night if necessary to get the Bill through. It passed after a majority vote of 75 (312 to 237) to throw out the last remaining Lords amendmenton setting-up a monitoring process on whether Rwanda is a safe country, as the government claims.

One of the main objections in the Lords to the Bill was that there was no specific exemption from deportation for Afghans and others who had served with UK forces. An amendment demanding this from former Labour Defence Minister Des Browne was defeated by 305 votes to 234. Browne accepted a verbal commitment that such Afghans will not be sent to Rwanda and all those from Afghanistan whose claims had been rejected under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme will be reassessed.

Sunak issued a statement declaring, The passing of this landmark legislation is not just a step forward but a fundamental change in the global equation on migration. It was now very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.

Just hours after the legislation passed, another five peoplea seven-year-old girl, a woman and three menlost their lives trying to reach Britain. They were trying to cross the Channel in a small boat and were found near the French town of Wimereux, south of Calais. The latest victims of the UKs vicious clampdown were among 112 people on board the overcrowded boat: 47 people had to be rescued with four taken to hospital.

The government can now theoretically deport around 52,000 people to Rwanda with at least 370 million, and an estimated up to 500 million, to be paid to the Rwandan government to accommodate them. In a breach of international law, the Bill creates a new power to ignore any interim measures (injunctions) the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) may make ordering a flight set for Rwanda to stay on the runway in Britain.

Sunak pledged that the first flights to Rwanda will set off in 10 to 12 weeks, with some of those to be deported already selected and others to be rounded up.

Speaking in Downing Street hours before the measures passed Sunak could not contain his glee. He said, Starting from the moment that the Bill passes we will begin the process of removing those identified for the first flight. We have prepared for this moment. To detain people while we prepare to remove them, weve increased detention spaces to 2,200.

Among the other measures in place to enforce this brutal policy are: 200 case workers hired; 25 courtrooms and 150 judges to hear asylum cases, offering 5,000 days in court; a pre-booked airfield with slots for commercial charter flights to Rwanda booked; 500 escorts for the flights, with 300 more in training.

Minister for Illegal Migration, Michael Tomlinson, stated that following the Bill being given Royal Assent imminently by King Charles and the signing of a final treaty with Rwanda, We need to get the flights off the ground, and thats when we will see the deterrent effect kick in.

In a warning to civil servants who have threatened to strike rather than break international law Sunak warned, Weve put beyond all doubt that Ministers can disregard these injunction with clear guidance that if they decide to do so, civil servants must deliver that instruction.

The legislation was denounced by human rights groups, Freedom from Torture, Amnesty International UK and Liberty who described Parliament as a crime scene. A spokesperson said, We all deserve the chance to live a safe life, and to seek protection when we need it most. This shameful Bill trashes the constitution and international law whilst putting torture survivors and other refugees at risk of an unsafe future in Rwanda.

Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees said the law was further step away from the UK's long tradition of providing refuge to those in need, in breach of the Refugee Convention This arrangement seeks to shift responsibility for refugee protection, undermining international cooperation and setting a worrying global precedent.

In fact the fascistic policies being rolled out by London are being implemented everywhere by the capitalist class, as they whip up a foul anti-immigration atmosphere the better to pursue policies of austerity and war.

These policies have led to 30,000 dead in the Mediterranean over the last decade as Fortress Europe is enforced. This month, the European Parliament adopted the Common European Asylum System, effectively suspending the right to asylum and turned the immigration policies of the extreme right into law. As the WSWS noted, The measures adopted provide for Europes external borders to be hermetically sealed off. This means that refugees will have to undergo their asylum procedure outside the EU in closed, militarily guarded detention centres.

Fascist Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has struck a deal allowing the deportation of 1,500 refugees and asylum-seekers to Libya over the next three years. On top of this, those intercepted or rescued by Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and deemed illegal will be sent to Albania for identification, asylum processing, and repatriation, and held in two detention centres able to hold 3,000 people. Last November, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to examine whether asylum applications could be processed abroad, with Austria considering the same policy.

That the Tory government is prepared to squander half a billion poundswith the expected cost of sending the first few hundred asylum seekers to Rwanda working out at 1.8 million per personindicates how critical the whipping up of putrid anti-immigrant sentiment is for the ruling class. Sunaks leadership contains a pronounced fascist layer that also reflects the partys reactionary, ageing, middle class constituency, whipped up by a ferociously xenophobic tabloid media.

The Labour Party has pledged to repeal the Rwanda Bill on coming to office, but not on any principled basis. Its pitch to the ruling class is that it can use all the existing repressive legislation to ensure asylum seekers are kicked out and borders tightenedenforced at a fraction of the cost.

As is now usual for Sir Keir Starmers right-wing party, Labour reasserted its alternative to the Rwanda policy in the pages of a pro-Tory paper, this time the Telegraph. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper penned an op-ed, Labour will stop the small boats. She opened with Dangerous small boat crossings undermine our border security and add to the chaos in our asylum system What was needed was urgent action to stop the gangs organizing the boats and to strengthen Britains borders.

The problem with the Rwanda scheme was that it was extortionately expensive and only covers 1% of those arriving in the UK. Copper complained, there is no plan for the other 99% who will now join a permanent costly backlog, with the taxpayer footing the bill.

Labour would put the Rwanda money into strengthening our border security instead. That means new counter-terror style powers, new international intelligence sharing agreements and new cross-border police working with European partners

She pledged to clear the asylum backlog with a new fast track system for safe countries, end asylum hotel use, and set up a major new Returns and Enforcement Unit to swiftly return those with no right to be in the UK. Returns have dropped by nearly 50% since the Conservatives took office, undermining the credibility of the entire system. We have to restore order to the border.
Last year, Dutch filmmaker Jessica Gorter released her documentary feature film about the persecution of Yuri Dmitriev, a Russian historian of the Stalinist Great Terror. The work, The Dmitriev Affair, has been showing at film festivals in the Netherlands, where it received favorable reviews, and is now also touring universities and festivals in the US.

Dmitriev began working on the history of the Great Terror in Karelia, a region near Russias border with Finland, during perestroika (in the late 1980s), when the Stalinist bureaucracy moved toward the restoration of capitalism. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, he and his team have uncovered Sandarmokh, one of the largest execution sites of the terror, where thousands of people, including Old Bolsheviks and members of Leon Trotskys Left Opposition, were murdered in 1937-1938.

Dmitriev has also worked on multiple volumes documenting the names and biographical data of Stalins victims. Since 2016, he has been the victim of a vicious Russian state vendetta, aimed at intimidating not only him, but anyone seeking to do serious historical work on the crimes of Stalinism. Now 68 years old and in ill health, he is serving a 15-year prison sentence in a penal colony. To his credit, Dmitriev still continues the work of documenting these crimes from prison, together with one of his closest collaborators.

Dmitrievs case is important from a political and historical standpoint. Unfortunately, however, Gorters film is confused and superficial, and ends up serving to feed into the anti-Russian war propaganda of NATO in its war in Ukraine.

Gorter began shooting the film before Dmitrievs court cases began. At the time, the intended focus of the film was his work in Karelia as the regional head of Memorial. The latter was the main research institution dedicated to the preservation of historical records of the Great Terror. It was shut down in December 2021 by the Kremlin.

The footage from this time is focused on interviews with Dmitriev and footage from Sandarmokh. In a particularly disturbing scene, we see how Dmitriev and his team uncovered the burial ground in 1996, finding skeletons and skulls just two meters below the ground in a vast forest. The remains indicated that the victims had been executed with shots to the back of the head.

Dmitriev recounts how he spent months in the archives of the FSB, the successor of the NKVD, which carried out the terror and the shootings, to find documentary material about the victims.

The Dmitriev Affair (2023)

The historian also recounts how confusing and shocking the revelations about the terror during the period of perestroika were to him (as they were to many others). Before that, he recalls, he had always believed that the Soviet government had fought for socialism. While it might have made certain mistakes, he would have never thought at the time that such crimes could have been committed against the population by the state. To this day, he is clearly bewildered by the scale of the terror.

At one point, he expresses complete disbelief why the state under Stalin would murder, for instance, large numbers of carpenters. As he notes, with great emotion, not a single henchman from Sandarmokhor the terror in generalwas ever prosecuted for his or her crimes. If any NKVD officer was ever disciplined, it was not for murdering, but for stealing belongings from the murdered.

Dmitrievs statements reveal both his admirable determination to continue the work despite growing resistance from the state, and his own political and historical confusion. When asked about why the Putin regime would persecute him, Dmitriev asserts that the people want the truth about this history, but the government does not. He also observes, correctly, that the Putin regime sees itself as an heir of the Stalinist regime. Indeed, the Putin regime did arise out of the Stalinist bureaucracys destruction of the Soviet Union. Putin, himself a trained KGB agent, has overseen a systematic rehabilitation of Stalin and a form of neo-Stalinism in foreign policy and key elements of the regimes ideology.

However, then Dmitriev goes on to say that he and others are being targeted because, in his view, Russia is returning in its domestic policy to the 1930s. This analogy is ahistorical and false, and betrays his own failure to understand the historical origins of both the Great Terror and the current Russian regime. The filmmaker does nothing to provide a greater understanding. There is no historical explanation or context given to either the terror or Dmitrievs own work since the late 1980s.

Scenes of memorial meetings at Sandarmokh show, for example, a man with a Ukrainian flag in close-up. Of course, every viewer will think of the war in Ukraine, but what exactly does this man with a Ukrainian flag tell us about the terror? The film explains nothing. It is difficult to see this as much more than a not-so-subtle bow to NATOs war propaganda.

The World Socialist Web Site has unconditionally defended Yuri Dmitriev from the attacks by the Russian state. We have done so despite the fact that his own historical and political views are fundamentally at odds with a Marxist understanding of the terror and opposition to the Putin regime. Dmitrievs views are clearly shaped by his religiosity. Moreover, in his view, the course of history is explained by the deeds and intentions of individuals. This subjective and even mystical approach accounts for his own inability to understand the terror and his political orientation toward the liberal opposition in Russia, which is backed by imperialism. This does not diminish the significance of his work or his courage. His political and historical disorientation can, to a large extent, be explained by the enormous confusion created by decades of Stalinism and the climate of wholesale reaction and anti-Marxism that then dominated following the destruction of the USSR in 1991 and the restoration of capitalism.

However, it does not absolve artists dealing with his case from grappling with this history on a more serious level. But this was clearly not the goal of the filmmakers. The film focuses, for the most part, on following Dmitriev and his family through the ordeal of multiple court trials. In 2016, authorities raided his home on an anonymous tip and they found nude images of his adopted daughter on his computer. The pictures formed the basis for charges of child pornography and abuse.

The Dmitriev Affair

Dmitriev explained that when he had adopted the girl, she was malnourished and had other developmental problems and that he took the pictures to document her development, at the advice of experts. At the time, the charges were widely publicized on Russian state television, the photographs (largely blacked out) were released, along with the name of his adopted daughter. In two court proceedings, Dmitriev was cleared of these charges.

However, after an acquittal in 2019, the state prosecution, clearly displeased by the judges verdict, opened a new case, this time charging Dmitriev with sexual assault of a minor. His adopted daughter and her grandmother had, by then, abruptly broken contact with Dmitriev and his family and served as witnesses for the prosecution. Dmitriev and his family and friends suggest that the authorities had worked on them to find a basis for new charges. Dmitriev was convicted and sentenced to three years, much less than the actual charge usually carries, before the sentence was later extended to 15 years. Almost the entirety of the trial proceeded behind closed doors.

We see the tragic consequences of the state persecution for Dmitriev and his family, including his adopted daughter, who was forced to return to the grandmother who had given her up for adoption in the first place. Yet while this certainly gives a sense of the scale of the state vendetta and its cost for Dmitriev and his loved ones, both the political dimensions of the case and his work become completely lost.

Thus, while the film gives a sense of the hostility of the Russian state to the historical truth about the Great Terror, it offers no historical or political explanation or context for either the terror or the vendetta against Dmitriev. This is politically and historically dangerous. A clear understanding of the nature and historical implications of the crimes of Stalinism is central to the development of a genuine anti-war movement, independent of NATO and the Putin regime.

The Great Terror was, fundamentally, a political genocide. It was perpetrated by a bureaucracy that had arisen after the socialist October Revolution of 1917, under conditions of the international isolation of the first workers state, and enjoyed vast social privileges. The political and sociological function of the terror lay in the annihilation of the traditions and the revolutionaries that had made the 1917 revolution possible, whose goals of internationalism and social equality were incompatible with the program and very existence of the Soviet bureaucracy.

The terror involved a wholesale purge of the Soviet state and party. Almost the entire Bolshevik leadership of the period of 1917 and the subsequent civil war, along with generations of socialists and revolutionaries, were murdered. This included, especially at Sandarmokh, large numbers of workers from factories in St. Petersburg (Leningrad), the city of the revolution. (Dmitriev and other historians have restored many of their names.) It also encompassed national minorities, including Ukrainians and various Baltic peoples, of whom a significant number were also executed at Sandarmokh. This terror in the USSR was accompanied by a campaign of mass murder by the Soviet secret police abroad, which targeted above all Trotskyists, and culminated in the murder of Leon Trotsky himself in August 1940.

It was through vast terror that the Soviet bureaucracy solidified its parasitic position within the workers state. The oligarchy that rules Russia, Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union today, arose out of a counterrevolution, which culminated in the restoration of capitalism and the destruction of the Soviet Union. To this day, ideologically, all of these oligarchies, in one way or another, feed themselves off the legacy of Stalinism.

Leon Trotsky, founder of the Fourth International

It is difficult to overstate the impact of the terror on the development of the revolution and generations of workers inside and outside the Soviet Union. As Trotsky wrote at the height of the terror in October 1937,

No one, not excluding Hitler, has dealt socialism such deadly blows as Stalin. This is hardly astonishing since Hitler has attacked the working-class organizations from without, while Stalin does it from within. Hitler assaults Marxism. Stalin not only assaults but prostitutes it. Not a single principle has remained unpolluted, not a single idea unsullied. The very names of socialism and communism have been cruelly compromised, from the day when uncontrolled policemen making their livelihood by a communist passport, gave the name socialism to their police regime. Revolting profanation! The barracks of the G.P.U. are not the ideal for which the working class is struggling. Socialism signifies a pure and limpid social system which is accommodated to the self-government of the toilers. Stalins regime is based on a conspiracy of the rulers against the ruled. Socialism implies an uninterrupted growth of universal equality. Stalin has erected a system of revolting privileges. Socialism has as its goal the all-sided flowering of individual personality. When and where has mans personality been so degraded as in the U.S.S.R.? Socialism would have no value apart from the unselfish, honest and humane relations between human beings.  The memory of mankind is magnanimous as regards the application of harsh measures in the service of great historical goals. But history will not pardon a single drop of blood shed in sacrifice to the new Moloch of self-will and privilege. Moral sensibility finds its highest satisfaction in the immutable conviction that historical retribution will correspond to the scope of the crime. Revolution will unlock all the secret compartments, review all the trials, rehabilitate the slandered, raise memorials to the victims of wantonness and cover with eternal infamy the names of the executioners. Stalin will depart from the scene laden with all the crimes which he has committednot only as the grave-digger of the revolution but as the most sinister figure in the history of mankind. (The Beginning of the End, October, 1937. Accessed at: https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1937/10/begin.htm)

This is precisely why Dmitrievs work to restore the historical truth about the terror and its victims, whatever its serious limitations, is of tremendous significance. But it is also why workers, young people and intellectuals must have a clear understanding of its political and historical origins. Gorters film is yet another indication of a troubling trend among artists and intellectuals to approach the most fundamental historical and political questions with extraordinary superficiality, making them, consciously or not, convenient tools in the cogs of the imperialist propaganda machine. The film underscores, yet again, a basic fact: Dmitrievs defense and historical truth will be advanced not by those layers, but in the fight to build a socialist anti-war movement in the international working class.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The US side does not agree to determine the level of development of Iran's nuclear program, Iranian Supreme Leader Seyed Ali Khamenei said during the meeting with laborers in Tehran, Trend reports.

He believes that the US should disclose the level at which they will be pleased with Iran's withdrawal from the nuclear program. They will never do this, however.

Because the American side, moving step by step like one of the African countries, wants to dismantle Iran's nuclear stockpiles and stop the activities of Iran's nuclear industry.

However, the results of nuclear activities are needed by various fields of the country, including health, medicine, and other fields, he said.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran had stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The number of bodies discovered in four mass graves at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza rose to at least 310 Tuesday. The horrific discovery over the past 72 hours provides further evidence of Israels imperialist-backed genocide against the Palestinians, which is set to escalate imminently due to the looming assault on the more than 1.5 million men, women and children struggling to survive in Rafah.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana]

Palestinian Civil Defence personnel continued Tuesday to discover bodies, including women and elderly people, buried under piles of waste. Zaina Haroun, a representative of the West Bank-based al-Haq Palestinian rights group, told Al Jazeera that the grisly discovery was stark evidence of war crimes and of course the genocide which is being perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza by Israel.

Referring to the uncovering of similar mass graves several weeks ago at Shifa hospital in Gaza City, she continued, One family member was desperate to find just a trace of his uncle; he said that he found his sandals but even if he could find a body part, an arm or a leg, that they could at least take that and bury him so theyre able to sleep at night.

The inhuman scenes from Khan Younis and Gaza City, reminiscent of the genocides of the 20th century, underscore the barbarism of the imperialist-backed Israeli regime.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fascistic government has openly declared its intention to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip, denounced Palestinians as human animals, systematically denied aid to hundreds of thousands stranded in the north of the enclave, and killed over 34,000 people during 200 days of non-stop bombardments.

With the fulsome support of US imperialism and its European allies, the Israeli regime has brushed aside the charge of genocide brought against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice and continued its onslaught as famine takes hold in Gaza.

On Tuesday, US special envoy for humanitarian issues David Satterfield described the threat of famine in Gaza as very high. Gazas Government Media Office reported that 30 children have died so far as a result of famine.

In its latest situation report on Gaza, the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) noted that there has been very little significant change in the amount of aid entering Gaza or the approval by Israel of aid convoys to the north of Gaza over recent weeks.

Three weeks ago, after Israels targeted killing of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen organisation, the Netanyahu government claimed it was prepared to open a land border crossing into northern Gaza and increase the flow of trucks into the enclave to over 300 per day. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini reported that 310 trucks crossed into Gaza Tuesday, well short of the 500 to 600 trucks most aid organisations agree are necessary to supply adequate food and other basic necessities to Gazas population.

The UNRWA report also noted that at least 435 attacks have been conducted by Israel on health workers or institutions since the onset of the genocide, a monthly rate that is higher than any other recent conflict. Since October 7, 180 UNRWA employees have been killed by Israel.

Israels destruction of Gaza has displaced over 75 percent of Gazas inhabitants, with 1.7 million people forced to flee multiple times. The repeated displacements have fueled the spread of infectious diseases, which have infected some 1.09 million people, or close to 50 percent of the population. According to UN human rights chief Volker Turk, a child is being killed or wounded in Gaza every 10 minutes.

The systematic dismantling of all civilian infrastructure by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has created a situation in which disease and famine will soon claim more lives than the daily air strikes. Only 10 of the 36 hospitals in the enclave prior to the war are still functioning to any degree as health care facilities. Hospitals have either been turned into killing fields, as at al-Shifa or Nasser hospitals, or taken over by the IDF. The Turkish-Palestinian Friends hospital south of Gaza City, formerly home to the only specialist cancer unit in Gaza, has been transformed by the IDF into a military base.

In a report released this week entitled Manufacturing Famine: Israel is committing the war crime of starvation in the Gaza Strip, BTselem-the Israeli Centre for Human rights in the Occupied Territories documents Israels culpability in the hunger crisis in the enclave, and its short- and long-term implications. Basing itself on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the report noted that Gaza was in phase 4 during February and March, immediately below phase 5, which is famine.

During these months, 55 percent of households in the north, and 25 percent of households in the central and southern areas were already at phase 5. These figures are expected to rise to 70 percent for the north, 50 percent for central Gaza, and 45 percent for the south, which would put Gaza as a whole in a famine. The report noted that Samantha Power, head of USAID, became the first US official to publicly admit that famine has already taken hold in northern Gaza at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in early April.

Khamis al-Aaraj, a 52-year-old resident of the Falujah neighbourhood of the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, described the horrendous living conditions in the report:

There is no food or water here. In fact, theres nothing here. You cant get food in the market, eitherno canned food, flour or rice. There isnt even barley left. Sometimes we manage to find khubeiza [a flowering, edible plant] growing by the roadside or in the fields and we pick it. If we manage to find some cardboard or wood to make a fire, we cook it in water and eat it for a day or two and at least manage to sleep better at night. We used to eat khubeiza maybe once a year, and now its almost our only source of food. In the last four days, we didnt sleep at all because were so hungry. We didnt eat a single thing. We couldnt get any food. All I do is look for food, all the time, and I cant stop thinking about it at night, either. Everyone here in the camp is pale with hunger and can barely stand on their feet.

Strengthened by the bipartisan vote in the US House on Saturday and Senate on Tuesday to provide $26 billion in additional aid for its genocidal onslaught, Israels far-right government is preparing to turn Rafah, like the north and Khan Younis before it, into rubble.

The Associated Press published Tuesday satellite images showing the construction of a tent city to the west of Khan Younis, a sign of preparations to displace Rafahs population. The IDF told AP that it was not involved in establishing the tent compound. Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the Egyptian government was constructing the site in order to prevent Palestinians from crossing the border into the Sinai.

Whatever the case may be, a tent compound for over 1.5 million people would in effect be a massive concentration camp for more than half of Gazas population and create the conditions for the further spread of disease.

As Fabrizio Carboni, Middle East regional director for the International Committee of the Red Cross, told AFP, humanitarian workers have no knowledge of a plan to evacuate Rafahs population, and such a plan would be impossible to implement. When we see the level of destruction in the middle area [of Gaza] and in the north, its not clear to us where people will be moved to  where they can have decent shelter and essential services, he said. So today, with the information we have and from where we stand, we dont see this [massive evacuation] as possible.

The normalisation of the IDFs barbarism in Gaza has been fully endorsed by Washington, which sees the genocide as a key component of its escalation of a region-wide war aimed at Iran. This conflict, through which American imperialism aims to consolidate its hegemony over the energy-rich Middle East, is one front in a rapidly developing third world war between the major powers for a redivision of the world.

Putting a stop to the Gaza genocide and imperialist war demands the building of an international anti-war movement led by the working class. Under conditions in which the imperialist powers are cracking down on all forms of opposition to war and genocide with extreme ruthlessness, workers must respond in every country by mobilizing politically on the basis of a socialist and internationalist programme to put an end to the capitalist profit system, which is reviving all the horrors of the 20th century.
The US Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday in the important case of Sandra Munoz, a US citizen who has been unable to live with her husband Luis Asencio-Cordero for nearly nine years as a result of the arbitrary decision by a US consular official to deny him a visa in 2015.

The Supreme Court as composed June 30, 2022 to present. Front row, left to right: Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and Associate Justice Elena Kagan. Back row, left to right: Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. [Photo: Fred Schilling, samling av USAs Hyesterett]

During the hearing, the Biden administration took the position that Munoz had no right whatsoever to challenge the denial of her husbands visa, and that she did not even have a right to be provided with any specific reason why. The Biden administrations representative pitched his arguments to the Supreme Courts far-right majority to adopt a far-reaching interpretation of the so-called doctrine of consular nonreviewability, even over the hesitations of the courts nominally liberal minority.

Munoz, a workers rights attorney in Los Angeles, met her husband in 2008 at a friends wedding and married him in 2010. In 2013, she initiated the process of obtaining him a visa on the basis of her citizenship and their marriage. After living together in Los Angeles for years, they were separated when a consular official at the US embassy in El Salvador denied him a visa in 2015, refusing to state the reason why and leaving him stranded there.

Luis Asencio-Cordero and Sandra Munoz, separated for over 8 years and counting [Photo by Sandra Munoz]

Immigration officials in the Obama administration, the Trump administration and the Biden administration all took identical positions, refusing to allow Munoz and her husband to live together in the US.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately ruled in 2022 that it violated Munozs rights for the government to refuse to state a reason why her husbands visa was being denied, besides a citation to a broad government statute referencing unlawful activity. The Ninth Circuit also ruled that the governments later efforts to justify its decision by (falsely) claiming that Asencio-Cordero was a member of a gang were too late and violated her right to procedural due process, since those allegations were provided to Munoz years after the deadline had passed for the couple to contest them.

However, the Biden administration refused to accept the Ninth Circuits decision, appealing to the Supreme Court, which agreed to hear the case, in hopes that the courts far-right majority would overturn the Ninth Circuits decision in favor of Munoz.

The doctrine of consular nonreviewability, argued the Biden administrations Deputy Solicitor General Curtis E. Gannon in the Supreme Court Tuesday, prevents a non-citizen outside the United States from challenging a decision to deny a visa and also prevents a third party [Munoz, his wife] from attacking that decision.

The doctrine, according to Gannon, protects the political branchs ability to protect the nations borders and decide who is going to be admitted to the United States without judicial oversight for cases involving foreign citizens who are outside the United States. In other words, the Biden administrations position is that if an immigration official denies a visa to the spouse of a US citizen, that person should have no legal recourse (judicial oversight) for that decision whatsoever.

Early in the arguments, justice Sonia Sotomayor challenged the Biden administrations position that Munoz does not have a fundamental liberty interest in her marriage, pointing to nearly a century and a half of Supreme Court precedent. Sotomayor also asked about a scenario where a consular official denies someone a visa based on misidentification, and it turns out that hes not John Doe; hes John Smith Doe, which is another person.

The Biden administrations attorney responded that a case challenging the decision of a consular official should simply not be permitted at all. While the Biden administrations authoritarian position was treated skeptically by the Supreme Courts liberal minority, it generally encountered a warmer reception on the courts far-right wing.

The reactionary and infamously corrupt justice Clarence Thomas asked Gannon whether the position advanced by the Biden administration is simply a doctrine that prevents all judicial review of these decisions, to which Gannon replied, yes.

Christian fundamentalist justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was appointed by Donald Trump, asked Gannon whether his position was that Munoz doesnt have a fundamental right in having her spouse live with her in the United States. Gannon replied, That is our front-line position, I agree.

Sotomayor, for her part, continued to challenge Gannon. As I see the question my way, she said, Munoz has a liberty interest in her marriage and an interest in knowing why and an opportunity to oppose it if there is an opposition that can be had. Sotomayor later added that Munoz has a right to live with him on the ground that you dont have a statutory basis to exclude him.

In response, Gannon continued to insist that the government did not have to even provide a reason for the denial beyond the citation to a statute generally referencing unlawful activity.

Congress has specifically said that we dont have to give a reason at all if this is the reason for the denial, Gannon said. Replying to a question from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Gannon repeated that there is no liberty interest in getting your spouse admitted into the United States, notwithstanding immigration law restrictions.

Attorney Eric Lee, who represented Munoz before the Supreme Court, forcefully challenged and exposed the Biden administrations position. Over eight years ago, the government violated Sandra Munozs right to procedural due process by denying her husbands visa without providing a reason why, Lee said.

A mere citation to a broad statute that encompasses any other unlawful activity forced Ms. Munoz to guess at the reason for the denial, Lee continued. This puts people in a Kafkaesque position where the regulations say, well, sure, you have the opportunity to overcome the denial, but were not going to tell you why.

Ms. Munoz has a constitutional liberty interest in living with her husband, Lee argued, pointing to Loving v. Virginia (1967), the decision upholding the right of couples to marry and live in the state of their choosing, overturning racist laws that prohibited interracial marriage.

In a sharp exchange with Chief Justice John Roberts, Lee insisted that the position that the government has put Ms. Munoz in is that shes been permanently separated from the man that she loves for eight years without having any basis, any chance when there was an opportunity to respond under the regulations, to try and convince them that they made a mistake.

Roberts replied that Munoz has not been permanently separated from the man that she loves because her husband is merely not allowed to be admitted into the United States, implying that she should join him in El Salvador.

Lee shot back that this presented Munoz with an unfair choice between forfeiting either her husbands presence or her life in the US: El Salvador is under martial law. The State Department warns American citizens not to travel there. And Ms. Munoz was born and raised in this country. She has a successful law practice here.

Lee also ridiculed the governments allegation that Asencio-Corderos tattoos, including one of Our Lady of Guadalupe and one of Sigmund Freud, indicated that he was a member of the international criminal organization MS-13. Maybe MS-13 doesnt like psychoanalysts, Lee said.

Notably, the Supreme Court arguments Tuesday repeatedly referenced a case involving Ernest Mandel, the leader of the Pabloite United Secretariat of the Fourth International following his break with Trotskyism and the Fourth International in 1953. In 1972, the Supreme Court decided that Mandel could not be denied a visa to speak in the US unless the government gave a facially legitimate and bona fide reason why. The decision in that case helped shape the so-called doctrine of consular nonreviewability.

The Munoz case is one of the most significant immigration cases in recent decades in the US. A total of 35 members of Congress filed a brief in support of Munoz, as did the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The case also sparked anger and concern across Latin America.

Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site in January, Munoz said she was heartbroken, confused, and frustrated by the governments stubborn refusal to grant her husband a visa. I knew and I know my husband. He was not going to engage in unlawful activitywhatever in the world that meant. I didnt know how to disprove it except to point to our lives. My husband didnt have a criminal history. I didnt have a criminal history. ... It was just unfathomable that the US government had come to a conclusion that was completely unsupported by the facts and by our histories.

In a video statement published before the hearing, Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore said that the case raised fundamental questions of due process and democratic rights.

The Socialist Equality Party insists that Sandra Munoz and Luis Asensio-Cordero must be reunited and allowed to live in the United States, Kishore continued. We defend the right of workers to live and work where they choose. We denounce the anti-immigrant chauvinism of both the Democrats and Republicans, and we call on workers all over the globe to unite regardless of nationality, immigration status, race, or any other category, to fight for equality and to fight for socialism.

Regardless of what the Supreme Court ultimately decides, what has happened to Sandra Munoz is a terrible injustice, Eric Lee said after the hearing. The position of the Biden administration, like the Trump and Obama administrations before it, is that US immigration officials, on their own say-so, have the power to unilaterally separate a family, they dont even have to give you a reason why, and there is nothing you can do to challenge it. This legal framework corresponds to a police state, not a democracy.

Despite the significance of the case, the media coverage of the Munoz case in the US was notably muted yesterday, with wall-to-wall coverage continuing of Trumps criminal hush money trial in New York instead. Following yesterdays arguments, the Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision in the coming weeks.
Autoworkers: how are you being impacted by layoffs? Tell us by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

Workers at Sterling Heights Assembly [Photo: Stellantis Media]

On Monday, Stellantis laid off 199 workers at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) north of Detroit. It warned of more layoffs to come, as the company continues to cut jobs in the wake of the sellout 2023 contract agreement with the United Auto Workers.

The cuts at SHAP follow an announcement at Detroit Assembly Complex-Mack that 57 non-skilled workers would be laid off starting this week. Workers with a seniority date before April 7, 2021 could be affected.

And after earlier carrying out layoffs at the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, management is now forcing the remaining workforce to carry out mandatory overtime. Stellantis said it would cut one shift, on the line building Jeep Gladiators, and put the rest of the plant working mandatory 10-hour days, seven days a week starting April 19.

In a terse statement issued Monday, Stellantis declared, With a focus on preserving business fundamentals in a highly competitive and challenging US automotive industry, Stellantis continues to take action to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing facilities. It continued, As a result of ongoing operational reviews, the company will be implementing indefinite layoffs across its U.S. footprint over the coming months. These actions will help improve productivity and ensure the companys long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing global market.

In other words, management, with the collaboration of the UAW, is seeking to boost its bottom line by squeezing more production out of a smaller workforce.

These cuts follow the mass firing of thousands of supplemental employees (SEs), cuts to the white collar workforce and the elimination of a shift at the Mack plant. This is part of a broader assault on jobs including mass layoffs at EV maker Tesla, as well as Ford and GM, as part of a deliberate state policy to drive up unemployment to undermine worker militancy.

The cuts make a mockery of promises by UAW President Shawn Fain and the Biden administration that the 2023 contract was historic and that thousands of temporary workers would be made full time under its provisions.

In response to the latest attack, UAW Local 1700 at SHAP merely issued a pathetic statement complaining that management was putting profits before people, as though that hasnt always been the case. The UAW International, headquartered only a few miles away at the misnamed Solidarity House in Detroit, has said nothing as of this writing.

A Mack Assembly worker told the World Socialist Web Site that in the wake of the earlier layoff of over 2,400 workers at the plant management was overloading jobs.

Now we are being overworked. They will put you first on one line and then pull you for another line. We are doing two or three jobs. On my line there are people doing 3-4 jobs, nine hours a day.

They shut down the third shift and put in floaters who didnt get an open job and have no assignment. But they are not being utilized as they should. Now we are doing nine hours a day.

We were told by the union that there may be more cuts in July, they moved it up from September.

The majority on some lines were TPTs (temporary part time). One line was all TPTs. The TPTs were told that if they signed the contract they would get this and get that. They got nothing but the boot.

The UAW Jeep Executive Committee, acting as a messenger boy for management, sent out a memo declaring that Stellantis is invoking the M-2(7) Emergencies section of the contract because, according to management, it lost 2,270 units during the parts shortage. The UAW cited language hidden in the 2023 contract that it claims gives management the unilateral right to impose forced overtime.

The memo stated that the Jeep Gladiator line would be losing an entire shift and the workers reassigned to the line building the Jeep Wrangler.

In addition, management said it is bringing in another 283 TPTs and will canvass the 341 SEs that were separated.

A Jeep worker told the WSWS, The 50 TPTs that Stellantis kept in Toledo, out of the 350 they originally fired, are being fired at the end of this month. Yet they are calling the ones they fired two months ago and asking them to come back as temps. Its crazy.

The Mack worker, added, [We] have no life. The UAW promised us more quality of life. She continued, The only thing I have heard from the union is they cant stop layoffs.

People are scared. They feel they dont have any backing from the union. You would be better off as an at will employee than paying a union to do nothing.

The worker also explained that Mack workers had voted down a proposed local contract agreement in February that had been pushed by the UAW.

No one had any input. They opened negotiations two years ago, but no one knew anything about it. We asked them about it during the international strike, but no one had any answers.

When the local contract came up, they gave us information one day and then the next two days they wanted us to vote with no notification at all. There was no time to have any discussion about the contract, but they wanted us to come in and vote. Everything was put at managements discretion. That was a no for me.

For instance, there is supposed to be an eight-hour day. In the highlights, the contract said that the company had the right, at their discretion, to work you more than 9 hours. Who thinks its OK to make it at their discretion to work more than 9 hours? Why would I agree to that?

There also were a lot of things that skilled trades didnt agree with.

A recently terminated Mack supplemental worker said, No one wants to work two or three jobs. You get in the hole and have to run to catch up. That is the way people get hurt. People get tired and beat up.

Commenting on the vote by Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee to join the UAW, he said he understood that workers wanted to fight back against oppressive conditions. But, he warned, They will find out that they will be fighting for themselves, because management and the UAW are working together. Now they have a middleman to help management push them out.
Students demonstrate against the Gaza genocide on March 28, 2024 at the University of Michigan.

The Austin Community College International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) club urges students to support the resolution being put before the Student Government Association defending groups and individuals opposed to the genocide in Gaza.

Students should attend the SGA meeting to voice their support on April 29 at 3pm in the SGA room on the second story of building 1000 at Highland Campus. Discuss and distribute the resolution with your friends and classmates!

The text of the resolution can be found here.

As of this writing, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, most of them women and children. The majority of the 2 million people living in Gaza are cornered in Rafah, which is bombed on a daily basis. A third of Gazans are suffering famine, with this number expected to increase to one half (1.1 million people) by mid-July.

This genocide is backed by the US and its NATO allies. While supporting genocide in Gaza, they are waging a war on the democratic rights at home.

In Germany, 900 police recently stormed the Palestine Congress in Berlin, arresting dozens and imposing a ban on prominent academics and politicians.

In the US, the Democratic Party and fascist Republicans are carrying out a witch hunt against protesters and students, smearing opponents of genocide and war as anti-Semites.

At Columbia University in New York, the New York police (NYPD) was called in by the the university administration to mass arrest over 108 Columbia and Barnard student protesters. At NYU, dozens of students and faculty have been brutalized by NYPD riot cops.

Fascist Republicans Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton have called on Biden to mobilize the National Guard against student protesters, raising the specter of the Kent State massacre in 1970.

Clubs opposing the genocide, such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine, have been suspended on campuses run by the Democrats, including Columbia University, Rutgers, and the University of Pennsylvania. In California, University of Southern California valedictorian Asna Tabassum has been barred from giving her commencement address due to her pro-Palestinian views.

At the University of Texas at Austin, which has close ties to ACC, four students were punished in February with deferred suspensions for a peaceful protest.

In Texas, Students for Justice in Palestine and the Palestinian Solidarity Committee are being directly attacked by the far-right governor, Greg Abbott. In his executive order, GA 44, Abbott called for them to be disciplined for opposing the genocide. He has ordered free speech policies to be revised on Texas campuses to establish punishments, including expulsion, for antisemitic speech. The logic of the executive order is to eliminate free speech on campuses altogether.

The IYSSE unequivocally opposes the attacks on freedom of speech against students, academics, artists and workers, and we call for students, workers and youth to mobilize against this state campaign.

In open defiance of the state attack, student protests at universities across the city and the country have grown. But the ruling class will not simply back down and yield to pressure. A counteroffensive by students, youth and workers is necessary to defend democratic rights.

This resolution is aimed at developing this counteroffensive at ACC. In the very first point, it affirms the right to freedom of speech and academic freedom. It opposes the witchhunt and Abbotts executive order. It calls for the rescinding of all suspensions, evictions and legal charges against victimized students at Columbia and at all other colleges and universities. It condemns the blackguarding of student clubs opposed to the genocide, such as the SJP, PSC, and JVP.

The arguments put forward by the administration and its supporters against a previous similar resolution in the ACC SGA on February 2 are illustrative for what is in store if there is no counteroffensive against this anti-democratic campaign.

One such argument attempted to use the anti-democratic Texas anti-BDS law, which prevents state-funded organizations from calling for BDS (boycotts, divestment, and sanctions) against Israel. The logical conclusion is that the bounds of acceptable' freedom of speech are set by the government, i.e., free speech as a right does not exist anymore.

Another more explicit version was made by an administration official, who told SGA members that it could not consider a resolution and that it was illegal for it to take any political stance. That is, whatever is designated as political, is verboten. This is an argument for a ban on political speech and activity by an elected student government!

Youth and workers must be warned: The anti-democratic methods being established today, under the false and slanderous claims of fighting anti-Semitism, will be used tomorrow to eliminate free speech altogether. The aim is to silence all opposition to the developing world war which will inevitably draw US youth into the maelstrom if not stopped by the international working class.

As is shown by the recent $95 billion bipartisan vote in the House for money for Israels genocide, the ongoing war with Russia in Ukraine, and for arming Taiwan against China, defending democratic rights necessitates opposing all the wars of US imperalism. The record $825 billion in the US military budget, which exceeds the budget of the next several countries combined, is aimed at preparing for the waging of world war.

However, students and youth cannot stop the attack on democratic rights, the genocide, and the developing world war alone. Opposition to war and the defense of democratic rights are fundamentally class questions.

Students and youth must turn to the working class, which produces all of the wealth in society and is the social force capable of putting an end to war, inequality, dictatorship and their root cause: the capitalist system. We therefore urge you not only to support this resolution but also to bring the fight to defend democratic rights and stop the genocide into the working class. Appeal for support to workers at auto factories, in logistics, education, transit and healthcare! Build the IYSSE!
The Socialist Equality Party, the Australian section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, continues to campaign within the working class to surmount anti-democratic electoral laws rushed through parliament in 2021 by the Labor and Liberal-National parties.

SEP campaign at Footscray

The legislation deregistered multiple political parties that failed to meet new stringent requirements, including the submission of the names and personal details of 1,500 members, treble the previous requirement of 500 members. Deregistration means that party candidates are barred from standing for election with their party allegiance listed on the ballot paper. This blatantly antidemocratic legislation is aimed at blocking any challenge to the two-party parliamentary system, especially targeting anti-war and left-wing organisations.

The Socialist Equality Party last month initiated a public campaign to secure the 1,500-membership requirement, appealing to workers, students, young people, and others who defend democratic rights and support socialism to sign up. World Socialist Web Site readers can do so here.

The SEP has received an important initial response, amid widespread hostility towards the major parties and an anti-war politicisation fuelled by outrage over the ongoing US- and Australian-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza. Several new electoral members in Melbourne, one of Australias largest cities alongside Sydney, recently spoke with WSWS reporters.

Igor

Igor, a youth worker from the northern working-class suburb of Broadmeadows, is a long-standing SEP supporter. He explained why he has become an electoral member: What the major parties are doing is anti-democraticthey do not want opposing parties to run against them. I know that this is happening around the world, including in America. Here in Australia, the two-party system is Labor and Liberal and when it comes to policies on war and militarism, they both completely agree. They dont want parties to be opposing this, and they dont want the Socialist Equality Party, which is fighting against war.

Both Labor and Liberal are parties of the rich, which advocate for their needs. The needs of the rich at the moment in Australia, as well as in other western powers, is to support US imperialisms war drive. This includes the onslaught against the Palestinians now, through Israel, as well as fuelling a fight against Russia using the lives of the Ukrainians, and to instigate war with Iran and ultimately with China. So anything that opposes this agenda will be targeted. The ruling class will try to make it more difficult for people to raise awareness of whats really going on, and thats what they are doing with the Socialist Equality Party. They are afraid of the peopleif the people find out the truth there might be a revolution.

Igor has been closely following the genocide in Gaza and has campaigned with the SEP in several of the Free Palestine demonstrations.

He condemned the Labor government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: From the outset, [foreign minister] Penny Wong and other members of the cabinet have made statements supporting Israels so-called right to defend itself. This has been terrible, as Israel is a terrorist state in this instancethey are the ones committing terrorist acts against the Palestinian people. Around 40,000 civilians have been murdered, most of them women and children. The whole infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed, and they have committed massacres in hospitals such as Al-Shifa. They have also committed massacres of people waiting for flour, there is massive starvation of the Palestinian people and this is done on purpose by disallowing food trucks to enter.

This is a clear case of genocide, theres no doubt about it and the fact that the Labor government, led by Albanese, has supported it, shows theyre in bed with US imperialism. Labor is willing to ignore genocide if it serves economic and geostrategic interests.

Igor spoke about the recent political radicalisation of layers of youth: The Gaza solidarity protests have featured a lot of young people. Theyre beginning to see that capitalism is a rotten system, that its not serving the community at largethey see that both Labor and Liberal support the wars, they see the track record in the support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. People born in the 2000s, who are now 24 years old or younger, have grown up with all these wars. They have witnessed the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, they now see the Labor government supporting Israel.

What has occurred with the Gaza war has completely shattered what some people used to say about the younger generationthat theyre not aware of politics, that they only care about themselves and their smartphones. In fact, the TikTok generation is the most critical of imperialism. Now in America theyre trying to ban TikTok, because young people wont stop speaking out against the atrocities that are occurring in Palestine.

He urged others to actively support the SEPs electoral member campaign: There is no other party that is consistently opposing war, there is no other party calling for the redistribution of wealth, there is no other party that has a scientific program of advancing socialism internationally. There is no other party that functions at an international level like the Socialist Equality Party. It is the party to get behind, to vote for, and to join as an electoral member.

If you are against war, if you are against poverty, homelessness, against the suffering of working-class people, here and abroad, if youre for Aboriginal rights, for resolving the climate change crisis, then we need to conclude that capitalism is responsible for all of this, that the main source of all these issues is capitalism. Once we conclude that, then we need to find a party that fights against capitalism, with the aim of organising for its overthrow. What I have found is that the SEP is the only party advancing this.

Maria, a hospital administration worker, also spoke with the WSWS. She said: I joined the Socialist Equality Party because it embodies the ideals and values I hold dear. They well deserve a spot on the ballotit should have never been removed from them.

As a middle-aged woman with enduring socialist convictions, no one can accuse me of going through a phase like people did back when I was in my 20s! I support the SEPs commitment to socialist revolution, and its stance against capitalism, war, and class exploitation. The party champions the working classwhich most people areand they are genuinely democratic. The SEP never stirs up discrimination or nationalism, pitting people against one another.

My family humorously credits me with inheriting the socialist gene, with a 200-year-old lineage that has fought for equality and public good over personal wealth, from missionary work to philanthropy. Despite their past missteps in religion and politics, and endorsement of some flawed political systems such as liberalism and Stalinism, I finally found clarity and strategy in the World Socialist Web Sites Marxist analysis of world political and economic events. In particular, Leon Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution explains so much.

The SEPs principles are rooted in a century-long struggle for socialism and strive for fundamental, not temporary changes. The SEP sees the world beyond a three-year election term. Joining the SEP represents not just a continuation but an evolution of the legacy I inherited from my Granny. I have thought about this long and hard, and after such careful consideration its only at age 45 that I have finally joined my first political party.

Jess

Teams of SEP members have been speaking with people in working class areas throughout Melbourne. In the citys inner-west suburb of Footscray, Jess, a self-employed cleaner, signed up as an electoral member after a discussion with campaigners.

She explained: I joined the SEP because theres a small minority of political groups who are for Palestinians. Youve got the big parties, Labor and Liberal, who just dont care. When it comes to money, thats the most important thing for them. They dont care about human rights so I would rather be a part of something that stands for human rights and morals. In my opinion, socialists have good morals.

Jess spoke about her outrage over the Gaza genocide. Its absolutely terrible, she said. Ive known about the Israel-Palestine conflict way before October 7. Its just crazy to think that its been hidden away by the Western media for almost a hundred years. The fact that there are innocent people dying 24/7, and no governments are doing anything about it, or theyre complicit in it, is all mind-boggling to me. Im internally very upset that this is still going on after six months. Its not a conflict, its Israel trying to eliminate as many Palestinians as they can. Theres video evidence of what goes on over there, so no one can tell me that Israel are the good guys, when you see these awful things happening. On the other hand, its good that this has opened peoples eyesI commend the people that have attended the protests.

She continued: I cant believe its 2024 and theres a possibility of world war. All the money thats going towards the missiles and bombingI agree that it is down to capitalism, which is a huge problem. Over time politicians and parties have become so greedy. Id say that since the end of the 1970s its been all about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Thats how the world has been for so long now, theres no in-between. They dont care if we have to camp on the streets because no one can afford the rent. Theyre in it for themselves.

Daniel

Daniel is a student at the University of Melbourne and has been an active member of the campus-affiliated International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) club for around six months.

On the issues affecting students and youth, he said: War is obviously something that affects young people, but there are also increasing pressures at home, as far as cost of living, access to healthcare, housing affordability, and the COVID-19 pandemic and the health implications in that regard. All these issues are at the forefront for young people, with a precarious economic situation, the looming threat of climate changethese are huge issues affecting young people.

If our government is investing in incredible amounts of money and resources into war, these are neglected issues that are affecting young people, and in some cases, orientating them towards conscription and other ways of coping financially. Also with the pro-Palestine protests, young people have been heavily involved in these, it shows their concern for whats been happening for six months now. The fact that the protests are ongoing shows their energy to resist.

Daniel spoke on the need for a new, revolutionary perspective to develop the anti-war movement: Theres a perspective at the head of the protests over Gaza, brought forward by the pseudo-left groups, which is to present empty rhetoric and an orientation to send letters to parliamentarians and seek to pressure Labor to change its position. The fake left is appealing to the government to change its ways, as some kind of moral measure. But its not a question of bad individuals. Replacing politicians with the same motivation under the capitalist structure might diversify the appearance of leadership, but it will not change the underlying composition of the ruling class.

We have seen with the tragedy of Aaron Bushell in the US [who died through self-immolation] where this can lead to, the dead end of this perspective. And the SEP and the IYSSE, we have this international perspective to mobilise the working class internationally, and to educate the working class to their position and power within the economic systemincluding in blocking weapons shipments, general strikes, a socialist perspective of challenging the economic system.

On the SEPs fight to secure the right to have its name alongside its candidates in elections, Daniel explained that he had previously worked with the Australian Election Commission on polling day and had seen the implications of the antidemocratic electoral laws.

On ballot papers there are all these blank spaces, which may indicate independent candidates or candidates with parties that have been deregistered, he explained. The electoral officer is not permitted to inform the voter what these parties are, if the information is not on the ballot. I experienced voters asking about the unmarked candidates and groups. So by becoming an SEP electoral member, Im playing a role in allowing the party to be visible on the ballot, so the option is clearly available to voters.

Daniel added: The parliamentary parties offer a more nationalistic perspective and not one of an international orientation. They have an orientation towards the ruling class and corporate interests. A truly socialist perspective is to mobilise the working class. The SEP provides the only option that organises around mobilising the power of the working class internationally, educating workers on their position in capitalist society and what they can do to enact change, to end the oppression and exploitation that we exist under.
New York Democratic Representative and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently donated $260,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), the campaign arm of the House Democrats.

This is Ocasio-Cortezs first donation to the committee. Under conditions of growing popular hostility to the Biden administration, AOC, who is a key political prop of President Biden, is emerging as a significant financial prop of the Democratic Party in the 2024 elections.

From left to right: President Joe Biden, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Edward Markey (Massachusetts) pose for a selfie, April 22, 2024. [Photo: POTUS]

The New York congresswoman is one of the Democratic Partys major fundraisers. Since 2019, she has raked in more than $37 million.

In addition to the $260,000 transferred to the DCCC, Ocasio-Cortezs political action committee maintains $500,000 that will be used to elect Democratic Party candidates across the country, especially in swing districts. She was one of the first Democrats to endorse Biden for reelection last year.

In an interview with the New York Times, Ocasio-Cortez explained her donation by emphasizing the dire threat of Republicans staying in power.

She told the Times:

The entire country saw a terrorist attack on the United States Capitol that was predicated on not certifying the duly submitted results of a presidential election. And if anybody thinks that that was not a dress rehearsal for what they may try to attempt in January of 2025, Im sorry to say but I think thats a very naive assumption.

In a remarkable comment, she told the Times that she had little confidence that House Speaker Mike Johnson would take issue with an effort by Trump to overturn the election should he lose in November.

This party has turned into a party of Trumpism, she said.

What she did not say is that the same Biden administration which she supports has made a key aspect of its domestic and foreign policy the closing of ranks with the far-right Republicans to ensure the waging of war abroad.

The Biden administration and the Democratic Party have not only blocked investigation of the role of the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security and other state agencies in the fascist coup attempt of January 6, 2021, but on key issues of domestic policy, most notably the attack on immigrants, Biden has also adopted central elements of the policies of the Republican Party.

Despite this record, Ocasio-Cortez argued that House Democratic leadership, and the Democratic Party more broadly, have changed sufficiently over the last five years to warrant a direct, sizeable cash transfer.

She said, If we take a look at it... the entirety of House leadership has now changed, referring to the decision at the end of 2022 of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and James Clyburn to step back from the top of the House Democratic hierarchy.

But what has actually changed?

Old servants of Wall Street, responsible for decades of war and austerity, were replaced by younger, more diverse representatives of American imperialism, who are equally determined to protect bourgeois rule: namely, Hakeem Jeffries of New York as House minority leader, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts as minority whip, and Pete Aguilar of California as chair of the Democratic Conference. While the faces have changed, the policies have essentially remained the same.

In an open acknowledgement of AOCs role as a prop of the crisis-ridden Democratic National Committee, Hakeem Jeffries praised Ocasio-Cortez for helping us protect the integrity of the electoral process and take back the House in 2024.

Indeed, Ocasio-Cortez has been working overtime to advance the reelection campaign of Biden and corral the growing movement of workers and young people against the genocide in Gaza, expanding imperialist war, attacks on basic democratic rights, the threat of fascism and unprecedented inequality behind the Democratic Party.

Over the last several weeks, Ocasio-Cortez has been making the rounds on the talk show circuit stumping for Biden and the Democratic Party. In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week, Ocasio-Cortez described Biden as a man of tremendous empathy.

She added that the Democratic Party has always been a coalition party, bringing everyone together, every time. She voiced support for the Uncommitted Movement, the campaign in a number of Democratic primary elections to vote uncommitted instead for Biden, telling her host that it is critical to keep anti-war sentiment chained to the Democratic Party by making it appear that protesters are being seen by the Biden administration.

The week before the interview with Ocasio-Cortez, Colbert participated in the mega-Democratic Party fundraiser for Bidens reelection campaign at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Colbert conducted a three-way interview with Biden and former Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. All three war criminals defended the genocide in Gaza while protesters in the audience were dragged out of the hall and demonstrators outside were pushed around by the New York Police Department (NYPD).

In an interview with former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan at the launch of his new media platform, Zeteo, earlier this month, Ocasio-Cortez stated, in response to a question about how to convince young people to vote for Biden in the election:

I have a vested interest in protecting democracy, not just here, domestically, but globally. I truly do not believe this is a lesser of two evils type of situation. I think about what conditions I want to be organizing under in the next four years I would rather be organizing under conditions of Biden as an opponent on an issue than Trump, who seeks to dismantle American democracy. We will not be able to organize for any movement towards anything if we are facing the jailing of dissidents. This is the kind of authoritarianism that [Trump] is threatening.

Shortly after she spoke with Hasan, an anti-genocide student protest encampment at Columbia University in New York City was raided by NYPD officers and over 100 students were arrested. This was carried out on the orders of the Columbia University administration, in close coordination with the Democratic administrations of New York City mayor Eric Adams and the White House.

AOCs political role is a confirmation of the WSWSs analysis of the politics and social layer she represents. Far from being a socialist, AOC exemplifies the contemporary petty-bourgeois pseudo-left careerist, dedicated above all to the preservation of the social system to which she owes her privileges: capitalism.

She and those like her are not only not socialist, but are actively hostile to socialism and the working class. Their principal political function consists in disorienting and confusing workers and young people who are looking for a genuine democratic and socialist alternative and tying them to the Democratic Party.

For years, Ocasio-Cortez and the Democratic Socialists of America faction in the Democratic Party have played a central role in advancing the war aims of American imperialism abroad and attacks on the working class at home. Since the beginning of her political career, handpicked by Democratic Party organizations to run for Congress, Ocasio-Cortez has functioned as a left face of the Democratic Party to prop up this party of imperialist war, and to strangle efforts to build an independent, socialist movement of the working class in opposition to capitalism.

Particularly over the last four years, the left facade of Ocasio-Cortez has crumbled. In 2021, Ocasio-Cortez attacked socialist critics of the Biden administration as privileged and bad faith actors, while praising the Democratic Party for totally reinvent[ing] themselves in a far more progressive direction. She specifically denounced class essentialists, restating the anti-communist trope that Marxists de-prioritize human rights.

Two weeks later, it was reported that she transferred $160,000 in campaign funds to a slate that included former operatives of the CIA and the military.

She has increasingly acted as a leading spokesperson for the Biden administration and has openly supported the war aims of American imperialism. In 2022, the pseudo-left faction of the Democrats played a critical role in passing enormous war spending and banning a national strike of railroad workers.

Last August, Ocasio-Cortez implicitly acknowledged her role as a loyal agent of American imperialism, telling the New York Times:

I wouldnt necessarily characterize my foreign policy goals as oppositional to the presidents or to the United States. I am a member of Congress. I have sworn an oath to this country, and I take that oath very seriously.

More recently, AOC and the Squad repeatedly voted for billions of dollars for the war against Russia in Ukraine, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian workers and youth.

In an illustration of the policy of the Democratic Party, Ocasio-Cortez made clear on Twitter/X, in response to criticism from the right, that she was willing to work with Republicans to pass funding for the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

She wrote:

Yes, it is GOP. They run the House. Ukraine aid should not be contingent on unconditional military aid to Netanyahu and the forced famine of Gazans. Thats what this package does. Decouple them and Ill sign on tomorrow. Ukraine aid on its own has the votes to pass, incl[uding] mine.

In the House vote on April 20, AOC, along with members of the Squad, including Ilhan Omar, voted in favor of another $60 billion for NATOs proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, and $8.1 billion in funding to the Indo-Pacific region to bolster the war preparations against China.

Socialist Equality Party (SEP) US presidential candidate Joseph Kishore responded to Ocasio-Cortezs tweet by stating:
President Joe Biden with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders, April 22, 2024. [AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta]

On Tuesday, the US Senate quickly advanced a $95 billion supplemental military package aimed at continuing the US-backed wars in Gaza and Ukraine and preparing for a future war with China.



In an 80-19 vote Tuesday afternoon, the Senate invoked cloture, which ends debate on a bill and blocks any filibustering. After the cloture vote, the Senate moved quickly to pass the bill in a 79-18 vote. It is expected that President Joe Biden will sign the bill on Wednesday.



House Resolution 815 (H.R. 815) is virtually identical to the National Security Supplemental advanced by the White House last October. For over six months, Biden has demanded the passage of the legislation, the bulk of which, $60.8 billion, is earmarked for continuing the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine.

This past weekend, every single Democrat present, including progressives such as Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, Missouri Rep. Cori Bush and Democratic Socialists of America member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, voted in favor of the Ukrainian weapons package.



H.R. 815 includes $26.4 billion for the Zionist regime in Israel. Of this figure, nearly $9 billion is earmarked for bombs, artillery and other lethal weapons not produced in Israel, with another $4 billion for the Iron Dome and Davids Sling anti-missile systems.



Ocasio-Cortez and a handful of other Democrats voted against the Israel portion of the bill, but this opposition was purely for show. On Monday, Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders and other progressives campaigned and smiled alongside Genocide Joe.



The bill also provides $8 billion towards building up the military capacity of the US and its allies in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. Not a single Democrat voted against the Taiwan weapons package. Rep. Tlaib voted present.



The war bill had been stalled in the House of Representatives for months over objections from far-right Republicans that it did not include draconian anti-immigrant provisions.



Underscoring that there is no issue more important to the Democratic Party than the expansion of global war, Biden and the Democrats earlier this year sought to secure Republican support by acquiescing to Republican demands for stepped-up attacks on migrants, adding over $20 billion to the proposed bill to build more detention facilities and hire more border agents.



After the Senate passed the supplemental military bill, now costing over $120 billion and including new executive authority allowing the president to shut down ports of entry, Biden held a press conference at the Border Patrol station in Brownsville, Texas, in which he pleaded with the likely Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to join me in attacking immigrants and waging global war.



Trump rejected Bidens offer, but he did not come out against Republican House Speaker Mike Johnsons efforts to move forward on separate bills that provided all the additional military funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan requested by Biden, minus the tacked on border provisions.



After receiving assurances from Democrats that they would bail Johnson out should far-right Republicans move to depose him over the military funding bill, Johnson split the supplemental into three separate bills focused on Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, respectively.



Johnson also introduced a fourth bill that targets Russia and Iran for economic sanctions. The bill also requires the China-based company ByteDance LLC. to divest from TikTok within 270 days or be banned from the United States. The 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act is written so broadly that other technology applications not owned by US companies could also be targeted.



Following the bills passage in the House over the weekend, the Senate quickly took up the legislation. In back-to-back warmongering speeches from the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican-Kentucky) called on senators to support the war bills.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer leads the crowd in chants of "Stand with Israel" at the National Mall in Washington DC, November 14, 2023. [Photo: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington]

The House of Representatives at long last approved essential national security funding for Ukraine, for Israel, for the Indo-Pacific, Schumer said, adding that it was now the Senates turn to act.



In his remarks, Senator McConnell bragged that he had pushed consecutive administrations to equip Ukraine with lethal weapons and will continue fighting for sustained investments in our military and defense industrial base.



Braying for World War III, McConnell declared, The holiday from history is over, adding that passage of the bill by the House demonstrated the currency of hard power.



This supplemental contains critical investment aimed at expanding production and capacity of critical munitions and weapons systems needed in the Indo-Pacific, he declared.



Todays action is overdue, McConnell concluded. But our work does not end here ... expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy does not just happen by magic.



Speaking from the Senate floor, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders once again blamed the Israeli genocide in Gaza on Hamas, denouncing its horrific attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.



As I have said many times, Sanders declared, Israel has, and had, the absolute right to defend itself against this terrorist attack.



I support [Israels] Iron Dome, he said, claiming that it was a defensive weapons system.





Sanders went on to offer amendments to fund UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and block the transfer of some $8.9 billion worth of what he called offensive weaponry to Israel. Both of the amendments failed, and the cloture vote was held shortly thereafter.



Following the cloture vote, a triumphant Senator Schumer declared, Today, the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world. America will always defend democracy in its hour of need.



To our friends in Ukraine, to our allies in NATO, to our allies in Israel ... help is on the way, he said, adding, America will deliver ammo and air defenses to our friends in Israel. America will soon deliver aid to fight the scourge of Hamas and stand up to Iran.



On Tuesday, CNN reported that the first weapons package to Ukraine will be delivered within weeks and is expected to be worth around $1 billion. Several media outlets have confirmed the first major tranche will include Bradley Fighting Vehicles, M113 armored personnel carriers and ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile Systems, which have a range of 190 miles.

An Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, missile is fired during a joint military drill between US and South Korea at an undisclosed location in South Korea on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. [AP Photo]

On Saturday, the same day the House voted to advance the war package, Politico reported that the Pentagon is considering sending as many as 60 military advisers to [Kiev] to facilitate the incoming weapons transfers.
The Senate voted Tuesday night to approve a $95 billion foreign military aid package passed by the House of Representatives over the weekend that also includes a reactionary bill that would ban the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok.

The TikTok Inc. logo is seen on their building in Culver City, Calif., Monday, March 11, 2024 [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes]

In a vote of 80 to 19, the Senate moved earlier in the day to limit debate on the bill package before moving to a final vote, and it is moving on to President Biden, who has indicated he will sign it.

The military aid package is made up of four bills. One is for $61 billion to support the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, one is for $26 billion in support of Israels ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza, one is for $8 billion to Taiwan for war preparations against China and one is for banning TikTok and includes some other reactionary national security measures.

The TikTok ban legislation was enthusiastically accepted as part of the military aid package by the Democratic Party leadership in the House and the White House in order to win support from fascistic Republicans who have opposed, based on their own reactionary nationalism, sending more aid to Ukraine.

The legislation, titled the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a demonstration of how far the entire US political establishment has shifted to the right under conditions of intensifying imperialist war and threat of third world war. The bill was passed in the House by a vote of 360-58.

The language of the TikTok ban states that the Chinese-based ByteDance, owner of the TikTok platform, must sell the short-form video streaming app to a US-owned entity or be shut down. The law gives ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, with a three-month extension if a sale is already in process.

The bill also requires ByteDance to relinquish ownership of the core technology of TikTok, the algorithm that recommends videos for users to watch. The main body of the TikTok ban language is essentially identical to what was adopted by the House in March, including references to foreign adversary controlled applications which could be used to impose similar measures on any popular smartphone app that is developed in a country considered an enemy of the United States.

The other elements in the 184-page bill include a grab bag of new sanctions against Russia, Iran and China and other law-and-order repressive measures. One of the sections is entitled, Repurposing of Russian Sovereign Assets.

The passage of a TikTok ban will mark the first time that Congress has passed legislation aimed at shutting down a social media platform, a measure that the US politicians from both capitalist parties have criticized other nations for doing.

The US governments argument for forcing ByteDance to divest itself of TikTok is that it is a national security matter because the Chinese government could be gaining access to data of millions of Americans who use the app. Additionally, as with all social media platforms, the US political establishment want to gain control of and suppress content on TikTok under the guise that it is amplifying disinformation in the lead up to the November election.

Despite repeated assurances from the managers of the US offices of TikTok that the Chinese government does not have access to and has never asked for Americans data, the US media and politicians continue to spread misinformation about this issue.

Meanwhile, as both houses of Congress and the White House are seeking to transfer the Chinese-based app into the hands of a US corporation, it is a fact that the latest rules of Section 702 of FISA signed into law by President Biden on Saturday would compel companies like TikTok to hand over the electronic communications of US citizens to the CIA and NSA without a warrant.

TikTok responded to the new bill in a statement that said, It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans.

Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at ACLU, issued a statement after the House vote on April 20, which said, Make no mistake: the Houses TikTok bill is a ban, and its blatant censorship. Today, the House of Representatives voted to violate the First Amendment rights of more than half of the country. The Senate must reject this unconstitutional and reckless bill.

Meanwhile, corporate vultures in the US are circling around awaiting the passage of the ban and seeing it as a massive profit-making opportunity. According to a report by NBC News, Steve Mnuchin, former Treasury secretary during the Trump administration, is planning to make a bid, telling CNBC in March that he was putting together an investor group.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was seeking potential buying partners. ByteDance, which owns many companies, is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, while TikTok would fetch less than that, according to experts, especially if it is sold without its powerful recommendation algorithm.

It is more likely, according to tech experts, that ByteDance is unlikely to agree to any kind of sale. Previously, the Chinese government has said it will not part with the TikTok algorithm and considers it a national security asset. Without it, TikTok is far less valuable and appealing to investors.

Whatever the contradictions contained in the potential sale of TikTok, the overriding purpose of the effort to ban the app is to drum up anti-Chinese sentiment within the US population and condition it for war with the regime in Beijing. It is the insatiable drive of US imperialism toward world war that is the objective force behind the inclusion of the TikTok ban with the other bills to fund the proxy war with Russia in Ukraine, the Israeli genocide in Gaza and, ultimately, war with China.
The Parti de legalite socialiste (PES) unequivocally condemns the French states attempt to criminalize expressions of solidarity defending Gaza against genocide by the Israeli state. Those speaking out against the genocide are being systematically threatened with prison terms, bans on public activity, and far-right violence.

A protester holds a Palestinian flag during a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza, in Paris. [AP Photo/Thibault Camus]

General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union official Jean-Paul Delescaut was condemned to one year in prison suspended sentence. Jean-Luc Melenchon of the France Unbowed (LFI) party saw his meetings in defense of Delescaut banned and was jostled by far-right thugs when he held a meeting at Sciences-Po university. Rima Hassan, an LFI candidate in the European elections, and Anasse Kazib of the Morenoite Revolution permanente (RP) group, are both summoned for police interviews on suspicion of apologetics for terrorism.

This is a vicious, systematic campaign of repression and slander, aimed ultimately at the working class. It seeks to silence any expression of the mass opposition among workers and youth, in France and internationally, to the systematic murder of tens of thousands of defenseless civilians in hospitals, refugee camps, and distributions of food to Gazas starving people.

The PES has irreconcilable political differences with the CGTs Stalinist bureaucracy, the populism of LFI, and the pseudo-left RP group. However, it defends on principle their democratic rights and freedom of expression against the French police state. To oppose the genocide committed in Gaza with the support of the French government and its NATO allies, and to defend its own democratic rights, the working class must be alerted and mobilized against this political repression.

Delescauts conviction was based on his distribution of a statement, three days after the October 7 Gaza uprising. Pointing to repeated United Nations rulings that Israels 16-year occupation and blockade of Gaza is illegal under international law, this statement said: The horrors of illegal occupation piled up. Since Saturday [October 7], they are receiving the response they provoked.

The courts ruled that this statement could lessen moral condemnation of the Gaza uprising and encourage anti-Semitism in France, which it claimed is principally caused by the displacement of this conflict onto the territory of France.

What must be the target of condemnation, however, is the genocide that is underway in Gaza, with the support of the NATO imperialist powers who are arming the Israeli state.

As for the claim that the principal cause of anti-Semitism in France is opposition to the oppression of the Palestinians and the genocide in Gaza, this is a political and historical lie. Its main source is the official promotion of far-right forces like Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN) or Eric Zemmours Reconquest party. While Zemmour has openly defended the Vichy French regimes deportation of Jews during World War II, the RN was founded by Le Pens father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who trivialized the Holocaust as a detail of history.

The political establishment has integrated these forces into official politics and legitimizes the heritage of fascism. As he ordered riot police to assault mass yellow vest protests against social inequality in 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Vichy dictator Marshal Philippe Petain as a great soldier. He is now discussing sending troops to Ukraine, where the NATO powers have armed far-right units like the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion to the teeth to fight Russia.

To the extent that the Israeli genocide in Gaza encourages hatred of Jews in France, this can only be fought through a struggle to unify workers of all origins, including Jewish and Muslim workers, in opposition to the genocide and the French states complicity in it. The struggle against anti-Semitism cannot be left to the French police state machine, whose political sympathies go largely to the far right and which is trying to strangle opposition to the genocide in Gaza.

Those now targeted for police repression are not far-right politicians appealing to anti-Semitism, but forces who received millions of votes from left-wing voters hostile to genocide and racial hatreds.

In the 2022 presidential elections, Melenchon received 8 million votes, largely concentrated in working class districts of Frances major cities, where voters sought to express opposition to both Macron and Le Pen. After two of his meetings in solidarity with Delescaut were banned in Lille, Melenchon held a meeting at the Institute of Political Studies (Sciences-Po) in Paris. On his way into the meeting, students of the far-right Inter-University Union and Nemesis groups grabbed his clothing and screamed that he was complicit with Hamas.

At Sciences-Po, Melenchon criticized the bans on his meetings, denouncing the vast chain of cowardice of those who give up before even fighting, and who capitulate to pressure [and] fall on their knees.

Police will interview Rima Hassan, a lawyer of Palestinian heritage running as LFI European candidate, on suspicion of apologetics for terrorism, because she tweeted statements like: For the river to the sea, we want to liberate ALL Palestinians. She also retweeted a picture sent by Israeli troops of her name written on a bomb about to be dropped on Gaza, adding that Israel has the worlds most immoral army.

Anasse Kazib, a rail union official and former presidential candidate of the Morenoite RP organization, underwent a hostile police interview on suspicion of support for terrorism last week. He reported: I read a statement recalling my support for Palestine and decided to remain silent during the interrogation, they had 7 pages of questions They asked about my life, the groups of which I am a member. The procedure is highly politicized, they said dozens of people were already interviewed or will be interviewed in the coming weeks.

The charges against Delescaut and allegations against Kazib were brought by the French Jewish Youth (JFJ), a far right youth group that re-tweets material from Eric Zemmour and Donald Trump. After Kazib was released from the interview, the JFJ threatened him in a tweet, stating: This is just the beginning, @AnasseKazib. We always keep our promises.

Such organizations have no broader support in France or across Europe, where there is overwhelming opposition to the Gaza genocide. They can pursue this policy of political intimidation in alliance with the police state only because this opposition is not being actively mobilized in struggle. This is why it is critical to speak out, and to fight to mobilize the working class in strikes and protests against genocide in Gaza and to defat all state efforts to suppress opposition to the crimes of the Zionist regime and its imperialist backers.

Workers cannot wait for LFI or the CGT bureaucracy to initiate such a movement, which they will not do. Indeed, they acquiesced to the shut-down by the union bureaucracies of a mass strike movement last year against Macrons pension cuts, which he imposed without any parliamentary vote in the face of overwhelming popular opposition. Having cut workers living standards, Macron is now supporting a genocide, again with contempt for the will of the people.

Strikes, protests and meetings opposing the genocide must be organized, and linked to the growing international movement of opposition to the genocide. This includes Google workers who have been fired and students at US universities threatened with police repression after speaking out against the genocide.

Above all, this requires building an international, revolutionary Marxist leadership in the working class opposed to genocide and imperialist war. The International Committee of the Fourth International will be holding its International May Day Online Rally on this subject this year. The PES calls on readers to register at wsws.org/mayday and widely promote the rally.
A report published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2024 titled The Gender Pay Gap in Sri LankaA Statistical Review with Policy Implications reveals significant disparities between the participation of female and male workers in the labour force and in their wages. The report particularly examines the period between 2013 and 2019.

Esquel garment workers protest to demand outstanding allowances on 20 Decermber 2021

According to the report in 2019, the countrys labour force was approximately 8.6 million or 59.3 per cent of those of working age. While the male labour force was around 5.6 million or nearly 80 percent of all men in working age, the female labour force was only 3 million, about 40 percent of all females in working age.

Gender inequalities in participation have persisted in the last decade, the report stated. This is consistent with the experience of many other South Asian countries as well as the historical evolution of female labour force participation in Sri Lanka.

The report noted that the gender pay gaps (GPG) were also large between male and female workers. Average female hourly wages were approximately 27 percent lower than male hourly wages in 2019 The gap is particularly large among wage workers in the informal economy and among those with lower educational attainments.

Compared to the global average of about 20 percent, the GPG in Sri Lanka is higher than the global average, and higher than the average for lower-middle income countries, it added.

As in many countries, there are historical roots regarding discrimination against women workers in Sri Lanka and their exploitation under low wage and harsh working conditions.

For 200 years, plantation workers, whose first generations were brought from South India beginning in the 19th century under British colonial rule, have faced these conditions.

The percentage of women workers in the plantations was 2.6 in 1843, grew rapidly to 27 percent by 1866, and is currently at around 80 percent. After two centuries, they are working under a poverty-level daily wage system and without basic facilities such as decent housing, health and education. They have no paid leave.

In past three years, their workloads have increased to unbearable levels. Plantation companies exploit this situation to cut the already low daily wage of 1,000 rupees if workers cannot meet their work targets.

Female workers in export-oriented manufacturing sectors in the free trade zones (FTZ) face similar conditions. The majority are young women from rural areas.

Koggala Free Trade Zone workers protest on 28 April 2022

According to the Labour Force Survey 2020 conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, the apparel sector employed nearly 470,000 workers, 70 percent of whom were women. The majority are low-skilled workers such as machine operators, line helpers and cutters. Approximately 33 percent are informal workers in insecure jobs with poor conditions and pay, as compared to only 13 percent of male workers.

The FTZs were established from 1978 under the free market policies of the government of President J.R Jayewardene to attract foreign investment by creating a cheap labour market through the suppression of workers social and democratic rights.

A young man working at the Next Garment factory in Katunayake FTZ, near Colombo international airport, explained that he worked in the cutting section while his wife was in the sewing section.

My basic [monthly] wage is about 39,000 rupees [$US130]. Overall, I get about 70,000 rupees [$US260] with overtime work and allowances and my wife gets about 57,000 rupees. We pay 7,500 rupees in board including electricity and water. At the moment we manage our monthly expenses with difficulty but the situation is getting worse due to the rising cost of living.

Previously they had worked in a garment factory in Anuradhapura on even lower wages and difficult working conditions. At most he earned 35,000 rupees and was completely exhausted after working the entire month. His wife earned the same very low wage. We worked two years there. Many young people quit because of low wages and difficult working conditions.

During 202122, around 150,000 garment workers lost their jobs amid the crisis in the industry triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 50,000 left their jobs in 2023 because the low wages failed to compensate for the huge prices rises. Nearly 10,000 garment workers lost their jobs in 2022 and 2023 due to the closure of factories.

The trade unions are responsible for the slave labour conditions faced by workers in general in the free trade zones and female workers in particular. Union bureaucrats, who sit on the National Labour Advisory Council with government officials and employers, supported the demands of employers to reduce the workforce and cut wages by half in 2021 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While ILO report reveals the discrimination against and gender gaps facing women workers, it calls for measures to make labour market more flexible so as to fully utilize the countrys human capital for sustainable and inclusive development in Sri Lankas crisis-ridden capitalist economy. This only means creating the conditions for the greater exploitation of workersmale and female alikefor super profits of foreign and local investors.

The gaps in work opportunities as well as pay and conditions between male and female workers are an integral part of system of capitalist exploitation that ensures lucrative profits for investors. The backwardness of countries of a belated capitalist development like Sri Lanka only compounds the slave labour conditions facing the working class, particularly women workers.

Academics, trade unions and non-government organisations make futile appeals to the government for laws concerning the safety of women workers and their basic rights. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, however, is imposing the harsh austerity agenda demanded by the International Monetary Fund that is slashing the conditions confronting the working class as a whole. Far from enacting laws to safeguard workers, the government is planning to abolish their existing limited legal protection through its New Employment Act (NEA).

The NEA replaces 13 existing labour laws, including the Trade Unions Ordinance (1935), Maternity Benefits Ordinance, Wages Council Ordinance, Factories Ordinance (1942), Industrial Disputes Act (1950), Shops and Offices (Regulation of Employment and Wages) Act (1954) and the Termination of Service Act 1971 and abolishes basic rights won by the working class in bitter past struggles.

The discrimination facing female workers and low wages and brutal working conditions confronting the entire working class cannot be ended under capitalism. What is required is a unified political struggle of all workersmale and femaleto overthrow the profit system and establish a workers and peasants government to reorganise society on the basis of a socialist program to meet the social needs of the vast majority, not the profits of the wealthy few.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Iran can increase uranium enrichment from 60 percent to 90 percent in half a day at several enrichment sites, Iranian parliament member Javad Karimi Ghoddousi said, Trend reports.

According to him, he was informed about it by technical engineers in Iran.

Karimi Ghoddousi noted that this important issue is not a secret; even the IAEA has information about it. Technically, it is very simple. Based on this, the production of 90 percent enriched uranium, which is the main fuel of an atomic bomb warhead, will be possible in a maximum of 1 week.

"The second problem is that if it is a nuclear warhead, it must have a missile capable of traveling over 10,000 kilometers. The possibility of increasing the missiles' range to several thousand kilometers was reported to Iran's Supreme Leader, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, by army commanders. However, he did not allow it. So, if the Supreme Leader of Iran gives permission, this issue will be realized at some point," he noted.

The official emphasized that it is unacceptable for Iran to produce and use nuclear weapons. However, Iran's supreme leader stated that threats against Iran are responded to with the same measure. Meaning, if there is a nuclear threat against Iran, Iran will respond with nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the media in recent days that, after the failure of nuclear talks, Iran has come remarkably close to creating an atomic bomb. No country without an atomic bomb has enriched uranium by 60 percent. Iran has enriched more uranium than is needed to build an atomic bomb. 90 percent enriched uranium is needed to build an atomic bomb. But technically, uranium enriched at 60 percent is roughly identical to uranium enriched at 90 percent.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran had stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

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On Tuesday night, leaders of the student protest at Columbia University revealed that the university administration had threatened in negotiations to deploy the National Guard to crush the encampment.

In announcing the threats made against them, a student leader invoked the precedent of the Kent State Massacre of May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard, deployed by the Nixon White House and Ohio governor, murdered four student protesters against the war in Vietnam, wounding nine more. Make no mistake, she said. They are threatening to harm their own students and possibly even kill them.

Late Tuesday night, Columbia University President Minouche (Nemat) Shafik sent out an email to the student and faculty body, issuing an ultimatum for the camp to be cleared by midnight, implicitly threatening another crackdown.

The threat from the Columbia administration, which is headed by a former leading IMF official, follows incitement by fascist Republicans Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley and smears of the protesters as antisemites by President Joe Biden. Biden has also made clear that the White House is coordinating and overseeing the ongoing crackdown on free speech on campuses and beyond.

In another state provocation against the protesters, the Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a vocal supporter of Trumps fascist coup attempt of January 6, announced he will be visiting Columbias campus Wednesday to speak with Jewish students. Johnson had earlier called the anti-war protests outrageous and un-American and antisemitic mobs.

The crackdown at Columbia is now the focal point of an escalating campaign of state repression, targeting opponents of genocide and war.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, the New York Police Department (NYPD) conducted mass arrests of hundreds of members of the Jewish Voice for Peace that had gathered to shut down traffic at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklynnear Democratic Senator Chuck Schumers homefor an Emergency Seder in the streets. The action displayed a large banner in the center of the plaza saying, No one is free until everyone is free. Jews say stop arming Israel.

On Monday night, the NYPD arrested over 120 students and faculty at New York University, who demanded an end to NYUs complicity in the genocide. The NYPDs strategic response group was mobilized, with cops showing up in riot gear, beating protesters and using pepper spray against at least one member of the student press.

Much like Columbia, NYU has been turned into a police fortress, with cops stationed across campus. On Tuesday morning, Gould Plaza was barricaded off with a row of vertical plywood sheets and police barricades.

Echoing the line of President Joe Biden and the far-right Republicans, NYU President Linda G. Mills justified calling in the militarized NYPD on her own students and faculty due to hate, disruption and intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents.

As the World Socialist Web Site has repeatedly emphasized, the smear of opponents of war as antisemites is a pack of lies and an Orwellian distortion of reality. The false identification of opposition to genocide with antisemitism is aimed at criminalizing any opposition to the crimes of imperialism and capitalism, the WSWS wrote. The target is not only the opponents of the Gaza genocide. Fundamentally, the aim is to preempt the emergence and prepare the violent suppression of a much broader movement against war and capitalism among youth and, above all, within the working class.

The crackdown is also being escalated in other parts of the country. Nearly 50 student protesters at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, were arrested Monday, while nine students who were part of a pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Minnesota were arrested Tuesday morning. Harvard University has reportedly been turned into a police fortress, and the Harvard Palestinian Solidarity Committee, which has organized all the major protests on campus, has been suspended.

In response to these flagrant attacks on free speech, solidarity encampments, occupations and protests continue to emerge on college campuses and in the streets throughout the country.

Protests are also developing internationally. Students in Italy staged a demonstration yesterday to support the protests at Columbia University.

On Monday, the WSWS spoke with protesters at NYU, shortly before the NYPD crackdown. Jennifer, who studies politics, told the WSWS, Theyre cracking down on liberty. The use of police force is never for us. It is because the government is supporting and complicit in the genocide. We are not officially in a world war but what is going on equates with that.

Another student, who wanted to remain anonymous, explained, We at NYU are standing for the defense of rights with the students of Columbia University. Freedom of speech is being taken away across America. I never protested before in my life but after seeing what was happening in Columbia, I wanted to come to the demonstration here. The genocide is unjust, and there are no words to describe the situation in Gaza. The world is mourning it. The US is complicit.

On Tuesday afternoon, following Monday nights police crackdown, several hundred NYU students and faculty joined a demonstration in Washington Square Park to oppose the genocide and attack on democratic rights.

At the University of Minnesota Tuesday afternoon, around 1,000 students and faculty rallied together in an emergency protest following the arrests in the morning of student participants of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment.

At Columbia, the Gaza Solidarity Encampment has only spread on campus since last weeks arrests. Tuesday saw large crowds of student and faculty protesters.

The Gaza solidarity encampment on the campus of Columbia University, April 23, 2024.

Catherine, an International Affairs graduate student at Columbia, spoke to an International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) team at the encampment Tuesday.

Anyone who tries to isolate Palestine or any liberation struggle from the broader ecosystem of oppressed peoples, of working class struggles against capitalism, against these forces that seek to oppress and marginalize our people does a failure to our movement. Because Palestine, while it is our compass, while it is a liberation struggle that must be won in order to achieve the liberation of all peoples is not one that is fought in isolation, but one that is deeply intertwined with working class peoples everywhere. Were seeing student workers begin to organize in a manner that we havent seen on this campus in years. ... So I think there is, at least in my more microcosm environment here at Columbia, a lot of momentum in the idea that withholding labor from universities, from what is functioning all of our workplaces here. It is one of the levers of power that is absolutely necessary for us to be able to negotiate towards demands like divestment, amnesty, ending displacement, etc.

Another student at Columbia, who asked to remain anonymous, told the IYSSE:

I think the Democratic Party is just as complicit in some ways more insidiously than the Republican Party when it comes to the issue of Palestine. I remember being really shocked when I first moved to Palestine years ago, and one of my friends said (this was when I came back after the first election of Trump) and one of my friends said, honestly, we prefer Trump to Obama. And I was like, what are you talking about? He was like, at least Trump, excuse my language, f*** us to our face. Obama does it behind our back. ... Ive thought about his comment over the years, and I think it is very emblematic of the way these parties operate. If Im in the US in November, I will not vote for Biden. I think its a dynamic were seeing actually play out anecdotally here at Columbia with the comments of, well, if its not Shafik [as] our current president, its going to be someone worse, someone even more Zionist. And I think thats the same thing we hear people say about Biden, the lesser of two evils argument. People love that. I would say its long overdue for people to realize that the lesser of two evils argument is no longer tenable. Because it allows us to feel some sort of logic, some sort of acceptance in the fact that we are forced to choose between these two parties. And I think so long as we understand ourselves as having no other choice, we wont be able to begin to exist outside of the two-party system.

Significant portions of Columbia faculty have powerfully rallied in defense of students. On Monday, over 100 faculty walked out in support of the students, and over 100 untenured Columbia, Barnard and Teachers College faculty issued an open statement to students:

In the face of these events, we stand with you. You should be able to express your views and engage in peaceful protest on campus, not least in public spaces. You should certainly not be worried about being sanctioned for your political views. You should not be made fearful because police line the gates, ready to flood onto our campus at the invitation of the administration.

On Tuesday, 18 faculty members of the Sociology Department at Columbia University issued a statement denouncing the NYPD arrests:

The decision to call the police into campus violated also the important principle of protecting free expression on campus. Coupled with the testimony given by President Shafik and members of the Board of Trustees in Congress, in which they failed to defend crucial values of academic freedom, the police action seems like capitulation to forces outside the university that would like to curtail academic freedom and freedom of expression.

The faculty called on the university to immediately reverse these suspensions and evictions and announced that as members of the faculty of the department of sociology, we will continue to keep our courses open to these students, we will grade their exams and papers, and we will give them final grades in our courses so they may receive credit.

On Tuesday, a video statement made by an IYSSE member at Columbia emphasized the need to turn out to and mobilize the independent working class:

To the extent that the movement against the genocide does not openly break with the Democratic Party and take root in the working class, it can be isolated, politically derailed and made an easy target for state repression. We therefore urge students: Turn to the international working class! Mobilize support among teachers, healthcare, auto, logistics and transit workers! Break with the capitalist politics of the Democratic Party! And we urge workers: Take up the defense of the students! The attack on their democratic rights is an attack on your entire class. Everything now depends on merging the fight against genocide, imperialist war and the attack on democratic rights with the development of the class struggle and the building of a revolutionary leadership in the working class.
The developments over the past week mark a political turning point. The Biden administration, in alliance with the fascist-led Republican Party, has moved to criminalize political opposition to the Gaza genocide, currently centered on campuses, through a massive police state mobilization.

Riot police arrest peaceful protesters at a demonstration called by Jewish Voice for Peace in Brooklyn, New York. [AP Photo/Andres Kudacki]

Demonstrations continue to spread on college campuses throughout the United States in response to the escalating Gaza genocide, which is being funded, armed and politically enabled by the Biden administration.

Asked by a reporter on Monday, Whats your message to the protesters?, President Joe Biden replied, I condemn the antisemitic protests.

The charge of antisemitism is Bidens Big Lie. It has no basis in reality. His remark Monday followed a statement Sunday in which he denounced the reprehensible and dangerous antisemitism, which has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country.

By sheer repetition, the Biden administration, along with the entire political establishment and the media, hope to bludgeon people into accepting that protests over the Gaza genocide are animated by antisemitism.

This slander is made all the more absurd by the fact that many participants in the demonstrations, and a large number of those arrested, are Jewish, and organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) have played a leading role in the protests.

On Tuesday evening, police arrested over 300 members of JVP who were participating in a Passover Seder near the house of Senator Chuck Schumer in Brooklyn. The Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Protesters wore shirts proclaiming, Not in our name, and Jews say cease fire now.

Across the country, police stormed college campuses, carrying out hundreds of arrests. At New York University, cops clad in riot gear arrested over 100 students and faculty on Monday night, beating protesters and using pepper spray. At Yale University, 47 students were arrested Monday. At Cal Poly Humboldt, riot police stormed into a university building and arrested students. Nine students were arrested Tuesday at the University of Minnesota.

On Tuesday night, student leaders at Columbia said university administrators had threatened to call in the National Guard to suppress the protest, raising the prospect of a repeat of the Kent State massacre of May 4, 1970. In that incident, four Ohio college students were killed by the Ohio National Guard during a protest against the Vietnam War.

Biden is carrying out his crackdown in alliance with, and at the instigation of, Americas leading fascists and antisemites, such as Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and senators Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley.

On Tuesday, Hawley and Cotton were joined by other leading Senate Republicans, including Lindsey Graham and Charles Grassley, in demanding that Biden go even further. The senators letter welcomes Bidens statement condemning antisemitism, but calls on the administration to carry out criminal prosecutions and deportations of participants in the demonstrations.

The letter declares that there is an outbreak of anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist mobs on college campuses, led by pro-Hamas rioters. It alleges that anti-Israel protesters, spurred on by prominent leftists, have gathered on college campuses in recent days.

It states that federal law enforcement must act immediately to restore order, prosecute the mobs who have perpetuated violence and threats against Jewish students, revoke the visas of all foreign nationals (such as exchange students) who have taken part in promoting terrorism, and hold accountable school administrators.

This letter reveals the fundamental political content of the crackdown on college campuses. Far from being a response to alleged antisemitic incidents of violence, it is aimed at banning all forms of left-wing opposition to the policies of American imperialism.

The language is itself an incitement to violence, appealing to forces such as those who gathered at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, which culminated in the murder of counter-demonstrator Heather Heyer.

The police assault on campuses is an open repudiation of the most basic principles of free speech. The conception of the autonomy of universities, in which open debate is encouraged and protected, is being completely overturned. Academic institutions are being transformed into agencies for the promotion of imperialist war policy, imposed by means of police batons, arrests, expulsions and deportations.

In a 2019 report, the Council of Europe declared that democracy, human rights and the rule of law cannot become and remain a reality unless higher education institutions, and staff and students, enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy. Conversely, we cannot have genuine democracy unless the higher education and research community is able to inquire freely.

The crackdown on political opposition on college campuses is the leading edge of a systematic effort to dismantle freedom of expression in the United States. Already this campaign is spreading to workplaces, with Google announcing the firing of over 50 employees for protesting its ties to the Israeli government.

The massive crackdown now unfolding on college campuses is inextricably connected to the global eruption of American imperialism. In 2022, Biden proclaimed the decisive decade in which the United States would win the competition for the 21st century. Biden has set out to construct a US-dominated new world order through military violence, aiming to subjugate Russia, China and Iran.

Victory in the geopolitical competition between the major powers requires the seamless integration of all aspects of society, Biden said, declaring, The Biden-Harris administration has broken down the dividing line between domestic and foreign policy.

In the crackdowns on college campuses throughout the country, the world is witnessing the implementation of this policy of subordinating of all aspects of society to the war policies of American imperialism.

The central role of the Biden administration and the Democratic Party in supporting the Gaza genocide and the crackdown on domestic political opposition makes clear the complete bankruptcy of the politics of supporting the so-called lesser evil. The policies of war and attacks on democratic rights have the full support of the entire US political establishment because they reflect the central needs of the capitalist system.

Responding to the growing protests on campuses and beyond, Joseph Kishore, the Socialist Equality Partys candidate for president in the 2024 presidential election, stated on X/Twitter Tuesday:

This battle  cannot be waged on campuses alone. It must be taken into the working class, which has the social power to oppose imperialism and whose social interests are in conflict with the entire capitalist system. The Socialist Equality Party election campaign calls on students and faculty on every campus to turn out to the factories and workplaces. We call on workers to denounce the attack on students and organize protests to demand an end to the repression. The fight against the genocide in Gaza must be developed as a fight of the international working class against imperialism and the capitalist system.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Although Iran does not have a strategy to build an atomic bomb, it is a capable country in this field, the former head of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, former MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh said, Trend reports.

According to Falahatpisheh, if Iran and Israel engage in a large-scale war, Iran will be forced to move toward creating an atomic bomb. So that it could create a balance. However, recent events have shown that Iran does not have to do so. The de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East is beneficial to all parties.

Falahatpisheh added that under the current circumstances, raising issues such as Iran acquiring an atomic bomb only helps some parties escalate tensions. The IAEA director general said some time ago that Iran was capable of building three atomic bombs. A few days later, he suddenly spoke of seven atomic bombs.

"The bomb belongs to the war period. Iran was one step closer to war but turned back. The current threat to Iran is Iran's growing isolation and the imposition of new sanctions. "After Iran's attack on Israel, the tightening of sanctions against Iran began," he said.

The official stated that three big claims against Iran were raised earlier. These claims are the claim for Iran to possess the atomic bomb, the claim for Iran to withdraw from the NPT, and the claim to close the Strait of Hormuz. However, these three claims weaken Iran's legal and juridical defenses.

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the media in recent days that, after the failure of nuclear talks, Iran has come remarkably close to creating an atomic bomb. No country without an atomic bomb has enriched uranium by 60 percent. Iran has enriched more uranium than is needed to build an atomic bomb. 90 percent enriched uranium is needed to build an atomic bomb. But technically, uranium enriched at 60 percent is roughly identical to uranium enriched at 90 percent.

To note, the Comprehensive Plan of Joint Action on Iran's nuclear program was implemented between Iran and the P5+1 group (the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) in January 2016. The US announced in May 2018 that it was withdrawing from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. Iran has announced that there will be no restrictions on the Iran nuclear deal in 2020.

In late 2020, the Iranian parliament adopted a strategic plan to counter the sanctions, citing the non-fulfillment of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran.

According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran had stopped the implementation of additional measures and an additional protocol included in the nuclear deal. As a consequence, the monitoring mechanism of the IAEA was reduced by 2030 percent.

To note, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked Israel on April 13, codenamed Operation True Promise, with cruise and ballistic missiles. The attacks were reportedly in response to Israel's April 1 bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus. This is the first direct military clash between the two countries.

Iran announced the end of the operation against Israel on the morning of April 14.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Economic Relations of the DPRK Yun Jong-ho visited Iran, Trend reports.

According to the information, the visit is related to the parties intention to strengthen relations in the military sphere.

It is noted that North Korean authorities last visited Iran in 2019.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Washington asked the Iraqi government to ensure the safety of American soldiers amid attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria, US Department of Defense spokesman Patrick Ryder said at a briefing for journalists, Trend reports.

"On April 22, pro-Iranian military groups launched two unsuccessful attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria. These are the first attacks on coalition targets since February 4," Ryder said.

He added that these strikes threaten the safety of coalition forces and personnel in Iraq.

"We call on the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of American troops in Iraq and Syria in the face of attacks by these groups," he said.
A much talked-about title at the London TV Screenings and Canneseries, sparking inevitable comparisons with The Crown, Beta Film Dutch royal family love story Maxima, has clinched another major territory sale, with Atresmedia TV acquiring exclusive broadcast rights in Spain.

Based on the life of Maxima of Holland before she became queen, and especially her whirlwind romance with a young tongue-tied Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, Maxima has already sold to networks in Latin America, Israel and across Europe.

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These include RTL for Germany, Italian public broadcaster RAI, Hot in Israel, Warner Bros. Discovery networks across Latin America, plus Croatias HRT, Austrias ORF and Latvias LTV and Hong Kongs Now TV.

The essence of royal family drama is how personal passion impacts an institutional figure, and how royal families in some ways arent that different from the non blue-blood. Tabled down the generations in The Crown those questions are posed in compact high-end form set against ravishing settings, and driven by two beautiful young leads, Delfina Chaves, especially notable former performance as the effusive, outgoing but conflicted Argentine Wall Street banker suddenly enchanted by the stiffer upper-lipped crown Prince (Martijn Lakemeir).

If Maxima had been in competition at Canneseries, it would probably have had a run at some of its top prizes.

Maximas story is relatable and inspiring, told from the point of view of a strong and independent woman. When writing a series based on real events, one has to constantly ask oneself where truth and accuracy lie. In this series we tell the story of an emotional journey, from Maximas old life to her new life, and the drama that accompanied it. To do this we draw on the extensive and thorough research Marcia Luyten did for her book, as well as the subsequent research we did ourselves. The scenes are written to the letter. We are always going to see how the series unfolds the story through Maximas eyes. Thats what will appeal to the audience, said Rachel van Bommel, the series producer and CEO of lead producer Millstreet Films.

When writing a series based on real events, one has to constantly ask oneself where truth and accuracy lie. In this series we tell the story of an emotional journey, from Maximas old life to her new life, and the drama that accompanied it, she added. To do this we draw on the extensive and thorough research Marcia Luyten did for her book, as well as the subsequent research we did ourselves. The scenes are written to the letter. We are always going to see how the series unfolds the story through Maximas eyes. Thats what will appeal to the audience, van Bommel said.

In this series we want to create an emotional, sincere and intimate portrait of Maxima. Accessible and recognizable to a wide audience and, at the same time, one that does not hide the most unpleasant and striking events in her family history, but brings them to light, director Saskia Diesing commented.

During the shooting, the first and most important thing for me is that the camera work is at the service of emotion. In fact, the different locations and cities lend themselves perfectly to this. Maxima, in real life, is someone you cant take your eyes off. We were looking for someone who had exactly that which makes you want to keep looking at her. In Delfina Chaves, we managed to find it.

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AEW is coming to Winnipeg, and Kenny Omega is set to be at the show.

Former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega has been sidelined since December due to diverticulitis. A the time, he announced that he would be sidelined indefinitely. Subsequent updates made it clear that Omega was very sick. It has been evident that he would be out of action for quite some time.

In a tweet on April 23, the Canada Life Centre announced that fans would be seeing Kenny Omega there when AEW Dynamite comes to Winnipeg on May 1.

WINNIPEG we have a secret ? We will be seeing Kenny Omega at AEW in Winnipeg on May 1!

? Get your tickets now at https://t.co/z5nQPtaklJ pic.twitter.com/XoWUHDV5sM  Canada Life Centre (@CanadaLifeCtr) April 23, 2024

Omega recently provided an update on his recovery while speaking on his Twitch stream. He made it clear that he would have to get the issue taken care of.

The first time I take someones double foot stomp, even if its Marko Stunt or Riho, something is probably going to blow, Kenny Omega said. Even if Dobby walks on my belly, thats a 21-pound cat. As good as I feel right now in my day to day and training, once impact starts to get involved or you have to use your core to do heavy lifts, thats when things start to get dangerous. Im going to have to make sure its all taken care of.

AEW has yet to announce Kenny Omega for the May 1 episode of AEW Dynamite. WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.

RELATED: Tony Khan Comments On MJF, Kenny Omega, And Britt Baker Amid Ongoing Absences

The post Canada Life Centre Advertises Kenny Omega For 5/1 AEW Dynamite appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Chance the Rapper is making his long-awaited comeback.

The Chicago MC has announced a new mixtape entitled Star Line inspired by his trip to Ghana and Marcus Garveys Black Star Line  a short-lived shipping and transportation endeavor meant to transport goods, services and African-American tourists to and from Africa. Chance posted a trailer recently of him in Ghana and clips of him in various studios working on new music. The clip features fellow Save Money member Vic Mensa, as well as Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, T-Pain, Jazze Pha, Jermaine Dupri and DJ Premier, all helping him put this new era together.

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Ill be ready to go pic.twitter.com/zYliNZJsjj  Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 21, 2024

Late last year, Chance announced on Instagram Live that he would be dropping an album called Star Line Gallery in the spring of 2024. Theres no word on if the Star Line mixtape will be a precursor to Gallery, but Chano has thrown snippets up on his IG, the earliest of which he posted in January 2023.

Yesterday he posted an IG Reel of a song named Buried Alive asking if he should drop a video.

Each clip hes shared of his new direction has featured a darker tone with black backgrounds and white subtitles. In Buried Alive, he mentions his former manager, his recently divorced wife, his money and the hype that once surrounding him. He seems to be addressing all the drama hes been involved in since dropping his debut studio album The Big Day in 2019. Everything hes teased has sounded promising.

Were looking forward to seeing where he plans to take his new sound.

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Ex-Aide Says Melania Trump Will Be Watching 'Every Ounce' of Hush Money Trial  and Looking for 1 Thing

Stephanie Grisham, who served as chief of staff and press secretary to Melania, offered a window into her former boss's thinking as Donald's alleged affairs take center stage in the Manhattan trial

Joe Raedle/Getty Donald and Melania Trump

Melania Trump is likely keeping a close eye on Donald Trump's criminal trial, according to her former aide.

Stephanie Grisham, who served as Melania's chief of staff and press secretary in the East Wing, said the former first lady, 53, will be watching every ounce of her husband's hush money trial as she looks for one thing to be revealed: the proof.

Grisham's comments come as the first trial witness, ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, testifies against Donald in court. Pecker previously admitted to using his media company to help the Trump campaign bury damning stories against the candidate, including two affair allegations from former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal and adult film actress Stormy Daniels. (Donald denies the affairs.)

Related: Melania Trump Remains 'Angry' at Donald over Stormy Daniels Drama, Is Focused on Her Son and Herself: Sources

In the first 20 minutes of his testimony on Monday, April 22, Pecker disclosed that he had a private email for things "I didn't want my assistant to see," potentially including information about his "catch and kill" schemes.

Commenting on Pecker's revelation, Grisham told CNN anchor Erin Burnett, I can guarantee [Melania] is watching every ounce of coverage and when that [information about Peckers private email] came out, it piqued her interest."

Related: Stephanie Grisham Regrets Serving in Donald Trump's White House and Wants to Warn Public with New Book

Melania is very much about proof, show proof, Grisham continued. And so if some more damaging stuff should come out that she didnt know about because of course her husband continues to deny all of the details here, about Stormy especially.

Speaking on how Melania might react as new developments surface in the coming days, Grisham said, If some other stuff comes out, I think thatll be really interesting to watch because you cant really dispute things that are in writing and thats something she always paid quite a bit of attention to, was proof.

Related: Melania Trump Returns to Politics, Hosting Her First 2024 Fundraiser  for a Conservative Gay Group

President Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, after he allegedly attempted to conceal hush money paid to Daniels. In his criminal trial, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is focusing on the presidential candidates legally challenged methods of concealing information from the public days before they went to the polls.

The former president faces up to four years in prison should the jury find him guilty on any of the counts.

Related: Why a Popular Queer Nightclub in Brooklyn Was Mentioned in Donald Trump's Court Filings

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Melania is focusing on the proof presented in Trump's criminal case, says her former aide

Melania returned to political duties on Saturday, April 20, following a break during the election rollout as she hosted a fundraiser for the Log Cabin Republicans at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

The former first ladys appearance came after she hinted at rejoining the campaign trail when she and her husband visited a Florida polling place in March.



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The fact that Kensington Palace released a festive photo of 6-year-old Prince Louis later than usual the day before may have a special meaning, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes. In his opinion, it is no coincidence that Princess Kate Middleton of Wales delayed the publication of the traditional shot, confusing fans.

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Since she emphasized the need for family in space and time a month ago, the Duchess could have been reminded of these needs once again. The royal expert was quoted by the Daily Express.

Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that the family may have been discussing the best approach to publishing Louis's photo, and the delay could have "emphasized the need for time, space, and privacy that she so movingly expressed in her message."

Another reason why the photo was not published until lunchtime was that it could have been scrutinized. After the embarrassment of the photoshopped family photo on Mother's Day, Kate Middleton could have been more careful and took longer to choose.

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"It would have been a shame because her photo from Mother's Day raised a lot of questions. The revelation that the photo was edited led to an extremely embarrassing situation and the subsequent revelation that she was not only recovering from abdominal surgery but was also courageously fighting cancer," the expert said.

It is a tradition to publish photos of royals on their birthdays. That's why thousands of British citizens were waiting for a shot of Louis, usually taken by his mother. When the photo didn't appear all morning, alarming comments and theories circulated online, which were dispelled only in the afternoon with a new heartbreaking photo of the schoolboy.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
We gon sing like a redneck choir tonight! yelled Lainey Wilson by way of introduction. Not that she needed it. The London crowd  almost 5,000 miles from her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana, population 254  were fully signed up to the 31-year-old Yellowstone stars yee-hawing, blue-collar brand of country straight off the bat.

Wilsons rapturous reception on Tuesday night offered further proof that country music has exploded in Britain: this summer, BST Hyde Park will be headlined by chart-topping star Morgan Wallen, while Chris Stapleton and Megan Moroney will head out on sold-out tours in the autumn. Of course, the music remains the main draw. And Wilson is the real deal, her gravelly voice powering its way through tracks from her fantastic Grammy-winning album, Bell Bottom Country, taking us on a journey through dilapidated towns and farming communities to the bright lights of Nashville, where Wilson moved, alone, aged 19, dreaming of making it big on Music Row.

She treated the audience at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town to a high-energy race through her hits: WWDD  standing for What Would Dolly [Parton] Do?  uses the Queen of Country as a source of life advice and strength, with Wilson singing of how her idol In them heels/In that dress/Wouldnt put up with no BS. Its a clever statement of intent, too, that positions Wilson squarely as the heir to the crown.

Countrys Cool Again provided another foot-stomping anthem to get the crowd fired up, addressing the genres current boom even outside of its usual circles (Beyonce and Lana Del Rey come to mind) as Wilson set out her own humble credentials in comparison with the poseurs who wanna be a cowboy/Drive a jon boat, whip a John Deere against a heady mix of electric guitars, fiddles and blues beats.

The chance to fully absorb the rich texture of Wilsons vocals came courtesy of the ballad Things a Man Oughta Know. Centred on a purring mandolin riff, this sees Wilson sing a list of all the life skills a good ol country boy ought to have  being able to shoot a gun, change a tire, catch a fish, etc  before declaring she can do them better herself, anyway.

For all its dizzying commercial successes, however, country music has a glaring problem: actually rewarding its female stars. Since the Country Music Association started to crown an annual Entertainer of the Year  the genres most prestigious award  back in 1967, only seven recipients have been women. The big hitters (Loretta Lynn, Parton and Reba McEntire) all got their time in the sun, but some of this decades standout artists  Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves  remain empty-handed.

It was a source of shame thankfully rectified in 2023, when Wilson became the first woman to win since Taylor Swift in 2011. Her path to the top wasnt smooth  she spent years working as a Hannah Montana impersonator to save cash, while her early years in Nashville involved executives telling her to change her sound  but it paid off. An incredible voice, a story of perseverance: Wilson is the humble star country has been waiting for.

Also at the O2 tonight (returns only), then touring in Europe; laineywilson.com

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Mon Laferte, te amo Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Netflix

The Mon Laferte, te amo Netflix release date is around the corner, and viewers are wondering when they can start streaming the documentary. Mon Laferte, te amo is a documentary film about the popular musician and artist, Mon Laferte. Camila Grandi and Joanna Reposi Garibaldi directed the project from a script by Garibaldi.

Heres when documentary is coming out on Netflix.

When is the Mon Laferte, te amo Netflixrelease date?

The Mon Laferte, te amo release date is Thursday, August 1, 2024.

In April 2024, Chilean-born Mexican musician and artist Mon Laferte spoke about the upcoming documentary at her concert at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. The film offers an inside look into the life of the celebrated artist. It was filmed during Lafertes 2021-2022 tour in the Americas.

During this period, the musician underwent her first pregnancy. As a result, it features prominently in the documentary. Mon Laferte, te amo also sheds light on the artists creative process as well as her relationship with her family. In addition, it delves into her inspirations and her artistic pursuits beyond music as well.

The documentary contains archival footage of Mon Lafertes interviews and has a runtime of one hour and 17 minutes. The production company behind the documentary is Blackstar, with Jaime Villarreal and Jose Antonio San Miguel Garcia serving as the producers.

Known for her diverse music style, Mon Laferte has released nine studio albums to date and one live album. She has also received two Grammy nominations and won four Latin Grammy Awards.

When is Mon Laferte, te amo coming out via streaming?

Mon Laferte, te amo will be available to watch via streaming on Netflix on August 1, 2024. Viewers will be able to stream it at this time.

Current Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the series when it airs, and if you havent already subscribed to the service, you can do so by visiting the Netflix website and choosing one of the subscription plans offered. The Standard with Ads Plan costs $6.99 per month. Meanwhile, the Standard Plan without Ads costs $15.49 per month and the Premium Plan without Ads costs $22.99 per month.

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Welcome back to Shiny Sheet recaps "Palm Royale," our weekly rundown of the new Apple TV+ series set in Palm Beach.

Each week, we look at five Palm Beach-related or key moments in that week's episode of the series that premiered March 20.

Watch out: There are spoilers ahead, so if you don't want to know, stop reading right now and come back after you've watched.

Were on Episode 8, Maxine Saves the Whale.

Apples description of this episode says, A beached whale appears on the Beach Ball site, throwing the event into doubt with days to spare. Linda and Evelyn adjust to their new normals.

Going into this week, we once again have a laundry list of questions:

What will happen to Robert (Ricky Martin), now that he quit his job at the Palm Royale and didnt run away with the fake Prince of Luxembourg, who didn't show up after Maxine turned him in?

What happens next with the Beach Ball, with Norma (Carol Burnett) getting her voice back more and more with each episode?

Will Douglas (Josh Lucas) manage to stay out of trouble? And will Evelyn (Allison Janney) continue to scheme to get the Rollins fortune from Linda (Laura Dern)?

What is happening with sweet Mitzi (Kaia Gerber), Maxines former manicurist who now works at the Palm Royale and helps to care for Norma? It seems like something is building with her character.

And finally, will Virginia (Amber Chardae Robinson), Linda and the Womens Circle succeed in getting Sylvias (Crosby Fitzgerald) husband to Canada?

Season 1, Episode 8: Maxine Saves the Whale

1. Maxine's karma arrives, in whale form.

Remember last week when Maxine figuratively traded a whale for a minnow, by turning in the fake Prince of Luxembourg in exchange for Douglas freedom?

Now Maxine has a real whale of a problem on her hands: An actual beached whale, right behind the Dellacorte mansion.

I have to say, this was  a bit of a stretch for me. And I enjoy a good whale tale.

The best part of the whale's appearance, to me, was Chester, a wildlife officer portrayed by one of my favorite actors, Michael Hitchcock. You might know him from any of his dozens of hilarious credits, including key roles in director Christopher Guest's mockumentaries  he still makes me cry laughing in "Waiting for Guffman," no matter how many times I watch it  and recurring characters on TV series including "Mad TV," "Grosse Pointe" and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."

Allison Janney is Evelyn in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

This isn't his first role in something based in Palm Beach: He appeared in the 2001 movie "Heartbreakers," which was shot in South Florida, including some scenes at The Breakers and on Worth Avenue.

But enough about him.

Let's talk about this whale.

It comes onshore as Maxine and Robert discuss karma. Maxine says she doesn't believe in it, as Robert says he thinks the prince abandoned him because of karma. He still doesn't know that the prince was a fraud.

Two things to know about this whale: The show never specifies its species, and it's alive through everything that is about to happen.

Maxine immediately panics as soon as she sees the whale. The Beach Ball is just three days away, and now there's a whale baking on her beach.

As Ann (Mindy Cohn) of the Shiny Sheet later tells Maxine, "You can't have 90 tons of blubber just frying in the Florida sun."

I think it's pretty clear what the whale represents here.

Heavy-handed symbolism aside, the whale sets up quite a bit of action, particularly for Evelyn.

Maxine goes to Linda to see if she has any advice on how to deal with the whale and her betrayal of Robert. Right before Maxine gets to the Rollins mansion, we learn three things: Mary (Julia Duffy) has gone full hippie and is helping the Women's Circle; the Women's Circle is trying to mobilize to get more potential Vietnam War draftees to Canada, and Linda is using her newfound inheritance to fund the effort; and Linda took a vow of silence.

Amber Chardae Robinson is Virginia in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

As Maxine tries to communicate with Linda through a closed door, Evelyn interrupts, and Maxine spots something in Evelyn's possessions that might help with the whale: a harpoon that was a 17th anniversary gift from Skeet to Evelyn.

Without explaining, Maxine implores Evelyn, "Grab that rusty poon and follow me."

When Evelyn spots the whale, at first she laughs, telling Maxine, "There is a god," and, "It's perhaps the definition of funny."

Maxine had hoped to use the harpoon to somehow lasso the whale and then drag it to sea behind Dinah's yacht. Evelyn breaks the news to Maxine that Dinah's yacht is booked for a party that night, so it won't be part of whatever plan Maxine has to get the whale off of her beach.

Evelyn, of course, takes the opportunity to belittle Maxine.

But as Evelyn gets closer to the whale and locks eyes with the creature, she falls into a trance, which Chester hilariously calls "cetacean jubilation." (No, this is not a real thing.)

"It happens sometimes when the beauty of the universe just rushes at a person after coming into contact with a whale," Chester tells Maxine, who is flummoxed as to why Evelyn  once the queen of Palm Beach and now rendered nearly penniless  is so spellbound by the whale.

As Chester, frustrated, tries to explain to Maxine what makes whales so special, he tells her that whales started in the water, walked on land and then returned to the ocean  which is true. Their ancestors did that.

There's a sentence from there that is repeated throughout the episode, becoming a bit of a mantra for Maxine as she ruminates on the whale: "They changed their minds."

Chester hands Maxine a recording of whale sounds, which she listens to cross-legged on Norma's bed. She's hypnotized by the sounds.

Her brief knowledge of whale calls will be put to good (?) use later when Maxine drags Norma to a party on Dinah's (Leslie Bibb) yacht.

With her husband Perry (Jordan Bridges) locked up for his role in a bribery scheme, Dinah tries to woo the aging Axel Rosenhips (Paul Sand), so she throws him a 90th birthday soiree. Dinah met Axel at Skeet's funeral, and now hopes that maybe she can secure her future by setting him up to be her next husband.

After Maxine hears that Norma and Axel were once lovers, she decides to crash the party in hopes that she can reunite them after seven decades.

Once on board, Dinah accuses Maxine of trying to sabotage her plans to have Axel as a backup husband: "I cannot tell if you are a country bumpkin or the most ruthless woman in Palm Beach," Dinah says.

Maxine insists that she just wants what's best for everyone. And when Dinah's paramour Eddie (Jason Canela) confronts Dinah before the ship shoves off, giving her an ultimatum to stay with him, Dinah leaves him heartbroken on the dock. And Maxine is horrified.

Maxine's whale problem is solved when she grabs the microphone during speeches for Axel's birthday. Axel  who is moping because Norma wouldn't tell him why her feelings toward him changed all those years ago  doesn't seem to mind much as Maxine begins to do her best impression of a whale. Or, if you've seen "Finding Nemo," her best impression of Dory trying to speak whale.

It's all a little strange, but at this point in the series, who are we to question it? We're in this thing for about eight hours  more, if you're me and watching and rewatching to write these recaps  so we might as well enjoy the ride.

And to Maxine's credit, her whale voice amplified through the yacht's microphone works to lure the whale away from shore, leaving Evelyn heartbroken, begging the whale to return.

That's when Eddie shows up, walking on the beach barefoot, tears streaking his face. He and Evelyn recognize each other, talk for about two minutes and start making out on the beach. It's an interesting development for Evelyn's character. She's made it pretty clear that she's lonely, even before Skeet died. While I've low-key cheered for Evelyn throughout this season  I've loved Allison Janney since I saw her as Loretta in "Drop Dead Gorgeous"  this episode really humbles her.

Even if we did see Dinah and Evelyn earlier in the episode try to sabotage the Beach Ball by calling Maxine's vendors and having them replace Champagne with Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill, prime rib with sloppy joes  "No buns, just the slop," Dinah says  and torches with cottage cheese.

Allison Janney is Evelyn (left) and Leslie Bibb is Dinah in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

2. Yes, whales have beached themselves in Palm Beach.

If there's a beach, chances are a whale has been beached there.

Did a whale wiggle-waddle its way onshore in Palm Beach in 1969? Unclear, but it doesn't appear to be the case, according to my research.

Still, there have been some notorious beachings in town.

Notably, a 25-foot whale of unspecified species washed ashore in 1923, according to a 1964 article written about the incident by the Palm Beach Post-Times  sister paper of The Shiny Sheet and precursor of The Palm Beach Post.

This 1964 article recounted the time a beached whale died on Palm Beach in 1923.

The whale died in the shallow water off the public beach near the Palm Beach Pier, the article said. The Palm Beach Pier no longer exists, but at the time it extended out more than 900 feet from the end of Worth Avenue into the Atlantic Ocean.

A businessman named Gus Jordan, who had a company called Gus Jordan's Baths, hauled the whale's body onshore, surrounded it with palmetto fronds as a makeshift fence and charged a dime for curious onlookers to get a closer view.

Business boomed for three days  until the whale began to decompose. "The smell permeated Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and even the Glades," journalist Tom Penick recalled in the article. "It was the most atrocious smell ever."

Tugboats tried to haul the whale's body back to sea, to no avail. It was simply too big.

Instead, Jordan hired a crew to cut up the whale chunk by chunk and ship it to deeper waters.

No surprise: The waters off Palm Beach were shark-infested for days.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Harbor Branch respond to a beached sperm whale near Via La Selva in Palm Beach on Feb. 3, 2020.

More recently, Palm Beach has seen beached whales in 2020, when a newborn whale beached itself just north of the Mar-a-Lago Club, and 2021, when another baby whale beached itself at Phipps Ocean Park.

3. Douglas just can't keep himself out of trouble.

I like Douglas less and less each week.

He's just not good enough for Maxine.

First, he declines Evelyn's invitation to blackmail Linda  but only so that he can blackmail her himself.

He tells Linda that if she doesn't give him $3 million, he will go to the police and tell her that she's the one who shot her father.

That's after Pinky (Roberto Sanchez) tells Douglas that he would need $2 million to invest in a new project: A club in Palm Beach that would accept anyone with the money to pay the entry fee.

Kristen Wiig is Maxine and Josh Lucas is Douglas in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

Land was already at a premium in Palm Beach at that time, so it's unclear where Douglas and Pinky would build this new club.

Last but certainly not least: We find out that Douglas had an affair with Mitzi, and he got her a job with his old airline, TWA, to get her out of town.

Through tears at the Palm Royale, Mitzi confesses the news to Robert.

Even though Robert just came from telling off Maxine for not being honest with him about her role in the fake prince's departure, he still sympathizes with her, and calls out Douglas for his crappy behavior.

Kaia Gerber is Mitzi in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

He meets Douglas at a bar where earlier in the day, Tom Sanka (Rick Cosnett) with the Palm Beach Police Department spilled the beans to Robert that Maxine turned in the fake prince. (It also seems like maybe Robert and Tom hit it off?)

Tom warned Robert that he shouldn't be at the bar after 6  something Robert conveniently forgot when booking a time and place to confront Douglas about his relationship with Mitzi.

Douglas begs Robert not to say anything to Maxine. In what seems like a practiced speech, or something Douglas has asked of people before  leading me to think that maybe this isn't the first time he's cheated on Maxine  Douglas tells Robert that keeping Maxine in the dark about the affair is the best thing for their marriage.

Before Robert can reply, police burst into the bar. It's a raid, and police handcuff both Robert and Douglas.

"You brought us to a homo bar?" Douglas yells, making me hate him just a little bit more.

Robert and Douglas are hauled away, giving us something to look forward to in the next episode: Douglas' face behind bars yet again.

Ricky Martin is Robert and Rick Cosnett is Tom in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

4. Ann might be onto something with her Norma research.

Our intrepid Shiny Sheet society editor is "a dog with a bone" this week, according to Maxine.

At the beginning of the episode, Ann and a Shiny Sheet photographer are interviewing Norma, Douglas and Maxine about the Beach Ball, which is coming up in three days.

Calling them "the first family of Palm Beach," Ann says, "I have to admit Maxine, I didn't think you could pull it off."

Of course, that comment is pre-whale. But let's continue.

Mindy Cohn is Ann in Episode 8 of "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+.

We learn that Norma has a big, musical entrance planned for the Beach Ball. (As Ann interviews Maxine and Norma, Douglas just stands there and poses the entire time like there isn't a whole conversation happening around him. Ugh.)

After Maxine rushes out to talk with Robert and then gets distracted by the whale, Ann begins to gleefully go through Norma's lifetime of memories, which take the form of photographs, newspaper clippings, locks of hair  "F. Scott Fitzgerald ... Harry Houdini ... Frank Sinatra!" Ann exclaims, confirming with Norma that these were her love interests  and other keepsakes.

It's Ann who uncovers the past relationship between Norma and Axel. When Maxine whisks Norma away to the party, Ann asks for permission to stick around.

"You are a dog with a bone," Maxine says.

"Well I didn't get into journalism to write 'Suicidal Cetacean Spoils Soiree,'" Ann jokes. "I wanted to write 'In Cold Blood.'"

Maxine suggests that Ann can use what she learns to honor Norma at the Beach Ball, to which Ann retorts, "It's almost the same thing."

Later, as Ann continues to explore Norma's keepsakes, she seems to be onto something: "Now, why save these, Norma?" she says as she holds up newspaper clippings.

It will be interesting to see what she digs up.

5. Did we mention that Norma truly hates Maxine?

And that she wants to kill her? And that in the last episode, Norma was going to shoot Maxine during Skeet's will-reading?

After she was unsuccessful last week, Norma makes two solid murder attempts in this episode.

Before that, though, Norma straight up tells Ann during their interview that she's going to "kill Maxine, so that things can get back to normal."

Everyone kind of shrugs this off as Norma mumbling, and Maxine "interprets" it as something completely different.

Everyone is way too casual about this.

Norma's first attempt to kill Maxine comes as Robert confronts Maxine and Douglas about Maxine telling the cops about the prince's true identity after seeing it on a wanted poster at the bank.

As the three of them argue in the other room, Norma pours a vial of something into the grasshopper that Douglas just mixed for Maxine.

Fortunately for Maxine and unfortunately for Norma, Ann comes in just as Maxine is about to take a sip. Instead of imbibing, Maxine rushes Norma to get ready for Axel's birthday party  and Ann takes the poisoned drink instead. We don't see what happens, but we see her contentedly sip the spiked grasshopper later as she leafs through Norma's keepsakes.

Norma's second attempt may be much more effective.

Once on the boat, Maxine is leaning over the yacht's railing, looking out to sea. Norma strategically releases the brake on her wheelchair and uses the ship's rocking on the waves to build up momentum, slam into Maxine from behind and knock her into the Atlantic.

This calls back to the beginning of the series, where we see Maxine, her dress spread around her, floating in water.

As the episode ends, Maxine bids farewell to the whale, which is returning to sea, as she bobs helplessly in the ocean.

Bonus: Port Salerno callout.

Evelyn tells Maxine that Linda gave her "an allowance of $500 a week, as well as Skeet's Airstream in Port Salerno."

"Where's Port Salerno?" Maxine asks.

"Exactly," Evelyn says.

Port Salerno is an unincorporated part of Martin County south of Stuart and north of Hobe Sound, about a 45-minute drive up Interstate 95 from Palm Beach.

It's home to the beautiful Sandsprit Park, and some great restaurants, including District Table Restaurant and Bar and the Port Salerno location of Two Georges, the popular waterside restaurant founded in Boynton Beach. The area around Manatee Pocket is bustling with places to dock your boat for the day while you explore local restaurants and shops.

However, Port Salerno in the 1960s was a much slower pace. It's understandable that after the lifestyle she enjoyed in Palm Beach, Evelyn wouldn't be thrilled about living in a silver trailer in a quiet coastal town without even a Ceil Chapman to visit.

Maxine and Evelyn could be forgiven for not knowing that some scenes of "Gentle Giant," a 1967 movie starring Clint Howard and Dennis Weaver, were filmed in Port Salerno. That film was a prequel to the popular "Gentle Ben" TV series.

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Royale Episode 8 recap: Maxine has a whale of a problem
Queen Mary of Denmark stepped out today for an event marking Aalborg University's 50th anniversary, and while the ever-stylish royal's ensemble was undeniably on point, it was a small detail of the outfit that immediately garnered attention from royal watchers.

In addition to a Julie Sandlau pendant sporting the initials of her four children, Christian, Isabella, Vincent, and Josephine, the queen also selected a separate necklace with just one initial: an "F," presumably for her husband, King Frederik. While Mary has worn both pieces before, the gem-studded initial, which is reportedly from the brand Halberstadt, made waves as an apparent show of affection and support for Frederik on the heels of months of speculation about the state of the royal marriage.

In October 2023, photographs surfaced of the king in Madrid with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova, along with tabloid allegations that Fredrik had spent the night at her apartment. Casanova quickly spoke out, saying, "I flatly deny the statements that suggest a romantic relationship between Prince Frederick and me. Any statement of this type is not only completely untrue but also distorts the facts in a malicious manner."

The royals themselves have never commented on the issue, though many were quick to point out the timing when, on New Year's Eve, Queen Margrethe announced that she would become the first Danish monarch in nearly 900 years to abdicate the throne. While Margrethe linked her decision to a previous back surgery, some have suggested that the move could, in part, have come as an attempt to help keep Frederik and Mary's marriage together. On January 14th, the two did indeed become King and Queen of Denmark and have been seen side by side at numerous public events since.

Mary and Frederik will mark their 20th wedding anniversary next month.

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Two barbers in East Hartford, Connecticut are being hailed as heroes after they ran to save a young child who was walking on a street toward traffic on a busy intersection.

According to local police, barbers Osvaldo Lugo and Rafael Santana of LookSharp Barbershop were cutting hair when they noticed the child and ran to the toddler's aid.

" Heroic Barbers to the Rescue!  Today, we want to give a massive shoutout to the quick-thinking and brave duo, Osvaldo Lugo and Rafael Santana of LookSharp Barbershop. Their swift action saved a little toddler who had escaped from his mother and started moving towards traffic on Main Street," the East Hartford Police Department wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. "Thanks to them, a potential tragedy was averted, and a family remains whole. We're incredibly grateful for these everyday heroes among us! ."

PHOTO: Barbers from Look Sharp Barbershop in East Hartford, Connecticut ran outside to save a young child from oncoming traffic. (Courtesy of Look Sharp Barbershop)

MORE: Hero Taco Bell manager speaks out after life-saving CPR on baby in the drive-thru

Lugo shared security camera footage of the incident, which took place near the corner of Brown Street and Main Street, in an Instagram reel. In the post's caption, he wrote that he was "still a little shaken up" by the "scary experience."

Lugo later told ABC New Haven affiliate WTNH he had happened to glance out the window while in the middle of a haircut and didn't think twice about rushing outside when he noticed the child. He managed to pick up the child before anything happened and said he was able to track down the child's mother, who hadn't realized they had wandered away, at a nearby bus stop.

MORE: Hero hockey fan blocks out-of-play puck from hitting 4-year-old boy

"The mom lost track for one quick second. It happens. It's happened to me before," Lugo said.

He added, "The structure of this building and the bus stop, you can hardly see, so she was shocked and embarrassed at the same time, but also thankful."

Barbers hailed as heroes for rescuing toddler from oncoming traffic originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
DOVER  A local pastor who frequently visits Dover City Park marked Earth Day this year by conducting a special Bluebird Trail Earth Day Walk.

Pastor John Wallace from the First Moravian Church of Dover and members of his congregation gathered at the park Monday to install Bluebird nesting boxes at various locations across the park. Earth Day is an international day that draws attention to the environment and promotes conservation and sustainability.

Members of the First Moravian Church, from left, Sam Paden, Mary Lou Keener, Marlene Tschoy and Susan Paden, install Bluebird nesting boxes around Dover City Park on Earth Day, Monday, April 22.

Wallace has been a regular visitor to the park and pool after a heart attack in 2018 and successfully hip replacements. His doctor suggested he go to nature for rehabilitation and frequent exercise.

He enlisted the support of his elder congregants to help construct the Bluebird cedar boxes in his wood shop. The project was approved by Jeff Mathews, park director, and funded by the church.

More on Earth Day in Tuscarawas County: Conservancy district plans tree giveaway, cleanup challenge and tire takeback events

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Eastern Bluebird is not native to Ohio but migrated to the state as settlements cleared forests and farms were established. Some migrate south in the winter, while others remain in the southern portions of the state.

As trends in farming have changed over generations to more of a monoculture approach, so too has the Bluebird habitat from a bygone era when pastures and orchards dominated the landscape. Installing boxes will hopefully help to promote an increase in Bluebird numbers, thereby helping to reduce insects in the summer months  their preferred seasonal food source.

The ideal Bluebird habitat is one of mixed hardwood forests and grasslands where the grassy areas may be meadows, pastures, yards, cemeteries, highway, or prairies. Available perches typically reside about 5 to 10 feet above ground level.

Spacing for the boxes is important too.

"A Bluebird will run another Bluebird off if you put them too close, but they dont mind tree Swallows," Wallace said. "So, the suggestion was if you put them in pairs, youre more than likely to attract both species and serve a dual purpose.

Pastor John Wallace of the First Moravian Church of Dover plants a tree seedling along the Kiwanis Nature Trail at Dover City Park on Earth Day, Monday, April 22

The group also planted 50 Norway pines and Red Oak tree seedlings in the old Kiwanis wood lot, after which they concluded the afternoon with a nature walk led by Wallce to bring the conservation effort full circle.

ODNRs Division of Wildlife offers downloadable field guides for people wishing to construct their own Bluebird boxes or explore other ways of contributing to other other conservation methods by going to https://ohiodnr.gov/ and searching for Bluebird.

T-R staff photographer Andrew Dolph can be reached by phone at 330-289-6072, or by email at adolph3@gannett.com. You can also find him on Instagram @dolphphoto.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Members of First Moravian Church take part in conservation activities
A year after making its North Carolina debut in Charlotte, The Salty is expanding right in doughnut giant Krispy Kremes back yard.

The Miami-based artisanal doughnut shop will open in late fall in Ballantyne, followed a few months later by another store in Plaza Midwood.

The Salty joins other retailers opening at The Bowl at Ballantyne, including Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, expected to open next month, as well as several other restaurants opening this summer.

Just last week, Rochester, N.Y.-based grocery chain Wegmans said it will open its first Charlotte store in 2026 on the east side of Ballantyne as part of Northwood Investors Reimagine Ballantyne development project.

The Salty also has plans for a third store in Charlotte in Plaza Midwood, according to the companys website.

The Salty opened its first doughnut shop in Charlotte last year at 1515 S. Tryon St. in South End, about a half-mile from Krispy Kremes global product and innovation center. Krispy Kreme moved its headquarters from Winston-Salem to Charlotte in 2019.

Andy Rodriguez, co-owner of The Salty with wife Amanda Pizarro-Rodriguez, doesnt see Krispy Kreme as competition.

Krispy is the nostalgic, OG doughnut shop, whereas Salty is more of an artisan cafe and bakery vibe, Rodriguez told The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday. Its a totally different type of experience.

The Salty Donut is opening a second store in Charlotte in the fall in Ballantyne.

What to expect at The Salty in Ballantyne

The family-owned doughnut chain  named one of the 31 best donut shops in America by Thrilled in 2018  uses homemade and locally sourced ingredients.

Expect signature doughnuts like traditional glazed, a 24-hour brioche with vanilla bean glaze and brown butter and salt, vanilla bean cake doughnut.

The Salty offers seasonal doughnuts and store-specific flavors, according to the company.

We always try to have something unique at each of our stores even if theyre in the same market, Rodriguez said. Expect more savory menu additions by the time the Ballantyne stores opens, too.

Saltys menu includes baked goods including brisket-stuffed kolaches, homemade Pop Tarts, cookies and breakfast pastries, plus The Saltys blend of coffee.

The nearly 2,000-square-foot space will include indoor and outdoor seating. Were all about community and being a place to hang out, start a run or grab a coffee and a doughnut, Rodriguez said.

Each store hires 15 to 20 full- and part-time employees.

About The Salty plans

The Salty started as a pop-up shop in 2015 peddling doughnuts from a 1950s Aljoa camper in a Miami parking lot.

The Salty now has 15 Salty stores and more planned in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia and Colorado.

Story continues

Rodriguez said theyre also looking to expand in the Raleigh area and South Carolina, and havent ruled out more stores in the Charlotte market.

We just dont know yet. Im sure theres more to do, he said. But were a destination, not meant to be on every street corner.
Royal Power Suit Moments: Princess Diana in Catherine Walker, Queen Mary of Denmark in The Fold and More Looks

Among the fashion and style trends that have risen in popularity over the course of the last few decades, nothing comes quite as close to the influence and impact of the power suit. Women, particularly women who are members of European monarchies, have been suiting up for decades, setting trends and making a case for the power suit.

While the power suit might seem like a modern phenomenon, one can look back to the 1970s and see royals like Princess Anne fashioning the look.

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Princess Diana, known widely for her tremendous fashion sense, elevated the power suit and even toyed with menswear, wearing a waistcoat with her Catherine Walker suit in 1988. Since then, modern royals like Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mary of Denmark; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Princess of Wales have made the power suit their own.

Ahead, see some of the best power suit moments from royal women over the years.

Queen Mary of Denmark

Queen Mary of Denmark

On April 9, Queen Mary of Denmark stepped out in this suit by London-based fashion brand The Fold. She paired the look with Jimmy Choo pumps.

Kate Middleton

Catherine, Princess of Wales

While out in Leeds in September 2023, Catherine, Princess of Wales wore this sleek Burberry suit in green.

Meghan Markle

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex opted for a monochrome look with her suit by Altuzarra in September 2018.

Princess Diana

One of Princess Dianas most iconic looks, the late royal fashioned this Catherine Walker suit moment with a Hackett waistcoat in April 1988.

Queen Letizia of Spain

Queen Letizia of Spain

In February, Queen Letizia of Spain opted for this Bimba Y Lola charcoal suit. She paired the look with heels by Pdpaola.

Princess Anne

Princess Anne

Back in September 1973, Princess Anne stepped out in this suit, showing off her modern style sensibility.

Princess Diana, 1997

Diana, Princess of Wales, at left, with her stepmother Raine Spencer.

Another suit worn by Princess Diana, the late royal wore a gray suit while out with her stepmother. The suit featured fringe detailing on lapels.

Launch Gallery: Royal Women Wearing Power Suits: Photos of Princess Diana and More

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Karim Bouyakhrichan, the leader of the Mocro Maffia drug cartel, has been released from a Spanish prison. Earlier, the Netherlands filed an extradition request for the arrested person.

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Karim 'Taxi' Bouyakhrichan was arrested in Spain in January this year. Along with five other members of the Mocro Maffia group, he was arrested on charges of money laundering through the purchase of 172 properties in Spain worth more than 50 million euros. According to Spanish media reports, the man was released due to an oversight by Spanish authorities overseeing the arrested.

In the Netherlands, Bouyakhrichan threatened to kill Princess Amalia and Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The 46-year-old billionaire drug lord was one of the most wanted criminals in Europe. Interpol had been pursuing the man for at least five years.

The Dutch-Moroccan gang Mocro Maffia was founded by Samir Bouyakhrichan, Karim's older brother. Samir was shot dead in 2014, and his younger brother took control of the group. However, Karim was detained last January in the city of Marbella in connection with the purchase of Spanish estates.

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Upon learning of his arrest, the Netherlands filed an extradition request to bring Karim to justice in the Netherlands on drug trafficking-related charges. The court in Madrid approved the request, but the regional court in Marbella refused to execute the request, believing that the drug lord must first answer charges of money laundering in Spain.

The Netherlands appealed this decision and filed another extradition request. This time, dozens of murders in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Morocco (the result of a war between the Mocro Maffia and several drug clans) were added to the drug trafficking charges.

However, Spain did not have time to respond to the Netherlands' second request as it turned out that the Marbella court did not ensure that the suspect remained in custody until any decisions were made. He was released on bail in the amount of 50 thousand euros (!), although he was accused of laundering 50 million euros.

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The drug lord's whereabouts are currently unknown. In Madrid, officials from the Ministry of Justice say they "hope for the suspect's arrest as soon as possible."

In 2022, Dutch Princess Amalia was forced into hiding when police received information that Bouyakhrichan might have planned her kidnapping or murder. Among his potential targets was also Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A scattering of second graders, all dressed in T-shirts splotched in ocean blues and earthy greens, formed a line of sorts behind the freshly planted winged elm.

Each of the Frost Elementary School students stepped up to the young tree, planted Monday morning in the schools front yard. Though in its infancy, the elm was still about three times the height of one child. One after another, the kids grabbed a shovel with their gloved hands, each adorned with a cartoon bumble bee.

Some students were more bold than others.

Some dug with the intrepidness only a child getting to play in the dirt could. Others, more bashful, scooped up dainty piles. But each student added to the mound of soil that will nourish the tree for years to come.

Its a small tree. Helped along by even smaller hands. But its a step, officials say, to addressing extreme heat.

Frost Elementary School is just outside of East Tampa in an unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.

A pilot study found the area is particularly vulnerable to dangerous temperatures. The study found an abundance of asphalt and concrete, coupled with a lack of greenery, was leading to an urban heat island effect, which traps heat and can ratchet up temperatures more than 10 degrees.

By planting trees, we provide our students with a hands-on learning experience about the vital role of trees in mitigating urban heat events and creating a more resilient community, said Frost Elementary School Principal Temeka Grayson on Monday.

Grayson, along with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor and Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, spoke to second graders on Monday, which was Earth Day, about the warming planet and ways to adapt to it. The tree also was planted the same week as Arbor Day, which is Friday.

When Myers asked the students how planting trees can help them, the kids raised their hands.

They help us breathe.

Grow fruit for us.

Help us stay alive.

Trees act as a neighborhoods lifeblood on a blistering day. A trees canopy offers shade for people walking to bus stops or for kids playing outside. They can also cool homes and lower energy costs.

Areas shaded by canopy are about 6 degrees cooler than areas without trees, according to a tree canopy study completed by the city of Tampa last year.

The cooling shade is vital as temperatures rise from human-caused climate change.

The assessment stated that should global emissions remain high, by the end of the century Hillsborough Countys daily maximum temperature will be 90.6 degrees, a more than 7-degree increase from today.

Dewberry Engineers Inc., the planning consulting company that authored the report, said the county focused on the Palm River and Progress Village areas of Hillsborough because they have a high number of low-income residents.

Low-income residents are often more vulnerable to higher temperatures because they live in aging homes shaded by few trees. They also tend to have medical conditions that warm temperatures can exacerbate, like heart disease or diabetes.

The assessment lays out several projects to address extreme heat in the area, one of which is a tree planting education day. The projects are in various stages of funding, but the assessment anticipates projects that receive funding will be completed by 2026

The projects include a splash pad for the Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center, shading for bus stops and improvements to Palm River Park, including a cooling center

While the assessment focused on extreme heat, it also provides plans to address water quality issues, said Molly Johnson, a spokesperson for Dewberry, in an email to the Tampa Bay Times. Prolonged days of high temperatures can cause algal blooms and breed bacteria, Johnson said.

There is a concern with how these heat waves affect water quality in the future, Johnson said.

The Earth Day event at Frost Elementary is a first in the countys plan to focus on heat education.

Michelle Estrada-Prezas, a special education teacher, said the school chose second graders for the tree planting so they could watch the tree grow as they continue at the school.

Throughout the next couple of years, they can help it grow, and water it and keep track of it every year, she said.

Estrada-Prezas daughter, Madison, was one of the second graders participating in the planting Monday morning. Shes asking to have her own tree planted.

Shes hoping for an orange tree.

Spotlight Tampa Bay

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and scientists are among those taking The Palladium stage in May to discuss how climate change will affect the Tampa Bay area at the Spotlight Tampa Bay forum. Tickets are $20, or $10 for students with IDs. A limited number of $50 VIP tickets are available. Proceeds will support the Tampa Bay Times Journalism Fund. For more information, click here.
Start your very own fairytale inside this castle for sale in Wyoming. Check it out

Turns out you dont have to travel very far to start a real-life fairytale  you just need to head to Wyoming.

And have $14 million, of course.

Its known as the Bedford Castle, a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom wonderland with unexpected features spread out around its 9,470 square feet. Sitting on 40 acres, the residence is aesthetically pleasing with its surrounding mountains and lush green trees.

The castles exterior is a masterpiece of architectural splendor, boasting resplendent pillars and a breathtaking copper roof that commands attention and admiration, the listing on Compass says.

Crossing the threshold reveals an interior of unparalleled luxury, featuring stone floors sourced from Israel, Turkey, and China, radiant in-floor heating, and a total of six meticulously crafted fireplaces that serve as focal points throughout the home.

Other features include:

Natural light

Stone balconies

Vault room

Greenhouse

Game room

Gym

It also has some surprises in store.

Beneath the surface lies an underground tunnel system, accessible via secret hidden holes, providing a sense of mystery and adventure, the listing says.

The listing is held by Patty Speakman.

Bedford is about a 60-mile drive south of Jackson.

Piece of paradise is for sale on California coast. Peek inside $25 million listing

Bonkers house for sale in Minnesota. Take a look at the mid-century mausoleum
A second Michigan dairy farm worker has contracted bird flu, bringing the number of cases in the United States this year to three, and the total ever detected in the U.S. to four. The latest case stands out because the worker developed a cough, marking the first time this year bird flu has led to flu-like symptoms in a human, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a May 30 statement. Pink eye and fatigue were the only symptoms in this year's previous infections.

U.S. health officials are "preparing for the possibility of increased risk to human health" due to bird flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a May 24 statement. In April, the CDC confirmed the first human case of the year, a dairy farm worker infected in Texas. All infected individuals had prolonged close contact with infected cattle. The CDC maintains that the risk to the general public is still "low," but the CDC has also warned that, if it isn't contained, the bird flu virus could mutate, "potentially causing a pandemic." Already, the Department of Health and Human Services has set plans in motion to make 4.8 million doses of bird flu vaccine, CIDRAP reports.

Dairy cattle herds have been infected in Texas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio and South Dakota. Cases in birds in New York City parks and green spaces have also been confirmed by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai researchers.

How concerned should you be about bird flu, and what might this mean for the food supply? Heres what you need to know.

 What is bird flu?

Bird flu  clinically known as influenza A (H5N1)  is a variation of flu virus that spreads primarily among birds and poultry and can be highly contagious and even fatal among birds, according to the CDC. Occasionally, the virus will jump to other animals if they eat infected birds or drink water contaminated by the feces of infected birds, the CDC says. That has become more common in recent years. Viruses are constantly mutating, and the more they spread, the more they mutate. A recent family of variants may be particularly adept at infecting other animals, including cattle, according to the World Health Organization.

Its rare for the virus to infect humans, and when it does happen, its usually confined to one person who was in close contact with an infected animal and doesnt spread to others. Bird flu may cause mild to severe sickness in humans, and it has the potential to cause pneumonia and severe, sometimes fatal lung inflammation. Since 2020, there have been 26 cases in humans confirmed by the WHO, seven of which have been fatal.

 Have people been infected?

Three people have been infected in this year's outbreak among dairy cattle, making a total of four people in the U.S. who have had the virus ever. (The first-ever U.S. case was in a poultry worker who contracted the virus in 2022 while culling infected birds and recovered after experiencing only mild fatigue.)

The third and latest person infected this year is the second case in Michigan. The latest person is also a dairy farm worker who is thought to have contracted bird flu from a dairy cow. But, unlike in this year's other two cases, the worker had a cough, the first time officials have seen respiratory symptoms in the latest outbreak. The first infected Michigan dairy farm worker was being closely monitored after coming in contact with infected dairy cattle when they tested positive. Their only symptom was pink eye, and they initially tested negative for H5N1 when their nose was swabbed. However, an eye swab confirmed that they had bird flu. They have since made a full recovery.

The first human case of 2024 (and second case ever) detected in the U.S. was a dairy farm worker in Texas, who was diagnosed in late March after developing pink eye. Eye inflammation was the only symptom the Texas dairy worker experienced; they never developed any respiratory symptoms that health officials might have expected with bird flu.

No other human cases have been confirmed in the U.S., but wastewater testing revealed bird flu had found its way into Texass sewage system beginning as early as March  nearly a month before the first human case was uncovered. The testing has found bird flu in 19 of the 23 places that have been monitored, CNN reported. But its unclear if the virus found in sewage came from cattle, birds or humans. Experts told The Atlantic that they suspect that there have likely been more undiagnosed cases in dairy farm workers. The CDC on May 24 urged stepped-up global surveillance to detect such cases, and told doctors to consider bird flu as a potential cause when patients who have had possible contact with animals  such as at an "agricultural fair"  present with pink eye or respiratory symptoms.

Meanwhile, Australia has reported its first ever human case of bird flu. A child who had traveled to India tested positive in March and had a severe infection, officials said, but has since recovered.

 What's being done?

The federal government is providing $200 million to help stem transmission, Reuters reported on May 10. The CDC has also requested that states provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to dairy farm workers who might be at risk, according to an emailed statement. Federal funding will provide each affected farm with up to $28,000 a day toward measures to slow the spread among animals and prevent transmission to humans, CNN reported. Health agencies will also get $101 million for continued food safety monitoring.

Dairy and poultry farm workers remain the CDC's main concern. On May 6, the agency asked state health and agriculture departments to provide PPE to dairy farm workers at risk of contracting bird flu in an effort to prevent any additional cases, the agency said in an emailed statement. But many at-risk farmworkers have yet to receive their protective gear, Reuters reported on May 23. The CDC has also asked state health officials to take other steps like making sure they have bird flu tests available to confirm possible infections. It also said health officials should stay in close contact with veterinarians and agriculture department officials and asked to be notified of any "challenges" states encounter.

 What are the risks to humans?

For the general public, the risk remains low, the CDC says. Although human bird flu cases are extremely rare in the U.S., the CDC has asked states to step up their monitoring for the virus. Summer brings a lull in cases of common human flu, so testing often falls off. But, on May 21, the CDC said states should keep their monitoring at peak levels, testing positive flu samples to see if the illness was caused by H5N1.

 What does it mean for our food and milk?

After particles of the bird flu virus were discovered in about 1 in 5 samples of grocery store milk, further Food and Drug Administration testing has confirmed that the virus was inactivated by pasteurization, a sterilizing process used on more than 99% of the commercial milk supply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also tested ground beef for bird flu, and all the samples came back negative.

Bird flu has also been found in unpasteurized milk, but you shouldnt consume unpasteurized milk or cheese regardless, the CDC warns, because they carry risk of infections like listeria. The CDC also says that the risk of being infected from eating eggs is low, and properly cooking them would kill any virus anyway.

Farms are prohibited from selling products  including milk and eggs  from sick animals, so its unlikely that contaminated food would wind up on grocery store shelves. The most likely impact of the bird flu outbreak in animals on the food supply is rising prices. Egg prices have shot up as chickens have been culled or died, limiting the supply of eggs. Milk prices could see increases but are stable so far.

On April 15, Colombia became the first country to restrict the importation of beef and beef products from U.S. states with infected herds, Reuters reported. CDC tests have shown that properly cooking beef kills the bird flu virus and the agency says that the food supply is safe. However, on May 24, the USDA announced in a press statement that bird flu virus was detected in meat from one sick dairy cow that had been culled (meaning the meat never would have been sold). All other 95 samples tested by the agency were negative.

 Are there bird flu vaccines and treatments?

Yes. According to a CIDRAP report on May 22, the U.S. government could have the 4.8 million doses of bird flu vaccine ready in a month or two. One of the two candidate vaccines the U.S. government stockpiles appears to be a good match against the currently circulating virus, officials say. The shot will only be distributed if the current outbreak takes a turn for the worse by, for example, spreading from person to person, spreading more easily and often from animals to humans, if cases are confirmed in people with no contact with dairy cattle, or if human illnesses from bird flu become more severe, officials said.

 How can I avoid bird flu?

Avoid close or prolonged contact with wild birds, cattle or any other animal suspected of being infected. The CDC also recommends steering clear of surfaces that may be contaminated with raw milk, animal feces, litter or anything else that might have crossed paths with an infected animal.

Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165F will kill off any virus. It's also recommended for milk drinkers to consume only pasteurized milk to prevent contracting bird flu or other viruses or bacteria from raw foods, and to avoid raw or undercooked foods sourced from animals that may be infected with bird flu.

This article was originally published on April 4, 2024. It has since been updated.
Tourism professionals from across Illinois will gather in the Quad Cities this week for the Illinois Destinations Association (IDA) 2024 Spring Meeting, according to a news release.

Illinois Destinations Association (ildestinations.org)

IDA is a collaborative network of 35 destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) throughout Illinois. With a mission to enhance member effectiveness and efficiency in attracting visitors to their communities, IDA works closely with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism.

On behalf of our Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors and professional team, we are looking forward to hosting our Illinois tourism colleagues in the QC, said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. Illinois destinations are creating unique opportunities for their communities to thrive and we are proud to be members of the Illinois Destinations Association.

Hosted at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK, the Spring Meeting agenda includes activities and sessions focused on community engagement and agritourism as well as opportunities for attendees to learn more about the history of the Quad Cities.

Several local community and business leaders will join the event to participate in panel discussions, including Frances Williams (Mercado on Fifth), Kevin Maynard (Quad City Arts), Jack Cullen (Rock Island Downtown Alliance), Joan and John Maxwell (Cinnamon Ridge Farms), Kasi Henshaw (Visit MerCo) and Missy Carter (Freight House Farmers Market).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
1 in custody after shelter-in-place issued in Littleton

DENVER (KDVR)  A person barricaded at an apartment complex on Tuesday afternoon is in custody, according to the Littleton Police Department.

Police did not report any injuries from the incident.

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The heavy police presence was reported at about 3:45 p.m. on Fox Street between Prentice and Crestline Avenues and concluded at about 4:41 p.m.

During the incident, police asked that all residents in the area shelter in place and avoid the apartments, but said the incident was contained.

Littleton police stand near a SWAT standoff with a barricaded subject on Tuesday, April 23.

Littleton police stand near a SWAT standoff with a barricaded subject on Tuesday, April 23.

Littleton police stand near a SWAT standoff with a barricaded subject on Tuesday, April 23.

SWAT officers were called to the scene while the subject stayed barricaded in an apartment.

Littleton police later reported a male subject was taken into custody without incident.

South Metro Fire Rescue aided in the incident response.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  One person was hurt and several animals were rescued from a house fire in Amherst early Tuesday evening, according to fire officials.

Crews responded to 582 Emerson Dr. just before 5 p.m. Tuesday. Smoke was coming from the home at the time. All of the residents were out of the home, and crews rescued a total of 11 animals, four dogs and seven cats, from the home.

One person was transported to ECMC with non-life threatening injuries. Around $200,000 in damages are estimated from the fire.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

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.
These are the 10 best public high schools in California, US News says. See rankings

California has some of the best high schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The media website looked at more than 24,000 reviewed public high schools in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to come up with its 2024 Best High Schools rankings, released Tuesday.

U.S. News & World Report ranked a total of 17,655 schools nationwide based on factors including college readiness, curriculum and graduation rates, then assigned them percentile scores. Those rankings included 1,652 schools in California.

The Golden State had a total of 11 schools in the top 100, U.S. News & World Report said.

One California high school even made it into the top 10: Riverside Stem Academy, which landed at No. 10.

The Riverside high school, which prides itself on preparing students to succeed in 21st century careers as leaders and innovators, led the list of top-ranked California schools with an overall score of 99.94 out of 100.

Two Los Angeles County schools  Whitney High School in Cerritos and Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood  landed in second place and third place for the state, respectively.

Heres how other high schools in California ranked:

What are the best public high schools in California?

These are the top 10 public high schools in California, according to U.S. News & World Report:

Riverside Stem Academy in Riverside Whitney High School in Cerritos Science Academy Stem Magnet in North Hollywood Oxford Academy in Cypress California Academy of Mathematics and Science in Carson Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy in Wilmington Lowell High School in San Francisco Pacific Collegiate Charter in Santa Cruz Lynbrook High School in San Jose Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early Academy College in Gilroy

How did Central Valley schools fare? Central Coast?

According to U.S. News & World Report, the highest ranked high school in the Sacramento area was West Campus High School in Sacramento.

The school, which has an overall score of 99.2 out of 100, was ranked No. 17 in California and No. 142 nationally.

University High School in Fresno was No. 12 in California and No. 110 in the nation with an overall score of 99.38 out of 100.

In the Modesto area, Stockton Unified Early College Academy in Stockton landed at No. 34 in California and No. 278 in the United States, with an overall score of 98.43 out of 100.

On the Central Coast, San Luis Obispo High School was ranked No. 161 in the state and No. 1,210 in the nation. It had an overall score of 93.15 out of 100.

How did US News & World Report come up with rankings?

U.S. News & World Report ranked high schools across the United States based on the following six factors:

College readiness

State assessment proficiency

State assessment performance

Underserved student performance

College curriculum breadth

Graduation rate

Using this methodology, schools earned an overall percentile score between 0 and 100 at two decimal places, the site said.

U.S. News drew on data on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams from the College Board and International Baccalaureate.

Individual states provided state assessment data and graduation rates, while other data came from the U.S. Department of Education Common Core of Data.

U.S. News & World Report said it works with RTI International, a nonprofit social science research firm, to assess and rank public high schools across the country, and produce rankings of charter schools and magnet schools.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
10 Mercer students committed to rural pediatric care in GA. How the school is rewarding them

Ten Mercer University School of Medicine students are getting full-tuition scholarships after being named recipients of the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholarship for the 2024 academic year.

Macon native Jimmy Asbell, a member of the class of 2026, and nine other students received full tuition for up to four academic years and committed to serving children of rural Georgia after graduation, the university announced earlier this month.

Because more than 60 of Georgias 159 counties do not have a single pediatrician, the program aims to strengthen pediatric health care in rural Georgia with a focus on improving care closer to home, said Kelly Thompson, Childrens public relations coordinator.

The scholars will also receive specialized training at the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta facilities.

Jim Fortenberry, chief medical officer at Childrens, said the organization is grateful for the scholars commitment to the kids and families of rural Georgia.

These scholars are filling a critical need in our rural communities, Fortenberry said. The pediatric expertise they develop through their training will have a tremendous impact on the areas where they serve.

The Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholarship Program was established as part of a joint initiative between Mercer University School of Medicine and Childrens in 2023.

Physical health includes mental health, yet rural Georgia has few mental health providers, said Jean Sumner, dean of the medicine school. The presence of family therapists with additional training in autism will bring profound improvement in mental health to rural areas.

Mercer University School of Medicine selected current medical students for the scholarship based on their commitment to become general pediatricians, strong ties to rural Georgia, character, leadership qualities and community involvement.
A 10-year-old boy woke up to discover his father killed his entire family and mother before killing himself, Oklahoma Police said on April 23.

In a press conference, Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Gary Knight said that the father, Jonathon Candy, had argued with his wife, Lindsay Candy, sometime overnight.

Knight said Jonathon Candy armed himself and fatally shot Lindsay Candy on the downstairs floor of their home at Mirage Street.

At that point, he systematically went through the home, shooting and killing their children, Knight said, adding that one of the children had been found slain in his own bed.

Knight said Jonathon Candy then killed himself.

All three of the deceased children were between the ages of 12 and 18. They have been identified as Dylan Candy, 18; Ethan Candy, 14, and Lucas Candy, 12, police said. Lindsay Candy was 39 years old and Jonathon Candy was 42, police said.

The youngest child  the 10-year-old who called police the following morning at 9:35 a.m.  told investigators he slept through the whole thing.

We dont know why he was left unharmed. I know thats the question that everybody asked, its a question we had, too, Knight said. In the end, nobody is ever going to have the answer to that.

The family had no known history of domestic abuse reports with law enforcement, Knight said. The surviving child has been placed with family.

It was a horrible thing for everybody  the officers who were there, the people who heard about it, for the investigators and crime scene analysts who had to go inside  and it was certainly most horrible for the young man who woke up and found the carnage, Knight said.

Knight said that because the suspect in the shooting is dead, there is no one to charge with a crime. However, they intend to investigate why Jonathon Candy did what he did.

Make no mistake about it. What happened inside that residence was nothing short of a massacre, he said. Those children were hunted down and killed.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
UN human rights chief condemns killings of women, children in Rafah

Xinhua) 09:04, April 24, 2024

People mourn victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 12, 2024. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

Turk warned against a full-scale incursion into an area with over 1.2 million civilians, saying it was likely to lead to more atrocities.

GENEVA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations' (UN) Human Rights chief Volker Turk has strongly condemned recent Israeli strikes in Rafah that resulted in the deaths of many women and children.

In a statement on Tuesday, Turk also warned against a full-scale incursion into an area with over 1.2 million civilians, saying it would violate international humanitarian and human rights law, likely leading to more atrocities.

Children are pictured at a camp in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, April 5, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

In March, the UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire, he stressed.

Moreover, he underscored the need for global solidarity to protect civilians in Rafah, recalling recent tragedies such as a premature baby delivered from a mother who had been mortally wounded in an air strike and the deaths of numerous children and women in separate strikes.

The UN human rights chief called for immediate actions to halt this suffering, calling for independent investigations into reports of mass graves and the destruction of medical facilities. He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian aid.

This photo taken on Feb. 29, 2024 shows an exterior view of the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Shi Song)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The well-known Turkish airline Turkish Airlines has announced that it will refuse to provide services to Russians if they fly to certain six Latin American countries. The reason for this is the company's reluctance to incur additional costs if Russian citizens are not allowed to leave the airport and are deported.

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It will be possible to get to Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, and Brazil only if certain conditions are met, which will be checked before boarding. This was reported on the website of Turkish Airlines after Russians traveling to a Madonna concert were turned around for no reason at the airport in Istanbul, Turkey, just before boarding a plane bound for Mexico.

The basic requirements for Russians to fly remain standard: a credit card, enough money, certain flight dates, hotel reservations, and a valid visa. In the future, a certain country will set its own conditions.

Russians will not be able to enter Venezuela as tourists without a notarized invitation to the country. Mexico requires an e-visa and a return ticket. For Colombia, a transit stay should last no more than 24 hours, while in Panama this time was reduced to 12 hours.

ADVERTISIMENT

The American countries have tried to limit the number of Russian tourists as much as possible, which may result in them being either denied entry or denied a flight.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
FLINT, Mich.  Ten years ago, smiling politicians posed for cameras while pushing a button, swapping the main tap water source for this majority-Black, impoverished city to the Flint River  the untreated water that started flowing from residents taps would become contaminated when it corroded the pipes.

For years afterward, the citys water was tainted with lead, a human-made crisis that became emblematic of how poorer communities of color in the United States could fall victim to government mismanagement.

In that time, Michigan started and then stopped providing free bottled water to Flint residents; criminal charges were brought and then dismissed against several officials for deaths suspected of being linked to the scandal; and a lawsuit was settled with the state in 2021 for $626 million, but residents have yet to receive a dime.

Now, Mayor Sheldon Neeley contends the citys work to ensure a Flint free from contaminated drinking water is finally on the last leg of the process  a promise that comes as families continue to live with lingering adverse health effects and demand ongoing accountability.

People participate in a national mile-long march to highlight the push for clean water in Flint (Bill Pugliano / Getty Images file)

We have new infrastructure. We have new state-of-the-art technologies, he said.Residents of this community never again have to worry about drinking from the Flint River water, Neeley added.

Since the crisis unfolded, almost 30,000 homes and businesses have had their water service lines investigated and replaced, he said. Efforts will resume this week to inspect the lines at almost three dozen more structures, although about 1,900 others have not been reviewed.

A federal judge last month held Flint in contempt of court for missing deadlines related to replacing service lines, writing that the city has failed to abide by the courts orders in several respects and adding that it has no good reason for its failures. Meanwhile groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, accuse the city of dragging its feet.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. (Maggie Vespa / NBC News)

Neeley said the city has been unable to move forward on those outstanding properties because their owners have not granted access. But activists claim its the city that isnt making the effort to contact them.As a resident myself, Im making sure that we do the things necessary to reach out, said Neeley, who was elected mayor in 2019 and re-elected in 2022. Those individuals that said they never received a knock at the door, they can also make an outreach to the city of Flint.

Were working every day, he added, and everything doesnt happen overnight.

But a decade should be more than enough time, Flint residents argue.

Its been the residents, the poisoned people, on the front lines this entire fight, said Melissa Mays, a social worker and activist. Its been exhausting because its ongoing.

A historic moment

On April 25, 2014, then-Mayor Dayne Walling and other officials toasted with glasses of water to celebrate switching from Detroits water system to the Flint River, part of a cost-cutting move that was estimated to save the cash-strapped city about $5 million in less than two years.

A lead pipe. (Paul Sancya / AP file)

Tapping from the Flint River was meant to be an interim source until Flint could join a new system accessing water from Lake Huron.Its a historic moment for the city of Flint to return to its roots and use our own river as our drinking water supply, Walling said at the ceremony, marking the switch with the press of a black button.

But in the following weeks, residents complained that the water tasted weird, with a murky, foamy appearance as it flowed from the tap.

While the mayor insisted residents who were concerned about the water quality were wasting their money buying bottled water, a boil advisory was eventually issued after the water tested positive for E.coli bacteria. Residents began to protest. The city continued to claim the water was safe, even as a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency manager told the state that the chemistry of the Flint River allowed for contaminants from pipes, including lead, to leach into the water system.

Flint residents hold a bottle full of contaminated water. (Mark Wilson / Getty Images file)

In the summer of 2015, Virginia Tech researchers found samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels. Exposure to lead can be harmful to children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potentially causing slowed growth and development, behavioral problems, and brain and nervous system damage.The fallout in Flint included a federal government investigation, the resignation of then-Gov. Rick Snyders environmental chief and the citys return to using Detroit water. Meanwhile, amid the crisis, Flint also grappled with a Legionnaires disease outbreak that led to a dozen deaths and scrutiny over whether the severe form of bacterial pneumonia was connected with the citys water supply. (A 2019 study prompted by the state of Michigan found the outbreak may be associated with the Flint water emergency but that, regardless, there was an ineffective public health response to the Legionnaires cases.)

In 2016, the administration of then-President Barack Obama declared a federal emergency in Flint and freed up millions in water infrastructure aid. By the end of that year, researchers said they found that lead-tainted water was not in most homes.

There is a great irony that despite all the attention that Flint brought to lead-contaminated tap water  and the wider issue of environmental justice  the city has not completed the work of installing new service lines, said Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health and food with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Placards posted above water fountains. (Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images file)

The local government just keeps making up excuses for why they havent solved the problem, he said. We need to turn that around and fix the problem now in Flint and take steps to fix the problem nationwide.He added: Theyre within fighting distance of finishing the job.

Still suffering

Mays, the Flint social worker, has been an outspoken critic of the local and state governments handling of the water crisis. The realization that some of the children she works with have gone their entire lives being unable or unwilling to drink from the tap is angering.

The fact that its been allowed to drag on for a decade while people suffer and pass away  weve lost a lot of amazing people, she said. Its inhumane.

Melissa Mays, an activist in Flint. (Maggie Vespa / NBC News)

Mays said she blames the lead in Flint water for medical and learning challenges her three sons, now 19, 21 and 25, have faced over the past decade, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, anxiety, damage to their kidneys and growth plates, as well as immune system issues.We didnt have discolored water, she said, so we just assumed it was safe.

Mays joined others in her community to protest, and in 2016 became a named plaintiff in a lawsuit accusing Flint of violating the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. A settlement was reached for the city to replace the lead service lines.

Meanwhile, the states financial payouts to tens of thousands of Flint residents remain mired in delays.

We still have yet to have proper justice, said Mays youngest son, Cole Mays, who grew up with a regular routine of getting his lead levels checked.

The Flint River. (Seth Herald / AFP via Getty Images file)

His mother added that water woes in recent years in other economically disadvantaged and majority-Black cities, including Newark, New Jersey, and Jackson, Mississippi, indicate a larger problem, but the failures in Flint and the slow-going repairs underscore how her city is still suffering.Within the last decade, everybody stood up for us and fought for Flint. We need that again because without that external pressure, its going to be another 10 years and then another and another, Mays said, and its terrifying.

Maggie Vespa and Samira Puskar reported from Flint and Erik Ortiz from New York.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
11 Sets of Twins to Graduate from Same Pennsylvania High School Together

Norwin High School's principal, who is also a parent of twins, joked, "I don't know if there's something the water"

CBS Pittsburgh/Youtube Some of the 11 sets of twins at Norwin High School in Westmoreland County

A high school graduation ceremony in Pennsylvania is set to look a little different this summer.

According to CBS News, Norwin High School in Westmoreland County will see 11 sets of twins receive their high school diplomas at the end of the school year.

"You always have a friend around, so it's like you're never really bored," student Sophie Bowser told the outlet. "I always have someone to talk to."

Speaking about being part of the 11 pairs of twins, Luke Klamut added, "It's super interesting to see. I'm not sure if this is a record, but it's super interesting. If anyone is like, 'Do you have a fun fact?' you can be like, 'Well I graduated with 10 other sets of twins in high school.' "

Related: 12 Sets of Twins and 1 Set of Triplets Graduate from Illinois High School

Norwin High School Principal Dr. Michael Choby also shared his thoughts on the news, explaining that despite the students being twins, they were individuals with different personalities.

Very different personalities as a group and as twins for sure. It makes them special and makes them unique, as you mentioned, it makes them unique to hang around with at school," he told the outlet.

Choby added that he had never experienced having so many twins graduate at the same time.

Related: New Orleans High School Student Receives Record $9M in Scholarship Offers from 125 Colleges

"It is my ninth year as the building principal," he said. "I don't remember it happening in the past. It's exciting because of the camaraderie amongst the students."

"I also am a parent of twins," he added. "So I have twins here at Norwinn School District, not in high school yet, but someday. I don't know if there's something the water."

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.

CBS News also reports that while some twins are set to attend the same college together, others are going separate directions.

"We're going to try to stick together," Sophie's twin Abby Bowser told the outlet.

"This is just a stepping stone," added Choby. "Their futures are going to be phenomenal. I'm excited to just follow from a distance."



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Read the original article on People.
12 cartel members sentenced for trafficking of drugs from Mexico to Dallas

Twelve defendants tied to a Mexican drug cartel were sentenced to prison terms ranging from four to 40 years on drug charges, Leigha Simonton, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District, announced in a news release Tuesday.

Francisco Javier Rodriguez Arreola, a top source of supply charged in the case, was sentenced to 40 years on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Arreola, 45, of Michoacan, was arrested in 2021 in Del Rio while illegally entering the U.S. from Mexico after having been previously deported.

Rodriguez Arreola admitted he helped coordinate a shipment containing 199.97 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine  worth a street value of $9.9 million  from Mexico to Dallas, according to plea papers.

Wiretaps caught Rodriguez Arreola communicating with co-defendants in code about the movement and sale of controlled substances, the investigation found.

Rodriguez Arreola previously served time in federal prison and was deported to Mexico in April 2020, according to the release. Less than a month after being deported, he was back in the drug trade.

At a Tuesday hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that showed Rodriguez Arreola also coordinated multiple deliveries of meth from Mexico to the U.S. on behalf of the cartel.

Testimony also showed that he was a broker of meth and had ties to cartel leadership, according to the release. Rodriguez Arreolas role included finding drivers and people who could transport and distribute meth, planning routes, confirming deliveries, loss prevention, and finding locations to receive, store, and transfer shipments containing meth, the release says.

The hearing further revealed Rodriguez Arreola had access to counterintelligence information provided by the cartel because he told a co-defendant that they needed drivers that were U.S. residents to transport the drugs because no drivers with visas could cross the border with shipments, according to the release.

Other defendants sentenced included:

Ricardo Hernandez Zarate, sentenced to 480 months in prison on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and 240 months in prison on a money laundering charge, to be served concurrently

Pedro Hernandez Zarate, sentenced to 360 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Uriel Marin Gaona, sentenced to 120 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Benito Diaz Hernandez, sentenced to 210 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Marcos Garcia Reyes, sentenced to 87 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Heleodoro Rosales Ramirez, sentenced to 168 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Rafael Diaz, sentenced to 60 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Jose Alberto Plascencia Torres, sentenced to 292 months on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Elmer Gardea Tello, sentenced to 55 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Walter Daniel Chapa Marty, sentenced to 121 months on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Salvador Antonio Martinez, sentenced to 151 months on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance

During the investigation, authorities seized about 650 kilograms of meth, 17 firearms, $220,922, and $12,200 in real and personal property.
12-year-old camper who died at Trails Carolina may have suffocated, NC report says

The 12-year-old boy found dead at a North Carolina wilderness therapy camp in February may have suffocated in a small tent, a staff member told state investigators.

The boy wasnt visually checked overnight, but staff thought they heard him breathing before daybreak, according to an inspection report obtained from the state Department of Health and Human Services. The breathing could have come from an employee sleeping nearby, staff members said.

The boy, who had just arrived at the Trails Carolina camp in Lake Toxaway the previous day, was sleeping in a cabin in a one-person nylon tent called a bivy, the report said.

Staff members were required to check whether children were breathing at 12 a.m., 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. On the night of Feb. 3, they said they thought that they heard heavy breathing coming from the boys tent around 3 a.m. and quieter breathing around 6 a.m., according to the report.

The boy, who has not been identified by state and local officials, was found dead and cold at 7:45 a.m.

I didnt check as thoroughly as I should have, the staff member told local law enforcement, according to the report.

My actions that night was to perform night checks ... that was my responsibility, which I failed on ... I do feel like the bivy had a lot to do with it.

Earlier that night, the zipper to the bivys mesh window broke off, the report states. This covering allows for breathability, according to the report.

The boy was let out momentarily and allowed to sleep on a sleeping bag in the cabin. But by 10 p.m. he was back in the tent with the tents exterior flap zipped up, the report said.

The screen part is where the zipper part fell off, so we zipped up the wind shell part (outer layer), a staff member told investigators.

Once campers are asleep, staff attach an alarm to the bivys zipper. If a camper tries to get out, the alarm sounds, the DHHS report states.

Sleeping in one of the tents makes campers feel claustrophobic, staff members told investigators.

One camper said that it was difficult to get help while sleeping in one.

Said the camper: You have to tap them (staff) somehowYou roll on top of them  Its really hard to wake staff up.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Trails Carolina called the state report inaccurate and misleading in many respects and said it is working with state officials to clarify and correct where needed.

In fact, just yesterday, April 23, 2024, we met with DHHS staff in person, and walked them through basic camping lexicon and systems, which, by their admission, they did not previously understand, the statement said.

Most importantly, the cause of death has yet to be released by the medical examiner, and, in the meantime, statements by anyone beyond those with authority and direct access to specifics of the autopsy are nothing more than speculation.

An aerial view of part of the Trails Carolina camp in Lake Toxaway, N.C. Screen grab from Trails Carolina's Facebook page

Will the camp reopen?

Trails Carolina, based about 140 miles west of Charlotte, says it was founded in 2008, largely on the belief that a wilderness setting enhances the benefits of therapy. It took children, ages 10 to 17, on wilderness expeditions, and its therapists met with children on a weekly basis.

The 12-year-old who died there wasnt the first young person to lose his life while enrolled there. Alec Sanford Lansing, 17, died of hypothermia after running away from the program in November 2014.

In mid February, the state removed all children from the camp after concluding the move was needed to ensure their health and safety. And in March, DHHS said it planned to revoke Trail Carolinas license due to several serious deficiencies. Whether it will proceed with the revocation remains unclear.

In all, the state has cited Trails Carolina for five violations, according to the documents obtained Tuesday. Among them:

Trails Carolina failed to protect campers from harm, abuse and neglect.

It failed to provide the least restrictive and most appropriate methods to ensure the safety and dignity of campers.

The camp repeatedly failed to properly document how it administered medication.

It restricted the communications children had with their parents or guardians. Several parents told investigators the phone calls with their children were monitored by program staff members.

DHHS has fined Trails Carolina $18,000 for the violations. The states findings were based on an investigation that was completed on March 21.

In the camps written response to the states report, it stated that its correction plan does not indicate full agreement with conclusions of the state report.

But it said it would make changes nonetheless.

When clients are under heightened supervision, Trails Carolina said it would ensure a staff member is present and awake. The camp also said it would no longer use bivy bags or a type or restraint called the burrito, even though these have been state approved interventions for safety for the past 15 years, the report states.

In complaints to an advocacy group for troubled teens, a number of former Trails participants spoke of the burrito  a technique in which staff put them inside their sleeping bags and then wrapped those sleeping bags with tarps. Some said the tactic made it hard for them to breathe, said Meg Appelgate, CEO of Unsilenced, the advocacy group.

Trails Carolina said in March that it was surprised and disappointed to learn of the states intent to revoke the programs license, given the progress weve made and continue to make.

The basis for some of the states conclusions are unclear, since it indicates policies it had approved, and in some cases helped create, are noncompliant, the statement said.

But the program said it will cooperate with state regulators to satisfy their concerns.

We have always valued our good working relationship with the state and hope to focus on what matters most: providing our students with the highest quality of care in a compassionate healing space, the statement said.

A suspicious death?

The boy who was found dead on Feb. 3 arrived the previous day from New York.

The childs death appeared suspicious, according to a Transylvania County Sheriffs Office news release after his death. A forensic pathologist told investigators that the death did not appear to be natural, the sheriffs office said.

Trails Carolina has disputed that characterization, contending that there is no evidence of criminal conduct or suspicious acts and that preliminary reports indicate the boys death was accidental.

The boy who died reportedly experienced a panic attack the night he arrived and was found cold, stiff and frothing at the mouth the next morning, search warrants show.

While its unclear what caused the boys mouth to froth, that couldve indicated that he ingested some sort of poison, according to an affidavit from a detective who obtained the search warrant.

The Transylvania County Sheriffs Office is continuing its investigation into the boys death. Office spokesman John Nicholson said in an email Wednesday that investigators are still awaiting a medical examiners report so the cause and manner of death is not known as yet.

Nicholson said the office is also awaiting forensic analysis of computers that investigators seized from Trails Carolina.

Editors note: This story has been updated with a response from Trails Carolina.
Here's What Pro-Palestine Student Protests Look Like Right Now

Here's What Pro-Palestine Student Protests Look Like Right Now

Reports of students protesting some American universities' ties with Israel have been generating copious headlines in the past few days.

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

Many of the student groups' aims are broadly similar: encourage the universities to cut financial ties with Israel or companies that support the war in Gaza. Campus protests began after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre in Israel, and have picked up as the death toll in Palestine has risen to at least 30,000 people from subsequent Israeli attacks.

Student protest has a long history in the United States, such as the anti-Vietnam war activism of the '60s and '70s  especially at Columbia University, where protestors were arrested in 1968. About 100 US colleges have reported gifts or contracts from Israel totaling $375 million over the past two decades, according to the Education Department database. Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images

So here's what the protests look like right now at universities across the US:

1.Columbia is making headlines after police initially tried to clear out student encampments on the university's campus on April 18, with over a hundred students being arrested.

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

2.The majority were charged with trespassing. According to University President Nemat Shafik, the protests are in violation of "a long list of rules and policies."

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

3.On April 22, hundreds of Columbia faculty held a mass walkout in response to police involvement.

The last photo shows the names of Palestinians reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes. Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

4.Classes will be hybrid until the end of the semester on April 29. Protestors have said that they will not move until their demands are met.

Jeenah Moon / Getty Images

5.Other universities have also set up "solidarity encampments," such as NYU's Palestine Solidarity Coalition. Their Instagram bio states, "We organize to break the university's ties with the apartheid settler-colonial state."

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

6.On NYU's campus, over 120 people were arrested Monday following what university officials called "intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents."

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

7.According to Teen Vogue, the NYPD reportedly pepper-sprayed students and arrested several faculty members.

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

8.This sparked further protests of police involvement in a peaceful protest the following day.

Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images

9.In Massachusetts, Harvard reportedly restricted access to Harvard Yard and hung warning signs against tents, leading some students to join the protest at MIT.

Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images

10.The Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee reportedly said it aims to support MIT as part of the nationwide campaign to escalate for divestment."

Despite Harvard's rules, students began an encampment on their own campus earlier today. Scott Eisen / Getty Images

11.At Yale, over 40 students were arrested on Monday. Student group Occupy Yale wrote on Instagram, Yale, you have intimidated us, criminalized us, militarized our campus and failed to accept our demands. We will not stop, we will not rest until we have disclosure and divestment.

The protesters depicted in the photo above were blurred to protect their privacy. Hartford Courant / TNS

12.University of California, Berkeley students began their protests on Monday in solidarity with Columbia.

Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

13.And finally, the UC Berkeley Divest group has called for an end to the university's investment in groups that arm and sustain the genocide in Gaza.

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Nearly 40% of people in the U.S. are living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution and the country is backsliding on clean air progress as the effects of climate change intensify, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.

The organizations report  its 25th annual analysis of the State of the Air in the country  found that between 2020 and 2022, 131 million people were living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. The figure increased by nearly 12 million since the last survey a year ago.

The report also found that people in the United States experienced more very unhealthy or hazardous air quality days than any time in the surveys history.

Katherine Pruitt, the national senior director for clean air policy at the American Lung Association, said climate change is chipping away at decades of cleanup efforts made through the Clean Air Act, a federal law passed in 1963 to regulate air pollution and set air quality standards.

The changes happening in our climate and with heat and drought, and especially wildfire, have started to undo some of that progress weve made, Pruitt said. It is distressing to find that so many people are living with air quality that threatens their health.

Wildfires are a fast-growing pollution source that policymakers are struggling to address. Climate scientists expect wildfire smoke to increase in the future, as greenhouse gas emissions push temperatures higher. The lung associations analysis comes to the same conclusion as peer-reviewed research published last year in the journal Nature. Marshall Burke, an author of that study, suggested that wildfire smoke has undone about 25% of the Clean Air Acts progress.

If we take some steps back and tell what the root cause is, its the burning of fossil fuels, said Dr. Lisa Patel, a clinical associate professor who practices as a pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Childrens Health. We dont need to be in this situation. We have the technology, we have the federal investment to get on renewables. What we need now is the political will.

Every year, the State of the Air report analyzes air quality data of the three previous years. The analysis focuses on ozone exposure and on short-term and year-round exposures to particle pollution. The report issues grades for each measure and then summarizes how many areas pass or fail for each grade. Nearly 44 million people now live in areas that failed at all three criteria, according to the report.

Small particles are a significant concern because they can penetrate into peoples lungs, circulate in the bloodstream and affect other organs.

These particles, which are merely a fraction of the size of a human hair, have been shown to raise risk for asthma, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, preterm birth and pregnancy loss.

Patel, who is also the executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, said she has noticed an uptick in preterm births during periods of heavy wildfire events and has begun to counsel parents about how heat and smoke are a risk factor during pregnancy.

When we have weeks of poor air quality, we see more pregnant individuals coming in and delivering before 37 weeks, Patel said, adding that parents often question whether their actions could have contributed to an early birth. When they ask about risks for premature birth, I do say climate change. Both heat and wildfires are a risk factor. Theyre not in your control.

Additionally, Patel said she has noticed that patients in her pediatric clinic often complain of nasal infections, eye irritation and asthmatic exacerbations, among other ailments, when wildfire smoke events happen in California.

Pruitt said particle pollution concerns once centered on the industrial Midwest and the Northeast. But in this report, for the first time, all 25 of the cities with the most daily particle pollution were in the West. Most were in California.

Early in our history, a lot of particle pollution was coming from coal-fired power plants and transportation sources and industrial processes, Pruitt said. As the Clean Air Act has cleaned those sources up, particle pollution problems in the eastern U.S. have gotten much less serious. But in the West, theyve of course had the same access to regulations and cleanups, but they are also being gobsmacked by climate change and wildfire.

Daniel Mendoza, an assistant professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Utah, said many communities in western states are dealing with acute, short-term pollution episodes rather than chronic exposures over a long period of time. Scientists are still trying to untangle how damaging wildfire episodes are in comparison to extended exposures from industrial sources.

Not all bad air pollution is created equal, Mendoza said.

Pollution from transportation and industrial sources could continue to decline if the Environmental Protection Agency is able to implement the more stringent standards it has proposed. The EPA proposed a rule last year that would require nearly all of the countrys coal and large gas plants to reduce or capture about 90% of their carbon dioxide emissions by 2038.

This March, the agency implemented stricter rules to reduce tailpipe emissions from passenger vehicles. Another EPA policy, aimed at curbing nitrogen oxide pollution that travels across states, was challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2022, the Supreme Court limited the administrations ability to use the Clean Air Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The report has one bright spot: Ozone pollution has continued its dramatic improvement. About 2.4 million fewer people are living in areas with unhealthy ozone pollution in comparison to last year.

Wildfire smoke has worsened in the time since this analysis was complete: Americans in 2023 breathed in more wildfire smoke than any other year on record, the Stanford researchers found last year.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
15 photos that show how divided Congress has become

Photos show how breaches of decorum have become more common in an increasingly polarized Congress.

Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert heckled Joe Biden during the State of the Union.

In 2023, Kevin McCarthy lost 14 votes for House speaker before winning. He was ousted months later.

Outbursts, scuffles, and statement outfits have become more common among members of Congress in an increasingly polarized political climate that's fueled an excess of election denialism, the House of Representatives struggling to elect a speaker twice in the same year, and legislative gridlock.

Divisions are rife within the parties, too. Most recently, some Republicans have called for Mike Johnson to be booted from his speaker job over the Ukraine aid package, arguing that he is betraying the GOP by working with Democrats.

Here are 15 photos that show how divided Congress has become in recent years.

Many Democratic women wore white to President Donald Trump's 2019 State of the Union address, creating a stark contrast in the House Chamber seating.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the chamber of the US House of Representatives at the Capitol Building. Alex Wong/Getty Images

The white outfits were a nod to the women's suffrage movement and a message of "solidarity" with each other and women across the US, Florida Rep. Lois Frankel, the chairwoman of the Democratic Women's Working Group, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

At least one Republican woman, Rep. Elise Stefanik, also wore white for the event. However, party lines were clearly visible in the State of the Union seating arrangements.

Rep. Dean Philips, a male congressman from Minnesota, also wore white to honor the cause.

Nancy Pelosi appeared to clap sarcastically during Trump's speech, sparking memes.

President Donald Trump turns to then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi as he delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool

Pelosi extended her arms and clapped at Trump with a smirk on her face. It earned her the nickname of "Queen of Condescending Applause" by some, The Washington Post reported.

Pelosi later told a group of reporters that the clap itself was not meant to be sarcastic and that she was applauding a comment Trump made about rejecting "the politics of revenge, resistance, and retribution, and embrace the boundless potential of cooperation, compromise, and the common good."

When Pelosi made a guest appearance on "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2022, drag queen Raja Gemini praised what they called a "sarcastic, shady clap," describing it as a "masterclass."

"It was completely unintentional," Pelosi said with a shrug and a laugh.

Female Democratic lawmakers wore white again to the 2020 State of the Union.

Members from the House of Representatives, with most Democratic women wearing white, listen to President Donald Trump deliver the State of the Union address. OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

In 2020, the white outfits marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

At the end of Trump's 2020 address, Pelosi ripped up her copy of the speech.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rips up President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Before his speech, Trump appeared to reject a handshake from Pelosi, who spearheaded his impeachment on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. (He was acquitted of the charges.)

She told reporters that she ripped up the speech because "it was the courteous thing to do considering the alternatives" and that the move was not planned.

Pelosi's actions ultimately led Republican firebrand Rep. Matt Gaetz to file an ethics complaint for violating House decorum, The Hill reported. Trump also later shared a doctored video to millions of his followers of the incident that was edited to make it seem like she was ripping the speech up as the former president introduced one of the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen from World War II.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wore a "Trump won" face mask to take her oath of office after President Joe Biden won the 2020 election.

Marjorie Taylor Greene wears a "Trump won" face mask as she arrives on the floor of the House to take her oath of office. Erin Scott/Pool via AP

Greene has repeatedly posted to X about her belief that Trump won the 2020 election, one of several conspiracy theories that she has promoted.

In a video posted to X after the 2020 election, Greene told her followers that there could not be a peaceful transfer of power because Biden "did not win this election."

Two days before the January 6 insurrection, Greene promised at a Trump rally that she would refuse to "certify fraudulent electoral college votes" for the incoming president.

However, under oath in April 2022, Greene denied wanting Congress to vote against certifying Biden as the 2020 election winner.

During Biden's 2022 State of the Union address, Greene and Rep. Lauren Boebert interrupted the speech with frequent outbursts.

Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene scream "Build the wall" as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union. Evelyn Hockstein-Pool/Getty Images

Greene and Boebert turned their backs and refused to applaud as Biden entered the House chamber.

During Biden's speech, both tried to start a "build the wall" chant while the president spoke about immigration. Boebert also accused Biden of being responsible for the deaths of US soldiers during the withdrawal from Afghanistan as he spoke about his late son Beau's battle with cancer following his deployment to Iraq, yelling, "You put them there, 13 of them!"

While their interruptions were widely condemned by Democrats and a few Republicans, the House of Representatives ultimately did not pass a resolution of disapproval the way it did when Republican Rep. Joe Wilson yelled "You lie!" at President Barack Obama during his first State of the Union address in 2009.

"I think they should just shut up," former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi later said in response to Boebert and Greene.

During a 2022 hearing, the House January 6 committee displayed a photo of Sen. Josh Hawley raising his fist towards rioters before they breached the Capitol.

A photograph of Josh Hawley pumping his fist toward the rioters on January 6, 2021, is shown during a prime-time hearing of the House January 6 committee. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

The committee juxtaposed the image with security footage of Hawley fleeing from rioters as they forced their way into the Capitol.

The Washington Post reported that Republican Sen. Mitt Romney yelled, "You have caused this!" at Hawley as senators sheltered in place during the insurrection.

Hawley previously told The Huffington Post that the photo did not show him "encouraging rioters."

"At the time that we were out there, folks were gathered peacefully to protest, and they have a right to do that," Hawley said. "They do not have a right to assault cops."

It took 15 rounds of voting in January 2023 to elect Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy as the next speaker of the House, highlighting tensions within the Republican party.

Kevin McCarthy places his face in his hands as the House of Representatives votes for new speaker. OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

Due to the GOP's slim majority in the House of Representatives, McCarthy needed the support of nearly all Republicans to reach the necessary 218 votes to become speaker.

A group of 20 Republicans, members of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, repeatedly withheld their support at the start of the 118th Congress, bringing the proceedings to a standstill.

The House cannot swear-in lawmakers, introduce any bills, or pass legislation until a speaker is elected.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was photographed smiling in the background as Republican lawmakers argued during the second day of the proceedings.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez looks on as Republican House members speak to one another during the second day of elections for Speaker of the House. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

After GOP Rep. Kat Cammack said that Democrats had been drinking during the speaker vote, Ocasio-Cortez responded in a post on X: "If only! If Dems took a shot every time McCarthy lost a Republican, we'd all be unconscious by now."

Photos from inside the House Chamber showed the growing frustration  and boredom  with the chaotic votes.

Katie Porter reads a book in the House Chamber during the fourth day of elections for Speaker of the House. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Members of Congress were spotted yawning, reading comics, and bringing their pets to the House floor as the votes dragged on. Rep. Katie Porter read "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson during the 14th speaker vote.

Porter told MSNBC that the book was actually the fourth book she had read that week, adding that she "read a book basically every day during those interminable, alphabetical votes, in which the Republicans struggled to find leadership."

Porter's now running in the election to fill Sen. Dianne Feinstein's seat in the Senate after Feinstein died in late September, ultimately leading Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint Sen. Laphonza Butler to temporarily fill the position.

Rep. Mike Rogers appeared to lunge at Rep. Matt Gaetz, who opposed McCarthy's bid for speaker, during the 14th vote.

Richard Hudson pulls Mike Rogers back as they talk with Matt Gaetz during the 14th round of voting for Speaker as the House. Andrew Harnik)/AP Photo

Rep. Richard Hudson held Rogers back.

Rogers later told The New York Post that at the time, he was "exasperated" that Gaetz was "treating McCarthy so badly," which ultimately led him to walk over to where Gaetz was sitting to talk.

As for the image, Rogers said he was actually about to walk away from Gaetz when Hudson yanked him away.

As Biden delivered the 2023 State of the Union address, Greene rose from her seat and gave a thumbs-down gesture.

Marjorie Taylor Greene gives a thumb down as President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address. Jim Watson/Getty Images

Before the State of the Union in February, McCarthy told CNN that there would be no "childish games" at the speech.

"We're members of Congress. We have a code of ethics of how we should portray ourselves," McCarthy said. "And that's exactly what we'll do."

McCarthy then struggled to maintain control of his caucus as Republicans repeatedly interrupted and heckled the president during his speech. McCarthy was seen shushing Republicans such as Greene, who shouted "China spied on us" and "Liar."

The House voted to remove McCarthy as speaker in October, once again launching the chaotic process of electing a new speaker.

George Santos and Lauren Boebert on the House floor before the Republican nominee for Speaker of the House, Jim Jordan, failed to receive enough votes to win the position. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

During the first vote on Tuesday, 20 House Republicans voted against Rep. Jim Jordan's bid for speaker. In the second vote on Wednesday, that number rose to 22.

During the first vote, Boebert was seated next to Rep. George Santos, who was photographed pointing and laughing. Santos was accused of stealing campaign donors' credit card information and paying his own campaign in a superseding indictment filed on October 10. He has denied wrongdoing.

Divisions within the Democratic party were visible during the 2024 State of the Union when Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush held signs calling for a cease-fire in Israel and Gaza.

Democratic Reps. Summer Lee, Rashida Tlaib, and Cori Bush all voted against providing military aid to Israel. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Tlaib and Bush held signs that read "Stop sending bombs" and wore traditional Palestinian scarves known as keffiyehs. Rep. Summer Lee, seated next to Tlaib, also wore a keffiyeh.

Israel's military actions targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure in Gaza have had a devastating human toll. The issue remains divisive among Democrats, with some in the party's progressive wing raising the possibility of conditioning US aid to Israel and some voters casting "uncommitted" ballots in primaries to protest Biden's handling of the war.

Greene also heckled Biden's address as she had in the past, but this time, Biden responded.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shouts at President Joe Biden as he delivers the State of the Union address. Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images

Greene was heard repeatedly shouting, "Say her name," goading Biden to acknowledge a 22-year-old nursing student named Laken Riley who was killed in Georgia in February. A Venezuelan man who entered the US illegally was charged with kidnapping and murder in connection with her death.

Biden responded to Greene by holding up a pin with Riley's name.

"Laken Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal. That's right," Biden said, though he mispronounced her name as "Lincoln."

Biden later told MSNBC that he regretted using the term "illegal" and should have said "undocumented" instead.

Read the original article on Business Insider
16 million Californians use TikTok. Soon, it could go away. What would that mean?

Now that President Joe Biden has signed the bipartisan TikTok ban bill into law, the Chinese-owned social media apps days might be numbered. And that means millions of Californians who rely on the video-sharing app may have to find their videos elsewhere.

Last month, TikTok collaborated with the firm Oxford Economics to produce a report looking at the impact the social media app has on various states, including California.

That report found that 16 million Californians use TikTok, and 890,000 businesses also do so. More than two-thirds (70%) of California users say that TikTok helps them stay in touch with friends and family.

Of the small-to-medium businesses that use TikTok, 40% reported that it is critical to their business.

Businesses use of the app for advertisements and marketing contributed $3.4 billion to Californias Gross Domestic Product, according to the study, as well as 28,000 jobs. It also generated more than $820 million in federal, state and local tax revenue.

The report found that TikTok was incredibly valuable for product promotion  97% of small-to-medium businesses said sales increased due to product and service promotion on the app, and 96% said they actually sold out due to product promotion on TikTok.

Two-thirds of those businesses surveyed said that TikTok gave them the ability to connect with people who otherwise would be unreachable.

Dan Salinger, a retired Sacramento attorney with 2 million TikTok followers, told The Bee in an interview Tuesday, the day before Biden signed the ban into law, that he uses the app to chronicle my life taking care of my dad, who has dementia.

He said that he has spent thousands of hours building up his follower count.

This app is so important to so many Americans for so many different reasons, he said.

TikTok has vowed to fight the ban in court.

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail. The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation, the company said in a statement to The Bee.

This ban would devastate 7 million businesses and silence 170 million Americans. As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired.
16-year-old student dies after being shot near his high school, Illinois cops say

A 16-year-old boy died Wednesday, April 24, after he was found shot near his high school, according to Illinois authorities and news reports.

The teen was discovered shot near a roadway close to Southeast High School and Springfield Ball Charter School around 8:40 a.m., according to the Springfield Police Department.

He had been shot at least once in the lower torso, and he died after being taken to a Springfield hospital for surgery, police said.

The teens identity has not been publicly disclosed, but school district officials confirmed to WICS and WCIA that he attended Southeast High School. The shooting happened less than 20 minutes after school began Wednesday.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time, the district said in a statement to WCIA.

Both schools in the area were placed on a soft lockdown, which was eventually lifted, police said.

Officers have not released details about a possible suspect or what led to the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact Springfield police at 217-788-8311.

Springfield is about a 95-mile drive northeast from St. Louis.

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A man has been charged with murder in the death of a 17-year-old, whose remains were found more than a year after he mysteriously went missing, Oklahoma authorities say.

Why would you take somebody so kind and so caring who had the entire world in his hands, who could have done so many good things and you just ripped that from him, Aspen Lawton, a childhood friend of Teedeenae Jackson Yearby, told KFOR.

Yearby was staying with friends in Stillwater when he suddenly vanished in January 2023, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. He was reported missing when he stopped contacting his friends and family and quit going to work.

My son Jackson moved in with friends back in November (2022). He enrolled himself into school & goes to work  with the understanding he would call me at least once a week to let me know he is OK, his mother, Shema Lincoln, said Feb. 8, 2023. He has gone a week without contact before but never close to two weeks. Ive reached out to many people, the school and his work. Everyone has said the same dates when they talked to him last.

The 17-year-old, who was affiliated with the Seminole, Muscogee and Choctaw tribes, remained missing for more than a year as the Stillwater Police Department continues its investigation.

On April 17, 2024, Stillwater police announced the arrest of 19-year-old Quinlan Phipps, who is charged with first-degree murder. Authorities did not state how Phipps and Yearby knew one another or what led to Yearbys death.

Remains that are believed to be Yearbys were recovered six days later on April 23, police said. A cause of death will be determined by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.

Stillwater Police Lt. TJ Low told KOCO the department received tips very recently that led to Phipps arrest.

Yearby had two younger brothers and loved to make people smile and his laugh lit up a room, said the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women organization, which assisted in the investigation.

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The House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Peace through Strength draft law, which includes sanctions against Iran and China and, most importantly for Ukraine, the seizure of frozen Russian assets and their transfer to the needs of our country. In total, the value of Russian assets abroad is estimated at $300 billion. Most of the Central Bank's funds are in France, Germany, and Belgium.

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Since the first day of the full-scale war, Ukraine has been demanding the confiscation of this money, but Western countries have repeatedly said that there are no legal mechanisms for such a decision. At the end of last year, the West claimed that a roadmap for this process would be ready by the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, but nothing happened. They say that if the funds are simply taken away, it may happen that global businesses that keep money in the US, EU, or Britain will think about what will happen if they can take away funds even from Russia "without any legal grounds." After all, the Western banking system actually lives on stability, predictability, and clear rules.

Read more about how the United States began the process of confiscating Russian money for the needs of Ukraine in the OBOZ.UA article.

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The political decision has been made

Representatives of the West are still trying to adhere to certain rules and have stated that the current legislation does not allow the confiscation of sovereign assets of a country. That is, until recently, they have been playing a kind of intelligent game with the bandits when everything should be done exclusively in accordance with international law. Despite the fact that the bandits, represented by the Russian Federation, have trampled all legal norms.

Nevertheless, the idea of using Russian money to finance Ukraine's needs was supported in the United States. It will be easier to take Russian money than to explain to their voters why their billions are being spent on the war in Ukraine.

The EU is still being cautious on this issue and is watching how the US will do. But if the US brings this issue to its logical conclusion, other countries will have nowhere to go. Now it is important that the various legal aspects are resolved as soon as possible. After all, precious time is being lost for Ukraine.

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What does the US decision mean?

The main frozen amount is about 200 billion of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and another 100 billion of Russian oligarchs. It will be easier to deal with the oligarchic money. There are already successful examples of transferring such funds to Ukraine. So far, these are small amounts, about $7 million, but the main thing is that a precedent has been set.

The most difficult situation with funds that are considered untouchable in the world is public finances, i.e., the funds of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. Suggestions on what to do with them ranged from radical (confiscate and transfer to Ukraine) to creative (force them to reinvest in Ukrainian military bonds). Until recently, none of them found a wide response from Western governments. After all, in order to be able to confiscate them and transfer them to Ukraine, legislative changes are needed. This is exactly what the United States is actively doing.

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The bill on freezing Russian assets passed by the House of Representatives will provide a legal basis for the transfer of Russian state funds to Ukraine. This money will be used to rebuild the economy and compensate for war damage. The bill states that the "change of designation" of Russian sovereign assets is fully consistent with U.S. and international law.

Thus, only 4 to 5 billion dollars are under US jurisdiction. This is the amount of money that is planned to be confiscated. The law will not be automatic. It will give the executive branch the right to make all final decisions. If the letter of the law is strictly followed, the confiscated assets will be transferred to the Compensation Fund and the Ukraine Support Fund, which will be administered by the State Department. In case Trump comes to power, the law contains a caveat: the assets cannot be unfrozen until Russia withdraws its troops, including from Crimea.

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The draft law does not specify when Ukraine will receive the funds. This step only authorizes the US president to take certain actions. One way or another, this is a very good start, especially when the EU still insists on proposing to use the interest on the assets frozen on its territory only, without touching the main amount of Russian assets.

Changing the EU's wariness

European officials have refused to confiscate Russian assets, fearing that this could lead to a violation of international law, loss of investor confidence in the euro, and retaliation from Moscow.

Many in Europe are still suspicious of America's ambitions. Officials there are unhappy that the United States insists on what they see as risky actions (in particular, the complete confiscation of frozen Russian assets and their transfer to Ukraine) since the vast majority of Russia's blocked assets are located in Europe. In this regard, possible Russian retaliatory measures will be primarily aimed at the EU. That is, Europeans are still somewhat concerned about the possibility of lawsuits from Russia. On April 17, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde suggested that such proposals face "very serious legal obstacles."

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Another concern is that the confiscation of Russian assets will force other "non-Western" countries to withdraw their own reserves from the West if they are one day subject to the same sanctions, which will, of course, negatively affect the investment climate and the EU economy.

That is why the EU is acting rather cautiously when it declares its support for Ukraine in using Russia's frozen billions. However, given the resolute attitudes of the United States and Britain, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the EU to stand aside. The US decision could trigger similar steps in other countries.

The United States has already tried to push Europe to use some of Russia's frozen assets at the annual spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank but to no avail. A final decision is expected at the G7 leaders' meeting in Italy in June.

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By the way, there is a precedent. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, $50 billion of Iraqi funds were confiscated and transferred through the UN to compensate the victims.

The US decision will affect other countries

"The Americans are more active in confiscating Russian assets because they have the smallest amount of frozen funds of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. There are many problems in this area in Europe, where the main sums of the aggressor's money are stored. The oligarchs' money is a separate story, and it is the easiest to confiscate. The Americans have already implemented the first such cases. Through the U.S. Attorney General's Office, $7 million was confiscated and transferred to Ukraine. Although the amount is small, a precedent has been set. Until recently, the United States has been avoiding the issue of confiscation of Russian sovereign assets, but finally the turn has come to them," Oleh Hetman, economist, coordinator of expert groups of the Economic Expert Platform, said in an exclusive commentary for OBOZ.UA.

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"In Europe, much more money is frozen, about 200 billion of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, and almost 100 billion of Russian oligarchs. That is why the EU is being more cautious about this. It is because Russia will certainly respond. Sadly, many European companies have remained in Russia at their own peril. Therefore, their assets may be confiscated in response to the confiscation of Russian billions.

That is why Europe is more actively preparing a mechanism whereby interest from these frozen funds will be transferred to Ukraine in one way or another, which, in the opinion of European officials, is a more balanced and safe position. So, I think Europe will go this way. As for the main amount, I am not sure that this will happen in the short term. As I said, it is because of the EU's economic interests.

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Of course, the American precedent will stir the European bureaucracy, and they will at least start to consider this more substantively. But even more, the adoption of the law in the United States will speed up decisions regarding individual countries, such as Britain, Canada, Australia, and Japan. It will be easier for them to implement these steps to confiscate and transfer Russian assets. And Europe, as a complex bureaucratic machine with the largest amount of money, will be the last to do so, Oleh Hetman said.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  19-year-old Richard Burton pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Tuesday for malicious wounding after he shot his friend last year, a release states.

On March 30, 2023, Burton got in a fight with a longtime friend after returning a rental car on East Little Creek Road. The victim said Burton was acting unusual that day. What started as a verbal argument in the car turned physical. Burton exited the drivers seat and went inside the business. When he came back outside, Burton pulled out a gun and shot at his friend who was still in the car.

Mug: Richard Burton

The bullet hit the victim in his arm, and he received medical assistance almost immediately. The entire incident was captured on video by surveillance cameras inside and outside the business.

Burton pleaded guilty to malicious wounding under a plea agreement and received an active prison sentence of three years and two months, with an additional one year and 10 months suspended on the condition that Burton complete three years of uniform good behavior and an indefinite period of supervised probation following his release.

Mr. Burton had no reason to shoot the victim, said Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi. This dangerous behavior merits a prison sentence, and we will continue to prosecute the people who commit gun violence in Norfolk.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Two people have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting deaths of a Clarksville couple earlier this month.

Savannah Lumpkin, 30, and 26-year-old Glenn Nicholson were found shot to death on Martin Street just after 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

According to Clarksville police, investigators, intel analysts and other officers worked together to charge 20-year-old Tyson Mullins and Tristan Riley, 36, for the murders of Lumpkin and Nicholson.

Family of murdered Clarksville man pleads for information

(Courtesy: Shaqueta Nicholson)

Riley was arrested on Friday, April 12 in Chicago with the help of the Chicago Police Departments Fugitive Recovery Team. He is currently awaiting extradition back to Clarksville.

Mullins was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Montgomery County jail. He was charged with two counts of homicide.

Clarksville police reported Rileys arrest was not made public until a second arrest was made Tuesday afternoon in Clarksville due to the integrity of the investigation and to not compromise information.

Riley was charged with two counts of homicide, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and burglary from a separate incident on March 29, 2024, according to Clarksville police.

Tristan Riley (Courtesy: Cook County jail via Clarksville police)

Tyson Mullins (Courtesy: Clarksville Police Department)

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Shaqueta Nicholson, the mother of Nicholson, was brought to tears as she recalled the loss of her son and his soon-to-be wife.

He would do anything for anyone; his girlfriend was the same way, and if you asked and they had it, theyd be more than willing to give it, and to have justice for the loss of my son and my daughter-in-lawif anyone knows anything, please come forward, father Glenn Nicholson Sr. said.

Glenn Nicholson Jr. leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter.

Our hearts are broken. Our minds are disturbed, and we know we got to keep going because he has a little brother; he has a little sister; hes has a daughter, and weve got to be strong for them, Shaqueta added.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. No additional information was immediately released.

Anyone with information or additional video footage is asked to please contact Detective Green at (931) 648-0656, ext. 5149, call the Clarksville Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Tipsline 931-645-8477, or go online and submit a tip at P3tips.com/591.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
2 Dead After Plane Crashes into Alaska River Moments After Taking Flight: Shocked and Saddened'

The aircraft crashed into the Tanana River near Fairbanks on Tuesday, April 23, according to a statement from the NTSB, obtained by PEOPLE

Alaska State Troopers Crash site outside Fairbanks, Alaska

Two people are dead after a plane crashed into the Tanana River near Fairbanks, Ala. on Tuesday, April 23

The plane was reportedly in the air for just four minutes before it went down about seven miles from the airport

The National Transportation Safety Board said the aircraft was "a Part 91 fuel transport flight" that was "operated by Alaska Air Fuel"

Two people are dead after an plane crashed into the Tanana River in Alaska.

A Douglas DC-4 airplane went down outside of Fairbanks on Tuesday, April 23, according to a statement from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that was obtained by PEOPLE.

The airplane took off Tuesday morning from Fairbanks International Airport. It is believed to have been a Part 91 fuel transport flight that was "operated by Alaska Air Fuel," according to the NTSB.



Alaska State Troopers said the aircraft slid into a steep hill on the bank of the river before it burst into flames, according to the Associated Press and the Anchorage Daily News, which added that the crashed occurred about seven miles away from airport.



Related: Military Helicopters Collide During Parade Rehearsal, Killing All 10 People On Board

Per the Daily News, a flight radar tracking website said the flight was in the air for just four minutes before it went down around 10 a.m. local time.

The Federal Aviation Administration said both members of the flight crew were killed in the crash. The victims identities have not been released.



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Michaela Matherne told the AP she was flying from the village of Galena to Fairbanks when her plane was diverted due to the crash. Initially, she and others thought something else had caught fire.

We actually didnt know what we were looking at until after we landed a few minutes later, she explained. We were shocked and saddened to hear that.

Related: Marine Dies in Training Accident Just Weeks After Getting Promoted: 'Tragic Loss'

The Douglas DC-4 was developed during the World War II era, according to Airliners.net. A small number of these planes still operate as freighters, which transport goods.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unknown, the NTSB said Tuesday. An investigation into the crash is underway.



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Read the original article on People.
Video above: President Biden makes a campaign stop in Tampa on April 23, 2024.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  President Joe Biden granted clemency to 16 people who were convicted for non-violent drug offenses, the White House announced on Wednesday.

Among the 16 individuals, 11 were pardoned and five were given commuted sentences. Two Floridians were among the 16 a woman who was pardoned and a man given a commuted sentence.

Jan. 6 fugitive arrested in Clearwater: FBI

Beverly Holcy, 59, of Palatka, pleaded guilty at age 27 to non-violent drug offenses. Holcy served her sentence and completed her probation obligations. Now, she is fully employed, volunteers at her church, and helps with activities in her community.

Jophaney Hyppolite, of Miami, was sentenced to life, then given 10 years of supervised release in January 2023, for conspiring to manufacture and distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine base. President Biden commuted Hyppolites sentence to 360 months, leaving the 10-year supervised release.

Many of the remaining 10 individuals pardoned had non-violent drug charges when they were juveniles or young adults, and have spent decades behind bars. If they had been convicted under current law, their sentences would have been significantly shorter.

Arrest made after FBI activity at Clearwater apartment complex

Those individuals who received a commuted sentence each got a significant reduction in time in prison, but must still abide by their respective years of supervised release. All of their offenses involved the intent to distribute cocaine base or crack cocaine.

The White House added what each individual has accomplished following their pardon, including becoming a registered nurse, giving back to their communities, and starting their own business.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Two NYPD officers are accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman while she was passed out in a strangers Bronx apartment last summer, authorities said Wednesday.

Officers Christian Garcia, 31, and Julio Alcantara-Santiago, 39, allegedly assaulted the victim after a night of partying at bar Zar de Cuba in Grand Concourse on July 9, 2023, according to the criminal complaint.

The cops were spotted on surveillance video leaving the restaurant holding up the inebriated woman before getting into a car and being dropped off at a building at 790 Grand Concourse just before 1 a.m., prosecutors said.

Video surveillance depicts the defendants carrying (the victim) into an apartment inside of that building, as (victim) is being held upright with her eyes closed, mouth open, unable to stand on her own, and constantly falling, according to court documents.

The woman told investigators she recalled waking up in a strangers bedroom while Garcia and Alcantara-Santiago were simultaneously assaulting her, prosecutors said. The victim also heard Garcia say, Lets go bro, shes waking up, according to the complaint.

The cops DNA was found on the victims body after she was tested at a local hospital the same morning, authorities said.

Garcia and Alcantara-Santiago were charged with several sexual abuse charges and forcible touching. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignments Tuesday and were released after posting bail, according to court records. Their attorneys could not immediately be reached Wednesday.

The cops have been suspended without pay, police sources said.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
DENVER (KDVR)  A 42-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in the Department of Corrections for shooting at a sheriffs deputy during a pursuit, and his co-defendant was sentenced to 10 years for her part in the crime.

Jorge Armando Guzman, 42, of Aurora, was sentenced on charges of attempted first-degree murder, vehicular eluding and possession of a weapon by a previous offender after pleading guilty, according to a release from the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office.

Concealed carry permit measure heads to Colorado governors desk

Guzmans co-defendant, Melinda Maldonado, 40, was also sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to charges of motor vehicle theft, vehicular eluding and accessory to a crime.

Guzman had just been released from the Denver County Jail, when he was picked up by Maldonado to allegedly steal catalytic converters off cars, according to the release.

As a felon, this defendant should not have had a gun in the first place, Senior Deputy District Attorney Corrie Caler said.

Homeowners call starts search for suspects

According to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, the incident started at about 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 5, 2021, when a Douglas County deputy went to the 9700 block of Millstone Court for a vehicle trespass complaint. A homeowner had called because of two people attempting to steal car parts.

According to the DAs office, the homeowner yelled at the pair, which caused them to flee in a white SUV.

Train operators: drugs, crime plague RTD as 24/7 police patrols announced

Later that night, a deputy spotted an SUV matching the suspect vehicle description and attempted a traffic stop. According to the DAs office, the driver refused to pull over and reached speeds over 100 mph while attempting to flee. During the chase, a passenger in the SUV fired five shots at the deputy behind them.

That passenger was identified as Guzman, according to the DAs office.

These defendants have no connection to the Highlands Ranch area and came down here for the sole purpose of committing crimes, District Attorney John Kellner said in a release. Anyone who is willing to shoot at a deputy and drive recklessly in an attempt to get away deserves a sentence in the Department of Corrections.

Ranching groups, sheriff call on Colorado to kill 2 wolves behind depredations

The chase ended when the SUV crashed on the northbound Interstate 25 off-ramp for Arapahoe Road. Guzman attempted to flee from the crash on foot but was caught. Maldonado was taken into custody immediately.

On top of his 20-year sentence in the Department of Corrections, Guzman will be subject to five years of mandatory parole after his release.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
2 tiny PNW river creatures were common near Tri-Cities. Do they need federal protection?

The federal government has been petitioned under the Endangered Species Act to save two tiny and little-known snails that were once common near the Tri-Cities.

Just like salmon and steelhead, the ashy pebblesnail and shortface lanx have been harmed by warming river water and declining water quality in the Columbia Basin, says the Center for Biological Diversity.

Their populations have been lost from large portions of their historic range throughout the Columbia Basin due to the construction of dams and reservoirs, as well as pollution and habitat destruction, including by agriculture and urbanization, it said.

Protection of the snails goes hand in hand with the quality of life, including the survival of salmon and steelhead, in the Columbia Basin, it said.

These little snails speak volumes about how poorly weve treated our Pacific Northwest rivers, which desperately need stronger protections, said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

They also play important roles in the web of life, helping to keep streams clean and providing food for our beloved salmon.

The ashy pebblesnail was once in the lower Snake River, and some small populations remain in the Hanford Reach.

Both of the snails thrive in clear, cold and well-oxygenated rivers and large streams, says the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife on its website.

The ashy pebblesnail, which has a spiral shell up to a half inch tall, lacks lungs and instead breathes through the mantle cavity, which requires highly oxygenated water. They may be tan or reddish and have pale circles around its tentacled eyes.

Shortface lanx has a low, flat conical-shaped shell that may be up to a half-inch long and is reddish or brown. They attach themselves to rocks on river bottoms.

Both scrape their food, such as microalgae, off rocks in flowing water.

The shortface lanx was abundant in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River surveys found in the early 90s, but surveys in 2007 failed to find them.

The Columbia River and bridges between Kennewick and Pasco are pictured in this aerial shot taken from an airplane beginning its descent for landing at the Tri-Cities Airport in February 2022.

Instead, the surveys found warm water aquatic snails had taken their place, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

Before dams were built, the shortface lanx also were found at the mouth of the Snake River near Pasco.

The ashy pebblesnail was once in the lower Snake River, and some small populations remain in the Hanford Reach.

The Hanford Reach, the last inland, free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River, is downstream from Priest Rapids Dam and upstream from McNary Dam.

Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife already classifies both snails as candidates for listing as threatened or endangered and calls them species of greatest conservation need.

The ashy pebblesnail was once in the lower Snake River, and some small populations remain in the Hanford Reach.

The Center for Biological Diversity warns that snails that are already reduced to a fraction of their historic range are not likely to weather significant climate change, and other coldwater species, including salmon may also be threatened.

If these snails are to survive in our rapidly warming world, we need to do much, much more to protect rivers, Greenwald said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required by the Endangered Species Act to respond to the petition within a year. However, The Center for Biological Diversity says that federal agencies rarely meet that deadline.
TEL AVIV, IsraelFamilies across the country this week marked the beginning of Passover, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt, with an empty seat at their Seder tables. For many, the celebration of biblical liberation from slavery felt incongruous with Israels present tragedy: 133 hostages remain in terrorist captivity while hopes for their release dim with each passing day.

Time is not running out. It already has, Mai Albini, the grandson of 80-year-old Chaim Peri, said ahead of Passover. How can we celebrate such a holiday while 133 people are still without their freedom, still waiting to be liberated?

Its just one of many holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays that have come and gone in the 200 days since Hamas fighters poured into Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 peoplemostly civiliansand abducting 253 others, including several American citizens, and taking them to the Gaza Strip. Of the 133 who remain today, as many as 50 could now be dead, according to an Israeli assessment. To the hostages friends and families, each passing milestone serves as a painful reminder of the uncertain fate of their loved ones.

Today is not a happy Passover, wrote a representative of Kibbutz Nir Oz, where terrorists destroyed an estimated 80 percent of the southern communitys homes and killed or kidnapped a quarter of its residents, in a Facebook post Tuesday. This night will be no different to all the nights before itthe suffering, the anger, the disappointment, the despair, the shame, the abandonmentall of it is still relevant today. The dreadful conditions, the abuse, the hunger, the fear, the lack of sleep and the danger to the lives of the abductees who arent already dead are all still relevant.

As Israeli families gathered for the first evening of Passover on Monday, Nir Oz native Shiri Bibas marked her 33rd birthday in Gaza. Terrorists abducted the mother, her husband Yarden, and their two young boysthe redheaded Ariel and Kfirmore than six months ago. Kfir, the youngest child taken hostage, turned 1 on January 18.

There were cakes and balloons. People bought him presents. The only thing that was missing was the child himself, Yosi Shnaider, Shiris cousin, told The Dispatch from Tel Aviv. Kfir is supposed to walk right now, is supposed to speak, to say his first word, is supposed to see colors and hear stories and songs. Instead of that, hes been locked in some dark place.

Shnaider was the first family member to watch the now-widely circulated video of Shiri clutching her two young sons as gunmen surrounded her on October 7a nightmare eventually followed by the discovery that Shiris elderly parents, Yossi and Margit Silberman, had been burned to death in their Nir Oz home.

For Shnaider and other family members of hostages, each passing day brings new anguish. And internationally mediated negotiations to secure the hostages release show few signs of a coming breakthrough. After participating in the talks in Cairo, CIA Director Bill Burns said last week that Hamas had once again rejected a U.S.-backed hostage deal proposal despite Israeli concessions. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller likewise said on Tuesday that Hamas had moved the goalposts. The terror group is now reportedly demanding the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners per civilian captive and 50 prisoners per female soldier held.

Hamas may feel empowered to raise the price of the hostages freedom by the growing apathy or outright animus toward Israel on display in the United States. At Columbia University this week, hundreds of pro-Palestinian students occupied portions of campus, at times voicing overt support for Hamas. In one video, a kaffiyeh-clad man vows to repeat the October 7 massacre 10,000 times to the cheers of fellow protesters. In another, a group chants Hamas we love you and burn Tel Aviv to the ground.

As pro-Palestinian encampments and accompanying demonstrations have spread among universities across the nation, President Joe Biden condemned the antisemitic protests but added: I also condemn those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians. The comment contributed to growing concerns that Washington is trying to distance itself from Israel, thereby strengthening Hamas hand in hostage deal negotiations.

Meanwhile, leading political figures, activists, and celebrities typically outspoken on human rights issues have equivocated or stayed quiet about the plight of the abducteesa silence that grows more pronounced with each passing day that men, women, and children languish in Hamas captivity.

It makes me very angry that many in the artsmusicians, Hollywoodhave been so silent, John Ondrasik, an American musician best known by his stage name, Five for Fighting, told The Dispatch. I played the Concert for New York after 9/11.  Everybody was there, condemning Osama bin Laden, giving solace to New York City and America. The music industry likes to pride itself on being on the front edge of human rights. How do you explain this moral paralysis of the world?

Ondrasik recently visited Israel, where he led a jam session in honor of Evyatar David, a 23-year-old musician captured by Hamas. David was among the 40 people kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7, when Hamas gunmen descended on the event in trucks and on paragliders to kill attendees indiscriminately. By the days end, the terrorist attackers murdered an estimated 364 people therenearly a third of the total October 7 casualties. Davids older brother Ilay thought he was one of them, before seeing footage of Evyatar in Gaza.

I was prepared to bury him. But then, at 2 p.m., we got links to Telegram videos which showed my brother inside the Gaza Strip. He was tied and dragged inside the Strip, Ilay said in an interview from Tel Aviv. The terrorists made sure that we would recognize all of them. They really filmed their faces closely, some of them were yelling their names. They looked straight into the camera with a real fear of death.

Hamas used the hostages, and the friends and family awaiting their return, to influence the trajectory of the war that followed, turning Israels no one left behind policy against it to extract maximum concessions in negotiations. Israel has, in the past, released as many as 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for the safe return of one soldier.

Life, in our belief, is the most important thing ever, Galya David, Evyatars mother, told The Dispatch. Asked whether she thinks the government is doing everything it can to secure his release, Galya answered: I must believe so. Theyre responsible for my son and others. This is my country. I have no place to go. I must feel safe here.

In the meantime, she leans on her family to get through each day. I dont think about tomorrow too much, because I need my power everyday, for that day, she said. And I must keep going, because I need to be strong for him when Evyatar comes home.

The release of 112 hostages in a November exchange gave the remaining captives family members new, horrific insight into the kinds of abuses their loved ones still face. The freed hostages described being kept in tunnels and cages, drugged, beaten, and witnessing or being subjected to sexual violence while in Gaza. Renana Eitan, the head of psychiatry at the Ichilov Tel Aviv medical center, said in December that the abductees she treated had experienced the worst trauma she had witnessed in her career.

Somebody is sitting in front of me, but hes dead. His eyes are dead, there is no soul inside of them, Shnaider, Shiri Bibas cousin, said of the former hostages he has encountered. Theyre black. Its a very scary thing.

Amit Soussana, a 40-year-old attorney from Kfar Aza, in March became the first freed hostage to speak publicly about her sexual assault while in Gaza. In an interview with the New York Times, Soussana described being harassed, groped, and forced at gunpoint to commit sex acts on her terrorist captor. Fourteen women still presumed to be alive remain in such conditions, yet International Womens Day passed last month with little to no outcry from the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and other international womens rights groups.

Released hostages also came bearing news about those left behind. Thats how Talya Dancyg, the granddaughter of 75-year-old Alex Dancyg, learned about the inhumane treatment her grandfather endured after his kidnapping.

There were three old people taken inside a van with the terrorists, guns pointing at them on their way to Gaza. When they entered Gaza, before they were taken to the tunnels underground, they were beaten by the angry and furious crowd, the 18-year-old Talya said of her grandfather, who dedicated his life to studying the Holocaust. My grandfather is 75, an old and ill man.  He doesnt deserve it. No human being deserves it.

The oldest Israeli taken on October 7, Shlomo Mantzur, also remains a hostage. Terrorists abducted the 86-year-old from his home in Kibbutz Kissufim, where he built a life after fleeing antisemitic violence in Iraq, where he was born. At the age of 3, Mantzur narrowly survived the 1941 Farhud Massacre, in which 180 Jewish men, women, and children were murdered in Baghdad during the holiday of Shavuot. The pogrom is considered by some historians to be a part of the Holocaust, given wartime Iraqs ties to Nazi Germany.

On October 7, he went through a second Holocaust, Noam Safir, Mantzurs 20-year-old granddaughter, said ahead of Passover. My grandfather was handcuffed, beaten, and kidnapped in his own car from his own home while still wearing his sleepwear.

He should live the life he has left to live surrounded by his loved ones, Safir added. Let our loved ones go. Let my grandpa go.

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.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  At least 209 people were detained during a pro-Palestinian protest at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn Tuesday night, according to the NYPD.

Protesters slammed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for backing billions of dollars in new defense funding that supports Israels war in Gaza. Demonstrators also projected images on the Brooklyn Public Library, including one that read, Stop Arming Israel.

The NYPD began taking people into custody after many ignored calls to not block traffic, according to officials. The protest happened near Schumers home, but he was reportedly not there at the time.

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Israel at War

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Schumer recently touted Congress for passing a new multi-billion dollar aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel. Israel is set to receive more than $26 billion in security assistance.

The protest comes as students around the U.S., including at Columbia University, The New School and NYU, hold demonstrations to call on universities to divest from companies that support Israel.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Students in a mathematical and statistical sciences class at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. (Courtesy of the University of Nebraska)

OMAHA  A $23 million gift from the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation aims to grow scholarship programs for Omaha students in the University of Nebraska system.

Suzanne and Walter Scott Jr. (Courtesy of the University of Nebraska Foundation)

The bulk, $20 million, will allow more students into the competitive Scott Scholars Program based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and launched by the philanthropists in 1997.

Class sizes in the UNO-based program will expand from 32 students to 42 in each of the next five years.

Participants, who must be Nebraska residents and carry a high school GPA of at least 3.5 and an ACT score of at least 30, receive the Regents Scholarship through UNO to cover tuition. The Scott Scholars program covers other costs including books and room and board. Students stay in a living-learning community.

Harnoor Dhaliwal, associate executive director of the program, said community connections that students build  through internships at local companies, professional development opportunities and research  are key to retaining them in Nebraska after graduation.

According to a media release, an estimated 600 Scott scholars have graduated and about 80% chose to stay in Nebraska. The reported average annual salary for 2023 graduates of the program was $78,000.

Half the students in the most recent class expressed interest in health sciences, a media release said, which was an impetus for the expansion of the Scott Scholars to UNMC.

The remaining $3 million in the Scott pledge is to allow for a second cohort of Scott Scholars at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where an inaugural class of 12 began their first year of medical school in the fall of 2023.

UNMC provides in-state tuition, and the Scott scholarship covers room and board and a stipend to fund professional and research opportunities. Scholars come from around the country and stay in an apartment complex near the UNMC campus.

Students on the Ruth and Bill Scott Student Plaza as they return to campus for the start of a new semester in Fall of 2022. (Courtesy of University of Nebraska Medical Center)

Walter Scott Jr., who died in 2021, was chair emeritus and former CEO of Peter Kiewit Sons Inc. and former chair of the board of Level 3 Communications Inc. Suzanne died in 2013, and had served as a director of the Omaha Zoological Society, Joslyn Art Museum and the Salvation Army.

Calvin Sisson, president and CEO of the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, said the scholarship enhancements align with the Scotts interest in education and developing leaders and communities.

Said Sisson: Walter cared deeply about investing in Nebraskas best and brightest students, not because they deserve it, but because they have the greatest potential to give back.

The gifts were made through the NU Foundation as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our Universitys Future. The campaign is an effort to engage at least 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support NU students, faculty, programs and research that address needs of the state.

Scholarships are a priority, with a particular focus on areas including health care, engineering and information technology.

The post $23 million gift from Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation expands scholarships at UNO, UNMC appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
It is incorrect to say that the Law "On the Bar and Practice of Law" does not comply with Article 36 of the Constitution (which guarantees freedom of association in public organizations). After all, the National Bar Association of Ukraine, which unites all Ukrainian lawyers, is fundamentally different in status from public associations.

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This opinion is substantiated by constitutional expert Maryna Stavniychuk, who took an active part in the preparation of the current Law on Public Associations, in her article "The Ukrainian Bar: European Future or Back to the Soviet Union?" for New Voice.

She draws attention to the fact that the bar self-government bodies, by virtue of the law, perform a number of regulatory, qualification and disciplinary functions that are limited to their members.

"Self-regulation of the professional activities of the Bar is a necessary component of its self-government. That is why, by its constitutional and legal nature, the National Bar Association of Ukraine is fundamentally different from the organizations operating in Ukraine in accordance with the Law "On Public Associations," writes M. Stavniychuk.

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According to her, today in Ukraine there are about fifty non-governmental organizations whose activities are somehow related to the legal professions. Lawyers are also their members. However, being directly related to the process of drafting and adopting the Law on Public Associations, the author argues that its provisions do not apply to the activities of self-regulatory professional organizations.

"Therefore, when some 'experts' claim that the Law "On the Bar and Practice of Law" does not comply with Article 36 of the Constitution (which guarantees the freedom to form public organizations), it is clear that by such manipulations they are destroying the bar in its integral self-governing and self-regulated form," Stavniychuk is convinced. - "Self-regulation of the Ukrainian Bar and its bodies should be understood as a systemic and organizational process of internal statutory activities inherent in bodies with discretionary powers.

ADVERTISIMENT

The specifics of the National Bar Association of Ukraine's organization of its activities described in the article indicate its special legal status, which is fundamentally different from public organizations. Therefore, ignoring this fact when assessing the activities of the Bar is a rejection of Ukraine's European course, enshrined in the Constitution. Because Ukraine has the newest law in Europe, the Law on the Bar and Practice of Law. It was prepared and adopted as a European integration law. And its adoption on the condition that a professional organization of lawyers with a single membership in the Ukrainian National Bar Association was created was part of the implementation of Ukraine's commitments to the Council of Europe.

And the rejection of the chosen model of bar self-government (and over the past decade we have already witnessed such attempts) implies the denial of the key principle of independence of the bar, which directly affects the state of protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Ukraine.

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The full article by M. Stavniychuk can be found here.
23-year-old dies after falling 50 feet from bluff onto California beach, officials say

A man died after falling 50 feet from a California bluff onto a beach, officials say.

The man, identified by the coroners office as Jacob William Aladar Parker, 23, of San Diego, climbed a fence before his accidental fall in Isla Vista, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office said April 22 on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Parker attended Santa Barbara City College before graduating from University of California, Santa Barbara last year, his LinkedIn page shows.

Jakes future was limitless, a GoFundMe page says. This wound may never heal, and we refuse to let his memory diminish over time.

Parkers death is now renewing calls for cliff safety in Isla Vista, which neighbors UCSB.

A man died after falling 50 feet from a California bluff onto a beach, fire officials say.

In September, a 19-year-old also fell to his death from the cliffs, spurring a countywide effort, spearheaded by county Supervisor Laura Capps, to improve cliff safety in the area, the Santa Barbara Independent reported.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of how dangerous these bluff top properties are, Capps wrote in an April 21 Facebook post. Property owners: this is an urgent plea to do whats right to help save lives. We all need to step up and make Isla Vista safer now.

Prior to Parkers death, 14 people were known to have died in cliff accidents since 1994, prompting county officials to vote in November to raise the fences along the beach cliffs from 4 to 6 feet, Bay Area News Group reported.

The county also voted to waive permitting fees to incentivize private property owners to upgrade their fences along Del Playa, the Santa Barbara Independent reported.

(Parkers death) just further emphasizes the need for higher fences, Spencer Brandt, director of Isla Vista Community Services District, told the newspaper. Simply put, people cant climb over higher fences.

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A group of Republican attorneys general from 25 states have sued the EPA with the goal of blocking the latest set of emissions regulations passed by the Biden Administration targeting cars and light trucks, which further encourages automakers to adopt EV platforms. The plaintiffs claim that the EPA does not have the authority to make such sweeping changes under the Clean Air Act.

The lawsuit, helmed by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. This same court recently struck down a challenge to the EPAs authority over emissions, specifically as it relates to Californias ability to set its own stricter emissions standards.

According to Reuters, this particular suit is aimed at the latest crop of emissions regulations for passenger vehicles, which were finalized by the Biden Administration back on March 20. The new rules aim to reduce nationwide tailpipe emissions by 49 percent over 2026 levels by 2032. The initial version of the rule set wouldve seen that figure at 56 percent, but it was reduced after pressure from the auto industry and auto workers alike. The rules also seek to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7.2 billion tons through 2055. These regulations are some of the most impactful environmental policies put in place by the Biden Administration, which ran on similar promises. As a result of this rule set, the EPA states that between 35 percent and 56 percent of new vehicles sold between 2030 and 2032 will be electric. The agency states that that range is reflective of the fact that automakers will have other alternatives to reduce emissions than solely pure electric offerings.

The rules Republican challengers feel differently, claiming the EPA is engaged in a top-down rework of the auto industry. They argue this goes beyond the purview of the Clean Air Act. EPA chief Michael Regan has previously stated that the EPA is not attempting to mandate EV production or adoption via this stricter emissions rule.

Other states involved in the lawsuit include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Reuters also reports that in reaction to this lawsuit, a group of 22 states, including California, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, have filed a motion to intervene, citing the potential harm to their states if the EPA's new rules are thrown out. A number of large cities throughout the country have also signed on to the motion, including New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, and the District of Columbia.

This lawsuit is not related to the heavy-duty vehicle emissions regulations that were recently passed by the EPA, which targets semis, buses, and other commercial vehicles. The regulations take effect for MY2027, and should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion tons over the next three decades. Those regulations were passed back on March 29. For now, it's up to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

via GM Authority

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3 arrested in Georgetown drug bust; Drugs and guns confiscated at scene

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN)  Over the weekend, the Williamson County Sheriffs Office arrested three people and seized what it called a significant amount of suspected illegal drugs, weapons, and paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking.

WCSO said it executed a search warrant on Pinnacle Drive on Saturday along with its Organized Crime Unit and SWAT, as well as K9 units.

WCSO confiscated the following:

Approximately 4.5 pounds of suspected marijuana

Approximately 3.7 grams of suspected cocaine

Approximately 22.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine

Approximately 29.1 grams of suspected fentanyl (equivalent to approximately

206 pills)

Approximately 140.7 grams of suspected THC

Approximately $13,000 in cash

2 handguns with magazines and ammunition

Paraphernalia

Cell phones

Three people were taken into custody at the scene.

Drugs seized by the Williamson County Sheriffs Office in Georgetown on April 18, 2024. (Photo: Williamson County Sheriffs Office)

Guns seized by the Williamson County Sheriffs Office in Georgetown on April 18, 2024. (Photo: Williamson County Sheriffs Office)

Patrick Jones, 28 (Mugshot: Williamson County Sheriffs Office)

Shirley Erickson, 37 (Mugshot: Williamson County Sheriffs Office)

Izaiah Miller, 18 (Mugshot: Williamson County Sheriffs Office)

Patrick Jones, 28, faces drug-related charges and a charge of a felon in possession of a firearm. Shirley Erickson, 37, faces drug-related charges. Izaiah Miller, 18, also faces drug-related charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
CHICAGO  Three new businesses have opened in Terminal 3 at Chicagos OHare International Airport.

Half Moon Empanadas, ChiBoys and Hudson Nonstop all held ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Tuesday.

Chicago airport one of the busiest worldwide in 2023: report

Half Moon Empanadas, a female-owned enterprise, will offer travelers handcrafted and authentic Argentinian empanadas.

The Half Moon Empanadas locations are the face of the brand and we take great pride in crafting a menu and environment that reflects our company values, shares our Hispanic culture, and highlights the contributions of minority and women-owned businesses. Pilar and Juan Zavala, founders of Half Moon Empanada, said in a news release.

ChiBoys offers designs and experiences that celebrate the beauty and diversity of Chicagos history, architecture and culture through apparel and products inspire by owner DeShawn Murry.

To say opening a store at OHare is an honor would be an understatement, Murry said in the release. From the fruition of ChiBoys, I dreamt of it being on a platform for the world to see, and with this opportunity travelers from all over the world finally get to see why Chicagoans are so prideful. Our history, architecture, culture and culinary scene are second to none. Our diverse neighborhoods are what makes us a world-class city.

Hudson Nonstop offers travelers essentials, food, beverage and local souvenirs. The store is powered by Amazons Just Walk Out technology and allows travelers to enter the store by using a credit card at the entry gate, grab their items and walk out.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Three front-runners have emerged in the race to represent Oregons 3rd Congressional District. From left to right: State Rep. Maxine Dexter, Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal and Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales. (Campaign photos)

Three front-runners have emerged in the race to represent Oregons 3rd Congressional District. From left to right: State Rep. Maxine Dexter, Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal and Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales. (Campaign photos)

Three Democratic front-runners are vying to win their partys nomination to represent Oregons 3rd Congressional District, which has been represented for nearly 30 years by retiring Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer.

The three candidates  state Rep. Maxine Dexter, Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal and Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales  have raised several hundreds of thousands of dollars each. Three other Democrats in the primary  Ricardo Barajas, Rachel Lydia Rand and Nolan Bylenga have not raised anything, according to the Federal Elections Commission, while Michael Jonas, also a Democrat, has raised nearly $16,000.

Three Republicans  Joann Harbour, Teresa Orwig and Gary Dye  are also vying for their partys nomination. But the district, which stretches from Portland east, encompassing most of Multnomah County, part of Clackamas County and all of Hood River County, is dominated by Democrats. They represent 44% of registered voters, while Republicans represent 14%, according to the Secretary of States Office. Unaffiliated voters account for 36% and many of them vote for Democrats. That means that the Democratic primary winner is likely to represent the District in Congress.

The 3rd Congressional District spans parts of Multnomah County, Clackamas County and all of Hood River County.(U.S. House of Representatives)

The 3rd Congressional District spans parts of Multnomah County, Clackamas County and all of Hood River County. (U.S. House of Representatives)

The Capital Chronicle will publish answers from a questionnaire we sent to all the districts candidates. Heres a look at the three Democratic front-runners:

Maxine Dexter

Name: Maxine Dexter

Party: Democrat

Age: 51

Residence: Portland

Education: Bachelors degree in political science and communication, University of Washington, 1997; doctor of medicine, University of Washington, 2001; internal medicine residency, University of Colorado Denver, 2005; post graduate fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine, University of Colorado Denver, 2008; certificate in public health, University of Colorado Denver, 2008

Current occupation: Doctor and state representative

Prior elected experience: State representative House District 33 since 2020

Family status: Married, two kids

Fundraising: $338,126 as of March 31, 2024

Cash on hand: $226,944 as of March 31, 2024

Maxine Dexter, who currently represents a Portland district in the state House, has served in the state Legislature for nearly four years. Shes also a pulmonary and critical care doctor who began her political career during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said her experiences caring for patients has influenced her legislative efforts to address the states housing shortages and addiction crises.

I have the ability to take what I see in the patient care rooms, and in the hospital, and apply it to policy making, Dexter said.

Dexter said in Congress she would support many of the policies shes pushed in the Legislature, which include bills to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and in-home care and improve the states behavioral health care system. She said restoring the right to abortion across the country and investing in housing are two of her top priorities.

She served during the 2023 Legislative Session as chair of the House Housing and Homelessness Committee, leading efforts to pass a $200 million spending package for housing and homelessness. During that session, she also championed a new opioid harm reduction law that made naloxone  a life-saving medication that stops overdoses  more available in public schools and other public buildings.

She said she would also make improving access nationwide to addiction treatment a priority.

Until treatment for fentanyl and opioid addiction is more readily available than the drugs, we will continue to have the issues that we are seeing every day, she said.

Dexter wants the federal government to get involved in manufacturing prescription drugs such as insulin to ensure it is always available and affordable.

Dexter also has championed environmental legislation. She said she wants the federal government to respond more urgently to curb greenhouse gas emissions, especially from transportation, and slow the worsening effects of climate change.

In a divided Congress where she could be in the minority as a Democrat, Dexter said her strategy would be to team up with other lawmakers who are experienced, influential and effective, and assist in crafting policies she wants passed. She said shes running in part because her own kids dont believe the federal government works.

They dont see that the government actually does anything, she said. We have a history of remarkable accomplishments as a country. Our democracy can work. Its the people in leadership and its the culture of governing that has changed.

Susheela Jayapal

Name: Susheela Jayapal

Party: Democrat

Age: 60

Residence: Portland

Education: Bachelors degree in economics, Swarthmore College, 1983; law degree, University of Chicago, 1988

Current occupation: Campaigning

Prior elected experience: Multnomah County commissioner, 2019-2023

Family status: Single, two adult children

Fundraising: $610,581 as of March 31, 2024

Cash on hand: $408,252 as of March 31, 2024

In November, former Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal became the first Democrat to enter the race to represent the 3rd Congressional District. By law, she had to resign from the commission shed served on since 2019, making campaigning for Congress her current full-time job.

She said shed apply her experiences serving on the commission during the COVID-19 pandemic to Congress, including her advocacy for refugee services, eviction protections, access to medical care and vaccines, homelessness prevention and racial justice policies.

Jayapal, who left India at 16 to attend college in the U.S.  eventually becoming a lawyer at Adidas  said she is running, in part, to honor the personal and financial sacrifices her parents made for her and her younger sister and to ensure greater opportunities and equity for others.

I think what that experience gave me was a glimpse of opportunity, she said, but also the experience of what its like to be on the margins; the experience of not knowing how were going to get to the end of the month; the experience of what its like to be a young, brown, immigrant woman in this country.

If elected, shed follow in the footsteps of her sister Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat who represents Washingtons 7th Congressional District in Seattle and chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Jayapal said Congress seems to be the best place to make systemic changes.

To start, shed prioritize increasing investments in public housing, restoring the right to abortion across the country and confronting and curbing climate change.

Climate change is an absolute priority, she said, and thats something where at the local level, especially at the county level, the opportunity to have impact is more limited.

She said she would advocate investments in environmentally sustainable public housing like those proposed in the Green New Deal. The bill, introduced by Independent U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, would invest more than $200 billion over the next decade to make public housing in the U.S. energy efficient.

Shed also like to propose a carbon pricing policy that makes major polluters pay for their greenhouse gas emissions.

Eddy Morales

Name: Eddy Morales

Party: Democrat

Age: 44

Residence: Gresham

Education: High school diploma; studied Spanish, public policy and management at University of Oregon, 1999-2004

Current occupation: Gresham City councilor; vice president, The Workers Lab, a public relations firm; founder, East County Rising, a political advocacy organization

Prior elected experience: Gresham City Council member since 2019

Family status: Married

Fundraising: $490,049 as of March 31, 2024

Cash on hand: $250,616 as of March 31, 2024

Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales has spent much of the last decade helping others from east Multnomah County get elected to local and state offices through the political advocacy organization he founded in 2016, East County Rising.

Now, hes throwing his weight behind his own campaign to represent the area in Congress. He credits Blumenauer with helping him to start East County Rising, and for supporting him over the years in recruiting 68 people to run for office on progressive values.

In Congress, he said hed champion investments in affordable housing and infrastructure and work to improve the immigration system, pass gun safety laws, and improve access to mental health care and addiction services.

He said his upbringing has influenced his politics. One of nine siblings and the son of Mexican immigrants, Morales said his parents struggled to make ends meet and his mother, having survived domestic abuse at the hands of his father, eventually got him and his siblings from California up to Oregon. He said these challenges fueled his political campaign work and advocacy during the last two decades.

I got to experience a lot of things firsthand that people in our district are experiencing, he said. Whether its losing two brothers to gun violence, to being housing insecure, immigration  Ive lived these personally. I didnt read about them, he said.

Morales has worked in political advocacy for progressive policies and candidates in Oregon and across the U.S. since the early 2000s. He was president of the U.S. Students Association, which advocates free tuition at public post-secondary education institutions; deputy director of the nonprofit Voto Latino, aimed at increasing political participation among Latinos in the U.S.; and director of the Latino Engagement Fund at the Washington D.C.-based Democracy Alliance, a network of donors to progressive candidates and causes. He also served as treasurer for the Oregon Democratic Party from 2016 until this January and ran an unsuccessful campaign to become mayor of Gresham in 2020.

Throughout his career, he said, hes worked to generate voter and legislative support for protecting access to abortion and for recipients of DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or Dreamers, who are undocumented and immigrated as children to the U.S. with undocumented parents.

All of the people that are running in this race, I would say we share similar values. The difference is that Ive been working on these values for 25 years, whereas I think everybody else took awhile to get here, Morales said. Some people went and became bankers for Goldman Sachs and corporate lawyers for Adidas, and others went to become doctors and eventually came around, but Ive been at this work for 25 years here. Im the most experienced person even though Im the youngest, he said.

The post 3 leading Democrats battle for Blumenauers seat in Congressional District 3 race appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
4 Iranians indicted for alleged malicious multi-year cyber campaign targeting US government and defense firms

4 Iranians indicted for alleged malicious multi-year cyber campaign targeting US government and defense firms

Four Iranian nationals were indicted Tuesday for allegedly being part of a multi-year "malicious cyber ops" campaign targeting the U.S. State and Treasury departments, defense contractors and two companies in New York.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed the indictment in a Manhattan federal court, charging Hossein Harooni, Reza Kazemifar, Komeil Baradaran Salmani, and Alireza Shafie Nasab with computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and other charges.

Along with the unsealing of the indictment against the four conspirators, the U.S. Department of States Rewards for Justice program (RFJ) announced it was offering up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of the group and the defendants, the DOJ said.

The Treasury Department also announced sanctions against the four conspirators and other cyber actors.

CHINESE HACKERS PREPARING TO PHYSICALLY WREAK HAVOC ON US CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: FBI DIRECTOR

"Criminal activity originating from Iran poses a grave threat to Americas national security and economic stability," Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. "These defendants are alleged to have engaged in a coordinated, multi-year hacking campaign from Iran targeting more than a dozen American companies and the U.S. Treasury and State Departments. This case represents just one part of the U.S. governments effort to counter the range of threats originating from Iran that endanger the American people."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The indictment alleges that between at least 2016 through April 2021, Harooni, Kazemifar, Salmani, Nasab and others were part of a hacking organization accused of participating in a multi-year, coordinated campaign to conduct computer intrusions.

The hackers targeted over a dozen U.S. companies as well as the U.S. Treasury and U.S. State Department.

FBI DIRECTOR SAYS CHINA IS THE DEFINING THREAT OF OUR GENERATION

Kazemifar, Salmani and Nasab worked for Mahak Rayan Afraz, a company based in Iran that offered cybersecurity services, but the DOJ alleges the company was just a front for their operation.

Those targeted in the private sector were cleared by defense contractors with security clearance granted by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), allowing them to access, receive and store classified information to conduct activities in support of DoD programs.

The alleged hackers also targeted an accounting firm and a hospitality company, both located in New York.

NEW YORK LEGISLATURE HIT BY CYBERATTACK

The U.S. Department of Justice indicted four Iranian nationals Tuesday for allegedly being part of a multi-year "malicious cyber ops" campaign.

While conducting the hacking campaigns, the conspirators tricked email recipients into clicking on links that turned out to be malicious and infected the computers with malware.

In one campaign, the group targeted one victim, which resulted in over 200,000 employee accounts becoming compromised.

The hackers conducted another campaign in which they targeted about 2,000 employee accounts, the DOJ said.

As the group continued with their attacks, the hackers were able to access an administrator's email account belonging to a defense contractor. The access allowed the conspirators to establish unauthorized accounts that were used to send hacking campaigns to employees of another defense contractor and a consulting firm.

SOUTH CAROLINA'S TOP OFFICER NOT RELEASING DETAILS ON 2012 HACK THAT STOLE MILLIONS OF TAX RETURNS

Iranian pro-government supporters shout anti-Israel slogans at Palestine Square in Tehran.

The indictment noted that Kazemifar was responsible for testing the tools used in the campaigns. He also allegedly worked for the Iranian Organization for Electronic Warfare and Cyber Defense (EWCD), which is part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The U.S. has designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization.

Harooni, the indictment alleged, procured, administered and managed the groups infrastructure  things like computer servers and software used to conduct the hacking operations.

FRENCH GOVERNMENT HIT WITH UNPRECEDENTED WAVE OF CYBERATTACKS

He also allegedly used a real persons passport to conceal his role in the campaign.

Salmani, like Kazemifar, tested the tools used to execute hacking campaigns, including that used against a hospitality company.

Nasab is accused of creating the infrastructure used in social engineering campaigns in which women were used to gain confidence from victims before deploying malware on their computers and devices.

All four conspirators were charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They face up to five years in prison for computer fraud conspiracy and up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The DOJ said Harooni was also charged with knowingly damaging a protected computer, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if found guilty. The DOJ charged Harooni, Salmani and Nasab with aggravated identity theft, as well.





Original article source: 4 Iranians indicted for alleged malicious multi-year cyber campaign targeting US government and defense firms
5-year-old dies after getting hit by car at apartment complex, Georgia police say

A 5-year-old boy died from his injuries after getting hit by a car, Georgia police told news outlets.

It happened just before 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at the Highlands of East Atlanta apartments, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.

Officers arrived to find the child, who they said suffered serious head trauma in the accident. He was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died, police said.

Authorities havent released his name, but family members identified him as Kaden Jackson, WAGA reported. Kadens cousin, Angelica Longino, recalled hearing a commotion outside her apartment before the crash.

Im laying in bed when I heard screaming, and all I hear is kids at the door like He got hit. He got hit, Longino told the station.

The driver accused of hitting Kaden stayed at the scene and was cooperating with authorities, police said.

Authorities said they dont expect to file charges.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday will consider  for the first time since it overturned Roe v. Wade  whether an individual state's abortion ban is constitutional.

The justices will hear arguments on whether federal law requires emergency room physicians in Idaho to perform abortions to stabilize pregnant patients experiencing a medical crisis despite the state's near-total prohibition on the procedure, which only allows doctors to end a pregnancy when the mothers life is in danger.

Its the second major abortion case of the term, following last months argumentsover the FDAs regulation of the widely used abortion pill mifepristone, and the latest example of how overturning Roe and returning abortion rights to the states did not keep the courts out of the fray, as some justices had hoped. Decisions in both cases are expected in June.

The Idaho case homes in on the clash between red states desire to ban nearly all abortions and President Joe Biden administrations efforts to preserve some access to the procedure, and the arguments come amid a roiling national debate on the issue. And it comes as doctors around the country plead for clarity on the parameters of the medical emergency exemptions to state bans, warning that vague definitions of life-threatening and the prospect of criminal charges are creating a chilling effect that deters them from providing needed care in patients most vulnerable moments.

What will Idaho officials try to prove?

Idaho officials argue that the Biden administrations interpretation of the decades-old Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act, known as EMTALA, undermines the states ban and would make it too easy for patients to get a medically unnecessary abortion. Attorneys for the state need to convince the high court that the Biden administration is trying to use EMTALA as a way around the justices 2022 decision to end the federal right to abortion. By centering their arguments around state sovereignty, they may win favor from conservative justices skeptical of federal power.

The state officials also argue in their legal briefs that because EMTALA never specifically mentions abortion, and the Reagan-era law includes protections for fetuses, it cant be read as requiring doctors to perform the procedure  even in medical emergencies. A ruling for the Biden administration, they argue, would open the door to the government citing EMTALA to force hospitals to provide other treatments that violate state laws, such as prescribing medical marijuana.



Idaho attorneys also need to counter accusations that strict enforcement of its near-total abortion ban harms patients  many of whom have been forced to wait days for care or cross state lines while experiencing a serious pregnancy complication over the last two years  and exacerbating existing provider shortages by deterring doctors and medical residents from practicing there.

What will the Biden administration try to prove?

Arguing for the Biden administration, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar will make the case that theres no abortion carveout to EMTALA, which applies to all hospitals that accept Medicare, and that the best and sometimes only treatment for certain pregnancy complications is a timely abortion. The federal government will also argue that EMTALAs protections preempt state law and prevent patient dumping by unscrupulous hospitals.

The federal government, backed by major medical groups that submitted amicus briefs, points to data showing obstetric emergencies are common, with millions of women seeking treatment in emergency rooms every year. Without the full protection of EMTALA, they argue, doctors will confront a minefield with each case, leading to delays in time-sensitive care.

When is it certain she will die but for medical intervention? How many blood units does she have to lose? One? Two? Five? How fast does she have to be bleeding? Soaking through two pads an hour? Three? How low does her blood pressure need to be? 90 over 60? 80 over 50, the American College Of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College Of Emergency Physicians and American Medical Association wrote to the Supreme Court.

Federal attorneys are also likely to cite U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmills ruling on the case last year, in which the Clinton appointee warned that the state was subjecting women in medical crisis to periods of serious physical and emotional trauma as they wait to get nearer and nearer to death  rather than providing the stabilizing treatment that EMTALA calls for.

Who are the justices to watch?

Some legal experts expect the Supreme Courts conservative majority to side with Idaho for several reasons, including the justices decision to leapfrog the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and their move to freeze a lower court decision that blocked Idahos law.

But clues are limited about the justices views on the central legal issue to be debated Wednesday. When the Supreme Court agreed to take the case in January and put Winmills order on hold, no justice wrote a dissent.

To reinstate that injunction against Idahos abortion ban, the Biden administration will in all likelihood need the votes of the courts three Democratic appointees and at least two of its Republican-appointed members. The most likely prospects appear to be Chief Justice John Roberts, who unsuccessfully urged a more restrained ruling from the court two years ago when it overturned Roe, along with Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, who have sometimes sought opportunities to display moderation since they joined the five-justice majority in the 2022 case, Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization.



In Dobbs, Kavanaugh filed a concurring opinion that sought to underscore limits on the courts seismic ruling. He insisted, for example, that women would retain the right to travel out of state even if their home state chose to ban abortion. And when the high court heard arguments last month on the abortion pill, Barrett repeatedly questioned whether anti-abortion doctors seeking to roll back access to the drug had the legal standing to press their suit.

How could a ruling impact states beyond Idaho?

While a ruling in the case will only apply to Idaho hospitals, it could set a precedent that ripples across more than 20 other states with near-total bans  particularly the five other states that only allow abortions to save the mothers life and have no health exception. Arizona could join that cohort if lawmakers dont act soon to stop an 1864 law from taking effect.

Molly Duane, a senior staff attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, told reporters on a recent call that the federal governments ability to go after hospitals in other states that turn away pregnant patients in violation of EMTALA could be jeopardized by a Supreme Court ruling for Idaho.

If the federal government can't do that, then who is overseeing these hospitals and making sure that patients get the life saving and health saving care that they need to protect themselves, their families, their pregnancies, their future pregnancies? she asked. Even in states that currently have access to abortion, removing the requirements of EMTALA will mean that hospital physicians there aren't required to provide lifesaving care when it comes to pregnancy and abortion.



Additionally, Idaho physicians warn, a Supreme Court ruling siding with the state will lead to a surge in Idaho patients being transferred across state lines for emergency care  stretching the resources of both the sending and receiving hospitals.

Dr. Jim Souza, the chief physician executive of St. Lukes Provider Health System in Idaho, told reporters that last year, when the state was barred by lower courts from enforcing its ban in emergency situations, only one pregnant patient who came into the ER had to be medically evacuated to another state. This year, with that ruling on hold, theyre on track to have 20 patients rushed out of state.

Putting somebody in a whirlybird and flying them to another state creates an obvious delay in care that puts the patient's health and life at risk, he said, adding that health care spending in the United States of America is out of control and adding in air transports to other states to do what is the standard of care for a medical condition is also incredibly wasteful.

How could the case shape health care beyond abortion?

Idaho doctors say the states ban has triggered a mass exodus of physicians  particularly OB-GYNs and family medicine specialists who deal with obstetric emergencies.

Roughly 22 percent of the states OB-GYNs have left, according to the medical advocacy group Idaho Coalition for Safe Health Care, and many have said that the threat of criminal charges if they provide an abortion the state deems medically unnecessary drove them away. New doctors are not coming to replace them, and the staffing shortage has caused three hospitals in the state to close their labor and delivery units over the past two years.

Positions that we used to fill in weeks stay open for months or don't get filled at all, Souza said, stressing that the doctors leaving provided a wide range of services, including prenatal and basic gynecological care. This is not just an issue for Idaho women of childbearing age, this is an issue for Idaho women, he said.



Health and legal experts also warn that a ruling for Idaho could encourage states and individual hospitals around the country to test the bounds of EMTALA for care unrelated to abortion.

If Idaho was allowed to do what it wants to do, then essentially that is green lighting states to go after EMTALA for any disfavored population, or treatment or condition, warned Sara Rosenbaum, the founding chair of the Department of Health Policy at George Washington University, on a call with reporters last week. Whether it is barring all but terminal emergency care for people with HIV-AIDS, whether it is barring all but terminal emergency care for people who've been in auto accidents on the grounds that somehow having access to an emergency department encourages unsafe driving, the list goes on and on and on.


Employment prospects just got brighter for the estimated 30 million U.S. workers who are currently bound by so-called noncompete agreements. U.S. regulators on Tuesday banned nearly all noncompetes, which restrict about 1 in 5 employees around the U.S.

Here are five things to know about what the Federal Trade Commission rule means for workers.

What the rule statesNoncompetes are an unfair means of competition, and so employers are prohibited from entering into any new such arrangements with workers. Employers will no longer be able to enforce existing noncompetes, other than with senior executives, which the rule defines as someone earning more than $151,164 per year and in a "policy-making position."Employers are required to notify workers with noncompetes that they are no longer enforceable.Noncompetes are allowed between the seller and buyer of a business.When the rule takes effect

The rule takes effect 120 days from the time it is published in the Federal Register, the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders. The FTC submits the rule, follows the procedures and waits for publication to happen, with the exact timing up to the Federal Register.

The reasons behind the FTC's decision Noncompete agreements can restrict workers from leaving for a better job or starting their own business.Noncompetes often effectively coerce workers into staying in jobs they want to leave, and even force them to leave a profession or relocate.Noncompetes can prevent workers from accepting higher-paying jobs, and even curtail the pay of workers not subject to them directly.Of the more than 26,000 comments received by the FTC, more than 25,000 supported banning noncompetes. Why many health care workers may be exempt

Nonprofits typically fall outside the FTC's jurisdiction, meaning the noncompete ban may not apply to many of the nation's health care provider organizations.

As many as 45% of physicians are restricted by noncompetes, according to the American Medical Association, which has voiced support for banning most of them.

What happens next

In voting against passage of the rule, the two Republican FTC commissioners on the five-person panel argued that the agency lacks the authority to ban noncompetes. The same case is being made by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which filed suit against the FTC on Wednesday.

The legal challenges are viewed as a credible threat, meaning a case could end up in the U.S. Supreme Court, where conservative justices have a majority.

Story continues

Eric Church talks new Nashville bar and residency

A tour of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho abortion ban
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Cash rewards are being offered for information leading to the arrest of nine suspects wanted for various crimes in Abilene.

Police are seeking these suspects for the following offenses:

Preston Foreman  Retaliation

Johnathan Lechuga  Child Endangerment

Mario Albarado  Injury to Child, Burglary of Habitation

Robert Lane  Injury to a Child

Ferral Martinez  Assault on a Peace Officer

Nicholas Torres  Aggravated Assault

Charles Irwin  Indecency with a Child

Jorge Hernandez  Injury to a Child

Broderic Livingston  Robbery, Evading Arrest

Emily Ann Perez (FEATURED FUGITIVE)  Intoxication Assault



CrimeStoppers is offering $500 cash rewards for information that leads to the capture any of the suspects, and a $1000 cash reward for information that leads to the capture of the featured fugitive.

Cash rewards will only be given if the information is received during the week their mugshots are aired on Abilenes Wanted Criminals.

Abilenes Wanted Criminals is a police-run social media segment that will highlight wanted suspects from around the City each week.

Episodes will be posted to the Abilene Police Departments YouTube page or APDs PIO Youtube page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized that Russia intends to intensify its strike campaign to disrupt Ukraine's logistics. He predicted that Russian troops would increase attacks against Ukrainian logistics centers and warehouses of Western weapons .

ADVERTISIMENT

Shoigu said this during a speech at the board of the Russian Defense Ministry on April 23, according to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russian troops are likely to increase their drone and missile attacks in the coming weeks in order to cause maximum damage to Ukraine's infrastructure and defense industry base.

In particular, the attacks may intensify ahead of the expected arrival of U.S. security assistance to alleviate Ukraine's critical shortage of air defense missiles.

Russian troops have already carried out heavy attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during missile and drone strikes in March and April 2024. They took advantage of Ukraine's already weakened air defense systems in an attempt to disrupt Ukraine's power grid and cause lasting damage to military capabilities and citizen morale.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, analysts note that Sergei Shoigu's emphasis on strikes against Ukrainian logistics indicates a possible change in the priorities of the Russian military. These attacks may target Ukraine's transportation infrastructure, logistics, and military storage facilities.

On Sunday, April 19, Russian troops launched heavy attacks on Ukraine's transport infrastructure in the Dnipropetrovsk region. According to some reports, Russian troops may be planning to repeat and intensify these attacks in the coming weeks in order to cut off Ukrainian land lines of communication.

Russia's military leadership may expect that coordinated efforts will limit Ukraine's ability to effectively allocate manpower and material resources in critical areas of the front and delay the improvement of capabilities that will enable Ukrainian forces to receive security assistance from the United States.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, it was reported that during the air attack on Ukraine on the night of April 23, the Russians used a new tactic. They launched several Shahed-136 kamikaze drones at different intervals to make it harder to shoot them down.

Greece is likely to transfer the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, provided that it receives U.S. "guarantees" about the threat from Turkey and a financial compensation package. This refers to the latest modification of the Patriot PAC-3 anti-aircraft missile system, designed to defeat and destroy tactical ballistic missiles.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
6 gang members facing over 100 indictments for crimes committed across Mass. and NH, DA says

Authorities arrested six suspected members of a gang syndicate for a slew of crimes they allegedly committed across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

The Essex County District Attorneys Office says 121 indictments were levied against known members and associates of the Trinitarios.

The investigation was dubbed Operation Smash & Cash and was a result of a three-month-long look into at least 12 convenience store break-ins spanning Essex and Middlesex counties and across four New Hampshire towns, according to officials. The operation also investigated the theft of approximately $50,000 worth of lottery tickets during February, March, and April of 2024.

The crimes occurred in Swampscott, Saugus, Wakefield, Peabody, Peabody, Marblehead, Wilmington, Lynn, Seabrook, Nashua, Fremont, and Windham, mostly during the early morning hours.

These indictments and arrests are a reflection of the tremendous partnerships between state and local agencies and represent how law enforcement and prosecutors from my office work tirelessly and side-by-side to solve and prosecute crimes perpetrated by criminal networks, said District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

The charges stemming from this investigation include breaking and entering at nighttime for felony, larceny over $1,200, larceny from a building, and wanton destruction of property among other crimes.

The six suspects include:

David Garcia, 22, of Lynn. He is charged with breaking and entering nighttime for felony, larceny over $1,200, larceny from a building, wanton destruction of property over $1,200, receiving stolen property under $1,200, common and notorious thievery, money laundering, and being a fugitive from justice.

Darwin Batista, 20, of Lynn. He is charged with money laundering and being a fugitive from justice.

Angel Santos, 24, of Lynn is charged with improper use of a credit card under $1,200 and money laundering.

Israel Garcia, 22, of Methuen is charged with money laundering and being a fugitive from justice.

Westyn Lantigua, 23, of Lynn, is charged with breaking and entering nighttime for felony, larceny over $1,200, larceny from a building, wanton destruction of property over $1,200, receiving stolen property under $1,200, common and notorious thievery, money laundering, improper use of a credit card under $1,200, and being a fugitive from justice.

Aaron Diaz Liranzo, 25, of Revere, is charged with money laundering and being a fugitive from justice.

All six were arraigned and held without bail until May.




Earl "Sonny" Meyer, a 97-year-old retired farmer and Korean War veteran, was alone at his St. Peter home Monday evening when his phone rang.

"Corporal Meyer," a voice on the other end of the line said. "I'm pleased to tell you the president of the United States is awarding you the Purple Heart."

Meyer was in shock. Now? Seventy-three years after shrapnel struck his thigh during the Korean War, an injury that left a scar and a lifetime of pain?

His attorney, Alan Anderson of Minneapolis, held back tears. He had been fighting the Army Board for Correction of Military Records ever since reading a 2020 article in the Star Tribune about Meyer's daughters' crusade for their father to be honored for his 1951 war injury.

"Earl, you won," Anderson said. "You're getting the medal."

"I never thought I would see this," Meyer told him.

During Korea, Meyer served in the infantry. He still thinks of that time daily: sleepless nights in mountain foxholes, chaotic days as a rifleman and machine-gunner, Army buddies dying next to him.

The shrapnel that's still lodged in Meyer's left thigh stems from a June 1951 battle where his platoon was trapped by enemy forces. Mortars rained down, and a piece of shrapnel struck him. A medic bandaged him in the field, telling Meyer he'd put his name in for a Purple Heart, Meyer said. Later, while on a hospital ship, Meyer learned only four guys from his company  7th Division, 31st Regiment, 2nd Platoon, K Company  survived.

"The medic that patched me up, I never saw him again," Meyer told the Star Tribune on Tuesday. "Whether he made it or not that night? I don't know."

His daughters petitioned the Army to award him the prestigious honor, but again and again, the military rejected the request, citing lack of documentation of his injury.

One reason for the lack of evidence: Meyer never visited an aid station after being bandaged in the field, so medical records from the immediate aftermath don't exist. And records that did exist may have burned in a massive 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which destroyed about 18 million official military files  including the majority of records for Army personnel discharged between 1912 and 1960.

The document the Army Review Boards Agency sent Meyer's attorney this week was full of military jargon, but the most important sentence was on the first page: "We have requested issuance of the following medal(s): PURPLE HEART."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, whose father shared a barracks in boot camp with Meyer, lobbied on Meyer's behalf. She was thrilled to hear the news.

"Earl Meyer put his life on the line in defense of our freedoms, and we are forever indebted to him for his service," Klobuchar said in a statement. "Earl earned this Purple Heart, and I am so glad that we were able to work with his family and the Army to get him the recognition he deserves."

Anderson is hoping for a formal ceremony in St. Peter soon. It will honor Meyer, and also remember those who died alongside him.

Because when Anderson told him the news this week, Meyer immediately spoke about soldiers from his platoon who didn't make it home.

Meyer thought of a rifleman who he was standing next to when the rifleman was shot in the head by enemy snipers. He wished he knew his name, Meyer told the Star Tribune, so he could tell his parents he didn't suffer.

"It comes every day for 70-some years," Meyer said of the memories. "Just a couple seconds. Sometimes longer. A combat thing, I guess. You don't really tell people about it. You just go ahead."

The morning after he learned he was a Purple Heart recipient, Meyer went to his regular Tuesday coffee klatch at the American Legion with other veterans. One of his daughters brought a cake decorated with a Purple Heart. "It went over pretty well," Meyer said.

Sandy Baker of New Buffalo, Mich., one of Meyer's three daughters, said the only reason her father persisted in his Purple Heart quest was because Anderson convinced him this fight could help other veterans from being caught in the red tape of retrieving lost records.

"It was a pinch-me moment," said Baker, who worked with her sisters for a decade to get her dad his Purple Heart. "Really? Am I dreaming?"
A new $8.5-million housing development on the west side of Rock Island will be the first in the city specifically designed for veterans.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) recently awarded $7.8 million to Community Home Partners (CHP) to support a pioneering housing initiative in Rock Island dedicated exclusively to veterans.

A conceptual rendering of the types of subsidized veteran homes, which will be rented. (Community Home Partners)

The new project, set to provide 25 modern rental homes across four acres of land, will provide much-needed housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of veterans, according to the managing entity of Rock Island Housing Authority.

The city of Rock Island for a number of years has been committed to helping veterans any way we can, and when this project came forth, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to coordinate our efforts with Community Home Partners and making this a reality, Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said.

The property  on 31st Avenue, just west of 11th Street  was donated to CHP by the city, and theyre responsible for raising the rest of the funding privately (through banks and investors), said John Chow, CEO of Community Home Partners.

The housing development site is along 31st Avenue, Rock Island, just west of U.S. 67 (11th Street).

It takes a village. This project isnt just about building homes; its about forging communities and providing stability and support for those who have served our country, he said, noting theres a great need for permanent homes for veterans.

The building site off 31st Avenue and 11th Street, Rock Island (photo by Mike Colon).

Our veterans gave so much in service to our nation, and its our honor to give back by providing the community support and individual space they deserve, he said.

The detached homes will be very small, typically 450 or 650 square feet, expected to be built from fall 2024 to 2025, and the site will include a 2,000-square-foot support services building with representatives from Veterans Affairs, Community Health Care and employment agencies, Chow said.

(Community Home Partners)

Theres an existing Community Health Care clinic close by, at 2750 11th St.

We are working very closely with other support agencies in our community, Chow added. We want to bring in the entire team.

Rents will typically be no more than 30% of a veterans income, and the CHP site is designed to be a mixed development, with a variety of income levels, he said. Its going to be quality product  with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

Community Home Partners CEO John Chow

There also may be an option after several years for the renters to buy a home on the site, Chow said. I would love to be able to offer homeownership for the veterans, sell it below market rate.

We are very excited to announce this project in support and honor of our veterans, CHP Board President Dave Emerick said. This development is another example of CHPs commitment to building neighborhoods to enhance the community and provide stability for those seeking housing assistance.

A concept rendering of the types of homes to be built as part of the $8.5-million project. (Community Home Partners)

We extend our gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and supporters committed to making this visionary project a reality, ensuring every veteran has the opportunity to thrive each day, the CHP release said.

For more information on Community Home Partners, click HERE.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
88-year-old man flees from Russian-occupied settlement in Donetsk Oblast on his own

88-year-old Mr Ivan from Donetsk Oblast managed to flee from occupied territories on his own. Photo: Filashkin on Facebook

Mr Ivan, an 88-year-old resident of the village of Ocheretyne, Donetsk Oblast, has managed to get out of the occupation on his own. The Russians took away his Ukrainian-issued passport in order to replace it with a Russian one.

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: Filashkin said that volunteers met the old man on Ukrainian territory and helped him reach the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.

"Mr Ivan was walking to a crossing all night. Since there were attacks, he had to wait it out. And then he kept going.

He only had his pension certificate and a backpack with his belongings. The occupiers took away his and his neighbours' Ukrainian passports," Filashkin said.

Mr Ivan is being evacuated to a temporary shelter in the city of Dnipro. Later, he will be transferred to one of the social protection institutions, where he will be provided with housing and necessary assistance.

"Mr Ivan's story is impressive. This is an example of civic position and love for the Motherland," said Filashkin.

Background: A family with two children was evacuated from the town of Hola Prystan in the temporarily occupied part of Kherson Oblast.

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"Her lifes work is most deserving of this recognition, and she will inspire our students," SMU President R. Gerald Turner said

Taylor Hill/WireImage Opal Lee

Opal Lee, or as she is affectionately known, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, has spent the bulk of her life championing for civil rights, specifically the push to make Juneteenth a national holiday  and now she is set to be recognized for her tireless efforts with another honorary doctorate.

Southern Methodist University recently announced that during its May 11 commencement ceremony Opal Lee, 97, will receive the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. It will be her her eighth honorary doctorate.

Following the announcement, SMU President R. Gerald Turner spoke of the importance of Lees legacy and her lifelong commitment to civil rights. Her lifes work is most deserving of this recognition, and she will inspire our students, Turner said.

Related: Juneteenth 2023: Everything You Need to Know About Juneteenth

In 2016, Lee traveled 1,400 miles from her Fort Worth home to Washington, D.C. to push for Juneteenth to be recognized as a federal holiday before the Obama administration and Congress, according to Variety.

Five years later, on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden formally signed it into law. "I have to say to you, I have only been president for several months, but I think this will go down, for me, as one of the greatest honors I will have as president  not because I did it, you did it, Democrats and Republicans," Biden said to Lee at the time. "It's an enormous, enormous honor."

Following the official passing of Juneteenth as a national holiday, Lee told CBS affiliate KTVT at the time, "I am so delighted to know that suddenly we've got a Juneteenth. It's not a Texas thing or a Black thing. It's an American thing."

Elizabeth Frantz for The Washington Post via Getty Opal Lee

Last month, Lee also saw another dream become realized when she purchased the lot of her family home that was ravaged and burned in 1939 by a racist mob angered that Lees family was living in the neighborhood. After trying for years to repurchased the land and rebuild her family home, Lee discovered that it had been bought by Trinity Habitat for Humanity, according to the Associated Press.

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

The organizations CEO, Gage Yager, informed Lee that not only was the lot available for purchase, but that she could have it for just $10, the AP said.

I know my mom would be smiling down, and my Dad," Lee said at a wall-raising ceremony last month. "Hed think: Well, we finally got it done.' "

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The Abandon Biden group is rallying Pennsylvania voters ahead of the states primary contest to protest President Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

Biden has secured the Democratic nomination and has visited the Keystone State in recent weeks. Pennsylvania, a swing state in the 2024 general election, carries 19 Electoral College votes and stands as an important battleground in Bidens reelection path against the Republican Party presumptive nominee, former President Trump.

The Abandon Biden effort is spearheaded by Muslim and Arab American voters around the country. Biden has dealt with similar efforts in other battleground states including Wisconsin, Arizona and North Carolina. The push won more than 13 percent of the vote in Michigan, representing more than 100,000 people in the state.

Abandon Biden Pennsylvania has urged Keystone State residents to write in No Joe, seeing it as equal to the uncommitted vote featured in previous state contests.

We call on all people of conscience to write-in NO JOE, expressing a desire for cease-fire, or any other message that speaks to your convictions, this campaign is about channeling our collective frustration into a powerful democratic act, Rabiul Chowdhury, co-chair of Abandon Biden Pennsylvania, said in a statement.

This includes writing in uncommitted. As we engage with community members and leaders, its evident that theres a strong desire to explore alternatives and express a resounding call for change, Chowdhury continued. On April 23rd, let your write-in vote be your voice in this crucial conversation, reminding all that democracy thrives on participation and the courage to demand better.

Pennsylvania has one of the biggest Jewish populations. The state also has a substantial Arab American population.

Biden was in Florida on Tuesday for a campaign event. He condemned the six-week abortion ban in the state set to take place in less than two weeks and tied the issue to Trump.

Next week, one of the nations most extreme anti-abortion laws takes effect here in Florida, Biden said. Its criminalizing reproductive health care for before women even know whether theyre pregnant. Lets be real clear. Theres one person responsible for this nightmare. And hes acknowledged and he brags about it. Donald Trump.

The president urged Pennsylvania voters to head to the polls Tuesday.

Pennsylvania, today is your presidential primary, Biden said in a post on the social platform X. Theres too much at stake to sit this one out.

Biden won Pennsylvania by around 80,000 votes in 2020. Trump beat Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, by fewer than 45,000 votes in 2016.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) endorsed Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) on Wednesday, defending the congressman as he faces criticism from fellow Republicans after dubbing two far-right members of the caucus scumbags.

Gonzales went after Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Bob Good (R-Va.) over the weekend, saying the Freedom Caucus members walk around with white hoods, and referencing allegations that Gaetz paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties. Gaetz has denied wrongdoing. Gonzales also took aim at Goods endorsement of his opponent, who Gonzales described as a neo-Nazi.

Abbott came to Gonzales defense Wednesday, arguing that he is the best choice to continue representing Texas in Congress, though he did not directly address the scumbugs blowback.

Tony Gonzales is a fierce champion for bolstering border security measures in Congress, Abbott wrote in a statement. I urge all Texans across Congressional District 23 to join me in supporting Tony Gonzales for re-election in the upcoming May primary runoff election.

Gonzales faces a primary runoff election against gun rights advocate and social media influencer Brandon Herrera after neither candidate gained a majority of votes in a March primary election. Both Gaetz and Good have backed Herrera in the race.

In the primary, Gonzales received 45 percent of the vote to Herreras 25 percent. The runoff election is May 28.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said the pro-Palestine protesters on the University of Texas at Austin campus belong in jail and that arrests were being made.

Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses. These protesters belong in jail, Abbott posted on the social platform X.

Texas state police detained at least four protesters Wednesday on the UT Austin campus after hundreds of students walked out of classes and began a sit-in to support civilians in Gaza.

The university had prepared for the protests that began midday, with the office of student affairs sending out a statement that warned students there would be consequences for participating in the protest.

Abbott said students who join the hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.

It was not immediately clear if there had been antisemitic chants at the University of Texas demonstrations.

The UT Austin protests mirror protests on numerous other college campuses. Tensions have risen in New York City, where more than 100 students have been arrested at Columbia University for setting up encampments on school property and protesting.

Campus protests around the country have often included Jewish students, some of whom have pushed back on suggestions of antisemitism. Videos taken near Columbia University in New York show Jewish students being told to go back to Poland and include pro-Hamas chants. But some of those instances also have been blamed on nonstudent demonstrators.

Students are angry about their First Amendment right to peacefully protest being taken away by university officials. In 2019, Abbott signed a bill that would protect free speech on college campuses in Texas.

Shouldnt have to do it. First Amendment guarantees it, he said in a video after he signed the bill. Now, its law in Texas.

The Hill has reached out to Abbotts office for further comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Abilene Zoo announced the arrival of a rare secretary chick earlier this month.

The second born of parents Pam and Jagger, this chicks gender and name remains unknown at this time. The zoo welcomed Pam and Jaggers first offspring, Stan, last year.

Abilene Zoo welcomes 2 African Striped Hyenas

They are part of a breeding loan program with the Denver Zoo, which means we collaborate to breed and maintain a genetically diverse population of endangered species. In this arrangement, both zoos contribute to the breeding efforts, and the offspring produced are shared between the institutions, stated Matthew Strong, Zoo Registrar.

The zoo said secretary birds are rare in zoos, and ours is one of only 12 in North Amerca to house them.

Secretary birds are known for their appearance and behaviors- with large black feathers resembling a headdress and known to hunt their food on foot. These birds are native to southern and central Africa, and are known for their role as snake-eating raptors.

Brownwood woman fills community need for wildlife center

Over the last 12 months, only San Diego, San Antonio, and Abilene have bred 5 chicks total, remarked Phillip Nigro, Animal Care Supervisor. Being a part of that means that we help secure the population of secretary birds for future generations.

This secretary bird chick was born Saturday, April 6 and has been spending time in their nest on exhibit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Reproductive rights activists outside of the Supreme Court at justices debate a near-total ban on abortion in Idaho (AFP via Getty Images)

Reproductive rights are back on the agenda at the Supreme Court this week as justices debate the future of a near-total abortion ban in the state of Idaho.

A ban that took effect in 2022 across the state prohibits abortions except in cases where the procedure is deemed necessary by a doctor to save the life of a patient.

Litigators seeking to throw out the Idaho ban argue that it conflicts with a federal law known by the acronym EMTALA which requires hospitals to provide emergency care if a patients condition requires stabilisation.

Oral arguments took place on Wednesday with several women on the Courts bench taking the lead in questioning Idahos state attorney about the real-life implications of the ban.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative appointed to the bench under Donald Trumps presidency, remarked at one point that she was kind of shocked to hear attorneys for the state affirm that they determine whether patients are eligible for abortion care on a case-by-case basis. She questioned whether individual doctors would be swayed by their personal views if there is no overall framework.

Youre hedging, Justice Coney Barrett told Idahos litigator Josh Turner. Justice Sotomayor is asking whether or not this would be covered [by the medical emergency exception], and its my understanding the legislatures witness said this would be covered.

Those doctors said...they could in good faith determine that life-saving care was necessary, Mr Turner responded.

But some doctors couldnt, Justice Coney Barrett then shot back. Some doctors would reach a contrary conclusion.

Justice Coney Barrett was appointed by Donald Trump during his presidency, and is known for making legal decisions that suggest she is anti-abortion. She was instrumental in overturning Roe v Wade.

Justice Elena Kagan of the Courts smaller liberal wing listed a number of dangerous medical conditions patients could experience during pregnancy and questioned whether each would qualify under Idahos law. Sonia Sotomayor, another liberal justice, said at one point that determining whether or not a condition was definitively life-threatening was a lot to force doctors to consider when treating a patient.

SCOTUS Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett press Idahos counsel over how much latitude state law gives doctors to perform emergency abortions:



Josh Turner: It is very case by case.



Sotomayor: Thats the problem.



Barrett: Im kind of shocked. pic.twitter.com/mVooj2sHoR  The Recount (@therecount) April 24, 2024

As the debate continued inside the courtroom, it raged outside with a louder tenor. Opponents and supporters of abortion rights met and traded slogans outside, with supporters of reproductive rights dressed in pink or purple T-shirts and hats.

ABORTION IS LIFE-SAVING CARE. 



Thank you @Reprorightsdoc and @prhdocs for all that you dowe are proud to fight alongside you as we urge the Court to do the right thing and protect emergency abortion care. pic.twitter.com/D5atDCo8Jh  Reproductive Freedom for All (@reproforall) April 24, 2024

For the second time in as many months, the Supreme Court will hear a case with extraordinary impacts on our ability to get the essential, and in some cases life-saving, healthcare we need. Anti-abortion politicians have brought this case to the nations highest court to challenge long-standing federal protections for emergency care abortion care, said Alexa Kolbi-Molinas of the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project.

If these extreme politicians succeed, doctors will be forced to withhold critical care from their patients, and pregnant people will suffer severe, life-altering health consequences, and even death, added Kolbi-Molinas.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political arm of the nations largest abortion provider, concurred with that argument and added that the Idaho law threatens the rights of pregnant people to get the emergency medical care they need  including abortion care. Following the re-emergence of abortion bans around the country in the wake of the 2022 Dobbs decision ending federal protections for abortion, cases of women facing severe health consequences after being turned away by doctors who fear violating state laws have become political ammunition for Democrats.

Some of the supporters of the Idaho ban gathered outside the court on Wednesday contested the idea that the bans were at fault for those women being turned away.

I think that's pretty silly, and they're probably abusing their ability as a doctor to say that they need to have more abortion freedom, so that they can perform abortions, which is not true, Savanna Deretich of Students for Life Action said toThe Independent.

If they can't even recognise how to treat a miscarriage or fallopian tube pregnancy then theres some serious issues and they need to go back to medical school, she added.

However, the treatment of a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy and other serious complications often does require use of abortifacient drugs.

Protesters outside the Supreme Court as justices hear oral arguments over an Idaho law banning abortions in nearly all cases (AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden visited Florida on Tuesday to rally alongside Democrats in the state on this very issue. The Sunshine State is set to be a top battleground for reproductive rights in 2024, following the passage of a six-week abortion ban by Republicans. Later this year, a ballot measure will be put before Florida voters this year to determine whether abortion rights will be written into the state constitution.

Mr Biden and his party are making a clear effort to tie Republicans to abortion bans in the minds of voters as the incumbent president seeks re-election this fall and faces voter concerns about the economy.

It was Donald Trump who ripped away the rights ... of women in America, the president said on Tuesday.

This November, he went on to predict that voters would teach Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans a valuable lesson: Don't mess with the women of America.

On Wednesday, his allies tied that message to the demonstrations and speeched taking place outside of the court.

Every single Republican-controlled legislature has passed or implemented an abortion ban since Roe fell. Make no mistake  Republican legislators will own the deadly consequences of this court decision, said Sam Paisley, press secretary for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Electing Democrats to state legislatures has never been more important to combat the full-out assault on life-saving reproductive care.
U. S . President Joe Biden will sign a $61 billion military support bill for Ukraine on Wednesday, April 24, as soon as the document is on his desk. This will make it possible to start sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.

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After signing the document, Biden intends to address the American people. The statement by the American leader was published on the White House website. Biden emphasized that the need is urgent:

- for Ukraine, which is under continuous bombardment by Russia;

- for Israel, which has just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran;

- for refugees and survivors of conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti;

- for U.S. partners who seek security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The White House President thanked Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and all bipartisan lawmakers in the Senate who voted in favor of the bill.

"This critical legislation will make our country and the world safer as we stand with our friends as they defend themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin," Biden said.

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Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said during a briefing that the United States could deliver aid to Ukraine within days after signing.

"In general, I would say that we expect to be able to deliver aid within a few days. I have nothing to announce right now in terms of what this aid will look like. We need a law first," Ryder said.

Earlier, on April 23 (night of April 24, Kyiv time), the US Senate (the upper house of Congress) supported a bill to provide assistance to Ukraine in the amount of about $61 billion. 79 senators voted in favor, while 18 voted against. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Senate for approving the law on military support for Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine's long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defense are extremely important tools for the speedy restoration of a just peace.

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Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
EMILYs List  which works to elect female candidates who support abortion rights  is targeting 14 extremist Republicans rumored to be on the shortlist of potential candidates to serve as former President Trumps 2024 running mate, according to a press release from the group Tuesday.

In the statement, EMILYs List said it was officially putting 14 potential running mates on notice  a tactic the group has in the past deployed to selectively target vulnerable House Republicans, often in swing districts, by spotlighting their records on abortion.

Abortion is on the ballot this year like never before, so for the first time in EMILYs List history the 2024 On Notice list focuses on Trumps Veepstakes pool to send a clear message to voters, the group said in the press release.

While these candidates may be different in many ways, one thing is clear: no matter who he picks, the GOP ticket will be a huge threat to our reproductive rights, the statement continued. Trump and the members of his VP shortlist support an extreme anti-abortion agenda that further endangers reproductive rights in America, from abortion to IVF to birth control.

In putting more than a dozen potential VP picks on notice, EMILYs List made clear it does not see Trumps vice presidential pick as consequential in determining the future of U.S. abortion policy  and that the group remains focused on preventing Trump from returning to the White House, regardless of who his running mate is.

EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler echoed that sentiment.

A Trump presidency will mean a national abortion ban is on the menu, and whichever extremist he picks as his running mate will not change that, Mackler said in the press release. Our message to these Republican potential VP picks is simple: EMILYs List sees your extremism and were putting you On Notice. No matter how much they lie to voters and hide their efforts to ban abortion nationwide, we have their anti-abortion records and we are not afraid to expose them.

After Trump for months would not publicly embrace a clear stance on abortion, the presumptive GOP candidate announced he supported states right to determine their own abortion policy, embracing the reversal of Roe v. Wade. He also later said he would not sign a national abortion ban, but the Biden administration subsequently dismissed him as a liar, citing his record on the issue.

EMILYs List named 14 Republican individuals for its 2024 On Notice list: Ben Carson, Rep. Byron Donalds (Fla.), Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), Sen. JD Vance (Ohio), Kari Lake, Sen. Katie Britt (Ala.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and former 2024 presidential candidates Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy.

A 15th mystery potential vice presidential candidate was listed on the On Notice list, with an image of a question mark appearing where the photo ID otherwise would be.

Where other candidates had quick facts on their abortion record, the 15th mystery candidate included the description: No matter who Donald Trump picks for his running mate, they will support his extreme anti-abortion agenda.

The Hill has contacted the 14 individuals for responses.

This is why voters should not listen to Emilys List  they have the governor of Florida on the VP list, Steven Cheung, Trumps communications director, said in an emailed statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Large-scale pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University entered their sixth day Tuesday, with hundreds of students camping out with police watching over them from outside the campus gates.

New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) said the protests have been mostly peaceful, blaming outside agitators for causing problems with authorities.

We cant have outside agitators come in and be disruptive, Adams said at a press conference Tuesday, committing additional resources to help Columbia quell the protests, including security measures to ensure that only students can enter campus.

We need to address this while its a spark. Lets not wait until its a blaze, he added.

Protests have grown substantially since university leadership had more than 100 students arrested Friday, and similar protest camps have popped up on university campuses nationwide in recent days.

Other protests have also sparked arrests, with at least nine students arrested at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday and dozens arrested at both Yale University and New York University on Monday.

Columbia President Minouche Shafik has been taking criticism from both sides of the aisle as well as growing unrest from students against her decision to arrest protesters.

On Tuesday, Barnard College suspended more than 50 students for participating in the protest, The Columbia Spectator reported. Suspended Barnard students, including the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), said they have been barred from their campus housing and lack access to food.

I dont know when I can go home, and I dont know if I ever will be able to, Isra Hirsi, Omars daughter, said Sunday. I havent formally been evicted. I havent been sent a move out email, but theyve just said that I cant get in, whatever that means.

I have like four shirts, two pairs of pants. Only Barnard students are evicted, and I think its pretty crazy, she continued.

In addition to opposing American military support for Israel and urging a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, the protesters have demanded that Columbia divest from companies that operate in Israel and have called for additional financial transparency for the universitys endowment.

This is what we are here for  calling for an end to genocide and for Columbia to financially divest from the violent Zionist settler entity, a student protester who only identified themselves as W told CNN on Tuesday. We are putting our principles into action, and we plan to continue to do so by being here every day until Columbia divests.

The Columbia protests have been under the political spotlight, with the campus the site of visits from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), a group of Jewish Democrats on Monday and a planned visit from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been critical of the protests, with the Biden administration Sunday calling them blatantly antisemitic. New Yorks 10 Republican representatives signed a letter Monday demanding Shafik resign over her handling of the demonstrations.

A sizable number of the protesters are Jewish, with a large group holding a Passover Seder from the protest camp on Monday to celebrate the beginning of the holiday.

One Jewish student protester, who did not identify themselves, fought back against characterizations of the demonstrations as not representative of the opinions of Jewish people or as antisemitic.

No matter how hard the presidents PR campaign and the state of Israel tries to pretend, I am the Jewish future, they said at a press conference Tuesday. As someone who was taught to love the state of Israel from my birth, this is what unlearning generational trauma looks like. I am an inconvenience to the PR campaign that is the state of Israel.

In a statement Sunday, protest leaders had rejected claims that participants encouraged violence against Jewish people or advocated for antisemitism.

We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us, the leaders wrote in a statement Sunday. Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.

We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry and stand vigilant against non-students attempting to disrupt the solidarity being forged among students, they continued. Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Black and pro-Palestinian classmates and colleagues who represent the full diversity of our country.

In response to the criticisms of Columbias administration, Shafik said earlier Monday in a statement that she is deeply saddened by the campus protests.

The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days, she said. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas. We need a reset.

There is a terrible conflict raging in the Middle East with devastating human consequences, she continued. But we cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view. Lets sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Added sugars will be limited for the first time in school meals around the country as part of gradual changes in nutrition standards announced Wednesday in a rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The changes will shed sugar in meals starting in the fall of 2025 and cut back on added sugars in flavored milk. As part of the updates aimed at strengthening child nutrition, schools will be required to slightly reduce sodium in meals as well.

Sugar will be limited in school meals beginning fall 2025 and will be fully implemented by fall 2027, adjusting the nutrition in breakfasts and lunches served to 30 million students every school day, according to the rule. Foods like flavored milk, yogurt and cereal will have less sugar.

Like teachers, classrooms, books, and computers, nutritious school meals are an essential part of the school environment, and when we raise the bar for school meals, it empowers our kids to achieve greater success inside and outside of the classroom, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

Expanding on this major milestone, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to partner with schools, districts, states and industry to build on the extraordinary progress made to strengthen school meals, he added.

Schools will be able to offer both unflavored and flavored milk, but a new limit will be imposed by fall 2025, curbing added sugars in flavored milk served at both lunch and breakfast.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) expressed gratitude for keeping low-fat flavored milk on school menus.

This final rule helps ensure kids will be able to choose a nutritious milk they tend to prefer, NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement. Many children prefer low-fat flavored milk over fat-free, and flavored milk offers the same nutrients as regular milk with a minor amount of added sugar.

Sodium content in meals will need to be cut down by fall 2027. The nutritional composition of whole grains will remain the same.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ADPS looking for vehicle of interest involved in shooting incident at Hitchcock Animal Hospital parking lot

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF)  The Aiken Department Public of Safety is looking for a vehicle of interest involved in a shooting incident that occurred in the parking lot of Hitchcock Animal Hospital.

Hitchcock Animal Hospital is located on Trail Ridge Road and Hitchcock Parkway.

Authorities say around 3:26 P.M. on Tuesday, ADPS units responded to a report of a subject who suffered a gunshot wound in the parking lot.

Authorities say the victim was found to have what they say they believe to be non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

ALSO ON WJBF: GBI investigating shooting death of Millen, Ga. man

ADPS states that there are no known suspects at this time during this investigation; however, they did release a photo of a vehicle of interest.

The Hitchcock Animal Hospital released a statement on Facebook:

There was an incident in our parking lot this afternoon. We want to report that all of the staff is safe and ok. There are no further details at this time. City of Aiken and Aiken County Sherrifs are working hard on the issue. We want to thank everyone who checked on us and know we greatly appreciate your concern. Hitchcock Animal Hospital Facebook Page

Authorities state that if anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle and/or its occupants, please contact ADPS at (803) 642-7620 or submit an anonymous online tip at Crime Tip | City of Aiken, SC Government (cityofaikensc.gov).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
After Israeli strikes killed seven World Central Kitchen charity workers this month, sparking global outrage, convoys carrying food and supplies have entered northern Gaza for the first time since the start of the war and there has been a slight uptick in aid entering the besieged enclave.

The increase is nothing that were celebrating, Ahmed Bayram of the Norwegian Refugee Council charity told NBC News on Sunday. But he said that it was an indication that diplomatic pressure can work and that in this case American pressure, in particular, has brought results.

For months, aid agencies have warned that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were at high risk of famine as children have died of malnutrition and dehydration as Israel has blockaded the densely populated enclave. But last week, the United Nations World Food Program said three convoys carrying food and flour crossed into northern Gaza for the first time since the war began in October through the Erez border crossing in southern Israel.

United Nations and World Health Organization aid trucks wait for Israel's permission before entering Gaza on April 23, 2024. (Anas Zeyad Fteha / Anadolu via Getty Images)

The deliveries came in the wake of widespread international condemnation of the deaths of the World Central Kitchen workers, who were killed in a series of Israeli drone strikes on their convoy in central Gaza although their vehicles were clearly marked with the charitys logo and the team had communicated its movements to the Israeli military.

President Joe Biden led the criticism from world leaders, saying in a statement on X that he was outraged and heartbroken by the deaths of a U.S.-Canada dual citizen, team members from Britain, Australia and Poland and a Palestinian driver. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed, he said, adding that Israel had not done enough to protect civilians.

9th humanitarian aid ship sent from Turkiye unloads in Egypt's Al Arish port (Esber Ayaydin / Anadolu via Getty Images)

It also led to rare expressions of contrition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, and two senior military officers were removed from their posts after the strikes were found to be in violation of protocol. Three days after the strikes, Israel announced that it was opening the Erez crossing and the Ashdod port to speed deliveries into Gaza.

David Satterfield, the U.S. special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, said at a news conference Monday that as a result of U.S. efforts in the last six months, the volume of assistance entering into and, most importantly, distributed within Gaza has increased significantly, but that more aid was needed.

Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Egyptian Red Crescent, which manages the transfer of aid through Gazas southern border, also shows an uptick in aid.

Last week, OCHA data showed daily entries near or over 200 trucks a day. Weekly averages in March were around 160, and in February, the monthly average was slightly below 130, according to OCHA data. Before the war, it said, the average was 500 truckloads of aid, including fuel.

People rush to humanitarian aid packages dropped over the northern Gaza Strip on April 23, 2024. (AFP - Getty Images)

While the U.S., Jordan and several other countries have airdropped aid, experts have told NBC News that they are ineffective because it is difficult to predict where they will land and the supplies rarely reach the most vulnerable. They can also be dangerous because they can fall on people sheltering in the streets or spark stampedes to get to the supplies. World Central Kitchen also delivered almost 200 tons of aid by sea, but it suspended operations after its workers were killed.

The system for getting trucks into Gaza is still quite sloppy and a little bit willy-nilly, Georgios Petropoulos, a senior humanitarian affairs officer for OCHA in Rafah, said Saturday. Sometimes, trucks had been held for hours or turned away because of a single restricted item, he said.

When trucks are able to enter the enclave, Petropoulos said, the roads are in terrible condition and the destruction on the ground slows the delivery of aid. A lack of fuel and working vehicles also hampers the process, he said.

Mountains of uncollected garbage and rising temperatures add to the misery, he said. So what were facing here is malnutrition and famine on top of a garbage dump, he said.

Israel has repeatedly denied its forces were obstructing aid from entering Gaza, where health officials say more than 34,000 people have been killed since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched multipronged attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people. Last month, Israels Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories claimed it had placed no limit on the amount of aid allowed into the Strip.

However, all aid for Gaza is subject to strict Israeli security checks aimed at preventing anything that Hamas could use from entering.

Speaking Sunday on NBC News Meet the Press, Bob Kitchen, vice president for emergencies at the New York-based International Rescue Committee aid organization, said it was going to take a sustained, huge uplift in aid just to catch up with the amount of aid required for Gazas population of 2.3 million people. It needs to be a tenfold increase to catch up with the needs that we see, he said.

We should have the freedom of movement that we require  and, by law, we enjoy  to distribute aid, he added. Everything is needed, and it starts with the fighting stopping.

Echoing his calls, Bayram of the Norwegian Refugee Council said more diplomatic pressure is needed to open more crossings, increase the amount of aid into the enclave and ensure the security of aid workers.

We are still miles away from that, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An air-raid warning has been issued in 11 southern, eastern and central Ukrainian oblasts. The media has reported that explosions had been heard in the city of Odesa.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force; Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration; Dumska, a local outlet

Quote from Air Force: "Attention! Threat of missile launches in the oblasts where an air-raid warning has been issued!"

Details: Kiper called on the residents of Odesa to stay in shelters until the all-clear.

Local outlet Dumska reported that several powerful explosions had been heard in Odesa. It was also reported that part of Odesa had been left without electricity.

Updated: The all-clear was given at 07:33. The warning was in effect for a little more than 30 minutes.

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Al-Qaeda terror chief could be freed in June after being granted parole hearing

An Al-Qaeda terror chief jailed for life for planning mass murder could be freed within weeks after being granted a parole hearing.

Rangzieb Ahmed, once said to be Osama bin Ladens top operative in Europe, was the first person in the UK to be convicted of directing terrorism.

He was jailed in 2008 for plotting mass murder and was caught with a book of terror contacts written in invisible ink, and a rucksack that contained traces of explosives.

Ahmed, 47, who has received almost 1 million in legal aid for his legal proceedings, was rejected for parole in September 2022 after officials judged that he was too dangerous to be released.

Then, in July last year, he was ordered to take part in a deradicalisation programme that aims to make him safe for release. Ahmed has now been approved for a new hearing with the Parole Board, in which he is expected to argue he is rehabilitated.

The hearing takes place on June 20 and if officials agree to release him, Ahmed is likely to be freed within weeks.

Ahmed was caught with a book of terror contacts written in invisible ink - PA

His freedom bid comes just days after it emerged another jailed terrorist is trying to secure an exit from prison.

Parviz Khan, who threatened to kidnap and decapitate a British Muslim soldier, will appear before the Parole Board next week.

Chris Phillips, former head of the national counter-terror security office, told GB News: Public safety will be at risk if either of these men are released. You have to question whether it will ever be safe for either of them to walk the streets again.

The terror threat from jailed Islamists has risen as almost one a week have been freed in the past year. Between 40 and 50 terrorists were due to be freed last year, according to the governments Contest counter-terrorism strategy.

It warned that four of the nine declared terrorist attacks in the UK since 2018 were perpetrated by serving or recently released prisoners. There are currently more than 200 people in jail for terrorism-connected offences.

Those convicted of terrorism, or a related offence, may continue to pose a threat [on release], said the Contest report. Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the terrorist risk posed by individuals in custody, the vast majority will require long-term risk management which may last for decades post-release.

Parviz Khan, who threatened to kidnap and decapitate a British Muslim soldier, will appear before the Parole Board next week - Reuters

Confirming the date of Ahmeds freedom bid, a Parole Board spokesman said: An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of Rangzieb Ahmed and is scheduled to take place in June 2024.

Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead-up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.

The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.

Rochdale-born Ahmed was jailed for life with a minimum of 10 years in 2008, after Manchester Crown Court heard he was behind the terror cell. Counter-terrorism chiefs were not sure where Ahmed was planning to strike, but were convinced an attack was imminent.

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Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, speaks during a debate over his bill expanding Alabama's "Don't Say Gay" law in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 23, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The bill would expand the current prohibitions on discussions of gender or sexuality from fifth grade to eighth grade. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday approved a major expansion of the states Dont Say Gay law after a two-hour debate.

HB 130, sponsored by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, would expand the limitations on teachers addressing sexual orientation and gender identity, currently banned in kindergarten through fifth grade instruction, to kindergarten through eighth grade. The bill would also limit pride flags in the classroom.

Weve had a few teachers go rogue, and youd be appalled at some of the things that are being taught. Youd be appalled at some of the things right now that youre seeing on Chromebooks, Butler said.

The House approved the measure on a 74-25 vote.

The bill would have previously expanded the ban through 12th grade, but Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, offered an amendment to limit the ban on sexual orientation and gender identity instruction to the eighth grade.

Butler said that was a friendly amendment supported by the Alabama State Department of Education and thanked Drummond for bringing it.

Im trying to put lipstick on something that I think is going to be scarring our kids, Drummond said.

Democrats said the bill could have unintended consequences, especially as it related to childrens mental health.

Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, said that in her background as a counselor, shes worked with LGBTQ+ youth that have been ostracized and bullied for of their identity.

Lands named Nigel Shelby, a 15-year-old from Huntsville who died by suicide because of bullying. She said to the body that each legislator knows people that have been personally affected by this kind of cruelty.

Several Democrats expressed concerns the bill could contribute to suicide rates. Asked by Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, to respond, Butler said he didnt believe that would be the case at all.

You still would be able to go to your teacher and talk to your teacher. You wouldnt be able to raise your hand in class and have an open discussion about what youre going through, which I doubt is what would happen anyway, Butler said.

Ensler said he was missing the point. He said that what children will take away from the legislation is that the Legislature is homophobic. He said anytime lessons on identity are prohibited, such as discussion on religion and ethnicity, it makes people feel like they dont matter and are not seen as equal.

That is so disturbing, and I just cannot believe that were going to potentially now pass something any moment here that could lead to a child  a child  taking his or her own life because of something that were going to do here today, Ensler said.

Other Democrats questioned which rainbow flag the legislation would outlaw.

Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, asked whether the bill would be banning the traditional rainbow flag or the solidarity flag, also known as the progress flag. There are at least 25 pride flags, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

At what point would you know that youre coming upon another insignia or symbol that would be showing a student that might be struggling, hurting or are really trying to just make the best of what they can and talk to a teacher? Rafferty asked.

He offered an amendment that would instead prohibit a teacher from having discussions intended to change a students sexual orientation or gender identity.

Very simple. It changes that from regarding to getting to really what the intent of this bill is, and that is to protect children, Rafferty said.

The amendment was defeated on a 70-27 vote.

Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, said that the issue was not in school, but at home and social media. He said the body was trying to legislate morality within the home.

I have a little pause because I think were trying to do something that we cannot do, Sellers said.

He added that teachers dont have the time to teach material outside of the school curriculum.

Their time is so scheduled, along with dealing with all that they deal with, especially with discipline issues that they deal with within the school system, they dont have time to teach what I think what youre suggesting that has been taught, Sellers said.



Republicans spoke in support of the bill, saying that teachers need to focus on teaching the subject they are assigned.

Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, said that it is not the job of public education to sexualize our kids. He said it was disingenuous to say its a ban on teaching historical facts.

The sooner we realize that teachers need to focus on teaching, reading, writing and arithmetic, and leaving the purity and the minds, in regard to sexual knowledge, to the parents of our families, the better off our country will be, Yarbrough said.

The bill goes to the Senate for consideration.

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The post Alabama House approves expansion of state Dont Say Gay law appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, watches action in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 18, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representative passed a bill Tuesday that would effectively sanction companies that voluntarily recognize unions.

SB 231, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would withhold economic incentives to a company that voluntarily recognizes a union solely and exclusively on the basis of signed labor organization authorization cards if the selection of a bargaining representative may be conducted through a secret ballot election.

This pertains to any business that receives incentives. It doesnt specify who receives it. If you do receive it, you have to let your employees vote on a private ballot, said House Majority Leader Scott Stadhagen, R-Hartselle, who introduced the bill on the House floor.

The bill, which passed 72-30, would exclude companies that already have unionized workforces. Alabama has the highest unionization rate in the South.

The legislation went through a few changes on the floor.

Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley, introduced an amendment to require the state Department of Revenue to provide a report to the Legislature on or before the start of a regular session of companies that lose incentives due to the legislation. The amendment passed 94-1.

Im trying to find out information about a company that lost incentives, he said.

Wadsworth was one of three Republicans to vote against the measure. Reps. Bryan Brinyark of Windham Springs and Matt Woods of Jasper also voted against it.

Bren Riley, the president of the AFL-CIO of Alabama, said in March that he only knew of two Alabama companies in the past 40 years that voluntarily recognized a union.

Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, offered an amendment that exempt any agreement made between an employer and local government made before January 2025. Sellers said the amendment would provide employers more protections. The previous version only exempted agreements between employers and the state. The amendment passed 97-1.

Another amendment, proposed by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, would make the legislation effective immediately. It would have previously gone into effect on October 1. The amendment passed 75-21.

Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, said there is a reason why unions are coming to Alabama. He said that if employees were valued, they wouldnt need a third party to advocate for them.

Its because of the bad actors. Its because of the people that dont want to be good corporate citizens. Its because of the people that look at greed over making sure that their employees have enough revenue to take home to take care of their families, Bracy said.

He said that there are situations where workers continue to be put into harmful situations, and they will keep doing the job because there may not be other opportunities, especially in the more rural communities, without many options.

If youre very limited to where you can work, youre not going to buck against the system, youre going to go in and youre going to put your head down, youre going to do whats asked of you, but sometimes they need somebody else to step in, he said.

The legislation comes amid high-profile unionization drives at Mercedes-Benzs plant outside Tuscaloosa and Hyundais plant in Montgomery. Mercedes workers, who have cited pay and benefit issues at the plant, are expected to vote on a union in early May. Gov. Kay Ivey and state officials have criticized the union drive.



The bill would require companies that violate its terms to pay back any economic incentives received, though the terms would not apply to benefits given to companies before Jan. 1, 2025.

Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, said that unions were initially the best thing that ever happened to this country to the workforce, but thats not the case anymore. He said that there were more people than jobs, which he said creates problems one way or the other.

Im not opposed to unions, and Im not for them. I like for people to be able to vote, but they should vote in private, he said.

The bill goes back to the Senate for concurrence in the House amendments or a conference committee.

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The post Alabama House OKs sanctions for companies that voluntarily recognize unions appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
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 of Representatives Tuesday approved a measure that would allow some students living in the country illegally to attend public higher education in the state.

HB 210, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, would allow students in the U.S. without legal permission to attend one of Alabamas post-secondary institutions, if they have applied for legal status and attended high school for three years and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

These are the students who are wanting to better themselves and make it a better place. These are the ones that are not going to end up on the streets. These are the ones that have to apply for legal status and have to go to school in the country, Ingram said.

The bill passed 89-10.

Undocumented students are barred from attending public higher education in the state under HB 56, the 2011 law that aimed to criminalize the immigrants in the state without legal permission. Federal courts later gutted much of the law, but the bar on higher education remained.

Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, offered an amendment to bar the state from providing financial aid to eligible students, saying taxpayers already invested so much money to provide a K-12 education and that it wouldnt be a return on investment if they dont stay in Alabama.

My intent with this amendment is basically to prevent any more taxpayer money going to these kids who go to college. I respect them wanting to go to college, but I think its up to them to pay their own way to go to college, Colvin said.

His amendment got pushback from both Democrats and Republicans.

Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said the amendment was rather heartless.

Were trying to do something about the workforce in Alabama, and while were trying to take two steps forward, this amendment is going to push us back three steps, she said.

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, who chairs the Ways and Means Education committee, said if the students end up living the state after getting a K-12 education, saying that we dont put those handcuffs on anyone else.

What Im saying is, if you do this, make this investment, and then tell them basically to leave, which is I think what would happen, I dont think they come back, Garrett said.

Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Linden, said that the things you do often say a lot more than you may think they are saying.

When you talk about people that have come to America. They have one word, and I think thats a word that all of us need to aspire to  and thats hope. They have hope in their hearts when they come here, McCampbell said.

Colvin withdrew his amendment.

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 Senate for consideration. The bill needs two more legislative days to pass; there are six days left in the current session.

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The post Alabama House passes bill allowing some undocumented immigrants to attend college appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
The Alliance has no plans to expand the circle of allies with nuclear weapons. This was stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during a briefing with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

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"There are no plans to expand the nuclear sharing arrangements. There are also no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in any additional NATO countries," Stoltenberg answered a question from Polish media representatives.

The question is related to Polish President Andrzej Duda's statement that Poland is ready to deploy NATO nuclear weapons on its territory. However, the Polish leader admitted that it is possible only in case of a joint decision by NATO allies.

Duda also said that this issue is the subject of Polish-American negotiations. According to him, the Polish president has already spoken with the US leadership on this topic several times.

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Currently, only three NATO members possess nuclear weapons. These are the United States, the United Kingdom, and France; the United States has the largest nuclear capability.

Of these NATO nuclear powers, only the United States has provided nuclear weapons for sharing with other countries in the bloc. These are five other countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

As reported earlier, Duda agreed with the words of his colleague Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia plans to attack NATO in 2026-2027 and is doubling the pace of transition to a military economy for this purpose. The Polish president called on the Alliance to prepare for this by increasing defense spending.

Meanwhile, back in June 2023, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia had sent tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which borders Ukraine and Poland.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 18, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An expanded version of a bill defining sex terms passed out of a Senate committee Tuesday.

HB111, sponsored by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, defines female as an individual who has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental anomaly, genetic anomaly, or accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces ova and male as an individual who has, had, will have, or would have, but for a developmental anomaly, genetic anomaly, or accident, the reproductive system that at some point produces sperm.

Words have meaning and my intent is to make sure we have uniform definitions in our court, she said.

The bill passed the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee 5-3, on party lines. The Alabama House of Representatives approved the bill on April 12.

The committee added an amendment to the bill that says that overnight programs operated or sponsored by a state department, agency, board, or commission where minors share multiple occupancy bathrooms, changing facilities or sleeping quarters must prevent people of opposite genders from sharing those spaces.

The bill was offered in committee by Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston. House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, had attempted to add the amendment during debate on the floor but ultimately withdrew it after questioning, saying that it had been brought to my attention that the provision could cause issues with state universities.

These are talking about camps for minors where attendees share multi-occupancy bathrooms, said DuBose in committee. Youre not going to have opposite sex in those rooms.

Democrats on the committee asked clarifying questions on the amendment. Sen. Jay Hovey, R-Auburn, said he felt the amendment changed the spirit of the bill and voted against it. He also said the amendment was vague in what it applied to.

All of our state schools have various programs and attended and occupied by these minors, he said.

The amendment passed 5-3.

After the bill was approved, Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, read a message from Susan Stewart from Huntsville. Stewart wrote that, as a cisgender or non-transgender woman, she was not sure what the bill was trying to fix. Stewart wrote that she could not find basically any cases in the country where cisgender women were harassed by transgender women in bathrooms or locker rooms, but could find many cases where non-transgender men attacked women in bathrooms.

So who is going to be safer? she wrote. And privacy? How will we regulate these spaces? How will I prove I was born female? Whos going to check? What papers will I have to carry?

Stewart wrote that similar bills were challenged by courts in other states and asked how much it would cost taxpayers to defend the bill.

How much time and money is the state of Alabama willing to spend on a bill that accomplishes nothing but to make life harder for people? she wrote.

Handwriting on the typed statement said that multiple requests were made for a public hearing on the bill before the meeting was scheduled.

The bill moves to the full Senate. It needs one legislative day to pass; there are six legislative days left in the session.

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The post Alabama Senate committee amends bill defining sex-based terms appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
The Alabama State Senate unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that would ensure President Biden can be on the states ballot in November, after a state elections official warned that he may miss the deadline to qualify.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen (R) sent a letter to state Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley earlier this month noting that the states deadline for certifying candidates to be on the general election ballot is Aug. 15, four days before the start of the Democratic National Convention where Biden will officially become the nominee.

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 said in the letter.

Kelley contacted the Democratic National Committee in response to try to figure out what to do.

The state Senate passed a bill in a 31-0 vote Tuesday to move the certification deadline back to 74 days before the election, instead of 82 days before, as state law currently requires.

The Alabama Legislature previously moved the deadline back in 2020 as a one-time fix to accommodate the date of both parties conventions that year.

The latest bill now heads to the state House for approval. The Alabama-based news outlet AL.com reported the legislation could receive final approval in the Legislature as soon as next week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
When Congress impeaches and removes a federal official, the Constitution says, "the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment, according to law." While you might think that clause means impeachment and removal do not preclude criminal prosecution, Donald Trump's lawyers say it means a former president can be prosecuted for abusing his powers only after he is impeached and removed.

That is the improbable crux of the argument that the U.S. Supreme Court will consider on Thursday in the federal case that charges Trump with illegally trying to remain in office after he lost the 2020 presidential election. If the Court accepts Trump's claim that he "enjoys absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for his official acts," it will be endorsing the proposition that presidents can escape accountability for crimes, no matter how egregious, provided they avoid conviction in the Senate based on the same conduct.

One way for a president to forestall that result is to commit crimes toward the end of his term in office. Trump, for example, was impeached for inciting the 2021 Capitol riot, but he was no longer president by the time the Senate weighed the case against him.

Many Republicansincluding Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (RKy.), who had castigated Trump for his reckless behavior before and during the riotargued that it was not proper for the Senate to try a former president. Explaining his vote to acquit Trump, McConnell noted that the former president could still be held civilly or criminally liable for his role in the violent assault that interrupted congressional ratification of Joe Biden's victory.

"We have a criminal justice system in this country," McConnell said. "We have civil litigation. And former presidents are not immune from being held accountable by either one."

Trump's lawyers say McConnell was wrong about that. Their argument also implies that Richard Nixon was wrong to worry that he might face criminal prosecution after resigning from office amid the Watergate scandal.

Nixon resigned after articles of impeachment were proposed but before the House voted on them. By Trump's reasoning, he was free and clear of criminal liability at that point. Yet Gerald Ford, Nixon's successor, granted him a pardon "for all offenses against the United States" he may have committed as president, and Nixon accepted that pardon.

According to Trump, a president can avoid prosecution by leaving office before the Senate can convict him or by hiding his crimes well enough that they are not discovered until after he leaves office. And since the Impeachment Judgment Clause is not limited to presidents, it would seem, so could "all civil officers of the United States," contrary to the historical practice of prosecuting former federal officials who were never impeached.

Although there is no textual basis for treating former presidents differently in this respect, Trump argues that protection of executive power demands special leniency for them. Otherwise, he warns, the threat of frivolous, politically motivated prosecutions would have a paralyzing impact on presidential decisions.

As Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's legally dubious case against Trump shows, that threat is not entirely fanciful. Yet presidents have managed to do their jobs for many years despite this risk, undermining Trump's claim that "a denial of criminal immunity would incapacitate every future President."

A federal judge and a unanimous appeals court panel already have rejected Trump's immunity claim. During oral arguments in January, D.C. Circuit Judge Florence Pan explored the implications of that claim by asking whether a president who "ordered SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival" but "was not impeached" could be prosecuted for that crime.

According to Trump's position, the answer was clearly no: If that hypothetical president resigned immediately after the assassination order came to light, for instance, he could literally get away with murder. When a legal argument yields results as alarming as that, there is probably something wrong with its premises.

 Copyright 2024 by Creators Syndicate Inc.

The post The Alarming Implications of Trump's Immunity Claim appeared first on Reason.com.
Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, turns to listen to a proposed amendment to the state budget on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, Alaska. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

The Alaska Houses Rules Committee has eliminated, at least temporarily, a plan to raise the states age of sexual consent to 18. Members of the House said on Tuesday that they expect to revote on the idea before the legislative session ends.

Meeting on Monday, members of the committee voted unanimously to remove the section of House Bill 264 that contained the sexual-consent language.

During a House floor session in late March, Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, proposed a handwritten amendment to HB 264 that would make it a felony for someone older than 18 to have sex with someone younger than 18, with some exceptions.

That amendment passed 32-6 even as some lawmakers criticized the amendments language as inadequate. Gray said he would have preferred a longer, formally drafted amendment, but that wasnt available at the time of the vote, and lawmakers passed the idea while acknowledging that the Senate would have to fix some problems with the proposal.

But instead of advancing HB 264 to a final vote and on to the Senate, House leaders returned the bill to the House Rules Committee for several weeks.

Speaking Tuesday, Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer and the sponsor of HB 264, said Grays amendment was incomplete and only dealt with one small aspect (of the age of consent) and did not reflect  the full intent by the sponsor.

Vance, who voted against Grays idea on the floor, said she personally believes the age of consent issue needs to be examined holistically, with attention to the legal age of marriage as well. In 2022, legislators passed a law banning marriages involving children younger than 16; Vance voted for the bill.

Vance said HB 264 is intended only to require the states Department of Family, Community and Childrens Services to screen eligible children for victimization and sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation, something that is already being done but isnt required by state law.

That issue doesnt touch on criminal law like Grays amendment, which has large criminal implications, Vance said.

House Rules Chair Craig Johnson, R-Anchorage, said he supports the idea behind Grays amendment, which I think at this point, everyone realized was  flawed.

He said he expects a new version of the amendment to be unveiled when HB 264 returns to the House floor, and Gray said he does have a new eight-page amendment ready for lawmakers attention.

As described by Gray, the new version sets the age of consent at 18, with exemptions if the two people having sex are within four years  down to the day  of each other.

Someone as young as 13 could legally have sex with someone no older than 17; someone who is 21 could legally have sex with someone as young as 17.

The new amendment also clarifies that it doesnt affect sex between two people who are married.

The age of marriage in Alaska is 16, he said. If someone is 16, and theyre married to somebody much older, this does not affect them. People can have sex as spouses, they can have sex with their husband, even if theyre 16.

Gray said he wasnt surprised by the rules committees action, because he knew Vance was uncomfortable with the change.

I look forward to the opportunity of bringing the full change to the age of consent, as drafted by legislative lawyers correctly, to the floor to get the real version passed, he said.

Gray said he doesnt know whether House lawmakers will support the new version, but he hopes they will.

Thirty-two people voted for the handwritten version of the amendment. So I believe, if they supported that, why wouldnt they support the correct, legally drafted version on the floor? he said.

The post Alaska House panel removes proposal to raise the states age of sexual consent to 18 appeared first on Alaska Beacon.
This article was originally published in Alaska Beacon.

After a court ruling that overturned a key part of Alaskas education correspondence programs, members of the state Legislature have proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow public money to go to private and religious schools.

House Joint Resolution 28 is scheduled for hearings Wednesday and Friday next week in the House Judiciary Committee.

If approved by two-thirds of the House, two-thirds of the Senate and voters this fall, HJR 28 would remove the part of Article VII, Section 1, that says, no money shall be paid from public funds for the direct benefit of any religious or other private educational institution.

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That clause was specifically flagged by Superior Court Judge Adolf Zeman when he struck down a law dealing with payments to the parents of children in the states correspondence programs.

Some parents had been using the money to pay for tuition at private schools, and Zeman concluded that the law had been deliberately written to allow the practice, making it unconstitutional.

HJR 28 also proposes to change Article IX, Section 6, which prohibits spending public money except for public purposes. The proposed amendment would add a clause saying that the section doesnt prevent payments for the direct educational benefit of students as provided by law.

In a statement accompanying the release of the draft amendment, Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer and chair of the judiciary committee, said that by allowing public funds to benefit all Alaskans seeking educational opportunities, this amendment promotes fairness and empowers choice in education.

Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River and a member of the judiciary committee, said that a public vote  required of any constitutional amendment  would empower voters and ensures that all Alaskans have a voice in shaping the future of education in Alaska.

While large numbers of state legislators and Gov. Mike Dunleavy have expressed alarm about the legal decision on correspondence programs, many have said they intend to postpone action until after the Alaska Supreme Court addresses the topic.

Talking to reporters on Tuesday, several members of the supermajority caucus in charge of the Alaska Senate said they would be unlikely to support a constitutional amendment eliminating the prohibition on public funds for private schools.

Alaska Beacon is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: info@alaskabeacon.com. Follow Alaska Beacon on Facebook and Twitter.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  City crews are using state funds to upgrade the lights in downtown Albuquerque. The hope is to make downtown safer while replacing old infrastructure.

Better lighting and visibility will enhance the appeal of Downtown Albuquerque while making it safer for all who spend time there, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a press release. My administration supports this effort as part of an overall strategy to make New Mexico a safer place for all, and Im glad to see this important initiative moving forward.

Albuquerque South Valley gets affordable senior housing

The work is part of a larger effort to add lighting to the city. Eventually, lights from First Street to Sixth Street between Lomas and Coal Avenue will be replaced in several phases, the city says. More than 300 old lightbulbs will be replaced with brighter LED lights.

The new infrastructure will be tied into the citys BRAIN, a resource management system that help ensure the city can keep the lights on while maximizing energy efficiency.

ABQ BioPark getting electric train, gray wolf refuge, new event pavilion

We know from our community that improving lighting is a top priority, and we continue to work to deliver on that promise to brighten up our streets and make them safer, Mayor Tim Keller said in a press release. This project is more than just an investment in new lights; its an investment in the future as we modernize our city.

The latest phase of work will begin between Marquette Avenue and Lomas Boulevard between Fourth Street and Sixth Street, the city says. Workers will be replacing wiring and streetlights.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hits out at Columbia for calling police on pro-Palestine protesters

The Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University has been in place for a week - SELCUK ACAR/ANADOLU

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has hit out at Columbia University for its decision to call the police on the pro-Palestine protesters taking over the main lawn of the campus.

Calling in police enforcement on non-violent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act, she wrote in a post on X, formally Twitter.

It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts peoples lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms, said the member of Congress following a threat from the university to call in the NYPD on protesters who refused to disperse.

In an email to the Columbia community on Tuesday evening, president Minouche Shafix gave the group, named the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, an ultimatum: dismantle or face being cleared out.

Ms Shafix initially gave the group a deadline of midnight on Tuesday to reach an agreement  this has now been extended to 8am on Wednesday (1pm GMT) after the encampment did not move overnight.

Dozens of counter-terrorism and strategic response officers are now stationed outside the gates of Columbia University with zip ties.

NYPD strategic response officers stationed outside the gates of Columbia University with zip ties on Monday - STEFAN JEREMIAH/AP

On Tuesday, more than two dozen Republican senators penned a letter urging the attorney general to intervene.

You need to take action to restore order and protect Jewish students on our college campuses, the senators said.

Republicans Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton said that the National Guard should be called in.

In her email, Ms Shafix said that the university would consider alternative options for removing the student protesters who have erected dozens of tents on university grounds, demanding that the university support a ceasefire in Gaza and divest from Israel funds.

I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for cleaning the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus, she wrote.

Shai Davidai, an assistant business professor, accused university staff of deactiviating his keycard on Monday when he attempted to hold a 'stand up to terrorism' counter-protest - STEFAN JEREMIAH/AP

In an unprecedented step, nearly a week ago, Ms Shafix enlisted city police in riot gear to arrest more than 100 activists who refused to leave the tent village.

The presidents decision raised tensions on campus with students vowing to remain no matter the consequences.

In her campus-wide email on Tuesday, Ms Shafix stated that one of the main motivations for clearing the lawn was so that graduation, scheduled to take place on the lawn on May 15, could go ahead as normal.

I am deeply sensitive to the fact that graduating seniors spent their first year attending Columbia remotely. We all very much want these students to celebrate their well-deserved graduation with family and friends, she stated in the email.

Ms Shafix acknowledged the ongoing conversations between the protesters and University administration in her emails and stated that she fully supports the importance of free speech, respects the right to demonstrate, and recognises that many of the protesters have gathered peacefully.

On Monday, a Jewish professor accused staff at the university of being scared to stand up to pro-Palestinian protesters after he was denied entry to campus over safety concerns.

Shai Davidai, an assistant business professor, claimed his keycard to enter the main campus was deactivated by university authorities when he tried to hold a stand up to terrorism counter-protest on Monday.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said a person was found dead near a park Wednesday.

Virginia Department of Transportation warning against fraudulent texts asking drivers to pay outstanding tolls

A person was found dead near Four Mile Park in the 4100 block of Mount Vernon Ave. Someone reported that they saw a dead body in a river at around 1:30 p.m.

When police arrived, they found the body of a man. APD said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to find out how the man died.

APD asked people to avoid the area as officers investigate what happened.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man accused of causing a crash that killed a husband and wife on August 12, 2023, pled guilty to six charges on Tuesday, according to the Nassau County DA.

Sotirios Spanos of Syosset was driving with twice the legal limit for alcohol, according to authorities.

Man accused of punching woman in the face on Manhattan street

Spanos reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour when he crossed over the yellow divider and struck an oncoming Ferrari convertible on Northern Boulevard at around 12:30 a.m., said police.

Ismenia Urena was pronounced dead at the scene. Odalis Urena was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved, authorities said.

Spanos is expected to serve 7 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to the following:

Aggravated vehicular homicide

Two counts of manslaughter in the second degree

Two counts of assault in the second degree

Driving while intoxicated.

Spanos is due back in court on June 17, 2024, for sentencing.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Two Altamonte Springs police officers were recognized after they rushed into an apartment building engulfed by flames earlier this month.

The fire on Ballard Street broke out around 1:20 a.m. on April 3. Firefighters said a dozen units were damaged, and the building didnt appear to have working smoke detectors.

Zane Hoskins and Zack Morrissey worked to get people out of the burning building. Body camera video shared by the police department shows them running through the property with flames and smoke around them, banging on doors to try to get people out.

Read: Only on 9: Deputy explains why he tried to get information about deadly kidnapping, carjacking

They notified firefighters that one boy remained trapped inside as soon as the engine pulled up. Unfortunately, witnesses said the flames were too intense in the upper levels and the boy was unable to be saved.

Congressman Cory Mills stopped by the police department Monday to hand over certificates for the officers bravery.

Read: Sheriff: 3rd person of interest in custody in deadly Seminole County carjacking, kidnapping

You always have that moment that youre going to question, what could have done better? What could have done quicker? What could I have done to change an outcome, he recalled telling the officers. I said, Recognize that your heroic efforts saved the lives of many.

The officers remained humble through the ceremony, and noted that the outcome could have been better, despite doing everything they could have.

Its kind of a mixed feeling, Hoskins explained. We did all we could but at the same time, a little boy did lose his life.

Read: FTC moves forward with ruling to ban non-compete agreements nationwide

Both said they didnt know they were going to be recognized for their response.

It was a surprise that caught us both off guard, Morrissey said.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The US Senate (the upper house of Congress) supported a bill to provide assistance to Ukraine worth about $61 billion on Tuesday, April 23 (night of April 24, Kyiv time). 79 senators voted in favor of the bill, while 18 voted against it.

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This was reported by OBOZ.UA, referring to the broadcast of the Senate meeting. Now the document has to be signed by US President Joe Biden.

"The Senate has finally passed a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. And now it goes to the US President for his signature," Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately reacted to the decision. He thanked the Senate for approving vital assistance to Ukraine.

"Thank you to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as to all senators from both parties who voted for it. This vote strengthens America's role as a beacon of democracy and a leader of the free world," the guarantor wrote.

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Zelenskyy also thanked all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and noted that he appreciates the support of US leader Joe Biden.

The latter said that he would sign a document on assistance to Ukraine on April 24, as soon as it was on his desk, so that the United States could start sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week. Biden also announced an address to the American people.

"Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the strength of American leadership: we stand firmly for democracy and freedom and against tyranny and oppression. This important legislation will make our country and the world safer as we stand with our friends as they defend themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin," the US president said.

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The voting in the Senate was not without minor issues. First, there was a vote on the amendments. However, Republican Lee's proposal to add amendments to the bill failed. Later, the Senate voted to shorten the procedure for consideration of our aid package. After that, the senators began debate. They lasted for several hours, after which it was decided that the bill did not violate any budgetary restrictions. That was the end of all procedural votes and discussions.

As a reminder, on April 20, the US House of Representatives voted on further US assistance to Ukraine and supported the bill. There were 311 votes in favor (101 Republicans + 210 Democrats) and 112 against. US President Joe Biden welcomed the adoption by the House of Representatives of bills on assistance to foreign countries, including Ukraine. He urged the Senate to pass the aid for our Armed Forces as soon as possible. Biden emphasized that it is important to start sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine as soon as possible.

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As reported, according to CNN, a significant part of the weapons promised by the United States to Ukraine as part of a $61 billion aid package is already in warehouses in Germany and Poland. This will significantly speed up the delivery of military aid to Ukraine.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
This is how I am going to kill you, North Las Vegas man accused of strangling, threatening neighbor with pickaxe

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A North Las Vegas man faces charges including attempted murder after he allegedly strangled and threatened his neighbor with a pickaxe, according to an arrest report.

Efrain Chavarin, 51, of North Las Vegas faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, records showed.

51-year-old Efrain Chavarin (NLVPD)

On April 20, police responded to a report of a fight between neighbors in the 1100 block of Stone River Drive near Civic Center Drive and Carey Avenue. When officers arrived, they saw the suspect, later identified as Chavarin, in the driveway of his home. Police said when Chavarin saw the officers he quickly went inside his garage.

The neighbors told police that Chavarin had a history of exhibiting bizarre and aggressive behavior, to the point where there was something happening every day, according to the report.

On the night of the fight around 10 p.m., the victim was outside in his driveway, working on his truck when Chavarin came up to him and demanded that he turn his truck off, police said.

Chavarin then punched the victim in the face, causing the victim to fall to the ground. While the victim was on the ground, Chavarin got on top of him and wrapped his arm around his neck, making it hard for the victim to breathe, the report said.

Man accused of fighting neighbor with pickaxe, barricade in North Las Vegas

The victim said the fight lasted about 10 minutes, during which, Chavarin violently shook the victim while telling him I am going to kill you, police said.

The victim was able to eventually break away from Chavarins grasp and ran into his home.

While the victim was inside, Chavarin went back to his house and came back out holding an opened pocket knife. Chaverin then made his way to the victims front gate and began waving the knife toward him while threatening to chop his head off, police said.

While outside, Chavarin also yelled that he wanted $200 and the keys to the victims truck, the report said.

Chavarin again returned to his house and came back holding a pickaxe. He then turned to a bucket he found in his garage and began hitting it with the pickaxe while yelling This is how I am going to kill you, to his neighbor. After destroying the bucket, Chavarin tossed the remains into the victims yard, police said.

Chavarin continued to pace around his yard and throw objects into the victims yard until police arrived, the report said.

When police arrived, they attempted to get him to come out however, Chavarin told police to Come get him, and to shoot him, according to police.

An officer was able to stand on a chair to see Chavarin inside his garage and witnessed him playing loud music, using a vacuum, and throwing a screwdriver at the garage door, causing the blade to penetrate the door, police said.

After a lengthy barricade, Chavarin was eventually brought into custody and taken to the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center, police said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Ammonia was used to chill huge Finley cold storage warehouse. Where did it go in the fire?

Black smoke billowing from the cold storage warehouse fire in Finley this weekend carried burning plastic and other potentially toxic building materials into the air, including anhydrous ammonia.

About 14,000 pounds of ammonia, which was used as a refrigerant at the frozen vegetable warehouse, was lost in the fire, the Washington Department of Ecology confirmed Tuesday to the Tri-City Herald.

Benton County Fire District 1 fielded numerous questions from the public about a possible ammonia release, said Jenna Kochenauer, the districts public information officer.

Ammonia is caustic and hazardous when released in large volumes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, which notes that it is difficult to ignite and that its smell tends to drive people away before concentration levels become dangerous.

During the fire at Lineage Logistics on Sunday, area neighborhoods were evacuated. And on Monday, area schools pivoted to indoor activities to keep kids and staff from breathing the smoke.

Stephanie May, communications manager for the state Ecology department, said about 28,000 pounds of ammonia were on the Lineage property when the fire started in a freezer Sunday. About half was circulating in the refrigeration system plumbing and was lost. The balance was in a tank that firefighters aggressively worked to save.

Crews focused on the cinder block building that contained the tank, spraying water from all sides to keep it from releasing into the air, Kochenauer confirmed.

Aerial images posted by the Benton County Sheriffs Office indicate the building remained cool, she added. The ammonia stored in the tank was removed safely on Monday.

May said Ecology employees placed stationary meters around the property Sunday evening. As of Tuesday, no ammonia had been detected. The meters will remain in place through Thursday, she said.

Currently, the air is safe to breath near the site, 224905 E. Bowles Road. However, visitors should use face protection if confronted with dense smoke.

All smoke is toxic, Kochenauer noted.

Tri-City air quality

Kochenauer said the fire district expects the smoldering to continue at the partly collapsed building for the remainder of the week.

The dramatic plume of smoke, visible from at least 50 miles in all directions, barely registered on the Ecology departments air quality monitoring stations that dot the state. The system gives a regional view of air quality and is not intended to offer the hyper-local look provided by the temporary, stationary ones.

The regional monitors do provide a view of how the Lineage fire plume spread across the Tri-Cities on Monday as the fire continued to smolder.

A monitor at the Tri-Tech Skills Center in central Kennewick briefly spiked to unhealthy levels at 11 a.m. Monday. The air quality index rose to 108, a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

By noon, it had receded to moderate and by 2 p.m. air quality was back in the good zone.

Air quality is considered healthy up to 50, moderate at 51, unhealthy at 151, very unhealthy at 201 and hazardous at 301.

Air quality in Burbank, across the Columbia River from the warehouse fire, remained in the good zone during the most active phase of the fire Sunday evening and overnight, according to a monitor on Maple Street. Monday morning, it briefly tipped into the moderate yellow zone when reached a level of 52. It swiftly dropped back.

Cause unknown

No cause has been made public, and it is not yet clear when investigators will be able to enter the charred, partially collapsed building. Kochenauer said Lineage officials have indicated they intend to bring in a team to assess the situation once it is safe.

A spokeswoman for Lineage, which changed its name from Lineage Logistics last week, could not be reached about the fire and its plans at the facility.

Lineage is a global warehousing company based in Detroit, Mich., operates 400 warehouses in 18 countries, focusing on temperature controlled facilities that handle food products.

Its cold storage plant on Bowles Road is one of several in the Tr-Cities area. Others are in Richland, Pasco and Prosser.

Benton County assessor records indicate the building was more than 525,400 square feet, though it is not clear how much of that is cold storage, office or other support facilities.

It is valued at nearly $21.7 million for property tax purposes, but rebuilding it would cost far more.

Even the most conservative cost estimate for warehouse construction indicates it would cost more than $80 million to replace a warehouse of that size in this region, according to RLB, which provides construction cost data.

The loss of the Kennewick cold storage facility will be felt by customers who rely on it to handle frozen foods, according to John Chang, senior vice president and national director for research services for Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.

The vacancy rate for cold storage facilities in Washington was 2.3% in March, well below the national average. And there are no significant projects being built or even planned in Washington.

The lack of speculative builds suggests Lineage will likely either have to rebuild its existing facility, construct a new built-to-suit project, or seek out existing space in Washington, which is becoming even harder to obtain, Chang told the Tri-City Herald.

Cold storage warehouses are part of a cold chain that extends from the farm to consumer with stops at food processors, cold storage warehouses and distribution facilities.

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Juan Carlos Crosby, the interim director of the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority speaks with Dona Ana County Manager Fernando Macias after the CRRUA presentation Tueday, April 9, 2024. Crosby was named full director on April 24, 2024. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM)

Juan Carlos JC Crosby is losing the interim in his job title at the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, and is now the full-time director of the water utility under scrutiny for sending water with high arsenic to its 19,000 customers in Southern New Mexico.

Susana Chaparro, a Dona Ana county commissioner and chair of the utilitys governing board, made the announcement at the commission meeting Tuesday, during comments from members.

Were going to pound out the contract, but that new executive director, who we hope will be at CRRUA for a long time, is Juan Carlos Crosby, she said.

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority board held a special meeting on Monday that had the hiring of the next executive director on the agenda. Chaparro said Crosby accepted the offer to lead the utility full-time.

Crosby worked as CRRUAs assistant director for a year and a half. Prior to that, he was a city planner at Sunland Park.

His tenure in that role at the utility included the one-year period, where state regulators say the utility failed to remove arsenic from drinking water for the 19,000 residents living in Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, when three of four of their arsenic treatment plants were out of commission.

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority faces further scrutiny from state officials  including the attorney general and auditors office  and distrust from residents about the safety of their water.

According to the most recent tests conducted by the New Mexico Environment Department on April 4, the utilitys arsenic levels in the water are now under federal legal limits, but are still present.

Crosby assumed the interim position after the abrupt departure of former director Brent Westmoreland following a series of water quality issues.

Westmorelands position at the utility was already tenuous, as the CRRUA board declined to renew Westmorelands contract at the Nov. 30 meeting, prior to the water quality disasters.

Westmoreland left his position at the utility abruptly, calling it a retirement in interviews with Source NM. His resignation on Dec. 8 came just two days after the state had sent a notice that the utility provided residents with water containing high levels of arsenic.

In addition to a new director, CRRUA will have a new board later this year, after the state approved an agreement to change the make-up of the board last week.

That agreement had been ready for months, but Dona Ana county officials hadnt sent the paperwork to the state for approval, despite saying otherwise in public meetings.

The post Dona Ana County commission announces official leadership for troubled water utility appeared first on Source New Mexico.
FILE PHOTO: Demonstration against AfD, right-wing extremism and for protection of democracy in Hamburg

FILE PHOTO: Demonstration against AfD, right-wing extremism and for protection of democracy in Hamburg

By Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams

BERLIN (Reuters) - Leaked discussions about a mass deportation plan. A trial for using Nazi language. And now China spying allegations and reports about covert payments from a Kremlin ally.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is facing unprecedented scrutiny this year and fighting to put out multiple fires that are denting its support ahead of European and local elections that threaten to upend German politics.

The latest allegation was that Jian Guo, a staffer working for the AfD's top EU election candidate Maximilian Krah, was passing information to the Chinese secret service.

Police arrested Guo a week after media reports that the FBI had also questioned Krah when he travelled to the United States about suspected payments from a pro-Russian activist.

Krah has denied receiving cash from the activist and expressed surprise about Guo's arrest, while the AfD has said it would cooperate with the investigation.

"The campaign will now be terribly overshadowed of course by this affair," Krah said on Wednesday, after emergency talks with the AfD heads in Berlin. "Now we are unfortunately talking about China rather than Europe."

Krah said he would no longer appear at the campaign opening event on Saturday, but would remain lead candidate.

The AfD leadership may struggle, however, to distance itself from growing scandal.

"This is not just a problem of Mr. Krah, it is also a problem for the party leadership," said Nicolaus Fest, former leader of the AfD's European Parliament delegation.

Fest and a second official, a high ranking AfD lawmaker who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the delegation had repeatedly warned the leadership about Krah's connections, even sending a letter in 2022 expressing concern about his behaviour.

The AfD in a statement on Wednesday said "any influence by foreign states through espionage, but also attempts to buy opinions and positions, must be investigated and firmly prevented".

NO LONGER UNDER RADAR

The affair could further sap support for the AfD, whose popularity has dipped to 16-18% in nationwide polls from a record of 23% last December, after mass street protests against its rise and the creation of a new left-wing populist party sucking away part of its vote base.

Political analysts and pollsters said the latest reports were likely to put off voters who might have cast their ballot for the AfD simply out of protest. But the extent of the damage would depend on how the nationalist party dealt with them.

The party has proven resilient at bouncing back from scandals in the past, as many of its supporters believe the narrative that it is the victim of establishment parties, media and institutions.

"Any form of espionage contradicts the idea of a party that wants to put national interests in the foreground," said Stefan Marschall, political scientist at the University of Duesseldorf.

"But if the AfD manages to disqualify these accusations then it could also win solidarity from its backers."

The AfD was founded as an anti-euro party in 2013 during the euro zone crisis but has shifted rightwards since then and is now under state surveillance for right-wing extremism.

Mainstream German politicians and media have in the past given little attention to the AfD, on the grounds that doing so would lend it legitimacy and publicity.

But ignoring the AfD has become untenable since it soared to second place in polls last year as squabbling within the ruling coalition about the challenges facing the economy unsettled citizens already dealing with a cost-of-living crisis.

The party remains on track to come in first place in three eastern states holding elections in September.

More imminent are the European Parliament elections in June, where the AfD is expected to contribute to a surge in support for the far-right across the bloc.

NEW SPOTLIGHT ON FOREIGN POLICY

The latest allegations have put new scrutiny in particular on the AfD's foreign policy positions, such as its call for an end to sanctions on Russia and the affinity of some lawmakers with authoritarian states.

The high-ranking AfD lawmaker who requested anonymity complained key positions in the party were increasingly held by people with pro-Russia and pro-China views.

On Tuesday, Krah abstained in a vote banning the sale of goods in EU made from forced labour, seen as targeting China.

In an interview in 2022 with the Global Times, a tabloid published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, he said "fighting America's wars is not in our interests and not in the interests of the Ukrainians".

In 2021, he had posted a photo of himself and the second candidate on the AfD's list for the European Parliament elections, Petr Bystron, paying a "solidarity visit" to pro-Russian Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, then under house arrest in Ukraine.

German magazine Der Spiegel and Czech newspaper Denik N earlier this month reported that Bystron had received money from the pro-Russian portal Voice of Europe. Bystron has strongly denied the report.

"If the impression solidifies that the AfD is buddies with the authoritarian, dictatorial regimes in Russia and China, then these allegations will hurt it," said Hermann Binkert, head of the pollster INSA.

(Reporting by Sarah Marsh in Berlin and Matthias Williams in London; Additional Reporting by Thomas Escritt and Holger Hansen in Berlin and Phil Blenksinop in Brussels; Editing by Alex Richardson)
FILE - Richard Katsuda, educator and co-chair of Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress opens the LA Day of Remembrance at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, Feb. 18, 2023. The names of thousands of people held in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II will be digitized and made available for free, genealogy company Ancestry announced Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The names of thousands of people held in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II have been digitized and made available for free, genealogy company Ancestry announced Wednesday.

The website, known as one of the largest global online resources of family history, is collaborating with the Irei Project, which has been working to memorialize more than 125,000 detainees. It's an ideal partnership as the project's researchers were already utilizing Ancestry. Out of over 60 billion records Ancestry holds, nearly 350,000 have been found to be pertinent to camp detainees and their families.

People will be able to look at more than just names and tell a bigger story of a person, said Duncan Ryuken Williams, the Irei Project director.

"Being able to research and contextualize a person who has a longer view of family history and community history, and ultimately, American history, that's what it's about  this collaboration, Williams told told The Associated Press exclusively.

In response to the 1941 attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942, to allow for the incarceration of people of Japanese ancestry. The thousands of citizens  two-thirds of whom were Americans  were unjustly forced to leave their homes and relocate to camps with barracks and barbed wire. Some detainees went on to enlist in the U.S. military.

Through Ancestry, people will be able to tap into scanned documents from that era such as military draft cards, photographs from WWII and 1940s and 50s Census records. Most of them will be accessible outside of a paywall.

Williams, a religion professor at the University of Southern California and a Buddhist priest, says Ancestry will have names that have been assiduously spell-checked. Irei Project researchers went to great efforts to verify names that were mangled on government camp rosters and other documents.

So, our project, we say it's a project of remembrance as well as a project of repair, Williams said. We try to correct the historical record.

The Irei Project debuted a massive book at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles that contains a list of verified names the week of Feb. 19, which is a Day of Remembrance for the Japanese American Community. The book, called the Ireicho, will be on display until Dec. 1. The project also launched its own website with the names as well as light installations at old camp sites and the museum.
Protesters throwing bottles and chairs at NYPD officers during a demonstration at NYU

Angry protesters at NYUs anti-Israel demonstration pelted NYPD officers with bottles as they raided the demonstration late Monday  with someone even bashing a cops helmet with a chair, a top department official said.

The NYPD moved onto the Greenwich Village campus, with permission from the university, when the camped-out group failed to disperse from Gould Plaza around 4 p.m., Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry told WABC Tuesday morning.

NYPD officers were pelted with trash after they raided an anti-Israel rally at NYU. William C Lopez/New York Post

Community Affairs cops made the first attempt, before the departments Strategic Response Group filed in, Daughtry said.

Some members of the crowd chose violence and whacked the responding cops with bottles, with one hitting a cop on his helmet with a chair, the police official tweeted, alongside a photo of the mark the blow left on the hardhat.

The campus Community Affairs tried to intervene before the NYPD were called. LP Media

That person has not yet been caught, the NYPD official said.

As you can see, our officers were professional, Daughtry said. Looks like theyre getting hurt with bottles, chairs, and so the individual that threw the chair at the officer, we are doing a video compilation, and were gonna find you, were gonna arrest you for attempted assault. Youre gonna have the full weight of Police Commissioner Cabans police department coming for you.

NYPD entered the Greenwich Village campus after the students did not disperse. William C Lopez/New York Post

A total of 120 people were taken into custody at the private university Monday  with 116 of them slapped with summonses for trespassing and four getting desk appearance tickets for charges that included resisting arrest.

None of the charges are of a level that will result in a criminal record.

The faculty members who participated in the demonstration were the most aggressive, Daughtry said.

One demonstrator hit a cop on his helmet with a chair. William C Lopez/New York Post

When we went through the back of the campus, the faculty was lined up from arm to arm, he said. And they were the most, from my perspective, and from talking to the supervisors on the scene, they were the most aggressive and they were the most resistant when it came to trying to clear that plaza.

Professional agitators were also present, working to rouse up the mob mentality at the demonstration, Daughtry said.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools has stopped planning for a shutdown, district leaders announced Wednesday, noting a budget breakthrough as it works through board member concerns over spending on racial diversity and gender equity programming.

Four members agreed to approve a 2024-25 budget during a work session Tuesday, Superintendent Cory McIntyre said in an interview Wednesday.

"We got the verbal commitment," he said. "We're planning for the next school year."

A formal vote on the budget still must be taken in June, but for now, the district is setting aside worst-case-scenario planning that included a suspension of pay and benefits for employees and stoppage of construction projects beginning July 1.

The district had been headed for a potential 3-to-3-vote impasse on 2024-25 spending until co-chair Zach Arco, a member of the board's conservative bloc, agreed Tuesday night to keep the budget approval separate from a hashing out of concerns over diversity, equity and inclusion programming, McIntyre said.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Arco confirmed he is the fourth vote in favor of a budget but he declined additional comment, saying the district's announcement on the matter would suffice.

On Monday, hundreds of students and supporters marched to the board's April meeting in protest of a Facebook post by conservative Board Member Matt Audette saying he and newcomers Arco and Linda Hoekman could not vote in "good conscience" for a 2024-25 budget that funds activities spreading "divisive, one-sided views."

Those views, he wrote, include teachings on systemic racism, the use of preferred pronouns, social-emotional learning, the state's new social studies standards and the flying of any flag other than the American flag.

Such concerns have been aired increasingly in the course of post-pandemic school board campaigns. But a threatened budget veto took such anti-DEI messaging to a new level.

Val Holthus, president of the Anoka-Hennepin teachers union, which endorsed the campaigns of each of the board's three-member progressive bloc, accused Audette, Arco and Hoekman on Monday of holding the district and its students hostage in a "partisan war." Students who spoke before and after the march said they felt a greater sense of belonging thanks to the district's student affinity groups.

At the start of Tuesday's work session, Arco pledged that those groups would not be cut.

In its announcement Wednesday, the district said that a process to review the issues advanced by Audette had been outlined during Tuesday's 5-hour work session, but the timeline has yet to be determined.

"My job is to make sure we're all on the same page going forward," McIntyre said.

A final vote on the district's 2024-25 budget is set for June 24.
More than 30 million Americans have signed employment contracts that limit their ability to switch jobs to a competing company, and those contracts are regulated by laws in 47 states.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) swept all of that aside in one fell swoop this week, as the commission voted down party lines to ban future noncompete agreements and to block the enforcement of many of those existing contracts. (The retroactive ban on noncompete agreements does not apply to senior-level employees.) Even for an agency that has sought in recent years to stretch its regulatory reach, the new FTC rule banning noncompete agreements is a stunning expansion of federal powerone that courts almost certainly will be asked to rein in.

Banning noncompete agreements is "not only unlawful but also a blatant power grab," said Suzanne P. Clark, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. "This decision sets a dangerous precedent for government micromanagement of business and can harm employers, workers, and our economy."

The chamber is already preparing to sue the FTC over the new rules, Clark said. That lawsuit could be filed as soon as Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal.

FTC Commissioner Lina Khan says the new rule "will ensure that Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market."

But the commission's legal authority to issue such a rule seems extremely tenuous. The FTC claims that section Sections 5 and 6(g) of the Federal Trade Commission Act grant it the authority to regulate "unfair methods of competition," which may include things like noncompete agreements.

Traditionally, the FTC has operated more like a law enforcement agencythat is, going after firms and industries that engage in anti-competitive behavior like price fixing or that hold monopolies. In issuing this rule, the commission is trying to switch gears towards being a regulatory agency that can promulgate sweeping rules applying to the whole economy. In doing so, Khan is pushing against the commission's history and decades of legal precedents.

The Supreme Court has twice struck down attempts by the FTC to expand its regulatory authority via those sections of the law, as lawyers for TechFreedom explained in comments to the FTC filed last week. "The text and structure of the FTC Act establish, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Section 6(g) does not empower the agency to issue substantive rules, that is, rules with the force of law," wrote Berin Szoka and Corbin Barthold.

"The final rule to ban all noncompete agreements nationwideexcept existing noncompetes for senior executivesis a radical departure from hundreds of years of legal precedent," Ben Brubeck, vice president of the Associated Builders and Contractors, said in a statement. "Ultimately, this vastly overbroad rule will invalidate millions of reasonable contractsincluding construction project contractsaround the country that are beneficial for both businesses and employees."

Three statesCalifornia, North Dakota, and Oklahomaalready ban noncompete agreements. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, vetoed a bill last year that would have banned those contacts in her state. That demonstrates that there is a robust, ongoing (and not particularly partisan) policy debate over noncompete agreements at the state levela debate that the FTC has bigfooted with its decision on Tuesday.

The two Republican appointees to the FTC voted against the new rule on Tuesday. In a dissenting statement, both expressed the belief that the commission was overstepping its bounds.

Alden Abbott, a former FTC general counsel now working as a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center, said in a statement that the FTC lacks the statutory authority to ban noncompete agreements. Even if the commission did have the authority to take such action, Abbott argued that a "one-size-fits-all" federal approach to regulating those contracts would be inferior to the longstanding practice of letting states regulate them.

"Non-competes have throughout our history been a matter of state law, allowing for fruitful policy experimentation among the states, consistent with American federalism," said Abbott. "Three politically-appointed bureaucrats who are not accountable to American voters should not possess the sort of power that the FTC is asserting over noncompete agreements."

The post Another Illegal Power Grab From the FTC appeared first on Reason.com.
The Millcreek Township School District is again spending tens of thousands of dollars to resolve a personnel issue that arose during the administration of then-Superintendent Ian Roberts.

The district has paid $87,500 to settle the gender discrimination claims of a former administrator who was demoted and then passed over for two principal positions in a staff restructuring under Roberts, according to a settlement agreement that the Millcreek School Board unanimously approved this month.

The deal, with Joe Orlando, the Millcreek School District's former director of elementary education, brings to $337,500 the total amount that the district has paid to settle personnel complaints related to Roberts' tenure as superintendent.

Roberts headed the 6,500-student Millcreek School District for nearly three years, from Aug. 12, 2020, until June 30, 2023, the day before he started as superintendent of the 30,000-student Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa.

On June 26, four days before Roberts' final day at the Millcreek School District, the Millcreek School Board unanimously approved a $250,000 deal with Melody Ellington, who had worked as the district's director of human resources from July 1, 2021, until she resigned effective Sept. 30, 2022.

Ian Roberts was the superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District for nearly three years, ending on June 30, 2023. The district has paid out two settlements related to personnel issue that arose during Roberts' tenure. Roberts left Millcreek to become he superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa.

Ellington never filed a lawsuit, but the $250,000 settlement resolved her claims that she was subjected to "unlawful treatment" at the school district and that the treatment left her no choice but to resign, according to the agreement in her case.

The Millcreek School District's legal issues related to Roberts' tenure might persist. Another former administrator who was demoted under him, Timothy Stoops, is exploring filing a claim of gender discrimination against the district with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to court records.

Confidentiality clause in place in Orlando's case

The settlement in Orlando's case ended a complaint he filed with the EEOC, according to the agreement. He claimed the school district "discriminated against him on the basis of gender in relation to the District's hiring decisions" for the two principal positions that he did not get, according to the settlement agreement.

At Roberts' recommendation, the Millcreek School Board in another vote on June 26 demoted Orlando as director of elementary education. He was given a teaching job but resigned from the district before starting it.

Before he resigned, "Orlando applied, but was not selected for, two principal positions within the District," according to the settlement agreement.

The agreement states that the deal also closes out a complaint of gender discrimination that Orlando filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The settlement includes no "admission of fault," according the agreement. The district also admitted no fault in the Ellington deal.

The settlement agreement with Orlando provides no other details about the nature of his claims, and a confidentiality clause in the agreement prohibits the Millcreek School District, Orlando and his lawyer, Richard Ruth, from commenting on it. The settlement in the Ellington case included a similar clause.

Ruth also represented Ellington. The $250,000 agreement in Ellington's case contained no information on the specific nature of her claims. Other than Ellington, Roberts was the only school district official identified by name in the agreement, but unclear is whether his name appeared because he was the subject of the claims or because he was in charge of the school district when Ellington made the claims.

The Millcreek School Board unanimously approved the deal with Orlando at its committee-of-the-whole meeting on April 15. A copy of the agreement is attached to the agenda for that meeting.

The Millcreek Township School District has paid out two settlements to end personnel disputes that arose during the tenure of Ian Roberts, who departed as the district's superintendent on June 30, 2023, to lead the public school system in Des Moines, Iowa.

The board approved the settlement with no discussion of its terms. The only comment on the settlement at the meeting came from the school district's solicitor, Tim Sennett, who highlighted the confidentiality clause and a non-disparagement clause in the settlement.

"What that means for the board is obviously, if you are questioned or asked about this situation, I think the proper course is, you have no comment," Sennett said. "That way there's no disparagement, there's no breach of confidentiality."

Ruth declined to comment to the Erie Times-News, citing the confidentiality clause. The president of the Millcreek School Board, Gary Winschel, also cited the confidentiality clause and declined to comment. A spokesman for the Des Moines Public Schools did not immediately respond to an email from the Erie Times-News on whether Roberts had any comment on the settlement.

The Millcreek School District did not immediately respond to a request on whether the district paid the $87,500 settlement using district funds, money from its insurance company or both. The district previously said it used district funds and insurance funds to pay the $250,000 settlement to end Ellington's claim.

Of the $87,500 settlement in Orlando's case, the district paid $64,125 to Orlando in the form of a payroll check, according to the settlement agreement. The district paid the rest  $23,375  to Ruth, an amount that represents about 27% of the settlement.

Orlando first sued over his treatment in Millcreek

The claim of gender discrimination was the second legal action Orlando took against the Millcreek School District.

Orlando initially sued in Erie County Common Pleas Court, but he withdrew that suit before it was resolved, leaving him and Ruth to pursue the claims with the EEOC and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

The lawsuit, filed in July, did not claim gender discrimination. It claimed that the Millcreek School Board improperly demoted Orlando from director of elementary education to a sixth-grade English teacher at J.S. Wilson Middle School.

Roberts asked for Orlando's demotion and other moves to reduce the number of the Millcreek School District's top officials  the 12 central administrators Roberts called members of his "core team."

The suit claimed Roberts downgraded Orlando's position in a way that barred the School Board from reducing his salary under the Pennsylvania School Code. The school district claimed the demotion was carried out properly.

Orlando in the suit sought payment of back wages. He and the school district disagreed on how much he would have been entitled to had he prevailed in court.

The district's lawyer contended that the damages should be limited to the dates of Orlando's demotion  June 26 to Aug. 11, a period of about seven weeks  and should be limited to the difference between Orlando's administrative salary of $119,700 and his teaching salary of $80,279  a difference of $39,421 a year or $758 a week.

Orlando's damages would have been limited to $5,306 based on those restrictions. Ruth, who also represented Orlando in that case, disagreed with the limits, according to court records.

Ruth withdrew the suit with no settlement in September. The withdrawal came shortly after Orlando got a new job at Erie Insurance Group, according to court records.

Orlando worked for six years as the Millcreek School District's director of elementary education after working for the Erie School District for 23 years, according to his LinkedIn account. He taught for 10 years in the Erie School District before becoming an administrator for 13 years in that district.

Another EEOC claim is possible for Millcreek School District

The complaints Orlando filed with the EEOC and the PHRC provided him another and potentially more lucrative route to fight his demotion.

Pursuing an EEOC gender discrimination complaint against the Millcreek School District also appears to be the strategy of Timothy Stoops, whom the Millcreek School Board also demoted at Roberts' request on June 26. Stoops had been director of alternative learning and assessment.

Roberts eliminated the positions of Orlando and Stoops and created the job of director of K-12 education, according to court records and school district records. Roberts demoted Stoops to an eighth-grade English teacher at J.S. Wilson Middle School, according to school district records. Stoops had been making $123,067 in his administrative post, according to state Department of Education records.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts waves to the crowd during the Iowa State Fair Parade on Aug. 9 in Des Moines, Iowa. Roberts became the head of the Des Moines schools on July 1, after leading the Millcreek Township School District for nearly three years.

Stoops resigned in August, according to school district records. He had been at the Millcreek School District for 22 years, starting as a middle school principal in 2001, according to his LinkedIn account. He was later the principal at McDowell Intermediate High School.

Though Stoops did not sue in Common Pleas Court, he is exploring an EEOC case and is interested in "prosecuting a claim against Millcreek Township School District and/or others" "for gender discrimination and/or possible other matters," according to court documents docketed in December in the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case that Stoops filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Erie in May 2023.

A bankruptcy judge would have to approve any settlement, according to the documents. No records have been filed indicating whether an EEOC case was filed or resolved.

The staff consolidation that Roberts pursued  and that has led to the legal actions  focused on the top three administrators in the Millcreek School District's curriculum department, according to court records. They were Orlando, the director of elementary education; Stoops, the director of alternative learning and assessment; and John Cavanagh, director of secondary education.

Roberts eliminated the positions of Orlando and Stoops, demoted them and created the job of director of K-12 education, according to court records and school district records.

Cavanaugh stayed at the Millcreek School District. The School Board named him Roberts' successor as superintendent on July 17.

Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Millcreek PA schools pay $87,500 to settle another ex-employee's case
The Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in United States v. Idaho Wednesdayand it was not smooth sailing for the Gem State and its abortion ban.

At the crux of the case is whether pregnant people in Idaho will be allowed to get abortions when receiving lifesaving, critical care at hospitals and emergency rooms, or if they and their fetus will be considered two separate people, with the potential for the viability of the fetus to take a healthcare precedent.

But on Wednesday morning, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was already openly questioning why the nations highest court was even hearing the case if the state was, as Idaho Attorney Generals Offices defense attorney Josh Turner claimed, in complete compliance with EMTALA, a federal law that requires emergency rooms to provide care to any individuals who show up.

But Turners claim completely fails to acknowledge the practical realities of medical care within the state, where politicians have made abortion care a felony and outright criminalizing the act even if it could save a pregnant persons lifeas Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar reminded the court.

According to Turner, there would need to be a clear statement in EMTALA that clarifies Congress explicitly demands doctors perform abortions.

Idaho already has a near-total abortion ban, but the Alliance Defending Freedom, the far-right Christian legal advocacy group arguing the lawsuit on behalf of the state, is utilizing the case to advance the idea of fetal personhood. This stipulation would effectively require doctors to treat fetusesno matter how underdevelopedwith the same medical care as the person carrying it, even if it poses a medical risk to the pregnant patient.

Fetal personhood was a heavy topic of interest in Wednesdays hearing, with Prelogar entering into a heated back-and-forth with Justice Samuel Alito over the issue, reminding the conservative judge that a woman is an individual. That made Alito, who wrote the majority opinion in the case that overturned Roe v. Wade, scoff that nobody had suggested they werent, reported Rewire News Groups Jessica Mason Pieklo.



But Prelogar shot one back: actually, Idaho is.

Pro-abortion activists have long warned that providing equal human rights to a fetusespecially if its a cluster of cellswill effectively strip pregnant people of their own rights. The notion of fetal personhood has also been leveraged elsewhere in the country to restrict IVF access in states such as Alabama and limit access to forms of birth control.

Thirteen of Idahos 44 counties are already maternity care deserts. Emergency rooms then become frontline care. The Idaho bans severe limitation on treatment options will only result in increasing Idahos already unacceptable maternity mortality and morbidity rates, warned the board chair of Physicians for Human Rights, Gerson H. Smoger, ahead of Wednesdays hearing.
Anti-immigrant politics could spark violence in Kentucky. It has happened before.

In 1922, the Louisville Herald commemorated the Election Day violence of Bloody Monday, Aug. 6, 1855, when anti-immigrant mobs attacked Irish and German immigrants in Louisville. At least 19 people died. (Public domain)

Donald J. Trump, meet Charles S. Morehead, the guy who was elected governor of Kentucky in 1855 on the anti-immigrant Know-Nothing ticket.

Charles S. Morehead, Kentuckys No-Nothing governor. (Kentucky Historical Society)

Americans should rule America was the Know-Nothings credo. Translation: white, native-born Protestants like them.

Officially, the American Party, it was dubbed the Know-Nothing party because members were supposed to reply  like Sgt. Schultz on Hogans Heroes  I know nothing to an inquiry about the party from a possibly hostile journalist or suspicious stranger.

The party faithful shrieked that foreigners loyal to an inflated  despot were threatening to take over the country. Translation: German and Irish-born Catholics.

According to the Know-Nothings, these papist foreigners were hellbent on foisting their false religion and its anti-Christian law on America. German and Irish Catholics were a foe to the very principles we embody in our laws, a foe to all we hold most dear.

Too, the party claimed immigrants were the chief source of crime in this country. They werent. Trump says illegal immigrants are boosting the violent crime rate in the U.S. They arent.

Multiple studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans, Reuters reported. Other studies specifically examine criminality among immigrants [who are] in the U.S. illegally and also find that they do not commit crimes at a higher rate.

Former President Donald Trump (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images)

Trump has been demagoguing against illegal immigrants since he announced his presidential candidacy in 2015. Hes called them animals. He said migrants from Haiti and from African nations came from shithole countries. He charged that illegals are poisoning the blood of the U.S., meaning the blood of white folks. (The remarks poisoning the blood of our country are straight out of Hitlers 1925 autobiographical manifesto Mein Kampf  his blueprint for a pure Aryan Germany and the removal of Jews, wrote Russell Contrearas in Axios.

Trump denies hes parroting Germanys Nazi dictator who ordered the murder of six million European Jews.

If hes reelected, Trump promises hell promptly order the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. The illegals he wants to kick out are black and brown.

While Trumps appeal to nativism and xenophobia is rooted in racism, the American Party downplayed white supremacy and elevated anti-Catholic and anti-foreign bigotry over race-baiting. You didnt have a substantial enough free Black voting population to make any difference in electoral politics, said Murray State University historian Brian Clardy.

Demographically, Trumps MAGA movement is strikingly similar to the Know-Nothings. Overwhelmingly, its composed of conservative whites of American birth, most of whom are evangelical Protestants. In the Trump-tilting Bluegrass State, almost 87% of the population is white. Nearly half of Kentuckians who say they are religious identify themselves as Protestant evangelicals, a big chunk of the Trump base.

Like the Know-Nothings, Trump appeals to the baser instincts of people who subscribe to nativism and seeks electoral gain at the expense of marginalized populations, Clardy said.

In the 1855 spring municipal elections, Know-Nothings took control of city governments in Louisville, Lexington and Covington. In the Aug. 6 state elections, Morehead won the governorship, plus his party notched majorities in both houses of the General Assembly and claimed six of the states 10 U.S. House seats, according to the Kentucky Encyclopedia.

The partys violently anti-Catholic and anti-foreign rhetoric led to bloodshed in Louisville on Aug. 6. Many blamed the anti-foreign hysteria, at least in part, on editor George D. Prentice of The Louisville Daily Journal. He endorsed the Know-Nothing ticket and authored vicious editorials against the Pope of Rome, an inflated Italian despot who keeps people kissing his toes all day.

Know-Nothing mobs rampaged through German and Irish immigrant neighborhoods, murdering, beating, burning and looting. At least 19 men died in the violence which went down in history as Bloody Monday, the encyclopedia says.

A statue of President Abraham Lincoln stands in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

Most Know-Nothings had been Whigs before the party collapsed in 1854. Kentucky-born Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, was an ex-Whig. He denounced Know-Nothing nativist bilge in no uncertain terms.

I am not a Know-Nothing, he declared in an Aug. 24, 1855, letter to his friend, Joshua F. Speed of Louisville. That is certain. How could I be? How can any one who abhors the oppression of Negroes, be in favor of degrading classes of white people? Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid.

Ultimately, the Know-Nothings faded away and ended up on the trash heap of history, where they belong. Theres plenty of room for Trump in historys landfill, too.

Clardy fears violence if Trump wins and enacts his mass deportation programs aimed at illegals of color. He worries that white supremacist groups and individuals, taking their cue from the White House, will attack immigrants, native-born African Americans, Hispanic Americans and others. Trump is going to embolden racists to do their worst.

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The post Anti-immigrant politics could spark violence in Kentucky. It has happened before. appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
An anti-Israel student group behind a fiery protest on the campus of Columbia University in New York City says it walked away from talks with school leaders until administrators pledge not to have them arrested or forcefully removed from their encampment on the Ivy League institution's West Lawn.

"Since good faith negotiations are impossible if one side threatens to use force to extract concessions, the student negotiating team has left the table and refuses to return until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or National Guard on its students," the schools chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), an anti-Israel organization, announced in a statement around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The SJP and aligned groups also accused Israel of beginning a "genocidal assault" in Gaza, referring to its military response to a deadly Hamas terrorist invasion on Oct. 7, 2023 that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and saw more than 200 kidnapped and held hostage.

ANTI-ISRAEL MOB STAGES SEDER ON THE STREET NEAR SCHUMER'S HOME IN NYC

Pro-Palestinian supporters rally outside Columbia University on April 23, 2024 in New York City. In response to recent campus unrest and anxieties regarding Jewish student safety, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to online learning for Monday. She further urged faculty and staff to prioritize remote work.

Critics of the protest group, including Jewish students and faculty, counter that the demonstrations are disrupting learning and creating an unsafe, antisemitic environment at the $65,000-a-year university.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft even publicly condemned school leaders in a statement from his philanthropic organization announcing he would be withdrawing support for his alma mater over the ongoing atmosphere.

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The SJPs refusal to break camp comes after police cleared out tent cities set up by like-minded agitators at other major universities, including NYU on the other side of town and Yale in Connecticut.

After NYU leaders asked for the NYPD to remove a group that had set up tents outside the universitys Stern School of Business Monday, crews arrived to build a temporary plywood wall around the perimeter  with steel doors and with police standing guard.

A barrier is constructed outside of New York Universitys Stern School of Business in New York City on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The wall comes one day after over 100 individuals were arrested at a protest outside of the building.

About 150 protesters moved a block away to Washington Square Park, where they chanted antisemitic and anti-police slogans for hours.

Earlier in the day, Yale University police kicked a similar group out of the schools Beinecke Plaza.

Demonstrators instead were given permission to gather in a public intersection, where some were seen pounding on Tommy Bahama beach chairs as many others sat with laptops until the group voluntarily dispersed in time to clear the path for rush hour commuters.

Protesters block an intersection just outside of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut on Monday, April 22, 2024. The protests are continuing after a week of demonstrations calling on the university to divest from military weapons manufacturers.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY RESPONDS AFTER ROBERT KRAFT SAYS HE'S PULLING SUPPORT OVER ANTISEMITIC VIOLENCE

Neither group alleged police had used excessive force after the clearings, even as the NYU protesters were accused of hurling objects at police.

Columbia leaders had been resistant to the idea of allowing cops on campus, however, and instead reverted to COVID-era remote learning as Jewish students voiced concerns for their safety.

As Columbia administrators and representatives for the radical students failed to come to terms on campus, another group of demonstrators gathered near the home of Sen. Chuck Schumer in Brooklyn.

The New York Democrat, who is Jewish, is also the Senate majority leader. Agitators there condemned his support for Israel and demand he call for an end to the U.S. providing weapons to Israel for its ongoing battle against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

COLUMBIA PROTESTS ARE WRITING ON THE WALL ABOUT ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUSES, STUDENT ORGANIZATION FOUNDER SAYS

NYPD officers arrest anti-Israel protestors as they block the roadways outside Senator Chuck Schumers Brooklyn home in New York City on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The NYPD arrested dozens of those protesters after they sat in the middle of a major intersection and refused to move. Onlookers who obeyed police commands to let cars pass cheered as their compatriots were led out in groups of two to four at a time with their wrists zip-tied behind their backs. The arrestees were later placed on jail buses.

Police did not immediately provide a summary of the number arrests and charges.

Police in tactical gear had also staged near the Columbia campus Wednesday morning  but they did not remove any agitators after the school announced it would extend the deadline for them to leave by another 48 hours.

Despite the SJPs fiery announcement, the school said negotiations had involved a "constructive dialogue."

In a statement posted to its website, the university said the demonstrators had agreed to downsize their encampment on school grounds, remove non-student agitators and to police themselves against "discriminatory or harassing language."





Original article source: Anti-Israel agitators at Columbia issue defiant ultimatum, end negotiations with school
NC Poor People's Campaign supporters march to the Legislative Building on April 24, 2024. (Photo: Greg Childress)

Rev. Rob Stephens

Rev. Rob Stephens discusses the General Assembly during a press conference on April 24, 2024 in Raleigh. (Photo: Greg Childress)

On Wednesday, nearly 200 supporters of the North Carolina Poor Peoples Campaign traveled to Raleigh to remind lawmakers returning for the legislative short session that low-income voters make up more than 41% of the states electorate.

If low-income eligible voters voted at the same rate as higher-income voters, campaign leaders warned, they could control the outcome of elections.

That is a sleeping giant that is ready to be activated, said Rev. Rob Stephens, Repairers of the Breach North Carolina Organizing Committee coordinator and member of the NC Poor Peoples Campaign. If we could just turn out 19% of that group who havent voted before, we could fundamentally shift the entire landscape of elections in North Carolina.

Rev. Wayne Wilhelm, one of the chairs of the NC Poor Peoples Campaign, said lawmakers need to know that North Carolinians are watching them.

Your vote is your voice, but showing up before the vote lets them know were serious about the changes we need to see, Wilhelm said. Poverty is a policy choice. To allow poverty to continue when there is really more than enough for everyone is a moral failure and we will stand up and call it out.

Before marching to the Legislative Building, speakers rallied outside of the State Capitol to criticize the Republican-led General Assembly for what they called excessive tax cuts, spending millions of tax dollars on private school vouchers, and not increasing the minimum wage in more than a decade.

Instead of addressing the crises of poverty and low wages, lack of healthcare, underfunded public education, voter suppression and environmental collapse, the General Assembly slashed taxes for the wealthy and corporations, promoted a culture of fear and hate, failed to fully fund public education, and cut protections for the most vulnerable North Carolinians, the speakers said.

They also took lawmakers to task for not supporting legislation to improve pay for child care workers. The state will soon spend the last of $1.3 billion in federal grant money that helped child care providers make it through the pandemic. Some of the money was used to increase worker pay.

NC Newslines Lynn Bonner reported recently that a February North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Council survey found that 88% of childcare providers will need to increase parent fees when the federal money runs out. Forty percent said they would have to raise parent fees immediately. About half said they would lose administrative and teaching staff and about two-thirds said they would have trouble hiring new employees with comparable experience and education.

Nearly one-third of the programs surveyed said they would have to close within a year. Thats equivalent to more than 1,500 programs and close to 92,000 childcare and early education slots.

During the 2023 legislative long session, lawmakers took no action on legislation asking for $300 million this fiscal year to extend the compensation grant portion of the federal Childcare Stabilization Grant. Supporters said the money would reduce teacher turnover, improve the quality of child care and keep rates affordable for parents.

Without state funding, Emma Biggs, a Charlotte child care advocate and provider, said the coming year will be a tough one for families.

Biggs said all of the states 100 counties are considered child care deserts, meaning there are not enough child care centers or teachers to accommodate children and families.

We dont have a shortage of children, Biggs said. We have a shortage of teachers due to a broken system where parents cannot afford to pay more, and teachers cannot afford to make less.

On Wednesday, Gov. Roy Coopers recommended budget for fiscal year 2024-25 called for a $745 million investment in child care and early education. The investment would help to avoid the fiscal cliff in child care funding and keep child care centers open with $200 million for Child Care Stabilization Grants. It would also provide $128.5 million for child care subsidies to increase reimbursement rates for providers in rural and low-wealth communities.

Yevonne Brannon

Yevonne Brannon (Photo: Greg Childress)

Private school vouchers were also a top target for speakers at Wednesdays event. Last year, lawmakers expanded the states controversial voucher program to make it accessible to the states wealthiest families. The program was created a decade ago to help low-income families in struggling schools pay private school tuition.

Yevonne Brannon, a Public Schools First NC board member, noted that House Speaker Tim Moore said he will ask for $300 million more in the short session to fund private school vouchers.

They had already planned to spend $5 billion on school vouchers over the next few years, so thats not enough, Brannon said. Now theyre going to make sure that the wealthy families  that $300 million is not for low-income or struggling children  it is for wealth families that are already in private school and can afford private school.

Sangria Noble, an organizer for the NC Poor Peoples Campaign, said poverty is a policy choice. For example, she noted, that the state hasnt increased the minimum wage since 2008.

We cannot survive here off of $7.25, Noble said. We will end up homeless. We will end up dead.

Noble was one of the activists assisting unhoused people forced to move from an encampment off of U.S. 70 near Garner on Tuesday. The inhabitants were ordered to move or face arrest after police deemed the encampment unsafe, citing an uptick in crime.

Noble spoke with one man and his pregnant girlfriend who lived in the encampment. He told her that he could probably save enough money in three months working a $10 an hour job to find a place for him and his girlfriend to live, but only after he pays a fine for loitering for sleeping outside.

She said homelessness, poverty and low wages all go hand-in-hand.

We dont really have a solution for that man right now, Noble said. It looked like the solution yesterday would have been jail. If helped had not come down for protection, it would have been jail.

In a statement, Bishop William J. Barber II, president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and national co-chair of the Poor Peoples Campaign said the United States loses 800 people a day to poverty-related causes.

Poverty by America is an abolishable and unnecessary reality that can be eradicated by enacting policies that address the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, systemic poverty, ecological devastation and the denial of healthcare, militarism, and the false moral narrative of religious nationalism, Barber said. When our politics makes it easier to get a gun than to get food, quality education, living wages, or healthcare, then theres a problem with the soul of our nation.

The post Anti-poverty advocates call on lawmakers to change course during legislative short session appeared first on NC Newsline.
As anti-Israel agitators successfully held a days-long "encampment" at Columbia University in New York City, students at other elite schools across the United States began carrying out their own marches and sit-ins.

While some Democrats have attempted to describe these protests as "mostly peaceful," participants often repeat hateful and antisemitic chants that call for the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others who support Israel.

"We are Hamas!" the participants were heard shouting, referring to the terror group that launched the deadliest terror attack in Israels history. "Netanyahu, Netanyahu... you can't hide. We charge you with genocide." The same chant has been echoed with President Bidens name.

The nationwide movement continues to gain momentum and has spread to other schools. Similar anti-Israel demonstrations have been witnessed at Columbia, Yale, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Southern California, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina, University of Virginia and others.

ANTI-ISRAEL CAMPUS PROTESTERS MAKE DEMAND OF ADMINISTRATORS, VOW TO STAY PUT UNTIL UNIVERSITIES MEET IT

For a week, anti-Israeli students occupied a central lawn on the Columbia University campus in New York City. "We are Hamas!" some of the students shouted.

Participants at Columbia and other schools have been heard shouting:

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"No more money for Israel's crimes."

"We will free Palestine within our lifetime."

"Say it loud and say it clear... liberation is here."

"Free, Free Palestine."

"From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever."

"Columbia, you will see, all our people will be free."

"It is right to rebel... NYPD can go to hell."

"It is right to rebel... Israel can go to hell."

"Intifada revolution...There is only one solution!"

The demonstrations at Columbia, seen as the epicenter of the current movement, became so tense that Columbia President Minouche Shafik alerted students that all in-person classes would be held virtually through the end of the semester.

Shafik and school officials are negotiating with the anti-Israel group to clear the campus and ensure members of the demonstration are actually Columbia students.

ANTI-ISRAEL CAMPUS PROTESTS ARE SPREADING: CALIFORNIA, TEXAS BRACE AFTER ACTIVISTS OVERRUN COLUMBIA, YALE

These students and those at other elite colleges have demanded their respective schools stop doing business with Israel or the U.S. Defense Department, which gives money to the Jewish country. The specific demands vary from campus to campus but generally include: the school stop doing business with military weapons manufacturers that are supplying arms to Israel, or stop investing college endowment funds with money managers who profit from Israeli companies or contractors.

Anti-Israeli activists protest outside Columbia University in New York City on April 20, 2024. Students there and at other elite colleges have demanded their respective schools stop doing business with Israel.

Anti-Israeli students formed a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" and participated in hateful chants after mass arrests by the New York Police Department on April 19, 2024.

Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman told "Fox & Friends" Tuesday that she was "scared" for America over the "hatred" spewed by such mobs.

"It's like a cancer. If you don't stop it early, it metastasizes. It's going to kill the body. It's killing our country," she told Fox News on Tuesday.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS

She added: "When I came to America at 11 and a half, it's like I came to the Promised Land, and it was just a fabulous experience. And here it is today. I am shocked, I am pained, I'm scared. I'm scared both for America, I'm scared for the Jews, and it's very painful for our young people."

Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman told "Fox & Friends" Tuesday that she was "scared" for America over the "hatred" spewed by the mobs.

Friedman also grimly predicted what demonstrations like this could become if school administrators allow them to grow.

AUSCHWITZ SURVIVOR WARNS ANTISEMITISM IS A 'CANCER' SPREADING ACROSS AMERICA: 'IT'S KILLING OUR COUNTRY'

"If this isn't contained, if they don't think about it, what is going to be the end product? What is the end product of any hatred and prejudice? It is death to somebody. It could be death to themselves, death to their opponents. Because we didn't stop Hitler like we had a chance during Kristallnacht. We could have stopped it, but nobody did. So I ended up in Auschwitz, and a million and a half of Jewish children were gassed," she said.

"That type of behavior and anger and hatred can only end up in tragedy," she said. "Tragedy for everybody. Not only tragedy for the Jews, God forbid tragedy for themselves, because it's going to be a terrible clash. We have to find a way to stop it."

Franklin Graham, the Christian evangelist and son of the late Billy Graham, echoed those same sentiments on social media.

"I agree," he wrote in a post on Facebook. "When Tova walked out of Auschwitz as a little girl, she thought she would never experience the hate of antisemitism like that again. But here it is, right in our faces. The world needs to wake up to the dangers of this rancid hate. Tova is right  its like a cancer, if you dont stop it early, its going to kill."

During the ongoing negotiations late Tuesday evening with Columbia administrators, students said they would stop using hateful language in their chants. The students are protesting Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, which has reportedly left tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians dead.

Fox News Taylor Penley contributed to this report.





Original article source: Antisemitic agitators: What protesters at elite US universities are shouting
'So appalled': What witnesses told special counsel about Trump's handling of classified info while still president

In the summer of 2019, only hours after an Iranian rocket accidentally exploded at one of Iran's own launch sites, senior U.S. officials met with then-President Donald Trump and shared a sharply detailed, highly classified image of the blast's catastrophic aftermath.

The image was captured by a U.S. satellite whose true capabilities were a tightly guarded secret. But Trump wanted to share it with the world  he thought it was especially "sexy" because it was marked classified, one of his former advisers later recalled to special counsel Jack Smith's investigators, according to sources familiar with the former adviser's statements.

Worried that the image becoming public could hurt national security efforts, intelligence officials urged Trump to hold off until more knowledgeable experts were able to weigh in, the sources said. But less than an hour later, while at least one of those intelligence officials was in another building scrambling to get more information, Trump posted the image to Twitter.

MORE: Judge denies Trump's bid to have classified documents case tossed based on Presidential Records Act

"It was so upsetting, and people were really angry," one of Trump's former advisers told investigators, sources said.

The public pushback to Trump's post was immediate: Intelligence experts and even international media questioned whether U.S. interests had just been endangered by what Trump did. When pressed about it at the White House, Trump insisted he hadn't released classified information because he had an "absolute right to do" it.

While much of Smith's sprawling classified documents investigation has focused on how Trump handled classified materials after leaving the White House, a wide array of former aides and advisers b2d3c849-9a5f-4b18-9fd7-eb510191b143 including personal valets, press assistants, senior national security officials, and even Trump's briefers from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence  have provided Smith with firsthand accounts about how Trump allegedly handled and used intelligence while still in office.

Those firsthand accounts, as relayed to ABC News by sources, underscore what could be at stake as Trump seeks a return to the White House, and they are coming to light as he is likely on the verge of receiving formal government briefings again as the Republican Party's official nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after voting at a polling station setup in the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Mar. 19, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

In interviews with investigators last year, former aides and national security officials who were close to Trump in the White House described a president who could erupt in anger when presented with intelligence he didn't want to hear, who routinely reviewed and stored classified information in unsecured locations, and who had what some former officials described as "a cavalier attitude" toward the damage that could be done by its disclosure, according to sources.

A book published on the CIA's website, describing the intelligence community's experience with Trump during his transition to the presidency and then his time in the White House, said that while Trump was "suspicious and insecure about the intelligence process," he still "engaged with it," even as he publicly attacked it.

The book also noted that Trump was "unique" among presidents in that, before taking over the White House, "he had no experience handling classified information or working with military, diplomatic, or intelligence programs and operations."

'Hand in the woodchipper'

As former officials described meetings with Trump to Smith's team, Trump only wanted to listen to new information about certain parts of the world, according to sources.

In particular, the sources said, Smith's team was told that Trump was uninterested in hearing about Latin America or countries that he similarly thought were not essential. The sources said witnesses confirmed previous public reporting that Trump referred to such places as "shole countries" and suggested the United States should stop welcoming migrants from them.

Today, on the presidential campaign trail, Trump continues to rail against migrants from Latin American countries and others who reached the southern border through parts of Latin America.

Sources said former officials also told Smith's team that Trump refused to listen to certain briefings related to Russia, saying Trump "absolutely" didn't want to hear about Russian influence operations, and he couldn't be convinced that Russian troops were already operating inside Ukraine  even as his own administration was publicly calling out their routine incursions into the country's eastern region to support Russian-backed separatists.

On the campaign trail, Trump recently insisted that he would have prevented Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 if he were still commander-in-chief.

According to the sources, one of Trump's former advisers joked with Smith's team last year that bringing up Russia during a meeting with Trump was like "stick[ing] my hand in the woodchipper again."

In its most recent worldwide assessment, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded that Russia continues to pose a significant threat to U.S. national security and, more broadly, to "rules-based international order."

MORE: Special counsel questioned witnesses about 2 rooms FBI didn't search inside Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence: Sources

As he has done in public, Trump often privately disagreed with conclusions reached by the U.S. intelligence community, especially related to Russia and Ukraine, choosing instead to rely on unverified claims from other people, sources said that Smith's investigators were told.

And sources said former aides confirmed to Smith's investigators previous media reports that Trump almost never read the President's Daily Brief, a report summarizing classified intelligence and analysis on the day's most pressing issues.

Trump preferred to receive such summaries verbally, according to sources.

Reached for comment, a spokesperson for Trump referred ABC News to a statement by the former president in which he called the classified documents case a "two-tiered system of justice and unconstitutional selective prosecution."

A spokesperson for the special counsel declined to comment to ABC News.

'Like a junk drawer'

Throughout Trump's presidency, many of those who interacted with Trump every day saw him bring classified documents to unsecured locations, raising concerns among some of them, several witnesses told Smith's team, the sources said.

As early as 2018, the Office of the Staff Secretary, which manages the documents flowing to the Oval Office, began asking personnel in the White House about documents that had gone missing, including some classified ones, one of Trump's personal valets told investigators, sources said.

And at one point, sources said the valet recalled, he even warned the staff secretary's office that classified documents were being taken out of secure locations in white boxes and ending up in all sorts of potentially concerning places.

According to the sources, several witnesses told Smith's team that they routinely saw classified documents or classified folders in Trump's White House residence, and that Trump would sometimes store as many as 30 boxes in his bedroom, which one valet said Trump treated "like a junk drawer."

MORE: Attorney warned Trump 'it's going to be a crime' if he didn't comply with subpoena for classified docs: Sources

While it's not clear how many boxes at any given time in Trump's residence contained documents with classification markings, witnesses said they frequently observed boxes and papers traveling from the Oval Office to his residence that contained classified documents, according to sources familiar with what witnesses have told the special counsel.

"I did not think that he respected what classified information was," sources quoted one former official as telling investigators.

In Trump's first year in office, several media reports described how Trump had allegedly exposed sensitive information: In February 2017, he and Japan's then-prime minister reportedly discussed a response to North Korea's latest ballistic missile test over dinner in a crowded dining room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and then two months later Trump told the Philippines president on a phone call that the U.S. military had positioned two nuclear submarines near North Korea.

The following month, Trump reportedly shared highly-sensitive intelligence about ISIS with Russian officials visiting the White House.

Some witnesses who spoke with Smith's team, however, said they were not concerned by what they saw while Trump was president.

Robert O'Brien, who served as Trump's national security adviser at the end of his presidency, told Smith's team that Trump "consistently" handled classified information appropriately, sources said.

'The Hunger Games'

As some former officials described it to Smith's investigators, discussing the latest intelligence with Trump could be an unpredictable task, sources said.

At times he would become so upset over what senior national security or intelligence officials were telling him that it would derail entire meetings, according to sources familiar with what witnesses told investigators.

In one series of meetings, ahead of an international summit in Europe, Trump met with then-CIA director Gina Haspel, then-Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and others to help plan for the summit. But when Trump was told positive things about one of the people he would likely meet at the summit, Trump "lost it," insisting that he didn't care, then he "lost it" again when he was being updated on a tax-related negotiation involving Mnuchin, sources said.

MORE: Trump allegedly discussed US nuclear subs with foreign national after leaving White House: Sources

The sources said Trump then pitted one of his top aides against Mnuchin in front of everyone else, escalating the tension so much that it reminded one of those present of the movie "The Hunger Games," with its dystopian death match broadcast live on national TV.

The book published on the CIA's website quoted former President Barack Obama's director of national intelligence, James Clapper, as saying that Trump was prone to "fly off on tangents; there might be eight or nine minutes of real intelligence in an hour's discussion."

And while the intelligence community worked with evidence, Trump "was 'fact-free'  evidence doesn't cut it with him," according to Clapper.

Still, Clapper said Trump could be "courteous, affable, and complimentary" when he engaged with or referred to members of the U.S. intelligence community.

'People were really angry'

Sources said that, as one former official described it to Smith's team, Trump's posting of the image from Iran's failed rocket launch revealed how the then-president "just didn't care" about protecting classified information.

In 2021, Yahoo! News described how, during his briefing with intelligence officials, Trump thought the image "was very neat, and asked if he could keep it," which made some of the intelligence officials nervous, according to an administration official. But that news report didn't offer the same detailed account provided to Smith by witnesses last year.

Sources told ABC News that while speaking with Smith's team, former aides and officials said Trump was specifically warned at the time that while he had the authority to declassify the image of Iran's botched launch, there were also potential risks associated with doing that.

Trump initially agreed to wait while intelligence officials were then consulted, sources said, but the intelligence officials apparently took too long; about an hour later, Trump posted the image online.

"I was so appalled," one former national security official told Smith's team, according to the sources.

The former official noted that Trump may have believed it wasn't a big deal  but only an expert would know if releasing such classified information could reveal "how we got it" it and whether it could "compromise our ability to get [it] in the future," the former official explained to Smith's team, according to the sources.

'So appalled': What witnesses told special counsel about Trump's handling of classified info while still president originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Nearly a year after April Perry was nominated to be Chicagos first female U.S. attorney, President Joe Biden has changed tack in the face of blanket opposition from a single Republican senator and he is instead naming Perry a federal judge for the Northern District of Illinois.

The announcement Wednesday ends Perrys bid to take over the top federal law enforcement job in Chicago, which has been officially vacant since U.S. Attorney John Lausch stepped down in March 2023.

Perry is being nominated to fill a seat being vacated by U.S. District Judge Nancy Maldonado, who has been nominated to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, the White House announced Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the search for Lauschs replacement will likely have to begin anew and almost certainly wont be decided until after the 2024 presidential election in November.

In a joint statement Wednesday, Illinois two Democratic senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, said they were pleased with Perrys nomination to the bench and look forward to supporting her for the lifetime appointment, which will first go before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Durbin chairs.

Perry, a former federal prosecutor, was nominated by Biden to succeed Lausch as the first woman ever to hold the office. And though Perry was confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2023, she was still no closer to assuming the role eight months later due to the caustic political landscape in Washington.

Thats because of a blanket hold put on all U.S. attorney nominees by Republican Sen. J.D. Vance, of Ohio, who has said hes holding up final votes on the Senate floor to protest the U.S. Justice Departments criminal investigations of former President Donald Trump.

Durbin has repeatedly called on Vance to end his unprecedented blockade, which Durbin says goes against decades of Senate tradition to confirm such nominees on a bipartisan basis by unanimous consent.

In March, a frustrated Durbin again called out Vance during a hearing to approve several other nominees, including Rebecca Lutzko, whose appointment as U.S. attorney in Ohio is also being held up by Vance, her home senator.

We have to stop and ask ourselves, What kind of a Senate are we creating here if were going to have just more and more excuses to do nothing? Durbin said. Im afraid its going to add to the frustration that many of us feel. So please, when youre talking about putting holds on people like U.S. attorneys  lets reflect on the fact that the integrity of this process is at issue.

Vance has held firm even though, as Durbin has often pointed out, he has campaigned on a strong law-and-order platform. In remarks on the Senate floor last September, Vance agreed his hold policy put the Senate in a unique circumstance, but said the political times were also unique.

Trump never tried to throw his political opponents in prison, Vance said. This is crazy banana republic stuff and I will not stand for it. I will continue to hold these nominations. I will continue to push back against the politicization of justice.

Perrys selection as a successor was announced by Biden in June 2023. When Perry was approved by the Judiciary Committee three months later, Durbin noted that leaving U.S. attorney posts vacant has real implications on the Justice Departments ability to prosecute violent drug cartels and other important work that keeps us safe.

Find another way to protest, Durbin said.

Durbin said in his statement Wednesday that Vances stated goal was to grind the Department of Justice to a halt, and that while Durbin attempted to confirm Perry by unanimous consent numerous times on the Senate floor, Vance objected each time.

The U.S. attorneys office in Chicago is one of the busiest in the nation, handling everything from terrorism, gang conspiracies and bank robberies to financial fraud and political corruption. The office has more than 300 employees, including about 130 prosecutors and more than two dozen attorneys who focus on civil litigation.

Lausch was nominated by Trump in 2017 and held the post during the early portion of the Biden administration due to a bipartisan call to keep him on as a series of high-profile Illinois political corruption investigations continued to unfold.

Lausch officially stepped down March 11, 2023, days before the ComEd Four case alleging a scheme by the utility giant to bribe Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan went to trial.

For the past year, the office has been overseen by acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual.

Perry is currently the senior counsel for global investigations and fraud and abuse prevention at Chicago-based GE HealthCare. Previously, she worked for 12 years as a federal prosecutor in Chicago, and for a time was a coordinator for various programs that concentrated on violence against women, hate crimes and civil rights.

In addition to her law practice, Perry has also served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Police Board, a panel that decides whether Chicago cops should be fired for disciplinary infractions.

She received her law degree from Northwestern University.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
An archaeological find revealed in eastern France offers a never-seen-before mix of enclosures.

The site was in use across at least three distinct time periods.

Linked in part to burials, researchers hope further study reveals more about the sites dating and purpose.

As if one ancient circular enclosure wasnt enough to evoke intrigue at an archaeological find in Eastern France, three interconnected enclosures raised the bar.

In what the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) is calling an unprecedented discovery in Marliens, France, near Dijon, excavations revealed a series of occupations on one site spanning from the Neolithic period to the First Iron Age.

The oldest occupation features a monument with three interlocking enclosures. The center section offers a circular enclosure 36 feet in diameter, the largest in the bunch. To the north a smaller 26-foot-long horseshoe-shaped enclosure connects directly to the main center piece. To the south, a circular design remains open on one side, but still ties to the main circle. The team believes all three structures are linked together in both positioning and dating and that a gravel layer found on the two side enclosures suggests a fence was also present.

This type of monument seems unprecedented and currently no comparison has been possible, the research team says in a statement. A bundle of artifactsincluding seven flint arrowheads, two archers bracers, a flint lighter, and a copper alloy daggerdiscovered in the sites ditches correspond to cut flints, suggesting attribution to the Neolithic period, potentially as far back as 10,000 BC to 2,200 BC. Radiocarbon analytics is planned to help determine exact dating.

The team located an armband with traces of iron oxide tied to pyrite, indicating it could have been used to light fires. These objects often accompany a burial, but the team couldnt make that conclusion just yet in this case.

Analyses of the composition of the copper alloy of the dagger should make it possible to establish its origin and provide us with information on commercial exchanges at that time, the team writes.

In another location on the site, the team dates five circular enclosuresfour open and one closed across a 64,000 square foot plainbetween 1500 BC and 1300 BC. The remains of burials and a funeral pyre were found in the ditches of the largest enclosure, although the acidity of the soil didnt allow the preservation of unburned bones, so the team was not able to find a complete burial. Dating based on five copper alloy pins, a necklace with 40 amber beads, and rare ceramic shards confirms the timing.

A First Iron Age occupation is also nearby, about 1,300 feet from the plain, this with urns and burial ornaments. Early Bronze Age wells sit nearby. An analysis of the clay layers at the bottom of the wells may provide information on the natural environment and landscape of the valley during the Bronze Age.

The team believes that with the analytics underway on the objects found at the site, combined with paleo-environmental studies, they will be able to propose a scenario of the evolution of this territory over the ages.

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Argentina is seeking the arrest of Irans Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi for allegedly being one of the perpetrators of the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in the capital Buenos Aires.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that, at its request, Interpol had issued a red notice for Vahidis arrest over the bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA). The red notice says Vahidi is wanted by Argentina for alleged aggravated murder and damages.

CNN en Espanol is seeking comment from Vahidis office and the Iranian government.

Argentinas request comes two weeks after a federal court determined that Hezbollah was responsible for the attack and that it had acted with directives and financing from the government of Iran.

The ruling, made by Argentinas highest criminal court, is final with no room for an appeal, according to CNN en Espanol.

The aftermath of the bomb attack at the AMIA center in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994. - Diego Levy/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The 1994 attack  the worst in Argentinas history  killed 85 people and injured about 300.

Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani called the ruling a clumsy measure devoid of any legal and judicial basis and an attempt to create another deviation in the course of the inquiry to discover the truth.

Israels Foreign Minister Israel Katz welcomed Argentinas request on X.

Thank you to President (Javier) Milei and Foreign Minister Diana Mondino for the request to issue an order for his arrest for the attack against the Jewish community, he wrote.

A request that strengthens the Jewish communities and the families of the victims and sends a clear message: the free world is determined to stop the Iranian terrorist regime and (its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei, he added.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A bill introduced in the California legislature Wednesday would allow abortion providers in Arizona to quickly obtain temporary medical licenses to practice in the Golden State  an effort Democrats say is necessary to keep up with an influx of patients from states that have outlawed the procedure.

The proposal comes two weeks after the Supreme Court in Arizona, which shares much of its western border with California, ruled that a 160-year-old law criminalizing nearly all abortions can go into effect, overriding an existing 15-week ban.

Members of Californias Legislative Womens Caucus and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) introduced the bill at a press conference Wednesday, explaining that Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes recently got in touch with her California counterpart, fellow Democrat Rob Bonta, about the idea.

She had the courage to put out the call to neighboring states to support Arizona doctors and patients, and thats what we are responding to, state Sen. Nancy Skinner, bill author and caucus chair, said of Mayes.

The 1864 law resurrected in Arizona, she continued, originally passed when women did not have the right to vote, and when it was legal for husbands to beat their wives.

Later on Wednesday, lawmakers in the Arizona House voted to repeal that abortion ban, and now await a vote from the state Senate.

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, which operates abortion clinics in California counties along the Arizona border, was already seeing 10% of its patients come from out of state. Now, Newsom said Wednesday, that figure is likely to rise.

Members of Arizona for Abortion Access, the ballot initiative to enshrine abortion rights in the Arizona State Constitution, hold a press conference and protest April 17. Rebecca Noble via Getty Images

This Arizona law is the first border state law that will directly impact the state of California, and rather than just acknowledging that fate and future, were trying to get ahead of this law, he said.

Newsom and the Legislative Womens Caucus said at Wednesdays press conference that theyre hoping to expedite the passage of the bill ahead of June 8, when Arizonas abortion restrictions are set to kick in.

Mayes said her office is exploring all potential legal avenues to stop the outrageous abortion ban from going to effect before then.

If California lawmakers pass their provider access bill, it would remain in effect in California through November, when Arizonans may be set to vote on a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access in their own state.

We made a longstanding promise to be a refuge state for anyone seeking to exercise their rights, and we intend to keep it, Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, vice chair of the caucus, said Wednesday

So to the Arizona people of childbearing age and those who love and support them, we have your back  at least until you get the chance to reverse this attack on your rights on the Arizona ballot this November, she continued.

Advocates for the new California legislation said the bill is nonetheless a temporary solution. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, they also created a patchwork of abortion access laws across the country, as nearly two dozen states have opted to highly restrict access to abortion care.

It is unfortunate that Arizona women will be forced to travel long distances out of their own state away from their support network to seek health care, but I am proud that California is stepping up to offer assistance, Dr. Tanya Spirtos, a gynecologist and president of the California Medical Association, said at Wednesdays press conference.

I just want to be clear ... it is not good enough. No one should have to travel outside of the state they live in in order to get care, Jodi Hicks, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said after Spirtos spoke.

Newsoms office said last month that since the fall of Roe, California health care providers have performed 12,000 more abortions than would normally be expected, and more than half the visitors to Californias abortion resource website were from out-of-state.

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Just over two weeks after Arizonas Supreme Court ruled that an 1864 law limiting most abortions in the state was valid, California government leaders will seek to pass a law that will allow Arizona doctors to come to the state to provide abortions and related health care to residents of that state.

California state senators Nancy Skinner and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry will introduce SB 233, which would allow licensed Arizona doctors to provide that care to Arizona patients in California through the end of November of this year, according to a news release from the office of the governor and the Legislative Womens Caucus.

The bill will have an urgency clause, which will allow it to go into effect as soon as it receives the governors signature.

If passed, the Arizona doctors will be overseen by the California Medical Board Osteopathic Medical Board.

Which states could have abortion on the ballot in 2024?

I want to give a shoutout to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, because she had the courage to put out the call to neighboring states to support Arizona doctors and patients, and thats what we are responding to, said Skinner at a news conference.

Mayes said soon after the courts ruling that her office would seek to not enforce the law.

In Arizona, access to abortion will start to be severely limited on June 8 because of the 19th-century law that will be allowed to go into effect.

The law states that anyone who provides, supplies or administers an abortion or medication that induces an abortion could face a prison sentence of several years unless the procedure is necessary to save the mothers life.

The action from California leaders is the latest in an attempt to expand protections for abortion-related care in the state.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that it is up to states to regulate abortions, California has enshrined reproductive health care in its Constitution through a voter-approved amendment, and new laws have limited cooperation with other states that seek to prosecute women and their providers who travel to California for an abortion or related care.

At the news conference, Jodi Hicks, the president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said SB 233 was another tool that the state has used to strengthen reproductive health care since the 2022 Dobbs decision.

Planned Parenthood in California welcomes any of these tools for anyone that seeks abortion care here in California. I just want to be clear, No one should have to travel outside of the state they live in in order to get care, Hicks said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Arizona Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, left, gets a hug from Sen. Anna Hernandez, D-Phoenix, after the vote tally on the proposed repeal of Arizona's near-total ban on abortions winning approval from the state House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Phoenix. | Ross D. Franklin

A bill repealing Arizonas 1864 abortion law headed to the state Senate on Wednesday. Its the third attempt to repeal the law in the last three weeks.

Earlier this month, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a law passed in 1864 banning abortions in every case except when its necessary to save the mother. There are no exceptions for rape or incest and a person who provides an abortion could face prison terms of two to five years if prosecuted.

Arizona House Democrats and three House Republicans voted for the repeal bill Wednesday. Republicans have a narrow majority in the state Senate, so in order for the Arizona Legislature to repeal the bill, at least two Republicans would have to vote to repeal it.

Its expected Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs will sign the bill if it lands on her desk.

President Joe Biden has issued a statement stating his opposition to the Arizona abortion law. Biden, who supports a federal right to abortion, said, We will continue to fight to protect reproductive rights and call on Congress to pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade for women in every state.

Former President Donald Trump, whose position on abortion is that it should be left to the states, said the Arizona law has gone too far. Itll be straightened out and as you know, its all about states rights. 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, he told reporters as The Associated Press reported.

Tim Dunn, a Republican representative who voted to repeal the 1864 law, said in a statement that he is deeply pro-life, but he thought the 1864 law went too far and would backfire. The public backlash would result in codifying disturbing and unlimited abortions in the Arizona Constitution, which is something that I cannot allow to happen, Dunn said in a statement.

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma has come out in support of the 1864 law and urged the House to slow down on the bill.

Not all the Republicans, obviously, agree on every issue, and this is one that we disagree on, and I happen to think that abortion is wrong, Toma told The New York Times. It comes down to: What do I think is right? What is just? What is ethical? And I have made my decision. And I am not going to change my mind.

It would take at least two Senate Republicans breaking ranks with the GOP caucus to pass the repeal bill. Upon the potential repeal of the 1864 law, the state would allow access to abortion for up to 15 weeks.

The Senate is expected to look at the bill when it meets next week. The clock is ticking, as the repeal bill, if passed, would only go into effect 90 days after the Arizona Legislature adjourns.

Arizona voters may have a couple of referendums on their November ballots to consider, The Hill reported. Some abortion rights advocates are attempting to gather enough signatures to obtain a referendum to protect abortion up to the point of fetal viability (roughly 24 weeks) and others are looking to introduce a different referendum to ban abortion after either six or 15 weeks.

The Arizona Right to Life group called the state Supreme Courts decision a huge win in a post on Facebook. The group staged a demonstration at the Arizona Capitol last week to uphold the rights of the most vulnerable humans of our society, as the group said in a post.

Angela Florez, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona, called the state Supreme Courts decision deplorable in a statement. While today we feel frustrated and dismayed with the Court for stripping our legal right to essential health care, we must harness our anger and take action.

In the meantime, due to a moratorium period, the state cannot enforce the Arizona abortion law until June 8. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement that her office is looking at every legal avenue to block the law from taking effect. Mayes office filed a motion for reconsideration Tuesday contesting parts of the majority opinion from the Arizona Supreme Court.

I call on the Senate to quickly follow suit and join the House in repealing this law, said Mayes. Unfortunately, without an emergency clause that would allow the repeal to take effect quickly, we may still be looking at a period of time when the 1864 law could potentially take effect.

Politicians and advocates outside of Arizona have also mobilized on the issue  some in support of the 1864 law, others against it. California Gov. Gavin Newsom along with the California Womens Caucus announced that they were introducing legislation to allow Arizona abortion providers to come to California with patients from Arizona to perform their abortions.

The bill would place Arizona abortion providers under the oversight of the California Medical Board and the Osteopathic Medical Board. If the California Legislature passes the bill, it would go into effect when Newsom signs it.

Lila Rose, president and founder of Live Action, indicated her support of the law in a statement. This ruling rightly recognizes life by protecting preborn children and their mothers from more unjust violence against them.
Arizona lawmakers Wednesday voted to repeal an unpopular near-total abortion ban that was enacted in 1864.

The Republican-controlled state house voted 32-28 to approve repealing the draconian, 160-year-old law after a handful of GOP lawmakers defected to join Democrats.

The bill now moves on to the state Senate. The GOP also narrowly controls that body, but it recently voted in favor of a similar resolution. That means the pre-Civil War law should be on track to be repealed in the coming weeks.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who supports abortion rights, backs a repeal.

I am glad to see the House follow my calls to repeal the archaic 1864 total abortion ban that could jail doctors and endanger the lives of women in Arizona, Hobbs said after the vote.

If the repeal fails, the old law, which was passed long before women could vote or Arizona was even a state, will go into effect in June after the state supreme court recently ruled it could stand.

Democrats have pushed for three straight weeks to repeal the so-called zombie law, which was still on the books when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Republicans are deeply divided on the issue, with many abortion opponents supporting the old law even though the only exception it includes is to save the life of the mother.

Some more pragmatic GOP lawmakers have come out against the law and instead back a previously passed ban that outlaws abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Former President Donald Trump also denounced the law and vowed Arizona would soon straighten out the issue after the state supreme court ruling made national headlines.

Even without the 1864 law on the books, Arizona will be a national epicenter for the debate over abortion rights in the fall election.

Abortion rights advocates say they have enough signatures to get a referendum on the fall ballot that would mandate a return to the protections provided by Roe.

Democrats are eager to make abortion an issue nationwide, especially in crucial swing states like Arizona, which will play a key role in deciding the race between Trump and President Biden.

A similar scenario is playing out in Florida where a six-week ban goes into effect next week. A abortion-rights referendum will be on the ballot there in November, but it requires 60% support to pass.

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The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners banned the use of electronic signatures on voter registration forms on Tuesday in a controversial emergency rule.

Chris Madison, director of the Arkansas Board of Elections told USA Today that the rule was adopted in the interest of efficiency and consistent practice across counties, some of which accepted e-signatures while others did not.

The board decided we needed to make a rule to get everybody playing by the same rules, he said, but voting rights organizations are criticizing the decision.

Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.org, the largest nonpartisan voter registration group in the U.S., said in a statement that the move, which she called shameful, could potentially disqualify tens of thousands of voter registration forms already submitted.

Get Loud Arkansas registered students to vote using tablets at Little Rock Central High School in January 2024.

Joyce Elliott, a former Democratic state Senator and founder of Get Loud Arkansas, claims the new voter registration rule directly resulted from her groups activities. Get Loud Arkansas is one of the largest voter registration groups in the state, and one of the few that uses tablets to register voters.

This amounts to voter suppression, she said.

Voting across the South: Voter ID and absentee-ballot limits: the South tightens key voting laws ahead of election

According to Madison, the rule is also meant to streamline the voter registration process.

The signature on a voter registration application in Arkansas is more than just affirming that Im eligible to be a voter, he said. The signature acts as an identification mark.

An electronic signature might be less likely to match one signed with ink on paper, he said, and in that case, the county clerk would need to contact the voter to cure or verify their ballot or ballot application.

I would rather cure a few hundred versus several thousand, he said. What we dont want happening is voters that have registered with an electronic signature now trying to vote in November and running into problems.

The emergency rule only allows for certain state agencies, like disability services and the Office of Driver Services, to use electronic signatures, consistent with its interpretation of Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution, which does not explicitly prohibit e-signatures.

What does this mean for voter registration efforts?

It is absolutely a setback which we must overcome because we are not going to abandon that mission, Elliott said on Wednesday. It means our work will be significantly slowed down.

Get Loud Arkansas will have to contact all the people it helped register using electronic signatures and redo their registrations on paper with wet signatures in ink.

Some of those voters are students at a high school where Get Loud held a voter registration drive.

Arkansas State Capitol building in Little Rock, Ark. on Sunday, Jan. 17. 2021.

That really is heavy on my mind  the message thats being sent to young people, Elliott said when they face obstacles to voting, like unexpectedly redoing their registration.

She said Get Loud's registration campaigns benefit young people, minorities, single parents, and people in rural areas the most.

Many times, they are disenfranchised simply because the tools and the time are not available to them, Elliott said.

The statement released by Vote.org on Wednesday called the rule part of a pattern of harmful anti-voter laws and policies enacted since the 2020 election.

It said that rules requiring a wet signature impact underserved communities in particular; only one in five SNAP recipients, for example, have access to a printer.

Theres no doubt that using [an electronic] application is a game changer to get more people involved in our democratic process of voting, Elliott said.

When you say, on the one hand, you want everybody to have access to the ballot, to our democracy, but you make it harder, I cant help but surmise that thats really not the major interest, because they had the authority to rule in a way [that didnt make registration more difficult] and not go afoul of the law, she said.

Even according to the Attorney General, you are not running afoul of the law if you allow the e-signature, she said, referring to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffins April 10 opinion, which noted that e-signatures are valid as long as theyre on a form created and distributed by the Secretary of States office.

Elliott said that Get Loud doesnt have a concrete plan yet to challenge the new rule, but going to court is on the table.

The emergency rule will stay in effect for three months, allowing time for a new permanent rule to be drafted by the Board of Election Commissioners and approved by the legislature.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas bans electronic voter registration signatures
Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners does away with electronic signatures for voter registration; Group says decision will enhance voter suppression

Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners does away with electronic signatures for voter registration; Group says decision will enhance voter suppression

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners passed a rule Tuesday doing away with electronic signatures for voter registration, a move one organization claims will result in voter suppression.

Board Director Chris Madison said it is meant to provide more clarity to county clerks and potential voters.

How to: Check your voter registration or register to vote in Arkansas

He referenced Amendment 51 under state law, which bans third-party organizations from registering potential voters themselves with digital signatures and only allows authorized computer voter registration agencies to do so.

Former state senator Joyce Elliotts organization Get Loud Arkansas had been registering future voters using the e-signature and seeing encouraging numbers from the method. She said Tuesday she feels the group is being targeted now as a result.

Theres not something that weve done wrong, so thats what leads me to think well maybe its the result of the work were doing, as a result of having that platform that makes it easier for people to access the ballot, Elliot said.

How are mail-in and absentee ballots verified?

Madison said another concern was digital signatures resulting in even more problems once the voter needs an absentee ballot and the two signatures dont line up, or if a voter moves counties and one doesnt accept the digital signature the voter used in another, since not all counties were accepting digital signatures.

We dont want voters having problems in November because of things going on right now, Madison said. Thats what this is about. Its not about one particular group or anything. This issue hasnt come up before so its one of those things weve got to address it now.

Secretary of State John Thurstons Public Relations Director, Jamie Land also provided a statement.

The Secretary of State is focused on ensuring clarity and uniformity for all county clerks and voters across Arkansas before the November General Election, the statement read. Todays procedures starts the process of providing direction to our county clerks statewide to ensure voter registration uniformity.

This is only a temporary rule, which will go into effect immediately once signed off on by legislators.

Study shows Arkansas ranks last in voter turnout, how ballot measures intend to bring numbers up

Madison added that the board is welcoming public feedback on a permanent rule and will have meetings where Arkansans can provide input.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Andy Davis, Vice Chancellor of Institutional Relations at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Dr. Joe Thompson, President and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, speak to the Arkansa Legislature's Joint Budget Committee on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Screenshot courtesy of Arkansas Legislature)

An Arkansas legislative panel on Tuesday approved diverting funds from a state health care data hub to start a midwifery education program at the states largest medical school.

Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, proposed removing the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement from a section of a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences appropriations bill and rewriting it to direct $500,000 to personal services and operating expenses of [a] certified nurse midwifery program that the school plans to begin in 2026.

ACHI is not a state agency, but its administration is housed within UAMS.

Certified nurse midwives, which Bentley said could help improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas, are required to have bachelors degrees in nursing and two years of experience in the field before entering a two-year midwifery training program.

Several lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee voted against the measure, which failed Thursday but passed Tuesday, mostly along party lines. Sen. Jimmy Hickey of Texarkana was the only Republican to vote no.

Rep. Mary Bentley (R-Perryville)

Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville

Bentley, a retired nurse, said Thursday that she did not believe the funding cut would have a negative impact on ACHIs services, which mostly consist of compiling and presenting healthcare data to state agencies and the general public.

We have a lot of data centers here, so its really not [affecting] anything we need that we cant do without, she said.

ACHI President and CEO Dr. Joe Thompson disagreed Tuesday.

This will impair our ability to support state agencies and the Bureau of Legislative Research in analyses of the All-Payer Claims Database, he said, referring to the states database that tracks how and where healthcare is being delivered and how much is being spent, according to its website.

The APCD contains data from Medicaid coverage, qualified health plans provided by the state Department of Human Services, and employee health plans for state and public school employees, among other things, Michelle Kitchens, ACHIs Director of Governmental Affairs and Community Outreach, said Thursday.

Kitchens said she believes ACHI has the best ability in the state to gather and organize this data.

[State funding] allows us to explore whats out there, help see the landscape, help tell the General Assembly and the public more about whats happening, she said.

One unique dataset the organization has compiled is an analysis of the rates of Cesarean section births throughout Arkansas, broken down by maternal age, volume per county and how frequently C-sections occur in a pregnant persons first time giving birth.

ACHIs annual budget is roughly $7 million, and the proposed $500,000 cut would account for 7% of the budget, Kitchens said.

UAMS would prefer that the Legislature fund both the midwifery program and ACHI, so the university is neutral in the debate over whether to fund the program at ACHIs expense, Andy Davis, UAMS Vice Chancellor of Institutional Relations and a former Republican state representative, said Tuesday.

The program is scheduled to begin in 2026, meaning its first graduating class would complete their certifications in 2028.

New midwives could help both rural and urban Northwest Arkansas residents who sometimes travel to Missouri or Oklahoma to receive care from certified nurse midwives because there are so few in Arkansas, said Rep. Delia Haak, R-Siloam Springs.

Ive had this issue brought up to me many times over the course of my two terms here, and I support this wholeheartedly, Haak said Thursday.

Concerns

Democratic lawmakers said their qualms about reducing ACHIs funding existed alongside their support for increasing midwifery services in Arkansas in order to reduce the states maternal and infant mortality rates  the highest in the nation, according to ACHI data.

The Legislature could look at some other funding mechanisms as opposed to taking it from the place where we actually utilize the assimilated data for each one of our agencies and resource hospitals, said Rep. Denise Garner, a Fayetteville Democrat and retired nurse.

The Joint Budget Committee approved another appropriations bill Tuesday that would double a taxpayer-funded grant to support pregnancy resource centers, which are often religiously affiliated and discourage abortion while encouraging birth. The state has distributed the $1 million yearly grant to 27 organizations over the past two years.

Garner pointed out that pregnancy resource centers are non-healthcare entities and that the $2 million proposed for the grant fund would support four years of the upcoming midwifery program.

Republican Rep. Charlene Fite of Van Buren, who presented Bentleys proposal in her absence Tuesday, said she believed Bentley and others spent a great deal of time looking through the budget and trying to find the best way to fund this program.

On Thursday, Bentley and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, both said the state Department of Health disputed ACHIs research during the COVID-19 pandemic that led the organization to recommend face masks and vaccinations as protective measures against the virus.

In response to this discussion, Rep. Andrew Collins, D-Little Rock, asked Bentley if the defunding proposal was meant to punish ACHI for publishing public health information that you disagreed with during the pandemic.

It has nothing to do with punishment, Bentley said. It has to do with prioritizing.

The post Arkansas lawmakers consider shifting funds from health care data hub to UAMS midwifery program appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
Rita Patino was a Raramuri runner who loved to dance, sing, eat and attend parties. She possessed knowledge of herbal medicine and had worked as a midwife. One of her walks led her so far from her people that, without realizing it, she left her home state of Chihuahua. A Tarahumara, she was able to easily cross dozens of rivers, fields, canyons and mountains on foot. One night in 1983, Kansas police, in the heart of the United States, found Patino in a church, tired and afraid, more than 1,242 miles from her home in the Urique Canyon. Without access to an interpreter, she was sent to a psychiatric hospital and improperly diagnosed as schizophrenic.

Patino was deprived of her liberty and stripped of her rights for 12 years, until, thanks to a legal team who provided assistance, she was able to return to the Sierra Tarahumara in 1996. She lived out her final years with serious side effects cause by wrongfully prescribed medications. With very few resources and amid complex familial and social conditions, her niece Juana Osorio  known as Juanita  cared for Patino until the elders death in 2018, at which point she became a star. In the Tarahumara belief system, the people came from stars and upon their earthly death, transform back into the heavenly bodies.

How did Rita get to Kansas? How did she cross the border and navigate so much land to arrive there? Why did no one make an effort to understand anything but her anger? Muki sopalirili aligue gawichi nirugame or, translated from the Raramuri language, The Woman of Stars and Mountains, is a documentary by Mexican filmmaker Santiago Esteinou that revisits this case of negligence and injustice, which is marked by racism and violence against a person who was unable to communicate with her captors. The film retakes the life of a woman who no one, throughout those 12 years, truly made an effort to understand.

Poster for the documentary The Woman of Stars and Mountains. PIANO

The Raramuri people live in northern Mexico, and their name means foot runners, composed of the roots rara (foot) and muri (run). Esteinou, who began to work on the project in 2016, came to Ritas story through a book that he was lent, Born to Run by Christopher McDougal, which is about a runner who moved to the Sierra Tarahumara. On one of its pages, it mentions a Tarahumara runner who became displaced from Chihuahua. When she was found, hospital staff believed that her vocalizations were illogical babbling. In reality, she was speaking in Raromuri, a variation of the Raramuri tongue. Esteinou found the runners family and got in contact with them. Her story wound up becoming the subject of his documentary.

What interested us was going beyond the hospital incident to understand who Rita was, to understand her as a woman, as a human. Initially, we had planned to make an observational documentary that would tell her story, but above all, be a follow-up on what was happening in the present with her life and the life of her niece. We couldnt make that happen because in the initial stages of filming, Rita died, says the filmmaker.

Esteinou and his production team were able to spend time with Rita and film her intermittently throughout 2016 to 2018, during which time, according to the director, they began establishing a good relationship based in trust. Still, they had made a commitment to make the film, and needed to finish it, which raised the question of how to finish a movie when its protagonist has died.

The answer for The Woman of Stars and Mountains meant also including the voices of people who were tied to Ritas defense in the United States, individuals who were well-known in the community and, of course, the relationship, affection and care that her niece, Juanita, dedicated to Rita upon her return to Chihuahua. Mixtec director Angeles Cruz, who is from Oaxaca, also joined the project, bringing her experience as actress and her knowledge behind the camera to give shape to one of the documentarys other pillars, which was the recreation of the path Rita took to get from Mexico to the United States.

We created all the images that were a little bit more evocative, to a certain degree, fictionalized. What we were trying to do was create the path that Rita could have taken from her home towards Kansas. We were making that trip by car and kind of evoking things that, being there, we imagined that she could have experienced. In that sense, working with Angeles was very enriching, because she is an incredible person and also very talented, says Esteinou.

One of the fictionalized scenes from the documentary. PIANO

The recovery and presentation of Patinos language was important to the team, but also the inclusion of all the connotations it brings, from the Raramuri worldview to ancestral, social and cultural aspects. At the beginning of the process, they worked with Erique Servin, a Chihuahuense writer and noted defender and scholar of Indigenous languages, who was found dead from a blow to the head in 2019 and whose murder remains unsolved. The death of the activist unmoored the production crew, who struggled to make sense of many of the storys elements. It was then that they came into contact with Adrian Moreno, head of the Ethnic Cultures and Diversity Department at the Chihuahua State Secretary of Culture, who became interested in the project because of its intent to visibilize and strengthen awareness of Indigenous communities, he says.

It [the documentary] interrogates the importance of language in these situations, especially here, with respect to access to justice and health, says Moreno. It was important to him that the film had chosen narration in Raromuri, to seek to understand another way of existing in the world, of interpreting and understanding reality.

Ritas situation could be one that drew a lot of attention and that was high-profile in its moment, but hers is a situation experienced by the vast majority of people who speak an Indigenous language. Many times their reality is folklorized, saying how beautifully they dance, how beautiful the language sounds, but from afar. We must create better context of use and support that as much as possible. There should be more productions with this kind of subject matter, that speak in Indigenous languages not just from Chihuahua, but the entire country, concludes Moreno.

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(Getty Images)

A legislative panel advanced an amended bill Tuesday that would increase all state employees pay by up to 3% and create special compensation awards for those who complete special projects beyond the scope of their typical responsibilities.

The amended version of Senate Bill 77, which was presented to the Joint Budget Committees Personnel subcommittee, aims to address concerns raised by lawmakers like Rep. Dwight Tosh about ensuring that the special compensation is awarded fairly.

The Jonesboro Republican has repeatedly said over the last week that he wants to prevent supervisors from picking winners and losers by only selecting employees they like for special projects and the corresponding additional compensation.

All I want to make sure of on this bill is that every state employee  is treated fairly, Tosh said. I want to make sure that all of them are on a level playing field and that every one of them, when theres an additional assignment, that they are given the same opportunity to be able to do that assignment and to qualify for this special compensation.

The amended bill requires objective, measurable standards for the selection of employees eligible for the award as well as a description of how employees were selected for the temporary job responsibilities that prompted the extra compensation.

The awards include a bonus of up to $5,000 or up to 40 hours of leave, and employees may only receive two special compensation awards per biennium. State agencies must find the funding within their own budget to support the awards and cannot access the Performance Fund.

State agencies that want to provide special compensation awards must prepare a written plan that will be reviewed by the Office of Personnel Management and must receive final approval from lawmakers.

Once an agencys plan is approved, any award the agency wishes to provide must be approved by OPM and reported to lawmakers each month.

Sen. Breanne Davis

Sen. Breanne Davis (Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Senate)

Bill sponsor Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, said the required legislative approval throughout the process will help ensure the program is being executed as intended.

We can approve or not approve, so I do think weve done our due diligence here to really address concerns and make this language airtight to ensure that theres not favoritism  that all employees have a chance, Davis said.

In addition to the special compensation awards, SB77 creates a one-time market adjustment of up to 3% of all state employees base salaries. The legislation also compresses the pay scale for General Salary levels 1-5 so they all have an identical pay scale that ranges from $32,405 to $51,686.

The 3% market adjustment and pay scale compression will have an estimated cost of $19 million to General Revenue, a Bureau of Legislative Research staff member told lawmakers Tuesday.

Additional changes made by SB77 include:

Increasing the maximum salary of all current pay grades by 10%

Changing hazard duty pay rules so Department of Corrections employees temporarily assigned to a maximum security facility may receive hazard pay

Creating a recruitment incentive program that follows the same process as the special compensation awards program, including the awarding of up to $5,000 or 40 hours of leave

Requiring lawmakers to approve any amendment to the current merit increase pay system before agencies can implement the requested changes

The bill contains an emergency clause and would go into effect on July 1 if approved by the Arkansas General Assembly.

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Arrest warrant issued for suspect in deadly shooting at Blue Springs park

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.  The Blue Springs Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a Raymore man in connection to the double homicide at Wilbur Young Park on April 13.

Marquis Earl Lee Savannah is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Hes described as standing 59 weighs 175 pounds and has the alias of Baby Earl or Earl. Police say he is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact our dispatch at (816) 228-0152 or a reward is offered for tips leading to his arrest by calling KC Crime Stoppers at (816) 474-8477.

Man gets 10-year sentence for killing KCPD officer, K-9 and pedestrian

Blue Springs police say they have identified a second suspect in this case who is a juvenile and are actively working to take them into custody. Due to them being a juvenile police cannot release their information.

The deadly shooting was reported just after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, near the sand volleyball courts at Wilbur Young Park.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Nineteen-year-old LaDronal Hamilton Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri, and 20-year-old Karmello Matlock of Independence, were both shot and later pronounced dead at area hospitals.

A 17-year-old was also injured but is expected to recover.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Staring at the jury on the 16th floor of Sacramentos federal courthouse downtown this week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt held up the knife used by inmate William Sylvester to kill another prisoner, a slaying Hitt said was done to gain entry to the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang.

This is the knife he used to kill that man in cold blood, Hitt said of the Oct. 7, 2011, attack at California State Prison, Sacramento, that left inmate Ronald Richardson dead from 31 stab wounds. He killed Richardson to earn his rock.

The rock, in this case, is a shamrock tattoo that prosecutors say symbolizes membership in the California prison gang, which has been the focus of a trial that began in February against Sylvester and two other defendants accused in a racketeering, drug and murder conspiracy case that investigators have been building since 2016.

Prosecutors say the case shows how the prison gang had the power to order hits on inmates inside California prisons as well as targets outside of prison, and evidence shown in court has included extremely graphic prison video and photos of inmate murders.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt holds up a knife used to kill Ronald Richardson at California State Prison, Sacramento, during closing arguments on Monday in federal court. William Sylvester, Ronald Yandell and Danny Troxell are on trial in a federal racketeering, drug and murder conspiracy case that involves the Aryan Brotherhoods involving in the prison system. The case is expected to go to the jury on Wednesday.

Sylvester and fellow inmates Ronald Yandell and Danny Troxell have been sitting in court under tight security for weeks as prosecutors have tutored jury members on the peculiar phrases the gang used in phone conversations captured on wiretaps  in the hat, for an inmate marked for death; on the shelf for one no longer politically active in gang affairs.

They have proudly adorned themselves with the shamrock, the feared symbol that only belongs to Aryan Brotherhood members, Hitt said during closing arguments in the case Monday.

Since the trial began, Hitt and fellow prosecutors Ross Pearson and David Spencer have brought forth a parade of witnesses that include former AB followers and inmates who have agreed to cooperate with the government against what Hitt called a most feared, vicious and violent gang that unleashed a crime wave using contraband cellphones.

The case is expected to go to the jury on Wednesday to begin deliberations on the charges against the three, who already are serving life sentences in state prison and escaped the possibility of a death penalty prosecution when the Justice Department ruled it out last October.

Defense attorneys for the three defendants argued to the jury this week that prosecutors have put together a weak case that includes lost evidence, lies from witnesses and a lead Drug Enforcement Administration agent who will say anything, who will do anything to reach the goal of conviction.

Sylvesters attorney, Knut Johnson, was the first to make that claim during two days of closing arguments this week, telling the jury that Sylvesters slaying of Richardson had nothing to do with wanting to ingratiate himself with AB leadership.

This is not about whether he did it, but why he did it, Johnson told jurors. He did so because thats what prisoners do to suspected child molesters, not to get into the Aryan Brotherhood...

Hes not on trial for killing Richardson because he did kill Richardson. He was convicted in state court.

Defendants William Sylvester, Ronald Yandell and Danny Troxell are seated in Sacramento federal court with their attorneys during trial in a federal racketeering, drug and murder conspiracy case that investigators have been building since 2016. The case is expected to go to the jury on Wednesday to begin deliberations on the charges against the three Aryan Brotherhood members, who already are serving life sentences in state prison.

Troxell attorney Todd Leras painted his client as a peacemaker who helped lead a hunger strike at Pelican Bay State Prison that led to reforms against the use of solitary confinement and helped forge an inmate pact against racial violence among inmates known as the agreement to end all hostilities.

The government has failed to sustain its burden of proof, Leras said Tuesday. It has not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Danny Troxell was one of the people tearing things down.

And Yandell attorney Steven Kalar attacked the prosecution as the brainchild of lead DEA Agent Brian Nehring, the man he called the star agent.

Hes the guy who started this whole case, Kalar told jurors. Hes the guy who started this whole investigation, and the evidence shows that Agent Nehring has a difficult relationship with the truth.

Kalars assault on Nehring included a last-minute move Friday to get the case thrown out, or at least delayed while an evidentiary hearing was set, because of what Yandells lawyers wrote was an explicitly vindictive motive by the lead case agent.

Yandells attorneys filed a motion seeking dismissal of the case based on an email from Nehring to Hitt that court documents say was sent Feb. 5, 2016.

In the email, which the defense says was first disclosed to them on April 11, Nehring writes about learning that Yandell was one of the leaders of a hunger strike at Pelican Bay State Prison in 2013 aimed at ending solitary confinement in the California prison system.

I want to crush him so bad, my teeth hurt, Nehring, who wrote the original 143-page criminal complaint that led to the indictment of the defendants, wrote to the prosecutor.

This is direct evidence of vindictiveness, Yandells attorneys wrote in their motion. The lead case agent (and complaint writer) identifies that Mr. Yandell led constitutionally-protected hunger strikes.

Then the lead case agent expresses that he wants to crush Mr. Yandell for doing so. That direct connection between Mr. Yandells First Amendment activity and the prosecutions punitive motive  expressed in back-to-back, linked sentences  satisfies the admittedly stringent burden for finding direct evidence of vindictiveness.

Nehrings sentiments provide (at least) a reasonable likelihood that this prosecution is designed to punish Mr. Yandell for his reform efforts, Yandells attorneys wrote, adding that Yandell and other defendants have long faced institutional retaliation for their reform efforts.

Because of their efforts, prison officials have demonized them, discredited them, used confidential information to return them to solitary, moved them in facilities with solitary-like conditions, and denied them parole. ... the motion states.

This case promises to remove Mr. Yandell and other defendants from the state prison system they helped reform. And it promises to put them back in solitary confinement  likely at ADX Florence in Colorado, the so-called Supermax federal prison that once held Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.

Attorney Knut Johnson gives closing arguments to the jury on behalf of his client, William Sylvester, who is facing charges stemming from a federal racketeering, drug and murder conspiracy case that investigators have been building since 2016. The case is expected to go to the jury on Wednesday to begin deliberations for Sylvester and two other defendants with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood.

Sylvesters attorneys joined in the motion in a document filed Tuesday. Prosecutors have yet to reply to the motion, which is similar to a January motion seeking to toss the case out over vindictive prosecution.

Chief U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller denied that motion days before trial began.

The closing arguments began on the 32nd day of a trial that has been marked by tight security inside the courtroom and tensions that spilled out into the open at least once.

Last month, an incident in court led to a discussion outside the presence of the jury after a representative of the U.S. Marshals Service told the judge that at the close of one court session he heard Yandell calling Troxell attorney Leras a rat.

It was very quick, the marshals representative told the judge, according to a transcript of the session. And at first when it was happening I wasnt sure which one it was directed to because there was a cluster of attorneys, and then after realizing it was directed to Mr. Leras.

The same day, as the defendants were being taken in a van back to the Sacramento County Jail next door to the courthouse, emotions went from zero to 10 about that fast, and shouting arguments between  it was definitely Yandell and Troxell, the Marshals representative said.

It was so loud I couldnt tell, Sylvester might have been a part of it too. Im not sure if it was everybody. And so, Im going to kill you. Im going to f------ kill you. Youre a rat. All sorts of expletives.

The incident continued at its high pitch for 20 to 25 minutes, with the three inmates separated in the van so they could not get at each other.

Its all verbal. But like I said, if they were to be any closer and able to have their hands free it would be a huge catastrophe waiting to happen. So thats my concern. As well as in speaking with the (prison) staff and their handling with them, they - from their experience, in talking with them as well, is that their expectation is something is going to happen in the courtroom.

Kalar said during the hearing he heard Yandell insult Leras, and told the judge he heard Leras reply, At least Im not a rat, something Kalar said raised the temperature a thousand degrees.

Because, of course, there is no greater insult for a defendant than to be accused of being a snitch, Kalar said. And Mr. Leras stating that to my client was jaw-dropping.

Leras told the judge that he spoke to Yandell in a moment of temper after Yandell called him a f------ piece of s---.

The hearing ended with Mueller deciding against having the defendants fully shackled in court after she asked each of them to promise not to be disrespectful toward anyone else in court and they did.

I give you my word, your honor, Yandell said.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate from Wisconsin Eric Hovde speaks at a rally hosted by former President Donald Trump on April 2, 2024, in Green Bay. Democrats are criticizing Hovde's bank's ownership of an assisted living home that is being sued while he has criticized how nursing home voting was handled in 2020 in Wisconsin. (Scott Olson | Getty Images)

An assisted living home in California connected to the bank owned by Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Eric Hovde has been cited for a series of violations, records with the state of California show.

The home, Claremont Hacienda in Los Angeles County, has also been named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the daughter of a former resident. The lawsuit was amended in March to add Sunwest Bank  which Hovde owns and which is a part-owner of the assisted living home  as a defendant in the case.

Hovde is challenging two-term Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin for re-election this year.

Democrats have jumped on the lawsuit, which was first reported Saturday by The New York Times, to attack Hovde. They have linked the lawsuit and its allegations against the home to Hovdes remarks earlier this month criticizing voting by residents of nursing homes in the 2020 election in Wisconsin.

In addition to the lawsuit, previously unreported state records reviewed by the Wisconsin Examiner show that the Claremont Hacienda has been cited a dozen times in the last two years by the California Department of Social Services, which licenses and monitors assisted living homes. The home has been fined $4,500, records show.

Hovdes spokesman, Ben Voelkel, said Tuesday that neither the bank nor Hovde are involved in the day-to-day operations of the assisted living and memory care home, which is managed under contract by another company.

Hovde has called the lawsuit manufactured and The New York Times report about it a hit job. And his campaign has said Hovdes comments about nursing home residents voting have been taken out of context.

Assisted living homes record

Claremont Hacienda is owned by Claremont Senior Living LLC and Ally Senior Living LLC. Claremont Senior Living is owned by Sunwest Bank, which is owned by H Bancorp, according to records on file with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Councils National Information Center. Hovde owns H Bancorp.

Sunwest Bank became a part-owner of the Claremont facility as a result of a foreclosure action after previous owners of the home defaulted on a debt.

Between August 2022 and early March 2024, the California Department of Social Services conducted 14 visits to the facility, according to the departments online records. Those included routine reviews as well as visits following up on complaints or to check on compliance with previously issued citations.

Those visits produced citations for not complying with medication storage rules; taking a residents personal property (a cell phone); lacking required certificates in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for two employees and lacking current certificates for two others; failing to display a required patients rights poster where it was publicly visible; lacking an up-to-date license for the homes administrator, whose listed qualification also did not meet state minimum requirements according to the department; employing two people without any record that they had cleared criminal background checks; incomplete training records for five employees; and hot water in two rooms that was below the minimum required temperature.

After five subsequent inspections that found the training, license and qualifications citations remained unmet, the department levied financial penalties totaling $4,500 in late 2023, according to department records.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in April 2023 by the daughter of a 94-year-old woman who died in another nursing home two months after a fall at Claremont Hacienda.

The lawsuit alleges that the woman fell on an unidentified date in March 2022 and then had a second fall on April 4, 2022, breaking her left hip. She was hospitalized, then transferred to another nursing home, where she died in June 2022.

The lawsuit blames the assisted living home where the falls occurred for failing to provide the woman proper care, setting in motion the chain of events that unfolded in the last months of her life. In March, the plaintiffs lawyer added Hovdes bank as a defendant in the case.

Records from the California Department of Social Services show that the state received a complaint about the first fall nearly a year later, on March 9, 2023, and completed an investigation on March 7, 2024.

The department investigators report said that there was no testimony from residents or staff to corroborate allegations of the earlier fall or of a failure to respond to it, and the complaint was classified as unsubstantiated.

In a radio interview Monday, Hovde attacked the lawsuit and The New York Times coverage. Theyre all about the politics of personal destruction, Hovde told Joe Gigante, host of The Regular Joe Show on WTAQ. To think that they actually manufactured a lawsuit against me so The New York Times could write a hit piece against me, tells you how desperate they are because they have no real issues to talk about.

The Democratic Party has nothing to do with this lawsuit, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler said Tuesday. This is a lawsuit brought by a family that experienced a tragedy.  If youre the owner of a nursing care facility, then you have a responsibility to ensure that people get the care that they need.

Hovdes nursing home comments

Wisconsin Democrats have argued that the lawsuit and Hovdes comments about nursing home voters reflect a disregard for seniors.

In 2020, the Wisconsin Elections Commission voted against the usual practice of sending special voting deputies to nursing homes, which were closed to visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the commission agreed to send absentee ballots to nursing homes to avoid disenfranchising residents who were registered voters.

Repeated investigations and recounts affirmed the results of the 2020 election in Wisconsin, which Joe Biden won by about 20,000 votes. Some of former President Donald Trumps supporters, however, suggested that nursing home votes were suspect.

In an April 5 interview on a Fox news radio program, Hovde referred to those claims.

Well, if youre in a nursing home, you only have five, six months life expectancy. Almost nobody in a nursing home is at a point to vote, Hovde said. He added that there were adult children showing up and saying, Who voted for my 85- or 90-year-old father or mother?

Hovde reiterated his argument during an April 17 interview with podcaster Meg Ellefson.

Theyre totally incapable, Hovde said. They either have dementia or at the very end stage of their life, theyre not capable of voting. So whos voting for them? The sheriff did a whole investigation, and I was talking about that. Addressing the fact that these elderly people were being taken advantage of and you had 100% voting in nursing homes where a large percentage of those people are not in that mental capacity to do that.

Hovde was alluding to a report that Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling made in October 2021, almost a year after the election, based on one nursing home in Racine County where some voters cast ballots with the help of nursing home employees and some family members questioned whether their relatives were capable of voting.

Wisconsin Democrats respond

Prosecutors rebuffed Schmalings recommendations for criminal charges against elections commission members and for a statewide investigation.

The claim of nursing home residents voting who werent capable of doing so was also aired in a discredited report by former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) later fired after originally hiring him as special counsel to investigate the 2020 election.

While the Gableman report had claimed 100% of registered voters in nursing homes in heavily Democratic Dane and Milwaukee counties cast ballots, a subsequent review by the Wisconsin State Journal found turnout ranged from 49% to 92% among nursing home voters, with only one  with 12 voters  hitting 100%.

In subsequent interviews last week, Hovde denied that he was saying elderly people shouldnt vote, the Associated Press reported, but he referred again to assertions that nursing home residents were voting who family members said werent competent.

While Hovde has reiterated his assertions that the nursing home votes in 2020 were fishy, Democrats are reiterating their take that his attacks amount to trying to take votes away from the elderly.

In a Tuesday Zoom press conference organized by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Wikler tied the assisted living facility lawsuit to Hovdes comments about the nursing home vote.

He thinks that seniors who may be toward the end of their lives arent in a place to vote, Wikler said of Hovde. This would deny the voting rights of seniors. And now were learning that he and his bank are profiting [from a home] that is allegedly mistreating the seniors in their care.

Wikler decried attacks on the nursing home voters in 2020 as evidence of something going wrong in that election  an election which was nationally renowned for having one of the most successful and problem-free election administration systems in the country. He said excluding voters or questioning the validity of their votes because of their age, or the fact that they live in a nursing home, is anathema.

The post Assisted living home lawsuit, citations add to controversy over Hovdes nursing home remarks appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
Helen McEntee, the justice minister, described the increase in migrants as a 'challenge' - LIAM McBURNEY/PA WIRE

More than 80 per cent of asylum seekers in Ireland cross into the country from the UK, an Irish government minister has said.

Tensions over immigration have risen in Ireland amid an increase in migrant arrivals and an acute housing crisis that has forced some asylum seekers to sleep in tents.

Migrants and refugees were crossing the border with Northern Ireland, Helen McEntee, the justice minister, told an Irish Parliament scrutiny committee.

This is the challenge that we have, that we have advocated for an open border on this island, she said. It is absolutely a challenge.

As she gave evidence on Irelands decision to opt into new EU asylum rules that aim to speed up migrant returns, the minister added: I would say its higher than 80 per cent.

The UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area, which predates both countries membership of the EU.

Infrastructure on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland has gradually been dismantled since the Good Friday Agreement more than 25 years ago.

During the Brexit negotiations, Dublin insisted that the border on the island of Ireland be kept invisible, without infrastructure such as checkpoints. It argued this would protect the peace process and safeguard Irelands place in the EUs Single Market. Brexiteers accused Dublin of weaponising the border.

The UK and EU eventually agreed to create an Irish Sea border for British goods and animals entering Northern Ireland to prevent a hard Irish border. Northern Ireland continues to follow hundreds of EU rules as part of the agreement, which enraged some Unionists.

The Irish Times reported a Department of Justice source as saying it was difficult to be exact about the numbers crossing into Ireland from Northern Ireland.

The source said more than 80 per cent of asylum claims were made at the International Protection Office in Dublin, without an application being first made at a port or airport.

The Irish Government believes that almost all those people have arrived from the UK. A significant number are thought to be Nigerians, and there has been a spike in asylum claims from Nigeria.

There is a returns agreement with the UK, which would allow Ireland to return migrants with refugee status in Britain.

Last month, Irelands High Court ruled that a decision by the Irish government to list the UK as a safe country to return asylum seekers to was unlawful. A judge found that Ms McEntee had exceeded her powers in designating the UK as a safe country after Brexit took legal effect.

She is now bringing forward legislation to remedy the deadlock, which comes amid controversy over the UKs Rwanda plan. In 2022, the Irish government blamed the Rwanda plan for a surge in the numbers of migrants arriving in Ireland.

In October, Leo Varadkar, who was the prime minister at the time, warned that Ireland had reached the limit of support it could offer to refugees.

Dublin moved to tighten its rules after Mr Varadkar claimed Ireland made a better offering to migrants than countries such as the UK.

There were anti-immigration riots in Dublin in November, and asylum seeker centres in Ireland have been targeted with arson attacks.

Ireland, a country of about five million people that welcomed more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees after Vladimir Putins illegal invasion.

Data released last year showed that there were 13,651 non-Ukranian applications for international protection in Ireland in 2022  a 186 per cent increase from 2019, the last comparable year before the pandemic.

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Editors note: A video that previously appeared with this story has been removed because the identity of the person shown could not be verified.

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Atlantic Beach Police Chief Quentin Robinson was among at least 10 people arrested Tuesday and booked into the Horry County jail on misdemeanor prostitution charges following a sting operation in the Myrtle Beach area, authorities said.

The 41-year-old paid $500 and was released Wednesday morning from the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.

Robinson allegedly paid $120 to an undercover agent in exchange for sexual favors at a 21st Ave N. location, according to an Horry County Police incident report.

During the operation, each subject engaged with an undercover operative online and agreed to meet to exchange money for sexual favors. Upon each subjects arrival to the hotel room, money was exchanged, Horry County spokeswoman Mikayla Moscov said in a statement. At that time, law enforcement officers made their presence known, and each subject was subsequently arrested and charged.

Anyone convicted of a first-time prostitution offense faces fines of up to $200 and 30 days in jail.

The arrests were part of an operation led by Horry County police, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Robinson has been with the department since 2015, according to South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy records. He joined the department after working at the Florence County Detention Center from 2012-15.

This investigation, as well as the operations that we have periodically are really made possible because of the partnerships that we have with our local law enforcement and our state law enforcement, Horry County police spokesperson Mikayla Moskov said. Its because of the tight connection that have and the ongoing conversations that continue with those agencies, including Myrtle Beach police, including law enforcement from the Horry County Sheriffs Office, everyone in the area that were able to coordinate and try to take those elements of crime out of our community by addressing them on an individual basis whenever we receive evidence or tips that send us in one direction or another.

News13 has reached out to Horry County police and the mayor and town manager in Atlantic Beach to get more information about the investigation and Robinsons arrest but has not heard back.

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 Find todays top stories on WBTW.com for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

* * *

Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Attack on Ukrainska Pravda investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach: two suspects appear in case

Journalist Mykhailo Tkach and the individuals who attacked him. Photo: Screenshot from video

Two suspects, citizens O. and H., have appeared in the case of the attack on Ukrainska Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach as he was fulfilling his professional duties on 17 November 2023 near the Tandyr restaurant in the village of Kozyn (Kyiv Oblast). Indictments against these citizens have been forwarded to the court for further proceedings.

Source: response of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) to the request of Ukrainska Pravda

Quote from PGO: "Based on the results of the pre-trial investigation, an indictment was sent to the Obukhiv District Court of Kyiv Oblast on 4 January 2024 on charges brought against two citizens, O. and H. Both are charged with a criminal offence under Article 28.1, Article 171.2 (obstruction of the legitimate professional activity of journalists) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court proceedings are currently ongoing."

Details: The PGO noted that the files of the pre-trial investigation against another unidentified person had been transferred to a separate criminal proceeding under the same articles on 2 January 2024.

The case is being investigated by the Obukhiv District Police Department.

Background:

Late on the evening of 17 November, Ukrainska Pravdas Mykhailo Tkach was attacked while filming outside the Tandyr restaurant in Kozyn, Kyiv Oblast.

Following Ukrainska Pravdas reporting of an attack on journalist Mykhailo Tkach, the Kyiv Oblast police have opened a criminal investigation into an obstruction of journalists legitimate professional activities.

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Minnesota Senate Democratic Majority Leader Erin Murphy talks with reporters on the Senate floor in the Minnesota State Capitol after a Republican attempt to expedite an ethics investigation of Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who's facing a felony burglary charge, failed on a tie vote, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  A Republican attempt to expedite an ethics investigation of a Democratic Minnesota state senator who's facing a felony burglary charge failed on a tie vote Wednesday.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell was absent as the Senate met for the first time since her arrest early Monday at her estranged stepmother's home in Detroit Lakes. Mitchell told police she broke into the northwest Minnesota home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father including his ashes, according to a criminal complaint.

Mitchell was charged Tuesday with one count of first-degree burglary and released after a day in jail.

Mitchell's arrest has complicated the remainder of the 2024 legislative session because Senate Democrats hold just a one-seat majority. Senate Republican Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, who has called on Mitchell to resign, said several major bills in the pipeline are likely to be dependent on her vote.

How can Minnesotans trust that? he asked during the floor debate.

Democratic Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, told reporters that Mitchell, who is from Woodbury, will be allowed to vote remotely as the legislative and legal process plays out. Because of the turmoil, however, Democratic leaders put several bills on hold that were due for floor votes Wednesday and Thursday.

Her attorney said Mitchell's dispute with her stepmother arose out of a fractured relationship between the two that has been aggravated by age-related issues. In a Facebook post, Mitchell denied stealing. Her attorney has advised her not to resign.

Senate Republicans filed an ethics complaint against Mitchell before the Senate convened Wednesday, then forced a vote on a motion to immediately launch the investigation and consideration of her expulsion. Under normal Senate rules, it could take 30 days just to start the process, which would delay any action until after the legislative session, which must end by May 20.

Senators must be held to the highest standard of ethical conduct," GOP Sen. Eric Lucero, of St. Michael, told his colleagues. "Public trust has been violated. We must have a swift examination of this serious felony charge to ensure the integrity of this institution and the state of Minnesota is upheld.

The ethics complaint quotes extensively from Mitchell's charging papers, including her comment to the arresting officer, I know I did something bad.

But Democratic Sen. Nick Frentz, of North Mankato, told them Mitchell is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. He said other lawmakers charged with crimes in recent years were allowed to go through the legal process.

Mitchell's desk was empty for the debate, which ended in a 33-33 vote.

Murphy said a timeline for considering the GOP ethics complaint has yet to be decided.

But the process is designed to be difficult. The Senate ethics panel is made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, and any vote to expel a senator would require a two-thirds majority.

Murphy told reporters she had spoken to Mitchell only briefly, right after her release from jail on Monday. She said they focused on her well-being and her children..

This is obviously a very tough and challenging situation for this institution, Murphy said. Senator Mitchell is ... going to have to have a number of difficult conversations with her family, with the people who sent her here to represent them, and with her colleagues.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austin Energy is expected to receive tens of millions of dollars in federal grant money to help low-income households with access to affordable renewable energy.

The money comes from a portion of $250 million spread across 60 Texas organizations, which is part of a $7 billion national grant from the Environmental Protection Agency called Solar For All, announced earlier this week in celebration of Earth Day.

Austin Energy said the money will help direct deployment of clean solar energy to benefit thousands of historically disadvantaged communities and medically vulnerable residents.

The utility said the grant money will do the following:

Expand access to rooftop and community solar, helping lower customer bills by more than 20% (average annual saving of nearly $2,000) in specific low-income communities.

Create good green jobs via a locally trained workforce.

Reduce carbon pollution by expanding green energy usage in the Austin area.

Foster community resilience through battery backup systems, especially benefiting medically vulnerable citizens.

Austin Energy said it will use the money to establish 15-year power purchase agreements for solar energy and performance contracts for storage batteries.

The renewable energy will become part of the Community Solar Program portfolio, and the batteries will be operated as virtual power plants, according to Austin Energy. The utility said it would help all Austin Energy customers save money when market energy costs are high.

The utility will work with local solar installation contractors to build solar and storage projects in low-income residential and multi-family housing sites, with a special emphasis on households with medically vulnerable residents, according to a release.

Austin Energy said the homes will receive an upfront incentive for hosting a solar array and battery for 15 years. The qualifying customer will receive a guaranteed 20% bill discount through the low-income Community Solar Program subscription.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
An Australian counterterrorism force announced the arrests Wednesday of seven male teenagers who reportedly have links to a 16-year-old charged with stabbing an Assyrian church bishop during a livestreamed mass outside of Sydney.

Police say the teens, who are associates of the young attacker who targeted bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel on April 15 at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, pose an "unacceptable risk" to society and allegedly are involved in a religiously motivated extremist ideology, according to Reuters.

"I can assure the community there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the action we have taken today has mitigated any risk of future or further harm," the news agency quoted New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson as saying.

The 16-year-old who has been detained in the wake of the stabbing is now facing a terrorism charge.

SYDNEY CHURCH BISHOP SAYS HE FORGIVES ATTACKER

An attacker approaches Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a church service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Sydney, Australia on Monday, April 15.

"Seven people have been arrested after 13 warrants were executed in Sydney and Goulburn today, as the Joint Counter Terrorism Team Sydney continues to investigate an alleged stabbing at a Wakeley church," NSW Police said in a statement Wednesday.

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"About 11.15am today, investigators executed 13 search warrants across a number of suburbs in Sydney including Bankstown, Prestons, Casula, Lurnea, Rydalmere, Greenacre, Strathfield, Chester Hill, and Punchbowl, as well as a premises in Goulburn," police added. "The operation involved more than 400 police."

Officials say seven juvenile males were arrested in the operation and another five people, including two adult males, are being questioned.

"A number of items have also been seized as a result of todays activity, including a significant amount of electronic material. Operational activity remains ongoing," NSW Police also said.

AUSTRALIA SAYS BISHOP, PRIESTS CHURCH STABBING WAS A TERRORIST INCIDENT

Senior Parish Priest Fr. Isaac Royel, left, and Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during the 2023 Holy Resurrection Feast services, in Sydney, Australia. Emmanuel said following the stabbing that he forgives the attacker.

Authorities previously have described the assault on the bishop as a "terrorist incident.

"I am doing fine, recovering very quickly... there is no need to be worried or concerned," Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel later said in an audio message posted on social media, his first public comments since the attack. "I forgive whoever has done this act... I will always pray for you and whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well."

Police work the scene following the stabbing at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley.

Bishop Emmanuel, who was injured in the attack, is the leader of a conservative sect of the Assyrian Orthodox faith. He has a strong social media following and is outspoken on a range of issues, including the war in Gaza and COVID-19 restrictions, according to Reuters.

Fox News Chris Pandolfo and Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Australia counterterrorism force arrests 7 teenagers following Sydney bishop stabbing
Old age is starting later and later, especially if you ask the people concerned. A study published by the American Psychological Association has found that middle-aged and older adults today believe that old age starts later than their contemporaries thought decades ago. Even later than the participants themselves said. Being old is not what it used to be. The study reflects biological changes, but also suggests a lot about the way we relate to aging. There is a surprisingly strong historical trend toward a subjective postponement or later onset of old age, explains Markus Wettstein, a psychologist at the Humboldt University in Berlin and lead author of the study. And we still dont fully understand why.

In recent years, life expectancy and quality of life have risen. This has gone hand-in-hand with changes in society: key life stages now happen later, such as marriage and parenthood. And in many countries the age of retirement, the official gateway to old age, has also been pushed back. The diffuse concept of old age may have been pushed back a few years due to these changes, the researchers suggest. Or perhaps, in an ageist society, no one wants to perceive themselves as old.

But what exactly does it mean to be old? From what age is one objectively elderly? Respondents answered the question between one and eight times over a 25-year period. They changed their response as they aged, citing older and older ages as they themselves aged. In the end, the most cited age was 70 and 71. Wettstein is not willing to back those ages. It is difficult to define [old age] because we always see in our research how tremendously heterogeneous the group of older adults is, he explains in an exchange of messages.

In general, women tend to say that old age starts at a later age than men. This has been seen in previous research and was confirmed with the new study, where there was a divergence of 2.4 years. Women tend to live longer than men, which could explain this difference in the perception of the onset of old age, says Wettstein. The study, which used data from 14,000 German citizens, analyzed how terms such as biological age, chronological age and subjective age have changed since 1988 to more recent dates. If life expectancy is longer, the perception of the onset of old age could be postponed to a certain extent, reflects Wettstein. Someone who is 60 years old might have been considered old in the past, but today, they can expect to live 20 years or more.

Bruno Arpino, a sociologist at the University of Florence who specializes in aging, goes further and speaks of a prospective age. Normally, age is measured by looking back to the moment one was born. A totally different perspective, which some researchers propose, consists of looking into the future, that is, how many years a person can expect to live. In this context, being older not only depends on when you are born, but also where. The life expectancy of the country will determine what we understand by elderly.

The healthiest old people are still old people

Old age is not a number, but a subjective concept, which changes according to society. In a study carried out in European countries, large differences were observed between countries, of up to 10 years, says Wettstein, who explains these changes were based on the participation of the elderly in the labor market, the proportion of older adults within a country and the cultural perception of old age and older adults.

The study argues that an individuals subjective age might be an important factor when talking about old age. Subjective age refers to how old a person feels, compared to how old they actually are. And generally speaking, adults tend to think of themselves as much younger. According to a 2006 study, adults over 40 perceive themselves, on average, to be 20% younger than they really are. The difference between chronological age and subjective age begins to widen slowly, but inexorably, at age 25, and continues to widen from that point on. As the authors of a University of Virginia study on ageism explain: Subjective aging appears to occur on Mars, where one Earth decade equals only 5.3 Martian years.

This is what older people say about what it means to be older, but what does the science say? Is there some support for this subjective perception? The short answer is yes. But Wettstein prefers to give a longer answer: Thanks to medical advances, older adults are to some extent healthier than they were 10 or 20 years ago, and that could explain why they also believe that old age begins later, he explains. So this phenomenon is not only psychological, it has a real scientific basis.

A 2021 study carried out in Finland broke this down in numbers. The researchers gave men and women aged between 75 and 80 a battery of physical and cognitive tests. They saved these results and when 28 years passed, they repeated the same tests on another group of men and women of that age. The new round of seniors scored better marks in all areas. They walked faster by between 20 and 40 centimeters per second, were able to grip with between 5% and 25% greater force and could raise their leg between 20% and 47% higher than the group that did these tests 28 years before them. Whats more, they had at least 14% more lung capacity, and better verbal fluency, reasoning, and working memory.

The present study postpones the onset of old age, and its authors argue that it is a solid trend. But not all gerontologists think the same. We do not have reliable data from the past, Arpino concedes.

However, interesting information can be obtained from the texts of poets, writers and historians. For example, the ancient Greek poet Mimnermus wrote: Would that the fate of Death might overtake me without disease or woeful trouble at threescore years  meaning 60 years of age. Currently, the age at which a person begins to be defined as elderly is around 60 or 65.

This is an age of convenience used even by international organizations such as the United Nations, says Arpino. So things havent changed that much. Different studies may speak of healthier and stronger elderly people, but that doesnt mean they are no longer elderly. Sixty is the new 50, but only for people who are 60. And that says more about the stigmas associated with old age than about when it begins. Throughout history, the perception of how we age has changed more than when we think it starts, concludes Arpino.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese slammed tech billionaire Elon Musk as a bloke who has chosen ego over common sense after Musk accused the country of censorship.

This is a bloke whos chosen ego and showing violence over common sense, Albanese said in an interview with First Edition. I think that Australians will shake their head when they think that this billionaire is prepared to go to court, fighting for the right to sow division and to show violent videos, which are very distressing.

Musk, the owner of the social platform X, has accused Australia of censorship after an Australian judge ruled that his platform must block users worldwide from accessing video of a bishop who was stabbed in a church in Sydney.

The material was blocked in Australia but available elsewhere. The live feed of the April 15 church attack and related social media posts attracted a crowd of 2,000 people that led to a riot against police, during which 51 police officers were injured, 104 police vehicles were damaged, and the attacker barricaded inside the church, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

Albanese said Musk has a responsibility as owner of a social media platform. He said Australias eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has made very sensible suggestions to social media companies, but Musk thinks hes above the Australian law, that hes above common decency.

Ill tell you what I say to Elon Musk, that he is so out of touch with what the Australian public want, he said. This has been a distressing time, and I find this bloke on the other side of the world, from his billionaire establishments, trying to lecture Australians about free speech.

Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, described Inman Grant as the Australian censorship commissar.

Xs Global Government Affairs team said Saturday that Inman Grant ordered it to remove some posts that commented on the attack in Sydney but said the posts didnt violate the platforms violent speech rules. If the company doesnt remove the posts globally, it faces a daily fine of $785,000, the AP reported.

Albanese said its a sensible proposition, and because Australia gives X a lot of profit, he requests Musk abide by the ruling.

No one is above the law. Not Elon Musk, not any Australian citizen, he said. This shouldnt be a matter of the law. It should be a matter of people doing the right thing.

The Hill has reached out to X for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This image provided by KEZI 9 News shows the scene on Interstate 5 on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, near Eugene, Ore., after a former Washington state police officer wanted after killing two people, including his ex-wife, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a chase in Oregon, authorities said. His 1-year-old baby, who was with him, was taken safely into custody by Oregon State Police troopers. (KEZI 9 News via AP)

WEST RICHLAND, Wash. (AP)  Authorities on Wednesday confirmed that a body found at the home of a former Washington state police officer who killed his ex-wife before fleeing to Oregon, where he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was that of a 17-year-old girl with whom he had a baby.

Elias Huizar, 39, a former police officer in Yakima, went on the run Monday afternoon after killing two people, including his ex-wife, Amber Rodriguez, 31, whom he shot eight times outside a West Richland elementary school in front of their 9-year-old son and other witnesses, police said. Rodriguez had recently obtained a protection order against Huizar.

Police said they found the other victim at Huizar's home Monday. On Wednesday, they confirmed that victim was Angelica M. Santos, 17, whom Huizar had met several years ago in his role as a middle school resource officer in Yakima, court records show.

He impregnated her when she was 15, according to a court filing by Rodriguez. Their 1-year-old baby was found safe Tuesday in the vehicle Huizar was driving when he exchanged gunfire with pursuing Oregon State Police troopers and then took his own life.

In February, Santos and a 16-year-old friend reported to police that Huizar had sexually assaulted the 16-year-old while she was passed out at his home. Huizar was charged with rape of both girls but had posted bail.

Days later, Rodriguez wrote in her petition for a protection order that her divorce from Huizar became final last year and that she had not been aware that he was having a relationship with the same teen he had met as a resource officer until he was charged with rape.

She said she feared for the safety of her children and that she would be seeking a modification of their parenting plan. She filed for the modification last Friday, court records show. The protection order was issued in February and was to remain in effect for a year; under it, Huizar was barred from possessing firearms.

The Yakima Police Department said in a Facebook post Tuesday that Huizar left the department in 2021 after receiving discipline. It did not provide any other information.

The Richland School District said it terminated Huizars employment following his arrest in February. It said it had received recommendations from the Yakima School District before hiring him in 2022, and that he had passed background checks.
Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, watches the voting on her House Bill 2677, which repeals a near-total abortion ban that was recently upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court. On April 24, 2024, Democrats in the Arizona House of Representatives joined with a handful of Republicans to force a vote on the bill, which passed 32-28. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

After two weeks of thwarted attempts, the Arizona House of Representatives voted Wednesday to repeal a near-total abortion ban from 1864, with three Republican lawmakers breaking from their party to join Democrats in striking it down.

Earlier this month, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the 1864 law, which carries with it a mandatory prison sentence for doctors who provide an abortion for any reason other than saving a womans life, over a 15-week gestational ban passed in 2022.

The ruling sent shockwaves through Arizonas political landscape, and several attempts to repeal the 160-year-old law in the state legislature on April 10 and April 17 were blocked by the GOP majority. At the time, only Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, whos facing reelection in a swing district that has a history of punishing anti-abortion politicians, supported Democrats in their bid to eliminate the law before its set to go into effect on June 8.

But those initial pushes to strike the near-total ban from the books fell short by just one vote in a chamber controlled by Republicans. The stumbling block was a procedural motion to force a vote on the bill, which failed repeatedly because Gress was the only GOP lawmaker who voted to bring the repeal legislation to the floor.

That changed on Wednesday, when Republican Rep. Tim Dunn, R-Yuma, joined Gress in bucking House Speaker Ben Toma and the rest of the GOP caucus, allowing the vote to occur. Dunn and Gress then voted to approve House Bill 2677, as did Rep. Justin Wilmeth, R-Phoenix.

The bill passed with a vote of 32-28 and has been sent to the state Senate for approval. Because the legislature is meeting just one day a week while budget negotiations ramp up, the earliest the upper chamber can take action on the bill is May 1. (The Senate on April 17 paved the way for the vote by introducing its own identical bill; when it convenes on May 1, the chamber is expected to substitute the House measure for the Senate bill. If it passes, it would be ready for Gov. Katie Hobbs to sign.)

Republicans who supported the 1864 near-total ban denounced the repeal during a litany of floor speeches, and criticized their colleagues who they viewed as going against the partys core values.

I am disgusted today, said Rep. Rachel Jones, R-Tucson. Life is one of the tenets of our Republican platform. To see people go back on that value is egregious to me.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Scottsdale Republican, blasted his colleagues and other Republicans who have said that failing to repeal the Civil War-era law will lead to GOP losses at the ballot this November  and could mean Democrats take control of the Legislature for the first time in decades.

Were willing to kill infants to win an election. Put in that context, its a little harder to stomach Kolodin said. Politics is important, but its not worth our souls.

Toma, who is running to represent a staunchly Republican West Valley district in Congress, said that the 15-week gestational ban, which would take precedence if the 1864 law is repealed, is insufficient to protect the states most vulnerable population.

I feel compelled to reiterate my personal view that this decision to repeal the abortion ban in Arizona effectively means that we are allowing the murder of unborn children up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, Toma said.

The Glendale Republican voted to pass that law in 2022.

In a statement posted to social media site X, formerly Twitter, Gress pushed back on criticism of his support for repealing the 1864 law and sought to straddle the line between denouncing the Civil War-era law and affirming his pro-life bonafides.

As someone who is both Pro-Life and the product of strong women in my life, I refuse to buy into the false notion pushed by the extremes on both sides of this issue that we cannot respect and protect women and defend new life at the same time, he wrote.

Dunn, meanwhile, justified his vote to strike down the 1864 law by saying it was the only option left to defeat a pro-abortion initiative headed for the November ballot. And, he added, the 15-week limit approved in 2022 is preferable because it includes more leeway for women who face dangerous pregnancy complications.

The 15-week law includes exceptions for abortions performed after its gestational deadline if a woman is facing life threatening danger or permanent injury, while the exception in the 1864 near-total ban is strictly for imminently life-threatening situations. Neither law includes any exception for pregnancies arising from rape or incest.

I am voting today to repeal (the 1864 law). By so doing, the Arizona law will revert to exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother, and outright ban all abortions after 15 weeks, Dunn wrote in a statement posted to X. Should the pre-Roe law remain in effect, I firmly believe more lives will be lost over time. The public backlash would result in codifying disturbing and unlimited abortions in the Arizona Constitution, which is something that I cannot allow to happen.

The Arizona Abortion Access Act seeks to codify abortion as a right in the state Constitution up to 24 weeks of gestation, with ample exceptions beyond that point if a womans doctor deems performing an abortion is necessary to protect her life, physical or mental health. After the state Supreme Court ruled to reinstate the 1864 near-total ban, Republicans worried that Arizona voters, faced with a stark choice between no access or some access, would side with the initiative.

GOP looks to foil pro-abortion initiative with competing proposals

Less than an hour before the House voted to eliminate the 1864 law, Republican lawmakers launched the first step in the partys plan to defeat the Arizona Abortion Access Act. The House Rules Committee approved the late introduction of three pieces of legislation intended for the November ballot. The sponsors are all GOP party leaders: Speaker Toma, Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci, and Majority Whip Teresa Martinez.

While no information on the content of the bills has been released, theyre widely regarded to be the culmination of a GOP plan leaked last week to draw voters away from the pro-abortion act by confusing them with other abortion-related proposals.

According to that document, lawmakers are considering enshrining a 14- or even 5-week gestational ban into the state constitution as an alternative to the Arizona Abortion Access Act.

Another option might be adding all of the states current abortion laws, which mostly serve as hurdles for the patient to surpass, such as a mandatory ultrasound requirement and a 24 hour waiting period, to the state Constitution. Doing so would protect the laws from being nullified by the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which invalidates restrictive abortion laws that dont uphold a womans right to the procedure.

Also included in the latter ballot proposal idea would be a caveat that allows legislators to continue passing laws regulating abortions. Ordinarily, voter-approved initiatives cannot be modified by lawmakers unless the changes are either strictly in line with the original initiative or theyre taken back to the voters.

Proposals sent to the ballot by lawmakers dont need the governors approval, meaning that her veto stamp can be avoided.

Republican bid to circumvent AG shot down

Opponents of repealing the 1864 law cited an executive order issued by Hobbs last year as a reason for keeping the near-total ban in place. That order centralizes the authority for prosecuting abortion law violations in the Arizona Attorney Generals Office, effectively preempting the ability of any county attorneys to take a doctor to court because Democratic AG Kris Mayes has vowed never to prosecute anyone.

On Wednesday, as Gress made a motion to force a vote on the bill that would repeal the 1864 law, Kolodin offered a substitute motion to amend the bill instead. The Scottsdale Republican said he hoped to add a provision to the measure allowing anyone to launch a lawsuit against doctors for violating the 15-week gestational ban. Repealing the 1864 near-total ban means that the 15-week limit will be the law of the land.

Adding an amendment that could help everyday Arizonans enforce the 15-week law would ensure that it is properly respected, according to Kolodin. Otherwise, with Mayes unwilling to prosecute violations of the law and no other county attorney able to take up such cases, the law exists in name only.

What assurance do we have that any of Arizonas executive officers will actually enforce the 15 week law if we repeal the pre-Roe law? Kolodin asked.

Republicans who oppose repealing the 1864 law fear doing so constitutes removing the one effective threat against abortion providers. While the Civil War-era law carries with it a mandatory prison sentence, the 15-week law has a much less extreme punishment of a class 6 felony for doctors who perform an abortion beyond its gestational deadline for any other reason than to prevent death or permanent injury.

But Kolodins attempt to empower Arizonans to sue doctors failed, after Gress and Dunn joined Democrats to vote it down.

Move to streamline legislative process rejected

A push to guarantee that the repeal bill is sent to both the Senate and governor immediately upon its approval also failed to succeed, with GOP leadership chastising supporters of the move as sore winners and driving the knife further into the wound.

Legislative rules decree that a bill, once passed by one chamber, must be sent to the other for approval. Once the latter chamber greenlights the bill, it must then be sent promptly to the governor, unless amendments were made that require the original chambers review. Despite that, shortly after the House voted to repeal the 1864 law, Gress made a motion to mandate that the chamber send the bill immediately to the Senate, and, once it makes its way back to the House, immediately to the governor as an apparent safeguard against any future reticence from GOP leadership.

The motion failed, by a vote of 30-30, with Dunn and Wilmeth, who both helped pass the repeal, refusing to join Gress.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Toma responded angrily to a question about whether he could guarantee that the bill will be properly moved, saying he wouldnt guarantee anything. The repeal measure was sent to the Senate on Wednesday, shortly after the House adjourned for the day.

GOP leader punishes some pro-repeal lawmakers

Minutes before the end of the floor session, announcements were made that Democratic Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos and Gress would both be removed from the House Appropriations Committee. De Los Santos was also removed from the Rules Committee.

Toma refused to explain the reasoning behind the removal to reporters.

Cause Ive decided so, he said.

Wilmeth and Dunn, who also voted to repeal the 1864 law, were not similarly punished and Toma said they wouldnt be.

De Los Santos characterized the move as retaliation, but said he refused to be intimidated.

We will not stop fighting for the people of the state of Arizona, we will not stop fighting to protect reproductive freedom, he said. There is nothing, let me repeat myself, there is nothing that they can do to intimidate me or silence me and the people of this state.

Its unclear why De Los Santos was caught up in punishments. The Laveen Democrat spoke little on Wednesday outside of supporting the motions of his colleagues or voting. But on April 10, moments after the GOP majority blocked the first attempt to repeal the 1864 law, De Los Santos and other prominent Democratic lawmakers led the party in loudly excoriating Republicans, chanting Shame! and Save Womens lives!

That display was later criticized by Republican lawmakers, who called it insurrectionist behavior. And on Wednesday, while explaining his vote against repealing the law, Toma reiterated his disapproval of the reaction from Democrats.

The lack of decorum we saw from members of the other side of the aisle displayed on this very floor two weeks ago is completely unacceptable, he said. This is a legislative body, this is not a place for activism. We must be able to respectfully disagree and have honest debates while we make critical decisions for the people of Arizona.

Minority Leader Lupe Contreras warned that the party was prepared to retaliate for the snub. The Democrat from Avondale didnt elaborate on what options were available to do so, but said that, just as Democrats were able to peel away Republicans to pass the repeal, they could do so again to take action.

We were doing the peoples work, we werent trying to undercut Republicans. It was all about doing the peoples work, and thats what was done today, he said. For them to pull one of my members off of the only two committees that we have left is bullsh and Im not going to take it. Im not going to stand for it.

Abortion advocates: too little, too late

Progressive organizations reacted to the news of the Houses repeal of the Civil War-era ban with lukewarm approval, and, in some cases, outright skepticism. Some pointed out that the GOP-majority failed to add an emergency clause to the bill that could ensure it goes into effect immediately, preempting the 1864 laws reinstatement on June 8. Instead, the bill will have the force of law 90 days after the legislative session ends  which could still be months away.

But adding an emergency clause to the bill was a political impossibility. Doing so would have required a supermajority vote, meaning that Democrats would have needed to recruit 11 Republican votes.

Chris Love, spokesperson for the Arizona for Abortion Access campaign which is working to place the Arizona Abortion Access Act on the November ballot, was unimpressed. She pointed to the pending GOP ballot proposals as proof that Republicans arent actually committed to repealing the 1864 law.

Yet again, anti-abortion politicians in the Arizona Legislature are being dishonest, she said in a written statement. Just hours after dropping placeholder bills to refer multiple abortion bans to the ballot in an attempt to confuse voters, these same politicians refused to stop the 1864 ban from taking effect on June 8. They have no sincere intention of protecting abortion access here in Arizona. This move to repeal the 1864 ban is too little, too late.

While Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona CEO Angela Florez celebrated the repeal vote, she also pointed out that threats against reproductive rights still exist. The solution, she said, is enshrining abortion as a right in November.

Arizonans cannot stop fighting, she said, in a written statement. Even with the repeal of the Civil War-era ban, the state will still have a ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy that denies people access to critical care. And lawmakers continue to attack Arizonans ability to access reproductive health care. Our right to control our bodies and lives is hanging on by a thread.Thankfully, voters will have the opportunity to take back control.

Mari Urbina, managing director of Indivisible, which has been actively involved with signature gathering efforts for the Arizona Abortion Access Act, warned that attempts from some Republicans to cast themselves as champions for reproductive rights wont be successful.

Republicans got us into this mess, she said, in a written statement. Republicans are still responsible for the nightmare scenario Arizonans have been dealing with this spring. They blocked efforts to repeal the 1864 law at least ten times in the past two weeks. Voters are not going to be fooled.

Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups lamented the move to repeal the near-total ban from 1864.

Cathi Herrod applauded lawmakers who voted against repealing the near-total ban and said striking it down would be harmful.

Todays House vote to repeal the pre-Roe law opens the door to great loss of life for unborn children and harm to women, she said. With the Senate already on record to vote on the repeal, the most protective pro-life law in the country is poised to fall to the appetites of pro-abortion activists.

Herrod is the president of Center for Arizona Policy, which has been behind most of Arizonas anti-abortion laws, including the 15-week gestational ban that paved the way for the 1864 law.

Jake Warner, an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom who argued in court to reinstate the territorial law, rebuked Republicans who supported the repeal.

The result of todays vote is disappointing, but it doesnt change the fact that every life is valuable from the moment of conception. Government officials  especially those who have promised to affirm life  should do everything they can to protect unborn children, he said in a written statement.

And some urged voters to punish the Republican lawmakers who voted repeal the 1864 law by backing their opponents.

Rep. Gress voted today to legalize abortion till birth, Kolodin said in a post on X. Only (Pamela Carter) deserves LD4s vote. Republican is more than a name.

Today, three Republicans in the @AZHouseGOP voted WITH every Democrat, voted FOR murder, and voted FOR the shedding of innocent blood. Look at their names and remember them this election year, Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, wrote in a post on X, accompanied by a photo of the final repeal vote that included the names of Wilmeth, Gress and Dunn.

This story has been updated with additional comments and reporting.

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The post AZ House has voted to repeal the 1864 abortion ban upheld by the Supreme Court appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 14-month-old boy was killed in a crash last year near Deming and his parents spoke out during a news conference on Wednesday morning, April 24 in El Paso.

Isabella Hernandez and William Franzoy represented by Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C, spoke out during the news conference, sharing their experience on the crash that killed their son, Wyatt Franzoy.

According to the law firm, the fatal crash was caused by Deputy Paul Garcia, with the Luna County Sheriffs Office.

The law firm says that on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 11, 2023, Hernandez and her son were traveling in a Nissan Altima south on Columbus Road when they were T-boned by Garcia.

The law firm says Garcia was also traveling south on Columbus Road and was speeding after being dispatched to a burglary in progress.

The law firm says Garcia was going 130 miles per hour in a marked, department issued vehicle.

Garcia attempted to pass Hernandez via the northbound lane in a no pass zone while she was turning east onto Voorhies Road into a residential area, according to the law firm.

I never saw the sheriffs car speeding behind us, Hernandez said. I remember slowing down before the intersection and turning on my blinker. And then my life changed forever. I became unconscious when he hit us. I came to at some point  in pain, crying for help because I couldnt breathe. And asking for my son  where was my son. My car was in the dirt and turned in the wrong direction. I saw a group of men in front of my car pushing on the ground. It felt surreal, like a dream. Little did I know the nightmare was about to begin, Hernandez said.

Garcia allegedly crashed into Hernandezs vehicle at 99 miles per hour, causing the vehicle to fly across the highway.

The law firm says Wyatt Franzoys had fatal internal injuries that included skull fractures; bleeding of the brain; wounds on his head; bruising on his torso; a collapsed lung; wounds, bruises and fractures to his calf and shin bones. His entire tiny body was bruised and battered.

Garcia has been criminally charged with causing vehicular homicide and great bodily injury by reckless driving. The law firm says Garcia and Luna County have not been held accountable.

The Luna County Sheriffs Office says Garcia has been placed on administrative leave.

Officer Garcias negligence has forever altered the lives of the Hernandez and Franzoy families, who are seeking accountability from Luna County officials and justice for baby Wyatt, the law firm said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Military veterans for marijuana.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Thats the new pitch from the backers of Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana in Florida if voters give it the green light this November.

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According to Smart & Safe Florida, the political committee that sponsored the amendment, more than 600 veterans throughout Florida have signed onto the Vets Vote Yes On 3 coalition.

Their goal is to get Floridas 1.6 million veterans to back the measure this November.

More than 350,000 veterans call Northeast Florida home.

Feena Bonoan is one of them.

RELATED: Jacksonville area law enforcement yet to stake out positions on recreational cannabis amendment

She served in the US Navy for a decade.

Now in retirement, shes found solace in medical marijuana after developing an ovarian condition during her time in service.

There would be days where even when I was in school after Id completed my tours and got out of the military and I was on my GI Bill where I couldnt go to class because of the pain, said Bonoan.

She also saw the benefits marijuana could have for veterans suffering from conditions ranging from PTSD to chronic pain while working with the Hawaiian Veterans Cannabis Alliance.

RELATED: Cannabis industry supportive of legalization effort, but worry about access to market

We had one veteran that before medical marijuana he was on probably 20 different medications, including opioids. And the VA, at that time, they were really open about giving you your pain meds. And he doesnt need them anymore, said Bonoan.

Bonoan said shes excited about the effort to get veterans involved in the recreational marijuana campaign and says shell be doing her part to lobby local veterans here in Northeast Florida.

But theres at least one Florida veteran, Governor Ron DeSantis, who argues the amendment stinks.

It will change the quality of life in our communities. You will smell it when youre walking down a lot of these streets, particularity in our urban areas, said DeSantis in a press conference last week.

But Bonoan argued easier access, especially for veterans, will improve the quality of life for those who currently cant afford the products through the medical system that exists today.

I do see this as a path to prosperity, said Bonoan.

Veterans interested in learning more about the campaign can find additional information HERE.

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Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

JUDGE ISSUES FINAL RULING ON PROPOSED BALLOT INITIATIVE

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge sided with the California Attorney Generals Office over the wording of a proposed ballot initiative that would restrict transgender peoples rights in the state.

Judge Stephen Acquisto, a Gov. Jerry Brown appointee, had previously decided in favor of Attorney General Rob Bonta in a tentative ruling last week. On Monday, he reaffirmed that decision in a final ruling, writing that the attorney generals wording of the proposed initiative was accurate and impartially stated.

The ballot measure in question would prohibit transgender youths from receiving gender-affirming medical care, even with parental permission and even if treatment is medically recommended.

It also would force transgender students to use bathrooms that do not correspond with their gender identity and bar trans girls from participating in girls sports.

Finally, it would implement a statewide parental notification law, requiring schools to inform parents if a student goes by a different name or uses pronouns other than those assigned at birth, regardless of whether this would place the student in danger.

Proponents of the proposed initiative argued in court that the attorney generals description of it was prejudicial, that the phrase restricts rights had a negative connotation.

They also argued that the proposed initiative title, which Bonta labeled Restricts Rights of Transgender Youth should be labeled Protect Kids of California Act of 2024.

Judge Acquisto disagreed.

The proposed measure objectively restricts rights of transgender youth by preventing the exercise of their existing rights. Restricts rights of transgender youth is an accurate and impartial description of the proposed measure, Acquisto wrote in the ruling.

The judge wrote that the term protect itself was not only subjective and debatable, but also that it appears to be the type of advocacy disallowed in a title and summary.

The attorney generals wording, on the other hand, provides an accurate description of the immediate and tangible effect of the proposed measure, Acquisto wrote.

Bontas office released a statement in response to the ruling, saying, We are pleased with the courts decision to uphold the attorney generals fair and accurate title and summary for this measure.

Nicole Pearson, an attorney for initiative proponent Protect Kids California, said in a statement that we are reviewing our options for an appeal of these clear errors and will announce a decision shortly.

The mental gymnastics Judge Acquisto did to justify his erroneous ruling are not only an egregious abuse of discretion that entitles our clients to an appeal, but a chilling interpretation of law that jeopardizes the very foundation of our constitutional republic, Pearson said.

LARA TRUMP TO SPEAK AT CAGOP CONVENTION

Republican National Committee co-chair (and former President Donald Trumps daughter-in-law) Lara Trump is set to speak at the California Republican Party 2024 Convention next month.

Trumps installation as co-chair last month was followed by what Politico described as a bloodbath at the RNC, with dozens of staffers being cut. Lara Trump and Michael Whatley took over the RNC last month from Ronna McDaniel, with Donald Trumps backing.

Co-Chair Trump is a relentless advocate for the Republican Party, President Donald Trump, and Republican candidates up and down the ticket, CAGOP Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson said in a statement. As a prominent political figure and national conservative leader, I look forward to welcoming her to our convention stage in May.

While Lara Trump will come to California, its unlikely the former president will make a personal appearance at the convention. He is in New York City, where he is attending the first of several criminal trials.

President Joe Biden beat Trump by 29 percentage points in California in 2020.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Do people understand that we could be literally months away from another Trump administration and Biden and Dems are busy setting the precedent that the U.S. government can ban an entire social media app used by millions of people over vague national security concerns?

- LGBTQ activist Evan Greer, discussing Congress effort to ban the social media app Tik Tok, via Bluesky.

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He owes thousands in taxes. Hes got a controversial past. Why is Steve Garvey running for Senate? Via David Lightman .

Supreme Court skeptical of laws against unhoused people camping. California officials await decision, via Gillian Brassil .

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As Google pulls news from search, fate of California Journalism Preservation Act is unclear, via Andrew Sheeler.
Bail reduced for man accused of hit-and-run road rage crash in North End, lawyer says

A man who was arrested earlier this month for allegedly threatening a driver he struck in a road rage crash in Bostons North End neighborhood had his bail reduced by a judge on Tuesday.

43-year-old Paul Driscoll is facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of personal injury, resisting arrest, and trespassing.

Driscolls lawyers, Jessica Studstill and Tanvi Verma, say their client was suffering from a mental health crisis and he looks forward to fighting the charges.

Paul Driscoll had his exorbitant $5,000 bail reduced to $750 after a hearing at Suffolk Superior Court, his attorneys said. Despite official commentary to the contrary, Mr. Driscoll categorically denies having a gun during the incident in the North End.

According to a Boston Police report, Driscoll was involved in a two-car crash on April 10 around 7:45 p.m. while attempting to perform a U-turn on Commercial Street. After striking the victims car, witnesses told responding officers that Driscoll yelled I have a gun! at the victim before fleeing towards Battery Wharf.

He was eventually found by police hiding behind a fence near the Coast Guard base and the hotel.

He is due the presumption of innocence, and he maintains his innocence, Driscolls attorneys said.

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Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott and the citys council are seeking legal action against the owner and operator of the Dali container ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and caused its collapse, resulting in the deaths of six people.

In a filing with Baltimores U.S. District Court on Monday, the claimants requested a jury trial against the vessels owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and manager Synergy Marine Private Ltd., alleging negligence that ultimately resulted in the shutdown of the Port of Baltimore and harmed the city itself.

More from Sourcing Journal

For more than four decades, cargo ships made thousands of trips every year under the Key Bridge without incident, the complaint said. There was nothing about March 26, 2024 that should have changed that. But Petitioners, Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd saw fit to put a clearly unseaworthy vessel into the water. Petitioners actions were grossly and potentially criminally negligent. In no way should their liability be limited.

After the fatal collapse, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine filed a petition in the court seeking to limit their legal liability. Their joint filing seeks to cap the companies liability at roughly $43.7 million. The Maryland court will ultimately decide who is responsible and how much they owe.

In the complaint, Scott and co. said no blame could conceivably be lain at the Citys feet for the allision, indicating that it was a direct and proximate result of Petitioners carelessness, negligence, gross negligence and recklessness.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Coast Guards Marine Board of Investigation have been investigating the crash since the collapse last month. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report into its probe in early May.

The FBI has also opened a separate criminal probe into the disaster.

Within the complaint, the claimants referred to an Associated Press report from April 15, in which one source said alarms on the Dalis refrigerated containers went off while the ship was docked in Baltimore. The source said those alarms were indicative of an inconsistent power supply, with their lack of investigation resulting in the ship losing power at 1:24 a.m.four minutes before the vessel crashed into the 1.6-mile bridges support beams.

According to Scott and the city council, the Singapore-based accused parties failed to provide the vessel with adequate policies and procedures, or properly equip and maintain the ship.

The filing took shots not just at the owner and operator, but at the crew of the Maersk-chartered ship, calling the bunch incompetent and inattentive to its duties, and saying they lacked skill and training, and improperly navigated the vessel.

The city said it would bear the impact of the bridges cleanup and replacement, loss of tax revenues and the overall strain on Baltimores roads diverted from the now missing Key Bridge.

New shipping channels open as wreckage is cleared

As Baltimore officials seek damages in the courts, recovery teams are working to open more channels for commercial ships to enter and leave the citys port.

On Friday, the Unified Command response and recovery team officially opened a third temporary alternate channel to provide limited access for commercially essential vessels seeking passage to the Port of Baltimore.

This channel has a controlling depth of 20 feet, a 300-foot horizontal clearance and a vertical clearance of 135 feet.

According to U.S. Coast Guard Captain David OConnell, who serves as the federal on-scene coordinator of the Key Bridge response team, Unified Command estimates facilitating approximately 15 percent of pre-collapse commercial activity with the route.

Unified Command isnt done there, with the team scheduled to open an even bigger fourth channel by Thursday, April 25, with a controlling depth of 35 feet, a 300-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance of 214 feet.

Called the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel, the lane is planned to open to commercially essential vessels from Thursday until 6 a.m. on Monday, April 29, according to a marine safety bulletin issued Monday evening by the Coast Guard, which indicated that weather could impact the schedule.

Vessels hoping to transit the new channel, which runs close to the still-immobile Dali, will have to request access and be approved based on their size and other factors. Deeper-draft vessels will need to be operated by a Maryland pilot and escorted by two tugboats.

Due to critical and highly dynamic salvage operations designed to clear the channel, the passage will close again either April 29 or 30, and will not open for a second time until approximately May 10.
A deeper channel to allow commercial ships into and out of the Port of Baltimore is set to open Thursday, a major step in reopening trade after the port was closed due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last month.

The Army Corps of Engineers has opened three shallow, temporary channels under parts of the bridge, allowing some small craft and salvage vessels to enter and exit the port as the bridge is removed. The new, 35-foot-deep channel will allow most ships to transit to and from the port.

It puts the salvage effort about a week ahead of schedule, as officials previously said they aimed to open the deeper channel by the end of the month.

Five of the seven cargo ships trapped in the port, including a car carrier, will be able to exit via the new channel, officials said. Other ships are scheduled to enter the port, a crucial terminal for vehicle and coal imports and exports.

The bridge collapsed March 26 when it was struck by the MV Dali, which suffered a power failure. Six road workers maintaining Interstate 695 were killed in the collapse.

The ports main channel, with a controlling depth of 50 feet (15 meters), is set to reopen next month after the ship has been removed. That will essentially restore marine traffic to normal.

We are going to work efficiently and we are going to work safely, and we are not going to choose between the two, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said during a news conference Tuesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A few hours after the U.S. Senate approved military aid for Kyiv, Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China Wednesday to warn the Asian giant against supporting Russia in its war in Ukraine and helping it develop its military industry. Blinkens second trip to China in less than a year is also aimed at consolidating the fragile understanding between the two powers and addressing issues that have sparked rising tensions, such as Taiwan and the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

The mere fact that Blinken is making the trip three weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone about key global and bilateral issues demonstrates that relations between the two great powers of the 21st century have improved since last year and the situation is stabilizing, even if the road has been bumpy.

But while Beijing claims that it remains committed to open dialogue and communication with Washington, the belligerent language in state media has made it clear that certain red lines cannot be crossed. The relationship between China and the United States has encountered substantial headwinds in recent years. Blame U.S. politicians, whose perceptions of China as a long-term strategic competitor and most consequential geopolitical challenge are deeply flawed, states an editorial by the state news agency Xinhua published this Wednesday.

Blinkens trip to Shanghai, where he landed, and then to Beijing has been planned for weeks, but was only officially announced last weekend. It comes amid growing concern in the West that China is gradually increasing its assistance to Russia to help it manufacture war material  a move that not only endangers Ukraine, but also the rest of Europe. It is a concern that was expressed by the G7 at the groups meeting in the Italian city of Capri last week.

At the G7 meeting, Blinken accused Beijing of being the primary contributor to Russias military production. If China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it cant on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War, said Blinken.

Washington and its allies are alarmed by how companies based in China have been sending duel-use items (those with both military and civilian use) to Russia, and components to manufacture weapons, from bulletproof vests to armored vehicles, which Moscow uses to intensify its production of defense equipment. According to The Wall Street Journal, Bidens administration is considering imposing sanctions that could punish the Chinese banks that finance the export of this material to its neighboring country.

Through Chinese support, Russia has largely reconstituted its defense industrial base, which has an impact not just on the battlefield in Ukraine but poses a larger threat, we believe, to broader European security, said a senior State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on the eve of Blinkens trip to China. Well express those concerns to China, and we will express our intent to have China curtail that support which is starting to pose such a threat to European security.

Sale of microelectronic components

Earlier this month, senior U.S. officials said China had boosted sales to Russia of microelectronics components, machine tools and other technology that Moscow uses to produce and use missiles, tanks, aircraft and other defense equipment in its war in Ukraine. According to Washingtons calculations, in 2023, about 90% of Russias microelectronics components came from China, as did 70% of its machine tool imports in the final quarter of last year.

Companies from the two neighboring countries have also collaborated, according to the U.S., in the joint production of drones on Russian territory. Chinese companies provide Moscow with optical components for its tanks and armored vehicles, and the nitrocellulose it needs for the production of propellant weapons.

Were prepared to take steps when we believe necessary against firms that [...] severely undermine security in both Ukraine and Europe, said the senior State Department official. We have demonstrated our willingness to take them with respect to companies from various countries, not just China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin maintains that China has a right to normal trade and economic cooperation with Russia and other countries in the world on the basis of equality. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Wang blamed Washington for fanning the flames by arming and financing Ukraine. The United States keeps making groundless accusations over the normal trade and economic exchanges between China and Russia, while passing a bill providing a large amount of aid for Ukraine. This is just hypocritical and highly irresponsible, he said. On Ukraine, Chinas position has been just and objective [...] China is neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it.

On the eve of Blinkens arrival, the Chinese Foreign Ministry published a long statement setting out the countrys position on the visit. It said that while China-U.S. relations had started to stabilize, there are still significant negative factors in the bilateral relationship. It continued: The United States continues pushing forward the strategy of containing China, keeps adopting erroneous words and actions that interfere in Chinas internal affairs, smear Chinas image and undermine Chinas interests. China resolutely opposes such moves and has taken strong countermeasures.

The statement also listed the five main goals that Beijing hopes to achieve from the meeting: establishing the right perception, strengthening dialogue, effectively managing disagreements, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, and working together to fulfill responsibilities as major countries.

During his three-day visit to the worlds second-largest economy, Blinken plans to meet with government representatives, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It is not clear if he will see Chinese President Xi Jinping, who he met during his visit in June last year.

In these meetings, Blinken will address a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including the situation in the Middle East, according to the senior State Department official. He will also discuss Beijings activities in the South China Sea: China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire sea, putting it in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The two countries will also address Chinas massive investments in advanced manufacturing of clean energy goods, which the U.S. argues has resulted in an unfair playing field  a point raised during Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens visit two weeks ago.

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A banh mi chain expanding all over the country is opening a location in Charlotte, too

A location of Paris Banh Mi, a Vietnamese food chain rapidly spreading across the country, is bringing its banh mi sandwiches to Charlotte.

You can expect banh mi flavors such as grilled pork and pate, along with a vegetarian version and other twists. Along with the traditional French baguette, you can also get the sandwiches on a croissant or brioche burger bun.

French patisserie items such as tarts, cheesecakes and tiramisu, croissants and other pastries are also on the menu. Boba drinks and other specialty teas and slushes can complement your meal.

[WHILE YOURE WAITING: Where to find the 11 best banh mi sandwiches in the Charlotte area.]

Paris Banh Mi Cafe Bakery was founded by Hien Tran, who grew up in Paris, and France and Doan Nguyen, who owned a chain of bakeries in Vietnam. The first store opened in Orlando, Florida, and has spread coast to coast.

In all, 38 locations of Paris Banh Mi are now open, and 11 other restaurants are listed as coming soon. Other North Carolina restaurants on the way include locations in Greensboro, and Cary. One is already open in Jacksonville.

A representative at Paris Banh Mi indicated the Charlotte location wont be open anytime soon, however.

Its not going to be shortly, he told CharlotteFive on Tuesday. I dont know, we dont have any date.

Weve reached out to the owner of the Charlotte location, so watch this space for updates.

Location: Charlotte NC

Menu

Cuisine: Vietnamese, banh mi

Instagram: @parisbanhmi_charlotte
Regents Sherry Bates, left, and Greta Rouse at the April 24, 2024 Iowa Board of Regents meeting. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Regents Sherry Bates and Greta Rouse were reelected to lead the Iowa Board of Regents Wednesday to the sounds of applause from board and university staff, faculty and leaders.

The board unanimously reelected Bates as board president and Rouse as president pro tem at its April meeting, both regents having served in the roles since late February. Their terms will begin May 1 and last until April 30, 2026.

Bates held the role of president on an interim basis after former board president Mike Richards stepped down in January, citing the wish to spend more time with friends and family. He will resign from the board April 30.

Richards nominated Bates both in February and April, and said in his first nomination that Bates would be an excellent person to be president of the Board of Regents.

Bates has served on the board since 2014, when she was appointed by former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, and was elected president pro tem in 2021. Her term on the board ends in 2029.

Before her appointment to the board by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2021, Rouse served on the board as student representative from 2008-2012. Her term expires in 2027.

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The post Bates, Rouse reelected to Iowa Board of Regents leadership appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden signed a hard-fought bill into law on Wednesday that provides billions of dollars of new U.S. aid to Ukraine for its war with Russia, notching a rare bipartisan victory for the president as he seeks reelection and ending months of wrangling with Republicans in Congress.

"It gives vital support to America's partners so they can defend themselves from threats to their sovereignty," Biden said.

The bill includes $61 billion in aid to Ukraine and $26 billion for Israel, as well as $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and $8 billion to counter China's military might.

The impact of the legislation was immediate. Biden said he had approved an initial $1 billion in weapons supplies for Ukraine and that the flow of these arms would start within hours.

The initial aid package includes vehicles, Stinger air defense munitions, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, 155mm artillery ammunition, TOW and Javelin anti-tank munitions and other weapons that can immediately be put to use on the battlefield.

Biden, a Democrat who is expected to face Republican former President Donald Trump in the November election, had pressed lawmakers for six months to approve more funding for Ukraine, which has been fighting a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two years. Trump objected to the Ukraine aid, and some Republicans in Congress refused to back it, questioning whether Ukraine could ever prevail.

Biden thanked House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, the top Republican in Washington, for breaking the deadlock on the legislation and vowed to return soon to addressing border security, a top issue for Republicans.

This is a reminder of what America can do when we come together despite our differences," he said.

Biden blamed "MAGA Republicans" loyal to Trump for spending months blocking the aid, referring to Trump's Make America Great Again slogan.

He said passage of the legislation sends a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose military has been making gains in Ukraine.

"He's failed again. American stands with our friends. ... We bow to no one, no one, certainly not Vladimir Putin," he said.

Biden also signed a separate bill tied to the aid legislation that bans TikTok in the United States if its owner, the Chinese tech firm ByteDance, fails to divest the popular short video app over the next nine months to a year.

The social media platform is particularly popular with left-leaning young Americans, a group crucial to Biden's victory in November.

Congress's stalemate on the Ukraine aid bill ended when the Republican-controlled House of Representatives abruptly changed course and approved four bills that included funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other U.S. partners in the Indo-Pacific on Saturday.

Biden and House Speaker Johnson held intense talks about Ukraine in February and the president has both pleaded with Republicans to back the package and scolded them for not doing so. Johnson, who faces calls by some right-leaning Republicans to oust him for his turnaround on aid, met with Trump in Florida earlier this month; the former president said Johnson was "doing a really good job."

The U.S. Senate followed the House on Tuesday evening, passing a sweeping bill that provides $61 billion in aid to the country, which has suffered setbacks in the war that supporters blame on the delay in getting the additional U.S. funding.

Heather Conley, an expert on European affairs, said the victory for U.S. allies and for Biden was tempered by effects that the delay has had for Kiev on the battlefield.

"This is a strong message of American leadership at a time of enormous instability, but the delay created cracks in that credibility," said Conley, president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Biden has argued that he helped restore U.S. credibility on the world stage after Trump's tumultuous four-year tenure, in part by strengthening the NATO alliance and providing a united front against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump has argued for an "America First" policy and has threatened to let NATO allies fend for themselves if they do not increase their defense spending.

Republicans who backed the aid package said it was not a vote for Biden but a reflection of their partys values.

Peace through strength. That's our tradition," Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, said in a Senate speech. "To my Republican colleagues and friends in the Senate, our tradition is much more serious. It's prouder. And I will tell you this: It's much more supported by the American people. Peace through strength, not American retreat."

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Jeff Mason and Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Stephen Coates and Jonathan Oatis)
BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR)  The Bedford Police Department has announced that two people are now in custody in connection to separate ongoing investigations involving crimes against children.

On April 11, officers arrested 39-year-old Franco Calestino Herrera, from Montgomery County, on three felony offenses related to sexual crimes against children.

Search warrant reveals new details in Lynchburg Waffle House shooting

Police said with assistance from Virginia State Police and the U.S. Marshal Service, on April 23 officers arrested 57-year-old Richard A Stoneberger, from Bedford. Stoneberger was arrested on three felony charges under VA Code 18.2-374.3, about the use of communications systems to facilitate certain offenses involving children.

Details related to these cases are limited at this time.

Anyone with information related to these cases or similar incidents is encouraged to call Bedford police at (540) 587-6011.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Belarus has moved an air defence unit to the border with Russia amid increasing Ukrainian drone attacks on military targets within Russia itself.

Source: the monitoring project Belaruski Hajun

Details: One of the units of the 740th Anti-aircraft Missile Regiment of the Armed Forces of Belarus has been transferred to the Klimavichy district in Mogilev Oblast, Belarus.

The 740th Anti-aircraft Missile Regiment (military unit 15847) is located in the settlement of Barysaw and is part of the North-Western Operational Command. The regiment is armed with Osa surface-to-air missile systems.

The troops have been deployed on the outskirts of the settlement of Fedotova Buda near the Belarusian-Russian border (next to Russias Smolensk Oblast). The settlement is about 5 km away from the border.

The purpose of moving Belarusian troops to the Russian border area is unknown. There are no strategically critical industrial facilities which could be additionally covered by air defence in the Klimavichy district. The settlement has a distillery, a grain processing plant and a lime production plant. There are no military facilities in the district.

Light industry and the food industry predominate in the neighbouring districts in Mogilev Oblast (the Kastsyukovichy, Klichaw, Cherykaw, Khotsimsk and Krasnapollye districts). The only exceptions are the Belarus Cement Factory in Kastsyukovichy and the Krichevsky Cement Plant, which produces Portland cement.

Belaruski Hajuns analysts note that the main anti-aircraft missile units of the Armed Forces of Belarus are located in the west and centre of the country. Apart from Bobruisk, where the 147th Anti-Aircraft Regiment is deployed, there are no anti-aircraft missile units in the east of Belarus.

Belaruski Hajun suggests that due to Russian air defences inability to completely prevent drone strikes (of which further proof was provided by a strike on oil depots in Smolensk Oblast in the small hours of 24 April), the Belarusian military has become concerned about covering the airspace in the east of their own country.

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Bellingham man out on bail in rape case arrested for allegedly raping another person

A Bellingham man has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting and threatening to kill a person while he was out on bail awaiting trial for allegedly forcibly raping a woman last September.

Nurlan Levi Varner, 20, was arrested Monday, April 22, on suspicion of second-degree rape, second-degree assault and felony harassment (threats to kill), according to Whatcom County Jail records and Deb Slater, a spokesperson with the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office.

Varner has been out of custody since Sept. 6, 2023 on a $5,000 cash alternative for a September 2023 case in which hes accused of forcibly raping a woman at his home in the 100 block of West Hemmi Road.

Varner was charged Sept. 5 in Whatcom County Superior Court with one count of second-degree rape (forcible compulsion), a felony. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Sept. 15. A pre-trial no-contact order was also put in place between Varner and the woman, court records show.

Slater said the victims in the two cases are different people.

Recent arrest

On April 21, Whatcom sheriffs deputies began investigating a sexual assault in which Varner was identified as the suspect, Slater said.

Deputies spoke with two witnesses and the victim, and developed probable cause to arrest Varner. Deputies requested an interview with Varner the following day, on April 22. Varner invoked his right to have a lawyer present, and he was taken into custody and booked into the Whatcom jail.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred over a three-day period, April 15-18, in the 9700 block of Northwood Road and involve a person known to Varner, Slater said.

Varner made his first appearance in court for the case April 22, but records and information from that hearing were not immediately available Tuesday morning, April 23.

Varner is currently in custody in lieu of $1 million bail, jail records show.

The Herald has asked the sheriffs office for more information about the incident.

The Herald has also reached out to Varners criminal defense attorney and the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorneys Office for comment.

Previous case

On Sept. 4, 2023, Whatcom sheriffs deputies were called to the 100 block of West Hemmi Road in the Laurel area for the report of a rape that just occurred.

A woman told deputies she had been at Varners home around 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 4. While the woman was at Varners home, Varner told her that he wanted to have sex with her. The woman told Varner no, and said she was only at his house to hang out, according to court records.

Levi told (the woman) that he would just have sexual intercourse with her when she fell asleep, court documents state.

The woman told deputies Varner then forced himself on her, removed her clothes and forcefully raped her, the records state. The woman said Varner also hit her in the face several times, according to court records.

Following the sexual assault, the woman grabbed her clothes, left Varners home and called law enforcement, the documents state.

Varner was arrested shortly before 6 a.m. on Sept. 5, and released shortly after 1 p.m. on a cash alternative bail the following day, according to court and jail records.

Records show prosecutors requested $200,000 bail for Varner at his first court appearance in the case on Sept. 5. Varners defense attorney at the time requested he be released on his personal recognizance, or if bail had to be imposed, that it be set at $10,000 with a $1,000 cash alternative.

A court commissioner ultimately set Varners bail at $50,000 with a $5,000 cash alternative, the records show.

While Varner has been out of custody on bail awaiting trial in the case, the court has approved limited travel outside of Whatcom County for him for work purposes.

Records show Varner was allowed to travel to Winthrop, Wash., Feb. 9-11; to Coeur DAlene, Idaho, March 1-3; and to Tacoma March 18-29.

Varner has also received court permission to travel to Bristol Bay in Alaska, where he will work on a boat from June 1 through July 27, according to court records.

Its unclear at this time whether Varners Monday arrest will impact his court-authorized travel.

His jury trial in the 2023 rape case has tentatively been set for Aug. 26.

Resources

 Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org

Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616.

 Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153.

 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.

 Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.

 Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/

 Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.

 WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.

If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement.

To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM.
Las Vegas(KLAS)-Its about inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, welcoming each other with one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time. Global Ambassador Paul Brooks, Jr. and State Ambassador Skyler Christensen from Best Buddies joined Las Vegas Now to talk about their upcoming Friendship Walk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
By Simon Lewis and Antoni Slodkowski

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday with U.S.-China ties on a steadier footing, but with a daunting array of unresolved issues threatening the stability of relations between the global rivals.

Blinken will meet with business leaders before heading to Beijing for talks on Friday with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and a likely meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Blinken's visit is the latest high-level contact between the two nations that, along with working groups on issues from global trade to military communication, have tempered the public acrimony that drove relations to historic lows early last year.

But Washington and Beijing have made little headway on curbing China's supply of chemicals used to make fentanyl, Taiwan remains a flashpoint, and strains are intensifying over China's backing of Russia in its war in Ukraine.

Blinken, in a short video statement posted to X with the Shanghai skyline in the background, said curbing the flow of fentanyl and synthetic opioid substances to the U.S. from China was one of several issues he was in China to work on.

"Face to face diplomacy matters," he said. "It is important for avoiding miscommunications and misperceptions, and to advance the interests of the American people."

While significant progress is unlikely during the visit, both countries want "open lines of communication to avoid awkward scenarios," said Alfred Wu, associate professor at Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

Blinken will press China to stop its firms from retooling and resupplying Russia's defense industrial base. Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022, just days after agreeing a "no limits" partnership with Beijing, and while China has steered clear of providing arms, U.S. officials warn Chinese companies are sending dual-use technology that helps Russia's war effort.

Without providing details, a senior State Department official briefing reporters on Friday said Washington was prepared to "take steps" against Chinese firms it believes are damaging U.S. and European security.

Washington has preliminarily discussed putting sanctions on Chinese banks over the country's support for Russia, but officials told Reuters they do not yet have a plan to do so.

The U.S. has so far stopped short of sanctioning major Chinese banks  long deemed by analysts as a "nuclear" option  because of the effects it could have across the global economy and on U.S.-China relations.

A Chinese foreign ministry official quoted by state news agency Xinhua on Tuesday said relations "have shown a trend of stopping decline and stabilizing," since Biden and Xi met in San Francisco in November.

But the official criticized Washington's "stubborn strategy of containing China, and its erroneous words and deeds of interfering in China's internal affairs, tarnishing China's image and undermining China's interests."

CALL FOR 'RESTRAINT' OVER TAIWAN

The visit also comes after the U.S. Congress moved ahead this weekend with a bill that includes new funding for Taiwan and less than a month before the democratically governed island inaugurates a new president, Lai Ching-te, who, like his predecessor, rejects China's claim to the island.

The senior State Department official said parties should "avoid taking provocative actions that may raise tensions, and demonstrate restraint" ahead of the inauguration. "That will be our message going forward," the official added.

An effort to force China's ByteDance to sell the social media app TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. is also gaining steam in Congress, a sign of a growing appetite to confront Beijing on economic issues.

Blinken is also expected to raise human rights, including China's treatment of Muslims in its western Xinjiang region.

Other U.S. officials have met or called Chinese counterparts recently as part of a broader effort to keep lines of communication open.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was in Beijing and the southern factory hub of Guangzhou this month, and last week Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Chinese counterpart for the first time in 18 months.

Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan has also held regular talks with Wang, aiming as the administration says, to responsibly manage competition.

There have been attempts to find common ground on issues such as the Middle East conflict.

After an alleged Israeli strike on an Iranian consular facility in Damascus this month, Blinken spoke with Wang, as well as with representatives of other countries with ties to Iran, "to make clear that escalation is not in anyone's interest, and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate," a State Department spokesperson said on April 11.

Wang Huiyao, founder and president of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization think tank said that contact showed the potential of the two countries working together.

"They sell all their oil to China," Wang said of Iran, "so when China says, 'OK, you just stop,' then they have to think about it."

(Reporting by Simon Lewis and Antoni Slodkowski; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom; Editing Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis and Ros Russell)
The Biden administration has issued a nationwide ban on the ability of employers to make their workers sign noncompete agreements, a move regulators said would help boost employee pay but which is set to be challenged in court by business groups.

Lina Khan testifies during the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce hearing at the Capitol (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images file)

In a ruling Tuesday afternoon, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said noncompete clauses would henceforth be illegal. The measure was necessary, it said, for "protecting the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs, increasing innovation, and fostering new business formation."

Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new ideas, and rob the American economy of dynamism, said FTC chair Lina M. Khan in a statement. The FTCs final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market.

The FTC estimates nearly one in five Americans are subject to noncompetes. They have grown increasingly common in lower wage or hourly work industries like fast food franchises, restaurants, and security firms, where some employers have sought to limit the ability of workers to effectively raise their pay by looking for work at competing establishments.

In addition to banning all new noncompetes, the FTC's rule applies to all existing noncompete agreements. Employers will now have to provide notice to workers bound to a current noncompete that it will not be enforced against them.

The rule was hailed by labor groups and left-leaning policy experts.

"Noncompetes are about reducing competition, full stop. Its in their name," said Heidi Shierholz, president of the progressive nonprofit Economic Policy Institute. "Noncompetes are bad for workers, bad for consumers, and bad for the broader economy. This rule is an important step in creating an economy that is not only strong but also works for working people."

The AFL-CIO, America's largest labor group, praised the new rule in a post on X Tuesday, saying noncompete agreements "trap workers from finding better jobs, drive down wages, and stifle competition."

But business groups are already hitting out at the ban, saying noncompetes are essential to protecting trade secrets and proprietary information. The groups also say noncompetes ultimately help workers by engendering a more collaborative firm environment and limiting so-called "free riders," or employees who seek to capitalize on a specific company's methods and taking that knowledge elsewhere.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the countrys largest business lobby, said it plans to sue the FTC over the ruling. In a statement, it called the ban an "unlawful power grab."

This decision sets a dangerous precedent for government micromanagement of business and can harm employers, workers, and our economy," it said.

Separately. a Dallas-based tax services firm filed a lawsuit in Texas federal court  which has proven hostile to Biden administration rulings  challenging not only the ban but the very structure of the FTC itself.

"We stand firm in our commitment to serve the rightful interest of every company to retain its proprietary formulas for success taught in good faith to its own employees, said chairman and CEO G. Brint Ryan said in a statement.

The FTC's rule is set to go into effect in August, but is unlikely to be enforced until the court challenges are resolved, something that could take years.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Biden administration has introduced new regulations intended to increase staffing levels and improve patient care in nursing homes. Photo via Getty Images.

The Biden administration has introduced a controversial set of new regulations intended to increase staffing levels and improve patient care in nursing homes.

The new staffing rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has faced fierce opposition from the industry and Republicans in Congress. It establishes for the first time national minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes that collect taxpayer money through Medicare- and Medicaid-funded services.

The staffing requirements will be phased in over the next two to five years, and CMS has made provisions to grant exemptions for care facilities in rural areas where theres a shortage of available caregivers.

In a written statement, the administration said it believes that by improving working conditions and wages, improvements in the recruitment and retention of direct care workers will follow, enabling nursing staff to provide safer, higher quality care to all residents.

Inadequate staffing has long been considered the single biggest contributor to poor quality care in nursing homes.

Last November, 15 Republican governors sent Biden a letter objecting to the new rule and arguing that the nursing home industry is facing a workforce crisis, particularly in rural areas. The governors predicted that minimum staffing levels would force over 80% of facilities nationwide to hire more staff and result in many of them closing.

CMS officials said Tuesday they dont expect the new rule to force any facilities to close, noting that some states have imposed even higher staffing level requirements with no resulting shutdowns.

The new rule has been two years in the making, and CMS has fielded more than 46,000 public comments on it from caregivers, residents, industry representatives and resident advocates.

Toby S. Edelman, a senior policy attorney for the Center for Medicare Advocacy and a national expert on long-term care, noted Tuesday that the new rule announced this week establishes only the minimum permissible staffing levels care facilities must meet.

The rule does not end the discussion about staffing levels, she said. Under federal rules issued earlier, all facilities are also required to conduct, at least annually, a facility assessment. This process requires each facility to determine the actual nursing needs of its own residents and to ensure that it has enough staff and that its staff have the necessary skills to meet its residents needs. Properly implemented and enforced, the facility assessment process will require many facilities to implement higher staffing levels than the minimums announced today.

Rules mandates 24-hour nurse availability

The specific provisions of the new rule include elements related to staffing, public disclosure and resident assessments:

Nursing care: Residents must receive at least 3.48 hours of nursing care per day, which would include at least 0.55 hours of care from a registered nurse per resident, per day, as well as 2.45 hours of care from a certified nurse aide per resident, per day.

Around-the-clock nurse availability: All homes must have a registered nurse on site 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The nurse must be available to deliver critical care to residents at any time.

Self-assessments: Aside from meeting the new minimum standards, all facilities will be required to perform annual assessments to determine the actual level of staffing needed to meet all residents needs. Those assessments, which will be more detailed than those currently required, are intended to address the fact that many care facilities already meet the new minimum standards but are still failing to meet residents needs due to heightened levels of acuity or the need for one-on-one supervision.

Staff retention: Each facility will be required to at least develop a formalized plan to maximize their workforce recruitment and retention efforts. To help ensure compliance, CMS will also be requiring states, to which much of the enforcement efforts are delegated, to collect and report on the percentage of Medicaid payments spent on compensation for direct care workers and support staff.

CMS has promised to publicly report the spending data collected by the states, and the states themselves will also be required to report facility-specific data on publicly accessible websites.

Special provisions for rural facilities

The federal agency has also pledged $75 million to be spent on a national nursing home staffing campaign aimed at increasing the number of nurses working in long-term care facilities. As part of that effort, CMS will be providing financial incentives for nurses to work in nursing homes.

In announcing the new requirements, CMS acknowledged that some facilities are experiencing challenges in hiring and retaining certain nursing staff because of local workforce unavailability. To address that, the agency will offer waivers for the rule requiring a nurse to be on site 24-hours per day, and will also offer financial hardship exemptions to the staffing requirement.

The facilities that seek such an exemption will first have to show theyre in an area where the supply of nurses at least 20% below the national average as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau.

Theyll also have to provide documentation of good faith efforts to hire and retain staff, including the payment of competitive wages, and theyll have to disclose the amount of money spent on nurse staffing relative to the homes total revenue.

Facilities that are granted an exemption will then have to post a notice of its exemption status in a prominent, publicly accessible location inside the facility, and will have to provide any prospective residents with written notice of the exemption status.

Some homes will not be considered for exemption, including those on CMS list of special-focus facilities that have history of repeat, serious violations, and those recently cited for a pattern of insufficient staffing that has resulted in harm to residents.

For most facilities, the new staffing requirements will be phased in over the next two years, but that timeline has been extended to accommodate the needs of rural facilities where the workforce shortage is particularly acute.

Rural facilities will have 90 days to meet the new rule on facility assessments. Theyll have three years to meet the requirements on 3.48 hours of total nurse staffing and a 24-hour nurse, and five years to meet the more specific requirements of 0.55 registered-nurse hours per day, per resident.

Like Minnesota Reformer, Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Biden administration unveils new rule on nursing home staffing levels appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
It is small, chubby, rat-like, an exceptional diver, with a snout in the shape of a trunk, nocturnal, and one of the great forgotten mammals of Spains natural world. The Iberian desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), like the Iberian lynx or the Cantabrian brown bear, lives exclusively in the Iberian Peninsula and is endangered but does not attract as many resources for its conservation, despite losing 70% of its geographic distribution since 1990. Its decline appears to be unstoppable. If it were lost, a jewel of evolution would disappear  there is only one other in the world, the Russian desman. The species needs clean, oxygenated water, unfragmented habitats in fast-flowing rivers that maintain the flow in summer, in the absence of large dams, and intact riverbanks where it can take refuge. These requirements are difficult to meet at present, and are being aggravated by increasingly frequent droughts due to climate change. The latest diagnosis by Spains Ministry for Ecological Transition, carried out this year, is so pessimistic that predictive models indicate the desman could become extinct in the short term  between 10 and 30 years  if immediate action is not taken.

Angel Fernandez Gonzalez, a biologist, environmental consultant, and one of Spains leading experts on the species, remembers when the desman lived in more buoyant times and his grandfather told him: I dont understand how you can make a living with that rat. He enjoyed fishing and knew the desmans that lived in the natural park of Somiedo (Asturias), when he used to catch trout with a fixed rod, an ancient technique that forces fishermen to remain still for a long time, facilitating his encounters with the elusive creatures. Back then, the micromammal was abundant there, but now it has been relegated to a couple of headwater rivers. The trend is negative in all the places in Spain where it survives, says Gonzalez, who is preparing an update of the conservation status commissioned by the ministry.

Faced with the disastrous data, on March 11 the ministry convened a working group on the species, formed by Spains autonomous regions and the state, to which experts were also invited. There was unanimity that the situation requires an immediate reaction, explains Ricardo Gomez, head of the ministrys Wildlife Service and of the sub-directorate general of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity. Among the measures considered essential is the fight against the American mink  an invasive species and one of the desmans main predators  cataloging the entire desman population in critical danger of extinction, because currently only those concentrated in the Central System mountain range are considered as such while the remainder have a lower degree of protection. Other plans are also being considered, such as captive breeding, something that has not yet been achieved.

Crumbs in very small nuclei

It is our platypus; it appears to be made of pieces of other animals and it is leaving us at a staggering speed, says Jorge Gonzalez Esteban, a biologist and environmental consultant who also works on the project and who participated in the first inventory of the species in the early 1990s. At that time there was already a decline, but it was unthinkable that we would reach a point like the present, because the desman distribution was still wide.

Nor did it cross Felix Rodriguez de la Fuentes mind when he recorded the incredible Pyrenean desman, which had never been filmed in the wild, for an episode of the emblematic 1970s Spanish television series El Hombre y la Tierra (Man and Earth). The famous naturalist described it as a strange water mole, which captures aquatic insect larvae and needs crystal clear water. The current change is so drastic that before, the distribution area could be represented as a whole loaf of bread, with a continuous population. Now we only have crumbs distributed in very small nuclei, explains Gonzalez Esteban.

These crumbs are distributed across five sites in Spain, Portugal, France, and Andorra. The western one extends through the north of Portugal, Galicia, and the western part of Asturias, Leon, and Zamora; the Cantabrian one through the eastern part of Asturias, Leon, Cantabria, and Palencia; the Pyrenean one through both sides of the Pyrenees; the Iberian System through La Rioja, Burgos, and Soria, and the Central System  one of the most endangered  through Avila and Caceres. The northwestern populations are in the best condition, because the rivers are still relatively connected.

Jose Castresana, a researcher at the Spanish Institute of Evolutionary Biology, points out that there is very little knowledge about the species, which is very unique from an evolutionary point of view. Only two types of desmans exist, the Iberian and the Russian. It is an evolutionary jewel and is a great responsibility for the countries where it lives, he adds.

Through genetic analysis, Castresana found that the outlook is much worse than expected. The desman, he explains, has one of the lowest genetic diversities of all mammals, more so than the lynx or the European mink, which makes them less resistant to environmental changes or diseases. This characteristic has to do with the evolution of the species. It has not been generated now; it probably dates from the ice ages, when there must have been few specimens left, he explains.

To this must be added inbreeding, a factor that is a product of the alteration that their habitat has suffered, which prevents the populations from connecting with each other due to barriers, so that the ungulates in the upper stretches of the rivers have no relatives in the lower parts, Castresana says. Through analysis of the animals hair DNA researchers have found that there are high levels of inbreeding because the animals have been mating for decades between very close relatives. It is a very sad situation and a problem that was suspected, but without reaching the magnitude we have witnessed, Castresana explains. He does not know if this high rate of inbreeding plays a fundamental role in the disappearance of the species, but it is not a flattering fact, because it can affect fertility and lead to extinction.

Is there still time to save the species? If we havent implemented the main actions in four years, well be left with no desman, says Ramon Perez de Ayala, a member of the conservationist NGO WWF, which is supporting the recovery project. The outlook is worse than when I started working with the lynx; we dont even know how many specimens there are, he notes. Despite the difficult situation, experts agree that we are on the right track and there is a consensus among administrations to implement urgent measures. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has also been active and is organizing a transnational strategy among the four countries where the Iberian desman lives to address its conservation. However, the prospects would be better if we had started in 1990; now is the time for desperate measures, says Gonzalez Esteban.

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Biden appears to read script instructions out loud in latest teleprompter gaffe: 'Four more years, pause'

Biden appears to read script instructions out loud in latest teleprompter gaffe: 'Four more years, pause'

President Biden seemed to suffer a verbal slip-up during a speech at a trade union conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Biden, reading off a teleprompter, appeared to incorporate script instructions in the middle of his speech, resulting in an awkward applause line. The moment came during a section of his remarks straight out of a campaign stump speech.

"I see an America where we defend democracy, not diminish it. I see an America where we protect freedoms, not take them away," Biden said. "I see an economy that grows a lot in the bottom up where the wealthy pay their fair share, so we can have child care, paid leave and so much more, and still reduce the federal deficit and increase economic folks.

"Imagine what we could do next. Four more years, pause," he said before laughing.

TRUMP VERY HONORED' BY DESANTIS ENDORSEMENT AFTER FLORIDA GOVERNOR SUSPENDS PRESIDENTIAL RUN

President Biden delivers remarks at the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 2024 Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Biden attended Wednesday's conference to receive an endorsement from the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

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FLORIDA NO LONGER IN PLAY AS A SWING STATE AS GOP VOTERS SURGE OVER DEMS BY NEARLY 900K: DESANTIS

Throughout his speech, Biden blasted former President Donald Trump as being anti-union and a defender of the ultra-wealthy. He went on to contrast his and Trump's economic policies as the "Scranton" plan and the "Mar-a-Lago" plan, referring to his hometown in Pennsylvania and Trump's residence in Florida.

Biden's teleprompter mix-up is only the latest in the president's long list of gaffes. Just on Tuesday, he delivered fodder to conservative commentators by mistakenly saying he and his party "can't be trusted."

Biden was speaking at a Florida campaign rally at the time, focusing on abortion in particular. During his critique of Trump's abortion stance, he flipped the tables on himself.

"I dont know why were surprised by Trump. How many times does he have to prove we can't be trusted?" Biden said.

BIDEN ONCE RIPPED 'ANTISEMITIC BILE' BUT NOW FACES OWN 'CHARLOTTESVILLE MOMENT'

Audience members could be heard laughing after his comment, but Biden continued, seemingly not noticing the mistake.

Biden's critics on X had a field day with the gaffe, with many saying they were surprised to find themselves agreeing with the president.





Original article source: Biden appears to read script instructions out loud in latest teleprompter gaffe: 'Four more years, pause'
President Joe Biden remarks to media after signing the $95 billion National Security Package that includes military aid to Ukraine and Israel and provides funding for humanitarian aid to Gaza in the State Dining Room of the White House on Wednesday. Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI

April 24 (UPI) -- Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan will get military aid while TikTok will get a new owner in the United States or or be banned in the nation after President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion aid package bill into law Wednesday.

The measure, H.R. 815, also called the National Security Supplemental, provides about $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region to enhance security, Politico, CNN and CNBC reported.

Biden remarked that the aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan will make the world and the United States safer while continuing the nation's global leadership.

"It gives vital support to America's partners ... so they can defend themselves against threats to their sovereignty and to the lives and freedom of their citizens," Biden said. "And it's an investment in our own security, because ... when our allies are stronger, we are stronger."

He said the support for Ukraine helps to counter support in the form of ballistic missiles, artillery shells, drones and other components and the "know-how" to use them that Russia is getting from Iran, China and North Korea.

President Joe Biden remarks Wednesday after signing a National Security Package that includes a potential ban on TikTok in the United States if China-based ByteDance doesn't sell its U.S.-based social media app that has about 170 million U.S. subscribers. Photo by Ron Sachs/UPI

"With all this support, Russia has ramped up its airstrikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure [and] rained down munitions on ... brave Ukranians defending their homeland," Biden said. "And now Americans are going to send Ukraine the supplies they need to keep them in the fight."

H.R. 815 also gives the China-based ByteDance company nine months to sell the popular social media app TikTok or see it banned in the United States. Biden also has an option to extend TikTok's deadline by 90 days.

TikTok owners vowed to fight the force sale of the social media app that about half of the U.S. population uses, although the measure doesn't affect ByteDance's ownership interest outside of the nation's borders.

"This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court," TikTok officials said in a statement posted on X. "This ban would devastate 7 million businesses and silence 170million Americans."

TikTok officials said they invested billions of dollars to protect user data and prevent "outside influence and manipulation" of content on the social media platform.

The deadline to sell TikTok or be banned in the United States enables the app to continue through the Nov. 5 general election. Biden's campaign staff said it will continue using TikTok through the general election.
US President Joe Bidens apparent suggestion his uncle may have been eaten by cannibals during World War II has sparked uproar in Papua New Guinea, casting a shadow on US relations with the Pacific nation and meeting a firm response from its leader.

In contentious remarks made last week following a visit to a war memorial, Biden twice hinted that the US was unable to recover his uncle Ambrose Finnegans remains after his plane crashed near the island of New Guinea during the war because there used to be a lot of cannibals in the region.

In a statement from his office Monday, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape conceded that Biden may have misspoken, but he pushed back against the characterization of cannibalism in the Pacific Island nation, which encompasses the eastern half of New Guinea and more than 600 nearby islands.

President Bidens remarks may have been a slip of the tongue; however, my country does not deserve to be labeled as such, Marape said.

While cannibalism was documented among remote tribes in the region in the mid-20th century, Papua New Guinea has struggled to shed stereotypes in more recent decades, and Bidens comments were met with criticism inside the country.

PNG shouldnt be seen as cannibals because of our past history. We are part of the modern civilization, said one comment on social platform X.

What utter rubbish is he on about? asked another X user in PNGs capital Port Moresby.

In a Facebook post, PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko warned that Bidens uninformed remarks could undermine relations between the countries, which had deepened in recent years as Washington vies for influence with Beijing in the strategically important Pacific.

These apparent untrue remarks by the sitting President is a low point in our bilateral relations, Tkatchenko said.

Missing soldiers

Tens of thousands of soldiers, including about 7,000 Americans, were killed on New Guinea during heavy fighting between the imperial Japanese army and Allied forces in World War II, according to the Australian War Memorial. Many remains have never been recovered.

In his statement Monday, Marape called on the United States to help find the remains of those killed during the conflict.

World War II was not the doing of my people; however, they were needlessly dragged into a conflict that was not their doing, Marape said.

I urge President Biden to get the White House to look into cleaning up these remains of WWII so the truth about missing servicemen like Ambrose Finnegan can be put to rest.

On Wednesday, the US Embassy in PNG addressed Bidens comments, saying the United States respects the people and culture of Papua New Guinea and remains committed to furthering respectful relations between our democracies.

President Biden highlighted his uncles story as he made the case for honoring our sacred commitment to equip those we send to war, the embassy said in a statement.

U.S. Embassy Port Moresby and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency are dedicated to locating and recovering WWII remains in Papua New Guinea.

What Biden said

Biden made the controversial remarks on April 17 following his visit to a war memorial in Pennsylvania.

He got shot down in an area where there were a lot of cannibals in New Guinea at the time. They never recovered his body, he said of his uncle.

Biden blamed cannibalism more directly in a speech later that day, claiming Finnegan got shot down in New Guinea, and they never found the body because there used to be  there were a lot of cannibals, for real, in that part of New Guinea.

The presidents account of his uncles death differs from that published by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency, which says Finnegans plane, an A-20 Havoc headed to New Guinea on a courier flight, was forced to ditch in the ocean off the coast of the island for unknown reasons.

Bidens comments came nearly a year after he canceled what would have been the first trip to PNG by a sitting US president, due to debt ceiling negotiations at home.

When asked about the remarks, the White House did not repeat Bidens assertions about cannibals or his uncles plane being shot down.

CNNs Donald Judd and Daniel Dale contributed reporting.

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President Biden granted clemency Wednesday to 16 people who were convinced of nonviolent drug offenses, arguing the pardons and commutations reflect his commitment to address racial disparities.

The president pardoned 11 individuals and commuted the sentences of five others, noting many of them received disproportionately longer sentences than they would have under current practice.

He added that the pardon recipients demonstrated their commitment to improving their lives and positively transforming their communities and the commutation recipients showed they deserve forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future for themselves beyond prison walls.

Biden is pardoning Jason Hernandez, of McKinney, Texas, a 47-year-old who was convicted of several nonviolent drug offenses. Former President Obama commuted his sentence in 2013, and he now runs a nonprofit that turned the store he used to sell drugs in front of to a market that sells affordable quality food.

He is also pardoning Beverly Holcy, of Palatka, Fla., a 59-year-old who pleaded guilty to nonviolent drug offense she committed at 27 and now volunteers at a church and is fully employed.

Other pardon recipients include 58-year-old Jeffrey Alan Lewis from Douglasville, Ga., who pleaded guilty of a nonviolent drug offense at 40 and is now consistently employed, and 50-year-old Bobby Darrell Lowery of Jackson, Miss., who was convicted of a nonviolent drug offense at 25 and now has steady employment.

Washington, D.C., woman Katrina Polk, 54, who pleaded guilty to nonviolent drug offense at 18 and has earned her Ph.D. in public policy and administration since her release, and Columbia S.C., man, Ricky Donnell Tyler, 54, who was convicted of nonviolent drug offenses at 26 and has worked a truck driver since his release, are also being pardoned.

Like my other clemency actions, these pardons and commutations reflect my overarching commitment to addressing racial disparities and improving public safety, Biden said in the statement.

He also noted that April is Second Chance Month and marked it by reaffirming his commitment to rehabilitation and reentry programs and building a criminal justice system that ensures that everyone receives equal justice under law.

The five individuals with sentences being commuted include Daequon Charles Davis of Johnson City, Tenn., who faced 262 months for conspiracy to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine, and Jophaney Hyppolite of Miami, who faced life imprisonment for distribution and conspiracy to manufacture and to possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams cocaine base.

Also having their sentences commuted are Xavier Martez Parnell of Clarksville, Tenn., who faced 300 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and Margaret Ann Vandyke of Ellenville, N.Y., who faced 60 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The sentence of Leshay Nicole Rhoton of Bristol, Tenn., who faced 240 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, will also be commuted.

Biden in December 2023 commuted the sentences of 11 individuals serving jail sentences for nonviolent drug offenses and signed a proclamation to pardon certain marijuana offenses. In October 2022, he announced pardons for thousands of individuals who had been convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Bidens latest gaffe has him in the same camp as Trump: We cant be trusted

President Joe Biden made an unfortunate gaffe on Tuesday as he tried to slam his Republican rival Donald Trump on stage at a campaign event about abortion care and reproductive rights in Florida.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters, the president slipped up as he asked how many more times he needs to prove we cant be trusted.

Folks, in a sense, I dont know why were surprised by Trump, he said.

How many times does he have to prove we cant be trusted? he asked.

Mistakenly saying we instead of he, Mr Biden accidentally lumped himself in with his Republican rival.

This marks only the latest in a long series of gaffes the president has made while speaking in public, with his track record of blunders increasingly used by Mr Trump and his supporters to claim that the 81-year-old is too old to serve another term in the White House and is in a state of cognitive decline.

However, Mr Trump, at the similar age of 77, also contradicts himself in arguing the reverse: that his successor is a brilliant criminal mastermind who has weaponised the justice system against him, claiming, without evidence, that all of the indictments he is currently battling have been launched against him at Mr Biden in order to damage his White House campaign.

Mr Trump meanwhile has also had plenty of senior moments of his own, notably confusing his former Republican rival Nikki Haley with former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, mixing up Mr Biden with his own predecessor, Barack Obama, and even reportedly falling asleep during his Manhattan hush money trial.

Mr Biden was in Tampa on Tuesaday to headline a campaign event at Hillsborough Community College focused on rallying women and supporters of reproductive rights just one week before a new six-week ban on abortion takes effect in Florida.

The ban, which was recently upheld and allowed to go into effect by Floridas Supreme Court after being enacted under Governor Ron DeSantis, effectively prevents the procedure altogether. Most women will not even know they are pregnant before they have gone over the limit.

Florida was previously an outlier among Republican-controlled states in the southeastern US by having comparatively lenient abortion laws.

Because of this, the states new legislation will make abortion inaccessible for a broad swath of Americans  unless voters approve a ballot initiative to enshrine reproductive rights into state law this November.

US president Joe Biden speaks about reproductive freedom in Tampa, Florida, on 23 April 2024 (AFP/Getty)

And the presidents campaign is counting on those voters to juice turnout in his favour.

During his address to a raucous crowd, Mr Biden also hit out at Mr Trump for selling $60 Bibles, commenting: He said there has to be punishment for women exercising their reproductive freedom... maybe its coming from that Bible hes trying to sell.

I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hell is in it.

He also quoted a passage from the Supreme Courts Dobbs ruling about women not lacking political or electoral power, saying MAGA Republicans were beginning to find out just how powerful women can be as a political force.

The president noted that in states all over this country, including Ohio, Kansas, Michigan, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Virginia, voters had come out in record numbers to protect reproductive freedom.

This November, you can add Florida to that list, he said, urging the crowd to show up and vote already.

It was Donald Trump who ripped away the rights... of women in America, he continued.

Well teach Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans a valuable lesson: Dont mess with the women of America.
President Biden put his strategy of appealing to union workers on display Wednesday by painting himself as more like them and less like former President Trump.

Biden has spoken to crowds of union workers twice in the past week, using each occasion to bash Trump about his upbringing in working to appeal to the critical voting bloc on a personal level.

Folks, we all know people like Trump who look down on us. Dont we? We all know somebody we grew up with like that, Biden said at the North Americas Building Trade Union (NABTU) National Legislative Conference on Wednesday. Its either Scranton values or Mar-a-Lago values.

Biden painted Trump as a bully to working class Americans while using words like us to include himself in the labor movement.

A defeated former president who sees the world from Mar-a-Lago and bows down to billionaires, who looks down on American union workers. Its not that hes not supportive, he looks down on us, he said.

Think about the guys you grew up with who youd like to get into the corner and just give them a straight lift. Im not suggesting we hit the president, he added to laughter. But we all know those guys growing up.

Last week, he told a conference for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), my opponent learned the best way to get rich is [to] inherit it.

The NABTU endorsed Biden on Wednesday, and IBEW had already endorsed him ahead of its conference.

Its part of Bidens efforts to rebuild the coalition that won him the White House in 2020, with a particular eye on union workers recently. He often says hes the most pro-union president in history. He became the first commander in chief last year to join a picket line to strike with autoworkers.

Biden on Wednesday argued to union workers that Trump inherited wealth. Trump notably started his business ventures with a $1 million loan from his father, Fred Trump, and he reportedly received at least $413 million from his father over time.

People like Donald Trump learned a different lesson. He learned the best way to get rich is inherited. He learned that paying taxes is something working people did, not him. That telling people youre fired is something to laugh about. Not in my household, not in my neighborhood, he said. If you grew up where we grew up, nobody handed you anything.

Biden was referencing Trumps popular reality show The Apprentice, where he would fire contestants with his signature style in a boardroom.

Meanwhile, Biden painted himself as Middle Class Joe, a title he has referred to himself as throughout his decades in politics.

The guy has never worked a day in a working mans boots, Biden said, referring to Trump. By the way, you gave me a pair of boots  I know how to put them on. I still sometimes cut the yard. The Secret Service doesnt let me do it anymore.

But 2016 saw a significant shift in union support toward Republicans. That year, union households started to shift from blue to red, helping lead to Trumps victory in states like Michigan. Biden won that state in 2020, but faces a fresh set of obstacles there in 2024 with protests votes centered on his policy on Israel.

The Biden campaign this cycle has invested heavily in battleground states with a large union presence, including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

But, recent polling shows Trump ahead of him in these swing states. Trump holds a 6-point lead over Biden in six of seven states  Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona, according to a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll on Wednesday. He was ahead of Trump by 2 points in Michigan.

Biden has been endorsed by several of the top union groups, including the United Auto Workers and the United Steelworkers, as well as the major union group, AFL-CIO.

The president on Wednesday thanked the NABTU for endorsing him. The groups president Sean McGarvey said Wednesday that his union will not waste a lot of time with supporters of Trump.

The president also praised unions for their work, noting that labor workers are helping to rebuild Baltimores Francis Scott Key Bridge after the deadly collapse. He often praises union workers for their contribution to the U.S., as well as for being a group that brung him to the dance, referencing their support for him in 2020 and during his time as a senator.

Thats America, thats the union movement, he said.

He added another bash at Trump before closing: Folks, the choice is clear. Donald Trumps vision of America is one of revenge and retribution.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Biden met at the White House Wednesday with Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old who was held by Hamas in Gaza and was released last November as part of a hostage deal.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the meeting was a moment of joy, as well as a reminder for Biden of the work that remains to be done as other hostages are still being held by Hamas months after its October terrorist attacks against Israel.

This was a moment of joy as well because she was able to be returned safely to her family, Sullivan said. And I think for the president the most important thing was it was a reminder of the work still to do and how important it is for him personally and for the government to do all that we can to secure a cease-fire and hostage deal so that everybody can come home.

Edan and her siblings parents were killed during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. Edan was the youngest U.S. citizen who was held hostage by Hamas following those attacks. She has dual Israeli-U.S. citizenship.

She was among the hostages released in November from Gaza as part of a temporary pause in fighting. Biden spoke with her family at the time.

The U.S. is still pushing for another pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas to get remaining hostages out safely and to allow for additional humanitarian aid to get into Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed during Israeli military operations in response to the Oct. 7 attacks.

Israeli officials have said more than 100 people are still being held in Gaza. As many as six of the hostages are U.S. citizens.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former S.C. Gov. and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during her primary election night gathering on Feb. 24, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

President Joe Bidens reelection campaign is wasting no time trying to court some of the more than 150,000 Republicans who voted for former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in Tuesdays primary. Pennsylvania has closed primaries, meaning only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in their partys primary.

The Haley votes are widely viewed as a protest against former President Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee. She dropped out of the race in March after Super Tuesday, but had presented her campaign as a conservative alternative to Trump and his brand of politics.

Trump won the GOP primary in Pennsylvania, unofficial tallies show, with 789,000 votes to Haleys 157,000. But political prognosticators honed in on that number, because in 2020, Biden beat Trump in Pennsylvania by just 80,000 votes, slightly less than half of the votes Haley siphoned away from Trump on Tuesday.

Its clear many Republicans across the Commonwealth are rejecting Donald Trump for his extremism, his attacks on Social Security and Medicare, and his relentless assault on the freedoms that Pennsylvanians hold dear, Nikki Lu, Bidens Pennsylvania campaign manager, said in an email to the Capital-Star.

And while Donald Trump has done nothing to win these voters back, our team is dedicated to reaching voters in every corner of the Commonwealth.

After she exited the race, Biden praised Haley for her courage and made an appeal to Haley voters, saying there is a place for them in my campaign. The Biden campaign released an ad last month aimed at Haley voters, featuring clips of Trump repeatedly mocking her.

Thats a markedly different approach than Trump took, who did not reach out to Haley following her departure from the presidential race.

The Trump campaign did not reply to an email Wednesday asking if the former president had since reached out to Haley, or whether the campaign plans to try to court the GOP voters who cast ballots for Haley in Pennsylvanias primary. He had regularly mocked Haley on his Truth Social platform, referring to her as irrelevant, posting in January We dont want [Haley supporters] and we will not accept them.

The Haley primary votes came in large numbers in the so-called collar counties around Philadelphia, including Bucks (where Trump took 81% of the vote to Haleys 19%), Chester (Trump 75%, Haley 25%), Delaware (Trump 76%, Haley 24%) and Montgomery (Trump 75%; Haley 25%) counties, according to unofficial tallies from the Pennsylvania Department of State. The unofficial results show Haley took 20% of the vote in Lancaster County, where Trump beat Biden in 2020 57% to 41%.

And despite some in Pennsylvanias GOP entreating voters to embrace mail-in ballots, Trump has repeatedly attacked mail-in voting on the campaign trail.

Bidens reelection campaign and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party on Tuesday opened 10 new coordinated offices statewide, following Bidens three-city sweep through the commonwealth last week. The campaign said it now has a total of 24 coordinated campaign offices, which are focused on grassroots organizing, get-out-the-vote efforts and volunteer recruitment.

Trumps campaign does not appear to have a significant presence in Pennsylvania so far.

At the end of the day, we are all Pennsylvanians, and there will always be a place in President Bidens coalition for voters who believe in preserving our democracy and building an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, Lu said Wednesday.

The post Bidens Pennsylvania campaign making pitch to Haley voters: Come on over. appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
President Biden praised the Senate after the chamber passed a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package Tuesday, saying he would sign the legislation Wednesday at the White House.

Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression, Biden said in a statement.

The Senate, in a 79-18 vote, approved a package that includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $15 billion in military aid for Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war-torn areas and $8 billion in security assistance to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

The legislation also includes language to force the Chinese owner of TikTok to divest from the popular social media app, which more than 140 million Americans use, or otherwise face a ban within the United States.

The president said he would deliver remarks and sign the bill Wednesday, allowing the U.S. to begin sending fresh weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.

I want to thank Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, and all of the bipartisan lawmakers in the Senate who voted for this bill, Biden said. This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin.

The White House had for months pleaded with lawmakers to approve additional aid for Ukraine in particular as it fights against Russias invasion, but some conservative Republicans had pushed back against providing additional aid to Kyiv.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Biden says soldiers in trenches in Ukraine's east cheered when US voted to approve military aid for Ukraine

US President Joe Biden has said that after he signed the bill on additional funding for US foreign allies into law, he heard reports that soldiers fighting in trenches in eastern Ukraine had cheered when the US House of Representatives finally voted in favour of the Ukraine aid bill.

Source: President Biden during a press briefing at the White House, as reported by European Pravda

Quote from Biden: "This weekend, there were reports [...] of cheers breaking out in trenches in eastern Ukraine [...] They were cheering as they watched the House vote on support for Ukraine."

Details: Biden emphasised that while the additional aid for Ukraine was stalled in Congress, Ukraine "has been running out of artillery shells and ammunition". Meanwhile, Russia was receiving support from allies like China and North Korea.

"And now, Americas gonna send Ukraine the supplies they need to keep them in the fight," he said.

Biden also stressed that he will take measures to ensure that Ukraine receives US weapons as soon as possible.

Background:

On 24 April, US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that will provide about US$61 billion in additional military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help to other US allies.

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From early in the morning, it was very evident that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was affected by a judges decision to open proceedings to investigate his wife, Begona Gomez, in response to a complaint filed by the ultra-right group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which specializes in filing complaints against left-wing leaders in cases which usually amount to nothing. Sanchez left Congress visibly upset, and went to La Moncloa, the seat of government in Spain. The leader of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) locked himself away with his family and drafted a letter stating that he is seriously considering resigning after the unprecedented attacks against his wife. I need to stop and reflect. I have to answer the question of whether it is worth it, whether I should continue at the head of the government or resign from this honor, the president said in a letter to citizens posted on the social network X, without an official letterhead  a sign that it is a personal matter.

The prime minister sent the letter to his collaborators so that they could publish it, but he did not want to see anyone nor did he summon a crisis cabinet, as he did when he called early elections in 2023. Sanchez made the decision personally with his family, according to sources close to him. Practically nobody knew about it, and his main collaborators, a few hours before, were completely unaware of what was being forged. Shortly after the letter was made public, Sanchezs inner circle  Maria Jesus Montero, Felix Bolanos, Santos Cerdan, Oscar Puente and Oscar Lopez  met informally at La Moncloa to look for a solution, to try to convince the prime minister to continue, but all those who spoke to EL PAIS have said that it is an absolutely personal decision and that there is a human factor which is difficult to control.

Sanchez has asked for time to think, and his entourage is determined to give him that time. Several officials in PSOE are considering organizing a large mobilization in support of the president and to reject the right-wings methods of attack. Some believe that Sanchez, upon seeing the support, will change his mind and decide to remain in power.

The prime minister recently expressed his support for other progressive politicians who have suffered the harassment of the far right, such as U.S. President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He visited the two in Washington and Brasilia and told them that it was essential to unite to confront the international ultra-right. Many PSOE members who spoke to EL PAIS say that Sanchezs decision not to directly announce his resignation, but rather announce a time of reflection of a few days, is cause for hope. But nobody really knows what Sanchez  who has been at the helm of the Socialist Party for 10 years and still has another three years in office ahead of him  will do.

The straw that broke the camels back is a case that La Moncloa says has no substance to it. It is the result of a complaint filed by an ultra-conservative group, whose leaders were sentenced to jail (and later acquitted) for extorting money from financial institutions. Sanchez has made it clear that attacks on his family take an especially hard toll on him. But he also recently told journalists that his opponents have thrown everything at him, but that he didnt care because he was resolved to continue. However, something changed this Wednesday, and for the first time in a political career built on resistance, which has always highlighted his strength of spirit and his unwavering faith in success, Sanchez announced that he is thinking of quitting.

The leader of the PSOE said he is canceling his entire public agenda for a few days, until Monday, to reflect, talk to his family and make a decision. There is commotion in the government and in the PSOE, and both members of the executive and various party leaders have rushed to show their unconditional support for Sanchez on social media. Those close to the prime minister insist that it is not only a political issue, and that it is important to think about the human factor.

Precisely two weeks ago, former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero  another Socialist who was also severely attacked by the opposition when he was in power  told EL PAIS that he puts up with a lot, but Sanchez is tougher than him, arguing that this resilience was fundamental in a political scene as toxic as Spains. But in this case, Sanchezs resilience appears not to have been enough.

He received a very hard blow, and his reaction, to seriously consider resigning, is unprecedented. But the end of this story has not yet been written. The PSOE has a dramatic weekend ahead, in which members will do everything to convince their leader to continue. Because nobody has a plan B. The whole project is built around him and his resistance, the one that has always saved not only Sanchez but his league of supporters in the most difficult moments. Nobody thought that the leader could break. Now it is up to his people to turn around an unthinkable situation, a new twist in the crazy Spanish political scene, in which making forecasts is not only risky, but almost ridiculous, given its unpredictability.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




Biden says US to begin sending military equipment to Ukraine within 'hours'

The U.S. will begin sending military equipment to Ukraine within "a few hours" after the passage of a long-stalled foreign aid package, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday.

In remarks from the White House, Biden said he had just signed the $95 billion package. He said it will make both America and the world "safer."

"It was a difficult path [to my desk] and it should have been easier, and it should have gotten there sooner," Biden said of the legislation, which was first requested by the administration last fall and seemed all but dead due to GOP-led opposition in the House before the sudden reversal of Speaker Mike Johnson.

"But in the end, we did what America always does: we rose to the moment, came together and we got it done," the president continued. "Now we need to move fast, and we are."

MORE: Inside Ukraine's wrecked power plants amid unprecedented Russian attacks: Reporter's notebook

The package provides roughly $61 billion for Ukraine in its fight against Russian invaders, marking the first time in over a year Congress has approved new aid for the war-torn ally. The war has intensified in recent weeks, as more Russian strikes break through with Ukraine's air defenses running low.

In anticipation of the legislation passing, the Biden administration worked up a roughly $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, a U.S. official told ABC News on Tuesday.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks after signing the foreign aid bill at the White House, April 24, 2024, in Washington. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

President Biden said the supplies being immediately sent to Ukraine includes desperately needed air defense munitions, artillery for rocket systems and armored vehicles. He said the supplies will come from U.S. stockpiles that will be replenished by products made by American companies.

Last month, the United States provided Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles at Biden's direction, a senior administration official confirmed to ABC News. The missiles were first used last week in an attack on Crimea and another on Tuesday near Berdyansk, a United States official confirmed to ABC News.

ATACM missiles can generally can reach distances between 70 to 300 kilometers.

"America stands with our friends," Biden said. "We stand up against dictators. We bow to no one, to no one, certainly not Vladimir Putin."

Still, he swiped at "MAGA Republicans" for blocking aid for months while Ukrainian supplies ran low and Russia received help from Iran, North Korea and China.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Congress for the approval of the "vital aid," and emphasized how urgent the issue is.

"The key now is speed," he wrote in a statement posted to X. "The speed of implementing agreements with partners on the supply of weapons for our warriors. The speed of eliminating all Russian schemes to circumvent sanctions. The speed of finding political solutions to protect lives from Russian terror. Every leader who does not waste time is a life saver."

PHOTO: An airport vehicle pulls a portion of a shipment of weapons that include Javelin anti-tank missiles and other military hardware delivered on a National Airlines plane by the U.S. military at Boryspil Airport, Jan. 25, 2022, in Boryspil, Ukraine. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images, FILE)

The foreign aid package also includes $26 billion for Israel, currently at war with Hamas in Gaza, as well as $8 billion for allies in the Indo-Pacific. Plus, it includes sanctions on Russia, China and Iran as well as a provision to seize Russian assets to assist Ukraine in rebuilding after the war.

Also tucked into the package is a measure to force a U.S. ban of TikTok if its Chinese parent company doesn't divest from the app within a year, though the company is likely to sue to try to block the law.

Speaking on the Israel aid, Biden said his commitment to the defense of the Jewish state remained "ironclad" while also emphasizing the law includes $1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza. He said Israel must ensure the aid, including food, water and medicine, reaches Palestinian civilians "without delay."

MORE: Mike Johnson earns bipartisan praise for backing Ukraine aid, suggesting his speakership is safe

However, Biden lamented one thing not being included in the law: border security.

Republican hard-liners and Johnson had initially insisted foreign aid be tied to border policy changes, arguing more resources shouldn't be sent overseas without addressing domestic issues such as immigration. But then Johnson rejected a bipartisan deal that would have changed asylum laws, hired more immigration judges and more. After the compromise fell apart, the Senate passed its own foreign aid bill that languished in the House before Johnson last week forged ahead with individual votes on foreign aid with the help of Democrats.

"It was bipartisan. It should have been included in this bill and I'm determined to get it done for the American people," Biden said on Wednesday of the immigration proposal.

Closing his remarks, Biden thanked the top congressional leaders -- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries -- for eventually uniting on this issue.

"History will remember this moment for all the talk about how dysfunctional things are in Washington, when you look over the past three years, we see that time and again on the critical issues we've actually come together," he said.

ABC News' Selina Wang and Luis Martinez contributed to this report.

Biden says US to begin sending military equipment to Ukraine within 'hours' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Biden signed a bill to force a sale of TikTok or ban it. What's next?

President Joe Biden signed a bill Wednesday forcing TikTok to find a new owner within a year or face a ban  setting the course for whats likely to be a drawn-out legal battle with potential political costs for the president.

His endorsement capped a nearly four-year effort spanning two administrations to cut off Chinas access to the video app used by 170 million Americans.

The Senate voted Tuesday to pass the TikTok bill as part of a broader foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

A coming battle: "This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court, TikTok said in a statement after the president signed the bill. The company claims it violates the First Amendment rights of its users.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said in a video on the app, Rest assured, we arent going anywhere. We are confident and will keep fighting for your rights in the courts.

He said TikTok would remain available in the U.S. during the legal challenge.

Tik Tok has argued it is not a security threat. It says its parent company is not controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Chew said in January that TiKTok is investing $2 billion in trust and safety and stores all U.S.-based data in cloud servers owned by Oracle.

Courts have blocked previous efforts to ban TikTok in the U.S., including Trumps 2020 executive order to block the app.

The Biden administration and Congress say the bill is constitutionally sound because of threats from China. They say the Beijing government can demand U.S. user data from ByteDance under Chinese national security law, and that China pushes propaganda via the apps algorithms. In March, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a report that China used TikTok to influence the 2022 U.S. midterm elections.



How we got here: Bidens signature marked a dramatic turn in fortunes for a video app so popular that the commander in chief opened an account in February, with a campaign adviser telling POLITICO that it would use every tool we have to reach young voters where they are.

That public coup for TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, was short-lived.

In March, the House voted to force its sale within six months. At the time, a National Security Council spokesperson said Biden would sign the bill to address risks to Americans sensitive data and our broader national security.

As the Senate stalled, lawmakers agreed to a new version of the bill that extended the sale deadline to a year, which was enough to sway power brokers like Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).



Young voters: Bidens endorsement of the bill to force the sale of the app comes as his campaign appears to be losing ground with younger voters.

Aidan Kohn-Murphy, 20, who founded a nonprofit called TikTok for Biden in 2020, said a bill that could ban the app would be a total unforced error. Kohn-Murphy previously told POLITICO his group had changed its name to Gen Z for Change and had not yet endorsed the president for reelection.

A Biden adviser told POLITICO the campaign would remain on TikTok even after the president signed the law, and uses enhanced security measures to mitigate the app's risks.

The adviser rejected the idea that young people would abandon Biden because he supported forcing the sale or ban of TikTok. The deadline for the sale of the app will fall after the November vote.

Reducing young peoples vote down to the use of a social media app is unserious, inaccurate and insulting, the adviser said. Election after election, young people continue to show us they understand the stakes of this moment.

Former President Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok in 2020 before he defended the company publicly last month, blasted Biden on Monday. Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, he wrote on his platform Truth Social.


President Biden signed a bill Wednesday that could lead to a ban on TikTok, but the video-sharing app wont be cut off from its millions of American users just yet.

The bill moved unusually fast, getting signed into law by the president less than two months after it was first unveiled in the House. Bidens signing kicks into place a timeline for TikToks China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a ban from U.S. app stores and networks.

ByteDance will have up to a year to find a buyer, but the process is likely to be marred by Chinese rules dictating the export of technology and a court challenge from TikTok.

This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court, a TikTok spokesperson said in a statement.

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail, the spokesperson added.

Heres what to expect next as the law takes effect.

TikTok has up to a year to sell

The Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which was added to the foreign aid package Congress passed this week, would force ByteDance to divest TikTok or be banned in the U.S.

Supporters of the measure say TikTok poses national security concerns because of its ownership by a Chinese company, which they say exposes the sensitive data of American users to the Chinese government. TikTok has pushed back against those accusations.

Lawmakers who supported the bill said several classified Congressional briefings informed them of the risks posed by TikTok and its connection to the Chinese government through ByteDance.

The TikTok spokesperson said Wednesday the company has invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation.

Critics of the law said national and data security threats span across the industry and did not support a bill that named and targeted one company as a way to mitigate the issues.

The version that was included in the aid package extended the timeline for the sale from six months  as set in the version passed by the House in March  to 270 days. That would push the deadline to January, after the heated 2024 election.

The president also has the authority to issue a 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok, which would push the deadline to April of next year.

That extension was a crucial aspect that gave the bill more support among senators that were noncommittal about the bill initially, including Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).

But even with the extension, some critics of the bill have said it is not a long enough timeline for a sale of this size and argue the bill is ultimately ban, not an ultimatum, given the challenges around a sale.

Given the average length to sell a company is over a year, the new, longer timeline for a forced sale still doesnt guarantee enough time to find a buyer for such a large company, making a ban just as likely as with the last bill, Jenna Leventoff, the American Civil Liberties Unions senior policy counsel for the First Amendment, said in a statement.

Who would buy TikTok, and would it be the same?

Supporters of the bill insist the bill is not an outright ban, despite how the company describes it, since it gives ByteDance the ability to let the app live on with a different owner.

We hope TikTok will continue, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said in a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday before the final vote, but only if it is not controlled by country defined as an adversary by U.S. law.

WedBush Securities analysts said in a memo Tuesday the likely buyers for TikTok would be Microsoft or Oracle, which was involved with the TikToks Project Texas, an attempt by TikTok to ease concerns by putting U.S. data in U.S.-based Oracle servers, and strategically would make a logical fit.

A number of private equity and consortiums would also clearly put together bids for this asset with Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin among many that have shown early interest for this key asset, the analysts said in the memo.

But Chinas export control rules are a crucial hurdle that could muddy the process of another company purchasing the app and how it continues to operate after a potential sale.

The rules, updated in 2020, include restrictions on the sale of specific technologies such as algorithms without government approval. China will likely try to block the sale of TikToks algorithm itself, said Stephen Weymouth, an associate professor Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business.

The value of TikTok is the algorithm, and its not obvious who would be interested in buying TikTok if the algorithm doesnt come with it. Youre buying a brand rather than an actual useful app, Weymouth said.

If a sale without the algorithm went through, that would also mean the TikTok that remained could be different from the app that users, creators and small businesses are used to and have been pushing Congress and the president to keep in place.

Court challenge could block law, drag out timeline

A lawsuit could also tie up a potential ban and possibly drag out the 270-day deadline imposed by the legislation.

TikTok, along with some advocacy groups and progressive lawmakers, say the law impedes on free speech rights. That seems to be TikToks central argument as it prepares a court challenge.

This ban would devastate 7 million businesses and silence 170 million Americans. As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired, the TikTok spokesperson said in a statement.

TikTok has been successful before at blocking attempts to ban the app, both under the Trump administration and in an attempt by Montana.

Weymouth said the latest bans focus on national security concerns, however, may lead to a different outcome in court.

Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), the top lawmakers on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said when they first introduced the bill in March that they aimed to get it around issues other attempts have faced in courts.

For example, instead of only naming TikTok and ByteDance, the bill also grants authority for the president to designate other apps as foreign adversary controlled applications. It also offered the window of time for the sale instead of being drafted as an outright ban, as other attempts had been.

The federal law may also have a better chance than a state law like Montanas, because federal legislation is more likely to be seen by the courts both as responding to an addressing national security concerns, Justin Hurwitz, a senior fellow and academic director of the University of Pennsylvanias Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition, said in an email.

The government has a pretty good claim that the law is written to address a compelling government interest, which is a key question for First Amendment analysis. The harder question is whether this law is an effective and narrowly tailored way to address these concerns, Hurwitz added.

Updated at 12:43 p.m. EDT

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
kinjavideo-196737

President Joe Biden signed a massive $95 million military aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan on Tuesday night. The package was signed against the backdrop of mass protests on college campuses, most notably at Columbia University, where students are demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

But nestled inside the package was another provision certain to be unpopular with younger voters  a likely ban on the popular social media app TikTok.

The legislation gives TikToks parent company ByteDance, roughly nine months to sell the company, or the popular app will be banned in the United States. Democrats such as Senator Tim Kaine (R-VA) have argued that the sale is necessary to protect U.S. privacy and that the Chinese government will approve the sale. TikTok aint going away. There is no more capitalistic entity than an organization controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Theyre going to sell it, Kaine told NBC News.However, experts told CNBC that its highly unlikely that the Chinese government would approve the sale.

The Root spoke to Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) about the potential TikTok ban last month. I believe in regulation, but I believe in the type of regulation that is fair and across the board, said Lee. You dont single out one company.

Lee argued that Congress has a vested interest in regulating social media companies, noting the documented connection between social media usage and suicide in children. However, what theyre doing now is short sighted.

If youre going to start banning social media and dealing with First Amendment issues then youve got to look at the whole picture, she said.

When Would a Ban Go Into Effect?

Presuming ByteDance doesnt sell to a U.S.-based company, the earliest a ban would go into effect would be in January 2025, meaning the ban wouldnt be active until after the 2024 election (read into that whatever you want).

Biden is also permitted to extend the deadline by an additional 30 days. And TikTok has threatened legal action  which could extend the deadline even further.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

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The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

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The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire, and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse, and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression, and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 18:44 | All, Japan, World

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to announce his intention to strengthen support for protection of the Amazon rainforest during his visit to Brazil in early May, government sources said Wednesday.

The measures are centered on financial contributions and assistance for regenerating degraded farmland to prevent deforestation and promote the development of sustainable agricultural landscapes, the sources said.

Kishida, who is scheduled to visit Brazil next week, is expected to sign a comprehensive cooperative agreement on climate change, decarbonization and other environmental issues when he meets with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the sources added.

His visit to the Latin American nation would come as Japan has been seeking to deepen relations with developing and emerging countries, collectively dubbed the "Global South," among which Brazil is viewed as one of the key players, along with India and Indonesia.

Brazil is slated to host the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP30, in 2025. Lula has been eager to take steps to save the Amazon rainforest, called the "lungs of the Earth."

Regarding food security, Japan imports a variety of agricultural products from Brazil, including soybeans and corn.

Kishida may promise to utilize cutting-edge agricultural technologies in Brazil to boost productivity through programs provided by the government-sponsored Japan International Cooperation Agency, according to the sources.

The Japanese leader's upcoming six-day tour through May 6 will also include visits to neighboring Paraguay as well as France, the sources said.

Related coverage:

Japan's Kishida, Indonesia's Pres.-elect Prabowo agree on deeper ties

Japan, Poland mark centennial of Polish orphans' rescue from Siberia

Japan, India top diplomats vow closer ties amid China's rise
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Missouri Independent.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Nevada Current.
President Joe Biden on April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, signed into law foreign aid that includes $60.84 billion in assistance for Ukraine. In this photo, Biden delivers remarks about Russias unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of neighboring Ukraine in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan emergency spending law Wednesday to provide an additional $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending months of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and public pleas for Congress to approve the funding.

The package also included a measure requiring the popular app TikTok be sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a possible ban.

It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said of the spending. But in the end, we did what America always does  we rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done.

The foreign aid funding, he said, was not just an investment in the security of American allies but of the United States itself.

Were sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then well replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America, Biden said. Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Biden reiterated that Americas commitment to Israel is ironclad and that he would ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists that it supports.

He also called on Israel to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza, who are suffering the consequences of this war that Hamas started.

Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, Biden said. And everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing these hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

The Pentagon announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine minutes after Biden signed the law that includes air defense interceptors, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons.

Six months of fighting over assistance

Congress has spent the last six months debating the best way to pass the aid, after Biden sent an emergency spending request to lawmakers in October.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate insisted that changes to border security and immigration laws accompany the military and humanitarian assistance.

Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy and Arizona independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema huddled for months before reaching a deal.

But former Republican President Donald Trump urged GOP lawmakers to block the bill from advancing in the Senate amid concerns that it would provide a win to the Biden administration in a policy area that weighs heavily for many voters.

After Senate Republicans blocked a package that included the bipartisan border security bill, that chamber moved to pass a $95 billion emergency spending package with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

That measure passed in February, but spent the next two months stalled in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, held a series of meetings on whether that chamber should act.

Johnson ultimately decided to move forward, releasing four bills that would each receive separate votes, before being bundled as one package and sent to the Senate.

The $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan was strikingly similar to the Senate bill with an exception that economic aid for Ukraine be categorized as a forgivable loan.

The House voted Saturday to approve all four bills on broadly bipartisan votes and the Senate voted Tuesday night to send the package to Bidens desk.

House GOP leaders added a measure to the emergency spending bills  called the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act  that wrapped together numerous bills, including the one that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app within one year or face a possible ban within the United States.

Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chairwoman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said Tuesday that she found it disturbing the Chinese government used TikTok to repeatedly access U.S. user data and track multiple journalists covering the company.

As of December 2023, an analysis by Rutgers University found that TikTok posts mentioning topics that are sensitive to the Chinese Government, including Tiananmen Square, Uighurs, and the Dalai Lama were significantly less prevalent on TikTok than on Instagram, the most comparable social media, Cantwell said.

Foreign policy issues disfavored by China and Russian Governments also had fewer hashtags on TikTok, such as pro-Ukraine or pro-Israel hashtags, she added.

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday that it is not hard to imagine how a platform that facilitates so much commerce, political discourse and social debate could be covertly manipulated to serve the goals of an authoritarian regime, one with a long track record of censorship, transnational oppression and promotion of disinformation.

The post Biden signs $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan into law appeared first on Kentucky Lantern.
President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday a $95 billion war aid measure that includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and that also has a provision that would force social media site TikTok to be sold or be banned in the U.S.

The announcement marks an end to a long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine.

We rose to the moment. we came together. and we got it done, Biden said at a White House event to announce the signing. Now we need to move fast, and we are,

But significant damage has been done to the Biden administrations effort to help Ukraine repel Russias brutal invasion during the funding impasse that dates back to August when the Democratic president made his first emergency spending request for Ukraine aid. Even with a burst of new weapons and ammunition, it is unlikely Ukraine will immediately recover after months of setbacks.

Biden also signed an initial aid package of military assistance and said the shipment would begin in the next few hours  the first tranche from about $61 billion allocated for Ukraine, according to U.S. officials. It is expected to include air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other weapons to shore up Ukrainian forces who have seen morale sink as Russian President Vladimir Putin has racked up win after win.

But longer term, it remains uncertain if Ukraine  after months of losses in Eastern Ukraine and sustaining massive damage to its infrastructure  can make enough progress to sustain American political support before burning through the latest influx of money.

Its not going in the Ukrainians favor in the Donbas, certainly not elsewhere in the country, said White House national security spokesman John Kirby, referring to the eastern industrial heartland where Ukraine has suffered setbacks. Mr. Putin thinks he can play for time. So weve got to try to make up some of that time.

Tucked into the measure is a provision that gives TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell it or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States. The president can grant a one-time extension of 90 days, bringing the timeline to sell to one year, if he certifies that theres a path to divestiture and significant progress toward executing it.

The administration and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have called the social media site a growing national security concern.

TikTok said will wage a legal challenge against what it called an unconstitutional effort by Congress..

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail, the company said in a statement. The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans.

Biden underscored that the bill also includes a surge of humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza suffering as the Israel-Hamas war continues.

Biden said Israel must ensure the humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the bill reaches Gaza without delay.

Russia now appears focused on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city. Russian forces have exploited air defense shortages in the city, pummeling the regions energy infrastructure, and looking to shape conditions for a potential summer offensive to seize the city.

House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote on the supplemental aid package for months as members of his partys far-right wing, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky threatened to move to oust him if he allowed a vote to send more assistance to Ukraine. Those threats persist.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell suggested his fellow Republicans holding up the funding could have a lasting impact on Ukraines hopes of winning the war.

Make no mistake: Delay in providing Ukraine the weapons to defend itself has strained the prospects of defeating Russian aggression, McConnell said Tuesday. Dithering and hesitation have compounded the challenges we face.

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 presidential GOP nominee, has complained that European allies have not done enough for Ukraine. While he stopped short of endorsing the supplemental funding package, his tone has shifted in recent days, acknowledging that Ukraines survival is important to the United States.

Indeed, many European leaders have long been nervous that a second Trump presidency would mean decreased U.S. support for Ukraine and for the NATO military alliance. The European anxiety was heightened in February when Trump in a campaign speech warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to countries that dont meet defense spending goals if he returns to the White House.

It was a key moment in the debate over Ukraine spending. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg quickly called out Trump for putting American and European soldiers at increased risk. Biden days later called Trumps comments dangerous and un-American and accused Trump of playing into Putins hands.

But in reality, the White House maneuvering to win additional funding for Ukraine started months earlier.

Biden, the day after returning from a whirlwind trip to Tel Aviv following Hamas militants stunning Oct. 7 attack on Israel, used a rare prime-time address to make his pitch for the supplemental funding.

At the time, the House was in chaos because the Republican majority had been unable to select a speaker to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, who had been ousted more than two weeks earlier. McCarthys reckoning with the GOPs far-right came after he agreed earlier in the year to allow federal spending levels that many in his right flank disagreed with and wanted undone.

Far-right Republicans have also adamantly opposed sending more money to Ukraine, with the war appearing to have no end in sight. Biden in August requested more than $20 billion to keep aid flowing into Ukraine, but the money was stripped out of a must-pass spending bill even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington to make a personal plea for continued U.S. backing.

By late October, Republicans finally settled on Johnson, a low-profile Louisiana Republican whose thinking on Ukraine was opaque, to serve as the next speaker. Biden during his congratulatory call with Johnson urged him to quickly pass Ukraine aid and began a months-long, largely behind-the-scenes effort to bring the matter to a vote.

In private conversations with Johnson, Biden and White House officials leaned into the stakes for Europe if Ukraine were to fall to Russia. Five days after Johnson was formally elected speaker, national security adviser Jake Sullivan outlined to him the administrations strategy on Ukraine and assured him that accountability measures were in place in Ukraine to track where the aid was going  an effort to address a common complaint from conservatives.

On explicit orders from Biden himself, White House officials also avoided directly attacking Johnson over the stalled aid  a directive the president repeatedly instilled in his senior staff.

For his part, Johnson came off to White House officials as a direct and honest actor throughout the negotiations, according to a senior administration official. Biden had success finding common ground with Republicans earlier in his term to win the passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure deal, legislation to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry, and an expansion of federal health care services for veterans exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits. And he knew there was plenty of Republican support for further Ukraine funding.

At frustrating moments during the negotiations, Biden urged his aides to just keep talking, keep working, according to the official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

So they did. In a daily meeting convened by White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, the presidents top aides  seated around a big oval table in Zients office  would brainstorm possible ways to better make the case about Ukraines dire situation in the absence of aid.

Steve Ricchetti, counselor to the president, and legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff was in regular contact with Johnson. Goff and Johnsons senior staff also spoke frequently as a deal came into focus.

The White House also sought to accommodate Johnson and his various asks. For instance, administration officials at the speakers request briefed Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C.  two conservatives who were persistent antagonists of Johnson.

All the while, senior Biden officials frequently updated McConnell as well as key Republican committee leaders, including Reps. Michael McCaul and Mike Turner.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Bidens instincts to resist pressuring Johnson proved correct.

Joe Biden has a very good sense of when to heavily intervene and when to try to shape things, Schumer said.

In public, the administration deployed a strategy of downgrading intelligence that demonstrated Russias efforts to tighten its ties with U.S. adversaries China, North Korea, and Iran to fortify Moscows defense industrial complex and get around U.S. and European sanctions.

For example, U.S. officials this month laid out intelligence findings that showed China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics, and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft, and other weaponry. Earlier, the White House publicized intelligence that Russia has acquired ballistic missiles from North Korea and has acquired attack drones from Iran.

The $61 billion can help triage Ukrainian forces, but Kyiv will need much more for a fight that could last years, military experts say.

Realistic goals for the months ahead for Ukraine  and its allies  include avoiding the loss of major cities, slowing Russias momentum and getting additional weaponry to Kyiv that could help them go on the offensive in 2025, said Bradley Bowman, a defense strategy and policy analyst at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies in Washington.

In our microwave culture, we tend to want immediate results, Bowman said. And sometimes things are just hard and you cant get immediate results. I think Ukrainian success is not guaranteed, but Russian success is if we stop supporting Ukraine.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 21:06 | All, Japan

An All Nippon Airways aircraft carrying a total of 213 people landed safely at an airport in Hokkaido in northern Japan on Wednesday after a hydraulic system issue was detected.

The airline said oil leaked from the Boeing 787 plane, which had departed from Tokyo's Haneda airport and landed at New Chitose Airport, resulting in what appears to be white smoke, possibly due to the oil vaporizing as it neared the engines. There were no reports of injuries, according to authorities.

The airport notified local firefighters of the incident at around 5:35 p.m., but they did not have to hose water on the plane as the smoke reported initially was no longer seen after the aircraft landed.

The airport briefly suspended the use of its two runways but resumed operations around 10 minutes later for the one not used for the landing. The plane was later towed to an airport apron.
US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that offers about US$61 billion in new military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help to other US allies.

Source: Biden during a special briefing, as European Pravda reported

Quote from Biden: "Its a good day for America, its a good day for Europe and its a good day for world peace, for real This is consequential. Its gonna make America safer. Its gonna make the world safer," Biden stressed.

Details: Besides aid to Ukraine, the signed package contains US$26 billion for Israel, US$1 billion for humanitarian aid to Gaza and US$8 billion to counteract Chinas military power.

Background:

On 23 April, the Senate finally adopted a legislative package that includes about US$61 billion in new military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help to other US allies.

American media reported that after the bill is adopted, Ukraine's next package of US military aid, likely worth US$1 billion, might include long-range ATACMS missiles.

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Biden signs foreign aid bill. What happens next?

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Joe Bidens signature on the $95 billion national security package Wednesday is already sending more weapons to Ukraine.

We need to move fast, and we are, President Biden said after signing the measure the Senate passed Tuesday night.

I find this amazing, the president added. There are reports of cheers breaking out in the trenches.

Congress approved more than $60 billion in the package for Ukraine. The first shipment includes air defense capabilities, artillery rounds and armored vehicles.

President Biden said the funding supports jobs at home.

Patriot missiles made in Arizona, javelins made in Alabama, artillery shells made in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, he said.

The president said it also keeps American troops out of the conflict.

To stop Putin from drawing the United States into a war in Europe and into the future, he said.

Republicans made that same argument to win over GOP holdouts who opposed additional funding for Ukraine.

We make America stronger when our allies know they can count on our promises, said Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Thats why Wicker also supports the packages funding for Israel, about $26 billion. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) stressed it includes vital humanitarian relief for millions of Palestinians.

We have to bring the conflict in Gaza to an end, Warner said.

President Biden called on Israel to act.

Israel must make sure all of this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, he said.

The package also includes a measure to force the sale of TikTok. The companys CEO promised Wednesday to fight the potential ban in court.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) receives US President Joe Biden at the Presidential Palace ahead of their meeting. Biden said fresh military aid will begin flowing to Ukraine "in the next few hours" after he signed into law a bill that provides for billions of dollars in new spending to support Ukraine's fight against Russian forces. -/Ukrainian Presidency/dpa

US President Joe Biden said fresh military aid will begin flowing to Ukraine "in the next few hours" after he signed into law a hard-fought bill that provides for billions of dollars in new spending to support Ukraine's fight against Russia.

"I'm making sure the shipments start right away. In the next few hours - literally in a few hours - we are going to begin sending equipment to Ukraine for air defence munitions, for artillery for rocket systems, and armoured vehicles," he said at the White House.

Biden said replenishing Ukraine's inventories of US weapons was an investment "not only in Ukraine's security" but also Europe's and "our own."

Biden warned that if Ukraine fails, Russian President Vladimir Putin's next step could be a "direct attack" on a NATO ally: "We'd have no choice but to come to their aid. Just like our NATO allies came to our aid after the September 11 attacks."

Senators in the US Congress gave their approval for a $61-billion aid package for Ukraine after the House of Representatives gave its OK following months of political wrangling and strident opposition from far-right Republicans.

Little material support had been given to Kiev from Washington since late last year due to the deadlock, despite urgent pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"America stands with our friends, we stand up against dictators, we bow to no one, to no one  certainly not Vladimir Putin," Biden said, although he noted that aid package should have arrived at his desk "sooner."

The billions in security assistance approved by Congress and signed by Biden include funds to increase the number of weapons and ammunition in the US military's inventory.

This money therefore only goes indirectly to Ukraine, as the US usually equips Kiev with equipment from its own stocks - which is often quicker than ordering new equipment from the defence industry.

Biden said on Wednesday that Ukraine will once again receive military equipment from US stockpiles.

Other parts of the package are earmarked for financial assistance, partly in the form of loans.

The text of the legislation also urges the delivery of long-range ATACMS missile systems. To date, the US has delivered ATACMS with a range of around 165 kilometres, however Ukraine wants ones with a range of 300 kilometres.

Biden and Zelensky spoke on the phone on Monday. Afterwards, Zelensky said that details on the delivery of more ATACMS had been "finalized." He did not specify which model the US would supply.

Republican hardliners in Congress vehemently oppose further US aid for Ukraine, arguing that taxpayers' money should first and foremost be spent on protecting the country's own border with Mexico.
President Biden on Wednesday signed the $95 billion emergency foreign aid package, calling out MAGA Republicans for the holdup to send aid to Ukraine.

Its a good day for America, its a good day for Europe, and its a good day for world peace, Biden said when announcing he signed the legislation. Its going to make America safer, its going to make the world safer, and it continues Americas leadership in the world and everyone knows it.

The Senate approved a package that includes $61 billion for Ukraine, $15 billion in military aid for Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war-torn areas and $8 billion in security assistance to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific on Tuesday after the House passed a package of bills this weekend.

To my desk, it was a difficult path. It should have been easier, and it should have gotten there sooner. But in the end, we did what America always does; we rose to the moment, came together and we got it done, Biden said.

For months, while MAGA Republicans were blocking aid, Ukraines been running out of artillery shells and ammunition. Meanwhile, Putins friends are keeping him well supplied, he added, calling out Iran, North Korea and China for helping Russia ramp up air strikes.

Biden noted there were reports of cheers from Ukraine as they watched the House vote in support of its military operation Saturday, adding its not like they dont understand what weve done.

The president said the U.S. will start sending equipment to Ukraine in the next few hours from the U.S. stockpile. He noted the U.S. will replenish its stockpile by making equipment at home, which he argued in turn creates jobs.

And, he noted the vital support the legislation provides for Israel and said his commitment to Israel is ironclad.

We will always make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorists it supports, he said, adding the aid intends to prevent Iran from carrying out the destruction it intended 10 days ago.

Biden said the bill significantly increases humanitarian assistance, sending $1 billion in aid to Gaza, adding that Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza.

Passage of the legislation comes as Biden faces increasing pressure from other Democrats, activists, Arab and Muslim Americans, and young people to call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Hundreds are protesting on college campuses this week, with demonstrations at Columbia University leading to arrests and the school making classes remote for the rest of the semester.

The president on Wednesday also noted the foreign aid package doesnt include border security, which was part of the initial $111 billion national security package requested by Biden last year.

It should have been included in this bill, and Im determined to get it done for the American people, Biden said.

The legislation also includes language to force the Chinese owner of TikTok to divest from the popular app, which more than 140 million Americans use, or face a ban within the United States.

Biden noted the bill passed through bipartisan measures and said that during the time of division, Congress has been able to come together on the critical issues.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Recorded earlier

President Biden will deliver remarks related to the aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other foreign priorities Wednesday morning. The president has said he will sign the legislation.

The quartet of bills is the result of months of negotiations between leaders of both parties, and an internecine fight within the GOP that has threatened to boot Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) from his post.

In addition to military aid to Ukraine and Israel, the package includes support for Taiwan and a new ultimatum to TikTok parent company ByteDance that it must divest itself of the popular social network.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden (Getty Images)

The two races at the top of the primary ballot for Democrats and Republicans were already decided before Pennsylvanians headed to the polls on Tuesday, but the Associated Press made it official in Pennsylvania just after polls closed at 8 p.m.

President Joe Biden was projected to win the Democratic primary, with 93.1% of the vote as of 10:27 p.m. Tuesday.Former President Donald Trump was projected to win the GOP primary, with 83.3% of the vote at 10:27 p.m. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race shortly after Super Tuesday in March, won 1.67% of the votes in Pennsylvanias GOP primary.

The two now march on to a 2024 rematch in November.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Republican challenger David McCormick were the only candidates to appear on their partys primary ballot for U.S. Senate.

And with the primary election nearly in the rearview mirror for Pennsylvania, both races have already shifted their focus towards the general election.

Biden stopped in Scranton, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia last week in a series of campaign events highlighting his support for a change to the nations current tax policies, promoting his administrations support of building trade unions, and to celebrate endorsements he received from several members of the Kennedy family. After Thursdays appearance in Philadelphia, he has now made seven trips to the Keystone State in 2024.

Trump has made four visits to Pennsylvania so far this year, with his most recent appearance on April 13 for a fundraiser in Bucks County and a rally in the Lehigh Valley.

Political observers will be keeping an eye on the final vote tally for Biden and Trump on Tuesday, with some tracking whether an initiative to write in uncommitted on their ballots as a protest against Bidens policy on the war in Gaza, has any significant impact.

Republican David McCormick (l) and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey are vying for Pennsylvanias U.S. Senate seat (Capital-Star composite image)

Casey, who is seeking a fourth term in office and is once again unopposed for the Democratic Party nomination, held a press call on Saturday where he detailed the differences between himself and McCormick. Casey is currently on a week-long bus tour across the state promoting his candidacy.

Unlike in 2022, when McCormick came up less than 1,000 votes short of earning the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate against Mehmet Oz, he doesnt have to prepare himself for a long night watching returns on Tuesday.

McCormick has also been traveling around the commonwealth campaigning against Casey and will be on a bus tour along with the other Pennsylvania GOP endorsed statewide candidates on Wednesday and Thursday.

Casey and McCormick have been on Pennsylvanias television airwaves since March with multiple ads and both campaigns have already raised millions of dollars, setting up for an expensive showdown in November.

Recent polling shows Biden and Trump neck and neck for Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes, while Casey has an edge over McCormick at this point in the campaign.

This is a developing story and will be updated

The post Biden vs Trump and Casey vs McCormick set for Pennsylvania general election appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
Florida A&M University officials along with students and staff break ground on FAMU's future 700-bed residence hall on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Florida A&M University broke ground this week on what will be its new 700-bed student residence hall by fall 2025.

FAMU officials along with students and staff wore white hard hats and dug their shovels into the dirt of what was formerly the universitys gravel parking lot at Osceola Street and South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

This is another great things moment at FAMU, heralding the era of a new state-of-the-art residence hall for our students, FAMU President Larry Robinson told the Democrat.

FAMU President Larry Robinson.

The building will cost $97.5 million, which the university secured in February through a 30-year federal loan from the U.S. Department of Educations Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Capital Financing Program, which funded FAMU Towers in 2018.

When we think about student success, housing is an important aspect of that, FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper said on the future buildings site Tuesday afternoon.

FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper.

The student housing initiative is a part of FAMUs overall effort to foster student success both academically and socially. The universitys on-campus bed count will increase to more than 3,000 beds as it strives toward having 4,000 on-campus beds in the next few years through its master plan.

This is indeed a great day to expand our footprint, house more students and create more student success for the future generation of Rattlers that will be right here on the highest of seven hills, Harper said.

Central Florida-based design and building company FINFROCK Construction, LLC is the housing projects contractor, architect, structural engineer and general contractor and is also the same company that constructed the FAMU Towers buildings on campus.

Similar to FAMU Towers, the 700-bed residence hall will consist of two four-story buildings made up of 350-double occupancy bedrooms, each with a shared bathroom.

Architectural drawing of Florida A&M University's new 700-bed housing project set to open in fall 2025.

FINFROCK Construction President William Finfrock, who attended the universitys groundbreaking event Tuesday, says he values the opportunity that students have of living on campus and is excited to repeat the project at FAMU.

FAMU is 100% right about freshmen coming in and getting culturized on campus to produce better results in the long run, said Finfrock, who lived on campus when he went to college. Im really thrilled to pay this forward and to help more students get that experience.

FAMUs other student housing projects on the horizon include a 500-bed residence hall at the former Gibbs Hall and Paddyfote Complex sites on Wahnish Way and a mixed-use apartment complex with 800 beds at the former Palmetto North site.

To me, living on campus is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, FAMU Student Government Association Vice President Jeffrey Francis said. Theres something to do here every single day, so having more on-campus housing allows more students to be a part of this exciting environment.

FAMU Student Government Association Vice President Jeffrey Francis.

Besides the FAMU community, Florida State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues also attended the Tuesday event to celebrate the universitys sitework construction.

To have another residence hall on campus to provide opportunities for an additional 700 students to be here on campus is fitting, Rodrigues said. Its a big deal.

Florida Board of Governors Chancellor Ray Rodrigues.

Here is a schedule of remaining steps in the 700-bed residence hall project while construction is underway:

January 2025: Provide permanent electricity supply, building conditioning

June 2025: Finalize closeout portion of construction, obtain Certificate of Occupancy

July 2025: Complete residence hall

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on X: @tarahjean_.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU's new 700-bed residence hall construction is underway on campus
Russias deputy defense minister was arrested Wednesday just hours after attending a meeting of top military brass, according to federal investigators.

Timur Ivanov is officially charged with accepting a massive bribebut some sources say thats just for show.

The bribethats for the public. So far they dont want to talk publicly about treason, its a big scandal. After all, its the deputy minister of defense, one unnamed source close to the Federal Security Service told the independent Russian news outlet iStories.

No one would have detained him for corruption. Everyone there [in the Kremlin] knew about that for a long time. Putin gave the command after it became clear that this was precisely a matter of treason, another source was quoted as saying.

Details on the charges against Ivanov were not immediately clear. But the deputy defense minister was reportedly involved in a whole string of shady dealings, including enriching himself off the war against Ukraine through building contracts in the ravaged port city of Mariupol, according to a report by the investigative outlet Dossier.

Ivanov was also reportedly one of many clamoring to scoop up assets left behind by Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin after the warlord suffered a violent, fiery death in a plane crash last year. Prigozhin had reportedly feuded openly with Ivanov, even in the presence of Vladimir Putin, calling him an embezzler.

It is perhaps no surprise then that Ivanov is widely seen as a close ally of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who quite literally had a target on his back as the Wagner Group gained power in the war against Ukraine.

One unnamed source quoted by the well-connected VChK-OGPU Telegram channel said Ivanovs arrest is a catastrophic blow to Shoigu. Another source was quoted as telling the channel that the identity of the bribe-giver in Ivanovs case would make everything clear.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A neighbors dispute over a bicycle ends in a tragedy.

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On Monday, a DeKalb County jury found Alphonso Watts, 53, guilty of shooting and killing Darryl Halden, 35. The murder stems from an incident that occurred on August 16, 2020.

DeKalb County police were called to an apartment complex on Friendly Heights Boulevard in unincorporated Decatur and found Halden lying near a dumpster.

Officers said Halden was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

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DeKalb investigators said Watts was seen on surveillance video leaving the apartment building around 7:31 p.m. and seconds later, the same camera captured Halden as he walked out of the building carrying two bags of trash. Halden lived in the apartment above Watts.

Halden wasnt seen again, but Watts was spotted leaving the dumpster area around 7:31 p.m., according to DeKalb officials.

Residents at the complex reportedly told investigators that Watts had been involved in a dispute with the victim because Halden had stored his bicycle in the hallway of the building.

According to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Bostons Office, residents told investigators that Watts believed Halden was spying on him through his smoke detector.

The DAs office said Watts told DeKalb investigators during an interview, that he believed someone had been watching him through the smoke detectors in his ceiling.

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On Monday, Watts was found guilty of malice murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Shondeana Morris sentenced Watts to serve life in prison plus 15 years.

IN OTHER NEWS:
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 21:53 | All, Japan

More than 40 percent of Japanese municipalities are likely to see the number of their young female residents drop by more than half in the 30 years through 2050 as the country's population rapidly declines, a study by private-sector experts' panel showed Wednesday.

The panel on population strategy warned that 744 municipalities were deemed at "risk of disappearing" due to the likely sharp fall in the number of women in their 20s to 30s, regarded as the core generation responsible for bearing children.

The localities considered in danger are those where the local governments would struggle to operate due to a population decline.

The latest projection marks an improvement from a similar study released in 2014 by the Japan Policy Council, which estimated that 896 municipalities, or 49.8 percent of the overall number, would see their young female populations decline in 2040 by more than half from levels in 2010.

However, the panel pointed out that an increase in foreign residents led to the improvement and warned, "The trend of a falling birthrate has not changed at all."

It urged local authorities in the 744 municipalities in question and the central government to take measures to enhance the birthrate and prevent the outflow of people.

The latest projection was based on an estimate of population by region released by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research in December.

Related coverage:

Japan's population falls for 13th straight year, pinned below 125 million

Record 3.4 million foreign residents in Japan as work visas rise

Japan births at record low, population down by largest margin in 2023
Abortion rights supporters rally in Scottsdale, Ariz., on April 15 after the state's Supreme Court ruled that a 160-year-old near-total ban on abortion in is enforceable. Proposed legislation in the California Legislature would allow Arizona doctors to perform abortions on women from that state who come to California for care. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images)

Arizona abortion providers could practice in California under a new law designed to provide care to women who cross the state line as they face newly restrictive prohibitions at home.

The bill introduced Wednesday aims to expedite temporary authorization for those Arizona doctors to practice in both states. It is the latest move by Gov. Gavin Newsom to make California a reproductive health "sanctuary" as abortion seekers in several Republican-led states have lost access to care after the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022. The bill would also protect the privacy of medical professionals who practice in California.

"We are putting the boxing gloves on to protect women's rights," said Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) at a morning news conference. "The state of California has the authority to stand strong for Arizona and their doctors."

Newsom also attended the news conference alongside members of the women's caucus and healthcare leaders. The legislation was introduced by Skinner and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), the chair and vice chair of the women's caucus, respectively.

"Arizona law is the first border state law that will directly impact California," Newsom said. He cited a report that said abortion access in states that border a state that has banned access increased 37% from 2020 to 2023. "This is not an academic exercise. This is real life. This is happening in real time."

Newsom cited a recent report that found that 160,000 people across this country had to flee their states to access reproductive care last year. An additional 65,000 women who were raped became pregnant in 14 of the most restrictive states, he said.

"We are trying to get ahead of this law which goes into effect on June 8," Newsom said of the Arizona ban.

The proposal would temporarily allow licensed Arizona doctors to perform abortions and provide related care to Arizona patients traveling to California until the end of November. The Arizona doctors would be under the oversight of Californias Medical Board and Osteopathic Medical Board.

The legislation, which if passed and signed by the governor would go into effect immediately, comes after the Arizona Supreme Court voted this month to impose a near total abortion ban, reinstating a law from 1864 that prohibits abortions except when the womans life is at risk.

Arizona Republicans continue to put women in danger  embracing a draconian law passed when Arizona was a territory, not even a state," Newsom said in a statement released Wednesday morning. "California will not sit idly by."

The Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a proposal to repeal the state's near-total ban on abortions, though that was just the first step in the legislative process. The Arizona Senate is not expected to take a final vote on the proposal until May.

The governor is working with the state Legislature's California Womens Caucus to pass the bill.

California saw a surge in abortions after the Supreme Court reversed Roe, and now clinics are bracing for more after the latest Arizona ruling.

The bill is likely to pass with ease with Newsom's support but is sure to reignite criticisms from Republican lawmakers who say the Democratic governor  widely viewed as a future presidential candidate  should focus more on California's crises, including a budget deficit and surging homelessness, and less on out-of-state policies.

The bill joins a litany of abortion measures that Newsom and California's Democratic supermajority have approved in recent years  not just to enhance care in the Golden State but to provide support to nonresidents facing limited care nationwide.

Last year, Newsom signed a bill into law to allow doctors living under hostile laws in states where abortion is banned to receive training in California.

Earlier this week, at a news conference in Modesto, Newsom said abortion access rollbacks have "placed a burden" on California's healthcare system, especially in Imperial, Riverside and San Diego counties, where clinics have seen an increase in out-of-state patients, including those from Arizona and Texas.

On Sunday, Newsom launched another round of TV advertisements that call out red state antiabortion laws, this time to be aired in Alabama and focusing on proposals that aim to punish women for interstate travel to obtain services.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis on June 24, 2022 (Tessa Weinberg/Missouri Independent).

A bill that would make Missouri the fourth state to ban Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood is on its way to the governor.

On Wednesday, the Missouri House in a vote down party lines approved legislation that would end Medicaid reimbursements to any health centers affiliated with abortion providers. Republicans are confident theyve landed on a strategy that will finally stick after two failed attempts to pass a similar restriction through the state budget were struck down by state courts.

This legislation, originally filed by Republican state Rep, Cody Smith of Carthage, is nearly identical to a bill filed by state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, a Republican from Arnold, which was blocked by a Democratic filibuster in February.

Senate Democrats filibustered for more than 11 hours earlier this month, arguing that the legislation will harm Missouris low-income patients. The filibuster was eventually abandoned when Republicans agreed to take out a provision that also would have ended contracts with organizations founded by eugenicists.

Democrats arguing in opposition to the bill on Wednesday said the states health care safety net cannot reasonably support the thousands of Medicaid patients who could be displaced from Planned Parenthood for procedures like contraceptive care, STI testing, cancer screenings and wellness checks.

Youve said they can just go somewhere else, but you havent told us where you think theyre just going to go, said Deb Lavender, a Democrat from Manchester, adding that this years state budget does not include additional spending for safety net clinics across the state.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, a Springfield Democrat running for governor, called the legislation an act of petty vengeance that will have a devastating impact on women.

Republicans stood by their long-held stance that no state funds should go to organizations affiliated with abortion providers.

Missouri was the first state to outlaw abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022. From June 2022 through 2023, there were 52 abortions performed in Missouri under the states emergency exemption, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

None took place at Missouri Planned Parenthood clinics; however, Planned Parenthood clinics in the neighboring states of Kansas and Illinois still provide abortions.

We are speaking about the absolute termination and destruction of an individual human life, said state Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood. That life that is growing inside is human.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood of St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, which have clinics in Missouri, said in a statement immediately following the vote that they will continue trying to serve all patients, no matter what.

Missouris safety net clinics

The legislation approved Wednesday is Republican lawmakers third attempt in recent years to end Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood. Twice before, they tried and failed to cut Planned Parenthoods funding through the state budget, but state courts ruled those attempts unconstitutional.

The latest attempt at the legislation was also passed in Arkansas several years ago. When Arkansas law was upheld by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, Planned Parenthood clinics in Arkansas immediately ceased seeing Medicaid patients.

If the Missouri bill becomes law, Planned Parenthood leadership previously said they didnt know if they could continue seeing patients insured by MO HealthNet, Missouris Medicaid program, arguing it would be a financial strain as clinics would no longer be reimbursed for the cost of seeing these patients.

As of March, Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri had been without Medicaid reimbursements for two years. At the time, Emily Wales, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which oversees clinics in western Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, said her organization offset the cost of care for Missouri Medicaid patients through private fundraising. She was unsure how sustainable that would be in the long-term.

When Missouri lawmakers began proposing this legislation a few years ago, The Missouri Family Health Council Inc began informally surveying the capacity at the states safety net clinics, which take Medicaid patients.

The organization found wait times at the states Planned Parenthood clinics averaged between the same day and three days to get an appointment. Across the other safety net clinics, wait times averaged between five and seven weeks, with some clinics as few as two weeks and some pausing new patients completely.

In 2022, across all 68 safety net clinics in the state that take Title X funding, around 24% of the clients were on Medicaid, said Michelle Trupiano, the councils executive director.

MO HealthNet serves low-income and disabled citizens and has long banned funding for abortion, with limited exceptions.

Planned Parenthood has said nearly one in five of their Missouri patients are on Medicaid.

Trupiano previously said Planned Parenthood is the primary family planning services provider for about 20,000 patients across the state.

During House debate Wednesday, state Rep. Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a Democrat from St. Louis, revisited Missouris abysmal maternal mortality rate, saying as a Black woman, she is afraid to have a child in the state.

In Missouri, women on Medicaid are 10 times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than those on private insurance, according to an August multi-year report on maternal mortality published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Black mothers were three times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white mothers, according to the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review.

Missouri is also fighting rising congenital syphilis cases. In 2022, Missouri recorded 81 congenital syphilis cases  the most in 30 years, the state health department reported.

In the majority of Missouris rising cases of congenital syphilis, mothers had little to no prenatal care, highlighting a larger issue of maternal health care access, the health department noted.

Legislation that would add a syphilis test at 28 weeks pregnancy, giving providers enough time to treat the mother ahead of the childs birth, received initial approval by the House on Monday as part of a womens health omnibus bill.

Women are going to come to the ballot and theyre going to remember this, Bosley said, later adding: So be ready.

An emergency clause adopted first by the Senate was voted down by the House on Wednesday. That clause would have meant the law would go into effect immediately upon being signed by the governor. Now, if signed by the governor, it wont go into effect until Aug. 28.

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The bills passage Wednesday was a crucial step toward passing a plan to renew taxes set to expire later this year that are critical to funding Missouris Medicaid program known as the federal reimbursement allowance.

Senate members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, a team of the six Republicans in the chamber, have promised to filibuster renewal of the taxes until the governor signs the defund Planned Parenthood bill and the General Assembly approves a proposed constitutional amendment that would make it more difficult to pass constitutional amendments proposed by voter-led initiatives.

Its going to be very difficult to pass the renewal of some of the health care taxes over the objections of the Freedom Caucus down in Jefferson City if that bill that bans money going to Planned Parenthood doesnt pass, state Sen. Bill Eigel, a Republican from Weldon Spring who is running for governor, said on the conservative radio show NewsTalk STL early Wednesday morning.

Theres a lot of special interest swamp-types that really are desperate to see this health care tax that theyre talking about getting renewed, he added. I dont see that happening if were not going to get a Planned Parenthood defund bill.

The post Bill ending Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood heads to Missouri governor appeared first on Missouri Independent.
(File/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA  A bill that would let charter schools give enrollment preference to children from military families advanced to the Senate floor Wednesday.

The full Senate Education Committee advanced the bill unanimously despite concerns from senators that it would prioritize students who just moved to the state  due to a parents new duty station  over longtime residents.

Four F-16s from Shaw Air Force Bases 79th Fighter Squadron perform a fly-by before the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2003 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

The bill sponsored by House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, passed the House unanimously last month.

By state law, public charter schools arent supposed to show preference in admissions to any student or group of students. So, any time a charter school has more students apply than it has open seats, a lottery system is supposed to decide who fills them.

The law already allows a few exceptions. Siblings of students currently enrolled or who recently graduated can get preference, as can children of charter school employees.

Preference is not a random idea, said Senate Education Chairman Greg Hembree, R-Little River. The new idea is extending it to military families because of their unique situation they have when they come to our state.

Because military members can be assigned to a new base at any time, their children might miss the lottery entirely. The proposal would allow schools to admit those students anyway if a seat opened up, said Sen. Ross Turner, R-Greenville.

Even if students arrived in time to enroll in the lottery, the school could still decide to give them priority status.

Military families with Shaw Air Force Base outside Sumter seem to be driving the proposal.

Chiefly sponsored by the speaker, a Sumter Republican, the bills co-sponsors include Rep. David Weeks, a Sumter Democrat. Other co-sponsors are GOP Reps. Shannon Erickson, the education chairwoman, and Jeff Bradley, both of Beaufort County, home to the Marine Corps Parris Island.

But it was Shaw that senators gave as the example.

Turner said families assigned to Shaw Air Force Base may not want to enroll their students in Sumter County schools, which has posted below-average academic performance for years.

But Liberty STEAM, the local charter school, is full, with around 1,200 students waiting for 600 spots. Parents have moved as far away as Camden, about 25 miles from the Air Force base, for better schools, Turner said.

I think this was really just an extension to let these families moving into Sumter to have, ultimately, a viable option of education, Turner said.

Im all for that, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey replied. But I want the people who are already there to have a viable option for education, too.

Massey, R-Edgefield, said he wasnt opposed to giving military families preference, but he worried about doing so at the expense of longtime residents.

If youve got 1,200 Sumter County residents who have applied and who are being excluded, those people are the ones who have been paying the taxes to actually support the school, Massey said.

The bill would cap the number of students given preference for having a military parent at 20% of the total student population.

Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto questioned how schools would decide which military children would get to attend and which would be left in the lottery if more than that proportion applied.

If they give it to one and they dont give it to another, is that person going to be upset? the Orangeburg Democrat said. Or is the person who didnt get in with the lottery going to be upset?

Ultimately, the bill does not require preference and instead allows it if a school chooses, so decisions like that would be left up to school administrators, Hembree said.

The same committee decided Wednesday not to take up a bill that would have overruled the High School League on student transfers.

The bill would have allowed students to switch schools during designated transfer windows and continue playing sports, rather than having to sit out a year.

With only seven legislative days left in the session, and the Senate focused on the state budget this week, the bill needed too much work to get through this year, said Hembree, the bills sponsor.

He promised to try again next year.

The post Bill lets SC charter schools prioritize military children appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
A bipartisan bill would give the secretary of the treasury unilateral power to classify any charity as a terrorist-supporting organization, automatically stripping away its nonprofit status. The bill, H.R. 6408, already passed the House of Representatives in November, and a companion bill, S. 4136, was introduced to the Senate by Sens. John Cornyn (RTexas) and Angus King (IMaine) last week.

In theory, the bill is a measure to fight terrorism financing. At least, that's what sponsor Rep. David Kustoff (RTenn.) claimed. "I urge the swift passage of this legislation that will significantly diminish the ability of Hamas and other terrorist groups to finance their operations and carry out future attacks," he said in a November statement.

Financing terrorism is already very illegal. Anyone who gives money, goods, or services to a U.S.-designated terrorist organization can be charged with a felony under the Antiterrorism Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. And those terrorist organizations are already banned from claiming tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Nine charities have been shut down since 2001 under the law.

The new bill would allow the feds to shut down a charity without an official terrorism designation. It creates a new label called "terrorist-supporting organization" that the secretary of the treasury could slap onto nonprofits, removing their tax exempt status within 90 days. Only the secretary of the treasury could cancel that designation.

In other words, the bill's authors believe that some charities are too dangerous to give tax exemptions to, but not dangerous enough to take to court. Although the label is supposed to apply to supporters of designated terrorist groups, nothing in the law prevents the Department of the Treasury from shutting down any 501(c)(3) nonprofit, from the Red Cross to the Reason Foundation.

"Some observers seem to assume that it is merely about virtue signaling and grandstanding, but careful reading of the text of HR 6408 strongly suggests something much more serious," wrote Lara Friedman in her Foundation for Middle East Peace newsletter. "This would be: enabling a new category of legal harassment of NGOs [non-government organizations], focused in the first instance on those that engage with Palestinians or on Palestinian issues, but also enabling attacks on NGOs working in any sector and on any issues."

Supporters of the bill do seem to have pro-Palestinian student organizations in mind.

"Students for Justice in Palestine rallies are not spontaneous expressions of student dissent," said Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president of the neoconservative Foundation for Defense of Democracies, at a November hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee. He accused students of taking "guidance and support" from American Muslims in Palestine, a 501(c)(3) charity, which bears a "striking resemblance to the Hamas charities that were dismantled here more than a decade ago."

Those vague, indirect connections have not been nearly enough to punish Students for Justice in Palestine legally. That month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis accused Students for Justice in Palestine of supporting Hamas and ordered its Florida chapter shut down. As soon as Florida authorities faced a lawsuit, they quickly walked back DeSantis' order.

Under the proposed bill, murky innuendo could be enough to target pro-Palestinian groups. But it likely wouldn't stop there. After all, during the Obama administration, the IRS put aggressive extra scrutiny on nonprofit groups with "Tea Party" or "patriot" in their names. And under the Biden administration, the FBI issued a memo on the potential terrorist threat that right-wing Catholics pose.

The Charity and Security Network, a coalition of charities that operate in conflict zones, warned that its own members could be hindered from helping the neediest people in the world.

"Charitable organizations, especially those who work in settings where designated terrorist groups operate, already undergo strict internal due diligence and risk mitigation measures andface extra scrutiny by the U.S. government, the financial sector, and all actors necessary to operate and conduct financial transactions in such complex settings," the network declared in November. "This legislation presents dangerous potential as a weapon to be used against civil society in the context of Gaza and beyond."

The post This Bill Would Give the Treasury Nearly Unlimited Power To Destroy Nonprofits appeared first on Reason.com.
A monument to the world's first atomic bomb detonation site at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. (Photo by Erik Von Weber / Getty Images)

For decades, downwinders have criticized the Radiation Compensation Exposure Act, or RECA, for being too narrow.

Designed to compensate people exposed to and sickened by nuclear weapons development, activists say RECA has glaring cracks  for starters, it only covered 10 counties in Utah despite research suggesting the whole state was exposed to dangerous, cancer-causing levels of radiation during Cold War-era testing.

And it excluded people who worked but didnt reside in eligible counties, lived just across the eligible county line, or had kidney cancer, certain kinds of leukemia, autoimmune disorders or other diseases that are linked to radiation but not covered by the act.

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Now set to expire this June, RECA was on track for a bipartisan facelift after the U.S. Senate voted 69-30 in March to expand the programs eligibility and increase compensation for downwinders. The bill was championed by Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, of Missouri, whose district includes parts of St. Louis where creek water was contaminated by radiation during nuclear weapons development.

But members of Utahs congressional delegation are jeopardizing Hawleys bill by introducing a bill of their own that would simply extend the program deadline by two years, but not expand it. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee in the Senate and Rep. Celeste Maloy in the House, both Republicans from Utah.

They are undermining the current bill that passed in the Senate, said Mary Dickson, a downwinder from Salt Lake City. What were looking for is not another temporary extension  Weve already had those. It doesnt do anything for the people in northern Utah.

Cancer racked the Salt Lake City neighborhood where Dickson grew up. Her older sister died from complications from lupus, which studies show can be caused by radiation exposure; her younger sister has stomach cancer and another has autoimmune diseases. She has a niece who developed breast cancer, and another niece with thyroid issues and other health complications including lupus. Dickson herself was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 1985.

But no one in her family was eligible for compensation because they lived outside of the 10 counties in Utah covered by RECA.

Dickson has lobbied Congress for years to expand RECA  the passage of Hawleys bill in March, was a victory decades in the making, she said. On Monday, she accused the Utah delegation of posturing.

Its their way of trying to look like theyre doing something, but not actually doing anything, she said.

That sentiment is shared on the Navajo Nation by the tribes president, Buu Nygren, who in a video address last week described how the push to mine uranium brought us sickness and death. Our poisoned land has taken Navajo lives and stricken others with illnesses that they continue to battle.

In the video, Nygren called on House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, to bring Hawleys bill to the floor for a vote before Lees extension bill gets any traction.

The Senate has voted to update it, yet Utahs representatives have disappointed us. It is disheartening to witness a lack of support for those who represent the very soil that our borders extend to, Nygren said. The Navajo people are not just constituents of Arizona and New Mexico, but also Utah. We deserve representation. How many more must suffer before Congress acts?

RECA currently covers Utah residents who lived in one of 10 counties  Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Washington and Wayne  for two consecutive years from 1951 to 1958, or during the summer of 1962. People who worked in uranium mines, mills or transporting ore in Utah from 1942 to 1971 were also eligible.

The program was passed in 1990, with help from former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch. Now, it risks expiring  when the House returns on April 29, lawmakers will have 19 working days to pass some kind of RECA extension. If they do nothing, compensation will end on June 10.

Hawleys bill would expand much of RECA, extending compensation to anyone present in Utah during nuclear testing who then got sick, increasing the compensation to $100,000 and expanding the eligible diseases. It would cover people who worked in uranium mines and mills up until 1990, extending the current timeframe by nearly 20 years, and extend compensation to uranium core drillers and remediation workers. The bill makes it easier to file for compensation, and further funds Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program clinics, which screens people exposed to radiation and helps them apply for compensation.

In addition to expanding coverage to the entire state of Utah, eligible residents living in all of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Guam would be compensated.

Hawley has said he hopes the expansion will be added to a bill expanding child tax credits.

By comparison, the more recent bill from Lee would keep RECA alive for two more years, but makes no other changes to the program.

Lee said the bill sends a message that the country is not abandoning these victims and communities.

When the government harms people, victims should be able to receive compensation. Downwinders and others harmed by the nations early atomic program often suffer the consequences of exposure decades after the fact, Lee said in a statement.

And Maloy, who told Utah News Dispatch in December that her father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and might have been a downwinder, said Congress cant let RECA expire.

Many Utahns were harmed by the federal governments aboveground testing of nuclear weapons during the early atomic program, and decades later they, along with their families, are still paying a high price, she said.

The bill is also co-sponsored by outgoing Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney, who said it will allow residents of Utah who were affected by our nations early nuclear program to be properly compensated.

Still, for Dickson and other downwinders, the statements ring hollow.

Our elected officials in Utah have turned their back on us. Its incredibly disheartening and frustrating that we really dont have anyone representing us on this in our own state, she said. They just keep kicking the can down the road and meanwhile, people are dying.

Dickson, describing the human cost of RECAs shortcomings, said people will continue to struggle to pay for their health care, or bury their loved ones amid a mountain of medical debt. She spoke of one woman living in New Mexico who was recently diagnosed with cancer and has no way to pay for treatment; another woman told Dickson she plans to continue her activism until Hawleys bill passes or Im in the ground.

To not take care of your own people, who the government harmed, is a moral failure, she said.

Utah News Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com. Follow Utah News Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Bill from Utahns in Congress could jeopardize expanded compensation for downwinders appeared first on Source New Mexico.
(NEXSTAR)  Inactive fragments of the bird flu virus that has sickened dairy herds in eight states have been detected in pasteurized milk, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

The FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a press release that the viral remnants dont pose a health risk to consumers.

To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe, the FDA wrote, citing the pasteurization process and the diversion or destruction of milk from sick cows.

Scientists say theres no evidence to suggest that people can contract the virus by consuming food thats been pasteurized, or heat-treated  or properly cooked.

Nationwide health alert issued for ground beef over potential E. coli risk

Its not a food safety concern, said Lee-Ann Jaykus, an emeritus food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University.

As of Tuesday evening, the virus, known as Type A H5N1, has been found in dairy cows in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and South Dakota.

While the virus has caused mass deaths in wild bird and other animal populations, including thousands of sea lions in South America, the most common symptoms in dairy cows have included decreased lactation and low appetite, according to the FDA.

Two people in U.S. have been infected with bird flu to date. A Texas dairy worker who was in close contact with an infected cow recently developed a mild eye infection and has recovered. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program caught it while killing infected birds at a Colorado poultry farm. His only symptom was fatigue, and he also recovered.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.
Bird flu virus fragments have been detected in retail milk samples across the U.S., industry groups told lawmakers on Capitol Hill, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The FDA on Tuesday confirmed some of the samples collected have indicated the presence of bird flu particles under certain testing, but the agency maintained that pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus. The FDA said it will make additional test results available in the coming days.

To date, we have seen nothing that would change our assessment that the commercial milk supply is safe, the FDA said. Results from multiple studies will be made available in the next few days to weeks.

Dairy trade groups quickly mobilized to reiterate FDAs assessment that commercial milk is currently safe, following a report from The Washington Post on the viral detection.

The National Milk Producers Federation said in a statement that viral fragments detected after pasteurization are nothing more than evidence that the virus is dead; they have zero impact on human health.

NMPF also noted that current regulation prohibits milk from sick cows from entering the food supply chain.

Rick Bright, who led the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and raised alarm about the Trump administrations early response to the Covid-19 pandemic, said he wants to see the results of the studies conducted.

"That's the data I'd like to know before I drink milk," Bright said.

As of Tuesday, bird flu has been detected in 33 dairy herds across eight states, according to the latest USDA data.

David Lim and Marcia Brown contributed to this report.
Following the news Wednesday of the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.), Black lawmakers shared memories and statements of support for the late lawmakers family.

In a statement, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) highlighted the work Payne, 65, focused on during his six terms in Congress, including racial justice, reproductive freedom, free college tuition and expanding voting rights.

Representative Payne will be remembered by all those who knew him for his kindness and generosity, the CBC said. He leaves behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget.

Payne had served in Congress since 2012, representing New Jerseys 10th Congressional District. He succeeded his father, Donald Payne Sr., whose death in 2012 led to a special election.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday has been a difficult day as Congress mourns Paynes death and his long and valiant career in public service  fighting for those he was privileged to represent.

Don led this fight with vigorous passion and personal conviction, his own courageous battle with Type 1 Diabetes informing much of his lifes work to make our communities safer and healthier, Jeffries said in a statement. Don leaves behind a legacy of relentless determination in the face of adversity.

Our nation is forever indebted to Rep. Payne, Jr. for his service and commitment to his community, to the Congress and to the country, he continued. I am grateful to my classmate and friend for the role he played in my own public service journey, through our conversations on train rides to and from Washington and our close partnership as Members from neighboring delegations.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) shared that he had worked with both Payne and his father, and he noted the similarities between the two.

I immediately noticed that both were so committed, so endearing, and so dedicated to empowering communities across New Jersey, Mfume posted on the social platform X. Like his father, Donald worked here in the Congress until his final moments. He leaves behind a powerful final goodbye in a life that embodied strength, selflessness, and compassion. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and constituents.

During his time in Congress, Payne served as the ranking member and chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) called Payne a true public servant, while Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), whip for the CBC, called the late congressman a thoughtful leader and beloved member of the CBC family.

Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) said in a statement that Congress needs more members like Payne, who understood the meaning of public service.

Paynes death followed a cardiac episode related to complications from diabetes more than two weeks ago. He had been hospitalized since.

Though his office had issued a statement saying the lawmaker was in stable condition, the New Jersey Globe reported last week that Payne had remained unconscious after his cardiac episode.

On Wednesday, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he was deeply saddened by Paynes death. He added that the New Jersey Democrat was both a colleague and a friend.

He was a tireless champion for the people of New Jersey and a counselor to my late wife with whom he shared the debilitating consequences of diabetes, Clyburn wrote. His genuine good nature will be sorely missed.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) shared that she and Payne had a special relationship.

I loved him like a brother, and he would often call me his sister-mother when I would give him a hard time about one issue or another, she said.

Donald was a dapper dresser (always with the matching glasses), a true gentleman, and a loyal friend to me, Watson Coleman said, adding that he and his entire family are in her prayers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US coalition warship shoots down missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels over the Gulf of Aden

JERUSALEM (AP)  A warship  part of a U.S.-led coalition protecting shipping in the Mideast  intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile fired over the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, the American military said, marking a new attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels after a recent lull.

The Houthis claimed the assault, which comes after a period of relatively few rebel attacks on shipping in the region over Israel's ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The explosion happened some 130 kilometers (80 miles) southeast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a statement.

Early Thursday, the U.S. military's Central Command said a coalition warship shot down the missile likely targeting the MV Yorktown, a U.S.-flagged, owned and operated vessel with 18 U.S. and four Greek crew members.

There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships," Central Command said.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack but insisted without evidence that the missile hit the Yorktown. Saree also claimed the Houthis targeted another ship in the Indian Ocean, without providing proof. The Houthis have made repeated claims that turned out to not be true during their yearslong war in Yemen.

The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, seized one vessel and sank another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

Houthi attacks have dropped in recent weeks as the rebels have been targeted by a U.S.-led airstrike campaign in Yemen and shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has declined because of the threat. American officials have speculated that the rebels may be running out of weapons as a result of the U.S.-led campaign against them and firing off drones and missiles steadily in the last months.

The Houthis have said they would continue their attacks until Israel ends its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians there. The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 others hostage.

The ships targeted by the Houthis largely have had little or no direct connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war. The rebels have also fired missiles toward Israel, though they have largely fallen short or been intercepted.

The assaults on shipping have raised the profile of the Houthis, who are members of Islams minority Shiite Zaydi sect, which ruled Yemen for 1,000 years until 1962. The group seized Sanaa, Yemen's capital, in late 2014. A Saudi-led coalition has been battling the group in a stalemated conflict since 2015.
SHANGHAI (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a critical trip to China armed with a strengthened diplomatic hand following Senate approval of a foreign aid package that will provide billions of dollars in assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as well as force TikToks China-based parent company to sell the social media platform - all areas of contention between Washington and Beijing.

Blinken arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday just hours after the Senate vote on the long-stalled legislation and shortly before President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law to demonstrate U.S. resolve in defending its allies and partners. Passage of the bill will add further complications to an already complex relationship that has been strained by disagreements over numerous global and regional disputes.

Still, the fact that Blinken is making the trip  shortly after a conversation between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a similar visit to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and a call between the U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs  is a sign the two sides are at least willing to discuss their differences.

Of primary interest to China, the bill sets aside $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific and gives Chinas ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok with a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. China has railed against U.S. assistance to Taiwan, which it regards as a renegade province, and immediately condemned the move as a dangerous provocation. It also strongly opposes efforts to force TikToks sale.

The bill also allots $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to Palestinians in Gaza, and $61 billion for Ukraine to defend itself from Russias invasion. The Biden administration has been disappointed in Chinas response to the war in Gaza and has complained loudly that Chinese support for Russias military-industrial sector has allowed Moscow to subvert Western sanctions and ramp up attacks on Ukraine.

Even before Blinken landed in Shanghai  where he will have meetings on Thursday before traveling to Beijing  Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office slammed the assistance to Taipei, saying it seriously violates U.S. commitments to China, sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and pushes the self-governing island republic into a dangerous situation.

China and the United States are the major players in the Indo-Pacific and Washington has become increasingly alarmed by Beijings growing aggressiveness in recent years toward Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries with which it has significant territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

The U.S. has strongly condemned Chinese military exercises threatening Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province and has vowed to reunify with the mainland by force if necessary. Successive U.S. administrations have steadily boosted military support and sales for Taiwan, much to Chinese anger.

A senior State Department official said last week that Blinken would underscore, both in private and public, Americas abiding interest in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We think that is vitally important for the region and the world.

In the South China Sea, the U.S. and others have become increasingly concerned by provocative Chinese actions in and around disputed areas.

In particular, the U.S. has voiced objections to what it says are Chinese attempts to thwart legitimate maritime activities by others in the sea, notably the Philippines and Vietnam. That was a major topic of concern this month when Biden held a three-way summit with the prime minister of Japan and the president of the Philippines.

On Ukraine, which U.S. officials say will be a primary topic of conversation during Blinkens visit, the Biden administration said that Chinese support has allowed Russia to largely reconstitute its defense industrial base, affecting not only the war in Ukraine but posing a threat to broader European security.

If China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it cant on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War, Blinken said last week.

China says it has the right to trade with Russia and accuses the U.S. of fanning the flames by arming and funding Ukraine. It is extremely hypocritical and irresponsible for the U.S. to introduce a large-scale aid bill for Ukraine while making groundless accusations against normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Tuesday.

On the Middle East, U.S. officials, from Biden on down, have repeatedly appealed to China to use any leverage it may have with Iran to prevent Israels war against Hamas in Gaza from spiraling into a wider regional conflict.

While China appears to have been generally receptive to such calls  particularly because it depends heavily on oil imports from Iran and other Mideast nations  tensions have steadily increased since the beginning of the Gaza war in October and more recent direct strikes and counterstrikes between Israel and Iran.

Blinken has pushed for China to take a more active stance in pressing Iran not to escalate tensions in the Middle East. He has spoken to his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, several times urging China to tell Iran to restrain the proxy groups it has supported in the region, including Hamas, Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

The senior State Department official said Blinken would reiterate the U.S. interest in China using whatever channels or influence it has to try to convey the need for restraint to all parties, including Iran.

The U.S. and China are also at deep odds over human rights in Chinas western Xinjiang region, Tibet and Hong Kong, as well as the fate of several American citizens that the State Department says have been wrongfully detained by Chinese authorities, and the supply of precursors to make the synthetic opioid fentanyl that is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans.

China has repeatedly rejected the American criticism of its rights record as improper interference in its internal affairs. Yet, Blinken will again raise these issues, according to the State Department official.

Another department official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to preview Blinken's private talks with Chinese officials, said China had made efforts to rein in the export of materials that traffickers use to make fentanyl but that more needs to be done.

The two sides agreed last year to set up a working group to look into ways to combat the surge of production of fentanyl precursors in China and their export abroad. U.S. officials say they believe they had made some limited progress on cracking down on the illicit industry but many producers had found ways to get around new restrictions.

We need to see continued and sustained progress, the official said, adding that more regular law enforcement against Chinese precursor producers would send a strong signal of Chinas commitment to address this issue.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 14:54 | World, All, Japan

A Thai man has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the murder of a Japanese national that resulted in male body parts being found in a Bangkok suburb, police sources said Wednesday, with the victim allegedly killed by two fellow countrymen.

The arrest late Tuesday came after Thai newspaper Thairath and other local media reported over the weekend citing police sources that the body parts had been put into black plastic bags and were found in the province of Nonthaburi, which neighbors Bangkok, on Friday.

The suspect confessed to police that he was hired to drive three Japanese men to a factory in western Bangkok and that one of them was later killed and dismembered, according to the media reports.

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Blinken expected to deliver strong warning on Russia support as he arrives in China for key meetings

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China on Wednesday where he is expected to issue a strong warning to Chinese leaders about the countrys support for Russias efforts to ramp up weapons production as the war in Ukraine continues.

The top US diplomat landed in Shanghai where he is expected to meet local officials and business leaders, and he will then travel to Beijing for meetings with senior Chinese officials. The trip  his second to the country in less than a year  is the latest in a string of high-level engagements that culminated in a summit meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in California in November following a period of immense tension.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited the country just weeks ago, and Biden and Xi spoke on the phone earlier this month.

We are in a different place than we were a year ago when the bilateral relationship was at an historic low point, a senior State Department official said.

Although officials from both nations suggested Blinkens agenda will be focused on managing the relationship and communicating concerns, there are still sharp divides, and the conversations are not expected to be easy, especially on the issue of Chinas support for Russias industrial base as the war in Ukraine continues.

The Biden administration has increasingly sounded the alarm about Chinas support as Russia increases the pace of its weapon manufacturing efforts  support that the US says has allowed Moscow to continue its war against Ukraine.

We see China sharing machine tools, semiconductors, other dual-use items that have helped Russia rebuild its defense industrial base that sanctions and export controls had done so much to degrade, Blinken said at a press conference in Italy last week.

China has not provided direct military support to Russia, but the industrial and logistical help it is providing is having a significant impact, at a time Ukraines military has been plagued by equipment and weapon shortages.

As Russia has begun to build back its defense capabilities, the US has sought to rally allies to pressure Beijing  via diplomatic means or, if that fails, punitive measures  to stop providing the support, and Blinken is expected to deliver a robust message on the issue during his visit.

Russia is no longer kind of on its back foot, a second senior State Department official said. They are surging. They have substantial assets, they reconstituted. They pose a threat not just to Ukraine but to the wider region.

Blinken will make the case that support for Russia is undermining not just Ukraine, but all of European security.

China cant have it both ways, Blinken said. It cant purport to want to have positive relations with Europe and at the same be fueling the biggest threat to Europe since the end of the Cold War.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday that we do think that there is more that China can do, and we have always made clear that we are willing and able to take our own actions if appropriate, and I think Ill leave it at that.

Despite the threat of US action, a Chinese Foreign Ministry official on Tuesday signaled that Beijing is unlikely to back down on its support for Moscow, warning the US against smearing normal state-to-state relations and calling for the US to lift sanctions on Chinese entities, during a state media briefing.

The Ukrainian issue is not an issue between China and the United States, and the United States should not turn it into an issue between China and the United States, the official was quoted as saying.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on June 19, 2023. - Leah Millis/AP

Chinas grievances

Chinese officials are also expected to raise issues of concern with Blinken.

Grievances are mounting in Beijing towards what it sees as intensifying US efforts to contain and suppress China, despite the increased communications between the two countries following the Biden-Xi summit last November.

While US-China relations have stabilized since the summit, the negative factors in the relationship are also very prominent, the Chinese Foreign Ministry official said in Tuesdays briefing.

The United States is stubbornly advancing its strategy to contain China and continues to use wrong words and deeds that interfere in Chinas internal affairs, smear Chinas image, and harm Chinas interests. We firmly oppose and counteract this, the official said.

Still, the Biden administration is keen on keeping lines of communication open, and they believe that China is currently on the same page. China has come to the realization that their aggressive diplomacy was profoundly unsuccessful because it alienated more than it attracted, said the second senior State Department official, in explaining why China is now open to engagement.

The Chinese want a more stable global environment, their economy has slowed substantially, they want more investment, the official explained, adding that China wants engagement specifically from US businesses.

Other issues in the Indo-Pacific region are also expected to feature prominently in Blinkens meetings.

The Biden administration has sought to shore up its alliances in the region in the face of provocations by Beijing in the South China Sea. In the past few weeks, Biden hosted his Philippine and Japanese counterparts for an inaugural summit in Washington, where he reaffirmed the US commitment to the Philippines defense. The US has deployed a powerful land-attack missile system to the Philippines and conducted a series of joint exercises with the treaty ally.

In Tuesdays briefing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry official accused the US of being obsessed with coercing its allies into forming an anti-China clique and interfering in the South China Sea and sowing discord between China and ASEAN, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

A sensitive time

Blinkens visit also comes at a sensitive time in the Taiwan Strait, less than a month before the self-governing island of Taiwan swears in a new president Beijing openly loathes.

The first senior State Department official said that you can expect that the Secretary will underscore both in private and public Americas abiding interest in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

We think that is vitally important for the region and the world. And our expectation will be  particularly during this important and sensitive time leading up to the May 20 inauguration  that all countries will contribute to peace and stability, avoid taking provocative actions that may raise tensions, and demonstrate restraint. That will be our message going forward, the official said.

Chinas ruling Communist Party views Taiwan as part of its territory, despite having never controlled it. While successive Chinese Communist leaders have vowed to eventually achieve reunification, Xi has repeatedly said the Taiwan issue should not be passed down generation after generation and has significantly ramped up economic, military and diplomatic pressure against its democratic neighbor in recent years.

The Taiwan Relations Act obligates Washington to provide weaponry for the islands defense, and Biden has repeatedly suggested he would use US military personnel to defend it in the event of a Chinese invasion (though White House officials have said the US policy to leave that question ambiguous has not changed).

The two sides are also expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East. US officials believe China has sway especially given how much oil it imports from Iran. Blinken will make the case that China should weigh in more directly with Iran to be less provocative in the region, the second senior State Department official said.

I will let China speak to any actions that it has taken, Miller said Monday. But we will continue to press the case to China that its not just in the interests of the region, its not just in the interests of the United States, its not just in the interests of the individual countries that are involved, but its in the interests of China and the broader world that there not be a further widening of the conflict.

Blinken is expected to discuss the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the US and military-to-military dialogue, which are both areas where Xi made commitments when he met with Biden.

In both cases the Chinese have taken some early steps, said the second senior State Department official, adding that there is still much more that needs to be done on both fronts.

Blinken is also expected to raise concerns about China efforts to strengthen its nuclear arsenal as well as the cases of Americans who have been prevented from leaving China due to exit bans or those whom the State Department has deemed wrongfully detained, including Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and David Lin.

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More mystery surrounds the death of a 19-year-old Wisconsin college student after prosecutors said that DNA from blood recovered from the home of a suspect in her death did not match the victim.

Maxwell Anderson, 33, of Milwaukee pleaded not guilty on Monday to several charges in connection with the killing and mutilation of Sade Carleena Robinson, who reportedly met Anderson at a Milwaukee restaurant for a first date on April 1, the night she disappeared, CBS affiliate WDJT-TV in Milwaukee reported.

According to an amended criminal complaint obtained by HuffPost, Robinson was reported missing by a friend on April 2, the day her severed leg was found at Warnimont Park in Cudahy, Wisconsin, just south of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. Detectives also located the victims Honda Civic that day. The car had been damaged by fire, but officers said they were able to recover Robinsons belongings.

Wisconsin college student Sade Robinson, 19, is thought to have been killed and dismembered after meeting with someone at a Milwaukee restaurant for a first date. GoFundMe

Detectives discovered Robinson had met with Anderson the night of her disappearance at a seafood restaurant in downtown Milwaukee, according to the complaint. A bartender who was working that night told authorities that Anderson, a former employee of the restaurant, had come in to pick up a tax form and then stayed to meet a woman there for a first date.No information has been released on how Anderson and Robinson met.

Anderson was arrested on April 4, when authorities also searched his home and found blood in one of the rooms and on the walls leading toward the basement, where they reported finding several gasoline containers, according to the amended complaint.

New details in the amended complaint reveal that preliminary testing of the blood found at Andersons home did not appear to match Robinsons DNA. It was unclear whose blood it was or if it could be Andersons own blood.

Since Andersons arrest, authorities have found more remains they believe to have belonged to the Milwaukee Area Technical College student, including a foot on April 6 and a torso and arm on a Lake Michigan beach on April 18.

Andersons father released a statement last week through his sons attorney in which he expressed the familys shock at Robinsons senseless death.

To Sades mother and father, words cannot express our sorrow for the

incomprehensible pain and grief you are going through, Steven Andersons statement said. We join the entire community in celebrating Sades life.

His statement did not address his sons arrest in the case.

Robinsons mother, Sheena Scarbrough, spoke last week on Nancy Graces Crime Stories podcast, calling for justice for her daughter and other Black and brown women in Milwaukee.

I need justice for Sade. There have been many Black and brown girls that have been gone missing in Milwaukee for a moment and all of them are going to be held accountable now, Scarbrough said.

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There was blood all over the ground: How stabbings brought horror to close-knit mining town

Police were quickly on the scene at Amman Valley School - Robert Melen

It was just after 11.15am at Amman Valley School in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, when the public address system announced a Code Red.

The 1,800 pupils at the co-educational school, also known as Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, were on their morning break at the time and it was initially thought the schools emergency protocol was a drill or had been triggered by a playground scuffle.

But as the children were placed into lockdown and dozens of police cars and two air ambulances arrived on the scene, it was clear something much more serious had taken place.

One teenage pupil explained how he immediately ran and vaulted the school fence when he heard the school was going into lockdown.

He said: It was at the end of the morning break when I heard Code Red being called over the speakers. Ive never heard one before but I knew what it meant.

Youre supposed to run to a classroom but I was closer to the school fence so me and a few other boys jumped it.

A Year 9 girl had allegedly produced a butterfly knife and had used it to stab a fellow pupil in the stomach and stab two female members of staff.

While one teacher was stabbed, the other was slashed across the neck with such ferocity that her lanyard was severed.

The school was put into lockdown during the incident - Robert Melen/Shutterstock

As the horror unfolded in front of dozens of youngsters, a Year 11 teacher intervened, leaping towards the attacker and managing to disarm her.

One of the two women injured was understood to be assistant headteacher Fiona Elias.

As armed police officers dashed into the school grounds, panic spread quickly throughout the close-knit community.

The school, which is rated Good by Ofsted, is at the heart of the former coal mining town, and boasts Welsh rugby stars Shane Williams and Lucy Packer among its former pupils.

Within minutes, social media reports suggested a knife-wielding pupil had gone on the rampage, prompting terrified parents desperate for information to rush to the school.

Paramedics, who had arrived at the scene in four ambulances, gave emergency care to the most injured teacher, before carrying her to the air ambulance.

She was then transferred to hospital in Cardiff, where her condition was later described as not life-threatening.

It was horrible

Grandmother Maria Davies, 50, who witnessed the aftermath, said: She didnt look very good  there were medics all around her.

A male pupil said: It was horrible, there was blood all over the ground but I didnt panic.

Both teachers were badly hurt but one was stabbed in the neck. She is one of the best teachers here, everybody likes her.

Armed officers arrested a teenage girl on suspicion of attempted murder and took her away for questioning, while a blade was recovered from the scene.

But as the investigation began and forensic officers arrived, the pupils remained in lockdown with their parents at the gates, uncertain what was going on.

Forensic officers have been working at the scene - Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Dyfed-Powys Police issued a statement in an attempt to reassure them, saying an arrest had been made and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbings.

But some were angry at the lack of information and not being allowed to see their children.

One said: It is agony not knowing what has gone on. We just heard there had been stabbings and the school and so we came here as fast as we could.

Footage of the alleged incident posted online fuelled deep concern among many of the parents.

Eventually at 3.30pm, the almost 2,000 pupils were allowed to leave the school grounds.

Many were hugged by their emotional parents as they left the school gates, but concern remained over the welfare of those injured.

Just after 6pm, Supt Ross Evans read a statement at the scene in which he confirmed that none of the three had suffered life-threatening injuries.

Supt Ross Evans said support was being offered to affected pupils and staff - Ben Birchall/PA Wire

He said: Dyfed-Powys Police continue to investigate the serious incident that took place at Amman Valley School in Carmarthenshire this morning.

We received a call just after 11.20am advising us people were injured following an incident at the school.

Emergency services immediately attended, and the school was locked down for the safety of everyone on the premises.

Two teachers and a teenage pupil were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Their injuries are not life threatening.

A teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and currently remains in police custody. A knife has been recovered as evidence.

Local people will see more police in the area over the coming days as the investigation continues.

He added: We are working with the school and other agencies to ensure appropriate support is available to all those involved.

This was a very distressing incident, and our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone impacted by what has happened.

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There were scenes of panic and confusion in central London on Wednesday morning after five horses belonging to a regiment closely associated with the king, the Household Cavalry, threw their riders off and bolted through the city, smashing into cars and buses, knocking down pedestrians and streaming with blood.

NEW - Blood-covered horses run loose through London.pic.twitter.com/lRaaaLIyhB  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) April 24, 2024

The Daily Telegraph said the horses, which are kept in stables in Central London near Hyde Park, bolted at about 8:40 a.m. local time during a regular exercise session on Horseguards Parade in Londons civil service district, Whitehall.

The Daily Mail said four people, including a serviceman, were hospitalized as a result of their injuries in three separate incidents. It said the horses were spooked by loud noises from a nearby construction site.

The horses, including a white charger covered in blood, were seen racing through the city, including sightings several miles east of where they first escaped.

Two horses on the loose bolt through the streets of London near Aldwych. Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images

One of the citys main highways, Buckingham Palace Road, was closed and a first aid tent was erected so that ambulance workers could attend to an injured soldier who a witness said was left screaming in pain after he fell from his horse.

Bashir Aden, 48, a construction worker, told the Telegraph, I saw a soldier falling down into the street after the horse ran into a car. One of my colleagues called the police.

The man hit the floor hard, he was screaming in pain. You could see blood all over the parked car, he said.

The horses come down this route every day, but today the horse looked stressed or panicked. I saw the horse run away after it hit a bus. People were screaming and running all over. The injuries looked very serious. He looked really hurt.

Video and images online showed a black horse scattering bystanders as it charged through the city before being caught by a brave member of the public who managed to calm it down.

 NEW: Runaway horses are currently on the loose in Central London



One horse is covered in blood after colliding with a bus



Police are working with the Army to locate them pic.twitter.com/yZ10SeiFV3  Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) April 24, 2024

One horse ran into a tour bus, which was empty at the time. The City of London Police subsequently said they had recaptured all the horses.

The Household Cavalry provides the so-called Sovereigns Escort, seen at ceremonial events such as Trooping the Color, state visits, and other royal occasions.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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France is asking the EU to impose new sanctions to target Russian disinformation and election interference around the world, Bloomberg reported on April 24, citing a draft proposal from France.

The proposal "would target those responsible for threatening the stability, security or sovereignty of EU member states or third countries by undermining elections, the rule of law, facilitating acts of violence or do so through the use of information manipulation and interference," Bloomberg wrote.

U.S. officials have said that Russia engaged in a widespread campaign of digital disinformation and hacking in the past two American presidential elections, with particular effort dedicated to the 2016 election.

The governments of Belgium and Czechia also warned earlier in April that Russia was operating a disinformation and interference network targeting the upcoming EU parliamentary election.

"Destabilizing activities executed by Russia-related actors have increased everywhere in Europe as well  as the Russian regime has taken actions to undermine democracy, stability and the rule of law through a variety of hybrid instruments," said the French proposal seen by Bloomberg.

The proposal is backed by the Baltic states, the Netherlands, and Poland.

EU officials are particularly concerned about Russian disinformation and interference in the EU parliamentary election this year, officials told Bloomberg. They said the volume of disinformation has increased considerably in the last five years.

Microsoft said earlier in April that a Russian online disinformation campaign targeting the upcoming U.S. presidential election has already begun.

Read also: Media: US warns 100 countries of Russian election interference threat

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Bob Casey and Dave McCormick advance to the general election in Pennsylvania, setting up a key race for Senate control

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick are officially set to face off in Pennsylvanias high-stakes Senate battle this fall after winning their uncontested primaries on Tuesday.

Casey, a three-term incumbent, and McCormick, who rallied the Pennsylvania GOP establishment behind his candidacy after announcing his bid last year, will now sprint toward the November election in one of the most bitterly contested, expensive Senate races in the country. The race is among a handful that could tip the balance of power in Congress upper chamber.

Pennsylvania deserves better than Bob Casey, McCormick said during a victory speech on Tuesday. At every single time where he couldve been a leader instead of a follower, hes chosen to be a follower.

For McCormick, a hedge fund executive and former official in President George W. Bushs Treasury Department, his 2024 run comes on the heels of a failed 2022 bid against celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, who narrowly defeated him in a Republican primary with former President Donald Trumps backing. Oz went on to lose to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election.

This time around, McCormick has the support of Trump, as well as GOP leaders across Pennsylvania.

Its a big day in Pennsylvania and we hope the people get out there and vote, Trump said outside his criminal hush money trial in New York on Tuesday. Its important to vote to let them know that were coming on November 5th. Were coming big. Todays preliminary but still its very important and maybe theyll think also about the very good person whos running for the Senate in Pennsylvania, Dave McCormick.

But even with a unified GOP behind him, McCormick faces an uphill battle. Republicans have lost race after race in the Keystone State following Trumps shocking upset victory there in 2016. And Casey, the son of the states former governor, often polls ahead of President Joe Biden in the state.

Oh, the guy from Connecticut? Fetterman told NBC News of McCormick, who Democrats have lambasted for maintaining a Connecticut residence. He loves Connecticut and he loves working and investing in Chinese companies. And I dont think thats a winner in Pennsylvania, but I guess were going to find out. Bob Casey is going to smoke him.

Presidential primary protest votes

The top of the ticket in Pennsylvania on Tuesday lacked drama, as not only were both Casey and McCormick running unopposed, but the presidential primary amounted to a formality as well, with both Trump and Biden having already clinched their partys nominations. NBC News projected that both men would win their partys primaries in Pennsylvania.

But there was intrigue beneath the surface, as voters on both sides had the chance to submit protest votes on Tuesday. There was an organized effort to get Democratic voters to write in uncommitted on their presidential primary ballots to express opposition to Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. And Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race in early March, still appeared on the Republican ballot.

Initial vote totals looked like Trump faced a more substantial protest vote than Biden. With roughly 95% of the expected vote counted on Wednesday morning, about 16% of Republican primary voters backed Haley  more than 150,000 in total. Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, so only registered Republicans could vote in that contest, unlike earlier primaries where Democrats and independents had a chance to cast ballots.

But on the Democratic side, with 96% of the expected vote counted on Wednesday, about 5% went to write-ins. Biden, meanwhile, garnered about 88% of the vote while Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., got about 6% support after ending his candidacy last month. Not all counties tabulate write-in votes on election night, so the full scope of any write-in campaign might not be clear until all votes are counted. Still, more than 55,000 write-in votes were cast.

Organizers backing an uncommitted vote protesting Biden's handling of the war between Israel and Hamas hoped to garner at least 40,000 write-in votes in their campaign. Its unclear how many write-in votes were associated with the effort.

The Democratic primary is also only open to registered party members.

In total, more than 163,000 Republican primary voters either voted for Haley or cast write-in votes. On the Democratic side, at least 123,000 voters chose Phillips or submitted a write-in.

Biden eclipsed former President Barack Obama's vote total in the 2012 Democratic primary, the last time an incumbent Democrat ran for reelection. Biden won more than 926,000 votes in this year's primary, compared to about 616,000 for Obama in 2012. That year, about 19,000 Democratic primary voters cast write-in votes.

Biden's raw vote total looks to have exceeded Trump's, who as of Wednesday morning had about 788,000 votes for him counted. In Pennsylvania's 2020 GOP primary, when Trump was an incumbent and did not face a serious primary challenge, he won just north of 1 million votes.

With votes still being counted, Democrats looked to have an edge about about 100,000 voters turn out in their primary compared to the GOP contest. A similar number of votes remain to be counted in each race.

The battle for the House

Further down the ballot, there were a few races of significant intrigue. Chief among them was a House Democratic primary in the Pittsburgh area, where NBC News projects Rep. Summer Lee defeated Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel.

The race tested the power of sentiment over the war in Gaza, as Lee is the first among the progressive lawmakers who have been staunch critics of the Israeli war effort to face down a primary. And part of her district includes a prominent historically Jewish neighborhood, Squirrel Hill, that was home to the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history in 2018.

But Lee, a member of the Squad along with fellow progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the House, was widely seen as a favorite ahead of Tuesdays contest, as pro-Israel groups that spent against her in her initial 2022 primary opted against doing so this time.

Lees opponent, Bhavini Patel, was boosted by an outside expenditure from GOP megadonor Jeffrey Yass. Patel denounced Yass, but Lee and allies portrayed her as a conservative Democrat because of Yass involvement. Pennsylvanias 12th District is solidly Democratic.

In eastern Pennsylvania, another House primary shaped up as one of the more important battles of the night as Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick fought off a GOP primary challenge from anti-abortion-rights activist Mark Houck. It wasn't the first time Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican and former FBI agent, has faced a challenge from the right in the 1st District, which Biden carried in 2020.

Fitzpatrick will now face Democrat Ashley Ehasz, an Army veteran whom he defeated by 10 points in 2022, again this fall.

Several general election matchups in competitive House races were also set in Pennsylvania, as Republicans nationally are aiming to hold onto a razor-thin majority in the lower chamber this year.

In the 7th District north of Philadelphia, state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie won the GOP primary, advancing to the what's expected to be a hotly contested general election against Democratic Rep. Susan Wild. Wild won a third term in 2022 by just 2 points after Biden won her district by less than 1 point in 2020.

In the 10th District, which includes Harrisburg, former local TV news anchor Janelle Stelson won a six-way Democratic primary to take on GOP Rep. Scott Perry, the former chairman of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus who was involved in Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Stelson had the support of EMILYs List, a group that backs female candidates who support abortion rights. Trump carried the district by 4 points in 2020.

Elsewhere, Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright will face Republican businessman Rob Bresnahan in the Scranton-area 8th District, which Trump carried four years ago. And Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio will take on GOP state Rep. Rob Mercuri in the 17th District in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, which Biden won by 6 points.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NEW YORK  House Speaker (R-LA) Mike Johnson trekked to Columbia Universitys New York City campus on Wednesdayand was immediately greeted with a chorus of boos.

The crowd loudly heckled and booed Johnson as he approached a podium and launched into his speech, railing against antisemites who gnash their teeth and demand to wipe the State of Israel off the map and attack our innocent Jewish students.

Moments after making that declaration, a loud chant broke out of we cant hear you, to which Johnson responded, Enjoy your free speech.

Over screams from the crowd, Johnson pushed forward to rail against pro-Palestinian protesters.

Things have gotten so out of control that the school has canceled in-person classes and now theyve come up with this hybrid model, where they will discriminate against Jewish students. They are not allowed to come to class anymore for fear of their lives, he said. And its detestable, as Columbia has allowed these lawless agitators and radicals to take over.

At the end of his speech, Johnson vowed to call Joe Biden and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action there.

Protesters gather in the center of Columbia University ahead of an afternoon visit from House Speaker Mike Johnson. Pilar Melendez/The Daily Beast

If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard. We have to bring order to these campuses, he threatened. We cannot allow this to happen around the country.

The arrest of more than 100 students last week has done little to deter protesters from once again taking over the heart of campusinstalling a second encampment this week in the same area where NYPD officers raided and destroyed an initial one Thursday.

That police raid was ordered by the universitys president, Nemat Shafik, whos come under fire from pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters alike. On Wednesday, Johnson demanded that Shafik should resign if she can not immediately bring order to this chaos.

Johnson and other speakers, which included Republican politicians from New York, repeatedly mentioned violence against Jewish students, though no such violence has been reported at Columbia.

The protests have derailed the final weeks of the universitys spring semester. Just after a prominent university rabbi this weekend urged Jewish students to leave campus and stay home, citing alleged threats against Jews by demonstrators, Shafik announced that all classes would have a virtual option indefinitely. Some protesters, like the daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), were suspended by Columbia and removed from their dorms.

No Dorm or Dining Hall: Ilhan Omars Daughter Recounts Protest Arrest

Despite the raucous scenes of police cracking down on protesters going viral from the week, the Columbia quad was largely calm Wednesday as students weathered a drizzle of rain waiting for Johnson to appear. There were no sustained chants from the protesters encampment, which is nestled on a square of green grass between the journalism building, student center, and Butler Library, as there had been at the peak of protests last week.

The encampment itself appeared to be highly organized by Wednesday, with two security guards standing watch and other organizers, some wearing masks and a keffiyeh, checking each person who entered to ensure they were indeed students. Also present was a first-aid tent and another designated for Columbia alumni.

One undergraduate student who spoke to The Daily Beast said she could care less that Johnson had come to Manhattan because we are focused on bigger issues at hand.

NYU Claims a Dramatic Development Led to Arrests at Anti-Israel Protest

That sentiment appeared to be matched by others on campus. Johnson didnt appear to be a massive pull among studentsjust minutes before he appeared, a crowd of just 60 people, including journalists, had gathered.

There was still some interest, however. A 19-year-old student, who asked to be identified only as Alyssa, told The Daily Beast, I just want to hear what he has to say, you know? Bold he came here.

For others, Johnsons arrival was a total shock. About an hour before the House Speaker addressed the crowd, a student walked up to the scrum and questioned what everyone was waiting for. Mike Johnson! someone yelled back, to which the newcomer responded, Who?

The Speaker of the House. Republican, another answered.

Oh, why? the newcomer quipped. Thats random.

Protesters hang up signs at Columbia University ahead of an afternoon visit from House Speaker Mike Johnson. Pilar Melendez/The Daily Beast

After Johnsons speech, the crowd lingered and chatted about their chants. They dissected which ones may have gotten under Johnsons skin the most.

I bet the one about him being ugly wasnt fun, one mused. Another told The Daily Beast that Johnsons rant was embarrassing.

Others shared their displeasure over the crowds hostile attitude, however. Next to the group reminiscing on their insults, three students fumed about the lack of decorum the crowd expressed.

It was embarrassing, were an Ivy, one said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Boston police looking to identify individual in connection with breaking and entering in Roxbury

Boston police are looking for the publics help in identifying an individual in connection with a breaking and entering on Roxbury.

The incident happened around 2:20 a.m. on Friday, April 19 in the area of 19 Holborn Street.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a beard, wearing a red coat with a white logo on the left side, and pants with a blue stripe.

Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact District B-2 Detectives at (617) 343-4275.

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
TechCrunch

AI pioneer Yann LeCun doesnt think artificial intelligence is actually on the verge of becoming intelligent. LeCun  a professor at New York University, senior researcher at Meta, and winner of the prestigious A.M. Turning Award  has been open about his skepticism before, for example tweeting that before we worry about controlling super-intelligent AI, we need to have the beginning of a hint of a design for a system smarter than a house cat.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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Number of young women to halve in 40% of Japan localities by 2050

TOKYO - More than 40 percent of Japanese municipalities are likely to see the number of their young female residents drop by more than half in the 30 years through 2050 as the country's population rapidly declines, a study by private-sector experts' panel showed Wednesday.

The panel on population strategy warned that the sharp fall in the number of women in their 20s to 30s, regarded as the core generation that bears children, in the 744 municipalities suggests that those localities may be severely impacted.

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Fukushima treated water discharge resumes after power outage

TOKYO - The discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea resumed after being temporarily suspended Wednesday due to a partial power outage, the plant operator said.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. said it believed the power outage, which occurred around 10:43 a.m., was caused when a power cable at the Daiichi plant was damaged during excavation work.

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Japan launches new alert system as heat stroke deaths rise

TOKYO - Japan's Environment Ministry launched a special heat stroke alert system Wednesday as part of efforts to address the increasing number of deaths due to the summer heat in recent years.

When the alert is issued, municipalities will open designated facilities such as libraries and community centers to residents as "cooling shelters." The system will be in effect through Oct. 23 this year.

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Antony Blinken starts China trip to stabilize ties amid tensions

SHANGHAI - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off a three-day visit to China on Wednesday to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and other senior officials in a bid to stabilize bilateral ties amid tensions over a host of issues.

The top U.S. diplomat arrived in Shanghai, returning to the Asian country for the first time in 10 months. Blinken may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his stay.

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Japan's IHI rigged data for over 4,000 engines at least since 2003

TOKYO - Japanese leading engine maker IHI Corp. said Wednesday a subsidiary has falsified fuel efficiency data for 4,361 engines, mostly for ships, produced at least since 2003 for the domestic and overseas markets.

The data-rigging was found at IHI Power Systems Co.'s plants in Niigata and Gunma prefectures, with data doctored during tests to make their fuel economy look better, IHI said.

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Ex-Japan PM Aso meets Trump in New York ahead of Nov. election

NEW YORK - Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with Donald Trump on Tuesday in New York, at a time when leaders and senior officials of some countries have been building rapport with the former U.S. president ahead of the November election.

Aso, vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was a longtime ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who built a strong personal relationship with Trump when the two led their respective countries.

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Nikkei stock index surges over 2% on tech gains

TOKYO - The Nikkei stock index jumped over 2 percent Wednesday, boosted by technology shares on hopes for upbeat earnings from U.S. companies, with sentiment further lifted by advances on other Asian markets.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 907.92 points, or 2.42 percent, from Tuesday at 38,460.08. The broader Topix index finished 44.50 points, or 1.67 percent, higher at 2,710.73.

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Yen drops to 155 range, new 34-yr low against U.S. dollar

LONDON - The yen weakened to the 155 range against the U.S. dollar in London on Wednesday, hitting a fresh 34-year low, amid expectations the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates elevated for longer than projected.

The Japanese currency briefly fell below 155 for the first time since in June 1990.

Video: Victims remembered two years after boat accident in Hokkaido
U.S. President Joe Biden announced during a briefing on April 24 he had signed the foreign aid bill containing close to $61 billion for Ukraine into law, marking the final step of the legislative process.

After months of political infighting and a deteriorating situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the crucial foreign aid package on April 20, which includes $60.84 billion for Ukraine.

"It gives vital support to America's partners so they can defend themselves from threats to their sovereignty," Biden said, adding he would order to send weapons to Kyiv in the next few hours.

The House voted on three separate bills on April 20 granting aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, which is intended to address Chinese aggression in the region. In addition to aiding Ukraine, the bills include $26.4 billion to aid Israel and $8.1 billion to be spent on Indo-Pacific security.

A fourth bill on national security priorities catered to Republican goals, including sanctions on Iran, the potential transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and a measure that could lead to a ban on TikTok.

The Senate then overwhelmingly approved the bill on April 23, with 79 votes in favor and 18 against.

Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder said that the flow of U.S. military assistance could resume within days following Biden's signature.

Read also: What Ukraine lost while waiting for the US aid bill to pass

"Thanks to organizations like the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and plus our efforts with international allies and partners, we have created a very robust logistics network to enable the delivery of aid into Ukraine," Ryder said.

The new tranche of aid will stem from Biden's presidential drawdown authority (PDA), which takes military equipment from existing stockpiles, meaning that potential procurement-related delays will be limited.

Reuters reported on April 23, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that the U.S. was preparing a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine to be issued once Biden signed the bill.

The $1 billion package will reportedly include vehicles, Stinger air defense munitions, TOW and Javelin anti-tank munitions, and additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS).

Sources told Reuters it would also contain 155-millimeter artillery shells and "other weapons that can immediately be put to use on the battlefield."

Some of the U.S. military aid for Kyiv is already reportedly in Germany and Poland, cutting down the time needed for the weapons and equipment to reach the front line.

Other pieces derived from the $61 billion package may take more time, as they may need to be sent from the U.S. or other locations. Some potential items of military aid will also need to be purchased or even manufactured, which will take even longer.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The U.S. Senate passed the foreign aid bill in a vote on April 23, paving the way to provide $60.84 billion for Ukraine.

The bill was approved with 79 votes in favor and 18 against.

The bill now heads to the White House to be signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden.

"I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week," Biden said in a White House press release after the vote.

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked U.S. lawmakers for supporting the bill.

"I am also grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and recognize that the historic significance of this bill transcends politics," Zelensky said.

Zelensky identified air defense systems, long-range weapons, and artillery as Ukraine's most urgent needs, calling the materiel "crucial tools for the speedy restoration of a just peace."

Prior to the vote, some Republican senators spoke out against the bill, citing concerns of inadequate funding for domestic security at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Republican Senator Mike Lee, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, voiced opposition to the aid package.

"Congress cares more about sending billions to wage war in foreign countries ... than saving our own country, especially at a time when we're being invaded," Lee said, referring to migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Other Republican senators spoke in favor of passing the bill, citing the need to combat Russian aggression in Europe.

Prior to starting his speech on the floor, Sen. Lindsey Graham said "history will judge what we do here today."

"If Russia believes we can't stick with Ukraine, they're going to keep going," added Graham, echoing warnings from EU leaders that Russia may attack another European country if it is successful in Ukraine.

Read also: How Johnson came to allow a vote on Ukraine aid after months of delays

After months of political infighting and a deteriorating situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the crucial foreign aid package on April 20, which includes $60.84 billion for Ukraine.

The House voted on three separate bills on April 20 granting aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, which is intended to address Chinese aggression in the region. In addition to aiding Ukraine, the bills include $26.4 billion to aid Israel and $8.1 billion to be spent on Indo-Pacific security.

A fourth bill on national security priorities catered to Republican goals, including sanctions on Iran, the potential transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and a measure that could lead to a ban on TikTok.

The U.S. Senate previously approved a different version of the combined $95 billion funding package on Feb. 13 that included the proposed $61 billion in aid. The aid package was stalled for months as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to bring the bill to a floor vote on the grounds that the bill did not address security concerns on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Amid ammunition and air defense shortages, Ukraine has urged the United States to quickly deliver military aid once the funding bill is passed.

During a U.S. bipartisan delegation visit to Kyiv on April 22, Bill Keating, a Massachusetts Democratic congressman, said that the first batch of U.S. military aid will be delivered to Ukraine "sooner than anyone thinks is possible."

U.S. Senator Mark Warner also said on April 21 that shipments of long-range missile systems could be ready to be delivered within days.

On April 23, an unnamed source familiar with the provision of aid told CNN that some of the U.S. military aid for Ukraine "is already pre-positioned in storage facilities" in Germany and Poland, which would drastically cut down the time needed for the weapons and equipment to reach the front line.

Two unnamed American officials told Reuters earlier in the day that the U.S. is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine worth $1 billion in initial aid delivery.

CIA Director William Burns recently said that with military assistance, Ukraine could hold its ground through 2024, challenging Russia's recent advances and potential major offensive expected in late spring or in the summer.

Read also: What Ukraine lost while waiting for the US aid bill to pass

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Breeze Airways adding new routes from Myrtle Beach airport starting in June

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Breeze Airways is expanding its offerings out of Myrtle Beach this summer, with services to cities in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Starting June 1, the low-cost airline will fly directly to Westchester-New York, Akron-Canton and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Services to Hartford will also jump, from three flights a week to five.

Fares begin at $39 one-way if purchased by April 30 for travel by Jan. 7.

Breeze debuted from Myrtle Beach in February with service to Providence, R.I., and the airline now has six new routes from the citys airport:

Hartford, Conn. (Sat, Sun, and Thurs, starting May 2, adding Fri and Mon, from June 21);

Tampa (Seasonal, Mondays and Fridays, starting May 10); and

Charleston, W.V. (Summer seasonal, Mondays and Fridays, starting May 10).

Akron-Canton, OH (Summer seasonal, Wed and Sat, starting June 20, one way from $39);

Westchester County-New York, NY (Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun, starting June 20, one way from $59)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (Summer seasonal, Thursdays and Sundays, starting June 20, one way from $49).

Myrtle Beach International Airport primed for $10M in federal aid to expand concourse

These new destinations will provide air travel options to high-demand and underserved markets, making them an excellent addition to our summer schedule. We want to express our gratitude to Breeze Airways for their continued commitment to serving the travel needs of our residents and tourists, Myrtle Beach Director of Airports Judi Olmstead said in a news release.

Breeze President Tom Doxey said the larger footprint into Myrtle Beach is part of a larger strategy by the company to build its east coast market.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Former post office workers celebrating outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, after their convictions were overturned by the Court of Appeal

If the Prime Minister were to stand in front of the nation and vow to constantly and repeatedly search the bank accounts of every Briton in the name of looking for potential indicators of welfare fraud and payments errors, the public would surely be outraged.

And yet, today, in a small Committee room in the House of Lords, extraordinarily intrusive bank spying powers will be debated as they hurtle towards the statue book, smuggled in at the last minute to a 288 page Data Bill.

As one crossbencher put it, It feels as if this draconian clause is being hidden in the depths of a Bill that the Government perhaps felt would not generate much interest.

It certainly does, because this financial snoopers charter will affect every single one of us. For the people most at risk of surveillance, intrusion and false suspicion at the hands of algorithmic monitoring, this new system could make the Horizon scandal look like a mere cautionary tale for a far more widespread disaster of injustice to come.

Fraudulent uses of taxpayers money must be dealt with  and the Government already has strong statutory powers to investigate the bank accounts of benefit fraud suspects  but now it is creating a nation of suspects and seeking powers to force banks, building societies and other organisations to repeatedly scan all of our accounts according to secret criteria. Banks must hand over unlimited types of information to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Whilst every single one of us will have our accounts scanned, the targets are those linked to receipt of a benefit: including the 10 million Brits in receipt of the state pension, the 3 million people with long-term illness or disabilities, and the hundreds of thousands of carers making great sacrifices to look after elderly and disabled family members. These are the people who would most likely be the victims of being falsely accused, just as happened in the Post Office Scandal.

The breathtaking new surveillance regime, which is not restricted to serious crime or even crime at all, will also target landlords who receive tenants housing benefits, and parents who are appointed to receive their disabled childrens benefits. All of their personal accounts, joint accounts  even the accounts of charities, trusts or companies they are named on  will be in the crosshairs of this unprecedented system of financial snooping.

Perhaps the Government will attempt to window-dress these draconian powers with safeguards as they come under greater fire. But nothing would change the fact that, for the first time, the gateway to mass bank spying is being recklessly flung open with no regard for individual privacy.

The greatest concern is this: these powers follow a disturbing trend of the reversal of the presumption of innocence in our country. For centuries, we have carefully balanced the relationship between citizens and the state, whereby no Briton should suffer intrusion on his property or personal affairs without a suspicion of wrongdoing. Yet the Conservatives, who promised to dismantle the nanny state, has found itself building a digital Big Brother state  so overbearing over our private lives that it orders tens of millions of our bank statements to be constantly rifled through in secret.

This trajectory foretells a curtailing of liberty for the generation growing up in a digital world. Whilst millions of us still carefully shred our paper bank statements each month, digital finance now means that unwelcome intruders, whether criminals or the state, can get access to our private information in the digital shadows, whether we like it or not and even without us knowing.

This does little to build confidence in the Governments plans to pilot a centralised digital currency (CBDC) or Britcoin next year, where our every transaction would be recorded on a central ledger. Governments piloting CBDCs around the world are discussing the prospects of automating welfare and taxes alike. Against the backdrop of this financial snoopers charter, the Treasurys vague assurances about CBDC privacy appear as thin and translucent as a polymer fiver  only far less trustworthy.

The public insult to the injury of this assault on our privacy is that so often these systems of mass digital surveillance are wholly ineffective in achieving the stated aims. The Governments own impact assessment estimates that, if it works, this unprecedented bank spying regime will recoup less than 3% of the estimated annual loss to welfare fraud and error.

How did our privacy and dignity become so cheap to merit such vast, irreversible digital intrusion? What would the next government do with this eye-watering architecture? Sunak should scrap the financial snoopers charter as quickly as it was smuggled in.

Silkie Carlo is Director of Big Brother Watch

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On any given school day, Abby Smarkel works with students at Finland Middle School, part of the South-Western City School District, on issues ranging from suicide assessments to helping a kid having a bad day.

Smarkel is not a district employee, but a social worker with The Buckeye Ranch, a Columbus non-profit whose mission is to improve the mental health of area children.

Smarkel, who has been with the Buckeye Ranch behavioral and mental health program for children for two years, said she has seen an increase in anxiety, depression and inattentiveness in children. Part of the challenge, she said, is that children are not learning "problem-solving communication."

"I think our country in general is struggling," Smarkel said. "I think parents are struggling  if they're struggling, they're maybe not able to take care of the kids in that way."

The Buckeye Ranch school-based program, now in its second year, has expanded and includes social workers in 22 schools across Columbus City Schools, South-Western City School District, Reynoldsburg City Schools and Columbus Preparatory Academy.

Braedyn West, (left) a counseling intern; and Abby Smarkel, a school-based clinician with The Buckeye Ranch, are working with students at Finland Middle School in the South-Western City Schools.

What Smarkel likes about being placed in a school, she said, is that she can meet children where they're at.

"In some ways, we can catch kids sooner just because I'm here and the school is aware that I'm here," Smarkel said. "And I have that conversation with the student or with their family sooner  and it's a little bit more convenient."

Andrea Weisberger, director of education and early childhood mental health at The Buckeye Ranch, said the goal of the program is to reduce nonacademic barriers to academic success. She said the demand for the Columbus-based mental health care provider's services has shown the increasing need for social workers in schools.

"Oftentimes, schools come in and they're like, 'We need everything,' which we would love to be able to provide everything, and let's start with what is most pressing that you're struggling with the most," Weisberger said.

Student mental health still reeling from pandemic

In 2022, a National Center for Education Statistics study found that around 70% of public schools reported that the percent of students who sought mental health services from schools had increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And by contrast, the same study found that only 13% of public schools "strongly agreed" and 43% "moderately agreed" that their school was able to effectively provide mental health services to all students in need.

The NCES study also found that around 45% of schools (around 51% urban, 42% in suburban) use nongovernmental organizations or nonprofits to address needs like mental or emotional health for students.

The Buckeye Ranch in-school program provides training for teachers, consultation with school staff on ways to provide a trauma-informed school, tips on mental health in addition to individual therapy, family therapy and teacher consultation on individual clients, Weisberger said.

Tyler Winner, Finland Middle School principal, said it would be impossible to provide the needed support to students without Buckeye Ranch.

"We've seen some students who've had some really high needs, who traditionally wouldn't be at school, be here at school because they know that support person from the Buckeye Ranch is here for them," Winner said.

Tyler Winner, principal of Finland Middle School in the South-Western City Schools.

Students who may need Buckeye Ranch services are identified by the school social worker, school counselors or administrators. Smarkel said the biggest thing the kids learn is how to recognize and regulate their emotions, as well as how to communicate and problem-solve.

"Slowing things down, being more mindful," Smarkel said about the social skills she teaches the children. "Working on recognizing what's going on, instead of reacting right away."

'Truly changed our families lives': program benefitting districts, students

Joel Grant, principal of Binns Elementary, a Columbus City school also partners with Buckeye Ranch, said the social worker sent to the school "came in and truly changed our families lives."

"I cannot stress how this builds trust and opens doors for our kids later in life," Grant said. "In our two years of working together, our students have increased overall time spent learning and instructional time has been maximized."

An aerial view shows Finland Middle School, right; Finland Elementary School, left; and at the top of the frame Franklin Woods Intermediate School, all in the South-Western City School District.

Winner said he is grateful that South-Western City Schools provides "everything we can" to the Finland Middle School students.

"I think our parents trust us here at the school because they know we're working hard for their kids," Winner said. "So when we say 'Hey, we've got this opportunity to do (treatment) here at school,' they view school as a safe space. For them to be able to get this additional support in a place they're already comfortable with, I think is huge for parents."

One of the limitations of continuing to expand the program, Weisberger said, is funding. While many social workers in the program are at no-cost to the district through Medicaid, other schools The Buckeye Ranch works with are contracted and can offer a wider range of services. Another limitation is capacity.

"When a school calls and says 'We desperately need help,' I have to tell them at the current moment, we just don't have capacity to add another school," Weisberger said. "Really, every single school  I don't care if it's with (The Buckeye Ranch) or not every single school should have a mental health clinician."

Smarkel said she wanted parents in central Ohio to know that "their child matters."

"If we as a society and culture wants things to get better, we need to invest in our kids in mental health and emotional health."

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Buckeye Ranch program connects social workers, kids in Ohio schools
Its contradictory to say a deputy got lucky while being shot, but such was the case when a Florida fugitive pulled a gun during a dispute in south Georgia, investigators say.

Call it a miracle or pure chance, but a bullet literally passed through a deputys trousers without drawing blood, according an April 22 news release.

Details of the terrifying encounter were released by the Citrus County Sheriffs Office in Florida, where 29-year-old Rafael Rodriguez Morey is wanted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, officials said.

Moreys vehicle broke down on I-75 in Cook County, Georgia. He and the car were both towed to a nearby gas station, where he then attempted to drive it off the tow truck after refusing to pay for the tow, Citrus County officials said.

When deputies tried to intervene, Morey pulled out a handgun and shot at one of the deputies on scene. Thankfully, the bullet went through the deputys pants leg, not striking any part of his body.

Details of how the deputy reacted were not released.

The shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at a Circle K in Adel, where the tow truck attendant discovered the car was out of gas and had a dead battery, according to a news release published by the Adel News Tribune. Adel is about a 200-mile drive south from Atlanta.

Law enforcement used a window punch to attempt to gain access to the vehicle and upon successfully gaining entry Morey produced a handgun and fired, the news outlet reported.

He was taken into custody after a brief struggle and .... and charged initially with multiple counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, the news outlet reported.

Moreys warrant in Florida will be handled after the charges in Georgia are addressed, officials said.

Dad grabs pistol and joins deputys gunfight with suspect in yard, Florida cops say

Double homicide reveals tax office was cover for illicit club, Florida cops say

Man held at police gunpoint asks to drink beer while its cold, Florida video shows
Bundestag official demands that Scholz give Taurus missiles to Ukraine amid US Senate approval of aid

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the Bundestag Defence Committee, has urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles after the US Senate approved a billion-dollar aid package.

Source: German news channel n-tv, citing the official, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Strack-Zimmermann stressed that, based on media reports, the first aid package from the US to Ukraine would include long-range ATACMS missiles.

"The Chancellor has always assured us that he is focusing on the United States," she said.

The lawmaker stated this is a sufficient reason "to act now on the Taurus issue".

Background:

The German CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union) Parliamentary Group has urged UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to pressure his German counterpart to supply Ukraine with cruise missiles.

On 23 April, the Senate approved a legislation package that envisages almost US$61 billion in supplemental military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as assistance to other US allies.

US President Joe Biden plans to sign the document on Wednesday, 24 April.

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KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 18:50 | All, Japan

The discharge of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea resumed after being temporarily suspended Wednesday due to a partial power outage, the plant operator said.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. said it believed the power outage, which occurred around 10:43 a.m., was caused when a power cable at the Daiichi plant was damaged during excavation work.

The system to cool reactors and spent fuel pools was not affected by the power cutoff and remained operational, according to the utility.

The operator also said the reading of radioactive levels on monitoring posts showed no abnormal figures. Meanwhile, an excavation worker suffered burns in the power outage and had to be rushed to the hospital, according to TEPCO.

The excavation was under way west of the reactor buildings for the No.1 to 4 units near the location of the damaged cable.

Following the outage, an International Atomic Energy Agency task force had to delay the start of its on-site inspection due to safety checks but was able to complete it on Wednesday, according to a TEPCO official.

The task force is visiting Japan for a review mission on the safety of the water discharge, its second since the start of the water release in late August.

Wednesday's suspension of the water release came after a major earthquake that struck Fukushima Prefecture and other areas in northeastern Japan temporarily stopped the discharge last month.

Incidents have hit the nuclear facility in recent months. Two men were hospitalized in October after they were exposed to radioactive liquid while cleaning a water filtration facility, and leakage of contaminated water was detected in February.

TEPCO released about 31,200 tons of water in the previous fiscal year through March in four batches, while it plans to discharge 7,800 tons of water through May 7 in the first discharge of the current fiscal year.

The release of the fifth batch of water began last Friday. The utility sees the discharge as a key step in the ongoing decommissioning of the wrecked Fukushima plant, which suffered fuel meltdowns in three reactors following a massive earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

Related coverage:

IAEA starts 2nd review of Fukushima water treatment process

Japan begins release of 5th batch of Fukushima treated water

TEPCO begins loading nuclear fuel into idle Japan reactor
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said more air traffic controllers are needed to address the concerns of them being overworked.

Buttigieg said the administration is requesting funding from Capitol Hill lawmakers to hire 2,000 additional controllers.

We need more, and were hiring more, Buttigieg said Wednesday on MSNBCs Morning Joe.

If you look at just a chart over the last 30 years or so, the number of air traffic controllers has gone down and down and down, until recently where we finally got that number going up, he continued.

We hired 1,500, then 1,800 in this year. Were requesting a budget from Congress and let us hire 2,000 next year so that you dont have as much of this concern about controllers being overworked.

The reports of air traffic controllers suffering from exhaustion and burnout were captured in a 114-page report released this year, which found that lack of sleep, especially during night shifts, potentially hindering safety and leading to accidents.

Following the report, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued new rules and guidelines to deal with reports of fatigue among air traffic controllers. The new rules, which will take effect this summer, mandate controllers take 12 hours off before midnight shifts and 10 hours off between regular shifts.

These controllers are pros, and its extraordinary what they do, but we need to support them for that very reason, with the right kind of space between their shifts with more controllers coming into their ranks, and importantly, with better technology, Buttigieg said.

He said the administration is working on upgrading the technology and is asking Congress for a mandatory account that would make it easier for the FAA to plan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Cal Poly Humboldt campus in Northern California has closed after several student protesters occupied a building Monday night. The campus said it would be closed through Wednesday.

Several pro-Palestinian student protesters entered Siemens Hall on Monday evening and have refused to leave. Local media reports say that chairs and other furniture have been stacked just inside of entrances to the building.

All in-person classes and activities were changing to a remote version when possible, the campus said, and students were advised by the administration to check with their professors or other staff about the status of their classes and activities.

The protest is similar to those happening at colleges across the country in response to Israels invasion of Gaza, which happened after Hamas conducted a surprise attack on Oct. 7, killing around 1,400 Israelis and taking hundreds of hostages.

Pro-Palestinian protests sweep US college campuses following mass arrests at Columbia

Since then, more than 33,000 Palestinians have died and tens of thousands have been injured.

The student protesters are demanding that the university disclose all holdings with Israel, cut ties with Israeli universities, divest from all ties to Israel including companies involved in the occupation of Palestine, drop all charges and attacks on student organizers, and call for a ceasefire and end to the occupation of Palestine.

Around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, the university said the students had barricaded themselves inside the building and announced the campus closure.

Since then, the university has disabled key card access and limited access to several buildings nearby.

Cal Poly Humboldt is part of the California State University and is located in Arcata, about 300 miles northwest of Sacramento.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
California labor tries again to get unemployment pay for striking workers. Can state afford 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.

California labor unions are once again fighting to secure unemployment pay for striking workers after Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed their effort last year.

But there is a looming question hanging over Senate Bill 1116 from Burbank Sen. Anthony Portantino: How will the state cover additional workers as its unemployment insurance fund remains mired in debt?

The Democrats bill would pay workers on strike for at least two weeks. Its a repeat of his previous measure, which Newsom declined to sign because Californias unemployment insurance financing structure is in need of revisions and its trust fund owes more than $20 billion to the federal government for loans used to pay claims.

That situation has not changed. The state Employment Development Department is still trying to get the trust fund back in shape after its payments exploded during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic. The state borrowed heavily from the federal government during the pandemic so it could pay claims.

Portantino and California Labor Federation head Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher on Wednesday touted their bill ahead of a Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee hearing. Members did advance SB 1116, which now moves on to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Bill opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, argued in a committee analysis the bill would effectively require employers to subsidize striking workers, even if those workers or labor strikes had nothing to do with the employer, even if that employer is not presently (or has never) experienced any strikes.

How much will the bill cost?

There is no cost estimate currently associated with SB 1116. An Assembly Appropriations Committee analysis of Portantinos previous bill said the additional eligible workers would likely have drawn down the unemployment trust fund by an amount in the low millions to tens of millions of dollars.

California last year saw large numbers of workers go on strike, including a simultaneous work stoppage by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild that significantly impacted the Los Angeles-area film industry.

Even so, Gonzalez Fletcher called for an Appropriations analysis that shows how many striking workers actually walked off the job long enough to qualify for benefits.

I guarantee you, it will be lower than the pretty low cost we got out of Assembly Appropriations last year, she said.

Last years Appropriations analysis cited data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracking strikes involving at least 1,000 workers. The data showed there were at least 56 strikes in California from 2012 to 2022, and only two lasted more than two weeks. However, at the time of the report, there were two ongoing strikes that had exceeded two weeks.

Gonzalez Fletcher insisted paying those on strike is a smart economic decision for the state, as it would push employers to negotiate. Ending strikes sooner would ultimately alleviate unemployment insurance costs, Gonzalez Fletcher said, because workers who are not on strike but lose their jobs as a result of the stoppage do receive state payments.

They would be able to resume their jobs more quickly, she said, ending the need for more unemployment checks.

When asked how the bill will address Newsoms concerns with the unemployment insurance trust, Portantino and Gonzalez Fletcher did not have specific answers but acknowledged the need for reform.

Oftentimes, things get signed as you work out the economic activity behind it, Portantino said. So were hoping those conversations and the reforms happen, as well. This is not an isolated effort. This is a broader effort to protect workers and protect the fund.

Gonzalez Fletcher said the unemployment insurance issues will not be resolved until the governor really has the political will to tell businesses that they need to pay more.
Top California leaders introduced a plan Wednesday to expand abortion access for Arizonans coming across the border, including opening doors to out-of-state doctors.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms bill would allow licensed Arizona physicians to quickly get a temporary license to see their patients in California through Nov. 30, according to details shared exclusively with POLITICO ahead of the official unveiling.

The bill is being introduced in the Legislature on Wednesday by Legislative Womens Caucus leaders: state Sen. Nancy Skinner and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.

Senate Bill 233, which Newsom first suggested over the weekend on MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki, is a response to the April 9 decision by Arizonas Supreme Court to uphold an 1864 near-total ban on abortion. Newsom's plan was announced just hours before the Arizona House voted to repeal that ban, but abortion access there is still likely to remain in jeopardy, at least in the immediate future. The repeal bill, if passed, wont take effect until 90 days after the legislative session ends, and the ban is set to take effect in June.

Newsom's office said his "legislation is a valuable stopgap even if the Arizona Republican-led legislature passes a law to repeal the extreme 1864 ban," adding that it would "fill a critical gap for care during a meaningful period of time before an Arizona repeal could be implemented. Swift action helps combat the confusion and chilling effect this back-and-forth creates."

In order to accommodate a potential surge of abortion patients now cut off from care in Arizona, doctors from that state would be able to submit proof of their current license along with other documentation to the California Medical Board or Osteopathic Board. The group Red, Wine and Blue, will be covering the cost for Arizona providers, and Newsoms office says no state funds will be used for the effort.

At the same time, California Attorney General Rob Bonta is also issuing guidance on Wednesday, reminding abortion seekers and providers of their rights in California, according to details also shared with POLITICO before that announcement.

For providers from near-total abortion ban states who are willing to practice in California, you are welcome in California, and we want to ensure that you know your rights and are empowered to continue fulfilling your vital role of providing necessary abortion care here, Bonta said in a statement shared with POLITICO. California has your back and is armed with resources and safeguarding measures should you seek to obtain or provide care in our state.

Bontas letter highlights state laws that criminalize harassing patients at abortion clinics, prevent doctors who legally perform the procedure from being extradited across state lines and keep patient data private from out-of-state subpoenas and warrants.

If it passes, Newsom's bill would go into effect immediately with his signature. Technically, the Legislature has until August 31 to pass bills, but since Arizonas ban goes into effect June 8, California is aiming to move quickly before then.

California providers have already performed an additional 12,000 abortions than was expected in the 15 months since Roe v. Wade was overturned, according to Newsoms office.

The state has been preparing for an increased demand from out-of-state patients for over a year, including the passage of two dozen abortion-related laws and setting aside over $200 million to shore up the states abortion infrastructure.

More than 1,440 patients have received financial help in getting to their appointments through the states Practical Support Fund, and another 42,000 patients have been funded through a different state program that gives financial support to abortion providers, as POLITICO reported last week.
This Capitol rioters own messages helped the feds convict him of attacking police

A North Carolina man who struck Capitol police with a metal pole after being one of the first to breach U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, 2021, was sentenced to six years in prison Tuesday.

After slamming and grabbing officers face masks, David Joseph Gietzen, 30, told friends and family it was a beautiful day spent with thousands of people ascending the Capitol after former president Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally.

An armed civil war would come next, he hoped.

The Sanford man was arrested one year and four months later. He was one of several thousand Trump supporters  and at least 16 now-convicted North Carolinians  who stormed the Capitol, where a crowd broke through police barricades, breached the building and attempted to stop the joint session of Congress where electoral votes were being counted in the 2020 presidential election.

Never been prouder to be an American, Gietzen wrote in another message someone later shared with FBI agents.

Court documents lay out Gietzens movements around Washington D.C., both on the day of the Capitol riots and his return two weeks later on the day of President Joe Bidens inauguration.

While Gietzen was the first publicly-identified N.C. defendant to have been in Washington for both Trumps Stop the Steal rally and the inauguration, he has not been charged with any crimes connected to his inaugural visit.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols sentenced Gietzen to 72 months  or six years  in prison and 36 months of supervised release after a federal jury found him guilty of seven felonies and one misdemeanor for his actions at the Capitol.

Members of the U.S. House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack found that Trump provoked his supporters to violence through his false allegations of fraud in the 2020 election. The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday will hear arguments over whether Trump is immune from prosecution in a criminal indictment charging him with trying to overturn the election result.

David Gietzens Capitol riot route

Gietzen who wore a helmet, goggles, and knee pads on Jan. 6  consistently pushed his way to the front of the Capitols crowds, documents filed by the FBI show.

Cameras fastened to the building above show him lined at the barriers in front of the Capitol around 2 p.m. His white helmet and green jacket set him aside from the crowd of red MAGA-hat wearers and police officers uniformed in black helmets and vests.

Screenshots of surveillance videos soon show Gietzen pushing through the barrier as a crowd of others follow.

F--- disgrace, he yells at officers. We Want Trump! he chants.

By 2:30 p.m., Gietzen is carrying a long metal pipe, which he later uses to assault officers after they were toppled by a door-sized piece of plywood. He leaves the area  and his helmet  and appears at the front of a tunnel entrance by 4 p.m.

Thats the last time Gietzen was captured on camera that day.

He later sent a message to friends saying: Btw they are trying to give credit to storming congress on the news to Antifa.BULLSHIT, I was there in a hallway helping to push the line of guards back. Today was 100 what happens when you piss of normal people, and the next protest is going even further.

FBI agents contacted Gietzen by phone on Jan. 19, 2021, and he told them that he and his brother were en route to D.C., but that he had no intentions of committing any acts of violence.

A friend in one of Gietzens group chats contacted the FBI in May 2021 after Gietzens college acquaintance did the same in February. A year later, police arrested him.

Gietzen does not regret his actions, he said at both the trial and sentencing, according to a news release by the U.S. District Attorney for the District of Colombia.

More than 1,230 people  including 34 North Carolinians  have been charged with federal crimes in the riot, ranging from misdemeanor offenses like trespassing to felonies like assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy.

At least five deaths have been linked to the violence. More than 140 police officers were injured, while the Capitol was left with an estimated $1.5 million in damages.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, left, speaks to a group of educators in Little Rock on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, including Little Rock Schools Superintendent Jermall Wright. (Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate)

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told a group of Arkansas educators Tuesday that the goal of the Biden administrations student loan forgiveness program is to prevent defaults.

Which is better, letting someone pay what they can afford or throwing our hands up and doing nothing? Cardona asked during a roundtable discussion with nine teachers and others at Arkansas Education Association headquarters near the state Capitol in Little Rock.

Cardona also acknowledged delays and problems with the rollout of a streamlined Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, but said, Its working now. He encouraged students and parents to fill out the online application.

I helped my own kid fill it out and it took only 15 to 20 minutes, he said, comparing it to the hour or more needed to fill out the old form.

Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders didnt meet with Cardona. Sanders and Oliva sent a letter to Cardona on Monday criticizing him, Biden and the U.S. Department of Education.

Your department is a constant source of frustration for Americans and Arkansans, Sanders and Oliva said in their letter. You oppose education freedom.

They wrote that the presidents latest student loan forgiveness plan is unfair, unwise and unlawful.

Regarding FAFSA, the governor and her education chief said students, particularly from low-income families, need answers.

State government needs clarity, they wrote, noting that officials are conditionally awarding scholarships to ensure students know theyll receive their state scholarships.

Addressing the governors comments after the meeting with educators, Cardona said, I want to work with the governor. I know that shes probably been working a lot too. Lets work together and make sure it happens.

Referring to Sanders signature education legislation, the LEARNS Act, that raised teacher salaries and created tutoring programs, Cardona said, Im glad to see some of the provisions of the recent legislation but theres still a lot of work to do. I think we can go farther for the students of Arkansas if we work together.

We need to help our educators. We need to serve our students. We do it better when we do it together, he said.

Its one thing to send a letter to me, but tell that to teachers whove been working 20 years and cant afford to buy a home. Were trying to bring people into the profession, he said, noting that many borrowers who will benefit from the loan forgiveness plan are teachers.

He urged students and their parents not to be deterred from filing out the FAFSA form.

I know its been frustrating, but the bottom line is its working now. So if you havent applied yet, do it now. We know theres potentially 600,000 more students that can access federal aid that couldnt before with the old system, he said.

He noted that his department has received 26% fewer federal aid applications from Arkansas than last year.

We want to do everything we can to get those applications in, he said. It should be quicker. The process makes it easier to access more federal dollars.

Cardona said an intense push by officials last week resulted in hundreds of thousands of students sending in their applications.

And those students who did, their colleges already have the information. The goal now is to get the word out its up and running, he said.

After the meeting at AEA headquarters, Cardona visited Central High School where students participated in a clinic about the new financial aid application.

The post Cardona tells Arkansas teachers student debt forgiveness meant to prevent defaults appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
Robert Luna speaks after being sworn in as the 34th Los Angeles County sheriff during a ceremony in Los Angeles on Dec. 3, 2022. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

Attorneys for the family of a 34-year-old homeless man who they say was fatally shot by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies while on his knees have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the county.

Lawyers allege in the lawsuit that deputies used excessive force when they shot Arturo Cernas four times in the back outside a gas station in Carson. The lawsuit also says the deputies failed to render aid immediately and failed to use proper tactics to de-escalate the situation.

Attorneys for the family filed the lawsuit last week on behalf of Cernas mother, Beatriz Loera, and his three children. Luis Carrillo, attorney for the family, could not be reached for comment.

The Sheriff's Department released a statement Tuesday saying it has not officially received the lawsuit "but takes all deputy-involved shootings seriously," adding that it released information, including video, about the incident.

"The Department is deeply committed to protecting our diverse communities without bias and prejudice, the statement said.

The shooting occurred in the early hours of Aug. 7 at the Chevron gas station at Albertoni Street and Central Avenue.

The Sheriffs Department, which has released audio and video recordings of the incident, said deputies with the sheriffs Carson station were dispatched to the gas station after an employee called about a man screaming and walking around the premises.

Its one Latino guy thats acting crazy, screaming outside, the caller is heard in the 911 recording. So, I want him to leave.

Upon arriving, deputies came across a man with dark clothing and a backpack, later identified as Cernas, standing by the entrance of the gas station's market.

Video from the body-worn camera of a deputy, whom the Sheriffs department has identified as Carlos Maciel, captured the interaction and shooting.

In that video, Maciel and a second deputy approach Cernas, asking him questions before one deputy shines a light on the lower left pocket of his pants. The Sheriffs Department said deputies immediately noticed the butt of a handgun protruding from the pocket.

Maciel is seen in the video pulling out his service weapon while asking Cernas what was in his pocket. But Maciels question gets muddled with commands from the second deputy telling Cernas to place his hands in the air.

I found it on the way over here, bro, Cernas is heard telling the deputies before throwing his bag to the ground. Come on, stop this. Take it then, grab it,

Eventually both deputies take cover behind the doors of a cruiser while instructing Cernas to get on his knees and place his hands behind his head.

The Sheriffs Department said it took several commands until Cernas complied. Deputies still continued to warn him not to reach into the backpack or left pocket.

In another body camera recording, the second deputy is heard telling Maciel that he plans to use a 40-millimeter foam projectile if Cernas reaches into his left pocket. Shortly after, the deputy fires the projectile while Maciel fires his service weapon at the same time. Cernas can be heard screaming in the background.

The incident was also captured by the gas station's surveillance cameras, which show Cernas on his knees, reaching into his backpack, then pulling out what appears to be a weapon from his left pocket. It appeared he was trying to discard the weapon.

Los Angeles County fire paramedics declared Cernas dead at the scene. The weapon in Cernas pants turned out to be a BB gun that resembled a firearm.

An autopsy report included in the familys complaint showed that Cernas was shot four times in the back, damaging his heart and small intestines and causing other injuries.

The lawsuit accuses deputies of failing to follow proper tactics to de-escalate the situation, such as notifying the agencys mental health teams to respond, and of being indifferent to Cernas mental health condition. It also accuses the deputies of failing to warn Cernas that they planned to use nonlethal weapons.

The family is seeking monetary damages.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
 Welcome to 5 Things PM! Many moms and dads say parenting hinders their ability to connect with other adults, according to a new survey. About two-thirds reported that the demands of parenthood sometimes or frequently left them feeling isolated and lonely. Experts urged parents who are burned out or overwhelmed to ask for help.

Heres what else you might have missed during your busy day:

5 things

Student protesters occupy the West Lawn of Columbia University. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

1 College protests: House Speaker Mike Johnson and other leaders ratcheted up the pressure for Columbia Universitys president to resign as pro-Palestinian protests continued and spread to colleges across the country.  Hamas released video of an Israeli-American hostage.  Watch: Troopers in riot gear break up Texas protest

2 Abortion rights: The Arizona House voted to overturn the states century-old abortion ban, paving the way for a repeal that would leave a 15-week restriction in place.  The Supreme Court heard arguments about emergency abortions.  Video: A tense exchange with Justice Alito

3 Aid for Ukraine: President Biden signed into law an aid package providing crucial military assistance to Ukraine, capping months of negotiations and debate.  The US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine after much resistance.

4 Realtor settlement: A federal judge gave a green light to the National Association of Realtors settlement on broker commissions, paving the way for an overhaul of the way people buy and sell homes in the US.

5 Bird flu: The US Department of Agriculture issued a federal order to require more testing and reporting of H5N1 influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in dairy cows.

Watch this

 Running wild: Horses got loose in central London after escaping from the Horse Guards Parade. Police said the animals are now safe and receiving medical attention.

Editors picks

 Here are a few recommended reads for you:

3.6 million

 Thats how many Medicare enrollees may now be eligible for coverage of the anti-obesity drug Wegovy.

Quiz time

Wildfire smoke over San Francisco in September 2023. - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images

 What percentage of people in the US are living in places with unhealthy levels of polluted air?

A. 10%

B. 20%

C. 30%

D. 40%

 Scroll down for the answer.

Looking ahead

 Tomorrow: Donald Trumps criminal hush money trial resumes in Manhattan, with additional testimony expected from a former tabloid publisher.

Good vibes

 We like to wrap things up on a positive note:

A pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend over the planes PA system. She ran down the aisle to hug him and accept her ring in front of delighted passengers.

Thanks for reading

 Well see you tomorrow.

 Were trying something new and want your thoughts. What would you like to see in 5 Things PM? Email us: 5ThingsPM@cnn.com

 Quiz answer: D. Nearly 40% of people in the US are living with unhealthy air pollution, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.

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5 Things PM is produced by CNNs Tricia Escobedo, Meghan Pryce and Kimberly Richardson.

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The Kyoto Shimbun - Apr 24, 2024 - 15:18 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

It is not uncommon to hear laughter resonating throughout ohashi, a share house in Miyazu, a coastal city in Kyoto Prefecture. Present during such lively conversations in the renovated Japanese-style folk building that is over 100 years old is 23-year-old Honoka Kai, a "trainee manager" of the house who listens to occupants talk about their interactions with locals over drinks.

"Whenever I hear our occupants say they want to visit here again, I know they were able to discover how great this place is," Kai says.

Having moved from the prefectural capital Kyoto a year ago, Kai has been managing the facility and selling lemonade out of a popup food truck as a member of Hyakusho Inc., a company made up of young farmers.

She says Miyazu's greatest appeal is its calm sea, night sky full of brightly lit stars, and tranquil feeling of being away from fickly trends.

Kai's journey began two years ago, when she was a senior in university. Unable to nail down what she really wanted to do, as others around her looked for post-college jobs, she hopped on her motorbike and began selling bottled soda.

Her entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of the owner of a guest house in Miyazu. She visited the place and stayed for five days. During her visit, she talked with local business owners, who very much impressed her with their work ethic and strong desire to liven up the city.

Kai's responsibilities at her share house include doing reception work, making beds and showing new occupants how everything in their room works. She even cooks with the occupants and dines with them occasionally.

She also hosts an event once a month in which occupants can mingle with local residents. That is intended to show the occupants the human side of the city -- something they would find it difficult to experience just through sightseeing.

"I want to create a place that's inviting to anyone, whether they're young or old, like how a bath house is," Kai says. Starting this fiscal year, she will be running the house completely by herself.

Kai envisions applying her hobbies of writing and photography to create content that showcases local business owners. "I want our occupants to have an authentic Miyazu experience through meeting people they can't find at any other place."

The Kyoto Shimbun

More stories from Kyoto Shimbun:

Kyoto's Gion Shimbashi area puts up signs urging better visitor manners

Much-loved gibbon dies at Kyoto zoo

Kyoto shrine hopes people find encouragement in auspicious white boar
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh issues warning about man accused of disturbing Masses

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh put out an urgent warning to local churches about a man accused of disturbing Masses.

The Catholic Diocese said on April 17, a man approached a local priest from the back of a church during communion, got in his face and started yelling he was the devil and other troubling things, then ran off.

A similar incident with the same man happened at other parishes including the St. Sebastian church in Ross Township during a noon Mass.

A longtime church member said this is concerning.

Thats supposed to be a place of worship, love, peace and kindness, said Donald Costa. This is very inappropriate.

Right now, the Catholic Diocese security is handling this and is investigating.

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First statue depicting woman of color unveiled by City of Pittsburgh Remains found in North Union Township identified as missing 17-year-old girl Penn Hills man charged with allegedly shooting at neighbor picking up ladder VIDEO: Pittsburgh protest over war in Gaza one of a dozen across country DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A former teacher at a Catholic school in Michigan is accused of sexually abusing a student over a period of months after being fired, officials told news outlets.

Nicholas Coe Young, 26, is facing three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a student, WOOD reported. Young allegedly had sexual contact with the boy multiple times over a 15-month span, the station reported.

The Grand Rapids man allegedly met the teenage victim while teaching at Catholic Central High School  though the sex abuse didnt begin until August 2022, several months after he was fired, according to court documents obtained by the outlet.

Court records show Young was charged with providing alcohol to minors in March 2022.

In an interview with Grand Rapids police, the boys mother said her son was taken advantage of, Mlive.com reported.

Documents say the teen, who is now 17, felt manipulated by Nicholas and reported not always wanting to engage in physical sex acts with him, according to the outlet.

Young and the teen began talking over social media before the dynamic turned sexual, with Young sending explicit messages and images, the outlet reported.

The boys parents tried to confront Young but he stopped communicating with the teen, the outlet reported, though Young reconnected with him nine months later and the abuse resumed.

The victim did not want to do sexual acts with Young, documents said, according to WXMI. Young was aware of this and, at one point, told the boy, I know you didnt want to, but it made me happy, according to court records obtained by the outlet.

The Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids is aware of the accusations against Young but said there is no evidence any sexual assaults occurred while he was teaching at the high school, they told the outlet.

These events serve as a sobering reminder of our need for vigilance, and strengthen our resolve as a community to reinforce a culture of awareness to ensure the protection of children and young people, the diocese said.

Ex church youth leader, 76, seen molesting girl at restaurant, Pennsylvania cops say

Cop accused of raping baby girl tried blaming dog for her injuries, PA officials say

Teacher encouraged fight club discipline against special needs boy, IN lawsuit says

Naked teacher found in SUV crashed by teen driver fleeing sheriff, Nebraska cops say
Cause of death undetermined for Georgia student found in car 45 years after he vanished

A sheriffs office has closed the cold case of a Georgia student who disappeared decades ago after a crime lab listed his cause of death as underdetermined.

Kyle Clinkscales, then 22, disappeared in Jan. 1976 on his way back to Auburn University from LaGrange, Ga. The case went cold, but 45 years later, Clinkscales car was found in an Alabama creek.

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The Troup County Sheriffs Office says they found skeletal remains that belonged to Clinkscales. This week, investigators received a report from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that listed the manner of death as undetermined.

Sheriff James Woodruff says his office is marking the case as closed unless more information is found.

I want to once again thank my team of Investigators, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and the Chambers County Sheriffs Office for their hard work to finally close this case after more than four decades, Woodruff said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Clinkscales was last seen leaving the Moose Club in LaGrange around 11 p.m. the night of Jan. 27, 1976. Clinkscales worked as a bartender at the club two nights a week. He was driving back to Auburn University when he disappeared.

On Dec. 8, 2021, Troup County officials were notified that a 1974 Pinto Runabout believed to have belonged to Clinkscales was pulled out of a body of water off of County Road 83 in Chambers County, Alabama.

For 45 years, we have looked for this young man and his car. We drained lakes. We looked here and looked there and it always turned out nothing, Troup County Woodruff said when the remains were found in 2021. Then, out of the blue, we got the car, his ID, and hopefully his remains.

In Feb. 2022, officials positively identified the remains belonged to the college student.

The Clinkscales family always thought they would get answers. But Kyles father died in 2007 and his mother died in 2021 at the age of 92, never knowing what happened to their son.

It was always her hope that he would come home. Always our hope that we would find him for her. Just fact that we found him and his car brings me a big sigh of relief, the sheriff said.

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Cease and desist order given to pest control company for door-to-door sales

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Ecoshield Pest Solutions, Detroit LLC, has received a cease and desist order from the Michigan Attorney Generals Office for unlawful business practices.

According to Nessel, Ecoshield sells pest-control services to Michigan consumers through door-to-door sales, and the Attorney General and The Better Business Bureau have received complaints.

The Michigan Homes Solicitation Sale Act (HSSA) says customers can cancel door-to-door contracts in three days to receive a full refund.

Officials say if the pest control company does not comply with Michigan law, the Attorney General may begin a formal investigation or litigation under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MSPA).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Nancy Gonzalez, the founder of luxury handbag company Gzuniga Ltd., has been sent to jail over her purses.

The Colombian designer, whose upscale handbags have been seen on Sex and the City and carried by celebrities like Victoria Beckham, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Monday, The Washington Post reported. She received that sentence for illegally importing purses made from the skin of crocodiles and snakes protected by international treaties.

More from Robb Report

The press of business, production deadlines, or other economic factors are not justification for anyone to knowingly flout the system and attempt to write their own exceptions to wildlife trafficking laws, Markenzy Lapointe, the U.S. attorney for the southern district of Florida, said in a statement.

From February 2016 to April 2019, Gonzalez enlisted friends, family, and employees to fly handbags made with caiman or python skin from Colombia to the United States, prosecutors said. Those species are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a treaty that both the U.S. and Colombia have signed. Gonzalez apparently received warnings about the smuggling in 2016 and 2017 but continued to import the bags to America, where they were displayed in her New York showroom and sold to high-end clients, the Post noted.

Back in July 2022, Gonzalez was arrested in Colombia, where she served more than a year in prison. After being extradited to the U.S., she pleaded guilty in November to one count of conspiracy and two counts of smuggling, the Post said. Her 18-month sentence is less than what prosecutors had initially wanted, and it will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Sam Rabin, one of Gonzalezs lawyers, told the newspaper in an email that the designer doesnt plan to appeal her sentence. But he continued to defend his client, writing, While most major purse designers rush samples to fashion shows, sometimes without the proper paperwork, only she was chosen to be prosecuted by the department of justice  Her case should had [sic] been handled administratively instead of by arrest and prosecution.

And in court on Monday, Gonzalez seemed remorseful, according to the Associated Press. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize to the United States of America. I never intended to offend a country to which I owe immense gratitude, she said. Under pressure, I made poor decisions.

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Central figure in Operation Blooming Onion plans to take her case to trial

Maria Patricio, the central figure in Operation Blooming Onion, one of the largest U.S. human trafficking cases ever prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), plans to take her case to trial, according to a court document filed in federal court on April 18. Although all pretrial motions have been satisfied, neither Patricio and her attorney nor the DOJ prosecutor are prepared for trial, according to the same court filing.

The court filing is the latest update in the Operation Blooming Onion case, a saga that has stretched on since the DOJ unsealed the indictment in early December 2021.

The court document surfaces about two months after SMN reported that two defendants pleaded guilty to charges in the case, and eight defendants planned to plead guilty. Of those eight defendants, three pled guilty in a case attended by SMN.

Barry L. Paschal, spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of Georgia, declined to comment.

When reached for comment, a representative with Patricios law firm, Juanita Holsey of the Holsey Law Firm, said the attorney wasnt interested in speaking about the case.

David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, speaks during a news conference Nov. 22, 2021, to announce indictments in USA v. Patricio et al, Operation Blooming Onion, a human trafficking investigation naming 24 defendants on felony charges including human smuggling and document fraud.

More: Eight of 24 defendants in Georgia's largest human trafficking case plan to plead guilty

More: Three of 24 defendants in Georgia's largest human trafficking case plead guilty

Who is Maria Patricio?

In October 2021, a grand jury indicted 24 people for conspiring to engage in forced labor and other related crimes. Federal prosecutors say the defendants required guest farmworkers to pay illegal fees to obtain jobs, withheld their IDs so they could not leave, made them work for little or no pay, housed them in unsanitary conditions and threatened them with deportation and violence. Two workers died in the heat, according to the indictment. Court records say five workers were kidnapped and one of them was raped.

Following the announcement of Operation Blooming Onion, investigative reporting by USA Today, the Augusta Chronicle and the Savannah Morning News revealed that two Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) officials whose jobs involved protecting or advocating for farmworkers had links to Patricio, who was 70 years old at the time of the indictment. That story found that Jorge Gomez, a GDOL state monitor advocate who has since retired, is the brother of Patricio. While not indicted, his home was searched as part of the case.

Subsequent investigations found that a federal agent testified that GDOL officials were bribed by the alleged Patricio trafficking organization related to farmworker housing inspections, and a Georgia state senator routinely hired a family of farm labor contractors linked to Operation Blooming Onion.

Multiple civil lawsuits have also arisen from the trafficking charges. One civil lawsuit filed on April 5, 2023, in federal court by the Vedder Price law firm, consists of former workers claiming that Maria Patricio and two alleged traffickers forced them to work in dangerous conditions with little to no pay, housed them in rundown motels and trailers, and subjected them to physical and mental abuse.

Federal judge grants Patricio's request for travel again

On April 18, Federal Magistrate Judge Benjamin W. Cheeseboro also denied eight of Patricios previous requests, calling them moot. As such, Cheeseboro canceled a motion hearing previously scheduled for 10 a.m. on April 19 in Waycross Federal Court.

The requests Cheeseboro canceled;

A request to view notes by any government witness;

A request to allow the attorney to inspect and copy any statements made by Patricio;

A request to obtain Brady materials, including investigations against the police officers and federal agents who investigated the case;

A request for the government to preserve and retain intact and not to destroy or alter any investigative reports, surveillance video and other physical evidence in its possession, which may have been necessary or helpful to a proper resolution of the case.

A request for the government to disclose the name of its witnesses, which would have afforded Patricio the opportunity to interview them to fully prepare her defense.

A request to see the name, identity, and whereabouts of any informant who gave information leading to Patricios arrest or indictment, as well as whether said informant was paid by the Government for such information;

A request for production and inspection of grand jury proceedings;

A request for the government to disclose expert witness testimony

Throughout the trial, Patricio has requested eleven motions for travel - all of which have been granted by the court. Patricio frequently travels to Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend a PROMOTORES Unidos and LENUSA Conference.

On April 8, the court granted a similar travel request to Patricio. Cheeseboro ordered [Patricio] to communicate with her supervising probation officer as directed and must follow all instructions provided by her supervising probation officer related to travel. Moreover, all other conditions of release are unaffected by this modification and are still in effect.

Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Central figure in Operation Blooming Onion plans to take her case to trial
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  On day 9 of Chad Daybells murder trial in Idaho, discussion over the death of JJ Vallow and Tammy Daybell led to tears from both a witness and Chad Daybell himself.

On Tuesday, attorneys began tackling the alleged attempted murder of Brandon Boudreaux, the former spouse of Lori Vallow Daybells niece Melani Pawlowski. Lori Vallow Daybell has been convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to five life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole.

PREVIOUS STORY: Zombies and previous lives  this weeks takeaways from the Chad Daybell murder trial

Boudreaux took the stand, sharing how his ex-wife, who he said looked up to Lori, had become obsessed with religion and the issues that followed and led to their divorce. He also discussed the time someone shot at him from outside his home calling the incident traumatic.

When he was asked about identifying the body of JJ for police officers, he began to cry.

They showed me some pictures of him deceased, they asked me if that was JJ. I said yeah, he said through tears.

Boudreaux was not the only one to get emotional in the courtroom today. The afternoon session focused on Tammys death and what has come to be referred to as the paintball incident.

Attorneys first played Tammys call to dispatch after she saw a man in a ski mask with what she called a paintball gun standing outside of her home and attempting to shoot it toward her. She said she called for her husband, Chad, who came running but the man had fled the scene.

BACKGROUND INFO: A complete timeline for the Daybell, Vallow murders

Prosecutors emphasized how police could not rule out the possibility of it being a real gun while the defense focused their questions on how Tammys statements referred to it as a paintball gun or paintball thing.

Finally, the court shifted toward the incident of Tammys death, playing the 911 call Chad and his son Garth placed following her death and showing pictures an officer took on the scene. During the 911 call, Chad can be heard on the phone emotionally telling dispatch his wife was clearly dead.

While the 911 recording played, Chad Daybell appeared to shed tears in the courtroom with his defense attorney passing him a tissue. Over the next several minutes, Chad appeared emotional, shaking his head, adjusting his seat, and wiping his nose.

The officer who responded to the call, Officer Alyssa Greenhalgh, testified on the witness stand that when she was at the home examining Tammys body and taking photos Chad was sobbing and gasping for air, appearing more emotional than his son.

She also said she did not see any signs of foul play, however, it was not her job to determine the cause of death or the need of an autopsy.

Prosecutors asked several times if the information regarding Tammys health prior to her death came from anyone other than Chad, to which she testified Chad was her sole source of information at the time regarding Tammys health condition. The defense clarified that all the evidence she saw on the scene confirmed Chads story regarding her death, to which she said it did.

Chad Daybell is on trial for his alleged connection to the deaths of his wife Tammy Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybells children, JJ and Tylee.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  The United States Postal Services has decided on the fate of the Champaign Processing and Distribution Center on Mattis Avenue.

After conducting a business review and getting public feedback, the facility is being modernized into a Local Processing Center.

The distribution operations will be transferred to the South Suburban P&DC in Bedford Park and Chicago South Regional Processing and Distribution Center in Forest Park.

This means once mail is collected in the area, it will be shipped to either facility, and from there the mail will be delivered. Even mail sent from one Champaign resident to another would follow this process.

Champaign Co. community opposing proposed post office changes

The local chapter of the American Postal Workers Union has spent the past few months fighting back against the change, and they still dont plan on stopping.

The fight is never completely over, Brian Cunningham, the APWU Local 692 president, said. We fight on, but we have to prepare, too. And this isnt going to help anything in my personal opinion.

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) filed a bill in Congress to stop USPS from consolidating offices like the ones in Champaign.

Budzinski files bill preventing changes to Central Illinois USPS centers

If youre going to downsize our distribution centers, you cannot be allowed to do that where our mail today is not being able to be delivered on time already, the congresswoman said. Youre going to exacerbate a problem.

USPS will also invest up to $16.4 million to help streamline operations in Champaign. The service has also promised no layoffs will be made due to the change.

No decision has been made on the Springfield office yet, a USPS official told WCIA.

This is a developing story that will continue to be updated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An emergency landing due to a possible in-flight mechanical issue was reported at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Wednesday.

The flight was traveling from Fort Myers, Florida to Charlotte, North Carolina. Online tracking sites indicated the plane dropped in elevation over Savannah.

The aircraft landed safely around 8 a.m. and the emergency alert was terminated.

American Airlines initially told Queen City News the flight was operating normally. When asked for further details American stated that the aircraft landed safely with no issues. American later confirmed the flight safely arrived in Charlotte following a possible mechanical issue.

Statement from American Airlines Wednesday:

American Airlines flight 1646 with service from Fort Myers, Florida (RSW), to Charlotte (CLT) safely arrived in CLT following a possible mechanical issue. The aircraft landed without incident and taxied to the gate under its own power.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A Chicago man injured and abducted in the attack on a music festival in Israel last October is confirmed to be alive, according to new images released by Hamas shown by multiple media outlets, including CNN.

The video was the first sign of life of Hersh Goldberg-Polin since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Its not clear when the video was taken.

In it, Goldberg-Polin accused Israels government of abandoning the people who are being held hostage by Hamas. He also claimed that some 70 captives have been killed in Israels bombing campaign. Goldberg-Polin was clearly speaking under duress, and the claim could not be independently verified.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin was last seen on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants loaded him into the back of a pickup with other hostages abducted from the the Tribe of Nova where at least 260 people were killed.

Though there was no date on the new video, Goldberg-Polin appeared to reference the weeklong Jewish holiday of Passover. Passover began Monday.

Seeing a video of Hersh today is overwhelming, Goldberg-Polins father, John Goldberg, said in a video released on social media. Were relieved to see him alive but we are also concerned about his health and wellbeing, as well as all of the other hostages and all of those suffering in this region.

Witnesses said Goldberg-Polin lost part of an arm when the attackers tossed grenades into a temporary shelter where people had taken refuge, but he tied a tourniquet around it and walked out of the shelter before being bundled into the truck.

>> Hes a survivor: A mother fights for son kidnapped by Hamas militants

Hostages families have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government of not doing enough to secure the release of their relatives.

Goldberg-Polins aunt still lives in Chicago.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 07:20 | All, Podcast

Episode 42: Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama's works were loved in Japan and abroad.

Three Kyodo News reporters -- Horiuchi-san, Eduardo and Donican -- talk about Toriyama, creator of the "Dragon Ball" anime and manga series, who died in March. Listen as they discuss their favorite characters from the Dragon Ball series, and about Toriyama's legacy around the world.

Article mentioned in the podcast:

Akira Toriyama, creator of "Dragon Ball" manga series, dies at 68

Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents.

More podcast episodes:

Podcast [English World] Episode 41: Ride-hailing in Japan

Podcast [English World] Episode 40: Tokyo Toilet project

Podcast [English World] Episode 39: Cherry blossoms
CHICAGO  The Chicago Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since February.

Jaslene Nieves was last seen leaving her home on the 1400 block of North Central Avenue in the citys Austin neighborhood on Feb. 21. According to police, the teen has not had any contact with family members since she was reported missing, which they say is unusual.

Nieves is described as 5-foot-7, 130 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a red hoodie and black Adidas jogging pants with white stripes.

Anyone with information regarding the teens whereabouts is asked to call Area Five Detectives at 312-746-6554.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
CHICAGO (CBS)  One of Chicago's landmarks is in jeopardy, but the landmark in question had been getting on some neighbors' nerves anyway.

The Chicago "rat hole" was a rodent-shaped indentation in the concrete in front of a blond brick three-flat building at 1918 W. Roscoe St., between Wolcott and Damen avenues in Roscoe Village.

/ Credit: Winslow Dumaine

The rat hole had been there for several yearssome estimate around 20but gained fame on social media just this year when artist Winslow Dumaine showed the sidewalk imprint in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in January.

In particular during the weeks afterward, but ever since, tourists have gathered at the site  leaving some neighbors to complain to the city. Back in January, a nearby resident complained that people had been partying with alcohol; filming videos to promote their businesses, improv shows, or other personal interests; leaving garbage behind; and otherwise disturbing the peace.

But on Wednesday morning  a little over three months after it took Chicago by storm  the rat hole was gone. City crews removed and paved over the slab of concrete on which it was located, and others adjoining it.

/ Credit: CapturedNews

A spokesperson for the Chicago Department of Transportation told CBS 2 it had indeed replaced the damaged sidewalk on Roscoe Street.

But rest assured, the rat hole has not been jackhammered out of existence. Crews removed and preserved the square of sidewalk with the famous rat hole intact.

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) says whatever is left of the rat hole is now with the Department of Transportation and is unsure of what they intend to do with it in the long run.

"They did say it was intact when cutting it out, but I imagine it could fall apart. I have no need for it here in Roscoe Village anymore, so it's up to CDOT to dispose of it," Waguespack said.

CDOT is storing the sidewalk square temporarily while its future location is determined.

U.S. Catholics and their relationship to the church

Pope Francis says "negotiated peace is better than a war without end"

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Jace Wilder, education manager of the Tennessee Equality Project, says the new law "puts kids at risk of being abused, neglected and harmed again." (Photo: John Partipilo)

Jace Wilder, education manager of the Tennessee Equality Project, says the new law "puts kids at risk of being abused, neglected and harmed again." (Photo: John Partipilo)

With Gov. Bill Lees signature, Tennessee last week became the first state in the nation to establish the right of adults who claim moral or religious objections to LGBTQ identity to foster and adopt LGBTQ kids.

In the days since the law became effective, the Department of Childrens Services (DCS) has shelved a 10-year-old policy that said children in state custody must receive care that promotes dignity and respect for all children/youth and families inclusive of their gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

That policy is now under review and will be updated on the web site once the review is complete, DCS spokesperson Ashley Zarach said. New guidelines for how the state will navigate foster kids sexual orientation and gender identity in deciding where to place them are expected to be hashed out in the coming months.

The laws passage has raised alarms among advocates for LGBTQ youth in Tennessee and elsewhere, who say it upends a central principle of child welfare systems: prioritizing the best interest of a child.

Instead, they say, the law gives gives greater weight to a prospective parents religious and moral beliefs over the need of a child for a loving, safe and supportive home.

Whats really sad about this is theres a really high volume of LGBTQ+ kids in the foster system whose needs arent being met now, said Molly Quinn, executive director of OUTMemphis. Among the LGBTQ nonprofits programs is one that aids 18- to 24-year-old LGBTQ youth facing homelessness, many of whom are former foster kids who faced a tough time in the child welfare system.

The fact that the state would accept a family that is willing to discriminate into this broken system with such vulnerable kids is difficult to understand, she said.

Best interests of the child?

The law, formally called the Tennessee Foster and Adoptive Parent Protection Act, was backed overwhelmingly by Tennessee Republican lawmakers, who two years ago also approved a first-of-its-kind law allowing private adoption and foster care agencies that accept tax dollars to reject prospective parents for a variety of religious or moral reasons, including their faith or whether they are LGBTQ.

In advocating for this years bill, Dickson Republican Rep. Mary Littleton characterized it as a necessary safeguard for families who want to offer loving homes to foster and adoptive kids but worry that they would have to compromise their faith or moral beliefs. Littleton also cited an urgent need for more willing families to step forward. Tennessee currently has 4,948 fully approved foster homes, but needs 400 more.

At the end of the day the state should be acting in the best interest of the kids and this doesnt do this. This puts emphasis on beliefs of foster and adoptive parents.

 Laura Brennan, Family Equity

Littleton stressed that the new law says DCS is not precluded from taking a childs preferences into account before placing them in a home.

This bill does not disregard the values and beliefs of the child, Littleton said, noting state child welfare officials can still take into account a comprehensive list of factors. before placing any child in any home.

Advocates have pushed back to say that plain language of the law does not require the state to take into account the childs own wishes.

They also criticized what they call a mischaracterization by the laws supporters that prospective foster and adoptive parents in Tennessee have been rejected for holding anti-LGBTQ beliefs.

Parents in Tennessee have not been required to be gender- or sexual-orientation-affirming as a condition of becoming approved as a foster or adoptive parent. They have, however, been required to promote dignity and respect of a childs identity if they take an LGBTQ kid in their home  until now.

DCS: parents preferences already taken into account

According to the Department of Childrens Services, prospective parents preferences have routinely been taken into account before a child is placed in a home, a spokesperson for the Department of Childrens Services said in a statement.

Prior to this legislation, the DCS home study process included asking prospective foster and adoptive parents a series of questions to identify their placement preferences, a statement from DCS said.

Among those are questions regarding willingness to parent a child who identifies as LGBTQ+. Our goal always is to find the most appropriate placement to meet the unique needs of each child in our care, the statement said.

Tennessee currently has 8,854 kids in state custody  6,686 of them residing in foster homes. Up to a third of all foster youth nationwide identify as LBGTQ  often kicked out of home or winding up in state custody as a result of mistreatment or rejection based on their gender identity, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Jace Wilder, education manager Tennessee Equality Project, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization that has vocally opposed the law, pointed to his own tough childhood as an example of the importance of supportive adults in a childs life.

Wilder, who is transgender, was raised, in part, by a friends parents after suffering abuse at the hands of his father, he said. His mother was disabled and frequently hospitalized.

Wilder said the abuse wasnt solely because of his gender identity, but it kind of gave him more ammo to use against me, so that did not help. He was also able to connect with LGBTQ people for support in his teens and college years, he said.

Without finding people that accepted me and really helped me grow, I think I would have been stuck in the position of being too afraid to transition, too afraid of being out. he said. I think this puts kids at risk of being abused, neglected and harmed again.

The nature of discourse over LGBTQ youth in Tennessee already exemplifies the need for safe and affirming homes, said Eli Givens, a college freshman from Tennessee who also serves as an advocate for the Tennessee Equality Project.

Its been just really unbelievable watching this session, Givens said. Ive had adults telling me I need to go gas myself, that I was clearly molested when I was younger, just a wide array of threats, they said.

Its bewildering that the same adults who told me to gas myself can adopt an LGBTQ child. Thats an extremely scary reality.

Tennessee AG pushes back on proposed federal LGBTQ foster protections

The law was enacted on the heels of proposed new rules currently being considered by the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services related to the placement of LGBTQI+ youth in foster care. Among the proposed rules for all foster homes is they establish an environment free of hostility, mistreatment, or abuse based on the childs LGBTQI+ status.

In November, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti led a 17-state coalition opposing the rules, saying in a letter to the federal government that they would shrink the pool of available foster families and further divert resources away from protecting foster children from physical abuse and toward enforcing compliance with controversial gender ideology.

Laura Brennan, associate director for child welfare policy for Family Equality, which advocates for LGBTQ families, said national advocates are keeping a close eye on whats happening in Tennessee. The states 2022 law allowing publicly-funded private adoption and foster care agencies to exclude LGBTQ parents has seen been adopted by 13 other states, she said.

At the end of the day the state should be acting in the best interest of the kids and this doesnt do this, she said. This puts emphasis on beliefs of foster and adoptive parents.

The post Tenn. passes law giving legal rights to anti-LGBTQ parents to foster, adopt LGBTQ kids appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, from left Mark Alford, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, U.S. Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee, Lisa McClain, secretary-general of the Republican Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives meets with Taiwan President-elect and Vice President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. McClain and Kildee jointly led a cross-party group of lawmakers to visit Taiwan from April 23 to 25 . Members also include Mark Alford, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

BEIJING (AP)  China on Wednesday blasted the latest package of U.S. military assistance to Taiwan on Wednesday, saying that such funding was pushing the self-governing island republic into a dangerous situation.

The U.S. Senate late Tuesday passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars. China claims the entire island of Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to take it by force if necessary.

The mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office said the aid seriously violates U.S. commitments to China and sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan independence separatist forces.

Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian added that Taiwans ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, which won a third four-year presidential term in January, is willing to become a pawn for external forces to use Taiwan to contain China, bringing Taiwan into a dangerous situation.

On Tuesday, Taiwans President-elect Lai Ching-te told a visiting U.S. Congressional delegation that the aid package would strengthen the deterrence against authoritarianism in the West Pacific ally chain and help ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and also boost confidence in the region.

The package has had broad congressional support since Biden first requested the money last summer. But congressional leaders had to navigate strong opposition from a growing number of conservatives who question U.S. involvement in foreign wars and argue that Congress should be focused instead on the surge of migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The package covers a wide range of parts and services aimed at maintaining and and upgrading Taiwans military hardware. Separately, Taiwan has signed billions in contracts with the U.S. for latest-generation F-16V fighter jets, M1 Abrams main battle tanks and the HIMARS rocket system, which the U.S. has also supplied to Ukraine.

Taiwan has also been expanding its own defense industry, building submarines and trainer jets. Next month, it plans to commission its third and fourth domestically designed and built stealth corvettes to counter the Chinese navy as ptensions art of a strategy of asymmetrical warfare, in which a smaller force counters its larger opponent by using cutting edge or nonconventional tactics and weaponry.

China launches daily incursions into waters and airspace around Taiwan by navy ships and warplanes. It has also sought to pick away Taiwans few remaining formal diplomatic partners.

However, only two People's Liberation Army Air Force planes and seven navy vessels were found operating in areas around Taiwan between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, possibly as a result of heavy rainstorms and low visibility overnight along the island's west coast facing China.

At times of heightened tensions, China has launched dozens of such missions over a 24 hour period, many of them crossing the center line in the Taiwan Strait dividing the sides or entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone.

___

A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the U.S. had approved $8 billion in aid for Taiwan. In fact, the $8 billion figure is the amount to be spent on a range of priorities related to countering China in the Indo-Pacific, including aid to Taiwan.
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China is losing ground in its soft-power battle with the US in parts of Asia, according to a new report on how the world perceives the rivals leadership. People in India, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines have shifted their allegiances toward the US and away from China over the last 10 years, according to Gallup survey data measuring the approval of the two superpowers leadership over time across 130 countries and territories.

The four Asian countries showed a more than a 30-point shift toward the US compared to China over the last decade, while four African nations  Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda  saw equal shifts in the opposite direction, according to Zacc Ritter, a senior researcher at Gallup.

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US acts as counterbalance in Asia

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Sources: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Gallups Zacc Ritter

The shifts in Asia show how some countries see Washington as a counterbalance to China, Gallup senior researcher Zacc Ritter told Semafor. Approval of the US isnt necessarily increasing, but support for the Chinese government is decreasing as Beijings aggression grows along the border with India and in the South China Sea. These countries perceive a threat, and thats leading to them falling increasingly into a geopolitical camp thats toward the US, Ritter said. Chinas influence in the region is still strong, however: In Southeast Asia, a narrow majority of elites prefer to align with China over the US, according to a recent survey of people who inform or influence policy. The Gallup survey, though, polled the general population.

China beats US in Africa for the first time

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Sources: Gallup, Financial Times, Voice of America

More people in Africa approved of the Chinese government than the US for the first time, the Gallup report found. But many Africans strongly approve of both countries, Ritter said: Chinas median approval rating on the continent is 58%, compared to 56% for the US. Former President George W. Bush and Barack Obama were uniquely popular in Africa, but it might have been fleeting, and now its going back to something thats more of an even-split parity between the two camps, Ritter said. Both China and the US have poured billions in investment into Africa, in a bid to compete for influence.

US could make cultural soft-power gains with new shows

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Source: Foreign Policy

Two new hit shows centered around Asia could birth a new form of US soft power, Foreign Policy columnist Howard French opined. , a fictionalized epic set in 1600s Japan, and , a sci-fi series based on a Chinese trilogy, are remarkable for their ability to preserve period details and linguistic authenticity, French wrote: showcases Japanese actors and writers, while opens with a dramatization of Chinas Cultural Revolution. Both undermine the notion that US viewers have little appetite for content with subtitles, French wrote. There are new audiences to be won on every continent with authentically told stories about dramatic periods in history that have little or no need for Westerners front and center.

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(Bloomberg) -- China called on the US to rein in support for Taiwan, after a bill providing some $8 billion in aid for the island was approved by the Senate in Washington.

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We firmly oppose the inclusion of Taiwan-related content in the relevant bill of the US Congress, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, told reporters in Beijing. It sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan separatist forces. We urge the US side to fulfill its commitment not to support Taiwan independence with concrete actions and stop arming Taiwan in any way.

The comments, a reiteration of much-repeated Chinese policy, come hours after the Senates passage of a bill that will boost US military support for Taiwan, as well as for Ukraine and Israel. President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law on Wednesday.

Read More: House Passes Taiwan Aid Bill to Be Combined With Ukraine Funding

With tensions between the two superpowers on the rise again, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due in China this week. Talks will likely focus on flashpoint issues including territorial claims in the South China Sea, and what Washington sees as Beijings backing for the Russian war in Ukraine, as well as Taiwan.

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Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said in an interview published Wednesday that former President Trumps vendetta tour if he wins a second term at the White House is a scary thing for the United States.

Christie, who backed Trump during his 2016 presidential run but then ran against him in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, said his biggest fear is that Trump will go after his enemies from the White House and that no one will be able to stop him.

Therell be no one around to put guardrails up, and he will be on the vendetta tour against all enemies that he perceives, Christie said in an interview with The Washington Post. And thats a scary thing for the country.

Despite those feelings about Trump, Christie said he wont be voting for President Biden in November.

I dont think so, no, Christe said. President Biden, in my view, is past the sell-by date. Seriously, look at him. If the American people are stupid enough to nominate these two guys, doesnt mean I have to be stupid, too.

He said Biden has not called him to ask for his support.

Its pretty stupid for him not to, said Christie, who ended his White House run in January after campaigning as the most outspoken anti-Trump candidate in the GOP primary.

The former New Jersey governor was toying with a possible third-party run with No Labels, a centrist ballot-access organization, but eventually turned down the possibility as he did not see a path forward.

Nobody that we put up, including me, got higher than 17 percent. So what happens is [voters] love the idea of someone other than Trump or Biden, but then  once you [put forward an alternative], they dont want to hear it, Christie told the Post. We looked at it pretty closely. There was no path to winning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
"The declaration of the alliance states was if ever Russia is pushing into one NATO member country, NATO will react. But if they are voluntarily pushing and we know that Russia is always dancing on the red lines. And it's a very dangerous game for everybody. I think that we had to keep in memory that each time Russia tests the limits, they did it with Georgia, they did it with Crimea, they did it in the Donbas war, using proxies and sock puppets, openly starting an invasion in Ukraine. And each time for the case that I mentioned, like Georgia, like Crimea, they observed the reaction of the Western countries. After this observation, they re-evaluate the capacity of reaction, what are the red lines and what are not. They replenish and they push a little more. And each time it is what they are doing. And this is why we are to be very careful. And this is why it has been said that Russia is a threat to the global security and that Western countries had to admit it and to keep that in mind".

In the new episode of the (un)Safe Country podcast, its permanent host Alina Frolova talks to Christine Dugoin-Clement, geopolitical analyst, and associate researcher specialising in strategies of influence, cyber and AI. The conversation is about the difference between the war waged by Russia against Ukraine and the wars that took place before, the way of thinking in this war, the influence operations by Russia, France's position and attitudes towards the war in Ukraine, what needs to be done to improve the policy of defending democracy and what other countries can do to defend democracy in the cognitive plane.

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When Mike Rosseau and Dorothy Tobe came to St. John 10 months ago, the first thing the city did was take them to court.

Theyre about to return the favor. And I dont think its going to go well for the city.

On Monday night, for the second time, the City Council rejected the couples application for a special use permit to allow them to move into an abandoned church building that they bought to live in after they got pushed out of Denver and Colorado by skyrocketing housing prices.

The first time around, last July, the city punctuated its rejection of their zoning application with unprecedented criminal charges because they slept in the building the first few nights they were in town  an alleged violation of the citys zoning code thats never been enforced against anybody. Those charges were dropped five months later, without explanation.

St. John City Hall is not really into explaining itself. More about that later.

Case on its way to court

After Mondays vote to reject their permit, Rosseau and Tobe said theyll be filing an appeal to the District Court.

I expected this, Tobe said after the meeting. Were prepared to file the appeal and this will get interesting.

Tobe filed an appeal of the previous rejection on her own, because the couple didnt have money for a lawyer after spending most of their life savings to buy the church property.

That appeal was rejected because she didnt understand the rules and filed a day late. That mistake wont be repeated because supportive townspeople raised money for the couples legal defense and they now have an attorney to represent them.

Mondays meeting was a textbook example of how not to do a zoning case.

Three neighboring property owners filed a protest petition against the permit  former city councilmen Kevin Davis and Ryan Christie, who are partners in an electrical contracting firm down the block, and Jeni Jones, a member of the planning and zoning board who owns two properties on the street, a beauty shop and the former practice space for a local garage band.

The council allowed public comment before the vote. None of the opponents spoke, but four local residents pleaded with the council to let Rosseau and Tobe stay.

Mitch Minnis, the town mortician, mocked the protest petitioners letter that claims that theyre not interested in acquiring the property themselves. He pointed out that under a special use permit, it would revert to commercial zoning if Rosseau and Tobe ever sold it.

The people that dont want that property can then buy it, he said.

He also suggested the city should investigate the petitioners.

There are multiple code violations of the people that signed that, he said. I can go around St. John and fill up a Big Chief tablet clear full of code violations. How far do you want to go with it?

No explanation given

Because Davis, Christie and Jones control more than 20% of the property within 200 feet of the former church, Rosseau and Tobe needed a four-fifths majority of the council to win.

In the event, the vote was three against the permit, two for it. No explanations were given.

Thats going to be a problem in court for the city, which I suspect is about to get a crash course in the Golden Rules.

Im not talking about do unto others as youd have them do unto you (although St. John would be a better place if the council followed that).

Im talking about the rules established in Golden v. Overland Park, a landmark 1978 decision by the Kansas Supreme Court that prevents cities from using zoning codes to render someones property unusable.

One of the major findings in the Golden decision is that while setting zoning rules is a legislative function, ruling on individual requests is quasi-judicial, meaning the City Council has to act more like a court, evaluating actual evidence against six criteria:

 The character of the neighborhood.

 The zoning and uses of properties nearby.

 The suitability of the subject property for the uses to which it has been restricted.

 The extent to which removal of the restrictions will detrimentally affect nearby property.

 The length of time the subject property has remained vacant as zoned.

 The relative gain to the public health, safety, and welfare by the destruction of the value of plaintiffs property as compared to the hardship imposed upon the individual landowner.

The St. John City Council failed to take any of that into account. The three council members voting against the special use permit said nothing but Nay.

So theres no public record explaining how the decision would meet the legal standard that people be allowed to make reasonable use of their property.

In Rosseau and Tobes case, the church they bought was deconsecrated and sold at least 20 years ago.

The family that bought it used it for personal storage, which is a residential, not commercial use. Thats why it was listed in Stafford County tax records as residential property when the couple bought it.

The permit opponents didnt show up to address the council meeting (probably knew they didnt need to), so the only evidence on the City Council record to justify the decision is what was in the protest letter.

The only part of that letter even touching Golden standards was this: Commercial spaces are already scarce in a town of our size, making it challenging for existing businesses to expand or new businesses to establish. The role of businesses in our communitys economy cannot be overstated. In this case, granting the special use permit could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that the commercial zone can be used for residential purposes, further diminishing the already limited space for businesses.

Dennis Veatch, a retired Dodge City planning director and chairman of St. Johns planning and zoning board, punctured that argument in his report to the council before Mondays vote.

He counted down 14 commercial buildings and storefronts in and around the towns central square that are being used for personal storage or just sitting vacant.

Veatch also pointed out there are already at least 10 occupied dwellings in the downtown commercial zone, nine houses that predated the zoning code and at least one apartment above a downtown business (which the zoning code allows).

In court, the council members will have to justify their decision.

I doubt they can. About all theyve done is extend the time that Rosseau and Tobe will be essentially homeless from the current 10 months to more than a year.

The couple will have to go on running their modest eBay business from the church building by day and sleeping in their real estate agents guest room by night.

The protest letter by Davis, Christie and Jones laments that this case . . . has brought negative attention to our town.

To that, Id say, no, you did.

The negativity doesnt come from a couple trying to move to your town, but from the manipulation of process to benefit a few favored insiders and a lack of basic fairness in government.

There are 1,200 people living in St. John and I feel sorry for most of them  especially the ones pleading with City Hall to quit punishing Rosseau and Tobe for the crime of trying to move there.

The way that town is run, I wouldnt want to live there. And I dont recommend it to friends.
City or State: Who is equipped to address Jackson's biggest issues? Depends on who you ask

If theres only one thing state and local leaders seemingly agree on, its that Jackson needs solutions to various issues the city is facing.

Exactly how to go about solving the issues is the issue, and communication between area leaders and the state is practically non-existent.

Whether its warranted or not, the hand the Mississippi Legislature has played in the governance and development of Jackson remains a major point of contention between the majority-Black, Democratic local leadership and white Republican supermajority in the Capitol.

State lawmakers say their efforts to provide infrastructure improvements through the creation and expansion of the Capitol Complex Improvement District is a necessary step to attract more people to the city. Legislators also point to their attempts to regionalize the representation of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and hand the Jackson Water System over to a third-party nonprofit as beneficial for the city.

I look at it in two different lenses, Mississippi House Rep. Chris Bell, D-Jackson, said. On one hand, I see where certain individuals are trying to make a difference and help the City of Jackson, which I appreciate. But on the other hand, it's the method in which they go about doing it without including the Hinds County or City of Jackson delegation. That has been my main concern. Thats the main problem.

State lawmakers created and expanded the Capitol Complex Improvement District, including expanded Capitol Police jurisdiction. Those, along with efforts to regionalize the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority's representation, and hand the Jackson Water System over to a third-party, raises the question. What might be next?

Some lawmakers think continued attention could only do more good for Jackson and its residents.

I think the state would love to come alongside a partner with the City of Jackson in economic development opportunities," Sen, David Parker, R-Olive Branch, said. Parker has filed two bills so far to hand the Jackson Water System over to a mostly state-appointed nonprofit board. "I see a lot of real estate in this area that is just vacant, and I see just a lot of opportunity that has been missed. I think with a willingness to work together, I think there's certainly opportunity to move our capital city forward."

But most Jackson leaders have a different opinion on the matter. They view each of the takeovers as the states attempt to control various parts of the citys biggest revenue generators, while also criticizing lawmakers for their lack of collaboration with city leaders.

What we need is a state partner, not someone who is antagonistic to the things were trying to do, said Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba in a phone interview on April 17. You never see the state running to us saying, Well, we want to aid you with these resources,  What you see is the state time and time again trying to syphon off those institutions that the city controls that are revenue generators.

Sen. David Parker, R-Olive Branch, addresses Senate members regarding a bill he authored to set up a nonprofit regional water utility authority for the Jackson water system at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson on Feb. 7, 2023. The bill was passed in the Senate in 2023 and 2024, but it failed as it reached the House. It is just one of several bills that state lawmakers have considered over the last eight years to as city leaders said would "take over" revenue generators within the city.

The Clarion Ledger spoke to more than a dozen sources to complete this report, representing both Republican and Democrat, state and local perspectives. Top Republican leadership within the Legislature did not grant full interviews or answer several questions related to the state's role in Jackson.

Lt. Gov Delbert Hosemann's office, which did not respond to several Clarion Ledger questions, had only this to say.

"The Capital City is critical to our states success and the state should have an active role in ensuring it thrives," Hosemann's Deputy Chief of Staff Leah Smith said.

First-year House Speaker Jason White, R-West, previously told the Clarion Ledger that Jackson represents the "epicenter of Mississippi," and the city deserved the Legislature's attention. With less than two weeks to go in the session, White is focusing on debates on key pieces of legislation. Jackson-specific legislation is not part of his stated priorities.

"The speaker is putting all of his attention and energy into the INSPIRE Act, access to healthcare for hardworking low-income Mississippians, and the long-term sustainability of PERS," White's Communications Director Taylor Spillman said.

Gov. Tate Reeves listens as Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba speaks during a press conference regarding Unified, a public safety initiative on Feb. 13, 2024 in Jackson. Even though no legislation directly impacting Jackson will be passed this year, state lawmakers and local leaders are still at odds over several bills moved by the Legislature to take a heavier hand in the city's development.

Lumumba, on the other hand, didn't mince words about his thoughts on the state's actions.

"I think it's a paternalistic effort to run the City of Jackson," he said. "It is a cross section of differing ideologies  Jackson being a blue city in a red state. I think it has racial undertones  Jackson being a majority Black city  Any time there's effort or a discussion about doing anything for the City of Jackson there's a notion that we need oversight."

Jackson Municipal Airport Authority

In 2016, a federal lawsuit was filed after the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2162 and former Gov. Phil Bryant signed off on it. The bill aims to abolish the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority and the City of Jackson as the governing body over the Jackson-Wiley Medgar Evers International Airport and replace it with a regional authority consisting of city and state-appointed members from Jackson, along with Madison and Rankin counties.

Sen. Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, who wrote the airport bill, declined to comment specifically on how the new board would impact the City of Jackson, citing the case is still ongoing.

"It sits in the middle of my county I represent, so that was why I have an interest in it, and I have an interest in the success of it" Harkins said.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba speaks during a press conference regarding Operation Unified, a public safety initiative in Jackson on Feb. 13, 2024. Lumumba thinks the Mississippi Legislature has taken a more than warranted hand in the running of Jackson. (Credit: Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger)

In early April, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lawsuit as "moot" since the original five members of the JMAA Board of Commissioners who were named in the lawsuit are no longer members of the board. The lawsuit will now move back down to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi for a decision.

Lumumba shared a statement after the ruling, saying "the city will resume litigating the case along with the other plaintiffs."

Warren Herring, the chairman of the JMAA, told the Clarion Ledger that the board does not comment on pending litigation, "nor are we in a position to discuss other state actions."

Jackson Water System situation

Ward 4 Jackson City Councilman Brian Grizzell said he believes the fight over the airport is one of the reasons the state has pursued other "takeovers."

"A lot of this is a reactive response to the airport situation because we do not desire to comply with the state's wishes," Grizzell said. "These are our (the City of Jackson's) assets, and it seems like there's egregious misuse of power to take over our resources. They take those resources, they're going to drain us of everything, they're going to bankrupt us."

The airport bill is strikingly similar to Senate Bill 2628, which would create a third party nonprofit to run Jackson's water system. Parker, the author of SB 2628, said he modeled the legislation after the airport bill, along with conversations he had with federally appointed third-party water administrator Ted Henifin, Lumumba and others.

More on Jackson water bills Bill to take over Jackson water system dies in MS House without a vote

The nonprofit would consist of a governing board made up of governor, lieutenant governor and city appointments comprised of local residents and rate payers from different occupational and cultural backgrounds.

Parker explained that any money the city receives from the nonprofit would have most likely come in financial conveyance, which is a transfer of funds that could total the commercial value of the water system. The city would also no longer receive any revenues collected from usage of the system.

It's important for a plan to be put in place for the water system once Henifins leadership in the water system is set to come to a close in 2027, Parker said.

Henifin was appointed by Judge Henry Wingate to lead JXN Water via a federal takeover after the system failed during the 2022 water crisis.

The Jackson City Council passed a resolution opposing Senate Bill 2628 back in March.

Unlike his colleagues, Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote said he would be open to sitting down with the lawmakers and hearing out their plans.

"We were losing our fanny on our water system. We had receivables of like $80 million depending on how many years you go back. That's money that we hadn't collected that we were due," Foote said. "We were not making money on our water system  To say, 'Oh, we're losing our source of revenue,' well revenue that doesn't meet your expenses is losses."

What is the CCID?

However, in years since, lawmakers have expanded the CCID boundaries to several areas north and east of downtown. Last year, lawmakers approved the expansion of the Capitol Police's jurisdiction to as far north as Northside Drive and as far south as Raymond Road, while also creating a new municipal court system within the CCID that goes into effect later this year.

Bell said the initial intent of the CCID was something that he himself ran on during campaign cycles, which was to improve Jackson's infrastructure.

However, the CCID has not expanded to areas that need more work, and lawmakers are again looking to expand the boundaries. That bill was waiting on lawmakers to iron out a compromise in conference as of April 18.

"I ran on creating a capital city complex, which has turned into a Frankenstein. It's a monster now," Bell said. "The Republicans took over that bill, ran with it and created this CCID. Now it's morphed into a monster."

Members of Republican leadership disagree with those sentiments.

Both Parker and Harkins said the Legislature acted within its bounds on the issue of policing the capital properly and providing funds to improve infrastructure in Jackson.

"I've always seen the Capitol Police as a whole as being a partner with the other law enforcement agencies," Parker said. "I don't see CCID policing being a complete and total responsibility of the Capitol Police right now. I see it as being another kind of partner to come along with Jackson Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office to make everyone happy and feel a little bit safer."

"The policing that we've done has been successful," Harkins said "The city was simply having issues with the police department. From the outside, that's what it looked like and there were staffing and all sorts of issues. The Legislature felt like things were not going very well at the city, and we couldn't get any cooperation, so we took matters into our own hands."

On the other hand, Lumumba defended the efforts of the Jackson Police Department during his interview. He also criticized the Capitol Police's jurisdiction expansion  set for July 1  as only expanding into the city's largely white populated areas, and not other areas where the crime rate is higher.

Ward 3 Kenneth Stokes recently held a town hall where a majority of the residents in attendance, all but one was Black, voiced opposition to the expansion. Stokes himself criticized the Capitol Police for not making more of an effort to connect with the community.

"They (Capitol Police) need to come and meet and talk to people, give them that comfort zone," Stokes told the Clarion Ledger after the March town hall. "If this was a white ward and they called a meeting, they (Capitol Police) would be there. So why you can't come to Kenneth Stokes' ward?"

Some of the most controversial aspects of the CCID comes with the opening of the new municipal court later this year. While other judges in the Jackson area are elected or appointed by city leadership, this court will feature judge appointments from the Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Michael Randolph, and attorney appointments from Attorney General Lynn Fitch.

The author of the bill that established the CCID court is Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia. He did not respond to several requests for comments by press time.

More on CCID Court opening this summer 'It will be the most closely watched court in Mississippi.' Group to collect data on CCID

What's next?

When it comes to what areas of Jackson the Legislature could take on next, lawmakers that spoke to the Clarion Ledger did not disclose any specifics. Others who were asked did not respond to the question. Perhaps they didn't want to tip their hands of future plans. Perhaps they have no plans.

According to some people, the answer lies not in courts, police, borders or boards, but in education.

Douglas Carswell, president and chief executive officer of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, who advises lawmakers on legislation, said lawmakers should either partner with the city or pay more attention to advancing public education and improving Jackson Public Schools.

"If we're serious about that, improving Jackson, we have to do something about the state of public education in Jackson," Carswell said. "I think creating charter schools would be a big step forward and possibly more magnet schools, too."

Looking at how the city and state partnered when it came to the takeover of Jackson Public Schools seven years ago could be a good example of how both entities can work together. In 2017, as the school district was on the verge of a state takeover, Lumumba and then-Gov. Phil Bryant came up with a compromise, announcing the formation of a state-and-city project commission tasked with adopting a plan for fixing the faltering then-27,000-student district.

The commission had 15 members. The governor, the City of Jackson, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation each appointed five members  an equal amount  which differentiates from the water system bill and airport bill Republican lawmakers are in favor of. Those two bills give a majority of the power to the state when it comes to the number of appointees.

While you can't say the turnaround of JPS since 2017 is due solely to the commission, the school district has recovered from failing and on the brink of a state takeover to having a district grading of a C as of the 2022-2023 school year. The district has shown improvement under current Superintendent Errick Greene.

Out of the 44 Jackson Public Schools ranked, 16 earned an A rating, 12 earned a B, seven earned a C, five earned a D and four earned an F. The district recently announced it will close several buildings to right size what is now an 18,773-student district.

Education was the main solution for Carswell, but he also reflected on the creation of the CCID, saying that despite local opposition, those actions within Jackson have improved crime rates and allowed for more money to be funded into infrastructure projects.

Overall, Carswell said the success of the capital city is key for the success of Mississippi.

"It would be impossible to imagine the success for Tennessee without reference to Nashville," Carswell said. "It would be impossible to think about the success story of Arkansas in the past few years, without recognizing how a lot of Little Rock's problems have been fixed. The Alabama success story includes very much Huntsville but also fixing some of Birmingham's problems. If we're serious about improving Mississippi, we have to improve the capital."

However, Carswell said he understands why local leaders feel left out of the fold especially as appeals made to lawmakers for appropriations have largely been ignored by Republican leadership.

"I completely understand (Lumumba) is not going to want to be told how to run his city, by people who are not willing to help pay for him to do it, but, equally, said government is not going to want to just hand over money without some say," Carswell said. "So maybe, maybe there could be an agreement."

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

Got story ideas? Want to talk about the issues facing the City of Jackson? Contact Charlie Drape at cdrape@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS leaders, MS lawmakers at odds over path forward for city
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 12:12 | All, Japan, World

Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with Donald Trump on Tuesday in New York, at a time when leaders and senior officials of some countries have been building rapport with the former U.S. president ahead of the November election.

Aso, vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was a longtime ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who built a strong personal relationship with Trump when the two led their respective countries.

Even after stepping down as prime minister in 2009, Aso, an 83-year-old House of Representatives member, remains one of the most influential politicians in the party, currently headed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

"He's a highly respected man in Japan and beyond," Trump told reporters as he greeted Aso in the lobby of Trump Tower. "It's a great honor to have him."

The former president and Aso "discussed the enduring importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance to both countries' physical and economic security," as well as challenges posed by China and North Korea, a readout issued by Trump's representatives after the meeting said.

Trump also praised Japan's increased defense spending, according to the readout.

Aso's visit to New York comes after Kishida's trip to the United States two weeks ago, during which he met Biden and showcased the robustness of the bilateral alliance.

Earlier this month, Trump, 77, met with former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who now serves as foreign secretary, as well as with Polish President Andrzej Duda. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also met with Trump last month.

Tuesday's meeting took place after Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate for the presidency, attended a session of his criminal trial related to an alleged cover-up of hush money paid on his behalf to a porn star ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

In Tokyo on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa told reporters that "the government was not involved" in arranging the meeting between Aso and Trump, saying Aso's trip to the United States is in his capacity as a lawmaker.

Trump, whose presidency ran through January 2021, effectively clinched the Republican presidential nomination in March, and is set for a rematch against Democratic President Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, Trump earlier in the day questioned the recent rise in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen to a 34-year high, saying it is "a total disaster for the United States."

If the dollar continues to appreciate against major currencies, U.S. manufacturers and other industries will be "unable to compete and will be forced to either lose lots of business" or build plants overseas, Trump said on Truth Social, a social media company he founded.

Trump said he put limits to avoid the dollar rising too high when he was in office but "Biden let it go."

Related coverage:

Ex-Japan PM Aso eyes meeting with Trump during trip to N.Y.
The new Blackpool development, which will house DWP staff, is forecast to cost taxpayers 100m

Taxpayers have been handed a multi-million pound bill for new government offices despite large numbers of civil servants continuing to work from home.

Public-sector workers will only be required to go into the office three days a week at dozens of new, state-of-the-art sites across the country.

It comes after the Governments plans to move thousands of civil service jobs out of London were partially shelved amid concerns staff would refuse to stop working from home.

Developments in Blackpool alone, which will be used to house Department for Work and Pensions staff, are forecast to cost 100m, while new offices in Manchester for civil servants from a mix of departments are expected to cost 40m.

Blackpools new offices are said to include a large reception lobby and high quality furbishing including open-plan working areas, meeting rooms, quiet zones and other flexible workplace areas, with high levels of natural daylight and generous, airy ceiling heights throughout, according to a local authority announcement.

But current guidelines for civil servants, which require staff to meet a minimum of 60pc in-person attendance, could mean the offices not being used to their full capacity.

In-office figures for staff across the civil service have never returned to pre-pandemic levels. Weekly figures published by the Government show that just 55pc of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff were in the departments head office in the second week of April.

Other departments, such as the Cabinet Office, have much higher attendance rates  at 84pc in the same week. The lowest attended department that week was the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, where only 46pc of staff attended the office.

In September, The Telegraph revealed that thousands of HMRC staff at regional centres were not going into the office at all. HMRC workers, as well as other civil servants, are permitted to work from home several days a week under a hybrid home-office working policy approved by ministers in May 2020.

The raft of new offices are part of the Government Hubs Programme to move jobs outside of London and recruit more local staff to work in the civil service. Eight new offices were built between 2017 and 2021 in cities including Edinburgh, Leeds and Belfast, while more are planned in Newcastle, Glasgow and Peterborough.

But civil servants have been battling a forced return to offices since the end of the pandemic. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) recently urged workers to make formal complaints about the back-to-the-office push, offering pre-written complaint templates.

Civil servants have also appeared to criticise the new hubs in posts on forums on social media. One post left by someone who said they had worked in the civil service for 15 years said: So you drive 90 minutes to a hub that doesnt have enough desks or parking spaces, you pay 6 onsite or 8 offsite for the parking, then sit at a tea point because the desks are all booked and have a [Microsoft] Teams meeting because the teams cant sit together  exactly like youd do from home anyway.

The Government did not say how much the total cost of the new offices would be when questioned and referred instead to the potential savings they could make to the taxpayer.

Ministers have set a target of 22,000 civil service jobs to be moved out of the capital by 2027 as part of the scheme, which closes and sells off old office buildings and builds new office space elsewhere.

It is understood that 42 government offices have been closed so far and that about 30 new ones are earmarked for development across Britain. According to the Cabinet Office, the moves are already generating 220m in savings per year.

However, senior MPs have previously raised concerns that working from home could stymie efforts to spread civil service offices across the UK.

Steven Boyd, chief executive of the Government Property Agency (GPA), the body overseeing the programme, told MPs of the Public Accounts Committee in 2022 that the hubs would have to be reduced in size by a quarter thanks to more home working. A PAC report published in July also found that the offices were too large given the proportion of civil servants choosing to work from home.

A Government spokesman said: We have always been clear on the benefits of collaborative face-to-face working, particularly for the development of more junior staff. Thats why we have set out new guidance stating that civil servants across all departments and regions are expected to be in the office at a minimum of 60pc of the time, which departments are currently working to implement.

Equally, we are committed to building an efficient and effective government estate to deliver value for the taxpayer  and Government Hubs play a crucial role in this. Since the programme launched, it has allowed us to close 42 offices, reducing operating costs by 220m per year.

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CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ark.  A trusty who walked away from the Cleburne County Detention Center last Thursday was recaptured Wednesday.

Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown said in a release that multiple agencies participated in the arrest of 41-year-old Jared West of Tumbling Shoals. Brown said West was taken into custody at 2:35 p.m. off Highway 89 in Faulkner County.

Cleburne County deputies searching for trusty who they say walked away from jail

Also taken into custody on Saturday was 31-year-old Clarissa Stair of Heber Spring, who is facing charges of hindering apprehension and furnishing implement of escape after deputies and others were in a foot and dog chase after West that day. She is being held on $75,000 bond, Brown said.

Image of Clarissa Stair courtesy of the Cleburne County Sheriffs Office

Brown said the chase went from White County into Independence County.

Cleburne County sheriff responds to inmate escaping, locals react

West was in jail awaiting trial on charges of first-degree battery, fleeing, tampering and violating a no-contact order. An affidavit for his arrest states he has been convicted of four or more felonies and should be sentenced as a habitual offender.

According to the sheriffs office, West was a jail trusty charged with taking out the trash on the night of April 18. Officials said at the time that he did not return after taking the trash out.

Authorities said several changes to the detention centers trusty program have been enacted since Wests escape.

Arkansas State Police arrest Rivendell Behavioral Health facility escapee

Brown also extended thanks to the agencies that assisted in tracking and capturing West: U.S. Marshals, Arkansas Department of Correction dog teams from Calico Rock and Tucker prisons, Cleburne County Sheriffs Office, Faulkner County Sheriffs Office, White County Sheriffs Office, Independence County Sheriffs Office and the Arkansas State Police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will hold a Supplier Diversity Summit on Wednesday to teach minority-owned and small business owners how to work with the school district.

Wednesdays summit comes exactly one week after the UNC Board of Governors Committee on University Governance voted to recommend repealing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in the states 17 public higher education institutions.

If the recommendation gets approved by the full Board of Governors next month, many DEI initiatives in the states public universities would be eliminated. The measure would also spell the need for DEI job descriptions to be changed or terminated by Sept. 1.

Supporters of the change said the move would reaffirm UNCs commitment to neutrality, but CMS leaders hold a different view.

A conservative quest to limit diversity programs gains momentum in states

CMS Executive Director for DEI Chiquitha Lloyd told Queen City News that she has no plans to reduce the size of district DEI programs.

Were very mindful of the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, she said. While [UNC] will do what theyre going to do at the college level, within CMS, we still support inclusion. We have always supported inclusion and we will continue to support inclusion.

Still, CMS must follow statutes set forth by the General Assembly, especially when doing business. If state lawmakers were to change their policies, the district would have no choice but to follow suit.

Lloyd said DEI initiatives at CMS arent focused only on one minority group, and events like the Supplier Diversity Summit ensure a level playing field.

UNC system committee passes policy change that could cut diversity staff

Historically, in the past, not all small, minority, women-owned businesses had access to the information of knowing. The information were sharing is still open to all. We do not set aside anything for one particular vendor. This (summit) is just making sure everybody is aware of the process, she said.

The summit will be held at Goodwill Industries on Wilkinson Boulevard from 911 a.m. Wednesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A West Virginia man recently admitted to the cold case killing of a 10-year-old girl and her mother in 2000  and died the same day that their bodies were found.

Larry Webb, who was in his 80s, died at Mount Olive Correctional Complex in Fayette County on Monday, just six hours before the remains of victims Susan and Natasha "Alex" Carter were discovered. The two victims had not been seen since Aug. 8 2000, when Susan was 41 years old and Natasha was 10.

When the Carters went missing, Susan was in a custody battle with Natasha's father, and reportedly told him that she'd never let him see his daughter again. Authorities say that the two were living in Webb's house at the time.

The case was cold for over two decades when the FBI began re-investigating in 2021. Authorities eventually executed search warrants at Webb's home in 2022 and 2023. He was indicted in November and arrested earlier this month, and was being held without bond at MOCC.

BTK CALLED PRIME SUSPECT IN COLD CASES, SERIAL KILLER SAYS SEARCH FOR MORE BODIES UNDERWAY

Victims Susan Carter (left) and Natasha "Alex" Carter (right) were shot and killed by Larry Webb in 2000.

At a Tuesday press conference, Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield said Webb was dealing with a financial issue when he shot and killed the Carters.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The reason that he shot Susan Carter was that he had some cash money that was in the home that he went back for, and that cash money was missing," Hatfield explained. "He began to go through his finances and that, he suspected Susan Carter had spent a lot of money."

"They had an argument about it, and he shot her."

Webb killed the mother before shooting Natasha "to avoid detection for having killed Susan Carter," Hatfield said. The killer also told investigators that he hid the victims' bodies.

COLD CASES CRACKED IN 2023: UNSOLVED MYSTERIES THAT FOUND RESOLUTION

"Once he had killed both individuals, he had stored them in the basement of the home where he cried himself to sleep that night. And then over the course of the next two nights, dug a shallow grave in the woods on his property," the prosecutor explained.

"He did tell investigators that he buried both Susan and Alex Carter together in the same grave. And he buried them in their clothes. That has been vetted because that is consistent with what we found, over the course of the last 24 hours."

On Tuesday, officials from the West Virginia State Police said that the confession was made during the first week of April. West Virginia State Police Capt. R. A. Maddy said that Webb was on his deathbed and "looking to come to Jesus at that point."

Natasha's father, Rick Lafferty, spoke at the press conference and thanked authorities for their hard work.

"Kind of a sad day, but also a happy day, because I can bring my baby home," he said at the podium.





Original article source: Cold case suspect makes deathbed confession in murders of child and her mother 24 years ago
Colleges are trying everything from negotiation to mass arrests to deal with the crop of pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have sprung up on their grounds, but experts say they have to take a good look at campus culture if they really want to deal with the situation in the long term.

Elite schools starting with Columbia University have fallen into chaos as opponents of Israels handling of its war against Hamas and its treatment of the Palestinian people in general set up encampments on campuses across the nation over the last week. On Wednesday, the University of Texas at Austin became the latest to get law enforcement involved when a class walkout and campus demonstration saw multiple people detained.

Education advocates say schools need to be open to conversation with their students but firm on their rules.

Campus protests are a sacred tradition in the United States for free expression and for students to get involved civically, so its really important for administrators to respect that when they are proceeding, said Roni Brunn, a leading member of the Harvard Jewish Alumni Association. At the same time, universities do have codes of conduct, and the process needs to happen within the parameters of the codes of conduct.

Columbia originally told protesters they had until midnight Tuesday to disperse before the school would have to take extraordinary measures to remove them, a warning that came after more than 100 were arrested last week.

After the demonstrators agreed to conditions such as taking down some of their tents, ensuring only those affiliated with the school were protesting and avoiding the use of discriminatory language, Columbia extended the deadline for getting rid of the encampment by 48 hours.

In light of this constructive dialogue, the University will continue conversations for the next 48 hours, the school said.

Officials and outside observers said they believe much of the unrest  including reports of antisemitic behavior and language  is coming from people who are not associated with the school.

This last week, some of the worst rhetoric is not from students. Its from nonstudents who were outside the gate, said Miriam Elman, executive director of the Academic Engagement Network, which is heading up the Faculty Against Antisemitism Movement campaign.

We cant have outside agitators come in and be disruptive, New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) said Tuesday, adding, We need to address this while its a spark. Lets not wait until its a blaze.

The protests began at Columbia last Wednesday, the same day university President Minouche Shafik and other school officials went before the House Education and the Workforce Committee for a hearing about antisemitism on college campuses.

The protesters have created what they call Gaza Solidarity Encampments, leading to the arrests of dozens of individuals who authorities say did not have permission to be in the area.

This week, Columbia decided to make classes hybrid for the reset of the semester due to the unrest, drawing bipartisan condemnation and calls for Shafiks resignation.

GOP lawmakers have demanded the Biden administration restore order to college campuses, with some suggesting bringing in the military.

While Columbias Students for Justice in Palestine chapter says the school did threaten to bring in the National Guard, a university spokesperson said deploying the National Guard was never on the table.

Meanwhile, the demonstrations have spread, with students marching or forming encampments at schools including New York University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.

Its happening in certain places like New York City and Boston, and I heard an uptick in it in the Bay Area, and I think theres a reason for that is because there are off-campus agitators and organizations in those cities that do not have the best interest of the universities at heart. They are calling for students to seize the campuses. They are coming onto campus, Elman, an alumna of Columbia, said.

She argues certain schools need to close the gate so no one can come in without an ID, so at least youre [only] interacting with those who are affiliates of the campus.

But in Cambridge, Mass., Brunn pointed out that Harvard Yard has been closed to nonaffiliates and signs have been posted warning of consequences for using tents there, and protesters on Wednesday are advancing plans to begin an encampment regardless.

Immediately, universities need to be clear if you do this, this is your  this is your reprimand, and they need to be more forceful as far as revoking organizations affiliation with the university, Brunn said. Because there needs to be a sliding scale of consequence too that is commensurate with the activity, so you cant be like on a double, triple probation if you do something that really shutters the university campus for students. It needs to be proportionate.

While schools are desperate in an immediate sense to get out of the spotlight, education experts say they also need to take steps now to avoid similar situations in the future.

Shaun Harper, a professor of education, business, and public policy at the University of Southern California, says there are three steps schools need to consider in navigating these situations.

In the shorter-term, Harper says a grand coalition needs to be made within the next week that includes college presidents, vice presidents, deans of students and religious leaders on campuses to work together and bring more understanding to their institutions.

Colleges such as Columbia also need to recognize that both Jewish and Muslim students do not feel currently safe at their institutions, Harper said.

While on the one hand, I can certainly understand and appreciate that Jewish students are making sure that we know that they feel unsafe, and that theyre experiencing high levels of antisemitism. Muslim students are also experiencing high levels of Islamophobia, and they dont feel safe either, Harper said.

The third recommendation Harper presented was getting Jewish and pro-Palestinian organizations together to lay out recommendations on how institutions can handle these events and dialogue on the issue.

The key, Harper emphasized, is starting with those in charge before trying to get the students together.

During Columbias hearing, Republican lawmakers zoomed in on professors who have celebrated the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, demanding disciplinary actions for faculty who are antisemitic.

Elman argues if harsh measures arent taken against faculty who break the rules, it leads to a culture where students feel they can take up the same actions.

Faculty is not modeling appropriate dialogue on tough contentious questions like the Israel-Gaza war, Elman said. The faculty, with the support from the administration, should show students how you engage those tough questions without intimidation, harassment, antagonizing others.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Colombian senators approved President Gustavo Petros pension reform in a victory for the unpopular leftist leader.

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Lawmakers in the upper chamber voted to make the government the manager of around 70% of all worker contributions, while private pension funds would receive the rest.

According to the bill, a portion of worker salaries, as much as 2.3 times the minimum wage, would go into the public system, while the balance goes into the private system. Private pension funds currently receive 75% of the volume of worker contributions, Corredores Davivienda estimated.

For Petro, the Senate approval represents a victory for his administration as his disapproval reached 60% in a recent poll.

The reform also includes a central bank-managed savings fund to pay for future pension compensation. The government estimates that the savings fund will accumulate as much as $320 billion by 2052, including financial returns.

The pension reform goes into effect on July 1, 2025 if approved by the lower house. The bill includes a management fee of up to 0.7% on assets held by private pension funds, which would replace an upfront levy workers pay when they contribute to social security. The Asofondos pension fund association estimates that the new fee will be charged on $49 billion in assets.

The bill must be approved in two more votes in the lower house, where the government holds a majority.

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This past Friday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a new law that forbids homeowner associations (HOAs) from prohibiting home-based businesses.

HOAs are still within their rights to regulate parking, noise, nuisances, and the aesthetic features of a home-based business. But they can no longer flatly ban them.

According to the governor, this is a good pro-business, deregulatory policy.

"Colorado is a state of entrepreneurs and small business people, and we should get the government and HOAs out of the way and let people succeed," he said on X. "Now your HOA won't be able to prevent you from running a home-based business in Colorado and our state is even more friendly for small businesses."

"Colorado is a state of entrepreneurs and small business people, and we should get the government and HOAs out of the way and let people succeed. Now your HOA won't be able to prevent you from running a home-based business in Colorado and our state is even more friendly for small pic.twitter.com/o2ZJ6pEadJ  Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) April 19, 2024

It's a bipartisan attitude.

The law banning HOA home business bans passed through the Legislature with unanimous support in the Colorado Senate and a sole dissenting vote in the Colorado House.

Colorado's law already prohibits HOAs from banning flags, political signs, and religious symbols. HOAs can still regulate the size and placement of these ornaments.

Libertarians would be forgiven for having mixed feelings about the new policy. HOAs manage to be simultaneously the most, and least, libertarian form of governance.

On the one hand, they are private, (theoretically) voluntary organizations created by property owners to make the commons a little less tragic, deal with collective action problems, and prop up everyone's home values. They're not quite the burbclaves from Snow Crash, but they're not that far off.

On the flip side, HOAs have a well-earned reputation for enforcing petty and invasive rules against homeowners who just want to be left alone. If your grass grows too high or your trash bins are still at the curb after trash day, odds are the local HOA will slap you with a fine or even place a lien on your home.

That's closer to Nineteen Eighty-Four than anything Neal Stephenson ever wrote.

Certainly, if Colorado's new law were to apply only to local governments, one would be hard-pressed to come up with a libertarian objection to it.

However, by regulating HOAs, the law does limit private property owners' freedom of association and contract. No longer can homeowners voluntarily opt into purely residential communities.

For private property absolutists, that's enough to condemn Colorado's new law. The law is also a loss of choice and efficiency.

The fact that some HOAs do have flat prohibitions on home businesses is proof that there is a preference amongst some homeowners for exclusively residential neighborhoods. HOAs voluminous other restrictions on the type of grass you have to plant or how many pink flamingos you can put on your lawn is more evidence still that lots of property owners have pretty specific, restrictive tastes in their choice of neighborhood.

Research has found that people are willing to pay more for properties covered by HOAs as well, which is more evidence that there's market demand for private neighborhood regulation.

Many people aren't neurotic enough to care about others' lawn ornaments. Local governments shouldn't be in the business of regulating them. For people who do care enough, HOAs are an effective, private, consensual tool for enforcing community standards.

The libertarian case against HOAs therefore can't be based on them being ridiculous. Rather, it would have to be based on them being involuntary.

On the surface, HOAs are voluntary organizations. Homeowners and homebuilders create them. People agree to their rules when they purchase a property covered by an HOA.

This surface voluntarism is muddied by the fact that local governments will often require that new subdivisions and planned communities be covered by an HOA. They might even require a developer to write in particular HOA rules and regulations as a condition of giving them permission to build new homes.

Even where HOAs aren't explicitly required, local governments can require shared amenities and common spaces that will have to be managed by an HOA.

Similarly, local laws in places like Houston, Texas, allow neighborhoods to create deed restrictions by a supermajority vote of property owners. Those arrangements are also less than fully voluntary.

So even if most homebuyers in a new subdivision wouldn't want an HOA, they end up living under one anyway.

Once created, these organizations (like many organs of local government) end up being controlled by people with extremely restrictive preferences. That's even more likely if most homeowners are apathetic about being part of an HOA in the first place.

Nevertheless, the new Colorado law bans HOAs from adopting home business bans regardless of whether the HOA was voluntarily created.

To be sure, distinguishing between HOAs that are truly voluntary creations and those that were involuntarily foisted onto property owners is probably impossible for the purposes of legislation.

The best thing that policymakers can do now is to get rid of local or state policies that could force property owners into such arrangements.

Arizona already bans local governments from requiring HOAs. A provision of Arizona's now-vetoed Starter Homes Act would have banned local governments from requiring shared amenities that would need an HOA.

More states should consider such policies. Where they exist, policymakers should leave HOA rules alone, regardless of whether they allow lawn gnomes or not.

The post Colorado Bans HOAs From Banning Home Businesses appeared first on Reason.com.
A police officer in riot gear stands next to the Colorado State Capitol as protests against the death of George Floyd continue for a third night on May 30, 2020, in Denver. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

A last-minute Colorado bill would add protections for law enforcement officers who accuse a fellow officer of misconduct.

House Bill 24-1460 requires that law enforcement agencies investigate allegations of misconduct made against their officers and prohibits retaliation against an officer who files a complaint. It would also allow the person who made the allegation, including officers within the department, to sue the agency if the claims are not properly investigated.

The bill passed its House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday on a 6-5 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans against it. The end of the 2024 legislative session is set for May 8.

State Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat who sponsored the bill, said shes heard that some departments in Colorado have misused a police reporting database created by a 2020 law to retaliate against whistleblowers. Herod said multiple officers told her stories of being forced to resign or getting fired for reporting inappropriate behavior from another officer, and the bill intends to close that loophole.

One thing that stood out to me was when the officers said, I have a duty to intervene and report when theres harm done to someone in our community, Herod said. But whos going to report for me? Who has the duty to intervene for me when I face harm from my fellow officers? This bill will look to rectify some of those concerns.

Many who testified against the bill expressed frustration with its last-minute introduction and said they were not asked for any input ahead of time. Several committee members took issue with the process and limited opportunities for interested parties to provide input, but bill sponsors agreed to start conversations as early as Wednesday morning to improve the policy.

We acknowledge that prior to introduction, there were stakeholders who are not at the table who have interest in this bill, Herod said. We have been making considerable efforts tonight and previously to bring people to the table. We have made an agreement upon listening to the testimony from the opposition and support that there are pieces of this bill we can work on together.

Rep. Steve Woodrow, a Denver Democrat, said the stakeholding process for the bill was seriously lacking, and that he would have voted against the bill for that reason alone had the sponsors not been Herod and Rep. Jennifer Bacon, also a Denver Democrat.

Im going to, just this once, do what I wouldnt do for anyone else, Woodrow said to Herod and Bacon. Im going to vote yes, but I do so for today only on the express condition that you all fix this before it comes to the floor. If not, Im going to be a no, and Ill tell others to do the same, my unwavering respect for you both notwithstanding.

Target of retaliation

Dozens of current and former police officers told stories of how they tried to report an issue with a fellow officer  many being women who allege they were sexually harassed by male colleagues  and eventually had their complaints turned on them. Many no longer work as police officers because of the retaliation they faced, they said.

McKinzie Rees, a former Edgewater police officer, spoke about how she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a superior officer early in her days with the department, in December 2019. She reported the incident and experienced retaliation, and so did her twin sister, who worked as a civilian evidence technician at the department, she said.

The Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board database, which the 2020 law required, allows the public to see police certifications, terminations and resignations, investigations and credibility disclosures among other potential concerns with individual officers. Rees ended up on the database with an untruthfulness label because the accusations she made werent taken seriously, she said. The officer who she alleges assaulted her pleaded guilty to counts of unlawful sexual contact and official misconduct in January.

I ask that you see this bill as a resolution to provide an equitable workplace for every member of law enforcement regardless of rank or structure, Rees said. If passed, this bill would not have only prevented what had happened for me, but it would have helped countless other people responsible for dereliction of duties.

Carla Havard retired from the Denver Police Department after 25 years there. She said she was originally skeptical about the bill because she knew there were reporting mechanisms already in place, but she has seen how they are not equitably applied.

Our issue certainly with Denver police has been adhering to those policies and oversight when we do not do so, Havard said. This is a system that claims that they want you to come forward with allegations of misconduct, but oftentimes you become the target of retaliation and complaints. Oftentimes, you rely on the same system that youre accusing of malfeasance, or youre accusing of being complicit in the problem, of essentially being in charge of investigating themselves.

Questions for prosecutors

Rep. Marc Snyder, a Manitou Springs Democrat, and Rep. Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat, voted against the bill along with the Republicans on the committee. Snyder said while he saw the need for change in this realm, he had concerns around the cost and said its too big an issue to tackle at this point in the legislative session. He also wasnt sure how the bill would be received going right to the House floor if approved by the committee.

My hope was that we would be able to resolve this and come back to the Judiciary Committee with a more knowledgeable group of people and see what you all are able to work out, Snyder said.

Alexis King, district attorney for Colorados 1st Judicial District, which encompasses Gilpin and Jefferson counties, also serves as president of the Colorado District Attorneys Council. She said during her testimony that district attorneys are opposed to the bill because it could impose liability for undefined violations on both district attorneys and police officers, as there are multiple terms without statutory definitions included in the bill as introduced.

While we can make assumptions about what these words mean to police and sheriff, they clearly failed to consider what they may mean for prosecutors who are incorporated in the bill, by default of the definitions used, King said. The last-minute nature of this bill leaves giant questions for us as prosecutors that serve the state and seek to raise the voices of victims who bring to us stories of trauma that sometimes we can account for in the criminal justice system.

Rep. Lorena Garcia, an Adams County Democrat, asked King and 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen if theyd be willing to work with sponsors to get the bill to a better place for them, and both expressed skepticism about it working. Garcia said during closing comments that while many people took issue with the timing and lack of stakeholding on the bill, they can still jump in and give feedback now.

Others who testified against the bill included Stan Hilkey, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety, local sheriffs and police chiefs from around the state, and the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police.

The committee passed five amendments to the bill: One struck the second section of the bill, which Herod said would have unintentionally limited the attorney generals ability to investigate. One removed the potential of misdemeanor charges for officers who fail to report, one clarified that the attorney general can update the POST database, one updated whistleblower language to mirror other parts of stature, and the last changed the length of time departments need to hold on to records related to a complaint from three to 10 years.

Rep. Matt Soper, a Delta Republican, said he doesnt see how the attorney generals office can investigate allegations as required by the bill without an appropriation to support those efforts. He also had concerns over the high cost of the bill  with up to $1 million appropriated for the first year  though the estimated costs could change after the committee adopted its amendments.

Sponsors said the bill would build on previous legislation seeking to improve law enforcement accountability, Senate Bill 20-217. Another bill the Colorado House passed this week would limit law enforcements use of prone restraint.

We made a commitment as sponsors to put a spotlight on this issue so that we can close some of these loopholes and create better workplaces and workspaces for these officers, Bacon said. What we were able to do today, even through all the ups and downs, (was) to present to you undeniable problems. And even though we had a lot of conversations about process, we didnt have as many conversations about the problem  and that is because I believe that everyone thinks its a problem.

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The post Colorado bill adding protections for law enforcement whistleblowers passes first hurdle appeared first on Colorado Newsline.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 19:10 | World

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off a three-day visit to China on Wednesday to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and other senior officials in a bid to stabilize bilateral ties amid tensions over a host of issues.

The top U.S. diplomat arrived in Shanghai, returning to the Asian country for the first time in 10 months. Blinken may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his stay.

He is expected to express concerns over China's support for Russia's defense industry and discuss other high-priority issues including tensions in the South China Sea as well as around Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of its territory.

His China trip follows a visit by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen earlier this month after Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed in phone talks the importance of enhanced high-level bilateral dialogue to stabilize relations.

While China has welcomed Blinken's trip, it sharply reacted to the U.S. claim that China has been supporting Russia's defense industrial base amid its invasion of Ukraine by sharing machine tools, semiconductors and other dual-use items, thereby undermining sanctions and export controls.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Tuesday that Washington "keeps making groundless accusations over the normal trade and economic exchanges" between China and Russia.

Related coverage:

U.S., Chinese defense chiefs speak virtually in 1st talks since 2022

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U.S., China agree to hold follow-up talks on North Korea, Middle East
A 25-year-old Columbia area man was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison on Wednesday for interfering with law enforcement during a riot at city police headquarters that grew out of a peaceful 2020 Black Lives Matter protest at the State House.

Xavier Isaiah Brown, who was 21 at the time of the riot, threw debris in a police car that had been set on fire by other rioters in the parking lot area at Columbia police headquarters, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar Fyall said during a hearing at the Matthew Perry courthouse. The debris acted as an accelerant, Fyall said.

During the hearing, Brown apologized and expressed remorse, saying his participation in the May 30 protest at the State House had been meant to be peaceful, but he had been caught up in the moment as the protest moved to the Vista and the police headquarters area. He currently has a job as a sanitation engineer.

Last December, Brown pleaded guilty to the charge of Interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder. He had no criminal record except for a minor marijuana conviction.

Brown will also have to pay $3,000 in restitution for the police car, court officials said. He was represented by Austin Nichols and state Rep. Todd Rutherford, D-Richland.

Federal Judge Joe Anderson pronounced sentence, noting that Americans have a right to peacefully protest  with the emphasis on peacefully  but violent protests cross over the line, he said.

Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a sentence of from 12 to 18 months, and Anderson noted his sentence was toward the low end of the guidelines.

Anderson also noted that the right to peacefully protest had been upheld by a famous U.S. Supreme Court case, Edwards vs. South Carolina, involving the 1960 illegal mass arrests of nearly 200 African American civil rights protesters at the South Carolina State House.

In that case, the protesters were peaceful, but South Carolina police officers arrested them anyway. The late civil rights attorney Matthew Perry, for whom the federal courthouse in Columbia is named, represented the protesters and took that case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he finally won. Perry later became a federal judge.

More than a dozen police officers were injured during the May 30, 2020, riot in the Vista and at police headquarters.

The rioters were stopped from attacking the Columbia police headquarters by a phalanx of Columbia police officers joined by Richland County sheriffs deputies. But stores in the downtown Vista area were damaged, along with multiple police cars, some of which were set on fire.

In all, some 90 persons were identified and charged with state crimes committed on those two days of Columbia riots. Columbia police reported that 24 police vehicles were damaged by broken windows, spray paint and fire. Two Columbia fire trucks were also damaged, according to an after-action police report. Injuries to officers included being struck by bottles, brick fragments and pieces of wooden barricades, as well as heat stroke.

Most of the cases have been handled in state court but some, such as Browns, were taken up by federal authorities.

In late May 2020, cities across America in Columbia were rocked by riots after the murder of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, in Minnesota by Minneapolis police. Floyds slow death at the hands of a white police officer as other officers stood around was caught on video by a bystander. Four police officers were sent to prison for their role in Floyds death.
Columbia University announced Wednesday it has extended negotiations with pro-Palestinian protesters to clear their encampments on the schools lawn before further action against them is taken.

The original deadline for protesters to leave was Tuesday at midnight or else police may have stepped in to dismantle the encampment.

But the university said due to significant progress made in negotiations with student leaders, the school has given another 48 hour extension to the deadline.

Columbia said the organizers agreed to dismantle a significant number of tents, ensure only those affiliated with the school are taking part in the protest, and that those taking part will comply with safety requirements and take steps to ensure no discriminatory language is used.

In light of this constructive dialogue, the University will continue conversations for the next 48 hours, the school said.

The encampment began last Wednesday, when multiple university officials were questioned at a House hearing about antisemitism on campus.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is set to visit with Jewish students at Columbia on Wednesday. House Republicans from New York earlier this week called on the president of the university to resign.

The protests on Columbias campus have received bipartisan condemnation due to claims of violence and antisemitism at the encampment.

The protesters have said they refuse to leave until the school agrees to divest from Israel or any companies associated with the war.

The encampments have led Columbia to announce this week that classes will be remote for the rest of the semester due to safety concerns.

More than 100 students have been arrested since the encampments began, with Columbia saying it will suspend those participating in the event.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW YORK -- Columbia University continues to hold talks with pro-Palestinian protesters after extending the deadline to dismantle their encampment on the school's main lawn in Manhattan.

University President Dr. Minouche Shafik issued a statement Tuesday saying she and other school leaders were speaking with students and working to reach an agreement. A university spokesperson confirmed overnight the conversations would continue, if necessary, through Thursday.

If the dialogue is unsuccessful, the school will consider alternative options for clearing out the lawn and restoring calm on campus. Due to security concerns, all classes on the school's Morningside campus are offering a hybrid option for the rest of the semester.

Pro-Palestinian students said the school has promised not to bring in the NYPD or the National Guard. Gov. Kathy Hochul was asked about that earlier Wednesday.

"I wanted to have a substantive conversation about public safety with the president, with campus security, with the NYPD, and at the time, they just made the decision to go remote to dial down pressure for the students," Hochul said.

But with finals and commencement closing in, the pressure is on. Many in the senior class, who graduated high school in spring 2020, are hoping their graduation remains in-person.

"I didn't get a high school graduation. It'd stink if I didn't get a college graduation either," Columbia senior Charles Beck said.

"My message to president is you are not going to solve a 100-year-old conflict in the Middle East," Columbia graduate student Omer Lbui said.

"Listen to our demands. We are advocating for an end to massacre, a future where people have full equal human rights, a hope to see a future that involves all collective liberation," student Basil Rodriguez said.

Supporters of the Palestinians demonstrate outside Columbia University on April 24, 2024. / Credit: CBS2

Chopper 2 flew over the school early Wednesday morning, and dozens of tents remained in place. Over the course of the eight-day protest, demonstrators have continued to demand Columbia divest from Israel.

"They have inspired a lot of other people to take more action or perhaps change actions they've been taking to draw more attention to the situation in Palestine, Gaza," non-student protester Carla Reyes said.

"Divest, disclose and amnesty for all," student Khymani James said. "This encampment, a peaceful student led demonstration is part of the larger movement for Palestinian liberation."

Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams applauded the security efforts on campus Tuesday, but said students who are peacefully protesting are not the problem.

"We can't have outside agitators come in and be disruptive to our city," Adams said in a briefing.

"I understand how important this is. Young people, in particular, are energized in their beliefs. But we have to have a respectful discourse," said Hochul. "This has gone too far."

Early Wednesday morning, NYPD officers in riot gear cleared out a group of about 100 protesters just outside campus. They were chanting, waving flags and holding signs in solidarity with students.

Columbia extends deadline for demonstrators

In her latest message to students and staff, Shafik wrote it is time to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment that popped up a week ago on the university's West Lawn. Protesters took over the lawn in tents following Shafik's controversial testimony before Congress.

"The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and at times hostile environment for many members of our community," she wrote. "It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it."

Shafik said student organizers have been meeting with a small group of faculty, administrators and university senators to "discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following university policies going forward." They were initially given until midnight Wednesday to come to an accord, but the deadline was later pushed back.

A university spokesperson confirmed early Wednesday the school was "making important progress" and "in light of this constructive dialogue, the university will continue conversations for the next 48 hours."

The spokesperson said students "have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents" and said they would "ensure that those not affiliated with Columbia will leave. Only Columbia University students will be participating in the protest."

"Student protesters have taken steps to make the encampment welcome to all and have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language," the spokesperson added.

Despite the ongoing talks, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and other Republican congressmembers met with Jewish students on campus on Wednesday and called on Shafik to resign. Their message was met with jeers from students.

"I think the speaker should've stayed back in Washington," Columbia student Irwin Luna said.

"We've faced so much blatant discrimination, intimidation, harassment these past few days, and to have the Speaker of the Congress come and tell us he stands with us, that was powerful," Columbia student Ben Gelman said.

133 Jewish students write letter to Shafik: "We fear for our lives"

Pro-Israel and Jewish students say they have serious safety concerns. CBS New York has obtained a letter sent by 133 Israeli students at Columbia to the school's president and administrators outlining those concerns. They chose 133 because that is the number of hostages still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.

A portion of the letter written by pro-Israel and Jewish students to President Minouche Shafik. / Credit: CBS2



The top of the letter points out threatening chants they say they've been subjected to. It asks the administration to "take immediate action to ensure our safety before it is too late. We fear for our lives."



"We feel unsafe going on campus right now," student Guy Sela said. "I've been literally shot in my life, served as a company commander [in paratroopers] for years, but going on a campus in the United States of America feels more dangerous."

"People were banging on my doors in the middle of the night because I came out publicly and was speaking as a proud Jew who supports the state of Israel," Columbia senior Noa Fay said.

Earlier this week, a group of pro-Israel and Jewish students put up posters of the 133 hostages in Gaza outside the encampment.

"Nothing's more important than bringing those 133 hostage back. We're putting our life at risk. We're putting our academic projectory at risk because that's what we're believing," Sela said.

As early as Wednesday, Columbia's senate, which is comprised of students and faculty, could vote on a resolution to censure Shafik, in part over the arrests of student-protesters last week.

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MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Columbia University is making important progress with pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camping out on campus since last week, according to school officials.

The school had given the protesters a deadline of midnight Wednesday to dismantle the encampments set up on the West Lawn of the Morningside campus. Protesters and police were seen going head-to-head around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with someone being pushed to the ground and another being arrested.

Police could not confirm if anyone was charged.

Columbia University officials said that while students have the right to demonstrate, the encampments raise safety concerns and create a tense and hostile environment.

Students are demanding the school divest from companies they claim profit from Israeli apartheid and the Israeli military action in Gaza.

120 people arrested at NYU amid pro-Palestinian protests: NYPD

Protesters have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents, according to school officials. The demonstrators also agreed that only Columbia University students will participate in the protests and that discriminatory or harassing language is prohibited.

Conversations with protesting students will continue for the next 48 hours, school officials said.

Some students have been supportive of their classmates who are protesting, while others told PIX11 News they dont feel safe on campus.

Only currently enrolled students and faculty can go onto campus and classes have gone hybrid for the rest of the semester. House Majority Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to visit the university Wednesday and hold a news conference while visiting with Jewish students.

Numerous protests calling on universities to divest from Israel have been taking place around the U.S., including The New School and NYU.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Embattled Columbia University President Minouche Shafik on Tuesday warned anti-Israel student protesters had until midnight to reach an agreement on a plan to dismantle their encampment  or else the school would consider alternative options to clear out the tent city.

Shafik said the protesters had been in talks with Columbia faculty and administrators to map out a path to abandoning their camp on the Manhattan campus lawn, which has already been cleared out once before since popping up last week.

For several days, a small group of faculty, administrators, and University Senators have been in dialogue with student organizers to discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following university policies going forward. Those talks are facing a deadline of midnight tonight to reach agreement, Shafik said.

The protests have taken over the campus. James Keivom

Follow The Posts coverage of the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University:

I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate.

The threat comes just one day after the Ivy League president  who vowed to crack down on antisemitism on campus  canceled in-person classes, telling students and faculty that they need a reset as the heated demonstrations entered the sixth day.

Shafik noted in her Tuesday letter that the school is also working to track down protesters who have violated the institutions policies against discrimination and harassment.

The right to protest is essential and protected at Columbia, but harassment and discrimination is antithetical to our values and an affront to our commitment to be a community of mutual respect and kindness, she wrote.

Many students have railed against the protesters. James Keivom

Protesters first erected tents on Columbias lawn last Wednesday. The following day, the NYPD  at the request of Shafik  cleared out the encampment and arrested more than 100 protesters.

But less than 24 hours later, student protesters had reassembled their anti-Israel tent encampment.

Politicians, including every New York GOP House lawmaker, and pro-Israel groups have called on Shafik to resign over her handling of the campus protests.

In response to Shafiks Tuesday order, the group Within Our Lifetime put out a call for students and faculty to return to the campus lawn and hunker down ahead of the deadline.We are calling for students, faculty, and staff to return to the lawn within the hour, and for people of conscience across nyc to gather in protest outside of columbia. we will not be intimidated by threats by the state, the group said on X.
Columbia protests are 'writing on the wall' about antisemitism on campuses, student organization founder says

Columbia protests are 'writing on the wall' about antisemitism on campuses, student organization founder says

The founder of a pro-Israel international campus movement is warning against history repeating itself as antisemitism continues to rage on university and college campuses across the country.

Ilan Sinelnikov, the President and Founder of Students Supporting Israel (SSI), a pro-Israel student movement, told Fox News Digital that history is repeating itself  pointing to the recent anti-Israel protests on Columbia University's campus in New York City.

"History at the end of the day repeats itself," he said. "What we have seen back in the 30s with the harassment and intimidation of Jewish people across Europe, back when Jewish students were not allowed to universities and people were creating human chains in order to block Jewish students from entry."

"Jewish students are being intimidated and harassed on college campuses. I was on a call with a Jewish student and that goes to Columbia University, and she said, 'I can't wait to pack my bags and get on the first flight home. I don't want to be on this campus anymore.'"

IVY LEAGUE ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS' PROTESTS SPIRAL INTO 'ACTUAL TERROR ORGANIZATION,' PROFESSOR WARNS

Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia Universitys campus in New York City on Monday.

Sinelnikov said that Jewish students no longer feel safe at one of the nation's "most prestigious universities."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"When you get to the point, when in our most prestigious universities, Jewish students don't feel safe to walk on those campuses because they're afraid of being harassed or afraid of being physically assaulted," he said. "When you see all of that, the similarities are frightening."

Sinelnikov reminded people that the Holocaust "didn't happen overnight," but slowly seeped into society.

"People need to be aware that this is what's happening in the highest educational institutions," he said.

DEMOCRATIC REP GOTTHEIMER SAYS HE WOULD BE WORRIED TO SEND CHILDREN TO COLUMBIA AFTER VISITING PROTESTS

"What happened in the Holocaust, it didn't happen overnight," he added. "There were years and years of indoctrination and the hatred that was spread, especially towards youth, especially in the educational systems against the Jewish people."

The SSI Movement founder said that Jewish people are portrayed as "subhuman" on college campuses.

"And this is what you see today on our campuses, you know, so they try to portray Jewish people as subhuman," he said. "People chant, kick out all the Zionists."

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS: 5 DRAMATIC MOMENTS FROM A WEEK OF CHAOS

Sinelnikov said that while watching the footage of antisemitism on campus, it's hard not to observe the striking similarities between the Holocaust and modern-day antisemitism.

"You cannot just ignore the similarities between that and what has happened now," he said. "Some people might think that we are overexaggerating, but the fact is, when a bad thing happens in our history and when people also think that it will never happen, it will happen."

"This is the writing on the wall that we have on our college campuses and our higher education system," Sinelnikov said.

Anti-Israel agitators gather on Columbia Universitys campus in New York City.

Sinelnikov said that the worst thing that could happen is for Jewish students to leave universities.

"At the end of the day, people might feel intimidated or unsafe or afraid. But, the worst thing we can do is to leave those spaces," he said. "The worst thing that could possibly happen is for Columbia University to become a Jew-free university,"

"They want to harass, intimidate, terrorize students until those students are not going to show their face anymore. And we just cannot let it happen," he said.

He said that the biggest problem universities are facing is lack of campus leadership.

"I think the biggest challenge that we're facing right now and across the country, it's lack of leadership by the academic institutions and by the universities, because at the end of the day, if you really think about it, a lot of these problems can be solved quickly," he said.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS

"A lot of people might argue here for the sake of freedom of speech or freedom of assembly, but at the same time, we need to remember that we're not talking about student's freedom, we're talking about harassment, intimidation," Sinelnikov said. "We're talking about open calls for violence against Jewish students."

Anti-Israel protesters demonstrate in front of police outside Columbia University in New York City on Thursday.

Sinelnikov said that Columbia University's president "lacks the will to take the right actions."

"At Columbia University, the president called in the police to remove the protesters, but all the students were released from the police station at 10 p.m. and the protesters were back out on a different side of the lawn a few hours later, and it's still there today," he said.

"And what happens now is that students who pay $60,000 a year for tuition have their whole semester to be moved online, because the university cannot take control of 300-400 students on their campus," Sinelnikov said.





Original article source: Columbia protests are 'writing on the wall' about antisemitism on campuses, student organization founder says
Columbia University in New York set a deadline for administrators and anti-Israel protesters to reach an agreement to end the encampment on campus, as a police presence is standing by at the university.

University President Minouche Shafik initially set a deadline of midnight for an agreement with student organizers that must include dismantling the encampment, dispersing and following university policies going forward.

Shafik said in a message to the university community Tuesday night that if discussions are unsuccessful, administrators would have to "consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate." The university has already moved to hybrid learning for the remainder of the semester over safety concerns sparked by the protest.

Around the expiration of the midnight deadline, a student demonstrator announced on the university's South Lawn that administrators had extended the negotiation deadline to 8 a.m., the university's student newspaper, the Columbia Spectator, reported.

Then around 3:15 a.m., a campus spokesperson released a statement saying that university officials and protest organizers were hashing out four main agreements and there is now a 48-hour window for negotiations  there was no mention of an 8 a.m. deadline extension.

Those terms include students removing a significant number of tents, that those protesting are only Columbia students, that those protesters comply with FDNY safety implications, and that "student protesters have taken steps to make the encampment welcome to all and have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS

Demonstrators said they would not continue to negotiate with the administration without a written commitment that the administration will not be using the New York City Police Department or the National Guard on its students.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she has no plans to call in the National Guard to respond to the protests. But the NYPD did have its riot police and counterterrorism unit standing by overnight, according to student reporters from radio station WKCR. Police told demonstrators inside the camp to keep down the use of amplified noisemakers and beating against barricades or risk arrest.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. tweeted Tuesday night that any police enforcement against the anti-Israel protesters would be an "escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act."

"It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts peoples lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted.

This comes after Ocasio-Cortez labeled anti-Israel protests on college campuses as "peaceful," and ahead of Columbia University's president setting a midnight deadline for protesters to reach an agreement or else face police invlovement.

Ahead of the initial midnight deadline Tuesday, demonstrators began to dismantle tents on the west side of the South Lawn, according to the Columbia Spectator. Some demonstrators had relocated to Furnald Lawn while dozens of others remained on the west side of the South Lawn.

Shortly after midnight, demonstrators began moving the tents back onto the west side of the South Lawn.

TRUMP SLAMS COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FOR CLOSING CAMPUS AMID ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS: 'MEANS THE OTHER SIDE WINS'

Demonstrators said they would not continue to negotiate with the administration without a written commitment that the administration will not be using the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.

The deadline for an agreement comes just days after the university authorized the police on Thursday to sweep the encampment, leading to more than 100 arrests.

"I also want to be clear that we will not tolerate intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior," Shafik wrote in her message Tuesday night. "We are working to identify protesters who violated our policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will be put through appropriate disciplinary processes."

"The right to protest is essential and protected at Columbia, but harassment and discrimination is antithetical to our values and an affront to our commitment to be a community of mutual respect and kindness," Shafik continued.





Original article source: Columbia sets deadline for agreement with protesters, threatens 'alternative options' for clearing protesters
At Columbia, Speaker Johnson booed and heckled, calls on its president to resign if she can't 'bring order' to protests

During a visit to Columbia University on Wednesday, Speaker Mike Johnson joined his New York House Republican colleagues in calling on the school's president, Minouche Shafik, to resign unless she can improve what he called her failure to handle the anti-Israel protests on campus.

In a news conference on the university's campus, Johnson said Shafik should step down "if she can't immediately bring order to this chaos."

"As speaker of the House, I am committing today that the Congress will not be silent as Jewish students are expected to run for their lives and stay home from their classes -- fighting in fear," Johnson said.

The scene at the news conference was rowdy itself, as Johnson and other House Republicans got booed and heckled throughout -- sometimes nearly drowned out by shouting from the crowd.

"The cherished traditions of this university are being overtaken right now by radical and extreme ideologies. They place a target on the backs of Jewish students in the United States and here on this campus," Johnson said.

He said he planned to speak to President Joe Biden, whose administration has also condemned any antisemitic demonstrations, once he departed the campus to "share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action."

"There is executive authority that would be appropriate," Johnson said.

"If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped -- there is an appropriate time for the National Guard. We have to bring order to these campuses. We cannot allow this to happen around the country. We are better than this. We are better than this. And I will ask the president to do that, and I will tell him the very same thing," Johnson said.

In an interview with Hugh Hewitt on Wednesday morning, ahead of his trip, Johnson said Shafik had "shown to be a very weak, inept leader."

MORE: Student protesters begin dismantling some tents as negotiations with Columbia University progress

PHOTO: Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson attends a news conference at Columbia University in response to demonstrators protesting in support of Palestinians in New York, April 24, 2024. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)

"They cannot even guarantee the safety of Jewish students? They're expected to run for their lives and stay home from class? It's just, it's maddening. What we're seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable," Johnson said to Hewitt.

Last week, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia as they called for the divestment of college and university funds from Israeli military operations.

Other participants in Columbia's ongoing, encampment-style protests were suspended and removed from campus.

The demonstrations, which began on April 17, followed Shafik's testimony to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about antisemitism on college campuses. New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, a leading conservative, called for Shafik's resignation days later, writing in a post on X that Columbia "failed to enforce their own campus rules and protect Jewish students on campus."

Testifying before the congressional committee last week, Shafik said she has taken actions to combat antisemitism on campus since a terror attack on Oct. 7 sparked Israel's war with Hamas, including enhancing Columbia's reporting channels, hiring staff to investigate complaints and forming an antisemitism task force.

"Safety is paramount and we would do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of our campus," Shafik said. "We must uphold freedom of speech because it's essential to our academic mission, but we cannot and shouldn't tolerate abuse of this privilege to harass and discriminate."

The presidents of Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania resigned their positions after testifying about campus culture and antisemitism before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce earlier this year.

Shafik, who met with Johnson on Wednesday, and the rest of the university administration are committed to ensuring the safety of the campus community and ending the encampment, Columbia spokesman Ben Chang said in a briefing with reporters later on Wednesday.

The student encampment on campus has raised serious safety concerns, Chang said.

The university and some of its representatives have been in dialogue with students on ending the encampment and Chang said the university believes those discussions will ultimately be "successful."

PHOTO: President of Columbia University Nemat 'Minouche' Shafik testifies before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing on 'Columbia in Crisis: Columbia University's Response to Antisemitism' in Washington, Apr. 17, 2024. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Following the arrests at Columbia, student protests have appeared elsewhere in the U.S., including at Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University and across the country -- at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Southern California.

Criticism of Israel in the U.S. and internationally has been mounting as a humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza amid Israel's attempt to destroy Hamas terrorists.

Johnson, who also met with Jewish students at Columbia, said "their bravery is inspiring, much more inspiring than some of the activities we're seeing here. They should never have to confront such hate on an American college campus instead of such a revered institution."

MORE: Columbia University protest: Over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including Rep. Omar's daughter, arrested

His visit comes as the Israel-Hamas war continues to be highly politicized. Johnson earned bipartisan praise for his reversal on a foreign aid package that Biden signed into law Wednesday that included roughly $26 billion for Israel as its war with Hamas rages on in Gaza.

Hamas is thought to still be holding dozens of hostages taken in its October terror attack, which killed 1,200.

More than 34,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there.

The protests on U.S. campuses have been largely peaceful, according to school administrators, with some, including New York police, as well as protesters blaming individuals not affiliated with the schools for instances of violence and offensive or antisemitic rhetoric.

Johnson said on Wednesday that federal funding should be revoked if universities cannot maintain control of the protests and prevent violence.

"We need to revoke these student visas for these violent protestors. You don't have a right to be here and to do this. But Jewish students have a right to be able to peacefully attend classes," Johnson said to Hewitt.

"I mean, this is outrageous," he said. "We have Jewish students who have actually been physically assaulted. They've been harassed. They've been intimidated and threatened."

PHOTO: Pro-Palestinian protesters hold a rally outside of Columbia University, April 24, 2024, in New York. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

MORE: NYC Mayor Eric Adams says he's 'horrified and disgusted' by antisemitism at Columbia University protests

Johnson also criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the U.S., for a scathing speech he delivered on the Senate floor last month where he called for a new election in Israel.

During the speech, Schumer was highly critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he is an "obstacle to peace" and that he has "lost his way" as Israel bombards Gaza amid the humanitarian crisis there.

"[Schumer] is so focused on calling for new elections in Israel, he can't be bothered to protect Jewish students here at home," Johnson said.

Johnson claimed the White House and Democrats in Congress are "caving to [the] antisemitic ... wing of the party."

"It's really become a serious problem," he said.

ABC News' Victoria Arancio contributed to this report.

At Columbia, Speaker Johnson booed and heckled, calls on its president to resign if she can't 'bring order' to protests originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Police in riot gear stand guard as demonstrators chant slogans outside the Columbia University campus, Thursday, April 18, 2024, in New York. U.S. colleges and universities are preparing for end-of-year commencement ceremonies with a unique challenge: providing safety for graduates while honoring the free speech rights of students involved in protests over the Israel-Hamas war. | Mary Altaffer

In the early hours of the morning last week, Columbia University students started pitching tents on campus to protest not only the Israel-Hamas war, but also the universitys ties to Israel.

The protest  called the Gaza Solidarity Encampment  has led to dozens of arrests, and the university has now said students attending the main campus can choose to attend classes remotely for the rest of the semester.

Columbia said it was doing so in the interest of public safety.

University officials reportedly met with student demonstrators into the early hours of the morning Tuesday. School spokesperson Ben Chang told CNN and other media that safety was the schools priority.

Columbia students have the right to protest but they are not allowed to disrupt campus life or harass and intimidate fellow students and members of our community, Chang said.

Rabbi Elie Buechler sent a message to a group of mostly Orthodox Jewish students on Sunday night recommending that Jewish students return home. He said that recent events have made it clear that Columbia Universitys Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students safety.

It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved, he said.

Brian Cohen, the Lavine Family executive director of Hillel, told the Columbia Spectator that while there is fear on campus, the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life will remain open.

Columbia University and the City of New York must do more to protect students at Columbia University, said Cohen. We call on the University Administration to act immediately in restoring calm to campus. The City must ensure that students can walk up and down Broadway and Amsterdam without fear of harassment.

Some Jewish students on campus have said they feel afraid to be there, per reports. A Columbia senior told the campus paper that she left campus after someone swore at her while she was wearing a Star of David necklace. Another student, Parker De Deker, said he also was met with expletives when he wore his yarmulke. He said he removed his yarmulke when he left campus. In another incident, De Deker said he was told We are so happy that you Zionists are finally leaving campus.

Them sitting there and sharing their rights to free speech and advocating for peace in the Middle East is not antisemitism. I want to make that very clear, De Deker told the Columbia Spectator. What is antisemitism, though, is the numerous experiences of which I have had experience.

Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., said in a social media post that he visited with Jewish students on campus and heard about what they were experiencing.

Columbia has a proud history of peaceful protests, but it is simply unacceptable for the administration to permit the type of hate speech and threats of violence that Jewish students told me they have been subjected to recently, Goldman said.

Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine issued a press release saying the group was frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us.

The group said it would remain on campus until the school divested finances from entities with the state of Israel, Columbia makes its financial investments transparent and the school extends amnesty for all students and faculty disciplined or fired in the movement for Palestinian liberation.

Since the protests at Columbia, other universities including New York University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley and Yale have seen demonstrations emerge on campus.

A spokesperson for the University of Minnesota told CBS News affiliate WCCO that a group of students there had set up camp with the demand that the university divest from academic institutions and companies the group said support Israel.

Nine students were arrested.

Cal Poly Humboldt, a public university in northern California, shut down its campus until Wednesday after protesters clashed with riot police, according to the Daily Beast.

Several protesters entered the administrative building, which houses the office of Academic Personnel Resources and Human Resources, and attempted to create a barricade, blocking doors with furniture, and setting up tents, the Daily Beast reported.

Humboldt for Palestine, a student group, said on Instagram that student protesters were demanding that the school boycott and divest from institutions associated with Israel and also demanded a cease-fire.

Its not just college campuses where protests have erupted. The Seattle Times reported high school students in the Puget Sound region in Washington state coordinated a walkout Tuesday morning to protest the Israel-Hamas war.

The campus protests have garnered national attention, including from President Joe Biden who referenced it in his statement issued Sunday to commemorate the start of Passover.

Even in recent days, weve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews, Biden said. This blatant Antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous  and it has absolutely no place on college campuses, or anywhere in our country.

Twenty-seven U.S. senators, including Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., signed a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, urging the administration to address antisemitism on campus.

You need to take action to restore order and protect Jewish students on our college campuses, the letter said. President Biden issued a statement on Sunday, purporting to condemn the outbreak of antisemitism. If that statement was serious, it must be accompanied by immediate action from your departments.

The letter requests that Garland and Cardona respond with an update to their offices by Wednesday afternoon.
House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., sent a scathing letter to top Biden officials about the ongoing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, demanding federal intervention to protect Jewish students.

In a letter dated Tuesday, Stefanik wrote to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The New York congresswoman did not mince words when describing the disarray caused by the anti-Israel protests at the New York City Ivy League institution, threatening Jewish students and faculty.

Classes at Columbia will be entirely virtual for the rest of the semester due to the protesters "taking over" the campus. New York City Mayor Eric Adams blamed "outside agitators" for fanning the flames during a press conference Tuesday.

Stefanik called attention to the antisemitic sentiment among protesters in her letter.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS: 5 DRAMATIC MOMENTS FROM A WEEK OF CHAOS

House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., sent a scathing letter to top Biden officials about the recent anti-Israel protests at Columbia University.

"Over the past few days, anarchy has engulfed the campus of Columbia University and created an environment that is unsafe for Jewish students and faculty," she wrote. "You have the ability and authority to put a stop to this and take concrete steps to hold accountable those responsible."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The House Republican described the protesters as an "unsanctioned mob of students and agitators permitted to continue to target Jewish students" and cited antisemitic incidents that have occurred as a result of their activity.

"Consequences are needed for those who are calling for terrorism and violent attacks," she wrote. Stefanik cited the Immigration and Nationality Act, which states that anyone who endorses terrorism can become ineligible for American residency, and noted that protesters are "brazenly endorsing Hamas and other terrorist organizations."

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ORDERS VIRTUAL CLASSES AS ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS TAKE OVER: 'WE NEED A RESET'

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., speaks during a news conference as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., left, and Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., look on.

"By allowing this support for terror to continue, this wicked ideology is able to spread," Stefanik argued. "I demand that you enforce existing law to revoke the visas and deport students here on visas who are suspended for their antisemitic actions."

The Republican also called for the Department of Education to hold Columbia accountable by revoking any federal funding that the Ivy League school receives.

"It is past time for the Department of Education to publish the findings of [President's Biden's Title VI] investigation and hold the university accountable," she wrote. "Furthermore, the Department must take action to revoke any federal funding flowing to Columbia and similar institutions so taxpayers are not funding the ongoing discrimination."

Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia Universitys campus in New York City Monday.

Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Secretary Mayorkas and Attorney General Garland for comment.





Original article source: Columbia University protests: Rep. Elise Stefanik calls on Biden admin to deport terrorist supporters on visas
By Eric Peters, KYODO NEWS - Apr 24, 2024 - 09:20 | World, All

The fate of a U.N. panel launched 15 years ago to monitor the implementation of sanctions against North Korea appears increasingly in question as Russia has voted against its continuation for the first time as part of recent efforts to favor Pyongyang in closely-watched diplomatic matters.

Last month, Russia vetoed a resolution of the U.N. Security Council that would have reauthorized the auxiliary panel to check possible evasions of the punitive measures against Pyongyang under a council committee. The resolution was supported by 13 of the 15 council members, with China abstaining.

Established in 2009 in the wake of a nuclear test by Pyongyang, the panel had its mandate renewed each year with the main U.N. security body's unanimous approval. Even after its invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member, had voted twice in the council to maintain the sanctions watchdog.

For the March resolution, however, submitted ahead of the panel's April 30 expiration, Moscow sought to tie the yearly renewal to a review of all current sanctions, an idea that would allow any permanent member to block the council's existing punitive measures against Pyongyang from continuing.

"The most likely culprit is the arms deal with North Korea" that Russia is believed to have struck in violation of the sanctions, said Jeffrey Lewis, a U.S. expert on nuclear nonproliferation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September in Vladivostok, following a visit by Defense Minister to North Korea to meet with Kim two months earlier.

Lewis, a professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, told Kyodo News that he believes the two countries made an arms agreement during the period.

He had observed through satellite imagery that there were "hundreds of shipping containers consistently visible" at North Korea's border city of Rajin, which he evaluates as the location of its clandestine arms exports to Russia.

"It's hard to put a specific number on it, but it is a very significant trade," Lewis said, noting that North Korea is an inexpensive producer of munitions compatible with Russian military systems.

The United States and its allies have criticized Russia for helping Pyongyang evade sanctions by purchasing military equipment and munitions, including ballistic missiles, to use in its invasion of Ukraine, an accusation Moscow has denied.

"Pyongyang is denied everything," Russian ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said at a U.N. General Assembly debate earlier this month, defending its veto of the council resolution to renew the panel of experts.

"All the words of Western countries about their interest in dialogue on sanctions assessment are empty rhetoric," Nebenzia said.

Condemning what he called "draconian restrictions" against Pyongyang, Nebenzia said Russia would propose a resolution to extend the panel for one year with a requirement for the Security Council to review sanctions against the country.

The most recent report released by the panel, made public in March, included an investigation of 58 suspected cyberattacks by North Korea against cryptocurrency-related companies between 2017 and 2023, valued at around $3 billion.

Aaron Arnold, who served as a U.S. finance expert on the panel from 2019 to 2021, called Russia's veto "unfortunate" and said its decision "flies in the face" of a years-long consensus around keeping the panel.

"I think this is very much an attempt to shade and obfuscate Russia's just blatant violations of North Korea sanctions," said Arnold, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute of Britain.

Because the panel's reports required unanimous agreement from the experts, Arnold said, they had earned substantial global trust and demonstrated how the world agreed that North Korea has been evading sanctions.

The panel is made up of five experts from the permanent members of the Security Council alongside one each from Japan and South Korea, with a rotating eighth expert from any other U.N. member country.

"Without the panel, the United Nations would lose an entity that functions as 'eyes' to monitor the implementation of the sanctions from neutral viewpoints and makes the situations public," said Maiko Takeuchi, another former member of the panel, adding, "The number of sanction violations by North Korea would increase."

Meeting in Washington on April 10, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden called on countries to "fully implement all relevant UNSC resolutions" on North Korea, "especially in light of Russia's recent veto," in a joint statement.

Related coverage:

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We have been free  out of prison  for two years. If you had asked us five years ago if we would be where we are now, we would have said no.

Both of us were convicted as juveniles (15 and 16 years old) in unrelated murder cases and spent a collective 56 years behind bars. But we never stopped trying to show that we were more than our worst acts and that we didnt deserve to spend another half century incarcerated.

Today, thanks to Gov. Roy Coopers Juvenile Sentence Review Board (JSRB), we have been given a second chance. During this Second Chance Month, we urge the governor to extend that grace to more people, for there are hundreds just like us.

As children, we made horrible mistakes. We were both tried and sentenced as adults and did not think we would ever see freedom again. Still, we tried to make the best of our situation. As we grew into adults while incarcerated, we committed ourselves to rehabilitation. We signed up for as many programs and classes as we could and remained consistently employed in prison. We worked to educate ourselves, earning seven degrees and certificates between us while also writing books and academic papers.

Just over two years ago, the governor commuted our sentences, and we were released from prison shortly after. Our second chance has given us a new lease on life. We both immediately got jobs so we could be independent and provide for ourselves, and we worked hard to reintegrate into our communities.

April Barber Scales

Anthony Willis

For me, April, it marked the first chance I really had to be a mother. I entered prison, pregnant, at age 15. Now 48, Ive finally had the chance to have a hands-on relationship with my son.

Our second chance has also afforded us the opportunity to give back. Both of us work to help people who are formerly or still incarcerated. Anthony, now 44, started a program called Grace it Up to feed incarcerated people and let them know theyre not forgotten.

As much as we appreciate our second chance, we know there are so many people who are just as worthy and deserving of their own second chance.

According to data from the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law, there were 325 people eligible for JSRB review after serving at least 15 years in prison. So far, 117 of those people have submitted petitions to the Juvenile Sentence Review Board, and more than 70 of them are still waiting for a decision. Only six have had their petitions approved.

Gov. Coopers executive order establishing the reviews expires Dec. 31, 2024. At that point, those 70 people  people just as, if not even more deserving as us  will have lost this unique opportunity for their second chance. We know first-hand how devastating it can be to have hope for a chance and have that hope dashed.

When the governor commuted our sentences, he said North Carolina law continues to change to recognize that science is even more clear about immature brain development and decision making in younger people. As people become adults, they can change, turn their lives around, and engage as productive members of society.

Cooper and the review board saw us as full people, not just the children whod made terrible mistakes.

During this Second Chance Month, and before Coopers executive order expires in December, we urge him to see the more than 70 people who have petitioned for clemency as full people, just like us  to see their genuine hearts and give them a second chance too. They are waiting to prove themselves just like we did.

April Barber Scales and Anthony Willis were granted clemency two years ago through Gov. Roy Coopers Juvenile Sentence Review Board. Scales lives in Carrboro. Willis lives in Charlotte.
Community remembers Lou Conter, last survivor of attack on USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor

(FOX40.COM)  It was an emotional day in Grass Valley, where the community honored the life of Lou Conter.

Conter was the last living survivor from the USS Arizona battleship, which came under attack during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The casket of Conter was carried into Saint Patricks Church as the memorial service for the military hero got underway.

The streets were lined with American flags and people were reflecting on the legacy he left behind.

Beale Air Force Base retires third U-2 of 2024

Community members gathered to honor Conter who died at his home in Grass Valley at 102 years old following congestive heart failure.

Lou has made our lives better and we appreciate him so much, former Grass Valley Mayor Patti Spencer said.

Conter was standing on the main deck of the USS Arizona when Japanese planes flew overhead. Sailors were just beginning to hoist colors or raise the flag when the assault began.

The USS Arizona lost 1,177 sailors and Marines in the Dec. 7, 1941 attack that launched the United States into War World II.

Conter once recalled how a bomb pierced through the steel decks and set off more than a million pounds of gunpowder, which ignited an explosion.

Caltrans battles with extreme rockslides along SR-70

The explosion caused the ship to be lifted 30 to 40 feet out of the water. Despite the surrounding flames, Conter said he stayed aboard and helped other men on the ship who had been badly burned.

Its hard to imagine that he did that and then lived a long and prosperous life and got to 102 just amazing, Army veteran John Spencer said.

According to the sons and daughters of Pearl Harbor survivors, there are currently 19 survivors from the attack following the death of Conter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Looming TikTok ban now law unless China-based parent company sells. What it means for California

President Joe Biden signed into law a potential ban on TikTok as part of a long-awaited foreign aid package on Wednesday.

California influencers and users might have less than a year left to promote businesses, seek advice and spread awareness of key topics on the popular social media app used by millions of Americans. In California, about 890,000 businesses and 16 million people actively use TikTok, according to data from the platform.

The measure, which the Senate passed as part of a $95 billion foreign assistance legislation on Tuesday night, could block TikTok nationwide if its China-based parent company ByteDance doesnt sell its U.S. operations in nine months.

The president can extend the timeframe for ByteDance to divest from nine months to a year if he determines a deal is in the works, making 2025 the earliest a ban could come into effect.

TikTok said that it would challenge the crackdown in court after Biden signed it into law.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers have said TikTok, under the control of its China-based parent company, poses a risk to national security. Many legislators have expressed concern that Chinese officials could ask the app for data on the 170 million Americans who use it as well as push disinformation to them.

Many senators had been skeptical of the TikTok crackdown  but not enough to vote against the aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan that the House of Representatives had held up for months. The sweeping package passed the Senate 79 to 18 Tuesday night. Californias senators, Democrats Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, voted for the measure.

The House lumping the TikTok measure into the foreign military and humanitarian aid bill before sending it to the Senate upped the potential bans chances of getting to the presidents desk fast, worrying California influencers and legislators alike.

It concerns me deeply, Butler told The Bee on Tuesday of passing the measure without further debate. I think that there are a number of things that maybe havent been fully considered and I wished we had taken the time to really talk through and understand  having a public conversation about some of those things.

What have state lawmakers said about the TikTok sale?

Butler said before the vote Tuesday she had wanted more public conversations on national security concerns and the impact an eventual ban could have on U.S. workers at TikTok, which has a global headquarters in Los Angeles, and people who use it for work. She also wanted to consider accountability on other social media companies.

Where I would have liked to see more of the legislative direction go is that all of these companies have all of this information about hundreds of millions of the American people, Butler said. What is the total framework and accountability that we are placing across the companies?

Congressional lawmakers have received classified intelligence briefings on TikTok and issues of national security and data privacy.

Senator Padilla believes we can support speech and creativity while also protecting data privacy and security, the California Democrats office said in a statement on Tuesday before the vote.

TikToks relationship to the Chinese Communist Party poses significant data privacy concerns, the statement read. He will continue working with the Biden-Harris administration and his colleagues in Congress to safeguard Americans data privacy and foster continued innovation.

Biden had signaled support of a TikTok divestment measure in March. That week, the House passed a bill with bipartisan support giving ByteDance a six-month deadline to sell, but the Senate stalled bringing up the measure. Increasing the period to up to a year made it more palatable for some lawmakers who were previously skeptical of forcing the apps sale.

TikTok to sue over possible ban

After Biden signed the foreign aid bill into law on Wednesday, TikTok wrote in a social media post to X: This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail.

The fact is, we have invested billions of dollars to keep U.S. data safe and our platform free from outside influence and manipulation. This ban would devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans, the X post read.

As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired.

Previous attempts to force a sale or prohibit the social media app by the Trump administration and Montana have faced legal challenges. A federal judge blocked Montanas attempted TikTok ban last fall.

TikTok and ByteDance spent over $7 million this year to try to urge federal lawmakers against passing legislation that could lead to a nationwide ban, according to a CNBC review of lobbying disclosures and advertising data.

TikTok ban is a tragedy, CA TikToker says





Dan Salinger, a Sacramento retired lawyer who shares the challenges of caring for his father who has dementia with his 2 million TikTok followers, voiced frustration with the congressional vote in an interview with The Bee Tuesday ahead of the vote.

He said it took him thousands and thousands and thousands of hours to accumulate that many followers, investing time and energy in his quasi-retirement.

But others will have it even worse than him, he said.

The tragedy is there are millions, literally millions of Americans ... theyre running businesses off TikTok, Salinger said.

Salinger said that TikTok brings 170 million Americans together as a community.

There are so many Americans that rely on TikTok just to get through the day, he said.

Salinger said that the ban  It is a ban, straight up. They can call it whatever they want.  was an egregious assault on free speech, and all due to smoke and mirrors security concerns.

I am appalled at the way our government is playing slipshod with our rights, he said.

Salinger said it didnt surprise him to see Republicans and Democrats alike wanting to ban TikTok  he says both parties fear what the app can do.

This app is terrifying to anybody in power, because it gives the power to the average person, he said.

Why did the House add the TikTok legislation to the foreign aid bill?

The House tacked the TikTok bill onto a long-stalled foreign aid package that passed on Saturday. The $95 billion package combines four bills  $61 billion in military aid for Ukraine; $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza; $8 billion for Taiwan; and legislation on national security that includes the potential TikTok ban.

All four passed with large bipartisan support and were sent to the Senate as a combined bill.

Inserting the TikTok crackdown aimed to appease conservatives  and ensured its Senate passage. To make it to the presidents desk and be signed into law, the House and Senate must pass substantively identical measures. The Senate would have to send the bill back to the House for consideration if lawmakers wanted to remove the TikTok legislation.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have stressed the urgency of sending military and humanitarian funds overseas.

Biden did not mention TikTok during his 11-minute remarks about the aid bill on Wednesday. Asked by multiple reporters about the law later that day, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, This is not a ban. This is about divestment. This about our national security.

We are not saying that we do not want Americans to use TikTok, she said. That is not what were saying. We want to make sure that Americans are protected, are protected. And that is what this is about. And so we believe this law will get us there.
The Senate overwhelmingly passed 79-18 President Joe Bidens $95 billion foreign aid request on Tuesday night to arm Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending it to the White House after six months of delays in Congress.

Biden submitted the request in October but Republican leaders in the Senate and House struggled to pass the package for more than six months amid increased opposition to Ukraine assistance within their caucuses.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., did not mince words at a Tuesday press conference where he rebuked what he called the isolationist wing of his party with ties to former President Donald Trump. McConnell blamed conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson for the demonization of Ukraine and Biden for submitting base defense budget requests he views as insufficient to counter Russia and China.

Clearly on the Ukraine portion of this, we had difficulty on the Republican side, said McConnell, who is stepping down as GOP leader at the end of the year. We need to get our industrial base going. Fully aside from what we experienced in Ukraine, we needed to deal with the two big powers that are out there.

The supplemental foreign aid package contains roughly $48 billion in Ukraine-related funding for the Pentagon, $14 billion in Israel military assistance, and about $4 billion to arm Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies. It also includes economic and humanitarian aid, Russian asset seizures to rebuild Ukraine, Iran sanctions and a provision that could potentially result in a ban on the popular social media app TikTok.

Some $23 billion of the Ukraine funding would go toward replenishing weapons the U.S. sends to Ukraine. The Pentagon and lawmakers hope that the additional money pouring into the industrial base will help expand munitions production lines throughout the country.

The package also includes $3.3 billion in submarine industrial base funding as the Columbia and Virginia class programs remain behind schedule. Additionally, it provides $2.4 billion for U.S. Central Command to support its operations in the Middle East  in part to replenish nearly $1 billion in munitions used to counter Houthi attacks off Yemens Red Sea coast  and another $542 million for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The next thing to focus on is the Defense Departments budget for next year, McConnell told Defense News. The presidents request has not been adequate. We need to make sure were doing more in defense through the regular appropriations process.

The kinds of things the supplemental allowed us to do would normally have been done in the regular appropriations process, but we didnt have a high enough number. This supplemental actually rescued us in the sense that it allowed us to build up our industrial base and to create lots and lots of jobs.

The Biden administration decided last year to continue funding Ukraine aid through supplemental spending requests to Congress despite growing Republican opposition, rather than as part of its base $886 billion defense budget for fiscal 2024. Congress locked in Bidens $886 billion defense budget request as part of last years debt ceiling agreement, so the newly passed foreign aid package brings total FY24 defense spending to $953 billion.

Numerous Republican senators who voted against the Senates first iteration of the bill in February voted in favor of it on Tuesday after House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., opted to advance a similar package in the House last week. Johnson had refused to move the foreign aid bill for months. But he reversed course following a meeting with Trump and Irans subsequent missile and drone attack on Israel earlier this month.

Still, the delay has forced Ukrainian troops to ration ammunition even as Kyiv runs low on air defense to thwart Russian missile attacks. Now that Congress has passed additional aid, the Pentagon is assembling a $1 billion package for Ukraine with key artillery and munitions, Reuters reported Tuesday.

Ukraine has received a cumulative $113 billion in security and economic aid since Russias 2022 invasion. Israel receives an annual $3.8 billion in military assistance. And the fiscal 2024 government funding bill provided Taiwan with $300 million in Foreign Military Financing.

Israel aid

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., did not allow amendment votes from senators seeking to alter provisions on Ukraine and Israel aid. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, had sought to offer an amendment on Ukraine loan provisions while Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., had hoped to secure a vote banning offensive military aid to Israel. Both senators voted against the bill.

The package includes $3.5 billion in Israel Foreign Military Financing for Israel and $4.4 billion to replenish the thousands of U.S. air-to-ground munitions and artillery shells it has dropped in Gaza over the last six months. It also includes another $4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and Davids Sling air defense systems to defend against Hamas and Iranian attacks.

The Senates No. 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois, voted in favor of the bill but urged the Biden administration on Tuesday to enforce existing human rights regulations, such as the Leahy laws, to the Israel and other aid recipients.

My greatest fear is that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and the right-wing coalition, once they receive the American funds, will act irresponsibly, Durbin said on the Senate floor. They could resort to tactics that kill many innocent people, many Palestinian women and children who have no place to turn, no place to escape. These innocent people living in Gaza should not be victims in this war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters Monday he would have more to say on restricting U.S. aid to certain Israeli military units for human rights violations in the days ahead.

A State Department panel recommended in December that Blinken should restrict aid to Israels ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda battalion for human rights abuses in the occupied West Bank, ProPublica reported last week.
The battle between Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and the GOPs right flank is heating up, with hard-line House conservatives throwing their support behind his primary opponent after the moderate Republican called two of them scumbags on national television.

Gonzales kicked the hornets nest over the weekend when, during an interview on CNN, he went after Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Bob Good (R-Va.)  its my absolute honor to be in Congress, but I serve with some real scumbags  launching personal attacks on the conservative duo.

Matt Gaetz, he paid minors to have sex with them at drug parties. Bob Good endorsed my opponent, a known neo-Nazi, Gonzales said on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. These people used to walk around with white hoods at night. Now theyre walking around with white hoods in the daytime.

Gaetz, who has denied the allegation, and Good  joined by other hard-liners  shot back at Gonzales, criticizing his voting record, slamming him as a Republican in name only and endorsing his primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, a social media influencer and self-proclaimed Second Amendment activist who has worked to plant himself to the right of Gonzales.

It is not surprising that one of the most liberal RINOs in Congress, who has egregiously fought real border security, and votes like a Democrat, would resort to the Dem playbook in screaming racism, Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said of Gonzales in a post on the social platform X. Thankfully, the people of the Texas 23rd District can vote for change and an America first patriot, in Brandon Herrera.

Gaetz, who campaigned for Herrera in March and re-upped his support for him this week, gave Gonzales a new nickname Tuesday: Turncoat Tony.

The heightened Republican infighting comes as the May 28 runoff in Texass 23rd Congressional District inches closer, with Gonzales and Herrera set to go head-to-head for the GOP nomination. Gonzales, who was first elected to Congress in 2020, beat Herrera by 20 percentage points in the March primary, but his 45.1 percent share fell short of the 50 percent needed to advance straight to the general election.

Gonzales, to be sure, is no stranger to acrimony within the GOP ranks. Last year, the Texas Republican Party overwhelmingly voted to censure him over his votes in favor of a measure protecting same-sex marriage on the federal level, and for the bipartisan gun safety bill that moved through Congress after the school shooting in Uvalde, which is in his district.

But the current bickering is bubbling up amid a moment of increased tension and division among Republicans on Capitol Hill, as hard-line conservatives try to stymie the GOP agenda through procedural roadblocks and threaten to force a vote on ousting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)  all to the chagrin of moderates such as Gonzales.

Those dynamics were on full display last week when Johnson  after months of delay  put a package foreign aid bills on the floor, a perilous step in his Speakership that went against the wishes of his right flank. Hard-line Republicans refused to help advance the package in the Rules Committee and on the floor, forcing Democrats to step in and help move the legislation forward  a rare show of assistance from the minority party.

The move by Johnson prompted two more GOP lawmakers to get behind Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) effort to oust the Speaker, though it remains unclear when  or if  the Georgia Republican plans to trigger a vote on her motion to vacate resolution.

Moderates, meanwhile, are not hiding their displeasure with the hard-line tactics.

Members are tired. Were exhausted. It has been a brutal Congress. But were also dug in, Gonzales told CNN on Sunday. For some reason, these fringe people think as if they have the high ground. They do not.

Conservatives, as a result, are now lining up against Gonzales and behind Herrera, upping the pressure on his reelection prospects and putting a spotlight on next months runoff race.

This is such BS and so pathetic, especially from a fellow veteran. To insinuate that other members are klansmen because they call you out for being a complete and total Rhino, Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) wrote on X in response to Gonzaless CNN comments. Wasnt one of our core values Honor @TonyGonzales4TX? Hey Brandon, add me to your list of endorsements. We will never save the country with guys like Tony.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) told The Hill he plans to formally endorse Herrera after he speaks to him.

The conservative offensive is both personal and political.

Personally, Gonzales stirred up the drama over the weekend with his comments about Gaetz and Good, galvanizing hard-liners on Capitol Hill to defend their colleagues and try to topple the individual responsible for the attacks.

But politically, Gonzales has found himself at odds with the right flanks conservative agenda for months, emerging as a top target for hard-liners as they look to install more of their own in the House GOP ranks.

Most recently, Gonzales voted for all four parts of Johnsons foreign aid package  including the Ukraine portion, even though it was not accompanied by strict border security measures, which Johnson had demanded until the eleventh hour. A number of conservatives opposed each of the four bills in the package because border security was left on the cutting room floor.

Before that, the Texas Republican voted against an amendment to add a warrant requirement to the U.S.s spying powers  known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)  which a bloc of hard-liners was strongly in favor of.

And last year, Gonzales criticized an early version of the GOP conferences border bill as unchristian.

I cannot tolerate whats happening to the people that I think are standing up for this country. To the people listening to this out there, just know: Im not gonna back down. Im gonna keep fighting for this country. The numbers are growing in D.C., but were not there yet, and the primary season matters, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said Tuesday on local Texas radio.

The conservative onslaught against Gonzales has also emerged as a proxy battle in the broader war between Johnson and his right flank. The Speaker appeared with Gonzales for a fundraiser Tuesday, a source familiar told The Hill, as part of a previously planned swing through Texas, an appearance that conservatives are taking note of.

To have the Speaker be in San Antonio campaigning for Tony, when Tony voted against the warrant requirement, when the Speaker voted against the warrant requirement, when we had them both voting to fund this atrocity this last weekend, Roy said. I am just beside myself that thats where things are.

Today Mike Johnson is campaigning for Tony Gonzales, Gaetz wrote on X. What does this make you think about Tony Gonzales?

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Prolapsed umbilical cord. Septic shock. Ruptured amniotic sac. Hysterectomy.

These, the gruesome reality of pregnancy loss, are not words we often hear during Supreme Court oral arguments, buttoned-up proceedings where the justices prefer theory and abstraction to blood and organs.

On Wednesday, the right-wing justices really preferred the safe world of legal abstraction, where they could pretend that Idahos abortion ban  which only has an exception to save the womans life  wont inevitably leave women to gruesome suffering.

The Courts conservative wing tried with increasing and atextual persistence to convince listeners that Idahos strict ban still allows emergency room doctors to provide abortions to women in varying states of medical distress, and not just when doctors are sure the patient is facing death. They crafted a kind of anti-abortion fantasyland where not only do exceptions work, but that the narrowest ones will amenably stretch to cover all the sympathetic cases.

They pushed this vision, even while hospital systems in Idaho attest that they are airlifting pregnant women in crisis across state lines, or waiting for them to painfully deteriorate before treatment, cowed by the fact that prosecutors could come after them with punishments including mandatory prison time for violating the state ban.

At the center of the case Wednesday was a federal statute requiring hospitals taking in Medicare funds to stabilize patients in crisis: the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). Idahos strict band should be preempted by that law in those emergency conditions, the Biden administration argued.

Is there any condition youre aware of where the solicitor general says EMTALA requires abortion be available in an emergency circumstance where Idaho law, as currently stated, does not? Justice Brett Kavanaugh lobbed to Idahos lawyer Joshua Turner, trying to prompt him to say that Idahos ban can coexist with federal mandates.

After trying to prod the struggling Turner to repeat the argument back, Kavanaugh got frustrated.

Youre the one who said it in your reply brief, that theres actually no real daylight here in terms of the conditions, so Im just picking up on what you all said, he grumbled, rhetorically throwing up his hands.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett heroically tried to salvage the effort, asking Turner: Whats the conflict?

Why are you here? she pressed.

The conservatives effort to paint a world where federal emergency room guidelines are unnecessary due to the generosity of the Idaho abortion ban, one of the countrys most draconian, suffered as the liberals relentlessly brought in snapshots from the real world.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor flipped through her notes and told the story of a woman in Florida.

The woman had experienced a gush of liquid in her second trimester and went to the emergency room.

The doctors believe that a medical intervention to terminate her pregnancy is needed to reduce the real medical possibility of experiencing sepsis and uncontrolled hemorrhage from the broken sac, Sotomayor said. This is the story of a real woman  she was discharged in Florida.

Not under imminent threat of death, the woman went home, Sotomayor said. The next day, she started bleeding and passed out. She was brought back to the emergency room where shed been turned away.

There she received an abortion because she was about to die, she said.

Sotomayor and Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar peppered the arguments with similar, real anecdotes, leaving the conservatives to squirm and sigh with palpable and growing anger.

Im kind of shocked, Barrett said after Turner struggled under Sotomayors gruesome litany. Youre hedging, she accused, insisting that his briefs said that the grim emergencies recounted by the liberals would allow patients to get abortions under Idahos law.

Chief Justice John Roberts, in a rare break with courtroom decorum, interrupted to demand that Turner be allowed to finish after Sotomayor cut him off. (Interrupting a lawyer mid-argument to press a point is a common practice of all of the justices.) Both Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch also complained that Turner wasnt given time to answer the liberals questions.

Alito, himself exceedingly fond of backing lawyers into corners with difficult hypotheticals, whined that Turner was being given an impossible task.

You have been presented here today with very quick summaries of cases and asked to provide a snap judgment about what would be appropriate, he said.

Would you agree with me that if a medical doctor who is an expert in this field were asked bang, bang, bang, what would you do in these particular circumstances which I am now going to enumerate, the doctor would say: This is not how I practice medicine, I have to know a lot more about the individual case? he added with an air of incredulity.

The conservatives pique tracks with the grim underbelly of the abortion ban regimes that has been laid entirely bare in the post-Dobbs world. The anti-abortion movement long premised its case on a notion, implicit or explicit, that abortion was the provenance of young, irresponsible, promiscuous women.

Thats always been a lie, but now its a lie thats obvious to everyone: Abortion restrictions have always hurt everyone who can get pregnant, including women desperate to carry their pregnancies to term  the kind of women anti-abortion activists purport to support. And Wednesdays case in particular centers on the suffering of those women, women who are fairly far into their pregnancies, whose loss is often a personal tragedy as well as a medical emergency.

Leave it to the states is the kind of messaging anti-abortion activists and their judicial helpmates love: It sounds clean, neat, reasonable. But when states enact near-total bans, when the federal government somehow loses its authority to block those bans even when they threaten women with serious illness  as Idaho is pushing for here  the reality for all to see is women bleeding out in emergency rooms, pregnant women loaded onto helicopters, doctors sitting back and watching patients writhe in pain until death is closer.

Thats a reality the right-wing justices tried their best Wednesday to both perpetuate and paper over. If they come down like they sounded inclined to during arguments, prepared to take abortion off the table even for the small sliver of women in medical distress who desperately need it, itll be fresh proof that womens suffering again bows to the furtherance of the mission to ban abortion everywhere.
It offered a few solutions too.

deyangeorgiev / Getty Images

On Thursday, Consumer Reports released its latest study on pesticides in fruits and vegetables stocked in American grocery stores.

In the report, the nonprofit reviewed seven years of data from the Department of Agriculture, which showed test results from a "selection of conventional and organic produce grown in or imported to the U.S. for pesticide residues." Consumer Reports looked at 59 of those common fruits and vegetables, including canned, dried, or frozen ones. And the results, the organization stated in its findings, "raised flags," including finding a pesticide on green beans that's been banned in the U.S. for more than a decade.

"In a broad sense, say in the past 10 years since we've been looking at this, we've noticed that there have been hazardous pesticides that have come off the market. So that's positive," Dr. Michael Hansen, a senior staff scientist at Consumer Reports, told Food & Wine. But then, he says, they are often replaced with something potentially far worse. "This is what we call 'regrettable substitution.'" And no, that's just not some cute term, but a very real scientific one.

Related: Amazon Says Its New Unlimited Grocery Delivery Subscription Practically Pays for Itself

"It's two steps forward and one step back  and sometimes even two steps back," James E. Rogers, PhD, shared in the findings.



Those hazardous pesticides include organophosphates, which have been shown to have "neurodevelopmental effects," and carbamate insecticides, which also have "toxic effects such as interfering with the reproductive systems and fetal development," according to the 2012 book, "The Impact of Pesticides." It was the presence of these pesticides that led Consumer Reports scientists to note in their findings that they think "many EPA tolerances are set too high." So, for its findings, it used lower limits for pesticides that can "harm the bodys neurological system or are suspected endocrine disruptors," to help people make more informed decisions about what they put in their bodies.

Related: Ina Garten Eats the Same Breakfast Everyday: Toast with a Generous Schmear of This French Butter

The way the EPA assesses pesticide risk doesnt reflect cutting-edge science and cant account for all the ways the chemicals might affect peoples health, especially given that people are often exposed to multiple pesticides at a time, Hansen noted in the findings. So we take a precautionary approach to make sure we dont underestimate risks. He additionally told F&W,

"That's why we're making bigger asks here, saying that what needs to be done is the whole class of organophosphates and carbamate pesticides should be banned because the risk is just as high as when we started looking at this  even though there have been very bad pesticides that have come off the market."

But it's not all doom and gloom. Consumer Reports noted that pesticides presented "little to worry about" in about two-thirds of the foods it looked into, including "nearly all organic ones." The team of scientists also notes that the biggest risks are caused by just a few pesticides, and those are "concentrated in a handful of foods, grown on a small fraction of U.S. farmland."



That makes it easier to identify the problems and develop targeted solutions, Rogers said, adding that the EPA would need to make those solutions a reality to ensure all food is safe across the U.S.

Related: The Best Hotel Poolside Snack Is the Last One You'd Expect

In total, 12 foods gave the team the "bigger concerns." That list included U.S.-grown and imported bell peppers, blueberries (both canned and frozen), imported celery, imported collard greens, U.S.-grown and imported green beans, hot peppers, kale, and potatoes, U.S.-grown mustard greens, spinach (both canned and frozen), imported strawberries (both fresh and frozen), and U.S.-grown watermelon.



Importantly, the team noted that the fruits and vegetables it looked at may rank higher or lower not due to a high level of pesticides, but rather, "relatively few residues but worrisome levels" of some of what it considers high-risk pesticides.

Green beans fall into this category. Consumer Reports said they qualified as high risk because of a pesticide known as "acephate or one of its breakdown products, methamidophos." Just 4% of domestic green bean samples were positive for both, but their levels were found to be "alarmingly high." That means that when you grab a bunch at the store, you may not get the pesticide every time, but if you do, it will be at extremely high levels. But that's not the worst part.

Related: Understanding the 4 Main Types of Gin, According to Experts

"This is especially troubling because neither chemical should be on green beans at all: Growers in the U.S. have been prohibited from applying acephate to green beans since 2011, and methamidophos to all food since 2009," Consumer reports noted.

As for how to mitigate risk, Consumer Reports said that children and pregnant people should consume less than a serving a day of what it identified as high-risk fruits and vegetables, and less than half a serving per day of ones marked as "very high-risk."



It also suggested that people should buy organic versions of these high- and very high-risk produce as they contain far fewer pesticides (though not completely pesticide-free, which is a common misconception about organic produce). This can not only help your body, but also goes toward supporting an industry that better protects farm workers from exposure and the surrounding communities from groundwater contamination.

Related: Heres How Long You Can Keep Leftover Rice

Though Hansen suggests washing fruits and vegetables as a good practice in general, he noted that it will do little to rid your produce of pesticides entirely, as they are usually placed on crops during the growth phase, not just sprayed on top.

He also suggests supporting legislation aimed at eliminating these pesticides like this one.



... the vast majority of fruits and vegetables eaten in the U.S. are already grown without hazardous pesticides, Brian Ronholm, head of food policy at Consumer Reports, added in the report. We just dont need them. And the foods American consumers eat every day would be much, much safer without them.

And then the final message, Hansen says, is this: "We are not telling people to not eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Because they're actually nutritional benefits for all this. People should be increasing the amount that they consume. Just try to do it with a little bit more sophistication to minimize your risk." See the full findings at consumerreports.org



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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
Prosecutors on Tuesday filed two felony charges against a convicted felon accused of breaking into the official home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass while she and her family were inside.

Ephraim Matthew Hunter, 29, faces charges of first-degree residential burglary and vandalism in the Sunday morning break-in, L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon announced at a news conference.

He pleaded not guilty at Tuesdays arraignment and was being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

Authorities say Hunter entered the historic Getty House in L.A.s Windsor Square neighborhood by shattering a rear glass door at about 6:40 a.m. He was cut by glass and left bloodstains throughout the house, Gascon said.

Damage to the door was estimated at $5,000 to $8,000.

Los Angeles, CA  April 22: Getty House is the official residence of the Mayor Karen Bass where a man was taken into custody for allegedly smashing a glass door and breaking into her home on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Los Angeles, CA  April 22: Police patrol Getty House, the official residence of the Mayor Karen Bass, where a man was taken into custody for allegedly smashing a glass door and breaking into her home on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

LA Mayor Karen Bass unveils 2024-25 fiscal budget at City Hall. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Hunter was arrested at the scene without incident, police said, and no one else was hurt.

It remains unclear if Bass or anyone else in the home confronted Hunter, although Gascon said authorities believe he was targeting the mayor.

In a phone interview with the Los Angeles Times on Monday, a woman who identified herself as Hunters mother said he had been struggling with drug addiction and may have been suffering from hallucinations at the time of the break-in.

Sources told the L.A. Times that Hunter, who served prison time in Massachusetts for a brutal armed robbery and beating, made it to the second floor of the home, forcing the mayor to hide in a safe area akin to a panic room.

Suspect arrested after breaking into Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass residence

We want to send a very clear message that the safety of the community is of paramount importance, and well do everything that we can to hold people accountable, said Gascon.

The Getty House, originally built in 1921, is the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles. Tom Bradley moved into the home at the beginning of his second term in 1977 and stayed there until he left office in 1993.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
CANBERRA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Australia's top-ranking intelligence official and police officer have accused social media companies of fuelling misinformation and extremism.

Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Mike Burgess and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Reece Kershaw on Wednesday urged social media companies to do more to crack down on extremism and track criminals.

In a joint speech to the National Press Club in Canberra, they said technology is not above the rule of law and warned that artificial intelligence will make radicalization easier and faster.

Kershaw said that Australians on the open and dark web are being exposed to extremist poison that social media companies are refusing to snuff out.

"Instead of putting out the embers that start on their platforms, their indifference and defiance is pouring accelerant on the flames."

Their speech comes as the federal government is engaged in a dispute with X, formerly known as Twitter, over footage of a stabbing at a Sydney church earlier in April that the AFP labeled an act of terrorism.

The Federal Court of Australia on Monday issued X with a two-day injunction to remove the footage for all users globally after the platform initially responded to an order to do so from the eSafety Commissioner by blocking the content for Australian users only.

The commissioner in March warned social media companies that they will face fines worth tens of millions of dollars if they fail to remove terrorist, violent extremism and child abuse content. 
Conway City Council approves resolution sending more than $400,000 in grant funding to community development

Conway City Council approves resolution sending more than $400,000 in grant funding to community development

CONWAY, Ark.- Conway will receive an estimated $476,652 from the Community Development Block Grant, which will benefit low- to moderate-income families.

Resolution No. R-24-20 was passed 5-0 at Tuesday nights Conway City Council Meeting.

Downtown Little Rock Partnership hosting MuralFest to turn graffiti into art

According to the meeting agenda, the estimated budget will be broken down into three sections: Administration (20%), Project (65%) and Services (15%).

We received roughly each year about $300,000 to $480,000 in funding and we have not received our current numbers this year so the numbers you are currently seeing on your page last year so we use them as estimates for the year, Conway Community Development Director Shawanna Rodgers said.

According to the Action Plan and Program Year 2024 Budget, the administration covers all costs associated with the overall CDBG program, including but not limited to salary, benefits, training, office supplies, travel, equipment, and software.

The amount expected to be allocated according to the budget is $95,330.40 and the amount expected to be sent to services is $71,497.80.

Services include a group of nonprofits: FC Council on Aging, Independent Living Services, Boys and Girls Club, CAPCA, Bethlehem House, and Milestones.

The last allocation is to projects for $309,823.80, which will go toward the Central Conway Revitalization and Housing Rehabilitation Program.

We are working on our housing in Conway and as you know from CDBG money we recently opened our homeless shelter and then we have a number of nonprofits that we partner with through our city with housing, Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry said.

Little Rock City Council approves at least $6 million in street resurfacing projects

Section A-4 of the meeting agenda holds the full resolution which can be read online.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Cop hides Apple AirTag in exs car  then breaks into her apartment, Texas cops say

An Austin police officer is accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriends apartment and hiding an Apple AirTag in her car months before, Texas deputies said.

The Austin Police Department identified Officer Juan Asencios unmarked police vehicle driving up to his ex-girlfriends apartment complex, according to Travis County deputies.

Asencio identified himself as an Austin police officer in court documents. The Austin Police Department did not immediately respond to McClatchy News questions about his employment.

While his ex was out of the apartment at the time of the break-in, neighbors noticed a man in her window March 13, according to court documents. Asencio was able to get into the apartment through a window, neighbors told deputies, because the woman had a temporary air conditioning unit that needed an open window to run, according to documents.

Asencio had attempted to contact his ex-girlfriend, but she had his phone number blocked, according to court documents.

Do you mind contacting me please. We really need to talk, he texted her that evening, according to deputies.

His ex-girlfriend told deputies Asencio would often come to her apartment to talk about their relationship after breaking up.

He would knock at her door for extended periods of time until she would open the door and allow him inside, according to court documents. She told deputies he would stay for several hours.

The woman said nothing was stolen from her apartment, but some things were moved around, according to court documents.

About two months prior to the break-in, Asencios ex-girlfriend told deputies she found an Apple AirTag under the carpet in her car, according to court documents. When she confronted him, he said it had fallen out of his gym bag.

An AirTag is a tracking device that sends out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby devices in the Find My network, according to Apple.

The woman told deputies it would have been almost impossible for the device to get there on its own.

Asencio was arrested March 25 and charged with criminal trespassing, according to court documents.

His attorney did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment.

Asencio is scheduled to appear in court May 13.

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One arrested, dozens cited after senior prank involving eggs and trash, cops say

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THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) There were no cameras on the train where a woman pepper-sprayed an MTA cleaner in the Bronx early Monday, police said.

The assailant was, however, captured on surveillance video leaving the subway station after attacking the 44-year-old worker on the No.1 train in the Van Cortland Park-242nd Street subway station in Kingsbridge at around 4 a.m., according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

As of right now, theres no video on in the train car but there is video on the platform. We came up with some good stills. Unfortunately, her face is masked up, Kenny said at a press briefing Tuesday.

Kenny said the suspect was sleeping on the train and became belligerent when the MTA worker woke her up so she could continue to clean the train. The victim was sprayed in the face and a co-worker took her to the hospital for treatment, police said.

The woman then fled and remained at large, as of Wednesday. The NYPD released a photo of the suspect.

A similar attack happened on a stopped subway train in Queens last Monday. An MTA employee was punched in the face after waking a sleeping man and asking him to get off the train, according to authorities.

The suspect in that incident was arrested without incident, police said.

MTA workers have called for increased safety measures in subways following several attacks on employees. Gov. Kathy Hochul has implemented a new safety plan, which includes more random bag checks and the National Guard joining the NYPD in subway stations.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Independent presidential candidate Cornel West said both major American political parties are beyond saving in an interview with The Washington Post released Tuesday.

Both parties are beyond redemption, West said.

Explaining the need for him to stay in the race, West pointed to the crisis in the Republican Party, the undercutting and the neofascism of [former President Trump] on the one hand, and now the Democratic establishment especially around Gaza.

We just have to be true to ourselves, he told the Post.

West, an activist, has been a fierce critic of Israels war in Gaza, joining pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University in recent days. He has defended his third-party candidacy as a moral imperative, despite Democratic concerns that it could undermine President Bidens reelection bid.

Biden has faced mounting criticism from the left on his handling of Israels war in Gaza, even from some in his party. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll found an increasing number of Americans wanting the president to push Israel to halt military action in Gaza, from 31 percent in February to 37 percent in the newer poll.

Biden has recently ramped up public criticism of Israels handling of the war, and he has increased efforts to move more aid into Gaza amid fears of a famine. But the president has not supported placing conditions on aid to Israel, despite a strike that killed seven workers with the U.S.-based World Central Kitchen.

He also criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another independent presidential candidate, who has said Palestinians are pampered with international aid and described Israel as a moral nation.

He just strikes me as just so far removed from the realities of suffering, West said of Kennedy.

In a recent interview, West called Hamass Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel last year a counter-terrorist response.

Theres no doubt that theres a variety of different Palestinian voices in the resistance movement, West said to CNN anchor Abby Phillip earlier this month. Hamas doesnt speak for every Palestinian.

I dont believe in killing an innocent anybody, West later added.

But you dont start with those voices without coming to terms with the vicious killings and occupations thats been going on for 75 years, and then you get a counter-terrorist response to that.

On April 10, West announced his vice presidential pick, Melina Abdullah, a professor at California State University, Los Angeles. He said he wanted someone whose heart, mind and soul is committed to the empowerment of poor and working people.

She has a record of deep commitment and investment in ensuring poor and working people are at the center of her vision, West said of Abdullah.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BOISE  Brenda Dye, the Fremont County coroner, testified Wednesday that as she was responding to Tammy Daybells death, she got multiple calls asking when she would get there because Chad Daybell was very distraught.

Dye said he was very upset and walking around when she arrived at the home.

After observing the body's cold temperature, bruises she identified at the time as "old," rigor mortis, pink foam at her mouth, and blood pooling in the body showing Tammy Daybell had died on her back, Dye said she asked Daybell about his wife's medical history.

He reported that his wife had been up in the night coughing and had thrown up, and that he helped her back to bed, Dye recalled. Then he said he woke up because she fell off the bed and pulled the blankets off him, and that's when he noticed she was dead.

At the time, the coroner said she believed Daybells explanation that he could have caused his wife to fall by moving blankets, but looking back on it, she determined that it would take more force than that to roll a body out of bed.

"If someone's dead, they can't roll out of bed. ... If someone's dead, they can't move," Dye said.

Daybell is on trial for first-degree murder in the deaths of Lori Vallow Daybell's children  7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan  and the death of his former wife, Tammy Daybell, in late 2019. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of each of the victims, grand theft and two counts of insurance fraud. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.

KSL.com is streaming the trial each day.

Dye testified that she signed a medical certificate at the time of Tammy Daybell's death that said she died of pulmonary edema due to a cardiac event. She said that made sense with Chad Daybell's reports that she had low blood pressure and fainting spells and had been feeling off for a few months. Dye also took into account that there were natural remedies in the cupboard, and Chad Daybell had said his wife chose not to see a doctor.

Chad Daybell did not voice an opinion about an autopsy, Dye testified, but his daughter, Emma, did not want one performed. Still, Dye said this was not a factor in her decision that an autopsy was not needed; she said it was up to her and not the family.

Exhumation and autopsy

Two months later, after Tammy Daybell's body was exhumed from a cemetery in Utah, Dye was present for the autopsy and said findings from that autopsy changed her mind. She said Tammy Daybell's bruise on her arm was "very deep," her stomach contents did not match her husband's report that she had thrown up, and her vital organs looked healthy except her lungs, which were full of pink foam.

"There shouldn't have been foam in the lungs still," she said.

Following the autopsy, she amended the cause of death to homicide, specifically asphyxiation by suffocation.

Dye said she was contacted by police in Arizona after Chad Daybell's name was connected to a homicide and attempted murder they were investigating. She said if she had known that information, it may have changed her decisions, but she did the best she could with the information she had at the time.

John Prior, Chad Daybell's attorney, asked Dye if she was going on a "fishing expedition" and looking for a reason to change the death certificate and label the death as a homicide.

She said she changed it both because of the results of the autopsy and because of the presence of two dead children on Chad Daybell's property.

Dye's testimony followed testimony from Rexburg police officer Alyssa Greenhalgh, who arrived at the scene first. She also said Chad Daybell was distraught.

"He was sobbing and then would gasp for air," she said.

Jurors on Tuesday also saw pictures of Tammy Daybell's body and heard Chad Daybell's 911 call reporting that she had died.

Daybell did not seem distraught when the photos were shown of his wife's body in their bed during the trial, but he did show more emotion than he had during much of the trial. He sat with his arms folded and looked at the photos with his attorney. When one photo was shown of her body in the morgue, he shook his head back and forth.

Friends, co-workers say Tammy was healthy

Multiple friends and co-workers of Tammy Daybell testified that they were shocked by her death. They said she had recently attended exercise classes with them and had seemed healthy when interacting with them at the school.

Kelsie Harris said Tammy Daybell was a student in her clogging class that had met once a week in the months before her death. They also both worked at Central Elementary.

"We were friends; we would see each other at class ... and at the school and have conversation  more than just a 'hello,'" she said.

She said Tammy Daybell had not expressed concerns about her health to her. She said Tammy Daybell was very fit.

Shanna Miller and Jennifer Geisler, who both also worked at the elementary school, testified about attending a high-intensity fitness class with Tammy Daybell and her daughter in the months before her death. Geisler said they attended for at least four months and seemed to keep up with the class.

Geisler said Tammy Daybell loved the class and thought it was fun, saying she and her daughter would be "giggly" in the back and would add their own moves in.

Miller said Daybell's death was a "complete shock," and Geisler said she was "super surprised."

Both said she seemed happy and healthy when they talked to her at work the day before.

Bruce Mattingly, a detective with the Fremont County Sheriff's Office, testified that officers reported that Tammy Daybell's daughter, Emma Murray, had said she was falling behind in a fitness class. He said, however, that he was not able to interview her to confirm that.

Mattingly also testified about a life insurance beneficiary form filled out by Chad Daybell that said Tammy's health problems began on Oct. 18, 2019, the day before her death, and that she attended work that day as well.

He said records were requested from Fitbit after a fitness-tracking device was noticed in photos from the response to Tammy Daybells death. He said the data showed her heart rate, sleep patterns and activity. He said they wanted to narrow down her exact time of death. Mattingly previously testified during Lori Vallow Daybells trial that the information showed Tammy Daybell was in good health.
When Fremont County Coroner Brenda Dye arrived at Chad Daybells Idaho home in October 2019, she immediately had questions about how the prominent Doomsday authors wife had died.

Just 45 minutes earlier, Daybells son had called 911 in a panic after finding his mother, Tammy Daybell, stiff in her bedroom. Daybell then told officers that his wife of nearly 30 years was clearly dead and that she was frozen.

Dye entered the home to find Daybell very upset and distraught, Dyle told Ada County jurors on Wednesday. She then walked into the couples room, where Tammy had been moved to the bedand wrapped in a blanket.

I observed the blood coming from her mouth, kind of a pink foam, Dye said on Wednesday, noting that Tammy was already cold to the touch.

Daybell explained that his wife, who had not been feeling well over the last few months and suffered from fainting spells, had woken up coughing that night and eventually fell off the bed. He also claimed that Tammy Daybell suffered from low blood pressurebut insisted on treating everything naturally because she hated going to the doctor.

Dye said that despite her questions, she respected Daybells wishes not to complete an autopsy, and Tammy was ultimately pronounced dead of natural causes. Months later, after Daybell jetted off to Hawaii with his paramour Lori Vallow and the pair came under suspicion for the disappearance of her children, Tammys body was exhumed.

It was then that Dye said she performed an autopsy and learned that Tammy was a homicide victim who had died from asphyxiation.

Had I known that information, I would have ordered an autopsy, Dye said, expressing regret for her original determination. At that time, with my limited training and being new, I did the best I could with the training I had at that time.

The admission came on the 10th day of Daybells death penalty trial in Idaho. Prosecutors allege Daybell, 55, and Vallow conspired to murder Tammy in October 2019 for an insurance payout before flying to Hawaii to get married 17 days later.

As they were dissecting the bruise, it was a very deep bruise on her arm. It didnt make sense she had thrown up the night before because she had stomach contents, Dye said about Tammys autopsy. Her stomach was full of food. If she threw up, there wouldnt be food in her stomach during the autopsy.

I am the one who signs the death certificate that makes that determination. All of her organs were healthy, she added. The only organ that was not healthy was her lungs. There was a lot of foam in her lungs.

The slaying was allegedly the last of three murders the religious fanatics committed that year after killing Vallows children, 7-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, in September 2019 and buried them in his backyard, prosecutors say.

Daybell has pleaded not guilty to several chargesincluding first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, grand theft, and insurance fraudand his lawyers allege there is no direct evidence tying him to the murders. In July, Vallow was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the crimes.

When he had a chance at what he considered his rightful destiny, he made sure that no person, no law would stand in his way," Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood said in his opening statements. His desire for sex, money, and power led him to pursue those ambitions and this pursuit led to the deaths of his wife and Lori's two innocent children.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas drew both praise and criticism last week with comments about migrant laborers potential role in the citys job market.

Lucas told business news outlet Bloomberg that more workers are needed in the metro area, suggesting that new arrivals from other countries could help fill the gap.

If there are people who are willing and ready to work, then I believe that there could be a place for them, he told the site. He later clarified on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he is referring to persons who are lawfully present, with lawful work permits, and the lawful ability to come to our community.

But in some cases, migrants are forced to wait months before they can even apply for work authorization. Some state and local officials argue that admitting migrants to the country without authorizing them to work legally has contributed to the strain on social services in some cities, without helping to fill their labor shortages.

Heres a closer look at how migrants get approval to live and work in the U.S.

What is a migrant?

Migrant is an umbrella term used for people who move within or out of their home countries for a wide variety of reasons, including economic opportunity, fleeing persecution, seeking asylum or reuniting with family.

Some, but not all, migrants intend to stay in their new country permanently. The term immigrant usually means a migrant who intends to settle in their new country and potentially obtain permanent residency and citizenship.

What legal statuses might migrants have?

Migrants can have a wide variety of immigration statuses, from those on student visas to internationally recognized refugees. But three of the major statuses seen arriving recently in some large cities are humanitarian parolees, asylum-seekers and those with Temporary Protected Status.

These individuals documents allow them to be in the U.S. at least temporarily but dont automatically grant them permission to work here.

Humanitarian parole is a temporary status that allows non-citizens to live in the U.S., but doesnt necessarily include a path to permanent residency. The federal government generally requires proof that someone in the U.S. has agreed to financially support the parolee before issuing parole documents.

Humanitarian parole has expanded under President Joe Biden, leading to political divisions over how it should be used. It is granted at the discretion of the federal government for reasons including escaping dangerous conditions and significant public benefits, like being an important witness in a court case.

Parole typically lasts one year or less, and ends when the parolee leaves the U.S. or obtains an official immigration status.

Temporary Protected Status is a type of residency available to people from countries that the U.S. government has determined are experiencing armed conflict or a recent natural disaster. This designation does not automatically include a pathway to permanent status in the U.S.

Currently, only people from Afghanistan, Burma/Myanmar, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Yemen are eligible for Temporary Protected Status.

Asylum-seekers are those in the process of obtaining asylum in the U.S. due to the threat of persecution in their home countries. Applicants must be able to prove that they personally face a threat due to protected qualities like their race, gender, religion, political affiliation or sexual orientation.

Unlike the categories above, successful asylum cases generally carry authorization to stay in the U.S. permanently. But until asylum is officially granted, applicants can be left in a limbo state with few resources.

How do migrants get authorized to work?

In order to work legally in the U.S, almost all migrants must apply for employment authorization using an online application.

Eligibility and processing time for this application varies depending on immigration status. For instance, parolees can expect to wait around two and a half months or longer to hear back about their work authorization.

Humanitarian parolees from Ukraine and Afghanistan automatically get 90-day work permits so they can earn money in the U.S. while their employment authorization applications are being processed. But parolees in the same situation who are from other countries, like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, dont qualify for this benefit.

For asylum-seekers, the process takes even longer: These migrants cant even apply for working papers until they have been in the country for 150 days, and they cant get approved until they have been in the country for 180 days.

Many international migrants already have high-level skills: According to the Migration Policy Institute, 48% of migrants who arrived in the U.S. between 2020 and 2022 held a bachelors degree or higher level of education, compared to 36% of U.S.-born adults.

What resources exist for migrants seeking work in Kansas City?

Several groups help migrants access housing, jobs and other resources in the Kansas City area. They include:

Jewish Vocational Services: This nonprofit provides workforce development, translation services and social support for immigrants and refugees.

La Luz Immigration Clinic: Run by the Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, this bilingual legal aid organization helps migrants seek asylum and apply for Temporary Protected Status, among other services.

Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE): Operated by the Kansas City Public Library, this program runs free English language classes along with citizenship interview practice and financial literacy courses.

Della Lamb: This social services group has participated in refugee resettlement in Kansas City since 2015, including assisting around 25 asylum-seekers.

Asylum Clinic Kansas City: This legal aid group assists asylum-seekers and other immigrants, particularly unaccompanied minors, with their applications for Temporary Protected Status, naturalization and other government protections.

Advocates for Immigrant Rights & Reconciliation: This advocacy group provides Know Your Rights training for immigrants, regardless of their legal status. Volunteers also accompany clients to immigration hearings and legal appointments.

Do you have more questions about immigration or labor in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
Couple plans mission to feed those near front lines in Ukraine

EDMOND, Okla. (KFOR)  Theyre an unlikely pair, from opposite ends of the earth, helping Ukrainians fight against Russia. Now, an Edmond man and his New Zealand girlfriend are embarking on a new way to help those on the front lines in Ukraine.

How do you put a professional baker and a professional archeologist together to do humanitarian work in a war zone? said Jason Zan.

Thats the question Zanan archeologistand Harriet Campbell, have been asking for months.

Before they met, Russian troops marched through Ukraine in February 2022.

I felt a real strong draw to try to go and do something because it felt so unfair, said Zan.

Senate tees up Ukraine, Israel aid bill for final passage

People really took it upon themselves to defend their country, and that was incredible, said Campbell. It was like watching a movie almost, the heroism, the bravery.

The two met online. Campbell needed help sending tourniquets to the war-torn country.

Zan had contacts after volunteering in Ukraine several times before using the skills he gained through archeology by helping the military and police with drone training.

Zan said he used funds raised to buy a drone jammer from a manufacturer in Kharkiv. He also helped buy and assemble makeshift ambulances.

In fall 2022, the pair first volunteered in western Ukraine, where it had felt safe.

Then air raid sirens go off and everybody goes to shelters, said Zan. When things are over, you go back to life again.

Closer to the front lines, things are grim.

The buildings are demolished. You hear artillery in the background, said Zan. They have to choose which missiles they knock out of the sky.

During their time, Campbell and Zan helped in several ways, like helping abandoned pets at animal shelters.

One dog we worked with who was chained to a fence during the entire battle and had been there so long that its collar had grown into its fur and skin, said Zan.

They also helped make camouflaged nets.

FBI monitoring for threats to Jewish Americans amid Passover, Wray says

Of course, with Campbells expertise in the kitchen, the pair helped feed citizens.

You build trust when you break bread with people, said Zan. [Campbell] loves people through food and she loves people very well.

In August, the couple plans to move to Ukraine for three months, cook food, and hand it out to those close to the front line. Zan said Campbell has designed a menu that feeds people at $0.80 per person per meal.

Were focusing on hearty and sustainable food, said Campbell. Its going to be things like soup, and stews.

To do that, Zan and Campbell are raising funds through Sooner Hope for Ukraine.

If you want to donate to other organizations, Zan recommends Robinhood Ukraine, Actions Beyond Words, Cherkasy Urban, and Mission Ukraine.

The couple hopes Oklahomans will care just as much as they do.

The war is not going away. Our attention span may have, and honestly, its been getting worse, said Zan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Editors Note: The following arrest and incident reports were supplied by the Abilene Police Department. All information below comes from reports made by responding officers, and all suspects are considered not guilty unless determined otherwise in a court of law.

Incidents

1100 block of S San Jose Drive  Theft of Property

Jewelry worth $1,200 and false teeth worth nearly $2,000 were reported stolen in south Abilene.

3700 block of Ridgemont Drive  Criminal Trespass

A victim was arrested for criminal trespass in south Abilene.

2300 block of Barrow Street  Criminal Trespass

800 block of S Jefferson Drive  Theft of Property

A victim reported a clothes dryer worth $200 was stolen.

5400 block of S 7th Street  Warrant

A victim was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

1600 block of Hwy 351  Theft of Property

A suspect was arrested after loading a cart of merchandise and attempting to leave the store.

4400 block of Buffalo Gap Road  Theft of Property

A suspect was arrested for Theft of Property at a grocery store.

1100 block of S 2nd Street  Theft of Property

A cell phone worth $2,000 was reported stolen.

2400 block of S 7th Street  Assault

Police responded to a fight at a south Abilene bar.

3000 block of West Lake Road  Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon

A suspect shot his ex-girlfriend in north Abilene.

Arrests

Brandon Walker  Warrant

Marty Stringer  Criminal Trespass

Kevin Koblizek  Warrant

Avery Francis  Theft of Property

Marissa Martin  Warrant

Sandra Delgado  Driving While Intoxicated

Amber Grayson  Warrant, Theft of Property, Resist Arrest, Evading Arrest, Possession of Controlled Substance

Shanna Gutierrez  Theft of Property

Tavares Sharp  Warrant

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers identified a man who is wanted in connection to two separate attacks on three people in downtown Albuquerque on April 10.

Crime Stoppers and Albuquerque Police are searching for Brian Eisenbeis, 43, for the attacks, one of which involved two elderly men and another of which involved a woman. Eisenbeis is described as having a shaved head, with light-colored hair and eyes.

According to the arrest warrant for Eisenbeis, he reportedly attacked two men outside the St. Johns Thrift Shop at 1406 Central Ave. SW around noon. The men were walking toward the entrance of the business when Eisenbeis started hitting them while calling them a gay slur and saying he was going to kill them.

Pedestrian injured while Albuquerque Police Department pursues teen carjacking suspect

One of the men identified himself as homosexual, and the other said he was bisexual, but the two were not in a relationship, according to court documents. The warrant stated that both of the men were injured, and one of the men suffered a broken femur and jaw from the attack.

The second attack also happened around noon at Silver Street SW and 12th Street, according to the warrant. A woman said she was running when she saw a vehicle go through a stop sign and stop in the middle of the intersection. The woman told police that the driver, believed to be Eisenbeis, waved for the woman to cross the street, but the woman told police she did not feel comfortable.

She said Eisenbeis allegedly got out of the truck, swore at her, and hit her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. He then reportedly fled the scene.

Pedestrian injured while Albuquerque Police Department pursues teen carjacking suspect

Albuquerque Police Department investigators believe Eisenbeis was driving a red pickup truck with the Arizona license plate EPA88K during the attacks. Police called the attacks unprovoked and brutal.

Anyone with information about Eisenbeis or his whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, anonymously at 505-843-STOP (7867) or p3tips.com/531

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
ADEN, Yemen, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Houthis launched on Wednesday a missile attack on a U.S. commercial ship sailing in the Gulf of Aden off the southwestern coast of Aden, Yemen, said a pro-government Coast Guard official.

According to the official, who spoke to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, the Houthi group targeted at noon the MV Yorktown, a commercial vessel owned by the United States and operated by Danish shipping company Maersk Line.

The source stated that at least two missiles were fired at the ship, with one intercepted by a nearby warship and the other landing in the vicinity of the vessel. No casualties have been reported so far.

The Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have intensified military operations in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, targeting Israeli-linked ships. This escalation comes amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

In response to the Houthi attacks, the U.S. and Britain have launched a joint military operation since January, conducting air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Following the military action by Washington and London, the Houthi group vowed retaliation and expanded its targeting to include American and British commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. 
Gov. Brian Kemp has signed controversial legislation prohibiting businesses seeking state economic development incentives from voluntarily recognizing unions if a secret-ballot election option is available.

Senate Bill 362, which cleared the General Assemblys Republican majorities largely along party lines, was part of Kemps agenda for the 2024 legislative session and was backed by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The governor signed the measure on Monday.

GOP lawmakers argued that secret-ballot elections protect workers right to privacy. Among its provisions, the bill forbids companies from disclosing their workers contact information to union organizers without written permission.

Democrats countered the measure is part of an effort by southern Republican governors to push back on union gains in the South, including last weeks vote by workers at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga to join the United Auto Workers.

SB 362 is a direct attack on workers, businesses, and labor unions that will disqualify any business voluntarily recognizing a labor union in their workplace from receiving state economic incentives, the Democratic Party of Georgia wrote in a statement.

[Its] a violation of federal labor law that puts Georgia taxpayers on the hook to pay all the legal fees the state will spend defending their overreach in court.

Also on Monday, Kemp signed the Safe at Home Act. House Bill 404 provides renters in Georgia new rights by requiring rental properties to be fit for human habitation upon signing a lease. Landlords also will be required to maintain their properties throughout the lease.
President Biden makes remarks about reproductive freedom during a campaign rally at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Photo by Steve Nesius/UPI | STEVE NESIUS/UPI/Newscom

How at risk must a pregnant woman be before she's allowed to get an abortion? That's the issue underlying a case before the U.S. Supreme Court today, though the central question before the court is whether a 1986 federal law called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) preempts state abortion bans like one passed in Idaho in 2020.

The federal government says that under the EMTALA, hospitals have a duty to provide abortions to patients whose health is threatened, even in states where abortion bans only leave exceptions for life-threatening emergencies.

Cruel and Dangerous Bans

Abortion bans with no health exception are horrible for women and for medical professionals. Oregon doctor Jennifer Lincoln referred to them as "not dead enough yet" rules. If a pregnant woman shows up at a doctor's office or hospital with serious and potentially-but-not-yet life-threatening complications, doctors' hands are tied.

Under such a paradigm, performing an abortion is illegal until it's certain a woman's life itself is in jeopardy. This leaves women in the terrible position of having to wait while their health worsens, knowing all the while that a (possibly much-wanted) pregnancy cannot continue and also that the longer they wait, the greater the chance of damage to their reproductive organs or other body parts. And steep penalties for performing an abortion outside of life-threatening emergencies may lead some doctors or health systems to be overly cautious from a liability perspective, further putting pregnant women's health at risk.

Meanwhile, doctors are put in the position of having to either send women in such circumstances out of state if possible or simply watch and wait while their patient's condition deteriorates.

Abortion bans without health exceptions are cruel and dangerous. They put both pregnant women and health care professionals in an impossible bind, trying to decide just how bad a pregnant woman's health must be before an abortion is legally possible.

But does that mean the Biden administration can simply declare them void?

Overreaching Correction

That's essentially what it's done in invoking the EMTALA, a law that requires hospitals that accept Medicaid and Medicare to provide stabilizing care to people undergoing medical emergencies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says that when a woman presents at a hospital with a health emergency and the "stabilizing treatment" needed is an abortion, hospital staff must perform an abortion, even if state law may say otherwise.

As much as I agree with the Biden administration on the problems of abortion bans without health exceptions, the way the administration has gone about trying to remedy this makes me uncomfortable. It seems bad on principle and bad for the precedence it sets.

In general, we want policy to be set by voters and/or their elected representatives. We shouldn't have national policy being set by bureaucrats interpreting decades-old laws in novel ways to backdoor-in the preferred policy goals of whatever an administration is in power.

People in states without health exceptions could (in some states at least) try to change the law through a ballot initiative. Their lawmakers could pass a measure requiring such an exception. Or Congress could pass a law explicitly requiring what the administration is interpreting the EMTALA to already mean. HHS simply declaring that federal law already means doctors must perform abortions in health-threatening circumstances might be the most efficient way to accomplish this goal, but it's not the way that U.S. policy should be set.

Today's Court Case

Today's SCOTUS case stems from Idaho, where performing an abortion is a criminal act unless a doctor determines "that the abortion was necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman" or the pregnancy is the result of a reported rape or incest. Idaho's ban, passed in 2020, was triggered into law when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The Biden Administration says Idaho's law conflicts with the EMTALA and, under the doctrine of preemption, the federal law should win out.

But Idaho argues that its abortion law doesn't conflict with the EMTALA, since (among other reasons) the EMTALA expressly states that "the provisions of this section do not preempt any State or local law requirement, except to the extent that the requirement directly conflicts with a requirement of this section."

In 2022, the Biden administration sued to stop Idaho's law from taking effect. Initially, a U.S. District Court issued a temporary injunction against enforcement of the ban. But a 3-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit agreed with Idaho that the EMTALA did not conflict with Idaho law.

"EMTALA was enacted to ensure that the poor and uninsured receive emergency medical care at hospitals receiving Medicare reimbursement. It provides certain procedures that hospitals must follow but does not set standards of care or specifically mandate that certain procedures, such as abortion, be offered," wrote the appellate judges. "But even assuming that EMTALA did require abortions in certain, limited circumstances, it would not require abortions that are punishable by [Idaho's abortion ban]. So it still would not be impossible to comply with both EMTALA and [Idaho law]."

The case made it to the Supreme Court, which in January allowed the law to take effect as the case plays out.

The Court will now decide whether the EMTALA preempts state laws like Idaho's abortion ban.

More Sex & Tech News

 The TikTok divestiture-or-ban bill I covered in this newsletter on Monday has now passed the U.S. Senate and is expected to be signed by President Joe Biden. It looks like the courts are going to have to save us from this one now.

 Former President Donald Trump tried to ban TikTok during his presidency. Now that Democrats are for it, he's against it, of course.

 AI-written police reportswhat could go wrong?

Today's Image

women's march, D.C. | 2018 (ENB/Reason)

The post A Cruel and Risky Abortion Ban Versus an Overreaching Interpretation of Federal Law appeared first on Reason.com.
Police have arrested a man who allegedly cut off a GPS bracelet and fled the state after he was suspected to have been under the influence during a crash on New Years Eve in Rocky Hill that left one person in critical condition.

David Ferrari, 35, of Haddam faces charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, reckless driving, operating under suspension (alcohol suspension), second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and first-degree reckless endangerment, according to the Rocky Hill Police Department.

Police said they believe Ferrari was impaired when he was involved in a two-car rollover crash on Dec. 31 at the intersection of West Street and Gilbert Avenue. The driver of one of the vehicles involved suffered serious injuries and was initially listed in critical condition.

According to police, Ferraro was not cooperative with the investigation conducted by members of the Mid-State Accident Reconstruction Squad.

During the crash, he had a GPS bracelet on in connection with three pending cases in Middletown Superior Court, including two violation of probation matters and one case involving charges of evading responsibility, tampering with evidence, operating under suspension and improper use of a marker or license plate, court records show. The probation violations stemmed from two prior DUI convictions, according to court records.

Police said Ferrari cut off his GPS bracelet following the crash and fled the state. Investigators later obtained a warrant charging him in the New Years Eve crash.

Officers learned of David Ferraris whereabouts and coordinated with law enforcement in other areas of the country to locate Ferrari, Rocky Hill Sgt. Jeffrey Foss-Rugan said in a statement Tuesday.

Ferrari was taken into custody by Rocky Hill police on Tuesday morning and held on bonds totaling $3.5 million. He was expected to be arraigned on the charges stemming from the crash in New Britain Superior Court on Wednesday, Foss-Rugan said.

Ferrari also faces three counts of first-degree failure to appear in connection with his pending cases in Middletown. He will appear there at a later date.

We want to thank all of our local, state, and federal partners for assisting the Rocky Hill Police Department in this investigation, Foss-Rugan said. The Rocky Hill Police Department stands committed to providing exceptional service. We will stop at no end, leave no stone unturned, and follow all leads in the pursuit of justice for victims and the community.
VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A murder conviction was secured on Tuesday for two people for the death of a man at a Visalia apartment complex in 2020, the Tulare County District Attorneys Office said.

The DA says on Nov. 28, 2020, the victim, who was 33, and Curtis Williams, 31, were engaged in an argument in the victims apartment. Surveillance video showed Andrew Hernandez, 29, who lived in the neighboring apartment, entering the residence holding his waistband.

Police investigate after person found dead in Visalia apartment

According to the DA, it was learned through witness testimony that Hernandez gave Williams the gun. Williams then shot the victim in the chest, and both men fled the apartment. The victim was not discovered until he had not been heard from for several days.

The DA says Hernandez was arrested in early December, but Williams fled to the Sacramento area. Williams was arrested on Feb. 9, 2021.

Second homicide suspect arrested after death of Visalia man

According to the DA, both men were convicted of first-degree murder.

The DA says sentencing is scheduled for May 14, in the Superior Court where both men face life in prison.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
DA: Man facing murder charge after foul odor at Mass. apartment leads to discovery of body

A man was arrested on a murder charge at an airport in New York this week in connection with the discovery of a decaying body found inside a Massachusetts apartment, authorities said.

Officers responding to a report of a foul odor coming from an apartment on Chapman Street in Greenfield on Monday afternoon found a man dead on the floor inside, according to the Northwestern District Attorneys Office.

Massachusetts State Police on Tuesday obtained an arrest warrant on a charge of murder for 42-year-old Taaniel Herberger-Brown, who the DAs office said was a former tenant of the apartment where the mans body was found.

Herberger-Brown was tracked down at Albany International Airport and taken into custody. Its not clear when hell be returned to Massachusetts for arraignment on the murder charge.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is still working to determine the victims cause of death and identity, but investigators noted that they believe the death is a homicide.

State police detectives assigned to the DAs office are assisting Greenfield police with an investigation.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  York County District Attorney Dave Sunday has won the Republican Attorney General primary, according to the Associated Press.

Sunday defeated State Rep. Craig Williams (Delaware/Chester) in a primary where both candidates sparred during their debate on abc27.

Sunday will now face former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, the winner of the Democratic Attorney General primary, in November.

During the March debate, Sunday said Pennsylvanians want an Attorney General who will keep their communities safe and touted a group violence initiative that he says has decreased gang violence and homicides in York.

Sunday said his priorities as Attorney General would include targeting fentanyl coming into the country, gang violence, mental health, and protecting seniors.

Pennsylvania has a mental health crisis, emphasized Sunday.

On the issue of abortion, Sunday said there was not a right to the procedure in Pennsylvanias constitution.

Sunday said there needs to be support, care, and compassion for mothers and ensure that there are tools and services so they can make the decisions that they have to make.

Sunday added that the issue of abortion sits with the will of the people and that he will follow the law, whatever that law is, as determined by the legislature. He added that he would follow the facts and the law, period regarding whether he would prosecute a woman who has, or a doctor who performs, an abortion.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

The Attorney Generals office also plays a role in consumer protection. Sunday said the Attorney Generals office could have a role if its legislatively mandated regarding junk fees, but later said the office should have a very serious role with social media companies.

Before being elected District Attorney of York County, Sunday was appointed by the Department of Justice as special assistant United States attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania to prosecute gang, gun and drug cases in federal court.

In that role, he was involved with the arrest and prosecution of more than 100 people associated with the Latin Kings gang in York County.

Sunday enlisted in the Navy and attended Penn State University and Widener Law School.

REWATCH: Candidates spar in the Republican Attorney General Debate

Current Attorney General Michelle Henry told lawmakers she would not run in 2024. Henry was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to fill his role leading the Attorney Generals office after Shapiro won the 2022 Governors race.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
NEW YORK  Publishing honcho David Peckers testimony this week at Donald Trumps Manhattan trial opened a rare window on an unholy alliance that helped propel Trump into the Oval Office and spawned a vortex of unflattering stories smearing his political opponents and manipulating news cycles to divert the attention of the American electorate.

On the witness stand just feet from the former president on Monday and Tuesday, Pecker, the former CEO of American Media, Inc., or AMI, detailed how he, together with Trump and his former fixer, Michael Cohen, conspired to exploit AMIs cadre of celebrity gossip tabloids and magazines to build the Trump brand and influence the results of the 2016 presidential election.

Pecker, who told jurors hed known Trump since the late 1980s, said the trio hatched the alleged scheme at a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower, where he agreed to publish pro-Trump stories while working to hide unsavory ones, taking them off the market by purchasing the exclusive rights to ensure they never got published.

The practice, which lies at the heart of DA Alvin Braggs case against Trump, is known in the tabloid world as catch and kill.

The publisher and his longtime friend, Donald, as Pecker said hed always called him, long had a mutually beneficial friendship that saw them beef up each others bottom line. Peckers complicity in pushing pro-Trump stories boosted sales of the National Enquirer while also elevating Trumps political brand, he testified.

Donald Trump and Michael, they asked me what can I do and what my magazines could do to help the campaign, Pecker testified before a rapt jury and frantically typing press corps in the drab 100 Centre St. courtroom Tuesday about the 2015 meeting prosecutors say catalyzed the hush money scheme.

Cohen, expected to be the trials star witness, would call Pecker to plant the seeds of stories explicitly designed to kneecap Trumps opponents when they picked up momentum in the presidential race, the publisher testified, and they would embellish it from there. Soon after, the stories landed on supermarket shelves and doorsteps across America.

The scheme saw dozens of explosive headlines clog the news cycle in the year before Trumps win.

In one example, Pecker told the court of a story claiming Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs father helped President John F. Kennedy's assassin.

Dylan Howard had the research department take a look at Ted Cruzs fathers photos, and we matched the photos in every different picture with that of Lee Harvey Oswald, and we matched the two together, Pecker said. Thats how that story was prepared and created, I should say.

That story, as well as many others, including dozens smearing Hillary Clinton, a story claiming Ben Carson left a sponge in a patients brain and a love child of Marco Rubio, all set off waves of salacious news cycles prosecutors say helped carry Trump to the White House.

Pecker also testified he anticipated women trying to sell stories about a married Trump because he was well-known as the most eligible bachelor and dated the most beautiful women.

Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass pressed him about Trumps involvement in the scheme and how his fixer reacted to rumors alleged by a Trump Tower doorman that he fathered out of wedlock  and a Playboy models claims they had a yearlong affair.

The boss would be very pleased, Pecker recalled Cohen saying after the doorman accepted a $30,000 deal for the rights to his story, which Pecker said they later debunked as 1,000% untrue.

The bombshell testimony about Trumps behind-the-scenes campaign strategies comes as the 2024 race grinds into gear. The presumptive Republican nominee is once again dominating headlines, working out of the same playbook: firing off daily attacks on his political opponents while distracting from his myriad legal battles.

The former president has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, alleging he covered up a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels as part of a sweeping scheme to defraud voters.

Pecker is slated to resume his testimony Thursday. Hes expected to delve into greater detail about how his involvement in buying off Playboy model Karen McDougal to stymie her affair allegations and the dispute over paying off Daniels that led to Cohen himself paying off the porn star.
David Pecker, who ran the National Enquirer empire, confirmed under oath yesterday that he had used catch-and-kill payments to help Donald Trumps campaign  and his text messages didnt help the former president either.

In his second day of testimony, the former Trump pal calmly described forking over cash in two such instances: one for a story that turned out to be flatly untrue, and one to buy the silence of former Playboy playmate Karen McDougal, who alleges a 10-month affair that Trump denies.

Time ran out before they got to Stormy Daniels, whose account of a one-night sexual encounter with Trump  which he also denies  is at the heart of the case, at least if it can be tied to falsified business records.

Under questioning by Manhattan Assistant D.A. Josh Steinglass, Pecker said he even viewed it as his duty to the campaign to help keep damaging Trump stories out of other publications.

PROSECUTORS REVEAL 'ANOTHER CRIME' AT HEART OF FORMER PRESIDENT'S CHARGES

In his second day of testimony at the hush money trial, Pecker said former Trump fixer Michael Cohen invited him to the candidates June 2015 launch, part of an effort to show how close he was to Trump and his team. (My personal favorites: He pitched a magazine called Trump Style, and Trump would leak him the ratings for "The Apprentice," which the Enquirer would publish.)

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In August 2015, in a meeting with Trump and Cohen, Pecker says he was asked: "What can I do, and what my magazines could do, to help the campaign."

His response: "I would run or publish positive stories about Mr. Trump, and negative stories about his opponents." Cohen said he could have such stories killed even if they were slated to run in another publication, Pecker testified.

The positive stories were easy: "Donald Trump: Healthiest Individual Ever Elected!"

Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, right, outside federal court in New York, US, on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

But Cohen would call, ask for a negative story on, say, Ted Cruz, send the information, "and wed embellish it from there."

Which led to "Ted Cruz Sex Scandal: 5 Secret Mistresses"  total fake news. (And who can forget the bogus Enquirer story purporting to tie Cruzs dad to the JFK assassination?)

Or there would be a request for a hit piece on Ben Carson:

"Bungling Surgeon Ben Carson Left Sponge in Patients Brain."

TRUMP SLAMS 'UNCONSTITUTIONAL' GAG ORDER AS TRIAL WRAPS FOR DAY: 'ALL BIDEN'

One factor that could play out in Trumps favor  or with a lone juror holdout  is that both Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal were negotiating to sell their stories in the final stretch of the campaign, when the candidate would be at his most vulnerable.

Pecker described paying $30,000 to a former Trump building doorman for his story about the candidate having fathered an out-of-wedlock baby. But an Enquirer found the story to be utterly untrue. Interestingly, had it been substantiated, Pecker said he would have run it  after the election.

With McDougal, who was supposedly negotiating with ABC, Pecker had Enquirer editor-in-chief Dylan Howard investigate and he found her account credible. Cohen constantly called for updates, and Trump was concerned enough to call Pecker himself. Pecker said they should buy and suppress her story.

Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker speaks from the witness stand during former U.S. President Donald Trump's criminal trial on charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York City, U.S. April 22, 2024, in this courtroom sketch.

Trump was opposed, saying when you do that, it always comes out and you look even worse.

But Pecker insisted. So the Enquirer arranged a $150,000 payment that was for McDougal to write a fitness column for another magazine in parent company America Medias stableand stay quiet about Trump, he testified.

Now none of this has to do with the heart of the legal case, which is about falsifying business records to hide the reimbursements to Cohen. But that is pretty boring stuff.

What prosecutors were trying to do is tell a story, with Peckerwho is testifying under a previous grant of immunitymore believable than the disbarred, later jailed Cohen, whose credibility will come under fierce attack.

LAW PROFESSOR ROASTS MANHATTAN DA'S CASE AGAINST TRUMP IN NY TIMES GUEST ESSAY

Next up, Pecker will tell the Stormy Daniels story tomorrow, with no trial proceedings today. And, presumably, eventually get to his falling out with Trump.

Earlier, Judge Juan Marchan heard from both sides on whether Trump had violated his gag order by attacking other witnessesnamely Cohen and Stormyand wound up excoriating the former presidents lawyer.

Prosecutors said Trump had violated the gag order 10 times, and proposed a fine of a thousand bucks per incident. So the entire argument was about $10,000  which even in his cash-strapped state, is a rounding error for Trump.

The former presidents lawyer, Todd Blanche, said there was "absolutely no willful violation of a gag order" and that his client was allowed to respond to attacks by Cohen and Daniels.

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo makes opening statements as former U.S. President Donald Trump watches with his attorney Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan during Trump's criminal trial on charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York City, U.S. April 22, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.

Blanche had a weak hand to play, and Merchan kept pressing him for specific comments by Cohen and Daniels.

The judge grew exasperated, raising his voice at one point: "I keep asking you over and over to give me an answer and Im not getting an answer."

It was "silly," Merchan said, to assume the gag order was somehow waived because Trump had been attacked.

Finally, the judge scolded Blanche: "Youre losing all credibility with the court. Youve presented nothing."

Judge Merchan didnt make a decision yesterday, but its crystal clear what he intends to do.





Original article source: David Pecker calmly links Trump, Michael Cohen to suppressing stories, pushing fake news
CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to further deepen reform and opening up across the board and write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Chongqing.

Chongqing should strive to promote high-quality development, and build itself into a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening up, Xi said.

While inspecting Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, Xi called the logistics sector the arteries and veins of the real economy. He underscored that constructing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor will help promote the high-level opening up of China's western and inland regions.

Xi also visited a container station in Chongqing, where he highlighted the importance of logistics in driving the development of the western region.

After hearing a report on the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, Xi urged Chongqing to focus on sci-tech innovation and vigorously promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector. 
Deathbed confession leads to bodies of mom and daughter missing for 24 years, cops say

The bodies of a long-missing mother and daughter were found after their accused killer confessed, bringing the 24-year cold case to a close, West Virginia State Police said.

Suspect Larry Webb suffered a medical episode and died hours before authorities discovered the presumed remains of Susan and Natasha Alex Carter at his home in Beckley on April 22, WSAZ reported, citing police.

Alex was 10 when she and her mom disappeared in August 2000, authorities said, according to the station. Webb reportedly confessed to their killings earlier this month.

A bit of a poetic ending that not even I can write, Raleigh County Prosecutor Ben Hatfield said at an April 23 news conference, as reported by the Associated Press.

The presumed remains of Susan Carter and her daughter Natasha Alex Carter, 10, were found April 22, 2024, in West Virginia, state police said. The missing girl was believed to have been abducted by her mother.

McClatchy News reached out to West Virginia State Police for more information April 24 and didnt receive a response.

Webb was arrested in connection to the childs death in April and was jailed without bond, authorities told reporters Tuesday, April 23, the AP reported.

A search of his home 18 months ago turned up a bullet found lodged in a bedroom wall, police said, WSAZ reported, and investigators said DNA tests confirmed blood on the bullet was Alexs.

Confronted with this evidence, Webb acknowledged killing Susan Carter during an argument over missing money, police said, according to WVNS. He then shot and killed her 10-year-old daughter.

Webb told police he kept their bodies in his basement before burying them in a shallow grave on his property, WVNS and the AP reported, citing authorities.

The state medical examiners office will conduct the autopsies, police said.

Beckley is about a 60-mile drive southeast from Charleston.

Magnet fisher reels in rifle, cell phone linked to 2015 double murder, Georgia cops say

Someone walked into sheriffs office with skull in 2001, cops say. Now its identified

Cigarette butt in dead mans car leads to accused killer 35 years later, Florida cops say
Rick Weiland speaks to an audience of about 100 during a discussion about a proposed abortion-rights ballot measure at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell on April 23, 2024. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Rick Weiland speaks to an audience of about 100 during a discussion about a proposed abortion-rights ballot measure at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell on April 23, 2024. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

MITCHELL  A proposed measure to reinstate abortion rights hasnt made the ballot yet, but the debate is underway.

About 100 people converged Tuesday evening on Dakota Wesleyan University for a discussion sponsored by the universitys McGovern Center as part of its Courageous Conversation series.

The room was filled with attendees from both sides of the issue eager to dissect the measure, which seeks to secure abortion rights in South Dakota, reversing the effects of the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. When that happened, a trigger law that the South Dakota Legislature had adopted in 2005 immediately banned abortions in the state except when necessary to save the life of the mother.

The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to legalize all abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy. It would allow regulations on abortion during the second trimester, but only in ways that are reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman. In the third trimester, it would allow regulations up to a ban on abortions, with exceptions for the life or health of the pregnant woman.

Rick Weiland, whose Dakotans for Health group is spearheading the measure, pointed to a 2022 poll that found 76% of registered South Dakota voters support allowing abortion in cases of rape and incest. Meanwhile, he said, the states current law has stripped women of the right to choose whether or not to carry their rapists fertilized embryo to term.

And the Legislature refuses to address it, Weiland said. You cant give a rapists embryo more rights than a woman who has been raped.

State Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, who also serves as vice president of South Dakota Right to Life and co-chair of Life Defense Fund, and attended the discussion via Zoom, said the amendment goes beyond rape and incest exceptions.

Instead, what they wrote is an amendment that legalizes abortion past the point of viability, past the point where the baby can just be born outside the womb, and up until the point of birth, Hansen said.

He highlighted the exception for the health of the mother in the third trimester, which he said could include mental distress.

Hansen added that the ballot measure would prohibit the state from implementing health and safety regulations on abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Its like the wild, wild west with this abortion amendment, Hansen said.

OB-GYN Michael Krause, of Mitchell, said doctors would not use mental distress as a justification to perform abortions in the third trimester of pregnancy.

That is totally false, he said. It is harder on that mother, it is not healthier.

Patti Giebink, a Chamberlain-based OB-GYN and anti-abortion activist, said many women who receive abortions go on to regret them.

Elective abortion is not health care, she said. Because pregnancy is not a disease.

Sheryl Johnson, the state Democratic Partys presumptive nominee for U.S. House, said people are confused by the language in the states abortion ban. She said one of her daughters had a miscarriage a couple of weeks after Roe was overturned, but when she went to the hospital, they allowed her to go home without receiving care.

During the middle of the night, Johnson said, her son-in-law found her daughter collapsed on the bathroom floor, soaking from blood loss, and called an ambulance to take her back to the hospital.

So as a mother, I am very angry about that, and yes, it may be that theyre just misinformed, but were going to have that. Were going to have that misinformation, Johnson said.

Giebink told South Dakota Searchlight the current state law is clear, that aborting an unviable pregnancy is legal, and that stories like Johnsons are fear-mongering.

Weiland said the states current law is pushing women to pursue unsafe abortions outside of a medical setting. Hansen said the proposed amendment will perpetuate unregulated abortions.

Weiland told South Dakota Searchlight the proposed amendment already has plenty of signatures and will be on the November ballot. The petition needs 35,017 signatures from registered South Dakota voters by May 7. Meanwhile, the Legislature passed a law this past winter allowing petition signers to withdraw their signatures after the fact, and anti-abortion activists are conducting a coordinated signature-withdrawal effort.

In 2021, 93% of abortions occurred during the first trimester  that is, at or before 13 weeks of gestation, according to the CDC. An additional 6% occurred between 14 and 20 weeks, and about 1% were performed at 21 weeks or more.

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The post Debate begins on abortion-rights ballot measure as Mitchell event brings out both sides appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
DEL CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  The Del City Police Department says a deadly crash left three people dead.

Authorities say 54-year-old Helen Thompson was driving the car when it veered off the road, hit a tree, and fire hydrant at the corner of SE 15th and Bryant.

Victims names released in SW OKC murder suicide

Thompson, and children died of their injuries while two other children were hurt.

A 13-year old is in critical condition and a 9-year old who walked away from the crash according to police.

Del City Police Major Brad Cowden said, he felt very confident speed was definitely a contributing factor. Major Cowden went on to say, that it appears the group was coming home from an event and was driving too fast and lost control of their vehicle.

Thompson was the grandmother of the two surviving children. The two children killed were not related to Thompson.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Democratic gubernatorial challenger Brian King outraised Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox in the first few months of 2024.

King, currently a state lawmaker representing Salt Lake City, received nearly $171,000 in campaign contributions between Jan. 1 and April 17, according to his pre-state convention report. Cox netted just over $155,300, his filing shows.

Neither candidate was able to engage in fundraising efforts during the state legislative session from Jan. 16 to March 1. Coxs fundraising restriction extended for an additional 20 days during the bill signing period, meaning he was unable to fundraise for 65 of the 107 days before the filing deadline.

How much money have King and Cox raised overall?

The first-quarter donations bring Kings election-cycle total to over $215,200 and Coxs to over $1,680,600. Kings campaign has spent over $126,200 and has $89,000 left over. Cox has spent nearly $700,000  much of that on donations to other candidates  with more than $986,200 cash still on hand.

Despite Cox entering the spring with 11 times more money, King said his campaigns strong showing in the first part of 2024, especially its high number of individual supporters, is a sign his message, For the Better, is resonating among a broad coalition being built across the state.

Utahns of all backgrounds are joining our campaign because they dont feel like they have a political home, and theyre looking for a common sense leader who will put results over rhetoric  for the better, King, the states former House minority leader, told the Deseret News in a statement.

In 2024, King has received contributions from nearly 1,300 individual people or organizations for an average donation of $132, his campaign said in a press release. King received no contributions of more than $5,000.

Im proud that our fundraising numbers reflect the amazing support weve seen across the state and Im ready to keep working to reach every single voter, King said.

In the last 3 months, Coxs campaign received contributions from 74 individual people or organizations with an average donation size of nearly $2,100. Coxs largest donations included $25,000 from Nomi Health; $15,000 from the WCF Mutual Insurance Association; over $10,400 from Phil Cox; $10,000 from the Utah Association of Realtors; $10,000 from AshBritt, a Florida-based disaster response contractor; and $10,000 from RAI Services Company, a manufacturing company from North Carolina.

Coxs campaign spokesperson, Matt Lusty, said the governors support across the state speaks for itself despite having a longer fundraising blackout period than King.

The governor is legally prohibited from fundraising during almost the entire first quarter of the year. Recent third-party poll numbers from Morning Consult continue to show Gov. Cox in a strong position, Lusty told the Deseret News in a statement.

Is Cox popular in Utah?

On Monday, the polling firm Morning Consult released its latest gubernatorial approval ratings. Coxs overall popularity remained constant over the last year, with a net approval rating of around 24%. In the first three months of 2024, 55% of Utah voters said they approved of Cox, 31% said they disapproved and 14% said they didnt know.

Among Republicans, Cox received a 69% approval rating, with 19% disapproving and 12% feeling unsure. Coxs consistent showing among Republicans was not replicated among Democrats. In the first quarter of 2024, Democratic net approval of Cox fell by 32 percentage-points, the poll found. A quarter of Utah Democrats said they approved of Cox, 64% said they did not and 11% said they didnt know.

This drop in Democratic support coincided with the 2024 legislative session. During this time, Cox praised lawmakers for requiring public institutions to develop alternative programs to replace certain diversity, equity and inclusion practices. He also signed into law high-profile bills dealing with housing affordability, bathroom privacy, energy independence and federal overreach.

The governor is proud of his record leading the best managed state in the nation by delivering the largest tax cut in Utah history, protecting the sanctity of life, and standing with Texas in their efforts to defend our southern border, Lusty said.

Cox will confront his Republican challengers in the state GOP nominating convention on April 27. If two candidates receive more than 40% of the delegate vote, they will appear on the June 25 primary ballot. The Republican nominee will then face off against King in the general election on Nov. 5.
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HARRISBURG  Eugene DePasquale has emerged victorious from a competitive, five-way Democratic primary for Pennsylvania attorney general, while party-endorsed candidate Dave Sunday won the two-man contest for the Republican nomination.

The Associated Press called the race for DePasquale, the states former auditor general, at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Unofficial results show DePasquale with 39% of the vote.

The race for Sunday, York Countys district attorney, was called at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday. Unofficial results show Sunday with 67% of the vote to state Rep. Craig Williams 33%.

The attorney general serves as the commonwealths top prosecutor, directs statewide grand juries, defends state laws, and represents Pennsylvania if the state is prosecuted federally. The office is also seen as a prime political stepping stone; two of Pennsylvanias recent governors  current Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Tom Corbett  served first as attorneys general.

This years two primaries for the office were starkly different.

The Democratic attorney general candidates

The five Democratic candidates struggled to differentiate themselves, especially as the state party did not issue an endorsement. Major political organizations that can sway Democratic races  like the state chapter of Planned Parenthoods political arm, the school workers union PSEA, and the powerful government workers union AFSCME Council 13  also abstained from endorsing.

In debates, the candidates broadly agreed on key issues like gun control and protecting abortion access.

DePasquale played up his two terms leading the auditor generals office and won an endorsement from the Philadelphia Inquirer, which commended his independence and fairness. DePasquale, who is based in Central Pennsylvania and was a state representative, has little prosecutorial experience but can point to a history of audits that had impact  like a long-term effort to cut down on a backlog of untested rape kits.

Keir Bradford-Grey, a former public defender who was head of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, garnered support from longtime Philadelphia politicians like Sens. Vincent Hughes and Anthony Wiliams, along with progressive organizations like the Working Families Party. Of the entire slate, she was the only candidate with a public defense background; she has called for alternatives to cash bail and led an effort to create one such alternative, Philadelphias Pre-Entry Initiative, which connects arrested people with support services in place of posting bail or serving jail time.

Former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan was backed by Harrisburg legislators, issue-based groups like Clean Air Action, and a grab bag of Philly ward organizations. He has prosecutorial experience, having served as both an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia and a federal prosecutor. He previously ran for Philly district attorney, losing to Larry Krasner in the 2017 primary.

Northeast Philadelphia state Rep. Jared Solomon consistently had among the strongest campaign finance reports in the race. His supporters included fellow legislators, including Majority Leader Matt Bradford, and several unions. He recently sponsored bills that would put limits on Pennsylvanias notoriously lax campaign finance rules, and was an early supporter of ousting indicted former Philadelphia Council Member Bobby Henon.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer also had notably strong campaign finance returns. He won early support from building trades unions, including the Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council and the Philadelphia Building Trades, which noted his record prosecuting wage theft. Stollsteimer was the first Democrat elected as Delaware County district attorney. He said he considers the crown jewel of his time in office to be a safe neighborhoods program in the embattled city of Chester  in 2023 his office said there had been a 68% reduction in gun homicides since the programs 2020 launch.

The Republican attorney general candidates

Republicans saw their party establishment line up behind Sunday, who won the GOP endorsement and received financial support from a whos who of top leaders and political power brokers.

State Rep. Craig Williams (R., Delaware), meanwhile, counted state House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler among his key supporters and received many of his biggest financial contributions from wealthy southeastern Pennsylvanians.

Both Republicans focused on public safety during their campaigns, with Sunday specifically saying he wants to crack down on illegal use of firearms.

Sunday, a U.S. Navy veteran, also touted his experience as a courtroom prosecutor and defended his record fighting crime. While York faces heightened crime, Sunday argued, because of its proximity to Baltimore, he has overseen an overall reduction in crime rates and has also successfully shrunk the countrys prison population.

The city of York experienced a 36% drop in gun crime from 2022 to 2023, according to the York Daily Record.

Williams focused on his work in the legislature to give the state power over Philadelphias progressive district attorney, Larry Krasner, and defended his leadership role in a Republican effort to impeach Krasner (Sunday, in a debate, said he didnt support that initiative). Williams also stressed his experience in the Marine Corps and sought to cast Sunday as insufficiently conservative, noting that he was once registered as a Democrat.

Both Republicans do not believe the state constitution protects the right to abortion access.

Up next: the November general election

The two primary winners now enter a general election season that will see both major parties pull out all the stops to see them elected. DePasquale begins the next phase of the race with nearly $100,000 on hand as of April 8, while Sunday had $273,000.

The race could also feature a third-party candidate, should he successfully collect enough signatures to get on the ballot and fend off likely legal challenges from the major parties. Health care industry lawyer Eric Settle, a former Republican from Montgomery County, is running as a member of the fledgling Forward Party.

The Pennsylvania attorney generals office has been under Democratic control almost continuously since 2013, except for a blip in August 2016; Republican Bruce Castor became acting attorney general after the conviction of former Democratic Attorney General Kathleen Kane for perjury and abuse of office.

The general election will be held on Nov. 5.

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.
U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., a six-term Democratic congressman from New Jersey, has died from "heart problems," Fox News confirmed Wednesday.

Payne was 65 and had been suffering from health problems for years. His father, the late Rep. Donald Payne Sr., D-N,J., also died in office in 2012.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he and his wife are "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr."

"With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service," Murphy said in a statement. "As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day. That purpose was the light that guided him through his early years as Newark City Council President and during his tenure on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. And it guided him still through his more than a decade of service in Congress."

Murphy said it was a "great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build upon the Payne familys deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly."

REPUBLICAN AIMS TO BREAK DECADES LONG SENATE ELECTION LOSING STREAK IN THIS BLUE STATE

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., listens during the House Homeland Security Committee hearing on "Havoc in the Heartland: How Secretary Mayorkas' Failed Leadership Has Impacted the States" on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

"Donalds love will live on in the homes of his neighbors in Newark, who now have access to safe drinking water, and in the good-paying jobs he helped create for his brothers and sisters in labor," the governor added. "And it will live on in his wife Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, who were the pride of his life. Our heartfelt prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Rep Donald Payne, Jr., D-N.J., Co-Chair of the Colorectal Cancer Caucus, speaks at the Fight Colorectal Cancer "United in Blue" flag installation on the National Mall to spotlight the rise in young adult Colorectal cancer cases on March 12, 2024.

According to the New Jersey Globe, Payne had a heart attack on April 6 and had since been hospitalized on a ventilator.

DEMOCRATS HOLD MAJOR 2024 ADVANTAGE AS HOUSE REPUBLICANS FACE FURTHER CHAOS, DIVISION

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement on X, "We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey's 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position. Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children."

Payne sat on the House Homeland Security and Transportation & Infrastructure committees. He was also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chaired the Congressional Men's Health, Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease and Congressional Colorectal Cancer caucuses.

Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference on the INVEST in America Act at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

The GOP is hanging on to a slim majority in the House. Rep. Mike Gallagher. R-Wisc., submitted his resignation paperwork Wednesday, a source confirmed, leaving 217 Republicans and 212 Democrats, and six vacancies.

Fox News' Ryan Schmelz contributed to this report.





Original article source: Democratic New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dead at 65
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 14: U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) delivers remarks during a Rules Committee hearing at the Russell Senate Office Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. The Rules Committee voted to change the rules of the Senate to end Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-AL) months-long blockade of military nominees. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Democratic Senators say they did not think that they will face a backlash for voting for legislation that could potentially lead to a ban on TikTok. But its unclear whether they are correct.

The Senate voted late Tuesday evening to advance a $95 billion aid package that provided assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The package also included legislation passed by the House that would force TikToks parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok. If ByteDance cannot divest, TikTok would be banned in the United States.

Banning TikTok has long been a priority of both Democrats and Republicans. Lawmakers argue that ByteDance is based in China and is therefore effectively controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Former president Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok in 2019, but a court blocked the order in late 2020.

Since then, Trump has changed his opinion on the app, saying he opposes a ban on the grounds that it would benefit companies like Meta, owner of Facebook. On Monday, Trump sought to remind young voters on his Truth Social network that Biden would be responsible for a TikTok ban.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, he wrote. He is the one pushing it to close, and doing it to help his friends over at Facebook become richer and more dominant, and able to continue to fight, perhaps illegally, the Republican Party.

But Democratic Senators seemed unfazed when speaking on Tuesday ahead of the vote.

This is a divestiture, this is not a ban, Senator Mark Warner, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told The Independent. Before working in politics, Mr Warner made millions as an early investor in mobile phones.

I think there's a lot of creativity on TikTok, he said. We just think it ought to be, at the end of the day, not controlled by an entity controlled by the Communist Party of China.

Mr Warners colleague from Virginia, Senator Tim Kaine, also said he was not concerned.

TikTok is not going to be banned, he told The Independent. Everybody's going to still have access to TikTok.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania told reporters the legislation would not ban TikTok.

I've been very clear I'm not trying to ban it, he said. I can't wait to vote to force it to divest, and I could have banned it in my home and I didn't. So I'm not trying to ban it [federally].

Polling has shown that young voters are not universally in favor of or opposed to banning TikTok. An Economist / YouGov poll from last month showed that 46 per cent of 18 to 29-year-old US adults have a TikTok account, significantly less than the 66 per cent who say they have a Facebook account and the 77 per cent who say they have an account on YouTube. But a narrow plurality of that same demographic has a negative view of TikTok at 47 per cent, compared to 45 per cent who have a positive view.

Nevertheless, young US adults disproportionately oppose requiring TikTok to be sold, with 49 per cent saying they oppose it. Conversely, a plurality or majority of every other age group supports ByteDance selling the network.

Young voters are also split depending on TikTok usage, with 50 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds who use TikTok opposing a ban, while 52 per cent of non-TikTok users support one.

Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, the youngest Senator, said he was not concerned. Mr Ossoff used to post regularly on TikTok but his account has not posted a video on the app since 2021.

The requirement is for new ownership, Mr Ossoff told The Independent. It's about striking the right balance between real privacy and national security concerns, and the understandable desire for users to engage on these platforms and folks at businesses so I understand the concern.

Former Trump administration treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin has expressed interest in purchasing the company.
Democrats are seen as more successful at passing legislation in the House of Representatives than their party counterparts, according to a new Monmouth University poll.

More than half of Americans surveyed, 53 percent, said that Democrats have been more successful at getting legislation passed when they are in control of the lower chamber. Almost 1 in 4, around 39 percent, said they were unsuccessful.

In contrast, less than one-third of Americans in the poll said the GOP has been successful at getting bills through when they are in power. The majority of respondents, 65 percent, said theyve been unsuccessful.

Weve gone from one of the most productive to one of the least productive Congresses over the course of Bidens time in office, said Patrick Murray, the director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute. Most Americans have noticed the disparity, but this metric does not appear to have much impact on their overall opinion. Views of Congress have remained largely negative over the past three years regardless of which party controls the House.

Democrats were far more likely to state that their party is more fruitful at passing bills compared to their counterparts, while Republicans see both parties ability the same way.

The majority of Democrats, 73 percent, said their side is good at getting legislation passed, but only 21 percent said the same about Republicans, according to the poll.

The Republicans said that both Democrats, at 40 percent, and Republicans, at 41 percent, are able to pass bills when they have the majority in the House.

The poll also found that only 1 in 5 Americans want Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to be replaced. Additionally, his favorability among Democrats has grown since December.

The Monmouth University poll surveyed 808 adults April 18-22. It had a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
"Bernie Moreno," the unmistakable voice of former president Donald Trump opens the ads that have inundated Ohio television screens in recent months, as Morenos campaign for U.S. Senate builds momentum. The center of which is that very endorsement from Trump. The endorsement has been nothing less than silver bullet in Republican primaries since the reality TV star hijacked the GOP. It proved decisive on Super Tuesday as Moreno ran away with the nomination. But what gives life also takes it away.

Trumps endorsement is the rocket engine that gets you off the ground, but if he doesnt drop off in the general election, hell drag you to a fiery death. In 2022, Trump made an endorsement in 12 major general election races, and in 11 his endorsed candidate lost. Ohios J.D. Vance was his only winner. And even Vance only won by six points. Not a small margin, but an indication of a weak candidate when one considers that Republican Mike DeWine won the governors race by 25 points on the very same ballot.

From the editor: Candid reflection from an enemy of the people

One might argue that Trumps endorsement wasnt the cause of these campaign implosions, but its a distinction without a difference. Either Trump endorses bad candidates, or his endorsement turns off undecided voters. Democratic strategists have been eager to benefit from this trend.

For instance, there was a strange attack ad targeting Moreno as Super Tuesday day closed in. The ad stated everything the Moreno campaign looked to highlight themselves. It outlined Trumps endorsement, and ended with "Trump needs Moreno, Ohio doesnt." Its a losing strategy to draw attention to your opponent's endorsement from the partys standard bearer, but those running the ad werent hoping to hurt Moreno. The ad was part of a strategy from a Democratic PAC that attempted to help the former car dealership owner win the Republican nomination, giving incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown a better matchup in the general election. They knew Trump-endorsed candidates run worse in general elections, and Brown would have been in more danger if Matt Dolan won, and March polling backs this theory up.

This kind of political gamesmanship represents exactly why Americans have become so disenchanted with politics. They dont trust anyone. Democrats have made arguments that Trump, and Trump-adjacent candidates represent a threat to democratic government and made pleas for more moderate Republicans. These are sentiments I share. Yet they spent money to elevate Trump-endorsed candidates and defeat the moderates they claim we need more of. How can anyone believe you when you cry wolf and then fund the wolfs Senate campaign. If you believe Moreno represents a larger existential threat, why would you help him win a primary? Why would you take such a gigantic risk of giving power to those you claim will burn the country to the ground unless you didnt believe it.

Democrats are holding their breath and Republicans are holding their nose this November

If politicians and strategists believed David Duke, or Nick Fuentes, or Adolph Hitler himself would be easier to beat in a general election, would they pump money into their primary campaigns? Wheres the line? If someone is an existential threat, there is no degree to how existential of a threat they pose. Either they do, or they dont. Democrats rhetoric says Moreno does, but their actions indicate the contrary.

Such actions shred their credibility and the publics trust in our institutions. Such disregard for the responsibility of political leaders is what has led so many Americans to nihilism and a desire to tear the whole system down. These failures plague both parties, and if political leaders continue to play these kinds of games, they will only feed the cynical nihilism that they lament. Act with candor and civility, or stay out of public life. Such juvenile and unserious games are the threat their players claim to care about.

Joe Palange

Joe Palange is a native Ohioan, lives in Cleveland, and writes about politics and government.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Democrats beg for moderate Republicans, but fund Trump-endorsed ones
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in accelerating the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in west China while visiting an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to further deepen reform and opening-up across the board, and write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection tour in Chongqing.

Chongqing should strive to promote high-quality development, and build itself into a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up, Xi said.

While inspecting the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park Monday afternoon, Xi said that the logistics sector makes up the arteries and veins of the real economy. He stressed that constructing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor will help promote the high-level opening-up of China's western and inland regions.

Xi then visited a container station, where he highlighted the importance of logistics in driving the development of the western region.

After hearing a report on the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, Xi urged Chongqing to focus on sci-tech innovation and vigorously promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector.

Visiting an old residential community where renovation began in early 2022, Xi learned about the renovation and neighborhood services, and talked with residents dining in the community canteen, saying the renovation of aging communities should preserve historical memories and meanwhile solve problems that concern residents.

People's well-being is of utmost importance in Chinese modernization, and all the work of the CPC and the government is intended to ensure that people live happier lives, Xi said, urging Party committees and governments at all levels to invest more in improving people's livelihood to enhance their sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Inspecting a digital urban operations and governance center Tuesday morning, Xi stressed efforts to ensure scientific planning and development of big data platforms and network systems, and improved coordination to leverage digital technologies to empower and modernize urban governance.

He called for improved pre-planning, precise management and swift response in handling various incidents to ensure cities operate safely and in an orderly fashion.

On Wednesday morning, Xi listened to work briefing from the CPC municipal committee and the municipal government, and affirmed Chongqing's achievements on all fronts.

He urged Chongqing to strive to build a modernized industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone, transform and upgrade key technologies in the manufacturing sector and promote large-scale equipment renewals.

Efforts should go toward accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and toward fostering emerging and strategic industries with international competitiveness, he said.

Xi also called on Chongqing to redouble its efforts to make breakthroughs in key technologies, promote the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, and develop new quality productive forces.

He stressed pushing forward the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle to become a key engine of the country's high-quality development and a new driver of growth.

The city should boost green development, and build a strong ecological shield in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, he said.

Efforts should be made to foster a batch of state-owned enterprises with strong core competitiveness, bolster the development of the private economy, and stimulate the vitality of business entities under various forms of ownership, Xi said.

Chongqing should integrate actively into the building of a unified national market, serve major national strategies, and play a bigger role in the interconnected development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, he said.

He called on the city to align with high-standard international economic and trade rules to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized.

Chongqing should actively explore the modern governance of megacities, accelerating the pace of building a smart city, improving spiritual civilization, and strengthening disaster prevention, mitigation and response capacities.

On integrated urban-rural development, Xi said that work should be done to promote new urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization, guarantee grain production, develop ecological agriculture, and see that no large-scale return to poverty occurs.

He stressed the importance of steadfastly upholding the Party's leadership and strengthening Party building.

Continuous efforts should be made to rectify pointless formalities to reduce burdens at the primary level, undertake Party discipline education, fight and punish corruption, and eradicate the breeding grounds for corruption, Xi said.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in accelerating the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in west China while visiting an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an international logistics hub park in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an exhibition of sci-tech innovation and industrial development achievements in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Wednesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in carrying out urban renewal projects and ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in carrying out urban renewal projects and ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in carrying out urban renewal projects and ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, communicates with residents while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, communicates with residents while visiting a community in Jiulongpo District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 22, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in enhancing the modernization of city governance while visiting a digital urban operation and governance center in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 23, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the municipality's efforts in enhancing the modernization of city governance while visiting a digital urban operation and governance center in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, April 23, 2024. Xi inspected southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from Monday to Tuesday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A march and rally in Brooklyn on Wednesday is bringing attention to sexual violence during Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

Half of all women and one-third of all men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and councilmembers are pressing for a hospital-based rape crisis center in the borough.

Bronx Denim Day march highlights need for rape crisis center

The Bronx does not have one, despite having one-fourth of the citys reported rape cases happening there this year, according to the NYPD.

The final Wednesday in April is Wear Denim Day to bring attention to the ongoing problem. Around 150 people are currently on a waitlist for therapy related to sexual violence in Kingsbridge, according to officials.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
DENVER (KDVR)  If you arrive at Denver International Airport a few hours before an early morning flight, you might have to wait. Security checkpoint hours are changing at DIA.

On Wednesday, FOX31 confirmed that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer operate checkpoints and bag scans between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.

5 things to know about the new security checkpoint at DIA

The change in security checkpoint times will only affect people getting to the airport several hours before their flights. Currently, DIA does not list any flights leaving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Previously, South security had been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Starting May 5, South security will be open for 22 hours, and no security checkpoints will be open at DIA from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Why is TSA changing the DIA checkpoint hours?

TSA said it is changing the checkpoint times at DIA to utilize resources and increase staffing during high-traffic times.

By closing the checkpoint for those two hours it allows us to reallocate our staff to when were actually going to be screening more people, TSA spokesperson Lori Dankers said.

This means there will be more staff available to have more lanes open during busier security checkpoint hours.

How to reserve a spot in the security line at DIA

Dankers noted that the reason the change is happening on May 5 is because TSA officers use a shift bid a couple of times each year, which is when TSA officers get to bid to work different days and schedules.

We have the new hours starting consistent with the new shift bid so we didnt disrupt anybodys current schedule, it was built into that shift bid, Dankers said.

How will new security hours impact travelers?

Dankers said that a vast majority of travelers will not be impacted, and the change will mostly impact airport workers.

During that period of time, it is primarily airport employees who are going through the checkpoint, Dankers said.

She said TSA has communicated the change with airport stakeholders, and any employees who will be impacted should have already been made aware of the change.

For travelers who do arrive before 3 a.m., Dankers recommends checking the ticketing counter times for a specific airline to see if you can drop a bag off there.

Comparisons give perspective of just how big the Denver International Airport is

Otherwise, Dankers said the changes will allow TSA to have more staff during high-traffic hours, including the early hours of the day. This will allow TSA to have more lanes open and get through the line quicker, so even travelers with early morning flights should have plenty of time to get through security.

What will the new security checkpoint hours be?

These are the current security checkpoint hours at the airport:

Bridge security: 4:30 a.m.  5:45 p.m.

South security: Open 24/7

West security: 4 a.m.  7:30 p.m.

After May 5, these will be the security checkpoint hours:

Bridge security: 4:30 a.m.  5:45 p.m.

South security: 3 a.m.  1 a.m.

West security: 4 a.m.  7:30 p.m.

Why Denver International Airport doesnt call itself DIA

The change comes after the airport opened the West checkpoint earlier this year. The West checkpoint was created to replace the North checkpoint. This new security checkpoint is supposed to decrease wait times and get passengers through at a quicker rate, according to DIA officials.

During the opening, DIA officials announced plans going forward, which include opening an East security checkpoint that mirrors the West and eventually closing the South security checkpoint.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DeSantis announces rescue of more than 700 Americans from Haiti

DeSantis announces rescue of more than 700 Americans from Haiti

Related video: DeSantis greets American evacuees from Israel after they land in Tampa in October 2023.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday the successful rescue of 722 Americans from Haiti on March 20.

The rescue effort comes after political turmoil in the country. All the evacuees were given access to resources including food, water, medical treatment, and transportation home.

DeSantis expands program helping Floridians shore up their homes against hurricanes

The State of Florida doesnt shy away from doing the right thing and helping Americans in need, DeSantis said.

Evacuating our residents has been challenging, and I am incredibly proud of the hard work our State Emergency Response Team, private and nonprofit partners have done to bring Americans home and accommodate their needs upon returning to Florida, Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie added. We will always stand ready to support our residents and I thank Governor DeSantis for giving us the opportunity to do so in any crisis.

This rescue is the second time, under DeSantis leadership, that Americans have been brought home following a crisis abroad. In October, more than 700 Americans were brought home who were unable to leave Israel after the attack by Hamas terrorists.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Despite dropping out in March, Nikki Haley secures more than 156,000 votes in Pennsylvania primary

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley refused to endorse former President Donald Trump in his campaign for the Republican nomination and thousands of her Pennsylvania supporters followed suit.

Haley, who dropped out of the race in March, won almost 17% of Pennsylvanias primary vote on Tuesday.

A lot of eyes are on Pennsylvania as its 19 electoral votes make it a key battleground state.

>> Pennsylvania primary results give us a look at what to expect in November General Election

If Haleys GOP supporters refuse to support Trump in November, it could swing Pennsylvania in President Joe Bidens favor, the Associated Press reports.

Haley secured more than 156,000 votes in Pennsylvanias primary election, which is nearly twice the margin by which Biden beat Trump in 2020.

In 2016, Trump beat Hillary Clinton by just 44,000 votes.

Channel 11 is your election headquarters for the general election. Keep up with our election coverage here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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The Belleville Police Department has released details about what led to a fatal crash that killed a 25-year-old man over the weekend.

Assistant Police Chief Mark Heffernan said Tuesday police received a call about a collision with injuries at Illinois 13 at Westfield Plaza Drive at 8:01 p.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival, officers observed a white Chevrolet SUV with heavy front end damage and an all-terrain vehicle in the middle of the roadway with heavy damage, Heffernan said.

Preliminary investigation suggests the Chevrolet was traveling eastbound on Illinois 13 in the left lane and proceeded through the intersection with a green light, Heffernan said.

The ATV was traveling westbound in the left lane of Route 13. The ATV suddenly turned left in front of the Chevrolet, and the two vehicles collided. The male subject was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead on scene.

St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Identified the victim as Nicholas L. Myers, 30.

Heffernan said Myers, of East St. Louis, was the driver of the ATV. The driver of the Chevrolet remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, Heffernan said.

Belleville Police requested Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team to respond, Heffernan said.

Typically, it takes between six and weeks for the accident reconstruction team to complete an investigation.
Panicked parents rushed to a high school in San Bernardino County Tuesday after the campus was put on lockdown in response to a student that had a loaded firearm.

Administrators at Oak Hill High School, a part of Hesperia Unified School District, said they were notified about a student who was possibly armed with a gun around 11:30 a.m.

All I heard was code red, code red, freshman Deano Morales told KTLAs Shelby Nelson. Everyone thought it was just a drill.

Students said their teachers began locking the doors and ordering everyone to get to the back of the classroom.

Freshman Xavier Ramos says he learned what was happening from a friend.

Two people were in class, and one of them showed my friend his gun, he said. When he did, they got escorted by the police outside and they ran.

A school police officer at Oak Hill seen on video chasing a student who was armed with a gun on April 23, 2024. (viewer photo)

A school police officer at Oak Hill HS seen tussling with a student who was armed with a loaded gun on April 23, 2024. (viewer photo)

Students, parents and faculty seen at Oak Hill HS after the campus was put on lockdown on April 23, 2024. (KTLA)

Oak Hill High School, in the Hesperia Unified School District. (KTLA)

Footage of the incident, now widely shared among parents and students, shows a brief chase as a district police officer runs after the student, who was eventually apprehended.

According to Steve Hinojos, HUSD Chief of School Police, when the officer confronted the student, the teen reached for the gun and the officer put him in a bearhug so that he couldnt reach the firearm. Thats when the short chase ensued, with the student tossing the gun to the side.

We did actually recover a live firearm from a student, HUSD Superintendent David Olney told KTLA. There were no shots fired.

The superintendent added that officials will be investigating why the student, who is now in custody, brought the handgun to school in the first place.

As for the protocol, officials said that it was followed successfully.

Code red is for everybody to go into lockdown, all staff to go into a locked classroom or cafeteria or wherever theyre at. Lockdown, lights go off, phones go off and they stay silent, Hinojos said.

However, the ordeal created a lot of confusion, especially as students texted their parents about what was happening, causing a rush of terrified family members on the school campus, many of them fearing the worst was happening.

It was literally like every parent just trying to get into this little door all at once, a parent told KTLA.

Xaviers mother, Cynthia Ramos, was unable to hide her emotion as she recalled hearing about the news.

Its like a text you never want to get in your life, she said, holding back tears. Being so far, like 20 minutes away, to me that seemed like an eternity. I honestly dont even know how I got here.

Superintendent Olney, who acknowledged the dark reality of having to practice and prepare for incidents like this, told KTLA that everyone involved in handling the scare did an amazing job.

They did exactly what they were trained to do, he said.

According to school police, the student, who has been booked into juvenile detention center in the high desert area, will likely face charges of bringing a loaded firearm to a school campus.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
What did Trumps doorman say about his alleged lovechild?

Whatever other sins Donald Trump may have committed, there is little evidence that he fathered a secret child with his former housekeeper.

Reporters from the Associated Press and The New Yorker who investigated the claim in 2017 and 2018 found little to back it up, and the housekeeper herself explicitly denied it.

But that did not stop the publishers of the National Enquirer paying one of Mr Trump's former doormen $30,000 in 2015  allegedly at the behest of Mr Trump and his aides  with the goal of suppressing his story.

Now that claim is part of Mr Trump's ongoing hush money trial in New York City, where prosecutors allege that the former president engaged in a "criminal conspiracy" to bury unflattering stories in advance of the 2016 election.

So what did Mr Trump's doorman really say, and why does it matter now?

When you have Trumps kid, you can do whatever you want

Dino Sajudin started working at Trump Tower in 2008, according to his self-published memoir Trump Doorman.

The Trump Organization, he wrote, reminded him of "the gangsters of Brooklyn", where he grew up.

At one point, Mr Sajudin claims that he complained about the rude behaviour of the tower's concierge, a Colombian-born woman who spent ages away from her post on lunch breaks and luxury shopping sprees.

That was when a man known as "Mr C" told him that the woman was Mr Trump's secret daughter.

"Dino when you have Trumps kid, you can do whatever the hell you want to," Mr C supposedly told Sajudin. "Little Tiffany and Ivanka are not the only girls out there carrying the big guys DNA."

Dino Sajudin said the $30,000 he received for his story made for a a very merry Christmas (Ronan Farrow/Instagram)

Once again, journalists have not found anything that corroborates this claim. The alleged mother of the child told the AP that it was "all fake" and that the Enquirer "lost their money", and the father of the family told The New Yorker that it was "completely false and ridiculous".

Nevertheless, at some point in 2015, Mr Sajudin reportedly began talking with the Enquirer's parent company, then known as American Media, Inc (AMI), about a potential exclusive. And that's where things become really interesting.

Theres no question it was catch and kill

According to the AP and court documents, Mr Sajudin called the Enquirer's tip line some time in October or November, offering a juicy rumour about his former boss.

The magazine quickly put reporters on the story and administered a polygraph test to Mr Sajudin in a hotel near his home in Pennsylvania, which he passed.

Later, according to The New Yorker, the ex-doorman met with an Enquirer reporter in a local McDonald's to finalise their agreement. Mr Sajudin would get $30,000 for his story, but would pay a $1m penalty if he ever disclosed it to anyone without AMI's permission.

It made, Mr Sajudin reportedly said, for "a very merry Christmas".

That, the reports say, was when AMI's chief executive David Pecker  an outspoken Trump supporter  abruptly swooped in and stopped the investigation. Reporters who worked there at the time said that it had all the hallmarks of a "catch and kill" operation, in which a news organisation buys up a dangerous allegation then sits on it as a favour to the subject.

"Theres no question it was done as a favor to continue to protect Trump from these potential secrets. Thats black-and-white," one employee told The New Yorker.

In fact the reporters had major doubts about the story, with many concluding that it was nonsense. And in 2018, the Enquirers editor in chief told its sister publication Radar Online that it had released Mr Sajudin from his contract after the details did not pan out.

But thats not what New York state prosecutors say.

Not just Stormy Daniels

Today Mr Trump stands accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of what prosecutors have described as a months-long scheme to protect Mr Trumps reputation and deceive voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

The most famous alleged example of this was Stormy Daniels, the porn star who was paid $130,000 by Michael Cohen to prevent her speaking publicly about her affair with Mr Trump (though Mr Trump has denied every having sex with her).

But prosecutors say that was just one example of the scheme. They allege that in August 2015, soon after Mr Trump launched his campaign, Mr Pecker agreed to be his "eyes and ears" by "looking out for negative stories" and "alerting [Mr Cohen] before they were published".

Contrary to the Radar Online report, prosecutors allege that when the Enquirer tried to release Mr Sajudin from his agreement, Mr Pecker once again intervened on the instructions of Mr Trumps then-lawyer  and now avowed enemy  Michael Cohen.

When this episode was mentioned in court on Tuesday, The New York Times reported that Mr Trump was "visibly displeased" and "strongly shook his head".

Mr Trump's lawyers say that he "did not commit any crimes" and accuse Mr Cohen of being "obsessed" with taking down his former client.

The Independent has asked AMIs successor company, a360, for comment. The trial continues.
A diver in South Carolina is lucky to not just be alive, but to have survived with all his limbs intact after a harrowing alligator attack earlier this month.

Will Georgitis was scuba diving for fossils in the Cooper River near Goose Creek, SC on April 15 when he spotted several large fossilized shark teeth. However, with only about 10 minutes of air remaining in his tank, he was forced to pause his mission and surface. That's when he saw the gator swimming straight for him.

"It made a beeline right at me," Georgitis later told Charleston's Post and Courier. The massive reptile proceed to chomp down on his forearm from his wrist to his elbow.

Before the gator could execute a "death roll," the name for the spinning maneuver alligators use to subdue and dismember their prey, Georgitis managed to wrap his free arm and legs around its body and he attempted to stab it in the eye with a screwdriver he uses for fossil hunting. But instead, the apex predator shook him "like a rag doll" and dove to the bottom of the river, which reaches depths of about 50 feet, and pinned him down with its body weight.

As he recounted to Good Morning America, after his scuba tank ran out of air, he attempted to tear off his own arm in a desperate plea for survival. But miraculously, the gator lost its grip and he was able to break free and make it to the surface, where a friend waiting in a boat helped him out of the water.

#Alligator in Charleston grabs diver in nightmare tale of survival. Wow. It's amazing Will Georgitis lived to tell this.https://t.co/9WdAFywiUf pic.twitter.com/8sSnoEAHq1  X_Christine_X (@AnfelisaSpiorad) April 20, 2024

Even more incredibly, Georgitis suffered only one broken bone in his lower right arm, which surgeons repaired with a metal plate held in place with nine screws. He also required a "ton" of staples where his flesh had been ripped apart by the gator's teeth. All things considered, he's facing a six month recovery with the possibility of additional surgical procedures.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is planning to send a team to search for the gator. But it's unlikely they will be able to identify the exact animal that attacked Georgitis unless his screwdriver left visible wounds.

"The SCDNR has received a report of an individual receiving a non-fatal bite from an alligator while scuba diving on the Cooper River," the agency said in a statement. "Details are not available at this time, and the incident is under investigation."

Alligator attacks in South Carolina are rare, with fatalities even rarer, although at least four people have been killed in the state this decade, including a death last July. Even Georgitis admitted that he had dove in that spot 30 or 40 times in his six years of fossil hunting, but had never had an issue before now. Yet, he now wants to make other divers aware of the danger that lurks below the surface.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fertilizer spill in the City of Burlington in Des Moines County, according to a news release.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (WHO 13)

On Monday, the DNR Field Office in Washington was notified of a liquid fertilizer spill in Burlington. About 5 p.m., a truck driven by Jeff Boyer was hauling fertilizer when a 700-gallon plastic tank containing ammonium phosphate fell off near the intersection of West Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Burlington. The driver stopped, but left the scene shortly after, the release says.

Local authorities responded to the scene. Further investigation revealed an unknown amount of the fertilizer spilled onto the street and continued into a nearby storm sewer which discharges into Hawkeye Creek. DNR staff later observed fertilizer contamination at Hawkeye Creek, which flows through the City of Burlington to the Mississippi River, according to the release.

City officials are working to capture the creek flow and clean it through the Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant.

No dead fish have been observed at this time. Samples have been collected. Residents and their pets are encouraged to avoid the area.

DNR is working with the City of Burlington to address the fertilizer impact before entering the Mississippi River. Further enforcement action will be considered when appropriate, and the investigation is ongoing.

To report a release after hours, call the DNRs emergency spill line at 515-725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
SEOUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Four domestic and foreign carmakers in South Korea will voluntarily recall some 206,800 vehicles for manufacturing defects, the transport ministry said Wednesday.

Kia Corp. will recall 111,307 units of two models, including Niro HEV, for manufacturing defects in the engine power transmission control unit, 21,770 units of K9 for poor durability in the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), and 7,287 units of two models including Niro PHEV for faulty headlights, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Hyundai Motor will recall 37,059 units of Accent to fix the poor durability of the HECU.

Mercedes-Benz Korea will recall 12,629 units of 12 different models, including GLE 450 4MATIC for the poor fixation of battery components, 12,797 units of 21 models such as A 220 Sedan for an inappropriate display of fog lamp in dashboard, and 1,512 units of three models including E 300 4MATIC for defective transmission wiring.

Stellantis Korea will repair the design error of drainage structure on 2,483 units of Jeep Cherokee.

Vehicles owners can visit repair and service centers to replace the faulty parts free of charge. 
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 24-year-old man has been arrested in the murder of his ex-girlfriend in far East El Paso, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.

Gabriel Samuel Arnold, 24, was arrested and charged in the shooting death of Kimberly Alaniss Segovia, 26, according to court documents. He is being held on a $1 million bond, according to court records.

Court documents also say that Arnold admitted to a friend that he had shot the victim more than a dozen times.

Police originally responded to a shooting just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27 along the 4470 block of Rich Beem.

Woman dies after shooting at apartment complex in far East El Paso

When officers arrived, they found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Police were able to locate video of a vehicle matching the victims arriving and parking at a convenience store on Montana Avenue in East El Paso.

The video also captured the woman entering the store with a man, whom was later identified as Arnold, according to court documents. The woman was shown leaving the restroom and both her and the man then got back into her vehicle but did not fuel up. The vehicle then left the store.

Investigators were not able to locate the victims vehicle at the crime scene but did find her cell phone and processed it for fingerprints.

Investigators were then later able to track down the womans vehicle to where it had been taken, and it had suffered damage that was consistent with being involved in a shooting, according to court documents.

Investigators were able to locate video of the vehicle being dropped off and two males exiting it, according to court documents.

Investigators were later able to find the suspect (Arnold) and placed him under arrest for an unrelated criminal warrant.

During a subsequent interview with police, the suspect said the victim was his ex-girlfriend and they had lived together in Albuquerque but they had broken up.

The suspect, who had been given his Miranda rights, told police they had been together and had a verbal argument, but said the woman had dropped him off and he was never with the victim on the far Eastside of El Paso, where the murder happened.

The suspect then ended the interview by asking for an attorney, court documents said.

Police were able to use video to place the suspect and the victim together at a bar along Zaragoza earlier in the evening of the murder. Police talked to the bartender who said she could not clearly hear them talk but could tell that the suspect was upset and was yelling at the victim.

The bartender said the woman kept telling the suspect to lower his voice because he was embarrassing her, according to court documents.

Police were able to track down three men at the convenience store along Montana where the suspect and victim had been seen on video.

One of the witnesses at the convenience store told police that the suspect had asked for a ride, but the victim yelled, Dont give him a ride, hes going to rob you.

The men also told police the suspect appeared to intoxicated or high. One of the witnesses also told police that the suspect was carrying a satchel across his chest area and may have had a gun inside it.

The witnesses also said the man walked back to the car with the victim and they appeared to be arguing, with the suspect reportedly yelling, Shut the (expletive) up, according to court documents.

Police were also able to use video to track the suspects movements the night of the murder and were able to see the suspect and an unknown subject pick up the what appeared to the victims car, which was taken after the murder.

Video footage also showed the suspect and the other subject being picked up where the victims vehicle was dropped off, court documents said.

They then went to an apartment in Northeast El Paso. Other footage shows the defendant having a difficult time walking, staggering and falling to his knees, according to court documents.

Police later obtained a search warrant for the apartment that the suspect visited. The man who lived there told police that he had received a phone call from the suspect asking for his help in changing a tire or giving him a ride, court documents said.

The man who lived at the apartment also said the suspect had a pink wallet in his possession and a New Mexico drivers license of a woman, according to court documents.

The man in the apartment also told police that the suspect told him that he had shot his girlfriend 16 times and did not want to go to jail for the rest of his life, according to court documents.

On April 9, a warrant was issued for Arnolds arrest, according to a news release from police. He was arrested on Monday, April 22 without incident and booked into El Paso County Jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Lisa Pisano looks at photos of her dog after her surgeries at NYU Langone Health in New York on Monday, April 22, 2024. Doctors transplanted a pig kidney into Pisano, who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also included a fix for her failing heart. (AP Photo/Shelby Lum)

NEW YORK (AP)  Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.

Lisa Pisanos combination of heart and kidney failure left her too sick to qualify for a traditional transplant, and out of options. Then doctors at NYU Langone Health devised a novel one-two punch: Implant a mechanical pump to keep her heart beating and days later transplant a kidney from a genetically modified pig.

Pisano is recovering well, the NYU team announced Wednesday. Shes only the second patient ever to receive a pig kidney -- following a landmark transplant last month at Massachusetts General Hospital  and the latest in a string of attempts to make animal-to-human transplantation a reality.

This week, the 54-year-old grasped a walker and took her first few steps.

I was at the end of my rope, Pisano told The Associated Press. I just took a chance. And you know, worst case scenario, if it didnt work for me, it might have worked for someone else and it could have helped the next person.

Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute, recounted cheers in the operating room as the organ immediately started making urine.

Its been transformative," Montgomery said of the experiment's early results.

But "were not off the hook yet, cautioned Dr. Nader Moazami, the NYU cardiac surgeon who implanted the heart pump.

With this surgery I get to see my wife smile again, Pisano's husband Todd said Wednesday.

Other transplant experts are closely watching how the patient fares.

I have to congratulate them," said Dr. Tatsuo Kawai of Mass General, who noted that his own pig kidney patient was healthier overall going into his operation than NYU's patient. When the heart function is bad, its really difficult to do a kidney transplant.

THE PIG ORGAN QUEST

More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant waiting list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting. In hopes of filling the shortage of donated organs, several biotech companies are genetically modifying pigs so their organs are more humanlike, less likely to be destroyed by people's immune system.

NYU and other research teams have temporarily transplanted pig kidneys and hearts into brain-dead bodies, with promising results. Then the University of Maryland transplanted pig hearts into two men who were out of other options, and both died within months.

Mass Generals pig kidney transplant last month raised new hopes. Kawai said Richard Rick Slayman experienced an early rejection scare but bounced back enough to go home earlier this month and still is faring well five weeks post-transplant. A recent biopsy showed no further problems.

A COMPLEX CASE AT NYU

Pisano is the first woman to receive a pig organ  and unlike with prior xenotransplant experiments, both her heart and kidneys had failed. She went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated before the experimental surgeries. She'd gotten too weak to even play with her grandchildren. I was miserable, the Cookstown, New Jersey, woman said.

A failed heart made her ineligible for a traditional kidney transplant. But while on dialysis, she didn't qualify for a heart pump, called a left ventricular assist device or LVAD, either.

Its like being in a maze and you cant find a way out, Montgomery explained  until the surgeons decided to pair a heart pump with a pig kidney.

TWO SURGERIES IN EIGHT DAYS

With emergency permission from the Food and Drug Administration, Montgomery chose an organ from a pig genetically engineered by United Therapeutics Corp. so its cells don't produce a particular sugar thats foreign to the human body and triggers immediate organ rejection.

Plus a tweak: The donor pigs thymus gland, which trains the immune system, was attached to the donated kidney in hopes that it would help Pisano's body tolerate the new organ.

Surgeons implanted the LVAD to power Pisano's heart on April 4, and transplanted the pig kidney on April 12. There's no way to predict her long-term outcome but shes shown no sign of organ rejection so far, Montgomery said. And in adjusting the LVAD to work with her new kidney, Moazami said doctors already have learned lessons that could help future care of heart-and-kidney patients.

Special compassionate use experiments teach doctors a lot but it will take rigorous studies to prove if xenotransplants really work. What happens with Pisano and Mass General's kidney recipient will undoubtedly influence FDA's decision to allow such trials. United Therapeutics said it hopes to begin one next year.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
HELLS KITCHEN, Manhattan (PIX11)  Police are searching for a dog walker accused of slashing a man in Hells Kitchen on Monday, according to the NYPD.

A 56-year-old man was walking on West 54th Street around 1:22 p.m. when he came across a man in his 50s, who was walking a small black dog, police said. The two got into an argument, and the dog walker allegedly said Im going to cut you in half, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

The suspect then slashed the man with an unknown object in his stomach, according to authorities.

209 people detained during pro-Palestinian protest in Brooklyn: NYPD

The dog walker fled the scene going eastbound on West 54th Street toward 8th Avenue, police said.

The victim was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, according to authorities.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A bottlenose dolphin was found shot to death on a Louisiana beach last month and now authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information that aids their investigation into the incident. NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement said the dead dolphin was found on West Mae's Beach in the state's Cameron Parish with multiple bullets lodged in its brain, spinal cord and heart.

The dolphin was found on March 13 by a member of the public, who called Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline, NOAA said in a news release on Tuesday. The Audubon Aquarium Rescue took the animal to New Orleans for an animal autopsy, which concluded the dolphin died from the trauma that occurred near or at the time of death.

NOAA says "harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild dolphins is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act," and its law enforcement office is now asking the public for any information about who may have been involved in the incident. Violations of the act are punishable by up to a year in jail and up to $100,000 in fines.

A bottlenose dolphin was found shot to death on a Louisiana beach last month, and now authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information that aids their investigation into the incident. / Credit: Audubon Aquarium Rescue via NOAA

Anyone with information about the incident can call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964 and can leave tips anonymously. However, to receive the $20,000 for providing pertinent information that leads to a criminal conviction, you must leave your name and contact information.

Any other reports of injured marine animals can be sent to the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline, NOAA says.

West Mae's Beach is on Barataria Bay, the largest estuary in Louisiana, where bottlenose dolphins live year-round  but the population there is threatened, according to the Marine Mammal Commission. After the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill, the dolphin population in the bay declined by 45%, with many suffering reproductive failure and other diseases caused by exposure to the oil.

There are about 31 bay, sound and estuary  or BSE  dolphin populations in the Gulf of Mexico and the Barataria Bay population is the largest. Still, as of 2019, there are only an estimated 2,000 dolphins in the bay, according to the commission.

Another threat to the population is the the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project which is diverting water and sediment from the Mississippi River into the bay to rebuild eroding marshland. These dolphins, however, live in salt water, and the large amount of freshwater being pumped into the bay is affecting their habitat. More than 500 dolphins died within the first year of this project, according to the commission.

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A federal lawsuit filed against Dolton and Mayor Tiffany Henyard alleges a business license for a barber shop was denied due to arbitrary and capricious actions by the mayor.

Its the latest in a string of lawsuits filed in state and federal court against the village and Henyard, many of which allege retaliatory actions by the mayor and her administration aimed at those who do not support her politically or financially.

Tyrone Isom Jr. ultimately did not receive a license to open his barber shop and said he had to sell the property, after putting in thousands of dollars to remodel the building, according to his lawsuit.

The complaint alleges Henyard has a policy of approving or denying permits, such as business licenses, based on arbitrary and capricious non-village-oriented basis, but instead based upon what donations individuals give toward her campaign.

Isom said he had no avenue to appeal the license denial, and alleges he was denied due process under the U.S. Constitution.

An attorney for Isom, Gregory Kulis, said Wednesday his client works as a barber in the south suburbs and had to sell the property a little more than a month ago. Kulis said Isom racked up bills and was living on credit cards to try to open his shop.

He did everything (village officials) told him he had to do, to open the business, Kulis said.

The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, also names Keith Freeman, Doltons village administrator, as a defendant along with Carmen Carlisle, who is Henyards executive assistant, and village inspector Kim Alston.

According to the lawsuit, Isom bought property at 1031 Sibley Blvd. and met with Freeman about plans to open a barber shop. He was told by the administrator he would get the permits needed to open, according to the lawsuit.

Isom filed for a business license in November 2022.

He says at one point he was told by Carlisle that she had discussed his application for a business license with Henyard, and that the mayor did not want a barber shop.

In November 2023, Isom was told by Carlisle that he needed to fix the buildings roof, and Isom applied for a permit, according to the lawsuit.

He said the building permit for the roof work was issued that same month, but said he was later told by Alston that Henyard would not allow a barber shop and that he should consider putting another business on the property.

Isom said in the lawsuit he was told at some point by someone with the village that the mayor wanted the property for a different use.

Kulis said that Isom would like to go back there to have a business, but that his dealings with the village have soured him on the idea.

The lawsuit comes as federal agents served subpoenas Friday at Dolton Village Hall seeking records as part of an ongoing investigation into the village.

Also, trustees hired Lori Lightfoot, Chicagos former mayor, to probe alleged misspending of village funds by Henyard the trustees say resulted in a multimillion-dollar deficit for the village.

mnolan@southtownstar.com
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has fined Domtar $64,650 for violating its water discharge permit multiple times in the months following startup of its new Kingsport recycled packaging facility.

The company, which also must pay $13,024.10 in damages, can avoid paying nearly $52,000 of the penalty if it submits an acceptable corrective action plan and meets milestones designed to ensure compliance.

A local water quality expert called the process leading to the fines, and what he said appears to be Domtars full cooperation and efforts to remedy the situation, an example of the regulatory process work(ing) the way it was supposed to.

TDECs order and fine assessment, dated April 8, notes that TDEC staff began investigating multiple complaints of a white slime in the stream from outfalls into the South Fork Holston River as early as March 31, 2023. Domtar began operating its new plant Jan. 15, 2023 after a nearly three-year shutdown and construction of the new operation on the site of a former paper plant.

A white substance found downstream from a Domtar outfall and wrapped around algae. (TDEC)

TDEC staff observed the white substance covering the river substrate (riverbed rock) and floating in the water downstream from one of the nine approved outfalls where treated water leaves Domtar.

Testing showed that biochemical oxygen demand levels exceeded permit effluent levels in February and March, 2023. East Tennessee State University biology professor Joe Bidwell told News Channel 11 that measure is an important one for health of aquatic species.

Problems start to arise when that effluent gets out into the river, and if the oxygen demand is too high, then we start getting competition for oxygen with other organisms like fish and other inverts that could cause problems, Bidwell said.

He said the Domtar treatment system, which uses a holding lagoon, appears to use settlement of particulate matter as well as bacteria and microorganisms that are there to feed on the organic matter to get that out of the water before it goes out to the river.

By May and June 2023, TDEC was finding bacteria downstream of the outfall that werent present upstream.

If that colony of bacteria proliferates too much, it starts to cover the substrate and competes for space with other organisms and really affects the micro environment where stream insects and other types of organisms live, Bidwell said.

Some issues were reported in September and October 2023, and Domtar also got a letter from TDEC about foam from its treatment lagoon blowing onto ballfields in Domtar Park in early March of this year.

However, the TDEC order also notes that Domtars monthly status updates from September 2023 through January 2024 show biochemical oxygen demand values below the permitted limit.

Each letter also summarized ongoing actions to correct previously noted violations of BOD and solids effluent limits, the order concludes.

Bidwell said any impacts on resident organisms were probably mitigated by the type of water the effluent was entering. The fact that its a flowing system certainly helps because water is constantly flushing through, Bidwell said.

He also said his review of the case left him with the sense that Domtar was struggling with a major startup of a new process and working as diligently as it could to comply with environmental regulations.

I believe the company acted in good faith and in reporting issues they were having and the state did the right thing by investigating, Bidwell said.

Because there were violations, fines were levied, but the company has worked to improve the situation, and I think the latest data that have come out have indicated that the criteria for the effluent are back where they should be.

News Channel 11 has reached out to Domtar for a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
This morning Londoners from St James to Limehouse have witnessed shocking scenes as the Household Cavalrys majestic horses ran through the streets of central London, wounded and riderless. Among them was the immensely strong yet calm Irish Draught breed.

Undoubtedly questions will be asked of the Household Cavalry as to how this occurred, and about the necessary risk assessments put in place to mitigate against any harm to the animals and to the public when carrying out training. But what must be avoided is this isolated and rare incident being used as an argument for ending the use of working animals in the Armed Forces.

Indeed, within moments of the story breaking, social media was awash with the usual voices condemning the barbaric use of working animals, and how this is supposedly a throwback to Empire that is now clearly outdated.

In fact nothing could be further from the truth. Habitual cultural apologists on the Left might love nothing more than to see further erosion of the tradition and grandeur the British military is well known and respected for around the globe: but the Household Cavalrys use of working horses plays an important part in state functions and ceremonies, not to mention the immense tourist boost it brings to the UK economy.

Formed from the esteemed Life Guards and Blues and Royals regiments of the British Army, the Household Cavalry represents the epitome of military tradition and honour, and a Household Cavalry horse is not your average horse. Carefully selected and trained, these equine allies embody the strength, grace, and discipline needed for their military duties.

Just as professional athletes are chosen to represent their country, so are these noble steeds. Apart from their physical attributes, these horses need to have an even temperament and trainability to perform their tasks.

As such they undergo rigorous training conducted by experienced grooms and handlers, ensuring their physical performance is up to speed, and their nutritional and veterinary needs are met to the highest standards  resulting in healthy and happy horses. So far from being a cause for animal rights concern, these are some of the best looked after horses in existence.

In an ever-growing war on our culture and heritage, we must resist the inevitable calls to end the centuries old tradition of working horses in the British Army.

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.
We dont seem to be getting anywhere: Legislators grill DOC officials over inmate education

The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan)

Lawmakers expressed concern to top brass at the Montana Department of Corrections this week over an audit showing limited educational offerings in the states correctional facilities.

I was pretty disappointed when I read the report because we have been going through a lot of these issues for at least three-and-a-half years, said Rep. Fiona Nave, R-Columbus. Theres been a lot of reorganization  but Im not getting results.

The report said education and work program opportunities at Montanas prisons are limited, featuring long waitlists and inconsistently relevant programs. Auditors also found inmates opportunities to access programs were not equitable between private and public facilities.

At a legislative committee meeting Tuesday, DOC Director Brian Gootkin said COVID-19 impacted how the facilities managed education, and that the department is already working to get offerings back on track. But legislators say they want to see concrete evidence of these improvements and asked the department to return in six months to provide data on how things have changed.

The legislative audit division surveyed 2,380 inmates, with 48% responding, from four adult prisons across the state in Shelby, Deer Lodge, Billings and Glendive.

The report found educational offerings did not meet demand, with more than 75% of inmates saying they did not participate in education for more than a day, and a majority said classes did not prepare them for a career after release. Nearly 80% of inmates said they never met with staff to discuss their education or career goals.

Auditors found the departments data on participation was incomplete and inaccurate, and private facilities, Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby and Dawson County Correctional Facility in Glendive, did not consistently report education participation to the department.

The report gave DOC four recommendations of things to work on:

The department should identify information needs, develop roles and procedures and develop a method to track and maintain data with the implementation of the departments new management information system. The department should assess new programs, evaluate existing programs on an ongoing basis and complete biennial plans to coordinate and identify necessary resources to expand educational and industry opportunities across facilities. The department should integrate education and career counseling into case management, develop a partnership with DLI to provide inmate reentry services, and design and provide targeted reentry education and services to inmates exiting the system. The department should enforce education and job-related contract provisions, monitor program quality and adherence to industry standards and establish a process to identify and review programs for contracted facilities.

Gootkin said the audit was conducted smack dab in the middle of Covid.

The audit examined DOC practices from 2020 to 2022.

Not only was the world shut down, but so was our prison as far as any additional educational programs, Gootkin said. We were just doing basic operational functions.

Gootkin said the department was aware of and working towards changing most of what was cited in the report and spoke to changes the department has already made, like the new Offender Management System offering new data collection capabilities.

The director said the department is planning to get one-to-one tablets to be used for educational instruction in the new building under construction in Deer Lodge. He said technology sharing with contracted facilities might also be under consideration to bridge the education opportunity gap with the states partners.

The contracted facilities in the state were fined to the tune of $379,000 by the DOC for non-compliance, according to the departments Chief Financial Officer Natalie Smitham, but how the department plans to use that money is still to be determined.

Fines dont fix anything, you know, people fix it, Gootkin said. So what we want to do is sit down and visit with (contracted facilities) and come up with some solutions instead of money.

Nave asked if the department had someone on staff who was knowledgeable about the contracts who could facilitate accountability. Gootkin said the department didnt adequately train for that position.

We just failed, he said.

But now the department has a better training matrix with subject matter experts on the contract monitoring process, which has been up and running for several months.

Scott Eychner, head of Rehabilitation and Programs, said the department had also paused doing case plans for inmates during Covid as a result of being short staffed, meaning no one was sitting down with inmates and asking what their goals and interests were. He said the department is starting to do that again but is currently in flux.

He said when Gootkin took over, data had been siloed in different spreadsheets for different departments but things are starting to get streamlined.

Weve consolidated case management into a single group under a single boss across the enterprise so that we can apply consistent processes and standards, we can track what were doing, we understand where things are, Eychner said. Were in the process of beginning to see results.

Sen. Chris Friedel, R-Billings, asked about how the department was planning on training inmates to meet market labor demands.

Gootkin said hes working with the University of Montana to study what the market needs, but inmates also need a basic education and have to work towards passing the HiSET (High School Equivalency) exam. He said earlier in the meeting inmates on average have a 4th grade education.

Nave said she was understanding that educating inmates may present unique challenges but was nonetheless disappointed to see that we dont seem to be getting anywhere.

Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, requested the department come back in six months and give proof about how things have improved since the audit.

I think were all concerned about this audit, were concerned for the citizens of Montana, as I believe you are, Ellsworth said.

We want to see something actionable.

The post We dont seem to be getting anywhere: Legislators grill DOC officials over inmate education appeared first on Daily Montanan.
You Dont Want to Know How Its Going Between Trumps Lawyers and the Judge Presiding Over His Criminal Case

Read our ongoing coverage of Donald Trumps first criminal trial here.

Its only the second full day of Donald Trumps criminal trial in New York and Justice Juan Merchan already appeared ready to hold the former president in violation of a pretrial gag order and to fine him up to $10,000 for contempt of court. As of Tuesday afternoon, the judge had yet to rule, but following Tuesdays brutal hearing for the defense, it seemed only a matter of time. Merchan, seemingly very unhappy with Trumps defense team, is ready to lay down sanctions to try to restore some order.

Whats this particular side show all about? Prosecutors say that on the eve of the trial (two weeks ago, before jury selection began), Trump sent out three Truth Social posts in violation of the gag order, which bars the former president from posting about jurors or from posting about witnesses in a way that could reasonably be expected to result in threats against them. He sent six additional posts on Truth Social and his campaign site targeting witnessesand one targeting jurorswhile proceedings were already underway last week. District Attorney Alvin Braggs office asked for a fine of $1,000 per violation, and Merchan appeared all too ready to accede to the request, though he held off on Tuesday, apparently to write a formal opinion. Prosecutors also want Trump to be warned that incarceration is an option should it be necessary.

We are not yet seeking an incarceratory penalty, prosecutor Christopher Conroy said in court on Tuesday morning, before acknowledging that the defendant seems to be angling for that.

As ever with Donald Trump, the former president knows how to put on a show, which is presumably why he might like to be jailed during this trialwhat else could further rile up his base?

Back in the actual courtroom, Trumps team seemed totally unprepared to defend any of his postings at the hearing, even though it had been scheduled a full week ago. Maybe they too want their client to end up in jailTrumps infamous lack of self-restraint seems like a road toward more of these kinds of posts and even a Manhattan jail cell.

While presenting the violations, Conroy, from the district attorneys office, also alleged that Trump violated the order again as recently as Monday while speaking to hall reporters just outside the courtroomhe criticized Michael Cohen following the defenses opening argument.

The defendant violated the order again on camera. He did it right here in the hallway outside, Conroy argued.

The defenses principal defense of Trumps posts was that the gag order carved out an exception for Trump to respond to political attacks, which is all Trump did, they say, when he targeted witnesses Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen.

For the prosecution, Conroy did not agree that Trump was merely responding to political criticisms. Im not sure how there could be a straight-faced argument that Trumps posts werent related to the trial, he said.

Merchan appeared to agree with the prosecution on this point, responding to Todd Blanche with both bemusement and agitation as Trumps attorney repeatedly interrupted the judge and failed to respond to his direct questions.

Things started badly for Blanche and never got any better. He tried to defend Trumps decision to quote former Daniels attorney Michael Avenatti, arguing that Trump was merely responding to a Cohen suggestion that Avenatti wants a pardon from Trump during a second term, should he win the election. (Avenatti is currently serving 19 years in prison for extortion and stealing from clients.)

Your position was that what makes this political is the reference to being pardoned? asked Merchan, already exasperated. When Blanche persisted in this line of reasoning, Merchan continued: The use of the word pardon is sufficient to allow your client to violate a gag order? Blanche failed to directly answer.

Merchan also tried to pin down Blanche on the specific timing of Trumps Truth Social posts. At one point Merchan noted that one post came almost immediately after Merchans gag order was upheld, and asked whether this was a coincidence.

The timing is just the timing, Blanche said, unresponsively. President Trump Truths repeatedly all day, virtually seven days a week.

The use of Truth as a verb aside, this is as accurate as it is becoming legally problematic for the former president. But it won him no points with the judge.

Blanches most credible moments came, ironically, when he conceded that his client had lied in one of these posts. This happened when Blanche was answering questions about a Trump post that claimed he had just found a statement by Daniels denying the sexual affair at the center of the case.

This was six years ago, the judge noted of the Daniels statement in question. It says look at what was just found,  Merchan continued. Was it just found?

No, Blanche responded.

So, thats not true? the judge continued.

Thats not true, Blanche said.

It continued like this, resulting in a few situations in which it sounded like Trumps lawyer and the judge in the case were simply bickering.

Thats absolutely not what Im saying, Blanche said at one point.

No, it is what youre saying, Merchan retorted.

Another example of a back-and-forth: You didnt answer me, Merchan told Blanche. I did answer you, Blanche countered. During one interruption, Merchan cut Blanche off. Im asking the questions, the judge said.

At a certain point, Merchan noted that Blanches entire argumentspecifically that Trump believed in good faith that he was not violating the gag order when he made these postswas moot because Trump himself has not testified to that effect. You want me to accept it just because youre saying it? Merchan asked Blanche.

Youre asking to put President Trump on the stand? Blanche responded.

This was precisely Merchans point: Blanche had nothing, not even Trumps own assurance, to back up his claims.

After a good 30-plus minutes of this, Merchan said that they had to move the day on to witness testimony and ended arguments.

Trumps lack of credibility and his unwillingness to take the stand were at the center of the entire contempt proceeding. It placed an enormous burden on his attorneyand Blanche did not handle that pressure well. Some observers left saying they actually felt pity for Trumps counsel.

The inherent absurd comedy of these exchanges aside, this is serious stuff. The most egregious Trump post was something the former president put on Truth Social last week after the first two days of jury selection. In it, he went after jurors, which is just about the biggest no-no in the U.S. court system, even if you dont have millions of rabid fans, some of whom have already demonstrated their willingness to commit crimes at your behest.

The concerns about witness intimidation are very real. Multiple jurors backed out at the last possible moment prior to being seated, and one even did so after being seated. Another juror tried to back out on Monday and was apparently convinced to stay on. Each of the past two days Ive been in the court, jurors have tended to stare straight ahead without looking at Trump, even though they enter and exit the courtroom by walking right by him. How could they not be intimidated by a man who holds the loudest platform in the country and is willing to use it?

We may soon find out if anythingeven the threat of jailcan shut Donald Trump up.
While most of the country was riveted by recaps of Donald Trump's sordid hush-money trial on Tuesday, something amazing was happening in Washington: the Senate debated and then passed the national security package that's been consuming the Capitol for the last six months. With a lopsided vote of 79-18, the bills with aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan among some other things will soon be signed by the president and behind us. Notably, there is no increased funding for the border because Donald Trump ordered the Republicans to reject it so that he could keep demagoguing the issue during the campaign. Nevertheless, Tuesday's vote is a big win for President Joe Biden and the Democrats.

The GOP infighting has escalated in the wake of the House's months-long tantrum led by the far-right extremists who seemed to truly believe that they could hold their breath until they turned blue and they would eventually get everything they wanted. Leading MAGA rebel Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., left town without calling for Speaker Mike Johnson to vacate the chair, demanding instead that he resign, which isn't going to happen. Podcaster Steve Bannon and a couple of fellow right-wing sad sacks  Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Paul Gosar, R-Az.  joined the call but it's clear that however frustrated some of them might be there is no appetite in the House GOP for any more internecine fights, at least for the moment. And the rest of the party is obviously sick of the kooks.

GOP Sen. Tom Tillis of North Carolina pulled no punches talking about Greene's malign influence, calling her "uninformed" and "a terrible leader" and complaining that she's "dragging our brand down."

Senator Thom Tillis on Marjorie Taylor Greene: I think shes uninformed, she is a total waste of time. She is a horrible leader. She is dragging our brand down pic.twitter.com/CoUAoWO5gK  Acyn (@Acyn) April 23, 2024

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas probably speaks for many in his party who are too cowardly to say it as plainly as he did when he called the wild extremists in the GOP "scumbags."

GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales: I serve with some real scumbags. Matt Gaetz, he paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties.

pic.twitter.com/Z50B6lfgKs  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 21, 2024

They all might want to take a look at the big orange guy who's actually pulling the strings but he's even turning his back on Greene and continuing to support Johnson, recently telling a radio host:

Look, we have a majority of one, OK? It's not like he can go and do whatever he wants to do. I think he's a very good person. You know, he stood very strongly with me on NATO.

It was a bit low energy but it's pretty clear that Trump not going to back any play to oust Speaker Johnson so Greene is sidelined, at least for now.

It's been a bad run for Trump and for Greene these past few weeks. But you know who's having a great run? President Joe Biden. His poll numbers are edging up but the general election still looks incomprehensibly tight considering how much policy success the president has had with a Congress that is so dysfunctional. Somehow he and the Democrats have made it work for them.

I think we're all familiar with Biden's big legislative wins in the first two years: the American Rescue Plan, which set the table for a very positive economic recovery, a big infrastructure bill that is just now coming online all over the country, the first major gun safety bill in decades, capping prescription drug costs for seniors and much more. And it was all done with razor-thin majorities in both chambers. Most pieces of legislation passed with bipartisan votes despite what is arguably the most toxic political environment since the 1850s. It was a remarkable feat but I think most observers assumed that it was going to be the end of it when Republicans managed to eke out a tiny victory and flip control of the House in 2022. How could anything get done with Donald Trump pulling the strings and crazed right-wing extremists dominating the caucus?

House Republicans had their fun with the Hunter Biden farce and the various "investigations" into the so-called Biden Crime family which have gone nowhere. And immigration has been a genuinely vexing problem that the GOP has exploited as they always do. But as it turns out, while the House Republicans ran around in circles causing chaos on a weekly basis, the important sausage kept getting made. And despite all the drama, the Biden White House ended up getting most of what it wanted without having to give up much of anything in return, at least in part because the Republicans wouldn't take yes for an answer when concessions were offered.

The biggest achievement was avoiding a costly debt limit/government shutdown and I wouldn't have bet that would happen. But former speaker Kevin McCarthy and the White House negotiated a spending deal that served as the excuse to take down McCarthy. (As it turns out it was really about McCarthy refusing to stop an ethics investigation into Florida gadfly Matt Gaetz, but that's another story.) McCarthy's successor Mike Johnson kept the spending agreement in place and fought off another attempt to shut down the government. Just this past month, House Republicans passed the FISA extension backed by the White House and now the big national security package: the ugliest sausage-making extravaganza ever.

It's been such pandemonium that it was hard to see exactly what was happening but now that the smoke is clearing it's obvious that the writing was on the wall when McCarthy gave so many concessions to the crazies during that bizarre speakers' race at the beginning of the term. Handing the keys to that faction was a major mistake because those people are maximalists for whom politics is all or nothing and they can't accept that having a tiny majority in one house of Congress makes that impossible.

In the end, it took the House Democrats being unprecedentedly united, despite some very real tensions within their own coalition, and a willingness for some moderate Republicans to finally stand their ground despite dilly-dallying around for months. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., kept his majority together without the centrist divas causing any trouble for once. Not only that, Senate Republicans who haven't completely gone insane refused to follow the House model and came through on the important issues as well. But there's no doubt that it took a very steady hand in the White House to stay the course and keep working the legislative levers to get the job done. It wasn't pretty but under the circumstances, the achievements are very big wins at little cost. Meanwhile, the Republicans are reeling with internal strife while their leader sits fuming in a courtroom daily.
HEFEI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese sturgeon was found in a tributary of the Yangtze River in Ma'anshan City, east China's Anhui Province, on Sunday.

Residents found the rare fish trapped in a filtering pond along the Yunliang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, on Sunday morning and reported it to local authorities. The species measures 50 cm long and weighs about 10 kg. Its body is grayish brown, the abdomen is grayish white, and its body is spindle-shaped.

Experts from the city's agriculture and rural affairs bureau identified this species as the Chinese sturgeon, a national first-level key protected wild animal, and the fish is in good health.

Then, it was released into the river.

Xia Dejun, an official with the city's agriculture and rural affairs bureau, said, "This is the first time that a wild Chinese sturgeon has been found in the Ma'anshan section of the Yangtze River since the implementation of the 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River Basin. This also shows that the habitat of aquatic organisms in this section of the Yangtze River has been further improved." 
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Authorities say a former police officer wanted for kidnapping his son after allegedly killing two people in Washington state shot and killed himself after a police chase ended on Interstate 5 north of Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday afternoon, Oregon State Police said in a press conference Tuesday evening.

The 1-year-old boy is safe in police custody. The entire press conference can be seen in the video player above.

Amber Alert: Murder, kidnapping suspect spotted at Plaid Pantry in North Portland

The multi-state manhunt started Monday afternoon when police say Elias Huizar, a former Yakima police officer who was also a school resource officer and a substitute teacher, fled the scene of a shooting at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Washington, where his ex-wife, Amber Marie Rodriguez, was gunned down. Police say Huizar fled the state with his 1-year-old son Roman.

The body of another female was found dead in Huizars home, according to Seattle CBS affiliate KIRO. She was the mother of the 1-year-old boy.

Rodriguez leaves behind two children, ages 9 and 6. A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family.

The search for Amber Alert suspect Elias Huizar ended along I-5 toward Eugene when the suspect shot himself, April 23, 2024 (KOIN)

While KOIN 6 is not disclosing the identity of the second victim in this story due to her age, a GoFundMe has also been created for her.

An Amber Alert was issued late Monday evening as a result of the initial incident. Overnight Tuesday, Huizar was spotted stopping at a Plaid Pantry on Hayden Island in Portland, according to authorities and Plaid Pantrys CEO. Multnomah County deputies also confirmed to KOIN 6 News they went to Bridal Veil to investigate a vehicle that potentially matched the description of Huizars sedan.

A 1-year-old boy is rescued from a car after his father, Elias Huizar, killed himself after exchanging gunfire with Oregon State Police troopers on southbound I-5 near Eugene, April 23, 2024 (Sarah Baker/Lindsay Burch)

Oregon State Police confirmed to KOIN 6 News a pursuit has concluded, but West Richland police announced on Facebook that OSP found Huizar around 3 p.m. in a vehicle going southbound on Interstate 5 and started to chase him.

Near milepost 209, there was a minor collision and the suspect vehicle lost control. An exchange of gunfire occurred prior to the vehicle fleeing again southbound. No known injuries occurred as a result of the gunfire, OSP officer Kyle Kennedy said in a press conference Tuesday night. Near milepost 197, the suspect crashed into a stopped CMV and stopped in the median. As troopers contacted the suspect vehicle, he was deceased of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The infant was located uninjured and removed from the vehicle.

West Richland police say theyll have another press conference on Wednesday morning.

Watch the entire OSP press conference below:

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
WASHINGTON  Second gentleman Doug Emhoff will represent the Biden administration at a memorial Thursday for the seven humanitarian aid workers with World Central Kitchen who were killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza this month.

The American charity, run by celebrity chef Jose Andres, is set to host an interfaith service at Washington National Cathedral to honor our heroes, the group said in a release.

Curtis Ried, chief of staff and executive secretary of the White House National Security Council, is also expected to attend.

President Joe Biden will be traveling to Syracuse, New York, for an economic event Thursday and cannot attend, though he will send a letter to be read aloud, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to Andres to extend their condolences after the aid workers were killed April 1.

One of the seven employees, Jacob Flickinger, was a dual American and Canadian citizen. Others were from Britain, Australia and Poland, along with a Palestinian driver. Biden said he was outraged by their deaths.

The Israel Defense Forces released a preliminary investigation into how the military targeted humanitarian workers, calling it a grave mistake. The inquiry found that the incident should not have occurred and said those who approved the strike were convinced that they were targeting armed Hamas operatives and not WCK employees.

The White House has yet to offer an assessment of that report and says it is still reviewing the findings, according to a U.S. official.

WCK has called for an independent investigation.

Before the strike, WCK was poised to be a key partner in helping provide and distribute aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, many of whom face imminent famine, according to experts. Since the aid workers were killed, the humanitarian group has withdrawn all of its operations from Gaza and has not said when it might resume them.

The memorial service Thursday will include a performance by the famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and several faith leaders will speak.

Emhoff partnered with Andres to host an event at the White House in February focused on eradicating hunger and promoting healthy eating nationwide.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The headquarters of the Douglas County Republican Party in west Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA  Newly elected leaders of the now-populist Douglas County Republican Party brushed aside questions about the legitimacy of hosting its April meeting Tuesday without the approval of its chairman and flipped the partys federal endorsements.

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., thanks about 50 elected Republicans for supporting his reelection campaign. He announced their support Monday at Memorial Park in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Until this week, Douglas County had been the lone county GOP in the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District to endorse Nebraskas Republican incumbents in the House and Senate, including Rep. Don Bacon and Sens. Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer.

Members of the groups central committee who attended Tuesdays meeting voted to withdraw endorsements of Bacon and Ricketts and voted by voice without an audible objection to endorse their opponents in the primary, Dan Frei and John Glen Weaver. Fischer kept her endorsement.

State GOP Chairman Eric Underwood and national committeewoman Fanchon Blythe basked in victory over a county party they and local organizers worked to change. Blythe said she helped register 100 delegates for the county convention.

For nearly two years since populists took over the state party, the Douglas County GOP fought to preserve a place within a more traditional party structure for the moderate Republicans who have won races in the more politically divided 2nd District.

Im proud of what youve done, Underwood said of the takeover. But there are next steps. More and more people are coming to this party because of the stability that youre bringing.

Censure vote rare

The group also censured Bacon. The Douglas County GOP last rebuked a member of the congressional delegation  then-U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse  in 2021.

That Sasse censure vote fell short of passage when an organized group left the room, so it passed as a separate sense of the group, or rebuke.

Nebraska 2nd District U.S. House candidate Dan Frei seeks the endorsement of the new leadership committee of the Douglas County GOP on Tuesday. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

The 2nd District primary winner will face Democratic State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, who lost to Bacon in 2022 by three percentage points.

State and local populists have faced pushback from current and former county party leaders who preferred a big-tent party and those who back Bacon and Ricketts. Both incumbents hold sizable leads in primary polling and are likely to win.

One Republican, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed concerns that an active and engaged local GOP chapter had turned against itself. He said new party leaders are the dog who caught the car. Now what are they going to do with it?

Bacon weighs in

Neither the Bacon nor Ricketts campaigns had any immediate comment on Tuesday. Both previously criticized some of the actions of the state party in pushing to flip local parties in a new direction, including in Sarpy County and more recently in Saunders County.

Bacon told KFABs Scott Voorhees on Wednesday that toxic divisions in the state and county GOPs will hurt the party in races and ways people wont see until its too late. He said the populists represent maybe 20% of the views of GOP voters.

My point is the party has gone off the rails, Bacon said. I think the party will have to ask themselves why they are not representing the vast majority of Republicans.

Bacon announced more than 100 endorsements Monday from state and local Republican elected officials, many of whom said the party should be unifying around the GOP candidate who can win a general election in the Omaha area.

Douglas County Republican Party chairman Chris Routhe, at left, speaks to campaign volunteer Andy Allen during the partys day of action for down-ballot candidates on Tuesday. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Ricketts, long a top donor for the state GOP, has stopped giving to the party since the new leaders ousted a team in 2022 that was loyal to him. None of Nebraskas all-GOP congressional delegation sought the state party endorsement this year.

Douglas GOP Chairman Chris Routhe, reached on a day of action he organized Tuesday for local down-ballot Republicans, said he did not call the county GOP meeting, as required by the county party constitution. He called the gathering unsanctioned.

Routhe said late last week that he was waiting until after the primary election to hold the partys next meeting, following the county party convention. His critics said he tried to cancel a long-planned meeting that included a reserved room at a hotel.

While I and many others were out knocking on doors for  candidates across Douglas County, two NEGOP state party leaders organized an unconstitutional meeting, Routhe said. Therefore the results of tonights unofficial meeting are null and void.

MAGA patriots

Those assertions mattered little in a Marriott Regency ballroom packed with people who called themselves MAGA patriots loyal to former President Donald Trump. Nor did they worry Mike Moran, the chair of the county GOPs constitutional committee.

Moran argued that 85 of the county partys 115 central committee members were present and that the partys constitution allows them to call a meeting on their own. He said Routhe lacked the authority to independently cancel a regular meeting.

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., speaks to supporters during his campaign kickoff event Aug. 23, 2023, in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

We govern, not the chairman, Moran said. The decision of whether we are going to have this meeting lies with this group.

The group elected former Douglas County GOP chair Jon Tucker to chair the meeting. Tucker and interim 2nd District chair Scott Petersen spoke at the meeting, evoking their similar roles in organizing a county party leadership change in 2012.

Weaver told the group, I came to this body before, and I was denied, so Im persistent. I knew when the vessel-less cowards that are controlled by Pete Ricketts did not endorse me, I knew they were cowards.

Doing enough for Trump?

Weaver and other speakers complained that Nebraskas congressional delegation wasnt doing enough to support Trump. Weaver said if he were in the Senate today, hed be in New York City, going after the judges and crooked judicial systems that weve got there.

Nebraska U.S. Senate candidate John Glen Weaver is running against U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

Trump is on trial in New York on 34 felony counts, accused of conspiring with a tabloid publisher to conceal hush money paid to a porn star with whom Trump allegedly had an extramarital affair. Prosecutors allege he wanted to avoid a potentially negative campaign story during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Frei also was endorsed Tuesday by the Saunders County GOP, which changed leadership recently as well. The previous leaders had not endorsed in the 2nd District House race.

Frei, speaking at the Marriott, criticized Bacons support for aid to Ukraine, saying he would never tell you one thing on the campaign trail and do something different in Washington.

Several of those in attendance asked whether the county party could stop airing and sending radio advertisements and mailers proclaiming the county GOPs endorsements of Bacon, Ricketts and Fischer, but were told they might be too late to stop.

The effort to remove Bacons endorsement received 76 votes, Tucker told the county party crowd. The push to rescind the Ricketts endorsement received 63 votes, after a handful of people left the meeting.

Underwood said the time for transactional politics was done. He said it was time to find people that you want to validate.

Politically, this is changing our mindset, he said.

Andy Allen, a Douglas County GOP volunteer who participated in Routhes call for helping local candidates, said he thinks Republicans pushing to flip the endorsements should have sought them when the incumbents did. Weaver and others said they tried.

Allen said both sets of candidates could have been endorsed. He said party members need to remember that Douglas County is diverse and requires appealing to more than just the support of people who are my way or the highway.

Sometimes you have to be willing to listen, he said. Weve got some people that dont seem to understand that listening is an important part.

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The post Douglas County GOP central committee flips endorsements to Dan Frei and John Glen Weaver appeared first on Nebraska Examiner.
Driver in critical condition after I-93 crash in Londonderry, New Hampshire

A New Hampshire man suffered life-threatening injuries during a serious crash on Interstate 93 on Tuesday night, state police said.

Justin Landry, 25, of Manchester, was driving a 2006 Infiniti G35 when it crashed on I-93 southbound in Londonderry shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday night, state police said.

A preliminary investigation found that Landry was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the Infiniti, state police said. The vehicle traveled across all four lanes of the highway and down an embankment, where it collided with multiple trees.

Landry, the sole occupant of the Infiniti, was trapped within the vehicle.

For approximately 90 minutes, emergency personnel from the Londonderry Fire Department worked to extricate Landry, state police said. Landry was flown to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The southbound lanes of I-93 were closed for approximately one hour to accommodate the landing and takeoff of the medical helicopter.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has further information is asked to contact Trooper Madelynn Davis at Madelynn.M.Davis@dos.nh.gov or call State Police dispatch at 603-223-4381.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The mother of two children killed in a car crash in Michigan is suing the driver and the tavern she says served the driver drinks before the crash.

On April 20, Marshella Chidester crashed her vehicle into a boat club where a birthday party was taking place, according to a lawsuit obtained by WDIV. The lawsuit said she had been drinking at Vernas Tavern Inc. in Berlin Township before the crash.

The crash resulted in two children being killed, 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her brother, 5-year-old Zayn Phillips, the outlet reported.

The siblings mother, Mariah Dodds, and her other son were also injured in the crash, according to the lawsuit.

Can you imagine anything worse than that as a human being, as a parent? Jon Marko, one of Dodds attorneys, told the Detroit Free Press.

Bill Colovos, Chidesters attorney, told the news outlet Chidester only had one glass of wine, and she suffered seizures in her legs.

McClatchy News reached out to Colovos for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Dodds is also suing Vernas Tavern. The court document said the tavern was responsible for serving alcohol to Chidester while she was visibly intoxicated and should have stopped serving her, removed her from the bar and helped her find alternate transportation.

The lawsuit said as a result of Chidesters and the taverns negligence, Dodds family relationship has been destroyed.

McClatchy News reached out to Vernas Tavern Inc. but was unable to reach anyone.

According to WDIV, 10 people were injured from the crash, several of whom were listed in serious condition.

Dodds and her son were listed in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family.

Chidester is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and four counts of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injuries, the Detroit Free Press reported.

I had to be the one to tell my sister her babies were gone when they removed her ventilator yesterday. She said: How am I supposed to live without my babies? Dobbs sister Raquel Smouthers said in court, the outlet reported.

The lawsuit is asking for compensatory damages in excess of $25,000.

10-year-old driving recklessly in stolen family car crashes into pond, Indiana cops say

Single dad dies in hit-and-run, leaving 8-year-old girl without parents, loved ones say

Driver trapped under hood of truck after plunging down hill in Colorado, police say
Driver sleeping behind wheel bursts into song when deputy wakes him, Florida cops say

A motorist found unconscious behind the wheel of his idling vehicle burst into song when a deputy knocked on the window, Florida investigators say.

Exactly what he was singing isnt clear in Deputy Jesse Browns body cam video, but the odd encounter ended with the man under arrest, the Marion County Sheriffs Office said in a news release.

It happened just 2 a.m. Monday, April 22, near Belleview, when deputies found a vehicle stopped in a turn lane on S.E. Baseline Avenue, officials said. Belleview is about a 65-mile drive northwest of Orlando.

Brown knocked on the window more than two dozen times before getting a reaction, video shows.

The driver ... was passed out behind the wheel and unresponsive, the sheriffs office reports. When he finally woke up, he began to sing along to the radio and appeared to be obviously impaired.

The 35-year-old man told deputies he believed his vehicle was on the shoulder of the road. However, deputies pointed out it was actually in a turn lane.

When asked how much he had to drink, the driver responded: Not enough, the video shows.

The suspect, who lives in Ocala, refused to do a field sobriety test, and was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to testing for driving under the influence, jail records show. Bond was set at $3,000.

20-year-old clocked at 199 mph in dads Camaro with camera in window, Florida cops say

Chaos erupts as unlicensed driver gives lesson to intoxicated man, Florida cops say

Speeding driver was recording himself standing through cars sunroof, Florida cops say
Drone attack allegedly causes fire at energy facility in Russia's Smolensk Oblast

Editor's note: The article was updated with the alleged footage of the targeted facility.

Fires broke out at energy and fuel facilities in Russia's Smolensk Oblast following a Ukrainian drone attack, Smolensk Oblast Governor Vasily Anokhin claimed on April 24.

A drone attack reportedly caused fires at facilities in the region's Smolensk and Yartsevskyi districts in the early hours of April 24.

Footage of what is purported to be a burning oil terminal in Yartsevo, Smolensk Oblast, began circulating on social media.

No casualties were reported.

The Kyiv Independent has reached out to Ukrainian officials for comment but has not immediately received a response.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry. A large-scale attack against Russian energy infrastructure on April 20 reportedly started a fire at a fuel storage tank in Smolensk Oblast.

Strikes against Russian energy targets have prompted criticism from U.S. officials, who have made it clear the Washington does not support Ukraine's attacks on oil refineries, citing fears that it could threaten the global energy market.

In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv has the right to use its own weapons with retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian forces use chemical weapons to storm Ocheretyne

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A fertilizer spill in Burlington on Monday gave a greenish color to Hawkeye Creek. (Photo courtesy of Iowa DNR)

A man whose large fertilizer tank ruptured while he was driving in Burlington this week did not report the spill, drove away from it and initially refused to help clean a creek it contaminated, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Jeff Boyer, 65, of rural Oakville, was driving a truck and trailer near Burlington Notre Dame High School about 4:45 p.m. on Monday when a tank he was hauling shifted, broke open and released up to 700 gallons of ammonium phosphate, the DNR said.

Boyer stopped briefly after noticing the spill and then left, according to DNR. He could not be reached to comment for this article.

The spill covered a stretch of roadway of more than 1,000 feet, and an unknown amount of the fertilizer went into a stormwater sewer that flows to Hawkeye Creek, said Robert Berndt, fire marshal for the Burlington Fire Department.

The department was the first to respond to the incident, which was reported by another driver who had been following Boyer when it happened. Firefighters used about 3,000 pounds of absorbent material to clean the spill and to stop more of the fertilizer from going into the creek.

The creek contamination did not cause an apparent fish kill, said Anthony Kerker, an environmental specialist for the DNR, but it discolored the creek up to about a mile away from the spill site.

Boyer pretty much refused to remedy the problem as required by state rules, which might have included pumping contaminated water out of the creek bed, Kerker said.

The city eventually decided to flush the creek on Wednesday with about 200,000 gallons of water from a hydrant to dilute the contamination, Kerker said. The creek flows into the Mississippi River.

City staff have been monitoring it closely, Kerker said. Still no signs of dead fish or other aquatic life.

The city plans to bill Boyer for cleanup, and he will likely face a separate penalty from the DNR, Kerker said.

The Burlington Police Department also anticipates it will cite Boyer for at least one traffic violation, said Sgt. Chad Zahn, a spokesperson for the department. He declined to speculate what that might be.

Boyer owns cropland east of Oakville, about 20 miles north of Burlington, according to county records. He also operates a livestock confinement with about 1,600 swine, DNR records show.

The post Eastern Iowa farmer accused of leaving fertilizer spill in Burlington appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY)  Elizabeth City police have arrested three men on drug-related charges.

Courtesy of the Elizabeth City Police Department

It happened Monday when officers attempted to pull over a vehicle with expired tags on Water Street. The driver failed to stop for police and eventually crashed the vehicle on Elizabeth Street.

After the crash, police arrested and charged the following three men.

Jonathan Dakota Machie, 18, of Wanchese, North Carolina was charged with felony flee to elude, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent and deliver marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, trafficking heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Machie is being held at the Albemarle District Jail on a $250,000 secured bond.

Courtesy of the Elizabeth City Police Department

Shariff Khamari James, 18, of Elizabeth City was charged with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent and deliver marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, trafficking heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and communicating threats. James is being held at the Albemarle District Jail on a $240,000 secured bond.

Ramir Saiym Williams, 18, of Kill Devil Hills was charged with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent and deliver marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver meth, trafficking heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia . Williams is being held at the Albemarle District Jail on a $200,000 secured bond.

All three men are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, April 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Pasquotank County District Court.

Police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the Elizabeth City Police Department at 252-335-4321, the Crime Line at 252-335-555 or the FUSUS Text a tip at 252-390-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
AMMAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday issued a royal decree announcing the holding of parliamentary elections in accordance with the provisions of the election law, the state-owned Al Mamlaka TV reported.

Also on Wednesday, the king visited the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and met with its president and board members to review its preparations and arrangements for managing and supervising the electoral process.

Noting that Jordan is facing an important stage in the political reform process, which marks the beginning of a new phase of party and programmatic parliamentary work, the king stressed the need to ensure the electoral process and firmly prevent any violations.

For his part, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the IEC Musa Maaytah stressed the IEC's readiness for the electoral process and its ability to manage it and ensure its transparency.

Maaytah noted that the number of voters has exceeded 5 million, while 1,600 polling stations have been designated and 19 chief electoral committees have been selected. 
On Monday afternoon, New Yorks Columbia University looked like a military installation, not one of the most storied institutions of learning in the United States.

The campus gates, festooned with balloons designed to welcome newly admitted students, all were padlocked shut. Columbias main, beaux-arts campus occupies more than six city blocks in the Morningside Heights area of Manhattan and around its huge perimeter Monday were stationed security guards about every 10 feet. At one of the main gates on Broadway, a strikingly large phalanx of police stood by in riot gear as protesters, many of them wearing the keffiyeh, the traditional black-and-white Palestinian scarf, chanted, over and over, normalize the intifada and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. We heard it with our own ears.

Campus protests often throw up striking contrasts, especially on beautiful spring days. While the protesters on the outside likely werent affiliated with the university, closed as the campus was to anyone without a valid school ID as if this were the heart of the pandemic, the more youthful insiders who have set up a tent city within the campus quad were getting multiple pizzas delivered. Smiling runners, their faces shining with idealism, were squeezing the pies through the wrought iron. Outside on Amsterdam Avenue, Jewish students who had not followed the advice of one (not all) of their rabbis and gone home for Passover were walking by, a few looking worried but most, being New Yorkers now, affecting unconcern.

The scene was much the same downtown at New York University, which is integrated into Lower Manhattan and thus not as easy for the authorities to close off to outsiders. There, protesters had occupied the front of the Stern School of Business and on Monday night, police could be seen moving in. Yale and Harvard universities have, to varying degrees, seen similar protests, although Columbia clearly has been taken over physically in ways its peer institutions mostly havent.

What to make of all this? Protesting military action and the investments university endowments make is a storied part of the college experience, dating back to those who decried the Vietnam War. But as students at Kent State University found out in 1970, it can all go very wrong in the heat of the moment. And it was pretty clear Monday that Columbia, at least, was no longer in any mental or physical position to teach anybody much of anything, at least beyond the art of protest and realpolitik.

For anyone paying annual tuition of more than $68,000, plus housing and food, the switch to remote or hybrid learning this week hardly was reassuring. It is, in fact, a betrayal of the universitys contractural obligation. This isnt an act of God  another pandemic  thats impeding Columbias mission. Columbia and others have kneecapped themselves by failing to do their most important job  provide a stable, nurturing learning environment.

This has to get fixed. University gates have to stay open. Critical thinking has to regain its centrality. Hardened positions have to yield to compromise and peace, or at the very least expressed without making academic life impossible. Empathy for all sides in a complex situation must make a campus comeback, starting in the Office of the President.

Elite university presidents, with rare exceptions, utterly failed to anticipate what was coming their way after Hamas attacked Israel and Israel responded in a way that killed thousands of civilians in the Gaza Strip, Israels enemy having hidden among them. And in the light of those failures, leaders such as Nemat (Minouche) Shafik of Columbia now find themselves between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

Shafik, Columbias president, has been hauled before Congress and accused of failing to stem antisemitism on campus, self-evidently the case. She also now faces a vote of no confidence by her own faculty, some of whom are furious that she disclosed information to Congress about pending internal campus investigations which faculty would like to remain confidential. Shafik, to mangle another apt cliche, thus finds herself closing the campus gates but only after the protesters already are inside and now are near-impossible to remove without damaging headlines and widespread fury, at a minimum.

One can sympathize with Shafik and her peers, even if many of them have proved to be staggeringly inept at overseeing campus life in this fraught time. It appears that crisis management experience was at the bottom of search committees lists.

Students who have taken up the Palestinian cause are understandably angry at the human suffering in Gaza. With Democrats far from assured of beating Donald Trump in crucial swing states such as Michigan and Israel still dependent on U.S. military and fiscal support, protesters sense that their actions are having an impact on Joe Bidens rhetoric. Theyre no doubt correct, although their effect on still-traumatized Israel is another matter.

If nothing substantial has changed by the summer, whats happening in New York carries a warning for Chicago as it hosts the Democratic National Convention, which will not be a moment to be caught flat-footed. The number of U.S.-based protesters who have taken up the Palestinian cause is greater than many Americans realize. Tents are easier to prevent than tear down. Chicago has a mayor who has taken a side in this matter, which means he will struggle to be seen as a fair mediator. He needs to plan ahead.

Reports are emerging of students, especially Jewish students, preferring to avoid some of these elite Northeastern campuses, instead choosing schools in the South, where the experience is less abrasive, or campuses such as Brandeis University or the University of Chicago, which appear to be more on top of the situation when it comes to safeguarding the learning environment from polemical extremists and their obstructions.

If revenue or all-important prestige takes a hit, Ivy League presidents and boards of trustees may soon find that Congress is not their only antagonist. Many parents, donors and alumni already arent happy, particularly those who are Jewish, as they begin to see an entire year of a four-year experience dominated by uncivil arguments over events thousands of miles away.

The universities mostly have themselves to blame.
Under a proposal in the California Legislature, voters could weigh in on an amendment to add rights to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment to the state constitution. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

California may be a leader in the fight against climate change, but the state is years, even decades, behind other states when it comes to granting environmental rights to its citizens.

While a handful of other state constitutions, including those of New York and Pennsylvania, declare the peoples rights to clean air, water and a healthy environment, Californias does not.

That could change as soon as November. Under a proposal moving through the Legislature, voters would decide whether to add one sentence to the state constitutions Declaration of Rights: The people shall have a right to clean air and water and a healthy environment.

The proposed green amendment could be seen as a well-meaning but symbolic change in a state that, despite tough environmental rules, struggles to address deep environmental problems like air pollution, contaminated drinking water and the worsening impacts of climate change.

But theres a reason that powerful business interests have come out in opposition. Enshrining environmental rights in California's constitution would give citizens a new tool to hold the government accountable for failing to act in the interest of environmental health, protection and justice. That could, in turn, force the state to crack down on polluters.

Read more: Editorial: If 10 straight months of record-breaking heat isn't a climate emergency, what is?

It should be obvious that we need more tools to address the climate crisis. And in California, of all places, citizens should have the chance to weigh in on whether a healthy environment is a right on par with life, liberty, safety, happiness and privacy, which are all spelled out in the constitution. Lawmakers should advance this proposal to let the voters decide.

To be put on the ballot the amendment must be approved by two-thirds of lawmakers in both the state Assembly and Senate. It must win the support of a simple majority of voters to be added to the constitution.

Read more: Editorial: High electric bills threaten California's clean future. This plan would help

States like Montana, which declares the right to a clean and healthful environment, added this kind of language to their constitutions more than 50 years ago in response to the burgeoning environmental movement. After the advent of Earth Day, Pennsylvania in 1971 amended its constitution to add the peoples right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.

In recent years, some of those rarely invoked amendments have seen new life as bases to challenge government decisions over oil and gas permitting and the cleanup of contaminated sites and other environmental hazards. There's now a nationwide movement to get green amendments onto more state constitutions. In 2021 70% of New York voters passed an amendment adding the right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment to its state constitutions Bill of Rights, language that is nearly identical to the California proposal.

Read more: Editorial: Bring buttons and dials back to new cars. Touch screens distract drivers

But state Legislatures have also been a chokepoint for these proposals. In some states, such as New Jersey , green amendments with bipartisan support have languished for years because key lawmakers have prevented them from being being considered.

Business interests in California are lining up in opposition to putting the proposed green amendment on the ballot. Brady Van Engelen, a policy advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, told lawmakers during a legislative hearing earlier this month that it was a job killer that could spur lawsuits and be weaponized by wealthy white NIMBYs to block development.

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) who introduced the green amendment legislation, dismissed the Chambers opposition as ridiculous. He said that lawmakers opted for simple, direct language that is more limited than other states' to make it clear the amendment is not intended as litigation bait, but rather to establish a clear obligation that the state make decisions in a way that upholds the environmental values it espouses. A green amendment would not establish any new right for individuals to sue businesses for environmental violations.

But just as in New York, Pennsylvania and Montana, a California green amendment could be used to hold state officials accountable for their decisions, from legislation and permitting to the enforcement of existing environmental laws.

Californians should have the chance to not only send a message about how much they value a healthy environment, but to assert that something as fundamental to life as clean air and clean water isnt just an aspiration or an ideal, but a right.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
As he signed the school chaplains bill another one he should have vetoed  Gov. Ron DeSantis said something that underscored how totally wrong it is.

There are some students, he said, who need soul prep.

That's not a legitimate mission for Floridas public schools, which at least have the authority to reject it, and should.

It is a crass violation of the First Amendments separation of church and state as well as of an explicit provision in Floridas Declaration of Rights, part of the state Constitution.

Taking after Texas, again

Florida becomes the second state to follow Texas down this rathole.

It's as wrong to throw public school doors open to volunteer religious proselytizers as if the state were paying teachers to convert students or drill them for their first communions and Bat Mitzvahs.

Children who want religious activity at school are free to organize it on their own time. But the state must keep hands off and keep outsiders out.

Soul prep belongs with their families and whatever churches, synagogues and mosques they choose to attend or not.

Thats the American way. It has been so ever since the First Congress adopted James Madisons Bill of Rights.

More political pressure

With this extremely misguided new law, House Bill 931, the Legislature and DeSantis have created a drastic situation for Florida school boards and students. The boards will be under relentless pressure to allow chaplains in their schools.

The childrens peers will badger them to get the required parental consent to participate in whatever chaplains have in store for them, and that means trouble.

By the March 1 voting deadline Texas legislators had set, all 25 of that states largest school districts had rejected chaplaincies. So had an unknown number of smaller ones.

All of Floridas school boards should say no, as firmly and as soon as possible.

Unlike the Texas law, the invitation is open-ended.

It falls to the school boards now to find the courage, conscience and respect for the Constitution that so shamefully eluded the governor and the 25 senators and 89 House members all but four of them Republican  who voted for the bill.

Whether they admit it or not, they were fronting for the Christian nationalism movement that means to make the United States into a fundamentalist theocracy. Mainstream religious organizations actively oppose that, just as many pastors opposed this law.

No relevant qualifications for chaplains are required under the law. Florida sponsors scarcely pretended that it would be about anything but religion. Nothing in the bill requires proof of training, qualification or certification other than a clean background check.

It is a pathetic chaplaincy program indeed in which someone ordained through a fly-by-night internet "church" could be considered overqualified.

More lawsuits are coming

HB 931 also extends DeSantis string of creating more prosperity for Floridas legal profession. Lots of litigation lies ahead.

For a Harvard-educated lawyer, DeSantis showed a striking ignorance of the laws facial unconstitutionality. He said its not a problem because of the parental consent requirement. But the Constitution of the United States has never been subject to parental consent.

The governor also made light of the announced intention of the Satanic Temple, which opposed the bill, to send its agents into the schools.

DeSantis says its chaplains wont be allowed because that is not a religion.

Thats not for him to say. Or for school boards either. Its not the governments business to say what is a religion and what isnt, except in as much as the IRS grants religious organizations tax-exempt status  a status granted to the satanists in 2019.

Floridas Declaration of Rights, more specific than the federal constitution, adds that No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.

A discredit to the state

The fiction underlying Floridas vouchers for private religious schools turns on them being privately funded by tax credits. But taxes pay directly for the public and charter schools that are now to be stalking grounds for religious proselytizers.

Introducing religious leaders into official school positions to serve students in schools will cause division among student bodies that are made up of many religions and nonreligious students, warned an open letter signed nationally by more than 200 chaplains and 38 organizations.

HB 931 discredits all the legislators who supported it.

They include Rep. Rick Roth, R-West Palm Beach, who was a co-sponsor; Rep. Chip LaMarca of Lighthouse Point; and every other Republican member of the House and Senate.

Nearly all Democrats opposed it. The four who voted yes included Lisa Dunkley of Sunrise and Tom Keen of Orlando. Five Democrats and one Republican didnt vote.

Everyone involved will be term-limited out of Tallahassee before the harmful effects of HB 931 play out. It should be repealed at the first opportunity, which wont be soon considering what Floridas Legislature has become.

Now, its up to Floridas school boards to have the political courage and respect for the Constitution that was so lacking in the Legislature.

____

The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Opinion Editor Dan Sweeney, editorial writer Martin Dyckman and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Editorials are the opinion of the Board and written by one of its members or a designee. To contact us, email at letters@sun-sentinel.com.

___
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  In honor of National Crime Victims Rights Week, the Crime Stoppers of El Paso (CSEP) is inviting the community to a ribbon-cutting celebration of their community hub.

The celebration will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at Bassett Mall, located at 6101 Gateway West, Bassett Mall Space #525.

An open house will follow after the ribbon-cutting ceremony from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., according to CSEP.

The Crime Stoppers of El Paso Community Hub focuses on having a neutral community location where the community can learn from various partner agencies on how to stay safe and how they can help stop crime, ultimately helping victims of crime, Crime Stoppers said.

According to the news release from Crime Stoppers, the El Paso Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association has partnered with Crime Stoppers to help assist with the renovation of the CSEP community hub.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Who is Elias Huizar? Amber Alert suspect was a substitute teacher, former police officer

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Phones pinged across the Pacific Northwest late Monday night for an Amber Alert involving a 1-year-old boy  the son of a man accused of two murders earlier that day.

Photos of the suspect, Elias Huizar, quickly flooded social media as police and community members pooled resources to find the missing child.

On Tuesday afternoon, officials announced Huizar shot himself as a police chase ended on Interstate 5 north of Eugene, Ore. His current condition is unclear, but officials report that his son is safe in police custody.

Unplanned outage at Oregon DMV impacts license renewals

Huizar was considered at large after fleeing the scene of a shooting at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Wash. on Monday afternoon where police allege he shot and killed his ex-wife, Amber Marie Rodriguez.

The shooting took place as classes were dismissed for the day. According to the districts superintendent Dr. Shelley Redinger, Huizar had been in a portable area and shot Rodriguez outside.

Police said another woman was discovered dead in a nearby home hours later.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, authorities revealed Huizar had been working as a substitute teacher for the district prior to the shooting. The district said he was previously employed as a school resource officer at a neighboring school district and noted there were no red flags when he was hired.

Huizars most recent day of substitution for the district was June 14, 2023.

However, Huizar was removed from his position on Feb. 14, 2024 after the district received a notice of his arrest that included allegations of second-degree and third-degree rape. The total bail for these previous charges was set to $250,000.

Hillsboro kidnapping suspect arrested Tuesday morning

We are extremely disheartened that information about his past was not disclosed to us through the various processes we have to vet RSD candidates for employment, Dr. Redinger said. No past investigations or allegations appeared in Mr. Huizars background checks.

According to court docs obtained by KOIN 6 News, Huizar was accused of impregnating a 15-year-old girl in 2022. The teenager told court officials she met Huizar while he worked at her middle school and the pair had reconnected over Facebook years later, which led to her visiting his West Richland home more than once.

The search for Amber Alert suspect Elias Huizar ended along I-5 toward Eugene when the suspect shot himself, April 23, 2024 (KOIN)

All lanes of I-5 South just north of Eugene closed on Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced.(ODOT)

The Plaid Pantry on Hayden Island in Portland, April 23, 2024 (KOIN)

Elias Huizar was connected to two murders and a child kidnapping on April 22, 2024. (PPB)

While working at the middle school, Huizar was also employed by the Yakima Police Department between June 2013 and February 2022. The circumstances surrounding his retirement are unclear.

An Amber Alert sent Monday evening first stated Huizar could be driving a silver Toyota Corolla. However, West Richland police reported that Huizar was last seen driving a black sedan.

Huizar may have been spotted at a North Portland Plaid Pantry just after midnight, according to the companys CEO Jonathan Polonsky. The security footage was turned over to Portland police, who also confirmed a store clerk had called 911 to report seeing Huizar purchase a drink with a child in the backseat of his car.

Salem police seeking missing 11-year-old girl

Tuesday morning, a vehicle matching the description of the one Huizar may be driving was reported near the Bridal Veil exit off Interstate 84, but a police search did not find the car.

Authorities announced Huizar had shot himself in his car around 3:30 p.m. as a police chase came to a close. If alive, he could face a charge of first-degree murder constituting domestic violence  though future charges may be added.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Elk Grove Brewfest returns this weekend for its 7th year. Heres what to know

Brewfest is back in Elk Grove this weekend, supplying unlimited beverages to attendees.

The seventh annual Elk Grove Brewfest invites all craft beer extraordinaires out to enjoy a relaxing Saturday afternoon, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Elk Grove Park, 9950 Elk Grove Florin Road.

Whether a casual beer drinker or a brew connoisseur, each year Elk Grove Brewfest offers unlimited samples of beer, ciders, wine and non-alcoholic beverages from local breweries and wineries. There will be drinking competitions, games and other activities.

Elk Grove Brewfest gives brewers the opportunity to share their knowledge and passion for craft beverages with new and returning patrons.

Its not only a time to cool down with a refreshingly crisp beverage but also a time to hang out with family, mingle with friends and neighbors, try delectable bites from a mix of food vendors and enjoy the music provided by DJs and live bands.

People under 21 and pets will not be admitted to the event.

Purchasing tickets

Elk Grove Brewfest tickets are available online at elkgrovebrewfest.com. There are three different ticket options:

 A $45 general ticket provides event access from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It comes with unlimited beer, wine, cider and a souvenir tasting cup.

 A $60 VIP ticket provides early access to the event, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It includes unlimited beer, wine and cider, souvenir tasting cups, exclusive access to VIP areas including VIP only restrooms and VIP only beer pours. VIP tickets were sold out as of Wednesday morning, according to the event website.

 A $15 designated driver ticket provides access to the event. There is no alcohol served to these ticket holders. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available for purchase from food vendors.

According to the Elk Grove Brewfest website, proceeds from the event will partially go toward City of Refuge Sacramento, a community-based organization that supports people living in marginalized communities of the greater Sacramento area including Elk Grove.

Another beneficiary is the Cosumnes Recreation Opportunity Fund, which grants financial assistance for Elk Grove residents to participate in recreation activities offered by the Cosumnes Community Services District.

Who are the local participants?

The following wineries will participate:

 Adkins Family Vineyards

 Bradley Ranch Winery and Brewery

 Christopher Cellars

 McConnell Estates Winery

 Sheldon Wine Shop

 South Slope Wines

 Wolfe Heights Estates & Winery

 Vannatta Wine

Here are the local breweries that will be in attendance:

 Coatza

 Dust Bowl

 Flatland

 Tilted Mash

 Waterman

Other local restaurants, pubs and establishments that will have a tent are:

 32 Brews Street

 Beach Hut Deli

 Chasons Crab Stadium

 Old Town Pizza and Tap House

 The Bank Shot

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The Elk Grove Police Department wants to remind participants to make smart decisions this weekend.

Our hope is everyone has an enjoyable time at Brewfest, Elk Grove police spokesperson Sgt. Jason Jimenez said an emailed statement to The Sacramento Bee. With that being said, we ask those attending to do it responsibly and plan a safe ride home. There are way too many options available for someone to make the irresponsible and dangerous decision to drive impaired.

There are safe options provided for the event attendees. Explore Elk Grove is offering Brewfest goers a special offer of $5 off Uber rides (up to 200 rides) to get to and from Elk Grove Park safely.

All rides must be called to or from Elk Grove Park. The offer is valid Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Event goers can claim the offer online.
Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil who is barred from seeking public office until 2030, held a grievance-laden rally Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. Against the alluring backdrop of Copacabana Beach, and before thousands of supporters clad in the national colors of yellow and green, he decried his opponents while celebrating one man in particular:

Now they accuse the richest man in the world, a man who was born in South Africa, who was naturalized as an American, who owns a platform whose aim is to make the whole world free, which is X, our old Twitter. A man who really seeks to preserve liberty for all of us, a man who had the courage to show, with some evidence, more will surely follow, where our democracy is headed, how much freedom weve already lost. I now respectfully ask for a round of applause for Elon Musk.



Almost overnight, Musk, the graceless tech overlord and self-proclaimed free speech absolutist (who is anything but), has become a heroic figure among the reactionary right of Latin Americas largest nation. One rally-goer told The Guardian that Musk is supporting Brazil against this shameless bloody dictatorship that we have in this country, and another insisted that Elon Musk has been an essential guy for us. God has used this man to expose the dictatorship that has taken hold in Brazil to the whole word. He is a crucial tool. A bolsonarista member of Congress told the crowd that Elon Musk is definitely watching what is happening here right now.

Theres no doubt about that, as Musks X timeline showsbut hes doing much more than simply watching. After years of overtures from the Brazilian right, Musk earlier this month finally plunged headlong into the countrys raging politics in a way that may sound familiar to Americans: Portraying himself as politically agnostic, and interested only in defending free speech, he is in fact taking the side of authoritarian, antidemocratic forces whose claims about government-sponsored censorship are a disingenuous rhetorical cover for attacking the rule of law.

This latest saga began on January 8, 2023, one week after the inauguration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed several government buildings in Brasilia, the capital. The Brazilian state, particularly the courts, responded forcefully to this antidemocratic challenge stoked by the former president. Facing the rampant ongoing dissemination of misinformation and calls for further assaults on the countrys democratic institutions, Brazilian authoritiesmost prominently Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraeshave aggressively sought to limit the reach of, or in some cases deactivate entirely, certain social media accounts. The most virulent conspiracy theorists, figures like Allan dos Santos and Monark, have been barred from several platforms by court order. Moraes also happens to be overseeing multiple investigations involving Bolsonaro that could land the former president in jail. As a result, Moraes has become enemy number one for Bolsonaro, his supporters, and now, Musk and his acolytes.

There has been legitimate debate about the tactics Moraes has employed, as The New York Times reported more than once. Indeed, Ive argued elsewhere that the Bolsonaro offensive of recent years has made it harder for good-faith critiques of the Supreme Court to emerge and be aired out. But that is not what the current Bolsonaro-Musk onslaught is about. What they are trying to do is convince a global audience that Brazil is under a censorious regime silencing free speech rights, and theyre doing it to undermine the Lula administration.

While Bolsonaros motives are obvious, Musks are perhaps less so. Bolsonaro has always been a reactionary agitator uncommitted to civility and constructive democratic engagement. He might even believe that if he can sufficiently muddy the waters of Brazilian democracy, he can push the courts to overturn his ban on seeking elected office. Musks right-wing turn, while in the making for a long time, has only become extremely pronounced in the past few years. His tweets are riddled with pejorative references to woke culture that resonate with a right-wing base trained to abhor political correctness, and he has dabbled in antisemitic conspiracy theories and re-platformed some of the most vile, hateful people in America.

He insists this is his prerogative in Brazil too, where some 40 million peopleor about 18 percent of the population in Brazilaccess X at least once a month. Earlier this month, in response to a court order demanding that X block an undisclosed number of accounts or face heavy daily fines, Musk made clear that he would not only ignore the ruling, which he called aggressive censorship, but lift restrictions on previously suspended Brazilian accounts. He also urged Brazilians to resist Moraes, whom he referred to as a dictator holding Lula on a leash, and suggested both were part of some corrupt bargain of political self-protection. The spat temporarily called into question whether Starlink, Musks satellite internet company, would continue to operate in Brazil, where it has facilitated illegal mining and logging operations. During a speech at the site of the future Museum of Democracy in Rio de Janeiro on April 19, Moraes subtly jabbed Musk by noting that the countrys justice system is used to fighting foreign mercantilists who treat Brazil as a colony, as well as extremist and antidemocratic politicians who prefer to subjugate themselves to international interests. By that point, X in Brazil had quietly reversed itself, signaling it would abide by all judicial orders even as Musk escalated his online attacks against Moraes.

Musk most likely identifies with the trollish, macho authoritarianism that is the stock-in-trade of bolsonarismo and doesnt like the idea of the Brazilian government restricting his company in any way. There is nothing high-minded about his position. Mr. Musk is not a moral reference for defending freedom of expression, Paulo Abrao, the executive director of the Washington Brazil Office, told me, adding that X executes numerous content removal orders around the world and Musk himself does not criticize dictatorial governments when his economic interests take precedence. His positions on Brazil are biased and are being used as a smokescreen for his business interests in the country. The basic problem for X is that the limits placed on its operations in Brazil are in accordance with local law, not the jurisprudence Musk carries around in his head.

The Brazilian approach to free speech is not the same as Americas; there is no First Amendment equivalent in Brazil. The right to freedom of expression in the United States is a right that is held above other rightsit is broader, Estela Aranha, a special adviser to the Minister of Justice and Public Security in Brazil and a member of the UNs High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, has observed. She further notes that:

In Brazil, as in Europe, freedom of expression is an essential right that is equal to other essential rights. If you try to use one right to infringe upon another right, you will face limitations. All rights are weighed side by side, and there is proportionality in the scope of how much you can interfere. For example, advocating for Nazism is illegal in Brazil because it is considered to be such a harmful discourse that it must be preemptively prohibitedthat doesnt exist in the United States.

Musk is hardly alone stateside in attacking Moraes, as members of the Republican Party have rushed to hisand thus Bolsonaroscause. On April 17, the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee released a 541-page staff report containing dozens of decisions by Moraes ordering X to suspend or remove some 150 profiles, a supposedly grave violation that is nevertheless firmly rooted in Brazilian precedent. Musk is reportedly set to testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee about the situation in Brazil on May 8.

It is worth teasing out what each element of this antidemocratic Muskian axis hopes to gain from this effort. For Bolsonaro and his supporters, crying censorship deliberately and disingenuously evokes images of their countrys dictatorial past, casting them as the victims rather than the saboteurs of Brazilian democracy that they actually are. Their ultimate aim seems to be to leverage international opprobrium of Brazilian institutions to weaken the Lula administration and restore Bolsonaros standing.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former presidents son, indicated as much during an April 8 appearance on Roda Viva, Brazils highly regarded television interview show. The younger Bolsonarowho, like his father, is accused of a litany of crimesnoted that, just as the Biden administration has sought to curb authoritarian Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro through sanctions, Donald Trump might do the same to Brazil should he win the presidency in November: This situation with Elon Musk placed the spotlight of the world on us Brazilians here, what is happening is not normal. We have to defend our democracy and with Elon Musk being as close to Trump as he is, and if Trump is reelected president of the United States, I think there is a real possibility of sanctions.

Republicans likely see a fresh avenue to link their support of Trump and right-wing populism to a broader international community. Trump and his supporters were very much attuned to the energy behind Brexit and solicitous of like-minded leaders in Hungary, Russia, and beyond. Furthermore, as Fabio de Sa e Silva, a professor of international studies at the University of Oklahoma, posited, the American right is interested in discrediting the Brazilian [Supreme Court] because, in addition to having already left Bolsonaro ineligible, we can also provide an example for how to punish a coup, something that Trump fears suffering in the USA.

At times like this, with the stakes so high, it is worth being categorical: Brazil is a robust pluralistic democracy. To assert otherwise plays directly into the hands of those wishing to subvert the democratically elected government of the fourth-largest democracy in the world. Despite what Bolsonaro, Musk, and their adherents might have the world believe, nobody in Brazil is being rounded up for sharing their opinion. Nobody is being tortured or exiled for their ideas.

But Brazil is only part of a larger unfolding horror story. In the months to come, were certain to hear more cries from Musk and like-minded tech moguls about the supposed endangerment of free speech in the U.S., Brazil, and other democracies around the world. We are noticing a dramatic increase in global censorship, unlike anything weve seen before, Chris Pavlovski, the CEO of Rumble, the video platform popular with the far right, recently complained on X. Its the worst Ive seen it. First France, then Brazil and now it feels like everyone is following France and Brazils lead. State Department need to intervene asap. Expect this censorship moral panic to grow as the U.S. election nears, funded and organized by forces counting on a Trump win to facilitate exactly what Pavlovski alluded to: intervention.
Until recently, many people had never heard of Canadys, a rural crossroads community in Colleton County located along the Edisto River. Now, Canadys is at the heart of the debate over South Carolinas energy future as the S.C. General Assembly considers House Bill 5118, which would allow for a large natural gas plant to be built here. I live about two miles from the proposed site of this new gas plant, and I am extremely concerned about the negative impacts it would have on my community.

Robby Maynor

For 50 years, residents of Canadys had to live alongside a coal-fired power plant owned and operated by SCE&G (now Dominion) that polluted the air and groundwater of Canadys. The plant was closed in 2013, but the impacts still haunt the community today.

Now that same utility is back with hopes of working with Santee Cooper to build an even bigger natural gas plant at the same facility that polluted Canadys for half a century. This proposed megaproject would be over four times the size of the retired coal plant and would lock Canadys and surrounding areas into decades of pollution. Again.

Utilities and several lawmakers argue that natural gas is cleaner than coal. That is true. However, proponents of this gas plant fail to mention that the use of natural gas to generate power still creates harmful emissions that increase health issues and pollute our natural environment. Its like saying that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes. Sure, but that doesnt mean its safe.

Locating an enormous gas-fired power plant in the same rural community that was forced to live alongside a coal-fired power plant for 50 years would send the message that Canadys should continue to be polluted for the benefit of other areas  that this is what rural people in South Carolina deserve. That is unacceptable.

As South Carolina continues to experience some of the most rapid growth in the nation, it is vital that we protect our longstanding communities and irreplaceable natural resources.

The Edisto River is at the top of the list of places worth protecting. One of longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America, the Edisto is home to game species like wood ducks and striped bass, as well as endangered species like the short-nosed and Atlantic sturgeon. South Carolinas natural resources are what make it one of the most desirable places in the country for residents and businesses to relocate. We cannot destroy the very things that make our state successful.

Yet, this proposed megaproject would do just that by polluting the Canadys community and sucking millions of gallons of water from the Edisto River. It would also require a new pipeline to be constructed across hundreds of acres of private property to serve the facility. Shockingly, ratepayers like you and me from across the state would be required to fund this misguided and destructive project through our energy bills.

Despite all these known impacts and extensive concerns shared by people across the Palmetto State, the S.C. House passed House Bill 5118 last month. This bill is now awaiting a vote in the S.C. Senate.

We must ensure the real concerns of South Carolinians are not ignored. Reach out to your representative in the Senate and urge them not to approve this dangerous legislation. We must protect the smiling faces and beautiful places that keep our state thriving. We cant sit idly by and allow our communities to be harmed and our natural resources degraded while our energy bills continue to climb. South Carolina deserves better.

Robby Maynor is communities and transportation program director for Coastal Conservation League and lives in Canadys . The views expressed here are his own.

_______

Send us your views Wed like to hear your views on House Bill 5118, the South Carolina 10-year Energy Transformation Act, which is under consideration in the S.C. Senate this week. We accept 200-word letters to the editor. Or, if you have expertise on or experience with this issue, well accept an essay of 550- to 650-words. Please email them to Matthew T. Hall at mhall@thestate.com.
TASHKENT, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan has signed contracts with investors for the construction of green power plants, local media reported Tuesday, citing Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadaminov.

He said the Uzbek side has signed contracts with investors for the construction of solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 12 gigawatts (GW).

Over the past three years, foreign investments in solar and wind energy in Uzbekistan have exceeded 2 billion U.S. dollars.

Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov recently announced that the country intends to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 25 percent by 2030. 
The first person to testify in the first-ever criminal trial of an American president is the former publisher of the National Enquirer. But the supermarket tabloid might not have been around to catch and kill stories about Trumps sexual liaisons if it were not for the early financial support of another notorious New York celebrity, the gangster Frank Costello.

And while Trump is not known for his grasp of history, hed do well to view Costellos relationship with the Enquirers first publisher as a cautionary tale.

In the 1940s, Frank Costello was known as the Prime Minister of the Underworld owing to his gentlemanly public manner, political connections, and patina of respectability. Costello used the mobs Prohibition-era millionsand the money from its vast illegal gambling empireto take control of Tammany Hall. This meant that while Costello was the head of what came to be known as the Genovese crime family, he also pretty much ran the Democratic party in New York.

In 1942, when Costellos godson, Gene Pope, wanted to buy the Enquirerthen called the Inquirer, Pope needed cash. Being a good godfather, Costellodepending on which source you believeforked over somewhere in the range of $10,000 to $25,000. Costello also regularly fronted Pope the cash needed to keep the doors open at the struggling publication. And I do mean cash, because each week, a messenger from the tabloid came to Costellos de facto headquarters, the Waldorf Hotel barbershop, where Costello handed over an envelope of greenbacks.

For 50 Years The Godfather Has Sold Us a Beautiful Lie

And just as the current Enquirers owner, David Pecker made sure that his publication lionized candidate Trump throughout the 2016 election and killed stories about The Donalds love affairs, Pope also adjusted his editorial content to please his powerful friend. Mob-controlled politicians and businesses received positive treatment in the tabloids pages, and there were no stories about the Mafias menace and its growing power.

Pope, like Pecker, whose testimony may prove harmful to Trump, also proved to be a disloyal friend. When Costello was short on cash near the end of his life, he reportedly asked Pope to give him a little taste of the pie and make him a partner at the Enquirer. Pope said no, according to Anthony M. DeStefano in Top Hoodlum, his biography of Costello, and the two men never spoke again.

But there is another, even more important lesson, for Trump in Costellos tale, as Trump decides whether to testify in his own defense.

In l951, Costello faced perhaps the most critical decision of his life: Should he testify in front of Estes Kefauvers Senate committee investigating organized crime in America? Costellos many mob associatesJoe Adonis, Meyer Lansky, Tony Accardo, et al.exercised their right to avoid self-incrimination by taking the Fifth.

But Costello did not wish to be seen as just another gangster. His governing conceitor delusionwas that he was cleaner than 99 percent of New Yorkers.

Costello once said in court that he had bundles of real important friends, people whose names he wouldnt share for fear of embarrassing them. And that was true.

When Costello sponsored a gala fundraiser for the Salvation Army, judges, congressmen, and political bosses found themselves rubbing shoulders with Vito Genovese and other gangland figures. Like Republican congressmen flocking to Mar-a-Lago, they came to kiss the bosss ring.

Trump enjoys mouthing off before and after his courtroom dates. And Costello loved to testify, according to his longtime lawyer George Wolf. Its not surprising, then, that Costellos vanity got the better of him, and he decided to defend himself in front of Senator Kefauvers committee.

While we wont get to see Trump if he testifies, the 1951 congressional hearings were broadcast live on what was back then the brand-new medium of television. And the hearings got more viewers than the World Series. Restaurants and movie theatersparticularly in Costellos home turf of New York Cityreported a drop in business because people stayed home to watch the show. The Bonwit Teller department storewhich Trump later tore down to build Trump Toweroffered late-night shopping hours once the hearings recessed for the day.

Costellos attorney famously would not allow his clients face to be shown on national television. This left the TV cameras to focus on Costellos hands. As the audience at home listened to Costellos raspy, Godfather-like voice, they watched his well-manicured hands fidgeting and folding and unfolding his handkerchief. The spectacle, which became known as the Hand Ballet, proved to be more embarrassing and revealing than Costellos troubled face might have been. Eventually, Costello stormed out of the hearingsjust as Trump stormed out of his civil trial in downtown Manhattan.

Costellos reward for testifying was prison sentences for contempt of Congress and tax evasion.

And now Trump who, like his secret sharer Frank Costello, was let down by his friend at the Enquirer, might well make the same mistake as the notorious gangster whose misplaced confidence in his own unique powers of persuasion sealed his fate.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, speak at a press conference after their talks at the presidential palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his distress about increasing racism in Germany during a visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

"Our concerns about rising xenophobic, Islamophobic, far-right and racist organizations in Germany, together with Europe, are steadily increasing," Erdogan said on Wednesday after a meeting with Steinmeier.

Erdogan said he was "proud" of the millions of people of Turkish origin in Germany, who play important roles in society, the economy and culture.

He also welcomed a new dual citizenship law as an important step towards better integration.

"The outstanding common denominator and the backbone of our bilateral relations with Germany are our strong human ties," said Erdogan.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier looks on as the President of Turkey, Receb Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference after their talks at the presidential palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the West of turning a blind eye to the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip during a visit to Ankara by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Gaza had been razed, he said. "Our German friends must see this tragic situation," Erdogan said on Wednesday in Ankara after a meeting with Steinmeier. The entire West stands by Israel, he added.

The Turkish president also once again sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accused him of endangering the entire Middle East in order to ensure his political survival.

However, he emphasized that Turkey was making efforts to secure the release of the hostages abducted from Israel to the Gaza Strip.

Erdogan called for restrictions on arms exports to Turkey to be lifted completely. He also expressed concern about rising racism in Germany.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, speak at a press conference after their talks at the presidential palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

There may have been official honours for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to the Turkish capital Ankara, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not mince his words, lashing out over the Gaza war and perceived bigotry in Germany.

Erdogan accused the West of turning a blind eye to the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip as Steinmeier came to the end of his three-day visit to Turkey.

Gaza had been razed, he said. "Our German friends must see this tragic situation," Erdogan said after a meeting with Steinmeier. The entire West stands by Israel, he added.

The Turkish president also once again sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and accused him of endangering the entire Middle East in order to ensure his political survival.

However, he emphasized that Turkey was making efforts to secure the release of the hostages abducted from Israel to the Gaza Strip.

More than 1,200 people were murdered and more than 250 others abducted to the Gaza Strip during the massacre by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and other extremist Palestinian organizations in the Israeli border region on October 7.

Until a few weeks ago, Israel had assumed that just under 100 of the approximately 130 remaining hostages were still alive.

According to Palestinian authorities, more than 34,000 people have died in Gaza since Israel launched its military operation to crush Hamas.

The German side is irritated by Erdogan's stance on Hamas, which he describes as a liberation movement, and with which he maintains close contact. At the weekend, he met its foreign policy chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Erdogan also called for restrictions on arms exports to Turkey to be lifted completely.

He expressed concern about rising bigotry in Germany. "Our concerns about rising xenophobic, Islamophobic, far-right and racist organizations in Germany, together with Europe, are steadily increasing," Erdogan said.

Erdogan said he was "proud" of the millions of people of Turkish origin in Germany, who play important roles in society, the economy and culture.

He also welcomed a new dual citizenship law as an important step towards better integration.

"The outstanding common denominator and the backbone of our bilateral relations with Germany are our strong human ties," said Erdogan.

Steinmeier in turn called for German-Turkish relations, which have been on the back burner for some time, to be revitalized.

"These are serious times. And that is precisely why we need each other," he said at a joint press conference with Erdogan.

This applies to NATO and the G20 group of states, for example.

Steinmeier made it clear that he and Erdogan had spoken openly about the differences in their assessment of the Gaza war.

"In my opinion, without October 7, the war in the Middle East would not exist."

Above all, the two reaffirmed common goals, Steinmeier said. "We want to and must improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We want to and must prevent the war from becoming a conflagration in the region. Turkey also has a very important role to play here."

The two also agreed that without a credible state-building strategy for the Palestinians, there will be no peace and no lasting security for Israel in the medium and long term. "This is another thing that unites us: in the end, this political perspective can only lie in the two-state solution," Steinmeier said.

Erdogan welcomed his guest from Germany in the early afternoon with military honours including gun salutes. Steinmeier arrived in Turkey on Monday for the first official visit by a German president in 10 years. The occasion for the trip was the establishment of diplomatic relations 100 years ago.

The subsequent one-to-one talks lasted considerably longer than expected. Originally, 30 minutes had been planned - in the end, the two presidents spoke for an hour and 45 minutes.

Steinmeier only indirectly addressed the democratic conditions in Turkey by wishing the country "a dynamic, democratic and, of course, European-oriented development."

He also emphasized that the rule of law and legal certainty were important prerequisites for investments by German companies in Turkey. The situation is similar for cooperation between Turkey and the European Union. "Here, too, the rule of law, human rights and freedom of the press are important prerequisites."

Steinmeier's programme also made it clear that Berlin is already looking ahead to a possible post-Erdogan era. He met the mayors of Istanbul and Ankara, Ekrem Imamoglu and Mansur Yavas. Both belong to the opposition party Republican People's Party (CHP), which was successful in the local elections at the end of March.

Steinmeier also planned to speak to CHP leader Ozgur Ozel before his flight home.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, attend a press conference after their talks at the presidential palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, attend a press conference after their talks at the presidential palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
Five new European astronauts and the first astronaut from the Australian Space Agency are now ready to "hop" into their first flight assignments, having completed basic training.



The European Space Agency (ESA) on Monday (April 22) held a graduation ceremony for the "Hoppers," the nickname for the new astronauts who were selected in 2022. Taking the stage at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Sophie Adenot of France, Pablo lvarez Fernandez of Spain, Rosemary Coogan of the United Kingdom, Raphael Liegeois of Belgium, Marco Sieber of Switzerland and Katherine Bennell-Pegg of Australia received their diplomas.



"Today is a significant milestone as we celebrate the graduation of a new class of five ESA astronauts, who are now qualified to be assigned to future spaceflights. I am also proud to witness the graduation of an Australian astronaut candidate, which reaffirms our dedication to advancing international cooperation in space exploration," said Josef Aschbacher, ESA's director general.



"The addition of fresh talent and diverse perspectives and expertise enhances our ability to navigate the complexities of space exploration and solidifies ESA's role as a pioneering force in shaping our future in space," Aschbacher said.

Related: Europe's new astronaut class features 2 women and a paralympian trauma surgeon

Reporting for training in April 2023  five months after they were announced  the Hoppers began their studies at the EAC and then moved on to other facilities around the world. Over the course of a year, they were introduced to and received instruction in spacecraft systems, spacewalking, flight engineering, robotics and life support systems, as well as survival and medical training.



The new astronauts are now eligible for the next phases of pre-assignment and mission-specific training, leading to them launching to the International Space Station (ISS), if not later the moon.



The five newly graduated European Hoppers were chosen alongside 12 "reserve" astronauts, a new category for ESA's corps from which the agency will pick when alternate flight opportunities become available. Marcus Wandt of Sweden became the first ESA "project astronaut" to fly this past January when he joined the Axiom-3 commercial mission to the ISS.



"We embark on a new era in European astronaut history," said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA's director of human and robotic exploration. "These five new members of the European astronaut corps, alongside the members of the reserve, underscore our dedication to fostering talent and maximizing opportunities for space exploration."

six people in blue flight suits pose in the doorway of a simulated space module

The addition of the Hoppers brings ESA's active astronaut corps to 11 members.



Bennell-Pegg, whose training was conducted under a cost reimbursement agreement, remains an Australian Space Agency employee and is not a member of the ESA corps. She was the first candidate from an international partner to undergo basic training at the European Astronaut Centre.



"I'm incredibly determined to make the most of this past year, and whatever follows, to generate further opportunities for Australian industry, and the aspirations of everyone back home," said Bennell-Pegg in a statement released by ESA. "Partnering with ESA has been a remarkable opportunity to not only contribute to our shared goals but also to foster collaboration on a global scale, which is essential for the future of space exploration."



The Hoppers  who by tradition were named by ESA's prior astronaut class, the 2009 "Shenanigans"  were dubbed such for their ambition "to hop in low gravity." That aspiration is also reflected on their class patch, which borrows from a similarly titled children's toy.

mission patch for the european space agency's 2022 astronaut class

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The emblem is in the shape of a hopper ball, an inflatable atop which kids sit and jump. The patch, created by ESA graphic designer Karen Lochtenberg, shows the six new European and Australian astronauts bouncing on their own hoppers, with each ball bearing the colors of the national flag of its rider.



"During training, it's said that the newcomers often improvised their own set of rules. Similarly, they now bounce through the patch with energy, crossing its borders freely. Among them, the Australian space hopper follows her own path, flipping upside down," reads ESA's description of the insignia.



The Hoppers are backdropped on the emblem by 12 white stars, representing the members of the ESA astronaut reserve, and seven windows, symbolizing the Cupola on the ISS. The latter is a carryover from the Shenanigans' patch, which also had the windows as part of its design.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2024 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
The British army has recovered several horses after they broke free from the prestigious Household Cavalry and bolted through London on Wednesday morning.

A number of people and horses are currently being treated for injuries incurred during the incident, though further details about their conditions are unavailable.

In a statement emailed to CNN, a spokesperson for the British Army said: A number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning. All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp.

One of the horses was photographed covered in blood, though the circumstances behind this are not yet clear. - Jordan Pettitt/PA

A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention.

Six soldiers and seven horses from the Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry, were conducting an extended exercise on Wednesday morning, the army said.

The animals were spooked when some concrete fell off a conveyor belt being used in nearby construction work and hit the ground, the army added.

Five of the horses bolted, while two remained in place.

The army said four of the soldiers were unseated and three were injured. These three are currently being assessed in the hospital but are not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

Earlier Wednesday, the City of London Police  the force that oversees Londons financial district  reported the events on social media.

In a statement posted on X, it said: At around 8.40am, we were called about horses that had became loose and were travelling through the City.

Video showed the horses running down a street in London. - Reuters

Our officers have contained two horses on the Highway near Limehouse. Were waiting for an Army horse box to collect the horses and transport them to veterinary care.

Less than an hour after that was posted, colleagues at neighboring Westminster Police posted an update to say that all of the horses have been accounted for and that they were continuing to liaise with the Army.

Startling footage emerged on social media showing two horses  one apparently covered with blood  running through Aldwych in central London.

According to PA, a Mercedes taxi that was waiting outside the Clermont Hotel on Buckingham Palace Road had its windows smashed by the spooked horses, while one of the animals shattered the windscreen of a double-decker tour bus.

The Household Cavalry acts as the Kings official bodyguard and take part in ceremonial duties. It is based at Hyde Park barracks, a short distance from Buckingham Palace.

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While the world watches Israel and Iran, Russias war of aggression in Ukraine is at a crossroads. More than two years since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the situation on the eastern front now looks dire, with Ukrainian defenders running out of ammunition fast and Western unity in question. The Czech Republic has a plan that could help resupply Ukrainian forces with artillery shells.

Earlier this year, many believed the war in Ukraine was reaching a stalemate. However, such assumptions now appear unfounded, much to the detriment of the Ukrainians. The conflict has evolved into a positional struggle: Both sides are employing defensive tactics such as trenches, fortifications, land mines and vast numbers of drones to make it difficult to concentrate forces, let alone maneuver, without drawing fire.

As the much larger country, and with fewer qualms about human costs, Russia is better prepared for such a war of attrition. It has mobilized its defense industry onto a war footing and significantly increased its production capacity, especially in terms of artillery munitions. It is reportedly producing around 250,000 artillery rounds per month, or 3 million a year, compared to the much less ambitious  and unrealized  goal of increasing U.S. production to 100,000 rounds a month by the end of 2025.

U.S. military aid to Ukraine has now been passed in the U.S. Congress, but Europe has been struggling to ramp up its own production to offset the American shortfalls.

As a result, Ukraine has found itself in an increasingly vulnerable position, with Russian forces making tactical gains across the front line and capturing the city of Avdiivka. While none of these advances have translated into a decisive breakthrough, Russia is thought to be preparing major offensives for the late spring or summer, seeking to exploit its growing advantages in both troops and firepower.

To fuel its attacks, Russia has tapped into its recruitment pool and devoted a large amount of its state budget to defense. President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on March 31 to conscript 150,000 Russians as part of its regular spring conscription campaign. The war effort is further backed by a major increase in military spending, as the country is reportedly planning to spend $140 billion on defense in 2024, representing 7.1% of its gross domestic product and 35% of all government expenditure. It is believed that Russia can sustain the current rate of attrition through 2025.

In the meantime, the situation in Ukraine is arguably more critical than at any time since the early days of the invasion. According to Ukraines defense minister, half of all promised military support has not arrived on time, complicating planning and costing lives. While NATO allies are discussing the establishment of a five-year aid package to Ukraine worth more than $100 billion, the plan seems to be a long-term solution to equip the Ukrainian military and does not meet the immediate needs. In contrast, Russia fires 10,000 artillery shells per day, five times more than Ukraine, as it escalates its attacks and seeks to wear down Ukrainian defenses.

To address Ukraines urgent needs, the Czech Republic has initiated a plan to purchase artillery shells from non-European Union sources, demonstrating proactive leadership and aligning with its robust new defense strategy. The initiative aims to procure 500,000 pieces of 155mm rounds and 300,000 pieces of 122mm rounds worth 3 billion (U.S. $3.2 billion).

Czechia has already received funds from allies for the purchase of the first 300,000 pieces of ammunition and contracted for the first 180,000, with negotiations ongoing for an additional half a million rounds. So far, 18 countries have joined the initiative, but Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Lipavsky is urging more funding, as the current amount pledged is not sufficient.

The Czechs are reportedly exploring ammunition sources in South Korea, Turkey and South Africa, though suppliers have not been specified.

This small countrys initiative has contributed to exposing divisions within the EU. After much wrangling, the bloc has belatedly agreed on reforms of the European Peace Facility, which is used to reimburse member states for sending aid to Ukraine.

One significant obstacle was Frances opposition to the buying of military materiel from non-EU countries as it pushed for a buy European clause to support the European defense industry. Germany, on the other hand, asked for national donations to Ukraine to be considered in determining the size of financial contributions to the fund.

Eventually, EU members reached a compromise that gives priority to the European industry but allows for flexibility when it would not be able to provide Ukraine with assistance in the necessary time frames, opening the way for the Czech initiative. In contrast, Slovakia and Hungary have declined to join the Czech initiative altogether, stating that they are not prepared to change their strict refusal to provide arms to Ukraine.

These disagreements cast the spotlight on the EUs dilemma between addressing Ukraines immediate battlefield needs and addressing longer-term goals such as increasing European defense-industrial capacity. In reality, the EU needs to pursue both paths simultaneously to provide Kyiv with enough support.

After decades of underinvestment, improving the EUs industry capacity will not happen overnight. Therefore, the EU ought to purchase ammunition outside the EU to buy time for European industry to develop the necessary capacities.

Providing Ukraine with artillery shells would not only support Ukraines military at a time of immediate need but would also signal the EUs continuing will and capacity to support Kyiv. Such a move would be a welcome reassurance for Ukraine and a demonstration to the U.S. of Europes willingness to stand with Kyiv for the long term and to take a greater share of the wider burden of defending trans-Atlantic security.

Last but not least, the aid would impose additional costs on Russia, and give Ukraine time to rebuild and replenish its own forces ahead of a possible counteroffensive in late 2024 or 2025.

James Black is assistant director of the defense and security research group at the Europe branch of the think tank Rand, where Ondrej Palicka is a research assistant. Zdenek Rod is a research and teaching fellow at the University of West Bohemia and CEO of the Center for Security Consulting in Prague.
The European Parliament is set to vote Wednesday on stricter limit values against air pollution.

New upper limits are to apply from 2030 for particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), among others.

Representatives of the EU member states and the European Parliament had reached a provisional agreement in February.

The new rules are intended to ensure that air pollution in Europe does not harm human health, the parliament said at the time. For example, citizens should be entitled to compensation if they fall ill due to non-compliance with limit values.

The limit values for certain particulate matter and sulphur dioxide are to be halved.

Following the vote in the plenary session of the European Parliament, the EU member states still have to confirm the new rules. This is usually a formality and is scheduled for next week.

According to the EU Environment Agency EEA, poor air quality remains the greatest health risk posed by environmental conditions.

According to the latest figures, there were around 253,000 deaths in the EU in 2021 related to particulate matter levels above the recommended limits of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The German Association of Cities is calling for polluters to be held more accountable. They support the goal of reducing pollutants in the air, Managing Director Helmut Dedy told dpa.

"However, this will only succeed if pollutants are also stopped directly at source," Dedy said. "Industry, car manufacturers, the energy sector and agriculture are the main contributors to air pollution." He said they should be held more accountable.
Numerous cars drive over the Mittlerer Ring in the city center in the early evening. Sven Hoppe/dpa

The European Parliament gave the green light on Wednesday for stricter limits on air pollution.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in the French city of Strasbourg in favour of new upper limits to apply for particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), among other pollutants.

Representatives of the EU member states and the European Parliament had reached a provisional agreement in February.

The new rules are intended to ensure that air pollution in Europe does not harm human health, the parliament said at the time.

In future, citizens should be entitled to compensation if they fall ill due to non-compliance with limit values.

The limit values for certain particulate matter and sulphur dioxide are to be halved.

"By updating air quality standards, some of which were established nearly two decades ago, pollution will be halved across the EU, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future," said Socialist MEP Javi Lopez, who was responsible for the project in parliament.

Following the vote in the plenary session of the European Parliament, the EU member states still have to confirm the new rules. This is usually a formality and is scheduled for next week.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), poor air quality remains the greatest health risk as a result of environmental conditions.

According to the latest figures, there were some 253,000 deaths in the EU in 2021 related to particulate matter levels above the recommended limits of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The German Association of Cities is calling for polluters to be held more accountable. They support the goal of reducing pollutants in the air, Managing Director Helmut Dedy told dpa.

"However, this will only succeed if pollutants are also stopped directly at source," Dedy said. "Industry, car manufacturers, the energy sector and agriculture are the main contributors to air pollution."
CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, and neighboring Chongqing Municipality, both located in southwestern China, are emerging as dynamic regions leading the way in further opening up and development in the country's western regions.

Latest customs data shows that, in the first two months of this year, the combined foreign trade of Chongqing and Sichuan reached 259.13 billion yuan (about 36.5 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 6.2 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Since the implementation of the development plan for the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone in 2021, the customs departments of the two cities have closely cooperated to help build a highland for reform and opening up in the inland region of China. According to the Chongqing Customs, these efforts have taken effect and accelerated the development of the economic zone.

The recovery of imports and exports is a microcosm of the Chengdu-Chongqing region's coordinated efforts to expand comprehensive and high-level opening up in all aspects.

With a population of over 98 million, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone is another important regional development strategy in China. It follows similar initiatives in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Renowned Chinese poet Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) once wrote a poem titled Shu Dao Nan, depicting the region's poor transportation. It described how dangerously high and steep the way to Shu (Sichuan Basin) was and more difficult than ascending the blue sky.

However, the hinterland has now been transformed from a once remote and isolated inland area to a crucial locality along the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze Economic Belt, becoming a new highlight of opening up in western China.

In 2023, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone achieved a regional GDP of nearly 8.2 trillion yuan, an increase of 6.1 percent year on year.

In terms of railway development, Chongqing and Chengdu were among the first cities in China to offer China-Europe freight train services. As a significant step in constructing the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, the two cities have cooperated since 2021 to improve the China-Europe freight train service.

In January and February, Chengdu and Chongqing handled over 650 China-Europe freight trains, transporting more than 70,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo.

The China-Europe freight train services handled by the two cities currently reach 110 cities in Europe and Asia. The range of goods transported has expanded from laptops to over ten thousand types of commodities, including vehicles and parts, communications and mechanical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

To facilitate the development of the new land-sea transit routes for the western region, Chongqing and Chengdu have been making joint efforts and playing important roles as a logistics and operation organization center and an important national commercial and trade logistics center, respectively.

Chongqing Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited used to import raw materials from Southeast Asia. It had long been troubled by the lengthy cycle of river-sea transportation. Thanks to the new land-sea transit routes, the company's logistics challenges have been effectively addressed.

"The routes improve the efficiency of the supply chain, reducing transportation time by about 15 days. This has shortened the company's production cycle, significantly increased output, and improved efficiency," said Huang Zhicong, the company's general manager.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of specialty products from western Chinese regions, such as herbs from Gansu Province, nuts from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, wolfberry and red wine from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and tea from Guizhou Province, can now reach the world via the routes, with some becoming new growth points for local foreign trade.

In addition, the two localities are working together to promote the construction of a world-class airport cluster, which will accelerate the opening of more international passenger and cargo air routes.

On Tuesday, a themed meeting was convened in Chongqing, emphasizing the vigorous promotion of the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone as a key task to enhance the development of China's western region.

Today, an increasing number of foreign enterprises have identified the great potential of the western regions and have been attracted to settle down there.

Data shows that foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sichuan and Chongqing accounts for about 50 percent of the total FDI in western China.

In 2023, Chongqing established 321 new foreign-invested enterprises, an increase of 30.49 percent year on year, while the actual foreign investment in Sichuan rose to 24.52 billion yuan.

Last month, the multinational enterprise Danaher, specializing in life sciences, diagnostics, and biotechnology, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chongqing Liangjiang New Area to jointly establish an innovation center.

"We look forward to the construction of the innovation center, building it into a high-level precision medicine and integrated platform for biopharmaceutical innovation in the Chengdu-Chongqing region," said Peng Yang, global vice president of Danaher and president of Danaher China.

Suez Group, a global expert in the water and waste sectors, has invested over 4 billion yuan in Chongqing. It regards China's carbon-neutrality pledge as a great opportunity for the company's development in the country.

The Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone is one of the main engines of China's future economic growth. The group is very optimistic about the growth prospects of this region, said Sabrina Soussan, chairwoman and CEO of Suez Group. 
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The European Union and United Nations called for an independent probe into the reported discovery of mass graves near two Gaza hospitals that were raided by Israeli forces.

Palestinian authorities have said more than 300 bodies were found in and around Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals, some bound and stripped of clothing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have denied that they buried the bodies, saying they were exhumed after the military received intelligence that the bodies of multiple Israeli hostages taken in Hamas Oct. 7 attack were in the area.

The UN human rights chief said he was horrified by the reports, adding that any intentional killing of civilians and detainees would constitute a war crime.

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Satellite imagery shows IDF bulldozed site

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Source: Sky News

Israels military said it had examined the bodies respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased, and those that were not identified as belonging to Israelis were returned. Satellite imagery collected by Sky News, however, shows that the sites were bulldozed, with extensive damage to the area, the broadcaster said. Videos posted on social media that were reviewed by Sky also showed bulldozers in the area, and track marks running over the complex, during the IDFs occupation of the hospital sites in February.

Not the first allegations of war crimes in Gaza

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Sources: Le Monde, Human Rights Watch

The mass grave reports have added to fears about war crimes being committed in Gaza. The nongovernmental organization Human Rights Watch earlier said that it has observed Israeli forces carrying out indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks in Gaza which amount to collective punishment. In Le Monde, Benjamin Barthe also noted widespread civilian deaths through the Israels militarys use of dumb bombs that arent designed for precision strikes and target the family homes of possible Hamas combatants. In the name of eradicating Hamas, the Israeli government has presided over a massive escalation of civilian murders in the Gaza Strip, he argued.

AI used by IDF means margin of error could be high

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Source: The Conversation

The IDF has used artificial intelligence to carry out strikes on possible Hamas combatants in Gaza, using tools it says have an accuracy rate of 90%. The 10% misidentification rate, though, means widespread civilian deaths, researchers Lauren Gould, Linde Arentze, and Marijn Hoijtink noted in The Conversation. AI-led strikes appear more objective and statistically correct due to the value that we generally ascribe to computer-based systems, they wrote. Their algorithms focus on characteristics that the IDF believes belong to possible Hamas operatives, such as frequent address or phone number changes, or a presence in WhatsApp groups with known militants. But as civilians have fled their homes, they are also likely to change their contact details, the authors added: These civilians, thereby unknowingly, make themselves suspect for lethal targeting.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Former two-term Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has won the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvanias Attorney General.

We won tonight because our campaign is about every Pennsylvanian, said DePasquale. Now, its time to unite toward a common vision  to make democracy work for all of us, defend abortion rights so women can get the healthcare they need, and stand up to big shots and billionaires so working families can get ahead.

DePasquale outpaced the four other Democrats who were also on the ballot for the primary election  including former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan, former Philadelphia Chief Public Defender Keir Bradford-Grey, State Rep. Jared Solomon and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

DePasquale will now face York County District Attorney Dave Sunday in November.

Current Attorney General Michelle Henry  who was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2023  is not running in 2024.

Democrats have been elected to hold the states top prosecutor position since 2008. Two Republicans  York County District Attorney Dave Sunday and State Rep. Craig Williams ran in the Republican primary with hopes of reversing that trend.

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Before serving as Auditor General from 2013 to 2021, DePasquale was also chairman of the York County Democratic Party and a statehouse representative for the 95th district, which included parts of York County.

In 2020, DePasquale ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, losing to Republican incumbent Scott Perry.

During abc27s primetime Democratic Attorney General Debate on Tuesday, March 12, though, DePasquale pointed to his winning record statewide.

Ive run statewide twice, Ive won twice, including once when (Donald) Trump was on the ballot. Why was I able to win? Because people know my record of fighting for Pennsylvania, he said

At the debate, DePasquale also touted his other accomplishments including finding over 3,000 untested rape kits and 58,000 unanswered phone calls at the child abuse hotline. He said these things are why he is qualified for the Attorney Generals office.

Pennsylvania Primary: Attorney General Election Results

People know Ive got the spine to take on big corporations, big insurance companies, and to run complex investigations. And thats what Ill do as your Attorney General, he said.

Pennsylvania residents will elect the next Attorney General on Nov. 5, 2024, General Election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
European Commission proposes sanctions against ships transporting equipment from North Korea to Russia  Reuters

The European Commission will suggest sanctions against the vessels delivering North Korean military equipment to Russia, as well as tankers that violate the G7 countries price cap on Russian oil.

Source: Reuters with reference to sources in the EU

Details: The European Commission is finishing its proposal concerning the 14th sanctions package against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

"Western powers have accused North Korea of supplying weapons, including ballistic missiles and munitions, to power Russia's war machine.

The United States said in February that North Korea had delivered more than 10,000 containers of munitions and related material since September," Reuters said.

The European Commission also aims to implement sanctions against oil tankers of the so-called "shadow fleet" that export Russian oil, bypassing the price cap set by the Group of Seven (G7) countries.

It is expected that 40 companies will be added to the list of persons and legal entities subject to sanctions. The list includes the Russian companies that procure equipment for the armed forces, as well as third-country companies that sell electronics, semiconductors and chips that have military uses to Russia.

Third-country companies are based in the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye and China and sell equipment of European and American origin to Russia.

Sources of Reuters report that the European Commission holds non-official discussions with the member states before presenting its proposal.

Background:

Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice President of the European Commission, confirmed that the EU had started working on the next 14th sanctions package against Russia due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Donald Trumps criminal trial in Manhattan will be on hiatus Wednesday as Judge Juan Merchan takes the day to work on other caseswhich is probably just as well, as it gives the public a chance to digest some of the most explosive claims made so far in the first trial ever of a former U.S. president.

After just two days of testimony, prosecutors have already asked the judge to hold Trump in contempt for violating a gag order with a series of social media posts. While the judge has held off on ruling so far, he tore into Trumps lead lawyer Tuesday in a scene that may spell trouble for the former presidents defense, telling attorney Todd Blanche: Mr Blanche, youre losing all credibility, I have to tell you right now.

When the trial resumes Thursday, well be getting more from David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer. Pecker, the CEO of American Media Inc. during the 2016 presidential election, was grilled for around two-and-a-half hours on Tuesday about how he offered to act as Trumps eyes and ears during the Republicans campaign, using his tabloids to buy the exclusive rights to potentially damaging stories about Trump in an effort to make sure they never saw the light of daya practice known as catch and kill.

David Pecker Deflates as Trump Hush Money Trial Testimony Grinds Ahead

The scheme was the product of what prosecutors called the Trump Tower conspiracy, in which Pecker, Trump, and Trumps then-lawyer Michael Cohen met to discuss how they could suppress embarrassing stories about Trump. In a presidential campaign I was the person that thought that a lot of women would come out to sell their stories, Pecker testified.

He also spoke about some of the negative stories hed torpedoed with catch and kill deals. Pecker said hed made one with Trumps doorman, who was claiming at the time that Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock. Pecker testified that when he informed Cohen that hed agreed to buy the story, Cohen said the boss would be very pleased, referring to Trump.

Peckers testimony also ended with him discussing his conversations with Cohen about Karen McDougal, a Playboy Playmate who he learned was trying to sell a story about an alleged affair shed had with Trump in 2006. Trump has denied the affair took place.

What we have yet to hear about, however, is a third alleged catch-and-kill scheme at the center of the case: the $130,000 hush-money payment Cohen made to Stormy Daniels in 2016 to cover up her claims of a one-night stand with Trump. Trump, who has denied any sexual tryst took place, is accused of reimbursing Cohen for the hush-money payments by falsely recording the reimbursements as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.

One person in particular is said to be watching closely as the trial moves on to the Stormy Daniels saga: Melania Trump. Stephanie Grisham, the former first ladys ex-press secretary, told CNN on Tuesday that Melania is no doubt watching every ounce of coverage and when that [information about Peckers private email] came out, it piqued her interest.

Melania is very much about proof, show proof. And so if some more damaging stuff should come out that she didnt know about because of course her husband continues to deny all of the details here, about Stormy especially,  if some other stuff comes out, I think thatll be really interesting to watch, Grisham said.

Details of the Stormy Daniels deal could be presented Thursdaythe same day that another momentous moment will arrive in Trumps legal battles. At 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, oral arguments are scheduled to begin before the United States Supreme Court about the former presidents claim of absolute immunity from prosecution on federal charges alleging that he plotted to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election.

The eventual ruling is unlikely to impact the New York case. But the justices decisionand how long they take to make itwill in turn play a major role in whether or not Trump will go on trial in that case before the presidential election in November in which he is, once again, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Police said on Tuesday, April 23 that 1-year-old Roman Santos was found uninjured after the incident and "doing well"

WSP Missing Person Alerts/X Elias Huizar.

An ex-cop suspected of killing his ex-wife and girlfriend before fleeing the scene with a 1-year-old child has died.

Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy confirmed in a press conference that 40-year-old suspect Elias Huizar, who was a former police officer of the Yakima Police Department, had died of a "self-inflicted gunshot wound" following a pursuit on Tuesday, April 23.

The Oregon State Patrol located Huizar's vehicle driving southbound on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, at approximately 3 p.m. local time before initiating the pursuit, the West Richland Police Department confirmed in a press release obtained by PEOPLE.

The high-speed chase ended when Huizar's car crashed into a commercial vehicle stopped on the interstate due to another crash, Kennedy confirmed in the media briefing. The suspect shot himself in the head at the scene, West Richland Police Department stated.

The 1-year-old child, Roman Santos, was uninjured and taken safely into custody by OSP troopers, and Kennedy confirmed in the press conference that the baby was "doing well."

WSP Missing Person Alerts/X Roman Santos.

All day our thoughts have been how to rescue this young boy from a very, very dangerous situation, and were thankful for the outcome that occurred, Kennedy said.

It was previously reported that police were chasing Huizar following a shooting on the grounds at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Washington at 3:23 p.m. local time on April 22.

"One adult female was pronounced deceased at the scene outside of the school. There were no other causalities," police confirmed in a statement posted to Facebook at the time.

Authorities confirmed they were treating it as "an isolated incident" and that the "person of interest" had fled the scene. Police stated a manhunt was underway after an Amber Alert was issued by Washington State Patrol on X (formerly known as Twitter).

KOIN 6/Youtube Elias Huizar died from a "self-inflicted gunshot wound" following a high-speed police pursuit.

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While authorities were serving a search warrant at Huizar's residence, West Richland police detectives and partner agencies then "discovered a second crime scene."

"A second homicide victim was found inside the residence. No information about the victims identity is being released at this time, except to say that it is not Huizar but that the victim is a known associate of the suspect," police confirmed in a further Facebook post at the time.





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Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at Newry Magistrates' Court, where he is charged with several historical sexual offences, in Newry, Northern Ireland, Wednesday April 24, 2024. Sir Jeffrey resigned as DUP leader and was suspended from the party following the charges. (Niall Carson/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP)  The former leader of Northern Irelands biggest unionist party was jeered as he left court Wednesday following his appearance on sexual abuse charges dating back nearly four decades.

Some members of the public shouted at Jeffrey Donaldson and lunged toward him, and he had to be surrounded by police as he left Newry Magistrates' Court following his first appearance since his arrest last month.

Donaldson, 61, faces one charge of rape, a single charge of gross indecency and nine indecent assault charges dating from 1985 to 2006.

His wife, Eleanor Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, 58, faces four counts of aiding and abetting the alleged crimes.

The two did not enter pleas during a brief appearance together in court. They spoke only to confirm their names, birth dates and to acknowledge they understood the charges. They were released on bail.

Donaldson resigned as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, after he was arrested on March 28.

In a letter to party leaders, Donaldson said he would be strenuously contesting the charges.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the arrest followed a complaint about old offenses made in early March. The charges involve two alleged victims.

His resignation shocked the DUP just months after the party agreed to return to Northern Irelands power-sharing government after he won concessions on Britains post-Brexit trading arrangements with the European Union.

As leader of the DUP between 2021 and 2023, he was the most powerful figure in Northern Irelands unionist movement, which seeks to maintain the regions historic ties to the United Kingdom.

The court case was adjourned until May 22.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A former Washington state police officer wanted after killing two people, including his ex-wife, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a chase in Oregon, authorities said Tuesday.

The mans 1-year-old baby, who was with him, was taken safely into custody by Oregon State Police troopers.

The multi-state manhunt started Monday afternoon when police say Elias Huizar, a former Yakima police officer, fled the scene of a shooting at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Washington, where his ex-wife, Amber Marie Rodriguez, was gunned down.

Police said Huizar shot Rodriguez eight times outside of the school in front of their 9-year-old son, whose name was not disclosed, and other witnesses. Rodriguez had recently obtained a protection order against Huizar.

Dolphin found dead on beach with multiple gunshot wounds

Rodriguez worked at the school, while Huizar had recently worked as a substitute teacher in the Richland School District, the district confirmed in a Facebook post Tuesday.

The body of another female was also found in Huizars home, according to Seattle CBS affiliate KIRO. She was also the mother of the 1-year-old. Police did not identify her, except to say she was Huizars girlfriend.

The search for Amber Alert suspect Elias Huizar ended along I-5 toward Eugene when the suspect shot himself, April 23, 2024 (KOIN)

Police said Huizar fled the state with the 1-year-old after the killings. An Amber Alert was issued late Monday evening for the child.

Overnight Tuesday, Huizar was spotted stopping at a Plaid Pantry on Hayden Island in Portland, according to authorities. Multnomah County deputies also told Nexstars KOIN that they went to Bridal Veil to investigate a vehicle that potentially matched the description of Huizars sedan.

Troopers began chasing Huizar when they saw him driving southbound on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Oregon, at about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy said at a media briefing Tuesday evening that Huizar fled after a trooper tried to pull over his vehicle.

Troopers pursued Huizars vehicle at high speeds and at one point exchanged gunfire with him, according to Kennedy. The pursuit, over about 25 miles, ended when Huizars vehicle hit a commercial vehicle that was stopped on the interstate because of an unrelated crash.

Near milepost 209, there was a minor collision and the suspect vehicle lost control. An exchange of gunfire occurred prior to the vehicle fleeing again southbound, Kennedy said, adding that he didnt believe anyone was hurt during the exchange of gunfire.

Huizars vehicle then spun and became immobile in the median, and when troopers tried to make contact with him, he shot himself and died at the scene, Kennedy said. The 1-year-old was uninjured and removed from the vehicle, Kennedy said.

All day our thoughts have been how to rescue this young boy and were thankful for the outcome that occurred, Kennedy said.

Son of Dunkin worker has perfect response after car crashes into coffee shop

According to court records, Huizar, 39, had at least until early this year been living with a 17-year-old girl whom he met when she was 11 and he was a middle school resource officer in Yakima. He impregnated her when she was 15; their baby recently turned 1, Rodriguez wrote in seeking a protection order against Huizar.

The Yakima Police Department said in a Facebook post Tuesday that Huizar left the department in 2021 after receiving discipline. It did not provide any other information.

In February, the 17-year-old girl reported to police that Huizar sexually assaulted a 16-year-old friend, who had passed out at their house. Huizar was charged with rape of both the teen and her friend. He was out on bail pending trial, authorities said.

Rodriguez wrote in her petition for a protection order that her divorce from Huizar became final last year and that she had not been aware that he was having a relationship with the same teen he had met as a resource officer until he was charged with rape.

She said she feared for the safety of her children and that she would be seeking a modification of their parenting plan. She filed for the modification last Friday, court records show. The protection order was issued in February and was to remain in effect for a year; under it, Huizar was barred from possessing firearms.

The Richland School District said it terminated Huizars employment following his arrest in February. It said it had received recommendations from the Yakima School District before hiring him in 2022, and that he had passed background checks.

We are extremely disheartened that information about Mr. Huizars past was not disclosed to us through the various processes we have in place to vet RSD candidates for employment, the district said. It is the expectation for individuals who apply for employment with RSD to be forthcoming and truthful in their applications.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Ex-teacher had sex with her student on his 8th-grade graduation, California prosecutors say

A former Northern California teacher pleaded no contest Monday to having sex with an eighth-grade student on his graduation day in a classroom, prosecutors said.

Michelle Christine Solis, 46, pleaded no contest to having unlawful sex with the 14-year-old, according to the Butte County District Attorneys Office. The investigation began after parents learned their children had inappropriate pictures of Solis, a former employee of the Gridley Unified School District.

Solis, who had taught for more than 20 years, was teaching the 14-year-old boy in June 2021 when she friended him on Instagram, prosecutors said. They began talking online in the weeks leading up to his Sycamore Middle School graduation.

Prosecutors said investigators found evidence that Solis sent four explicit pictures of herself and then had sex with him inside a locked classroom on the day of the students eighth-grade graduation.

Gridley police began examining Solis conduct after rumors of their relationship began spreading two years after the illegal contact, prosecutors said.

Investigators reached out to the boy and found Solis explicit pictures and their communications on his phone. She was arrested in November and entered her plea Monday in Butte Superior Court during a preliminary hearing. A charge of distributing harmful material to the 14-year-old boy was dropped as part of the plea deal.

Solis must register as a sex offender as part of her sentence, prosecutors said. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 6; she faces four years in prison.

Gridley is a city of 7,200 residents in Butte County between Chico and Yuba City.
A onetime attorney to former President Trump said Wednesday that Trumps latest attacks on Michael Cohen are a direct violation of the gag order placed on him during his criminal hush money trial.

On Tuesday, Trump went after Cohen, his former fixer, in an interview just minutes before Judge Juan Merchan opened discussions over whether Trump already violated the gag order with previous social media posts.

Michael Cohen is a convicted liar, and hes got no credibility whatsoever, Trump told 6ABC Philadelphia in an interview. He was a lawyer, and you rely on your lawyers. But Michael Cohen was a convicted liar. He was a lawyer for many people, not just me. Then he got in trouble because of things outside of what he did for me.

Former Trump attorney Tim Parlatore told CNNs Kate Bolduan on Wednesday that those comments are likely to get him in trouble with Merchan.

This interview to me does seem to be a direct violation of the order as it is written, Parlatore said. And so I think it is problematic for them, especially that this airs, you know, while the judge is currently sitting and trying to decide the issue.

Parlatore explained that Merchans decision over whether Trump has violated the gag order relies on what Trumps attorneys told the former president.

Because if hes, complying with his lawyers interpretation, then maybe the wrong person is my target, Parlatore said, characterizing Merchan. And so, you know, is [Trump attorney] Todd Blanche trying to take fire away from his client? I dont know, but it is definitely a situation that I wouldnt want to be in.

I mean, I look at this and I think the only really legitimate defense as I see it is to  something that wont work with this judge  to attack the breadth of the order itself, he continued. And I think that there is an argument to be made there, but its not going to work until you get up on appeal.

Prosecutors alleged Tuesday that Trump has violated the order 10 times, demanding a $1,000 fine for each violation.

Trump has been very critical of the gag order, claiming it muzzles his free speech rights and impacts his reelection campaign. Appeals courts have upheld similar gag orders in his other legal cases.

The former president has repeatedly attacked Cohen, who was at the center of the alleged hush money scheme the trial focuses on. Prosecutors claim Trump falsified business documents while illegally covering up hush money payments made to hide previous affairs, just before the 2016 election.

The trial, the first criminal prosecution of a former U.S. president, is expected to last about six weeks.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
HAMMOND, Ind.  All Hammond schools were abruptly closed Wednesday due to excessive call-offs, district officials said in a statement posted to Facebook.

School City of Hammond is unable to safely staff our buildings today  There will be no eLearning and the day will be made up at a future date, the statement said.

The absences of nearly half of the districts 685 teachers appears to be in response to the districts Tuesday night approval of a consolidation plan that will see the closure of Lew Wallace School, Morton Elementary School and Kenwood Elementary School in a cost-saving move.

The closures will save the Northwest Indiana community around $5.6 million, according to Supt. Scott Miller, a report in the Northwest Indiana Times said. Trustees OKd the move in a three-to-two vote following a contentious meeting with citizens.



Mayor Thomas McDermott blamed state lawmakers and the governor for the districts funding problems and reminded that he and the city council have no control or influence over the school board under Indiana law.

Please direct your anger and frustrations at yesterdays decision to the people that made the decision, not at my staff, he said in a statement. There is no reason to yell and scream at people that have NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with yesterdays decision.

>> Latest Headlines from Northwest Indiana

The more than 1,100 elementary school students impacted by the closures will be notified in the coming weeks of which school theyll attend in the fall, the report said.

Instead of classes, Wallace and Morton schools will primarily be used for early childhood services, according to the report. Kenwood Elementary will mostly be used for storage, the passed resolution said.

The Times report details the districts financial situation that has already prompted layoffs and a cut to transportation services. The district has closed five other schools in the past five years.

About 100 parents, teachers and members from SEIU Local 73 gathered in protest to the planned closure prior to Tuesdays vote, the Times reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
This photo taken on April 25, 2024 shows a building destroyed during an Israeli strike in Alma al-Shaab, Lebanon. Israel's military announced that its warplanes and artillery struck about 40 sites in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, claiming they had been used by Hezbollah. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military announced that its warplanes and artillery struck about 40 sites in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, claiming they had been used by Hezbollah.

An Israeli military spokesperson said in a statement that the strikes were carried out in the area of Ayta ash Shab in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah targets including storage facilities, weaponry, and infrastructures.

According to the spokesperson, Hezbollah fighters have used the area for military purposes.

Also on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant toured the Israel-Lebanon border, where Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire since Oct. 8, 2023, and held a situation assessment meeting with commanders.

According to Gallant, since the beginning of the border conflict, Israel has killed "about half of" Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon, putting the number at 40.

"Our goal has remained the same -- to ensure that a different security situation prevails here in northern Israel and that the residents of the north can return to their homes in peace and safety," he said.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. 

This photo taken on April 25, 2024 shows a building destroyed during an Israeli strike in Alma al-Shaab, Lebanon. Israel's military announced that its warplanes and artillery struck about 40 sites in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, claiming they had been used by Hezbollah. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 25, 2024 shows a building destroyed during an Israeli strike in Alma al-Shaab, Lebanon. Israel's military announced that its warplanes and artillery struck about 40 sites in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, claiming they had been used by Hezbollah. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)
President Joe Biden will soon appoint Lise Grande, the current head of the government-funded United States Institute of Peace (USIP), as his new czar for humanitarian aid for Gaza, according to a USIP employee informed of her plans on Tuesday and a source familiar with the appointment.

Grande will replace David Satterfield, a former ambassador who Biden appointed to the newly established role of special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues on Oct. 15. That move came a week after Israel began a sweeping U.S.-backed offensive in the Gaza strip in retaliation for an Oct. 7 attack by the Gaza-based militant group Hamas.

Satterfield will continue to work at the State Department as a senior adviser, a source familiar with his plans told HuffPost. HuffPost first reported in January that he would leave his envoy role.

The U.S.-backed Israeli campaign has devastated Gaza, creating an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian region that has devolved into a famine, per an internal U.S. government assessment revealed earlier this month by HuffPost.

Humanitarian groups say Israel is still imposing unacceptable restrictions on relief for civilians in Gaza, despite promising the Biden administration for months it would do more to ease Palestinian suffering  particularly after an Israeli airstrike killed seven aid workers on April 1.

Some lawmakers and human rights activists believe that these aid restrictions mean that, by continuing to provide military assistance to Israel Israel, the Biden administration is in violation of American law. The International Court of Justice has repeatedly ordered the Israelis to ease their restrictions.

Meanwhile, U.S.-backed Israeli military operations continue. Most recently, a strike on the Gazan city of Rafah killed 21 people on April 21, according to local authorities. Observers worry the Israeli offensive will soon extend to a full invasion of Rafah, a refuge for more than a million displaced Palestinians.

Grande is a former United Nations official who previously worked on other humanitarian crises, including in Yemen.

She is well known among aid experts. But her tenure at USIP, a nonpartisan think tank focused on winding down conflict, has become controversial during the Gaza war.

Earlier this year, several USIP staffers circulated an internal letter accusing the institution of taking insufficient steps to mitigate Israeli-Palestinian tensions and taking a politically safe approach to the crisis.

In the previously unreported letter, the employees argued they were not seeking advocacy from USIP but believed it had been less proactive in organizing diplomacy and less forthcoming in its analysis than it had been in its response to Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Of that conflict, Grande has said: There is a very strong argument that Russian conduct amounts to genocide.

Dave Harden, a former senior U.S. Agency for International Development official who has worked in Palestine, described having limited optimism about Grandes new role.

Lise is smart, gritty and bold  a strong choice with unrivaled experience leading humanitarian responses to complex crises in the Middle East, Harden told HuffPost on Tuesday night. But she also has serious gaps: Lise doesnt have [U.S. government] interagency experience, hasnt worked in classified settings, doesnt know the Israelis.

Grande told colleagues on Tuesday she was leaving the institute for 5 months, the USIP employee said.

Harden expressed worry about her likely short tenure: Biden needs an envoy with a long term commitment to Gaza, through the war and the day after, he said.

Spokespeople for the State Department and USIP did not immediately provide comment for this story.

Related...
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations, the latest of which was released last week, into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

The incident was a gruesome coda to Americas longest war, leaving dead 13 United States military service members and about 170 Afghans who were desperately seeking US help to flee the Taliban takeover of Kabul. For two years, the US military has insisted that the loss of life was caused by a single explosion, and that troops who reported coming under fire and returning it were likely confused in the chaotic aftermath, some suffering from the effects of blast concussion.

But video captured by a Marines GoPro camera that has not been seen publicly in full before shows there was far more gunfire than the Pentagon has ever admitted. A dozen US military personnel, who were on the scene and spoke to CNN anonymously for fear of reprisals, have described the gunfire in detail. One told CNN he heard the first large burst of shooting come from where US Marines were standing, near the blast site. It wasnt onesies and twosies, the Marine said. It was a mass volume of gunfire.

An Afghan doctor who spoke to CNN on the record for the first time said he personally pulled bullets from the wounded, and with his hospital staff counted dozens of Afghans who died from gunshot wounds.

Combined, the new evidence challenges the credibility of the two US military investigations and raises serious questions for the Pentagon, which has continued to dismiss mounting evidence that civilians were shot dead.

Afghans struggle to reach foreign forces in desperate attempts to flee the country before the blast outside Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, on August 26, 2021. - Akhter Gulfam/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The blast at 5:36 p.m. on August 26, 2021, outside Hamid Karzai International Airport marked the worst casualty incident for Afghan civilians and US troops in Afghanistan in over a decade.

For days, hundreds of desperate Afghans  military aged-men, women, children, and the elderly  had been standing in the blistering heat, hoping to persuade their way into the airport and onto a stream of US cargo planes that flew over a hundred thousand people out to safety.

The scene outside the airports Abbey Gate, where crowds were densest, was gruesome even before the blast. Former translators and other Afghans who had assisted the near-20-year NATO presence waded in trash and knee-deep sewage water that filled a concrete drainage canal.

When an ISIS-K suicide bomber detonated a backpack device just above the densely populated concrete canal, the evacuation was drastically curtailed.

The Pentagon has insisted all deaths and injuries were caused by the explosive device and the ball bearings it fired into the crowd. Though it has acknowledged there was gunfire from American and British forces, it says that was limited to three bursts that were near-simultaneous  one of 25 to 30 warning shots from UK troops, and two bursts of fire from US troops aimed at suspected militants, which did not hit anyone.

The US Central Command ordered a supplemental review into the incident in September 2023, after criticism of its investigations conclusions, particularly around whether the bombing could have been prevented  in harrowing emotional testimony from survivors on social media and to Congressional hearings.

Those results, which were released on April 15, reaffirmed that a lone ISIS-K bomber carried out the attack, and found that new information obtained during the review did not materially impact the findings in the November 2021 investigation, and the review did not recommend any modifications to those findings. The review did not pursue numerous reports from Afghan survivors of significant gunfire in the wake of the blast.

The Marines GoPro footage runs nearly continuously for many minutes before and after the blast. It shows 11 episodes of shooting after the explosion, over nearly four minutes. This is significantly more than the three near simultaneous bursts of gunfire that the Pentagon investigations have claimed occurred.

One sustained burst of about 17 gunshots comes just over 30 seconds after the bomb detonates, according to the video, with the other 10 bursts of two to three rounds each. At no point are Marines seen firing on camera or is anyone visibly hit by gunfire. It is unclear where the gunmen are or what they are firing at.

It shows Marines, some on their first deployment to a warzone, race for cover from gunfire, and choke from CS gas released when the blast tore open a canister on a Marines flak jacket.

One Marine, presumably the cameraman, notes after the blast: I got that on film, dude. Seconds later, as Afghans seem to race towards the airport walls to seek safety, another voice adds: Theyre breaking through. The remainder of the footage shows the Marines swiftly getting accountability of their own units, struggling to come to terms with the blasts impact, and hearing a steady series of controlled, isolated bursts of gunfire close by.

Clothes and blood stains at the scene on August 27, 2021. - Wakil Koshar/AFP/Getty Images

Robert Maher, an audio forensic expert at Montana State University in Bozeman, who reviewed the footage for CNN, found at least 11 episodes of gunfire over a four-minute window, totaling a minimum of 43 shots. He added that the burst near the start contained at least 17 shots, with multiple weapons likely firing and overlapping. He said in two other bursts of fire, the rounds appeared to follow a crack-boom sequence  the crack of the bullet breaching the sound barrier recorded before the sound of the gunshot reached the microphone  indicating the bullet traveled over or across the camera.

Sarah Morris, a digital forensics expert from the University of Southampton in England, examined both the audio and video files for evidence of digital corruption, alteration, or manipulation, and found none. She said the location data and metadata of the two clips that lead up to and follow the blast showed they were filmed very close to each other.

Separately, Morris used an algorithm to phase out predictable background noise on a GoPro from clothing or motion, and found in 16 instances where there were peaks in audio which she said were unusual noises that appear consistent with a firearm. The 16 overlapped with the 11 episodes discerned by Maher.

While some Marines aid wounded Afghans, the video also shows that, 21 minutes and 49 seconds after the bombing, Marines fired a CS gas canister from inside the airport walls towards the area near the blast. It may have landed near injured and dead Afghan civilians, still gathered around the sewage trench that ran along the scene of the blast at that time, according to videos shared on social media.

The Pentagons investigations have made no reference to the video, half an hour of which CNN obtained. It is unclear how much of it the Pentagon saw prior to publication of this story. It released four seconds of the video  the moment of the blast itself  as part of its initial investigation in February 2022, although the source of that brief clip remains unclear.

CNN described the full video and findings of this story in significant detail to the Pentagon ahead of publication. A spokesman said the Pentagon would need to see any new, previously unseen, video out there before assessing it. Army Lt. Col. Rob Lodewick, public affairs adviser to the supplemental review team, said the latest review supported the Pentagons initial findings.

He said in a statement: The 2021-2022 Abbey Gate Investigation thoroughly investigated the allegations of a complex attack, which would have involved gunfire from militants after the blast, as well as allegations of outgoing fire from US and coalition forces following the blast. The Supplemental Review found no new evidence of a complex attack, and uncovered no new assertions of outgoing fire post-blast. Consequently, the Supplemental Review found no materialistic impact to the original findings of the Abbey Gate investigation.

A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said that its troops fired warning shots above the crowd to prevent a surge, none of which were fired at people  the same position it held in 2022.

The bombing area at Kabul airport's Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, prior to the explosion. - U.S. Central Command/AP

CNN has previously reported that 19 Afghan witnesses said they saw gunfire or were shot themselves.

I saw people who were injured in the explosion trying to get up, but they fired on them, Shogofa Hamidi, whose sister Morsal was shot in the face, told CNN for an in-depth report published in February 2022. They were targeting people, another, Nazir, 16, told CNN. In front of me, people were getting shot at and falling down.

Noorullah Zakhel, whose cousin was killed, said that bullets appeared to hit those who tried to flee, and recalled soldiers standing in front of him, as he dropped to the ground below the canal wall. Their accounts were supported by that of a doctor and 13 medical reports which detailed bullet wounds among Afghans.

Read more: Horror at Kabuls gate to freedom

In 2022, Dr. Sayeed Ahmadi, director of the Wazir Akhbar Khan hospital in Kabul, spoke to CNN anonymously as he feared for his safety. He now has asylum in Finland, where he agreed to speak on camera about the harrowing scenes that night in his trauma unit.

Explosion injuries come with severe injuries and lots of holes in the bodies, he explained. But people who were shot had just one or two holes in the chest or head.

Ahmadi spent many years treating injuries across war-torn Afghanistan. Of course, when you see the bullets, its totally different from the ball bearing. Everybody knows if they are a soldier or a doctor.

Video obtained by CNN shows bodies piling up outside the hospital on the night of the attack. As they treated patients, Ahmadi said he received a threatening phone call telling him to stop his team from recording which patients had been shot and who had been killed or injured by the blast.

He spoke fluently Dari, he said. He told me, What are you doing, Doctor? You love your life. You love your family. This is not good when you are collecting that data. It would make a big dangerous situation for you. You should stop that as soon as possible.

The man called another time to repeat the warning, and Ahmadi advised his team to stop recording data and destroy the evidence they had collected.

The Pentagon, in response to Ahmadis initial anonymous statement to CNN in 2022 that he had treated gunshot wounds, said that he was mistaken. They said bullet and ball-bearing injuries are hard to distinguish  a claim disputed by multiple combat medics who spoke to CNN, and by Ahmadi himself.

Ahmadi said he was never approached by American investigators.

I hope one day they ask me, he said. Now I am safe. I feel well Sometimes just this secret that I have in my mind haunts me.

Pentagon spokesman Lodewick said no Afghans were interviewed for the original AR 15-6 investigation because its scope and focus on US operations did not demand it. He said the supplemental review was even more refined in its scope, focusing more on events before the blast and the bomber, and again presented no overwhelming need for the pursuit of external Afghan-centric information.

A wounded patient is brought by taxi to the hospital in Kabul on the day of the attack. - Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Accounts from US servicemen of the aftermath have often been dismissed by officials as the product of blast concussion, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). As Marine survivors leave active duty and continue to struggle with their trauma and an official narrative that jars with their personal experience, their dissent has grown.

CNN spoke with about ten Marines anonymously, many of whom described hearing gunfire and feeling under attack from it. Some have reported seeing what they thought was a militant gunman. The Pentagon has insisted no other gunmen opened fire in the area at the time of the attack, bar US and UK troops. No American or Afghan witness has specifically stated they directly saw a militant open fire.

One Marine, who decided to speak out of conscience and requested anonymity, fearing reprisals for his account, has become the first American eyewitness to describe shots fired from where US personnel were located. He said that the burst of gunfire after the explosion  heard by witnesses on the ground and audible in the new video  came from the area around the Abbey Gate sniper tower, where US Marines were grouped.

While he could not be certain the Marines had fired directly into the crowd of Afghan civilians in front of them, he said: They would not have fired into the air. Marines had been told to not fire warnings shots, he said, as these rounds fired in the air often landed later in civilian areas. It wasnt a direct order, he added. But it was a common understanding: no warning shots. He said he did not think any of the shots fired in the four-minute window of gunfire audible on the new video would have been warning shots.

A Marine eyewitness told CNN's Nick Paton Walsh (left) that the burst of gunfire after the explosion  heard by witnesses on the ground and audible in the new video  came from the area around the Abbey Gate sniper tower, where US Marines were grouped. - CNN

Public orders issued in the Navy in December 2020 banned warning shots unless specifically permitted on deployment. The Pentagons report said Marines from the 2/1 unit that made up most of those on the scene did not use warning shots and only used flash bang grenades infrequently. The Marine said he did not see any US military open fire and did not fire himself.

The Marine calmly described key details of blast and its aftermath, but became emotional when discussing the Pentagons investigations, including what he described as a lack of transparency about what happened, and the possible role Marine gunfire played in raising the Afghan civilian death toll.

But he defended the immediate response of his colleagues under attack. The reaction that the Marines had was a reaction that I believe anybody trained to do in that scenario would have had, he said, suggesting they were in the first phase of the three-stage practice of RTR  Returning fire, Taking cover and then Returning accurate fire.

Youve got to think, these are kids, he said. Theyre young. And theyve only been taught what theyve been taught. Some of these kids had been with the unit for quite literally two, three months prior to deployment. They didnt have the training to be able to recognize some of the things that, you know, might have occurred  nor could you have the training for what had happened on August 26. Or really what happened in Kabul.

He said the significant gunfire response from Marines after the blast was common knowledge among Marine survivors, even though it was not spoken of publicly. Its incredibly weird, he said. Its frustrating, you know? Why hide from what happened?

Reacting to the Pentagons dismissal of accounts from US personnel who recalled gunfire as the product of TBI, the Marine said: Its a pathetic excuse. To say that every Marine, every soldier, every Navy corpsman on the deck has a traumatic brain injury and cannot remember gunfire is, is lunacy. Its outright disrespectful. And especially for it to come from somebody that wasnt there.

To the Afghani [sic] families  Im sorry that after 20 years of war, that that is the way that this (was) conducted. And that we werent able to uphold a promise that we gave your people after removing the Taliban in 2001. And it should not have ended like that.

Evacuees aboard a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during the Afghanistan evacuation from Kabul on August 21, 2021. - Senior Airman Taylor Crul/U.S. Air Force/Reuters

Many of the 10 other Marines with whom CNN spoke anonymously also describe gunfire.

One told CNN that he ran through a hole in the fence outside the Abbey Gate in the minute after the blast to assist with the wounded. As he emerged, he said, he heard suppressed rifle fire nearby from another Marine. Many US Marines rifles were fitted with suppressors, reducing the noise of their fire, according to footage from the incident.

I would probably say five, 10 meters away from me, was where it was, he said. He said the Marine firing was not from his own unit, and after he had opened fire, whoever was shooting at us wasnt shooting at us anymore.

Another Marine told CNN he was about 20 meters (65 feet) from the blast. There was definitely, shooting, he said. Snapping over our heads after the blast and it wasnt the Taliban. He said he used his rifle optic to look at the Taliban, who were some distance away on nearby shipping containers used to control access to the Abbey Gate area. When I looked over at them, none of them were holding their guns. They looked just as shocked as us.

Other US servicemen who said they witnessed gunfire in the aftermath of the bombing have spoken out on social media.

Sgt. Romel Finley, who received a Purple Heart, said that another sergeant ordered US troops into position to open fire after the bomb blast. Finley told The Brrks YouTube channel, a social media account run by a former Marine and Master Barber which interviews active or former Marines, that he recalled, while being dragged from the scene, My platoon sergeant running past us, saying get back on that wall and shoot back at those motherf**kers. So I was like, we are in a gunfight too.

Finley, who sustained significant leg injuries in the attack, added that he did not witness Marines firing, or responding to the order. He declined to comment to CNN, as did his platoon sergeant. CNN is withholding the names of Marines who did not specifically consent to being identified in interviews.

Christian Sanchez, another Marine survivor, who was injured in his left arm, told the same Brrks Barber channel that he opened fire after the blast. All I see is flashes. And all I could hear was ringing. Like all hear is ringing and f**king flashes going on. And I start hearing snaps. And I start realizing that thats a f**king dude shooting at me, he said. And I just started shooting at the dude, he added, breaking down.

Sanchez also declined to speak to CNN about his recollections and it is unclear if he specifically saw the purported militant gunman open fire.

Significant gaps remain in the evidence presented by the Pentagon. Investigators have only released five edited minutes of drone footage from the aftermath, which they said supported their findings that no gunfire hit anyone.

A recent congressional hearing for the then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and then-Central Command Gen. Kenneth Frank McKenzie ended with Congressman Darrell Issa presenting the two generals with a list of unpublished video that, under a Freedom of Information Act request, the Pentagon had admitted they held. The generals told the session they had seen the videos, and that it should be released to congressional investigators.

Another American military survivor who spoke to CNN said he had endured two years of leadership saying what you saw was basically not the truth. He summarized the two investigations as: Shut your mouth. Well talk for you.

Watch the full five minutes of GoPro footage here:

Reporting team for CNNs 2022 special report: Nick Paton Walsh, Sandi Sidhu, Julia Hollingsworth, Masoud Popalzai, Sitara Zamani, Abdul Basir Bina, Katie Polglase, Gianluca Mezzofiore.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  April is Autism Awareness Month, and thanks to a grant, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine has recruited one of the nations top autism research experts to work on the Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids.

The $2 million gift from the Mall Family Foundation has made it possible for Lucas Pozzo-Miller, Ph.D., to become the endowed professor in genetic autism research. His research focuses on the neurobiological basis of syndromic forms of autism caused by single-gene variants.

According to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects 1 in 36 people. Pozzo-Miller says the numbers are difficult to interpret.

Some of those numbers might include other disorders caused by single genes, said Pozzo-Miller. The most prevalent form that everybody is familiar with is the result of many different genes, genetic susceptibility, for example, like for any other human diseases that interact, perhaps, in complex manner with environmental exposures.

Pozzo-Miller says the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians and experts at Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and Van Andel Institute and the growing number of researchers at Michigan State University drew him to the position.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday on whether Donald Trump can face criminal prosecution for alleged misconduct that the former president claims involved official acts. While legal experts expect the justices will be tough on all parties, they predict Trump will face greater scrutiny.

The high court's case arose from Trump's carousel of efforts to have his federal election interference case dismissed on grounds of absolute presidential immunity, which he argues completely shields him from prosecution for any actions taken while in office. Special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the four-count indictment against Trump last summer, has accused him of conspiring to thwart his 2020 electoral defeat and the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden.

During Thursday's arguments, the court will be considering the broader question presented of "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.

But because "so much" of Trump's conduct fell under his "private capacity as office-seeker," University of Texas law professor Lee Kovarsky told Salon he expects "many justices to be skeptical that the prosecution would be precluded by any immunity, even if they were inclined to find that such immunity exists."

Also of consideration for the justices is the lack of precedent in the case, a distinction both the special counsel and Trump's legal teams have grappled with in filings to the court, according to The Associated Press.

Trump's lawyers have argued that allowing former presidents to face criminal prosecution after their term ends could tamp down their sense of independence in carrying out official acts and, ultimately, usher in "destructive cycles of recrimination." The special counsel, however, has emphasized that the "absence of any prosecutions" of a former president "underscores the unprecedented nature" of Trump's alleged conduct.

Smith will face "tough questioning" from the justices about his urging them to decide on the issue quickly, Kovarksy predicted, noting that they will likely wonder why the special counsel's interest in receiving a ruling before the 2024 election "should matter here."

He also said he expects the court's special session Thursday to mark a "difficult day for Trump's counsel" because their immunity arguments "just aren't very good" and their briefing on those arguments "has made them look worse."

Lower courts have routinely rejected Trump's absolute immunity argument, with trial Judge Tanya Chutkan first denying the claim in December. A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals later unanimously canned the argument in February.

Bennett Gershman, a Pace University law professor and former New York prosecutor, told Salon he believes the Supreme Court's hearing will resemble that of the D.C. Circuit, with the justices peppering Trump's team with "very tough, almost surreal" questions meant to expose the "implications and consequences" that an absolute presidential immunity could give rise to.

When asked by U.S. Circuit Judge Florence Pan earlier this year if a president could be prosecuted for ordering SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival, Trump attorney John Sauer pushed an expansive interpretation of presidential immunity that amounted, in essence, to: yes, but only after impeachment and conviction by Congress.

"Some members of the [Supreme] Court likely will pose questions to Trumps lawyer, as the judges on The D.C. Circuit did, by raising a parade of the most astonishingly horrible consequences to our democracy and constitution if a president has such immunity: Immunity from assassinating political enemies and opponents? Threatening or bribing members of Congress? Conspiring to rig elections? On and on," Gershman told Salon. Such protection, he added, "would allow a tyrant like Trump to remain in power indefinitely and be able to crush any opposition."

Their questions are also poised to "demonstrate the massive legal and political differences" between the immunity for official acts president's enjoy in civil matters  as established in the 1982 case Nixon v. Fitzgerald  and immunity for crimes, he said, noting that he doesn't see any "limiting principle" the high court may look for. Those could include a president committing misconduct in an "official capacity" versus in a "personal" one, crimes of extreme gravity or petty crimes, and criminal acts carried out by a president's staff or allies with his knowledge yet without his formal approval.

"Its hard (and far too depressing) to imagine that any member of the Court would entertain Trumps unbelievably insanely dangerous claim," Gershman said, adding: "If the decision is anything other than unanimous, it would further add to this Courts reputation as the most partisan and ethically challenged Court in American history."

While the court likely won't take up a broad immunity that could cover all the conduct charged in Trump's indictment, Kovarsky said he suspects the justices are interested in some level of immunity. The most "plausible solution set" to come from the court rests between finding a former president has "no immunity" and finding immunity for official acts but determining that "such immunity would not preclude" Trump's prosecution in D.C., he added.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The Supreme Court's decision to hear the case has ground the former president's federal election interference case to a halt, with proceedings in the Washington, D.C. trial stayed pending the ruling.

While the justices are moving faster on the case than is typical, the AP notes, experts have also voiced concern about whether the court's current pace will allow for the federal election interference case to go to trial before the November presidential election should the justices affirm the lower court rulings.

The justices' decision to review the case "actually undermines core democratic values," argue NYU law professors Melissa Murray and Andrew Weissmann, the co-authors of "The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary."

"The courts insistence on putting its own stamp on this case  despite the widespread assumption that it will not change the application of immunity to this case and the sluggish pace chosen to hear it  means that it will have needlessly delayed legal accountability for no justifiable reason," they wrote in a New York Times opinion, adding that even if the justices rule against absolute immunity, "its actions will not amount to a victory for the rule of law and may be corrosive to the democratic values for which the United States should be known."

That delay runs the risk of stripping citizens of a "trial before a judge and a jury" and plays into Trump's efforts to "avoid a legal reckoning," the professors said, calling for the court to administer its decision "quickly after oral argument."

The federal election interference case is one of four criminal cases Trump is facing. The presumptive GOP nominee has tried to delay his federal criminal proceedings, including the classified documents case in Florida, until after the November presidential election when he, if elected, could order the Justice Department to drop the charges.

While Gershman agrees that the Supreme Court "has helped Trump by further delaying the start of the trial," he finds that a pre-election trial is still possible.

"Assuming the Court rules against Trumps immunity claim even at the end of the term in late June, there is no reason why the federal election case cannot be tried this summer," he said.
MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he will suspend public duties until next week to decide whether he wants to continue leading the government after a court launched a preliminary investigation against his wife.

Sanchez, who last year secured another term for his Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) as leader of a minority coalition government, said he would announce his decision on April 29.

"I urgently need an answer to the question of whether it is worthwhile ... to lead the government or renounce this honour," he wrote in a letter shared on his X account on Wednesday.

WHAT PROMPTED SANCHEZ'S MOVE?

A Spanish court confirmed on Wednesday it had launched a preliminary investigation into his wife, Begona Gomez, for alleged influence peddling and business corruption following a complaint raised by anti-graft campaign group Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), whose leader has links to the far-right.

The court did not provide further details as the case is sealed and in the early stages.

Manos Limpias accused Gomez of using her influence as the wife of the prime minister to secure sponsors for a university master's degree course that she ran.

Gomez has not commented. Sanchez says his wife has done nothing illegal and is being attacked "to weaken me politically and personally". He has said his wife will defend her honour and will cooperate with the proceedings.

Manos Limpias uses a unique Spanish legal instrument known as the "people's accusation" to bring criminal complaints against third parties. Judges can choose whether or not to act on such complaints, and not every accusation has led to a judicial investigation.

Several media reported on Wednesday that the directors of two online news outlets that originally published the claims of Gomez's alleged wrongdoing will testify as witnesses.

WHAT ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIS WIFE?

Manos Limpias claimed - citing the online newspaper reports - that Gomez received favours from airline Air Europa and its Spanish holding company Globalia during her time as director of an African research centre at Madrid's IE business school until 2022, according to radio station Cadena Ser, which shared a document it said was the legal complaint on its website.

IE said in a statement that it had never received any financial support from Globalia or its entities.

In March, Spain's conflict of interests watchdog threw out a complaint made by the opposition People's Party that claimed there was a link between a government bail-out for Air Europa, following the COVID crisis that grounded travel, and the "economic and professional ties" of Sanchez's wife.

In a joint statement from March, Globalia and Air Europa said the aid received from the Spanish government was "in line with the parameters of other aid received by different companies in the sector in Spain and the rest of Europe", and it considered itself a victim of "political crossfire".

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Potential outcomes range from Sanchez remaining as prime minister to his resignation - which would lead to either a new candidate standing for a vote in the lower house or a snap election in the summer - or he could submit himself to a confidence vote to reinforce his leadership.

According to Spain's constitution, new elections can only be called one year after parliament was last dissolved. This means the earliest Sanchez could formally call a snap election is May 29, resulting in a vote no earlier than July 21.

However, he could announce on Monday his intention to do it on that date, after which his government would remain in a caretaker capacity until a new one is formed.

Were he to lose a parliamentary confidence vote, he would have to resign.

If Sanchez steps down, King Felipe would have to meet with all parties represented in the lower house to kick off a new investiture process, designating a candidate who needs a parliamentary majority to become prime minister.

WHAT OTHER CORRUPTION CASES ARE THERE IN SPAIN?

In Spain, politicians of all stripes routinely accuse each other along with family members and associates of corruption and there have been some high-profile scandals that resulted in convictions.

Pedro Sanchez came to power in 2018 when the previous conservative government lost a confidence vote in the wake of a graft scandal.

At present, there are several parliamentary commissions examining public contracts for health supplies during the COVID pandemic.

Earlier this year, former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos refused calls from his PSOE party to resign as a lawmaker after his assistant was accused of taking bribes to facilitate COVID mask contracts.

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo, David Latona and Corina Pons; editing by Aislinn Laing, Rosalba O'Brien and Mark Heinrich)
Fact Check: Couple in Brazil Reportedly Planted Over 2M Trees in 20 Years To Combat Erosion Caused by Farming. Here Are the Facts

Claim:

A couple in Brazil planted over 2 million trees in 20 years to recreate the forest.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

While it's true that a couple in Brazil planted more than 2 million trees over a 20-year period, they reportedly received help from local students and workers to accomplish the task.

In 2019, an aerial view captured the lush greenery of Instituto Terra's tree nursery, nestled in Aimores, Brazil. This land, once devastated by erosion and deforestation from cattle farming, now stood as a testament to the power of reforestation efforts.

Tributes to the tree nursery garnered widespread attention on social media platforms such as Facebook and Reddit, where posts claimed that a Brazilian couple planted 2 million trees to recreate the forest.

(visuraXD/Reddit)

The claim that this couple planted more than 2 million trees over a 20-year period  albeit with help reportedly from local students, hired workers, donations from multinational corporations, plus financial support from the government  holds true.

In 1998, award-winning photographer and photojournalist Sebastiao Salgado and his wife, Lelia Deluiz Wanick Salgado, founded Instituto Terra, a federally recognized nature preserve and nonprofit organization, thus embarking on a remarkable journey to revive the ecosystem.

The roots of this endeavor trace back to the mid-1990, shortly after Salgado's return from a photo assignment covering the genocide in Rwanda, and the couple's acquisition of the cattle ranch reportedly purchased by Sebastiao Salgado's father in the 1940s.

"The land was as sick as I was  everything was destroyed," Salgado said at a Paris climate change meeting in 2015, according to The Guardian. "Only about 0.5% of the land was covered in trees. Then my wife had a fabulous idea to replant this forest. And when we began to do that, then all the insects and birds and fish returned and, thanks to this increase of the trees I, too, was reborn  this was the most important moment."

According to Smithsonian Magazine, replanting the farm with trees was Lelia's idea. "There was no hidden agenda," she told the outlet in 2015. "It was so natural, instinctive. The land was so degraded, so horrible. What a bad gift! Why not plant?"

Over two decades, the Salgados transformed barren landscapes into thriving forests by planting millions of seedlings, starting with an initial donation of 100,000 seedlings from a local mining company. This monumental effort aimed not only to restore the ecosystem but also to produce plants and trees that would be a natural habitat for native fauna including birds and insects.

The former farmland is now known as Instituto Terra, serving as a hub for environmental education, seedling cultivation and ecological research. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, this 1,750-acre expanse sits about 100 miles inland from the Atlantic coast, nestled within the valley of the Rio Doce. The biodiverse Atlantic Forest was integral to the Rio Doce Valley's ecosystem, covering both the family cattle farm and surrounding areas.

Nov. 2019, aerial view of the Instituto Terra tree nursery in Aimores, Brazil. (Getty Images)

The transformative impact of the Salgados' efforts is documented in various sources. Earth Observatory, a NASA initiative dedicated to sharing images and stories about the environment, Earth systems and climate research, highlighted the couple's role in reforesting and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Numerous sources corroborate the remarkable achievements of the couple, with their story garnering attention from media outlets worldwide, including the Daily Mail and DeMilked, which chronicled the couple's two-decade journey to transform the barren ranch into a thriving habitat for wildlife and biodiversity conservation.

Visual evidence of the couple's achievements can be found in a YouTube video showcasing the lush greenery that now blankets the once-devastated landscapes, showcasing the couple's transformative impact on the landscape.

The pioneering efforts of the Salgados' initiative in reclaiming lost forests and combating deforestation not only contribute to environmental conservation but also serve as a source of inspiration for individuals and organizations worldwide to take action.

Snopes has previously reported on environmental issues in Brazil, including a Swedish multimillionaire purchasing around 400,000 acres of Amazonian rainforest, and claims that a logger cut down the world's oldest tree.

Sources:

A New Patch of Green in Brazil. 23 July 2019, https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/145324/a-new-patch-of-green-in-brazil.

"Brazilian Couple Plants Over 2 Million Trees To Restore A Destroyed Forest." AA Environment Possibility Award, https://www.ep-a.org/trend/en/brazilian-couple-plants-over-2-million-trees-to-restore-a-destroyed-forest. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Chronos. THIS COUPLE FROM BRAZIL PLANTED 2.7 MILLION TREES! AND HERE'S WHY. 2021. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ9YxXauP1M.

"Instituto Terra." Instituto Terra, https://institutoterra.org/.

Log in or Sign up to View. https://www.facebook.com/login/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Magazine, Smithsonian, and McKenzie Funk. "Sebastiao Salgado Has Seen the Forest, Now He's Seeing the Trees." Smithsonian Magazine, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/sebastiao-salgado-forest-trees-180956620/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

ORFL. Instituto Terra  ORFL. 13 Sept. 2022, https://www.orfl.org.hk/instituto-terra/.

Reforestation Institute Finds Room to Grow. https://www.ecoamericas.com/issues/article/2020/3/444CA184-06F2-48E9-8AC1-4AF8245EA4C9. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Uptas, Ausrys. "This Couple Planted Over 2 Million Trees In 20 Years And Made The Animals Return To The Forest." Demilked, 24 Apr. 2019, https://www.demilked.com/couple-replant-forest-sebastiao-leila-salgado-reforestation/.

Vidal, John. "Sebastiao Salgado Focuses on Big Picture with Parable of Reforestation in Brazil." The Guardian, 27 July 2015. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jul/27/sebastiao-salgado-fredrick-shoo-reforestation-brazil-tanzania.

Wingate, Sophie. "Brazilian Photographer Transforms Barren Ranch into Tropical Paradise." Mail Online, 3 June 2019, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7099537/Brazilian-couple-spends-20-years-planting-trees-barren-ranch-create-paradise-animals.html.
Claim:

During jury selection for Trumps hush-money trial, the judge asked a potential juror, It says here that you tweeted, ahem, and I quote f*** that treasonous orange s***gibbon and the dead ferret on his head is that accurate? The juror responded, The tweet speaks for itself, your honor.

Rating:

Rating: False

In April 2024, as jury selection began for former U.S. President Donald Trump's hush-money trial, social media posts alleged a judge read aloud in court an insulting X post from a potential juror who called Trump a "treasonous orange s**gibbon," among other insults. Trump was on trial for 34 felony counts of first-degree falsifying business records related to alleged hush-money payments made in 2016.

The posts in question shared what appeared to be a screenshot or a meme, in which the judge asked a potential juror about making an insulting post on social media about the former president:

This truly happened: Porn star hush money NYC jury selection Voir Dire [referring to the process through which potential jurors from a panel are questioned by either the judge or a lawyer to determine their suitability for jury service]: "It says here that you tweeted, ahem, and I quote 'f*** that treasonous orange sh**gibbon and the dead ferret on his head' - is that accurate? "The tweet speaks for itself, your honor"

(Facebook user "The Other 98%")



(Reddit user @Rhino910)

The earliest post we found on X using this language went up on April 16, 2024, and no reporting from before or on that date corroborates that such a reading took place in front of Trump in court. We were unable to find any verified reporting from news organizations that stated such a tweet had been read aloud during court proceedings. Were such a tweet indeed on the record, it would have been in the news. We thus rate this claim as "False."

We looked for earlier examples of the phrase "treasonous orange s***gibbon" being used on X, and found an example on April 16, 2024. This post appeared to be joking about the jury selection process, stating:

Please pick me for jury selection on the J6 case. Voir Dire will be so much fun! "It says here that you tweeted, ahem, and I quote 'f*** that treasonous orange sh**gibbon and the dead ferret on his head' - is that accurate? "The tweet speaks for itself, your honor"







(X user @Angry_Staffer)

We were unable to find earlier examples of the phrase on the social media site. Given that it was posted on April 16, 2024, any potential reading of the so-called "tweet" would have occurred on April 15 or April 16, the first two days of jury selection.

We looked through live news coverage of the jury-selection process, beginning on April 15, 2024. During that first day, per news coverage, prospective jurors were questioned about their opinions on Trump, social media history, and backgrounds. Reporting by NPR, The Associated Press (AP), and The New York Times on the first day did not identify any such tweets being read out.

The New York Times reporter in the court also noted jury responses, none of them saying anything like, "The tweet speaks for itself, your honor":

Many of the prospective jurors have been answering the yes or no questions simply and without elaboration. But a few have offered some further detail, such as a man who identified himself as a bookseller and said that "no one is above the law," including former presidents. Another prospective juror, a nurse, said that she received Trump's emails several years ago but that she "unsubscribed."

On April 16, 2024, prospective jurors were questioned about their social media history. According to CNN, five jurors were removed after Trump's lawyers pointed to their alleged anti-Trump comments online. One social media post from 2017 said, "Get him out and lock him up!" referring to Trump. Trump's lawyers highlighted three apparently satirical social media posts in an attempt to dismiss possible jurors, which the judge denied, saying, according to AP: "None of them expresses the sentiment we saw in some others, a desire to see your client locked up or beheaded or something or other of that nature."

According to Politico, one prospective juror's husband had shared a post suggesting that the comic book characters "The Avengers" unite against Trump. The judge refused Trump's lawyers' efforts to dismiss this juror.

According to Washington Post coverage of the selection process, jurors aired their criticisms of Trump in front of him. One man, who was excused from the jury pool, compared Trump to disgraced former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Sources:

Bustillo, Ximena. "What to Know about Week 1 of Trump's Criminal Trial, with Jury Selection Complete." NPR, 20 Apr. 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/04/20/1245755369/what-to-know-about-week-1-of-trumps-criminal-trial-with-jury-selection-complete. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Doherty, Erin. "Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 34 Counts in Hush-Money Case." Axios, 4 Apr. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/trump-arrest-manhattan-new-york. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

McKinley, Jesse, and Kate Christobek. "No Jurors Picked on First Day of Trump's Manhattan Criminal Trial." The New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/15/nyregion/trump-hush-money-trial. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Nakamura, David, and Josh Dawsey. "At Trump's N.Y. Trial, the Jury Pool Spoke, and He Had to Listen." Washington Post, 22 Apr. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/21/trump-trial-jury-political-opinions/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Orden, Erin. "On Day 2, Trump Met Some of His Jurors. His Lawyers Met Their Social Media Accounts." Politico, 16 Apr. 2024, https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/16/trump-hush-money-trial-jury-selection-day-two-00152704. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

PerryCook, Taija. "Trump Said in 'Farewell Message' He Could Be 'Thrown in Jail'?" Snopes, 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-said-he-could-be-thrown-in-jail/. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

"Trump Hush Money Trial: Day 2 Highlights." AP News, https://apnews.com/live/trump-trial-hush-money-updates-april-16. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

"Trump's Historic Hush Money Trial Gets Underway; 1st Day Ends without Any Jurors Being Picked." AP News, 15 Apr. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-trial-jury-selection-8da8759352478be8effd3d5734aae35e. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Valle, Lauren del. "Day 2 of Trump New York Hush Money Trial | CNN Politics." CNN, 16 Apr. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-hush-money-trial-04-16-24/index.html. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

"Voir Dire." LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/voir_dire. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Fact Check: Posts Claim Hair Doesn't Fossilize, So Scientists Can't Rule Out that Dinosaurs Had Hair. We Checked

Claim:

Hair isnt fossilized, so scientists cant rule out the possibility that some dinosaurs had hair.

Rating:

Rating: False

The likeness of a two-footed dinosaur with flowing, raven-colored hair has appeared in many internet corners, from Pinterest to Imgur to Reddit. The argument underlying these posts is that since "hair isn't preserved in fossils," supposedly, scientists cannot "rule out the possibility" that dinosaurs once had hair. For example, the post below on X, formerly Twitter, shared on March 10, 2024. At the time of this publication, it had received more than 1 million views.

The notion of a dinosaur with Cher-like hair is entertaining. It's also outlandish, according to experts.

Paleontologist Jingmai O'Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History, told Snopes that it's false that dinosaurs had hair.

Hair does fossilize. Take, for example, this extremely intact woolly mammoth, which was fossilized with skin and hair some 30,000 years ago.

That being said, O'Connor notes that protofeathers  very early, primitive feathers  "look very much like hair and fur."

"They are monofilamentous but developmentally (in the follicle) very, very different. so many dinosaurs (and pterosaurs) had feathers that look hair-like, but none have been found with the hair-like feathers only on their head," O'Connor told Snopes.

O'Connor explained that feathers are thought to have evolved from scales and are dead outgrowths, which are very different from fur.

Researchers wrote in 2016 that mammals, birds, and reptiles "inherited key cell structures that give rise to their fur, feathers, and scales" from a shared reptilian ancestor over time. This group of cells is called the anatomical placode, which appears only briefly during the development of snakes and lizards. These cells express the same developmental genes as birds and mammals in the embryonic period, which suggests that hair, feathers, and scales may have originated at the same time in evolutionary history.

Mammals as we know them today are a branch of Synapsida, which originated with a late reptilian lineage of "mammal-like reptiles." According to the Field Museum, the first true mammals appeared in the fossil record around 200 million years ago, and with them, fur.

But early feathered dinosaur fossils lend clues to how fur may have inevitably descended from primitive feathers.

Sinosauropteryx, the first known feathered dinosaur, exhibited mammalian-like hair. Its name means "Chinese lizard wing," These small theropods had a covering of thin, hair-like primitive feathers that resembled hair. The Australian Museum says its name references "the fact that this Chinese fossil was the first non-avian (or 'non-bird') dinosaur found with feathers." Its 1996 discovery is thought to have been one of the most important fossil finds of the century because it was the first non-avian dinosaur found with feather-like structures.

Sinosauropteryx had small, delicate feathers that resembled hair. (American Natural History Museum)

Psittacosaurus, a fossil known for its "remarkable for the exquisite preservation of squamous (scaly) skin and other soft tissues that cover almost its entire body," is another example of a dinosaur with fur-like bristles on its tail.

Bristles are shown on the tail of Psittacosaurus. (University of Bristol)

Sources:

Bell, Phil R., et al. "The Exquisitely Preserved Integument of Psittacosaurus and the Scaly Skin of Ceratopsian Dinosaurs." Communications Biology, vol. 5, no. 1, Aug. 2022, pp. 116. www.nature.com, https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03749-3.

Dapcevich, Madison. "Authentic Picture of 30,000-Year-Old Baby Mammoth Remains?" Snopes, 14 Apr. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/baby-mammoth-picture/.

"Dr. Jingmai O'Connor - Paleontologista." Jingmai O'Connor, 15 Jan. 2023, https://paleontologista.com/.

"Https://Twitter.Com/SpillTheMemes/Status/1766868613275713788." X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/SpillTheMemes/status/1766868613275713788. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Imgur. "The Truth Is Our There." Imgur, https://imgur.com/gallery/YQ8otD4. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Introduction to the Synapsida. https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/synapsids/synapsida.html. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Log in or Sign up to View. https://www.facebook.com/login/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

"Me And Norman Illustration on Instagram: "Someone Made This Meme and I Just Had to Redraw It...... Thank You Someone. I Re | I Respect You, Memes, Respect Yourself." Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/me-and-norman-illustration-on-instagram-someone-made-this-meme-and-i-just-had-to-redraw-it-thank-you-someone-i-re--137993176069321193/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

News, Opening Hours Mon-Wed: 9am-9pm Thurs-Sun: 9am-5pm Address 1. William StreetSydney NSW 2010 Australia Phone +61 2. 9320 6000 www australian museum Copyright . 2024 The Australian Museum ABN 85 407 224 698 View Museum. "Dinosaurs - Sinosauropteryx Prima." The Australian Museum, https://australian.museum/learn/dinosaurs/fact-sheets/sinosauropteryx-prima/australian.museum/learn/dinosaurs/fact-sheets/sinosauropteryx-prima/. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

"Scales and Fur Have Shared Origin." Nature, vol. 534, no. 7609, June 2016, pp. 592592. www.nature.com, https://doi.org/10.1038/534592a.

Sinosauropteryx. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/sinosauropteryx.html. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

The Fossil Non-Mammalian Synapsid Collection at The Field Museum - Field Museum. https://www.fieldmuseum.org/fossil-non-mammalian-synapsid-collection-field-museum. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Claim:

A viral picture depicted a Greenland shark believed to be 392 years old.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

The shark featured in the image is indeed a Greenland shark, a long-lived Arctic species that was the subject of a 2016 study. Throughout their research, scientists at the University of Copenhagen found that such sharks may live upwards of 400  or even 500  years.

What's Undetermined:

Unknown is whether the shark in the picture is one from the study that was estimated to be 392 years old, give or take 120 years, at the time the findings were published in 2016.

In the spring of 2024, an image claimed to show a Greenland shark that had been born before the Revolutionary War.

"This is a 393-year old Greenland Shark that was located in the Arctic Ocean," a Facebook post claimed on April 2, 2024. "It's been wandering the ocean since 1627. It is the oldest living vertebrate known on the planet."

https://www.facebook.com/beesontheplanet/posts/pfbid02yth3ZkqUXXXcFUwCa2hnnBEdZgNzoWRP96GDmrJk1V92AEmeUr6Dm7xAnoou8F6Ml

We also found posts that contained the claim on other social media posts in March and April 2024, like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and TikTok. (Most of the claims we found put the shark's alleged age at 392 years, not 393.) The posts also previously spread on social media platforms in August 2020:

The image was a variation of a familiar post, which we identified as "mostly false" in December 2018. We are rating the newer variation as "mixture" because the image that circulated in 2020 was, indeed, a photograph of a Greenland shark. However, we were unable to determine the exact age of the shark in question, though the age of a given Greenland shark can be estimated by its length (more on that later).

Both viral memes originated from a study published in the journal Science in August 2016. In the study, researcher Julius Nielsen, who was then a Ph.D. student at the University of Copenhagen, set out to define the life history of the Greenland shark, scientifically known as Somniosus microcephalus. These deep ocean fish have been described as an "iconic species of the Arctic seas" and remain one of the most enigmatic creatures on Earth (see National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration picture below), mainly due to their unique ability to survive at depths of at least 7,200 feet.

When the research was first announced in 2016, many mainstream media publications picked up the study and declared that the Greenland shark was the longest-lived vertebrate known on the planet. In the years following the publication of the study, various iterations of the photograph's subject and its age have recirculated in different forms. A reverse-image search found 56 results, dating back to as far as 2018. Following another round of social media virality, Nielsen took to Instagram in December 2017 to address misleading claims related to the age of the shark in question:

Social media are going beserk over old Greenland sharks these days?? All of this is just the same story coming to life from August 2016 and please note that we have not found any sharks to be 600 or 500 yr old.... we have ESTIMATED (meaning that it has not been verified) that one shark was AT LEAST 272 yr old or in more detail that this shark was between 272-512 yr old with 95.5% certainty (the later also being an unverified estimate).

Over the course of a three-year project to study the biology of the Greenland shark, the team used radiocarbon dating to determine the ages of 28 specimens that had been accidentally caught as by-catch over several years. The findings concluded that the slow-maturing species grows by about .4 inches each year, and can reach lengths stretching to over 16 feet. The largest shark analyzed in the study was measured at nearly 16.5-feet long, and was believed to have been around 392 years old in 2016  which would make her about 396 in August 2020.

However, radiocarbon dating studies typically determine age ranges rather than point to a specific age. Based on the analysis of 28 female Greenland sharks  each of which measured between 2.5 and 16.5 feet long  the study authors estimated an average species lifespan of at least 272 years. If the estimates followed the annual growth of .4 inches to a tee, then one might calculate the largest shark to be 502 years old. Range estimates, on the other hand, showed that the largest shark was likely 392 years old, give or take 120 years.

A University of Copenhagen news release published at the time of the study described Greenland sharks as "among the largest carnivorous sharks on the planet," whose role as an apex predator in the Arctic ecosystem is "completely overlooked." Greenland sharks can reach lengths of up to 24 feet and weigh more than 2,000 pounds.

What remains unclear is whether the shark featured in the meme was that same large shark mentioned above, or another one photographed as part of the research. So, while the photograph does, in fact, depict an individual, long-lived Greenland shark, the exact age of the specimen is not made readily clear in the research.

Have you seen other variations of this claim? Let us know.

Sources:

Nielsen, Juilius, et al. "Eye Lens Radiocarbon Reveals Centuries of Longevity in the Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)." Science. 12 Aug 2016.

Morelle, Rebecca. "400-Year-Old Greenland Shark 'Longest-Living Vertebrate.'" BBC. 12 Aug 2016.

Bates, Mary. "272-Year-Old Shark Is Longest-Lived Vertebrate on Earth." National Geographic. 11 Aug 2016.

"Greenland Sharks Live For Hundreds of Years." University of Copenhagen. 11 Aug 2016.

Putterman, Samantha. "Viral Photo Does Show Longest-Living Shark Species, But Exact Age Is Unclear." PolitiFact. 28 Jan 2016.
Fake chiropractor sexually assaults women during treatment at his home, MA cops say

A 60-year-old man posing as a chiropractor was accused of sexually touching two women in Massachusetts, officials said.

Jose Mendez is accused of sexually assaulting two patients who went to his Somerville home for treatment, according to an April 23 news release by the Middlesex County District Attorney.

On two occasions, Mendez inappropriately touched the women and also unzipped his pants exposing himself to the victim, officials said.

Detectives believe the business operated through word of mouth and are investigating his unlicensed practice, prosecutors said.

Mendez was ordered to have no contact with the victims and to no longer practice as a chiropractor, officials said.

He is scheduled to reappear in court on May 14, according to the release.

Anyone with information is asked to call 617-625-1600, extension 7278, officials said.

Somerville is about a 5-mile drive northwest from Boston.

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.

Text to hotline helps save kidnapped woman being sex trafficked, Oregon cops say

Officer raped pretrial detainees he was transporting, feds say. Hes going to prison

Man brings teen relative to US, then rapes and assaults her for years, CA cops say
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday said the mainland welcomes more young people from Taiwan to visit.

"We sincerely invite young people from Taiwan, especially those who have never been to the mainland, to visit and feel the development on the mainland and Chinese culture, and to promote mutual understanding between youths across the Taiwan Strait," said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

The Democratic Progressive Party's control and restriction pose the biggest barrier to the exchanges of teachers and students across the Strait, she added.

The mainland will continue to create more opportunities and provide more support for young people's development and success on both sides of the Strait and encourage them to strengthen exchanges, Zhu added. 
Bernard Placide's September 2022 killing by a Englewood police officer sparked protests and a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. (Courtesy of Placide's family)

The attorney for the family of a 22-year-old man shot and killed by Englewood police alleges the Attorney Generals Office did not properly present the case to the grand jury that declined this week to charge the officer involved.

Eric Kleiner, attorney for the family of Bernard Placide Jr., who was killed by police after a domestic dispute in his home in 2022, said the family never had faith in the Attorney Generals Office prosecuting the matter. After seeing Mondays decision by the grand jury, Kleiner said hes sure the case was not presented as fairly and impartially as it should have been.

This present Attorney Generals Office does a lot of talking that they care about racial and social justice. The proof is in the pudding, which is their conduct and their actions belie that claim. Its just not true, he told the New Jersey Monitor.

Placides killing sparked protests in Englewood. Authorities say they arrived at his home on Sept. 3, 2022, after a caller to 911 said there was a man with a knife trying to kill someone. Police body-camera footage shows Placide holding a knife when police arrived and cops demanding he drop it. The video then shows an officer shocking Placide with a Taser twice and Placide writhing on the floor. Officer Luana Sharpe then struggles with him for the knife and shoots him at close range, the video shows. Authorities say Sharpe was cut during the altercation.

Placides family said he was suffering from a mental health episode at the time.

Social justice groups cited Placides killing as another example of a Black man unnecessarily losing his life at the hands of police. Jason Williams, a criminal justice professor at Montclair State University, said Mondays grand jury decision may reignite the issue in Englewood and beyond.

Placides family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Englewood in federal court, claiming police should have done more to deescalate the situation. The case can move more swiftly now  many documents related to the case were in the possession of the Attorney Generals Office because of the grand jury investigation  and that pleases Placides family, Kleiner said.

The attorney generals investigation into Placides killing took 18 months, but Kleiner said the outcome shows it could have been done in a day. He noted other, similar cases of people of color killed by police when families argued non-lethal force could have been used.

Williams said this is a sentiment felt by advocates fighting against police brutality and for more transparency from the state government. He said its usually easy for prosecutors to indict someone, so it doesnt feel like prosecutors are seeking convictions in these cases  in New Jersey and nationwide.

Its likely here that the prosecution, in the face of a mountain of evidence, frankly, they likely didnt bring their A-game to court, said Williams.

A spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office said all relevant facts uncovered in the investigation were presented, and in no case would we withhold incriminating evidence.

It is not for us to question the grand jury, and the Office of the Attorney General stands by the integrity of our process, said spokesman Michael Symons.

A 2019 law requires the Attorney Generals Office to investigate deaths of people in police custody. Williams said thats likely a better alternative than county prosecutors handling the probes, but he believes a special prosecutor would be more independent from state agencies and oversee these investigations with all the proper intentions of seeking convictions.

Rightfully so, the community doesnt trust the A.G.s office either, because again, the state is prosecuting itself, he said.

Theres no way to see what was presented to the grand jury, though Kleiner said some of it will be unsealed as the familys lawsuit moves forward. The suit accuses officers of not bringing in crisis negotiators who would have realized Placide was suffering from an emotional or mental breakdown and then helped him surrender. It also alleges that police failed to render medical aid and that Placide was handcuffed after being shocked with a Taser.

The police officer shot a retreated suspect pinned on the ground with his back and head against a wall while in an electrocuted state caused by the Taser, and was also in a semi-comatose state from the electrocution when shot at close range by Officer Sharpe, he said. If thats not a crime, what is?

Kleiner said he expects the case he will make in court will look unrecognizable from the states non-investigation, outcome-oriented case. Kleiner called the Attorney Generals Office a politically driven agency and said Placides family feels humiliated and insulted.

An earlier version of this story should have said authorities say Sharpe was cut during her altercation with Placide.

The post Family of man killed by police humiliated and insulted after grand jury clears officer appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
In November, a characteristically impassioned Texas Rep. Chip Roy unloaded in a House floor speech about how lousy a job House Republicans were doing.

One thing. I want my Republican colleagues to give me one thingone!that I can go campaign on and say we did. One! he shouted, inviting anybody hanging around listening to come explain to me one material, meaningful, significant thing the Republican majority has done besides Well, I guess its not as bad as the Democrats. 

Roy is policy chair of the House Freedom Caucus, the group of a few dozen far-right Republicans whose rigid demands and relentless threats to oust GOP leadership have mired the House of Representatives in dysfunction. Its members include Lauren Boebert, Jim Jordan, and Chairman Bob Good; Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene are kindred ideological spirits. (Greene was a part of its ranks until she was booted last year, for being too mean to other caucus members.)

Five months after his epic rant, Roy and his chums have the same amount to celebratebasically nothingand a lot more to complain about. The House finally passed into law government-funding bills for the rest of the fiscal year at levels far too high for the hard-liners taste. It also finally pushed through security assistance for Ukraine without any border security reforms or changes attached, and without any corresponding spending cuts.

The hard right had been able, at least, to secure the impeachment of a cabinet secretarybut then had to watch Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer crumple up the articles and toss them into the wastebasket in half an afternoons work.

Lets be honest. House Republicans (and especially Freedom Caucus Republicans) were never going to get much out of this Congress. The greatest accomplishment of their incredibly slim House majority was always going to be that they blocked the Democratic agenda for two years. Beyond that, not much Republican agenda enactment was going to be achieved between their own slim voting margins, a Democratic Senate, and a Democratic White House. The Freedom Caucus either doesnt get this or pretends not to.

But the hard-liners have not merely been idle bystanders, whining aimlessly as they get outvoted. They have made policy outcomes actively worse for Republicans. Their insistence on maximalist winsrather than incremental gains proportional to their junior-partner stake in running the countrylessened conservative achievements by throwing Republican leaders into the arms of Democrats in order to pass necessary items.

They have to know this. This is not a dynamic thats difficult to understand or that they havent been lectured about a thousand times. Freedom Caucus members werent born yesterday. They just prioritize the politics of crying betrayal over any small policy successes.

House Republicans had two central leverage points in this Congress: the debt ceiling and aid for Ukraine. On both occasions, Republicans could have influenced the outcomes to their advantage. On both occasions, anger from the far right about how the wins didnt go far enough undercut any GOP negotiating power.

Though it may seem like ancient history now, it was only one year ago that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy was in the middle of executing a successful debt-ceiling strategy. He kept House Republicans united on the need for the Biden administration to negotiate with them in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, forcing the White House to enter talks. In the end, McCarthys negotiators secured a reasonable budget deal to trim domestic spending while giving a small boost to defense spending. It was a modest reversal of the previous years budget agreement from when Democrats were in charge, and an acknowledgment of the 2022 Red Ripple midterms, during which Republicans flipped nine House seats on net. Given that the spending agreement was reached relatively early last year too, it would have given conservatives an opportunity to achieve another stated goal: consideration of the 12 government spending bills one by one, rather than having a single omnibus spending bill jammed down their throats at the end of the year.

The Freedom Caucus revolted, blocking McCarthys agenda until he agreed to cut spending further beyond the deal hed just agreed to. The whole process, then, went completely off-track after McCarthy was ousted as speaker and the newly installed speaker, Mike Johnson, had to learn the ropes. When all was said and done, full-year government funding wasnt achieved until nearly halfway through the fiscal year, late last month. All the far-right griping achieved, in other words, was the delayed implementation of domestic spending cuts.

Nevertheless, the Freedom Caucus claimed betrayal.

Similarly, on Ukraine funding, Republicans had a real opportunity to achieve meaningful reforms to border policy. Republican leaders in both the House and Senate insisted that Democrats engage in border talks in exchange for Ukraine funding. Democrats agreed.

After months of discussions, a group of three senatorsone Republican, one independent, and one Democratreached a border deal that would have required the administration to, among other things, restrict asylum claims when southern border encounters surged. It was the first time in modern memory that Democrats had agreed to a major immigration deal that was almost entirely enforcement-based, without insisting in return on immigrants being guaranteed a path to legal status or citizenship.

The far right, largely at the beckoning of Donald Trump, killed the deal before it was even released. They didnt try to tinker with it or ask for amendments to fix things here or there. It was rejected out of hand.

So, what Republicans got out of their Ukraine leverage was zero. Zip. There was nothing in the package of foreign policy bills that the House passed last weekend that addressed the border. The Freedom Caucus likes to believe that Republicans had enough leverage on Ukraine that they would ultimately get Democrats to swallow conservatives very strict border bill, H.R. 2a demand that calls into question how many of them have ever spoken to a Democrat. Ukraine aid passed with over 300 votes.

Once again, the Freedom Caucus claimed betrayal.

Betrayal, then, is the one thingrepeated multiple times overthat Roy and other members of the hard right can campaign on (aside from being not as bad as the Democrats, which is more-than-adequate reelection material in nearly all of these members districts). They fought and fought, theyll say, only to be betrayed by the Republican leader of any given moment, whono matter how conservative their bona fidesalways reveals themself to be a secret Democrat.

The House functions now only because an uneasy coalition of Democrats and practical Republicans wills it to do so. The rest, as a byproduct of that, rack up and sell complaints.
Coroner: FBI investigating new lead in incident that occurred several years ago near I-57

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  The FBI has confirmed with WCIA that they are assisting in an Effingham County investigation with local police.

Around 12:30 p.m., the investigation was ongoing near the I-57 Green Creek southbound rest area.

According to the Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes, the coroners office received a call from someone out of state who shared information related to an incident that occurred several years ago.

FBI dive team conducts search in Decatur lake

The coroners office contacted the FBI to assist in the investigation. The FBI is unable to provide more information at this time.

Rhodes added that the investigation is still in preliminary stages and there is no other information available at this time.

This is a developing story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Whether its terrorism, China, or an insecure border, the U.S. faces a litany of threats both internally and internationally, according to the FBI.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has repeatedly warned of a "heightened threat environment," and has pleaded with lawmakers to take each one seriously.

Connecting all of these disparate threats is the FBIs ability to adequately address them. At a House Appropriations Subcommittee earlier this month, Wray said the FBIs fiscal year 2024 budget was around $500 million below what the bureau needed to sustain its 2023 efforts.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray testifies at a House Appropriations Committee hearing on April 11, 2024 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Wray said the budget shortfall "could not have come at a worse time" given that the U.S., according to the bureau, is in a "heightened threat environment."

"As I look back over my career in law enforcement, I would be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to public safety and national security were so elevated all at once, but that is the case as I sit here today," Wray told House lawmakers.

His comments came days before the House passed a $95 billion aid package in military aid for Ukraine and Israel.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Here is an assessment from the FBI Director of some of the top threats the U.S. faces in the coming months and years.

CHINA

Of all the threats the U.S. faces, the FBI has signaled that China far outweighs them all. According to Wray, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has built up a vast cybersecurity and counterintelligence apparatus devoted to theft of intellectual property and criminality.

Wray spoke about the threat posed by China during a summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats at Vanderbilt University last week.

Chinas hacking program, Wray said, was larger than that of every other major nation combined  and thats only magnified by the PRCs military and growing use of artificial intelligence.

To give a sense of the scope of the PRCs operations, Wray said that even if the bureaus top cyber agents and cyber intelligence analysts were focused solely on China  and not on ransomware, Iran, or Russia  "Chinese hackers would still (conservatively) outnumber FBI cyber personnel by at least 50 to 1."

He said Beijing has hit just about every American industry  whether it be biotech, aviation, AI, health, or agriculture  to steal U.S. intellectual property.

CHINA SPENDING DRASTICALLY MORE ON MILITARY THAN DECLARED, US ADMIRAL SAYS

"You could close your eyes and pull an industry or sector out of a hat and, chances are, Beijing has targeted it," Wray said. "The PRC is engaged in the largest and most sophisticated theft of intellectual property and expertise in the history of the world, leveraging its most powerful weapons, starting with cyber."

Wray previously told lawmakers that there has been far too little public focus on the fact that PRC hackers are targeting the U.S. critical infrastructure "in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities."

Chinas malign efforts, Wray said, are driven largely by the Chinese Communist Partys "aspirations to wealth and power," as it seeks to seize economic development in the areas most critical to tomorrows economy.

Compounding these threats is Chinas long-term goal to retake Taiwan. Per Wray, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence last year assessed that Beijing was building out its capability to deter U.S. intervention in a potential crisis between China and Taiwan by 2027.

Wray warned in January that the PRC had "circled" the year 2027 on its calendar and will "be on us before you know it."

GERMAN LAWMAKER'S AIDE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF SPYING FOR CHINA IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

"I do want the American people to know that we cannot afford to sleep on this danger. As a government and a society, weve got to remain vigilant and actively defend against the threat that Beijing poses," Wray said in January. "Otherwise, China has shown it will make us pay."

Experts weighed American and Chinese military and civil investments in artificial intelligence and while some believe the U.S. has a slight advantage in developing the technology currently, others worry China has already surpassed U.S. capability

At that same hearing, Wray called Chinas "multi-pronged assault" on our national and economic security "the defining threat of our generation."

BORDER

Securing the border remains a top issue for American voters, particularly amid the rise of suspects on the terrorist watch list as well as the proliferation of deadly fentanyl into communities nationwide.

Wray told lawmakers at a House Appropriations Subcommittee on April 11 that the bureau continues to see drug cartels pushing "fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into every corner of the country."

He noted at Vanderbilt University last week that many of fentanyls precursor chemicals that end up in our communities "are coming out of China."

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in December, Wray said the bureau had seized enough fentanyl to kill 270 million people.

SENATE WON'T PASS BORDER SECURITY LEGISLATION THIS YEAR, JOHNSON'S OFFICE SUGGESTS

"Thats about 80% of all Americans," Wray said. "Were also focused on other threats that emanate from the border and impact communities all over the country, things like violent gangs and human traffickers."

At the same hearing, Wray said terrorists' ability to "exploit any port of entry, including our Southwest border, is a source of concern."

This image shows migrants moving near the U.S. southern border in New Mexico.

"Theres a lot of discussion about numbers  and numbers are important  but lets not forget that it didnt take a big number of people on 9/11 to kill 3,000 people," he said, noting that the bureau has seen an increase in "suspected terrorists attempting to cross (the border) over the last five years."

Asked by Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., in December whether the U.S. was seeing the largest terrorist threat since 9/11, Wray said the threat was "higher than its been in a long, long time."

"I see blinking lights everywhere I turn," Wray told Graham.

TERRORISM

Wray said earlier this month that the U.S. was at a "heightened threat level" of terrorism even before Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.

"After Oct. 7 is when we went to a whole other level," Wray told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on April 11.

Hezbollah members salute and raise the group's yellow flags during the funeral of fallen fighters who were killed in an Israeli strike on their vehicles, in Shehabiya in south Lebanon on April 17.

Wray said the FBI has seen a "rogues gallery of foreign terrorist organizations calling for attacks on us."

HEZBOLLAH CLAIMS TO SHOOT DOWN ISRAELI DRONE OVER LEBANON

This includes Hezbollah in Lebanon praising Hamas and threatening to attack U.S. interests in the region. It includes Al Qaeda issuing its most "specific call for an attack" on the U.S. in the past half-decade.

AQAP, which is Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as ISIS have called for jihadists to attack Americans and Jewish communities in the U.S. In Afghanistan, home to Al Qaeda and ISIS-K, the U.S. has lost some of its intelligence gathering capabilities following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.

A masked Islamic State soldier poses holding the ISIS flag.

Wray also pointed to the growth of other terrorist groups in Africa like Al Shabab  the best funded branch of Al Qaeda  as well ISISs attempt to "free some very dangerous fighters" in Syria.

Wray said these terrorist groups typically dont see eye to eye, but are united in one thing: calling for attacks on the U.S.

"When organizations like Al Qaeda, like ISIS, express an intent to conduct attacks against us, it is something we need to take very seriously," Wray said. "And so, thats part of why Ive highlighted this as a heightened threat."





Original article source: FBI director has been sounding alarm on heightened threat environment: Is America listening?
FBI Director Christopher Wray said his agency is working with colleges and universities to warn them of threats of violence amid a wave of protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas war on campuses across the country.

Wray, in a Tuesday interview with NBC Newss Lester Holt, said the bureau does not directly track college protests, but it is providing information to schools as it becomes aware of possible threats.

The FBI is keenly focused on working with state and local law enforcement, campus law enforcement and others to try to make sure that we stay ahead of potential violence, he said.

Dozens of large-scale protests against the war have popped up on college campuses in recent days after protests escalated at Columbia University with the arrest of more than 100 students Friday.

Columbia has become the locus of political discussion of the protests, hosting high-profile visits from politicians from both sides of the aisle amid accusations of antisemitism by protesters and alleged threats of violence. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is set to make remarks and visit with Jewish students at the university Wednesday afternoon.

Hundreds of students have occupied Columbias campus for days, protesting the Biden administrations response to the Israel-Hamas war, backing a cease-fire in the conflict and urging Congress to stop sending military aid to Israel. They have also demanded the university divest from companies with ties to Israel and increase financial transparency.

Police also sparred with protesters at New York University on Monday, resulting in more than 120 arrests, though violence hasnt been reported at any other campus protest related to the war.

The Columbia protesters have also pushed back against claims that the groups are antisemitic. A sizable number of the protesters are Jewish, with a large group holding a Passover Seder from the protest camp on Monday to celebrate the beginning of the holiday.

We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us, Columbia protest leaders wrote in a Sunday statement. Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.

We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry and stand vigilant against non-students attempting to disrupt the solidarity being forged among students, they continued. Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Black and pro-Palestinian classmates and colleagues who represent the full diversity of our country.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Airline canceled your flight? The plane arrived hours late after a maintenance issue? The inflight Wi-Fi didnt work?

New federal rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline  not vouchers or travel credits.

From now on when your flight is canceled for any reason, you are entitled to an automatic cash refund and it has to be prompt, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told CNNs John Berman on Wednesday.

If you get delayed significantly, that means three hours domestically, six hours internationally, or if theres another significant change to your itinerary  like maybe you were going to go into one airport, they actually changed the airport on you or something like that  youre going to get your money back.

The rules, announced by the Transportation Department on Wednesday, also require airlines to provide upfront information about fees for baggage and changing flights.

Although many airlines have done away with change fees and disclose fees on their websites, Buttigieg estimated more transparency with some airlines and websites would make it easier for travelers to shop around  ultimately saving consumers millions every year.

The rule would formalize the requirement he referred to that passengers receive refunds if a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours or if an international flight is delayed by more than six hours.

It would also require a refund of any baggage fees for bags that arrive more than 12 hours late, and a refund of the fee for a purchased service like Wi-Fi or upgraded seating if the airline doesnt deliver.

Without headaches or haggling

Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers, Buttigieg said in a statement, saying the refunds were due without headaches or haggling.

Buttigieg gave the example Wednesday morning of travelers who have been forced to buy an additional ticket on a different airline in order to make it on time to events happening in their destinations.

But then you go back to your original airline, and they say, Well, look, we didnt cancel the flight, so youre not getting your money back. Now youre out the original airfare and the extra money it cost to get this new ticket, Buttigieg said.

Thats just one example of the kinds of scenarios that we hear from passengers time and time again. Were putting a stop to it now, he said.

Theres also a provision for travelers frustrated with call center hold times or filling out online claim forms. The rules require the fees to be automatic and prompt: Within seven days for a credit card refund and 20 days for other forms of payment.

Airlines for America, which represents the countrys largest passenger carriers, said its airline members offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown.

U.S. airlines are committed to providing the highest quality of service, which includes clarity regarding prices, fees and ticket terms, the group said in a statement.

Surge in complaints in 2022

The Biden Administration proposed its change to the refund rules in 2022 after a surge in complaints about refunds when the coronavirus brought air travel to a standstill. That year, DOT received nearly 47,600 complaints, more than double the number of complaints received in 2021. More than half of the complaints involved flight disruptions or refunds.

Many travelers complained at that time that airlines pushed noncash flight credit or required extended time on customer service phone lines to request a refund. Some of those credits expired long before the effects of the virus receded and travel returned to more normal levels.

This spring, DOT and other executive branch agencies are finalizing key rule changes from Bidens term in office in case Republicans take control of Washington in Novembers election. A federal law allows Congress to unravel recently implemented executive branch rules.

The cutoff date depends on the House and Senate legislative calendar but is likely to fall in May, meaning rules finalized before that date are not eligible for review under the Congressional Review Act.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A Federal TikTok Ban Was Just Signed into Law, but the Platform Could Still Be Saved

On April 23, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that threatens to ban TikTok if it isn't sold quickly, a measure that was introduced as part of a foreign aid package meant to support Israel and Ukraine

Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty

President Joe Biden has signed into law new legislation that will ban TikTok  unless the app quickly finds new owners.

The legislation was introduced as part of a $95 million foreign aid package meant to support Israel and Ukraine, and was overwhelmingly approved by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Under the law, the current owners of the video sharing platform, Chinese tech firm ByteDance, will need to sell the app within 270 days or else it will be wiped from Apple and Google app stores in the United States. Critics have noted that the deadline to divest may not be feasible for such a significant sale.

Related: The Biggest Bombshells from the TikTok Ban Hearing

The potential ban comes amid growing security concerns that China could use the app as a surveillance tool on American citizens and as a way to access information or data on them without their knowledge.

"We are giving people a choice here: To improve this platform and have the opportunity for Americans to make sure that they are not being maligned by our foreign adversaries," said Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, per USA Today.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell, center, chairs the Senate Commerce Committee

TikTok has denied that information on the app would be shared with the Chinese government, and the Chinese foreign ministry also argued that the U.S. has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to the U.S.'s national security, according to a report by Reuters.

TikTok owners will likely combat the legislation on the grounds of freedom of speech, as a memo sent out company wide by a TikTok executive warned that this was the beginning, not the end of their fight to continue business, according to CNN.

Related: Biden Administration Presses Pause on Trump's Push for TikTok Ban While Reviewing Security Risks

There have been a few previous attempts to ban the popular social media app, including in 2020, when former President Donald Trump issued an executive order on the issue. That attempt was ultimately blocked by a federal judge.

More recently, in November 2023, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte approved a bill that would ban people from using the app in the state, saying that the effort was made in order to "protect Montanans' personal and private data." A Montana judge eventually blocked that ban, citing the users' First Amendment rights, per Reuters.

And just last month, a bill calling to ban TikTok was overwhelmingly passed in the U.S. House but failed to pass the Senate.

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.

As for what Americans think of the TikTok ban, a Pew Research poll released in December 2023 found that 38% of Americans supported banning TikTok, a significant drop from the 50% who supported the ban a year prior.

The latest poll also showed an increase in people who opposed the ban or were unsure, with 27% and 35%, respectively, up from 22% and 27%.

Over 150 million Americans and 5 million businesses use TikTok, according to a release from the company in March 2023. The company also noted that it employs almost 7,000 people across the U.S.

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Read the original article on People.
MOSCOW, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov has been detained on suspected bribery charges, the Russian Investigative Committee said on Tuesday.

"Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Timur Vadimovich Ivanov has been detained on suspicion of committing a crime under part 6 of article 290 of the Criminal Code (taking a bribe)," the committee said on Telegram.

It added that necessary investigative actions are being carried out, without offering further details on the case.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the detention of Ivanov.

Ivanov was appointed deputy defense minister in May 2016. In the position, he was in charge of organizing property management, troop billeting, housing, and medical support for the armed forces, as well as overseeing procurement under the state defense order, according to TASS news agency. 
Flight delays are shown on a flight information board at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. A new federal rule requires airlines to reimburse passengers faster and with cash, not travel vouchers, when flights are canceled. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday new rules that will put refunds quickly back into air travelers pockets for canceled or delayed flights.

The agency estimated that the new regulations will save consumers over a half billion dollars every year in airline fees.

Under the new rules, which will go into effect beginning in late October, airlines must issue full refunds including imposed taxes and fees within seven business days for credit card purchases, and within three weeks for other payment methods.

Virginia has nine major airports commonly used by consumers including Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Richmond International Airport.

Clearly our system is broken for consumers when it comes to so many issues around airline travel, and we depend on it, said Irene Leech, president of the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council. Its great that the Department of Transportation is taking some steps to finally do some things for consumers.

In 2022, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joined his counterparts in other states in urging Congress to pass legislation that would authorize state attorneys general to enforce state and federal consumer protection laws governing the airline industry. That same year, the office said one of the complaints from passengers was that airlines failed to distribute required credits to passengers who could not travel during the pandemic.

In an effort to support consumers, DOT launched in 2023 a dashboard that provides consumers with details on the services airlines provide when flights are disrupted or canceled.

John Breyault, a native of Virginia and vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud with the National Consumers League, said the league, along with other consumer and passenger advocacy organizations, are pleased with the rules after advocating for them for several years.

We think that it will provide relief to consumers who unfortunately have to jump through far too many hoops in order to exercise the rights that they already have, Breyault said.

Under the new rules, airlines must provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when flights are canceled or significantly delayed. It defines a significant delay as three hours for flights within the U.S. and six hours for international flights. The refund rule will also cover fees for checked bags and other services, such as Wi-Fi, if the airline does not provide the service a passenger purchased.

The effort follows an executive order from President Joe Biden that directed the transportation agency to promote fairer, more transparent and competitive markets.

Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them  without having to ask, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement, adding that the rules will save passengers time and money, and also prevent headaches.

The agency said the rule would eliminate the patchwork of cumbersome processes consumers now go through to request a refund online or by phone. The rule will also cut back on airlines giving passengers travel credits and vouchers eliminating a cumbersome process to rebook a flight, although passengers may still request such credits.

Airlines and ticket agents will also be required to tell consumers all the fees they are being charged for such items as bags and reservations. The agency said extra fees, like checked baggage and change fees, have been a growing source of revenue for airlines  and frustration for passengers.

Anything that DOT can do to make it easier for consumers to do apples-to-apples comparisons will help, Breyault said.

DOT is also considering rules that ban family seating junk fees, allowing parents to sit with their children for no additional cost.

The agency is also considering proposals to mandate airlines compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled with such things as snacks or places to stay and require airlines meet rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities safely and with dignity.

The proposal to expand the rights of wheelchair passengers will mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers wheelchairs, and specify actions that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport.

Leech said the agencys actions mark a good start for now adding that shes pleased with the progress and looks forward to whats next in terms of protecting air travelers.

If we can actually put this into play and actually benefit, then that would be wonderful and a step in the right direction, Leech said.

The post Feds require airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled or delayed flights appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Flight delays are shown on a flight information board at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. A new federal rule requires airlines to reimburse passengers faster and with cash, not travel vouchers, when flights are canceled. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday new rules that will put refunds quickly back into air travelers pockets for canceled or delayed flights.

The agency estimated that the new regulations will save consumers over a half billion dollars every year in airline fees.

Under the new rules, which will go into effect beginning in late October, airlines must issue full refunds including imposed taxes and fees within seven business days for credit card purchases, and within three weeks for other payment methods.

In 2022, attorneys general in 37 states, including Iowa, urged Congress to pass legislation that would authorize state attorneys general to enforce state and federal consumer protection laws governing the airline industry. That same year, the office said one of the complaints from passengers was that airlines failed to distribute required credits to passengers who could not travel during the pandemic.

In an effort to support consumers, DOT launched in 2023 a dashboard that provides consumers with details on the services airlines provide when flights are disrupted or canceled.

John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud with the National Consumers League, said the league, along with other consumer and passenger advocacy organizations, are pleased with the rules after advocating for them for several years.

We think that it will provide relief to consumers who unfortunately have to jump through far too many hoops in order to exercise the rights that they already have, Breyault said.

Under the new rules, airlines must provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when flights are canceled or significantly delayed. It defines a significant delay as three hours for flights within the U.S. and six hours for international flights. The refund rule will also cover fees for checked bags and other services, such as Wi-Fi, if the airline does not provide the service a passenger purchased.

The effort follows an executive order from President Joe Biden that directed the transportation agency to promote fairer, more transparent and competitive markets.

Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them  without having to ask, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement, adding that the rules will save passengers time and money, and also prevent headaches.

The agency said the rule would eliminate the patchwork of cumbersome processes consumers now go through to request a refund online or by phone. The rule will also cut back on airlines giving passengers travel credits and vouchers eliminating a cumbersome process to rebook a flight, although passengers may still request such credits.

Airlines and ticket agents will also be required to tell consumers all the fees they are being charged for such items as bags and reservations. The agency said extra fees, like checked baggage and change fees, have been a growing source of revenue for airlines  and frustration for passengers.

Anything that DOT can do to make it easier for consumers to do apples-to-apples comparisons will help, Breyault said.

DOT is also considering rules that ban family seating junk fees, allowing parents to sit with their children for no additional cost.

The agency is also considering proposals to mandate airlines compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled with such things as snacks or places to stay and require airlines meet rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities safely and with dignity.

The proposal to expand the rights of wheelchair passengers will mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers wheelchairs, and specify actions that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport.

This story was originally published by Virginia Mercury, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Feds require airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled or delayed flights appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Flight delays are shown on a flight information board at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 11, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. A new federal rule requires airlines to reimburse passengers faster and with cash, not travel vouchers, when flights are canceled. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday new rules that will put refunds quickly back into air travelers pockets for canceled or delayed flights.

The agency estimated that the new regulations will save consumers over a half billion dollars every year in airline fees.

Under the new rules, which will go into effect beginning in late October, airlines must issue full refunds including imposed taxes and fees within seven business days for credit card purchases, and within three weeks for other payment methods.

Virginia has nine major airports commonly used by consumers including Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Richmond International Airport.

Clearly our system is broken for consumers when it comes to so many issues around airline travel, and we depend on it, said Irene Leech, president of the Virginia Citizens Consumer Council. Its great that the Department of Transportation is taking some steps to finally do some things for consumers.

In 2022, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares joined his counterparts in other states in urging Congress to pass legislation that would authorize state attorneys general to enforce state and federal consumer protection laws governing the airline industry. That same year, the office said one of the complaints from passengers was that airlines failed to distribute required credits to passengers who could not travel during the pandemic.

In an effort to support consumers, DOT launched in 2023 a dashboard that provides consumers with details on the services airlines provide when flights are disrupted or canceled.

John Breyault, a native of Virginia and vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud with the National Consumers League, said the league, along with other consumer and passenger advocacy organizations, are pleased with the rules after advocating for them for several years.

We think that it will provide relief to consumers who unfortunately have to jump through far too many hoops in order to exercise the rights that they already have, Breyault said.

Under the new rules, airlines must provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when flights are canceled or significantly delayed. It defines a significant delay as three hours for flights within the U.S. and six hours for international flights. The refund rule will also cover fees for checked bags and other services, such as Wi-Fi, if the airline does not provide the service a passenger purchased.

The effort follows an executive order from President Joe Biden that directed the transportation agency to promote fairer, more transparent and competitive markets.

Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them  without having to ask, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement, adding that the rules will save passengers time and money, and also prevent headaches.

The agency said the rule would eliminate the patchwork of cumbersome processes consumers now go through to request a refund online or by phone. The rule will also cut back on airlines giving passengers travel credits and vouchers eliminating a cumbersome process to rebook a flight, although passengers may still request such credits.

Airlines and ticket agents will also be required to tell consumers all the fees they are being charged for such items as bags and reservations. The agency said extra fees, like checked baggage and change fees, have been a growing source of revenue for airlines  and frustration for passengers.

Anything that DOT can do to make it easier for consumers to do apples-to-apples comparisons will help, Breyault said.

DOT is also considering rules that ban family seating junk fees, allowing parents to sit with their children for no additional cost.

The agency is also considering proposals to mandate airlines compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled with such things as snacks or places to stay and require airlines meet rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities safely and with dignity.

The proposal to expand the rights of wheelchair passengers will mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers wheelchairs, and specify actions that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport.

Leech said the agencys actions mark a good start for now adding that shes pleased with the progress and looks forward to whats next in terms of protecting air travelers.

If we can actually put this into play and actually benefit, then that would be wonderful and a step in the right direction, Leech said.

The post Feds require airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled or delayed flights appeared first on Nevada Current.
A new federal rule requires airlines to reimburse passengers faster and with cash, not travel vouchers, when flights are canceled. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

A new federal rule requires airlines to reimburse passengers faster and with cash, not travel vouchers, when flights are canceled. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday new rules that will put refunds quickly back into air travelers pockets for canceled or delayed flights.

The agency estimated that the new regulations will save consumers over a half billion dollars every year in airline fees.

Under the new rules, which will go into effect beginning in late October, airlines must issue full refunds including imposed taxes and fees within seven business days for credit card purchases, and within three weeks for other payment methods.

In 2022, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum joined her counterparts in other states in urging Congress to pass legislation that would authorize state attorneys general to enforce state and federal consumer protection laws governing the airline industry. That same year, the office said one of the complaints from passengers was that airlines failed to distribute required credits to passengers who could not travel during the pandemic.

In an effort to support consumers, DOT launched in 2023 a dashboard that provides consumers with details on the services airlines provide when flights are disrupted or canceled.

John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud with the National Consumers League, said the league, along with other consumer and passenger advocacy organizations, are pleased with the rules after advocating for them for several years.

We think that it will provide relief to consumers who unfortunately have to jump through far too many hoops in order to exercise the rights that they already have, Breyault said.

Under the new rules, airlines must provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when flights are canceled or significantly delayed. It defines a significant delay as three hours for flights within the U.S. and six hours for international flights. The refund rule will also cover fees for checked bags and other services, such as Wi-Fi, if the airline does not provide the service a passenger purchased.

The effort follows an executive order from President Joe Biden that directed the transportation agency to promote fairer, more transparent and competitive markets.

Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them  without having to ask, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement, adding that the rules will save passengers time and money, and also prevent headaches.

The agency said the rule would eliminate the patchwork of cumbersome processes consumers now go through to request a refund online or by phone. The rule will also cut back on airlines giving passengers travel credits and vouchers eliminating a cumbersome process to rebook a flight, although passengers may still request such credits.

Airlines and ticket agents will also be required to tell consumers all the fees they are being charged for such items as bags and reservations. The agency said extra fees, like checked baggage and change fees, have been a growing source of revenue for airlines  and frustration for passengers.

Anything that DOT can do to make it easier for consumers to do apples-to-apples comparisons will help, Breyault said.

DOT is also considering rules that ban family seating junk fees, allowing parents to sit with their children for no additional cost.

The agency is also considering proposals to mandate airlines compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled with such things as snacks or places to stay and require airlines meet rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities safely and with dignity.

The proposal to expand the rights of wheelchair passengers will mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers wheelchairs, and specify actions that airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport.

The post Feds require airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled or delayed flights appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
A divided Supreme Court seemed skeptical that Idahos strict abortion ban conflicts with a federal emergency care law, but there appeared to be a split by gender as well as ideology during the nearly two hours of argument.

The four female justices, including conservative Amy Coney Barrett, pushed back the hardest against Idahos assertion that its law, which prohibits doctors from performing an abortion except when a womans life is in danger, supersedes the federal emergency care statute known as EMTALA, or the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act.

Doctors face up to five years in prison for violating Idahos law.

The case centers on EMTALA, which requires federally funded hospitals to provide stabilizing care to emergency room patients no matter their ability to pay.

The justices are weighing an appeal brought by Idaho officials who are contesting a lawsuit filed by the Biden administration. The Biden administration sued Idaho over its abortion ban just weeks after the Dobbs ruling in 2022.

The Biden administration argues that even in states where abortion is banned, EMTALA says hospitals must be allowed to terminate pregnancies in rare emergencies where a patients life or health is at serious risk.

Idaho argued the administration is trying to use the law to create a national abortion mandate for hospitals. They said federal law doesnt dictate the kind of care people receive, only that they are stabilized.

The case marked the second time in as many months the Supreme Court has heard an abortion argument after ostensibly returning the issue to the states, and the case represents the latest legal challenge that could reshape access to abortion across the country.

The liberal justices asked detailed questions about what would constitute a medical emergency, zeroing in on complications that would rob a woman of her reproductive organs or put her at risk of sepsis.

Justice Elena Kagan told Idahos attorney Joshua Turner that federal law says you dont have to wait until the person is on the verge of death.

If the woman is going to lose her reproductive organs, thats enough to trigger this duty on the part of the hospital to stabilize the patient. And the way to stabilize patients in these circumstances, all doctors agree, Kagan said.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor gave several examples of real-life situations in which women have faced medical but not necessarily life-threatening emergencies where doctors had to decide whether to authorize an abortion.

In one example, she cited the case of a Florida woman who went to the ER at 16 weeks pregnant because she felt the gush of fluid leave her body.

The doctors believed terminating her pregnancy was needed to reduce the possibility of experiencing sepsis and uncontrolled hemorrhage, but they told her to go home and would not treat her because she wasnt at risk of death.

What you are saying is that there is no federal law on the book that prohibits any state from saying, even if a woman will die, you cant perform an abortion? Sotomayor asked Turner.

Barrett had sharp questions for Turner over just how much discretion doctors really have to make decisions in medical emergencies that may not be life-threatening.

Turner argued that the laws allow decisions to be made on a case-by-case basis, but Barrett was critical of that argument and accused Turner of hedging.

Barrett also questioned how much daylight there was between Idahos argument and the Biden administrations interpretation of the law, at one point asking whether there was really much of a conflict between the statutes.

Barretts questioning doesnt always give an indication of how she will vote. The three liberal justices need at least two conservatives to side with them in order for the Biden administration to win the case.

Most of the conservative justices seemed skeptical of the Biden administrations argument, and they framed their objections as federal government overreach into state autonomy.

Justice Neil Gorsuch, for instance, asked if the federal government could use health care funding programs to turn state regulation of medicine into a federal function.

Could the federal government condition the receipt of funds on hospitals that they comply with medical ethics rules provided for by the federal government?

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar assured Gorsuch that scenario wasnt at issue in the case.

Justice Samuel Alito at one point asked Prelogar to explain why the term unborn child is mentioned in the law.

Isnt that an odd phrase to put in a statute that imposes a mandate to perform abortions, Alito asked. Have you ever seen an abortion statute that uses the phrase unborn child? Doesnt that tell us something?

Updated at 3:10 p.m. EDT

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Smoke rises from distant stacks at Entergy's power plant in Reserve, Louisiana, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator).

Entergy Louisianas plan to upgrade its power transmission and distribution systems will cost customers $1.9 billion and include over 2,100 grid-hardening projects to strengthen electrical infrastructure across the state, though only a small fraction involve burying power lines underground.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission, in a 3-2 vote Friday with Republican members prevailing, approved Entergy Louisianas spending proposal for the first phase of its Future Ready Resilience Plan. Commissioners Foster Campbell and Davante Lewis, both Democrats, opposed the measure.

The vote allows Entergy to charge $1.9 billion to its customers to pay for grid-hardening projects, though Lewis and other critics of the plan claim it should include a wider variety of data-driven solutions.

Entergy Louisiana executive Larry Hand told the commission the projects include replacing or upgrading approximately 69,000 utility poles and other structures across the state. In total, the plan will strengthen approximately 3,238 miles of power line, according to Entergy Louisiana spokesman Brandon Scardigli.

Scardigli told the Illuminator Entergys plan includes approximately 100 miles of underground power lines, roughly 3% of the total line being strengthened.

Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, and other advocacy groups are still pouring through Entergys proposal to try to determine what kinds of projects are included.

The rush of this process has meant that even parties that are very interested in the details have been scrambling to understand how the utility used their model to prioritize projects, Burke said Monday. The utilitys model used a benefit-cost ratio with inputs hidden behind high walls of confidentiality. This has made it challenging to understand why some measures that appear to be very beneficial in other states were assigned such low cost-benefit values in Entergys model.

Entergy Louisiana contends it put the public on notice when its resiliency plan was filed 16 months ago, but Lewis noted the final draft with its actual plans wasnt submitted until Monday before last weeks PSC meeting.

Florida touts underground lines

During Fridays hearing, Burke told the commission how utilities in other states have benefitted from moving power lines underground instead of bolstering overhead lines.

Strengthening utility poles and other overhead grid improvements led to an average of 20% fewer outages during storms, while burying power lines led to 600% fewer outages, Burke said, citing data from Floridas utility regulators.

The overhead-versus-underground debate is nothing new in the electric utility sector. While customers generally prefer underground lines, some utilities shy away from them because of their higher costs. According to one study, the cost of constructing underground transmission lines ranges from 4 to 14 times more expensive than overhead lines, largely attributed to digging and entrenchment.

The Florida Power and Light Co. touts underground lines on its website, saying they perform 50% better than overhead lines during routine day-to-day operations. The utility began burying its power lines years ago and now puts about 90% of its new distribution lines underground.

Underground lines pose different maintenance and repair challenges, however. It can be more difficult to pinpoint faults in such lines, and repairs can sometimes take longer if they require digging up and reburying a line. Flooding can also damage underground lines that arent adequately protected, but experts note these drawbacks are generally offset by the far fewer repairs needed.

Asked about the small amount of underground lines in Entergys grid plan, Scardigli cited cost as a major concern.

Undergrounding is significantly more expensive and by undergrounding strategically, well be able to harden more for the same level of investment, he said. We received stakeholder and expert feedback about the costs and benefits, and in order to keep prices down but still deliver meaningful resilience, a combination of strategic undergrounding and overhead hardening was determined to provide the most affordable resilience solution for our customers.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy and other advocacy groups said Entergy should have included a greater variety of resiliency solutions or at least a validated cost-benefit analysis for the projects it did select.

A true resiliency plan should be much more holistic and include a variety of solutions such as community resiliency hubs, more efficient housing, inter-regional interconnections, transmission redundancies and extreme weather planning, Lewis said.

Critics complain about approval rush

The Public Service Commissions timeline was another major sticking point for opponents of Entergys resiliency plan. Together Louisiana, an umbrella organization for a variety of community and church groups across the state, joined in those calls.

To be clear, we want to see these projects happen, Together Louisianas Erin Hansen said. We want to see investment in our energy distribution system, in our transmission system, but the filing that was made [last week] really doesnt allow time for public understanding. Theres no bill impact analysis, theres no explanation of how the projects were chosen, what reliability impacts we can expect them to produce and why these investments produce more benefit at a lower cost than the alternative.

Just four days after submitting its plan, Entergy requested the Public Service Commission approve it when its members met in the city of Many, in Louisianas Toledo Bend area near the Texas border. The PSC typically convenes monthly in Baton Rouge but periodically holds meetings around the state.

Entergys filing caught many off guard.

This is a wholly undemocratic process, Lake Charles resident James Hyatt said. I understand this has been going on a few years but Monday is when they applied for this, Wednesday is when it was added to the agenda, and Friday is the day yall are being asked to vote to approve $1.9 billion Why does it have to be voted on in such a quick manner?

Plan approval precedes shareholder meeting

Repeating claims he made days before the meeting, Lewis said he suspects Entergy simply wanted to secure the rate increase to be able to deliver good news to its shareholders who are scheduled to review the companys electricity rate increases and earnings this week.

Entergy Louisianas parent company, Entergy Corp., reported $2.36 billion in earnings last year, a 47% increase from 2022.

Entergy Louisiana reported $1.2 billion in 2023 earnings, a year-over-year increase of $417 million. Higher retail electric prices and lower operation and maintenance costs, including reduced health costs for its employees, were behind the increase, according to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Entergy Louisiana executives at Fridays meeting did not directly address Lewis claims, but they did push back on the idea that the filing should surprise anyone. Hand, the companys vice president of regulatory affairs, noted all projects in the final proposal were also in the original filing 16 months ago. The plan is not something that fell out of the sky, he said.

Hand also urged the commission to not postpone the decision because there is little time left before hurricane season, which starts June 1.

We are about 45 days before hurricane season and we need to get moving soon, and thats why we want to bring this forward and get it to a vote, he said.

Hands argument fell flat when Lewis asked how many of the projects would be under construction by June 1.

I cant say any will be, but I also cant say absolutely none will be, Hand said. More importantly, Im thinking about storm season next year.

Before Lewis could respond, Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May took Hands microphone and pivoted the discussion to economic development.

While we cant say with certainty that any project will begin before June 1, what we can say is the state has an enormous opportunity of economic development, May said. And those folks who are deciding whether or not to invest in the state of Louisiana they want to see a sign that their concerns are taken seriously and were going to build a grid that gives them confidence to make these investments.

Commissioner Craig Greene, R-Baton Rouge, gave his full support to the grid-hardening plan, saying it is long overdue and badly needed.

Entergy executives said the cost of the plan will be added to customers monthly bills over a five-year period. On average, the average customer can expect a fee of less than a dollar per month beginning in 2025, and that amount is expected to increase exponentially as time progresses until it reaches roughly $8 per month during the final year of the plan.

The post Few of Entergys $1.9 billion in grid-hardening projects include underground power lines appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
TEXAS COUNTY, Okla. (KSNW)  A fifth person has been arrested in connection to the murders of Kansas moms Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler.

According to the Oklahoma state court records, an arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday, April 24, for Paul Grice, 31, on suspicion of two counts of murder in the first degree  deliberate intent, two counts of kidnapping, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree.

According to the affidavit of probable cause for an arrest warrant for Grice, during an interview, he admitted that he was a part of the planning, killing and subsequential burial of Butler and Kelley.

DA: Wichita mans death was self-defense, no charges

Grice was mentioned several times in other affidavits related to the case.

The affidavits state Grice was also a member of Gods Misfits, an anti-government group that had a religious affiliation.

Grice was allegedly involved in other attempts to kill Butler, the affidavit states. One attempt was in February when Grice, along with Tifany Adams, Tad Cullum, Cole and Cora Twombly, went to Hugoton to get Butler to leave her house, but she never did. The plan was to make her death look like an accident by throwing an anvil through Butlers windshield while she was driving because anvils regularly fall off of work trucks.

The affidavit of probable cause for an arrest warrant for Grice revealed he had a cell phone conversation with Cullum and Adams prior to the disappearance of Butler and Kelley on Saturday, March 30. After their disappearance, Grice was at his home with Cullum.

KSN typically does not name suspects until they are charged. However, due to the public interest in this case and the concern from the community, we have decided to release the names of the suspects in this case.

Grices first appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1.

MORE

Latest Updates

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Fight in DeKalb neighborhood leads to deadly shooting, police say

DeKalb County police are investigating a shooting that left at least one person dead.

Officers were called to a home on Diamond Key in a neighborhood off of Redan Road on Wednesday afternoon.

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Investigators say when they arrived just before 2:30 p.m., they found a 34-year-old man lying dead in a grassy area.

They say there was an argument that turned into a physical fight that led up to the shooting.

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Police have not released the identity of the man who was killed.

There is no word on possible suspects.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
In October, the Army stood up a new key air defense unit in Germany as a reaction to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. But after only six months, the unit's commander has been fired.

Lt. Col. Eric Ackles, commander of 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, was relieved of command Monday, the service confirmed to Military.com.

"We take all allegations and investigations seriously, ensuring accountability and maintaining a culture of respect and professionalism," Capt. Alec Watkins, a service spokesman, told Military.com in a statement, declining to specify what led to the relief.

Read Next: Toxic Exposure Screenings: Vets Report Spotty Follow-Up on Questionnaire Meant to Boost Health Care and Benefits

Ackles was fired following a monthslong investigation due to "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command," a statement the services typically give when officers are terminated, which can include a broad range of conduct ranging from minor infractions to criminal charges, abusing subordinates or subverting military regulations and norms.

It's unclear what led to his firing. Ackles and his attorney declined to comment when reached by Military.com.

Ackles is the latest in a seemingly constant string of lieutenant colonels fired, suspended or reprimanded for a range of conduct issues.

Lt. Col. Jacob Sweatland, who formerly led California Polytechnic State University's ROTC program and served as a senior instructor, was arrested in September 2022 after being caught hiding a camera in a retailer's changing room. He was handed a reprimand in January. Lt. Col. Nathan Showman was suspended Jan. 26 from his position as commander of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion amid allegations related to his online dating and subsequent consensual relationships, according to his attorney.

Lt. Col. Mark Patterson, who was commander of the New Hampshire National Guard's 941st Military Police Battalion, was convicted by a military judge in January following a plea deal over specifications related to assault, sexual harassment and maltreatment.

President Joe Biden announced new air defense activations during a NATO summit in Spain in June 2022, just months after Russia invaded Ukraine. The 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment took center stage as the U.S. sought to bolster NATO's front lines.

"The United States is doing exactly what I said we would do if Putin invaded, enhancing our force posture in Europe," Biden said at the time.

The 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, provides short-range air defense systems. An additional company of the regiment was also recently activated in Vicenza, Italy, to support the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Air defense units are among the Army's most overworked and undermanned elements, constantly deployed around the globe amid threats from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. They're spread thin, and soldiers in those units are home for less than a year at a time on average, before deploying for another year, reporting from CNN found.

Units with frantic schedules typically see correlations with behavioral and mental health issues. A pace of nonstop missions is among the service's top challenges, one for which senior leadership has few answers.

Related: Army 4-Star Who Pressured Panel to Help Career of Unfit Officer Suspended, Facing Pentagon Investigation
CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to further deepen reform and opening up across the board and constantly write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Chongqing. 
(Bloomberg) -- Seven property insurers in Florida went bankrupt in 2021 and 2022. The bankruptcies left thousands of homeowners scrambling to get new coverage, which often came with a big increase in cost. Worse, many had outstanding claims for hurricane damage that had not been addressed.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Jacqueline Ravelo, a Miami homeowner, was among them. Her roof was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Her insurance company, Avatar Property and Casualty, covered the cost of some repairs. But the roof continued to leak and mold grew inside the house, she said. Ravelo sued Avatar to compensate her for further repairs, which she said came to $50,000. When they were on the verge of settling, she said, the company went out of business.

Avatar and the six other companies that folded had something in common: They had all been rated A (exceptional) or higher by Demotech, Inc., an Ohio-based insurance ratings firm. (One of those insurers was also rated A- by competitor AM Best Co. Inc.)

In fact, nearly 20% of the companies doing business in Florida that Demotech rated as financially stable went insolvent during the period 2009 to 2022, according to a working paper by researchers at Harvard University, Columbia University and the Federal Reserve that was released by Harvard Business School in December. In their data sample, 99.7% of the ratings issued by Demotech were an A or above.

Thats a signal, the researchers said, that Floridas insurance market may be full of weak players and is even more precarious than already known.

Our research shows that lax regulation and monitoring of property insurers makes Florida mortgage markets far more exposed to climate risk than people might think, said Parinitha Sastry, an author of the report and an assistant professor of finance at Columbia Business School. The paper has yet to be peer reviewed.

The authors say this rating system also allows lenders making the riskiest mortgages to pass their liability on to everyone else.

Never miss an episode. Follow the Big Take podcast on iHeart , Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you listen. Read the transcript .

Read More: A Hidden Crisis in US Housing

US government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that secure mortgages  better known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac  demand that insurance meets a certain minimum quality standard. Thats especially important in places experiencing more severe catastrophes due to climate change, like Florida. When poor-quality insurance is graded as high-quality, it allows lenders in Florida to move mortgages for homes in vulnerable areas onto the books of Fannie and Freddie, who then bear the liability if they go south. Both GSEs will accept a rating from Demotech that is A or higher.

Demotechs president and co-founder Joseph Petrelli disputed that his agencys ratings are inflated in any way, calling the paper a hit job. He said he was as surprised as anyone when those seven firms declared insolvency, and that the real problem with the state insurance market is consumer and contractor fraud. Florida politicians have long blamed high insurance rates on excessive litigation: The state in recent years accounted for almost 80% of all US lawsuits related to property claims, due in part to a rule that let homeowners transfer insurance benefits to contractors.

Petrelli said litigation is escalating in a way his company couldnt have anticipated. He cited evidence of law firms backed by deep-pocketed investors that use search engine optimization to find homeowners who want repairs done, and then encourage them to bring suit. They were targeting insurers, he said.

Jesse Keenan, a Tulane University associate professor who researches the intersection of real estate and climate change and who was not involved with the Harvard analysis, said the findings are troubling. It is pretty clear that Demotech ratings are not up to par with where you would expect them to be, Keenan said.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae both declined to comment on Demotechs ratings. A spokesperson for Freddie Mac noted that the serious delinquency rate for US single-family homes in its portfolio stood at 0.54% in February 2024, the lowest in nearly 20 years. That suggests the numbers are not yet bearing out the theory that they are taking particularly risky mortgages from Florida or anywhere else.

Florida, which has embarked on a building boom in some of the most hurricane-prone territory in the world, is contending with a well-publicized insurance crisis. Rates are now the most expensive in the nation, according to an analysis by Insurify. The state-backed insurer of last resort is now the biggest home insurer in the state and carries more than $500 billion in exposure.

The states struggle to hold onto private insurers is what brought Demotech to Florida in the first place. In the wake of 1992s Hurricane Andrew, many Floridians were denied coverage by the private market. So they turned to the insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. The state, for its part, tried to get people back onto private insurance. But many larger companies were shrinking their exposure to the riskiest markets.

That left a lot of smaller, less diversified insurers with less capital to take their place. Its difficult for such insurers to get a top rating from AM Best or Moodys Corp., whose methodologies mark companies down for those very qualities.

Demotech rates the smaller firms with a different methodology that it says is more appropriate to them. (Its website features a dragonfly and a T-Rex, noting its the smaller animal that has evaded extinction.) This approach allows insurers a higher reinsurance to capital ratio. Unlike capital reserves, reinsurance can be canceled. Since 1990, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have deemed companies with an A or better rating from Demotech as acceptable.

Read More: Florida to Borrow Billions to Backstop Insurers After Hurricanes

Petrelli said that after Andrew, the then-commissioner of the Florida Office of Insurance (now the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation) begged Demotech to help the state, and in 1996 he agreed to. We really stepped up in a time of need, he said.

Michael Yaworsky, the current commissioner of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR), said he couldnt speak to the circumstances around Demotech entering the Florida market.

In a very short time, however, Demotech went from having no business in Florida to rating at its peak well over half of property insurers there. The company rated 95% of the insurers who accepted policies being transferred from the state-back insurer, Citizens, according to the Harvard paper, allowing Florida to depopulate its state program. In 2012, 200,000 state policies were transferred to Demotech-approved insurers, the Harvard paper added.

Using a database kept by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the researchers tracked insurance company liquidations in Florida between 2009 and 2022. They found that 19% of Demotech insurers entered rehabilitation proceedings in the past decade, while none of the traditional insurers did.

Petrelli criticized the researchers methodology but said he wasnt surprised at the figure: After all, Demotech dominated the market, so it makes sense that a disproportionate share of the bankrupt companies would be its clients.

Yaworsky said the Harvard study is based on dated information and rejected the idea that small insurers in Florida are weak. The main cause of insurance failure in the state in 2021 and 2022 was pervasive and abusive insurance fraud, he said. Legislative reforms passed in 2022 are already turning the insurance market around, he says: Eight new insurers have entered the state.

Three insurers announced recently that theyre actually going to be filing with us to reduce their property insurance rates, said Yaworsky. This study cites data from over a decade ago. It seems to me that the market and the industry has moved on.

There are fewer than a dozen companies registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to provide credit ratings for insurance companies in the US. Some are familiar names, like S&P Global Inc. But Demotech is rare in specializing in rating smaller companies. Only a few such companies have ratings accepted by Fannie and Freddie.

Raters use different methodologies, and their grades dont necessarily match up. The authors of the study ran a model to compare Demotechs ratings to those of a larger competitor, AM Best. The researchers independently devised a facsimile of AM Bests model and then used it to rate nearly 50 Florida companies that Demotech had in fact rated.

The exercise, they wrote, suggests that the vast majority of these insurers would likely be rated junk if they received their rating from a traditional rating agency rather than Demotech. Or in other words, if Demotech were to use AM Bests methodology, nearly two-thirds of its rated insurers would not meet Freddie Macs standards and 21% would not meet Fannie Maes.

Petrelli said this is conjecture. He noted the authors themselves admit their counterfactual model only explains close to 60% of the variation between Demotechs and AM Bests ratings. He said his own analysis of public filings shows that Demotech companies rated A or higher have similar rates of trouble over a 10-year period as AM Best companies rated B+ or higher.

Jeff Mango, managing director of AM Best, said that comparison is inappropriate based on both companies SEC filings, and added that smaller insurers dont struggle to obtain high AM Best ratings.

Ishita Sen, a co-author and an assistant professor of finance at Harvard Business School, told Bloomberg Green that the GSEs could be powerful watchdogs on insurance raters if they updated their criteria, which they set at some point way back in the 1990s, and over time have not evaluated whether these thresholds mean the same thing, she said.

Freddie Mac said it regularly reviews insurance rating requirements to make sure they align with our overall risk appetite. Fannie Mae said it periodically reviews rating requirements.

Petrelli said Demotech was accepted by Fannie and Freddie after extensive audits in 1989 and 1990. He said he assumes they must review that decision, but couldnt recall either asking him for additional information.

Officially, it is not FLOIRs job to monitor insurance raters, but that does not mean that they and other Florida officials arent watching closely. In fact, theyve shown themselves to care passionately on the subject  just not in the way that might be expected.

In 2022, as insurance bankruptcies were mounting, a number of companies received letters from Demotech informing them their ratings could drop, state officials said and news outlets reported at the time. Florida politicians, instead of applauding Demotech for caution, went on the attack. Yaworskys predecessor at FLOIR, David Altmaier, accused the rater of wielding inconsistent, monopolistic power.

Floridas Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis wrote letters to Fannie and Freddie describing Demotech as a rogue ratings agency with a dubious methodology. He warned that if the lower ratings came to pass, it would cause financial chaos for millions of Floridians.

In the end, Demotech downgraded only four of those insurers. But the message was clear: Downgrades are a political third rail.

Patroniss office even commissioned a study to find alternatives to Demotech, which encouraged insurers to use multiple raters. Yaworsky said much of Floridas insurance market is now rated by more than one firm.

Meanwhile, financial chaos has already come to some people who held A-rated insurance.

After Avatar went under, Ravelo, the Miami homeowner, had to start her claims process all over with the Florida agency that guarantees insurance in case of failure. Almost seven years on from the original damage to her house, she has voluminous files but still awaits a payout.

If her mortgage didnt require her to hold home insurance, she would now choose to go without it, she said: I am paying $5,000 a year for insurance, but Id rather pay nothing at all. Ive lost faith in the system.

(Updates with comments from AM Best)

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man was arrested after he allegedly beat a transgender woman to death outside one of the nations foremost ballet academies Tuesday morning, according to a report.

Gregory Fitzgerald Gilbert, 53, was charged with one count of second-degree murder.

Andrea Dorias Dos Passos body was found in the area of 22nd Street and Liberty Avenue near the Miami City Ballet after an employee observed what he believed to be a person sleeping outside near the main entrance, an arrest report obtained by WTVJ said.

When authorities arrived, they found blood and trauma on Passos face. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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According to WTVJ, police obtained surveillance footage that showed Passos arriving at the ballet academy at about midnight.

Then, a few short hours later, a man, identified as Gilbert, approached her as she was lying down. Video reportedly showed the man grabbing a metal pipe from the ground and bashing the victims head and face several times.

The male is then seen standing over her, striking her and then manipulating her body then walks away and places the pipe inside a nearby trashcan, the report stated.

Gilbert was located a short while later and taken to the Miami Beach Police Department.

The 53-year-old had just been released from prison on April 17 after having spent more than a year in Miami-Dade custody, where he underwent mental evaluations and was given four years of felony probation after being charged with attempted armed robbery with a weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, WTVJ reported.

Gender identity is real: Federal judge blocks Florida transgender healthcare ban for some children

The Miami City Ballet & Museum closed for the rest of the day Tuesday following the incident.

I used to go to ballet classes right here when I was a child. I just feel like its getting increasingly more scary to be a woman, resident Daniela Tabbara told WTVJ.

Miami police said the investigation is ongoing as the judicial process unfolds, we are committed to collaborating closely with the State Attorneys Office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Florida man accused of shooting dog in face after infidelity is discovered

Florida man accused of shooting dog in face after infidelity is discovered

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man cannot cheat his way out of an animal cruelty charge after he shot the family dog in the face after he was busted for infidelity, according to the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded to a Lehigh Acres home on 13th Street West on Monday, just after midnight, regarding a man threatening to shoot everyone inside, including two children, after his infidelity was discovered.

Its just horrific: Video shows FWC officers kill more than 30 snakes in raid, including pregnant boa

The suspect, identified as Farhad Deiham, 41, was found to have shot the familys young pit bull mix, Louie, in the face. Deiham was detained.

Louie was found hiding behind a couch with blood gushing from his face and neck. Officials said the dog showed no aggression and simply wanted to be loved.

The dog was taken to a nearby animal hospital for medical care and treatment. Lee County Domestic Animal Services is caring for Louie as he heals and said that he is expected to make a full recovery.

Its ugly. Its bad: 5 dead cats, 28 animals seized from Lakeland home, woman charged: PCSO

The sheriffs office had Louie join them during a press conference and even gave him a cupcake. Louie is an amazing dog [and] has a lot of love left to give.

Lee County Sheriffs Office

Lee County Sheriffs Office

Lee County Sheriffs Office

Deputies removed the children from the home and DCF was contacted.

Deiham was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Florida man passed out in turn lane starts singing to radio, arrested for suspected DUI

Florida man passed out in turn lane starts singing to radio, arrested for suspected DUI

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida man was found passed out behind the wheel of his truck in the middle of a turn lane, before he decided to break out into a song, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office.

The vehicle was found in the middle of the road in the 2400 block of Southeast Baseline Avenue just before 2 a.m. on Monday.

Florida man accused of shooting dog in face after infidelity is discovered

The video shows deputies approach the vehicle, banging on the window, because the driver, identified as David Boose, was unresponsive in the drivers seat.

When Boose woke up, he began to sing along to the radio and showed signs of impairedness.

Deputies ordered him out of the truck and asked him how much he had to drink that night.

Not enough, Boose said.

I would disagree with that, the deputy responded.

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When officials asked for Boose to perform a field sobriety test, he denied.

Therefore, Boose was arrested for DUI and refused to provide a breath sample at the jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida woman, who deputies said was highly intoxicated, spit on deputies and banged her head on their patrol vehicle after being detained.

The Flagler County Sheriffs Office responded to a duplex on Farraday Lane in Palm Coast on Friday evening regarding a report of an intoxicated woman.

Florida man passed out in turn lane starts singing to radio, arrested for suspected DUI

The woman, identified as Julia Jones, 40, was seen on bodycam struggling to stand upright and remain balanced. Jones was asked to stand near the vehicle to keep from swaying into oncoming traffic.

Wheres your freaking camera, yo? the woman asked.

A deputy responded with, Yo, its right here, while pointing to his body camera.

In the video, the deputy tells Jones to back up as she becomes aggravated and begins to scream at them. As another responding deputy attempts to read her her rights, Jones becomes belligerent.

At one point, Jones spits on the deputies, who struggle to get her into the car.

Florida man accused of shooting dog in face after infidelity is discovered

Three pills containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone were discovered during a search of her backpack. Jones was arrested on charges of disorderly intoxication, battery on a law enforcement officer, and possession of hydrocodone.

She was briefly taken to a hospital for medical clearance after banging her head on the car before she was taken to jail. Jones posted a $7,500 bond and was released.

This woman disrupted a peaceful neighborhood and then continued to berate and attack and spit on deputies, Sheriff Staly said. If you spit and attack a Deputy Sheriff we guarantee you a trip to the Green Roof Inn.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Forecasts predict a hot and dry summer. What does that mean for the Great Salt Lake?

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-California, ride an airboat on a tour of the Willard Bay portion of the Great Salt Lake on Monday, March 18, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Spring runoff flowing into the Great Salt Lake has officials cautiously optimistic, although a dry and warm April is slowing some of that momentum, and a recent report from the National Weather Service is pointing to a hot and dry summer.

One of the reasons we havent seen more gains on the Great Salt Lake over the last month, Im sure, is because we had such a warm and windy April and you start to see some of that evaporative loss. If that continues into the summer, we would anticipate higher evaporation losses as well and thats something that would concern all of us, said Great Salt Lake Commissioner Brian Steed.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center recently released a three month outlook for temperatures heading into the summer  the report points to above average temperatures for much of the intermountain West and Southwest, with about 50% to 60% probability of higher than normal heat in Utah during June, July and August.

The outlook for precipitation is similar for Utah, with parts of the state expected to see below or slightly below normal amounts of rain during the summer months.

The warm spring means a rapidly melting snowpack. The snow water equivalent, which is basically the amount of water in the snowpack, was at about 127% of normal last Saturday  as of Wednesday, it was at 111% of normal.

Still, healthy reservoir levels around the state mean local water districts will continue to release flows into the Great Salt Lake Basin tributaries. Most reservoirs in the basin are sitting at about 85% capacity or higher, which is above average for this time of year. Theyre looking remarkably healthy, Steed said on Wednesday during a media briefing on the lake.

Because of that and because there still is above average snowpack coming down into those reservoirs, we expect further releases, Steed said, telling reporters water districts will continue those releases into the summer.

So far, about 85,000 acre feet of water has made it from Utah Lake into the Great Salt Lake, Steed said; about 113,100 acre feet has moved through Willard Bay in Box Elder County; and an additional 202,037 has been recorded at the Plain City gauge, west of North Ogden. And the Bear River, the Great Salt Lakes largest tributary, is conveying about 4,836 acre feet each day (an acre foot is enough water to submerge an acre of land by one foot).

Thats great news, and we look forward to seeing those recoveries continue given where we are with snowpack and runoff, Steed said.

That water has resulted in lake levels slowly creeping higher, with the south arm up about six feet from its historic low point in 2022. As of Wednesday, state data recorded the south arm at 4,194.7 feet, which is good, not great, but well take it. Steed said.

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That puts the lake about three feet away from the bottom of the spectrum of whats considered a healthy level, 4,198 feet. Steed said unless Utah sees a continued series of great winters, like what happened in 2023, he doesnt expect the lake to hit that level for a handful of years.

Were going to be in this for the long haul, he said, noting that an estimated 400,000 additional acre feet would be required to make up the difference. Thats a tall order, he said.

And as the lake fills, it also spreads out  that can lead to increased losses due to evaporation as the lake creeps into more shallow areas that are exposed and susceptible to heating.

Water levels at the Great Salt Lake typically peak around the beginning of May  last years historic winter pushed the peak back to the end of June. Steed said this year will likely land somewhere in between, or at least a little beyond early May.

Salinity levels are also sitting at much lower levels compared to last year, Steed said. Thats resulting in a healthy population of brine flies which in turn will help the migratory bird population.

The post Forecasts predict a hot and dry summer. What does that mean for the Great Salt Lake? appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
This foreign agency in the Central Valley serves 1.5 million residents. See who heads it

In the Spotlight is a Fresno Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email tips@fresnobee.com.

The Consulate of Mexico in Fresno  the foreign gubernatorial entity that serves 1.5 million Mexican nationals residing in the Central Valley with services such documentation, protection and legal affairs  has a new leader.

Minister Nuria P. Zuniga Alaniz, who served as deputy consul for the last three years in Fresno, assumed functions as head consul on April 2.

The consulate, which has been in the valley for more than 90 years, provides different services to Mexican nationals.

The consulate is best known for the documentation service which has the most demand  passports, matricula consular (consular registration), credencial de elector (voter identification), birth certificates, registro civil (civil registry), dual nationality, power of attorneys, among other documentations.

Which are services that people require more every day, she said.

As part of the services provided, parents can request dual citizenship for children born in the United States or adults can request dual nationality if their parents were born in Mexico.

Zuniga Alaniz said while there are more than 40 services the consulate offers in Fresno under one roof; in Mexico those services are carried out in 25 different government agencies.

The attention we provide to our community has increased as time has progressed, she said.

A familiar face

Having served the consulates community in the Valley the past few years has allowed Zuniga Alaniz to know firsthand the stories of many of Mexican nationals as well as the challenges they face and their needs.

The advantage of having been deputy consul is that it already gives me a much more complete and much more documented panorama of the needs and challenges that our community faces, particularly here, said Zuniga Alaniz, a career diplomat who has been a member of the Mexican Foreign Service since 2010.

And that allows me to do a much more complete analysis than other consuls have not had because maybe arriving at a new place is starting from the beginning.

Zuniga Alaniz replaces former head consul Adriana Gonzalez Carrillo, who returned to Mexico after four years in Fresno. Gonzalez Carrillos last day was Feb. 29.

With the advantage of already knowing the community, Zuniga Alaniz said now she can get to a point where we can take more actions and focus.

With more than 60% of the population in the area being of Mexican origin or born in Mexico, Zuniga Alaniz said the presence of the consulate in the Valley is extremely important.

The consulate covers eight counties in the area including Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Inyo, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern.

Other services and initiatives

The consulate offers other services such as service window for indigenous peoples and there are plans to open a service or civic education window to promote not only a stronger civic education in the community but the importance of voting.

Why is it important that we participate in the elections in Mexico now that we can, Zuniga Alaniz said. So those are some of the projects that have been opened in recent years.

The consulate has partnered with the organization Binational of Central California for a mental health program.

All these new programs serve very specific needs that we have detected in the community, Zuniga Alaniz said. Obviously the issue of mental health, we all know that COVID left many consequences or revealed many problems that we had.

Zuniga Alaniz said the topic of mental health is something that remains a bit taboo in the community, that is why it was extremely important for the consulate to offer those services and create awareness and break that taboo.

Another service is protection and legal affairs area. There is also community affairs, which seeks links with the entire diaspora and does so through three programs: education, financial education and health.

All this is focused on empowering our community, so that they can open doors, have greater opportunities, better life opportunities, but also in some way that they adapt to the norms and ways of life established in this case the Central Valley, Zuniga Alaniz said.

This is one of the consulates objectives to provide this care, to support our community to grow and make a more integrated and stronger community, she said.

Zuniga Alaniz said it is a very big challenge to provide service to more than 1.5 million people in a very rural environment where access to information or services is sometimes difficult.

Obviously, part of what I want to do or part of the issues we want to improve as a consulate is, well, attention to service, quality of service, but also being able to build and continue weaving this great network of allies that already we have but increase it for the benefit of the community, she said.

The consulate recently expanded business hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Before Fresno, Zuniga Alaniz was at the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, at the Embassy of Mexico in Bolivia, and Sub-Saharan Africa at the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Zuniga Alaniz has a bachelors degree in political science and administration from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain); an MBA in Political Science from El Colegio de Mexico (Mexico); holds postgraduate diplomas on Mexican Culture, IMR, and on U.S. Political Institutions and Bilateral Relations Mexico-U.S., Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, University of California San Diego.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Washington State Standard.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan is on a glide path to passage in the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to limit debate on the package.

The 80-19 procedural vote sets up a final passage vote as soon as Tuesday evening, though that could move into Wednesday depending on how quickly debate wraps up.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference after the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

President Joe Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikTok parents company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

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The post Foreign aid bill advances in U.S. Senate as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
Afghan security force members prepare to burn illicit drugs and the objects used in manufacturing drugs in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 23, 2024. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government has described the poppy product and its processing into drugs as a global problem and called upon the international community to help Afghanistan fight against the drug menace.

Head of the Office of the Counter-Narcotics of the Ministry of Interior Affairs Mawlawi Hasibullah Ahmadi said that as a global problem, the fight against drugs requires the help of the international community.

In a ceremony to set on fire a huge quantity of illicit drugs and the objects used in manufacturing drugs on Tuesday on the outskirts of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul, the official said that the interim government is determined to fight against the drug menace in the country.

More than 20 tonnes of illicit drugs including 635 kg of heroin were set on fire publicly to show the administration's resolve to fight against poppy cultivation, processing into drugs and drug trafficking.

Once a poppy-growing country, war-torn Afghanistan has been gradually getting rid of drugs as the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) in a report confirmed that poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has reduced by 95 percent.

"The counter-narcotics police have conducted more than 22,000 operations and arrested more than 9,000 individuals on the charge of involvement in drug business. Police have also destroyed more than 900 drug labs and smashed 13,000 hectares of poppy farms during the operations," head of counter-narcotics police Mufti Ahmadullah Ahmadi said at the ceremony. 

Afghan security force members prepare to burn illicit drugs and the objects used in manufacturing drugs in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 23, 2024. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan security force members prepare to burn illicit drugs and the objects used in manufacturing drugs in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 23, 2024. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
The rapper Megan Thee Stallion is being sued by a former cameraman who alleges that he was not properly compensated for his work and was subjected to a hostile work environment.

Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, the lawsuit by Emilio Garcia accuses the rapper, whose legal name is Megan Pete, of "a lack of appropriate pay," of fat-shaming him, and of having sex with a woman while he sat next to them in a car in a foreign country.

"I felt uncomfortable," he told NBC News. "I was kind of frozen, and I was shocked. At kind of just be the overall audacity to do this right, right beside me."

According to the lawsuit, the next day Megan asked Garcia if he had been in the car with them when the incident happened. When he said yes, she told him, "Dont ever discuss what you saw," the lawsuit states.

Garcia said in the lawsuit that he was misclassified as an independent contractor and owed unpaid wages. He said he thought of quitting because Megan treated him differently after that, receiving fewer bookings from her team, per the lawsuit. He also accused her of calling him a "fat b----" and telling him not to eat.

The rapper's attorney, Alex Spiro, told NBC News: "This is an employment claim for money  with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her. We will deal with this in court."

The complaint also names management company Roc Nation as a defendant. The company did not respond to NBC News requests for comment.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell speak in front of the Florida Supreme Court on April 24, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell officially filed for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, quickly attacking Republican Sen. Rick Scott, the incumbent, and his record on abortion.

The former South Florida Congresswoman is focusing Floridas reproductive rights landscape in her campaign.

This November, we will have the opportunity to vote for our fundamental freedoms because an abortion ballot initiative will be on the ballot, she said while standing in front of the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee. Let me just say, its very clear to me that Floridians are ready to turn out this November to protect our rights and to retire Rick Scott, to stop him from this dangerous, extreme agenda.

Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell turns in her paperwork at the Department of State building in Tallahassee on April 24, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos)

Similar to the messaging from the Florida Democratic Party and the group behind the abortion rights amendment, Mucarsel-Powell insisted reproductive rights are a bipartisan issue.

This is a Democratic, Republican, Independent, American issue, she said. It is about our civil rights. This is central to the dignity of a woman to make her private decision between herself, her doctor, her family and her faith. We cannot allow politicians like Rick Scott to interfere in those private decisions.

Scott has expressed conflicting opinions on abortion, recently saying that he would have signed the six-week abortion ban, but later expressing support for a 15-week ban.

Just yesterday, President Joe Biden endorsed Mucarsel-Powell during his campaign stop in Tampa. She also delivered remarks during the event.

But when a reporter asked her on Wednesday if Bidens campaign focus on Florida would boost her own, she said: Im not going to put my head on fire for any of that. The President was here yesterday. He is telling everyone Florida is in play.

But Mucarsel-Powell is also facing a Democratic primary in August. So far, three Democrats have qualified for the election (Stanley Campbell, Joseph Rod and Brian Rush), according to the Florida Division of Elections. The deadline to file is Friday. She is the only woman Democratic candidate, and she is also Latina.

Campbell, who is Black, criticized the decision to have Mucarsel-Powell speak at Bidens campaign stop, saying there were people of color in the crowd who saw that he had been ignored, according to The Floridian.

People know the work that Ive put in because I believe in it. For me, its been a calling to serve, and so Im just moving forward to make sure that we kick Rick Scott out, she said, responding to a question about Campbells criticism.

Additionally, polls show that Scott has a lead over Mucarsel-Powell. An April 18 poll from Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet Research shows 51% of voters going for Scott and 35% supporting Mucarsel-Powell. Another recent poll from Emerson College Polling gives Scott a 7% advantage between the two.

Scott also has primary challenges from two Republicans who have qualified (John Columbus and Keith Gross).

The post Former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell files to challenge Rick Scott for U.S. Senate seat appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Former Hickory Hollow Mall/Global Mall at the Crossings set for demolition

ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WRKN)  The center of Antioch shopping and anchor of commerce for Southeast Nashville since the 1970s, the former Hickory Hollow Mall/Global Mall at the Crossings, is set to be demolished.

A spokesperson for Mayor Freddie OConnell told News 2 the malls connecting hallways and storefronts are to be demolished while the four anchor buildings will remain. The anchors were the former sites of Sears, Dillards, JCPenny and Castner Knott department stores.

Master plan for former Hickory Hollow Mall site unveiled

The decision to tear down the mall on Hickory Hollow Parkway off Interstate 24 is due to water damage at the property, according to spokesperson Alex Apple.

The inside of Global Mall needs to be torn down, as every version of a master plan for the mall involves the interior being gone. It has also sustained water damage, but the four anchor buildings are in good condition and will remain. We expect that a master plan will be presented to the Planning Commission by the end of the summer. Alex Apple

Spokesperson for Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell

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In March 2022, Mayor John Cooper announced the city was partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to turn the empty space in Antioch into a development similar to One Hundred Oaks.

The Metro Council voted to buy the mall for $44 million after Cooper said the city signed a Letter of intent for Vanderbilt to move in.

The space sat empty for years and the Metro Council announced plans in 2023 to make the space the new community hub for southeast Nashville and a place to create new opportunities for residents.

Master plan for former Hickory Hollow Mall site unveiled

First, Metro plans to build a transit center since the mall sits along one of the busiest WeGo bus routes in the city. Nashville will receive $5 million from the state to help build the new transit hub.

There are also plans for a performing arts center, a hotel, senior center, daycare center, city offices and housing for artists.

Plans for Vanderbilt to build a satellite hospital arent off the table.

There is a need for them there, said Councilmember Joy Styles for District 32. They have employees that live in the Southeast, so having a footprint matters.

The project is expected to to be completed in phases within seven to 10 years.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Former Kentucky superintendent charged with gun on school property has case dismissed

A judge has dismissed a criminal charge against a former Kentucky school superintendent accused of carrying a pistol on school property.

The case started in February 2023 after John Gunn, the superintendent in McCreary County, and the board of education worked out an agreement for him to resign.

Gunn went to the board of education office just after 6 a.m. the next morning to pick up personal items, but his access card had been deactivated and he couldnt get in.

Authorities charged that when he went to the office, he had a .45-caliber pistol.

There were no students at schools nearby at the time, and there were no employees in the office.

A school resource officer arrested Gunn when he went back to the office later that day. He did not have a gun at the time.

With some exceptions, such as for police officers and ROTC members, Kentucky law generally bars carrying a firearm at public and private elementary and high schools.

The crime is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Gunns attorney, David S. Hoskins, argued that the law was an unconstitutional infringement on Gunns right to bear arms under the Second Amendment.

Hoskins cited a 2022 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court set out a new standard for deciding the legality of gun restrictions, commonly called the Bruen case.

The high court said that gun laws must be assessed on whether they are consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Hoskins argued there was no historical analogue regarding regulating carrying guns on school property  as opposed to schools themselves  and as a result Kentuckys prohibition on carrying guns as it was applied to Gunn was unconstitutional.

John Gunn, superintendent of McCreary County Schools, has been arrested after allegedly bringing a gun onto district property.

The prosecutor, Commonwealths Attorney Ronnie Bowling, argued in response that the Supreme Court decision would still allow barring possession of guns in sensitive places such as schools.

Gunns act of carrying a gun at the school-board office is not a traditional, historical recognized right at the time the Second Amendment was ratified, Bowling said.

However, Circuit Judge Dan Ballou, citing the Supreme Court case, dismissed the charge against Gunn.

Ballou ruled the prosecution had not shown that the Nations historical tradition of regulating the possession of firearms extends to an individual carrying a firearm on property not utilized as a school, during a time when neither students nor school employees were present, and with no other alleged criminal acts being committed, regardless of the ownership of the property at issue.

Hoskins said he and Gunn were happy with the decision.

I think the very specific facts of this case called for this ruling, Hoskins said.
Former MIT researcher who killed Yale graduate student from Chicago sentenced to 35 years in prison

Former MIT researcher who killed Yale graduate student from Chicago sentenced to 35 years in prison

***The video above is from a 2021 report***

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)  A former researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was sentenced Tuesday to 35 years in prison for the killing of a Yale University graduate student found shot outside his car on a Connecticut street.

Qinxuan Pan, 33, who pleaded guilty to murder in February, apologized during a hearing in a New Haven courtroom packed with family and friends of the victim, Kevin Jiang.

I feel sorry for what my actions caused and for everyone affected, Pan said. I fully accept my penalties.

He loved helping people: Longtime friend honors slain CPD Officer Luis Huesca

Jiang, 26, a U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Chicago and a graduate student at Yales School of the Environment, had just left his fiancees apartment in New Haven on the evening of Feb. 6, 2021, when he was shot multiple times by Pan, according to police and prosecutors. The couple had just gotten engaged days earlier.

Several of Jiangs relatives and friends spoke in court before the judge handed down the sentence, which Pan agreed to as part of his plea bargain.

My son was a remarkable young man who cherished life and held deep (belief) in God. He had a bright future ahead  one that promised to spread Gods love far and wide, said Jiangs father, Mingchen Jiang.

A motive for the killing was never made entirely clear. Investigators said they discovered that Pan and Jiangs fiancee were connected on social media and had met while at MIT, where both had graduated from and where Pan was working as a researcher at the time of the shooting.

According to the documents, Jiangs fiancee told authorities she and Pan never had a romantic or sexual relationship, they were just friends, but she did get a feeling that he was interested in her during that time.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

After the shooting, Pan fled the scene and eluded police for three months before being apprehended in Alabama, where officials said he was caught living under a fake name with $19,000 in cash, a passport and several cellphones.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
PALESTINE, Texas (KETK)  A Former Palestine ISD band director that had been accused of an improper relationship with a student received sentencing on April 19.

Lufkin man arrested for capital murder in death of 4-month-old son

According to court documents, Adrian Alonso was convicted on three charges of improper relationship between an educator and a student, and will be serving 11 years of confinement in a state prison.

In January of 2023 the Palestine Police Department arrested Alonso after an investigation revealed that he had an improper relationship, including sexual contact with a student, beginning in 2020.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Former U.S. Rep. George Santos announced Tuesday he is ending his run for Congress in New Yorks 1st Congressional District.

Santos was challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota in the 1st District in eastern Long Island.

5 takeaways from opening statements in the Trump trial

Although Nick and I dont have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I dont want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Dems Santos said in an announcement on X.

Santos previously represented New Yorks 3rd Congressional District. He was expelled from Congress in December after a House ethics report found evidence of lawbreaking. He currently faces federal fraud charges.

The future holds countless possibilities and I am ready willing and able to step up to the plate and go fight for my country at anytime, Santos said. I will continue to participate in the public policy discussion and will do my part I will always strive to stand on the right side of history. Its only goodbye for now, Ill be back.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Fort Worth ISD will keep this math learning program  at least for now

The Fort Worth Independent School Districts board voted on Tuesday to spend $817,000 to renew an online learning program that district officials say is helping close skills gaps in math.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will continue to have access to DreamBox, a math program produced by Discovery Education, through the 2024-25 school year. But if the district wants to keep the program beyond next year, officials will need to find a different way to pay for it.

The district began using the program in November 2022 as a part of its strategy to help students make up ground they lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

The district pays for the program using federal COVID relief dollars intended to help schools reopen safely and close learning gaps left over from the pandemic, said district spokesperson Jessica Becerra.

That relief money expires in September, and districts are required to send whatever they havent spent by then back to the U.S. Treasury. So if the district decides to continue using the program after the 2024-25 school year, it will need to come up with that money elsewhere, she said.

In response to a question posted online before the meeting by board member Michael Ryan, district officials said the program complements the districts math curriculum, so the lessons they complete in the program reinforce the instruction they get from their teachers.

Students who used the program most were the ones who appeared to get the biggest benefits. District data shows that students who used the program at all averaged a years worth of academic growth in a school year. But students who completed five or more of the programs lessons a week gained 1.3 years worth of ground in a school year.

Like most school districts across Texas and nationwide, Fort Worth ISD saw steep achievement declines in both reading and math after the pandemic.

On last years State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, students in the district posted limited gains in math compared to the previous year. Results of this years exams wont be released until this summer, but district officials say there are reasons to be optimistic. During a board meeting in February, Superintendent Angelica Ramsey presented mid-year MAP assessment scores showing students made substantial progress in reading and math.

During the public comment period of the meeting, Amanda Inay, a fifth-grade teacher at Rufino Mendoza Elementary School, asked board members to approve the renewal, saying the program had made a big difference for her students.

The program allows teachers to see real-time data showing which concepts students have mastered and where theyre still struggling, she said. She noted the programs data offerings are especially critical since assessment data analysts were among the 133 positions that district officials announced last February that they planned to cut.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Most of the capital goods monitored by China's statistical authorities registered higher prices in mid-April compared with early April, official data showed Wednesday.

Of the 50 major goods classified in nine categories, including seamless steel tubes, gasoline, coal, fertilizer, and some chemicals, 34 reported higher prices in the period, 16 saw price declines, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

During the period, hog prices went down 1.3 percent, according to the NBS data.

The figures, released every 10 days, are based on a survey of nearly 2,000 wholesalers and distributors in 31 provincial-level regions across the country. 
Fox Business Network anchor Charles Payne blew a gasket on Wednesday when a liberal pundit attempted to defend President Joe Bidens gaffes, calling his on-air colleagues comments dumb and insulting.

During the Fox News midday panel show Outnumbered, Payne blasted the president for repeating his oft-told false claim that he had previously driven an 18-wheel big rig.

Its interesting. I saw someone complaining about Donald Trump exaggerating, Payne groused. Theres a big difference between exaggerating and just lying. Maybe its his memory, but its one after another.

After Payne characterized the situation as surreal and akin to a comedy plot in a sitcom, liberal radio host Leslie Marshall interjected that Trump has also been known to lie. She also noted that its actually the ex-president who often gets a pass for misspeaking or flubbing a line.

From my perspective, when Joe Biden messes up a word, I hear about it across the board. I dont hear about it with former President Trump, Marshall said.

Attempting to contrast her own occasional verbal miscues with the president, Marshall recounted a recent instance of her mixing up Pakistan and Palestine on-air.

This did not sit well with Payne, who immediately cut the veteran radio host off and began berating her. It always offends me when people talk to me and us like were dumb! What youre making is such a dumb example! Were not talking about you or me or her making an occasional gaffe, the Making Money host growled.

While Marshall tried telling her colleague she didnt think he was dumb, an animated Payne continued his outburst. Were talking about gaffe after gaffe after gaffe after gaffe, the Fox Business star yelled while waving his arm up and down.

I dont appreciate you calling me dumb! Marshall retorted.

No, youre not dumb! Youre insulting! Payne fired back before repeating the word gaffe over and over and over. Its ridiculous!

After Payne was finished with his performative rant, the rest of the pro-Trump hosts on the panel also began lecturing Marshall for offering up a mild defense of the presidents verbal miscues and tall tales.

He does it each and every speech, former Trump flack-turned-Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany huffed. This is why, Leslie, each and every poll shows the American voters, a majority, dont think he has the mental acuity!

Marshall, meanwhile, attempted to calmly respond to the over-the-top histrionics displayed by Payne in yet another of an endless series of Fox News segments on Biden's cognitive ability.

I never said it was a one-off," she noted. What Im saying is, I think its normal for people to make gaffes. I use notes when I give speeches. Im not running for president.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Amid all the hand-wringing about the latest deaths of migrants in the Channel, you should keep one essential point in mind: France doesnt want to stop the boats.

How, you might ask, can I be so sure of this, when by all accounts patrols of the French coastline by police and border guards have been stepped up in the past few months and officers have on occasion even been filmed puncturing dinghies?

The answer is that if it wished to, France could stop all the boats  and rid its coastal communities of the scourge of ramshackle migrant camps too  with almost zero cost or administrative burden by implementing one simple measure.

All it would have to do is issue a statement saying it would accept back to its shores any migrant boat intercepted by Royal Navy, UK Border Force or RNLI vessels. Then Britain could do the rest.

Our surveillance techniques  including the use of drones  have become so sophisticated over recent years that almost every migrant dinghy is detected well before it enters UK waters. We intercept virtually every boat, and bring them to our shores.

But if France said it would take them back, we could steam them over to Calais every time. And no migrant would pay 3,000 to a people-trafficker for the dubious privilege of spending a couple of hours in the middle of the Channel before ending back where they started.

The migrant camps would swiftly disappear, too, as there would be no incentive for irregular migrants to trek to the coast of northern France. The whole gate-crashers ball would be over: no more boats, no more deaths, no more English hotels rammed with illegal immigrants.

Yet France has repeatedly refused to do this, instead preferring to take regular and large payments from the UK taxpayer in order to enact the theatre of attempting law-enforcement along the long stretch of relevant shoreline.

Of course, migrant boats are sometimes intercepted before entering the water, sometimes disabled. But an expensive policy that is at best 10 per cent effective is being implemented while a cheap one that would be 100 per cent effective is blocked.

This can only be because France does not actually wish to spare the UK from sharing in the pain of Europes irregular migration crisis.

Were migrants, including children, dying in the Channel close to the English coast then it would be treated as an unconscionable scandal here. But even amid huge public disquiet about the cross-Channel traffic, our Government takes migrants out of their overloaded inflatables and onto proper ships for onward transit to Dover.

It is France which allows them to travel 11 miles across perilous waters in obviously unseaworthy vessels. And as a result, drownings sometimes tragically occur. In French politics and among French public opinion, this is apparently treated as a price worth paying.

The details of the latest deaths are barely believable: not only did French police permit a flimsy and hugely overloaded dinghy to set off from the beach at Wimereux, near Boulogne, but even after the deaths they allowed more than half of the 112 people who originally got into the floating death-trap to stay in it and carry on with their journey.

This was despite the deaths of five people by crushing and suffocation, including a seven-year-old girl, having taken place just a few hundred yards from the French coast. As Tory MP Tim Loughton put it: This is incredibly irresponsible behaviour by the French authorities.

We should not be paying France a penny for its pantomime patrols, let alone hundreds of millions of pounds. The act of doing so is mere displacement activity by a UK Government desperate to be seen to be taking some kind of action.

While the Reform UK partys suggestion that we should breach French territorial waters and forcibly land migrants back in France is surely impractical and would probably result in British vessels being impounded, it is no more irresponsible than the current UK Government approach.

It is time we told France that its current stance will from now on be regarded as a hostile posture that prevents a normalisation of relations post the tetchy Brexit years. And from now on British ministers should not mince their words: the French authorities are in tacit alliance with the people-trafficking gangs and are deliberately turning a blind eye to deaths at sea.

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A young sea creature is winning the hearts of people it encounters in California with its playful antics, stunning photos show.

Graybo the humpback whale started showing off for crowds about a month or so ago, Monterey Bay Whale Watch said on Facebook April 22.

This juvenile whale has made quite the name for his or herself over the past month as being a very active and playful individual, showing off with some sort of surface activity during almost every encounter we have with them! the tour group said. On Saturday, Graybo was displaying a lot of close breaches while we sat in neutral and enjoyed the show!

Thats the same type of friendly behavior wildlife photographer Morgan Quimby said she sees from Graybo every time she encounters the playful whale, she told McClatchy News over the phone Wednesday, April 24.

I noticed recently every time Ive encountered him or her, theyve been breaching, tail throwing and generally showing very friendly and active behavior, she said.

Quimby estimates Graybo is between 2 and 4 years old. The whale first popped up in the bay in April 2023, but because it was not with its mom, its harder to determine how old Graybo might have been at the time.

The whale is still on the smaller side, so whale watching experts believe its still pretty young. Graybo tends to be the most friendly and playful whale Quimby and other tour guides see, and it usually swims up close to the boat and gives a little show during tours, she said.

Its a good way to show passengers each whale is unique with their own personality, Quimby said.

Sea creature puts on rare show for California tour boat and beachgoers. What a day!

First baby humpback whale this year seen off Washington island. See it swim with mom

Huge sea creature washes up on CA coast in first reported death this year, experts say
FILE PHOTO: Women and children wait to be registered prior to a food distribution carried out by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Thonyor, Leer state

FILE PHOTO: Women and children wait to be registered prior to a food distribution carried out by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Thonyor, Leer state

By Waakhe Simon Wudu

JUBA (Reuters) - South Sudanese authorities are holding up United Nations fuel tankers over a tax dispute, jeopardising the delivery of millions of dollars of aid during a humanitarian crisis, the U.N. mission there said.

The trucks were held up at depots and the Ugandan border on Wednesday despite assurances from the minister of humanitarian affairs a day earlier that a new tax on trucks carrying fuel and other supplies did not apply to U.N. humanitarian operations, a spokesperson for the mission said.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Albino Akok Atak and Information Minister Michael Makuei were not immediately available for comment.

The trade ministry order this week, announcing the tax, said the $300 charge on each goods truck entering and leaving the country was intended to help the government maximise revenue collection by addressing undervaluations and fraud.

South Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of people died as a result of civil war from 2013-2018, is experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises as a result of persistent conflict, natural disasters and poverty.

Last month, the United Nations estimated that about 7.1 million of its 12.4 million people would experience crisis-level hunger during the April-to-July lean season.

"As of now, the trucks are still held up. The mission is continuing to engage intensively at the highest levels to resolve the situation," Priyanka Chowdhury, acting spokesperson for the mission, known as UNMISS, told Reuters.

Humanitarian airdrops have been suspended, affecting 60,000 people in need, and UNMISS has also been forced to review peacekeeping patrols and reduce support to peace and electoral processes, the mission said in a statement on Tuesday.

Traders and other organisations have protested against the measure and diplomatic missions called its imposition on U.N. and other aid operations illicit and unacceptable in a statement on Sunday.

UNMISS has around 20,000 peacekeepers who protect about 180,000 internally displaced people across the country.

(Reporting by Waakhe Simon Wudu; Editing by George Obulutsa, Aaron Ross and Barbara Lewis)
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, third from left, with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Gov. Bill Lee and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, at the November 2023 rollout of Lee's universal school voucher program. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Dead in the water. Chances look increasingly grim. Less than optimistic.

On the ropes. Stuck in neutralif not dead.

The local news reports that contain the above quotes about Gov. Bill Lees school voucher program have all focused on one thing: the fate of the school voucher program that has been the capstone of Lees governmental platform. The Tennessean, Tennessee Lookout and WPLN News are the authors of the above quotes, but they all point to the same issue: Lee has been unable to get this ball across the finish line.

What struck me most about this issue was not that the school voucher program was stuck in neutral and has recently been declared dead in the water. It was the fact that our second-term Republican governor, with his GOP supermajority in the Tennessee General Assembly, our two GOP U.S Senators, a GOP-led Congressional delegation and the entire fleet of far-right super PACs have been unable to get Lees pet legislation passed.

Simply put, Gov. Bill Lee backed the wrong horse in this race: Why would he prioritize a program as controversial, unproven and risk as school vouchers?

It should have been a slam-dunk in such a scenario. What does it say about our governor that he was unable to get this legislation through both chambers during his second term in office? He has been championing the belief that siphoning public tax dollars away from public schools would be of benefit to our schools ever since he first started on the campaign trail, but it has become quite clear that the general public and our elected officials are wary of this issue  preferring instead to endlessly debate without calling for a vote or even moving the legislation out of committee.

Simply put, Lee backed the wrong horse in this race. With so many other necessary and challenging issues to address at the state level, why would Lee prioritize such a highly controversial, unproven and risky policy initiative like school vouchers? It doesnt make sense. Why not work to improve existing public schools, adolescent mental health or community programs to support families and parents struggling to make ends meet? Does a family whose income is 500 percent higher than the income of a family at the federal poverty limit honestly need $7,000 so their children can get a coupon for private school? That is what the legislation under debate had been offering.

What has happened to Lees plans to fight Tennessees opioid epidemic? What is the latest legislation to support rural Tennesseans? What happened to criminal justice reform? What about gun safety measures? Increase in availability and economic infrastructure to encourage trade schools and technical and vocational programs? Weve heard precious little about these policy initiatives. It seems that the noise of school vouchers has grown so loud that it has silenced the progress on anything else.

It certainly did spell trouble. Clearly it spelled trouble for the fate of school vouchers. But does it also spell trouble for Lees future attempts to push far-right partisan legislation through? At this point, that appears to be the case.







The post Fumbling the ball on the one-yard line appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirms that an inmate was shot and killed and an officer was injured at a Georgia hospital Tuesday.

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According to the GBI, officers were at Washington County Medical Center with 31-year-old Jacob Henson, of Canton, who was being treated after he was stabbed in a fight at Washington State Prison.

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Henson got in a fight with a Georgia Department of Corrections officer, overpowered the officer and grabbed his pepper spray canister, the GBI said. The spray incapacitated that officer. Henson then charged at a second officer with the spray. The second officer fired her gun, hitting and killing Henson.

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According to the Cherokee County District Attorney, Henson pled guilty to a string of vehicle thefts and criminal acts in the summer of 2018. He pled guilty to 11 counts of theft by taking, two counts of theft by receiving, two counts of criminal damage to property, two counts of fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, two counts of burglary, two counts of criminal damage to property, aggravated assault, reckless driving, reckless conduct, entering an automobile, criminal attempt to commit a felony and failure to wear protective gear on a motorcycle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), or online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta and the United Farm Workers (UFW), the union she founded alongside Cesar Chavez, on Wednesday endorsed Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) in his Senate bid.

Endorsements from Huerta and the UFW, key players in the birth of Hispanic political power, hold a special significance for many Latinos, particularly in the Southwest.

Ruben is a stalwart advocate for immigration reform and his commitment to advancing the circumstances of working people, especially Latinos, is undeniable, Huerta said.

Gallego called Huerta a true champion for civil rights and one of our nations greatest activists, and a pillar of our community.

Her tireless advocacy for working people, particularly Latinos, has inspired generations, and I am committed to continuing her fight for better opportunities for working families and all Americans, he said.

Gallego is running to replace Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who flipped the seat for Democrats in 2018 but left the party and became an independent in 2022. She is not running for reelection.

But Gallegos race has Democrats fired up because hes likely to increase participation from both young and rural Hispanic voters in a key state for the presidential election.

He is a longtime friend of our union and has always fought to ensure that Arizonas workers and immigrants have better pay, fair working conditions, and quality opportunities, said United Farm Workers President Teresa Romero.

Arizonas agricultural industry, which provides the nation with nearly all of its winter lettuce crop, would simply not be possible without the contributions of hard-working farm workers, most of whom are of Latino background. Those Arizona farm workers deserve elected representatives who know them, care about them, and will fight for them. Ruben knows what it means to take on hard jobs, and Arizonans could not have a better advocate in the U.S. Senate.

Gallego, who grew up in a union family, said unions are the backbone of our Arizona economy, and Arizonans deserve a Senator who knows the value of hard work and how to fight for everyday family.

He is running against Kari Lake, a hard-line MAGA conservative and former TV journalist who lost the 2022 gubernatorial election to now-Gov. Katie Hobbs (D).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The San Diego Police Department said gang detectives are investigating a stabbing involving two groups of male juveniles.

According to authorities, a confrontation between two opposing groups of five to six juveniles occurred around 7:50 p.m. Tuesday in the Bay Terraces neighborhood at Alta View Drive and S Woodman Street.

Drive-by shooting sends boy to the hospital

The suspect group reportedly challenged the victim group to fight. Police said the victim group ran away and one juvenile from the suspect group chased a 17-year-old and stabbed him twice in the left ribs.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect group reportedly fled northbound on Woodman Street.

Gangs detectives will be handling the investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SP Zubiri on the Passing of Sen. Saguisag

24 April 2024

I join the country in mourning the passing of Senator Rene Saguisag, a man of true honor, dignity, and integrity.

He may have just served one term in the Senate, but his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino, particularly through such initiatives as the Free Legal Assistance Group.

As a member of the Senate, Sen. Saguisag co-authored laws that up to now uphold the highest standards in the public service, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713) and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (R.A. 6770).

While leaving an indelible mark as a true statesman, he also emulated and lived out the principle that those who have less in life should have more in law by giving free legal services to the poor and needy.

Sen. Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants.

We express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Sen. Saguisag, and may the Lord grant them peace and comfort during this time of great loss.
HARBIN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Snow began to thaw in late April in Heihe in China's northeastmost province of Heilongjiang. Soybean grower Li Fuqiang wasted no time to start spring ploughing at full steam.

In the following half month, Li and his team in a local agricultural cooperative would race against time -- working about 15 hours a day -- to plant about 160,000 mu (10,666.7 hectares) of soybeans.

Heilongjiang is known as China's grain barn. Heihe alone boasts more than 20 million mu of soybean producing area. The city's soybean output in 2023 registered 2.6 billion kg to sustain its first rank in the country, accounting one seventh of the country's total.

Li and his four partners set up the agricultural cooperative in 2012 to contract the agricultural fields owned by over 1,200 rural households for soybean growing. The incorporative farm has realized whole-process mechanized farming from spring sowing to autumn harvest.

Such an approach of modernized and large-scale soybean farming has been commended by the local authorities, which conferred the title "Soybean King" to Li.

With Chinese people's rising demand for healthy food, soybeans with rich contents of isoflavones and lecithin have become more and more welcomed as nutritious food.

In 2023, China imported 160 million tonnes of grain, of which soybeans account for the lion's share. Li Guoxiang, a researcher at the Rural Development Institute, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that China's soybean supply is highly dependent on imports, and it is of great importance to make expanding soybean planting a policy priority.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China will continue to expand the soybean planting area to above 150 million mu this year. The government will support the northeast region to develop the whole industrial chain of soybean processing and soybean-related agricultural products.

Research institutes, such as the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, have been motivated to assist the supply of high quality soybean varieties.

The Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences will introduce a new gene-edited soybean variety to the market this year. Ren Honglei, an associate researcher of the academy, said the new strain has proved to have a yield of 300 kg per mu with the seed's protein content exceeding 42 percent and oil content exceeding 23 percent.

The city of Heihe has also been actively developing soybean's extended industries, from soybean-flavored food such as ice cream, pasta, tempeh, vegetarian meat and drinks to soybean-contained pharmaceutical, textile and fine chemical products. 
Gang member charged with attempted murder after deputy shot in the back

Investigators search for evidence after the shooting of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy in West Covina on Monday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Had the bullet fired into the back of a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy struck one inch higher, it would have missed his protective vest and likely killed him, authorities said Wednesday in announcing charges against the man they say pulled the trigger.

Raymundo Duran, 47, was charged with attempted first-degree murder in the attack. Prosecutors say he shot Deputy Samuel Aispuro in an "ambush" at Barranca Street and East Garvey Avenue in West Covina. After the shooting, Aispuro, 43, was able to radio for help, which triggered a massive manhunt for the shooter.

California Highway Patrol officers arrested Duran on Monday evening at a San Onofre inspection point on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of a loaded firearm.

On Wednesday, Dist. Atty. George Gascon charged Duran with attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, assault on a police officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and the special allegation of intentional use of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Gascon said Duran has a prior strike against him, and had the deputy's vest and the location of the bullet not saved Aispuro's life, this would have been a murder charge.

"If convicted, Mr. Duran faces life in prison," Gascon said.

Read more: Gang member arrested in 'ambush' shooting of L.A. County deputy, sheriff says

Sheriff Robert Luna said during a news conference Tuesday that Duran is a documented gang member, associated with a gang Luna declined to name.

"He has a very extensive criminal history. He has a very violent history," the sheriff said. "He had no business being in the possession of a firearm with his criminal history."

Gascon said during a Wednesday news conference that Duran had served time for incidents in 2019 and 2022.

"He has been charged accordingly," Gascon said.

Records show that Duran was charged in 2001 with murder and pleaded guilty the following year to voluntary manslaughter, receiving 11 years in prison, records show.

In July 2021, Duran  a parolee at the time  evaded a police officer after being involved in a hit-and-run. The televised chase ended when Covina police were able to stop his car using a PIT maneuver.

While on probation, he was arrested again and charged with possession of a firearm by a narcotics addict and possession of ammunition. In April 2022, he pleaded guilty and received 16 months in state prison for that offense plus an additional 16 months for the 2021 evading incident, records show.

A judge ordered those sentences to be served concurrently. By July 1, 2023, he was out of prison and arrested again for driving under the influence. That case was dismissed last month, court records show.

Read more: L.A. County sheriff's department searching for suspect who shot deputy in the back

Investigators connected Duran to the sheriff's deputy shooting after initially booking him as a suspected drunk driver, Luna said.

"Based on statements, security camera video in West Covina, witness statements and the firearm recovered by CHP, detectives strongly believe Raymundo Duran is the suspect in the shooting of our deputy," Luna said.

Duran is being held in the San Diego County jail in lieu of just over $1 million bail.

Luna said the weapon recovered by the California Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, is being tested for forensic evidence.

Aispuro, a married father of two, has been released from the hospital and is recovering with his family at home, Luna said, adding that his bulletproof vest "saved his life."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks next to a wall with photographs of victims of gun violence during the Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors' Summit at ATF Headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Children fatally shot in their classrooms. Law enforcement gunned down while doing their jobs. Victims of domestic violence. And people killed on American streets.

Photos of their faces line the wall as part of a new exhibit inside the federal agency in Washington that's responsible for enforcing the nations gun laws. It's meant to serve as a powerful reminder to law enforcement of the human toll of gun violence they are working to prevent.

Attorney General Merrick Garland on Tuesday told relatives of those killed and survivors that Americas gun violence problem can sometimes feel so enormous that it seems like nothing can be done. But, he added, that could not be farther from the truth.

In the effort to keep our country safe from gun violence, the Justice Department will never give in and never give up," Garland said during a dedication ceremony Tuesday inside the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. We know what is at stake.

Garland's remarks came after he met privately with some relatives of those whose photos are included in the exhibit. They were in Washington for a summit at ATF that brought together people impacted by gun violence, law enforcement and others to discuss ways to prevent the bloodshed. Among participants were survivors like Mia Tretta, who was shot at Saugus High School in California in 2019 and has become an intern at ATF.

The more than 100 faces on the wall include Dylan Hockley, one of 20 first graders killed in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School; Tiffany Enriquez, a police officer killed in Hawaii in 2020; and Ethel Lance, a victim of the 2015 Charleston church shooting in South Carolina. They will remain there until next year, when photos of a new group of gun violence victims will replace their faces.

Clementina Chery said seeing her son Louis' photo on the wall brought back painful reminders of what the world lost" when the 15-year-old was caught in a crossfire and killed while walking in Boston in 1993. But she said in an interview after the ceremony that she's heartened by law enforcement's willingness to listen to the experiences of those who have been directly affected.

We were all saying the same thing: Something has to be done, something can be done. And it is up to us. And we want to be in partnership with law enforcement," she said.

President Joe Biden has made his administrations efforts to curb gun violence a key part of his reelection campaign, seeking to show the Democrat is tough on crime. Even though violent crime  which rose following the coronavirus pandemic  has fallen in the U.S., Donald Trump and other Republicans have tried to attack the president by painting crime in Democratic-led cities as out of control.

ATF Director Steve Dettelbach told the crowd that while there has been progress in curbing gun violence, now is the time to "double down and triple down on action to protect life and safety."

We also honor the memories not just by thinking of individuals like this, these people, but by taking action," Dettelbach said. "Action to prevent more faces from being added to this tragic wall.
Students at a southwest Atlanta elementary school will have classes at a different school on Wednesday after staff found a gas leak.

Atlanta Public Schools says the leak was reported at Cascade Elementary School when staff arrived this morning.

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A district spokesman says the students were not allowed inside the building as the school called Atlanta Fire and Rescue and the districts facilities team.

The district made the decision to send the students to West Manor Elementary School.

Officials said on Wednesday afternoon that they found the source of the leak and it was repaired.

Atlanta Gas Light cleared the building and students and staff were able to return for dismissal.

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Channel 2s Tom Regan spoke to concerned parents.

Its kinda scary, parent Priscilla Harper said. Cause this is the first time its ever happened.

Its been chaos all morning, parent Shon Adams said. They started lining all of the children up along the sidewalk, and bought all the buses in, and got everyone out of here very quickly.

The school will reopen as normal on Thursday.

Atlanta Public Schools shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News that read:

As was reported this morning, the odor of gas was detected in the building at Cascade Elementary School as employees and students began to arrive. The building was evacuated immediately, and students and staff were relocated to West Manor Elementary School. The source of the leak was found, the system was repaired, and Atlanta Gas Light cleared the building for return. Students and staff were brought back to the building for regular afternoon dismissal and school will be in session as normal on Thursday.

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From the G-File on The Dispatch

Go back to Poland!

Im trying to practice what I preach. I tell people that we shouldnt nutpick: Dont take the worst examples of one side and claim theyre representative of everybody you disagree with. Dont let the trolls manipulate you. And my advice doesnt end there. I often say you shouldnt let frustration with the media overwhelm you. Also, dont catastrophize, and dont let recency bias lead you to think everything is worse than ever. Dont let your anger get the better of you.

But when I hear pro-terrorist radicals shout Go back to Poland! and see so many shrug it off, it is difficult for me to follow my own advice. So Im going to try to work calmly through all of the reasons I find it so difficult to maintain my composure.

Lets start with Go back to Poland.

Of all the insults hurled at Jews lately, this might seem a weird one to be triggered by. But I find it more infuriating than the other stuff, including even the endorsements of October 7 and the calls for more mass rape and slaughter. Which is not to say I dont find those incitements infuriating, too.

But Go back to Poland! combines, in just four words, an ocean of evil and hypocrisy. I dont know if the masked bigot in the video linked from that quote is a student or an outside agitator, but he is, judging from his accent, an immigrant. I suppose he could be a tourist, but I assume not. The idea behind Go back to Poland is no Jew is indigenous to Israel. They are all East European Jews that, in the wake of World War II, became settler-colonizers of Palestinian landand therefore they should go back to where they came from. In the context of Israel, its a common trope. Helen Thomas, the bitter, wildly biased, Israel-hating, former dean of the White House press corps infamously said that Israelis should all go back to Poland and Germany. Now, I reviled Helen Thomas and make no apologies for it, but in her defense, she was at least referring to Israelis she believed had stolen Palestine from Arabs. This guy is yelling at American Jews to go back to Poland (and, oddly, Tel Aviv). In other words, he wants America (or New York or Columbia) to be Judenrein.

Think about that. An immigrant to the United States thinks Jews have no place in a country where Jews have lived since before its founding. I have all sorts of problems with nativists, but theres something particularly appalling about a newcomer shouting, in effect, Go back to where you came from. I mean, given how much death to America talk is swirling out there as well, Im going to take a flier and say this guy is not making an America: Love it or Leave it argument either.

Then theres the specific issue of Poland. Its true that Poland was once a relative safe haven for Jews. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was hailed as Paradisus Judaeorumparadise or heaven for Jews because it was one of the few places in Europe where Jews were safe and free. Jews were chased out of their communities by Christians or Muslims and, later, out of Russia starting with the reign of Catherine the Great.

Even by then Poland had started to become less hospitable. Persecution of Polish Jews started with the religious upheavals of the Reformation. But things got worse in the 20th century. Ninety percent of Polish Jewssome 3 million men, women, and childrenwere murdered in the Holocaust (most of the remaining Jews were effectively pushed out during the anti-Zionist campaign of 1968-1969). Declaring go back to ground zero of the Holocaust is, to speak plainly, evil.

Now, its fair to say that making too much of one isolated incident is precisely the kind of nutpicking or argument-by-anecdote I normally decry. And if that was all that was going on here, Id agree. But in the broader context, I think its more significant.

For starters, its not isolated. Im open to the idea that its less representative than critics claim. But much of the media coverage and reaction from the progressive base of the Democratic Party often sounds like its either completely unrepresentative or flat-out isnt happening. Some significant fraction of these protesters is obviously antisemitic, and attempts to deny that obvious truth amounts to gaslightinggaslighting in defense of bigotry.

And this gets me to the issue of hypocrisy. I have written dozens of columns criticizing the logic of critical race theory, anti-racism, structural racism, sexism, etc. But by the logic of the people pushing such ideas, a much larger portion of the protesters are objectively antisemitic, even if unintentionally so.

Until recently, the standard for hate speech was profoundly subjective. The intent of the speaker was a secondary consideration to the feelings of the offended. If someone felt hurt or aggressed by a statement, that was enough to declare the statement offensive. Thats why higher education and the diversity industry have spent so much time and effort coming up with speech codes and replacement euphemisms for offensive words. Yale replaced the term master with head of college because the word master conjures associations with slavery, even though no one intended any such connotation. Realtors have moved away from master bedroom for the same reason. The examples are endless and not just from the fringe. Joe Biden recently got in trouble for using the word illegal to describe an immigrant who was here illegally. Obviously, I could give you dozens more examples.

But the point is that vile and intentionally offensive language about Jews is considered fair or defensible comment on free speech grounds. Obviously, I think the free speech argument has merit. But you cannot invoke it in good faith if in the past you defended linguistic legerdemain and bureaucratic and journalistic enforcement of newspeak on the grounds that the eye of the beholder or the ear of the offended is what determines hate speech or offensive language. If writing blind study is harmful speech, holding a sign saying that Jewish Columbia students are Hamas next target for rape and murder has to qualify as harmful speech. You can retreat to the claim that anti-Zionist speech isnt the same as antisemitic speech, and sometimes thats true, but not when any Jew on campus who doesnt join the mob is deemed to be a Zionist. And not when the standard is supposed to be the feelings of the target of the speech.

Also, just to be clear. There is absolutely nothing offensive about being a Zionist. I know a lot of people have committed a lot of man-hourssorry, person hoursto the claim that Zionism is racist, Nazi, etc. I think being a communist is terrible. Communists killed exponentially more innocent people than Israel is even alleged to have killed. But the Columbia faculty members marching in solidarity with the students and the journalists fawning over them would be the first to void their bowels and bladders in terror and outrage over the McCarthyism and fascism of mobs chanting the need to purge and harass communists wherever you find them.

Second, as I argued earlier this week on CNN, the debate over what constitutes antisemitism is increasingly a distraction from a more salient point. When you wave a Hezbollah flag, praise Hamas, and say things like, Never forget the 7th of October, and, That will happen not one more time, not five more times, not 10 more times, not 100 more times, not 1,000 more times, but 10,000 times! the question of whether youre an antisemite distracts from the plain fact of logic that you are an open supporter of terrorism. Protesters are shouting Globalize the Intifada! What does that mean if not take the fight to Jews, everywhere? The National Students for Justice in Palestine openly declares that campus protests are exercises in solidarity with the terrorists who murdered, raped, tortured, and kidnapped civilians in Israel and that, We as Palestinian students in exile are PART of this movement, not in solidarity with this movement. They go on:

Liberation is not an abstract concept. It is not a moment circumscribed to a revolutionary past as it is often characterized. Rather, liberating colonized land is a real process that requires confrontation by any means necessary. In essence, decolonization is a call to action, a commitment to the restoration of Indigenous sovereignty. It calls upon us to engage in meaningful actions that go beyond symbolism and rhetoric. Resistance comes in all forms  armed struggle, general strikes, and popular demonstrations. All of it is legitimate, and all of it is necessary.

Condemning terrorism is supposed to be the easy part. For years, anti-Israel activists at least did that much. Now, the mask is off. And even the most enlightened of them feel compelled to say they condemn terrorism, but 

As accurate as I think it would be to describe the sloganeers and chanters as pro-terrorism, thats obviously too much to ask of the mainstream media, which is not merely biased in favor of the protesters and their cause but is biased toward left-wing protesters generally. So I can live with describing the protesters as pro-Palestinian even though I think what animates many of them is better described as anti-Israel.

But the common label anti-war is propaganda. They are pro-war.

Openly declaring, in chant form or otherwise, that Israel must be Judenrein by any means necessary, is an open call for war, not peace. Because the only way to liberate Israel from the river to the sea is war. Pretending that from the river to the sea is a call for a two-state solution is a lie. Thats not the position of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, SJP, and pretending otherwise is to volunteer as a media praetorian for people who plainly declare they are pro-genocide. And since Israelis are opposed to the genocide of the Jews, they will wage war to prevent it, as they must.

Whether on campus or off, if you cheer Iran, you make us proud! when Iran opens a new front in the war on Israel, you are not anti-war. When you defend Hamas slaughter but denounce Israels response as genocideeven before Israel respondsyou arent for a ceasefire, youre against Israel firing back. When you cheer the Houthis for attacking Israel, you are not anti-war. Nor are you pro-American. The official slogan Houthi slogan is God Is Great, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam. That is about as succinct a summation of a pro-war, pro-terrorism, antisemitic, anti-American, and theocratically totalitarian worldview as can be crafted. I write often about how Im a both-sides-er in my contempt for the fringes of both parties. But Im not a both-sides-er on this. One side is wrong and one side is right. Anything else is gaslighting in defense of eviland in defense of Americas terrorist enemies.

I have openly condemned and denounced bigotry on the right because its the morally necessary thing to do. But that obscures the fact that it is politically and culturally necessary for conservatives and Republicans to do so. Republican politicians are constantly asked to denounce racist or antisemitic rhetoric from the right. Where is a similar demand on the left? To be clear, it does happen. On Monday, Biden was asked to do so. And he did. I condemn the antisemitic protests, Biden said. Thats why Ive set up a program to deal with that. I also condemn those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians.

That program was set up explicitly to deal with the antisemitism of the sort seen in Charlottesville. Heres the first paragraph of the White Houses National Strategy to Counter Anti-Semitism:

Six years ago, Neo-Nazis marched from the shadows through Charlottesville, Virginia, chanting, Jews will not replace us. With torches in hand, they spewed the same antisemitic bile and hate that were heard across Europe in the 1930s. What happened in Charlottesvillethe horror of that moment, the violence that followed, and the threat it represented for American democracy drove me to run for President. The very soul of our Nation was hanging in the balance. It still is today.

This idea that the antisemitism, allegedly encouraged and condoned by Donald Trump, threatened the very soul of our nation was Bidens stated reason for running for president in 2020 in the first place. The antisemitism in Charlottesville was abhorrent and grotesque. So is the antisemitism of Hamas and its domestic defenders. But I dont hear a lot of talk about the soul of the nation being threatened. I hear a lot more talk about how the election results in Michigan hangs in the balance.

Its fine to discuss the political reality the president faces. Heck, thats a big part of what I do for a living. But as with the college presidents eager to demonstrate their moral clarity and courage when it aligns with their institutional interests, but who opt to vomit a sludge of false equivalences and euphemisms when moral clarity and courage are inconvenient, this American president is happy to show spinal steel condemning a bunch of bigoted chuds with tiki torches, but is desperate to show spinal flexibility when it comes to far more numerous bigots in his own coalition.

And much of the media is only too eager to help him.

Read more at The Dispatch

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College campuses across the country have become home to protests and encampments against Israels war on Gaza  leading to hundreds of arrests.

The protesters across the numerous universities are calling for a permanent cease-fire and university divestment from companies making money off of the war, according to Reuters. Additionally, they are also demanding that the U.S. stops military assistance for Israel, and that disciplined student or faculty protesters are given amnesty, per the outlet.

In one high-profile instance at Columbia University in New York, more than 100 people were arrested Thursday as students and faculty protested the universitys Israel-related investments. The demonstrations mirror a week of protests at the university in 1968 over the Vietnam War, which led to more than 700 arrests and nearly 150 reported injuries.

The present-day Columbia demonstrations seem to have added fuel to numerous other demonstrations across the country despite the arrests.

A man walks past Israeli and U.S. flags alongside portraits of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas in front of the pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University in New York on Tuesday. President Joe Biden has condemned any antisemitism on college campuses as protesters at Columbia University spent their fifth day demanding the school sever financial ties with companies that aid in the war. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images

On Monday, 120 protesters were arrested at New York University, 47 students were arrested at Yale University, and three people were arrested at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. On Tuesday, nine people at the University of Minnesota were arrested, and two were arrested at Ohio State University.

The demonstrations at Columbia and across the country have been labeled as antisemitic and unsafe for Jewish students. But many of the protesters at these campuses solidarity encampments are themselves Jewish students calling for Palestinian freedom.

For example, students with the Jewish Voice for Peace, alongside Students for Justice in Palestine, at the University of Rochester formed encampments on campus, according to a post on X from the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, Justin OConnor.

Students from JVP and SJP formed a Gaza solidarity encampment on the University of Rochester's campus a bit before 7 a.m. today. It has grown steadily since then. pic.twitter.com/mQaoctmT9H  Justin O'Connor (@_JustinOConnor) April 23, 2024

We condemn any and all hateful or violent comments targeting Jewish students; however, in shutting down public protest and suspending students, the actions of the University of Columbia are not ensuring safety for Jewish students  or any students  on campus, progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace said in a statement on Monday.

The White House joined university administrators earlier this week in condemning the protests, presuming that Jewish students in the U.S. automatically support Israels military offensive in Gaza  a dangerous assumption that JVP said is actively harming Palestinian and Jewish students.

The [university] administration has not only harassed Jewish students and failed to ensure their safety and well-being, it has also obstructed their religious observances during Shabbat and prevented them from accessing their Jewish community on the eve of Passover, JVP continued. Jewish students at Columbia and Barnard have been evicted, suspended, and faced police brutality. In doing so, the administration has prevented these Jewish students from practicing their religion.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates told reporters Tuesday that Biden is aware of the protests and that this is a painful moment for many communities.

But as I said, when we witness calls for violence; physical intimidation; hateful, antisemitic rhetoric, those are unacceptable, Bates said. We will denounce them. The president knows that silence is complicity, and thats why he uses the platforms he has to try and ensure that our fellow Americans are safe.

Faculty and staff at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, condemned the war and President Joe Bidens stance in a statement as Biden is set to be the colleges commencement speaker.

Any college or university that gives its commencement stage to President Biden in this moment is endorsing genocide, the statement states.

Statement by Faculty & Staff for Justice in Palestine - Georgia on Morehouse College's choice of commencement speaker, Joe Biden:



"Any college or university that gives its commencement stage to President Biden in this moment is endorsing genocide." pic.twitter.com/1Yqu8R162c  Azadeh Shahshahani (@ashahshahani) April 23, 2024

There has been tension between Israel and Gaza for decades, but the current portion of the conflict kicked off when Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took about 240 people hostage during an attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

As of Tuesday, the 200th day since then, Israeli defense forces have killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and injured 77,084 others, according to Al Jazeera. About 85% of Gazas 2.3 million population has since been displaced, according to the outlet.

Related...
George Will, a conservative columnist for The Washington Post, went after House Republicans who recently voted against more aid to Ukraine in a Wednesday opinion piece in the Post.

In the opinion, highlighted by Mediaite, Will said the 112 Republicans House Republicans who voted against Ukraine aid voted last Saturday to endanger civilization, calling them ignoble.

Hoping to enhance their political security in their mostly safe seats, and for the infantile satisfaction of populist naughtiness (insulting a mostly fictitious establishment), they voted to assure [Russian President Vladimir Putins] attempt to erase a European nation, Will wrote in his column.

Opponents of more aid to Ukraine included far-right hard-liners such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who went after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for his support of the bill, calling him a traitor after the lower chamber passed it.

Johnson once again passed a bill with the help of Democrats while the majority of the Republican majority voted against it, Greene said in a post on the social platform X. Not only is Mike Johnson a traitor to our conference, hes a traitor to our country.

Will also questioned how many of the House Republicans who voted against Ukraine aid know or care that more than half the $61 billion will fund restocking U.S. munitions inventories, as well as Ukraines purchases of U.S. weapons?

President Biden signed a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package Wednesday that included aid for Ukraine and Israel in their ongoing wars. The president also took a swing at MAGA Republicans for the rocky path it has taken to send aid to Ukraine.

To my desk, it was a difficult path. It should have been easier, and it should have gotten there sooner. But in the end, we did what America always does; we rose to the moment, came together, and we got it done, Biden said after signing the legislation.

For months, while MAGA Republicans were blocking aid, Ukraines been running out of artillery shells and ammunition. Meanwhile, Putins friends are keeping him well supplied, he added, calling out Iran, North Korea and China for helping Russia ramp up airstrikes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Brian Kemp signed a private-school vouchers bill Tuesday, culminating a fight Republicans have waged for years to give students in low-performing schools another option.

Senate Bill 233, which the GOP-controlled General Assembly passed last month largely along party lines, will offer vouchers worth up to $6,500 to parents of children enrolled in the bottom 25% of lowest-performing public schools who wish to send their kids to a private school.

Its not the governments role to dictate to families the best choices for their child, Kemp said during a bill signing ceremony across the street from the state Capitol. This bill breaks down barriers and opens doors for all students to get the start they need.

We refuse to keep our kids trapped in failing schools any longer, added Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington.

While the bill originated in the state Senate, the House added a number of changes to the measure aimed at addressing concerns about its potential financial impact.

The legislation prohibits spending more than 1% of Georgias Quality Basic Education (QBE) fund on vouchers, a cap that is currently set at $140 million a year. It also limits the vouchers to students in families earning no more than 400% of the federal poverty limit  currently $120,000 a year for a family of four.

But opponents argued the bill will divert money from public schools while not truly serving the needs of students from low-income families.

The amount of the voucher, $6,500, is not nearly enough to pay for most private schools, for which tuition may be as high as $50,000, said Lisa Morgan, a kindergarten teacher and president of the Georgia Association of Educators. Vouchers are not a lifeline for working families. They are a handout to upper class parents paid for by the working class.

Research shows that vouchers are used overwhelmingly by wealthier Georgia metro counties but not by rural areas  likely because, in many cases, private schooling options are unavailable, added David Schaefer, vice president of research and policy for the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, an Atlanta-based progressive think tank.

Kemp refuted arguments that vouchers will reduce funding for public schools by pointing to Georgias record spending on K-12 education this year. The governors budget also fully covers tuition for HOPE scholars and raises teacher pay, he said.

Kemp also signed a half dozen other education-related bills during Tuesdays ceremony, including legislation aimed at protecting teenagers from cyberbullying and other negative effects of social media. The measure was a priority of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who presides over the state Senate.

Senate Bill 351 requires social media companies to take concrete steps to verify the age of their users. It also instructs the Georgia Department of Education to develop and periodically update programs to educate students to use social media safely.

Local school systems will have to adopt, implement, and enforce social media policies and submit them to the state Board of Education for review. Districts that fail to comply would be subject to losing state funds.
German army prepares plan to ready US troops to fight on Natos eastern front

Rishi Sunak speaks with Lt Gen Andre Bodemann during his visit to Berlin on Wednesday - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty

German army chiefs are drawing up plans on how they would feed thousands of US soldiers and refuel their tanks as they moved towards Natos eastern front, as part of a secret document outlining Germanys war readiness.

In an interview with German newspaper FAZ, Bundeswehr Lt Gen Andre Bodemann said the army was putting together a new, long-term security plan with an emphasis on civil defence.

Most of the planning details are a state secret, but the senior officer did disclose that part of the planning process involves logistics for feeding huge numbers of American soldiers, with the main input from civilians.

Members of a mechanised infantry unit of the Bundeswehr during an exercise in Munster - Sean Gallup/Getty

If, for example, a US division moved towards the east, thousands of tanks, thousands of soldiers, then they would need to be fed and the tanks refuelled or possibly repaired, he told FAZ.

The Bundeswehrs logistics would probably be tied up with our own soldiers on the front.

That means we would need the maximum input from the civilian service.

The convoy would get fuel from petrol stations or civilian vehicles, the Red Cross would provide medical care and food would come from a civilian caterer. This would be the classic case.

His comments come as Rishi Sunak visits Berlin, where the Prime Minister said European nations must follow Britain in ramping up defence spending to guarantee the USs continued commitment to Nato.

Gen Bodemanns statements are the latest sign of Germany trying to make itself kriegstuchtigteit, or war ready, in the face of a potential armed conflict with Russia within the next five years.

Germany's armed forces are stepping up their war readiness - Sean Gallup/Getty

While he did not elaborate on which eastern front Germany would be defending, Nato officials are increasingly concerned about Vladimir Putin launching an incursion on Natos eastern flank if his forces eventually claim victory in Ukraine.

It comes after Gen Carsten Breuer, the head of the German armed forces, told The Telegraph he had no doubt Germany could repel a Russian assault on the eastern flank.

Rather, in my role as the chief of defence, it is the paramount importance of achieving the readiness of Germanys armed forces within the next five years. We call this kriegstuchtigkeit  being ready, capable and willing to fight. We are on the right track, Gen Breuer said in an interview in February.

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Svenja Schulze, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, gives an interview during her visit to a refugee camp. Schulze approves an employment initiative for Palestinians aimed at ensuring greater stability in the region. Hannes P Albert/dpa

Germany has agreed to back a new employment initiative for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Jerusalem, the country's development ministry said on Wednesday.

The deal was announced following a meeting between German Development Minister Svenja Schulze and the new prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammed Mustafa.

"Unemployment in the West Bank has almost tripled and now stands at 40%," the German ministry said.

The goal of the employment initiative is to create 25,000 jobs over the next three years, as well as maintain current jobs.

Germany's Development Ministry Development (BMZ) is investing 25 million ($27 million) this year to kick off the programme. Further funding should follow in the coming year.

The bloody October 7 attacks against Israel launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and Israel's subsequent months-long military offensive in the Gaza Strip, have led to a deterioration in the economic situation in all Palestinian territories, according to the ministry.

"The terrible terrorist attack by Hamas and the ongoing war in Gaza have caused immeasurable suffering among Israelis and Palestinians," said Schulze, who is currently visiting Israel.

The high level of unemployment as a result of the war is also causing great hardship for people in the West Bank, she said, citing strict access restrictions imposed by the Israeli forces in the West Bank as well as the withdrawal of work permits in Israel or Israeli settlements from more than 170,000 Palestinians.

"This is additional social dynamite in an already extremely tense situation," Schulze warned.

Schulze said that is why she agreed to the initiative with Mustafa on Tuesday "that will quickly create jobs and thus also more stability for the West Bank."
WELLINGTON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand has been investing in its hydrogen future and welcomed the opening of the country's first network of hydrogen refueling stations in Wiri, a suburb in the largest city Auckland.

Tuesday's opening of the hydrogen refueling stations was hailed as an important milestone in New Zealand's hydrogen future, said Energy Minister Simeon Brown.

"Hydrogen can play an important role in decarbonizing a number of industries and sectors, such as fertilizer and methanol production, and potentially steel production," Brown said.

Hydrogen could also have great potential for decarbonizing heavy road transport, he said, adding road transport carries over 90 percent of New Zealand's domestic goods by weight and is a crucial sector for the economy and exports.

The New Zealand government plans to double the supply of renewable energy which will play an important role in supporting the development of the hydrogen sector, the minister said.

Brown was confident about the future of New Zealand's green hydrogen production, saying New Zealand has one of the most highly renewable electricity systems in the world already, as well as significant potential to generate new renewable electricity. 
Delegates and visitors attend the state party conference of the AfD Lower Saxony at the Congress Union Celle. The far-right Alternative for Germany party in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt is taking legal action over its designation by the state's domestic intelligence service as a confirmed right-wing extremist group. Julian Stratenschulte/dpa

The far-right Alternative for Germany party in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt is taking legal action over its designation by the state's domestic intelligence service as a confirmed right-wing extremist group.

The state-level AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt filed a complaint in administrative court, deputy state chairman Hans-Thomas Tillschneider told dpa on Wednesday.

A court spokesman said that legal filings would be exchanged but that it is too early to say when a hearing on the case would be held.

In November, the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt was classified as right-wing extremist, citing numerous anti-Muslim, racist and anti-Semitic statements made by functionaries and elected representatives.

The classification gives the agency greater power to place the party under surveillance, including by deploying informants.

The AfD is the strongest opposition party in Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament, holding 23 out of 97 seats.
Reactions after aide of AFD parliamentarian from Brussels has been arrested, accused of spying for China

By Matthias Williams and Thomas Escritt

BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday allegations that the aide to a prominent far-right politician had been spying for China were "very concerning" and urged more action to root out such cases.

Calling attempts to spy on Germany "unacceptable" wherever they came from, Scholz was speaking alongside British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin after China spy cases erupted in both countries in the same week.

Germany was in uproar after an aide to a European Parliament member for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was arrested on Tuesday. He is accused of passing information about discussions in the European Union legislature to Chinese intelligence and spying on the Chinese opposition.

The case has put the AfD on the back foot after it surged to become Germany's second-most popular party ahead of European and local elections this year.

It has also fed wider anxieties over Europe as a target for Chinese and Russian spying operations. Germany had this week arrested three people in a separate case about funnelling sensitive technology to China for military purposes.

The recent arrests "shouldn't make us complacent, but rather spur us to catch those who spy against us and our security in our countries," Scholz said.

"The allegations against the AfD are very worrying," he said, adding he would not comment further in order not to prejudice the legal proceedings.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday that reports of Chinese espionage in Europe were "hype" and "intended to discredit and suppress China".

The latest case concerns a person identified by prosecutors only as Jian G., who is accused of passing information about discussions in the European Union legislature to Chinese intelligence and spying on the Chinese opposition.

The website of Maximilian Krah, the AfD's top candidate in June's election to the European assembly, lists Jian Guo as one of his assistants.

Krah said he learned of the arrest from the media and denied personal wrongdoing.

SPYING RISKS

"I am and will remain the top candidate," Krah said. "It is now a matter of focusing the election campaign on European issues again and moving away from this very unpleasant matter."

"It is a very serious accusation. After the arrest warrant was confirmed today, I will sack the employee in question today," he added.

The public prosecutor general's office in the eastern German city of Dresden on Wednesday said it had initiated preliminary investigations to look into whether Krah had received Russian and Chinese payments in his role as a member of the European Parliament.

"The sole purpose of these preliminary investigations currently is to examine whether there is any initial suspicion of criminal behaviour involving bribery of a Member of Parliament," it said.

Scholz visited China only last week for talks with the country's leaders.

Germany has sought to "de-risk" the relationship with its largest trading partner, wary of tethering Germany to the Chinese economy after the invasion of Ukraine exposed Europe's reliance on Russian gas and fuelled a cost-of-living crisis.

In a separate joint statement, AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla said Krah was staying away from a party campaign launch in the town of Donaueschingen in southwestern Germany on the weekend in order to limit the damage to the party.

"Any influence by foreign states through espionage, but also attempts to buy opinions and positions, must be investigated and firmly prevented," they added.

A similar scandal hit Britain this week as police charged two men with spying for China, including one reported to have worked as a researcher in Britain's parliament for a prominent lawmaker in the governing Conservative Party.

Sunak declined to go into the details when speaking alongside Scholz.

(Reporting by Matthias Williams, Thomas Escritt, Sarah Marsh, Miranda Murray, Alexander Ratz and Andreas Rinke, Writing by Matthias Williams; Additional writing by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Madeline Chambers, Timothy Heritage, Angus MacSwan and Jonathan Oatis)
Klara Geywitz German Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Construction, speaks at a press conference after a tour of a medical and socio-educational facility for the homeless. German government ministers on 24 April backed a plan presented by Geywitz to address homelessness by building more affordable housing and overhauling emergency shelters. Britta Pedersen/dpa

German government ministers on Wednesday backed a plan to address homelessness by building more affordable housing and overhauling emergency shelters.

The strategy calls for giving all homeless people in the country access to housing by 2030, but details remain vague.

The plan also calls for new standards for accommodation in emergency shelters that would give people more privacy, and steps to ensure that all homeless people have health insurance.

Germany has been struggling with a major housing shortfall in recent years, and the government has been forced to acknowledge that targets of building 400,000 new homes each year will not be achieved.

Housing Minister Klara Geywitz, a member of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), presented the plan to the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Nobody knows exactly how many people in Germany are homeless.

In its most recent estimates, the Working Group on Assistance for the Homeless said that roughly 607,000 people were affected by homelessness in 2022 - some temporarily, some for months or the whole year.

These include people who sleep outdoors, in underground stations, tents or condemned buildings, but also those who stay with friends and relatives.
German leader says Europe must keep increasing aid to Ukraine after US approves new military help

BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that Europe must continue to step up its help for Ukraine even after the approval of a big U.S. aid package, but made clear that he's sticking to his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv.

Scholz spoke after meeting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin. The two countries are Europe's biggest suppliers of military assistance to Ukraine as it counters Russia's full-scale invasion, and both vowed to keep that up for as long as it takes.

Ukraine's cause was boosted this week by the approval in Congress of a $61 billion U.S. military aid package that had been held up for months. Scholz described it as an encouraging and necessary signal.

But I also want to say clearly that the United States' decision doesn't release us here in Europe from the task of further expanding our support for Ukraine so that the country can defend itself against the aggressor, he said.

Scholz, whose country recently pledged to supply a third Patriot missile battery to Ukraine, appealed again for other European countries that have the system to examine whether they can spare one.

Still, asked whether he will reverse his often-criticized refusal to send Taurus missiles, Scholz listed at length the military hardware Germany has provided and added: As far as the weapons system you mention is concerned, my decision won't change.

Scholz has argued that Taurus missiles could only be used responsibly with the involvement of German soldiers, whether inside or outside Ukraine, and says that is a line he doesn't want to cross.

Sunak, who on Tuesday pledged new military aid to Ukraine, praised Germany's efforts on air defense in particular and said every country has got different things that it can bring to the table.

Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defense systems, allowing Russian forces to edge forward in some parts of eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for greater international assistance, warning that his country will lose the war without it.
Maximilian Krah, Alternative for Germany (AfD) lead candidate for the European elections, speaks at a rally organized by his party on Schlossplatz. An employee of a German member of the European Parliament, lawmaker Maximilian Krah, has been detained in Dresden on suspicion of spying for China, according to security sources. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

An aide to a far-right German member of the European Parliament Maximilian Krah has been remanded in custody on suspicion of spying for China, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe announced on Wednesday.

An investigating judge issued an arrest warrant against Krah's aide, according to a spokeswoman for the office. The aide is charged with acting as an agent for a foreign secret service.

According to the federal prosecutor's office, the aide is alleged to have passed on information from the European Parliament to China.

Federal prosecutors reported the arrest in Dresden on Tuesday, without linking the arrest to Krah, who is the AfD's top candidate in upcoming European elections. Prosecutors said the suspect had also spied on Chinese opposition members in Germany.

Krah is a member of committees on international trade, as well as the subcommittees on human rights and security and defence, and is also part of a delegation for relations with the US.

Prosecutors said the suspect was detained by police in Dresden, in the state of Saxony on Monday. The accused's flats were searched.
Thomas Heilmann, a lawmaker with the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) stands before the German Constitutional Court with a temporary injunction against the traffic light reform of the Climate Protection Act, which he has filed there. Uli Deck/dpa

A German conservative opposition lawmaker is challenging the coalition government's plans to pass a major overhaul of C02 emissions targets through parliament on Friday, seeking an injunction to force a delay to the vote.

Thomas Heilmann, a lawmaker with the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), is arguing that the legislative process has been rushed. He asked Germany's Constitutional Court on Wednesday to delay the scheduled vote.

The proposed changes from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition government would introduce fundamental changes to how Germany's legally binding climate emissions targets function.

Until now, if individual sectors such as transport or buildings fail to meet statutory CO2 emissions targets, the responsible ministries must submit immediate action programmes the following year.

With the reform, compliance with the climate targets will no longer be monitored retrospectively by sector, but will be forward-looking, multi-year and apply across sectors.

If it becomes apparent in two consecutive years that the German government is not on track with its climate target for 2030, then corrective action would be required.

The climate targets require Germany to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with further reductions of 88% by 2040.

The law requires Germany to achieve climate neutrality, where no more greenhouse gases are to be emitted than can be captured again, by 2045.

Heilmann argued that such major changes require more time for lawmakers to review the potential impacts.

Some environmental advocacy groups have also criticized the proposed law changes as watering down the existing rules, as individual ministries would be held much less accountable for achieving targets in their respective areas of responsibility.
German opposition urges UK PM Sunak to pressure Chancellor Scholz on Taurus for Ukraine

Ahead of today's meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin, the German CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union) Parliamentary Group has urged the UK prime minister to pressure his German counterpart to supply Ukraine with cruise missiles.

Source: German TV channel n-tv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The German opposition believes that German authorities should be put under appropriate pressure in the wake of the US approval of a bill to assist Ukraine, which contains a call to provide longer-range weapons.

"The US package explicitly calls on US President Joe Biden to provide long-range ATACMS," said CDU defence expert Roderich Kiesewetter.

"That is why Sunak must also increase pressure on Scholz so that he finally hands over Taurus," he said.

The politician noted that the issue of materiel is critical for Ukraine in 2024.

Background:

This will be Sunak's first visit to Germany.

The German government has stated that the new Patriot air defence system will be delivered to Ukraine as soon as possible.

Before that, the German government launched an initiative to find additional air defence equipment that could be sent to Ukraine.

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Stephan Protschka, state chairman of the AfD in Bavaria, speaks at the AfD's Political Ash Wednesday. Protschka will likely stand trial for insulting Bavaria's conservative state premier, Markus Soeder, during a speech last year. Daniel Lob/dpa

A lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will likely stand trial for insulting Bavaria's conservative state premier, Markus Soder, during a speech last year.

Stephan Protschka, who also serves as the AfD's state chairman in Bavaria, denounced Soder as "Sodolf" and called him a "traitor to the state" in a speech during the AfD's Ash Wednesday festivities in 2023.

"Sodolf" is a combination of Soder with Adolf (Hitler) and is seen as an insult.

Protschka is scheduled to stand trial on June 23, a spokesman for the district court in the southern German town of Deggendorf told dpa on Wednesday.

Germany's parliament previously voted to lift Protschka's immunity to enable the criminal proceedings against him to move forward.

Protschka had previously lodged an appeal against a penalty order demanding that the politician pay a fine "in the lower five-figure range," according to the Munich public prosecutor's office.

Protschka told dpa that he was looking forward to the trial: "I did nothing wrong. It was a political speech at a political event by a politician."

Ash Wednesday political events in Germany are "known for crude speeches," Protschka said.

Protschka noted that Soder had also mocked a Bavarian AfD leader as "a poor man's Leni Riefenstahl" - a reference to a notorious Nazi propaganda filmmaker - during an Ash Wednesday speech this year.

"I can't imagine that my statements were in any way unlawful," said Protschka. "I expect an acquittal or a dismissal of the case."

Earlier this month, another speaker at the same event, the Austrian right-wing columnist and former politician Gerald Grosz, was convicted of insulting Soder by the same court and ordered to pay a fine of nearly 15,000 ($16,000).

Grosz used some of the same insults for Soder that Protschka is in trouble over, and also called German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach a "horror clown."

Grosz argued in court that his statements were satire and is appealing the decision.

Earlier this month, another speaker at the same event, the Austrian right-wing columnist and former politician Gerald Grosz, was convicted of insulting Soder by the same court and ordered to pay a fine of nearly 15,000 ($16,000).

Grosz used some of the same insults for Soder that Protschka is in trouble over, and also called German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach a "horror clown."

Grosz argued in court that his statements were satire and is appealing the decision.
Stephan Protschka, state chairman of the AfD in Bavaria, speaks at the AfD's Political Ash Wednesday. Protschka will likely stand trial for insulting Bavaria's conservative state premier, Markus Soeder, during a speech last year. Daniel Lob/dpa

A lawmaker from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will likely stand trial for insulting Bavaria's conservative state premier, Markus Soder, during a speech last year.

Stephan Protschka, who also serves as the AfD's state chairman in Bavaria, denounced Soder as "Sodolf" and called him a "traitor to the state" in a speech during the AfD's Ash Wednesday festivities in 2023.

"Sodolf" is a combination of Soder with Adolf (Hitler) and is seen as an insult.

Protschka is scheduled to stand trial on June 23, a spokesman for the district court in the southern German town of Deggendorf told dpa on Wednesday.

Germany's parliament previously voted to lift Protschka's immunity to enable the criminal proceedings against him to move forward.

Protschka had previously lodged an appeal against a penalty order demanding that the politician pay a fine "in the lower five-figure range," according to the Munich public prosecutor's office.

Protschka told dpa that he was looking forward to the trial: "I did nothing wrong. It was a political speech at a political event by a politician."

Ash Wednesday political events in Germany are "known for crude speeches," Protschka said.

Protschka noted that Soder had also mocked a Bavarian AfD leader as "a poor man's Leni Riefenstahl" - a reference to a notorious Nazi propaganda filmmaker - during an Ash Wednesday speech this year.

"I can't imagine that my statements were in any way unlawful," said Protschka. "I expect an acquittal or a dismissal of the case."
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) is greeted with military honors by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, at the Presidential Palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for German-Turkish relations, which have been simmering on the back burner for some time, to be revitalized.

"These are serious times. And that is precisely why we need each other," he said at a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday.

"That is why we should give new importance to German-Turkish relations.

"We need each other," the German president said.

This applies to NATO and the G20 group of states, for example.

Steinmeier made it clear that he and Erdogan had spoken openly about the differences in their assessment of the Middle East war since the attack on Israel by the terrorist Hamas on October 7.

"In my opinion, without October 7, the war in the Middle East would not exist."

Above all, the two reaffirmed common goals, Steinmeier said. "We want to and must improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We want to and must prevent the war from becoming a conflagration in the region. Turkey also has a very important role to play here."

The two also agreed that without a credible long-term strategy for the Palestinians, there will be no peace and no lasting security for Israel in the medium and long term. "This is another thing that unites us: in the end, this political perspective can only lie in the two-state solution."

Erdogan welcomed his guest from Germany in the early afternoon with military honours including gun salutes. The subsequent one-to-one talks lasted considerably longer than expected. Originally, 30 minutes had been planned - in the end, the two presidents spoke for an hour and 45 minutes.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks at a press conference with the President of Turkey, Receb Tayyip Erdogan, after their talks at the presidential palace. Steinmeier is on a three-day official visit to Turkey. The occasion of the trip is the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China continues to demonstrate its economic vitality, but any assessment of overall economic health cannot ignore the employment figures. So how is the country's labor market faring these days?

China created a total of 3.03 million new urban jobs in the first quarter of the year, official data showed Tuesday. The surveyed urban unemployment rate on average in China stood at 5.2 percent in the first quarter of this year, down 0.3 percentage points from the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Calling it "a good start" for the year, Chen Yongjia, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, told a press conference on Tuesday that the employment situation has remained generally stable, with the main employment indicators staying steady in the first quarter.

Data covering 38 major cities from online recruitment platform Zhaopin revealed that job market demand has surged following the Spring Festival as businesses resume operations. The scale of recruitment has increased week by week, significantly heating up the employment market. Industries related to service consumption, such as transportation, logistics, catering and tourism, are leading the growth in recruitment.

However, some industries and small and medium-sized enterprises are still in the process of recovery. Additionally, the number of new workers needing urban employment has reached a historical high this year, which means that certain groups will continue to face employment pressures.

This year, China aims to create over 12 million jobs in urban areas and keep the surveyed urban unemployment rate at about 5.5 percent. The goal "indicates a stronger commitment to ensuring employment," said Chang Hee Lee, director of the International Labor Organization Country Office for China and Mongolia.

POLICIES TARGETING KEY GROUPS

The estimated number of university graduates across China in 2024 is expected to reach 11.79 million, an increase of 210,000 compared to the previous year. According to this year's government report, China will strengthen measures to promote the employment of young people, and improve guidance for them in finding jobs or starting businesses.

China has improved access to labor market information through online platforms and career-guidance services to enable young people to make informed decisions about their career paths and increase their chances of finding suitable employment. In addition, in recent years, China's public employment services have made even more comprehensive measures to reach out to the campuses and provide on-site career guidance and employment services to university students, said Chang Hee Lee.

Northeast China's Liaoning Province recently hosted campus job fairs at four universities and a convention and exhibition center. According to statistics, these five events brought together nearly 500 employers, offering 13,000 job opportunities. At the venues, over 4,600 resumes were collected, with 1,300 preliminary employment agreements being reached. More than 2,000 university graduates received policy consultation services.

On April 10, the local authorities in Baoan District of Shenzhen held a job fair featuring 83 companies offering over 2,600 positions for university students. The event attracted nearly 1,000 graduates. Many of them traveled from Henan, Shaanxi, Shandong and other regions to apply for jobs.

"Finding a job is still not easy, as employers generally require internship experience or practical experience," said Li Jiacheng, a bachelor's graduate in software engineering from Xi'an Fanyi University. "However, there have been quite a few companies recruiting recently, and there are a few positions that match my major. I plan to apply to several more companies."

Authorities have beefed up efforts to provide new employment opportunities for rural workers with aspirations for employment and entrepreneurship, especially those who had been lifted out of poverty, another key group in China's job market. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and eight other government departments jointly launched a special campaign with a string of online and offline activities from Jan. 25 to April 8, with the aim of providing some 30 million job opportunities.

Li Peng, 52, who was lifted out of poverty, has found employment with his sister at a local blueberry farm in Yongren County of the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Each earning approximately 150 yuan (about 21 U.S. dollars) per day, their employment is secured with the help of an employment service station set up by the local human resources department relying on local industrial clusters.

"Thanks to the employment service station, our food and accommodation are covered, and staff from the station assisted us in matching with job positions. We are very satisfied with our work and life here," said Li.

China aims to accelerate the development of a cohesive grassroots employment service framework that integrates top-down alignment, business connectivity and data integration, which will enhance the uniformity and accessibility of public employment services, Chen told the press conference.

EMERGING CAREERS

China is accelerating the development of a modern industrial system anchored by advanced manufacturing, which in turn is rapidly driving up the demand for skilled personnel. According to a report issued by the Social Science Academic Press in April, China faces an overall shortage of about 25 to 30 million digital talents.

Yun Donglai, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said that the trend reflects the ongoing transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, as well as new trends and opportunities in the development of new quality productive forces.

In BYD, China's leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, for instance, there is a high demand for system architects, software professionals and artificial intelligence experts, according to Xun Meng, deputy general manager of the human resources department at BYD.

Over the past three years, Qingdao University has suspended enrollment in four majors, including digital media technology and educational technology, while adding new programs like robotics engineering and intelligent manufacturing engineering, with a gradual increase in the enrollment plans for majors in science, engineering and medicine.

"In response to the uneven demand across different fields, we are flexibly adjusting program offerings based on job-market feedback," said Chen Tao, vice president of Qingdao University.

In the latest edition of China's National Occupation Classification Code, 97 digital occupations have been identified for the first time, such as internet marketing specialists, fintech professionals and e-sports personnel. Also added was a new sub-category of "digital technology engineering personnel."

The graduates of the class of 2024 majoring in mechatronics integration technology have all been recruited by enterprises and thus secured their jobs, said Peng Ying, vice president of Shenzhen Institute of Technology. "Next year, we will launch a major in the application of intelligent connected vehicles technology." Enditem

(Xinhua intern Sun Ruoqi contributed to the story.)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will end his three-day visit to Turkey on Wednesday with a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan will first welcome his guest from Germany with military honours at 1:30 pm (1030 GMT), followed by lengthy talks, a press conference and a joint lunch.

Steinmeier and Erdogan are scheduled to meet for around three hours, with some unpleasant topics likely to be discussed.

It's thought Steinmeier will raise the cases of important representatives of Turkish civil society who are still in prison, including the cultural patron Osman Kavala.

The organization Reporters Without Borders has also appealed to Steinmeier to press for the release of media professionals who have been imprisoned in Turkey.

A particularly contentious issue is likely to be the war in Gaza, on which Berlin and Ankara have completely opposing positions. Erdogan has described Hamas, the Palestinian organization responsible for the massacre in Israel on October 7, as a liberation organization. He has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out a "massacre" in the Gaza Strip and has even compared him to Adolf Hitler.

Steinmeier also wants to find out how things might develop politically in Turkey after Erdogan and his AKP party's poor showing in the local elections at the end of March. For the first time in its history, the Islamic-conservative party was no longer the strongest force in the country. Instead, the country's largest opposition party, the CHP, celebrated a triumph.

Before his flight home, Steinmeier intends to meet CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel. A brief meeting with another leading figure in the CHP, Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas, is also planned.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace as part of Steinmeier's three-day official visit to Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

At the end of his three-day visit to Turkey, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The visit began on Wednesday in Ankara with Erdogan welcoming his guest from Germany with military honours, including gun salutes. The two then retired for lengthy talks.

The Gaza war, on which Germany and Turkey have very different positions, is likely to play a central role.

The German side is irritated by Erdogan's stance on the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas, which is responsible for the massacre in Israel on October 7, but which Erdogan describes as a liberation movement.

Erdogan accuses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a "massacre" in the Gaza Strip and sometimes compares him to Adolf Hitler. Erdogan maintains close contacts with Hamas. At the weekend, he met its foreign policy chief Ismail Haniyeh.

Steinmeier is also likely to address the human rights situation. Important representatives of civil society, such as the cultural patron and philanthropist Osman Kavala, are still in prison.

The organization Reporters Without Borders appealed to Steinmeier before the start of his trip to press for the release of imprisoned media representatives.

Before his return flight, Steinmeier also plans to meet the leader of the opposition party Republican People's Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel.

In the local elections at the end of March, the CHP triumphed over Erdogan's Islamic conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP), which is now no longer the strongest party in the country for the first time in its history.

In the morning, Steinmeier first laid a wreath at the mausoleum of the founder of the modern republic of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace as part of Steinmeier's three-day official visit to Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
German security agency warns firms not to be too naive with China

Sinan Selen, Germany's domestic intelligence service (BfV) Vice President, speaks at the security conference of BfV. The topic of the conference is "China's ambitions in the world - effects on the security of German companies and politics". Britta Pedersen/dpa

Germany's domestic intelligence service (BfV) has warned companies to exercise caution when dealing with authoritarian foreign governments such as China.

German companies should be cautious with mandatory tax software required by the Chinese government, for instance, since those programmes risk giving Chinese authorities access to internal company information, the BfV's vice president, Sinan Selen, said on Wednesday in Berlin.

"We are increasingly seeing attempts to influence politics, business and science by illegitimate means, but also classic espionage," Selen said at the start of a joint event to address risks from China organized by the agency and the Alliance for Security in Business (ASW) on Wednesday.

He said it was high time for business leaders to come to a more realistic assessment. Where German managers had been too naive and optimistic, "these companies have practically disintegrated," he said.

To arm themselves against this risk and the infiltration of malware via Chinese apps, German companies are now generally giving employees in China "empty" devices that operate outside the global company network.

ASW Managing Director Gunther Schotten said that business travellers should be aware that confidential documents may not be secure in a hotel safe in China.

The conference comes only days after German security services arrested four suspects on allegations of spying for China, including an aide to a prominent politician in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Maximilian Krah.

Three suspected spies had been arrested in western Germany shortly beforehand on allegations that they obtained information about military technology in Germany in order to pass it on to the Chinese secret service.

Selen on Wednesday said that the Chinese leadership is also keen to acquire expertise on technologies such as robotics, aerospace and automation in order to achieve the country's long-term goal of "global leadership."
German security agency warns firms not to be too naive with China

Sinan Selen, Germany's domestic intelligence service (BfV) Vice President, speaks at the security conference of BfV. The topic of the conference is "China's ambitions in the world - effects on the security of German companies and politics". Britta Pedersen/dpa

Germany's domestic intelligence service (BfV) has warned companies to exercise caution when dealing with authoritarian foreign governments such as China.

German companies should be cautious with mandatory tax software required by the Chinese government, for instance, since those programmes risk giving Chinese authorities access to internal company information, the BfV's vice president, Sinan Selen, said on Wednesday in Berlin.

"We are increasingly seeing attempts to influence politics, business and science by illegitimate means, but also classic espionage," Selen said at the start of a joint event to address risks from China organized by the agency and the Alliance for Security in Business (ASW) on Wednesday.

He said it was high time for business leaders to come to a more realistic assessment. Where German managers had been too naive and optimistic, "these companies have practically disintegrated," he said.

To arm themselves against this risk and the infiltration of malware via Chinese apps, German companies are now generally giving employees in China "empty" devices that operate outside the global company network.

ASW Managing Director Gunther Schotten said that business travellers should be aware that confidential documents may not be secure in a hotel safe in China.

The conference comes only days after German security services arrested four suspects on allegations of spying for China, including an aide to a prominent politician in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Maximilian Krah.

Three suspected spies had been arrested in western Germany shortly beforehand on allegations that they obtained information about military technology in Germany in order to pass it on to the Chinese secret service.
German spy agency warns companies against being too "naive" on China

FILE PHOTO: The flags of Germany and China are seen in Berlin, Germany

By Andreas Rinke and Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's domestic spy agency told companies on Wednesday they should be on guard against industrial espionage by Beijing, warning them not to be naive or over-reliant on China.

The warning from the agency's deputy head Sinan Selen came days after three German nationals were arrested on suspicion of handing over technology with military applications - a case which has highlighted mounting anxiety across Western Europe about Chinese spying.

Germany is seen as particularly under threat due to its strong industrial sector and good business relations with China, its top trade partner. Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited China just 10 days ago with a business delegation in tow.

The government has urged companies to reduce their risk exposure to China, the world's second-largest economy, but critics say many still focus on short-term profit over long-term strategy.

"I think we are on a journey from a very naive and highly optimistic attitude towards other economic partners to a more realistic, perhaps more resilient and diversified attitude when it comes to partnerships and protecting Germany as a business location," Selen said.

"We have numerous examples where a maybe-too-optimistic and positive attitude towards China trade led to these companies practically being dissolved," he said at an event on China's impact on German companies' security.

One issue, he said, was that Chinese firms insist they are entirely private but they are actually all subject to and backed by Chinese state interests.

And China's ultimate goal is to become the biggest economic, technological and political world power by 2049, he said.

"German actors are not just interacting with these Chinese counterparts, with their trade partners," he said. "In the background you have the entire Chinese state...which is pursuing its own interests and using all the necessary and available resources to that end."

Areas of particular interest to China include aerospace technology, robotics, electromobility and energy saving technology, biomedicine and information technology, he said.

The spy agency wants to increasingly monitor Chinese activities regarding university spin-offs and startups given Beijing was seeking to obtain civil-military technologies through research cooperation.

Selen said Germany was in general facing big espionage challenges.

The arrest last week of two German-Russian nationals on suspicion of plotting sabotage attacks, including on U.S. military facilities, pointed to a "new quality" in espionage operations which went beyond information-gathering and influencing society.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Sarah Marsh, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) welcomes UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with military honours in front of the Federal Chancellery during his official visit. Michael Kappeler/dpa

Germany and Britain plan to jointly develop a remote-controlled howitzer for future military ground operations, the British government announced on Wednesday as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Berlin.

The "joint endeavour" will develop "remote-controlled howitzer 155mm wheeled artillery systems (RCH 155), which will be fitted to Boxer vehicles" from German tank manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), according to the statement from Number 10 Downing Street.

The howitzer can fire up to nine 155-millimetre calibre artillery shells per minute at a range of up to 40 kilometres.

The RCH 155 is the world's first howitzer capable of firing while travelling and is therefore better suited to evading enemy fire, the statement from Number 10 added.

The visit to Berlin is the inaugural visit to Germany for Sunak, who has been in office since October 2022. He arrived in Berlin on Tuesday evening after a visit to the Polish capital Warsaw.

A joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planned for early Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to increased cooperation on defence, the two heads of government also want to discuss cooperation in the field of energy and the fight against organized crime, according to British sources.

They also plan to discuss the export of hydrogen as an energy source from the UK to Germany.

"Today we are opening a new chapter in our relationship, one that will make us safer and more prosperous," said Sunak according to the press release.

The Conservative politician added that Britain and Germany were standing side by side at this dangerous time for the world to maintain security and prosperity at home and across the European continent.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (C) speaks with soldiers of the German armed forces Bundeswehr as he visits the Julius Leber Barracks in Berlin to meet troops and see military equipment during his visit to Germany. Henry Nicholls/PA Wire/dpa
Palestinians examine the damage to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) buildings on their way back to their homes in the wake of the Israeli army withdrew from North of Gaza City. Omar Ishaq/dpa

The German government says it plans to resume its cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip in the near future.

This was announced by the German Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on Wednesday.

UNRWA - the main humanitarian provider in Gaza - faced a major crisis after Israel accused a dozen of its employees of being involved in the October 7 attacks that left some 1,200 people dead.

Several employees were dismissed in the wake of the accusations. In the days and weeks that followed, 16 donor countries - including the two largest donors, the United States and Germany - suspended or paused funding, leaving it with a funding gap of some $450 million.

After the allegations surfaced, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres promised a comprehensive review.

On Wednesday, experts charged with investigating the UN's neutrality in the light of allegations that UN employees were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel recommended a toughening up safeguards in "eight critical areas."

At the same time, their report also said that Israel had so far not provided evidence that certain employees were members of terrorist organizations.

The independent group, headed by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, was set up at the beginning of February.
Palestinians examine the damage to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) buildings on their way back to their homes in the wake of the Israeli army withdrew from North of Gaza City. Omar Ishaq/dpa

The German government says it plans to resume its cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip in the near future.

This was announced by the German Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on Wednesday.

The decision comes after a investigation requested by the UN found no evidence to back up Israel's allegations that a dozen UNRWA employees took part in the October 7 attacks on Israel and that the agency had been thoroughly infiltrated by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The independent group, headed by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, was set up at the beginning of February.

UNRWA is the main humanitarian aid provider in Gaza. Israel's allegations threw the agency into a major crisis, and led 16 major donor countries - including the two largest donors, the United States and Germany - to suspend or pause funding.

That left UNRWA with a future funding gap of some $450 million. The recent report noted that the short-term financial requirements of UNRWA in Gaza are currently covered by existing funds.

The agency also dismissed several employees in the wake of the allegations, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres promised a comprehensive review.

The review led by Colonna recommended a toughening up of safeguards in "eight critical areas," but experts also noted that UNRWA had implemented a number of "robust" mechanisms to ensure that the principle of neutrality is upheld.

But the report also said Israel had failed to provide any evidence to substantiate the bombshell accusations.

The German government said it had provided UNRWA with 200 million ($214 million) in 2023. German funding for UNRWA's operations in Gaza was suspended at the end of January, although the country in March delivered 45 million to fund UNRWA relief work in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Wednesday's statement from the German government went on to say that officials had closely analysed the accusations made by Israel against UNRWA and had been in close contact with the Israeli government, the United Nations and other international donors.

Germany will coordinate closely with its international partners on the disbursement of further funds, including in light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

According to the German government, other UNRWA donors including Australia, Canada, Sweden and Japan have also recently resumed their cooperation with the aid agency.

At the same time, Germany called for UNRWA to implement the recommendations of the Colonna report without delay.

The strengthening of UNRWA's internal audit and its staffing with international UN personnel, improved external supervision of project management, a further continuous review of UNRWA employee lists with the Israeli security authorities and the expansion of internal training would be of particular importance, the German government said.
Israeli right-wing protesters look at a banner hung on the entrance to the UNRWA, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, headquarters in Jerusalem on March 20. Germany said it will start funding the organization again. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

April 24 (UPI) -- Germany said it plans to resume funding the United Nations Release Agency for Palestinian Refugees after joining more than a dozen other countries in suspending support amid allegations that employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Germany's Federal Foreign Office and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development issued a joint statement announcing that the country would "shortly resume its cooperation with UNRWA in Gaza" following the release of a U.N.-commissioned report that found Israel did not offer enough evidence to support the claims.

"By resuming our acute cooperation, we are supporting the vital and currently irreplaceable role played by UNRWA in meeting the basic needs of the people in Gaza -- since other international aid organizations, too, currently rely on UNRWA's operative structures there," the agencies said.

UNRWA has long been the main conduit for humanitarian support for Palestinians while Israel had complained for years that Hamas had hijacked it.

The report, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, found that the UNRWA regularly provided lists of employees to Israel for vetting and had not been informed by the government of "any concerns relating to any UNRWA staff based on these staff lists since 2011.

It also recommended increasing internal oversight of UNRWA, improving external monitoring of external project management, continuing to regularly share staff lists with Israel and expanding internal training.

Germany said those recommendations "must now be implemented without delay."

"Germany will liaise closely with its key international partners on the disbursement of further funding," it said. "UNRWA's short-term financing needs in Gaza are currently covered by existing funding."

Sixteen countries, including Germany, suspended payments to UNRWA totaling $450 million after Israel charged that 12 of its workers took part in the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on the country, sparking Israel's long military response.

Since the pause, Australia, Canada, Japan and Sweden have started to fund UNRWA again as doubts started to be raised about the accuracy of Israel's allegation. The independent report claimed that Israel never provided information about its charges. Britain said it would wait for the report to be officially published before deciding to restart funding.
This photo released on April 24, 2024 shows a military vehicle in a military training in Israel. The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it has mobilized two more reserve brigades to prepare for ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

The brigades, which have so far operated near Israel's northern border, have heightened their readiness for ground operations in Gaza through a series of training, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it has mobilized two more reserve brigades to prepare for ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

The brigades, which have so far operated near Israel's northern border, have heightened their readiness for ground operations in Gaza through a series of training, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

"The soldiers practiced combat techniques and learned the main insights and lessons from the fighting and ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip so far," the IDF noted.

The move comes after the Israeli army pulled out some of its forces from Gaza. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi previously said that the army would carry out a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, despite international calls to refrain from such an attack. 

This photo released on April 24, 2024 shows Israeli soldiers in a military training in Israel. The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it has mobilized two more reserve brigades to prepare for ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

The brigades, which have so far operated near Israel's northern border, have heightened their readiness for ground operations in Gaza through a series of training, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)
TechCrunch

Starship is ready to fly again  and for the first time, SpaceX is going to try to bring the booster back to the launch site to catch it with a pair of oversized "chopsticks." SpaceX will launch the mammoth Starship on Sunday in a launch window that opens at 5 AM PST (7 AM local time) from the companys Starbase site in southeast Texas. This flight, which will be the fifth in the Starship development program, is coming a little sooner than expected: the Federal Aviation Administration had previously said that it did not anticipate issuing a modified launch license for this test before late November.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The Big City Mayors Coalition, chaired by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, were at the state Capitol Tuesday urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and state leaders not to cut funds to the states Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Program, or HHAP.

Since the state started funding HEAP and HHAP, the 13 largest cities in California have funded 15,772 temporary and permanent shelter beds, Gloria said.

Since 2018, California has provided HHAP grants to local governments for homeless services like the San Diego Regional Task Force On Homelessness on a one- time basis; however, the state is facing a $17 billion budget shortfall, and HHAP is currently not funded.

Today we are here to urge state leaders to fully fund HHAP round six at no less than $1 billion and we are asking leaders to make this funding permanent.

Over the past five years, the state has spent $24 billion to address the homeless crisis. In San Diego over the last 24 months, those becoming homeless has outpaced those who find housing. The mayor addressed a recent audit that found poor accountability on the success or lack of in tracking funding.

Our cities are spending local state funding programs on facilities that get people off the streets in shelters and housing homelessness. We also agree that tracking and reporting data on our outcomes is important. Thats why our mayors have come together today, with data prepared that clearly shows the enormous impact HHAP is having.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Climate change is one of the largest crises humanity is currently facing. For example, you'll want to plan your trip to the Maldives before the country literally sinks into the ocean. While not all aspects of this crisis are created equal, smaller concerns are still just as troubling. Tragically, global warming is messing up tasty maple syrup. Warmer weather makes sap less sugary, so tree tappers have to boil down the said reduced-sugar sap for longer.

As such, a smaller amount of syrup is created and it requires way more fuel to do it. Both reduced batch size and higher energy expenditure contribute to the struggling modern maple syrup industry. Also, the amount of time in which sap thaws and flows from the spigots is shortened. When sap doesn't switch between solid and liquid, there is a shorter stint where trees are tappable. Though the extinction of maple syrup isn't imminent, climate concerns could continue to wreak havoc on the syrup supply, leaving disheartened diners with stacks of plain pancakes.

Read more: 14 Liquids To Add To Scrambled Eggs (And What They Do)

The Syrup Shortage Is A Sticky Situation

A hand pouring maple syrup out of a bottle onto pancakes - Gmvozd/Getty Images

Over 60% of the world's maple syrup comes from Canada. Specifically, it is shipped from one of three gargantuan warehouses in Quebec. These sizable storage spaces can contain up to 133 million pounds of sweet syrup, but today, the actual amount is under 7 million pounds -- and the past several years have seen these specific syrup levels in disarray. Some years, the syrup is plentiful, but generally, its supply is dwindling.

The year 2022 saw historic production levels, but the modern maple syrup market has exploded since the pandemic lockdowns were lifted, and the successful season was still only sufficient for satiating the market's demand, so no syrup was added to storage. The 2023 maple syrup harvest was underwhelming yet again, and the supply is currently at its lowest level in 16 years. Though 2024's syrup haul has not yet been properly assessed, the stories currently coming from syrup producers suggest that this year was in line with the troublesome downward trends.

Warmer Winters Disrupt The Maple Syrup Market

Closeup of a maple tree tap dripping watery sap into a barrel - Studio Light and Shade/Shutterstock

The syrup reserve in Quebec represents a sizable section of the global maple syrup supply, but maple trees everywhere have had difficulty producing. Climate change is continuing to crush the sap supply in a number of ways. For starters, the sugar maple seed itself sprouts in cold temperatures. For most of the plant's existence on Earth, this was an excellent evolutionary advantage. Today, the changing climate has turned this adaptation into a detriment, as it makes the maple seedling, which once thrived in the harsh Canadian cold, a less competitive plant.

Furthermore, sugar maple trees cannot grow in fully soaked soil, so the frequency of floods caused by climate change could prove disastrous for the tree's future. And for the maple trees that have already grown into sap-bearing specimens, climate change also proves problematic. As previously mentioned, warmer temperatures have made maple trees produce sap that has less sugar, so the end yield of syrup is smaller. During warmer winters, sap doesn't freeze solid while we sleep and thaw during the day. When it doesn't consistently change physical states, the sap season is shorter.

The climate crisis changing the maple syrup market as we know it can be alarming, but concerned scientists and growers have taken efforts to combat the issue. Sugar maple trees have long been the standard source of syrup, but farmers have begun growing red maples, which are more tolerant of the increasingly warmer conditions. Adding diversity to the maple tree population also mitigates the potential pest problem, as a single species of insect cannot affect both varieties.

Read the original article on Daily Meal
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind.  A Northwest Indiana prison guard has been charged with bribery for allegedly agreeing to smuggle in contraband in exchange for $3,000.

The investigation into Ashley Watson, 30, of Merrillville, on Wednesday morning after a Westville Correctional Facility employee noticed Watson using a smart watch on live surveillance footage.

Smart watches are not allowed in the prison without authorization from the warden. Documents state investigators were unable to find information saying Watson got that approval.

During an interview, Watson told investigators she left her iron on as the reason why she was wearing the watch. A digital search of her smart watch and cell phone then took place.

The search showed that there was $2,000 in the wallet section of her smart watch on April 6. While searching her CASH app, $1,000 was sent to her on April 11, according to court documents.

Further investigation revealed Watson received the $2,000 from the mother of an inmate, documents state. She reportedly admitted to receiving the $1,000 from an inmate. Documents state the inmate asked her to bring something into the prison and she said okay as a way to appease him.

Watson told investigators she planned on taking the inmates money and not bring any contraband into the prison for him.

What are they gonna do?, Watson reportedly said to investigators after they told her she was putting herself in danger from allegedly stealing money from inmates.

Docs: Raccoon call sparks ghost employment, fraud investigation into Northwest Indiana chief

Watson was placed under arrest and escorted off the facility grounds. She was charged with bribery.

Her bond was initially set at $15,000 on Friday. A relief for bond was granted on Tuesday and it was reduced to $1,500, according to court records.

Watsons next court date is scheduled for June 7.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The Arizona House on Wednesday passed legislation that would repeal the states 1864 near-total abortion ban, as several Republicans joined with all the chambers Democrats.

It was the third repeal attempt in as many weeks. The previous tries were thwarted when Republicans blocked the bill from coming to the floor.

But this time, the bill passed 32-28. Republican state Reps. Tim Dunn (R) and Justin Wilmeth (R) joined state Rep. Matt Gress (R) and all Democrats to bypass state Speaker Ben Toma (R) and the rest of the GOP caucus.

Last week, Gress was the only Republican who joined House Democrats in their effort to repeal the abortion ban. Democrats needed at least two Republicans to cross party lines.

The measure now heads to the Senate, where it needs votes from at least two Republicans to pass. But the Senate already has begun moving forward on its identical version of the House repeal bill, suggesting it could pass as soon as the chamber meets next week.

If the bill passes, it would be sent to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D), who has called on the Legislature to repeal the law.

Toma took a dig at Hobbs during the session, calling on her to rescind her executive order barring attorneys general from enforcing the law.

Im disappointed, as Ive said before, it appears that Democrats apparently believe that abortion should occur with no limits and no regulations. I fervently disagree, Toma said when voting. Most Arizonans do not support unrestricted abortion.

Arizona House Speaker finds himself in eye of abortion rights tornado

Republican lawmakers blasted those in their party who voted with Democrats.

Were willing to kill infants in order to win an election. Put in that context, it becomes a little bit harder to stomach, doesnt it? Besides, legalizing abortion up until birth is not going to help us win an election, state Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R) said. Politics is important, but its not worth our souls.

Kolodins comments highlight the political conundrum Arizona conservatives have found themselves in since the state Supreme Court revived the 1800s abortion law earlier this month.

Some Republicans, including former President Trump and Senate hopeful Kari Lake, want to see the Civil War-era ban repealed. They recognize that the backlash against the 1864 law could upend conservative majorities in the state and hurt Trumps campaign in the crucial swing state.

Lake has flipped back and forth on how she speaks about the 1864 measure. In 2022, while she was running for governor of Arizona, she called it a great law.

House Speaker Pro Tem Travis Grantham (R) said he was proud of my Republican caucus that has fought this off as long as it has.

This did not need to happen this quickly. This does not even change anything for easily four to five months. I think the timing on this is poor. I disagree with it wholeheartedly, Grantham said. I hope people are happy now, and I would encourage them to vote no on any further law that expands abortions in our state.

If the 1864 ban were repealed, the state would revert to the 15-week ban that was invalidated by the court.

Still, the repeal cant go into effect until 90 days after the legislative session ends, and the session has no end date. The 1864 law will take effect June 8 at the earliest.

The state Supreme Courts ruling earlier this month to reinstate the 1864 ban caused a national uproar and forced a political reckoning among Republicans, many of whom have long said abortion is morally indefensible.

The century-old law, which was passed before Arizona became a state, makes abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a woman obtain an abortion.

Abortion-rights advocates have been gathering signatures to place a referendum on the ballot that would protect access until the point of fetal viability, or roughly 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Republicans now want to introduce their own, to limit abortion at 15 weeks or potentially six weeks. If both chambers of the Legislature can pass the same language, it would automatically get on the ballot in November.

The session was filled with raucous language from GOP lawmakers opposed to the bill.

Arizona state Rep. David Marshall (R) claimed, without evidence, the push to expand abortion access was part of a hidden racist agenda targeting Black women to control the population.

State Rep. Barbara Parker (R) compared surgical abortions to drawing and quartering from the ancient Assyrians and claimed that the procedure involved sucking out their brains and selling their baby parts.

Updated at 4:47 p.m. EDT

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republicans in Congress are taking former President Trumps policy directives with more than a few grains of salt, signaling they view what he says about issues as mainly for dramatic effect on the campaign trail.

Congress in recent weeks passed an extension of the warrantless surveillance program, and sent to President Biden a major foreign aid package that includes $61 billion for Ukraine.

Trump supported neither effort: He publicly opposed the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) program and aid to Ukraine.

Its not as if Republicans are ignoring Trump; more House Republicans voted against money for Ukraine than for it.

But Trumps 0-2 record on Congresss big policy bills shows GOP leaders who differ with Trump on policy, notably Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), can still wield influence.

And Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), while aligned with Trump, has not been afraid to put measures on the House floor that Trump disagrees with.

Two of Trumps staunchest allies in the House, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), led opposition to Ukraine funding in the House.

Greene has even filed a motion to vacate the Speakers chair to boot Johnson out of his job because of her displeasure over how he handled the issue.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) praised Johnson on Tuesday for managing Trumps opposition and helping convince the former president to back away from his full-throated attempt to derail the Ukraine funding package when it came to the Senate floor in February.

His engagement, I think, with the former president probably was helpful because there was a fairly strong position prior in opposition, Thune said of Johnsons recent outreach to Trump, including a trip to Mar-a-Lago in mid-April.

Trump made waves in February when he declared at a campaign rally in South Carolina that he told one of the presidents of a big country that if NATO allies didnt pay their dues, he would not come to their aid if attacked by Russian forces and would instead encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.

Shortly before the Senate voted on its $95 billion foreign aid package, which included $61 billion for Ukraine, two months ago, Trump posted on his social media site: WE SHOULD NEVER GIVE MONEY ANYMORE WITHOUT THE HOPE OF PAYBACK, OR WITHOUT STRINGS ATTACHED.

THE UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD BE STUPID NO LONGER! Trump posted.

The presumptive GOP nominee for president warned in February of last year that Biden was systematically, but perhaps unknowingly, pushing us into what could be WORLD WAR III by intervening in the Ukrainian war.

The Senate nevertheless went ahead and passed money for Ukraine with 70 votes in February, including the support of 22 Republicans.

McConnell hailed that vote as a major success because he garnered the support of nearly half of his conference even though Trump was making calls lobbying against the bill.

The Senate GOP leader won a bigger victory Tuesday, when 31 Republicans voted to advance the House-approved foreign aid package, which largely resembled the bill that was on the Senate floor two months ago.

McConnell blamed former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for leading the demonization of U.S. support for the war in Ukraine and said Trump voiced mixed views on the issue.

While many MAGA-aligned Republicans and Senate Republican candidates continue to espouse isolationist views when it comes to the war and the NATO alliance, McConnell said Tuesday he thinks his side has the upper hand after the overwhelming Senate vote.

I think weve turned the corner on this argument. We went from 22 [Senate Republican] votes to at least 30, he noted. The House [GOP conference] is about 50-50, as we thought would happen if they voted on it.

Thirty-one GOP senators voted to advance the bill Tuesday, eight more than who voted for it earlier this year.

On Saturday, 101 House Republicans voted for the Ukraine aid, while 112 voted against it.

I think weve turned the corner on the isolationist movement. Ive noticed how uncomfortable the proponents of that are when you call them isolationists. I think weve made some progress, McConnell told reporters.

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who played a leading role in opposing the Ukraine aid package, however, said Trump kept largely quiet about the bill in recent weeks because he wants to preserve his leverage to end the conflict if elected president in November.

I think that he has intentionally  stayed out of this. He doesnt involve himself in every single debate that we have over here. He could have weighed in, and I think he very intentionally chose not to, he said.

The argument Trump has made is this would have never happened if he were president, and he wants the killing to stop. And I think its important for him to actually maintain some leverage and flexibility when he becomes president, Vance added.

Trump played a more active role this month when he urged GOP lawmakers to kill FISA.

KILL FISA, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!! Trump posted on Truth Social.

That, however, didnt stop a two-year reauthorization of FISAs warrantless surveillance program from passing both chambers with strong bipartisan support.

A majority of House Republicans  126  voted for the bill, while 88 voted against it.

In the Senate, 30 Republicans voted for the extension of surveillance powers, while 16 voted no.

Alarmed GOP lawmakers rebelled against Trumps call to block the reauthorization of the spy program, arguing that letting it lapse would put the nation at risk.

Im very disappointed in President Trumps assessment of FISA. It is an essential tool. It may need to be amended but it is absolutely essential, as everyone in the intelligence community will tell you, said Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the Republican vice chair of the Intelligence Committee, warned: If we cant spy on foreign terrorists and foreign spies overseas, were out of the intelligence business.

Rubio noted to The Hill on Tuesday that Republicans voted to reauthorize FISAs warrantless surveillance program with Trumps support when he was president.

And he pointed out that Trump was wrong to blame the FBI wiretap on his former campaign aide Carter Page in 2016 on the surveillance program authorized by FISAs Section 702, which was the law reauthorized by Congress last week.

We actually had reforms in this bill that would have prevented potentially them from even getting that warrant. In the one we just passed, you cant use political opposition research as part of your warrant [request], he pointed out in response to Trumps criticism.

Rubio said Trump never weighed in with him directly about the reauthorization program, despite his attention-grabbing post on Truth Social.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), one of Trumps closest allies in the Senate, argued that Trump had an influence on both the Ukraine funding package and the FISA reauthorization by demanding that some of the aid to Ukraine come in the form of a loan and to limit the FISA extension to two years instead of five years.

The House included a provision directing the president to structure $10 billion in economic assistance to Ukraine as a loan, but it also gave Biden or a future president the power to waive repayment.

He supported it as a loan, and it passed, Graham argued. He said, I will support a loan. And part of it is a loan.

He said he supported FISA for two years, not five. He didnt oppose FISA forever, Graham said of Trumps stance on warrantless surveillance. When they said well make it two years so we can review it again, he said OK.

And Graham predicted a larger portion of any future Ukraine assistance package will be set up as a loan.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) took a shot at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Tuesday, saying she is dragging our brand down.

She is a horrible leader, Tillis said of Greene, according to audio played on CNNs Erin Burnett OutFront. She is dragging our brand down. She  not the Democrats  are the biggest risk to us getting back to a majority.

He added that the Georgia Republican is uninformed and a total waste of time, per the clip, highlighted my Mediaite.

Greene has been in the spotlight over her motion to vacate threat against Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and her outspoken opposition to providing more aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

A package of foreign aid bills  including Ukraine and Israel aid  easily passed the House over the weekend and, after debate, it advanced through the Senate on Tuesday. President Biden is expected to sign the bills Wednesday.

Following the House vote, Greene lashed out at Johnson and her GOP colleagues who helped push the additional aid through. She specifically called out the Speaker as a traitor, in a post on the social platform X.

Johnson once again passed a bill with the help of Democrats while the majority of the Republican majority voted against it, Greene wrote. Not only is Mike Johnson a traitor to our conference, hes a traitor to our country.

Tillis wasnt the first Republican to call out Greene. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) said in an interview last week that the Georgia lawmakers political theater must come to an end, likely referring to her threat to oust Johnson.

Last week, in an interview on former White House aide Steve Bannons War Room podcast, Greene said she did not care if the Speakers office becomes a revolving door.

If thats exactly what needs to happen, then let it be, she added. But the days are over of the old Republican Party that wants to fund foreign wars and murder people in foreign lands, while they stab the American people in their face.

Despite the threat, Greene has not given a timeline for when she will bring her motion to vacate resolution to the floor for a vote.

The Hill has reached out to Greenes office for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CNN

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) is no fan of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), the far-right firebrand whose latest outrage is at House Speaker Mike Johnson for helping to shepherd military aid for Ukraine through the House.

He told CNN Tuesday that she is a total waste of time and is dragging our brand down.

I think she is uninformed, she is a total waste of time, and Im embarrassed to have actually lived geographically in her district at one time before she was there, Tillis told CNN reporter Lauren Fox.

She is a horrible leader, Tillis went on. She is dragging our brand down. Shenot the Democrats[is] the biggest risk to us getting back to a majority.

His remarks were also played back on Erin Burnett Out Front later that night.

Last month, Greene introduced a motion to force a vote on Johnsons removal. Just two other Republicans in Congress have since signaled their support. The move attracted the criticism of at least one other member of Congress: Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), who called Greene an attention-seeker.

GOP Rep Labels MTG an Attention-Seeker Over Threats to Oust Mike Johnson

Meanwhile, Greenes indignance at legislation helping Ukraine fend off Russian attacks has been applauded by Kremlin-backed media. Greene joins former Fox News host Tucker Carlson as the American political figures embraced by Russian propagandists, with Tillis having also spoken out against Carlson on the subject a few months ago.

On CNN, other Republican senators were shown criticizing those in their party like Greene who want to oust Johnson.

There are some folks who try to get themselves as many tweets, as many followers, as they cana lot of sound and fury signifying nothing, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said.

North Dakota Sen. Kevin Kramer added that if Johnson is not good enough, no ones going to be good enough.

Johnsons future largely depends on what Democrats in the House decide to do, given the Republicans razor-thin majority. Some have stated they dont feel the need to see him replaced.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Marjorie Taylor Greenes futile fight to stop aid to Ukraine, and her weak attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson, has not endeared her to fellow Republicans in Congress, who now worry about the damage shes doing to the wider party.



The latest Republican to complain is Senator Thom Tillis, who called out Greene for being a total waste of time and dragging our brand down, in a recording reported by CNN Tuesday night.



She  not the Democrats  are the biggest risk to us getting back to a majority, the North Carolina senator added.



Greene has already lost support from right-wing media and earned the derisive nickname Moscow Marjorie for her pro-Russia stances. Despite losing her bid to stop Ukraine aid from passing in Congress, the far-right congresswoman still refuses to abandon her efforts to push out Johnson, which could throw the House in further chaos in a critical election year



Tilis narrowly won his reelection race in 2020 in North Carolina, and is probably worried about how other swing state Republicans will fare this November. Tillis has been a strong critic of Russia and supporter of Ukraine aid, and has little patience for Putin apologists.


TEHRAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Wednesday rejected the U.S. government's "baseless" claims accusing several Iranian individuals and firms of having been involved in cyber-attacks on American companies.

He made the remarks after the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control on Tuesday sanctioned two Iranian companies and four individuals on charges of having been "involved in the malicious cyber activity on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Cyber Electronic Command" against American companies and government entities.

Kanaani said the U.S. could not deflect the global wave of criticism against its "unlimited support for Israel's war crimes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank" by putting "unfounded" labels on Iranian individuals and institutions.

He called on the U.S. government to end its military, financial, and political support for Israel, reconsider its policies, and act responsibly, instead of hurling "baseless" accusations at other countries.

Under Secretary of the U.S. Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement that "Iranian malicious cyber actors continue to target U.S. companies and government entities in a coordinated, multi-pronged campaign intended to destabilize our critical infrastructure and cause harm to our citizens."

"The United States will continue to leverage our whole-of-government approach to expose and disrupt these networks' operations," he added. 
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, gives an interview in his office at Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. on April 28, 2023. Gonzales is a member of the House Appropriations Committees. Credit: Eric Lee for The Texas Tribune

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday endorsed beleaguered Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales in his primary runoff, which could help the congressman fend off attacks from the right that he is insufficiently conservative.

Abbott praised Gonzales, who is seeking a third term, for fighting for border security measures in Congress.

He represents more than two-thirds of the Texas-Mexico border and knows the dangerous consequences that President Joe Bidens reckless open border policies have on our stateand our nation, Abbott said in a statement. I know Tony will continue the fight in our nation's capital to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorists, re-instate the Remain in Mexico policies, and deport people who illegally enter our country.

Gonzales, 43, faces Brandon Herrera in the May primary runoff election for District 23, a massive expanse of rural West Texas from El Paso to the outskirts of San Antonio.

[Gun rights YouTuber Brandon Herrera gains momentum in race against U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales]

Herrera, a 28-year-old gun rights YouTuber, prevented Gonzales from securing the majority of votes needed to win the primary outright in March by securing 25% of ballots in the four-way race. With more than 3 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Herrera has made a name for himself by selling reassembled military grade weapons and reminding voters than Gonzales was the only Texas House Republican to vote in favor of gun safety legislation that passed in the wake of the Uvalde elementary school shooting (Uvalde is within the district).

Gonzales is one of the most centrist members of the Republican party, a dangerous place for any incumbent to be in a primary, where voters tend to be more partisan than those in general elections. The executive committee of the Texas Republican Party issued a rare censure of Gonzales last year over his vote on the gun bill and a second vote cast codifying same-sex marriage protections. Gonzales was also the lone member of his party to vote against the House rules package in January put forth by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthys leadership team, which rankled his Republican colleagues.

Over his three years in Washington, Gonzales has rarely shied away from criticizing other Republicans if he feels they deserve it. Just this week, he derided far-right members of the party as scumbags and klansmen for voting against foreign aid packages to U.S. allies. So far at least three members of the U.S. House Freedom Caucus have backed Herrera, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, Freedom Caucus policy chair, has been increasingly critical of Gonzales while stopping short of endorsing in the race.

Polling released in February by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston ahead found that Abbotts endorsement was the second-most-influential in Texas state House races after that of former President Donald Trump, with 64% of respondents stating theyd be more likely to back a candidate supported by the governor.

Abbotts commendation of Gonzaless work on border security also makes strategic sense: it is consistently the most important issue cited by Republican primary voters.

The key endorsement comes a day after U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, another powerful ally, was in San Antonio for a fundraiser supporting Gonzales.

Disclosure: University of Houston has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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Gov. Greg Abbott suggests he wants to bar transgender teachers from dressing in line with their gender identity

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during the opening keynote lunch at the Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Policy Summit 2024 in Austin on March 20, 2024. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune

Gov. Greg Abbott suggested Texas public school teachers should be barred from wearing clothes that dont conform to traditional gender norms, raising the prospect that the GOP-controlled Legislature could pursue restrictions on transgender teachers and how they dress.

Abbott, addressing the Young Conservatives of Texas convention in Dallas, made the remarks as he recounted the story of a male teacher in North Texas who wore a pink dress for his schools spirit day earlier this year.

This person, a man, dressing as a woman in a public high school in the state of Texas, hes trying to normalize the concept that this type of behavior is okay, Abbott said Friday, according to an audio recording captured by the Texas Observer. This type of behavior is not okay, and this is the type of behavior that we want to make sure we end in the state of Texas.

Rachmad Tjachyadi, who taught chemistry at Hebron High School in Carrollton, resigned last month after a conservative social media account posted a video of him wearing the pink dress. Though Lewisville ISD officials found that he did not run afoul of any district policies, Tjachyadi said he decided to step down because the video sparked a wave of hateful comments that threatened to remove the focus from the great things our students and staff are doing.

A student told Dallas KXAS-TV that Tjachyadi never brought his sexuality or any of his political ideas into his teaching and was always teaching chemistry.

Abbott did not say how he wanted teachers attire to be regulated, but his comments received immediate support from current and incoming lawmakers. The positive reception came in response to the Observer reporters post that described Abbott as suggesting he wants to ban trans and gender nonconforming people from being public school teachers.

State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park, responded by writing, Perverts should not be teachers. And Republican Brent Money, who won the GOP primary in a heavily conservative North Texas House district last month, said Abbott was absolutely correct. Texas Republican Party Chair Matt Rinaldi also voiced support.

Abbotts office did not respond to a request for comment.

The governor was among those who circulated the video of Tjachyadi when it was posted in February. He cited it as an example of why he is pushing for a school voucher program that would give parents taxpayer dollars to help pay for private school tuition.

No parent should be forced by the state to send their child to this school, Abbott wrote on social media. I'm fighting for the right of parents to send their children elsewhere.

If lawmakers were to pass a law banning transgender teachers or restricting their attire, it would almost certainly be challenged in court  the same fate faced by the array of recent state measures targeting transgender Texans. The Legislature last year approved new laws restricting sexually explicit drag shows and barring minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy, both of which are the subject of ongoing lawsuits.

An LGBTQ+ advocacy group has also gone to court to prevent Attorney General Ken Paxton from forcing them to hand over records about transgender minors accessing transition-related care. And a pair of students at West Texas A&M University have alleged that the school president violated their First Amendment rights when he canceled last years on-campus drag show.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University 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.

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Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill unanimously approved by the Kansas Legislature to substantively alter the law enforcement civil asset seizure and forfeiture law to increase transparency and the ability of Kansans to challenge the action and regain their property. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill unanimously approved by the Kansas Legislature overhauling the process established 30 years ago allowing law enforcement agencies to seize assets and property from people accused but not convicted of a crime.

Despite early opposition from law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, House and Senate negotiators set new guidelines on asset forfeiture, broadened due process protections for property owners and stiffened reporting on seizures.

Under Senate Bill 458, signed Tuesday by the governor, a court could order attorney fees to be paid for claimants who succeed in winning return of their property.

This bill represents a significant step forward in ensuring fairness and accountability in asset forfeiture proceedings, Kelly said. These reforms will protect the rights of property owners and promote greater transparency in law enforcement practices.

Under existing state law, many Kansans didnt contest the seizures because legal fees would exceed the amount of money or value of property taken. The evidence threshold for law enforcement to move forward with a seizure case was low. A portion of cases were transferred from local or state agencies to the U.S. Department of Justice, which made contesting the cases more difficult.

Anyone who learns about civil asset forfeiture immediately agrees its a problem, said Rep. Dan Osman, D-Overland Park. Unfortunately, for years, we could never agree on what the solution should be.

Sen. Kellie Warren, a Leawood Republican who also worked on the bill, said legislation signed by the governor brought guardrails to civil asset seizure and forfeiture cases based on allegations the property was the ill-gotten gain from criminal activity. She said Kansans dealt for decades with seizures without proper ability to raise a defense and get their seized property back.

On Monday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation released the 2023 annual report on civil asset seizure and forfeiture cases. During the period between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, law enforcement agencies in Kansas seized $3.91 million in property. That resulted in forfeiture of $2.38 during the 12-month period.

Meanwhile, Kelly signed Senate Bill 19 to pay tuition and fees for Kansas National Guard members interested in earning a masters degrees in college.

The law required the Kansas Guards adjutant general to begin by selecting up to 100 National Guard members from among those that applied to the degree program. The number of National Guard members enrolled in the graduate school program would be capped at 200 in any one academic year. If at full capacity, the program would cost the state an estimated $2.2 million annually.

Students would remain eligible by maintaining a minimum 2.75 grade point average. National Guard troops in the program would agree, in writing, to complete current service obligations and serve actively and in good standing for at least 48 months following completion of the degree.

Kelly also signed Senate Bill 292 to update the states Code of Military Justice to conform with amendments to the U.S. Code of Military Justice. The bill would direct the National Guards adjutant general, with the approval of the governor, to appoint an officer as state judge advocate with the rank of colonel.

The new law would require the state Military Disability Board, beginning July 1, 2025, to adjust death and disability benefits for National Guard members based on changes in the consumer price index.

The legislation increased the monthly benefit to National Guard members with a 100% disability to $850 plus 12.5% of monthly basic pay. Current state law provided $120 plus 12.5% of the members monthly basic pay. The bill also raised the monthly benefit for a surviving spouse of an eligible deceased member and substantially expanded monthly benefits for surviving children.

The post Gov. Laura Kelly signs civil asset forfeiture reform unanimously passed by Legislature appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Governor Gavin Newsom announced a crime suppression partnership between California Highway Patrol and Bakersfield police Wednesday, in an effort to crackdown on crime in the Central Valley.

CHP is set to expand enforcement actions in and around Bakersfield to address auto theft, retail crime, and high-visibility proactive traffic enforcement.

This partnership builds on our statewide efforts to take down criminal networks, stop dangerous individuals, and make our communities safer for all Californians. Governor Gavin Newsom

Kern Countys has higher rates of property crime, violent crime, and arrest rates compared to the Golden States average crime rates. BPD and CHP will be patrolling high-crime areas of mutual interest, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime.

Through the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program, the state awarded BPD with $6.2 million to target and respond to organized retail theft, motor vehicle motor vehicle accessory theft and cargo theft. The statewide program is the biggest single investment to tackle organized retail crime in the Golden States history.

Public safety remains a top priority for Bakersfield residents. This partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents. We are grateful for the partnership with the California Highway Patrol. By combining resources and expertise, we are enhancing law enforcement capabilities and creating a safe community. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
HURRICANE, Utah (ABC4)  Monday was Earth Day, and in a congressional field hearing in the red rock desert of southwestern Utah, state and local officials expressed frustration over the federal governments conservation decisions regarding development on public lands.

Adam Snow, a Washington County commissioner, testified before the House Federal Lands Subcommittee saying he felt insulted that federal officials never seek his counsel on how to best conserve the land his family has called home since the 1840s.

Moes Valley, renowned climbing area, at risk amid review of St. George highway project

Nobody can love this county more than I do, he said. Some people might be able to love it just as much, but nobody loves it more, I guarantee you thatFor someone to come in from Connecticut or California and say, Trust us, youve screwed it up for the last 180 years, let us tell you how to do it. Its insulting.

Similar sentiments were expressed by other Utah officials tapped to testify at the hearing, which was chaired by Rep. John Curtis of Utahs 3rd District. He noted that over two-thirds of Utahs land is controlled by the U.S. government, making dealing with federal agencies a constant for many local officials.

Other elected lawmakers who joined Curtis at the Rock Bowl in Hurricane were Rep. Blake Moore, of Utahs 1st District, and Rep. Celeste Maloy, whose 2nd District includes southwestern Utah. Maloy invited the subcommittee to Washington County.

Weve got to hold our bureaucracies accountable when they are not doing the will of the people, she told the packed crowd.

The biggest point of contention during testimony was the Northern Corridor project. The proposed 4.5-mile highway would cut through part of the Red Cliffs Conservation Area, which was established in 2009 to protect endangered Mojave desert tortoise habitat.

The same bill that allowed for the creation of conservation area also carved out congressional approval for a northern transportation route in Washington County. Yet, no road has been built, even though local and state officials say its critical to relieve traffic in one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country.

In the last 34 years, the area has grown over 400%, Carlos Braceras, executive director of UDOT, testified. He added that long-term plans have identified the need for the road since the 1980s.

Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke testified that during the Trump administration, an agreement was reached between the Bureau of Land Management and local officials to allow a right of way for the highway in exchange for preserving a nearly 7,000-acre section of nearby tortoise habitat. This section of land, known as Zone 6, is also popular with mountain bikers and rock climbers.

But last year, under the Biden administration, federal agencies announced they were revisiting the highways environmental impact statement. This came following a settlement reached with environmental groups that filed a lawsuit against the highway project on the grounds it would damage critical tortoise habitat and set a dangerous precedent for other conservation areas.

Clarke described the scrapping of the deal as mind blowing, and he added that it also puts parts of Zone 6 at risk of commercial development. Additionally, Snow testified that the action permanently damaged the relationship between local and federal officials working in good faith toward conservation projects.

Better to start suing for what you need and let the courts decide, Snow said. This is truly government at its worst.

But not everyone in the audience left this way. Many of the attendees wore green and stickers saying No Highway Thru Red Cliffs. There was no public comment period, so no other local voices were heard aside from the officials on stage.

Exploratory uranium drilling underway near Bears Ears National Monument

Holly Snow Canada, the executive director of Conserve Southwest Utah, said that the hearing excluded local and indigenous voices and presented a one-sided view of the case.

The hypocrisy of holding a hearing about dismantling public lands on Earth Day was not lost on the over 100 people who came out to support keeping Red Cliffs intact and in opposition to the Northern Corridor Highway, she said, in a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Governor applauds GA first lady as he signs 9 new laws to combat human trafficking

Gov. Brian Kemp signed some bills into law today that will help some victims of human trafficking get their criminal convictions vacated.

Nine laws dealing with human trafficking in the state, and Kemp said it was all First Lady Marty Kemp and her GRACE Commission that kept pushing to get these done.

One bill gives the State Massage Licensing Board the authority to conduct surprise inspections on facilities so as to root out illicit massage parlors.

Another makes it a felony to groom a child for human trafficking.

And a third vacates the convictions of some victims of human trafficking if the crimes occurred while they were being trafficked.

Its really incredible what our first lady Marty Kemp, the GRACE Commission, and members of the Georgia legislature have done, Governor Kemp said.

RELATED STORIES:

Channel 2 Action News was with the first lady in January as she cut the ribbon on the new Graces Place -- a 25-bed facility for human trafficking victims to help them get back on their feet.

I just feel like Im not afraid of controversy, Marty Kemp said shortly after the bill signing.

She said once she saw how big the problem of human trafficking was in Georgia -- really a hub of trafficking around the Southeast -- she felt compelled to take action.

I know when we learned of human trafficking even before he was sworn into office, I know that this was something that I needed to take charge of, Marty Kemp said.

Mrs. Kemp says shes traveled around the state for years now hearing victims stories and then lending her voice to fight the problem.

People have been working on this for decades, and they just needed a louder voice to be able to get things passed, she said.

And its worked.

These bills make nine new laws in Georgia dealing with the problem of human trafficking.

RELATED NEWS:
A grand jury declined to indict a Texas man 2 years ago in the killing of a 9-year-old. Hes now been indicted for murder

A 33-year-old Texas man was indicted Tuesday on a murder charge in the February 2022 killing of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez  nearly two years after another grand jury had declined to indict him in connection with the childs fatal shooting.

Tony Earls Jr. was released after a Harris County grand jury declined to indict him for aggravated assault in July 2022. But the case was brought before another grand jury this year after District Attorney Kim Ogg assigned a special prosecutor to re-examine it.

Earls was at a bank on the night of February 14, 2022, when he was robbed at gunpoint, the district attorneys office said in a news release. While the robber ran away, Earls took out a gun and began firing at the suspect, the office said.

As Earls began shooting, the Alvarez family drove past the bank  with Arlene in the back seat  and he fired several shots into their pickup truck, fatally striking the young girl, the district attorneys office said. Arlenes parents previously told CNN affiliate KHOU they were on their way to a Houston restaurant for a Valentines Day dinner when their daughter was shot in the head.

Arlene, who was in fourth grade, took care of her younger siblings  who were also in the vehicle at the time of the shooting, her parents attorney said  and got along with everyone.

Earls previously said he began shooting because he heard gunshots when the robber started to run away, and believed he was being shot at, according to prosecutors. He allegedly was unaware someone had been hit by his gunfire and he left the scene to call police and report the robbery, according to KHOU.

He was arrested and charged but was released after the grand jury declined to indict him.

Special prosecutor Warren Diepraam, who took on the case, said an FBI firearms expert was brought in to examine the evidence.

A booking photo shows Tony Earls on February 15, 2022. - Houston Police Department/AP/File

The experts opinion is that Mr. Earls saw the robber run past the vehicle with Arlene Alvarez inside  the vehicle did not do anything to give Mr. Earls a justification to shoot into the passing vehicle, Diepraam said in a Wednesday statement.

Houston police are still working to identify and arrest the armed person who robbed Earls, he added.

CNN has reached out to Earls attorneys for comment. If convicted, he faces five years to life in prison, the district attorneys office said.

We have a duty to see that justice is done, and that meant asking a new grand jury to look at new evidence, Ogg, the district attorney, said in a statement. We have done everything possible to figure out exactly what happened that day to ensure that we get justice.

CNNs Andy Rose contributed to this report.

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A 54-year-old New Jersey grandmother was "days or weeks" from death earlier this month when she became the fourth person ever to receive an organ from a pig.

Lisa Pisano was suffering from heart failure, needed regular dialysis and had just fallen and broken her foot when she arrived at NYU Langone Health. She'd been increasingly sick for years, suffering multiple heart attacks and a bypass surgery.

She needed both a new heart pump and a new kidney, but because she was on dialysis, she wasn't a good candidate for the heart pump, and because of her heart problems she wouldn't have qualified for a kidney transplant, said Dr. Robert Montgomery, chair of the department of surgery and director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute. "She was in a Catch-22," he said.

Pisano was given two choices: She could accept her fate and say goodbye to her beloved grandchildren or take a chance on an artificial heart pump plus a kidney from a gene-edited pig. She opted for the chance.

Lisa Pisano (right), with her daughter Brittany Harvill, was near death earlier this month when she agreed to receive a heart pump and pig kidney in place of her own.

On April 4, surgeons implanted the heart pump, a device called a left ventricular assist device or LVAD. She was placed on continuous dialysis and bedrest for eight days before receiving the pig kidney on April 12, in a surgery Montgomery led.

In addition to showing the viability of the pig kidney, the procedure also shows that LVADs can be used successfully in patients on dialysis. Montgomery said.

"Maybe some will get human transplants because now we've shown that an LVAD can support a kidney transplant," he said. "No one really knew that."

Seizing the opportunity

Pisano volunteered for the surgery to help herself and because "if it didn't work for me, it might have worked for somebody else."

Her health had started to go downhill in 2017 after her first heart attack and got progressively worse. She had worked in retail, at Kohl's and Walmart over the years, but had to quit. Her life got smaller and smaller. In recent months, she couldn't even go shopping with her daughter.

When Montgomery explained the double procedure to her, she saw it as her only opportunity to extend her life, so she took it. "That was that," Pisano said.

She said she isn't bothered at all by the idea of having a pig part inside of her.

She doesn't eat bacon anymore because of the salt, but she used to be a fan. Asked if her family members were cracking jokes about it, "they'd better not," she said.

Her recovery is slow, but she's not in a lot of pain, she said. She's been getting daily physical therapy and taking a few steps with a walker.

Her main goal, she said, is to get back to playing with her two grandchildren and cooking for her husband. Just "living a normal life."

Addressing the major roadblocks of transplantation

More than 100,000 Americans wait on organ transplant lists and others would join those lists if they could. But thousands of people die every year waiting for an organ, and others who are lucky enough to receive one suffer from organ rejection or from the immune suppression used to prevent rejection.

Montgomery, who led Pisano's kidney transplant, hopes the pig organs he uses can solve both problems.

There are several competing models for pig organs, one used at NYU and another used at Massachusetts General Hospital, which performed the first live kidney transplant from a pig in March.

The pig used by Massachusetts General, created by a company called eGenesis, was a cloned animal with 69 gene edits. That procedure seems to have gone well, saving the life of Richard "Rick" Slayman, a Massachusetts man who was released from the hospital about two weeks after the procedure. Now, seven weeks after the surgery, Slayman continues his recovery at home.

The NYU pig has only a single gene removed, which would otherwise cause the human body to immediately reject the pig organ. Lacking just one gene, the pig can be bred through normal reproduction, which is cheaper and easier to do at large scale than cloning, Montgomery said.

The gene edited pig kidney and thymus is prepared for transplantation on April 12.

Along with its kidney, the NYU pig, bred by United Therapeutics, also provided its thymus, an organ of the immune system. Adding the pig's thymus, Montgomery said, should protect the pig kidney from being attacked by the human immune system.

Hopefully, this will eventually allow doctors to reduce the medication all transplant patients have to take to limit the risk of organ rejection. The same medication that saves the organ also can damage it long-term, though, and, by suppressing the immune system, increases the patient's risk for infection and some cancers.

"One of the reasons we've come up with this simpler gene edit and thymus transplant," Montgomery said, "is to address the two biggest problems in transplantation: lack of organs and immunosuppression."

Moving from animal testing to people

But all of this is theoretical until it's tested in people.

Tests have been ongoing in primates for more than five years and in "decedents," or brain-dead people on life support since 2021.

So far, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed pig organs to be tested in four living people. Two received pig hearts at the University of Maryland, in 2022 and 2023, but survived less than two months each.

It's too soon to know whether the two patients who received pig kidneys will fare better, but the heart patients were likely sicker to begin with, Montgomery said.

Researchers had assumed human patients would be easier to keep alive with organs from pigs rather than primates. But Montgomery said the deaths in Maryland showed that they essentially will have to start over in people, trying to understand how best to manage the risk of rejection and other challenges.

"I think we're at the beginning of really understanding what is going to happen in humans," he said. "I don't think it's going to look that much like primates. It's going to be a really different game."

Montgomery said he is going to continue to test pig organs in brain-dead people to try to optimize the process. NYU has already performed five transplants in such donated bodies.

The next step for so-called xenotransplantation will be to launch formal clinical trials in living patients. Montgomery, a heart transplant patient himself, said he hopes small trials with a handful of patients each could start as soon as next year, using both gene editing approaches, to see if one will prove safer or longer-lasting.

"It all seems to be accelerating," he said.

Karen Weintraub can be reached at kweintraub@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pig kidney, heart pump transplant milestone brings grandmother hope
On April 3 a rancher in Elbert County found an animal resembling a wolf in a coyote trap on private land, according to a recent article in The Fence Post. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson confirmed in an email to Outdoor Life that this animal is a gray wolf from the Great Lakes population. The USFWS was notified of the discovery by Colorado Parks and Wildlife after the rancher reported it to a CPW wildlife officer. That officer coordinated with the federal agency to collect tissue samples and send them to a lab for DNA analysis. The lab results revealed that the animal in question was a gray wolf from the Great Lakes population, which is genetically distinct from the gray wolf population of the Northern Rockies. This is not a wolf from the ten recently released by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in December 2023, the USFWS spokesperson told Outdoor Life. He added that the federal agency was working with CPW to investigate the discovery, as gray wolves in the Great Lakes population  unlike wolves in the Northern Rockies  remain under federal protections as an ESA-listed species. The wolf was an 84-pound male, and it was caught by a trapper in a legal leg-hold trap that had been set for coyotes, according to The Fence Post. Body grip devices, foothold traps, and cable device traps are prohibited in Colorado, but landowners who are eligible for a 30-day agricultural trapping exemption can still use these devices, according to state regulations. The USFWS has not released a cause of death or any other details as part of its open investigation. A Google Maps screenshot showing the location of Elbert County (highlighted in red) as it relates to the Great Lakes Region. Even more puzzling is how a wolf from the Great Lakes region ended up in Elbert County, which lies in eastern Colorado not far from the heavily populated Front Range. Elbert County butts up against El Paso County, where Colorado Springs is located. The county seat of Kiowa is less than 50 miles southeast of Denver and roughly 25 miles east of Interstate 25. The Fence Post reports that the wolf did not have a GPS tracking collar or show any signs that a collar had been removed, and CPWs wolf activity map does not show any of the states known wolves passing through the county in recent months. An unnamed neighboring rancher told The Fence Post he thought the wolf could have been someones pet, but there is currently no other evidence supporting this theory. Read Next: Are Wolves Following Moose into Nevada? State Reports First Wolf Pack Sighting in 100 Years It is possible that the wolf made it all the way from the Great Lakes to Elbert County on its own. Gray wolves are known to roam, and in 2023, researchers tracked a collared wolf from Michigans Upper Peninsula that traveled more than 4,000 miles over an 18-month period. Minnesota is home to the highest number of gray wolves in the region, with an estimated population of more than 2,500. A map from 2018 shows that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has observed wolf packs as far south as Anoka County. That county is located not quite 900 miles as the crow flies from Elbert County, Colorado.

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GREAT BEND, Kan. (KSNW)  A 49-year-old Great Bend man entered an Alford plea in a jury trial regarding two Jessicas Law offenses.

According to Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett, Shelby Lee Starr appeared in court this week for the jury trial.

On Monday, an all-male jury was selected. On Tuesday, before opening statements commenced and prior to the formal swearing-in of the jury, both parties announced they had reached a plea agreement, whereas the defendant entered an Alford plea of guilt to one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14.

The Pawnee County attorney says the state agreed to allow the man to be sentenced pursuant to the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and dismiss the additional count.

As part of the plea agreement, Starr agreed to waive his right to appeal the conviction and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

1 person killed in shooting in north Wichita

McNett, in support of the plea, advised the court that had the matter proceeded to trial, the evidence would have shown that in February of 2023, DCF received a mandatory-reporter referral from a school counselor that one of their students had disclosed they had been touched inappropriately by their fathers friend named X, when the student was six years old. The disclosure occurred after the local Child Advocacy Center had given a presentation to middle school students about good touch and bad touch. The subsequent DCF investigation identified X as the alleged perpetrator. In a forensic interview, the student disclosed the defendant had first touched her when she was at her grandfathers Larned residence in 2016. The defendant touched her again when she and her family were at Xs Larned residence in July of 2017.

McNett further advised the court that pursuant to the Kansas Crime Victims Act, he had consulted with the victim and her family prior to entering into plea negotiations and that they were in support of the presented plea agreement.

After accepting the defendants plea as being knowingly and voluntarily made, McNett said Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman advised Starr of his duty to register as a sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act and ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendants criminal history.

His sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, the defendant faces a presumptive prison sentence between 59 months and 247 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections, depending on his criminal history, according to McNett.

Starr was arrested in Barton County on April 1, 2023, without incident. He has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff ever since.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Dong Yunhu, a former senior legislator of Shanghai, has been indicted on bribery charges, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Following the completion of investigations by the National Commission of Supervision, the people's procuratorate of Hefei City in east China's Anhui Province filed Dong's case to the city's intermediate people's court, according to the SPP statement.

Dong was a former secretary of the leading Party members' group of the Standing Committee of Shanghai Municipal People's Congress and former chairman of the committee.

Prosecutors accused Dong of taking advantage of his various posts and abusing his power to seek illicit gains for others, while illegally accepting an especially huge amount of money and valuables in return.

Prosecutors had informed the defendant of his legal rights, interrogated him, and listened to the defense counsel's arguments, the statement noted. 
A customer shops for food at a grocery store on March 12, 2024, in San Rafael, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

South Dakota and Mississippi are the only states that have a full state sales tax rate on groceries, but that could change in November.

Circulators of a petition to repeal the state sales tax on groceries said they planned to turn in enough signatures Wednesday to the South Dakota Secretary of States Office to place the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. The office must still verify that enough of the signatures are from registered South Dakota voters.

The ballot initiative would repeal the state sales tax on anything sold for human consumption, except alcoholic beverages and prepared food. It does not prohibit cities from taxing groceries. Currently, the state has a 4.2% sales and use tax, and cities can tack on an additional 2% tax.

The state sales tax rate was 4.5% before state legislators reduced it during the 2023 legislative session. Legislators included a sunset clause to make the tax reduction expire in 2027, in part out of caution in case voters approve the grocery tax repeal. The reduction in the sales tax rate was estimated to cost the state more than $100 million in annual revenue, and the grocery tax repeal would cost an estimated $124 million in annual revenue.

Gov. Kristi Noem attends an event Oct. 12, 2022, at a Sioux Falls grocery store. (John Hult/SD Searchlight)

Gov. Kristi Noem attends an event Oct. 12, 2022, at a Sioux Falls grocery store. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem promised to repeal the state food sales tax during her reelection campaign in 2022 and backed an unsuccessful bill during the 2023 legislative session to eliminate the tax. But Noem pulled her support for the potential ballot question last year. The commissioner of the state Bureau of Finance and Management told South Dakota News Watch that the ballot measure would prevent the state from taxing tobacco and medical marijuana.

Other Republican leaders, such as Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck, have spoken out against the initiative, saying it  along with the 2023 tax cut still in effect  could lead to a budget train wreck. Most recently, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken spoke out against the measure during his State of the City address, according to The Dakota Scout.

Polling by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy in 2023 found 60.6% of surveyed registered voters support eliminating the state sales tax on groceries.

TakeItBack, the organization spearheading the ballot initiative campaign, said it collected over 25,000 petition signatures from registered voters. Just over 17,500 are required to put the initiative on the ballot.

Dakotans for Health Executive Director Rick Weiland speaks to the press Feb. 7, 2024, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre about an initiated constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Dakotans for Health Executive Director Rick Weiland speaks to the press Feb. 7, 2024, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre about an initiated constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Rick Weiland, a Democrat, is co-founder of TakeItBack and also leads Dakotans for Health, which was the organization leading the petition circulation effort alongside a petition to restore abortion rights (the abortion-rights petition has not yet been submitted).

Removing the states sales tax on groceries is a crucial step towards addressing food insecurity and promoting economic fairness in our state, Weiland said in a news release.

The South Dakota State Federation of Labor AFL-CIO endorsed the ballot initiative Wednesday. The organization represents 195 unions in the state and 7,000 union members.

Our low-income working families are struggling, with some spending up to 30% of their household income to feed their families, said B.J. Motley, the organizations president. This inequality is unacceptable, and we stand ready to partner with TakeItBack to address this pressing issue.

All ballot-question petitions must be filed by May 7. Several other citizen-initiated petitions are circulating, including a measure to switch the state from political-party primary elections to open primaries. The Legislature has already exercised its right to place two measures on the ballot: one would replace references to male officeholders in the state constitution with neutral language, and the other would ask voters to lift a prohibition against work requirements for Medicaid expansion enrollees.

The post Group says its filing petition signatures to put grocery tax repeal on ballot appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A person has been hospitalized after a shooting took place on the north side of Columbus.

According to Columbus police one person was shot in or near an Advance Auto Parts parking lot on East Dublin Granville Road, just west of Interstate 71. The shooting occurred around 12:45 p.m., when police cruisers arrived at the Sheetz gas station, which sits adjacent to the Advance Auto Parts parking lot.

Ohio National Guardsman accused of raping minor faces judge in Delaware County

Officers found a victim in the adjacent parking lot at a Sheetz gas station. The victim was suffering from a gunshot wound and emergency crews took them to Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Police do not currently know what condition the victim is in, what led to the shooting, or have any suspect information.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Auctioneer Michael Kovacek announces the sale of the painting "Portrait of Miss Lieser" by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt during an auction. A long-lost portrait of a young woman by Gustav Klimt has been sold for 30 million euros at an auction in Vienna. Eva Manhart/APA/dpa

One of the last works by Art Nouveau painter Gustav Klimt was sold at auction in Vienna on Wednesday for 30 million ($32.1 million).

The "Portrait of Miss Lieser" went surprisingly quickly to a bidder in the room at the Auction House Im Kinsky.

The work, which had previously been estimated at between 30 million and 50 million, was thought to have been lost for 100 years. The auction house spoke of a "magnificent rediscovery."

Around 15,000 art enthusiasts had come to Im Kinsky for the preview in Vienna over the past few days, it said. It had been privately owned in Austria for decades, the auction house said in advance. The current owners had inherited it from distant relatives around two years ago.

The portrait of a lady is one of the most beautiful works from Klimt's last creative period. The 140 x 80-centimetre painting shows a young woman in a strict frontal pose against a red background. Around her shoulders is a cape richly decorated with flowers.

The Lieser family, who commissioned the portrait, belonged to the wealthy Viennese upper middle class. The industrialist family was later persecuted during the Nazi era because of their Jewish ancestry.

According to the auction house, after intensive research, there is no evidence that the painting was confiscated at the time. "Conversely, however, no evidence has been found that the painting was not looted between 1938 and 1945," it said in an online video for the auction.

Klimt probably began work on the painting in May 1917, as the well-documented creative process suggests. According to the auction house, 25 preliminary studies were made.

When the painter died in February 1918 as a result of a stroke, only small parts of the work had not been completed.

"The fact that this painting was not signed by Klimt shows that he himself did not yet consider the portrait to be finished," the description of the work states.

Klimt, co-founder of the Vienna Secession art movement, is perhaps best known for his 1908 painting "The Kiss."

Auctioneer Michael Kovacek announces the sale of the painting "Portrait of Miss Lieser" by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt during an auction. A long-lost portrait of a young woman by Gustav Klimt has been sold for 30 million euros at an auction in Vienna. Eva Manhart/APA/dpa
Members of Haitis new transition government, who are readying to officially assume office on Thursday, were hoping to take the oath of office on the grounds of the presidential palace, the symbol of power even if the once ornate building hasnt been rebuilt after collapsing in the 2010 earthquake.

But on Monday as a delegation visited the premises in Port-au-Prince, a capital still under siege, they were hit with the harsh reality of trying to invite hundreds of guests, including foreign diplomats, into hostile territory and into temporary quarters whose last official occupant, President Jovenel Moise, was killed nearly three years ago this July.

Broken toilets, water leaks, walls pocked with bullet holes and bullet casings on the floor were among the discoveries as the group inspected the setting and tried to stay clear of flying bullets from gangs that regularly fire at the building.

Every now and again you heard gunshots, said Leslie Voltaire, one of the members of the transitional presidential council, noting that some areas of the structure serving as the National Palace are still sealed off as part of the investigation into Moises July 7, 2021, slaying.

Voltaire, an early supporter of taking office inside the palace, says he still believes the symbolism of being sworn into office in the official residence of the president would go a long way toward restoring hope in a country whose teeming capital has been paralyzed by armed gangs since Feb. 29.

But while he himself doesnt have a problem with taking such a risk, he has a problem inviting others who are not used to this kind of climate.

We saw, we dont need to force this, he said.

After reconsideration, Thursdays swearing-in of Haitis new nine-member transitional presidential council will now take place at another government property, Villa Accueil in Bourdon, half way between the city of Port-au-Prince and the wealthy suburb of Petion-Ville, which has also come under attack. The property houses the one-time office of the prime minister. It was also severely damaged in the devastating earthquake, but finally came into use last year after a near decade-long renovation was completed.

Clarence Renois, a former journalist who heads the political party Union Nationale pour lIntegrite et la Reconciliation, UNIR, said while it would have been good to have the installation ceremony at the National Palace, he believes changing the venue is the right decision given the ongoing dangers that armed groups pose. UNIR is among the parties that are part of the political deal an international coalition of countries, led by Caribbean leaders, brokered last month in Jamaica to help Haitians forge a new political path amid the gangs takeover and calls for the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

What is most important for us in UNIR is that the country needs leaders at its helm, people who are governing and administering the country every day, Renois said.

In anticipation of a possible ceremony at the palace, Haiti National Police had beefed up security around the Champs de Mars, the public square across from the palace that has become a battlefield in gangs attempts to take the palace. But even those measures didnt stop armed gangs on Monday. Following the delegations departure, police engaged in an hours-long exchange of gunfire.

After launching their attacks nearly two months ago, armed groups had called for the ouster of Henry, a neurosurgeon who was tapped by Moise to run the countrys day-to-day operations. In the wake of the presidential assassination he failed to stop Haitis descent into anarchy. Even though Henry announced on March 11 that he will step down, the armed attacks have continued, and some gang leaders have vowed to disrupt the installation ceremony to block the new leaders from taking office.

The exact details of Thursdays ceremony are still unfolding. But for now, the panels two non-voting observers, representing the interfaith community and civil society will give an address to the nation after the swearing in. Following the ceremony, the council is expected to finally vote for a president to lead the group.

Within 24 hours of Thursdays ceremony, Voltaire says he hopes to have the new U.S. and Spanish ambassadors, who recently arrived in Haiti amid the ongoing chaos, officially present their credentials to the new government.

Then comes the difficult task of choosing a prime minister to replace Henry.

Though no official list of candidates exists, individuals have been quietly making calls and seeking support from both the council members and the various sectors involved in the transition. Prospective candidates include former government ministers, jurists and retired technocrats who worked at international financing institutions.

We will analyze their [resumes] over three days and we will choose two or three to interview, Voltaire said. We can say that by May 1 we can have a prime minister and by May 5 we can have a government with a cabinet.

Voltaires timetable could be a bit optimistic, given that its been more than a month since Caribbean leaders met in Jamaica to broker the transition plan, and its only now that the group is being installed.

The presidential panel itself has struggled to find common ground, which hasnt gone unnoticed by Haitians, many of whom remain skeptical that, after years of being adversaries, such a disparate group can now come together to lift Haiti out of the worsening security and humanitarian crisis.

Jerry Tardieu, a former member of the Lower Chamber of Deputies, said as long as the provisions of the groups political agreement for a peaceful and orderly transition are respected, he sees a path out of the the crisis.

We will never have total political consensus, but we should have at least a minimal and sufficient one, said Tardieu, whose political party, En Avant, was involved in the negotiations setting up the transition. It can give us a road map to elections after restoring security and reforming the constitution.

Voltaiire, seemingly unfazed by the doubters, turns to history, citing the moment a union of former slaves and mixed-raced Haitian natives successfully defeated the French, coming together to end slavery and creating of the worlds first Black Republic on Jan. 1, 1804.

Tomorrow is another 1803, he said. For the first time in the 21st century, adversaries, enemies and allies have put their heads together to do a historic compromise to put Haiti back on track and so that they can work on security and provide hope that will lead to an elected and legitimate government that will work for the development of Haiti.
Haiti's capital almost completely cut off by blockades as gang violence intensifies, in Port-au-Prinxe

Haiti's capital almost completely cut off by blockades as gang violence intensifies, in Port-au-Prinxe

By Steven Aristil and Harold Isaac

PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Haitian police deployed tear gas to move people back from a security perimeter around the National Palace while soldiers gripping rifles patrolled the international airport's diplomatic entrance on Tuesday, ahead of a planned change of government.

The palace has come under repeated fire from gangs that have paralyzed the capital Port-au-Prince. A nine-member presidential transition council is to be sworn in at the palace, and although no date has been announced, rumors circulated that it could happen this week.

The council is expected to name an interim prime minister and help set up a government that will eventually organize elections in the Caribbean island nation.

"Whether or not you're installed, this message is for you: Brace yourselves," gang leader Jimmy "Barbeque" Cherizier ominously warned in a Tuesday video shared on social media.

Cherizier has called for toppling the government.

The U.S. military said on Tuesday it bolstered defenses at its embassy.

Outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry has for over a year called for international troops to help police fight the gangs. But plans moved slowly and were eventually paused when he announced in March his plan to step down, pending a new interim government.

Since then, attacks have escalated and the transition has lagged.

Port-au-Prince resident Jerry Louis expressed cautious optimism. "The presidential council will be able to stabilize the country, but the international community must accept it," he said in an interview.

Motorcycle driver Paolo, who did not share his last name, pointed to lawlessness as a major obstacle.

The presidential council "has to put in place a minimum of security so that the population can go about its business," he said.

Gangs are accused of perpetrating widespread rape, ransom kidnappings and indiscriminate killings. The conflict has seen hundreds of thousands internally displaced and millions pushed into acute hunger while key ports remain closed.

(Reporting by Steven Aristil and Harold Isaac; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by David Alire Garcia and Cynthia Osterman)
Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley received more than 150,000 votes in the Pennsylvania GOP primary Tuesday despite having dropped out of the race almost two months ago.

The most recent election returns, from just after 9 a.m. EDT Wednesday, show Haley with nearly 157,000 votes, enough for 16.6 percent of the total, with 90 percent of votes cast counted.

Former President Trump still easily won the primary, with more than 80 percent of the vote as of the latest count, and he will win all of Pennsylvanias delegates in the winner-take-all primary. But Haleys total is still a significant amount for a candidate who has not been in the race since early March.

The former United Nations ambassador emerged as the last remaining rival to Trump in the Republican primaries after a much larger field narrowed to two candidates by January. But Haley was ultimately unable to overcome Trumps lead, and she dropped out following Super Tuesday in March.

Still, Haley appears to have reached or came close to 20 percent in several counties Tuesday. Her showing may not have significantly impacted Trump taking the state on his way to officially becoming the Republican nominee, especially as he became the presumptive nominee last month after clinching enough delegates.

But it could indicate a reason for concern in the general election, in which Pennsylvania is one of the key battleground states that could determine the winner of the Oval Office. The polling average of the state from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill has Trump ahead of President Biden in the state by just 0.4 percent, meaning every vote may have added importance there compared to many other states.

Haley has seen continued support over recent weeks in other states. She received more than 77,000 votes in the Georgia primary in March a few days after she dropped out, more than 150,000 votes, or almost 20 percent, in the Washington primary and more than 110,000 votes in the Arizona primary.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Carmel Neta and wife Inbal spend time with their children, Dror, 2, and Lily, 7, at home in Haifa, Israel, on Jan. 22, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Carmel Neta was on the phone with his mother, Adrienne, when Hamas militants stormed her kibbutz on the morning of Oct. 7. He could hear panic in her voice and screams in the distance.

Neta, 39, did his best to calm her, urging her to take refuge in a safe room and then guiding her in a meditation. Two of his siblings were also on the call, and promised their mom that when the attack was over, they would all travel together to Paris.

They were still on the line as the assailants burst into Adrienne's home. They heard her plead with the intruders in Arabic, which she had picked up while working as a midwife for Palestinian and Bedouin families in southern Israel. Then the call cut out.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

A burned-out house, top, in Kibbutz Beeri, Israel, after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants. Above, words of affirmation in both Arabic and Hebrew are seen on the refrigerator of Carmel Neta's home in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Adrienne, 66, died in the massacre at Kibbutz Beeri  one of about 1,200 people killed across the country that day in the deadliest attack in Israel's history.

In the months that followed, angst and anger flared. Tensions between Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel simmered and support for a two-state-solution plummeted. As more than 300,000 army reservists were called up for duty and Israel launched a punishing campaign in Gaza, a grim, wartime mentality took hold.

Carmel knew it all would have pained his mother.

A native Californian, Adrienne believed different cultures could and should coexist. She had raised her four children to respect Palestinians, and had been deeply moved when Carmel and his wife had enrolled their two young children in an experimental bilingual school in which students from diverse backgrounds learned together in Hebrew and Arabic.

And so, after her death, Carmel tried not to get angry. He did not seek revenge. To honor his mother, he drew closer to his Palestinian neighbors and the school. During a bleak time, the school was a source of light  and hope. If schoolchildren could get along, couldn't the adults do so too?

Adrienne Neta was of hardy Irish stock, with light skin and a mass of fiery red hair.

She grew up in California and was a skilled flutist and violinist, performing with the California Philharmonic Orchestra. At 21, she fell in love with an Israeli man who was traveling across the U.S. after finishing his compulsory military service. Soon after, she followed him back to Israel, to his home in Beeri.

Beeri had been established in 1946, two years before the founding of the state of Israel, by secular Zionists inspired by the socialist ideal of communal living. The kibbutz was centered on a sprawling collective farm and printing press, and all residents were expected to pitch in.

Adrienne took happily to kibbutz life. She loved being crouched in the dirt for hours, tending to vegetables, and the way families looked after one another's children. Residents walked around barefoot. Few had locks on their doors.

Carmel Neta reads with daughter Lily, 7, while son Dror, 2, plays in the background at home in Haifa, Israel, on Jan. 22, 2024. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Beeri lies just a few miles from the Gaza Strip, and for many years before 2007  when Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on the enclave  Palestinians would commute to the kibbutz to work.

Adrienne was always friendly with the Palestinian workers, Carmel said, and with the Bedouin and Palestinian families whose babies she delivered while working at a hospital in the Negev desert. She was known as someone who treated everyone as a human being," he said.

Carmel, the second oldest son, had inherited Adrienne's red hair and blue eyes, and many of her political beliefs.

After serving in the army in the occupied West Bank, where he grew increasingly uncomfortable with the brusque way soldiers treated Palestinians, he returned to the kibbutz with new eyes.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Top, Carmel Neta walks son Dror, 2, and daughter Lily, 7, to the public library near their home in Haifa, Israel. His mother, Adrienne, 66, a native Californian, above, was killed in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Kibbutz Beeri. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

"It was a paradise to live in," he said of Beeri. "But 2 kilometers away you see a fence, and you know it's hell on the other side."

The kibbutz was an experiment in radical living, but only for Jewish Israelis, he felt. "What kind of movement is it if there are no Arabs?" Carmel wondered.

Along with his wife, Inbal, 36, whom he had met while she was teaching at a school in Beeri, he decided to move to Haifa, a tech hub two hours north that is known as one of Israel's most ethnically mixed cities. The couple wanted children, and wanted to raise them alongside Palestinians.

On a recent morning, an 8-year-old girl stood in a sunlit classroom, giving a presentation on the history of chocolate. She swerved between languages, speaking in Hebrew while she described chocolate's origins, then switching to Arabic when she used numbers. When she finished, her classmates showered her with a chorus of thank yous  "shukran" in Arabic, "toda" in Hebrew.

Pre-university education in Israel is largely segregated, with Jews and Palestinian Christians and Muslims almost exclusively attending separate schools. But in 1998, two educators  one Palestinian, one Israeli  founded a network of schools that would do things very differently.

At the Hand in Hand school in Haifa and five sister schools around the country, a diverse mix of students study in both Hebrew and Arabic. Each class is taught by two teachers  one Palestinian, and the other Jewish. The curriculum includes lessons on the Holocaust as well as the Nakba, the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 creation of Israel.

(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

Top, a teaching staff member helps students focus during classroom presentations at the Hand in Hand school in Haifa, Israel. Students, above, participate in class at the school, where a diverse mix of pupils study in both Hebrew and Arabic. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

About six years ago, Inbal began teaching at Haifa's branch of Hand in Hand, and she and Carmel enrolled their toddler Lily in the pre-kindergarten program.

Lily immediately took to Arabic. Carmel often sent videos of her babbling in the language  or singing songs side by side with Palestinian classmates  to his mother, who cried tears of pride. "She was really into it," he said. Sometimes they discussed what it meant that such scenes were rare in Israel.

Carmel had learned some Arabic while in the army. "But it was the Arabic of the occupation," he said. "You learn to shout into a microphone: 'Get out of the house, you are surrounded.' Or: 'Get out of the car.'"

Through Lily and his 2-year-old son, Dror, who began school last year, he has acquired a wider, and gentler, vocabulary.

The school's mission was always to reach parents, not just their children. It invited them on community camping trips, Haifa history tours and to parties to mark holidays including Easter, Passover and Ramadan.

A few years ago, Carmel participated in a series of dialogue sessions, where, over the course of several months, parents shared their personal histories. Sometimes the conversations became tense as they veered into politics. But people ultimately found common ground.

Lily Neta, 7, reads her bilingual children's book at home in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

"Everyone is so different," Carmel said. "I come from a kibbutz. Others grew up in Arab villages outside of Nazareth. But it always comes back to the kids and our hopes for the future. It's very different stories starting from very different points, but you see these lines coming together."

It was a bold experiment in a country that for years had been moving to the right. Still, no one was prepared for the test that was about to come.

For several days in the wake of Oct. 7, Carmel and his siblings didn't know what had happened to their mother after the call dropped. They held on to a grotesque hope: that she had been taken hostage.

But eventually, officials confirmed it: She was dead.

Carmel and his siblings went into mourning. For their mother, for their friends who had been killed or taken hostage and for the kibbutz itself, which had been largely destroyed by flames and fighting. Im grieving for my mother and for the place I grew up," Carmel said. "My story, my history, has been wiped out.

But he was acutely aware of how his pain fit into a larger patchwork of suffering.

Students play in the hallways during recess at the Hand in Hand school in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

He thought about parents who have lost children on both sides of the conflict. He thought about starvation in the Gaza Strip. Yes, Im here with my tragedy," he said. "But there are people without anything to drink or eat."

For the Hand in Hand community in Haifa, the events of Oct. 7 and the subsequent war were paralyzing at first. Jewish Israeli families felt their sense of safety had been shattered. Palestinians were horrified by the Hamas attacks, but also bothered by the sense that they were expected to condemn them, and afraid of Israel's response to come.

"It was a feeling of grief. Of awkwardness," said Safi Mansour, a Palestinian citizen of Israel who helped found Hand in Hand's Haifa branch. "People were overly careful talking to each other. Everyone was hesitant."

The school hosted a series of conversation circles for parents that were often very tense. There were lots of tears. Sometimes raised voices.

Carmel Neta helps son Dror, 2, and daughter Lily, 7, pick out books to borrow at the library near their home in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

But the meetings revealed something else. All of the school's parents, regardless of their background, faced similar issues: the fear of a wider war and the challenge of how to explain what was happening to their children.

Rebecca Sullum, a community organizer for the school, said the community was brought together by a simple question: "What's it like to parent kids right now?"

Carmel Neta tries to calm son Dror, 2, at their home in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

For Carmel and Inbal, it has not been easy. They assure their kids that they are safe, even as rocket sirens wail, telling them the war is between good people and bad people. They make it clear, though, that they're not talking about Israelis versus Palestinians.

I dont see the Gazan people as my enemy, Carmel said. I see their leaders and my leaders as the enemy.

Parents from the school have become an important support network for Carmel's family since Oct. 7. He grew closer to the Palestinian father of a child in Lily's grade. This spring, the friendship blossomed into a business partnership. The men are launching a startup together.

The war has hardened many people, including Carmel's father, who is alive because he happened to be visiting Carmel in Haifa on Oct. 7. He recently moved back to Beeri and is one of only a handful of people living there.

"He doesnt see any path to peace," Carmel said. "He is angry at the Palestinian people.

Like many Israelis, his father is also frustrated with his government.

Carmel, who shares that anger, recently attended a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. It was gutting, he said. He kept having the urge to send photos of the action to his mother, who last year participated often in protests against Netanyahu's planned judicial reform. Carmel had hoped that his grief would have evolved by now, six months after his mother's death. "But it feels like this is life now."

Some of Carmel's friends have fled the country  mostly for Europe. He and Inbal have discussed following them. His grandfathers family left Europe ahead of the Holocaust. Sometimes he wonders: How did they know when to leave? How did they decide, This place cannot be changed and we need to migrate?'"

But he knows his mother would have wanted him and his siblings to stay and fight to make Israel better.

I think she would ask me why Im still working ... and not doing more, he said. He has a friend  the son of a slain peace activist  who quit his job to devote himself full time to calling for peace. Recently he spoke to members of the Haifa Hand in Hand community.

After the death of his mother was confirmed, Carmel's family began preparing for shiva, the Jewish ritual of mourning.

Laila Agini, a teacher, greets a student during recess at the Hand in Hand school in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

As word spread about Adrienne, many Palestinian community members felt an urge to attend her shiva, but weren't sure they'd be welcome. They asked community leaders such as Sullum: "Do people want us there? Because if there's even one person who doesn't want us, we won't go."

Carmel's response was immediate: "Of course."

A young student works on an assignment in between classes at the Hand in Hand school in Haifa, Israel. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)

"My mother dedicated her life to bringing life into this world and seeing people as equals," he told Sullum and many of the dozens of families who ended up coming to the shiva. "Everyone's welcome here."

The ceremony was held at a family home with an ample backyard. Inside, the parents talked and mourned and wept, together. Outside, the children played.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Bulletin writer Annmarie Timmins will be reporting from Eagle Pass, Texas, this week, in collaboration with New Hampshire Public Radio, while shadowing the 15 National Guard soldiers sent by New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to assist with border patrol. You can find her reporting at New Hampshire Bulletin and NHPR, both on air and online.

Two weeks into their mission in Eagle Pass, Texas, New Hampshire National Guard soldiers said they are seeing more attempts to cross the border illegally than expected. Thats true even for those whove been deployed to the border before.

This mission differs immensely in terrain, number of integral breaches in our barriers, as well as the difficulty of operation effectiveness, said Sgt. Connor Decker in an email. The way cartel runners or illegal immigrants alone breach through secure border are evolving and cannot be so easily solved with a static solution.

The Bulletin communicated via email last week with four of the 15 soldiers Gov. Chris Sununu deployed earlier this month to assist the Texas National Guard in securing the border. Its a state-paid $850,000 trip unlike the prior deployments, which were federally ordered and funded.

New Hampshire is paying the Texas National Guard $200 a day per soldier for room and board as well as other base expenses. The state funding will also cover salary and benefits.

Texas Guardsmen spied on migrants via WhatsApp, mishandled secret docs

In asking lawmakers to approve his funding request in February, Sununu said he believes all states should send troops to help Texas stop the illegal crossings by undocumented migrants and the smuggling of fentanyl, the drug responsible for the most drug overdose deaths in New Hampshire in 2022, according to a state medical examiners report.

Though, U.S. Sentencing Commission data showed that Americans account for a huge percentage of fentanyl trafficking convictions. In 2022, it was 90 percent.

Some Republican governors have sent fewer soldiers  Montana deployed 10 this month  while others have sent more, such as Iowa, which deployed 100 in early April.

The New Hampshire soldiers, all of whom volunteered to go to Texas, are working in teams of three or four, alongside soldiers from the Texas National Guard and Louisiana National Guard. They are working 10-hour night shifts, and while they are with a military police unit in New Hampshire, they are not arresting or detaining individuals, said Greg Heilshorn, spokesman for the New Hampshire National Guard.

He described this as an eyes and ears deployment in support of Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts Operation Lone Star. The soldiers are watching for illegal crossings at observation posts and roving patrols, looking for breaches in the fence. They are scheduled to return in June.

Death, drugs and a disbanded unit: How the Guards Mexico border mission fell apart

Pfc. Macenzi Connors is serving her first deployment to the southern border and is one of three women who volunteered. She said the partnership with Texas has been rewarding.

Knowing that I get to help out a fellow state to deter illegal immigrants and report  any suspicious activity that we see is a good feeling on its own, she said in an email. So far, it has been a lot busier than we thought, but working as a team and knowing that the people I came down with will always have my back makes being down here a lot easier.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, federal law enforcement is reporting fewer encounters in the Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass, each month since December, when it spiked to 71,048. In April, the agency reported 11,281 encounters.

Spc. Carson Geha is also serving his first mission. Even with the drop in the number of encounters, he too has been surprised by the number of cartel runners cutting the fence to cross illegally. Working side by side with the Texas National Guard has brought a sense of teamwork in order to deter illegal immigrants and keep our border secure.

Spc. Connor Sills spent about a year at the southern border as part of last years federal deployment. He told the Bulletin he volunteered to return to help the soldiers who havent been through the experience. In an email last week, Sills said the Texas soldiers are doing the same. He has spent his nights roving the fence line, separating the Rio Grande from Texas.

New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. New Hampshire Bulletin maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Dana Wormald for questions: info@newhampshirebulletin.com. Follow New Hampshire Bulletin on Facebook and Twitter.
New Hampshire police officer faces several counts of domestic violence

A police officer in Manchester, New Hampshire, is facing multiple counts of domestic violence.

Michael MacNeilly, 28, of Manchester faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including six counts of simple assault, one count of obstructing the report of a crime and one count of criminal mischief, according to officials.

Earlier this month, the Investigative Services Bureau of the New Hampshire State Police was brought in by the Manchester Police Department to investigate allegations of assault against MacNeilly.

After a thorough investigation was conducted, officials say, multiple warrants for MacNeilly were obtained.

MacNeilly turned himself in to the State Police on Tuesday and was released on personal recognizance bail.

MacNeilly is scheduled to appear in Manchester District Court this week.

Police did not release further details about the alleged incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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RAMALLAH, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army killed a Palestinian woman who attempted to carry out a stabbing attack at a military checkpoint north of Hebron city in the West Bank on Wednesday, said Palestinian and Israeli sources.

"We were informed by the General Authority for Civil Affairs of the killing of Maimouna Harahsheh, 20, by Israeli soldiers north of Hebron," the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a press statement.

Palestinian security sources reported that Harahsheh was shot in the head near the village of Beit Ainun.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army said in a press statement that its forces thwarted a stabbing attack on Bypass Road 60 north of Hebron, where a Palestinian woman attempted to stab soldiers near a military checkpoint.

The statement added that the soldiers opened fire on the attacker, and no casualties were reported among the Israeli forces.

The West Bank has witnessed escalating tension between Israeli troops and Palestinians in various cities, villages and camps since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.

Since then, Israeli troops have killed more than 480 Palestinians throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. 
The Next Jeffrey Dahmer? Black Woman Convicted of Doing the Unthinkable to Her Landlord

Two years ago, a white woman was found in pieces, stuffed in the freezer of a Chicago home. Police later confirmed she was the landlord of the building, and now her tenant is being held criminally accountable for her killing.



Prosecutors say 37-year-old Sandra Kolalou rented a room in the citys North Westside home from 69-year-old Frances Walker back in July 2022. In October, tensions grew between the two after Walker served an eviction notice to Kolalou, per The Chicago Sun-Times. Two other tenants in the home testified that one night, they heard the two fighting with each other in the basement.

The next day, onOct. 9, 2022, tenants said they received suspicious messages from Walkers phone saying Kolalou was dog-sitting for her and to give her their keys if they plan to move out. Police detained Kolalou that day after she allegedly held a tow truck driver at knife-point to retrieve her car.

However, after being taken into custody, fellow tenants snooped around her room and found traces of blood. What police discovered next was a horrid scene.

Read more from NBC 5 Chicago:

The driver then told police about the garbage bags he claimed Kolalou dumped near the beach. Authorities said they later found bloody rags inside that garbage can. According to the Cook County Medical Examiner, the contents of the bag did not contain human remains. We learned this individual dumped a large plastic bag in a garbage can at Foster Beach and detectives were able to go to that garbage can and see that there were some bloody towels, Deenihan said. Based on that evidence, detectives were able to go into the residence and they eventually discovered human remains in a freezer. In the first-floor kitchen freezer, police discovered the victims severed head, dismembered arms and dismembered legs, Rodgers said. The victims torso has not been located at this time.

Kolalou maintained her innocence, claiming she was framed for the murder and insisting she would do anything for Walker, per The Chicago Sun-Times. Kolalous attorneys also argued Walker had a good relationship with their client ahead of her death.

Despite those claims, a jury convicted Kolalou of first-degree murder, dismembering a body and concealing a homicidal death.

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What happens when Google censors your California news to protect its bottom line? | Opinion

Search engines like Google have always selectively censored content by limiting what its users can find. Usually, the censored material has been either sexually explicit, intellectual property guarded by copyright, disinformation or sensitive personal information.

Last week, Google stopped being a neutral aggregator of the internet and began censoring out of its economic self-interest by denying its users access to content created and reported by California news outlets. Sacramento is no stranger to political hardball, but what Google is doing is different and dangerous.

Google leaders have launched a small test that involves eliminating links to California news websites from search results for some of the search engines users. The decision to limit access to news comes in response to California legislation that would compel content aggregators like Google to share the profits from news-related content with the journalism outlets that produced the content in the first place.

Assembly Bill 886 by Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, seeks to do just that.

Opinion

Googles suppression of journalism raises the issue of whether a tech giant should be allowed to block access to news content for purely economic reasons. How is the consumer protected? How should government regulate a search engine when it becomes a suppression engine?

Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna, an ascending voice in the Democratic Partys progressive wing, said the federal government is behind the times and cant effectively regulate new economic powers of the information age with 19th-century tools.

They need more tools, Khanna said in a recent interview with The Bee Editorial Board.

He has sought, unsuccessfully, to expand the technology staff of the Federal Trade Commission. But the best the FTC can do is uphold todays antitrust laws, which were first created to combat industrial monopolies more than a century ago. We also need to shift in the paradigm of U.S. law, Khanna said.

Behind Google is elaborate computer coding, known as an algorithm, that produces the results of a user search on the computer screen. In this emerging California controversy, Google is testing how to manipulate the algorithm to exclude California news websites from a users search results..

The algorithm is to Google what the assembly line is to Ford Motors. It is the backbone of the enterprise. The algorithm, however, may prove far more difficult to regulate.

Some Democrats in Congress are trying. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, for example, has proposed legislation to ban rideshare companies and other internet sales outlets from using algorithms to collude and set higher prices. Collusion is a concept that dates back to the Ford of the Model T era and the industrial monopolies, and it is something that Congress understands.

Its not that Klobuchars move is insignificant. But as a legislative response to the power and dominance of companies like Google  and to Khannas point  Congress is just beginning to launch some modest maiden efforts to better manage this digital age.

While Khanna supports Klobuchars bill, what Google is doing in California isnt good old-fashioned collusion. It is a different exercise of dominant market power. When Google leaves links from California news websites out of search results, there are no advertising-related revenues to possibly share with the journalism outlets that produced the content.

For now, supporters of AB 886, including the California News Publishers Association, are focused on seeking justice in the halls of the California Capitol more than in Washington, D.C., because the state legislation is both on point and only a few votes from getting to the governor. McClatchy, which owns The Sacramento Bee, The Fresno Bee, The Modesto Bee, the Merced Sun-Star and the San Luis Obispo Tribune, supports the legislation as well.

In a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, CNPA and the News/Media Alliance called for an investigation of Googles actions for several potential violations of state law.

Google holds approximately 90% of the online search market, and its censorship of California news is a potential violation of the states Unfair Competition Law. Google has previously stated that it cannot and does not screen the sites before including them in the indices from which such automated search results are gathered. But now it is screening out some California journalism. Is that unfair competition?

Californias Civil Rights Act provides protections based on age, ancestry, color, religion and other classes. Is Google harming the states ethnic newspapers by leaving out their content?

The U.S. Justice Department is hot after Google, but its a more traditional monopoly issue of market dominance as opposed to economically motivated censorship. The department is alleging that Google controls some key advertising technology used throughout the digital world. Thats a different way to subvert competition beyond denying content creators such as journalism outlets a portion of the related advertising revenues.

Where all this leads is anyones guess. Googles decision to make some California news disappear in searches is a sign that AB 886 has gotten its attention. By trying to intimidate lawmakers by shutting their constituents out of news and information, Google is proving why it needs to be regulated. Google is dangerously powerful, and that should be a concern beyond California newsrooms.
Students at Harvard and MIT who support Palestinian civilians in Gaza rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Monday at an MIT encampment. JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

Harvard University students joined the actions of students at numerous other colleges across the U.S. when they set up an encampment Wednesday afternoon to protest the war in Gaza and demand that Harvard divest itself from financial ties to Israel.

The encampment was erected two days after the Ivy League university suspended the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee after the group staged a rally Friday in support of student protesters across the country. Harvard told the organization that it had failed to register for the demonstration, according to the Harvard Crimson, and because of that the group would not be recognized and wouldnt have access to university benefits and services. On Sunday, Harvard restricted access to Harvard Yard, seemingly preparing for any protests; however, that did not stop the encampments from being set up there on Wednesday.

About 13 tents have been set up, according to the Harvard Crimson, the campus newspaper, and a video shows hundreds of students outside the encampment in a dabke dance circle.

Harvard did not immediately respond to a request from HuffPost for comment. Harvards police department directed any inquiries to the university administration. On Monday, Alan M. Garber, Harvards interim president, declined to rule out a police response to protests.

College students across the country are protesting the Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip, which began after Oct. 7, when a shock attack led by the Hamas militant group in Gaza left 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 200 people taken hostage. Since Israels retaliatory strikes began, an estimated 30,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2 million people have been displaced. Those who remain trapped in the enclave are now facing a devastating famine.

On Thursday, more than 100 protesters were arrested at Columbia University. About 120 protesters were arrested at New York University on Monday. On Tuesday, nine people at the University of Minnesota and two at Ohio State University were arrested.

At the University of Texas at Austin, state police offices began arresting student protesters on Wednesday. UT officials had previously sent out a letter to students that said the university would not tolerate disruptions like we have seen at other campuses, according to the Dallas Morning News. UT did immediately responded to HuffPosts requests for comment. The Austin Police Department said in a comment to HuffPost that it was providing assistance to campus police. The campus police department, however, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement to HuffPost that there were 20 arrests made by police on campus Wednesday.

At the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, campus police began tearing down students encampments on Wednesday. In a statement on its website, USC said it has closed campus gates and is taking action to restrict growth of the protest and keep the rest of the campus calm. Until further notice, [we] are restricting unauthorized visitors from entering campus.

Related...
Helena Hicks, a civil rights advocate who led a 1950s protest to desegregate the old Reads drug store lunch counter, died of pneumonia complicated by Lewy body dementia Thursday at the William L. and Victorine Q. Adams Gilchrist Center Baltimore. She was 88 and lived in Northwest Baltimore.

We think of our historic personalities primarily as male figures but it really was our amazing women who took up the challenge and were the bedrock of our struggle, said the Rev. Alvin Hathaway, former pastor of Union Baptist Church. Dr. Hicks stood tall and would never allow anyone to erase our history.

She was small in stature but big in bravery and courage, the Rev. Hathaway said. She could challenge you but also encourage you. She did it to me and Ive been the better for the relationship.

Her daughter, Lynne Wilson, said, She was a little spitfire. If she liked you, she liked you. But if she took on someone, watch out.

Born in Baltimore and raised on Avalon Avenue, she was the daughter of William Sorrell, a bartender and Nabisco bakery worker, and Helena Butler, a homemaker. She was a Frederick Douglass High School graduate who earned a bachelors degree at Morgan State University, a masters degree at Howard University and a doctorate at the University of Maryland, College Park.

People think civil rights started in the 1960s. No, sir, she told The Sun in 2016. Lillie May Jackson collected a youth group of all the young people to try to teach us how to fight for freedom, and I was part of that youth group, she said referring to the organizer of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP.

Ms. Hicks picketed Baltimores Fords Theater as a young girl in the 1940s to protest its Jim Crow admission policy.

We were going to sit down and get warm, and they threatened to call the police. We got out of there. We were terrified. We thought we were going to get put out of school, she told the paper.

Her involvement with civil rights began in the middle 1950s. Morgan State University students had sought counter service at the Reads in the old Northwood Shopping Center near the school. A news account at the time said a Black waitress served them, but she was immediately transferred to another store.

She was among a small group  about five students  who successfully challenged the segregation policy at the old Reads drug store at Howard and Lexington streets. A group of Congress of Racial Equality members also joined in the protests.

The Baltimore sit-ins predated the historic one in Greensboro, North Carolina, by five years.

One reason the Baltimore sit-ins seem to have slipped from notice is that they were given very little press coverage at the time. The Sun, for instance, gave the integration of the Reads lunch counters a one-paragraph mention in a story about integration efforts throughout the state, said a 2011 Sun editorial.

Arthur Nattans, president of the drug chain, agreed to drop the race barrier at his eating establishments.

I was in the 10th grade at City College student in Govans and the desegregation meant to me I could eat at the Reads drug store counter, said Larry Gibson, a law professor and author of a Thurgood Marshall biography. Reads was a large chain and I remember going to the counter and eating at Greenmount and 32nd.

Later on, I interviewed Helena for an exhibit at the Morgan Student Center, said Mr. Gibson.

Helena was a determined person, said Mr. Gibson. Reads was the first chain store with a lunch counter to desegregate in the South.

As a young woman she ran a daycare business and later became a case worker for the old Baltimore City Department of Public Welfare. She later was part of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City.

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She retired as the director of the Office of Policy, Planning and Program Evaluation for Baltimores Department of Human Resources.

She remained outspoken and took on the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners in 2016. She defended Grove Park Elementary/Middle School, the school her children attended, against closing.

They wouldnt do this in Roland Park, she said at a school board meeting. You wouldnt do it anywhere that was white. But you think you can march into a Black community, no matter what it looks like. The school closed in 2018.

The Helena Hicks Emancipation School, a monthly speaker series, was named for her at the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts at Johns Hopkins University.

A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 7 at the Joseph H. Brown Funeral Home at 2140 N. Fulton Avenue.

Survivors include her daughter, Lynne Wilson, of Baltimore; and a son, Wayne Hicks, of Gaithersburg. Her marriage to Samuel Hicks ended in divorce.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., wouldn't commit Tuesday to holding hearings on college antisemitism as tensions escalate across the country with anti-Israel demonstrations persisting at elite universities.

"We are concerned about bigotry of all kinds, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure we eliminate all forms of bigotry in America, including antisemitism," Sanders, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), told Fox News Digital.

Asked a second time whether the committee would be willing to hold hearings on displays of campus antisemitism, such as the Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University, which has led the school to make classes virtual and a rabbi recommending Jewish students return home, Sanders would not say.

GOP LAWMAKERS DEMAND BIDEN ADMIN PROSECUTE PRO-TERRORIST MOBS, HOLD SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE

Sen. Bernie Sanders would not say if he would hold HELP committee hearings on campus antisemitism.

Sanders is one of nine Jewish senators, and has previously said he is proud of his Jewish identity. However, he has also explained that despite being bar mitzvahed and participating in the faith at one time, he is not "actively involved in organized religion."

The Vermont senator was urged Monday to hold hearings on the subject by his Republican counterpart on the committee. HELP ranking member Bill Cassidy, R-La., said in a statement, "Chair Sanders and the Senate HELP Committee need to hold a hearing and conduct oversight of this eroding situation.

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"There are no grounds for a nuanced response to the sickening calls of violence against Jewish students," Cassidy added.

"The antisemitic scenes unfolding at Columbia University and college campuses across the country is bigotry manifested in violence and threats of violence. This should be responded to by expelling all perpetrators. There should be zero tolerance."

BIDEN ADMIN NOTES 'URGENT' CONCERN OVER ISRAEL IN GAZA HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT

The demonstration at Columbia University began last week, and since its start, 23 of the top 50 universities, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, have been home to active anti-Israel protests.

In response to the demonstrations, 27 Republican senators signed a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, demanding they prosecute anyone perpetrating violence or threatening Jewish students, revoke visas of non-citizens who are "promoting terrorism" and hold school administrators accountable.

Anti-Israel agitators gather on Columbia Universitys campus in New York City April 22, 2024.

DEMOCRATS JOIN REPUBLICANS IN CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

The departments of Justice and Education declined to comment to Fox News Digital.

Cardona addressed the various demonstrations, posting on X that "Antisemitic hate on college campuses is unacceptable."

Twenty-seven Republican senators called on Attorney General Merrick Garland, left, and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, right, to immediately address antisemitic protests across the country on college campuses.

"I am deeply concerned by what is happening at Columbia University. In November 2023, our Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation of Columbia involving Title VI," he added.

Cassidy previously asked Sanders to hold hearings on antisemitic incidents one month after the Hamas terrorist attack on civilians that sparked the war between the group and Israel.

Sanders' office did not respond to a request for further comment.





Original article source: HELP chairman Bernie Sanders avoids agreeing to campus antisemitism hearings
YONKERS, N.Y. (PIX11)  Some students in Yonkers are on the path to a career as well as a high school diploma thanks to a new automotive center opening on the campus of Charter School of Educational Excellence.

With tools of the trade at their fingertips at the garage, the new high-tech facility is part of the classroom instruction.

Marines mystery solved by genealogists at Ramapo College

Savannah Hayes grew up in Yonkers and is a junior at the charter high school. Im proud to be here, Haynes said.

Students have their regular high school curriculum with classmates but spend another part of their daily instruction under the hood.

The Charter School of Educational Excellence was founded almost two decades ago and has grown to a thousand students in elementary, middle, and high school. A new high school building opened in 2021.

The need is immense in this industry, said Eduardo LaGuerre, the founder of the CSEE. The training you get here allows you entry-level work in any dealership. Theyre waiting for some of our kids to get the certification.

NYC must pay back $18.8M it kept from children in foster care: advocates

The school is working with Ford Motor Company. Earle Mitchell is a technical placement specialist with the automaker. The average age of an auto tech is 56 years old. Going into high schools gives us a chance to see talent and they get an opportunity to be in the industry, Mitchell said.

Victor Rodriguez with Tasca Ford Mazda Subaru says the students get a head start.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano attended the ceremony to celebrate the new facility and possibilities. We want our kids to be able to live work and play in the community if they choose to, the mayor said.

Automotive tech is one of the career fields in focus at the charter school along with culinary arts and health sciences.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday warned access to abortion care could be further imperiled after oral arguments in a Supreme Court case over an Idaho law restricting abortion.

The court appeared skeptical about whether a federal law ensuring access to lifesaving care included access to abortion care, when necessary, though the justices were split by both ideology and gender.

The MAGA Supreme Court majority appears ready to rule that the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness doesnt extend to women with pregnancy complications or who otherwise need abortions, Clinton wrote on the social platform X. This is horrifying, and it is because of Donald Trump.

Democrats have focused on abortion rights as a political rallying cry for the 2024 race. Abortion ballot measures are planned for multiple swing states, and a recent controversy over abortion access in Arizona has brought that state more into play.

In a second post, Clinton shared an image that stated Arizonas time zone was 1864, in reference to a state Supreme Court ruling that implemented a 160-year-old abortion restriction law. State lawmakers agreed to overturn the 1864 law on Wednesday after three attempts.

We wont allow our daughters and granddaughters to grow up with fewer rights than we had, Clinton said.

The Supreme Court case centers on an Idaho law that outlaws offering abortion care under all circumstances except when a womans life is in danger. The Biden administration sued the state over the law, claiming it goes against the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).

Doctors face up to five years in prison for violating Idahos law.

EMTALA requires federally funded hospitals to provide stabilizing care to emergency room patients, no matter their ability to pay.

The court is expected to decide the Idaho case by June.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams announced the first-ever federal funding was delivered to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation on Monday.

According to officials, the historic Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16 will receive $500,000 as an investment to renovate the facility and enhance public safety.

Fire Station 16 is known in Atlanta for being the first in the city to house Black firefighters. Dickens said it was also the first Atlanta firehouse to have a Black, female firefighter in the city.

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This was the home of the citys first 16 African American firefighters that were hired by this fire department and also the home of the first Black female firefighter, and we have honored that, Dickens said.

Williams said in a statement online that the award comes from a Community Project Funding program grant, saying the renovations will be used to preserve the legacy of the groundbreaking firefighters and to continue serving with excellence.

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At the event, Dickens said Williams has remained steadfast in her commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people of the 5th, the fighting 5th, she has championed getting the funding to renovate the fire station.

Williams herself said the funding for the fire station would help the Vine City and English Avenue communities.

In 1963, Atlantas first team of Black firefighters were stationed right here. This is history, yall. And we like to say that Atlanta influences everything, but this is the start of it, she said. We have to make sure we continue to invest in what we have here and this rich history, and that means making sure that were not just commemorating the past, but were also looking towards the future.

She said the federal investment would ensure the history would be told over and over, but that history would continue to be made in the historic neighborhood it was in.

Taos Wynn, president and CEO of the foundation, said the funding would enable the foundation and AFRD to support meaningful renovations and structural improvements to the historic fire station.

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JIUQUAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Shenzhou-17 crew sent greetings to mark Space Day of China on Wednesday via video from the country's space station orbiting about 400 km above Earth, wishing the motherland and its space industry prosperity.

The crew members Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin have stayed in space for more than five months and are scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on April 30.

"The same day 54 years ago, China's first artificial Earth satellite was successfully launched, the music of "The East is Red" echoed across the world, sounding the clarion call for the Chinese people to explore the vast space," said Tang Hongbo, the crew commander.

With a spirit of self-confidence and self-reliance, generations of people dedicated to China's space industry have made continuous efforts to realize the Chinese nation's thousand-year dream of flying into space, said Tang Shengjie.

Jiang said they paid tribute to the older generation who had pioneered the great cause of China's space industry, to those who had carried on with the cause in the new era, and to all the heroes who contributed to the space industry.

During their mission, the Shenzhou-17 crew have carried out 84 in-orbit tests and space application experiments, and generated more than 200 samples, involving space life science and biotechnology, space medicine, space materials science and other fields.

April 24 has been Space Day of China since 2016. The date marks the launch of China's first satellite "Dongfanghong-1" into space in 1970. 
Image via Getty Images

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs pulled out her veto stamp again to strike down another GOP anti-transgender bill aimed at banning trans students from using school showers designated for the gender that aligns with their identity.

Hobbs has not been shy about using her veto power, with 52 vetoes of Republican-backed bills so far this year, including 10 more on Tuesday. Last year, she set an all-time record for vetoes, following her 143 last year.

Hobbs has repeatedly promised she would reject any anti-LGBTQ legislation.

As I have said time and time again, I will not sign legislation that attacks Arizonans, Hobbs wrote in her veto letter of the anti-trans bill.

Senate Bill 1182, would have banned students from using multioccupancy showers  at school or during school events  that dont align with their biological sex. It would have also mandated that schools provide a separate, private shower room for students who are unwilling to comply with that rule. Students who do share a shower facility with someone of the opposite sex would be empowered to take their schools to court over psychological, emotional and physical harm.

The bill is a revised version of a proposal that was vetoed last year that would have gone even further, barring trans and gender nonconforming students on school trips from the bathrooms, locker rooms, showers and sleeping quarters that best match their gender identity.

In a statement from Senate Republicans released shortly after Hobbs vetoed the bill, they accused her and all of the Democrats in the legislature who voted against the bill of waging a war against women and girls.

They called transgender girls biological males posing as females in our public schools. But they didnt mention in their statement whether they were concerned about transgender boys using the girls facilities, which they would be forced to do under this law unless they asked for other accommodations.

Girls should not be forced to shower with boys in our taxpayer-funded public schools. Its utterly disgusting that Democrats, who are out-of-touch with reality, continue to push gender neutrality upon our children, endangering their safety and well-being just to politically platform off a small population they pretend to care about, Republican Sen. Senator John Kavanagh, the bills sponsor, said in the statement.

The bill does not directly address anything related to gender neutrality.

Kavanagh asked Arizona parents, women and girls to contact Hobbs and Democrats in the legislature to push back against these injustices.

Unfortunately, because of this partisan driven veto by our Governor, our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and neighbors will continue to be subjected to not only embarrassment, but sexual assaults and harassment in the event a boy whos claiming to be a girl is allowed into their female-only showers, the Fountain Hills Republican said.

Transgender advocates deny that allowing trans students to use the facilities that align with their gender identities puts other students at risk of sexual assault, and at least one study backs that up.

Another study found that when transgender students  who are already more likely than their peers to endure sexual assault  have restricted bathroom and locker room access, they are even more likely to be sexually assaulted.

Other bills on Hobbs veto list included one that would allow for increased outside observation of election procedures, and one that would force any publicly managed funds to divest from any investments held by a foreign adversary.

In her veto letters, Hobbs wrote that current law already allows for election observers, and that the divestment bill had the potential to hurt the state economically.

Hobbs also signed 12 bills on Tuesday, including a Republican bill that would force a shorter timeline for precinct committeemen and county supervisors to appoint a replacement if a state legislator resigns  especially if they leave a vacancy during the legislative session.

There were several vacancies in the legislature earlier this year after multiple Democrats resigned, leaving the party with fewer votes and constituents in those districts without representation for too long, proponents of the bill previously said.

Hobbs also signed a Republican-sponsored bill that would force municipalities to make quicker decisions on zoning applications in an effort to bolster new residential building amid a housing shortage of around 270,000 in Arizona.

SB 1162 cuts the unnecessary government red tape, responsible for prolonging approvals on zoning applications needed for home construction to begin, by requiring local governments adhere to reasonable timelines to help expedite the homebuilding process in an effort to increase supply and lower prices, Senate Republicans said in a statement.

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The post Hobbs vetoes anti-trans shower bill appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
Mississippi Democratic state Sen. Derrick Simmons (center) speaks on the Senate passing a Medicaid expansion bill at the state Capitol in Jackson, Miss., in March. Ten states have held out against expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, but the idea of making Medicaid recipients work for their benefits has given new momentum to expansion efforts in these states. (Rogelio V. Solis | The Associated Press)

In Humphreys County, Mississippi  about 70 miles north of the state capital, in the heart of the fertile Delta region  a third of the residents live in poverty. In Belzoni, the county seat, there are just a handful of health care clinics. The towns only major hospital closed more than a decade ago, around the same time its catfish industry collapsed.

Jobs in the area are scarce, said Wardell Walton, who was mayor of Belzoni from 2005 to 2013. But even if there were jobs, he said, a lot of Belzoni residents wouldnt be able to get to them  they dont own cars, and there is no public transportation.

Many people in Belzoni, and Humphreys County, would get free health care coverage if the state expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. But for a decade, Mississippi and nine other states have declined to do so. Republican opponents have long derided expansion as a government handout. They also have warned that the federal government would someday renege on its promise to cover nearly all of it.

Now there is growing momentum in deep-red Mississippi and several other holdout states to shift course, with many GOP lawmakers swayed by the prospect of giving a financial infusion to struggling rural hospitals.

But they support expanding Medicaid on one condition: that enrollees get a job.

Medicaid is a joint program run by states and the U.S. government, and the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has to sign off on specific rules. That includes requiring recipients to work.

The Biden administration has repeatedly refused to give states permission to impose work requirements, and it has rescinded approvals granted by its predecessor. However, the prospect of a second Trump administration, which almost certainly would allow work rules, has sparked renewed GOP interest in Medicaid expansion.

We all feel like politically and as an incentive to get Mississippians back to work, that its important to be in the bill, said Mississippi Republican state Rep. Sam Creekmore, who chairs the Houses public health committee. Creekmore noted that Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, is still opposed to expansion. If were going to have a veto-proof bill or a bill that can override a veto, the work requirement is going to have to be in there.

Some states that already have expanded Medicaid, including Arkansas, Idaho and Louisiana, also are considering adding work requirements.

Meanwhile, some Democrats in holdout states see work rules as way to finally get expansion over the finish line. And if a second Biden administration strips them out later on, all the better.

But Walton cautions that in places like Humphreys County, a work requirement might prevent Medicaid expansion from being much help at all.

I know it would not be effective for this community if its a requirement, Walton said. Here, if you dont have a job, you cannot even afford the gas  even if you have a vehicle to travel.

Coverage gap

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010 and also known as Obamacare, included a requirement that states expand Medicaid to cover all adults with low incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (about $20,780 for an individual) instead of limiting it to parents of young children and people with disabilities.

But in 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Medicaid expansion was optional for states. Since then, the District of Columbia and 40 states have expanded the program; other states have not.

Mississippi and the other nine holdouts have resisted substantial financial incentives. The federal government covers from 50% to nearly 78% of the cost for people enrolled in traditional Medicaid, depending on a states per capita income. The federal share for the expansion population is 90%.

If every holdout state fully expanded Medicaid under the ACA, nearly 3 million uninsured adults would get coverage.

In Kansas, Mississippi and Wyoming, some lawmakers are pushing for work requirements as part of a full-fledged expansion, triggering the 90% match. Other non-expansion states, including Georgia and South Carolina, have asked the federal government to allow them to include work requirements in something less than a full expansion under the ACA. (States can make more people eligible for Medicaid, but if they dont expand it to everyone making 138% of the poverty level, they dont get the full 90% match.)

Work requirements don't work. If you want to support people working, you are much better off helping them address their health problems that may be preventing them from working.

 Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families

The idea of imposing a work requirement on Medicaid enrollees is not new: The Trump administration approved 13 states requests to do so. But the Biden administration and the courts rescinded those approvals, and now only Georgia, which is fighting the administration in court, has a strict work rule for any of its Medicaid enrollees.

Even without actual requirements, 60% of non-disabled, non-elderly Medicaid recipients work either full or part time, according to KFF, a health care research organization.

Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families, said the problem with work requirements largely is one of paperwork: Many Medicaid recipients who work struggle with the administrative burden of proving it, causing them to lose their coverage.

Work requirements dont work, Alker told Stateline. If you want to support people working, you are much better off helping them address their health problems that may be preventing them from working.

Mississippi middle ground?

In Mississippi, Rep. Creekmore laments that his states failure to expand Medicaid means it is leaving billions of federal dollars on the table  money that would help support struggling rural hospitals by providing health insurance to about 123,000 people. Creekmore represents several rural counties with small hospitals.

For many conservatives, however, opposition to Medicaid expansion is fundamental, a function of their antipathy toward former President Barack Obama and welfare in general.

Gov. Reeves is one of them. He has pledged to veto any expansion bill, and last month he reiterated his opposition on X, formerly known as Twitter. Our country is going broke, and he wants to add millions more to the welfare rolls, Reeves wrote after President Joe Bidens State of the Union speech. We have to stand strong in Mississippi! NO Obamacare Medicaid expansion!

In February, the Mississippi House approved bipartisan legislation that would fully expand Medicaid under the ACA, with a work requirement of 20 hours a week. However, the bill states that expansion would happen even if federal officials rejected the work rule. And Medicaid recipients would be allowed to meet the work rule by being full-time students or participating in workforce training.

Alker said the Mississippi House bill builds in different pathways to get to the end result.

Theres lots of ways to think about the intersection of Medicaid and work, she said. So, they just built in flexibility to the bill, so that they can negotiate and get at the end of the day access to that extra federal funding and give people health care.

Mississippi Democratic state Rep. Zakiya Summers, who co-authored the bill with Republican colleagues, said the goal would be that we could get people better so that they actually can work. Summers noted that even if the Biden administration rejected the work requirement, Mississippi could seek approval from a GOP administration later on.

But last month, the state Senate approved an amended version with expansion only up to 100% of the federal poverty level, and a provision that Mississippi would only implement the limited expansion following federal approval of a work requirement.

Now Mississippi lawmakers are trying to find middle ground, knowing that they need a bill that can garner a veto-proof majority.

In Belzoni, Walton, who is a Democrat, wants the state to expand Medicaid to its fullest without any work requirements. But he said people in Humphreys County could live with the flexible requirements in the House expansion bill.

I could go along with that, he said. And I think that will be more acceptable in these rural areas.

Resistance in Kansas

In Kansas, another holdout state, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is pushing a full-fledged Medicaid expansion bill that includes work requirements, designed to win the approval of the Republican-dominated legislature. It would cover an estimated 152,000 Kansans.

At a news conference last month, Kelly emphasized that expansion would help Kansas hospitals in danger of closing.

At this point, any legislator standing in the way of Medicaid expansion is going against a commonsense, fiscally responsible proposal that benefits their constituents, their hospitals, their businesses, their community and our entire state, Kelly said.

I dont know how many more hospitals, health clinics and emergency rooms must close before we expand Medicaid in Kansas, she added. The answer should be zero.

But Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican, remains fiercely opposed. At a town hall meeting last week, Hawkins called Kellys plan smoke and mirrors, according to the Kansas Reflector.

We dont want to make a huge mistake, Hawkins said. Medicaid expansion is a huge mistake.

And in Wyoming, Republican state Sen. Cale Case, who supports expansion, said in an interview that he doesnt think work requirements are enough to win approval  even with the possibility of another Trump administration. Case represents Fremont County, which is about to get a new hospital. He also represents much of the Wind River Indian Reservation, which has a poverty rate of 22.6%, twice the statewide rate.

My colleagues refuse to accept the basic proposition that this would benefit our rural health care system, Case said. They actually think it would hurt our rural health care system and they are wrong. Theyre blatantly wrong.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Holdout states consider expanding Medicaid  with work requirements appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
A Washington County casino is facing a $10,000 fine for letting a self-excluded person gamble at slot machines and cash checks.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said the fine was issued against Washington Trotting Association, LLC, which operates Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.

The fine was a result of a person on the boards Self-Exclusion List being permitted to gamble at slot machines and cash checks. A casino operator is required to refuse wagers from and deny gaming privileges to any person on the list, as well as deny check cashing privileges.

The person involved in the incident was charged with defiant trespass.

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First statue depicting woman of color unveiled by City of Pittsburgh Remains found in North Union Township identified as missing 17-year-old girl Penn Hills man charged with allegedly shooting at neighbor picking up ladder VIDEO: Pittsburgh protest over war in Gaza one of a dozen across country DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
I could never get fully comfortable walking by homeless men and women sleeping on sidewalks in Manhattan last spring when I spent a semester teaching at Columbia University. Despite my feeble attempts to speak with a few of them, and even handing out a few dollars at a time, I found a way to ignore most the way typical New Yorkers learn to. I dont know if thats good or bad.

Issac Bailey

I cant even tell you the best constitutional argument against laws allowing governments to effectively criminalize homelessness, making it illegal for homeless people to use bedding, sleeping bag, or other material used for bedding purposes, which was what the U.S. Supreme Court was tasked with grappling with this week. I can tell you, though, stripping homeless people of this bare necessity  being able to sleep under a blanket in a park or other public space  is not just cruel, but un-American.

I wont ever forget the day I walked past a man lying on his back near the corner of Eighth Avenue and 14th Street in Manhattan. He wore scuffed white sneakers, dirty-worn blue jeans and a blue-and-white striped short-sleeved shirt. On his right wrist was a plastic bracelet, resembling the kind youre given when you check into the hospital. It was red and white. His beard was sprinkled with gray hair. His skin was as dark and leathery as my fathers.

I dont know how much hair was on his head; it was covered by a blue knit cap on a 50-degree late-April day maybe an hour after a rain shower had passed. I think he was alive, sleeping. More honestly, I tried not to wonder too much about him, if he was somebodys father or grandfather, somebodys uncle, cousin, lost love, or suffering from a medical condition.

Thats what is at the heart of laws like the one city officials in Grants Pass, Oregon are trying to implement  an attempt to prevent the public from being bothered by even the sight of fellow human beings who happen to be homeless. A decision in the court case would have ripple effects around the country. Though the problem is more visible in places such as New York, for the past couple of decades Ive watched Myrtle Beach struggle with the homelessness issue as well, with local activists fighting to feed homeless people in public and the city trying to deal with homeless men and women who cant or wont live in shelters  but never getting it quite right or resolving it.

Ill admit, there are no easy solutions to this problem. Homeless encampments, if allowed to flourish without challenge, can become more than a nuisance. They can morph into a danger for homeless people, as well as those who arent homeless. Ive seen that occur. Those struggling to survive on the streets have a variety of ailments that can metastasize if not treated, including drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems. Some have been kicked out of homes because theyve been ostracized by families who dont like that they are gay or trans. Others end up homeless because of outrageous home prices and a dearth of affordable housing. Some have been lured to places like Myrtle Beach by moderate weather and the promise of plentiful jobs that never materialize.

The problem can feel intractable. Yet, theres no way to convincingly, or compassionately, argue that stripping homeless people of the ability to provide themselves even the barest protections from the elements is not cruel and unusual punishment, one of the questions the U.S. Supreme Court is considering.

Where do we put them if every city, every village, every town lacks compassion and passes a law identical to this, where are they supposed to sleep? Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked during oral arguments Monday. Are they supposed to kill themselves not sleeping?

Everyday citizens have a right to crave tranquil streets and public parks. But that cant happen at the expense of those struggling to simply survive.

Issac Bailey is a McClatchy Opinion writer in North and South Carolina.
The Biden administration on Wednesday will head to the Supreme Court to defend one of its primary efforts to protect abortion rights after the fall of Roe v. Wade.

At stake is whether a federal emergency care law passed 37 years ago trumps state laws that ban abortion in nearly all circumstances.

The Justice Department contends the law requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide an abortion if necessary to stabilize the health of an emergency room patient, regardless of state abortion bans.

Conservatives say the administration is trying to use the law to create a national abortion mandate for hospitals. They argue federal law doesnt dictate the kind of care people receive, only that they are stabilized.

This will be the second time in as many months the Supreme Court has heard an abortion argument after ostensibly returning the issue to the states, and the case represents the latest legal challenge that could reshape access to abortion across the country.

Unlike an earlier case involving the abortion drug mifepristone, this lawsuit has been progressing mostly under the radar. But it serves to further elevate abortion as an election year issue Democrats want to put front and center.

The case centers on a federal law known as EMTALA, or the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, which requires federally funded hospitals to provide stabilizing care to emergency room patients no matter their ability to pay.

The Biden administration invoked EMTALA in the wake of the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. The administration said state laws or mandates that employ a more restrictive definition of an emergency medical condition are preempted by the federal statute.

Many pregnancy complications do not pose a threat to the womans life when she arrives at the emergency room  but delaying care until necessary to prevent her death could allow her condition to deteriorate, placing her at risk of acute and long-term complications, the Justice Department said in its brief.

Idahos abortion ban is one of the strictest in the country and provides a narrow exemption only to save the life of the pregnant patient. The Biden administration sued Idaho just weeks after the Dobbs ruling.

A lower court quickly ruled in favor of the administration and put Idahos abortion ban on hold, but the White House has since lost multiple appeals.

In the most recent setback for the administration, the Supreme Court in an unsigned order paused lower court rulings that partially blocked Idahos abortion ban and agreed to take up the case before the lower courts had fully considered it on the merits. Until the court rules on the case later this summer, Idaho can continue prosecuting physicians who perform abortions in violation of the state law.

Abortion rights advocates warn that if the court rules for Idaho, physicians wont be allowed to follow their best medical judgment.

They want to provide the best care for their patients and help them out of medical crises. But theyre caught in this web of cruel and incredibly unclear laws that make it impossible to act. So doctors are suffering along with their patients in these situations, said Amy Myrick, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Health providers say state abortion laws contain too much uncertainty and dont protect them if they need to perform an abortion. As a result, stories about pregnant patients in medical distress being turned away from hospitals or being told to wait in a parking lot until their life is in danger are becoming common.

Caitlin Gustafson, an OB-GYN in Idaho, said the states abortion ban is driving doctors from the state and creating a maternal care desert, because many dont want to be second-guessed on their medical decisionmaking. Thats why EMTALA protection is critical, she said.

It is untenable to force physicians to divert from the standard of care, to ignore their medical training and judgment, only to answer to a political agenda that has nothing to do with the actual practice of medicine and the lives in front of us that are at risk, Gustafson told reporters during a recent briefing.

If you make standard medical care a crime when folks in all kinds of difficult medical situations present, especially in emergency situations, we are always going to see some type of delay, she added. Because its criminalized care, physicians are going to naturally hesitate.

But conservatives say doctors are being too cautious, and argue abortion bans dont prevent physicians from treating women with pregnancy complications.

The Biden administration keeps saying that women need to be at deaths door to receive care, and thats simply not true. Idahos law empowers doctors to make good-faith judgments in order to protect the life of the mother, said John Bursch, vice president of appellate advocacy for the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which is Idahos co-counsel in the case.

In a brief, Idaho argued that the text of EMTALA doesnt address abortion.

EMTALA says nothing about abortion. Congress has not silently mandated abortions that it wont pay for, especially not in a statute amended to protect a pregnant mothers unborn child, attorneys for Mike Moyle (R), Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives, wrote.

ADF attorneys representing Idaho Attorney General Raul R. Labrador (R) in a separate brief similarly argued that EMTALA does not require hospital emergency rooms to become abortion enclaves in violation of state law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, addressing his bill to prohibit local governments from spending funds to study reparations. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, addressing his bill to prohibit local governments from spending funds to study reparations. (Photo: John Partipilo)

UPDATED: This story has been updated to reflect a House vote to table the anti-reparations bill.

The Tennessee House voted 52-43 Wednesday to defeat an anti-reparations bill despite the efforts by an East Tennessee House Republican to resurrect the measure.

Before introducing the bill, Republican Rep. John Ragan of Oak Ridge circulated a letter to colleagues seeking their support in passing House Bill 474 to stop counties from looking into reparations and disbursing money to those whose family members were enslaved.

The measure passed in the Senate on a 26-6 vote but got hung up in the House. Republican Rep. Sam Whitson called for a vote to table Ragans legislation.

In response, Ragan told the chamber that people shouldnt be forced to pay for the wrongdoing of their ancestors. He pointed out that all Japanese shouldnt be blamed for the bombing of Pearl Harbor and all Muslims shouldnt be held responsible for the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Ragan noted in the letter that state Sen. Brent Taylor of Memphis brought him the bill and said he will not back down from resistance. He also accused opponents of blatant bullying and immoral tactics.

Frankly, two opposition caucus members have unashamedly engaged in such, hurling repugnant insults and racial slurs in the Peoples House  apparently without penalty, Ragans letter says. Regrettably, other members of their caucus have failed to demonstrate the moral courage to oppose such a degradation of our states great institution. In fact, some have even supported these actions openly.

Ragan also said the press, always hungry for salacious sensationalism and manufactured controversy, blew the matter out of proportion, causing some lawmakers to consider support of the bill a threat to their re-election.

Democratic Reps. Justin Jones of Nashville and Justin J. Pearson of Memphis have been outspoken foes of the bill.

Pearson said shortly before the Wednesday vote, I am hopeful that this racist bill will be tabled.

Ragans letter asks Republican colleagues to vote their conscience and notes, It is a good and just bill that helps Tennessee and deserves a vote.







The post House kills anti-reparations bill despite lawmakers effort to save it appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
The House is practically functioning as a parliament, with Mike Johnson as its 'prime minister'

The House is practically functioning as a parliament, with Mike Johnson as its 'prime minister'

Youve heard of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Well, how about U.S. Prime Minister Mike Johnson?

These are the political circumstances now facing House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. After all, he runs a "coalition government" in Congress.

We hear about so-called "coalition governments" in parliaments overseas all the time.

A coalition government exists when no party wins an outright majority of seats. Thus, various factions team up to form a "coalition" and anoint a prime minister.

Coalition governments are common in Japan. In the United Kingdom, former Prime Minister David Cameron of the Conservatives formed a coalition with Liberal Democrats. That ended a long run by Labour in the U.K. It was the first coalition government in Great Britain since the 1970s.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

UK REPORT FINDS FORMER PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON LIED TO PARLAIMENT OVER PARTYGATE SCANDAL

The U.S. doesnt have a parliamentary system, but the House of Representatives is practically functioning as a parliament. Its a coalition government of lots of Democrats and various swaths of Republicans  depending on the issue.

So, Johnson could be perceived as the prime minister of this coalition government. He had the votes for Republicans to elect him as the successor to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., last October. In pure parliamentary style, the House even held a "vote of no confidence" on McCarthys leadership. Johnson faces a similar threat from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., over the coalition he built with Republicans and Democrats to avoid government shutdowns and pass the foreign aid package.

McCarthys "government" fell when he leaned on Democrats to approve bills to raise the debt ceiling and pass an emergency spending measure last October. But unlike McCarthy, Johnsons tenure remains intact. Although his grip on power is tenuous.

TRUMP DEFENDS JOHNSON AS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE PUSHES TO OUST SPEAKER

House Speaker Mike Johnson could be unseated by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, threatening the coalition government Johnson built last year with both Republicans and Democrats.

The phenomenon of a "coalition government" for Johnson started emerging last fall, shortly after Johnson clasped the gavel. Johnson met at the Capitol with Cameron, now serving as the British foreign secretary. But unlike Johnson, Cameron had already experienced the travails of a coalition government. An impasse of a "hung parliament" in 2010 meant Cameron had to form a coalition between the Tories and Liberal Democrats, leaving Labour at the curb.

"There are some very tricky issues to deal with," Cameron whispered to the new speaker as they huddled at the Capitol last December.

"Yes there are," Johnson said to Cameron. "We're navigating them as best we can at the moment. I have a three-vote majority and we just got some announcements today that it's even smaller than that."

"Oh, I didnt know that," Cameron said.

But he understood what the rookie speaker was in for.

"Well, my first government, I didnt have the majority, so I had to have a coalition," said Cameron.

"I know you can relate," said Johnson at the time.

Well, now Johnsons "governing coalition" has shrunk even further.

The speaker had a three-seat cushion in December when he spoke with Cameron. But Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., is resigning. That will shrink the meager Republican majority to a two-seat margin.

MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE CALLS JOHNSON'S FOREIGN AID PACKAGE HIS '3RD BETRAYAL' OF AMERICAN PEOPLE

Mike Johnson met with former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron last December to discuss the coalition government the House speaker began establishing last fall.

Here is the new breakdown in the House, post Gallagher: 429 members total, with 217 Republicans and 212 Democrats. That leaves six vacancies. If New York state Sen. Tim Kennedy, a Democrat, prevails over Republican Gary Dickson in a special election in western New York next week, the margin shrivels to a solitary seat. The breakdown would be as follows: 430 members with 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats. The GOP would only be able to lose one vote on any roll call and still prevail without help from the other side.

Thats where coalition governing comes in. Some of this even drifts back to the McCarthy era.

There was a combination of Democrats and Republicans who voted last June to lift the debt ceiling. Seventy-one Republicans voted "nay," so Democrats picked up the slack. This was all under McCarthys watch.

In November, Johnson was the speaker. He blessed a bill to temporarily fund the government. Ninety-three Republicans voted "nay." But again, Democrats rescued the GOP. Only two Democrats cast "nay" ballots.

Johnson tried a novel, two-step approach to avoid a government shutdown in the late winter. He lost 83 Republicans on a bill to fund a sliver of the government. Then Johnson lost 112 Republicans on a bill which funded about 70% of the government.

There was soon a vote to renew FISA Section 702, a controversial foreign surveillance program. Libertarian-minded conservatives and progressives were concerned about this plan. There was a robust debate about whether warrants were essential to eavesdrop on the communications of Americans. The House passed the bill. But a bipartisan coalition of 88 Republicans and 59 Democrats voted "nay."

The most controversial bill of all was the plan for Ukraine. The "Three Mikes" handle the bulk of foreign policy issues for Republicans: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul, R-Texas, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala. Each pushed to assist Ukraine and the House passed the bill. But 112 Republicans voted "nay." Thats well over half of the GOP conference. Democrats put up significant numbers on all of the foreign aid bills. But the minority party made the difference when it came to Ukraine.

That attests to the "coalition" which exists in the House right now.

3RD REPUBLICAN CALLS FOR SPEAKER JOHNSON'S OUSTER OVER $95B FOREIGN AID PLAN

There was no better testament to the coalition concept in the House than last week. Thats when the House needed to approve a "rule" to put the foreign aid packages on the floor. In the House, the body usually needs to approve a set of ground rules before bringing a piece of legislation to the floor. The "rule" dictates how much time the House allocates for debate and what amendments  if any  are in order. If the House doesnt greenlight the rule, the underlying legislation is stuck.

It's customary that majority party members vote yes on the rule (since its written by their party) and minority members vote no.

Republicans have struggled to even dislodge "rules" for legislation from the Rules Committee. But Democrats helped out on that last week  a rare move  even though Republicans dominate the membership on that committee.

In fact, Republicans have blown up a staggering seven "rules" on the House floor since last summer. In other words, Republicans are voting against bringing their own bills to the floor. The House had only witnessed two rules lose on the floor since the late 1990s.

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So last Friday, the "rule" for the foreign aid plan hit the House floor. Johnsons coalition government swung into action again. The House approved the rule by a wide margin: 316-94. But in this case, an astonishing 165 Democrats voted yes  compared to just 151 Republicans.

A smaller group of Democrats helped the House approve a rule last year to lift the debt ceiling. But no one had seen so many members of the minority party bail out the majority party on a rule like that since 1964. Thats when Republicans  then in the minority  helped the House adopt a rule on civil rights legislation.

It remains unclear how long this can go on for Johnson.

Greene could still try to unseat him. Its doubtful the Georgia Republican has the votes to do so. Republicans struggled to elect a speaker last fall. Depending on the level of turmoil, whoever would win likely needs to form a coalition  and become a de facto "prime minister." Otherwise, the House could be looking at the possibility of another leader  perhaps "Prime Minister" Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.





Original article source: The House is practically functioning as a parliament, with Mike Johnson as its 'prime minister'
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) has won the Republican primary in Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Fitzpatrick fended off a primary challenge from anti-abortion activist Mark Houck.

Houck was indicted in September 2022 for allegedly assaulting a volunteer reproductive health care escort near a Planned Parenthood center, violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

Houck was later acquitted of those charges in January 2023.

Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District sits just north of Philadelphia and includes Buck and Montgomery counties. President Biden carried Fitzpatricks district in 2020 by more than 4.5 points. It was one of 16 districts that Biden won in 2020 but that also elected Republicans to the House, making it a closely watched battleground.

Fitzpatrick is next gearing up for a rematch against Democratic candidate Ashley Ehasz, a government and public service sector consultant, whom he beat last cycle by close to 10 points.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Fitzpatricks seat as likely Republican.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW YORK  U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign over her handling of the Gaza protests ahead of an afternoon campus visit with Jewish students, who say they feel unsafe amid campus unrest.

President Shafik has shown to be a very weak and inept leader, Johnson said on The Hugh Hewitt Show, a conservative radio talkshow. They cannot even guarantee the safety of Jewish students. Theyre expected to run for their lives and stay home from class. Its just, its maddening.

What were seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable, he said.

Johnson is the highest-ranking elected official to demand Shafiks resignation, after several Republican lawmakers called for an end to her nascent tenure on Monday.

The speaker said New York Reps. Mike Lawler and Nicole Malliotakis will join him on campus, where students have erected a week-long encampment to demand Columbia divest from Israel and reverse pro-Palestinian student and faculty discipline.

Some of these kids who are protesting, Johnson continued, you and I both know the vast majority of them have no idea what theyre talking. They dont know the facts. Some of them are denying that Oct. 7 even happened.

Shafik, who testified before the Republican-led House education committee last week, has not indicated any plans to resign.

President Shafik is focused on de-escalating the rancor on Columbias campus, the university said in a statement. She is working across campus with members of the faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees, and with state, city, and community leaders, and appreciates their support.

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) accused Johnson of hypocrisy, after the speaker met last week with the head of the largest Christian Zionist organization, who he accused of being an extreme, far-right Christian nationalist. Nadler earlier this week condemned antisemitism on Columbias campus but stopped short of calling on Shafik to resign.

Today, @SpeakerJohnson will visit @Columbia University under the guise of combatting antisemitism, Nadler said on X, formerly known as Twitter. If the Speaker wants to actually combat antisemitism and not just score cheap political points, he must stop ignoring the antisemitism in his own party.
A girl reads a book at a bookstore in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, April 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of bookworms tuned in to Xinhua's livestream interview with teacher-turned-influencer Dong Yuhui on the eve of World Reading Day.

Dong, known for his engaging talks, encyclopedic knowledge and witty ad-libs, shared his personal story and thoughts on reading.

"Inside books, we can find the most intense feelings, the most profound wisdom, the loftiest moral sentiments and the highest aspiration of human beings," said Dong during the show.

The quote quickly circulated online and featured in media headlines.

The 31-year-old influencer, who was born in rural Shaanxi Province, is now very popular on China's video-sharing platform Douyin. He serves as a senior partner of New Oriental's e-commerce unit East Buy.

As an enthusiastic book-lover since childhood, Dong has always peppered his livestream sessions with anecdotes and quotes from renowned figures in human history, ranging from Confucius to William Shakespeare, from ancient Chinese poet Du Fu to Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

"I am reading with teacher Dong right now. So thankful that you inspire me to read paper books once again," one netizen from Guangdong Province wrote in the interview's comment section on Weibo.

Two years ago, Dong was still an ordinary livestreamer pitching agricultural products to online consumers on East Buy's Douyin channel, which was grappling with a lukewarm market response and stagnating subscriber numbers.

During a show in early June 2022, Dong cited German philosophers Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and shared with the audience British philosopher Bertrand Russel's famous quote -- "Three passions, simply but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind."

Over 10,000 viewers watched that show, catapulting Dong to unexpected stardom. Within half a month, the tally of subscribers to the channel surpassed 10 million, boosted by Dong's popular shows. According to a report of East Buy, its net profit in fiscal year 2023 reached 971 million yuan (about 136.64 million U.S. dollars), with 10 billion yuan of gross merchandise volume.

"Put down the mobile phone and enjoy the fragrance of books. In the past two years, my biggest takeaway from Dong Yuhui's livestream channel is to fall in love with books and awaken my love of reading," said a viewer from Sichuan.

In January, New Oriental launched a new Douyin channel for Dong, which currently has over 18 million subscribers. Books and magazines are a major category on the new channel's window display. Thanks to Dong's recommendation in various shows, "The Last Quarter of the Moon," written by Chinese novelist Chi Zijian, has sold nearly 3 million copies through the channel.

In the interview on April 22, Dong also weighed in on the question of how books can change a person's life.

"The life that we refer to here cannot be merely defined by results -- what kind of job you can get, whether it is decent and well-paid or not, or how much profit you can get from reading. That is too narrow a definition. In our life, we read to enlighten ourselves." 
House Speaker Mike Johnson wants Columbia University's President out.

Johnson and other House Republicans have criticized her handling of campus protests and antisemitism.

Pro-Palestinian student protests have been roiling Columbia's campus since last week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson wants Columbia University's president to resign, calling her "inept" and "weak."

Johnson, who is visiting Columbia on Wednesday, has railed against Nemat "Minouche" Shafik's handling of pro-Palestinian student protests and antisemitism on campus following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza .

Upon his arrival to campus Wednesday evening, Johnson was greeted by a crowd that booed and heckled him, while a few cheered, according to an Axios reporter who posted a video to X.

Though Johnson does not have the power to directly oust a college president, similar calls from political figures have fueled recent resignations.

After lawmakers and powerful figures urged the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and UPenn to resign following their congressional testimony about on-campus antisemitism in December, both Harvard's Claudine Gay and UPenn's Elizabeth Magill did resign, though MIT's president Sally Kornbluth has maintained her role.

"What we're seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable," Johnson said on "The Hugh Hewitt Show" on Wednesday. "Every leader in this country, every political official, every citizen of good conscience has to speak out and say that this is not who we are in America, and we have got to have accountability."

"It's unconscionable," Johnson added. "This president, Shafik, is shown to be a very weak, inept leader. They cannot even guarantee the safety of Jewish students? They're expected to run for their lives and stay home from class? It's just, it's, it's maddening."

Columbia students began camping out on campus last week to protest Israel's war in Gaza, arguing that the country is committing genocide against the Palestinian people. They're also demanding that the university divest from companies that support Israel.

As the protests were ramping up, Shafik testified to Congress, where she took a much stronger stance against antisemitism than her college president peers had done at their hearing months before. When Congress asked Harvard's Claudine Gay, for example, whether students calling for a Jewish genocide would violate university policies, she answered with, "It can be, depending on the context."

On the second day of protests, Shafik called in the NYPD, which arrested more than a hundred pro-Palestinian student protesters on suspicion of trespassing. The protests have continued in the days since, with some student groups saying Jewish students have been targeted with offensive, antisemitic rhetoric on campus.

In response to the ongoing campus unrest, House Republicans have been threatening to withdraw federal funding from Columbia and other schools experiencing similar protests, arguing that they've failed to protect Jewish students' safety.

"We're going to call on educational institutions like Columbia, if you cannot control what is happening at your university, if the president at this university is failing to keep students safe, then she shouldn't be eligible for any federal aid coming into this university," NY Republican Rep. Anthony D'Esposito said on Monday after visiting campus, according to The Washington Post.

Johnson echoed those calls on "The Hugh Hewitt Show" on Wednesday, adding that the visas of protesting students can be revoked.

Johnson is scheduled to meet with Columbia Jewish students and the university's Rabbi Yuda Drizin on Wednesday before holding a press conference where he and other House Republicans are expected to formally call for Shafik's resignation, The Washington Post reported.

"The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days," Shafik wrote in a statement on Monday following her decision to call NYPD to campus. "These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas. We need a reset."

Representatives for Shafik did not immediately respond to BI's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., talks to reporters just after lawmakers pushed a $95 billion national security aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies closer to passage, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, April 19, 2024. | J. Scott Applewhite

Amid boos and heckling, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., during a Wednesday press conference at Columbia University said, The madness has to stop. The madness has to stop.

His visit comes amid rising tensions from the more than a weeklong pro-Palestinian protest at the university, which has fueled picketing efforts at other schools across the country  from Harvard to the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Southern California.

These educational institutions are attempting to balance the safety of students with their right to free speech. Some schools have changed their policy to disallow protesting on college campuses, or pose restrictions at entrances, while others have leaned on law enforcement agencies to crack down on the demonstrators. At Yale, more than 40 students were arrested, and at New York University, police took 133 protesters into custody.

Johnson criticized the hatred and antisemitism flourishing in American colleges. He called for individuals perpetrating this violence to be arrested and for Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik to resign.

We met briefly with the (Columbia) president and her top officials right before we came out on the steps here. We encourage her to take immediate action and stamp this out. And our feeling is that they have not acted to restore order on the campus, said Johnson, joined by the New York Republican delegation.

At a House hearing last week, Shafik said her university is up against an extreme pressure test but pointed out Columbias move to create a task force to address antisemitism and update the schools process for holding demonstrations on campus. Still, Columbia retains a central role in the unrest on campuses.

My intention is to call President Biden after we leave here and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action, there is executive authority that would be appropriate. If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard.

Around the time of the press conference, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, in a post said, Ivy League antisemitism is still bigotry. Elite universities dont get a pass.

Shafik had set a deadline of midnight Tuesday for the protesters to reach an agreement with the school but the negotiations were derailed when the school made threats of an imminent sweep by the NYPD or the National Guard, the students said in a press release.

Without assurances of good faith bargaining and protections for nonviolent protesters against police and military violence, we will not be returning to the table, said Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student.

New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also chimed in, saying, Calling in police enforcement on nonviolent demonstrations of young students on campus is an escalatory, reckless, and dangerous act, in a post on X Tuesday. It represents a heinous failure of leadership that puts peoples lives at risk. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

Since Tuesday, the Ivy League university has made a written concession not to call the police, which the students consider an important victory. The negotiation deadline was extended to 48 hours after the compromise.

The White House is paying attention to this painful moment for many communities, said deputy press secretary Andrew Bates. We support every Americans right to peacefully protest. ... But as I said, when we witness calls for violence; physical intimidation; hateful, antisemitic rhetoric, those are unacceptable.

The president knows that silence is complicity, and thats why he uses the platforms he has to try and ensure that our fellow Americans are safe, Bates added at a press gaggle Tuesday. He didnt signal President Joe Bidens intentions to visit Columbia or the other schools. Biden signed a foreign aid supplemental bill earlier Wednesday, providing $26 billion for Israel as well as tens of billions to other countries, as students call for the divestment of all economic and academic stakes in Israel, per Politico.

As these protests continue to spread, the Secure Community Network, a Jewish security organization, said it is monitoring the safety and security conditions for potential escalation and asked campuses to restore calm and order.

Schools must restore calm and order, said SCN national director and CEO Michael Masters, according to CNN. The best way to do this is to enact and enforce strict anti-tent, anti-encampment policies, and have zero tolerance for assaults on either students or police. Schools must also ensure collaboration with law enforcement and students to create an environment of safety. Failure to enforce these rules will lead to escalating protests.
Houston-area program to give $500 monthly payments to some residents on hold after Texas lawsuit

AUSTIN (AP)  The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Harris County, which includes Houston, to put on hold a guaranteed income program that would provide $500 monthly cash payments to roughly 2,000 residents.

The program has become a target of Republican Texas Attorney General Paxton, who has accused local Democratic leaders of trying to score political points through the initiative and filed a lawsuit this month in an effort to block its implementation. The program is the latest rift between state and local leaders in the Houston area, where Democrats in recent years have gained political ground.

Austins guaranteed income payments spent mostly on housing

The Texas high court  which is made up entirely of Republican justices  made no ruling on the merits of the program, known as Uplift Harris. Still, the nine justices ordered the county to put the program on pause while the justices weigh its legality.

If implemented, Harris County would become one of the largest counties in the country with guaranteed income programs that have been replicated since the pandemic. Other major Texas cities, including Austin and San Antonio, have previously offered guaranteed income programs but did not face a lawsuit by the state.

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said Tuesday that he was not optimistic the county would get a fair shake from the Texas Supreme Court, which could permanently shut down the program.

What we are seeing is the attorney general selectively enforcing the Texas Constitution against the county that he thinks he can make the most headlines off of, Menefee said, adding that the lawsuit appeared to be a political move against an area with rising Democratic political power.

The program would provide cash payments to more than 1,900 qualifying county residents for 1 1/2 years. Eligible recipients must reside in an area identified with a high poverty rate and have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty line, which is about $30,000 for a single-person household.

It is funded by $20.5 million from President Joe Bidens 2021 pandemic relief package and follows in the footsteps of dozens of cities and counties across the country that have implemented guaranteed income programs to reduce poverty and inequality.

Paxton argued that the program, which he calls the Harris Handout, violates a line in the state constitution that prohibits local governments, political corporations or state entities from granting public money or thing of value in aid of, or to any individual.

Harris County officials cannot continue to abuse their power and the peoples money to score political points, and we will fight every step of the way to hold them accountable, Paxton said in a statement Tuesday following his appeal to the states highest civil court.

Meanwhile, Harris County officials continued to push back, arguing that the decision was politicized and pointed to orders by two lower courts, which did not pause the program.

According to Harris County officials, the county received more than 82,000 applications for the program by the February 2 deadline and distribution of the funds was set to begin tomorrow.

The lawsuit comes as the county has remained at odds with state Republican leaders for years, leading to multiple legal battles.

In 2021, state lawmakers passed voting legislation which targeted programs  implemented by the county the previous year  to facilitate voting during the COVID-19 pandemic for the countys more than 2 million voters.

During the states next legislative session in 2023, GOP lawmakers passed new laws seeking more influence over Harris County elections.

Last year, state education leaders took over the Houston school district, the states largest, after years of complaints over student performance.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
People take part in a protest against the cuts being made to education and science by President Milei's ultra-liberal government. Numerous people demanded financial support for state colleges and universities. Cristina Sille/dpa

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Argentina to protest against cuts in the higher education sector.

According to the University of Buenos Aires, more than 500,000 demonstrators protested in the capital alone on Tuesday against the strict austerity programme of President Javier Milei's ultra-liberal government.

"We are defending the public, open and free university, which is one of the great achievements of our people and which we will not give up," said Nobel Peace Prize winner Adolfo Perez Esquivel at the central rally in front of the Casa Rosada, the seat of government.

"We are defending our right to live in dignity."

The education system in Argentina is considered to be one of the best in Latin America. Studies at public universities are free of charge and many young people from other countries in the region also come to the country to study.

As part of its austerity policy, the Argentinian government recently cut the budget of public universities by 71%. If the funds are not increased, the University of Buenos Aires will no longer be able to pay the salaries of its staff from the middle of the year, newspaper La Nacion reported.

Argentina has been in a severe economic crisis for years. The ultra-liberal Milei has imposed harsh austerity measures on the country, cutting thousands of jobs in the public sector, reducing subsidies and winding down social programmes.

On Monday, he announced the first quarterly budget surplus in more than 15 years. However, critics say Milei's harsh austerity programme is plunging many people into poverty and is putting the country's future at risk, including with the cuts in the education sector.

People take part in a protest against the cuts being made to education and science by President Milei's ultra-liberal government. Numerous people demanded financial support for state colleges and universities. Cristina Sille/dpa

People take part in a protest against the cuts being made to education and science by President Milei's ultra-liberal government. Numerous people demanded financial support for state colleges and universities. Cristina Sille/dpa
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Hundreds of UIUC students gathered in Champaign on Wednesday to protest the University for what they describe as its complicity in the war in Gaza.

Students started rallying at Alma Mater in the afternoon, before travelling to Green Street for a protest and then moved to across the street from Swanlund Administration Building, to hope to talk to administration.

The protest was organized by a student group ActNow4Palestine. They are demanding the University to divest from BlackRock, an asset manager company. Among the companies BlackRock invests their money in are weapons manufacturer Lockhead Martin, Northrup and Raytheon, who supply weapons to Israel.

Illinois students unite for peace amid Israel-Palestine conflict

As a Palestinian, Im saddened by the disregard Chancellor Jones and President Killeen have

shown to my community, Dema Karim, spokesperson for ActNow4Palestine, said in a news release announcing the protest.

The group also wants the university to form an advisory committee for Palestinian, Muslim and Arab affairs.

Norman Hernandez, the undergrad student spokesperson of ActNow4Palestine, said its important for him to be a voice for the voiceless, no matter where they are in the world.

I think its easy for people to, you know, look over there and, you know, see it as something thats kind of abstracted from our way of life, Hernandez said. But I really urge people to educate themselves on why its not.

What to know about pro-Palestine university protests, from Texas to California

A small group of students was there to show support for Israel as well.

My brothers and sisters that are not able to celebrate the holiday of Passover or breathe fresh air today as theyre hostages, Jonah Shapiro, a student told WCIA before a protestor shouted profanities at him.

And Im here because of people like that that hate us, he added.

Robin Kaler, University of Illinoiss Associate Chancellor of Strategic Communications and Marketing, gave WCIA a statement on the protest.

We care about all of our students and are focused on the things we can do here on our campus to deliver the educational experience they expected when they chose to come to Illinois. Members of our university community and even visitors are allowed to exercise their freedom to engage in expressive activities on university property as long as they abide by university policies that are consistent with the First Amendment. We always hope they exercise those rights that are respectful of people with other viewpoints. Additionally, we hope those are not involved in a particular event show that same courtesy. Statement from Robin Kaler

Pro-Palestinian protests have happened at college campuses across the country this week, including at Columbia University and NYU.

Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since Hamas Oct. 7 deadly attack, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The National Hurricane Center on Wednesday issued a special tropical weather outlook for an area of disturbed weather in the Atlantic that has a 10 percent chance of developing. Yes, were still 37 days away from the start of hurricane season.

An area of low pressure located about 900 miles northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands has been producing a small but persistent area of showers and thunderstorms to the east of its center since this morning, the hurricane center said in its update. However, the low is forecast to move southwestward at 10 to 15 mph into an area of stronger upper-level winds tonight and tomorrow, and additional development is not expected.

The hurricane center gave the area a 10 percent chance of forming into a depression or storm in the next 48 hours, and the same 10 percent chance for development in the next seven days.

Hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on Nov. 3, But if you think its too early for a tropical storm to form, think again.

In the 1938 hurricane season, a tropical storm formed on Jan. 3  the earliest recorded storm.

According to AccuWeather, there have been three tropical storms that formed during the month of April. They were, Tropical Storm Arlene on April 16, 2017; Tropical Storm Ana on April 20, 2003; and unnamed sub-tropical storm formed on April 21, 1992. Tropical Storm Arlene on April 16, 2017.

The 2024 hurricane season is forecast to be extremely active. Hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University said in their 2024 season outlook earlier this month that they expect 23 named storms, including 11 hurricanes, five of which could be classified as major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
'I'd do it all over again': Kittery Fire Chief David O'Brien retiring after 49 years

KITTERY, Maine  Like father, like son.

David OBrien, longtime chief of the Kittery Fire Department, remembers the moments from his childhood when his father, a volunteer call firefighter in town, would be summoned out of bed and ordered to an active fire scene. OBriens mother would wake up, hand his father the keys, and off hed go to fight the fire.

OBrien would wake up in their Badgers Island home and, if the fire was roaring close by in Portsmouth, walk over to the Memorial Bridge to watch his father and the first responders work to hose down the scene.

I used to be 10 years old, and Id walk across the bridge, no matter what time, 2 or 3 or 4 oclock in the morning, and go to the fire because I knew Kittery (firefighters) would be there, he recalled. My father would look for me to see that I was there, just to kind of take care of me. It was a different world. We would do that stuff.

Kittery Fire Chief David O'Brien is retiring after 49 years in the department.

Just as his father did, OBrien became a call firefighter in Kittery in 1975 after spending his childhood with his father in the old Walker Street fire station, then similarly became the towns deputy fire chief before stepping away. But in 1998, two years after leaving the department, then-Town Manager Philip McCarthy came calling with a pitch for OBrien to return as fire chief.

That year, he assumed control of the Kittery Fire Department from former Chief George Varney, though OBrien, then also a Portsmouth Naval Shipyard engineer, intended to serve as the departments head for just three years. But three years turned to four, and as his children got older, his schedule opened up. OBrien continued in his job, staying put for much longer than anticipated.

Today, 49 years after joining the town fire department, OBrien is calling it a career at the end of April, leaving the local force and moving to Raymond, Maine, just shy of 26 years of service as chief. His final day before turning his responsibilities over to soon-to-be chief Craig Alfis, the towns assistant fire chief, will be April 30.

What will OBrien miss most about his work? His answer is simple.

Firefighting, he responded in a Tuesday interview. And I dare you to find a firefighter that wont say that. Its that adrenaline rush when a call comes in and you listen to it. Theres no such thing as a routine call, but when its a little bit more than just an alarm activation, theres an adrenaline rush. Its neat.

OBrien joined the Kittery Fire Department years before it transitioned to a full-time force under his watch.

Upon joining the department, OBrien estimates there were 35 call firefighters for the Gorges Road station and another 35 in Kittery Point, figures that have heavily dwindled over the years.

The Town Council honored OBriens leadership with a proclamation Monday night. The body praised him for a record that includes furthering the towns relationship with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, boosting the towns rating from the Insurance Services Office, replacing old equipment and fire apparatuses, expanding the towns fire stations and transitioning the department to a full-time service.

OBrien commended Town Manager Kendra Amaral Monday for her work to bring more full-time firefighters into the fray after he spent years advocating for a more hands-on deck.

She is the one that made it possible to take it to the next level, which was with the career firefighters, he said at the council meeting. She was the one that listened after all my years of sitting there saying, Its not a call department anymore. The run numbers are up, the population is up. We just cant do it anymore with a call force of 78-year-olds and 72-year-olds. And she recognized that through numbers of years or providing information through the budget, which allowed us to progress that forward.

The largest fire that OBrien ever served as the on-scene commander for was the fatal five-alarm blaze at the now-destroyed Days Inn on the Route 1 Bypass last May, an incident worsened by dry and windy conditions. The fire took hours to extinguish, requiring over a dozen tankers bringing water to the fire as surrounding traffic on the busy roadway was diverted for a long period. Smoke was seen for miles and debris from the burning building flew into adjacent lots, causing minor damage to nearby structures.

A large fire broke out at the Days Inn on Route 1 Bypass in Kittery, Maine, Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

One person  57-year-old Daniel Clarke of Manassas, Virginia  was killed in the fire.

The Days Inn was the most ferocious (fire) in a short period of time that Ive ever been on. It was a nasty day, OBrien remembered.

Beyond his job in Kittery, OBrien has served in numerous other fire-related capacities, including the Maine Association of Fire Chiefs and on the Executive Board of the Seacoast Fire Officers Mutual Aid District, per the town.

Hes going to leave a big hole, Town Council chairperson Judy Spiller said Monday. I think we know what a great job he does training.

Kittery Fire Chief David O'Brien is retiring after 49 years in the department.

Weve got a great new chief coming in, added council vice chairperson Colin McGuire.

Alfis is slated to take over the top spot from OBrien at the start of May. The Kittery resident joined the town department as a call firefighter in 2008, when the department was still fully composed of an all-call team. He then became the assistant fire chief in 2019.

Alfis, 38, dually serves as the towns code enforcement officer, a responsibility he'll transition out of as he becomes fire chief.

Ive worked for chief for 15 years, he said of OBrien. He is sometimes a tough person to work for but hes doing that to mold you into the type of employee that he needs to (have). All of these firefighters here have thrived under him, myself included. He really, from almost day one, saw some potential in me that I didnt see and has just worked to be a mentor to teach me the trade.

Firefighting is also in Alfis blood, as the incoming chiefs father was a career firefighter in Hanover, Massachusetts. Alfis came north after his college graduation to originally work as an engineer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard but found his love for the service in Maines oldest town.

The Kittery Fire Department, which has its primary station on Gorges Road and another in Kittery Point, is looking to add more full-time firefighters to its team. The department presently is only fully staffed 10 hours every day, rather than on a 24/7 basis, according to Alfis.

It will be fun really for me to step into that unknown and start to shape how thats going to work, he said.

I hand-picked Craig to be chief, OBrien said. Weve been training him for years to do it.

An additional order of business will be for the department to hire a full-time assistant fire chief to serve under Alfis.

As soon as he signs off from his post in Kittery, OBrien is turning off all notifications on his phone that would alert him to any fire occurring in Kittery. If he knows, hell want to jump straight into action as he has for decades.

I dont want to know. I dont want to be up in Raymond and hear they have a structure fire down in Kittery because itll just drive me crazy, he joked.

The outgoing chief plans to remain active working in the fire service in some capacity, with an eye toward eventually seeking opportunities in fire education.

Locally, OBrien is not the only municipal fire chief to go the distance. Next door in Eliot, Fire Chief Jay Muzeroll is in his 50th year of service, while in Exeter, New Hampshire, Fire Chief Eric Wilking is retiring after 42 years across multiple communities.

I think the two of them, plus myself, will tell you there are times where youve just got to roll with the punches, OBrien said of his two friends and colleagues. It may drive you crazy, but youve just got to. Im not one to usually let something pass. I usually speak my piece. But sometimes youve just got to say, Okay, thats the way it is.

Kittery Fire Chief David O'Brien is retiring after 49 years in the department.

Id do it all over again, he added.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Kittery Maine Fire Chief David O'Brien retiring after 49 years
IDF says it hit more than 40 Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant addresses the annual Conference of Presidents at the MoD Headquarters in Tel Aviv. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant claimed that half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon have been killed by the Israeli military. Shachar Yurman/GPO/dpa

Israeli jets and artillery struck approximately 40 pro-Iranian Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon on Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said.

The IDF said it hit an arms depot and "other terror infrastructures," in south Lebanon, especially in the area of Ayta ash Shab, a hotbed of the group.

Lebanese security sources told dpa that Israeli warplanes carried out more than 14 airstrikes on various southern Lebanese locations.

Earlier Hezbollah claimed that they fired barrages of rockets across the border in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Hanine, which killed two civilians late Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant claimed that half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon have been killed by the Israeli military.

His remarks were made following a visit to the Israeli armys Northern Command in Safad.

"Half of the Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon have been eliminated, the other half are hiding. In the operational aspect, the coming period will be decisive," he said.

Since the beginning of the Gaza war in October, deaths and injuries have resulted from daily firing on the border between Lebanon and Israel.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the 24th meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese lawmakers met on Wednesday during the country's ongoing legislative session.

The meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee was presided over by Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

The meeting heard reports on the deliberations of bills during the session, as well as suggestions for revisions to some of the draft normative documents under review. Based on the deliberations, revisions have been made to the draft normative documents, and draft legal decisions have been prepared.

The meeting decided to submit the updated normative documents to the ongoing session of the NPC Standing Committee for review. 
CHICAGO  While Chicagoans were alarmed to learn the spotted lanternfly had been found in Illinois last year, experts say spring is the time to take action against that insect  as well as another damaging invasive species that has made far more inroads and gotten less attention.

The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, has been in Illinois for decades and can strip leaves and kill trees, sometimes defoliating large swaths of land.

Kathryn Bronsky, a national policy manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said while its important to stop spongy moths from killing trees in the 20 states in which they are currently established, its even more important to limit the insects expansion across the United States.

Bronsky said spongy moths usually spread around the country in the form of egg masses.

Egg masses get laid on everything, Bronsky said. They can lay them on your barbeque or your backyard grill, on your patio furniture, things youd think theres no way caterpillars could be on.

Egg masses are usually a cream color, according to Greg Dwyer, a professor of ecology and evolution at the University of Chicago, and appear spongy, with small holes across the surface. Both the spotted lanternfly and the spongy moth lay eggs in masses, but where the lanternfly may lay as many as 60 eggs, the moth can lay up to 1,000.

These eggs begin hatching in spring, and the USDA is encouraging residents to report and destroy any eggs they find before the insects enter more destructive phases.

Dwyer said spongy moths feed on a variety of hardwood trees, including oaks. In some states, including Michigan, the moth has caused significant damage to hundreds of thousands of acres of forest.

The spongy moth is extremely voracious, Dwyer said. And sometimes it gets up to very, very high numbers, and will deploy to vast areas.

While Dwyer said many insects feed on foliage and trees, the moth poses a particular danger because of its sheer numbers and its preference for hardwood trees. Enough moths can eat the foliage on an entire tree, killing it over several years.

The spotted lanternfly, on the other hand, prefers items like grapes, hops and some hardwoods like walnut trees, according to Matthew Travis, the spotted lanternfly national policy manager at the USDA.

These things are really important to a lot of communities, certainly to agricultural communities, Travis said. People rely on what those plants provide, whether thats grape juice or wine, and certainly hops and beer. So the spotted lanternfly has been known to really act as a big stressor.

Travis said the spotted lanternfly reached Chicago in 2023 and was found near railroads  a primary pathway for invasive species. While its not yet clear to what extent Chicagoans will see the lanternfly this summer, Travis said its important to keep an eye out for the insects harder, darker egg masses.

Just this weekend, we saw hatching potential in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Travis said. Itll be some time before hatching hits the Chicago area, but in May people can start looking for the insects and reporting those insects to their state department of agriculture.

Tricia Bethke, the Morton Arboretums forest pest outreach coordinator, said spongy moths are best eliminated as eggs. As soon as they hatch, they can feed off millions of trees due to their numbers. While they arent the only factor that can contribute to a decline in forest areas, spongy moths make a significant impact when paired with other ecological threats like climate change.

It becomes a one-two punch, Bethke said. If the tree is being defoliated every single year, it will grow back smaller. Its like a bank account where youre taking out more money than youre putting in.

Spongy moths usually exist in their caterpillar stage for about seven weeks, and are most active in the early summer months, according to Bethke. Adults emerge after one or two weeks and live just long enough to mate and lay eggs.

Dead or dying trees have not been as much of a problem in Illinois as in surrounding states, Bethke said, because of a partnership between the USDA, the U.S. Forest Service and the Illinois Department of Agriculture that calculates which of the states counties are seeing the most moths. Early-stage moths in those counties are sprayed with bacteria, preventing them from spreading.

This year, Jo Daviess County and Carroll County were identified as counties with elevated moth counts, Bethke said. Cook and DuPage counties have previously engaged in preemptive spraying, according to Bethke, and are now seeing fewer spongy moths. That preemptive spraying, as well as pheromone spraying and trapping which stops the moths from mating, is why spongy moth numbers in Illinois have tended to stay low, Dwyer said.

The reason why were talking about it now is because the spring seasons are when we see the eggs forming, Dwyer said. The insect only got to the Midwest in the 1980s, and has been gradually spreading across the country. The more moths that hatch, the more danger there is.

When spongy moths are eliminated in the egg stage, there is also less chance people might accidentally spread them, Bronsky said.

She said its important for Illinois residents to keep an eye out for these masses, removing them from trees as well as outdoor items and furniture and disposing of them in a sealed container.

They are excellent hitchhikers, Bronsky said. People dont even know that theyre spreading them to new areas. Its really mandatory to look for these egg masses, scrape them off, and certify that youre moving household goods free of spongy moth egg masses.

____
Several students protesting at a local college may soon be subject to imminent law enforcement action, officials said Wednesday.

Emerson College says the students encamping in Boylston Place Alley in protest of the War in Gaza violate Boston city rules.

School officials say that Bolyston Place is partially owned by the college but is also a public right-of-way. In a statement, Emerson College says the encampment violates ordinances prohibiting tents in a public right-of-way. There have also been violations involving blocking pedestrian access to the alley, excessive noise in public, and fire hazards posed by blocking doors and hydrants, Emerson says.

Consistent with Emersons values and as a matter of principle, we support our communitys right to express their views through protest. However, they must do so in a manner consistent with the laws of the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, read a statement signed by college president Jay Bernhardt and several other school officials. Earlier today, the Commissioners of the BPD and BFD directly informed Emersons leadership that some actions of the protestors are in direct violation of city ordinances, which could result in imminent law enforcement action.

Tents and cardboard signs have populated Bolyston Place since students moved into the alley on Sunday night.

Pro-Palestinian camps also began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Tufts University Sunday night, joining Columbia University in protesting their schools affiliations with Israel.

These students say they have four demands.

Number 1, to call for a permanent and immediate ceasefire in Gaza, number 2, disclose all financial investments and connections towards Zionist entities, and 3, divest from those entities and number 4, drop any of the academic disciplinary charges on these students, said Owen Buxton, an Emerson College student.

But Boston city leaders say these tents are now violating city code since its becoming a fire hazard with students blocking doors, hydrants and access to public buildings like the states transportation center.

Were gonna stay until our demands are met or until were forcibly dragged out, said Amrita Bala, an Emerson College student whos part of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Some Jewish students also say theyve been harassed trying to come through here.

Ive had friends who have been verbally abused, Ive had friends who have been physically assaulted trying to get to their dorms too because theyre blocking off hundreds of peoples living space, said Ari Willis, a Jewish student at Emerson College.

Emerson College sent a letter to students warning them to clear the alley after the demands from the city.

The college also says theyve had reports of protesters intimidating Jewish students and that behavior is unacceptable.

This type of behavior is unacceptable on our campus. To ensure the safety of our community, Emerson has placed members of the Windwalker Security staff at the Boylston Place alley to ensure safe and consistent access to the alley as required by law. Students, staff, and faculty who feel unsafe may also request an escort from the Emerson College Police Department, the school said in a statement.

At an unrelated event, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Wednesday that the city is monitoring the situation.

The citys interest is in safety for everyone and access to the public building, the state transportation building and other offices that might be in that building, Wu said. Its an important part of Bostons traditions to protect free speech and making sure peoples voices can be heard, it just has to be done in line with public safety.

Emerson College remains steadfast in its support of community members right to peacefully protest, the school said. However, we must also emphasize that we cannot prevent the enforcement of Boston city ordinances or Massachusetts state law. We strongly urge the protestors and their supporters to immediately comply with these laws to avoid legal consequences beyond the Colleges authority or control.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan appeared at the White house to address press questions regarding the United Statess stratagies for Israels defense. During the White House press briefing, Sullivan was asked by The Independent's White House correspondent, Andrew Feinber, about the sanctioning of an Israel Defense Forces unit. According to Israeli government officials, President Joe Biden has backed down on sanctioning the Netzah Yehuda battalion unit of the Israel Defense Forces. The Netzah Yehuda battalion was set up in 1999 to respect and adhere to the religious beliefs of ultra-Orthodox Jews. Jake Sullivan replied to these rumors stating that how the US deals with sanctions of certain units of the Israel Defense Forces will rely on The Leahy Laws.

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Indiana-based airline opens flight school at the home of the Tuskegee Airmen

Republic Airways is spreading its flight training program to Tuskegee University, Alabama.

The Indianapolis-based airlines Leadership in Flight Training (LIFT) Academy has partnered with the historically Black university to open a flight school for aspiring commercial pilots.

Tuskegee University Flight School offers a comprehensive course that includes classroom instruction and hands-on flight training.

A group of students from Washington Irving Neighborhood School in Indianapolis pose Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in front of a poster which shows the single photograph taken of the pilots in the 332nd Fighter Group, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen, after their win at the first-ever United Sates Air Force Aerial Gunnery Competition in 1949. "They were the first Top Guns," Reginald DuValle, president of the Indianapolis Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., said. "What would we as a society be like if we all knew that the first top guns were Black?"

With an investment of $27 million for aircraft and the creation of 35 full-time aviation-related jobs, the initiative seeks to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while providing students with career opportunities in commercial aviation, the company said.

What career training will LIFT Academy provide?

Upon finishing the four-year program, students get a bachelors degree in Aviation Science from Tuskegee University and a private pilot license, having completed 120 credit hours.

An 18-month certificate curriculum tailored for non-degree students and requiring up to 39 credit hours will allow those outside of Tuskegee University to access training for a career in aviation.

The school provides affordable flight training and builds on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. The legendary African-American military pilots who fought in World War II were educated at Tuskegee University  then Tuskegee Institute.

A look inside a training room for two pilots and an instructor Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, inside Republic Airways' training center that offers various levels of flight simulation.

Tuskegee is the latest university to partner with LIFT Academy, which also has collaborations with Indiana Wesleyan University, Purdue University Global and Ivy Tech Community College.

LIFT Academy, headquartered at Indianapolis International Airport, integrates its flight training with their academic curricula, enabling students to pursue bachelor's and associate degrees in aviation science while also pursuing commercial pilot licenses.

Upon graduation, program alumni have a clear pathway to full-time careers with Republic Airways.

The airlines parent, Republic Airways Holdings Inc., founded the commercial aviation pilot school to provide students instruction from experienced pilots. The curriculum combines flight, flight simulator, online and in-classroom training.

LIFT Academy also offers an aviation maintenance technician apprenticeship program.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Republic Airways builds flight school at historic Tuskegee University
For the record:

1:28 p.m. April 24, 2024: A previous version of this story said members of the Drake family had been goat dairy farmers since the 1880s. They started farming in the 1880s, but Dan Drake began goat farming in 1984.



The thieves came in the middle of the night with wire cutters, snipping through the fence and trampling through a brush of stinging nettle. Their target? A pen of goats, some of them pregnant and others that had just given birth.

"They took the tamest, nicest goats that would have come up to them," said Dan Drake, the owner of Drake Family Farms in Ontario. The burglars had thoroughly cased the joint before pulling off their heist on the night of April 15, when they carted off 12 of his farm's 500 goats  including his children's beloved pet, Nova.

Owner Dan Drake shows where thieves cut through a fence on his property and stole 12 of his 500 goats from Drake Family Farms in Ontario. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Drake's goats were easy marks. Goats can't do much damage with a bite (they don't have incisors on their upper jaw), and the ones on Drake's farm had their horns burnt to stop them from growing. Lacking natural weapons of their own, his domesticated goats relied on two Great Pyrenees dogs to defend against hungry predators. But the crafty robbers somehow knew that the dogs couldn't reach the part of the farmstead where they were breaking in.

"They took one of my favorite goats that I would never sell for even $12,000," he sobbed over the phone. Drake suspects that one goat who was suffering from pregnancy toxemia is long dead because she didn't receive the medicine she needed the next morning.

The Drakes filed a report at the Ontario Police Department and are offering a $3,500 reward in the hopes that the goats might still be found. So far, though, the efforts have been unavailing.

Some people have sent pictures of goats wandering in their neighborhood, thinking they've found the stolen animals. But they aren't the Drakes', said Dan's wife, Kim, explaining that their animals are well kept and clean. "I know right away they're not our goats... they're not shaggy," she said.

Three eager goats receive treats from visitors who are about to tour Drake Family Farms in Ontario. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Nor have the goats turned up at any of the local dairies or at a slaughterhouse, said Det. Michael Williams, who's been investigating this suspected case of grand larceny.

Read more: A little girl's family wants to know who slaughtered her pet goat. Shasta District Fair officials won't say

This is just the latest chapter in the long uphill battle Drake has faced since 2010 to keep his dairy farm in the Inland Empire afloat. Drake cares for about 200 dairy cows a day through his livestock veterinarian practice, and over the years he has poured tens of thousands of dollars from his job into making what he claims is the best goat cheese in the country.

"He'll tell you he's addicted to [goats]," said Kim, who works as a nurse practitioner when she isn't caring for their three children. "That's [Drake's] calling, I got sucked into it." Kim Drake estimates that her husband works around 120 hours a week managing two businesses at once.

Dan Drake, whose skin is sun-kissed red by the many hours he's spent working outdoors, gets dreamy-eyed whenever he talks about his devotion to goats. He is part of a shrinking population of Americans who still call farming a profession. He is the first in his family to raise goats, but his family has been farmers since the 1880s in Salt Lake County, Utah, where their original farm still stands.



He was only 13 years old when he registered his first goat with the American Dairy Goat Assn.  and he was immediately hooked. "Understand I'm like a cat lady, that's me, but I have goats," said Drake, who knows almost every single one of his 500 goats by name.

Drake's business is one of 42 remaining goat farms authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture to produce dairy products, and the theft last week has put it into an even more financially precarious state.

Their business was finally in the black after Mendocino Farms partnered with the Drakes to make an entree called "Save Drake Farms Salad" that paid off all their debts, but the pandemic reversed their fortunes.

"COVID killed us," Drake said. "Most of our cheeses sold in high-end restaurants, and they were all closed for months."

Goats are milked at Drake Family Farms. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

After COVID, Mendocino Farms ended its partnership with the Drakes to save money, he said, and they had to scramble to find a new partner, Sweetgreen. Faced with looming closure, Drake just couldn't pull the plug on his passion project, even though it takes about $600,000 a year in total to run his farmstead and Sweetgreen makes up only about $400,000 in purchases.

The Drakes try to make up the rest by selling cheese at farmers markets and their farm, where they also offer goat petting, tours with cheese tastings. Drake also makes money selling genetically superior male goats to other dairy farms. Other male goats are sold as pets or in some cases for families to eat, but he doesn't butcher any of the animals himself.

Read more: Joshua Trees famed three-legged coyote Tripod is in danger of being loved to death

The key to making great cheese is simple for Drake: Keep your goats happy and clean. "There's some really nasty-tasting goat cheese in the world," Drake said while giving a tour of the milking station.

Goats, like cows, need to be milked twice a day, but Drake said most places don't follow the same rigorous cleaning regimen as his business does. "There's no cleaning...there's no checking, you just get what you get. And that's why the cheese tastes horrible," he said.

He spends around $16,000 a month on 50 tons of high-quality alfalfa hay for his livestock. When we take a lot of extra time and we double our expense and labor ... then that comes back to us in a quality product," said Drake, who noted that his farm has Certified Humane status. Considering how much labor he puts into the farm, sometimes it isn't clear whether Drake's working for the goats or if they're working for him.

But the recent setbacks haven't deterred him from dreaming. "I want to have a regenerative farm that actually enhances the environment, doesn't take away from it," he said.

Zephyr Justus, 6, of Chino, left, and Ingvar Reid, 5, of Fontana hold baby goats while visiting Drake Family Farms. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

He'll be moving soon to a much larger plot of land in Riverside County, where he hopes to cut costs by installing a battery or solar panel that could help combat Edison's summertime surge pricing for electricity. And he's realizing he can tap into the agriculture tourism industry dollars by offering more educational tours of the farm.

Drake said he's faced many tough times in the business when the rational thing to do would have been to shut it down. But he's never had the heart to pull the plug.

He and his wife also see the farm as a form of public service. According to Kim Drake, people who visit the farm leave feeling more deeply connected with nature as the source of their food.

Read more: Wolverines vanished from California a century ago. Is it time to bring them back?

In Drake's petting zoo, families and children are all over the goats, which wander person to person searching for snacks and attention. Jennifer Sleeper, a trauma therapist, just happened to be cuddling a newborn goat whose mother was one of the dozen taken.

Goats roam at Drake Family Farms. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

"[This] is the happiest I've ever been in a long time," said Sleeper as the orphaned kid lounged peacefully in her lap and another sucked her finger, hungry for milk.

Sleeper is a pescatarian, but the Drake Family Farm's cheese is one she will eat because she sees the ethical sourcing that goes into it. "I think it's really good to support places like this," said the Venice resident of the farm that is one of only two goat dairy operations in Southern California, the other being in San Luis Obispo County. She hopes to volunteer even if the farmstead moves farther out in Riverside County.

"The cheese," she added, "is just delicious."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Inmate grabs officers pepper spray and is shot to death at hospital, Georgia police say

An officer shot an inmate to death inside a Georgia hospital after authorities said he grabbed another officers pepper spray.

The 31-year-old man from Canton died in the April 23 incident at Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Officers were called to the shooting at about 8:45 p.m., the agency said.

Georgia Department of Corrections officers went with the man to the hospital, where he was being treated after he was stabbed in a fight with another inmate at Washington State Prison earlier that day, according to investigators.

At one point, the man and a correctional officer started fighting, authorities said. Thats when police said the inmate grabbed the officers can of pepper spray and used it, blinding them.

The inmate then approached a second officer and sprayed her, according to investigators. The officer opened fire, hitting him, the GBI said.

He died at the scene, investigators said.

The Georgia Department of Corrections said it will investigate the stabbing that injured the inmate. The GBI said it is investigating the shooting.

Sandersville is about a 60-mile drive east from Macon.

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Several organizations have joined a Texas inmates lawsuit alleging the prison he is incarcerated in is keeping inmates in unsafe temperatures, causing sickness and death.

Bernhardt Tiede filed the federal lawsuit against Bryan Collier, the executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in August 2023, detailing extreme heat conditions in the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas.

McClatchy News reached out to Colliers attorney for comment but did not immediately hear back.

On April 22, a motion was granted allowing Texas Prisons Community Advocates, Build Up, Inc., Texas Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants and Coalition for Texans with Disabilities, Inc. to join the lawsuit.

The amended complaint, filed the same day, says the inmates are being exposed to extreme heat because of a lack of air conditioning in the housing units.

Were not trying to make this lush, were trying to make it humane. These are third world conditions. Were supposed to run prisons, not concentration camps, former head of the Correctional Officers Union Lancy Lowry said, according to the lawsuit.

The housing units reach 100 degrees or higher during the summer months, the lawsuit said. In some cases, temperatures have reached 149 degrees.

To simply survive, people housed in Texas prisons have had to flood their toilets and lie down in the water on the cell floor to try to cool their bodies, the lawsuit said.

Between 2001 and 2019, 271 people died in prison due to extreme heat exposure, according to the lawsuit.

Federal prison regulations similarly require temperatures in occupied areas to be set at between 68 to 76 degrees, so that even maximum-security federal prisons in hot climates like Texas, such as USP Beaumont and even prisons housing terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have air conditioning, the lawsuit said.

However, the court document said Texas prisons do not have these same requirements.

The overwhelming majority of prisons (roughly 70%) in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) system lacks air conditioning in the inmate housing units. As a result, approximately 85,000 of the roughly 130,000 TDCJ inmates currently lack air conditioning in their living areas, the lawsuit said.

Tiede is 65 years old and lives with diabetes and hypertension. Last summer, Tiede was hospitalized after he suffered an acute medical crisis and likely Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) as a result of being housed in a cell known to reach temperatures of 112 degrees, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit said after being hospitalized, Tiede was returned to the same oven-like cell where he previously suffered from paralysis, an ear infection and had to use a walker.

Tiede was moved to a cooler cell during the summer, when the court granted him a temporary restraining order, but the lawsuit said the court ruling allows the prison to move him back to a non-cool cell at its discretion.

The lawsuit said corrections officers have also suffered from the extreme heat in Texas prisons. Each summer, employees experience headaches, and collapse from heat exhaustion, the court document said.

An employee at one prison said the heat was so intense that his work clothes were often soaked through with sweat, and that he had witnessed a colleague being taken away in an ambulance last summer, the lawsuit said.

In Texas, there are laws that protect dogs and other animals from being exposed to extremely high temperatures, but not prisoners, the lawsuit said.

A representative for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice told McClatchy News it does not comment on pending litigation.

The agency has recently created an online dashboard dedicated to publicly track air-conditioning construction progress after acquiring $85 million, the representative said. A heat protocol site was also created to explain efforts the agency is taking to tackle the effects of hot temperatures.

The amended complaint is asking a judge to determine the current Texas Department of Criminal Justices heat policy constitutionally inadequate and for all facilities housing units to be kept between 65 to 85 degrees.

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(Bloomberg) -- The United Nations atomic watchdog expects to meet senior Iranian officials next month to discuss growing concern the Persian Gulf nation could build a nuclear weapon in response to escalating tension with Israel.

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International Atomic Energy Agency monitors were disturbed by comments made on April 18 by a top Iranian general that the Islamic Republic could revise its nuclear doctrine if Israel targets its atomic facilities. The remarks were widely taken as a warning that Iran could switch to building a warhead, having long said its atomic capability is only for civil purposes.

Read More: Iran Says Israeli Threats May Spark Shift in Nuclear Policy

Statements by a very high defense establishment official like the general are a source of concern, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Wednesday in an interview in the Dutch port of Rotterdam. The Middle East is in a very fragile situation. There is the need for a respectful but very serious conversation with them.

Tit-for-tat missile strikes between Israel and Iran this month have added urgency to the IAEAs years-long search to uncover the truth of Irans nuclear ambitions. While the IAEA carries out daily inspections of declared atomic facilities, suspicions linger over whether Iranian engineers could be concealing work used for military purposes. Tehran has blocked the agencys investigation into uranium detected at undeclared sites.

Read More: How Close Is Iran to Having a Nuclear Weapon?: QuickTake

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Ahmad Haghtalab didnt specify what changes he had in mind for Irans nuclear doctrine, though warned an attack on the countrys nuclear facilities would prompt return fire on Israels own sites.

He was speaking after Iran launched a barrage of some 300 drones and missiles on Israel in response to a strike in Syria that killed several Iranian officers on April 1. Israel responded on Friday with a more limited attack, allowing both sides to pause hostilities for now.

A senior Iranian lawmaker said on Wednesday that his country is technically able to enrich uranium to 90% purity for warheads in half a day or lets say one week, but said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains opposed to developing nuclear weapons.

Javad Karimi-Ghodoosi, a member of the chambers national security commission, made the comments in a video statement posted on X.

Chariots of Fire

Israel has long-planned a potential strike package aimed at Irans nuclear infrastructure, which it considers an existential threat. Developed in the wake of Irans now defunct nuclear deal with world powers, Israel tested its attack strategy during the so-called Chariots of Fire war simulation in 2022.

Those plans should never be put into action, said Grossi.

This as a reflection of a world where huge tensions are in play and where some see nuclear infrastructure as a good way to take advantage, Grossi said. Sides need to avoid weaponization of industrial activities that might have trans-boundary environmental and human consequences, he said.

Israels April 19 attack struck not too far away from one of Irans premier nuclear research facilities in Isfahan, Grossi said. I personally have been urging utmost restraint. We hope we will not see such occurrence again.

--With assistance from Golnar Motevalli and Patrick Sykes.

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MEP Petras Austrevicius has called for targeted sanctions against individuals undermining democratic processes by detaining peaceful demonstrators. Specifically, he proposed sanctions against Vazha Siradze, Director of the Patrol Police Department, and Zviad Kharazishvili, Director of the Special Tasks Department, for acting against the will of the Georgian people."Georgia's status as a candidate for EU membership obliges it to carry out political reforms. Trying to justify a repressive law with Western practices is just pathetic. This law is close to Russian authoritarianism. At the same time, I applaud the people of Georgia for their oppositional sentiments, actions, and civil activism to protect a Western future.Colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to urge the EU institutions to impose targeted sanctions against those who undermine democratic processes and orchestrate the arrest of peaceful demonstrators, specifically Zviad Kharazishvili and Vazha Siradze. These individuals act against the will of the Georgian people," Austrevicius said.The Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili reiterated his concerns about the lack of transparency in Western financing. He specifically accused the European Democracy Fund of "hiding" their money in Georgia."This may not be in the interests of others, especially those whose finances enter Georgia non-transparently. Unfortunately, EU funding is also non-transparent in Georgia. We also know of examples, such as the European Democracy Fund, which hides its funding in Georgia, contradicting European values.Unfortunately, for a year, I personally tried to communicate with various structures of the European Union to convince the representatives of the European Union themselves that secretly funding radical groups and political parties, deviating from European values, is wrong behavior," said Papuashvili.
CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday presided over a symposium in Chongqing and delivered an important speech on promoting the development of the western region in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the western region plays a crucial role in the overall picture of national reform, development, and stability. It is necessary to consistently implement the policies and measures of the CPC Central Committee to promote the development of the western region, further forming a new pattern of greater protection, openness, and high-quality development, enhancing the overall strength and sustainable development capability of the region, and striving to write a new chapter in the development of the region in the process of China's modernization.

Li Qiang, premier, Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier, attended the symposium. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Yuan Jiajun, Wang Xiaohui, Zhao Yide, and Ma Xingrui, Party secretaries of Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, Shaanxi Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, spoke successively at the symposium, reporting on the progress in promoting the development of the western region and putting forward suggestions and opinions. Leading officials from other provincial regions and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps attending the symposium submitted written speeches.

After listening to all the speeches, Xi delivered an important address. He pointed out that over the past five years since the CPC Central Committee made arrangements for pursuing further progress in the development of the western region in the new era, the western region has seen significant achievements on eco-environmental conservation and restoration, enhanced capability in carrying out high-quality development, quickened pace in building an open economy, as well as greatly improved infrastructure and steadily raised living standards of the people. It has also won victory in the battle against poverty as scheduled, and joined other regions in achieving the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and embarking on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects, Xi said. He also noted that there are still many difficulties and challenges to overcome for the region's further development. They need to be seriously studied.

Developing industries that leverage local strengths should be the main focus, he said, adding that efforts are needed to adopt a region-specific approach in nurturing emerging industries and expediting industrial transformation and upgrade in the western region. Xi highlighted the imperative to strengthen integration between innovation in science and technology and that in industries, actively train and introduce high-caliber sci-tech talents, and put them to best use, and strive for breakthroughs in a batch of core technologies in key fields. Efforts are needed to deepen the sci-tech cooperation between the central and eastern China and western China and achieve better results in building national innovation demonstration areas and demonstration zones for the transfer and commercialization of sci-tech innovation results. Measures should also be taken to speed up technological innovation of traditional industries, advance equipment renewals in major industries, and promote traditional industries with competitive edges to upgrade, improve the efficiency of their production and quality of their products, to boost the comprehensive utilization efficiency of resources and the fine and deep processing levels of products. Xi stressed the need to promote the integrated development between the centrally-administered enterprises and the western region, and build service industries such as tourism into pillar ones. He also urged efforts to adopt a region-specific approach when developing new quality productive forces, explore the development of modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries, and make deployment for the building of future-oriented industries, so as to form new growth drivers in the region.

Xi noted that high-quality development must be supported by high-level protection to consolidate the national ecological security barrier. Efforts should be made to optimize the framework of territorial space development and protection, enhance region-specific management and control of the ecological environment, and accelerate the advancement of major projects for the conservation and restoration of key ecosystems. This will help win the three iconic battles of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. It is imperative to strengthen the conservation of ecological resources, improve the capacity in preventing and controlling forest and grassland fires, as well as enhancing pollution prevention and control in key regions and fields. He underscored the efforts to further promote the transformation of energy conservation and carbon reduction in traditional industries to facilitate the clean and efficient utilization of coal in an orderly manner. It is important to improve the mechanism for realizing the market value of ecosystem goods and services, as well as the horizontal compensation mechanism for ecological conservation.

Xi underlined efforts to boost large-scale development through large-scale opening-up and facilitate opening up of the western region to the domestic and international markets. Measures should be taken to vigorously advance the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, promote development and opening-up along the route, and deeply integrate into the development of the Belt and Road. He underscored the need of improving the layout of different industrial parks, border economic cooperation zones, and cross-border economic cooperation zones, as well as promoting the high-quality development of pilot free trade zones. It is essential to steadily expand institutional opening up and build a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. Efforts should also be made to serve and align with regional major strategic initiatives, actively integrate into the building of a unified national market, innovate the connection mechanism for inclusive platforms in the eastern, central and western regions, as well as deepen pragmatic cooperation with the eastern, central and northeastern regions.

Xi noted the necessity of ensuring both development and security, and improving the security guarantee capacity in key areas such as energy and resources. He urged the region to accelerate the development of a new energy sector, and expand and strengthen a number of key national energy bases. It is imperative to strengthen the interconnection of pipeline networks, and improve the capacity of "west-to-east power transmission." It is important to strengthen planning, control and management of mineral resources, and their large-scale intensive development and utilization, so as to accelerate the formation of a batch of national bases for the mining and processing of mineral resources. He urged efforts to improve the security of water resources, and noted the need for the region to innovate industrial cooperation with other regions, and optimize the industrial layout mechanism so as to receive industries transferred gradually from other regions in an orderly manner. It is essential to promote the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, actively foster city clusters, develop and expand a number of provincial sub-central cities, and promote infrastructure connectivity and the sharing of public service among cities.

Xi noted the importance of integration between new-type urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization, so as to ensure and improve people's well-being in the process of development. It is imperative to thoroughly implement the rural revitalization strategy, increase support to key counties for rural revitalization, establish a regular mechanism for providing assistance to low-income people and underdeveloped areas, and make sure that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again. He noted the need to learn from and apply the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program to create a rural development model with regional characteristics. Xi said county economies with distinctive characteristics should be developed, and a batch of counties strong in agricultural, industrial and tourism sectors should be fostered, so as to ensure that farmers have job opportunities near their hometown and that their income increase, and urbanization be advanced according to local conditions. The region was urged to develop more high-standard cropland, and shoulder the responsibility of ensuring stable production and supply of major agricultural products, so as to make due contributions to national food security. Greater efforts are also needed to promote cultural and ethical advancement, transform outdated rural customs, and actively cultivate new trends and new customs for our times. The community-level governance system led by Party organizations should be optimized, and the "Fengqiao Model" in the new era should be adhered to and developed. Organized crime should be consistently combated and rooted out to ensure people's safety and stability at the primary level.

Xi noted that a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be forged to safeguard ethnic unity and stability in border areas. Areas with large ethnic minority populations should carry out the requirements for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation in the whole process and in all aspects of social and economic development. The region is urged to promote social and economic development with enough concern for people's well-being, improve the social security system, ensure the basic livelihoods of the people, and resolutely address the pressing concerns of the people. It is imperative to implement the Party's ethnic policies in full, speed up building an interconnected social structure and community environment, and promote communication, exchanges and integration among people from different ethnic groups, Xi said. It is essential to stick to the Party's basic policy on religious affairs, remain committed to the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation, and continue to crack down on illegal religious activities. Further efforts should be made to boost local economies and raise local living standards in border areas in the new era, building more infrastructure and public service facilities, and developing sectors such as tourism along the border areas, so as to ensure that border residents enjoy a rich life, and border areas enjoy a beautiful scenery alongside with security and solid defense.

Last but not least, Xi stressed that the Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development must strengthen the overall coordination, supervision and inspection, and relevant departments in the central government must put forth targeted policies and measures through studies. Local Party committees and governments at all levels in the western region must shoulder principal responsibilities and promote the implementation of the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee. He urged efforts to improve the collaboration mechanism between the eastern and western regions and deepen paired assistance programs. What has been achieved in the theoretical study program should be consolidated, and education on Party discipline should be carried out well. It is also imperative to persistently rectify pointless formalities to reduce burden on grass-roots units. Efforts should also be made to improve the decision-making mechanism, conduct full discussion and risk assessment before the introduction of major policies, especially those related to people's livelihood, and promptly investigate into and decisively tackle problems in the implementation of those policies, he said. It is imperative to cultivate a contingent of high-caliber and professional officials who are loyal to the Party, have moral integrity and demonstrate a keen sense of responsibility, establish and optimize systems for evaluation and motivation, care for officials working at the grassroots, especially those working in areas with harsh conditions, and motivate them to boldly break new ground and take on responsibilities.

In his speech, Premier Li Qiang urged relevant departments and governments in the western region to conscientiously study and understand as well as put into practice the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech. While the development of the western region should be planned and promoted from a larger picture of the Chinese modernization, it is equally important that targeted measures should be adopted in light of different local conditions and development potentials and in a region-specific and category-based manner. Li said full play should be given to regional characteristics and strengths, fostering more growth engines and growth belts that promote regional development, building a solid national eco-environmental security barrier, enhancing the development capabilities of areas of special types, and coordinating resolution of local government debt risks and stable development. He urged efforts to expand opening up to the domestic and international markets, proactively align strategies of the western region with those of other regions, actively integrate into international economic flow, and enhance the dynamics and vitality of the western region development.

In his speech, Ding Xuexiang called for efforts to conscientiously study and put into practice the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, faithfully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, and coordinate high-quality development and high-standard protection, so as to make constant progress in the development of the western region. He urged the region to fulfill the important mission of safeguarding the country's ecological security, enhance ecological conservation and restoration, and upgrade the diversity, stability and sustainability of ecosystem. He demanded continuous steps to further the fight against pollution with targeted and science-based approaches in accordance with the law, so as to further improve the region's ecology and the environment. He also called for action to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of economic growth, develop new quality productive forces in a region-specific manner, and actively yet prudently work towards carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, Wu Zhenglong, Mu Hong and Jiang Xinzhi attended the meeting. Also present were leading officials of relevant central Party and government departments, leading officials of relevant local government departments and those in charge from relevant enterprises. 
A drone view of the apparent remains of a ballistic missile, as it lies in the desert following a massive missile and drone attack by Iran on Israel, near the southern city of Arad

By Charlotte Greenfield

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Iran and Pakistan called on the United Nations Security Council in a joint statement issued on Wednesday to take action against Israel, saying it had "illegally" targeted neighbouring countries and foreign diplomatic facilities.

The joint statement, released by Pakistan's foreign ministry, followed a three-day visit to the country by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Explosions were heard last Friday over the Iranian city of Isfahan in what sources said was an Israeli attack. However, Tehran played down the incident and said it had no plans for retaliation.

"Recognizing that the irresponsible act of the Israeli regime forces was a major escalation in an already volatile region, both sides called on the UN Security Council to prevent the Israeli regime from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking its neighbours...," Iran and Pakistan said in their joint statement.

Muslim neighbours Iran and Pakistan are seeking to mend ties after unprecedented tit-for-tat military strikes this year.

Raisi, who wrapped up his visit and flew on to Sri Lanka on Wednesday, vowed to boost trade between Iran and Pakistan to $10 billion a year.

During his visit to Pakistan, Raisi was quoted by Iran's official IRNA news agency as saying any further Israeli attack on Iranian territory could radically change the dynamics and result in there being nothing left of the "Zionist regime".

On April 13, Tehran launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel in what it said was retaliation for Israel's suspected deadly strike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, but almost all were shot down.

Pakistan has previously called for de-escalation by "all parties".

Iran and Pakistan vowed during Raisi's visit to boost trade and energy cooperation, including on a major gas pipeline deal that has faced delays due to geopolitical issues and international sanctions.

(Reporting by Charlotte GreenfieldEditing by Ros Russell and Gareth Jones)
Palestinians examine the damage to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) buildings on their way back to their homes in the wake of the Israeli army withdrew from North of Gaza City. Omar Ishaq/dpa

Israel has expressed disappointment at the German government's announcement it will resume cooperation with the UN relief agency for Palestinians in Gaza.

"Germany's decision to renew cooperation with UNRWA in Gaza is regrettable and disappointing," wrote Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.

"Israel shared with Germany and other donor countries detailed information about hundreds of Hamas militants and many hundreds more who are members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist organizations, all of whom are UNRWA employees. These are not just a few bad apples - this is a rotten and poisonous tree."

The German government said earlier it plans to resume its cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip in the near future.

The decision comes after an investigation requested by the UN found no evidence to back up Israel's allegations that a dozen UNRWA employees took part in the October 7 attacks on Israel and that the agency had been thoroughly infiltrated by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

UNRWA is the main humanitarian aid provider in Gaza. Israel's allegations threw the agency into a major crisis, and led 16 major donor countries - including the two largest donors, the United States and Germany - to suspend or pause funding.

The German government said it had provided UNRWA with 200 million ($214 million) in 2023. German funding for UNRWA's operations in Gaza was suspended at the end of January, although the country in March delivered 45 million to fund UNRWA relief work in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
A Palestinian woman inspects a house that was destroyed after an Israeli aircraft bombed a home for the Al-Bakhabsa family, resulting in the death of 3 people and several wounded, in the city of Rafah, southern of the Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have mobilized two additional reserve brigades ahead of a possible deployment to the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, the IDF said on Wednesday.

The brigades had previously been deployed on Israel's border with Lebanon. In recent weeks, however, they have been training for operations in the Gaza Strip.

"The soldiers practiced combat techniques and learned the main insights and lessons from the fighting and ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip so far," the IDF said in a statement.

At the beginning of the Gaza war more than six and a half months ago, Israel mobilized around 300,000 reservists. However, most of them have since been released.

Most recently, active troops have been deployed mainly in the Gaza Strip. Israel does not publicize its troop numbers, but a brigade usually consists of several thousand soldiers.

A Rafah ground offensive is highly controversial, as Israel's allies, including the United States, its strongest supporter, have warned against this because hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees are in the southern city and its surroundings.

The town near the Egyptian border is considered to be the only one in the sealed-off coastal strip that is still relatively intact. Israel is planning to evacuate Rafah and wants to relocate the civilian population to safer areas such as the al-Mawasi camp.

A Palestinian man inspects a house that was destroyed after an Israeli aircraft bombed a home for the Al-Bakhabsa family, resulting in the death of 3 people and several wounded, in the city of Rafah, southern of the Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

A Palestinian man inspects a house that was destroyed after an Israeli aircraft bombed a home for the Al-Bakhabsa family, resulting in the death of 3 people and several wounded, in the city of Rafah, southern of the Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- The Israeli military said it struck about 40 sites linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, an apparent escalation of the near daily skirmishes between the two sides since the start of the war in Gaza.

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The Israel Defense Forces said its rockets hit storage facilities, weaponry and additional targets used by Hezbollah in the area of Ayta ash Shab, a village near the Israel-Lebanon border. The barrage came a day after the Iran-backed militant group staged the deepest attack inside Israel since their exchanges began in October.

Never miss an episode. Follow the Big Take podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. Read the transcript.

Read More: Understanding the Dangerous Israel-Iran Conflict: QuickTake

There was no immediate response from Hezbollah or reports of any casualties. The shekel reversed its gains, trading 0.4% weaker as of 5 p.m. in Tel Aviv on Wednesday.

The US and European allies have long been concerned that tension between Israel and Hezbollah could evolve into a full-on front in the broader Middle East conflict, which has seen Israel clash with both Iran and its various proxy militias around the region.

Hezbollah, which like Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state, is the most powerful of those Islamist groups, which also include the Houthis in Yemen.

Read More: How Iran Extends Its Power Via Allied Militant Groups: QuickTake

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the army has already killed half of Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon and its goal is to restore border security and allow tens of thousands of evacuated residents to return home.

We are dealing with a few alternatives to make this a reality, and the coming period will be decisive, he said in a video statement.

Read this next: Irans Attack on Israel and What Comes Next

Iran and Israel engaged in direct attacks this month, raising fears about an all-out war. The Islamic Republic launched a barrage of some 300 drones and missiles on Israel in response to a strike in Syria that killed several Iranian officers on April 1. Israel responded on Friday with a more limited attack, allowing both sides to pause hostilities for now.

Israel is also readying its military to start a major ground invasion of Rafah, the southern Gazan city where more than 1 million Palestinian civilians have taken refuge from the ongoing war with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government believes the remaining Hamas fighters and some leaders are holed up there.

Hezbollah is thought to have more than 100,000 fighters, many of which are situated close to the border with Israel. The group has a far bigger and more sophisticated arsenal of missiles and other weapons than Hamas, which Israel is trying to destroy in retaliation for the Oct. 7 deadly attacks on the south of the country.

Hezbollah and Hamas are considered terrorist organizations by the US.

On Tuesday, the Lebanese militia fired explosive-laden drones at two army bases on Israels northern coast after Israeli strikes killed two of its key operatives. It was the farthest it has struck inside Israeli territory since the start of the Gaza war, with Israel intercepting what it described as three suspicious aerial targets and sirens sounding in several coastal cities including Acre.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hezbollah hit two houses with missiles fired toward Avivim, an Israeli settlement near the Lebanese border.

--With assistance from Shaji Mathew, Galit Altstein and Marissa Newman.

(Updates with context on Iran-Israel strikes from fifth paragraph)

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Protesters hold posters of 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza during a demonstration march. Credit - Eyal WarshavskySOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)

Hamas released a video on Wednesday appearing to show that Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin is alive, providing the first significant evidence that he survived severe injuries sustained during his capture on October 7, 2023.

The short video, which is undated, shows Goldberg-Polin sitting in a chair, part of his left arm missing after it was reportedly blown off during last years attack that ignited the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. TIME cannot verify when the video was filmed, but it was posted on the same social media platform used by Hamas for sharing propaganda materials, including footage of other hostages.

In the video, Goldberg-Polin addresses the camera, identifying himself by name, date of birth, and his parents names before delivering a statement. He said that he has been in captivity for "almost 200 days," suggesting the video was filmed around Tuesday, the 200th day since the conflict began.

Goldberg-Polin, then 23, was kidnapped while attending the Nova music festival amid Hamas onslaught on Israel, which claimed over 1,200 lives and led to the capture of more than 200 people. Hamas has long been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and Israel. Goldberg-Polin is one of eight Americans still believed to be held in Gaza. There had been no previous indication that he was alive.

Jonathan Polin, right, and Rachel Goldberg in Jerusalem on Oct. 15. Their son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, is missing. Michal Chelbin for TIME

Roughly 100 people are believed to remain in captivity in Gaza, out of an estimated initial count of 240 hostages taken by Hamas. Its unclear how many hostages remain alive, though Goldberg-Polin said in the video that Israeli airstrikes may have claimed the lives of approximately 70 of these captives.

Expressing sentiments aligned with Hamas, Goldberg-Polin criticized the Israeli government, calling out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Think of us detainees in underground hell without water, food, or sun, he said in Hebrew. Without the treatment I need for so long. His remarks echo those of other Israeli hostages featured in Hamas propaganda videos.

Goldberg-Polins mother, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, was chosen as one of TIMEs most influential people in the world earlier this month for her advocacy efforts on behalf of hostages and their families. Hope is mandatory, she said. I believe it, and I have to believe it, that he will come back to us.

Near the end of the video, Goldberg-Polin addressed his family: "I love you. I know you're doing your best to get me home as soon as possible. I want you to stay strong for me.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Israeli-American Gaza hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin (pictured in sign at bottom right) appeared in a Hamas video Wednesday reading a statement that criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A statement from his family said "Hersh's cry is the collective cry of all the hostages." File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

April 24 (UPI) -- Hamas on Wednesday released a video of injured Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The video showed him delivering a long statement that appeared to have been written by Hamas.

In a Wednesday statement from Hostage Families Forum, Goldberg-Polin's parents said, "Hersh's cry is the collective cry of all the hostages -- their time is rapidly running out. With each passing day, the fear of losing more innocent lives grows stronger."

Their statement added, "We cannot afford to waste any more time; the hostages must be the top priority."

In the video, he references his 200 days in as a hostage, seeming to indicate the video was released to mark April 24, the 200th day day since hostages were taken into Gaza by Hamas.

In the video, which shows a missing left hand, he criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but due to his captivity it was assumed his comments were made under duress.

Friends and supporters of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American-Israeli, kidnapped by Hamas, demand a hostage deal outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

His video statement included a statement that said "about 70" of the hostages had been killed by Israeli airstrikes.

He also said in the video that Netanyahu should be ashamed to continue the Gaza war while hostages are held in an "underground hell" without food, water or sun.

Hamas has released a video of Hersh with an amputated arm which was the first sign that he was alive since Hamas took him to Gaza. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Goldberg-Polin was shown to be seriously injured in a video as he was taken hostage in the Hamas rampage attack Oct. 7 in Israel. An eyewitness to that injury said he was hurt when he helped to try to throw grenades back out of a bunker during the Hamas attack.

The Hamas video was the first proof Goldberg-Polin's family have had that he survived his injuries while being abducted.

He was acknowledged along with other Israeli-Americans seized by Hamas by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris after she met with American hostage families April 9.

She said then in a statement, "These are innocent Americans who were brutally taken hostage by Hamas 186 days ago."

The families of the Israeli-American hostages have been calling urgently for the release of their loved ones since the hostages were first taken, stressing that the Israeli government has a responsibility to get them released.

While the exact number of surviving hostages in capitivity isn't known, it is believed that roughly 130 of the original 240 people taken are still held in Gaza.
Former President Trump would better serve the interests of Israel and the Jewish people amid its war with Hamas and amid regional tensions with Hezbollah and Iran than President Biden, according to an Israeli government minister, who said he wished he could vote for the presumptive Republican nominee.

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli said Wednesday that Biden was "harming Israel" and his policies were weak in the face of growing threats. He also said he would vote for Trump if he was allowed to participate in American elections.

"The U.S. is not projecting strength under [Bidens] leadership, and its harming Israel and other countries," said Chikli, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party, according to the Times of Israel.

"He said Dont at the start of the war  to Hezbollah, as well as Iran. We saw the result," the minister added, a reference to Irans unprecedented direct attack on Israel with hundreds of missiles and drones. "If I were an American citizen with the right to vote, Id vote for Trump and Republicans."

TRUMP SLAMS ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS AS 'DISGRACE' THAT ARE 'ALL BIDEN'S FAULT' AHEAD OF MANHATTAN COURT

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli said the choice for Americans in the 2024 presidential race was clear.

The comment comes as Israel has crossed the 200th day of its war with Hamas in Gaza earlier this week.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Biden initially supported Israels right to defend itself from the Hamas-led terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023, the deadliest attack in Israels history. However, as the number of Palestinian casualties continued to increase, Biden appeared to shift his support and has criticized Israel.

Biden also struggled to negotiate with Congress to quickly approve additional financial and military support for Israel, which ultimately cleared the Senate on Tuesday. Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law on Wednesday.

The Democratic president has also had a noticeable shift in his language and, on Monday, urged people to learn from the violent antisemitic protests on college campuses, which he also condemned.

"I condemn the antisemitic protests. Thats why I have set up a program to deal with that. I also condemn those who don't understand what's going on with the Palestinians and how they're being treated," Biden told reporters on Monday.

FETTERMAN HAMMERS 'A--HOLE' ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS, SLAMS OWN PARTY FOR RESPONSE TO IRANIAN ATTACK: 'CRAZY'

Biden's comment was quickly compared to what Trump said in 2017 about the Charlottesville, Virginia, riots, when he cast "blame on both sides" and said there were "very fine people, on both sides."

President Biden's comment about the antisemitic protests on college campuses was quickly compared to what former President Donald Trump said in 2017 about the Charlottesville, Virginia, riots and there being "very fine people, on both sides."

Chiklis comment on Wednesday drew a rebuke from Israels opposition leader, which gave him a moment to clarify his remark.

"Biden is a friend of Israel, but hes under intense pressure that is affecting him and creating real damage to relations between the countries," Chikli said, per Times of Israel.

On Tuesday, Trump also commented on the anti-Israel protests happening at elite U.S. colleges and universities.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ORDERS VIRTUAL CLASSES AS ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS TAKE OVER: 'WE NEED A RESET'

"What's going on at the college level Columbia, NYU and others is a disgrace," Trump said ahead of entering Manhattan court on Tuesday. "And it's really on Biden."

Former President Trump said President Biden is the "worst president in the history of our country."

Trump also addressed Biden, saying: "He's got the wrong words. He doesn't know who he's backing. And it's a mess."

"What's going on is a disgrace to our country. And it's all Biden's fault, and everybody knows it. He's got no message, he's got no compassion and doesn't know what he's doing," Trump continued, adding Biden is the "worst president in the history of our country."

During a monologue last week, Fox News Sean Hannity also bashed Biden and said the Oct. 7 attack "might not have been possible without Joe Biden's policy of appeasement and the enrichment of Iran."

Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli said Wednesday that he would vote for Trump and Republicans over President Biden.

"Iran has also rapidly accelerated their nuclear program, and now they have attacked Israel directly for the first time in history, only two days after Biden issued this very tepid warning, before shuffling off to the beach for what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend," Hannity said.





Original article source: Israeli minister torches Biden's 'harmful' leadership: 'I'd vote for Trump'
Italys Senate has passed legislation which allows regions to permit groups with a qualified experience supporting motherhood to have access to women considering abortions at public clinics.

For the right-wing government, the amendment fulfils the original intent of the 1978 law legalising abortion, known as Law 194, which includes provisions to prevent the procedure and support motherhood.

But some in the medical profession have questioned the wisdom of allowing medically unqualified, anti-abortion groups access to women considering the procedure.

Then you don't understand how you want to involve in the counselling centres and also in the hospitals, because this is already happening in some regions, characters that you don't know what qualification they have, sais Silvana Agatone, the president of the pro-choice association LAIGA.

Certainly they haven't studied, they haven't passed examinations to go and talk to women about topics for which the counselling centre already has highly qualified figures to deal with them."

Women during demonstration in Rome to protect the freedom of choice on abortion in front of Italian Senate - Screenshot from AP video 4490376

Some opposition figures also complained that the bill had passed by circumventing due parliamentary process.

We are forced to suffer this amendment that was decided by a part of this majority without a parliamentary debate, without any discussion, without allowing us to go deep into the topic, said Democratic Party senator Beatrice Lorenzin.

Under Italian law, a women is permitted to have an abortion on request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, or later if her health or life is endangered.

But easy access isn't always guaranteed. The law allows health care personnel to register as conscientious objectors and refuse to perform abortions, meaning women sometimes have to travel elsewhere to have the procedure.

Italys birth rate, already one of the lowest in the world, has been falling steadily for about 15 years and reached a record low last year with just 379,000 babies born.

But Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed opposition to the amendment as fake news and said that allowing those with a pro-life message into abortion clinics was only intended to fully inform women.

I believe that we must guarantee a free choice and I believe that to make a free choice you need to have all the necessary information.

I believe that we must guarantee a free choice and I believe that to make a free choice you need to have all the necessary information. This is what the Law 194 foresees and I think this is the right thing to do, she said earlier this year.

The fresh tensions over abortion in Italy come against the backdrop of developments in Europe going in the opposite direction.

France marked International Women's Day this year by inscribing the guaranteed right to abortion into its constitution. Last year, overwhelmingly Catholic Malta voted to ease the strictest abortion laws in the European Union.

And more recently, Polish lawmakers moved forward with proposals to lift a near-total ban on abortion enacted by the country's previous right-wing government.
HANOI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover hit over 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in the first four months of this year, up 32.9 percent from the same period last year, Vietnam News Agency reported Wednesday, citing the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

China, South Korea, the United States and Thailand were Vietnam's biggest fruit and vegetable importers during the cited period.

In April alone, the exports are estimated to reach about 539.8 million dollars, an increase of nearly 14.9 percent over the previous month, and 37.8 percent from a year earlier, said the report.

The Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has expected fruit and vegetable exports, including durian, to rise even more this year because more codes of growing areas and packaging facilities could be certified, creating favorable conditions for export.

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has forecast that the fruit and vegetable industry will continue to set new records this year with an estimated export turnover of 6 billion to 6.5 billion dollars, an increase of 15-20 percent compared to last year.

According to the ministry, the Southeast Asian country saw a record 5.69 billion dollars generated from fruit and vegetable exports last year, up over 70 percent year on year. 
Jackpot winner thought it was a scam. But it was real, and he still cant believe it

A Michigan man was in disbelief after finding out he was randomly chosen as a jackpot winner.

Christopher Cassel, 34, from Fowlerville, was entered into a second-chance game by playing BIG CA$H Second Chance Jackpot games online, according to an April 24 news release by the Michigan Lottery.

I knew I was earning second chance entries by playing certain online games, but I didnt think much of it, Cassel told lottery officials.

But that changed when he received an email.

I came across an email from the Michigan Lottery informing me Id won a $250,299 second chance jackpot, and I immediately thought it was a scam. After calling the Lottery I found out it was real, but I still had a hard time believing it, he told lottery officials.

Cassel said it still feels unreal.

Winning is very exciting, although I dont think the reality of it hasnt fully sunk in yet, he said.

Cassel said he plans to use his winnings to buy a home and a new truck.

Fowlerville is about a 70-mile drive northwest from Detroit.

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.

Mega Millions player wins big in California. Where was the winning ticket sold?

2 Mega Millions players just miss jackpot  but still win life-changing prizes in NC

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Jacksonville man sentenced to life in prison for 2020 murder

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  The Cherokee County District Attorney said a Jacksonville man was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday after a jury found him guilty of capital murder.

Officials: Arrest made in 2016 Memorial Day murder of Ron Horaney

Mugshot of Brandon Branton, courtesy of the Cherokee County District Attorney.

According to a release, Brandon Branton was charged with the 2020 stabbing murder of Randy P. Davenport.

Davenports body was reportedly found near Loves Lookout in July of 2020 and he was deemed the victim of an apparent homicide.

Branton was sentenced to life in prison without parole after eight days of testimony and deliberation, the district attorney said.

He was charged alongside codefendant JaMichael Rusk, whose case is still pending.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Jeffrey Clayton: Former Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student pleads guilty

A former Douglas Anderson School of the Arts teacher who was accused of lewd acts upon a student has pleaded guilty to charges he is facing, according to a news release from State Attorney Melissa Nelsons office.

Jeffrey Clayton, 65, pleaded guilty to the following:

Two counts of offenses against students by authority figures

Indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of certain minors

Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

On March 17, 2023, a parent dropped the victim off at the school for a one-on-one singing lesson with Clayton in preparation for an upcoming performance.

Action News Jax previously told you details from Claytons warrant.

RELATED: Is this true? Jail calls of former Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student

The teacher largely talked about his romantic and intoxicating feelings he has for the student, the warrant detailed.

Clayton, sat next to the student and professed his romantic feelings for her before he rubbed her thighs and leaned in to kiss her multiple times, according to the news release from Nelsons office.

The victim told a friend, which eventually led to an investigation by the Clay County Sheriffs Office and the Florida Department of Children and Families. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and the Duval County School Board Police also joined the investigation.

RELATED: Victim interview details former Douglas Anderson teachers alleged inappropriate touching

A controlled call was set up by law enforcement between Clayton and the victim on March 21, 2023.

During the call, Clayton made numerous incriminating statements relating to the incident and potential future romantic gestures he wanted to pursue. The victim also provided law enforcement text messages Clayton had sent her, the news release said.

After Claytons arrest last year, other female students came forward about their experiences with Clayton. The State Attorneys Office said they will have the chance to address the court.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Claytons plea comes on the heels of the recent news of a February arrest of another Douglas Anderson teacher, Chris Allen-Black.

Allen-Black was arrested in February out of Orange County and is facing a misdemeanor charge for exposing himself at a resort on Disney property.

Action News Jax told you last week when Allen-Black was removed from the classroom.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

This is the fifth time in two years that a teacher has been removed from the school.

Enough is enough, Clay Yarborough, FL Senator of District 4, told Action News Jax on Tuesday. And we need to know whats happening,

Clayton will be sentenced by Circuit Judge Tatiana Salvador at a June 14 court hearing.

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.
Donald Payne Jr, a US congressman from New Jersey, died on Wednesday, more than two weeks after a heart attack. He was 65.

Phil Murphy, the governor of New Jersey, paid tribute to his fellow Democrat, whom he called a friend and steadfast champion for the people of his state.

With his signature bow tie, big heart and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service, Murphy said.

As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day.

Payne had a heart attack on 6 April. Taken to hospital in Newark, he did not regain consciousness.

Related: George Santos, indicted fabulist expelled from Congress, drops bid for New York seat

He was first elected to Congress in 2012, succeeding his father, Donald Payne Sr, the first Black congressman ever elected in New Jersey who also died in office.

Reporting Payne Jrs death, the New Jersey Globe said he had checked all the boxes for support among progressive voters: he supported Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, racial justice, equal rights for all, reproductive freedom, public transportation, and free college tuition.

The paper also saluted Paynes work to fund clean drinking water projects, with notable success in his own city, Newark, and his sponsorship of gun safety legislation.

Among Paynes fellow Democrats in Congress, Joe Neguse of Colorado said he was devastated to learn of the passing of my dear friend and colleague  a giant, a true public servant whose kindness, good humor and commitment to his constituents knew no bounds.

Jasmine Crockett, from Texas, said Payne was a progressive leader on transportation and infrastructure and said: I join his family, friends, and constituents in mourning a great man and fighter for the people of New Jersey.

The Rev Al Sharpton, the New York-based civil rights leader, called Payne my friend and brother for many years.

In his statement, Governor Murphy said: It was my great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build upon the Payne familys deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly.

Donalds love will live on in the homes of his neighbors in Newark, who now have access to safe drinking water, and in the good-paying jobs he helped create for his brothers and sisters in labor. And it will live on in his wife Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, who were the pride of his life.

Our heartfelt prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
The fourth Jersey Mikes Subs in the Quad Cities (and first in Bettendorf) will open at 5261 Competition Drive at The Plex on Wednesday, April 24.

Franchise owners Camilla Lees-Soerensen and Aron Lees will hold a grand opening and fundraiser at the new store (near the intersection with Middle Road) from Wednesday, April 24 to Sunday, April 28 to support Pleasant Valley Junior High.

Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the opening can make a minimum $3 contribution to Pleasant Valley Junior High in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mikes app. Additionally, delivery is available in most areas through the Jersey Mikes app or through third-party delivery partners. Curbside pickup is available for orders placed in Jersey Mikes app.

Jersey Mikes premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread.

Jersey Mikes is looking for people interested in career opportunities with extraordinary growth potential to join their team. Candidates who are passionate about customer service and connecting with their local community are invited to apply HERE.

The new restaurants hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can contact this location directly at 563-291-3822.

Bettendorf will be Jersey Mikes fourth location in the Quad Cities.

Jersey Mikes believes that making a sub sandwich and making a difference can be one and the same, according to the company release. Since 2010, Jersey Mikes locations throughout the country have raised more than $110 million for local charities. In 2023, the companys 13th Annual Jersey Mikes Month of Giving in March raised $21 million for more than 200 local charities.

Jersey Mikes Subs, with more than 3,000 locations open and in development, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread  the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mikes local communities is reflected in its mission statement Givingmaking a difference in someones life.

Other QC locations are at 4451 E. 53rd St., Davenport; 2124 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, and 3918 16th St., Moline. It also has a restaurant (that opened in November 2022) at 415 Cleveland St., Muscatine, and at 2900 S. 25th Street, Clinton.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D), who represented New Jersey in the House for more than a decade, has died at the age of 65.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) confirmed Paynes death in a Wednesday statement.

Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., he wrote.

Payne had what his office called a cardiac episode related to complications from diabetes more than two weeks ago and had been hospitalized since.

The New Jersey Globe reported last week that Payne had remained unconscious after his cardiac episode, which occurred in early April. His office, however, issued a statement saying the congressman was in stable condition at a local hospital under doctors care, adding, While we hope for a full recovery, we ask everyone to keep him in your prayers.

Payne had served in Congress since 2012, representing New Jerseys 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties. He was first elected to the House in a 2012 special election to fill the seat left open after the death of his father, Donald Payne.

Paynes death will bring the total number of members in the House to 430, after four other lawmakers resigned in the middle of the session. The breakdown is 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats.

That number is expected to shrink soon as Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) plans to resign from Congress ahead of the end of his term. Gallagher was initially supposed to resign at the end of next week, but he put off those plans amid the vote on a foreign aid package.

Gallagher officially submitted his resignation paperwork Wednesday, his office told The Hill.

Condolences rolled in for Payne after news of his death broke, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressing their sadness at his passing.

We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jerseys 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement on social platform X. Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children.

I am devastated by the passing of my friend Don Payne, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) wrote on X. Like his father, Donald gave his entire life to the people of Newark. I cannot think of any member who embodies the big heart and humble demeanor central to public service more than Don. The Payne name will live on in Newark.

The Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement that Payne will be remembered by all those who knew him for his kindness and generosity.

He leaves behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget.

Cheyanne Daniels contributed to this report.

Updated at 1:54 p.m. EDT

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Donald M. Payne Jr., a member of a prominent Newark political family who represented the city and nearby communities in Congress for over 11 years, died Wednesday following a heart attack brought on by complications from diabetes, his office said.

Payne, 65, entered Congress somewhat reluctantly in 2012 following the death of his father, Rep. Donald Payne Sr., who was the first Black person elected to Congress in New Jersey and who became one of the citys luminaries during his more than two decades in Congress.

Payne had been hospitalized and reportedly unconscious since the April 6 heart attack.

Though he never developed the high profile of his father and was stricken with health problems during the last several years that led to him to frequently vote by proxy, Payne Jr. was well-liked by his colleagues and served as chair and ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

On that committee, he was instrumental in securing funding for the biggest infrastructure project in the state: The Gateway Project to replace the dilapidated century-old train tunnels between New Jersey and Manhattan.

It was my great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build upon the Payne familys deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly, Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement announcing the congressmans death.

Paynes district, which includes parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties, is one of the most heavily Democratic in the country. Primary ballots were due to be mailed on April 20, so his name will remain on the ballot. His successor as a general election candidate is expected be determined by members of the Democratic county committees in the towns covered by his district.

The governor has the authority to call a special election to replace Payne for the remainder of his current term. When his father died in March 2012, then-Gov. Chris Christie called a special election for that November to coincide with the regularly-scheduled general election.

While in Congress, Payne emphasized expanding access to health care.

In 2021, he sponsored legislation to promote screening for colorectal cancer, the cause of his fathers death. Last year, he introduced the Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act to promote screenings for peripheral arterial disease with the aim of reducing amputations brought about by the condition, which is often associated with diabetes.

Payne is survived by his wife Beatrice and their three adult triplets: Donald III, Jack and Yvonne.

The Payne family is one of the most prominent in Newark politics. In addition to Donald Payne Sr.s time in Congress, Payne Jr.s uncle William and cousin Craig Stanley both served lengthy tenures in the New Jersey Assembly.

Payne Jr., a Hillside High graduate who grew up on Newarks Bock Avenue and lived on the street his entire life, began his political career as a teenager when he founded the South Ward Junior Democrats.

He began working in government in 1990 with the former New Jersey Highway Authority, then with the Essex County Educational Services Commission from 1996 until 2006, where he served as supervisor of student transportation.

As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day, Murphy said. That purpose was the light that guided him through his early years as Newark City Council President and during his tenure on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. And it guided him still through his more than a decade of service in Congress.

Payne was first elected to office in 2005 as an at-large Essex County freeholder, and just months later successfully ran for an at-large seat on the Newark City Council. That was shortly before New Jersey banned dual office-holding for most politicians. Payne remained in both positions  he was elevated to Newark council president in 2010  until his fathers death and his election to Congress.

Payne often cut a unique image on the House floor with his colorful dress and bow ties.

Always dressed to the nines. During campaign time, you can see him sporting a RUN DMP shirt, a witty play on the popular hip-hop group RUN DMC, state Sen. Britnee Timberlake, an Essex County Democrat, wrote following the disclosure of Paynes grave condition.

Other members of New Jerseys congressional delegation expressed their grief at Paynes passing.

"We have lost Donald far too soon but the Payne name will live on in Newark and North Jersey forever," said Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell.

Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat, said Payne called him Uncle Frank whenever they saw each other because of a strong relationship forged after Paynes father died.
Newark-NYC and Bergen and Morris counties have the most ozone-polluted air in New Jersey, the American Lung Association found. Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

New Jersey has some of the worst and best air in the nation.

A report on air pollution the American Lung Association released Wednesday found that the Newark-New York City metropolitan area, which includes 13 counties in New Jersey, tied with the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the 13th most ozone-polluted city in the nation. That compares to 12th in last years report. The same metro area ranked 64th worst for fine particle pollution, with Union County dinged as the areas most polluted county, by long-term measurements.

The Camden metropolitan area, which includes Philadelphia, Reading, and seven New Jersey counties, was the 35th most polluted metro area nationally. Bergen and Mercer counties got failing grades for high-ozone days.

Yet eight New Jersey counties scored A grades for the fewest high-ozone days (Atlantic, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, and Warren) and high-particle pollution days (Cumberland, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, and Morris) from 2020 to 2022, according to the report.

For New Jersey, we really found sort of mixed results, said Mike Seilback, the associations assistant vice president of nationwide policy. But things are trending in the right direction. Air quality is improving because of the steps that are being taken on the local, state, and federal level, and thats something that we should be really happy about.

Western states fared worse, with California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and Alaska topping the reports list of the most air-polluted places to live.

More than 131 million people live in an area that received a failing grade for one of the pollutants that we measure, Seilback said. This is a stark reminder that despite the improvements that weve made in air quality, far too many Americans are being exposed to unhealthy air.

The association issued its first annual State of the Air report in 2000, and while policymakers have adopted reforms since then to reduce pollution, climate change has undercut progress, researchers found.

Climate change is making it even harder to be effective at reducing air pollution because were having those longer, hotter summers, and the ozone gets cooked up in the atmosphere on those really hot, steamy summer weeks, Seilback said.

Highly populated areas in New Jersey and transportation hot zones like the I-95 corridor are hot zones for high-level ozone concentrations.

 Jackie Greger, the Sierra Clubs New Jersey chapter

The extreme heat and drought driven by climate change also has sparked more wildfires, which spike particle pollution, he added.

Seilback applauded New Jerseys shift away from fossil fuels, noting the Murphy administrations goal for a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035.

New Jersey is one of several states that has really strong goals and benchmarks that we need to hit, he said. Thats not going to happen on its own. Its going to require continued pushing of markets so that were moving away from old, dirty combustion and moving towards cleaner, greener energy.

The association offered several strategies to reduce air pollution, including forest management to prevent wildfires, full funding of the Environmental Protection Agency, and defending the Clean Air Act on the federal level.

States should phase out the use of coal, oil, gas, and other fossil fuels, prioritize clean energy production, reduce air pollution at ports, invest in zero-emission buses, electrify buildings, expand electric vehicle infrastructure, improve air quality monitoring, and invest in communities overburdened by pollution, the report recommends.

Jackie Greger of the Sierra Clubs New Jersey chapter said many residents live in areas that fail to meet federal air quality standards. Vehicle pollution is a major driver of elevated ozone levels, she added.

The state made progress last year in adopting a rule requiring all new cars sold here to be electric by 2035, but more stringent rules could cut greenhouse gases more, she said. Policymakers also should work to reduce reliance on natural gas appliances, which make homes and buildings big emitters of air pollutants, she added.

Highly populated areas in New Jersey and transportation hot zones like the I-95 corridor are hot zones for high-level ozone concentrations, Greger said. We must steer away from the burning of fossil fuels with our cars and buildings, otherwise we will never achieve healthy air for us to breathe.

The post New Jersey snags mixed results in annual snapshot of air pollution appeared first on New Jersey Monitor.
This photo taken on April 24, 2024 shows citizen signature documents at the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan. Representatives from Japanese civic groups on Wednesday submitted over 180,000 signatures from local citizens to the Japanese government, urging both the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to immediately halt the ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from Japanese civic groups on Wednesday submitted over 180,000 signatures from local citizens to the Japanese government, urging both the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to immediately halt the ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Hajime Matsukubo, secretary general of the Citizens' Nuclear Information Center, a Japanese non-profit organization, presented 184,712 citizen signatures to the representative from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry at the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo.

The petitioning campaign, initiated earlier this year by civic groups including the Fukushima Prefecture Peace Forum under a project called Future's Ocean, or Mirainoumi in Japanese, has gained momentum.

"The nuclear-contaminated wastewater contains radioactive substances that cannot be removed, and the environmental impact of continued discharge into the ocean will persist for decades," Masashi Tani, secretary general of the Japan Congress against A- and H-Bombs, told a press conference on Wednesday.

Stressing that the right course of action is to halt the ocean discharge immediately, Tani underscored the universal relevance of the issue. "Although the nuclear accident took place in Fukushima, the ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water goes beyond the region, as it affects everyone connected to the sea," he said.

Tani emphasized the importance of thorough discussions about the issue to ensure a secure living environment for future generations.

"No other nuclear power plant that has experienced accidents has discharged water into the ocean to date. The long-term risks associated with such actions remain unknown," Tani told Xinhua in an interview.

Reiterating the necessity to prioritize land-based storage over ocean discharge, Tani affirmed that Wednesday's signature submission marks the beginning of the ongoing campaign until an end to the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water.

During the press conference, Japanese House of Representatives member Makoto Yamazaki expressed concerns over the operation of TEPCO's Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), citing accidents such as staff being splashed with waste liquid during the cleaning of ALPS pipelines and leaks from exhaust outlets containing radioactive substances.

Yamazaki criticized TEPCO's management system and implementation methods and called for a halt to the discharge and a thorough investigation.

"Is it really okay for the ocean discharge to continue like this? Isn't its impact on the environment and the lives of people who make a living from fisheries a huge problem? I think we should stop and carefully reinvestigate these issues."

Despite furious opposition both at home and abroad, the ocean discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water began in August 2023, and a total of about 31,200 tons of the water was released in four rounds in fiscal year 2023 through March.

The release of the fifth batch of water began last Friday and is expected to continue until May 7, with approximately 7,800 tons of the nuclear-contaminated water set to be discharged.

On Wednesday, the discharge was suspended at the plant due to a power outage at around 10:43 a.m. local time.

According to local media reports, the outage may have been caused by excavation work damaging power lines within the plant. On the same day, an employee of a collaborating company involved in the excavation work sustained burns and was urgently transported to a hospital.

Amid raging credibility and safety concerns among the Japanese public following a series of accidents at the crippled plant, TEPCO and the Japanese government have been frequently challenged for the ocean discharge as the decommissioning process remains ambiguous. 

Hajime Matsukubo (R), secretary general of the Citizens' Nuclear Information Center, a Japanese non-profit organization, presents citizen signature documents at the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, April 24, 2024. Representatives from Japanese civic groups on Wednesday submitted over 180,000 signatures from local citizens to the Japanese government, urging both the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to immediately halt the ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
In the week since a protest camp exploded across the grounds of Columbia University in solidarity with Gaza, PhD student Jonathan Ben-Menachem has been fielding worried calls from his family. They had been watching the news and were concerned for his safety.

"Ive had to reassure them that I am not about to get mobbed by antisemites anytime I go to campus, he told The Independent. Its just people trying to take a stand for what they think is right, very peacefully.

Mr Ben-Menachem is one of many Jewish students who joined the protests at Columbia and other universities across the US calling for their institutions to cut ties with companies linked to Israel over the war in Gaza.

He said he has watched with amazement as the media and political figures have attempted to characterise the protests as antisemitic and dangerous, despite Jewish student organisations playing a central role in them.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia and other US universities antisemitic mobs that are taking over leading universities, on Wednesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia University on Wednesday and called those protesting lawless agitators and antisemitic.

Mr Ben-Menachem said his experience on campus had been completely different.

There has been this discourse that Columbia is this hotbed of antisemitism, but its just a bunch of nerds sitting on the ground praying, chanting and doing homework. There was a Passover Seder held on Monday, Mr Ben-Menachem said. Its crazy how bad faith that discourse has become.

A collective of groups organised by Jewish students at Columbia and Barnard in solidarity with Gaza and the protest encampment host Passover Seder at Columbia University on April 22, 2024 (REUTERS)

Student protests over the war in Gaza have been common across college campuses since the war in Gaza broke out in October, following a surprise Hamas attack that killed 1,200 in Israel. The resulting war has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and aid blockages have resulted in famine conditions in northern Gaza, creating a humanitarian disaster. Hundreds of schools, and all of Gazas 12 universities, have been damaged or destroyed since the Israeli attacks began.

After Columbia University ordered the New York Police Department to break up a protest camp on its campus last week, leading to the arrests of more than 100 students, the protests have spread across the country and grown into a movement that some have compared to the student-led protests against the Vietnam War of the 1960s. Similar protests have since erupted at Yale and New York University (where arrests were also made), Ohio State University, Stanford University and Berkeley, to name a few.

The protests at Columbia in particular drew national attention due to videos of several antisemitic incidents near the campus, including one in which someone shouted Go back to Poland at a group of Jewish students. In a separate incident, the Columbia chapter of the Orthodox Jewish movement Chabad said Jewish students had been told to Go back to Europe.

While Mr Ben-Menachem said there had been credible reports of antisemitism in and around the campus, they were not representative of the hundreds of protesters who had camped out to protest against Israels war. What concerned him more than outside agitators was the universitys attempts to crack down on the protests  including the rumours that it may soon enlist the National Guard to intervene.

The Ohio National guard move in on anti-war protesters at Kent State University in 1970. (AP)

Were terrified that theres going to be a second Kent State at Columbia, he said, referring to the killing of four unarmed college students at Kent State University in Ohio in 1970 during protests over the Vietnam War.

Its absurd to say that they are gonna bring in the National Guard and the NYPD to protect Jews when its actually Jews who are being arrested, he added.

Sarah, a Jewish student at Columbia who asked for only her first name to be published, was among those arrested for taking part in the encampment. She was held by the NYPD for eight hours, with her hands in zip ties, after they moved in on the camp on Thursday. She was suspended the next day, but snuck back onto campus a few days later to take part in a Passover Seder celebration with fellow protesters.

It was definitely one of the more joyful experiences Ive had at Columbia, she told The Independent. So many of us got arrested or suspended, it was really nice to see so many Jewish faces at the Seder.

A Seder for Passover held on Monday April 22 at Columbia University (REUTERS)

Sarah said she too had been appalled by attempts to smear the Columbia protests as antisemitic, saying that the term had been weaponized in a really deceitful way by political opportunists who insist on conflating anti-Zionism and antisemitism.

Theres never any substantive response to people like me who are anti-Zionist Jews, Sarah noted. Theres a long tradition of Jewish anti-Zionism. I have so much love for the Jewish people of my community, we just have a political dispute, and thats it.

The crackdown on protests has also drawn criticism from staff. Nara Milanich, professor of history at Barnard College, which is partnered with Columbia University, was among nearly two dozen Jewish faculty members to write to Columbia president Nemat Shafik before the protests broke out, ahead of her appearance at a Congressional committee on antisemitism on campus, warning against the weaponization of antisemitism at Columbia by politicians eager to stoke division.

She told The Independent it was the universitys decision to bring the NYPD onto campus that inflamed the situation and shut down spaces of debate.

New York Police officers arrest a protestor who participated in an encampment on the Columbia University campus, Thursday, April 18, 2024, in New York (AP)

Its not the students who have created the chaos, said Professor Milanich. Its the leadership of the university that has participated in this ridiculous police raid and has thrown the faculty and students of the university under the bus.

Are Jews on campus, or anyone else, safer because hundreds of police in riot gear with firearms were invited to come onto campus and haul our students off in zip ties? I dont feel safer, she said.

Professor Milanich said the protesters at the encampment had written a code of conduct for inclusion and held training events on de-escalation to prevent extremists from outside causing trouble.

Protestors also have a clear set of demands, asking for the university to divest from companies that help fund Israels war in Gaza, which Columbia College students voted on in a referendum and passed with over 75 per cent of the vote.

The story is fundamentally not one of pro-Hamas mobs running rampant on campus, said Professor Milanich. The story is of an administration thats thrown the values of the university to the wind.
First lady Jill Biden, in purple, and Sharona Young, retired naval chief petty officer, second from left, watch as wounded warrior riders begin the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Jill Biden on Wednesday sounded a red horn to start the Wounded Warrior Project's annual Soldier Ride from the White House lawn, using the launch of the multiday bike ride to stress the importance of supporting service members.

My husband often says that we have many obligations as a nation but only one sacred obligation: to support you and your families when we send you into harms way and when you return, she said of President Joe Biden, who is up for reelection.

Jill Biden spoke about steps the administration has taken to expand veteran access to quality home health care, provide benefits and care for veterans harmed by toxins and prevent homelessness and suicide among veterans. She also talked about help for spouses of active-duty and retired servicemembers.

President Biden unexpectedly joined the first lady after signing a $95 billion war aid bill and referred to the group of riders as the spine of America.

The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 to help veterans and the families and caregivers of service members who suffered a physical or mental injury or illness while serving in the military on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Soldier Ride began in 2004 to help raise awareness for injured veterans. The tradition of starting the ride from the White House began in 2008.
On Tuesday evening the Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation to aid Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, ending a drawn-out, convoluted back-and-forth caused entirely by the Republican Party.

The bill passage is a victory for Americas image on the national stage, but its also an unequivocal win for the man who signed the bill on Wednesday: President Joe Biden. By getting the legislation through, the president is able to say that Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, passed a standalone Ukraine aid bill when many people thought the US would abandon its commitments.

Importantly, Biden managed to get aid to Ukraine with basically no strings attached. The House added just two provisions to get Republicans on board: a loan aspect to Ukraine and legislation to trigger either a sale or a ban on TikTok. Biden has already said he would sign the legislation, so he essentially got aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan for free.

In the end, then, the president did not have to concede anything on immigration or pass any draconian laws that would either require him to enact policies his base would dislike or give powers to a hypothetical future President Donald Trump.

For the longest time, polling has shown that immigration is Bidens weakest spot by far. Republicans have relentlessly pummeled him by decrying images of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border. But it was them who killed an immigration bill, almost exclusively at Trumps behest, a few weeks ago. That allowed Biden to say that he was serious about negotiating on immigration, whereas Republicans clearly wanted to keep the problem around as a talking point.

I think it actually was important to prove to Republicans that they didn't want to actually marry Ukraine and immigration, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the lead Democrat in the border-Ukraine negotiations, told The Independent. We gave them a great immigration proposal, and they were so mortified by the fact that they had to actually confront their unwillingness to do immigration that they then put the votes on the board for Ukraine.

Indeed, Murphy said that while it led to six months of delay with no results on immigration, it gave Biden an important chit.

We were in a very bad spot politically and with immigration reform prior to that deal being cut, he said. Now, Democrats have a tough immigration bill that they support, and Republicans have nothing.

Elsewhere, and despite the fact that many Democrats have vocally criticized the Biden administrations support for Israel in its war in Gaza, that opposition didnt have many political consequences. House Speaker Mike Johnson did a favor for Biden by splitting the bill into four: Left-wing Democrats could then air their grievances against Bidens Israel policy by voting against that part of the bill while also unanimously voting to help Ukraine.

Attempts by progressives to amend the bill in the Senate so that Israel would not receive unfettered aid  a move that would have kicked the bill back to the House and likely sunk it  failed.

And it doesnt look like Biden has paid much of a price. Indeed, earlier in the week, the president was joined at an Earth Day event by Senator Bernie Sanders  who authored the now-dead amendments  and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the most visible progressive critic of Bidens policy on Israel. The fact that Biden so clearly has Sanders and AOC behind him is a big win.

Additionally, the continued raft of anti-abortion policy  from Arizonas supreme court resurrecting the states Civil War-era abortion ban (which was then overturned on Wednesday) to Floridas court allowing a six-week ban to take effect as well as ballot initiatives to overturn such statutes  has given Biden a fighting chance in swing states.

Similarly, a recent Marist poll conducted on April 22nd showed that undecided voters are more likely to back Biden than Trump. In answer to the question If you had to vote today, who are you learning towards?, 43 per cent said Joe Biden and 38 per cent said Trump. Importantly, Bidens numbers have held since voters were asked the same question three weeks ago, whereas Trumps numbers have gone down.

Thats just another reason for the president to feel happy  and a little more secure  in the White House tonight.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called for Columbia Universitys president to resign Wednesday, ahead of his visit to the school.

This President Shafik has shown to be a very weak, inept leader. They cannot even guarantee the safety of Jewish students? They are expected to run for their lives and stay home from class? Its maddening, Johnson said in a radio interview with Fox Newss Hugh Hewitt.

Numerous lawmakers have visited Columbia after pro-Palestine protesters set up an encampment a week ago and have refused to leave until the school agrees to divest from Israel or companies associated with its war effort.

Johnson will tour the school and have lunch with Jewish students, who have said they felt fear on their campus the past few months.

Columbia announced this week classes would be hybrid the rest of the semester because of the unrest and safety concerns.

What we are seeing on these college campuses across the country is disgusting and unacceptable and every leader in this country, every political official, every citizen of good conscience has to speak out and say that, This is not who we are in America,' Johnson said. He added there must be accountability, and that is what my colleagues and I will be working on.

All 10 Republican lawmakers from New York, along with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), have called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign.

Shafik would be the third major university president to fall, if she resigns, due to antisemitism on campus.

President Shafik is focused on deescalating the rancor on Columbias campus. She is working across campus with members of the faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees, and with state, city and community leaders, and appreciates their support, a university spokesperson said when asked about calls for Shafik to resign.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called on Columbia Universitys president to resign Wednesday during a tense news conference where the crowd repeatedly interrupted the speaker and at times loudly booed him and other GOP lawmakers who were with him as they stood at the microphones.

We just cant allow this kind of hatred and antisemitism to flourish on our campuses, and it must be stopped in its tracks. Those who are perpetrating this violence should be arrested. I am here today joining my colleagues, and calling on President Shafik to resign if she cannot immediately bring order to this chaos, Johnson said Wednesday.

Johnson visited Columbia University on Wednesday to meet with Jewish students and delivered remarks with other Republican lawmakers. When Johnson and the GOP lawmakers walked up to begin speaking, there were loud boos.

During the question-and-answer portion, a coordinated chant of Mike, you suck erupted from the crowd. At another point during the remarks, the crowd started chanting loudly, to which Johnson said, Enjoy your free speech.

The timing of Johnsons visit comes as the embattled speaker is facing an onslaught of conservative criticism and as a handful of members, led by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have threatened to oust him. The pressure Johnson is under has only intensified after he helped steer a foreign aid package through the House that included assistance to Ukraine, which many hardline conservatives vehemently opposed.

Following the tense news conference, Johnson defended his appearance at Columbia in an interview with CNNs Erin Burnett, saying he chose to get involved in what was unfolding on the schools campus because the speaker speaks for the House of Representatives.

I felt it was very important for that voice to be heard, not just about what happens in Columbia, but about what is happening right now around the country, he said on OutFront. We have to stand unequivocally for the right and the good and Im calling on all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to speak out against this, not to endorse it, not to coddle these people, but to say this has to stop.

When pressed about the heckling, Johnson noted that he was not surprised that they didnt welcome our visit because were calling out their activities.

His visit to the campus earned some plaudits from his detractors inside the GOP, with Republicans rallying around the speaker after his remarks were interrupted by protestors.

GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who has been publicly critical of Johnsons leadership, wrote on X: Ive had my strong disagreements on spending / foreign aid - but I applaud @SpeakerJohnson for going to Columbia.

Johnson said at the news conference he met with Shafik and asked her to take immediate action to address the unrest.

We met briefly with the president and her top officials right before we came out on the steps here. We encouraged her to take immediate action and stamp this out and our feeling is that they have not acted to restore order on the campus, he said.

Johnson also said he would call President Joe Biden immediately after departing and demand he take action, not ruling out the need for the National Guard to step in at some point.

My intention is to call President Biden after we leave here and share with him what we have seen with our own two eyes and demand that he take action. There is executive authority that would be appropriate. If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard, he said. We have to bring order to these campuses.

Johnson under pressure as he faces ouster threat

Johnson has defended his leadership in the face of the growing threats, saying that he will not resign and warning that a vote to oust him could cause chaos in the House.

In recent days, Johnson appears to be trying to quell his opposition by realigning himself with causes and positions that motivate the GOP base. Johnson stepped in Tuesday to ensure that Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, who just last week asked Johnson to resign in a closed-door conference meeting, would not be fined $500 for sharing a video that included footage of the House floor, something forbidden under the chambers rules.

Upon viewing Rep. Massies tweet, our team reached out to the Sergeant at Arms. I do not agree with this assessment and there will be no fine imposed on Rep. Massie, Johnson posted on X Tuesday.

Johnson has also resisted calls to oust three conservatives from the House Rules Committee after Republican members, including Massie, Roy and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, voted against advancing the supplemental package last week. The committee is typically seen as an important tool for GOP leaders to move ahead with their agenda, but when those members voted against advancing the package, it required Democrats to step in to help get the bill to the floor.

Johnson told conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt in an interview Wednesday that removing colleagues from that committee could have longer lasting effects.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

CNNs Melanie Zanona and Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is in the middle of yet another intraparty conflict within the House GOP after showing support for one of his vulnerable incumbents on Tuesday.

Johnson was in San Antonio this week for a campaign fundraiser held by Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who is facing a primary challenger backed by members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and their allies.

It came days after Gonzales infuriated the GOP rebel group when he called two of his colleagues, House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good, R-Va., and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., "scumbags" and compared them to Klansmen in a stunning CNN interview over the weekend.

"It's my absolute honor to be in Congress, but I serve with some real scumbags like Matt Gaetz. He paid minors to have sex with him at drug parties. Bob Good endorsed my opponent, a known neo-Nazi," Gonzales said. "These people used to walk around with white hoods at night. Now they're walking around with white hoods in the daytime."

JOHNSON FACES UPHILL CLIMB TO WIN BACK GOP REBELS BEFORE NOVEMBER; HERE'S WHAT THEY WANT

House Speaker Mike Johnson, left, campaigned for Rep. Tony Gonzales days after he called a pair of fellow GOP lawmakers "scumbags."

The allegations against Gaetz, which he denies, were the subject of a federal probe that prosecutors ultimately decided not to move forward with.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Gaetz and Goods allies seized on the comments and, soon after, on Johnsons plan to appear with Gonzales.

TENSIONS ERUPT ON HOUSE FLOOR AS CONSERVATIVES CONFRONT JOHNSON ON $95B FOREIGN AID PLAN

It is part of the continued fallout from the House passing Johnsons $95 billion foreign aid plan for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific. Johnsons plan got wide bipartisan support but angered a rebellious faction of House GOP lawmakers who feel increasingly sidelined by Johnson as he navigates critical legislation with a historically slim majority.

Johnson's campaign events are typically planned well in advance, but the backlash to this recent stop shows the historic division that's plagued the House GOP for much of this Congress.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, one of the two lawmakers targeted by Rep. Tony Gonzales, lodged multiple attacks against both him and House Speaker Mike Johnson on X.

"Im just beside myself that thats where things are. And I dont mind saying it, but Im going to be very clear. Im being attacked. Conservatives are being attacked. Bob Good, the chairman of the Freedom Caucus is being attacked by Tony. He said that hes a Klansman," Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said on local radio station KTSA.

Gonzales opponent, pro-Second Amendment social media personality Brandon Herrera, responded to Gonzales comments on X on Sunday shortly after the congressmans interview. "He has to cry to his liberal friends about me, because Republicans wont listen anymore," Herrera wrote.

'DEFINITION OF INSANITY': FRUSTRATED HOUSE REPUBLICANS BLAST GOP REBELS' THREAT TO OUST JOHNSON

Gaetz accused Gonzales of "laundering lies on CNN" and pointed out that Gonzales was censured last year by the Texas GOP for his support of gun control measures in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting, which occurred in Gonzales district, where 19 elementary school students and two teachers were murdered by an 18-year-old with an AR-15.

On Wednesday morning, Gaetz mocked Johnson and Gonzales with a photo from the event and accused them of having "briefed donors in Texas about their hard work to secure the borderof Ukraine."

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good was also named by Rep. Tony Gonzales.

A source familiar with Johnsons campaign plans told Fox News Digital that the event with Gonzales was a longstanding stop that was part of a wider campaign season swing through Texas.

Gonzales wrote on X of the fundraiser, "Proud to host an incredible crowd for our Fiesta luncheon! Thank you to Speaker Johnson for attending and being a champion for the issues that impact."

Fox News Digital reached out to Gonzales campaign for comment on the GOP rebel-led backlash but did not immediately hear back. Fox News Digital reached out to Good's campaign as well.

When reached for further comment by Fox News Digital, Gaetz listed off what conservatives say are Johnson's legislative shortfalls, including the bipartisan government funding deal, renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and his support of Gonzales.

"Speaker Johnson has undergone a metamorphosis that would make the monarch butterfly blush," he said.





Original article source: Johnson fundraises for House Republican who called Matt Gaetz, Bob Good 'scumbags'
Spain's prime minister says he will consider resigning after wife is targeted by judicial probe

FILE - Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez poses for a portrait after an interview with The Associated Press at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, June 27, 2022. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says that he will consider resigning after what he calls spurious corruption allegations against his wife led to a judicial investigation being opened on April 24, 2024. Sanchez said in a letter posted on his X account that while the allegations against his wife Begona Gomez are false, he is canceling his public agenda until Monday when he announce whether he will continue or step down. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez denied corruption allegations against his wife but said he will consider resigning after the launch Wednesday of a judicial investigation into accusations by a right-wing legal platform that she used her position to influence business deals.

Sanchez said in a letter posted on his X account that while the allegations against his wife Begona Gomez are false, he is canceling his public agenda until Monday when he will announce whether he will continue or step down.

I need to stop and reflect, Sanchez wrote. I must answer the question if it is worth it to continue, given the mud pit the right and far right have made out of our politics, if I must continue at the helm of the government or renounce that highest of honors.

Sanchez, 52, has been Spains prime minister since 2018. He was able to form a new left-wing coalition government in November to start another four-year term. He is one of Europes longest serving Socialist leaders.

Earlier on Wednesday, a Spanish judge agreed to probe allegations of corruption made by a private group with a history of filing lawsuits mainly for right-wing causes. The court based in Madrid will consider the allegations and proceed with the investigation or toss it out.

Begona will defend her honor and collaborate with the justice system in every way that is required to clarify that these facts that appear scandalous are in fact nonexistent, Sanchez said.

Gomez, 49, does not hold public office and maintains a low political profile.

Manos Limpias, or Clean Hands, accuses Gomez of allegedly having used her position to influence business deals. The court did not provide further information and said that the probe was under seal.

Manos Limpias describes itself as a union, but its main activity is a platform pursuing legal cases. Many have been linked to right-wing causes. It acts as the popular prosecution, a peculiarity of Spanish law that allows individuals or entities to take part in certain criminal cases even when they havent been directly harmed by the accused.

Justice Minister Felix Bolanos called the new allegations false."

Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, the leader of the junior member of Sanchezs government, publicly backed him against this offensive by the Right.

The possibility of a governmental crisis comes just weeks before important regional elections in Catalonia followed by European elections in June.

Sanchez accused online news sites politically aligned with the leading opposition conservative Popular Party and the far right Vox party of spreading what he called spurious allegations that he said led to the judicial probe.

The Popular Party criticized Sanchez for playing the role of the victim instead of holding himself accountable.

Last month, Spains government watchdog for conflict of interests tossed out a complaint made by the Popular Party against Sanchez whereby the opposition party claimed that Gomez had allegedly influenced her husband in a decision related to an airline.

Spains leader said that he was moved in part to reflect on his future due to his love for his wife.

This attack is without precedent, it is so serious and coarse that I need to stop and reflect with my wife, he said. Most of the time we forget that politicians are people. And I do not blush to say it, but I am a man who is deeply in love with my wife, who is living with the feeling of impotence while being pelted with mud.

To summarize, this is an operation to harass me by land, sea and air to try and make me give up politics through a personal attack on my wife, Sanchez wrote.
Reality Check is a Sun Herald series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email mynews@sunherald.com.

A Mississippi judge denied qualified immunity to a former Hancock County Sheriffs K-9 deputy who kept his police dog on a leash when he shot and killed a Florida college student stunned by a Taser and armed with a bottle of Mentos candy in one hand and a metal T-post in the other, according to court records.

Qualified immunity protects government officials, including law enforcement officers, from civil liability if their actions could reasonably be believed to be legal.

In the rare move, U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola issued the ruling in a wrongful death suit involving excessive force lawsuit over the Dec. 10, 2022, shooting death of Isaiah Winkley at the hands of former Hancock County K-9 Deputy Michael Chase Blackwell. The judge issued the ruling after reviewing the arguments in the civil action and the camera footage of the shooting.

Attorney Lance Stevens filed the lawsuit in federal court in Gulfport on behalf of Winkleys parents, the Rev. Dwight Winkley, and his wife, Catherine, of Morehead, Georgia.

The family believes their son was the victim of criminal wrongdoing.

Blackwell contends that he shot and killed Winkley because of an immediate threat to his safety and the safety of two other deputies, Lt. Christopher Sholar and Deputy Laura LauraLyn Yager, after the deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a vacant home in Hancock County.

Pensacola Christian College remembered Isaiah Winkley by presenting his family with an honorary degree in their son Isaiah Winkleys name during its graduation ceremony in May. Winkley died before he could graduate.

But, in his ruling, Guirola said, There exist material questions of fact whether Officer Blackwell faced an immediate threat of death or bodily injury at the time he applied deadly force.

But the use of force, Guirola said, must be proportional to the threat.

If the officer could reasonably use less than deadly force, he must, the judge wrote after also citing other cases where officers accused of using excessive force could not escape civil liability in a shooting anytime he claims he saw a gun.

As a result, the judge said, Blackwell couldnt escape liability because he saw a suspect holding a post.

In addition, the judge noted the camera footage reveals that both of Winkleys hands were plainly visible to Blackwell at all times, and Winkley never brandished the contents of either hand in a threatening manner.

A photo of Isaiah Winkley provided by his family. Winkley, a student at Pensacola Christian College, was killed when Hancock County Sheriffs K-9 Deputy Michael Chase Blackwell fired at him on Dec. 10, 2022, after responding to a burglary call. Winkley was unarmed.

In a statement further defending his actions, Blackwell said he had his K-9 tied to a 30-foot line because his training taught him not to send a K-9 into a deadly force encounter. He said he was standing at least 8 feet away from Winkley when he recalled firing four rounds.

An autopsy showed Winkley had been shot five times.

Afterward, the judge noted, the deputies eventually went to Winkley to try to render aid to him.

The judge issued the ruling after reviewing arguments in the wrongful death suit

Stevens argues that Blackwell used excessive force and violated Winkleys constitutional rights when he shot an unarmed Winkley without provocation, warning or justification.

An assault rifle, handguns and Tasers

The judge provided other details about the shooting after reviewing the arguments in the civil case along with body camera footage of the killing that was submitted under seal by Blackwell.

When the deputies approached Winkley, Sholar was carrying an assault-style rifle and a Taser, Blackwell had his K-9 Dark on a leash and had his gun drawn, and Yager had a Taser in her hand, the judge wrote.

Winkley, the judge said, had the 6 1/2 to 7-foot T-post in his right hand and a small item in his left hand  the Mentos candy  which was almost completely obscured from the officers view.

Winkley shouted, Shoot me, and Sholar stunned him with his Taser.

Chase Blackwell, a former Gulfport police officer and Hancock County sheriffs deputy, was working for Hancock County when he fatally shot Isaiah Winkley, a 21-year-old college student from Florida, outside of a home in Perkinston, Mississippi.

Afterward, Winkley bent over with his arms crossed, the judge wrote, and the metal T-post was at his chest level.

The judge wrote that Winkley started walking toward Blackwell, but Blackwell then retreated.

Winkley shouted,  Shoot me, again, and Sholar again deployed his Taser on Winkley.

Yager interjected, saying, Its not working, man.

Then, Blackwell yelled to another deputy, Im gonna shoot him,

Winkley yelled for the officers to shoot him again and Blackwell yelled, Drop the pole, the judge wrote.

Blackwell started shooting.

Offices make split-second decisions

The video evidence, which Guirola said is at best ambiguous regarding Winkleys intentions that day, must be interpreted in Winkleys favor at this stage of the litigation.

In his ruling, the judge noted that he recognizes that officers must make split-second decisions in extremely stressful circumstances and that those officers do not have the ability to rewind and replay a video, like the court does, prior to acting.

Guirolas ruling in the civil case comes less than a month after federal prosecutors agreed to forgo criminal charges against Blackwell in exchange for him surrendering his law enforcement license and certification and never serving again in law enforcement anywhere in the United States.

An evidence photo from the scene shows clothing items of Isaiah Winkley that were left behind.

The case is still pending a review by a state grand jury in Hancock County to determine if any criminal wrongdoing occurred.

At the time of the shooting, the judge noted that Winkley appeared to be in some type of emotional distress.

About a month before Guirolas ruling, federal prosecutors agreed to forgo criminal charges against Blackwell in exchange for him surrendering his law enforcement credentials and certification and never serving as a law enforcement officer anywhere in the United States for the rest of his life.

Stevens filed a public records requests with prosecutors to obtain the agreement, but was unable to get a copy of the document.

A heartbroken family wants answers after 21-year-old killed in MS Coast police shooting

Federal grand jury considers criminal charges in fatal Hancock shooting, authorities say

MS Coast deputy feared for his life when he shot at college student, court papers say

A Hancock deputy shot a 21-year-old 5 times. His devastated family fights for justice.

Hancock County deputy fatally shoots person in Kiln
Judge sides with Collier commissioner on release of statements linked to accused assault

Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro was booked into the Collier County Jail on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. He was released the same day on $1,000 bond.

A judge has sided with a Collier County commissioner accused of battery and has ordered that prosecutors turn over sworn and audio statements to authorities.

Rick LoCastro, 56, faces one count of battery after Naples police arrested him on probable cause. A separate case stemming out of Marco Island was "exceptionally cleared" last month after Monroe County prosecutors denied a Marco Island police detective's request for one count of battery domestic violence.

In Tuesday's order, Collier County Judge Robert Crown ruled that the state must release sworn and audio statements given to Marco Island police; all photos taken by Marco Island police; all calls made to Naples police on the night of the alleged incident; and the victim's recorded phone statement to Naples police.

The ruling comes after LoCastro's attorney, Donald Day, on March 14 filed a motion seeking the files as part of discovery. LoCastro, of Marco Island, who was elected to the Collier County board of commissioners in 2020, is running for re-election this fall.

Aside from the Naples-based case, according to a Marco Island police report dated March 6, police were notified by the State Attorney's Office, 16th Judicial Circuit, in Monroe County, that the Marco Island case was exceptionally cleared.

The report says Assistant State Attorney Nick Gastesi, of the 16th Judicial Circuit, denied the Marco Island detective's request for one count of battery domestic violence.

According to the report, Gastesi "advised that if further evidence is developed," to resubmit for further consideration.

Capital murder indictment: Naples woman indicted for capital first-degree murder in fatal distribution of drugs

Authorities issued a warrant for LoCastro's arrest Feb. 5, based on the Naples incident.

LoCastro was released Feb. 12 from the Collier County Jail on $1,000 bond. He was due in court March 6 for his arraignment, but that hearing was canceled, court records show.

LoCastro's charges stemmed from an October incident at a Naples restaurant, which he's denied.

The incident, according to a Naples police report

Around 10:45 p.m. Oct. 28, Naples Police responded to a 911 call from a female involved in an altercation with LoCastro.

Both parties denied having a physical altercation and left separately, authorities said.

Less than a week later, on Nov. 3, Naples Police's Criminal Investigations Division received information from detectives at the Marco Island Police Department.

The same woman informed Marco Island authorities she was too afraid to press charges the night of Oct. 28, but she reconsidered.

The woman told police LoCastro stopped their vehicle during a fight, pulled her out of the vehicle by the arm and pushed her into a hedgerow.

The woman said that immediately following the incident she was in shock and was scared to tell officers what happened because of LoCastro's authority as a public figure and political influence in Southwest Florida.

The investigation was referred to the Office of the Governor for reassignment, who then referred it to prosecutors of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, in Monroe County.

Who does LoCastro's district represent?

His district encompasses East Naples, Marco Island, Goodland, Isles of Capri and Port of the Islands.

LoCastro nor his attorney, Donald Day, could immediately be reached for comment Thursday. Gov. Ron DeSantis' office hasn't responded to separate requests since Feb. 29 about where his office's investigation stood into the alleged incident.

In February, the governor, during a Cape Coral stop, said his office was still gathering the facts and letting the case make its way through the clerk of court.

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: Judge: Statements to be released to defense in Rick LoCastro probe
Judges from around the country say Trump can be held accountable for January 6. What will the Supreme Court say?

Whether the legal system can hold Donald Trump accountable for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election has been an evolving conversation among courts across the country. On Thursday, the Supreme Court will enter the chat.

The high court is by no means bound by how other federal courts have interpreted the legitimacy of Trumps post-election conduct.

But if the justices decide that Trumps attempts to reverse his loss were in the realm of official presidential conduct, theyll be rebuffing the assessments of a broad swath of lower court judges  appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents alike  who have concluded otherwise.

The justices will be hearing arguments on Trumps claims that the protections of the presidency immunize his alleged election subversion conduct. The case will decide whether the federal criminal case brought by special counsel Jack Smith against Trump for his 2020 election schemes can go forward.

At the heart of the issue is whether Trump was acting within the outer perimeters of his presidential duties in a campaign that allegedly included urging state officials to reverse his election loss, pressuring his vice president to disrupt Congress certification of the electoral results and falsifying presidential electors to rival those from the states that Joe Biden won.

Courts in Washington, DC, Georgia and California have considered from a variety of angles the potential legal consequences that Trump and some allies could face for their 2020 gambits. Theyve approached it in disputes over the congressional probe into the Trump actions preceding and during the attack on Capitol, and in the context of civil January 6, 2021-related litigation against Trump and his allies.

In the latter circumstance, a federal judge ruled that Trumps alleged conduct  including the fiery January 6 speech he gave before the Capitol attack  do not relate to his duties of faithfully executing the laws, conducting foreign affairs, commanding the armed forces, or managing the Executive Branch.

They entirely concern his efforts to remain in office for a second term, US District Judge Amit Mehta, an Obama appointee, wrote in 2022, allowing several civil lawsuits against Trump to advance towards trial. These are unofficial acts, so the separation-of-powers concerns that justify the Presidents broad immunity are not present here.

In an appeal of Mehtas ruling, Trump argued that in his pre-riot remarks near the White House, he was speaking on a matter of public concern  his supposed worries about fraud in the election  and thus the conduct was part of his official presidential duties. That entitles him to an absolute immunity from the civil suits, he claimed, regardless of whether he was also acting in the interests of his reelection. The appeals court left the door open for Trump to make narrower, more fact-based arguments for immunity, but it rejected his sweeping logic for why his campaign-aimed activity should be shielded.

When a first-term President opts to seek a second term, his campaign to win re-election is not an official presidential act, Obama-appointed Circuit Judge Sri Srinivasan said in a US DC Circuit Court of Appeals opinion last year. The Office of the Presidency as an institution is agnostic about who will occupy it next. And campaigning to gain that office is not an official act of the office.

Distinguishing electioneering from the duties of a president

A key claim Trump has made in the criminal immunity dispute before the Supreme Court is that he is being prosecuted for alleged acts that were part of his duties as president. That claim has been roundly rejected by judges who have addressed his and his aides post-election conduct in other circumstances.

In the Georgia election subversion prosecution brought by the Fulton County district attorney, Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows tried to move the charges against him to federal courts, for the purposes of arguing that he was entitled to federal immunity in the case.

That claim was rejected both by a US district judge and by a federal appeals court.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, led by a very conservative appointee of President George W. Bush, dismantled Meadows assertions that his involvement in Trumps plots were part of a legitimate White House effort to supervise state election administration.

We are aware of no authority suggesting that the Take Care Clause empowers federal executive interference with state election procedures based solely on the federal executives own initiative, and not in relation to another branchs constitutionally authorized act, the courts opinion, authored by Circuit Chief Judge William Pryor, said.

The 11th Circuit focused particularly on Trumps January 2021 call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, which also girds Fulton Countys charges against Meadows, and noted that the attorneys involved were employed by either Trump personally or by the Trump campaign  no attorneys from the Office of White House Counsel or the Department of Justice were present.

The 11th Circuit cited Mehtas ruling in the private January 6 litigation to conclude, Campaigning for a specific candidate is not official conduct because the office of the President is disinterested in who holds it.

Criminalizing presidential conduct?

Trumps briefs at the Supreme Court argue that, without absolute immunity for former presidents, several presidents who preceded him could have been prosecuted for official acts that are opposed by their political rivals.

But even before Smith filed his indictment, a federal judge in California described Trumps conduct as likely criminal in a case concerning the House January 6 Committees pursuit of emails by John Eastman, an architect of Trumps election subversion schemes.

US District Judge David O. Carter, an appointee of Bill Clinton, ruled in March 2022 that Eastman and Trump more likely than not committed obstruction of an official proceeding and engaged conspiracy to defraud the United States  both crimes Smith eventually charged against the former president.

Because President Trump likely knew that the plan to disrupt the electoral count was wrongful, his mindset exceeds the threshold for acting corruptly, Carter wrote, while concluding that certain emails the House sought fit in the crime-fraud exemption to the attorney-client privilege.

Though Carter was only deciding what emails from the attorney could be disclosed to House investigators, his opinion included a striking warning against letting Trump and Eastmans conduct stand without consequence.

If Dr. Eastman and President Trumps plan had worked, it would have permanently ended the peaceful transition of power, undermining American democracy and the Constitution, Carter said then. If the country does not commit to investigating and pursuing accountability for those responsible, the Court fears January 6 will repeat itself.

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BRUSSELS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) on Wednesday expressed deep disappointment with the European Commission's investigation into the Chinese medical equipment market, urging the EU to prioritize dialogue and consultation. 
Heres a look at notable cases in which US judges have been targets of lethal violence. Three federal judges were targeted and murdered from 1979 to present, Judge John Wood, Judge Richard Daronco and Judge Robert Vance, as well as several judges from lower courts.

US Marshals Service

The US Marshals Service is in charge of protecting federal judges.

The Marshals Service protects approximately 2,700 federal judges and about 30,300 other court officials at more than 800 court facilities throughout the nation.

2023 - 1,061 threats and potential threats against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2022 - 1,362 threats and potential threats against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2021 - 4,511 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2020 - 4,261 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2019 - 4,449 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2018 - 4,542 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2017 - 2,847 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2016 - 2,357 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed by the Marshals.

2015 - 926 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed, mitigated and deterred by the Marshals.

2014 - 768 threats and inappropriate communications against the judiciary assessed, mitigated and deterred by the Marshals.

Timeline

June 3, 1974 - Washington state Superior Court Judge James Lawless is killed by a mail bomb in his chambers. Ricky Anthony Young is convicted of the crime.

May 29, 1979 - US District Judge John Wood is killed by a contract killer allegedly tied to a drug-smuggling case the judge is handling. Three members of the Chagra family are later convicted of conspiring to kill Wood. One of the Chagras had been scheduled to appear before Judge Wood in the drug smuggling case.

1983 - Illinois Judge Henry Gentile is shot and killed in his courtroom by a man whose divorce case is being handled by Judge Gentile. The man had hidden the gun used in a blanket in his wheelchair.

March 20, 1987 - Joel Cacace, of the Columbo crime family, hires hitmen to kill federal prosecutor William Aronwald. By mistake they tail Aronwalds father, George, a 78-year-old city administrative law judge who shares an office with his son. They kill Aronwald when he stops to pick up his laundry.

September 14, 1987 - Mississippi Circuit Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife Margaret are killed in their home. The murders are tied to a prison scam run by former Biloxi Mayor Pete Halat who shared a law office with Sherry. Prosecutors say Halat believed the Sherrys may have taken some of the scam profits for themselves.

May 21, 1988 - US District Judge Richard Daronco is shot and killed at his home in Pelham, New York, by a man upset over Daroncos dismissal of the mans daughters sexual discrimination suit.

1989 - Federal Appeals Court Judge Robert Vance is killed in his home in Birmingham, Alabama, when he opens a mail bomb. Walter Leroy Moody Jr. is convicted of the death of Vance and attorney Robert Robinson. Prosecutors allege Moody sent the mail bombs out of anger over his conviction in 1972 for possessing a mail bomb.

March 18, 1999 - Los Angeles County Court Commissioner H. George Taylor and his wife Lynda Taylor are shot and killed at their home in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Investigators believe the shootings are court-related but the case remains unsolved.

February 28, 2005 - The husband and mother of US District Court Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow are shot to death inside the Lefkows Chicago home. A former plaintiff whose case had been dismissed by Judge Lefkow claims credit for the murder in a suicide note.

March 11, 2005 - Atlanta Judge Rowland Barnes and three others are fatally shot when Brian Nichols escapes custody while being escorted to Barnes courtroom to face a second trial on rape charges. Nichols went to Judge Barnes private chambers in the Fulton County courthouse and asked for him before entering Barnes courtroom and fatally shooting the judge and court reporter.

August 21, 2017 - Common Pleas Judge Joseph J. Bruzzese Jr. is ambushed and shot outside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Steubenville, Ohio. Bruzzese and an accompanying probation officer returned fire, killing the assailant. According to public court records, the suspect, Nate Richmond, is a plaintiff in a wrongful death case overseen by Bruzzese.

July 19, 2020 - A man wearing a FedEx uniform opens fire at the home of US District Court Judge Esther Salas. The suspected gunman, a hate-filled mens rights attorney who had argued a case before Judge Salas, kills her son and seriously wounds her husband, Mark Anderl, when they open the door. The next day, law enforcement officials report the gunman died from self-inflicted wounds. Two weeks after the shooting, Judge Salas calls for greater privacy protections for judges.

June 3, 2022 - Former Juneau County Circuit Court Judge John Roemer, 68, is killed in a New Lisbon, Wisconsin, home, in a targeted attack. The suspect, identified as Douglas K. Uhde, was found in the basement of the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, and died four days later in the hospital. It was later revealed that Uhde had been sentenced to prison by Roemer more than 15 years ago, court documents show.

October 19, 2023 - Washington County Circuit Judge Andrew Wilkinson is fatally shot in his driveway by a suspect Wilkinson ruled against in a child custody case.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Sanford Garrett is a 59-year-old visually impaired veteran who lives off of what he calls a broke income, but he makes it work.

Every dollar and cent counts, Garrett explained. He has lived in the same two-bedroom apartment for the past 13 years, and has seen his complex change ownership multiple times.

Since the pandemic, though, he has noticed an increase in junk fees added on to his monthly rent payment. Things like valet trash and pest control fees. It used to be he had to work directly with the cable company if he wanted that service, now its a mandatory fee he has to pay to the apartment complex, even if he does not want cable.

Garrett lives less just steps from the dumpsters where the trash is thrown. He would rather walk his trash to the dumpster than pay $25 a month on valet trash. He also does not understand why hes paying for pest control every month when he only uses the service a few times a year.

Dont be charging people for that service when theyre not using it, Garrett said.

Garrett is not alone when it comes to these mandatory junk fees. They are hidden fees that are not advertised on lease quotes or apartment brochures, but instead can be a surprise to tenants after they sign their lease.

Junk fees in Austin

The Housing Policy Clinic at the University of Texas released a report highlighting this issue of junk fees in Texas, and is calling for more transparency.

The report breaks down these junk fees into two categories: mandatory recurring fees and mandatory non-recurring fees. The recurring fees are services and amenities that tenants are not allowed to opt out of, such as valet trash.

Non-recurring fees are associated with the cost of applying to an apartment and can also be associated with tenant behavior. For example, an apartment complex charged an Austin man a $300 penalty for having a grill on their deck, according to the report.

Theyre becoming much more widespread and the level of junk fees is becoming quite alarming, Heather Way, the director of the Housing Policy Clinic, said.

And the fees Way and her team found were odd. Some fees included boilerplate management fees, fire hydrant fees, and administrative fees.

These kinds of fees that leave you scratching your head and wondering whats going on here, Way said.

The problem is the lack of transparency. The report found that the Altura apartments, where Garrett lives, failed to disclose some mandatory recurring-fees in a leasing quote. There are even examples in the report where some apartments added fees midway through a lease.

An even more alarming issue is some apartments in affordable housing programs are utilizing junk fees as a work-around to rent restrictions. For example, the report states that apartments in Hyde Park recently acquired by the city of Austin and the Austin Housing Conservancy were subjecting their tenants to add-on fees that were not disclosed in the lease quote.

Tenants are already feeling the squeeze in this Austin housing rental market and then these fees are only making it that much harder for tenants to be able to afford living in the city, Way said.

Hope for fixing the issue

The report offers two solutions to this issue. One, a city and state-wide effort to require disclosure and transparency of these fees to tenants before they sign a lease. The second opportunity would be for the citys Housing Department to close loopholes in its affordable housing program to protect tenants from junk fees.

A spokesperson for the citys Housing Department said it is aware of the report. They added, In the coming months, staff will again work with the development community and advocates to identify areas for improvement. The items discussed in this report will be part of that conversation. We look forward to a more transparent process and equitable outcome for all parties.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Jury sends killer to death row for Fort Worth strangulation of girlfriend and her child

A state district court jury in Tarrant County on Wednesday concluded that a man who strangled his girlfriend and her daughter after he raped the 10-year-old in an east Fort Worth apartment should be executed by the state.

After the jury deliberated for about seven hours over two days, Paige Terrell Lawyer was sentenced for his capital murder conviction in the 2018 killings. Lawyer, who is 44, clasped his hands and looked toward the floor when Judge Elizabeth Beach read the verdict at 10:15 a.m. in Criminal District Court No. 1 in Tarrant County. Three sheriffs office deputies stood to his side and back.

Lawyer killed OTishae Womack, whose body was found on her kitchen floor with a plastic grocery bag covering her head, and 10-year-old KaMyria Womack, left upstairs on a bed, covered by a blanket.

Both were strangled when, with his hands or arm, Lawyer applied pressure to their necks until they stopped breathing.

Lawyer was indicted in February 2020, and the decision to seek the death penalty in the case was made when District Attorney Phil Sorrells predecessor, Sharen Wilson, held the office.

The last time a Tarrant County jury sent a defendant to Death Row was in November 2019 when it convicted Hector Acosta of capital murder. The Mexican drug cartel hit man was found guilty of killing two people in Arlington in 2017, beheading one of the victims, and mutilating their bodies with a machete and a two-by-four.

Today's top stories:

 Veteran who died in Tarrant jail sought help for schizophrenic episode

 Nuns escalate legal battle with bishop, seek restraining order

 Family of teen killed at Fort Worth party seeks info on shooting

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Justice Ministry freezes assets, accounts of ex-Supreme Court chief after failing to comply with court order

Ukraine's Justice Ministry froze all assets and accounts of former head of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Kniaziev after he failed to pay a court-ordered sum of nearly Hr 1 million ($25,200) over an illegally received gift.

In December 2023, Kniaziev was found guilty by a court of illegally accepting a gift in the form of renting an apartment in an elite Kyiv neighborhood for Hr 1,000 ($25) a month, an improbable sum for an apartment in Ukraine.

Judges in Ukraine are prohibited from accepting gifts worth more than around $150.

Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention said Kniaziev had been renting the apartment since 2017, but according to the General Prosecutor's office, he started renting it in 2021.

As punishment, a Kyiv court demanded Kniaziev pay Hr 906,600 ($24,000)  the monetary equivalent of the rent he would have paid had it been rented at market price  and a fine of Hr 2,550 ($68).

After Kniaziev failed to pay, a decision was made to seize his assets, Deputy Justice Minister Andrii Haichenko said on April 24.

Kniaziev was first detained and dismissed from his position in May 2023 after he was charged with accepting a $2.7 million bribe to rule in favor of Ukrainian billionaire Kostyantyn Zhevago.

He was released from detention after paying Hr 18 million bail (around $450,000) in January but remains suspended from administering justice until the verdict or the closure of the case.

Ukraine's High Council of Justice also opened in mid-April a disciplinary case regarding the conduct of Kniaziev based on complaints received by the council, including from the National Agency on Corruption Prevention.

Read also: Ukraines judicial reform relaunch shows mixed results so far

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A crew from Kansas City Fire Station 19 responded to a call in December 2021 when Dominic Biscari ran a red light and crashed into a car in the intersection and then three parked cars, killing three people. The city hopes to overturn an arbitration decision that Biscari could only be suspended for three days. The city had said it would seek to fire him. (Allison Kite/Missouri Independent)

Kansas City officials are hoping to overturn an arbitrators decision that a firefighter who crashed a fire truck and killed three people could only receive a three-day suspension.

On Tuesday, the city of Kansas City filed a motion in Jackson County Circuit Court to vacate an arbitration decision that determined Dominic Biscari could only be suspended for three days after he ran a red light in a fire department pumper truck and crashed into a car in the Westport neighborhood, killing both the driver and passenger.

Biscari then veered and hit three parked cars, killing a pedestrian and running into a building that ultimately collapsed. He was charged with three felonies, and according to the city, lawsuits by loved ones of the deceased and the buildings owner have cost Kansas City $3.2 million.

After the crash, the city sought to suspend Biscari pending an investigation, citing the three felony charges. The city told him, according to documents filed Tuesday in circuit court, that the suspension would remain in effect until his felony charges were adjudicated.

But the firefighters union, International Association of Firefighters Local 42, filed a grievance against the city, stating it was shocked at the suspension, which it said violated a previous arbitration decision, according to the citys filing. The decision that Biscari could only be suspended for three days came as a result of that grievance.

According to the citys petition, the arbitrator reached the decision, which it argues was an overreach, without any explanation of how he arrived at a three-day suspension,

But it amounted to one day for each death and one day for each million dollars that (the) firefighters fatality accident cost the city, the petition says.

Representatives from the union, as well as Biscaris attorney, did not respond to requests for comment.

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In February 2023, roughly 15 months after the crash, Bascari was charged with three felony counts of involuntary manslaughter in the second degree. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of probation and 40 hours of community service.

The city notified him of his suspension that same week. Interim Fire Chief Ross Grundyson told the Kansas City Star at the time that the department was suspending Biscari without pay and seeking to terminate his employment.

A few weeks later in March 2023, the union filed its grievance concerning Biscaris suspension, saying it violated a previous arbitration decision concerning whether suspending firefighters pending an investigation violated their just cause and due process rights.

The citys petition emphasizes that the unions grievance dealt with the suspension  not the investigation of the crash or any ultimate disciplinary action.

The issue went to an arbitrator to determine whether the city had cause to suspend Bascari and whether it gave him due process. The arbitrator decided last month in favor of the union. The decision, however, went beyond the question of whether the suspension was justified, the city argues in its petition.

The arbitrator issued discipline on the underlying fatality accident: that (the) firefighter only be suspended for three days and that most references to the underlying fatality accident be removed from his personnel file, the citys motion says. The arbitrator also ordered that the city pay Local 42 for its costs in pursuing the grievance.

In its Tuesday filing, the city says Missouris Uniform Arbitration Act requires that a court overturn an arbitration decision if the arbitrator exceeds their powers, which the city argues occurred.

The city repeatedly emphasizes that the arbitrator should have only issued an order on the suspension. It also says its collective bargaining agreement with Local 42 states parties to an arbitration will bear their own costs and that the arbitrator overstepped in awarding the union fees.

The city had not found him negligent with respect to the underlying fatality accident and had not fashioned discipline for such a finding were it to occur, the motion says. Despite this, the arbitrator took it upon himself to write a prospective cure for a future, hypothetical dispute that was not before him.

The post Kansas City seeks stiffer punishment for firefighter who killed three people in crash appeared first on Missouri Independent.
PITTSBURG, Kan.  Kansas Governor Laura Kelly made a stop in Pittsburg, Wednesday and got a look at the future of healthcare.

She toured the John Parolo Education Center as part of her Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy tour. The goal of the tour is to discuss Medicaid expansion and how she thinks it will affect the states healthcare workforce shortage.

The center provides training for student physicians, nurses and other health professionals.

It also features hands-on educational experiences for students.

Kelly said expanding Medicaid would provide additional tools for the center.

The people of Southeast Kansas are lucky to have these facilities and these people providing such incredible services and the state of Kansas is grateful particularly for what theyre doing in training future heath care workers, said Gov Laura Kelly.

Southeast Kansas would benefit the most because we have the most uninsured adults, we also have one of the highest ranks of folks with chronic diseases, so being the sickest and the least economic developed region in the state, anything, anything would help, said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK CEO.

Kansas lawmakers are scheduled to vote on Medicaid expansion on Friday. They return to the Capitol tomorrow.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Gov. Laura Kelly answers questions during a Dec. 19, 2023, interview in the governor's office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly rejected a bipartisan package of tax cuts Wednesday and proposed a cheaper alternative, setting up a showdown with lawmakers who return Thursday to the Statehouse after a three-week break.

Kelly said House Bill 2036, which slashes income, property and sales taxes, would jeopardize the states long-term financial stability. When combined with other tax cuts passed by the Legislature, the state would lose about $520 million in annual revenue. The Democratic governor proposed an alternative package that would lower revenue by about $433 million per year.

Kansans need meaningful sales, property and income tax relief, Kelly said. However, we must ensure that the plan is affordable for the long term. We must be mindful of the fiscal mistakes of the previous administration and ensure we can provide tax relief while continuing the progress we have made as a state.

HB 2036 would create a two-tiered system for taxing income and drive down the tax rate for wealthiest Kansans from 5.7% to 5.5%. The governors proposal instead would lower the rates for each of the three existing income tax brackets.

There is common ground in other areas  exempting Social Security income from state taxes, increasing the standard deduction, lowering the statewide property tax and ending the tax on food as of July 1.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who earlier in the session failed to find enough support to impose a single-rate income tax, complained Wednesday that the governor was moving the goalposts with her vetoes of tax bills. The Wichita Republican pointed to the states $3 billion surplus and widespread support for HB 2036, which passed 119-0 in the House and cleared the Senate 24-9.

At this point, there are two more things that deep down we all know to be true  Kansans need and deserve tax relief and Gov. Kelly isnt serious when she says she wants to provide it, Hawkins said. As your elected representatives, were going to work to override her veto and get your money back to you.

Lawmakers return to action Thursday with several big ticket items  including funding for public schools  unresolved. The House and Senate wont meet to consider veto overrides or other motions until Friday. Two-thirds of both chambers  84 out of 125 in the House and 27 out of 40 in the Senate  are needed to override a veto.

Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said he would encourage senators to ignore the governors my-way-or-the-highway stance and stand in support of Kansas taxpayers.

The Kansas Department of Revenue estimates HB 2036 would reduce tax collections by about $2.5 billion over the next five years, with about half of that attributed to changes in income tax brackets.

In her veto message, Kelly recalled the financial calamity that followed massive tax cuts under former governor Sam Brownback, and the dire financial situation she inherited when she took office in 2019.

I have said repeatedly that I will do everything in my power to prevent our state from the fiscal mismanagement of the previous administration, Kelly said. Since becoming governor, my administration has been laser-focused on getting us back on track, so we dont go back to the days of four-day school weeks, crumbling roads and bridges, and crippling debt. This bill is too expensive and risks reversing the progress weve made. 

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, said the governors veto serves as a slap in the face to every single person in this state.

Gov. Kelly is choosing to stand in the way of a strong plan that sustainably provides the relief that people want and desperately need, Croft said. Its not time to play politics with peoples money  its time for relief that will uplift Kansas families and retirees.

Kelly also vetoed House Bill 2098, which includes sales tax reductions for new and used vehicles, broadband development, and disabled veterans. That legislation, which carries a three-year price tag of $83.7 million, passed the House 102-17 and the Senate 34-1.

The governor said HB 2098 was on the right track, but that the impact to the state budget cannot be realized without knowing the total cost of all tax bills.

The post Kansas governor vetoes bipartisan plan to slash income, property and sales taxes appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
A Wichita man who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, wearing a patriotic face mask with an American flag painted on his head has pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor.

Chad Dustin Suenram, a U.S. Marine veteran, pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, court records show. His hearing was conducted before Judge Ana C. Reyes on Monday via video conference in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 19. He faces a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Suenram, 44, is among 10 Kansas residents charged in connection with the Capitol riot and the ninth to plead guilty. Eight of those defendants have been sentenced. William Pope, of Topeka, is scheduled to go to trial in July.

Suenram was arrested July 17 in Haysville, south of Wichita, after being charged with four misdemeanors: knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. The government dropped three of the charges in exchange for his guilty plea.

He had been dubbed #FlagFaceMarine by a network of online investigators helping identify and locate those involved in the Capitol attack.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, the FBI tracked down Suenram after search warrant results showed that a cellphone associated with his company Gmail account was inside and outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, between 2:43 p.m. and 4:09 p.m. The business, New Look Companies Landscaping, was owned by Suenram, the document said.

The FBI said Suenram traveled to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5 through a private bus charter company. Facial recognition software on photographs and video footage taken on Jan. 6 showed that Suenram was at the Capitol that day, the affidavit said.

In the photographs, Suenram had a painted American flag on the right side of his head, just above his ear, it said. Suenram was wearing a long-sleeved black hoodie with a black t-shirt over the hoodie. The black t-shirt had USMC on the front and back in red letters and the back also displayed a metallic eagle.

Suenram also wore a plastic face mask decorated like an American flag, the document said.

Prosecutors say this is Chad Suenram, of Wichita, in a USMC sweatshirt during the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

Suenram entered the Capitol through the Senate fire door about 2:45 p.m., the affidavit said, and about nine minutes later was seen on surveillance footage in a large crowd being forced out of the building through the same door.

Other footage showed that Suenram then re-entered the building through the Senate Wing door around 3:05 p.m., according to the affidavit. Video footage from cellphones of others inside the Capitol showed Suenram walking through the Crypt, then joining a group that was shouting, USA! USA! while recording the scene on his phone, it said.

Suenram left the Capitol through the south door vestibule after spending 25 to 27 minutes inside, the document said. But instead of leaving the grounds, it said, at 3:40 p.m. he stood in front of a mob that had gathered outside the north door and was confronting police.

After repeated attacks by the mob, police officers retreated inside the U.S. Capitol building, the affidavit said. Suenram kept his place at the front of the mob, and even after the officers retreat inside the building, Suenram stood directly in front of the north door for several minutes, filming and cheering as police officers deployed tear gas in an attempt to clear the area.

Suenram remained a few feet away from the north door as other rioters tried to use a bike rack and other objects to force entry into the building, the affidavit said.

On July 12, 2022, two FBI agents contacted Suenram at his home and talked to him for about 10 minutes, the document said. He refused to be interviewed and said he was going to get an attorney.

But while they were there, the affidavit said, Both agents confirmed that the photos of Suenram captured in this investigation are a positive match with the Suenram that was met at the residence.
Kate Middleton Joins the Likes of Winston Churchill With Special New Honor

Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday that King Charles had appointed Kate Middleton to a prestigious new titleone thats a first in the history of the British royal family.

Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was named Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour, which makes her the first ever Royal Companion named to that order.

The official royal website says the Order of the Companions of Honour is a special award granted to those who have made a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time.

Others to be awarded the honor include luminaries like Winston Churchill, David Attenborough, Stephen Hawking, and Anna Wintour.

The honor was announced Tuesday along with a pair of other notable appointments within the royal family.

Kate Posts Unedited Photo of Birthday Boy Louis After Photoshop Mega-Fail

That included Queen Camilla being made the Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a role previously held by consorts Prince Philip and Queen Mary.

Prince William was also made Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, a role that was held by Charles until he became King.

The appointments went into effect Tuesday, the palace said.

The appointments provided a sliver of positive news during a tough period in the royal family. Both Kate and Charles are battling cancer, largely removing themselves from the public eye as they each fight the disease.

Charles has substantially reduced his workload, canceling all but a handful of events. Kate battled a wave of conspiracy theories to start the year when she inexplicably disappeared from public life following a surgery, but quieted those rumors by announcing her diagnosis last month.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The KC Wheel is launching a new charitable initiative, One Good Turn Deserves Another, to partner with local nonprofit organizations to promote their causes, drive awareness and help fund their efforts.

The year-round, private gondola ride is located at Pennway Point in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

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It will host these charities throughout 2024 to educate guests about the nonprofits work and needs, to encourage people to get involved and to offer donation opportunities.

According to a news release, those who donate at the events will receive a special thank you gift from the KC Wheel.

The first events are scheduled for Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, where the KC Wheel will host their first partnering charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Kansas and Missouri.

At the event, guests can learn more about the foundation from representatives between 2 and 4 p.m., and how it supports the life-changing wishes of children with critical illnesses.

European essence planned for Kansas City riverfront development

The release said those who donate $10 or more will receive a free Digital Photo Package.

From April 27-29, the KC Wheel will also light up blue in honor and support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and to recognize the families and children who struggle with critical illnesses.

In May, the next charity that will partner with the KC Wheel is the Great Plains SPCA. On May 18 and 19, dogs will be available for adoption, and the organization will also host its first Waggin on the Wheel event on May 20  National Rescue Dog Day  where gondola rides will be free to dogs and their owners can purchase an adult ticket.

The next month, on June 29 and 30, KC Wheel will partner with Feed Northland Kids because they believe no child should go hungry. Feed Northland Kids is an organization that helps children in unstable food environments receive help outside of the school year.

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Those who wish to donate directly to the first KC Wheel, One Good Turn Deserves Another event  the Make-A-Wish Foundation  can click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday earmarked 110 million yuan (about 15.48 million U.S. dollars) from the central natural-disaster relief fund to support flood control and disaster relief efforts in Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The emergency funds were jointly allocated by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Emergency Management, the MOF said on its website.

Of the funds, 40 million yuan will be allocated to Jiangxi, 50 million yuan to Guangdong, and 20 million yuan to Guangxi, according to the MOF.

The funds will mainly be used on searching, rescuing and relocating the disaster-stricken people, secondary disaster detection, the repair of damaged houses, and other aspects, the MOF said.

As of Monday, four people were killed after continuous heavy rainfall hit many parts of south China's Guangdong Province in recent days, according to local authorities. 
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City, Missouri police detectives are investigating a double shooting in the Northland Tuesday evening.

The shooting was reported just before 6:30 p.m. at the Thriftway near N. Brighton Avenue and NE Parvin Road.

KC councilmembers undocumented immigrants resolution fails to advance

When officers arrived on scene they found a man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A woman was also located with a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

It is unknown at this time if the shooting happened inside or outside the business.

No suspect information has been released at this time.

Detectives are continuing to investigate what led up to the shooting.

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Anyone with information can call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace as part of Steinmeier's three-day official visit to Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proved to be a host with a sense of humour during a lunchtime visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday.

After three days of coverage of Steinmeier's trip centred on the fact that he had brought with him a large vertical rotisserie with 60 kilogrammes of kebab meat - and the operator of a Berlin kebab shop, too - what did Erdogan serve at his lunch on Wednesday with the German president?

Exactly: kebabs.

The meat rotated on its skewer on a terrace of the presidential palace in Ankara while the delegations ate inside.

Steinmeier's bold decision to come to Turkey with Berlin chef Arif Keles and a giant cone of kebab - one of Germany's most popular fast food dishes and usually served with sauces and vegetables between toasted sesame bread - generated almost more attention in the German and Turkish media than the content of the first visit by a German president to Turkey in 10 years.

There was talk of "Steinmeier's kebab diplomacy" - mostly with a negative undertone.

At their joint press conference on Wednesday, Steinmeier was asked whether the hubbub over kebabs perhaps showed how superficial relations between Germany and Turkey had become.

"I don't think it's a sign of how superficial relations have become, but rather a sign of the superficiality of the debate about this visit," Steinmeier replied.

In any case, he said, he was grateful to have been accompanied by a diverse delegation: "Arif Keles' kebab is part of this diversity that has helped shape the new Germany."

Keles had already prepared his kebab on Monday evening at a reception in the German ambassador's summer residence.

Incidentally, the meal on Wednesday also catered to non-kebab fans: there were also fried courgette flowers with goat's cheese, veal fillet with mushroom sauce and a Turkish dessert platter.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace as part of Steinmeier's three-day official visit to Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Palace as part of Steinmeier's three-day official visit to Turkey. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
In 2021, troubled by a law change in Georgia that could restrict voting access, business leaders Ken Chenault and Ken Frazier partnered to gather the support of U.S. executives to take a stand. They secured more than 700 signatures for their statement opposing discriminatory legislation. But the pair told the audience at the TIME100 Summit on Wednesday that todays political and social climate would make such an effort more difficult to achieve in 2024.

I think it would be much harder to get CEOs to take a stand on those issues or many other issues, said Frazier, the chairman of health assurance Initiatives at General Catalyst, and former CEO at pharmaceutical company Merckwhich, as a premiere partner for the TIME100 franchise, was a sponsor of the eventduring a panel discussion alongside Chenault. It's amazing how much the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction in our society. We are, of course, an incredibly polarized society and a great deal of that has to do with the fact that, I believe, that the American people really don't know who to trust. He went on to add that systemic inequality, less trust in institutions and a lack of shared identity have led to a divided society in which chief executives would not be as comfortable speaking up.

Chenault added that he and Frazier had been able to garner support from executives three years ago by reminding them that voting rights are not a political issue, but a matter of fundamental rights. Right now it is so politicized that people can't focus on that fundamental issue.

The pair, who were jokingly introduced at the start of the discussion, entitled Finding Hope in Opportunity, by TIMEs Executive Chairman and former Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal as the original Kens, after an interview with Barbie director Greta Gerwig was screened at the event, discussed how to find common ground in such politically polarized times, and why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more than just a buzz phrase in the workplace.

The Kens, as they were dubbed by Ursula Burns in the 2021 TIME100 list, have made huge corporate achievements in their own right, but also as partners. Having what I would call an enduring relationship that's really built on trust is very powerful, says Chenault, the chairman and managing director of venture capital firm General Catalyst and a former American Express Chairman and CEO.

Chenault and Frazier first met only briefly at Harvard Law School. But they became close after Chenault reached out to Frazier when he moved to the business unit at Merck.

I got a phone call from Ken who said there's a lot about the corporate world that isn't written in books. And I think we should spend some time together because it's important for you to know the unwritten rules, Frazier recalled on stage.

It was their shared values that brought them together to oppose voting restrictions.

We both believe strongly that corporations exist, because society allows us to exist. And if you, in fact, want to build an enduring companyyou need to be very concerned about our society, says Chenault. To the United States, there's nothing more important than our democracy. And the right to vote is fundamental to that democracy, he added.

Chenault also said that he and Frazier dont believe corporations should speak on every issue, but some CEOs are currently too afraid to speak on the fundamental issues out of fear of backlash and alienating one side of the political divide.

The big challenge that we face in a polarized world is to be able to communicate with people, says Frazier. You can't possibly construct an effective argument to change someone's mind, if you don't understand how they think, he said. He added that appealing to the remaining shared values of Americans, regardless of political leanings, is essential to find common ground.

Using the example of DEI, Frazier said people may have feelings towards the term but he believes the average American is open to the prospect of expanding opportunities for everyone.

Frazier and Chenault are both founding members of OneTen, a coalition of prominent business executives and their companies, who have pledged to aid the long-term professional development of one million Black individuals who do not yet have a four-year degree.

Chenault observed that companies with diverse populations seem to be working fairly well and this makes him hopeful. But he added that there needs to be more alignment on core values and beliefs in America to transcend the nations political divides.

The way to do that, according to Chenault, is to communicate in matters of truth and facts.

People have weaponized communications. They use gaslighting, they use fake news, they use alternative facts, Frazier said. If we can't communicate about facts rather than ideology, then I think we have very little opportunity to come to a common perspective on things.

The TIME100 Summit convenes leaders from the global TIME100 community to spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world. This years summit features a variety of speakers across a diverse range of sectors, including politics, business, health and science, culture, and more.

Speakers for the 2024 TIME100 Summit include actor Elliot Page, designer Tory Burch, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, WNBA champion A'ja Wilson, author Margaret Atwood, NYSE president Lynn Martin, comedian Alex Edelman, professor Yoshua Bengio, 68th Secretary of State John Kerry, actor Jane Fonda, and many more.

The TIME100 Summit was presented by Booking.com, Citi, Merck, Northern Data Group, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Verizon.

Write to Armani Syed at armani.syed@time.com.
Malcolm Kenyatta (campaign photo)

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) was the projected winner of the Democratic nomination for auditor general, the Associated Press reported Tuesday, defeating Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley.

Kenyatta made history in 2018 by becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Hes hoping to make history again in November by becoming the first Democrat of color to serve as the states auditor general. His projected nomination will mark the first time two Black auditor general candidates have faced off in the states general election, pitting him against incumbent Tim DeFoor.

Nearly two hours after the polls closed, Kenyatta addressed a group of supporters at the Divine Lorraine Hotel celebrating the victory.

Two years ago, many of you were with me in this exact same room with a much different outcome, but with the same simple belief that government can, should, and will work for working people and working families, period, Kenyatta said. In 2022, Kenyatta ran for U.S. Senate, but finished third in the Democratic Party primary behind John Fetterman and Conor Lamb.

He then thanked his husband, Dr. Matthew Kenyatta, who introduced him to the victory party and recognized the historic moment as Kenyatta became the first openly LGBTQ person of color to run as a statewide candidate in Pennsylvania.

While speaking to reporters after casting his ballot on Tuesday morning, he said that its not everyday that a Black gay kid from North Philly gets to represent Pennsylvanians in this way, and called it a special moment arguing a part of what it says is that people just want competent, serious leadership.

Other organizations also celebrated the historic nature of Kenyattas victory.

Malcolms overwhelming victory in this race is a big deal, said Ryan Matthews, Pennsylvania state director, Human Rights Campaign. Not too long ago, the idea that a gay, Black man from Philadelphia would be the nominee for statewide office in Pennsylvania would have been unimaginable.

In 2020, DeFoor made history by becoming the first person of color to win statewide office in Pennsylvania during his victory for auditor general.

Since being elected to the state House, Kenyatta has become a well-known progressive voice in his caucus and has also been one of President Joe Bidens surrogates on the campaign trail in and beyond the Keystone State.

I didnt run for auditor general just because I want somebody to call me auditor general, Kenyatta said. I ran for auditor general because I know what this role can do to make life better for you, to make life better for working people and working families who have given up on the electoral process.

Although the office doesnt often get the publicity that other statewide positions receive, Kenyatta made the case that it matters who is the states chief fiscal watchdog.

The Auditor General is the one role in state government thats about finding those pain points, he said. Thats about finding that disconnect of where our government should be working and when its not actually meeting peoples needs.

Standing in front of campaign signs that read Defeat DeFoor, Kenyatta took direct jabs at the GOP incumbent for his previous comments made about the 2020 election and blasting him for receiving campaign contributions from Jeffrey Yass, a main donor to former President Donald Trumps campaign. He also criticized DeFoor for closing down the Bureau of School Audits in the office and he promised to create a Bureau of Worker and Labor Protections.

Kenyatta claimed that hes in the tank for Pennsylvania working families.

So if you are well-off, and well connected, if you can afford an army of lobbyists, Im not the auditor general for you, Kenyatta said.

The Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsed Kenyattas candidacy in December, making it the first time it is formally supporting an openly gay Black man for statewide office. Kenyatta has also earned the backing of labor unions, and various elected Democratic elected officials.

Kenyatta also thanked Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley and former House Speaker Mark Rozzi, who was previously a candidate for the seat, for their participation in the race and said hes going to earn the votes of those who didnt support him in the primary and unite the party against DeFoor.

Pinsley sent out a social media post Tuesday evening saying: While this isnt the result that I wanted, I want to thank all of my supporters, volunteers, and voters. I ran a campaign on my work as Lehigh County controller, and I will proudly continue that work. I look forward to getting President Bident reelected in the fall.

Pinsley launched unsuccessful bids for state Senate in 2018 and 2022 in the Lehigh Valley and reportedly contemplated a run for lieutenant governor in 2021.

The race flew under the radar in comparison with the spending and attention the open race for attorney general has garnered, with the exception of a controversy about comments made by Kenyatta captured on a Ring doorbell camera.

Wendell Young, president of Local 1776 of the United Food and Commercial Workers, and Daniel Bauder, president of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, both celebrated Kenyattas victory.

Im just thrilled to be here tonight to be supporting somebody who is, I dont even think a rising star anymore, Bauder said of Kenyatta, who is 33 years old. I think youre a star.

Im gonna kind of miss him being a legislator, Young said, adding that hes happy to support his campaign for auditor general, but will miss having his voice in the state House.

And now hes going to take it louder on a bigger stage and hes young enough that theres more stages ahead, Young said to applause.

This story was updated at 11:53 p.m.

The post Kenyatta projected winner of Democratic nomination for auditor general appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
Index

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  The highly anticipated report into Mobile Police policy and practices headed by former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown was released to the public Tuesday evening.

Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine responds to Kenyen Brown report

The report looked into six violent incidents involving the Mobile Police Department, four of which were deadly.

Brown started his report with the Nov. 13 pre-dawn SWAT raid on Sheringham Drive that left a 16-year-old boy dead. Officers were conducting a search warrant on DeAngelo Adjessom for marijuana charges. Adjessom was known to have firearms.

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Brown said the police department uses a weighted system of factors to determine whether or not SWAT, the police departments most aggressive tool, should be used. On the scale, Brown said the search warrant was initially thought to be a medium-risk warrant, meaning SWAT would have been optional for the police department.

Brown said SWAT was not activated for officer safety but due to a shortage of narcotics officers to search a house of that size.

So, the most aggressive tool in your toolbox, and you use it because you have a manpower shortage, Brown said.

Brown said that when officers entered the home, two officers noticed a red laser on them. The 16-year-old boy holding the gun was subsequently shot, and the officers rendered aid.

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Brown said the officers use of force in this case is justified, but the situation could have been prevented had the police department conducted the raid during school hours among other factors.

The second case Brown investigated involved a violent Oct. 17 encounter between a Mobile Police officer and a 16-year-old girl outside Accell Academy. The incident was caught on camera.

A video showed an MPD officer body slamming the teenage girl.

Brown said the officers body camera was not on when it should have been. Had it been recording, Brown said he would have seen if the teenager was being non-compliant.

Based upon the size of the officer and the force at which he used, and using that particular technique in order to subdue her, we thought it was excessive, Brown said.

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Before an administrator called the police, Brown said the internal video showed the girl and a school administrator getting into a verbal fight. The administrator, according to Brown, was caught on camera pulling the girl by her hair and spinning her around. Brown said that qualifies as criminal assault.

The longest section in Browns report dealt with the July 2 death of Jawan Dallas, who died after being tased multiple times by police officers.

Officers were called to the Plantation Mobile Home Park on Carroll Plantation Road at 9:35 p.m. in regard to a possible burglary.

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Officers approached Dallas, who failed to show an identification. Brown said body camera video showed Dallas run from officers shortly after they asked him to get out of his vehicle.

The officer then tackled Dallas, fought him and tased him, according to Brown, to gain compliance.

Brown said Dallas reached for the officers taser. When officers got the taser back, Brown said they tased him again, but it proved ineffective.

Brown said the officers use of force proved to be appropriate due to Dallass attempt to flee and his resistance.

What follows after that was very troubling in that Mr. Dallas repeatedly asked for medical assistance, Brown said. However, Brown said officers did not render medical aid.

He was told by officers five times, Shut the f up,' Brown said.

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At one point Dallas attempted to turn over while in handcuffs. Brwon quoted of the MPD officers as saying, Move again and Im gonna hit you in your mother f stomach.'

When a bystander approached the officers for an inquiry about the situation, one of the officers lashed out at the bystander.

Unfortunately, this officer then gets into a verbal altercation with a bystander and tells him, Well bring your a over here and well whoop you too,' Brown said.

Brown said profanity is not taught in Mobile Police training as it is a catalyst for inflaming a suspect.

Brown said the officers called county EMS services, but EMS wasnt much help when they arrived as Brown said they didnt immediately render aid to Dallas.

For several minutes EMT personnel stood outside of the vehicle without looking in on Mr. Dallas  who was calling out, Browns report said. One officer indicated Check him out because he is beating his head and kicking in the vehicle.'

When she finally got to Dallas, Brown quoted the paramedic as saying, Dont mess my s up.

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Dallass family filed a lawsuit against the City of Mobile for $36 million that family attorneys hope will take them to a federal courtroom.

Browns fourth case involved the Oct. 12 beating of Beezer DuBose Jr., whose beating was also caught on camera.

Brown did not name the officer involved in this case, but the officer identified himself as Paul Callegari Jr. when he filed a complaint against DuBose. That complaint is considered a court document and therefore a public record.

DuBose was pulled over for dark tint. When DuBose questioned Callegaris reason for pulling him over, the officer took DuBose out of the car.

DuBose yelled to a bystander to call his girlfriend and tell her he was being arrested. Browns reports said the officer clapped back with a sarcastic Call his momma too!

The report said Callegari pinned DuBose to a nearby pole when DuBose attempted to change his positioning. Thats when Brown said Callegari and DuBose exchanged verbal assault to one another.

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Brown said Callegari grabbed DuBose by the hair and came close to his face.

He then surrenders a tactically sound arm length distance from Mr. DuBose so that he can press his face close to Mr. DuBoses face in order to shout, What you gonna show me? What you f showing me?'

DuBose and Callegari taunted each other several times before Brwon said the officer started hitting DuBose with a closed fist.

You see in the body-worn cameras that then the officer just starts to hit Mr. DuBose with a closed fist to the face, Brown said.

The fight continues to the ground, all while DuBose remains in handcuffs.

He then says to fellow officers, Well he was grabbing my privates. Thats why I was hitting him,' Brown said.

The investigation team did not find that claim to be credible, Brown said. He backed this up with a few reasons:

When told he should get medical help for injuries to his groin, Callegari did not get medical assistance for three days. He only sought medical attention after the video of him beating DuBose was posted to social media.

In the 11-minute ride from the scene to metro jail, Callegari complained several times of his thumb hurting but made no mention of a groin injury.

We just didnt find his rationale for using a closed fist on a handcuffed suspect as credible, Brown said. We find instead that the use of force was excessive.

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Brown said Callegari unnecessarily escalated the situation by taunting DuBose.

Brown also looked into the Oct. 2 officer-involved shooting of Christopher Jones, who neighbors called the police on for sleeping on the roof of a Glenwood Street house.

Brown said officers poked an awning with a stick to encourage Jones to come down from the roof.

Brown quotes an officer as saying, Get off the roof! F!'

Immediately using bad language, Brown said.

Brown said the officer pulled out a taser to get Jones off of the roof. Jones walked around the roof to avoid being tased.

When he got down from the roof, Brown said Jones reached into a bag and pulled out a gun.

Thats when, according to Brown, the officer shot Jones multiple times, killing him.

While Brown said the officers use of force was appropriate based on the perceived threat, the incident could have been prevented.

As we look back to the greater scope of things, the Mobile Police Department had been called out to that same address a week prior for the same reason related to the same person, Brown said.

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Brown said MPD dispatch failed to inform officers of that before their arrival.

Now did the officers have enough community engagement, even though this was their beat, to be aware that Mr. Jones had mental health issues, Brown said.

The way the officers handled the situation, according to Brown, was the exact opposite of MPD training when dealing with a mental health case.

Brown also investigated a search warrant the police department conducted on a house on Charles Street that killed Kordell Jones.

The police department was conducting a search warrant about robbery allegations.

They did a dynamic entry into this home, which means they quickly knock on the door, then they blow the door open, Brown said.

Brown said 15 officers were involved in the search warrant and SWAT was activated.

Based on the same weighted system of factors MPD uses to determine SWAT activation, the search warrant was ranked to be a higher-risk warrant.

Within 22 seconds of breaching the front door, the officer that is assigned to the back hears a back window open up, Brown said. The first thing he sees is the barrel of a gun come out, then he sees the hand come out, then the torso.

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Brown estimated the officer was five feet away from Jones.

He does shoot the individual after not really giving a warning, Brown said. He does say Hey! but its not clear that Mr. Jones heard the hey.

Brown said the officer shot Jones four times with his handgun.

Based on the threat to officers, Jones said the officers use of force was acceptable.

Brown said the five family members on the property were detained appropriately and constitutionally by MPD initially.

MPD, in our view, improperly and unconstitutionally transported those family members, Brown said.

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The family members were taken to MPD headquarters, kept in handcuffs and were separated from each other.

They actually held them longer in time than the duration of the search, which is also unconstitutional, Brown said. If you had probable cause that the individuals were committing a crime, then it would be constitutional.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
(Bloomberg) -- Representative Maxine Waters, the top Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, predicted Wednesday that she and Chairman Patrick McHenry would soon have a deal on legislation regulating stablecoins, and said shes pushing for marijuana banking legislation as well.

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We are on our way to getting a stablecoin bill in the short run, Waters said in an interview on Bloomberg Televisions Balance of Power.

Waters, who represents a district south of Los Angeles, added that the legislation that she and McHenry, a North Carolina Republican, have been negotiating for 22 months might need a few more tweaks, but is going to bring everybody together.

She pointed out that shed discussed stablecoins with both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Banking Chairman Sherrod Brown, and said the US Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department and the White House have all had input in crafting the bill.

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Its about making sure investors and that the people are protected, Waters said. We have to ensure that they have those assets to back up stablecoins.

Federal regulation could lend legitimacy to the asset class that, in turn, could lead to broader adoption.

Waters said she hoped that a marijuana banking bill that Browns committee has advanced could also become law. Although marijuana has become legal in many parts of the country, federal restrictions have largely kept the cannabis industry out of the banking system. That has forced businesses to operate chiefly with cash.

Now is the time, she said, adding that shes hopeful the Senate can overcome potential opposition to the marijuana legislation from Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

Brown last week told Bloomberg he is open to an agreement that would pair stablecoin legislation with the marijuana banking bill as well as a bill to claw back the compensation of executives at failed lenders.

Lawmakers are considering attaching the package to the must-pass Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization due next month.

--With assistance from Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu.

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Key NATO ally shocks with its 'single largest' pledge to Ukraine: 'They need our support'

Key NATO ally shocks with its 'single largest' pledge to Ukraine: 'They need our support'

Ukraine continues to see an international windfall following the passage of a significant U.S. aid package as the U.K. follows suit with a pledge of its single-largest military aid package.

"Defending Ukraine against Russia's brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe," British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said during a visit to Poland this week. "If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border."

Sunaks pledge of 500 million ($620 million) to Ukraine bolsters an already substantial 2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) allocated for this financial year, the BBC reported. The funds will mainly go toward producing drones made in the U.K. and scaling up "domestic defense supply chains."

The British Ministry of Defense described the package as the "largest-ever single package of equipment from the U.K." that puts the country on "a war footing." Sunak has promised to spend an extra 75 billion ($93 billion) in defense spending over the next six years.

EUROPE MUST KEEP INCREASING AID TO UKRAINE AFTER US APPROVES NEW MILITARY HELP, GERMAN LEADER SAYS

The U.K. will also provide 400 vehicles, more than 1,600 missiles, 4 million rounds of ammunition and 60 boats to bolster the countrys defense. It will also deploy a Royal Air Force squadron to watch over Polands skies for NATO next year.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak inspect military equipment at the Warsaw Armoured Brigade in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday.

"Ukraines armed forces continue to fight bravely, but they need our support  and they need it now," Sunak said during a press conference. "[This] package will help ensure Ukraine has what they need to take the fight to Russia."

"The United Kingdom will always play its part at the forefront of European security, defending our national interest and standing by our NATO allies," Sunak added, according to The Guardian.

ZELENSKYY SHARES HIS THANKS AFTER CONGRESS PASSES FOREIGN AID BILL

Following his meeting with Polish President Donald Tusk, Sunak traveled to Berlin, where he met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday advanced a $95 billion foreign aid package that included military aid for both Ukraine and Israel. The House passed the bill on Saturday, and both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urged passage of the bill.

Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, center, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, arrive to deliver a press statement after a bilateral meeting at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday.

Ukraine will receive $60 billion from that package, providing the beleaguered nation a much-needed shot in the arm to boost its defense against Russian invasion.

ZELENSKYY SAYS RUSSIAN MISSILE STRIKE ON KHARKIV'S TV TOWER PART OF INTIMIDATION CAMPAIGN

President Biden on Wednesday said the package provides "vital support to Americas partner" and served as "an investment in all our security."

From left, Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Britain's Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak Kamysz inspect military equipment at the Warsaw Armoured Brigade in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday.

"When our allies are stronger, we are all stronger," Biden said during a press conference ahead of signing the bill. He stressed that "we need to move fast" to help Ukraine continue its defense against Russias invasion, which has lurched into its third year.

"Its amazing what they do against a larger military," Biden added, touting the territorial gains and naval victories Ukraine has made over the past two years. He laid out the support Russia has received from Iran and China in contrast to the aid the U.S. and other allies will send to Kyiv.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Key NATO ally shocks with its 'single largest' pledge to Ukraine: 'They need our support'
UNITED NATIONS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations unveiled the Climate Promise 2025 initiative on Tuesday, a concerted global effort to prevent temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius as stipulated in the Paris Agreement.

Led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Development Programme, the campaign mobilizes a diverse group of participants including social media influencers, indigenous leaders, and major corporations.

This wide-reaching initiative underscores a key message that, according to Guterres, "it is not all doom and gloom."

"Many countries have the will to take more ambitious steps on climate action, but the world needs to mobilize to ensure there is a way," Guterres said during the launch event dubbed Below 1.5 by 2025: The Plan.

Underlining the urgency, Guterres cited recent extreme weather events and scientific reports, warning that "what we are seeing is just a preview of the disaster that awaits unless we limit the long-term rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius."

The "1.5 degrees Celsius limit is still possible, but not for long," said the UN chief, urging all nations, especially the Group of 20 (G20), to intensify their efforts.

"We need concrete steps this year to get finance flowing and enable a surge in climate ambition," he insisted. "The United Nations is rallying to support you. Please, seize the opportunity. Together, let's make the next round of climate action plans count." 
Brandy and Scott Louwagie of Sioux Falls, S.D., have been foster parents for nearly 10 years and adopted three children from foster care.

Editor's note: This is the eighth in a series of stories on children that Jackie Hendry, producer and host of South Dakota Public Broadcasting's "South Dakota Focus" is writing for South Dakota News Watch. Each month, she previews the upcoming show.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.  South Dakota has more children in the foster system than families to care for them. On average, there were more than 1,000 children in the system in any given month last year, but just over 800 foster families licensed statewide.

Children enter the system for a number of reasons, but the leading causes of foster placement in the state are neglect, parental substance abuse and parental incarceration, according to the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect.

The shortage of foster families is not a new problem.

In May 2021, Gov. Kristi Noem launched the Stronger Families Together initiative to highlight the need. In an email, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Services said 2,000 families have reached out for more information since the programs launch, and 669 families have completed screening and training to become licensed foster care providers.

But the need persists.

Foster families are needed in all communities across South Dakota, most critically in the western and central parts of the state, the DSS spokesperson continued. Foster families are needed for all ages and genders; however, there is a significant need for more Native American foster families. The Department also holds a need for foster families who can be available to care for sibling groups, older children, and children whose special needs require ongoing medical, mental health, and/or behavioral health care. Foster families capable of supporting services to address the developmental needs of children are also needed.

Current foster families receive regular communication from the Department of Social Services on children who need placement options. Two foster families in the Sioux Falls area  where most foster families in the state are located  shared their stories in hopes of encouraging other families to get involved.

Tammy Vande Kamp and her husband, of Hartford, S.D., have been foster parents for two years.

Serious problems are a small part of foster care

Tammy Vande Kamp is a nurse practitioner in the mental health field in Hartford. She initially learned about foster care from her husbands family and then from a program at their church. Their first placement was a 10-day-old newborn they took home from the neonatal intensive care unit.

He stayed with us for eight months, and then we were able to reunify him with his mom, said Vande Kamp.

She and her husband have been foster parents for two years. Like many foster families, the Vande Kamps get regular emails from the Department of Social Services looking for placements for kids with nowhere else to go.

I mean  were full. We have right now four foster children and two biological children living in our home, so were at capacity, and its sad, said Vande Kamp.

She worries that press coverage of the foster system is too focused on the horror stories.

We hear about the foster children that maybe run away. Or we hear about the foster parents that abuse the foster children or the kiddos that end up going home and they end up abused or unfortunately, maybe even theyre killed. Its a very, very small part of foster care, Vande Kamp said. We have been fortunate to have some beautiful children in our home. Yes, there are challenging times. Yes, we have hard times, they have hard times. But there is so much good that comes out of them and us.

Attachment to foster family helps kids later in life

While the common stigmas about foster care are likely one deterrent for potential foster families, another source of hesitation Vande Kamp often hears is a fear of getting too attached.

I used to feel the same way, she said. I learned through classes and through the program that we were teaching them how to be attached. Were trying to teach these children to attach so that when theyre older, when theyre adults, they can attach to other people. They can trust people.

Vande Kamp said she was sad saying goodbye to her first foster child, but she was also happy to reunify him with his mother.

I had a peace knowing that we gave him what he needed for the time he was with us, she said. I knew that we gave him the best of us that we could give him, and we gave him a good start for her to then continue on.

There are several Facebook groups for foster parenting, including one Vande Kamp joined for foster parents in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. She consistently saw posts asking for a support group for foster parents.

So we started one, said Vande Kamp.

Communities challenged to lend support beyond toys

What began as a gathering at a Scooters coffee shop now is a monthly meeting at Tre Ministries in Sioux Falls. She acknowledges it can be a safe place to vent, but its mostly an opportunity for foster parents to get advice from each other about state forms and available services.

Because you can ask your social worker, but sometimes theyre busy and they dont have time to call you back, said Vande Kamp. And for me personally, my best resource has been other foster moms who have been in this longer than I have.

The informal support group is one kind of resource Vande Kamp sees lacking for foster families and the children they care for.

I think we have great resources for things. We have great resources for clothes, diapers, toys, said Vande Kamp. We dont have great resources for people.

For example, Vande Kamp said shed love to see a movement to provide frozen meals for foster families to occasionally ease the burden of meal prep on top of other obligations. More than that, she wants to see communities rise to the occasion to serve children in need.

One thing my children dont need more of is toys. They dont need more toys. They dont need another blanket. And they dont need another stuffed animal. They need people, she said. They need other adults in their lives who can be positive role models. And certainly the Native American population of children need positive Native American role models.

Gov. Kristi Noem, Department of Tribal Relations Secretary David Flute and Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff talk with reporters about the foster care system in the Governor's Office at the South Dakota Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023.

Indigenous foster care in short supply

Native American children made up 74% of children in the state foster system as of May 2023. The federal Indian Child Welfare Act prioritizes placing Native children with relatives or other Native families. But of the 808 state-licensed foster families in South Dakota last year, just 86 were Native American.

Brandy and Scott Louwagie of Sioux Falls were one of those families.

Brandy is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Theyve been fostering for 10 years and have almost exclusively had Native children placed with them. The Louwagies adopted their three children from foster care and were fostering an infant girl earlier this month.

The responsibility that comes with being an ICWA home is just making sure those children, if theyre connected with their culture, to continue that connection, said Brandy. And if theyre not, introduce them to that side of their culture so that if they are seeking that when theyre older or something, its not something brand new to them when theyre trying to seek that heritage.

Brandy said her Native identity has helped her develop a rapport with the birth relatives of some foster placements.

The primary goal is always reunification of a child with their biological family, she said. As foster parents, its our job and our duty to help with that.

Brandy and Scott work for Daktronics, and both travel frequently for their role. One resource they rely on is child care.

If we didnt have child care, theres absolutely no way we could foster, she said.

Itd be too much impact on our lives, he added. Wed have to get new jobs.

The Lost Children: An Argus Leader/South Dakota Searchlight investigation into ICWA in South Dakota

Benefit is worth the time commitment

Like other foster families, the Louwagies regularly receive emails and phone calls about children who need a place to stay.

Our licensing person just came in to relicense us, Brandy said. You tell them as a foster home how many children you can accept.  So she says, I know your hands are full, but can you take on more kids? And were like, we cant. We do what we can, as much as we can. But she said, We have so many children who need a placement.

The Louwagies also hear prospective foster parents worry about the time commitment or that they would get too attached to kids theyd ultimately return back to their families.

We are so busy all the time, said Brandy, gesturing to Scott. I mean, we have sports, doctors visits, both of us travel  so pretty much one of us is always doing almost everything. And the thing is, yeah, the kids are what you love. Thats the only reason we do foster care is because of the kids.

Both Brandy and Scott agree that they keep fostering because they value the chance to give children a sense of safety and security in a traumatic point in their lives.

You just have to understand: If I can take the hurt of a child away, thats what well do, Brandy said.

How to watch 'South Dakota Focus' on SDPB

The next episode of "South Dakota Focus" airs on Thursday, April 25, at 8 p.m. Central time / 7 p.m. Mountain time. It can be viewed on SDPB-TV 1, Facebook, YouTube and SD.net

The episode includes:

Stories from two former foster children who aged out of the child welfare system

Stories from foster families about their challenges and what keeps them motivated to care for children

The state Legislature's creation of the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council within the Department of Social Services

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota foster families share their stories
After stabbing a father-to-be to death on a Bronx street, two men being sought by police took to a local bar to celebrate their killing, an NYPD official said Tuesday.

Keven Ramirez, 27, died Sunday after showing up at BronxCare Health System just before 12:55 a.m., police said.

Detectives retraced the slain mans steps and determined he was attacked on Wythe Place in Mount Eden not far from where he lived.

Ramirez was stabbed once in the chest after what appeared to be an argument between several men on the block, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

The stabbing punctured an artery and left Ramirez with massive internal bleeding. Hospital staff gave him 30 units of blood, but he could not be saved.

Detectives reviewing video surveillance after the stabbing spotted two men run off and duck into a bar about two blocks from the murder scene.

They go into a local tavern, order a bucket of Coronas and celebrate their kill, Kenny said at a news briefing Tuesday.

Ramirez and his girlfriend Yomaira Gomez were expecting their second child in just two weeks, the devastated woman told the Daily News on Monday.

So I didnt get time to say bye, you know? Maybe if you called me at the time it happened, maybe I would have time to see my baby daddy and he would talk to me, she said. But he already passed.

Police are still working to track down the men caught on camera sickly celebrating Ramirezs death.

They didnt seem too concerned that they just killed somebody, said Kenny, who viewed the video.
'Kind and Caring' 17-Year-Old Vanished More than a Year Ago. A Suspect Was Just Arrested in His Case

Jackson Yearby had been missing since February 2023

Stillwater Police Department Teedeenae "Jackson" Yearby

Teedeenae "Jackson" Yearby, 17, was first reported missing in February 2023

Quinlan Phipps, 19, was arrested in Stillwater, Okla., on a charge of first-degree murder

Human remains that police believe belong to Yearby were found on Tuesday, April 23

One year after an Oklahoma teen went missing, a 19-year-old has been charged with murder in his case.

Teedeenae Jackson Yearby was first reported missing in February 2023, the Stillwater Police Department says. On Wednesday, April 17, police say they arrested Quinlan Phipps and charged him with first-degree murder.

A week after Phipps was arrested, Stillwater police say they found human remains that are believed to be Yearbys, though they have not yet been formally identified.

Police have not said what the relationship between Phipps and Yearby was, if any.

It is not immediately clear if Phipps has retained an attorney or appeared in court. He is in custody in Payne County jail, according to jail records.

Payne County Sheriff's Office Quinlan Phipps

Why would you take somebody so kind and so caring who had the entire world in his hands, who could have done so many good things and you just ripped that from him, Yearbys friend Aspen Lawton told KFOR.

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.

In a Facebook post from February 2023, Yearbys mother, Shema Lincoln, says he had moved in with his friends the previous November and would typically call her once a week to check in.

Yearby was associated with the Seminole, Muscogee and Choctaw tribes.



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Read the original article on People.
What to know about the pandas coming to the San Francisco Zoo

London Breed, left, Mayor of San Francisco and Wu Minglu, Secretary General of China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) hold up an agreement to lease giant pandas for the San Francisco Zoological Society and Gardens during a signing ceremony in Beijing, Friday, April 19, 2024. | Liu Zheng

The San Francisco Zoo will receive a pair of giant pandas from China, according to a statement released Friday by San Francisco officials.

London Breed, the citys mayor, visited Beijing last week to meet with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, as well as other organizations and local leaders. There, she announced an agreement through which San Francisco will host the pandas as part of Chinas Panda Diplomacy program.

San Francisco is absolutely thrilled that we will be welcoming Giant Pandas to our San Francisco Zoo, Breed said in the statement. Its an honor that our City has been chosen for the first time to be a long-term home for Giant Pandas.

The mayor also spoke about the announcement in a post to her X (formerly Twitter) account.

It's happening: the pandas are coming to San Francisco!



These Giant Pandas will honor our deep cultural connections and our Chinese and API heritage. They will bring residents and visitors from all over who come to visit them at the SF Zoo. pic.twitter.com/IInDO26QyI  London Breed (@LondonBreed) April 19, 2024

Breed had been advocating for the pandas since last year, when San Francisco hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, according to the statement.

The memorandum of understanding signed by Mayor Breed and (the association) is the first official leased agreement for Giant Pandas to have residency at the San Francisco Zoo. In 1984 and again in 1985, the San Francisco Zoo temporarily hosted Giant Pandas from China as part of a global tour, the statement said.

When will the pandas be at the San Francisco Zoo?

The memorandum, which was shared by The San Francisco Standard, says that the China Wildlife Conservation Association will guide the citys zoo to make full preparation for the giant panda facility building, food supply, technical expertise and personnel capability for 2025.

ABC7 San Francisco reported that the mayor hopes to renovate an existing facility in time. Renovations will reportedly cost about $4 million, while a new exhibit will cost around $20 million. The zoo plans to initiate a major fundraising effort, ABC7 reported.

These Giant Pandas will honor our deep cultural connections and our Chinese and (Asian and Pacific Islander) heritage. They will bring residents and visitors from all over who come to visit them at the (San Francisco) Zoo, said the mayor in her post to X.

Panda diplomacy

The new agreement comes five months after Chinese leader Xi Jinping called pandas envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples and suggested China could send more of them to the U.S.  specifically to the San Diego Zoo and the Californians  last November, as reported by CNN at the time.

During the Chinese leaders visit to San Francisco, Mayor Breed personally asked him to consider letting her citys zoo host pandas. She followed up with two letters to Xi and a visit to China, claimed The San Francisco Standard.

Xis November comments came after the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., gave its three pandas back to China, per CNN.

Pandas have served as something of an unofficial barometer of China-US relations since 1972, when Beijing gifted a pair of the bears to the Smithsonian National Zoo. following US President Richard Nixons historic ice-breaking trip to China, the article said.

More pandas are coming to California

In February, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that pandas will also be sent to the San Diego Zoo.

That agreement marked the first time (China) has granted new panda loans in the US in two decades, CNN reported.

At the time, Washington, D.C., was reportedly in talks with China to receive new pandas as well, per The San Diego Union-Tribune.
What to know about pro-Palestine university protests, from Texas to California

(NEXSTAR)  A wave of pro-Palestinian protest grew even larger Wednesday as college students around the country marched, camped out and, in some cases, were taken into police custody.

At the University of Texas at Austin, dozens of local police and state troopers formed a line to prevent students from marching through the campus, eventually clashing with the protesters and detaining multiple people. And at the University of Southern California, police removed several tents, then got into a back-and-forth tugging match with protesters over tents before falling back.

Student protests over Israels war with Hamas have popped up on an increasing number of college campuses following last weeks arrest of more than 100 demonstrators at Columbia University.

Colleges grasp for solutions to pro-Palestinian student protests

The students are calling for universities to separate themselves from any companies that are advancing Israels military efforts in Gaza  and in some cases from Israel itself.

Protests on many campuses have been orchestrated by coalitions of student groups. The groups largely act independently, though students say theyre inspired by peers at other universities.

A look at protests on campuses in recent days:

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Pro-Palestinian student protesters set up a tent encampment at the Ivy League university in New York last week. Police first tried to clear the encampment on Thursday, when they arrested more than 100 protesters. But the move backfired, acting as an inspiration for other students across the country and motivating protesters at Columbia to regroup.

University officials said early Wednesday that they were extending a deadline for protesters to clear out. They said the demonstrators had committed to removing a significant number of tents and agreed that only students would remain at the encampment. They also said they would make the encampment more welcoming by banning any discriminatory language or harassing messages. The encampment on the upper Manhattan campus appeared calm and a little smaller on Wednesday morning.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia on Wednesday to meet with Jewish students to address antisemitism on college campuses. He criticized Columbia University President Minouche Shafiks leadership, and called for her resignation.

CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, HUMBOLDT

Students at the university used furniture, tents, chains and zip ties to block entrances to an academic and administrative building on Monday. Protesters chanted, We are not afraid of you! before officers in riot gear pushed into them at the buildings entrance, video shows. University officials closed the campus through Wednesday. They said in a statement Tuesday that students had occupied a second building and three students had been arrested. Humboldt is located about 300 miles north of San Francisco.

EMERSON COLLEGE

About 80 students and other supporters at Emerson College occupied a busy courtyard on the downtown Boston campus Tuesday. College officials on Wednesday warned the students that some of the protesters were in violation of city ordinances, including by blocking a right-of-way and fire hydrants, and violating noise laws. The school said the alley where some protesters have set up tents is owned by the city, and Boston police have warned of imminent law enforcement action. The college said in a statement that campus police were offering escort services for students after officials received credible reports of some protesters engaging in targeted harassment and intimidation of Jewish supporters of Israel.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Trying to stay ahead of protests, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, locked most gates into its famous Harvard Yard ahead of classes Monday and limited access to those with school identification. The school also posted signs that warn against setting up tents or tables on campus without permission.

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

At New York University, an encampment set up by students swelled to hundreds of protesters earlier this week. Police on Wednesday said that 133 protesters had been taken into custody. They said all were released with summonses to appear in court on disorderly conduct charges.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

Protesters at the University of California, Berkeley, had set up about 30 tents as of Tuesday.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

An encampment at the center of the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor had grown to nearly 40 tents on Tuesday. Almost every student there wore a mask, which was handed to them when they entered. Student protesters declined to identify themselves to reporters, saying they feared retribution by the university.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar attended a protest at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday, hours after nine protesters were arrested when police took down an encampment in front of the library. Hundreds had rallied to demand their release. Omars daughter was among the demonstrators arrested at Columbia last week.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Protesters and police clashed at the University of Southern California Wednesday. Video reviewed by Nexstars KTLA showed an officer whipping out a baton. Helicopter video showed students surrounding a police vehicle which they believed had a wrongly detained student inside.

Police had been removing tents erected by student protesters. USC Public Safety Assistant Chief David Carlisle told KTLA while students have the right to protest, they are not allowed to camp on school property.

The school ended up closing its campus to the public Wednesday afternoon, restricting access only to students, NewsNation reported.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

At least 20 people were arrested following a student walkout and demonstration on the UT Austin campus Wednesday, Nexstars KXAN reported.

The schools Office of the Dean of Students sent a letter to protest organizers before the event, urging them to cancel. The letter reads in part, Please be advised that you are not permitted to hold your event on the University campus. Any attempt to do so will subject your organization and its attending members to discipline including suspension under the Institutional Rules. Individuals not affiliated with the University and attempting to attend this event will be directed to leave campus. Refusal to comply may result in arrest.

The total number of people arrested grew to at least 20 early Wednesday evening. At least one journalist was recorded being taken into police custody.

The states Department of Public Safety told KXAN it was called to the campus at the request of the University and at the direction of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in order to prevent any unlawful assembly and to support UT Police in maintaining the peace by arresting anyone engaging in any sort of criminal activity, including criminal trespass.

YALE UNIVERSITY

Police arrested 48 protesters, including four who were not students, after they refused to leave an encampment on a plaza at the center of Yale Universitys campus in New Haven, Connecticut, on Monday.

What are students demanding?

The students are calling for universities to separate themselves from any companies that are advancing Israels military efforts in Gaza  and in some cases from Israel itself.

Protests on many campuses have been orchestrated by coalitions of student groups, often including local chapters of organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. Theyre banding together as umbrella groups, such as MITs Coalition Against Apartheid and the University of Michigans Tahrir Coalition. The groups largely act independently, though students say theyre inspired by peers at other universities.

The demands vary from campus to campus. Among them:

Stop doing business with military weapons manufacturers that are supplying arms to Israel.

Stop accepting research money from Israel for projects that aid the countrys military efforts.

Stop investing college endowments with money managers who profit from Israeli companies or contractors.

Be more transparent about what money is received from Israel and what its used for.

Student governments at some colleges in recent weeks have passed resolutions calling for an end to investments and academic partnerships with Israel. Such bills were passed by student bodies at Columbia, Harvard Law, Rutgers and American University.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
What you need to know about Texas school safety policies

Nimitz Middle School students line up to enter their next class Sept. 13, 2023 in Odessa. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

In response to the deadliest school shooting in Texas, lawmakers have upped legislation concerning gun and school safety. House Bill 3 passed late last year, which created the requirement for an armed security guard to be present on all campuses and also ramped up mental health resources for students.

In Texas, the responsibility for establishing the guidelines for public school safety belongs to the Texas Education Agency and Attorney General Ken Paxtons office along with the TxSSC. These rules have been updated since the 2022 tragedy in Uvalde, but some experts worry that parents and guardians still dont know the intricacies of school safety policy.

Brian Clason, program manager of training and education for the Texas State School Safety Center, says the best thing parents can do to protect their children is to develop relationships with teachers and school faculty to learn more about safety protocols before an emergency occurs.

Your school leaders should know who you are, and you should know who they are, he said.

Heres a guide for parents and guardians on how to appropriately navigate an emergency whether its an active threat such as an armed intruder or bomb, natural disaster or hazmat situation.

What should parents know during an emergency?

During a school emergency, emotions can run high. The instinct to contact or go to your childs school may seem like the right idea. However, in the parental guide for school safety created by the TxSSC, they advise parents to wait for instructions from their childs school before acting.

Traffic from parents or guardians all at once may flood the schools phone lines. All schools are mandated by the TEA to immediately contact parents or guardians during a threat of violence through text, email or an app. To ensure the process is as accurate and streamlined as possible, parents and guardians are encouraged to keep current contact info with the school to receive notifications and updates when necessary.

In the event of an active shooter, the TxSSC advises to refrain from calling or texting your child  as it may put themselves and others in danger if they are hiding and have not silenced their phone.

What is newly required of school districts?

New legislation that was recently passed added five requirements for school districts to enact in addition to the existing policies. School districts must:

Employ an armed guard at each public school campus

Install a silent panic button in all classrooms that immediately connects with law enforcement, fire departments and emergency services

Train select district employees to recognize potential harm posed by a students mental health or substance abuse

Give an up-to-date map of school campuses to the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies and local first responders

Contact parents and select people when violence is occurring or being investigated at district campuses, facilities or district-sponsored activities

What are schools required to do to prepare for an emergency?

Drills

All Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are required to conduct a set amount of drills during the school year. These drills are designed to prepare students, faculty and staff for how to react in the event of a potential safety hazard.

They include:

One lockdown drill per semester

One secure drill per school year

One evacuation drill per school year

One shelter-in-place drill per school year

Each drill ranges in protocol depending on the severity of a situation. Secure drills, which may be employed if there is criminal activity near campus, allow school activities to carry on as usual, however, no one is able to leave or enter the school. Lockdown and shelter-in-place drills both interrupt classroom activity. Lockdown drills prepare students for danger within the school, such as an active shooter, and the latter for weather emergencies. The number of fire drills are determined through consultation with a fire marshall.

Because districts may vary in the amount of drills held, parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to their childs school security with questions.

Arms on campus

It is now required that all schools must have an armed security officer on the premises, but it is up to the school district to determine how many officers are present at each school. These officers may be hired from a security company, local law enforcement or may be commissioned peace officers.

School employees may also be armed if they complete either the school marshal program or the guardian plan. Each route differs in methodology  with the school marshal plan requiring the completion of an 80-hour course, and costs upwards of $30,000, while the Guardian Plan requires a minimum of 16 hours and costs approximately $1,900. Completion of either route would allow school employees to be permitted to carry and possess a handgun on school premises.

Planning for an emergency

Every school district must have a multi hazard emergency operations plan, or an EOP, in the event of an active threat, severe weather or communicable diseases. EOPs must comply with the TEAs standards for accessibility for students with impairments. Every three years, a safety and security audit must be completed. This audit is reported to the school board of trustees and the TxSSC.

Over 45,000 schools nationally adhere to the Standard Protocol Response, created by The I Love U Guys Foundation, which is applicable to weather emergencies or threats of an active shooter. The organization has approximately 250 contracts across Texas  primarily consisting of independent school districts, but also serves private schools, community colleges and churches.

Informational guides explaining their procedures can be found on their website alongside a map to check whether your childs school uses its practices.

The state developed and implemented its Safe and Supportive School Program in every school district to be on the offensive of any potential safety threats.

The program requires each school district to form a school safety and security committee to oversee drills, audits and training. The committee is made up of one or more representatives from:

Emergency management

Local police department or sheriffs office

The school districts police department, if applicable

The president and a member of the districts board of trustees

Superintendent

A classroom teacher in the district as appointed by the superintendent

A member of the open-enrollment charter schools governing body or appointed by the governing body, if applicable

Two parents or guardians of students

Read more about recent school safety legislation here and find our guides to voting and more here.

The Texas Tribune is reporting on how school safety measures are affecting Texans. To share your experience with us, you can fill out this form.

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A bold and controversial plan to eliminate the invasive mule deer species on Catalina Island has drawn the ire of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

On Tuesday, the Board voted unanimously in favor of a motion presented by Supervisor Janice Hahn which expresses its opposition to the plan to eradicate the deer population through the use of helicopter-mounted sharpshooters.

Hahn, whose district includes Catalina Island, said shes heard from constituents on and off the island who oppose the plan proposed by the Catalina Island Conservancy.

I understand the Conservancys concerns with the impact of the deer population, but I disagree that shooting hundreds of animals from helicopters is the right solution, Hahn said, calling the plan extreme and asking the organization to reconsider alternatives.

Alternatives have included relocation, extending the deer hunting season and even sterilization, Hahn said.

A mule deer doe walks along a hillside near a feral cat feeding station behind the Descanso Beach Club in Avalon, Catalina Island Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (Getty Images)

Wildlife officials have said that the mule deer on Catalina Island are invasive and have overgrazed and destroyed native plant species and competed with endemic animals, threatening the delicate balance of the island ecosystem. They dont have a natural predator on the island, allowing for their population to grow unchecked, aside from the annual hunting season.

Deer were introduced to Catalina Island in the 1930s specifically to create a desirable hunting destination. Now the islands deer population is eight to 10 times the density of the mainland, the Conservancy said.

Its estimated that as many as 2,000 deer currently live on Catalina Island, and the Conservancy, the nonprofit organization tasked with restoring the islands natural splendor, has said the animals need to be removed from the island lest the habitat be permanently altered.

The conservancy told the Los Angeles Times it would be hiring sharpshooters from a Connecticut nonprofit organization that will use semi-automatic rifles to hunt the deer from above. The deer carcasses will be left behind to decompose because removal is nearly impossible due to the treacherous terrain.

Dangerous bacterial disease reported in multiple dogs in Southern California

Residents of Catalina Island have voiced displeasure with the plan, with many saying they would prefer the deer population either be simply thinned or left alone entirely.

An online petition to stop the helicopter plan has garnered more than 90,000 signatures as of Tuesday morning.

But the Conservancy has insisted that the islands natural species, many of which are endangered, are of higher importance than the invasive deer. The Catalina Island fox, the Catalina California quail, the Santa Catalina Island shrew and other unique animals have been forced to compete with the mule deer and are at significant disadvantage for survival.

The use of helicopters to hunt invasive species isnt even a new phenomenon on Catalina Island. Goats and pigs were also found on the island at one point in time, but have since been eradicated after hunters on land and in the air killed them off throughout the 1990s.

Removing invasive species from isolated islands off the coast of California is a proven method for restoring the habitat to its natural form. Feral pigs once roamed the Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura County, attracting golden eagles from the mainland which feasted on the islands endangered foxes, nearly driving the species to extinction.

When the feral pigs and golden eagles were removed from the islands, and native bald eagles were reintroduced, the island fox population and the island itself began to recover. Those pigs were hunted by helicopter too, and that plan also faced opposition from animal activists. But now, the Channel Islands recovery is considered by the National Park Service to be a historic conservation success story.

A remote camera snaps a photo of a fox on San Miguel Island on June 24, 2018. (National Park Service)

The Board of Supervisors insists its not in favor of doing nothing about the deer population, rather it simply wants the Catalina Island Conservancy to go back to the drawing board to find a less controversial strategy for 2024.

The Board says it will send a letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife voicing its opposition to the plan and urging the agency to reject the Conservancys permit application.

Through this letter, the Board will advocate for the permit to be denied and if it is, the Conservancy will be forced to continue to work on an alternative solution that could be more widely accepted and supported, Hahn said.

If those permits are approved, open season on the deer could begin next fall.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Glenn Sullivan, Sr., 54, pleaded guilty to raping a teen multiple times, resulting in pregnancy, according to prosecutors

Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Glenn Sullivan, Sr.

A Louisiana man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison and will be physically castrated after pleading guilty to raping a 14-year-old girl, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux announced.

On April 17, Glenn Sullivan, Sr., 54, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree rape.

On Monday, Judge William Dykes sentenced Sullivan to 50 years in prison and mandated him to be physically castrated, which was part of his plea agreement with prosecutors, Perrilloux said in the statement.

"I want to say I've had three people ordered to be chemically castrated but, to my knowledge, this is the first physical castration to be ordered," Assistant District Attorney Brad Cascio, who prosecuted the case, said, WBRZ reports.

"I felt that this case was a strong enough case and warranted such action," Cascio said in the statement.

Later adding: Sex crimes against juveniles are the most malicious crimes we prosecute. I intend on using every tool the legislature is willing to give us, including physical castration, to seek justice for the children in our community.

In July 2022, the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office opened an investigation after a young woman told detectives that Sullivan had raped her multiple times when she was 14, according to the statement. The young teen later became pregnant "and a DNA test that was ordered during the course of the criminal investigation proved Sullivan had impregnated her, the statement reads.

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.

Detectives also learned that Sullivan had groomed the victim and used threats of violence against her and her family to prevent her from disclosing the rapes, according to the statement.

Men mandated by the courts to be castrated can choose chemical castration or the surgical removal of their testicles, which Sullivan chose, WBRZ reports.

Perrilloux commended LPSO Detective Ryan Bernard, Cascio and the young victim for coming forward to file the charges.

"So many of these types of cases go unreported because of fear, he said. The strength it must have taken for this young woman to tell the truth in the face of threats and adversity is truly incredible.



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On Sunday morning, an intruder broke into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

The intruder, whom the LAPD has since identified as Ephraim Matthew Hunter, was formally charged with burglary and vandalism on Tuesday. Documents obtained by The Blast show that Hunter could potentially face at least 13 years behind bars upon conviction.

LA Mayor Karen Bass' Home Intruder Pleaded Not Guilty

MEGA

According to the documents, Hunter is facing one felony count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present.

He is also facing one felony count of vandalism causing $400 or more in damage or destruction of property.

Hunter entered a plea of not guilty when he appeared at his arraignment on Tuesday, April 23, in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

The 29-year-old's preliminary hearing is set for May 6, 2024, in the same department and courthouse. He is currently detained on $100k bail. If convicted, he could face a sentence of 13 years and four months in prison.

LA District Attorney's Office Spoke On The Shocking Invasion

View this post on Instagram A post shared by George Gascon (@gasconforlada)

Recall that the home invasion allegedly occurred on April 21, 2024, at 6:40 a.m., with Hunter getting accused of unlawfully entering the official Getty House residence of Mayor Bass.

He purportedly gained entry by breaking a rear glass door, resulting in damage estimated between $5k and $10k.

The suspected intruder sustained injuries from the broken glass and left blood stains throughout the residence. It was reported that Mayor Bass, along with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, were present at the time of the incident.

While the case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division, LA County District Attorney George Gascon addressed the situation.

After expressing his profound relief that the Mayor and her family "emerged unharmed in this recent home break-in," he claimed that his office would not tolerate the "violent intrusion." He added:

"We're fully committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice and held accountable for his actions."

Mayor Bass' Home Has Been Invaded Before

MEGA

This marks the second instance of a home break-in for Bass following the September 2022 attack during her tenure in the US House of Representatives and mayoral campaign.

At the time, two men were accused of breaking into her residence in Baldwin Vista and stealing two handguns.

Despite the previous burglary, Mayor Bass emerged victorious in the mayoral race, defeating billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso two months later.

Notably, the second intrusion coincided with the anticipation of a sentence in the case of David DePape, who attacked Paul Pelosi, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, in October 2022.

Per The Guardian, DePape was convicted of breaking into the couple's San Francisco home and assaulting Pelosi with a hammer, resulting in a skull fracture. DePape's motive was linked to a false pro-Trump conspiracy theory.

The Politician Is Working To Eradicate Homelessness In Her County

MEGA

Before the whole home invasion drama, The NY Post reported that Bass had been busy appealing to the wealthy Los Angeles community.

During her State of the City address on Monday, April 15, the 70-year-old appealed to "the most fortunate" individuals to contribute to funding housing for the homeless.

The politician highlighted the achievements of her signature "Inside Safe" program during her address, noting that it had successfully relocated over 21,000 homeless individuals into temporary shelters.

She emphasized her belief that her "strategy" and "system" of transitioning people experiencing homelessness into temporary housing would ultimately bring an end to the homelessness crisis in LA.

Recognizing the significant financial investment required for this initiative, Bass appealed:

"Right now, we're working to move past nightly rentals. We are asking the most fortunate Angelenos to participate in this effort, with personal, private sector, and philanthropic funds  to help us acquire more properties, lower the cost of capital, and speed up housing."

Mayor Karen Bass' Plan Depends On The Wealth's Generosity

MEGA

Continuing her speech, the Democrat stressed that the success of the new program would rely on the "humanity and generosity of the private sector."

She then described "LA4LA" as potentially bringing about a significant transformation for LA, noting it as an unprecedented partnership aimed at addressing the homelessness emergency.

As far as Bass is concerned, the program is an opportunity to disrupt the existing "status quo" and establish a new system focused on saving lives.

Amid her efforts, the mayor acknowledged the possibility of a continued increase in the number of homeless individuals.

Factors contributing to this include evictions and the termination of COVID-19 aid for low-income households.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 24, 2024. Visiting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) with an expected annual energy production of 290 gigawatt hours. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) with an expected annual energy production of 290 gigawatt hours.

It is also one of the largest irrigation projects in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka's state media reported.

The 514-million-U.S.-dollar project was designed and built by Iran's Farab engineering group, the state-owned Daily News said.

Addressing the inauguration event, Wickremesinghe said the project was implemented with the Iranian technology.

Raisi said that through technical collaboration, Iran and Sri Lanka have set a shining example for the world.

The primary purpose of the project is to address the water scarcity in Sri Lanka's southeastern region by redirecting an annual average of 145 million cubic meters of water from the Uma Oya basin, Minister of Irrigation Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi said at the inauguration ceremony.

The project will provide water to 4,500 hectares of new land and 1,500 hectares of existing agricultural land, she said.

The project commenced in November 2007.

State media reported that the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) initially funded 50 million U.S. dollars for the project. However, due to international sanctions against Iran, EDBI was unable to continue providing funds from 2013.

Consequently, the Sri Lankan government opted to proceed with the project using government funds while maintaining the services of the same contractor Farab company, the Daily News reported. 
The Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton Leagues Youth-Led Green Grew has launched its Tree Equity project  timed with Arbor Day and Earth Day  with the goal of rejuvenating the urban forest of the city of Landfall.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, young people from throughout the Twin Cities will gather to plant 80 trees in Landfall, taking steps towards a greener future for the city.

The event, taking place at the Landfall Village Office at 1 Fourth Ave., will combat Landfalls diminishing urban forest due to the emerald ash borer infestation.

Suryash Rawat, the Green Grew vice president and Minnesota Valley Chapter Board member, is leading the initiative and has secured grants and volunteer donations to help replace trees lost to the infestation.

The Tree Equity project is about more than just planting trees, Rawat said in a statement. Its about equity, justice and community empowerment. By restoring our urban forest, were not only enhancing our environment but also fostering a sense of pride and ownership within communities.

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Lara Trump said Tuesday that the Republican National Committee has people who can physically handle the ballots at election polling sites, alarming critics.

The RNC co-chair made the comment while speaking to Newsmax host Eric Bolling about the GOPs plans for the 2024 election.

Peddling election fraud falsehoods made famous by her father-in-law, Donald Trump, Lara Trump discussed the RNCs plans for a major so-called election integrity operation.

The RNC recently pledged to deploy 100,000 volunteers and attorneys to polling sites this year as observers to protect the vote and ensure a big win.

We now have the ability at the RNC not just to have poll watchers, people standing in polling locations, but people who can physically handle the ballots, Lara Trump said.

Its not clear what she meant by this. The RNC did not immediately return a request for comment.

Poll observers are NEVER permitted to touch ballots. She is suggesting the RNC will infiltrate election offices, Marc E. Elias, a leading Democratic elections lawyer, commented on X, formerly Twitter, in reaction to a clip of Lara Trumps remarks.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and authoritarianism expert, wrote on X, What does this mean, they will have thugs to physically take the ballots to make sure they are marked for Republican candidates? Sounds like a perfect authoritarian election plan to me.

What does this mean, they will have thugs to physically take the ballots to make sure they are marked for Republican candidates? Sounds like a perfect authoritarian election plan to me. https://t.co/yWbJfxt7w7  Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) April 24, 2024

Other prominent social media commentators called it frightening and a public display of planned election interference.

Poll watchers are typically appointed by both political parties to monitor election administration and, sometimes, voter turnout. They may report issues or irregularities to authorities and election officials.

The specific regulations differ from state to state, but poll watchers are prohibited from interfering with the electoral process in any way, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

From 1982 to 2017, the RNC was under a court order limiting Republican poll watcher activity after Democrats sued and accused the RNC of using voter intimidation tactics on minorities in 1981. A judge declined to extend the consent decree in 2018.

Lara Trump went on to seemingly reference that, albeit inaccurately.

So there was a moratorium for about 40 years on the RNC actually training people to work in these polling locations and the tabulation centers where the mail-in ballots come in, she said. And last year, the judge who implemented that passed away, so that was lifted.

And that gives us a great ability as we head into what I assume everyone understands is the most important election of our lifetimes, she added, telling viewers they wanted to avoid a repeat of 2020.

Michael Steele, an outspoken Trump critic who chaired the RNC from 2009 to 2011, honed in on that remark.

Lara, you know why there was a moratorium on the RNC for 40 years? Because the RNC was caught cheating, he posted on X.

Lara, you know why there was "a moratorium on the RNC for 40 years"? Because the RNC was caught cheating. The RNC was placed under a 1982 Consent decree for voter caging. Voter caging hinders an eligible voters ability to vote. The process involves efforts to identify and https://t.co/57Xu3m1Uur  Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) April 24, 2024

The Trump family and its allies have been laying the groundwork to falsely blame election fraud again should he lose to President Joe Biden a second time in the November election.

Trump has been criminally charged in two indictments for his attempts to overturn the last presidential election.

Separately, he is currently on criminal trial in New York for allegedly falsifying business records in a bid to obscure hush money transactions that could have influenced the outcome of the 2016 election.

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Regulating the menhaden catch has long been a contentious point in Virginia state government. (Vicki Jauron, Babylon and Beyond Photography via Getty Images)

Another attempt to impose tighter regulations on the menhaden fishery in Virginia was defeated Tuesday and interested parties again called for the state to study the menhaden population.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 5-3 to deny a petition from the Chesapeake Legal Alliance that sought to limit the catch of Omega Protein, the lone menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay.

Recreational fishing groups and other supporters of a cap have argued that overfishing menhaden, a tiny, yet nutrient rich fish, is causing the decline of the Bays striped bass population.

I just dont see the direct link, said VMRC member Lynn Kellum, who made the motion to deny the petition.

Shanna Madsen, VMRC deputy chief of the fisheries management division, pointed to misrepresentations of research in the petition that had been criticized by peer researchers. The harm to the striped bass, which depends on more than just menhaden, is coming from overfishing, Madsen said.

Regulating the menhaden catch has long been a contentious point in state government with oversight transferred from the General Assembly to the Virginia Marine Resource Commission in 2020.

We dont know if the Bay cap should be significantly lowered, we dont know if the Bay cap could be increased. We dont know if the Bay cap needs to exist at all.

 Shanna Madsen, deputy chief of fisheries management for Virginia Marine Resources Commission

The 42-page petition was one of the more robust of recent requests to produce stricter regulations on Reedville-based Omega Protein, which catches the menhaden and reduces them to fishmeal and oil. The petition received 1,774 comments in support, of which 718 were from the National Audubon Society, and 158 comments against it during a comment period at the beginning of this year.

Virginia law on fishery management plans, requires this type of analysis, but it also requires more than the absolute [harvest] maximum the federal commission sets, said David Reed, an attorney with the Chesapeake Legal Alliance, which filed the petition on behalf of the Southern Maryland Recreational Anglers Association. For those reasons, we respectfully request the commissioner consider greater restrictions than simply defaulting to the maximum harvest.

The Maryland group is also suing VMRC in Richmond City Circuit Court for not using a conservation analysis, as the group claims the Virginias regulation determining Omegas catch requires, when it adjusted the states menhaden catch allocation for Omega Protein to meet limits set by the Atlantic States Marine and Fisheries Commission, which overseas fisheries along the East Coasts.

The petition, which included measures such as putting a moratorium on the fishery in the Bay and creating a one-mile no fishing buffer around the entirety of the Bay, was intended, in part, to provide a blueprint for VMRC to craft a regulation using conservation measures in the event a Richmond City Circuit Court judge ordered VMRC to revisit the limits.

[VMRC is] relying on a federal commission thats not in the business of exploring the nuances of the Bay, Reed told the Mercury in a phone interview Tuesday. Theyre in the business of exploring the coast.

Madsen, the deputy chief of the fisheries management division, said more science is needed to understand menhaden in the Bay.

I would love to sit up here and say this is the number, this is the scientifically supported Bay cap, and I cant and its incredibly frustrating to me, said Madsen, added the current bay cap of 51,000 metric tons isnt based on any scientific finding but is based on historic landings, or catches. We dont know if the Bay cap should be significantly lowered, we dont know if the Bay cap could be increased. We dont know if the Bay cap needs to exist at all.

The Legislature was considering a bill to fund a three-year study during the session that just ended, but the effort never made it out of the House of Delegates Rules Committee. Steve Atkinson, president of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, told VMRC Tuesday, it appears, by all accounts, that the industry helped lobby against the study.

After the meeting, Atkinson told the Mercury, Omega Protein, cant have it both ways, by saying science is needed to show they arent harming the menhaden population in the Bay and then work to block the needed science.

Monty Diehl, CEO of Ocean Harvesters, which catches the menhaden for Omega Protein, on Tuesday denied that the company lobbied against the study. Omega Protein spokesperson Ben Landry told the Mercury after the meeting a concern they have with the study that theyve shared before is its shortened time period, compared to a five-year effort ASMFC proposed in 2021.

We all want the same thing, Landry said, A sound survey to determine what is the baseline abundance.

Instead of lobbying against the study, Landry said the company pushed for a bill this past session from Del. Hillary Pugh-Kent, R-Richmond County, that created penalties for people who harass commercial fishermen. The measure was signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The VMRC Tuesday had considered taking up specific measures in the petition to codify the one-mile no fishing buffer around the Chesapeake Bay shorelines and increase oversight of the vessels, as well as a request from VMRC member Patrick Hand to determine if Omegas fishing days in the Bay could be reduced. Those also failed to advance with members of the commission suggesting the Menhaden Management Advisory Committee look into them.

Its incredibly frustrating that we do not have the regional information that we need and that the efforts to acquire that information or develop that information were halted this year, said VMRC member Heather Lusk, adding maybe some new regulations on the fishery could incentivize cooperation for the study. It is incredibly frustrating and frankly disappointing.

This article was updated with a correct quote from VMRC member Lynn Kellum and year that management of the menhaden fishery transferred to VMRC.

The post Latest petition to reduce Omega Proteins menhaden catch limit is rejected appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Outside the front steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday morning, anti-abortion groups and abortion rights advocates battled to make their stances known, each wielding signs, stickers and blaring PA systems.

Inside the courts cool marble walls, the tension over abortion access  specifically whether Idaho can enforce its abortion ban when medical emergencies threaten pregnant patients health  pitted Idaho against the U.S. Department of Justice.

Attorneys for each side argued in front of the nine U.S Supreme Court justices Wednesday morning. At times, the hearing seemed tense as the courts more liberal justices pounced on Joshua Turner, Idahos chief of constitutional litigation and policy. In turn, the conservative justices raised substantial questions about U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogars argument.

The women on the bench seemed especially skeptical of Idahos argument. The first half-hour of questioning for Turner came from the four female justices, including conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who questioned the point of bringing the case to the court if, as Turner argued, there is no discord between state and federal law.

But the court is heavily conservative, and that split was apparent as Prelogar stood before the justices. She faced scrutiny from Barrett as well, along with the five right-leaning men on the court. If the justices rule in line with their previous stances on abortion, Idaho could see a majority in its favor.

The case dates back to 2022, when the federal government sued the state over its abortion ban, which went into effect when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. While Idahos abortion law allows an exception to prevent a pregnant patients death, it does not carve out an option for abortion as a means of preserving patients health in a medical emergency. Doctors and medical associations told the Idaho Statesman and the court that abortion is a recommended stabilizing procedure for several emergency conditions.

The courts decision will have broad impacts outside Idaho. At least six other states have similar laws, and others are in the process of implementing more strict abortion regulations. Some justices implied that the ruling could impact other instances when federal and state laws clash, broadening the scope of the case even further.

Does Idaho abortion law conflict with EMTALA?

At the core of the disagreements between the federal government and Idaho is whether the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, is in conflict with Idaho abortion law. The Department of Justice  and numerous medical institutions  say there is a conflict; Idaho says there isnt.

In briefs submitted to the court ahead of the oral arguments, Idaho attorneys said EMTALA neither requires hospitals to perform procedures that violate state law, nor does it expressly mention abortion as a stabilizing treatment. Idaho officials also said attempting to enforce EMTALA over state law opens the door to unconstitutional federal intervention.

In its argument, the federal government noted that EMTALA does not mandate any specific stabilizing procedures. Instead, it leaves medical decisions up to the providers  many of whom told the Statesman they regularly see cases for which abortion is an appropriate procedure to stabilize an emergency patient and protect their health.

Turners opening statement asserted that EMTALA does not require doctors to break state laws to provide stabilizing emergency medical care. After just a few minutes of laying out his argument, Turner stood for questions from the justices.

Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan intensely interrogated Turners case, at times cutting his responses short to ask further questions.

The justices asked Turner for clarification on Idahos understanding of EMTALA. Turner told Brown that, while he agrees EMTALA imposes a requirement for hospitals to stabilize patients, the question is the content of the stabilizing requirement.

Turner also quibbled over some of the language of EMTALA, which requires doctors to stabilize patients with treatment or accommodations that are available or medically indicated. Turner said abortion is not a treatment available to doctors holding an Idaho medical license.

Sotomayor swiftly argued against that point. She raised a hypothetical situation in which a state might attempt to limit treatment for diabetes to exclude the usual standard of care.

No state licensing law would allow a state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin, treat them with pills,  Sotomayor said.

Turner told the court that Idaho law exists alongside EMTALA. He said in all hypothetical situations of obstetrical emergency presented by the federal government in the case, Idaho law would allow doctors to perform an abortion if they do so in good faith that the procedure will save the patients life.

Nobodys arguing that these cases dont raise tough medical questions, Turner said. Idaho does not require that doctors wait until (patients) are on the verge of death.

Barrett, one of the courts more conservative justices, called out Turner for creating a confusing argument after he told the court exemptions are case by case.

Youre hedging, Barrett said.

Later she asked Turner where Idahos conflict is with EMTALA if the state claims doctors can provide abortions in the hypothetical cases the federal government laid out.

If theres no instance where EMTALA and Idaho law clash, then why are you here? Barrett asked.

Justices question impact of ruling for EMTALA

Prelogar, who grew up in Idaho, argued the federal governments case. She told the justices that EMTALA is simple but profound.

This case is about how that guarantee (of emergency stabilizing care) applies to women who are pregnant, Prelogar said.

She, too, faced a rigorous line of questioning.

Justice Clarence Thomas, a conservative voice on the court, opened questioning by raising the issue of whether a spending clause  as he referred to EMTALA  can override states criminal laws, setting up the main critique the justices had for the solicitor general.

EMTALA is tied to federal Medicare funding. Hospitals that accept such funding are required to comply with EMTALA.

Thomas told Prelogar he found it odd that the regulated body in question  hospitals  was not party to the case. Justice Samuel Alito, the courts most staunch conservative, doubled down on Thomas point.

How can you impose duties on what Idaho can and cannot criminalize? Alito asked Prelogar.

Alito also raised the question of mental health and whether a woman experiencing a mental health crisis can receive abortion as a stabilizing treatment. Prelogar said the federal governments stance is that termination of pregnancy does not constitute treatment for a mental health emergency.

The justices questioned Prelogar over several other aspects of EMTALA and its overlap with abortion. Chief Justice John Roberts asked Prelogar whether the federal government allows exceptions to EMTALA when a physician has a conflict of conscience with a treatment.

You cannot force a doctor to step over a conscience objection, Prelogar said. But she noted that, if a hospital fails to employ any doctors who will perform an abortion, the hospital could face penalties under EMTALA for not offering appropriate medical care.

When will court rule on Idaho abortion case?

The justices are expected to issue a ruling on the case in June or July. The court leans conservative, prompting some analysts to predict it will rule in Idahos favor.

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, who attended Wednesdays case and sat at the front of the courtroom alongside Turner, told reporters after the hearing that he felt confident in Idahos argument but was unsure how the court would rule.

I think its really hard to read what the courts gonna do, Labrador said. Its hard to read the tea leaves.

He reiterated Turners claims that Idaho abortion law exists without conflict with EMTALA and said the Idaho Medical Association has been trying to confuse people about when abortion is legal.

We have been clear on what the law means, and the Idaho Supreme Court was clear about what the law means, Labrador said.

Idaho stakeholders react to hearing

As Labrador spoke, the rally outside the court continued 50 yards away. Dozens of abortion rights activists, many with the Womens National Law Center, raised cheers as speakers vowed to continue fighting for abortion access across the nation.

Whose courts? one speaker prompted. Our courts! the crowd replied.

Just south of the throng of abortion rights protesters, anti-abortion demonstrators played patriotic songs over their speakers. Organized by Stanton Healthcare, they were surrounded by purple signs emblazoned with the message, Emergency rooms are not abortion clinics.

Brandi Swindell, founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare, an anti-abortion pregnancy center based in Meridian, told reporters outside the courthouse that she was encouraged by the conservative justices skepticism of Prelogars arguments.

She called the federal governments stance in the case a slap in the face to Idaho voters, women and preborn children.

It was an honor to attend these oral arguments and to see firsthand this very, very important discussion that can set a precedent for the entire nation, Swindell said.

Meanwhile, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean in a statement Wednesday said she stands with health care providers and urged the Supreme Court to rule in favor of EMTALA.

Nobody should have to travel to another state for medical care they need, McLean said, and yet thats whats happening because we are losing health care providers and emergencies cant be treated here.

Idaho Senate and House minority leaders Melissa Wintrow and Ilana Rubel, both Boise Democrats, also made the trip to Washington, D.C., and said they wanted to represent Idaho residents who oppose the abortion law. Wintrow pointed to polling in Idaho that showed most Idaho residents disagreed with the state laws on abortion and wanted fewer restrictions on the procedure.

Rubel told the Statesman she wanted to ensure that Labrador and other Republican supporters of the law werent the only voices from Idaho at the courthouse.

It was very important to to say that theres another side, and that there are those of us who do believe that womens health and livelihood matters, and that were here fighting for them, Rubel said.

Wintrow and Rubel said they were glad that the courts liberal justices pushed back at Turners arguments. The legislators refuted Turner and Labradors assertions that Idaho law is clear and in compliance with EMTALA.

Rubel said its headspinning to look at how abortion access in Idaho has changed since 2022.

Two years ago we had full freedom and autonomy, she said. Now were fighting over these scraps about whether a woman in a dire health emergency can get necessary medically required stabilizing care.
New Jersey lawmakers acted swiftly when a man with a grudge shot and killed a federal judges son in a targeted attack at home: They passed a set of protections shielding judges personal information from public disclosure, and the measure was immediately hailed as a model for the nation.

But state legislators in Trenton werent finished. In the months that followed, they amended whats called Daniels Law, expanding the measure to cover thousands of other state and local workers in New Jersey. In doing so, the lawmakers created a new frontier in data privacy  and a potential cottage industry for a tech startup.

That startup, Atlas Data Privacy, filed more than 130 lawsuits in February against data broker companies on behalf of thousands of police officers. And there are potentially many more to come. Under the lawsuits, the data brokers could be liable for tens of millions of dollars in penalties.

The changes to Daniels Law were made last summer, but they are particularly resonant after former President Donald Trump publicly attacked the children and family members of judges overseeing his various civil and criminal trials, as well as prosecutors and grand jurors.

The law makes New Jersey a test case for how to enforce a raft of data privacy measures that have popped up in recent years both federally and in many states, intended to hide the personal identifying information, like addresses and phone numbers, of cops, judges, prosecutors and some other protected groups. But critics see New Jerseys expanded law as a money grab for lawyers, tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists seeking to take companies to court.

Companies in the business of disclosing this protected information have avoided accountability for far too long, read the nearly-identical complaints filed in state Superior Court in several New Jersey counties, without sufficient regard for the risks and consequences imposed upon individuals who serve critical judicial and law enforcement roles.

New Jersey has established an Office of Information Privacy that runs a portal for people covered under the law to have their information redacted from public government records, but not private companies that gather data from them. With the new law, the state chose to privatize much of the enforcement of Daniels Law.

Backers of the law said it streamlines a way for cops, judges and others to avoid bureaucratic headaches and hours of work in trying to get their personal information removed from the web. The killing of the judges son in New Jersey seemed to spark a movement, and now most states have laws protecting information for public employees, mostly for judges, according to the Journal of Civic Information.

But the data broker industry has begun a lobbying push in New Jersey to roll back the new law, POLITICO reported earlier this month.

Atlas, in a statement, said the company is working in response to countless horror stories of judges and law enforcement officials and their families being terrorized as a result of criminals having access to their personal information on-line.

The company said its work is not designed to make money. It charges clients an annual subscription fee that covers a portion of our operational costs and that 65 percent of the penalty it wins in court goes to the plaintiff. The company said it will donate the majority of whats left after legal costs to nonprofits that support law enforcement members and their families.

Daniels Law was first passed in New Jersey in 2020 in response to the murder of Daniel Anderl and the wounding of his father, Mark, at their home by a gunman who had a grudge against his mother, U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. It gives private companies 10 days to remove certain personal information following a request.



In July 2023, Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed a change to the law that passed without opposition. It added child protective investigators to the list of people eligible to have information redacted from government documents and products provided by private services like data brokers.

A few dozen words added to the bill led to the raft of lawsuits. There were two key changes: One eliminated a judges discretion in deciding whether a company found to have violated Daniels Law should pay a $1,000 fine, instead making it mandatory. The other, notably, allows people covered under Daniels Law to designate an assignee to file the lawsuit on their behalf.

Atlas Data Privacy, which first registered in Delaware in 2021 and in New Jersey in January of 2024, had lobbied on the bill through attorney Raj Parikh, whos now representing it in lawsuits, according to regulatory filings with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission.

Parikh said in a statement that he held discussions with different government agencies, impacted individuals and relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the law was working as best it can for those it is meant to protect and reported lobbying work for Atlas related to Daniels Law out of an abundance of caution given a few brief discussions regarding government process and procedures.

The group was funded in part with seed money from four venture capital firms, according to the industry data collection site Pitchbook.com, including one run by Tom Kemp, who has pushed privacy laws in his native California.

Atlas pitched its services to several police unions, offering members a one-stop shop to get their data removed from online data brokerages, which scrape public information for data and often sell it. The company, according to its lawsuits, recommended which services police officers and their families could reach out to and provided them with a template and even an email address with which to contact the services.

According to Atlas lawsuits, the company tracks over 1,000 data brokers and recommended specific ones to cops to send takedown notices in order to make the selection process easier and more efficient. The company then provided the template for the takedown notice, which the user sent through the company-provided email.

Through this arrangement, Atlas would become the assignee for about 19,000 officers, according to its lawsuits.

It was an easy, inexpensive lift for us. We made it part of our legal protection plan. And we discovered a lot of companies dont want to comply with the law, including, shockingly, LexisNexis who have some huge state contracts, said New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association President Pat Colligan, whos also one of a handful of named plaintiffs in the lawsuits Theyre more interested in their bottom line than in the safety of some prosecutors and cops.

The lawsuits present harrowing stories of police officers or their families being stalked and harassed by people who found their addresses online. One plaintiff  Justyna Maloney, a police officer in Rahway whos married to Scott Maloney, a sergeant  claims to have been subject to threats and harassment after a YouTuber posted an interaction with her online. The video had web links to data broker websites disclosing their home address and home telephone numbers, resulting in dozens of threatening phone calls and text messages.

The lawsuit says Scott Maloney then received text messages extorting him for money and threatening that he would pay in blood if he didnt comply, followed by video of three masked people repeating the demand. Several weeks later, according to the lawsuit, police arrested two armed men in ski masks who had been videotaped driving around the Maloneys home while Justyna and their two children were inside.

If each of the 19,000-plus plaintiffs in lawsuits proved just one violation, companies would be on the hook for at least $19 million. Atlas said it would be purely speculative to put a figure on how much multi-billion-dollar companies might have to provide as a result of being found negligent in their compliance of Daniel's Law.

Colligan said that the union paid for the service through its legal fund, though he declined to say how much it cost. He said that his union members had struggled to get their data taken offline before the law, but that compliance has been better thanks to the private right of action.

Colligan also accused LexisNexis of freezing union members credit when they asked to have their information taken down. We didnt ask for it. We just asked to remove our information from the files, he said.

Jennifer Richman, a spokesperson for LexisNexis, said Atlas sent her company over 40,000 email requests between Dec. 30 and Jan. 3.

The requests were presented in a haphazard fashion, with personal information about individuals included in multiple emails that needed to be matched with one another. We began working immediately on the unprecedented volume of requests, Richman said.

Richman added that the company remains committed to protecting law enforcement officers, judges, victims of domestic violence and others at risk of potential harm and will work diligently to honor all requests related to personal information.

Richman said that for credit reports, Daniels Law fails to contemplate downstream uses of residential addresses and phone numbers such as consumer and financial transactions.

The data brokers have an ally in the Nonprofit Alliance, whose member organizations often use data brokers for donor lists.

The group in a legislative update to its members said Atlas flooded data brokers with tens of thousands of requests at once, making it virtually impossible to respond in the 10-day time frame.

Shannon McCracken, CEO of the Nonprofit Alliance, said Daniels Law came about with good intent and from a tragic history.

But [Atlas] saw a possibility with the way the law was drafted and subsequently updated to have this sort of gotcha moment to make life more difficult for data brokers, and downstream to nonprofits who rely on data brokers for their fundraising, she said.

State Sen. Joe Cryan, the bills sponsor, said creating an industry to enforce Daniels Law was no accident, calling data brokers ghoulish.

I dont know [Atlas], but if not them, somebody else could get in the market. Its America, Cryan said. Just do the right thing here and protect the privacy of people that deserve it.
Angelica Belmont, 35, a CVS shift supervisor, said she benefited from a fair workweek ordinance passed by the city of Los Angeles in 2022. L.A. County has passed a similar policy, requiring employers at big retailers in unincorporated parts of the county to give workers two weeks notice about their schedules. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Workers at big retail and grocery stores in unincorporated L.A. County can retain a little more control over their schedules  and rely a little less on managers whims  starting next summer.

On Tuesday, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to require that employers give those workers their schedules two weeks in advance, compensate them for last-minute schedule changes and space out their shifts by at least 10 hours.

The ordinance, which will go into effect July 2025, applies to any retailer and grocer in unincorporated L.A. County with 300 or more employees nationwide.

The county has estimated that the ordinance would affect about 200 businesses, many of them large chains, and up to 6,000 workers. Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who spearheaded the policy, said Tuesdays vote would benefit both.

It is a win for retailers committed to a work environment that gives them a competitive edge and for our retail workers who deserve the dignity of a predictable schedule so they can plan for childcare, school and other life obligations, she said.

The policy closely mirrors the fair work week ordinance the City of Los Angeles passed in 2022.

Like the citys version, the countys policy requires that retailers provide predictability pay if they change a workers schedule last-minute and get employee's approval before assigning them so-called clopening shifts  a closing shift followed immediately by an opening shift the next day. The ordinance also bars an employer from retaliating against an employee who reports violations.

Several business and trade groups argued that the policy needlessly complicates the delicate art of scheduling staff. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce said it would hamper businesses already struggling to compete against e-commerce companies, saddling them with fines in the tens of thousands of dollars. The California Grocers Association argued it would create needless bureaucracy, making eleventh-hour staffing changes extremely challenging.

Read more: L.A. law aims to make retail workers' schedules more predictable. Is it working?

Both groups said they wished the policy included a grace period for a store to solve honest clerical mistakes without getting penalized.

Scheduling flexibility is one of the industry perks that many enjoy about working in grocery stores, yet this ordinance will make schedule changes, especially within a week of a shift, nearly impossible, wrote Nate Rose, a spokesperson for the grocers association. Taken together, its pay penalty requirements and the likely increase in needless lawsuits, will only lead to higher costs at the grocery store for Los Angeles shoppers.

The countys Department of Consumer and Business Affairs would be responsible for enforcing the policy. Each violation comes with a penalty of $500 to $1000.

Janna Shadduck-Hernandez, project director at the UCLA Labor Center, said she believes the policy will bring stability to the lives of thousands of low-income workers. A 2018 study from the center found that the vast majority of retail workers, many of whom are people of color, get their schedules a week or less in advance.

What this allows is people to organize their lives, she said.

In recent years, major cities including Chicago , Seattle , Philadelphia and New York City, as well as the state of Oregon, have passed laws to protect the time of shift workers. Kristen Harknett, a professor of sociology at University of California, San Francisco who studied the impact of Seattles policy, said she found workers' well-being improved as their schedules became more predictable.

When you don't know when  or how much  youre going to work from one day or the next, it's very disruptive, she said. It really just messes up your ability to plan.

Harknett said the countys version has the same components as the other jurisdictions, with one key difference: food service workers arent included.

The carve-out for the restaurant and food industry is pretty unique, she said. Food service is pretty unstable and unpredictable, [and] those workers are not going to experience the enhanced protections that their counterparts in retail will.

The county indicated in a report last May that it would look at providing coverage for workers in several other vulnerable industries, particularly food service in the future.

Amardeep Gill with the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, an advocacy group that pushed for the county policy, said she hoped other industries would enact a similar ordinance for their own sectors.

Were hoping the work that weve done here really lays like a strong foundation where others can build upon this, said Gill.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In response to the continued Israel-Hamas war, student demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians have drawn scrutiny across the country and in Texas.

In late March, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered public universities to revise their free speech policies and singled out some pro-Palestine student groups, saying they should be subject to discipline. The order told officials for Texas university systems to report back free speech policy changes within 90 days.

Still, students and organizations have continued to conduct pro-Palestine demonstrations at several Texas universities. Multiple people have been arrested at UT-Austin during such demonstrations, even though administrators at other Texas universities have not responded as aggressively to campus protests.

Gov. Greg Abbott has cheered the arrests and called for the students to be expelled. Some students, professors and free speech advocates have criticized the response from UT-Austin and law enforcement, calling it "disproportionate" and an "attack on students".

Free speech experts and advocates say students can generally peacefully protest. However, colleges and authorities may still enforce some restrictions and criminal laws to maintain peace and order if they're applied neutrally and not against a particular viewpoint.

When is protesting considered free speech?

The right to protest is protected by the U.S. and Texas constitutions, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas. Freedom of speech and assembly means people can engage in symbolic actions and can arrange peaceful marches and protests on certain public lands.

But these rights are not without limitations. Government entities and colleges can enact reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions or regulations as long as they are applied neutrally and dont discriminate against particular groups or viewpoints. Some colleges have tried to limit protests to smaller, designated free speech zones, but the law has often backed up students peacefully protesting outdoors in open, public areas of campus, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

In 2019, Texas lawmakers passed a free speech law that established all common outdoor areas at public universities as traditional public forums, allowing anyone  not just students and university members  to exercise free speech there, as long as their activities are lawful and dont disrupt the normal functions of the campus.

Protections for free speech are broad and can include controversial viewpoints, but they do not extend to the following:

True threats to harm another person

Inciting of imminent violence or destruction of public property

Unlawful conduct, including civil disobedience like sit-ins or traffic blockades

These are narrow categories of unprotected speech that require an analysis of the facts in each specific case, said Will Creeley, the legal director for FIRE. But he noted that violence is never protected, no matter who is committing the violence or however righteous one might think the violence is. It's always a bad idea. It undermines the effectiveness of protests and it is against the law.

Colleges may also have an obligation to intervene when speech violates federal anti-discrimination law, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or perceived religious or ethnic identity, but it takes a great deal to meet that requirement, Creeley said.

The bar for punishing discriminatory harassment requires that the harassment in question be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive, that it effectively denies the victim access to an educational opportunity or benefit, he said.

Many private colleges also promise their students the right to free speech. FIRE keeps a database of free speech policies at 486 schools.

Is a permit necessary to protest?

Individuals themselves dont usually need a permit to exercise their First Amendment rights, but some entities like cities may require one for unusually large protests or parades, in which case reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions may apply. Texas law allows universities to set reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions for common outdoor areas, as long as they allow "members of the university community to assemble or distribute written material without a permit or other permission from the institution."

Courts have historically indicated permitting deadlines cant be unreasonable and burden First Amendment rights, limiting permit request deadlines to a certain number of days before an event, according to the ACLU. Entities may charge fees but only to cover the administrative costs of processing an application and issuing a permit. Permit requirements and fees must be neutral without discriminating against certain viewpoints.

What are the risks of protesting?

Students may face violations of both criminal law or a university's student conduct code.

On many of the campuses, what's happening is the protesters are being arrested for violation of state or local statutes or ordinances and not really for violations of campus speech codes, said Tom Leatherbury, director of the First Amendment Clinic at the SMU Dedman School of Law. So you also have state universities relying on police to enforce generally applicable criminal laws to protesters, even though the protesters activities may be otherwise protected.

Possible violations in Texas may be deemed disorderly conduct or could include:

Many of these possible violations are considered misdemeanors under Texas law, ranging in punishment from a fine of $500 or less for class C misdemeanors to up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $4,000 for class A misdemeanors.

In some cases, authorities or plaintiffs have pursued action against protest organizers not directly involved in unlawful conduct when such conduct has developed in a protest, Leatherbury said.

Stay alert, and be aware of situations developing around you, and make sure that you don't do anything that can be construed as violent or threatening, Leatherbury said.

The U.S. Supreme Court previously stated that negligence is not sufficient basis for imposing liability on political expression and association, but it recently declined to take up a case in which an appeals court with jurisdiction over Texas decided otherwise. Other lower courts have sided with protestors.

Students and people who are not U.S. citizens may face a greater risk in protesting. The Patriot Act, a federal law passed in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, allows for surveillance and investigation related to a persons First Amendment activities, and immigrants who are not citizens or permanent residents may face harsher penalties if their actions are deemed domestic terrorism, according to the ACLU. Here are some resources for immigrants who may want to protest.

Employees should also be aware that they may be subject to workplace rules, including in regards to unexcused absences, and at-will employment policies that allow employers to fire employees easily.

What happens if I'm confronted by authorities?

Police have at times ordered people gathered for a protest to disperse. The ACLU says shutting down a protest through a dispersal order should be a last resort only exercised by police if there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, traffic interference or an immediate threat to public safety.

A dispersal order must provide protestors a reasonable opportunity to comply, including a clear and detailed notice with enough time and an unobstructed path to leave.

But people who dont follow orders to disperse by authorities may face arrest, even if they are otherwise protesting peacefully, Creeley said.

You don't have a First Amendment right to violate lawful orders. If you engage in civil disobedience, part of the power of your message comes from your willingness to accept the consequences of breaking the law, he said.

What are protestors rights if theyre detained or arrested?

Police may detain people  or briefly stop people for questioning  if they have reasonable suspicion to investigate for criminal activity. If they believe they have sufficient evidence or probable cause, they may make an arrest and take someone into custody.

The ACLU recommends people stopped by police while protesting stay calm, keep their hands visible and say they are not disturbing anyone elses activities and that you are protected by the First Amendment. However, the ACLU suggests protestors avoid arguing because anything said can be used against you.

People being questioned by police have the right to remain silent, but may have to say they are exercising that right and give their name, according to the ACLU.

People can ask the police if they can leave. If they say yes, calmly walk away. Someone detained or under arrest can tell the police they would like to see a lawyer immediately. Police may search a person if they believe the person is concealing a weapon. People should not resist or touch the officer conducting the search, however, the ACLU recommends that people let police know that they do not consent to other searches.

The ACLU recommends that people do not protest or resist on the scene if they think their rights are being violated. Note that resisting arrest, evading arrest or detention and hindering someone elses arrest are all crimes.

For people who think they are wrongly arrested or detained, the ACLU recommends writing down any identifying information like officers names, badge numbers and patrol car numbers. After the event, people can submit a written complaint to the police or write a complaint to the ACLU.

Members of the public are allowed to record video openly and freely in public spaces, which may help serve as evidence if you are arrested or detained. Police may not confiscate or demand to view your video or photographs without a warrant, per the ACLU, but they may order people to stop activities interfering with law enforcement operations.

Some states require that all parties give consent for a conversation to be recorded when privacy can be expected, but Texas does not.

Are there free speech resources for students and Texans?

If you have questions or experiences related to student protests that you would like to share, feel free to email The Texas Tribune at community@texastribune.org.

Maria Probert Hermosillo contributed to this story.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a workshop at a local residential community in Kaili City, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 24, 2024. Li made a research trip in Guizhou Province on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

GUIYANG, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday stressed action to effectively consolidate and expand achievements in poverty alleviation.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip in southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Li visited a local residential community in Kaili City, an industrial demonstration park in Majiang County, and a vocational school in Taijiang County during the trip. He called for continuous government support in order to prevent a large-scale return to poverty.

Li also underlined measures to nurture new drivers for economic growth in rural areas and to cultivate an increased number of skilled workers that cater to market demands.

The premier affirmed Guizhou's economic and social progress, urging the province to make greater contributions to the development of the country's western region. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Hongyang Village in Taijiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 24, 2024. Li made a research trip in Guizhou Province on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
(Illustration by Getty Images)

In their final days of the 2024 legislative session, Iowa lawmakers approved $8.9 billion in state spending for the upcoming year, financing the state government and public services. Most of those decisions now await a thumbs up or down from the governor.

Appropriations bills included funding for topics discussed often this session, like increasing pay for Iowa judges, as well as spending cuts to Area Education Agencies, the provider of special education and other school support services in Iowa.

Budget bills can also include policy components. This year, language restricting on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the states public universities was passed as part of the education spendings bill.

Democrats repeatedly emphasized that the Republican-controlled Legislature was underfunding many government services and amenities that Iowans rely on  despite having excess funds available. Iowa ended Fiscal Year 2023 with a $1.83 billion surplus in the general fund, in addition to $2.74 billion in the states Taxpayer Relief Fund and $902 million in reserve funds, according to the March Revenue Estimating Conference.

Republicans, however, argued they were budgeting responsibly, working to rein in the size and cost of state government  as well as returning more money to Iowans through lower taxes. Lawmakers approved a bill lowering Iowas individual income tax to a single 3.8% rate beginning in 2025, speeding up income tax cuts passed in 2022.

The tax cut is financed in part by the states surplus, as well as a withdrawal from the Taxpayer Relief Fund. If state revenues fall below state spending in a fiscal year, Senate File 2442 includes a measure taking half of the funding shortfall directly from the relief fund. That language would be repealed July 1, 2029 under the bill.

Republicans said these tax cuts will be financed using excess tax revenue from this years budget plan, in addition to a withdrawal from the Taxpayer Relief Fund. The bill includes language stipulating that if state revenues fall below state appropriations for a fiscal year, the funding needed to make up the difference would come, at least in part, from the relief fund. This language would be repealed July 1, 2029.

Democrats said this is not the best use of Iowa taxpayer dollars, arguing that lowering income taxes to a flat rate will disproportionately benefit wealthier Iowans. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst also said depending on the current surplus and Taxpayer Relief Fund to make up for losses that come from income tax cuts could put the state in a bad situation in the future, especially if faced with an economic downturn.

We know that the tax cuts that we continue to pass will continue to impact Iowas budget, and you know, are very aggressive in an economy that is not as predictable, Konfrst said. And were jumping ahead before we have all of the information.

House Speaker Pat Grassley, however, said Iowa is in a sound economic position to make these tax cuts. He also said the income tax proposal passed at the end of session makes smaller changes than other proposals discussed in 2024, like Reynolds bill lowering the states current 5.7% rate retroactively to 3.65% in 2024, with another drop to 3.5% in 2025.

Were really proud of the way were able to do (tax cuts) in a fiscally sound way, Grassley told reporters. I think thats something that weve really championed  as were looking at tax policy, making sure we can do it responsibly and sustainably.

Reynolds must approve the spending bills before the money is officially allocated. Iowas governor has the ability to line-item veto portions of bills signed  meaning that if there are certain programs or groups that the Legislature approved funding for that Reynolds disagreed with, she has the power to override lawmakers decision. Though there were points of contention between the governor and legislators during the session, a majority of the appropriations passed were reached as a consensus among the Republican trifecta at the Statehouse.

Here are some of the highlights from this years state spending:

Education

The education budget bill for the upcoming year, Senate File 2435, allocates nearly $1 billion for the the Iowa Department of Education, the states public universities under the Iowa Board of Regents, as well as the Department for the Blind and other education-related programs.

The budget included a 2.5% increase for Iowas university system, representing roughly $35.4 million. The bill allocates more than $223 million for the University of Iowa, $178 million for Iowa State University and $101 million for the University of Northern Iowa, in addition to increasing the Iowa tuition grant funding by more than $52 million. These increases, alongside other approved expenditures, bring the states funding for public universities to more than $573 million.

The bill also has changes to the way state funds are distributed to Iowa community colleges. In floor debate, Sen Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, said the legislation increases appropriations for community colleges by $7 million, with half of that funding going to the current aid distribution formula and the other $3.5 million dedicated to providing more equity to the six community colleges with the lowest average state funding per student.

Another measure included in the appropriations bill prohibits the establishment, maintenance and funding of diversity, equity and inclusion offices at state universities. DEI initiatives and programs that are required by state or federal law, or to meet accreditation requirements, are still allowed. As the Iowa Board of Regents adopted similar measures in 2023, many of the requirements by this measure have already been enacted at Iowa universities.

The legislation also requires school districts adopt rules related to chronic absenteeism and truancy, setting up a required procedure for schools to work with parents and students through an absenteeism prevention plan. If further intervention is needed, the county attorney would be involved in addressing the problem.

New funding, $10 million, is also given to the Department of Education for the Division of Special Education. As part of the AEA legislation, this new division will take over oversight and supervision work currently performed by AEA agencies internally. The funding would go toward 62 full-time employee positions in the division.

Health and Human Services

The Legislature approved House File 2698, a $2.2 billion budget funding the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs, an $88.6 million increase from the current fiscal year.

Some of this new funding, $14.6 million, goes toward increasing reimbursement rates for Home and Community-Based waiver services, Medicaid programs that provide in-home and community-based health care services for adults with disabilities and older Iowans not in care facilities. This allocation, in part, backfills federal American Rescue Plan funding previously used to finance the program.

Additional funding for reimbursement rates are in the bill  $2.1 million will go toward raising mental health care Medicaid reimbursement rates, and $3 million will go to adjustments for home health provider rates working with older Iowans. The bill also creates 70 additional waiver slots for Iowans with disabilities seeking long-term services and supports.

The legislation also incorporate aspects of previous bills that did not advance earlier in the session. One provision in the HHS budget bill would establish joint training sessions with nursing home staff and inspectors. and add registration requirements for temporary staffing agencies that employ workers at Iowa nursing homes. These provisions do not include language establishing a cap on maximum allowable charges for workers with staffing agencies in nursing homes.

House Democrats introduced amendments, requesting funding for measures like increasing the Medicaid personal needs allowance for people in care facilities from $50 a month to $75, and adding $1.5 million in new funding for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for childhood cancer research. These amendments were voted down.

Administration and regulation

Democrats criticized the GOP majority on several occasions for not properly funding nursing homes  particularly providing ways to address ongoing staff shortages and reports of substandard care. This topic came up again in the debate on Senate File 2433, this years funding for agencies dealing with administration and regulation.

Lawmakers included a $260,000 increase in funding in the bill for the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) and the ability to hire another full-time employee. Lawmakers said this funding is a way to increase fund oversight of nursing homes in the state, though the funding is not mandated for hiring inspectors.

Sen. Claire Celsi, D-Des Moines, offered an amendment that would include $2.4 million in new funding for DIAL to hire 30 additional nursing home inspectors. This Democratic proposal comes as the state department faces hundreds of uninvestigated complaints on issues like substandard care and safety concerns. A lack of inspectors has been brought up as a factor behind the ongoing backlog of complaints.

We know that this problem is not taking care of itself, no surprise, Celsi said.  Its time to protect our senior citizens and do something about it.

Sen. Dave Rowley, R-Spirit Lake, said Iowa currently has 46 nursing home inspectors on staff, funded in conjunction with the federal government  more inspectors than other states currently have. Celsi argued against this point, saying Iowa does not have the dedicated inspections staff of other states  Iowa ranked 49th in the nation in ratio of nursing home inspectors to care facilities. The amendment failed.

The bill provides roughly $72 million in funding, increase of $1.3 million from Fiscal Year 2024, to DIAL, the Department of Administrative Services and Department of Revenue, as well as multiple other state agencies and offices including the Secretary of States Office and Office of the Chief Information Officer. Other spending components include $600,000 increase for the Secretary of States Office to improve cybersecurity and election integrity efforts, and $600,000 for the Iowa Insurance Division, dedicated to pharmacy benefit manager oversight.

Judicial Branch

House Republicans and Democrats celebrated increases to judicial pay and changes to the judicial retirement system  requested by Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court Susan Christensen in her Condition of the Judiciary address  that were included in this years judicial branch budget bill, Senate File 2436.

The bill in total represents a $220 million allocation, an increase of $7.6 million. The bill increases salaries of judicial officers by 5%, a cost of roughly $2.4 million, in addition to raising pay for contract and non-contract employees, costing more than $4.4 million.

The bill also delivers  partially  on another request from Christensen on the judicial retirement system. The retirement system moved from a fixed contribution rate to a variable contribution rate in 2022, leading to judges putting more money into their pension and driving down pay, Christensen said.

While the retirement system was not returned to a fixed contribution rate, it made adjustments to the variable contribution rate system. The bill sets a 1% limit on how much contribution rates can vary in rate from the previous year, and sets a 35%-65% split in contributions from judges and from the state.

Measures discussed in negotiations between the House and Senate, like increasing pay for jurors and giving the governor the power to appoint six of the judicial nominating commissions 11 members, were not included in the final legislation.

Justice system

The justice system budget, House File 2693, provides $24 million in additional funding for the Department of Justice, Department of Corrections and other law enforcement-related state agencies and offices as part of the $693.3 spending bill.

The bill includes $2.8 million in new funding for the Attorney Generals office to hire six new employees to assist county attorneys with investigating and prosecuting crimes. It also includes pay raises for correctional workers, increasing minimum starting pay to $24 per hour, and increasing indigent defense rates for attorneys by $3 per hour throughout the state.

Rep. Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant, said this years budget did not include changes to current federal funding for victim services. Iowa currently receives more than $5 million annually from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), to provide services to victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, and violent crimes.

Congress is considering cuts of more than 40% to VOCA for the 2024 fiscal year, putting funding for Iowa services at risk. Lohse said Iowa victim advocates, state Attorney General Brenna Bird and others are working with federal lawmakers to reverse course or find short-term funding solutions for services and programs funded through VOCA  but that if these efforts do not succeed, Republicans will provide emergency funding to make up for the loss of federal dollars as soon as the legislature reconvenes in 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Senate File 2443 appropriates $46 million for Iowas Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Department of Natural Resources and related farm and wildlife services  a $2.4 million increase from this years budget. An additional $97 million in other funding is also appropriated to these departments and programs.

The budget included $7.2 million for state park maintenance, $296,000 from the Blufflands Protection Revolving Fund for improving park accessibility and requires the DNR dedicate at least 50 employees to seasonal maintenance and upkeep. But Democrats said this funding is not enough to address the accessibility improvements and repairs needed at state parks.

Rep. Sami Scheetz, D-Cedar Rapids, said the DNR has estimated needed repairs will cost at least $17 million.

So this is obviously still a drop in the bucket, Scheetz said, but expressed appreciation for Republicans including some funding for maintenance, repair and accessibility improvements.

Standings

Senate File 2443, the appropriations bill for statutory commitments the state has made, implements several of the components signed into law as part of the measure changing the Area Education Agencies.

The bill appropriates a total of $4.6 billion  a majority, $3.8 billion, going to fund Iowas public K-12 schools at a per-pupil basis. This amount, a 2.5% increase in State Supplemental Aid funding, was agreed upon and passed in the earlier bill. It also provides funding for the increases to teacher salaries and $14 million to raise pay for education support personnel that were included in the law.

Additionally, the bill cuts funding for AEAs by $32.5 million. Kraayenbrink said a portion of this cut, $10 million, is made up for in the education budget bill, as it represents the transfer of oversight and supervision employees now under the Department of Educations Division of Special Education. Another $7.5 million is a dedicated annual statutory reduction.

Also featured in the standings bill was a $2 million allocation for the Iowa Department of Public Safety, funding a task force on the rise in illegal immigration and related criminal conduct like drugs and human trafficking.

Economic development

In this years budget, $42 million in funding is allocated to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Finance Authority, Public Employment Relations Board, Iowa Department of Workforce Development and Iowa Board of Regents through Senate File 2432, in addition to allocating $34.4 million from other funds to these state bodies.

While the general fund appropriations increases by $184,000 from the previous year in this budget, the bill also includes decreases to funding for several programs. Under the Iowa Economic Development Authority, a total $1 million in appropriations is cut to the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program, while funding increases for the World Food Prize by $150,000 and for the Iowa Arts Council by $50,000.

The bill also includes more funding for the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, with $120,000 dedicated to vocational rehabilitation services and $227,000 for the departments field offices, while also cutting $1.5 million in spending on the Statewide Work-Based Learning Intermediary Network, a state program connecting businesses and employees through the states community college system with a focused on work-based learning opportunities.

Rep. Jerome Amos Jr., D-Waterloo, introduced an amendment to return Iowas unemployment compensation to 26 weeks, and raise the timeframe for unemployment benefits to 39 weeks in situations when a factory or employment shuts down. Amos said that as a person who has suffered from layoffs, he understood the importance of unemployment in helping families stay afloat during unexpected unemployment. This is an experience many Iowans are currently facing, he said, pointing to layoffs at John Deere facilities and the upcoming closure of the Tyson Foods pork processing facility in Perry.

We need to make sure the workforce of this state is taken care of, Amos said.  We need to up the weeks for individuals so that they have the ability to take care of their families.

The amendment was ruled not germane.

Transportation

Senate File 2422, making appropriations through state spending as well as the Road Use Tax and Primary Road funds, reduces spending by roughly $1.8 million from the current fiscal year. The cuts in the $453.1 million budget come from areas with lower costs  like a $2.3 million decrease in funding for producing drivers licenses due to factors like the timeline for license renewal changing from five to eight years.

Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund

House File 2691 appropriates $222.4 million for the upcoming fiscal year, with the majority  $223.7 million  going to the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. $112 million of this spending goes to improvements through the Department of Administrative Services for maintenance and repairs of state facilities over the next five years.

Other spending highlights include $14 million for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Fund, and at total $21.1 million appropriation for Technology Reinvestment Fund, going toward improving and upgrading computers, databases and other technologies used by the state government.

The post Heres what lawmakers approved in Iowas $8.9 billion budget and what they cut appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Brooke Berger speaks and Bennett Hardy listens during a news conference announcing a lawsuit against Newport Beach fertility clinic Ovation Fertility. Berger and Hardy are one of nine couples suing the clinic, alleging that it exposed their embryos to hydrogen peroxide or another caustic chemical. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

For two weeks in January, a Newport Beach fertility lab had a 0% rate of successful implantation, allegedly because embryos were exposed to hydrogen peroxide or another caustic chemical, according to a lawsuit filed this week on behalf of nine couples.

More than a dozen embryos were already nonviable when the lab, Ovation Fertility, implanted them into the would-be mothers, said the lawsuit, which accuses the lab of negligence.

The "catastrophic error" occurred between Jan. 18 and Jan. 30, according to the plaintiffs' lawyers, though Ovation allegedly waited a month to tell the patients physicians that something went wrong. The normal success rate for high-grade embryos of this type, the lawsuit says, is about 80%.

Ovation used hydrogen peroxide, rather than distilled water, during the incubation process and relied on inexperienced, cheap, unqualified, and untrained employees to cut corners and maximize profits, the suit says.

Once the company learned it had a problem, the lawsuit alleges, it attempted to trick patients into signing away their legal claims in exchange for about $6,000 as reimbursement for lab and clinic fees.

We wish you our very best and apologize for any inconvenience to you, read one of the letters from Ovation, which was included in the lawsuit. The letters were followed by repeated calls from an Ovation lab manager to the couples, urging them to sign the release but offering no explanation for what happened.

Ovations website describes the company as a results-driven national network providing leading-edge treatment through the hands and minds of the worlds foremost reproductive experts. The website lists 22 labs across the country.

Attorney Michelle Hemesath speaks at a news conference announcing a lawsuit against Newport Beach fertility clinic Ovation Fertility. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

In a statement Tuesday, Ovation said it has "protocols in place to protect the health and integrity of every embryo under our care."

Ovation called the alleged wrongdoing "an isolated incident related to an unintended laboratory technician error that impacted a very small number of patients," adding:

"As soon as we recognized that pregnancy numbers were lower than our usually high success rates, we immediately initiated an investigation. We did not knowingly transfer nonviable embryos for implantation. We have been in close contact with these few impacted patients since the issue was discovered. We are grateful for the opportunity to help patients build a family and will continue to implement and enforce rigorous protocols to safeguard that process."

One of the plaintiffs, Brooke Berger, 37, of Fullerton, said a physician harvested her embryos three years ago in Colorado, though the process resulted in an ectopic pregnancy and the loss of a fallopian tube. She moved to California with her husband last year, and they transferred her last two embryos to Ovation.

She recalled that her physician told her there was a better-than-50% chance the implantation would be successful.

Attorney Benjamin Ikuta, right, listens as Brooke Berger speaks and Bennett Hardy listens during a news conference announcing a lawsuit against Newport Beach fertility clinic Ovation Fertility. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

"We waited on pins and needles for 12 days," she said. When we got the negative [test result], that was really devastating.

The lawsuit alleges that the embryos were already nonviable when Ovation implanted them Jan. 25.

A month later, we found out there was no chance  the embryos had been destroyed," Berger said. "We were just shocked to hear that."

When she and her husband tried to find out what went wrong, she said, the answers from an Ovation lab manager were vague.

We should not have to hire lawyers to find out what happened to our embryos, Berger said. That is just completely wrong. ... That could very well have been our last chance to have children.

She said the lab called her again Monday morning trying to get her to sign the waiver. She said she hopes to try again for children with a company besides Ovation.

Attorney Rob Marcereau speaks at a news conference announcing a lawsuit against Newport Beach fertility clinic Ovation Fertility. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

I wanted to have kids for a long time. I just want one kid. I dont need a whole bushel of kids. I just want one, she said. Im three years older than when we did this process the last time, and generally these odds do not improve as you get older.

Rob Marcereau, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said he believes hydrogen peroxide is the culprit in the death of the embryos because of what the patients physicians told them.

One of the goals of the lawsuit, which asks for unspecified damages, is to get answers, he said.

He said he has handled dozens of fertility cases, and most settle with conditions of confidentiality before a lawsuit is filed.

As a consequence, a lot of these egregious things that are happening never see the light of day, he said.

Last week, two other couples filed suit against Ovation Fertility, also alleging that hydrogen peroxide destroyed their embryos.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Two military horses escaped from their handlers and bolted through central London Wednesday morning, injuring four people as they ran loose through the city. One of the horses was drenched in a red substance that looked like blood, but there was no immediate information from authorities about what was on the white animal, or how the pair escaped.

London's Metropolitan Police and the British Army confirmed the horses had been recovered not long after they escaped from their handlers.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Services told CBS News that four people were taken to area hospitals after being injured in three separate incidents involving the horses.

Two military horses that broke loose during training bolt through the streets of central London, April 24, 2024. / Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA Images/Getty

Medical personnel arrived within five minutes after the first incident, which involved a person being thrown from a horse near Buckingham Palace, the spokesperson said.

In a statement emailed to news outlets, a spokesperson for the British Army said "a number of military working horses became loose during routine exercise this morning."

"All of the horses have now been recovered and returned to camp. A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention," the statement read.

A taxi driver who was waiting outside a hotel near Buckingham Palace had the windows of his car smashed when one of the horses collided with the vehicle, according to the U.K.'s Press Association news agency.

Videos posted on social media showed the horses galloping at speed through the city, leaving chaos in their wake. In one video, a black 44 vehicle with blue lights flashing can be seen trailing the animals.

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At least six current state lawmakers have been arrested while in office. None have resigned.

Clockwise from top left: Senator John Jasinski, R-Faribault; Sen. Tou Xiong DFL-Maplewood; Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook; Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury; Rep. Brion Curran, DFL-White Bear Lake; Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud. All six have been arrested while serving in the Legislature. Photos via the Minnesota Legislature.

Minnesota senators are expected to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct, according to the legislative bodys rulebook.

House members, similarly, must show good citizenship and high personal integrity, according to the House code of conduct.

But living up to those standards has proven to be a challenge for at least six current lawmakers who have been arrested for various crimes while in office.

As the Senate debates how to respond to the arrest of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, on first-degree burglary charges, here is the complete list of legislators  that we know of  who have committed criminal offenses while serving as elected officials.

As of this writing, all remain in office.

Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, driving while intoxicated

On October 3, 2020, Jasinski, then the assistant majority leader, was pulled over on suspicion of driving drunk. He initially took complete responsibility for the incident but eventually pleaded guilty on a lesser charge and was placed on probation for one year.

Sen. Tou Xiong, DFL-Maplewood, driving while intoxicated

On January 8, 2022, then-Rep. Tou Xiong was booked into the Anoka County jail after being pulled over in Blaine. He was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.11% within two hours of the stop. He pleaded guilty to DWI charges and was ordered to a year of probation and a $288 fine.

Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook, drunk and disorderly conduct, trespassing and driving while intoxicated

Grossells first arrest as a lawmaker occurred in May 2019 and happened after a drunken incident at a hotel bar near the Capitol. He was charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing, but had the charges dismissed after entering a court-ordered diversion program.

That diversion wasnt entirely successful, however, as Grossell was arrested again in 2023, this time on DWI charges. After blowing a 0.15 blood alcohol content  nearly twice the legal limit  he pleaded guilty later that year.

Grossell, a retired sheriffs deputy, is the only legislator on the list with arrests stemming from two separate incidents.

Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, driving while intoxicated

In July 2023 a person called in a complaint after watching a man consume alcohol in a liquor store parking lot in Mora and then get into a car. That man turned out to be Dan Wolgamott, who was pulled over after a trooper saw his car weaving within its lane.

Wolgamott, who was named the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Associations legislator of the year less than one month before his arrest, eventually pleaded guilty to the DWI charge.

Rep. Brion Curran, DFL-White Bear Lake, driving while intoxicated

In October 2023 Brion Curran, a former Chisago County Sheriffs deputy, was arrested after driving into a ditch on I-35. Curran showed signs of impairment, according to the police report, refused field sobriety tests, and eventually blew a BAC twice the legal limit.

Curran pleaded guilty early in 2024.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, first-degree burglary

Mitchell was arrested early Monday morning after allegedly breaking into her stepmothers house dressed in black and attempting to take several items belonging to her late father.

According to the police report, Mitchell told officers I know I did something bad, and clearly Im not good at this. She later claimed in a Facebook post that she was simply checking in on a family member with dementia and denied stealing anything.

Mitchell has been released from jail and is awaiting her day in court.

If you know of any recent lawmaker arrests that we missed, please drop us a line.

The post At least six current state lawmakers have been arrested while in office. None have resigned. appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
Letters to the Editor: Columbine was 25 years ago. When will we finally amend the 2nd Amendment?

Students embrace on April 24, 1999, at a memorial for their classmates who were killed at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. (Bebeto Matthews / Associated Press)

To the editor: Twenty-five years after the Columbine High School mass shooting in Colorado, gun violence is the leading cause of death among children and teens. This is truly an abomination. Our children should grow up feeling safe. ("It's been 25 years since Columbine. This is what we're still getting wrong about school shootings," Opinion, April 19)

I grew up in the United Kingdom, where gun violence was, and still is, very rare.

I believe it's time to amend the 2nd Amendment. When people put principles or rules ahead of life, there is something horribly wrong.

I understand that in America, there are situations and circumstances where people should have access to guns. People hunt for their food. People live in rural areas, far from a police presence.

But surely, wise and conscientious people can amend the Constitution so that our children are protected and the people who do need access to guns can get them. Or are we just not that smart?

David Tempest, Mar Vista

..

To the editor: When I saw the op-ed article by gun violence researcher Sonali Rajan, I almost didn't read it. Why? Because I have grown numb and weary when it comes to our leaders' apathy and resistance to addressing this problem.

It is mind-boggling that since the Columbine shooting in 1999, firearms are now the leading cause of death among all children and teens in the U.S. It reminds me of the song by Peter, Paul and Mary, though with a new line: "Where have all the children gone?"

Christine Koch, Pasadena

..

To the editor: As a school counselor for 35 years, I worked with very angry students. Poor school performance or experience with unloving parents makes children feel bad about themselves. This creates anger and a need to strike back.

Based on my experience, I believe that children who become angry develop this trait by the third grade. So, we have to start providing counseling to children at a very young age.

I have done that for many years and have been able to help children change their attitudes and beliefs about themselves. They become happier and do better in school.

People who are angry and think badly of themselves hurt others. Some may do it with words, and sadly, some do it with guns. Unfortunately, laws restricting access to guns will never stop angry kids from wanting to hurt others, so schools must provide counselors starting in kindergarten.

Royce Daniels, Laguna Hills

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A Little Rock man who works to improve understanding and communication between cultures recently received a prestigious national award from the FBI.

Mehmet Ulupinar was presented the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award award by FBI Director Christopher Wray on April 19 at the agencys headquarters. Officials said Ulupinar was one of 56 recipients of the award through his nomination through the Little Rock FBI field office for his work as president of the board for Little Rocks Arkansas Culture and Dialog Center.

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Officials said Ulupinar works tirelessly to foster relationships between diverse communities and law enforcement in Arkansas by providing easily accessible educational, social, and cultural services at the center. They added he assists the FBI in pushing key safety concerns to minority youth and adults throughout Central Arkansas through training and networking events with the goal of creating a more connected community.

Wray said people like Ulupinar are critical to the agencys mission.

Our success as both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency hinges on our ability to foster and maintain genuine partnerships with people in all communities, Wray said. People like this years Leadership Award recipients not only identify what others need, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide services.

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Ulupinar, who came to Arkansas from Turkey, said he was honored by the award and its meaning.

I am extremely humbled to be one of the 2023 FBI DCLA recipients, Ulupinar said. As an immigrant to this country, I am fascinated by the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, specifically where we recite with liberty and justice for all. What a powerful commitment that is! It prompts me to think about what I can do for my neighbors, for my community, and for other human beings to preserve and exercise liberty and justice for all.

This led him to get involved, serve, and be a part of the solution, he added.

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FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder said Ulupinar was a treasured asset to the community.

His passion for fostering prosperous relationships between law enforcement and minority groups in Arkansas is deeply appreciated by myself and many others, Corder said.

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FBI officials said the award was established in 1990 to acknowledge those working to make a difference in their communities through education promotion and preventing crime and violence. They added that nominations came from each of the FBIs 56 field offices.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
DeSantis expands program helping Floridians shore up their homes against hurricanes

REDINGTON SHORES, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Redington Shores on Wednesday, where he signed a bill expanding a program that helps residents with hurricane mitigation improvements.

DeSantis spoke alongside Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton and Tampa Bay officials at Redington Shores Town Hall.

DeSantis touted the states investment in climate resilience since he took office, including grants to help Floridians fortify their homes through the My Safe Florida Home program. The bill DeSantis signed Wednesday (SB-7028) expands the program to include hurricane mitigation projects for townhouses and condominiums.

The program helps Floridians with the cost of storm mitigation projects that will shore up their homes against hurricanes, including window, roof and door replacements. Those repairs could also save homeowners money on their property insurance premiums.

Eligible homeowners can apply for a matching grant where, for every dollar spent, the state will provide $2 toward the actual cost of an authorized mitigation project, or two-thirds of the project cost, up to $10,000.

According to the bill, eligible homeowners can request grants for the following improvements, when recommended by a hurricane mitigation inspection:

Opening protection, including exterior doors, garage doors, windows, and skylights

Reinforcing roof-to-wall connections

Improving the strength of roof-deck attachments

Secondary water resistance for roof (not applicable to townhomes)

Applications from low-income residents over the age of 60 have top priority, the bill states.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
ADDIS ABABA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Seven people died in a residential building collapse in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, local media reported Wednesday.

The building under construction crushed on a house on Tuesday night, killing seven people, the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate quoted local officials as saying.

The incident occurred in a residential neighborhood in Addis Ababa's Addis Ketema sub-city, said the report. 
Live at Midday: John B. Amos Cancer Center offers free screenings on Friday, May 3

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  In honor of Skin/Melanoma Cancer Awareness Month, the John B. Amos Cancer Center is offering free screenings on Friday, May 3.

The no-cost skin cancer screenings are from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Conference Center of Piedmont Columbus Midtown.

No reservations are needed.

Oncology Outreach Coordinator Tenetta Holt visited the WRBL studio to tell us about those free screenings. The full video interview is above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
HOLLADAY, Utah (ABC4)  Hazmat and fire officials were at the scene of a planned detonation in Holladay on Tuesday night, where neighbors said there were reports of dynamite in a home.

Its been there for years and years and years, apparently, Lyndee Aardema said of the dynamite.

Aardema has lived in the neighborhood for four years. She told ABC4.com that she had never seen a situation like this before. She said there was a detour when she was on her way home from work when she saw a big white tent and knew something was wrong.

Fire crews began evacuating residents within a 1,500-foot radius of the home just around midnight. Rob, a resident whose home is neighboring the detonated house, told ABC4 they were not given a lot of time to grab essentials before being rushed out the door.

Officials were able to safely dispose of the dynamite using the planned detonation just before 4 a.m. The resulting explosion could be heard throughout the Salt Lake valley, as far as South Salt Lake.

United Fire Authority Assistant Chief Dustin Dern said there was a small fire from the explosion, which was contained to the house where the dynamite was found.

Well be on scene until the fire is mitigated and the bomb techs say theyre good to go in that aspect, said Dern. There is going to be some other cleanup. There is some structural damage to the area around there that we will be assessing as well.

Residents who were evacuated from their homes have slowly been allowed to return and officials have not reported any injuries.

Grateful that everyone is OK, and no one was hurt, everyones safe, Aardema said. They did the right thing by calling authorities when they found it.

Aardema said the neighborhood typically sees things like raccoons and deer  not bomb squads and old dynamite.

Its kind of chaotic, Aardema said of the situation ahead of the planned detonation. Its a little  little bit scary.

United Fire Authority said the home belonged to a woman who had just lost her husband. She was reportedly cleaning the home and going through his items when she stumbled upon the dynamite. UFA said the woman had no idea the dynamite was there.

Fire officials have ruled the house is a total loss.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  All Tennessee state representatives in News Channel 11s viewing area voted for a bill that would allow teachers to conceal carry.

The bill passed the Republican-controlled House in a 68-28 vote Tuesday with two members voting present not voting. The Senate passed it earlier this month.

Legislature OKs permitting armed teachers in Tennessee schools

Area lawmakers were among those who voted in favor of the bill, including:

Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough)

Rep. John Crawford (Bristol/Kingsport)

Rep. David Hawk (R-Greeneville)

Rep. Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville)

Rep. Tim Hicks (R-Gray)

Rep. Timothy Hill (R-Blountville)

Rep. John Holsclaw (R-Elizabethton)

Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport)

News Channel 11 reached out to each lawmaker. On Wednesday morning, Rep. Bud Hulsey provided the following statement:

It seems reasonable to me. It is completely permissive. If the superintendent doesnt want it, or the principal doesnt want it, the school system does not participate. If they choose to participate, the training is akin to how police are trained, ie, 40 hours which includes keeping your weapon secure, active shooter training, etc. Then the required psychological that police take, then the qualification with your firearm. If you do not pass all that, you cannot participate. There are 500 schools that do not have SRO officers. This is an option for them. Gun restriction laws do not work. Lawless people do not obey [the] law. Thats why you have SRO officers in schools now. Tennessee State Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport)

The legislation would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns on school campuses if they meet certain requirements. In order for a teacher to carry, there must be a memorandum of understanding between local police, the school district, and the principal.

Teachers and staff members would also have to submit to a background check, pass a psychological examination, receive 40 hours of firearms training, and submit their fingerprints.

The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Lockheed Martin & OCPS team up to renovate Orlando school campus

Lockheed Martin & OCPS team up to renovate Orlando school campus

An Orlando school will now have a fresh look, thanks to Lockheed Martin and Orange County Public Schools.

Over 300 Lockheed Martin employees revamped Roberto Clemente Middle School over the weekend.

Volunteers, including employees family and friends, helped paint and assemble new tables and chairs.

They also worked on the landscaping.

Read: Orange County School Board approves putting half-cent sales tax on ballot; what comes next

Lockheed Martin said this was an example of its community partnership with OCPS and National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 21 through April 27.

The company will have other volunteer events across the country.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Biden says the US is rushing weaponry to Ukraine as he signs a $95 billion war aid measure into law

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he was immediately rushing badly needed weaponry to Ukraine as he signed into law a $95 billion war aid measure that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hot spots.

The announcement marked an end to the long, painful battle with Republicans in Congress over urgently needed assistance for Ukraine, with Biden promising that U.S. weapons shipment would begin making the way into Ukraine in the next few hours.

We rose to the moment, we came together, and we got it done," Biden said a White House event to announce the bill signing. "Now we need to move fast, and we are.

But significant damage has been done to the Biden administrations effort to help Ukraine repel Russias invasion during the funding impasse that dates back to August, when the Democratic president made his first emergency spending request for Ukraine. Even with a burst of new weapons and ammunition, it's unlikely Ukraine will immediately recover after months of setbacks.

Biden immediately approved sending Ukraine $1 billion in military assistance, the first installment from about $61 billion allocated for Ukraine. The package includes air defense capabilities, artillery rounds, armored vehicles and other weapons to shore up Ukrainian forces who have seen morale sink as Russian President Vladimir Putin has racked up win after win.

Meanwhile, Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials confirmed Wednesday. The U.S. is providing more of the Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, in the new military package, according to one official who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Still, longer term, it remains uncertain if Ukraine, after months of losses and massive damage to its infrastructure, can make enough progress to sustain American political support before burning through the latest influx of money.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan cautioned that even as new U.S. aid flows into Ukraine, it's possible that Russia will continue to make tactical gains in the weeks ahead.

The fact is that its going to take some time for us to dig out of the hole that was created by six months of delay, he said.

Tucked into the measure is a provision that gives TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell it or face a nationwide prohibition in the United States. The administration and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have called the social media site a growing national security concern, which ByteDance denies.

The bill includes about $26 billion in aid for Israel and about $1 billion in humanitarian relief for Palestinians in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war continues. Biden said Israel must ensure the humanitarian aid for Palestinians in bill reaches the Hamas-controlled territory without delay.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., delayed the aid package for months as members of his party's far right wing, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, threatened to move to oust him if he allowed a vote to send more assistance to Ukraine. Those threats persist.

Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has complained that European allies have not done enough for Ukraine. While the former president stopped short of endorsing the funding package, his tone has shifted in recent days, acknowledging that Ukraine's survival is important to the United States.

Many European leaders have long been nervous that a second Trump term would mean decreased U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO. The European anxiety was heightened in February when Trump in a campaign speech warned NATO allies that he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want to countries that don't meet defense spending goals if he returns to the White House.

It was a key moment in the debate over Ukraine spending. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg quickly called out Trump for putting American and European soldiers at increased risk. But in reality, the White House maneuvering to win additional funding for Ukraine started months earlier.

Biden, the day after returning from a trip to Tel Aviv following Hamas militants' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, used a prime-time address to make his pitch for the funding.

At the time, the House was in chaos because the Republican majority had been unable to select a speaker to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who had been ousted weeks earlier at the urging of restive legislators on the right.

Far-right Republicans have adamantly opposed sending more money for Ukraine, with the war appearing to have no end in sight. Biden in August requested more than $20 billion to keep aid flowing into Ukraine, but the money was stripped out of a must-pass spending bill.

By late October, Republicans finally settled on Johnson, a low-profile Louisiana Republican whose thinking on Ukraine was opaque, to serve as the next speaker. Biden during his congratulatory call with Johnson urged him to quickly pass Ukraine aid and began a monthslong, largely behind-the-scenes effort to bring the matter to a vote.

In private conversations with Johnson, Biden and White House officials leaned into the stakes for Europe if Ukraine were to fall to Russia. On explicit orders from Biden, White House officials also avoided directly attacking Johnson over the stalled aid.

Biden praised Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., saying in the end they stepped up and did the right thing.

History will remember this moment," he said.

At frustrating moments during the negotiations, Biden urged his aides to just keep talking, keep working, according to a senior administration official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss internal discussions.

So they did. In a daily meeting convened by White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, the president's top aides would brainstorm possible ways to better make the case about Ukraines dire situation in the absence of aid.

The White House also sought to accommodate Johnson and his various asks. For instance, administration officials at the speaker's request briefed Reps. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., two conservatives who were persistent antagonists of Johnson.

In public, the administration deployed a strategy of downgrading intelligence that demonstrated Russia's efforts to tighten its ties with U.S. adversaries China, North Korea and Iran to fortify Moscow's defense industrial complex and get around U.S. and European sanctions.

The $61 billion can help triage Ukrainian forces, but Kyiv will need much more for a fight that could last years, military experts say.

Realistic goals for the months ahead for Ukraine  and its allies  include avoiding the loss of major cities, slowing Russia's momentum and getting to Kyiv additional weaponry that could help them go on the offensive in 2025, said Bradley Bowman, a defense strategy and policy analyst at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies in Washington.

I think Ukrainian success is not guaranteed, Bowman said, "but Russian success is if we stop supporting Ukraine."

Biden lamented that the package did not include money to bolster U.S. border security. The White House had proposed including in the package provisions it said would have helped stem the tide of migrants and asylum seekers coming to the U.S. Republicans, however, rejected the proposal at the urging of Trump, who did not want to give Biden the win on an issue thats been an albatross for the Democratic administration.

___

Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor, Haleluya Hadero, Mary Clare Jalonick and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
How long can landlords legally take to make repairs? Heres what a Sacramento attorney says

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.

You stare at your broken air conditioning unit as hot, summer air creeps into your Sacramento apartment.

The AC hasnt been working despite multiple maintenance requests to your landlord.

With temperatures continuing to heat up, what can you do with a broken appliance? How long is too long for repairs to go unaddressed, and can you take legal action?

Nearly a year ago, a 74-year-old woman died from a heat stroke in her Sacramento apartment.

The key to turn off the furnace in Marione Okikus River Park apartment was broken, exposing her to high temperatures for several days, according to a coroners report.

Now, her sister is suing Okikus corporate landlord, claiming that they failed to take any action to repair or replace the heater despite multiple requests.

Those negligent acts and omissions were a direct and proximate cause of the death of (Okiku), the lawsuit alleges.

The Sacramento Bee spoke to a local attorney about what renters can do when landlords and property managers dont address repairs.

How long should it take for landlords to make repairs ?

It depends on what the issue is and the circumstances, according to Jonathan Stein, an attorney practicing landlord and tenant law in Elk Grove.

If were in the middle of 10 days of 100-degree weather in July, and your air conditioning goes out, the landlord probably needs to get somebody out that day or the next day, Stein said.

The landlord also needs to show that they are taking reasonable action to get the issue resolved in the next few days, Stein said.

If the landlord calls 10 different repair companies, and they all say theyre booked solid and they cant get there for four days, he said, the landlords been reasonable in their efforts.

The timeline can be more lenient if its not an emergency.

For example, if your air conditioning or heating unit is not working but the forecast calls for temperate weather, the landlord has about 30 days to get it fixed, Stein said.

According to the California Tenant Guide, the law generally considers 30 days to be reasonable.

But a shorter period may be considered reasonable, depending on the situation, the guide said.

What if I need an emergency repair?

There are circumstances where quick repairs are necessary  rain or shine.

Issues with hot water or plumbing, for example, must be remedied immediately, Stein said.

These repairs affect residents health and safety, and the landlord needs to get someone out to fix it as soon as possible, he said.

However, tenants need to have reasonable expectations about those fixes.

If the unit is not getting hot water at 9 p.m. on a Sunday, its probably not reasonable to expect repairs at 10 p.m. the same day, he said.

However, it is reasonable to expect the landlord to call for help the next morning and to fix it that day.

The trick is always  whats the problem and what steps would a reasonable person take to fix it? Stein said. What I usually tell tenants when they call is: put yourself in the shoes of the landlord.

At what point is a landlord being negligent?

If a landlord is taking more than 30 days to address non-emergency repairs, they are probably negligent, Stein said.

But if its an emergency and they are taking more than 24 hours to address it, they are likely negligent.

What can tenants do?

The first thing tenants should do when requesting maintenance, Stein advised, is to document, in writing, every step they are taking to remedy the issue.

After calling the landlord to inform them that a repair is needed, you should follow up with an email or text message  or something that creates a record. You should also check on the landlords response.

Its crucial for renters to track the progress of repairs, Stein said.

If the landlord is being non-responsive, there is a remedy called repair and deduct, Stein said.

The repair and deduct remedy allows a tenant to deduct money from the rent to pay for repair of defects in the rental unit if the repairs would not cost more than one months rent, according to the California Tenants Guide.

The tenant must notify the landlord of their intention to fix the problem, Stein said, and pay for the repairs themselves.

When should you take legal action against your landlord?

If the issue affects the health and safety of the tenants and persists due to the landlords unresponsiveness, Stein said tenants should start legal proceedings as soon as possible

This includes broken air conditioning in the summer, no hot water or a leaking gas stove.

If youve gone through all the steps that you can and the landlord chooses not to respond or isnt fixing the problem, he said, then you definitely need to talk to an attorney.

Under California law, landlords are required to ensure an apartment is habitable.

An apartment is habitable when the rental unit is fit for occupation by human beings and that it substantially complies with state and local building and health codes that materially affect tenants health and safety, according to the California Tenant Guide.

This includes having a fully functional heater and having proper window or fan ventilation.

Stein recommends people check with their city for specific rules for landlords.

In Sacramento, there is a Tenant Protection Program that outlines what residents can do about unresponsive landlords.

He said tenants should spend time educating themselves about their rights, using reputable resources such as the state Department of Consumer Affairs California Tenants Guide.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
Heres a look at who Centre County voters supported during the 2024 PA primary

A voter enters the Logan Fire Hall for precinct 01 for the primary election on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Voters across Centre County turned up to the polls on Tuesday to cast their votes in the Pennsylvania primary election, with U.S. President, U.S. Senator, Attorney General, Auditor General and more on the ballot.

But several of those races were already essentially decided, and races for seats representing Centre County in the state House and Senate, and U.S. Congress, were uncontested.

At the Milesburg Community Center  the polling center for Milesburg Borough  Judge of Elections Grace Hall said late Tuesday morning that the voters were few and far in between.

We havent seen much action here throughout the day, Hall said. Its been a low turnout for this election, but I think its just because its a primary and there arent too many close races.

At the Bellefonte West precinct at the Bellefonte Presbyterian Church, Judge of Elections Joanne Tosti-Vasey called it a predictably slow day on Tuesday afternoon.

However, Im thinking that come November people will be more active with their right to vote, she said. I think that if you want to have a say in who gets to be elected president, or any position for that matter, youve got to come out and vote for the candidate you believe in.

Turnout for Tuesdays primary election was 28.13 percent in Centre County, compared to a voter turnout of 37.02 percent for the last presidential primary in 2020, which was much more competitive. Of the 23,477 total ballots cast, 12,038 were Democratic and 11,439 were Republican. (Overall, Centre County has 42,366 registered Democratic voters and 41,083 registered Republican voters.)

Of those who voted, 15,138 went in person to the polls and 8,339 voted by absentee or mail-in ballot.

Below is how Centre County voters supported candidates compared to the statewide trends. These results are unofficial as of Tuesday night, with all of the countys precincts reporting.

U.S. President

Democrat

President Joe Biden had 10,391 votes in Centre County. Dean Phillips appeared on the ballot though he suspended his campaign; he had 660 votes. There were also 733 write-in votes.

Republican

Centre County voters cast 8,877 votes for Donald Trump. Nikki Haley withdrew from the race but still appeared on the ballot, and she had 2,138 votes in Centre County. There were also 221 write-in votes.

United States Senator

Democrat

Sen. Bob Casey did not have a primary challenger and received 11,340 votes in Centre County.

Republican

Dave McCormick ran unopposed and received 10,218 votes in Centre County.

Pennsylvania Attorney General

Democrat

Centre County voters cast 4,099 votes for Eugene DePasquale, who won the primary election in a crowded race. Joe Khan had 2,165, Keir Bradford-Grey had 2,645, State Rep. Jared Solomon had 1,152 and Jack Stollsteimer had 1,233.

Republican

In the two person race, Dave Sunday emerged victorious for his partys nomination. He had 7,636 votes from Centre County voters compared to Craig Williams 2,570 votes.

Pennsylvania Auditor General

Democrat

Malcolm Kenyatta won the primary; Centre County voters cast 7,263 votes for him and 3,924 votes for Mark Pinsley.

Republican

Incumbent Tim DeFoor ran unopposed. He had 9,867 votes in Centre County.

Pennsylvania State Treasurer

Democrat

Erin McClelland won the primary, and Centre County voters cast 6,178 votes for her and 4,943 for her opponent Ryan Bizzarro.

Republican

Incumbent Stacy Garrity ran unopposed; 10,007 votes for her were cast in Centre County.

Pennsylvania US Representative District 15

Democrat Zach Womer had 11,151 votes in Centre County and will face Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson in November. Thompson had 10,397 votes.

State Senator - District 25

Incumbent Cris Dush ran unopposed in the Republican primary and received 6,775 votes in Centre County. On Democratic ballots, there were 1,686 write-in votes.

State Senator - District 35

Incumbent Wayne Langerholc, Jr. ran unopposed in the Republican primary and received 3,009 votes in Centre County. There were 333 write-in votes on Democratic Party ballots.

State Representative - House District 77

Incumbent Scott Conklin was unopposed in the Democratic primary, receiving 4,779 votes.

He will face Republican Marie Librizzi in November; she had 3,260 votes.

State Representative - House District 82

Incumbent Paul Takac was unopposed in the Democratic primary and received 4,511 votes.

He will face Republican Therese Hollen (3,675 votes) in November.

State Representative - House District 171

Incumbent Kerry Benninghoff ran unopposed on the Republican ballot and had 3,278 votes in Centre County. There were 133 write-in votes on Democratic ballots.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with Mohamad Hasan, deputy president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and minister of foreign affairs of Malaysia, in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two sides took part in an in-depth exchange on implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, improving inter-party exchanges and cooperation, and promoting China-Malaysia relations. 
Look inside the California estate of celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz that was just listed for $8.995M

Annie Leibovitz's estate in Bolinas, California, had previously been photographed by famed American photographer Ansel Adams. Jacob Elliott

Celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz bought her California farm estate in 2019 for $7.5 million.

She just listed the property, featuring a 7-horse barn and recording studio, for $8.995 million.

Take a look inside the sprawling 65-acre grounds nestled near the Bolinas Lagoon.

Five years after purchasing a historic property in rural California, celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz has placed her dream home back on the market.

"I had always thought of myself as a California person," she said in a statement to Business Insider. "I went to school there, at the San Francisco Art Institute. I learned to be a photographer there."

She added, "When Rolling Stone moved to New York in 1977, I didn't think that I was moving too. I didn't believe that I went to New York to stay. I thought I lived in California. But the work was in New York. Or Europe. After all those years living and working in New York and raising my children, I dreamed about returning to California."

After some years of searching, she purchased an estate in Bolinas, California, for $7.5 million in 2019, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal. This month, she listed the property for sale, asking $8.995.

Take a look inside the property that captured this famous photographer's eye.

The estate, nicknamed The Hideaway, is nestled on 65 acres with views of Bolinas Lagoon, Stinson Beach, Mount Tamalpais, the Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco.

An aerial view of Annie Leibovitz's California estate Jacob Elliott

The property has sprawling vistas of rolling hills and verdant pastures. It's located near bird and seal sanctuaries and is about an hour from San Francisco. Considered a historical touchpoint in the region, the property sits near the small coastal towns of Bolinas and Stinson Beach.

The property includes a circa-1920s house with four bedrooms and a one-bedroom guest house.

A view of the bedroom in Annie Leibovitz's California estate Jacob Elliott

The residential portion of the property features four structures, including a 1920s home with four bedrooms, a guest house, a caretaker's residence, and a converted garage. Adjacent to the residences is a barn built in the 1930s, a banquet hall with a performance stage, and a second large barn.

The kitchen is a new addition to the residence that Leibovitz upgraded, featuring a subway tile backsplash and gas range.

A view of the kitchen in Annie Leibovitz's California estate Jacob Elliott

Leibovitz said in a statement to Business Insider that she had longed to find the perfect place to make her home on the West Coast, and when she purchased the property, she thought she'd found it.

"We were told of this extraordinary property that from the top of the hill had views of the lagoon and bay and the coast that are magnificent. It has its own special climate," Leibovitz said. "Everything can grow year round. There were 65 acres with an old milking barn that Ansel Adams had photographed. It had been used as a gathering place for country and folk music concerts in its day. We planned to partner with a legendary farmer over the hill to bring the place back to its former self as a working and teaching farm."

Leibovitz remodeled portions of the property but kept key fixtures like this rotary phone.

A view of the rotary phone that still hangs on the wall in Annie Leibovitz's California estate Jacob Elliott

"I've spent many holidays with friends in Bolinas," Leibovitz said. "When the children were born we would go together and they would surf and pick up shells and stones along the shore. And I would occasionally look for "the place."

So when her oldest daughter seemed to be eyeing colleges in the Bay Area, Leibovitz snapped up the property.

But, she said, "things don't always go as planned."

"All three of my girls decided to go to college in the Northeast," prompting her to list the property for sale just five years later.

A weathered barn on the estate had previously been photographed by photographer Ansel Adams.

A barn on Annie Leibovitz's California estate Jacob Elliott

Adams snapped a shot of a barn on the farm during his travels through the West in 1932, with one photo later becoming part of a Smithsonian exhibition. Nearly a century later, Leibovitz came to own the property and continued its legacy of attracting iconic photographers to its grounds.

In addition to a hay barn and dairy barn, the property includes a 7-stall horse barn.

A view of the stable inside Annie Leibovitz's California estate Jacob Elliott

The equestrian-focused property features a 100' x 200' riding arena adjacent to the 7-stall barn. It includes multiple additional horse and livestock stalls and pastures along the expansive property.

Inside the old dairy barn is a complete recording studio built by a prior owner.

A view of the recording studio added to the dairy barn on Annie Leibovitz's California estate. Jacob Elliott

Prior to Leibovitz's purchase in 2019, the Bolinas farm was owned by Warren Hellman, a San Francisco financier and founder of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival. He converted an unused farm building on the property into a music studio and another into a music venue to host private concerts.

For now, the historic property sits idle, waiting for its next owner to take control of its legacy.

Jacob Elliott

"The Hideaway at 605 Horseshoe Hill Road stands as a historic property with generations of notable stewardship," Compass agent Alexander Lurie, who is co-listing the property with Nick Swenson, told Business Insider. "The site of many special events, concerts, and weddings over more than a century, The Hideaway has an indelible place in history  both for the SF Bay Area as well as globally  this special space has served as a launching pad of creative inspiration for renowned musical and visual artists of international repute."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A look at what's in the $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the House

FILE - 155 mm M795 artillery projectiles are stacked during manufacturing process at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pa., Thursday, April 13, 2023. The Pentagon could get weapons moving to Ukraine within days if Congress passes a long-delayed aid bill. That's because it has a network of storage sites in the U.S. and Europe that already hold the ammunition and air defense components that Kyiv desperately needs. The House approved $61 billion in funding for the war-torn country Saturday, April 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

A look at what's in the $95 billion package passed by the Senate on Tuesday that will provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons systems and give humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

President Joe Biden has promised to sign the package Wednesday.

The broad spending breakdown:

 About $61 billion for Ukraine and replenishing U.S. weapons stockpiles. The overall amount provided to Ukraine for the purchase of weapons would be $13.8 billion. Ukraine would receive more than $9 billion of economic assistance in the form of forgivable loans.

 About $26 billion for supporting Israel and providing humanitarian relief for people in Gaza. About $4 billion of that would be dedicated to replenishing Israels missile defense systems. More than $9 billion of the total would go toward humanitarian assistance in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war.

 About $8 billion for helping U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region and countering China. More than $3.3 billion would go toward submarine infrastructure and development, with an additional $1.9 billion to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan and other regional allies.
Traffic backs up on the southbound 15 Freeway in Ontario. All those cars and trucks are a major source of Southland air pollution. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Despite California's reputation for groundbreaking clean-air rules, Greater Los Angeles is the smoggiest region in the nation  a dubious title it has earned in 24 out of 25 reports from the American Lung Assn. And the streak continues, as several Southland counties earned F grades for the 25th consecutive time from the group, which released its latest report Wednesday.

Since the turn of the century, Southern California air regulators have drastically diminished the dense clouds of lung-searing pollution that once hung over the region.

Between 1996 and 1998, Greater Los Angeles experienced around 230 days when ozone (a major component of smog) exceeded federal health standards. With well over 1 million electric vehicles on California roads and massive installations of renewable energy, the region saw 55 fewer unhealthy smog days on average between 2020 and 2022, the American Lung Assn. said in its 25th annual "State of the Air" report.

"Overall, the nation has made dramatic progress in reducing air pollution," said Laura Kate Bender, an executive with the American Lung Assn. "Measures to clean up vehicles, power plants and other industry  led, in many cases, by California  [have] made major progress. But 25 years later, there are still far too many people living with unhealthy air."

Nationwide, more than 100 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone, one of the most prevalent forms of air pollution. That includes the roughly 18 million residents of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties  none of which have ever received better than an F grade from the American Lung Assn. for unhealthy levels of ozone.

The new report highlights some of the most challenging years for environmental regulators, who grappled with a pandemic-related boost in e-commerce, record-setting heatwaves and historic wildfires.

Environmental advocates say the findings come at a pivotal point that will determine the trajectory of the region's air quality. In 2024, regulators are poised to decide on a large slate of environmental rules, although the state budget deficit may jeopardize some funding. Meanwhile, the November general election will come with ballot measures and candidates that will shape environmental policies.

Southern California has had issues with smog since the mass adoption of the automobile. The region's numerous cars and trucks release a vast amount of vehicle exhaust, which forms smog when it's cooked in the perennially sunny climate. The mountain ranges restrict airflow and prevent the pollution from dispersing.

State and local regulators have adopted a number of nation-leading rules to reduce emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

Although electric vehicles and cleaner car engines have significantly reduced pollution, transportation remains the largest source in California's large cities. Heavy-duty trucks, cargo ships and trains are some of the biggest contributors to regional pollution.

Read more: Santa Monica school expansion delayed by toxic dry cleaning chemicals in soil

San Bernardino, a bastion of warehouses and semi-trucks serving movement of the region's goods, had nearly six months of unhealthy smog days  by far more than any other county in the nation.

"A major increase in the approval of warehouses and the growth in the logistics industry has essentially invited tens of thousands of new daily truck trips to the region," said Will Barrett, a senior director for the American Lung Assn.

California air regulators are waiting on the Biden administration to sign off on two rules that would phase out heavy-duty trucks and trains that burn fossil fuels.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is expected to discuss new rules intended to reduce pollution from Southern California's railyards and ports. The San Pedro-Long Beach ports complex is the largest fixed source of smog-forming pollution.

Environmental advocates are also ginning up support to uphold California's law that prevents new oil and gas drilling near homes and schools, the subject of a contentious and expensive ballot referendum in November. These wells also can release harmful pollutants that worsen smog.

As regulators continue to search for answers, Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatric physician in Orange County, continues to worry for the 3 million children who live in Southern California and are subjected to polluted air. He is well aware of how smog and other air pollution can inflame lungs, triggering asthma attacks and stunting development.

Heightening concerns, smog levels are at their highest in the summer, when many children are out of school and want to spend time outdoors.

"It's a reminder to me that there are many ways to take away the quality of a childhood," El-Hasan said. "I am constantly faced with the challenge of finding a balance between making sure that children are able to exercise and spend time outdoors while doing so in a manner that keeps their lungs and upper airways from being damaged in the process."

Read more: Explosive levels of methane have been detected near a Berkeley landfill-turned-park

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Because of Idahos abortion ban and a court decision that does not protect emergency room physicians from prosecution under that law, some Idaho physicians are advising their pregnant patients, or those trying to become pregnant, to purchase memberships with companies like Life Flight Network or Air St. Lukes in the Boise area to avoid potentially significant costs if they need air transport in an emergency. (Courtesy of Life Flight)

Since the U.S. Supreme Court decided in January to consider a case about whether a federal law regarding emergency medical treatment supersedes an abortion ban in Idaho, air transports out of state for pregnancy complications at one of the states largest hospitals have increased from one in all of 2023 to six in the past four months.

St. Lukes Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Souza said if that pace continues, that number could be 20 patients before the year is over.

We have limited resources in terms of helicopters, fixed-wing transports and ambulances. If we occupy an air transport with a patient who could completely receive the totality of her care right here, safely, its potentially dangerous for other patients, Souza said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead.

That rise has prompted some Idaho physicians to advise their pregnant patients, or those trying to become pregnant, to purchase memberships with companies like Life Flight Network or Air St. Lukes in the Boise area to avoid potentially significant costs if they need air transport in an emergency. With or without private insurance, the cost can be thousands of dollars.

The thought of this becoming the new normal  I dont want it to be the new normal, said Blaine Patterson, director of the Air St. Lukes program, which reported the recent increase in transports by air.

The court will hear oral arguments Wednesday over whether the near-total abortion ban means doctors who may need to terminate a pregnancy to stabilize a patient in a health emergency will have to continue to transfer patients out of state or risk jail time and the loss of their medical license. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Idaho in 2022 over the ban, saying it violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, which mandates that Medicare-funded hospitals provide stabilizing care for patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

In a brief submitted to the court leading up to oral arguments, the Department of Justice cited States Newsrooms reporting from January that without EMTALA protection in place, doctors said they would have to transfer more patients out of state for abortion care rather than wait for conditions to become life-threatening.

A pregnant patient might come to the ER for a variety of reasons, including high blood pressure, bleeding, or one of the most common occurrences, when the patients water breaks before a fetus can live outside of the womb, even with medical intervention. It happened 54 times at St. Lukes Boise in 2023, or about once a week  though not all of those cases occur before a fetus is viable, which is generally considered to be about 22 weeks of gestation.

After the water breaks, there is often still a fetal heartbeat, even though the fetus ultimately wont survive without amniotic fluid. And in the meantime, infection can quickly spread throughout the body and turn septic, which is life threatening, or it can lead to hemorrhage. Without the ban in place, a doctor would likely recommend termination of the pregnancy to avoid further complications.

But with the ban, maternal-fetal medicine specialists like Dr. Stacy Seyb of Boise arent taking any chances by trying to wait until the laws exception for saving the patients life might apply. If termination needs to be considered, he said its better in his judgment to send someone to a facility out of state that can freely offer termination before its too late. The longer an infection or other complication persists, the greater risk it poses to a patients health and ability to get pregnant again in the future.

Some Idaho physicians are advising their pregnant patients, or those trying to become pregnant, to purchase memberships with medical transport companies to avoid potentially significant costs if they need to be transferred to an out-of-state hospital. (Courtesy of Life Flight)

And there are times they may not even need the procedure. But we cant predict that, and we cant predict how quickly their status might change, Seyb said. I think its a great hardship, its an extra expense to our medical system, and it doesnt make sense why something that Ive been doing for 30 years of my career is now taboo.

Transport has financial, emotional and potentially physical costs

In a brief filed earlier this month by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious conservative law firm that has argued several abortion-related cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the Dobbs decision, attorneys argued on behalf of Idaho that transport out of state for an emergency termination is in line with EMTALAs requirements.

If state law allows a doctor to provide a particular treatment, then that service is available at a hospital for EMTALA purposes. But if state law prohibits a particular treatment, then the facility cannot provide it to anyone, no matter the circumstances, the attorneys wrote.

Typically, only one support person at most can accompany a patient during air transport. That often means other family members must drive hours away from home in this region of the country, and find a place to stay. Seattle or Portland are seven to eight hours away, while Salt Lake City is about a five-hour drive from Boise. Utah has an 18-week abortion ban with an exception to preserve a pregnant patients health.

Its tough enough losing a pregnancy, but then to go through this in a foreign land, Seyb said. I feel very bad for these patients.

There are also some patients who simply go home and wait it out, he said, because they dont have the money or resources for air transport. Those patients may end up back at the emergency room later in worse condition.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average cost of these flights is between $12,000 and $25,000 before insurance is applied, based on an average 52-mile distance. Salt Lake City is almost 340 miles from Boise. Depending on the patients insurance plan details, 20% of that cost could still fall to them to pay out of pocket.

The median cost calculated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is even higher at $36,000 to $40,000.

Besides the emotional and financial toll, Seyb said, there are delays in care caused by first having to make the decision to transfer and decide where the patient should go, then prep the patient for transport and make the journey while hoping no complications occur en route.

The aircraft is equipped to try to handle those situations, but by definition, it is not as well-equipped as a hospital. The specialty care teams that have to ride along for those transports in case of complications are also tied up for many hours and therefore unavailable to other hospital patients who may need them.

There are also considerations around weather in a mountainous region, said Patterson. In a time-sensitive situation, if there is a severe storm or low visibility for other reasons, it will inevitably delay care further.

If its below weather minimums, we arent going anywhere. And those apply to everybody, Patterson said.

You should think about membership if pregnant in Idaho

Natalie Hannah, spokesperson for the Life Flight Network, said they have not seen an increase in transports for maternal complications, nor have they seen an increase in membership requests. Life Flight has a reciprocal agreement with Air St. Lukes and many other regional medical facilities around the West, she said, so coverage would be widespread. A membership with Life Flight costs $85 for one year for a household, while Air St. Lukes charges $60 for one year. A member is required to have private insurance to qualify.

Patterson said a membership with Air St. Lukes will cover copays and deductibles, and while he might only have recommended it before for those who recreate outdoors in remote areas or who ride motorcycles, he now would advise people to add pregnancy to the list. Seyb agreed that it made sense as a precautionary measure.

You should think about it, Patterson said.

The post Loss of federal protection in Idaho spurs pregnant patients to plan for emergency air transport appeared first on Michigan Advance.
A tug boat pulls a barge on the Mississippi River downriver from the city of New Orleans, shown on the horizon at sunset

CampPhoto/Getty Images Signature via Canva

NEW YORK  Report for America is pleased to announce that it will place nearly 60 reporters and photojournalists in new positions at local newsrooms across the country this summer, including the Louisiana Illuminator.

These new corps members join hundreds more who will continue reporting on undercovered communities and topics for their second or third year in the national service program. Report for America has now matched more than 650 journalists with local newspapers, public radio stations, digital platforms, and television outlets, since its launch in 2017.

Report for America extends a welcoming hand to journalists from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to add their experience, perspective, and talent to local newsrooms nationwide. These storytellers help ensure that under-covered communities and issues receive the attention they deserve, said Earl Johnson, vice president of recruitment and alumni engagement at Report for America. Here, journalists find not just a job but a callinga chance to make a profound difference where it matters most.

Elise Plunk

Elise Plunk will join the Illuminator this summer to report on water and its impacts in Louisiana for the next two years. Her coverage will include coastal issues, flooding, drinking water concerns, the Mississippi River and other ways the state interacts with its most abundant yet fragile natural resource.

Plunk will graduate from the University of Florida this spring with a degree in journalism and communications. She is the editor-in-chief of the campus magazine Atrium, where she has been a staff member since 2021. Her additional experience includes internships with the Thompson Earth Systems Institute and WUFT, the National Public Radio affiliate at the University of Florida.

The Report for America corps remains diverse  nearly half are journalists of color and more than half are women. Report for America believes that by helping its partner newsrooms better reflect the communities they serve, they can strengthen trust in local media. Almost a third of the corps members will boost coverage of rural communities, and a quarter will provide reporting on communities of color.

The corps members will begin their new assignments in July, with Plunk among several who will take on new positions as part of an expanded Mississippi River Basin Ag and Water Desk. Others will provide statehouse coverage for The Associated Press in time for election season.

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The reporting corps, new and returning, will work across a variety of newsrooms and mediums:

 Newspapers: 34%

 Digital only: 31%

 Radio: 22%

 News service: 8%

 Television: 4%

 Magazines: 1%

While many of the incoming corps members have produced award-winning work in prior newsrooms, Report for America collaborates with top journalists and journalism organizations to provide training opportunities that will help sharpen their skills, enrich their craft, and build resilience. Additionally, Report for Americas regional managers  deeply experienced, award-winning journalists  are assigned to support every corps member and partner newsroom.

Todays newsrooms have become so lean that it can be difficult for them to provide the mentorship and support that early-career journalists are looking for, said Rachel Rohr, vice president of program development at Report for America. By sharing resources and creating opportunities for peer networking, we can strengthen their reporting and well-being.

Report for America also leverages an innovative three-to-one regional funding match model, paying up to half of a corps members salary, while its local sustainability team trains newsroom partners to raise the other half from local funders. This approach promotes collaborative investment in local journalism, increasing the chances of sustaining local reporting, for the community, by the community.

Report for Americas work is made possible by the Knight Foundation, Google News Initiative, Microsoft, Spring Point Partners, Vere Initiatives, Joyce Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Walton Family Foundation in partnership with the Missouri School of Journalism, The Hearthland Foundation, The Just Trust, Posner Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, Henry L. Kimelman Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, Tow Foundation, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, Park Foundation, Kresge Foundation, and other leading philanthropic partners.

To learn more about Report for America and its efforts to strengthen communities through public service journalism, please visit www.reportforamerica.org.

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The post Louisiana Illuminator welcomes Report for America corps member focused on water issues appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Loved ones search for woman who disappeared in Los Angeles

Authorities are seeking public help to find a missing Southern California woman.

The at-risk woman, Mariya Alexandra Ioffe, 35, disappeared on April 21, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

On that day, she was last seen on the 1600 block of East 120th Street in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles at around 10 p.m.

Ioffe is described as a white female standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds. She has brown hair and green eyes.

Her family said she has a mental health disorder. They have not heard from Ioffe since her disappearance and are concerned for her well-being.

Mariya Alexandra Ioffe, 35, seen in a 2023 photo from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Anyone who knows the womans whereabouts or has information on the case is asked to call the LASDs Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.

Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
LUFKIN, Texas (KETK)  A man was arrested in Lufkin on Tuesday for capital murder in the October death of his 4-month-old son.

Investigators confiscate 163 grams of meth during traffic stop near Gladewater

According to police, a warrant was obtained for the arrest of 25-year-old Anfernee Durham, of Lufkin, upon the finalization of his 4-month-old son, Kylo Powells, autopsy.

Mugshot of Anfernee Durham from 2021

Officials said his death was ruled a homicide by blunt force trauma to the head and torso by a Harris County medical examiner. He died in a Houston hospital on Oct. 20 after being transferred from a Lufkin hospital three days earlier.

Durham was taken into custody with the assistance of the Angelina County Sheriffs Office, and his bond has been set at $1 million.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Lukashenko claims life in Belarus has never been better than it is today

Self-proclaimed President Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that life in Belarus has never been better than it is today. In a speech, he compared the period following the collapse of the USSR to the present day.

Source: Belarusian state-owned news agency BelTa

Quote: "To avoid having to say the same thing about our time, comparing it to the latest humanitarian tragedy, let us honestly acknowledge: we have never lived so well as we do now.

Of course, it could be better, but we don't have the same things that, for example, the Emirates or Russia do [mineral reserves  ed.] We acknowledge that so as to avoid rushing into revolutionary changes. It is not for this that we pulled the people back from the brink a third of a century ago. And we succeeded."

Details: Lukashenko also claimed that in Belarus, there is no division between the government and the people.

He also claimed that Belarusians' incomes have risen tenfold in real terms since the mid-1990s.

Lukashenko described Belarus and Russia's allied relations as an example of a peaceful and innovative strategy.

Lukashenko's entire speech was based on a comparison between present-day Belarus and the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

For example, he stated that formerly, Belarusians could not afford to buy so much meat or household equipment, but now, "increasingly, Belarusians can afford to buy a new car".

Lukashenko also mentioned the widespread banditry of the 1990s, noting that the main roads going out of the country were particularly perilous, but that Belarus has dealt with this issue stringently and promptly.

Quote: "I believe that those who left for 'progressive' Europe and America appreciate the security we have achieved. You know as well as I do what goes on in the streets over there. We take safety for granted, thank God."

He also said that people in uniform  referring to servicemen and veterans  are protected in Belarus.

"We go through our lives without considering how the requisite degree of military security is maintained in our country during times of escalation and conflict. It is maintained by our army's willingness to defend and protect our national interests. How the state responds to acts of terrorism, actions by terrorist organisations and illegal armed groups, and riots is something that most of us fortunately only know through movies. In short, we live in peace and serenity. And, thankfully for us, young Belarusians are convinced that it has always been this way."

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Protesters march around the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix after the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. The court will hear oral arguments Wednesday on emergency care in states with abortion bans. Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The U.S. Supreme Court is about to rule on a case in which abortion bans in several states collide with the daily reality of emergency medicine in hospitals across the nation  and its decision will have life-and-death implications.

As an emergency physician with more than 25 years under my belt and who has seen just about every medical crisis come through the doors at my hospital, Im worried that the deeply conservative court will gut the bedrock protections every patient relies on when they stagger into an emergency department desperate for care.

At the heart of Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States is whether hospital emergency departments in states that ban abortion can effectively refuse care to patients who may need an abortion, violating the Emergency Medicine and Treatment of Active Labor Act that guarantees no patient gets turned away at an emergency department.

Before EMTALA was signed into law nearly 40 years ago, hospitals could deny care to patients who showed up at emergency rooms. Profit-driven hospitals denied care to uninsured patients and redirected them elsewhere. With delays in care, these patients often faced significant risks to their lives. For emergency physicians today, treating anyone, anywhere, anytime is our mantra, and most of us wouldnt have it any other way.

As states enact draconian laws that essentially ban abortions, many of us are horrified that patients with serious pregnancy complications are now being kicked out of emergency departments in those states because the specter of serious legal repercussions looms over the heads of hospital staff. As a physician, I strongly believe every patient who seeks emergency care deserves to get access to the best medical care, even if the recommended course of treatment may be an abortion. At the same time, I empathize with the doctor facing an impossible choice between doing their job and avoiding jail due to egregious and unnecessary state laws undermining EMTALA.

Thats why Im watching closely to see what happens as the Supreme Court prepares to hear testimony in a case that could decide if EMTALA supersedes state bans. I hope the justices will side with the notion that no one should be denied emergency care, for any reason, so my fellow emergency physicians in states that ban abortion can get back to practicing medicine without fear of prosecution.

That fear is real and threatens to harm health care in profound and long-lasting ways. I have cared for women in the ER who were actively having a miscarriage. The bleeding was significant and they were in pain  they needed standard medical care from myself and my OB-GYN colleagues to help complete the miscarriages and save the mothers life. This care can be considered an abortion, and in states with abortion bans, even though the fetuses in these scenarios were not viable and we provided the appropriate standard of care, very soon, a prosecutor in these states could charge us and send us to jail. The system cannot work when medical professionals such as myself fear prosecution for simply doing what we were trained to do and what our patients expect us to do.

As a late-career physician, I can travel away from my home state of Michigan to practice emergency medicine, and I currently do so in Maine and Colorado. Im also licensed to practice in Illinois and Wisconsin. Abortion is still legal in these states. Caring for every patient who walks into an emergency department where I may be working is, and will always be, my priority, regardless of the medical circumstances. As emergency physicians, we took an oath to use all our skills and our knowledge to ensure that no one in our care comes to any harm. That ironclad oath did not include exemptions in states where an overzealous county prosecutor might try to put us behind bars for trying to save a patient undergoing a miscarriage, bleeding heavily from placental abruption or suffering a stroke from severe preeclampsia.

If the Supreme Court allows states to set aside the emergency medicine act to enforce their abortion bans, I  and I suspect many doctors  will never practice medicine in any of the 21 states where abortion is not legal. Abortion bans are causing physicians to leave the reddest of states. Rural communities already face a significant physician shortage. Because many of the reddest states with the most extreme abortion bans also have large rural populations, the threat of prosecution without the full safeguards of the EMTALA will drive more physicians, particularly my fellow emergency physicians, away from these states. As a result, an already fragile health care infrastructure will likely go into a death spiral in many communities.

Doctors should not be threatened with jail. Patients lives should not be put at risk because of extremist politicians like Donald Trump, who proudly took credit for eliminating the federal protection of abortion rights under Roe, and his Republican political enablers.

The Supreme Courts EMTALA case is more than a bureaucratic tussle over legalese and turf. It is one with potentially seismic implications that will determine whether patients will get the care they need during a medical emergency or will be turned away while their lives are on the line.

As a physician, Im hoping the justices will side with established medical practices, uphold all of EMTALA and let all doctors do our jobs so we can care for our patients, in blue states and in red states.




NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

April 24, 2024



NEW YORK, April 24, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League:

No administration in American history has tried harder to promote thought control than the Biden administration. Orwellian at its finest, the goal is to induce the public to accept its highly politicized vocabulary as a means of controlling its thought patterns.

To read the entire report click here. Here are some examples.

Gender Identity

Just hours into his presidential term, Mr. Biden's White House website allowed users to choose their pronouns, a change that drew swift praise from advocates. As part of the website revamp that occurs during presidential transitions, the White House changed its contact form. The form now allows individuals to select from the following list: she/her, he/him, they/them, other, or prefer not to share.

Illegal Immigration

Suggested terminology swaps reportedly include using "noncitizen" or "undocumented noncitizen" instead of "alien" or "illegal alien," and referring to the "integration" of immigrants into society instead of "assimilation," which has been criticized as racist.

Health

"Convict/ex-convict" becomes "People who were formerly incarcerated"



"Crazy" is replaced by "People with a pre-existing mental disorder"



"Homosexuals" should be called "Queer"



"Transgenders/transgendered/transsexual" is replaced by "LGBTQ (or LGBTQIA or LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA2)"

Aviation

Recommendations included replacing "airman" with "aircrew," "manned aviation" with "traditional aviation" and "cockpit" with "flight deck."

General Accountability Office

Leaked internal memos obtained by DailyMail.com show the Government Accountability Office (GAO) forbids employees from using male and female terms.

State Department

Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a memo instructing State Department employees to refrain from using what he deemed to be "problematic" language. He instructs staffers not to "pressure someone to state their pronouns." Instead, he offers a list of commonly used pronouns including "she/her, he/him, they/them, and ze/zir" explaining that people use a variety of pronouns.

Additionally, Blinken identified other common terms that State Department employees should avoid using. Rather than saying "mother/father," staffers should say "parent" instead. Likewise, "son/daughter" should be replaced with "child." Meanwhile, "spouse" or "partner" should be used in place of "husband/wife."

Just for a moment, imagine if those who died as recently as at the end of the last century were informed of this madness. What would they say? Our cultural descent is happening very quickly, and those leading the charge are mostly well-educated white people who have declared war on truth, nature, and nature's God.

Contact the White House Press Secretary: Karine.Jean-Pierre@who.eop.gov
ULAN BATOR, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Forty-four forest and steppe fires have been reported across Mongolia since the beginning of this year, burning at least 435,658 hectares of forest and grassland, the country's National Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday.

The number of registered wildfires is up 15.9 percent from the same period last year, the agency said, adding that the main cause of the wildfires was people's negligence.

Strong winds and dust storms are expected to hit large parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday, it said, urging the public to prevent possible wildfires.

Mongolia has a harsh continental climate, and its weather is usually dry and windy in spring. 
When Democratic and Republican leaders get together and strike a deal on a major issue, Sen. Marco Rubio has a habit of rejecting the bipartisan agreements. With this in mind, no one was especially surprised when the Florida Republican sided with his far-right colleagues and opposed the security aid package endorsed by GOP leaders in both the House and Senate.

What was notable, however, was Rubios rationale. Roll Call reported:

The Floridian was apparently quite pleased with the legislative blackmail framing, promoting his comments via social media, and multiple YouTube videos. They all showed Rubio condemning those who expected him to drop his demands.

The senator went on to characterize proponents of the bipartisan legislation as engaging in moral extortion.

Its worth asking whether the Republican lawmaker actually understands the meaning of any of these phrases.

Rubio is the former chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Hes currently the panels vice chair, which means hes a member of the Gang of Eight, giving him unique access to highly classified national security information. This context is highly relevant: Rubio, as much as any member of Congress, knew exactly how important this security aid was, and is, to U.S. allies abroad.

But the Florida Republican voted no anyway  even as every other member of the Gang of Eight, from both parties, supported the legislation.

Rubios explanation was that the bills supporters were engaged in blackmail and extortion, which is utterly bizarre. Consider the basic elements of the debate:

Security aid proponents from both parties: We need to pass the bill.

Rubio: Maybe so, but first youll have to meet my unrelated demands.

Security aid proponents from both parties: We tried that, and it didnt work out, so now its time to pass the bill in order to prevent Russia from taking part of eastern Europe by force.

Rubio: If you expect me to drop my demands, then youre engaging in blackmail.

Im half-tempted to send the senator a dictionary, because he appears to have this entire dynamic backwards. Rubios position, in effect was, Meet my demands or our allies will suffer.

For him to then accuse his opponents of blackmail and extortion was bonkers.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
About a month ago, Lev Parnas appeared on Capitol Hill and delivered some striking testimony. According to the Ukrainian American businessman, he used to work closely with Rudy Giuliani on digging up dirt on Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

The American people have been lied to by Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani and various cohorts of individuals in government and media positions, Parnas said. They created falsehoods to serve their own interests knowing it would undermine the strength of our nation.

In the same testimony, Parnas told lawmakers that there were people doing the bidding for the Russians  people in Congress, like Sen. Ron Johnson. Referring to his disinformation efforts with Giuliani, Parnas added, Ron Johnson was our guy in the Senate.

With his background in mind, it might be tempting to think the Wisconsin Republican would be cautious about pushing rhetoric that Moscow wants to hear. Evidently, however, Johnson cant seem to help himself.

Russia Ron says he voted against Ukraine aid and uses the exact same talking points as Putin in his Tucker interview:



1. Putin wanted peace but Biden & Boris Johnson scuttled talks.



2. Putin cant lose the war.



3. Its just a proxy war being fought by West v Russia. pic.twitter.com/r7dPs2M32e  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 23, 2024

As a bipartisan security aid package  which included military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia  was poised to clear Capitol Hill, Johnson appeared on a conservative outlet called Real Americas Voice to explain his opposition to the legislation.

So to sum up, Johnson suggested that the United States and its ally bear at least some responsibility for the lack of peace in Ukraine, and he believes that Russia is simply too powerful to lose.

This is, oddly enough, exactly what the Kremlin is hoping to hear from prominent American officials.

Whats more, its part of an extraordinary pattern. Circling back to our earlier coverage, it was just a couple of months ago when the public learned that Alexander Smirnov  the witness at the heart of the Republican Partys impeachment crusade against President Biden  was arrested for lying to the FBI about the Bidens and allegedly received information from foreign intelligence officials, including lies from Russia.

Johnson wasted little time in declaring that Smirnov is innocent until proven guilty, and suggested that the Justice Departments investigation might be corrupt.

A couple of weeks earlier, Johnson denounced U.S. aid to Ukraine, criticized U.S. sanctions against Russia, and expressed agreement with Vladimir Putins recent rhetoric.

Years earlier, Johnson conceded that he received an FBI briefing, warning the senator that he was a target of Russian disinformation. (He blew off the warnings.)

Before that, U.S. intelligence officials warned senators and their aides that Russia was engaged in a campaign to essentially frame" Ukraine for Russias 2016 election attack. Soon after, Johnson nevertheless appeared to endorse Russias line.

A year earlier, Johnson was part of a Senate delegation that spent the 4th of July in Moscow. Upon his return, the Wisconsin Republican questioned the utility of U.S. sanctions against Russia.

This week, for whatever reason, Johnson added to this deeply unfortunate record.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Maddow Blog | A Ted Cruz theory from 2016 was right, but he doesnt want to talk about it

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Sen. Marco Rubio warned voters that Donald Trump was so dangerous that the television personality couldnt be trusted with the nations nuclear secrets. Eight years later, the Florida senator was vindicated when investigators found that the former president had been careless with nuclear secrets at his glorified country club.

Rubio did not, however, want to gloat about having been right. On the contrary, the GOP lawmaker went in the opposite direction.

All of this came to mind yesterday as a 2016 argument from Sen. Ted Cruz was also proven true  though he didnt want to talk about it, either. NBC News reported:

As long time readers might recall, Trump appeared quite enthralled with the tabloids reporting on Cruzs father and continued to emphasize the claims, even after the 2016 primary season was over. All the while, the then-GOP nominee praised and defended the National Enquirer, wondering aloud why it hadnt been rewarded with Pulitzer Prizes.

Eight years later, the tabloids former publisher took the stand at Trumps criminal trial and shared fresh details on the steps the Enquirer took in order to help Trumps 2016 presidential campaign.

As a legal matter, its relevant that Pecker and his former publication were focused on Trumps electoral needs  as opposed to Trumps family and/or personal reputation  when it worked with Michael Cohen, the candidates then-fixer, on the Enquirers campaign-season efforts.

Those efforts, of course, included publication of negative stories targeting the other GOP presidential candidates  including Cruz, who faced all kinds of scurrilous accusations from the tabloid.

But as a political matter, its also notable that the Texas Republican was onto the scheme at the time. A Washington Post analysis explained:

After the tabloid went after Cruzs father, and Trump seized on the story, the senator also told reporters that the future president was a pathological liar, adding in reference to Trump, He doesnt know the difference between truth and lies. He lies practically every word that comes out of his mouth.

So, eight years later, how does the senator feel about having been right? Asked for his response to Peckers sworn testimony, Cruz told NBC News hes not interested in revisiting ancient history.

Or put another way, the Texan is borrowing a page from Rubios playbook. Oh well.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
At around 2 a.m. local time, Donald Trump published another item about his ongoing criminal trial to his social media platform, and while most of it was conspiratorial nonsense, there was one small detail in the former presidents message that stood out. The conservative Washington Times reported:

For the record, theres literally no evidence of President Joe Biden being crooked or having anything whatsoever to do with his predecessors prosecutions. But of greater interest is Trumps apparent belief that congressional Republicans can somehow intervene and rescue him from his criminal troubles.

They cant  though the suspected felon may not fully understand that.

If this sounds at all familiar, its because the presumptive GOP nominee has made similar appeals before. Circling back to our earlier coverage, the push began in earnest a year ago this week, when the former presidents lawyers sent a strange, 10-page letter to the House Intelligence Committee, insisting that the panel approve a legislative solution to prevent federal prosecutors from pursuing a case against him.

The letter proposed that the Justice Department should be ordered to stand down  as if members of the legislative branch have the authority to direct federal prosecutors to drop a case. (They have no such authority.)

A month later, the Republican reiterated the point, publishing an online tantrum in which he argued that Congress should demand that prosecutors stop the Witch Hunt against TRUMP. (I still dont know why he referred to himself in third person and put his name in quotes.)

A month after that, as another criminal indictment neared, the former president again looked to Capitol Hill for some kind of rescue. REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS MUST MAKE THIS THEIR # 1 ISSUE!!! Trump wrote.

A month after that, he again begged GOP lawmakers to stop prosecutors cases in order to save our country.

Two months after that, Trump appeared at a rally and said congressional Republicans cannot let his prosecutions continue.

As of this morning, hes still at it, demanding that GOP lawmakers take action on his behalf. Trump has never gotten around to explaining what kind of action he expects to see, and thats probably because Congress has no real options: Members have no control over who is or isnt indicted, and lawmakers cant simply choose to insert themselves in active criminal investigations.

Short of defunding prosecutors  a step Trump apparently supports  it wouldnt make much of a practical difference whether GOP lawmakers made the former presidents legal troubles their #1 issue or not.

Feeling desperate, the criminal defendant isnt just looking to Capitol Hill for a rescue. Trump also suggested around 2 a.m. this morning that unspecified Appellate Courts have to take over his case, apparently because he says so. This comes months after he demanded that the U.S. Supreme Court intercede in his cases.

Trump appears to believe hell be absolved of his legal troubles if he can simply beg the right person to make the cases disappear. As his defense attorneys have probably tried to explain to him, thats not how any of this works.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Gerald Zimmerman, a government relations representative at Allstate, shared a bold claim during a public hearing Tuesday: If the Department of Insurance approves a series of rule changes, the company would end its pause on issuing new homeowner policies in California. And it would immediately start writing coverage again in nearly every corner of the state.

That statement came during a public hearing on one of those changes, which would allow insurance companies to estimate future risks when asking the department to increase prices.

Under the plan, companies will be allowed to use computer programs to predict losses from wildfires. Currently, insurers must anticipate catastrophic events by looking at the past 20 years. California is the only state that requires them to do so.

Company representatives have long argued that the states restriction is obsolete because it does not allow them to properly plan for future threats to homes due to climate change. And they have claimed it contributes to the decision of many insurers to limit or restrict new business in the state.

As a result, many homeowners are faced with prices that are rapidly increasing, and few alternatives other than the state-created insurer of last resort.

Zimmerman was one more than 30 speakers during the almost three-hour meeting hosted by the department to gather feedback on the draft rules.

Although he was eager to push the rules forward, many others were not. Some worried that the computer programs could overestimate risks, causing policyholders to pay more. Others expressed concerns the proposed changes would further delay how long it takes the state to approve rate increases.

Allison Adey, a lobbyist for the Personal Insurance Federation of California, said the draft rules create an onerous review process that could delay how quickly the computer programs could be used. They allow, for example, a department official to compel evidence and testimony.

Adey warned that without a specific timeline to evaluate the programs companies want to use, the vetting could go on for years.

California consumers and insurers are suffering, she said. Quick action is needed to stabilize the market and increase insurance availability.

Almost every building in the Pine Springs Mobile Home Park, right behind the Paradise Alliance Church, was destroyed by the 2018 Camp Fire.

Julia Borman, a regulatory manager at Verisk, a company that develops programs that estimate risks from catastrophic events, cautioned the proposal has inadequate protections for intellectual property.

The plan allows any person to be involved in the reviews. All participants must sign a nondisclosure agreement. But Borman said there should be limits on who is allowed to examine closely-held business information.

Consumer groups and individuals Tuesday advocated for the evaluations to be more open, in part, to better understand how the estimating tools affect prices.

Michael DeLong, an advocacy associate at the Consumer Federation of America, said the rules for the use of catastrophe models must not compromise transparency and public scrutiny to preserve corporate secrecy.

He said the organization was surprised and dismayed that the proposal did not call for the state to create a public computer program that insurers could use to anticipate wildfire risks.

Speakers also raised the concern that the draft changes would not go far enough to reward customers.

Bernard Molloy, fire chief for the city of Murrieta, near Riverside, wanted to make sure the computer programs will incorporate the work that cities and homeowners have done to protect their properties. That is not the case under the states current rules.

If we do move to this model, Malloy said, we must be able to give some credit for those communities that have invested heavily in the wildfire mitigation efforts.

The department is hoping to finalize its new rules related to the estimating tools before the end of the year.

After publication an Allstate spokesman in an email added to Zimmermans comments saying the company would sell more home policies in Californian once home insurance rates fully reflect the cost of providing protection to consumers, along with other changes the department is trying to make.
A 19-year-old Independence man is charged with tampering with evidence in a murder investigation stemming from a shooting at Independence Center last November.

Leandre Peterson Jr., 19, is accused of destroying, suppressing or concealing a gun police believe to have been involved in a Nov. 10, 2023 shooting that claimed the life of 19-year-old Karla Brown, according to a probable cause affidavit filed Tuesday.

A warrant has been issued for Peterson Jr.s arrest.

Brown was in the mall shopping to prepare for her baby when gunfire erupted and she was hit.. A day after the shooting, her unborn son Max lost his heartbeat and she died almost a week later.

MarkAnthony Greer, 21, of Independence, faces a second-degree murder charge in the shooting. He is also charged with three counts of armed criminal action and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

The probable cause affidavit filed in Jackson County Circuit Court says the guns used were not located by police, but spent shell casings and blood samples were collected as evidence.

The shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. near the north entrance of the shopping mall after a dispute between two groups of people, police said in an affidavit.

Mall surveillance footage showed one group with Brown and the other group with Greer. The two groups came together, appearing to talk, and then one group followed the other into a breezeway between two rows of glass doors at the north entrance.

Police saw Brown sit down on a bench, and shortly after, gunfire broke out in the breezeway and Brown fell over.

According to court documents, an argument started after someone in the group with Brown said hello to Greers girlfriend.

Police said after the shooting, Browns group left her and fled the mall in a Ford Taurus. Police stopped the car in the parking lot of a hospital. One of the three people in the car had been shot in the leg and was taken to the hospital. The other two were taken in for questioning.

When questioned by police, two members of the group with Brown said they were armed with guns, but did not fire them. They said Greer opened fire on them and they ran inside the mall to seek cover, according to court documents.

Police said Petersen Jr. and Greer fled the shooting to a hospital in a gray Chrysler 300. Peterson was not contacted by police at the hospital and officers were unable to locate him or the vehicle, according to the affidavit.

During a police interview, Greer recalled being involved in an incident at the mall, but said he didnt recognize any of the others involved or how he was shot in the back, according to the affidavit. He denied being armed with a gun at the time.

Greer is being held at the Jackson County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond. His pretrial conference is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2025 and a jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 24, 2025.

The Stars Robert Cronkleton, Bill Lukitsch and Andrea Klick contributed to this report.
Man charged with drugging and sexually assaulting girl, 9, abducted from outside Harrods

A girl was snatched from outside Harrods before being found by police - Wirestock/iStock Editorial

A 56-year-old man has been charged with drugging, kidnapping and sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl who was snatched from outside Harrods.

Robert Prussak, of no fixed address, was charged on Wednesday with kidnap and two counts of sexual assault on a female aged under 13.

He has also been charged with administering a substance with the intention of stupefying or overpowering to enable sexual activity and committing an offence with the intent to commit a sexual offence.

The child was missing for three hours before police found her more than a mile from the department store in Kensington, west London, in the company of a man who was arrested.

Harrods staff helped officers try to locate the missing girl, who had been shopping with her family before she went missing.

Police were called at 2.44pm on Monday to reports of a missing child in Brompton Road, close to the world-famous store.

We supported the police

Officers quickly circulated images of the girl and the suspect which were gathered from CCTV and a major investigation was launched.

The girl was found almost three hours later in Old Court Place, close to Kensington Palace. A suspect was stopped by police at 5.40pm still in the company of the girl.

A spokesman for the department store said: We supported the Metropolitan Police with an incident outside Harrods that has now thankfully been resolved.

We cannot comment any further on the details as it is a police matter, but are thankful the Mets swift actions led to this safe resolution.

The suspect appeared in Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on May 22.

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Man accused of lying to police about identity during Northborough car chase arraigned in court

After being held on bail for his alleged involvement in a high-speed chase through Worcester County, a Fitchburg man was arraigned on additional charges of lying to law enforcement during his arrest.

20-year-old Kyan Perezs was held on $5,000 cash bail in Clinton District Court on Wednesday for furnishing false ID information to police and receiving a stolen motor vehicle, according to the Worcester District Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors say Perez has a lengthy criminal history, including bail jumping and convictions of drug charges out of New Hampshire.

Similarly, his bail was revoked out of an open case in Lowell. The details of that case were not immediately available.

Perez and two others, including a 15-year-old, allegedly stole a 2002 Lexus IS from Peabody and led police on a car chase along multiple Massachusetts highways before losing control and crashing the car in Northborough on Monday.

Perez was allegedly riding in the Lexus and is charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle while having a warrant.

During his arrest, State Police say Perez gave them a false identity, claiming that he was 21-year-old Ibrahim Hasbun from Methuen.

Perez will return to court on May 23.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man allegedly broke into several hotel rooms at Poplar Inn and Suites in East Memphis, and stole televisions and jewelry.

Damien Hood, 27, is charged with five counts of theft of property and four counts of burglary of a building. His bond is set to $10,200.

On March 5 and 6, the manager of Poplar Inn and Suites reportedly stated that a man, later identified as Damien Hood, went into three locked hotel rooms.

An LG television was stolen from all three hotel rooms. The TVs were worth $300 each.

Video surveillance also captured Hood carrying a TV from the hotel.

Three restaurant employees robbed near Overton Square

On March 14, Hood signed an authorization acknowledging that he was banned from the property after being arrested for trespassing.

On April 7, the manager told police that she received an alert notifying her of movement in a hotel room she uses as an office. However, she was not at the office during that time. She also stated that the room was not open to the public.

Officers say they were able to review video footage of Damien Hood entering and searching the hotel room.

15-year-old caught in stolen Kia, police say

Two gold bracelets and the managers wedding band were reported missing from the countertop. The jewelry was worth $700.

On April 8, the manager identified Hood in a six-person photo lineup as the one responsible for the break-ins and theft.

Damien Hood is set to appear in court on Thursday morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
"We are very positive about the future in China." A Dutch flower wholesaler has expressed deep commitment to the Chinese market.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Derrick Higdon is accused of breaking into his ex-wife's house and setting it on fire, killing her cats.

A man accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home and setting it on fire, killing her cats in the process, will stand trial this week, and he is representing himself in court.

Derrick Higdon, 49, who now lives in Rock Hill, South Carolina, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, breaking and entering with intent to terrorize and injure, cruelty to animals, and first-degree arson in the July 2017 incident.

Higdon, who has had seven attorneys in the last seven years, appeared in court Monday and asked Superior Court Judge Sally Kirby-Turner to dismiss the case against him. In a lengthy hearing, Higdon presented a tangle of arguments, essentially saying that Assistant District Attorney Debbie Gulledge violated rules governing the presentation of discovery in the case and that the charges should be dismissed because the case took so long to get to trial. He also alleged that Gulledge faked evidence and intentionally delayed his trial, allegations Gulledge denied.

"This is a clear case of intentional delay, falsification of evidence," Higdon said.

Gulledge said that she gave Higdon opportunities to view the evidence against him in advance of the trial, and that Higdon kept firing his attorneys, eventually choosing to represent himself with an attorney on standby to offer legal advice when necessary.

"Every time I've tried to calendar it, I've had new attorneys pop up," she said.

She also said there were delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that Higdon filed a variety of motions in the case that needed to be heard.

Kirby-Turner denied Higdon's motion to dismiss, telling Higdon he would have the afternoon to review the hundreds of pages of discovery in the case.

Higdon tried to argue with the judge, at times interrupting her mid-sentence. He told her he was not an attorney and needed more time to view the evidence against him. Kirby-Turner did not waver from her decision.

Jury selection in the case began Tuesday morning. The trial is expected to last around a week.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Man accused of trying to kill girlfriend stands trial without attorney
Man Cleared of Drunk Driving Charges After He Proves That His Body Manufactures Its Own Alcohol

A Belgian man gets arrested for drunk driving, but ends up acquitted because his body makes its own booze... stop us if you've heard this one before.

As Reuters reports, the Belgian in question was acquitted after three separate doctors confirmed that he does, in fact, have auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a rare condition in which one's body produces alcohol.

Also known as "gut fermentation syndrome," this disorder causes the stomach's natural yeast to produce ethanol  yes, as in the booze ingredient slash alternative fuel, though in that latter form it's generally also mixed with gasoline. It can cause them to develop some of the symptoms of drunkenness, including slurred speech and difficulty walking.

The debacle began in April 2022, when, as France24 reports, the man was pulled over twice and, when subjected to breathalyzer exams, was determined to have a blood alcohol level far exceeding the country's 0.22 grams per liter. He had also, as the report notes, been arrested and fined in 2019 for drunk driving despite insisting that he hadn't had anything to drink.

Vanishingly rare, there have been fewer than 100 cases reported globally, though experts believe it's likely underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as common drunkenness. The Bruges man in question, whose name has been withheld per local custom, is apparently one of those unlucky few.

Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist who works at the AZ Sint-Lucas in Bruges, told Reuters that people aren't born with ABS, but that they develop it as a comorbidity with other intestinal conditions. In a 2023 book about the syndrome, doctors explained that along with gut problems, ABS seems to often occur with people who've been previously diagnosed with diabetes and obesity.

In her own interview with Reuters, the man's attorney, Anse Ghesquiere, said that it's just "another unfortunate coincidence" that he also happens to work at a brewery. The French news outlet, meanwhile, said that the judge in his case requested that he avoid alcohol.

More on drunk driving: Billionaire Who Died in Tesla Had Three Times Legal Blood Alcohol to Drive
Man convicted in car auction scheme says victims will get money back

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man convicted of stealing thousands of dollars from people who paid him to supposedly purchase cars for them at auction avoided prison time for his crime, but could now face sentencing in two states.

The WREG Investigators have followed the story of Leandre Barner for the last five years. Consumers told WREG they handed over their hard-earned cash for what they thought was a deal on cheap rides. In the end, though, they wound up without the cash or the car.

Barner was the man at the center of what turned out to be a scheme.

On an early April morning, Barner sat shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other defendants in a packed DeSoto County Courtroom waiting to hear the judge call his name.

Court records showed Barner was scheduled for a possible plea deal, but the proceeding was moved to another day.

The April 2024 court appearance dates back to a case out of Olive Branch, Mississippi in 2020. Barner was charged with false pretense.

According to the indictment, Barner willfully, unlawfully and feloniously with the intent to cheat and defraud took $2,500 from a man with the promise to purchase two cars for him at auction.

In the associated police report, the alleged victim told officers never got vehicles, then found out he wasnt alone. He told Olive Branch police he saw a news clip involving Barner scamming other people.

WREG began investigating Barner after a complaint from a Memphis man in 2018. He told WREG, He told me he had a couple of vehicles for sale that someone left at an auction.

That story aired in January of 2019 and the WREG Investigators continued to uncover details about more alleged victims and expose pending criminal cases. All of them said Barner claimed to be a licensed car dealer with access to cars deeply discounted at auction.

During this months court appearance in DeSoto County, Barner walked out for a short break and stared directly at our camera on the way out.

WREG checked to see if he had anything he wanted to share.

Mr. Barner, Im Zaneta Lowe, from Channel 3.

I know who you are, Barner replied.

Will you be able to talk to us?

I know who you are.

Lowe responded, Ok. I was just introducing myself, will you be able to talk to us?

Barner then said, You introduced yourself five years ago.

Barner was referring to a day in February of 2019 when our crew covered a court appearance where he was set to learn his fate after pleading guilty to theft charges for taking nearly $30,000 from a Texas man hed promised six cars from auction. The matter wasnt settled that day because Barner was facing new charges for the same alleged scheme, including cases WREG had exposed.

Man at center of car auction scheme facing new charges

By the summer of 2019 Barner pleaded guilty to eight indictments for theft of property in Shelby County involving more than a dozen victims. A ninth indictment that included another victim was later rolled into the sentence.

Barner was convicted of stealing more than $90,000 after promising each person discounted cars that were never delivered.

He spent a few months in jail and was sentenced to nine years probation. As part of Barners probation, he was supposed to pay monthly restitution to each victim.

Cheap ride rip-off: Victims waiting on restitution after conviction

WREG asked him about that on the way out of the DeSoto County Courthouse earlier this month.

WREG asked Would you like to say anythingto the folks in Shelby County that arewaiting on their money?

After initially saying no, Barner responded, Waiting on what money?

The cases that were resolved that you took the plea to, answered WREG.

Barner then reiterated the word resolved and WREG asked again about the restitution which was one of several items spelled out and included in a court order.

A Shelby County judge pointed out the very same thing to Barner in July 2023 after he was arrested again. This time, police picked him up after prosecutors said hed violated his probation. The state entered a request to revoke Barners suspended sentence.

The judge said to Barner, The state of Tennessee has filed a warrant for your arrest saying that you violated probation  First you were supposed to pay probation fees and you didnt pay those; secondly, it says you failed to adhere to the special conditions imposed by the court.

The judge continuing by reading the names of each victim and the amount they were owned.

The WREG Investigators asked prosecutors months earlier why theyd given Barner multiple chances after hed already allegedly broken the rules of his probation, as their most recent revocation request wasnt their first.

If the defendant remains in custody, the likelihood that the victims receive any restitution is quite remote, said Assistant District Attorney Kirby May, who was handling the case at the time in 2022.

That petition to revoke Barners suspended sentence in Shelby County is still pending and he could end up serving the time he previously avoided. Hes set to go back to court on April 29.

Meanwhile back in DeSoto County, Barner had a message for his victims.

Are they going to get their money back? asked WREG

Yes, Barner said.

WREG clarified, So you will give them their money back?

Yeah, theyll get their money back. You said its the court order.

Barners case in DeSoto County is set for court on May 6.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Man critically injured, one detained in shooting on Shelby Drive

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  One man was rushed to the hospital, and another was detained following a shooting on East Shelby Drive Wednesday.

Police say the man who fired shots has been identified as 25-year-old Dunti Beavers. But Beavers claims he was also a victim.

Memphis Police say they responded to a shooting in the 6900 block of East Shelby Drive a little after 12:30 a.m.

Three restaurant employees robbed near Overton Square

One man was taken to Regional One in critical condition after being shot in the back, legs, and stomach. Investigators say Beavers was detained on the scene.

Beavers told police he thought the man he admitted to shooting was armed himself. Beaver says the man approached him in this lot, demanding his cell phone.

Man accused of stealing TVs, jewelry from hotel rooms

As the man tried to walk away, police say surveillance video showed Beavers aiming and firing shots.

Dunti Beavers is charged with aggravated assault. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning.

MPD says this remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A man is dead after crashing his motorcycle during a police chase late Tuesday in Rowan County.

It started when deputies got a call that a man was threatening someone with a knife at the Circle K on N. Main Street in China Grove, according to the Rowan County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies say Jeremy Lee Roush was having an altercation with his ex-girlfriend when someone tried to intervene, according to witnesses. Roush allegedly pulled a knife on that man, and his ex-girlfriend left in a car.

ALSO READ: 16-year-old girl rescued in undercover Rowan County human trafficking sting

The sheriffs office says Roush was on a motorcycle and following his ex-girlfriend when deputies spotted them near Church and Main streets. A deputy tried to pull Roush over, but he took off and led a pursuit to Shue Road.

RCSO says Roush crashed his motorcycle after riding off Shue Road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies found two knives in Roushs possession at the scene of the crash.

According to RCSO, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

(WATCH: Newton chase ends in crash into golf cart shop)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Jackson County judge ruled on Wednesday afternoon that Jerron Lightfoot, a 20-year-old man from Tonganoxie, Kansas, will serve a 10-year prison sentence for the deaths of Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ, and victim Jesse Eckes in a 2023 crash.

Gas leak causes 2 Midtown Kansas City restaurants to evacuate

Lightfoot pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter back in February. According to a news release, prosecutors asked the Jackson County judge for a 10-year sentence while Lightfoots attorneys sought probation.

We are very satisfied with the outcome, and we will continue to live day to day and see where the next chapter takes us, said wife, Cassie Muhlbauer.

I felt like he should have definitely taken responsibility, Muhlbauer said. Currently, I dont think I can forgive him, but maybe in time.

In the courtroom, the judge discussed how embedded the concept of time was in this case and in the evidence and how every person in the room felt the devastating impact of that day.

The judge said it was deeply concerning how fast Lightfoot was driving and ignoring stop lights, traffic signs, and commands.

There are so many hearts broken, so many people hurt today, and I dont exclude you, but the difference for you is that you do have a future, the judge said. You have choices. You get to choose to do better, to be better, to learn from this, to make you a better person, but not to let it define. You need to grow.

Court records say the crash occurred on East Truman Road and Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri. When arriving at the scene, officers saw a man, later identified as Lightfoot, standing by a white Ford Fusion involved in the crash. The other vehicle in the crash was a marked police car.

In the drivers seat of the car, police saw Officer Muhlbauer unconscious while his K-9, Champ, was dead in the back seat. According to the release, Muhlbauer had a seatbelt on and was transported to a hospital where he later died.

While on the scene, officers found a second person, Eckes, who was also killed in the crash.

The release said, Eckes had recently found housing and was known for his generosity.

Tens of thousands without power in St Joseph Tuesday; schools closed

Court records also said there was video footage of the crash, which showed Muhlbauer driving eastbound through a green light in an East Truman Road intersection. Lightfoot, who was speeding and headed southbound on Benton Boulevard, did not stop at the intersections red light and collided with the car.

The release said Lightfoots car was checked after the crash. Its ACM system showed the cars brakes were working and that Lightfoot was driving 85 mph or more just before the crash.

While Lightfoot pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter, his sentences are set to run concurrently.

Kansas City Police Chiefs Stacey Graves released this statement after Lightfoots sentencing:

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department and I will continue to be there and support the Muhlbauer family as they navigate this tragedy.



I am thankful for the efforts of the Jackson County Prosecutors who worked tirelessly throughout this criminal proceeding. I also have the greatest admiration for the Traffic Division Detectives and Investigators who had the unenviable task of investigating the death of their friend and co-worker, his K-9 partner, and the innocent bystander who all lost their lives in this senseless tragedy.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A man accused of stabbing a 23-year-old Palestinian American in West Campus near the University of Texas at Austin was indicted by a grand jury on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge, according to a Travis County District Attorneys Office press release.

Bert James Baker, 36, was arrested in connection with the February incident at Nueces and 26th Street. The victim, who was visiting Austin from North Texas for a demonstration that called for a ceasefire in Gaza, went to the hospital with stab wounds and a broken rib, the victims father previously told KXAN.

APD: Committee says stabbing near UT campus meets definition of hate crime

After the incident, the DFWs Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for hate crimes charges. Tuesdays release from the DAs office said Baker will not be prosecuted with a hate crime enhancement.

The grand jury did not determine that the defendant intentionally selected the victim because of a bias or prejudice against the victims race, national origin, ancestry, or religion, the release said.

KXAN previously reached out to Bakers attorney for a statement. This story will be updated if a response is received.

We know that many religious communities in Travis County and across the country are deeply concerned about a rise in hate crime reports and that many were hoping for the grand jury to reach a different conclusion in this case, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said in the release. Our office takes the hate crime referrals we receive from our law enforcement partners incredibly seriously. We remain steadfast in our commitment to prosecute these cases and ensure that those who commit hate crimes in Travis County are held accountable.

Shortly after the stabbing, the Austin Police Departments Hate Crimes Review Committee determined the case met the definition of a hate crime and the investigation was sent to the Travis County District Attorneys Office for review, APD said.

It is up to the prosecuting office to enhance the offense to a bias-motivated crime, not the investigative unit, APD previously explained in a news release.

Bakers case will be prosecuted in the 331st Judicial Court for Travis County, the release said.

University of Texas Police previously said neither the suspect nor the victim was affiliated with UT.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
I am up at the front and entering Belleau Wood with the U.S. Marines.

And with that final dispatch, war correspondent Floyd Gibbons  armed with nothing but his pen and paper  strolled into a melee of artillery and machine gun fire.

This dispatch would later help to shape the ethos of the United States Marine Corps and more than a century on, define the publics view of the Devil Dogs.

A seasoned reporter for the Chicago Tribune, the charismatic Gibbons had reported on the Pancho Villa expedition in 1916 and the sinking of the RMS Laconia in 1917 before accepting his latest assignment as one of only 36 American reporters officially accredited in World War I.

As a noncombatant, Gibbons ignored the request that he stay back and joined a Marine attack on June 6, 1918, through the waist-high wheat toward the woods some several hundred yards away.

By early June more than 2,000 German soldiers with at least 30 machine guns had ensconced themselves in Belleau Wood, and another 100 Germans with at least six machine guns held Bouresches, recalled historian David John Ulbrich. All awaited the Marines.

As the Marines advanced, the enemy fire was more than flesh and blood could stand, Col. Albertus W. Catlin wrote in his memoir With the Help of God and a Few Marines. Catlin was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1914 for action in Vera Cruz and led the Sixth Regiment at Belleau Wood.

With no defense Gibbons was eventually cut down  bullets striking his left arm, left shoulder blade and left eye.

Made to lie in the field for three hours until the safety of darkness, Gibbons wondered if he was dead. With his left hand and arm numb and his left eyeball split in half and lying on his cheek, Gibbons used his right hand to pinch himself for reassurance. He was indeed still alive.

The news censor, however, incorrectly believing Gibbons to be dead, concluded that it would be a crime to cut the last dispatch of Gibbonss life, so he decided to let it go through as written, according to an account in the Washington Post.

When he sent his final dispatch, Gibbons had expected the word Marines to be omitted. Up until that point no correspondent was permitted to name which troops were on which fronts due to wartime censorship.

Because the censor let Gibbonss dispatch go through, all correspondents were given the same privilege, the Post continued.

For three days, reports of Marines in action at Belleau Wood went uncensored, and the American public, hungry for news of the war, were regaled with stories of the Devil Dogs as they fought in close-quarters combat with fixed bayonets, and, worst of all, historian George B. Clark noted, machine guns at point-blank range.

For all intents and purposes, the old warriors of the U.S. Marine Corps were virtually wiped out, Clark wrote. The Marines suffered 4,000 casualties and 1,000 killed  a 55 percent attrition rate  losing more men in this single campaign than in all its previous existence.

The dispatch from Gibbons, who would live another 21 years after the engagement, gave full credit to the 9,500-strong 4th Marine Brigade, altogether ignoring the U.S. Armys 2nd Division of the American Expeditionary Forces who fought alongside the Marines. Even before the conclusion of the battle on June 26th, thanks to Gibbons getting past the censor, the legend of the Marines at Belleau Wood emerged.

Remembered for their gritty, victorious stand some 105 years ago, Belleau Wood stands immortal in Marine Corps lore.

The Germans were good, Clark wrote. The Marines were better.
A judge ordered that a man accused of impregnating a 14-year-old be physically castrated, in addition to serving a 50-year prison term, Louisiana officials said.

Glenn Sullivan, 54, pleaded guilty to four second-degree rape charges April 17, the 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux said in a news release.

Sex crimes against juveniles are the most malicious crimes we prosecute, Assistant District Attorney Brad Cascio said in the April 22 release. I intend on using every tool the legislature is willing to give us, including physical castration, to seek justice for the children in our community.

McClatchy News reached out to Sullivans attorney April 24 and did not immediately receive a response.

In July 2022, the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office began investigating a series of incidents after a girl reported that Sullivan raped her multiple times when she was 14, authorities said.

A DNA test confirmed he impregnated her, officials said.

Detectives said they found he groomed the girl and threatened her and her family if she were to tell anyone.

So many of these types of cases go unreported because of fear, Perrilloux said. The strength it must have taken for this young woman to tell the truth in the face of threats and adversity is truly incredible.

Castration has been used as a legal form of punishment to enable sex offenders to reenter a community with reduced danger of re-offending, according to legal experts. California became the first state to legalize castration, and a handful of states followed suit. Two states have repealed such laws, but eight states, including Florida and Texas, have some form of castration law on the books.

Livingston Parish is about a 70-mile drive northwest from New Orleans.

Teacher forced student he impregnated to get abortion, suit says. I was just a child

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Twenty-year-old Cesar Yovanni Alvarez-Alcazar was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday after a jury found him guilty of murder stemming from a deadly shooting two years ago.

According to the Washington County District Attorneys Office, the incident unfolded during a party on Feb. 6, 2022, when an argument escalated into gunfire. Officials described Alvarez-Alcazar as heavily intoxicated at the party in Cornelius and got into verbal arguments with multiple partygoers.

Double murder suspect wanted for kidnapping son killed himself after chase, son in police custody

Jose Angel Rodriguez-Sanchez died that night after the then-20-year-old was shot multiple times by Alvarez-Alcazar, who also fired another shot at someone else at the party, officials said. Alvarez-Alcazar then fled the scene, eluding law enforcement.

Jose Rodriguez-Sanchez was shot and killed at a party in Cornelius on Feb. 6, 2022. (WCSO)

This all happened at a home near South 8th Avenue and Dogwood Street, with multiple 911 callers reporting shots fired around 2:30 a.m. Multiple people, including Forest Grove Police and even party bystanders, attempted to save Rodriguez-Sanchez before he died from his injuries.

Portland woman wins annual $1M Oregon Lottery Raffle

Seven months later, Alvarez-Alcazar was arrested by Salem Police Department Officers during a traffic stop. At the time, police found a loaded handgun, 400 rounds of ammunition and body armor in the car.

Alvarez-Alcazar was found guilty of both second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon, having pleaded no contest to the latter charge prior to the trial. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Leading European truck manufacturer Scania is actively targeting the Chinese market to leverage significant opportunities amid China's broader push for high-quality development, according to the president of the company's China unit.

Speaking to Xinhua recently, Mats Harborn, president of Scania China Group said that he sees tremendous potential in China's economic transformation.

According to him, China's emphasis on fostering new quality productive forces promises favorable prospects for foreign companies doing business here in the long term.

"Chinese economy is now going on from a focus on quantity to focus on quality, sustainability and efficiency. At the center of that transformation is actually sustainable and efficient transport and logistics. That's why we believe that our company can play an important role in China," Harborn said.

"Although it's very challenging, we are confident that the Chinese government will manage this transformation because that is the very foundation upon which China's future rests," he added.

The current period is a "good timing for investment in China," Harborn noted. "The investment is for the future of the China market, and it's also for us to be able to export to other markets outside of China."

A clear demonstration of the company's dedication to enhancing investment in the world's largest auto market is the construction of a zero-emission factory in Rugao City, located in east China's Jiangsu Province. This facility is the company's third global production hub after Europe and Latin America.

"In more than 60 years, Scania never did such a big investment overseas," Harborn said, noting that upon commencement of operations in 2025, the factory is projected to have the capacity to produce 50,000 trucks annually, with a workforce of 3,000 comprising both workers and engineers.

In addition to the factory, Scania is setting up an R&D company in Rugao, with a branch in Shanghai, aiming to integrate new technologies and new components into the company's unique modular system.

Harborn hailed China's leading position in innovation, particularly in areas such as electrification, autonomous driving and intelligent connected vehicles. "We want to tap into the innovative power of China and also its supply chains," he said.

China's demand for specialized vehicles such as garbage trucks, sweeper trucks, and water sprinklers is on the rise, indicating promising prospects for this market segment, Harborn noted.

"We see that the Chinese manufacturers are getting stronger and stronger, and they also boost presence in overseas markets. By being in China, we can get access to new technologies in the biggest commercial vehicle market, which will make us stronger all over the world," Harborn said. 
Man sentenced to prison in 2021 Cahokia Heights shooting that left 1 dead, 1 wounded

A man was sentenced to 102 years in prison Wednesday for a Cahokia Heights shooting that left one man dead and another injured in August 2021.

Anthony M. Danley, 32, of East St. Louis, was found guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and felon in possession of a firearm in St. Clair County Circuit Court in January 2024.

On Wednesday, Judge John OGara sentenced Danley to 65 years for first-degree murder, 25 years for aggravated battery and 12 years for firearm possession. The sentences must be served consecutively, according to documents from the St. Clair County States Attorneys office.

The shooting happened in August 2021. Cahokia Heights police were dispatched to the 100 block of Bobby Moran Drive to investigate a report that two people had been shot.

Antwon Williams, 37, of East St. Louis was pronounced dead at the scene, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

A second man was shot in the arm.

Cahokia Heights Detective DeMarius Thomas investigated the case.

At the time of the shooting, Thomas said the suspect and Williams were believed to have gotten into an altercation sometime prior to the shooting.

Danley was captured in Arkansas after the shootings and brought back to St. Clair County to face charges.
Man who shot self at Tampa FDOT building was outraged with transportation officials

Man who shot self at Tampa FDOT building was outraged with transportation officials

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The Jacksonville man who fatally shot himself after threatening to drive into a Florida Department of Transportation building has been identified as Gregory Parsons. He was in his 60s.

8 On Your Side has learned Parsons called himself a transportation engineering consultant. According to his website, he had a grudge against the FDOT that led him to Tampa where he ended up taking his life last Wednesday.

The scene unfolded along McKinley Drive outside the FDOT building.

He said that he was going to drive his vehicle in, he said he had a bomb and said he was going to cause harm, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said.

Chief Bercaw said a receptionist received a concerning call from Parsons on Wednesday.

Its clear that this subject was here to cause harm, he said.

When officers arrived on scene, Parsons took his own life. Law enforcement searched parsons SUV and found two guns, high capacity magazines and cans of gasoline.

Parsons attended a Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting in February of 2023.

My name is Greg Parsons, he said. I live in Jacksonville. In 2004, I invented the Parallel Flow Intersection or PFI.

Parsons said his design concept is cost effective and a solution. He had been pitching his idea to state and local officials, though he said it had never been constructed. Later on, in that meeting when FDOT officials were presenting data, Parsons continuously interrupted and appears to have an outburst.

I think you need to leave, an officer said.

Parsons accused FDOT and the Pasco County MPO of costing him and taxpayers millions of dollars. He posted a series of videos over the past seven years of what he says is a full account of their unlawful misconduct.

This is the right way to do it and what shouldve been done in the first place, Parsons said.

While investigators havent released a motive of what unfolded here last week, Parsons was clearly outraged.

FDOT officials sent 8 On Your Side this statement: FDOTs utmost gratitude goes out to all first responders, including our law enforcement personnel (Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and Tampa Police Department) whose quick actions kept our team safe and contained the incident. As this is an ongoing investigation, FDOT declines any further comments and directs questions to FDLE.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Man steals $1,500 in sex toys  then tries to sell them on Facebook, Missouri cops say

A man is accused of stealing $1,500 in sex toys from a store and attempting to sell them for a profit on Facebook Marketplace, Missouri police said.

Employees identified the man after he had been asked to leave Hustler Hollywood store on March 5 because he argued with a worker, according to Berkeley police.

The man returned the next day and took eight vibrators from store displays and put them in a trash bag before running out of the store, according to Berkeley police.

The stolen sex toys were worth $1,539.20, according to a criminal complaint.

Police later discovered the stolen items for sale on Facebook Marketplace under his profile, according to court documents.

After his arrest, he denied having a Facebook account and stealing the sex toys, according to police.

The man was charged with stealing items worth $750 or more, a felony, according to court documents.

Attorney information was not listed in court records as of April 24.

He is scheduled to appear in court on May 16.

Berkeley is about a 15-mile drive northwest of St. Louis.

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A North Carolina man who attacked police officers with a pole during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots was sentenced Tuesday to six year in prison, the Justice Department announced.

David Gietzen was found guilty of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct for his role in the attack.

Prosecutors said Gietzen approached police lines at the west side of the Capitol during the riot, wearing a helmet, goggles, and knee pads, and began pushing and tussling with officers. He repeatedly yelled phrases including We want Trump! and fing disgrace toward police, prosecutors said.

Gietzen continued pushing and shoving officers in an effort to gain access to the Capitol, including grabbing a long pole and hitting a police officer with it, prosecutors said. He was later able to enter the Capitol.

After the riot, Gietzen bragged about this participation, telling a family member he had never been prouder to be an American on what he believed was a beautiful day and excitedly anticipated armed civil war.

Btw they are trying to give credit to storming congress on the news to Antifa.BULLSHIT, I was there in a hallway helping to push the line of guards back, he wrote in another message. Today was 100 what happens when you piss of normal people, and the next protest is going even further.

Gietzen refused to report to prison after being found guilty in October, and was arrested at his mothers home in December. He was also sentenced to three years probation.

At his sentencing Tuesday, he did not express any regret or remorse for his actions

I have to make it explicitly known that I believe I did the right thing, he said, according to The Associated Press.

Nearly 1,400 people have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol riots, according to the Justice Department, including nearly 500 for assaulting police officers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Man tried to help feds investigate his own bomb threats: DOJ

Man tried to help feds investigate his own bomb threats: DOJ

A California man has been arrested and faces federal charges related to his repeated calling in of bomb threats, pretending to be a federal agent  sometimes to investigate the threats he himself called in  and filing fake search warrants in federal courthouses.

As first reported by Seamus Hughes Court Watch, Anton Iagounov was arrested Friday, and a federal criminal complaint alleges four counts of false personation of an officer or employee of the United States.

But those charges hardly provide a full picture of that which Iagounov is accused.

According to prosecutors, the South Lake Tahoe resident threatened to bomb MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, as well as city halls in Temple, Texas, and Boston; the Luxor Casino in Nevada; airports in Albany, New York, and Nevada; a Walmart in Albany, New York; and the office of U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming).

Youre already dead: Man threatened mass shooting at Orange County courthouse, complaint says

In at least one case, the threat at the Nevada airport, Iagounov spoofed the phone number of Texas state Rep. Gene Wu, a Democrat, to call in the false report, prosecutors said.

The search warrant revealed that shortly after making the calls, Iagnounov repeatedly searched for local news coverage of the bomb threat, Hughes wrote.

In some cases, Iagounov would try to join the investigation into his false threats, such as when he allegedly threatened to bomb INTERPOL in 2021, then used a spoofed phone number and then followed up with the FBI and ATF claiming to be an employee from the intelligence community with tips on cracking the case, Hughes wrote.

The next year, Iagounov was pulled over by police in Nevada, and when searching the vehicle, they allegedly found a fake FBI badge. He told officials that he got that badge working on an operation law enforcement was not cleared to know about, Hughes wrote.

He also allegedly created and attempted to file search warrants under the name of real federal law enforcement agents in federal court districts in Georgia, California, Virginia, Florida, Indiana, Utah, and New York, Hughes added.

It is not clear if some of those attempts were successful, but court records say that in at least two instances, a federal clerks office was able to prevent the false filings by doing due diligence on discrepancies in the documents, Hughes reported.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Within a few months, scientists at the Manatee County-based Roskamp Institute plan to start administering a new drug to slow the progression of Alzheimers disease.

While not a cure, Leqembi, an FDA-approved Alzheimers drug, has been shown to slow the rate of decline in patients. Alzheimers is a common form of dementia that progressively worsens a patients memory, thinking and language ability.

Clinical trials showed a significantly lower rate of decline for patients receiving Leqembi than patients receiving a placebo.

On Wednesday, Dr. Fiona Crawford, president and CEO of Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave., announced a $9 million campaign for a 10,000-square-foot expansion of the campus to host the infusion clinic and other programs.

But the launch of the infusion program wont be delayed because of fundraising efforts.

Infusions could start by late summer and groundbreaking for the expanded facilities could come later this year. Completion should be within two years of the start of construction, Crawford said.

Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave., has plans for an Alzheimers infusion program and capital campaign to expand facilities. Shown above is an artists rendering what the campus would look like after completion. Roskamp Institute illustration

Roska mp Institute plans expansion

The Bishop-Parker Foundation provided a $1.5 million grant to the Roskamp capital campaign. A $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota and donations from the Roskamp family and friends helped push the total collected to more than $4 million, Crawford said.

The capital campaign will help Roskamp update and expand its research laboratory and clinical facilities and ramp up its research efforts, she said.

Roskamps planned Bishop-Parker Clinic will enable Roskamp to assess, treat and support more than 10,000 patients a year, Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop-Parker Foundation, said Wednesday.

Today is about celebrating the collaborative spirit and tireless dedication of everyone involved in this initiative. Its about honoring the individuals and families impacted by these disorders and reaffirming our unwavering commitment to supporting them on this journey, Deming said.

Dr. Fiona Crawford, president and CEO of Roskamp Institute, outlined plans Wednesday for an Alzheimers infusion clinic and building expansion. James A. Jones Jr./jajones1@bradenton.com

Alzheimers becoming more common

More people are getting Alzheimers Disease  and many at a younger age. Alzheimers is sometimes seen in patients in their 40s and 50s.

Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia. Current estimates are that about 5.8 million people in the United States have Alzheimers disease and related dementias, including 5.6 million aged 65 and older and about 200,000 under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Its not only the Alzheimers patients who are affected.

In 2023, 11.5 million family members and other caregivers of people living with Alzheimers or other dementia provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid help. On average,this represents nearly 31 hours of care per caregiver per week, according to the Alzheimers Association.

Crawford put it in perspective: Anyone who hasnt been touched by traumatic brain injury, a neurological disorder or Alzheimers has been leading a charmed life.

Dr. Michael Mullan, lead researcher and executive director of the Roskamp Institute, has been studying the causes of Alzheimers for more than 30 years. Tiffany Tompkins/ttompkins@bradenton.com

How Leqembi works

Leqembi, produced and marketed by Biogen and Eisai, is a monoclonal antibody given by infusion every two weeks.

Scientists say the build-up of amyloid, a small protein, causes the loss of brain cells and is a driver of Alzheimers.

Leqembi has been shown to be efficient at removing certain types of amyloid from the brain.

With the use of Leqembi, researchers saw a slowing in the rate of decline in memory, language and daily living activities, including self-care and social and personal interactions.

Research by Dr. Mike Mullan and Crawford in the United Kingdom in the 1990s showed that a gene mutation made some people susceptible to Alzheimers due to the accumulation of the amyloid protein in the brain.

Mullan was able to confirm the theory after one of his patients died from Alzheimers at 54. A lab study of the brain showed a buildup of amyloid in the brain that would have led to the mans Alzheimers.

Mullan hoped that the discovery would quickly lead to a cure or preventative for Alzheimers.

We thought that this would be easy. That was 30 years ago, and many, many failed drugs later, Mullan told the Bradenton Herald in 2023. Amyloid turns out to be tricky.

Dr. Michael Mullan, lead researcher and executive director of the Roskamp Institute, has been studying the causes of Alzheimers for more than 30 years. Tiffany Tompkins/ttompkins@bradenton.com

What Leqembi is not

Leqembi is not a cure for Alzheimers.

It is not suitable for everyone. People most likely to benefit are those in the mild stage of the disease or in the stage before that, called mild cognitive impairment.

Patients have to undergo initial MRI screening to look for brain abnormalities that may preclude the use of the drug, and subsequent MRI screening (at 2, 3 and 6.5 months) following initial treatment in order to ensure a potentially serious side effect does not occur, Mullan said in a fact sheet handed out Wednesday at the capital campaign press conference.

In particular, amyloid related imaging abnormalities are a known complication of amyloid-lowering antibody drugs, the Mullan fact sheet said.

Rare consequences can involve brain swelling or bleeding.

Although these complications are rare, they can lead to severe consequences; therefore their potential occurrence must be carefully monitored, the fact sheet said.

Leqembi is clearly only one part of what will need to be a much broader treatment program in the future to further slow the disease progression and even potentially halt its advancement completely, the fact sheet said.

About Roskamp Institute

Roskamp Institute was founded in 2003 by Robert and Diane Roskamp and Fiona Crawford and Michael Mullan.

Fields of study include Alzheimers disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, Gulf War Illness and red tide.

How to contribute

Robert Roskamp, founder of the Roskamp Foundation, said that expansion plans will help with badly needed research.

There is so much to be done, he said citing research needed also for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

For information on how to contribute to the Roskamp Institute capital campaign, call (941) 752-2949 or visit https://www.roskampinstitute.org/donate/.

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Manhunt in Lane County for armed and dangerous man connected to womans death

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Authorities are searching for a person of interest in the death of a woman who was found with suspicious injuries Wednesday morning.

Lane County deputies discovered the woman in a home near 28000 Highway 36 just south of Junction City. Investigators said they have reason to believe 49-year-old John Jay Kelley of Eugene was involved in her death.

Murder victim in Amber Alert case was part of child rape charges against suspect, police say

Police said Kelley stands about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. He may be driving a silver 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV with Oregon license plate number 532PMQ.

(Lane County Sheriffs Office)

(Lane County Sheriffs Office)

Kelley is considered armed and dangerous, according to the Lane County Sheriffs Office. Anyone aware of his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.)  On Friday, May 3, Manitou Springs School District 14 students are displaying their diligent efforts in the 10th Annual World Language and Culture Night, presenting student projects and performances, alongside a student art gallery spotlighting French and Spanish languages and cultures.

The event, which takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Manitou Springs High School (MSHS), at 401 El Monte Place, will feature food trucks and special guests from colleges and organizations.

Courtesy: Manitou Springs School District 14

Students get to be both teachers and learners as they show their families and friends the work they and their classmates have accomplished. Its really a special night, said MSHS French Teacher Madame Angie Shelton.

Parking is available along the El Monte Place hill, along Manitou Avenue, at Manitou Springs Middle School, and at the middle schools upper activity field.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Claim Old Story

As NPR reports, Naples, Florida resident Alejandro Otero's life has been turned upside down after a two-pound battery pallet from the ISS plummeted through the roof of his house. Now he's tussling with NASA over who should be held responsible for the damage.

In March, Otero noted in a since-deleted post on X-formerly-Twitter that the cylindrical hunk of metal "tore through the roof" and rocketed through two floors of his house while he was out of town, leaving his 19-year-old son to handle the situation all on his own.

"When he called me to give me the news," Otero told NPR, "he asked us to make sure we were sitting down to hear when he had to tell us."

Initially, it was unclear what had even happened, and the family had to piece together what had happened with their home security camera. Eventually, Otero concluded that the thing that tore a hole through two stories of his house was related to space travel  but it took more than a month for NASA to admit it and collect the debris.

Rubble Telescope

Along with the emotional toll of such a fiasco, there was also significant physical damage to Otero's home. As he told NPR, an insurance adjuster set the cost of repairs at around $15,000, and there were other injuries to the house that aren't covered, either.

"We are in the process of sending NASA our claim which will include the insurance and non-insurance damages," the man said, adding that his attorney had been in touch with NASA's legal team.

As the European Space Agency noted in its initial warning about the cylindrical piece that crashed into the Otero home, fragments fall off of space crafts and satellites on a weekly basis, and are generally expected to burn up upon reentry to the atmosphere. As the nightmarish situation experienced by the Otero family shows, however, that's not always the case.

"This is kind of unprecedented," Mark Sundahl, the director of the Global Space Law Center at Cleveland State University, told NPR.

While there are strict rules governing what happens if crafts or satellites from separate national entities crash into each other, or if a piece of one country's spaceware crash-lands into another country, the fact that the piece came from an American vessel and landed on American soil makes the rules fuzzier.

"It becomes a domestic legal issue," Sundahl explains, "and a homeowner would have to bring a tort action against the federal government."

As of now, it's unclear whether the family plans to do so  but given how weird the situation is, it's not out of the question.

More on NASA: NASA Ponders Why Gas Produced by Life Is Leaking Out of Mars at Night
Authors Margaret Atwood and Lauren Groff agree: it can be more effective to write truthfully about the contemporary world by situating stories in the past or in the future.

Both writers discussed their creative choices in conversation with TIME correspondent Eliana Dockterman on Wednesday at the TIME100 Summit in New York City. Atwood, who has written dozens of books spanning fiction, essays and poetry, based her setting for The Handmaids Tale on 17th century New England. Groff set her most recent work, survivalist novel The Vaster Wilds, in that time and place as well.

Both works deal with issues facing women, greater culture and the environment today: As Dockterman put it, they are stories about women in moments of survival.

I wanted to talk about the modern age, but do it slant, Groff said. Historical fiction is an amazing way to do that. Every book is of the time youre actually in, even if you put it into the future or put it into the past.

Atwood noted that the challenge of writing a contemporary story is a general writers problem. Present times are moving so quickly that its hard to get a point of fixation, she said. As soon as you write about something in the present day, its all changed.

Those stories can nonetheless have profound effects on modern day society. Atwood published Handmaids Tale in 1985, and nearly 40 years later, the novel has taken on renewed significance after the fall of Roe v. Wade and threats to abortion access across the nation. Many protestors, in a nod to the garb in The Handmaids Tale, have been pictured filling legislative chambers and protest lines wearing long red robes and white bonnetts.

Groff also spoke of the current, growing threat in the U.S. to books themselves as groups push to ban books from schools or libraries that have content they disagree with. Banning books is the first step to burning them, she added.

Groff and her husband are opening a bookstore in Florida, where they have watched book bans grow to make up roughly 40 percent of the total bans in the country over the last few years.

Talk about a Puritan theocracy, Groff said with a nod to Atwood: Thats what Florida is right now. Even the massive number of Floridas book bans and challenges alone isnt the extent of the issue, Groff explained, as teachers are afraid of attempting to teach books that could be challenged, whether for LGBTQ+ content, issues about race, or other targeted topics. She added that a certain county of Florida has banned the dictionary because it includes the word sex.

We wanted to be a lighthouse, we wanted to spread freedom of expression. Were literally in the middle of the state in Gainesville, Florida, in the swamp, and we wanted to show that were watching. Were here. The people whose voices are being erased, they matter, Groff said. The state of Florida doesnt seem to value them, but we value them. We think that theyre important and they need to be heard and they need to see themselves reflected in the books.

The TIME100 Summit convenes leaders from the global TIME100 community to spotlight solutions and encourage action toward a better world. This years summit features a variety of speakers across a diverse range of sectors, including politics, business, health and science, culture, and more.

Speakers for the 2024 TIME100 Summit include actor Elliot Page, designer Tory Burch, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, WNBA champion A'ja Wilson, NYSE president Lynn Martin, comedian Alex Edelman, professor Yoshua Bengio, 68th Secretary of State John Kerry, actor Jane Fonda, and many more.

The TIME100 Summit was presented by Booking.com, Citi, Merck, Northern Data Group, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and Verizon.

Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday stressed that it is the rights of Taiwan compatriots to receive education on Chinese culture and learn about the history of the Chinese nation.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry concerning multiple non-governmental educational institutes criticizing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' educational policies in Taiwan.

In an attempt to pursue "Taiwan independence" and "de-sinicization," the DPP authorities, despite strong opposition on the island, have insisted on their so-called "education reform" and "Taiwan independence" curriculum, deliberately distorting the Chinese history and trying to cut the cultural ties across the Taiwan Strait, Zhu said.

This has not only led to a confused understanding of history and distorted national identity among young people on the island but also further damaged the cross-Strait relations and raised hostility between the two sides, she said.

Zhu stressed that both compatriots from the mainland and Taiwan are part of the Chinese nation and Chinese culture is the spiritual lifeblood of the Chinese nation. It is hoped that all Taiwan compatriots can be guardians, inheritors and promoters of the Chinese culture, Zhu said.

"We also hope that Taiwan compatriots come to the mainland to search for their cultural and family roots, and make up for the lessons they did not take in Taiwan," she said. 
Maria Shriver talks teaming with Jill Biden to push for gender equity in medical research: Its not political, its a human issue

Maria Shriver says her work toward gender equity in medical research is a human issue, not a political one.

I dont see it as partisan at all because there are Republican women serving. Republican men came from Republican women, Shriver said.

I dont even look at it as a political issue. I look at it as a human issue, said the NBC News correspondent and founder of the Womens Alzheimers Movement (WAM) Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic.

Jill Biden joined Shriver and leading researchers Wednesday at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in downtown Washington to spotlight improving womens health research.

Biden recalled how she and Shriver met at the White House and how Californias former first lady laid out a problem that was so simple, but so often ignored: That womens health is understudied and research is underfunded. And too many of our medications, our treatments and medical school textbooks are based on men.

This has created gaps of conditions of our understanding of conditions that mostly affect women, only affect women or affect men and women differently, leaving women seeking health care in a medical world largely designed for men, Biden told the audience.

Shriver told ITK her aim is to change the conversation around womens health care. Its a mission she discovered after first focusing on Alzheimers disease  and learning it disproportionately impacts women  following the diagnosis of her father, Sargent Shriver, in 2003.

Looking at what was happening for women at mid-life, Shriver said, there was no research, there were no facts, there was no roadmap.

In his State of the Union address in March, President Biden touted the launch of the first-ever White House initiative on womens health research, calling on Congress to pass his $12 billion plan to transform womens health research and benefit millions of lives across America.

Now, Shriver said, its up to Congress to give us the $12 billion that the president asked for, which can rectify the decades of lack of research.

Lawmakers, Shriver said, can level up the playing field because thats what we need.

Shriver, the 68-year-old niece of the late President John F. Kennedy, added, Were 51 percent of the population, and womens health concerns and health issues are different.

So we need to really understand fundamentally that men and women are different, and therefore its not that women are more important, but we just havent studied women the way we studied men.

At Wednesdays event hosted by WAM and the Society of Womens Health Research, Shriver helped award grants to researchers whose innovative work will further address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimers disease on women by examining the role of a womans unique biology, genetics and lifestyle. WAM at Cleveland Clinic has funded more than $5 million for 48 studies over the years, according to the group.

In 2018, Shriver revealed that she had switched her voter registration from Democrat to independent, saying at the time that the divisive nature of our politics was always problematic for her.

Shriver said shes still an independent, For me, its been a way to have conversations with members of all parties in a different way.

People always think Im a Democrat, she said. But in conversations with medical researchers and doctors, Shriver said, shes not interested in what their political opinion is.

Im really adamant about focusing on things that we agree on, as opposed to what we disagree on, she said.

Shriver praised the president at an event last month, saying that hes someone who respects women and understands them. Asked what it would mean for women if Biden doesnt win reelection in November against former President Trump, Shriver replied, I think itll be tough.

Shriver commended Biden for signing an executive order expanding government initiatives focused on womens health, including $200 million in new funding, calling it historic and transformative.

If you want to see that continue, Shriver said, you have to vote for people local, statewide and federally who also believe in righting that situation and leveling that playing field.

My theme is always how do we move ourselves and humanity forward? Shriver said. We dont do where we just move one party forward. And so Im really adamant in everything I do to try to talk about how do we come together, and how do we move an issue up the hill together.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Marine in helicopter unit dies in routine operations in California

A Marine from a helicopter training squadron died Tuesday during routine military operations in California, according to the Marine Corps.

The Marine was part of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to a news release Wednesday from the aircraft wing. The Marine died at approximately 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The incident is under investigation, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in the release. The identity of the deceased Marine will not be released until at least 24 hours after next-of-kin notification is complete.

The Marines squadron, which is based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, trains pilots to fly AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters.

The Marine is the second to die during training in a week.

On Thursday, Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, a reconnaissance Marine assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, died after being involved in a parachute mishap in North Carolina.
MAHWAH, N.J. (PIX11)  Inside a lab at Ramapo College, bright minds solve the unsolvable. But even this case felt like a long shot.

This is the first time Ive come across a case like this, said Cairenn Binder, assistant director of the Colleges Investigative Genetic Genealogy, or IGG, Center.

World War II veteran and U.S. Marine Captain Everett Yager died in a plane crash in California in 1951 while in a training exercise. His remains were all thought to have been in Missouri until years later when authorities in Arizona received what was believed to be a rock in a boys collection that turned out to be a human jawbone.

More New Jersey News

We use a combination of advanced DNA testing and family history research and public records to identify humans, said Binder.

Ramapos IGG Center takes on dozens of cases at once. The Center has a summer boot camp, and when students got their hands on the case last July, one student theorized that the jawbone belonged to Yager.

It was unforgettable because it was just an out-there theory that one of the students threw out, said Binder, and it turned out to be the correct one.

Last month, police confirmed a DNA match to Yagers daughter, solving the case.

We certainly second-guessed ourselves, said Dr. David Gurney, Director of the IGG Center, but after putting all the genetic and genealogical evidence together, we were quite confident.

Ethan Schwartz, a student at nearby Suffern High School, was part of the investigation as an intern. He is thought to be the youngest person ever to have contributed to a genetic genealogy cases resolution.

In these types of cases, it definitely feels good, not only that you solved the crime or whatever youre looking at, but that you also are able to help individuals, said Schwartz.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Maryland police continue search for boy who went missing 55 years ago in Calvert County

CALVERT COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Maryland State Police (MSP) said it was continuing a search for a 10-year-old boy who went missing more than 55 years ago in Calvert County.

Bob Boyes was last seen walking home with his pet deer on Dec. 26, 1986, on Wash Hance Road in Port Republic.

MSP said after Boyes went missing, hundreds of volunteers searched for him on the ground and in the air, going through the wooded area where he was last spotted.

Bob Boyes is on the right. (Photo courtesy of Maryland State Police)

Last chance: Montgomery County Board of Education seeks policy input

Ill forever remember the response from the search team that Bobby disappeared in thin air, without a trace, Boyes younger sister, who was 3 years old at the time, stated in a news release.

MSP was investigating his disappearance but said the case eventually turned cold when investigators ran out of leads.

Boyes would be 66 years old today.

Anyone with information is asked to call (410) 535-1400 or email kemery.hunt@maryland.gov.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Palestinian female artist is seen drawing a picture titled 'GAZA 2024' on the concrete of the rubble of a destroyed building Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images

Palestinian civil defense workers sifting through Gaza's rubble have uncovered nearly 400 bodies in mass graves near the territory's two largest hospitals, CNN reported. The hospitals were raided and occupied by Israeli forces before their withdrawal earlier this month.

According to the civil defense workers, the bodies found at Nasser Medical Complex and al-Shifa hospital  both now destroyed by Israeli fire  include those of hospital workers, women, and the elderly. Some of the bodies were discovered with their hands bound and bearing gunshot wounds to the head.

A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the state of the bodies indicated "serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations," The Guardian reported. The location of the mass graves also raises alarms as hospitals, medical staff, and patients are entitled to special protection under international humanitarian law.

Volker Turk, UN human rights chief, called Tuesday for an independent investigation given the prevailing climate of impunity." The U.S. State Department, which has called the reports "troubling," has said it is asking for more information from the Israeli government.

The Israeli military, responding the the reports, claimed that it had exhumed previously buried bodies in a search for the remains of hostages that Hamas took during their October 7 attack on Israel, then re-buried them.

Human rights watchdogs have criticized Israel for waging a war with little regard for civilians in Gaza, accusing Israeli forces of targeting noncombatants, demolishing civilian infrastructure and blocking food and medical supplies from entering the besieged enclave. Violence has also escalated in the West Bank, where Israeli security forces have been accused of aiding settlers in attacking and displacing Palestinian residents.
Massachusetts House leaders began debate Wednesday on a proposed $57.9 billion state budget for the 2025 fiscal year that would include $500 million for the states emergency shelter system and what lawmakers say is a record investment of $555 million for the beleaguered Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

The $500 million for emergency shelters is about half of what Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said is likely needed for the program, which is straining in part because of an influx of migrants seeking shelter.

Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano has said the $555 million investment in the MBTA  and another $184 million for regional transit authorities across the state  is key to the states economy.

Mariano said the proposed funding would represent a 41% increase in transportation funding from the current fiscal year.

The proposed investment relies in part on funds generated by the so-called millionaire tax ballot initiative that voters approved in November 2022, which established a 4% surtax on annual income above $1 million, according to Mariano.

The proposed budget also includes $20 million for reduced MBTA fares for riders with lower incomes.

Budget writers said they were able to create a balanced spending plan without dipping into the states rainy day fund. Under the plan, the fund is on track to top $9 billion, one of the biggest state rainy day funds in the country.

Healey released her version of the state budget in January. Healeys $58 billion plan included several proposals she previewed during her State of the Commonwealth address, including lowering the staggering cost of housing and childcare and making Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world.

Healey said her proposal doesnt rely on any new broad-based taxes and wouldnt require a withdrawal from the states rainy day fund.

It would spend a then-anticipated $1.3 billion raised from the voter-approved millionaire tax on transportation and education, including a universal school meals program and a low-income fare relief program for greater Bostons public transit system.

After the House votes on its budget proposal, the debate heads to the Senate, which will draft and vote on its own state budget plan.

It will then be up to a six-member conference committee of House and Senate members to hammer out a single budget proposal to send back to each chamber for a final vote before shipping it to Healeys desk.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(Bloomberg) -- A prominent Canadian technology investor joined the chorus of Canadian businesses criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus decision to raise the capital-gains tax, arguing it will cause capital flight from the country.

Most Read from Bloomberg

John Ruffolo, founder of tech-focused Maverix Private Equity in Toronto, said the governments move to tax Canadian companies on two-thirds of their capital gains, up from the previous level of a half, will make it harder for innovative companies to raise money and drive investors south of the border.

Ruffolo said it feels like 2009 all over again in terms of capital investment in Canada, a reference to the bleak period of slow growth that followed the global financial crisis.

That same narrative is starting to play out again, and at a time when not only is the innovation sector starting to feel the pain on the rest of the economy  were suffering from the lack of productivity due to the lack of investment, Ruffolo said Tuesday during an event in Toronto.

The capital-gains change, announced in Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands budget a week ago, will also apply to individual taxpayers in years when they book capital gains in excess of C$250,000 ($183,000). Business leaders and trade associations were quick to slam the decision, saying it will diminish growth and investment in the country.

Read More: Firms Say Canada Tax Move Risks Deeper Productivity Slump

Ruffolo said the countrys productivity slump is related to a long-term shortage of investment by Canadian firms in productivity-enhancing technology. Taxing capital gains at a higher rate, he said, runs the risk of creating a situation thats antagonistic for investors and may prompt them to prefer to invest in US startups instead.

Mark my words, if this tax change stays the way it is, were going to see an outflow of angel capital for sure, Ruffolo said. Foundations, high-net worth folks that are holding the capital into companies  thats going to be gone.

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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined Democrats and abortion rights advocates for a press briefing at the Arizona Capitol on April 9, 2024, shortly after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that an 1864 near-total abortion ban is enforceable. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

Attorney General Kris Mayes is calling on the Arizona Supreme Court to reconsider its decision to revive a near-total ban on abortions from 1864, saying that the courts reasoning for doing so is irreparably flawed.

Two weeks ago, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a near-total ban on abortions passed more than a century ago when the state was still a territory supersedes a more recent 15-week gestational ban passed in 2022. The 1864 law threatens doctors who provide an abortion for any other reason than to save a womans life with a mandatory 2 to 5 year prison sentence.

The high court delayed the reimplementation of the law for 14 days, and a previous ruling from a lower court in a different case blocking its enforcement until 45 days after the state supreme court was able to issue an opinion means that it isnt expected to go into effect officially until June 8.

On Tuesday, Mayes, a staunch reproductive rights advocate who ran on a campaign to protect abortion access, argued in a motion to reconsider that the courts opinion in the case should be, at minimum, rewritten. The logic underpinning the courts majority opinion relies on a legally unsound premise that threatens to undermine years of settled case law and conflicts with federal rulings, Mayes wrote to the justices.

In a 4-2 majority opinion, Justice John R. Lopez IV wrote that the 15-week gestational ban doesnt create any permission or right to an abortion. Instead, the law functioned to restrict abortion to the degree that lawmakers were able to under the protections of Roe v. Wade. But since that ruling was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the 1864 law should be upheld instead.

Lopez acknowledged that ambiguity exists because the 15-week gestational ban appears to limit abortion up to 15 weeks, in direct conflict with the 1864 law which prohibits virtually all abortions. To resolve that conflict, Lopez and Justices James Beene, Clint Bolick and Kathryn King sought to establish legislative intent via the legislatures history of anti-abortion stances and a provision added to the laws underlying bill that explicitly stated the 15-week law doesnt overrule the near-total ban from 1864.

What constitutes vagueness? And what should a court consider?

To defend their search for legislative intent elsewhere, the justices first posited that the 15-week gestational ban is vague because its plain text doesnt explain how it should fit with the 1864 law, creating a conflict that required them to reconcile it with its predecessor.

But that reasoning is faulty, Mayes said. Simply failing to reference an older law doesnt automatically make a newer one ambiguous. New laws, Mayes said, dont have to justify their existence against older laws: Thats the courts job.

The Opinion concludes that a statutes silence regarding its effect on another previously enacted statute suffices to establish ambiguity and thus permits a court to leap to secondary interpretive principles, wrote Solicitor General Joshua Bendor. But it will almost always be true that when a court is asked to evaluate an apparent conflict between related laws enacted at different times, the statutes will be silent about their effect on one another  thats why the court is involved in the first place.

And looking for legislative intent anywhere other than in a laws text flies in the face of decades of jurisprudence, Mayes argued. Many courts, including the Arizona Supreme Court itself, have consistently limited themselves to interpreting laws as theyve been written.

It is not about a cosmic search for legislative intent because the words of the statute are the only thing to which the legislature agreed, wrote Bendor, citing a different Arizona Supreme Court opinion.

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Apart from undermining the high courts commitment to strict textual interpretations, its reliance on information other than the 15-week law itself to justify upholding the 1864 near-total ban threatens to throw into question the logic that other judges have long relied on. In other cases, Bendor asked, if two laws conflict with each other, should the judges then be responsible for considering more than the laws before them?

The Opinion would seem to encourage courts to engage in far-reaching inquiries to divine legislative intent with much more frequency. Such an open-ended expression of legislative interpretation invites judicial mischief, Bendor warned, citing another state Supreme Court ruling.

Instead, Bendor wrote, the justices should have chosen to harmonize the two laws and conclude that the newer law should supersede the former  as the court has done in previous cases involving conflicting laws from different eras.

Whats in the bill isnt the law at issue

The high courts majority opinion heavily relied on a legislative intent clause, called the construction provision, added to the underlying bill of the 15-week gestational ban before it became law. That language was included in the legislation that created the 15-week law, but it is not part of state statute.

Because that clause explicitly stated the gestational ban doesnt repeal the 1864 law, Lopez and the majority argued that the older law should rule.

But, Bendor pointed out, construction provisions are not law, and courts have repeatedly held that they shouldnt have a greater interpretative weight than the text of the law itself  though they can be helpful as supportive evidence to determine a laws intent. And if a laws construction provision appears to conflict with the law itself, then the construction provision should be thrown out.

Bendor argued that the justices incorrectly gave the 15-week laws statement of intent more weight than the law itself. Instead of taking the 15-week ban at face value and concluding that it does permit elective abortions up to 15 weeks, the high court concluded that the construction provision stating that it doesnt overturn the 1864 law means that nearly all abortions should be outlawed.

The Opinion deemed the non-substantive construction statement about what (the underlying bill) purportedly does not do to be more important than the admittedly plain terms of the codified law, Bendor wrote.

Implications for other abortion law, federal court decisions

The court also bolstered its majority opinion by referencing a fetal personhood law passed by the state legislature in 2021 as proof that lawmakers never intended to establish any legal permission for abortions. That law, which states that all of Arizonas laws and policies should be interpreted as ascribing every right and protection to an unborn child at every stage of development, was blocked by a federal judge shortly after it was passed in 2021, while the protections of Roe v. Wade still existed. The judge in the case ruled that it was unconstitutionally vague and violated the due process rights in the U.S. Constitution. While it is still on the books today, it remains blocked.

Bendor criticized the Arizona Supreme Court justices for using a law that has been deemed too vague to enforce to support their argument.

An unclear statute cannot clarify the meaning of other statutes, Bendor wrote.

And, by using the fetal personhood law to reinstate the 1864 near-total ban, the high court inappropriately undermines the federal courts ruling. The judge in that case, by authorizing an injunction against the law, expressly prohibited that it be used to criminalize abortion providers. Using it to uphold the 1864 ban, which includes criminal penalties for doctors, violates that ruling and narrows the reach of the injunction  both of which are actions that the Arizona Supreme Court is not authorized to take.

Nothing in Arizona law allows this Court to use unconstitutionally unclear text to guide judicial interpretation of other statutes, nor to position itself as a court of higher review regarding federal decisions, Bendor wrote.

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The post Mayes: AZ Supreme Court abortion ban ruling is wrong and should be reconsidered appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
Mayor Adams latest city budget proposal would pump more than $62 million into hiring new NYPD officers  but keep in place a similarly sized spending cut to New Yorks public library systems that their leaders say could deal an existential blow to their branches ability to operate.

The executive budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which Adams formally unveiled in a speech Wednesday, comes with a total price tag of $111.6 billion  an increase of $2.2 billion over the $109.4 billion preliminary budget plan Adams floated in January.

Despite the higher amount, the executive plan leaves in place a combined $58.3 million cut to the budgets of the citys three public library systems, a maintained spending trim first reported by the Daily News ahead of the mayors speech. Library leaders have said those spending reductions would force them to enact deep cuts to everything from open hours to social programs.

On the flip side, the executive budget restores $62.4 million in previously cut NYPD funding that would allow the Police Department to hire 1,200 new cops whod be ready to hit the streets early next year.

Asked after his budget speech why he opted to restore NYPD funding over library funding, Adams called it a tough choice, but said he cant do anything in the city thats going to impact public safety.

People that go to libraries, I want them to get there safely, he said.

In his announcement, the mayor ticked off a list of budgetary challenges the city has faced in the runup to releasing the latest spending plan  like the expiration of temporary federal funding for a variety of city programs, including education initiatives, and the unexpected cost of the migrant crisis.

Adams has for months argued he must slash city spending on various fronts in order to offset the tens of millions of dollars the citys spending on the migrant crisis every month. He said Wednesday that the cost-cutting measures his administration has undertaken have worked, saving the city some $7.2 billion over the current and next fiscal years.

We made smart choices, trimmed agency and asylum-seeker budgets and made conservative revenue forecasts. This, combined with better-than-expected revenues in a booming economy, resulted in a balanced budget and the stabilization of the citys fiscal outlook, Adams said. We did not resort to tax hikes, major service cuts or layoffs.

But City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Finance Chairman Justin Brannan said the executive budget leaves too many cuts in place, including for libraries.

Brannan told reporters after the mayors announcement that theres still more than $1 billion in revenue presently on hand to restore prior cuts.

Its a step in the right direction, but its not the full loaf that were looking for, he said. Theres more than enough here to restore all the cuts, get us back to zero and then some.

The Council has consistently projected rosier tax revenues than the mayors office, a perspective its Democratic leaders say should allow the city to avert nearly all budget cuts the mayor has implemented and sought. On Wednesday, even the typically fiscally hawkish Citizens Budget Commission said Adams latest spending plan significantly underbudgets, leaving an unclear fiscal snapshot for how the city will maintain, expand or shrink critical programs.

The presidents of the citys three public library systems said they were deeply disappointed by the executive budget blueprint.

The $58.3M in cuts that libraries are facing, if enacted, threaten to upend much of the progress weve made over the past few years, and will severely impact vulnerable communities who need our services the most, New York Public Library President Anthony Marx, Queens Public Library President Dennis Walcott and Brooklyn Public Library President Linda Johnson said in a joint statement. Weve already lost seven-day service citywide, and are looking at most branches being open for only five days a week should these cuts go through.

If the cuts are pushed through, the systems would also have to delay openings of new library branches and curtail various programming, including everything from free U.S. citizenship and English language classes for immigrants to young adult literacy courses and career development programs for school-age kids, the leaders warned in March.

In a briefing later in the day, an Adams administration official, who only spoke on condition of anonymity, said that while the NYPD would avoid immediate cuts under Adams executive plan, the department is looking at some trims in the long run. That includes not being able to hire two new classes of officers that are supposed to start in spring and summer of 2025 that remain unfunded, the official said.

The NYPDs overtime budget, meantime, continues to skyrocket. NYPD overtime spending is set to hit $961 million this fiscal year alone, a massive figure driven by increased subway patrols and responses to recent protests in the city, according to the administration official.

On the education front, Adams executive budget would restore $514 million in funding previously cut for key programs, like the free 3-K and Pre-K programs.

Some education advocates say that restoration, which was first announced last week, isnt enough to ensure all children in the city can access the popular programs.

In his news conference, Adams promised the programs would be universally accessible.

Everyone who wants a seat will have access to a seat, and were not going to put someone on the E train and send them all the way out to South Jamaica, Queens, if they live in Manhattan, Adams said. Were going to be accommodating as we always have been to make sure that these children are getting that early childhood education.

Various cuts to other city agencies remain in the executive budget. That includes eliminating a Parks Department community garden program for at risk youth, budget documents show. By scrapping that program, the city will save $140,000 in the 2025 fiscal year, the documents say.

The release of the mayors executive proposal kicks off the last sprint of the citys budget season before he and the Council must adopt a final budget for the 2025 fiscal year by the July 1 deadline.

In its budget response released earlier this month, the Council said it had identified $3.3 billion in unrealized tax revenue as compared with the mayors preliminary plan. Council Democrats have argued that additional cash should be used to avoid nearly all of the mayors cuts.

The mayors executive budget also predicts a better revenue picture than his preliminary plan. However, the executive plan isnt quite as optimistic as the Councils projection, predicting $2.3 billion in more revenue as compared with the preliminary blueprint from January.

We have to be extremely conservative, we cant get it wrong, Adams said of why his offices revenue forecasts remain lower than the Councils.
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams latest budget proposal includes restored funding for the NYPD, but doesnt reverse a multi-million dollar cut to the citys public library systems, sources familiar with the matter told the Daily News on Wednesday, raising the specter of additional service reductions at library branches across the five boroughs.

The executive budget bid for the 2025 fiscal year, which Adams is expected to formally unveil at noon Wednesday, will clock in with a total price-tag of $111.6 billion, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to preempt the mayors announcement.

Thats an increase of $2.2 billion over the $109.4 billion preliminary budget plan Adams floated in January.

Despite the proposed spending increase, the executive plan does not fully restore $58.3 million in funding that has already been cut or proposed to be cut from the budgets of the citys three public library systems, according to the sources.

While the sources told The News that the executive budget wont undo the entire $58.3 million cut, it was not immediately clear if it might earmark new money to plug parts of that reduction.

Adams spokeswoman Amaris Cockfield declined to immediately say whether the executive plan will avert any chunk of the library funding cut.

Cockfield did note that the mayor cancelled two additional rounds of budget trims he initially planned to subject the libraries to this year and added: We will continue to work with our partners in the City Council about funding for libraries as we go through the budget process.

As part of a string of austerity moves meant to offset billions of dollars in city spending on the migrant crisis, the mayor already slashed $22.1 million from the library budgets in November. Due to that cut, the citys three library systems has eliminated Sunday services across all their branches.

To boot, Adams preliminary plan from January proposed lowering library funding by another $36.2 million for the 2025 fiscal year, which starts July 1, making the total reduction $58.3 million.

Leaders of the New York, Queens and Brooklyn Public Library systems warned in Council testimony last month that theyll have to scale back to just five days of service at a majority of their branches if theyre subjected to the additional spending trim for the 2025 fiscal year.

The systems would also have to delay openings of new library branches and curtail various programming, including everything from free U.S. citizenship and English language classes for immigrants to young adult literacy courses and career development programs for school-age kids, the leaders warned in their March testimony.

The impacts will be both devastating and unprecedented, New York Public Library President Anthony Marx, whose system is the citys largest, serving Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, testified at the time.

The executive budget will reverse cuts for some other agencies, including the NYPD.

In a private briefing on the budget with City Council members Wednesday morning, Adams reiterated hes reinstating two previously cancelled Police Academy classes in order to bring on 1,200 new NYPD officers early next year. In the briefing, he revealed academy class reinstatements will cost the city $62.4 million, according to a recording of the call obtained by The News.

Asked in the briefing why he isnt calling off more cuts to the libraries, too, Adams argued they could bridge some of their funding gaps with endowments they raise from private donors.

I think its unfortunate, to be really transparent and honest, that some of these libraries are sitting on almost $1 billion in endowments, he told Council members on the call. I just really believe that our library boards, they could have done more.

Library leaders have previously argued their endowments cant be used for such purposes as theyre earmarked for research library costs.

Last week, Adams also announced his executive budget will restore $514 million in funding previously cut for education programs in the city, including the popular free 3-K program. Some education advocates say that restoration isnt enough to ensure that all children in the city can access 3-K.

The release of the mayors executive proposal kicks off the last sprint of the citys budget season before he and the Council must adopt a final budget for the 2025 fiscal year by July 1.

In its budget response released earlier this month, the Council said it had identified $6.1 billion in unrealized tax revenue and funding as compared to the mayors preliminary plan.

Council Democrats led by Speaker Adrienne Adams have argued that additional cash infusion can be used to reverse the entire $58.3 million funding decrease for the library systems and avoid various other cuts to education and social services sought by the mayor. It was not immediately clear how much more tax revenue Adams executive budget will roll in.
Chen Min, vice minister of water resources, on Tuesday called for action to strengthen flood control in the basins of the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake, China's third-largest freshwater lake. #XinhuaNews




'This is welcome news to all of us,' Kimberly Simmon, executive director for Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness, said at a rally at the State House on April 23, 2024. She and dozens of advocates celebrated Gov. Dan McKee's proposed budget amendment to use unspent COVID relief funds toward maintaining the state's homeless services. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

PROVIDENCE  A week ago when the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness announced it would hold a rally Tuesday at the State House, the plan was to call on state leaders to allocate $30 million in the states fiscal year 2025 budget in order to maintain current services for homeless people.

But when dozens of lawmakers, shelter providers, and advocates convened Tuesday afternoon, the House Lounge they had reserved instead became a celebration space.

Just 24 hours before the event, Gov. Dan McKee announced plans to amend his proposed fiscal year 2025 budget with a plan that could produce up to $31 million in funding to tackle the states rise in homelessness.

This is welcome news to all of us, Kimberly Simmon, the coalitions executive director, told the crowd. Without this much-needed funding, hundreds more Rhode Islanders will become unsheltered and exacerbate an already-burdened homelessness system.

McKees plan includes a one-time $16.6 million appropriation of unspent pandemic relief funds to extend housing navigation, behavioral health, and stabilization services. The governor also wants to create a permanent funding stream by extending the states 5% hotel tax to short-term rental homes.

The change would bring the tax on entire homes rented for 30 days or less in line with how short-term rentals of rooms or units in owner-occupied homes are taxed, which is at the significantly higher rate of 13%.

Those combined sources have the ability to generate $31 million for homelessness, Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

My administration is committed to improving the housing outlook for Rhode Islanders  whether they are experiencing housing insecurity, seeking rentals that families can afford or working toward first-time home ownership, McKee said in a statement Monday.

Without this much-needed funding, hundreds more Rhode Islanders will become unsheltered and exacerbate an already-burdened homelessness system.

 Kimberly Simmon, Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness executive director

No date has yet been scheduled for a hearing on the governors proposed budget amendment.

House spokesperson Larry Berman said in an email: Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi is looking forward to reviewing the testimony on the amendments that will soon be heard by the House Finance Committee.

Senate president Dominick Ruggerio said in a statement Wednesday he too plans to thoroughly review McKees amendment as the chamber conducts its budget hearings.

Continuing to address Rhode Islands housing crisis remains an important priority for the Senate, Ruggerio said.

McKees proposal may add to the work of a special House commission studying the impact of short-term rentals. The commission created last June was supposed to publish a report with recommendations for the full House by March 15, 2024. However, a resolution sponsored by the commissions chairwoman, Rep. Lauren Carson, a Newport Democrat, seeks to extend that date to Sept. 30, 2025. The commission, originally set to expire on April 15, 2026, would instead expire on Dec. 10, 2025.

Carsons bill was heard by the House Committee on Municipal Government & Housing on April 11 where it was held for further study, as is standard practice for initial public hearings. The legislation is supported by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.

Rep. Teresa Tanzi, a South Kingstown Democrat, addresses lawmakers, shelter providers, and advocates inside the House Lounge April 23, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

1,000 shelter beds at risk if funding lost

The governors budget proposal comes as the states homeless response system faces a $22 million budget shortfall in the next fiscal year after pandemic-era federal aid runs out. Without funding, the coalition estimates 1,000 shelter beds across the state would close.

The coalition ahead of Tuesdays rally also warned of 346 winter shelter beds set to expire at the end of this month. Housing Department spokesperson Patti Doyle acknowledged some shelter contracts are set to expire at the end of April, but would only result in the closure of 47 shelter beds.

We expect these projects will apply to reopen for next winter, she said.

Funding for additional seasonal beds at Providences Emmanuel House is being extended through September, Doyle added. The state also extended the lease for a 30-bed shelter in Washington County through the end of July.

Department officials also plan to extend contracts for a 120-bed Open Doors program in Warwick and the 30-bed Tri-county Community Actions Family Shelter in Burrillville through September, Doyle said.

As the governor has indicated, it is important to identify new recurring funding sources that can help address our housing and homelessness challenges over multiple years, Doyle said.

Though advocates and shelter providers celebrated the governors proposed budget amendment, many told the crowd the fight to ensure funding is far from over.

Meet your reps and senators if you havent already, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, a South Kingstown Democrat, told the crowd. While the governor has made this proposal, it is the first step  we as the House need to recognize the need for that and keep it in that budget.

Sen. Jonathon Acosta, a Central Falls Democrat, said the governors commitment to homeless services touched a personal chord. Acosta recalled his own experience sleeping in the car with his mom as a child.

At that age, I was too young to realize the gravity of our situation  we were homeless, he said. With time, it grew into a resentment and anger that I spent years trying to navigate.

But that experience, Acosta said, also gave him purpose: to help create stable shelter for other families dealing with homelessness.

Something came out of that suffering, something came out of that misery, he said. The work is long and tiring, and complex.

This story was updated to include a statement from Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

The post McKee proposes budget fix to cover gaps in providing homelessness services appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  With unanimous agreement, the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections voted to dismiss the allegations made against District 41 Democrat Candidate Caleb Theodros that he did not live in the district he will represent in Raleigh.

The decision came after more than an hour-long hearing on Tuesday, where his former challenger, Lucille Puckett, laid out why she believes he does not meet the state requirement for the position.

READ MORE | NC Senate candidate claims Primary winner doesnt meet residency requirements

Every piece of evidence points to a deliberate attempt to circumvent the residency requirements, she stressed to the board during her closing arguments.

The allegations were brought forth by Puckett, who came in second on the ballot back in March.

She said the evidence she obtained through a private investigator pointed to Theodros still living in District 40 along Chansonette Court.

Tuesday afternoon, she handed multiple documents to board members, which included a signed notice that an individual did live at the address on Chasonette Court, a copy of Theodros drivers license, which still listed his Chasonette Ct. address, and a lease agreement for an apartment Theodros later claimed he lived at when he charged his voter registration address in late November.

When asked to produce a copy of his drivers license with an updated address on it, Theodros said he did not have his DL with him.

He also could not remember if he changed the address on the DL to his new address.

Mr. Caleb has failed to provide concrete proof of his residency domicile in District 41, Puckett stressed to the board.

When asked if Puckett had photographic evidence of the District 41 candidate living at the Chansonette Ct. location, the challenger said she did not have that type of evidence.

Board Member Marry Potter Summa responded and said, In the past, when weve had this, we have evidence of the person actually living at the residence.

Mecklenburg chief district court judge being removed

In his response to the allegations, Theodros provided documentation of the full lease agreement at this new apartment, which began in late June.

He also provided statements for furniture and food delivery services to his new address in District 41.

He also explained and provided documentation, that his parents live at the address on Chansonette Ct. and have since 2005.

He responded and said, The district was not drawn until about October. I moved in July, so even this idea that I moved for this purpose is incorrect.

He also leveled allegations that he found a GPS on a vehicle registered to him and reported it to CMPD, who he said has been investigating the matter.

He asked Puckett, under oath, if she had knowledge of how it ended up there.

She denied ever knowing a tracker was placed on his vehicle, nor did she instruct her private investigator to do so.

She told Queen City News outside the Board of Elections office, Im trying to get our representatives to follow the law and for there to be transparency, why would I do something like that?

Puckett has the ability to have the state appeal the ruling in Mecklenburg County.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Media say US sent long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in March

The US secretly sent Ukraine long-range ATACMS missiles, which Ukraine has deployed to attack Russian targets, in the past few weeks  i.e. prior to additional funding for Ukraine being approved by Congress.

Source: Reuters and AP, citing an anonymous US official

Details: Reuters and AP have reported that ATACMS were included in a US$300 million military aid package for Ukraine that US President Joe Biden approved in March 2024. AP added separately that it was a "significant number" of ATACMS, but did not specify the precise quantity.

Ukraine first used these missiles on the morning of 17 April to strike a Russian airfield in occupied Crimea, some 165 km away from the front line in Ukraine, the source said. It is also claimed that ATACMS were utilised in an attack on occupied Berdiansk, Zaporizhzhia Oblast (where explosions were reported on 15 April).

The Pentagon was initially reluctant to send ATACMS to Ukraine due to fears that this would negatively impact the combat-readiness of US forces or that Ukraine would deploy the missiles to strike targets on Russian territory.

The White House changed its mind after Russia deployed ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea to attack Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities.

Joe Biden ultimately made the final decision during a national security meeting in mid-February. According to Reuters, the attendees  National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Brown  were unanimously in favour of sending Ukraine ATACMS.

Earlier this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his most recent phone call with Joe Biden resulted in agreements for the supply of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine.

American media had reported that ATACMS might be included in Ukraine's next package of US military aid, likely worth US$1 billion.

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Three months after signing off from MSNBC for the final time, Mehdi Hasan believes he is proving all of his doubters wrong.

Weeks after announcing the launch of his new media venture, Zeteo, the unapologetically progressive Hasan will on Thursday debut the companys flagship podcast, Were Not Kidding. The podcast will air twice a month and feature new Zeteo contributor Bassem Youssef as its first guest. Youssef, known as the Jon Stewart of the Middle East, will, in fact, be a fixture on the show and appear on every other broadcast.

In its infancy, Zeteo has already become a rousing success on Substack, a platform that has become a primary hub for independent writers and commentators. Hasan boasts that its already hit over 160,000 total subscribers on Substack, with 20,000 of those paid. Besides Were Not Kidding, he also has a weekly political podcast, titled Mehdi Unfiltered, as well as a growing list of newsletters from established left-leaning authors and journalists.

Mehdi Hasan Announces Hes Leaving MSNBC During Final Show

Speaking to The Daily Beast this week, Hasan shared what the future holds for Zeteo and his vision for the company, but also how he views the state of the mainstream media today and its inability (or unwillingness) to properly cover the war in Gaza.

The American mainstream media's coverage of the conflict has been, in many ways, shameful. We have failed to humanize Palestinians, he emphatically declared.

As he has done in other recent chats, Hasan also shared much detail about his high-profile exit from MSNBC. His January departure from the network, of course, came after his Sunday night talk show was canceled amid what the network described as merely a part of a broader restructure of its programming.

Coincidence or not, MSNBC canceled Hasans weekend and Peacock shows just two weeks after the famously aggressive interviewer relentlessly grilled Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, about the rapidly rising Gazan death toll from Israels response to the October 7 Hamas attacks. (According to New York Magazine, a source said that they needed a sacrificial lamb to show that someone lost something of value because of the Israel-Gaza stuff.)

Whether he was indeed a sacrificial lamb made to pay for his outspoken criticism of Israel or not, Hasan is intent on using his new platform to speak out against what he sees as the medias malpractice in not only its coverage of Gaza but also the growing pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses.

Mehdi Hasan Publicly Addresses His MSNBC Shows Cancellation

No, he flatly said when asked if the anti-war demonstrations at Columbia University and elsewhere have been covered fairly.

The reality does not match what we've been told on social media or in some of the more hysterical op-eds, Hasan added. So I think the reporting in general has been shoddy. And then in terms of the substance of it, of course, its bias.

Meanwhile, amid breathless claims from elected leaders and cable news pundits that the protests show Columbia and other schools have become a breeding ground for violent antisemitism, Zeteo published a first-person account from a Jewish student pushing back on those smears.

I still cant quite believe how the events on campus over the past few days have been so cynically and hysterically misrepresented by the media and by our elected representatives, the essay stated.

This interview with Hasan has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

This week marks the launch of Were Not Kidding, and youve also announced that Bassem Youssef, known to American audiences as the Jon Stewart of the Middle East, has joined your company as a contributor and will appear on every other episode. What do you plan on discussing in the first few shows?

We talk a lot of personal stuff about our lifestyle choices with him being Arab, me being of Indian descent, and how neither of us became doctors. [Laughs] We talk about the role of media, what we can do now, why we've become so outspoken on Gaza. We talk about some of the controversies we've been involved in.

Obviously, every show will be different, but it was the first show so we were kind of laying out where we're coming from, a little bit about our background, and how we met each other, so it's quite good. For me, it was very interesting to do because Im sitting in a hoodie with a comedian talking about personal stuff.

People dont normally see me like that and Bassem made fun of me in the first episode because he doesnt believe I dont wear a suit and tie to bed. He thinks Im just pretending that I actually wear casual clothes when Im not doing interviews. But people know me as this kind of combative serious interview guy from TV. And thats part of who I am, but its not the only part.

Any other guests we should expect?

One of our contributors is W. Kamau Bell. Kamau will also be guest-hosting the podcast at some point, too. We just put out a new show today, our second episode of Mehdi Unfiltered, which is our other product, our weekly main politics show. And that featured Cornel West and Cynthia Nixon, who is one of our contributors. Cynthia talking about Columbia protests; Cornell talking about his presidential campaign.

So we've hit the ground running. We've been high-impact. Weve tried to make some noise. Weve tried to produce journalism thats distinctive. Weve tried to offer products that people arent expecting. I mean, John Harwoods weekly newsletter, I think it surprised a lot of people.

Will Youssef contribute elsewhere on Zeteo?

No, just the podcast.

MSNBC Hosts Masterclass Takedown of Vivek Draws Praise Even From Conservatives

Youve announced a number of prominent journalists and progressive media figures whove joined as contributors, including John Harwood, Greta Thunberg, Spencer Ackerman, Owen Jones, Rula Jebreal, and Naomi Klein. Should we expect some more announcements in the near future?

Well definitely get more announcements out on what were doing. Actually, we're going to be doing something very interesting that we'll be announcing in a couple of weeks that is neither a newsletter nor a podcast but is really, really important journalism that I think will make a lot of noise right now in the current news agenda related to what's happening in the Middle East. That's coming up in a couple of weeks. So yes, were not just doing everything you think were doing. Were doing more.

Most of these contributors, including yourself, are all known for rather decisive points of view. Was that intentional? And why was it important to launch with these voices with clear points of view instead of more straight-news personalities?

So Zeteo is not a straight news organization. We don't have news bureaus abroad. We dont have reporters on boardthough that might change. But in Phase One, if we want to call it that in the Marvel language, were trying to make noise and impact and give a voice to people whose voices need to be amplified. And you know, one of the driving principles behind this organization is the idea that there's far too much censorship of interesting and important views going on in our media industry. Theres far too much restraint when it comes to speaking plainly about the state of the world, from too many people in our news industry, and thereby we wanted to amplify voices of people who are bolder, who are not afraid to speak up.

Let me give you one example. Cynthia Nixonactress, activist, former gubernatorial candidateshe said on the show today, when I asked her about Hollywood and how come she's speaking about Gaza and others aren't, she was very bold about the fact that there is a climate of fear and censorship and people are worried about being labeled antisemitic. Ive spoken to a lot of celebrities and asked them to come on board, and they say, Look, I cant do it right now.

So I appreciate giving Cynthia a platform. I think someone like Naomi is a public intellectual and New York Times bestselling author. Shes been at places like The Intercept when I was at The Intercept. She doesnt need me to give her a bigger platform, but I want to be someone who gives her a platform because of her voice. Thats so important right now, both on things like Israel and Egypt, but of course, climate justice and economy-related. So thats what drives me.

Look, within the left-liberal spectrum, I tried to get a diverse set of voices, and were still working on that. Somebodys like, You don't have any right-wingers. Yeah, I dont! What we do have is John Harwood, whose politics are different than Kamaus politics, which are different than Bassems politics.

Youve noted that Zeteo already has over 20,000 paid Substack subscribers and 160,000 total subscribers since its launch. You recently told New York magazine that you currently have five full-timers, and are planning on at least ten total. Are you looking to staff up in the near and long-term future?

Very much so. And any talented people reading this should email me.

Much of Zeteos coverage has focused on Gaza and criticism of the way Israel has waged its war against Hamas, resulting in over 34,000 dead Gazansa large percentage of which appear to be women and children. Considering your own outspoken stance towards the situation in Gaza and Israel, what are your thoughts on the mainstream medias coverage of this conflict?

The American mainstream media's coverage of the conflict has been, in many ways, shameful. We have failed to humanize Palestinians. We have failed to give attention to the sheer level of death and destruction. We've failed to call attention to the fact that Israel is censoring international media and not allowing journalists in, which is fundamental to our coverage of what's going on. And we have treated Israel and Israel spokespersons, on our airwaves and in our news pages, with kid gloves in a way that we will never treat any other government doing what Israel is accused of doing by multiple human rights groups and the United Nations.

Is the media equipped to handle this correctly?

Thats a very good question. I think foreign policy in general has always been a weak spot for American politics and American media. A lot of newspapers, and a lot of media organizations, have cut back for budget reasons on foreign coverage. That's not to say there arent excellent foreign correspondents. And there are. Actually, Sky News, which is owned by Comcast and was owned by Rupert Murdoch back in the day, has done some of the best reporting from outside of Gaza in terms of people. Alex Crawford, my old friend Mark Stone, and Dominic Waghorn.

Look, in general, American media does struggle with the details of foreign conflicts and foreign coverage but also getting people in America to pay attention to foreign conflicts and foreign stories. I just think if we humanize the coveragewe had Ukraine a year before Gaza. And for me, that's fascinating. I always go back to Ukraine and say, Alright, we have an analogy in real time. How did the media cover Ukraine versus how we covered Gaza? In Ukraine, we were able to call it a moral issue. In Ukraine, journalists didnt worry so much about neutrality or impartiality. We called out Putin. We called out the Russians. We called it an illegal invasion. We called it a genocide.

In Gaza, we run around with kid gloves, we bend over backward to be fair to a government that is engaged in genocidal rhetoric and at the very minimum, basic war crimes on the ground. And I find it fascinating that we are notlet's be honest. You know and I know weve spoken to people in the media behind the scenes who want to say more about this stuff but are worried. Theyre worried about their careers being ended. They're worried about being accused of antisemitism. Theyre worried about being accused of bias. Its a problem.

It feels like personal biases get in the way of everything no matter how good a reporter you are? Do you agree?

Yeah, of course. My position of personal biases is I have a lot of bias, right? So I own my bias. I own my opinions. What bothers me is we live in this landscape where people pretend that theyre not biased. I would rather people own up to their biases, and then actually do journalism in an impartial way. And when I define impartial, that doesnt mean splitting the difference. That means being fair. That means not allowing your views to affect your coverage of the facts, for example.

So you know, Peter Baker, a reporter I have a great respect for, he talks a lot about how he doesn't even vote. I just find that kind of stuff self-defeating. What? It doesn't mean youre not a political person. It doesn't mean you're a political guy. We all do! Were human beings. Yeah, I think we should own up to that.

I would also point out that theres a double standard whereby, you know, I dont have the names or numbers on hand, but you can look it up. But The New York Times has employed people to cover the Middle East who have had family members in the Israeli military. And I think that should be something that's problematic, at the very least, and much more openly discussed and declared. The editor of America's premier political magazine, The Atlantic, served in the Israeli military, I think it was during the First Intifada, if memory serves me correctly.

I'm not saying that people shouldnt be able to write and do other things. Im just saying, lets be clear about where we all stand. There seems to be an assumption that it is just the brown Muslim folks in the media who have a bias, not the white Christian or white Jewish or white atheist folks who come to this conflict and this issue with all sorts of biases, prejudices, and backstories that affect their views.

Over the past week, it feels like there have only been two news stories that cable news has focused on: the Trump trial and the anti-war protests at Columbia. Do you feel these demonstrations have been covered fairly?

No.

Put aside the politics of it, right? Just in terms of student coverage, our media is horrible. I saw someone tweet yesterday that maybe making the utterances of a 19-year-old on campus the centerpiece of all our media coverage for the last few years, maybe that wasn't a helpful thing to do. And I agree with that.

This predates Gaza, Justin. We've been obsessed with campus politics, campus wars, cancel culture, and snowflakes for years now! In both liberal media and conservative. So this all just feeds into pre-existing trends. And I think its partly to do with New York media. Where do these people's kids go to school? It's funny, these are all Ivy League universities. Why aren't we hearing about the Gaza protests at community colleges? Instead, its Yale and Columbia and Harvard. Weird, huh? Arent there thousands of other universities and colleges in this country? Where's the context? So there's a lot of context missing when we're covering the stuff.

And just on the politics of it. This idea that we all go crazy hysterical because and I'm not denying it, people have said some horrible things. I've seen the videos. But the majority of protesters are not antisemitic. Many of them are Jewish, and it is frustrating for those of us who are brown or Muslim or Black. There have been countless episodes of racism and violence against Black and brown communities on campus for years. Where were the congressional delegations then? Where was the 24-hour rolling coverage then? I didn't see it!

Columbia students were hit with skunk spray a month or two ago. Only The Intercept really covered it as a major story, and Columbia University didn't even do anything until it felt pressure. That was a pro-Palestinian protest, and no one cared. So I just think the way we're covering this is disproportionate. Its hysterical. Its one-sided. And a lot of the facts on the ground are wrong. Antonia Hilton from NBC News, a brilliant reporter, actually went to Columbia. Im on the ground in Columbia. I'm walking around. The reality does not match what we've been told on social media or in some of the more hysterical op-eds. So I think the reporting in general has been shoddy. And then in terms of the substance of it, of course, it's bias.

Do you think that the media coverage leans too heavily (or easily) on equating anti-Israel and/or anti-Zionist sentiments to antisemitism?

Thats been the debate that's been rolling for days. I just agreed to do a debate at the Toronto Munk Debates on this very topic in June. Its a real problem conflating anti-Zionism and anti-Israel criticism to antisemitism. Ive seen it online, people are attacking me. I spent my entire adult life, most of my professional career, opposing antisemitism in Muslim communities, in left-wing communities and in right-wing communities. Anti-Jewish hatred is very real, is on the rise, and is very dangerous. We should call it out. But what we shouldnt do is minimize it or, quote-unquote, weaponize it by using it against Jewish protesters against Israel.

That's the great irony. Remember when there was a huge protest outside the DNC that got very unruly, early on after October 7 and somebody in the Democratic Party said, This is antisemitism? Those were all [Jewish Voices for Peace]those were Jewish Palestine protesters. Thats not antisemitic. And you know, some of the slogans like from the river to the sea, and the Intifada, those are not inherently antisemitic slogans. They can be used in an antisemitic way. If you go write it on a synagogue, that's antisemitic. If you say in a protest, referring to Israel, you know, it's not antisemitic. And all roads lead back to context.

As weve discussed, much of the medias focus on the protests has been over what it describes as antisemitism and threats of violence against Jewish students by pro-Palestinian protesters. And it isnt just the media coverage that has framed these protests as violently anti-Jewish. The White House, the New York City mayor, and New York governor have railed against them while the head of the ADL has specifically urged the National Guard to get involved.

Anyone urging for the National Guard to be brought in, thats embarrassing. We know whats happened in the past when the National Guard has been brought inpeople have died. It's crazy that people are comparing this to Charlottesville where actual people were killed, a counter-protester. People comparing it to Charlottesville is so ironic because the people youre demonizing in Columbia are exactly the people who were protesting in Charlottesville.

By the way, the Israeli government from its official Twitter account referred to American students in Columbia as terrorists. I would like to see the White House stand up for American citizens against a foreign government calling them terrorists rather than join in with the kind of online mob attacks on the students. And it's just deeply depressing to see the way in which this bandwagon keeps going. Meanwhile, there were reports of new mass graves in Gaza, bodies being found with hands zip-tied together. There are kids still being killed in airstrikes in Gaza. That coverage has gone away because were much more obsessed with whats happening on the campus of a university in New York that some journalists kids probably have gone to.

And you can just contrast coverage of the protests with that of the mass grave in Gaza, which barely got a blip compared to the round-the-clock focus on Columbia

Lets just compare college coverage to college coverage. Lets compare the cancellation of a USC valedictorian, Muslim woman in hijab, having her speech canceled. Did you see even one percent of the national outrage, political outrage, governmental outrage over that versus whats happening in Columbia? Let's go broader. Three students in Vermont, Palestinian descent, shot. One of them paralyzed. Did we see the same level of hysteria and anger about Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bigotry there? A six-year-old boy killed, stabbed to death in Illinois, and shortly after October 7. Did we see the same level of coverage, hysteria, anger?

I mean, this is a thing. There is bigotry on the rise across the board. Let us not act as if it's only antisemitism, which is a problem. There's Islamophobia. Theres anti-Black racism. Minority communities notice when people in power only care about one group or try and pit one group against another. What's so admirable about the Columbia protest is is you have Palestinians, Arab-Americans Jewish-Americans, liberal atheists all together calling out a genocide.

I understand youve largely evaded questions about your exit from MSNBC and described it as amicable. Youve said you both have agreed to move on from the past, and youve even left the door open to returning as a guest. At the same time, in the recent New York magazine profile, an MSNBC employee said that Around October 7, context was not welcome at the network. Context was a bad word. Empathy for Palestinians almost felt forbidden inside MSNBC, this person added. Other employees reportedly lodged complaints to human resources about colleagues they felt were expressing views that were too pro-Palestinian. Would you say this is a fair assessment of your own experience?

I cant speak about complaints or HR, I never heard of any complaints against me specifically. But I would say that across the U.S. media as a whole, context has been missing on this conflict, and empathy for the Palestinians has been missing. In my journalism at MSNBC, I tried to provide context, I tried to provide empathy. I interviewed a Jewish man who lost his parents to Hamas on October 7, and I also interviewed a Palestinian in Gaza who was having to flee their home. So I've always tried to do that. I think the U.S. media in generalits not about MSNBC or CNN, its a structural problem. That we don't empathize. We don't humanize one side of this conflict. And thats the root cause of a lot of our coverage issues.

Do you have one final message?

A lot of people thought I was crazy to start a company like this after leaving MSNBC in a short space of time. I think we are very quickly proving any of our doubters wrong, and I think we are making a lot of noise and impact.

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EXCLUSIVE: Former first lady Melania Trump is rolling out a jewelry line ahead of Mothers Day to honor "all mothers," telling Fox News Digital that they are "the bedrock of the American family."

Trump created a customizable necklace designed to honor "all mothers." The jewelry line is called "Her Love & Gratitude." Each necklace can be engraved with names, initials or significant dates.

MELANIA TRUMP GIVES EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO LATE MOTHER AT PALM BEACH FUNERAL

The "all made in America" necklace features a flower pendant on an adjustable chain and will be sold on the former first ladys website for $245.

A portion of the proceeds from the jewelry line will go toward her "Fostering the Future" initiative that secures education opportunities and scholarships for children in the foster care community.

"Mothers are the cornerstone of a flourishing society," Trump told Fox News Digital, adding that she takes "great pride in embracing this responsibility."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The former first lady told Fox News Digital that nothing makes her prouder than the relationship she has built with her son Barron, who will graduate from high school next month. However, "only a mother knows that some of our efforts remain unnoticed," she said.

"Motherhood exists as the bedrock of the American family, and mothers tend to wear several hats: emotional support, inspirational growth, health, love, humor, education, and more," she told Fox News Digital.

MELANIA TRUMP ROLLS OUT 'AMERICAN CHRISTMAS' ORNAMENTS, NFTS TO HELP FUND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN

The former first lady said mothers "strive to provide our children with the building blocks to creating meaningful relationships," as well as the tools to "eventually grow into mindful adults who thrive."

"When moms are healthy, our communities are too," she said. "As mothers, we are inclined to honor our mothers and mother figures on Mother's Day, but we must also be mindful of ourselves."

She added, "It may be difficult to imagine, but when moms prioritize self-care, our families and children enjoy greater stability."

The former first lady stressed to Fox News Digital that mothers "can institute a sense of unity, respect, and calm across the next generation."

The introduction of her jewelry line comes just months after her own mother passed away in January.

"My mother, the epitome of elegance and grace, exemplified the essence of a true woman. Her love for her husband, Viktor, my father; Ines, my sister; and me was boundless. Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations. She showered her grandson, Barron, with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care, and unwavering devotion," Melania said at her mother's funeral at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida in January. "She embodied the best mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, a true beacon of love and luxury in our lives."

Melania Trump releases Mother's Day necklaces for charity.

"In her presence, the world seemed to shimmer with radiant joy. She was not just a friend, but a confidant. A ray of light in the darkest of days. In her company, I found peace knowing that she would always be there to listen. She celebrated our successes and provided unwavering support during chaotic times. Our bond was unbreakable. A testament to the power of a true love for one another. She was my dear friend. An irreplaceable treasure. A gift bestowed upon me by the universe. And for that, I am entirely grateful. Rest in peace, my beloved mommy."

MELANIA TRUMP SAYS US 'MUST UNITE' AHEAD OF MAR-A-LAGO LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS EVENT

The former first lady also recalled how her mother taught her to cook and inspired her interest in fashion with tales of glamorous travels to Paris and neighboring European cities and spent late nights together sketching designs and patterns, ultimately creating pieces akin to "artwork."

"She was a creator of dreams, and I am forever grateful for the beauty she brought into my life," Trump said, describing how her mother "balanced the demands of motherhood with grace and poise. From managing the household to pursuing her own ambition in fashion, she never ceased to amaze with her resilience and determination."

The introduction of her jewelry line also comes after she headlined an event at Mar-a-Lago hosted by the Log Cabin Republicans  a pro-LGBT group.

Trump spoke about the importance of unifying the nation, telling Fox News Digital that "equality" needs to be the "everyday experience of every American."

Fox News Digital asked the former first lady what her plans would be for a second term in the White House, should her husband, former President Trump, win the 2024 election.

"The safety and well-being of American families remains my top priority," she told Fox News Digital. "Our children are our future leaders, tomorrows innovators."

She told Fox News Digital that it is "essential we provide the highest level of care to our next generation; to insure they not only thrive, but reach their full potential."

MELANIA FULLY BEHIND TRUMP'S 2024 CAMPAIGN, SAYS IT WOULD BE A 'PRIVILEGE' TO SERVE AS FIRST LADY AGAIN

During her time as first lady, Trump hosted virtual roundtables on foster care as part of her "Be Best" initiative, and focused on strengthening the child welfare system. She worked with members of Congress on legislation that secured funding for grants awarded to youth and young adults currently or formerly in foster care to help pay for college, career school or training. The bill ultimately was signed by then-President Trump in December 2020.

Since leaving the White House, the former first lady has also created special edition Non-Fungible Tokens. A portion of those proceeds also went toward her initiative "Fostering the Future" to secure educational opportunities and scholarships for children in the foster care community.

Trump's efforts have ensured multiple individuals have full university-level scholarships through the program. "Fostering the Future" students are currently enrolled in multiple colleges and universities across the country, with areas of focus primarily on technology and computer sciences.





Original article source: Melania Trump launches jewelry line to honor moms ahead of Mothers Day, raise funds for foster kids
Melania Trump has been silent about her husband, Donald Trump's ongoing hush money trial, but her former aide, Stephanie Grisham, doesn't seem to think her silence translates into a lack of interest.

Grisham said the former first lady would be paying close attention to new developments in the case and would be looking for "proof."

Reports suggest that the mother of one seems to share her husband's reservations about the case, privately calling it a "disgrace."

Melania Trump Is Watching Her Husband's Hush Money Trial Closely

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Stephanie Grisham, who was chief of staff and press secretary for Melania, said the former first lady is closely following the proceedings to look for "proof."

It comes after David Pecker, who served as publisher of the National Enquirer and enacted several "catch and kill" schemes on harmful stories about Trump during his 2016 campaign, admitted in court that he maintained a private email for things he wanted to keep his assistants in the dark on.

According to the HuffPost, CNN's Erin Burnett asked Grisham if Melania was "prepared" for more embarrassing details about Trump that may potentially come out of the private email.

MEGA

"I can guarantee she is watching every ounce of coverage, and when that [about Pecker's private email] came out, it piqued her interest," Grisham told Burnett.

She continued, "Melania is very much about proof, show proof, and so if some more damaging stuff should come out that she didn't know about because, of course, her husband continues to deny all of the details here, about Stormy especially."

"If some other stuff comes out, I think that'll be really interesting to watch because you can't really dispute things that are in writing, and that's something she always paid quite a bit of attention to, was proof," Grisham added.

The Ex-Aide Weighed In On Melania Trump Calling The Trial A 'Disgrace'

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Melania's silence about Trump's hush money trial and her not appearing in court to support him have been mistaken for lack of interest in the case. However, recent reports claim that she shares Trump's opinion about the trial.

According to the New York Times, a source disclosed that Melania privately called the trial a "disgrace" that amounts to election interference. Grisham has now questioned the report, seemingly insinuating that that isn't Melania's style.

"If that were the case, she would at least put that out on X. She would say something," said Grisham. "Melania Trump absolutely does what she wants to do. And if she felt this was a disgrace, she would say something."

The Former First Lady Is 'Unfazed' By The Trial

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Trump is being accused of falsifying company records to make a $130,000 payment to the former porn star to buy her silence over an alleged affair they had earlier.

The former first lady was reportedly furious when the news first broke in 2018, with Grisham claiming she "didn't take it lightly at all."

On the question about her welfare, David Urban, a Republican strategist who saw the former first lady at a campaign event held in Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, told CNN on Monday that she's "completely upbeat" and "unfazed."

Although Urban didn't directly discuss the case with the mother of one, he shared that she probably feels it's "outrageous."

Melania Trump Returns To The Campaign Trail

MEGA

Melania recently made her grand return to the campaign trail with a fundraising event. At her Mar-a-Lago home, she played host to some top celebrities and prominent GOP members for the Log Cabin Republicans.

According to Page Six, the event was set up to raise "funds to inform voters in crucial swing states about President Trump's LGBT record and his goals for his second term."

It was held at the Tea Room of the private Palm Beach Club, where about 60 guests were hosted, with Bill White and Bryan Eure serving as co-hosts.

Celebrities in attendance included Caitlyn Jenner, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Elizabeth Ailes, as well as other Palm Beach and NYC GOP bigshots.

The LGBTQ+ Fundraiser Was A Pricey Event

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According to reports, the LGBTQ+ fundraiser was an exclusive event, with ticket prices as high as $50,000. The proceeds were earmarked for Trump and other Republican party candidates' 2024 election bids.

Trump's ambassador to Germany and former director of national intelligence, Richard Grenell, reportedly "presided over the event and introduced Mrs. Trump to the podium."

"Grenell unveiled [Melania's] leadership role in what will be an unprecedented outreach initiative to gay and lesbian voters the most significant of any Republican presidential candidate in American history," an attendee shared.
The Michigan Capitol | Anna Liz Nichols

There is no law on the books in Michigan that expressly criminalizes engaging in sexual conduct with a dead person.

And that is an oversight by elected officials and a loophole that must be fixed in order to treat individuals with respect in every phase of their life, state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) told media at the state Capitol Wednesday after announcing the introduction of legislation to criminalize necrophilia.

State Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), March 14, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins

I was shocked to find out that necrophilia is not against the law in Michigan, Klinefelt said. I dont know how common it is  even if its a very small amount of people, statistically, nationwide, that would do something like this, that doesnt mean there shouldnt be a law against it, there still should be a law against it.

The legislation looks to create Melodys Law in memory of Melody Rohrer, 64, who was murdered in 2021 by a West Michigan man who then took her body to the woods.

Investigators asserted at the time that Rohrer, a wife, grandmother and retired nurse, was struck and killed by the man driving while she was on a walk in Van Buren County. He was believed to then take her dead body to a wooded area in St. Joseph County, sexually assault her and then leave her there.

The man, Colby Martin, denied the criminal sexual conduct, according to The Associated Press and was convicted of first-degree murder and other related crimes in June 2023.

Several members of Rohrers family spoke during the sentencing in July of 2023 lamenting her absence from their lives. And now members of her family are working with Klinefelt to get legislation across the finish line.

We have worked with her husband and her children to ensure that some of the things that happened to her after her death dont ever happen again, or at least if individuals behave in that fashion, theres punishment for it, Klinefelt said. Weve had input with them every step of the way on what were doing. Its extremely important to them and I think its fitting that were gonna call it Melodys Law.

The legislation, SBs 841, 842 and 843, assigns criminal penalties for varying degrees of sexual contact with a dead human body, with sexual penetration carrying the highest penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

Criminalization of necrophilia has been sought out in the legislature before, with representatives in the state House introducing legislation in January to enjoin laws against bestiality with necrophilia.

The Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board has also indicated its interest in the past in supporting adequate legislation to prohibit necrophilia, as well as legal recognition of the intent to murder for the purpose of then sexually assaulting a persons dead body.

There have been indications from other lawmakers that the bills should pass fairly quickly and without pushback, Klinefelt said, adding that people shes talked to are shocked theres not already a law on the books.

The post Melodys Law would explicitly criminalize necrophilia in Michigan appeared first on Michigan Advance.
With various plants, small animals and easy-to-trip-on obstacles, forest floors usually have a few surprises. But a forest in Poland hid a particularly unique  and particularly old  surprise.

Wojciech Werus was using a metal detector to search a forest in Siennica Rozana when he stumbled on a small dirt-covered disc, according to an April 24 Facebook post from the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments and TikTok video from the finder.

Werus immediately recognized the object as a lead seal from an 18th century pope, according to the April 21 TikTok video from the Historical and Exploration Association Wolica.

Officials confirmed his identification, describing the small artifact as a 250-year-old lead seal, or bulla, from a papal bull.

The 250-year-old lead seal, or papal bulla, found in Siennica Rozana.

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A bulla was a lead seal used on official documents issued by popes of the Roman Catholic Church, according to Britannica. During medieval times, these documents became known as papal bulls because of their bulla seals.

The 250-year-old seal is very well preserved, officials said. On one side are the faces of Saint Peter and Saint Paul with a cross in the center. On the other side is the name of Pope Benedict XIV.

The unique seal was issued by Pope Benedict XIV and dates between 1740 to 1758, officials said. It was originally attached by string to a document.

One side of the 250-year-old lead seal, or papal bulla.

Only about a dozen papal bulla seals have been found in Poland, and each one is unique, McClatchy News reported previously.

The 250-year-old seal measures about 1.5 inches across and weighs about 2 ounces, monument officials said.

A close-up view of the edge of the 250-year-old seal.

The Historical and Exploration Association Wolica described it as very interesting and very well preserved in an April 21 Facebook post.

Officials plan to give the 250-year-old artifact to the Regional Museum in Krasnystaw.

Siennica Rozana is a village in eastern Poland, a roughly 150-mile drive southeast of Warsaw and near the border with Ukraine.

Google Translate was used to translate the Facebook post from the Lublin Provincial Conservator of Monuments as well as the Facebook post and TikTok video from the Historical and Exploration Association Wolica.

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Underground builders find pottery pieces in Poland  and discover 600-year-old garbage
Metro Nashville Public Schools will not allow teachers to carry guns after bill passes

Metro Nashville Public Schools will not allow teachers or staff members to carry concealed handguns on its campuses, despite a newly passed Tennessee bill that would permit it if several requirements are met.

"We have a strong relationship with the Metro Nashville Police Department and agree that it is safest for only approved active-duty law enforcement officers to carry weapons on campus," MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted said in an email. "This has been our consistent practice at MNPS, and we have no intention of changing it."

The measure, which is now headed to Gov. Bill Lee's desk, says faculty or staff must do the following to carry on school grounds:

Maintain a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit

Undergo a background check and submit two sets of fingerprints to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The TBI is directed to determine the person's eligibility to carry a firearm and conduct a criminal history check within 30 days, in addition to forwarding the second set of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a federal background check.

Receive psychological or psychiatric certification from a licensed health care provider

Complete 40 hours of basic training in school policing

Get a sign-off from the school district's director of schools, the school principal, and the chief of the "appropriate" law enforcement agency

Learn more: Tennessee lawmakers pass bill allowing teachers, school staff to carry concealed handguns

Sarah Shoop Neumann, a parent of a Covenant School student, hands off letters to Ian McEwen, Rep. Justin Pearson's, legislative aid, with more than 5,000 signatures opposing a bill that would allow teachers to carry guns to an aide at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, April 22, 2024.

The bill passed despite protests and fiery opposition from Democrats, students, teachers, parents and bipartisan gun reform advocates. Demonstrators in recent Senate and House hearings for the bill led to GOP leadership ordering the public galleries be cleared. At least one demonstrator was taken into custody by state troopers.

As of Wednesday, nearly 6,000 people had signed a letter opposing the bill, an effort driven by parents of Covenant School students. Last spring, a shooter left three children and three adult staff members dead at the Nashville school.

The bill is still awaiting action by Lee. If he does not take action within 10 days, excluding Sundays, the bill will become law without his signature.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville schools will not allow armed teachers despite Tennessee bill
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  Metro police arrested a man from D.C. after he robbed a business in Arlington.

The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) said on Monday at around 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of Crystal Dr. for a report of a business that had just been robbed.

ACPD said a preliminary investigation showed that a man entered the business, went up to the counter and was talking to the employee before he allegedly stole money from the register.

Jury deliberating in trial of teen driver charged in deadly Fairfax County crash

ACPD broadcasted a lookout for the suspect and Metro Transit Police Department officers found the suspect, tracked him across rail lines using live and recorded video and arrested him in D.C. at a different Metro station.

(Photo courtesy of the Metro Transit Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Metro Transit Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of the Metro Transit Police Department)

He was identified as 35-year-old Maleek Geeter, of Washington, D.C. He was charged with robbery.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Behold, a colossal 2,300-ton tunnel-boring machine made up of hundreds of thousands of components.

This massive device is to be dismantled before it departs its home in Wuxi City, east China, for Sicily, Italy
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is giving New Mexico $156,120,000 to fund solar projects. The goal is to bring solar energy to low-income families through the Solar for All initiative.

With the fires, drought and heat that New Mexico is experiencing because of the global climate crisis, there is real hope in being awarded $156 million dollars to superpower the Community Solar Program, Camilla Feibelman, the director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, said in a press release. The funds will help prioritize energy for unelectrified homes and families, especially in our most rural and underserved communities all while reducing our contribution to climate change.

ABQ BioPark getting electric train, gray wolf refuge, new event pavilion

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) will work with community partners to use the funds. The program will bring the most isolated and off-grid residents (e.g., unelectrified homes) online and support grid resilience with on-site solar, the project description promises.

New Mexico originally asked for $250 million in federal funding for solar improvements. The money is part of a $7 billion nationwide grant opportunity.

Valles Caldera offering summer outdoor programs

Today were delivering on President Bidens promise that no community is left behind by investing $7 billion in solar energy projects for over 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a press release on Monday. The selectees will advance solar energy initiatives across the country, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, saving $8 billion in energy costs for families, delivering cleaner air, and combating climate change.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Current state models show Solar for All will add 21 megawatts of solar energy capacity to the states power grid and 8.1 megawatt hours of storage in cases where there isnt enough sunlight to generate power. (Mischa Keijser / Getty Images)

New Mexico has received a huge $156 million-dollar boost from the Biden Administration to put more solar energy in many low income and disadvantaged communities across the state.

The cash injection comes directly from the Environmental Protection Agencys Solar For All program  which distributed nearly $7 billion in aid to 60 selected applicants to create new or expand existing low-income solar programs.

Here in New Mexico, that cash will go to the states Energy, Minerals, & Natural Resources Department to expand access to shared solar beyond the states current community solar program.

Michael Barrio is senior principal with Advanced Energy United, a policy think tank working to bring clean energy across America. He said that its going to be a painstakingly slow process to implement solar in some of these places, but its well-worth the investment.

Renewable energy is not something thats a phase or a fad, Barrio said. Its not something thats going away. This is literally the industry of the future, right?

While some details of how the state will prioritize this group of New Mexicans are unclear, Governor Michelle Lujan Grishams office says the over $156 million will allow the state to give grants and low-interest loans to both homeowners and renters to provide solar power access in low-income and rural households.

Though, with this large win, Barrio says the state needs to make sure this money goes to the right places  and urges stakeholders to get together to hash out next steps.

This is something that is on everyones mind, Barrio said. It doesnt make sense financially, fiscally, whatever, economically, to not pay attention to this.

Current state models show Solar for All will add 21 megawatts of solar energy capacity to the states power grid and 8.1 megawatt hours of storage in cases where there isnt enough sunlight to generate power.

Experts estimate that 1 megawatt can power anywhere between 164 to 600 households, depending on a houses energy consumption and efficiency.

The post New Mexico gets massive $156M boost for solar equity appeared first on Source New Mexico.
Police in Miami Beach, Florida, have arrested a suspect accused of beating a transgender woman to death outside the Miami City Ballet building.

Jail records show that the individual, identified in a police report as 53-year-old Gregory Gibert, is now facing a second-degree murder charge and was out on probation on charges including armed robbery and aggravated assault at the time of the alleged killing early Tuesday morning.

An arrest report obtained by Fox News Digital says the victim, identified as Andrea Doria Dos Passos, 37, was seen in surveillance footage arriving outside the Miami City Ballet building around midnight before lying down near its entrance. Gibert then showed up and started surveying the area before retrieving "some type of metal pipe from the ground," it says.

"The male at one point, with the metal pipe still in hand, sits on a bench near the victim at which time the video shows the male approach the victim while she was sleeping and begins to strike her with the metal pipe [in] the head and face several times," police wrote.

WOMAN BEATEN TO DEATH IN MIAMI BEACH: REPORT

The suspect reportedly discarded the weapon in a nearby trash can and then fled the scene before an employee of the Miami City Ballet discovered her body the next morning.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Police say they identified Gibert based on physical descriptions and a mugshot of him from a past arrest.

They managed to track him down at one of his known addresses, wearing the same clothing in the surveillance footage, including shoes and shorts that "had what appeared to be bloodstains on both of them."

DEADLY FLORIDA CARJACKING: 3RD PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY; SHERIFF SAYS CASE IS ABOUT DRUGS AND MONEY

Investigators also said in the report that the victim had changed her name and gender in October 2023.

The motive for the killing is unclear. Bond for Gibert has not yet been set.

A Miami Beach Police Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that "This remains an open investigation, and as the judicial process unfolds, we are committed to collaborating closely with the State Attorney's Office."





Original article source: Miami City Ballet beating death: Suspect arrested as police reveal details of murder outside building
Michigan father 1st charged under new safe gun storage law after son shoots himself in the face

Michigan father 1st charged under new safe gun storage law after son shoots himself in the face

Michigan prosecutors charged a father for violating the state's newly enacted safe storage law after his son allegedly got a hold of a firearm and shot himself in the face in their home.

Theo Nichols' 8-year-old son was in "extremely critical condition," at a Detroit hospital following the April 19 incident, police in Warren, Michigan, said at a news conference Wednesday.

Investigators said the boy used a chair to access the handgun which was "unsafely" and insecurely stored on top of a kitchen cabinet.

PHOTO: Police investigate an apartment in Warren, Michigan where an 8-year-old boy allegedly shot himself in the face with a handgun on April 19, 2024. (WXYZ)

"In the wake of this tragic incident, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with gun ownership," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement.

MORE: Michigan now requires universal background checks for all gun purchases, safe storage of firearms

Nichols, the child's mother and three of the child's siblings were inside the home during the incident, police said. Nichols was not permitted to own a firearm due to a previous drug-related conviction, according to police.

Last year, the Michigan state legislature passed a law that requires firearm owners to either store their weapons in a secure, locked container or have a lock on the weapon if a minor lives in the home or if they know a minor is coming into their home. The law, which went into effect in February, issues lengthy prison time if convicted.

PHOTO: Theo Nichols booking photo. (Warren County Police Dept. )

Nichols, 56, is the first defendant to be charged with violating that law. He was also arraigned on other charges Monday including child abuse and being charged as a habitual officer third offender, the district attorney's office said.

Nichols was being held on $250,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30, the district attorney's office said.

Attorney information for the suspect was not immediately available.

MORE: What some firearm owners think could solve gun violence in America

The investigation was ongoing, investigators said.

Acting Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton reiterated that the incident was preventable and reminded people that gun locks are available at the police department and other agencies for free.

PHOTO: Acting Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton demonstrates how a gun lock works at a news conference on April 24, 2024. (WXYZ)

"We always recommend gun safes for people, unfortunately, people don't listen to us," he said. "Hopefully this press conference, if it does nothing else, changes one person's mind to use a gun lock and prevent another tragedy.

Lucido echoed the commissioner's sentiments.

"It serves as a tragic warning to every parent out there. Do your part. Do not back down. If you own a gun, you have children, and their safety is at risk," he said at the news conference.

Michigan father 1st charged under new safe gun storage law after son shoots himself in the face originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  You could face new city rules if you own a dog or cat in Wichita city limits. The City of Wichita is considering changing some pet ordinances and procedures.

One of the proposals includes mandatory microchipping of all dogs and cats. Another would change licensing fees for dogs.

Another proposal would allow you to get a dog license that takes longer to expire. If your dog has a rabies shot that is good for three years, you could choose to get a three-year license.

A Wichita Animal Services Advisory Board subcommittee came up with the ideas. Then, the board got input from the citys animal control, licensing, and law departments.

On Tuesday morning, Jan Jarman, assistant city attorney, told the Wichita City Council that some of the proposals are really good, but some are not practical. In the end, she recommended 11 changes to the pet ordinances.

As pet insurance becomes more popular, pet owners fret about rising prices, denied claims and long waits for reimbursement

Recommended changes

1. Mandatory microchipping of cats and dogs

Jarman said getting all dogs and cats microchipped is a great idea.

We think it would help get animals into their homes when animals are found running the streets, she said. If every animal was required to have a microchip, it would help us keep them out of the shelter, which is our goal.

Councilmember Mike Hoheisel asked if the city could also make more places available where people who find an animal could scan the pet for microchips.

Lt. Derek Purcell, Wichita Animal Services, said scanners are already in animal service vans, some police substations, animal shelters, and veterinarian offices.

Theres information on those microchips thats private, so we have to be cognizant of that, he said.

2. Eliminate mandatory outdoor kennel for dogs deemed dangerous

Currently, if a Wichita dog is deemed dangerous, the owner must have an outdoor kennel cemented into the ground. The proposal calls for eliminating that mandate.

We know that there are dogs that need these kennels, but we also know there are some dogs deemed dangerous that dont necessarily need the kennels, Jarman said.

She said someone living in an apartment does not have a way to build an outdoor kennel.

If you live in an apartment where weve deemed your dog dangerous, but we dont think its that much of a problem with the community, weve just destined your dog for euthanasia, Jarman said. Either you move, or youre going to lose your dog.

She said the city would like a little more flexibility where animal services could determine if a kennel is necessary for the communitys safety.

3. Eliminate certificate of mailing on dangerous dog notifications

If a dog is deemed dangerous, Wichita Animal Services notifies the owner in person or by a certified letter.

The city will continue that practice. But Jarman says the city would eliminate the certificate of mailing that appears at the bottom of the notice. She called it a legal term that is a technicality.

Since Animal Service uses certified mailing, its not really necessary, she said.

4. Dog bites: Increase fines but reduce jail sentence

We want to raise the fines on dog bites because we have a real problem in this community, Jarman said. We think it would be a showing of force to people who have dogs that are biting other people that we mean business.

If a dog bites a person or a domestic animal, the fines for the owner would jump from $250 to $500 for a first offense, $500 to $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,000 to $2,500 for any more offenses.

However, the city is considering reducing the possible jail time for the owner from 12 months to six months. Jarman said she cannot remember a case where a dog owner was given jail time.

It would be very rare, she said. It would be a situation where we felt like it was intentional, not just you had a dog that bit, but you knew, or you sicced it on someone.

Hoheisel said he would lean toward keeping the longer jail sentence in the ordinance.

Im OK at keeping it at 12 months just to give the judge some discretion in case there is a crazy case where someone is siccing a dog on people, he said.

5. Allow dog licenses to last longer

Currently, Wichita dog owners must get a new dog license every year. The city proposes increasing the license duration to match the duration of a dogs rabies shot.

People can get their dogs rabies vaccines for three years. One vaccine will last three years, but our licensing doesnt allow them to get a three-year license, Jarman said. We would change the ordinance to allow a person to get a one, two, or three-year license.

It would depend on how much the dog owner wants to pay in advance.

If a dog owner opts for a more extended license but then loses or sells the dog before the license runs out, the city would not issue a refund.

6. Simply licensing paperwork for veterinarians

The city is also considering improvements to the dog licensing process. Jarman calls the current licenses antiquated.

I think we can get away from those triplicate forms that we use that are real small and really thin paper, she said.

She wants the city to simplify the process for veterinarians.

At this point, we make it very difficult for vets to help us, and we require daily input, Jarman said.

She said changing the ordinance would allow vets to turn in paperwork less often and in a different manner.

7. Remove fence inspection

The city requires dogs to be fenced, tethered or secured, but the city does not have anyone to inspect if homes have fences. For that reason, Jarman said the inspection of premises for fences should be removed from the ordinance.

Hoheisel asked if there would still be someone who inspects in the case of dangerous dogs, making sure the dogs are secured. Jarman said yes.

8. Change licensing fees

The subcommittee that came up with many of these proposals recommended changing the licensing price to $15 for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for one that is not.

The board really disagrees with this, Jarman said. They worry if we increase the price, that it will discourage people from getting licensed.

Currently, all Wichita dog licenses are $46. But discounts for spaying/neutering, fences, and microchips can bring the cost down to $15.

Two of those discounts would go away with the microchipping proposal (Item 1) and the fencing proposal (Item 7.)

Jarman said the city is considering $20 for a spayed or neutered dog and $40 for one that is not. She said the Council could make the final decision.

9. Clarify language about which dogs are exempt from licenses

She said there is some confusion with the current ordinance about dogs that are exempt from dog licenses. The city would not change which dogs are exempt, but it would clarify the information in the ordinance.

What that means is, if you are a service dog, not an emotional support dog, but if youre a service dog or if youre a retired service dog from the U.S. like armed forces, you dont have to pay for a license, Jarman said. Were not exempting all veterans from licensing. Were trying to exempt special dogs from licensing.

10. Increase how many dogs and cats are allowed

This proposal would increase the number of cats and dogs allowed per household or property to three dogs and three cats instead of the current two dogs and two cats. Jarman said that is more in line with what other communities allow.

The breed restriction on pit bulls would remain at two.

11. Animal maintenance permit required for four dogs or four cats

This proposal would require an animal maintenance permit for a pet owner who wants more than three dogs and three cats.

Other subcommittee proposals

Cat licenses?

Jarman said the subcommittee wanted the city to start requiring cats to be licensed.

At this point, we dont think there is current staffing available to license cats. That is a huge project, she said. We agree with the subcommittee that we have a lot of work to do to get dogs licensed. Not enough dogs are licensed in this city, so we would rather attack that issue, deal with that issue before we move into working on cats.

Improve and incentivize dog licenses

Mike Marlett is a member of the Wichita Animal Control Advisory Board. He said Wichita has probably lost tens of millions of dollars in dog license fees over the past 20 years.

So, one thing the subcommittee and the Wichita Animal Control Advisory Board feel strongly about is the importance of getting more dogs licensed. Marlett said they looked at 10 other cities comparable in size to Wichita.

Numbers were all over the place, he said. Most people had better utilization of their animal licensing. Ours, weve had very low and falling revenue from animal licensing. Were at a 20-year low right now.

The subcommittee and the board suggested improving online information about licensing, putting dog pictures on the licenses, and putting coupons on the back.

Jarman agreed about improving licenses and online information but says other improvements require money and people the city does not have. She called the coupon idea really cool.

The problem is we just dont have the staffing to do that, to go out and find people who are willing to donate or purchase these kind of plans, she said.

But Marlett said the cities that are incentivizing dog licenses are seeing success.

Places with the fancy licensing and big advertisement involvement from the community, those are the places that have the highest percentage of animal licensure, he said. The consumer, the person in the public, they wind up with a license that pays for itself with coupons from pet supply places and things like that, but the city sees much higher participation and gets much more money out of it.

Its one of those things that seems like it would be expensive, but its a super, super strong driver, and we would really like to see it just for the participation, Marlett said. It would be an investment that would pay off almost immediately.

Dedicated animal license employee?

The subcommittee wants the city to add a dedicated employee to administer the pet licensing program. Jarman said the citys licensing department does not have sufficient funds for a new position. However, she said the licensing department is working with its vendor to improve some of its software, which should help with licensing issues.

Partner with the Kansas Humane Society on rabies shots and licensing

Another suggestion is for Wichita to partner with the Kansas Humane Society to give rabies vaccinations and license animals before pets leave the shelter.

This is a great idea, and WPD (Wichita Police Department) is currently working with KHS to get that done, Jarman said.

The case for letting your dog sniff on their daily walk

Send reminders and call people about renewing dog licenses

The subcommittee wants increased license enforcement through mailed reminders and phone calls. However, Jarman said the city already mails reminders and does not have the staffing to make phone calls.

She did say the city is considering adding email reminders.

The Wichita City Council did not take any action on Tuesday. The topic of animal ordinances came up during a council workshop. Because it involves changing city ordinances, it will have to be brought up at a future council meeting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
NEW YORK -- Columbia University appears to have extended the deadline for pro-Palestinian protesters to remove their encampment from the university's main lawn, as talks continued overnight between students and school administrators.

Early Wednesday morning, NYPD officers in riot gear cleared out a group of about 100 protesters just outside campus. They were chanting, waving flags and holding signs in solidarity with the students. At least one person was arrested.

University President Minouche Shafik issued a midnight deadline for demonstrators to reach an agreement about dispersing and dismantling their encampment, but the university announced early Wednesday it was extending the deadline for 48 hours.

In a letter emailed earlier to the school community, Shafik had said student organizers were meeting with a group of faculty, administrators and University Senators.

Shafik said, "Those talks are facing a deadline of midnight [Tuesday] to reach agreement. I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate."

The school president cited safety concerns, disruptions to campus life and a tense "and at times hostile" environment for the school community.

Shafik also said her staff was working to identify and discipline any students who have been discriminatory or harassing people.

But a group called Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine said in a news release early Wednesday that they'd broken off the talks with school officials because Columbia was "refusing to bargain in good faith" and was threatening to ask for National Guard troops and NYPD officers. The group said it wouldn't return to the table until the threat was rescinded.

"We refuse to concede to cowardly threats and blatant intimidation by university administration. We will continue to peacefully protest," the group said.

Around midnight, students could be seen taking down and moving some tents that had been erected on the lawn, but it wasn't immediately clear how many would clear out.

The Columbia student newspaper, the Columbia Spectator, reported that at about midnight, a demonstrator announced on campus that the school had extended the negotiation deadline to 8 a.m. and that "we are not under any imminent threat at least until 8 a.m." The paper said a spokesperson for the school declined to comment to it about the deadline or the protest group's statement.

An NYPD spokesperson couldn't confirm or deny to the newspaper whether the school had requested an NYPD presence on campus. And the paper reports that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday she didn't plan at that time to deploy National Guard troops. She is the one who would have to give those orders.

For its part, a university spokesperson said in a statement early Wednesday that the school was "making important progress with representatives of the student encampment on the West lawn," adding that the protesters "have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents" and said they would "ensure that those not affiliated with Columbia will leave. Only Columbia University students will be participating in the protest."

The spokesperson also said the "student protesters have taken steps to make the encampment welcome to all and have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language."

"In light of this constructive dialogue, the university will continue conversations for the next 48 hours," the school said.

Demonstrators gather outside President Shafik's home

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators say they want Columbia University to cut financial ties with Israel.

Some protesters who attend Barnard College held a news conference Tuesday in front of Shafik's home to drive home the point.

"I speak during Passover to talk about bravery of our people," a student named Soph said. "When I was marched out of encampment in zip ties, I didn't flinch. I can't remain complacent."

Three of the students who were in attendance are Jewish. They said they've been suspended indefinitely. Columbia has not released any information on disciplinary action.

"Our university profits off this. We won't stop until they divest," Sarah Borus added. "I've never been more proud to be Jewish than when I was arrested and taken off campus."

Meanwhile, two members of the encampment at Columbia said the group is in talks with the university, and wouldn't back down until its demands are met.

"We stand in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza who are facing genocide," one said.

Students describe "disheartening" situation on Columbia campus

Chopper 2 flew over Columbia's South Lawn early Tuesday morning, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators camped out in tents overnight. The demonstration started last Wednesday and was in its seventh day.

Columbia switched to remote learning Monday to deescalate tensions on campus, as Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe, especially during the Passover holiday.

School officials say all classes on the Morningside campus will offer a hybrid option for the rest of the semester, which ends Monday.

"Safety is our highest priority as we strive to support our students' learning and all the required academic operations," the Office of the Provost posted online. "It's vital that teaching and learning continue during this time."

Campus access has been restricted, and officers remain stationed outside several entrances. Students who opted to attend in-person Tuesday said the situation is making it difficult to focus on their upcoming exams.

"It is pretty disheartening to see all this on campus, I will say. I think a lot of people are misguided. And at the same time, I'm kind of confused because, I mean, being here at Columbia, I mean I have so much work and I know a lot of these students do, as well," junior Michael D'Agostino said. "I have a part-time job, I wouldn't be able to be in this long, not making money and keeping up with my studies."

"It's obviously devastating to see so many students getting hurt and being arrested," sophomore Rony Yin added.

Others are feeling the impact the protests have had beyond campus.

"They have inspired a lot of other people to take more action or perhaps change actions they've been taking to draw more attention to the situation that's happening in Palestine, in Gaza," said Carla Reyes, a non-student protester.

Some protesters have joined the calls for Shafik to resign, while others worry whoever replaces her would take more aggressive action. In her latest statement to students and staff, the president wrote, "Let's sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions."

"I understand how important this is. Young people in particular are energized by their beliefs, but we have to have respectful discourse. This has gone too far," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

Mayor Eric Adams is applauding the NYPD for its response and says students who protest peacefully are not the problem.

"We can't have outside agitators come in and be destructive to our city," he said.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani drove by Columbia on Tuesday, putting in his two cents to condemn the demonstrators.

"I feel that we have declined to a state of absurdity when we have these ignorant people who are supporting killers," Giuliani said.

"I wish there was an easy answer"

The semester at Columbia, which many have described as heartbreaking, will come to an end on Monday.

"I wish there was an easy answer and I feel like it's so complicated and, to be honest, I feel heartbroken about all of it," said Julia Dillon, who works nearby.

As tensions continue to boil over, freshman Daniella Davis says she regrets staying on campus this week during Passover.

"There's no one left on our floor. There are six of us left, which is a weird feeling, and it's supposed to be a more joyous time around Pesach, and we're all celebrating together, but that hasn't really been the case," she said.

"I was supposed to be in Israel on Oct. 10, performing a show, so my whole life got sidetracked," Israeli-American rapper Rami Even-Esh said.

Even-Esh is not a student at Columbia, but he said he has been going there for month to document the protests.

When asked what the biggest misunderstanding is right now, Even-Esh said, "Two things could be true at one time. Like, I'm very pro-Israeli, or Israeli, and I also have a lot of sympathy for Palestinian people. I have friends who lost a lot of family in Gaza."

Columbia University has one of the most esteemed journalism schools in the country. CBS New York's Ali Bauman spoke to student journalists at the school newspaper, Columbia Spectator, about attending classes while covering this ongoing situation.

"I think it's been an intense, intense time to be a student on this campus, to watch the nation's leaders comment on what's going on as we're living and going to classes in our campus," said Esha Karam, managing editor of the Columbia Spectator. "Who knows what's gonna come next in terms of, as finals approach and also as commencement approaches. The university is starting to set up commencement stands and stuff on the opposing lawn where protests originally set up tents, and soon we'll see what the next steps are in terms of preparing for those activities as well."

Commencement is scheduled for May 15.

CBS New York has learned that Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to visit Columbia University to meet with Jewish students and hold a press conference addressing antisemitism on college campuses.

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A Minnesota state lawmaker denied a burglary charge she got following her arrest Monday in the city of Detroit Lakes.

Like so many families, mine is dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimers and associated paranoia, state Sen. Nicole Mitchell (D) said in a Tuesday post on Facebook. Over the weekend, I learned of medical information which caused me grave concern and prompted me to check on that family member. I entered a home I have come and gone from countless times in the past 20 years, where my son even once had his own room.

Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny, Mitchell continued. Thank you to all my friends (and colleagues of both parties) for the kind words of support and for trusting my character even before I had a chance to respond. This has been a true tragedy for our family and my hope is it can return to being a private matter.

Mitchell was arrested at a residence after police responded to a call early Monday morning, Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steven Todd told The Hill. According to a complaint filed Tuesday and shared with The Hill, Mitchell was formally charged with a count of first-degree burglary.

Police had received reports of a break-in at a residence, with someone running into the basement, per the complaint. They found Mitchell dressed in black clothes and a black hat in the basement.

The complaint also said Mitchell told officers the victim was her stepmother, who halted contact with her and her family following the death of Mitchells father.

I was just trying to get a couple of my dads things because you wouldnt talk to me anymore, she said to her stepmother amid her arrest, per the complaint.

Mitchell also said that she knew she did something bad, following being read her Miranda rights, according to the complaint.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Marine Cpl. Charles Alex Benfield, who was reported missing from Southern Californias Camp Pendleton last week, has been contacted by law enforcement, but a group aiding in the search says his family still has not heard from him.

Prior to his disappearance, Benfield was detained in downtown San Diego for public intoxication and was later released on Sunday, April 14 from the McAlister Institute Recovery and Bridge Center.

Sarah Lazo, Benfields sister, said front desk workers at the center relayed to authorities their last encounter with the Marine.

San Diegos housing market ranked 4th most overpriced in California

He was saying how he was scared, he was going to lose his rank because they had to meet that following morning at 8 a.m., which he had obviously missed, she said. He said he needed to find his phone, so he was going to go search for that.

Shortly after, a communications director for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to which Benfield belongs, made a statement announcing Benfield did not report for duty the morning of April 15 following weekend liberty in the San Diego area.

The Marine Corps requested the assistance of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service because the missing individual is an active duty servicemember.

Marine dies in routine military operations at Camp Pendleton

In an update Wednesday, April 24, a public affairs specialist for NCIS confirmed Benfield was successfully contacted by law enforcement on Saturday, April 20. The official said Benfield was

reported to be safe and is no longer considered a missing person.

A nonprofit organization, The RAD Movement, has been working with and supporting Benfields family in the search. Founder Sharie Finn says Benfield was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol; however, his command and his family, along with her organization, have not heard from him directly.

Finn appeared on FOX 5 Wednesday to discuss the case.

When an adult goes missing in California, they are reported missing. If any law enforcement agency encounters them, they simply ask them, are you a danger to yourself? Do you feel safe? If that individual says, I am not a danger to myself and I feel safe, they are free to go, Finn said. So in this case, that occurred.

Man sentenced to prison for shooting CHP officer on freeway

Finn says the last confirmed sighting of Benfield was at a Chevron gas station in Ocotillo, Calif. She said he had indicated to a store clerk at another market that he was hiking cross country.

He has a T-shirt on, a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt and a plastic bag, Finn said. But he by no means is prepared with the backpack and the supplies to travel cross country.

Finn says her organization will continue searching for him.

We have resources on the ground over there, Finn said. Weve alerted Yuma because El Centro and Yuma would be the next stops along the way, provided he makes it that far.

Benfields family has created a Facebook page detailing more information about their search.

FOX 5/KUSI has reached out to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for comment.

Kasia Gregorczyk contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Indonesian ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun said Indonesia would like to further strengthen cooperation with China in various fields including EV industry and green economy.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service




Missing Marine contacted, NCIS says, but family still searching for him

SAN DIEGO (KSWB/KUSI)  A Marine who was reported missing after he failed to report for duty and his bank account was reportedly emptied has been contacted by law enforcement, but a group aiding in the search says his family still has not heard from him.

Marine Corporal Charles Alex Benfield was reported missing from Southern Californias Camp Pendleton last week. Prior to his disappearance, Benfield was detained in downtown San Diego for public intoxication and was later released on Sunday, April 14, from the McAlister Institute Recovery and Bridge Center.

Sarah Lazo, Benfields sister, told Nexstars KSWB/KUSI that front desk workers at the center relayed to authorities their last encounter with the Marine.

Marine Corporal Charles Alex Benfield (Photo shared with KSWB/KUSI by Benfields family)

He was saying how he was scared, he was going to lose his rank because they had to meet that following morning at 8 a.m., which he had obviously missed, she said. He said he needed to find his phone, so he was going to go search for that.

Shortly after, a communications director for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which Benfield belongs to, made a statement announcing Benfield did not report for duty the morning of April 15 following weekend liberty in the San Diego area.

Benfield loved his job, according to his family, and just reenlisted for four more years with the Marines this past fall. Lazo said they were also able to determine that his bank had been cleared out.

There was no money left in it. There were several big amounts of money taken out at different ATMs, Lazo said.

The Marine Corps requested the assistance of NCIS, which confirmed Wednesday that Benfield was successfully contacted by law enforcement on Saturday, April 20. A spokesperson said Benfield was reported to be safe and is no longer considered a missing person.

A nonprofit organization, The RAD Movement, has been working with and supporting Benfields family in the search. Founder Sharie Finn says Benfield was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol; however, his command and his family, along with her organization, have not heard from him directly.

When an adult goes missing in California, they are reported missing, Finn explained to KSWB/KUSI on Wednesday. If any law enforcement agency encounters them, they simply ask them, Are you a danger to yourself? Do you feel safe? If that individual says, I am not a danger to myself and I feel safe, they are free to go. So in this case, that occurred.

Finn says the last confirmed sighting of Benfield was at a Chevron gas station in Ocotillo, California, just a few miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. She said he had indicated to a store clerk at another market that he was hiking cross country.

He has a T-shirt on, a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt and a plastic bag, Finn said. But he by no means is prepared with the backpack and the supplies to travel cross-country.

Finn says her organization will continue searching for him.

We have resources on the ground over there, Finn said, adding that theyve alerted officials in El Centro, California, and Yuma, Arizona, as those would be the next stops along the way, provided he makes it that far.

Benfields family has created a Facebook page detailing more information about their search.

KSWB/KUSI has reached out to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for comment.

Kasia Gregorczyk contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Mississippi Coast man arrested, charged with shooting his brother, police say

Authorities arrested a Mississippi Coast man on Tuesday after a shooting injured the mans brother in Gulfport, police said.

Jose Ramos, 23, faces one count of aggravated assault.

Police said they responded to the shooting about 8:27 p.m. at a home in the 1900 block of 18th Avenue. Officers found Ramos brother with a gunshot wound, Gulfport police Sgt. Jason Ducre said.

Ramos discharged his firearm twice, police said.

Authorities transported the victim to a local hospital, where police said he was listed in stable condition.

Authorities booked Ramos early Wednesday morning at the Harrison County jail, where he was held on a $250,000 bond.
Missouri AG has targeted several officials for removal. Ray County sheriff is the latest

Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers will have his first day in court next week as Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey seeks to permanently remove him from office over allegations he unlawfully allowed prisoners to perform work for friends and smuggle in contraband.

For Bailey, ousting elected officials is becoming a regular part of his job.

The court process Bailey deployed against the sheriff, called quo warranto, is often seen as a last resort to stop a corrupt elected official. But Bailey, a Republican in a tough primary campaign, has used quo warranto at least four times since taking office in January 2023, a faster pace than his recent predecessors.

The Star identified just five quo warranto actions filed by the four most recent past attorneys general, Eric Schmitt, Josh Hawley, Chris Koster and Jay Nixon. The Missouri Attorney Generals Office didnt provide any cases beyond the ones found by the newspaper.

Baileys four quo warranto cases are each distinct. In two instances, the officials resigned before courts determined whether they should remain in office, handing Bailey the outcome he desired. The other two cases remain ongoing.

But none attracted more attention than the effort against Kim Gardner, who was the St. Louis circuit attorney before resigning under pressure in May 2023. Bailey alleged Gardner had failed to effectively prosecute. Gardners supporters accused Bailey of wielding the quo warranto process for political ends.

At the time, Gardner, through her attorneys, said Baileys petition failed to meet the extremely high bar to remove her. In court documents, her attorneys wrote that Baileys petition was a gross power grab, an affront to the liberties of all Missourians.

Bailey, who was appointed attorney general by Republican Gov. Mike Parson after Eric Schmitt resigned to become a U.S. senator, has had a brash legal presence since taking office. He has filed numerous lawsuits, including against Planned Parenthood, and launched investigations popular with hard-right Republicans.

In many ways, the quo warranto case against Gardner fit well within the aggressive public presence Bailey, who was previously Parsons general counsel, has staked out as attorney general. The effort was highly publicized and allowed him to draw significant attention to crime in St. Louis, a frequent focus of attention for Missouri Republicans.

Kim Gardner, the former St. Louis prosecutor.

Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, an Independence Democrat, recently told reporters that Bailey is using the quo warranto process too much. He suggested Bailey is taking all sorts of legal actions in an attempt to draw attention to himself during the primary campaign.

Hes going to do whatever he needs to do to keep his name in the paper and hes flailing and his opponent is representing Donald Trump, Rizzo said, referring to Will Scharf, a Republican lawyer who is representing the former president.

The three other quo warranto cases havent produced anything close to the same level of controversy as the Gardner episode.

Jim Layton, a former Missouri solicitor general under Koster and Nixon, both Democrats, said quo warranto is typically only used in a clear-cut case. An attorney general may be using quo warranto more because more officials merit that significant step, he said.

If there are that many, that would be more than in the past, but that may be a function of what issues have come up and not his priorities or thoughts, because its very issue-driven, Layton said.

The three other quo warranto cases involve officials in largely rural areas. Iron County Sheriff Jeff Burkett resigned after Bailey alleged he worked with a local resident to plot to kidnap the residents children from their mother following a domestic dispute. Burkett now faces criminal charges.

Bailey filed a quo warranto action against Cape Girardeau Coronover Wavis Jordan, alleging he stole cash from a dead person and provided false information to vital records. The quo warranto case is ongoing but Jordan is also facing criminal charges.

The final case is the ongoing action against Childers.

As Attorney General, it is my duty to hold accountable those who refuse to do their job as required by Missouri law, Bailey said in a statement. A writ of quo warranto has a high burden of proof, but when we look at the evidence and its clear a case needs to be filed, we enforce the law as written.

The quo warranto process has a long history in Missouri, with the attorney general using it to remove officials disloyal to the United States following the Civil War. The process has been used against corporations for violating their charters and against politicians accused of graft. In the modern era, quo warranto has most often ended with an official resigning rather than a court removal, according to the Missouri Attorney Generals Office.

Rep. Lane Roberts, a Joplin Republican who chairs the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee, said some attorneys general will view quo warranto differently than others.

My sense of Andrew Bailey is that he feels that people in those positions should live up to the responsibility, Roberts said. He may be just a little more assertive about holding their feet to the fire.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey gives his first remarks after being sworn into office in January at the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City.

Case against sheriff progressing

When Bailey filed a quo warranto petition against Childers on March 6, he alleged Childers unlawfully allowed prisoners to leave or be released from jail and stated on social media a plan to use detainees to work at his home or at other businesses. He allowed prisoners to drive vehicles, make purchases at local stores and even leave the state.

Additionally, Baileys office alleged that in addition to allowing prisoners to bring in contraband, he allowed conjugal visits and allowed released prisoners to work on his property, along with the property of friends and acquaintances. Childers also received or accepted a benefit in exchange for keeping prisoners in the jail, Baileys office says.

Childers first won election in 2020 and is running for reelection. He has operated a controversial operation branded as an inmate work program.

Facebook page for Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers.

In a motion to dismiss, an attorney for Childers wrote that the sheriff developed an innovative work program given that the Ray County jail was old and crowded, with prisoners incarcerated longer than is typical because of a backlog of unprosecuted cases.

The motion alleges Baileys petition contains bare assertions and hasnt shown the sheriff usurped or unlawfully held office.

Instead, the pleadings show that Respondent implemented an inmate work program to help the community, improve the mental health of inmates, and provide work skills that inmates could use upon reentry to society, Childers attorney, Kevin Corlew, wrote in the motion.

In response, Missouri Assistant Attorney General Ted Bruce argued in a court filing that quo warranto is appropriate and reiterated the allegations against him.

The violations were willful because Respondent had been informed by judicial and elected officials that his conduct was not lawful, Bruce wrote.

A judge removed Childers on a preliminary basis shortly after Bailey filed the quo warranto petition. A hearing on Childers motion to dismiss is set for April 30.

In a video posted to social media on April 11, Childers told supporters that he had done nothing that would embarrass them. He promised to put the citizens of the county first.

The truth is out there. I feel good about everything, Childers said. Ill let my attorneys take care of the rest from there.
Missouri lawmakers on Wednesday approved a bill to block Medicaid dollars from going to Planned Parenthood, part of a years-long push by Republicans even as abortion remains illegal in the state.

The legislation prohibits any public funds, including Medicaid reimbursements, from going to abortion facilities or their affiliates, including Planned Parenthood. It sparked fears that the measure would hurt those who use the organization for a variety of health care services.

The GOP-controlled Missouri House voted 106 to 48 to approve the bill on Wednesday, sending it to the desk of Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who is expected to sign it into law. The Senate passed it on a party-line vote of 23 to 10 earlier this month.

This is not health care, said Rep. Mazzie Christensen, a Bethany Republican. These facilities should not be in our state and Im sick and tired of hearing about it.

The bill from Rep. Cody Smith, a Carthage Republican running for treasurer, is a continuation of Republican efforts to block Planned Parenthoods two affiliates in Missouri from receiving taxpayer dollars through the states Medicaid program. Lawmakers have for years tried to use the state budget, but the Missouri Supreme Court in February struck down that effort for the second time in four years.

House Democrats excoriated the legislation on Wednesday, saying that Republicans were targeting a broad swath of services provided by Planned Parenthood for patients on Medicaid. Those services include birth control, cancer screenings and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections or STIs.

Thats what this bill does  it cuts off funding sources to facilities that are not providing abortions, said Rep. Keri Ingle, a Lees Summit Democrat. What its doing is taking health care resources away from the women of your district and the state of Missouri.

Senate Democrats earlier this month spent roughly 11 hours filibustering the legislation, forcing Republicans to strip a line from the bill that described abortion facilities as promoting eugenics.

Missouri bans nearly all abortions under a state law that went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 struck down Roe v. Wade. Missouri also has not sent state dollars to Planned Parenthood in roughly two years, according to legislative documents reviewed by The Star.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, the organizations two affiliates in Missouri, on Wednesday pointed to court rulings that found previous attempts to defund the organization were unconstitutional.

Missouri lawmakers, the affiliates said in a joint statement, have decided to attack the lifesaving health care Missourians rely on rather than address the health care needs of the people they represent.

Experts are clear: there are not enough other providers in the health care safety-net system to absorb Planned Parenthoods patients, the statement said. At Planned Parenthood, well continue to do everything we can to continue serving our patients  no matter what.

Still, Republicans on Wednesday plowed through with the legislation, arguing that it barred funding to an organization that provided abortions in other states.

Missouri will continue to be a pro life state, said Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican. God bless the presenter of this bill. It needs to be passed and it needs to be passed overwhelmingly.

Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a St. Louis Democrat, on Wednesday pointed to the fact that maternal mortality rates are getting worse in Missouri, particularly for women of color. A report last year found that Black women in Missouri were three times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white women.

As a Black woman, I am afraid to have a child in the state of Missouri, Bosley said.

The legislation is widely viewed in the Missouri Capitol as a way to appease a hard-right group of senators called the Missouri Freedom Caucus. The renewal of a series of critical taxes that fund Medicaid has been stalled as the hard-right faction pushes a laundry list of demands, including a plan to attach language to the renewal blocking money to Planned Parenthood.

Lawmakers in both parties fear that adding the anti-abortion language to the tax renewal, called the Federal Reimbursement Allowance or FRA, could result in the bill being struck down in court.

Not renewing the FRA would be devastating to Missouri hospitals, patients and ambulance providers. It would lead to an estimated loss of $4.3 billion in state and federal Medicaid funds in fiscal year 2026, according to an analysis by the Missouri Budget Project, a nonprofit that analyzes fiscal policy.

A loss of that magnitude would force lawmakers to make cuts across the board, including to education and other priorities, to keep Medicaid running.

The chaos caucus got what they wanted, said Rep. Deb Lavender, a Manchester Democrat, referring to the Freedom Caucus. You have made it clear that boys on this floor and in the Senate are in charge of Missouri and low income Missourians are the ones who will eventually suffer.

House Majority Leader Jonathan Patterson, a Lees Summit Republican, however earlier this week pushed back on the idea that the bill defunding Planned Parenthood was related to the Freedom Caucus demands.

I dont think theres any high-level negotiations, he said. The House is going about its business. And I think the Senate will go about their business and I feel pretty confident we can get both of those things done.

Wednesdays passage also comes as a coalition of abortion rights groups is seeking to overturn the states abortion ban at the ballot box this year. The group has raised nearly $5 million and supporters have just more than a week to gather enough signatures to place the measure on the ballot  likely in November.

You all know that November is coming and this bill will not matter, Ingle said Wednesday. Women of this state are going to come in full force and demand their rights back.
State Rep. Aaron McMullen, R-Independence, presents a bill in committee on Jan. 16, 2024 (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).

Rep. Aaron McMullen is fighting an uphill battle  and he knows it.

McMullen, a Republican from Independence, is pushing legislation that would require Missouris members of Congress to reside in the district they represent.

But theres one problem: His proposal conflicts with the U.S. Constitution.

Article 1 Section 2 of the Constitution states that to be a U.S. representative, a candidate must be at least 25 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for seven years and a resident of the state they seek to represent at the time of the election. Adding further requirements, such as those proposed in McMullens bill, would go against the Constitution.

McMullens 2-page proposal states that beginning in the 2026 federal elections, a candidate running to represent a congressional district in Missouri may do so only if they live in that district.

The bill further states that if a candidate runs for a congressional district in which the boundaries have not been changed in the past 24 months, that candidate must reside in that district for a period of 12 months before the election and for three months if the districts boundaries have been changed. Before a candidates name appears on the ballot, their residency would have to be verified by the secretary of states office, the bill states.

But all of these requirements conflict with the U.S. Constitution, as determined by a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1995.

In that ruling, Arkansas residents passed an amendment to their state constitution that sought to limit the number of terms members of their state legislatures and their congressional representatives could serve. In a narrowly split decision, the Supreme Court ruled that putting additional requirements on members of Congress is prohibited, and thus unconstitutional. The ruling invalidated similar measures passed by 22 other states, including Missouri.

This is going to be a long process, McMullen said in an interview, adding that he and Secretary of State Jay Ashcrofts office are currently working to amend some language in the bill.

When McMullen first presented his bill during last years session, he faced stern opposition from Rep. Adam Schwadron, a St. Charles Republican, who called the measure blatantly unconstitutional and said he couldnt support it.

Last week, Schwadron again laid out his argument for why the bill is flawed when it was heard by the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee.

I understand where people are coming from, Schwadron later said in his office. Unfortunately, I dont want to have to spend state money on something that we 100% know will be struck down by the courts.

The question at the heart of McMullens bill is one of representation. Specifically, whether a candidate who doesnt live in a particular district should be able to represent it.

The Missouri Constitution lays out requirements for members of the legislature, which includes district residency. But the U.S. Constitution, while specifying age, citizenship and state residency requirements, does not address the issue.

The members of the Constitutional Convention were familiar with district residency requirements and many of the states imposed them in state constitutions. But they did not choose to put them in the U.S. Constitution, said Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri. While many Americans might agree on requiring district representation, it could only be mandated through a constitutional amendment.

And an amendment is something McMullen, a candidate for Senate District 11, said he is open to.

I feel like what this bill does is start the conversation to try to look and, you know, amend, possibly, the (U.S.) Constitution, he said. Everybody agrees with the concept and agrees that this is something that needs to be fixed. Its just a long and arduous process.

In 1996, Missouri residents passed a constitutional amendment that sought to place term limits on members of Congress to a maximum of three terms for House representatives and two for Senators. The measure passed with more than 57%, but was deemed invalid by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 2001 decision.

Opposition to McMullens bill is sparse, with most either indifferent as a result of the legal hurdles still in its way or concerned with the precedent it might set.

I get a little bit weary anytime we start confining the requirements that are already in the federal constitution, said Rep. Kevin Windham, a Democrat from Hillsdale, who sits on the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee.

Windham said the bill raises a few red flags for him as it relates to placing boundaries around certain areas of the law.

The state legislature draws the lines for congressional districts. What happens when what has seemingly been a practice of drawing folks out of certain congressional districts (occurs during redistricting every 10 years)? It has a little bit more of an effect when you say that that person cant run at all in that district, Windham said.

Windham added that he thinks theres a clear conflict of interest when the legislature controls the process of both drawing the lines for congressional districts and narrowing down the district residency requirements in the U.S. Constitution.

It puts, at least me, in particular, in a weird space as far as being able to support (the bill), Windham said.

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Squire said candidates can easily find themselves in new districts following redistricting, which could then place them in situations where theyre running for a district they do not live in.

District lines shift and candidates may not want to move with them, Squire said.

In urban areas, he added, the lines dont usually match media markets and members may be sufficiently well-known to run even if they dont currently live in the district.

Its been nearly 32 years since the U.S. Constitution has last been amended, when in May 1992 Michigan became the 38th state needed to ratify the 27th Amendment.

Yet despite the slim odds McMullens bill might be facing during this legislative session, he remains optimistic.

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, McMullen said.

And if he somehow manages to pull it off, beginning the process of amending the U.S Constitution, even Schwadron, McMullens most ardent opponent, said he would support it.

I would vote for that, Schwadron said, I would approve that, so long as it is an amendment to the United States Constitution.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.

The post Missouri lawmaker wants congressional members to live in their districts appeared first on Missouri Independent.
States that receive federal funding are required to report prison and jail deaths to the U.S. Department of Justice (Darrin Klimek/Getty Images).

The Missouri Department of Corrections must pay more than $60,000 for refusing to give records to a mother trying to find out how her son died in 2021 while in state custody.

And that amount could grow, both because the department lost an appeal of an order finding it violated the Sunshine Law and because the mother is now suing the state for wrongful death in her sons death by suicide.

The wrongful death lawsuit asserts the department, its officers and contract medical provider were negligent, derelict, reckless and in breach of their ministerial duties in the death of Jahi Hynes.

In a decision delivered Tuesday, the Western District Court of Appeals upheld a trial court judgment that the prison agency committed a knowing and purposeful violation of the Sunshine Law to prevent Willa Hynes of St. Louis from learning her son hanged himself with a bedsheet while in solitary confinement.

The department asserted the records were inmate medical records protected from disclosure and its investigation was not a law enforcement investigation as defined in the Sunshine Law. The appeals court rejected the first argument and did not address the second.

We find there was substantial evidence from which the trial court could have found the DOC acted with the intent to achieve some purpose by violating the Sunshine Law, namely, to hinder Hynes from pursuing a potential civil claim against the DOC relating to her sons death, Judge Edward Ardini wrote in the unanimous decision. Such conduct amounts to a purposeful violation.

The ruling sets a precedent for the departments Sunshine Law policies at a time when deaths are increasing in state prisons. Activists for prison reform have tracked deaths and found that deaths have increased by one-third as prison populations fell nearly 25%.

From 2012 to 2014, there was an average of 31,442 incarcerated people in state prisons. Deaths averaged 89 per year. Over the past three years, with an average of 23,409 incarcerated people in state prisons, deaths have averaged 122 per year.

LaShon Hudson, mother of Michael Hudson, speaks Jan. 3 in the Missouri Capitol during a memorial service for the 364 Missourians who died in 2021, 2022 and 2023 in state custody. Hudson was accompanied to the microphone by family members, left, and Michelle Smith, director of the Missouri Justice Coalition (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

There have been more than 100 deaths in Missouri prisons in five of the last six years.

Michelle Smith, director of the Missouri Justice Coalition, said at a January memorial service for deceased inmates that the department routinely withholds information about deaths from family members.

We are trying to raise awareness of the fact that hundreds of people die in Missouri prisons every single year and nothing is done, Smith said at the memorial service.

On April 1, Hynes filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the department, its contract medical providers and 11 corrections employees of negligence in allowing her son to possess the bedsheet and failing to conduct required checks on inmates in administrative segregation.

The department used every means possible to block access to information about the death, attorney Linda Powers, who represents Hynes, said in an interview with The Independent.

They are doing death investigations internally without involving outside law enforcement and then skirting the requirements of the Sunshine Law that law enforcement produce investigative records by claiming they are not law enforcement, Powers said.

Karen Pojmann, spokeswoman for the corrections department, declined to answer questions about the departments Sunshine Law practices and if they have changed as a result of Hynes lawsuit. She also declined to comment on the wrongful death lawsuit.

The department doesnt comment on litigation, Pojmann wrote in an email.

The Sunshine Law penalty includes a $5,000 fine for the knowing violation and more than $55,000 in attorney fees.

In her request, Hynes asked for all of her sons records since his incarceration, plus his medical records, the investigative report on his death, and surveillance video of the area where he was in administrative segregation.

All of the material was turned over late last year, but not before Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green issued an order giving the department five days to comply with his judgment in full. That order was issued after Powers asked Green to enforce the judgment and the records were produced only after she sought contempt sanctions because the department had done nothing for four additional weeks.

The investigative report, Powers said, was a document seemingly written to protect the department from liability, not to relate the truth about Jahi Hynes death.

When you look at the evidence and what the video shows, you can determine what happened, Powers said.

The video and other documents withheld by the corrections department until the court order form the basis of the factual allegations in the lawsuit, Powers said.

Jahi Hynes was sentenced in 2013 in St. Louis Circuit Court to 13 years in prison for first degree robbery. He was 27 when died April 4, 2021, at the Southeast Missouri Correctional Center in Charleston.

He had a history of mental health problems, the lawsuit states. In September 2020, while housed at South Central Correctional Center in Licking, he spoke with a mental health professional about extreme mood swings and his history of hospitalizations for attempted suicide. He asked to be put back on psychotropic medications he had not been taking since he was incarcerated.

Jahi Hynes was denied the medication and about three months after his transfer to the Southeast Correctional Center, the lawsuit states, he was cited for a minor assault for allowing his food port door to strike a correction officers hand, causing abrasions.

He was moved to the administrative segregation unit, and placed on restrictions for allowed personal property intended to prevent inmates from harming themselves. On the first day, Hynes was only to be allowed boxer shorts and eyeglasses, receiving pants, a blanket and a mattress the next day and allowed shoes, socks, and bed sheets on the fourth day.

The lawsuit states that department regulations require checks at least every 30 minutes on inmates in solitary confinement. There were periods of more than five hours where no checks were made, the video surveillance shows, according to the lawsuit.

The surveillance video also shows the ease at which prisoners cut off from contact with other inmates can trade items on strings run from cell to cell in a system called cadillacing.

While he wasnt supposed to have pants, the video shows an inmate working as a porter giving him a pair of sweatpants taken from Hynes and placed on a hook outside the cell just four hours after being placed in the cell.

One inmate gave Hynes a bedsheet via the cadillacing system and another gave him a T-shirt. The system is elaborate enough to transfer items from one side of the prison wing to the other and from one floor to another.

From approximately 11:09 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (April 4), in plain view of the cameras, using the line secured by the offender, the inmates cadillaced items from one side of C-Wing to the other four times, the lawsuit states.

At 3:26 p.m., Jahi Hynes was found hanging in his cell, from the bedsheet he had received from the other prisoner, wearing the T-shirt and sweatpants. A corrections officer had done a cell check about a half-hour earlier and seen Hynes had the prohibited items.

None of the defendant correction officers removed the t-shirt, pants or bed sheets that were cadillaced to decedent from decedents cell, despite orders mandating that they do so, the lawsuit states.

The delays in receiving the information compounded Willa Hynes grief over the death of her son, Powers said.

It is unconscionable, she said. Ms. Hynes went two-and-a-half years wondering what happened to her son.

The post Missouri prison agency to pay $60K for Sunshine Law violations over inmate death records appeared first on Missouri Independent.
LINDSEY, Okla.  Narcotics authorities were tipped off to an alleged black-market marijuana operation after Missouri troopers stopped a fake Amazon van on traffic violations.

On Monday, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Marijuana Enforcement Team agents served a search warrant at Bright Stones LLC. in Lindsey, Okla. and seized 9,143 marijuana plants and 215 pounds of processed marijuana.

Lindsey, Okla. is located south of Oklahoma City.

Mondays search is part of an ongoing investigation that began in January when Missouri troopers stopped the van after leaving Oklahoma on Interstate 44 and entering Missouri, said Mark Woodward, OBN spokesman.

A search of the van uncovered 246 pounds of packaged marijuana which had recently been picked up at the location in Lindsey, Woodward said.

Bright Stones is accused of obtaining its license by fraud, using a straw ownership scheme, he said.

The main target of this investigation has been linked to several other illegal marijuana operations in Oklahoma. Mark Woodward, OBN spokesman

Woodward said arrests are pending as this investigation continues.

Since 2021, OBNs Marijuana Enforcement Teams have shut down over 3,000 marijuana grows, arrested over 300 individuals, and seized over a million pounds of marijuana as part of criminal investigations for operating with a license obtained by fraud and or growing for the out-of-state black market.



As a result of these OBN enforcement efforts, Oklahomas medical marijuana program has seen a drastic reduction in the number of criminal organizations operating illegal farms in Oklahoma. OBN Registrations for growers dropped from 9,400 in 2021, to 6,400 in 2022, and today that number is down to approximately 3,200.



Donnie Anderson, OBN Director

Anyone with information about criminal drug activity can anonymously DM details to OBN via Facebook or call the OBN Tip-line at 1-800-522-8031.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Mistrial declared in case of Arizona rancher accused in migrant's shooting death

April 23 (UPI) -- A deadlocked jury on Monday forced a mistrial for Arizona rancher George Alan Kelly, who shot and killed an unarmed migrant on his property in 2023.

Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink declared a mistrial at about 4:30 p.m. MST Monday after a jury couldn't reach a unanimous verdict following 15 hours of deliberation, The Arizona Republic and local media reported.

Fink scheduled a hearing on Monday to determine if the Santa Cruz County Attorney's Office will retry the case.

Santa Cruz County District Attorney George Silva did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment regarding the potential for retrying the case.

After Fink declared the mistrial, Kelly told reporters he won't let county prosecutors "wear me down" if he is retried.

Kelly, 75, was accused of one count of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting death of Gabriel Cuen Buitimea on Jan. 30, 2023.

A second man, Daniel Ramirez, accompanied Buitimea and said the pair were looking for work in the United States. Prosecutors said Kelly placed Ramirez's life in danger, as well.

Buitimea was a migrant from Mexico and was found dead on Kelly's 170-acre ranch near Nogales, Ariz., and about 120 years from Kelly's porch.

Kelly's attorneys said he fired warning shots after making several calls to the U.S. Border Patrol saying a group of men armed with AK-47s were trespassing on his property.

Witnesses and prosecutors said the men were unarmed.

One of Kelly's attorneys, Kathry Lowthorp, told reporters she would represent him if prosecutors decide to retry the case.

Kelly's wife, Wanda, told reporters she spent the past 15 months in suspense and would have to wait a while longer to see if the matter is over.
By Alexander Tanas

CHISINAU (Reuters) -A criminal case against the governor of Moldova's region of Gagauzia has been sent to court, prosecutors said on Wednesday, setting up the prospect of the Kremlin ally being tried on charges of channelling funds from Russia to a pro-Moscow party.

Evgenia Gutul, who emerged out of obscurity last year to win election to head the autonomous region of Gagauzia, has fraught relations with the central government, which fears Russia and exiled oligarchs meddling in its political landscape.

Gutul is accused of channelling funds from Russia in 2019-2022 to finance the now-banned pro-Russian "Shor" party set up by Ilan Shor, an exiled pro-Russian businessman convicted of fraud in Moldova.

"Gutul... was actively involved in the systematic introduction of unaccounted financial means into the Republic of Moldova that were received from an organised criminal group, mainly from the Russian Federation," prosecutors said.

Gutul, known for her strongly pro-Russian views and for calling for closer ties with Moscow, called the case fabricated in a statement on her Telegram channel.

She could be jailed for 2-7 years if found guilty and also banned from holding government positions, the statement said.

The small former Soviet republic led by pro-European President Maia Sandu hopes to join the European Union by 2030 and to extricate itself from Moscow's orbit.

Its relations with Russia have unravelled as the government has condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, accused Moscow of plotting the government's overthrow and expelled Russian diplomats.

Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, has a Romanian-speaking majority and a substantial Russian-speaking minority, and its politics have oscillated between pro-Western and pro-Russian parties for decades.

Russian troops occupy Transdniestria, a pro-Russian separatist region that broke away in a brief war in the early 1990s. Gagauzia is a another small semi-autonomous region for the Gagauz, a Turkic ethnic minority.

Tensions in Chisinau appeared to be on the rise after Gutul, Shor and other pro-Russian politicians announced in Moscow last weekend the formation of a bloc dubbed "Victory" to take part in a referendum on EU membership called by Sandu for October. The plebiscite is to be held alongside a presidential election.

Fans at a packed Moldovan cup soccer match between Chisinau Zimbru and Sherif from Transdniestria unfurled two giant banners proclaiming: "Pro-Russian forces are a cancer in our land which must be removed in the national interest."

Gutul has travelled to Moscow to meet high-ranking officials in recent months and last month met Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prosecutors also accuse Gutul of paying people to attend anti-government protests organised by the Shor party in 2022.

Gutul was earlier accused of bribing voters during local elections in 2023. She denied the accusations.

(Reporting by Alexander Tanas; writing by Yuliia Dysa; editing by Christina Fincher, Ron Popeski and Deepa Babington)
Mom Accused of Decapitating Her 6-Year-Old Son and Family Dog Will Face Trial, Judge Rules

Tasha Haefs allegedly claimed the "devil" was trying to attack her when she called 911 in Feb. 2022, according to a criminal complaint

Kansas City Police Tasha Haefs

A Missouri woman accused of decapitating her young son and their dog in 2022 has been deemed competent to stand trial.

Tasha Haefs, 37, was arrested on Feb. 15, 2022 and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of her son, Karvel Stevens, 6.

In June 2022, she was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and the case was suspended while she underwent treatment, court records show, USA Today reports.

The Missouri Department of Mental Health monitored her progress and filed a confidential report requesting that the case proceed, court records show, according to USA Today.

On Friday, a judge in the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County granted a motion for the case to move forward, KMBC reports.

The alleged crime came to light on Feb. 15, 2022, when Kansas City police responded to Haefs home after receiving a call from an unidentified woman inside, saying that "the devil was trying to attack her," WDAF-TV reported.

KMBC 9/Youtube Tasha Haefs' Kansas City, Missouri, home

When officers arrived, they allegedly saw blood and hair on the front steps and front door and could hear a woman singing inside, the criminal complaint against Haefs alleged.

The woman who lived at the home refused to answer the door for the officers, according to the complaint.

But the singing grew louder, officers said, according to the complaint.

Related: After 911 Caller Claims 'Devil' Was Trying to Attack Her, Police Dispatch to Home and Find Child Decapitated

"Officers while attempting to make contact with the female occupant observed what appeared to be the severed head of a deceased person near the threshold of the residence," authorities alleged in the complaint.

In the short time the officers were there, they learned neighbors hadnt seen the children who lived at the home for a few days.

"Officers fearing for the safety of any children remaining inside the residence forced entry under exigent circumstances and took the female occupant into custody without incident, the complaint said.

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Officers searched the home and found no other children, but "located the decapitated body of a young child near the front door of the residence," states the complaint.

Officers also found a dead dog in the home, KSHB-TV reported.

"The female suspect had apparent blood on her person and two knives with apparent blood on them were observed in plain view throughout the residence," reads the complaint. A blood-stained screwdriver was also recovered from the scene.

While speaking to police, "Haefs admitted to killing the victim in the bathtub and decapitating the victim," the complaint alleged.

The childs death was ruled a homicide.

Haefs's arraignment is scheduled for April 29. Her attorney did not respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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Cambodian Bokator martial artists perform at the northern part of Bayon Temple in the complex of the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, April 24, 2024. China's Shaolin Kung Fu martial artists and Cambodian Bokator martial artists on Wednesday jointly performed "When Shaolin Meets Bokator" at the famed Angkor Archaeological Park, attracting crowds of spectators. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua)

SIEM REAP, Cambodia, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Shaolin Kung Fu martial artists and Cambodian Bokator martial artists on Wednesday jointly performed "When Shaolin Meets Bokator" at the famed Angkor Archaeological Park, attracting crowds of spectators.

Held at the northern part of Bayon Temple in the complex of the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, the event was part of joint activities organized to celebrate the Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the joint show, Cambodian Tourism Minister Sok Soken said the event was designed to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between Cambodia and China.

"The event is essential to help enhance the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples," he said. "We believe that the event will help attract more Chinese tourists and investors to Cambodia and promote Cambodia's potential tourist destinations to China."

Soken said the Southeast Asian country recorded 5.4 million international tourists, including some 540,000 Chinese tourists, in 2023.

In the first quarter of 2024, Cambodia received roughly 1.5 million international tourists, up 22 percent, he said, adding that the number of Chinese holidaymakers to Cambodia during the January-March period this year was 190,000, up 43 percent.

"In this sense, the future of Cambodia's tourism is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors," Soken said.

The minister said the growth of Chinese tourists has provided an important opportunity for Cambodia because it has not only boosted the development of the tourism sector, but also created investment opportunities for other sectors.

"Cambodia and many countries around the world have considered China as a strategic partner and the biggest source of market for their economic growth and development," he said.

The one-day event, which included a Cambodia-China cultural tourism exhibition, was organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with China's Henan Province and Cambodia's Siem Reap Province. 

China's Shaolin Kung Fu martial artists perform at the northern part of Bayon Temple in the complex of the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, April 24, 2024. China's Shaolin Kung Fu martial artists and Cambodian Bokator martial artists on Wednesday jointly performed "When Shaolin Meets Bokator" at the famed Angkor Archaeological Park, attracting crowds of spectators. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua)
Mom Sentenced for Leaving 13-Month-Old Son to Die in Car for Hours While She Went Dumpster Diving

His death is heartbreaking and should never have happened," the attorney in a separate wrongful death lawsuit filed against the mother said

gorodenkoff/Getty Police tape

An Alabama mother was sentenced to 20 years in prison this week in connection with the 2019 death of her 13-month-old son, who prosecutors said she abandoned in a hot car while going dumpster diving.

AL.com reported that Elizabeth Anne Case, 39, received her sentencing this week after pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge in March. The mother received four years in prison with 150 days credit for time already spent in jail.

Investigators said her toddler, Casen Case, was left alone in the car for roughly eight hours, the outlet reported. The mother was originally charged with capital murder, but those charges were dropped last August in place of reckless manslaughter and aggravated child abuse charges, AL.com previously reported.

The outlet reported the incident occurred the night of Oct. 4, 2019, when Case put her son in the front seat of her car and brought him along with her while she went dumpster diving around 9 or 10 p.m. local time, according to investigators. The mother returned home around 5:40 a.m. local time and went inside her home to sleep, leaving the toddler in the car overnight.

Local WHNT reported that Case did not return to check on the toddler until 1:30 p.m. the next afternoon when her grandmother began banging on her bedroom door asking where the boy was. Case and her grandmother then soon discovered her young son inside the car. Case took him into the house and put him in the shower while the grandmother called 911, according to the outlet.

Temperatures outside were about 97 degrees outside when the boy was discovered, AL.com reported.

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In addition to Cases criminal charges, Casens aunt also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Case and the states Department of Human Resources, according to WHNT, alleging the department didnt take appropriate action in Casens situation and left him in his mothers custody despite her being in and out of jail while she was pregnant.

These workers are paid with our tax dollars to protect children like Casen and yet they did nothing, attorney Tommy James said in a statement on the aunts behalf. His death is heartbreaking and should never have happened.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.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.
The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan)

Montana behavioral health nonprofits largely supported recommendations presented Tuesday to the states behavioral health commission, which is advising the governor on how to spend $300 million allocated to bolster mental health resources in the state.

Gov. Greg Gianforte has already approved some allocations of the funds like $7.5 million for providers to conduct court-ordered forensic fitness exams to address the backlog in the state, as well as $600,000 in grants for certification and training for professionals working with Montanans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, among other initiatives.

The commission met to give and hear feedback on proposed recommendations presented by the state health department on improving behavioral health case management, expanding services and workforce recruitment and retention. Recommendations also include expanding access to services for the developmentally disabled, for a total of 21 proposed suggestions.

One of the outstanding questions, however, is how to pay for long-term costs associated with keeping the suggested programs going.

Gianforte signed House Bill 872 into law last year, establishing the Behavioral Health System for Future Generations commission made up of legislators from both parties, bill sponsor Rep. Bob Keenan, R- Bigfork, and three Gianforte appointments, including Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton.

Keenan opened the meeting Tuesday emphasizing the Future Generations part of the committees name.

Were not going to fix everything here today, Keenan said. But were going to do the best we can.

The commission has held meetings across the state for months, hearing from stakeholders including nonprofits and advocates, which informed the recommendations. The commission also included input from the state health department and consulting firm Guidehouse, which drafted a report on alternative settings for mental health care outside state run facilities.

Behavioral health care has been a significant concern in Montana as the Montana State Hospital lost federal funding, vacancies persisted, and demand for care has overwhelmed the state.

List of recommendations:

Developmental Disabilities

-Refine and reconfigure the current 208 Comprehensive Waiver services rates

-Expand access to waivered services through a 1915(c) Supports Waiver

-Expand service options for people with dual diagnosis by adding a new 208 Comprehensive Waiver service called Enhanced Community Living

-Redefine and reopen evaluation and diagnostic (E&D) clinics to support families more effectively

-Conduct an in-depth study of the current DDP waitlist management process

Behavioral Health

-Enhance the Targeted Case Management (TCM) program to improve health outcomes for eligible individuals

-Develop a training program for targeted case managers

-Implement a care transitions program

-Enhance 988 call center coordination and support capabilities

-Expand Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) to additional regions in Montana

-Introduce new Crisis Stabilization and Receiving Center Services

-Expand the scope of the Certified Adult Peer Support program by widening eligibility and increasing applicable settings

-Increase support for people with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD) experiencing homelessness

-Launch a campaign to 1) inform Montanans of new behavioral health services, and 2) raise awareness and reduce stigma around behavioral health

-Reduce barriers to care for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)

-Expand the family peer support (FPS) program for parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health issues and/or developmental disabilities

-Redesign rate structure to improve in-state youth residential services

-Invest in school-based behavioral health initiatives

-Incentivize providers to join the behavioral health workforce via tuition reimbursement

-Expand training content available to behavioral health workers

-Assess the feasibility of establishing a Montana community health worker (CHW) program

Developmental disabilities recommendations

There are about 2,500 people with developmental disabilities who use waivers across the state. Developmental Disability Program Director Lindsey Carter with DPHHS said the reimbursement rate for providers servicing the population with disabilities is the same no matter what level of support individuals need  so providers dont get compensated more if they have patients who require more attention and care. The first recommendation is to base the provider rate on assessments of the disabled individuals needs.

Adding additional waiver options, like for people who may have families who need help during respite care to help keep them in independent living environments, was another suggestion.

Reopening evaluation and diagnostic (E&D) clinics that would serve as a front door to services in the state and reduce wait times for initial assessments, as well as managing the current waitlist of at least 2,100 in the state, are other recommendations.

Behavioral health recommendations

About 10% of Montanas Medicaid population has a serious mental illness or substance abuse disorder, according to the presentation, and the state currently offers targeted case management to 2,000, or about 2% of the Medicaid population. The state wants to enhance what is already offered and increase provider capacity, as well as create a training program for targeted case managers.

988 and dispatch response

The state is also looking to connect the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with access to first responders. Historically, only Public Safety Answering Points (like 9-1-1 call centers) can dispatch crisis response, but communication between the lifeline and call centers has been inconsistent. The state is recommending 988 call centers be able to connect with mobile crisis response.

However, eastern Montana doesnt have any mobile crisis response teams, and the state has six total. DPHHS is suggesting adding crisis responders to more regions in the state through a hub and spoke model with a central hub of mental health professionals connecting virtually to spokes  emergency medical technicians or health workers in the community that can help people in crisis.

The department would like to add new crisis stabilization centers that would give mobile crisis responders somewhere to take those needing care. The state has limited access to stabilization centers, with rural areas upwards of four hours from the nearest services. The ideal outcome would be a decreased reliance on emergency room services as well as a decrease in need for psychiatric hospitalization, according to the state health department.

Peer support

The state already offers a Certified Adult Peer Support program, which reduces stigma as well as minimizes the need for emergency treatment, but DPHHS is looking to amend it so the program can include individuals with less severe mental illnesses.

Support for unhoused experiencing mental health crisis

The state is also looking to expand services for people with mental illnesses experiencing homelessness. DPHHS estimates 2,200 Montanans are experiencing homelessness, and about 460 are living with a serious mental illness. But the state said existing housing vouchers are hard to access and dont go as far in the current rental market.

Recommendations include increasing funding to existing PATH programs (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) and awarding grants to new PATH programs.

The state is also looking to increase the purchasing power of housing vouchers by coordinating with housing authorities to develop a Fair Market Rent review.

DPHHS is also looking to increase access to mental health care to youth and increase the number of students screened for mental health needs in schools, in the hope of reducing behavior-related events like bullying.

Workforce recruitment and retention

Bolstering the behavioral health workforce in the state is also a top priority for the state, with recommendations including creating incentives for recruitment and retention.

The state is suggesting developing a tuition reimbursement program as well as expanding training for existing staff to help prevent burnout. The state cites emotional exhaustion as the top reason for turnover in the field.

How to pay for these suggested improvements was one of the big questions at the end of the meeting.

One-time-only costs are slated to be covered in the $300 million, but long-term sustainability of the program will likely need other sources of funding. The DPHHS presentation suggested Medicaid reimbursement, federal grants, state general funds and public-private partnerships as potential options.

A number of organizations largely endorsed the commissions work and the states presentation during public comment, including Montanas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Montana Medical Association.

Were struggling, said Jamie Palagi, new CEO of Helena-based Intermountain Health. Were struggling with workforce retention, recruitment and continuing to provide services and so the recommendations that were discussed today would help my organization tomorrow.

The commission will accept public comment on the recommendations before drafting its final report, which will be discussed on May 20. The state health department will give a final presentation on the recommendations for adoption on June 28.

The post Montana nonprofits supportive of states recommendations to behavioral health commission appeared first on Daily Montanan.
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, voted for a military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other countries that cleared Congress and was sent to President Joe Biden. Moran's colleague in the Senate, Kansan Roger Marshall, voted against the bill. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. Senate channel on YouTube)

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, voted for a military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other countries that cleared Congress and was sent to President Joe Biden. Moran's colleague in the Senate, Kansan Roger Marshall, voted against the bill. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. Senate channel on YouTube)

TOPEKA  U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas said it would have been naive to vote against the $95 billion military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and other allies that was forwarded to President Joe Biden after months of congressional debate.

In comments ahead of the Senates 79-18 vote for the spending plan Tuesday, Moran said it would have demonstrated lack of worldly wisdom had Congress passed a stand-alone aid bill for Israel and turned its back on other national security threats.

Iran launched a full-scale attack on Israel; Hamas has stated its intent to wipe Israel off the map; Russia continues its brutal aggression in Ukraine; and China is rapidly modernizing its military and using companies to spy and track Americans, Moran said. Each of these conflicts are interconnected, and it would be naive to send aid to Israel but take a pass on supporting Ukraine, Taiwan or our other allies.

His Republican colleague from Kansas, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, was among 18 senators  15 Republicans, two Democrats and one independent  to vote against the foreign aid legislation.

Marshall, elected to the House in 2016 and the Senate in 2020, said he opposed the bill, in part, because the most important national security issue for the United States was improving security on the border with Mexico. He asserted the United States sent more than $100 billion to Ukraine with no oversight or accountability in the two years since Russia launched its latest invasion of Ukraine.

We cannot continue selling our grandchildren down a river and sending another $60 billion we do not have to Ukraine, Marshall said. No more blank checks. Enough is enough. For me, it will always be American first. Our safety, health and security above all else.

On Saturday, the U.S. House adopted the bill 316-94. In terms of the Kansas delegation, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat, and GOP U.S. Reps. Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted for the measure. U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican, voted against it.

Moran, who has served in Congress for more than a quarter century, said allies and adversaries of the United States were watching as the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate considered the $60 billion in aid for Ukraines fight against Russia, $17 billion in offensive and defensive assistance for Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza, and $8 billion for Taiwan and other nations threatened by China. Biden said he would sign the bill.

There is no path forward for Ukraine, there is no path forward for Israel or for Taiwan if the United States of America disengages in the world, Moran said.

He said it was important to understand $42 billion of $60 billion earmarked for Ukraine would be used to replenish U.S. military stockpiles and purchase U.S.-made weapons, including hardware from plants in Kansas and the Kansas City metropolitan area.

I share my colleagues frustrations that we were unsuccessful in including border policies in this package, Moran said. We cant wait for a new administration or new Congress to try and pass perfect border legislation, if such a thing exists.

A bipartisan border security bill was derailed in February by Republicans in Congress at the request of former President Donald Trump, who is running against Biden and sought to make inaction of border security a campaign issue in the November election.

The foreign aid legislation sent Biden included new sanctions against Russian and Iranian officials, a mandate Ukraine consider $10 billion in economic assistance a loan and a requirement TikTok disconnect itself from a Chinese-owned parent company or contend with a U.S. ban.

The post Moran, Marshall diverge on $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid approved by Congress appeared first on Kansas Reflector.
More than 400 Channel migrants reached UK on same day five died

The arrivals came hours after Parliament passed legislation aimed at getting the Government's plan to deport migrants to Rwanda off the ground - Steve Finn

More than 400 migrants reached the UK in small boats on the day five people, including a seven-year-old girl, died while trying to cross the Channel.

The crossings included 58 migrants who refused to leave the boat on which the five were trampled or crushed to death on Tuesday.

The arrivals came hours after Parliament passed legislation aimed at getting the Governments plan to deport migrants to Rwanda off the ground.

The dinghy on which the five people died was carrying 112 and set off from Wimereux at around 6am on Tuesday before getting into difficulties.

The girl, a woman and three men died in a crush after panic broke out when the engine cut out several hundred yards from the shore, police said.

Some 49 people were rescued but 58 others refused to leave the boat and continued their journey to the UK, with several other boats later embarking on the crossing.

Home Office figures show 402 people made the journey in seven boats that day after an eight-day break in activity in the Channel, suggesting an average of around 57 people per boat.

Young children and babies were among those seen being brought ashore in Dover, Kent, while witnesses described how crews carried someone on a stretcher from a lifeboat to an ambulance.

The latest crossings take the provisional total for the year so far to 6,667  20 per cent higher than this time last year (5,546) but slightly lower (down 0.4 per cent) than the 6,691 recorded at this stage in 2022.

Rishi Sunak said criminal gangs were exploiting the vulnerable and packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and thats why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally.

The National Crime Agency said it would be supporting a French investigation into the deaths with UK police and Border Force.

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More than 50 arrested during Orange Crush event at Tybee Island, police say

During the Tybee Island Orange Crush event, where thousands were expected to gather over the weekend, police said they made more than 50 arrests over just three days.

According to the Tybee Island Police Department, 54 people were arrested from April 19 to April 21.

The event itself was the subject of some controversy, as previously reported by Channel 2s ABC affiliate WJCL.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

While 100,000 were expected to arrive for the event, local residents told WJCL that the event did not have permits.

Additionally, the main promoter of the Orange Crush beach party said in March that the event would not happen in 2024.

Channel 2 Action News had reported earlier that the annual days-long party was originally scheduled for April 18 to April 21, but George Ramson Turner III, who has owned Orange Crush since 2006, told WJCL-TV that hes not hosting the event this year. Instead, the event officially had moved to Jacksonville, Fla.

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Turner also said he had not hosted an event for the past five years in Georgia, but others had used the Orange Crush name.

More than a week before the event started, Tybee Island Mayor Brian West shared a post by state Sen. Ben Watson and Rep. Jesse Petrea, both of Savannah, that said state lawmakers and leaders had enacted what they called a nuisance law aimed at allowing local governments to hold unpermitted event promoters accountable for costs afterward.

The legislation, Senate Bill 443, was signed into law on April 8.

During the event 10 days later, police arrested 54 people, issued 111 traffic citations, five beach citations, had reported 526 calls for service, recovered one stolen vehicle and recovered three stolen firearms.

Tybee police also confirmed that a pursuit began on Tybee Island, and ended after a Precision Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.) was utilized. However, that incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Georgia State Patrol. As a result, our agency will not be providing further details.

The report by the department came due to the high profile nature of last weekends events, coupled with international media coverage and multiple requests for department activity during Orange Crush.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
The most infamous serial killers all seem to have something in common  theyre from the Midwest

What is it about the Midwest that breeds so many serial killers?

What is in the soil that grows the sort of grisly murderers who launch a million headlines? Adam Rapp has wondered for a long time. He was born in Chicago and raised in Joliet in the 1970s, when Joliet was not the best place to grow up. Gangs proliferated. There were rumors of white vans whose drivers offered neighborhood boys a peek at a Playboy. You couldnt escape to Chicago  killer clown John Wayne Gacy and nurse killer Richard Speck came out of there. Rapps father lived in Wilmette, but then John Carpenters Halloween came out when he was 10 and was based in Haddonfield, a fictional Illinois town that looked like Wilmette, oak trees, porch swings. And that drove home the immediacy of my worries  I mean, how was I going to use my keys to get into my house and escape from a killer if my hands were shaking that bad?

Rapp was closer to his fears than he knew.

When he was 5, his family was leaving the Kankakee area when a driver pulled up next to us on I-57 brandishing a rifle, traveling in the oncoming lane. Rapp was asleep beside his sister, who locked eyes with the gunman. Their mother, sitting in the passengers seat, looked over and clutched their baby brother (Anthony Rapp, who later became an acclaimed theater actor).

The gunman drove on.

That night, the mystery driver, a Chicagoan named Henry Brisbon, later dubbed the I-57 killer, killed three people. He was sent to Stateville Correctional, where Rapps mother worked as a nurse. (She would also serve as a material witness in Brisbons trial.) Stateville, a stones throw from their apartment, was home to Speck; Rapps mother was friends with the nurses that Speck killed. Stateville also briefly housed Gacy, and near the end of her career, Rapps mother attended to Gacy on the day of his execution.

Adam Rapp went on to become a Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright and author whose themes tend to spring out of legacies of stray violence and social alienation. His new adaptation of S.E. Hintons The Outsiders  arguably the greatest young adult novel to address those topics  recently opened in previews on Broadway. But also nested in that career has been a question that Rapp hasnt been able to shake since he was a child:

Why do so many famous murderers come out of the Midwest?

This story offers no answers. How could it? Murder is not a Midwest invention. But why then does the Midwest  and the Chicago area, in particular  appear to nurture such a grim, sensational history of unimaginable killings? Rapp cant say. But lots of writers have tried. This spring alone, a pair of new novels chew over the question: Theres Rapps family epic, Wolf at the Table, and Cynthia Pelayos Forgotten Sisters, which tackles the persistent real-life rumor that a serial killer is targeting young men and dumping their bodies in the Chicago River. Spoiler: As compelling as both of these books read, neither get any closer to an understanding. Next month is the 100th anniversary of the killing of 14-year-old Bobby Franks by two University of Chicago students named Leopold and Loeb. At least morally, we are no closer to understanding that, either. Statistically, historically, New York and California generate more killers than the Midwest, but neither of those places wear them quite like the wheat fields and anonymous apartment complexes of the Midwest.

One reason, perhaps: Free-floating menace doesnt slip into densely-populated areas as cleanly, or lazily, as it does in literature about the Midwest. Ive been reading a lot of recent novels and histories about famous (and fictional) Midwest murders and often the covers match the barrenness of the land to a moral barrenness: Bleak horizons and cobalt skies, windmills watching in silence, rusting pitchforks, crumbling wells, dirt-cellar floors and miles of unmarked graves. Our ominous middle of the nowhere seems to be everywhere from Ohio to Nebraska.

As a native of the East Coast (the seat of publishing), I confess to plenty of regional biases: The terrific first line of Chicago novelist Gillian Flynns Gone Girl  When I think of my wife, I always think of her head  lands differently knowing it takes place in Missouri. I dont think Im being mean. Lori Rader-Day, another Chicago novelist with knack for Midwest murder, explained: Cornfields are creepy, man. The Midwest may be written off as a harmless nowhere, where community is everything, everyone cares for each other. But people do feel isolated. I think its one reason people turn towards evil.

As she once wrote: Theres so much potential for darkness in the Midwest.

And thats not even including Chicago, the nations haunted house. Pelayo was born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Northwest Side neighborhood of Hermosa, and still writes her books from there. She said whenever she tours for a new novel, she inevitably meets audiences that assume she pens her horror-tinged thrillers from a bombed-out hellhole, so I tell them: Im not scared of Chicago, I love it, I raised children here, I do dumb stuff at night.

And yet, of course  we have this history of murder thats hard to really understand.

Her novels regard Chicagos past and present as uneasy neighbors, sometimes fantastically, usually violently. Were reminded in Forgotten Sisters of generations of long-submerged bloated corpses settled on the floor of the Chicago River. Characters hear echos from the old Union Stockyards  a great cacophony of butchering. As in her other books  which address the local history of gun violence and inequality  our contemporary ugliness gets pressed against the citys paradoxical history with Walt Disney (born here) and The Wizard of Oz (written here). Without giving anything away, Forgotten Sisters offers a bit of The Little Mermaid, meets the real-life S.S. Eastland river disaster of 1915, meets recent whispers (denied by Chicago authorities) of a Smiley Face serial killer stalking the city, targeting predominantly young white males.

We romanticize the death of millionaires on the Titanic, she said, and forget the 844 people who died on the Eastland (in the Chicago River) were largely immigrants who helped to build Chicago. And the way weve forgotten their loss, thats a double tragedy.

So, in her novel, theres karmic, supernatural revenge for the wrongs of the past.

Pelayo has always wondered, she said, if theres something more to so much horrible spectacle in the Midwest. But then, she brakes just short of supernatural explanations.

Rapp, too.

His mother kept most of her professional connections to famous killers a secret. She rarely discussed her work at Stateville with her children. They knew she had lived in Manteno not far from the state psychiatric hospital, but not until after she died in 1997 and an aunt gave Rapp a shoebox of his mothers possessions did he piece together her broader history with mental illness: That started my weird fascination with this simple womans frequent proximity to extraordinary acts of male violence. But of course, theres nothing supernatural to that. His book, Wolf at the Table, is fiction: It tells the story of a family marked by mental illness. A father abandons his North Shore life after a voice tells him to kill. A brother spends years wandering, and killing, largely unrecognized. Theres also a main character who reads an awful lot like Rapps mother.

Shes a nurse who works with Gacy, and also knew Gloria Davy, one of the (real-life) nurses killed by Speck in 1966 on the Far South Side. The morning she learns Davy was murdered, Rapps character still puts on her nurses uniform and reports to work. As her train clatters past Wrigley Field, Rapp writes, she gets hyper-aware of her uniform, and this latest Chicago tragedy: Do they think shes playing some cruel joke?

In the second season of the Hulu series Fargo, an unseen narrator (voiced by Martin Freeman) reads from a volume titled The Big Book of True Crime in the Midwest. Its a fictional book conceived by series creator Noah Hawley (a New Yorker), and like many histories of Midwest murder, it looks light on Native American massacres and white supremacy. But it also appears ancient and dusty, and therefore, irrefutable.

After all, the image of Midwest as a cauldron of violence was shaped through writing, and predates the days of Al Capone. Journalists recycled the idea that the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was divine retribution for a place so corrupt. As early as 1899, Henry Blake Fuller, among Chicagos first full-time novelists, gave a talk at the Fine Arts Building in which he described the city as a hideously makeshift horror. He wasnt even referring to H.H. Mudgett, executed three years earlier, and now considered among the United States first serial killers. From his Englewood drugstore, Mudgett (better known as H.H. Holmes) preyed on visitors to the Worlds Columbia Exposition; more than century later, hes known as the subject of the best-selling Devil in the White City. Yet not long after the fair closed in 1893, there were already best-selling accounts  written by Chicago police officers  of crime at the event.

By the time Theodore Dreiser published An American Tragedy (1925) and Richard Wright wrote his own American tragedy Native Son (1940)  both centered on accidental, yet seemingly inevitable killings  the image of a fetid metropolis encircled by dark fields of scarecrows was indelible. It became less shocking to hear of a William Heirens, the Lipstick Killer of Lincolnwood, who wrote in lipstick at the scene of a 1946 murder: Catch me before I kill more. I can not control myself. Yet, as Sarah Weinman, among our finest contemporary crime writers, told me: Its important not to think of these things as happening because of something in the local water. Theres nothing in the water. People link horrible events, though the only thing connecting killers like this is the often-marginalized communities they prey on. And thats not a Midwestern thing.

Still, when Harry MacLean was growing up in Nebraska, if you wanted to know where the violent people were, he said, you looked east to Chicago. Then Charlie Starkweather came along in 1958 and transformed our perception of ourselves, MacLean said. As he wrote in last winters Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree that Changed America, the landscape may be cold and lonely, populated by cows huddled against haystacks on bland afternoons, but if you played by the rules, took care of your family, remained decent and went to church, then life will be good.

It was a white Protestant worldview, and Starkweather, at 19, upset its math. He drove through Lincoln towards Wyoming with his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate, killing indiscriminately. He killed in homes, fields and on highways. He had no history of behavioral issues. He had a stable home. But I remember true fear on adult faces, MacLean told me. There was a sense Charlie Starkweather could be hiding in your barn, or step into your living room. I heard stories of people hiding out as far as Iowa. A sense of terror, across a region, was new. Starkweather eventually killed 10 people.

A year later, four members of the Clutter family were murdered in Kanas, also seemingly at random, a crime immortalized by Truman Capote in his classic In Cold Blood, which painted a portrait of endless fields of wheat so isolating it was mainly called out there.

The land itself, see, was lethal.

As far back as the 19th century, when the homicidal Bender family trapped, robbed and murdered wayward travelers who happened to be passing by their home on the southwest Kansas plains  recounted by Susan Jonusass history, Hells Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, a Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier (2022)  visitors wrote home that the buildings here wanted to sink into the dirt. When husbands vanished en route to Illinois, wives were told that it was as if the prairie swallowed them.

Rapp, who is also writing an upcoming TV series about the Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein, can find the bleakness of this region at times especially isolating, opening brooding thoughts for certain men in need of vitamin D. Geins crimes inspired the Maywood native Robert Blochs 1959 novel Psycho, subsequently inspiring the Alfred Hitchcock film, and decades later, the Buffalo Bill killer of Thomas Harris Silence of the Lambs. After Geins mother died, he started robbing graves and killing people, partly for taxidermy. He lived alone in a farm house without water, due north of Wisconsin Dells.

Indeed, isolation, physical and mental, plays an outsize role in these tales.

Slenderman: Online Obsession, Mental Illness and the Violent Crime of Two Midwestern Girls, Kathleen Hales 2022 account of a stabbing outside Milwaukee, is driven by boredom, a suburban legend and the 12-year-olds who believe it. Yet, as Bloch wrote about Gein, Wisconsin was hardly the proper setting for such characters. The Slenderman incident was not unlike the killing of Bobby Franks by Leopold and Loeb in that both crimes came out of intense friendships between seeming innocent kids. Leopold and Loeb, college students, came from rich Chicago families. Leopold, wrote crime writer Miriam Allen deFord decades later, was taught as a young child that his familys great wealth gave him special privileges and immunities.

Because of course it does.

But that doesnt fit the archetypal Midwest character. Generosity, ordinariness, neighborliness  thats who we are. Its also those qualities, however, that led John Wayne Gacy  a party clown and REO Speedwagon fan in good standing with the Junior Chamber of Commerce  to go unsuspected. When women began vanishing around Geins farm, he would joke with locals that he was definitely responsible. As if in a parody of Midwest naivete, Leopold and Loeb went to a hardware store on 43rd Street and bought a single rope, one chisel and a vat of hydrochloric acid, no questions asked.

Is this why the Midwest has so many notorious crimes?

Because Midwesterners are too nice? Its as good an answer as any. But doubtful. Rapp believes: This is an American narrative, a dream of a home, a garage, a car, four kids, and what comes with it are killing sprees. And we dont know why, not really. Evanston writer Nina Barrett, author of a 2018 history The Leopold & Loeb Files, said the relative newness of the University of Chicago in 1924 led some Chicagoans to ask if liberal art educations were breeding immorality. In Nebraska, after Starkweathers capture, locals blamed the radicalness of Elvis, James Dean, greasers and the sudden popularity of rock music. Today, MacLean said, people still visit the open pastures where the killings occurred, as though some new clue might reveal itself in the soil.

But if I had to bet, Bruce Springsteen has come the closest to the truth.

His bone-dry 1982 acoustic masterwork Nebraska was written about Starkweather, and narrated by the killer. At the songs end, Charlie is asked why he did it, and his reply is plaintive, honest and chilling: Well, sir, I guess theres just a meanness in this world.
SANBORN, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities say one man suffered serious injuries Sunday afternoon following a crash involving a car and a motorcycle in northern Wisconsin.

According to a release from the Ashland County Sheriffs Office, emergency personnel from the City of Ashland, the Bad River Fire Department, and the Ashland County Sheriffs Office responded at 2:24 p.m. for multiple calls about a crash at the intersection of US Highway 2 and Maple Street in the Township of Sanborn.

Fond du Lac County man facing multiple bestiality charges, allegedly described encounters via text

Upon arrival, officials say a motorcycle was heading West on US Highway 2 when a Toyota Corolla going east on US Highway 2 attempted to turn left onto Maple Street and turned into the path of the motorcycle.

The 28-year-old driver of the motorcycle was said to have suffered serious injuries following the crash and was taken by ambulance from the scene. The 74-year-old driver of the Toyota Corolla did not report having any serious injuries.

At this time, no other information is available and the crash remains under investigation by the Ashland County Sheriffs Office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Just after President Joe Biden signed his long-sought national security supplemental, the Pentagon announced a new batch of security aid for Ukraine.

Valued at $1 billion, this package is the largest sent to Kyiv in almost half a year. It features a host of equipment, including air defense interceptors, armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons and artillery rounds  among which are cluster munitions.

We need to move fast, and we are, Biden said from the White House Wednesday.

In addition, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday the U.S. sent Ukraine long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, earlier this year. Biden made the decision in February, and the missiles were included in a $300 million package gathered from savings on various weapons contracts in March.

The missiles arrived this month, kept secret to maintain operational security for Ukraine at their request, said Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Garron Garn. Kyiv had sought the missiles for more than a year, in part to push Russian forces farther back.

Aside from that package, the Pentagon hasnt given Ukraine any aid since December, when it ran out of money to replace anything it sent. The administration requested a massive round of supplemental funding in the fall, but it sat mired in Congress until this week.

What forced it through was largely the dire situation in Ukraine. Earlier this month, head of U.S. European Command Gen. Chris Cavoli told lawmakers that Russia could fire five artillery rounds to every one Ukraine could return.

That will immediately go to 10 to one in a matter of weeks, Cavoli said.

Cavoli and Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said this month Russia has been able to rebuild its forces faster than the U.S. expected and even expanded its frontline forces to 470,000, or an army 15% larger than before the war.

The combination of Russias quick rebuilding and Ukraines dwindling stocks threatened a crisis on the front lines, one the supplemental is meant to avoid.

CIA Director Bill Burns warned this month Russia could win on the battlefield  or at least force a favorable political settlement  by the end of 2024 without U.S. funding.

This set of aid is far larger than even those sent late last year, when the Pentagon still had money to replenish its stocks. While waiting for Congress to act, Pentagon officials planned a ready-to-go package filled with Ukraines most pressing needs.

This package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraines ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russias continued attacks, read a Pentagon announcement.

The $95 billion supplemental bill includes around $48 billion in Ukraine-related funding for the Pentagon. Some $23 billion of that will go to replenishing stocks the U.S. sends to Kyiv.

Regardless of what anyone says, we are gaining the support we need to continue protecting lives from Russian attacks, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.
Residents salvage their belongings after heavy rains in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24, 2024. Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)

NAIROBI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property.

In the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, at least one person was killed and six people were missing in the Mathare slums on Wednesday following an overnight downpour. Residents of this informal settlement, mostly low-income earners, found themselves stranded in their homes due to severe flooding.

In other parts of the capital, residents also woke up to flooded homes and businesses, impassable roads, and downed trees after a night of heavy rains.

Some areas were cut off from the city due to stormwater flooding the streets. The main bridge in Kitengela, a neighborhood south of the capital, was flooded by the Athi River, stranding thousands of businessmen and office workers.

"No vehicle is getting in or coming out of Kitengela. I have been waiting at this bus terminus for over three hours," John Kimeu, an office worker, told Xinhua.

Emily Kamau, a businesswoman, said her day had been ruined because she could not get new purchases for her groceries. "My business premises were flooded two days ago, and I lost part of my stock. Today, the rains have cut me off. It is discouraging."

In Kirinyaga County in central Kenya, more than 60 families were rendered homeless on Tuesday after the Thiba River burst its banks and flooded their homes and businesses.

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) said in a statement on Tuesday that at least 38 people have been killed by floods across Kenya, noting that the flood situation is moving from emergency to disaster level.

Since the onset of the March-April-May rains, multiple counties have felt the effects, resulting in affected households, displacements, the establishment of displacement camps, submerged arable land, impacted businesses, and livestock deaths, the humanitarian agency said.

According to the KRCS, the heavy rains have affected at least 23 counties across the country and left more than 110,000 people homeless.

The humanitarian agency added that crops on more than 27,716 acres (about 112 square kilometers) have been destroyed and about 5,000 livestock killed.

"The flooding situation is a disaster. The people most affected are those without alternatives. We are trying as much as possible with our teams to map the population at risk," said Venant Ndhigila, head of disaster operations with the KRCS.

Kenya has experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 200 mm in one day, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).

The institution warned that the rains would cause flooding across the country, with residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas advised to move to higher ground.

Kenyan authorities at both the county and national government levels have directed residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground.

Kindiki Kithure, cabinet secretary for interior and national administration, asked residents living near dams, including Masinga in the eastern region and Thiba in the central region, to relocate.

"Any further precipitation is likely to cause spillover, with greater flooding effects likely in settlements," Kithure said in a recent statement, adding that the government is on high alert, and the multi-agency team formed in 2023 during El Nino rains is working on mitigation efforts.

The Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC) of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said in an update released Wednesday that Kenya is among the countries in the Horn of Africa experiencing abnormally heavy rains this season. The others are Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.

"Temperatures in the countries are also warmer than average, with episodes of elevated levels of heat stress in northern South Sudan and southern Somalia," the ICPAC added. 

Residents assist a woman through floodwater after heavy rains in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24, 2024. Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)

Residents are trapped after heavy rains in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24, 2024. Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)

A resident salvages his belongings after heavy rains in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24, 2024. Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)

A man reacts as he walks through floodwater after heavy rains in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24, 2024. Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)

Residents salvage their belongings after heavy rains in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya, on April 24, 2024. Kenya is experiencing heavy rains that have disrupted normal business across the East African country, resulting in the loss of more than 38 lives and the destruction of property. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)
PAYSON, Utah (ABC4)  Mt. Nebo Middle School and several Nebo School District officials have been subject to more threats, less than a week after initially receiving threats of a bomb in the school.

Nebo School District spokesperson Seth Sorensen confirmed with ABC4.com that the school received more threats on Tuesday night, April 23, and Wednesday morning, April 24. The threats come after Mt. Nebo Middle School gathered national attention for a student-led protest against furries.

Sorensen said the Payson Police Department immediately took action and thoroughly swept the school building both Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Security footage also found no evidence that suggested the threats were credible.

WATCH: Loud boom heard as officials detonate Holladay home with stash of dynamite

Based on their investigation, they have determined the school is safe and classes will be held as scheduled today, said Sorensen.

Out of an abundance of caution, Sorensen said there will be a greater police presence at the school for the remainder of Wednesday, as well as additional security to the homes of those who were threatened.

We understand this news may be concerning to students and parents. Our staff is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for all students, said Sorensen.

Counseling will be available to provide support to any middle school students who feel anxious due to the threats. In addition, while classes will resume as normal, parents may choose to keep their students home.

Details of the most recent threat were not made available.

21-year-old missing in central Utah after leaving to work a week ago

Utah legislature recently increased the penalties for making threats toward a school, particularly for false threats. A recent bill signed into law from the 2024 General Session made false threats a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine upwards of $10,000.

If it is determined a student made the false threat, the bill requires the student to be suspended or expelled from the public school.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The NAACP El Paso Branch is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the death of a man who died after being placed in police custody in South-Central El Paso on April 14.

Police say said that 35-year-old Jonathan Rose Eddens died during the incident.

Police say man died after being taken into custody; incident being investigated

The critical incident, as the Police Department called it, happened at 3:15 p.m. along the 3300 block of Alameda. They initially said that the man was running in and out of traffic and died after he was taken to the hospital.

Video obtained by KTSM showed a group of officers chasing Eddens and then subduing him on the ground. One officer appeared to be kicking at something.

Police have not issued any other updates about the incident, but did say it was being investigated by the departments Crimes Against Persons Unit, the Texas Rangers and the Internal Affairs Division.

The NAACP El Paso Branch is deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent death of Mr. Jonathan Rose Eddens under police custody in our city. This tragedy raises serious questions about the procedures and practices of local law enforcement agencies, and we demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this devastating loss, the NAACP El Paso Branch said in a statement sent out to media late Tuesday night, April 24.

Video shows arrest of man who later died

Here is the rest of the statement from the NAACP:

The NAACP stands firmly against all forms of injustice and inequality, and it is our solemn duty to hold those in power accountable for their actions. The death of Mr. Eddens while under the care of those sworn to protect and serve undermines public trust in our law enforcement.

We call upon our elected officials, the El Paso Police Department, and all relevant authorities to conduct a transparent, swift, and unbiased investigation into this incident. The family of Jonathan Eddens and the El Paso community deserve answers and assurance that steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. Furthermore, we urge our community members to come together during this difficult time to seek justice and promote healing.

The NAACP El Paso Branch is committed to working tirelessly to advocate for civil rights, justice, and systemic change in our community. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Eddens and pledge our support in seeking justice and accountability.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
By Stefanie Eschenbacher

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - NASA is hoping that nations will work together more closely in the future on topics such as climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, the space agency's head, Bill Nelson, said on Tuesday.

Solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that rapidly warm the planet and drive the climate crisis already exist, but require unprecedented changes at a new scale and pace.

"This is something that nations can work on together because the information is there," Nelson said in Mexico City when asked about how to address greenhouse gas emissions. "It's important that we act on it."

Satellites have emerged as powerful tools for scientists around the world to study climate change but also, increasingly, pinpoint the origin of greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane leaks, that would otherwise have gone undetected.

Nelson added that satellites were constantly collecting data about climate and NASA was looking to make this data accessible, and educate people on how to use it.

Methane, the main component of natural gas, is the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. Scientists can now pinpoint the origin of large methane leaks using data gathered by satellites.

It is a much more potent driver of global warming in the short term than carbon dioxide because it traps more heat in the atmosphere, ton for ton.

"The types of concerns that we have are global," said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. "It's very important to recognize that not any one country can solve that problem alone."

Earlier in the day, Nelson and Melroy, who are both astronauts, met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and lawmakers to discuss how the countries can work together.

(Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  An 18-year-old accused of rape and a man suspected of solicitating a minor are the newest additions to this weeks list of Most Wanted fugitives out of Nashville.

The Metro Nashville Police Departments list of Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives is updated every Wednesday on the Criminal Warrants Divisions Facebook page. Officials said those featured on the list are often considered to be some of the most violent offenders in the city.

More than 100 of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives arrested since 2022

Of the suspects on this weeks list, all but three are wanted for either homicide or charges related to alleged sex crimes. The rest of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are accused of crimes such as child abuse, burglary and criminal impersonation.

Some of the suspects listed have reportedly been on the run for years. However, the list has aided police in numerous arrests since the program was launched in October 2022. In total, 106 of the 135 people who have appeared on the list have been arrested since then.

Nearly a dozen of those arrests were within the last three months, with one of the most recent being that of Liam Bailey, who is accused of stalking a woman and sending her nearly 200 threatening text messages.

Alleged stalker arrested after sending Nashville woman 200 threatening texts

The arrest rate adds up to a little more than 78% of Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives being taken into custody  something investigators have largely attributed to tips from the public.

Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Top 10 Most Wanted list the week of April 24.

1. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith

Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

At number one, Lagarrion Blacksmith, 35, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. Blacksmith has remained at the top of the list for several months as police continue to try to track him down.

He was initially added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 29, 2023, after investigators said they were able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar last year.

Officers found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18, 2023. He had been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened.

RELATED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike

According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear.

Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Nov. 22, 2023, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun.

However, efforts to locate him have reportedly been unsuccessful. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

2. Raceme Crutcher

Raceme Crutcher (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Police have been looking for Raceme Crutcher, 22, since July 2023, when he was named as one of two suspects in a deadly Fourth of July shooting.

Officials said the shooting happened at the Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road. Etabo Malanda, 16, was reportedly standing on the porch of an apartment when two armed individuals came from around the corner and confronted him.

RELATED: Teen killed in shooting at East Nashville apartment complex

Malanda allegedly tried to pull out a pistol that was inside his hoodie, but he was shot. Police said he died shortly after he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

According to investigators, four guns were recovered from the apartment, including one that was reported stolen. Crutcher and 17-year-old Jaylin Brown were reportedly connected to the crime through witness accounts.

Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and additional information from community members that they said pointed to Crutcher and Brown as suspects in the case. Officials believe the motive may have been an ongoing dispute between the suspects and Malanda.

SEE ALSO: Teen wanted in connection with deadly Fourth of July shooting arrested

Brown was taken into custody on Aug. 31, 2023, after police reportedly caught him driving a stolen car. However, authorities said Crutcher is still on the run. He was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 15, 2023. His last location is unknown.

3. Kejuan Jordan-Cole

Kejuan Jordan-Cole (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Kejuan Jordan-Cole, 22, is believed to be one of seven suspects involved in another deadly shooting on the Fourth of July, according to officials.

RELATED: Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him on Buena Vista Pike

Investigators said the victim, 27-year-old Christopher L. Harris, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside his vehicle on Buena Vista Pike. Witnesses told police a group of young men approached Harris and around seven of them opened fire.

Harris was reportedly struck by the gunfire while standing next to his vehicle. Officers told News 2 as many as 100 rounds may have been fired during the incident.

The suspects  one of whom appeared to be shooting a rifle  left the scene in three separate vehicles, officials reported. Since the shooting, authorities have arrested and charged 16-year-old Jaden Wright, 17-year-old Erion Nesbitt, 16-year-old Kentrell Baugh and 23-year-old Deandre Jordan.

SEE ALSO: Metro police arrest 4th of 7 suspects from deadly July 4 shooting in Bordeaux

However, police said Jordan-Cole, who was identified as a suspect on Aug. 16, 2023, is still on the run. The charges against him include criminal homicide and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He was added to the list on Dec. 13, 2023. Officials said his last location is unknown.

4. Michael A. Yarlett

Michael A. Yarlett (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Michael Yarlett, 28, is wanted on three counts of aided and abetted rape, according to police.

Court documents indicate he is one of two suspects in the incident, which happened in September 2022. Yarlett was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 22, 2023. Officials said his last location is unknown.

5. Ladonte J. Groves

Ladonte Groves (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Ladonte Groves, 23, was added back to the list on April 3 after first being featured among Nashvilles Most Wanted on Aug. 16, 2023. Police said Groves has since been indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges related to alleged sex crimes.

Nashvilles Most Wanted child rape suspect arrested after 2-year manhunt

The charges against him include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual battery and one count of domestic assault. Authorities said Groves was last seen in the East Nashville area. However, efforts to locate him have been unsuccessful.

6. Mateus B. Alves

Mateus B. Alves (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Mateus Alves, 18, is a new addition to this weeks list. Police said Alves is wanted for one count of rape. Court records show he was arrested for DUI about a month ago. However, officials said his last location is unknown.

7. Anthony O. Etuk

Anthony Etuk, 51, is another new addition to the list this week. Authorities said Etuk is wanted on outstanding warrants for two counts of solicitation of a minor. He was last seen in Mount Juliet.

8. Jennifer Urbina

Jennifer Urbina (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Jennifer Urbina, 42, was added to the list in March. Police said Urbina is wanted for three counts of child abuse involving a child 8 years old or younger, as well as one count of aggravated child neglect involving a child 8 years old or younger. She was last seen in Madison.

9. Ricky C. Roach

Ricky Roach (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Ricky Roach, 43, who was the subject of a massive manhunt in Cheatham County in 2022, is wanted by police after being indicted on multiple charges out of Davidson County.

Those charges include aggravated burglary, aggravated burglary acting in concert and theft of property less than $250,000. Court records show those offenses date back to March 4, 2022  only about two months before he escaped from corrections officers at an Ashland City hospital.

At the time, Roach was reportedly serving jail time in Cheatham County for a parole violation. Cheatham County court records indicate that Roach has previously pled guilty to charges for robbery, assault, theft and contempt of court.

SEE ALSO: New details released after escapees arrest caught on camera

After hours of searching, the May 26, 2022, manhunt ended when a reserve off-duty Ashland City police officer spotted Roach and held him at gunpoint until other officers arrived.

Following his arrest, Cheatham County Sheriffs Office Lt. Ken Miller told News 2, Ive been dealing with Mr. Roach for quite some time, pretty much my whole career here actually.

Now, Metro Nashville police are looking for Roach in connection with more alleged crimes across county lines. Authorities said his last location is unknown.

10. Joseph Cavaleri

Joseph Cavaleri (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Joseph Cavaleri, 39, is wanted by the MNPD on outstanding warrants for five counts of burglary, three counts of theft of property, criminal impersonation and four counts of failure to appear. Cavaleri was added to the list on Feb. 7. Authorities said he was last seen in the Central Precinct.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee

Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(The Hill)  Former President Trumps trial was dominated on Tuesday by the testimony of former magazine executive David Pecker.

Pecker was previously the publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid. In that role, he engaged in the unusual practice of catch and kill  in essence securing the rights to publish a story in order to quash it.

Pecker testified he did this to assist Trump.

His testimony was part of the first-ever criminal trial of an American president.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The underlying events relate to a payment of $130,000 to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential election campaign.

The money was intended to stop Daniels from going public with her allegation that she had a sexual encounter with Trump roughly a decade previously.

The payment to Daniels was made by Trumps then-attorney and fixer Michael Cohen. Later, legal retainer payments totaling $420,000 were made from Trumps business to Cohen.

The prosecutions case is that these were falsely filed as business expenses with the aim of concealing the fact Daniels had been paid off.

Trump, who denies having sex with Daniels or doing anything legally improper, has claimed the payments were legitimate legal expenses and that he is being victimized.

Here are the main takeaways from Tuesdays testimony.

The inside scoop on how a tabloid helped Trump

Former President Trump walks with his attorney Todd Blanche in Manhattan criminal court.

Former President Trump walks with his attorney Todd Blanche in Manhattan criminal court in New York on April 23, 2024. (Brendan McDermid, Associated Press, Pool)

The most striking thing about Peckers testimony was how directly he spoke about his efforts to use his magazines power to help Trump.

He put flesh on the bones of other stories, besides that of Daniels, where the tabloid had engaged in catch-and-kill tactics.

Considerable time was spent on the tale of Dino Sajudin, a former doorman at Trump Tower who contended that Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock.

I made the decision to purchase the story because of the potential embarrassment it had to the campaign and to Mr. Trump, Pecker testified.

Pecker and his staff ultimately concluded Sajudins story was untrue. According to reporters in the court, mentions of it seemed to irritate Trump.

But the National Enquirers power wasnt solely about silencing stories that could be helpful to Trump. It also ran stories that damaged his rivals for the 2016 GOP nomination.

In Peckers account, Cohen would call him suggesting the tabloid target candidates who seemed to be posing the biggest threat to Trump.

One example was a story suggesting falsely  and somewhat absurdly  that Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-Texas) father was somehow connected to the assassination of President Kennedy.

Trump and the Enquirer  friends with benefits

In this Jan. 31, 2014 photo, David Pecker, chairman and CEO of American Media, addresses those attending the Shape & Mens Fitness Super Bowl Party in New York. (Marion Curtis via AP, File)

The relationship between Trump and the National Enquirer was not a one-way street, according to Pecker.

His close relationship with the then-candidate helped fuel newsstand sales.

Trump, who has in the past called himself a ratings machine on TV, appears to have had a similar impact upon the Enquirers sales.

A prosecutor on Tuesday displayed screenshots of some of the Trump headlines that emerged from this cozy relationship. The Associated Press noted the headlines included Donald Dominates! and World Exclusive: the Donald Trump Nobody Knows.

There were other instances where the interests of the former president and the former magazine publisher were aligned.

Pecker testified that stories delving into the marriage of former President Clinton and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were also a big hit  such as headlines that tagged Bill Clinton as a womanizer.

They also had the potential to hurt Hillary Clinton as she ran against Trump.

I was running Hillary as an enabler for Bill Clinton, Pecker testified.

Prosecutors seek to make their wider case

Elliot Mintz, Peggy McIntaggart, and Karen McDougal are seen on September 06, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

The story of the doorman is in one sense irrelevant to Trumps guilt or innocence. The same can be said of another deal Pecker did with a former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, who has also claimed to have had a sexual relationship with Trump.

The criminal charges Trump faces pertain to the Stormy Daniels matter, not either of the other two.

But the other details are important nonetheless.

Prosecutors are hoping to demonstrate that, in each of these cases, Trump was motivated by a fear that the stories could damage his electoral fortunes.

If the jurors believe this, it would give the prosecution a far better chance of making felony charges stick.

Falsification of business records is only a misdemeanor unless prosecutors can prove it was done in furtherance of another crime.

Trump is not charged with any other crime in this case, but prosecutors want to paint his actions as an attempt to influence the election by concealing from voters something they would otherwise have known.

No ruling yet on whether Trump violated a gag order

Judge Juan Merchan poses for a picture in his chambers, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in New York. A dozen Manhattan residents are soon to become the first Americans ever to sit in judgment of a former president charged with a crime. Jury selection is set to start Monday in former President Donald Trumps hush-money trial. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tuesday wasnt all about David Pecker.

The morning was largely given over to exchanges about whether Trump had violated the terms of a gag order in the case.

Judge Juan Merchan has yet to rule on the question.

The gag order Merchan issued last month bars Trump from attacking people involved in the case, including witnesses, court officials and members of the judges family  the last stipulation an apparent reaction to Trumps attacks on Merchans daughter Loren, for her work relating to political consultancy for Democrats.

Top Stories from The Hill

Prosecutors allege Trump has breached the order 10 times. They are seeking a fine of $1,000 for each violation. Trumps team argue he is replying to the comments made about him, which he has a right to do.

In the process of the legal tangling over the issue, Trumps legal team acknowledged that other people sometimes post stories onto Trumps Truth Social account.

Trump has his say  sort of

The former president does not appear to be enjoying having to sit in court each day of his trial without getting the chance to rebut allegations for himself, according to reporters.

On Tuesday, after the days proceedings were done, he complained to the assembled media about the gag order. He said that he was being stopped from being able to defend myself.

Id love to say anything thats on my mind, but Im restricted, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Former President Trumps trial was dominated on Tuesday by the testimony of former magazine executive David Pecker.

Pecker was previously the publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid. In that role, he engaged in the unusual practice of catch and kill  in essence securing the rights to publish a story in order to quash it.

Pecker testified he did this to assist Trump.

His testimony was part of the first-ever criminal trial of an American president.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The underlying events relate to a payment of $130,000 to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential election campaign.

The money was intended to stop Daniels from going public with her allegation that she had a sexual encounter with Trump roughly a decade previously.

The payment to Daniels was made by Trumps then-attorney and fixer Michael Cohen. Later, legal retainer payments totaling $420,000 were made from Trumps business to Cohen.

The prosecutions case is that these were falsely filed as business expenses with the aim of concealing the fact Daniels had been paid off.

Trump, who denies having sex with Daniels or doing anything legally improper, has claimed the payments were legitimate legal expenses and that he is being victimized.

Here are the main takeaways from Tuesdays testimony.

The inside scoop on how a tabloid helped Trump

Former President Trump walks with his attorney Todd Blanche in Manhattan criminal court.

Former President Trump walks with his attorney Todd Blanche in Manhattan criminal court in New York on April 23, 2024. (Brendan McDermid, Associated Press, Pool)

The most striking thing about Peckers testimony was how directly he spoke about his efforts to use his magazines power to help Trump.

He put flesh on the bones of other stories, besides that of Daniels, where the tabloid had engaged in catch-and-kill tactics.

Considerable time was spent on the tale of Dino Sajudin, a former doorman at Trump Tower who contended that Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock.

I made the decision to purchase the story because of the potential embarrassment it had to the campaign and to Mr. Trump, Pecker testified.

Pecker and his staff ultimately concluded Sajudins story was untrue. According to reporters in the court, mentions of it seemed to irritate Trump.

But the National Enquirers power wasnt solely about silencing stories that could be helpful to Trump. It also ran stories that damaged his rivals for the 2016 GOP nomination.

In Peckers account, Cohen would call him suggesting the tabloid target candidates who seemed to be posing the biggest threat to Trump.

One example was a story suggesting falsely  and somewhat absurdly  that Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-Texas) father was somehow connected to the assassination of President Kennedy.

Trump and the Enquirer  friends with benefits

FILE  In this Jan. 31, 2014 photo, David Pecker, chairman and CEO of American Media, addresses those attending the Shape & Mens Fitness Super Bowl Party in New York. (Marion Curtis via AP, File)

The relationship between Trump and the National Enquirer was not a one-way street, according to Pecker.

His close relationship with the then-candidate helped fuel newsstand sales.

Trump, who has in the past called himself a ratings machine on TV, appears to have had a similar impact upon the Enquirers sales.

A prosecutor on Tuesday displayed screenshots of some of the Trump headlines that emerged from this cozy relationship. The Associated Press noted the headlines included Donald Dominates! and World Exclusive: the Donald Trump Nobody Knows.

There were other instances where the interests of the former president and the former magazine publisher were aligned.

Pecker testified that stories delving into the marriage of former President Clinton and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were also a big hit  such as headlines that tagged Bill Clinton as a womanizer.

They also had the potential to hurt Hillary Clinton as she ran against Trump.

I was running Hillary as an enabler for Bill Clinton, Pecker testified.

Prosecutors seek to make their wider case

LOS ANGELES, CA  SEPTEMBER 06: Elliot Mintz, Peggy McIntaggart, and Karen McDougal are seen on September 06, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

The story of the doorman is in one sense irrelevant to Trumps guilt or innocence. The same can be said of another deal Pecker did with a former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, who has also claimed to have had a sexual relationship with Trump.

The criminal charges Trump faces pertain to the Stormy Daniels matter, not either of the other two.

But the other details are important nonetheless.

Prosecutors are hoping to demonstrate that, in each of these cases, Trump was motivated by a fear that the stories could damage his electoral fortunes.

If the jurors believe this, it would give the prosecution a far better chance of making felony charges stick.

Falsification of business records is only a misdemeanor unless prosecutors can prove it was done in furtherance of another crime.

Trump is not charged with any other crime in this case, but prosecutors want to paint his actions as an attempt to influence the election by concealing from voters something they would otherwise have known.

No ruling yet on whether Trump violated a gag order

Judge Juan Merchan poses for a picture in his chambers, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in New York. A dozen Manhattan residents are soon to become the first Americans ever to sit in judgment of a former president charged with a crime. Jury selection is set to start Monday in former President Donald Trumps hush-money trial. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tuesday wasnt all about David Pecker.

The morning was largely given over to exchanges about whether Trump had violated the terms of a gag order in the case.

Judge Juan Merchan has yet to rule on the question.

The gag order Merchan issued last month bars Trump from attacking people involved in the case, including witnesses, court officials and members of the judges family  the last stipulation an apparent reaction to Trumps attacks on Merchans daughter Loren, for her work relating to political consultancy for Democrats.

Top Stories from The Hill

Prosecutors allege Trump has breached the order 10 times. They are seeking a fine of $1,000 for each violation. Trumps team argue he is replying to the comments made about him, which he has a right to do.

In the process of the legal tangling over the issue, Trumps legal team acknowledged that other people sometimes post stories onto Trumps Truth Social account.

Trump has his say  sort of

The former president does not appear to be enjoying having to sit in court each day of his trial without getting the chance to rebut allegations for himself, according to reporters.

On Tuesday, after the days proceedings were done, he complained to the assembled media about the gag order. He said that he was being stopped from being able to defend myself.

Id love to say anything thats on my mind, but Im restricted, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Richmond CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers. (Courtesy Richmond SCAN)

There is no better way to recognize the significant impact of service and volunteerism  on our city, our state and in ourselves  than by amplifying the first-hand stories of Virginians who are making a difference. According to data collected by AmeriCorps and the Census Bureau, nearly 2 million Virginia volunteers contributed 130.5 million hours of service through organizations, worth an estimated $4.0 billion, in 2021. These staggering figures show the amazing impact we make when we leverage our time and talent for the greater good, but its individual stories of service that give a face to these statistics.

As a member of the Governors Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism, I am driven by a lifelong passion for helping youth and adults engage in their communities. As Senior Vice President of Civic Engagement at the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, I lead a team that creates opportunities for people to give back, using their time and voice in ways that feel meaningful and generate the most impact. I love to see the aha! moment when a person identifies a need in the community and realizes they have the right resource to help, and thats why I am pleased to join leaders and engaged community members across the country in celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 21-27.

Volunteers play a critically important role in the lives of children engaged in the courts and foster care system, through the Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. CASA volunteers serve as advocates for children so that they dont face the courts and foster care system alone. CASA volunteers across Richmond are members of our community, from all walks of life, who are motivated by the understanding that every child deserves a safe, loving home and want to do what they can to help.

I am a CASA because I want to be a voice for children, shared one Richmond CASA volunteer in a recent story of service from Serve Virginia, the state service commission. Being able to look at the circumstances from the eyes of the child and communicate that to the adults in their life gives me a chance to give them a voice. Being a CASA is like investing with exponential returns.

I am grateful for the dedication and service of everyday heroes like the Richmond CASA volunteers and other community members who invest their time in service to others, who are helping make our city a more vibrant, better connected and healthier place to live. I know that a robust volunteer sector is an effective strategy to meet critical community needs and improve individual lives.

In the recent Virginia Community Engagement Index (VCEI) study led by Serve Virginia, data collected from more than 6,000 respondents confirmed that many Virginians are already engaged in their communities, volunteering time and talents. The VCEI found that 67% of respondents regularly volunteer more than once a month, and 82% of all active volunteers have maintained or increased their level of volunteerism over the past year. As importantly, volunteers consistently report that their service is personally fulfilling and additional data shows that it fosters healthy social connection and increased levels of happiness. When people feel fulfilled and that what they do is meaningful, they are more likely to engage and remain engaged in volunteerism.

Virginians willingness to give of themselves in service to others stands as one of our greatest strengths as a commonwealth. It is also an opportunity to continue to build and leverage volunteerism to engage an even larger and more diverse group of Virginians. To do so, we must work together to identify community needs and commit to becoming active in creating solutions through service, volunteerism, and civic action.

This National Volunteer Week, I am taking time to recognize the impact of volunteerism and thank those who serve  you can do the same. The Richmond CASA volunteers story, which I shared above, is just one of millions of stories of service happening every day in our communities. This week we join together to thank volunteers for their commitment, and also pledge to do our part to strengthen Richmond and the state through increased awareness and appreciation of service and volunteering year-round.

The post National Volunteer Week 2024: Volunteers strengthen Richmond appeared first on Virginia Mercury.
Over 149 people have publicly objected to the plans for the Naval gunnery that overlooks the beach - SIMON CZAPP/SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY

Naturists are in a row with a beachside development company over fears the new residents may complain about seeing them nude.

Eastney Beach in Portsmouth, Hants, has allowed naked sunbathers for over 70 years and is one of only a handful still in use on the South Coast.

But plans to build 134 homes in a derelict Naval gunnery building that overlooks the beach have worried devoted naturists who fear new tenants may complain that there are naked people and push them out.

Orangestar Capital first submitted plans to the city council to transform Fraser Range in 2018. It described the development as a fantastic opportunity to regenerate a derelict site with homes of exceptional quality for affluent property buyers.

The apartment plans will also provide a 2 million infrastructure investment to Portsmouth city council.

But the plans have received a huge backlash 149 people publicly objecting to it.

Were not embarrassed to be naked

One objector, David Stares, said he has been using the beach for over 50 years and said the planned sea defences leave no space on the beach for the public.

He wrote: I think this is a ruse to remove the naturalists that have used this part of the beach for decades who will have nowhere to go unless there is a designated area for them to go.

Whilst a minority in the community they are entitled to use the beach as is everyone else, and I feel that they are not being treated fairly or being considered in this application.

As those wishing to buy a beachfront property may not be very accommodating to nudists laid opposite their expensive apartments during the summer.

He continued: I think that this is an abuse of power and will detract from the local community who have used the beach for many years.

Barry Knell, 67, has been using the shingle beach since 2000 and said: From a naturist point of view, were fairly shy and retiring people but were not embarrassed to be naked and to be seen.

But, its the thought that if they put the development of homes right there, overlooking the beach, they probably wont inform the buyers properly beforehand that the beach in front of them in the summer is going to be covered with naked bodies.

The retired civil servant said the main worry for other naturists who use the beach is that there may be complaints over the beach use and that the proposed boulder sea defences will take up too much space.

A change in character

Mr Knell said: We dont mind people seeing us, people see us all the time, but what we dont need is people complaining about us being there when weve been doing it for as long as everybody can remember.

The effect is likely to be that there will be complaints that there are naked people on the beach.

We understand the need for sea defences, sea levels are rising so thats just one of those things.

Mr Knell added: What I should point out of course is that its not actually illegal, in this country, to be naked in a public place.

A spokesman from Orangestar Capital said: There will of course be a change in character of the locality as a result of the new homes on the site but this need not preclude naturist access to the beach.

Historically, the site was used to train the Royal Navy throughout the Cold War as a gunnery until it closed in the 1980s.

The plans have undergone a series of changes following concerns raised by The Environment Agency (EA) and Coastal Partners (CP), an organisation committed to preventing coastal erosion across the Solent.

The six-and-a-half acre site is next to the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area, which protects wintering bird species.

Natural England asked for details regarding a number of matters which may have a potential impact on the SPA.

A spokesman for the developers said: We have been working for over six years with the local community, the council and other organisations to bring forward this derelict site for much needed new homes.

If approved, the council will receive over 2 million from the applicant as part of the community infrastructure levy.

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 chief assigned to the Japan-based destroyer Higgins was convicted of attempted espionage and other charges last week, according to the Navy.

Chief Fire Controlman (Aegis) Bryce Steven Pedicini was found guilty of attempted espionage, failure to obey a lawful order, and attempted violation of a lawful general order charge specifications, following a weeklong, judge-only general court-martial, the Navy said.

Dating back to November 2022, Pedicini shared national defense and classified information with a representative from a foreign government that he had reason to believe could be damaging to the U.S. and beneficial to the foreign nation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service said in a statement.

He shared this information under the guise of writing research papers, NCIS said. The agency did not say which foreign government received these documents from Pedicini.

Navy sailor sentenced to prison for sharing military info with China

This guilty verdict holds Mr. Pedicini to account for his betrayal of his country and fellow service members, NCIS Director Omar Lopez said in a statement.

While the chief was initially charged with espionage, the trial judge opted to convict him of the lesser included offense of attempted espionage, according to officials, who declined to provide further details, citing the classified aspects of the proceedings.

NCIS detained Pedicini on May 19, 2023 and he has been in pre-trial confinement since.

Pedicinis sentencing is scheduled for May 7.

Pedicini is not the only sailor that has shared or is accused of sharing sensitive information with a foreign government.

In January, a federal judge in Los Angeles sentenced Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao to 27 months in prison for sharing sensitive information about the U.S. military with a Chinese intelligence officer.

He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe in violation of his official duties, and faced a fine of $5,500.

Sailor Jinchao Wei also faces charges that he provided detailed information on the weapons systems and aircraft aboard the Essex and other amphibious assault ships that act as small aircraft carriers. He was arrested in August and has pleaded not guilty in federal court in San Diego.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, delivers a speech via video at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Mexico's Senate on April 23, 2024 local time. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji congratulated Mexico's Senate on its 200th anniversary, calling for enhancing exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, extended warm congratulations on behalf of the NPC in a speech delivered via video at the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Mexico's Senate on April 23 local time.

Zhao said that since China and Mexico established diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago, the two countries have deepened their political mutual trust and yielded fruitful results in practical cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Noting that the nature of the bilateral ties is increasingly strategic, complementary and mutually beneficial, Zhao said that China is willing to work with Mexico to improve strategic alignment, explore cooperation potential, and leverage complementary advantages to enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

He pointed out that the NPC has maintained friendly exchanges with Mexico's parliament, calling for the two legislative bodies to enhance multi-level exchanges in various fields, improve experience sharing in legislation and supervision, and provide legal support for mutually beneficial cooperation, thus consolidating the social and public foundation for China-Mexico friendly relations.

China is willing to enhance multilateral cooperation with Mexico and other Latin American countries, and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Zhao said.

He noted that China is committed to upholding international fairness and justice, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, promoting the steady and sustained progress of China-Mexico and China-Latin America relations, and building a China-Latin America community with a shared future. 
NC church was once a courthouse. Now, its part of movement to preserve Black history.

Myrtle Mayo remembers when Dickerson Chapel held great revivals that filled the sanctuary and when Hillsboroughs Black residents met there in the 1950s and 1960s to discuss their common purpose in the fight for justice.

The pews are less crowded now, and the wooden floors buckle and slope.

But Dickerson Chapel AME Church still stands, and its purpose has been good, said Mayo, 92.

And with a lot of love and an infusion of money for repairs, it could stand for another 234 years, she and others said.

Built in 1790, the building originally housed Orange Countys courts, where Black people were sold into slavery, punished for crimes they often didnt commit and watched as Black and Indigenous children born free were taken away to be involuntary apprentices.

Myrtle Mayo, 92, is photographed at Dickerson Chapel AME Church on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Hillsborough, N.C.

In 1844, after the Historic Orange County Courthouse that stands today was built, the older building was sold to the Rev. Elias Dodson and moved to the corner of North Churton and East Queen streets to serve a white Baptist congregation.

In 1862, local Quakers bought the building, which by then was hosting abolitionist meetings and a woodworking shop. They operated a Freedmans School for over 300 Black children and adults there until 1886, when it was sold to the African Methodist Episcopal deacons who founded Dickerson Chapel.

The original timber frame, built by enslaved hands and still visible in the basement, was encased in a brick facade, and renovations were made over the years. Donations bought double-hung, stained-glass windows, some bearing the names of founding families.

Retired Judge Beverly Scarlett points out a portion of the original timber frame of Dickerson Chapel AME Church on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Hillsborough, N.C. Built in 1790, the building originally housed Orange Countys courts, where Black people were sold into slavery, punished for crimes they often didnt commit, and Black and Indigenous children born free were taken away to be involuntary apprentices.

It has had its past, and it has (seen) things that none of us could even imagine it has endured, said the Rev. Toma Shaw, who has led the church for more than two years. But by the grace of God and the grace of the people and the history of those that lived here  weve endured each one of those things.

Rev. Toma Shaw leads a service at Dickerson Chapel AME Church on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Hillsborough, N.C.

Black, Indigenous voices t elling their own stories

Shaws congregation is working with the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Preservation Fund Hillsborough and the Orange County Historical Museum to preserve Dickerson Chapel. A display with the churchs story was added near the front steps last year, and it is one of 10 stops on the towns Telling the Full Story project walking tour.

Dickerson Chapel was built in 1790 as Orange Countys third courthouse building. The steeple and church bell was added later, along with other physical updates through the years. The congregation is raising money now toward its future preservation.

We are really focusing on trying to restore it, revitalize it and just get the community encouraged around it, Shaw said. We believe  and I believe  that once the community rallies around this church, it will actually do something in the entire community, because this church is the community.

Thats a refrain echoing across North Carolina as groups  from historical associations and museums to arts organizations and citizens  identify and preserve the stories of marginalized communities through their own memories and words.

In Hillsborough, Black and Indigenous residents worked with white folks to identify the first 10 tour stops. They secured a $25,000 National Trust grant to pay for the work, which includes stories, events and videos. With more donations, they could add more stops and interpretive signs, said Amanda Boyd, executive director of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough.

People love to come to Hillsborough to explore all the quaintness that we offer. We want them to be able to explore and understand all of our community, not just the history that has been told before, Boyd said. If every community could learn more about their culture and the people that have been here and made Hillsborough ... what it is, that could paint a truer picture.

What are the challenges in this work?

Some volunteers and grassroots groups have stepped forward to preserve Black history, but they often lack the experience to know what needs to be preserved and what help is available, said Adrienne Nirde, director of the N.C. African American Heritage Commission.

The commission, in addition to its own projects, is a resource for those groups and connects them to others, she said. The partnerships can spark creative ways of telling Black stories that capture the attention of new audiences, she said.

Shaw University sociology professor Valerie Ann Johnson said her parents got her interested in Black history by encouraging her to look things up in International Library of Negro Life and History encyclopedias. Her current work and research stokes the fire, said Johnson, the universitys dean of Arts, Sciences and Humanities.

Retired Judge Beverly Scarlett points out the details of stained-glass windows at Dickerson Chapel AME Church on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Hillsborough, N.C.

Many lost Black stories can be found in Black presses and newspapers dating back as early as the 1700s, while others take some digging. Sometimes enslavement and oppression cut family ties to the stories or the people who could tell the stories didnt think they were important enough to be told, she said.

Oral histories, which are being lost as older generations die, and missing details that attract new and younger audiences are key to telling more complete stories now, Nirde and others said.

(Older folks) might be holding on to all kinds of important history, but nobody ever thought to ask them, Nirde said.

A Bible rests in a pew during a service at Dickerson Chapel AME Church on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Hillsborough, N.C.

Telling complete stories is not about being woke, Johnson added, referring to a term of derision used sometimes in conservative circles.

When you leave out aspects of the story, even the painful parts  especially the painful parts  then you miss parts of our American story, Johnson said.

Dickerson Chapel once was filled to capacity, but the crowd has thinned out since the pandemic, members said. The congregation is working with preservationists to pay for critical repairs that will keep the building standing for another 234 years.

Old buildings are greater than architecture

Historic buildings like Dickerson Chapel are also important because they reflect the social structures that made them necessary, Johnson said.

The Warren County Community Center, where the Black community came together in 1934, is a good example of that, she said. The center, built with 80,000 handmade bricks, grew out of necessity, because Black residents didnt have access to public restrooms in downtown Warrenton. A library and community center were added later.

Historic buildings are more than the architecture, Johnson said, because they reflect the lives and accomplishments of people inside.

Dickerson Chapel and nearby Mt. Bright Baptist Church played key roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Both were also centerpieces of a rich community life, said Mayo, who joined the Dickerson congregation in 1955.

The Ku Klux Klan was active in Hillsborough at the time, burning crosses and terrorizing the Black community. Mayo recalled times when the group wore black masks to march at night in the Old Slave Cemetery on Margaret Lane, a historically Black area of town.

Some of those same people owned shops downtown, she said, and though most were nice to her, she was warned to be careful.

Horace Johnson Jr., a member of the committee trying to save Dickerson Chapel and one of the first Black students to integrate Orange County Schools, also remembers those days.

Horace Johnson, Jr., a member of the Preservation Hillsborough board and Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, is photographed inside Dickerson Chapel AME Church on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Hillsborough, N.C.

His father, Horace Johnson Sr., was a civil rights leader who helped to break down color barriers and promote school integration and voting rights  work that got the attention of white supremacists who at one point chased protesters at gunpoint to his home in 1968.

In 1989, Johnson wore a bulletproof vest after being elected the towns first and only Black mayor. He remained in office for 14 years.

A lot of things have changed from then until now, and a lot of things havent changed from then until now, Johnson Jr. said. I think looking at all sides  of the story and the history provides a more rounded education that expresses empathy.

Important lessons for future generations

The work that professional historians and community volunteers are doing will enable the next generation to know their history and to be able to learn from it and know that they are capable of great things, Nirde said.

Its not just museums and historical sites, but also festivals and tours focused on telling stories from a local perspective, she said, pointing to the N.C. Rice Festival in Brunswick County, the Ocean City Jazz Festival in North Topsail Beach and the African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina as just a few examples.

Thats the thing about North Carolina, Nirde said. Weve just got so much rich history here. Whether people know about it yet or not, theres just endless opportunities to explore.

Uniquely NC is a News & Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Triangle and North Carolina.
North Carolina state lawmakers returned to Raleigh on Wednesday for the start of the General Assemblys short session. The Republican-controlled legislatures goals include passing a budget adjustment bill.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper told reporters what he wants in that budget an hour before the House and Senate briefly met. He called for an 8.5% teacher pay raise this year and a $1,500 retention bonus, with 5% raises for state employees plus bonuses of $1,000 to $1,500. Cooper also wants to restore masters degree pay for teachers.

The legislature is working with a $1.4 billion revenue surplus this year as it makes adjustments to the states $30 billion spending plan.

Republican leaders told reporters Wednesday, without having yet seen Coopers proposal, that they would be open to some compromises.

There may be some things there that we can work with. There are probably a lot of things that we wont be able to work with, Senate leader Phil Berger, an Eden Republican, said.

We are going to, I anticipate, work on budget adjustments that will keep us within a growth factor that recognizes population growth and inflation. In order to do that, I dont know that we can go as far as what the governor is talking about  whether well do any of those things, Berger said.

Republicans have already said they want to increase the pay for state employees and teachers as well as adding more funding for private school tuition scholarships with taxpayer money.

Berger said he supports fully funding the private school scholarships with more than $100 million.

Gov. Roy Cooper talks about what is in his budget proposal during a press conference in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Cooper opposes the private school scholarships and wants a moratorium.

They can choose desperately needed investments to educate our children and our workforce, along with tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses. Or they can choose tax giveaways for corporations and the wealthy and keep robbing taxpayer money from public schools to fund private school vouchers, Cooper said in a news conference at the Albemarle Building in downtown Raleigh.

Cooper said that lawmakers have a choice, calling the funding a matter of priorities.

Right now, Republican legislative leaders are promising to give away hundreds of millions more just to make sure that the wealthier North Carolinians can pick up their government checks for children that they already have in private school, he said.

Gov. Roy Cooper talks about what is in his budget proposal during a press conference in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

He called past teacher pay raises mediocre. Coopers budget proposal also requests funding for more teacher assistants and an expansion of teaching fellow scholarships to encourage more young people to become teachers.

State employee raises

State Budget Director Kristin Walker said the proposal, which was not revealed to reporters during Coopers remarks, will not raise taxes. It requests the corporate income tax rate remain at 2.5%.

Coopers $34.5 billion proposal asks for at least a 5% raise for state employees. Walker said the vacancy rate as of December was 23%. The turnover rate is nearly 33% for first-year state employees. She said $600 million in the proposal would fund the raises as well as retention bonuses of $1,000 to $1,500, with the lower amount for employees earning salaries less than $75,000 and the higher amount for those who make more than $75,000.

The proposal also requests a 3% one-time bonus for retired state employees as a cost-of-living adjustment.

President Pro Tempore Sen. Phil Berger answers questions during a media gaggle on the first day of the the General Assemblys short session in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

State employees are already slated to get 3% raise during the 2024-2025 fiscal year if there are no additional raises in the new budget. Teacher raises passed in the 2023 budget would mean they get the rest of an average of 7% raise over two years.

Chance of bonuses

Berger said hes open to raises for state employees and teachers this year  with a caveat.

If, within the context of the other things that we we intend to do, and within the context of trying to keep our spend number with the population growth and inflation  Im not opposed to us looking at salaries for teachers and state employees, he said.

Berger said Republican leaders do not want to spend the revenue surplus on recurring raises, but are open to using the surplus to increase pay with a one-time bonus.

Similarly, budget writer Rep. Jason Saine of Lincolnton said hes not opposed to bonuses. Weve been supportive of bonuses in the past.

Saine said House Republicans were meeting Wednesday to talk about their priorities for the session and budget. He said even though Republicans have the supermajority, theyll consider Coopers pitch.

We all are very concerned about public education. We want to make sure that weve got a good workforce, that folks are well-educated, Saine said.

Bond on the ballot, other requests

Cooper is also proposing a $2.5 billion bond referendum on ballots this fall for public education. All 115 of North Carolinas school districts would be eligible for funds, Walker said, which would be enough to pay for about 90 new elementary schools and middle schools.

Berger doesnt see any support for a school construction bond or any bond among Republicans, he said Wednesday.

I think weve indicated that our priority is to get the state out of the borrowing-money business, Berger said.

House Speaker Tim Moore presides over the General Assembly on the first day of their short session in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

State budget schedule

Saine said the House budget chairs will certainly work hard to try to get something that everyone can agree on, noting the two-year budget is already in place.

Berger said hed like to see the budget voted on in early June, so we can stay on target and be finished (with the session) by the end of June.

North Carolina law doesnt require the General Assembly to pass a budget by June 30 or adjourn by that date.
Gov. Roy Cooper (File Photo)

Gov. Roy Cooper has traveled the state in the last year to promote public education and bash Republicans expansion of the private school voucher program.

The budget proposal Cooper released Wednesday is an extension of that pro-public school position. It calls for teacher raises averaging 8.5%, with starting salaries of more than $47,500. Coopers budget freezes funding of private school vouchers.

Coopers recommendation for significant teacher raises comes as the state Department of Public Instruction reported an increase in teacher turnover. One in nine teachers left North Carolina classrooms between March 2022 and March 2023, the News & Observer reported.

He also proposes to restore masters pay, which would represent a 10% salary supplement for teachers with advanced degrees in the subjects they teach.

Coopers budget represents his priorities, which are frequently in conflict with those of Republicans who control the legislature.

Republicans approved a substantial increase in private school voucher funding last year along with a change in the rules that allows families to qualify no matter their income. The changes resulted in a flood of applications. House Speaker Tim Moore told reporters recently that the legislature will increase voucher funding in light of the heavy demand.

The General Assembly opened its short session Wednesday. The legislatures main job is to make changes to the two-year budget it passed last year. Last week, state economists reported that North Carolina would take in about $1 billion more in income tax revenue than anticipated.

More items from Coopers budget:

Child care/NC Pre-K

North Carolina is facing a child care cliff with federal money from the American Rescue Plan running out. Child care operators and state officials are working hard to convince legislators to help cushion the fall.

Cooper proposes spending $745.2 million on child care and NC Pre-K, the states preschool program for four-year-olds.

Child care centers have already started to close, and more will likely follow. One-third of child care providers responding to a February survey sponsored by the North Carolina Child Care Resource and Referral Council said they would have to close within a year. A majority said they would have to raise fees.

The budget also includes a refundable child care tax credit for families.

State employee raises

Cooper proposes pay increases of at least 5% for state employees. The state employee turnover rate was 13.7% in 2023, the budget said. Turnover for first-year employees was 32.8%. The average statewide job vacancy rate was 22.6% in December.

State employees could earn retention bonuses of up to $1,500.

The budget legislators passed last year included 4% raises for state employees this year and 3% for next year.

Click here for a copy of Governor Roy Coopers Recommended Budget Adjustments 2024-25.

The post NC Gov. Cooper presents his budget as the legislative short session begins appeared first on NC Newsline.
Legalizing marijuana is one of those rare issues that resonates with voters across the political spectrum. Thats why North Carolina Sen. Graig Meyer just doesnt understand why so many of his fellow Democrats arent talking about it.

Meyer, who represents Orange, Caswell and Person counties, shared an ad on social media ahead of 4/20 that he hoped would underscore the importance of reforming the states marijuana laws. The ad quickly went viral, receiving more than 4 million views in just a few days.

#420 Fact: Black and White folks use #marijuana at roughly equal rates. But Black folks are almost twice as likely to be arrested and convicted for possession. Dont let this video kill your buzz but... #ncpol 1/ pic.twitter.com/iwenajULkI  Sen. Graig Meyer (@GraigMeyer) April 19, 2024

The 30-second ad shows a Black man and a white man smoking marijuana on either side of a split screen. Both men are pulled over by police. The white man gets off with a warning, but the Black man is arrested and taken to jail. Its short, simple and effective.

But the target audience for the ad wasnt necessarily the voters, or politicians on the other side of the aisle. It was a nudge to members of his own party, who he hoped would feel moved to act after watching it.

Democrats are afraid to talk openly about support for legalizing marijuana, Meyer told me. Even though I think every Democrat that I can think of in the legislature would vote to legalize  I dont think we have anyone whos in opposition of legalization  people dont want to talk about it.

But no one has given a clear reason why they think they cant talk about it, Meyer said. And when he asked colleagues to repost his ad on social media, they responded with things like, Oh, I wish I could in my district. Yet marijuana is not a particularly divisive issue  a 2023 Gallup poll found that 70% of U.S. adults believe marijuana use should be legal.

Meyer and two of his Democratic colleagues have sponsored a bill in the legislature titled the Marijuana Justice and Reinvestment Act. By legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana, North Carolina could then reinvest the revenue into communities that have been harmed by the war on drugs, Meyer said.

The Governors Task Force on Racial Equity in Criminal Justice, chaired by N.C. Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls and Attorney General Josh Stein, recommended in 2020 that North Carolina decriminalize simple possession and further study potential legalization of marijuana. Their report noted that Black offenders comprise a disproportionate number of marijuana convictions despite using marijuana at similar rates. Stein said in a statement at the time that the state should start having real conversations about a safe, measured, public health approach to potentially legalizing marijuana.

But Meyer doesnt think those conversations are happening enough, at least not to the extent that they should. In his eyes, marijuana should be a core issue for Democrats, especially if they want to prove themselves to be leaders on racial justice.

I think they are hesitant to say what they want to do as a core part of their message, even though I know they will do the right thing when we get enough power to be able to do it, Meyer said. I just feel like amplifying this message will help us gain the power that we need to pass it.

Whos to say that it wont? After years of being stuck in the minority, North Carolina Democrats could benefit from a messaging refresh, because playing it safe doesnt seem to be working. Marijuana is an issue thats especially relevant to both Black voters and younger voters  two constituencies that Democrats often struggle to mobilize at the polls.

Weve used the same messaging for the last 10 years to try to beat Republican incumbents, and we havent gotten to the level of political power yet that we want to get, Meyer said. So why not try some new things? Why not show that its not just the same old same old that were leading towards a future that some people want to get on board for?
Electric car charging station (Getty Images)

In the time it takes to bake a potato in an oven  about an hour  the state of North Carolina spends $40,000 on energy costs for all of its 4,400 buildings. When the clock strikes midnight, the state will have run a $960,000 tab.

Now repeat those totals. Every day.

With just eight months left in Gov. Roy Coopers term, his administration is taking stock of its progress in meeting ambitious climate goals, detailed in a series of executive orders over the past six years.

Gov. Cooper issued Executive Order 80, the first of several climate-focused directives in 2018, when global carbon dioxide levels averaged merely 408.7 parts per million. (Last month, the planet hit 425 ppm, a record.)

EO 80 laid out several ambitious benchmarks, with a deadline of 2025, with two critical components:

Register at least 80,000 zero-emission vehicles or ZEVs.

Reduce energy consumption per square foot in state-owned buildings by 40% from the 2002-03 baseline.

More than 60,000 electric vehicles were registered in the state as of November 2023, Department of Transportation data show, an increase of 778% since the executive order went into effect. Add the 20,100 plug-in hybrids, which run in electric mode for 20 to 50 miles before switching to a gas engine, and the Cooper administration has achieved its goal.

Fewer than 100 state vehicles are ZEVs, according to the Department of Administration, which oversees the motor fleet. ZEVs for state use  something that required white, humdrum sedans or trucks  are scare. When ZEV manufacturers make sexier cars for the general public, its harder to find ones appropriate for the motor vehicle fleet, DOAs Sustainability Specialist Brittany Quinn said at the State Clean Energy conference this week.

Gov. Cooper set a more ambitious goal for ZEVs in 2022, with Executive Order 246: Increase the total number of registered ZEVs to at least 1.25 million by 2030, with half of in-state sales of new vehicles being ZEVs by that date.

Bailey Recktenwald, the governors Climate Change Policy Advisor, said at a climate summit last week that the administration is focused on the transportation sector, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in North Carolina. Even with the increase in low-emissions or zero-emissions vehicles, 97% of the states 8.7 million registered cars and trucks still run solely on gas or diesel.

Predictably, urban and highly populated counties have more registered ZEVs  and cars overall  than less populated rural ones. Yet there are fewer charging stations in rural areas, where range anxiety could also contribute to lower numbers of electric cars registered there.

State buildings falling short on energy usage goal

Prisons. Geriatric buildings. The sprawling UNC system.

Its been difficult to achieve the energy reduction goals in state buildings, said Natalie Narron, a program analyst with the State Energy Office. So far, state facilities collectively have decreased their energy usage by a third. But with only eight months left to reach 40%, we will likely miss that target, Narron said at the State Energy conference.

The states Comprehensive Program Update and Energy Data Report, published in December, put it more bluntly: The goal can only be achieved with immediate investment and implementation of substantial energy efficiency improvements within the next fiscal year.

Governmental units should make the necessary changes to prioritize energy efficiency, enlist the support of leadership and designate energy managers, and explore any and all pathways to funding these critical improvements, the report went on.

You have to change the culture. You gotta do stuff.

 Reid Conway, Western Carolina University

The Department of Health and Human Services is expected to individually meet or exceed the goal, with reductions of 39% from the baseline already, according to the states Comprehensive Program Update and Energy Data Report, published in December.

The correctional system, which includes 53 prisons, consumes enormous amounts of energy and projected to cut its use by a quarter by the deadline, largely from installing LED lightbulbs. Lights are everywhere, said Paul Braese, program manager for Sustainability, Efficiency & Resilience at the Department of Adult Correction. And we use so much water  hot water, in many cases.

The departments energy usage doesnt account for a third of the prisons that arent fully air-conditioned. Now the state is embarking on a multi-year effort to air condition all the prisons in the state, two years after legislators appropriated $30 million, Newsline previously reported.

Were adding load while trying to save energy, Braese said. Its a challenge. Were a big ship.

Part of the statewide challenge has been to reduce consumption while expanding square footage of the buildings, most of it within the UNC system. The UNC System, with its 17 sprawling campuses, plus community colleges, accounts for 72% of state agencies energy consumption and 71% of its utility spending, state data show. Nonetheless, the UNC System has cut its usage by more than a third  saving $150 million in utility costs in 2022-23.

Fortunately, they have also proven to be the pinnacle of energy management, the comprehensive state energy usage report says, because many have designated full-time energy managers or energy management teams.

Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, has reduced its energy usage by half, earning bragging rights as the top performer throughout the UNC System.

T. Reid Conway, the director of campus energy and utilities, called EO 80 an unfunded mandate. He credited House Bill 1292, enacted nearly 15 years ago, with helping to offset the financial load of paying for the upgrades. The bill allows universities to keep the money from avoided utilities costs and use them for other projects; previously that money would have reverted to the states General Fund.

Conway said that helped Western Carolina generate $2 million in revenue from those energy savings.

And some of those improvements were easy: Weatherstripping 1 million square feet saved $19,000 alone.

You have to change the culture, Conway said. You gotta do stuff.

Executive orders dont carry the force of law in North Carolina, but they nonetheless strongly encourage state agencies and the UNC system to take certain actions. Since incoming governors can continue, amend or even cancel their predecessors executive orders, the fate of the states climate goals is likely to depend on who succeeds Cooper as governor  Democrat Josh Stein, currently the state attorney general, or Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who has repeatedly denied that climate change is real.

The post NC meets goal for zero-emissions vehicle registrations, falls short on energy usage in buildings appeared first on NC Newsline.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Tuesday denounced the pro-Palestinian protests roiling college campuses across the U.S., arguing they are antisemitic mobs targeting Jewish students and faculties.

So whats happening on Americas college campuses is horrific. Antisemitic mobs have taken over leading universities. They call for the annihilation of Israel, they attack Jewish students, they attack Jewish faculty. This is reminiscent of what happened in German universities in the 1930s, Netanyahu said during a Tuesday video address.

Protests calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war have broken out at several college campuses across the U.S. in recent days, prompting arrests, suspensions of a number of students and heavy police presence.

Most of the protests have been reported to be peaceful, but concerns have been raised over the safety of students and proliferation of antisemitic rhetoric. While the U.S. saw an uptick in antisemitism following Hamass Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, some protest groups have rejected the characterizations of their recent demonstrations as antisemitic.

We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us, protest leaders wrote in a statement Sunday. Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.

We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry and stand vigilant against non-students attempting to disrupt the solidarity being forged among students, they continued. Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Black and pro-Palestinian classmates and colleagues who represent the full diversity of our country.

The protest groups have pointed to the sizable number of protesters who are Jewish, with a large group on Monday holding a Passover Seder from the Columbia University protest camp.

Netanyahu on Tuesday claimed the world is seeing an exponential rise in antisemitism in America and throughout Western societies and called on school administrators to take greater action.

Its unconscionable, it has to be stopped, it has to be condemned and condemned unequivocally, he said. But thats not what happened. The response of several university presidents was shameful.

Weve seen in history that antisemitic attacks were always preceded by vilification and slander lies that were cast against the Jewish people that are unbelievable, yet people believed, he added later. And what is important now if for all of us, all of us who are interested and cherish our values and our civilization, to stand up together and to say enough is enough.

In a Monday post on the social platform X, the Israeli government reposted a video of the Columbia protests and called the demonstrators terrorists who are openly supporting terror.

School administrators are currently faced with walking the tightrope of permitting free expression while also maintaining safe and inclusive campuses for students.

Columbia and its administration were thrust into the national spotlight last week after hundreds of students occupied the center of campus, pushing for a cease-fire and a halt in U.S. military aid to Gaza. New York police officers, called in at the behest of university officials, arrested more than 100 student demonstrators, further inflaming tensions.

Columbia President Minouche Shafik is facing calls from both sides of the aisle to resign, with some arguing she is doing too much to quell the protests and others claiming she has not done enough.

Concerns over Jewish students safety were raised earlier this week following a reported call from one campus rabbi for Jewish students to return home as soon as possible ahead of the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover on Monday. The school later announced it will shift to hybrid learning for the remainder of the semester.

The daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Isra Hirsi, was among those arrested last week. Asked on MSNBC if she believes the protests and encampment have made people uncomfortable, she said it has been a very community-centered space.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday said his agency is working with colleges and universities to warn them of threats on campus. He said the bureau does not directly track college protests, but is providing information to schools as it becomes aware of possible threats.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
For some Nevadans, voting in the June primary has already started

(File photo)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

Nevada lawmakers should consider charging a filing fee to candidates in future presidential preference primaries, members of an advisory committee suggested Tuesday.

The Silver State held its first presidential preference primary election in February. Thirteen candidates appeared on the Democratic ballot. Seven appeared on the Republican ballot. (A none of these candidates option also appears on both ballots.)

Theoretically, the list of candidates could have been a lot longer. And not just because the Nevada State Republican Party held its own competing caucus with rules meant to ensure candidates skipped the state-run election.

Nevada does not charge a filing fee to people wishing to appear on a presidential preference primary ballot.

We were curious what that would result in, Mark Wlaschin, the deputy secretary of state for elections, told an advisory committee on participatory democracy. If every natural born citizen 35 years or older filed for office, Nevadas ballot could have more than 50 pages for each party. That would have been expensive.

Wlaschin said discussions about requiring a filing fee did take place during the last legislative session but ultimately nothing was included in the bill that established the presidential preference primary.

While candidate numbers for the 2024 presidential preference primary were ultimately not a problem for the state, Wlaschin said, lawmakers could consider establishing a filing fee to ensure Nevadans are not being taxed by excessively large ballot sizes.

New Hampshire, another early state in the presidential nominating process, charges candidates a $1,000 filing fee in an effort to deter those who are not serious about running for president, said Wlaschin. New Hampshires 2024 presidential primary ballot included 21 Democrats and 24 Republicans.

Nevada does charge some presidential hopefuls a filing fee. Independent presidential candidates who want to appear on a November general election ballot must pay $250.

I would hope that is something that will be rectified in the 25 or 27 session, said Doug Goodman, a member of the committee. We are further subsidizing a private organization.

Pauline Lee, another member of the committee, agreed that the state should be fair for all candidates.

First votes cast for June primary

Votes have already been cast in Nevadas June primary, despite election day still being roughly seven weeks away.

Nevadas Effective Absentee System for Elections (EASE), which allows active duty military members, residents living overseas, tribal members and voters with disabilities to cast ballots electronically, went live Monday. Seven people had used the system as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Wlaschin.

EASE accounts for a small fraction of total voters in any election but it marks the start of votes being cast.

Election officials follow myriad deadlines set in federal and state law. Counties are required to send mail ballots to their overseas voters by Saturday, April 27 and to their out-of-state voters by May 2, or 40 days before election day

The deadline for distributing sample ballots to in-state voters is May 8, and the two-week, in-person early voting period will run from May 25 to June 7.

Primary Election Day is June 11.

Goodman expressed concern that Nevadans might not understand that the presidential preference primary is different from the June primary: My fear is that there are going to be voters who will not turnout for the June primary, thinking Ive already voted.

Speaking of turnout

Wlaschin provided the participatory democracy committee with some data on the presidential preference primary.

Turnout for the Democratic presidential preference primary was 22.5% and turnout among Republicans was 14.3%. Both figures represent the percentage among voters who were registered to each party on the date of the presidential preference primary.

Wlaschin noted that, because Nevada offers same-day voter registration, the roughly 800,000 voters who were registered to third parties or as nonpartisans had the option of committing to a major political party and participating in a presidential primary.

More than three-fourths  78%  of voters in the presidential preference primary weighed in via a mail ballot, which they returned either through the mail or in-person at a physical dropbox. Only 11% cast ballots in-person during the one-week early voting period, and 10% voted in-person on the date of the presidential preference primary.

That use of mail ballots is significantly higher than in the last election cycle, where mail ballots represented 51% of turnout. Wlaschin told the committee a number of factors might contribute to that spike, including the timing of the election (in winter), the shorter early voting period (June and November elections have a two-week early voting period), or the nature of the races (the Democratic presidential primary was uncompetitive, while the Republican presidential primary did not include the partys top contender).

Suffice to say, it does appear that voters are interested in using their mail ballots, added Wlaschin.

The embrace of mail ballots differed by political party, according to the secretary of states final voter turnout report, but was still widely popular among both parties. Mail ballots represented 80% of Democratic turnout and 49% of Republican turnout.

The post For some Nevadans, voting in the June primary has already started appeared first on Nevada Current.
'I never wanted to kill her, I loved her,' Lacey man testifies at trial for wife's murder

FREEHOLD  Jeremy Cruz called Berkeley Township police in Ocean County on Oct. 30, 2022, to tell them he was going there to turn himself in for a murder.

That was after he choked his wife of 26 years to death and left her on the side of a road in Ocean Township on the way home from Asbury Park, where their oldest son's band had just played a gig.

When Cruz got to Berkeley police headquarters, he told detectives he and his wife, Dawn, 51, were arguing all night during the show at Asbury Lanes and, on the way home, he lost it when she threatened divorce and told her she was going to go after his pension.

In recorded statements, he told the detectives he pulled over the car and put his hands around his wife's neck and, when her body went limp, he pulled her out of the car and "finished it.''

But, on Tuesday, for the first time, Cruz, 53, of Lacey Township, told a Monmouth County jury he tried to save his wife's life that night by giving her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on her.

Also for the first time, he said what set him off wasn't his wife's threats on his pension, but learning that she was having an affair.

On trial before Superior Court Judge Jill Grace O'Malley, Cruz said he never meant to kill his wife.

"I never wanted to kill her,'' he said. "I loved her.''

Cruz was on the witness stand for about two hours, about half of that time being peppered with questions from Caitlin Sidley, an assistant Monmouth County prosecutor who pointed out things Cruz said on the witness stand Tuesday that he never thought important enough to tell detectives who questioned him in 2022. Those things included that he found out that night about an affair his wife was having, that he had been drinking all day before the incident and that he tried to save his wife's life.

"For the first time today, you tell us you tried to give your wife mouth-to-mouth resuscitation,'' Sidley said.

"I didn't think it was important,'' Cruz responded.

Defense attorneys Adam Mitchell and Deven Ferrara do not deny Cruz took part in the fatal assault on his wife, but they say he did not act purposely and knowingly, which is an element that must be proven to convict someone of murder.

Being questioned by Mitchell, Cruz testified he had been drinking all day and was drunk when the fatal assault occurred.

He told the jury that Dawn, the mother of their two adult sons, had been distancing herself from him, and that led him to secretly drinking in their garage.

When they went to see their oldest son's band play at Asbury Lanes that night, they argued about his drinking, he said.

Jeremy Cruz, who is charged with the murder of his wife, Dawn, testifies during his trial before Superior Court Judge Jill O'Malley at Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, NJ Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

"She wanted me to stop drinking,'' Cruz told the jury.

"She was upset with you because you were talking to other people and not near her?'' Mitchell asked him.

"Yes,'' Cruz responded.

Cruz said he eventually left Asbury Lanes because he didn't want to argue anymore, but eventually waited for his wife to come out so he could drive her home.

That was after they exchanged a long series of angry text messages in which Dawn Cruz told her husband he better get a lawyer if he left her at Asbury Lanes, according to previous trial testimony from Aaron Shaw, the lead detective on the case from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

"When we left the Lanes, we got into a heated argument in the car and we were yelling back and forth at each other,'' Cruz told the jury.

"And she said a couple of nasty things to me, and I just couldn't concentrate anymore and I knew I shouldn't be driving,'' he said. ''Everything was getting blurry. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think, and I just knew that I had to pull over.''

Suspecting his wife was having an affair, "I kept asking her, 'Who is he?'" Cruz testified, saying he did learn the name of the person she was having an affair with.

Jeremy Cruz, who is charged with the murder of his wife, Dawn, pictured on the evidence screen in the courtroom, testifies during his trial before Superior Court Judge Jill O'Malley at Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, NJ Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

"I turned off on the next street,'' Cruz said. "I couldn't drive anymore. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't see. Everything was a blur to me.''

Mitchell asked Cruz why he started choking his wife at that point.

"I don't know why,'' he responded. "I just remember being yelled at and I just reached for her.

"She was hitting me, trying to scratch, push me off of her, and she went limp,'' Cruz told the jury.

He said he stopped choking her "because we weren't fighting anymore,'' and he got out of the car and pulled his wife out of the passenger seat of the car.

Cruz claimed his wife was awake at that point and standing up.

"She started kicking , hitting me and then eventually, we both had each other's hands on each other's throats,'' Cruz said. "We were choking each other.''

He said Dawn passed out and fell to the ground.

Dr. Anita Rajkumar, assistant medical examiner at Middlesex County Medical Examiner's Office, appears as an expert witness during the trial of Jeremy Cruz, who is charged with the murder of his wife, Dawn, before Superior Court Judge Jill O'Malley at Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, NJ Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

"I was standing over her and I was trying to wake her up,'' Cruz told the jury, adding I was looking for signs of life.''

That's when he said he administered life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful.

"I panicked,'' he said. "I couldn't think straight. Again, I could barely stand.''

Cruz told the jury that he knew Dawn was dead and he tried to ensure she wasn't disheveled before he left her there.

"I wanted to clean her up and make her look nice,'' Cruz testified.

Mitchell asked Cruz if he ever told detectives he didn't mean to kill his wife.

"No, I did not,'' he responded. "I wasn't thinking at the time.

"It wasn't on purpose,'' Cruz insisted. "Again, I would never kill my wife. I could never hurt her.''

More: Man accused of strangling wife, leaving body on road, indicted on murder charges

Sidley, in cross-examining the defendant, pointed out that when he called Berkeley police that night to tell them he was going to surrender for a murder, he never told them the location of his dead wife.

She played a recording of that call during the cross-examination. On it, when the dispatcher asked Cruz for information about the person he killed, he responded, "They're dead. That's all I can say to you.''

Sidley pointed out Cruz didn't try to contact police in Asbury Park or Ocean Township.

Cruz testified he called Berkeley police because he used to live in the township and also had worked for the sewerage authority there for more than 30 years. He said he didn't know how to get to Asbury Park police headquarters.

Cruz denied ever punching his wife, even though Sidley pointed out that a medical examiner testified the victim had 12 points of blunt trauma on her face, including a black eye. Cruz responded that must have happened when his wife fell, to which the assistant prosecutor said the victim only fell one time.

More: Band's 'happiest night' in Asbury Park ended when guitarist's dad strangled mom, say cops

"Did you call her names while you were choking her,'' Sidley asked him.

"No,'' the defendant responded.

"Was Dawn crying?'' Sidley asked.

"Not that I noticed,'' Cruz said.

"Was she screaming?'' Sidley asked.

"I don't recall,'' Cruz responded.

"Do you recall if your wife begged you to stop?'' the assistant prosecutor asked.

""I don't believe she did,'' he said.

Attorneys are expected to sum up their cases for the jury today.

Kathleen Hopkins, a reporter in New Jersey since 1985, covers crime, court cases, legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact her at khopkins@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth man on trial for murder testifies he didn't mean to kill wife
Republican lawmakers torched Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for his national pro-abortion campaign on Monday while California faces several crises they say demand his attention.

"It's certainly frustrating that Gov. Newsom is focusing all his attention on other states besides California," Assemblyman Vince Fong, vice chair of the state's budget committee, told Fox News Digital. "California is in crisis."

Fong, who has been sounding the alarm on the state's $73 billion budget deficit for years, said the legislature and Newsom refuse to "address the structural problems of our deficits," citing "overspending" and a swath of small businesses fleeing the state.

"Then you add in our insurance crisis in California, we have an affordability crisis, Californians are leaving our state because they can't afford to live and work in California, and we have crime on the rise, we have wildfire risks, we have the need to invest in more infrastructure, we have a supply chain crisis," Fong said. "I mean, the list goes on and on. And I wish that he would spend the same amount of attention to show us as much urgency for those crises that's facing Californians."

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM LINKING CHRISTIANS, REPUBLICANS TO NAZIS GRANTED DHS FUNDS UNDER ANTI-TERROR INITIATIVE

Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on Oct. 6, 2022, in San Francisco.

Newsom launched a new ad in Alabama on Monday targeting Republican lawmakers in the state who are fighting against a bill that would allow women to travel out of state to seek abortions. The ad, which shows a police officer pulling over a woman and handing her a pregnancy test, states, "Trump Republicans want to criminalize young Alabama women who travel for reproductive care."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Over the weekend, Newsom also announced lawmakers would introduce legislation that would allow Arizona abortionists to travel to California to conduct abortions for Arizonans. Arizona upheld a near-total abortion ban in the Supreme Court earlier this month.

"If the spotlight isn't on this governor, he'll do everything he possibly can to ensure that it is," California Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle told Fox News Digital on Monday. "This latest media blitz is another example of ego getting in the way of good leadership and good governance."

"Critical issues that truly matter to Californians are not taken seriously  such as crime, skyrocketing electricity rates, cost of living, homelessness and education," Dahle said. "And if he does place them on his radar, Gov. Newsoms idea of a solution is to throw money at the problem."

BIDEN'S DHS APPEARED TO CONSIDER TARGETING PRO-LIFE MOMS AND OTHER RADICALIZATION SUSPECTS DOCS SHOW

The California state auditor found that several agencies spent $24 billion in state funding over the past five years administering at least 30 programs dedicated to tackling the homelessness crisis, but failed to accurately track how the money was spent or whether it was successful. The report, released this month, said the state also failed to collect and evaluate outcome data for these programs due to the lack of a consistent method.

The audit's findings "highlight the significant progress made in recent years to address homelessness at the state level, including the completion of a statewide assessment of homelessness programs," a senior spokesperson for the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (CICH), which coordinates homeless programs across the state, told Fox News Digital, noting that the responsibility for collecting the data falls on local governments.

BIDEN'S DHS APPEARED TO CONSIDER TARGETING PRO-LIFE MOMS AND OTHER RADICALIZATION SUSPECTS DOCS SHOW

Homeless encampments line the streets of Oakland, California, on March 15, 2024.

California was one of several blue states that expanded abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in summer 2022. In an interview with MSNBC host Jen Psaki on Sunday, Newsom cited efforts in Tennessee, Idaho and Oklahoma to restrict abortion as attacks "happening in real time," and stated the "response must be in real time to be more assertive and proactive."

"Not enough attention has been placed on the fact that we're not just criminalizing women's access to reproductive care in certain states, now we're criminalizing their travel," Newsom said.





Original article source: Newsom ignoring California crises to promote himself in pro-abortion campaign, GOP lawmakers say
Newsom sent CHP officers to fight crime in Oakland. Now he's sending them to Bakersfield

A view of downtown Bakersfield. Gov. Newsom is sending Highway Patrol officers to Bakersfield as an expansion of a law enforcement campaign launched earlier this year. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he's sending California Highway Patrol officers to Bakersfield, an expansion of a law enforcement campaign launched this year in an effort to tamp down crime in hard-hit California cities.

Kern County, home to Bakersfield, has higher rates of violent and property crime and more arrests compared with the statewide average, crime statistics show. The CHP officers will focus on reducing car theft, retail crime and bolstering traffic enforcement, which have been pressing issues in the region in the last several years, officials say.

We are working hand-in-hand with our local law enforcement partners to increase police operations, stop crime and keep the Central Valley safe," Newsom said in a statement Wednesday. "This partnership builds on our statewide efforts to take down criminal networks, stop dangerous individuals, and make our communities safer for all Californians.

News of the expanded program comes on the heels of a similar effort in Oakland this year. In February, Newsom sent 120 Highway Patrol officers to the Bay Area city to tackle an uptick in violent crime and theft.

Read more: Newsom to send 120 CHP officers to fight crime in Oakland

Rising crime in recent years has been a source of intense political pressure for Democrats in California and has bolstered criticism of the state's criminal justice policies. A Public Policy Institute of California poll released in February listed crime as one of the top issues that Californians want the Legislature and governor to address this year.

In Bakersfield, the most populous city in the county, homicide rates climbed 36% between 2020 and 2021, reaching a peak of 60 murders in 2021. The number dropped to 37 in 2023, but homicides in the city remained about 50% higher than they were a decade ago, according to statewide crime data.

Car thefts have climbed nearly 67% between 2019 and 2022. Commercial robberies have also been on the rise in the last decade, statistics show.

It is not clear how many CHP officers will be sent to Bakersfield. The number will depend on the need from local police agencies, assisting with tasks including day-to-day enforcement and larger coordinated operations, according to the governor's office.

State officials have applauded the program's results in the Bay Area. There California Highway Patrol officers have arrested 168 suspects linked to gangs, organized crime and carjacking rings. They recovered 360 stolen vehicles and seized 16 firearms linked to crimes, Newsom said last month.

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao called the program a "strong partnership" and "an example of good government at work."

Read more: Signatures roll in for tough-on-crime ballot measure to reform California's Proposition 47

The boost in law enforcement personnel comes amid other crime-reduction efforts underway in the Central Valley.

This month the city of Bakersfield gave a $50,000 grant to the Downtown Business Assn. to fund a six-month contract for private security in the downtown area to combat theft, vandalism and break-ins.

Security is super important," Alan Alvarez, vice chair of the Downtown Business Assn., told KERO-TV this month. "We want people to come downtown and feel a sense of security, and not have to worry about some issues that weve experienced."

In late 2023, the state gave the Bakersfield Police Department $6.2 million to prevent and respond to organized retail, car and cargo theft. The city's police chief said at the time that the money would go toward staffing, equipment and training for the department's investigative unit that specializes in retail theft.

Public safety remains a top priority for Bakersfield residents. This partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said in a prepared statement. "By combining resources and expertise, we are enhancing law enforcement capabilities and creating a safe community."

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.
Economic relations between China and Azerbaijan are deepening day by day. The trade turnover between the two countries has increased recently, and China has risen to the first ranks in Azerbaijan's imports. The Chinese market is lucrative for Azerbaijan, especially with regard to agriculture products. That is why, Azerbaijan is interested in this market and has opened five trading houses in the different cities of China.

Besides, Chinese companies operate in Azerbaijan, especially in the liberated territories. Furthermore, China and Azerbaijan started to cooperate in the production of renewable energy sector. Thus, China has committed to the construction of 230 MW power plants in Garabagh. The relationships are based on a long-term perspective.

Speaking to Azernews economist Natig Jafarly noted that China ranks at the top three in the list of imported products of Azerbaijan for the last 10 years. He recalled that in the first three months of this year, 20 percent of Azerbaijan's imported products came from China. In other words, quite serious economic relations with China have been established for a long time, and these relations are deepening.

Since the beginning of 2024, Azerbaijani state representatives have been visiting China, and there are negotiations and certain agreements with China regarding the establishment of relations and the implementation of new projects. Of course, the prospects for expanding relations in this field are extremely high. One of the directions that China will set an example for Azerbaijan's economy is to pay more attention to production, Natig Jafarly said.

He added that as is known, China is a manufacturing country. The Economist emphasized that considering this point of view, it is possible to achieve quite successful results if Azerbaijan cooperates with China on the implementation of certain new projects in order to increase production and create added value. As for green energy, Natig Jafarly said that China is currently the world leader in the production of green energy and equipment.

For example, the European Union recently realized that 90 percent of the solar panels used in Europe come from China. This indicates that China is becoming a world leader in the transition to green energy or renewable energy. It also took the first place in the world in the production of electric cars. In other words, considering this point of view, China has serious successes, and these successes are based on a serious strategy of investing in the economy with the support of the state. Not long ago, while the transition to green energy was being discussed around the world, China did real work in this field, proving that the transition to green energy is a reality. Even today, China is reaping the benefits of this strategy. Of course, Azerbaijan and China can seriously cooperate in this field as well. Because Azerbaijan has a great potential. Basically, the potential of Azerbaijan in acquiring solar energy is extremely high. Natural conditions allow it. There are areas of Azerbaijan where 260-270 days of the year are completely sunny. This also creates opportunities to widely use the potential of solar energy, Natig Jafarly concluded.
China plans to launch the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship Thursday, carrying three astronauts for a six-month-long mission in space.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service












Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers unveiled an emergency bill Wednesday that aims to give abortion providers temporary protection if they care for Arizona patients in California.

The legislation, which is expected to sail through the Democratic controlled California Legislature, will make the Golden State the first in the nation to allow doctors from out of state to perform abortion services outside their home state.

The bill, SB 233, will build in anonymity for doctors  thus protecting them from prosecution when they return to Arizona  if they travel to California.

While women from any state can already receive abortion services in California, the law would give Arizona providers, including those who already have existing doctor-patient relationships with Arizonans, to continue the give care without fear of litigation and of any reciprocal criminal prosecution, Newsom said.

The legislation was introduced to counter the Arizona Supreme Courts recent decision upholding a 160-year-old abortion ban  a near total ban on the procedure  that could go into effect in June.

But as Newsom was introducing the bill, co-authored by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D- Berkeley and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, the chair and vice chair respectively of the California Legislative Womens Caucus, alongside lawmakers Wednesday midmorning, the Arizona House approved a repeal of the ban.

The repeal came two weeks after the Arizona high courts ruling and now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate in that state.

Asked about the impact of the Arizona House vote, Newsoms office pointed to its statement before the House acted.

It said that the California legislation is a valuable stopgap even if the Arizona Republican-led legislature passes a law to repeal the extreme 1864 ban. With its urgency clause, SB 233 would fill a critical gap for care during a meaningful period of time before an Arizona repeal could be implemented. Swift action helps combat the confusion and chilling effect this back-and-forth creates.

Newsom and the Womens Caucus began hammering out the new bills language as the governor revealed on national television last weekend that he was working with lawmakers to move swiftly.

According to a fact sheet from the governors office, last year 160,000 people traveled outside of the state they live in to get abortion care and during the first 15 months after the U.S. Supreme court overturned Roe v. Wade, and California providers performed more than 12,000 additional abortions than was expected if Roe had not been overturned. Roe v. Wade was a landmark 1973 court ruling that established abortion as a constitutional right.

Furthermore, the office noted and the governor reiterated later, abortions increased by 37% between 2020 and 2023 in states with abortion access bordering states that banned access.

Newsom also said 65,000 women were raped last year.

This is not an academic exercise. This is real life. This is happening in real time, he said, adding that the costs are apparent in the quality of life, economic and medical costs and damage done to women.

Many of the women have been fleeing restrictive states to get abortion care elsewhere and many have ended up in California, Newsom said, naming an increase in Riverside, Imperial and San Diego counties.

Arizonas new law will directly impact California, the governor said. And, rather than wait for that, the new legislation will help the state get ahead on that. A third of patients served by Planned Parenthood are in California, Newsom noted at the Capitol press conference.

No state has more to do and more responsibility to promote what needs to be done. So, thats the spirit that brings us here together, he said.

Here are some of the items that SB 233 aims to accomplish, in part, according to the governors office:

 It would temporarily allow licensed Arizona doctors to provide abortion and abortion-related care to Arizona patients through Nov. 30.

 The Arizona doctors would be under the oversight of Californias Medical Board and Osteopathic Medical Board and would be required to provide registration information to those boards and would be able to treat Arizona patients only.

 Arizona abortion providers can relocate and can travel back and forth. The law does not require residency, and is based on existing state law (SB 143, 2023) and federal law for military spouses.

The new bill will not cost California taxpayers additional money, the governors office said. An organization called Red Wine & Blue, representing over half a million suburban women, has created the Arizona Freedom Trust to raise money to pay the Arizona providers who offer abortion care, already committing $100,000, the office said.

Since the deadline for introducing new bills for the current session of the California Legislature passed in February, the language of what the governor would like lawmakers to consider and approve is being woven as an amendment into an existing bill currently winding its way through the legislative process.

In addition to other privacy protections built into other abortion-related laws already signed by Newsom into law, Skinner said language being added to the new bill includes privacy protections for Arizona providers who come to California to offer abortion care for Arizonans.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley won around 16% of the vote in Pennsylvanias GOP primary on Tuesday, despite dropping out of the race in early March.

Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, easily soared to victory on Tuesday, winning about 786,000 votes and the states 16 delegates. But Haleys showing  even though she is no longer running  may portend trouble for Trump as he seeks to shore up support in key swing states needed to secure a path to the White House in November.

In 2020, Joe Biden won Pennsylvania by less than 1.5%, or about 80,000 votes. And in 2016 the margin was even smaller, with Trump winning the state by less than 45,000 votes.

The state awards 19 Electoral College votes toward the ultimate 270 needed to become president.

WOW. Nikki Haley got nearly 17% of the vote in today's Republican primary in Pennsylvania, six weeks after she quit the race.



This is a huge red flag for the Trump campaign in a battleground state. Many Republicans will never vote for Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/zwH05tuE9r  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 24, 2024

And PA is a closed primary state. Meaning, no independents or Democrats can vote in GOP primary. Questions for November. How many of these Haley voters are: 1) 2020 Biden voters; 2) 2020 Trump voters willing to switch/stay home? https://t.co/OugkOMZlHp  Amy Walter (@amyewalter) April 24, 2024

Axios notes that Trumps campaign has begun to show cracks in some states as the presidential race trudges toward the general election. About a fifth of Republican primary voters in Arizona and Wisconsin  both swing states themselves  cast a ballot for someone other than the former president.

Trump is currently on trial in New York where he faces 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to an adult film star. The case is set to take up to eight weeks, and the former president has raged at the judge and prosecutors for taking him away from the campaign trial.

Biden himself handily won the Democratic primary on Tuesday, securing 93% of the vote and the states 153 delegates. But the president has also faced frustration with voters in key states, including Michigan, where more than 100,000 people voted for uncommitted in the states primary to protest the Biden administrations policies toward Israel.

Related...
Some Nikki Haley voters are hanging on to her candidacy and, like her, refuse to endorse Trump

FILE - Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during a news conference, March 6, 2024, in Charleston, S.C. Haley suspended her presidential campaign, she refused to endorse Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination and apparently so did some of her supporters. Haley won almost 17% of Pennsylvanias primary vote Tuesday, to Trumps 83%, despite not campaigning for president since she ended her bid March 6. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  When Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign, she refused to endorse Donald Trump as the last remaining major candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination  and apparently so did some of her supporters in Pennsylvania.

Haley won almost 17% of Pennsylvania's primary vote Tuesday, or 1 in 6 votes, to Trump's 83%, despite not campaigning for president since she ended her bid in early March.

Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes up for grabs in the presidential election make it a premier battleground state. So should those Haley GOP voters refuse to support Trump in November, it could prove a damaging blow to his prospects for victory in the state and, possibly, reelection.

Haley's base was never big enough to seriously challenge Trump before he clinched a third straight Republican presidential nomination, but her supporters have continued to vote for her in primaries in Pennsylvania and elsewhere even after she dropped out.

With nearly all ballots counted in Pennsylvania's primary, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor tallied more than 157,000 votes, or about twice the 80,500-vote margin by which Democrat Joe Biden beat Trump in Pennsylvania in 2020. Pennsylvania's election was even closer in 2016, when Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by 44,000 votes.

A larger proportion of votes for Haley tended to come from urban and suburban areas where Trump suffered massive losses in his two previous presidential campaigns.

More than a million votes have been counted for Haley in Republican primaries and caucuses since she dropped out, though some of those may have been cast early or by mail before she ended her campaign. During that period, Trump received about 5.8 million votes.

Over the same period, more than 600,000 ballots were counted for candidates other than Joe Biden in Democratic primaries and caucuses, while about 4.6 million were for Biden.

On the Democratic side in Pennsylvania, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota won 7% against Biden, or nearly 70,000 votes as of Wednesday.

Counties had reported about 60,000 for write-in candidates in the Democratic primary  an increase from state elections office figures of 28,372 in 2016 and 34,356 in 2020. A handful of counties had not yet reported write-in totals, and the breakdown of write-in votes for  uncommitted  was not immediately available.

Phillips and Haley qualified for Pennsylvania's primary ballot before they dropped out of the presidential race, and Biden and Trump are on track to win their parties' presidential nominations and face each other in November's general election. Phillips has endorsed Biden.

All told, about 1 million ballots have been counted apiece in Tuesday's GOP and Democratic presidential primaries in Pennsylvania, out of 3.5 million registered Republican voters and 3.9 million registered Democratic voters.

Pennsylvania holds closed primary elections, meaning that someone must have been registered as a Republican or a Democrat by April 8 to have voted in the primary for that party.

___

AP Director of Public Opinion Research Emily Swanson contributed to this report. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter.
The Nixon rulings at the centre of Trumps Supreme Court immunity case

Whether or not Donald Trump has immunity from criminal prosecution will be debated by the Supreme Court justices on Thursday, and both the former president and special counsel Jack Smith have cited court cases involving former president Richard Nixon to make their points.

But the two sides are using the Nixon cases to push opposing arguments.

Mr Trump is pointing to the 1982 Supreme Court case Nixon v Fitzgerald to argue that he should be immune from prosecution on federal election interference charges.

Meanwhile, Mr Smith is using the 1974 Supreme Court case United States v Nixon to argue that he should not be.

The facts and rulings in each case involvingthe late scandal-plagued president offer a glimpse into the case involving todays scandal-plagued former president now before the nations highest court.

Here is what you need to know about the cases  and how they are at the centre of Mr Trumps presidential immunity case:

Nixon v Fitzgerald

Mr Trumps team heavily relies on the Nixon v Fitzgerald case, where the Supreme Court ruled that presidents cannot be sued for actions they conducted while in office.

The case began in 1978 when Arthur Fitzgerald  a former contractor for the US Air Force  sued Nixon and other White House aides for damages after he lost his job after giving testimony to Congress.

Nixon appealed to a lower federal court, claiming he had immunity from civil liability. When the judges in the lower court disagreed, the former president took the case to an appeals court. That court also ruled against him.

Then, Nixon appealed the case to the Supreme Court.

President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office on 19 February 1970 (Getty Images)

Though the case was decided after Nixon left office, the court ruled in his favour, deciding that the Presidents absolute immunity extends to all acts within the outer perimeter of his duties of office.

In his brief to the Supreme Court, Mr Trumps attorneys have argued he was acting within his official outer perimeter when he made false allegations of election fraud and asked then-vice president Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

All five classes of conduct charged in the indictment fall within that broad scope, his lawyers argued.

As well as presidents being entitled to absolute immunity from civil lawsuits for actions conducted while in office, his legal team is arguing that this protection should also extend to criminal actions, in order to protect future presidents from de facto blackmail and extortion while in office at the hands of political opponents.

United States v Nixon

The special counsels office is citing the second, better-known Nixon case in its arguments to the court.

United States v Nixon is considered a landmark decision and one that ultimately led to Nixons resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal.

As part of an investigation into Watergate, the US government subpoenaed Nixon to turn over tape recordings and papers related to conversations he had with the men indicted for their part in the scandal.

Nixon asked a federal appeals court to intervene and stop the subpoena, which it declined to do.

When he then appealed all the way to the nations highest court, the Supreme Court justices issued a ruling that set a historic precedent for the scope of executive privilege.

Former president Donald Trump appears outside the courtroom during his hush money trial in New York on 23 April 2024 (Getty Images)

Neither the doctrine of separation of powers nor the generalized need for confidentiality of high-level communications, without more, can sustain an absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances, Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote in the opinion.

Nixon handed over the tapes and papers and resigned 16 days later.

But, beyond Nixon, the ruling meant that a president must comply with a criminal subpoena and that presidential privilege cannot excuse someone from the judicial process.

For Nixon, president Gerald Ford ultimately granted him a pardon  something Mr Smith points to in his brief to the court as an example of the ruling applying to Mr Trumps situation.

Citing the case heavily, Mr Smith said that recognition of petitioners immunity claim would prevent Congress from applying the criminal laws equally to all personsincluding the President. His immunity claim thus contradicts bedrock principles by placing the President above the law.
Are Americans at risk of losing access to dozens of their favorite snack foods? Thats what one viral image being shared across Facebook claims. Everyday food snacks facing ban, says the images title, alongside pictures of Lucky Charms, Flamin Hot Cheetos, Oreos, and Gatorade. UNITED STATES YOUR FAVS ARE COMING TO AN END !! exclaims the caption of one post featuring the image with more than 48,000 shares. The images virality follows a spike in media coverage of the issue, including an April 20 Fox and Friends Weekend segment about potential food-additive bans and articles from outlets including the New York Post, News Nation, and Daily Mail. While the viral image features a Fox News logo, The Dispatch Fact Check could not confirm its authenticity or whether it was actually used in recent programming; it was not featured on Fox and Friends Weekend.

The image includes actual snack foods that would face restrictions under proposed or passed legislation in a handful of states, but it refers to food additives that are mostly not facing regulation and is otherwise missing context. The only ban to be signed into law is limited to California and wont go into effect until 2027.

Whats with the food-additive bans?

Recent legislative action in a number of U.S. states has increased attention on potential food additive bans. In October 2023, California Gov. Gavin Newson signed legislation that will ban certain substances from foods in the state beginning in 2027. The billThe California Food Safety Actrestricts the manufacture, delivery, and distribution of food products containing four substances: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye No. 3. A similar bill was introduced in the New York state legislature in June 2023 that would ban the same four substances as well as titanium dioxide. Legislators in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Illinois have all proposed similar restrictions.

While these substance bans currently exist only at the state level, there have been some efforts to review and ban certain additives nationally. On March 8, 2024, Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced the Agricultural Food Chemical Reassessment Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to reassess seven chemicals used in some food products: butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium aluminum phosphate, sodium nitrite, sulfuric acid, and titanium dioxide. In 2023, Schakowsky also introduced legislation that would create an Office of Food Safety Assessment in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Neither bill has yet progressed out of committee.

Some of the chemicals subject to new or proposed state restrictions are also already being considered for nationwide restrictions by the FDA. In November 2023, the FDA proposed a revocation of the approved use of brominated vegetable oil because of new evidence for adverse health effects, and the agency is actively reviewing a November 2022 petition for the restriction of red dye No. 3.

What about my Oreos?

Despite food additive restrictions gaining momentum in some state legislatures, the specific dyes identified in the viral Facebook postyellow No. 5, yellow No. 6, and blue No. 1are targeted only in a March 2024 Pennsylvania bill and a February 2024 bill introduced in California that would restrict their use in the states school meals. None are included in Californias upcoming 2027 ban. Lucky Charms cereal contains yellow No. 5, yellow No. 6, and blue No. 1, Flamin Hot Cheetos contains yellow No. 5 and yellow No. 6, and Gatorade uses a variety of dye additives depending on flavor. Classic Oreos, however, do not actually contain any of the other additives being considered for restrictions, including blue No. 1 as identified in the post. Some alternative Oreo flavors, however, such as Mint and an upcoming Sour Patch Kids variety, do contain dye additives including blue No. 1 and yellow No. 5.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing for another round up of horses and burros thats provoking advocates to question if itll be as deadly as round ups in the past.

Its planned 20 miles west of the central valley in an area BLM refers to as the Red Rock Herd Management Area. Hundreds of horses and burros call these 161,969 acres along SR159 and SR160 home, for now.

BLM said on or around April 24 it will begin a gather operation using temporary bait and water traps to capture 114 wild horses and 191 burros, which are amounts roughly quadruple what the agency says are appropriate manageable levels for the area. The last round up in the area was in 2019.

A press release stated the gather is to prevent undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands and restore a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship on public lands. Wildlife advocates cast doubt on that reasoning.

Laura Leigh is president of Wild Horse Education, a nonprofit that successfully took BLM to court about improper management and planning of these gather operations. She points to reporting by 8 News Now of the injuries and deaths stemming from these round ups, from a baby horse breaking its legs while escaping captivity before euthanasian to BLM contractors tying up and dragging an adult horse from an ATV.

When they catch horses in a pen and are loading them in and taking them to a facility, you cant watch it. They dont allow observers and when you have a situation like that with no oversight, its always troublesome, Leigh said during a phone interview Tuesday afternoon. These horses are going to get injured and killed, and most of the injuries and deaths are preventable.

Leigh said the BLM is reducing the wild horse and burro populations in the area too much, to the point that the species may potentially not survive here in coming years. During the current mating season, shes also fearful of the baby horses survivability.

Youre going to have inbreeding, and then real risks of disease, Leigh said. [Baby horses will] be separated from their families. Theyll never be a family band again. The babies, particularly coming in, will really be at risk.

Those captured are expected to be delivered to Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Corrals in California, what Leigh describes as a black hole where tracking specific horses becomes challenging, if not impossible.

The BLM emphasized its dedication to safety during these operations and says no helicopters will be used come Wednesday. The press release claimed that the public would not be permitted to witness the operation due to the kind of traps being used and the reluctance of horses and burros to approach areas where there is too much activity.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
FILE PHOTO: The truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas

SEOUL (Reuters) - A North Korean delegation led by the cabinet minister for international trade is visiting Iran, the North's official media said on Wednesday in a rare public report of an exchange between the two countries believed to have secret military ties.

The minister for external economic relations, Yun Jong Ho, left Pyongyang on Tuesday by air leading a ministry delegation to visit Iran, the North's KCNA news agency said. It gave no other detail.

North Korea and Iran have long been suspected of cooperating on ballistic missile programmes, possibly exchanging technical expertise and components that went into their manufacture.

Iran has provided a large number of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, Reuters reported in February.

North Korea is also suspected of supplying Russia with missiles and artillery, although both countries have denied the allegation.

Yun has previously worked on the country's ties with Syria, according to South Korean government database.

Yun has been active in the country's increasing exchanges with Russia, earlier this month leading a delegation to visit Moscow, according to KCNA.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Stephen Coates)
A North Korean economic delegation was on its way to Iran on April 24, according to state-run media from Pyongyang, in what would be the first official talks between the two countries in almost five years.

Western officials have voiced growing concern about the strengthening alliance between Iran, North Korea, and, to a lesser extent, China, which have become the principal military suppliers of Russia's full-scale against Ukraine.

Iran and North Korea have long been pariah countries on the global stage. Russia has increasingly joined them since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as it has continued to deepen its respective ties with the countries.

North Korea's delegation is led by Yun Jung Ho, North Korea's minister of external economic relations, state media said.

Western officials have said that Iran and North Korea have been supplying Russia with military hardware, but it is less clear what, beyond money, the two countries are receiving in return.

The Financial Times (FT), citing satellite footage, wrote in March that Russia is likely providing oil to North Korea in exchange for weapons, in a violation of U.N. sanctions.

There is also concern that Russia may be helping North Korea with its ballistic missile program.

Chief among Western fears is that Russia could be assisting both Iran and North Korea with nuclear technology.

"We are concerned aboutthe Iranians providing weapons to the Russians and the Russians also supporting efforts to help (North Korea) expand their own research into developing weapons. And certainly, that would be the case with Iran as well," said U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield earlier in April.

Read also: Russia, China and North Korea have new dynamics. And its bad for Ukraine

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(Bloomberg) -- North Korea sent its highest-level delegation to Iran in about five years as the US raised concerns that arms sales from Pyongyang and Tehran have helped fuel conflicts in the Middle East and Russias war in Ukraine.

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In a rare public report of the trip, the official Korean Central News Agency said in a one-sentence dispatch the North Korean delegation led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho left Pyongyang for Tehran on Tuesday. Yun had traveled to Russia earlier in April and has featured prominently in state media as a key player in trade between Pyongyang and Moscow.

While North Korea is unlikely to disclose further details about the trip, it highlights the military cooperation between the two countries and their defiance of the US over the years. North Korea last sent a top member of its parliament to Iran in 2019.

The Ukraine war has paved the way for cooperation between North Korea and Iran, said Ban Kil Joo, a research professor at Korea University. North Korea is sending an economic delegation now but it will be the beginning of a wider military cooperation to follow between the two.

The US has long accused Iran and North Korea of military cooperation in the missile and nuclear fields that ran from the 1980s and into the first decade of the 2000s. It had tapered off in recent years due to sanctions as well as the development of domestic weapons production in both countries.

Washington has charged the two with sanctions violations in sending arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine, During a visit to South Korea this month, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in return for the arms, Moscow is offering support that aids the weapons programs of both North Korea and Iran.

The State Departments senior official for North Korea, Jung Pak, said in an interview this week that there is now a real risk the high-profile nature of North Koreas relationship with Russia could make its armaments more appealing to other groups around the world.

Read more: Russias North Korea Embrace Could Embolden Kim Jong Un, US Says

South Koreas spy agency issued a rare warning last week about cooperation between Iran and North Korea, saying there is a possibility Pyongyang could have helped Iran in its attack on Israel. South Korea previously said North Korean weapons have been used by Hamas, a US-designated terrorist group, against Israel as the war in Gaza drags on.

While there have not been any specific allegations of recent arms transfers between North Korea and Iran, there are items that each could want from the other. Energy-strained North Korea could benefit from Irans oil and might be looking to acquire drones like those Tehran has sent to Russia, arms experts Lami Kim said, adding Irans nuclear program could receive a boost from North Korean technology.

Further military cooperation between the two countries is very likely, said Kim, a professor of security studies at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

For its part  and despite a recent leak of hacked documents that indicates otherwise  Iran has repeatedly denied selling Russia drones for use in Ukraine but said it sent a small number before the February 2022 invasion.

Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the arms transfers accusations despite a multitude of satellite photos released by research groups and the US government showing the flow of weapons from North Korea to Russia and then to munitions dumps near the border with Ukraine.

It appears to be part of broader efforts to build a coalition against the US, said Koo Gi Yeon, a research professor at Seoul National Universitys Asia Center, referring to the trip by the North Korean delegation.

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Residents hold US and North Korean flags while they wait for motorcade of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un en route to the Metropole Hotel for the second US- North Korea summit in Hanoi

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea will take more action to maintain its military power despite U.S. sanctions pressure that has only made the country stronger, a North Korean foreign ministry official said on Thursday.

"U.S. heinous sanctions served as a catalyst and driving force that unleashed a gradual increase in our national strength," state KCNA news agency cited a North Korean senior foreign ministry official as saying, referring to its nuclear tests prompted by international sanctions led by Washington.

The country "will protect its sovereign rights and security interests from increasing hostile threats and sanctions pressure from the United States, and take stronger real actions to make its already established military and technological strength irreversible," the official added.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said on Wednesday that the country would press on with its "overwhelming" military buildup in response to frequent U.S. military drills with South Korea.

The U.S. and South Korean militaries have conducted a range of drills with greater scale and intensity in recent months under a pledge by the two countries' leaders to upgrade military readiness against North Korea's military threats.

North Korea says U.S. military exercises are preparations for a nuclear war against it.

"We are used to U.S. sanctions, and we have the ability and great power to stand up to any harsh sanctions," the foreign ministry official said, according to KCNA.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Sonali Paul)
BARCELONA, Spain, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A potential ban in the United States of the TikTok social media app owned by Chinese tech firm ByteDance is "a case of digital protectionism" that will not benefit users, a social media expert has said.

"This is a case of so-called digital protectionism and is a geopolitical issue in which international relations and digital networks are heavily involved but which has nothing to do with the users themselves," Carme Ferre-Pavia, a professor of communication studies at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"TikTok is a tool that many people use to make money, and not only those with a business or a shop but also influencers, and this monetization side to the issue means many people are affected as stakeholders," said Ferre-Pavia.

With over 150 million U.S.-based TikTok users, opposition has been growing among Americans to lawmakers' efforts to force ByteDance to sell the short video app or face a ban.

More than 29,000 people have so far signed a MoveOn petition, urging the U.S. Congress and the Biden administration not to ban TikTok, which generated over 14.7 billion dollars in revenue last year.

The House of Representatives passed the bill requiring ByteDance to sell the social media platform in March. The Senate passed the bill late Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

"There will be groups and lawyers that will challenge the bill's constitutionality, but if it continues, there will likely be some level of divestment in the long run," said the professor.

While the authorities need "tools to monitor networks," the professor argued that a more important issue regarding social media companies is holding them accountable rather than using them for geopolitical advantage.

"Much of the responsibility falls on the companies, which are making big profits. Of course, that includes TikTok, but Meta and the other social networks should also be held responsible," she said.

The professor said more work must be done to ensure that all social media companies stem the spread of disinformation and fake news and ensure children's safety, which calls for "responsible" legislation rather than trying to ban TikTok. 
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of killing his two-year-old niece told police he held his hand over her face for approximately 30 seconds because she wouldnt stop crying, according to documents obtained by 8 News Now.

Leooolo Tevaseu, 21, faces charges of open murder and child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm.

Leooolo Tevaseu, 21, faces charges of open murder and child abuse after police said he suffocated his two-year-old niece. (NLVPD)

Shortly before 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, medical personnel with North Las Vegas Fire Department were called to the 3400 block of Mercury Street near the I-15 and east Cheyenne Avenue after reports of a toddler not breathing.

Officers with the North Las Vegas Police Department also responded to the scene. When medical and police arrived, they found a two-year-old girl who did not have a pulse and was not breathing laying on a dining table.

Medical personnel took the child to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Clark County Coroners Office later identified the child as Fofogafeta Maluia Fields.

Tevaseu, who was in the apartment, told police he was babysitting his sisters children while she was at the DMV, according to the arrest report. Her other two children were in the home when police arrived.

He said that while he was babysitting, Fields all of a sudden collapsed and when he couldnt get her to respond to him, Tevaseu called her mother who told him to put the child on the table and start CPR, the report stated.

Tevaseu told police he didnt see Fields put anything in her mouth and he was unaware if she had any medical history.

The coroner arrived at the hospital to examine the child and observed injuries consistent with pressure being applied to the face by a hand or something that restricts breathing, the report stated.

Fields mother told police that the toddler did not have any medical problems and was overall a healthy kid. She explained that Tevaseu was her younger brother and was her primary source of child care while she works nights.

She said she left the home at around 6 a.m. to go to the DMV and told Tevaseu she was leaving. After stopping at the DMV, she was on her way to the store when Tevaseu called her and told her Fields had fallen, the report stated.

She also told police that Tevaseu sometimes gets frustrated with the girls, but did not explain how he did.

While police spoke to Tevaseu, he told them several different versions of what happened. First he said Fields was sick, but not that sick, and swaying, which caused her to fall, according to the report.

Police told him there were several injuries on Fields that were not consistent with her falling over.

Tevaseu then told several versions of the story where he slapped Fields in the leg, then in the face before hitting her with a pillow and she fell down unresponsive, the report stated.

Finally, Tevaseu said that he was carrying Fields and she wouldnt stop crying, so he slapped her in the face before hitting her with a pillow. He said he then picked her up and held her like a baby while using his hand to cover her mouth for about 30 seconds, according to the report.

Tevaseu said Fields was huffing and puffing so he put her on the ground and she was not breathing. He tried giving her water and began CPR. After five to ten minutes, he called Fields mother.

Police arrested Tevaseu on charges of open murder and child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm. He is being held without bail in the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 4.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is looking to update its nearly 30-year-old building. A $3 million grant from Congress will make it happen.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who represents parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward, presented MOCA board members with the sizeable check Wednesday morning during a small ceremony at the museum. The $3 million Housing and Urban Development grant is part of the $35 million package Wilson secured for several South Florida organizations and cities last fiscal year.

Through this new HUD grant, we have the opportunity to continue our journey by enhancing MOCA facilities to help meet the needs of our expanding audiences and prepare for the continued growth of our institution and its many offerings, said Chana Budgazad Sheldon, the museum executive director, during the event.

The $3 million check mirrors a similar gift from 1995 that helped the museum grow from a modest single gallery to a 23,000-square-foot facility. A $2.5 million HUD grant secured by the late Congressman William Lehman funded MOCAs construction in 1996.

For those who transcend in the wind, a pinwheel exhibit by Miami-based artist Yanira Collado, on display in the courtyard of the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami. The artist uses the blue-green color that the Gullah people used to paint their porches to ward off spirits. The blue pinwheel also serves as a symbol for child abuse awareness.

Though $3 million certainly isnt enough to build a new museum these days, MOCA Board Chair Dr. Rudy Moise said the money is greatly appreciated and needed to renovate the building. The museum plans to use the money to update its bathrooms and lighting as well has enhance the space it currently has to better serve the community, he said.

Moise, who was recently appointed as the museums first Haitian-American board chair, thanked Wilson for her support.

This is huge. As you can see, its not easy to get money from Congress, but shes a fighter, Moise said. She went on and fought for us, and here we go! We got $3 million.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, center, presents a $3 Million check to Board Chairman Dr. Rudolph Moise, left, during a press conference on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami. The museum intends on using the money to create more gallery space inside the building and renovate some of the existing spaces.

Wilsons signature cowboy hat served her well as she stepped on the sunny stage to present the check. She recalled the story behind why she prioritized securing funding for the museum.

MOCA Chair Emeritus William Lehman, the son of Congressman Lehman, asked Wilson to help the museum in its efforts to expand and she asked how much the museum would need. When he responded with $3 million, she pursed her lips. Hmmmmmmm, she said.

When it came time to appropriate congressional funds to local groups, Wilson said, she put MOCA at the top of her list.

Make sure that you continue the outreach, the wonderful art exhibits and sharing it with the community. The community has changed, she said. The community has changed greatly, but the mission of MOCA should never change.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson presented a $3 million check to the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami.

When asked why its so important to financially support the arts, Wilson expressed gratitude for the museums efforts to serve and represent the diverse North Miami community.

The arts is the one thing that pulls the community together, she said. We can have many differences on many issues and platforms, but all of us are united in music, dance, art and crafts. Its a uniting force for Miami-Dade County.

This story was produced with financial support from individuals and Berkowitz Contemporary Arts in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Numerous top law enforcement figures in Northeast Tennessee stand behind a proposed legislation that would up the penalty for anyone convicted of assaulting an officer.

House Bill 1881, known as the Back the Blue Act, was passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives on Monday.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Kip Capley, would increase the penalty for assaulting a law enforcement officer from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The wording of the bill separately identifies law enforcement from other first responders such as firefighters and EMS personnel.

Legislature OKs permitting armed teachers in Tennessee schools

The current misdemeanor penalty is punishable by a minimum 30-day sentence and a $5,000 fine. If made a felony, the punishment would change to a minimum 60-day sentence and a $10,000 fine.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 86-13. The Senate version passed through committee and is set to be considered by the full Senate Wednesday.

In Northeast Tennessee, multiple police chiefs and sheriffs told News Channel 11 they support the increased penalty.

Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy said he was in Nashville Monday when the House voted to pass the bill.

This passage makes a statement that if you knowingly cause physical injury or cause offensive contact on a law enforcement officer, you will be punished accordingly, Cassidy said in a statement.

Cassidy said in 2023, there were 1,603 assaults on law enforcement officers, and he sees the measure as a proactive step to protect his deputies.

Both Washington and Carter counties sheriffs also supported the passage of the bill. Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton told News Channel 11 in his own statement that he is in favor of legislation such as this that supports law enforcement.

Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley said he was glad to live in a state that prioritizes law enforcement safety.

I support this legislation which I believe will improve safety for our officers. I am thankful we live in a state where our lawmakers care about our law enforcement family. Law enforcement officers do a dangerous and often thankless job. All too often, the safety of our officers is put in jeopardy when someone decides they want to harm an officer. With the charge being upgraded from a misdemeanor offense to a felony, some of these individuals may think twice before they decide to assault an officer and those who do will now face a stiffer punishment. Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley

In addition to sheriffs, local police chiefs have also voiced their approval of the bill. Bristol Tennessee Police Chief Matt Austin said in a statement that while he and his officers understand the risks of their profession, he backs anything that could keep them safer.

In recent years, weve seen an annual average of more than 2,000 simple or aggravated assaults on law enforcement officers across the state of Tennessee. Though we each go into this line of duty understanding the inherent dangers, we are extremely appreciative and supportive of any measures that would deter violence against the men and women in law enforcement who put their own well-being at risk each day in service to their communities. Bristol Tennessee Police Chief Matt Austin

Greeneville Police Chief Steve Spano said he also supports any legislation that aims to increase the safety of the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect our citizens.

The bill includes members of Capitol Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers, deputy jailers and park rangers employed by the state.

If passed by the Senate, the bill will require Tennessee Governor Bill Lees signature to become law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Pro-Palestinian protesters set up a tent encampment during a demonstration in front of Sproul Hall at UC Berkeley on Monday. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Pro-Palestinian protests swept across California colleges and universities Tuesday as tensions grew nationwide amid an expanding student-led movement that has pitted administrators and police against young activists and intensified the debate over the line between campus free speech and antisemitism.

At UC Berkeley, students have set up dozens of tents in front of Sproul Plaza  the historic hub of the campus free speech movement. They vowed to face arrest as they demanded the university divest from investments in weapons manufacturers tied to Israels war in Gaza.

At Cal Poly Humboldt, administrators shut down the Arcata campus through Wednesday and moved classes online after dozens of students barricaded themselves with chairs in an administration building and police made overnight arrests.

Read more: USC valedictorians grad speech is canceled: The university has betrayed me

And at USC, students said they planned to erect tents Wednesday at the center of campus. The school has been embroiled in controversy after canceling a pro-Palestinian valedictorian's commencement speech amid accusations that she promoted antisemitism on social media.

"We are in solidarity with students speaking up everywhere," said Malak Afaneh, a UC Berkeley law student who is part of the "Free Palestine Camp."

"We put up tents because that is how Palestinians are living now. We will not move until Berkeley divests," said Afaneh, who is Palestinian American.

Tensions have grown at colleges since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people; in addition, about 240 hostages were taken before Israel began its retaliatory war in the Gaza Strip. Gaza health authorities say the war has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians. According to the United Nations, 2 million Gazans are in near-famine conditions.

The unrest, which has spread to more than a dozen American campuses from Massachusetts to California, was kindled last week after Columbia University President Nemat Shafik called in police to arrest at least 100 students who refused to leave a sprawling encampment there. Shafik made the move after fielding accusations about campus antisemitism at a Republican-led congressional committee hearing on April 17 in Washington, D.C.

Instead of cooling tensions, the decision further inflamed the campus. Jewish students, pointing to posters and statements made on and near campus that supported the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, said the university has become unsafe. Those statements were widely documented via photos and videos. But firsthand accounts from news outlets of the Columbia demonstration said it has been largely peaceful.

Now, tent camps in support of the "boycott, divestment and sanctions" movement against Israel have popped up at New York, Vanderbilt and Yale universities. Police have made arrests at NYU and cleared a camp at Yale, arresting 60 protesters. Columbia has canceled in-person classes, and, at Harvard University, the typically open gates to Harvard Yard were scheduled to be closed to the public through at least Friday.

High schools, including several in the Seattle region, also took part by staging walkouts Tuesday. Stanford University joined in Tuesday as local media reported hundreds of students gathering at Memorial Church in the center of campus for a "solidarity march" with Palestinians and American university activists. The event was organized by Stanford Against Apartheid in Palestine, a group that previously staged a 120-day pro-Palestinian tent sit-in on campus that ended in February when university officials removed the structure and banned overnight camping.

The national Students for Justice in Palestine organization has called for more encampments and rallies, posting on its Instagram account, "Disclose. Divest. We will not stop. We will not rest."

Read more: 'Let her speak!' USC campus reels after valedictorian's speech is canceled

Students are asking for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and for universities to sign on to the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement. They want universities to pull endowment investments from corporations that manufacture weapons used in Gaza and other military equipment, such as checkpoint technology in the West Bank. National Jewish organizations have called the BDS movement antisemitic because they say it aims to isolate and delegitimize the only Jewish nation.

Some of the most strident activism has been at UC Berkeley, where tents multiplied overnight Monday from an initial dozen.

About 50 tents remained on the lawn and steps outside Sproul Hall on Tuesday. Palestinian flags decorated the tent neighborhood. A banner hung over the entrance to the building declaring, "An injury to Gaza is an injury to all."

Dozens of students and community members were milling about the tents and sitting on the steps outside the building. Many wore kaffiyehs, traditional scarves that have come to symbolize support for Palestinians.

The Muslim Student Assn. had set up a table to pass out fliers and brochures, while a large white board displaying the demands of a coalition of dozens of student groups behind the protest stood prominently next to the tents. In addition to divestment, the demands included support for an academic boycott that would sever ties and collaboration with Israeli universities. The coalition also called for policies that "protect the safety and academic freedoms of Palestinian students and their allies," including the creation of a Palestinian studies program.

People are choosing this and are choosing to do this because they know that they cannot be complicit in this genocide. They know that they have to use their voices, they have to put their bodies on the line, said Banan Abdelrahman, a graduate student and member of the UC Berkeley Divest coalition.

The effort includes more than 70 groups, the majority of them Berkeley student organizations, which have roughly 7,000 members including students, faculty and staff. There are about 45,000 graduate and undergraduate students at Berkeley.

"If Palestinian bodies are being annihilated in Gaza and in Palestine, then the least we can do is come here and puncture the silence, Abdelrahman said.

Student protesters said about 200 people attended events at the site on Monday, including a rally, teach-in and a Passover seder hosted by Jewish students. They said they had not been contacted by UC Berkeley officials or police to remove the tents.

Read more: 'I can't focus on anything but rage.' Pro-Palestinian protests roil elite Pomona College

In a statement, UC Berkeley Assistant Vice Chancellor Dan Mogulof said the university would not let the demonstration "disrupt."

"With three weeks left in the semester, Berkeley is prioritizing students academic interests. We will take the steps necessary to ensure the protest does not disrupt the universitys operations. There are no plans to change the university's investment policies and practices," Mogulof said.

Protests are also expected at the Claremont Colleges  where a recent pro-Palestinian sit-in led to 19 arrests at Pomona College  and Occidental College.

Matthew Vickers, a third-year student in diplomacy and world affairs at Occidental, said the recent wave of arrests, suspensions and other actions against student protesters has reinvigorated the student pro-Palestinian movement.

"Its been a real galvanizing moment, said Vickers, spokesman for Occidentals Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. Vickers called recent events a "turning point" in the student movement.

Other California campus student groups said they are still discussing more protests. Some, such as UC San Diegos Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, are building solidarity in other ways. On Monday, it held a "Threads of Resistance event to teach the art of Palestinian cross-stitching.

Wiley reported from Berkeley and Watanabe and Kaleem from Los Angeles. Staff writers Angie Orellana Hernandez, Melissa Gomez and Jenny Jarvie contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Were not telling people how to vote. We just want to educate people around what happened

Genesis Robinson, Equal Ground's interim executive director, spoke on April 20, 2024 in St. Petersburg (photo credit: Mitch Perry)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

On a Saturday morning in April, dozens of participants gathered around small round tables on the second floor of the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Annex in South St. Petersburg to see and hear what was billed as an important presentation.

Common Cause Florida was there to watch, the ACLU of Florida was there, the St. Petersburg Chapter of the League of Women Voters was there and Antonio Gilliam, the assistant police chief in St. Petersburg, was there. Overall, the focus was on Equal Ground, a statewide nonpartisan organization working to increase civic engagement among the Black electorate in Florida as the November election looms in 2024.

It was the first date of the groups statewide voter education tour, in conjunction with the St. Petersburg chapter of the NAACP. The other events will take place in the coming weeks and across the state.

We are in an age of conservatism, said Trenia Cox of the St. Pete NAACP. We are at a point where there is an anti-woke agenda and never have we needed the advocacy and the engagement so that victories that have been won remain in place, and we can create some new ones.

Blacks represent nearly 13% of Florida voting electorate, according to the latest records from the Florida Division of Elections, with 1,721,238 voters. Of those voters, 74% are Democrats, 23% are Republicans, and the remaining 3% are either non-party-affiliated or registered with third parties.

People march in Jacksonville to support Amendment 4 in 2018. (Florida Rights Restoration Coalition photo.)

Equal Ground was formed in 2019 in response to the GOP-controlled Florida Legislatures law implementing the constitutional amendment passed in 2018. It was designed to restore the voting rights of most Floridians who had completed their criminal sentences. But in June of 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that prohibited those returning citizens from voting unless they paid off certain legal financial obligations imposed by a court pursuant to a felony conviction.

So it was around that time that we said we need a centralized organization committed to the issues that matter to Black people, Genesis Robinson, the interim executive director of the organization, told the audience. We do voter education and preparedness, leadership training, strategic planning and then sometimes, when necessary, we engage in litigation to challenge some of these laws.

The group offers specific methods for individuals to get involved politically, such as retaining a lobbyist or partnering with an organization to expand awareness and knowledge of legislation that will impact their community, and using traditional and new media, such as penning an op-ed with their local newspaper or requesting a meeting with the local editorial board to discuss an issue.

Sounding the alarm

Equal Grounds focus on raising awareness to voters is a top issue. Those people who have been voting by mail in recent elections must request a new ballot from their local supervisor of election heading into this years primary and general elections.

Were sounding the alarm for everybody that, Hey, if thats a preferred method that you want to vote by mail, you need to know that you need to re-request your ballot, Robinson told the Phoenix.

Robinson added that though the number of voters who have signed back up to get a vote-by-mail ballot continues to increase, were nowhere where we should be in my opinion, because were six months away from the election, he says. I think that we should at least have 80% to 90% of what that number was, and were nowhere near that.

With voting rights a major concern, its not a surprise that Equal Ground feels the most important proposal of the just-concluded legislative session was a comprehensive voting rights measure sponsored by Orange County-area Democrats Geraldine Thompson in the Senate and LaVon Bracy Davis in the House (SB 1522/HB 1035).

The proposal aimed to repeal key portions of major election bills passed in the previous years by the Legislature and called same-day voter registration; would make vote-by-mail ballot requests permanent; called for a centralized database to be created by the state to allow voters with felony convictions to check if they owed fines or fees; and would have made Election Day a holiday, among its many provisions.

Those bills never received a committee hearing.

Contentious legislation

Robinsons legislative debrief of what took place this winter in Tallahassee was the central feature of Saturdays event.

For example, a bill, SB 184, now signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, makes the measure a second-degree misdemeanor for anyone who, after receiving a warning to approach or remain within 25 feet of a first responder such as a law enforcement officer when they are engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty.

A car drives through George Floyd Square Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer. Courtesy of the Minnesota Reformer.

To throw someone in jail for up to potentially 60 days for coming too close to a first responder is a step too far for us, said Robinson, referring to the cellphone video recordings of the death of Eric Garner in New York City and George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Thank goodness there was someone within 25 feet who could record, and who could accurately portray what it is that took place in those encounters, he said. What is it that you are trying to hide? Robinson asked.

Another contentious bill (HB 601) passed this session and signed by DeSantis reforms the 23 civilian police review boards that currently exist  but does not eliminate them.

The law ensures that a chief of police or county sheriff will head such review boards of between three to seven members, all of whom are selected by the police chief or sheriff.

That led Antonio Gillum from the St. Petersburg Police Department to vow that his city wont do much to change what they currently do. St. Petes civilian review board was created in 1996.

Im pleased to announce that Chief Anthony Holloway has told us, hes told you and soon hell announce, we in St. Pete will continue to do the work weve been doing for 28 years. Well continue to have a civilian review committee in St Petersburg, he said to cheers.

Robinson, of Equal Ground, says he rejects the notion that simply telling what a particular party may have done is partisan engagement.

Just to say that Republicans passed this bill. Republicans did not pass this bill. Republicans ignored some of the issues that improve peoples quality of life. Thats not partisan in my opinion, he says. Partisan should be that you should vote a different way because of that. Were not telling people how to vote. We just want to educate people around what happened, whos responsible for it happening and then allowing them to connect the dots to making the best decision thats best for them.

Heres a list of upcoming Equal Ground events: Orange County (Sanford)  Monday, April 29, 2024; Hillsborough County (Tampa)  Thursday, May 9, 2024; Lee County  (Fort Myers)  Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Several other events will be TBA.)

The post Were not telling people how to vote. We just want to educate people around what happened appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Nearly all nursing homes in America will have to hire more nurses and aides under a new rule released this week that mandates a minimum level of staffing, although the gap is significantly wider in many Southern states.

Just 160 skilled nursing facilities out of roughly 14,500 that receive federal payments for care met the new requirements every day last summer, according to the most recent daily time card data available to the public and analyzed by USA TODAY. Most nursing homes met core components of the new rule on only three days out of 92 in the quarter.

About half the time, facilities had enough people to provide each resident at least 0.55 hours of care from a registered nurse (RN) each day, as the new rules require. About one day each week, the facilities could provide each resident 2.45 hours of care from a certified nursing assistant (CNA, or aide), which they must do every day under the new rules. In addition, nursing homes have to provide a total of at least 3.45 hours per resident of daily nurse-and-aide staffing as well as have a registered nurse on site 24/7.

Map: Do nursing homes near you meet the new standards?

The map below shows federally funded skilled nursing facilities and how short, on average, they were from meeting the requirement for at least 3.45 hours of daily nurse-and-aide care, based on a USA TODAY analysis of the summer 2023 quarter. Blue dots indicate facilities that met the standard more often than not. Dont see a nursing home map? Click here.

The USA TODAY analysis found that many facilities comply with some components of the rule at least part of the time, but it is rare for them to consistently meet all the minimums.

It was more common for nursing homes to have enough registered nurses, with most meeting the minimum about half the time. It was less common for facilities to have enough aides on duty, with most only having enough CNAs about one-third of the time.

The rules will be phased in over three years. The regulation also allows an exemption to the rules for facilities that can prove they are located in an area with a shortage of health-care workers and have made a good faith effort to hire more nurses and aides.

Why is it important to have enough nurses and aides staffing a nursing home?

For decades, academic research has shown that staffing levels reliably predict the quality of care in nursing homes and that shortages increase the risk of delayed response to daily needs, like toileting and eating, as well as medical emergencies, such as falls and strokes. A pivotal federal study from 20 years ago, when most nursing home residents were younger and healthier than today, suggested a minimum of 4.1 hours per resident each day  more than the new rule.

Most nursing homes in the United States would need to add staff to meet new federal staffing requirements issued this week.

These are the first nationwide minimum staffing rules with numeric benchmarks, which supporters have said will make it easier to track and enforce.

Regulations have long required  and still do  that skilled nursing facilities have enough nurses and aides with the correct training to meet the needs of every residents care plan. Some people require more care from a registered nurse for complex medical conditions. Others need more assistance from an aide with daily tasks like getting out of bed or eating. A previous USA TODAY investigation found, however, that the rule was rarely enforced.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union representing many health care professions, had advocated for the new staffing minimums as crucial to reducing burnout and turnover among nurses and aides in addition to the benefits for the residents they serve. The new rule could result in nursing homes hiring more than 200,000 additional care workers  if they can find them.

Which states have the biggest gap in nursing home staffing compared to the new rules?

It is more common in several Southern states for skilled nursing facilities to operate with fewer nurses and aides than the new rule would require.

In Louisiana, nursing homes had, on average, the total minimum staffing on just 3 out of 92 days in the summer quarter last year. The next lowest were Texas (4 days), Oklahoma (8), Tennessee (8) and Georgia (9).

Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas had the biggest gap to fill on registered nurse staffing, meeting the new requirement on 6 days, 14 days and 16 days out of 92. In addition to Puerto Rico, Guam and Washington, D.C., three states, on average, had facilities meeting the new standard at least 75 days in the quarter: Alaska (90), Hawaii (88), Utah (79), Maine (76) and Delaware (75).

Many Southern states also fared poorly when comparing current staffing of aides to the new requirements. Out of 92 days, facilities met the CNA requirement on 11 days in Texas, 15 days in Tennessee and 16 days in Virginia. On the flip side, facilities, on average, met the requirement on 89 days in Alaska, 81 days in Oregon and 72 days in North Dakota.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which nursing homes have enough nurses to meet new staffing minimum?
Canva image

The Biden administration finalized a rule Monday to create a federal minimum staffing level for nursing homes, the biggest change to nursing home regulations since they were first established in the 1970s.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced the new rule at an event in the battleground state of Wisconsin. The event was held with Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union representing many long-term care workers both in and out of nursing homes.

This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a member of The 19th News Network.

At the same event, Harris announced the finalization of a rule mandating that at least 80 percent of Medicaid payments for home care go to salaries for workers, in an attempt to boost their pay. The Biden administration first announced their intention to make the move last year, as part of a package of executive orders on caregiving.

This is about dignity. This is about the dignity we, as a society, owe to those who care for the least of these. This is Gods work: To care for people youve never met before, youre not related to. And you care for them as if theyre a member of your family. Everyone would want that for themselves or for a member of their family. Lets recognize the gift these talented professionals give, Harris said, addressing the care workers in the audience.

The final rule requires nursing homes to provide 3.48 staffing hours per resident per day and have a registered nurse on site at all times. Prior to the rule, there were no minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes at the federal level. The rule is largely similar to the earlier version proposed in September, but it will have more exceptions and a longer phase-in for rural nursing homes, which face more pronounced staffing challenges.

There are relatively few rural nursing homes and those that are still in operation really struggle to find staff, said David Grabowski, a professor of health policy at Harvard Medical School. There are a lot of other places for individuals in those markets to work and you have a smaller supply of workers to draw from, he told The 19th.

Grabowski praised the new rule. He also cautioned that this change, while promising, should be treated as a first step toward improving nursing home conditions.

I think this is the most important nursing home reform in decades. Staff are the most important input into nursing home quality, and we need more staff in nursing homes. There are a lot of nursing homes that are grossly understaffed. This is an opportunity to raise the floor, he said. I think in some nursing homes around the country, its going to take a lot more than 3.48 hours per person, per resident, per day to improve quality. I think this is a great start, but Im not certain that its all the way there.

President Joe Biden first announced he would take on nursing home reform during his 2022 State of the Union address. The announcement received positive support from nursing home workers and the unions representing them and opposition from groups like the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge, which represent nursing home operators.

During a rally this month with care workers and their allies in Washington, D.C., Biden renewed his promise.

In the coming weeks, we plan to release new rules to strengthen staffing standards in nursing homes, to get home care workers a bigger share of Medicaid payments. But I want to  but thats not going to be enough. I want to do more, and we can do more, he said.

The link between higher staffing levels and better health outcomes for nursing home residents is well established.

You name the outcome and more staffing hours improves it. Ill just start with the basics: better for quality of life. Lots of studies suggest residents are simply happier. Theyre getting more attention when you have more staff, Grabowski said. But there are lots of clinical outcomes as well, like fewer pressure ulcers, less use of feeding tubes, more feeding by hand, less use of catheters  less use of antipsychotics. And then there are health care utilization measures: fewer transfers to the emergency room, fewer transfers to the hospital.

Industry groups say that the new requirements will lead to facility closures, rising costs and a worsening staffing crisis. Labor groups and workers say that the new regulation will help residents be fed, bathed and cared for in a more timely and consistent manner, as well as prevent worker burnout. An unprecedented number of nursing home workers left the field during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The majority of nursing home workers are women, disproportionately women of color.

Shantonia Jackson, 54, works as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home in Cicero, Illinois, just west of Chicago. She is a member of SEIU. As a certified nursing assistant, she handles residents everyday needs.

I brush their teeth, comb their hair, get them dressed, transfer them from their bed to their wheelchair, help them walk, feed them, have conversation with them. Im the person that they can talk to when they need someone to talk to, she told The 19th.

Jsackson began working in the nursing home industry in 1997 but left for a less physically demanding job in 2000 because she had a high-risk pregnancy. She returned in 2012.

When my baby got old enough, I went back to what I was passionate about, Jackson said.

Insufficient staffing weighs heavily on Jackson. She cares deeply, but it is impossible to give everyone the attention they need without enough staff. She said she has sometimes been responsible for caring for up to 25 people at once during her shifts.

It hurts me when I cant brush my residents teeth, and shes had perfect teeth all her life. Now, theyre deteriorating, because I dont have the time to brush her teeth. That type of thing bothers me. Or if I have a prestigious woman who has worked all her life. I cant take the time to put her pearls on. Simple, simple tasks. Making sure residents eat hot food, not cold food, she said.

Jackson feels that any national improvement in staffing requirements will help residents and workers.

I should be able to do everything I was telling you  brush teeth, comb their hair, have conversations, tell stories. I should be able to make a person feel loved and wanted up until the day that they die. Right now, Im fly-by-night. I see someone for five seconds. Thats not a way for no one to live. No one wants to be sitting in their feces waiting for me to come because Ive got so many other people to change. People shouldnt have to pay their taxes their whole lives and then be subject to living in those types of conditions, Jackson said.

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The post Nursing homes will have minimum staffing requirements under new federal rule appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears in court for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 23, 2024 in New York City. Former U.S. President Donald Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. | Brendan McDermid-Pool/Getty Images

The judge overseeing Donald Trumps criminal case in New York appeared to strongly disagree Tuesday with the former presidents lawyers explanation for why he should be considered in compliance with a gag order in the case.

In a Tuesday morning hearing to determine whether to fine Trump for violating the order, Judge Juan Merchan warned Trumps legal team it was losing all credibility with the court for failing to provide any backing for its argument.

Trump has routinely posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, to complain about the case, despite a gag order that prohibits him from making public statements about potential witnesses.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for reimbursing his attorney and personal fixer at the time, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. It is the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president.

Trump has posted on social media to criticize Cohen and Daniels, as well as reposting articles and video clips that disparage the case entirely.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche argued Tuesday that many of Trumps posts were sharing others content, including a clip from the Fox News host Jesse Watters that complained of supposed unfair treatment toward Trump.

Merchan asked Blanche why sharing content should be considered different from Trump using his own words to violate the order. The judge asked Blanche if there was case law to back up his argument.

Blanche said he had none and called it common sense, according to reporters in the courtroom.

Trump was trying hard to comply with the gag order, Blanche said.

Youre losing all credibility with the court, Merchan responded, according to reports.

Prosecutors have asked Merchan to fine Trump $1,000 for each violation of the gag order and to warn him that future violations could lead to jail time.

Merchan did not rule on the issue Tuesday.

After the trial wrapped for the day, Trump re-aired his complaints about the order.

I think its a disgrace, its totally unconstitutional, Trump told reporters leaving the courtroom. Im not allowed to defend myself and yet, other people are allowed to say whatever they want about me. Very, very unfair.

Second day of testimony

The jury of 12 New Yorkers was absent for the arguments on the gag order but arrived to hear a second day of testimony from David Pecker, the former publisher of the tabloid National Enquirer.

Pecker had for years protected Trump from damaging stories, including those involving extramarital affairs, by buying the rights to such stories and not publishing them. The exercise is known as catch and kill. It is made possible by National Enquirers practice, unlike mainstream news outlets, of paying sources for the rights to stories.

Prosecutors sought to establish Trump and Pecker had a deal that was aimed at protecting Trumps reputation into the 2016 election.

That would bolster prosecutors argument that Trump paid Stormy Daniels, an adult film star who says she had an affair with Trump, in return for her silence in the closing weeks of the election.

Pecker testified Tuesday that he met with Trump and Cohen in 2015 and the three came to an agreement among friends that Pecker would seek to catch and kill potentially damaging stories to Trump.

He did so twice, he said.

He paid $30,000 to a doorman at Trump Tower who shared a rumor that Trump fathered a child out of wedlock.

And he paid $150,000 to a former Playboy model who said she had a long-term affair with Trump, he said, according to reports.

The tabloid also completely fabricated a story meant to help Trump, Pecker testified.

He said a 2016 story linking the father of Trumps then-rival for the GOP nomination, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy was created by manipulating unrelated photographs, NBC News reported.

Pecker said he took direction from Cohen on which primary opponents to target with negative stories.

The post NY judge spars with Trump lawyers over gag order in criminal trial appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears in court for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments on April 23, 2024, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump appears in court for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments on April 23, 2024, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Brendan McDermid-Pool/Getty Images)

The judge overseeing Donald Trumps criminal case in New York appeared to strongly disagree Tuesday with the former presidents lawyers explanation for why he should be considered in compliance with a gag order in the case.

In a Tuesday morning hearing to determine whether to fine Trump for violating the order, Judge Juan Merchan warned Trumps legal team it was losing all credibility with the court for failing to provide any backing for its argument.

Trump has routinely posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, to complain about the case, despite a gag order that prohibits him from making public statements about potential witnesses.

Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for reimbursing his attorney and personal fixer at the time, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. It is the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president.

Trump has posted on social media to criticize Cohen and Daniels, as well as reposting articles and video clips that disparage the case entirely.

Trump attorney Todd Blanche argued Tuesday that many of Trumps posts were sharing others content, including a clip from the Fox News host Jesse Watters that complained of supposed unfair treatment toward Trump.

Merchan asked Blanche why sharing content should be considered different from Trump using his own words to violate the order. The judge asked Blanche if there was case law to back up his argument.

Blanche said he had none and called it common sense, according to reporters in the courtroom.

Trump was trying hard to comply with the gag order, Blanche said.

Youre losing all credibility with the court, Merchan responded, according to reports.

Prosecutors have asked Merchan to fine Trump $1,000 for each violation of the gag order and to warn him that future violations could lead to jail time.

Merchan did not rule on the issue Tuesday.

After the trial wrapped for the day, Trump re-aired his complaints about the order.

I think its a disgrace, its totally unconstitutional, Trump told reporters leaving the courtroom. Im not allowed to defend myself and yet, other people are allowed to say whatever they want about me. Very, very unfair.

Second day of testimony

The jury of 12 New Yorkers was absent for the arguments on the gag order but arrived to hear a second day of testimony from David Pecker, the former publisher of the tabloid National Enquirer.

Pecker had for years protected Trump from damaging stories, including those involving extramarital affairs, by buying the rights to such stories and not publishing them. The exercise is known as catch and kill. It is made possible by National Enquirers practice, unlike mainstream news outlets, of paying sources for the rights to stories.

Prosecutors sought to establish Trump and Pecker had a deal that was aimed at protecting Trumps reputation into the 2016 election.

That would bolster prosecutors argument that Trump paid Stormy Daniels, an adult film star who says she had an affair with Trump, in return for her silence in the closing weeks of the election.

Pecker testified Tuesday that he met with Trump and Cohen in 2015 and the three came to an agreement among friends that Pecker would seek to catch and kill potentially damaging stories to Trump.

He did so twice, he said.

He paid $30,000 to a doorman at Trump Tower who shared a rumor that Trump fathered a child out of wedlock.

And he paid $150,000 to a former Playboy model who said she had a long-term affair with Trump, he said, according to reports.

The tabloid also completely fabricated a story meant to help Trump, Pecker testified.

He said a 2016 story linking the father of Trumps then-rival for the GOP nomination, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy was created by manipulating unrelated photographs, NBC News reported.

Pecker said he took direction from Cohen on which primary opponents to target with negative stories.

The post NY judge spars with Trump lawyers over gag order in criminal trial appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
NYC road rage saga comes to bloody end in ritzy Upper East Side after 17 miles

NYC road rage saga comes to bloody end in ritzy Upper East Side after 17 miles

A road rage incident between a truck and a Mercedes that began in Queens and spanned nearly 17 miles before winding up in Manhattan's Upper East Side, ended in a violent stabbing in front of horrified bystanders.

The NYPD told Fox News Digital that the altercation began around 7 p.m., Tuesday, when the two men reportedly first got into an argument in Queens.

A preliminary investigation determined that the men allegedly cut each other off repeatedly as they headed into Manhattan.

Both vehicles eventually crashed 17 miles after the incident began in Manhattan's Upper East Side, where the driver of a yellow pickup truck allegedly stabbed the driver of a black sedan.

FORMER GOP CONGRESSMAN CRASHES INTO FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL VEHICLE IN ALLEGED ROAD RAGE INCIDENT: REPORT

A man was stabbed multiple times during a road rage incident on the Upper East Side on Tuesday, according to the NYPD.

A witness captured video of the crash, showing a man yelling at police while the other driver is seen sitting on a curb with a large gash on his calf.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Another witness told WABC that they ran out and saw the whole ordeal go down in front of a business they were inside.

"One of them got out of the yellow car, there was three guys, and opened the black car and started stabbing the other guy. When I say stabbing, stabbed his neck, and stabbed his legs and that's when the two other guys fled and then that's when the cops came running across the street, and they arrested the guy that stabbed the guy," the witness told WABC.

FLORIDA ROAD RAGE SHOOTING BETWEEN TRUCK DRIVERS STEMMED FROM THROWN WATER BOTTLE: SHERIFF'S OFFICE

A Brooklyn man was stabbed following a 17 mile road rage incident that started in Queens.

Police said the victim, a 28-year-old man, suffered multiple stab wounds to his face and neck and was rushed to a local hospital.

The victim is in stable condition, police said.

Police said that attempted assault charges have been filed against Antal Lakatos, 28, of Brooklyn, in connection to the stabbing.

In addition to Lakatos, police said another suspect was also arrested, Shaker Ahmad, 38, of New York, for attempted murder, assault, and criminal in possession of a weapon.

An investigation is ongoing.





Original article source: NYC road rage saga comes to bloody end in ritzy Upper East Side after 17 miles
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday that developing new quality productive forces will provide new opportunities and impetus for Taiwan business people and enterprises to integrate into the new development pattern and participate in high-quality development.

Speaking at a press conference, Zhu Fenglian, a State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, said developing new quality productive forces is crucial to driving high-quality development and embodies high inclusiveness and openness.

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities deliberately smeared and hyped up the "threat" of new quality productive forces in an attempt to obstruct economic exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, she said, adding that the DPP's attempt will find no support. 
MSNBC

A pair of students in New York City took it upon themselves to attend the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president on Tuesday, with one telling MSNBC afterwards that it was especially funny to see Donald Trumps lawyer, Todd Blanche, get annihilated by Judge Juan Merchan.

On Chris Jansing Reports, Hope Harrington and Owen Berenbom shared their experience in the courtroom. In addition to continued testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, Tuesdays proceedings saw Merchan grill Blanche, who struggled to defend what prosecutors say were Trumps repeated and willful violations of the gag order in the case. Merchan has not yet ruled on a potential punishment for Trump.

Harrington in particular recalled the moment Merchan told Blanche that his discursive responses to his questions meant that he was losing all credibility with the court.

I thought it was really funny when the defense attorney was basically annihilated by the judge in opening ceremonies, recalled Harrington, who said she wants to become a lawyer. It really made my day. It was really funny. [Blanche] had no evidence whatsoever.

Jansing followed up: Is that what your takeaway was, as a fledgling lawyerthat you dont go back into court without evidence?

Yeah, basically! Harrington replied. That was a big part of it.

Berenbom said he took an interest in Peckers testimony, which touched on how he agreed to pay $30,000 forand then did not publisha story about Trump allegedly fathering a child out of wedlock with a maid from his Trump Tower penthouse. Prosecutors also questioned Pecker about Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who allegedly received a hush-money payment to keep quiet about another year-long relationship she had with Trump.

Harrington and Berenbom were then asked their impression of Trump, who has appeared to fall asleep at times and has seemed anxious at other points since the trial began last Monday.

He seemed much more contained than he normally is, Berenbom said.

The trial resumes on Thursday.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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NYPD cops arrested for off duty sex assault on drunk woman unable to stand at Bronx restaurant Zona De Cuba

Two NYPD officers have been arrested and charged for taking home an extremely intoxicated woman from a Bronx bar and sexually assaulting her, officials said Tuesday.

Officers Julio Alcantara-Santiago, 40, and Christian Garcia, 32, were drinking off duty at Cuban restaurant Zona De Cuba on Grand Concourse near E. 150th St. on July 9, 2023 when they allegedly spotted a woman so drunk that she was unable to stand up on her own, according to a criminal complaint.

Video shows the officers holding the woman up by her arms as she repeatedly fell into the men as they led her out of the bar, prosecutors said.

The officers drove the woman to a female acquaintances nearby apartment building and carried her inside with her eyes shut and mouth open, video viewed by police allegedly shows.

When the victim came to, she was in an unfamiliar bedroom as Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia sexually assaulted her, the complaint stated.

Alcantara-Santiago egged on Garcia, encouraging him to rape her while she lay motionless on the bed, according to prosecutors.

Nah, bro, shes too out of it, Garcia allegedly said.

The complaint describes the duo sexually abusing the woman as she was unable to respond or move her body.

Lets go, bro, shes waking up, Garcia then said, according to the complaint.

The womans next memory was waking up around 7:30 a.m., just before she sought help at a local hospital, where she had a sexual assault kit done.

In February, the officers agreed to a cheek swab, which matched DNA found on the victims body collected at the hospital after the attack.

After an investigation by the NYPDs Internal Affairs Bureau, Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia were arrested and charged with criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, forcible touching and sex abuse, officials said.

Following an arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court Tuesday, Alcantara-Santiago was held on a $50,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond. Garcia was held on a $30,000 cash bail or $70,000 bond.

Alcantara-Santiago was appointed to the NYPD in 2013 and Garcia in 2016, records show. Both men were reassigned on April 2, with Alcantara-Santiago being moved to the Manhattan Court Section and Garcia to the Brooklyn Court Section.

Both officers were suspended without pay following their arrests, according to an NYPD spokesperson.

One of Zona De Cubas owners, Fernando Mateo, unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2021 and is a regular figure in the citys public life. He did not immediately answer a request for comment Tuesday night.
The NYPD on Tuesday released a picture and video of the gunman who opened fire on an SUV parked outside a Bronx McDonalds, killing one man and wounding another.

Adrian Mendoza, 24, and Jhombeyker Bisbal, 31, were ambushed just past 4 a.m. April 15 as they sat in a 2015 Nissan Rogue outside a McDonalds on E. 149th St. near Morris Ave. in Mott Haven.

A gray Honda Civic pulled up, with a passenger getting out and walking past the victims, then doubling back, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said a day after the incident.

He approached the drivers side of the car and shot Mendoza, who had been driving, in the head and body, Kenny said. The gunman then went to the front of the SUV and fired numerous shots through the windshield, hitting Bisbal twice in the chest, twice in the arm and twice in the shoulder, Kenny said.

Medics took Mendoza and Bisbal to nearby Lincoln Hospital, where the younger man died. Bisbal, listed in critical condition at the time, is recovering.

Kenny at the time said both victims are Venezuelan nationals and had previously been arrested in Texas by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

The motive for the shooting wasnt clear at the time, though Kenny noted that both shooting victims had in their pockets wire transfer receipts and that detectives were checking to see if that was a factor.

Anyone with information about the gunman is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Thieves are targeting New York City cab drivers, and in some cases, their cars have been stolen. This could be part of a pattern in the Bronx and Brooklyn.

Cab driver Bamory Sanogo described a terrifying ordeal. He said minutes after picking up a fare near Hampden Place and Fordham Road in the Bronx, things quickly went south. He said his passengers, a man and a woman became his attackers.

She open the door and put hand in my pocket and take all my money, Sanogo said.

In the blink of an eye, about $130 was gone. The duo also took off with Sanogos car. Sanogo is a father of four and the sole provider for his family; without a car, he cant work.

Crime News

Crime News

Apparently, what happened to him, Fernando Mateo, founder of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, said, is part of a disturbing pattern or trend of cabbies becoming victims while doing their jobs, beaten and robbed.

Since the beginning of April, police have been looking into several incidents at least eight incidents, all in the Bronx and one in Brooklyn. Mateo said its a disturbing pattern or trend and, in most cases, violent.

NYPD is doing their very best to stop this crimes but they need the publics help. We must STOP these assaults at gunpoint before someone gets killed. Knives and guns are the weapons of choice and its scary. We dont know what can happen and our advise to drivers is to give it all up, dont fight back, dont chase these people because you can lose your life, said Mateo.

Mateo is increasing the reward from $5,000 to $7,500 for information leading to an arrest, hoping to end what he calls the revolving door of bail reform.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Another milestone in pig-to-human transplantation has been crossed, with doctors at New York University Langone today announcing the worlds first combination pig kidney and heart pump transplant. The recipient is a 54-year-old woman named Lisa Pisano who was diagnosed with terminal kidney disease and heart failure.

The concept of animal-to-human organ transplantation, or xenotransplantation, has been appealing for decades, given the longstanding shortage of human donor organs. But its only recently that this approach has started to seem within reach, thanks largely to advances in gene-editing technology that have allowed scientists to create pigs that are more compatible with human biology. One important distinction is that pigs and other mammals normally produce the sugar alpha gal in their muscles, while humans dont.

Over the past few years, various research teamsincluding scientists at NYU Langonehave been successfully experimenting with these pigs. Their experiments have largely involved animals and a few people declared brain-dead, whose bodies their families allowed to be kept mechanically alive for a time while the donated organ is monitored. More recently, health regulators granted permission for researchers to perform these transplants in living humans on an experimental basis. In March, 62-year-old Richard Slayman became the first living human to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, which was performed by doctors from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Like other recipients of these modified organs, Lisa Pisano had few other options available to her. She had reached end-stage kidney disease that required constant dialysis to manage, and she had a long history of heart problems, including a recent episode of cardiac arrest. But she wasnt a good candidate for a typical heart or kidney transplant due to several chronic conditions and a high level of antibodies to human tissue that would worsen the chances of success.

Pisano likely would have benefited from receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a heart pump that can take over some of the organs functioning. These devices are either used to keep people stable while they wait for a heart transplant or as a long-term treatment for people not eligible for one. But her pre-existing kidney disease would typically rule out this option. And without a heart pump, she likely had only days to weeks more to live. The NYU doctors decided to ask Pisano if she would be willing to receive both the pump and a new pig kidney, which she quickly agreed to.

The first-of-its-kind procedure was performed by two separate surgical teams at NYU, over the course of nine days in early April. The heart pump was implanted first on April 4, followed by the kidney transplant on April 12. And though Pisano has experienced some complications and is still being monitored at the hospital, she appears to be recovering well so far.

It is incredible to consider the scientific achievements that have led to our ability to save Lisas life, and what we are endeavoring to do as a society for everyone in need of a life-saving organ, said lead transplant surgeon Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, in a statement.

Though this is the second pig kidney transplant in as many months and fourth pig organ transplant overall, there are some important differences between them. Aside from the added complexity of implanting a heart pump, the NYU team opted to use a pig with only a single gene edit (the removal of alpha gal), while the Mass General team used a pig that had more than 60 genetic changes. The NYU team believes that this one edit will be enough to make pigs compatible with humans, in combination with existing immunosuppressant therapy. They also transplanted over the pigs thymus, an organ that helps train immune cells. Emerging research has suggested such dual transplants can lessen the risk of rejection and improve compatibility between a donor organ and its new host.

Even if things continue to go smoothly, Pisano still has a long recovery and an uncertain future ahead of her. And it will ultimately require successful clinical trials for this technology to become available to the public at large. But NYU researchers and others are already working with the Food and Drug Administration to move ahead with these trials. For her part, Pisano is hopeful about the potential of this treatment for herself and others in her situation. All I want is the opportunity to have a better life, Pisano said in a statement.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has sparked protests at universities around the city, with tensions escalating as demonstrators voice their support for Palestine.

Protests continued at Washington Square Park Tuesday, where dozens of NYU students and pro-Palestinian protesters staged a walkout, showing their solidarity for Gaza as the war in the Middle East intensifies. As PIX11 crews attempted to speak with demonstrators, organizers instructed them not to engage with the press or police.

More Local News

Tuesdays rally came just a day after at least 120 people were arrested during a protest at NYUs Gould Plaza on Monday, according to NYPD. An NYU spokesperson said the demonstration was disorderly, disruptive, and antagonizing.

The spokesperson released a statement saying:

We will continue to support individuals right to freedom of expression, and, as we have said since October, the safety of our students and maintaining an equitable learning environment remain paramount.

The perimeter of the Gould Plaza is now boarded up and closed to everyone including students, according to sources. Still, pro-Palestinian supporters are not letting the campus crackdown deter them from making their voices heard.

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PIX11 News Headlines

This past week, protests were seen at The New School, where students set up an encampment in the school lobby. At Columbia University, over 100 students were suspended after being arrested at a protest last Thursday. At Yale University, 60 people were arrested after refusing to leave an encampment on campus.

As NYU students find themselves navigating an atmosphere of heightened emotions, some are left feeling a bit uneasy.

I should be able to walk around feeling confident, said Jewish NYU student Natalie, who did not want to give her last name. I should be able to walk around going to class, feeling ready and excited to learn. Feeling excited to collaborate with my fellow students. I should feel that way and I dont feel that way.

Demonstrators have exclaimed on social media that the more they feel they are being silenced, the louder they will be.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday it was shameful for fellow Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz (Fla.) to question Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) opposition to antisemitism.

Ocasio-Cortezs comments followed Moskowitz slamming Sanders after he released a statement on Tuesday speaking out about the Senate not taking up his efforts to end unfettered offensive military aid for Israel for its attacks on Palestinian people. Both Moskowitz and Sanders are Jewish.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, Moskowitz replied to Sanders statement, writing, Bernie, now do AntiSemitism. Why so quiet?

Ocasio-Cortez jumped into the fray to denounce Moskowitzs remarks.

Sen. Sanders family was killed in the Holocaust. He dedicates his every moment to realizing tikkun olam, she said to the Florida Democrat, referencing the Judaic concept of repairing the world. His commitment to protecting innocents in Gaza stems FROM his Jewish values. He and many other Jewish leaders deserve better than to be treated this way. This is shameful.

Sen. Sanders family was killed in the Holocaust. He dedicates his every moment to realizing tikkun olam.



His commitment to protecting innocents in Gaza stems FROM his Jewish values.



He and many other Jewish leaders deserve better than to be treated this way. This is shameful. https://t.co/EHK27EF9Te  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 24, 2024

Moskowitzs office did not immediately respond when reached for comment, but he did reply to Ocasio-Cortez on X.

My family was also killed in the Holocaust. In Germany and in Poland, he replied. My grandmother was in the kinder-transport. They also instilled values in me. Its why I voted for aid to Israel and for aid to Gaza. We see each other at work, we are both better than doing this here.

Ocasio-Cortez responded with a screenshot showing Moskowitz had liked a post on X from actor Michael Rapaport saying, Whats the Hebrew translation for Fuck Off Lady in response to the New York Democrats post defending Sanders.

Is that what this is? Ocasio-Cortez responded to Moskowitzs request to take the disagreement off X.

Is that what this is? pic.twitter.com/AqmVQa0p1Y  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 24, 2024

Sanders, the son of Jews who fled Poland to avoid antisemitic persecution in the 1920s, has long been a vocal opponent of U.S. aid to Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

I am very disappointed, but not surprised, that my amendment to end offensive military aid to Netanyahus war machine  which has killed and wounded over 100,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom are women and children  will not be considered, Sanders said in his statement after his amendment was not included in the legislatures spending bill for Israel. The bill is part of a $95.3 billion aid package that President Joe Biden signed Wednesday, with $26 billion going to Israel.

Related...
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is emerging as a key surrogate for President Bidens reelection campaign for young people and progressives, pushing his climate agenda as a win for those critical voting blocs.

Ocasio-Cortezs surrogacy comes with parameters. She said she supports Bidens reelection bid and will stand by him during a climate event, but she has also put pressure on him as an outspoken critic of the Biden administrations handling of Israels war with Hamas in Gaza.

The support from AOC  as Ocasio-Cortez is widely known  lends Biden star power and left-wing credibility as he faces an uphill battle in getting young voters, as well as left-leaning voters in general, to the polls.

AOC has immense and sustained visibility with young voters and progressives of all ages, said former Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), who chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She can play a very impactful role in helping to unite them to stop Donald Trump. She can remind them about Bidens success in funding climate initiatives, reducing student debt, and more.

As Ocasio-Cortez stood by Biden to back his climate agenda, students in her hometown of New York City were protesting Bidens pro-Israel policy.

Ocasio-Cortez has argued that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and has called on the Biden administration to halt military aid to Israel.

Biden campaign spokesperson Seth Schuster told The Hill they are proud to have earned Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs support, and we look forward to working with her and our entire Democratic coalition to defeat Donald Trump this November.

The congresswoman has endorsed Biden but hasnt done any television hits on behalf of the Biden campaign, which official surrogates and members of the campaigns National Advisory Board frequently do.

Her emerging surrogacy comes after only 9 percent of young voters in a Harvard Kennedy School poll said they think the U.S. is heading in the right direction and a NPR/NewsHour/Marist Poll found former President Trump up 2 points over him among millennial and Generation Z Americans.

I think it remains to be seen whether progress on issues like the climate and student debt outweigh the level of frustration about the administrations policy in the Middle East, said Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution.

At the end of the day, young people are not naive. They are not blindly going to say, Well, AOC or Bernie is for Biden, so Im going to be for Biden, he continued, referring to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Biden, during his remarks on climate on Monday in Virginia, said he would discuss foreign policy with Ocasio-Cortez that day while they were together.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez of New York, you know, I learned a long time ago: Listen to that lady. Listen to that lady, Biden said. Were going to talk more about another part of the world too, real quickly.

After the remarks, he and Ocasio-Cortez walked and talked for a few seconds alone  both strikingly serious  before separating so the president could talk to the press. After the event, Biden, Ocasio-Cortez and progressive Sens. Sanders and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) traveled back to the White House and went into the Oval Office together.

The White House said they wouldnt give information about private conversations with Biden and any lawmakers when asked about what they discussed.

We appreciated her participation in the climate event, as well as Sen. Sanders and Sen. Markey and others. That is of course a national security and an economic crisis that we want to keep fighting very hard to resolve, deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told reporters Tuesday.

Biden, Ocasio-Cortez and Markey took a photograph, and Biden shared it with the caption, Young Americans know that the climate crisis is the existential threat of our time. They deserve leaders who believe them. Were not going to let them down.

Democrats may not agree on every single issue down the line, but theyre united in the belief that the return of Donald Trump to the White House is an existential threat, Israel said. There are two words that make every other issue less vital: Trump Reelected.

Geevarghese described a balancing act that progressives have to strike this election, arguing that lawmakers are taking advantage of having the presidents ear to get things accomplished, as well as to register discontent on policies.

Thats the fine line that we walk. Were going to have to agree to disagree on certain issues. And I think thats where Bernie, Markey and AOC have positioned themselves, he said. Theres an agreement to disagree on certain policies. But theres also a recognition that the president has given progressives a seat at the table.

I hope Bernie and AOC delivered the message  Gaza is one of the top priorities for progressive voters, and we cant keep writing blank checks to Netanyahu, he added, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ocasio-Cortez on Saturday voted against the portion of the foreign aid package that provided $26 billion in aid for Israel and global humanitarian aid. The package was split into four bills, with each receiving a vote on the House floor. Ocasio-Cortez did, however, support the Ukraine measure, which would provide $61 billion to Kyiv.

Ocasio-Cortez last week told reporters that the U.S. needs to condition military assistance and ensure that human rights are protected and international law adhered to in describing her issues with the bill.

In a similar balancing act, Sanders has had criticism on the issue of Gaza but also supports Biden.

The senator also recently appeared at a White House event to tout efforts to lower the cost of inhalers with Biden. Meanwhile, Sanders has pushed for a cease-fire in Gaza and demands that the U.S. send not another nickel to Netanyahu.

The frustration about Gaza is clear among young people, who are occupying the center of Columbia Universitys campus and other schools including New York University, Yale University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Biden said he condemns the antisemitic protests amid the escalating demonstrations.

Theres a role for outside groups, like the young people who are protesting, Our Revolution, to be out on the streets, because that gives people like Bernie and AOC the standing to advocate their positions and say to the president, Look, your achievements on climate, on student debt are great,' Geevarghese said. But, you still have a problem with the progressive base because of Gaza.'

Mychael Schnell contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Old Dominion University has announced its May 2024 commencement speakers.

Captain Janet H. Days, commanding officer for Naval Station Norfolk, will deliver the commencement address at the undergraduate ceremony

Days graduated summa cum laude from ODU in 1999 with a bachelors degree in business and received her commission through the ROTC program.

In February 2023, she assumed command as the 51st commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk. She is also the first Black woman to hold that position.

Old Dominion University is excited to welcome Captain Days, a passionate and proud Monarch, as well as an impactful and trailblazing alumna, as our featured speaker this May, said ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. I know that her inspiring message of service will especially resonate with Monarchs as many of our graduates and their family members have military affiliations. As our graduates take the next step in their personal and professional journeys, Captain Days will challenge each of them to make a profound mark on the world and continue a lifelong connection to their beloved alma mater  just as she has done with such determination and distinction, as well as grace and grit!

The undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 4 at Kornblau Field in S.B. Ballard Stadium. In the event of inclement weather, the undergraduate ceremony will be held at Chartway Arena, and times will be announced 24 to 48 hours prior to the ceremony.

Lawrence Weinstein, Ph.D. will deliver the commencement address at the advanced degree ceremony.

For more than 30 years, Weinstein has taught in the College of Sciences Physics Department at ODU. His scholarship focuses on nuclear physics and working with the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility on how protons and neutrons behave in the nucleus of an atom.

For more than three decades, Dr. Weinstein has served as a model to ODU students on how to find their passion through learning, President Hemphill said. I look forward to hearing his words of encouragement to our graduate students as they close an important chapter in their academic careers. I know that his message will be insightful and one to remember!

The Advanced Degree Ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 3 at Chartway Arena.

For more information about ODUs commencement ceremonies click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Two New York City employees were arrested on sex charges on Tuesday morning, according to the NYPD.

Julio Alcantara- Santiago, 40, and Christian Garcia, 32, were arrested at 9:25 a.m., police said.

Feds warn NYPD to stop illegally parking police cruisers

The two were charged with the following:

Criminal sexual act in the first degree

Sexual abuse in the first degree

Sexual abuse in the third degree

Sexual misconduct

Forcible touching

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
VIENTIANE, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is preparing for the implementation of ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in Food Agriculture and Forestry Sector (RAI).

With increasing urbanization and rising incomes, the demand for food, fisheries, and forestry products is on the rise. To ensure food security, safety, and nutrition for future generations, amid rapid industrialization and population growth, sustainable investment in these sectors is paramount, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday.

A two-day workshop, which is undergoing here from April 24 to 25, marked a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and responsible investment in the agriculture sector across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

The workshop brought together 34 parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from ASEAN Member States, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of parliamentarians and stakeholders and facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN RAI through the development of a Parliamentary Implementation Framework.

During the workshop, the participants discussed key actions to implement the ASEAN RAI, including addressing regulatory gaps, legislative reforms, budgetary measures, regulatory compliance oversight, and communicating the importance of responsible investment. 
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  Two people have been arrested in connection to the 2016 murder of Longview businessman and community figure Ron Horaney.

Lufkin man arrested for capital murder in death of 4-month-old son

Horaney was found dead in his home from multiple gunshots on May 30, 2016.

Reza Kamali, 87 of Longview, was arrested and charged with murder eight years after the crime. At his arraignment, his bond was set at $7.5 million.

Reza Kamali, 87 of Longview, courtesy of Gregg County Jail

Alfredo Lizcano, 38, was arrested Wednesday morning for murder in Dallas County with a $10 million bond.

Alfredo Lizcano, 38, courtesy of Dallas County Jail

According to an arrest affidavit, investigators received information from a Cooperating Individual who reported being contacted by someone they identified as Ray Kamali, who authorities identified as being Reza Kamali. Cooperating Individual 1 told investigators that two years prior to their interview in June of 2016, Kamali solicited him to murder Horaney. The Cooperating Individual then reported that Kamali wanted Horaney killed up close and personal because of a family dispute.

The document said that on June 22, 2016, a month after the murder, investigators were conducting surveillance of Kamali in Longview and they observed him leaving in a Toyota passenger car then followed him to an In-N-Out Burger in Dallas. Investigators reportedly observed Kamali meeting with a man identified as Alfredo Lizcano who was driving a Dodge Challenger, then Lizcano got into the Toyota with Kamali, leaving the vehicle shortly after with what appeared to be a plastic shopping bag.

Former Palestine ISD band director sentenced for improper relationship with student

According to the affidavit, investigators followed the Dodge Challenger and later stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation. Records said that during the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle was Lizcano. According to the court records, the Dodge Challenger was registered to another individual.

When the owner of the Challenger was questioned in November of 2020, they reportedly told authorities they had introduced Kamali to Lizcano, and knew one of Lizcanos relatives.

In April 2024, the court document said that the relative of Lizcano was able to identify Kamali from a lineup, and said Thats the man that hired [Lizcano]. He also said that Lizcano was living in Longview at the time of the murder, they then said that Lizcano called them and told them that he was going to do a job and murder someone.

Woman pleads guilty after student brings meth to East Texas school as candy

[Lizcanos relative] told investigators [Lizcanos relative] knew that Lizcano committed the murder because Lizcano called him the day it happened and Lizcano said he did it, the affidavit said.

File picture from KETK Archives of the original crime scene from the murder of Ron Horaney

Ron Horaney was murdered in his home on May, 30, 2016. Witnesses said that Horaney was shot multiple times while answering the door. The sheriffs office said he was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

In June 2016 the Gregg County Sheriffs Office released a sketch of a person they believed to be involved in the shooting.

Sketch of the suspect released by Gregg County Officials in June 2016

Jacksonville man sentenced to life in prison for 2020 murder

This is such a sad event for our community, for their family, for all those who knew Ronnie and the Horaney family, Andy Mack, Longview Mayor and cousin of Horaney, said.

Horaneys mother, Betty, told KETK News she has relied on her faith during this tragic time.

I hope that no parent ever has to go through this, I have a lot of faith, Betty said. I put my trust in God and prayed everyday.

You can watch our original coverage of Horaneys murder from 2016 below:

One of the Texas Rangers that was working the case admitted in 2019 to having a relationship with Horaneys wife.

She was easy to talk to. She was having problems. I was having problems, the Texas Ranger said.

The ranger said that the two of them stopped their relationship after Horaneys children confronted their mother about the relationship, and in fear of losing his job.

Horaney was the owner of a prominent agriculture business in Longview that had been passed down to him by his grandfather.

Investigators confiscate 163 grams of meth during traffic stop near Gladewater

He spent his life up here with the store, with his mom and his family. You know this is a tradition of Longview. A classic tradition, and I hope it continues, Lee Berger said of Horaney.

Horaneys Feed Stores in Longview and Marshall were one of the oldest family-owned businesses. His grandfather, Harry Horaney, founded the business in 1940.

The sheriffs department announced that they will release no further information until a press conference at 2 p.m. on Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  City officials are gunning for a May 31 opening date for the new-and-improved Garfield Park Pool  now named the Danville Aquatic Center at Garfield Park  with, perhaps, some new admission fees.

Danvilles Public Services Committee met on Tuesday, where they discussed the refurbishment progress and proposed new rates for the center.

Danvilles Fischer Theatre scraps weekly box office hours, leans into digital ticketing

The pre-summertime opening largely depends on an Illinois Department of Public Health inspection taking place next week, Public Services Director Dave Ruwe said. The pool has been closed since 2021 for refurbishments. City Engineer Sam Cole added that the projects number one obstacle has been delayed shipments of parts.

So, we are not able to make any promises on anything, Cole said at the meeting. Were optimistic that were going to be there. Were also recognizing that we have a brand new staff coming up to speed, and were cognizant of the fact that can we open the doors and are we ready to open the doors are two different things. So we want to make sure this goes off without a hitch and do it well for the first time that everybodys there.

Ruwe said roughly 16 staff members will be established throughout the park, including office staff, money-handlers, management positions, and lifeguards. He also said that renovations have been going smoothly with all hands on deck.

They took me out last week, he said, and the amount of people that are on this job site right now  I mean, I grew up around construction and have been around construction my whole career  that is probably the most amount of people per space in the area of a construction zone I have ever seen.

Danville police K-9 getting two new brothers on the force

As for the proposed rates, Ruwe said the Danville Aquatic Center is taking notes from Champaign-Urbanas Aquatic Centers in a couple aspects. One is through similar entry fees. Compared to last seasons daily rates of $4 for minors, $5 for adults, and free admission for children 2 and under, the new rates would stand at $8 per person and free admission for those 3 years old and below.

Ruwe said the new Punch Pass rate is another change modelled from Urbana, which would sit at $70 for 10 visits. There is one idea from Urbana, however, that Ruwe said Danville doesnt plan to follow. In an effort to encourage people from both near and far to come visit, the Danville Aquatic Center wont have differing fees between residents and nonresidents.

Meet The Three Amigos spreading smiles at OSF Sacred Heart in Danville

Once it opens, the center will be taking a breather from pool parties in 2024 as everyone settles in with the changes. However, non-profit organizations bringing in groups can do so for a discount of $4 per patron. There will also be no swimming after dark as there are no pool lights at this time. Light installation is pricey, Cole said, so while obtaining pool lights in the future is not out of the question, it might not be in the cards until the budget allows it.

The Public Services Committee unanimously moved the proposal onto the City Council at the end of Tuesdays meeting. In the meantime, Ruwe is looking forward to showcasing Garfield Park Pools transformation into the Danville Aquatic Center at Garfield Park.

I am confident in saying: be excited. Because after seeing it, this far exceeded my expectations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Editors note: This story contains language that might be offensive to some readers.

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The 911 calls from a deadly September shooting involving a North Myrtle Beach business owner describe a chaotic scene.

News13 obtained the recordings from Horry County police on Wednesday morning that show what callers saw and heard during the shooting on Highway 9 in the Longs area.

Scott Spivey, 33, of Tabor City died in the shooting, the coroners office said. It happened on Sept. 9 near Camp Swamp Road.

An Horry County police report showed Spivey had allegedly initiated the shooting before he was killed. However, about a week later, 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson asked the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office to review the shooting after Weldon Boyd, who owns Buoys on the Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, posted a thank you message on Facebook shortly after the shooting.

THE 911 CALLS:

Horry County police released five 911 calls from the shooting, including the one made by Boyd, who told 911 he was going to shoot him [Spivey] if he kept waving a gun in his face.

Ive got a guy pointing a gun at me driving, were armed as well. He keeps throwing the gun in our faces, acting like hes about to shoot us. If he keeps this up, I am going to shoot him, Boyd said in the chaotic call. Hes trying to run from me now. Were on Highway 9 headed toward Loris.

I dont know what this dudes problem is, Im towing a f couch and he just pulls up next to us and aims a gun at my f friends head, Boyd continued.

Boyd told 911 Spivey was in a black Chevrolet, which was corroborated by a frantic woman who called 911 and said Spivey was all over the road and waving a gun in front of me trying to shoot at my car.

Oh my God, oh my God, I dont know whats going on. Hes jumping out of the truck, Im turning the same way. Theres a truck behind him . . . oh my God, hes shooting! Oh my God! Hes shooting the truck in front of us! the woman yelled.

Another man called 911 after witnessing the shooting.

One second, Im sorry, somebody just shot somebody in the middle of the road, the man said. Somebody just unloaded shots through his windshield and shot this guy.

This guy got out of his truck, he was in a black truck, with his pistol drawn, the side is open. He told the guy do not follow me anymore,' the man described. The guy in the white truck had his gun drawn, pointed at him. The guy in the black truck kind of moved his pistol and the guy in the white truck just unloaded him. Complete magazine at the guy. Shot through his back window and I think he might have hit him.

He aimed and shot! He held his gun and aimed right at us! Boyd told 911 after the shooting. Please come help us, man. I dont want to go over there. This guy almost tried to kill us!

He shot f first, man! Why the f would he do that? Boyd yelled. Man, what the f! Man, he might be dead. We dont know, man. Why did you f do that?

When asked if he thought he hit Spivey, Boyd said 100%.

He got out, held the gun up, and then he racked it and when he racked it, I tried to put the truck in reverse and get the f out of here, Boyd described. And then he shot. I dont know if he shot my truck, I dont know where it hit, but as soon as he shot, man, I shot back. I cant risk my f life like that.

Police found Spivey dead in his front seat hunched over his center console with a handgun just underneath his hand, the report shows.

Earlier this month, the South Carolina Attorney Generals office said it declined to prosecute Boyd. A spokesperson told News13 it was due to insufficient evidence.

* * *

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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  A member of the Ohio National Guard accused of raping a minor was in court Wednesday.

Steven Vicario, of Delaware, was arrested by Delaware police Friday and faces three counts of rape and one count each of gross sexual imposition and tampering with evidence. The charges stem from two alleged incidents, one on November 5, 2023, when a woman brought a 14-year-old girl to the Delaware Police Department. The woman alleged the incident occurred in the early hours of Nov. 5 at a south Delaware residence.

Former high school coach facing 10 sexual battery charges extradited to Columbus

The Delaware police report states that an officer escorted the victim to Grady Memorial Hospital, where an interview was conducted. The woman told police that she found Vicario in a bedroom with the minor, who was not fully clothed.

According to the report, Vicario left the room before the minor was brought to the police station. The victim was next taken to Nationwide Childrens Hospital for additional examination.

An official indictment also includes additional charges in which Vicario is accused of rape between October 2022 and October 2023.

Steven Vicario speaks with his attorney in court. (NBC4 Photo/Jackie Gillis)

A Delaware County Court of Common Pleas copy of the indictment states that Vicario is charged with four total sex crimes, three counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition, over the two incidents, which accuse him of forcing vaginal and anal intercourse with the minor.

Vicario is a lieutenant colonel currently serving as the Mobilization, Plans and Readiness Division Chief with the Ohio National Guard, according to his social media account. The woman told police that there were upwards of 50 firearms in the home, though Vicario was arrested without incident on April 19.

After a plea of not guilty, a judge issued Vicario a $500,000 bond and ordered him to have no contact with the victim, witnesses or family members. The judge added that should Vicario post bond, he will be ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device.

Federal funding cuts will create a crisis for victim services agencies in Ohio

A representative with the Ohio National Guard responded to NBC4s request for comment with the following statement:

Steven Vicario is a Lt. Col. In the Ohio Army National Guard. Lt. Col Vicario is assigned to Joint Force Headquarters. He is a drilling Guardsman, but also works full-time as a federal technician in the Operations Directorate. He is currently absent without leave.

A trial date has been set for June 25.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  A member of the Ohio National Guard is facing rape charges in Delaware County.

According to online court records, Steven Vicario, 39, of Delaware, was arrested by Delaware police on Friday. He is charged with three counts of rape and one count each of gross sexual imposition and tampering with evidence. Court records show the charges stem from two separate incidents in October and November of 2023.

What scammer said after sending Ohio Uber driver on deadly order

A grand jury indicted Vicario on April 18.

Vicario is a lieutenant colonel currently serving as the Mobilization, Plans and Readiness Division Chief with the Ohio National Guard, according to his social media account.

Vicario is being held in Delaware County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Delaware County Common Pleas Court on Wednesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Each day at the Ojai learning center Rock Tree Sky begins with a link to a digital menu of activities for students to choose from.

Scattered across the nonprofit center's campus  housed at the former Summit Elementary School  are a greenhouse, a star observatory, a makerspace, an outdoor kitchen and a hut for mushroom growing.

The heavily self-directed learning ethos the center embraces is unique, hailed in some circles as an ideal future for education. In Ojai, it's drawing students by the dozens and helping Ojai Unified School District claw back some lost enrollment via a previously untapped demographic of student: homeschoolers.

Enrollment has been on a steep decline across California's public K-12 schools since 2017 as the state's population ages and shrinks. Private school enrollment has bumped up marginally in that period, according to state data. The California Department of Education does not keep an exact record of home school enrollment.

Ojai Unified has been particularly hard hit, losing just under 300 students, or 11% of enrollment, in the same period. Last year, the district closed a pair of schools and laid off the equivalent of 40 staff in an effort to balance a budget eaten away by the loss of enrollment-tied funding.

A rare bright spot for the district has been its new Summit School independent study program, which started with six students in 2019, then exploded to 113 students the next school year. This year Summit School, based out of the same campus as Rock Tree Sky, has about 185 students.

Almost all of that growth comes directly from a unique arrangement with Rock Tree Sky.

Ojai Unified School District's partnership with Rock Tree Sky

Ojai couple Natasha Efross and Jim Bailey launched Rock Tree Sky in 2016 out of an office in downtown Ojai, providing enrichment programs to home school students and independent study charter students.

The center relocated in fall 2018, leasing a portion of the former Summit Elementary School campus months after the school closed. At the beginning of the 2020 school year, Rock Tree Sky and Ojai Unified cut a deal.

The district expanded Summit School to include all grades from K-12. For a discounted rate, Rock Tree Sky began offering its enrichment programming to district independent study students.

Efross signed on with Summit School as an independent study teacher. Bailey, the nonprofit's executive director, recruited Rock Tree Sky's growing band of homeschool and charter independent study families to transfer into the district.

About 100 students made the leap, Bailey said. In the years since, Summit has added another 60 students. Not every Summit student utilizes Rock Tree Sky  nor is every Rock Tree Sky student enrolled in Summit  but about 90% do.

Sky Martinez, left, 9, and Eli Robisheaux, 8, make bouncy balls March 18 in the science and engineering classroom with teacher Peter Cable at the alternate school program Rock Tree Sky, which is housed at Summit School in Ojai.

Ojai Unified Superintendent Sherril Knox said the combination has been a saving grace for some students who may not have made it in a traditional school.

"There are students who have found a reignited interest in learning in Rock Tree Sky's format," Knox said by phone. "Now, they are going to make it because they've moved to a place they enjoy being."

Knox said she's waiting to see whether Summit's impressive year-to-year growth will slow.

"I don't know if we're at a saturation point or not," she said.

Most of the new students, Bailey said, came from charters, private schools and homeschools. Some transferred in from public schools.

On a recent Tuesday, fourth grader Lincoln Forthe and a pair of friends danced to old pop songs while waiting a turn at the pottery wheel in Rock Tree Sky's ceramics area, a knocked-together studio of shipping containers and courtyard.

Forthe came to Summit and Rock Tree Sky from a private school. She vastly prefers her new environs.

"All you would do is sit in a desk," Forthe said.

Rock Tree Sky didn't invent student-driven education  proponents say it's a pre-industrial practice  and it's not alone today, part of a small, but growing national network of educators who hope to make the approach a more common part of American schooling.

Education Reimagined, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit focused on a "learner-centered future for education," counts Rock Tree Sky as one of its darlings. The nonprofit spotlighted Rock Tree Sky in a 72-page report on the future of education and in a recent duet of documentary shorts.

"RTS is not merely experimenting, but rather showcasing a practical blueprint," the paper reads.

"(Bailey) and his team are models to so many organizations, both great and small" said Emily Bader, the nonprofit's chief communications officer. "Rock Tree Sky stands at the forefront of a movement."

Sixth grader Nida Slugarenko, left, works a piece of clay with the help of pottery instructor Holland Eads March 18 at the alternate school program Rock Tree Sky, which is housed at Summit School in Ojai.

Improving accessibility to student-driven programs like Rock Tree Sky

Rock Tree Sky's model is not without holes.

Though the district is paying for two days a week of programming for each student this year, it plans to cut its contribution next year to a level that Bailey said will cover about a day and a half a week.

The paid, independent-study arrangement favors students who can pay for more days of Rock Tree Sky. Some families pay for five days a week, Bailey said, and a few get scholarships. Some students have a parent or guardian home for the days they're not on the Summit campus.

"What's lost (in this model right now) is that five day a week custodial care," Bailey said. "We haven't fully solved that with public funding."

Bailey said he carries a long-term vision of student-driven learning environments that are available to everyone, whether through an expanded Rock Tree Sky-style program or through adoption of the model in traditional public schools.

How Rock Tree Sky students are performing

At the core of Rock Tree Sky's pitch is that the model will, in the long run, do a better, more holistic job of educating students.

At the moment, it's missing the mark on some traditional metrics. Summit School students scored well below their peers across the state and Ojai Unified on state standardized tests last year.

Just 30% of Summit test-takers met standards on the state's standardized English Language Arts test, lagging behind Ojai Unified's 42.8% pass rate and the state's overall 46.7% pass rate.

Standardized math scores weren't much better: 17.5% of Summit test-takers met standards, compared to 26.3% in Ojai Unified and 34.6% across the state.

Standardized test scores, of course, have long been critiqued as an imperfect assessment tool, and they may be even less perfect in an environment like Rock Tree Sky, where the focus of families and instructors alike is a student's unique trajectory and overall well being, not annual learning benchmarks.

The test scores are an even more limited lens into the project because a number of families declined to have their children take the test, Knox said. And yet, she said, the low participation and low scores are still a ding on the district's record.

"We know (these students are) learning a lot. If we want them to be able to showcase that through the test system, then we have to prepare them," Knox said. "We have some work to do in figuring out how these state tests fit a day in the life of a typical Summit School kid."

Aaron Lagesse, left, 12, sings along with music teacher Ella Hubley on March 18 at the alternate school program Rock Tree Sky, which is housed at Summit School in Ojai.

In the yard of the Summit School campus on that same day in March, freshman Katie Lagesse sat with sophomore classmates Elijah Davy and Lola Drury at a picnic table, working on history papers.

Lagesse, a former public school student, said Summit has been a better fit for her than other environments. She enjoys the freedom the program offers to choose what to study and learn material that she'll actually need.

But all three classmates agreed that Rock Tree Sky's loose, self-directed environment may not work as well for students who prefer the structure of more conventional classrooms.

There could be a sweet spot somewhere in the middle.

For all its freedom, Bailey said, Rock Tree Sky is still built to function in partnership with the more conventional curriculum of a program like Summit School. And public schools, said Knox, could stand to take on some of the "bits and pieces" of the Rock Tree Sky model.

"There's definitely room for both in the world of education," Knox said.

Isaiah Murtaugh covers education for the Ventura County Star in partnership with Report for America. Reach him at isaiah.murtaugh@vcstar.com or 805-437-0236 and follow him on Twitter @isaiahmurtaugh and @vcsschools. You can support this work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ojai's Rock Tree Sky offers student-driven education program
OK Attorney General files brief with Supreme Court asking to halt Glossip execution

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed court papers with the U.S. Supreme Court detailing why the execution of Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip should be stopped.

Drummond says Glossips conviction for the 1997 murder of Barry Van Treese should be vacated and remanded back to district court amid revelations of false testimony by the prosecutions key witness.

The case goes back to 1997, when Glossip and Justin Sneed were convicted of killing Glossips boss and owner of the Best Budget Inn, Barry Van Treese.

Although Sneed confessed to beating and killing Van Treese with a bat, Sneed testified that Glossip hired him to kill Van Treese.

In exchange for his testimony, Sneed was given a life sentence. Glossip was sentenced to death.

Over the years, Glossip has had his execution date delayed at least eight times.

The AG says In court testimony, this witness falsely claimed he was not receiving medical treatment for mental issues when prosecutors knew he had been prescribed lithium for a psychiatric condition. Evidence indicates prosecutors knew the testimony was a lie but allowed it to stand.

Todays filing notes that the OCCA instead suggested that Glossip somehow was aware of the withheld evidence during his trial and that the critical testimony was not actually false because the witness was more than likely in denial of his mental health disorders, a conclusion that the brief suggests was reached by gold-medal doctrinal gymnastics, stated a news release from AG Drummond.

The family of a murder victim is calling on the Supreme Court to deny clemency for a death row inmate.

Glossip was convicted of first-degree murder in 1998. The OCCA later overturned the conviction for ineffective assistance of counsel, but he was again convicted and sentenced to death at a 2004 retrial, when the star witness provided false testimony.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Tourists Ryan and Valerie Watson were both detained on the island earlier this month after ammunition was found in their carry-on bag at the airport

NBC10 Boston/YouTube Ryan (left) and Valeria Watson

An Oklahoma couples future is in jeopardy as one of them faces 12 years in prison for violating the guns and ammunition law in Turks and Caicos.



Ryan and Valerie Watson were detained for two weeks on the island after visiting on April 7 for a 40th birthday trip after hunting ammunition was found in Ryans carry-on bag at the airport ahead of their flight home.

The couple was charged at the time with possession of ammunition, facing a minimum prison sentence of 12 years each, under the strict law prohibiting the possession of guns or ammunition passed in 2022 in Turks and Caicos.

On Monday, April 22, Valeries charges were dropped and she was permitted to return to their two children in Oklahoma, NBC 10 Boston reported. However, her husband Ryan is still being kept behind bars on the island as he continues to face charges. He is scheduled for a bail hearing on Wednesday, April 24.

Related: Cyndi Lauper's Son Arrested and Charged with Gun Possession in N.Y.C.

Valerie described the ordeal as starting out being a dream vacation to a nightmare."

Speaking from Turks and Caicos before her charges were dropped, she told CBS News, "We were trying to pack board shorts and flip-flops. Packing ammunition was not at all our intent."

Ryan admitted it was a bonehead mistake, telling NBC 10, "They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer  I had no idea that those were in there."

After their passports were taken and they realized they could be facing prison time, Valerie said she became terrified at the thought of being apart from their children.

Related: American Tourist, 22, 'Severely Injured' in Shark Attack While Snorkeling in Turks and Caicos

"... I was like, we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, she told NBC 10. And this is such an innocent mistake  my immediate thought was our kids and them being, you know, parentless for, for that long.

Ryan and Valeries detainment has caused financial struggles for the pair as it has interrupted their return to their jobs. This is something that we may never recover from, Ryan added to the outlet.

Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania endured a similar fate to the Watsons as he spent eight nights in prison in Turks and Caicos after being found with ammunition in his bag at the airport in February.

"It's incredibly scary, Hagerich, who is awaiting a court hearing on May 3, told NBC 10. "You just don't know what the next day may bring  what path this may take. You know, you're in a completely different culture, a different country by yourself  I'm just very anxious, eager to get home to my family. This has been too long. It's just had so much irreparable harm to my family.

Michael Grim from Indiana also received an almost six-month prison sentence last year after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition in the British Overseas Territory.

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.

A spokesperson for the State Department spokesperson, per CBS News, following these incidents, "We are aware of the arrest of U.S. citizens in Turks and Caicos. When a U.S. citizen is arrested overseas, we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws, even if they differ from those in the United States."

PEOPLE reached out to the State Department for further comment, but they did not immediately respond.



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Read the original article on People.
Oklahoma fisherman believed friend was going to 'sacrifice' him to 'Bigfoot'

Oklahoma fisherman believed friend was going to 'sacrifice' him to 'Bigfoot'

A fisherman admitted to killing his buddy because he planned to feed him to Bigfoot after summoning the mythical creature, according to Oklahoma prosecutors.

Larry Sanders was fishing with his friend Jimmy Knighten in the South Canadian River in Ponotomac County, Oklahoma, when Sanders suddenly strangled Knighten after claiming to see Sasquatch-looking creatures down stream.

"So, his statement was that Mr. Knighten had summoned Bigfoot to come and kill him, and thats why he had to kill Mr. Knighten," Sheriff John Christian told NBC affiliate KTEN after the July 2022 murder.

Nearly two years later, a judge convicted Sanders of murder. "Yes, there was a monster in the woods that night, but it wasnt Bigfoot, it was Larry Sanders, Pontotoc County District Attorney Erik Johnson said.

OKLAHOMA FATHER HUNTED HIS OWN FAMILY, LEFT ONE CHILD ALIVE: NOTHING SHORT OF A MASSACRE

Larry Sanders was found guilty of killing his friend, who he believed was going to sacrifice him to Bigfoot.

Back on July 9, 2022, Sanders and Knighten were "noodling," a method of fishing where a person is submerged in water and uses their bare hands to snatch catfish by shoving their arms into the fish's mouth.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Catfish typically live in holes along riverbanks, and the controversial practice is popular in the south.

BIGFOOT CAUGHT ON CAMERA DURING COUPLE'S ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN COLORADO

During their expedition, Sanders claimed he saw three Sasquatch-looking figures by the river, and believed Knighten was going to kill Sanders and send his body down the river as a snack for the Bigfoot creatures, The Oklahoman reported.

Sanders waived a jury trial and claimed he acted in self-defense. His fate was determined by a judge during last week's trial, where the judge listened to testimony from a forensic psychiatrist who said Sanders suffered from meth-induced psychosis.

That's when Sanders wrapped Knighten in a deadly chokehold. Law enforcement found Knighten's body the next day.

Jimmy Knighten was 52 when he was murdered in July 2022 by Larry Sanders.

Knighten's son, Airyn, who was dating Sanders' daughter at the time, said during the trial that Larry was talking fast and "frantic."

"I asked him, Where is my dad? and he (Larry Sanders) said, Hes not coming back," Airyn Knighten testified, according to The Ada News.

RUSSIAN UFO ENGAGEMENTS, SECRET TIC TAC REPORT AND 3 KEY FIGURES SLIP UNDER RADAR AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING

Sanders' daughter, who had a strained relationship with her father at the time, said he confessed to killing Knighten at least five times.

Sanders was ultimately convicted and faces life in prison without parole.

Photo shows what former rodeo rider Roger Patterson said is the American version of the Abominable Snowman. He said pictures of the creature, estimated at 7 1/2 feet tall, were taken northeast of Eureka, California.

Knighten, who was 52 when he died, was remembered as an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt game, ride four-wheelers and "most of all, drink his beer around a big bonfire," his obituary says.

"Jimmy never met a stranger, and would give anyone the shirt off his back."

"In a first-degree murder case in Oklahoma, as in most other states, you have an element of malice aforethought, meaning that you have to have specific intent to cause the death of another," District Attorney Johnson told local news outlet KXII.

"We were able to prove that Larry Sanders caused that death, and the issue of malice aforethought was what this case truly hinged upon."

He's scheduled to be sentenced on June 18.





Original article source: Oklahoma fisherman believed friend was going to 'sacrifice' him to 'Bigfoot'
Olaf Scholz tells a press conference that providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles would be an escalation of the war - Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images

Olaf Scholz is continuing to refuse to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine, despite Britain and the US announcing new weapons deliveries.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Berlin, alongside Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the German chancellor said: As far as weapons systems are concerned, my decision will not change.

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US secretly sent long-range missiles to Ukraine

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He was referring to repeated appeals from Nato allies, and German opposition leaders, to provide Kyiv with the powerful, long-range Taurus missile system.

Mr Scholz has repeatedly argued that German soldiers would need to be on the ground in Ukraine for the system to be used responsibly.

He has also expressed concerns that arming Kyiv with Taurus missiles would be too great an escalation in the conflict as they could be used to hit Moscow.

Mr Scholz is sticking to his decision despite the US arming Kyiv with its most advanced missile system so far, the army tactical missile system, or ATACMS.

The UK is also poised to send Paveway IV bombs to Ukraine, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by the BBCs defence correspondent Jonathan Beale.

First used by the RAF in Afghanistan, the Paveway IV carries a 500lb (227kg) high explosive warhead and uses GPS and laser guidance to achieve high levels of accuracy.

Rishi Sunak defended his German counterpart Olaf Scholz over Germany's defence spending - Henry Nicholls/PA Wire

The US decision to provide ATACMS will likely increase pressure on Mr Scholz to follow suit and agree to sending the Taurus system, though his remarks on Wednesday suggest he has no intention of doing so for now.

At the same press conference, the German chancellor pointed out that Berlin had provided 28 billion (24bn) in support for Ukraine, such as ammunition, air-defence systems, and tanks.

Mr Sunak praised Mr Scholz for Germanys huge financial contributions towards Ukraine and past deliveries of defence systems, such as the IRIS-T.

Everyone can bring something different to the table, so Putin can see his aggression ends in failure, Mr Sunak said.

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This undated photo shows Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu (C), Li Cong (R) and Li Guangsu who will carry out the Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission. Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu will carry out the Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceflight mission, and Ye will be the commander, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Wednesday. (Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 8:59 p.m. Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, announced the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday.

The spaceship will carry three astronauts -- Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu -- to carry out the Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission, and Ye will be the commander, said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA, at a press conference.

Shenzhou-18 is the 32nd flight mission of China's manned space program, and the third manned mission during the application and development stage of China's space station.

The crew will stay in orbit for about six months, and they are scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in late October this year.

After entering orbit, the Shenzhou-18 spaceship will perform a fast automated rendezvous and docking with the radial port of the space station core module Tianhe in about 6.5 hours, forming a combination of three modules and three spacecraft, Lin said.

During their stay in orbit, the Shenzhou-18 crew will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship, Lin said.

The space station combination is now in a stable status with all equipment functioning well. Product qualities of the Shenzhou-18 spaceship and the Long March-2F carrier rocket are under control, Lin added.

The Shenzhou-18 crew is in good condition, while the ground system facilities are in stable operation. All preparations for the launch have been completed, Lin said.

The launch will use a Long March-2F carrier rocket, which will be filled with propellant soon.

The Shenzhou-17 crew is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site on April 30 after completing the in-orbit work handover to the Shenzhou-18 crew, he added. 
Russian authorities in occupied Ukraine are forcing students to make trench candles as part of their curriculum, Ukraine's Chief Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on April 23.

In a post on Facebook, Lubinets said the manual labor was being presented as a "public initiative" but said it was just one of many measures used to prepare students for "war against their Homeland."

Ukrainian children in occupied territories face efforts to suppress their identity in "re-education camps" and Russian foster families, as well as training in military camps, Ukrainian officials have previously reported.

A trench candle is a small heating and cooking device made from a food can, strips of cardboard, and paraffin wax.

Lubinets said Russian authorities in the occupied territories had told education leaders that all students be taught how to make them.

"All actions of the enemy are aimed at erasing the identity of Ukrainian children," the ombudsman said.

"And the world community must react to such actions of the Russian Federation."

In February, Ukraine's National Resistance Center reported that Russia is establishing military camps for Ukrainian teenagers in the Russian-occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Moscow plans to open a "center for military-sports training and patriotic education of youth called 'Warrior' based on the 'Iskra' children's health camp," the National Resistance Center said in its Feb. 8 report.

Teenagers will allegedly be taught firearms and engineering training.

The center said this is "preparation for service in the Russian army."

Read also: NGO Save Ukraine rescues 6 more children, their families from Russian occupation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
One of Europes most wanted drug lords on run after Spanish court grants bail

Princess Amalia, heir apparent to the throne of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has returned to The Hague to study - Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

One of Europes most wanted criminals who is linked to a plot to kill a Dutch princess is on the run after a Spanish court allowed him to walk free.

Karim Bouyakhrichan, a leader of one of the Netherlands Mocro Mafia cartels, was arrested after a major money laundering operation in Marbella in January but skipped bail after being released.

His arrest three months ago was a huge relief to the Dutch royal family and Princess Amalia, who fled the Netherlands in 2022 amid fears she was a kidnapping or assassination target for drug gangs.

Felix Bolanos, the Spanish justice minister, told reporters his release and failure to attend court was worrying news. He said that the authorities will hand this person over to justice as soon as possible.

The 20-year-old princess had been able to return to the Netherlands, it was reported last week, after living in hiding in Madrid for at least a year. Before moving to the capital she was under close protection in the royal palace in the Hague.

Princess Amalia with Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander. The Dutch princess has returned to her studies in the Netherlands - Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

Intercepted communications between members of Dutch-Moroccan gangs had mentioned her name, and that of Mark Rutte, the prime minister, forcing her to ditch plans to live in student accommodation in Amsterdam while studying for her degree.

The threat to Amalia had not disappeared but she was able to live and study in the Netherlands again, thanks to unspecified measures, royal sources told state broadcaster NOS earlier this month.

After his arrest over the purchase of 172 Spanish properties worth 42.9 million, Dutch authorities filed an extradition request for Bouyakhrichan, 46.

The drug lord is nicknamed Taxi and has been hunted by Interpol for five years. He is suspected of leading a cocaine smuggling operation that stretches across Europe and involvement in a bloody turf war that has led to deaths in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Morocco.

The extradition request was rejected by a Spanish court, which said Bouyakhrichan should face the money laundering charges in Spain first.

Karim Bouyakhrichan has not been sighted since paying 50,000 for bail in January - ASA/GC/SM

The Dutch successfully appealed the decision and the extradition was granted. Spains National Court failed to issue an order that would have kept the kingpin in custody until his extradition.

At a preliminary hearing into the money laundering charges at a Malaga court last month, the judge agreed to release Mr Bouyakhrichan on a 50,000 bail.

The billionaire gang boss paid the bail and was ordered to report to the court in April. He hasnt been seen since and is believed to have a worldwide portfolio of properties to hide in.

Mocro Mafia

Mr Bouyakhrichans brother Samir is believed to have founded one arm of the notorious Mocro Mafia before he was gunned down in 2014.

His great rival is reportedly Ridouan Taghi, who denied any plot against the princess before he was sentenced to life in prison for five murders in February.

Karim Bouyakhrichan, alias Taxi, who was arrested here by Spanish police on the Costa del Sol is believed to be an important member of Mocro Mafia gang - ASA/GC/SM

Before his sentencing, the Dutch-Moroccan crime boss is thought to have ordered three murders connected to his trial, including a lawyer, a TV journalist and the brother of a crown witness.

The gangland hits led to fears that Taghi was still running his criminal empire from prison and that the Netherlands had become a narco state.

Taghi and Mr Bouyakhrichan have both been reported to have ordered ultimately failed gangland hits on each other over the years.

A Dutch public prosecutors office spokesman said it was unknown why Mr Bouyakhrichan had been released but said cooperation with Spain was generally good, adding that dozens of suspects are handed over every year.

In February, Princess Amalia spoke publicly about the threats for the first time. I miss normal life, the life of a student. Walking the streets, going to a store, she said.

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When Summer Lee ran for Congress in 2022, she had to battle a wave of pro-Israel spending.

That didn't happen this year, despite her initially appearing to be a top target.

Lee easily defeated her primary challenger on Tuesday, likely assuring her reelection.

Going into this year, Rep. Summer Lee seemed likely to be a top target for pro-Israel groups.

The first-term "Squad" member won the 2022 Democratic primary for her Pittsburgh-area House seat by less than 1,000 votes after facing down millions of dollars in outside spending from a super PAC affiliated with the The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

But that level of spending didn't materialize again this year, and Lee handily defeated Democratic primary opponent Bhavini Patel on Tuesday.

Both AIPAC and another key pro-Israel group, Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), opted to stay out of the primary. But that doesn't mean other progressives will go unscathed.

"The national pro-Israel community did not engage in this race, which means it's not really a serious test," DMFI President Mark Mellman told the Washington Post. "But there will be tests yet to come."

Pro-Israel groups have become the biggest opponents of progressives in Democratic primaries

The rise of the progressive left  spurred by Sen. Bernie Sanders's presidential campaigns and accelerated by shock victories by politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez  has brought with it a cohort of Democratic politicians who are more critical of Israel and sympathetic toward Palestinians.

That's increasingly been a challenge for groups like AIPAC, who have long worked to maintain a bipartisan consensus around support for Israel through lobbying and political fundraising.

Those groups began fighting back in 2020 and 2022, drawing on the support of deep-pocketed donors  many of which Republicans  to try to block progressive candidates from winning Democratic primaries across the country.

One of those progressive candidates was Lee, who was elected to the Pennsylvania State House in 2018 with the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America. Pro-Israel groups spent money against Lee not just in the primary, but in the general election as well.

Why that didn't happen this year

Lee, who called for a cease-fire soon after the October 7 Hamas attacks, initially seemed vulnerable in part due to anger from the local Jewish community in Squirrel Hill, where the Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting took place in 2018.

That congregation's rabbi, along with several others, signed two different letters to the congresswoman denouncing her rhetoric on Israel.

Decoded @SummerForPA: Let Hamas stay in power.



Calling for a ceasefire now is a transparent ploy to paint Israel as the aggressor and allow Hamas to control Gaza.



Emboldening a terror group that massacres Israelis and uses Palestinians as human shields will never achieve peace. https://t.co/o6e7abRSr2  AIPAC (@AIPAC) October 16, 2023

But the politics of Israel within the Democratic Party shifted significantly in the intervening months, in large part due to the brutality of Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians.

The progressive forces backing Lee also ended up being stronger than those hoping to defeat her.

Lee's opponent Patel did receive roughly $612,000 in outside spending from a super PAC bankrolled by GOP billionaire Jeff Yass, a significant investor in TikTok's parent company. But that only proved to be a boon for Lee and her allies, who blasted Patel for benefiting from a GOP megadonor's largesse.

Meanwhile, progressive groups supporting Lee spent nearly $710,000, and on Sunday, Ocasio-Cortez came to Pittsburgh to rally with Lee.

Lastly, Lee  despite being significantly to the left of President Joe Biden  aligned herself closely with the president's agenda, including running on over $1 billion in federal funding that she helped deliver to the district, much of which was originally allocated under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

That helped the congresswoman neutralize attacks from Patel, who sought to paint Lee as being insufficient loyal to Biden. The president even shouted out the congresswoman as one of the "folks who've had my back" during a recent visit to the city.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dozens of people across California have been wrongly convicted of crimes largely because of law enforcement officers flawed handling of eyewitness evidence. Courts have found instances of eyewitnesses feeling pressured to make an identification from a lineup even when the true culprit wasnt present; making shaky identifications that were ultimately presented at trial as smoking-gun evidence; and choosing from lineups of photos in which some bore no resemblance to their description of the suspect, making the polices preferred choice more obvious.

Thats why my colleagues at the Northern California Innocence Project and I rejoiced six years ago when the state Legislature passed eyewitness identification reforms that we helped craft. The law now requires police to use evidence-based practices in handling eyewitnesses. Its based on decades of scientific research into the causes of inaccurate and unreliable eyewitness testimony  the kind that has put innocent people in prison for decades and even for life.

Read more: Opinion: 'Know why I pulled you over?' Fortunately, California police can't ask you that anymore

As of 2020, the law requires California police agencies to conduct blind lineups in which the administrator doesnt know the suspect's identity; admonish eyewitnesses that the perpetrator may not be in the lineup, that they don't have to make an identification and that the investigation will continue even if they dont; ascertain and document an eyewitness confidence in any identification; use photos that generally fit the eyewitness description; and record the entire identification procedure.

Unfortunately, our rejoicing over these reforms has faded considerably since they were put in place. While the states police departments have generally acknowledged their obligations under the new law, many are failing to comply with it.

Read more: Editorial: L.A. is now paying the price for the tough-on-crime era

A new study led by the Northern California Innocence Project found that only 49% of the agencies examined were using admonishment forms that contained all of the legally required lineup instructions. Most of the remaining agencies were using the same forms they had used since at least 2010, with no changes to reflect the 2018 law.

Compounding the problem is Lexipol, a for-profit company that produces most California police departments policy manuals. The company created an eyewitness identification policy that wrongly downplays or misrepresents law enforcements obligations.

For instance, throughout Lexipols eyewitness identification policy, the laws uses of the word shall are replaced with should, suggesting the required practices are discretionary rather than mandatory. Lexipols policy also wrongly implies that witness' identifications dont always have to be recorded.

Its true that police departments bear the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that their policies and practices comply with the law, and Lexipol notes that contracting agencies are free to review and modify their master manuals. But our research found that the overwhelming majority of law enforcement agencies using a Lexipol manual  90%  largely adopted the companys eyewitness identification policy as written.

Lexipol should change the flawed language in its policy to make it clear that these practices are mandatory. Moreover, defense attorneys should challenge and courts should suppress identification evidence from police departments that fail to follow the law.

Preventing tragic eyewitness mistakes and wrongful convictions depends on police following this law.

Consider Northern California Innocence Project clients such as Franky Carrillo Jr., Miguel Solorio and Joaquin Ciria, who were wrongfully incarcerated for 20, 25 and 32 years, respectively. All three are men of color who couldnt overcome wrongly obtained, false eyewitness identifications at trial. In each case, juries took these tainted identifications as convincing evidence of guilt.

The days of such blind acceptance must end. Nothing less than full compliance with the law will protect the next innocent person from going to prison.

Todd Fries is an attorney and the executive director of the Northern California Innocence Project at Santa Clara University School of Law.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
This week, Congress and President Joe Biden took the next step to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from using Americans data against us. You may have heard of this legislation referred to as the TikTok ban. But rest assured, were not out to stop the sharing of short-form videos.

My colleagues and I enjoy TikToks kaleidoscope of creativity as much as the next person. Many members of Congress use the platform, as does President Bidens campaign. The problem is that TikTok, one of the countrys major media platforms, is owned by a company that is deeply connected to and ultimately responsible to the CCP. This legislation gives that company up to a year to sell the platform before it risks facing restrictions on access to app stores and web hosting services. We are drawing a hard line against foreign adversaries using social media platforms to control our data and then, through the power of opaque and proprietary algorithms, turning that data against us and shaping what reaches millions of Americans.

While other social media platforms have a similar reach, TikTok has a unique vulnerability: its parent company, ByteDance. TikTok executives insist that, in the words of CEO Shou Zi Chew, ByteDance is not owned or controlled by the Chinese government. But Beijing has a history of punishing or even disappearing executives who dont comply with the party line  something undoubtedly on the mind of ByteDances China-based leadership. In a legal filing last year, for example, ByteDances former head of engineering in the U.S. said that some members of the ruling Communist Party used data held by ByteDance to locate protesters in Hong Kong. No wonder, then, that, according to Politico, the Chinese embassy has lobbied congressional staff against this legislation.

In just the past four years, the share of U.S. adults who get their news regularly from TikTok has quadrupled to 14%, including roughly one-third of Americans under 30. Once we recognize that TikToks algorithm is also determining the news we see, then the parallels to other points in American history and technological advancement become more clear. As the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission Jessica Rosenwercel stated, For decades weve had policies in the Communications Act that would prevent, for instance, a Chinese national or a Chinese company from owning our nations broadcast television stations. We would say thats unacceptable, right? Id be kicked out of my job if I decided otherwise. And yet here we have something thats arguably one the newer forms of media and there is zero oversight.

ByteDance has already proven its willingness to monitor and manipulate American users data to the advantage of the CCP. When journalists reported on ByteDance's use of consumer data, the company responded by using TikTok to track American journalists IP addresses, movements and discussions with sources. Leaked audio from internal meetings showed that user data supposedly quarantined in the U.S. was proven to be accessed repeatedly in China. TikTok has suggested a Project Texas proposal of internal content moderation to mitigate these threats, but corporate self-control has yet to be the answer for any social challenges.

When the House was debating legislation to make sure that TikTok, like traditional broadcast media, be subject to U.S. jurisdiction, the company decided to activate its users by sending deceptive push alerts to lobby members of Congress, proving that when the Chinese Communist Partys assets are threatened, it will not hesitate to weaponize Americans data. We live in an era in which internet users data is for sale in a variety of shady schemes, but at least those companies are ultimately subject to the purview of the U.S. government and Congress. We know Congress must act in implementing comprehensive data privacy laws, which is why this bill was passed alongside laws to prohibit data brokers from selling data to our foreign adversaries. But as long as TikTok is controlled by ByteDance, they are ultimately not responsible to U.S. laws but to the Chinese Communist Partys interest in conducting espionage.

Congress and the president are presenting TikTok and ByteDance with a choice: Preserve access to 170 million consumers in the U.S. by selling to a company that is not beholden to the CCP. Buyers are already lining up. This elegant solution addresses pressing national security concerns, yet ensures that TikTok, content creators and users, all can not only survive, but thrive.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Recently, a mother in an online group of Utah moms responded to Utahs shift to full-day kindergarten by saying she felt that we put too much pressure on kids academically at such a young age.

Mothers like her are not alone. Many Utah parents with rising kindergarteners are concerned over whether regular half-day kindergarten will remain an option in Utah. Thanks to new legislation passed this cycle (HB517) the traditional half-day kindergarten option for parents might be saved.

The new law requires elementary schools to continue to offer traditional half-day kindergarten  where their school day is structured around half-day hours  if at least 18-19 parents register their children at their local school. If enough parents register for the half-day kindergarten program in their neighborhood school in the next couple of months, their child can attend.

Parents have good reason to be concerned about Utah public schools retaining regular half-day kindergarten for their 5- and 6-year-old kids. Data indicates starting kids too young with too much school may lead to hindered emotional and social development down the road.

For one, starting kids too young in school puts some at risk for being improperly diagnosed with ADHD and other developmental issues. One Harvard study found that children who started school a year earlier than their peers were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD  even if they didnt have it. In fact, the study of over 400,000 children from all 50 states found students were 30% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Putting young kids in desks for long hours in a day can be a recipe for improper diagnoses and unwarranted medical interventions.

Research has also shown that any academic gains made in full-day kindergarten fade by about the third grade. Thats unfortunate, given that full-day kindergarten now costs Utah an estimated additional $60 million per year to fund. Part of the reason for the vanishing gains seems to be due to half-day kindergarteners making steeper gains in later grades. Researchers surmised more time with family offers these students more cognitive stimulation. Others suggested that starting kids too young soured their longer-term attitudes toward school.

Other successful countries with higher test scores than the United States start kindergarten later. For instance, Finland focuses on creative play until age 7. Only then does classroom instruction begin. Starting all kids in long hours of school at a young age is not necessary for academic success. In fact, U.S. News and World Report recently rated Utah fifth in the nation for education. Further, based on NAEP, ACT and SAT test scores, which allow for cross-state comparisons, a Forbes analysis of test scores rated Utah No. 2, second only to Massachusetts. These high scores were achieved with half-day kindergarten being the norm. This is particularly notable given that Utah is one of the five lowest spending states on education.

Further, the longer young children spend in non-relative, care the worse their behavior may be as they get older. Research from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development panel study has found that young children who spend long hours in non-relative care are at a significantly higher risk for developing higher rates of aggression, disobedience, impulsivity and risk-taking  even when they are teenagers.

A large randomized controlled study (considered the gold standard of academic studies) found that students randomly assigned to receive formal pre-K services had more disciplinary infractions (and lower academic outcomes) by the sixth grade compared to peers not assigned to receive pre-K when they were younger. The authors hypothesize that long hours in institutional-based instruction could prevent kids from developing internal self-control. Perhaps parents may do a better job than even the most well-trained or well-intentioned teachers in teaching their children self-control and patience.

While its unclear how much of these studies including 4-year-olds would also apply to 5-year-olds, its reasonable to conclude that some of it would. Indeed, research specifically comparing third graders who had previously attended half-day or full-day kindergarten found consistent results. Students who had attended full-day kindergarten were less likely to be rated ready in emotional maturity and social competence by third grade. This isnt to suggest that any time spent in pre-K is a problem, but that long hours of it may be too much for some kids.

Kids also need more free play, which half-day kindergarten allows. The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned Despite the numerous benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. This trend has even affected kindergarten children, who have had free play reduced in their schedules to make room for more academics, (emphasis added).

Further, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt writes in his new book Anxious Generation, that play is the work of childhood and that studies show that children come out socially, cognitively, and emotionally impaired when they are deprived of play. Particularly informal, unstructured play.

There is an expanding zeitgeist that Utah needs to catch up with bigger states like California, New York or Virginia. Too many school board members think following in the footsteps of states that spend more and put their kids in desks for longer hours will improve student outcomes.

What they fail to consider is that Utahs different approach to schooling is a feature, not a bug. Part of why Utah spends less than most other states and yet has some of the highest test scores in the country is because Utah is doing something right  including offering regular half-day kindergarten. Great school choice certainly may also be part of it. For those who care about the science, the evidence suggests that more time spent in kindergarten may do more harm than good for many Utah children. The last thing we should do is to make the traditional half-day kindergarten option more difficult for parents.

Emily Ekins is a vice president and director of polling at the Cato Institute.
In oral arguments on Wednesday, the state of Idaho told the Supreme Court that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) doesnt protect the actions of emergency care practitioners from the states abortion ban  even when abortion is the medically indicated treatment. In making its argument, Idaho made multiple statements that I found troubling, especially as an emergency medicine physician practicing in a neighboring state.

EMTALA is a federal law that requires emergency departments to provide treatment for any emergency condition until it is resolved or stabilized. Among other things, Idaho argued that EMTALAs requirements of stability can be determined by individual states; that because abortion isnt specifically mentioned in the federal law, this treatment isnt protected by it; and because the law requires an emergency department to provide treatments that are available at that hospital, abortion can simply be considered unavailable because its been made illegal.

All those arguments are flawed. But Ill focus here on what may be the most awful argument Idaho made: that its abortion ban doesnt conflict with EMTALA, because it allows a narrow exemption if abortion is necessary to prevent death.

There are some beliefs embedded in this argument that gravely misunderstand what we do in the emergency room and the ethics that guide our work.

This defense of Idahos law presumes that preventing death is the only outcome that matters to us and to our patients. Such a defense presumes that we physicians can predict with accuracy the single moment when a risk to a patients health becomes a risk to that patients life. And this argument imagines a world where physicians would, or should, purposefully allow people to be patently at risk of death before intervening.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, arguing for the U.S. government, told the justices Wednesday, In Idaho, physicians have to shut their eyes to everything but death.

Neither emergency medicine practice, nor EMTALA in particular, is just about preventing death. The law requires us to provide such medical treatment of the condition as may be necessary to assure, within reasonable medical probability, that no material deterioration of the condition is likely to occur. In medicine, the standard that we are held to by our profession, our ethics and public expectation is to prevent harm and to treat illness as early as possible.

Imagine someone is having a stroke, a heart attack or internal bleeding from a traumatic organ injury and a doctor knows the clear treatment but waits to see if the condition becomes deadly before acting. Acting immediately not only produces the best chance of survival, but its also our best chance of preventing suffering, organ damage, disability and a prolonged recovery.

In medicine, we use maxims like Time is Brain (for rapid treatment of stroke) and Time is Myocardium (for rapid treatment of heart attacks) for a reason. Rapid treatment to optimize patient care is the emergency standard of care, no matter which state youre in; delays in diagnosis or treatment are not only anathema to our practice, but theyre among the most common reasons doctors are sued.

Idaho wants to redefine what it means to acceptably skirt death, but emergency medicine is not a lets see what happens practice. We are a lets take care of this before it gets out of hand practice.

Emergency practice is anchored around a universal notion of clinical stability. Its a common reference point that applies to every patient and should not vary by hospital or state. In the chart of every patient I see in my capacity as an emergency physician, I make a note about their stability.

Our emergency licensing board exams dont test us on Massachusetts emergency medicine or Texas emergency medicine. We have a national standard of practice. Emergency physicians in all states need access to the full range of stabilizing treatments for the full range of conditions we see.

For many emergency situations, achieving stability entails using a narrow range of treatment options, sometimes even a single treatment, and the medical decision to use such treatment does not vary by state. This is not just true for conditions that require abortion  such as an ectopic pregnancy  but for a wide range of other emergency care situations. Should Idaho, or any state for that matter, get to handpick which treatments we can use, and when, as we care for patients who are at risk for serious illness or death? There is a disturbing precedent proposed here. If epinephrine were banned for the treatment of anaphylaxis, wed be here as well, Prelogar said.

Uterine infections, ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes, major hemorrhage, severe exacerbations of underlying chronic medical conditions are among the numerous situations in which abortion is an appropriate and necessary stabilizing treatment, and having it as an option simply means we are prepared to provide emergency care.

Not only are delays abhorrent to anyone receiving care for themselves or their loved ones, but they compromise the chances of success of the life-saving treatments themselves  some of which take time to work  and can make those treatments more risky to the patient. Certain procedures, certain anesthesia and a wide variety of medications are more dangerous when delivered to an unstable patient compared to one whos stable. A law that demands that we hold back before acting functions as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Such a law, by itself, makes the worst outcome more likely.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
On April 25, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments regarding Donald Trumps claim that he is immune from prosecution for his actions while president on Jan. 6, 2021, and in the weeks leading up to it. By deciding even to hear Trumps preposterous assertion that he is above the law, the court signaled that it would bend over backward to accommodate Trump and thus, his re-election. The justices reinforced that message by scheduling the hearing on the last day for arguments this term.

Voters have a right to know before the election what a jury decides about someone indicted for trying to overturn the lawful transition of power four years ago and who is asking citizens to make him president again. By delaying this case, the court casts further doubt on its crumbling legitimacy. Any hopes for recovering its reputation now rest entirely on a speedy ruling that allows the case to go to trial sooner rather than later.

The issue before the justices is straightforward. Trumps claim  that a former president is categorically immune from prosecution for any official act committed while in office  fails the laugh test. Trumps lawyer illustrated the arguments absurdity earlier this year before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, when he argued that a former president could not be held criminally liable for ordering the assassination of a political opponent unless he was impeached and convicted for it. We fought a revolution to establish, as District Judge Tanya Chutkan once wrote, that presidents are not kings.

The Supreme Courts decision to hear the case gave Trump the gift he dreamed of  significantly postponing his Jan. 6-related trial. Recall, as well, that the court originally waited for the D.C. Circuits ruling, when it could have taken the case back in December. The delay, if continued, could easily mean that the country will never know what a jury would decide. If Trump becomes president before a verdict is reached, the trial will disappear overnight.

To drag out legal proceedings ignores both the principles of jurisprudence and the common welfare. The Speedy Trial Act of 1974 was designed not just to benefit defendants but also to serve the public interest  the words of Justice Samuel Alito, writing for a unanimous court in 2006.

Fortunately, a prompt decision in the Supreme Court is made easy by the excellent roadmap in the D.C. Circuits thorough decision. In light of the urgent political implications and the simplicity of the single issue before the justices, it should decide his immunity claim no more than a two weeks after hearing oral arguments.

In cases involving monumental political consequences and far more complicated legal questions, the Supreme Court has already shown us that it can rule quickly after oral arguments. Its ruling in the Colorado ballot disqualification case, where the justices disfigured the 14th Amendment to keep Trump on the ballot, came less than four weeks after oral arguments. In Bush v. Gore, the court decided the 2000 election one day after arguments.

And in U.S. v. Nixon, an even more historic case which one of us (Lacovara) argued, the court ruled a mere 16 days after arguments, even though the case involved several novel, complex constitutional issues about the existence and scope of the presidents claim to executive privilege.

If the Supreme Court were to issue a decision in early to mid-May, the case would return to Chutkans court for trial. Even if she gave the parties three months to resolve any remaining pretrial issues, the case likely would be ready for a jury to hear by mid-August, several months before the election.

A delay until the end of June, however, would bump the start of the trial until well into the fall. Worse still, the justices could even send the case back to lower courts to consider Trumps fatuous fallback position  that even if a president is not categorically immune from prosecution for any otherwise criminal act he commits, his actions in the Jan. 6 case fell within the outer perimeter of his presidential duties.

In 1982, in Nixon v. Fitzgerald, the court applied that outer perimeter concept to create civil  not criminal  immunity for a former president. The D.C. Circuit has already considered that alternative issue and soundly rejected Trumps position. Even if the precedent Fitzgerald were deemed to extend to criminal conduct, there is no rational universe in which the law (or common sense) would treat any of those alleged actions as within the outer perimeter of presidential responsibilities. Those responsibilities include only actions to protect the public interest, as distinct from promoting the personal political interests of an incumbent president seeking to hold onto office despite the voters will.

In addition, to send the case back to the district court to consider this hypothetical would violate the settled, conservative principle of federal jurisprudence that courts decide only questions necessary to resolve the case. This case is resolved by deciding simply whether Trump is immune for seeking to overturn the lawful transition of power  in effect, an attempted assassination of the Constitution.

This court is not comprised of a bunch of partisan hacks, Justice Amy Coney Barrett protested in 2021. But if the Supreme Court stalls until late June to say what everyone knows  presidents cannot commit crimes with impunity  or if it sends the case back to lower courts for reconsideration of issues, then there will be no better label for the courts majority. The institutions legitimacy lies in its hands. Justice cannot wait.

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 then-President Donald Trump. George T. Conway III is an attorney and the board president of the Society for the Rule of Law. The views expressed in this commentary are their own. Read more opinion at CNN.

After a solid start for former President Donald Trump on day one of his New York criminal trial with defense attorney Todd Blanches effective opening statement, the former presidents case suffered two substantial blows on Tuesday.

Norm Eisen and George Conway - CNN

We had predicted that Trumps contempt hearing was going to be bad for him  and it was even worse, with Justice Juan Merchan telling the defense that they were losing all credibility in arguing that Trump tried very hard to comply with his gag order. The judge reserved his decision, so well see what happens next. Whatever it is, it almost certainly wont be good for Trump, who stands to face sanctions on some and perhaps all of his statements attacking witnesses and jurors. We are guessing fines and a stern warning that if he continues he will face possible confinement.

But as negative as that was for Trump, when we got back to witness testimony a little after 11 a.m., what ensued with former American Media CEO and National Enquirer publisher David Peckers testimony may have been even more damaging.

Remember, the prosecutions theory here includes allegations that Trump engaged in an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of a presidential election in 2016 (and then took steps to conceal that illegal election fraud through helping promulgate 34 false documents in 2017). On Tuesday, they established compelling evidence to support the conspiracy part of that. Indeed, in many ways Pecker is that part of the case  what follows his 2015 agreement with Trump is just implementation of the plan to interfere with the election that he so convincingly testified about.

Pecker talked persuasively and at length Tuesday about the formation of the conspiracy, but his testimony cut (or will cut) across all five acts of the Shakespearean drama here. His August 2015 meeting with Trump and former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is Act One that laid the foundation for the catch-and-kill schemes later implemented to benefit Trumps campaign. But Peckers testimony also included his attempts to silence allegations by doorman Dino Sajudin that Trump had fathered an illegitimate child or engaged in a yearlong affair with model Karen McDougal: Acts Two and Three, respectively.

Pecker brought that to life, acting as a tour guide and bringing the jury inside the scheme. Because he took them into the rooms and onto the phone calls with Trump and/or Cohen to influence the election, it will be easier for the jury to understand how that same plan and alleged corrupt intent unfolded in the next two acts of the drama  the panic set off by the Access Hollywood scandal (Act 4), followed by the parody to buy the silence of Stormy Daniels (Act 5)  that we will hear about on Thursday when Pecker continues his testimony.

And this was even more persuasive because Pecker is no Never Trump adversary. He is someone who was, as he explained to the jury, a close Trump friend and supporter who was intimately aware of the former presidents business practices.

Indeed, even though Pecker is primarily here to support the first half of the case  the scheme  his proximity to Trump was such that he even bolstered the second part of the case: the allegation of a document falsification cover-up. Pecker testified that he witnessed Trump handling accounts payable paperwork like that at issue here, personally signing checks after carefully reviewing the attached documentation. Look for prosecutors to cite that to the jury as part of their proof that Trump did the same thing with the checks he signed here and the accompanying materials that make up the 34 allegedly falsified documents.

Further, Pecker is not Cohen, whom the defense has sharply criticized before Trumps former fixer even takes the stand. Pecker can corroborate both Cohens testimony and the whole scheme  and that may make him the prosecutions most important witness.

Of course, thats not to say that the day was all bad for the defense. For instance, Pecker said that while he assumed that directives to publish or suppress certain stories came from both Cohen and Trump, its possible that Cohen may have acted on his own accord in an attempt to get involved in Trumps campaign. That lets Trumps attorneys challenge prosecutors assertion that their client was aware of the full scope of his then-fixers activities.

So, what happens next? On Thursday, prosecutors will continue their direct examination of Pecker before turning it over to the defense for cross-examination later that day or Friday. Because Pecker is so important, the defense really has to come after him  so stay tuned for fireworks. What that cross could look like will be the subject of this trial diary on Thursday morning.

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Three children were killed and two others sustained injuries as an unexploded device left over from past wars went off in south Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Asadullah Jamshid said Wednesday.

In the province's Maruf district on Tuesday evening, a group of children found a toy-like object and began playing with it. But the object went off suddenly, killing three on the spot and severely injuring two others, the official added.

Afghanistan is reportedly among the most mine-contaminated countries in the world, as countless mines and unexploded ordnances left over from the past more than four decades of wars and civil strife claim the lives of at least a dozen people, mostly children, every month in the war-torn country. 
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  Free opioid overdose reversal kits are now available at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine clinic on Oakland Drive.

The kits are available in a repurposed newspaper box, located outside the main patient entrance of the WMed Health clinical practice at 1000 Oakland Dr. in Kalamazoo. They include two doses of naloxone, gloves, a mask and information about treatment.

The medical school says its partnering with Bronson Healthcare to combat the opioid overdose crisis by offering naloxone, which can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose. In Michigan, overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death for people between 21 and 65 years old, according to a release from WMed.

Old newspaper boxes become Narcan dispensers at Ferris State University

Its all part of a project launched in 2022 that has installed five naloxone distribution boxes across southwest Michigan, the medical school says. While the project started with grant funding, its now continuing with support from Bronson, according to the release.

When we realized people were dying from car accidents, we put seatbelts in cars, Dr. Maureen Ford, an assistant professor at the medical school and emergency medicine physician for Bronson who launched the project, said in a statement. Now, we need to act on this leading cause of accidental death by getting more Narcan out in the community.

Cherry Health adds 2 new Narcan vending machines

The more we put it out there, the more accessible it is, stated Nancy King of the Community Outreach Prevention and Education Network, which provides the overdose prevention kits. And we know, statistically, that the more naloxone you put into a community, the less fatal overdoses there are.

WMed says project leaders hope to install five more distribution boxes at other sites.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), right, and his office's field representative, left, introduce themselves to local housing leaders ahead of Tuesday's roundtable at Cuidando Los Ninos in Albuquerque. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Two New Mexico congressional members hosted housing nonprofit leaders from across the state Tuesday to celebrate $16 million in federal housing funds allocated earlier this year.

The money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will help groups like Catholic Charities and La Casa Inc. in Las Cruces. They are expected to use the funding for things like rental assistance, case management and administrative costs.

U.S. Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez, both Democrats, touted the award as a necessary piece of the puzzle in addressing the states homelessness crisis. A report last May from the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee estimated that homelessness increased 48% between 2022 and 2023, based on a point-in-time count.

The HUD Continuum of Care program is an important source of funding for local housing support across the country. This year, the total award was $3.16 billion, the largest-ever, according to HUD data, in light of increasing homelessness nationally.

New Mexicos HUD money goes into two pots  one for Albuquerque and one for the rest of the state  following applications submitted by the City of Albuquerque and the state Mortgage Finance Authority. This year, 28 organizations statewide were among the sub-grantees, including local governments, housing authorities and community centers.

More than a dozen leaders attended a roundtable Tuesday to express gratitude and describe their vision for the HUD funding, but also to address challenges theyve faced getting the money out the door or putting it to good use. Laura Chavez, president and CEO of the New Mexico Supportive Housing Coalition, said wary landlords remain an obstacle in Bernalillo and McKinley Counties, where the group operates.

We can develop housing all day long. Many of us are working towards that. We can administer vouchers, many of us are, she said. We can administer support services. Many of us are. But without landlords and property partnership buy-in, were spinning our wheels.

Chavez said more needs to be done to encourage developers and property owners to build affordable housing or lease units to low-income residents, like creating new incentives. Landlords in many cities across the state can legally turn away tenants who have federal housing vouchers, Chavez noted. Legislators this year failed to pass a statewide ban on that practice, known as source-of-income discrimination.

Even with additional money flowing, two nonprofit leaders mentioned long waitlists for some housing programs, including Section 8 vouchers and programs for homeless children.

The need is there. We have an extremely long waitlist, said Laura Fisher, housing director for Albuquerque-based Cuidando los Ninos. And so hopefully we can start to work through that.

The $16 million is in addition to about $200 million allocated by state lawmakers this legislative session for housing programs, including affordable housing development and infrastructure. About $20 million of that is designated to address homelessness.

Stansbury, in a news conference after the roundtable, said the federal and state funding contributes to an all hands on deck approach to housing, paying for new development, services, rental assistance and behavioral health.

All of these pieces will go together to help address different pieces of the housing and homelessness crisis, she said.

Recipients of federal Continuum of Care funding:

$163,211 for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. $325,276 for El Camino Real Housing Authority $1,067,213 for Catholic Charities $128,661 for El Refugio, Inc. $3,591,847 for City of Albuquerque $940,816 for La Casa, Inc. $229,048 for Cuidando Los Ninos $1,125,523 for Mesilla Valley Community of Hope $325,516 for High Desert Housing $1,325,877 for New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness $108,858 for New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness $382,677 for Saint Elizabeth Shelter Corporation $535,524 for Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico $269,676 for San Juan County Partnership $375,422 for TenderLove Community Center $158,403 for San Juan Safe Communities Initiative, Inc. $53,915 for Abode Inc $340,617 for Santa Fe Community Housing Trust $632,625 for Battered Families Services, Inc. $237,479 for SPIN Supporting People In Need $121,063 for Casa Milagro Inc. $75,378 for Supportive Housing Coalition of New Mexico $139,702 for Community Against Violence, Inc. $953,769 for The Life Link $372,924 for County of Sandoval $498,370 for Valencia Shelter Services for Victims of Domestic Violence $628,833 for DreamTree Project, Inc. $1,165,192 for Youth Shelters and Family Services

The post Opportunities and challenges ahead for NM nonprofits awarded $16 million in federal housing funds appeared first on Source New Mexico.
Orange County voters this November will likely be asked to keep paying an extra half-penny in sales tax so a school construction program that has renovated or replaced 136 older campuses and built 65 new ones can continue for another 10 years.

The Orange County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to put the sales tax  which in 20 years has raised more than $4 billion for school construction  on the ballot this fall. The proposed referendum still needs approval from the Orange County Commission before it can go to voters in November. School officials hope commissioners will sign off on that next month.

Orange voters first approved the school sales tax in 2002, with 59% voting yes. The tax was renewed in 2014 with 64% of the vote.

Without another vote, the tax would sunset at the end of 2025. School officials said that would leave them without money to revamp aging schools, fix air conditioners and roofs and update technology and safety features or to build new campuses in Oranges fast-growing communities, such as Lake Nona and Horizon West.

Its absolutely crucial, said Chair Teresa Jacobs ahead of Tuesdays vote.

During the meeting, Jacobs and the seven other board members all called the funding vital if the school district wants to continue its school building program. The district has few other sizeable sources of school construction money, so the sales tax money is needed if the district, which operates more than 200 campuses, continues to update older ones and build news when growth demands it, officials said.

This is money that will make a huge difference, said board member Maria Salamanca, adding that school boards in other Florida districts struggle with even basic school maintenance because they do not receive such funding.

You see that their schools have a lot of difficulties with air conditioning, with paint, with roofs, she said.

When the district first put the sales tax to a vote, it promised an independent oversight committee would review all construction spending. That committees members include experts in construction, engineering, auditing and finance, and they continue to meet.

Its chair, Patrick Knipe, sent a letter to the board that was read aloud Tuesday saying the committee wholeheartedly supports asking voters to renew the tax.

School leaders were pleased Mayor Jerry Demings and county commissioners agreed earlier this month not to put a transportation sales-tax referendum on the November ballot. County leaders made that call after the proposal failed to gain traction during weeks of community meetings. In 2022, a transportation sales tax referendum was handily defeated by voters, with 58% voting no.

School officials feared the school tax, though it has been popular, might be dragged down if both were on the ballot.

I was relieved when Mayor Demings decided not to go for transportation tax, said board member Angie Gallo, before Tuesdays meeting.

Two taxes might have seemed too much for voters worried about the rising cost of housing and other expenses, Gallo said.

But the school tax  which means the sales tax on many items is 6.5% rather than the state-required 6%  on the ballot alone might be more palatable, she and others said, given that it is an extension and not a new tax. They also point to the visible construction boom it has spawned, with students now attending renovated or new schools across the county from Apopka to Maitland to Windermere.

Im in support of it, Gallo said during the meeting. I believe our community will be in support of it, too.

More than half the money collected from the tax comes from tourists and others who are not Orange residents, according to OCPS.

The burden isnt simply on the residents, but we will benefit, said board member Karen Castor Dentel.

The tax has made OCPS a school building leader in Florida, and this year it will open four new schools, including its 23rd traditional high school, Innovation High School. Its slated to relieve crowding at packed Lake Nona High School.

Between 2011 and 2019, there were 130 new public schools built in Florida and 51, or 39%, were built in Orange County, according to Tindale Oliver, a consulting firm that has helped the district with school planning. No other Florida district had built more than six schools in that time period.
Four North Texas nursing homes have overwhelming safety and quality issues as their parent company navigates bankruptcy proceedings, according to a report from an independent patient care ombudsman.

The four nursing homes are all operated by Remarkable Healthcare, a company that is owned and managed by Laurie Beth and Jon McPike of Southlake. Remarkable filed for bankruptcy in March, the companys third bankruptcy filing in a little more than six years.

As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the court appointed an independent ombudsman to review patient safety and care at each of the facilities. The ombudsman, Thomas Mackey, concluded that the safety and quality of care issues are significant and overwhelming in each facility. Some issues, he wrote in his report, stemmed from the bankruptcy, but others are from long-term mismanagement/neglect at the corporate level.

At the Dallas nursing home, there are no blood pressure machines, forcing nurses to bring personal blood pressure cuffs to the facility. At the Fort Worth location, the fire alarms and sprinklers were not functional for a full year, Mackey wrote in his report, which was filed with the court Monday. Once, the kitchen was closed, and staff used their own money to leave the nursing home and buy breakfast for patients.

Jon McPike did not respond to voice or text messages asking for comment.

The issues compound the existing problems at the small chains most troubled facility, Remarkable Healthcare of Fort Worth, at 6649 N. Riverside Drive. The nursing home, which was previously home to 87 residents, has been repeatedly found in violation of health and safety standards, the Star-Telegram previously reported.

But since the facilitys parent company filed for bankruptcy March 20, residents and staff have faced additional turmoil. The home was named a special focus facility last year, a designation reserved for U.S. nursing homes with the most serious and long-standing issues. On April 3, the federal government took the final and most significant step to address an unsafe nursing home: It ended its provider agreement with the facility, meaning that it would no longer pay for the care of residents with Medicare or Medicaid health insurance.

Such a step is typically a kiss of death for a skilled nursing facility, said Annie Roades, an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who researches nursing homes like Remarkable. Almost two-thirds of nursing home patients have Medicaid health insurance as the primary payer for their care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, meaning that without Medicaid reimbursement, a nursing home loses the majority of its income.

About a week after the governments decision, the nursing homes original owners, the McPikes, announced the nursing home would close, according to resident Nona Taggart. Taggart said she and the other 86 people living there were told to find new places to live by April 18.

But the next week, residents got a different message: As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the home had a new owner, Pure Health, that would keep it open, residents were told.

The problem, however, was that the new owner was still not certified as a provider by the federal government, meaning it had limited ways to make money until the months-long certification process was complete.

The message changed once again on Monday, Taggart said, when the remaining 27 residents were told again that the home would close and they would need to find new homes by the end of the week.

Jennifer Ruffcorn, a spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said in a statement Wednesday that state representatives were meeting with employees to make sure the remaining residents find safe homes.

It is our understanding that the facility plans to close by the end of the week, Ruffcorn wrote.

The conflicting information and the short time frame residents have to pack up their belongings and move has made this closure particularly painful, said Patty Ducayet, the states long-term care ombudsman.

The timeframe was compressed because of decisions the facility made and care they failed to provide, Ducayet said. I hold them responsible for that.

Remarkable Healthcare was notified on April 3 that its contract with the federal government would end. Residents said they were not informed of managements decision to close the facility until a week later, on April 10.

Ducayets office is responsible for listening to the concerns of residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Local ombudsmen have been at Remarkable to help residents decide what they want to do next.

Its terrible that we dont have a regulatory system that can correct quality issues to prevent residents from, for all intents and purposes, being forcibly evicted from their home, Rhodes said.

Taggart, who lived at Remarkable for more than seven years, said she was well aware of the homes safety issues, but that she had come to consider her neighbors at the home and the staff who worked there her family.

The final residents of Remarkable Healthcare are packing their things at the same time as the Biden administration finalized a major milestone for nursing home care, issuing new staffing rules for nursing homes that will require most homes to provide an average of at least 3.48 hours of daily care per resident.

Although the new rules are the most significant change to federal staffing requirements in decades, they still dont go far enough, Rhodes said. The best evidence, she said, points to 4.1 hours of daily care per resident.

Its a step forward, but still so far behind where we need to be, she said.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt held an in-person press conference on Pennsylvania's primary election on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Commonwealth Media Services)

With primary voting over and ballots being tallied, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said at a news conference Tuesday night, Pennsylvanias voters overwhelmingly encountered an improved voting experience this year.

So far, Schmidts office said, the issues election officials have been made aware of were minimal and isolated, such as a couple of polling places opening late. Schmidt said he is unaware of any significant unforeseen closures of polling places or instances of eligible Pennsylvanians being prevented from voting.

What appears to be a relatively issue-free primary election comes after a number of more tumultuous elections so far this decade.

The 2020 election was conducted amid health concerns due to COVID-19 and during the height of pandemic-era restrictions on gathering. Its results were then challenged by former President Donald Trump and his supporters, without evidence. The 2022 election saw the rejection of a large number of mail-in votes over technical issues, which resulted in a lawsuit that was only ruled on months ago.Touting the success of Tuesdays election, Schmidt noted the departments election complaint hotline received significantly fewer calls than during the previous two primaries, which Schmidt said he hopes is indicative of fewer issues.

The nonprofit election news organization Votebeat reported, however, that some mail-in voters had issues with the states redesigned mail-in ballots. While Schmidt said the new ballots were designed to reduce voter errors when filling them out, it appeared a number of voters failed to fill in the last two digits of the year when dating their ballots. Schmidt said it will not be clear until ballot-counting is complete how widespread the problem is.

According to the Votebeat report, last Friday, Deputy Secretary for Elections Jonathan Marks emailed counties urging them to still count mail-in votes even if the last two digits of the year arent properly filled in. Whether to count such ballots is up to counties discretion, and several counties told Votebeat that they would not be counting the improperly dated ballots.

Voting by mail, and I just want to stress this, is not complicated, Schmidt said. The instructions are very clear. Voters have a lot going on in the course of a day, so you do see mistakes.

Over 895,000 mail-in and absentee ballots were requested this election.

By law, elections officials could not begin processing mail-in ballots until this morning, and the work is still ongoing. Schmidt urged patience in waiting for results in close races that may be determined by mail-in and provisional votes, or where recounts may be requested.

I urge you to be patient, Schmidt said. This work takes time.

The post Pa. voters had improved voting experience in primary election, top voting official says appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
A Palatka woman who previously served prison time for a non-violent drug offense has received a pardon from President Joe Biden.

Fifty-nine-year-old Beverly Holcy, also known as Beverly Canty, pleaded guilty to the offense she committed at age 27, according to a news release from the White House.

According to information from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Holcy was released from prison in July 1998.

Had Ms. Holcy been sentenced under current law and sentencing practices today, she would have received a significantly lower sentence, the White House said.

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Since Holcy has completed her sentence and probation obligations, the White House said, she has been fully employed, volunteers at her church, and assists in various community activities.

By issuing clemency to Holcy, she will now have her civil rights restored, including voting, sitting on a jury, or holding public office.

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Biden said in a statement, The pardon recipients have demonstrated their commitment to improving their lives and positively transforming their communities. The commutation recipients have shown that they are deserving of forgiveness and the chance at building a brighter future for themselves beyond prison walls.

To learn more about the 11 people granted clemency, and the five people who had prison sentences commuted, click here.

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By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli warplanes pounded the northern Gaza strip for a second day on Wednesday in a fierce assault that has shattered weeks of comparative calm, and Israel said it was moving forward with plans for an all-out assault on Rafah in the south.

After an abrupt Israeli pullback at the start of this month, Palestinians at both ends of the Gaza Strip were again fleeing for their lives from bombing they described as some of the war's worst.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said Israel was "moving ahead" with its plans for a ground operation on Rafah but gave no timeline.

Western countries, including Israel's closest ally the United States, have pleaded with it to hold back from attacking the city on Gaza's southern edge, which is sheltering more than half the enclave's 2.3 million people.

At the White House, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Washington was still talking with Israel about Rafah and officials from both countries expected to meet again in person soon.

"We've had very detailed discussions ... to talk through not just our concerns, but our view that there is a different way to go about dealing with the Hamas threat in Rafah," he told reporters.

A senior Israeli defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel was poised to evacuate civilians ahead of its attack and had bought 40,000 tents that could house 10-12 people each. All that remained was for Netanyahu to give the order.

Displaced people sheltering in Rafah are weighing whether to flee again. Tamer Al-Burai, who fled from Gaza City and is now living in Rafah in a cluster of tents with seven households of extended family, said the entire group was heading to the north "since Israel sounds more serious in its threats this time".

"We have women, children, elderly and sick people, who may face problems escaping should the invasion happen suddenly," he told Reuters over a chat app. "Invasions happen under heavy fire and people die as they leave. So we decided we should leave earlier."

HAMAS RELEASES HOSTAGE VIDEO

At the opposite end of the Gaza Strip in the north, the city of Beit Lahiya came under massive shelling for a second day on Wednesday, a day after the Israeli military ordered residents out of four districts declared a "dangerous combat zone".

Israel said its operations there targeted areas from where the armed wing of Hamas-aligned Islamic Jihad fired rockets at two Israeli border settlements on Tuesday.

Israel has said it will eradicate Hamas following the militant group's rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Hamas released a video on Wednesday that apparently showed Israeli American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, alive. His father, Jonathan Polin, urged leaders to reach a ceasefire deal.

"We're relieved to see him alive but we're also concerned about his health and wellbeing as well as that of all of the other hostages and all of those suffering in this region," his father said in a video message.

The war, now in its seventh month, has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The offensive has laid to waste much of the enclave, displacing most of its 2.3 million people and creating a humanitarian crisis.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli strikes have killed at least 79 Palestinians and wounded 86, the Gaza Health Ministry said.

In the U.S., protests, some broken up by police, against Israel's campaign in Gaza are spreading on college campuses, as are concerns about Jewish students facing intimidation or antisemitism.

Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden, who seeks re-election in November, has seen his stalwart backing of Israel erode support among Democratic voters.

Asked about the protests, the White House walked a careful line on Wednesday. Biden's press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president believes free speech and nondiscrimination are important on college campuses and students should feel safe.

Residents in the north of Gaza, many of whom have started to return to homes abandoned in the first phase of the war, on Wednesday described some of the most intense bombing since the war's early weeks.

"We don't know why this is all happening. Is it because ... we finally got some aid through after months of starvation, and the Israelis didn't like that?" said Mohammad Jamal, 29, a resident of Gaza City.

In Washington, Sullivan said the U.S. has seen a marked increase in aid reaching Gaza and especially vulnerable north Gaza since Biden and Netanyahu spoke on April 4. Sullivan said the aid flow needed to increase further, a repeated U.S. demand.

The comment came after U.N. aid agency UNRWA said on Tuesday that the number of relief trucks entering the enclave had reached the highest point so far in the conflict.

In the Nasser hospital complex, the main medical facility in the south, authorities said they had recovered more bodies from a mass grave, taking the total to 334.

Palestinians say Israeli troops buried corpses there with bulldozers to cover up crimes. The Israeli military denies this although it says its troops dug up some bodies at the site and reburied them after testing to make sure no hostages were there.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Cairo, James Mackenzie and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Writing by Peter Graff and Cynthia Osterman; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
The Marine who died during training in North Carolina on Thursday night had been in a parachute accident, the Marine Corps confirmed.

Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, a reconnaissance Marine assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was killed in a training accident late Thursday night, the Corps previously stated.

The Naval Safety Commands list of major mishaps now says that an unnamed Marine was involved in a parachute mishap, died at scene on Thursday in the vicinity of Marine Corps Outlying Landing Field Atlantic, North Carolina.

Spokeswoman for II Marine Expeditionary Force Lt. Col. Cassandra Stanton confirmed to Marine Corps Times on Wednesday that Arslanbas was involved in a parachute mishap during the 24th MEUs Composite Unit Training Exercise.

The Composite Unit Training Exercise is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Units final certification exercise before it deploys with the Navys Wasp Amphibious Ready Group.

The details in the Naval Safety Commands list mostly align with what the Corps previously has disclosed about the accident that killed Arslanbas. II Marine Expeditionary Force said in a news release Friday that the accident took place during a training exercise in North Carolinas Carteret County, where Marine Corps Outlying Landing Field Atlantic is located.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating Arslanbas death, according to Marine spokeswoman Capt. Emma Thompson.

A Missouri native, Arslanbas enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2020 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant on April 1, weeks before his death, according to a Marine Corps news release.

His decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Words cannot convey our sorrow for the tragic loss of one of our MEU family members, Col. Todd Mahar, 24th MEU commanding officer, said in the news release. The 24th MEU family mourns the loss of an outstanding Marine and leader. We offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support to his family during this most difficult time.

Marine Corps Times attempted to reach Arslanbas family via email.

There have not been any other reported deaths in the Marine Corps stemming from parachute mishaps in 2023 or 2024, the years for which data is available on the Naval Safety Commands website. Marine Corps Times has asked the Naval Safety Command for data from a longer period of time.

In June 2020, Marine Sgt. Wolfgang Kyle Wolf Weninger, 28, died during a training jump at Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

America lost a son and patriot: Marine killed in parachute jump found purpose in service

Cpl. Alejandro Romero, 22, died in January 2018 after his main and reserve parachutes failed to function fully at the Multi-Mission Parachute Course in Coolidge, Arizona. Another Marine corporal became permanently disabled in November 2018 in that jump course.

Between 2011 and 2016, 11 special operators from across the military died in jump mishaps, a Military Times investigation found in 2017.

Editors note: This article was updated 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday to reflect that the Naval Safety Command has corrected the date of the parachute mishap on its website.
This photo taken on April 22, 2024 shows a volunteer preparing free meal for displaced people at a charity restaurant in Karari neighborhood of Omdurman city, northwest of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

According to the latest assessment, nearly 18 million Sudanese people are facing acute levels of hunger and the FAO has recently appealed for 104 million U.S. dollars in aid for the country.

ROME, April 24 (Xinhua) -- With a war raging on, cereal production down by 40 percent and nearly 5 million people on the brink of famine, Sudan needs urgent support before the next planting season in June, a top official from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned.

"As FAO, we do not feel Sudan has been receiving the level of attention it needs, given... the food security situation," Director of Emergencies and Resilience Rein Paulsen told Xinhua in a recent interview.

His warning came as the FAO on Wednesday unveiled its latest Global Report on Food Crises, showing that at least 281.6 million people face acute food insecurity in 2023.

This marks a 24-million increase from 2022. Meanwhile, the number of people on the brink of famine grew to over 700,000 in 2023, almost double the number in 2022.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the war in Sudan are the two factors contributing most to this escalation in hunger, the FAO said.

This photo taken on April 22, 2024 shows displaced people standing in a queue to receive free meals from a charity restaurant in Karari neighborhood of Omdurman city, northwest of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

TIMING OF AID CRUCIAL

According to the latest assessment, nearly 18 million Sudanese people are facing acute levels of hunger and the FAO has recently appealed for 104 million U.S. dollars in aid for the country.

Paulsen -- who has recently visited Sudan to assess the situation on the ground -- stressed that the amount and timing of funds provided by donors would be equally crucial.

"Now, we have a particular time window that is important for the agricultural season," he explained. "The main cereal-planting season is in June and into July, and farmers need to prepare the land, so everything that is necessary to prepare for sorghum, millet and other key cereals needs to be done right now."





FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE NEEDED

According to official data, the conflict that has been ongoing in Sudan since April 2023 is strongly limiting access to food, as well as the agricultural activities that usually provide a livelihood for two-thirds of Sudanese people.

A farmer works in his farm in Khartoum, Sudan, May 22, 2022. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua)

Restoring and supporting both crops and livestock is therefore a top priority for the FAO.

"Last year, we reached just over 5 million individuals with emergency agricultural activities across 15 states. Our plan for this year is to reach 10.1 million Sudanese," said Paulsen.

Earlier this month, a European donors' conference held in Paris pledged some 2.1 billion dollars to help alleviate the crisis in Sudan. Although the pledge was welcomed by humanitarian agencies, it is not yet clear when this aid will arrive, how much will be "new funding" and how much will be allocated to agricultural needs.

Paulsen noted that, despite over 80 percent of people globally requiring aid linked to rural activities, only 4 percent of humanitarian funds will go to agriculture.

"We are concerned because we have less funding this year than in 2023, even though the food security situation is worse," Paulsen told Xinhua.

"These two dynamics are going in the wrong direction for us at the moment, so we need to keep drawing attention to emergencies in agriculture as part of the integrated famine prevention strategy."




PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The company that manages transportation services at one of Oregons top attractions has started to charge for parking.

Sasquatch Shuttle owns the parking lot across from Multnomah Falls Lodge on the Historic Columbia River Highway, as well as a parking structure in Bridal Veil. On Monday, the private company announced it had implemented a parking fee for its Multnomah Falls lot.

Amber Alert murder victim was part of child rape case against suspect, police say

The fee is based on the time of year and day. Drivers who use the lot from April to October will pay between $5 and $10 for daily parking. Those who visit during the peak season from May to September will pay between $10 and $20, with the highest fee between the peak hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Visitors could previously park at the Columbia River Highway lot for free, although there is a $2 transaction fee for those who purchase a timed-entry permit for the Interstate 84 lot during the peak season.

At the Bridal Veil lot, Sasquatch Shuttle will charge $5 for average-sized vehicles parking and $20 for oversized vehicles.

In-N-Out Burger proposes second Washington drive-thru in Vancouver

The companys new parking fee will include a shuttle between both parking lots.

The free shuttle service between Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls parking lots is a pivotal component of our transportation strategy, Sasquatch Shuttle Co-Owner Kent Krumpschmidt said in a statement. By offering this complimentary service, we aim to reduce traffic congestion along the scenic highway while providing visitors with seamless access to the breathtaking beauty of Multnomah Falls.

In an email, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region spokesperson Kristin Carver told KOIN 6 officials are reviewing the companys decision to install payment machines at the busy lot.

She said the USFS is interested in new approaches to curbing congestion and improving traffic safety at the site, but it must determine whether Sasquatch Shuttles new parking fee reflects the agencys responsibilities.

Manhunt in Lane County for armed and dangerous man connected to womans death

We typically do that by requiring projects or changes like this to undergo a detailed approval process, including coordination with our partners, to ensure compliance with the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act, Carver added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, supported in the first reading on April 24 a bill strengthening the state's oversight over the gambling business, lawmaker Oleksii Honcharenko said.

The negative social impacts of gambling are increasingly becoming a topic of public discussion as a petition demanding restrictions on online gambling reached the president's table in March.

The bill, which was backed by 272 lawmakers in today's vote, was submitted already back in May 2023. It has to pass the second reading and be signed by the president before becoming law.

The bill proposes to abolish the Commission for Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries and pass its responsibilities to the Digital Transformation Ministry.

Other measures included further restrictions on online gambling games, a ban on advertising, finding tools to safeguard particularly vulnerable categories of the population, and tightening business control measures.

The bill also proposes guidelines and conditions for canceling licenses, as well as other steps to lift the standards of gambling enterprises.

Gambling was officially banned in Ukraine in 2009 until its legalization in 2020.

In the first two months of 2024, the gambling business in Ukraine paid Hr 2.2 billion ($56 million) in taxes, and Hr 10.4 billion ($267 million) in 2023, according to Danylo Hetmantsev, the chairman of the parliamentary Finance Committee.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on April 20 counteracting the negative effects of online gambling, banning it for the military until the end of martial law.

Read also: Who was Pavlo Petrychenko, the prominent activist recently killed in combat?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Pasco County man pleads guilty to stealing more than $60K in veteran funds: DOJ

Pasco County man pleads guilty to stealing more than $60K in veteran funds: DOJ

Related video: A Tampa Bay area veteran was forced to prove he was in the Vietnam War despite a gunshot wound and toxic exposure.

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  An Odessa man is facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison after stealing more than $60,000 in funds, the Department of Justice announced.

Anthony J. Salomone, 64, pleaded guilty to theft of government property after failing to report his mother had died.

Thief returns mans mothers stolen ashes, keeps his custom car

Salomones mother was receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, being a spouse to a deceased veteran. That money was directly deposited into her account, which Salomone had access to through an attorney.

His mother died in October 2017, but he didnt report her death. Therefore, the VA kept sending money for her until March 2022.

According to the DOJ, Salomone used the $63,359.92 in stolen funds for personal and business expenses.

Salomones sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on July 11.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
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A far-flung port in southern Chile is drawing interest from both the US and China as the fjords of Patagonia become the latest flashpoint for rivalry over energy and mineral dominance.

As conflict in the Middle East and the climate crisis force shipping companies to reroute away from the Suez and Panama canals, the southern tip of South America is once again becoming an important trade route.

Punta Arenas, a key port that sits on the Strait of Magellan between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, has become a hotspot for global shipping, and a symbol of the broader tussle for influence in Latin America.

And the remote Patagonia region is becoming a key energy and mineral resource hub thanks to its ideal conditions for the production of a type of renewable hydrogen and its proximity to Antarctica.

Both the West and China are now eyeing the region and its riches as crucial to their economic ambitions, causing geopolitical tensions to flare.

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Europe and China race to export Chiles green hydrogen

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Sources: Americas Quarterly, Chinese in Chile, Dialogue Earth

Green hydrogen is rapidly becoming one of the most lucrative sources of renewable energy: under its ambitious net-zero scenario, the International Energy Agency predicts the sector could balloon to $112 billion by 2030. Production takes huge amounts of electricity and infrastructure, but Chiles Magallanes region around Punta Arenas is a Goldilocks place to produce it thanks to its strong winds and sparse population, Americas Quarterly reported. Chile has succeeded in reducing the costs of producing renewable energy in recent years, placing it at the vanguard of the hydrogen revolution according to the Chinese in Chile WeChat blog. The question is who will dominate in securing hydrogen exports: European countries including Spain, Ireland and Italy have floated investment proposals, but China has been the leader in helping Chile decarbonize its energy grid.

China taps Argentina as it eyes Antarcticas resources

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Sources: Institute for Security and Development, RAND

Chinas plan to build a port on the southern tip of Argentina, the closest place in the world to Antarctica, is likely part of a wider bid for control of strategic polar regions, according to the Institute for Security and Development. China opened a new Antarctic base this year, and Western observers warn the countrys growing presence in the Antarctic could lead it to dominate in exploiting as-yet undiscovered resources. Both militarization and mining are banned under the decades-old Antarctic Treaty  of which China is a signatory  but since no enforcement mechanisms exist, Chinese Antarctic mining activities could consequently open the floodgates for similar activities if Beijing ever calls to renegotiate the treaty, which signatories can enact at any time, according to the RAND think tank.

Milei poses an obstacle to Chinas Patagonia expansion

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Sources: South China Morning Post, La Politica Online, Dialogo Americas

Upon taking office last year, Argentinas right-wing President Javier Milei said he would transfer project rights of Chinas proposed Rio Grande port on the countrys southern tip to local developers. Washington has lobbied Milei to stop China from building the port and other scientific research centers in Argentina, Argentinian newspaper La Politica reported. However, Milei may be realizing the limits of his anti-China rhetoric, as Argentina needs Chinese investment. The president has refused to touch the countrys $18 billion currency swap with Beijing  desperately needed to aid Argentinas depleted central bank funds  which China uses as leverage to secure supplies of food and critical minerals such as lithium, according to Bloomberg. One international relations academic said China would likely refuse to back down over the port plan and the development wouldnt be canceled, just postponed.

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NEW YORK  The sordid details of shady backroom dealings spilled out in open court Tuesday when ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker confessed his magazine used checkbook journalism to pay off sources with unsavory stories about Donald Trump.

The longtime executive admitted to a judge and a jury that his job was to catch and kill bad press centered on Trump, including allegations of affairs and children born out of wedlock.

As the Manhattan district attorneys lead witness, Peckers testimony bolstered the theory at the heart of the states case  that Trump and his allies attempted to influence the outcome of the 2016 election by burying bad news about Trump while elevating wild claims that were embarrassing to his political opponents.

That alleged conspiracy underpins the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records Trump faces in connection with one of the hush money deals. Hes pleaded not guilty to the charges.

And theres more to come. Pecker is again expected to take the stand Thursday when the trial will next be held.

Peckers testimony Tuesday started with the story of his relationship with Trump, dating back to the late 1980s when they were first introduced at Mar-a-Lago, which he pinpointed as when their great, mutually beneficial relationship began.

Early on, before Pecker acquired the National Enquirer, he pitched the then-New York business mogul on a magazine called Trump Style, an idea Trump apparently liked that was made a reality. From there, Trump would tip Pecker off about news from his show, The Apprentice, which Peckers magazine readers would religiously follow.

Their relationship evolved after Trump announced his first presidential bid in 2015. Pecker began to see Trump more frequently, and they began to speak by phone every few weeks.

The tabloid publishers communication with Trumps then-personal attorney and fixer, Michael Cohen, also sharply increased, growing from once a month or twice a quarter to at minimum every week.

And if there was an issue, it could be daily, Pecker said.

A pivotal moment came in August 2015, two months after Trump announced his candidacy, when Cohen called Pecker to tell him that the boss  a term he used for Trump  wanted to meet. Pecker met with Trump and Cohen at Trump Tower, where they asked him how he could help the campaign, he said.

Pecker offered to publish positive stories about Trump and negative stories about the candidates 2016 presidential opponents. He also agreed to serve as the campaigns eyes and ears.

The deal was of mutual benefit, he said.

The agreement wasnt formalized in writing  It was just an agreement among friends, Pecker said  but it soon took effect. He told his subordinates at American Media Inc., where he was CEO and which published the National Enquirer, to keep the deal a secret.

[I was] going to try to help the campaign, and to do that, I wanna keep this as quiet as possible, Pecker said.

In the lead up to the campaign, the National Enquirer ran a slew of unseemly and baseless stories about Trumps opponents. Their headlines spanned a purported picture of Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-Texas) father with President Kennedys assassin, to a supposed love child of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Many of the stories were directly planted by Cohen, who would send shady stories about Trumps political adversaries depending on the strength of their debate performances. His tips would form the basis of the Enquirers articles, Pecker said.

The tabloid publisher also kept anti-Trump stories from coming to light.

Pecker testified that because Trump was running for public office and well-known as the most eligible bachelor, he expected that women from Trumps past might try to sell their stories to magazines.

But the first story he ever killed for Trump actually came from a Trump employee.

After a tipster informed the Enquirer that Trump Tower doorman Dino Sajudin was claiming Trump fathered an illegitimate child with another building employee, Pecker said he immediately called Cohen, who said he would look into it.

Even after determining Sajudins story was false, the Enquirer still chose to purchase rights to his story for $30,000 to ensure other media outlets werent tipped off  a rate far higher than offered for the average story, Pecker said.

So this was a way to lock it up? prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked.

Yes, Pecker replied, adding that even though the story was false, it would have been very embarrassing to the campaign if it got out.

When Pecker agreed to buy the story, Cohen told him the boss would be very pleased.

Pecker at one point tried to release the doorman from his exclusivity deal, but said Cohen promptly shut it down.

He said, When? I said, Now, Pecker said. He said, No, release him after the election.

When Pecker testifies again, hell likely detail two other catch-and-kills involving ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal and porn actress Stormy Daniels. Both claimed they had affairs with Trump, which he has denied, and both were paid off to stay quiet about the allegations.

Once Peckers direct examination concludes, Trump attorneys will attempt to poke holes in his testimony and undermine any evidence that fortifies the prosecutions case on cross-examination.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pelosi calls for Netanyahu to resign for failing to end Hamas war

Nancy Pelosi has called for Benjamin Netanyahu to resign as prime minister of Israel, accusing him of being unable to bring peace to the Gaza conflict.

The former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, 84, said that Mr Netanyahus policy and practice had been terrible and that he should stand aside.

Speaking to RTE, an Irish broadcaster, on a visit to the country, Ms Pelosi said the number of people who had died in Gaza since Hamass attack on October 7 was too many.

The United States has always supported Israel as our friend because it has been in our national security interest to do so, she said.

We recognise Israels right to protect itself. We reject the policy and practice of Netanyahu - terrible. What could be worse than what he has done in response?

Relatives of hostages, held by Hamas, gather to stage a protest against the government of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu - Anadolu

Mr Netanayhu, who governs Israel under a coalition deal between seven political parties, has faced domestic criticism over his response to Hamass attacks and the prolonged war in Gaza.

He has vowed to continue the conflict as long as it takes to remove Hamas fighters from the Palestinian territory, and vowed to press ahead with a new offensive in Rafah, despite opposition from the US.

Ms Pelosi said she did not know whether Mr Netanyahu had been unable to secure peace in the region, or whether he doesnt want peace, and described him as an obstacle to the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Israelis are demanding an end to the war - Anadolu

The California congresswoman has been a vocal supporter of Joe Biden, the US president, over his handling of the conflict.

Mr Biden has stated his iron clad support for the defence of Israel since the October 7 attacks, but called for Mr Netanyahu to show restraint in his pursuit of Hamas and to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The biggest advocate for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians has been Joe Biden, hes the only one advocating at that level, Ms Pelosi said.

She also expressed concerns about a push by some European countries, including the UK, to recognise a Palestinian state when the war has ended.

I dont know what state they would be recognising - a Hamas-ruling state or the Abbas Palestinian authority, she said.

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A Pennsylvania man is among other Americans facing more than a decade in prison due to a strict firearms and ammunition law in Turks and Caicos.

Bryan Hagerich, of Somerset County, has been stuck on the islands for more than 70 days, after he was detained while trying to fly home from a vacation in February.

This was an honest mistake, anybody can make an honest mistake, Bryans wife, Ashley Hagerich, told Channel 11 on Wednesday.

Ahead of boarding a flight home, Bryan unknowingly had hunting ammunition within his luggage, the family says.

In Turks and Caicos, firearms, ammunition and other weapons are not permitted, and those who violate the law face a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years in prison.

Thats a bag my husband has used numerous times on hunting trips, and going to hunting camp, and it was just leftover in a secure pouch and it was just forgotten about, and you know, people make mistakes, and in this sense, the crime just doesnt fit the sentencing and the repercussions of this, Ashley said.

Americans are permitted to fly within the United States with guns and ammunition if stored properly within their checked luggage. Last October, Channel 11 brought you a TSA demonstration on how to properly pack those items.

>>> TSA officials address record number of guns caught at Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoints

Bryan boarded his flight in the U.S. and entered Turks and Caicos without any issue.

Youre not checked entering the country, youre checked leaving the country, and that to me makes no sense, Ashley said.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson with the U.S. Department of State was asked about reports that numerous Americans are currently stuck on the islands and awaiting hearings.

NBC Boston recently spoke with Bryan as well as a couple from Oklahoma.

We are aware of these reports and are continuing to engage and provide all appropriate consular assistance, said Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel.

Patel could not confirm how many Americans are currently in this predicament but claimed that the department issued a security alert on this subject last September.

We have reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Turks and Caicos, weve reached out to congressmen, senators, our governor, and we just keep getting told that theres nothing anybody can do, Ashley said. And, in my mind, there has to be something that somebody can do.

Ashley is urging people to contact their elected leaders and ask them to assist Bryan and the other detained Americans.

Meanwhile, hes had to miss his two young kids birthdays while being stuck on the islands. He has posted bond and has retained an attorney, with a hearing set for next month.

Hes our lifeline, he is salt of the earth, he couldnt be a better husband, father, friend, son. Hes just everything, and to see him going through something so painful is just unimaginable.

Ashley told us that the family had traveled to Turks and Caicos numerous times and never could have expected this.

Its a place that we love, weve been numerous times, we respect the culture, we respect the people there, we respect the island, and its a place thats been so special for us, so for something like this to happen, just honestly seems so unimaginable.

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GETTYSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A Pennsylvania State Trooper and two other people were injured in a crash in Adams County over the weekend, State Police say.

The crash happened just after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the intersection of Emmitsburg Road and Millerstown Road in Cumberland Township, State Police in Gettysburg said in a news release.

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The Trooper was on their way to a crash with injuries and was using emergency lights and sirens, while a white Ford Transit van traveling on Millerstown Road approached the intersection.

The driver of the van, a 57-year-old man from California, pulled out from the stop without clearance and into the path of the State Police vehicle, according to Troopers. This caused the vehicles to crash and the van rolled onto its drivers side while the cruiser came to a stop in an orchard.

Early morning Cumberland County hotel fire causes evacuations

The Trooper and the vans driver and passenger were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their status remains unknown at this time.

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Lady and Taylor Towing helped to clear the scene.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Pentagon ready to send $1 billion in weapons to Kyiv after Biden signs aid bill

The Pentagon announced on April 24 that it is ready to move forward with sending $1 billion of weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Kyiv now that President Joe Biden has signed a $95 billion aid package that includes more aid for Ukraine.

Biden signed the foreign aid bill into law on April 24, which contains close to $61 billion for Ukraine, following months of delays and political infighting in Congress.

This is the first defense package Ukraine will receive under the signed aid bill. The most recent package prior to this latest round of aid was worth $300 million and was announced by Washington on March 12.

The new package will include RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles for air defense, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, TOW missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

It will also include additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), precision aerial munitions artillery shells, including high explosive and dual-purpose improved conventional munitions rounds (DPICM), and various other support equipment.

"This package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraine's ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russia's continued attacks," the Pentagon said in a statement.

Read also: What Ukraine lost while waiting for the US aid bill to pass

Biden said during a briefing on April 24 after signing the bill into law that he would order the Pentagon to send weapons to Kyiv in the next few hours.

Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder earlier said that the flow of U.S. military assistance could resume within days following Biden's signature.

Some of the U.S. military aid for Kyiv is already reportedly in Germany and Poland, cutting down the time needed for the weapons and equipment to reach the front line.

Other pieces derived from the $61 billion package may take more time, as they may need to be sent from the U.S. or other locations. Some potential items of military aid will also need to be purchased or even manufactured, which will take even longer.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Pentagon says military aid can arrive in Ukraine 'within days' once Biden signs bill

U.S. military assistance can arrive in Ukraine within days once President Joe Biden signs the aid bill into law, Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder said on April 23.

After almost seven months of delays, the U.S. Congress passed an aid bill containing roughly $61 billion in assistance for Ukraine, with the Senate issuing the final vote on April 23. Following a phone call between the two leaders on April 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Biden would sign the bill "as soon as it is approved by the Senate."

Speaking ahead of the final vote in the Senate, Ryder did not provide specifics but said, "We would expect to be able to deliver aid within days."

"Thanks to organizations like the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and plus our efforts with international allies and partners, we have created a very robust logistics network to enable the delivery of aid into Ukraine," Ryder said.

The new tranche of aid will stem from Biden's presidential drawdown authority (PDA), which takes military equipment from existing stockpiles, meaning that potential procurement-related delays will be limited.

Reuters reported on April 23, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that the U.S. was preparing a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine to be issued once Biden signed the bill.

The $1 billion package will reportedly include vehicles, Stinger air defense munitions, TOW and Javelin anti-tank munitions, and additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS).

Sources told Reuters it would also contain 155-millimeter artillery shells and "other weapons that can immediately be put to use on the battlefield."

Some of the U.S. military aid for Kyiv is already reportedly in Germany and Poland, cutting down the time needed for the weapons and equipment to reach the front line.

Other pieces derived from the $61 billion package may take more time, as they may need to be sent from the U.S. or other locations. Some potential items of military aid will also need to be purchased or even manufactured, which will take even longer.

Read also: What Ukraine lost while waiting for the US aid bill to pass

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Representatives vote on a draft resolution on the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space during a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 24, 2024. Russia on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution on the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution on the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space.

The draft resolution, tabled by the United States and Japan, won the support of 13 of the 15 members of the Security Council. Russia, which has veto power, voted against it. China abstained.

Before the vote, the Security Council rejected an amendment to the draft resolution proposed by Russia and China to include a ban on the deployment of all kinds of weapons in outer space.

Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, accused the United States and Japan of staging "a dirty spectacle" at the Security Council by tabling the draft resolution.

"At first glance, it looks harmless, it looks positive, because officially it is devoted to a topic that is of great importance to the international community -- that's the non-placement of WMDs in outer space.

Yet behind this fig leave, there is a cunning plan that was concocted by our Western colleagues," he told the council before the vote.

Nebenzia explained that the ban on the placement of WMDs in outer space has already been enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. The United States and Japan had the hidden motives of cherry-picking WMDs out of all other kinds of weapons in outer space.

By doing so, the United States and Japan could camouflage their lack of interest in outer space free from any weapons, he said.

Nebenzia read out the amendment jointly proposed by Russia and China, which calls on all states, particularly those with major space capabilities, to take urgent measures to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force in outer space; and to seek through negotiations the early elaboration of appropriate, reliably verifiable, legally binding multilateral agreements.

The Russian ambassador stressed that the draft amendment does not delete from the draft resolution the ban on the placement of WMDs in outer space. It simply adds the provision about the inadmissibility of weapons of any kind being placed in outer space.

The text of the proposed amendment is identical to an operative paragraph of a General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2023. 

Representatives vote on a draft resolution on the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space during a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 24, 2024. Russia on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution on the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  One person has been arrested in connection to an alleged shots fired incident at a memorial for Jaylen Griffin on Monday night, Buffalo police said Tuesday.

One person, identified as 25-year-old Daevon Roberts of Buffalo, is accused of shooting at a car following an altercation at the event, which was at Buffalos Central Terminal at Memorial Drive and Sweet Avenue. Police said the incident happened around 7:15 p.m. Monday.

The shots caused damage, including a flat tire. Roberts is further accused of fleeing in a vehicle after the shots were fired. It is unclear if Roberts has any connection to Griffins family.

Friends and family had gathered on Monday night to celebrate what would have been Griffins 16th birthday. Griffins body was discovered at a home on Sheffield Avenue on April 12 after he had been reported missing in August 2020.

Roberts is charged with one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree criminal mischief. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Roberts will return to court on April 29 for a felony hearing is being held without bail.

More than 160 complaints made about house where Griffin was found since 2007

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.
An innocent person riding a bicycle was killed when a suspected car thief who was fleeing from police crashed in the Central-Alameda neighborhood of Los Angeles Wednesday morning.

The brief pursuit began around 6:10 a.m. and ended minutes later when the vehicle crashed on Hooper Avenue between 46th Street and Vernon Avenue.

Sky5 was over the scene at 6:30 a.m., where the vehicle came to a rest on its roof after crashing into several other vehicles and the bicyclist.

A vehicle overturned following a pursuit in Los Angeles on April 24, 2024.

At Hooper and 46th Street, the suspect vehicle struck a person on a bicycle in that intersection, Los Angeles Police Department Detective Meghan Aguilar said during a morning news conference.

Responders could be seen setting up a white canopy over the victims body, which was covered by a sheet, near 46th Street.

A badly damaged bicycle could also be seen where the unidentified person was pronounced dead.

Video obtained by KTLA shows the moment the bicyclist was struck by the vehicle  which was traveling on the opposite side of the center line  and sent flying into the air.

A man who witnessed the crash told KTLA 5s Kareen Wynter that the violent nature of the crash was hard to watch.

How can you describe it? It just sucks what happened to that guyhe got decapitated, said Alejandro Contreras. Unfortunately, some people were able to see [the impact]I couldnt handle all of that, so I looked away very quickly.

LAPD Detective Aguilar said the pursuit suspect attempted to run away after the crash but was caught by officers not far from the wreckage. They were identified only as an adult male.

The identity of the deceased bicyclist has not been released.

A power pole was also damaged in the crash, leaving some residents in the area temporarily without power.

Hooper Avenue is set to be closed until further notice until the preliminary investigation is complete.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
[Editors Note: In the video player above check out FOX 8s One Tank Trip to TP Tools Auto Collection Museum]

(WJW)  A rocket zipping down an Ohio interstate.

Its not something you see every day. But, traffic cameras captured the rare occurrence on Monday as a rocket made its way from Copley to Dayton.

$39 flights to Myrtle Beach offered at Akron-Canton

There are no official reports on how fast the rocket was traveling, but we assume no faster than the flatbed truck hauling the spacecraft.

Pictures provided by ODOT Spokesperson Matt Bruning show the large load as it made its way along I-270.

Credit: ODOT via Matt Bruning

Credit: ODOT via Matt Bruning

According to a Facebook post by National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the Atlas rocket was in restoration at Thomarios, a specialty construction company, in Copley, Ohio. It has now arrived at the Dayton museum and is being installed as part of their Missile Gallery.

Another local Rite Aid set to close

This will represent the launch vehicle for USAF Maj Gordon Coopers Mercury-Atlas 9 mission on May 15-16, 1963. His was on the final and longest Mercury mission, lasting more than 34 hours. In his spacecraft Faith 7, Cooper orbited the Earth 22 times. He experienced six times the force of gravity during launch and orbited the Earth at more than 17,000 mph, explained a museum Facebook post.

According to the museums website, the Missile Gallery will be closed Monday, April 29 as the the rocket is raised into its final position.

You can learn more about the exhibit, here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio (WJW)  South Euclid firefighters rescued an unconscious woman from an apartment fire overnight Tuesday.

All fire crews were dispatched that night to Delridge Colony Apartments along Mayfield Road for a fire alarm, Fire Chief David Csire told FOX 8 News.

Suspect in deadly Cleveland crash faces judge

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Dispatchers reported smoke was coming from beneath an apartment door. Crews on scene confirmed it was an active fire and forced their way inside.

Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters found a woman in bed, unconscious. They carried her outside and provided oxygen. She then became alert and was transported to a hospital, Csire said.

Suspect in arson of Edgewater home arrested

Eight South Euclid firefighters were at the scene, assisted by fire crews from University Heights, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and Beachwood, he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  In 2019, Ronald Feldmeier, known as the pillowcase rapist for a series of sexual assaults in Sacramento, was released from prison after spending more than three decades behind bars. He settled in Bakersfield.

It wasnt long until he again broke the law. First, he failed to register as a sex offender.

Gov. Newsom announces partnership between CHP & Bakersfield police to crackdown on crime

Then, even more seriously, he picked up a homeless woman and refused to let her leave, prompting her to jump from his moving vehicle to escape.

Feldmeier, 72, wont get another opportunity to lead a law-abiding life.

Judge John R. Brownlee on Wednesday sentenced him to 25 years to life plus 13 years in prison. Feldmeier, seated next to Deputy Public Defender Jacob Evans, showed no reaction.

Judge John R. Brownlee sentenced Ronald Feldmeier to 25 years to life plus 13 years in prison.

Brownlee said he doesnt know what factors the Board of Parole Hearings considered in deciding Feldmeier was a suitable candidate for parole and no longer a threat.

But, he said, they got it wrong.

As this case shows, that finding by the parole board was wrong, and their decision to grant parole was inappropriate, the judge said.

Prosecutor Leanne Wilder agreed. Feldmeier should not have been given a second chance, she said after the hearing.

Hes going back to where he deserves to be, she said. Hes a predator. He preys on vulnerable females.

Feldmeiers Bakersfield cases

Early June 26, Feldmeier picked up a woman outside a fast food restaurant and began driving. The woman told authorities she willingly got in the vehicle, but when she asked to get out Feldmeier wouldnt stop.

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She jumped from the vehicle after Feldmeier ignored repeated requests to pull over, the woman told police. Officers noted she had injuries consistent with leaping from a moving vehicle.

Feldmeier admitted picking her up but denied holding her against her will, according to court documents. He told police the woman began acting strange before she opened the passenger door and jumped.

He was convicted in March of kidnapping.

Last year, Feldmeier was found guilty of failing to register as a sex offender and sentenced to six years in prison.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Pittsburgh police are asking for the publics help to identify a suspect in connection with an investigation into ethnic intimidation, harassment and criminal mischief.

RELATED COVERAGE: Pittsburgh neighborhood vandalized with antisemitic message; police investigating

The victim reported four incidents that occurred at or around her home in the Mexican War Streets in the North Side this month.

In a photo released by the department, a suspect, who has a beard and glasses and is wearing a white sweatshirt, walks by the house, rips an Israeli flag from the property and throws it in the garbage. It happened around 10:25 a.m. on April 19.

In a second photo, a suspect, dressed in black and wearing a mask, pasted antisemitic, pro-Palestine pictures and propaganda on the front door glass windows. The suspect then spray-painted the message For Blood and Soil on the sidewalk in front of the residence. This happened around 4 a.m. on April 21.

Earlier in the month, the same victim received antisemitic and pro-Palestinian literature, photos and a handwritten message in her mailbox, police say. An Israeli flag was stolen from her property and another Israeli flag was stomped on and defaced with the message We Demand Blood. It was later found in a nearby alley.

On Thursday, Pittsburgh police said one of the suspects was identified.

UPDATE: Pittsburgh Police would like to thank members of the public for sending in tips on this case. As a result, one of the individuals has been positively identified. The investigation is ongoing.

More updates will be provided when information becomes available. https://t.co/sdwP2ISshu  Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) April 25, 2024

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 412-323-7201 or dial 911.

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Polish Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said that Poland is ready to help Ukraine get men of military age back to "fulfil their civic obligation".

Source: Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Polsat News, Reuters reports

Quote: "I think many Poles are outraged when they see young Ukrainian men in hotels and cafes, and they hear how much effort we have to make to help Ukraine."

Details: The minister also said that Poland has offered to help Ukraine in the past with getting men who are liable for military service to return to their country and fulfil their civic obligation.

"Any support is possible," Kosiniak-Kamysh said when asked how Poland would respond if Kyiv asked for help with getting men who lose the right to remain in Poland after their passports expire to return home.

Reuters reports, citing Eurostat, that as of January 2024, about 4.3 million Ukrainians are living in EU countries, of whom about 860,000 are adult men. Poland has granted temporary protection status to 950,000 Ukrainians, the second-largest number after Germany.

Background:

On 11 April, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) adopted the law On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Certain Issues of Military Service, Mobilisation and Military Registration on the second reading. The law has been signed by the president and published.

On 23 April, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed reports that consular services were being suspended for Ukrainian men who are liable for military service.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later stated that after the mobilisation law enters into force on 18 May 2024, "the process of accepting and reviewing applications for consular actions will continue with account of the new requirements arising from provisions of the law".

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (Ukrainian government) has banned the issuance of Ukrainian passports, either internal or for international travel, to Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60. From now on, they will only be able to obtain these documents at a territorial agency or territorial unit of the State Migration Service.

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FILE - Human rights lawyer Adam Bodnar hands out flyers to morning commuters as he runs in his first election, for a seat in the Senate with the opposition Civic Coalition, in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2023. Poland's prosecutor general told the parliament on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, that powerful Pegasus spyware was used against hundreds of people under the former government in Poland, among them elected officials. Adam Bodnar told the lawmakers that speaking as both a citizen and as prosecutor general, he found the scale of the surveillance to be shocking and depressing. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, File)

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Poland's prosecutor general told the parliament on Wednesday that powerful Pegasus spyware was used against hundreds of people during the former government in Poland, among them elected officials.

Adam Bodnar told lawmakers that he found the scale of the surveillance shocking and depressing.

It is sad for me that even in this room I am speaking to people who were victims of this system, Bodnar told the Sejm, the lower house of parliament.

Bodnar, who is also the justice minister, didn't specify who exactly was subject to surveillance by the spyware. His office said the information was confidential.

Bodnar was presenting information that the prosecutor general's office sent last week to the Sejm and Senate. The data showed that Pegasus was used in the cases of 578 people from 2017 to 2022, and that it was used by three separate government agencies: the Central Anticorruption Bureau, the Military Counterintelligence Service and the Internal Security Agency.

The data show that it was used against six people in 2017; 100 in 2018; 140 in 2019; 161 in 2020; 162 in 2021; and then nine in 2022, when it stopped.

The Associated Press broke the news of the former governments' abuse of Pegasus in December 2021, based on forensics by the University of Toronto's online watchdog Citizen Lab.

Bodnar said that the software generated enormous knowledge about the private and professional lives of those put under surveillance. He also stressed that the Polish state doesn't have full control over the data that is gathered because the system operates on the basis of a license that was granted by an Israeli company. He said the use of this type of method must raise serious doubts from the point of view of the protection of constitutional rights."

Pegasus, produced by Israel's the NSO Group, has been sold to governments and is described as a tool to fight criminals and terrorists. However, evidence has emerged of governments using it against political opponents, journalists and human rights workers.

The Biden administration, concerned about the potential of the technology for abuse, blacklisted the NSO Group in 2021, barring it from access to U.S. technology. This year it went further and imposed visa restrictions on foreign individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware.

Pegasus gives its operators complete access to a mobile device, allowing them to extract passwords, photos, messages, contacts and browsing history and activate the microphone and camera for real-time eavesdropping.

Its use in Poland under the previous government, led by the Law and Justice party, resulted in accusations that the authorities were abusing power and eroding democratic guardrails.

Investigations into the use of the powerful spyware were launched after Prime Minister Donald Tusk took office in December as the head of a three-party pro-European Union coalition.

The investigations into Pegasus use are part of a larger effort by Tusk and Bodnar to restore democratic norms that they believe were eroded by the Law and Justice government, which held power from 2015 to 2023.

The use of Pegasus over these few years has poisoned the essence of democracy in Poland, Marcin Bosacki, a lawmaker with Tusks centrist Civic Coalition, told lawmakers after Bodnar's presentation.

Jarosaw Kaczynski, the head of Law and Justice, said last month during testimony to an investigative commission that the use of Pegasus was in accordance with the law, and that in 99% of the cases it was used against criminals.

The minister currently in charge of the security services, Tomasz Siemoniak, said earlier this month in an interview on the private broadcaster TVN24 that while the use of Pegasus in Poland was justified in some cases of suspected terrorism and for counterintelligence use, in too many cases it wasn't justified.

Siemoniak said the unjustified use of the software resulted in Poland losing its license for using it.

Bodnar is also working to address the issue of judicial independence after the previous government overhauled the justice system to gain more control over courts.

The practices of Law and Justice prompted the European Union to withhold billions of euros in funding  money that is now flowing after a change of government.
UNITED NATIONS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the international community to help promote peace, security and development in the African Great Lakes region.

Despite efforts by regional countries, the fragile security situation, escalating violence, as well as the grim humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region are truly worrying. The UN Security Council and the international community as a whole should devote more attention and investment to the region and provide more support, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

First, there must be an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation of the situation, he told a Security Council meeting on the Great Lakes Region.

China applauds the leaders of Kenya, Angola, and South Sudan for their good offices. However, the persistent turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will erode the confidence of the parties in advancing the peace process and jeopardize hard-won results, he said.

China hopes that all parties will seize the opportunity of the upcoming summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism for the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region to reaffirm their solemn commitments to respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and not supporting armed groups, said Fu.

"We encourage regional countries to implement the Luanda and Nairobi processes, and urge armed groups to immediately cease violence. Differences should be resolved through dialogue, and the use of military means should be avoided," he added.

Second, the international community should support regional efforts to maintain common security, said Fu.

China commends the efforts of regional countries to strengthen their cooperation in defense-related matters and border management. China supports efforts to promote disarmament, demobilization and reintegration as well as peacekeeping carried out by Uganda, Burundi, and the Southern African Development Community in eastern DRC. The international community should continue to support efforts to solve African problems in African ways, and support the improvement of relations among regional countries, he said.

Third, it is vital to promote common development and build a solid foundation for peace, said Fu.

Poverty and under-development are the root causes of the protracted unrest in the Great Lakes region. The international community should help regional countries address development challenges, scale up humanitarian assistance, and build up national capacity for growth, with a view to promoting peace through development.

China has always been a staunch supporter of Africa's collective self-empowerment and integration process. China remains committed to accompanying the continent on its path toward modernization and stands ready to work with the rest of the international community to continuously build up Africa's capacity for independent development, support the continent in accelerating its modernization, and promote regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity, he said. 
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene woman was shot multiple times by her ex-boyfriend early Wednesday morning.

The shooting happened at an apartment complex on the 3000 block of West Lake Road around 1:30 a.m.

Police say suspect Gregory Haywood, 56, shot his previous intimate partner multiple times then fled the scene.

The victim has been hospitalized, where she continues to receive treatment for multiple gunshot injuries.

Haywood was arrested the Dallas-Ft. Worth area on unrelated charges and will soon be extradited to Taylor County on an Aggravated Assault warrant in connection to this incident.

No further information is available at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Texas state police detained multiple pro-Palestinian demonstrators Wednesday on the University of Texas (UT) at Austin campus after hundreds of students walked out of classes and began a sit-in to support Gaza amid Israels war against Hamas.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety said more than 20 arrests were made on campus, while social media videos showed the state police in riot gear attempting to disperse the crowd.

The state police said they came at the request of the university and the governor in order to prevent any unlawful assembly and to support UT Police in maintaining the peace by arresting anyone engaging in any sort of criminal activity, including criminal trespass.

Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses. These protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) posted on the social media platform X. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.

The university had been bracing for the protests that began midday Wednesday, with the office of student affairs sending out a statement warning students there would be consequences for participating in the event.

UT Austin does not tolerate disruptions of campus activities or operations like we have seen at other campuses, a spokesperson for the office said. This is an important time in our semester with students finishing classes and studying for finals, and we will act first and foremost to allow those critical functions to proceed without interruption.

The protest mimics others that have happened at numerous campuses across the country. The past week has seen demonstrations at several elite institutions where protesters set up encampments on university property.

The Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Austin posted on Instagram that it was following, In the footsteps of our comrades at Columbia SJP, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Yale, and countless others across the nation.

We will be establishing THE POPULAR UNIVERSITY FOR GAZA and demanding our administration divest from death, the post read.

Several schools have threatened suspension for students who participate, and more than 100 activists have been arrested at Columbia University.

Columbia moved their classes to hybrid due to concerns about safety.

The Hill has reached out to state police for further comment.

Updated at 5:52 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(BCN)  Police are investigating a reported assault at the University of California, Berkeley on Tuesday night. Around 9:35 p.m., police were alerted to a report of aggravated assault at University Drive near the Crescent Lawn in UC Berkeley. Responding officers learned that an individual was assaulted by two unknown suspects, a male, and a female.

VIDEO: Physical altercation breaks out between San Jose mayors security detail, pedestrian during KRON4 interview

According to the initial investigation, the female suspect sprayed an unknown liquid on the victims face while the male suspect hit the victim in the head with a hard object. The suspects then fled the area in a dark-colored, older-model European sedan with shiny, chrome rims.

Those with any information about this case are asked to contact UC Berkeley police at (510) 642-6760 and refer to case #24-01223.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Heard 4 gunshots: Uninvolved driver grazed by bullet in road rage shooting on I-93 in Braintree

State police are investigating after an apparent road rage incident caused a bullet to graze an uninvolved driver on Interstate 93 in Braintree Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities said the driver of a truck traveling on the southbound side of Interstate 93 near Exit 6 in Braintree was grazed by a bullet fired during a road rage incident on the opposite, northbound side of the highway around 2:50 p.m.

The man driving the struck vehicle in the southbound lane suffered an extremely minor injury and did not need to go to the hospital, a state police spokesperson says.

Thats god right there, said a witness who only wanted to go by DJ. The craziest part about it was it was broad daylight.

DJ, a witness from out of town, told Boston 25 News Reporter Drew Karedes that he saw some of the ordeal before checking into his hotel.

He said he observed a black sedan frantically exiting the highway on the northbound lanes of I-93 after the gunfire.

He almost wiped out and ended up in the ditch on the right side, he recalled. He overcorrected ended up in the grass and then got out of there!

According to the witness, the truck that was struck appeared to belong to Asplundh Electrical Testing.

The company, which has an office in Foxboro, has not commented.

Police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the apparent road rage shooting that put many innocent lives at risk.

You heard four distinct gunshots, said Matt Harlow, who works at a restaurant nearby. The biggest thing is no one knows where they headed off to, and no one knows where they went.

The left lane of I-93 southbound was closed while authorities investigated the shooting. All lanes had reopened by 5:00 p.m.

State police say they are still working to identify the vehicles involved.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Police seek help locating missing teen girl last seen in Central Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Bakersfield police are seeking the communitys help in locating a missing teen girl last seen April 18 in central Bakersfield.

Melanie Marshall, 16, was last seen Thursday in the 600 block of A Street, just north of Palm Street at approximately 3 p.m.

Trial date set for 1-armed driver charged with murder

Marshall stands at 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has auburn hair and blue eyes. BPD did not release any details on her clothing description.

Anyone with information on Marshalls whereabouts is asked to call BPD at 61-327-7111.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Poland will help Ukraine bring its military-aged men back following new changes to passport and consular service laws for Ukrainian men living abroad, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on April 24.

Ukraine's government recently introduced a ban on sending identification documents and passports to Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 living abroad. The new provision came into effect shortly after Ukraine announced the suspension of new applications for consular support for military-age men abroad as part of a new mobilization law.

Ukrainian embassies and consulates are no longer accepting new applications for consular services for Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, "with the exception of applications for registration of identity cards for return to Ukraine."

Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 will be able to get passports only at migration service offices in Ukraine. The service of sending the passports abroad will not be available anymore.

"I think many Poles are outraged when they see young Ukrainian men in hotels and cafes, and they hear how much effort we have to make to help Ukraine," Kosiniak-Kamysz told Polsat News. "However, the form of assistance (Poland provides) depends on the Ukrainian side."

The Polish official also emphasized that Warsaw had previously offered to help Ukraine identify refugees living in Poland who are under military obligation. Poland hosts around 1 million Ukrainians who fled from Russia's all-out war, the highest number of all countries.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated on X that the new measures are intended to "restore fair attitudes toward men of conscription age in Ukraine and abroad."

"How it looks now: a man of conscription age went abroad, showed his state that he does not care about its survival, and then comes and wants to receive services from this state. It does not work this way. Our country is at war."

With some exceptions, Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine during the war while martial law is in effect. However, the BBC estimated in November 2023 that some 650,000 military-age Ukrainian men had left the country for the EU since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Ukraine passed its hotly debated bill on mobilization this month following months of deliberation and rewrites. The bill was a key component of political and military leadership's efforts to ramp up mobilization in 2024 amidst an increasingly critical manpower shortage.



Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WARSAW, Poland  Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk plans to discuss Polands potential involvement in NATOs nuclear sharing program with President Andrzej Duda, Tusk said this week.

The announcement came in response to Dudas declaration that Poland was ready to host U.S. nuclear weapons, and that talks with Washington to that end had been ongoing.

Polish leaders have previously telegraphed their willingness to join the alliances nuclear-sharing scheme to deter Russian aggression. That was especially the case when the right-wing Law and Justice party, which backs Duda, was in charge of the Cabinet and held the prime ministers office. During the Trump administration, like-minded leaders in Warsaw sought to capitalize on Trumps disdain for Europe, and Germany in particular, offering to host U.S. assets and withdrawn from elsewhere on the continent.

Tusk, who came to power when his Civic Coalition alliance and its partners won the general election last fall, has said he wants to repair Polands ties to the European Union and NATO. In that context, any discussions about altering the alliances atomic umbrella would be held by all member nations.

NATOs nuclear-sharing arrangement entails select countries in Europe storing American atomic bombs that they would mount on their own jets and deploy in the case of nuclear war.

The alliances Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg put cold water on the idea of Poland becoming part of the mix when asked by reporters during an April 23 visit to Warsaw.

There are no plans to expand the NATO sharing arrangements, no plans to deploy any more nuclear weapons in any additional NATO countries, Stoltenberg said.

The issue came up in Berlin the next day.

A report by public broadcaster ZDF summarized the responses of two government spokespersons in a press conference in the German capital as favorable to the prospect of nuclear weapons on Polish soil.

However, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence later told Defense News the positive reaction was not aimed specifically at the nuclear question, but rather a general comment on Polands commitment to strengthening the European Union and NATO, and Tusks plans to partake in the Germany-led European Sky Shield initiative (ESSI), in particular.

The Polish prime minister reiterated his countrys interest in joining the ESSI scheme earlier this week during a joint appearance here with Stoltenberg and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He also pledged to collaborate with Britain as part of its air defense-focused Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences (DIAMOND) initiative.

We are intensively cooperating [with the U.K.] as part of the British DIAMOND initiative which also serves our security, including our air security, Tusk said.

Polands Narew short-range air defense system is based on MBDAs extended-range variant of the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile, a weapon jointly developed by the U.K. and Italy.

Presented by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2022 in reaction to Russias invasion of Ukraine, the ESSI project now includes more than 20 countries. The programs objectives comprise enhancing the interoperability of air defense systems and streamlining joint procurement of capabilities across Europe.

Sebastian Sprenger in Cologne, Germany, contributed to this report.
Polk County has rehired a medical examiner who was abruptly fired more than four years ago over a personnel issue.

Dr. Gregory Schmunk was rehired in April as an associate medical examiner with the Polk County Medical Examiner's office to perform autopsies. The Polk County Board of Supervisors voted to approve his two-year contract April 9 in a 3-1 vote. Supervisor Matt McCoy voted no and supervisor Robert Brownell was absent, according to meeting minutes.

Schmunk started work this week, according to Polk County Administrator John Norris.

Former Polk County Medical Examiner Dr. Gregory Schmunk, who was fired in 2020, has been rehired as an associate medical examiner.

Schmunk, who previously served as a county medical examiner for about 16 years, was abruptly fired in early 2020, with the county citing an "apparent lack of oversight ... related to ongoing personnel issues" at the time. It was subsequently revealed that county supervisors agreed to pay $200,000 to settle a lawsuit from a 2017 applicant for a job in the medical examiner's office who ultimately wasn't hired. James Sargent, who alleged he was turned down for the job because of his sexual orientation, filed the lawsuit against Schmunk and a former chief investigator Amanda Luick, who also was fired.

More: Polk agrees to pay $200,000 settlement to job applicant employees mocked as belonging to a gay BDSM club

After the county settled, Schmunk contacted Reader's Watchdog to provide Sargent's civil rights complaint, a memo detailing the outcome of an internal human resources investigation into his office, as well as an employee's audio recording of him, Luick and other employees discussing Sargent and other job applicants. At the time, he hoped to show that he and Luick were not "anti-gay."

A timeline contained in Sargent's lawsuit shows managers' terminations came just days after Sargent filed a discrimination complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, a step that precedes a formal civil rights lawsuit like the one he later filed in district court.

On Tuesday, Norris told the Des Moines Register the county is "capitalizing" on Schmunk's skills to fill a gap at the medical examiner's office given a national shortage of forensic pathologists. Schmunk has no administrative or management responsibilities in his new role, Norris said.

"The bottom line is that we can't do one person, one forensic pathologist. We have a load for two full-time forensic pathologists at our county medical examiner's office," he said.

"But he is an excellent forensic pathologist," Norris said of Schmunk. "Law enforcement was extremely pleased we brought him back in. He's on several national boards for forensic pathologists, helped write some of the practices and procedures they follow nationally. So we're really fortunate to get his expertise back into the lab."

More: Former medical examiner says he wasn't 'anti-gay.' Some employees said he wasn't a great manager, either

Schmunk did not immediately return a call for comment Tuesday.

When asked by the Register if there were concerns about toxicity in the workplace with Schmunk's return  a remark some county examiner employees previously made  Norris responded there were none. He reiterated Schmunk will not be working in an administrative capacity.

The hire is a cost-saving measure for taxpayers, Norris added. The county currently has a staffing capacity for two forensic pathologists that conduct an average of 500 autopsies annually.

For over a year, the county had been contracting with the state to provide about 250 autopsies annually due to one forensic pathologist's vacancy in the county's office. The state charges a base fee of $1,900 per autopsy, according to Norris, which equates to about $475,000 or more per year.

Under the new contract, Schmunk's annual base salary is $260,000. If Schmunk conducts more than the industry standard of 252 autopsies in his first year, he'll get an additional $1,200 for each autopsy performed, according to the contract.

Norris said the county for a short time was without any pathologists, following the exit of chief medical examiner Dr. Joshua Akers in 2022, who was tapped to lead after Schmunk's firing. After Akers left, the county contracted with the State Medical Examiner to perform all autopsies. The county hired Dr. Joseph Blitman as chief medical examiner in October 2023, who has since been working full-time.

Norris said hiring Schmunk will enable the county to bring all of the autopsy exams back in-house.

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Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Polk County rehires medical examiner who it previously fired
Pope Francis pleaded for peace worldwide amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, telling CBS News Wednesday that "a negotiated peace is better than a war without end."

"Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace," the pope, speaking through a translator, told "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell during an hourlong interview at the guest house where he lives in Rome.

Pope Francis speaks with

The pontiff frequently talks about the Israel-Hamas war in his addresses. He made a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine during his Easter Sunday Mass earlier this month.

He said Wednesday he calls parishioners in Gaza every day to hear what they are experiencing. The United Nations has warned that famine is imminent and Palestinians are suffering from "horrifying levels of hunger and suffering."

"They tell me what's going on," Francis said. "It's very hard. Very, very hard. And food goes in, but they have to fight for it."

Asked whether he could help negotiate peace, he replied, "I can pray," and added, "I do. I pray a lot."

Also on the pope's mind is the war in Ukraine and the devastating effects Russia's invasion of the U.S. ally has had on Ukrainian children.

"Those kids don't know how to smile," the pope said. "I tell them something, but they forgot how to smile. And this is very hard when a child forgets to smile. That's really very serious. Very serious."

The Vatican will be hosting the first World Children's Day in May  a two-day event dedicated to children ages 5 to 12. The event seeks to answer, "What kind of world do we want to leave to the children who are growing up now?"

"Children always bear a message," the 87-year-old pontiff said. "They bear a message. And it is a way for us to have a younger heart."

He also had a message for those who do not see a place for themselves in the Catholic Church anymore.

"I would say that there is always a place, always. If in this parish the priest doesn't seem welcoming, I understand, but go and look elsewhere, there is always a place," he said. "Do not run away from the Church. The Church is very big. It's more than a temple ... you shouldn't run away from her."

An extended version of O'Donnell's interview with Pope Francis will air on 60 Minutes on Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m. ET. On Monday, May 20, CBS will broadcast an hourlong primetime special dedicated to the papal interview at 10 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Additionally, CBS News and Stations will carry O'Donnell's interview across platforms.

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Pope Francis is about to sit down for an historic interview with CBS Evening News correspondent Norah ODonnell.

Airing Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. EST, the head of the Catholic church will share his thoughts about the state of world as he gears up to celebrate the first-ever World Childrens Day in Rome. The special edition of the news broadcast will then cover more about the Vatican.

The conversation marks the Popes first in-depth, one-on-one TV interview with an American outlet since his papacy began in March 2013.

We sit down for a rare interview with the leader of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics, ODonnell said in a promotional video.

In a rare wide-ranging interview, @NorahODonnell sits down with Pope Francis. Watch their conversation on 60 Minutes, Sunday, May 19. https://t.co/mEN4CWeXMW pic.twitter.com/9YW39UVmRb  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 24, 2024

An even longer version of their sit-down will then air on 60 Minutes on May 19. The following day, CBS will broadcast an hour-long primetime special dedicated to the interview, which will also stream on Paramount+.

On March 13, 2013, at age 76, Pope Francis was elected to step into the role of Pope, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. Romes inaugural World Childrens Day takes place May 25-26.

CBS Evening News With Norah ODonnell airs 6:30 p.m. EST on CBS.

Pope Francis addressed worldwide concerns of war, peace, famine and climate change  expressing heartfelt prayers for children suffering from the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. During a rare one-on-one interview with @NorahODonnell, his Holiness urged all nations pic.twitter.com/JGxXPFTDeY  CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) April 24, 2024

The post Pope Francis Sits Down for Historic Interview With CBS Norah ODonnell appeared first on TheWrap.
YANGON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar is set to install a pagoda digital directory using Chinese technology in 10 prominent pagodas across Yangon, according to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar on Wednesday.

The installation will commence in April and continue for three months, the statement said.

Installing the pagoda digital directory, which provides detailed historical information and directions for visitors, can boost the number of foreign visitors to pagodas, the statement said.

Out of the 30 famous pagodas in Yangon, 10 will initially receive the pagoda digital directory system, with plans to expand to the remaining pagodas later. Currently, the digital directory has been installed at all four entrances of Shwedagon Pagoda, it added. 
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Mobile Police are looking for a man they say robbed a Popeyes restaurant Tuesday, according to a release from the department.

1 dead, teen in hospital after Prairie Avenue shooting

Officers were called to the Popeyes on Government Street around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday for a robbery report.

The release said officers arrived and found that a man had gone into the restaurant and demanded money.

INCIDENT LOCATION:

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Woman shoots into car after blocking its path, arrested: Mobile Police

The release said he had left the restaurant on foot before officers arrived.

The man did not take any money before he left the restaurant, according to a police department spokesperson.

The subject can still be charged with robbery even if they didnt walk away with anything, the spokesperson said.

This is an ongoing investigation.

News 5 will provide updates as more information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
The founder of the conspiracy theory website Gateway Pundit said Wednesday that the company was declaring bankruptcy while it fights ongoing defamation lawsuits.

Jim Hoft, the sites founder, said in a post that Gateway Pundits parent company, TGP Communications, had decided to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections in the Southern District of Florida as a result of the progressive liberal lawfare attacks against our media outlet. Hoft stressed the move was not an admission of fault or culpability and said the site would continue publishing.

Gateway Pundit did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

For two decades, the site has published falsehoods and conspiracy theories on everything from vaccines to election fraud. Donald Trump frequentlyshares its material.

The most notable lawsuit against the website is from Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. In 2021, they sued the Gateway Pundit, Hoft and his twin brother, and website contributor Joe Hoft in St. Louis Circuit Court for defamation and emotional distress. The website had falsely alleged that the mother-daughter pair had purposefully manipulated the vote count in Joe Bidens favor.

Whats Up, Ruby, the Gateway Pundit headline naming Freeman read. BREAKING: Crooked Operative Filmed Pulling Out Suitcases of Ballots in Georgia IS IDENTIFIED. Trump himself later brought up the pair, including Freeman by name, in a call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, using them as justification in part for his request that Raffensperger find Trump the votes needed to win the state.

Among other things, the websites coverage claimed that Freeman and Moss pulled out suitcases full of ballots and began counting those ballots without election monitors in the room. (The suitcases were actually just standard ballot containers.)

A wave of threats and harassment, including at the election workers homes, followed. Its turned my life upside down, Moss testified to the House Jan. 6 committee.

The Hofts, for their part, have claimed they genuinely believed the election was stolen and did not knowingly defame Freeman and Moss, and that their coverage of the pair consisted of either statements of opinion based on disclosed facts or statements of rhetorical hyperbole that no reasonable reader is likely to interpret as a literal statement of fact. The site and the twins behind it later filed a counterclaim that was dismissed; Freeman and Mosss suit is currently awaiting trial.

The Trump campaign was instrumental in perpetuating misinformation about Freeman and Moss, and the pair sued Rudy Giuliani as well, for his role in spreading lies about their work. The former Trump attorney attempted to shift blame to Gateway Pundit, but a jury ultimately awarded Freeman and Moss $148 million in damages in that defamation suit last year. A U.S. district judge recently ruled against Giulianis appeal of the verdict. Giuliani, too, filed for bankruptcy.

I miss my name, Freeman told reporters after the case against Giuliani wrapped up, lamenting the negative attention he had caused.

Gateway Pundit is also named in a defamation suit that a former employee of Dominion, the voting machine company vilified by Trump and his allies, brought against the former president and key supporters of his 2020 campaign. Conservative media, including Gateway Pundit, depicted Eric Coomer, the former employee, as an election-stealing mastermind after the Colorado-based conspiracy theorist Joe Oltmann claimed that Coomer had bragged during a so-called Antifa conference call about ensuring an election victory for Biden.

Earlier this month, a three-judge panel on a Colorado appeals court ruled that Coomers case could proceed.

Gateway Pundit, despite its often-untethered coverage, has played an outsize role in the conservative mediasphere  though its traffic peaked in 2020. Multiple Republican-led states pulled out of a popular anti-voter-fraud organization after the site falsely reported that it was founded by George Soros and was a essentially a left wing voter registration drive disguised as voter roll clean up.

Related...
A Port Royal police officer, on the job less than a year, is being credited for going above and beyond the call of duty to save the life of a woman having a mental health crises at the towns public beach Tuesday.

Karina Fraire-Galindo, a Port Royal police officer, was patrolling the popular Sands Beach Tuesday when she spotted a woman standing on the edge of the floating dock who appeared to be talking on the phone. She was crying.

At about that same time, as Fraire-Galindo was parking her patrol vehicle, she received a dispatch about a woman threatening suicide.

Frairie-Galindo quickly made contact with the anguished woman and tried to get her away from the docks edge. But she resisted and then jumped into Battery Creek. Without hesitation, Port Royal police said, Fraire-Galindo removed her body armor and weapon and jumped into the water herself. Fraire-Galindo then grabbed the woman and swam to the shore line. Bystanders assisted the officer in getting the woman out of the water.

Officer Karina Fraire-Galindo has been a member of the Port Royal Police Department since September 2023. Port Royal Poilce Department

The Beaufort County EMS transported the 23-year-old woman to Beaufort Memorial Hospital where she Port Royal police say she received the assistance she needed.

Fraire-Galindo most certainly saved this young woman and we commend her for going over and beyond the call of duty, Capt. John Griffith of the Port Royal Police Department said.

Fraire-Galindo hasnt been on the job long.

The former U.S. Marine joined the Port Royal Police Department in September and then went through training at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, where she graduated in February. She has only been working in a solo capacity for a short time after being recently released from the departments Field Training Program, Griffith said.

At the time she encountered the distressed woman, Frairie-Galindo was on what police refer to as a proactive patrol, in which officers attempt to prevent crimes before they occur in a given area.

When she saw the woman on the dock, Frairie-Galindo immediately knew something was off and responded, Griffith told the Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet Wednesday morning.

In our business, if something raises the hair off the back of your neck, something is not right, Griffith said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Portland City Council unanimously approved a $500,000 grant from Oregon Metro Wednesday to fund the groundwork for restoring the Eastbank Crescent waterfront property located between the Hawthorne and Marquam Bridges.

The project aims to restore the riverbanks natural environment and create a space for the future development of a waterfront park on the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry property. OMSI Real Estate Vice President Preston Greene said that OMSI plans to support the citys plans for the riverbank.

We endorse the groundbreaking nature of this mitigation bank within an urban context, Greene said. It presents a unique opportunity to create a thriving aquatic resource area that serves both environmental and community interests. Beyond its ecological significance, we recognize the potential for invaluable educational experiences and cultural enrichment for the community.

VIDEO: Killer whales seen hunting near the mouth of the Columbia River

The $500,000 grant will help fund the management of the project, preliminary modeling, analysis, engineering, permitting, research and surveying. The City of Portland has also contributed $60,000 toward the projects development.

OMSI, the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the Center for Tribal Nations, the Northwest Native Chamber and the City of Portland are collaborating on the park project, which is currently labeled as Waterfront Education Park. The city said that the mitigation project also eases permitting needs and conflicts between federal, state and local regulators.

An environmental mitigation bank at Eastbank Crescent would specifically serve river-dependent [and] river-related industries primarily in the North Reach Willamette River, the City of Portland stated in its plans for the pilot project. [The Eastbank Crescent] would amplify nature-based, culturally significant solutions in the central city where it can add to the educational, cultural and innovation hub created at OMSI.

In-N-Out Burger proposes second Washington drive-thru in Vancouver

The City of Portland states that the project is pre-approved to meet environmental regulations established by the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the State of Oregon and the City of Portland.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Indonesia's election commission officially announces Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as the presidential election winners at General Election Commission (KPU) headquarters in Jakarta

Indonesia's election commission officially announces Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as the presidential election winners at General Election Commission (KPU) headquarters in Jakarta

By Ananda Teresia

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto vowed on Wednesday to fight for all Indonesians and he called for unity among political elites to take the country forward, as he seeks to boost his parliamentary clout before taking office in October.

Speaking at a ceremony where he was confirmed as the winner of the Feb. 14 election, Prabowo, who won by a huge margin, said he was talking to elites in the country and that it was vital for parties to work together for the common good.

Prabowo, who was tacitly backed by popular incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, is seeking to broaden his coalition in the new parliament and is in talks with parties who backed his election rivals.

"I will prove that I will fight for all Indonesians, including those who did not vote for me," Prabowo said.

"If Indonesia wants to survive, becoming a prosperous country, all elites must work together. If we dare to leave our differences aside, let's leave our feelings, let's find our love for the country, let's sacrifice together for our people."

The confirmation comes two days after the Constitutional Court rejected challenges from both losing candidates seeking a re-run of the presidential election and the disqualification of Prabowo and his running mate, ending all election disputes.

In his speech, Prabowo vowed to end poverty and corruption, adding he intends to bring improvement to all Indonesians.

He also said a free press was vital in Indonesia, describing it as "the absolute requirement for democracy".

COALITION TALKS

Defence Minister Prabowo's current alliance comprises 48% of seats in the parliament but his senior aides have said that he aims to expand his coalition to secure a majority of seats.

Since the election Prabowo has met with parties outside his coalition, including the chiefs of NasDem and the PKB, which supported the presidential bid of Anies Baswedan, one of the losing candidates and an ex-governor of the capital Jakarta.

Securing the support of either party would create a majority coalition for Prabowo, mirroring Jokowi's current governing coalition that comprises eight out of the nine parties in parliament.

PDIP, which supported the other losing candidate, Ganjar Pranowo, will remain the biggest party in parliament following the election.

Prabowo's Gerinda party, the third largest party in parliament following the election, said on Monday he intends to meet PDIP's chief Megawati Sukarnoputri.

PDIP said this week that Jokowi was no longer one of its members due to his support for Prabowo, which was widely interpreted as a move by the president to retain political influence and preserve his legacy after a decade at the helm.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Martin Petty and Gareth Jones)
Prairie State College leadership announced Tuesday it will no longer plan events at Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson after the Daily Southtown published concerns from students and community members over the churchs opinions of same-sex marriage.

Prairie State College is committed to finding a new venue that respects and honors the rights of all individuals without any religious affiliation for all future events, a statement from the presidents office reads.

Victory Apostolic Church does not recognize marriage that is not between a man and a woman, and believes the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and does not condone the homosexual lifestyle, according to its website.

These comments led Rebecca Fassbender, a graduating student from Park Forest and the president of the schools Pride Club, to file a complaint with Prairie State Colleges Department of Equity and Inclusion.

Prairie State Colleges 2024 commencement ceremony will still be held at the church on May 18, but Fassbender said she is glad the school decided to sever ties with the church going forward.

The disappointing thing is it shouldnt have come to me having to step up into this position, said Fassbender, 42. Its been a heartbreaking way to end this experience. I absolutely love Prairie State.

Her opposition to Victory Apostolic Church was cited by Prairie State College as a reason for its decision to find a new location for future graduations. Fassbenders frustrations with the graduation location are shared by many, the school said in its statement.

The colleges statement also rejected comments the Rev. Andrew Singleton Jr., the churchs pastor, made to the Daily Southtown expressing concern students would wear certain flags, emblems or stoles aligned with the LGBTQ+ community during the ceremony.

Prairie State College does not endorse or support the discriminatory views expressed by the venue, said the statement by college President Michael D. Anthony and his cabinet. Students are free to dress in a way that reflects their identity, including wearing full LGBTQ+ adornments while adhering to the appropriate regalia attire.

Victory Apostolic Church has hosted Prairie State College students for graduation for several years including in 2022 and 2023. Singleton told the paper it had a good relationship with the college and charged a decreased fee to host the event. He would not say how much the college is paying for use of the church.

Prairie State College had a red emergency banner at the top of its website on Wednesday which directed visitors to read the schools comments.

Prairie State College did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday, and officials did not return calls last week regarding the graduation. The Victory Apostolic Church declined to comment Wednesday morning.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Homewood-Flossmoor, an advocacy group, said it was grateful the school decided to find a new venue.

Despite this sudden turn of events, our ask of Prairie State College remains the same: do better  and not only when people are watching, the group said in a statement posted on its social media pages.

hsanders@chicagotribune.com
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  If you have expired or unwanted medications laying around and shop at Wegmans, youll have an opportunity to get rid of them this weekend.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 27, the New York-based grocer is partnering with law enforcement agencies to host prescription medication drop-off events at stores across the Mid-Atlantic region, including at two stores here in the Midstate.

The free event, which is anonymous with no questions asked, Wegmans says, will help remove potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs from homes.

Getting rid of such drugs will help prevent accidental poisonings and overdoses.

Only pills and patches will be accepted.

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Participating locations in our area are at 6416 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, and 2000 Crossings Blvd., Lancaster. Additional locations in the state are in suburban Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Williamsport, and State College.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Laman Ismayilova

The Baku Museum Center has hosted a lecture by well-known composer, musicologist and culturologist Elmir Mirzoyev on the theme "Igor Stravinsky' Wedding and the archetypal beginning of Russian music".

The event was co-organized by Baku Contemporary Music Society and the Baku Museum Center, Azernews reports.

Elmir Mirzoev spoke about the work "Le Noces", presented by Igor Stravinsky at the premiere in Paris in 1923, the historical and aesthetic context of the work, as well as its place in cultural history. Finally, he answered questions from the audience.

Elmir Mirzoyev received his education as a composer at the Baku Music Academy (class of Professor Faraj Garayev) and during his studies he took an active part in international programs, master classes, seminars and courses.

He taught at the Baku Music Academy (19982002) and at the Cologne Conservatory (2007), and also lectured in countries such as Germany, Georgia, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan and Turkiye.

Elmir Mirzoyev was also the artistic director of the SoNoR ensemble, the first contemporary music ensemble in the post-Soviet era, founded in 1995.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az, and Turkic World.
MANILA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government Wednesday banned the deployment of Filipino seafarers on passenger and cruise ships transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden due to the risk of sailing in those regions.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) issued the order after 23 Filipino sailors were either killed or taken hostage in recent months.

"The move comes after recent amendments to the International Transport Workers' Federation and International Bargaining Forum list of 'high-risk areas' and 'war-like zones' to include the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden," the order said.

The DMW added that the order also results from collective discussions between its office and the Philippine Maritime Industry Tripartite Council, in which they "underscore the urgent need for stricter protocols to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden."

The DMW requires licensed manning agencies to sign an "affirmation letter" guaranteeing that the vessels their seafarers board will not navigate the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden.

"The stringent measure ensures a transparent process, fostering accountability and compliance with the new safety protocols," the DMW added.

At least 21 Filipino seafarers were still in the hands of hostage-takers.

The Iranian forces have yet to free the four Filipino sailors who were among the crew of a container ship they seized in the Persian Gulf on April 13.

In November last year, 17 Filipino seafarers were taken hostage after an Israeli cargo ship was hijacked by Yemen's Houthi militants in the Red Sea.

In March, two Filipino sailors were killed in a missile strike by Houthi militants on a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden, off southern Yemen.

The Philippines is among the biggest suppliers of maritime labor in the world, providing almost one-fifth of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide, according to the International Labor Organization. 
President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law a $95 billion spending package that will send military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The new law will also force the sale of TikTok.

It was a difficult path, Biden said. It should have been easier and it should have gotten there sooner, Biden said at the White House after signing the bill. But in the end we did what America always does. We rose to the moment, we came together and we got it done. Now we need to move fast.

That path took nearly six months. As Republicans in Congress demanded reforms at the south western border, rejected a months-long bipartisan agreement on the border and then eventually cleared the aid packages alongside legislation to force the sale of TikTok.

Weapons could start arriving in Ukraine by the end of the week.

The Senate was able to pass the bill 79-18 on Tuesday night, giving final passage to the long-stalled legislation. The House passed its version of the legislation, which was split into four bills, on Saturday.

Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, was the only senator from Kansas or Missouri who supported the package.

There is no path forward for Ukraine, no path forward for Israel or for Taiwan, if the United States of America disengages in the world, Moran said. The price tag is significant. But in the absence of taking a stand now, we have to take a stand tomorrow. Do what we need to do today or pay a price later. And later will be even more costly.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall and Missouri Sens. Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, have long stood in staunch opposition to additional Ukraine funding. All three are part of a younger, more populist wing of Senate conservatives, who have argued that the U.S. is sending too much money to Ukraine when it should be more focused on domestic issues.

Missourians sent me to Washington to fight for them, not to just go along with the failed Washington way of doing things, like spending billions we dont have to defend the Ukrainian border while nothing is done to secure our own border, Schmitt said in a statement. Moreover, there was no opportunity to properly amend this bill - thats insane. It is time to put Americas strategic interests and the interests of the American people first.

Schmitt opposed a bipartisan border agreement that was attached to an earlier version of the national security bill, as did Marshall and Hawley.

While the Senate conservatives helped kill the border security package  which Biden pledged to eventually revive  they were unable to block the final version of foreign aid.

Hawley, who has long voted against support for Ukraine, lamented that the final version of the bill didnt include any money to reauthorize a program that provides federal support to people who were exposed to nuclear radiation from the countrys nuclear projects in the cold war. Hawley has pushed to get aid to people living in the St. Louis area.

But the bill does include something Hawley has long pushed for  a potential TikTok ban.

The TikTok provision was part of a larger package that also imposes sanctions on Russia and Iran. Rather than ban the social media app outright, it tries to force ByteDance, the Beijing-based company that owns the app, to sell it to someone outside of China. If it does not sell in about nine months, then the app would be banned  delaying a potential ban until 2025.

How they voted

Heres how Kansas and Missouri senators voted on the national security aid bill. For the House votes, click here.

Kansas

Sen. Roger Marshall  No

Sen. Jerry Moran  Yes

Missouri

Sen. Josh Hawley  No

Sen. Eric Schmitt  No
Former President Donald Trump is asking a judge to throw out more charges in the Georgia election interference case.

In a court document filed on Wednesday, Trumps attorneys said counts 15 and 27 in the indictment against him should be thrown out because the State of Georgia lacks the authority to criminalize conduct under a state statute.

The charges associated with the counts include conspiracy to file and filing of false documents.

The state is without jurisdiction or authority to prosecute President Trump when the plain purpose of doing so is to protect the integrity of federal matters, the filing said. The state statute at issue here reaches too far and may not be applied to criminalize the conduct alleged.

RELATED NEWS:

Last month, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee struck down six of the charges against Trump.

McAfee said the six counts, which were all related to the charges of solicitation of violation of oath by public office, lack sufficient detail.

Trump and his co-defendants had filed to dismiss the counts because they argued they were legally deficient, making the ruling a win for the former president.

So far, there has been no ruling or hearing scheduled over Wednesdays filing.

RELATED NEWS:
Students at Princeton University are preparing to set up a pro-Palestinian encampment, mimicking other schools across the country, according to records obtained by the National Review.

In one document obtained by the conservative-leaning outlet, the students label their protest the Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment and list their demands to stop the event, including the university calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and condemning Israels actions, the school giving financial transparency on its investments and divesting its endowments from companies associated with Israel.

Princeton would also have to associate itself with Palestinian institutions and disassociate with Israeli ones, such as sponsoring birthright Israel trips.

Were not going anywhere until these demands are met  hundreds of students, alumni, workers, and professors are and will continue to exercise their right to peacefully protest. Our values call on us to speak up for justice for Palestinians, and to confront the unethical investments of Princeton Universitys endowment. We will not be silenced, we will be heard. We will not rest until divest! the document reads.

The National Review obtained other documents the protesters disseminated including a list of professors friendly to their cause, how to recruit others to join the encampment and different roles people will have in the encampment, such as running to get supplies and how much risk is associated with each of the roles.

In one of the documents, the students highlight they do not believe extreme measures such as expulsion will be taken against students

We think expulsion is highly unlikely; only students who have been expelled in the movement at Vanderbilt were expelled for touched (assaulted) a police officer. Explusion is highly unlikely; at Princeton it requires committee and we know that at least 2 faculty members who are part of the committtee are in the Faculty for Justice in Palestine, the document reads.

The vice president for student life at Princeton has sent out an email to students reminding students of the schools commitment to free expression  but warning there are strict limits to protests on campus.

For those reasons, among others, our policies explicitly prohibit such conduct, and I want to be sure you understand that we will act promptly in order to address it. Any individual involved in an encampment, occupation, or other unlawful disruptive conduct who refuses to stop after a warning will be arrested and immediately barred from campus. For students, such exclusion from campus would jeopardize their ability to complete the semester. In addition, members of our community would face a disciplinary process (for students this could lead to suspension, delay of a diploma, or expulsion), Rochelle Calhoun said.

At other pro-Palestinian encampments, hundreds of students have been arrested and other schools have gone as far as to expel students for their participation.

These protests have received bipartisan condemnation, especially at Columbia University, where numerous lawmakers have visited and called for the president to resign.

The Hill has reached out to a member of Princetons Students for Justice in Palestine chapter for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In the war for American independence, an oft-forgotten force strangled British commerce, raided supply and seized ships for American use. While usually forgotten by history, privateersmen were the largest naval muscle of the Continental government. So much so that Massachusetts, Gen. George Washington, and the Continental Congress all authorized them .

So how did a privateersman or a ship owner enter the trade? And how did privateering work?

Recruiting

When governments approved privateering, they had to recruit two distinct groups of people: Shipowners and sailors. While the two often worked together, they wanted different things for different reasons. Sailors wanted regular and decent-paying work. And shipowners wanted each of their vessels to make a decent profit.

Luckily for the Continental forces, Britain's strangulation of American trade resulted in a lot of idle ships and sailors. The Boston Port Act and Restraining Acts forced a lot of ships and crews into harbor where they made no money. Many ship owners decided to send their vessels privateering, and they recruited sailors to do so. And so a British law intended to shorten the war actually acted to accelerate privateer recruitment.

Privateering wasn't a novel concept by the colonists. This deed allows its owner to share in a privateer. Public Domain.

A shipowner asked the government for permission to privateer, and Washington, Massachusetts, and then the Continental Congress all obliged. Once a shipowner had permission, they advertised near the docks and piers as well as in newspapers for sailors. A 1780 ad called for sailors who "love their country and want to make their fortune at one stroke."

And the life of a privateersman, while dangerous and grubby, could earn a fortune while serving the nation .

Seizing prizes

By the late 1700s, privateering was a well-regulated and lucrative business. Captains had to spot a ship that served the enemy navy or merchant fleet and then either intimidate the crew into surrendering or else seize it by force.

While that may sound a lot like piracy, the difference was that privateers could only attack certain vessels, had to take them to a specific set of ports on the coast, and then wait as the courts decided whether the ship had been legally taken.

But if courts declared it legal, then the owner paid a tax of 30-40 percent and split the remaining proceeds with the crew, usually 50-50. Crew members could also earn bonuses by taking certain actions like being the first to spot a vessel, first to board, etc. But crew also faced potential fines or loss of their share if they were too violent to a surrendered man or indecent to a woman .

American Letter of Marque, 1776. Public Domain.

All of that made privateering a decent living for a sailor, a handsome profit-maker for shipowners, and a solid revenue center for the government. So shipowners and crews typically leaped at the chance to engage in privateering with 800 ships doing so in the American Revolution.

That allowed the U.S. government to draw down the Navy after the Revolution. When America entered the War of 1812, crews again entered the dangerous life of violence on the high seas.

Battlefields.org describes them as "The Militia of the Sea."

For British shipowners and their insurers, privateers were a major drain on their business model. Every seized vessel meant a big insurance claim and a resulting increase in rates for the rest of the merchants.

Britain retaliated by "impressing" American sailors of all kinds into the navy, but especially privateersmen. And those who couldn't be forced to work became prisoners ineligible for parole or prisoner swaps.

Between the wars

Of course, privateering made no money whatsoever when there wasn't a war on. If a country had no enemy nations, then there were no enemy merchant fleets to plunder.

In older times, like the War of Spanish Succession, an end to privateering meant a resurgence of piracy. But after the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, many privateersmen returned to shipping or fishing. The commerce needs of fledgeling America allowed them to make plenty of money in honest trade.

Privateering has essentially died out, but with Russian grain and oil shipments fueling the war in Ukraine, maybe it's time to bring it back...
(Bloomberg) -- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has failed to win a majority in parliamentary elections, setting the stage for coalition negotiations in coming weeks to form the next government.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Sogavares Ownership, Unity and Responsibility Party has won 15 of 50 seats so far in the parliament, according to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corp. With almost all counting now completed, the incumbent will need to secure support from minority parties and independent lawmakers if he wants another term in office.

The talks will be closely monitored from Washington to Beijing and Canberra. A loss by Sogavare would set back the Chinese governments strategic ambitions in the Pacific, with the Solomon Islands its closest partner in the region. Some candidates to replace Sogavare have suggested they would move the Pacific nation closer to Taiwan and look at altering agreements with Beijing that were signed during his administration.

Under Sogavare in 2019 the Solomon Islands switched its diplomatic recognition to China from Taiwan, leaving Taipei increasingly isolated. That was followed in April 2022 by the announcement that Sogavare had signed a security agreement with China, setting off alarm bells in Australia and the US.

Read: China, Taiwan Ties Hang in the Balance in Solomon Islands Vote

While Sogavare still has a chance of forming government, there was a far higher vote for opposition parties in the 2024 election, according to Anouk Ride, a research fellow at the Australian National Universitys Department of Pacific Affairs.

Theres a significant shift in voters preferences toward the opposition, so one would expect that popular vote for the opposition will translate into leadership, she said.

But Ride added there were a number of big personalities among the parties opposed to Sogavare. The issue is whether the opposition can form alliances amongst each other to form a viable coalition.

The ballot was held on April 17, however counting has proceeded slowly due to the dispersed nature of the islands that comprise the Pacific nation. Once the vote is decided, lawmakers will gather in the capital of Honiara to hammer out a coalition and, eventually, name the nations next prime minister.

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Disclose, divest. We will not slow, we will not rest.

This chant in recent days has echoed across Columbia University, the epicenter of a nationwide campus protest movement that has led to more than 2,000 arrests and roiled universities in the midst of graduation season.

Protesters at these pro-Palestinian encampments have made it clear they are against Israels war with Hamas in Gaza, which is in its seventh month. But what, specifically, do they want from their universities? Heres a closer look:

 What are protesters demands?

Students with the Gaza Solidarity Encampment block the entrance of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University after taking over it on Tuesday. (Marco Postigo Storel/AP)

A central demand from protesters has been calling for their universities to divest, i.e., cut business ties with Israel or any companies that are aiding its military campaign in Gaza that has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

 What is divestment?

Divestment is when an organization  in this case, a university  sells off what it has invested in a certain fund or property. Specifically, the protesters want their universities to stop investing money in entities that they believe support Israel.

It might seem odd to think of universities investing money like a bank does, but its in fact a similar process. Universities have endowments  money granted through alumni donations and other means  and they put that money into ventures like private equity funds, real estate and hedge funds. In turn, those types of assets can have investments anywhere in the world.

Although most universities have only a small amount actually invested in Israeli companies, there are many related connections. For example, the Guardian reports that Columbia has direct investments in companies like Amazon and Google, which have a $1.2 billion cloud-computing contract with the Israeli government; Microsoft, whose services are used by the Israeli Defense Ministry; and Lockheed Martin, which supplies weapons for Israel.

Demonstrators at Columbia and elsewhere are calling for their universities to break these kinds of financial ties.

 Is there any movement with divestment negotiations?

Columbia president Minouche Shafik says the school will not divest from Israel, but did offer some proposals to demonstrators.

The University offered to develop an expedited timeline for review of new proposals from the students by the Advisory Committee for Socially Responsible Investing, the body that considers divestment matters, Shafik said in a statement Monday. The University also offered to publish a process for students to access a list of Columbias direct investment holdings, and to increase the frequency of updates to that list of holdings.

Similarly, most other universities are not heeding the calls for divestment. Brown University and Northwestern University, however, have diffused protests after pledging to demonstrators to take up votes on whether to divest from companies doing business with Israel.

 What other demands are protesters making?

In addition to divestment, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have called for a number of other actions. Here are some examples:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: A student group calling itself Scientists Against Genocide demanded that the school stop accepting alleged research funding from the Israeli military. MIT has declined to address claims that the school has financial ties to Israel.

University of Michigan: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators called on the school to stop sending money to investment managers who profit from Israeli companies or contractors. School officials have said they have no direct investments with Israeli companies and rejected the protesters demands.

Columbia, Emerson, Harvard and Yale: Along with demands to divest, protesters called for greater financial transparency in how their schools spend their endowments.

University of California, Berkeley: Protesters urged the school to enact policies to protect Palestinian students and sever academic ties with Israeli universities and programs, according to a social media post from UC Berkeley Divest.

 Is there any precedent for divestment?

Divestment movements arent a new concept in the world of campus activism. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, protesters successfully pressured universities to cut financial ties with companies that supported the apartheid regime in South Africa. More recently, fossil fuel divestment protests have also proved successful at U.S. universities.

Columbia made headlines in 1985 when it announced it would sell $35 million of stock in U.S. companies that were doing business in South Africa.

The success of the anti-apartheid movement inspired a decades-long campaign against Israels policies toward Palestinians, known as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, or BDS. The current demands for universities to divest from Israel are rooted in this movement.
Police in riot gear arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California after ordering the large crowd to disperse. Authorities also created a skirmish line as dozens of other protesters refused to leave on Wednesday night.

Some people cooperated and began walking off campus, however, over 100 people remained, including a group gathered in a circle and standing with their arms linked. Officers began surrounding the circle and the nearby crowds began chanting, We only wanted peace! and Hands off students!

By 6 p.m., several protestors in the circle had been arrested. Soon after, others voluntarily surrendered. By 9:30 p.m., police confirmed around 35 protestors were arrested for trespassing. Several dozen more are still being processed, LAPD said.

The protestors remained mostly peaceful throughout the demonstration outside of several isolated incidents, one in which a bottle of water was thrown toward the police line.

Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

A circle of pro-Palestinian protestors standing with linked arms at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

The first person to be arrested during a large pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

A circle of pro-Palestinian protestors standing with linked arms at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Dozens of demonstrators being detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Dozens of demonstrators being detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Dozens of demonstrators being detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Dozens of demonstrators being detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Group of protestors leaving USCs campus and continuing to march down surrounding streets on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Group of protestors leaving USCs campus and continuing to march down surrounding streets on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

Earlier in the day, a scuffle erupted between law enforcement and pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California Wednesday, prompting school officials to close the campus to all but students.

The protesters, including students and off-campus participants, erected banners and pitched tents in Alumni Park early in the morning, a scene similar to demonstrations occurring on many other college campuses in the U.S.

While the protest began with only a handful of attendees early Wednesday morning, a confrontation erupted when public safety officers moved in to remove the tents, which are not allowed on the private universitys campus.

The protesters, who were objecting to the ongoing war in Gaza and Israels response to the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, claimed officers were RAIDING ENCAMPMENTS and VIOLENTLY ARRESTING them, according to an activists account.

Video shared to social media by Los Angeles Times reporter Angie Orellana Hernandez showed at least one officer brandishing a baton after officers put their hands on a @USC student. She later shared another video showing students surrounding a police vehicle so it could not leave the area with a student that the protesters believed was wrongly detained.

A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus Alumni Park on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

University of Southern California protesters push and shove University Public Safety officers as tempers get heated during a pro-Palestinian occupation on the University of Southern California campus Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators lock arms on the campus of USC in Los Angeles on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

University of Southern California protester raises an anti war sign in Alumni Park on the campus of the University of Southern California during a pro-Palestinian occupation on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Protesters and police scuffled at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)

A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus Alumni Park on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

School officials ultimately closed campus by about 1:45 p.m., allowing only students to enter, as reported by NewsNations Nancy Loo.

A dispersal order was issued and Los Angeles police officers arrived on campus around 4 p.m. Officers dressed in riot gear began dispersing the gathered crowds. Authorities confirmed that no officers or protestors were injured during the demonstration and that, ultimately, 93 people were arrested during the late afternoon and evening protest.

The heightened tensions come several days after USC canceled valedictorian Asna Tabassums speech, citing unspecified safety concerns related to her social media activity in support of the Palestinian cause.

Shortly after the campus clash, Andrew T. Guzman, USCs provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, issued a statement saying the university values freedom of expression but added that it also has the highest priority and responsibility is to protect the safety of our community and ensure our academic programs and university activities continue unabated.

[The protesters] actions have escalated to the point of confrontation and have threatened the safety of our officers and campus community, Guzman said.

In response, the school reverted to its protocols for nights and weekends, when individuals with proper USC identification or verifiable business purpose can enter campus, but others cannot.

We want to be clear that we reject speech that is hateful and that causes harm to others, Guzman wrote. In these challenging times, we call on the Trojan Family to remember that every member of our community is deserving of respect, has the right to be safe on campus, take classes, and participate in other campus activities without fear of harassment or bullying. It should be everyones priority to treat each other with kindness and care.

Guzmans words came after an emotional morning and early afternoon on campus.

Theres more than 33,000 people dead, theres children, theres family, theres parents, a USC student named Angel told KTLAs Lauren Lyster.  I think both sides  we need to acknowledge that we need to put an end to this because theres just been way too much damage.

On Tuesday, Al Jazeera cited the Gaza Ministry of Healths numbers indicating that at least 34,183 people have been killed and 77,084 have been wounded in Israels war against Hamas, not delineating between combatants and noncombatants.

Some USC students said they felt intimidated by the protesters, including Coby Russo, a Jewish Israeli.

Theyre yelling, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free, which was federally deemed as antisemitic hate speech, Russo told KTLA 5 News. I dont even know how theyre allowed to be doing this.

Cal Poly Humboldt closes after pro-Palestinian protesters barricade themselves inside building

The Anti-Defamation League says the phrase is antisemitic and is fundamentally a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, territory that includes the State of Israel, which would mean the dismantling of the Jewish state, and its long been used by anti-Israel voices, including supporters of terrorist organizations such as Hamas.

The U.S. House of Representatives agreed, passing a bipartisan resolution condemning the chant as antisemitic earlier this month.

Students at a growing number of U.S. colleges are gathering in protest encampments with a unified demand of their schools: Stop doing business with Israel  or any companies that support its ongoing war in Gaza.

The demand has its roots in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, a decades-old campaign against Israels policies toward the Palestinians. The movement has taken on new strength as the Israel-Hamas war surpasses the six-month mark and stories of suffering in Gaza have sparked international calls for a cease-fire.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Footage of the protest dispersal can be seen in the video player above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
More than 100 people were arrested at Emerson College in Boston early on Thursday in the latest crackdown against the rising wave of campus pro-Palestinian protests across the US that has seen the House speaker, Mike Johnson, suggest calling in the national guard.

Johnson waded into an already tense situation on Wednesday with a visit to Columbia University, where the decision last week of the university president, Minouche Shafik, to invite the NYPD to dismantle a student encampment catalysed what is rapidly becoming a national movement. Johnson nevertheless called for the resignation of Shafik, facing jeers on campus from the pro-Palestinian protesters.

Related: Student protesters are demanding universities divest from Israel. What does that mean?

At University of Texas in Austin at least 34 protesters, including a member of the media from a local news station, were arrested overnight, while at 93 more were detained by police dressed in riot gear at the University of Southern California (USC), the Los Angeles Times reported.

In mass arrests at USC, militarized officers were filmed appearing to shoot rubber bullets into a crowd of peaceful demonstrators. While described as less-lethal weapons, rubber bullets can cause serious injury or even death. Further north at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, protesters barricaded themselves in a university building using furniture, tents, chains and zip-ties, prompting a campus shutdown.

The arrests in Boston came after Emerson officials ordered student protesters on Wednesday to dismantle their encampment-style demonstration in the citys Boylston Place Alley, where students had been protesting since Sunday, WBZ-TV reported.

Students say they were peacefully protesting when the mass arrests began around 1.30am on Thursday. One student who spoke to WBZ-TV anonymously said that students were dragged and pushed away  without much regard for [their] safety. A Boston police spokesperson told WBZ-TV that four officers were injured, all non-life-threatening.

The original encampments at Columbia called for the university to divest from weapons manufacturers with ties to Israel. The protests have led to mass suspensions of students, and the arrests of hundreds.

At Columbia, flanked by a number of Republican members of Congress, Johnson denounced the demonstrations as mob rule and condemned what he called a virus of antisemitism at colleges nationwide.

And its detestable, as Columbia has allowed these lawless agitators and radicals to take over, he said. If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the national guard.

Johnsons speech drew boos from the crowd, as he also called for the resignation of Shafik, who he accused of failing to protect Jewish students and allowing protests that led to the arrest of dozens of people there last week.

As temperatures rose, Kathy Hochul, the Democratic governor of New York, called Johnsons trip divisive, while the Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez assailed authorities for the reckless and dangerous act of calling police to non-violent demonstrations.

Hochul accused Johnson of politicizing the issue, and adding to the division, according to the New York Post. Theres a lot more responsibilities and crises to be dealt with in Washington, she said.

Most of the protests involve pro-Palestinian students, some of them Jewish, demanding their schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies they consider to be enabling the brutal conflict in Gaza.

More than 140 students, faculty members and others were arrested on Monday night at a protest at New York Universitys Manhattan campus.

At UC Berkeley, meanwhile, the Free Palestine Camp has grown over three days into a sit-in demanding their school sever its financial connections to BlackRock and other asset managers they see as complicit for financing genocide in Gaza. UC Berkeley holds a $427m investment in a BlackRock portfolio.

Some protesters are also calling for an academic boycott, which would end collaborations with Israeli universities and the establishment of a new Palestinian studies program.

Police responding to a demonstration at USC got into a back-and-forth tugging match with protesters over tents. As of 7pm local time more than a dozen people were arrested at the campus, according to a Los Angeles Times reporter on the scene. Video shows officers shoving students.

At Cal Poly Humboldt, a public university on Californias northern coast, the campus has been closed and classes are being held remotely after pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded themselves in a building for a sit-in. Dozens of students remain inside the building and have blocked entrances with furniture, according to the university, while others occupied another nearby building. Students there told the Sacramento Bee they felt compelled to take action.

I think the solution is to get involved, because at least I can feel like Im doing my part. Even if its not enough, Im doing the best I can to make something of it. I find peace in that, one student said.

At UT Austin, hundreds of local and state police  including some on horseback and holding batons  clashed with protesters, pushing them off the campus lawn and at one point sending some tumbling into the street.

A photographer covering the demonstration for Fox 7 Austin was arrested after being caught in a push-and-pull between officers and students, the station confirmed. A longtime Texas journalist was knocked down in the mayhem and could be seen bleeding before police helped him to emergency medical staff who bandaged his head.

Faculty at UT Austin will be striking in response to what they called a militarized response to a peaceful, planned action, stating on X that they are refusing to hold classes starting on Thursday.

At Columbia, the focal point of national student demonstrations, Shafik said on Wednesday that she had extended by 48 hours a deadline for talks with protest leaders for the dismantling of a tent encampment on Columbias west lawn.

Some Jewish students at Columbia said they had been physically blocked by protesters from attending classes, and subjected to racial hatred by demonstrators demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and for the university to divest from companies linked to Israels military operations.

Protest organizers blame outside actors for particularly inflammatory rhetoric against Jewish students.

Johnsons visit to Columbia follows a number of other trips there this week by bipartisan groups of politicians. Three competing delegations attended on Monday, Axios reported, with the entirety of New Yorks Republican congressional delegation demanding Shafiks resignation, and Democrats criticizing her for not protecting Jewish students and faculty.

Joe Biden does not plan to visit Columbia when he visits New York on Friday, the White House and campaign officials told CNN. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said in a Wednesday statement that Biden believes free speech, debate and nondiscrimination are important on college campuses, adding that students should feel safe on college campuses.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
JAKARTA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's education sector and Chinese industries held a business matching conference on Wednesday to provide job opportunities for Indonesian college students.

The Indonesia Education-China Industry Talk held in Jakarta gathered more than 30 Chinese companies and over 80 Indonesian educational institutions, including vocational schools and universities. The two parties were set to sign agreements in terms of recruitment of local talents, internship projects, skills training for on-duty employees, joint scientific research, and other related cooperations.

Kiki Yuliati, director general of vocational education from Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, expressed her appreciation to the strategic partnership between the two parties, hoping it would bring benefits to each other.

"China has become a hub of innovation and impressive development in technology. We would like to learn from you and would like to collaborate with you. We do believe we can learn from you," she said in her welcoming remarks. 
Students protesting on campuses across US ask colleges to cut investments supporting Israel

University of Michigan computer science junior Josh Brown, center, hands out miniature blue and white flags of Israel while standing Wednesday, April 23, 2024, in front of a banner reading LONG LIVE THE INTIFADA," in Ann Arbor, Mich. The banner is part of a protest by students and groups demanding the Ann Arbor school divest from companies that do business with Israel. (AP Photo/Corey Williams)

Students at a growing number of U.S. colleges are gathering in protest encampments with a unified demand of their schools: Stop doing business with Israel  or any companies that support its ongoing war in Gaza.

The demand has its roots in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, a decades-old campaign against Israel's policies toward the Palestinians. The movement has taken on new strength as the Israel-Hamas war surpasses the six-month mark and stories of suffering in Gaza have sparked international calls for a cease-fire.

Inspired by ongoing protests and the arrests last week of more than 100 students at Columbia University, students from Massachusetts to California are now gathering by the hundreds on campuses, setting up tent camps and pledging to stay put until their demands are met.

We want to be visible, said Columbia protest leader Mahmoud Khalil, who noted that students at the university have been pushing for divestment from Israel since 2002. The university should do something about what were asking for, about the genocide thats happening in Gaza. They should stop investing in this genocide.

Campus protests began after Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, when militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. During the ensuing war, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the local health ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and noncombatants but says at least two-thirds of the dead are children and women.

WHAT DO THE STUDENTS WANT TO SEE HAPPEN?

The students are calling for universities to separate themselves from any companies that are advancing Israel's military efforts in Gaza  and in some cases from Israel itself.

Protests on many campuses have been orchestrated by coalitions of student groups, often including local chapters of organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. They're banding together as umbrella groups, such as MIT's Coalition Against Apartheid and the University of Michigan's Tahrir Coalition.

The groups largely act independently, though there has been some coordination. After students at Columbia formed their encampment last week, they held a phone call with about 200 other people interested in starting their own camps. But mostly it has happened spontaneously, with little collaboration between campuses, organizers said.

The demands vary from campus to campus. Among them:

 Stop doing business with military weapons manufacturers that are supplying arms to Israel.

 Stop accepting research money from Israel for projects that aid the country's military efforts.

 Stop investing college endowments with money managers who profit from Israeli companies or contractors.

 Be more transparent about what money is received from Israel and what it's used for.

Student governments at some colleges in recent weeks have passed resolutions calling for an end to investments and academic partnerships with Israel. Such bills were passed by student bodies at Columbia, Harvard Law, Rutgers and American University.

HOW ARE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES RESPONDING?

Officials at several universities say they want to have a conversation with students and honor their right to protest. But they also are echoing the concerns of many Jewish students that some of the demonstrators words and actions amount to antisemitism  and they say such behavior wont be tolerated.

Sylvia Burwell, president of American University, rejected a resolution from the undergraduate senate to end investments and partnerships with Israel.

Such actions threaten academic freedom, the respectful free expression of ideas and views, and the values of inclusion and belonging that are central to our community, Burwell said in a statement.

Burwell cited the university's longstanding position against the decades-old BDS movement.

Protesters in the movement have drawn parallels between Israels policy in Gaza  a tiny strip of land tucked between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea that is home to about 2.3 million Palestinians  to apartheid in South Africa. Israel imposed an indefinite blockade of Gaza after Hamas seized control of the strip in 2007.

Opponents of BDS say its message veers into antisemitism. In the past decade alone, more than 30 states have enacted laws or directives blocking agencies from hiring companies that support the movement. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos called it a pernicious threat in 2019, saying it fueled bias against Jews on U.S. campuses.

Asked this week whether he condemned the antisemitic protests, President Joe Biden said he did. I also condemn those who dont understand whats going on with the Palestinians, Biden said after an Earth Day event Monday.

At Yale, where dozens of student protesters were arrested Monday, President Peter Salovey noted in a message to campus that, after hearing from students, the universitys Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility had recommended against divesting from military weapons manufacturers.

President Minouche Shafik at Columbia said there should be serious conversations about how the university can help in the Middle East. But we cannot have one group dictate terms, she said in a statement Monday.

MIT said in a statement that the protesters have the full attention of leadership, who have been meeting and talking with students, faculty, and staff on an ongoing basis.

HOW MUCH MONEY ARE THE SCHOOLS RECEIVING?

On many campuses, students pushing for divestment say they dont know the extent of their colleges connections to Israel. Universities with large endowments spread their money across a vast array of investments, and it can be difficult or impossible to identify where it all lands.

The U.S. Education Department requires colleges to report gifts and contracts from foreign sources, but there have been problems with underreporting, and colleges sometimes dodge reporting requirements by steering money through separate foundations that work on their behalf.

According to an Education Department database, about 100 U.S. colleges have reported gifts or contracts from Israel totaling $375 million over the past two decades. The data tells little about where the money comes from, however, or how it was used.

Some students at MIT have published the names of several researchers who accept money from Israels defense ministry for projects that the students say could help with drone navigation and missile protection. All told, pro-Palestinian students say, MIT has accepted more than $11 million from the defense ministry over the past decade.

MIT officials didn't respond to an emailed request for comment.

MIT is directly complicit with all of this, said sophomore Quinn Perian, a leader of a Jewish student group that is calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. He said theres growing momentum to hold colleges accountable for any role they play in supporting Israels military.

Were all drawing from the same fire, he said. Theyre forcing us, as students, to be complicit in this genocide.

Motivated by the Columbia protests, students at the University of Michigan were camping out on a campus plaza Tuesday demanding an end to financial investments with Israel. They say the school sends more than $6 billion to investment managers who profit from Israeli companies or contractors. They also cited investments in companies that produce drones or warplanes used in Israel, and in surveillance products used at checkpoints into Gaza.

University of Michigan officials said that they have no direct investments with Israeli companies, and that indirect investments made through funds amount to a fraction of 1% of the university's $18 billion endowment. The school rejected calls for divestment, citing a nearly 20-year-old policy that shields the universitys investments from political pressures.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE STUDENTS?

Students at Harvard and Yale are demanding greater transparency, along with their calls for divestment.

Transparency was one of the key demands at Emerson College, where 80 students and other supporters occupied a busy courtyard on the downtown Boston campus Tuesday.

Twelve tents sporting slogans including Free Gaza or No U.S. $ For Israel lined the entrance to the courtyard, with sleeping bags and pillows peeking out through the zippered doors.

Students sat cross-legged on the brick paving stones typing away on final papers and reading for exams. The semester ends in a couple of weeks.

I would love to go home and have a shower," said Owen Buxton, a film major, but I will not leave until we reach our demands or I am dragged out by police.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Make Liberty Win spent money to elect libertarian-minded candidates in the GOP primaries for Ohio House.

Mysterious mailers stamped "Democrat Asset!" across the faces of Ohio House Republicans running in the March primary were delivered to homes earlier this year.

One flyer accused a lawmaker of being lazy and absent. Another alleged a legislator took advantage of poor single mothers.

The mailers came from Make Liberty Win, a Virginia-based, libertarian hybrid PAC that advocates for universal school vouchers, no income tax and no local enforcement of federal gun laws. The group spent $1.7 million targeting Ohio House Republicans in the primary and plans to spend money in the November election, too, according to the group's executive director.

"The people of Ohio deserve GOP majorities that govern like Republicans, not a cabal of closet Democrats bought and sold by the Columbus Swamp," Make Liberty Win's executive director Barrett Young wrote in an email.

Make Liberty Win is one of several groups, including Ohio's Americans for Prosperity chapter, that campaigned against Republican incumbents who backed Rep. Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, for Ohio House speaker. In early 2023, Stephens won the role with support from House Democrats  a fact that enraged some fellow Republicans.

The March primary turned into a referendum on Stephens' speakership and a fight for the gavel in 2025 as current Senate President Matt Huffman openly campaigned for Stephens' job.

Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman gives the thumbs up to start the proceedings before Governor Mike DeWine's State of the State address.

Make Liberty Win's efforts had mixed results in Ohio. Two of its four endorsed GOP candidates won their primaries, and five Republicans who backed Stephens for speaker lost their races. On its website, the group displayed the five primary losers on orange tags with the phrase "bagged and tagged"  evidence of a successful RINO "Republican in Name Only" hunt.

But groups like Make Liberty Win "distort political outcomes and erode trust in the electoral process with their lies and lack of transparency," said Jared Borg, executive director of House Republicans' campaign arm called the Ohio House Republican Alliance.

"We based our campaigns on facts and will always operate with truth and transparency because Ohio voters deserve that," Borg added.

What is Make Liberty Win?

Ohio is the latest state where the no-compromise libertarian group has targeted GOP candidates for being too moderate.

"Ohio became a top target for us because we saw how bad the policy environment was for limited government," wrote Young, citing Stephens' election and the reelection of Gov. Mike DeWine, whom Young called "an anti-Liberty Establishment puke." "We wanted to send a clear message that betraying the will of the people to kill Liberty policy would not go unanswered."

Make Liberty Win is largely funded by Austin-based Young Americans for Liberty, a libertarian student activism organization formed after Ron Paul's 2008 presidential campaign.

Young Americans for Liberty is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that is not required to disclose its donors; these are often called "dark money groups." But tax filings indicate the organization has received donations from groups aligned with the conservative Koch brothers, according to Influence Watch.

Five Ohio Republican lawmakers are on Young Americans for Liberty's coalition of "pro-liberty legislators," including Rep. Ron Ferguson who has spoken at the group's annual conventions. In recent years, Young Americans for Liberty, which has groups on university campuses, has opposed mandatory COVID-19 vaccines and fought for public dollars for students to attend private schools.

Make Liberty Win has elected small-government, pro-personal liberty lawmakers in states like New Hampshire, Texas, Kentucky and Tennessee. Nashville's WTVF revealed that Make Liberty Win was part of an effort to oust Tennessee lawmakers who backed the state's public schools and opposed the privatization of education.

Make Liberty Win changes its tune on one Republican

Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, was endorsed by Make Liberty Win in 2022. But they opposed his 2024 bid.

Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, was in Make Liberty Win's good graces  until he wasn't.

Make Liberty Win endorsed Mathews' successful House bid in 2022. As a lawmaker, the Lebanon Republican sponsored a bill to eliminate Ohio's income tax and voted to expand private school vouchers, two top priorities of Make Liberty Win. Mathews even voted for Stephens' opponent in the 2023 speaker race.

So Mathews was surprised when Make Liberty Win targeted him with a slew of negative mailers earlier this year.

Make Liberty Win's Young called Mathews a snake and a turncoat for voting for Ohio's "bloated budget." "Folks like Mathews divide conservative resources and swindle good people into supporting evil," he wrote.

"They seemed to like my pro-school choice, pro-limited government view of things," Mathews said. "And then, this last time, they were very upset with me working to pass a budget that resulted in $2.2 billion of income tax cuts, kept the Western & Southern  now the Cincinnati Open  in Ohio and provided universal school choice for Ohio's students."

Young pushed back against Ohio's expanded school vouchers, saying it wasn't fully funded or thought through. "A REAL universal school choice bill gives every student an equal chance to succeed rather than playing favorites," he wrote.

So Make Liberty Win attacked Mathews with mailers that accused him of being lazy and ineffective; the group also labeled him a closet Democrat. But the attack didn't land, and Mathews easily won his three-way primary.

"If groups like this are coming at me, it may be much more personality rather than policy," Mathews said. "I'll continue working for my district because I don't serve out-of-state dark money groups. I serve the good people of Warren County."

What comes next?

Two campaigns filed complaints against Make Liberty Win with the Ohio Elections Commission. Both argued the group's mailers did not properly disclose their source.

A mailer that did not disclose its origin or donors accused Rep. Sara Carruthers, R-Hamilton, of taking a woman's children and leaving her homeless. In 2022, Carruthers settled a lawsuit filed by the surrogate of Carruthers' twin children.

Another mailer from the same address was marked "Paid for by Make Liberty Win." That flyer accused Carruthers of being a "secret agent for the Democrats." Carruthers accuses the group of violating campaign finance law by sending the first mailers without disclosing their source.

"It is assumed that more than $250 was spent on Mailer 1 as it was widely disseminated in my district having heard from several constituents irate over its contents," Carruthers wrote in her Ohio Elections Commission complaint. Carruthers lost the March primary to Hamilton pastor Diane Mullins.

The second complaint came from Wayne County Republican Party Chairman Doug Deeken who received mailers backing House candidate Josh Hlavaty that did not disclose who sent them. Hlavaty, who was endorsed by Make Liberty Win, would later narrowly lose to Meredith Craig in a five-way GOP primary.

The Ohio Elections Commission will review both complaints at a future meeting.

Meanwhile, Make Liberty Win isn't going anywhere.

"We currently plan to engage in November to deliver a GOP majority that is actually Republican and guarantee Stephens and the Democrats lose their control over the Ohio House," Young wrote.

Does that mean Make Liberty Win will back Stephens' main challenger, Senate President Matt Huffman?

"Anyone would be an improvement," Young said. "But we hope that a real conservative like Ron Ferguson will throw their name in the hat."

Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is Make Liberty Win and why are they targeting Ohio House GOP?
The for-profit nursing home sector is growing, and it places a premium on cost cutting and big profits, which has led to low staffing and patient neglect and mistreatment. (Photo by picture alliance via Getty Images)

The Conversation

The care at Landmark of Louisville Rehabilitation and Nursing was abysmal when state inspectors filed their survey report of the Kentucky facility on July 3, 2021.

Residents wandered the halls in a facility that can house up to 250 people, yelling at each other and stealing blankets. One resident beat a roommate with a stick, causing bruising and skin tears. Another was found in bed with a broken finger and a bloody forehead gash. That person was allowed to roam and enter the beds of other residents. In another case, there was sexual touching in the dayroom between residents, according to the report.

Meals were served from filthy meal carts on plastic foam trays, and residents struggled to cut their food with dull plastic cutlery. Broken tiles lined showers, and a mysterious black gunk marred the floors. The director of housekeeping reported that the dining room was unsanitary. Overall, there was a critical lack of training, staff and supervision.

The inspectors tagged Landmark as deficient in 29 areas, including six that put residents in immediate jeopardy of serious harm and three where actual harm was found. The issues were so severe that the government slapped Landmark with a fine of over $319,000  more than 29 times the average for a nursing home in 2021  and suspended payments to the home from federal Medicaid and Medicare funds.

Highlighted excerpt from a report

This excerpt from the July 3, 2021, state inspection report of Landmark of Louisville Rehabilitation and Nursing includes an interview with a nurse who found an injured resident. (New York State attorney generals office)

Persistent problems

But problems persisted. Five months later, inspectors levied six additional deficiencies of immediate jeopardy  the highest level  including more sexual abuse among residents and a certified nursing assistant pushing someone down, bruising the persons back and hip.

Landmark is just one of the 58 facilities run by parent company Infinity Healthcare Management across five states, including nine facilities in Kentucky. The government issued penalties to the company almost 4 times the national average, according to bimonthly data that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services first started to make available in late 2022. All told, Infinity paid nearly $10 million in fines since 2021, the highest among nursing home chains with fewer than 100 facilities.

Infinity Healthcare Management and its executives did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Such sanctions are nothing new for Infinity or other for-profit nursing home chains that have dominated an industry long known for cutting corners in pursuit of profits for private owners. But this race to the bottom to extract profits is accelerating despite demands by government officials, health care experts and advocacy groups to protect the nations most vulnerable citizens.

To uncover the reasons why, The Conversations investigative unit Inquiry delved into the nursing home industry, where for-profit facilities make up more than 72% of the nations nearly 14,900 facilities. The probe, which paired an academic expert with an investigative reporter, used the most recent government data on ownership, facility information and penalties, combined with CMS data on affiliated entities for nursing homes.

The investigation revealed an industry that places a premium on cost cutting and big profits, with low staffing and poor quality, often to the detriment of patient well-being. Operating under weak and poorly enforced regulations with financially insignificant penalties, the for-profit sector fosters an environment where corners are frequently cut, compromising the quality of care and endangering patient health. Meanwhile, owners make the facilities look less profitable by siphoning money from the homes through byzantine networks of interconnected corporations. Federal regulators have neglected the problem as each year likely billions of dollars are funneled out of nursing homes through related parties and into owners pockets.

More trouble at midsize chains

Analyzing newly released government data, our investigation found that these problems are most pronounced in nursing homes like Infinity  midsize chains that operate between 11 and 100 facilities. This subsection of the industry has higher average fines per home, lower overall quality ratings, and are more likely to be tagged with resident abuse compared with both the larger and smaller networks. Indeed, while such chains account for about 39% of all facilities, they operate 11 of the 15 most-fined facilities.

In Kentucky, seven of the 10 most fined facilities are owned by midsize chain owners, four of which are associated with Infinity Healthcare. The Landmark of River City Rehabilitation and Nursing is the most fined facility in Kentucky, with over $528,000 in penalties levied against the facility since the start of 2021. During one inspection in the summer of 2023, inspectors found multiple lapses of care that placed residents in immediate jeopardy of harm. In one instance the facility missed two of a residents dialysis treatments, and when the resident was brought in to the clinic for third treatment that week, the patient was slumped over, unresponsive, and twitching.

Likewise for the third most fined facility in the state, the Landmark of Laurel Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing in Manchester. Inspectors uncovered multiple incidents that jeopardized the safety of residents in December of 2022, and fined the facility over $489,000.

Lexington Health Management has six of its 16 facilities in Kentucky and is the second most fined chain in the state. The company is also affiliated with the second most fined nursing home, Lyndon Woods Care & Rehab in Louisville. The home was fined over $517,000 in March of 2023 alone. That inspection report documented numerous instances of residents fighting each other, including one incident that resulted in a neck fracture. The most severe citation noted that many residents were in danger due to their poor care.

We strive to enhance and strengthen our clinical systems through routine QAPI (Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement) meetings, Tom Watts, President and CEO Exceptional Living Centers, which runs operations for Lyndon Woods Care & Rehab, wrote in a statement. We continue to work closely with CMS and state surveyors to ensure that we are following all guidelines and providing the best care possible to our residents.

With few impediments, private investors who own the midsize chains have quietly swooped in to purchase underperforming homes, expanding their holdings even further as larger chains divest and close facilities. As a result of the industrys churn of facility ownership, over one fifth of the countrys nursing facilities changed ownership between 2016 and 2021, four times more changes than hospitals.

A 2023 report by Good Jobs First, a nonprofit watchdog, noted that a dozen of these chains in the midsize range have doubled or tripled in size while racking up fines averaging over $100,000 per facility since 2018. But unlike the large, multistate chains with easily recognizable names, the midsize networks slip through without the same level of public scrutiny, The Conversations investigations unit found.

They are really bad, but the names  we dont know these names, said Toby Edelman, senior policy attorney with the Center for Medicare Advocacy, a nonprofit law organization.

When we used to have those multistate chains, the facilities all had the same name, so you know what the quality is youre getting, she said. Its not that good  but at least you know what youre getting.

In response to The Conversations findings on nursing homes and request for an interview, a CMS spokesperson emailed a statement that said the CMS is unwavering in its commitment to improve safety and quality of care for the more than 1.2 million residents receiving care in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.

The statement pointed to data released by the oversight body on mergers, acquisitions, consolidations and changes of ownership in April 2023 along with additional ownership data released the following September. CMS also proposed a rule change that aims to increase transparency in nursing home ownership by collecting more information on facility owners and their affiliations.

Our focus is on advancing implementable solutions that promote safe, high-quality care for residents and consider the challenging circumstances some long-term care facilities face, the statement reads.

CMS is slated to implement the disclosure rules in the fall and release the new data to the public later this year.

We support transparency and accountability, the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, a trade organization representing the nursing home industry, wrote in response to The Conversations request for comment. But neither ownership nor line items on a budget sheet prove whether a nursing home is committed to its residents. Over the decades, weve found that strong organizations tend to have supportive and trusted leadership as well as a staff culture that empowers frontline caregivers to think critically and solve problems. These characteristics are not unique to a specific type or size of provider.

It often takes years to improve a poor nursing home  or run one into the ground. The analysis of midsize chains shows that most owners have been associated with their current facilities for less than eight years, making it difficult to separate operators who have taken long-term investments in resident care from those who are looking to quickly extract money and resources before closing them down or moving on. These chains control roughly 41% of nursing home beds in the U.S., according to CMSs provider data, making the lack of transparency especially ripe for abuse.

A churn of nursing home purchases even during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that investors view the sector as highly profitable, especially when staffing costs are kept low and fines for poor care can easily be covered by the money extracted from residents, their families and taxpayers.

This is the model of their care: They come in, they understaff and they make their money, said Sam Brooks, director of public policy at the Consumer Voice, a national resident advocacy organization. Then they multiply it over a series of different facilities.

Investor race

The explosion of a billion-dollar private marketplace found its beginnings in government spending.

The adoption of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 set loose a race among investors to load up on nursing homes, with a surge in for-profit homes gaining momentum because of a reliable stream of government payouts. By 1972, a mere seven years after the inception of the programs, a whopping 106 companies had rushed to Wall Street to sell shares in nursing home companies. And little wonder: They pulled in profits through their ownership of 18% of the industrys beds, securing about a third of the hefty $3.2 billion of government cash.

 the elderly and their families seeking quality care unknowingly find themselves in an impossible situation with for-profit nursing homes: Those facilities tend to provide the worst quality, and the only measure available for consumers to determine where they will be treated well can be rigged. The result is the transformation of an industry meant to care for the most vulnerable into a profit-driven circus.

The 1990s saw substantial expansion in for-profit nursing home chains, marked by a wave of acquisitions and mergers. At the same time, increasing difficulties emerged in the model for publicly traded chains. Shareholders increasingly demanded rapid growth, and researchers have found that the publicly traded chains tried to appease that hunger by reducing nursing staff and cutting corners on other measures meant to improve quality and safety.

I began to suspect a possibly inherent contradiction between publicly traded and other large investor-operated nursing home companies and the prerequisites for quality care, Paul R. Willging, former chief lobbyist for the industry, wrote in a 2007 letter to the editor of The New York Times. For many investors  earnings growth, quarter after quarter, is often paramount. Long-term investments in quality can work at cross purposes with a mandate for an unending progression of favorable earnings reports.

Recognizing the long-term potential for profit growth, private investors snapped up publicly traded for-profit chains, reducing the previous levels of public transparency and oversight. Between 2000 and 2017, 1,674 nursing homes were acquired by private-equity firms in 128 unique deals out of 18,485 facilities. But the same poor-quality problems persisted. Research shows that after snagging a big chain, private investors tended to follow the same playbook: They rebrand the company, increase corporate control and dump unprofitable homes to other investment groups willing to take shortcuts for profit.

Multiple academic studies show the results, highlighting the lower staffing and quality in for-profit homes compared with nonprofits and government-run facilities. Elderly residents staying long term in nursing homes owned by private investment groups experienced a significant uptick in trips to the emergency department and hospitalizations between 2013 and 2017, translating into higher costs for Medicare.

The human toll comes in death and suffering. A study updated in 2023 by the National Bureau of Economic Research calculated that 22,500 additional deaths over a 12-year span were attributable to private-equity ownership, equating to about 172,400 lost life years. The calculations also showed that private-equity ownership was responsible for a 6.2% reduction in mobility, an 8.5% increase in ulcer development and a 10.5% uptick in pain intensity.

Gaming the five-star rating system

Not that nursing homes have much to fear in the public perception of their reputation for quality. CMS uses what is known as the Five-Star Quality Rating System, designed to help consumers compare nursing homes to find one that provides good care. Theoretically, nursing homes with five-star ratings are supposed to be exceptional, while those with one-star ratings are deemed the worst. But research shows that nursing homes can game the system, with the result that a top star rating might reflect little more than a facilitys willingness to cheat.

A star rating is composed of three parts: The score from a government inspection and the facilitys self-reports of staffing and quality. This means that what the nursing homes say about themselves can boost the star rating of facilities even if they have poor inspection results.

Multiple studies have highlighted a concerning trend: Some nursing homes, especially for-profit ones, inflate their self-reported measures, resulting in a disconnect from actual inspection findings. Notably, research suggests that for-profit nursing homes, driven by significant financial motives, are more likely to engage in this practice of inflating their self-reported assessments.

At bottom, the elderly and their families seeking quality care unknowingly find themselves in an impossible situation with for-profit nursing homes: Those facilities tend to provide the worst quality, and the only measure available for consumers to determine where they will be treated well can be rigged. The result is the transformation of an industry meant to care for the most vulnerable into a profit-driven circus.

Close-up of an elderly woman's head leaning on her hand

The for-profit nursing home sector is growing, and it places a premium on cost cutting and big profits, which has led to low staffing and patient neglect and mistreatment. (Picture alliance via Getty Images)

The pandemic

Nothing more clearly exposed the problems rampant in nursing homes than the pandemic. Throughout that time, nursing homes reported that almost 2 million residents had infections and 170,000 died.

No one should have been surprised by the mass death in nursing homes  the warning signs of what was to come had been visible for years. Between 2013 and 2017, infection control was the most frequently cited deficiency in nursing homes, with 40% of facilities cited each year and 82% cited at least once in the five-year period. Almost half were cited over multiple consecutive years for these deficiencies; if fixed, one of the big causes of the widespread transmission of COVID in these facilities would have been eliminated.

But shortly after coming into office in 2017, the Trump administration weakened what was already a deteriorating system to regulate nursing homes. The administration directed regulators to issue one-time fines against nursing homes for violations of federal rules rather than for the full time they were out of compliance. This shift meant that even nursing homes with severe infractions lasting weeks were exempted from fines surpassing the maximum per-instance penalty of $20,965.

Even that near-worthless level of regulation was not feeble enough for the industry, so lobbyists pressed for less. In response, just a few months before COVID emerged in China, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that effectively abolished a mandate for each to hire a full-time infection control expert, instead recommending outside consultants for the job.

The perfect storm had been reached, with no experts required to be on site, prepared to combat any infection outbreaks. On Jan. 20, 2020  just 186 days after the change in rules on infection control  the CDC reported that the first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID had been found at a nursing home in Washington state.

The least prepared in this explosion of disease were the for-profit nursing homes, compared with nonprofit and government facilities. Research from the University of California at San Francisco found those facilities were linked to higher numbers of COVID cases. For-profits not only had fewer nurses on staff but also high numbers of infection-control deficiencies and lower compliance with health regulations.

Even as the United States went through the crisis, some owners of midsize chains continued snapping up nursing homes. For example, two Brooklyn businessmen named Simcha Hyman and Naftali Zanziper were going on a nursing home buying spree through their private-equity company, the Portopiccolo Group. Despite poor ratings in their previously owned facilities, nothing blocked the acquisitions.

One such facility was Mills Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mayfield, Kentucky, a 98-bed facility that Portopiccolos ClearView Healthcare Management took over in late 2019. By August 2020, it had had 107 COVID cases among residents and staff, and 23 people had died, according to Private Equity Insights. At the time it was one of Kentuckys largest long-term care outbreaks.

By the end of 2020, Hyman and Zanziper owned more than 70 facilities. By 2021, their portfolio had exploded to more than 120. By February, 2024, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Hyman and Zanziper are associated with at least 134 facilities, including 25 in Kentucky, and have the highest amount of total fines recorded by the agency for affiliated entities, totaling nearly $12 million since 2021. Their average fine per facility, as calculated by CMS, is more than twice the national average at almost $90,000.

In a written statement, Portopiccolo Group spokesperson John Collins disputed that the facilities had skimped on care and argued that they were not managed by the firm. We hire experienced, local health care teams who are in charge of making all on-the-ground decisions and are committed to putting residents first. He added that the number of facilities given by CMS was inaccurate but declined to say how many are connected to its network of affiliates or owned by Hyman and Zanziper.

White House initiatives

With the nearly 170,000 resident deaths from COVID and many related fatalities from isolation and neglect in nursing homes, in February 2022 President Biden announced an initiative aimed at improving the industry. In addition to promising to set a minimum staffing standard, the initiative is focused on improving ownership and financial transparency.

As Wall Street firms take over more nursing homes, quality in those homes has gone down and costs have gone up. That ends on my watch, Biden said during his 2022 State of the Union address. Medicare is going to set higher standards for nursing homes and make sure your loved ones get the care they deserve and expect.

Still, the current trajectory of actions appears to fall short of whats needed. While penalties against facilities have sharply increased under Biden, some of the Trump administrations weak regulations have not been replaced.

A rule proposed by CMS in September 2023 and released for review in March 2024 would require states to report what percentage of Medicaid funding is used to pay direct care workers and support staff and would require an RN on duty 24/7. It would also require a minimum of three hours of skilled staffing care per patient per day. But the three-hour minimum is substantially lower than the 4.1 hours of skilled staffing for nursing home residents suggested by CMS over two decades ago.

The requirements are also lower than the 3.8 average nursing staff hours already employed by U.S. facilities.

The current administration has also let stand the Trump administration reversal of an Obama rule that banned binding arbitration agreements in nursing homes.

Hiding profit

Private investors in nursing home chains often employ a convoluted system of limited liability corporations, related companies and family relationships to obscure who controls the nursing homes.

These adjustments are crafted to minimize liability, capitalize on favorable tax policies, diminish regulatory scrutiny and disguise nursing home profitability. In this investigation, entities at every level of involvement with a nursing home denied ownership, even though the same people controlled each organization.

A rule put in place in 2023 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires the identification of all private-equity and real estate investment trust investors in a facility and the release of all related party names. But this hasnt been enough to surface the players and relationships. More than half of ownership data provided to CMS is incomplete across all facilities, according to a March 2024 analysis of the newly released data.

The shadowy structure of ownership and related party transactions plays an enormous role in how investors enrich themselves, even as the nursing homes they control struggle financially. Compounding the issue, the figures reported by nursing homes regarding payments to related parties frequently diverge from the disclosures made by the related parties themselves.

Overall, 77% of US nursing homes reported $11 billion in related-party transactions in 2019  nearly 10% of total net revenues  but the data is unaudited and unverified. The facilities are not required to provide any details of what specific services were provided by the related parties, or what were the specific profits and administrative costs, creating a lack of transparency regarding expenses that are ambiguously categorized under generic labels such as maintenance. Significantly, there is no mandate to disclose whether any of these costs exceed fair market value.

What that means is that nursing home owners can profit handsomely through related parties even if their facilities are being hit with repeated fines for providing substandard care.

What we would consider to be a big penalty really doesnt matter because theres so much money coming in, said Mollot of the Long-Term Care Community Coalition. If the facility fails, so what? It doesnt matter. They pulled out the resources.

That ability to hide profits is key to nursing homes ability to block regulations to improve quality of care and to demand greater government payments. For decades, the industrys refrain has been that cuts in reimbursements or requirements to increase staffing will drive facilities into bankruptcy; already, they claim, half of all nursing homes are teetering on the edge of collapse, the result, they say, of inadequate Medicaid rates. All in all, the industry reports that less than 3% of their revenue goes to earnings.

But that does not include any of the revenue pulled out of the homes to boost profits of related parties controlled by the same owners pleading poverty. And this tactic is only one of several ways that the nursing home industry disguises its true profits, giving it the power to plead poverty to an unknowing government.

Under the regulations, only certain nursing home expenses are reimbursable, such as money spent for care. Many others  unreasonable payments to the headquarters of chains, luxury items, and fees for lobbyists and lawyers  are disallowed after Medicare reviews the cost reports. But by that time, the government has already reimbursed the nursing homes for those expenses  and none of those revenues have to be returned.

Data indicates that owners also profit by overcharging nursing homes for services and leases provided by related entities

Nursing homes also claim that noncash depreciation cuts into their profits. Those expenses, which show up only in accounting ledgers, assume that assets such as equipment and facilities are gradually decreasing in value and ultimately will need to be replaced. But a 2004 report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission found that the depreciation claimed by health care companies, including nursing homes, may not reflect actual capital expenditures or the actual market value.

If disallowed expenses and noncash depreciation were not included, profit margins for the nursing home industry would jump to 8.8%, far more than the 3% it claims. And given that these numbers all come from nursing home cost reports submitted to the government, they may underestimate the profits even more. Audited cost reports are not required, and the Government Accountability Office has found that CMS does little to ensure the numbers are correct and complete.

They face no repercussions, Brooks of Consumer Voice said, commenting on the current state of nursing home operations and their unscrupulous owners. Thats why these people are here. Its a bonanza to them.

Ultimately, experts say, finding ways to force nursing homes to provide quality care has remained elusive. Michael Gelder, former senior health policy adviser to then-Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, learned that brutal lesson in 2010 as head of a task force formed by Quinn to investigate nursing home quality. That group successfully pushed a new law, but Gelder now says his success failed to protect this countrys most vulnerable citizens.

I was perhaps naively convinced that someone like myself being in the right place at the right time with enough resources could really fix this problem, he said. I think we did the absolute best we could, and the best that had ever been done in modern history up to that point. But it wasnt enough. Its a battle every generation has to fight.

Click to learn more about how some existing tools can address problems with for-profit nursing homes.

The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Rep. Summer Lee will win an expensive race for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District, CNN projects, defeating challenger Bhavini Patel, who hammered the progressive freshman over her response to Israels war in Gaza.

After condemning Hamas deadly October 7 raid, Lee emerged as one of the few early voices calling for a ceasefire, which fueled attacks from pro-Israel groups and Patel, who accused her of ignoring the districts Jewish community and undermining President Joe Bidens policy in the region.

But Lee, who faced a heavier barrage of outside spending when she first ran for the seat in 2022, stressed her record of delivering federal funds to the Pittsburgh-area district, her abortion rights advocacy and GOP billionaire Jeffrey Yasss funding of a super PAC that spent more than $570,000 against her.

Our victory is a rejection of right-wing interests and Republican billionaires using corporate Super PACs to target Black and brown Democrats in our primaries  be it AIPAC or Moderate PAC or any other MAGA billionaire in Democratic clothing, Lee said in a statement. Western PA is the blueprint for the future all of America deserves.

A member of the House squad of progressive lawmakers, Lee was initially believed to be a top target for pro-Israel groups such as United Democracy Project, the super PAC arm of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and Democratic Majority for Israel  both of which spent big against her two years ago. But the congresswomans popularity in the district and the lack of name recognition for Patel, an Edgewood Borough council member, mostly kept them off the airwaves. The Yass-backed Moderate PAC tried to make up the difference, but its ad spending was nearly canceled out by outlays from a coalition of progressive groups, led by the Working Families Party, Justice Democrats and Emgage PAC.

Lees victory, and her mostly comfortably road to renomination in a safely blue seat, is a major boost to progressive Democrats, who are bracing for a flood of outside spending by pro-Israel and establishment-backed groups determined to claw back the gains made by the hard-charging, diverse new crop of young leftists elected to Congress over the past six years.

The absence of a major investment from the pro-Israel organizations, which spent more than $3 million trying to deny Lee the nomination in 2022, made for a more balanced competition this time. Lees campaign also outspent Patels by a more than 4-to-1 margin, according to data from AdImpact. It was a mark of Lees strong standing among progressives  led by Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, two close allies  and Patels inability, in the end, to excite even moderates who opposed the incumbent.

Lee also came under fire from Patel over her support for the uncommitted write-in campaign among Democrats looking to warn Biden that his continued backing of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza could cost him general election votes. But the attacks mostly fell flat, in part because Biden gave Lee an approving shout-out during a recent campaign event in Pittsburgh. Progressives also argued that Lee voters would be crucial to juicing Democratic turnout in November in the battleground state.

President Biden needs to win Summer Lee voters. He needs to win progressives, Justice Democrats spokesperson Usamah Andrabi told CNN before the primary. And Western Pennsylvania is a progressive stronghold now.

Lees campaign hammered Patel over Yass involvement in the race, even though Patel repeatedly denounced the GOP megadonor. One pro-Israel strategist told CNN that Yass involvement had been a factor in the strategists group staying on the sidelines.

To go in as a well-known, right-wing Republican billionaire with a personal PAC and try and affect this race, frankly, taints everybody who might be interested in helping Patel and defeating Summer Lee, the pro-Israel strategist said.

Asked why he thought the pro-Israel groups were not joining his cause, Ty Strong, the president of Moderate PAC, said Patels lack of name recognition and internal polling numbers scared a lot of people away, particularly those who did not want to give (Lee) another feather in the cap.

If someone had more name recognition or was a staffer in the White House or had a little bit more of a history in the Democratic Party, if there was a picture of Patel standing next to Joe Biden, I think she wouldve gotten a lot farther, Strong said of the challenger, adding that the PAC was still able to move the needle by criticizing Lees record and offering an alternative.

Lee and her supporters, though, pleased to have warded off a similar onslaught to 2022, insisted that even the specter of AIPACs involvement could throw off the fundamentals of a campaign.

Whether or not AIPAC or someone like them gets in your race, its destabilizing, Lee said. It makes candidates think differently about how theyre going to run and who theyre serving, whose values theyre going to represent.

Patel was especially pointed in her criticism of what she described as Lees absenteeism among her Jewish constituents after the October 7 attacks in Israel.

You know what I would be doing after October 7? I wouldve come straight back home; I wouldve been present in my community, Patel said. There were rallies and visuals that were organized here at home. She was nowhere to be found.

Lee called that charge an intentional mischaracterization of her work.

Theres a difference between campaigning and being actually present. And the reality is that shes campaigning right now, Lee said of Patel. The assertion that we werent present or that we did not do our due diligence to earnestly represent them is a mischaracterization. And she knows that weve done that.

Other races

Biden and former President Donald Trump will easily win their respective presidential primaries in Pennsylvania, CNN projects  a largely anticlimactic outcome with both having already secured enough delegates last month to clinch their party nominations.

Polls have shown a close general election race in battleground Pennsylvania, which has been a key part of Democrats so-called blue wall of must-win Great Lakes states in recent elections. In 2016, Trump became the first Republican in nearly three decades to win Pennsylvania, before Biden flipped the state four years later.

The states US Senate race is among several fall contests seen as critical to determining control of the chamber next year. The general election matchup between Democratic incumbent Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick was already set before Tuesday, with neither facing any opposition in their primaries.

Casey, who is seeking a fourth term, has held an edge in public polling thus far. McCormick, a former hedge fund executive, unsuccessfully sought the states other Senate seat last cycle, narrowly losing the Republican nomination to Mehmet Oz after a recount. He recently earned the support of Trump, who, as CNN previously reported, had up to that point been reluctant to weigh in on the race.

On the House side, Lee was not the only Pennsylvania Democrat facing a primary Tuesday night.

In the 3rd District in Philadelphia, Rep. Dwight Evans will easily win the Democratic nomination for a fifth full term, CNN projects, defeating Tracey Gordon, a former city register of wills. No Republican has filed for the deep-blue seat.

With the GOPs narrow House majority on the line this fall, five races in Pennsylvania are expected to be competitive  three seats held by Democrats and two by Republicans.

In the 1st District, Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick will comfortably overcome a challenge from his right, CNN projects, to set up a rematch of his 2022 race with Army veteran Ashley Ehasz, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary. Democrats have long targeted Fitzpatrick, who represents a suburban Philadelphia seat that Biden would have carried by 5 points under its current lines. But the moderate Fitzpatrick has consistently beat back challengers since his first election in 2016, including a 10-point win over Ehasz two years ago.

In the 10th District in South Central Pennsylvania, former TV news anchor Janelle Stelson will win the Democratic primary to take on Republican Rep. Scott Perry, CNN projects. Perry is a former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus who has drawn scrutiny for his role in seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Trump would have carried the district by 4 points in 2020.

Republicans are targeting three House Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania this year  Susan Wild in the 7th District in the Lehigh Valley, Matt Cartwright in the 8th District in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Chris Deluzio in the 17th District in suburban Pittsburgh. All three are in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Frontline program for vulnerable incumbents.

The general election matchups in the 8th and 17th Districts are set with no contested primaries in either race. Cartwright, who is one of five House Democrats to hold a seat that Trump would have carried in 2020, will face Republican businessman Rob Bresnahan in November. Deluzio, a freshman lawmaker, will face off against GOP state Rep. Rob Mercuri.

In the 7th District, Republican state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie will win a contested primary to take on Wild, CNN projects. First elected in 2018, Wild represents a competitive seat that Biden would have carried by less than a point four years ago.

A handful of statewide executive offices are on the ballot this year in Pennsylvania, including attorney general, an office that has traditionally been seen as a stepping stone to the governorship.

Democrat Eugene DePasquale and Republican Dave Sunday will advance to the general election for state attorney general, CNN projects, in the race to succeed appointed Democratic incumbent Michelle Henry. Henry opted against seeking a full term after Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro picked her to succeed him as attorney general following his gubernatorial victory in 2022.

CNNs Michelle Shen, Jack Forrest, Kaanita Iyer, Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Shania Shelton, David Wright, Simone Pathe and Terence Burlij contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional results.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A Michigan state investigator revealed in court Wednesday that Donald Trump, his former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and his former attorney Rudy Giuliani are considered unindicted co-conspirators in the states case against fake electors in the 2020 presidential election.

Howard Shock, a special agent for the Michigan attorney generals office, revealed the names during a preliminary hearing for the case, in response to a question from an attorney for one of the 15 fake electors on trial, ABC News reported.

In January, internal Trump campaign emails obtained by The Detroit News showed that the former presidents campaign team was directly involved in the fake elector scheme to falsely claim Trump won Michigan during the 2020 election. They actively organized the plot, setting up a Michigan Republican Party meeting and even trying to mail a document falsely certifying that Trump won the state to Vice President Mike Pence and the National Archives.

One Trump campaign employee even tried to start a riot where ballots were being counted in Detroit after it became clear that Trump would lose the state.

Last year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged 16 Republicans with forgery and conspiracy to commit election forgery for attempting to overturn the states vote from Joe Biden to Trump . One fake elector had their charges dismissed after agreeing to cooperate with the state, and the other 15 have pleaded not guilty.

Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia have all charged fake electors for trying to overturn the 2020 election results in Trumps favor, with Arizona close to filing charges. Fake electors in Wisconsin have settled a civil lawsuit over their fraudulent efforts. In Fulton County, Georgia, Trump directly faces charges for trying to overturn the state election results.
A House committee on regulations hears from Miles Coleman, an attorney for the Department of Education, about proposed state regulations regarding which books are allowed in schools, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (Abraham Kenmore/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A regulation creating a statewide system for challenging and removing books from school libraries advanced to the House floor Tuesday as the session winds down.

The regulation, approved in February by the South Carolina Board of Education, would rule that sexual conduct cant be in library books, textbooks or any other classroom materials. But to take effect it needs approval by lawmakers.

The proposal moved one step closer to that approval after an 8-2 vote on party lines in the House Regulations Committee. Although Democrats and Republicans raised concerns about the proposed rules broad definition, the committee did not ask the Department of Education to make any changes.

This is it, Regulations Chairman Jeff Bradley, R-Hilton Head Island, told the SC Daily Gazette after the meeting. Well see what the Senate does.

The proposed rule would create a unified standard to judge whether books are appropriate for schools all across the state. It would also create a uniform method for parents to challenge books they think are inappropriate and allow for local school board decisions to be appealed to the state.

The regulation was previously held over in a subcommittee on April 10 for further discussion, with Bradley saying at the time it would likely return to the committee in January. But the subcommittee advanced the regulation a week later.

Civil liberty advocates and educators have testified against letting the regulation move forward in its current form. Many said the definition of sexual conduct is overly broad and could banish literary classics from library shelves.

School librarians did not testify at either of the subcommittee hearings but have also said the regulation is overbroad.

School librarians were not consulted in drafting the regulations and while we advocated for several important amendments, the regulation is still too broad and subverts local control, Tamara Cox, president of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, said in an email to the Gazette after the first subcommittee hearing. We appreciate that our legislature is approaching the regulations with thought and care and SCASL will continue to advocate for regulations that protect the First Amendment rights of our students and their families.

Miles Coleman, an attorney for the Department of Education, said that the regulation is easy to understand. Narrowing the definition will actually make it less clear, leading to lawyers arguing about what is and isnt allowed, said the lawyer.

They are not bright clear lines, he told lawmakers Tuesday.

It is such a bright line rule. Thats my concern, said Rep. Spencer Wetmore, D-Folly Beach, of the regulation.

Rep. Raye Felder, R-Fort Mill, asked about adding the word explicit in front of sexual conduct. Coleman said the state board considered and rejected that.

It introduces another layer of uncertainty and complexity, he said.

Felder asked about whether challenges could start with the Department of Education, rather than local school boards.

I just worry that this is now putting another burden on local school boards that may or may not have the resources, the capital, the time, the experience, to really review the books that are challenged, she said. Whereas the state department has an entire building with what, 13, 14 floors of people who could do it one time.

Democrats on the committee tried unsuccessfully to kill the bill.

Bradley said his goal is to get the regulation passed in the House by the end of the session, which is just eight legislative days away.

Technically, the committee passed a resolution to approve the regulation, which Bradley said could help push it through.

The resolution was introduced by House Majority Leader Davey Hiott, R-Pickens, last Thursday.

But its prospects in the Senate are unclear.

The post Proposed rules on book challenges in SC schools moves to House floor appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Prosecutors to request arrest of agriculture minister over alleged illegal acquisition of state-owned land

Ukraine's Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) will request the arrest of Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi with an alternative option of a Hr 200 million ($5 million) bail, Economic Pravda reported on April 24.

Solskyi was accused of illegally appropriating Ukrainian state-owned land worth Hr 291 million ($7.3 million) and attempting to seize another plot worth an additional Hr 190 million ($4.8 million), according to Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).

A session of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine, where preventative measures were supposed to be imposed against the minister, was postponed until April 25.

Solskyi was reportedly called up to the parliament to meet with the President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People faction.

NABU said that the scheme involved the destruction of documents that showed the Ukrainian state had permanent ownership of two plots of land in Sumy Oblast.

Following this, the conspirators, allegedly including Solskyi, worked from 2017-2021 to create new fictitious land ownership documents.

The documents were then reportedly distributed amongst the members of the scheme, resulting in the seizure of the first plot, worth Hr 291 million ($7.3 million).

At least four people have been accused of participating in the scheme, according to NABU.

Following the accusations, a group of lawmakers registered a draft resolution in the parliament to dismiss Solskyi.

Solskyi has denied the allegations, saying he was not planning on resigning. He said that the case concerned the period of 2017-2018 when Solskyi served as a lawyer, not as a minister.

"I guarantee maximum openness to establish the truth, but there is no need for this  all the data is open to law enforcement, and the evidence and arguments of the parties are being considered by the courts," the minister said.

Read also: Ex-defense ministry officials formally accused of embezzlement

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  As an Oklahoma House bill criminalizing undocumented immigrants heads to the Senate floor, protesters gathered outside of the State Capitol building early Tuesday afternoon to vocalize their opposition to the bill.

image of protest

image of protest

image of protest

If signed into law, HB 4156 would allow local law enforcement to arrest individuals believed to be committing an impermissible occupation in the state of Oklahoma.

A first time conviction would lead to a misdemeanor charge of up to one year in county jail and a $500 fine. Those convicted a second time would face felony charge of up to two years in county jail and a $1,000 fine.

Criminalization is never an answer: OK bill fining, incarcerating homeless people on state-owned land heads to Governor

Both convictions would require the undocumented immigrant to leave the state within 72 hours of being released from custody.

The Senate passed the bill later on Tuesday afternoon with a vote of 39-8. It will now head to Governor Stitts desk for his signature before officially passing into law.

Several state leaders issued statements after HB 4156 passed in the Senate.

The State Senate sent a clear message today that public safety is a priority in Oklahoma. The Biden Administration has been utterly derelict in its duty to enforce federal law. If the president wont secure the nations border, then our state must step in to protect Oklahomans. I appreciate President Pro Tempore Treat and Speaker McCall for their swift work on this bill and I encourage Gov. Stitt to sign it into law. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond

This measure protects immigrants here legally, while ensuring law enforcement have the tools necessary to go after criminals. The southern border crisis has created a scourge of illegal activities, including an increase in fentanyl, human trafficking and crime in our communities because of the inaction and abject failure at the federal level to secure our borders. The Oklahoma Legislature is taking the necessary action to protect our citizens. Doing nothing is unconscionable and this legislation is the appropriate measure to keep Oklahomans safe and uphold the rule of law. Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

I am proud to have taken this vote that will better protect Oklahomans and crack down on illegal immigration in our state, Sen. Woods said. The failed boarder policies by the federal government have made it necessary for states to take the law into their own hands and craft policies to ensure we know who is coming here and eliminate criminal organizations. The influx of illegal immigration has created a dire situation, and we are seeing an increased amount of illegal marijuana grows, drugs and organized criminal activity that needs to be eradicated. This bill will give law enforcement the tools necessary to deport criminals. Senator Tom Woods, R-Westville

Immigration is top of mind for many Oklahomans as we see an unprecedented number of illegal immigrants crossing our nations Southern border, bringing illicit drugs and criminal activity that pose a threat to our public safety, Garvin said. My grandparents legally immigrated to the United States from Mexico and went through the naturalization process to become citizens. Their journey is emblematic of the appropriate pathway to citizenship, and the majority of legal immigrants want others to come here through the proper channels as well. Senator Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan

What are they going to stop folks for? For not putting their blinker on? Yes, you are going to have people stopped because of the way they look. And were going to try to put those folk in jail, because of why? The way they look. You can deny that all you want, that is the thing that is going to occur. Senator George Young, D-Oklahoma City

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Pecker  who ran the media company behind the National Enquirer  detailed his efforts to help Trump win the 2016 election, alleging that his tabloid's editorial strategy was largely guided by Michael Cohen

Elizabeth Williams/AP A courtroom sketch of David Pecker on the witness stand on April 22, 2024

David Pecker, the first witness called to the stand in Donald Trump's Manhattan criminal trial, testified this week about his partnership with the Trump campaign to bury negative stories about the Republican presidential nominee ahead of the 2016 election.

Pecker was the CEO of American Media, Inc. at the time, which owned the National Enquirer. Between 2015 and 2016, he says he engaged in three "catch and kill" schemes on behalf of his longtime friend Trump, which involved buying exclusive rights to damning stories and then refusing to run them.

He also says that he ran negative stories on Trump opponents, claiming that Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, would call him frequently and tell him who to attack next, as well as look over hit pieces before they were published.

Pecker and Cohen, once among Trump's most loyal allies, will play a significant role in convincing the jury that Trump is guilty during the weeks-long trial. In 2018, Pecker was granted immunity from being prosecuted in exchange for providing details about the hush money agreements, so he has nothing to lose.

Here are the highlights of Pecker's testimony so far; he will return to court on Thursday, April 24, to detail the infamous Stormy Daniels hush money agreement.

Francois Durand/Getty David Pecker at a 2012 magazine event in Paris

Trump's 'Eyes and Ears'

On Tuesday, April 23, Pecker told the court that after Trump declared his candidacy for president in 2015, he received a call from Cohen and was notified that "the boss wanted to see me."

Pecker claimed that he met with Trump and Cohen at Trump Tower for about 20 to 25 minutes in August 2015. Hope Hicks, Trump's campaign press secretary, was present for parts of the meeting, he said.

"They asked me, what can I do, and what my magazines could do, to help the campaign?" Pecker testified. "I said, 'I would be your eyes and ears.' ... And then I said that anything that I hear in the marketplace, if I hear anything negative about yourself or if I hear anything about women selling stories, I would notify Michael Cohen."

Pecker decided that in addition to looking out for people who wanted to sell damaging stories about Trump, he would publish positive pieces about Trump and negative pieces about his opponents during the election cycle.

When prosecutors asked Pecker how Trump reacted to his plan, he said, "As I recollect, he was pleased. Michael Cohen was pleased." Their alleged agreement was never put into writing.

AP/REX/Shutterstock Hope Hicks and Donald Trump in 2017

Targeting Trump's Competition

During his testimony on April 23, Pecker gave a few examples of how he would cater his coverage to benefit Trump's campaign.

Immediately after his alleged meeting at Trump Tower, he said that he directed Enquirer editors to treat Trump stories with care, telling them, "I want you to vet the stories, I want you to bring them to me, and then we'll have to speak to Michael Cohen."

Pecker said that he told Enquirer editor-in-chief Dylan Howard that the brand was "going to try to help the campaign, and to do that, we are going to keep this as quiet as possible."

In the courtroom that day, the prosecution displayed a series of Enquirer headlines about Trump's primary opponents Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, which featured wild and unfounded allegations.

Pecker said that a popular 2016 conspiracy about Cruz's father being linked with JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was completely made up by his tabloid. We mashed the photos [of Cruz's father] and the different picture with Lee Harvey Oswald. And mashed the two together. And thats how that story was prepared  created I would say," Pecker said.



Related: Accusations Fly in Trump vs. Cruz Feud: Questions of 'Temperament,' JFK Assassination and Zodiac Killer

He elaborated further on their election coverage strategy, saying that Cohen personally told him which candidates to attack and when, often to target the biggest threat to Trump in the moment. Cohen would allegedly see a copy of stories before they were published so that he could make comments or even propose edits.

Shortly before Election Day, when all eyes were on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's strong poll numbers, Trump allegedly introduced Pecker to his campaign CEO, Steve Bannon, and said, "I believe that you and Steve would get along really well," according to the publisher.

Bannon then began reviewing the Enquirer's stories on the Clintons, Pecker alleged, adding, "He liked them very much, he had some other ideas."

Related: Trump Says He Had Nothing to Do with 'National Enquirer' Report Claiming Ted Cruz Had Multiple Affairs

ANGELA WEISS/POOL/AFP via Getty Former President Donald Trump sits in the Manhattan criminal courtroom where he is being tried on 34 felony counts

Their First Catch and Kill: The Doorman

In 2015, a National Enquirer editor got a tip that a doorman at one of Trump's buildings was shopping around a story claiming the presidential candidate fathered an illegitimate child with a maid at Trump Tower. Evidence that backs the allegation has still not surfaced, but regardless of the story's validity, Pecker said he wanted Trump to know.

"I immediately called Michael Cohen and described exactly what I was told," Pecker recalled, telling Cohen the doorman's name (Dino Sajudin) and the name of the maid that the rumor centered around.

Pecker followed up with Cohen later on, saying the Enquirer had negotiated to buy Sajudin's story for $30,000, which was still far above the $10,000 max that the tabloid adhered to, but worth the cost in Pecker's eyes. Cohen allegedly responded, "Thank you" and said, "The boss [Trump] will be very pleased," according to Pecker.

Sajudin signed the agreement  which jurors were shown  that stated, "Source shall provide AMI with information regarding Donald Trump's illegitimate child, and any and all documentation, including but not limited to letters and any legal documents, and photographs in Source's possession relevant to the Exclusive."

The signed document stated that Sajudin could be sued for up to $1 million if he broke their exclusive contract, and the story was never published.



Related: Former Trump Doorman Was Paid $30K for Story That the President Has a Love Child: Reports

CNN Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model who claimed to have a sexual relationship with Donald Trump

The Second Silencing: A Former Playboy Model

Pecker testified that in June 2016, the National Enquirer's editor-in-chief Dylan Howard heard that former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal wanted to come forward with an allegation that she and Trump engaged in an affair early on in his marriage to Melania Trump.

Pecker said he flew Howard out to California to meet with McDougal and collect more information, then shared Howard's findings with Cohen. He said that around this time, he began speaking with Cohen at least once a day  up from a couple times a week  using the encrypted app Signal.

Perhaps more notably, Pecker claimed that he and Trump spoke directly about how to handle McDougal's allegations. Trump allegedly asked Pecker for his thoughts on the situation, and Pecker replied that they should get the rights to her story before other interested buyers.

"Mr. Trump said, 'I don't buy any stories. Any time you do anything like this it always gets out,'" Pecker testified, telling the court that he still insisted on taking McDougal's claims "off the market." Trump allegedly said he would think about it and have Cohen reach out when a decision was made.

In the end, the Enquirer secured the rights to McDougal's story for $150,000, and opted not to publish the details of the alleged affair (which Trump still denies).

Soon, another name would appear on the Enquirer's radar: Stormy Daniels. More on how that unfolded will be revealed in the coming days of Pecker's testimony.

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Read the original article on People.
MOSCOW, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Fires broke out at fuel and energy facilities in the Smolensk Region in Russia, as the Ukrainian armed forces launched a drone attack, said the region's Governor Vasily Anokhin on Wednesday.

The region is "again under attack by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles," the governor said on Telegram, adding that the staff of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations is working on site and asked residents to remain calm.

The Russian air defense forces are fighting against air targets, he continued, noting in all likelihood, the fires occurred as a result of the Ukrainian attack on civilian fuel and energy facilities in the Smolensk and Yartsevo districts. 
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  Pueblo City officials issued a plea to the public on Tuesday, April 23, asking for help when it comes to addressing violent crime in the community.

At a joint press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Heather Graham said the homicide rate has risen by 86 percent when compared to this time in 2023. Police Chief Chris Noeller also added that the Pueblo Police Department (PPD) is down by 54 officers, but despite that, efforts are being made to track down people who are guilty of committing violent crimes in the community.

Watch the full press conference here

In just the past four weeks, our officers have conducted eight search warrants, made five arrests, and have taken 86 guns off the streets, Chief Noeller said.

According to recent data, Pueblo has already seen 11 homicides in 2024, compared to six at the exact time in 2023. Because of this, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is intervening to allocate its resources to PPD.

This summer, were leading a federal, state, and local initiative to disrupt gang activity in Pueblo, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.

In addition to receiving help from joint agencies such as the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Mayor Graham signed a mayoral order to put more officers on the street.

It allows us to temporarily suspend the civil service requirements to allow us to recruit lateral transfers from other departments and to increase the number of police we are able to hire, she said.

Chief Noeller said his department is also in the process of eliminating Watch Three and reallocating those positions to the Criminal Investigations Division with two additional crime detectives, one special victims crime unit detective, one property crime detective, and creating an Impact Team.

This impact team will focus solely on proactive policing directed at gang and gun violence, Noeller said. Their mission is to intercept and disrupt gang and gun violence before it happens by using the laws available to us to contact those criminals before they commit these crimes.

City officials said other changes to come include a real-time crime center, a ShotSpotter, advanced license plate readers, and other technologies that will help them focus more directly on violent crime.

As a final note, City leaders asked the community to pay attention to their youth, as law enforcement also noted an increase in youth-related crime, adding that changes in the community often begin at home, by being a good role model for younger generations.

I would like to make a call to action for my fellow Pueblo people and to the parents, guardians, friends, loved ones, siblings, and friends of young teens in our community who are participating in these gang-related activities, are associated with gun violence and these crimes Please help us, Mayor Graham said. Know where your children are at and know where your teen friends are, who theyre associating with, and who is driving them, where they are going, or who they are out late at night with. Even if you think it couldnt be my child or my friend, please be aware of how your oversight and care of our teens affect all of us in our community.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Deputies are searching for someone who put a puppy inside a tie-bag in Butler County Wednesday.

Butler County Sheriffs Office said a puppy was found this morning at L.J. Smith Park in Hamilton, according to a social media post.

>> Woman pleads guilty to charges in crash that killed 17-year-old girl in Logan County

The social media post said the puppy was in a tie bag that was pulled completely shut.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said there was no food or water with the dog and he believes it was left to die.

Anyone with information about the owner of the dog is asked to contact Dog Warden Burkett at 513-887-7297 Ext 3.

This adorable little guy was found this morning at L.J. Smith Park in Hamilton, Ohio. He was found inside a tie-bag,... Posted by Butler County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, April 24, 2024
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A teenager is accused of accidentally shooting his neighbors dog after firing several shots from his Queens home on Monday, police said.

Joshua Marte, 18, allegedly fired two shots from his Lahn Street home near 155th Street in Old Howard Beach when the Pomeranian, Arya, was hit at around 9 a.m., according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Cops found the bleeding pup and a bullet hole in the window of the pet owners home on Huron Street near 155th Street, Kenny said at a press briefing Tuesday.

Parolee accused of choking, raping woman in SoHo apartment building

She brought the dog to the vet and he told her [that] her dog had been shot, Kenny said. The round pierced the dogs leg, near its groin, and nicked its colon.

Martes mother told investigators there were two bullet holes in her home and her son took off. The mom then panicked and hid the weapon in the freezer, according to Kenny.

The teen was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, torture, and reckless endangerment, according to court records.

I didnt mean to hurt anyone, Marte told cops.

The dog is recovering from her injuries.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the New York City area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

While New Yorks criminal case against former President Donald Trump with regard to the 2016 election is progressing, the federal case against him for trying to overturn the 2020 election remains in limbo.

The reason for the stalled trial is that Trump claims he should enjoy absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for anything related to his presidency. The US Supreme Court, after refusing to hear the claim on an expedited basis, took up the case after a lower court tore Trumps immunity claim to shreds.

Justices will hear oral arguments Thursday about whether Trump should enjoy some kind of blanket immunity from criminal prosecution.

We asked for your questions about the immunity claim, some of which Ive tried to answer below with help from CNNs reporting and Supreme Court reporters.

Heres an answer from CNNs senior Supreme Court analyst Joan Biskupic:

Certainly the fact that they did not want to let the lower court ruling stand is an indication that they think its important enough for them to give their own judgment on this. And thats not really surprising. This is an untested Constitutional question. They are the highest court in the land. Even if they thought that the DC Circuit opinion was sound and hit all the right notes, they would still feel like its important to come in.

I think that (special counsel) Jack Smith himself even thought it would have been important for the court to come in. That is why he asked them in December to do just that. The fact that they waited has certainly accrued to Donald Trumps benefit. But I think that sooner rather than later they were going to have to resolve this.

This was by far the most-asked question, although many readers wondered if, as a lower court judge asked hypothetically, a president with absolute immunity could order Seal Team 6 to assassinate a rival.

Heres a response from Biskupic:

Jack Smith argues that Trumps view of immunity is limitless. As you heard in the DC Circuit ruling when one of the judges there raised the possibility of a president ordering SEAL Team 6 to assassinate a political rival. And Trumps lawyer essentially had to say, yeah, that would not violate the notion that theyre pressing of absolute immunity.

Supreme Court justices in general consider themselves to be under no binding obligation to recuse themselves from any case. While other federal judges are bound by rules, the Supreme Court has remained aloof. That was clear last year when justices signed a statement regarding their ethical principles after ProPublica uncovered that Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose trips and other financial gifts given to him by his billionaire friend.

Thomas has recused himself from cases in the past, but not in major disputes concerning the January 6, 2021, insurrection or efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He did recuse himself in a case concerning John Eastman, a former Thomas law clerk who also hatched the plan to appoint alternate slates of electors.

Infuriating critics, Thomas has not felt the need to explain his decision to hear January 6-related cases even though his wife was actively working with people in the White House on efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

None of the three justices appointed by Trump  Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett  have recused themselves from cases related to Trump. That said, they have frequently ruled against him, such as when they dismissed his challenge to the 2020 election.

The Supreme Court has certainly taken its time. When Smith asked justices to expedite the case and consider Trumps immunity claim before an appeals court, they declined. Then, when he asked them to accept the appeals court ruling, they again declined.

While considering Trumps immunity claim seems to be taking time and is jeopardizing the possibility the federal criminal case will be resolved before the election in November, its also going very quickly by Supreme Court standards. The bottom line is that no one outside of the court can be entirely sure whats going on behind the scenes.

It is entirely possible that the court finds Trump is not immune from prosecution but takes so long to make the decision  or otherwise drags things out  in such a way as to preclude his prosecution before Election Day.

CNNs Devan Cole also covers the court, and he notes that the 2000 election hung in the balance, so justices had to act at breakneck speed to settle it.

Justices are under no obligation to move quickly, and their behavior leading up to this moment suggests they dont think this is a case they need to decide with extraordinary speed, Cole said.

This court does occasionally move quickly, Cole adds, pointing to the Colorado ballot dispute over whether Trump violated the insurrectionist clause included in the 14th Amendment. Justices issued their opinion that Trump could not be barred from that states ballot less than a month after hearing arguments.

Heres Biskupics answer:

Yes, they could figure out a way to restrict the kind of immunity. Jack Smith acknowledged at the end of his brief that there might be special circumstances  for example, foreign affairs, where you wouldnt want the president subject to criminal prosecution for something that he might have done that involved a foreign power that someone could claim was criminal, but was certainly in the national interest.

But what the government is arguing here is that no matter what the limits are, it would not cover someone who was trying to engage in election subversion.

Trump argues that his efforts to overturn the election were in the outer perimeter of official acts he undertook as president. The term comes from a case, Nixon v. Fitzgerald, involving a lawsuit against former President Richard Nixon. In 1982, after he left office, the Supreme Court decided Nixon could not be sued for acts related to the outer perimeter of his official duties.

Trumps lawyers want to extend that immunity from civil lawsuits related to the outer perimeter to immunity from criminal prosecution.

There are other cases, like United States v. Nixon, in which the Supreme Court found presidents do not have blanket immunity. In that case, the court forced Nixon while he was still in office to comply with a criminal subpoena for the infamous White House tapes. It ended his presidency.

A key line from the US v. Nixon opinion undercuts Trumps argument: any absolute executive privilege under Art. II of the Constitution would plainly conflict with the function of the courts under the Constitution.

Trumps lawyers also argued Trump already faced a form of prosecution when he was impeached by the House and tried in the Senate. Its a flawed argument since senators who voted to acquit him said they were doing so because he was leaving office and could still face criminal prosecution.

Trumps lawyers cite George Washingtons farewell warning about factionalism as an argument that he would have supported immunity. But there is nothing in the Constitution about granting the president immunity from prosecution.

The founders were breaking free from a monarchy where the king was set above everyone else. Their rhetoric does not support the idea of absolute immunity for any one person. Quite the opposite.

Nixons pardon was granted by his successor, President Gerald Ford, to preempt criminal prosecution. It came after the Supreme Court ruled Nixon was not completely immune from the justice system and had to turn over tapes of his Oval Office conversations.

In his remarks announcing the pardon, Ford and his lawyers clearly believed prosecution of the former president was possible and likely. Ford wanted to put the Watergate nightmare behind everyone.

The Supreme Court is the final word on legal matters, so there is no higher authority to overrule its decision.

In any event, voters will get their chance to send a message about Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, in November. If lawmakers dont like it, they can try to pass legislation to change the law. If you dont like your lawmakers, vote.

That very much depends on the specifics of the decision. A decision that grants Trump and all presidents full and permanent, blanket immunity seems unlikely.

Trump faces two separate sets of federal charges. If the Supreme Courts decision is something short of absolute immunity, two federal trial court judges will need to figure out how to apply the decision to their specific cases.

This case is focused on Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He also faces charges related to mishandling of classified material after he left office. Would an immunity decision in the first case affect the second? Perhaps.

There are also two separate sets of state charges  in New York and in Georgia. The New York case, related to Trumps alleged involvement in covering up a hush money scheme, wouldnt necessarily be affected by a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The Georgia case, like the federal charges in Washington, DC, is focused on his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Nobody is arguing against the principle of impeachment, which is spelled out in the Constitution. Trumps lawyers actually argue that presidents should enjoy immunity from prosecution in part because they can be impeached.

Trump was twice impeached by the House, but Republicans in the Senate voted against convicting him and barring him from holding office in the future.

This question about self-pardons is important and unanswered. Most scholars will tell you the principle of a self-pardon is wrong.

The Justice Department during the Nixon administration wrote a memo arguing that the president could not pardon himself. But the text of the Constitution does not expressly forbid a self-pardon.

Trump, when he was president, claimed to have the ability to pardon himself, and CNN has reported Trump raised the issue with White House lawyers before he left office.

A presidential pardon can only absolve a person of federal crimes, like those Trump is accused by Smith of committing. It would not help him with state crimes, like the New York hush money case or the election interference case in Georgia.

Immunity? Yes. Criminal immunity? Not nearly as much. See above re: United States vs. Nixon.

The principle of presidential immunity goes back to Reconstruction, when the Supreme Court found in Mississippi v. Johnson that courts could not dictate how the executive acts.

Forms of presidential immunity have been the subject of numerous court cases since, but not in terms of whether a president should be immune from federal prosecution. No previous president faced criminal charges.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Advocates say declawing cats is cruel, but some veterinarians say the procedure addresses certain owners medical needs and that claims that the practice causes permanent pain are untrue. (Matt Vasilogambros/Stateline)

PROVIDENCE  Bad news for sofas, good news for cats: Veterinarians in Rhode Island may soon be prohibited from declawing felines for nonmedical purposes.

The Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday voted 28 to 4 in support of legislation that would do just that. The bill sponsored by Melissa Murray, a Woonsocket Democrat, bans declawing cats unless its for therapeutic use, such as to treat recurring infections or an abnormal condition in the claw that comprises the felines health.

New York was the first state to ban declawing cats in 2019, followed by Maryland in 2022 and Virginia in March. The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously in support of legislation in January.

Should it become law in Rhode Island, anyone who violates the ban faces a fine up to $1,000. Similar legislation passed the Senate near the end of last years session, but a companion bill was never heard in committee on the House side.

Declawing is painful, unnecessary and inhumane. Its no way to treat any pet, Murray said in a statement. Our state must recognize that declawing is animal abuse and prohibit it altogether.

Its a practice equivalent to cutting off a persons finger down to their knuckle, said Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals President Wayne Kezirian, who submitted a letter of support for Murrays bill.

Its painful and puts the cats claw in a position where they cant fend for themselves, he said in an interview Tuesday afternoon. Its a really disfiguring operation.

It also leaves cats with a permanent psychological impact, Kezirian added.

Declawing cats is cruel and unnecessary  and its more disfiguring than the general public considers it to be, he said.

Also in support of Murrays legislation: the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Humane Society of the United States, Middletown-based Potter League, and the Warwick Animal Shelter.

Declawing cats is cruel and unnecessary  and its more disfiguring than the general public considers it to be.

 Rhode Island SPCA President Wayne Kezirian

If it was true, veterinarians would never do them.

 Letter of opposition from the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association

The bottom line is if someone wants a cat that doesnt scratch then they shouldnt get a cat since all cats have a need to scratch, just like if they didnt want a dog to bark then they shouldnt get a dog, shelter director Anna-Marie Corvin wrote to the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture March 13.

Not all advocacy groups supported Murrays legislation. The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association (RIVMA) submitted a letter saying the decision to declaw should be left up to vets, not the state.

Veterinarians, in consultation with the owner, are the most qualified individuals to decide if the declaw procedure is then warranted, the associations testimony read.

The associations letter pointed out that a cats claws could pose an above normal health risk for some cat owners. They also said any claims that declawing causes cats permanent intractable pain are untrue.

If it was true, veterinarians would never do them, RIVMA wrote.

Kezirian called the opposition from veterinarians disappointing.

I understand that their position is that independent, progressional judgment shouldnt be impaired by legislation, he said. However there is a carve out in the legislation for medical reasons.

Murrays bill now goes to the House for consideration, where companion legislation is sponsored by Rep. William OBrien, a North Providence Democrat. OBriens bill was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 1 and held for further study, as is standard practice for initial public hearings.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi declined to disclose his stance on the legislation.

We will review the testimony and discuss it with the committee chairman and the sponsor in the coming weeks, Shekarchi said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

The post R.I. Senate moves to ban declawing of cats appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
State Rep. Beth Lear, R-Galena. (Photo from Ohio House website.)

A radical feminist group called the Womens Liberation Front, that has helped shape anti-trans laws nationwide, has also played a role in a proposed Ohio law that would ban transgender people in schools and on college campuses from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity and appearance, emails obtained by the Ohio Capital Journal show.

Introduced in May of last year by state Reps. Beth Lear, R-Galena, and Adam Bird, R-New Richmond, Ohio House Bill 183  also known as the Protect All Students Act  states, a school shall designate each student restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower room that is accessible by multiple students at the same time, whether located in a school building or located in a facility used by the school for a school-sponsored activity, for the exclusive use by students of the male biological sex only or by students of the female biological sex only.

The bill goes further, adding No school shall construct, establish, or maintain a multi-occupancy facility that is designated as nongendered, multigendered, or open to all genders, and, No school shall permit a member of the female biological sex to share overnight accommodations with a member of the male biological sex. No school shall permit a member of the male biological sex to share overnight accommodations with a member of the female biological sex.

Speaking in the House Education Committee on Oct. 4, 2023 for the bills first hearing, Lear said her legislation would protect all students and restore sanity, as she attacked public schools for affirming the gender identity of students in their care.

Affirming confusion is not compassion. In fact, encouraging confusion puts all students at risk, Lear claimed. Childrens brains are being forced to consider issues that are too complex for many adults.

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law released a study on gender inclusive public accommodations, like bathrooms, in 2018, which showed: reports of privacy and safety violations in public restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms are exceedingly rare.

A report from CNN published in 2019  based on data from 3,673 adolescents in the LGBTQ Teen Study, an anonymous web-based survey of US kids ages 13 to 17 found transgender teens are more likely to be victims of sexual assault if not given access to bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity.

HB 183 was passed in the House Higher Education Committee in a 10-5 vote on April 10, after some minor revisions. Discussing those alterations at the bills fourth hearing on Jan. 10 of this year, Lear mentioned the role input from academia had on the changes they made.

Several of these issues are things that we discussed with IUC (Inter-University Council) and OSU, so these are some of their requests, Lear said. Thats one of the main ways that we are trying to make sure that both K-12 and higher ed have opportunities to create policies that fit their student body.

Lear expressed a more combative sentiment toward institutions of higher education in an email conversation with Sharon Byrne, executive director of Womens Liberation Front, from Dec. 5 last year. Byrne submitted proponent testimony for HB 183, writing, single sex intimate facilities should remain a largely permissible option for schools to provide, particularly for the benefit of women and girls.

In an email to Lear, Byrne wrote, We sent out a call to action to supporters today to ask their Ohio rep to push HB183 out of the Higher Education Committee and to the floor for a house vote, and to vote for it, before noting their similar effort for Ohios ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. We did the same for HB 68  the SAFE Act.

Byrne thanked Lear for bringing the bill forward and referenced Senate Bill 212  a bill which would require age verification to view online pornography  saying her organization would likely support that too.

Thank you Sharon! Lear replied. Weve been working all day (and still are) because the universities want amendments. Weve made concessions I consider minor, theyre still pushing, but were not giving another inch.

Days later, HB 183 was dropped from the higher education committees agenda. In an email from Dec. 9 last year, Lear wrote to Byrne, seeking strategy advice on getting the bill through the Ohio House Higher Education Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tom Young, R  Washington Twp.

Chair Young says this bill is important, and he will have it back on the agenda in January or February for a vote, but claims there are too many big issues up on our last day before Christmas break. I am frustrated. Do you have any suggestions?

Byrne responded by laying out a potential avenue Lear and her colleagues could use to get both Lears bathroom ban proposal and the states gender-affirming care ban on the Statehouse agenda.

Whats your working relationship with Young? Do you need him as an ally? Because I typically would pivot to holding a press conference on Monday or Tuesday, the best days for news media, and pulling the troops out to speak on both bills, and why theyre important, and how the legislative chairs have effectively sidelined them, Byrne said.

Claiming that support for what she calls GenderID bills has dropped in recent years, and that Democrats who lead on trans rights get punished in the polls, Byrne says you have an advantage here in that Ohio constituents are likely less progressive than Californians, who are already peeling back support for aggressive pro GenderID policies and laws.

Byrne also points out how small the segment of trans and trans advocate Ohioans is, compared to the rest of the population.

The storm on these bills in your state from trans activists is a smaller group with larger megaphones than Ohioans sensibilities overall, Byrne said, adding that Lear should try exploiting that division.

Call a press conference with parents, supporters of your bill, and those of 68, and lay out a case that Ohioans expect the legislature to protect their children from unnecessary sexualized medical exploitation and to protect the rights of women and girls to safe spaces, such as bathrooms, Byrne wrote. Call them out on it. Encourage Ohioans who want to protect women and girls and schoolkids to contact their legislator and express their feelings (and tell them how).

Byrne said that This could gin up quite a bit of voter anger, which would apply major pressure to those chairs.

During the press conference held on Jan. 10 of this year, when numerous Republican lawmakers discussed overriding Gov. Mike DeWines veto of HB 68, Lear echoed the sentiments expressed by Byrne. Lear thanked all the moms, and dads, and grandparents, who have been emailing, and calling and texting our offices nonstop. I personally have never seen so many people say please, do whats best for all of our kids, please override the veto.

Calling this group the silent majority, Lear spoke directly to them, saying you have started speaking up, we need you to keep talking. Lear used similar rhetoric in Facebook posts from December and January.

Mutilating and sterilizing children is the opposite of #donoharm. I am disgusted that Gov DeWine doesnt understand children and families are being manipulated by a medical system that profits from destroying the lives and futures of children, Lear wrote in a post from Dec. 29 last year.

In an email from the same day, Byrne praised Lear, saying were impressed with Rep. Lear, and hope to work with her for more legislation that protects and advances the rights of women and girls in 2024.

Lear did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

What is the Womens Liberation Front?

Founded in 2013 and based in Washington D.C. the Womens Liberation Front (WoLF) promotes itself as a group designed to restore, protect, and advance the rights of women and girls using legal argument, policy advocacy, and public education. However, WoLF is most well known for supporting anti-trans legislation.

WoLF created the Womens Bill of Rights, a model bill that defines sex as either male or female, and requires any school or government agency that collects statistics for anti-discrimination compliance to identify individuals who are part of that dataset as either male or female at birth.

Versions of their Womens Bill of Rights, have been introduced in several states, with the bill even reaching the U.S House and Senate.

WoLFs most recent IRS filings show the organization has $1,037,264 in revenue, entirely from contributions and grants.

We feel that gender ideology is very threatening to women, and represents the erasure of women, Byrne said in an interview with the Ohio Capital Journal. Sex is biological, and you cannot change it.

Despite this stance, Byrne sees WoLF as fundamentally nonpartisan, working with lawmakers who will support their policies.

There are Republicans who support a same-sex bathroom, but you go to them for reproductive rights and theyre like back in the kitchen with you! Byrne said, adding that among WoLFs members 75% of them are progressive refugees.

Research from watchdog group Accountable.us revealed that WoLF received a grant for $50,000 from the Alliance Defending Freedom in 2021. The same organization gave WoLF $15,000 in 2015.

The Alliance Defending Freedom is a far-right, Christian legal advocacy group that has been at the forefront of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the United States. Reporting from NBC News showed that many of the bathroom bills, introduced in statehouses were based on model legislation from the group.

ADF senior counsel Matt Sharp testified in favor of Ohios House Bill 68, and guided legal strategy on the bill. Internationally, ADF lawyers have spoken at conferences in Jamaica to support laws criminalizing gay sex, defended statutes in Belize that punish LGBTQ+ sex with up to 10 years in prison, and defended European laws requiring sterilization of trans people before they could receive recognition of their preferred gender.

Its an incredibly sophisticated playbook. It truly is, said Maria Bruno, Public Policy Director for Equality Ohio, when asked about the right-wing groups supporting anti-trans legislation nationwide. We have seen that there is a small, but very well-funded, and well-organized group of organizations such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, the (Center for Christian Virtue), and the other state-level affiliates in different states, and Moms for Liberty. Many of them have overtly anti-LGBTQ sentiments on their position platforms or are pretty open book about the fact that they dont believe that LGBTQ people should exist in peace.

The Alliance Defending Freedom is a Southern Poverty Law Center designated hate group, as was the Center for Christian Virtue from 2015-2017, when it was known as Citizens for Community Values.

Womens Liberation Front is unique among this network in that it considers itself a feminist organization, billing themselves on social media as unapologetically radical feminist.

There is a long history of collaboration and cooperation between the Womens Liberation Front and the far Christian right, explained Erin Reed, a trans journalist and activist who tracks anti-LGBTQ laws across the country. Its very interesting to hear the continued collaboration between a group that ostensibly calls itself feminist, but is perfectly content to work with and even raise money for organizations that actively oppose feminism and justice for women.

Reed also spoke about the history of TERFs  Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists  the school of thought that the Womens Liberation Front stems from.

The idea being that transgender people should be excluded from womanhood, that transgender people do not deserve the same protections, legal rights, and more as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, Reed said.

Originating as a fringe faction within the larger feminist movement, TERFs grew to prominence in the United Kingdom during the last decade, with celebrities like J.K Rowling amplifying their ideals, along with the British press. Through organizations like WoLF, TERF ideology began impacting American politics as well.

They have managed to give the far right ideas that the fundamentalists are offering a sheen of feminism in order to try and get policies that they want passed, regardless of who theyre working with to get those policies passed, Reed said. And the far Christian right has been perfectly content to use that sheen in order to pass anti-trans laws.

How are these groups impacting trans Ohioans?

Dara Adkison is Board Secretary of TransOhio, trans masculine, and a parent. Adkison spoke about the parents of trans students, and how they feel about HB 183.

In terms of what weve heard from the parents that weve been speaking with, over the course of 183 being heard in committee and previous versions of the bathroom bill theyre horrified, dismayed, sad and angry for their children, Adkison said. Most districts dont have a preponderance of trans students. Theres one or two. And so knowing districts (that) tend to know who the trans student is, it makes their kids really easy targets, and so theyre scared.

Adkison emphasized that many of these students have been out in their school for the majority of their education in this generation, so theyve been using the correct bathroom for many, many years.

For Adkison and others at TransOhio, their work consists of providing resources and options for parents to help their trans children. And, in some instances, if there is a district-level bathroom ban policy, helping families relocate to other districts.

And thats not an accessible option for most. But if things get really scary, you do what you got to do for your family, Adkison said.

Its a problem that Anne and Bradie Anderson understand. Bradie is a trans girl, and has lived openly as one for most of her life, first coming out in the second grade.

She was about six or seven years old when she was completely out, and then she was thrown out of the Catholic school that she attended, Bradies mother Anne explained. Everything has been a fight since that period of time.

Years later, Bradie was pulled out of school again.

When COVID happened, I came out going into the sixth grade, and nobody really cared until the seventh grade, and then I got really bullied and stuff. Then I had to leave the school last year because the bullying just got a little too much, Bradie said.

Anne spoke about her experiences at school board meetings, where Brady was getting called out by adults in our town at the school board meetings for being a cheerleader and changing in the restroom with the other girls.

Speaking about HB 183, Bradie said it would be really horrible, detailing how invasive the bill would be if enacted.

Itll be really invasive because when Im at school, nobodys looking for me trying to see if Im in the bathroom or not. And now theyre gonna have to do that. And if they catch me in the bathroom, then Im going to be thrown out. Like, thats just really weird.

Anne and Bradie have frequently discussed leaving the state.

She doesnt want to leave, quite frankly, Anne said. But when it comes to college, shes going to end up having to (leave) as far as Im concerned right now.

Anne Anderson spoke about the trickle down, effect of these bills, saying, Theyre making it a hostile environment with all of these anti-trans bills. Its saying that trans people are less than, and its okay to bully them or pick on them or treat them as people see fit because the Statehouse is doing it.

Despite this, Bradie has repeatedly discussed her circumstances, even testifying at the Statehouse, because, she said, I really dont think a lot of like people have met trans people. And I think its important for somebody that like, looks like me, to go out there and say something to these people that really are just clueless.

Asked what she would say to the lawmakers and interest groups behind bills like HB 183, Bradie said this: Im a woman and I dont really care what they think. I will forever be a girl.

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The post The radical feminist group helping push Ohios trans bathroom ban appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
PLAIN CITY, Ohio (WCMH)  Construction crews have begun dismantling a historic central Ohio railroad depot that will be relocated as part of a new public square development featuring a park and a marketplace.

The interior of the Upper Arlington depot is being disassembled ahead of the structures shipment this summer to Plain City, the village said in an update posted this month. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, Plain City is anticipating the depot will begin welcoming guests as the first phase of the larger town square project in late fall or early winter.

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Officials said elements of the depot, such as the flooring, walls, windows and doors, will be preserved and reincorporated, while surplus furnishing will be auctioned at a later date. The brick patio encircling the depot has also been dismantled and transported to Plain City, where it will be reinstalled following the reconstruction of the depot, the village noted.

The interior of the Upper Arlington depot is being disassembled ahead of the structures shipment this summer to Plain City. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

Plain City is anticipating the depot will begin welcoming guests as the first phase of the larger square project in late fall or early winter. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

Site preparation at the new Plain City location is also underway, the village noted. Crews have removed fencing and will soon begin site leveling to allow the construction of a new foundation and the installation of utilities.

Once installed, the depot will provide space for events, visitor amenities, commercial ventures and historical displays. Future phases of the public square will include a park with a railroad-themed play area, splash pad, seating and fire pit, trailhead and green space for outdoor community events. The village will also repurpose an existing building into a marketplace that will provide all-season event and vendor space for a year-round farmers market.

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A goal of staff and council is to create unique gathering spaces in our Uptown district that complement our local businesses and landmarks of Plain City, village administrator Haley Lupton said. Im eager to see the addition of the Public Square project come to life and help round out our uptown amenities.

The depot will anchor Plain Citys public square, which will feature a park and a marketplace. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

The depot will anchor Plain Citys public square, which will feature a park and a marketplace. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

The depot will anchor Plain Citys public square, which will feature a park and a marketplace. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

The depot will anchor Plain Citys public square, which will feature a park and a marketplace. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

The depot will anchor Plain Citys public square, which will feature a park and a marketplace. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

The depot will anchor Plain Citys public square, which will feature a park and a marketplace. (Courtesy Photo/Village of Plain City)

Positioned at the corner of East Bigelow Avenue and Church Street, the development pays homage to historical maps from 1862 to 1875 that also referred to the property as the public square. The site was home to the original Plain City town hall, fire department, school and other early community buildings.

Plain City purchased the 1,473-square-foot depot from the Fromm family, who restored the historic structure after acquiring it in 2004. Many of the original depot components were retained, including the original wooden walls and ceilings, while others were salvaged from other historical structures.

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The vision for the depot and Public Square brings excitement to our town and solidifies a place to gather as a community for many years to come, Mayor Jody Carney said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
"You could not have made the world any better of a place with the time you had on Earth," a loved one wrote of Jacob Parker

GoFundMe Jake Parker

Jacob Parker, 23, died after an approximate 50-foot fall from a California beachside cliff on April 20

Parker, a 2023 graduate of UC Santa Barbara, lived in San Diego but was in town for the weekends All-Gaucho Reunion, per a report

He is reportedly the 14th person to die from a cliff accident in Isla Vista in the past 20 years



A 23-year-old man died after falling from a beachside cliff in California over the weekend.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Raquel Zick said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that deputies responded around 2:35 p.m. on April 20 to the 6600 block of Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista for an adult male who accidentally fell from the bluff.

He was transported to the hospital, but did not survive, according to Zick.

Santa Barbara County Fire Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck said in an X post that the victim, later identified by loved ones as Jacob Parker, had climbed over a barrier fence and fell about 50 feet.

PEOPLE has reached out to the county fire department for comment.

Related: Calif. Dad Dies After Fall on Hawaii Waterfall Hike Days After Wedding Anniversary

Parker, a 2023 graduate of UC Santa Barbara, lived in San Diego but was in town for the weekends All-Gaucho Reunion, the Santa Barbara Independent reported. The weekend event serves as a reunion for college alumni.

Parker is the 14th person to die from a cliff accident in Isla Vista in the last 20 years and the third in the last three years, according to the Santa Barbara Independent.

Related: Ice Climber Dies from Head Injuries After Fall at Custer Gallatin National Forest

This tragedy is a stark reminder of how dangerous these bluff top properties are, said County Supervisor Laura Capps, who represents the area, on Sunday, per SFGate. Property owners: this is an urgent plea to do whats right to help save lives. We all need to step up and make Isla Vista safer now.

Related: Illinois Man, 24, Dies from Fall at Grand Canyon Just Days Before Starting Career as a Nurse

In a GoFundMe fundraiser page launched on behalf of his family, organizer Raquel Startz said that "the sheer amount of love being displayed over this horrific tragedy has truly been a testament to the charismatic, loving, and intelligent human being he was."

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.

As of April 24, more than $31,000 has been raised to create a memorial "Jake deserves" and "to create an annual scholarship in Jakes name."

"This wound may never heal, and we refuse to let his memory diminish over time," Startz added. "We will love and miss you forever Jacob Parker, rest easy knowing that you could not have made the world any better of a place with the time you had on Earth."

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Read the original article on People.
Defence Intelligence of the United Kingdom has analysed reports of a record number of desertion cases being considered by military courts in Russia, as well as a record number of requests from Russians for asylum in foreign countries.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 24 April, as reported by European Pravda

The intelligence refers to data from Mediazona, a Russian independent media outlet, according to which, this March, Russian military courts convicted a record number of Armed Forces personnel of desertion  64 people.

The total number of cases since the "partial" mobilisation in September 2022 stands at 7,400, with the highest number of cases in Moscow Oblast  496.

"Many of the soldiers who have been tracked down and appear in military court are given suspended sentences, returned to their units and to the frontlines," the review states.

At the same time, the intelligence notes that the number of asylum requests from Russian citizens who are evading military service has reached a record level in Western countries.

Russian soldiers, including those forcibly conscripted during the "partial" mobilisation in September 2022, are obliged to remain in military service indefinitely with little prospect of release, the report states.

Background:

In the previous overview, UK intelligence reported that after capturing the village of Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast, Russian occupation forces would seek to advance towards the village of Kostiantynivka, which is two kilometres to the west.

Defence Intelligence of the United Kingdom revealed the existence of a specialised unit within the Russian army called Bars Kaskad that recruits people from families of Kremlin officials, operating far from combat zones. The unit was mentioned in the context of the story of blogger Yelena Blinovskaya and her husband.

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We need to reframe how we think about juvenile sex offenders

Adult sex offenders are criminals who need to be brought to justice to maintain public safety. But we need to be careful about extending that same principle to children who hurt other kids. Most youth who exhibit problematic sexual behavior don't need punishment. They need help.

It's time for the public and our legal system to catch up with the growing literature on the causes of such behavior and how to stop it, rather than throwing the book at these kids and writing them off for good. In doing so, we can break cycles of trauma, reduce homelessness and incarceration and prevent the sexual abuse of children.

At first, parents may not know how to distinguish truly problematic sexual behavior in children and teens from behavior that is normal and developmentally appropriate.

Exploratory behavior out of mutual curiosity among children around the same age is fairly typical. Two six-year-olds playing "doctor" together is not, per se, cause for alarm. If it becomes planned, persistent, coerced, aggressive or happens between children of disparate ages or developmental levels, however, that's different. A 12-year-old "playing doctor" with a 4-year-old requires intervention.

If a child's actions are cause for concern, parents may not know what to do. They may wonder if their child has been a victim of sexual abuse or if there's something they have been missing for years. They may question whether their child is dangerous or beyond help.

But the reality is that problematic sexual behavior as a kid isn't predictive of adult sex offenses  in fact, 97% of children charged with sexual offenses never offend again. And while some children who engage in problematic behavior have experienced abuse themselves, many have not.

We should treat youth with these behaviors with the same nuance, care and attention we use to address mental health struggles in kids.

Youth have the best outcomes with evidence-based models, like cognitive behavioral therapy designed for problematic sexual behavior (PSB-CBT), that also engage parents or other caregivers and take past trauma into account. Treatment focuses on helping children build healthy communication and social skills, coping mechanisms and strategies for emotional regulation and impulse control.

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Clinical research bears out the benefits of this approach. One study of youth ages 10 to 14 found that early intervention coupled with PSB-CBT therapy eliminated problematic sexual conduct 98% of the time. Another study of 5- to 12-year-old children with sexual behavioral problems found that just 2% of children who underwent cognitive behavioral therapy committed future offenses, compared to 11% of children who underwent group play therapy.

Therapy doesn't need to be a long-term, intensive endeavor. Most children stop exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors after three to eight months of outpatient treatment.

When we fail to recognize that most of these youth can go on to live lives both fulfilling and safe for others, we increase the chances that our criminal justice system will stigmatize them for good. Over 200,000 Americans are on sex offender registries for an offense they committed as a child  some as young as eight years old.

Research shows that placing children on such registries does not prevent or reduce sexual violence. But it's disastrous for their mental health and future prospects. Over 44% of registered youth go on to experience homelessness, according to a 2013 Human Rights Watch report. Nearly 85% experience serious mental health issues or thoughts of suicide. The social ostracism can be so severe that over half report vigilante-style harassment or physical violence directed at them.

Additionally, low-income youth, LGBTQ youth, and youth of color are disproportionately placed on these registries  in California, over 76% of youth on sex offender registries are kids of color.

Of course, there are instances in which kids and teens commit horrible crimes that demand court involvement. But these cases should be treated as the exceptions they are, not the rule.

If your child exhibits problematic sexual behavior or is a victim of such behavior, there are resources available to get help. Children's Advocacy Centers, a national network of care centers that support families impacted by child abuse, can help your family assess the situation and devise a plan to move forward.

Youth engaging in problematic sexual behaviors are not a lost cause. By quickly intervening and getting them treatment, we can help all kids thrive.
KIEV, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine-launched drones hit two oil depots in Russia's western Smolensk region early Wednesday, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing its source.

The energy facilities in the town of Yartsevo and the village of Razdorovo contained about 26,000 cubic meters of fuel and caught fire following the attack, the report said.

Both depots are owned by Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft, the source said.

The Security Service of Ukraine, which launched the drones, will continue its attacks on Russia's facilities that provide fuel to the Russian army in Ukraine, according to the report. 
DENVER (KDVR)  One of the 10 wolves reintroduced to Colorado over the winter has died, federal wildlife officials said Tuesday.

The gray wolf was found dead in Larimer County, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it became aware of the death on Thursday. Because the wolf is listed under the Endangered Species Act, its death is under investigation by federal authorities.

Concealed carry permit measure heads to Colorado governors desk

Initial evidence suggests that this wolf likely died of natural causes, but a final determination will not be made until the necropsy is completed, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson said in an email.

Meanwhile, federal officials are investigating another wolf death, but it was not from among the reintroduced wolves. The wolf found dead on April 3 in Elbert County was from the Great Lakes wolf population, the Fish and Wildlife Service said in a separate statement. The circumstances around this wolfs death were not released.

As a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, the Service is investigating this incident and is working in coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. As an open and active investigation, no additional details are available at this time, the statement reads.

An Elbert County rancher shared the below photo of the wolf carcass.

A person holding up a large wolf carcass

The news comes as pressure mounts from Colorado ranchers to address recent wolf depredations in the state. Six cattle were killed this month  five in Grand County and one in Jackson County.

Video: Jokics brother allegedly punches fan at Nuggets playoff game

Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin called for the state to lethally remove the two wolves responsible for the cattle killings in his county.

Colorado has plans to introduce more wolves starting in December and into March 2025, with 30-50 more wolves to be released in the next five years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
What is the Renters Reform Bill? Everything you need to know as campaigners slam Tory failure

The long-awaited Renters Reform Bill returns to Commons on Wednesday as MPs consider new amendments to the housing legislation ahead of a crucial final vote.

First introduced in 2023, the bill aims to bring in measures that protect renters rights in the housing market. Since its inception, the scrapping of Section 21 no fault eviction notices has been central to the legislation.

This is the controversial power that allows landlords to evict tenants from their properties at two months notice without needing to give any reason. Former prime minister Theresa May first announced the Conservatives intention to abolish Section 21 notices in April 2019.

Recent research by YouGov commissioned by homelessness charity Shelter showed 943,000 tenants had been served Section 21 notices in this time, equivalent to more than 500 renters per day.

Half-a-decade later and the bill is ready for MPs  but not without a few changes along the way. Ahead of a final vote, MPs are given the opportunity to make amendments to a bill which will now be considered in the report stage.

Several of the amendments that are likely to pass were recently leaked in a letter to from housing minister Jacob Young. The MP writes that the changes are designed to bolster landlord protections.

Reports show that, of the 48 backbench MPs backing several controversial amendments, 36 are either landlords or have received funding linked to landlords. The government has been accused of conceding to much to these pro-landlord Conservative MPs.

Responding to the amendments, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association has called for swift passage of the bill.

He said: Tenants should rightly be empowered to hold rogue and criminal landlords to account to root out the minority who bring the sector into disrepute. However, it is vital that the majority of responsible landlords have confidence in the Bill to provide the homes for rent the country needs.

The amendments proposed by the Government strike that balance.

Ahead of the amendment debate, the Renters Reform Coalition (RRC) have said the changes will render the bill a failure. Co-signed by 20 leading housing charities and campaign groups, the letter criticises ministers for meeting with landlords twice as often as their own groups.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has insisted Section 21 notices will be outlawed before the next general election (PA Wire)

This legislation is intended to give the impression of improving conditions for renters, but in fact it preserves the central power imbalance at the root of why renting in England is in crisis, the letter says.

For many, the ban on Section 21 notices is the central point of the Renters Reform bill. The proposed amendments will now effectively put the ban on hold for the foreseeable future.

The crucial amendment, tabled by housing secretary Michael Gove, calls for an assessment of the county court possession system before the ban can be implemented. This is to ensure the system is ready for the change, according to his deputy Mr Young.

Although Mr Gove gave his assurances in an interview with the BBC that Section 21 notices would be outlawed by the next general election, no time frame is given for the court assessment.

He told the broadcaster: My determination is to ensure that we get this bill on the statute book. But its up to the Lords to decide the rate of progress that we can make.

If opposition parties are supportive  and I believe that while they have some quibbles, they are supportive of the essential principle that were bringing forward  then we can have Section 21 ended before the general election. Thats the aim.

Labour said the no-fault eviction ban promised in the Tory manifesto is collapsing under the weight of vested interests and called for the plan to be implemented immediately.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Young said: The Renters Reform Bill will deliver our manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and ensure a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords.

These are the biggest changes to the sector in 30 years  and we will continue to work across the sector to ensure the Bill passes into law as soon as possible.
Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a New Jersey Democrat who served in Congress for nearly 12 years, has died. He was 65.

In a statement, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said that Payne was a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey.

As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day, wrote Murphy, a Democrat.

Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.



Our heartfelt prayers are with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/TaqMIzAWmo  Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 24, 2024

Last week, Paynes office said that he had been hospitalized since a cardiac episode earlier this month that was related to complications from diabetes. On April 9, the office had said that Payne was expected to make a full recovery.

News of his death has led to an outpouring of condolences from politicians, including Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Payne was first elected in 2012 to represent New Jerseys 10th Congressional District, which encompasses Newark, to fill the seat held by his father, Rep. Donald M. Payne, who died in office and was the first Black member of Congress from New Jersey. Like his father, the younger Payne was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. He also served on the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Murphy is expected to call for a special election to fill Paynes seat.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Orlandos leaders and gun violence survivors met Wednesday with Congressman Maxwell Frost to discuss the citys Community Violence Intervention program  and the promise its shown to reduce shootings and gun homicides in its first year.

The program, known also as CVI, aims to stop violent incidents before they escalate through mediation and resources to get at the heart of confrontations. It initially targeted five neighborhoods citywide, enlisting influential residents known as Neighborhood Change Associates as part of the solution.

Frost, an Orlando Democrat joined by U.S. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., said he hopes federal money allocated to CVI  including a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Justice to expand it  continues to save lives.

Created in 2022 using taxpayer funds from the American Rescue Plan, it has since been expanded to cover eight neighborhoods through the DOJ grant secured by Frost. An additional $750,000 in federal money will go to refurbishing Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center, where the meeting took place.

A similar program has since been recommended for expansion countywide as part of the Citizens Safety Task Force convened last year. Though Orange County has its own initiative through the credible messenger program tackling youth violence, it has not formally proposed its own CVI program.

Im all about community-based solutions and figure out how we use that federal money for the work you all are doing here in the community to save lives every day, Frost said. We want to see it expanded  hopefully in the county and continue from there.

The meeting was one stop of many in Frost and Clarks visit to Central Florida as part of a tour tackling issues from housing to public safety. In Orlando, officials boast the reported success of the CVI program which recruits at-risk residents known as fellows and offers them resources  checking in with them daily to ensure they follow set life plans.

The result? A 20% citywide reduction in gun homicides in the programs first year from November 2022 to October 2023, as well as a 36% drop in nonfatal shootings in the same period, according to an analysis of Orlando Police Department data by the Center for Global Healthy Cities.

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In the first year, 47 fellows were recruited, with one killed since it began, according to the report. Of the surviving fellows, about 83% had not been arrested on new gun charges while roughly 91% had no new gun injuries.

The program currently has 64 fellows among its ranks, said Raysean Brown of Peace Orlando, a gun violence prevention program under the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition which is contracted with the city to run the CVI program.

Its a lot of repetition, its a lot of in-your-face, its a lot of intentionality, Brown said of work done with the fellows. We are literally in the business of saving lives.

Frost and Clark also met with survivors of gun violence, including Tuwanan Ware, whose son was fatally shot early last year. Since then, she and Charlotte Davis, a community activist whose son was killed in 2022, co-founded Village Of Love.

A support group for families who lost loved ones to gun violence, the group offers help with funeral arrangements and organizing vigils for those affected, as well as providing a space for emotional support.

While it works separately from CVI, its one of many organizations that collaborate with violence intervention efforts.

Its a group of survivors so to speak, but I dont want you in this group, Ware said with a laugh. But if you unfortunately have to be a part of the group, were here to hold your hand at night, three oclock in the morning. Were there as a support system.
Progressive Rep. Summer Lee fended off a primary challenge from Edgewood Borough Council member Bhavini Patel, NBC News projects, in a race that served as an early test of how Democratic voters feel about the Israel-Hamas war and concerns over rising antisemitism at home.

With 99% of the expected vote counted, Lee held a 21-point edge over Patel.

In a victory speech in Pittsburgh, Lee said, "This movement is stronger than whatever they want to throw at us" and is "stronger than every GOP billionaire." She called for peace "from Pittsburgh to Palestine."

Our movement is expansive enough and big enough for each and every one of us, she said in a call out to those who opposed her during the primary. We wont be ashamed and put our heads down when we say that we want no more wars, when we say that people deserve dignity and human rights and self-determination whether they are Jewish or Muslim or Black or white or if theyre in Gaza or in Pakistan or in Haiti.

Following her defeat, Patel said in a statement that while the result was disappointing, the race was far from a loss.

This race was about so much more than me or my opponent, she said. It was about passing common sense laws that put money in working families pockets. It was about standing up to hate and stopping antisemitism. And it was about making sure President Biden gets reelected in November.

Lee, a member of the Squad in the House, has been critical of Israels handling of the war and was one of the first lawmakers to call for a cease-fire in Gaza last year. Patel painted Lees advocacy as harmful to Bidens re-election chances and out of step with her district.

The Pittsburgh-area 12th District is also home to Squirrel Hill, one of the nations most prominent historically Jewish neighborhoods and where the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre, the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history, took place.

Lee, who condemned Hamas and has spoken out against antisemitism, has accused the Israeli government of committing war crimes and called for an end to unconditional military aid to the country. On Saturday, she joined 36 Democrats and 21 Republicans in voting against an aid package to Israel, which passed overwhelmingly. Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh have expressed unease with how she has handled and discussed issues pertaining to Israel.

But Lee was seen as a prohibitive favorite ahead of Tuesday. The first Black woman ever elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, Lee overcame significant spending from pro-Israel groups during her first primary bid in 2022 before winning the general election. Those same groups did not get involved in her race this time around, even as Israel became a much more salient issue, seeing the effort to topple her as a steep climb.

Well-defined in the district, Lee framed her race around fighting Donald Trump-aligned Republicans, bringing federal dollars to the district and bringing new voters into the Democratic fold.

Its a testament to her strength that shes in a good position, Nick Gavio, a progressive strategist with the Working Families Party, which spent $320,000 in digital and TV ads on Lees behalf.

Meanwhile, about a dozen Jewish voters in the district who spoke with NBC News almost universally said their votes in November, regardless of if they were backing Lee or Patel, would be driven by issues beyond Israel, saying that the Jewish electorate isnt a monolith and that democracy, abortion rights and the economy weighed heavily on them. Most said they would be voting for President Joe Biden.

At an event launching her Jews for Summer coalition earlier this month, Lee framed her primary as a covert Republican effort to divide a multiethnic, cross-religious support base by using splits over Israel. Even though groups aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee did not get involved in the race, an outside group largely funded by GOP megadonor Jeffrey Yass spent more than $500,000 to boost Patel  a fact Lee and allies hammered home in the closing days of the contest.

We have communities that are hurting. The Jewish community is one of them. And there are people who are  not going to agree 100% on everything that you say, Lee said in an interview with NBC News, adding she has been very clear and very upfront about her cease-fire position. I have condemned Hamas. Weve worked with the families of hostages; weve done everything that I think is necessary to do that. And at the end of the day, we disagree.

Patel, who denounced Yass and said the attacks over the donation were a distraction, framed her challenge to Lee around who offers Biden the most support. She criticized Lee for not denouncing activists and groups calling for Democratic primary voters to vote uncommitted in the presidential primary.

Its essentially playing with fire, Patel said in an interview, arguing it could boost Trump.

Lee said she voted for Biden on Tuesday and at her Jews for Summer event earlier this month said: Were going to make sure that the person whos sitting in the White House is not going to be replaced. At a Pittsburgh campaign stop last week, Biden shouted out Lee as someone who had my back.

On voters casting uncommitted ballots, Lee told NBC News: I totally respect that.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) stands for a portrait overlooking the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh on April 8. via Associated Press

Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee, a member of the progressive House Squad, easily dispatched her Democratic challenger in Tuesdays primary, after a much-hyped battle over Lees early support for a cease-fire in Gaza never fully materialized.

The Associated Press called the race in favor of Lee, who is in her first term in Congress, shortly after the polls closed Tuesday night. Her challenger, Edgewood borough council member Bhavini Patel, attracted support from Pennsylvanias richest resident, Republican billionaire Jeffrey Yass. But Lee never faced the firehose of outside spending by pro-Israel groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee that many progressives initially feared.

There were a lot of people who were convinced we couldnt be pro-peace and win in this district, Lee told supporters on election night shortly after the call. We have rejected in this district that you cant be a bold progressive in Western PennsylvaniaOur movement is stronger than every GOP billionaire.

Patels attacks on Lee for being insufficiently loyal to President Joe Biden also fell flat, with Biden himself praising Lee during the final days of the primary campaign.

Although she cruised to victory, Lee warned that her fellow progressives would face a similar playbook in the months ahead.

This is going to be the blueprint, she said in an interview with HuffPost in the closing weeks of the primary. No one is beating progressives without lying about us. They have to distort our values, because the reality is, when people get our message clearly, they like it.

Progressives were braced for Lee to face a punishing reelection when, after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, AIPAC promised an unprecedented effort to unseat lawmakers critical of Israel.

AIPAC and its super PAC, the United Democracy Project, ended last year having shattered their previous fundraising records, with $41 million cash on hand and counting.

Lee, like other Squad members, was reportedly one of AIPACs top targets. The United Democracy Project had already spent nearly $4 million trying to defeat Lee in her first race, an open primary she won by less than 1,000 votes. And that was before she became one of the first members of Congress to condemn Israels military response after Oct. 7, accusing Israel of blatant human rights violations being committed in front of our eyes.

Ultimately, though, AIPACs super PAC and another prominent pro-Israel PAC, the Democratic Majority for Israel, never entered Lees race. The vast majority of Democratic voters have turned against Israels Gaza offensive. And Lee, in AIPACs judgment, was too popular an incumbent, while Patel lacked the network and name recognition to be a formidable opponent.

Lee dwarfed Patel in fundraising. She campaigned on the several multimillion-dollar infrastructure grants she helped bring to her district. And she benefited from progressive demands that Democratic Party leaders do more to support left-wing incumbents, too, notching an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Patel nevertheless sought to keep the Israel-Hamas war at the center of the campaign. She campaigned heavily in Squirrel Hill, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood and the site of the deadly antisemitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, and accused Lee of stoking antisemitism with her condemnations of Israel.

Patel had one significant source of financial support: Yass, whose super PAC, the Moderate PAC, laid out six figures on attack ads against Lee. Yass is a Republican megadonor who is reportedly on the shortlist for treasury secretary in a second Trump White House. For much of the primary, the Moderate PACs founder, Ty Strong, tried to hide the extent of Yass financial support. At one point, Strong insinuated that a sizable portion of the PACs money came from two Pittsburgh developers. In reality, Yass most recent donation, of $800,000, was 160 times larger.

Lee ran ads of her own blasting Patel for drawing Yass support. Patel said she disavowed Yass and his money. But the latest ad he funded echoed one of her central attacks on Lee: that she is not supportive enough of Bidens agenda. In this moment, the voiceover said, Rep. Summer Lee is opposing President Biden.

Less than two weeks later, the ad got a high-profile debunking. On April 17, Biden appeared at a rally at the United Steelworkers headquarters in Pittsburgh and said, I want to thank some folks who had my back, and had to stay back in Washington, couldnt be here today. First on the list? Rep. Summer Lee.
Report: Ahead of Blinken visit, China says US meddling in its affairs

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, speaks during a press conference at the G7 foreign ministers' meeting. Britta Pedersen/dpa

Just ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to China, Beijing has accused Washington of repeatedly interfering in its internal affairs and undermining China's interests.

"The United States continues pushing forward the strategy of containing China, keeps adopting erroneous words and actions that interfere in China's internal affairs, smear China's image and undermine China's interests," the state news agency Xinhua quoted an unnamed representative of the ministry as saying before Blinken's arrival in China on Wednesday.

"China resolutely opposes such moves and has taken strong countermeasures," the report said.

It is true that relations have stabilized since the last telephone conversation between head of state Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in April, however "there are still significant negative factors in the bilateral relationship," according to the Xinhua report.

The ministry cited, as the most recent example, Blinken's accusations that China is flooding global markets with overcapacity in areas such as electric cars and renewable energies.

The ministry said this "so-called 'overcapacity' is [a] misleading narrative ... The real intention is to kneecap China's industrial development and put the US in a more advantageous position in market competition. It's another example of outright economic coercion and bullying," the agency reported.

Blinken plans to visit Shanghai and Beijing on his three-day trip. The talks are expected to focus on improving communication and reducing the risk of misjudgements and conflicts, according to preliminary reports from Washington.
Report: Nominee for Chicagos top federal prosecutor to be named district judge after Senate stall

WASHINGTON  The woman nominated for Chicagos top federal prosecutor position is being named a federal judge after she was not confirmed in the Senate, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

April Perry was nominated by the Biden administration last summer following John Lauschs departure as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District in March 2023. Lausch was nominated by former President Trump in 20217.

The Sun-Times reports that Perry will be officially nominated to a lifetime position as a U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Illinois.

Once President Biden took office, Illinois Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin released a joint statement urging Biden not to effectively force his resignation like several other Trump-appointed U.S. attorneys.

Lausch stayed on and helped announce one of the biggest cases of his tenure, the indictment of Mike Madigan.

Morris Sonny Pasqual has led the office in an interim capacity since Lausch left.

The stall in the U.S. Senate was not due to her qualifications, but because Ohio GOP Senator J.D. Vance said he was blocking her confirmation to protest the criminal prosecution of Donald Trump.

The Sun-Times reports that the position will likely be filled after the 2024 presidential election.

Perry would have been the districts first woman in the position.

Biden nominates April Perry for Chicagos top federal prosecutor

At the time of her nomination, Perry was senior counsel with global investigations and fraud and abuse prevention at GE HealthCare.

Prior to serving as general counsel for Ubiety Technologies from 2019 to 2022, Perry was the Cook County States Attorneys Offices first ever Chief Ethics Officer under Kim Foxx.

In April 2019 during the Jussie Smollett scandal, Perry left the office for her role at Ubiety Technologies.

Perry received her J.D., magna cum laude, in 2003 and her B.S., magna cum laude, in 2000, both from Northwestern University.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis called one of his House colleagues a "waste of time, a bad leader, and a threat to the future of the GOP, according to a recent report.

CNNs Erin Burnett played an audio recording of the senator trashing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene during her show on Tuesday.

I think shes uninformed, she is a total waste of time, Mr Tillis says on the recording. She is a horrible leader. She is dragging our brand down. She  not the Democrats  [is] the biggest risk to us getting back to a majority.

Ms Greene has frustrated some members of her party by crusading against Mike Johnson, the current speaker of the House. Mr Johnson was installed after Congressman Matt Gaetz led a successful, though extremely unpopular campaign to remove Kevin McCarthy, then-speaker of the House.

Mr Gaetz reportedly moved to have Mr McCarthy replaced because the former speaker agreed with Democrats to pass a vote that would keep the government operating.

Traditional Republicans were furious with the Maga-world revolt, and the House became an embarrassing symbol of division and chaos as the GOP scrambled for weeks to find a suitable replacement for Mr McCarthy.

Seemingly following in her congressional colleague's footsteps, Ms Greene has become furious with Mr Johnson for weaponising government shutdowns and for not stonewalling foreign aid bills meant in part to further fund Ukraine's defence in the war with Russia.

She wrote on the day of the vote that Speaker Johnson proved today that the only border he cares about is Ukraines.

Zelensky thanks Speaker Mike Johnson (D-Ukraine) for sending $61 BILLION of your hard-earned tax dollars to fuel a foreign war.



Johnson once again passed a bill with the help of Democrats while the majority of the Republican majority voted against it.



Not only is Mike Johnson pic.twitter.com/jO2l3LymZp  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) April 20, 2024

Johnson once again passed a bill with the help of Democrats while the majority of the Republican majority voted against it, Ms Greene wrote. Not only is Mike Johnson a traitor to our conference, hes a traitor to our country.

While Republicans projected an air of unity during Mr Gaetzs campaign against Mr McCarthy, it appears Mr Tillis is willing to publicly state his distaste and disdain for Ms Greene. And he is not the only one.

GOP Congressman Marc Molinaro told reporters that Ms Greene's political theatre has to come to an end, The Hill reports.

Ms Greene is even reportedly testing the patience of her Maga overlord, Donald Trump, according to a recent report.

The criticism, even from within her party, doesnt seem to bother Ms Greene. She told Mr Trumps former adviser, Steve Bannon, that the speakership could be a revolving door as far as she was concerned.

Its baffling hearing the establishment complain that its too much drama, too hard, and too risky to go through another Speaker race.



Meanwhile Americans are getting kicked in the teeth from the ridiculous drama inflicted on them from pathetic politicians in Washington.



You https://t.co/dCu6tjWWFL  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) April 23, 2024

If thats exactly what needs to happen, then let it be, she added. But the days are over of the old Republican Party that wants to fund foreign wars and murder people in foreign lands, while they stab the American people in their face.

She replied to her colleagues aversion to holding another speaker race in a post on X/Twitter.

Its baffling hearing the establishment complain that its too much drama, too hard, and too risky to go through another speaker race," she said. "Meanwhile, Americans are getting kicked in the teeth from the ridiculous drama inflicted on them from pathetic politicians in Washington.
House Speaker Mike Johnson told student protesters at Columbia University on Wednesday to enjoy their free speech before declaring that he would urge President Joe Biden to deploy the National Guard to universities and colleges across the country  where students are being arrested en masse in an increasingly violent crackdown against pro-Palestinan protests.

Johnson and a group of Republican representatives were not welcomed warmly during their visit to what has become an epicenter of pro-Palestine activism on college campuses, which came as protests raged at higher-learning institutions nationwide. Videos circulated online of police in riot gear cracking down on demonstrators throughout the day.

The wave of collegiate protests began last week after Columbia University administrators used the New York Police Department to clear a Gaza Solidarity Encampment established by students demanding the university divest from Israel in light of Israels ongoing siege of Gaza, which has led to the death of more than 34,000 Palestinians. Major human rights groups have accused Israel of violating human rights, and in January the International Court of Justice ruled that there is plausible evidence to suggest Israel may have committed acts of genocide.

The use of the NYPD to break up the encampment  which was quickly reestablished  marked the first time since 1968s Anti-Vietnam War demonstrations that Columbia had allowed police to suppress an on-campus protest. The decision drew widespread backlash against the universitys president, Nemat Shafik, and spurred the creation of similar encampments at educational institutions across the country.

Despite there being no confirmed instances of violence committed by student protesters, university administrators at Yale, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin, New York University, and the University of Minnesota have faced arrest and suspension for their participation in encampments and protests. Republican lawmakers and pro-Israel activists have characterized the protests as inherently antisemitic, and while there have been some verified instances of antisemitic language attributed to third parties unaffiliated with the universities, the protests include many Jewish students and faculty.

On Wednesday, protesters filmed members of the USC Department of Public Safety and Los Angeles Police Department violently detaining demonstrators. Protesters also attempted to block a vehicle containing detained vehicles from leaving the campus.

Meanwhile, at the University of Texas at Austin, dozens of UT Austin police and Texas Department of Public Safety officers were dispatched to the protests in riot gear, bikes, and horses. Students chanted you dont scare us and off our campus as law enforcement began arresting participants.

This has gotten exponentially more violent and out of control since DPS began dispersing protestors. At least 5 arrested now. Watch: pic.twitter.com/7k737dYdJh  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X, formerly Twitter. These protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.

Earlier this week dozens of students were arrested at Yale, and more than 120 students and faculty were arrested at New York University.

On Wednesday, Johnson (R-La.) visited Columbia University along with a group of Republican lawmakers. After a meeting with Jewish students, Johnson delivered a press conference during which he and his companions were mercilessly booed and heckled by the gathered crowd.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is booed and heckled as he condemns pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and accuses them of being antisemitic.



Enjoy your free speech, Johnson responds. pic.twitter.com/chEHtSClrV  The Recount (@therecount) April 24, 2024

You cannot censor and silence viewpoints you disagree with, said Johnson, adding moments later that he would be calling President Biden and demanding he take action to quell the protests, including sending in the National Guard  a demand made by several GOP senators.

New York Representatives Mike Lawler and Anthony DEsposito also delivered remarks amidst a chorus of heckling.

If you are a protester on his campus and you are proud that you have been endorsed by Hamas, youre part of the problem, DEsposito said. I am proud to join with [Speaker Johnson] today in calling for the immediate resignation of the president of Columbia. She has failed her duty, she is not keeping students safe, and we see on this campus the hate-filled speech that is carrying through this country.

Lawler said that every single one of you students that support Hamas are an absolute abomination.

Sadly here in America, we have students endorsing the butchering and brutality of a terrorist organization, he added, calling for President Shafiks immediate resignation.

New York Reps. Anthony D'Esposito and Mike Lawler are booed mercilessly as they accuse Columbia protesters of supporting Hamas pic.twitter.com/XvymtNIfBt  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) April 24, 2024

Go back to class, and stop the nonsense, Johnson said in his closing remarks, prompting one protester to shout get the fuck out of here, at him as he retreated.

What are you gonna do? Arrest us? Arrest us! another student yelled.

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MOSCOW, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Fires broke out at fuel and energy facilities in the Smolensk Region in Russia, as the Ukrainian armed forces launched a drone attack, said the region's Governor Vasily Anokhin on Wednesday. 
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain, right, speaks as local organizers raise their fists at a UAW vote watch party on April 19, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With over 51% of workers voting yes the UAW won the right to form a union at the plant. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

Tennessees Republican leaders are putting a happy face on defeat after Volkswagen workers voted overwhelmingly to unionize at the Chattanooga plant.

With more than 4,325 VW employees casting ballots, workers voted 2,628-985 for representation by the United Auto Workers last week, marking a milestone for workers at a foreign-owned auto plant.

Gov. Bill Lee opposed the UAW vote a week ago with neighboring states Republican governors, including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, warning it could stop auto manufacturing jobs in the region.

Lee said Monday he felt the outcome was a loss for workers but not a defeat for himself and other Republican leaders who spoke out against unionization at the Chattanooga facility.

I would not make that decision if I was a worker there. Its unwise to put your future in somebody elses hands. But those workers make that decision based on the individual circumstances at the plant. I think it was a mistake, but thats their choice, Lee said Monday after an event at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin.

In addition to Gov. Lee, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, state Rep. Patsy Hazlewood of Signal Mountain and Sen. Bo Watson of Hixson encouraged workers to vote against UAW representation between April 17-19.

Its unwise to put your future in somebody elses hands. But those workers make that decision based on the individual circumstances at the plant. I think it was a mistake, but thats their choice.

 Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee

Watson scoffed Monday at the notion the votes outcome was a loss for Republican leaders. He told the Lookout last week he opposed a VW agreement with the UAW because of a history of corruption.

As Ive said from the get-go, workers have a right to organize. I wish theyd made a different decision, but they didnt, so lets move ahead with what we have, Watson said.

Democratic state Rep. Yusuf Hakeem of Chattanooga, who backed the UAWs organizing effort with a show of support at a Republican event outside the Chattanooga plant in early April, called the outcome a great day for VW and workers across the state.

I think it sends a message that people are engaged. They do listen to whats going on and theyll do whats in the best interests of themselves and their families, Hakeem said Monday. I think it was not a win in any form for leadership, and I would hope theres an evaluation of the issues and how it impacts citizens as opposed to  taking a corporate perspective. They need to get beyond that and think about whats in the best interests of the people.

The UAW gained large wage increases for workers after striking earlier this year at Detroit auto plants, and the Volkswagen vote marked the third effort to organize there as part of a test case to gain a foothold in the Southeast United States.

A Mercedes-Benz union election is scheduled May 13-17 in Vance and Woodstock, Alabama.

Tennessee has been a right-to-work state for some 60 years, and voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2022 enabling workers to avoid paying union dues, a move that makes it even more difficult to dial back the right-to-work law.

Tennessee AFL-CIO President Billy Dycus said last weeks vote in an anti-worker state with a Republican supermajority in control speaks volumes about the power and solidarity of the national labor movement.

(The) historic victory in Chattanooga confirms what those of us in the labor movement know to be true: Its better in a union, Dycus said. In spite of relentless lies and scare tactics from Gov. Bill Lee and other pro-business politicians, workers refused to be swayed by yet another round of attempted election interference and sent a clear message that they want a voice on the job.

In addition to Volkswagen, the General Motors plant in Spring Hill is unionized, and the Ford Motor Co. electric truck plant under construction at BlueOval City in Haywood County is expected to have UAW representation. Nissns Smyrna plant remains union-free after several attempts by the UAW to organize.

Like SC Daily Gazette, the Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com. Follow Tennessee Lookout on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Republicans lick wounds after Chattanooga Volkswagen union vote appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Co-chairs of the omnibus veterans and military affairs finance bill conference committee, Sen. Nicole Mitchell and Rep. Jerry Newton, listen to a public testifier May 1, 2023. Photo by Catherine Davis/Minnesota House Public Information Services.

Republican senators filed an ethics complaint Wednesday against state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury, after she was charged Tuesday with burglarizing her stepmothers home.

According to a police report, she drove over three hours from Woodbury to Detroit Lakes in northwest Minnesota; police found her shortly before 5 a.m. in her stepmothers basement dressed in black clothing and a black hat, brandishing a flashlight encased in a black sock. She was seeking to retrieve some of her late fathers possessions because her stepmother had stopped communicating, according to the police report.

With Mitchell missing, the motion failed 33-33.

The Senate did not take up other bills as planned Wednesday.

Democrats, who control the Senate by a single vote, have to deal with a legislative to-do list while fending off public pressure to dump Mitchell, whos indicated she has no interest in resigning.

Republicans said Mitchell should face a Senate investigation and potential removal.

Dressed in all black  as opposed to his usual colorful pastels  Sen. Eric Lucero, R-Saint Michael, said an ethics investigation needs to begin immediately, and read from the criminal complaint on the Senate floor, including the part where Mitchell allegedly told police I know I did something bad.

Sen. Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato, said under our criminal system, Mitchell is presumed innocent and deserves due process. Republicans warned that if lawmakers dont begin an investigation immediately, the legislative session could end before its complete. The session is scheduled to end May 20.

We are very committed to due process in this body, said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks.

Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, said Minnesotans are taking the case very seriously and the Senate needs to be able to continue to govern.

Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park, chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, said senators should not act as judge and jury, and should not rush to judgment with an unprecedented attempt to bypass the usual ethics committee process.

Johnson said the Senate would be under a cloud of doubt for the rest of the session, noting many big bills pass by one vote.

Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, said it would be unprecedented for the Senate to deny Mitchell due process.

The trust of the public has been violated, Lucero argued, saying senators must adhere to the highest ethical standards.

The post Republicans press for ethics investigation into senator charged with burglary appeared first on Minnesota Reformer.
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During several years of efforts to refine policing tactics  ranging from mandating body-worn cameras to limiting or banning excessive use of force  many states and law enforcement agencies nationwide imposed more restrictive car chase policies to protect civilians and officers.

Now, state legislators and some local and state agencies are turning back the dial, moving to relax the rules on high-speed vehicular pursuits largely because of concerns about crime, according to news reports and a review of testimony by Stateline.

A handful of jurisdictions have rolled back restrictions over the past year, including Florida, the District of Columbia, San Francisco and Washington state. On the other side, Michigan restricted chases, and Hawaii also is considering legislation that would set more restrictive statewide pursuit standards.

Policing experts suggest that state legislative changes nationwide have been influenced by various factors, such as political pressure or high-profile incidents. They expressed doubt that allowing more high-speed chases would significantly lower crime.

Most people comply with the police voluntarily anyway, and most people are probably not aware of their local agencies pursuit policies, Jacinta Gau, a criminal justice professor at the University of Central Florida and a police-community relations expert, told Stateline. I dont think it would have an appreciable impact on any sorts of crime.

Some policing experts and former law enforcement officers say its important to strike a balance between apprehending potentially violent suspects and protecting the public from traffic accidents.

On the other side, Michigan restricted chases, and Hawaii also is considering legislation that would set more restrictive statewide pursuit standards.

Its a very delicate balance, said Rodney Bryant, a former Atlanta police chief, in an interview. Bryant is now the president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. One of the things that chiefs or policymakers have to take into consideration as it relates to [pursuits] is what harm happens if the person is not caught right then.  And theres also the victims perspective.

In mid-March, aiming to limit chases, the Michigan State Police began restricting pursuits only to situations in which troopers have probable cause to believe the driver or occupant of a fleeing vehicle has committed a violent or life-threatening felony.

In contrast, the Florida Highway Patrol recently loosened its pursuit policy. Previously, chases were restricted to felony offenses, reckless driving or DUIs. The new policy grants officers more discretion to initiate chases, removes guidelines about following posted speed limits, authorizes troopers on motorcycles to participate in pursuits, and allows troopers to drive on the wrong side of the road or in the wrong direction.

The Florida Highway Patrol declined Statelines interview request, but the agency said in a statement that its troopers are some of the most highly trained and experienced law enforcement officers in the nation when it comes to pursuit and vehicle operations.

While many states shy away from holding dangerous felons accountable for their decisions, the Florida Highway Patrol seeks to use every tool and tactic available to ensure dangerous felons end up in jail and off our streets, the agency said in its statement.

In the District of Columbia and San Francisco, police department chase policies were changed through a major crime bill and a ballot measure, respectively.

In the District, officers will be able to begin pursuits if vehicle occupants pose an imminent threat to others. And in San Francisco, officers can initiate pursuits for any felony or violent misdemeanors, including retail theft, vehicle theft and auto burglaries.

Violent crime, which refers to offenses that involve force or the threat of force, across the United States decreased in 2022  dropping to about the same level as before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the FBIs annual crime report. Property crimes rose during the same period.

Most types of crime appear to be reverting toward pre-pandemic levels, according to a report earlier this year from the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan think tank.

Still, some states and cities are experiencing upticks in specific offenses. In Washington state, for example, the violent crime rate in 2022 rose from 335.7 to 375.6 reported incidents per 100,000 people. Thats still below the national rate of 380.7 reported incidents per 100,000 people, according to the FBI.

The number of reported homicides in the state also reached a five-year high in 2022, and robberies surged by 18% compared with 2021, while law enforcement staffing continued to nosedive, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs annual crime report.

Rollbacks ignore a slew of data indicating how immensely dangerous vehicle pursuits are, both to officers and members of the public.

 Josh Parker, senior counsel with the New York University Policing Project

In early March, Washington state lawmakers approved a measure that came to the legislature in the form of a citizen initiative. Under the policy, law enforcement officers again may give chase when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated a law. The policy, which will go into effect in June, allows individual police agencies to impose stricter pursuit rules.

In June, I think were going to see an immediate effect on how crime is treated in Washington state, and were going to bend that curve downward, said Washington state Sen. Keith Wagoner, a Republican who voted for the measure, in an interview.

Washington states pursuit policy

Although Washington states revised pursuit policy offers greater flexibility in initiating chases, it still requires officers to determine that the potential danger to the public from letting the suspect go outweighs the risks of the chase itself.

The fleeing driver must be considered a threat to the safety of others, which is a lower standard than whats outlined under the states current policy. The policy currently requires that the suspect must pose a serious risk of harm to others.

Until the new law takes effect, police chases are only allowed for certain crimes, including violent offenses, sex offenses, driving under the influence and escaping from prison or jail. Pursuits for lower-level crimes, such as property theft, are banned.

Following calls for increased police accountability, Washington state enacted its current law in 2021, about a year after the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and amended it last year. Some police agencies and state legislators argued that the restrictions hampered officers ability to fight crime.

It wasnt great policy, kind of a knee-jerk reaction, Wagoner said. The bad guys were waiting at the starting line and there was a starting gun, and auto theft just skyrocketed and crimes associated with that took off.

In 2022, the number of reported motor vehicle thefts jumped by more than a third over the previous year, according to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs annual crime reports. The Evergreen State had one of the highest rates of motor vehicle thefts in 2022 compared with other states, according to FBI crime data, a consistent trend since at least 1997.

Still, crime data is notoriously difficult to track and understand, and experts say anecdotal evidence on social media can heavily influence public perceptions of safety and crime.

Washington state Rep. Roger Goodman, a Democrat who chairs the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee, voted for the measure, but is concerned that lowering the standard may lead to more injuries and fatalities from traffic accidents.

Im holding my breath and fervently hoping that police will use their discretion responsibly and will call the pursuit off if it truly is more dangerous than the risk of not apprehending the person, Goodman said in an interview.

Some opponents of the revised policy argue that more chases could also lead to increased property damage and prove very costly for local governments responsible for settling claims and covering legal expenses.

And some advocates say that there is not enough data to truly understand how effective the states initial pursuit policy was.

Its really premature for this initiative to have been proposed and adopted, said Andrew Villeneuve, the executive director of the Northwest Progressive Institute, a left-leaning think tank. This is really more about the politics for them than the policy.

The Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs endorsed the measure, saying local pursuit authority is especially important in areas with high rates of car thefts and organized retail thefts, Executive Director Teresa Taylor wrote in an email to Stateline. The top down, statewide, legislative restrictions were negatively impacting the relationship between law enforcement and the public, a relationship our members care deeply about.

Limited data and standards

Data on police chases, crashes and fatalities is limited and likely undercounted. While the federal government collects data on fatal crashes, that system relies on the accuracy of information coming from individual police departments. And some departments do not collect or release this data publicly.

Milwaukee, one of the few cities with comprehensive, public pursuit data, saw a dramatic increase in the number of chases resulting in accidents and injuries following a series of restriction rollbacks that began in 2015. In 2022, the number of pursuits reached 1,028, a staggering fifteenfold increase compared with 2010, when there were only 68 pursuits, according to the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commissions 2022 report. The apprehension rate, which measures the percentage of people caught or detained by police following a pursuit, declined from 91.2% in 2010 to 38% in 2022.

An investigation this year by the San Francisco Chronicle, which compiled data from the federal government, private research organizations and news reports, found that at least 3,336 people across the country were killed in pursuits from 2017 through 2022. Most of the pursuits in the Chronicles database began over traffic offenses, nonviolent crimes or no crime at all.

One out of 15 people killed in these cases were drivers pursued for suspected violent crimes.

More than half of the fatalities were either non-driving passengers in fleeing vehicles or bystanders. Officers accounted for less than 1% of those killed. The Chronicles analysis also found that Black people were killed at a rate four times higher than white people.

Rollbacks [of strict pursuit policies] ignore a slew of data indicating how immensely dangerous vehicle pursuits are, both to officers and members of the public, Josh Parker, senior counsel with the New York University Policing Project, said in an interview with Stateline.

There are no national standards or guidelines for when police chases are allowed, according to Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a national nonprofit think tank on policing standards.

But in September 2023, it released a report urging law enforcement agencies to refrain from initiating pursuits unless a violent crime has occurred and the suspect poses an imminent threat to others.

The report, which was written by a committee of experts and policing executives and funded by the federal Department of Justices Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, says chases should be rare because the dangers of pursuits to suspects, officers and bystanders often outweigh the urgency of apprehending a suspect.

The report also offers guidance for police departments in crafting pursuit policies that outline when to initiate chases and when to call them off.

Fatal crashes involving police pursuits peaked at 483 in 2022, marking the highest figure since at least 2020 when there were 464 fatal crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agencys data is the sole national source of pursuit-related data, albeit likely incomplete.

If you don't have a strong policy, then you're putting your officers at a higher risk  the public and the people, the suspects, Wexler said in an interview. Policy matters, training matters and supervision matters. Four hundred people dying a year is way too many. We can do better than that.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.

The post In reversal, more areas allow high-speed police chases appeared first on Michigan Advance.
For some, traffic on Forest Drive is a given headache they simply plan around.

I avoid it from about 8-10 and 3:30 to 5:30, said Rick Noble, who has lived in Forest Acres for more than 20 years and who took advantage of the relative calm of going to Lowes Foods at 11 a.m. on a Monday.

And the traffic has picked up again after a brief dip during the pandemic.

In 2023, an estimated 27,600 cars each day drove down the busy stretch between Beltline Boulevard and Trenholm Road  up from 26,300 in 2022 and 25,200 in 2021, according to South Carolina Department of Transportation data.

But with the redevelopment of the Richland Mall and a new Forest Acres park planned at one end of the stretch, and the Cardinal Crossing and Trenholm Plaza retail areas anchoring the other end, city leaders are hoping to make the corridor more pedestrian friendly and are looking at the two major intersections first.

Those two intersections, I feel, have maybe more potential than what they are today. In other words, having them be more pedestrian friendly, be more walkable, (have) better connectivity, said Forest Acres City Councilman Haskell Kibler, who asked the Central Midlands Council of Governments to consider paying for a study of the two Forest Drive intersections.

The Council of Governments has allotted $75,000 for a study looking at what updates can be made at the two busy intersections.

The money comes from federal and state dollars specifically allocated to regional transportation and governmental groups like the Central Midlands Council of Governments for transportation projects, explained executive director Britt Poole.

Its unclear how expensive any actual work on the two intersections would be, and Poole said the contract for the study likely wont be awarded for a couple of months.

The Council of Governments is also paying for traffic studies on Corley Mill Road in Lexington and at the intersection of state highways 6 and 60 in Irmo.

Forest Drives evolution

Forest Acres has been chipping away at improvements on Forest Drive since a roughly $125,000 traffic study in 2015 recommended a laundry list of fixes.

The main question is: Do residents want Forest Drive to move people through the City or do they want Forest Drive to be a part of the community? a line in that 2015 study asked.

In the years since those recommendations were made, some have been acted on  such as the installation of smart adaptive traffic signals by the state transportation department to improve the flow of vehicles. But other suggested fixes have never come to fruition, including a recommendation to bury power lines and another to install planted medians along Forest Drive to discourage dangerous left turns (though the state department did put up barriers to prevent left turns outside of Cardinal Crossing).

Kibler said the goal is still to make the corridor an integral part of the community, not just a traffic-heavy pass-through. The city recently opened the new Gills Creek Memorial Park, and Kibler and his wife walked to the grand opening on Forest Lake Place from their neighborhood.

Id love to see more of that happening, Kibler said. I think this study will help get us there, or at least understand what it looks like.

The $100 million Richland Mall redevelopment at the intersection of Forest Drive and Beltline Boulevard, which is slated to include new retail space and more than 500 new apartments, isnt expected to dramatically increase traffic because there will be less retail space than before, Forest Acres has said in official releases about the project. But with the planned city park, Forest Acres leaders hope there will be more foot traffic in the corridor.

The 2015 study came before the Cardinal Newman School on Forest Drive closed in 2016 and was subsequently redeveloped into Cardinal Crossing, now home to hundreds of residents and multiple businesses. Many residents worried that project would make traffic worse and increase accidents.

But those worries dont appear to have materialized: The corridor is already safer than it was before the Cardinal Crossing development near Trenholm Road, according to a previous analysis of state Public Safety Department data conducted by The State.

That analysis found that between 2013 and 2016, there were an average of six collisions and five injuries from accidents per year on Forest Drive between North Beltline Boulevard and North Trenholm Road, according to DPS data. The numbers fell to three collisions and two injuries a year between 2017 and 2022.

Another way Forest Acres is trying to make Forest Drive more accessible is by considering incentivizing businesses to connect their parking lots, so motorists can go from one business to another without getting back on Forest Drive, said city manager Shaun Greenwood. Thats a recommendation that dates back to the 2015 study outcomes.

Pedestrian safety and traffic calming go hand in hand, Greenwood said.

The city has also looked at replacing crosswalks with alternative surfaces, such as brick, to make them stand out more from the road.

Its just trying to figure out what will have the greatest impact, Greenwood said of the Council of Governments study.

The results of the upcoming study will be reviewed by the Midlands Council of Governments and Forest Acres. Poole added that the Council of Governments could but isnt guaranteed to pay for the actual work that the study ends up recommending.

Well cross that bridge when it comes, Kibler said in response to how the city would pay for the work recommended by the study.

The city does have access to money from a tax program approved by Richland County when the Cardinal Crossing development was proposed, which allows the city to collect a portion of property taxes generated by the development up to $4 million or for 10 years, whichever comes first.

Greenwood said the city collects roughly $375,000 per year from that program.
Riot police are arrested a number of students at campuses across the US on Wednesday as protests over the Israel-Hamas war continue to grow.

On Wednesday afternoon, police on horseback arrived at University of Texas at Austins campus and detained at least 20 people participating in the protest, which was organised by the universitys Palestinian Solidarity Committee, according to The Texas Tribune.

The students were demanding that the institution divest from manufacturers supplying Israel weapons in attacks against Palestine, a call thats been echoed on campuses nationwide. The students gathered at a gym with plans to march through the university and hold a sit-in. By lunchtime around 200 students had banded together.

Up to 100 state troopers were called in to stop the demonstrations. The UT Division of Student Affairs issued a statement saying that the protests are not supported by the university.

UT Austin does not tolerate disruptions of campus activities or operations like we have seen at other campuses, the statement read. This is an important time in our semester with students finishing classes and studying for finals and we will act first and foremost to allow those critical functions to proceed without interruption.

Students clash with USC Public Safety Officers during a Gaza solidarity occupation on campus to advocate for Palestine in Los Angeles, California, USA, 24 April 2024 (EPA)

Republican Governor Greg Abbott called on the protestors to be arrested in a statement posted to X. Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses, he wrote. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.

Similar scenes broke out at the University of Southern California as police arrested a Palestinian student organiser who was later released. More than 100 students at the college placed tents, banners and signs in the centre of the campus.

A peaceful protest on Wednesday was disrupted as students and officers with USCs Department of Public Safety. Officials clashed. The public safety department called in the Los Angeles Police Department for backup as tensions escalated. About 300 people were thought to be protesting on school grounds and police closed the campus to anyone without a university-issued ID.

USC public safety officers detain a pro-Palestine demonstrator during clashes after officers attempted to take down an encampment (Getty Images)

The campus movement ignited earlier this month after USC officials decided against letting Valedictorian Asna Tabassum, a Muslim student, give a commencement address citing safety concerns. USC officials did not elaborate on what the concerns were.

Over 100 faculty members wrote a letter to President Carol Folt, Provost Andrew Guzman and the Board of Trustees disagreeing with the decision, stating that it directly contradicts the universitys values.

On Wednesday, students showed their support for Ms Tabassum by chanting Let her speak at several points throughout the demonstrations.

DPS officers put their hands on a @USC student; take out batons pic.twitter.com/gPx8TwSqqj  angie (@angorellanah) April 24, 2024

Additional arrests were seen at universities around the country this week, including Ohio State and Columbia University. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called for Columbias President Dr Nemat Shafik to resign during a visit to Columbia where he was repeatedly booed by students.

Mr Johnson spoke to drowning chants of We cant hear you as he delivered remarks from the steps of Columbia on Wednesday afternoon, calling for student protesters to be arrested. Jewish students told the speaker that they felet unsafe on campus, Mr Johnson said.

Mike Johnson was repeatedly booed as he spoke at Columbia University (AFP via Getty Images)

New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul told reporters earlier in the day that she thought Mr Johnson should stay in Washington DC.

I think politicising this and bringing the entourage to put a spotlight on this is only adding to the division, Ms Hochul told Politico. A Speaker worth the title should really be trying to heal people and not divide them, so I dont think it adds to anything.

Columbia officials and the protesters had a Wednesday night deadline to reach an agreement that could restore order to the campus.

A protester is detained at Californias USC (EPA)

If an agreement is not reached, Dr Shafik said that officials would be forced to consider other measures to bring the campus back to order.

Other encampments have been established at Brown University, the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California State Polytechnic, Humboldt.

The conflict in the Middle East began on 7 October with the Hamas terror attacks in Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. In the ensuing Israeli attack on Gaza, more than 30,000 people are thought to have been killed.
Riverview woman gets 18 months in jail for stealing $400K from seniors

Riverview woman gets 18 months in jail for stealing $400K from seniors

RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA)  A Riverview woman was sentenced to 18 months in jail after she stole more than $400,000 from a senior citizen residential community, according to the Middle District of Florida.

According to court documents, 49-year-old Victoria Zerillo worked as a general manager of a nonprofit that provided HVAC, appliance and plumbing repair services to senior citizens.

Millions of salaried workers will be eligible for overtime pay under new Biden rule

From December 2015 to November 2022, officials said Zerillo and others conspired to commit wire fraud and embezzled $410,963.78 from the nonprofit by creating false and fraudulent bank statements and destroying records.

Zerillo spent the money on luxury vacations and other personal expenses.

At the sentencing, one of the victims said Zerillos embezzlement significantly harmed them financially.

If you or someone you know is a victim of financial fraud, call 833-FRAUD-11.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A crazed road rage clash between two men ended with them crashing into each other on the Upper East Side  and one of them then stabbing and wounding the other, police said Wednesday.

The drivers were first caught on surveillance camera Tuesday in the Manhattan-bound lanes of the Queensboro Bridge, where Antil Lakatos, behind the wheel of a black Mercedes-Benz, intentionally rammed his car into Shaker Ahmads yellow Dodge Ram, police said.

Lakatos, 28, and Ahmad, 38, made their way into Manhattan, repeatedly cutting each other off, according to cops.

When the men got to the intersection of E. 62nd St. and Lexington Ave. about 6:50 p.m., Lakatos again drove into Ahmads car, police said.

The impact sent Ahmads car careening toward a telephone pole, where it crashed.

Ahmad, armed with a blade, got out of his car and stabbed Lakatos in the face, torso and calf, police said.

Medics rushed Lakatos to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell, where he was treated and released.

Police charged Ahmad with attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon and Lakatos with attempted assault.

Their arraignments in Manhattan Criminal Court were pending Wednesday.
Roche eyes return to growth after Q1 hit by forex, loss of COVID sales

Logo of Swiss drugmaker Roche is seen in Basel

By Ludwig Burger

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Roche confirmed ambitions to return to sales growth this year on a continued boost from eye drug Vabysmo, after first-quarter sales slipped by 6% on the loss on COVID-19-related revenue.

Quarterly sales fell to 14.4 billion Swiss francs ($15.80 billion), the family-controlled drugmaker said in a statement on Wednesday, hurt also by a strong Swiss franc that weighed on overseas revenue but in line with analysts expectations.

Roche, which does not disclose quarterly earnings, said the rest of the year would no longer be burdened by year-earlier comparisons that were inflated by COVID-related sales.

It reiterated its 2024 guidance of an increase in sales and adjusted earnings per share in the "mid single-digit" percentage range at constant exchange rates.

Excluding currency effects, quarterly revenue from Vabysmo more than doubled to 847 million francs, surpassing an analyst consensus of about 750 million francs, after long-term trial data earlier this year bolstered ophthalmologists' confidence in the drug.

Vabysmo, which is used to treat a common form of blindness in the elderly and which won approval in 2022, challenges rival drug Eylea from Bayer and partner Regeneron.

At the helm for about a year, CEO Thomas Schinecker is pursuing a variety of therapeutic fields to offset falling oncology sales, setting a high deal pace. The group suffered major drug trial setbacks in Alzheimer's and cancer immunotherapy in 2022.

Roche in December joined a list of contestants seeking to challenge weight-loss drug powerhouses Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly with the takeover of obesity drug developer Carmot for $2.7 billion upfront.

($1 = 0.9115 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger; editing by Andrey Sychev and Jason Neely)
The Rock Island Rotary Club honored some of the communitys finest citizens at an awards luncheon.

Jim, Bill and John Hass from Valley Construction won the award for outstanding professional excellence. Daryl Empen was recognized for outstanding community service to the Rock Island community, serving on several nonprofit boards and as a scoutmaster for a troop in the QCA.

Both will be recognized at this years Labor Day parade. Rotary also recognized top scholars from Alleman and Rock Island High Schools and Augustana College.

Our Quad Cities Weather Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray delivered the keynote address at the luncheon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
LONDON  There was mayhem at rush hour in the British capital Wednesday when five elite military horses  one of them apparently covered in blood  broke loose and galloped riderless through miles of downtown London.

First responders raced to incidents 5 miles across the capital after the steeds from the Household Cavalry, the top regiment of the British Army, became spooked by construction work, the army said.

Four military riders were thrown from their mounts, which then charged past iconic landmarks and collided with vehicles, including a black London taxi and a double-decker tour bus, damaging its windshield.

A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention, the army said in a statement after the horses were finally contained.

The surreal image of saddled horses bolting through one of the largest cities in the world prompted Brits on social media to joke  perhaps nervously  that it may be a portent for some terrible looming event. The hashtag #Apocalypse briefly trended on X in the famously sardonic United Kingdom.

For hours it was unclear what led to the bizarre spectacle and whether it had been brought to an end, until details were slowly drip-fed by the army, police and ambulance services.

London horse incident (Jordan Pettitt / Press Association via AP)

At around 8 a.m. (3 a.m. ET), a group of six riders and seven horses from the Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry, were out on what's known as a "watering order." That is a training exercise designed to familiarize the animals with the varied and unpredictable sights and sounds of the bustling metropolis.

It's a necessary step for the animals, which as part of an elite mounted unit participate in the kings birthday and other ceremonial parades enjoyed by London's thronging tourists.

Their riders' chest armor, swords and distinctive helmets, adorned with plumes of horses' hair, will be familiar to anyone who watches Britains opulent royal events in person or on TV.

However, the training exercise ran into trouble as the unit passed Wilton Crescent, a lavish, sweeping terrace built in the 1800s in the affluent Belgravia area of London. Nearby construction workers were using a conveyor belt to shift concrete, some of which fell off and hit the floor, according to the army.

That caused the horses to spook, with five of the seven animals bolting, the army said. As they rampaged the streets, the four horses that were mounted threw off their riders, with the other unmanned horse joining the posse, the army said.

London Horse Incident (Jordan Pettitt / Press Association via AP)

Serviceman injured near Buckingham Palace (Ben Cawthra / Sipa USA via AP)

First responders rushed to the scene and treated two people for injuries, the London Ambulance Service said. More paramedics were called to nearby Buckingham Palace Road, where another of the riders was thrown from a horse, it said. Crews there treated someone in the street behind a blue tarpaulin.

The horses galloped for miles. And another ambulance crew treated a horse-related injury at a busy junction not far from St. Paul's Cathedral, it said. In total, three riders were injured and taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the army.

It wasn't clear exactly when the horses were brought under control, but by 10:30 a.m. the army said the animals had been contained and returned to camp.

Officials said some of the horses had been injured, although it was not clear what caused the large patch of blood that appeared to be splashed across the chest and front legs of one of them. The BBC sent a reporter to Limehouse, an area in the east of the city where at least some of the animals were retrieved, where they photographed a large patch of blood and horse manure on the sidewalk.

A cab driver, identified only as Robbie, told the U.K. public broadcaster he had heard galloping and looked behind and there were about three or four horses.

I looked in the rear mirror and saw them coming right up behind me, he added, saying his main concern were the two passengers in the back of his cab. Luckily they swerved towards the middle of the road and carried on, but they were going at some speed.

He described one of the horses as being covered in blood and said that it looked like it was injured quite badly.

London horse incident (Jordan Pettitt / Press Association via Getty Images)

The City of London Police said in a statement that it was "pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army."

While the pandemonium was underway, the clock in the Elizabeth Tower  more commonly known as Big Ben, the city's most recognizable landmark and usually an icon of stability  stopped without explanation at 9 a.m.

Users on social media reflected that the dramatic scenes resembled a portent for some apocalyptic event, though it was unclear whether the horses' being caught would ward off such a scenario.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BRUSSELS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) said on Tuesday that it is "extremely shocked and dissatisfied" after the EU conducted raids on a Chinese company's offices in Poland and the Netherlands.

The raids, which occurred without prior notice on Tuesday morning, aimed to investigate potential industry subsidies.

"They seized the company's information technology equipment and employees' mobile phones, scrutinized office documents, and demanded access to pertinent data," as revealed by the CCCEU.

The Brussels-based business group criticized the EU for the "unjustifiable, unannounced raids," pointing out the lack of prior notice and solid evidence to justify such actions. It stressed that "suspicions regarding subsidies can be followed by reasonable means of investigation."

The CCCEU said that the EU's actions send a detrimental message not only to Chinese enterprises but to all non-EU companies operating in the bloc.

The business group also condemned the EU's intention to weaponize the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) as a tool to suppress lawfully operating Chinese firms in Europe.

The group has called on the European authorities to stop abusing FSR tools, effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign enterprises, and ensure "a genuinely fair and non-discriminatory business environment for all the non-EU enterprises." 
Rushing to aid deputy, Ada sheriffs detective was in wreck. Idaho police just cited her

As Ada County Sheriffs Office Detective Dallas Denney was responding to the fatal shooting of Deputy Tobin Bolter on Saturday night, she was involved in a two-vehicle crash that injured her and the other driver.

Denney was released Sunday from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after suffering a broken pelvis, fractured spine and facial injuries, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.

On Wednesday, Idaho State Police cited Denney for failing to practice due regard per Idaho code relating to the operation of emergency vehicles, according to a news release from the Sheriffs Office.

Ada County Sheriffs Det. Dallas Denney suffered a broken pelvis, fractured spine and several facial injuries in Saturdays crash. Ada County Sheriff's Office/Provided

The code grants police and emergency vehicles permission to exceed speed limits, proceed past red lights and stop signs, and disregard other regulations when responding to an emergency or pursuing a suspect.

But these provisions shall not relieve the driver ... from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, the law reads.

The Sheriffs Office will conduct an independent investigation into Denneys conduct to determine whether she violated any policies and whether professional discipline is warranted, according to the release.

Aaron Snell, a spokesperson for Idaho State Police, and Lauren Montague, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office, did not immediately respond to requests for more details about the crash and what prompted the citation.

The crash occurred at around 9 p.m. near the intersection of Meridian Road and Amity Road in Meridian. Denney was responding after the fatal shooting of Bolter during a traffic stop on the Boise Bench. Bolter died of his injuries Sunday morning.

Denney transferred to the Ada County Sheriffs Office from the Meridian Police Department in January 2024 and works as a school resource officer at Lake Hazel Middle School in Boise. Bolter joined the Sheriffs Office this year as well, also from Meridian PD.

Dennis Mulqueen, the man who shot Bolter in the neck, fled the scene but was tracked down by law enforcement late Saturday night. He fired his weapon at them and was fatally shot by a Boise police officer, the Statesman has reported.

Ada County Sheriffs Deputy Tobin Bolter with his wife, Abbey Bolter. The 27-year-old deputy was shot and killed in April after performing a traffic stop on the Boise Bench. Ada County Sheriff's Office / Provided

Deputy injured in Boise-area crash while responding to shooting released from hospital

This kid is so happy to be here. Hundreds remember slain Ada County sheriffs deputy

Honor the memory and sacrifice of Idaho deputy killed in the line of duty | Opinion

Coroner IDs 65-year-old man suspected of shooting, killing Ada County sheriffs deputy
Russian forces attacked Sumy Oblast 242 times in 51 separate attacks throughout the day, injuring four people, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on April 23.

The communities of Mykolaiv, Khotin, Yunakivka, Novoslobidske, Hlukhiv, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, and Shalyhyne were targeted.

In the communities of Seredyna-Buda and Bilopillia, two people were injured as a result of separate Russian shelling occurrences. While in the village of Shalyhyne, two people received injuries as a result of a rocket attack.

No details were provided on the extent of the victims' injuries.

Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, rocket, and drone attacks. Explosives were also dropped by drones onto four of the communities.

The village of Shalyhyne, with a pre-war population of about 2,200 residents, experienced the bulk of the attacks reported with 38 explosions recorded in the area. The community is located just seven kilometers west of the Ukraine-Russia border.

Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent months. Authorities have been working to increase evacuation efforts in the region.

On April 22, two civilians were injured, and a house was damaged when Russia shelled the village of Striletska Pushkarka in Sumy Oblast.

Shelling is a daily occurrence for the communities near Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia, with residents in the region's vulnerable border settlements experience multiple attacks per day.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian forces use chemical weapons to storm Ocheretyne

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Russias Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that the Kremlin will intensify attacks on Western weapons stored in Ukraine.

We will increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centers and storage bases for Western weapons, Shoigu said Tuesday, according to Russian state-owned outlet RIA Novosti.

The warning from Shoigu came just as the House passed the $95 billion foreign aid package over the weekend and cleared the Senate on Tuesday night. It is now on its way to President Bidens desk to be signed.

The aid for embattled U.S. allies includes $26 billion for Israel and for humanitarian aid in Gaza, $8 billion for Taiwan and additional U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific and about $61 billion for Ukraine.

I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week, Biden said in a statement Tuesday night.

The funding will provide Kyiv with much-needed weapons and reinforcement to fight off Russias full-scale invasion that has lasted for more than two years.

Shoigus warning comes as the Biden administration is preparing to send a $1 billion weapons package to Ukraine.

The package  larger than the previous $300 million authorized in March  will include Stinger air defense munitions, vehicles, 155 mm artillery ammunition, Javelin antitank munitions, TOW and additional ammunition for artillery rocket systems,Reuters reported, citing two U.S. officials.

The need is urgent: for Ukraine, facing unrelenting bombardment from Russia; for Israel, which just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran; for refugees and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti; and for our partners seeking security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Biden said in a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russia loses 880 soldiers and 43 artillery systems in one day

Russia has lost 880 soldiers, 12 armoured combat vehicles and 43 artillery systems over the past day alone.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 24 April 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

461,940 (+880) military personnel;

7,242 (+1) tanks;

13,928 (+12) armoured combat vehicles;

11,808 (+43) artillery systems;

1,048 (+2) multiple-launch rocket systems;

771 (+2) air defence systems;

348 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

325 (+0) helicopters;

9,439 (+32) strategic and tactical UAVs;

2,117 (+0) cruise missiles;

26 (+0) ships and boats;

1 (+0) submarines;

15,892 (+47) vehicles and tankers;

1,944 (+8) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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(Bloomberg) -- Russia is using a variety of measures  from AI-generated deep fakes to bags of cash  to undermine democracy in Moldova in a preview of what the West should expect, the tiny European nations foreign minister said Friday.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Moldova is sort of a petri dish of Russian hybrid warfare and election meddling, Mihai Popsoi, Moldovas foreign minister, said in an interview in Washington. What we see in Moldova now will most likely be deployed in upcoming elections in our partner countries in the West.

Moldova, a landlocked nation of 2.6 million people wedged between Ukraine and Romania, has come under intense pressure since the start of Russias war on Ukraine more than two years ago, with its traditional dependence on Russian gas triggering an energy crisis.

Russias tactics have ranged from creating deep fake videos of Moldovan politicians through artificial intelligence to buying votes in villages across the country, Popsoi said. These efforts are likely to pick up pace ahead of the countrys presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union scheduled for October, he said.

Hybrid Tactics

Popsoi said Moldovan customs officials have intercepted luggage cases full of money at the border and have identified plastic bags of cash with individual town and village names written on them, which he said were designated to bribe voters.

They are trying to combine the old and the new to maximize their outcome, he said of Russias approach. Be it money funneling, AI or destabilizing the country through paid protesters, all these hybrid tactics are being tested in Moldova.

Cyber attacks have been another Russian tactic of choice, Popsoi said. In recent months, the country saw a severe attack that rendered the post office inoperable for a short period of time, he said, adding that Moldova was more than certain that Russia was responsible.

Russia has repeatedly denied meddling in the elections of other countries, including Moldovas.

Moldovan officials public attacks against Russia have become a daily routine, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing last week. The aggressive anti-Russia policy of Moldovas current leadership is well-paid for and is a condition for joining the European Union and interaction with NATO.

In the US, FBI Director Christopher Wray has warned that Russia, China and Iran are all doubling down and heavily investing in their cyber, espionage and foreign malign influence operations. And theyre not remotely constrained by the rule of law.

Military Threat

For Moldova, the Russian military also potentially poses a threat.

The front line is less than 200 miles away from the capital of Moldova, Popsoi said. Were in a constant state of anxiety, checking the news every morning, checking whether the Russians are advancing toward our border.

Moldovas breakaway region of Transnistria, which borders Ukraine, hosts Russian peacekeepers. In February, Transnistrias local authorities called on the Russian government for support in their standoff with the Moldovan government.

Read More: Moldovas Rebel Region Appeals to Putin as Its Leverage Slips

Moscows recent gains on the battlefield in Ukraine could make it possible for Russia to open a land bridge to the territory through the south of Ukraine. If that happens, Popsoi said, Russia would probably attempt to occupy the rest of Moldova.

Ukraines victory is paramount for us, he said. Its existential for us.

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Russia on Wednesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have called on all states to prevent the placement of nuclear weapons in space and not take steps to develop weapons of mass destruction that could be deployed above Earth.

Thirteen member nations voted in approval of the U.N. Security Council resolution, including the U.S. and Japan, which spearheaded the measure. While Russia was the lone no vote, Moscow is a permanent member and can veto resolutions. China abstained from the vote.

After the vote, the U.S. mission to the U.N. blasted Russia for defeating the resolution and criticized China for not voting against it.

U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood, the alternate representative for special political affairs at the U.N., said the resolution would have reaffirmed the shared goal of preventing an arms race in outer space and urged exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

We are incredibly disappointed by the result of todays vote. But we remain undeterred, he said in a press conference after the vote. We will continue to show up to the negotiating table in good faith, and encourage bilateral arms control discussions with Russia and China, right now, without preconditions.

Russias veto comes after the U.S. earlier this year warned that Moscow was preparing to potentially deploy a nuclear weapon in space that could threaten other satellites. The U.S. previously informed allies that Russia could launch the nuclear weapon into space or a test dummy warhead this year.

If Russia were to deploy a nuclear weapon in space, it would be a violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty that prevents weapons of mass destruction in space. The U.S., Russia and China are signatories of that treaty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied any plans to put nuclear weapons in space, but the fears come as he has repeatedly threatened the U.S. and Western allies with nuclear weapons amid the war in Ukraine.

Russias ambassador to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, said after the vote Wednesday that Moscow has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space and accused the U.S. instead of blocking other proposals on preventing all weapons in space.

Washington is clumsily trying to [shake] criticism, shifting blame, he said, adding that Russia would soon be introducing an alternative resolution.

Russia, together with China, proposed an amendment to the resolution that would have called for states to prevent the placement of any weapons in space, but the measure was defeated, failing to secure the support of nine members of the council.

Chinese Ambassador to the U.N. Zhang Jun said there should be attempts to prevent an arms race in space, appearing to also shift the blame toward the U.S. as he accused one member of the council of building military alliances in space.

The draft resolution that was just voted on is incomplete and unbalanced, he said. If the U.S. and Japan were truly committed to advance the councils constructive deliberations on outer space security, then they should focus squarely on the risks of outer space being weaponized and the potential arms race.

The resolution specifically would have reaffirmed the Outer Space Treaty obligations and called on all member nations not to develop nuclear weapons that could be used in space.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the vote that Russia appeared to be hiding something by vetoing the resolution.

Why, if you are following the rules, would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? she said. Todays vote marks a real missed opportunity to rebuild much-needed trust in existing arms control obligations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BERLIN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Germany announced on Wednesday that it will soon resume cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

"In resuming our acute cooperation, we support UNRWA's vital and irreplaceable role in meeting the basic needs of the people in Gaza," reads a joint statement by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The decision follows the publication of an independent investigation concerning UNRWA, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

In January, the organization was rocked by Israel's accusations that UNRWA employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel, carried out by Hamas. This led to some countries including Germany halting their contributions.

On Tuesday, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah to launch an initiative for employment and stability. 
Russian attacks over past day kill 1, injure at least 23

Russian attacks over the past day killed one person and injured at least 23, regional authorities said on April 24.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces hit more than a dozen homes and apartment buildings, killing one and injuring five others, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

Russian missile strikes in Kharkiv Oblast injured at least six people, an increase of four from the previous figure, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Earlier in the day, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said two had been injured.

A Russian missile attack on Odesa Oblast injured a 43-year-old woman, said Governor Oleh Kiper. She was taken to the hospital in moderate condition.

Russian attacks over the past day in Donetsk Oblast injured seven people, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Earlier in the day, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces had attacked almost 250 times over the past day, injuring at least four people.

Russian forces also struck Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, causing damage but inflicting no casualties.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian forces use chemical weapons to storm Ocheretyne

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WSJ correspondent Evan Gershkovich lost his latest appeal Tuesday over his detainment at Moscow's Lefortovo prison, as he awaits trial in an espionage case that he, The Wall Street Journal and the United States claim is false. The First Appeals Court of General Jurisdiction in Moscow upheld a lower court's decision to keep the U.S. reporter in custody until June 30. File photo by Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE

April 23 (UPI) -- A Russian court has rejected Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's latest appeal over his detainment at a Moscow prison, as he awaits trial in an espionage case that he and the United States claim is false.

Gershkovich, who smiled and gave a thumbs-up Tuesday from inside a glass defendant's box in the courtroom, has been detained at Moscow's Lefortovo Prison for more than a year after he was arrested during a reporting trip, despite being accredited by Russia's Foreign Ministry.

Gershkovich, 32, is the first American reporter to be held in Russia on accusations of espionage since the Cold War. His detention was extended last month, with little explanation, until at least June 30.

On Tuesday, the First Appeals Court of General Jurisdiction in Moscow upheld a lower court's decision to keep Gershkovich in custody.

"Evan Gershkovich, do you understand the decision made by the court and the procedure and deadline for appealing it?" the judge asked.

"All clear," Gershkovich replied.

"It continues to be outrageous that Evan has been wrongfully detained by the Russian government for more than a year," The Wall Street Journal said in a statement after Tuesday's ruling. "Evan's freedom is long overdue, and we urge the administration to do everything in their power to secure his release."

A Moscow court rejected an appeal by WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich against his detention, meaning the U.S. citizen-who has been awaiting trial for over a year-will remain behind bars until at least June 30 https://t.co/L5fHbJdZP8 https://t.co/L5fHbJdZP8 The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 23, 2024

Last month on the first anniversary of Gershkovich's arrest, President Joe Biden said the government was "working every day" to secure his freedom.

"Journalism is not a crime and Evan went to Russia to do his job as a reporter -- risking his safety to shine the light of truth on Russia's brutal aggression against Ukraine," Biden said in a White House statement on March 29.

Russia has accused Gershkovich of spying for the U.S. government while he was on assignment in Yekaterinburg, which is about 1,000 miles east of Moscow. The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. State Department have denied the charges.
Timur Ivanov, Deputy Head of the Russian Defence Ministry, is in a Russian detention centre and is being persecuted by the Putin regime as a result of active measures taken by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU).

Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources at Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Details: In March 2024, DIU conducted a special operation that resulted in access to a significant amount of confidential information and official documents of Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov.

The Ukrainska Pravda source stressed that despite Russias reaction and attempts to secure the relevant servers, the cyberattack was successful and achieved its goal.

Shortly after Ukraines intelligence gained access to the official documents of Shoigu's deputy, Russian investigative authorities opened an investigation against him on corruption charges. As a result, Ivanov was sent to a pre-trial detention centre on suspicion of taking a bribe.

The Ukrainska Pravda source noted that the Kremlin was well aware of Timur Ivanov's bribery, but this proved to be not enough to bring him to justice. At the same time, it was the media coverage of the information leak and its reaching Ukraines intelligence (and not the bribery of Shoigu's deputy) that was the real reason for his prosecution and arrest.

Quote: "Everyone knew that he was a key corrupt official in the Russian Ministry of Defence, and journalistic investigations with a large number of irrefutable confirmations, in particular in the context of Russian crimes in Mariupol, made this information public. However, the sanctions against Ivanov were imposed only after this large leak of sensitive data occurred."

Background:

On the evening of 23 April, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained on suspicion of taking a bribe. Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had been informed of Ivanov's detention, and that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had been warned in advance.

Vazhnye Istorii, a Russian media outlet, stated that the real reason for Ivanovs arrest was high treason.

In April 2023, Ukrainska Pravda spotted Ivanov's wife Svetlana at the Courchevel ski resort in the French Alps (the relevant video investigation is available with English subtitles).

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Despite never having served in the Russian army, Mr Ivanov appeared at the court in Moscow in full military uniform - AFP

A top Russian defence official known for his lavish holidays to St Tropez appeared in court on Wednesday after being arrested on corruption charges.

Timur Ivanov, 49, is the deputy and long-time ally of Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, and oversaw major military construction projects for over a decade, including lucrative contacts to rebuild Mariupol, the Ukrainian city destroyed by the Russian army.

Despite never having served in the Russian army, a bespectacled Mr Ivanov appeared at the court in Moscow in full military uniform.

In an unusual move, the courts press office did not alert journalists to the hearing and did not allow anyone into the room, except for its own photographer.

Mr Ivanov was arrested for two months pending an investigation into alleged bribery from contractors bidding for work for the defence ministry, investigators said.

But the corruption allegations are actually a smoke-screen for treason charges against the official, two well-placed sources told Russias well-respected iStories publication on Wednesday.

Vladimir Putin personally ordered Mr Ivanovs arrest after the security services showed the Russian president proof the minister was spying against Russia, one of the sources said.

The source added that no one would have arrested the official for mere bribery, which is endemic in Russias defence establishment.

Open secret

The opulent, jet-setting lifestyle enjoyed by Mr Ivanov and his then wife, who are old friends of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has been an open secret in Russia for years.

But Mr Peskov, who has been pictured on holiday with the Ivanovs, on Wednesday dismissed the reports of treason charges against his friend as speculation.

The Kremlin spokesman said he had no further information other than the investigators statement accusing the official of bribery.

Allies of slain Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2022 published a wide-ranging investigation, exposing the Ivanovs lavish lifestyle.

The couple own an array of exclusive properties, including a 19th century mansion in central Moscow and a 9,500-ft country house and estate located between Moscow and St Petersburg.

The couple officially declared just over 1 million income in 2018, the last publicly available income declaration, with the deputy ministers government salary amounting to just ten per cent of this.

Leaked emails from Mr Ivanovs ex-wife showed that the couple spent 850,000 renting a villa in Frances St Tropez every summer between 2010 and 2018. They also reportedly forked out 250,000 euros on yacht rentals, and spent another 200,000 on renting and servicing a Rolls Royce.

Mr Ivanov refused to respond to the allegations.

His ex-wife Svetlana Zakharova, who owns a flat in Paris, reportedly divorced him shortly after the invasion of Ukraine.

Russian investigative journalists believe that the divorce was filed purely for legal reasons, shielding Mrs Zakharova from sanctions.

Mr Ivanov was sanctioned by the US and the EU in October 2022.

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A Russian deputy defense minister has been charged with taking a bribe, in the countrys highest-profile corruption scandal since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.

Timur Ivanov is suspected of accepting a bribe of 1 million rubles (at least $10,800), Russian state media TASS reported.

He appeared in a Moscow court Wednesday, dressed in full military garb as he stood in a glass cage, and was accused of receiving a bribe as part of an organized group while performing contracted work for the Defense Ministry. If convicted, he faces 15 years in prison.

Ivanov will be held in custody in a pre-trial detention center until at least June 23, Moscows court wrote on Telegram. His lawyer, Denis Baluyev, said he is appealing the case and requested that Ivanov be put under house arrest instead, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti.

He was later dismissed from his position in the defense ministry, state media TASS reported, citing a source in the ministry.

The scandal widened in the days after Ivanovs arrest on Tuesday, with two other men detained.

Alexander Fomin, the owner of Russian construction company Olimpsitistroy, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of providing the bribe to Ivanov, Moscow City Courts press service said. The citys Basmanny Court handed him a detention period of one month and 30 days.

Businessmen Sergey Borodin was also arrested, on suspicion of complicity in accepting the bribe, on Wednesday. He was sentenced to a two-month detention period, the court service said.

Ivanov, who has been in his post since 2016, is seen as a senior architect of Russias war in Ukraine and a close ally of Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. Ivanov is still listed on the Defense Ministry website as a serving minister, and there are no reports of him being dismissed.

The unexpected arrest of an ally of Shoigu may again put pressure on the defense minister, who has been criticized for his handling of the invasion of Ukraine  most forcefully by the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the months before his death last year. Despite setbacks, Shoigu has been kept in his post by Putin.

Russian investigative journalist Andrey Soldatov told CNN this aligns with a tactic used by the FSB, Russias security service, where it arrests a high-ranking official in order to crack down on rule-breaking in the ministry, agency or organization as a whole.

Now that deputy will be extensively interrogated, not only about himself, and is supposed to provide incriminating evidence on big shots of the organization, Soldatov said.

Ivanovs responsibilities have included the reconstruction of Mairupol, a city in southern Ukraine reduced to ruin by Russian forces in a months-long siege at the outset of the war. The minister has frequently been seen cutting ribbons on various construction projects in the city  as Russia attempts to put a Potemkin facade on the city it destroyed.

Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is seen with his ex-wife Svetlana Maniovich, in an image from Maniovich's Instagram. - Zakharova Sveta/Instagram

His lavish lifestyle has earned him a reputation inside Russia and, with it, the scrutiny of the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). Maria Pevchikh, chair of the foundation, said Ivanov had one of the most lucrative jobs that one can have in Russias Defense Ministry, and claimed the invasion of Ukraine has made him far richer.

Last year, Pevchikh told CNN that Ivanovs wealth  with assets including a historic house in one of Moscows most expensive districts  is funded by corruption. Russias Defense Ministry did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

Ivanov was sanctioned by the European Union and United States after Russia invaded Ukraine.

But his ex-wife, Svetlana Maniovich, has continued to live a life of European opulence: yachting on the Mediterranean, skiing in the Alps and living in Paris.

In an investigation last year, the ACF assembled a picture of a woman who has seemingly escaped all scrutiny for Ivanovs role in Ukraine, and the extreme profits he is alleged to have reaped. Drawing on a trove of 8,000 leaked emails, the investigation claimed that Maniovich spent more than $100,000 in a top Paris jewlry store on the famed Place Vendrome in March 2022, while the siege of Mariupol was tightening.

CNNs Clarissa Ward, Mick Krever, Clare Sebastian and Niamh Kennedy contributed reporting.

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced Russia's intention to intensify its strike campaign to disrupt the logistics of the Ukrainian military. ISW believes that Russian forces are likely to step up their drone and missile strikes in the coming weeks to maximise damage to Ukraine's infrastructure and defence industrial base before US aid arrives.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Military analysts suggest that the focus of Shoigu's talk on strikes on Ukrainian logistics suggests that Russian forces may be shifting their target set to hit Ukrainian transport infrastructure, logistics and military storage facilities.

Russian troops are likely to intensify their current offensive operations in the coming weeks to exploit the limitations of the Ukrainian forces in terms of materiel ahead of the arrival of US security assistance.

Shoigu's focus on Russian offensive operations near Chasiv Yar, west of Avdiivka, and west and southwest of Donetsk City further indicates that Russian forces are likely to intensify their offensive in these areas.

Russian forces conducted heavy attacks on Ukrainian transport infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on 19 April and may intend to repeat and expand these attacks in the coming weeks to cut off Ukrainian lines of communication.

Russian military commanders may hope that coordinated disruption efforts will limit Ukraine's ability to sufficiently distribute manpower and supplies to critical areas of the front and delay the improved capabilities that the arrival of US security assistance will provide to Ukrainian forces.

To quote ISW's Key Takeaways on 23 April:

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu highlighted ongoing Russian offensive operations near Chasiv Yar, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City and announced Russias intent to intensify its strike campaign to disrupt Ukrainian logistics.

Shoigu also discussed ongoing Russian military reforms during his 23 April MoD collegium address, cloaking ongoing expansion efforts in an information operation meant to falsely frame all Russian military activity as inherently defensive and responsive to supposed NATO aggression.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian travelled to St. Petersburg on 23 April to attend the 12th Russian International Security Summit.

The Chechen Republic appears to be trying to align itself more closely with Iran over the backdrop of intensifying bilateral security cooperation between Russia and Iran.

United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the UKs largest-ever package of military assistance to Ukraine valued at 500 million pounds (around US$662 million) on 23 April.

Moldovan authorities confiscated over one million dollars from Kremlin-linked Moldovan opposition politicians at the Chisinau airport on the night of 22 to 23 April, and the opposition politicians likely intended to use it to bribe protestors and voters.

Russian federal censor Roskomnadzor is blocking 150 virtual private network (VPN) services in Russia, another step in the Kremlins efforts to further censor and control the Russian information space.

Ukrainian drone strikes and recent flooding in Russia have reportedly brought weekly Russian oil refining to an 11-month low, although the decrease in refining output has so far been marginal.

Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar (west of Bakhmut) and Russian forces recently advanced near Donetsk City.

Prominent Russian milbloggers continue to complain about the ineffectiveness of Russian drones on the battlefield.

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A Russian man has been found guilty of sabotage and treason and jailed for 10 years after allegedly setting fire to a railway relay cabinet in Transbaikal, in far eastern Russia, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on April 23.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what were previously treated as acts of hooliganism have often been tried as acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting the Kremlin's war effort, and those found guilty now face far harsher punishments.

Some have been accused of working under Ukraine's orders.

The court said the man set fire to the relay cabinet "with the aim of undermining the economic security and defense capability of Russia, thereby providing other assistance to a foreign state or its representatives."

According to the Telegram channel Babr Mash, the man admitted his guilt and said that he carried out the crime on "ideological grounds" in order to assist a "foreign state." The Kyiv Independent could not verify the veracity of the charges, as Russia often uses trumped-up accusations and torture to repress real or imagined opposition.

Acts of sabotage against Russia's railways have been relatively frequent.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) announced in November 2023 that it carried out a joint operation with local partisans to disrupt trains around Moscow by setting fire to two relay boxes.

"Fire, chaos, and paralysis on the Russian railway is another consequence of the Russian criminal war against Ukraine," the agency said.

In January, Ukraine's military intelligence reported that railway tracks in Russia's Saratov, Yaroslavl, and Nizhny Novgorod oblasts were targeted in sabotage attacks.

"Unknown opponents of (Vladimir) Putin's regime once again burned several relay cabinets on the railway," military intelligence said.

The agency did not say whether it was involved in the sabotage attacks but said the actions would disrupt Russian military logistics.

Read also: How Ukraine hit a Russian drone factory 1,300 kilometers away

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Musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra play musical pieces at the Philadelphia City Hall in Philadelphia, the United States, April 23, 2024. Tianjin in north China and Philadelphia on the U.S. East Coast celebrated their 45-year sister city ties Tuesday, vowing to deepen cooperation and exchange in various fields. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

PHILADELPHIA, the United States, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Tianjin in north China and Philadelphia on the U.S. East Coast celebrated their 45-year sister city ties Tuesday, vowing to deepen cooperation and exchange in various fields.

During a visit here by a Tianjin delegation, officials from both sides exchanged greetings and congratulations.

The City Council of Philadelphia has recently passed a resolution, honoring the Tianjin delegation and celebrating the 45th anniversary of the sister city ties together.

The resolution was presented and read out at a gathering by delegates from the city council.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker proclaimed Tuesday as Tianjin Sister City Day in Philadelphia, urging citizens to be aware of the enduring and valuable relationship.

Parker said she looked forward to forging pathways for the citizens of both sides to build bridges across oceans, fostering citizen diplomacy and connecting cultures to create peace and prosperity for all.

Tianjin and Philadelphia formed sister city ties shortly after China and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1979, said Liu Guiping, executive vice mayor of Tianjin.

Liu expressed the hope that both sides could reinforce government-to-government interactions, promote business exchanges and cooperation on ports as well as prompt people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping said that the sister city ties between Tianjin and Philadelphia serve as a benchmark for 284 pairs of sister provinces/states and sister cities between the two countries.

Huang advocated for building more bridges for subnational and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries to promote friendship and bilateral relations.

Officials from both sides delivered presentations on business and cooperation opportunities.

Artists from Tianjin performed Chinese Opera, and musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra played musical pieces at a function in the Philadelphia City Hall.

Nearly 100 people from governments, business, culture, education circles and the American Chinese community attended the event. 

Liu Guiping (1st R), executive vice mayor of Tianjin, presents gifts to students of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, the United States, April 23, 2024. Tianjin in north China and Philadelphia on the U.S. East Coast celebrated their 45-year sister city ties Tuesday, vowing to deepen cooperation and exchange in various fields. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

An artist from Tianjin performs Chinese opera at the Philadelphia City Hall in Philadelphia, the United States, April 23, 2024. Tianjin in north China and Philadelphia on the U.S. East Coast celebrated their 45-year sister city ties Tuesday, vowing to deepen cooperation and exchange in various fields. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)
Ukrainian drones reportedly hit an oil refinery in Voronezh Oblast and an "industrial zone" in Lipetsk Oblast overnight on April 24, according to Russian Telegram news channels.

Russian media reported that a fire broke out at an oil refinery in Voronezh Oblast following a drone attack. Aleksandr Gusev, the regional governor, claimed that Russian air defense shot down four Ukrainian drones over the region.

A drone attack was also reported in Russia's Lipetsk Oblast.

Governor Igor Artamanov claimed that a drone crashed "in the industrial zone of Lipetsk Oblast."

Earlier in the night, Russian officials reported that Ukrainian drones caused fires at fuel and energy infrastructure facilities in Smolensk Oblast.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry. A large-scale attack against Russian energy infrastructure on April 20 reportedly caused fires at facilities in Bryansk, Kaluga, and Smolensk oblasts.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian forces use chemical weapons to storm Ocheretyne

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Vazhnye Istorii, a Russian media outlet, has stated that the real reason for the arrest of Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was high treason.

Source: Russian investigative journalism project Vazhnye Istorii, with reference to its own sources close to the FSB; RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet

Details: Two Vazhnye Istorii sources, unrelated to each other, who are at the same time close to the FSB reportedly told the publication that Ivanov was suspected of treason.

One source noted that the Kremlin did not want to talk about the treason of Shoigus deputy publicly yet.

"A bribe is a reason for the public. They don't want to talk about treason publicly yet, as it's a big scandal: he is a deputy defence minister, after all."

Another source said that it was Putin who ordered the arrest of Ivanov.

"No one would have detained him for corruption. Everyone there [in the Kremlin] has known about this for a long time. Putin only gave the order after he was convinced that it was a case of high treason."

Vazhnye Istorii said that the Department of Military Counterintelligence is currently working on the case against Ivanov.

"They are now deciding what to do with him: either to imprison him for bribery and finish him off in prison, or to reclassify the charge as treason."

At the same time, Ivanovs lawyer told RIA Novosti that his client was only accused of taking a bribe, and that the rumours about treason were false.

Background:

On the evening of 23 April, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained on suspicion of taking a bribe. Putins press secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had been informed of Ivanov's detention, and that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had been warned in advance.

In April 2023, Ukrainska Pravda spotted Ivanov's wife Svetlana at the Courchevel ski resort in the French Alps (video investigation is available with English subtitles).

For reference: Timur Ivanov has been Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation since 2016. Previously, he headed the Oboronstroi Joint Stock Company, which is subordinate to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

After the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ivanov was responsible for the project to restore the occupied city of Mariupol, Russian media wrote.

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Russian Orthodox priest Dmitriy Safranov was suspended for three years following his overseeing the funeral of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, according to a document posted on the website of the Moscow City Diocese on April 23.

The document did not give an official reason for his suspension, but it is believed to be connected to Navalny's funeral.

Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's main political opponent, died on Feb. 16 in a penal colony in the town of Kharp, Yamal Nenets Autonomous District. He had been convicted in several fabricated criminal cases as part of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent.

Leaders around the world blamed Putin for Navalny's death. It remains unclear whether the harsh prison conditions caused his death or if he was intentionally murdered.

Safranov took part in Navalny's funeral and a religious ceremony on the 40th day following his death, in accordance with Orthodox traditions. He also was one of the priests to sign a petition demanding the release of Navalny's body to his family, which prison officials refused to do for almost nine days.

At the time of the funeral, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he had nothing to say to Navalny's relatives and warned that anybody who took part in "unauthorized rallies" during the funeral "will be held accountable."

Read also: Faith under fire: Russias war on religion in Ukraines occupied territories

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Ukrainian forces have once again suffered setbacks in the Donetsk region - AP/Efrem Lukatsky

Russia has gained five miles of territory in a sudden advance exploiting a blunder in the rotation of Ukrainian forces that left part of the front line unguarded.

Moscow was able to capture the village of Ocheretyne, northwest of Avdiivka, following the withdrawal of Kyivs battle-hardened 47th Brigade.

The brigade  which was formed to spearhead Ukraines failed summer counter-offensive last year and is equipped with American-made armoured vehicles and trained by Nato  has been fighting without a break for almost 12 months.

After the culmination of the southern offensive, it was redeployed to reinforce Avdiivka, the Donetsk region city that fell under Moscows control in February.

Avdiivka fell under Russian control in February - Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph

Over the weekend, Ukraines 115th Brigade was ordered to replace the 47th where they were defending the front line just east of Ocheretyne.

But as the 47th were pulling back, Russian forces launched an attack that put them within striking distance of the newly fortified defensive lines between the frontline and a 20-mile-wide area of undefended land leading to the city of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub for Kyivs defence of the Donbas.

Mykola Melnyk, a company commander in the 47th who lost a leg during the summer offensive, wrote on social media: The drastic advancement of the Russians became possible because certain units just f---ed off positions.

Hope they get trained and retrained into stormtroopers.

The gap created by the absent 115th allowed Russias 30th Motor Rifle Brigade to push along a railway line running north west out of Avdiivka into Ocheretyne.

The latest update by the authoritative Ukrainian Deep State website, which maps changes on the battlefield, on Wednesday showed the majority of the village under the control of Russian forces.

Moscows defence ministry claimed Ukrainian troops had fled Ocheretyne in small groups under heavy Russian fire.

Footage shared online by pro-Kremlin military bloggers appeared to show the Russian flag flying above the battle-scarred village.

Lt Melnyk wrote that the only reason Russian forces werent able to advance deeper into Ukrainian-held territory was because the 47th rejoined the fight.

The holes that turned out to be clogged by those who were planning to take recovery, he said on social media. The 47th brigade is back in business. Another month and there will be a year without rotation.

Moscow has brought in reinforcements from other parts of the front line to support its troops advancing through Ocheretyne.

Russian forces are within less than 20 miles of the garrison town of Pokrovsk. The city, which is used to rotate soldiers and equipment because of its transport links to Kyiv, has been within Russian long-range fire since the fall of Avdiivka.

Ukrainian forces were forced out of Avdiivka in February and have since also been pushed back from Ocheretyne - AFP/Roman Pilipey

Ukrainian forces lost a Himars rocket launcher and a Patriot air-defence launcher being moved through the city  the first recorded losses of the prized American-made systems.

Kyivs troops fighting in Donetsk are under mounting pressure ahead of the expected arrival of fresh US military aid, with Joe Biden set to sign off on a $60 billion package.

Further north of Ocheretyne, Russia has amassed some 25,000 troops in a bid to capture the town of Chasiv Yar.

The strategic settlement is on high ground that would give Russia a foothold to launch offensives against the garrison cities of Kostyantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Slovyansk.

It would also give Moscows forces defensible positions to unleash long-range attacks on road and rail links connecting Ukraines forces in Donetsk to Kyiv.

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Russian forces launched almost 60 attacks on Ukrainian positions across the entire front line in the past 24 hours, with 18 of them on the Lyman front. Ukrainian forces targeted 11 groups of Russian personnel.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 24 April

Quote: "In total, the enemy launched 13 missile strikes and 51 airstrikes, as well as 16 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on our forces' positions and settlements...

During the day, the Defence Forces' aviation struck 11 clusters of enemy personnel.

Ukraine's air defence forces also destroyed one Kh-59 guided aircraft missile and three enemy surveillance UAVs.

Units of the Rocket Forces targeted one cluster of enemy personnel."

Details: On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians are maintaining their military presence in the border areas, conducting sabotage and reconnaissance activities, and carrying out attacks from the territory of the Russian Federation. Over 20 settlements suffered from artillery and mortar strikes in this area.

On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian soldiers repelled one attack in the area of the village of Berestove (Kharkiv Oblast). About 10 settlements were targeted by artillery and mortars.

On the Lyman front, Ukraines Defence Forces repelled 18 attacks in the areas of Serebrianka forest and Nevske (Luhansk Oblast), as well as Terny and Torske (Donetsk Oblast). The Russians carried out an airstrike in the area of Serebrianka forest (Luhansk Oblast). Over 10 settlements were targeted by artillery and mortar fire.

On the Bakhmut front, 13 attacks were repelled in the areas of the settlements of Bilohorivka, (Luhansk Oblast), and Vyimka, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka (Donetsk Oblast). The Russians also launched airstrikes in the areas of the settlements of Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora and Andriivk (Donetsk Oblast). Over 10 settlements suffered attacks from artillery and mortars.

On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 15 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Ocheretyne, Novokalynove, Berdychi and Netailove (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians, with the support of aviation, tried to oust Ukrainian units from established positions.

The Russians also launched airstrikes in the areas of the settlements of Kalynove, Vovche, Oleksandropil and Arkhanhelske (Donetsk Oblast). More than 10 settlements were struck by Russian mortar and artillery fire.

On the Novopavlivka front, Ukraines Armed Forces continue to restrain the Russians in the areas of the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Novomykhailivka and Urozhaine (Donetsk Oblast), where the Russians tried 16 times to break through Ukrainian defence.

The Russians also launched an airstrike in the vicinity of Kostiantynivka (Donetsk Oblast). Over 10 settlements were attacked by Russian mortars and artillery.

On the Orikhiv front, the Russians, with the support of aviation, attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast. Airstrikes were also inflicted on Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia Oblast). More than 20 settlements suffered artillery and mortar attacks.

On the Kherson front, the Russians did not abandon their attempts to drive out Ukrainian soldiers from the bridgeheads on the left bank of the Dnipro River. During the day, they launched one unsuccessful attack on Ukrainian soldiers' positions in Krynky (Kherson Oblast). They also carried out airstrikes in the vicinity of Beryslav, Olhivka and Krynky. Artillery and mortar attacks affected around 20 settlements.

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The Russians have launched a missile attack on the city of Odesa on the morning of 24 April, injuring a 43-year-old woman.

Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Quote: "The enemy launched a missile attack on Odesa at 07:00. As of now, we know about one injured person, a 43-year-old woman. She was taken to hospital in a moderate condition."

Details: Kiper reported that the blast wave damaged about 30 houses where windows and glass were shattered. In addition, ceilings collapsed in some houses.

Update at 10:32: Later, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine posted photos and videos from the site of the fire extinguishing.

     ,  .     .

 -  pic.twitter.com/cM1jg0aXFj     (@ukrpravda_news) April 24, 2024

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Background: An air-raid warning was issued in 11 southern, eastern and central oblasts of Ukraine on the morning of 24 April. The media reported that explosions had been heard in the city of Odesa.

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On 24 April, the Russians launched a missile strike on the suburbs in Sumy, Ukraine's northeast. Meanwhile, a unit of Ukraines air defence intercepted a Russian missile in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administration on Facebook; Air Command Skhid (East)

Details: Sumy Oblast Military Administration says all emergency services are at the scene of the attack. The consequences of the Russian strike are being determined.

Meanwhile the Air Force reported that a unit of Air Command Skhid destroyed a Kh-69 air-launched missile in the Synelnykove district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast at 17:00. (The Air Force also informed Ukrainska Pravda that the exact type of missile can be determined once the wreckage has been examined  ed.)

Previously: At 16:50 the Air Force warned that an aerial target was heading towards Dnipro.

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At long last, the Rwanda Bill is passed, and Rishi enough is enough Sunak is pledging to get multiple flights a month off the ground, deporting illegal migrants within 10-12 weeks. Maybe. Some see the snails pace at which the Bill crawled along as a belated acknowledgment that those like Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, who warned that it would only lead to a handful of symbolic flights, were right all along. Charter planes may be on standby (I hear they had trouble persuading airlines to take the job) and rejected asylum seekers will be notified that they are scheduled for deportation. Cue thousands of legal challenges as the human rights industry jealously guards its lucrative territory.

Whatever Sunaks pledges, if we dont leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), British courts will accept countless fantastical appeals against deportation to Rwanda by individuals who may present a burden, or even a danger, to the British people but whose right to a family life outweighs those considerations.

In 2020, British courts accepted the appeal of Ernesto Elliott, who claimed that deporting him to Jamaica would breach his rights, separating him from his UK-based family, including his son Nico. Elliotts appalling record included 17 drug- and knife-related crimes in 17 years from 2003, shortly after he arrived in this country. Following a compassionate intervention by celebrities such as the supermodel Naomi Campbell and Labour MPs, Elliotts lawyers lodged a successful last-minute challenge, citing Article 8 of the ECHR. Six months after this appalling villain was supposed to be returned to his native Jamaica, Elliott murdered 35-year-old Nathaniel Eyewu-Ago on a street in broad daylight. His son, Nico  he of the right to family life  was convicted alongside his father for the horrific killing. Arent human rights marvellous?

Smoke and mirrors, mirrors and smoke. While the Prime Minister was giving his Stop the Boats speech on Monday, new government figures were slipped out showing illegal arrivals are up 24 per cent so far this year. Despicable people smugglers are packing them high in flimsy craft in the calm spring weather leading to the tragic loss of five lives on Monday. Even if they manage to get a flight off the ground, Rwanda will presently manage to accommodate just one days worth of migrants from last weekend.

One particularly startling claim the PM made was that the backlog of asylum claims had been cleared. I take that to mean the legacy backlog which is approximately 100,000 old claims in the system. Cleared to where, exactly? Behind which sofa? They certainly havent left the country.

Im told by a Home Office source that pretty much all the cases have been granted the right to remain to save the Government embarrassment in the run-up to the election. Official figures show that of the 129,407 initial asylum decisions received between April 15 2023 and April 14 2024, 89,365 were substantive decisions (grants or refusals), with a grant rate of 61 per cent. Apart from any other practical considerations, how is this safe? Mainly single, undocumented young men from countries with retrograde attitudes to women blithely waved through with minimal checking.

Just so you know, Frances asylum grant rate declined from 32 per cent to 25 per cent between 2016 and 2021. Britain is granting asylum to almost three times as many applicants as our nearest neighbour. Why? Because we are enfeebled by a liberal Government wearing a blue rosette and lack any sense of national self-preservation, thats why. So spare us the enough is enough subterfuge.

This is one reason that I find myself in rare disagreement with my colleague Daniel Hannan about people who plan to vote for Reform UK in the general election. In his Telegraph column, Dan (Lord Hannan) attacked the manifesto promises of Richard Tices party for being undeliverable in the real world. He characterises the many Telegraph readers backing Reform as merely making a statement: I am sick of politicians missing their immigration targets, of taxes going up while public services deteriorate, of woke BBC presenters sneering at the rest of us, of energy bills rising while other countries open coal-fired power stations. Whether or not the mainstream parties pay attention to my vote, at least my hands will be clean.

Well, there is truth in that, but Hannans contention that there are big differences between the two main parties will cause hollow laughter in a country where taxes are at their highest level for 70 years and legal immigration last year came in at a deafening 745,000. What a kick in the teeth that was to voters who backed the Conservatives in 2019; people who put immigration top of the issues they care about.

Also, to claim that Sunak is tightening the rules on family reunification and student visas is pretty amusing when it was this Government that loosened those self-same rules in the first place causing a tsunami of new arrivals while public services are on their knees.

Those who claim that the Tories are weak on immigration should name any administration in our history that has been tougher, challenges Dan Hannan. I suggest any administration in our history has been tougher on immigration than this one, but I am prepared to be corrected.

Disdain for people who are eager to vote Reform is badly misplaced, I think. They are not fools; they know exactly what theyre doing. Most are formerly loyal Tories who dedicated time and energy to campaigning for the Right-wing values they cherish only to witness a Blair Without the Flair government. In her book Ten Years To Save The West, Liz Truss says that sticking up for lower taxes around the Cabinet table was regarded as an extremist position. Suella Braverman and Priti Patel were reviled and undermined as they tried every which way to bring down immigration.

Those who are done with the Tories and their serial betrayals understand this means a future Labour government, which will either be useless or horrendous, but whose fault is that? Not the individual men and women who supported the Conservative Party all their lives and who now long for it to burn to the ground. Out of that purging fire may yet come something that deserves our support and respect, we pray.

A figleaf flight or three to Rwanda wont change that. Like the man said, enough is enough.

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LOS ANGELES, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A Douglas DC-4 cargo plane crashed in the central Alaska Tuesday, killing two people onboard, local authorities said.

The plane took off in the morning from Fairbanks International Airport and crashed about 11 km from there, catching fire on a steep hill on the bank of the river and sending "a large plume of smoke," The Associated Press reported, quoting Alaska State Troopers as saying.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was sending investigators to the site, said Clint Johnson, chief of the NTSB's Alaska regional office.

It remained unclear what happened in the time between the takeoff and the crash, Johnson was quoted by Fox TV Digital as saying.

Further information such as the fight's purpose and destination was not immediately available.

The DC-4 is a four-engine propeller-driven aircraft that dates back to the early 1940s. 
Sac State police looking for 6 men after targeted student was robbed, assaulted near dorm

Sacramento State police are looking for six men who targeted and assaulted a student Monday near a residence hall.

We were able to determine through investigation that a robbery and aggravated assault occurred, campus Deputy Chief Christina Lofthouse said Wednesday. We believe it is a targeted incident.

Lofthouse did not provide a motive for the incident. The six men, who were caught on surveillance video, assaulted the male student about 5 p.m. outside of Klamath Hall, according to a Clery Act message sent out by campus police. The victims cellphone fell out of his pocket and was taken by one of the men. The group fled the scene in two cars.

The victim went to the hospital for his injuries and was later released.

Its unclear if the six men involved in the attack have ties to the school.

At this point, we dont know, Lofthouse said. And thats why we need the communitys help in helping us identify the suspects.

Sacramento State reported five aggravated assaults and five robberies from 2020 to 2022. The police departments website indicates calls were made about four assaults in 2023 and two this year before Mondays attack.

Sac State is a very safe campus, Lofthouse said. We have police officers and (chief security officers) constantly patrolling the campus. If anybody ever sees anything, please call us and report it. Were here to help and support our students, staff and faculty and make them feel safe. Safety is the number one priority for us here on campus.

An investigation into the assault is ongoing. Officers encourage anyone with information to call the Police Department at 916-278-6000.
Sacramento airport is spending $3.75 million on public art. Where will pieces be displayed?

Sacramento International Airport is spending $3.75 million on public art  and its seeking submissions.

The artworks will grace a new parking garage and pedestrian walkway being constructed as part of SMForward, a $1.3 billion dollar expansion plan, according to a Tuesday news release.

The plan is designed to help the airport accommodate an increase in passengers over the next seven years. Itll feature a total of six major construction projects, the release said.

Sacramento International Airport currently has more than two dozen public art pieces throughout its two terminals, according to the airport website.

One of the best-known is Leap, a 56-foot-tall red rabbit sculpture by Lawrence Argent that greets travelers at Terminal B.

Travelers descend escalators as they make their way toward baggage claim at Sacramento International Airports Terminal B on Nov. 22, 2023, the day before Thanksgiving.

Sacramento airport seeks public art for new parking garage

On Tuesday, the Sacramento airport issued a formal request for statements of qualifications and experience from artists to design, fabricate, and install permanent artworks at two sites.

The airport is seeking a total of four public art installations to grace the new spaces.

The art piece to be displayed at the new Terminal B Parking Garage would have the largest budget, of $1.75 million.

The parking garage, which will built on the west side of Terminal B, will feature a total of 5,500 parking spaces and stand six stories tall.

The south facade of the garage presents an opportunity to create a work of art that can be seen from a distance for a sustained period by car and foot, airport officials said in Tuesdays release. It is a primary location for art.

There are multiple sites called out as potential locations where artwork may be placed in the new parking garage, the airport said, specifically the south facade, east side and entry points into the garage on the south and west sides.

There are also secondary sites that could be addressed by an artist if the budget allows, the release said.

Travelers check in under the watchful eye of Leap, the red rabbit sculpture by Lawrence Argent, at Sacramento International Airports Terminal B on Nov. 22, 2023, the day before Thanksgiving.

What about the new pedestrian walkway?

Sacramento International Airport is commissioning three separate art installations for the pedestrian walkway.

The walkway will be 1,200 feet long and 50 feet wide, the release said, and serve as the major thoroughfare for travelers arriving or departing from Terminal B to and from Concourse B by foot.

The airport is commissioning artworks for north and south entrances of the pedestrian walkway. Each art project will have a budget of $500,000.

As portals to the next stage in a travelers journey, these sites can use captivating visuals to draw them forward, airport officials said in the release. Artists ... should imagine ways to craft grand gateways toward wherever each traveler needs to go, with work that embodies the thrill of adventure leading them on.

About halfway through the pedestrian walkway, travelers will encounter a hub with vaulted ceilings and an escalator, the airport said, presenting a dramatic site for art possibilities.

The airport has set aside $1 million for an art installation in that space.

What kind of art is the airport looking for?

As part of Tuesdays request for proposals, Sacramento airport officials laid out their project goals for the SMForward Art Program  specifically their desire to cultivate an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Among other factors, the airport said it plans to commission artworks that:

 Work with architectural design elements.

 Engage and delight travelers through humor, surprise, beauty and curiosity.

 Build on what makes the Sacramento region different from the rest of the world.

 Consider the idea of bringing the outside in with echoes on the natural world.

 Create a lasting impression of Sacramento as a destination.

 Are made with durable materials that can be maintained over time.

 Are located in the highest traffic publicly accessible areas.

When is the deadline to submit an airport art proposal?

Proposals for artwork should be submitted by Thursday, May 7, by 4 p.m.

Forms are available on the Sacramento County Department of Airports website.

Who can submit an art proposal?

Art proposal proposals are open to anyone residing in the United States.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
(FOX40.COM)  Mondays on-campus assault of a Sacramento State student by six people has been determined to be a targeted attack, according to the Sacramento State Police Department.

In an update on Wednesday, the police department said that the attack is targeted but they are not able to share what the possible connection is between the attackers and victim.

24 people arrested for alleged sex crimes against children in Sacramento

The attack took place at 5:05 p.m. on Monday near the main entrance of Klamath Hall and resulted in the victim being sent to the hospital and having their phone stolen.

Sacramento State is committed to maintaining a safe campus for all members of the University community. No one deserves to be victimized in any way; crimes are 100 percent the responsibility of the perpetrator, the police department wrote in a statement.

Anyone with information about the assault can contact the Sacramento State Police Department at 916-278-6000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
A Lexington restaurant is weighing in on the controversy involving Cassidy Elementary councils decision to eliminate standalone art classes, offering students one free meal and a display space if they bring in art work.

The schools decision-making council recently decided to cut art courses as part of staffing and budget decisions, and Fayette Superintendent Demetrus Liggins upheld the appeal. Parents on Monday appealed to the school board, whose members are postponing a vote until they can get more information.

Bourbon n Toulouse co-owner Kevin Heathcoat on Wednesday told the Herald-Leader about the restaurants initiative, which came a day after the newspaper reported on the Cassidy parents appeal to the school board.

Heathcoat said additionally, he would be announcing a fund-raising effort for a planned PTA program to supplement art instruction. The Euclid Avenue restaurant is in Cassidys neighborhood.

In a Wednesday Facebook post, restaurant officials said for 20 years Bourbon n Toulouse has been huge supporters of the arts, all the way back to our first group of misfit employees who were almost all UK art majors.

We are truly saddened by the news that Cassidy Elementary has made the decision to cut Art from their curriculum, said the post. Because of our strong beliefs, were going to offer up our walls to Cassidy Elementary students to bring in one piece of their amazing art work, and we will display it in the restaurant through the end of the school year. We will thank each artist for their submission with a free meal.

Artwork can be dropped off between now and May 4, and the restaurant is providing one free meal per student.

Heathcoat said Wednesday the effort was the idea of his wife and co-owner, Cameron Heathcoat.

Cameron and I come from a family of teachers, he said. I actually used to be an elementary teacher myself. This hits very, very close to home for us.

He said they are supporters of elementary schools and believe its important to have the arts and other special courses in the classroom. They are concerned about reported course eliminations at other Fayette schools.

Heathcoat said Cassidy PTA officials told them with the loss of classroom art instruction, they are going to raise money to supplement the schools art program. He said he would be announcing soon a restaurant fundraising campaign.

In response Wednesday, Fayette County Public Schools spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith said the district appreciates and values the support of all community members but will not be offering further comment.
San Bernardino County high school put on lockdown after report of a student with a firearm on campus

Oak Hills High School in Hesperia was put on lockdown Tuesday after a report of a student with a loaded firearm on campus. No injuries were reported. (KTLA)

A San Bernardino County high school went on lockdown Tuesday after the school became aware of a student on campus with a loaded firearm.

According to the Hesperia Unified School District, administrators at Oak Hills High School became aware of a student with a firearm and contacted the school district police immediately to lock down the campus and apprehend the student. No injuries were reported.

Law Enforcement and admin quickly located and arrested the student and recovered a loaded firearm on campus, the district said in a statement.

A video obtained by TV station KTLA shows a brief chase involving a district police officer. After the student was apprehended, the lockdown was lifted and the school notified parents about the incident.

Freshman Xavier Ramos told KTLA that he knew students who saw the firearm.

Two people were in class, and one of them showed my friend his gun, he told the TV station. When he did, they got escorted by the police outside and they ran.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  It has been one year since the City of San Diego enacted its single-use plastic reduction ordinance which bans the sale or distribution of most polystyrene foam products.

Polystyrene foam, which is commonly referred to as Styrofoam, can be found in bowls, plates, trays, cups and other items meant for dine-in, takeout or leftover meals.

Single-use plastics ban now in effect for all San Diego businesses

The citys ordinance went into effect last year on April 1 with the goal of adopting more sustainable products and reducing harmful plastics being released into the environment.

The city said all polystyrene foam products are prohibited from city-owned property like parks and beaches. Businesses are allowed to offer items at self-service stations, although single-use plastic utensils and straws will only be given out upon a customers request.

Del Mar breaks out new green baskets for a first-of-its-kind initiative

Small businesses making $500,000 or less were automatically given an extra year to comply with the regulation. However, since the beginning of this month, all businesses in the city have been required to follow the ordinance.

Businesses can visit the city of San Diegos website to find more information and resources regarding the single-use plastic reduction ordinance.

Business owners who need more time to comply must apply for a waiver based on financial or feasibility hardship. The city said exemptions are available for businesses impacted by the January storm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
(KRON)  A San Jose man fell to his death while hiking along the Oregon coast, law enforcement officials said.

Richard Ehrhart, 69, of San Jose, was found dead on beach rocks 300 feet below a coastal trail near Natural Bridges on Sunday afternoon. The hiking spot is about 12 miles north of Brookings, Oregon. The first 911 call was made by a man who told dispatchers that he found a body while hiking the trail.

911 Dispatch received information from the Brookings Police Dispatch, of a call from a person who had been hiking the coastal trail near Natural Bridges, about twelve miles north of Brookings. The caller relayed that he had seen a person on the rocks below him that appeared to be deceased, the Curry County Sheriffs Office wrote.

Oregon state troopers and sheriffs deputies rappelled 300 feet down steep terrain to the victim. Investigators later found Ehrharts wife, Susan Kimura. The wife told the Sheriffs Office that they had been hiking together, but were separated on the trail, so she returned to their car.

The wife said she was unaware that her husband had fallen, according to CCSO.

Natural Bridges along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in Oregon is seen. (Getty Images File Photo)

Oregon State Police is the lead agency of the death investigation. Police provided information to the Curry County District Attorney.

We here at the Curry County Sheriffs Office express our condolences to the family and friends of Richard Ehrhart. We also want to remind everyone of the dangers of hiking the coastal trails, and to please be safe., CCSO wrote.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he may resign after a court in Spain opened an investigation into his wife, pushing the country into uncharted political territory and raising the possibility of a new general election.

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Sanchez, 52, canceled his public appearances through the weekend and said hed reflect on the situation and announce his decision on Monday, effectively paralyzing Spains political system for the next five days. He blamed his problems on the attacks of his right-wing opponents.

Is all this worth it? he asked in an open letter posted on X. Honestly, I dont know.

If Sanchez decides to step down, it would most likely trigger new elections. Its possible for the prime minister to resign and hand over power, but this would require the support of a majority of lawmakers, which would be highly unlikely in Spains politically fragmented parliament.

Sanchez could also trigger a vote of confidence as a potential means to shore up his mandate in parliament, according to Federico Santi, a senior analyst at Eurasia Group.

On Wednesday, a Spanish court announced it was opening an inquiry into Sanchezs wife, Begona Gomez, for alleged influence peddling following a complaint by Manos Limpias, or Clean Hands, a small public workers union best known for going to court against left-wing politicians and policies. Its leader has ties to the far right.

Manos Limpias says that Gomez received favors from Air Europa when she worked at the Instituto Empresa business school. The airline was later bailed out by Sanchezs government.

The prime minister says the accusations are a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated by the far right.

Sanchezs announcement adds to the political uncertainty surrounding his government and to the policy paralysis that has stymied it since mid-2023, when the premier called snap elections after his party suffered a scathing defeat in local and regional ballots. The premiers minority coalition is Spains weakest government in about 90 years.

Catalan Ballot

The country is already set for a high-stakes election on May 12 in Catalonia, the second-largest region, where Sanchezs Socialists are trying to notch a win against separatist parties. Earlier this month, an election in the wealthy Basque region saw two nationalist parties take about 70% of the combined vote.

Sanchez is trying to make himself the victim, alleging a collusion between the opposition and the media, opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said in a radio interview Wednesday. Feijoo added that Sanchez is trying to mobilize support for his party ahead of the Catalonia elections and subsequent European elections in June.

Sanchez has built a career on unexpected comebacks and surprise decisions, many of which he doesnt even share with his closest collaborators.

This attack is unprecedented and so grave and crass that I need to stop and think with my wife, Sanchez wrote in his letter. Many times, we forget that politicians are people. And I can say without shame that Im a man deeply in love with my wife who watches helplessly the mud that is thrown on her day after day.

Sanchez framed the court proceedings against his wife as part of a broader strategy of harassment and destruction against him by the far right.

Spain has a long-tradition of keeping the private lives of its leaders families out of the public spotlight.

The letter comes against the backdrop of political discourse that has become increasingly aggressive over the past nine years. In 2015, Sanchez sparked a massive controversy when he called Mariano Rajoy, a former prime minister, indecent in a debate, a word that would barely register in the current context  with politicians calling rivals liars, insulting each other and even using profanity in public.

The scandal has been widely covered for weeks by a group of news websites, most of them critical of the government. In his letter, Sanchez said that the judge will call as witnesses the heads of these websites which are clearly right and far-right.

Sanchez specifically accused Feijoo, who heads the conservative Peoples Party, and Santiago Abascal, of the far-right party Vox, of being participating in the alleged harassment.

Feijoos PP has seized on the Gomez scandal to attack Sanchez, calling on the premier and his wife to provide formal explanations. To avoid a conflict of interest, the PP says Sanchez should have recused himself from a cabinet meeting in which the corporate rescue package was approved.

--With assistance from Joao Lima.

(Updates with reference to Manos Limpias leader in sixth paragraph.)

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SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  The Sarasota Bay Estuary started the deployment of 24 artificial reefs into Sarasota Bay Tuesday.

The reefs are being placed at six sites throughout the bay in both Sarasota County and Manatee County waters, including Bayshore North Reef, Whale Key Reef, Bayshore South Reef, Walkers Reef, Harts Reef, and Sportsmans Reef.

Reef Innovations of Sarasota constructed the deep-cover reef modules. They are specially designed to attract species of fish that are popular among commercial and recreational fishermen, such as gag grouper, sheepshead and mangrove snapper.

The fish call the reef home during their juvenile years before heading back out into the bay or even offshore. The reef is designed to house a large number of fish and protect them from predators as well as people.

It is habitat for two real different types of fish populations, said Dr. Dave Tomasko, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program director. Those that are going to be caught in the bay and those that are just using the bay as juvenile habitat.

Tomasko explained that the water quality in Sarasota Bay is the best it has been in the last 10 to 15 years and as a result of that, some of the lost habitat is returning such as the seagrass meadows. However, other features will not return on their own, so he says human intervention is critical.

One of the reasons why we are happy about putting these artificial reefs projects in place because people love to see it, Tomasko said. We are creating a healthy bay for the users and people who actually live around here, they want to be able to go out onto the water, and they want to catch fish. So our water quality is good and now we are creating the conditions that allow people to be more successful catching fish, whether it is in the bay or whether it is offshore.

Alongside staff scientist Dr. Jay Leverone, Tomasko dove into the bay to check out artificial reefs that were deployed about 10 years ago. He said theyve all proven to be successful. They hope to see the same success at the new reefs deployed this week.

If you are a local fisherman and you dont have a big boat to go offshore, you can come out and fish these reefs and have maybe just as good of luck on that, Leverone said. More importantly, this is something to help sustain a vital part of our local Florida economy, which is commercial fishing and recreational fishing. It is hugely important along the west coast of Florida, so what you see offshore, what you catch offshore, what you eat on your plate at the local restaurants, it is very likely that they started their life cycle in Sarasota Bay at these reefs.

The estuary program said it will only be a matter of weeks before the reefs start forming new life.

The cost to build and deploy the reefs was paid for by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and a donation from the Sarasota Sportsmens Association.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
This photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that included long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

WASHINGTON, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that included long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine.

The measure, totaling 95 billion U.S. dollars, was passed by a vote of 79 to 18. Having cleared the House on Saturday, the legislation will now go to President Joe Biden, who has indicated that he will sign it into law.

The lion's share of the fund contained in the legislation will support Ukraine with a total of nearly 61 billion dollars, according to a summary of the legislation. The package would also provide over 26 billion dollars in aid for Israel.

The bill will also provide an 8.12-billion-U.S.-dollar military assistance to the so-called "U.S. allies" in the Asia-Pacific region, including China's Taiwan region. 

This photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that included long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

This photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that included long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

This photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that included long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

This photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that included long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)
Satellite images show Iran tried to cover up impact of Israeli missile strike

Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian president, has threatened the complete destruction of the 'Zionist regime' in the event of a further attack by Israel - IRANIAN PRESIDENCY/ZUMA PRESS

Iran replaced a destroyed radar installation within hours of an Israeli strike on an air base last week in an attempt to make it appear as though the damage had been minimal, it has been claimed.

Satellite images of an air base near the Natanz nuclear complex, near Tehran, show suspected air-launched Israeli ballistic missiles damaged a Russian-made radar installation being used by Iran.

The strike is thought to have been designed to show that Irans missile defence systems could be successfully destroyed by Israel from a long range, effectively acting as a warning.

It came in response to an Iranian barrage of drones, missiles and rockets towards Israel on April 13.

Images of the site, first reported by The Economist on Wednesday, show Iran moved a separate radar battery to the position previously occupied by the damaged equipment shortly after the attack, in an attempt to minimise the scale of Israels response.

Iran appears to have replaced the first radar, a Russian-made Tombstone installation, with a different system.

It also positioned air defence weapons linked to the radar as if they were ready to fire, even though they had probably been rendered useless.

Immediately after the strike, Iran claimed it had been attacked by small Israeli drones, but that they had been intercepted and no damage had been caused.

Israel intercepted almost all the drones and missiles fired from Iran - MENAHEM KAHANA /AFP

The air base is strategically important to the Iranian regime and forms part of the protection of the Natanz complex, where it is suspected to be building nuclear weapons.

Chris Biggers, a former US intelligence official at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, said that Iran had deliberately covered up the impact of the Israeli strike to suggest it had been unsuccessful.

Its a case of denial and deception to suggest the site is still operational, he told The Economist.

He told The Telegraph that Iran had also moved its missile batteries away from the site in the immediate aftermath of the attack, in anticipation of a second Israeli strike.

The news comes after Iran suggested it would not respond militarily to Israels attack, despite claiming beforehand that it was prepared to retaliate.

Instead, the regime played down Israels strike in an apparent attempt to avoid escalation of the conflict into a regional war.

Adventurism and acts against our interests

After claiming that Iranian facilities had been left essentially undamaged, Irans foreign minister said last Friday: If Israel wants to do another adventurism and acts against the interests of Iran, our next response will be immediate and will be at the maximum level.

World leaders, including Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, have called for both Israel and Iran to show restraint and avoid a full-scale war.

On Wednesday, Iran and Pakistan issued a joint statement calling on the UN Security Council to condemn Israel for the attack.

Recognising that the irresponsible act of the Israeli regime forces was a major escalation in an already volatile region, both sides called on the UN Security Council to prevent the Israeli regime from its adventurism in the region and its illegal acts attacking its neighbours, the two countries said.

During a recent visit to Pakistan, Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian president, was quoted by the state news agency IRNA as warning that any further Israeli attack could result in the complete destruction of the Zionist regime.

Pakistan has previously called for de-escalation by all parties.

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Metropolitan Arsenii from the Moscow Patriarchate-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church is suspected of unveiling information about Ukrainian Armed Forces' checkpoints, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on April 24.

The Moscow Patriarchate-linked church has been repeatedly accused of aligning with the Russian government during the war, which the church's leadership denied.

According to the investigation, Metropolitan Arsenii, who served in the Svyatohirsk Lavra in Donetsk Oblast, allegedly told parishioners the coordinates of Ukrainian military checkpoints in the Kramatorsk district in Donetsk Oblast during a liturgy.

The liturgy was recorded on video, which was later published on Lavra's website and the local Telegram channel.

The Security Service of Ukraine said that Metropolitan Arsenii, in such a "veiled" way, tried to pass to Russian troops the information on Ukrainian forces' places of deployment in the frontline area.

Metropolitan Arsenii spread pro-Kremlin narratives before Russia's full-scale invasion started in February 2022, according to Ukraine's Security Service. The cleric called the Russian invasion of Ukraine "a civil conflict" in his interviews.

Preventive measures are currently being considered for the suspect as the investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of the crime. He could face eight years of imprisonment, according to the SBU.

The Security Service of Ukraine previously carried out searches at the premises of Archpriest Mykola Danylevych, a senior member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Sources in law enforcement agencies told the Kyiv Independent that the archpriest had displayed support for the "Russian world" ideology and justified Russian aggression.

Read also: Opinion: What should Ukraine do about its Russia-linked church?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rep. Bill Sandifer, R-Seneca, addresses the House Labor Commerce and Industry Committee, which he chairs, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (Screenshot from SCETV legislative livestream)

COLUMBIA  Swiping at a Senate reluctant to pass sweeping changes to state utility regulations, House leadership attached controversial energy legislation to a series of innocuous bills in an attempt to pressure senators to take it up.

The speaker has asked very much that we try to get our bill over so the Senate has an opportunity to pass it, Chairman Bill Sandifer, R-Seneca, told members of his Labor Commerce and Industry Committee on Tuesday to explain motions adding the language of the lengthy energy bill to every Senate proposal on the meeting agenda.

Now legislation on suicide prevention training, cancer coverage on firefighters insurance, fighting financial crimes, and the duties of organizations that help independent pharmacies  what was a one-sentence bill  also have the entire energy bill attached, as it passed the House 88-21 last month.

The committee unanimously passed the amended bills, with one legislator abstaining.

Senate rules dont allow for passing bills with tacked-on unrelated issues.

But the committees moves are evidence of another Senate-House stalemate as the session winds down, as indicated this time through lack of action rather than publicly traded accusations.

Just seven legislative days remain before the regular session must end by state law. But neither chamber seems to be in a rush to pass legislation other than perhaps the state budget, which the Senate is debating this week. On wicked Wednesday, the day of the week the House typically reserves for lengthy floor debates, the chamber again adjourned before noon after a series of recognitions.

Without saying a word publicly, House Speaker Murrel Smith, R-Sumter, is pushing for senators to approve the energy bill he introduced in February, which advocates say is necessary to keep South Carolinas economy powered. The bill sailed through Sandifers committee.

At the heart of it is permission for Dominion Energy and state-owned utility company Santee Cooper to partner on a possible 2,000-megawatt natural gas plant on the site of a former coal-fired power plant along the Edisto River in Colleton County.

But in the process, the bill introduced numerous regulatory changes that have drawn significant criticism from environmental and consumer groups.

Those included shrinking the states regulatory panel that oversees utilities and undoing consumer watchdog safeguards put in place in the wake of the failed V.C. Summer nuclear plant expansion, which was abandoned in 2017 following mismanagement, cost overruns and fraud.

A Senate committee removed much of that before advancing the bill.

Still, the legislation has been on life support since Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey took the podium last week to urge more scrutiny. The bill wasnt technically up for debate, but Massey sparked debate anyway as senators of both parties then railed against the fast-tracked bill.

I have no interest at all in rolling back regulatory protections we put in place in 2018, after the last utility debacle, Massey said. Thats a no deal for me.

The Edgefield Republican ripped into the speed at which the bill moved through Senate committees, with a push that weve got to get it done.

They are not going to hold that over my head, Massey said. Im not going to be held hostage.

Supporters pointed out the issue of energy needs has been under study and debate since 2022. But Massey recommended legislators wait until the off-session to fully vet the proposal.

Massey had no comment Wednesday on the quiet standoff.

But he clearly still believes the legislation needs further review this fall.

During the budget debate Wednesday, he joined Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, in trying to discourage the growth of data centers, which require a massive amount of energy and are a driver of the need for more energy. One proposed budget directive would have barred the Department of Commerce from giving incentives to data centers locating in South Carolina. It was ultimately withdrawn.

After noting that Santee Cooper and Dominion officials have threatened to proceed with plans for the gas plant with or without the legislation, Massey also suggested directing the Public Service Commission to refuse to accept any application for a new power plant until February 2025.

That would prevent the pair of utilities from entering an agreement before legislators are able to properly review and amend the authorization bill that the utilities want, Massey said.

But that amendment was ruled out of order.

Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.

The post SC House pushes to restart stalled power plant legislation appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
Scholz refuses to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles despite US offer of ATACMS

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz intends to stick to his refusal to supply Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles despite the US Congress readiness to provide American long-range ATACMS missiles.

Source: European Pravda with reference to DPA

Details: Asked about the supply of Taurus missiles during a press conference with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Scholz stated that "my decision will not change".

Scholz once again stressed that Berlin and London are the most important suppliers of weapons for Kyiv and referred to the significant support Germany has given Ukraine in the form of artillery and air defence.

"My decision is very clear with respect to one particular armament system. But my decision is also clear in that we will still provide the strongest support for Ukraine in Europe, and Germany, along with the UK, will continue to be the two countries that do the most," Scholz stated.

The German chancellor has previously followed the USs example in terms of supplying modern high-quality weapons systems for Kyiv. That was the case when it came to supplying long-range artillery, and also Leopard 2 tanks, which were only sent to Ukraine after Washington agreed to provide Abrams tanks.

On 24 April Scholz met with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is visiting Germany for the first time as prime minister.

Scholz added that Berlin and London have been cooperating more closely due to Russias aggression against Ukraine.

Background:

The supply of ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine by the US presidential administration was stipulated in the new legislation on supplementary funding for Kyiv adopted on 20 April by the House of Representatives and on 23 April by the US Senate.

American media outlets have reported that after the new legislation comes into force, the White House will prepare a US$1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which could include the delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles for the first time.

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Scholz reiterates 'no' to Taurus system for Ukraine as Sunak visits

Chancellor Olaf Scholz again stressed that Germany would not be sending long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine despite fresh aid for Kiev from the United States.

As far as the Bundeswehr's Taurus missiles are concerned, "my decision will not change," Scholz asserted at a press conference with visiting British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin on Wednesday.

"My decision is very clear about the one weapon system," he said with regard to Taurus. "But my decision is also clear that we will continue to be the biggest supporter of Ukraine in Europe, that we will continue to be the two who do the most with the UK."

Sunak applauded Scholz's "historic decision" in 2022 to sharply increase defence spending and Berlin's recent announcement that it would send another Patriot air defence system to Kiev.

But the British prime minister did not respond directly to a question about Scholz's refusal to deliver the Bundeswehr's Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

During Sunak's belated inaugural visit to the German Chancellery 18 months after his appointment as prime minister, the two leaders also agreed on closer defence cooperation.

The two countries want to jointly develop a remote-controlled howitzer capable of firing 155-millimetre projectiles to a distance of 40 kilometres.

The "joint endeavour" will develop "remote-controlled howitzer 155mm wheeled artillery systems (RCH 155), which will be fitted to Boxer vehicles" from German tank manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), according to the statement from Sunak's office.

The howitzer can fire up to nine 155-millimetre calibre artillery shells per minute at a range of up to 40 kilometres.

The RCH 155 is the world's first howitzer capable of firing while travelling and is therefore better suited to evading enemy fire, the statement added.

London and Berlin also want to expand cooperation in the energy sector and in the fight against organized crime.

Sunak called for a new chapter in bilateral relations. "Today we are opening a new chapter in our relationship, one that will make us safer and more prosperous," Sunak said.

At this dangerous time for the world, he added, Britain and Germany were standing side by side to maintain security and prosperity at home and across the European continent.

Continued support for Ukraine was at a key theme of Wednesday's talks.

A few hours before Sunak arrived in Berlin, the US Congress gave the green light for new military aid worth $61 billion after months of delay. President Joe Biden later signed it into law.

It is possible that the US will soon send ATACMS missiles with a range of 300 kilometres to Ukraine, which can be used to hit Russian supply lines far behind the front line.

Scholz said he believes that NATO's European pillar must have sufficient deterrent potential, as Russia's war against Ukraine has shown that Europe's security architecture is at risk.

"For us here in Europe, this means that we must strengthen the European pillar of NATO," Scholz said in Berlin during Sunak's visit.

"Because our European capability for deterrence and defence must always be credible."

Scholz said it was an encouraging and necessary signal that the US Congress had now released the funds to support Ukraine.

He said that decision shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is miscalculating" if he believes European countries, the United States and all other supporters will abandon Ukraine at some point.

"We will not do that," said Scholz. "Without security, everything is nothing," the chancellor said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hold a joint press conference at the Federal Chancellery. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that NATO's European pillar must have sufficient deterrent potential, as Russia's war against Ukraine has shown that Europe's security architecture is at risk.

"For us here in Europe, this means that we must strengthen the European pillar of NATO," Scholz said in Berlin during Rishi Sunak's inaugural visit to Germany as Britain's prime minister.

"Because our European capability for deterrence and defence must always be credible."

Scholz noted that Germany and the United Kingdom were the biggest supporters of Ukraine in Europe. At the same time, he said, it was an encouraging and necessary signal that the US Congress had now released the funds to support Ukraine.

He said that decision shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is miscalculating" if he believes European countries, the United States and all other supporters will abandon Ukraine at some point.

"We will not do that," said Scholz. "Without security, everything is nothing," the chancellor said.

"Germany and the UK stand together at Ukraine's side."

Although the UK has not been a member of the European Union for more than four years, it is still one of Germany's most important allies in NATO, the G7 and the G20. Britain has just pledged large amounts of new military aid.

And in the Middle East, unlike Germany, the British Air Force recently helped to defend Israel against Iran's major strike against the Jewish state.
The Supreme Court is set to consider a second abortion case on Wednesday, this time dealing with claims by a Republican-led state that the Biden administration is attempting to wield a 40-year-old federal law as an "abortion mandate."

On the heels of a debate over the Federal Food and Drug Administrations regulation of an abortion pill, the high court will consider whether the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) preempts the state of Idahos newly enacted Defense of Life Act  which makes it a crime for any medical provider to perform an abortion with exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

The Justice Department argued that the states law does not go far enough to allow abortions in more medical emergency circumstances.

However, proponents of the state law say that the administration's lawsuit against Idaho is attempting to use a federal statute as an "abortion mandate" to benefit the president ahead of the 2024 elections.

WHY TRUMP IS DEFERRING TO THE STATES, AFTER WEIGHING AN ABORTION BAN AT 15 WEEKS

A crowd outside the Supreme Court reacting to the Dobbs ruling in 2022.

"Construing EMTALA as a federal abortion mandate raises grave questions under the major questions doctrine that affect both Congress and this Court," Idaho argued in legal filings.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador said, "The Supreme Court made it clear that its up to the states to decide what our laws should be and that it's not for the federal government."

"But Joe Biden and his administration decided to come straight and sue us in federal courts. We are excited to go before the Supreme Court to show that the state should be deciding these issues and not the federal government," he said.

The DOJ said in its response to the high court that while Idahos law makes it a felony for a doctor to terminate a pregnancy unless doing so is "necessary" to prevent the patients "death," that exception is "narrower" than EMTALA, which by its terms "protects patients not only from imminent death but also from emergencies that seriously threaten their health."

However, Idaho accused the administration of "construing the spare phrase" in the federal law "as a blank slate to be filled with the Executive Branchs preferred abortion policy collides with multiple statutory provisions guaranteeing emergency medical care for a pregnant woman and her unborn child."

"Its clear that the administration is just manipulating EMTALA and that both laws should be able to coexist," John Bursch, senior litigator at civil rights firm Alliance Defending Freedom and co-counsel in the case, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"If a woman's life is in danger, Idahos Defense of Life Act makes it clear that the women should be treated and helped. Because in that instance, when the mom's life is in danger, it's not an abortion in Idaho or any of the other 49 states," he said.

But the White House says that the 21 states enforcing abortion bans are causing "chaos and confusion."

"These extreme state laws have caused chaos and confusion, and women are being denied the essential care they need. But these dangerous state laws do not change the responsibility that health care providers have to their patients in emergencies covered by the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act," White House spokesperson Kelly Scully told Fox News Digital.

"The Biden-Harris Administration has long been clear that federal law requires hospitals to offer health and life-saving care to patients in an emergency. The Administration remains focused on working with doctors, hospitals, and patients to make these federal requirements clear while the Department of Justice defends that understanding in the Supreme Court. No woman should be denied the care she needs," she said.

The Center for Reproductive Rights also filed a lawsuit in September 2023, calling Idahos abortion ban "a six-week ban that has vigilante-style civil liability provisions.

The Center filed the suit on behalf of seven plaintiffs: four women who were denied medically necessary abortion care in their home state, two Idaho physicians who provide obstetrical care, and a professional membership organization consisting of Idaho physicians, medical residents and medical students.

PRO-LIFE CONSERVATIVES ARE 'DISAPPOINTED' IN TRUMP'S NEW ABORTION POLICY, BUT STICK BY HIM: 'ONLY ONE OPTION'

Anti-abortion campaigners celebrate outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2022.

EMTALA is a federal statute signed by then-President Reagan in 1986 after earning bipartisan congressional support, designed to prevent hospitals from turning away indigent patients who are in critical need of medical care and offer the same "stabilizing" care they would to a patient who could pay or is covered by insurance.

After the Dobbs decision in 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade and left states to decide their own abortion limitations, Bursch said the Biden administration, for the first time in the laws history, used it to impose an "abortion mandate."

A district court sided with DOJ and ordered a preliminary injunction of the states law. The Ninth Circuit affirmed that decision, which Idaho then appealed to the Supreme Court. Oral arguments are set for April 24.

"What the Biden administration wants to do is take this law and turn it into an abortion enclave in emergency rooms," Bursch said. "And to the point where even if a patient came in, and they said that they were in critical condition because of a mental health problem, like depression, or anxiety, that would give doctors a carte blanche ability to ignore laws like Idaho's and take the life of the innocent child, and EMTALA doesn't say anything like that."

REPUBLICANS LARGELY QUIET AS DEMOCRATS HAMMER SCOTUS ABORTION PILL CHALLENGE

Supreme Court Justices posing for an official photo at the Supreme Court.

Bursch added that what he believes is "so ironic" is that following the Dobbs decision, President Biden himself said that he disagreed with the decision, but that he understood that states operating through the democratic process would get to decide what abortion laws would control each state.

"And it was only a matter of weeks later that he changed course and said, oh no, the federal government is just going to impose this new requirement by reinterpreting EMTALA in a way that it's never been interpreted in its nearly four-decade history."

"It is subverting states' rights. Its pushing abortion on states that don't want it, and it's all blatantly illegal," he said.

Stephen Billy, vice president of state affairs for SBA Pro-Life America, said the administrations novel legal challenge to a states abortion law looks politically motivated ahead of the November elections amid Bidens dwindling poll numbers.

"The Biden administration doesn't feel like they have any other issue to run on, and it's clear what they're going to talk about and what they're trying to run on. Whether abortion is going to be a campaign issue or not, the Biden administration is going to try to make it one," he added.

IN ABORTION PILL ARGUMENTS, SUPREME COURT JUSTICES SEEM SKEPTICAL ABOUT FDA ACCOUNTABILITY EXPERTS SAY

Representative Nydia Velazquez, a Democrat from New York, left, Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, and Representative Jackie Speier, a Democrat from California, march toward the U.S. Supreme Court during a protest of the court overturning Roe v. Wade in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.

Billy cited the Womens Health Protection Act, which Democrats in Congress attempted to pass last year. It would have legalized virtually limitless abortion nationwide, but ultimately failed.

"Congress's opposition to that comes from the will of the people who sent the elected representatives to D.C., and they have very little national support when you look at the polling for the extreme position of the Women's Health Protection Act," said Billy.

"So Biden turned to executive action, ignoring the text of laws and just trying to use executive fiat to expand abortion on demand wherever you can, and however you can. And EMTALA is just one example of that," he said.

Billy added that he believes the Biden administration is using "fear and scare tactics" around the issue.

"The entire case is basically a claim that women can't get medical care," he said, but noted that every "pro-life state" allows for a mothers health exception and allows doctors to act when theres a medical emergency.

"They are trying to use that fear to drive a political agenda and to save their campaign because they don't really have anything else to run on," he said.

The Justice Department declined to comment on pending litigation.





Original article source: SCOTUS to hear arguments in Bidens lawsuit 'subverting states' rights' on abortion
Ulviyya Shahin

A meeting of foreign experts with the youth was held at the ADA University under the international forum on "COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan" jointly organized by the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ADA University and Azerbaijani Students and Alumni Platform (ASAP), Azernews reports.

Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fuad Muradov and acting director of the Youth Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan Gadir Khalilov attended in the meeting.

Opening the event, Fariz Ismayilzade, Vice-Rector of ADA University, stated that the COP29 event to be held in Baku will not be just a meeting to discuss environmental problems but also a significant global forum where important steps will be taken together to solve the issues in the mentioned field.

During the interactive discussion, which involved 64 experts from 30 countries, the capabilities of Azerbaijan to collaborate with other countries and global organizations in developing robust methods for addressing current ecological problems were highlighted. It was noted that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan reflects the country's active role in targeting climate change and supporting global initiatives aimed at promoting green practices. The fact that Azerbaijan is a participant of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement demonstrates its commitment to combating climate change.

In the continuation of the meeting, young participants shared their views with international experts on the general attitude of youth towards climate issues, initiatives in this direction, the impact of the current geopolitical situation and the development dynamics of trends related to the environment with new generation innovations, and addressed their questions to the experts.
Plot

The plot of "A la recherche du temps perdu" is a complex study of relationships, society, and human psychology, framed through the narrator's memories.

The story famously begins with the narrator's involuntary recall of things past. He explores long-lost memories when tasting a Madeleine dipped in tea.

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This act sets off a series of recollections about his life, the people he knows and the society in which he moves, intertwining personal experiences with broader social commentary.

Publication

Marcel Proust first published "Swann's Way," the opening volume, in 1913, after it was rejected by several publishers. Proust's persistence paid off, launching what would become a groundbreaking series in literary history.

The subsequent volumes were published over the next 14 years, some posthumously, as Proust continued to expand and refine his narrative until his death in 1922.

Each volume was met with increasing acclaim, solidifying Proust's reputation and the novel's place in literary and cultural history. The full series was not only a reflection of Proust's literary genius but also marked a monumental moment in publishing, influencing the modern novel's form and content.

Critical Acclaim

Proust's work was not immediately recognized for its genius. It was only later, particularly after the publication of "Swann's Way," that its significance began to be acknowledged.

Today, "In Search of Lost Time" is celebrated for its deep psychological insight and its detailed, lyrical portrayal of early 20th-century French society, earning a place not only in literary history but also in the annals of Guinness world records.
The women of the Supreme Courtincluding conservative Justice Amy Coney Barretttore into a lawyer for Idaho on Wednesday over the states law allowing for abortions only when a woman is at imminent risk of death.

Lawyers for the state and the federal government were before the court to debate whether Idahos law contradicts a federal law requiring hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment to patients in emergency condition.

The female justices wasted no time digging in on Idahos lawyer, Joshua Turner, asking him about various cases in which women would and would not be entitled to an abortion under Idaho state law.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor listed off a number of real-life scenarios in which women were denied abortions because of state law, including one woman whose baby had died by the time she delivered and required an immediate hysterectomy.

In a pointed line of questioning, she asked Turner whether there will be some women who present with a serious medical condition that federal law requires to be treated that will not be treated under Idaho law.

If that condition exists, yes, Idaho says that abortion is not allowed, he replied.

This is the second time this term the justices have taken up questions of abortion law, which the court threw into flux when it overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. These cases will set a stage for how far states are able to go in banning abortion, and where the federal government is able to step in.

Justice Department Sues Idaho Over Its Abortion Ban

The Idaho law concerns the states stringent abortion ban, which the Biden administration argues conflicts with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, which requires federally funded hospitals to provide stabilizing care for any patient whose life or health is at serious risk. The federal government argues that this care could in some cases involve abortion, putting physicians at risk of violating Idaho law if they provide it.

The state argues the federal government is manipulating EMTALA to impede on its legislation, and that the law does not require any specific procedures or state a specific standard of care.

Coney Barrett, a Trump-appointed justice who voted to overturn Roe, pushed back surprisingly strongly on Idahos arguments Wednesday, asking Turner if doctors could be prosecuted for performing emergency abortions when they were unsure whether the women would die or not, then accusing him of hedging when he said that was a matter of prosecutorial discretion.

Justice Elena Kagan also fired off a series of pointed questions about when Idaho law should be allowed to take priority over the federal statute.

Your theory is that a state tomorrow could say, Even if death is around the corner, tomorrow a state could say, Even if theres an ectopic pregnancy, thats the choice of the state, and EMTALA has nothing to say about it? she asked.

Turner replied that was his humble position.

It may be too humble for womens health, you know? Kagan shot back.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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An empty high school classroom. (Dan Forer | Getty Images)

Wisconsin schools reported more than 5,000 seclusion incidents and more than 6,000 physical restraint incidents during the 2022-23 school year, according to a report published Tuesday by the states Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

There were in total 1,868 students involved in 5,396 seclusion incidents, and 2,763 students involved in 6,366 restraint incidents. Students with disabilities represented a disproportionate number of those involved in incidents.

Students with disabilities make up 14% of the statewide student population. About 80% of seclusion incidents involved students with disabilities, while 78% of restraint incidents involved students with disabilities.

DPI Superintendent Jill Underly said in a statement that every effort must be made to prevent the use of seclusion and restraint.

We must remember each of these reported incidents represents a traumatic lived experience  both for a student and for school staff, Underly said. As progress continues toward our goal of limiting these tactics, our schools need additional support to train and educate staff around trauma-informed practices to help address the unique behavioral needs of students.

Seclusion is the involuntary confinement of students in a room where they are physically prevented from leaving, while physical restraint is the restriction that immobilizes or reduces a students ability to freely move his or her torso, arms, legs, or head. Both are only allowed to be used when a clear, present, and imminent risk to the student or others physical safety is present.

Families affected by seclusion and restraint use and advocates told the Wisconsin Examiner earlier this year that more needs to be done to limit the use of seclusion and restraint throughout the state. DPI has said that it is working to provide support to school districts with high rates of seclusion and restraint.

The state of Wisconsin started gathering data on seclusion and restraint use from schools in the 2019-20 school year as a way of holding schools accountable.

The numbers from the 2022-23 school year represent an 8.7% decrease in seclusions and 8% decrease in restraints from the 2021-22 school year reports. DPI notes that conclusions drawn from trend analysis should still be considered with caution since this is only the fourth state-wide collection of the data and because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shift in instruction.

Since incidents of seclusion and restraint occur in in-person spaces rather than virtual learning spaces, additional considerations should be made when interpreting how incident numbers have changed over time, the report states. Incident trends over time will continue to become more informative as more data is collected in future years.

The report said that the similarities between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school year numbers may reflect a new baseline moving forward.

Jeff Spitzer-Resnick, a civil rights attorney and longtime advocate for limiting seclusion and restraint use, said that this years report, similar to previous years, doesnt shine a light on whether there are problematic schools with consistently high rates.

According to the report, a third of schools reported one or more incidents of seclusion, while 46%  1,020 schools  reported one or more restraint incidents.

Spitzer-Resnick said that these numbers could be really good news, but of course, we dont know whether thats from poor reporting or good practices. He has said that he thinks DPI should be looking to identify schools with improved practices that could serve as examples for schools with consistently higher instances.

Kids arent really all that different, Spitzer-Resnick said. The reasons why seclusion and restraint arent happening to the extent they arent happening is because adults are responding differently than in schools where it is happening to likely similar behaviors.

Spitzer-Resnick acknowledged that DPI has said it would take more resources to implement this type of suggestion, but said there should be a funding request put in. He said the department should also be able to provide outlying schools with specific resources aimed at lowering the use of the tactics.

The post Seclusion and restraint incidents down slightly in Wisconsin schools during 2022-23 appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained Metropolitan Arsenii, the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), for his subversive activities.

Source: the SSUs press office

Details: The investigation materials indicate that the cleric passed the locations of Defence Forces checkpoints in the Kramatorsk district in Donetsk Oblast to the Russians during his liturgy.

At that time, the vicar recorded the addresses of the Ukrainian military checkpoints for the parishioners. Later, this video was posted on the lavra's website and on a local Telegram channel group.

In this way, the cleric attempted to covertly leak the locations of Ukrainian checkpoints to the Russians in the frontline area.

Photo: SSUs press office

The SSU states that even before the full-scale invasion of Russia, the metropolitan expressed pro-Kremlin narratives regarding the war in Ukraine. This is evidenced by the vicar's repeated interviews, in which he referred to Russia's armed aggression as a "civil conflict."

Based on the collected evidence, the Security Service investigators served the metropolitan with a notice of suspicion of disseminating information about the movement, location, or deployment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the possibility of their identification on the ground.

Currently, the issue of applying preventive measures to him is being resolved.

An investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The suspect faces up to 8 years in prison.
Security plan for Gaza aid workers still unclear with military pier to open soon

The Biden administration's plan to begin operating a pier next month off the Gaza coast to enable millions of humanitarian aid packages a day still faces several unresolved logistical issues, including who will provide security to the United Nations aid workers willing to distribute the supplies, officials say.

The ongoing discussions are pushing the project down to the wire, which is scheduled to be up and running by early May.

"The safety and security of our humanitarian partners is the most important thing," Sonali Korde, assistant administer to the State Department's U.S. Agency for International Development, told reporters this week during a briefing on humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

"It's absolutely vital, and they need to feel safe and secure," Korde said.

President Joe Biden ordered the military in March to build the pier after experts warned Gaza was on the brink of famine.

U.S. military ships have already arrived in the Mediterranean, carrying the heavy equipment to construct the giant floating pier and causeway. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday those vessels are "standing by," ready to begin construction when ordered.

PHOTO: The Trident pier rests on the shore of Fort Story, Va., during the preliminary stages of the Joint Logistics-Over-the-Shore exercise, Aug. 17, 2012. (DVIDS)

MORE: Gaza aid timeline: How the hunger crisis unfolded amid the Israel-Hamas war

Another major hurdle was cleared in recent days when USAID announced the U.N.'s World Food Program (WFP) agreed to distribute the aid from the pier so long as certain conditions are met.

Cooperation from the U.N. aid group was key to the project moving ahead because Biden has mandated that no U.S. troops or private American contractors operate from the ground in Gaza.

But while the U.S. military can build the pier relatively quickly -- much as it did in 2010 off the coast of Haiti following an earthquake -- officials have spent weeks wrangling over how to operate a massive humanitarian hub in the middle of a war zone.

According to one U.N. official, there have been lengthy discussions on the pier's precise location and where it might be most effective. It's also unclear how long the pier will need to be used.

On security, the U.N. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to describe internal deliberations, said the U.N. wants to rely on its own security to protect World Food Program staff, not the Israeli military. The primary concern, the person said, was to maintain neutrality in the conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces currently manage checkpoints into Gaza and provide security for designated "humanitarian corridors" that enable U.N. trucks to travel north.

"Given the catastrophic hunger situation in Gaza, WFP is open to exploring any opportunity to safely reach people in desperate need," the WFP wrote in a statement. But any final agreement must set conditions "that allow for safe, sustained, and scaled up assistance to reach people in need," the WFP added.

More than 200 humanitarian aid workers have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7. Among those killed were seven aid workers with the World Central Kitchen in a strike on April 1 that Israeli forces said was a grave mistake.

USAID's Korde acknowledged the security concerns in a press briefing Tuesday.

"We're very cognizant  that the U.N. needs to maintain its principles of neutrality and independence and access throughout Gaza," Korde said.

"We're trying to abide by those principles and make sure that everyone involved has the safety and security they need," she added.

PHOTO: Humanitarian aid supplies from the United Nations World Food Program at the Kerem Shalom border crossing to the Gaza Strip on the Israeli side on March 26, 2024. (Christoph Soeder/Picture-Alliance/DPA/AP, FILE)

MORE: Cost of US effort to build humanitarian aid pier off Gaza expected to top $180M

Since the Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers, and under pressure from Biden, Israel has dramatically increased the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, allowing on average 200 aid trucks a day, according to the State Department.

U.S. officials said this week that more needs to be done to improve the distribution of aid, provide potable water, and get lifesaving medicine to civilians. Administration officials also say they are pressing Israel to be clearer about which items included in humanitarian packages will be prohibited so that shipments don't get held up by Israeli security.

David Satterfield, the State Department's special envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues, told reporters at the briefing that the U.S. has made clear to Israel that the military pier and maritime aid route needs to be done in addition to -- not in lieu of -- keeping ground checkpoints open to aid trucks.

"There is no question that the most efficient and effective ways to deliver assistance is by as many land corridors as possible," Satterfield said.

When asked if the Israel Defense Forces would agree to the U.N. providing its own security, a spokesperson for the Israeli military declined to comment.

Both the Pentagon and USAID say that even with discussions underway, the project is still on track to become operational in early May.

"This is a complex operation that requires coordination between many partners, and our conversations are ongoing," a USAID spokesperson wrote in a statement.

ABC News' Phoebe Natanson, Dana Savir, Desiree Adib, Matt Seyler, and Kirit Radia contributed to this report.

Security plan for Gaza aid workers still unclear with military pier to open soon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A $95 billion package with aid to both Ukraine and Israel passed the Senate on Tuesday night after the House's various adjustments were approved in the lower chamber over the weekend.

By a vote of 79 to 18, the Senate sent the package to President Biden's desk, and he is expected to sign off on the additional foreign aid. It notably passed with more votes than the previous Senate-passed version had garnered in February.

The package ultimately included aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, alongside measures requiring TikTok to divest from Chinese-owned ByteDance and to allow $5 billion in Russian assets held in U.S. banks to be transferred to Ukraine.

BIDEN ADMIN NOTES 'URGENT' CONCERN OVER ISRAEL IN GAZA HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT

Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer both cheered the approval of the motion to invoke cloture, setting up a vote on the $95 billion foreign aid package.

Biden had initially requested the supplemental foreign aid in October. A different version of the package with funds for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan passed the Senate in February but was never voted on in the House.

Under the measures, roughly $61 billion is set aside for supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia, about $26 billion is allotted for Israel and humanitarian aid, and nearly $8 billion is provided for the Indo-Pacific and Taiwan.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The Senate cleared the way for quick passage of the bills earlier on Tuesday when it voted in favor of invoking cloture, 81-19.

DEMOCRATS JOIN REPUBLICANS IN CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Ukraine has fought against a Russian invasion for over two years.

After the cloture motion passed, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., celebrated, telling senators in floor remarks, "In a resounding bipartisan vote, the relentless work of six long months has paid off: Congress is sending the supplemental to President Bidens desk."

"This is an important day for America and a very important day for freedom-loving countries around the world," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., remarked to reporters following the vote to invoke cloture.

GOP LAWMAKERS DEMAND BIDEN ADMIN PROSECUTE PRO-TERRORIST MOBS, HOLD SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE

Prior to the cloture vote, a significant number of senators sought a motion to table an amendment tree, which blocks other amendments from being considered in regular order. The motion to table was a close vote, with 48 supporting it and 50 voting against, allowing the amendment tree to stand.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., released a statement following the motion's failure, noting that it meant his amendment wouldn't be considered. He wanted to see votes on his two amendments to the package, which would have ended unconditional aid to Israel and restored funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

FETTERMAN HAMMERS 'A--HOLE' ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS, SLAMS OWN PARTY FOR RESPONSE TO IRANIAN ATTACK: 'CRAZY'

Sanders has been critical of Israel's effort to minimize civilian casualties.

"Polls show that a majority of Americans, and a very strong majority of Democrats, want to end U.S. taxpayer support for Netanyahus war against the Palestinian people," Sanders said in a statement. "It is a dark day for democracy when the Senate will not even allow a vote on that issue."

A number of Republican lawmakers also wanted votes on their respective amendments, including Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who proposed an amendment to require repayment of the foreign aid loan to Ukraine, in order to make it "real."

If any amendments were passed in the Senate, the bill would be sent back to the House for its consideration once again.





Original article source: Senate approves $95B aid package for Ukraine and Israel, TikTok divestment, awaits Biden's signature
Senate approves nearly $61B of Ukraine foreign aid  heres why it helps the US to keep funding Ukraine

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a US$95.3 billion foreign aid funding package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on April 23, 2024, following months of political infighting that stalled the bill in the House of Representatives. About $61 billion of this aid package will be spent on Ukraine, while $26 billion will go to Israel. Another $8 billion is designated for Taiwan.

President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law within days.

The Senate voted for the aid package with a 79-18 vote late on Tuesday evening, while the House approved the bill on April 20 with a rare bipartisan coalition that voted 311-112 in favor of aid to Ukraine.

Todays outcome yet confirms another thing weve stressed from the beginning of this Congress. In divided government, the only way to ever get things done is bipartisanship, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on April 23, before thanking House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, for moving the legislation along.

The new legislation means that U.S. military supplies could be moved to Ukraine in a matter of days.

In early April 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy laid out the stakes for the U.S. support saying, If the Congress doesnt help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war. Russia had increased its bombing of Ukraine in recent months, and the battle lines between Russia and Ukraine have moved little in the past year.

Pressure increased on lawmakers to pass the aid package after Irans drone missile attack on Israel on April 14, 2024.

The U.S. has been the largest single donor backing Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country in February 2022. Since then, the U.S. has sent Ukraine approximately $113 billion in a combination of cash, military supplies and machinery, as well as food and other humanitarian supplies.

As a scholar of Eastern Europe, I think there are a few important reasons why the U.S. has a lot at stake in supporting Ukraine.

Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, talks to media as he walks into the Senate chamber at the Capitol on April 23, 2024. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Republicans divided over Ukraine aid

Since February 2024, Johnson had delayed initiating a vote on the Ukraine foreign aid bill in the House of Representatives for a few reasons. One major factor was fighting between Republicans, who hold a slim majority in the House.

While some centrist Republican politicians supported Ukraine funding and pushed for a vote on the foreign aid package, others  hard-right Republicans  wanted a bill that prioritized what they said are American interests, meaning more of a focus on domestic U.S. problems.

Another issue was a threat of other Republicans trying to remove Johnson from his leadership role.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky called on Johnson to resign and joined Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a Republican who filed a motion on March 22, 2024, to prompt a vote that could push Johnson out of his House leadership position.

Eventually, Johnson reportedly settled on the idea that supporting the legislation was the right decision  and reached out to Democrats across the aisle to help him see the bills through.

Delays on Ukraine benefit Putin

As the House was stalling on a vote, Ukraine was rationing ammunition and supplies. This, in turn, provided an opportunity for Russia to strengthen its arsenal.

Delays with foreign aid to Ukraine give Putin time to move forward with plans to purchase ballistic missiles from Iran. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed concerns in early January 2024 that Russia was close to acquiring short-range ballistic weapons from Iran.

Russia already buys drones from Iran and ballistic missiles from North Korea.

In February, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan pointed out that Ukrainian forces lost a major center of resistance in the east of Ukraine called Avdiivka to Russia because of a shortage of ammunition.

Without foreign aid from the U.S., Ukraine faces a strategic disadvantage that could lead to Russia winning the war. That could lead to Russia increasing its threats on nearby NATO countries.

The US needs Europe to compete with China

There are other reasons why many experts think it helps the U.S. to back Ukraine. One factor is U.S. global power competition with China.

Russian and Chinese leaders declared a military and political partnership days before Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They announced on April 9, 2024, that they want to find ways to strengthen their joint security work across Asia and Europe.

U.S. political and military leaders have noted that supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russia is one clear way to deter China from strengthening its global political power and military reach.

Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo said in February 2024 that Russias potential loss in Ukraine is a deterrence in the western Pacific and directly reassures partners.

The admiral said that China is studying the Ukraine invasion for its own purposes, in order to effect a short, sharp conflict that presents a fait accompli to all of the world. He called for the U.S. to continue to fund Ukraines war.

The U.S. needs its long-standing allies in Europe to help push back against China  and deterrence is only as effective as the size of the force doing the deterring.

Ely Ratner, the U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, recently explained this principle and how it relates to China: We believe deterrence is real and deterrence is strong, and were working every day to keep it that way.

A Ukrainian serviceman drives a British armored personnel carrier on a road in the Donetsk region of Ukraine on March 30, 2024. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images

Foreign aid benefits US arms industry

Most of Americas military aid to Ukraine consists of arms and ammunition from existing U.S. stockpiles. More than one-third of the $61 billion spending includes $23 billion dedicated to replenishing weapons and ammunition systems for the U.S. military.

In December 2023, Biden signed a U.S. defense policy bill that authorizes a record-high $886 billion in spending from July 2023 through June 2024. This includes a 5.2% pay raise for troops, $11.5 billion in support of initiatives to help deter China and $800 million to support Ukraines counteroffensive war.

But it also allows for the purchasing of new ships, aircraft and other types of ammunition. For defense stocks, that means a promising start to 2024, as the military will be likely to boost defense contractors revenues looking to restock supplies shipped to Ukraine.

Americans continue to support Ukraine aid

A majority of Americans still favor U.S. support of Ukraine, though about half of Republicans said in December 2023 that the U.S. is giving too much money to the country.

Even though politicians do not always follow public opinion, there are clear reasons why it is in the U.S.s best interests to keep funding Ukraine.

This story is an update of an earlier article published on April 10, 2023.

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: Tatsiana Kulakevich, University of South Florida

Read more:



Tatsiana Kulakevich 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.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer notched a win on Tuesday with the bipartisan passage of aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan (Getty Images)

The US Senate on Tuesday finally sent a three-pronged aid package with military assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to President Joe Bidens desk on Tuesday, ending months of delays that administration officials and top brass were increasingly blaming for Ukrainian battlefield casualties.

Senators voted 79-18 for the aid package in largely bipartisan fashion, with conservatives having mounted their opposition to the Ukraine portion of the bill similar to conservatives in the US House of Representatives. The legislation which also includes a ride-along bill that addresses a potential ban of Chinese-owned TikTok  pased late in the evening on Tuesday with 15 Republican Senators and three members of the Senate Democratic caucus voting against it.

America will never shrink from its responsibility as a leader on the world stage, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said ahead of the bills passage on Tuesday.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell--an ardent supporter of Ukraine who pushed back against more nationalist forces in his party, including former president Donald Trump, stressed the necessity of Americas role in the world in a floor speech flanked by Democrats and Republicans.

History will record that even as allies and partners may have worried about the depth of our resolve, even as Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran grew more convinced that our influence had run its course, and even as loud voices here at home insisted on abandoning the responsibilities of leadership, he said. America stepped up. And the Senate held firm.

President Joe Biden said he would sign the legislation immediately.

Tonight, a bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House to answer historys call at this critical inflection point, he said in a statement. Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression.

The Senate originally approved this aid package in February. Months of disagreement between the Republican majority in the lower chamber and their minority in the Senate led to the upper chamber trying and failing to address border security and the asylum process via legislation, while the House went on to separate the legislation into several pieces and restructure the Ukraine portion around a loan system. All the while, experts warned that Ukraine was running out of capacity to defend from Russias missile and drone onslaught.

Senator Mitt Romney, a centrist Republican strongly supportive of the aid to Ukraine and Israel, addressed the delays caused by his party on Tuesday after a question from The Independent ahead of the final vote.

Things don't move quickly, he said of the congressional legislative process. And in a democracy like ours, and the rules of our buildings, respective House and Senate, make things slow, but the right answer was reached with a resounding affirmative votes.

Democrat Chris Murphy blamed the delays squarely on Mr Trumps reported opposition to any further funding to Ukraine. Mr Trump has not officially outlined his stance on whether the US would continue military assistance under his watch, but Hungarys prime minister has claimed that the ex-president told him privately that such aid would end.

You know, we've got this big stinky problem of Donald Trump's hostility to Ukraine and his fealty to Vladimir Putin, Mr Murphy told The Independent on Tuesday. But we're showing that there is still massive bipartisan support for Ukraine that should, you know, put a little wind behind the sails of the folks that are on the ground [in Ukraine].

Whats in the full foreign aid package passed by the House:

Three pieces of legislation that were part of the national security supplemental passed by the Senate, as well as one piece of sidecar legislation dealing with Russia/Iran sanctions, passed the House on Saturday. Combined, they will provide tens of billions of dollars in security and military assistance to US allies in three regions.

Ukraine

The Ukraine portion of the bill is the largest. $60.8bn is earmarked for Ukraine in the bills passed on Saturday, with much being targeted to resupply vital air defences for the Ukrainian military. A Republican amendment to strip all non-defence spending from the bill failed.

Of the defence spending in the bill, $23bn is set aside to replenish US stockpiles drawn down by the effort to supply Ukraine, while another $11bn would support current US operations in eastern Europe. Nearly $14bn was targeted to help Ukraine purchase advanced weapon and defence systems.

A relatively smaller amount, $26m, was supplied to provide oversight efforts to ensure that US contributions to Ukraine are being disbursed correctly and fairly.

But Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said the new legislation will have more consensus, noting how the legislation now has a loan aspect to Ukraine aid and that the bill freezes Russian assets and directs them to Ukraine.

This is the best outcome we could hope for is to start seizing Russian assets, he told The Independent. That wasnt in the Senate bill. Making part of it a loan gets Trump on board, which makes it more sustainable. Bad night for Putin.

Israel

Much of the $26.38bn Israel bill is centred around restocking Israeli munitions required for its defences as well as the siege of Gaza, where Israel is attempting to wipe out Hamas militants. $4bn is included for resupplying the Iron Dome defensive grid, and $1.2bn is include for the so-called Iron Beam, a ground-based laser system used to take out drones and missiles.

$3.5bn is set aside to help Israel procure weapon systems, while nearly $7bn is marked for restocking US supplies and funding operations in the region.

But some Democrats expressed disappointment at not being able to have amendments to hold Israel accountable as its military campaign in Gaza after the October 7 attack has led to 34,000 deaths. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont had proposed amendments to restore funding to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and require Israel not receive unfettered assistance.

I think its beyond belief that, on an issue where the majority of the American people dont want to continue to support Netanyahus war machine slaughter of women and children in Gaza, that we couldnt even get an amendment to deal with that, he toldThe Independent earlier in the day.

Mr Sanderss colleague from Vermont Senator Peter Welch, who supports a ceasefire in Gaza, said that the Senate needed to vote.

I would have preferred that we have separate votes on each of the items like the House did, he said, but added that he thought Mr Biden was concerned about reducing civilian casualties.

Indo-Pacific

One last segment of the foreign aid package deals with Taiwan and other US allies in the Indo-Pacific region such as the Philippines. This smaller ($8.12bn) bill sets aside $3.3bn for the construction of submarine port infrastructure around the Indo-Pacific and includes roughly $4bn in assistance to Taiwan and regional military partners of the US. Just over a half billion is also provided to directly strengthen US military assets in the region.

In addition, the bill would require ByteDance, the parent company that owns the video app TikTok, to either divest or face a ban in the United States.

At the same time, many senators expressed frustration that the bill came after six months of delays only to be passed nearly unchanged from the original requests to fund support for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific.

Anytime you delay, then you discount the impact that the money can have, Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, told The Independent, even though the US will send more than $60bn to Ukraine. But it wasn't near as efficient as if we just kept the supply chains going.

All the while, demonstrators holding Ukrainian flags stayed outside into the end of the night until after the vote.
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Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, speaks at the state Capitol during the Oklahoma Press Association Legislative Summit on Feb. 8. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday overrode Gov. Kevin Stitts veto of a bill that could have benefited criminal defendants who were also victims.

The Senate voted 46-1 to override Stitts veto of Senate Bill 1470, dubbed the Oklahoma Survivors Act.

It was the first veto override in the Senate for the session, according to Senate staff.

Stitt vetoed the bill Tuesday, saying it was a bridge too far and bad policy.

The measure would allow for leniency for defendants who are victims of abuse if they can show it contributed to their criminal behavior toward the abuser.

For example, a person who was abused by a spouse and later harms the spouse could seek a lesser punishment under the measure.

But critics said the measure was too broad and could have unintended consequences.

Although sold as a shield to protect victims, this bill would create a sword by which criminal defendants will fight the imposition of justice based on prior abuse, Stitts veto message said. Said differently, untold numbers of violent individuals who are incarcerated or should be incarcerated in the future will have greater opportunity to present a threat to society due to this bills impact.

The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association supported the veto.

SB 1470 provided a blueprint for violent criminals looking for yet another opportunity to lessen their sentences, Chris Boring, Oklahoma District Attorneys Association president and district attorney for Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties said in a press release.

A drunken driver who killed a person would have a chance to argue for a sentence reduction if his alcoholism was attributable to prior abuse, according to the association.

The Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition supported the measure. The coalition includes attorneys and advocates for incarcerated survivors. It advocates for safety and freedom for survivors of domestic violence.

In a press release, they accused prosecutors of continuously and mercilessly prosecuting survivors of domestic violence, and seeking harsh, maximum punishments, while simultaneously letting their abusers plead out and face minimal consequences.

Senate Pro Tem Gerg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the Senate author.

He said the House author, Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and he were willing to run another bill to address the concerns prosecutors had with the bill.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 84-3 and the Senate by a vote of 45-0.

Treat said he received no communication from Stitts office prior to the veto.

He either has no grasp of this policy or doesnt care enough to get involved himself, Treat said. Whichever it is, its embarrassing, especially for our state that has such a high rate of domestic violence.

The Oklahoma Survivors Justice Coalition encouraged the House to also override the veto, which is necessary for the measure to become law.

As of publication, the House had not taken up a veto override.



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The post Senate overrides veto of Oklahoma victims bill appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
The Senate passes crucial aid for Ukraine in a $95 billion package. The Supreme Court takes up an abortion care fight in Idaho that could have national implications. And runaway military horses cause chaos as they careen through London.

Heres what to know today.

Congress has finally passed Ukraine aid  but is it too little, too late?

The Senate voted 79-18 to pass a $95 billion package to provide critical aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of GOP infighting over whether to continue funding Ukraines defense against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded the additional $60 billion in aid as giving his country a chance at victory. The bill also includes $26 billion in assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief in Gaza, and $8 billion for security in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. President Joe Biden has vowed to swiftly enact the package into law.

In Ukraine, the race is now on to ensure that military aid gets to the front lines in time to make a difference to troops trying to ward off the advancing Russian army. The news of the aid package finally passing Congress has offered Ukraine some relief and renewed hope of victory, with the war now in its third year. But in the streets and trenches, those who spoke with NBC News espoused a view shared by many Western military analysts: That much damage had already been done and that the billions of dollars in supplies would only go so far to resolving Ukraines problems.

This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

More coverage of the vote in Congress:

Also included in the bill is a provision that threatens to ban TikTok in the U.S. if its China-based owner doesnt sell the platform. But dont expect a ban to happen before the 2024 election.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell celebrated the passage of aid to Ukraine but blamed Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump for a monthslong delay.

Clash over abortion care and emergency room treatment for women reaches Supreme Court

Supreme Court justices will consider today whether a near-total abortion ban in Idaho unlawfully conflicts with a federal law aimed at ensuring certain standards of emergency medical care for patients, including pregnant women. The decision will not only affect Idaho, but also other states like Texas that have enacted similar abortion bans that abortion rights advocates say clash with federal law.

Under the Idaho law, which went into effect when the Supreme Court rolled back Roe v. Wade, anyone who performs an abortion is subject to criminal penalties, including up to five years in prison. However, there is an exception if an abortion is necessary to protect the life of the pregnant woman.

A federal law enacted in 1986 requires patients receive appropriate emergency room care, and the Biden administration argues that care should include abortions in certain situations. Reporter Lawrence Hurley lays out the challenges and appeals that elevated this case to the Supreme Court.

Trump trial witness details salacious stories

Donald Trumps hush money trial continued yesterday with David Pecker, the former CEO of AMI and publisher of the National Enquirer, returning to the witness stand to describe how the publication embellished stories about some of Trumps opponents during the 2016 presidential campaign. That included a piece about the father of Sen. Ted Cruz being involved in the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And according to Pecker, then-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen was heavily involved.

During yesterdays trial, prosecutors also sought to implicate Steve Bannon, a top adviser to Trumps 2016 campaign, but Trumps team objected and said it had no notice that Bannon was being considered as a co-conspirator.

Earlier in the day, prosecutors urged Judge Juan Merchan to hold Trump in contempt for violating his gag order by attacking witnesses and others. Merchan opted to rule on the gag order later.

Among those in attendance at yesterdays trial: A trio of teens who decided to spend their day off from school at the Centre Street courthouse.

Read a full recap of what happened on Day 6.

Last week, as Trumps trial took place, Maxwell Azzarello set himself on fire outside the courthouse and later died. His actions left those who knew him in total disbelief and wondering what drove him to his actions. One friend describedAzzarello as smart, funny, charismatic and the most intelligent person he had ever met. Heres what else his friends and former colleagues said.

Runaway military horses race through London, with one seemingly covered in blood

London horse incident (Jordan Pettitt / Press Association via AP)

Two British military horses  one of them apparently covered in blood  were seen galloping loose and riderless through central London this morning.

The animals broke free during regular exercises, and a number of people and horses were injured during the incident at the heart of the British capital, according to a statement from the British army.

Its not clear why or how the horses escaped, but one of the areas in which they were seen is patrolled by the Household Guards, an elite army mounted unit that takes part in the kings birthday and other ceremonial parades.

After being filmed and photographed careening past downtown landmarks and running into several vehicles during the morning rush hour, the animals had been contained and returned to camp, the army said.

Columbia protest encampment to continue with fewer tents after deadline to clear out passes

Pro-Palestinian Protests Continue At Columbia University In New York City (Jeenah Moon / Getty Images)

Columbia University said early this morning that student protesters had agreed to take down a significant number of tents but protests will continue. It follows a midnight deadline set by school President Minouche Shafik, who said that alternative options would be considered to clear the encampment.

The university said protesters had agreed to ensure anyone not enrolled at Columbia would leave campus, the encampment would follow fire safety rules, and discriminatory or harassing language would be prohibited.

Protests are spreading at campuses across the U.S. with encampments established at the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California State Polytechnic, Humbolt. Follow live updates here.

FDA says bird flu virus fragments found in pasteurized milk

The Food and Drug Administration said its still safe to drink pasteurized milk after announcing that fragments of the bird flu virus were found in the drink. The findings come amid an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu that has been detected in dairy cow herds in eight states.

However, the presence of fragments of the virus in samples of pasteurized milk isnt cause for concern, the FDA said. A positive result doesnt necessarily mean that live, infectious virus has been found, and the pasteurization process is likely to inactivate the virus. The FDA is specifically testing whether pasteurization inactivates bird flu in cow milk and expects findings to be available in the next few days to weeks.

FBI director rejects Trumps vow to investigate political rivals

In a wide-ranging interview with NBC Nightly News Lester Holt, FBI Director Christopher Wray rejected Trumps vow to investigate political rivals and broke with him over the characterization of Jan. 6 defendants as hostages. On conducting investigations, Wray said he would not allow his agents to launch any investigation that doesnt comply with our rules, our procedures, our best practices, our core values.

Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, also discussed an array of national security threats, including from terrorism, cyberattacks and TikTok. In addition, he said, the FBI is coordinating with college campuses to make them aware of antisemitic threats and possible violence in connection with ongoing protests.

Read more and watch the full interview here.

Politics in Brief

Airline refunds: A federal rule announced today will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds  without lengthy arguments  to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

Chuck Todd analysis: Interest in the upcoming presidential election is alarmingly low, according to the latest NBC News poll. That has its own consequences up and down the ballot, chief political analyst Chuck Todd writes. Read the full analysis here.

Pennsylvania primaries: Progressive Rep. Summer Lee fended off a primary challenge in a race that served as an early test of how Democratic voters feel about the Israel-Hamas war and concerns over rising antisemitism. And in a high-stakes Senate battle, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick are officially set to face off this fall.

Gun rights: Tennessee lawmakers passed a measure that would allow school staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk.

New York politics: Expelled former Rep. George Santos announced that he was ending his independent campaign for a seat in Congress.

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: A lesbian archive inside a Brooklyn brownstone

Lesbian Visibility Week seemed like the perfect time to shine light on the work of the Lesbian Herstory Archives, a nonprofit that has been gathering, preserving and providing access to a trove of Sapphic history since 1974. Located in a brownstone on a tree-lined street in Brooklyn, the archives houses books, newspaper clippings, films, photos, posters, oral histories, clothing and other memorabilia that help visitors understand the lives and rich history of lesbians and other queer women.

When I visited the archives last month, I felt like a proverbial kid in a candy store among so much herstory. My favorite items included an issue of Vice Versa, a lesbian magazine published in the 1940s, and a poster from a 1974 lesbian music festival in Michigan.  Brooke Sopelsa, NBC Out editorial director

Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, it may be time to invest in a great set of sheets. Heres how to shop for bed sheets and 14 great options, starting at $50.

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
Senate Passes Bill That Could Ban TikTok In The U.S., Sends To Biden

WASHINGTON  The Senate passed a $95.3 billion package of foreign aid bills on Tuesday  and tucked inside was a provision that could lead to a TikTok ban in the U.S.

Senators voted 79 to 18 for legislation that includes a provision forcing TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest of the popular social media platform within a year or get blocked. It specifically gives ByteDance nine months to sell its stake in the company, and gives the U.S. president the option of extending that timeline by three more months.

The House overwhelmingly passed this legislative package last week. President Joe Biden is expected to sign it quickly as it includes badly needed aid to Ukraine and humanitarian assistance to Gaza. His signature on it will start the clock on the potential TikTok ban, too.

TikTok is immensely popular with young people, but lawmakers in both parties have raised national security and data privacy concerns with it.

Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said on the Senate floor. Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), too, said he is very pleased that the potential TikTok ban is part of the foreign aid package.

The news that emerged last week that the Chinese Embassy has actually lobbied congressional staff against legislation forcing the sale of TikTok was a stunning confirmation of the value the Chinese government places on the ability to access Americans information, Thune said on the Senate floor.

Biden has said that he supports banning TikTok. Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has fully reversed himself on it. As president, Trump called TikTok a national security threat and signed an executive order aimed at banning it. But these days, hes been attacking Biden for vowing to ban it and has said that young voters should punish Biden for it in November.

TikTok has called the potential ban unfortunate.

Banning Americans access to TikTok would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually, TikTok recently posted on X, previously known as Twitter.

But Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said while young people may be upset if TikTok get banned, they havent been in the classified briefings that Congress has held that have examined the threats posed by the foreign control of TikTok.

To those young Americans, I want to say we hear your concern, Warner said on the Senate floor. We hope that TikTok will continue under new ownership, American or otherwise. It could be bought by a group from Britain, Canada, Brazil, France. It just needs to be no longer controlled by an adversary that is defined as an adversary in U.S. law.

Related...
The Senate voted Tuesday to pass a bill that would either ban TikTok from American app stores and web-hosting services or force its China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the video-sharing platform within nearly a year.

The bill, titled the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, would also create a process through which the president can designate certain social media applications with ties to foreign governments as a national security risk. The measure was approved by the Senate 79 to 18  sending the legislation to President Joe Bidens desk. The president has backed the bill and said he would sign it into law.

The bill sailed through the House last week by a margin of 360 to 58, after it had passed a different version of the bill in March that stalled in the Senate. The new version is tied to a high-priority package offering aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Tawian, helping expedite its passage in Congress.

Lawmakers have accused TikTok and ByteDance of exploiting American user data on behalf of the Chinese government. The initial legislation was introduced by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.). Gallagher, the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, said in a statement in March that he had one message for TikTok, which is to break up with the Chinese Communist Party or lose access to your American users.

The bill gives ByteDance nine months to separate itself from TikTok (with a possible three-month extension if a sale is made) or face a nationwide ban.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in March that the Biden administration doesnt see this as banning these apps  thats not what this is, but rather ensuring that their ownership isnt in the hands of those who may do us harm.

Still, despite the measures broad bipartisan support, some have opposed the bill. Im voting NO on the TikTok forced sale bill, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) wrote in March, prior to the revised version. This bill was incredibly rushed, from committee to vote in 4 days, with little explanation. There are serious antitrust and privacy questions here, and any national security concerns should be laid out to the public prior to a vote.

More from Rolling Stone

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A TikTok content creator, speaks to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Washington, as Senators prepare to consider legislation that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikToks China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers thats expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.

The TikTok legislation was included as part of a larger $95 billion package that provides foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel and was passed 79-18. It now goes to President Joe Biden, who said in a statement immediately after passage that he will sign it Wednesday.

A decision made by House Republicans last week to attach the TikTok bill to the high-priority package helped expedite its passage in Congress and came after negotiations with the Senate, where an earlier version of the bill had stalled. That version had given TikToks parent company, ByteDance, six months to divest its stakes in the platform. But it drew skepticism from some key lawmakers concerned it was too short of a window for a complex deal that could be worth tens of billions of dollars.

The revised legislation extends the deadline, giving ByteDance nine months to sell TikTok, and a possible three-month extension if a sale is in progress. The bill would also bar the company from controlling TikToks secret sauce: the algorithm that feeds users videos based on their interests and has made the platform a trendsetting phenomenon.

TikTok did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night.

The passage of the legislation is a culmination of long-held bipartisan fears in Washington over Chinese threats and the ownership of TikTok, which is used by 170 million Americans. For years, lawmakers and administration officials have expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data, or influence Americans by suppressing or promoting certain content on TikTok.

Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok or any other individual company," Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell said. "Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel.

Opponents of the bill say the Chinese government could easily get information on Americans in other ways, including through commercial data brokers that traffic in personal information. The foreign aid package includes a provision that makes it illegal for data brokers to sell or rent personally identifiable sensitive data to North Korea, China, Russia, Iran or entities in those countries. But it has encountered some pushback, including from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the language is written too broadly and could sweep in journalists and others who publish personal information.

Many opponents of the TikTok measure argue the best way to protect U.S. consumers is through implementing a comprehensive federal data privacy law that targets all companies regardless of their origin. They also note the U.S. has not provided public evidence that shows TikTok sharing U.S. user information with Chinese authorities, or that Chinese officials have ever tinkered with its algorithm.

Banning TikTok would be an extraordinary step that requires extraordinary justification, said Becca Branum, a deputy director at the Washington-based Center for Democracy & Technology, which advocates for digital rights. Extending the divestiture deadline neither justifies the urgency of the threat to the public nor addresses the legislations fundamental constitutional flaws.

Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat who voted for the legislation, said he has concerns about TikTok, but he's also worried the bill could have negative effects on free speech, doesn't do enough to protect consumer privacy and could potentially be abused by a future administration to violate First Amendment rights.

I plan to watchdog how this legislation is implemented, Wyden said in a statement.

China has previously said it would oppose a forced sale of TikTok, and has signaled its opposition this time around. TikTok, which has long denied its a security threat, is also preparing a lawsuit to block the legislation.

At the stage that the bill is signed, we will move to the courts for a legal challenge, Michael Beckerman, TikToks head of public policy for the Americas, wrote in a memo sent to employees on Saturday and obtained by The Associated Press.

This is the beginning, not the end of this long process," Beckerman wrote.

The company has seen some success with court challenges in the past, but it has never sought to prevent federal legislation from going into effect.

In November, a federal judge blocked a Montana law that would ban TikTok use across the state after the company and five content creators who use the platform sued. Three years before that, federal courts blocked an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump to ban TikTok after the company sued on the grounds that the order violated free speech and due process rights.

The Trump administration then brokered a deal that had U.S. corporations Oracle and Walmart take a large stake in TikTok. But the sale never went through.

Trump, who is running for president again this year, now says he opposes the potential ban.

Since then, TikTok has been in negotiations about its future with the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a little-known government agency tasked with investigating corporate deals for national security concerns.

On Sunday, Erich Andersen, a top attorney for ByteDance who led talks with the U.S. government for years, told his team that he was stepping down from his role.

As I started to reflect some months ago on the stresses of the last few years and the new generation of challenges that lie ahead, I decided that the time was right to pass the baton to a new leader, Andersen wrote in an internal memo that was obtained by the AP. He said the decision to step down was entirely his and was decided months ago in a discussion with the companys senior leaders.

Meanwhile, TikTok content creators who rely on the app have been trying to make their voices heard. Earlier Tuesday, some creators congregated in front the Capitol building to speak out against the bill and carry signs that read Im 1 of the 170 million Americans on TikTok," among other things.

Tiffany Cianci, a content creator who has more than 140,000 followers on the platform and had encouraged people to show up, said she spent Monday night picking up creators from airports in the D.C. area. Some came from as far as Nevada and California. Others drove overnight from South Carolina or took a bus from upstate New York.

Cianci says she believes TikTok is the safest platform for users right now because of Project Texas, TikTok's $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle.

If our data is not safe on TikTok," she said. I would ask why the president is on TikTok.

__

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Matt O'Brien contributed to this report.
The Senate passed a $95 billion emergency foreign aid package Tuesday, ending months of bitter fighting over $61 billion for the war in Ukraine that had deeply divided the Republican Party.

The measure passed with a 79-18 vote and now goes to President Biden for his signature.

The package also includes $15 billion in military aid for Israel and $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza and other war-torn areas, which became another flashpoint among conservative Republicans who argued it didnt have adequate safeguards to keep the funding from going to Hamas.

It provides $8 billion in security assistance to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

And it includes language to force the Chinese owner of TikTok to divest from the popular social media app, which is used by more than 140 million Americans, or otherwise face a ban within the United States.

But the centerpiece of the package is $47.7 billion that would flow through the Defense Department to provide training, equipment, weapons, logistics support and supplies to help Ukraines military, as well as $13.4 billion to replenish U.S. equipment sent to Ukraine and $20.5 billion for U.S. armed forces support in Europe.

It also includes $9.5 billion in economic aid to Ukraine structured as a forgivable loan, an idea that former President Trump gave life to when the Senate passed a previous version of the $95 billion assistance package in February.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), who worked for months to get Ukraine aid passed, hailed the vote as a landmark moment.

Today, the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need. We tell our allies we will stand with you. We tell our adversaries dont mess with us, Schumer declared on the Senate floor.

Schumer, after the vote, praised McConnell for standing up to the stiff opposition to Ukraine funding within the Republican Party and for enduring the sharp barbs from conservative critics in his conference.

I would like to give particular shout out to Leader McConnell. Against a lot of negative comments in his own party and within his own caucus, he knew the right thing to do and stuck with it, he told reporters after the vote.

Schumer noted that he left a message for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday evening letting him know, OK, we got it done. Now win the fight.

McConnell had earlier taken to the floor to hail the prosperity the United States has enjoyed because its a global leader but told colleagues that that leadership comes with responsibilities to allies who help maintain peace and order throughout much of the world.

And he chastised colleagues who dragged out the debate over helping Ukraine based on what he called the sheer fiction that supporting the war is not a vital national security interest.

So much of the hesitation and shortsightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, he said, warning that failure to support Ukraine would only encourage unchecked terrorist violence against American troops in the Middle East and Israel.

He said allies in Asia know that China will benefit from Russian advances and that Beijing is waiting for us to waver.

And he warned that the delay to arm Ukraine had undermined the war effort.

Make no mistake: Delay in providing Ukraine the weapons to defend itself has strained the prospects of defeating Russian aggression. Dithering and hesitation has compounded the challenges we face, he said.

Thirty-one Republican senators voted Tuesday afternoon to advance the foreign aid package to a final vote, eight more than voted for a similar package in February after Trump voiced his opposition to it and demanded it be structured as a loan.

McConnell hailed the vote as a sign that his side is winning the debate with isolationists in the party about the importance of supporting European and Asian allies and deterring Russia, China and Iran.

I think weve turned the corner on the isolationist movement. Ive noticed how uncomfortable the proponents of that are when you call them isolationists. I think weve made some progress, he told reporters.

The bill still faced staunch opposition led by conservatives, including Sens. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Mike Lee (R-Utah).

Vance on the Senate floor ticked through the arguments he made in a recent New York Times op-ed that the military aid for Ukraine wont turn the tide of the war and that the United States doesnt have the industrial capability to supply it with the weapons it needs to win.

He also warned of unintended consequences of U.S. involvement that cant be foreseen, and of potentially tying the hands of the next president to achieve a diplomatic end to the war.

Schumer faced divisions within his own conference over military aid to Israel.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) voted against the package.

Sanders said that while he supported military aid for Ukraine and humanitarian assistance for Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, he opposed what he called $8.9 billion in unfettered military aid to allow Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to wage his unprecedented assault against the Palestinian people.

Welch said he voted against the bill because it would enable Israel to continue its offensive in Gaza.

Sending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government the munitions it is using to destroy Gaza is wrong and inconsistent with our foreign policy goals, he said.

The road to getting the foreign aid to Bidens desk has been long and politically fraught.

Biden submitted his foreign aid request to Congress in October, and the Senate passed its version of the $95 billion package on Feb. 13, after an effort to add to it a bipartisan border security deal negotiated with the White House failed. Trump played a key role in knocking off the border security component, telling allies that he wanted to deny Biden a victory on a major issue in the 2024 election.

The bill then stalled for weeks, as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) kept his focus on passing long-stalled government funding and dealing with a restive right flank resolutely opposed to Ukraine aid.

Johnson gave colleagues little hint how he would handle the Ukraine funding issue until he met with GOP senators at their annual retreat in mid-March at the Library of Congress, when he told them he would structure some of the assistance as a loan and add language authorizing the seizure of Russian assets to pay for Ukraines reconstruction.

The Speaker, however, held off from bringing the legislation to the floor as he faced the threat that conservative critics would move to boot him from the top leadership job.

Johnson shored up his right flank this month by paying a visit to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he met with the former president for an hour.

Trump gave Johnson a major boost by praising him for doing a very good job and declaring I stand with the Speaker.

Johnson sought to overcome the thorny divisions within his conference over Ukraine funding, as well as Democratic disagreements over providing military aid to Israel, by splitting the foreign aid package into four separate bills on the House floor.

Even then, Democrats had to rally to Johnsons side and help him overcome conservative opposition in the Rules Committee and on a procedural vote on the House floor. Such procedural votes on House rules are usually strictly partisan affairs.

In the end, all four bills passed by wide margins.

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) praised Johnson for his innovative handling of the bill Tuesday.

I think they did a really nice job of structuring it over there to get a big vote coming out of the House and adding some provisions that are going to be additive to the vote count here over in the Senate, he said of the additions of the TikTok ban and language structuring Ukraine economic assistance as a forgivable loan.

His engagement I think with the former president probably was helpful, because there was a fairly  strong position prior in opposition, he said.

U.S. officials told Reuters they are already working on a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine that will be authorized by the foreign aid package. It will include air defense missiles, artillery rockets, 155 mm artillery shells and antitank weapons.

Updated at 10:52 p.m. ET

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The U.S. Senate voted in favor of a bill on Tuesday that will ban TikTok in the U.S. unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests entirely from it.

Voting was lopsided in favor of passing the bill, with just 18 senators voting against it. That vote comes on the heels of the legislation passing the House with a vote of 360-58 on Saturday.

The legislation, if signed by President Joe Biden, could mean TikToks days are limited in the U.S. as ByteDance has indicated it has no plans to remove itself from the social network it founded.

The bill garnered strong bipartisan support, possibly because it was built into legislation that included a broader foreign-aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan thats worth $95.3 billion.

TikTok Is One Step Closer to Being Sold After House Vote

Biden has publicly spoken in favor of both the foreign aid package and TikTok ban, confirming in a statement Tuesday night hell soon sign the legislation into law.

I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week, he said.

It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform  TikTok Policy (@TikTokPolicy) April 18, 2024

Once signed, ByteDance would have roughly nine months to sell the wildly popular app or face a national bana deadline Biden will be permitted to push back by 90 days if he wishes. Lawmakers cited data-sharing with the Chinese government and privacy concerns as the reason behind their push to ban the social network.

In a sit-down with NBCs Lester Holt, FBI Director Christopher Wray detailed the dangers of TikTok, claiming its a national security concern. He added that ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government, which is run by the Chinese Communist Party.

I would say to you is that they are currently attempting to steal our AI and hack American technology every day, he said.

TikTok has over 170 million users in the U.S. after it exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained momentum into 2024, especially among Gen Z. The bill is the most significant crackdown on TikTok at the federal level to date. Some states, like Montana, have tried to initiate a ban at the state level, only to be challenged in court.

Like its done in state cases, TikTok has signaled it will challenge the measure in U.S. courts, claiming the ban violates Americans right to free speech.

TikTok has harshly criticized lawmakers for tying the TikTok ban to a foreign aid package, saying in a statement last week: It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans.

I am grateful to the United States Senate for approving vital aid to Ukraine today.



I thank Majority Leader Chuck Schumer @SenSchumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell @LeaderMcConnell for their strong leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation, as well as all US  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 24, 2024

Word of the foreign aids passage also made ripples internationally on Tuesday. That package will send $8 billion to Taiwan, $26.38 billion to Israel, and $60.84 billion to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a statement on the bills passing, saying, Im grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and realize that the historical significance of this bill goes beyond politics.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Buc-ees, a popular chain of roadside rest stops famous for its Beaver Nuggets and clean restrooms, is coming to West Tennessee.

State Sen. Page Walley, who represents Fayette and several other nearby counties, posted the news on his official Facebook page Wednesday with the caption, BUC-EES WELCOME TO FAYETTE COUNTY!!! Another great economic and commercial achievement for our District!

Are you serious?! This is AWESOME!!! state Sen. Raumesh Akbari responded.

The location is listed in documents posted by Walley as exit 28 off Interstate 40 in Gallaway, just east of the Shelby County line and a few miles outside Memphis.

We are delighted that Buc-ees has chosen Fayette County as their West Tennessee site. Our local officials are to be commended for making this happen. Only minutes from the mega-development of Fords new Blue Oval City, folks from across the Country traveling on I-40 will get to enjoy the Bucc-ees experience and marvel at all positives emerging in our area, Walley said in a statement.

The company on Wednesday confirmed it was working on a new location in Gallaway.

We are very pleased that the Gallaway project is taking shape in the planning and permitting processes, said Stan Beard, Buc-ees Director of Real Estate and Development. Weve still got some work ahead of us, but Buc-ees is continuing its process toward making Gallaway our first home in West Tennessee.

The documents also state that Buc-ees locations typically employ 175-250, with starting pay between $17 and $19 an hour plus benefits, serving more than 100,000 visitors inside the store each week.

 Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather.

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The site, which is on approximately 28 acres, will bring much-needed jobs and a boost to the economy.

This location is proposed to be roughly 74,000 square feet with 120 fuel stations so it will bring in a lot of sales tax revenue, said Angela Jenkins, City of Gallaway City Manager.

Buc-ees was founded in Texas in 1982. The company operates 48 travel centers in eight states and gets an A rating from almost everyone whos ever stopped at one.

It is really hard to explain why a gas station is so special. You have to see it I think its just so enormous. Its like an event, its like a destination, said Doug Sims, a Memphis resident.

You can shop there for hours. They have great things for your house. They have clothes, they have food, they have everything you could possibly imagine, said Susan Todd, Fayette County resident.

Story continues

Fayette Countys Mayor remains cautiously optimistic about the new store.

We feel good about this. Weve come a long way, got things in place and I think both sides are happy, said Mayor Skip Taylor.

Should the project move forward, TDOT is in talks with Buc-ees about improvements to the Gallaway exit to handle the expected increase in traffic.

A public discussion on the project is planned at the May 13 meeting of the Fayette County Industrial Development Board.

Tennessees first locations opened to fanfare recently in Crossville and Sevierville on the east side of the state. A Murfreesboro location is underway according to news reports.

The closest location to Memphis is outside Huntsville, Alabama.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmothers home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.

Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 49, of Woodbury, was arrested early Monday at the home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes. The arresting officer wrote in the complaint that he heard Mitchell tell her stepmother something to the effect of, I was just trying to get a couple of my dads things because you wouldnt talk to me anymore.'

Tampa officer responding to armed and dangerous person at Family Dollar hits 16-year-old pedestrian

The complaint charges Mitchell with one count of first-degree burglary, a felony. Becker County Judge Gretchen Thilmony allowed Mitchell to go free on the condition that she not contact her stepmother.

Although Senate Republicans called on Mitchell to resign, shes expected to return to her duties. Her trouble comes at an awkward time for Senate Democrats, who hold just a one-seat majority with just under four weeks left in the legislative session.

Mitchells attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Sr., said in an interview that the dispute arose out of a fractured relationship between the senator and her stepmother that has been aggravated by age-related issues.

Its not exactly the wicked stepmother from Cinderella, Ringstrom said.

Ringstrom said hes sure there will be internal discussions among Senate Democrats regarding her future but that shes entitled to a presumption of innocence. He said he told her to suppress her instincts as a media person, a weather person and politician, and that she agreed to hold her tongue and say nothing.

But in a post later on Facebook, Mitchell denied stealing. She did not, however, explain why she entered the home without permission in the middle of the night.

Thief returns mans mothers stolen ashes, keeps his custom car

Like so many families, mine is dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimers and associated paranoia.  This has been a true tragedy for our family and my hope is it can return to being a private matter, Mitchell wrote.

The senator wore an orange jumpsuit and looked tense but said little during her brief court appearance. She did not enter a plea.

Mitchells father, Rod Mitchell, died in March 2023 at the age of 72, according to his obituary. He had been married to Mitchells stepmother for 40 years, it said.

I know I did something bad, the criminal complaint quoted Mitchell as saying.

Mitchell was dressed all in black and wearing a black hat when she was arrested, the complaint said. The officer said he discovered a flashlight near her that was covered with a black sock, apparently modified to control the amount of light coming from it.

Mitchell told the officer she was after pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes and other items, but that her stepmother had cut off all contact with her, according to the complaint.

The lawmaker acknowledged entering through a basement window that had been propped open with a black backpack, the complaint said. Officers found her Senate ID inside it. She claimed her stepmother had given her a laptop found in her backpack way back when, but the stepmother disputed that. The senator, who has a law degree, also indicated that she got caught soon after entering.

Clearly Im not good at this, it quoted her as saying.

The stepmother said in an interview that shes afraid of her stepdaughter. She also said that although most of her husbands ashes were buried, she sent Mitchell a miniature container with some of them. Ringstrom, however, said that account is not totally accurate.

DeSantis has one of the highest disapproval ratings for governors: poll

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, called the allegations upsetting but indicated that Mitchell will be allowed to return to her duties.

We believe in due process, and Senator Mitchell has the right to a full defense of her case in court, Murphy said in a statement.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, said in a statement that she should step down. The complaint describes allegations of disturbing conduct unbecoming of a legislator, including extensive preparations to burglarize a relatives home, he said.

Mitchell was a meteorologist with the U.S. military, KSTP-TV, Minnesota Public Radio and The Weather Channel before she was elected in 2022 from a suburban St. Paul district.

Mitchells next court appearance is set for June 10.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A man who murdered three gay men in New Orleans in the 1970s has been paroled after spending 46 years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

Warren Harris Jr. was convicted in 1977 of fatally stabbing Jack Savell, Alden Delano, and Ernest Pommier, The Times-Picayune reports. At the age of 16, he was sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison. He was acquitted of the murder of a fourth man, Robert Gary.

Authorities at the time alleged that Harris was a sex worker who committed the murders after having sex with his victims, during a heroin binge that ran for several weeks, the paper notes. The Times-Picayune reported in 1977 that Harris had a revulsion of homosexuals.

The subject did not come up at Harriss parole hearing last week, but he expressed regret for the killings and said he had been addicted to drugs when he committed the crimes.

I was in need of money to support that drug, the drugs I was using at the time, he told the parole board, according to The Times-Picayune. I became affiliated with some of the victims and was asked to accompany them to their home, and at the time when we entered the home, I robbed and killed those men, and I regret it, and Im so sorry every day.

His parole was made possible by a Louisiana law passed in 2017 that makes those who were sentenced to life terms as juveniles eligible for parole after serving 25 years. The law was enacted after the U.S. Supreme Court issued two rulings that determined sentences of life without parole for juveniles were unconstitutional except for the rare juvenile offender whose crime reflects irreparable corruption. About 120 of the state's 297 so-called juvenile lifers have been paroled under the law.

The parole board voted 2-1 to grant Harris his release. Board member Curtis Fremin Jr., who cast the deciding vote, said Harris had committed a very horrific crime, but added, I do feel that youve done all you can do at Angola.

Board member Steve Prator, who voted against Harriss release, said Harris was like someone who quits smoking after they develop cancer. They still have the cancer, he said. They still have to pay the price for what they did.

The third member, Jerrie Ledoux, told Harris, I believe that youre ready for the streets.

Harris had completed a GED, the equivalent of a high school diploma, and had not been subject to any major discipline for the past seven years. He will have mandatory drug testing twice a month for the first six months after his release and will be under state supervision for the remainder of his life.

During my years of incarceration, guilty feelings have gripped me deeply, he said at the hearing. My guilt has motivated me to call out to God, asking for his help for change within myself. My prayer had been answered. God allowed me to reevaluate my life and set me out on a positive course. Ive become a server giving my time and the very little resources that I have helping those who cannot help themselves.

No relatives of the victims appeared at the hearing or submitted a statement, The Times-Picayune reports. The New Orleans Police Department opposed Harriss release, but the Orleans Parish district attorney did not take a position.
Description

The ATELIER AT FLOWERFIELD presents an online lecture Vermeer: Behind the Canvas and the Camera. by Randall DiGiuseppe on April 24th, at 7PM.

Revered by many as the worlds greatest Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer spent his entire life and career shrouded in mystery, obscurity and financial hardship. He was all but unknown outside his hometown of Delft. Although only 36 paintings are presently attributed to him, they are regarded as some of the worlds greatest masterpieces.

Very little is known about Vermeers personal life and even less is known about his artistic training. His complete oeuvre reveals an artistic genius fascinated by light, optics and intimate human themes. Considered avant-garde among 17th Century Dutch masters, Vermeers paintings continue to fascinate, move and spark debate among artists, art historians and art lovers. Join Randall Di Giuseppe as he examines Vermeers posthumous rise to fame and explores several of his most renown works. There will also be an in-depth Q & Q discussion on the recent controversies regarding Vermeers use of the camera obscura.

Randall DiGiuseppes true passion has always been in fine art and teaching classical art technique. His formal art training began at the High School of Art & Design in New York City in 1983. It led him to pursue further classical study at the Art Students League of New York, Pratt Institute, Long Island Academy of Fine Art and ultimately culminated in his MFA at the New York Academy of Art. He has taught classical drawing, painting, and art history at numerous art studios over the past 25 years. He conducted perspective and life drawing courses at the New York Academy of Art. He occasionally lectures and conducts tours at the Pierpont Morgan Library, the Frick Collection and Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Atelier at Flowerfield is fortunate to offer his expertise as an instructor in several courses throughout the week.

For your convenience, you may register for this FREE online lecture at https://theatelieratflowerfield.org/lectures or call 631-250-9009 for more information.
A dog looks out of its cage at the Lancaster Animal Care Center in 2023. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Cats and dogs can't speak up for themselves, but their allies have been making a lot of noise in the California Legislature recently.

The overcrowded and unsafe conditions of animal shelters are the topic of several Senate and Assembly bills aiming to improve conditions in California's animal facilities and curb the stray cat and dog population.

The proposed bills making their way through committees includes legislation to promote the certification of more veterinary students, standardize the data-reporting process in shelters, update the state's dog-breeding rules and make it easier to adopt puppies and kittens, among others.

Overcrowded animal shelters is not a new problem for larger counties across the state, but following the end of the COVID-19 lockdown, some people who adopted animals suddenly started to surrender their dogs and cats into the already taxed shelter system.

County and city agencies have pointed to a severe lack of qualified staff to perform medical procedures as one of the reasons that animal shelters have experienced overcrowding in recent years.

Read more: Bill to make more rentals pet friendly would put an end to 'no dogs allowed,' lawmaker says

Among the proposed legislation is a bill to establish a high-volume spay and neuter certification program for veterinary students at UC Davis and the Western University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona.

Senate Bill 1233 author Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) wants to expand the number of professionals who can perform spay and neuter services and drive down costs for the procedures, which can cost up to $550, according to the senator's office.

Overcrowding at Californias animal shelters, especially in the High Desert, has been at crisis levels for too long. Animals are being put down through no fault of their own, and we have a responsibility to do something about it, Wilk said in a statement.

Read more: 'Its hard to stomach': These shelters are euthanizing more dogs despite promises to save them

If the measure is approved, the state Legislature will request the governing body of the University of California to establish the programs.

The bill took another step to becoming law on Monday, when it passed out of the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development.

Similarly, Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach), introduced a pair of bills dubbed by her office as "PAWSitive Change 4 Pets" that seek to establish a standardized format for reporting data from the state's 232 animal shelters and clarify the practice of capturing stray cats, fixing them and releasing them back into the wild.

Read more: Wolverines vanished from California a century ago. Is it time to bring them back?

SB 1459 would offer a two-pronged approach to standardizing reporting practices in animal shelters and a uniform solution to controlling the cat population. In counties with more than 400,000 residents, shelters would be required to provide regular updates on animal intake, outcomes for those animals and the percentage of kennel spaces that are available, along with the number of animals scheduled for euthanasia.

Animals have no voice. So we are their voice, Nguyen said in a statement.

The bill is designed to improve shelter management. It would also clear up some ambiguity in the state's penal code on animal cruelty that makes it a misdemeanor to abandon an animal. State law does not recognize that some animal rescue organizations would rather fix stray cats and release them back in the wild rather than place such animals into shelters or put them up for adoption.

Nguyen says this has hampered efforts for "trap-neuter-return" programs carried out by shelters to get stray cat populations in check. Her office based part of the the bill on the findings of a 2022-23 grand jury report that found the Orange County Animal Services eliminated its own TNR program because officials believed the program was violating state law.

The second bill from Nguyen's office, SB 1478, would require a veterinary assessment of animals when they enter the shelter system and establish rules to address medical conditions for shelter animals, such as the spread of infectious diseases in kennels.

The efforts to clear overcrowded shelters and curb stray animal populations is a statewide issue, but it's most pronounced in Los Angeles.

Nonprofit rescue groups that regularly interact with Los Angeles Animal Services say the city's shelters are poorly managed and in crisis. The groups argue that dogs and cats in the shelters are living in poor conditions despite the city's best efforts to work with rescue and adoption groups.

Read more: Dodger Dog's plight highlights L.A.'s animal shelter crisis

City officials say they recognize that overcrowding is an ongoing problem, but the blame should not be laid on shelter management.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez  chair of the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee, which oversees the city's Animal Services  said the problem goes back decades.

"This department has been so chronically understaffed and underfunded for years, Hernandez told The Times in March when animal rights activists called for a change in management with the city's shelter system.

There is not enough space across the city's six animal shelters to accommodate the need. Data from the city controllers office shows that more dogs and cats are coming into the shelters than are being adopted.

Read more: City of L.A. won't issue new dog breeding licenses, citing overcrowded shelters

The latest data shows there are nearly 500 dogs in the South Los Angeles animal shelter but only enough kennels and cages for 243.

Several other bills are currently making their way through committees that seek to address animal-related oversight, including Assembly Bill 2425 from Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside) that would update the state's laws on dog breeding and AB 1988 from Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates) that would ease adoption rules for puppies and kittens rescued by adoption organizations.

Times reporting fellow Caroline Petrow-Cohen 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.
At universities across the United States, students launched protest encampments on Wednesday, as part of a wave of demonstrations meant to urge schools to divest from military contractors supplying Israel with weapons.

The surge in activity comes the wake of a controversial ongoing Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University, where House Speaker Mike Johnson made a lackluster appearance on Wednesday afternoon. Students at other high profile schools like Yale and NYU have held their own protests, but the elite East Coast schools are only the tip of the dissent iceberg.

As these protests took shape, many institutions called for law enforcement to break up the protests and, in many cases, arrest the students.

Heres a look at what happened at protests across the country on Wednesday:

University of Texas at Austin

Students rally together during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Two dozen pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested by law enforcement on Wednesday at the University of Texas at Austin, as they gathered to oppose Israels brutal military campaign in Gaza.

At least 26 protesters were arrested by police after they were told to disperse, according to the Texas Tribune. A photographer with Fox7 Austin was also reportedly arrested.

On X, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for the expulsion of students at what he called a hate-filled, antisemitic protests.

Local police, alongside state troopers in riot gear, were dispatched to the South Lawn at UT Austin, where hundreds of students gathered to call on the school to cut ties with weapons manufacturers that have continued to arm Israel.

Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety threatened to arrest any protesters who remained on the South Lawn for trespassing, according to KXANs Ryan Chandler. The arrests quickly turned violent, with one video of the protest showing police pushing into the crowd of protesters, shoving them to the ground, and handcuffing them.

Police attempt to push the crowd, arresting one.



This is happening directly under the UT Tower. Went here for 4 years, never saw anything like this. pic.twitter.com/EaYBphtTzh  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

Troopers continued the tense encounter by circling protesters on the lawn and pushing them back with riot gear. As this confrontation was taking place, protesters continued to chant, Free, free, free Palestine!

UT Austin right now. Protesters and DPS in a standoff on the main drag of campus pic.twitter.com/OipxvXDbWC  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

The demonstration began when hundreds of students left class at 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday as part of a protest organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Austin. In an Instagram post, the group said it was following in the footsteps of our comrades at Columbia SJP, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Yale, and countless others across the nation.

On Tuesday, the Dean of Students office had sent a letter to the protest organizers telling them to pull the plug on the protest.

Simply put, the University of Texas at Austin will not allow this campus to be taken and protesters to derail our mission in ways that groups affiliated with your national organizations have accomplished elsewhere.

University of Southern California

Student protesters found themselves in violent confrontations with police, after an encampment made by pro-Palestinian protesters sprung up in Alumni Park on Wednesday morning, according to KTLA.

On Wednesday afternoon, police officers and state troopers swarmed the encampment, taking down tents. USC Public Safety Assistant Chief David Carlisle told KTLA that while students were free to protest, they were not permitted to set up camp on university property.

One video shared to X, shows a police officer whipping out his baton as police wrestled a protester in a neon vest to the ground.

DPS officers put their hands on a @USC student; take out batons pic.twitter.com/gPx8TwSqqj  angie (@angorellanah) April 24, 2024

In another video shared to X, students swarmed a DPS car which held a detained student in an apparent effort to prevent law enforcement from taking them away.

Aerial view of @usc students blocking DPS car with detained student inside pic.twitter.com/VpMxRFkoTb  angie (@angorellanah) April 24, 2024

Campus was closed to non-students on Wednesday afternoon , and students were urged to avoid the center of campus, according to the Daily Trojan.

Tensions on campus have skyrocketed since the university decided to not allow its outspoken pro-Palestinian valedictorian to speak at graduationan event which has since been cancelled altogether.

Harvard University

Protesters gather at the Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nell Scovell / The Daily Beast

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.  Across the country, things were far calmer in Cambridge Massachusetts, as protesters gathered in the Harvard Yard to create their own encampment, largely free of police interference.

Hundreds of protesters gathered for a rally on Wednesday afternoon, while others pitched a cluster of about thirteen tents. A video posted to X shows Harvard students racing to the grass to quickly set up their encampment.

The Daily Beast spotted several signs reading From the river to the sea among the crowddespite a previous plea from now-former Harvard President Claudine Gay to avoid using the phrase for fear that it could engender both pain and existential fears within our Jewish community.

One campus organizer named Elizabeth Ross said she viewed the slogan as a call for peace and solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Incredible video from @HarvardPSC



Just yesterday, Harvard University placed the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) under suspension. Less than 24 hours later, students launched a Gaza solidarity encampment.



THE MORE THEY TRY TO SILENCE US THE LOUDER WE WILL BE pic.twitter.com/SnWTuiAan7  National Students for Justice in Palestine (@NationalSJP) April 24, 2024

On Monday, the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee was suspended after the group helped stage a solidarity rally for Columbia students last week. In an email obtained by The Harvard Crimson, students were warned to cease all organizational activities, or risk permanent expulsion.

In an interview that day, interim Harvard President Alan Garber said he would not rule out using police force to deter protests, but said the university has a very, very high bar for involving authorities.

Just the beginning...

These protests are just the newest additions to a nationwide movement. On Monday, encampments also sprung up on the campuses of Swarthmore College, the University of Michigan, and USC Berkeley.

At Cal Poly Humboldt, students took over an administrative building Tuesday, causing the school to close campus through the weekend.

On Tuesday, nine people were reportedly arrested at an encampment on the University of Minnesota campus, prompting a massive gathering of an estimated 1,000 protesters.

As of Wednesday, that encampment has resumed.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Ancient DNA is spilling more secrets about the Avars, a fearsome people who built a mysterious empire that ruled much of Central and Eastern Europe for 250 years from the mid-sixth century.

Primarily known from the accounts of adversaries, the Avars confounded the Byzantines with formidable horseback warriors who appeared suddenly on their doorstep. The enigmatic nomads came en masse from the Mongolian steppe in what was one of the biggest and fastest long-haul migrations in ancient history.

With opulent graves but no written records, the empire and its people have remained largely in the shadows of history until recently. But a landmark April 2022 study involving ancient DNA taken from the graves of the Avar elite shed light on the empires far-flung origins.

Now, a new study analyzing the remains of 424 people buried in four cemeteries unearthed in Hungary has revealed details about Avar family and social life and how the newcomers interacted with the population of their adopted homeland.

The excavations of an Avar cemetery in Rakoczifalva, Hungary, took place in 2006. - Institute of Archaeological Sciences/Eotvos Lorand University Muzeum

What surprised me most was the simple fact that these people in the cemeteries are so interconnected, said Zsofia Racz, a researcher at Eotvos Lorand Universitys Institute of Archaeological Sciences in Budapest, Hungary. Racz was a study coauthor of the latest report.

The researchers were able to build detailed family trees or pedigrees, the largest of which spanned nine generations across 2  centuries. The team discovered that around 300 of the individuals had a close relative buried in the same cemetery.

The analysis showed that men stayed in their community after marriage, while women married outside their original community  a pattern known as patrilocality.

For all the mothers, we dont find the parents. The parents arent at the site. While all the males are the descendants of the founders, said Guido Alberto Gnecchi-Ruscone, lead author of the study that appeared Wednesday in the journal Nature.

Study of mitochondrial DNA, which reveals the female line, showed a high variability, suggesting that the women who married into the Avar groups were from different places, according to Gnecchi-Ruscone, a postdoctoral researcher of archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. They still shared a steppe genetic ancestry, indicating that they were probably not conquered local people.

A tiny sample is drilled from a bone at the ancient DNA laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. - Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Multiple partners in patriarchal clans

Whats more, the study found, it was relatively common for both men and women in Avar society to have children with multiple partners.

In the case of men, researchers found two partners in 10 cases, three partners in four cases and four partners in one case. Having multiple wives may have been relatively common in the general population as well as the elite, the study authors wrote.

The team also uncovered multiple cases of closely related male individuals having offspring with the same female partner: three pairs of fathers and sons, two pairs of full brothers, and one sibling of paternal half brothers and an uncle and nephew.

Similar levirate unions that took place after the death of the womans husband existed in other Eurasian steppe societies, according to the study, and suggests that the Avars, who abandoned their nomadic way of life based on herding and became more settled shortly after arriving in Europe, clung to some aspects of their former way of life.

A male who died at a young age was buried with a horse in the eighth century at the Rakoczifalva cemetery. - Institute of Archaeological Sciences/Eotvos Lorand University Muzeum

Lara Cassidy, a geneticist and assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin who was not involved in the new research, said the authors had deftly unravelled the organizing principles of this medieval society, providing compelling evidence for a rigid patrilineal system, in which children belong to their fathers family and ancestry is traced from father to son.

Writing in a commentary published alongside the research, she largely agreed with the authors explanation for multiple reproductive partners.

Polygamy (having multiple marriage partners), serial monogamous marriages and extramarital relations are all possible explanations, she said.

However, two cases of men with multiple older female partners, all middle-aged at death, makes a good argument for polygyny (having multiple wives). By contrast, most of the cases of women with multiple partners were apparent levirate unions, in which a widow would marry the son or brother of the deceased. This is a common custom in pastoralists  both providing for widows and obliging them to fulfil marriage contracts that are conditional on them bearing male heirs.

A male Avar burial shows a belt garniture and a ceramic mug dating from the eighth century. - Institute of Archaeological Sciences/Eotvos Lorand University; Muzeum

Tight-knit family groups

Gnecchi-Ruscone said the biological continuity in the tight-knit population the researchers studied was striking, especially given that there was no sign of interbreeding between close blood relatives  a phenomenon known as consanguinity.

Even more distant interbreeding like (between) cousins or second cousins, it leaves traces genetically. And we see absolutely no consanguinity in these individuals, he said.

This really tells us that they knew who their biological relatives were, and they traced their biological relatives over the generations.

It wasnt possible to understand the gender power dynamics of the community through the study of ancient DNA alone, Gnecchi-Ruscone said.

Burials of men were more likely to include high-status grave goods such as horses, saddles and harnesses, Racz said. However, women likely played a role in promoting social cohesion linking individual communities.

Cassidy said that the oral history of female-line genealogy may have been important for the Avars, ensuring that daughters did not take husbands from among their mothers or grandmothers kin.

Avar graves  around 100,000 have been excavated so far  form an important part of Europes archaeological heritage.

The Avars were once part of what the Chinese called the Rouran khaganate or confederation of tribes, which the Turks defeated in 550, forcing the Avars to flee westward.

Traveling more than 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) in a few years from Mongolia to the Caucasus, according to the 2022 study published in the journal Cell that pinpointed the groups Asian ancestry, the Avars set up a base in whats now Hungary and came close to crushing Constantinople, the center of the Byzantine Empire.

Some historians credit the Avars with bringing the stirrup to Europe  a transformative technology that made mounted warfare possible and was subsequently widely adopted across the continent.

The study was a fruitful interweaving of genetics, history, and archaeology, according to Bryan Miller, an assistant professor of Central Asian art and archaeology at the University of Michigan, who wasnt involved in the study.

Many previous studies have purported to sweep across the entirety of Eurasia with a wide population, relying on one individual per community or a handful of individuals to represent an entire culture or society, he said via email.

Instead, this study shows how only a data set with far greater resolution, with fuller investigations of whole communities, can provide the kinds of definitive or nuanced narratives that the earlier big data studies attempted to provide.

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(KRON)  On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Lamar Nolan Ryan, 42, to nine months in prison for possessing a loaded firearm and attempting to coerce a woman to be his commercial sex worker, United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey said.

On July 1, Ryan possessed a loaded, semi-automatic Glock handgun with an obliterated serial number he hid underneath his clothes, prosecutors said. That same day, officials detained Ryan in a motel parking lot for also coercing a woman into being his commercial sex worker.

Accountant embezzles over $800K from former Richmond employer

According to the US Attorneys Office, Ryan met the woman at a San Francisco motel, where he paid her $500 for sex.

After having sex with the woman, however, Ryan took the money back and tried to convince her to perform commercial sex work under his management in exchange for a 30% cut of the profits, prosecutors said. The woman was initially reluctant but soon after agreed.

Ryan then took the woman to South San Francisco and rented a motel room. While in the motel room, Ryan showed the woman his gun and told her she would be protected while working for him, prosecutors said.

Not long after, South San Francisco police officers found Ryan and the woman  whose family had tracked her location using her cellphone in a parked car outside a laundromat, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Ryan was ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term is completed. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Sounding the alarm that asylum seekers and unauthorized immigrants from the California-Mexican border are coming to Shasta County, District 1 Supervisor Kevin Crye brought a resolution that essentially says Shasta will not be a sanctuary county.

What ensued Tuesday during the Board of Supervisors meeting was more than an hour of sometimes uncivil discourse that at times had audience members yelling at each other to keep quiet.

The resolution, which passed 3-0 with Supervisor Tim Garman abstaining, acknowledges the authority to regulate immigration lies with the federal government. Supervisor Mary Rickert was not in attendance.

Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnson talks during the Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Moreover, County Counsel Joseph Larmour, addressing a question from Garman, said the county does not have the right to transport asylum seekers or immigrants out of the county if someone drops them off here, noting that it violates federal law.

Shasta County retired Public Defender Jeff Gorder said the resolution is another example of the board majority creating problems that dont exist.

The abandonment of asylum seekers and noncitizen migrants. Is this a problem in Shasta County? I mean, this reminds me of you guys bringing up the voting machines. That wasnt a problem, but you made it a problem. Carrying guns in county buildings. Not a problem, but you made it a problem, Gorder said.

Crye argued it was important for the county to take a stance and called the resolution a "compassionate" solution.

I think the most compassionate thing we can do is find an avenue to get those individuals to a place where they can get help, Crye said.

District 1 Supervisor Kevin Crye, right, gets ready to gavel the Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 Shasta County Board of Supervisors meeting as District 4 Supervisor Patrick Jones looks on. It was Crye's first meeting as board chairman.

Crye said he worked on the resolution after hearing about Shasta County Sheriff Michael Johnsons two-day border security training last November at the California-Mexican border. The training was hosted by the California State Sheriffs Association.

Before the public comment period, Johnson gave a presentation on what he saw on the border, at times painting a grim picture. He said its his job to protect residents and he has talked to federal agents who have told him, The threat to America is greater today than it was right before 911 and it is because of our open-border policy.

Crye, and Supervisors Patrick Jones and Chris Kelstrom voted for the resolution.

Garman said he could not take a position because he wanted to ask Johnson some questions, such as whether there is a crime problem in connection with illegal immigration in Shasta County. Johnson had left the meeting after his presentation.

Garman, too, is concerned the resolution, while symbolic, could bring unwanted attention to Shasta County. He spoke of maybe the federal authorities dropping off asylum seekers in the county.

He also asked Larmour if the county could be sued. The counsel said he could not say because he doesnt have a crystal ball.

Meanwhile, Trent Copland, a retired language development specialist for the Shasta Union High School District, said he worked with immigrant students for some 30 years.

I listened to Sheriff Johnsons presentation, and he presented statistics of San Ysidro, and he presented murder rates in Tijuana. Redding is not San Ysidro. Shasta County is not Tijuana and the one thing he didnt mention, and I will ask any one of you board members, what is the crime rate of the undocumented immigrant population of Shasta County? You dont know. Sheriff maybe you can present that statistic for us, Copland said.

More: 'She's full and she's beautiful:' Lake Shasta six feet from the top and near capacity

Dana Silberstein said this is a complex topic that deserves more time to discuss.

I would urge you to adopt a campaign  and educate the public. The sheriff needs to give this presentation in more places than this. This community will react very emotionally to this in every regard, and it seems to me the most sensible thing we can do is educate us all. What is the situation really? she said.

Some who spoke in support of the resolution blamed the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border on Democrats.

Bruce Russell called the border crisis an intentional act by those in charge of immigration.

Clearly the Constitution is being violated as this is an invasion, he said.

David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on X, formerly Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta passes non-sanctuary county resolution after sheriff's talk
Imagine you've just been released from prison in Florida. You have every intention of turning your life around. You plan to stay out of trouble, get a job, and follow the rules of your parole. Then, you find out you owe a six-figure bill.

In Floridaand most other statesinmates are charged for the costs of their time in prison. The practice, called "pay-to-stay," leaves many former offenders with staggering debt.

In Florida, prisoners are charged $50 for every day of their original sentencemeaning they keep getting charged, even if they are released early. When former inmates inevitably fail to pay this massive bill, it can prevent them from ever moving on from their period spent behind bars.

"Where I'm at today, I'm truly being stopped by one single barrier and it is a dollar sign," Shelby Hoffman told WFTS Tampa Bay, a local news station. Hoffman was hit with a $127,000 bill for a 7-year prison sentenceeven though she only served 10 months. Since her release from prison, Hoffman has gotten clean and rebuilt her life. She's soon to graduate with a bachelor's degree. However, she can't start her dream career as a case manager because of her outstanding pay-to-stay bill.

"I've been out of prison 7.5 years at this point," Hoffman added. "When I have trekked so hard to get a track record that I have now, and you are imposing something that I can't pay off in a lifetime, so I am stuck . . . I have a family now, I have a daughter, a wonderful husband, I have a home, I have all these accomplishments I've worked so hard, so hard to maintain."

Pay-to-stay fines end up following people like Hoffman long after they've left prison, trapping them in insurmountable debt. Not only is this practice cruel, but it obviously has little utility beyond the extended punishment of ex-offenders.

"Asking those caught up in our criminal legal system to support government agencies is an inefficient way for the government to raise revenue," Lauren-Brooke Eisen wrote last year in Human Rights, the American Bar Association's magazine. "Because many low-income people can't pay their debt, billions of dollars in fines and fees go unpaid every year.

"We think it's unconstitutional," Lisa Foster, Co-Executive Director of the Fines & Fees Justice Center, told WFTS Tampa Bay. "It's not proportionate either to the underlying offense or to a person's financial circumstances."

Even so, pay-to-stay laws stay undisturbed in most states, leaving former offenders like Hoffman trapped, no matter how much they do to rebuild their lives.

"I had a mindset, because my dad was a federal prison guard, that you do the crime, you know, you do the time," Hoffman's grandmother told WFTS Tampa Bay. "But when I actually lived through this, I thought this is not the way it is, there is no compassion shown to anybody who makes a mistake and pays the price for it. And she did."

The post She Only Served 10 Months Behind Bars. Florida Still Slapped Her With A $127,000 Bill. appeared first on Reason.com.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two men are under arrest following a shooting near a greenway in west Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police announced Wednesday.

Officers responded to calls on Tuesday, April 23, around 5:16 p.m. regarding the incident near 2700 Coronet Way and Stewart Creek Greenway, not far from Wesley Heights. Nobody was found injured, however, bullet holes were found in a vehicle and two nearby homes.

MORE: Runners want cameras installed along Charlotte greenways as safety concerns mount

Two suspects who were located near the scene were arrested. Ulysses Barnes, 26, faces multiple charges including gun possession as a felon and assault with a deadly weapon. Urundi Barnes, 26, also faces charges including shooting into an occupied dwelling and felony conspiracy.

No court dates have been announced yet.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Tonight features increasing clouds with showers likely after midnight. If youd like to get a good view of the full moon  which is the Pink Moon this month  youll have your best viewing just after dark before the clouds have a real chance to thicken up.

With a southwest breeze and clouds thickening up, we will see temperatures only dip back into the mid to upper 40s in what will be a much milder night ahead.

Wednesday begins on a wet note, with scattered showers around, as our cold front crosses. Expect damp conditions for the morning commute as a result. However, as the day goes by, well see conditions become drier, as our cold front exits and high pressure begins to scoot in. High temperatures will be in cooler in the low 60s.

Thursday looks great! After another cold and potentially frosty start with low temperatures in the mid 30s, we will see plenty of sunshine with high pressure in control. Temperatures will jump nearly 30 degrees during the day, with high temperatures in the 60s.

Friday will be dry for most of the day, with mostly sunny skies to start. Well see a southwest breeze kick in as our next storm system approaches. A warm front will push through on Friday afternoon, which will give us the chance for a couple of isolated showers late as high temperatures push toward 70 degrees.

How to stay safe in the sun

Saturday brings a weak cold front through the region, but that wont be the end of our shower chances, as an unsettled pattern sets in. Despite the front crossing, its still a mild day on tap, with high temperatures in the low 70s and our steadiest rains during the morning hours. Rain will become more scattered as we head into the afternoon.

Only 1 type of tick carries Lyme disease in WV; what to look out for

Sunday provides the risk for a few isolated to widely scattered showers but we should see plenty of dry time. Its a warm day on tap for the two Virginias, as high temperatures spurt into the mid 70s.

Monday keeps the chances for a few showers and perhaps a rumble or two of thunder, but the bigger story will be the heat, as we see high temperatures jump into the low 80s!

Tuesday features a better chance for showers, which could be steady at times as a front crosses through the region, with highs in the mid to upper 70s.

Looking ahead, we are drying back out and staying mild! Wednesday features partly sunny conditions with highs in the mid 70s. Well be in similar shape for Thursday with plenty of sunshine and highs in the mid to upper 70s. Friday is trending cooler with an isolated sprinkle or two possible with highs near 70.

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.

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

Increasing clouds. Showers after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s.

WEDNESDAY

Showers early, afternoon clearing. Highs in the mid 60s.

THURSDAY

Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Frost possible in the morning.

FRIDAY

Partly sunny. Increasing clouds late. Highs near 70.

SATURDAY

Showers likely, especially early. Highs in the low 70s.

SUNDAY

Isolated showers. Highs near 80.

MONDAY

Partly sunny, isolated shower. Highs in the low 80s.

TUESDAY

Showers likely. Highs in the mid 70s.

WEDNESDAY

Partly sunny. Highs in the 70s.

THURSDAY

Partly sunny. Highs in the 70s.

FRIDAY

Isolated showers. Highs in the 60s.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
The LGBTQIA+ community may face reduced liberties with the advancement of two pieces of legislation in Louisiana.

The two bills which prohibit pronoun usage and discussion of gender and sexuality in the classroom were advanced April 10 by the House Committee on Education.

ShrevePrides Field Gay Saturday afternoon, April 6, 2024, at AC Steere Park in Shreveport.

The local LGBTQIA+ community has offered vocal opposition to the newly proposed legislation.

"The Louisiana legislature is once again proposing government overreach in bills that target the LGBTQ community now that Governor John Bel Edwards, who previously vetoed such bills, is gone and Governor Jeff Landry is now in office," PACE President Heather Goodman D'Anna said. "Landry, who was elected by a small minority of eligible Louisiana voters, has a long history of depriving LGBTQ people basic rights such as the right to work in a government job."

Republican Representative Dodie Horton's "Don't Say Gay" bill which restricts the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools passed in a 67-28 vote. The bill, Goodman said, is completely devoid of common sense, that a teacher could not even refer to their own heterosexual spouse or identity, or allow an extracurricular club to host a speaker on LGBTQ issues.

The Rainbow PAC of Northwest Louisiana hosted a protest against Louisiana bills HB466, HB81, and HB648 for the LGBTQ+ community in front of the courthouse in downtown Shreveport on May, 20, 2023.

"When asked for examples of why these restrictions are needed, no legislator can come up with any," D'Anna said.

HB 121, authored by Republican Representative Raymond Crews, bares a school employee from knowingly and intentionally addressing a student by a name other than the student's legal name unless given written permission from their parents to do so. The House added an amendment to the measure that prohibits schools from disciplining students who deadname or misgenders a peer.

Deadnaming is the act of referring to a transgender or non-binary person by a name they used prior to transitioning, and misgendering is to identify the gender of a person, such as a nonbinary or transgender incorrectly, as by using an incorrect label or pronoun.

Steven Knight

Shreveport LGBTQIA+ advocate Steven Knight said there is no doubt in his mind that the two pieces of legislation are rooted in anti-transgender and wider anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment.

"While the notion that parents should be able to rear their children in a manner they choose is not outlandish, everything in the language of these bills dehumanizes and respects the autonomy of young people," Knight said. "The idea that our youth cannot or should not be able, with full freedom, to express and explore their identities is absurd. Schools are meant to mimic real world experiences and teach youth how to navigate exposure to people who are not like themselves. Difference is what's developed our country into the beautiful melting pot of diversity it is."

Knight said we cannot ask children to be resilient, loving, kind and to care for all people and in the same breath say that if an adult educating you, even after taking the appropriate steps, is uncomfortable (suing your pronouns) to just find someone else who will instruct and respect you.

"What signal does that send other students about behaviors that are acceptable when it comes to meeting those who are unlike themselves?," Knight said. "I, sincerely hope that there will be more publicized opportunities for families who will be impacted by these bills and advocates to share their stories. Moving forward with these bills in their current formats, if at all, is bound to be more harmful than not."

D'Anna said with Louisiana continually ranked at or near the bottom of states with respect to education and healthcare, and with the state suffering from severe "brain drain" as young people leave why are our legislators, with the encouragement of our governor, focusing on solution to problems that don't exist.

The two bills will be reviewed by a Senate committee.

Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport's LGBTQIA community speaks out against Dont Say Gay in Louisiana
The meme coin darlings of yesteryear, Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) and Shiba Inu, (CRYPTO: SHIB), may well rise again in the context of a cryptocurrency bull market. But one new contender on the Solana blockchain, Dogwifhat (CRYPTO: WIF), could well steal the crown from both to become king of the meme coins this time around.

That doesn't necessarily make it a smart investment for everyone, of course. Still, there's reason to believe that Wif, as the coin is affectionately called by its boosters, has the momentum to soar past the value of its canine predecessors. Here's why.

The case for Wif

As you may have guessed, the iconic mascot of Wif is a shiba inu dog with a somewhat dour expression who wears a pink knitted beanie hat.

Evaluating the squishy factors like the aesthetics of a meme is critical to identifying the best meme coin investments. Wif is a good guide for roughly what to look for; the dog is cute and inoffensive. If the pup's appearance wasn't capable of pulling at the heartstrings, the coin wouldn't have enough visual appeal to drive more people to invest in it.

Nonetheless, it may surprise investors to learn that the coin already has a market cap of around $2.5 billion despite being launched only in late 2023, making it far larger than most of the companies traded on the stock market. It's traded on many of the major centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEXs), as well as all of the major decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

Coinbase will soon offer perpetual futures trading for it, which may portend an explosion of other financial derivatives based on the coin, and it's already listed on Robinhood Markets. Potential investors of all kinds can thus easily buy the coin.

Sentiment about Wif is sky high on social media, as well as among popular cryptocurrency influencers. Some of those influencers worked together with the coin's community to raise somewhere around $700,000 to fund a marketing campaign where Wif would be presented on the Las Vegas Sphere.

Despite what investors may assume, such organized advertising efforts are not uncommon among communities of meme coin investors, though most campaigns tend to be constrained to smaller-scale activities like social media posting, charity drives, and the occasional sale of coin-branded merchandise. Easily raising the funds to advance with mass marketing implies there's likely more upside to come, after which coin holders will have more cash to potentially voluntarily contribute to other growth initiatives.

On that note, the energetic and large Wif community is another reason to consider buying the coin.

Story continues

As the project was abandoned by its developer relatively early in its lifetime, its investor community is the only thing keeping it afloat and advancing its value. And whether via constant creation or posting of new meme material, the enthusiastic army of more than 128,000 Wif holders have risen to the challenge so far. And as many of the coin's whales (largest holders) are actively involved with shepherding everyone else's efforts, the community is remarkably capable by (admittedly very low) meme coin standards.

Having a large base of motivated and active coin holders is a major benefit because it means that there are many people who are consistently excited about propagating the meme. A steady drip of free marketing from holders means that the project is likely to continue having a life of its own, which implies it'll grow in value even more over time.

This one could be ripe for a long-term hold, but it isn't without high risk

There is currently a lot of talk in cryptocurrency circles about how Wif will one day be far larger than Dogecoin or Shiba Inu coin. It's entirely possible, and in my view likely to happen eventually as a result of the factors outlined above. The coin is up by nearly 1,600% this year, and investors' hopes are higher than ever.

That does not necessarily make it the right investment for you, however.

Wif is a meme coin, which is to say that it's among the most volatile and risky type of cryptocurrency investment. Cryptocurrencies are also generally very volatile and risky compared to other investments. So Wif is toward the extreme end of the risk curve.

Sharp drawdowns, potentially to the tune of 80% or more, are guaranteed at some point in this coin's future. It could bounce back in the days or years after such a decline, as Dogecoin did, but a recovery is not guaranteed.

Do not bet the farm on this coin. There are a slew of macroeconomic risks that could sink it or otherwise make it undesirable. There is also the risk that people will get bored of it and sell, or that drama within the community or among its influential members will derail the entire project.

If your portfolio isn't already diversified, do that before investing in Wif. If you're not willing to hold the coin for the long run, don't invest at all, as you'll likely fall victim to selling during temporary volatility.

But if you can tolerate the volatility and you think you'd like to post the cute dog picture on the internet once in a while, Wif could be a great purchase, and it's certainly one of the strongest meme coins in cryptocurrency right now.

Should you invest $1,000 in WIF right now?

Before you buy stock in WIF, consider this:

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Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $487,211!*

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Alex Carchidi has positions in Shiba Inu, Solana, and WIF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Coinbase Global and Solana. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This 1 Memecoin Could Eclipse Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. Should You Buy It? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Judge James Ho has one of the best jobs in the world right now. Thanks to the quirks of federal case assignment rules and the winds of political fate, he gets to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals while it, in turn, serves as a junior varsity Supreme Court. The Fifth Circuit gets all of the fun of handing down sharply conservative rulings with none of the blowback that comes with being the final say on the matter.

The problem here is not that there are conservative judges and conservative courts. Those exist all over the country; they are a natural occurrence in a politically and ideologically diverse nation. You can also find them in the Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits as well. But the Fifth Circuit and the Texas federal courts are fundamentally different. They are structured to ensure that right-wing litigants almost always win, and everyone else must face an uphill battle against them.

In a recent speech for a local bar association in Texas, Ho derided the possibility that there could be legitimate criticism of the conservative legal establishments pipeline for right-wing rulings. He dismissed any criticism of the Texas federal courts rules as unfounded, biased, and dangerous to the integrity of the federal judiciary. In doing so, he also showed why deeper structural reforms should be considered.

The Judicial Conference of the United States, the federal courts policymaking body, tried to do something about this state of affairs last month. Generally speaking, cases are assigned to judges based on the division of the district in which they serve. This can be abused in divisions where only a single judge is assigned, effectively allowing plaintiffs to pick their judge.

The conferences proposal would require cases to be assigned at random from among all of the judges in a certain district in certain circumstances. After receiving intense criticism from Republican politicians and conservative legal figures, the conference instead suggested the proposal would be nonbinding guidance that lower courts could freely ignore.

Ho nonetheless framed the whole thing as an attack on rural litigants who might be forced to travel to big cities to have their cases heard. If the Judicial Conference proposal is adopted, a citizen of Midland who seeks relief will likely be forced to litigate before a judge who lives hundreds of miles away, he claimed. The same is true with the single-judge division in Amarillothe division that has received the sharpest political criticism. Under this proposal, citizens in the Panhandle will more likely than not be forced to litigate their rights before a federal judge 400 miles away in Dallas.

This is a bit of a stretch. The Judicial Conference said its proposal would only affect a subset of civil cases that seek to bar or mandate state or federal actions, whether by declaratory judgment and/or any form of injunctive relief. It would not affect the lions share of litigation in a particular district. Nor would it affect criminal cases at all, where long travel distances could legitimately burden a defendants constitutional rights.

What the proposal would imperil is the conservative legal establishments injunction-industrial complex. Here is how it works: First, right-wing lawyers gin up some imaginary or threadbare plaintiffs. In the recent abortion drug case, for example, a group of anti-abortion doctors who billed themselves as the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, or AHM, claimed they had standing to challenge the FDAs approval of the drug in part because of the aesthetic injury they had suffered. That specious argument persuaded Ho himself when the case made its way to the Fifth Circuit.

Unborn babies are a source of profound joy for those who view them, Ho wrote. Expectant parents eagerly share ultrasound photos with loved ones. Friends and family cheer at the sight of an unborn child. Doctors delight in working with their unborn patientsand experience an aesthetic injury when they are aborted. This is not how Article III standing works in the federal courts, to put it mildly.

Then they get their judge. Texas makes it pretty easy for them. It has a few districts where its divisions have only a single judge. AHM was able to guarantee that its case would be heard by Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, an anti-abortion fellow traveler, by filing its lawsuit in the Amarillo division of the Northern District of Texas. Few federal judges would be as sympathetic to their cause as him; few judges, it seems, would be as willing to overlook their lawsuits procedural and legal flaws.

Then they get their ruling. Kacsmaryk ruled in AHMs favor and overturned the FDAs approval of mifepristone, issuing a nationwide injunction against the FDA. Thats the beauty of this system: With a nationwide injunction, one litigant in one court can achieve a national policy change without winning a single election or holding a single vote in Congress. Sure, the appellate courts sometimes block those injunctions from going into effect. But sometimes they dont.

This process happens time and time again in the Fifth Circuit: in immigration cases, in LGBTQ rights cases, in cases challenging new federal regulations or Biden administration policy initiatives. Sometimes the state of Texas files the lawsuit instead of private plaintiffs; sometimes they both file them. And while a certain amount of legal showdowns are inevitable nowadays with any presidential administration, the deeply conservative judicial bench in Texas and the conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court means that the outcomes are deeply asymmetrical.

To all this, Ho says: Nonsense, everything is going fine! Its those who question this system who are the real problem. Look, I get what the critics are doing, he said. This isnt about forum shopping. Its about forum shaming. Its about shaming judges who wont distort their rulings to do their biddingwhile rewarding those judges who do.

He compared the single-judge divisions to a small, one-stoplight town in Texas with a single grocery store. Now, do I immediately assume that something illegal or untoward has happened, just because theres only one supermarket? Ho said. Some blatant violation of federal antitrust law? Of course not. It just means the town only needs one grocery storenot two. And just as one grocery store doesnt mean monopolization, one federal district judge doesnt mean corruption.

Gauzy appeals to Americana aside, Hos metaphor is actually fairly apt: The customers seem to walk into the grocery store with a shopping list and typically get everythingor almost everythingthey want. Thats great when its a grocery store. It is less than ideal for federal courts, which typically operate under the premise that the judge is a neutral arbiter of the law instead of a Pez dispenser for ideological rulings.

Ho disagreed and found the entire premise to be suspicious. Its the same thing when critics accuse certain Supreme Court justices of being unethical, Ho continued. They dont attack other justices who engage in the same behaviorthey applaud them, because they like their rulings. At the end of the day, theres really just one ethics rule that applies: Youre unethical if youre a principled originalist.

This is a convenient way to brush aside any criticism. It is unsurprising that he defended Thomas here. Ho is a former Thomas clerk and, by all accounts, a friend of the justice. Thomas even administered the oath of office when Ho was sworn in as a federal appellate judge in 2018. Rather than take the oath at a courthouse or his own residence, Ho opted for the private library of Harlan Crow, the conservative billionaire whose lavish vacations with Thomas drew scrutiny and criticism last year. The conservative legal establishment is a big club, and youre not in it.

His defenses of forum shopping on the actual merits are also unpersuasive. Most of his speech focused on forum shopping in bankruptcy and patent cases, which is a legitimate problem. Ho claimed, however, that the Fifth Circuits critics are disingenuous because they dont want to reform these problems as well. Jay Willis, a legal columnist at Balls and Strikes, described this as an archetypical example of whataboutism and noted that Ho offers no evidence for the proposition that opponents of forum shopping are also outspoken defenders of forum selling.

Beyond that, Ho focused more on ideological grievances than substantive defenses. He even took a swipe at Chief Justice John Roberts for failing to rush to their aid. In 2018, Roberts famously rebuked former President Donald Trumps criticism of specific federal judges by declaring that there are no Obama judges or Trump judges, describing them as an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them.

You cant proclaim that we do not have Obama judges or Trump judgesbut only speak up when its an Obama judge who is criticized, Ho argued. If you do that, then youre announcing that we do have Obama judges and Trump judgesbecause youre only willing to defend one, and not the other. If Ho is suggesting that he will be a Trump judge because people criticize him and the chief justice doesnt specifically defend him, then my guess is that he was a Trump judge all along.

Indeed, there is an almost Trumpian unwillingness among conservative judges these days to treat any criticism or scrutiny as legitimate. Justice Samuel Alito claimed in 2021 that use of the term shadow docket to describe the courts motions docket feeds unprecedented efforts to intimidate the court and to damage it as an independent institution. (The term was coined by an originalist legal scholar.) And while Thomas himself has been mostly quiet about recent ethics foibles, his proxies have cast those concerns as a leftist plot to remove him from the court.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. The conservative legal establishment has engineered a Supreme Court supermajority and a friendly Fifth Circuit without a popular, democratic mandate. Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices despite losing the popular vote in 2016. Right-wing legal groups are using those courts to achieve major nationwide policy changes, again without passing a law or holding an election. Did they really think there wouldnt be any pushback along the way? Did they really think they would escape any criticism for this?

Ho is absolutely correct about one thing: Congress has the power to force the federal judiciary to make reforms here. And since the judiciary itself might not fix the problem, Congress would be perfectly justified in stepping in. One solution would be to mandate the Judicial Conferences rule by legislation, which would make it harder for right-wing judges in Texas to circumvent it. This would address the most immediate problem that led to situations like the Kacsmaryk one.

But a more durable solution would be to make sure there are no single-judge divisions in the country at all. Congress, after all, has the power to create additional judicial seats when it so desires. Ive written before on how there seems to be a dearth of judgeships in Texas in particular, in no small part because of the states high population growth. The state added almost four million residents between the 2010 and 2020 censusesthe equivalent of the entire states of Idaho and Nebraska.

Theres a shortage of federal judges across the country in general right now. Congress has not added a significant number of new judgeships since 1990, meaning that the federal judiciary has gone nearly 35 years without population or workload adjustments. The Judicial Conference recommended last year that Congress add 66 new judgeships to address the problem, including 13 new district court judges in Texas itself. Congress could even ensure that those judgeships are added in a way that ensures no division in Texas has just one district court judge assigned to it.

Its worth noting here that the Judicial Conference is not a group of left-wing policy wonks. It consists of federal judges from across the country, whose work is chaired by the chief justice himself. (That may explain Hos unnecessary swipe at Roberts.) If the right-wing legal pipeline in Texas cant abide criticism or reform suggestions from even this most neutral of internal observers, then reforms should come from outside as well. A small town with a single grocery store, to borrow Hos metaphor, could always use a second one.
Courtroom Sketch Artist Pinpoints Testimony That Seemed To 'Really Get To' Trump

A courtroom sketch artist said Donald Trumps affect changed quite dramatically on Tuesday during testimony about former Playboy model Karen McDougal at his hush money trial.

David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, has been testifying for the prosecution about a catch and kill scheme that he allegedly helped Trump carry out before the 2016 election to find and bury potentially damaging stories.

In 2016, McDougal signed a $150,000 agreement with American Media Inc., which owned the Enquirer, for the rights to her story that she had an affair with Trump a decade earlier.

Pecker discussed some of the events leading up to that payment on Tuesday, describing how Michael Cohen, Trumps then-attorney, had asked him to look into the story.

Elizabeth Williams, who has a decades-long career in creating court artwork, told CNN on Tuesday that Trump started out the day with his eyes often closed.

But then when they start talking about McDougal ... the eyes are open, the arms start folding, she said.

Williams said she has drawn the former president several times now and has observed a theme.

When he folds his arms ... that means something is not right with Donald Trump, she commented, noting that he did so several times during the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial and when he was arraigned on federal charges in Miami.

Hes now laser-focused on David Pecker, she continued. Prior to that, I looked at him quite a bit, and he was somewhat paying attention. But the McDougal testimony  that, that seemed to really get to him.

McDougal claims she had a sexual relationship with Trump for about 10 months between 2006 and 2007, when he was married to his current wife, Melania Trump.

Trump has denied her allegations.

Prosecutors say Cohen was supposed to reimburse AMI, on Trumps behalf, for the money McDougal was paid, but the deal fell through.

The McDougal payment is not part of the indictment against Trump, but it is relevant to the charges, which center on a hush money payment from Cohen to porn star Stormy Daniels, who says she had an affair with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case.

Prosecutors say Trump falsified business records when he reimbursed Cohen for that expenditure, in an attempt to obscure the true nature of the payments.

Related...
Skull found over 20 years ago in Duchesne Co. now believed to belong to missing woman

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Over 20 years ago, a human skull was found on a property of northeastern Utah. Now, local officials believe the remains were that of a missing woman.

The Duchesne County Sheriffs Office posted on social media Wednesday asking the publics help in identifying the woman, whom they believe to be a Hispanic female between the ages of 17 to 25.

21-year-old missing in central Utah after leaving to work a week ago

The female would have went missing sometime between 1982 and 2001, the sheriffs office said.

The sheriffs office provided a composite sketch of what they believe the missing woman might have looked like. That image can be seen below.

This composite sketch was done using the remains found in Duchesne County, officials say. (credit: Duchesne County Sheriffs Office)

The sheriffs office said the remains were found on March 13, 2001, while deputies were executing a search warrant on a property in northwestern Duchesne County.

The deputies found a skull on top of a fence that surrounded the property. A wire was holding the skull in place.

At the time, authorities thought the remains might have been of Native American origin, as an Indigenous burial ground was located near the property. However, an anthropological analysis of the remains found that they belonged to a modern young woman.



ABC4 reached out to the sheriffs office for more information on the search warrant and the remains, but the station has yet to hear back.

Anyone who believes the woman in the composite image looks familiar or has any information regarding a missing person at the time is asked to call the Duchesne County Sheriffs Office at 435-738-2015 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
(KRON)  The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office identified the skull of Motorcycle Mountain John Doe as Thomas Jeffrey Rupen, the victim of a cold case dating back to the 1980s, officials announced Tuesday.

On Feb. 15, 2001, a civilian turned a human skull into the sheriffs department office in Santa Rosa. The civilian said they found it on motorcycle mountain near Duncan Road in Monte Rio, officials said. Officials could not find any other remains.

But anthropologists were able to determine the skull belonged to a white man between ages 25 and 40. They also determined he was likely the victim of a homicide.

In 2022, the police submitted the skull to the DNA Doe Project, which connected the skull to Rupens brother, confirming the identity as Jeffrey Thomas Rupen.

Police said Rupen was born in North Carolina in 1958. He studied political science at Columbia University in New York City, where he was living and working in 1980 when he became estranged from his family.

Police said at some point he visited California and was rumored to have become a house painter.

The Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information on Rupens life or death contact them at 707-565-2727 or sheriff-coldcase@sonoma-county.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Dust Till Dawn

Yesterday, residents in Athens, Greece were greeted with a surreal sight: the city's blue skies and famous landmarks like the Acropolis were bathed in an ominous glow of red, yellow and orange, The Guardian reports  all due to an epic dust storm from the Sahara Desert.

Strong winds blew fine sand from the arid region to the Mediterranean area and choked up not just the skies over Athens but also other areas in Greece, according to the newspaper, prompting local officials to call this episode one of the worst dust storms since 2018.

Dramatic scenes played out that were more reminiscent of the "Dune" franchise, as people took to social media to document the orange and red skies blanketing the historic city.

https://twitter.com/girlnextshore/status/1782845673500487910

Weather Patterns

The dust appears to have cleared off by Wednesday, according to weather reports and at least one eyewitness report posted to the social media platform X-formerly-Twitter.

"Its one of the most serious episodes of dust and sand concentrations from the Sahara since March 21-22, 2018, when the clouds invaded the island of Crete in particular," Athens Observatory weather research director Kostas Lagouvardos told The Guardian.

In 2020, the Sahara Desert spewed a similarly massive cloud of dust and winds blew it across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. It was so large that it could be seen from space and degraded the air quality in the Caribbean.

What's worrisome to some scientists is that Tuesday's dust storm in Athens and others like it elsewhere in the world, such as the ones in China last year, may presage an era of more such events due to human interference, experts told The Telegraph.

Our changes to the land that lead to increased desertification and hence more dust storms include agriculture, felling of forests, excessive water usage, and increased urbanization, Oxford University Centre for the Environment professor and desert expert David Thomas told The Telegraph.

Safe to say future forecasts for the planet is going to look pretty dusty.

More on the Sahara Desert: A "Godzilla Dust Cloud" From the Sahara Desert is Hitting the United States Right Now
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A billionaire businessmans teenaged child is missing and may be in San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood, authorities said.

Mint Butterfield, 16, was last seen late Sunday night in Bolinas, the Marin County Sheriffs Office said. Mint was reported missing to law enforcement on Monday morning. It is believed Mint headed to the San Francisco area after running away, the Sheriffs Office wrote.

Mints father is Stewart Butterfield, the co-founder and former CEO of Slack, according to reports.

Stewart Butterfield, then-CEO of Slack Technologies, Inc., stands- outside of the New York Stock Exchange during the companys initial public offering (IPO) on June 20, 2019. (Photo by Michael Nagle / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

This is a missing child whom we now believe to be in or around the Tenderloin neighborhood here in San Francisco. If you see Mint Butterfield  or have information about her whereabouts, please contact the phone number (415-569-0003), San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey wrote on X.

Mint has reddish-brown curly hair and eyebrow piercings. The teen was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, flannel pajama pants, and black boots, the Sheriffs Office said.

Mint is five-feet-tall, weighs 100 pounds, and may have a gray suitcase. The Marin County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information on Mints whereabouts to contact them.

Stewart Butterfield and his ex-wife co-founded Flickr, a photography and image sharing website, before they sold it to Yahoo for $25 million in 2005, according to Yahoo News. Butterfield co-founded Slack, an office workplace messaging app, in 2009, his LinkedIn page states.

VIDEO: Matt Mahans bodyguard punched mid-interview with KRON4

Forbes magazine wrote, In July 2021, cloud software giant Salesforce acquired Slack for $27.7 billion in cash and stock. Butterfield departed Salesforce in December 2022, amid an exodus of executives at the software giant.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
A demonstrator holds a sign during a protest organized by the opposition movement Progressive Slovakia (PS) and the Freedom and Solidarity Party (SaS) on Freedom Square. The inscription reads: "We will not let RTVS be taken away from us". The Slovakian government led by left-wing populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has approved the dissolution of the public broadcaster RTVS. Jaroslav Novak/TASR/dpa

The Slovakian government led by left-wing populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has approved the dissolution of the public broadcaster RTVS.

The three-party government on Wednesday adopted the controversial bill proposed by nationalist Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova.

Opposition politicians and journalists critical of the government have been accusing the coalition for weeks of wanting to replace the media organization, which is considered objective and trustworthy in opinion polls, with a compliant propaganda broadcaster for the government.

The final decision can only be taken by parliament, in which the governing parties have a sufficient majority.

Fico told the news agency TASR that he expects a parliamentary decision in June.

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) announced that they would be writing letters to the European Commission and the European Parliament in order to obtain support from Brussels to block the government's plans.

Tens of thousands of people had already protested against the impending dissolution of RTVS in the two largest cities of Bratislava and Kosice in mid-March.

President Zuzana Caputova, whose term of office ends in June, also criticized the plan.

Both Simkovicova and Fico have repeatedly criticized the RTVS leadership as being biased against them. However, they were unable to remove the director general and his team, who were elected for a term of office until 2027, due to the existing legal situation.

The government wants to circumvent this obstacle by simply dissolving RTVS with its new law and replacing it with a new broadcaster called STVR.

The revised bill at least dispenses with the creation of a council controlled by the government and parliament, which would have been able to directly influence the programme content of Slovakian radio and television.
FILE - Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico arrives for the V4 meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Slovakias government of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico approved on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, a controversial overhaul of public broadcasting. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Slovakias government on Wednesday approved a controversial overhaul of the country's public radio and television services, a move that critics say would result in the government taking full control of the media.

Thousands rallied in the capital last month to condemn the plan, which was widely criticized by local journalists, the opposition, international media organizations and the European Commission.

Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico said the changes are needed because the public broadcaster, known as RTVS, is politically biased and is in conflict with the Slovak government. The proposed changes would mean it is replaced by a new organisation.

The Parliament, where the Ficos coalition government has a majority, is expected to approve the changes in June.

The takeover plan was drafted by Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, who represents the Slovak National Party, an ultra-nationalist member of the coalition government. She has worked for an internet television outlet known for spreading disinformation.

Simkovicova said the current broadcaster gives space only to mainstream views and censors the rest. The broadcaster has denied the claim.

Under her plan, the new broadcaster  Slovak television and radio, or STVR  will have a director selected by a council whose nine members will be nominated by the Culture Ministry and Parliament. The current director has a parliamentary mandate until 2027.

Known for his tirades against journalists, Fico recently labeled a major television network, two national newspapers and an online news website his enemies.

Ficos leftist Smer (Direction) party won the Sept. 30 parliamentary elections on a pro-Russian and anti-American platform.

Critics worry Slovakia under Fico will abandon its pro-Western course and follow the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The new government immediately halted any arms deliveries to Ukraine. Thousands have repeatedly taken to the streets across Slovakia recently to rally against Ficos pro-Russian and other policies, including plans to amend the penal code and cancel a top prosecution dealing with corruption.
For the fourth time since she became the federal governments top Supreme Court advocate, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar is arguing an abortion-related case.

The dispute before the high court on Wednesday, about whether federal mandates for hospitals override strict state abortion bans in medical emergencies, shows how legal fights over abortion rights did not cease when the conservative majority ended a constitutional right to an abortion in 2022.

In the first two abortion-related cases Prelogar argued as the Justice Departments fourth-ranking official, both heard during the Supreme Courts 2021 term, the conservative majority rejected her calls that abortion rights be protected. But Prelogar has eked out wins on other issues where the Biden administration was seemingly at odds with the courts conservative proclivities, including in tussles over immigration policy and voting rights.

The administrations supporters hope that in the two abortion cases before the Supreme Court this year, Prelogar can bring at least some of the conservative justices to the federal governments side.

Lawyers with experience arguing before the high court cite Prelogars skills in oral arguments, as well as her strategy of putting forward legal points that will attract the support of justices who are otherwise hostile to abortion as an issue  and doing so without undermining the larger arguments in favor of access to abortion.

She has a good understanding of why access to abortion here is important, as both a practical matter and the constitutional matter, said Stephanie Toti, a reproductive rights attorney at The Lawyering Project who argued and won a significant abortion rights case at the Supreme Court in 2016. But at the same time, shes put her focus on the places where shes likely to have the most leverage with the justices.

From pageants to petitioning the highest court in the land

Prelogar, born in 1980, is a former Supreme Court clerk herself, having worked for both the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Elena Kagan. The Senates 53-36 vote confirming her as solicitor general made her the second women ever to serve in the role, with Prelogar following in the footsteps of Kagan, the solicitor general during the Obama administration.

When Prelogar argues before the Supreme Court, she is arguing in front of several alumni of the US Office of the Solicitor General. Chief Justice John Roberts was the principal deputy solicitor general during the George H.W. Bush administration, while Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh also did stints at the solicitor generals office.

The first case Prelogar argued after her Senate confirmation was an unsuccessful Biden administration lawsuit challenging a six-week abortion ban in Texas, which the conservative majority allowed to go into effect even though it was odds with the Roe precedent, still on the books at the time, that protected abortion rights nationwide.

Court observers after the arguments noted how frequently the courts male justices interrupted Prelogars responses to their questions. Her ability to remain unflappable in the face of justices tough questioning may stem to her time as a young woman competing in pageants, winning Miss Idaho in 2004.

If you want to look at a through-line here, I like to go in front of judges, Prelogar quipped during an October 2023 appearance on the NPR gameshow Wait, Wait  Dont Tell Me.

An Idaho native, Prelogar attended Emory University and then Harvard Law School. She also clerked for her current boss, Attorney General Merrick Garland, when he was a DC Circuit judge, before her Supreme Court clerkships. She went on to litigate Supreme Court cases for private firms and worked on special counsel Robert Muellers investigation.

Prelogar declined to comment for this story.

Idaho v. US

The case Prelogar is arguing Wednesday pits the federal government against her home state.

The Biden administration is alleging that Idahos strict abortion ban conflicts with a US law requiring that federally funded hospitals provide stabilizing care to emergency room patients. The state abortion law allows for abortion when a womans life is in danger, but not when a womans pregnancy is risking serious harms to her health that are not yet life threatening.

The Justice Department brought a lawsuit against Idaho claiming the federal law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act or EMTALA, overrides the abortion ban in those latter situations. Idaho argues the lawsuit is an attempt by Biden to retrofit the Reagan-era law to attack a states power to regulate abortion.

Beyond the issue of abortion, the case is asking the court to answer an important question of federal preemption of state laws, according to Beth Brinkmann, the senior litigation director at Center for Reproductive Rights who served in the solicitor generals office during the Clinton administration.

Likewise, the abortion case Prelogar argued last month could have significant consequences for federal power. In that case, anti-abortion doctors are seeking to reverse regulatory moves by the Food and Drug Administration that made the abortion drug mifepristone easier to obtain. The administration and its supporters argued that a ruling in favor of mifepristones challengers would undermine FDAs regulatory authority and open the door to a slew of lawsuits against any of the drugs the FDA regulates.

Not only are they really important issues of abortion, theyre both very important issues of federal law for the solicitor general, as the advocate for the federal government, said Brinkmann, who was Prelogars co-counsel, representing power companies aligned with the Justice Department in a major environmental law case the administration lost in 2022.

Arguments aimed at winning over conservatives

Prelogar is praised for being extremely well-prepared for oral arguments and for her ability to focus the court on arguments that could be appealing to the Republican-appointed justices who are otherwise skeptical of abortion rights.

Yet she fell short in the Texas abortion case, where the Supreme Court dismissed the Justice Department lawsuit challenging the six-week ban in an unsigned order that had only one public dissent. Nor could Prelogar convince a fifth justice to uphold the Supreme Courts Roe v. Wade precedent, in the second abortion case she argued as solicitor general, supporting a lawsuit by abortion clinics challenging Mississippis 15-week abortion ban.

In that case, she emphasized the legal doctrine known as stare decisis, which sets a high bar for the courts previous precedents to be overturned.

The abortion pill case Prelogar argued last month included some promising signals for the federal government from the justices. She and her co-counsel  a lawyer representing a mifepristone manufacturer that intervened in the case  stressed claims that the anti-abortion doctors did not have whats known as standing to bring the lawsuit, arguing that the drugs regulations were not causing the doctors the types of harm that would warrant a judicial intervention.

Justices Roberts, Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett picked up on the issue, asking pointed questions about what the doctors were claiming about how they were being harmed by the drugs regulation.

During abortion pill oral arguments, the justices also signaled they were already thinking about the case they are now hearing Wednesday, with lines of questioning focused on whether individual doctors with moral objections to abortion can be forced to perform the procedure. Prelogar noted that there is a federal statute that protects individual doctors in those situations.

There are separate and independent, conscientious protections in federal law that would govern those issues, regardless of EMTALA pre-empting state law, Toti said. Thats going to be a key line of argument in in the upcoming case.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
In this article, we will take a look at the 15 countries with the negative population growth in the world. If you want to skip our discussion on the population trends, you can go directly to the 5 Countries with the Negative Population Growth in the World.

According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a significant decline in global population growth is expected this century. By 2050, most countries (over 75%) will have fertility rates too low to maintain their current population size. This trend is projected to reach near completion by 2100, with a shrinking population in nearly 97% of the total countries.

While there is an expected population decline worldwide, the rate of decrease will vary greatly by region. Wealthier countries, already experiencing very low fertility rates, are expected to see a further decrease in their population. Developed countries in Europe, for instance, have been experiencing low fertility rates since the 1970s. Therefore, we now see many European countries with negative population growth, such as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

This trend has potential environmental benefits, including reduced pressure on food production systems and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, parts of sub-Saharan Africa could see significant economic opportunities emerge. However, in many countries, a decreasing workforce and an aging population could lead to economic strain. For instance, according to a UN study, as fertility rates decline and life expectancy improves, the number of children under five years old is projected to decrease by 40% by 2100. On the other hand, people aged 65 years or above will make up 25% of the global population. This has the potential to pose challenges for many countries.

You can also check out the 15 countries with declining birth rates in 2024.

Overview of the Global Fertility Treatment Market

As low birth rates and fertility rates continue to lead countries towards population shrinkage, it is no wonder that the market for fertility treatments is booming. The value of this market globally stood at $1.5 billion in 2021. It is projected that the market will grow at a rate of 8% per year between 2022 and 2032 and will reach $3.5 billion in 2032. In addition to low fertility rates, increased adoption of the most advanced treatments is a major driver of growth in this market. However, the high cost of treatments, non-coverage of treatments in insurance, stringent government regulations, and ethical issues associated with the treatment are some of the challenges this market faces. Some established companies operating in the global fertility treatment markets, including Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO), Vitrolife Sweden AB (STO:VITR), and Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX:HTL).

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is a major player in the life sciences industry, offering a wide range of solutions. The company is at the forefront of research in fertility treatments. Recently, it took a step to advance fertility research by introducing two new tools based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. This launch has expanded the companys existing portfolio in reproductive health by bringing the power of next-generation sequencing to more research labs. This technology allows for faster, in-house testing and analysis, potentially accelerating advancements in the field.

Vitrolife Sweden AB (STO:VITR) is among the global leaders in the field of in vitro fertilization and is actively expanding its global footprint. Recently, Vitrolife Pty. Ltd. New Zealand and Vitrolife Inc. Canada, both subsidiaries of Vitrolife AB, signed exclusive agreements with Memphasys Limited (ASX:MEM), which is a company providing fertility solutions. Under this agreement, Memphasys will be able to sell and distribute Felix System in New Zealand and Canada. A similar agreement was executed between Memphasys and Vitrolife for the Japanese market in August 2023.

Hamilton Thorne Ltd. (TSX:HTL) is another well-known company specializing in tools and services for fertility treatments, research, and cell biology. The company recently acquired Gynetics Medical Products and Gynetics Services, which is a Belgian leader in innovative IVF devices. This move has strengthened the companys consumables portfolio and expanded its reach into the profitable European market.

15 Countries with the Negative Population Growth in the World

kenary820/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

We have shortlisted the 15 countries with the negative population growth in the world by using data from the CIA. The population growth rates reflect the estimated average annual percentage change in populations as of 2023. Our list excludes small island nations and overseas territories. The countries have been ranked in ascending order of the population growth rates.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

15 Countries with the Negative Population Growth in the World

15. Armenia

Population Growth Rate: -0.4%

Armenia is a West Asian landlocked country. Armenia's population has faced historical challenges. Early 20th-century wars and famines in the country caused a devastating loss of life, with a further decline following the Soviet Union's collapse. Today, Armenias low fertility rate (1.758 births per woman in 2022) hinders natural population replacement, meaning deaths exceed births. This trend, if unchecked, could lead to a further decline in the population growth rate.

14. Japan

Population Growth Rate: -0.41%

Japan, an East Asian country, is observing a shrinking population. By 2070, estimates predict a 30% decline in the countrys population to just 87 million people. This demographic crisis is driven by a declining birth rate, largely caused by a decrease in marriage rates. Fewer marriages in a traditional and conservative country like Japan means fewer babies being born. In 2023, the number of deaths in Japan was recorded at 1,590,503, up for the third consecutive year. The country's natural population decrease is 831,872. This marks the 17th year of natural population decline and the biggest population slump in Japan ever.

13. Montenegro

Population Growth Rate: -0.43%

Montenegro is a country located in Southeast Europe, in the Balkans. The main reasons for the low population in Montenegro are the lack of agricultural land and low migration. Most of the territory in Montenegro belongs to the karst area of the Dinaric Alps, characterized by barren mountains and unsuitable conditions for agriculture. Montenegros population is declining, with an annual average growth rate of -0.43%.

12. Croatia

Population Growth Rate: -0.47%

Croatia is a country located between Central and Southeast Europe. Croatia's population has been steadily shrinking for decades. In 2022 alone, it dipped by 0.73%. Emigration and a declining birth rate are the main causes. For the past 15 years, more people have left Croatia than those who have entered, further straining the country's demographics. The economic crisis in Croatia is being strongly felt, and the opening of the borders has resulted in hordes of Croatians emigrating to richer countries.

11. Russia

Population Growth Rate: -0.48%

Russia, the world's largest country by area, faces a shrinking population. Despite its size, many areas are sparsely populated. This trend worsened after the Soviet Union's collapse, as Russia gained vast territory but only half the population. The death rates in the country are high, and life expectancy has dipped. Furthermore, fertility rates in Russia are among the world's lowest, while abortions are high. Consequently, deaths now outnumber births, threatening to lower Russia's population to 130 million by 2046, according to Rosstat, the country's statistics agency.

10. Georgia

Population Growth Rate: -0.57%

Georgia is a country at the junction of Europe and Asia. The current population of Georgia is 3,717,425, reflecting a 0.29% reduction from last year. From 1992, the countys population began to decline sharply because of civil war and the consequent mass migration, which continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s. There has been a 15% drop since 2002, with the low population growth rate continuing till this date. Georgia is among the top 10 countries with the negative population growth in the world.

9. Moldova

Population Growth Rate: -0.58%

Moldova is an Eastern European country. The annual population growth in Moldova decreased to -2.22% in 2022 and is currently at a low of -0.58%. The population growth has reached its lowest value in recent years. In terms of population slump, Moldova is a leader among European countries. The main reasons are high mortality rates, low birth rates, and high levels of emigration. Also, Moldova experiences low life expectancy rates, with consumption of alcohol being one of the key factors deteriorating overall health. Moldovans' level of alcohol consumption is 3 times the global average consumption.

8. Serbia

Population Growth Rate: -0.63%

Serbia is a landlocked Balkan country at the junction of Southeast and Central Europe. The current population of Serbia is 7,097,028, reflecting a 0.73% drop from the previous year. Serbia faces a demographic crisis due to low birth rates and outward migration, causing its population of 7 million to shrink at an alarming rate. Estimates suggest a potential decline of 25% if these trends continue. Serbia is in the eighth position on our list of countries with negative population growth in the world.

7. Bulgaria

Population Growth Rate: -0.66%

Bulgaria, a Balkan country, boasts a coastline on the Black Sea. Bulgaria's population has declined over a decade due to low birth rates and emigration. The Balkan nation lost 11.5% of its population, or 844,000 people, between 2011 and 2021, dropping to 6.5 million. Young people are particularly drawn abroad for better job opportunities, further straining the country's demographics.

6. Micronesia

Population Growth Rate: -0.70%

Micronesia is a country spread across the western Pacific Ocean. The country's current annual average population growth rate stands at -0.70%. Micronesia is broadly shrinking, and longer-term declines are visible owing to low fertility rates and high rates of emigration.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Countries with the Negative Population Growth in the World. Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 15 Countries with the Negative Population Growth in the World is published on Insider Monkey.
Solomon Islands' Sogavare says he runs security amid tense wait for new government

By Kirsty Needham

(Reuters) - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manesseh Sogavare said he narrowly won his seat and still exercises power over security in the Pacific Islands nation, as he vies with opposition parties to form government after an election delivered no clear winner.

Election results on Wednesday showed Sogavare's OUR party won 15 out of 50 seats in the national parliament, with major opposition parties holding 20 seats, and independent and micro parties controlling 15 seats.

Last week's election was the first since Sogavare struck a security pact with China in 2022, inviting Chinese police into the archipelago and drawing the Pacific Islands nation closer to Beijing.

The election is being watched by China, the U.S. and neighbouring Australia because of the potential impact on regional security.

United party leader Peter Kenilorea Jr and Democratic Alliance Party leader Rick Hou told Reuters the situation was fluid as lobbying of independents got underway, in a race to find the 26 seats needed to form a government.

In an interview with Tavuli News published on Wednesday, Sogavare said he had won his seat of East Choiseul by "the narrowest of margins", which was "much to the disappointment of the western world".

Sogavare said the world was interested in the outcome of the election because of his government's decision in 2019 to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China.

During the post-election period of lobbying to form government, he remains in control, he said.

"I exercise full executive power when it comes to security, when it comes to safety of this country, I continue to run the country," he said in the interview, adding he was concerned about possible riots.

Anti-government riots in 2021 saw buildings burnt in the capital Honiara, prompting Sogavare to request help from Australian police, and were also cited as the reason for a policing deal with China six months later.

Police and election officials have said the election process has been mostly calm, and on Monday evening, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said in a statement the police force is "a neutral law enforcement organisation which is not politically affiliated".

Police and defence forces from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji are assisting with election security, at the invitation of Sogavare's government.

Sogavare said his OUR party had the support of two micro parties, and would woo independents, claiming the opposition parties were divided over who they would back as prime minister.

"There's huge competition on the other side, something will break," he said.

The CARE coalition of Matthew Wale's Solomon Islands Democratic Party, U4C and former prime minister Rick Hou's Democratic Alliance Party is on 13 seats.

Kenilorea Jr's United, which said it would scrap the China security pact, won seven seats and could join CARE.

"We have not joined CARE at this time," Kenilorea said on Tuesday. "We are seeking change and will align with like-minded groups that also share this," he said.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Michael Perry)
Someone walked into sheriffs office with skull in 2001, cops say. Now its identified

Twenty three years after a human skull was brought into the main lobby of a sheriffs office, the person it belonged to has been identified, California deputies say.

Using forensic genetic genealogy, the skull was identified as a man who hailed from North Carolina, the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office said in an April 23 Facebook post.

The citizen who brought the skull to deputies in 2001 told them they found it in an area known as Motorcycle Mountain.

Aside from missing a jaw, the skull was in good condition, DNA Doe Project, the nonprofit that helped identify the skull, said in a news release.

Deputies said they searched the area where the skull was found off Duncan Road in Monte Rio, however, they found no other remains.

An anthropologist first determined the skull belonged to a man between the ages of 25 to 40, deputies said.

The man died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the nonprofit.

For two decades, the mans identity remained a mystery until deputies turned their efforts to forensic genetic genealogy,

Genetic genealogy uses DNA testing coupled with traditional genealogical methods to create family history profiles, according to the Library of Congress. With genealogical DNA testing, researchers can determine if and how people are biologically related.

In 2022, deputies said they sent the mans DNA to the DNA Doe Project.

The nonprofit said they created a DNA profile for the man and uploaded it to genetic databases, including GEDMatch.com and FTDNA.com.

From there, the nonprofit said a team of volunteers began the tedious process of building a family tree of DNA relatives to the John Doe.

The nonprofit found a potential relative of the man, which led deputies to the mans brother.

After comparing the two mens DNA, deputies said they identified the skull as Jeffrey Thomas Rupen, who would have been 43 in 2001 if he died that year.

Rupen was born in North Carolina and went on to study political science at Columbia University in New York after graduating high school, deputies said.

While he was living in New York City in 1980, deputies said he became estranged from his family.

At some point Jeffrey traveled to California, where It is rumored he became a house painter, deputies said.

To help piece together what happened to him, deputies ask anyone with information about Rupens life or death to contact them at 707-565-2727 or email sheriff-coldcase@sonoma-county.org.

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Son doesnt report moms death for 5 years to pocket Veterans Affairs checks, feds say

A man didnt report that his mom died for nearly five years and pocketed more than $60,000 in her Veterans Affairs checks in Florida, federal officials said.

The 64-year-old man has now pleaded guilty to theft of government property, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida said in an April 24 news release.

The Pasco County man had power of attorney that gave him access to his mothers checking account, federal officials said. The woman received money from the Department of Veterans Affairs as the spouse of a deceased military veteran.

She died Oct. 2, 2017, but her son didnt notify Veterans Affairs about her death, officials said. The agency continued depositing checks into her account every month until March 2022.

In total, he stole $63,359.92 in funds belonging to the United States, officials said.

Hes accused of spending the money on his own personal and business expenses.

His attorney declined to comment to McClatchy News.

He was indicted in September and pleaded guilty April 4, court documents show. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

Hes scheduled to be sentenced July 11.

The man is from Odessa in Pasco County, roughly a 25-mile drive northwest from downtown Tampa.

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Son of Dunkin worker has perfect response after car crashes into coffee shop

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  A car crashed into a Dunkin in Rhode Island Tuesday morning, but it was the lighthearted reaction of a 15-year-old at the scene that has the internet talking.

Crews responded to the Dunkin location in Cranston around 6:30 a.m. and found the car entirely in the coffee shop.

Police said the driver had his learners permit and was learning how to drive. When he put the car in drive, instead of reverse, the passenger told him to hit the brake, according to police. However, he reportedly hit the gas and went through the front window into the counter.

You can earn $1,000 for watching Star Wars movies, but you need to meet a specific requirement

Brian Haibom, 15, told Nexstars WPRI his mother was working inside the shop at the time and is glad she wasnt injured.

Im happy she didnt get hit. That wouldve not been good. I think they said it was a car malfunction, Haibom said. America doesnt just run on Dunkin, cars do too.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

As of Tuesday afternoon, video shared by a WPRI producer had been viewed over 3.5 million times.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Police said there were no signs the driver was impaired.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo.  A 24-year-old De Soto man is accused of allowing a minor to perform a sex act on him and recording the incident.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriffs Offices probable cause statement, the incident took place on the evening of March 3.

The sheriffs office claims Dylan M. James picked up the 13-year-old victim in his car and drove to a nearby parking lot. The exact location was not disclosed.

The victim told investigators that James plied her with alcohol and that she blacked out.

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Authorities questioned James in April. He claimed the girl was already intoxicated when he picked her up. James allegedly told deputies the victim wanted to make her girlfriend jealous by performing sex acts on him.

James said he recorded the sex act on his phone and then sent the video to the victims girlfriend via Facebook Messenger. He then deleted the video from his phone.

The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged James with statutory sodomy  deviate sexual intercourse (victim less than 14 years of age), second-degree promoting child pornography to a minor, and possession of child pornography. James remains jailed on a $50,000 cash-only bond. Hes due in court on May 1.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attacked two oil depots in Russia's Smolensk Oblast overnight, destroying 26,000 cubic meters of fuel, sources in law enforcement agencies told the Kyiv Independent on April 24.

Russian media and officials reported drone attacks in Smolensk Oblast, as well as in Lipetsk and Voronezh oblasts overnight, reportedly targeting energy and industrial facilities.

Footage of what was purported to be a burning oil terminal in Yartsevo, Smolensk Oblast, began circulating on social media.

The Kyiv Independent's sources said that Russia's state-controlled company Rosneft "lost two storage and pumping bases for fuel and lubricants in Yartsevo and Razdorovo in Smolensk Oblast."

According to the sources, the operation was carried out by SBU drones.

Some 26,000 cubic meters of Russian fuel were purportedly stored there. After the powerful explosions, a large-scale fire and personnel evacuation began at the facilities, the sources said.

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"The SBU continues to effectively destroy the military infrastructure and logistics that provide fuel to the Russian army in Ukraine. These objects are and will remain our completely legitimate goals," the sources said.

Vasily Anokhin, the Smolensk Oblast governor, claimed there were no casualties as a result of the strike and that emergency services are working on the spot.

"As a result of the enemy attack on fuel and energy facilities, fires broke out in the Smolensk and Yartsevo districts," Anokhin wrote on his Telegram channel.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry. A large-scale attack against Russian energy infrastructure on April 20 reportedly started a fire at a fuel storage tank in Smolensk Oblast.

Strikes against Russian energy targets have prompted criticism from U.S. officials, who have made it clear that Washington does not support Ukraine's attacks on oil refineries, citing fears that it could threaten the global energy market.

In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv has the right to use its own weapons with retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Read also: Ukrainian drones hit one Russian oil refinery after another

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Police in Horry County, South Carolina, have arrested 10 individuals, including the police chief of the town of Atlantic Beach, in an undercover prostitution operation, authorities said Wednesday.

The arrests followed a multi-agency sting at a hotel in the Myrtle Beach section of Horry County late on Tuesday.

Myrtle Beach, a resort city on South Carolinas Atlantic coast, is located some 13 miles southwest of Atlantic Beach.

The operation was conducted by officers with the HCPDs narcotics and vice unit in conjunction with Myrtle Beach police, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division and the Horry County Sheriffs Office.

Each subject engaged with an undercover operative online and agreed to meet to exchange money for sexual favors, HCPD said in a news release.

After arriving at the hotel for their encounter, they gave money to an undercover agent and were subsequently arrested.

All 10 men were charged with soliciting prostitution. At least one of them was also in possession of cocaine, local ABC affiliate WPDE reported, citing a police report.

Quentin Robinson, who has been the permanent Atlantic Beach police chief since 2018 after serving an interim period, was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center around 5 p.m. Tuesday. He was released on $500 bail early on Wednesday.

Atlantic Beach Town Manager Benjamin Quattlebaum said in a statement shared with WMBF that Robinson will be placed on administrative leave with pay pending a full investigation.

The penalty for a first-offense prostitution charge in South Carolina is a fine of up to $200 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days.

Robinsons court date has been set for June 10 at Surfside Magistrate Court in Myrtle Beach.

_______
Pedro Sanchez has said he will take until Monday to rethink whether staying in his role as prime minister is 'worth it' - BERNAT ARMANGUE/AP

Spains prime minister has suspended his duties and announced he is considering resigning after a graft investigation was launched against his wife.

Pedro Sanchez, the head of the countrys Left-wing government, claims the accusations against his wife are a Right-wing plot to smear his reputation.

In a letter posted on social media, Mr Sanchez said that the opening of the preliminary judicial investigation has made him consider if staying in his role is worth it.

He said he was cancelling his public appointments in order to reflect and decide which course to take and would make an announcement on Monday.

A court in Madrid announced on Wednesday that it was opening proceedings to investigate whether Begona Gomez, Mr Sanchezs wife, should go on trial for influence peddling and corruption.

Begona Gomez is accused of using her influence as wife of the prime minster to allegedly secure sponsors for a degree - JAVIER SORIANO/AFP

The accusation against Ms Gomez was made by a Right-wing organisation called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which has frequently used the courts to attack public figures.

They have accused Ms Gomez, a business consultant, of adding her signature as a referee to applications by companies bidding for public contracts or funding schemes.

Manos Limpias said Ms Gomez used her influence as the wife of the prime minister to allegedly secure sponsors for a university masters degree course that she ran.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of Spains opposition Peoples Party (PP), reported Mr Sanchez to the states conflict of interest office, accusing the prime minister of having wrongly participated in government decisions that affected companies connected to his wifes activities.

The body said Mr Sanchez had no case to answer.

Pedro Sanchez said Right-wing opposition have gone after Begona Gomez because she is his wife - JAVIER SORIANO/AFP

Mr Sanchez said in the letter: I am not naive. I am aware that they have reported Begona not for doing something illegal  they know there is no case against her  but because she is my wife.

He said the accusations against her were the results of a mud-churning machine behind which stood the opposition PP, far-Right Vox and a constellation of media outlets he said supported Right-wing interests.

Having reached this point, the question I understandably ask myself is this: is it worth going through all of this? Mr Sanchez said, adding that he needed to stop and reflect with my wife.

Mr Sanchez became prime minister in 2018 by ousting Mariano Rajoy, the then PP leader, in a motion-of-no-confidence vote in parliament before leading the Socialist Party to victories in two general elections in 2019 and leading a Left-wing coalition.

In the general election held last July, the Socialists finished second behind the PP but Mr Sanchez clung on to power with the support of regional nationalist parties after doing a political U-turn and granting Catalan separatists their wish for an amnesty for politicians involved in an illegal bid for independence in 2017.

In his letter, Mr Sanchez accused the PP and Vox of not accepting the electoral result.

They realised that a political attack would not be enough and now they have crossed the line in terms of respect for a prime ministers family life, he said.

Manos Limpias uses a unique Spanish legal instrument known as the peoples accusation to bring criminal complaints against third parties.

Judges can choose whether or not to act on such complaints and not every accusation has led to a judicial investigation.

Some have: Clean Hands allegations against Princess Cristina, King Juan Carloss younger daughter, led to her prosecution over claims of being an accessory to tax fraud. Her husband was convicted of fraud and tax evasion but she was acquitted.

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Two Palm Beach billionaires appear to have teamed up to buy an Aspen estate for $108 million, reportedly the largest residential deal in Colorado history.

Casino-and-resort mogul Steve Wynn and securities-trading pioneer Thomas Peterffy are both linked to Buddies Aspen LLC, the limited liability company that bought the 4.5-acre estate at 419 Willoughby Way, the Palm Beach Daily News has confirmed. The deed was recorded April 16 in Pitkin County.

The seller in the off-market deal was a limited partnership reportedly associated with former Canadian hockey player and entrepreneur Patrick Dovigi. Dovfam Willoughby LP paid a recorded $72.5 million for the property in 2021, property records show.

A company linked to Palm Beach billionaires Steve Wynn and Thomas Peterffy has paid a recorded $108 million for this estate at 419 Willoughby Way in Aspen, Colorado. The deal reportedly set a Colorado residential sales record.

The Wall Street Journal broke the news early this month that Wynn and Peterffy had put under contract the estate in Aspens tony Red Mountain neighborhood, which directly faces the ski slope. The Aspen Times appears to have been the first media outlet to have reported that the sale had closed April 15.

The main house and guesthouse combined have 22,405 square feet and a grand total of 11 bedrooms.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate agent Riley Warwick confirmed he handled both sides of the sale.

Steve Wynn

The estate is in a prime location, said Warwick, who with agent Joshua Saslove is part of Ellimans Saslove & Warwick Team in Aspen.

This is the largest-size lot on Willoughby Way, and Willoughby Way is arguably the best street in Aspen, Warwick told the Palm Beach Daily News.

He did not discuss specifics of the sale or the parties involved.

Thomas Peterffy

Both Wynn and Peterffy have Palm Beach homes on South Ocean Boulevard, and both men have their properties listed as their primary residences in the latest Palm Beach County tax rolls.

Wynn  an art dealer and real estate investor who formerly headed Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts Ltd.  resides in an ocean-to-lake estate in the Estate Section.

Peterffy is CEO and majority shareholder of Interactive Brokers Group. He made his fortune helping develop the first electronic trading platform for securities. The Peterffy estate faces the lake on the section of the coastal road known to locals as Billionaires Row, just south of former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club. Peterffy has also invested in other Palm Beach properties.

Forbes estimates Peterffys fortune at $35.8 billion and Wynns at $3.4 billion.

Its unclear from public records if anyone else was involved on the buyers side of the sale in Aspen.

The Willoughby Way sale is the second record-setting deal in Aspen involving a Palm Beach resident in the past seven months.

Story continues

In September, car-dealership tycoon Terry Taylor paid $76 million for an Aspen mansion in an off-market deal that reportedly included a house swap with the seller. That sale was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Taylor bought the 20,740-square-foot house at 1001 Ute Ave. from its lead developer, Leathem Stearn, who reportedly had been asking $95 million for the property. But Stearn ended up taking less when Taylor agreed to toss in a home he owned in Apens Little Cloud subdivision, the Journal reported. Taylor, in turn, got a $25 million discount on the deal and paid an undisclosed amount in cash, according to the Journal.

Agent Stephanie Lewis of Christie's International Real Estate Aspen Snowmass represented the seller on Ute Avenue. Its unclear who might have represented Taylor. He reportedly owns another estate in Aspen that he had on the market with a price of $105 million at the time of the sale on Ute Avenue.

*

Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Two Palm Beach billionaires linked to $108M house purchase in Aspen
Spains Sanchez says he will reflect on whether to remain prime minister, as court probes wife

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Wednesday that he was cancelling his public duties until next week to reflect on whether to continue leading the government, just hours after a Spanish court said it had opened a probe against his wife.

In the surprise move, Sanchez said on X that he would announce his decision on whether to remain as prime minister next Monday, in an appearance before the news media.

Sanchez, a socialist, said on X that the court had opened the probe against his wife, Begona Gomez, at the request of a far-right organization called Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) to investigate the alleged crimes of influence peddling and corruption in her business dealings.

Sanchez said his wife would defend herself and cooperate with the judicial system. Sanchez said the complaint by Clean Hands appeared to be based on alleged information published by what he termed some right and far-right digital media.

Sanchez said I need to stop and reflect about if I should continue leading the government or step down.

Earlier Wednesday, the Madrid regional Superior Court of Justice press office issued a two-line statement saying that a judge had begun a probe on April 16 against Begona Gomez for alleged influence peddling and business corruption after receiving a complaint from the Clean Hands organization, and that the probe is under seal.

Sanchez, head of Spains Socialist Party, leads a coalition government with a narrow parliamentary majority.

Javier Maroto, a leader of Spains main opposition conservative Popular Party, said on X later Wednesday that of course Sanchez wants to remain as prime minister and added that his latest move was a pre-campaign event.

Spains northern Basque region held regional elections last Sunday in which the Socialist Party won more seats than the conservatives and also more than the far-right Vox party.

And a poll predicts the Socialist Party will also fare better than conservatives and the far right in regional elections in Catalonia next month around Barcelona.

But various nationalist parties in both of those regions also have large followings among voters.

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Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez (L) speaks during a government control session at the Congress of Deputies. Jesus Hellin/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he is considering resigning as his wife faces a court probe over corruption allegations.

He has cancelled public appearances for "several days" to think about how to proceed, Sanchez said on X, the former Twitter, on Wednesday evening.

Sanchez also charged that he is being harassed by the right wing and the extreme right.

"I have to stop and reflect," the Socialist politician wrote in a "letter to the public."

He said he needed to decide "whether it is worth it" to stay in office despite "the mud pit" the right and far-right are making of politics.

The 52-year-old said he will announce his decision on Monday.

The organization Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) had previously filed a complaint with a court in Madrid against Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez for corruption and influence-peddling.

Manos Limpias is a private group that has been campaigning for right-wing causes in Spain for years. It accuses Gomez, 49, of having exploited her position as the prime minister's wife to do business.

The court gave no further details and stated that the investigation was under seal.

In their initial reactions, politicians from the opposition conservative People's Party (PP) rejected the possibility of the prime minister resigning.

PP politician and Senate Vice President Javier Maroto spoke of "a new show" that Sanchez was putting on and charged that the prime minister sought to stay in power at all costs. "He is always the good guy, everyone else is bad."

Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) was quick to offer expressions of solidarity.

Sanchez and Gomez have two daughters. The prime minister's wife does not hold any public office. She is a marketing expert who has worked for banks and non-governmental organizations.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A Spanish Lake man is due in court next month for participating in a car theft nearly 18 months ago.

According to the St. Louis County Police Departments probable cause statement, the theft happened between Sept. 3 and Sept 4, 2022, at an apartment complex in the 11000 block of Oak Forest Parkway Drive.

The victim reported that his vehicle, a 2018 Hyundai Elantra, had been stolen from outside his home.

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The car was located in St. Louis City the following day. Police claim Usher Prince, 19, was driving the vehicle. Prince was later arrested and interviewed by St. Louis County police detectives.

Investigators claim Prince admitted to acting as a lookout while an associate stole the vehicle.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged Prince with stealing  motor vehicle. Prince was issued a summons to appear in court on May 23.

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Speaker Johnson addresses rise of antisemitism on college campuses at Columbia: Watch live

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will deliver public remarks during a visit to Columbia University Wednesday afternoon.

Along with every Republican member of the New York congressional delegation, Johnson has also called for the resignation of Columbia University president Minouche Shafik for what they regard as a failed response to antisemitism on campus.

Protests against Israels highly controversial military action in Gaza have sprouted on U.S. college campuses. The demonstrations have sparked condemnation for, in some cases, allegedly fostering outright antisemitism and the threat of hate-based violence.

Johnson is scheduled to speak at 3:45 p.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Speaker Mike Johnson booed at Columbia University as he calls for president to quit unless pro-Palestine protests quelled

US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson takes questions from the media after meeting with Jewish students, as pro-Palestinian students and activists continue to protest the Israel-Hamas war on the campus of Columbia University in New York City on April 24, 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia University today amid ongoing pro-Palestine protests to call for the university's president to resign and to address Jewish students.

He called the protests "disgusting" and "unnecessary" ahead of his visit. The day before his visit, the UN issued a report that it had found "mass graves" in Gaza, where Palestinians  including women, the elderly, and the wounded  had been found dead. Some of the remains allegedly had their hands bound.

Mr Johnson arrived to chorus of boos and consistent shouts from protesters, including chants of "we can't hear you."

He said Israel and Jewish students would "never stand alone" and said the protesters were supporting terrorists and "gnashing their teeth" at the existence of Israel.

Mr Johnson continued, calling the protesters "lawless agitators" and characterised all of the pro-Palestine protests across US campuses as "antisemitic.

At one point, Mr Johnson stopped his speech due to ongoing chants and said "enjoy your free speech".

He said he met with Jewish students at the campus who described being harassed and intimidated for their faith and, for some, their support of Israel.

Anti-Zionist Jewish students have joined with pro-Palestine protesters for the ongoing demonstrations.

Mr Johnson called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign for her "failure," in his estimation, to protect Jewish students on campus.

The House Speaker said she should step down unless she could immediately end the protests on campus.

He was met with a loud chorus of boos after calling for her resignation.

As he was leaving, one protester could be heard shouting above the crowd get the f*** out of here, boy.
Speaker Mike Johnson is set to visit Columbia University on Wednesday amid pro-Palestinian protests at the university and colleges across the country.

The Republican speaker said he will visit the New York-based university to meet with Jewish students to discuss the troubling rise of virulent antisemitism on Americas college campuses, after more than 100 people, including many students, were arrested on campus last week during a pro-Palestinian protest.

Other House Republicans will travel alongside Mr Johnson, including Rep Anthony DEsposito.

Tomorrow, I will meet with Jewish @Columbia students alongside @SpeakerJohnson to offer our full support as they celebrate #Passover  all while antisemitic bigots lay siege to their school, he said in a statement posted to X. @HouseGOP will always stand firmly against antisemitism.

Columbia University has been dealing with days of pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Israel counterprotests.

The demonstrations began last week when hundreds of protesters set up an encampment on campus to protest against the Biden administrations response to the Israel-Hamas war, backing a ceasefire in the conflict and urging Congress to stop sending military aid to Israel. They have also demanded Columbia divest from companies with ties to Israel and increase financial transparency.

Speaker Mike Johnson is set to visit Columbia University on Wednesday amid pro-Palestinian protests at the university (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

However, the protest took a turn on Thursday when New York police stormed the campus, arresting more than 100 people, including Isra Hirsi, daughter of Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

She was also suspended from the university. Since then, the protests have only grown, with demonstrators setting up a new encampment on campus and hundreds of faculty members walking out to protest against the university presidents handling of the situation.

Classes were also moved online for the rest of the semester to reset the situation and de-escalate the rancour.

On Tuesday, Columbia president Minouche Shafik issued a deadline for protesters to agree by midnight to vacate the pro-Palestinian encampment, and warned that if an agreement is not reached, the school will consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus.

The deadline passed without a resolution.

Meanwhile, protests have also spread to colleges across the country, including Yale and NYU, where at least 195 people have been arrested, as well as Tufts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emerson College, Boston University, the University of California Berkeley, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Since protests emerged, some Jewish students have reported antisemitic harassment and even physical assaults. One Jewish student at Columbia claimed that protesters told him to go back to Poland after he arrived at their protest with Israeli and American flags, while another student at Yale who was covering a protest on Saturday as a student journalist said that she was hit in the eye with a Palestinian flag after the attacker realised she was Jewish, resulting in a hospital visit.

Columbia University faculty members staged a demonstration on Monday, pictured, condemning last weeks arrests of some 100 pro-Palestine student protesters (Reuters)

The accusations have seen politicians travel to campuses to meet Jewish students, with a group of four Jewish Democrats visiting Columbia on Monday. Rep Josh Gottheimer was among the group, and threatened that university president Shafik must quickly act to quell protests or face consequences from Congress.

We are all standing here today as Jewish members of Congress to make one thing clear: Jewish students are welcome here at Columbia. And while the leadership of Columbia may be failing you, we will not, Gottheimer said during the visit.

We will do everything in our power to keep you safe and do everything in Washington we can to make sure that you feel welcome at this university or any university across the United States of America, he continued. And Columbia University, if they dont follow through, will pay the price.

New York University students set up a liberated zone tent encampment in Gould Plaza at NYU Stern School of Business on 22 April 2024 (Getty Images)

Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, also visited the campus on Monday and denounced the protests. A White House statement Sunday similarly called the demonstrations blatantly antisemitic.

In a statement on Sunday, protest leaders rejected claims that participants encouraged violence against Jewish people or advocated for antisemitism.

We are frustrated by media distractions focusing on inflammatory individuals who do not represent us, the leaders wrote. Our members have been misidentified by a politically motivated mob.

We firmly reject any form of hate or bigotry and stand vigilant against non-students attempting to disrupt the solidarity being forged among students, they continued. Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, Black and pro-Palestinian classmates and colleagues who represent the full diversity of our country.
Jill Stein from the Green Party, right, and Karina Garcia with the Party of Socialism and Liberation, speak with a voter at Masjid Al-Furqan West Cobb Islamic Center. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

A presidential candidate and a vice presidential candidate came to metro Atlanta Tuesday to take questions from voters.

Jill Stein from the Green Party and Karina Garcia with the Party of Socialism and Liberation may not be the first candidate names one thinks of, but both said their names will be on Georgias ballots this November, and they, along with other third party candidates, could be a factor in the presidential race.

Stein, a physician and left-wing activist, and Garcia, a Chicana organizer and running mate to PSL presidential candidate Claudia De la Cruz, stopped by Masjid Al-Furqan West Cobb Islamic Center for a candidate forum.

There was not much policy disagreement between the two. Both called for an end to the war in Gaza and a one-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. They both advocate for greatly reducing the military budget and increasing taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for social programs and public services like universal healthcare and higher education while eliminating all student debt.

At the end of the nearly two-hour panel discussion, Garcia announced the PSL had met the current requirements to get third party candidates like De la Cruz onto the November ballot  7,500 signatures from registered Georgia voters.

We are definitely going to be on the ballot in the state of Georgia, she said. We just collected over 7,500 petitions. Were actually going to double that just because we know how backward and undemocratic this country is, so were going to go ahead and double that, but we just wanted to let you know that we have done that and were going to be on the ballot in the state of Georgia.

Garcia said the PSL is planning to be on the ballot in 24 states, while Stein said the Green Party is set to be on the ballot in every state.

We will be the one campaign on track right now to be on the ballot for every voter across the country so that we can stand up to empire, she said. And let me just say there will be three candidates, there will be three pro-genocide, pro-war, anti-worker candidates on the ballot, and there will be one candidate across the country that will be fighting empire.

But the rule for third party candidates appearing on Georgias ballot could soon be changing. An omnibus election bill passed by the state Legislature but not yet signed by Gov. Brian Kemp includes a provision that would allow third party candidates to appear on Georgias ballots if they qualify to appear on ballots in 20 other states.

Kemp has until May 7 to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without taking action. The American Civil Liberties Union has threatened to sue the state if he signs it over other provisions in the bill.

We are hopeful that this legislation will be signed by the governor which would then place us on the ballot automatically because were already on in a sufficient number of states, Stein said.

That would be very nice because we have many ballot drives going on right now at the same time, she added. We actually have 75% of the total signature burden already collected for the nation, and its like a million signatures that we need. So Georgia is actually a relatively modest part of that, but it would be great if we get on the ballot basically automatically.

Garcia said she expects the PSL ticket will be on the ballot in at least 24 states, so theyre covered either way, but she said the change could harm others who are not able to muster resources in as many states.

Were not surprised by this anti-democratic measure because we know how difficult it is to be on the ballot to begin with.

Theyre making all kinds of ways to make it impossible for any third party to be able to have a voice in this country, she added. But we have the vast majority of people who are on our side. It really just takes a committed group of volunteers to get out there and talk to people, and that we have.

Spoiler alert?

President Joe Biden famously won Georgia by about 11,000 votes over former President Donald Trump in 2020, and 2024s race is also expected to be close.

The latest Real Clear Politics polling average shows Stein in third place among third party candidates with about 1% of the vote. Left-wing scholar and activist Cornel West has 1.8%, and Kennedy family scion Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has 6.3%. Trump leads the poll at 43.8% and Biden has 37.5%.

Kennedy and Wests staff told the Recorder by email that they are working on collecting signatures in Georgia and expect to surpass the 7,500 mark ahead of the July deadline, but neither campaign responded to questions about the proposed 20 state rule by publication deadline.

Democrats have been sounding the alarm for months that Kennedy, a former Democrat, could lure away voters that would otherwise have gone for Biden, which they fear could cause a swing state like Georgia to flip from their partys statewide wins.

Stein said shes used to being accused of being a spoiler in the 2016 election, but she doesnt buy it. She said most Green voters were people who otherwise would not have voted.

And we also strongly believe in the view that candidates have to earn your vote, they dont own your vote, so its anti-democratic to imply that Green votes were taken from Democrats, she said. No, Democrats didnt own those votes, they had to earn them, they failed to earn them.

Bidens team appears to see Kennedy as a threat  their anti RFK Jr. strategy has included securing the endorsements of multiple other members of the Kennedy family, including Robert Kennedy Jr.s own siblings.

But Trump has also expressed a belief that Kennedy could secure votes from anti-Trump Republicans.

They say he hurts Biden. Im not sure that thats true, he said Monday during a radio interview. I think he probably hurts both. But he might hurt Biden a little bit more, you dont know.

At least one recent poll shows Biden performing better in a race with the big three third party candidates than head to head with Trump. In an NBC poll released over the weekend, voters gave Trump a two-point lead over Biden, 46 to 44, when asked to choose between the two. But when Kennedy, West and Steins names were added to the list, Trumps total dropped to 37 and Bidens to 39.

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The post Spoiler alert: Third party candidates aim to give Georgia voters alternatives to Biden and Trump appeared first on Georgia Recorder.
Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, stands on the floor of the Alabama Senate on Feb. 8, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama Senate committee Wednesday narrowly passed a bill to extend parental leave to education employees, but only after reducing the length of the leave and the circumstances when it can be used.

Those changes  which cut offered leave from 12 to six weeks; only allow one parent to take leave after childbirth and remove a provision granting leave for miscarriages and stillbirth  drew strong opposition from Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, the sponsor of the legislation, who ended up voting against it.

I will be willing to negotiate the number of weeks from 12 weeks to eight weeks, perhaps, but I think this is very much needed, particularly for our people who work in the school system who will take care of our children, she said.

The bill passed 8-7.

As introduced, SB 305, would provide school board employees with 12 weeks of parental leave for a birth, adoption, miscarriage or stillborn.

We depend on our teachers and our school personnel to be there for our children, to educate them, to educate all of us, and they dont get any type of parental leave, Figures said.

Senate Finance and Taxation Education Chair Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, provided a substitute of the bill that he said would make it match a bill that provides paid parental leave for state employees. He said the terms for that bill were worked out with the state Personnel Department.

HB 309, sponsored by Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, provides six weeks for female employees after the birth of a child and six weeks after the adoption of a child less than three years old, as amended by the Senate committee. If two state employees jointly adopt a child less than three years old, only one parent is eligible for leave.

This substitute brings the state employees and education employees to be the same, he said.

After the substitute was adopted, Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, said he wanted to make sure that men were treated equally in the bill.

Where in the sub that it assures that men are to be to be treated the same way as women? he said.

Figures said that she was under the impression that the substitute would only amend the number of weeks.

My bill included both the mother and the father, she said. It included the birth of a child, an alive child, the birth of a stillborn child, a miscarriage, as well as adoption, and to me all of those things carry emotions and care afterwards. So if thats not the case, then I need to change my vote to a no.

Orr said again the goal was for the bill to match Shavers bill as passed out of the Senate general fund committee.

Figures asked why Shavers bill could not be amended to match her bill and asked if he was trying to kill the legislation late in the session.

Id like to request that you at least pass this bill out and before it moves to the floor, that we negotiate what were going to do, she said.

Figures moved for the substitute to be reconsidered, but it remained in place.

She told the other committee members ahead of the bills vote that she was shown total disrespect.

I dont ask for much around here, she said. I really dont and I sure as hell dont raise a lot of hell like I could. But for you to totally disrespect me after I humbly and respectfully asked you just to pass my bill out, you have the power to put it on a special order or not although Im on Rules Committee but I dont have a vote on that either but just let me know that I am totally, totally disappointed in all of you and that you are putting me in a position to vote no. On my own bill.

The bill moves to the full Senate. It needs three legislative days to pass; there are six legislative days remaining.

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The post Sponsor critical after Alabama Senate committee cuts down parental leave bill appeared first on Alabama Reflector.
The Roswell Army Airfield moved into the post-World War II Atomic age very quickly. The airfield was renamed Walker Air Force Base and it became one of the strategic air commands premier installations.

Housing two-thirds of Americas nuclear triad with nuclear-armed bombers and nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, Walker kept alert crews ready to go to war throughout the 1950s and 1960s until its closure in 1967.

Eastern New Mexico University has built a large campus on the west side of the former base, however, much of the base still has the look and feel of the former Air Force base. In 2005, the base was used for a secret Foo Fighters concert celebrating the bands tenth anniversary.

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Democratic Rep. Summer Lee, the first member of the progressive Squad to face a primary challenger this cycle, successfully fended off her opponent in her Pittsburgh-based district on Tuesday.

Although it was not the only factor in the race, the Israel-Hamas war undoubtedly hovered over the contest. Lee has been an outspoken critic of Israels actions in its war with Hamas and was among the first lawmakers to call for a cease-fire. She was seen as potentially vulnerable to a primary challenge when pro-Israel groups began to threaten heavy outside spending.

But that spending never materialized against Lee  and she defeated Bhavini Patel, a local council member, in Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District. After putting in millions of dollars opposing Lee in the midterms and vowing to drop $100 million targeting candidates the group views as anti-Israel this cycle, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee stayed out of the contest this time around. Such spending would have benefited Patel  whom Lee vastly outraised and outspent  although it would have only fueled the criticisms from Lees campaign that Republican donors were meddling in the race. (Some of AIPACs most prominent donors are Republicans, though notable Democrats also give to the group.)

Lee also earned high-profile endorsements during this campaign  not only from progressive politicians and organizations but also from House Democratic leadership  and had a strong fundraising apparatus.

Patel did receive some support from Moderate PAC, a group heavily funded by GOP megadonor Jeff Yass that supported Democratic Reps. Don Davis (N.C.) and Jared Golden (Maine) last cycle. The group spent more than half a million dollars on this race.

The group accused Lee of not fully supporting President Joe Biden in the critical battleground state, echoing criticisms Patel centered in her messaging and that AIPAC deployed in its efforts to defeat Lee in 2022.

Lee pushed back on those accusations, asserting that she can help turn out voters  like younger constituents and voters of color  who may otherwise not be excited to vote in November.

Lees win may comfort other progressives facing primary challenges later this year, although heavy investments from deep-pocketed opposition groups could still land in primaries elsewhere in a way it did not in Pittsburgh. AIPAC and Democratic Majority for Israel PAC have already endorsed challengers to Democratic Reps. Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.) and Cori Bush (Mo.), signifying that they will have a more active role in those primaries. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) also faces a contested primary later this year, but those groups have not endorsed any of her challengers.

Lee is poised to cruise to victory come the fall in the deep-blue district, when shell face Republican James Hayes.

Another incumbent also survived a primary challenge on Tuesday. Across the state in Pennsylvanias 1st Congressional District, Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick easily won his primary over Mark Houck, an anti-abortion activist who ran to the right of the incumbent. Democrats are still targeting this seat, where Fitzpatrick will face repeat candidate Ashley Ehasz in the fall. The seat will be more difficult for Democrats to flip with the incumbent returning.
Feverpitched / iStock.com

While the median sales price for new single-family homes was $400,500 in February, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, real estate news and research site ResiClub found that the average forecast from its latest roundup expects U.S. home prices to rise 2.38% in 2024. That means if your budget tops out at $500,000, youve got plenty of options on where to put down roots. But that sum buys far more in some places than in others.

Purchasing the right home in the right place is more than just the average price per square foot.

Be Aware: These 5 Cities Are Becoming Unpopular With Baby Boomers: Heres Why

Check Out: 7 Reasons You Must Speak to a Financial Advisor Before Spending $50,000 or More

Using data from Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Sperlings Best Places, GOBankingRates identified the 25 best cities to buy a home in that price range, including how each citys cost of living compares to national and state averages.

With those factors and others in mind, heres a look at the 25 best places to buy a home for less than $500,000.

TriggerPhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

25. Kansas City, Missouri

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $231,966

Average Annual Mortgage : $16,466

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,421

The cost of living in Kansas City is about 12% lower than the national average and 3.3% higher than the Missouri average.

Read Next: 10 Countries To Live Outside the US That Are So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

Discover More: 20 Best Cities Where You Can Buy a House for Under $100K

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

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24. Sacramento, California

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $478,382

Average Annual Mortgage : $33,958

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $26,770

Although you can purchase a home in the capital city of California for under $500,000, the cost of living is 27% higher than the U.S. average.

Trending Now: 5 Types of Homes That Will Plummet in Value in 2024

Chris Rubino / Shutterstock.com

23. Tucson, Arizona

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $334,779

Average Annual Mortgage : $23,764

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $22,799

Tucsons cost of living is only 97%, which makes it about 3% lower than the national average. In Arizona, the citys cost of living is about 9% lower than the states average.

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

22. Fresno, California

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $380,682

Average Annual Mortgage : $27,022

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,926

Fresnos cost of living is about 4% higher than the U.S. average. However, within the state, the citys cost of living is about 31% lower than average.

ivanastar / Getty Images/iStockphoto

21. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $324,387

Average Annual Mortgage : $23,026

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $22,718

Story continues

Albuquerques cost of living is 4.1% higher than New Mexicos average COL, but its 8% lower than the U.S. average

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

20. Milwaukee

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $192,264

Average Annual Mortgage : $13,648

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,580

If you choose to live in Milwaukee, youll enjoy a 12% lower cost of living than the national average.

For You: 5 Cities Where Homes Will Be a Total Steal In Two Years

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

19. Baltimore

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $176,168

Average Annual Mortgage : $172,061

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,843

Baltimores cost of living is about 7% lower than the U.S. average and about 17% lower than the state of Maryland.

Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

18. Louisville, Kentucky

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $238,682

Average Annual Mortgage : $16,943

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $22,485

Louisvilles residents enjoy a cost of living about 10% lower than the national average. However, the COL is also about 9% higher than the Kentucky average.

Kruck20 / Getty Images

17. Memphis, Tennessee

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $142,931

Average Annual Mortgage : $10,146

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,198

Memphis cost of living is lower than the U.S. and state average  14% and 5%, respectively.

Steven_Kriemadis / Getty Images

16. Detroit

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $66,891

Average Annual Mortgage : $4,748

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $22,795

Not only does Michigan have average home values that are way below $100,000, but it also has a cost of living about 8% lower than the national average.

Trending Now: 5 Worst Florida Cities To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

Shutterstock.com

15. Las Vegas

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $429,142

Average Annual Mortgage : $30,462

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,686

Although Nevadas cost of living is about 11% higher than the U.S. average, its less than 1% higher than the rest of the state.

DenisTangneyJr / iStock.com

14. El Paso, Texas

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $217,672

Average Annual Mortgage : $15,451

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $21,944

El Paso, which is in West Texas, has a cost of living thats 18.1% lower than the U.S. average and 13.1% higher than the average for Texas.

JTSorrell / Getty Images

13. Oklahoma City

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $201,088

Average Annual Mortgage : $14,274

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,736

The cost of living in Oklahoma City is 15% lower than the U.S. average. However, its 4% higher than the Oklahoma average.

Jonathan Ross / Getty Images/iStockphoto

12. Nashville, Tennessee

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $443,565

Average Annual Mortgage : $31,486

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,153

The cost of living in Nashville is about 105%, which means its 5% higher than the national average. And when you compare the citys COL to the states, its 17% higher.

Check Out: Im an Economist: Heres My Prediction for the Housing Market If Trump Wins the Election

Kruck20 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

11. Charlotte, North Carolina

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $399,412

Average Annual Mortgage : $28,352

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,391

If you live in Charlotte, the cost of living is only about 3% higher than the national average, but its about 13% higher than North Carolinas average.

Ultima_Gaina / Getty Images/iStockphoto

10. Indianapolis

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $221,744

Average Annual Mortgage : $15,740

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,343

You can save more money by living in Indianapolis than some other cities in the U.S. The capital citys cost of living is about 14% lower than the national average.

TrentGarverick / Getty Images/iStockphoto

9. Columbus, Ohio

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $252,347

Average Annual Mortgage : $17,913

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,913

Although the cost of living in Columbus is about 11% higher than the rest of the state, its about 9% lower than the U.S. average.

Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

8. Fort Worth, Texas

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $302,376

Average Annual Mortgage : $21,464

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,571

Fort Worths cost of living is higher than the average cost of living nationally and within the state of Texas. However, its only about 2% higher than the national average.

Try This: 6 Best Florida Suburbs to Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

Shutterstock.com

7. Jacksonville, Florida

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $302,792

Average Annual Mortgage : $21,494

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,292

Jacksonvilles cost of living is lower than the average for both the U.S. and Florida  4% and 7%, respectively.

benedek / Getty Images

6. Dallas

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $323,003

Average Annual Mortgage : $22,928

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,447

Surprisingly, for being such an affluent city, the cost of living in Dallas isnt too out of whack. Its only 0.2% higher than the U.S. average and about 6% higher than the Texas average.

f11photo / Shutterstock.com

5. San Antonio

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $254,946

Average Annual Mortgage : $18,097

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,295

San Antonios cost of living is lower than the average for the U.S. and Texas: 9% and 3%, respectively.

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

4. Philadelphia

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $209,892

Average Annual Mortgage : $14,899

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $25,385

Although the cost of living in Philadelphia is only 4% higher than the national average, its 10% higher than the states average.

Read More: 7 Worst States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents

Kruck20 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. Phoenix

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $434,990

Average Annual Mortgage : $30,878

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $24,082

The cost of living in Phoenix is 113%, which means its 13% higher than the U.S. average. And when compared to the average COL in Arizona, its about 6% higher.

Art Wager / Getty Images

2. Houston

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $270,273

Average Annual Mortgage : $19,185

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $23,890

The cost of living in Houston is 3% lower than the national average and 3% higher than the states average.

xavierarnau / Getty Images

1. Chicago

Feb 2024 Average Home Value: $291,420

Average Annual Mortgage : $20,686

Average Annual Cost of Expenditure: $25,701

The cost of living for Chicago is higher when compared to the average cost of living at the national and state levels  6% and 13% higher, respectively.

Jordan Rosenfeld contributed to the reporting for this article.

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities across the country to find the best cities to buy a home for less than $500k. First GOBankingRates found the average single-family home values for the last 12 months as sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index. To qualify for this study the home value had to be below $500k for the last 12 months and also have an average value below $500k for the last 12 months. Using the national 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, and assuming a 10% downpayment, the average mortgage cost can be calculated. By using Sperlings BestPlaces, the cost of living indexes can be found for each city and using the average expenditure costs, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure cost for each city can be calculated. The Livability index was sourced from AreaVibes for each city on the list. The median household income was also found for each city as sourced from the US Census American Community Survey. The livability index was scored and weighted at 1.00, the median household income was scored and weighted at 1.00, and the cost of living index was scored and weighted at 1.00. All the scores were combined and sorted to show the best places to buy a home for less than $500k. All data was collected on and is up to date as of April 11th, 2024.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The 25 Best Cities To Buy a Home for Less Than $500K
The Sydney church leader who was stabbed during a livestreamed service last week supports Elon Musks view that footage of the attack should remain accessible on X, a court in Australia heard Wednesday.

A lawyer representing the platform formerly known as Twitter claims Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuela controversial Assyrian Orthodox leader who was allegedly stabbed by a 16-year-old boyhas written an affidavit arguing against the position of Australias eSafety commissioner, which ordered the removal of the graphic videos. Hes strongly of the view that the material should be available, Marcus Hoyne, an attorney for X, told a federal court, according to The Age.

Cops Say Livestreamed Attack on Controversial TikTok Star Was Terrorism

The bishop was seriously injured in the attack at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley on April 15. His alleged attacker reportedly cited Emmanuels previous comments about Islam in the moments after the assault. Australian authorities are treating the matter as a religiously-motivated terrorist act.

Disturbing footage of the incident spread quickly online, with the eSafety commissioner ordering Meta and X to remove the videos. X announced last week that it would legally fight the order to take down posts, saying the commissioner does not have the authority to dictate what content Xs users can see globally. Musk also slammed the commissioner as a censorship commissar who is seeking global content bans.

After X geoblocked specific postsmeaning they were unavailable to users in Australia without a VPN but accessible elsewherethe federal court of Australia ordered X to hide certain posts highlighted by the commissioner. Justice Geoffrey Kennett then extended the order until May 10, when a full injunction hearing will take place. The existing order doesnt pertain to all posts containing the stabbing video, but rather to 65 specific tweets flagged by the commissioner, according to The Guardian.

The case has led to an extremely publicand even personalwar of words between Musk and officials in Australia.

Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, has branded Musk an arrogant billionaire who thinks hes above the law and also above common decency. Speaking to Australias ABC, Albanese said the idea that someone would go to court for the right to put up violent content on a platform shows how out of touch Mr. Musk is.

Id like to take a moment to thank the PM for informing the public that this platform is the only truthful one, Musk wrote in an X post Monday replying to some of Albaneses earlier comments about the row. He subsequently claimed that the Australian people want the truth and X is the only one standing up for their rights.

The Tesla boss has also exchanged barbs with one Aussie senator who accused him of absolutely disgusting behavior in relation to the stabbing footage. Jacqui Lambie, who deleted her X account after criticizing Musk, said of him that the bloke should be jailed. Replying to a clip of her comments, Musk agreed with an X user that it should in fact be Lambie who is imprisoned. She is an enemy of the people of Australia, he added.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Lambie said the Australian Federal Police had told the federal court that there is a real risk the video could be used to encourage people in Australia to join a terrorist [organisation] or undertake a terrorist act. Elon Musk should put his big boy pants on and do the right thing - but he wont because he has no social conscience, she wrote.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The U.S. began this spring secretly providing Ukraine with long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at President Joe Biden's direction, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed at a press briefing on April 24.

The statement was in response to a journalist's question about a Reuters report on April 24 that Washington had covertly shipped Kyiv long-range ATACMS missiles in recent weeks.

"He (Biden) quietly directed his National Security team to send ATACMS to Ukraine for use inside Ukrainian sovereign territory in February. They started moving as part of the military aid package we announced on March 12," Patel said. Ukraine received missiles in April, according to Patel.

Washington announced an aid package worth $300 million to Kyiv on March 12 while Congress debated further aid to Ukraine.

Biden instructed his team to secretly include the long-range ATACMS in package for security reasons and "to maintain the element of surprise for Ukraine," Reuters reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official.

The U.S. first delivered mid-range older models of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine last fall, following months of deliberation. The older models have a range of 165 kilometers. Newer models of ATACMS have a maximum range of around 300 kilometers and their delivery to Ukraine was previously unknown to the public.

Kyiv has continued to press its Western allies for longer-range weapons, including the newer ATACMS, but partners have hesitated about delivering arms that could potentially be used to strike within Russian territory.

The Pentagon also raised concerns that sending Ukraine the long-range missiles could damage the U.S.'s military readiness by depleting its own stockpiles, Reuters reported. The U.S. was able to address these concerns in January, leading to the ultimate decision to send them to Ukraine.

Russia's use of North Korean missiles long-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine and attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, influenced Washington's decision to send Kyiv long-range missiles after all, Reuters reported.

It is unknown how many ATACMS were delivered to Ukraine. Kyiv launched some of the recently received missiles on April 17 against a Russian airfield in Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea, located about 165 kilometers from the front line, the U.S. official told Reuters.

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Four Russian S-400 launchers, three radar stations, a command post for air defense operations, and air space surveillance equipment Fundament-M were destroyed in the attack on Dzhankoi, according to Ukraine's military intelligence.

President Joe Biden signed the foreign aid bill into law on April 24, which contains close to $61 billion for Ukraine, following months of delays and political infighting in Congress. It also requires the Biden administration to deliver long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine when practicable "after the date of enactment of this Act."

In late February, NBC News reported that the White House was ready to provide Kyiv with longer-range ATACMS missile variants if Congress approved a new funding package.

The Pentagon also announced on April 24 that it is ready to move forward with sending $1 billion defense aid package of weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Kyiv. The unveiled list of arms does not include ATACMS.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine "finalized" the agreements on ATACMS missiles with the U.S. after a call with Biden on April 22.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The State Road 37 has had delays of finishing reconstruction because of high costs related to inflation. The city had to rejected all contractor proposals to make 141st Street a roundabout exit because the prices submitted were too high. The intersection was scheduled to be the last to be competed at the end of 2023. Work is ongoing at all the other intersections. Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in Indianapolis.

The daily grind for drivers and businesses around State Road 37 and 141st Street in Fishers will persist for a while, but the end is now, at least and at last, within sight.

After a 16-month closure of 141st Street to cross traffic at State Road 37, construction is scheduled to begin on a roundabout at the intersection that will eventually open the road again.

But it wont be completed any time soon. The project is expected to start in late summer at the earliest and won't be finished until the end of 2025, keeping the crossover shuttered until then.

Fishers signed a $37.6 million contract with Gradex Inc., of Indianapolis, to build the expressway-style roundabout, the final interchange to be built in a larger State Road 37 project begun six years ago. Construction could begin in May.

The city delayed construction of the interchange in June 2022, because all the bids it received from contractors exceeded its budget. Officials decided to wait until economic conditions improved and it could get a better price.

More: Kroger grocery store, nearly 100 new homes proposed for 146th Street in Noblesville

In the meantime, Fishers closed 141st Street across State Road 37 in January 2023, so traffic could flow on State Road 37 without stopping between 116th Street and 146th Street. The right in, right out, alignment means drivers have to go to 146th or 136th Street to cross State Road 37.

The closing has hurt sales at some businesses and simply caused aggravation at others.

At Just Vapor, located in a strip mall near State Road 37, owner Jason Odle said sales are down 40% to 50%.

People dont have the ability to get to the shop easily, he said. Even customers right on the other side of 37 say its a pain to drive an extra five minutes to get over here and then five minutes to get back over. People heading home from Indianapolis at the end of the day say its too much of a hassle to go by and double back and then get on again.

Odles shop has been at the spot for 10 years, and survived the COVID pandemic and government regulation of vaping. But he said enduring the construction has been the toughest challenge and required constant outreach to customers on social media.

When you shut down traffic for more than a year and do no work whatsoever, thats tough, said Odle.

He said he is glad construction will finally begin but, unfortunately, that will only increase congestion and make customers even less likely to come into the area in the immediate future. He said he would be laying off two employees soon.

We are now at the tipping point, Odle said.

Odle said he was irked that the other intersections along State Road 37, where large car dealerships and a Walmart are located, were finished promptly but 141st Street, with a string of mom-and-pop businesses, had to wait.

They left us to flail and die, he said. Maybe thats what they wanted.

The general manager of Omega Autosports on Trade Center Dr. said sales have not suffered because so much business is now done online but running business-related errands is more time-consuming.

We often have to get auto parts from a store right across 37 but now it takes an extra 20 minutes, said Michael Galford. The same goes for the car wash where we take our cars when they get dusty sitting around.

That means you're going to have an employee gone for longer periods of time, he said.

Galford said he appreciates that the city is going to reopen 141st for the long term. When IndyStar contacted him last year he predicted that the temporary closure was just a prelude to a long-range strategy to keep it right-in, right out permanently.

I guess I was wrong, he said.

Filberto Jaurez, owner of Best Bet Breakfast & Lunch on the east side of State Road 37, said sales have held steady but he has had a drop in certain customers.

There are some people who used to come in every morning but now it's just its just two or three days a week, he said. For the most part, though, when people are hungry they find a way to get here."

The business owners worried that the State Road 37 intersection construction would worsen traffic jams already caused by the ongoing construction on the roundabout at Allisonville Road and 146th Street, just 1.5 miles northwest of them.

Construction of the split-level roundabout and overpass on Allisonville is scheduled to last until the summer or fall of 2025 and Allisonville Road traffic across 146th Street is currently closed until the end of May. The roundabout is part of a $44 million project that will include the widening of the bridge over the White River west of the intersection.

The State Road 37 project is a $160 million rebuilding of the road into an expressway-style thoroughfare with roundabout interchanges that started in 2018. Fishers, Noblesville, Hamilton County and the Indiana Department of Transportation are sharing the cost, with Fishers as the project lead.

The project will be completed two years later than originally projected and $40 million more expensive.

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418. Email at john.tuohy@indystar.com and follow on X/Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: State Road 37 project to restart at 141st Street as Fishers shops cope
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmothers home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.

Woman wins $2 million while picking up pizza for dinner

Democratic state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, 49, of Woodbury, was arrested early Monday at the home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes. The arresting officer wrote in the complaint that he heard Mitchell tell her stepmother something to the effect of, I was just trying to get a couple of my dads things because you wouldnt talk to me anymore.'

The complaint charges Mitchell with one count of first-degree burglary, a felony. Becker County Judge Gretchen Thilmony allowed Mitchell to go free on the condition that she not contact her stepmother.

Although Senate Republicans called on Mitchell to resign, shes expected to return to her duties. Her trouble comes at an awkward time for Senate Democrats, who hold just a one-seat majority with just under four weeks left in the legislative session.

Mitchells attorney, Bruce Ringstrom Sr., said in an interview that the dispute arose out of a fractured relationship between the senator and her stepmother that has been aggravated by age-related issues.

Its not exactly the wicked stepmother from Cinderella, Ringstrom said.

Ringstrom said hes sure there will be internal discussions among Senate Democrats regarding her future but that shes entitled to a presumption of innocence. He said he told her to suppress her instincts as a media person, a weather person and politician, and that she agreed to hold her tongue and say nothing.

Former HGTV star sentenced to 4 years in jail, has to pay nearly $10M

But in a post later on Facebook, Mitchell denied stealing.

Heres her full statement:

Regarding the recent news: Like so many families, mine is dealing with the pain of watching a loved one decline due to Alzheimers and associated paranoia. Over the weekend, I learned of medical information which caused me grave concern and prompted me to check on that family member. I entered a home I have come and gone from countless times in the past 20 years, where my son even once had his own room. Unfortunately, I startled this close relative, exacerbating paranoia, and I was accused of stealing, which I absolutely deny. Thank you to all my friends (and colleagues of both parties) for the kind words of support and for trusting my character even before I had a chance to respond. This has been a true tragedy for our family and my hope is it can return to being a private matter. Sen. Nicole Mitchell

The senator wore an orange jumpsuit and looked tense but said little during her brief court appearance. She did not enter a plea.

Mitchells father, Rod Mitchell, died in March 2023 at the age of 72, according to his obituary. He had been married to Mitchells stepmother for 40 years, it said.

I know I did something bad, the criminal complaint quoted Mitchell as saying.

Mitchell was dressed all in black and wearing a black hat when she was arrested, the complaint said. The officer said he discovered a flashlight near her that was covered with a black sock, apparently modified to control the amount of light coming from it.

Mitchell told the officer she was after pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes and other items, but that her stepmother had cut off all contact with her, according to the complaint.

The lawmaker acknowledged entering through a basement window that had been propped open with a black backpack, the complaint said. Officers found her Senate ID inside it. She claimed her stepmother had given her a laptop found in her backpack way back when, but the stepmother disputed that. The senator, who has a law degree, also indicated that she got caught soon after entering.

Clearly Im not good at this, it quoted her as saying.

The stepmother said in an interview that shes afraid of her stepdaughter. She also said that although most of her husbands ashes were buried, she sent Mitchell a miniature container with some of them. Ringstrom, however, said that account is not totally accurate.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul, called the allegations upsetting but indicated that Mitchell will be allowed to return to her duties.

We believe in due process, and Senator Mitchell has the right to a full defense of her case in court, Murphy said in a statement.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks, said in a statement that she should step down. The complaint describes allegations of disturbing conduct unbecoming of a legislator, including extensive preparations to burglarize a relatives home, he said.

Mitchell was a meteorologist with the U.S. military, KSTP-TV, Minnesota Public Radio and The Weather Channel before she was elected in 2022 from a suburban St. Paul district.

Mitchells next court appearance is set for June 10.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
State senator calls out current superintendent for issues at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

A Duval County school is under fire.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Enough is enough, FL Senator of District 4, Clay Yarborough said. And we need to know whats happening,

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Senator Yarborough called out the current superintendent for the issues at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

This comes after Action News Jax told you last week when Chris Allen-Black was removed from the classroom.

This is the fifth time in two years that a teacher has been removed from the school.

Students and parents say while they believe this is a good school it has disrupted learning.

Its so bad, student Addison Kyle said. Its hard because those are your teachers [and you] are supposed to be able to go to them for support.

Kyle and Jahkobi North are seniors at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

North said he had Chris Allen-Black as a math teacher last year, and his removal was surprising.

RELATED: Victim interview details former Douglas Anderson teachers alleged inappropriate touching

I genuinely thought he was a good guy, North said. I mean, like he, that he never really raised any red flags in my mind. You know, he was always just kind of a, just an extra flamboyant teacher.

Allen-Black was the fifth employee to be removed from school, and all the changes have required substitute teachers to fill in.

That kind of put a sting on like how we performed academically, Kyle said.

Allen black was arrested and accused of exposing himself while at a resort at Disney in February.

When I found out first of all, I was shocked, a parent told Action News Jax over the phone. And, I was really disheartened by it because I actually met the teacher.

The parent wanted to remain anonymous to protect her child.

While parents werent notified until last week -- this didnt bother her much.

Even though it took a few months, for us, the parents to find out, this happened off campus, and an investigation had to be done, the parent said.

But the late notification to parents did bother Senator Yarborough.

That to me is unacceptable, Senator Yarborough said. It defies logic. Its beyond comprehension. Why would you not make sure that parents are informed and be transparent about it?

Senator Yarborough wrote a letter to acting Duval Schools Superintendent, Dr. Dana Kriznar, addressing his concerns for the safety of the students.

RELATED: DCPS learned of Douglas Anderson teachers arrest 6 weeks before removing him from the classroom

As a graduate of Duval County Schools myself, I just, I dont like seeing whats happening there, Yarborough said. And for the sake of students safety and their families, we have to see changes so that these issues dont happen in the future.

Even after a year, there are still no updates on the investigation into Jeffrey Clayton -- the teacher arrested last year for being sexually involved with a student.

READ: The top high schools in the Jacksonville area for 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report

In his letter, Senator Yarborough asked 6 questions to the district including: What safeguards have been put in place to prevent future incidents at all schools?

This embedded content is not available in your region.

If we need to change at the district level, if we need to change at the school level with the principal and the other administrators at the school, whats it going to take to keep our students safe?

Action News Jax Annette Gutierrez reached out to all the school board members, and Cindy Pearson, who oversees the district Douglas Anderson is in, said she shares the same concerns as the senator.

In an email, she said, These incidents reflect an unacceptable culture of the school that undermines the outstanding academic and artistic success of our students.

READ: We have the next Superintendent of Duval Schools in this pool of six: Semi-finalists selected

Pearson also said Dr. Kriznar is working on a comprehensive plan to address the schools situation. She said the plan would be announced and implemented before she concludes her services as superintendent.

Despite the two arrests and five removals, the parent said DA is a great school.

I would not take my child out of DA, the parent said. I didnt take my other child out of DA, and they turned out to be a wonderful person. And I wouldnt take this child out. I believe this school has a lot to offer.

The students agreed.

I feel like now we have such a negative stigma around DA, [but] it is a good school, Kyle said. It does have good people at the school.

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When he was on death row for a murder he didnt commit, a lot went through Shujaa Grahams head.

Sometimes, he thought about ways to keep his mind and body sharp: push-ups, sit-ups, books from the prison library. Graham, who grew up in a family of share-croppers on a plantation in Louisiana, was first sent to prison at age 18 for a $35 robbery, for which he was sentenced to life.

He learned to read and write on the inside and became a dedicated activist, advocating for better conditions, protesting violence from prison staffers, and working with the Black Panthers. It was this activism, he believes, that led to him being wrongfully convicted for the 1973 murder of a prison guard and sentenced to death.

Sometimes during his six years on Californias death row, he drifted into despair. Not feeling suicidal exactly, but submerged in a pain so deep that he began to feel indifferent about the prospect of falling asleep and never waking up.

More than anything though, Graham, would dream about getting out and fighting the racism he saw in the prison system and capital punishment process.

I dreamt that one day if I ever got out, I would do what Im doing right now, and I would die doing it, he said in an interview with The Independent from his home in Maryland.

Sister Helen Prejean, author of the book ''Dead Man Walking,'' hugs Shujaa Graham, who spent six years on San Quentin's death row before being exonerated, following an ACLU press conference in San Fransisco, CA., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 (Alamy Stock Photo)

Eventually, after the California Supreme Court found that prosecutors had systematically excluded African-American jurors over the course of Grahams multiple trials, the activist was exonerated and released in 1981.

Now, as part of the exoneree organization Witness to Innocence, he has joined a group of civil rights organizations launching a campaign in the state that once prepared to execute him.

Earlier this month, the coalition filed an ambitious petition to the state supreme court: they argued that California, a state known for its progressive values, was presiding over a death penalty system shown statistically to disproportionately target minorities for decades, a reality so fundamentally and obviously racist that it violated state constitutional guarantees to equal protection under the law.

The coalition argues the appeals court should bar California officials from pursuing or carrying out any death sentences for the foreseeable future. If successful, it would be a seismic change: California has quietly maintained the largest death row in the nation for years.

Not a day goes by that I dont think about what happened to me, said Graham. Thats why I continue to fight today.

The recently-filed legal brief, from groups including the Legal Defense Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, LatinoJustice, the Office of the State Public Defender, and others, is believed to be the first such challenge to the death penalty in state history.

That unprecedented challenge is required to root out the persistent racism in the way the state uses its capital punishment law, according to Patricia Okonta, an attorney at the Legal Defense Fund.

After reviewing those studies and seeing really how pervasive it is, and how much the statue is infected with racial bias, the urgency was undeniable, she said.

The action names California Attorney General Rob Bonta as its defendant, who has himself called the death penalty inhumane and accused it of having long had a disparate impact on defendants of colour.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta fields questions during a press conference on Aug. 28, 2023 (Associated Press)

We are reviewing the petition and will be filing our response by the courts May 6th deadline, his office said in a statement to The Independent.

In California, Black defendants can be nearly nine times more likely than all others to get a death sentence, while Latinos are more than six times as likely. Regardless of the race of the suspect, they are up to 8.8 times as likely to be sentenced to death if one of their victims is white. California also sends a higher percentage of its young people of colour to death row than any other state.

The legal filing also alleges other issues with the process, like a lack of uniform criteria guiding prosecutors on when to seek the death penalty, leaving wide room for personal discretion, and the death qualification process, whereby potential jurors who oppose capital punishment are struck from capital juries. As a result, the groups argue, the process systematically whitewashes the capital eligible pool because Black people tend to oppose capital punishment more than their white peers.

The problems are too pervasive, and the appeals process too slow, for legal challenges in individual cases to suffice anymore, the coalition argues. For example, the supreme court challenge calls the state habeas process, where death row prisoners can challenge issues outside the original trial record, often little more than a legal fiction for those behind bars.

A robust body of history and scholarship shows the death penaltys historical links to racism, lynching, and extra-judicial violence, especially in the US South. And indeed, the seven states that have carried out the most executions in modern US history  Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, and Alabama  among the few states to continue actively executing people in recent years  are largely states of the former Confederacy.

A correctional officer walks up a main entryway at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, California (Associated Press)

Whats less remarked upon, however, is that California is a part of this conversation, too.

California has substantially more individuals on death row than any other state in the country, Ms Okonta said.

Currently the states death row has roughly 640 people waiting for executions, more than double the next largest death row, in Florida, which had 286 people as of early 2024.

The hundreds of people on death row in California, exist in a strange political suspended animation, with the Golden State unable to commit to either permanently ending or unabashedly using the death penalty.

In 2019, during his first term in office, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order putting a moratorium on the death penalty and shutting down the states death chamber at San Quentin State Prison. His reasoning sounded not unlike the civil rights groups currently challenging his attorney general in the state supreme court.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announcing a moratorium on the death penalty on March 13, 2019 in Sacramento, California. (Getty Images)

Our death penalty system has been, by all measures, a failure, Governor Newsom said at the time. It has discriminated against defendants who are mentally ill, black and brown, or cant afford expensive legal representation. It has provided no public safety benefit or value as a deterrent.

The governors office also noted the staggering cost of maintaining this system: since 1978, the state had spent $5bn on a death penalty system that executed 13 people.

The governor has continued moving the state to a post-execution paradigm, even while its death penalty system continues to exist.

Since 2020, the state prison regulator has been piloting a programme transfering death row inmates to the general prison population. Ironically, the move was in part a response to 2016 voter mandate, Proposition 66, which sought to drastically speed up the death sentence process, but also required death row inmates to work in prison to pay restitution to their victims.

The 20 women on Californias death row have all been transferred out of the states female death row at Central California Womens Facility. In March of this year, the state announced plans to transfer the remaining 457 condemned men out of San Quentin. Newsom plans to transform the infamous prison overlooking San Francisco Bay into a Scandinavian-style correctional facility with a focus on rehabilitation, education, and job training.

In this photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation a gurney is removed from the death penalty chamber at San Quentin State Prison, Wednesday, March 13, 2019, in San Quentin, Calif. (AP)

At the same time, the governors moratorium hasnt stopped prosecutors from continuing to seek new death sentences.

Since the governor officially suspended executions in 2019, 20 people have received death sentences, 80 per cent of them people of colour, according to the complaint with the state supreme court.

The Democrats running to eventually replace Newsom in 2027 all say they oppose capital punishment and wouldnt approve further executions, all but ensuring that California wont see new death sentences carried out in the near future.

And AG Bonta, thought to be an eventual candidate for governor, has pushed for even further action.

The Attorney General personally believes that the death penalty is deeply flawed and immoral  and that its wrong for California, his office recently told The San Francisco Chronicle. The Attorney General applauds the Governor for his moratorium on executions but there is more work to be done.

So why, with the political stars seemingly aligned over ending the death penalty, has execution remained in California? Voters, it turns out, arent as sold as the Democratic political class on the idea of ending capital punishment.

Most recently, voters shot down ballot measures in 2012 and 2016 to abolish the death penalty in the state and replace it with life sentences without parole. Some prosecutors still want the punishment too, going so far as to appeal, ultimately unsuccessfully, to federal court to defend their ability to use it even after Newsom signed his moratorium.

The divisions over the death penalty in California mirror the larger twilight zone of capital punishment across the country. A slim majority of states, 27, still retain the death penalty, though only five states executed people in 2023, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Death penalty appeals in individual cases can last decades, and capital punishment regimes across the country have faced persistent issues accessing and using lethal injection drugs, which many mainstream pharmaceutical suppliers will no longer provide to the prison system. Many states have temporarily paused their capital punishment systems, often in response to botched executions, or to resorted to novel methods like nitrogen gas, which the UN has likened to torture.

Public opinion polls reflect a similar ambivalence over the punishment. By the end of 2023, a slim majority, 53 per cent, said they support the death penalty for those convicted of murder, while a small majority also said they believe the death penalty is applied unfairly in America, according to Gallup.

The White House has also straddled this line. President Joe Biden campaigned on passing a law to eliminate the federal death penalty, and is the first US president to openly oppose capital punishment. While his Justice Department under Attorney General Merrick Garland has temporarily halted federal executions, the DoJ has continued to seek or defend death sentences in high-profile cases like the mass shootings in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Charleston.

A Trump re-election, meanwhile, would likely mean a dramatic change. Trump presided over a massive federal execution spree in office. Despite signing 2018s First Step Act, which shortened certain sentences and sought to eliminate racial disparities in drug sentences, the former president has also called for strengthening the death penalty and using it against those charged with drug crimes.

The future of the death penalty, in other words, is on uncertain ground.

For his part, Graham, the California exoneree, now has another component of his dream.

Activist Shujaa Graham, who spent 6 years on death row in California before being exonerated (Shujaa Graham)

His initial hope to get off death row and back to freedom came true. He went and lived a whole life, got married, had three children, started his own landscaping business, and appreciated things he thought he might never see again, like sunrises and sunsets.

Graham, 73, said he feels hes on the other side of the hill in his own life, but he hopes to live long enough that capital punishment is a thing of the past, as it is in most other Western democracies.

If I can just live for a day when someone walks up to me and says, What was capital punishment? What was racism?, and I say, Its a thing of the past. Thats what I fight for, he said.

The Independent and the nonprofit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to their Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty - with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives like Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg, and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage.
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  A Virginia State Police troopers vehicle was struck Tuesday night in Chesapeake while the trooper was working another crash.

Police spokesperson Michelle Anaya confirmed no injuries were reported and the trooper was outside of the vehicle at the time.

It happened just before 6:30 p.m. at the I-64/I-464 interchange, near the divergence of Route 17 and Route 168.

The crash happened just days after another troopers vehicle was struck head-on in James City County by a wrong-way driver going 70 miles per hour.

Related: VSP trooper describes alleged DUI crash into his vehicle

Trooper M. LeSage says a last second move helped both him and the suspect walk away mostly unscathed.

I just steered to the right a little bit into the middle lane just so it was not a direct hit impact for both of us, the trooper told 10 On Your Side on Monday. I was trying to offset it. Pictures of my vehicle show the driver side front tire took the impact.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for a Florida mom who was accused of making her children drink bleach and strangling her toddler to death, according to the State Attorneys Office.

An affidavit from Orange County, dated May 2022, showed that Joanne Zephir, of Orlando, stabbed her husband of four years in the stomach because she believed he had been cheating.

Hours later, she forced her two daughters, ages 3 and 8, to drink bleach from a makeshift drinking glass, before strangling her toddler to death.

Florida man accused of shooting dog in face after infidelity is discovered

Deputies found Zephir unconscious in the drivers seat of her car, along with her unconscious toddler in the backseat, and the 8-year-old wandering around near the roadway in the church parking lot. The children and her husband were all taken to a hospital where the toddler was pronounced dead.

Zephir blamed her actions on being under a voodoo spell, making her harm her children.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty based on the mother having familiar or custodial authority over the victim and her attempt to commit aggravated child abuse, the state attorneys office said.

She was facing charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and battery domestic violence. Zephir was charged with premeditated murder in 2022 after a medical examiner determined her 3-year-olds cause of death was due to compression of the neck.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A stolen vehicle suspect who led authorities in Southern California in a high-speed pursuit before it ended in a violent rollover crash was arrested Tuesday in West Covina.

Officers with the La Verne Police Department received word from authorities in Upland that a male suspect and a female passenger in a stolen vehicle were driving in the area of Williams Avenue and Foothill Boulevard at around 4 p.m., LAVPD said in a news release.

The driver failed to yield when police attempted a traffic stop and led authorities in a chase onto the westbound 10 Freeway.

During the pursuit, the female passenger attempted to exit the vehicle several times but was forcibly pulled back inside by the driver, police said. After some time, the suspect slowed the vehicle enough for the woman to jump out.

The man continued the chase on and off the 10 Freeway and through the streets of West Covina, at one point going into the parking garage of an Ikea store. After exiting the garage, the suspect collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Barranca and Garvey Avenues, causing the suspects vehicle to overturn and land on its side.

Police and paramedics on the scene of a rollover crash in West Covina caused by a stolen vehicle suspect that led authorities in pursuit on April 23, 2024. (KTLA)

Police and paramedics on the scene of a rollover crash in West Covina caused by a stolen vehicle suspect that led authorities in pursuit on April 23, 2024. (KTLA)

Police and paramedics on the scene of a rollover crash in West Covina caused by a stolen vehicle suspect that led authorities in pursuit on April 23, 2024. (KTLA)

Police and paramedics on the scene of a rollover crash in West Covina caused by a stolen vehicle suspect that led authorities in pursuit on April 23, 2024. (KTLA)

A vehicle seen on its side after a violent crash in West Covina caused by a stolen vehicle pursuit suspect on April 23, 2024. (KTLA)

Aerial footage of the aftermath captured by Sky5 showed a heavy presence of police and paramedics at the scene where debris was strewn across the roadway due to the rollover crash.

The suspect, who has yet to be identified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment, police said.

We did recover a live firearm: Southern California school put on lockdown

Authorities did not say if the driver the suspect collided with suffered any injuries or if there was significant damage to their vehicle. No information about the female passenger was provided.

The suspect is expected to face charges of felony evading, domestic violence and false imprisonment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MEXICO CITY, April 24, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb-" (Good) of Interamericana de Fianzas y Seguros, S.A. (IFS) (Panama). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect IFS balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The stable outlooks reflect AM Bests expectation that IFS will maintain its overall balance sheet strength assessment, supported by risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), while ongoing strategic initiatives implemented by management will maintain stable operating performance over the intermediate term.

IFS was incorporated in August 2020 and is licensed to operate in Panamas general insurance branches, as well as in the surety and individual lines of business. The company is based in Panama City, Panama. IFS develops its business inside Panama and has a diversified portfolio mainly focused in the surety line of business, in addition to property/casualty and life business. As of February 2024, IFS ranked as the countrys 18th largest insurer based on its 1.13% market share of overall premiums. IFS is Panamas third-largest surety writer, with a 13.4% market share.

IFS very strong balance sheet strength assessment is based on its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR, its conservative investment portfolio allocated mainly in Panama government bonds, solid liquidity measures that are enhanced by generally positive underwriting, and operating cash flows, as reflected by a return-on-equity ratio of 14.7% in 2023.

IFS has shown profitability since its inception, which is driven by improvements in its underwriting performance as reflected by premium sufficiency over the past three years. AM Best expects IFS to stabilize its operating performance in the following years while maintaining positive bottom-line results.

AM Best considers IFS ERM practices to be appropriate, as they were built in reference to the framework COSO Report 2013, 2017 and are well-integrated into its operations. The company has a sound reinsurance program in place with highly rated reinsurers.

Negative rating actions could derive from a deterioration in IFS underwriting practices to maintain high growth targets that could lead to pressure its operating performance. Negative rating actions also could take place if there is a deterioration in the companys risk-adjusted capitalization due to major capital outflows and rapid premium growth on a net basis. While no positive rating actions are foreseen in the short term, a positive impact on the ratings could take place in the medium term if the companys capital base increases while maintaining a risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level.

Story continues

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Bests Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424734366/en/

Contacts

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FILE PHOTO: Protests continue at Columbia University in New York during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas

By Aurora Ellis

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Gathered around a banner emblazoned with the words stop arming Israel, thousands of protesters joined with Jewish-led peace groups in Brooklyn, New York, on Tuesday evening to attend a Passover protest that recalls the "Freedom Seder" held in the tumultuous year of 1969.

Organizers said they drew inspiration for Tuesdays demonstration from ties forged between Jewish organizers and African-American civil rights activists to create a multiracial interfaith Freedom Seder on the first anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's 1968 assassination as the Vietnam War raged. The Seder is a Passover celebration and ceremony that commemorates the story of Exodus - Moses leading enslaved Jews out of Egypt.

The event was organized by the left-leaning Jewish Voices for Peace and the If Not Now movement, who said they saw the Seder protests as part of Jewish tradition that they traced back to Rabbi Arthur Waskow, who held the first Freedom Seder.

Passover is our story of liberation, and we are commanded to tell it every year, said Jewish Voice for Peace Executive Director Stefanie Fox, who flew in from Seattle to make the event at Grand Army Plaza. We take our prayer and our ritual and our communal heart to the streets.

The holiday, Fox said, urges us to think about what are the issues of freedom in our day, and there is none more salient than what is happening to Palestinians right now.

Protesters at the event were urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest ranking Jewish member of Congress, not to back military aid to Israel.

The event saw young activists encouraged by elders, some of whom sat on lawn chairs and with canes. It also featured Syrian and Moroccan Jewish speakers who reflected on memories of sharing traditions with their Muslim neighbors during seders past.

Prominent author Naomi Klein addressed the crowd, speaking in support of the latest wave of U.S. university protests calling for an end to Israels assault on Gaza that has killed over 30,000, saying it amounts to genocide, a charge Israel denies.

Hundreds of protesters were reported arrested while blocking the streets of Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza.

Critics of the protests say demonstrators often ignore reports of antisemitism that have skyrocketed since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took over 200 hostage, sparking Israel's massive retaliation.

Rosalind Petchesky, 81, a distinguished professor emeritus of political science at CUNY and MacArthur Genius who was arrested last year during a protest at the White House, said she does not deny that there were Jewish students who have faced antisemitic remarks. But she added that it was important for Jewish students and individuals who speak up for Palestinian safety to be heard.

Progressive Jewish students are very aware and they have learned about the indivisibility of justice, said Petchesky. We know that all these struggles are linked.

(Reporting by Aurora Ellis; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
A student journalist at Cal Poly is suing the university for withholding public records regarding sexual assault and labor violations on campus.

The lawsuit, filed by the First Amendment Coalition on Tuesday, alleges Cal Poly did not properly respond to three public record requests filed by Mustang News journalist Elizabeth Wilson between September and October 2022.

The First Amendment Coalition is a nonprofit legal group that provides legal support for First Amendment issues, including free speech, free press and public meeting access.

It was a buildup of realizing that the transparency of these records is the most important thing and by waiting more than 18 months  waiting more than a year  that is not acceptable, Wilson told The Tribune. These records are important to the Cal Poly community. The public has a right to know, and being patient was not enough. I had to take action.

Lawsuits only represent one side of a dispute. Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier told The Tribune the university does not comment on pending legal matters.

Wilson is a third-year journalism student at Cal Poly and data investigations reporter for Mustang News. She interned for The Tribune from November 2022 to August 2023.

Cal Poly violated California Public Records Act, lawsuit alleges

Wilson said Cal Poly has responded and provided documents to other public record requests in the past but has not been forthcoming with three requests for emails regarding alleged sexual assault and labor violations on campus and the hiring of former CSU Chancellor Joseph Castro by the Orfalea College of Business.

Castro was hired as a business professor at Cal Poly after he stepped down from his CSU position when USA Today reported he failed to respond to at least 12 Title IX violations during his tenure as president of Fresno State University.

According to court documents, Wilson filed a request on Sept. 30, 2022, for email conversations between Armstrong and Castro since February 2022.

In a separate request on Sept. 2, 2022, Wilson asked for all email conversations between Keith Humphrey, Cal Polys vice president of Student Affairs, and Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong that contained the words rape, sexual assault, and safety from the 2021 academic year.

Finally, on Oct. 6, 2022, Wilson asked for emails from Andrene Kaiwi-Conner, director of the new student transition program at the time, that contained the words quit, verb, Mustang News, emergency, understaffed and complaint. Kaiwi-Conner quit her position after Mustang News published an article containing alleged labor violations from student employees supervised by Kaiwi-Conner.

Safety as a whole was something that I was really curious about in making these requests and wanting to know the internal communications about these issues, Wilson told The Tribune. I really wanted to know what was happening behind the scenes and what more was there beyond what the university was saying.

In all three requests, Cal Poly indicated the university would search for the records but failed to produce them, provide an estimated release date  which is required under California law  or explain why it has not yet produced the records.

Wilson followed up on all three requests numerous times, the lawsuit said.

The First Amendment Coalition wrote the university a letter on Wilsons behalf on June 16, 2023, that identified numerous California Public Records Act violations. A month later the university told Wilson she should begin receiving responsive records as they become available and would be advised of progress on a bi-weekly basis.

Cal Poly told Wilson it identified approximately 50 emails responsive to one of her requests, the lawsuit said, and said it finished reviewing those records and they only needed to be reviewed by university counsel for redactions in August 2023, which they said would take a few more weeks, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit alleges Cal Poly stopped updating Wilson in September 2023. Wilson has not received records to this date.

While the lawsuit is focused on three three specific requests I made, I also hope that this sparks a larger conversation about transparency and institutional accountability when it comes to records and the right to know this information, Wilson said.
Protests on college campuses calling for the divestment of funds from Israeli military operations continued to spread on Wednesday, even as hundreds of students have been arrested.

The student protests -- some of which have turned into around-the-clock encampments -- have erupted throughout the nation following arrests and student removals at Columbia University. Schools including Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University and more have launched protests.

PHOTO: TOPSHOT-US-ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN-EDUCATION-CONFLICT (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

More than 100 protesters were arrested on April 18 at Columbia University, according to authorities, while others were suspended and removed from campus. Over 150 people were arrested at New York University on Monday night, according to police.

The protests on campuses have been largely peaceful, according to school administrators, with some officials, including the New York Police Department, as well as protesters, blaming unaffiliated individuals for instances of violence and offensive rhetoric.

Here's what's happening across the country:

Harvard University

After suspending the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee, an on-campus group that has been under a spotlight, Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana defended the decision to The Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper, rejecting the group's accusations that they have been "disproportionately targeted by the administration."

Khurana insisted that the college sought to apply its policies fairly, but the Crimson said Khurana did not respond to specific questions about what prompted the suspension.

The Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee announced it will be holding a rally against the suspension on Wednesday "to let Harvard know: you can suspend PSC, but you can't suspend the movement," it said in a post on Instagram. The rally comes even as the university has shut down Harvard Yard through Friday.

In a letter to the Harvard administration urging it to lift the suspension on the Palestine Solidarity Committee, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts -- which said it is representing the group -- raised concerns over the "validity of the probation" imposed on the group, which predicated its suspension. The ACLU is also requesting a meeting with Harvard over the group's suspension.

"We believe that Harvard's imposition of probation on the PSC constitutes a breach of contract, violates Harvard's duty to provide basic fairness in disciplinary proceedings, and may otherwise be unlawful because of its negative impact on free speech and associational rights," the ACLU said in a letter to Harvard.

"While Harvard is undoubtedly facing immense pressure, including from Congress and others, to restrain pro-Palestinian advocacy, it is incumbent upon Harvard to apply its policies fairly, consistently, and without regard to viewpoint. It is at such fraught political times that the risk to freedom of speech and rights of association is at its highest -- and it is in such times that a university's commitment to protecting such rights is most critical," the ACLU said.

In response to ABC News' request for a response from Harvard over statements made by the Palestine Solidarity Committee regarding its suspension and the reasoning behind it, Harvard pointed to its policies in the school's Student Organization Resource Guide.

"Harvard College works closely with our recognized independent student organizations to ensure they are following existing policies outlined in the Student Organization Resource Guide and all College and University expectations," Harvard said. "The College is committed to applying all policies in a content-neutral manner and in close partnership with our student organizations. All student organizations are required to participate annually in training on these policies, and any organization found in violation of the policy is subject to corrective action."

Columbia University

Columbia University has said it is making "important progress" with representatives of the student encampment on campus calling for the divestment of college and university funds from Israeli military operations.

MORE: Students at NYU, Yale, other colleges face arrests amid pro-Palestinian protests

"We are making important progress with representatives of the student encampment on the West lawn," Columbia University said in a statement released early Wednesday, adding that student protesters have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents and that protesters will ensure that those not affiliated with Columbia will leave.

Columbia University also said that student protesters in the encampment have agreed to comply with all requirements of the New York City Fire Department and that encampments have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language.

Also, Columbia announced that its final exams will be hybrid amid tensions on campus, with the university saying "safety is our highest priority."

"In order to address the concerns of our members in an evolving campus environment, all final course assessments (e.g., exams, presentations, projects) on the Morningside campus (with the carveouts listed at the end) must include a remote option for students who have requested support for virtual assessment," the university said in a statement

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Student protesters begin dismantling some tents as negotiations with Columbia University progress originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Hundreds of students gathered outside Harvards University Hall Wednesday, protesting the universitys suspension of the Palestine Solidarity Committee.

Protestors took over the lawns at Harvard Yard setting up encampments as part of standing in solidarity with their peers from Columbia University in New York demanding their school call for a ceasefire in the war.

Video posted by the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee shows a large group moving quickly to set up tents and establish their encampment.

The Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee and Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine groups are calling their encampments a liberation zone for Gaza.

Literature doctoral student Christian Deleon said he understood why the Harvard administration may be trying to avoid protests but said there still has to be a place for students to express their thoughts.

We should all be able to use these spaces to protest, to make our voices heard, he said.

The ACLU of Massachusetts responded to Harvards decision to protest saying universities should be a marketplace for ideas.

These are challenging times for educational institutions, but the probation imposed on this student group  the only recognized pro-Palestinian student organization at Harvard College  constitutes a breach of contract, violates Harvards duty to provide basic fairness in disciplinary proceedings, and may otherwise be unlawful because of its impact on free speech and associational rights, said Carol Rose, Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts. While Harvard is undoubtedly facing immense pressure, including from Congress, to clamp down on student protest, it is incumbent upon Harvard to apply its policies fairly, consistently, and without regard to viewpoint.

Imminent law enforcement action: Emerson protesters in violation of city ordinances, school says

Similar scenes of student-led, pro-Palestinian encampments started at MIT, Emerson College, and Tufts University earlier in the week. However, dozens of those tents remain Wednesday afternoon.

Emerson College says the students encamping in Boylston Place Alley in protest of the War in Gaza are in violation of Boston city rules.

School officials say that Bolyston Place is partially owned by the college but is also a public right-of-way. In a statement, Emerson College says the encampment violates ordinances prohibiting tents in a public right-of-way. There have also been violations involving blocking pedestrian access to the alley, excessive noise in public, and fire hazards posed by blocking doors and hydrants, Emerson says.

The MIT Israel Alliance called their encampment anti-Jewish. The group has said that many Jewish students are afraid to visit the schools Hillel building fearing potential violence and that some have even evacuated their dorms.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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After a violent clash with campus and local police Monday night, students at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt have taken over a campus administration building and barricaded themselves inside, demanding that the university sever ties with Israel and any companies that support the Zionist entity.

Cal Poly Humboldt joins several college campuses across the U.S., including Columbia University in New York City, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Southern California to occupy campus spaces in support of Palestine.

But so far, Humboldt is the only college where students have occupied a campus building. The university halted all campus operations on Monday amid the protests, calling the demonstration a dangerous situation, and on Wednesday emailed students that the campus would remain closed through the weekend.

Students and community members dance a traditional Palestinian dance called dabke in support of pro-Palestinian protesters barricaded inside Siemens Hall at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata on Tuesday.

Inside Siemens Hall, students and community members have barricaded themselves in the administrative building, and have no plans to leave until campus leadership supports a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and divests from companies that support the Israeli military.

Some students reported that there were close to 150-200 students inside the building, while others reported there were closer to 20-30. There is no one group organizing the occupation; a few dozen students entered Siemens Hall on Monday afternoon around 4 p.m., and more students joined as the police presence grew.

The students were met by a janitor who did not seem down for the cause, according to one student who goes by Skunk Spray.

A third-year environmental sciences student who occupied Siemens Hall Monday night, Skunk Spray doesnt call himself an activist.

Im certainly acting, he said, but Im just someone who has a conscience and Im compelled to do what I believe in. And I believe this is whats just.

The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive, the university said in a statement. That does not include behavior that involves destroying and damaging property, and disrupting students, faculty, and staff from learning, teaching, and working. Everyone deserves to be in an environment where everyone can feel safe, included, and respected.

The university also said that there are unidentified non-students with unknown intentions in the occupied building, which creates an unpredictable environment.

As students occupied the hall, the mood around Siemens Hall was joyful. Several hundred students milled about the quad around the occupied building Tuesday night, making signs, participating in dabke dance lessons from a Palestinian student activist and lighting candles at a makeshift altar. A local band set up and to play live music as community members settled in for the night in tents while they ate homemade Mexican food, practiced yoga, and burned sage.

The students and community members blocking the doors during Monday nights occupation were really awesome, Skunk Spray said.

Police just escalate stuff when they come in here, but it was really awesome to see people outside the doors all night. People out here supporting us, keeping watch. They were here with us, and they are here with Palestine.

Three students were arrested, and then released, Monday night.

Students demand: boycott, divest, ceasefire

Once I found out this was happening, said LJ, a Jewish art student from the Bay Area, I was frozen in my kitchen, and I knew I needed to be here.

LJ grew up going to Jewish private school and has visited Israel twice.

I felt an obligation to be in this space as somebody who is a Jew, and people are using being a Jew to justify this whole situation, and I am a Jew who doesnt want to justify that situation.

The situation is Israels continued attacks on Gaza after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Israel has killed a reported 34,000 people while thousands more suffer grievous injuries, famine, and displacement.

I need to be there right now, LJ told herself when she caught wind of the student demonstration, despite many members of her community calling her a self-hating Jew.

Honestly, LJ said, Ive never felt more Jewish, fighting for someone that I believe in. We have been taught to repair the world. Its called tikkun olam. Using the fact that youre Jewish to justify the killings of innocent people ... it hurts the Jewish community.

LJ is one of hundreds of students supporting occupiers five demands: The students wont leave Siemens Hall until the university does the following: disclose all financial ties to the Zionist entity, cut ties with all Israeli universities, divest from all companies complicit in the occupation of Palestine, drop charges and attacks against student organizers and call for an immediate ceasefire and end to the occupation of Palestine.

Students and community members support pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have barricaded themselves in Siemens Hall at Cal Poly Humboldt on Tuesday.

In its statement Wednesday, the school said that the barricaded doors have created a fire hazard, and many toilets in the building are reportedly no longer working, according to the statement.

The safety, health, and well-being of our students is paramount as the situation has become increasingly complex, the statement read. University officials are communicating with protesters and continuing to encourage them to leave as soon as possible.

Tents cover the lawn in front of Siemens Hall, occupied by pro-Palestinian students and community members calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, at Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.







Many of the students demonstrating outside Siemens Hall said that being on campus gives them purpose amid the violence in Gaza.

My family is Pakistani Muslim, so were more aware of this than other people are, said one first-year student wearing a keffiyeh at the demonstration, who said that watching the violence unfold on social media prompted him to get involved. The student asked not to be identified because he feared repercussions from the university.

He missed class on Monday but was eager to join the protesters when he found out students were occupying Siemens Hall.

I think the solution is to get involved, because at least I can feel like Im doing my part, even if its not enough, Im doing the best I can to make something of it. I find peace in that.

Cal Poly Humboldt, which was previously called Humboldt State University until 2022, when it became a Cal Poly campus, is the only California State University campus where students have occupied to the extent of a university shutdown.

The student body is also unique among the many elite and private universities, such as Columbia and USC, where similar demonstrations are taking place.

Free Gaza writes a protester on the wall of a campus building on Tuesday at Cal Poly Humboldt, where demonstrators have locked themselves inside an administrative building.

Humboldt students, often cast as the hippie stoners of the CSU system, are typically lower income than other CSU students. As of 2019, one in five Humboldt students is also experiencing homelessness. Amid a housing shortage for students, the university began fining students for sleeping in campus parking lots in RVs late last year.

Being inside that building, there was a fundamental, minimum common agreement that we knew there was a potential for police action, for legal action, for violence. But were not here for violence, said Skunk Spray.

This is the greatest expression of love. That is the thing we all share. Its not comfortable, sleeping on the floor outside the presidents office. We wouldnt be here if it wasnt for love.
Substitute teacher at Mission Prep in SLO arrested on suspicion of child porn

A substitute teacher at Mission Prep in San Luis Obispo was arrested this month on suspicion of a child pornography charge.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department told The Tribune that San Luis Obispo resident Jake Smith, 28, was arrested on April 16 on suspicion of possessing and/or distributing child pornography.

There is no evidence of any local victims at this time, police said.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

The San Luis Obispo District Attorneys Office has not filed charges against Smith, and he was not in jail custody as of Wednesday morning.

According to the California Department of Education, private schools do not have to require teachers or substitute teachers to have the credentials or permits they need to teach in public schools.

But Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School does ask for prospective full-time teachers to provide teaching credentials in their application. And a job posting for substitute teachers at the school also requires either a state teaching credential or a college degree and passing the substitute teaching exam.

The school did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Sudan civil war wipes out city that was once home to 500,000

Newly arrived refugees from Darfur wait to be taken to a camp in Chad. Up to 11 million have been forced to flee their homes - DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGES

Dozens of cities and villages in Darfur have been razed to the ground in Sudans brutal year-long war, new satellite pictures have revealed.

Shocking images of the city of El Geneina show large sections have been burnt down since the country was engulfed in war in April 2023.

The United Nations has estimated as many as 15,000 died in the city last year as the conflict between the army and the rival Rapid Support Force (RSF) militia supercharged the persecution of ethnic Africans in Darfur.

Targeting of black African groups such as the Masalit people has echoed the genocide and ethnic cleansing of 20 years ago.

Researchers say El Geneina was the site of massacres, mass graves and widespread rape by the Arab-dominated RSF in the first three months of the war.

Benjamin Strick, the investigations director of the Centre for Information Resilience, which gathers evidence of war crimes and abuses, said the images showed the city in April 2023 and then in March 2024.

He said: The images show a very clear indication of some of the kind of things that happened there.

Thats widespread burning and destruction. This has been consistent throughout Darfur.

He said the city held around 500,000 people up until two years ago, including many refugees who had fled earlier waves of violence.

He said: You can imagine how brutal this is for people who have already been fleeing their homes from violence to have a majority of the city basically targeted with fire.

Thats why we are seeing such huge numbers of refugees into neighbouring Chad.

Najat, five, who was shot in the leg by Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries last June, fled her home in Darfur for a camp in Chad - DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGES

The centre has found 100 villages across Sudan which have been burnt to the ground during the war so far.

A year into the war, it is already the worlds biggest single displacement crisis, with up to 11 million people, including four million children, forced from their homes and farms. Millions of refugees have fled into Chad and South Sudan.

Across the region, some 25 million people are now unable to feed themselves properly, with at least five million on the cusp of famine, according to the United Nations.

Worst case scenario estimates predict as many as 10,000 per day could die of hunger and disease in the coming months.

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SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A Suffolk man arrested after the attempted abduction of a University of Virginia student back in October has pleaded guilty in the case.

James Robert Allen pleaded guilty to a felony charge of abduct by force/intimidation on Tuesday, court records show.

Previous coverage: Suffolk man accused of attempted abduction of UVA student appears in court

Allen was arrested on October 5, 2023, the day after authorities say he tried to tried to abduct a female UVA student on Cabell Avenue, just north of UVAs Grounds.

Police said Allen grabbed the student and forced her into a vehicle, which crashed on Cabell Avenue. The victim was able to escape and was treated for non life-threatening injuries. Allen was later arrested in nearby Louisa County after a manhunt.

Allen is set to be sentenced in the case on August 27.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Progressive "squad" member Summer Lee brushed aside a primary challenge from the right on Tuesday, winning over 60 percent of the vote in her Democratic contest despite facing a slew of attacks funded by GOP megadonor Jeff Yass.

Lee's opponent, Pittsburgh-area council member Bhavini Patel, had criticized the incumbent for breaking with some of President Joe Biden's public positions. Looming largest in this election was Lee's support for a ceasefire in Gaza, where an Israeli military offensive has killed around 35,000 Palestinians so far. Patel repeatedly asserted that, on this issue, Lee was out of step with Biden and the rest of the party.

A group called "Moderate PAC" echoed Patel's line of attack, intoning in one ad that residents of Pennsylvania's 12th district need someone "who will work with Joe Biden." The PAC dropped nearly $600,000 for such attacks, a majority of its funding coming from Yass, a billionaire supporter of former President Donald Trump.

Yass has poured his money not only in Trump's campaign coffers but also in various conservative policy initiatives and organizations. His wealth has positioned him in GOP circles of influence, which he might have used to persuade Trump to reverse course on a potential ban on TikTok; Yass is an investor in TikTok's parent company.

Patel previously told Salon that she had herself criticized Yass, despite his support for her primary challenge. During her campaign, she too knocked Lee for being insufficiently pro-Biden, though Biden himself mentioned Lee favorably during a recent campaign swing through western Pennsylvania.

Yass' attempt to knock out a progressive incumbent was thwarted by a robust campaign from Lee, a coalition of political groups that countered Moderate PAC with their own heavy spending, and a string of endorsements from Democratic elected officials, including both U.S. senators from Pennsylvania. Lee's opponents also dearly missed the support of groups like AIPAC, which signaled interest in the race early in the cycle but ultimately chose not to engage after earlier failing to prevent Lee's first election in 2022.
Washington is spending another $61 billion to help Ukraine. But most of the money will flow through the US economy first.

The new law will allow the Pentagon to send existing weapons  everything from bullets to missiles to tank parts  to Kyiv and then simultaneously backfill that inventory with new manufacturing efforts for US armories.

There are 117 production lines in about 71 US cities that are set to produce those weapons systems, according to research from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

President Joe Biden signed the bill Wednesday morning as part of a larger package that will provide additional aid to Israel and the Indo-Pacific as well as possibly ban TikTok in the US next year.

"We're sending Ukraine equipment from our own stockpiles, then we'll replenish those stockpiles with new products made by American companies here in America," the president explained just after signing the bill.

"We are helping Ukraine while at the same time investing in our own industrial base," he added, saying the money will be felt across 40 states.

AEI fellow Marc Thiessen and his colleagues cite a somewhat lower tally  31 states  but agree with Biden that the effect will be substantial.

"Our military aid to Ukraine is revitalizing manufacturing communities across the United States," Thiessen wrote in a recent Washington Post essay.

AEI identified a host of areas  from Ohio to New Hampshire to Missouri to California  that are set to benefit most directly. Many of these states are notably represented by lawmakers who voted no on the bill this week.

In deep-red Missouri, as one example in the AEI data, Boeing (BA) and RTX (formerly Raytheon) Corporation (RTX) build things like glide bombs and tracking radars.

Likewise, in Alabama, where companies like BAE Systems (BAESY), General Dynamics (GD), and Lockheed Martin (LMT) operate to produce things like fighting vehicles, howitzer parts, and Javelin surface-to-air missiles.

Activists wave Ukrainian flags outside the US Capitol on April 23. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) (MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images)

RTX also operates in Alabama and recently broke ground on an expansion of its missile facility there.

Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics also reported quarterly earnings this week and used their releases to tout their relationship with the Pentagon and how defense contracts help their bottom lines.

The US has now sent well over $100 billion to Ukraine in a series of aid efforts that have followed a similar pattern, with a spur first to US manufacturing. Observers have also noted that the money allows the Pentagon to upgrade and modernize the US arsenal in a way that otherwise might not have been possible.

Story continues

Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies recently wrote about how a cut-off in aid would have other effects, from underfunding existing US forces to undermining humanitarian relief efforts.

The aid measure passed this week also includes over $26 billion for Israel. Some of that money is denoted as military and weapons assistance and is likely to follow a similar pattern of benefiting US weapons makers (and their employees) first.

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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The Prime Minister has announced that Britain will ramp up defence spending to 87 billion a year by the start of the 2030s - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP

Rishi Sunak will use a summit to mark the 75th anniversary of NATO to lobby European countries to match Britains pledge to spend 2.5 per cent of national wealth on defence.

The Prime Minister will tell countries on the continent, including France and Germany, that they must dramatically increase their military budgets by the end of the decade.

Leaders from the 32-country alliance will gather in Washington DC in July against the backdrop of Russias ongoing war in Ukraine and Irans aggression against Israel.

Mr Sunak was in Berlin on Wednesday for talks with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, who has come under fire for refusing Kyivs request for long-range Taurus missiles.

The Prime Minister has announced that Britain will ramp up defence spending to 87 billion a year by the start of the 2030s, which will amount to 2.5pc of total GDP.

His commitment will see the UK spend a cumulative extra 75bn on the military over the next six years, making it by far the biggest spender in Europe as things stand.

He has said the pledge should set a new benchmark for all countries in NATO and especially those in Europe, who he said must do more to fund their own defence.

Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, told broadcasters on Wednesday that the Prime Minister would be personally lobbying other leaders at the July summit.

Were now saying we think that should be 2.5%. We think in a more dangerous world that would make sense, he told Sky News.

I will be arguing that, and I know that the Prime Minister feels strongly about it, when we go to the Nato 75th anniversary summit which is in Washington DC.

Mr Shapps defended plans to fund the increase in spending by cutting the civil service back to pre-Brexit levels, reducing the Whitehall headcount by 70,000.

Number one priority

He said the proposal showed that defence of the realm is the absolute number one priority and that it comes before everything else.

If we dont defend the nation, then everything else becomes slightly less of an issue, he said.

The current Nato target for defence spending is set at 2pc of GDP, although only 11 members of the alliance met that goal in 2023.

France only spent 1.9pc of GDP on defence last year, according to NATO figures, while Germany only committed 1.6pc of national wealth.

Poland devoted the biggest proportion to defence at 3.9pc  a number which has dramatically increased over the last decade as the threat from Russia has grown.

The United States was second on 3.5pc with Donald Trump, who is running for US President again, warning that it can no longer continue to bankroll European defence.

In February he claimed he would let Russia do whatever the hell they want to Nato members who fail to hit the Nato spending target of 2pc of GDP.

Britain was 10th on the list with just over 2pc, although updated figures show the UK is set to spend slightly more than 2.3pc this year after aid to Ukraine was increased.

The UK Government wants that benchmark to increase to 2.5%, which would add 140 billion to the Nato budget if met by all 32 members.

Mr Sunak said on Tuesday that his 2030 pledge would be a turning point in European security which would see the continent take on more responsibility for its own security.

In a pointed message to European allies he added: And Im confident that, whether in months or years, others will follow, too.

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Sunak and Scholz announce details of cooperation to further support Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have discussed further cooperation to support Ukraine at a joint meeting.

Source: a separate section of the joint statement issued by the UK government following the meeting, reported by European Pravda

Details: Germany and the UK declared that their common goal remains for Ukraine to withstand Russian aggression. Both countries are Europe's largest providers of military assistance to Ukraine, have bilateral security agreements with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, but they "do not seek [direct] confrontation with Russia".

"Our support is designed for the long term and based on Ukraines urgent as well as long-term needs in the fields of security and resilience. We advocate for a discussion with the aim of agreeing among Allies and Partners on the level of military support to Ukraine in relation to respective economic strength," Sunak and Scholz said.

The leaders noted that in the near future, the priority in their military support would remain air defence systems, drones, artillery and ammunition, defence fortifications and training for the Ukrainian military.

"Today we have agreed on coordinating and intensifying our efforts and evaluating potential for joint projects including respective training. In particular, we will cooperate on our support of Ukrainian helicopters, including armament, maintenance and training," the communique said.

The UK and Germany are also stepping up their efforts with regard to the air defence initiative for Ukraine and the IMF funding mechanism.

"We will seek to increase joint ventures and investment in defence maintenance and production to further strengthen Ukraines military industrial base," they said.

They also welcomed the decision by both houses of the US Congress to finally approve the Ukraine aid bill.

In addition, Scholz and Sunak said they would continue to cooperate bilaterally and through the G7 to reduce Russia's revenues from energy and other sectors, strengthen sanctions enforcement, and find ways to use frozen Russian sovereign assets to benefit Ukraine in a manner consistent with national and international law.

Background:

After the leaders met in Berlin, which Sunak was visiting for the first time as prime minister, Scholz announced that Germany would deepen cooperation with the UK.

While in Warsaw on Tuesday, Sunak announced a record-breaking package of military aid for Ukraine from the United Kingdom.

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The Supreme Court is about to hear Trump's 'absolute immunity' arguments in a case that could kill his January 6 indictment

Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to recognize that he had total legal immunity as president.

He wants to toss the special counsel Jack Smith's case over his attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

The Supreme Court has recognized immunity before  but never in the sweeping fashion Trump requests.

Former President Donald Trump is set to have his highest-stakes legal battle for his highest-stakes criminal case on Thursday.

His lawyers are facing off against the Justice Department, trying to persuade the Supreme Court that Trump should have total immunity from criminal prosecution  even for trying to overturn the results of an election.

The indictment, brought by the special counsel Jack Smith in Washington, DC, federal court, accuses Trump of obstructing Congress by conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The indictment alleges that by facilitating fake electors, pressuring public officials, and directing his supporters to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, where they rioted, Trump attempted to rob Americans of rightful votes.

Trump is asking the Supreme Court to grant him a sweeping immunity mandate as he runs to recapture the presidency. If the court rules his way and he wins again in November, he could push the bounds of presidential criminality.

Former President Richard Nixon famously declared to the journalist David Frost, "When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal, by definition." Trump and his lawyers' views may put that to the test.

Presidents already have some protections. A sitting president cannot be indicted under Justice Department guidelines that date back decades. The Supreme Court also previously extended former presidents' protection from civil lawsuits in a case brought by a former Air Force contractor against Nixon. Trump wants to extend this shield even further if a former president can argue that the action in question fell under the scope of their official duties.

Beyond the presidency's future, the court's decision may have ramifications not only for the election-interference case but "really all four of the criminal cases" Trump faces, as one of his lawyers has said.

Another indictment, in Georgia, over Trump's attempt to overturn his election result there, features an overlapping set of facts. And Smith has brought a different criminal case in Florida, accusing Trump of taking classified documents to Mar-a-Lago after he left the presidency and refusing to return them.

Trump won't be at the Supreme Court hearing. He's on trial in New York on yet another set of charges that allege he messed with a different election.

Prosecutors in the Manhattan district attorney's office say Trump violated business record-keeping laws 34 times by disguising hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actor who says she had an affair with him, to keep her quiet ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Todd Blanche, his lead lawyer in the Manhattan trial  who's also Trump's lead counsel in the Mar-a-Lago case and a defense attorney in the DC case  said the Supreme Court hearing "comes back to the multiple different indictments" when he requested that his client be allowed to attend the Supreme Court hearing.

But criminal defendants are required to be in court during their trial proceedings, and the Manhattan judge presiding over the case refused to allow Trump a break to attend oral arguments.

The tabloid executive David Pecker, the first witness at the trial, was on the stand Tuesday.

Trump wants total immunity

In the DC election-interference case, Trump argued that presidential immunity  a doctrine typically understood to provide legal protections to US presidents over the course of their duties  shields him from prosecution.

He also said the cases should be dismissed on double-jeopardy grounds since the US Senate failed to convict him when he was impeached over his election interference.

And while the Supreme Court has previously ruled that presidents can't be immune to criminal proceedings related to the "outer perimeter" of their duties  it forced Trump to comply with a subpoena for the Manhattan criminal case in 2021  Trump's lawyers now argue he is "categorically immune from federal criminal prosecution for any act conceivably within the outer perimeter of his executive responsibility."

US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case, ruling that being a former president "does not confer a lifelong 'get-out-of-jail-free' pass" and that while the prosecution was "unprecedented," so were his alleged crimes.

Donald Trump conferring with his lawyer Todd Blanche in Washington, DC, district court. Dana Verkouteren via AP

Trump's lawyers pressed on. In an appeals-court hearing, his lawyers said a president could even order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival and come away unscathed as long as Congress was OK with it.

A three-judge appellate court panel backed up Chutkan's decision, writing that Trump "is answerable in court for his conduct."

"For the purpose of this criminal case, former President Trump has become citizen Trump, with all of the defenses of any other criminal defendant," the appellate judges wrote. "But any executive immunity that may have protected him while he served as President no longer protects him against this prosecution."

The Supreme Court has agreed to weigh whether impeachment counts as double jeopardy with a criminal prosecution and "whether and if so to what extent does a former president enjoy presidential immunity from a criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office."

In a brief to the high court, Smith noted that the US Constitution doesn't give the president any role in certifying elections, much less the power to "defraud the United States in the certification of presidential-election results, obstruct proceedings for doing so, or deprive voters of the effect of their votes."

Trump's lawyers have warned that a decision to allow former presidents to be prosecuted would unleash chaos. The threat of criminal charges from a politically motivated Justice Department "will hang like a millstone around every future President's neck," they argued.

"Without immunity from criminal prosecution, the Presidency as we know it will cease to exist," Trump's lawyers wrote in one brief.

The special counsel Jack Smith. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Lawyers on Smith's team wrote in their own briefs that Trump's arguments were ahistorical. They pointed to the fact that Nixon accepted President Gerald Ford's sweeping pardon, which Ford was reported to view as an admission of guilt. The special prosecutor Leon Jaworski weighed indicting Nixon. The independent prosecutor Robert Ray also came close to charging former President Bill Clinton with lying under oath about his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

"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's team wrote. "Until petitioner's arguments in this case, so had former Presidents."

Donald Ayer, a former Justice Department official in the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, said the case was a test for the US as a democracy.

"This may indeed be the most important US Supreme Court case in the history of our country," he told journalists at a panel organized by the Defend Democracy Project. "Because our election this year is not just about who will be president, it's also about whether our country still believes in democracy and has a functioning rule of law."

The Supreme Court is weighing another case over the Justice Department's decision to charge hundreds of January 6 rioters with obstructing "an official proceeding"  one of the four counts Smith brought against Trump.

At a hearing last week, the justices appeared inclined to rule that prosecutors had viewed the statute too broadly, reports said, raising the possibility that Trump could score a win and get that charge dropped even if his case goes to trial.

Trump probably won't go to trial again before the November election

Chutkan originally scheduled the trial to begin at the beginning of March. But, tied up in appeals, it's now unlikely to take place before the November election.

The Supreme Court will probably issue a decision in late April. At that point, Chutkan can resume the pre-trial process. If she continues to follow the previous timeline she'd planned for pre-trial hearings, jury selection probably wouldn't begin until late October at the very earliest. Given Trump's candidacy, it's hard to imagine her insisting that he spend the final days of the election in a courtroom.

If Trump becomes president again, he may try to pardon himself or pressure the Justice Department to withdraw the case.

Trump speaking to supporters on January 6, 2021. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

The Mar-a-Lago case, too, would probably be on the chopping block in a Trump presidency. Neither it nor the Georgia prosecution have trial dates scheduled yet, and they most likely won't be tried before 2025 at the earliest.

Some former government officials who served under Trump have urged the Supreme Court not to grant him immunity. One group of ex-military officials filed a brief arguing that giving presidents "absolute immunity" would allow them to use the armed forces for "criminal ends" and "threaten to inject chaos into military operations." A group of founding-era historians have also filed a brief saying the concept of limitless presidential immunity contradicts what the US Constitution's framers intended.

Mark Meadows, who was Trump's chief of staff when he tried to overturn the 2020 election results and is a codefendant in the Fulton County criminal case in Georgia, also filed a brief with the Supreme Court. He asked that, if the court were to find that Trump could be liable in the case, it ensured that lower-ranking employees such as himself could still have immunity protections.

Norm Eisen, a former White House lawyer in Barack Obama's administration, said the Supreme Court could keep the case moving quickly by deciding only whether Trump deserved immunity in Smith's case  and setting aside more abstract questions about the doctrine.

"Donald Trump has articulated an outrageous, unprecedented, and ahistorical assertion of absolute immunity," he said at the Defend Democracy Project panel. "The Supreme Court need not stray into other questions just because Trump has made it easy for them. They should decide this case."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Donald Trump is currently a criminal defendant in a New York state trial. But on Thursday, his lawyers will argue before the Supreme Court that as a former President he's largely immune from criminal prosecution, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal decisions on presidential power in a generation.

The case, Trump v. United States, set to be heard on the final day of the courts argument calendar, will determine whether and how quickly Trump faces trial in Washington, D.C. for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Lower courts have already rejected Trumps sweeping assertion of immunity from prosecution, but he appealed to the Supreme Court in a bid to prevent the trial from going ahead as scheduled.

At the heart of the matter lies a fundamental yet unresolved legal question: does a former President enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken while in office? Trump's legal team contends that his false claims of election fraud and attempts to pressure state officials and Vice President Mike Pence to undo the 2020 election results were official acts Trump undertook under his presidential authority and thus are shielded from criminal charges.

But prosecutors for special counsel Jack Smith, who brought the charges, say that no individual, regardless of their prior office, should be above the law and that the acts in questionallegedly orchestrating a scheme to recruit fraudulent electorsdo not fall within the scope of protected presidential conduct. Legal experts have noted that while Justice Department policy traditionally shields sitting Presidents from indictment, there exists no explicit barrier for prosecuting former officeholders.

It has generally been assumed that Presidents who are in office could not be prosecuted, but that once leaving office, ex-Presidents could be prosecuted, says Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law and author of The Supermajority, a 2023 book on the contemporary Supreme Court. "But the courts have never interpreted the extent of presidential immunity before because no President has been indicted before Donald Trump."

The election case in Washington is one of four felony cases Trump is facing while he challenges President Joe Biden for re-election. Three of them could be affected by the Supreme Courts ruling in this case: the Jack Smith case, the federal case in Florida, where he is charged with illegally retaining classified materials after leaving the White House and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them, and the state case in Georgia, over allegations that he participated in a conspiracy to undo the states 2020 election results. (The state case against him in New York, over his alleged falsification of business records to cover up an old sexual encounter in order to influence the 2016 election, would not be affected, because it concerns conduct undertaken before he became President.)

The Supreme Court will address the historic question of Presidential Immunity on Thursday, but unfortunately, I will not be able to attend, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday. Without Presidential Immunity, the President cannot function, as his Political Opponents will blackmail and extort him with the threat of wrongful prosecution at every turn. We look forward to presenting our case to the Supreme Court.

As part of his defense, Trumps lawyer John Sauer has argued that a President can only be criminally prosecuted if he is first impeached and convicted by Congresseven in hypothetical situations where the President ordered the military to assassinate a political rival or sold pardons to criminals. (Trump was impeached twice as President and acquitted both times by the Senate; the second impeachment related to his culpability for inciting the deadly Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.) The question of whether impeachment is a requisite precursor to presidential prosecution is likely to resurface at the Supreme Court, Waldman says, given its constitutional role in delineating the boundaries of executive authority.

Oral arguments are also expected to delve into the precedent set by Nixon v. Fitzgerald, a 1982 Supreme Court decision involving former President Richard Nixon that recognized absolute immunity from civil liability for actions taken by a President in office. Trumps team is expected to cite the ruling to reinforce their argument that he should be shielded from criminal prosecution, while prosecutors will emphasize the distinction between civil and criminal liability, urging the court to consider the weightier consequences of enforcing federal criminal laws in Trumps four cases.

Most legal experts expect Trump to suffer a defeat at the Supreme Court, with the Justices likely to rule that he is not broadly immune from criminal prosecution. But in certain practical terms, he may have already won simply by pushing his other trials, says Jill Habig, a former legal adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris in the California Attorney Generals office who now runs the Public Rights Project. Every day of delay is a victory for his efforts to remain above the law, she says. Even if Trump does lose his immunity case, the delays will likely push the D.C. trial and others he faces until after the general election in November. And if he wins the election, he could try to order the Justice Department to drop the federal charges against him or attempt to pardon himself.

With a 6-3 conservative majority, the Court has several options at its disposal. It could dismiss Trump's immunity claim outright, allowing the prosecution to proceed unimpeded. It could set a precedent shielding former Presidents from prosecution for official actions, effectively halting the trial. Another possibility is that the Court may find that while former Presidents retain some immunity, Trump's alleged actions exceed its scope. Additionally, the Court could remand the case to the D.C. judge to determine if Trump's actions qualify as official acts.

The immunity case isnt the only Supreme Court case this term involving Trump that will impact his potential return to the presidency. Last month, the Justices unanimously ruled that states cannot remove Trump from the 2024 election ballot, overturning a Colorado court ruling that said he was ineligible to run for office because of his role in Jan. 6.

Waldman, a former chief speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, says the American public can expect a swift decision from the Supreme Court after Thursdays oral arguments. When the presidency is at stake, the Supreme Court in the past has shown it can act very quickly, he says, pointing to the courts ruling in Bush v. Gore in 2000 that was delivered in just three days after oral arguments and the courts unanimous decision compelling then-President Richard Nixon to relinquish Watergate-related tapes two weeks after arguments in 1974. The Justices should make the ruling fast so the trial can go forward, Waldman adds.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Will the Supreme Court force changes to state abortion bans?

Abortion-rights activists rally outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington. | Mariam Zuhaib

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard the second abortion case of its current term, weighing whether federal law regarding emergency medical care should outweigh state-level abortion bans when the policies conflict.

During two hours of oral argument, the justices sparred with attorneys representing the Biden administration and the state of Idaho, where the case originated, debating whether a ruling in favor of state leaders would put womens lives at risk.

Idaho abortion law

The case originated soon after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022 and returned control over abortion policy to the states.

Idaho was set to enforce a near-total ban on abortion  the states law criminalizes providing an abortion except in cases of extreme threats to a mothers health or cases involving rape or incest  when the Biden administration filed a lawsuit to block it, arguing that it conflicted with a federal law called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.

The Biden administration argued that EMTALA  which requires emergency rooms that participate in Medicare to provide necessary stabilizing treatment  supersedes (the) Idaho law, SCOTUSblog reported.

A federal district court ruled in favor of federal officials, but then the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision. On appeal in front of the full 9th Circuit, the Biden administration won again, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Then, in January, the Supreme Court agreed to take up the case and also said that Idahos abortion law could take effect at least until the justices issued their full ruling, which is expected by the end of June.

How will the Supreme Court rule?

Since the Supreme Court let Idahos law take effect, many court watchers believed the Biden administration would be fighting an uphill battle during oral arguments on Wednesday.

Elizabeth Prelogar, the U.S. solicitor general, did face tough questions, but so did Idaho lawyer Josh Turner.

The questioning of the state of Idaho has been far more robust than many expected, with tough questions coming from conservatives, along with Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor, The Washington Post reported.

For example, Justice Amy Coney Barrett repeatedly questioned Turners presentation of Idahos policy.

Youre hedging, she said at one point.

Still, it seemed as if most of the justices were skeptical of the Biden administrations claims and leaning toward allowing Idahos abortion law to remain in place.

How can you impose restrictions on what Idaho can criminalize? Justice Samuel Alito asked the solicitor general, according to The Washington Post.

Similarly, Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighted the potential danger of allowing federal officials to have too much control over health care norms.

As the debate took place inside the courtroom, protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court to either support or criticize Idahos law.

The New York Times reported that more than 100 people took part in demonstrations outside the building, carrying signs with messages like Abortion saves lives and Pro-life. Pro-women.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A case working its way through the Supreme Court could end up giving cities the power to outlaw homelessness.

The case revolves around the Oregon town of Grants Pass which made homelessness a criminal offense more than 10 years ago.

Cities around the country are watching closely to see what happens with the case, and activists are concerned by what they saw in court yesterday.

(WLNS)

If the Supreme Court does rule in favor of the city, it would leave it up to individual towns to decide if they wanted to enact restrictions of their own.

During the trial this week, the court heard arguments from both sides. The city says it has the right to ban what it calls camping, and fine people who they find sleeping on the street.

However, members of the un-housed community say that the response was cruel and unusual punishment.

The conservative majority on the court seemed to side with the citys lawyers, who said homelessness is a complicated issue that shouldnt be decided from the bench.

Local activists tell me a decision in the towns favor would leave the door open for towns in mid-Michigan to outlaw sleeping outside and make a growing problem in our area even worse.

Its not a crime its a policy failure, said Julia Miller, Director of Punks with Lunch Lansing, an advocacy group that helps with homeless issues. Theyre going to put people in jail and most of the time when people are incarcerated for being unhoused it doesnt benefit them, and they are still stuck in the same spot and usually with a lot more legal fees and fines.

Although its impossible to say exactly which way the court will end up ruling, we expect to hear a decision back from them in June or July.

Until then the activists we talked to said they will continue to try and educate the public and political leaders about the downsides of measures like this.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The issue of abortion is back before the Supreme Court. The justices heard oral arguments on whether Idaho, one of several states that has enacted an abortion ban, can deny women emergency abortions if their lives are not immediately in danger.

Protestors from both sides of this debate gathered outside the court. This is just the second abortion case the court has heard since overturning Roe vs. Wade.

The case directly pits the Biden administrations interpretation of federal law against Idahos abortion ban.

Its unthinkable weve even gotten to this point, said Sarah Kolick from Cleveland, Ohio.

Inside, the justices weighed if Idaho can prohibit emergency room doctors from providing abortions if a womans life is not immediately at risk.

The Biden administration argued a 1986 federal law known as EMTALA requires emergency room doctors to treat and stabilize patients and abortions are not excluded.

What Idaho is doing is waiting for women to wait and deteriorate, and suffer the lifelong health consequences, with no upside for the fetus. It just stacks tragedy upon tragedy, said U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar.

However, Idahos attorney general says the states abortion ban already makes exceptions when a womans life is in danger.

It protects doctors. It protects women. It protects unborn children, said Labrador.

He argues the federal government is out of bounds.

The Biden Administration cant manipulate one life affirming law in favor of another, he added.

Where to draw the line between state law vs. federal law appeared to leave some justices torn.

No, no, no, no, no  theres more than a controversy, said Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Some conservative justices raised concerns about the impact on emergency pregnancy care but stopped short of indicating whether they thought the Idaho law violates federal law.

The Supreme Court opinion is expected in June.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick | States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on West Virginia Watch.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday morning debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay. That includes treatment to prevent serious damage to bodily functions.

If the court decides the law does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The courts liberal wing  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  questioned Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner about what EMTALA explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead.

Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding.

Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene.

The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons.

One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

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Boeing said Wednesday that it lost $355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.

CEO David Calhoun said the company is in a tough moment, and its focus is on fixing its manufacturing issues, not the financial results.

Company executives have been forced to talk more about safety and less about finances since a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, leaving a gaping hole in the plane.

The accident halted progress that Boeing seemed to be making while recovering from two deadly crashes of Max jets in 2018 and 2019. Those crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed 346 people, are now back in the spotlight, too.

About a dozen relatives of passengers who died in the second crash met with government officials for several hours Wednesday in Washington. They asked the officials to revive a criminal fraud charge against the company by determining that Boeing violated terms of a 2021 settlement, but left disappointed.

Boeing officials made no mention of the meeting, but talked repeatedly while discussing the quarterly earnings of a renewed focus on safety.

Although we report first-quarter financial results today, our focus remains on the sweeping actions we are taking following the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident, Calhoun told employees in a memo Wednesday.

Calhoun ticked off a series of actions the company is taking and reported significant progress in improving manufacturing quality, much of it by slowing down production, which means fewer planes for its airline customers. Calhoun told CNBC that closer inspections were resulting in 80% fewer flaws in the fuselages coming from key supplier Spirit AeroSystems.

Near term, yes, we are in a tough moment, he wrote to employees. Lower deliveries can be difficult for our customers and for our financials. But safety and quality must and will come above all else.

Calhoun, who will step down at the end of the year, said again he is fully confident the company will recover.

Calhoun became CEO in early 2020 as Boeing struggled to recover from the Max crashes, which led regulators to ground the planes worldwide for nearly two years. The company thought it had sidestepped any risk of criminal prosecution when the Justice Department agreed not to try the company for fraud if it complied with U.S. anti-fraud laws for three years  a period that ended in January.

Story continues

Boeing has been reaching confidential settlements with the families of passengers who died, but the relatives of those killed in the Ethiopia crash are continuing to press the Justice Department to prosecute the company in federal district court in Texas, where the settlement was filed. On Wednesday, department officials told relatives that the agency is still considering the matter.

Leaving the meeting, Paul Cassell, a lawyer for the families, called it all for show. He said the Justice Department appears determined to defend the agreement it brokered in secret with Boeing.

We simply want that case to move forward and let the jury decide if Boeing is a criminal or not, he said.

It was an emotional meeting, according to Nadia Milleron, whose daughter Samya Stumo died in the 2019 crash.

People are angry. People are shouting. People are starting to talk over other people, said Milleron, who watched online from her home in Massachusetts while her husband attended in person. Relatives believe the Justice Department is overlooking a mountain of evidence against Boeing. It's mystifying, she said.

According to Milleron, the head of the fraud section of the Justice Departments criminal division, Glenn Leon, said his agency could extend its review beyond this summer, seek a trial against Boeing on the charge of defrauding regulators who approved the Max, or ask a judge to dismiss the charge. She said Leon made no commitments.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

A federal judge and an appeals court ruled last year that they had no power to overturn the Boeing settlement. Families of the crash victims hoped the government would reconsider prosecuting Boeing after the Jan. 5 door-plug blowout on the Alaska Airlines jetliner as the plane flew above Oregon.

Investigators looking into the Alaska flight say bolts that help keep the door plug in place were missing after repair work at a Boeing factory. The FBI told passengers that they might be crime victims.

Boeing stock has plunged by about one-third since the blowout. The Federal Aviation Administration has stepped up its oversight and given Boeing until late May to produce a plan to fix problems in manufacturing 737 Max jets. Airline customers are unhappy about not getting all the new planes that they had ordered because of delivery disruptions.

The company said it paid $443 million in compensation to airlines for the grounding of Max 9 jets after the Alaska accident.

Several former and one current manager have reported various problems in manufacturing of Boeing 737 and 787 jetliners. The most recent, a quality engineer, told Congress last week that Boeing is taking manufacturing shortcuts that could eventually cause 787 Dreamliners to break apart. Boeing pushed back aggressively against his claims.

Boeing, however, has a couple things in its favor.

Along with Airbus, Boeing forms one-half of a duopoly that dominates the manufacturing of large passenger planes. Both companies have yearslong backlogs of orders from airlines eager for new, more fuel-efficient planes. And Boeing is a major defense contractor for the Pentagon and governments around the world.

Richard Aboulafia, a longtime industry analyst and consultant at AeroDynamic Advisory, said despite all the setbacks Boeing still has a powerful mix of products in high demand, technology and people.

Even if they are No. 2 and have major issues, they are still in a very strong market and an industry that has very high barriers to entry, he said.

And despite massive losses  about $24 billion in the last five years  the company is not at risk of failing, Aboulafia said.

This isnt General Motors in 2008 or Lockheed in 1971, Aboulafia said, referring to two iconic corporations that needed massive government bailouts or loan guarantees to survive.

All of those factors help explain why 20 analysts in a FactSet survey rate Boeing shares as Buy or Overweight and only two have Sell ratings. (Five have Hold ratings.)

Boeing said the first-quarter loss, excluding special items came to $1.13 per share, which was better than the loss of $1.63 per share that analysts had forecast, according to a FactSet survey.

Revenue fell 7.5%, to $16.57 billion.

Moody's downgraded Boeing's unsecured debt one notch to Baa3, the lowest investment-grade rating, citing the weak performance of the commercial-airplanes business.

Boeing Co. shares closed down 3%. They have dropped 34% since the Alaska blowout.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom).

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment.

Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead.

Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government.

Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations.

Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Missouri Independent.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday morning debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay. That includes treatment to prevent serious damage to bodily functions.

If the court decides the law does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The courts liberal wing  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  questioned Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner about what EMTALA explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding. Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene. The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday morning debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay. That includes treatment to prevent serious damage to bodily functions.

If the court decides the law does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The courts liberal wing  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  questioned Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner about what EMTALA explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding. Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene. The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

UPDATED at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024 with more details about the proceedings and public reaction outside the court.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Ali Muldrow, a mother of three girls and runs an abortion fund in Wisconsin, told speaks to a crowd outside the U.S. Supreme Court

Ali Muldrow, a mother of three girls and runs an abortion fund in Wisconsin, told a crowd outside the U.S. Supreme Court that Black women are more likely to die in childbirth than white women and spoke of her own difficult pregnancies. (Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conscience objections, emergency definition expansion

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

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The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday morning debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay. That includes treatment to prevent serious damage to bodily functions.

If the court decides the law does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The courts liberal wing  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  questioned Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner about what EMTALA explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding. Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene. The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Washington State Standard.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Photo by Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

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Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday morning debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay. That includes treatment to prevent serious damage to bodily functions.

If the court decides the law does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The courts liberal wing  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  questioned Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner about what EMTALA explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding. Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene. The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

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Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

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Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. Photo by Sofia Resnick | States Newsroom

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

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A crowd gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court. Signs read "Doctors Not Doctrine" and "Discrimination Is Not A Catholic Value"

Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

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Chinese FM's visit to Cambodia injects fresh impetus into building community with shared future in new era: experts

Xinhua) 09:20, April 24, 2024

PHNOM PENH, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's official visit to Cambodia has injected new impetus into building a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, Cambodian experts said on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, concluded his three-day visit to the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday after meeting with Cambodian top leaders and co-chairing the seventh meeting of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee.

Pov Sok, an advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, said Wang's visit has elevated the China-Cambodia ties to new highs, undoubtedly.

"His visit has not only given fresh impetus to the building of a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, but also further expanded all-round cooperation between the two countries," he told Xinhua.

"His trip has brought broader cooperation between the two countries in the areas of economy, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and culture, among others," he said.

Pov Sok added that Wang's visit has also enriched the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework, and made positive progress in building the Industrial Development Corridor as well as the Fish and Rice Corridor, benefiting the two countries and peoples.

Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, said Wang's visit has added new momentum to the strategic ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"Wang's visit has importantly contributed to promoting China-Cambodia ties and cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding and strategic trust, and advancing the building of a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in the new era," he told Xinhua.

"Also, his visit has further expanded bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and China, particularly under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Diamond Hexagon cooperation," he said.

Matthews said close Cambodia-China ties have significantly contributed to maintaining peace, security, stability, development, and prosperity in the ASEAN region and beyond.

According to a joint statement released at the end of Wang's visit to Cambodia, during the visit, Wang met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, and co-chaired the seventh meeting of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee with Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol.

Cambodia and China are ironclad friends that stand by each other and help each other in times of difficulty, the statement said.

The two countries agreed to jointly promote free, open, equal, inclusive and universally beneficial multilateralism and economic globalization.

The Chinese side reiterated support for Cambodia's choice of development path that suits the Cambodian national conditions, support for Cambodia's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and firm opposition to external interference in Cambodia's internal affairs, the statement said.

The Cambodian side reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy, adding that Cambodia opposes any attempt to use the Taiwan question to interfere in China's internal affairs, opposes any form of "Taiwan independence," firmly supports all China's efforts to achieve national reunification, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan.

Both sides also agreed to deepen synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I, expedite the formulation of cooperation plan for the Industrial Development Corridor, advance the preliminary planning and design of the Cambodia-China Railway, and deliver on the Chinese agricultural demonstration center and other early harvest projects of the Fish and Rice Corridor.

The two sides will work to ensure high-quality implementation of the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, promote the export of Cambodian agricultural products to China, and encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Cambodia.

Both sides also agreed to take the opportunity of the 2024 China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year to increase tourism exchanges, two-way flights, and exchanges between youths, localities and friendship groups, according to the statement.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Al Mal Capital REIT, the first REIT listed on DFM and managed by Al Mal Capital, a subsidiary of Dubai Investments, has announced the successful completion of its recent rights issue, generating AED180 million ($49 million) in fund raise.

This exercise has significantly bolstered the fund's financial position, with total equity standing over AED540 million. The rights issue follows approval being granted by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

The proceeds raised will fund the acquisitions of additional income generating educational and healthcare assets to strengthen AMCREITs portfolio and help create sustainable value for unitholders.

Educational asset

This recent capital raise builds upon the momentum gained from the previous transaction in December 2020 which raised AED350 million, despite the challenging economic climate at the time. Looking ahead, the REIT plans to acquire an educational asset at an estimated value of AED400 million  bringing the total portfolio value close to AED1 billion  AMCREIT is poised to further enhance its asset base.

Now that the rights issue is complete, Al Mal Capital REIT will continue to review investment opportunities, with plans to invest in an educational asset imminently and a healthcare facility later in the year. AMCREIT remains committed to its investment strategy whereby it will limit investments to education and healthcare assets in the near-term, with the potential for further investment in select industrial assets in the medium/long-term. The investment strategy also ensures that rent is visible and sustainable for the next 15 to 20 years.

Naser Al Nabulsi, CEO and Vice Chairman of Al Mal Capital, commented: This rights issue was an important step in our journey that we are pleased to have completed successfully, particularly in the midst of the ongoing global uncertainties. This achievement underscores the confidence investors have in Al Mal Capital REITs investment strategy and growth prospects. We pride ourselves on performance, and delivering value and returns for our shareholders always remains our top priority  as illustrated by our strong 7% return on the FY23 dividend. Using the increased capital now available to us as a result of this rights issue, AMCREIT will continue with its plans to diversify our portfolio through the acquisition of high-quality education and healthcare assets.--TradeArabia News Service
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 24, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--C3 AI (NYSE: AI), the Enterprise AI application software company, congratulates the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on the establishment of the Siebel School of Computing & Data Science, made possible by a generous $50 million gift from Thomas and Stacey Siebel.

As a key partner in fostering innovation and driving technological advancements, C3 AI applauds the University of Illinois' commitment to excellence in education and research. The establishment of the Siebel School of Computing & Data Science underscores the university's dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and addressing complex challenges facing society.

Thomas M. Siebel, Chairman and CEO of C3 AI, commented, "We are proud to support the University of Illinois in establishing the Siebel School of Computing & Data Science. Through this partnership, we hope to empower future generations of leaders in technology, driving innovation and fostering positive change in our world."

Chancellor Robert J. Jones expressed his enthusiasm for this transformative endeavor, stating, "The establishment of the Siebel School of Computing & Data Science marks a significant milestone in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaigns mission to lead the way in computing and data science education and research. The Siebel School of Computing & Data Science builds upon Mr. Siebel's longstanding active engagement and support for Illinois, including previous gifts that established the Siebel Center for Computer Science, the Siebel Center for Design, the Siebel Scholars program, the Siebel Chair in the History of Science, and the Siebel Chair in Computer Science. These contributions have had a profound impact on the university's ability to innovate and educate future leaders in technology and design."

The Siebel School of Computing & Data Science will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, pioneering research, and innovative education programs at the intersection of computing and data science. With the support of Mr. Siebel, the university will continue to lead the way in shaping the future of technology and preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

About C3.ai, Inc.

C3 AI is the Enterprise AI application software company. C3 AI delivers a family of fully integrated products including the C3 AI Platform, an end-to-end platform for developing, deploying, and operating enterprise AI applications, C3 AI applications, a portfolio of industry-specific SaaS enterprise AI applications that enable the digital transformation of organizations globally, and C3 Generative AI, a suite of domain-specific generative AI offerings for the enterprise.

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Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday morning debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay. That includes treatment to prevent serious damage to bodily functions.

If the court decides the law does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The courts liberal wing  Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson  questioned Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner about what EMTALA explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding. Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene. The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

This story has been updated. States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

Quality Journalism for Critical Times

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June on whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution. The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conscience objections

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or whether a hospital that did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Roman Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But a hospital that did not have a blanket objection would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito asked Prelogar whether EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Florida Phoenix.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Nevada Current.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills.' Federal law would say you cant do that.

 Justice Sonia Sotomayor, on emergency abortion treatment

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

This story was updated at 6:27 p.m. Central to include additional reporting.

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Doctors are subject to prosecutorial discretion in Idaho, deputy AG says

The justices repeatedly asked Turner to identify situations where a doctor might provide an abortion as part of stabilizing care and it would not be allowed under Idaho law. He continued to point to the states exception to save a patients life and referred to a doctors good faith medical judgment being enough to avoid prosecution.

The government listed nine emergency medical conditions where termination of the pregnancy may be the recommended treatment to stabilize a patients condition, including when the water breaks before a fetus is viable or when a patient experiences uncontrolled high blood pressure or bleeding. Idaho doctors identified one recent traumatic case when a patient had to wait until advanced infection set in before the doctor felt secure enough to end the pregnancy. Others are sending patients out of state as soon as termination might be needed to avoid having to wait until they meet qualifications under Idahos exception to prevent death.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, considered one of the courts more conservative members, said Turner was hedging in his answers and asked what happens if another doctor or prosecutor reaches a contrary conclusion about what the appropriate medical treatment should have been.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner said.

Barrett also asked if Idaho had released any legal guidance about its abortion laws, the way a federal health agency might issue guidance. Turner said the guiding star is the Idaho Supreme Courts opinion from August 2022 interpreting the abortion statute, where it said the law does not require imminence of death or medical certainty for a physician to intervene. The Idaho court also said another doctors opinion would only be considered if they accused the doctor who performed the abortion of acting in bad faith.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said for those reasons, women in Idaho are not getting the treatment they need, often in already-tragic situations where a wanted pregnancy is lost because of complications.

They are getting airlifted to Salt Lake City and to neighboring states where there are health exceptions in their laws, she said. The doctors cant provide the care until they can conclude that a prosecutor looking over their shoulder wont second guess that maybe it wasnt really necessary to prevent death.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government.

Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Samuel Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur.

Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

Demonstrators, legislators from Idaho comment on court case

Hundreds of abortion rights advocates, medical professionals and two Idaho legislators gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning before the arguments advocating for the court to uphold EMTALA as a guiding principle regardless of state abortion laws. On the anti-abortion rights side, Idaho-based crisis pregnancy center Stanton Healthcare argued the case was about forcing states with abortion bans to perform them. Danielle Versluys, the organizations chief operating officer, said women with complications should deliver a baby naturally, regardless of the circumstances.

The outcome is the same  a dead baby  but the difference is one is natural, and the other is not, she said. And one allows the woman the natural process to give birth and to grieve, and the other one is unnatural.

Rep. Ilana Rubel, a Democrat and the legislatures minority leader, told States Newsroom the case is a waste of state taxpayer dollars.

It is, frankly, stunning that leaders in our state think that this is something they want so badly they were willing to take it to the Supreme Court to deprive women of appropriate care in medical emergencies, Rubel said. And with the Idaho Legislature adjourned for the year, she added, If the Supreme Court does not give us EMTALA back, there will be no lifeline for women at least until 2025.

States Newsroom reproductive rights reporter Sofia Resnick contributed to this report.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Arkansas Advocate.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while justices hear oral arguments about whether federal law protects emergency abortion care. (Sofia Resnick/States Newsroom)

U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours Wednesday debating whether a federal law about emergency treatment encompasses abortion care even in states with strict abortion bans, with no clear indication of how they may ultimately rule.

A decision could come as soon as the end of June to decide whether Idahos near-total abortion ban means doctors who might need to terminate a pregnancy during a health emergency would be protected from prosecution under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals to treat patients who come to an emergency room regardless of their ability to pay.

If the court decides it does not provide that protection, then hospitals and doctors in Idaho have said they will have to continue transferring patients out of state for that treatment. Since January, when the court decided to take the case and struck down an injunction that provided protection under EMTALA, the number of transfers out of state for pregnancy complications that may require termination has increased from one in 2023 to six over the course of four months.

The arguments began with aggressive questioning of Idaho Deputy Attorney General Josh Turner by the courts more liberal justices, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Their questions revolved around what EMTALA, which was signed into law in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, explicitly says about stabilizing treatment and whether abortion procedures fall into that definition when complications occur before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, even with medical intervention.

Turner argued that Idahos law should supersede federal law in the case of abortion procedures because if a treatment isnt available based on a state law, then it is in conflict with EMTALA and the federal law doesnt apply, even if it goes against commonly accepted medical care standards.

Sotomayor rejected that argument.

There is no state licensing law that would permit the state to say, Dont treat diabetics with insulin. Treat them only with pills, Sotomayor said. Federal law would say you cant do that.

She said federal law requires treatment of a person who is at risk of serious medical complications without that treatment, but Idahos law does not provide that much leeway.

Idaho law says the doctor has to determine not that theres really a serious medical condition, but that the person will die. Thats a huge difference, counsel, she said.

Idahos abortion ban went into effect in August 2022, a few months after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, ending federal protection for abortion access and allowing states to regulate it instead. Providers who are prosecuted for performing an abortion are subject to two to five years in prison plus the loss of their medical license, and they are also subject to civil enforcement laws by any family members related to the person who had the abortion.

Conservatives ask about conscience objections, expansion of emergency definition

The more conservative justices offered mixed questions to U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the government. Justice Neil Gorsuch posed questions related to the federal Supremacy Clause about when federal law can override state law in the context of medicine, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked about whether conscience exceptions exist for doctors who dont feel comfortable terminating a pregnancy even in emergency situations. Or if a hospital in general did not want to provide the procedure, such as a Catholic hospital, would be exempt under EMTALA for conscience reasons. One of Idahos largest hospital systems, Saint Alphonsus, is a Catholic hospital.

Prelogar confirmed that yes, individual doctors and entire medical entities qualify for those conscience objections and are therefore not required to perform an abortion under EMTALA. But at a hospital that did not have a blanket objection, they would take individual objections into consideration for appropriate staffing so that there is always someone available to provide that care if necessary.

If the question is, could you force an individual doctor to step in over a conscience objection, the answer is no, and I want to be really clear about that, Prelogar said.

Justice Sam Alito also asked Prelogar if EMTALA could be understood to apply to other emergency situations such as a mental health emergency, if someone was expressing suicidal thoughts and wanted to end their pregnancy to resolve those thoughts. Idahos legal representation, conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in its brief to the court that a ruling in favor of EMTALA protection would allow such situations to occur. Prelogar said no, the proper treatment would be to administer medications to alleviate the suicidal thoughts.

There can be grave mental health emergencies, but EMTALA could never require pregnancy termination as the stabilizing care  because that wouldnt do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue thats causing the mental health emergency in the first place, Prelogar said. If she happens to be pregnant, it would be incredibly unethical to terminate her pregnancy. She might not be in a position to give any informed consent.

The court is expected to rule in the case by the close of its current term, which typically occurs toward the end of June.

The post Supreme Court justices appear split over whether to protect abortion care during emergencies appeared first on Michigan Advance.
Supreme Court sounds wary of Idaho's ban on emergency abortions for women whose health is in danger

The Supreme Court will decide whether emergency room doctors are allowed to perform abortions if a pregnant person's health is threatened. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)

The Supreme Court justices voiced doubt Wednesday about a strict Idaho law that would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion even for a woman who arrives at a hospital suffering from a serious, but not life-threatening, medical emergency.

Solicitor Gen. Elizabeth Prelogar, representing the Biden administration, said such cases are rare and tragic. They are not elective abortions, she said, but pregnancies that have turned into medical emergencies.

Prelogar urged the high court to rule that federal emergency care law applies nationwide and sometimes requires hospitals and their doctors to perform an abortion  regardless of any state restrictions on the procedure  if a pregnant patients health or life is at risk.

The justices sounded closely split, but Prelogars argument appeared to gain traction with some conservatives.

The clash over emergency rooms is the first direct challenge to a states abortion law to come before the high court since the justices overturned Roe vs. Wade in a 5-4 vote in 2022.

The courts conservatives said then that states and their lawmakers were free to restrict or regulate abortion.

Idahos lawmakers voted to forbid abortion except when it is necessary to prevent the patients death. In court, their lawyers argued that the authority to regulate doctors and the practice of medicine rests with the state.

Doctors join abortion rights supporters at a rally Wednesday outside the Supreme Court. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

But the Biden administration sued Idaho and said it was violating the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act that Congress adopted in 1986. The law requires hospitals receiving federal funds to provide necessary stabilizing treatment to patients who face a medical emergency.

For some pregnant women suffering tragic emergency complications, the only care that can prevent grave harm to their health is termination of the pregnancy, the administrations attorney said. In such situations, delay is dangerous, Prelogar added.

Idahos attorney, Joshua Turner, ran into sharp questions from several conservatives.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned whether Idaho would use its laws to prosecute doctors who perform emergency room abortions. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh also voiced doubt about the states argument.

Barrett cast a key vote to strike down Roe vs. Wade, but took on the Idaho attorney Wednesday for refusing to say whether doctors could perform abortions in certain emergencies.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor cited real cases from Florida and elsewhere, but Turner refused to give a yes-or-no answer as to whether such abortions would be legal in Idaho.

Counsel, Im kind of shocked actually because I thought your own expert has said these kinds of cases were covered, Barrett said.

This is a subjective standard. ... Its very case-by-case, Turner replied.

The exchange highlighted the problem cited by emergency room doctors in Idaho. They cannot know for sure whether an abortion would be legal under the states law.

What happens if the states lawyers believe a doctors intervention was not justified? Would they be prosecuted under Idahos law? Barrett asked.

Even if other doctors support the decision, what if the prosecutor thought differently? she said.

Roberts pressed the same point. What happens if a dispute arises with respect to whether or not the doctor was within the confines of the Idaho law or wasnt? Is the doctor subjected to review by a medical authority?

Possibly, according to the state attorney. The Board of Medicine has licensing oversight over a doctor, Turner replied.

Kavanaugh said he was uncertain what was at stake because the state had changed its view over what emergency conditions could justify an abortion.

Justice Elena Kagan said the law has resulted in six pregnant women being airlifted to neighboring states to obtain abortions.

Justices Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson were also sharply skeptical of Idahos argument.

Prelogar, the Biden administrations attorney, assured the conservative justices that federal law includes conscience protections for doctors and hospitals morally opposed to abortion.

The case of Moyle vs. United States poses a clash between the federal law that requires hospitals to provide emergency care and the states authority to regulate doctors and the practice of medicine.

Regardless of how the court rules in the Idaho case, the outcome should have no direct effect in California or other states where abortion remains legal.

Abortion rights supporters gather outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

Turner said 22 states now prohibit most abortions, and the courts ruling could apply to all of them.

But Prelogar said Idaho is among only six states that make no exceptions for protecting the health of a pregnant patient.

Doctors in Idaho contend that the law endangers patients. In medical emergencies, delay puts the patients life and health at risk. But the lack of clarity in the law is creating fear in our physicians, said Dr. Jim Souza, chief physician executive for St. Lukes Health System in Boise.

He said doctors in emergency rooms often see pregnant women whose water has broken, or who have a severe infection or are bleeding badly. An abortion may be called for in such a situation, but doctors know they could be subject to criminal prosecution if they act too soon, he said.

Doctors are leaving the state because of the fear surrounding this law, Souza said in an interview.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Can the government regulate objects that resemble unfinished firearm parts as if they are guns because, with tools and effort, they might be turned into working components? More specifically, can a federal agency start doing that via a reinterpretation of the law, and threaten noncompliant people with prosecution on its own initiative, without an act of Congress? The Supreme Court has now agreed to weigh in on those issues after lower courts rejected federal efforts to turn many Americans into felons by reinterpreting established legislation.

The Supreme Court's announcement that it will consider arguments came in the form of a brief Monday notice that certiorari was accepted in the case of Garland v. VanDerStok.

Government Regulators Chase Ghosts

At issue are so-called "ghost guns"homemade firearms that are often crafted from "80 percent" kits including unfinished parts that hobbyists complete in their own workshops. The "ghost" designation comes from the absence of factory-provided serial numbers, making the DIY guns harder to trace and record. To this day, on its website, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) specifies that "ATF has long held that items such as receiver blanks, 'castings' or 'machined bodies' in which the fire-control cavity area is completely solid and un-machined have not reached the 'stage of manufacture' which would result in the classification of a firearm according to the GCA," referring to the Gun Control Act of 1968.

Like any craft, gun-making has always had fans. It became increasingly popular in recent years, spurring the creation of an industry that serves the needs of aficionados who want to evade monitoring and restrictions by intrusive government officials. It's also a lot of fun; my son and I made an AR-15 from an 80 percent receiver as a homeschooling project. Former Reason producer Mark McDaniel similarly built a pistol from a kit.

Since government officials don't like rebellious subjects, the Biden administration, knowing new gun control measures were unlikely to survive a trip through Congress, pressured the ATF to act unilaterally. The result was a redefinition of the law in an attempt to regulate non-functional objectspaperweights for all intents and purposesthat I described at the time as "hundreds of pages of firearms regulations that are as clear as mud and leave experts in the field disagreeing over the interpretation." Henceforth, items that are "readily convertible" into firearms in the eyes of ATF agents will be regulated as such. Well, maybe.

Redefined Laws Meet Skeptical Judges

"A part that has yet to be completed or converted to function as frame or receiver is not a frame or receiver," Judge Reed O'Connor of the U.S. District Court for Northern Texas wrote last year in ruling on a lawsuit brought by Jennifer VanDerStok, Blackhawk Manufacturing Group, and other plaintiffs. "ATF's declaration that a component is a 'frame or receiver' does not make it so if, at the time of evaluation, the component does not yet accord with the ordinary public meaning of those terms."

Since the law gives the ATF the power to regulate firearms and not stuff that, like much of the plumbing section of a hardware store, might be turned into firearms with work, O'Connor found the rewriting of the rules to be an "unlawful agency action taken in excess of the ATF's statutory jurisdiction. On this basis, the Court vacates the Final Rule."

The federal government had no better luck at the appeals court level before a panel of equally unreceptive Fifth Circuit judges.

"ATF, in promulgating its Final Rule, attempted to take on the mantle of Congress to 'do something' with respect to gun control. But it is not the province of an executive agency to write laws for our nation," Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote for himself and Judge Don Willett in largely upholding O'Connor. "That vital duty, for better or for worse, lies solely with the legislature."

"Unless and until Congress so acts to expand or alter the language of the Gun Control Act, ATF must operate within the statutory text's existing limits," Engelhardt continued. "The Final Rule impermissibly exceeds those limits, such that ATF has essentially rewritten the law. This it cannot do, especially where criminal liability canand, according to the Government's own assertions, willbe broadly imposed without any Congressional input whatsoever."

"The Final Rule is limitless," marveled Judge Andrew Oldham in a pointed concurrence that supported the majority "without qualification" but sought to more harshly spank the ATF. "It purports to regulate any piece of metal or plastic that has been machined beyond its primordial state for fear that it might one day be turned into a gun, a gun frame, or a gun receiver. And it doesn't stop regulating the metal or plastic until it's melted back down to ooze. The GCA allows none of this."

Both Plaintiffs and Defendants Wait on the Supreme Court

Despite the brutal courtroom slapdown, the ATF's new frame and receiver rule remains in place. Last August, the Supreme Court issued a stay of O'Connor's ruling, pending the case's journey through the legal system to the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Court and, ultimately, the highest court in the land. With the acceptance of VanDerStok, arguments will be heard in the fall, with a final decision coming some time after.

Despite obvious disagreement between the federal government and the VanDerStok plaintiffs over the limits of the ATF's authority to unilaterally rewrite law, both wanted the Supreme Court to take the case.

"By agreeing to hear our case, the Supreme Court will have the opportunity to put ATF firmly in its place and stop the agency from unconstitutionally expanding its gun control agenda," commented Firearms Policy Coalition Action Foundation President Cody J. Wisniewski, counsel for plaintiffs. "We look forward to addressing this unlawful rule in the Court's next term."

Even if the Supreme Court rejects the lower court rulings and decides against VanDerStok and for the ATF, that might be the final word on the law, but not on ghost guns. Home manufacture of firearms developed from a hobby into an act of resistance against an intrusive state. Reinterpreting how the rules define guns won't do anything to dissuade people from trying to exercise liberty and escape control.

The post Supreme Court Takes Up ATF's Unilateral 'Ghost Gun' Rules appeared first on Reason.com.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday in a case that will ultimately decide whether hospitals have an obligation, under federal law, to provide emergency abortions to women in medical emergencies even in states with abortion bans.

The justices are weighing a case from Idaho, where a strict abortion ban was enacted in 2022, a year after the court overturned Roe v Wade.

It is the latest abortion case to end up in the hands of the court after justices heard arguments in another seeking to restrict abortion medication last month. A decision in both cases is not expected sometime in or before June.

The case arguments arrive after several high-profile incidents where pregnant women have detailed physically and emotionally traumatizing medical situations in which they were denied abortions due to state laws but faced sepsis, severe bleeding, pain and more.

Emergency room doctors in Idaho face an impossible choice when a pregnant patient arrives with a medical condition that may require them to perform an abortion due to a strict, yet vague, anti-abortion law that directly conflicts with their role as medical professionals and federal statute.

They can treat the patient who needs an abortion to prevent serious bodily dysfunction or jeopardize their health  as required under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)  but potentially face jail time or medical license suspension due to the state law, Idaho Defense of Life Act.

Alternatively, they can decline to treat the patient to protect their medical license and prevent criminal prosecution, putting the health of the pregnant person in jeopardy and violating EMTALA.

Its the same conflict that emergency room doctors in Texas are facing and one that could extend across the US, putting pregnant people at risk of severe bodily harm or death in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

In August 2022, Idaho passed an anti-abortion law that imposes penalties on doctors who perform abortions unless the physician uses good faith medical judgment deeming it necessary to protect the life of the mother.

Those penalties can include revoke of medical license, for at least six months, and jail time of two to five years.

The vague language, similar to the kind used in Texas law, makes it difficult for doctors to determine what good faith medical judgment means to avoid penalties.

Pro-abortion activist rally for "reproductive rights and emergency abortion care," outside the US Supreme Court as it hears arguments in the Moyle v. United States case, in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)

Additionally, the states law directly conflicts with guidance from the Biden administration that said hospitals must provide abortions to patients in emergency situations, under EMTALA, in order to receive federal funding.

The US law requires that hospitals that get federal funding to treat or stabilise a patient regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. It was passed to prevent hospitals from patient dumping.

However, the law does not explicitly mandate which medical treatments, like abortions, are necessary.

The Biden administration argues the federal statute should override any state abortion restrictions. Idaho officials say the administration misused the law to impose a federal mandate on states.

EMTALAs protection for the uninsured into a federal super-statute on the issue of abortion, one that strips Idaho of its sovereign interest in protecting innocent human life and turns emergency rooms into a federal enclave where state standards of care do not apply, Idaho officials said in their appeal to the court.

In the US government response, Solicitor General Elizabeth Preloger said that abortions are necessary when medical conditions that threaten their lives or risk severe and lasting harms, including sepsis, uncontrollable bleeding, kidney failure, and loss of fertility occur.

Doctors in Idaho have warned that not explicitly allowing abortions in life-saving situations will cause extreme harm to pregnant people.

This conflict is not hypothetical: It is very real, and the consequences of [the law] will be grave, doctors from St Lukes Health System in Idaho wrote in a brief.
The Supreme Court heard nearly two hours of heated arguments Wednesday on the tension between Idahos near-total abortion ban and a federal law requiring hospitals to offer any treatment  including an abortion  needed to stabilize patients in an emergency.

Its the first time the high court has scrutinized an individual states abortion ban since the justices overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, and the justices were repeatedly confronted with the consequences of that decision  including stories of pregnant patients in Idaho being airlifted to other states.

A few conservative justices at times joined the courts liberal wing Wednesday in asking tough questions that picked apart Idahos argument that its hospitals should not be bound to provide abortions under the federal law at issue, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA.

But it was far from clear whether those conservatives  most notably Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett  were prepared to vote with the three liberals against Idaho. And several members of the courts six-justice conservative majority expressed deep skepticism of the federal governments power to impose limits on how states can regulate health care, including abortion. Multiple conservative justices also criticized the Biden administrations argument that Congress intended to override state laws when it passed the federal measure in 1986.

Security was extra tight at the high court Wednesday, and the justices had far shorter fuses than they did during last months arguments over the FDAs regulation of the widely used abortion pill mifepristone. Some justices aggressively sparred with the attorneys for both sides and even with one another. Others voiced confusion and frustration over why the Idaho case was before them in the first place.

Decisions in both the Idaho case and the mifepristone case are expected by the end of June  just a few months before a presidential election in which abortion is expected to play a major role.

Here are six takeaways from the arguments:

Both sides warn of a slippery slope

Attorneys for both sides argued Wednesday that a win for their opponent would risk a cascade of unintended and dangerous consequences. Joshua Turner, Idahos chief of constitutional litigation and policy, warned the justices that if they hold that EMTALA requires hospitals to provide emergency abortions that are otherwise prohibited by state law, it will open to the door to the federal government forcing other treatments that violate state law, including opioid use and informed consent requirements.

Turner also argued that the Biden administrations overbroad definition of emergency abortions that would include patients experiencing a mental health crisis.

I dont know how, if a woman presents at seven months pregnant in an Idaho emergency room and says, I'm experiencing severe depression from this pregnancy, I'm having suicidal ideation from carrying this pregnancy that that wouldn't, under the administration's reading, be the only stabilizing care, he said.

Arguing for the Biden administration, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar flatly rejected the claim, saying that abortion is never the recommended standard of care in that circumstance because it wouldn't do anything to address the underlying brain chemistry issue that's causing the mental health emergency in the first place. Offering an abortion to a pregnant woman experiencing a psychotic episode or suicidal ideation, she added, would be incredibly unethical, would violate the standard of informed consent  and would never be required under the federal governments interpretation of EMTALA.

Prelogar then painted her own picture of the consequences of a win for Idaho, warning that allowing the state to carve abortion out of the treatments required under EMTALA would open the door to hospitals flouting other federal laws, like the prohibition against turning away patients who cant afford to pay.

This effectively allows states to take any particular treatment they don't want their hospitals to provide and dump those patients out of state, she said. You can imagine what would happen if every state started to take this approach.

Post-Dobbs horror stories replace hypotheticals

Hypotheticals have long been a hallmark of Supreme Court arguments, but Wednesdays case featured far more real-world stories of pregnant women whose health suffered after they were denied a medically needed abortion in Idaho and other red states since the court overturned Roe.

When Turner tried to argue that there is no conflict between Idahos abortion ban and EMTALA because both allow doctors to provide abortions in life-or-death situations, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan cited several examples from briefs to the court of cases in which pregnant women experiencing sepsis, hemorrhage and other serious conditions were refused abortion care in states with bans.



These are hypotheticals that are true, stressed Sotomayor.

Prelogar, along with multiple justices, also pushed back on Turners arguments by citing the spike in Idaho hospitals airlifting pregnant patients across state lines.

One hospital system in Idaho says that, right now, it's having to transfer pregnant women in medical crises out of the state about once every other week, the solicitor general said. That's untenable.

These stories appeared to move even some of the courts conservatives.

You've touched on what's happening on the ground, and that's an important consideration, said Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who spoke only a few times during Wednesdays arguments. Kavanaugh, along with Roberts and Barrett, likely will be a pivotal vote in the case.

An unusually prickly court

The justices seemed at their most tense and testy at any public event since they overturned the federal constitutional right to abortion almost two years ago. The liberal justices dominated the first 20 minutes or so of arguments, sometimes interrupting each other as they peppered Turner with questions and demanded he speak to various specific cases of women denied emergency abortions. That prompted three conservative justices to openly complain that the lawyer for Idaho wasnt being allowed to respond.

Could I hear your answer? Roberts interjected at one point, cutting Sotomayor short.

Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch also griped about the liberals rapid-fire questioning, with Alito  the author of the 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe  sometimes leaning far back in his chair and appearing irritated.

Kagan launched a rocket at Turner after he said EMTALA reflected a humble approach by Congress that left intact states authority to regulate medical treatment.

It may be too humble for womens health, she retorted.

Two or three conservative justices seem in play

All eyes in the courtroom seemed riveted on Barrett when she interjected the first question from the courts right flank into the liberals fusillade. She said she was taken aback by what she viewed as a retreat from assurances Idaho had given lower courts that doctors wouldnt be prosecuted for performing abortions to treat a range of conditions that can lead to serious health consequences.

Im kind of shocked, actually, because I thought your own expert said below that these kinds of cases were covered by the exception for conditions that could cause death, she said. And now youre saying theyre not.

No, Im not saying that, Turner replied.

Well, youre hedging, Barrett shot back, pointing out that even if the Idaho attorney generals office felt a situation didnt merit prosecution, a local district attorney might file charges against a doctor anyway.

That, your honor, is the nature of prosecutorial discretion, Turner replied, which seemed to leave Barrett less than fully satisfied.

Roberts and Kavanaugh also seemed to struggle with some of the states arguments. Kavanuagh, in particular, appeared eager to narrow the dispute by moving away from hypotheticals and trying to nail down whether Idaho and the federal government actually disagree about the sorts of cases or conditions where an abortion should be available.

Justices question whether a Medicare spending requirement can override state law

Some conservative justices appeared to question whether there is any legal conflict at the core of the case.

Gorsuch noted that the federal government has the power to sanction hospitals that dont provide all forms of emergency care required by federal law and can even cut those hospitals off from the Medicare program.

But Prelogar said Idaho is seeking an affirmative declaration that its abortion ban can be enforced without any such consequences for its hospitals.

What it wants is for its hospitals to be able to accept Medicare funding, but not have to face the restrictions that are attached.  That's an essential part of the bargain and there is no precedent to support that outcome, she said.

Turner did appear to argue that his state and others have the right to set their own medical standards, even if they conflict with federal protections.

What I dispute is that there's a national, uniform standard of care that requires a top-down approach, he said. Idaho has set its own standard of care.

For his part, Gorsuch said he remained baffled by the idea that the Justice Department can sue Idaho to override a state law and cite a federal law that essentially rides-along as a condition of taking federal dollars. I dont understand how the theory works, he said.

Justice Clarence Thomas echoed Gorsuch, asking Prelogar: Are you aware of any other spending clause legislation that preempts criminal law?

Alito raises fetal personhood arguments

Some conservative justices, led by Alito, pressed the attorneys arguing the case on EMTALAs language mandating stabilizing treatment for both a pregnant person and her unborn child  a line of questioning that prompted progressive groups watching the case to warn that the justices may try to use the case to grant legal personhood rights to fetuses.

Certainly you wouldn't dispute the fact that the hospital has a duty to the unborn child, Alito said, asking if this conflicts with the Justice Departments argument that EMTALA requires hospitals to offer abortions in some circumstances.

Prelogar countered that Alitos was an erroneous reading of the law and that Congress added unborn child to EMTALA in order to expand protections for pregnant people, not reduce them.

Congress wanted to be able to protect her in situations where she's suffering some kind of emergency and her own health isn't at risk, but the fetus might die, she said. Hospitals otherwise wouldn't have an obligation to treat her, and Congress wanted to fix that.

On a call with reporters after the arguments, abortion rights advocates noted that Alitos comments are part of a broader campaign on the right.

They are pushing a legal strategy to give rights to embryos and fetuses that would override the rights of the pregnant person, said Alexa Kolbi-Molinas with the American Civil Liberties Union. Whether or not we see a decision in this case that discusses fetal personhood or recognizes these issues or excludes pregnant people from the protection of federal law, we know that is what these extremist anti-abortion politicians are pushing and they're not going to stop.
Last week saw the newest quarterly earnings release from Cathay General Bancorp (NASDAQ:CATY), an important milestone in the company's journey to build a stronger business. Results look mixed - while revenue fell marginally short of analyst estimates at US$175m, statutory earnings were in line with expectations, at US$0.98 per share. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. We thought readers would find it interesting to see the analysts latest (statutory) post-earnings forecasts for next year.

View our latest analysis for Cathay General Bancorp

Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus, from the six analysts covering Cathay General Bancorp, is for revenues of US$733.6m in 2024. This implies a noticeable 3.3% reduction in Cathay General Bancorp's revenue over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are expected to drop 15% to US$3.86 in the same period. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$759.2m and earnings per share (EPS) of US$4.02 in 2024. It's pretty clear that pessimism has reared its head after the latest results, leading to a weaker revenue outlook and a minor downgrade to earnings per share estimates.

The analysts made no major changes to their price target of US$39.83, suggesting the downgrades are not expected to have a long-term impact on Cathay General Bancorp's valuation. The consensus price target is just an average of individual analyst targets, so - it could be handy to see how wide the range of underlying estimates is. Currently, the most bullish analyst values Cathay General Bancorp at US$44.00 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$34.00. This is a very narrow spread of estimates, implying either that Cathay General Bancorp is an easy company to value, or - more likely - the analysts are relying heavily on some key assumptions.

Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to both past performance and industry growth estimates. These estimates imply that revenue is expected to slow, with a forecast annualised decline of 4.4% by the end of 2024. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 7.2% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 5.9% per year. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Cathay General Bancorp is expected to lag the wider industry.

Story continues

The Bottom Line

The biggest concern is that the analysts reduced their earnings per share estimates, suggesting business headwinds could lay ahead for Cathay General Bancorp. Unfortunately, they also downgraded their revenue estimates, and our data indicates underperformance compared to the wider industry. Even so, earnings per share are more important to the intrinsic value of the business. The consensus price target held steady at US$39.83, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

Keeping that in mind, we still think that the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for investors to consider. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Cathay General Bancorp going out to 2025, and you can see them free on our platform here..

You should always think about risks though. Case in point, we've spotted 2 warning signs for Cathay General Bancorp you should be aware of, and 1 of them can't be ignored.

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.
One person was injured and another was arrested after a stabbing in Kettering Tuesday.

Around 5:50 p.m. police were called to the 4700 block of Wilmington Pike for reports of a stabbing, according to a spokesperson for Kettering police.

>> Woman staggers to neighbors home for help after being shot in the head during domestic incident

Police said an initial investigation found that a man had stabbed another man in the parking lot of that location before driving away in his truck.

The injured man was taken to the hospital, his condition is not known at this time, according to police.

The suspect, later identified as, Lonnie Murray was arrested and booked on initial charges of felonious assault and domestic violence, according to a spokesperson for Kettering Police Department.

We will continue to follow this story.








The man charged in connection with an alleged arson at Sen. Bernie Sanders office in Vermont pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, court records show.

Shant Soghomonian, 35, was charged earlier this month with using fire to damage the building in Burlington.

During his arraignment on Tuesday, Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered pretrial motions on both sides to be filed by July 22, according to court records. Last week, the judge had ordered Soghomonian to be detained pending further proceedings.

CNN has reached out to Soghomonians public defender for comment.

Soghomonian allegedly entered the building on April 5 and went to the third floor, where the independent senators offices are located, according to court records cited by the Justice Department.

Soghomonian was recorded on a security video spraying a liquid near the outer door of the office and then lighting the area with a handheld lighter, according to a DOJ news release.

He left through a staircase as the blaze spread, the Justice Department said, and the fire damaged the outside of the office door and surrounding areas, with sprinklers discharged on multiple floors.

Multiple employees were in the well-known progressive senators office at the time of the fire, and its unknown how many other people were in the building. No injuries were reported in the incident.

If convicted, Soghomonian could face between five and 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, according to the Justice Department.

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Suspect charged in fiery crash that killed woman in Cleveland

[Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.]

CLEVELAND (WJW)  Cleveland police have charged a 33-year-old driver in an early Monday crash that landed in a fast-food drive-thru, killing one person.

Investigators allege Juan A. Soto, 33, of Cleveland, drove impaired on Fulton Road just after 3 a.m. on Monday, April 22, and crashed into another vehicle traveling in the same direction near the Clark Avenue intersection, sending both vehicles into the side of a Rallys Drive-In restaurant, according to an affidavit obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team.

Northeast Ohio couples ashes stolen before reaching final resting place in California

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Gilmarie Quinones, 34, of Cleveland, was killed, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office confirmed on Monday. A second victim suffered critical injuries, investigators said.

I-Team: Women charged with using mans corpse in bank withdrawal plead not guilty

Soto was arrested Monday, the affidavit shows.

Soto is now charged in Cleveland Municipal Court with a first-degree felony count of aggravated vehicular homicide and a third-degree aggravated vehicular assault, court records show.

Soto is now in jail, according to court records. No future court dates have been set.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A suspect in a recent break-in at the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) is believed to have been targeting her, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, The Associated Press reported.

We believe that he was targeting the mayor, Gascon said, according to the AP. We are going on the assumption that he knew that it was her residence.

We are glad that there were no injuries and the mayor is OK, Gascon continued.

Gascon said Ephraim Matthew Hunter was charged with a felony count of first-degree residential burglary and a felony count of vandalism, according to the AP. Hunter, 29, broke a window early Sunday morning to get into Basss official residence, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

This morning at about 6:40 AM, an intruder broke into Getty House through a window. Mayor Bass and her family were not injured and are safe. The Mayor is grateful to LAPD for responding and arresting the suspect, Basss office said in a statement Sunday.

Bass told reporters Monday that she is fine and that her family is fine, the AP reported.

In a statement, the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Office, which is representing Hunter, said it will ensure that Mr. Hunter receives a fair and robust defense and a full investigation into the circumstances which led to the accusations against him, according to the AP.

LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi told reporters Hunter broke into the residence when there were no security officers on the property, according to the AP.

The Hill has reached out to Basss office.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Suspect in Killing of 11-Year-Old Audrii Cunningham Indicted on 2 Counts of Capital Murder

A Polk County grand jury handed an indictment on two charges of capital murder against Don Steven McDougal

Montgomery County Jail; Polk County Sheriff's Office Don Steven McDougal, left, and Audrii-Cunningham

A 42-year-old Texas man who was arrested in February in connection with the killing of 11 -year-old Audrii Cunningham has been indicted on murder charges, according to multiple outlets.

A Polk County grand jury indicted Don Steven McDougal on two counts of capital murder on Monday, KLTV, FOX 26 Houston and Click 2 Houston report.

The two murder charges McDougal were indicted on have separate provisions. One charge is for the murder of a child with blunt force trauma; the other charge is for the causing a death during a kidnapping, according to FOX 26 Houston and KLTV.

Audrii disappeared on her way to school in Livingston, Texas, on Feb. 15, authorities said at the time. McDougal was arrested on Feb. 16 on an unrelated charge but was promptly named a person of interest in Audriis disappearance.

Her body was found on Feb. 20 in Trinity River, the Polk County Sheriff's Office told PEOPLE at the time. She died from blunt force trauma, per authorities.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Audrii Cunningham

Related: 'It Could Have Been Me': Past Victim of Audri Cunninghams Alleged Killer Details Attack: Report

McDougal was allegedly the last person to be seen with Audrii, authorities have said. Dr. Brent Hawkins, superintendent of Livingston Independent School District in Texas, told PEOPLE the suspect had escorted Audrii to school three days before her disappearance.

McDougal has a past conviction of child enticement, according to court records previously cited by FOX 26, KHOU 11 and Click 2 Houston.

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.

Related: Audrii Cunningham's Family Explains Why They Let Sex Offender Murder Suspect Live on Their Property

The suspect was a family friend who was living on Audriis familys property at the time of her disappearance and killing, authorities previously said, according to CNN. He joined her family during search efforts after her disappearance, and helped knock on neighbors' doors, authorities told the outlet.

During the initial stage of the investigation, McDougal allegedly told authorities that he was with Audrii on the morning she went missing, per ABC 13, but did not share any further details, Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said.

Plea information for McDougal was not available as of Wednesday afternoon.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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Read the original article on People.
WEST MONROE, La. (KLFY)  A suspect in the murder of Sheryl Turner, whose dismembered body was found in the Ouachita River in January has been arrested, authorities said.

Anthony Pierce Holland, Jr., 29, of West Monroe, is charged with second degree murder and booked into the Ouachita Parish jail, where he is being held without bond.

Turners torso was discovered by a hunter in the Ouachita River in Catahoula Parish on Jan. 24, and identified later via DNA. Turner was last seen by her family on Dec. 31, officials said. She sent a text message to her twin sister stating she had met someone in Ouachita Parish and was going to move there. Sheryl also sent a text message to a family friend saying that she had made it to West Monroe, and she would talk to him soon.

According to court documents, detectives learned that Holland made contact with the victim on Jan. 1 and picked her up from her mothers residence in a black 2023 Toyota Corolla. Holland then returned to Ouachita Parish with the victim.

Phone records show the victims phone stopped transmitting on Jan. 2 at 11:26 p.m. The Catahoula Parish Sheriffs Office learned that the victims phone was connected to wifi near Hollands home on Trenton Street in West Monroe.

During the investigation, Hollands vehicle was seen on traffic cameras in an area near the location where the body was found four days before the discovery of her body. According to court documents, medical examiners confirmed that the duration of time in which the remains were in the river was consistent with the timeframe when Hollands vehicle was seen on the traffic cameras.

Catahoula Parish Sheriffs Office detectives conducted a joint investigation with West Monroe Police Department, Ouachita Parish Sheriffs Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Holland was arrested Tuesday and confessed, authorities said.

Family holds vigil for Sheryl Turner

The autopsy report indicated that the victim was allegedly sexually assaulted by Holland and her neck was broken.

Authorities said after his arrest, Holland allegedly admitted to picking the victim up in New Iberia and said he brought the victim to his home where they planned to engage in a relationship. Although Holland gave multiple different statements, he admitted that he committed the victims sexual abuse injuries, officials said.

Holland also allegedly admitted that he killed the victim inside his apartment during a sexual act. After Holland realized the victim was dead, he allegedly dismembered the victim with a large kitchen knife.

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KLFY Daily Digest

Catahoula Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards said he is grateful to everyone who helped to bring closure and justice to the family of Sheryl Turner.

I send my heartfelt condolences to the Turner family and ask the community to keep their family in your prayers, Edwards said.

KLFYs sister station, KTVE/KARD also contributed to this report.

Latest news

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Airport Police Department is searching for a stolen vehicle that was last seen at the airport Tuesday afternoon.

At around 2:17 p.m., the MAPD identified a dark gray Ford 150 that was associated with a previous car theft investigation. Officers were dispatched to a long-term parking garage where the car was located.

As the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to stop and left the scene.

Duo accused of breaking into restaurants with sledgehammers

The vehicle was last seen heading north on Plough Boulevard. The vehicle has a Tennessee license plate reading NG72641.

Police say no injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing.

The safety and well-being of our employees, passengers, and community is our top priority, said the MAPD in a statement.

If you have any information regarding this incident, call Memphis CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
An attorney for suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill is asking a judge to re-hear her civil case.

The three-page motion was filed on Tuesday.

The documents list 10 reasons why an injunction against her should be reconsidered.

Read: Nine people running to replace suspended Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill

Currently, Hill is facing a civil and a criminal case.

Regina Hill

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill left the Orange County Jail on Tuesday afternoon after paying bail.

Orlando commissioner

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested Thursday morning on elderly exploitation and fraud charges, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced Thursday morning that Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested after an investigation into accusations of elderly exploitation and fraud.

GF Default - Raw Regina Hill pushes for bill that protects witnesses

GF Default - Raw: Regina Hill speaks to Channel 9

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, was arrested Thursday morning on elderly exploitation and fraud charges, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said.

Both are related to accusations that she exploited a 96-year-old woman who lives in her district.

Read: DeSantis suspends Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill from office, 4 days after her arrest

Shes accused of spending more than $100,000 of that elderly womans money.

Hill is currently scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial conference on July 9.

Read: Facelift, perfume & IV: Orlando commissioner investigated for exploiting 96-year-old woman

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
DENVER (KDVR)  The autopsy for Suzanne Morphew has been completed, FOX31 has learned, nearly seven months after her remains were discovered in Saguache County.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed that the autopsy was complete but said it could be several more days before it is released.

Timeline: What we know about the disappearance of Suzanne Morphew

Morphew was reported missing from her home in Chaffee County on May 10, 2020.

Her husband, Barry Morphew, was arrested on May 5, 2021, and charged with first-degree murder. However, those charges were dropped in April 2022 just before the case went to trial.

In September 2023, remains were found in Saguache County and confirmed to be Morphew.

Catch up with the case

The charges against Barry Morphew were dismissed without prejudice, meaning that he can be charged again in the future if investigators believe they have enough evidence. In its motion to dismiss, the prosecutors said, the People have a good faith reason to believe further investigation into this matter is essential to answering the most consequential question presented by this case.

The state said it spoke with the family of Suzanne Morphew and they agreed with the motion to dismiss. Court documents said the family expressed to resolve absolutely whether or not Suzanne is dead, prior to further prosecution.

When the charges were dismissed in 2022, FOX31 legal analyst Chris Decker said the tactic in filing the motion to dismiss without prejudice amounted to a do-over.

As a defense, Im very frustrated that this appears to be an effort by the district attorney to retool, restart and get away from significant pre-trial rules, Decker said.

Arresting Morphew was worst decision that you can make, CBI agent says

In documents released in 2022, before the case was dismissed, one of the CBI agents who had been working on the case told an internal affairs investigator that Barry Morphew had been arrested prematurely and it was the worst decision that could be made.

This is a breaking story. More details will be added as they become available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
How to talk to kids about gun violence after traumatic Tri-Cities school tragedy

Flowers were placed at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Wash., after paraeducator Amber M. Rodriguez was shot outside the school.

Flowers were placed at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, Wash., after paraeducator Amber M. Rodriguez was shot outside the school.

Schools are supposed to be a safe place for kids and students. But when an incident involving gun violence strikes, it often rocks the trust and safety they felt while in class.

Gun violence at schools can be very traumatic for students. These incidents can cause kids to become frightened, confused, depressed and even make them feel that they are in danger wherever they go.

The Tri-Cities was shook Monday when a former Yakima police officer gunned down his ex-wife outside William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland, where she worked as a paraeducator.

Elias Huizars 17-year-old girlfriend also was found dead in a nearby house. Huizar died by suicide the next day in a confrontation with police on Interstate 5 near Eugene, Ore.

Here are some resources that parents and teachers can use to help answer student questions and help them cope if theyve experienced a traumatic event.

Reassure theyre safe. Make time to talk

The National Association of School Psychologists recommends adults make time for kids to talk. Its important to let children speak about their feelings and to help them put their ideas into perspective. It can also be good to help them express their emotions and feelings appropriately.

Children may be curious about an incident. But if theyre not, dont push, says Nemours KidsHealth.

Let childrens questions be your guide as to how much information to provide, the associated says.

Be patient. Children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk... Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a childs level of anxiety or discomfort.

Maintain a normal routine

Traumatic incidents can be tough to deal with, but they shouldnt stop families from going about their daily routines.

Doing things we enjoy, sticking to normal routine, and being with friends and family help make us feel better and help keep us from worrying about the event, the school psychologist association says.

Its also important to observe a childs emotional state. Children who have past traumatic experiences or have experienced previous personal loss may be at risk of more severe reactions than others.

Parents should correct misinformation and speculations a child may communicate and to limit their attention to social media or TV.

Make discussions age appropriate

While theres no one correct way to discuss gun violence with children, professionals recommend making discussions age appropriate.

Parents need to decide what messages they want their children to take away from the discussion and how much they want to share.

Dr. Deborah Giboa, a parenting expert who was interviewed on NBCs Today, recommends keeping it to a one-sentence story for kids under 6.

Its important to shield elementary-age kids and balance out negative aspects by focusing on the positives of the situations, especially if they were witness to traumatic events or see graphic images on television.

Tell them about how safe schools are and who to talk to if they see something that concerns them.

With young teenagers, or tweens, parents should focus on inquiry and listening to their feelings. Its important to open a dialogue, answer questions and to display empathy.

Older teenagers may expect more, Giboa says.

Teenagers are looking for hypocrisy and solutions and this generation believes in collaboration and social justice. And they are going to ask, What are you doing, she said.

School gun violence

Last year, in 2023, there were 38 shooting incidents that happened on school campuses, according to data produced by Education Week.

That includes any incident in which at least one person other than the individual firing the weapon is injured by gunfire on school property when school is in session or at a school-sponsored event.

It was the second-highest year for overall incidents since the education publication began tracking them in 2018, following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Despite these numbers, research has shown that public schools on the whole are very safe spaces for kids and adults.

Adults themselves may struggle with the growing reality of mass violence in the United States, particularly gun violence, writes the school psychologist association.

However, caregivers and school personnel have a responsibility to help children and youth feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security, reinforcing their natural resilience, and talking with them about their fears, they said.
Net Income: Reported $12.9 million, surpassing the estimated $12.26 million.

Earnings Per Share (EPS): Achieved $0.48 per diluted share, exceeding the estimate of $0.45.

Revenue: Net interest income for the quarter was $50.2 million, aligning closely with the estimated revenue of $50.23 million.

Provision for Credit Losses: Recorded $3.9 million, compared to $4.7 million in the previous quarter and $1.9 million in the same quarter last year.

Total Loans: Decreased to $5.40 billion, down by $37.6 million from the previous quarter.

Total Deposits: Fell to $6.62 billion, a decrease of $228.7 million from the previous quarter.

Dividend: Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share.

On April 24, 2024, Central Pacific Financial Corp (NYSE:CPF) disclosed its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, revealing a net income of $12.9 million or $0.48 per diluted share. This performance slightly exceeded analyst expectations, which projected earnings of $0.45 per share and a net income of $12.26 million. The company's net interest income for the quarter was reported at $50.2 million, aligning closely with estimated revenues of $50.23 million. These details were outlined in their recent 8-K filing.

Central Pacific Financial Corp, a key player in the financial services sector in the United States, operates primarily through its subsidiary, Central Pacific Bank. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking products and services, including loans and deposit acceptance. These services are crucial as they form the backbone of the bank's revenue through interest and fees.

Central Pacific Financial Corp Reports Q1 2024 Earnings: A Close Look at Performance Against Analyst Estimates

Quarterly Financial Performance

The first quarter saw a slight decrease in net interest margin (NIM) to 2.83% from 2.84% in the previous quarter, reflecting tighter margins that could impact future profitability. Total loans decreased to $5.40 billion, down by $37.6 million from the previous quarter, while total deposits saw a reduction of $228.7 million, settling at $6.62 billion. These figures suggest a contraction in both lending and deposit activities, which are critical indicators of the bank's growth trajectory.

CPF also reported a provision for credit losses of $3.9 million, an increase from $1.9 million in the year-ago quarter, indicating a cautious approach to potential credit risks in the market. Importantly, the bank's efficiency ratio deteriorated slightly to 66.05%, compared to 64.12% in the prior quarter, suggesting higher costs relative to revenue.

Story continues

Strategic Initiatives and Challenges

Arnold Martines, President and CEO of CPF, highlighted the bank's focus on optimizing the balance sheet and maintaining robust liquidity and asset quality. Celebrating its 70th year, CPF continues to champion local small businesses in Hawaii, a testament to its community-focused business model. However, the reduction in loan and deposit volumes poses challenges that could impact the bank's ability to expand its services and profitability in upcoming quarters.

Capital and Liquidity

CPF's total assets decreased by 3.0% to $7.41 billion, and the bank maintained strong capital ratios, with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.8% and a common equity tier 1 ratio of 11.6%. These ratios are crucial for assessing the bank's financial stability and its ability to withstand economic fluctuations.

Looking Ahead

As CPF navigates through 2024, the focus will likely remain on enhancing asset quality and managing costs effectively to improve the efficiency ratio. The bank's ability to adapt to economic conditions and regulatory environments will be pivotal in sustaining growth and profitability. Investors and stakeholders will also look forward to the strategic initiatives CPF might undertake to bolster its market position in a competitive banking landscape.

For more detailed insights and ongoing updates, stakeholders are encouraged to follow CPF's developments through upcoming financial disclosures and analyst briefings.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Central Pacific Financial Corp for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Emmie Wolf-Dubin, center, yells during a protest outside the House chamber after legislation passed that would allow some teachers to be armed in schools during a legislative session, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | George Walker IV

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday that would allow teachers and school staff to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds.

The bill passed in a 68-28 vote, and those not in favor of the legislation made their displeasure known. The Associated Press reported protestors gathered and chanted Blood on your hands at House Republicans.

Under current Tennessee law, it is generally a felony offense to carry a firearm on school property. According to the bills summary, school personnel who want to carry firearms on school grounds would be required to obtain an enhanced handgun carry permit. They would also need to complete basic training and an annual training, pass a background check and psychological exam and obtain written permission from the schools superintendent, principal and appropriate law enforcement.

Who qualifies for conceal carry under new Tennessee law?

The bill clarifies that students would not be allowed to conceal carry, even if they are also employees, and that certain areas would remain gun-free, including auditoriums and stadiums where school events are taking place. It would also add confidentiality requirements, meaning other teachers, students and parents would not know which faculty carried concealed handguns.

State Rep. Justin Jones, D-Tenn., called the bill morally insane, as it comes a year after a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville that left six people dead.

This is the response of my Republican colleagues  not to pass red flag laws, not to pass universal background checks or a ban on assault weapons, not safe storage laws, but to expand firearms and put more guns in our schools, Jones told MSNBC. The teachers of my district, the teachers of Tennessee, are saying, We want to be armed with supplies and books and fair pay, not with firearms.

The bills sponsor, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, spoke before the vote and argued the bill would counteract gun violence in the state and prevent further school shootings.

What youre doing is youre creating a deterrent, Williams said.

How family members of The Covenant School shooting responded to the law

Several parents of children who attended The Covenant School previously testified in the Tennessee House of Representatives against a similar proposal to allow guns in classrooms. Per The Tennessean, Becky Hansen, whose 5-year-old son attended the school, said faculty with handguns were unable to stop the tragedy.

We had armed representatives in the Covenant School. That was not a deterrent for the shooter, Hansen said. Expecting a handgun to go up against a semi-assault rifle that can expend multiple rounds is going to add another death. Its unreasonable to expect a small gun to go against that powerful of a weapon.

The Tennessee Education Association released a statement on the bill encouraging legislators to focus on training resource officers and allowing teachers to focus on education.

If we want a safe school where our children can succeed academically, we need to have educators focused on teaching and trained and certified officers focused on safety, TEA President Tanya T. Coats, a Knox County educator, said. This bill is a misstep that will increase the likelihood of accidental shootings and increases the likelihood of harm coming to our students. We urge our legislators to focus on tried and proven measures to increase school safetynot measures that could put our children in greater danger.

The bill previously passed the Senate, so it now goes to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for consideration.

A roadside memorial is stands near the Covenant School on the one-year anniversary of a mass shooting, March 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. On Tuesday, April 23, the Republican-led Legislature in Tennessee gave final approval to legislation that would allow some public school teachers to carry concealed guns into the classroom, a year after the deadly school shooting in the state's capital city stirred impassioned debate about the best ways to curb such violence. | George Walker IV
A 14-year-old accused of killing two teenagers in Dayton has been arrested in Illinois, according to a spokesperson from the U.S. Marshals Service.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested Michael Johnson Jr. in Peoria, Illinois, which is approximately five hours away from Dayton.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police searching for teen accused of killing 2 in Dayton

Johnson Jr. is accused of shooting and killing 14-year-old Corey Prater and 17-year-old Javonta Morgan on March 14, according to a previous News Center 7 report.

He is being held in a Peoria County Juvenile Facility awaiting extradition to Ohio, the spokesperson said.

The U.S. Marshals and Dayton Police Department have a long-standing partnership on the task force. The safe capture of this fugitive is the result of the hard work done by the Dayton P.D. investigators and our nationwide network of fugitive task forces. We will continue to work with and support our partners to locate violent suspects who attempt to evade arrest. United States Marshal Michael D. Black said.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Coroner IDs teenage boys killed in Dayton shooting

The spokesperson said that multiple other individuals were taken into custody during the fugitive arrest operation in Illinois.

Davion Clark, 29, was arrested on a federal supervised release violation.

He has been booked in the Peoria County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Ohio.

The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Peoria Police Department, and the Dayton Police Department Homicide Unit assisted SOFAST in the arrest of Johnson Jr., the spokesperson said.
Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds during a House committee meeting where the school voucher bill was debated at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

The Tennessee governor has "unchecked authority" to name a state education commissioner who doesn't have to be certified to teach, according to an attorney's general opinion published this week in response to queries regarding embattled Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds.

In an opinion published on Tuesday, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti outlines his legal opinion for why the law stating commissioners be "qualified to teach in the school of the highest standing over which the commissioner has authority" does not mean the Tennessee education commissioner has to be certified to teach with a teaching license.

In the 10-page opinion, Skrmetti points to laws established in 1919 and 1925. Skrmetti argues the requirement imposes a "general standing" that establishes the "education, experience, and strength of character necessary to teach" rather than a specific legal certification.

Skrmetti notes several times that early 20th century General Assemblies chose to give the governor "unchecked power" to appoint commissioners without legislative approval, giving the governor power to "unilaterally judge who had the attainments necessary to lead the States Department of Education."

Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, requested the formal opinion from Skrmetti earlier this year as reports emerged that Reynolds may not meet qualifications for the job. Democrats have called for her resignation.

According to Tennessee state code, the education commissioner "shall" have experience in school administration and be qualified to teach at a high school level. Reynolds, who has experience in school choice nonprofits and the Texas education department, does not appear to have ever taught in a classroom as a teacher or served in local K-12 administration.

In a statement, Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, said Skrmetti's opinion "attempts to tap dance around the clear and plain language of a century-old statute in an attempt to protect the governor's clearly unqualified appointee who is being paid over $255,000 a year."

Clemmons criticized Skrmetti for "political partisanship and loyalty to Bill Lee to dictate his opinions on any given legal issue," and again called Reynolds "wholly unqualified" to run the education department.

Prior to the Tennessee Supreme Court appointing him as attorney general, Skrmetti served as Lee's legal counsel.

"There is no escaping the facts here," Clemmons said. "Bill Lee failed Tennessee families, our students and teachers yet again by going fishing for an education privatizer deep in the heart of Texas."

Reynolds enrolled at UT Martin to seek a masters degree and teaching license after Gov. Bill Lee appointed her to the position last year. She also misrepresented her tenure with the state to receive free tuition in the program, which the Department of Education called an administrative error. Following a Tennessean review of her enrollment and department records, a spokesperson said Reynolds repaid the tuition.

Twice during the first 6 months with the state, Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds signed tuition waiver forms untruthfully certifying that she had worked for the state for 6 months or more, according to documents obtained through a records request by The Tennessean.

Tennessean exclusive: Tennessee education chief got tuition waiver before required six-month employment period

Democrats have continually called for Reynolds to resign in recent months, though Lee continues to back the education chief.

The Tennessean has requested comment from Lee's office.

In his request, Hemmer sought Skrmetti's opinion on whether the General Assembly has a pathway to respond to a commissioner appointment that doesn't meet qualifications. Skrmetti says no.

The General Assembly likely lacks any viable route to removing the Commissioner of Education from office through litigation. The state  acting through its district and state attorneys general  may have a right to seek court-ordered removal of an unqualified state officer through Tennessees quo warranto statute. Individual members of the public likely have no direct avenue to prosecute a quo warranto action or other removal litigation.

Most recently, the Department of Education pointed to a state law and State Board of Education rules aimed at helping address teacher shortages as evidence that Reynolds is qualified for the position.

The rules allow the commissioner to issue temporary permits to people  based upon work experience, degrees held, subject expertise and progress toward obtaining a Tennessee license  to enable them to teach. A spokesperson has said Reynolds is qualified under these rules but has not issued herself a temporary permit.

Skrmetti Opinion by USA TODAY Network on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Vivian Jones contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee education commissioner: Attorney general issues opinion
Tennessee Senate leaders, including Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (top) and House Majority Leader Jack Johnson (second from right), put their heads together in the Senate chambers. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Tennessee Senate leaders, including Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (top) and House Majority Leader Jack Johnson (second from right), put their heads together in the Senate chambers. (Photo: John Partipilo)

House and Senate lawmakers still dont have an agreement on Tennessee Gov. Bill Lees $1.9 billion business tax cut proposal.

The sticking points are how many years of refunds to give and a part of the House version of the bill that requires the revenue department to disclose the names and amount of refunds companies receive.

The transparency piece is a really important component of this particularly in light of the fact that several businesses have extorted us to make this change in a way I didnt think was good for the public, Republican Rep. Ryan Williams of Cookeville said during a Tuesday meeting.

Both versions would eliminate the property portion of the states franchise tax, resulting in $410 million in annual lost revenue for the state. Lawmakers enacted the property piece of the franchise tax decades ago to prevent companies from hiding their net worth and paying less taxes.

Its harder for a company to hide the value of physical assets like an airplane, manufacturing equipment or distillery than its net worth, which is more malleable with different accounting practices.

The transparency piece is a really important component of this particularly in light of the fact that several businesses have extorted us to make this change in a way I didn't think was good for the public.

 Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville

The House version offers only 1-2 years of refunds for companies that have previously paid this tax, along with the disclosure requirement. The version would cost the state $1.1 billion next year, according to a fiscal review committee.

The Senate passed a version nearly identical to Lees initial proposal to lawmakers. It offers three years of refunds, leading to the higher cost, and doesnt require the disclosure of refund recipients.

Lee introduced the corporate tax cut, claiming the state faced a potential lawsuit over the legality of its franchise tax. Experts disagree on whether this is true. Democrats offered a different proposal that they said could satisfy the legal question and result in no lost revenue.

No company has sued the state, but over 80 companies requested refunds, claiming the franchise tax property measure is invalid.

During a news conference Monday, Lee criticized the House version for its disclosure requirement.

I just dont think it should be in there, Lee said. I think we shouldnt be taking private tax information that the government has, and making it public. Thats something we havent done in the past. I dont think we should be doing it in the future.

Lee has declined to say whether his business, The Lee Company, would benefit from the tax cut and refunds. When the Senate voted on its version, 13 Senators declared a conflict of interest, indicating they would benefit from the plan.

The competing versions from both chambers meant they formed a conference committee to try and hash out their differences.

The committee met publicly Tuesday for around 15 minutes, with lawmakers from the Senate sounding more optimistic about its passage than those from the House.

Well get there, Republican Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson of Franklin said. I dont know how or when.

The same conference committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday.

Sam Stockard contributed to this report.

The post Tennessee lawmakers still at odds over business tax cut as session enters final days appeared first on Tennessee Lookout.
Tennessee legislators pass bill that would let teachers carry guns in schools

Lawmakers in Tennessee passed a measure Tuesday that would allow school staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds, sending the bill to the governor a year after a shooter opened fire and killed six people at a Nashville school.

The Tennessee House cleared the legislation in a 68-28 vote. Four Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the measure. The state Senate, which is also controlled by the GOP, passed the measure earlier this month.

Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams on Tuesday said the bill would bolster school safety.

"I believe that this is a method by which we can do that, because what you're doing is you're creating a deterrent," he said on the House floor.

Under the legislation, faculty and staff members who wish to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds would need to complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training specific to school policing each year.

Protesters could be heard in the gallery on Tuesday chanting, Blood on your hands, during the floor proceedings.

People protest bill allowing armed teachers in Tennessee. (Seth Herald / Reuters)

Democratic state Rep. Bo Mitchell pushed back on the measure, referring to last year's Covenant School shooting in Nashville when three children and three adults were killed.

"This is what were going to do. This is our reaction to teachers and children being murdered in a school. Our reaction is to throw more guns at it. Whats wrong with us?" Mitchell said on the House floor.

State Sen. Paul Bailey, a Republican who sponsored the bill in the upper chamber, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Republican Gov. Bill Lee did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he planned to sign the measure. He can either sign the bill or allow it to become law without his signature. Lee has not vetoed any legislation as governor.

Tennessee isnt the only state to approve legislation allowing teachers to carry guns. According to the Giffords Law Center, a gun violence prevention group, at least 26 states have laws permitting teachers or other school employees to possess guns on school grounds, with some exceptions.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Tennessee state House passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow teachers who are approved to carry firearms to have handguns in the classrooms, despite fierce opposition from parents, educators and Democrats.

The legislation was approved in a 68-28 vote. Four GOP House members and all Democrats opposed the bill, according to The Associated Press.

The bill, previously approved by the state Senate, will now go to Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, for his signature. Lee can veto it, sign it or wait 10 days, after which it would become law.

The legislation would allow some trained teachers and school staff to carry handguns in their classrooms without parents knowing about it. The teacher would first need to get approval from their schools principal, the head of the appropriate local law enforcement agency and the directors of the schools designated school district.

Those who would carry handguns would need to go through mental health and criminal background examinations. Additionally, teachers would need to get training in school policing to retain the authorization.

Democrats in the state chambers have been critical of the legislation, arguing it would not deter school shooters and would increase collateral damage or spike insurance costs for school districts where educators would have the weapons. House Democrats tried to amend the legislation at least a dozen times.

The bill cleared the state Senate earlier in April with a 26-5 party-line vote.

State House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) ordered the chamber on Tuesday to be cleared as protesters chanted Blood on your hands, according to FOX 17 News. The outlet also shared a video of protesters chanting Not one more, following the passage of the legislation.

One of the bills sponsors, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, said the legislation would play the role of a deterrent, but he added the standards need to be very high to allow teachers to have guns in Tennessees schools, according to FOX 17 News.

State Rep. Justin Pearson (D) said it was an awful day for the state and the community.

The entire gallery has been cleared in our state house after the Republican Party just passed a bill to arm teachers and the People dissented, Pearson said in a Tuesday post on the social platform X. This is an awful day for Tennessee, our kids, our teachers, and communities. Instead of protecting kids, theyve protected guns AGAIN!

The bills passage comes as Republicans in the state have accelerated their push for fewer gun restrictions, particularly after the Covenant School shooting last year in March, where a former student gunned down three adults and three students.

The state passed a law in 2016 that would allow schools in two counties to have guns on campus, but neither Pickett County nor Wayne County decided to take that step, according to WPLN-FM.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Protesters at the House gallery at the Tennessee state capitol building in Nashville on Tuesday.

Protesters at the House gallery at the Tennessee state capitol building in Nashville on Tuesday. Photograph: Seth Herald/Reuters

Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools despite protests at the state capitol.

House Republicans passed the bill, one of the biggest gun moves since a mass shooting in a Nashville Christian school left three children and three adults dead last year.

The bill is headed to Bill Lee, Tennessees governor, who is expected to sign it. The law would allow teachers, principals and faculty or staff of a school to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds if they have a permit and complete an annual training.

Tennessee teachers and parents heavily criticized the proposal, with dozens flooding the state capitol and chanting Blood on your hands on Tuesday. Cameron Sexton, Tennessees house speaker, ordered state troopers to remove the protesters.

House Democrats were also vocal about their opposition to the bill.

When bullies and cowards have power, they abuse it, said Justin J Pearson, a Memphis representative, in a tweet. These are dangerous laws and scary times in TN.

The state proposal is in response to the massacre on 27 March 2023, when a former student killed six people with two assault-style weapons and a handgun after elaborately planning the shooting by drawing a detailed map and surveilling the building.

Tennessee joins the slew of states in greenlighting legislation allowing teachers to carry a gun or keep one in their classroom. Last week Kim Reynolds, Iowas governor, signed a bill that allows teachers and other school employees to get a new professional permit to carry guns on school grounds. The law also gives school districts and armed employees qualified immunity for the use of reasonable force.

The majority of US teachers think arming themselves with handguns would make schools less safe, according to a 2023 survey by the non-partisan Rand Corporation. More than half, 54%, thought schools would be made less safe if teachers could carry, and 26% said they did not think it would make a difference in school safety.

There have been at least 12 shooting incidents on school campuses resulting in injury or death so far in 2024, according to a tracker by Education Week.
Both chambers of Congress, including the Republican-led and disarrayed House of Representatives, just passed a supplemental foreign aid bill that includes $61 billion for Ukraine. Passage of the bill came after months of Republican stalling on aid for the besieged nation, largely at the behest of House Republicans Dear Leader, Donald Trump. The immediate media analysis is already questioning if the aid will be enough for Ukraine to stave off an expected offensive push by Russia expected to begin sometime in June.

That is equation number one: Take the sum total of the U.S. aid bound for Ukraine and divide it by the per-unit cost of weapons such as ammunition for 155 mm howitzers that has been in short supply since last fall. That equation is intended to produce the number of shells Ukraine will reap from the aid package, at which point there will be yet another spate of news analysis asking if that number is enough.

The same sort of equation will be done with the rest of the weapons in Ukraines wish-basket  Patriot missiles to replace those that have been fired over the past two years in defense of Kyiv and Ukraines other population centers, as well as its energy infrastructure which has been underdefended since new anti-aircraft munitions and anti-missile missiles stopped being shipped over due to Republicans stalling aid funding. A massive drone and missile attack heavily damaged the Trypilska power plant on April 12, one of Ukraines largest. Trypilska serves the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions. The Associated Press quoted Andrii Gota, chairman of Centrenergo, one of the largest of Ukraines state energy companies, as saying, theres nothing left to shoot down incoming missiles.

So theres another equation: If Ukraine receives X amount of aid in the form of air defenses, what percentage of Ukraines power grid will survive Russian attacks and the pressures of supplying electricity to the rest of the country during the increased temperatures summer will bring?

Measuring billions in aid and ammunition stocks against the number of Russian soldiers expected to take part in the summer offensive isnt enough. How Ukraine will use that ammunition and against whom is the unknown in that equation, as it is in every other calculation in this war and all wars. Against the advice of U.S. military officials who have been involved in counseling Ukraines military on tactics and strategy, Ukraine has begun using larger amounts of its military might to strike within Russia, rather than applying more force on the frontline battlefield. Ukraines strategic equation seems to be that they will accomplish more by attacking cities and infrastructure in Russia and terrorizing the civilian population in regions close to the Ukraine border than they can accomplish by pushing harder against Russian forces on the front lines. So, Ukraine has been expending ground-to-ground rockets supplied by the U.S. and NATO countries, as well as suicide drones that Ukraine is now manufacturing itself in the attacks, on Russian soil.

War strategy is set in the upper echelons of Ukraines military command structure and defense establishment. But the equations that produce casualties on the ground for each side are written by lower-level commanders and individual soldiers in muddy bunkers along the trench lines that now define this war. In an excellent article published earlier this month, the New Yorkers war correspondent Luke Mogelson described a battle near the Ukrainian city of Kupyansk, located in the countrys far northeast about 20 miles from the Russian border. The article, titled Battling Under a Canopy of Drones, describes in exquisite detail the way drone warfare is affecting this war  how armor units cannot be deployed in combat the way they were before inexpensive drones could take out tanks and armored personnel carriers as they have done recently.

This, and the lack of artillery ammunition, has left Ukraines struggles on the battlefield to small units operating largely on foot. Mogelson describes an attack on Russian soldiers holding a tree line near the destroyed Russian-held village of Tabaivka. A road descending from the ridge cut straight through Tabaivka, and the conventional thing to do would have been to send some tanks or armored vehicles down it, Mogelson writes. Recent technological developments have made such brute assaults suicidal, however.

He goes on to describe a new equation on the battlefield between moving soldiers, called in military terms maneuver, and the tactical reality of surveillance by drones used by both sides. The unit Mogelson was embedded with waited several days for a snowstorm to set in and blind Russian drones before they could send a squad on foot to attack a ruined farmhouse being used as a defensive post by the Russians.

Every war has been fought by maneuvering soldiers to attack enemy defenses, but the new calculation necessary in this war, according to Mogelsons reporting, is that every time you make a move, the enemy can see you. And if they can see you, the enemy can shoot at you.

The battlefield equation goes both ways, so the front lines have devolved into a war of cat-and-mouse surveillance backed up by snipers, artillery, and cheap suicide drones armed with grenades. The commander of the unit Mogelson followed makes terrible calculations within this new military equation. At one point, the Ukrainians identify a root cellar beneath a destroyed farmhouse as a shelter for Russian soldiers. A squad of men working in pairs are sent to attack the Russian bunker, with one pair throwing grenades into an underground entrance, and the other pair dropping grenades down a stovepipe leading into the root cellar.

The terrible equation in this single maneuver of Ukrainians against their Russian enemy is the same as in any war: what is to be gained by risking the lives of the Ukrainian soldiers? After assaulting the bunker on foot and shelling it with artillery, only a few Russians were left inside. Under cover of darkness, the last three Russians made what Mogelson called a desperate dash and escaped the bunker where they had been trapped.

Control of the tree line that had been defended by the Russian bunker finally returned the village of Tabaivka to the Ukrainian army. Mogelson asks a commander if Ukraine might lose Tabaivka again, nullifying 1st Battalions hard-earned gains. He shrugged resignedly, Mogelson writes. Maybe.

In the scheme of the war controlled back in Washington by fickle Republicans answering to a criminal defendant in the thrall of Vladimir Putin, the equation is even worse. With support for Ukraine by Washington coming in dribs and drabs at best, and always running the risk of disappearing altogether, Mogelson asks a Ukrainian platoon leader how it looks to the soldiers on the ground. Were losing. Not badly, but steadily, the platoon leader tells him. If the West maintains its current level of assistance, Ukraine can hold out for a few more years; if the assistance diminishes, the platoon leader tells him, were screwed in a matter of one year; if aid increases, there will be a stalemate until we run out of soldiers.

That is the most terrible equation of all: In war, the bodies of soldiers are exchanged for land. How much that costs cannot be calculated back in Washington D.C.
Tesla profits fell 55% to $1.13 billion in the first quarter from the same year-ago period as a protracted EV price-cutting strategy and "several unforeseen challenges" cut into the automakers bottom line.

Tesla reported revenue of $21.3 billion in the first quarter, a 9% drop from the first quarter of 2023. Analysts polled by Yahoo Finance expected earnings of $0.51 per share on $22.15 billion in revenue. Tesla reported operating income of $1.2 billion in the first quarter, a 54% decrease from the same year-ago period.

The company said in its Q1 earnings report that it experienced "numerous challenges" in the first quarter, including the Red Sea conflict and the arson attack at Gigafactory Berlin and the gradual ramp of the updated Model 3 at its factory in Fremont, California. Tesla also noted that global EV sales continue to be under pressure as many carmakers prioritize hybrids over EVs. On the upside, that hybrid approach has meant automakers continue to buy regulatory credits; Tesla earned $442 million in zero emissions tax credits in the first quarter.

"The EV adoption rate globally is under pressure and a lot of other auto manufacturers are pulling back on EVs and pursuing plug in hybrids instead," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in opening remarks on the earnings call. "We believe this is not the right strategy, and electric vehicles will ultimately dominate the market."

Shares pop on future promises

The results, posted after markets closed Tuesday, sent shares up as much as 12% following the release as investors appeared to be more focused on Tesla's forward-looking remarks about future products, including an upended product roadmap to bring multiple cheaper vehicles to market by 2025.

Despite the downward trend in profits, Tesla used the first-quarter report to focus on the future, namely about using AI to make advances in autonomy and the introduction of new products, including those built on a next-generation vehicle platform. The company spent $1.1 billion on research and development in the first quarter, a 49% increase from the same quarter in 2023.

Musk emphasized that despite the downward pressure, the company was focused on  and investing in  the future. Specifically, the company is accelerating work on a new vehicle lineup with production expected in early 2025, if not late this year, Musk said.

"These new vehicles, including more affordable models, will use aspects of the next-generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms," he said. "And we'll be able to produce on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle lineup."

The cost of price cuts

Tesla has seen EV sales grow over the past several years, topping out to a new record of 1.8 million vehicles in 2023. But the company's profits have suffered thanks to repeated price cuts that started in late 2022.

While those price cuts did provide a temporary bump in sales, it hasn't had a lasting effect. Tesla delivered 386,810 vehicles in the first quarter of 2024, down 20% from the 484,507 it delivered in the final quarter of 2023. This wasn't just a quarter-over-quarter blip either; Tesla delivered 8.5% fewer cars than the first quarter of 2023. Automotive gross margins, excluding regulatory credits, shrank to 16.35% in the first quarter compared to 18.96% in the same year-ago period.

Tesla warned in January that growth of its vehicle sales "may be notably lower" in 2024, noting at that time it was between "two major growth waves" and prepping for the launch of a new vehicle platform to build a smaller EV that costs around $25,000. The company has also been prepping a "robotaxi" built on the same platform. In the meantime, Tesla's only new model is the expensive (and fussy) Cybertruck; the company has launched new variants on existing models, including the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Musk said during the company's earnings call in January the smaller and cheaper EV would go into production in late 2025 at the company's factory in Texas and eventually expand to a yet-to-be-built factory in Mexico.

Three months later, Musk appears to have changed the company's low-cost EV playbook. Musk reportedly replaced the plan for a low-cost EV purpose-built on the new platform. Instead, he now wants to plow headlong into the robotaxi, which will be revealed in some capacity in August, while also launching "new models" that somehow use what's being developed for that new platform.

Less than two weeks after announcing the robotaxi launch date, Musk oversaw a 10% reduction in headcount and a restructuring that puts autonomy in sharp focus. Two high-profile executives -- Drew Baglino, Tesla's SVP of Powertrain and Energy, and Rohan Patel, VP of Public Policy and Business Development -- also left the company. Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja said Tuesday during the earnings call that the savings generated from the workforce reduction is expected to be well in excess of $1 billion on an annual basis.

Other revenue sources

While automotive revenues fell, there were gains in other parts of the business, notably energy storage.

The company reported that energy storage deployments increased to a record 4.1 GWh. That pushed revenue for energy generation (meaning solar) and storage to 1.6 billion in the first quarter, a 7% increase from the same quarter last year. Tesla noted that most of that growth came from increased Megapack deployments, which was partially offset by a decrease in solar installs.

The company also reported $2.28 billion in revenue from services, including capital generated from its Supercharger network. That revenue source should increase as more automakers, including Ford, GM, Rivian and VW adopt Tesla's technology known as North American Charging Standard.

Tesla Semi delayed

While Tesla pushes forward on autonomy and a new product roadmap, other projects continue to be delayed. Mass production of the Tesla Semi, which was first revealed in November 2017, is now being pushed out another year.

The Tesla Semi, which was originally planned to go into production in 2019, has been repeatedly delayed. The company did reveal a production-ready Semi in December 2022 and delivered a handful to Pepsi, its first customer, for a pilot. But it has yet to scale up volume production.

Last June, Musk said the company wouldn't begin producing the Class 8 big rig until the end of 2024. The first production Semi vehicles are now planned for late 2025 with external customers starting in 2026, according to Tesla.

Tesla is finalizing the engineering for the Semi to allow for "super cost effective high production," according to information shared on the call. The company shared in its first-quarter earnings report that it has started construction of a Tesla Semi factory near its so-called Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada.
Charlie Munger Explained If You Want To Become Rich, Stop Trying To Be 'Intelligent' And Aim For 'Not Stupid' Instead

Charlie Munger, the late vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., was renowned not just for his investment prowess but for his unconventional approach to achieving financial wisdom. In a world where intelligence is often touted as the key to success, Munger proposed a counterintuitive strategy.

"It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent," he said.

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Munger believed that true wisdom in finance comes from understanding the limits of your knowledge.

"Knowing what you don't know is more useful than being brilliant," he said, showcasing the importance of recognizing your boundaries in expertise.

This philosophy resonates in financial decision-making, where the allure of complex investments can often lead to pitfalls for the uninformed. Munger's emphasis on the "circle of competence"  sticking to what you know best  is a testament to his approach to strategic conservatism.

This idea of avoiding stupidity rather than chasing brilliance may seem simplistic, but it holds profound implications for personal finance management. By advocating for self-assessment and a clear understanding of your skills, Munger's advice encourages people to engage in financial education and tread cautiously into areas where they have verified knowledge. This approach helps mitigate risks associated with investments that are not well understood, thereby protecting and potentially growing financial assets more reliably.

Trending: How to turn a $100,000 investment into $1 Million  and retire a millionaire.

Munger's insights are particularly relevant in today's economic climate, where markets can be unpredictable and investment options overwhelmingly complex. His advice offers a safeguard against the common traps that ensnare those chasing quick profits without adequate understanding. He argued that the most sustainable path to wealth is not through extraordinary measures but through avoiding errors and accumulating knowledge and assets within your sphere of understanding.

As investors navigate their financial journeys, adopting Munger's philosophy could mean prioritizing learning and cautious investing over speculative ventures. His legacy teaches people that sometimes, the wisest investment decision might be to hold back rather than charge forward, to recognize your limitations and to focus on informed growth.

Story continues

Consulting a financial adviser can also provide crucial guidance, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and tailored to personal financial goals, encapsulating Munger's principle of avoiding unnecessary risks while enhancing the potential for long-term financial success. In doing so, anyone can strive to be "consistently not stupid"  a seemingly modest goal that may lead to substantial financial success.

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This article Charlie Munger Explained If You Want To Become Rich, Stop Trying To Be 'Intelligent' And Aim For 'Not Stupid' Instead originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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Tesla's been undergoing some major changes, and now we have a sense of why: The company says it is upending its product roadmap because of "pressure" on EV sales.

The new and accelerated plan now includes "more affordable models" that the company claims will be launched next year. Or if Tesla CEO Elon Musk is to be believed -- and that's a big bet considering his track record with timelines -- possibly as early as the end of 2024.

The shock announcement sent the company's stock soaring more than 11% in after-hours trading Tuesday. And the price didn't fall even as Musk and other Tesla executives refused to share further details on a call with investors.

This all comes following a bombshell report in early April from Reuters that claimed Tesla had abandoned its work on a low-cost, next-generation car. That next-gen car was meant to be built on the same EV platform Tesla is developing for its supposed robotaxi vehicle. Tesla had said this next-gen car could come as early as late 2025.

While Musk flimsily claimed Reuters was "lying," both Electrek and Bloomberg News have since reported that the development of that particular EV has been delayed or deemphasized inside the company. Musk has since posted on social media site X that Tesla will reveal the robotaxi August 8.

Tesla provided the update in its less-than-stellar first-quarter earnings report, which showed profits falling 55% year-over-year. The company said in the report it had "updated [its] future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025." The slate of new vehicles includes "more affordable models," the company said.

These new offerings are not being spun out of whole cloth, though. Tesla says it will build these vehicles on existing production lines and that they will "utilize aspects of" the next-generation platform it has been developing, "as well as aspects of our current platforms."

Bloomberg News reported earlier this week Tesla was working on new versions of the Model Y and Model 3 that borrowed technology and processes from the next-gen EV, with an emphasis on the Model Y.

Tesla investors will have to wait to learn any more.

On a call with investors, Musk punted on the question of what Tesla's new product roadmap actually involves. "We'll talk about this on August 8th," he said, referring to the event Tesla has planned to reveal its robotaxi, which he called "Cybercab."

When asked a similar question later in the call, Musk said "I think we've said all we will on that front."

Tesla VP Lars Moravy said there was "some risk" associated with the new platform, and that Tesla could leverage "all the subsystems" being developed for it, like powertrains, drive units, as well as improvements in manufacturing and automation, thermal systems, seating," and more. "All that's transferrable, and that's what we're doing -- trying to get it in new products as fast as possible," he said. "That engineering work -- we're not trying to just throw it away and put it in a coffin."

Cost versus growth

Tesla has worked to reduce the cost of manufacturing the next-gen EV by 50% compared to the platform that underpins the Model 3 and Model Y.

The company admitted Tuesday that by shifting to a strategy of mixing the next-gen technology and processes with existing platforms and manufacturing lines, it will lose some of that cost savings.

The upside, according to Tesla, is growth. The company claims it can double 2023's production (which was around 1.8 million vehicles) by 2025. And while it won't save as much on the cost of the cars, it also won't have to build new production lines to make these mysterious new vehicles. The company has already slowed work on a new factory in Mexico, where it originally planned to start building the next-generation EV and robotaxi.

Of course, Tesla had said for years that it expected to reach 50% annual growth, averaged over a few years, and has consistently missed that target. As the company warned, it will grow at a "notably lower" rate this year.

There are other challenges as well. Tesla is claiming it can launch this new product lineup after axing a huge number of employees from its global workforce -- though Musk said Tuesday the company is "not giving up anything significant that I'm aware of."

"We've just had a long period of prosperity from 2019 to now," Musk said on the call. "We've made some corrections along the way, but it is time to reorganize the company for the next phase of growth."
Theft crew arrested for over 130 burglaries across Southern California

A group of suspects accused of burglarizing over 130 businesses across Southern California was arrested, police announced Tuesday.

The suspects were identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as:

Jacob Pugh, 19, from Lawndale

Kewon Stevenson, 25, from Los Angeles

An unidentified juvenile suspect

The burglaries took place between March to June 2023 and the suspects generally targeted smaller family-owned restaurants. Many of the restaurants were focused on Asian and Eastern food, LAPD said.

The group was dubbed the Punch Crew by detectives for their use of a sharp punch tool to break the glass of the door or window of targeted businesses.

Once inside, the trio would ransack the shop, removing cash registers and any electronic tablets or devices.

The crew is believed to be responsible for burglarizing at least 131 businesses throughout L.A. County, police said. Many of the break-ins left significant and costly damages.

Thefts suspects known as the Punch Crew were arrested for burglarizing over 130 small businesses across Southern California. (Los Angeles Police Department)

Thefts suspects known as the Punch Crew were arrested for burglarizing over 130 small businesses across Southern California. (Los Angeles Police Department)

Thefts suspects known as the Punch Crew were arrested for burglarizing over 130 small businesses across Southern California. (Los Angeles Police Department)

During the thefts, the suspects used different vehicles obtained from car rental companies and peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms.

They would target several restaurants in one area at a time before moving on to a different part of the city, detectives said.

In total, they stole around $80,000 from businesses and caused around $160,000 in damage, according to police.

All three suspects were located and arrested. Both Pugh and Stevenson were charged with 19 counts of commercial burglary. They are being held on $975,000 bail.

Family devastated after couples ashes stolen on the way to SoCal memorial

They were ordered out of custody from North County Correctional Facility, where they are being held on an unrelated case, and were arraigned on this case in Van Nuys Courthouse, authorities added.

Investigators are still working with the juvenile district attorneys office on filing charges for the juvenile suspect.

The burglaries remain under investigation. Anyone with additional information can call the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Think tank: Putin is not running out of money to fund war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a video message to the participants of the 12th international meeting of high representatives in charge of security issues. -/Kremlin/dpa

Russia's economy will grow by 2.8% this year and expand at a slightly slower 2.5% next year, a Vienna-based think tank has forecast, defying predictions that Moscow's invasion of Ukraine would lead to economic ruin.

Vasily Astrov, an economist with the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, said Russian President Vladimir Putin "will not run out of money for the war."

"For the Russian economy, the question is rather what comes after the war, as it is currently completely dependent on it," Astrov said.

There has been a massive increase in public spending, especially for the military.

Real wages in Russia rose by almost 8% in 2023, driven by a shortage of skilled labour, while private consumption increased by 6.5%, according to a report by the institute specializing in Eastern Europe. Gross domestic product grew by 3.6% last year, despite massive Western sanctions.

For Ukraine, the think tank expects growth of 3.2% this year, following 5.3% in 2023.

But Kiev's increasingly thin air defences are taking a toll, with Russia's aerial assaults cutting electricity to homes and industry.

"Ultimately, everything will stand or fall on the receipt of adequate and timely military and financial aid from the West: In 2024 alone, Ukraine faces a financing gap of $40 billion," Astrov said.
The third time's the charm: After two previous failed attempts, the Arizona House finally passed a bill Wednesday to repeal a near-total abortion ban from 1864 that the state Supreme Court revived this month.

The bill narrowly passed the House on its third try, with three Republicans joining their Democratic colleagues to vote for repeal.

Arizona Democrats have been pushing for legislation to repeal the Civil War-era ban since the state Supreme Court ruled April 9 that it was enforceable. The ruling has been deeply unpopular nationally  even prominent Republicans like Donald Trump have criticized it as too extreme  and it has highlighted the deep divergence in views over abortion between conservative lawmakers and voters, especially in battleground states like Arizona.

Still, Republicans in the state House refused to allow the bill to pass on the first two votes  until Wednesday.

During debate, some Republicans said they would not be swayed from their opposition to the repeal, despite voter backlash. Were willing to kill infants in order to win an election, GOP state Rep. Alexander Kolodin said, mischaracterizing fetuses as infants. Arizona's previous 15-week ban would go back into effect if the 1864 ban is repealed.

The repeal bill now heads to the state Senate, where Republicans also hold a slim majority. Democrats need at least two GOP senators to vote with them to pass it. The Washington Post, citing unnamed legislative staffers, reports that the earliest the Senate could vote on the House's measure is May 1, although it has been advancing a repeal of its own. The near-total ban is not set to go into effect until June 8 at the earliest.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, has said she would sign the repeal bill if it lands on her desk. In a statement, she praised House Democrats and encouraged the Senate to pass it. She added, "I encourage every Arizonan to make their voice heard at the ballot box this November as Arizonans decide on enshrining reproductive freedoms in our states constitution. Abortion-rights advocates are also expected to put a proposal for a constitutional amendment to secure abortion rights on the November ballot.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
What are those slimy sea creatures washing up on Florida beaches?

SANIBEL, Fla. (WFLA)  Southwest Florida beachgoers have noticed an unusual sea creature swimming by to their boats and washing up from the Gulf of Mexico.

It looks like a cross between a jellyfish and a shell creature, beachgoer Ronnie Sullivan told NBC affiliate WBBH. Ive never seen one early in the morning. Is it like a ray because it has wings?

The creature, which some have described as a sea monkey, aquatic bat, or a sea snail, is the slug-like sea hare. Theyre mollusks, but without an external shell, and use their wing-like flaps to protect their gills and propel them through the water.

Dr. Jose H. Leal, the science director and curator at the Bailey-Matthews National Seashell Museum on Sanibel Island, told WBBH that sea hare typically stay out in the bay, but come closer to shore during their mating season. Just one sea hare can lay 500 million eggs in a single breeding season.

The creatures arent toxic for humans, if handled, but Leal said beachgoers should keep a close eye on their pets.

If they are disturbed, they can release like a purple ink, that keeps predators away, Leal told WBBH. Its a substance that is toxic to other animals. If youre walking the beach with your small dog, you shouldnt let them near.

Sea hare, like any ocean creature, should be left alone and appreciated from a distance.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Three men have been arrested after the deaths of five migrants including a seven-year-old child in the channel on Tuesday.

The men, two Sudanese nationals aged 22 and 19, and a South Sudan national aged 22, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally.

They were detained on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and partners in Immigration Enforcement and will now be questioned by investigators from the NCA at a police station in Kent.

The crossings included 58 migrants who refused to leave the boat in which the five were trampled or crushed to death on Tuesday.

The arrivals came just hours after Parliament passed legislation aimed at getting the Governments plan to give asylum seekers a one-way ticket to Rwanda off the ground.

The dinghy carrying 112 people set off from Wimereux at around 6am on Tuesday but got into difficulty. A seven year old girl, a woman and three men died in a crush on the heavily laden boat after panic broke out several hundred yards from the shore when the engine cut out, said police.

Some 49 people were rescued but 58 others refused to leave the boat and continued their journey towards the UK, with several other boats later embarking on the crossing.

Home Office figures show 402 people made the journey in seven boats that same day after an eight-day break in activity in the Channel, which suggests there was an average of around 57 people per boat.

Young children and babies were among those seen being brought ashore in Dover, Kent, while witnesses described how crews carried someone on a stretcher from a lifeboat to an ambulance.

The latest crossings take the provisional total for the year so far to 6,667  20 per cent higher than this time last year (5,546) but slightly lower (down 0.4 per cent) than the figure recorded at this stage in 2022 (6,691).

Rishi Sunak said criminal gangs were exploiting the vulnerable and packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies. Speaking during a flight to Poland, he said the tragedy underscores why you need a deterrent.

This is what tragically happens when they push people out to sea and thats why, for matters of compassion more than anything else, we must actually break this business model and end this unfairness of people coming to our country illegally, he said.

The NCA said it would be supporting the French investigation into the deaths with UK police and Border Force. Some 29,437 made the journey in 2023, down 36 per cent on a record 45,774 arrivals in 2022.

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General Motors Co (NYSE:GM) showcases robust financial performance with increased net sales and revenue.

GM's strategic focus on electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology positions it for future growth.

Despite strengths, GM faces challenges in the competitive automotive market and regulatory environment.

Opportunities in emerging markets and technological advancements could propel GM's market position.

On April 23, 2024, General Motors Co (NYSE:GM) filed its 10-Q report, revealing a financial landscape that investors and stakeholders keenly anticipate. This SWOT analysis delves into the intricacies of the filing, offering a comprehensive view of GM's financial health and strategic positioning. The first quarter of 2024 saw GM's net sales and revenue climb to $43.014 billion, a significant increase from the $39.985 billion reported in the same period of the previous year. Net income attributable to stockholders also rose to $2.980 billion, up from $2.395 billion, with basic earnings per share jumping from $1.70 to $2.57. These figures underscore GM's financial resilience and set the stage for a detailed SWOT analysis.

Decoding General Motors Co (GM): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Market Share Leadership: GM's ability to reclaim its position as the U.S. market share leader in 2022, with a share of 16.5% in 2023, is a testament to its enduring brand strength and competitive product lineup. This leadership is underpinned by a series of strategic decisions, including the consolidation of its brand portfolio in the U.S. from eight to four, which has allowed for a more focused and efficient market approach. The company's financial performance, as evidenced by the recent 10-Q filing, further solidifies its market position, with a notable increase in net sales and revenue.

Financial Services Arm: GM Financial, the company's captive finance arm, has become a significant strength for GM, contributing to its overall profitability. The recent financial statements show a revenue increase for GM Financial from $3.339 billion to $3.802 billion year-over-year. This division not only supports vehicle sales by providing financing options to customers but also generates substantial income, enhancing GM's financial stability and providing a buffer against market fluctuations.

Weaknesses

Operational Disruptions: GM's operational challenges, particularly the cessation of driverless geofenced AV robotaxi services by its Cruise autonomous vehicle arm after an accident in late 2023, reflect a weakness in executing cutting-edge technology initiatives. While plans to restart services in 2024 are underway, this setback highlights the risks associated with the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles. The incident may also have implications for consumer trust and regulatory scrutiny, potentially delaying GM's progress in this innovative domain.

Story continues

Global Market Pressures: The 10-Q filing reveals pressures in international markets, particularly in China, where GM experienced a decrease in vehicle sales and market share. The equity loss of $0.1 billion from its Automotive China JVs indicates challenges in balancing dealer inventory levels and adapting to the competitive landscape, including the growing acceptance of domestic brands and demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

Opportunities

Electric Vehicle (EV) Expansion: GM's commitment to an all-electric future presents significant opportunities, especially as global demand for EVs continues to surge. The company's planned investments in battery cell manufacturing joint ventures and the development of new EV models under its various brands position it to capitalize on this trend. The financial strength demonstrated in the 10-Q filing supports GM's ability to fund these strategic initiatives, which are crucial for long-term growth and competitiveness.

Technological Advancements: GM's focus on software-enabled services and subscriptions, as well as its investment in autonomous vehicle technology through Cruise, opens up new revenue streams and market differentiation. The potential restart of Cruise's AV services in 2024, coupled with GM's ongoing R&D efforts, could place the company at the forefront of the automotive industry's technological transformation.

Threats

Competitive Landscape: The automotive industry is characterized by intense competition, with players continuously innovating and expanding their product offerings. GM's competitors, including emerging EV manufacturers and established global automakers, are also aggressively pursuing the EV and autonomous driving markets. This competitive pressure requires GM to maintain a high level of innovation and market responsiveness to retain its leadership position.

Regulatory Risks: GM operates in a highly regulated industry, with stringent environmental, safety, and trade regulations. Changes in regulatory policies, particularly in key markets like the U.S. and China, could impact GM's operations and cost structure. The ongoing investigations related to Opel, a former subsidiary, also present potential legal and financial risks that could affect GM's reputation and financial health.

In conclusion, General Motors Co (NYSE:GM) exhibits a robust financial foundation and strategic foresight, with its leadership in market share and the growth of its financial services arm. However, operational challenges and global market pressures underscore areas for improvement. Opportunities in EV expansion and technological advancements offer promising avenues for growth, while the competitive landscape and regulatory risks pose ongoing threats. GM's ability to navigate these dynamics will be critical in shaping its future trajectory.

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.


Earth Day has brought an influx of federal dollars to boost the development of solar energy in Georgia.

The Biden administration awarded $156 million Monday to regional nonprofit Capital Good Fund to help residents of low-income communities in Atlanta, Decatur, and Savannah install solar panels on their rooftops.

The money is part of the Solar for All program, a $7 billion nationwide rooftop solar grant project.

This funding will allow us and our partners to dramatically expand the impact of our existing Georgia BRIGHT program and bring the benefits of solar to approximately 20,000 households over five years while creating good-paying jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving local air quality, said Andy Posner, Capital Good Funds founder and CEO.

Georgia BRIGHT offers residential and commercial rooftop solar, solar-plus-battery storage leases and power purchase agreements to homeowners and organizations. The Solar for All grant will significantly scale up the BRIGHT initiative while also broadening it to include workforce development and community solar projects, as well as enabling such repairs as roof replacements.

Solar is the cheapest form of electricity  and one of the best ways to lower energy costs for American families, said John Podesta, senior advisor to President Joe Biden for international climate policy. [Mondays] announcement  will mean that low-income communities, and not just well-off communities, will feel the cost-saving benefits of solar.
The U.S. Senate has passed its own version of the bill that will ban TikTok in the United States unless parent company ByteDance divests from the company completely. The measure will now be handed off to President Biden, who has promised to sign it.

The bill has unusual bipartisan support, passing by a 79-18 supermajority in the Senate just days after the House of Representatives passed similar legislation.

Once Biden has signed the bill into law, ByteDance will have 270 days to sell the company. ByteDance has pledged to fight the legislation in court, which will likely extend the length of time before an outright ban would go into effect.

The bill also includes $60 billion in aid to Ukraine, $28 billion to Israel, and another $8 billion in aid to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

Just before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the aid approval. He said, Finally, finally, finally. Tonight after more than six months of hard work, and many twists and turns in the road, America sends a message to the entire world: We will not turn our back on you.

In February the Senate passed legislation that would have funded the $95 billion aid package but failed to include anything about TikTok, though it appeared warm to the idea of a ban. A previous version of the bill from the House of Representatives would have given ByteDance only 6 months to divest from the app.

ByteDance has disputed claims that sensitive user data could be breached by China, and noted that its offices are in Singapore and LA. ByteDance has also emphasized that sixty percent of its ownership is made up of global institutional investors such as Carlyle Group, General Atlantic, and Susquehanna International Group and that another twenty percent of the company is owned by employees.

In March President Biden told reporters he will pass a TikTok ban if it makes its way to his desk.

The post TikTok Ban Legislation Passed by US Senate Supermajority appeared first on TheWrap.
President Joe Biden moved a step closer to banning TikTok in the US after the Senate passed a new law ordering its Chinese owner to sell the app or face it being blocked.

The bill passed in a landslide vote, with 79 senators in favour and 18 against, leaving it to the White House to sign off the proposed block. Mr Biden has already said he will wave through the bill.

The law effectively orders Bytedance, TikToks China-headquartered owner, to divest the popular music video app, or have it blocked from smartphone app stores offered by Apple and Google, as well as other web services.

The passage of the new bill, which sailed through Congress by 360 votes to 58, follows years of calls from China hawks for a US crackdown on TikTok over national security fears and concerns for American data.

Donald Trump attempted to outlaw the app in 2020, but the effort was bogged down in US courts before he was defeated in the US presidential election.

Mr Biden largely dropped his presidential rivals crusade against TikTok, however US politicians in Congress and the Senate eventually put on a united front to push through the current bill.

Marco Rubio, the veteran Republican senator, said Chinese ownership of TikTok had been dangerously shortsighted amid rising tensions with China in a technological Cold War. This is a good move for America, he said.

TikTok has always denied posing a national security threat and has pledged to fight the law in court. The video sharing app has accused US politicians of stripping citizens of free speech by banning the popular app used by 170 million Americans.

It has always said it would never share US data with the Chinese government. Michael Beckerman, TikToks head of public policy, told staff the company would launch a legal challenge as soon as it is signed into law.

So far, TikTok has had success at overturning state-led efforts to ban the app, which have previously been declared unconstitutional.

While the bill presents the possibility of Bytedance selling TikTok, China has threatened to block any sale of its most successful technological export. Microsoft and Oracle both previously expressed an interest in buying TikTok, which would be worth tens of billions of dollars.

Although Mr Trump previously supported a ban on TikTok, the Republican presidential candidates stance has since shifted, raising further questions over the apps ultimate fate should he defeat Mr Biden in November.

Mr Trump has warned that a ban on TikTok would simply empower its rival, Facebook. Young TikTok users have inundated American politicians with calls urging them to step back from banning their favourite app.

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In this 2020 photo illustration, the TikTok app is displayed on an Apple iPhone. (Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The U.S. government moved closer to banning the video social media app TikTok on Apr. 24, 2024 after President Joe Biden signed into law a $95 billion foreign aid bill. The law includes a provision to force ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to either sell its American holdings to a U.S. company or face a ban on the app in the country.

TikTok has said it will fight any effort to force a sale.

The proposed legislation was motivated by a set of national security concerns. For one, ByteDance can be required to assist the Chinese Communist Party in gathering intelligence, according to the Chinese National Intelligence Law. In other words, the data TikTok collects can, in theory, be used by the Chinese government.

Furthermore, TikToks popularity in the United States, and the fact that many young people get their news from the platform  one-third of Americans under the age of 30  turns it into a potent instrument for Chinese political influence.

Indeed, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence recently claimed that TikTok accounts run by a Chinese propaganda arm of the government targeted candidates from both political parties during the U.S. midterm election cycle in 2022, and the Chinese Communist Party might attempt to influence the U.S. elections in 2024 in order to sideline critics of China and magnify U.S. social divisions.

To these worries, proponents of the legislation have appended two more arguments: Its only right to curtail TikTok because China bans most U.S.-based social media networks from operating there, and there would be nothing new in such a ban, since the U.S. already restricts the foreign ownership of important media networks.

Some of these arguments are stronger than others.

China doesnt need TikTok to collect data about Americans. The Chinese government can buy all the data it wants from data brokers because the U.S. has no federal data privacy laws to speak of. The fact that China, a country that Americans criticize for its authoritarian practices, bans social media platforms is hardly a reason for the U.S. to do the same.

I believe the cumulative force of these claims is substantial and the legislation, on balance, is plausible. But banning the app is also a red herring.

In the past few years, my colleagues and I at UMass Bostons Applied Ethics Center have been studying the impact of AI systems on how people understand themselves. Heres why I think the recent move against TikTok misses the larger point: Americans sources of information have declined in quality and the problem goes beyond any one social media platform.

The deeper problem

Perhaps the most compelling argument for banning TikTok is that the apps ubiquity and the fact that so many young Americans get their news from it turns it into an effective tool for political influence. But the proposed solution of switching to American ownership of the app ignores an even more fundamental threat.

The deeper problem is not that the Chinese government can easily manipulate content on the app. It is, rather, that people think it is OK to get their news from social media in the first place. In other words, the real national security vulnerability is that people have acquiesced to informing themselves through social media.

Social media is not made to inform people. It is designed to capture consumer attention for the sake of advertisers. With slight variations, thats the business model of all platforms. Thats why a lot of the content people encounter on social media is violent, divisive and disturbing. Controversial posts that generate strong feelings literally capture users notice, hold their gaze for longer, and provide advertisers with improved opportunities to monetize engagement.

Theres an important difference between actively consuming serious, well-vetted information and being manipulated to spend as much time as possible on a platform. The former is the lifeblood of democratic citizenship because being a citizen who participates in political decision-making requires having reliable information on the issues of the day. The latter amounts to letting your attention get hijacked for someone elses financial gain.

If TikTok is banned, many of its users are likely to migrate to Instagram and YouTube. This would benefit Meta and Google, their parent companies, but it wouldnt benefit national security. People would still be exposed to as much junk news as before, and experience shows that these social media platforms could be vulnerable to manipulation as well. After all, the Russians primarily used Facebook and Twitter to meddle in the 2016 election.

Media and technology literacy

That Americans have settled on getting their information from outlets that are uninterested in informing them undermines the very requirement of serious political participation, namely educated decision-making. This problem is not going to be solved by restricting access to foreign apps.

Research suggests that it will only be alleviated by inculcating media and technology literacy habits from an early age. This involves teaching young people how social media companies make money, how algorithms shape what they see on their phones, and how different types of content affect them psychologically.

My colleagues and I have just launched a pilot program to boost digital media literacy with the Boston Mayors Youth Council. We are talking to Bostons youth leaders about how the technologies they use everyday undermine their privacy, about the role of algorithms in shaping everything from their taste in music to their political sympathies, and about how generative AI is going to influence their ability to think and write clearly and even who they count as friends.

We are planning to present them with evidence about the adverse effects of excessive social media use on their mental health. We are going to talk to them about taking time away from their phones and developing a healthy skepticism towards what they see on social media.

Protecting peoples capacity for critical thinking is a challenge that calls for bipartisan attention. Some of these measures to boost media and technology literacy might not be popular among tech users and tech companies. But I believe they are necessary for raising thoughtful citizens rather than passive social media consumers who have surrendered their attention to commercial and political actors who do not have their interests at heart.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Conversation

The post TikTok fears point to larger problem: Poor media literacy in the social media age appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The NY-26 special election is just days away.

The candidates, Democrat Tim Kennedy and Republican Gary Dickson, debated on News 4 on Wednesday night.

State Senator Tim Kennedy has been in his current role since January 2011. He got the nod over former Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray, although McMurray is running against Kennedy in the primary for the general election in November.

West Seneca Town Supervisor Gary Dickson is running on the Republican ticket. Dickson is a U.S. Army veteran who also spent 27 years with the FBI. He has been a community leader in West Seneca since he retired from law enforcement in 2015.

Immigration

Dickson said that President Biden has the authority to pass immigration legislation, but he is just not doing it. He added that if the president says he is doing all he can to keep people from coming into the country illegally, he will support additional resources.

Kennedy said that there is a bipartisan bill that is waiting for the House of Representatives, but Republicans are saying the bill is dead on arrival and will not read it. He said he wanted to pass the bill and invest in border patrol to help asylum seekers.

Economy

Kennedy said that he will work to create more jobs across Western New York.

Dickson said that overspending and too much debt on the state and federal levels of government is the cause of inflation. He said that sending someone who cant control a state budget to the national level is, to me, nonsensical. He added that he did not increase taxes in four years as town supervisor.

Housing

Dickson said that the affordable housing crisis is caused by excessive regulation by state and local municipalities. Kennedy said that more investment into communities and housing is needed in order to create more affordable housing for all.

Abortion

Kennedy said that the federal government needs to codify a womans right to choose and blamed the Supreme Court for taking away abortion rights.

Dickson, meanwhile, said that he is pro-life and that laws on abortion should be decided at the state level. He said that he would not vote either way on changes to abortion laws.

Israel and the Middle East

Both candidates agreed that the United States should support Israel in the Hamas conflict.

Current events

Kennedy said that the U.S. needs to play a role as peacemaker in the Middle East. In terms of protests on college campuses, he said that the government needs to make sure campuses are safe, but people have a right to protest.

Dickson said that the protests are not peaceful demonstrations and called for foreign students taking part in them to be deported, while American students be suspended or expelled if they take part in violent performances.

Continuing success in the district

Kennedy said that Brian Higgins, Western New Yorks former Congressman, was a mentor to him who transformed the community for the better. He said that he will support continued investment into the economy.

Dickson stated that the state is losing population and business, they need to worry about crime, migration and the economy. He said that he wants to lower taxes and decrease government regulation in business.

Early voting has already begun in preparation for the election on Tuesday. The general election for the seat will take place on Nov. 5, with the winner earning a two-year term beginning on Jan. 3, 2025.

The candidates are vying to replace Higgins, who resigned in February to take the job as president of Sheas Performing Arts Center. Higgins had represented Western New York in Congress since 2005.

New Yorks 26th Congressional District represents Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, among other municipalities.

Your Local Election Headquarters

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.
Dozens of teachers gathered to fight for their jobs.

As reported on News Center at 11, Tipp City school teachers said they recently found out nearly 19 of them will be laid off.

But the district has a different story.

Teachers were adamant with the Board of Education that none of them should lose their jobs.

In the past staff have been the last cuts made, why is it now the first option explored, Brenda Mahoney, vice president of Tipp City Education Association said.

She later explained that all teachers, including herself, found out about the layoffs during a Board of Education meeting three weeks ago.

Mahoney said she thinks the cuts are a result of voters passing a levy last month.

>> RELATED: Tipp City voters approve bond issue looking to fund new PK-8 school

The levy will allow the district to close two old schools and open a new PK-8 school.

I would not have voted that way if I had known jobs were going to be potentially lost, Alisha Barton a parent said.

Cutting jobs has angered retired teachers and others who grew up in the district.

The board chose to not decide on job cuts Tuesday night.

But some think the district should have given teachers a definite answer at the meeting.

>> Car spun out, crashed into Trotwood house, 911 call says

I feel bad for the teachers that their jobs are possibly affected I would like to have an issue settled as quickly as possible.

Superintendent Aaron Maron said the district started talking about job cuts last year.

I dont believe its new information. This has been known since November, it has been talked about in meetings, Moran said.

He went on to say cuts have nothing to do with the levy passing.

A five-year forecast back in November showed a deficit of $3.6 million, he said.

Maron added the cost of the deficit did not change whether the levy for the new building passed or not.

The board said it will look at job cuts again at its meeting on May 6.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.




Passengers stand in a Clear line that gets them to their gate faster, using their eyes or fingerprints for verification, Jan. 10 at Los Angeles International Airport. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Tired of watching Clear customers get escorted to the front of the airport security line?

California state Sen. Josh Newman sure is.

Newman (D-Fullerton), who frequently travels between his Orange County district and Sacramento, said Clear's system of charging a premium for special access to a taxpayer-funded service has become a regular source of outrage.

Over time, you get kind of aware of the degree to which the Clear service has kind of an adverse effect on the people who dont use it," Newman said, noting that he's among that group. "Theres something very elitist, almost un-American, about it to me."

So Newman authored a bill that would require third-party security vendors like Clear that strike deals with airports after Jan. 1, 2025, to operate through a dedicated security lane, instead of alongside mainstream lines. Currently, Clear operates at nine of the state's largest airports.

Newman's team believes it is the first legislation of its kind in the nation.

Clear enables its customers, who pay about $200 a year, to go to the front of TSA lines after their identity is verified. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The original version of the bill, SB 1372, would have required Clear to use separate, dedicated security lanes in all California airports, including the ones it's already serving. Newman said his goal wasn't to ban Clear, which for now appears to be the only vendor that would be affected, but to have the company to work with the federal Transportation Security Administration to re-engineer this process to separate these two lines in California airports.

"The people who dont [use Clear] shouldnt be inconvenienced or frustrated, Newman said in an interview, calling it an issue of equity.

The Senate Transportation Committee weakened the bill Tuesday so that it would allow Clear to keep its current operations intact while implementing a moratorium on new airport deals by Clear  or potential competitors  until separate queues with the TSA can be arranged. The panel then approved the bill and sent it to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Read more: Some travelers will be able to screen themselves at security at Las Vegas airport. Here's how it works

There is no companion bill in the state Assembly.

Clear enables its customers, who pay about $200 a year, to go to the front of TSA lines after their identity is verified. Clear customers are required to go through TSA security screening and bag checks.

It wasn't immediately known how difficult it would be for Clear to set up separate security lanes  though the process would surely require more space, employees and buy-in from the TSA  but Newman said it's possible, pointing to Delta Air Lines' separate check-in area and security line at Los Angeles International Airport for its highest-paying Delta One customers.

We are proud to partner with nine airports across California  creating hundreds of jobs, sharing more than $13 million in annual revenue with our California airport partners, and serving nearly 1 million Californians," a Clear spokesperson wrote in a statement. "We are always working with our airline and airport partners as well as local, state, and federal governments to ensure all travelers have a safer, easier checkpoint experience.

The spokesperson did not answer questions about Newman's bill, but the company is listed in opposition. According to the bill's analysis, about 10% of airport patrons are Clear customers.

Newman said he found little evidence that Clear made the the airport experience more efficient or enhanced security as promised. Instead, he noted, the company has come under increased scrutiny in Washington after multiple security breaches, including an incident in which someone used a boarding pass found in the trash, as reported by Politico last year.

Read more: TSA found more than 1,500 firearms on airline passengers in first 3 months of 2024

Are they really adding value?" Newman asked. "Does that justify the inconvenience that is visited upon the people who dont use it?"

He also called the revenue generated to state airports "incremental."

But a Clear representative at the bill's Tuesday hearing called the recent security issues isolated incidents resulting from human error  not an issue with it's biometric screening process.

Most major airlines, airports and chambers of commerce near the state's largest airports opposed the measure.

In a letter to the Senate Transportation Committee chair, major U.S. airlines said the bill "not only threatens to increase fees on air carriers but also severely restricts airports' ability to effectively manage lines at the security checkpoint."

"Given SB 1372's elimination of $13 million in revenue currently paid by Clear, we are concerned that the bill's passage could further increase air carrier operating costs in the state, potentially resulting in increased fares or decreased service options," said the letter, which was signed by Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, United, JetBlue and Southwest airlines. "In 2023 alone, Clear verified our frequent fliers over 5 million times in California  which means our most loyal customers find value in using Clear. We find that Clear's operation supports overall checkpoint efficiency for all travelers by helping balance queues and by performing quick and secure identity checks across the airports where they operate."

Two major unions, representing flight attendants and Northern California transportation security officers, have lobbied in support of the changes to Clear.

The Assn. of Flight Attendants said in a letter to Senate leaders that the bill would restore equal access to security lines and mentioned growing concerns after "continuing reports about irregularities in Clear's verification."

"One passenger using a 'cut the line' program with a false identity to board an aircraft is one too many," the flight attendants' letter said.

But some senators Tuesday questioned the value of addressing this issue when there's clearly enough demand for such a service that has a limited effect on others.

Yes its annoying, ... [but] it only takes a second, said Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta). Thats not a big enough inconvenience to me."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Jackson County judge sentenced a 20-year-old Tonganoxie man to 10 years in prison for causing a crash that killed two people, including a Kansas City police officer.

Jerron A. Lightfoot pleaded guilty in February to two counts of involuntary manslaughter for recklessly causing the deaths of Officer James Muhlbauer and Jesse Eckes, a 52-year-old bystander caught in the wreckage. Muhlbauers K-9 police dog, Champ, was also killed in the crash.

During a hearing Wednesday, Judge Sarah A. Castle sentenced Lightfoot to 10 years on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Jerron Lightfoot, 20, of Tonganoxie, waiting in Jackson County Circuit Court for the outcome of his sentencing hearing. Judge Sarah a. Castle sentenced Lightfoot to 10 years in prison for driving recklessly and causing the February 2023 crash that killed Kansas City police officer James Muhlbauer and Jesse Eckes, a bystander caught up in the wreckage. Muhlbauers police dog, Champ, was also killed in the crash.

Under terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors had agreed to cap their recommendations at 10 years in prison for each of the two felony convictions to be served concurrently.

Lightfoots attorney, Lance Sandage, asked the judge to consider a suspended sentence, which would have partially or entirely suspended the jail sentence as long as Lightfoot met all conditions of probation. As part of the conditions of probation, Sandage asked the judge to consider limiting his jailtime to a short period, also known as shock time.

Upon learning his sentence, Lightfoot was handcuffed and led out of the Jackson County courtroom.

Jerron Lightfoot of Tonganoxie was led away in handcuffs Wednesday after Jackson County Judge Sarah A. Castle sentenced him to 10 years in prison for recklessly causing the February 2023 crash that killed Kansas City police officer James Muhlbauer and Jesse Eckes, a bystander caught up in the wreckage. Muhlbauers police dog, Champ, was also killed in the crash.

In a written statement handed out to media following the hearing, Sandage said that Lightfoot took another step in accepting responsibility for his action.

Mr. Lightfoot never intended to harm anyone but understands his reckless driving caused the death of Officer James M. Mulhbauer, Mr. Jesse Eckes, and officer Muhlbauers service dog, Champ, Sandage said. Mr. Lightfoot hopes todays admission of guilt can begin the healing process of all those impacted by his actions.

Outside the courtroom after the hearing, Muhlbauers widow, Cassie Muhlbauer said that they were very satisfied with the outcome and that theyll continue to live day-to-day and see where the next chapter takes us.

I felt like he should have definitely taken responsibility, Cassie Muhlbauer told reporters. And currently, I dont think I can forgive him, but maybe in time.

Cassie Muhlbauer, the widow of Kansas City police officer James Muhlbauer, told members of the media that they were very satisfied with the outcome of the sentencing of the man who recklessly caused the crash that killed her husband and a bystander. A Jackson County judge sentenced Jerron Lightfoot to 10 years in prison. Muhlbauers K9 partner, Champ, was also killed in the crash.

Video shows violent crash

The crash happened about 10:15 p.m. Feb. 15, 2023, while Muhlbauer was on patrol with Champ along Truman Road.

Authorities say Lightfoot barreled down Benton Boulevard in a white Ford Fusion, failing to stop for the red light. Lightfoot hit Muhlbauers car on the drivers side, causing it to careen into Eckes, who was sitting on a concrete barrier.

The impact killed Muhlbauer, a celebrated officer, husband and father of three with 20 years of experience in law enforcement, and Champ. Eckes died after being pinned underneath the vehicle.

Lightfoot remained at the scene of the crash and told officers the reason for the crash was a malfunction of his brakes, according to a police affidavit.

Prosecutors charged Lightfoot the day after the crash, which came hours after the Kansas City Chiefs victory celebration over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

Kansas City Police Officer Karl Janning testified at the hearing that an airbag sensor showed that Lightfoot was accelerating moments before the crash. The sensor showed that he was traveling 84.9 mph five seconds before the crash and 89.7 mph two seconds before the crash.

At impact, Lightfoots car was traveling 62.3 mph, which Janning indicated that Lightfoot had used his brakes. There were also pre-impact tire marks indicating braking.

Prosecutors played surveillance video from a nearby business that had captured the crash. When the video showed the moment of impact, there was a hushed gasp in the courtroom. Members of Muhlbauers family wiped away tears with tissues.

Friends and family of Muhlbauer, police officers in uniform and family and friends of Lightfoot filled the downtown Kansas City courtroom for the sentencing Wednesday.

Never intended to hurt anyone

During the hearing, Lightfoot told Judge Castle that he was truly sorry for his actions and that he never intended to hurt anyone.

Lightfoot said he thinks about the crash every day. He said he takes full responsibility. He said he knew it was a lot to ask, but he hoped that the victims families at some point would forgive him.

Jackson County Judge Sarah A. Castle on Wednesday spoke to Jerron Lightfoot of Tonganoxie about what she was considering when determining his sentencing for his guilty pleat to two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Castle sentenced Lightfoot to 10 years in prison for driving recklessly and causing the February 2023 crash that killed Kansas City police officer James Muhlbauer and Jesse Eckes, a bystander caught up in the wreckage. Muhlbauers police dog, Champ, was also killed in the crash.

Eckes sister, Mandi Dunbar, told the judge that she didnt know much of her brothers life after losing contact with him. She said he had been homeless, and before his death had recently acquired a home.

Eckes had a big heart and was very giving, she said. While homeless, he sent money to a niece to help her buy diapers.

Dunbar argued against sentencing Lightfoot to prison, saying she didnt believe in destroying another life. She said prison wouldnt bring justice and it certainly wouldnt bring the victims back.

Jesse Eckes, 52, was killed in a crash that also took the life of Kansas City police officer James Muhlbauer and his K-9, Champ, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, when an 18-year-old sped into a patrol vehicle, which then struck Eckes, who was sitting at the intersection when he was killed.

Muhlbauers family and friends, however, asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence, saying Muhlbauer, 42, was a celebrated officer, husband and father of three with 20 years of experience in law enforcement.

Muhlbauers father, Vern Muhlbauer, recalled how he would end phone calls with his son, telling him, Be safe out there.

Vern Muhlbauer said the crash was not an accident.

Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer and his partner Champ were killed in the line of duty, the man accused of manslaughter in the crash has been released on bond

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Whiston addressed Lightfoots history with careless driving, including a ticket in 2021 for driving 87 mph in a 65 mph zone. He entered into a diversion agreement and the case was dismissed.

The violent deaths of Muhlbauer and Eckes were because of choices that Lightfoot made, Whiston said, and not some accident that just happened to occur.

In a statement released after the sentencing, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said, The Kansas City Missouri Police Department and I will continue to be there and support the Muhlbauer family as they navigate this tragedy.

Graves also thanked Jackson County prosecutors and traffic division detectives and investigators for their work, saying the police charged with investigating the case had the unenviable task of investigating the death of their friend and co-worker, his K-9 partner, and the innocent bystander who all lost their lives in this senseless tragedy.
Caltrans officials on Wednesday shared that they have made progress in studying the slide that has closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard, and they remain hopeful that the roadway can reopen this fall.

On Tuesday, drones surveyed the area and crews cut a trail through the brush so geologists could reach the hilltop and help map the landslide on Route 27 north of Pacific Coast Highway, Caltrans officials shared on X, formerly Twitter.

In addition, heavy machinery was on site to help create a berm to protect the nearby creek from debris, a project requested by California State Parks.

Caltrans shared this April 24, 2024, image of a landslide on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

An aerial view of the landslide covering Topanga Canyon Boulevard on April 18, 2024. (KTLA)

An aerial view of the landslide covering Topanga Canyon Boulevard on April 18, 2024. (KTLA)

Currently, the slide is still active and potentially dangerous, with soil clearly muddy and saturated. However, once the roadway is cleared, loaders, bulldozers and excavators [can] begin clearing the slide at an undetermined time, Caltrans said.

The road has been closed since the landslide on March 9, when Caltrans estimates that 9.2 million pounds of earth gave way just south of Topanga.

While a large stretch of the road is closed, business owners want the public to know that they remain open in the meantime.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI) demonstrates robust financial performance with significant growth in operating revenues and net income.

BlackRock, MSCI's largest client, contributes to 10% of the consolidated operating revenues, indicating a strong partnership yet a concentration risk.

MSCI's strategic acquisitions, such as the Burgiss Group, enhance its product offerings and market position.

Investment in research and development reflects MSCI's commitment to innovation and product enhancement.

On April 23, 2024, MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI) filed its 10-Q report, revealing a company on a growth trajectory with a mission to empower investors to build better portfolios for a better world. MSCI's financial performance for the first quarter of 2024 shows a significant increase in operating revenues, rising to $679.9 million from $592.2 million in the same period the previous year. Net income also saw a healthy increase to $255.9 million, up from $238.7 million. These figures underscore MSCI's financial strength and its ability to generate shareholder value. With over $1.4 trillion in ETF assets linked to MSCI indexes, the company is a dominant force in the investment indexing space. This financial overview sets the stage for a detailed SWOT analysis of MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI).

Decoding MSCI Inc (MSCI): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Market Leadership and Brand Recognition: MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI) is a leader in the investment indexing space, with its indexes serving as benchmarks for asset managers and owners globally. The company's strong brand recognition is built on the trust and credibility it has established over the years. This is evidenced by the $1.4 trillion in ETF assets linked to MSCI indexes, showcasing the brand's influence and the high regard in which it is held by the investment community.

Financial Performance: MSCI's robust financial health is a testament to its operational efficiency and strategic initiatives. The company's operating revenues have seen a substantial year-over-year increase, and its net income has also grown. This financial prowess provides MSCI with the capital necessary to invest in growth opportunities, research and development, and further innovation.

Weaknesses

Client Concentration Risk: While having BlackRock as its largest client contributes significantly to MSCI's revenues, this also poses a concentration risk. BlackRock accounted for 10% of MSCI's consolidated operating revenues, indicating a dependency that could become a vulnerability if the relationship were to change adversely.

Story continues

Rising Operating Expenses: MSCI's operating expenses have increased across all categories, including cost of revenues, selling and marketing, and general and administrative expenses. This uptick in expenses, particularly the 38.1% increase in G&A, could pressure profit margins if not managed alongside revenue growth.

Opportunities

Expansion into Private Assets: The acquisition of Burgiss Group positions MSCI to capitalize on the growing interest in private assets. This move allows MSCI to offer comprehensive data and analytics in private assets, a segment that is becoming increasingly important to investors seeking diversification and alternative investment strategies.

ESG and Climate Solutions: MSCI's ESG and climate segment provides a significant opportunity to lead the integration of ESG considerations into investment processes. With increasing regulatory focus and investor demand for sustainable investing, MSCI's offerings in this space could drive future growth.

Threats

Market Volatility and Regulatory Changes: MSCI's performance is closely tied to the health of global financial markets. Market volatility and regulatory changes can impact asset valuations and investor behavior, potentially affecting MSCI's asset-based fees and overall financial performance.

Competitive Landscape: The investment tools and solutions industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. MSCI must continuously innovate and enhance its offerings to maintain its competitive edge and respond to the evolving needs of investors.

In conclusion, MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI) exhibits a strong market position with significant growth in operating revenues and net income. The company's strategic focus on expanding its product offerings, particularly in private assets and ESG solutions, aligns with market trends and presents opportunities for further growth. However, MSCI must navigate client concentration risks, manage rising operating expenses, and stay ahead in a competitive landscape. By leveraging its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, MSCI is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats in the dynamic investment industry.

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.


TOPEKA (KSNT)  The city council had another special session to again discuss the two finalists for the vacant city manager position.

The choice is down to Alan Howze of Kansas City, Kansas and Robert Perez of Dallas, Texas. Both candidates have over 20 years of experience working in leadership positions for local governments.

At a press conference Tuesday morning ahead of the special session, Mayor Padilla and Nienstedt said they were confident no announcement would be made, which held true. No information was provided following the two-hour meeting.

See Meet the two finalists for Topeka City Manager

KSNT 27 News spoke to district 8 Topeka councilman Spencer Duncan, who says there is no need to rush the decision.

We are moving forward, you know you can do things fast, or you can do things right, Duncan said. And we are trying to be very deliberate in these discussions because we want to get this right. Its important for the city, its important for people who work in the city, and so thats really all this is. Its nothing but us just making sure that were checking every box.

Interim city manager Richard Nienstedt has held the job since last July, when previous city manager Stephen Wade was terminated. According to the city, Wade had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

See We now know why Topeka fired its city manager

The council will not meet again until May 7.

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.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  KSNT 27 News is excited to officially launch this years Topeka St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. This week, were looking at where the money goes.

St. Jude has the first Proton Therapy Center in the U.S. that is dedicated solely to children. This lets doctors aim high-dose radiation at the cancer cells and miss the healthy cells. Today, its one of the most advanced and precise forms of radiation treatment that works to treat many kinds of cancers in children, including brain tumors, Ewing sarcoma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and Hodgkin Lymphoma.

The 2024 Topeka St. Jude Dream Home is located in Sherwood Park, in southwest Topeka. Tickets are $100.

The dream home can be found in southwest Topeka, at 2635 SW Sherwood Park Drive in Topeka. It is being built by Drippe Homes and has an estimated value of $600,000.

Features of the dream home include three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an estimated 2,200 square feet. Free tours of the home run from July 12-28 at the following times:

Fridays: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays: Noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets for the 2024 St. Jude Dream Home will be available on our website.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
A Scottish tourist visiting Romania was mauled by a mama brown bear after she rolled down the window of her car to snap a selfie with the beast and its cubs.

With marked good humor, 72-year-old Moira Gallacher spoke with STV News from her stretcher moments after the near-fatal attack on Monday. She and her traveling companion, Charmian Widdowson, were winding through the Carpathian Mountains when they happened upon a family of bears in the road.

What happened was the bear came up to the window at my friends side, and no problem. It let us take a picture and went away, Gallacher told STV. But I didnt get a proper picture, so we went back and it was at my side.

Widdowsons photo shows a brown bear cub leaning into the vehicle, its paw draped over the interior door panel.

Scottish tourist mauled by bear through car window in Romania. https://t.co/M0AI6538VQ pic.twitter.com/nL9SFzgGkS  STV News (@STVNews) April 23, 2024

Widdowson later gave her account to STV. We saw these bearsa mummy bear, and a babythey were gorgeous, she enthused. But they werent gorgeous. The mummy bear was hungry, and thought my friend was going to be lunch."

I turned the car around and got off. And they were there, and I said, theres no curve here, lets stop and take a picture, Widdowson continued. So I went down the window to take a good picture. I thought he wanted to be friends.

Widdowson believes the bear was motivated to pounce after hearing the two women discussing their upcoming lunch. Gallacher said, Lets get something to eat, to which Widdowson replied, No, you are not allowed to give food [to a bear]. Absolutely nothing, nothing, nothing."

And I think he heard it and decided he had to eat my friend instead, Widdowson quipped.

Gallacher was treated at a local hospital for wounds on her right hand, from which she is expected to recover fully. She'll likely be discharged on Wednesday.

Both women credit an article of Gallachers clothing with saving her from a worse fate. "She was wearing a thick Marks & Spencer jacket and the poor bear got more jacket than arm, Widdowson recalled.

I was wearing a padded jacket and a top and another topthats what saved my arm, Gallacher marveled. Ive been very, very lucky.

An estimated 6,000 bears call the Carpathian Mountains home. They typically awaken from their hibernation in March or April.
Tourist Mauled After Rolling Down Window to Take Selfie With Bear

I thought he wanted to be friends, the victim's friend said of the wild bear

Getty brown bear -- stock image

A Scottish tourist is thankful to be alive after a close encounter with a wild bear sent her to the emergency room.

Moira Gallacher, 72, had been vacationing in Romania with her friend Charmian Widdowson when the women decided to go for a drive through the Carpathian Mountains.

Related: Ill. Woman Sentenced to Jail for Photographing and Approaching Grizzly Bear at Yellowstone National Park

During the outing, the women came across a couple of brown bears and did their best to get a photo of the wildlife.

What happened was the bear came up to the window at my friends side, and no problem. It let us take a picture and went away, Gallacher said in a video shared by Scottish outlet STV News on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday, April 23. But I didnt get a proper picture, so we went back and it was at my side.

Getty

In the clip, the injured Gallacher was seen being rolled away in a stretcher.

Im not going to be on STV News, she said with a laugh.



Related: Bear Attacks 73-Year-Old Woman Walking in Montana as Husband Uses Bear Spray to Rescue Her

In addition to the brief clip shared online, both women detailed the incident to the news channel.

We saw these bears  a mummy bear, and a baby  they were gorgeous, Widdowson said.



But they werent gorgeous. The mummy bear was hungry, and thought my friend was going to be lunch, she added.

Getty Gurney in hospital room -- stock image

They shared a video of their day prior to the mauling. A winding road with tall and dense trees was seen in the footage before the friends took photos of the two bears.



Related: American Woman Killed by Lion Attack in South African Safari Park

Recounting the moments before the mauling, Widdowson said she parked her car to be able to get a better photo.

I thought he wanted to be friends, she said. The bear came and wanted to get into the car, but he started getting into the car and bit my friend.

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

Getty brown bear -- stock image

The women think that their conversation about food may have triggered the attack.

My friend said, lets get something to eat, Widdowson told the news station. No, you are not allowed to give food. Absolutely nothing, nothing, nothing. And I think he heard it and decided he had to eat my friend instead.

Widdowson credits Gallachers survival to a particular piece of clothing.

She was wearing a thick Marks & Spencer jacket and the poor bear got more jacket than arm, Widdowson told the outlet.

The survivor realizes the outcome could have been much worse.

Im a very lucky woman, Gallacher said.

Getty ambulance -- stock image

I was wearing a padded jacket and a top and another top  thats what saved my arm. Ive been very, very lucky, she continued. The shock has set in today, but everythings ok now.



Curtea de Arges Municipal Hospital manager Andreea Gheordunescu told the outlet "a foreign patient" was being treated "on her right hand" after being bitten by a bear.

STV News notes that the largest population of European brown bears can be found in Romania. The animals, who tend to hibernate in the winter and emerge in March and April, can reach speeds of 30 mph and stand at 7 ft tall.



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Read the original article on People.
Transgender paedophile who dressed as woman to kidnap girl is living as a man in prison

Andrew Miller, who won his victim's confidence by appearing to be a woman - POLICE SCOTLAND

A transgender butcher who sexually abused a primary schoolgirl after luring her into a car while dressed as a woman is living as a man in prison.

Andrew Miller, who was known as Amy George when he ran a butchers shop in the Scottish Borders, is serving a 20-year sentence for abducting the girl and abusing her in February last year.

He kept her captive for 27 hours and subjected her to what a judge called a nauseating ordeal.

The judge who sentenced him in October was told Miller was transgender and had been living as a woman for many years.

Lord Arthurson said Millers appearance as a woman had been a factor in the child agreeing to get into his car.

However, the paedophile is understood to have reverted to his male identity while serving his sentence at HMP Edinburgh.

Theres nothing feminine about him

A source at the prison told the Scottish Sun: Miller no longer uses the name Amy George and insists on being called Andrew. He dresses as a man, looks like a man, and theres nothing feminine about him.

Miller lost an appeal against his sentence in January. His lawyers argued the 20 years of prison, and a further eight years of supervision upon release, was excessive.

They claimed too much weight had been placed by Lord Arthurson on Millers transgender identity.

The judge said the abduction of the child had been brazen and chilling and that his victim would obviously not have agreed to enter his car had he presented as a male.

Once Miller, 54, took the child to his home he subjected her to an ordeal described as nauseating in its level of depravity and criminal deviance by the judge.

He initially claimed to police that he had treated the child in a motherly way.

Andrew Miller dressed as a woman. He had been using the identity of Amy George for many years, the court heard

Miller was not considered to be sent to a womens prison because of Scottish Prison Service rule changes brought in following the Isla Bryson case.

Bryson, previously known as Adam Graham, was initially sent to Scotlands only womens prison in January 2023 after being convicted of two counts of rape while living as a man.

Bryson was moved to a male prison following public outrage but has continued to present as a woman.

It emerged at the weekend that Bryson had claimed to be the victim of a hate crime while incarcerated by being called son by a female staff member.

The rapist is believed to have received an apology from the prison governor for the misgendering incident.

The Scottish Prison Service said it did not comment on individual prisoners.

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Transient was once banned from L.A. Metro for violence. Now he's charged with killing woman on subway

Calling the fatal stabbing of a woman riding a Metro train "truly a tragedy that should have never occurred," Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon on Wednesday announced a murder charge against a homeless man with a history of violence against passengers.

Elliot Tramel Nowden was arrested Monday shortly after Mirna Soza, a 66-year-old security guard returning from her night shift, was found mortally wounded on the ground at the Universal Studios train platform. He has now been charged with murder, first-degree robbery on a transit passenger and use of a deadly weapon.

Soza, a Nicaragua native and mother of three, was on her way home from overnight work at an Original Tommys hamburger restaurant in North Hills when she was killed. Authorities allege that shortly after 5 a.m., Nowden approached Sosa with a knife and stabbed her in the throat as they both got off the train in North Hollywood.

"She was stabbed without provocation by a man who grabbed the bag that she was holding," Gascon said during a news conference. The district attorney said prosecutors also filed a special allegation that the murder was committed during a robbery. If convicted of all charges, Nowden faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"I want to assure the family we will do everything within our power, as well as the police department, to make sure that justice prevails here." Gascon said.

"Clearly this was unprovoked. It was violent," he said.

Elliot Tramel Nowden has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a passenger on a Metro train. (Los Angeles Police Department)

In June 2019, Nowden was arrested and charged with attacking a passenger on a Metro train in Los Angeles. He pleaded no contest, spent five days in jail and received a 36-month probation term, according to court records.

Under the terms of his probation, he was ordered to stay away from Metro trains.

A few weeks later, Nowden appeared before a judge on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and battery. He was sentenced to four years in state prison after pleading no contest to the assault charge, according to court records, and was given 179 days of credit for time served.

Nowden was paroled to the Department of State Hospitals on March 18, 2022, during his prison sentence, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

He was released on parole supervision in August 2022 and discharged from parole in March 2023. But in January, Nowden was again arrested by the LAPD for trespassing.

Read more: She was saving money to move back to Nicaragua. Then she was killed on an L.A. subway

Soza knew that the early hours on public transit could be dangerous, so she often stayed at Tommy's until sunrise, her colleagues say. But on Monday, she was too sleepy, so she began her trip home on the B Line.

Other passengers discovered the bloody scene on the Universal platform Monday morning and immediately alerted authorities. Despite lifesaving measures from paramedics, Soza died from her injuries at the hospital.

Interim Police Chief Dominic Choi said about 30 minutes after the LAPD arrived at the train station, officers spotted a person matching the attacker's description near Ventura Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.

The man, later identified as Nowden, was detained and interviewed by detectives with the Valley Bureau homicide division. Nowden, 45, was arrested on suspicion of murder after detectives reviewed the evidence, according to the LAPD.

Read more: Man accused of killing woman on L.A. subway is linked to earlier violence on Metro train

Public records show that Nowden's last known address was in Little Rock, Ark. He was a wanted fugitive in Texas in November 2008, according to court records. In Bexar County, Texas, he was charged with theft and narcotics possession.

During Tuesday's Police Commission meeting, Commissioner Maria Lou Calanche sought Choi's assurance that there is adequate security on Metro during the early morning.

Choi responded that the department's "deployment is strategic based on crime trends and needs." He did not provide details.

"It's not just a flat deployment, just to say that we're deployed, so we take a look at crime trends as we look at ridership. We look at the activity and deploy accordingly," Choi added.

He said that officers on trains, in train stations and on buses, along with the Metro system's ambassadors, "are a directed effort to increase our presence as well as the safety on these lines."

"Again, we can't be everywhere all the time," Choi said. The department tries to spread out officers and engage with riders "to create a sense of safety and address crime trends or problems as they occur immediately and swiftly."

Times staff writers Nathan Solis and Noah Goldberg contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Currently, arrestees in Travis County dont always have an attorney with them at their first court appearance.

According to the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, ensuring attorneys early on can reduce jail populations and save taxpayers money by reducing criminal justice costs.

Travis County supports the idea of this prospect  which is called counsel at first appearance or CAFA  but so far, staffing, infrastructure and procedural challenges have hindered its implementation.

Bradley Hargis with the Capital Area Private Defender Service worked with arrestees at the test shift Tuesday.

So the team launched a new pilot Tuesday that provided the space and resources for these arrestees to have the chance to meet with a lawyer before facing a judge.

We have a private defender service and a public defender service, both of which are representing clients, were splitting it basically 50/50 today, Bradley Hargis with the Capital Area Private Defender Service said. He worked the pilot all afternoon and evening Tuesday and stepped out to speak with us about CAFA. The challenges are mainly logistical, everyone agrees in principle.

The pilot ran from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. Another session will take place Thursday.

The advantage for both the client and the community is that you have a prosecutor AND a defense attorney giving the judge the best possible information. So whether its whats the clients home life like but also the prosecutors are being heard on their safety concerns, Hargis said.

Travis County could not provide comment on the test shift process Tuesday.

ACLU sues Travis County over issues with counsel at first appearance

About two weeks ago, the ACLU of Texas sued Travis County for allegedly denying people the right to legal counsel.

A county spokesperson said Tuesdays pilot was not a result of the lawsuit and had been in the works for a while.

The ACLU claims the lack of counsel at first appearance can result in arrestees providing information that could hurt their case.

An Austin defense attorney KXAN spoke with said judges in town are fair and wouldnt let such statements be used in any sort of trial.

You can read more about the ACLUs lawsuit here in our previous coverage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Since its inception in 1988, the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture, also known as the Mies van der Rohe Award, has celebrated excellence in architectural works built across Europe.

Co-organised by the European Commission and the Fundacio Mies van der Rohe, the prize is set to announce its winner for its 2024 edition on 14 May at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.

A jury have whittled down 362 nominees to a shortlist of 40, competing for the main 60,000 prize. The award also includes the Emerging Architect Prize (30 000).

The awarded projects are not only judged on their aesthetic appeal but also on their conceptual rigour, sustainability, social impact, cultural significance, and technical innovation.

Here are a few of the entries from the 40 shortlist which caught our eye:

Escadinhas Footpaths

Escadinhas Footpaths - Credit: Ivo Tavares Studio/Fotografia de arquitectura

Escadinhas Footpaths - Credit: Ivo Tavares Studio/Fotografia de arquitectura

Where? - Matosinhos, Portugal

Who's behind the project? - Paulo Moreira Architectures, Verkron

This project connects architecture, art and the natural world. It is a network of pedestrian footpaths linking the hilly neighbourhood of Monte Xisto to the River Leca, in Matosinhos.

The initiative demonstrates the value of low-budget initiatives in neglected urban areas.

Led by Moreira Paulo and Colectivo Verkron, it enlisted the help of architects, artists, local builders, and stakeholders to rehabilitate steps, rebuild an old ruin into a seating area, and clean up the surrounding area.

Floating University Berlin

Floating University - Credit: Mor Arkadir

Floating University - Credit: Mor Arkadir

Where? - Berlin, Germany

Who's behind the project? - Floating e.V. Association

Floating University is a nature-culture learning site in a rainwater retention basin of the ex-Tempelhof Airport, serving as both city water infrastructure and wildlife habitat.

Constructed by Floating e.V., it features evolving structures using low-impact materials, including an auditorium, classrooms, workshop spaces, and a kitchen, offering cultural and educational programs focused on urban relationships and sustainability.

The site's architecture is collaborative and constantly evolving, with a vision to transform the basin into an infiltration system to filter rainwater for reuse, employing reused and biodegradable materials, and a self-built water filtration system.

Art Pavilion M.

The Observatory, the Stage and the Port - Credit: Riccardo De Vecchi

The entrance to Art Pavilion M - Credit: Riccardo De Vecchi

Where? - Almere, The Netherlands

Who's behind the project? - Studio Ossidiana

Art Pavilion M. in Almere is a multimedia museum with three circular elements - a pier, a terrace, and a pavilion - allowing for performances and installations on water.

Designed as a public space on water, it offers swimming and fishing, doubles as a promenade during museum hours, and features a pavilion with exhibition rooms enclosed in a timber and polycarbonate structure.

Built during COVID by Studio Ossidiana, it integrates elements of the surrounding marine past and utilises materials like 'Surf and Turf' terrazzo made from local shells.

Open air swimming pool: FLOW

The basic structure consists of multi-tiered sun decks wrapped around a 17x7m pool. - Credit: Annemie Augustijns

FLOW is located on a a triangular site next to the Brussels canal. - Credit: Annemie Augustijns

Where? - Anderlecht, Belgium

Who's behind the project? - Decoratelier Jozef Wouters, POOL IS COOL

FLOW is a temporary outdoor swimming pool in Brussels, serving as a call to action for the lack of permanent open-air swimming spots in the city.

Designed and built by Decoratelier Jozef Wouters on a derelict site next to the Brussels canal, it aims to encourage authorities to invest in permanent projects while providing a safe and inclusive space for summer relaxation.

The pool, part of the POOL IS COOL initiative, incorporates basic facilities like changing rooms and showers, as well as multi-tiered sun decks for relaxation, enhanced by decorative elements from local artists.

The pool features an ecological water purification system with plant filters, and its design allows for future adjustments, disassembly, and reuse, supporting sustainability.

Nursery. 1306 plants for Timisoara

Nursery. 1306 plants for Timisoara - Credit: Laurian Ghinitoiu

Where? -Timisoara, Romania

Who's behind the project? -Maio, Studio Nomadic, Studio Peisaj

This proposal is a temporary structure in Timisoara's city centre, hosting a tree nursery and spaces for public discussions on public space and greenery use. After its use, the trees will be planted around the city based on citizens' requests.

It aims to activate urban space, foster discussions, and promote the role of greenery in cities, particularly in sensitive areas like Victory Square.

Led by Maio, Studio Nomadic and Studio Peisaj, the project integrates local species and horticultural traditions, aiming to foster care, education, and social interaction within the community.

Targ Blonie Food Market

Aerial shot of Targ Blonie Food Market - Credit: Nate Cook

Shot from inside Targ Blonie Food Market - Credit: Nate Cook Photography

Where? - Bonie, Poland

Who's behind the project? - Pracownia Architektoniczna Aleksandra Wasilkowska

This renovated market in Blonie, near Warsaw, combines park and bazaar functions, providing space for local agricultural products.

This hybrid public space combines two social functions: a park and a bazaar. White roofs reflect the sun rays and provide shelter from the rain. The stepped vendor displays can be used as seats and a space for spontaneous meetings.

Rainwater from the roof is retained in rain bowls, and its excess waters the plants and seeps into the soil.

Completing the whole design are various public furniture elements, such as bicycle racks, boulders, bird and insect houses, a community table, and a playground with wood-carved animal-shaped rockers.
An Osceola County grand jury returned a first-degree murder indictment Wednesday against Stephan Sterns in the killing of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, but State Attorney Andrew Bain said he has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Bain and Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland announced the charge at a press conference on the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse, with Holland calling the indictment a crucial step forward in our quest for justice and a testament to our commitment to honoring Madelines memory.

They did not reveal the cause of Madelines death or other details of the ongoing investigation involving Sterns, the longtime boyfriend of Madelines mother, Jennifer Soto.

The evidence shows an individual that was entrusted to keep Madeline safe made calculated moves to dispose [of] Madelines belongings and place her body in a wooded area before she was ever reported missing, Holland said. For four days, following her disappearance, the entire community was actively looking to find Madeline safe and alive.

Bain described the evidence as voluminous.

Sterns, 37, was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on 60 previously filed sex abuse charges in the case, including capital sexual battery of a child, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting the sexual performance of a child. Sterns public defender filed a motion to delay proceedings as they continue preparing their defense, which Circuit Judge Keith Carsten granted Wednesday morning.

Authorities said they found disturbing pictures and videos on Sterns cell phone while searching for Madeline.

Madeline was reported missing Feb. 26 after her mother, Jennifer Soto, said she didnt find the teen when she went to pick her up from school. That touched off a four-day search involving dozens of law enforcement officers, family, friends and members of the public.

Detectives, however, now believe Madeline was dead before she was supposed to be taken to school, pointing to video evidence  which has not been released  of Sterns early that morning driving a car appearing to contain her lifeless body, and tossing her belongings into an apartment complex dumpster.

Other video showed Sterns near Old Hickory Tree Road in St. Cloud later that day. Madelines body was eventually found nearby.

Bain would not say whether Jennifer Soto is suspected of any wrongdoing. Police previously said she has cooperated with detectives throughout the investigation.

Will Jay, chief of the State Attorneys homicide unit, declined to answer most questions about the case, including when authorities believe the girl was killed. Although an indictment has been returned, it is still an open and ongoing criminal investigation, he said.

Bain said his office will continue discussing whether the death penalty is appropriate in this case.
Trio tried to sell thousands of pounds of infected crab from Alaska in Seattle, feds say

Three boat captains are charged with violating federal and state law after attempting a perilous plot.

In February and March, using two fishing boats, the trio caught 7,000 pounds of crab and illegally transported the lot to Seattle, skipping over the law-mandated step of getting a fish ticket from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, according to an April 22 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Alaska.

Now, one captain faces two charges of unlawful transportation of fish or wildlife, while the others face one count of the same violation.

McClatchy News reached out to one of the captains lawyers for comment on April 24. However, the attorney, newly assigned to the case, wasnt able to offer comment at this time.

Rather than harvest the crab at a port in Alaska, the group headed straight for Seattle, where it planned to sell its catch at a higher price than it could have in Alaska.

Skirting the ticket process became a fatal error. When the captains arrived in Washington, a large portion of the crabs were dead. According to court documents, many of the crabs were infected with Bitter Crab Syndrome (BCS), a parasitic disease that is deadly to crabs.

In fact, as one captain admitted, a portion of the crabs had to be disposed of mid-transit due to the disease.

Court documents say that had the captains crab harvest been properly accounted for by the Department of Fish and Game before attempting to be sold, the infected crab would have been identified and disposed of before leaving Alaska.

Although BCS does not harm humans, it can wipe out entire crab populations. When the captains arrived in Washington, their entire catch had to be disposed of.

Crabs affected with BCS have a very bitter or astringent aftertaste, and the meat is chalky when cooked, making them unmarketable resulting in serious economic losses when prevalences are high, according to a 2022 article from Science Direct.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the captains and the boats. At the time, the trio was not on the same boat. The first captain to be searched alerted the other two. By the time the authorities got to the others, the duo had deleted all text messages pertaining to their plot.

Although this is also a violation of the law, obstruction of justice is not one of the charges in the court documents.

The first hearing is scheduled for May 2.

Huge sea creature washes up on CA coast in first reported death this year, experts say

Fisherman disappears, leaving phone on boat and engines running, MD officials say

Shy creatures rarely seen in Hawaii surprise whale watchers near boat. Take a look
Former President Donald Trump. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Trump is set to get millions of extra shares if Trump Media trades above $17.50 through Tuesday's session.

That would see the former president awarded $1.3 billion in extra stock.

The stock has risen slightly this week, trading Tuesday at about $34.

Trump Media & Technology just has to manage not to crash Tuesday for former President Donald Trump to be awarded an extra $1.3 billion worth of stock in the Truth Social parent company.

Company insiders are set to receive millions in bonus shares, with 36 million designated for the majority stakeholder, Trump, Bloomberg reported. The stock needs to trade above $17.50 by the end of the day for the reward to kick in. The stock was trading at about $34 a share Tuesday morning.

The bonuses set to be paid to Trump Media execs are part of the special-purpose-acquisition-company deal that took the company public, which says the stock has to trade above the $17.50 mark for 20 days in a 30-day period, according to Bloomberg.

It would mark a windfall of $1.3 billion for Trump, though he and other insiders remain unable to cash out and sell shares because of a six-month lockup period, though Trump Media has filed to allow stock sales inside that time limit.

While the profits are still just on paper, the "earnout" bonuses are a boon for Trump, who has watched the value of his shares tank through April.

When Trump Media made its market debut in late March, the stock peaked sharply before crashing nearly 40% in a matter of weeks. The massive plummet erased over $3 billion of his windfall, valued at more than $5 billion at its height.

But that hasn't done away with willing buyers, a cohort made up of Trump supporters active on Truth Social, the firm's social-media platform.

Last week, Trump Media CEO Devin Nunes lashed out at short sellers for helping to tank the stock. The complaint earned a fierce reply from Citadel Securities, which was named in a letter from Nunes:

"Devin Nunes is the proverbial loser who tries to blame 'naked short selling' for his falling stock price," the firm said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Nikki Haley dropped out of the GOP presidential race in early March, but her name on the Pennsylvania ballot still drew more than 156,000 votes from registered Republicans on Tuesday, potentially spelling trouble for Donald Trump, the party's presumptive nominee.

Primary returns show 16.6 percent of voters choosing Haley in Pennsylvania's Republican primary, where only registered party members could participate, with her strongest performance coming in the suburban counties around Philadelphia. President Joe Biden won the state in 2020 by roughly 80,000 votes, in part due to support from Republican-leaning women in the Philadelphia suburbs.

In the suburban counties of Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware, Haley, the former UN ambassador under Trump, managed to get 23-25 percent of the GOP primary vote. Haley also over-performed in some more rural counties where Trump beat Biden, gaining 20-23% of the vote in Lancaster and Cumberland counties.

Haley voters told The Philadelphia Inquirer that they were frustrated with their options. "I don't like [Trump]," said Eric Miller, a 2020 Biden voter who plans on supporting the Democratic nominee again. "I don't think he was a valid president. I think he's a danger to our democracy."

Another Haley voter, Jeffrey Gladstein, said he voted for Trump in 2020 but probably would not support either candidate this cycle in wake of the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol. That was a threshold after which I cannot vote for him anymore, he said.

Trump himself attracted 140,000 fewer voters than President Joe Biden did in Tuesday's primary, despite Biden facing a campaign from pro-Palestine activists who had encouraged voters not to support the incumbent in the Democratic primary.
Former President Trump went after his former personal attorney Michael Cohen again Tuesday, despite a court order not to discuss witnesses in his criminal hush money trial.

Michael Cohen is a convicted liar, and hes got no credibility whatsoever, Trump told 6ABC Philadelphia in an interview. He was a lawyer, and you rely on your lawyers. But Michael Cohen was a convicted liar. He was a lawyer for many people, not just me. Then he got in trouble because of things outside of what he did for me.

Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison in 2019 for fraud and campaign finance violations related to his role in the Trump hush money scheme and lying to Congress.

The court-imposed gag order in the Manhattan case is intended to prevent Trump from discussing witnesses and other court figures in the media. Judge Juan Merchan already began considering Tuesday if Trump previously broke the order by making social media posts about the case.

Prosecutors alleged Tuesday that he has violated the order 10 times, demanding a $1,000 fine for each violation.

Trump has been very critical of the gag order, claiming it muzzles his free speech rights and impacts his reelection campaign. Appeals courts have upheld similar gag orders in his other legal cases.

Its election interference, he said of the case. Theyre trying to get Joe Biden elected. And what they want to do is see if they can damage his opponent, but it has the opposite effect.

The former president has repeatedly attacked Cohen, who was at the center of the alleged hush money scheme the trial focuses on. Prosecutors claim Trump falsified business documents while illegally covering up hush money payments made to hide previous affairs, just before the 2016 election.

The trial, the first criminal prosecution of a former U.S. president, is expected to last about six weeks.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Michigan prosecutor testified Wednesday that former President Trump and senior campaign allies contributed to a scheme to overturn the states 2020 electoral results.

Michigan attorney generals office special agent Howard Shock said Trump is an unindicted co-conspirator in an investigation into the plan, which has resulted in charges against 16 Michigan GOP officials.

In the scheme, prosecutors allege the Trump campaign and allies worked with local Republicans to override the states 2020 election results by putting forward a fraudulent list of Electoral College voters.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani, Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro are also considered unindicted co-conspirators, Shock testified.

Prosecutors are pursuing criminal charges against 15 people who participated in the scheme, after dropping charges against one defendant who assisted the investigation. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty.

The hearing Wednesday was part of a preliminary investigation on whether the case can forward to trial. The hearings are expected to end in June.

Some of the defense attorneys for the Michigan fake electors have argued they were tricked into signing forged electoral documents by Trump campaign officials.

Trump already faces similar charges that he was involved in a scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. That case  which also includes charges against Meadows, Giuliani, Ellis and Chesebro, among others  is expected to go to trial this fall.

Giulianis attorney, Ted Goodman, denounced the claims that he participated in the scheme.

The continued weaponization of our justice system should concern all Michiganders and Americans. Its an affront to American Democracy and does permanent, irrevocable harm to the country, Goodman said in a statement, adding that Giuliani only raised legitimate concerns about the 2020 election results.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung also pushed back against the claims, saying the implication in the election fraud investigation is politically-motivated.

President Trump has established a commanding polling lead and failed president Crooked Joe Biden is on the ropes. His Democrat party allies know it, so they press their ongoing Witch-Hunts, further abusing and misusing the power of their offices in a no-holds barred effort to interfere in the presidential election, Cheung said in a statement to The Hill. The American People will not fall for the Biden-directed Witch-Hunts and will hold Crooked Joe and his comrades to account in November.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trump asks judge in Georgia election case to dismiss 2 more counts against him

Former President Donald Trump, in a court filing Wednesday, asked the judge overseeing his Georgia election interference case to dismiss two more counts against him.

Trump's filing urges the judge to dismiss counts 15 and 27 of the indictment, which charge him with conspiracy to commit filing of false documents as well as the filing of false documents.

The first charge relates to the so-called alternate elector plot, and accuses Trump and other defendants of mailing false documents related to that effort to the chief judge of U.S. district court in Georgia, as an alleged "substantial step."

MORE: Judge throws out 6 counts of Trump's Georgia election interference indictment

The second charge accuses Trump and attorney John Eastman of filing a document that included "materially false statements" in a federal lawsuit.

Trump's attorneys claim those charges must be dismissed because the state "lacks the authority" to punish conduct that is related to the federal government. They claim the statue used in the indictment "reaches too far" and that the state "has no jurisdiction or authority to enforce federal criminal law."

"As such, the state is without jurisdiction or authority to prosecute President Trump when the plain purpose of doing so is to protect the integrity of federal matters," the filing states.

PHOTO: In this June 5, 2019, file photo, President Donald Trump appears at an event in Portsmouth, England. (Star Max/IPx via Getty Images, FILE)

The filing comes after the judge in the case previously dismissed six counts in the indictment, three of which were against Trump. The former president initially faced 13 counts in the case, and now faces 10.

Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last August to all charges in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia. Defendants Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Scott Hall subsequently took plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against other defendants.

The former president has blasted the district attorney's investigation as being politically motivated.

Trump asks judge in Georgia election case to dismiss 2 more counts against him originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Donald Trump may well have had the Republican nomination in the bag for weeks now, but legions of GOP voters are still apparently unable to stomach the idea of casting their ballots for him.

The former president was given another reminder of the scale of his problem on Tuesday with the Pennsylvania primary. Nikki Haley, who axed her own campaign over a month ago, managed to take 16.5 percent of the vote.

Nikki Haley Nabs More Votes Than Ron DeSantis in FLORIDA

Trump, the only candidate still actually running, therefore easily won the primary with 83.5 percent, according to the Associated Press. But the problem for Trump is that Haleys 16.5 percent amounts to more than 155,000 votes. In other words, 155,000 Republicans chose to support a defunct campaign instead of Trump in a key battleground state where, in 2016, he beat Hillary Clinton by fewer than 45,000 votes.

The result is part of a pattern that has played out across the primary season, with Trump winning by large margins but facing potentially concerning protest votes. Haley took over 10 percent of the vote in GOP primaries held earlier this month in Wisconsin, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut. Its not yet clear how many of those voting for the former South Carolina governor will actually fall in behind Trump when its a straight choice between him and President Joe Biden come November.

Nikki Haley dropped out of the race over a month ago, yet she is polling nicely in PA, Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Trumps White House communications director, wrote in a post on X. Trump has no shot to win the presidency. Write it down and study it. And if you are with him: CRY.

Biden, of course, has been navigating a protest vote movement of his own from critics of his support for Israel during its war against Hamas in Gaza. That effort continued in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, where the Abandon Biden group encouraged people to write in NO JOE as an equivalent protest to the uncommitted vote that has tormented the Biden campaign in other states.

As with Trump, Biden has also seen the protest flare up in battleground states. In Michigan, over 101,000 people13.2 percent of the votewent for uncommitted. Its not yet clear if the Abandon Biden group reached its goal of securing 40,000 protest votes.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Former President Trump called for multiple judges to be removed Wednesday, ahead of the gag order decision in his hush money case.

Trump went after Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the New York hush money case, which was the former presidents first indictment. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection reimbursing his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, who paid porn actress Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election to stay quiet about an alleged affair with Trump.

We have a Rigged Judge, who is working for the Democrat Party and refuses to terminate this case, which should have never been brought by Soft on Crime Alvin Bragg, Trump said in a Truth Social post published early Wednesday morning. Judge Merchan should immediately removed, and the Appellate Courts have to take over.

Trump also ripped into New York Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over a civil fraud case against the former president, and Judge Lewis Kaplan, who oversaw Trumps defamation trial, in which he was ordered to pay $83.3 million to columnist E. Jean Carroll, in the post.

That also applies to Corrupt Judge Engoron, who knew I did nothing wrong, and still fraudulently fined me $500 Million Dollars while having no knowledge of Valuation, Finance, or in any way what he was doing, Trump said.

Same with Judge Kaplan, who allowed a woman, who I have never met (celebrity photo line does not count!), and know nothing about, to get a lawless judgment of $90 Million Dollars, he continued. New York Justice is in shambles, and only the Appellate Courts can save it. A Republican doesnt stand a chance  This is not Justice

Prosecutors working in the Manhattan district attorneys office have argued the former president has violated Merchans gag order 10 times. The order prevents him from attacking prosecutors, court staff, witnesses and the judges family.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche has argued his client was responding to political attacks.

Merchan said Tuesday he would reserve the decision regarding the alleged gag order violations, but noted to Blanche that he was losing credibility after he claimed Trump was being very careful not to violate the gag order.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trumps presidential campaign will host a major donor retreat next week in Florida featuring prominent Republicans widely regarded as prospective running mates.

A copy of the invitation obtained by POLITICO lists 16 special guests for the May 3-5 event in Palm Beach. Among them are some of the top names being mentioned for Trumps general election ticket: Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina and J.D. Vance of Ohio, as well as Govs. Doug Burgum of North Dakota and Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).

Trump himself is listed at the top of the invitation as a special guest.

The former president has been stuck in New York over the past two weeks attending his hush money trial, though he has been free to attend events during the weekends and on Wednesdays when the trial isnt in session. The trial is expected to last at least six weeks.

The retreat will also feature high-profile, Trump-aligned Republicans who arent necessarily on Trumps shortlist for running mate. House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to attend, along with Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Reps. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Senate candidates Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania and Bernie Moreno of Ohio and former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway. Additional special guests, according to the invitation, are forthcoming.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The invitation-only affair is limited to current donors to the Trump operation. Shortly after Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee last month, his campaign and the RNC established a joint fundraising committee that can accept checks up to $814,600 per person. Around 400 donors are expected to attend, according to a person familiar with the planning for the event.

The event represents the latest in a series of de facto vice president tryouts. A number of would-be contenders stumped for Trump during the primaries, and spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.

Trump has been privately asking allies and advisers for their thoughts on prospective candidates. And he has maintained close relationships with many of the people seen as possible choices, including Stefanik and Vance. He has also recently met with Noem and hit the campaign trail in recent months with Burgum and Scott, who each endorsed the former president after dropping out of the Republican primary.

But those close to Trump say he has not narrowed down the vice president list and is more focused on other matters, such as the hush money trial. They do not expect him to close in on a choice until closer to the start of the Republican National Convention, which is to take place mid-July in Milwaukee.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court on Aug. 3, 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment this afternoon after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Rhode Island Current.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 6, 2021: Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

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The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court on Aug. 3, 2023. (Win McNamee | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting, and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023, at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers, and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah, and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on New Hampshire Bulletin.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court on Aug. 3, 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment this afternoon after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Win McNamee / Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Source New Mexico.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump carries an umbrella as he boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C., federal court on Aug. 3, 2023.

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C., federal court on Aug. 3, 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment this afternoon after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

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Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

The justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial on charges of trying to overturn the 2020 election results can move forward before the 2024 presidential election. (Photo: Hugh Jackson/Nevada Current)

Policy, politics and progressive commentary

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

After voting to acquit Trump in the impeachment trial accusing Trump of inciting insurrection in 2021, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell explained his decision by saying impeachment was neither appropriate nor constitutional because by the time the House delivered the impeachment for trial in the Senate, Trump was no longer president.

We have a criminal justice system in this country. We have civil litigation. And former presidents are not immune from being held accountable by either one, McConnell added at the time.

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Nevada Current.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court on August 3, 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Photo by Win McNamee | Getty Images

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Arizona Mirror.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court in August 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment this afternoon after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

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Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Donald Trump, holding a large black umbrella with a gold "TRUMP" written on the side, walks up the steps to an airplane.

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court on Aug. 3, 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment this afternoon after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Win McNamee | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

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How to Know If the Supreme Court Is in the Tank for Trump

This week at the Supreme Court, a simple question will sound difficult: Can a former president be criminally prosecuted if he tried to steal a presidential election through a campaign of lies and political bullying that apparently violated multiple federal criminal laws?

That is the question the justices have chosen to confront on Thursday, when they hear oral argument in Trumps pretrial appeal from the Justice Departments prosecution in Washington. The outcome will undeniably shape the 2024 election.

Some commentators have insisted that the issues arent simple, that they are sprawling and complicated, and that the court must grapple with the implications of its ruling in this case for future presidents to come.

Legal framing is often a deliberate choice. The court can  and should  have resolved this issue narrowly and quickly. But instead, the justices chose to hear arguments, a decision that already has imperiled  possibly fatally  the prospect of a trial for Trump on Jan. 6 charges before Election Day.

Even if Trump ultimately loses at the high court, that delay may already have provided him with a de facto form of immunity, since he could easily escape judgment before the election. And if he wins reelection, it will have been as good as a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Unfortunately, there is still more that the conservative justices can do to help Trump out.

The correct answer to the question in the United States of America  where colonists waged a war to free themselves from the rule of a king  is clearly no.

Indeed, Trumps argument for immunity is at least in its strongest form, crazy, as Michael Dorf, a constitutional law professor who currently teaches at Cornell Law School, told me last week. Dorf clerked for Justice Anthony Kennedy, hosts a lively and insightful blog that features some of the most clear-eyed commentary about the workings of the court today and also holds the dubious distinction of having been my constitutional law professor years ago.

Intuitively, most Americans appear to recognize that Trumps arguments are absurd: In a recent POLITICO/Ipsos poll, 70 percent of respondents, including nearly half of Republican respondents, said that they do not believe that U.S. presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution for alleged crimes that occurred while in office.



Trump first asserted his crazy argument last October, and U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected it in December, in a rigorous and well-reasoned opinion. Trump appealed to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals shortly thereafter, resulting in a stay of the pretrial proceedings and an indefinite adjournment of the March 4 trial date that Chutkan had previously set. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to hear the appeal straight away, but they declined that very sensible proposal.

In early February, a three-judge panel of appellate judges affirmed Chutkans ruling in an even more thorough and compelling opinion, ultimately holding that any executive immunity that may have protected [Trump] while he served as president no longer protects him against this prosecution, which concerns, among other things, the citizenrys interest in democratically selecting its president. Days later Trump appealed to the Supreme Court, and about two weeks after that, the justices  three of whom he appointed  set the case for oral argument for late April. The result will be that a question whose answer was obvious back in December is unlikely to get that answer from the Supreme Court until its session ends in June.

I was surprised and distressed that the court set it for argument rather than quickly rejecting it, Dorf told me. You take a couple days, he continued. You issue a five-page opinion, the upshot of which is, No, a former president is not above the law.

There is good reason to remain worried about the conservative justices handling of the case so far, about how they have already influenced the 2024 election to Trumps political benefit and about how they could inflict still more damage on the most important democratic process in our country: the presidential election.



On the merits, the arguments that Trump and his lawyers have been making are ridiculous, and they have not materially changed since his lawyers began making them over six months ago.

Its never been suggested that the president can just violate laws with impunity so long as hes acting within the outer perimeter of his official duty, Dorf said. In fact, you might think that the text of the impeachment clause in the Constitution simply resolves the question.

Indeed, that clause specifies that a federal official who has been impeached shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law. Read with a modicum of common sense, the clause indicates that if someone has been impeached  including the president  that person can also be criminally prosecuted. The clause presupposes the legitimacy of a criminal prosecution against a president, at least after he leaves office.

In a tour-de-force of illogic, Trumps lawyers have claimed almost the exact opposite. They argue that the text of the provision means that the president can only be criminally indicted after leaving office if he was first impeached and convicted by trial in the Senate.

That argument makes no sense as a legal, political or practical matter. Under that reading of the Constitution, a president who is angry about having to leave office after losing an election could nuke an American city at 11:59 am on Jan. 20, right before his successor takes over, and be immune from criminal prosecution.



Trumps lawyers have also argued that the court should infer some form of presidential criminal immunity from the presidents immunity from civil lawsuits, which protects them from cases that concern acts within the outer perimeter of the presidents duties. The majority reached that conclusion based on structural inferences from the Constitution and the practical consequences of a ruling to the contrary  most notably, the chilling effects on presidential activity that would result if he could be sued by anyone for doing his job.

But the analogy between civil and criminal immunity is dubious for many reasons  not the least of which is that anyone can file a civil lawsuit but only the Justice Department can bring a federal criminal prosecution. That process comes with built-in political and legal protections that do not exist in the civil context. The attorney general is a political appointee who is accountable to the president, who is in turn accountable to the American people. Prosecutors must also get approval from a grand jury to bring charges; at trial, they have to prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt; and the jury has to vote unanimously in favor of a verdict of conviction  none of which applies to civil cases.

There are strong policy reasons to reject the comparison as well. We worry about civil liability, Dorf explained, for fear of over-deterrence  of inhibiting the president from taking actions in the national interest  but if you eliminate all criminal penalties, and you get a criminal president, then youve got a severe under-deterrence problem.

This doesnt mean that there might not be some limited form of criminal immunity for a former president. Its not crazy to think that something like some kind of qualified immunity for a judgment within the scope of the presidents discretion could affect how you construe a statute as applied to official conduct, as Dorf told me, but theres nothing resembling that here. The closest theyve come up with is to say that as president, [Trump] was concerned about there being election fraud, and therefore he was ordering the Justice Department and these other people to investigate it.

That would be a perfectly fine factual defense at trial if Trump could actually prove it, but there is no reason that highly dubious assertion should shut the whole proceeding down under a fact-free theory of immunity.

As Dorf put it to me, The idea that simply because you were doing something that in a totally different universe could have been done by a president for a legitimate reason means that youre immune to prosecution  when its very plausibly alleged that you were doing it for a totally illegitimate reason  is quite shocking.



Thanks to the Supreme Court, the prospect of a trial in Washington currently remains highly uncertain, but there are still ways for the courts conservatives to foreclose the possibility entirely. And they can do that even if they ultimately reject Trumps bid to dismiss the case by the end of June.

The most obvious way the court could lend Trump a hand would be to devise some new standard for determining whether presidents might have criminal immunity for acts they committed while in office, and to then send the case back to Chutkan for review under that standard. Something similar happened in 2020 after the Manhattan D.A.s office went all the way up to the Supreme Court in their bid to obtain Trumps tax returns.

A comparable test in this case might require Chutkan to analyze the allegations in the Justice Departments indictment to determine whether some of them should be excluded from the case because they might concern presidential actions that should for some reason be immune from criminal prosecution  perhaps even using some version of the outer perimeter test that applies to presidential immunity in the civil context.

If that test requires Chutkan to hold pretrial evidentiary hearings that might then be subject to further review, that could as a practical matter eat up most if not all of the remaining time on the calendar before Election Day if  or when  the case returns to her.

We may see some warning signs for this scenario during the oral argument.



The three liberal justices are almost certain to reject Trumps arguments, so the people to watch will be justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts. For Trump to lose, hes got to lose at least two of them, Dorf said.

I asked him what we should be listening for from those justices. I would be concerned if I heard from Roberts, Kavanaugh or Barrett hypothetical questions that seem designed to elicit the answer, Oh, well, in that case, the former president would be immune, Dorf told me. For instance, What if the president as commander-in-chief orders SEAL Team Six to take out a terrorist, and then is charged with some kind of war crime? Does he have to stand trial if its plausibly within the realm of his commander-in-chief functions?

Dorf was ultimately less concerned than I am about the prospect of the case going back to Chutkan with instructions for further pretrial analysis of the allegations.

Its hard to imagine any plausible test that you would apply that delays anything further unless the test is, If the president is awake and doing something other than vacationing, hes immune. If its anything short of that, then it should be relatively easy to say this case doesnt fall within the scope of immunity, and I dont think that adds substantial delay.

We shall see, but in the meantime, the conservative justices are further deepening the serious credibility crisis on the court that has been created by their rulings  most notably, the overruling of Roe v. Wade.

The trajectory of the court in recent years has spurred many serious and veteran court watchers  Dorf included  to sharply question the partisan leanings of the conservative justices and to closely question the standard model of the court as a collection of justices with sincerely motivated ideological differences.

One would think I would have been disabused of that idea by Bush v. Gore, by Shelby County v. Holder, Dorf continued, by any number of cases from the Rehnquist and Roberts courts that are best explained as serving the institutional interests of the Republican Party rather than any particular vision of the Constitution.

The favorable treatment Trump is receiving, however, remains curious even as a political matter. You would think that a savvy justice who is sufficiently partisan would love to get rid of Trump, but that doesnt seem to be true. Maybe thats because they realize at this late juncture that its too late to take him out  hes got the nomination. But theyre partly responsible for us being at this late juncture.

Indeed.

The courts conservative majority has earned the publics distrust and disdain the honest way  by issuing transparently political rulings that are clearly aligned with the political priorities of the Republican Party. Now would be a good time for them to start climbing out of the hole that they dug for themselves.

The public is clearly paying attention to the Trump case  and rightly so. If the conservatives further meddle with Trumps trial or indulge Trumps nonsensical claims, theres no telling how much lower their public approval and political standing in the country could drop. A crisis of credibility can always get worse.


NEW YORK  During a devastating day for Donald Trump at his Manhattan hush money trial, a jury heard damning testimony from his decades-long ally David Pecker about a wide-ranging plan to hoist him out of obscurity and into the White House  and the presiding judge said his lead lawyer was losing all credibility with the court.

Before the trial resumed, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan heard arguments from prosecutors requesting that the former president be held in criminal contempt for violating an order prohibiting him from publicly attacking trial participants.

Rattling off a laundry list of offending Truth Social posts disparaging jurors and key witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, Assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy asked Merchan to impose thousands of dollars in sanctions and issue a stern warning to Trump, who he said had violated his order repeatedly, posing a very real threat.

He did it right here in the hallway outside on Tuesday and on camera, the prosecutor said. He says whatever he needs to say to get the results that he wants.

Trumps team has argued that he has been defending himself as a political candidate in his online rants, not as a defendant. But Conroy said that was nonsense and that Throwing MAGA into a post doesnt make it political; it may make it more ominous.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche  who said Trump sharing things others said didnt violate the gag order  balked when asked outright if he could reference specific attacks that Trump was defending himself against.

Youve presented nothing, Merchan said, later excoriating the lawyer. Mr. Blanche, youre losing all credibility. I have to tell you that right now. You are losing all credibility with the court.

The judge reserved issuing a decision.

Here are highlights of Tuesdays testimony:

National Enquirer role

During his second day on the stand, Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, told jurors he and Trump went back as far as the late 1980s when they first met at Mar-a-Lago and then worked to fatten each others wallets.

Around 2003, 2004, when Trump starred on TVs The Apprentice, the reality show was tremendous help also for my magazines, Pecker said, and the show propelled his friend to be nationally known as the boss.

Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass asked Pecker to describe Trump.

I would describe Mr. Trump as very knowledgeable. I would describe him as very detail oriented. I would describe him almost as a micromanager, he said.

I thought that his approach to money  he was very cautious and very frugal.

Pecker told a crowded courtroom how he worked to shape the publics perception of his friend as far back as 2007, when he said Trump first told him that if there (were) any rumors in the marketplace, he should call Michael Cohen directly.

Prosecutors zeroed in on the August 2015 meeting during which they allege the hush money scheme to hide damaging information about Trump from the voters was born at Trump Tower. Pecker said he, Trump and Cohen were present, with former White House aide Hope Hicks popping in and out of the meeting.

Donald Trump and Michael, they asked me what can I do and what my magazines could do to help the campaign, Pecker testified.

Pecker told them he would publish positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents.

Prosecutors displayed several examples to the jury of stories in Peckers publications boosting Trump and slamming GOP rivals like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio early in the race.

Among the outlandish headlines were Donald Trump Blasts Ted Cruzs Dad for Photos With JFK Assassin, and Senator Marco Rubios Cocaine Connection.

Pecker said the stories originated with ideas Cohen would phone in and Pecker and former Editor-in-Chief of the National Enquirer Dylan Howard would then embellish them. Pecker assumed Cohens directives were the bosss wishes.

Hush money payoffs

In the year to come, Pecker said the scheme netted the $30,000 buyout of a story a Trump Tower doorman was looking to sell, claiming Trump fathered an illegitimate girl with a maid at Trump Tower.

The boss would be very pleased, Pecker recalled Cohen telling him.

He later said they determined it was absolutely, 1,000% untrue, but they still bought it in case it was sold to another publication.

So this was a way to lock it up? Steinglass asked.

Thats correct, Pecker said.

In the months before the 2016 election, Pecker got wind of a Playboy model in California, Karen McDougal, who alleged shed had a yearlong romantic affair with Trump early in his marriage to Melania. Pecker said he urged Trump and Cohen to take it seriously.

What to know

Pecker is testifying under a subpoena and received immunity years ago when American Media admitted to paying off McDougal and the doorman in a nonprosecution agreement in Cohens federal case.

In that case, Cohen admitted to violating campaign finance laws by paying porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to stay silent about a decade-old one-night stand and an assortment of other crimes. He was sentenced to three years.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felonies alleging he repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records in 2017 in paying back Cohen for the hush money payoff to Daniels as part of a wide-ranging scheme to defraud voters.

At the end of the days proceedings, Trump launched into a hallway diatribe before reporters, lambasting the judge and the gag order.

They can say whatever they want. They can lie. But Im not allowed to say anything, Trump said.

Id love to talk to you people. Id love to say everything thats on my mind.

_____
With Donald Trump's hush money trial now in its second week, the former president has been hoping for a crowd of supporters to show up in force outside the Manhattan courthouse. Instead, just a "handful" of people have showed up for the former president, outnumbered by detractors waving signs about Trump's alleged encounter with adult film actress Stormy Daniels, according to The New York Times.

The poor turnout has not been for a lack of trying. Trump, who has framed his legal woes as a threat to America itself, often uses his Truth Social platform to mobilize followers. GO OUT AND PEACEFULLY PROTEST. RALLY BEHIND MAGA. SAVE OUR COUNTRY! he wrote on Truth Social early Wednesday morning.

Trump would have clearly seen the small number of supporters at the designated protest site across the street as he arrived at the courthouse. He has repeatedly blamed authorities for the tepid attendance, claiming in a string of Truth Social posts that "thousands of people were turned away from the Courthouse in Lower Manhattan by steel stanchions and police, literally blocks from the tiny side door from where I enter and leave." He has contrasted the supposed restrictions with pro-Palestine protesters who he said, inaccurately, are "allowed to do whatever they want."

Trump has also attacked those, such as New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who have commented on his anger over the lack of clear public support. She "falsely reported that I was disappointed with the crowds," he wrote on Truth Social. "No, Im disappointed with Maggot, and her lack of writing skill, and that some of these many police arent being sent to Columbia and NYU to keep the schools open and the students safe."

The claim of police blockage does not match up eyewitness accounts and videos showing that the street, rather than being blocked off, remains open to traffic. Despite that, no more than a dozen open Trump supporters have ever been present outside the Manhattan courthouse.
Former president Donald Trump, his former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and his once personal attorney Rudy Giuliani have been described as unindicted co-conspirators in the so-called fake electors scheme in Michigan in the 2020 presidential election, according to courtroom testimony.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced criminal charges last July against 16 individuals accused of signing certificates falsely declaring that Mr Trump won the 2020 presidential election, despite President Joe Bidens victory.

On Wednesday, at a preliminary hearing, defence attorney Duane Silverthorn listed names and asked Howard Shock, a special agent for the AGs office, if they were unindicted co-conspirators in the scheme.

When Mr Silverthorn named Mr Trump, Mr Meadows, and former New York City mayor Mr Giuliani, the state investigator testified: Yes.

Special Agent Shock also indicated that he believed Jenna Ellis, a Mr Trump attorney who has pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case, was also an uncharged co-conspirator.

In a statement to The Independent, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung claimed that the former president is the target of witch hunts by Mr Biden and his allies.

President Trump has established a commanding polling lead and failed president Crooked Joe Biden is on the ropes. His Democrat party allies know it, so they press their ongoing Witch-Hunts, further abusing and misusing the power of their offices in a no-holds barred effort to interfere in the presidential election, he said.

The American People will not fall for the Biden-directed Witch-Hunts and will hold Crooked Joe and his comrades to account in November.

A spokesperson for Mr Giuliani also dismissed the allegations: The continued weaponization of our justice system should concern all Michiganders and Americans. Its an affront to American Democracy and does permanent, irrevocable harm to the country.The Independent has also contacted representatives for Mr Meadows and Ms Ellis for comment.

Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani together at a campaign rally ahead of the 2016 election (AP)

In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Mr Trump and Mr Giuliani, along with others, related to a fake electors scheme as part of a sprawling RICO case in the state. Mr Meadows also faces charges, separate from the alternate slate of electors, in the Georgia election interference case.

Although 16 people were originally charged in Michigan, that number has since decreased to 15, after Ms Nessel dismissed the charges against Jim Renner in October after he cooperated with prosecutors.

The remaining 15 face eight felony counts, including election law forgery and conspiracy.

Ms Nessel alleges that the group covertly met in the basement of the states Republican Party headquarters and signed certificates falsely claiming that they were the duly elected and qualified electors for president and vice president of the United States of America for the state of Michigan.

Those false documents were then transmitted to the United States Senate and National Archives in a coordinated effort to award the states electoral votes to the candidate of their choosing, in place of the candidates actually elected by the people of Michigan, she said.

The hearing in the Michigan case comes as the former president is currently on criminal trial in New York in a different type of election interference case.

Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records stemming from so-called hush money payments given to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election in exchange for her silence over an alleged affair. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As Singapore's market continues to evolve, investors are keenly observing trends and performance indicators that could influence their investment decisions. Given the current focus on safety and reliability in various sectors, dividend stocks remain a compelling option for those seeking stable returns in this dynamic environment.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Singapore

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) (SGX:BS6) 3.78%  Singapore Exchange (SGX:S68) 3.68%  Civmec (SGX:P9D) 6.24%  BRC Asia (SGX:BEC) 8.12%  UOB-Kay Hian Holdings (SGX:U10) 6.67%  UOL Group (SGX:U14) 3.47%  Bumitama Agri (SGX:P8Z) 6.45%  YHI International (SGX:BPF) 6.49%  Aztech Global (SGX:8AZ) 8.56%  Sing Investments & Finance (SGX:S35) 5.88% 

Click here to see the full list of 21 stocks from our Top Dividend Stocks screener.

Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: UOL Group Limited operates in property development and hospitality across multiple countries including Singapore, Australia, the UK, and the US, with a market capitalization of SGD 4.88 billion.

Operations: UOL Group Limited generates revenue primarily through property development in Singapore (SGD 1.16 billion), hotel operations in Singapore (SGD 464.93 million), and property investments (SGD 518.93 million), alongside contributions from technology operations (SGD 110.08 million) and hotel operations in Australia (SGD 125.64 million).

Dividend Yield: 3.5%

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SGX:U14 Dividend History as at Apr 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Singapore Airlines Limited operates passenger and cargo air transportation services globally under the Singapore Airlines and Scoot brands, with a market capitalization of approximately SGD 26.85 billion.

Story continues

Operations: Singapore Airlines Limited generates revenue primarily through its full-service carrier segment, which brought in SGD 15.83 billion, and its low-cost carrier operations, contributing SGD 2.37 billion.

Dividend Yield: 5.9%

Singapore Airlines has a mixed track record for dividend reliability, with a history of volatile payments over the past decade. Despite this, the dividends are currently supported by both earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios of 73.2% and 29.4% respectively. However, the dividend yield of 5.86% is below the top quartile in Singapore's market at 6.31%. The company's recent financial activities include issuing $498.23 million in senior unsecured notes and reporting increased passenger metrics year-over-year as of March 2024, indicating some operational recovery.

SGX:C6L Dividend History as at Apr 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: United Overseas Bank Limited operates globally, offering a broad range of banking products and services, with a market capitalization of approximately SGD 52.07 billion.

Operations: United Overseas Bank Limited generates revenue primarily through Group Wholesale Banking and Group Retail, contributing SGD 6.22 billion and SGD 5.20 billion respectively, along with a smaller contribution of SGD 0.39 billion from Global Markets.

Dividend Yield: 5.5%

United Overseas Bank (UOB) has demonstrated a commitment to dividend payouts with a recent increase in its annual dividend to S$1.70 per share, maintaining a 50% payout ratio. Despite this, UOB's dividends have shown volatility over the past decade, reflecting an unstable track record. The bank's allowance for bad loans stands at 85%, which is relatively low, potentially impacting its ability to sustain dividends during economic downturns. Recent executive changes and strategic appointments may influence future financial strategies and performance.

SGX:U11 Dividend History as at Apr 2024

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PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a Farmers for Trump campaign event at the MidAmerica Center on July 7, 2023, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump, his former chief of staff Mark Meadows, and Rudy Giuliani are unindicted co-conspirators in the Michigan attorney general's case against the state's so-called "fake electors" in the 2020 election, a state investigator revealed in court on Wednesday.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged 16 Republicans last year with forgery and conspiracy to commit election forgery for allegedly attempting to replace Michigan's electoral votes for Joe Biden with electoral votes for Trump at the certification of the vote on Jan. 6, 2021.

MORE: 9 Michigan Republicans plead not guilty to acting as 'fake electors' in 2020

During Wednesday's hearing, which was part of preliminary examinations for the so-called fake electors, Howard Shock, a special agent for the attorney general's office, also testified that former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis is also an unindicted co-conspirator.

Shock's revelation was in response to questions from Duane Silverthorn, an attorney for Michele Lundgren, one of the so-called fake electors.

"Finally, former President Donald Trump?" asked Silverthorn.

"Yes," Shock testified.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a Farmers for Trump campaign event at the MidAmerica Center on July 7, 2023, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Ted Goodman, Giuliani's political adviser, said in a statement that the former New York City mayor is "proud to stand up for the countless Americans who raised legitimate concerns surrounding the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election."

"He won't be bullied or pressured into silence by highly partisan actors," the statement said.

Nessel dismissed the charges against one of the alleged fake electors in October in exchange for cooperating with the case. The state is still pursuing charges against the other 15 defendants.

All the defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Trump, Giuliani, Meadows are unindicted co-conspirators in Michigan fake elector case, hearing reveals originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Todd Blanche was a partner at a prestigious law firm when he quit and took on Donald Trump as a client. He chose this life, in other words, deciding to chase fame at the cost of trying to represent an impossible client. And while we are still weeks away from a verdict  and being able to conclusively judge the direction of his career  Blanches performance on Tuesday has others questioning whether he can come out of this without long-term embarrassment.

The real challenge for him is how to do this without losing his dignity and reputation, criminal defense attorney Ty Cobb told Reuters. The risk, he said, is that Blanche, in defending a man accused of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal ahead of the 2016 election, feels tempted to cross ethical boundaries, unable to avoid falling prey to the base desires of your own client.

Cobb worked as White House counsel under Trump and has since likened the former president to a mob boss. He knows.

So far, at least, Blanche appears to be doing the job that his client wants. Theres no evidence that work has been unethical, per se  though Blanche could face sanctions for his clients willful violations of any court order, experts say  but following Tuesdays contempt hearing, at which Judge Juan Merchan told Blanche that he was losing all credibility, other lawyers are saying its been painful to watch.

Trumps lawyer got creamed on the gag order, conservative attorney George Conway put it on MSNBC. It wasnt really his fault, Conway continued, because the client  Trump  posted items on Truth Social that plainly attacked witnesses against him, violating the rules imposed by Merchan. They had nothing substantive to say in Trumps defense.

Charles Coleman, a former New York prosecutor, said that, normally, an attorney would have a proposal to present a judge that, in the face of a clear violation of a court order, could serve both sides as something of a face-saving compromise. Merchan appears prepared to hold Trump in contempt but neither he nor prosecutors are seeking any time in jail, for now  something that a defense lawyer could try to work with.

Instead, Coleman said on MSNBC, They blew it, in grand fashion.

At a minimum, Coleman said, I would have expected them to walk into court and at least have some sort of plan or guideline to present to Judge Merchan, to say, look, this is how we should go about evaluating these things to try and give his client some wiggle room. You know Donald Trump is not going to change. You know hes going to continue to violate it. So you at least have to try and give Judge Merchan something he can work with in an opinion, in an order, that Donald Trump might be able to follow.

That didnt happen. Instead, Blanche was left flailing, forced to argue that attacks on witnesses like Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen constituted political speech and that quoting others attacks did not constitute Trump himself making those attacks, even when he in fact added his own words to them.

That Blanche stuck with an implausible, indeed Trumpian line on the gag order was a shocker, Coleman said, one that reeks of a client that cannot be controlled.

Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti also thinks Trump is to blame for harming his own defense. "When the judge tells your attorney that he has 'lost all credibility in this courtroom,' thats really bad news for you," he posted on X. "Trump is hurting himself by insisting that his attorneys stand by falsehoods and take weak legal positions."

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Trump did not seem to appreciate his lawyers work, either, even if Blanche is likely doing exactly whats been asked of him. Joy Reid, an MSNBC anchor who attended Tuesdays court session, said she sensed some attorney-client tension. The energy between him and his main lawyer, Todd Blanche, was very kind of frenetic, Reid said. He didnt seem all that pleased with Blanches performance, nor did the judge, I will add.

Damned if you do what the client wants, damned if you dont. Tim Parlatore, another attorney who previously represented Trump, thinks that what the former president actually desires is to represent himself.

"He's a guy used to being the one standing up and making the speeches himself, Parlatore told CNN, and now he has to sit there all day, every day and instead of being allowed to say anything, he has to have somebody like Todd Blanche do all the speaking for him.

One can only speculate how this works out for Blanche. But, Parlatore said, for Trump the consequences are already visible, clearly demonstrating that he is not a man who enjoys his days in court. This is, I think, mentally torturing him, that he has to sit there and go through this.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Gag Order Ruling Could Come At Any Time

Judge Juan Merchan heard arguments Tuesday about whether Trump had or had not already violated the gag order against him in the case multiple times. He didnt rule from the bench, but with no trial today, Id be surprised if he didnt issue his ruling before trial resumes tomorrow.

Merchan was unsparing in his criticisms of the arguments made by Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, at one point telling him: Youre losing all credibility with the court. (The jury was not present for this exchange.) Merchan gave no indication how he would rule or the punishment, if any, he would impose.

I have no sympathy for Blanche or the role hes put himself in, but clearly his effort to channel Trump himself is antagonizing the judge. No surprise there, really. Trump is his own worst enemy, and hes taking a scorched-earth approach to the trial that is eliciting little sympathy from anyone and foreclosing viable defenses that, while they wouldnt necessarily lead to acquittal, might soften the blow of a conviction.

Trump is all in on demonizing the whole process, denigrating anyone associated with it, and delegitimizing the court itself. Its an all-or-nothing approach that would drive most criminal defense attorneys mad.

As if to make the point, Trump arguably violated the gag order again in an appearance on local TV in Pennsylvania later in the day.

Stay tuned today for a possible ruling from Merchan.

No Trial Today

After two partial days of testimony, the hush-money trial stands in recess today. It will resume Thursday.

Because of Passover and a jurors dental issue, weve had a halting start to the trial proper. Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker has only testified for a couple of hours so far.

Things ended yesterday with a bit of cliffhanger, as prosecutors had walked Pecker to the cusp of testifying about the Stormy Daniels story. Expect them to pick back up there tomorrow.

Trump And The Tabloid World He Came From

David Peckers testimony pulled back the curtain on the bizarro, self-aggrandizing world of Trump and the tabloid world from which he emerged. We knew all of this already, in a way, but it was striking to hear it straight from one of the principal operators in that seedy-but-lucrative publishing backwater:

WaPo: A secret pact at Trump Tower helped kill bad stories in 2016

Philip Bump: Ted Cruz spotted the Trump-National Enquirer alliance in 2016

WaPo: Trumps long, strange history with the tabloids

Coverage Tips

For the dedicated obsessives, a few deep-dive links:

To its credit, the New York court system will be posting daily transcripts of the trial here (it looks like well get those on the following day, not the same day, but beggars cant be choosers).

Quote Of The Day

Romney: I think everybody has made their own assessment of President Trump's character, and so far as I know you don't pay someone $130,000 not to have sex with you. pic.twitter.com/7N9lu8pkww  Acyn (@Acyn) April 23, 2024

SCOTUS Takes Up Trump Immunity Claim Thursday

Ahead of tomorrows momentous Supreme Court oral arguments over Donald Trumps strained claim of presidential immunity, Melissa Murray and Andrew Weissmann argue the high court has already botched the case.

Trump Executive Privilege Claims May See Light Of Day

Politico won an appeals court ruling ordering the unsealing of the court records in as many as five battles over executive privilege that Special Counsel Jack Smith fought to get high-level Trump White House officials to testify in his investigations of Trump.

Ukraine Aid Passes Senate

The Senate passed the foreign aid package that includes military assistance to Ukraine late Tuesday but not before Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) happily used the occasion of the bills imminent passage to slam Tucker Carlson:

Mitch McConnell: "I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should've been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin" pic.twitter.com/EYFxxKQVEc  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 23, 2024

Abortion Watch

The Supreme Court takes up another post-Dobbs abortion case today. The issue is whether a federal law requiring emergency abortions to protect pregnant patients in medical distress overrides Idahos abortion ban. TPMs Kate Riga will be on our coverage.

Arizona Democratic legislators are expected to try today for a third time to repeal the states newly revived Civl War-era abortion ban.

President Biden ripped Trump on abortion in a Tampa speech:

Wow. Biden in Tampa on Trump: "He said there has to be punishment for women exercising their reproductive freedom  maybe it's coming from that bible he's trying to sell. I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hell is in it." pic.twitter.com/DbBkOI5lWH  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 23, 2024

2024 Ephemera

AZ-Sen : Where Does Kari Lake Stand On Arizona Abortion Law? Depends Who She Is Talking To.

NY-01 : Indicted and ousted former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) has dropped his independent bid for the seat currently held by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY).

Politico: Why narrow majorities and House gridlock are here to stay in 2024

Who Is We Exactly?

The Republican National Committee co-chair and daughter of its presumptive presidential nominee is just out there touting the Big Lie and threatening voters with prosecution:

Lara Trump: If we catch you cheating and were looking for you out there to cheat, we will prosecute you pic.twitter.com/f9JHENoNJP  Acyn (@Acyn) April 24, 2024

Great Work, Tennessee

AP:

Protesters chanted Blood on your hands at Tennessee House Republicans on Tuesday after they passed a bill that would allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds, and bar parents and other teachers from knowing who was armed.

Huge Legal And Business News

The Federal Trade Commission banned noncompete agreements for most employees in a remarkable 3-2 vote Tuesday.

In my brief legal career 20 years ago, I spent more time litigating noncompete agreements (on both sides) than on any other single area of law. It was a weird and rapidly evolving area of the law back then. Weird because noncompete agreements were generally disfavored at law as anti-competitive (duh!), but over time numerous exceptions had been carved out that left plenty of room both for trying to enforce them and trying to defend against their enforcement. Hence, lots of litigation.

My understanding is the new FTC rule still allows the kind of noncompetes I was typically dealing with: binding either top executives or former owners who had signed a noncompete as part of the sale of their business. Because of more equal bargaining power, those types of noncompetes are less objectionable from a public policy point of view.

The FTC targets noncompetes for employees, whose bargaining power is more limited and for whom the widespread and indiscriminate use of noncompete agreements does begin to have real anticompetitive effects in the labor market.

Have A Whimsical Day!

Kites fly during the 37th International Kite Festival (RICV), at the beach of Berck-sur-Mer, northern France, on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
WASHINGTON  Donald Trump makes his final case Thursday for why he should not be criminally prosecuted for his coup attempt, as the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on his claims of absolute immunity for actions he took while president.

Trumps lawyers  Trump personally will be in New York City, attending his criminal trial on an unrelated felony case  will try to justify their assertions that because Trumps actions that led to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol were done while he was president, they are immune from prosecution.

Trump himself has in speeches and social media posts for months been demanding immunity. EVEN EVENTS THAT CROSS THE LINE MUST FALL UNDER TOTAL IMMUNITY, OR IT WILL BE YEARS OF TRAUMA TRYING TO DETERMINE GOOD FROM BAD, he wrote in a Monday post. ALL PRESIDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETE & TOTAL PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY, OR THE AUTHORITY & DECISIVENESS OF A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BE STRIPPED & GONE FOREVER. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE AN EASY DECISION. GOD BLESS THE SUPREME COURT!

Department of Justice lawyers have successfully defeated Trumps arguments twice already, before trial court judge Tanya Chutkan as well as a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump leaves the State Supreme Court in Manhattan, New York on April 15, 2024, for the first day of his trial on charges of falsifying business records. JEENAH MOON via Getty Images

Supreme Court justices will have to explore uncharted legal territory in their deliberations. No former president has previously claimed immunity from prosecution in the nations history. The only president who even faced such a possibility was Richard Nixon for his abuse of federal agencies in his cover-up of the Watergate break-in, but he was pardoned days after resigning from office by successor Gerald Ford.

How and  just as important  when the court rules could determine whether Trump faces federal charges at all for Jan. 6. Most legal experts doubt that the court will rule that presidents have absolute immunity for anything they do while in office. Some, though, believe that a majority of justices could rule that presidents cannot be prosecuted for official acts and then send the question back to Chutkan to hold an evidentiary hearing to determine whether Trumps actions were official on behalf of the country, or private, on behalf of his candidacy and himself.

In that scenario, prosecutors would have to present testimony in Chutkans court to show that his scheme to assemble fake electors and to pressure his own vice president into throwing out the election results and awarding Trump a second term was not part of his official duties. It would effectively force a small trial before the actual trial.

How all of this would play in relation to the election calendar is unclear.

If the court rules within a few days or a week or two by simply affirming the ruling of the federal appeals court that Trump does not have immunity for his Jan. 6 related actions, Chutkan could potentially start his trial on the four-count indictment by late summer.

If, however, justices do not issue a ruling until the close of their term at the end of June, a trial could not start until autumn. And even that could be delayed if an evidentiary hearing is required and Trump then tries to appeal its outcome.

A federal grand jury charged Trump last August with conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, obstructing an official proceeding, and conspiring to deprive millions of Americans of the right to have their votes counted.

If convicted, Trump could be sentenced to decades in prison.

If he wins the presidency, though, he could order the Department of Justice to dismiss any unresolved federal charges against him  both the Jan. 6 case, if it has not concluded, as well as the South Florida federal indictment based on his refusal to turn over secret documents he took with him to his Palm Beach country club when he left office.

Trump is also facing a state prosecution in Georgia for his attempt to overturn his election loss there. A trial on those racketeering and conspiracy charges could potentially start later this year.

And a fourth criminal case, in New York and based on his falsification of business records to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to a porn star in the days leading up to the 2016 election, began trial this week. It is scheduled to run through May.

Despite all his criminal prosecutions, Trump handily won his third straight Republican presidential nomination earlier this year, meaning that the party could well have a convicted felon at the top of its ticket in November.
Attorneys for Donald Trumps co-defendants appeared to switch direction in a motion Tuesday, seemingly arguing that FBI agents werent thorough enough in their search of the ex-presidents Mar-a-Lago estate when they retrieved top-secret documents from there in 2022.

The abrupt about-faceafter over a year of Trump and his allies decrying the search itself as unconstitutional and invasivereferred to the fact that federal investigators missed a hidden room near Trumps bedroom and a locked closet during their search of the premises, both of which may have contained classified documents.

Now, attorneys for Trump co-defendant Walt Nautaand on behalf of Carlos De Oliveira and Trump himselfhave demanded that Special Counsel Jack Smith cough up records concerning the FBIs apparent failure to search several areas of President Trumps residence during their execution of a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago.

If approved, the request would require Smiths team to hand over any internal government communications related to the search of Mar-a-Lago that reference these hidden roomswhich they allege were known to the FBI prior to its raid.

Jack Smith Laid a Trap for Trumps Mar-a-Lago Judge. Cannon Didnt Take It.

The defense is apparently using the government oversight to argue that their own obstruction charges are invalid, thanks to feds willful ignorance about the existence of the room they missed in their search.

Indeed, the only explanation for this failure is that the [special counsel office] intends to rely on its ignorance of what was in former President Trumps residence as part of its pitch to the jury that boxes were moved for the purpose of concealing their contents from the investigation, the motion said.

In all, Trump faces a whopping 40 felony charges in the classified documents case, most of which stem from materials found stacked inside Mar-a-Lago that were allegedly swiped from the White House. The most serious charge carries a penalty that could put Trump in federal prison for up to 20 years if convicted.

Nauta, a valet for Trump, and De Oliveira, the property manager at Mar-a-Lago, also face charges for allegedly scheming to conceal surveillance footage from federal investigators and lying about it. Trump, Nauta, and De Oliveira have each pleaded not guilty.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Trump meets with foreign leaders looking to boost their relationships with GOP leader ahead of election

Donald Trump no longer commands the trappings of White House state dinners to host foreign dignitaries or the flight itinerary of Air Force One to meet them abroad, but that hasnt stopped the former president from huddling with world leaders eager to bolster their relationship with the presumptive Republican nominee amid another close presidential election campaign.

In recent weeks, Trump, seizing the role of both an erstwhile diplomat and ascending opposition party leader, has extended welcomes to a series of foreign leaders at his homes in Florida and New York. He dined with Polish President Andrzej Duda in New York during the first week of his hush money trial, hosted British Foreign Secretary David Cameron at his Mar-a-Lago club the week before and has spoken by phone with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently, among other high-profile meetings.

The latest rendezvous came Tuesday night. After leaving the Manhattan courthouse, Trump had dinner with former Japanese prime minister Taro Aso, a senior official in his countrys ruling party. The two discussed the importance of the US-Japan alliance, as well as challenges posed by China and North Korea, according to a readout of the meeting from the Trump campaign.

Its not unusual for foreign leaders to meet with the leader of the party that doesnt control the White House  especially one with a serious chance of becoming commander in chief. In the throes of his 2008 presidential campaign, then-freshman Sen. Barack Obama famously embarked on an overseas trip where he met with European and Middle East leaders and delivered a rousing address to 200,000 onlookers in Berlin. Challenging Obama four years later, Republican nominee Mitt Romney visited the United Kingdom, Israel and Poland as he sought to burnish his foreign policy credentials.

Biden and his top envoys have also met and spoken with opposition leaders, something that has been a longstanding practice for US officials.

In March 2022, Biden spoke by phone with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition leader of Belarus, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer in Munich in February, among other meetings.

Still, Trump finds himself in a distinct position. It is exceptionally rare that a presidential candidate has previously carried out a foreign policy doctrine, filled the US State Department with his diplomatic appointments and built relationships with the same leaders now arriving on his doorstep.

The pace of these meetings in the middle of a campaign has also presented a new dynamic for President Joe Biden to grapple with as his administration confronts a host of challenges abroad.

The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment.

A person close to Trump described the meetings as friendly encounters and downplayed them as unsurprising given his past relationships with many of these figures.

Theyre seeking him out, hes not seeking them out, the person said. They clearly want to get their insights into how he views the world, and many think he could be president again or they wouldnt fly to Mar-a-Lago or New York to meet with him.

The worldviews of Biden and Trump have long been at odds, and they have publicly litigated their dueling approaches to foreign allies and adversaries dating back to the 2020 presidential campaign.

Biden as a candidate promised to strengthen ties with Americas traditional overseas partners, especially in Europe, and criticized Trump for praising instead of challenging rival foreign powers such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At a meeting of NATO countries last month in Poland, Biden pledged that America would remain a stalwart in foreign affairs and continue to defend against Putins aggression.

When we stand together, no force on earth is more powerful, Biden said.

On the campaign trail, Trump regularly insists the wars that have broken out in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas would not have occurred on his watch. At rallies, Trump has called Xi a very smart guy, very strong leader, used Putins words to criticize Biden and told a crowd that he had a a very good relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who would love to see me back.

They say thats terrible, Trump said. No, its not terrible. Its called smart.

In a statement to CNN, Trump campaign spokesman Brian Hughes said the former presidents recent meetings with leaders reflect the recognition of what we already know here at home. Joe Biden is weak, and when President Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, the world will be more secure and America will be more prosperous.

Some of the leaders whom Trump has engaged have been at times at odds with Biden. Trump, for example, recently hosted Hungarian President Viktor Orban, who frequently shows deference to Putin, and he embraced backstage with Argentinas new right-wing populist leader Javier Milei at this years Conservative Political Action Conference.

During the evening with Orban, amid a concert at his Palm Beach resort, the former president heaped accolades on the European autocrat, telling the crowd: Theres nobody thats better, smarter or a better leader than Viktor Orban. Hes fantastic.

The meeting was illustrative of Trumps history of embracing global strongmen  at times at the expense of more traditional US allies. A Biden administration official confirmed to CNN at the time that the White House did not extend an invitation to the authoritarian leader to meet with Biden, and Orban did not request a White House meeting during his trip to the US.

But Trumps incursions into foreign affairs have also brought him in close proximity with Americas partners abroad.

Trumps meeting with Aso comes just two weeks after Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House for a state visit. Both Aso and Kishida are leaders in Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party, which is the countrys major conservative political party.

During the state dinner earlier this month, Biden touted the US-Japan alliance as being stronger than its ever been and announced new plans for military cooperation with the country. Japan has been at the center of Bidens alliance-building in the Indo-Pacific region, with Kishida significantly shifting the countrys defense posture in recent years and providing ongoing support to Ukraine.

Trump also spoke by phone in March with Saudi Arabias crown prince, two sources familiar with the call told CNN. The call, first reported by the New York Times, was arranged by Sen. Lindsey Graham while the South Carolina Republican was visiting Salman. The conversation came as the Biden administration is working behind the scenes to establish formal diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, a deal that the White House views as a crucial part of negotiations to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Trump also spoke by phone with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, a longtime American ally, in March, two sources familiar with the conversation told CNN. The New York Times first reported the details of the call.

Last week, Trump met with Polands Duda at Trump Tower, where the two discussed NATO spending over dinner. Duda has proposed that NATO countries increase their pledge to spend 3% of their GDP on defense, up from 2%.

Trump, both while president and during his 2024 campaign, has called on NATO countries to spend more on defense. During a campaign rally in February, Trump said he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want to any NATO member country that doesnt meet spending guidelines. The stunning remark received swift backlash from Republicans and Democrats alike, and raised concerns that Trump may not abide by the collective-defense clause at the heart of the NATO alliance if reelected.

Duda, meanwhile, previously spoke about the proposal with Biden at the March NATO gathering, telling the American president: Two percent was good ten years ago. Now three percent is required in response to the full-scale war launched by Russia right beyond NATOs eastern border.

Earlier this month, Trump also discussed NATO defense spending and the Russia-Ukraine war over dinner with Cameron, the British foreign secretary, at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Karen Pierce, the British ambassador to the United States, also attended the dinner.

Camerons visit came days before the former UK Prime Minister met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington to discuss the US sending more aid to Ukraine. A spokesperson for the British government called Camerons meeting with Trump standard practice, arguing it wasnt unusual for there to be engagement between ministers and opposition candidates of partner nations.

Trump, Cameron and Pierce didnt just talk about military pacts during their Mar-a-Lago gathering. According to a readout of the meeting, the three also discussed their mutual admiration for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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DEARBORN, Mich.  Former President Trump is gaining momentum among voters in a Detroit suburb that's become the center of a growing movement to oppose President Biden's re-election due to his administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Dearborn's large Arab American and Muslim population is expressing deep dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy under Bidens leadership  and that's seemingly opened a door for Trump. The discontent led the "Listen to Michigan" and "Abandon Biden" movements to gain steam in the community ahead of the states Democratic primary in February, with both campaigns encouraging voters to show a lack of support for the president at the polls.

"I ran as a Democrat for an elected position two years ago. In 2020, I voted by writing in Bernie Sanders' name to show you how far left of the spectrum I was," Samraa Luqman, who worked as the Abandon Biden co-chair in Michigan, told Fox News Digital. "And for me to sit here today and tell you I'm OK with a Trump presidency; I'm OK with even the thought of going in and voting for Trump in order to oust Biden, which really shows you the level of dismay, disgust and upset that we have towards Biden."

Luqman is not alone in the growing movement, which also includes area activist Mike Hachem, who has been working to help a movement of Abandon Biden voters toward casting their ballot for Trump.

"Joe Biden has shot the minority vote in the back  especially Arab Americans," Hachem told Fox News Digital. "He promised us so many things.  He promised us peace. He promised us a stronger Middle East. He promised better diplomacy."

DEARBORN UNCOMMITTEDS PLAN TO MAKE EXAMPLE OF BIDEN, TURN PARTY AGAINST JEWISH STATE

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Hachem also said that many within his community share values more aligned with the Republican Party, noting that many Arab Americans are socially conservative, while a large percentage of the community are business owners.

Former President Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Waterford, Michigan.

Combined with the conflict in Gaza, Hachem said many within the community are starting to trend toward support of Trump.

One way voters showed their lack of support was by marking "uncommitted" on their ballots instead of voting for Biden, with more than 100,000 such voters making the selection in the Democrat primary. But Luqman noted that another 30,000 crossed over to the Republican primary and cast a vote for "uncommitted" as well, a message that these typically dependable Democrat voters were willing to vote for the GOP to get rid of Biden.

According to Luqman, the Abandon Biden movement is focused on beating Biden in the general election by any means necessary, including voting for Trump. Despite the significant differences she has with the former president, such a vote is one Luqman herself is seriously considering.

DEARBORN ACTIVISTS' PUSH TO BAIL ON BIDEN SPREADS TO OTHER KEY BATTLEGROUND STATES

Most of the pushback against Biden in Dearborn has centered around the presidents support of Israel during its offensive in Gaza, with many area voters arguing the continued siege constitutes a genocide.

"This is not something that we can look at and say, well, what's the worst of the two or the lesser of two evils? There is no greater evil than a genocide," Luqman said. "And Biden has proven that he has the capability to do the greater of the evils."

The anger over the war has also led to controversial rhetoric being heard from Dearborn activists, including a rally on the last Friday of Ramadan that featured one activist leading rallygoers in chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel."

In the aftermath of the rally, the Biden campaign denounced the rhetoric and told Fox News Digital that it did not want the votes of those doing the chants. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign would not say whether it would welcome support from those who made the chants.

Luqman said that those making the chants did not represent that overall community in Dearborn, but she also said Biden would not be able to earn many votes from local residents even if he did welcome all support.

"He could pull a Jesus and resurrect all the lives that were lost. And then I'd consider voting for him again. But aside from that, there really isn't much he could do otherwise," Luqman said of Biden.

'DEATH TO AMERICA,' 'DEATH TO ISRAEL' CHANTS POUR OUT OF MUSLIM PROTESTERS IN MICHIGAN ON LAST DAY OF RAMADAN

That disdain is shared by many Dearborn-area activists and religious leaders, who say the president has permanently lost their support.

"For many people, this is already out the window," Islamic House of Wisdom Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi told Fox News Digital of the idea that local voters could go back to supporting Biden.

Elahi expressed some openness to supporting Trump as well, though he said he would like to see how the situation develops in Gaza between now and November before making a final decision.

Another religious leader in the Dearborn area, Islamic Center of Detroit Executive Director Sufian Nabhan, told Fox News Digital that he felt "betrayed" by Biden and could not support his re-election in November. Instead, he argued that the Democratic Party should put forward a different nominee with different policies toward support for Israel.

BIDEN CAMPAIGN: WE DON'T WANT THE VOTES OF 'DEATH TO AMERICA' PROTESTERS IN MICHIGAN

While it is possible some in the Dearborn community would switch their support to Trump, it is unlikely such voters would be the majority, Abed Ayoub, the national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, told Fox News Digital. As for Biden, it would be hard for the president to regain the communitys support, he added.

"I dont see our community voting, frankly, for Biden," Ayoub said, arguing that voters will no longer allow Democrats to run on a campaign of not being Trump.

"The threat of a second Trump term is not something that can be used on voters anymore, particularly in our community," Ayoub said.

Ronald Stockton, a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, told Fox News Digital that Biden will have difficulties earning back the votes of members of the Dearborn community, arguing that even agreement on other policy matters will not be able to overcome their dissatisfaction with the presidents handling of Gaza.

"Its not going to be enough," Stockton said. "Im not sure what Biden can do. Hes thinking, I can mobilize people on the basis of every other issue. I dont think that will be enough."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: Trump rising in pivotal state as key Dem constituency sours on Biden
Trump says he'll 'fire the radical left' from colleges, focus on 'defending' American 'tradition' if elected

Trump says he'll 'fire the radical left' from colleges, focus on 'defending' American 'tradition' if elected

Former President Trump said he plans to "fire" the "radical left" individuals that "have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics" and ensure higher education is focused on "defending the American tradition" if elected to a second term.



The 2024 Republican presumptive presidential nominee posted an education policy video to his Truth Social Tuesday night amid violent antisemitic anti-Israel protests on college campuses across the nation.

TRUMP SLAMS COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FOR CLOSING CAMPUS AMID ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS: 'MEANS THE OTHER SIDE WINS'

"For many years, tuition costs at colleges and universities have been exploding and I mean absolutely exploding," Trump said. "While academics have been obsessed with indoctrinating America's youth, the time has come to reclaim our once great educational institutions from the radical left. And we will do that."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a 2024 election campaign rally in Waco, Texas, March 25, 2023.

Trump said his "secret weapon" will be the "college accreditation system," which he says is called "accreditation for a reason."

"The accreditors are supposed to ensure that schools are not ripping off students and taxpayers, but they have failed totally," Trump said.

Accreditation is a third-party review process to review whether education programs meet defined standards of quality.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"When I return to the White House, I will fire the radical left, accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics," the former president continued. "We will then accept applications for new accreditors who will impose real standards on colleges once again, and once and for all."

Trump said the standards would include "defending the American tradition and Western civilization, protecting free speech, eliminating wasteful administrative positions that drive up costs, incredibly, removing all Marxist diversity, equity and inclusion bureaucrats, offering options for accelerated and low cost degrees, providing meaningful job placement and career services, and implementing college entrance and exit exams to prove that students are actually learning and getting their money's worth."

Trump also said, if elected, he would direct the Justice Department to "pursue federal civil rights cases against schools that continue to engage in racial discrimination."

Anti-Israel agitators construct an encampment on Columbia Universitys campus in New York City on Monday, April 22, 2024. The university announced that all classes would be held virtually today in response to the ongoing demonstrations on campus.

Trump added that schools "that persist in explicit, unlawful discrimination under the guise of equity will not only have their endowments taxed, but through budget reconciliation."

Trump said he would advance a measure to have universities "fined up to the entire amount of their endowment."

"A portion of the seized funds will then be used for restitution for victims of these illegal and unjust policies--policies that hurt our country so badly," he said.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS

"Colleges have gotten hundreds of billions of dollars from hardworking taxpayers, and now we are going to get this anti-American insanity out of our institutions once and for all," he continued. "We are going to have real education in America."

The former presidents policy video was posted to Truth Social Tuesday afternoon, shortly before he blasted Columbia University for moving its classes virtual amid days and days of massive pro-Gaza protests on campus.

"Theyre closing Columbia now? I mean, its just crazy," Trump said. "Columbia should gain a little strength, a little courage and keep their school open."

Trumps comments came after students at Columbia University were instructed that classes had shifted to virtual or hybrid amid ongoing safety concerns stemming from the anti-Israel protests filling the campus.

"Its crazy because that means the other side wins," Trump said Tuesday. "When you start closing down colleges and universitiesthat means the other side [wins.]"

"The people running Columbia have made a grave mistake," Trump said.

Law enforcement officers block a street during a protest against a draft bill on "foreign agents" in Tbilisi, Georgia April 15, 2024.

Columbia Universitys updated guidelines, as of Tuesday morning, said all courses on the Morningside main campus have moved to hybrid learning "until the end of each schools Spring 2024 semester."

"Safety is our highest priority as we strive to support our students learning and all the required academic operations," the school's Provost Angela Olinto wrote in a statement released early Tuesday morning. "Its vital that teaching and learning continue during this time."





Original article source: Trump says he'll 'fire the radical left' from colleges, focus on 'defending' American 'tradition' if elected
Trump says NY Judge Merchan 'thinks he is above the Supreme Court' after barring him from immunity arguments

Trump says NY Judge Merchan 'thinks he is above the Supreme Court' after barring him from immunity arguments

EXCLUSIVE: Former President Trump said New York Judge Juan Merchan "thinks he is above the Supreme Court," after "prohibiting" him from attending arguments Thursday on presidential immunity, telling Fox News Digital it is "the most important case in many years" before the high court.

The former president and presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital on Wednesday after spending the last two days in a Manhattan courtroom for opening arguments and witness testimony in his unprecedented criminal trial.

Trump had requested to attend arguments at the Supreme Court when it holds oral arguments about the former president's immunity on Thursday, but Judge Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, rejected that request.

TRUMP TRIAL: FORMER PRESIDENT 'INNOCENT,' SAYS DEFENSE AS DA ALLEGES 'CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY'

"Because he thinks he is above the Supreme Court, he is prohibiting me from going to the presidential immunity hearing where some of the great legal scholars will be arguing the case  the most important case in many years on the Supreme Court," Trump told Fox News Digital.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on whether Trump is immune from prosecution by Special Counsel Jack Smith out of his investigation into 2020 election interference.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Former President Donald Trump exits Trump Tower in New York City, on April 15, as jury selection is set to begin in the New York trial in Manhattan Criminal Court.

"Without presidential immunity, the presidency becomes a ceremonial position only, it will be decimated," he continued. "Hes prohibiting me from going. He is a radical left Democrat."



When Trump requested to attend the Supreme Court arguments last week, Merchan told his attorney: "Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal, and I can certainly appreciate why your client would want to be there."

"But a trial in New York Supreme Court is also a big deal," Merchan said last week, requiring the former president to be in his Manhattan courtroom on Thursday, instead of at the high court in Washington, D.C.

A ruling from the Supreme Court on the issue of presidential immunity is expected by late June.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

"Virtually every legal scholar and expert in the country said that this case should not have been brought, that there was no crime, that everything was done properly and that this is a case that should be dropped immediately," Trump told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

"Its an embarrassment to Crooked Joe Biden and the Democrat Party who are duly standing behind it and the judge is totally conflicted  totally conflicted," he said.

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo makes opening statements as former President Donald Trump watches with his attorney Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan in this courtroom sketch.

"If falsifying a business record is because a bookkeeper wrote down legal expense in paying a legal fee, thats not falsifying," Trump told Fox News Digital. "They call it a legal expense  and thats what it was. It was a legal expense."

He added: "It was legal fees paid to a lawyer  thats called a legal expense."

NY PROSECUTORS REVEAL 'ANOTHER CRIME' TRUMP ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO CONCEAL WITH FALSIFIED BUSINESS RECORDS

Trumps criminal trial stemming from Smiths investigation has been put on hold pending a Supreme Court decision on whether Trump is immune from prosecution.

Smith charged the former president with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. Those charges stemmed from Smiths investigation into whether Trump was involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and any alleged interference in the 2020 election result.

Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges in August.

Meanwhile, Trump also requested to skip court on May 17 to attend the high school graduation of his youngest son, Barron.

"The other thing is, the judge is prohibiting me from going to my sons graduation from high school  my son Barron, who has worked very hard and hes a great student," Trump told Fox News Digital. "He cant have his father at his graduation because of a vicious judge thats totally conflicted."

TRUMP WARNS THAT IF HE LOSES PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY, SO WILL 'CROOKED' JOE BIDEN



Trump added: "He should never be allowed to do this case."

Trump and his attorneys had sought Merchan to recuse himself from the case due to his daughters Democrat-affiliated political work.

Merchans daughter, Loren, has a leadership role and ownership stake at Authentic Campaigns Inc., which Trump lawyers say "services exclusively Democrat clients" and is "the #21 ranked vendor in the country in connection with the 2024 election."

TRUMP FILES MOTION REQUESTING JUDGE IN HUSH MONEY TRIAL BE RECUSED AMID DAUGHTER'S DEMOCRAT-AFFILIATED WORK

Some of Authentics top "featured clients" on its website include campaigns associated with Trump opponents  including "President Biden, Vice President Harris, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Congressman [Adam] Schiff, Congressman [Hakeem] Jeffries, Congressman [Dan] Goldman, Congresswoman [Lauren] Underwood, and Congresswoman [Summer] Lee." The website also features its work for the Democrat-backed "Senate Majority PAC," and the Democrat-backed "House Majority PAC."

Merchan said he saw no basis for recusal.

As for Barrons graduation, Merchan has yet to formally grant or deny Trumps request, and instead has said he will make his decision based on how the trial is going.





Original article source: Trump says NY Judge Merchan 'thinks he is above the Supreme Court' after barring him from immunity arguments
Former President Trump slammed Columbia University for closing its campus amid violent anti-Israel, pro-Gaza protests, urging the college to "gain a little strength" and "courage" while saying the move "means the other side wins."

Trump took reporter questions in Trump Tower on Tuesday evening before a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, who is the current vice president of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS

The former president and presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee was asked if he would visit with Jewish students this week amid protests, following the news that House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to visit Columbia Universitys campus on Wednesday.

Anti-Israel protesters gather on the campus of Columbia University in New York City on April 23, 2024.

"Well, we have a lot of different things, but whats going on with the colleges  and theyre closing Columbia now? I mean, its just crazy," Trump said. "Columbia should gain a little strength, a little courage and keep their school open."

Trumps comments came after students at Columbia University were instructed that classes had shifted to virtual or hybrid amid ongoing safety concerns stemming from the anti-Israel protests filling the campus.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Its crazy because that means the other side wins," Trump said Tuesday. "When you start closing down colleges and universities  that means the other side [wins.]"

The former president, pointing to Aso and Japan, said, "In Japan, they dont know about that. They dont close. They keep it open. They make it work."

"The people running Columbia have made a grave mistake," Trump said.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS: 5 DRAMATIC MOMENTS FROM A WEEK OF CHAOS

Columbia Universitys updated guidelines, as of Tuesday morning, said all courses on the Morningside main campus have moved to hybrid learning "until the end of each schools Spring 2024 semester."

"Safety is our highest priority as we strive to support our students learning and all the required academic operations," school Provost Angela Olinto wrote in a statement released early Tuesday morning. "Its vital that teaching and learning continue during this time."

NYPD officers patrol as anti-Israel agitators demonstrate outside Columbia Universitys campus in New York City on April 18, 2024.

IVY LEAGUE ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS' PROTESTS SPIRAL INTO 'ACTUAL TERROR ORGANIZATION,' PROFESSOR WARNS

The announcement comes amid continued antisemitic protests on the New York City campus and just a day after classes were made virtual on Monday.

The guidance, signed in tandem with Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway, also affects faculty and staff.

The guidance also comes amid days of protests at Columbia, where anti-Israel agitators initially formed an encampment  setting up tents and refusing to leave  on the campus last week. The protesters have marched in and around the campus demanding the school lose affiliations with groups that support Israel amid its war with Hamas in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ORDERS VIRTUAL CLASSES AS ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS TAKE OVER: 'WE NEED A RESET'

Columbia University President Dr. Nemat "Minouche" Shafik said in a statement posted in the early hours of Monday morning that she was "deeply saddened" by certain actions of the agitators and called for a "reset."

Anti-Israel protesters chanted and demonstrated at Columbia University on April 17, 2024.

"I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus," Shafik wrote. "Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm. Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas."

DEMOCRATIC REP GOTTHEIMER SAYS HE WOULD BE WORRIED TO SEND CHILDREN TO COLUMBIA AFTER VISITING PROTESTS

Shafik, on Monday, said the university needs "a reset."

More than 100 of the protesters were arrested last week amid the unrest.

Antisemitic protests have broken out at colleges and universities across the nation, including New York University in New York City and Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Fox News' Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump slams Columbia University for closing campus amid anti-Israel protests: 'Means the other side wins'
Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of WIA Gold Limited (ASX:WIA), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

Check out our latest analysis for WIA Gold

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At WIA Gold

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Executive Chairman Josef El-Raghy for AU$215k worth of shares, at about AU$0.039 per share. Even though the purchase was made at a significantly lower price than the recent price (AU$0.095), we still think insider buying is a positive. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

WIA Gold insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insider Ownership

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data indicates that WIA Gold insiders own about AU$13m worth of shares (which is 15% of the company). But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. We do generally prefer see higher levels of insider ownership.

What Might The Insider Transactions At WIA Gold Tell Us?

The fact that there have been no WIA Gold insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Overall we don't see anything to make us think WIA Gold insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. Case in point: We've spotted 4 warning signs for WIA Gold you should be aware of, and 3 of them don't sit too well with us.

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.
Former President Donald Trump is an unindicted co-conspirator in the Michigan attorney generals probe into the attempts to overturn the 2020 election in that state, an investigator testified Wednesday.

The investigator also said the list of unindicted co-conspirators includes ex-Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, and former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis.

The revelations came at a pretrial hearing in Lansing for some of Michigans fake electors, who have been charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in her investigation into the attempts to subvert the 2020 election.

Nessel, a Democrat, charged 16 fake Republican electors from Michigan last summer. CNN reported in December that the investigation was ongoing and appeared to be expanding. One of those charged already agreed to cooperate with Nessels prosecutors, in exchange for the charges being dropped. The remaining 15 defendants have all pleaded not guilty.

Special agent Howard Shock, one of the lead investigators in Nessels probe, was asked Wednesday in court by a defense attorney for one of the fake electors to confirm whether specific people are co-conspirators. Shock answered yes when the lawyer asked about Trump, Meadows, Giuliani and Ellis.

Trump, Giuliani, Meadows and Ellis arent facing charges in Michigan. They were all indicted in Georgias sweeping 2020 election interference case. Ellis pleaded guilty in that case last year; the others deny wrongdoing.

A spokesperson for Nessels office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the revelation. CNN is reaching out to attorneys representing Trump, Meadows and Ellis.

A spokesman for Giuliani, Ted Goodman, said in a statement that the continued weaponization of our justice system should concern all Michiganders and Americans.

The state-level investigation has focused intensely on the actions of the individual fake electors, who were charged with felonies last summer. But since then, there have been some indications that prosecutors were looking at the broader Trump-backed attempts to overturn the results in Michigan, where he lost by about 155,000.

Investigators in December interviewed pro-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, who played a leading role in the fake electors plot. CNN previously reported that investigators asked him about Trump, Giuliani, and Trump campaign operatives, inquiring about how they factored into the attempts to interfere with the results in Michigan and beyond.

Indictments over fake electors scheme in Arizona

The Trump campaign had a seven-state scheme to subvert the Electoral College process after he lost the 2020 election, and prosecutors in several states have pursued charges against fake electors.

CNN reported later Wednesday that a grand jury in Arizona had handed up an indictment against Trumps allies over their efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, including the fake electors from that state and several individuals connected to his campaign.

Boris Epshteyn, a former White House aide who remains one of Trumps closest advisers; Meadows; and Giuliani are among those who have been indicted, according to a source familiar with the investigation. CNN is reaching out to those charged for comment.

While Trump is not among those charged in Arizona, the details in the indictment suggest he is Unindicted Coconspirator 1.

State prosecutors in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia and Nevada have now charged at least some of the fake electors in their states. An investigation is still underway in Wisconsin. Prosecutors in New Mexico and Pennsylvania have declined to bring charges.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Zachary Cohen and Holmes Lybrand contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Donald Trump must sense the walls closing in. At 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, the former president begged Republicans to step in and save him from his hush-money trial in a long, rambling two-post thread on Truth Social.

This New York Cabal, run by Crooked Joe Bidens White House, is a hit job on a Political Opponent the likes of which the USA has never seen before. For the Good of our Country, it must be stopped. The Crooked Joe Biden Witch Hunts have to be ended. REPUBLICANS IN WASHINGTON MUST TAKE ACTION! he wrote.

Trump took aim at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as being soft on crime, Judge Juan Merchan for being rigged against him, and even the judges in his defamation case and civil fraud case, calling them corrupt. His complaints come just up to the threshold of acceptable commentary under his gag order, which prohibits him from speaking publicly about courtroom staff, prosecutors, or any of their family members. Trump has complained bitterly and almost continuously about the order, even after his contempt of court hearing Tuesday for allegedly violating it.

Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts for allegedly using his former fixer Michael Cohen to cover up an affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Tuesdays proceedings did not go well for Trump, with witness David Pecker, who was publisher of the National Enquirer and CEO of its parent company in 2016, detailing how he worked with the Trump campaign to catch and kill negative stories about the then-presidential candidate.

If Trump is looking for Republicans to interfere in his court proceedings, theres not much they can do besides make weird, full-throated defenses to the public. Even then, the real people Trump needs on his side are the jurors in the trial, who are understandably more worried about their own safety.
Trump v US: SCOTUS likely to determine presidents get some amount of immunity, experts say

Trump v US: SCOTUS likely to determine presidents get some amount of immunity, experts say

The Supreme Court is set to consider arguably the highest-profile cases of the term Thursday to determine whether former President Trump can claim presidential immunity against criminal charges brought by the Biden Justice Department.

Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought charges against Trump following his investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and Trump's alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election result, argued in briefs submitted to the high court that "presidents are not above the law."

Trump's legal team conversely argued, "A denial of criminal immunity would incapacitate every future President [t]he threat of future prosecution and imprisonment would become a political cudgel to influence the most sensitive and controversial decisions, taking away the strength, authority, and decisiveness of the Presidency."

Legal experts told Fox News Digital that while all nine justices might be skeptical of Trump's sweeping immunity claims, they are likely to give guidance on where presidential immunity from criminal prosecution ends for actions taken while in the Oval Office  which could have a profound impact in the criminal cases against the former president.

SUPREME COURT PREPARES TO DEBATE TRUMP IMMUNITY CLAIM IN ELECTION INTERFERENCE CASE

The U.S. Supreme Court justices will hear arguments in Trump v. United States on Thursday.

Jonathan Turley, a practicing criminal defense attorney and professor at George Washington University, told Fox News Digital the case is "surrounded by rather steep constitutional cliffs."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"This case may be rather maddening for the justices because it is surrounded by rather steep constitutional cliffs. If the court goes one way, a president has little protection in carrying out the duties of his office. If they turned the other way, he has a little accountability for the most serious criminal acts," Turley said.

"This is a court that tends to be incremental. They tend not to favor sweeping rulings," he said.

The Justice Department argued in lower court that a president has virtually no immunity when he leaves office, and the lower court agreed.

Turley says the justices "could reject the lower court decision and send it back for a more nuanced approach on constitutional immunity."

"The justices may find that presidents do require immunity, even with regard to some criminal acts," Turley said, adding that "any remand would work significantly in the former president's favor on a tactical level."

Turley explained that if the case were to be remanded back down to Judge Tanya Chutkan in the D.C. District Court, that process would make a trial before the November election "even less likely."

"There are both constitutional and tactical aspects to the ruling, but I think these justices are likely to approach this argument with an eye toward balancing these interests, and if that's the case, they could well come up with a different approach than the lower court or the former president," Turley said.

LEGAL EXPERTS SAY JACK SMITHS RUNWAY TO TRY TRUMP BEFORE 2024 ELECTION JUST GOT A LOT SHORTER

The thrust of Trump's legal argument is that Supreme Court precedent says absolute immunity from civil liability exists for a former president for his official acts, and that the same immunity should apply to a criminal context.

"Theres a real likelihood that the Supreme Court will give some concrete guidance on the exact amount of protection a president is entitled to," Jim Trusty, former legal counsel for Trump and a former federal prosecutor , told Fox News Digital.

"There are still likely to be factual issues that the lower courts will then have to decide as to where President Trumps actions fit within this continuum of protected or unprotected conduct," he explained.

Former President Trump and Special Counsel Jack Smith

John Shu, a constitutional law expert who served in both the George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush administrations, gave a similar view.

"The chances of the Supreme Court giving the office of the president some amount of level of immunity are pretty good," Shu told Fox News Digital.

But Shu also said "there's also a decent chance that whatever immunity the court carves out, it may not encompass Trumps alleged acts."

RED STATE AGS BLAST SPECIAL COUNSEL PUSH FOR SCOTUS TO RUSH TRUMP CASE: PARTISAN INTERESTS

Former President Trump

"They wont be making purely legal arguments, but political power arguments as well, and theyll have to get at least five Supreme Court justices to agree with them," Shu said.

Trusty said the questions put to each of the parties in Thursday's oral arguments "could be pretty transparent as to each justices view of immunity."

So far, Shu observed, Trumps attorneys have argued that the president has absolute immunity, even after he leaves office, for any and all acts.

"I dont think the court will go that far," Shu said.

Similarly, Trusty said he expects the court to "give very little credit to the notion of absolutely unlimited immunity, as President Trumps lawyers have argued."

"But I do think there is a strong possibility that the court confirms the notion that immunity protects the president and that their ruling could set in motion the eventual dismissal of the Jan. 6, Mar-a-Lago and Georgia cases," he said.

The Supreme Court will hear the case, Trump v. United States, on Thursday at 10 a.m.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement, "Without immunity for official acts, there can be no Presidency. No President in American history has faced prosecution for his official acts  until now."

"Allowing political opponents to prosecute the President once he leaves office will distort the Presidents most important decisions. Even during his Presidency, his enemies will blackmail and extort him with threats of lawless criminal charges and imprisonment once his term ends. The Framers of our Constitution wisely created a system that prevented this endless, destructive cycle of recrimination for 234 years," he continued.

"The Supreme Court should uphold Presidential immunity and put an end to Jack Smiths deranged, unconstitutional witch hunt against President Trump, once and for all," he said.





Original article source: Trump v US: SCOTUS likely to determine presidents get some amount of immunity, experts say
Former President Trump has won the GOP primary in Pennsylvania, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Trump has already hit the delegates he needs to secure the Republican nomination for 2024, and there are another 67 delegates up for grabs in the Keystone States Tuesday night contest, according to a tracker from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill.

Across the aisle, President Biden is set to pick up another win in Pennsylvanias Democratic primary. Neither presidential contender was expected to see major challengers, but Biden is likely to see a protest vote as some Democrats express frustration with the administration over Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war  and Trump could see some protest votes for his ex-rival, Nikki Haley.

Polling averages from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill show Trump with a slim 0.4 point lead over Biden in the battleground state as the race gears up for a competitive rematch of the pairs 2020 showdown.

Voters in Pennsylvania are casting ballots Tuesday in the race for Sen. Bob Caseys (D-Pa.) seat in the upper chamber, as well as several closely watched House contests. The state is poised to play a critical role in deciding which party controls the White House and Congress next year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Seattle police released the name of a man who was shot and killed by authorities at a Tukwila hotel as part of a child sex sting.

Seattle Police say they believed the man, identified as Bruce Coval Meneley, was at the DoubleTree Hotel on Southcenter Parkway on April 17 to meet two 7- and 11-year-old girls.

Instead, three Seattle officers were waiting inside the hotel room. When police opened the door and began identifying themselves, Meneley began taking out a gun.

Officers quickly opened fire, killing the man.

A Seattle Police officer who was part of the sting operation was hit in the leg during the shooting.

The officer is expected to recover from the injuries.

The full video of the shooting was released on Friday. It is graphic and may be disturbing. The Seattle Police Department released it as an age-restricted YouTube video. If you would like to see it, click here.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD)  Tulip Time Festival announced the grand marshals for this years parades.

The grand marshal for the Gentex Kinderparade will be Waukazoo Elementary, represented by principal Audra Bolhuis. The Park Township elementary school is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

The honor that our school has to serve as the grand marshal this year is a tribute to the generations of families that have made Waukazoo Elementary their home, Bolhuis said in a news release. To have our school included in the annual parade this year makes my role as principal even more special. This will certainly be a memory that will last a lifetime for our families and for me.

The Gentex Kinderparade is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9.

Jack Huisingh, the retiring executive director of the Holland Aquatic Center, was named the grand marshal of the Quality Car Wash Volksparade.

I do consider it a genuine honor to represent the city I love, and grew up in and work in today. I have been truly blessed to be allowed to serve at our Holland Aquatic Center and to help create something for our next generation, Huisingh said in a news release.

The Quality Car Wash Volksparade will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

The festival runs from May 4 through May 12. Temperatures are expected to dip, possibly into the 20s, on Wednesday night into Thursday  but Tulip Time organizers say the flowers will still be just fine.

The tulips will be great. They are the most resilient flower that Ive ever come across. They dont mind snow on top of them, even, at this point, executive director Gwen Auwerda told News 8 Wednesday. They really do like it 40 degrees or cooler at night, because it holds them a little bit longer, the buds and the flowers, so that they will bloom anywhere from 25 to 35 days.

You can learn more about the event at tuliptime.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Twerking vandals cause $25K in damage to Southern California business

A San Gabriel Valley business is struggling after vandals broke into their parking lot, spent some time twerking atop their vehicles and caused thousands of dollars in damage over the weekend.

The break-in at Pink Sponge Home Cleaning service in Glendora occurred in the early morning hours of April 20.

Surveillance footage on the rooftop parking lot showed at least three teens wreaking havoc, one who was blasting off a fire extinguisher and another two who were twerking on the hood of one of the companys 25 bright pink fleet of Volkswagen Bugs.

They kicked in every headlight they could, Jennifer Ahlgrim with Pink Sponge Cleaning told KTLAs Sandra Mitchell. They pulled down the windows so hard, they broke the regulators. They carved on the hoods of cars.

The teens caused some $25,000 in damage on their rampage and left a giant mess.

They tore open a door and threw products over the side of the building. It was disgusting, Ahlgrim said.

According to the company, which prides itself on giving back to the community, 18 of their vehicles were badly damaged.

Teens seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teen seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teen seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teen seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teens seen vandalizing vehicles at Glendora business on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Teen seen blasting a fire extinguisher after a break-in at a Glendora business on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

I couldnt understand how someone could do something like this to a company thats trying to do good, Ahlgrim said. It just doesnt make sense.

One of the teens, a 15-year-old from La Verne, is now in custody in connection with the break-in. Police said that gang symbols carved onto some of the cars led them to the juvenile suspect.

Authorities added that they have the 15-year-olds cell phone and are hoping to use it to find the two teen girls who were involved in the break-in.

We built everything from the ground up, so to see our hard work vandalized was just completely disheartening, Ahlgrim explained. Our Pink Sponge team is strong, but its been very sad.

We did recover a live firearm: Southern California school put on lockdown

The co-founder of the company told KTLA that their insurance claim was denied because they had been vandalized before.

A GoFundMe has been organized to help the business with the cost of repairs and the loss of many of its supplies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Twerking vandals cause $25K in damage to California business

GLENDORA, Calif. (KTLA)  A San Gabriel Valley business is struggling after vandals broke into their parking lot, spent some time twerking atop their vehicles and caused thousands of dollars in damage over the weekend.

The break-in at Pink Sponge Home Cleaning service in Glendora occurred in the early morning hours of April 20.

Surveillance footage of the rooftop parking lot showed at least three teens wreaking havoc, one who was blasting off a fire extinguisher and another two who were twerking on the hood of one of the companys bright pink fleet of 25 Volkswagen Bugs.

They kicked in every headlight they could, Jennifer Ahlgrim with Pink Sponge Cleaning told KTLAs Sandra Mitchell. They pulled down the windows so hard, they broke the regulators. They carved on the hoods of cars.

The teens caused some $25,000 in damage on their rampage and left a giant mess.

They tore open a door and threw products over the side of the building. It was disgusting, Ahlgrim said.

According to the company, which prides itself on giving back to the community, 18 of their vehicles were badly damaged.

Teens seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teen seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teen seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teen seen twerking atop vehicles after a break-in at Pink Sponge Cleaning in Glendora on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge0

Teens seen vandalizing vehicles at Glendora business on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Teen seen blasting a fire extinguisher after a break-in at a Glendora business on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

Damage seen to one of the 25 vehicle Pink Sponge Cleaning fleet caused by vandals on April 20, 2024. (Pink Sponge)

I couldnt understand how someone could do something like this to a company thats trying to do good, Ahlgrim said. It just doesnt make sense.

One of the teens, a 15-year-old from La Verne, is now in custody in connection with the break-in. Police said that gang symbols carved onto some of the cars led them to the juvenile suspect.

Authorities added that they have the 15-year-olds cell phone and are hoping to use it to find the two teen girls who were involved in the break-in.

We built everything from the ground up, so to see our hard work vandalized was just completely disheartening, Ahlgrim explained. Our Pink Sponge team is strong, but its been very sad.

We did recover a live firearm: Southern California school put on lockdown

The co-founder of the company told KTLA that their insurance claim was denied because they had been vandalized before.

A GoFundMe has been organized to help the business with the cost of repairs and the loss of many of its supplies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Leading UAE developer Arada has awarded two contracts worth AED615 million ( ) for the construction of all 565 homes within its premium community Azalea, the fourth phase of Masaar, the megaproject based in the Suyoh district of Sharjah.

Valued at AED9.5 billion and containing 3,000 villas and townhouses spread over six phases, Masaar is defined by a green spine of 70,000 trees, offering a nature-inspired lifestyle to its residents.

Announcing the contract awards, Arada said Saleh Construction will build 324 residences, while Yanal Building Contracting Company will take care of 241 homes.

The construction work will begin immediately and all homes will be completed and handed over by the end of 2025, it stated.

According to Arada, contracts for the remaining two phases will be awarded in the second quarter, with the entire project scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, it added.

These new awards mean that over 1,500 homes in the second, third and fourth phases at Masaar are now under construction, following the completion of 430 homes in the first phase by the end of 2023.

Arada pointed out that the other completed elements of the woodland community include Masaar Discovery Center and a number of family attractions including a childrens adventure playground, water play area, skate park and a Zad food truck park.

Masaar Track, a 6.6-kilometer forested cycleway incorporating bridges and tunnels, is currently welcoming thousands of cyclists every month, while The Loop offers onsite bike rental and repair services alongside a cafe, it added.

On the new project, Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said: "The feedback we have received from the first residents who have started moving into Masaar in recent months has been exceptional, underlining our commitment to setting a new standard of living for the UAE."

"Since we launched Masaar in 2021, it has become one of the countrys most successful offplan projects, with strong capital appreciation over the last three years creating significant additional value for our buyers," he noted.

Masaar is ideally located in the up-and-coming Suyoh district, and has easy access to Emirates Road and Mleiha Road, and is a few minutes drive from both Sharjah and Dubai airports.-TradeArabia News Service
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

The year is 2018. Youre at a psychic reading. In a trance, the psychic peers into the future and predicts that Donald Trump will be a criminal defendant in 2024.

Eh, too easy, you think.

Michael Cohen and Michael Avenatti will be involved in the trial, the psychic murmurs. But thats also easy: Cohen was the then-presidents personal attorney and Avenatti was counsel to Stormy Daniels, a role he had parlayed into media ubiquity and Resistance stardom. Of course the two might feature in a prosecution of Trump.

Unimpressed, you rise to leaveand then the psychic speaks again. Cohen will be a witness for the prosecution, she whispers. And Avenatti will be a witness for Trump.

In later years, youll remember that as the moment you realized that psychics are real.

Michael Cohen is indeed a key witness for the state in Trumps hush-money trial in Manhattan, having long ago transitioned from loyal henchman and fixer into a harsh critic of his former boss. Avenatti is serving a 19-year sentence for numerous federal crimes, including defrauding Daniels, but told the New York Post recently that hes been in touch with Trumps defense for the better part of a year about potentially testifying on his behalf.

Speaking to the paper from prison, Avenatti in 2024 sounded like Cohen circa 2018. Theres no question [Trumps trial] is politically motivated because theyre concerned that he may be reelected, he said. If the defendant was anyone other than Donald Trump, this case would not have been brought at this time, and for the government to attempt to bring this case and convict him in an effort to prevent tens of millions of people from voting for him, I think its just flat out wrong, and atrocious.

Watching the two trade places politically is among the oddest developments of this very odd era. Their paths crossed with Trumps hush-money payoff to Daniels and somehow each ended up in the others niche, a sort of Freaky Friday for boorish shysters. Do our two parties simply require an unusually sleazy lawyer named Michael to confirm their respective priors about Trump at all times, irrespective of who it is?

You might assume that partisan media organs on both sides would want nothing to do with either of them. If anyone is beyond the bounds of Strange New Respect for their political conversions, surely its the two Michaels.

Not so. In fact, its because theyre disgraced that theres a market for them.

Consider their media coverage lately.

Its not just the Post that has quoted Avenatti favorably on the alleged injustice of Trumps prosecution. Another Rupert Murdoch property, Fox News, conducted its own jailhouse interview with him on Monday, showcasing Avenattis belief that Trump is a victim of the system. Trump himself thanked Avenatti publicly in a Truth Social post earlier this month after his new favorite Michael wondered why Trump is under a gag order but not Cohen or Daniels.

Cohen, meanwhile, has appeared repeatedly on Avenattis old stomping ground of MSNBC to crow about the recent civil judgment against Trump and to scoff at the former presidents promises to testify at his criminal trial. Cohens makeover as an outspoken anti-Trumper has earned him a following of more than 600,000 people on The App Formerly Known as Twitter, where youll find him taunting his old comrade with accusations of, er  see for yourself.

Both of these men are convicted criminals, let me remind you. And not just criminals, but criminals whose crimes speak directly to their lack of credibility: Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress while Avenatti pleaded guilty to fraud. Ask the average American to name a profession they associate with connivance and deceit and most will say lawyerand even by that lowly standard, the two Michaels are such extreme examples that they landed themselves in the clink because of it. Why are partisan media outlets still offering them a platform?

Well, ask yourself: Whats the purpose of partisan media?

Its not to inform, lord knows. Its not really to persuade, either. Fox News and MSNBC may get a few leaners from the other side tuning in from time to time, but spend an evening watching their prime-time lineups and youll see that theyre not geared toward reasoning with the center. They know where their bread is buttered.

The purpose of partisan media is to validate the beliefs of readers or viewers, especially their belief that theyre morally superior to their opponents. And nothing affirms that belief as efficiently as a political convert.

After all, converts speak from personal experience. When Michael Cohen calls Trump a lowlife, hes not surmising it based on Trumps public behavior the way most liberals do. He knows firsthand. When Michael Avenatti claims that the legal system is persecuting Trump, hes not surmising it based on news coverage the way most conservatives do. He knows, or seems to know, firsthand.

Theyre eyewitnesses to the enemys corruption, which makes their testimony about the foibles of the other side authoritative to partisans in a way that most political rhetoric isnt. And so, as often happens with witnesses who lack clean hands, theyre granted immunity to testify against their former accomplices. In this case the immunity is moral, not legal, and its granted by partisan media, not prosecutors.

Theres another dimension to conversions that makes Cohen and Avenatti attractive. In some cases, the worse the converts character is, the more powerful their conversion becomes.

Thats obviously not true in a legal setting, where an eyewitness with a long rap sheet who turns states evidence risks being discredited on cross-examination, but its true in religious contexts. No one blinks when a pious man converts from one faith to another, but when a criminal finds religion and reforms his ways? Theres no testament more compelling. Any creed that can move a wicked man to repent must have a healthy amount of truth to it.

The fact that Cohen and Avenatti identified so strongly with one side politically, behaved so badly as members, and now claim to have seen the light gives partisan media on each side an irresistible narrative about corruption and redemption. Each man may have lacked credibility before his conversion, but  hes changing. With repentance comes forgiveness.

A media outlet whose highest duty is to inform or persuade will avoid platforming low-credibility figures. A media outlet whose highest duty is to validate the audiences belief in its own righteousness will not only platform them, itll grant them a degree of moral absolution in exchange for affirming that belief.

Even if theres reason to believe their conversion is insincere, which there is with the two Michaels.

It must have occurred to the editors at Fox News and the New York Post that a man like Avenatti whos serving a long sentence in federal prison has a selfish reason to ally himself with a presidential frontrunner known for issuing pardons to allies whove proved their loyalty. And it must have occurred to the editors at MSNBC that Cohens awakening about Trump coincided with his decision to cooperate with authorities in exchange for leniency on numerous criminal charges he faced in 2018.

But so what? The apparent Damascene moment each man has experienced doesnt need to be genuine, any more than MSNBCs wildest theories about Trump colluding with Russia or Foxs suspicions about a rigged election needed to be substantiated. Cohen and Avenatti have been granted Strange New Respect not because they deserve it but because validating the audiences moral superiority requires it.

I cant fault either of them for being eager to take advantage.

Particularly for someone whose reputation has been shattered, it must be exhilarating to have a community offer you forgiveness and acceptance if only youll endorse its beliefs.

Without the virtual communities that have grown up around talk radio and cable news and the blogosphere and social media, there would be more downside than upside for Michael Cohen and Michael Avenatti to admit to having had a change of heart about Trump. The relationships theyd built on the right and left, respectively, would fracture when they did soand thered be nothing to replace them, at least not immediately. The process of earning the trust and goodwill of their new political allies on the other side would be a long one without a robust partisan media infrastructure to speed it along, with no guarantee of success.

But that infrastructure does exist, in spades. Access to the virtual communities it serves is only one Fox News or MSNBC segment away. Which leaves us with a grand irony of this era in politics: As freakishly partisan and tribally polarized as the two sides have become, political conversions have never been easier.

The prospect of receiving instant grace from an extant virtual community has encouraged side-switching from many people more esteemed than Cohen and Avenatti. Take, for example, George Conway, who in a few years went from being known mainly as Kellyanne Conways better half to one of the most popular anti-Trump commentators in the country, with frequent appearances on cable news and a Twitter following of more than 2 million people.

In noting that, I dont mean to imply that Conways feelings about Trump arent sincere, only that the affirmation and gratitude hes received for speaking out presumably made him more willing to bear the considerable personal costs hes incurred by doing so. If a man is considering burning the bridges hes built on the right, it must be an enormous reliefand inducementto see a number of newly built bridges suddenly open up on the left.

That dynamic cuts the other way too. Journalists Matt Taibbi and Glenn Greenwald spent most of their careers cultivating an audience on the anti-establishment left. As the populist energy in American politics shifted from left to right, they shifted with it by taking up cultural hobby horses more closely associated with MAGA types. Alienating ones longtime readers is risky business for a journalistunless a virtual community already exists on the other side that can be easily reached and thats sure to be receptive to his point of view.

Again, thats not to accuse Taibbi or Greenwald of letting filthy lucre dictate their political views; someone whos motivated by money would be a fool to abandon a successful livelihood on one side of the aisle for the mere possibility of a successful livelihood on the other. As with Conway, the incentive is moral more so than financial. If your politics have changed and you expect to be ostracized because of it, its not only reassuring to find a virtual community thats eager to embrace you for having done the right thing, its encouragement to keep going in the direction youre inclined to go.

Thats partly why The Dispatch exists, of course. Were not here to morally validate our readers but we do aim to provide a bit of community for Trump-skeptical conservatives who are sorely in want of one. Its also why platforms exist that are, more or less, the opposite of this one. If not for the fact that an enormous and energetic virtual community of post-liberal cranks thrives online, for instance, I doubt that the former host of Crossfire would be willing to share thoughts like this publicly:

Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson want to know what happened to Building 7: pic.twitter.com/hQMC06ee1X  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 20, 2024

It wasnt so long ago that Tucker Carlson would walk out of political events where attendees insisted on just asking questions about Building 7. His descent into hypercontrarian madness over the last few years might have happened even if there werent a robust alt-media industry that caters to kooks cheering him onbut I doubt it. It takes a lot of positive reinforcement from ones audience to convince a formerly sane man to film himself admiring coin-operated grocery-cart locks in a Moscow supermarket.

Whether sincere or opportunistic, political conversion involves risk. The Cambrian explosion in partisan media weve seen on television and online over the last 25 years has reduced that risk by assuring fledgling converts of every stripe that a virtual community will be there to embrace them warmly if they continue on the path theyre on. In some cases, as with the two Michaels, that path leads from disgrace back toward respectabilityor a simulacrum of it.

And sometimes it leads the other way, from respectability toward radicalization and further disgrace. Tucker Carlson has been mentioned as a future candidate for president; instead of pursuing mainstream politics to maximize his appeal, he let the adulation of a virtual community egg him on toward self-sabotaging conspiratorial nonsense. Ditto for Candace Owens, who pivoted from The Daily Wire to entertaining Jew-baiters with moral equivalencies about all of the innocent Germans the Allies killed during World War II. Theres a big community for stuff like that, just not one that a decent personlet alone an aspiring politicianwould ever belong to.

Which leaves us with one more irony. Because so much of the political media ecosystem is devoted to morally validating its audience, political conversions have never been easier for their critics to dismiss. Even the earnest ones. Especially the earnest ones.

I wonder how many times Liz Cheney has been told over the past three years that shes taken the position on Trump that she has because she craves the allegedly vast wealth and glory that only a contributors gig at CNN or MSNBC can bring.

Every conservative critic of Trumpy populism who works in politics or media knows that feeling. Not one of us has been spared the accusation that our antagonism toward the right is driven by a desire to ingratiate ourselves to the mainstream media, even those of us whove never done a media appearance. (Including on our own employers podcasts!)

Its idiotic. If youve built a career in right-wing politics and will say anything to maximize your money and fame, the obvious move is to double and triple down on Trump the way that someone like Charlie Kirk has, not to take your chances with an audience across the aisle. With rare exceptions like the two Michaels, the only reason to articulate a crisis of conscience about your political allies is because you feel sincerely morally compelled to do soand hope that those allies might reflect on your criticism and resolve to improve.

But they dont improve. Instead, mindful of the insatiable appetite outlets like Fox News and MSNBC have for validating their audiences, they shrug and disparage the earnest political conversion before them as just another bit of opportunistic repositioning by a disgruntled partisan eager to exploit how partisan media operates.

And you know what? Its hard to blame them when you turn on the TV and see Michael Cohen or Michael Avenatti on the air. In 2024.

Its bad enough that we have the two Michaels still polluting public debate, each for obviously self-interested reasons, but much worse that earnest conversions will be more readily dismissed because of it by those who might otherwise have been moved by them. Strange New Respect for those who dont deserve it means less respect for those who do.

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Two NYC teens on spring break attend Trumps hush money trial  and rip his lawyer: It was just that funny!

Two New York City teens said the highlight of spring break was being able to attend Donald Trumps hush money trial Tuesday  as they roasted Trumps attorney after his credibility was questioned by a judge.

Owen Berenbom and Hope Harrington, both 14, were the youngest spectators inside Justice Juan Merchans courtroom after trekking down from their Upper West Side homes and lining up after 7 a.m. to get a spot inside the courtroom.

This is the trial of the century, Berenbom, who one day hopes to be a politician, said.

Asked if they felt intimidated when Trump walked in, the two kids said they barely flinched.

Owen Berenbom and Hope Harrington, both 14, spent some of their spring break at Trumps hush money trial Tuesday. Kyle Schnitzer/NY Post

It was like watching Trump on TV, Harrington said, but both admitted they had better views of witness and ex-National Enquirer published David Pecker.

The pals, who have been friends since preschool, said the best part of the day was watching Todd Blanche, Trumps attorney, try to defend against his alleged gag order violations.

I have so many quotes from it in my notebook because it was just that funny, Harrington told The Post, referring to how prosecutors accused Trump of breaching a gag order not to slam those associated with the case 11 times.

Lawyer Todd Blanche (right) with Donald Trump on at Manhattan Criminal Court via REUTERS

Bernebom said Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Chris Conroy did an excellent job of outlining Trumps alleged violations.

He actually had evidence  unlike the other guy, Harrington said with a laugh, referring to Blanche.

The judge admonished Trumps attorney and said was losing all credibility when hearing arguments about the gag order.

Harrington said she thinks Trump has a sheer amount of evidence against him and predicts a guilty verdict  but cautioned how one of the jurors could hold out, causing a mistrial.

Todd Blanche pointing at Donald Trump during his opening statements in the trial AP

She hopes to become a lawyer with plans to run for US Senate one day.

Meanwhile, Bernebom said he wanted to see more witness testimony from Hope Hicks, Stormy Daniels, and Trumps former fixer Michael Cohen.

The teens were a rare sight inside the trial which has attracted characters of all kinds.

It was really a big moment for us. It feels even bigger now than when we were in there. It really meant a lot to be there, for all kids our age, said Harrington, who wants to see more teens attend trials.

Trump speaking outside of court flanked by Blanche, who is one member of his legal team Steven Hirsch

I think young people have to become more involved in whats going on around them in the world.

Though Bernebom returns to school Thursday, Harrington remains off and is planning to return.

Her only problem is her mom wont let her go alone.

This is the highlight of my break, and I went to DC over the weekend! Harrington said.
Will U.S. aid arrive in time for Ukraine's fight to hold off Russia's army?

KYIV, Ukraine  Ukraine needed this.

After months of political wrangling and battlefield reversals, Kyiv has reason to cheer. Now the race is on to ensure that U.S. military aid gets to the front lines in time to make a difference to troops trying to ward off the advancing Russian army.

For many in Ukraine, the news that the aid package had finally passed Congress offered relief and renewed hope of victory, with the war now in its third year.

But in the streets and trenches of Ukraine, those who spoke with NBC News espoused a view shared by many Western military analysts: that much damage had already been done and that, while important and welcome, the $60 billion of supplies would only go so far in resolving Ukraines problems.

Military mobility of Ukrainian soldiers in Donetsk region (Wolfgang Schwan / Anadolu via Getty Images)

The aid is coming at a vital moment for the U.S. ally, which faces severe ammunition and personnel shortages that have left it in a desperate situation on the front lines over the last few months, said Neil Melvin, the director of international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute, or RUSI, a London-based think tank.

Russia is gradually grinding down Ukrainian men and weapons, Melvin told NBC News. The U.S. supplies can slow this process and potentially blunt an expected Russian counter-offensive over the summer, but Ukraine will need much more if it is to defeat Russia and reclaim its occupied territories.

'The key now is speed'

President Joe Biden signed the bill into law just hours after the Senate passed it Tuesday night. "In the next few hours, literally a few hours, were going to begin sending in equipment to Ukraine," he said Wednesday.

An initial package worth more than $1 billion is expected to include more equipment that the U.S. has already provided, including ammunition, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, stingers, highly sought-after 155-mm artillery rounds, infantry fighting vehicles, Humvees, javelins and other military equipment, two U.S. officials familiar with the planning told NBC News.

"The key now is speed," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday. He said earlier that he had also finalized agreements on the supplies of long-range guided missiles called ATACMS, which Kyiv has long been seeking as part of its bid to strike deep behind Russian lines.

The news out of Washington has also been met with new promises from its European allies, with the U.K. announcing Tuesday its largest-ever military aid package for Ukraine.

The US Senate is due to vote on the final foreign aid package of $95 billion in total military assistance to US allies, including money for Israel and Taiwan alongside the $61 billion earmarked for Ukraine. (Mandel Ngan / AFP - Getty Images)

The renewed support comes ahead of an expected Russian offensive, which Zelenskyy himself has said could happen as early as this summer. Moscows forces have already been pushing in several directions in recent weeks, raising the specter of a possible attack on Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv.

Russias defense ministry said its troops claimed two villages in the eastern Donetsk region in as many days this week, as the Kremlin looks to exploit beleaguered Ukrainian defenses and make as many gains as possible before the new aid arrives.

If I were Gerasimov, Id be pushing forwards as much as I could while there was a window of opportunity, said Matthew Ford, associate professor in war studies at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm, referring to Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov.

Bohdanivka, the village claimed by Russia on Sunday, lies just over 3 miles east of the town of Chasiv Yar, a heavily fortified base for the Ukrainian army. Ukraines top commander said last week that Russian forces were aiming to capture the town by May 9, a symbolic date when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

Russia has the initiative on the battlefield. In the short term, thats unlikely to be affected by the U.S. release of weapons to Ukraine, Ford said. Systems that help with air defense will help protect critical infrastructure. However, it is unlikely that land systems will challenge the current tempo of Russian activity as the summer fighting season starts.

'Six months of shuffling'

In Ukraine, there was mixed opinion about the new aid and what difference it could make on the battlefield.

As long as Ukraine is continuing its fight, nothing is too late, Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesman for Ukraines southern military command, told NBC News, adding that the show of support after months of uncertainty and arguments would help boost the morale of troops and civilians behind the front lines, because they know the civilized world is behind us.

A Ukrainian drone pilot serving in the Kharkiv region also told NBC News that he welcomed the news, as drone units had been forced to cover for artillery units dealing with a severe shortage of shells. We see this very positively, said the soldier, who goes by the call-sign Amida and did not want his name used because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Ukraine Drone Operator (Anatolii Stepanov / AFP via Getty Images)

He said he hoped the supplies would start reaching the front lines by the time of the anticipated Russian offensive this summer, because it would determine where Ukraines troops can stop them.

While grateful that a decision had finally been made in Congress, the soldier said the political infighting over the aid had left him with an aftertaste of disappointment. The six months of shuffling, behind-the-scenes games, it was a sad sight, he said.

Some civilians in Kyiv expressed similar concerns about when the aid would arrive and in what amounts, as well as lack of clarity among the Ukrainian public about how much the country will ultimately have to pay for the desperately needed help.

Its better than nothing, said Georgiy Poliarush, 45. War is a complicated thing in any case, but I think it will help. What will happen next and how much we will have to pay for it is a different question.

The Kremlin has rejected the notion that the newly approved U.S. aid will make any difference on the front lines. "All these new arms supplies that are most probably ready to be dispatched will not change the dynamics at the war front," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.

But while Washingtons aid package may not immediately transform the battlefield situation, it is an important development that weakens Russia, said Christopher Tuck, an expert in conflict and security at Kings College London.

We know that it wont be transformational because Ukrainian forces were unable to achieve a decisive battlefield success last summer even though they had more aid than is being provided now, Tuck said.

But the congressional vote to approve the aid demonstrates politically that the U.S. is still behind Ukraine, Tuck said, because Russian hopes of ending the war on more favorable terms are pinned on the belief that the tide has turned in its favor not just on the battlefield but in the halls of power, too.

Replenishing Ukraines firepower is likely to increase Russian losses even further and this may help to slow, or halt, their advances, he added. This is important because, for any kind of peace settlement to emerge, Russia first has to believe that continuing to fight will not improve their bargaining position.

Daryna Mayer reported from Kyiv and Yuliya Talmazan from London.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, speaks during a press conference at Columbia University on April 24, 2024 in New York City.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, speaks during a press conference at Columbia University on April 24, 2024 in New York City. Johnson visited the campus as school administrators and pro-Palestinian student protesters made progress on negotiations after the school set a midnight deadline for students to disband the encampment, and agreed on a 48-hour extension. Johnson has called for the resignation of Columbia University President Minouche Shafik. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson decried antisemitism and raised the possibility of calling in the National Guard to disperse student protesters during a trip to Columbia University in New York City on Wednesday.

Students on that campus, as well as others throughout the country in recent days, have hosted large anti-war rallies calling on the Israeli government to implement a permanent ceasefire in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and a handful of other House GOP lawmakers gave a press conference after meeting with university President Minouche Shafik, calling on her to resign.

We just cant allow this kind of hatred and antisemitism to flourish on our campuses, Johnson said. And it must be stopped in its tracks.

Protesters watching the press conference repeatedly chanted over the GOP lawmakers as they spoke and booed Johnson several times as he criticized their actions. At one point, Johnson broke from his remarks to tell them to enjoy their First Amendment rights.

Protesters earlier Wednesday agreed to remove tents from the universitys West Lawn and limit participation to students, according to NBC New York.

Johnson said he planned to call President Joe Biden after leaving the campus to relay what Jewish students told him during a private meeting and what he saw on the campus.

There is executive authority that would be appropriate, Johnson said. If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard. We have to bring order to these campuses. We cannot allow this to happen around the country.

Echoes of 1970s

Johnson calling for the U.S. National Guard to thwart anti-war protests is reminiscent of the1970s, when officials believed that was the best way to deal with students calling for an end to the Vietnam War.

That ultimately led to the deaths of four students and wounding of nine at Kent State University in Ohio after National Guard troops opened fire on peaceful protesters.

The event triggered a nationwide student strike that forced hundreds of colleges and universities to close, according to Kent States webpage on the event.

The shooting led to one of the more haunting photos of the Vietnam War protest movement, showing Mary Ann Vecchio screaming as she mourned the death of Kent State University student Jeffrey Miller.

Johnson threatens congressional action

In addition to calling for the National Guard to possibly be deployed, Johnson said during the press conference the House of Representatives would be taking steps to tamp down antisemitism.

The House has been investigating a number of these campuses, Johnson said. There is a nexus to federal funding. If these campuses cannot get control of this problem, they do not deserve taxpayer dollars. Thats a very serious issue.

Congress approved the dozen annual government funding bills in March for the fiscal year that ends on Sept. 30 and will likely use a stopgap spending bill to keep funding on autopilot past the elections.

Any changes to federal funding will need to move through the Democratic- controlled U.S. Senate and garner Bidens support. House Republicans cannot act unilaterally to cut off funding for campuses that allow the anti-war protests to continue.

Take back control, Foxx says

North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said during the press conference that her panel had been investigating the protests on campus.

Take back control of this once great institution, Foxx said, speaking directly to Columbia Universitys president. You took action last week, its time to act again. If not, the committee will pursue every possible avenue to create a safe learning environment for Jewish students.

New York Republican Rep. Michael Lawler, who represents the states 17th Congressional District north of the city, said that if protesters wanted a cease fire they should call on Hamas to surrender to the Israeli military.

If you want a ceasefire, the fastest way for a ceasefire to occur is for Hamas to surrender and to release the hostages, Lawler said. And if you cant call for that, you are a pathetic embarrassment to this institution and to students everywhere.

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The post House Speaker Mike Johnson confronts anti-war protesters at Columbia University appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, speaks during a press conference at Columbia University on April 24, 2024 in New York City. Johnson visited the campus as school administrators and pro-Palestinian student protesters made progress on negotiations after the school set a midnight deadline for students to disband the encampment, and agreed on a 48-hour extension. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson decried antisemitism and raised the possibility of calling in the National Guard to disperse student protesters during a trip to Columbia University in New York City on Wednesday.

Students on that campus, as well as others throughout the country in recent days, have hosted large anti-war rallies calling on the Israeli government to implement a permanent ceasefire in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and a handful of other House GOP lawmakers gave a press conference after meeting with university President Minouche Shafik, calling on her to resign.

We just cant allow this kind of hatred and antisemitism to flourish on our campuses, Johnson said. And it must be stopped in its tracks.

Protesters watching the press conference repeatedly chanted over the GOP lawmakers as they spoke and booed Johnson several times as he criticized their actions. At one point, Johnson broke from his remarks to tell them to enjoy their First Amendment rights.

Protesters earlier Wednesday agreed to remove tents from the universitys West Lawn and limit participation to students, according to NBC New York.

Johnson said he planned to call President Joe Biden after leaving the campus to relay what Jewish students told him during a private meeting and what he saw on the campus.

There is executive authority that would be appropriate, Johnson said. If this is not contained quickly, and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard. We have to bring order to these campuses. We cannot allow this to happen around the country.

Echoes of 1970s

Johnson calling for the U.S. National Guard to thwart anti-war protests is reminiscent of the 1970s, when officials believed that was the best way to deal with students calling for an end to the Vietnam War.

That ultimately led to the deaths of four students and wounding of nine at Kent State University in Ohio after National Guard troops opened fire on peaceful protesters.

The event triggered a nationwide student strike that forced hundreds of colleges and universities to close, according to Kent States webpage on the event.

The shooting led to one of the more haunting photos of the Vietnam War protest movement, showing Mary Ann Vecchio screaming as she mourned the death of Kent State University student Jeffrey Miller.

Johnson threatens congressional action

In addition to calling for the National Guard to possibly be deployed, Johnson said during the press conference the House of Representatives would be taking steps to tamp down antisemitism.

The House has been investigating a number of these campuses, Johnson said. There is a nexus to federal funding. If these campuses cannot get control of this problem, they do not deserve taxpayer dollars. Thats a very serious issue.

Congress approved the dozen annual government funding bills in March for the fiscal year that ends on Sept. 30 and will likely use a stopgap spending bill to keep funding on autopilot past the elections.

Any changes to federal funding will need to move through the Democratic- controlled U.S. Senate and garner Bidens support. House Republicans cannot act unilaterally to cut off funding for campuses that allow the anti-war protests to continue.

Take back control, Foxx says

North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, said during the press conference that her panel had been investigating the protests on campus.

Take back control of this once great institution, Foxx said, speaking directly to Columbia Universitys president. You took action last week, its time to act again. If not, the committee will pursue every possible avenue to create a safe learning environment for Jewish students.

New York Republican Rep. Michael Lawler, who represents the states 17th Congressional District north of the city, said if protesters wanted a cease fire, they should call on Hamas to surrender to the Israeli military.

If you want a ceasefire, the fastest way for a ceasefire to occur is for Hamas to surrender and to release the hostages, Lawler said. And if you cant call for that, you are a pathetic embarrassment to this institution and to students everywhere.

The post U.S. House speaker confronts anti-war protesters at Columbia University appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch.
(WHTM) The gunman in a Harrisburg shooting that injured three people, including a child, in September was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia.

Shawn Jason, 47, of Harrisburg, was captured by U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force at a hotel on Wednesday

Previous coverage -> Harrisburg Police looking for suspect after multiple people shot

Jason was wanted on multiple attempted homicide and other charges for the shooting on Sept. 9 at the 1800 block of North Street. A verbal dispute between Jason and neighbors led to him allegedly shooting a four-year-old child and two other people.

It was around 11 a.m. when members of the Marshals Fugitive Task Force surrounded a hotel room where they learned Jason was staying.

Marshals knocked and Jason answered the door, complied with Marshals, and was taken into custody without incident, U.S. Marshals said. He was then transported to the Abington Police Department for processing.

Photos from the U.S. Marshals of the taking Shawn Jason into custody

Photos from the U.S. Marshals of the taking Shawn Jason into custody

Photos from the U.S. Marshals of the taking Shawn Jason into custody

Photos from the U.S. Marshals of the taking Shawn Jason into custody

According to the U.S. Marshals, Jason was also charged on Tuesday for a February CVS armed robbery in Abington Township.

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A long and extensive history of violent criminal activity by Mr. Jason has once again culminated in his arrest, but sadly not before counting a 4-year-old child he shot as among his most recent victims, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Eric Gartner said in a statement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
On Wednesday, relatives try to identify the decomposed and dismembered bodies of Palestinians who lost their lives after Israeli attacks in Khan Yunis southern Gaza. The United Nations has called for an independent, effective and transparent investigation into the discovery of mass graves at two Gaza hospitals that were besieged and raided by Israeli troops this year. The discovery came after Israel troops left Khan Yunis. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

April 24 (UPI) -- The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation into reports of mass graves found at two hospitals in Gaza that had been besieged by Israeli forces.

U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk made the call Tuesday in a statement, saying there should be "independent, effective and transparent investigations into the deaths."

"Given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators," he said. "Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under International humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat is a war crime."

The hospitals in question are An Nasser Medical Complex, in Southern Gaza, and Al-Shifa Medical Complex, in Northern Gaza. They were besieged earlier this year by Israeli soldiers hunting militants.

The World Health Health Organization has said both facilities are no longer functional: the Nasser hospital since a military raid on Feb. 14 and the Al-Shifa facility since at least early this month when a WHO team was able to inspect the site.

Civil Defense teams continue to remove the decomposed and dismembered bodies of Palestinians who lost their lives after Israeli attacks in Khan Yunis southern Gaza, on Wednesday.The United Nations has called for an independent, effective and transparent investigation into the discovery of mass graves at two Gaza hospitals that were besieged and raided by Israeli troops this year. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Over the weekend, the Palestine Civil Defense emergency services organization said in a statement that it had uncovered 50 bodies of people of various ages buried in the ground inside the complex of the Nasser facility, and that teams would continue their search in the days to come.

On Monday, the organization had found a total of 283 bodies on the site, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, which said the majority of the victims were women and children.

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called from an independent investigation into reports of mass graves found at two hospitals in Gaza. He also reiterated warnings to Israel to not go ahead with an expected ground invasion of Rafah in Southern Gaza. Photo by UPI

Earlier this month, CNN reported a similar mass grave of hundreds of bodies found in and around Al-Shifa following the withdrawal of troops.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals to launch attacks against it and concealed the Iran-backed militia's tunnels. It said hundreds of suspects and hundreds of terrorists who were hiding at the hospitals were either detained or killed.

On Wednesday, teams continue to remove the decomposed and dismembered bodies of Palestinians who lost their lives after Israeli attacks in Khan Yunis southern Gaza. The United Nations has called for an independent, effective and transparent investigation into the discovery of mass graves at two Gaza hospitals that were besieged and raided by Israeli troops this year. The discovery came after Israel troops left Khan Yunis. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Later Tuesday, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated Turk's call for "a clear, transparent and credible investigation" during a press conference Tuesday.

He added they also need more journalists to do their work safely in Gaza to report on the facts.

Turk's call came in a statement that was decrying a series of Israeli strikes over the last few days on Rafah city near Gaza's southern border with Egypt where some 1.2 million civilians have been sheltering amid the war.

Israel has said it will deploy a ground invasion of the city, but has attracted criticism over the plan.

"The world's leaders stand united on the imperative of protecting the civilian population trapped in Rafah," he said.
U.S. to name former UN official as new Gaza aid envoy, say sources

FILE PHOTO: Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Satterfield, prepares ahead of his address to the 11th Annual International Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) Conference in Tel Aviv

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Gaza aid envoy David Satterfield is set to step down shortly and will be replaced by former senior United Nations official Lise Grande, two sources familiar with the issue told Reuters on Wednesday.

Satterfield was appointed six months ago as the U.S. special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues with a specific focus on leading the U.S. response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Grande is currently head of the independent U.S. Institute of Peace. She previously worked for the United Nations for more than 25 years, a career that included running aid operations in Yemen, Iraq and South Sudan.

The United Nations has long complained of obstacles to getting aid in and distributing it throughout Gaza in the six months since Israel began an aerial and ground offensive against Gaza's ruling Islamist militant group Hamas.

Israel's military campaign has reduced much of the territory of 2.3 million people to a wasteland with an unfolding humanitarian disaster since October, when Hamas ignited war by storming into southern Israel.

Satterfield said on Tuesday that Israel has taken significant steps in recent weeks on allowing aid into Gaza, but considerable work remained to be done as the risk of famine in the enclave is very high.

A U.N.-backed report published in March said that famine was imminent and likely to occur by May in northern Gaza and could spread across the enclave by July.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Humeyra Pamuk, writing by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visits Little Rock, talks about student loan forgiveness program

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visits Little Rock, talks about student loan forgiveness program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was in Little Rock Tuesday afternoon to hear from educators impacted by the federal student loan forgiveness program.

Cardona met with six different teachers in central Arkansas who had all or part of their loans forgiven as part of the Public Service Forgiveness Program.

Map: Where Bidens student loan forgiveness could have the most impact

Under the program, people who are in public service and have been paying on their loans for 10 years are eligible for debt forgiveness.

Were fixing a broken system and were unapologetic about it, Cardona said.

Cardona said teachers are drowning in student debt, which is forcing them to miss payments, forego other necessities or leave the field altogether.

He said student debt affects more than just the payer. It impacts the teachers family, their ability to do a good job and the field itself.

This isnt a red or blue thing, Cardona said. This is a student thing. This is an education thing.

This university forgives loan debt so students can come back to school

Cardonas visit was met with opposition from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. The two sent a joint letter to the U.S. Secretary calling the student loan forgiveness program, unfair, unwise, and unlawful.

They added that taxpayers should not have to pay for debts taken out by other people. The letter also took aim at FAFSA, calling the update botched.

Retired grandmother still owes $108,000 in student debt 40 years after taking out loan

Cardona addressed these issues, saying the federal government has worked out the kinks to FAFSA and ensures it is a much quicker process than it was before.

Its one thing to send a letter to me saying that this is illegal or unfair, tell that to these teachers who have been working 20 years and cant even afford to buy a home, Cardona said in response to the letter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
chateau darmainvilliers

This palatial propertys staggering price makes it one of the most expensive homes in the world. And guess what: Its actually a palace.

Outside of Paris, a castle that has been owned by a Rothschild family member and a king of Morocco is quietly being sold off-market with a jaw-dropping price tag of $452 million, Mansion Global first reported.

That sky-high asking price also buys centuries of history. The property dates to the 1100s, when it was a medieval stronghold known as Armainvilliers Castle, according to a post on the Rothschild Archive.

The main house has 17 bedrooms, with this one blending French and Moroccan design elements. Whisper Auctions

The estate dates to the 12th century. Whisper Auctions

After being partially destroyed during the French Revolution, it was restored in the mid-1800s before being purchased in 1877 by Edmond de Rothschild, who replaced the castle with a modern structure and grew the grounds from slightly less than 620 acres to well more than 9,700.

After Edmonds passing in 1934, the manor passed to his son, who in turn passed it to his son  who then sold the property to the late Hassan II, the King of Morocco, in the 1980s.

In 2008, long after the kings death in 1999, Hassan IIs son sold the Chateau dArmainvilliers for 200 million to an owner from the Middle East who has never utilized it, Ignace Meuwissen, co-founder of off-market luxury real estate listing specialist Whisper Auctions told Mansion Global.

If the estate gets anywhere near its ask, it will be the most expensive home ever sold. Whisper Auctions

Amenities include a hammam, a hairdressing salon and a car park. Whisper Auctions

The property was previously owned by the King of Morocco. Whisper Auctions

There are 36 buildings on the property. Whisper Auctions

The estate is set on close to 2,500 acres. Whisper Auctions

The main house has 100 rooms. Whisper Auctions

Meuwissen is handling the sale of the castle, which today stands on close to 2,500 acres. The main house features no fewer than 100 rooms, three elevators, 17 bedroom suites and various Moroccan design touches  such as ceiling motifs and ornamental light fixtures.

There are 36 buildings spread across the estate  and amenities include a hammam, a hairdressing salon, 50 horse stables, staff housing and a car park.

The price reflects the uniqueness of the 1,000 hectares close to Paris, not solely the castle, Meuwissen told The Post.

The current record-holder for the worlds priciest property, Chateau Louis XIV, is not far from the this offering. But it would be beat for the crown  it sold for more than 275 million in 2015  should dArmainvilliers get anywhere near its current asking price.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on March 20. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

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The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Oklahoma Voice.
Oregon's U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley voted against the aid package, saying he opposes sending offensive weapons to Israel. (Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

Split Oregon vote

Oregons two Democratic U.S. senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, voted differently for the bill and later released statements, explaining why. Wyden, who voted in favor, said: This measure shows America is still a world leader, and I believe this aid will hasten the end of the wars in Israel and Ukraine. Im glad that this package also includes the bipartisan FEND OFF Fentanyl Act, which will help our country fight the scourge of fentanyl by disrupting illicit opioid supply chains and sanctioning transnational criminal organizations. Oregonians know that the addiction crisis in our country has reached unprecedented levels, and its high time that Congress crack down on illicit traffickers.

Merkley, who voted against the bill, said in a statement he also supported fentanyl measure and sending foreign aid to Ukraine. But he said he cant supprt sending offensive weapons to Israel at a time of indiscriminate bombing Gaza. That campaign has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, including more than 24,000 women and children, Merkley said. It has also pushed Gaza to the brink of famine with 1.1 million Palestinians facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Hamas is Israels enemy. Palestinian civilians are not the enemy.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

Romney, Lee split

Utahs Republican senators were split in their votes on the bill, with Sen. Mitt Romney supporting it and Sen. Mike Lee voting against.

In a statement issued following the vote, Romney praised the much-needed funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan after months of needless delay.

Just as I did in February, I again voted for this legislation because it is very much in Americas interests to support our friends and allies in the face of threats from Russia, China, and Iran. The funding in this bill not only provides critical security assistance and weapons to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, but it also supports our own military readiness, Romney said.

Lee, who had posted on X earlier in the day that he would be opposing the move, shared a video of himself walking outside Capitol following the vote Tuesday night, with a caption saying Americans are about to be made nearly $100 billion poorer as money is spent to secure other nations borders, not Americas.

This is unacceptable. This is being done by Republicans, a critical mass of them, enough of them to help Democrats get this over the line, to advance the Democrats agenda. This is shameful, this is a sad day for America, Lee said in the video.

In another post, Lee said more conservatives are needed in both houses of Congress, and that Utahns should keep that in mind this Saturday at the states Republican convention.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

McKenzie Romero contributed to this report.

The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Indianas two senators split on the package: Sen. Mike Braun voted no on the package while U.S. Sen. Todd Young voted yes. Braun missed Tuesday nights governors debate to be in Washington D.C. That vote was still ongoing after the debate ended.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

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Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

tiktok

TikTok faces a possible nationwide ban under bill approved Tuesday. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

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The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on Maine Morning Star.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference inside the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (File/Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  An additional $95 billion in military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan cleared the U.S. Senate after a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted Tuesday to send it to President Joe Biden.

The 79-18 vote wrapped up months of debate within Congress about whether the United States should approve the aid or if it should turn inward amid rising global conflict.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during a press conference before the vote that he believed the strong support showed the GOP had turned the corner on the isolationist movement.

McConnell also rebuked former Fox News TV personality Tucker Carlson for repeatedly criticizing Republicans for approving military aid to Ukraine.

I think the demonization of Ukraine began by Tucker Carlson, who in my opinion ended up where he should have been all along, which is interviewing Vladimir Putin, McConnell said. He had an enormous audience, which convinced a lot of rank-and-file Republicans that maybe this is a mistake.

The legislation, which includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company ByteDance, passed the U.S. House on Saturday in a series of four broadly bipartisan votes.

The legislation was then wrapped together and sent to the Senate as one package to speed up its approval in that chamber.

Biden plans to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk.

Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday to underscore the United States lasting commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression, according to a readout of the call from the White House.

President Biden shared that his administration will quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs as soon as the Senate passes the national security supplemental and he signs it into law, according to the readout.

McConnell sees a test on behalf of the entire nation

McConnell gave a lengthy floor speech Tuesday before the vote defending the package as a way to bolster Americas global leadership and support American jobs.

Today, the Senate sits for a test on behalf of the entire nation  its a test of American resolve, our readiness and our willingness to lead, McConnell said. And the stakes of failure are abundantly clear.

The Kentucky Republican rebuked GOP lawmakers who have sought to delay or block the assistance, saying he would not mince words when members of my own party take the responsibilities of American leadership lightly.

So much of the hesitation and short-sightedness that has delayed this moment is premised on sheer fiction, McConnell said.

Investments in defense spending by the United States, he said, have led allies in Europe to make historic investments of their own in collective defense, which in some countries is outpacing our own.

American allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific have collectively purchased more than $1 billion in weapons produced in American factories by American workers, McConnell said.

Do our colleagues really think that will continue if America decides that global leadership is too heavy a burden? McConnell asked.

Humanitarian help

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat, said securing the humanitarian aid in the package was a red line for her.

At every stage of these negotiations, I made clear: Congress will not advance a supplemental that fails civilians, Murray said. I will not let us turn our back on women and children who are suffering, and who are often hit hardest by the fallout of chaos and conflict.

That humanitarian assistance, Murray said, would go toward civilians in Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza, including kids who are caught in the crossfire, who are in desperate need of food and water and medical care.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, said the package would help bolster Americas national security at a crucial time in world history.

The threats that the U.S. faces from an aggressive Iran and its proxies, an imperialistic Russia and a hegemonic China are interconnected, Collins said. How we respond to one affects how the other will operate.

Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized leaders for not holding separate votes on the four bills in the package, as the House did, and urged them to hold votes on amendments that he said would improve the measure. Leaders ultimately did not hold amendment votes.

Sanders said he supports humanitarian aid, weapons for Ukraine and giving Israel more funding for defensive weapons, like the Iron Dome to protect Israeli civilians from missile and drone attacks.

But Sanders rejected the legislation providing $8.9 billion in unfettered offensive military aid to the extremist Israeli government and he sharply criticized Israels leaders for limiting aid to civilians in Gaza.

We are now in the absurd situation where Israel is using U.S. military assistance to block the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians, Sanders said. If that is not crazy, I dont know what is. But its also a clear violation of U.S. law.

How funds are allocated

The emergency spending for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan appropriates the money to the U.S. departments of Defense, Energy and State. They would then use that funding to bolster military and humanitarian assistance to those three entities as well as other U.S. allies.

The $95 billion in funding would be divided up with $60.84 billion for Ukraine; $26.38 billion for Israel, though $9.15 billion of that total is for humanitarian assistance for Gaza and other vulnerable populations; and $8.12 billion for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

That spending is extremely similar to a package the Senate passed in February, but it was stalled in the House for months as Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, plotted a path forward.

The fourth bill in the package, dubbed the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act, is a 184-page measure that bundles together the TikTok divestment bill; anti-fentanyl legislation; and sanctions against China, Iran and Russia.

That bill also includes the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act, or Repo Act, that would allow the United States to confiscate Russian sovereign assets that have been frozen in the United States and transfer them to assist in Ukraines reconstruction efforts, according to a summary.

Its a bad night for Putin, the Iranian Ayatollah and the Chinese Communist Party, said Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who voted for the package. Tonight is not only a great night for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, but for America. This package allows sovereign Russian assets to be seized and turns a portion of the aid into a loan, easing the burden on taxpayers and giving us leverage in the future.

Lawsuit expected from ByteDance

The TikTok bill would require Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the social media company within one year of the bill becoming law. Its an attempt by lawmakers to reduce what some see as a national security risk to Americans data privacy.

ByteDance is expected to file a lawsuit challenging the law once its enacted.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican Partys presumptive presidential nominee, used a possible ban of the app to rebuke Biden over the weekend.

Trump, however, left out that he attempted something similar when he was in the Oval Office.

Just so everyone knows, especially the young people, Crooked Joe Biden is responsible for banning TikTok, Trump wrote.

Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote! Trump added.

Trump attempted to ban TikTok in August 2020 through an executive order but was blocked by the courts.

TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories, according to Trumps executive order.

This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to Americans personal and proprietary information  potentially allowing China to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The bill forcing TikToks parent company to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. was added to the emergency spending package by House Republicans. It passed that chamber over the weekend on a 360-58 vote with 186 of the yes votes coming from GOP lawmakers.

The post U.S. Senate sends foreign aid bill to Biden as McConnell chides GOP isolationist movement appeared first on SC Daily Gazette.
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho abortion law. How did we get here?

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear arguments from the state and the U.S. Department of Justice that will determine their decision on the fate of emergency abortion access in Idaho.

Since Idahos strict abortion laws went into effect following the courts repeal of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, they have faced numerous legal challenges. Several have been elevated to the Idaho Supreme Court, and others have risen to the U.S. District Court or 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Heres how this particular case made its way to the highest court.

DOJ intervenes before abortion law is triggered

The Legislature passed the law that made most abortions illegal in Idaho in 2020, before it could go into effect. It included a trigger that would criminalize the procedure as soon as the right to abortion was returned to the states.

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned landmark abortion protections, in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, by concluding that the U.S. Constitution doesnt guarantee the right to an abortion and returning states ability to restrict the procedure. The ruling triggered the Idaho law, known as the Defense of Life Act. It was scheduled to go into effect 62 days later, on Aug. 25.

But in early August 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice intervened. The federal government said Idahos abortion ban  which includes an emergency exception only when abortion is necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman  violates a 40-year-old federal law. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, requires hospitals that accept Medicare funds to provide stabilizing care to patients experiencing medical emergencies.

That care sometimes includes abortion, the Department of Justice said.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill agreed. Days before the Defense of Life Act went into effect, Winmill issued a partial injunction to the law that would allow health care providers to perform emergency abortions as a stabilizing procedure in medical emergencies.

During the 2023 legislative session, state lawmakers carved out exceptions for ectopic and molar pregnancies  complications that guarantee a pregnancy will not be viable. But legislators never addressed physicians calls for a broader health exception to the law.

Just over a year after Winmill issued the partial injunction, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed course. Idaho physicians could no longer use EMTALA as a basis for performing abortions to protect the health of pregnant patients experiencing medical emergencies.

EMTALA injunction reversed again, raised to SCOTUS

That decision was short-lived. The following month, the 9th Circuit Court granted an appeal from the U.S. Department of Justice for an emergency reconsideration en banc, meaning 10 judges would weigh in. The partial injunction was back in place.

The en banc panel in November 2023 denied Idahos motion to get rid of the injunction. One week later, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case.

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court quietly issued an order removing the partial injunction. For the second time since the Department of Justice sued Idaho in August 2022, the total abortion ban went into full effect without exceptions for pregnant patients health.

It was the Supreme Courts first acknowledgment of Labradors request. The order indicated that the court would hear the case in April.

Since then, dozens of stakeholders have weighed in with amicus briefs. Physicians told the court that the conflict between Idaho law and EMTALA is devastating for patients. Businesses said the law harms them and the economy. Conservative groups championed the Idaho law and said abortion is unnecessary for stabilizing patients.

The Supreme Court justices Wednesday will hear one-hour oral arguments from Idaho and the U.S. Department of Justice. The court is expected to issue a decision in June or early July.
Uber is crying wolf yet again to try to get out of protecting its workers | Opinion

It stands to reason that hanging a picture or walking a dog is not as dangerous as driving a car. Thats why Uber should lose in Olson v. California, an important constitutional case recently argued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The court must reaffirm almost 90 years of precedent and hold that economic legislation can treat some businesses (like Uber) differently from others, so long as the laws distinctions are reasonable.

The case involves Assembly Bill 5, enacted by California in 2019. The purpose of the bill and its subsequent amendments is to ensure that workers are not misclassified as independent contractors so that they are granted employee rights and benefits under California law. This matters enormously, particularly for low-wage workers. Only employees must be paid minimum wage and overtime  the same is not true for independent contractors. Similarly, only employees injured on the job receive medical coverage through workers compensation, not independent contractors.

Opinion

In AB 5, the legislature codified the worker-protective ABC test to combat misclassification. Under this test, a worker is presumed to be an employee unless the hiring business can prove three factors (dubbed the ABC factors) to demonstrate that a worker is truly an independent contractor.

Uber and other gig companies dont like the ABC test and vehemently opposed AB 5, having spent large sums to overturn it through Proposition 22, an initiative classifying app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors (a challenge to Prop. 22s constitutionality is pending in the California Supreme Court).

Meanwhile, Uber brought a constitutional challenge to AB 5 in federal court, saying the legislation violates equal protection because it irrationally treats the company differently from other allegedly similar app-based businesses.

Since 1937, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that economic regulations, such as AB 5, must be upheld so long as they are reasonable. Astoundingly, a three-judge Ninth Circuit panel in Olson v. California found that AB 5 failed this deferential test.

The Ninth Circuit thankfully granted en banc review, meaning that the full court of judges will now decide the case. Hopefully, this will be an easy matter for them.

Uber complains that other app-based businesses like TaskRabbit and Wag! can seek an exemption in AB 5 from the ABC test, when Uber cannot and that the legislature acted with animus in drawing such a line. According to Uber, California has never answered why its reasonable to distinguish picture-hanging and dog-walking from driving a car.

But the legislature has explicitly answered this question. California Labor Code Section 2777(b)(2)(C), which bars certain businesses (including Uber) from claiming an exemption from the ABC test, promotes AB 5s purpose by ensuring the worker-protective test applies in a range of dangerous industries. This includes upwards of 40 industry subsectors that Californias occupational safety and health agency, Cal-OSHA, lists annually as high hazard industries based on worker injury and illness rates.

Thus, businesses in injury-prone industries are held to the ABC test in order to better protect workers against misclassification that would deprive them of workers compensation if they are hurt on the job. The legislature reasonably believed transportation and delivery services (including driving for Uber) involve more serious hazards and risk of injury to workers than dog-walking or picture-hanging. This isnt the only rationale for AB 5s line-drawing, but its an especially straightforward one.

The legislature rooted its view of dangerous industries in Cal/OSHAs expertise. Ultimately, however, this isnt needed to support AB 5 because in cases involving economic regulation, courts have long established that legislatures need not justify their line-drawing with evidence. Their assumptions may even be erroneous as long as they are arguable (such latitude, as courts have recognized, is essential to legislating).

Laws inevitably draw distinctions treating some differently from others. If the Ninth Circuit panels ruling in favor of Uber is allowed to stand despite AB 5s reasonable distinctions, it would open the door to countless challenges to laws regulating the workplace and endanger the ability of legislatures to pass laws protecting workers.

Christina Chung is executive director of the Center for Law and Work at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.
The Federal Trade Commission building is seen on Jan. 28, 2015, in Washington. U.S. companies would no longer be able to bar employees from taking jobs with competitors under a rule approved by the FTC on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, though the rule seems sure to be challenged in court. | Alex Brandon

On a narrow 3-2 vote that followed partisan lines, the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday passed a ban on most employer noncompete clauses in a move that will impact some 30 million U.S. workers and is already facing legal challenges.

The FTC says banning noncompete clauses  contracts between an employer and a worker that blocks workers from going to work for a competing employer or starting competing businesses typically within a certain geographic area and period of time after the workers employment ends  will protect the fundamental freedom of workers to change jobs while increasing innovation and fostering new business formation.

Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new ideas, and rob the American economy of dynamism, including from the more than 8,500 new startups that would be created a year once noncompetes are banned, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a press statement. The FTCs final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market.

The two Republican appointees to the FTC, Melissa Holyoak, a former Utah solicitor general, and Andrew Ferguson, voted against the proposal.

Legal responses were immediate

Shortly after the vote, tax services firm Ryan LLC filed a lawsuit in Texas federal court, challenging the noncompete ban and claiming that the agreements can benefit businesses, workers and the economy, according to a report from Reuters.

And U.S. Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Suzanne P. Clark released a statement Tuesday afternoon promising a legal response to the decision.

The Federal Trade Commissions decision to ban employer noncompete agreements across the economy is not only unlawful but also a blatant power grab that will undermine American businesses ability to remain competitive, Clark said. This decision sets a dangerous precedent for government micromanagement of business and can harm employers, workers, and our economy.

The Chamber will sue the FTC to block this unnecessary and unlawful rule and put other agencies on notice that such overreach will not go unchecked.

Clark argues the FTC does not have the authority to write its own competition rules and that noncompete contracts are appropriately overseen at the state level.

The FTC says the noncompete ban will not only lead to growth in new business startups but also add an estimated $400 billion to workers earnings over the next 10 years and lower health care costs by $194 billion in the next decade.

While the ban, which is scheduled to go into effect later this year, will impact about 1 in 5 U.S. workers, according to the FTC, the agency carved out an exception for some existing executive noncompete agreements, which it said represent less than .75% of all U.S. employees. But under the new rules, employers are banned from entering into or attempting to enforce any new noncompetes, even if they involve senior executives.

Story continues

Noncompete contracts are already banned in four states, including California, and some proponents of the measure point to Californias high level of success in tech and innovation as one of the outcomes of the restriction.

John Lettieri, CEO of the Economic Innovation Group, a tech-backed think tank, told The Associated Press that the ability of innovators to leave one company to start their own competing effort was key to the development of the semiconductor industry.

The birth of so many important foundational companies could not have happened, at least not in the same way or on the same timeline and definitely not in the same place, had it not been for the ability of entrepreneurs to spin out, start their own companies, or go to a better company, Lettieri said.
(BCN)  The sound of buzzing surveillance drones over Gaza played from a loudspeaker on the steps of UC Berkeleys Sproul Hall, on the very spot where Mario Salvo rallied for free speech in the 1960s. A student encampment of about 40 tents at the campus on Tuesday, up from 12 the night before, spanned the landing and sprawled onto the grass.

Many of the students here have a sense that something is wrong, but they dont know all the history, said Ussama Makdisi, a UC Berkeley professor of history with a specialty in the Middle East and a chancellors chair, which is a high rank given to professors who have demonstrated unusual academic merit.

Makdisi stood in the plaza, holding an electric bike, consumed in the scene. Students were manning a food table, talking in pairs, studying for finals wrapped in sleeping bags.

Things have changed. The students are much more serious that something is wrong. And theyre much more eager to know about the details of the history, he said, highlighting the diversity in his class of 91 students and those at the encampment. Theres an incredible, incredible thirst for knowledge about Palestinian history. And now here we see Muslim and Jewish students, Christian students, Hindu students, its an incredible array of students.

VIDEO: Physical altercation breaks out between San Jose mayors security detail, pedestrian during KRON4 interview

In a week that saw the intensification of protests over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on college campuses across the country, including arrests at New York University, Yale University and Columbia University, the scene in Berkeley was contemplative. So far, there have been no police clearing the area and no arrests.

The Berkeley student camp-in was called by a coalition of groups, including the Black Student Union, the Jewish Voice for Peace at UC Berkeley and the Indigenous Graduate Student Association.

In an online statement, they are demanding: an immediate end to the Zionist colonization of Arab lands, including the genocidal siege of Gaza; full freedom and equality for Palestinians, from the river to the sea; and the right of return for Palestinian refugees to their homes and properties.

They are also asking the University of California to boycott, divest and sanction from all companies profiting from the colonization of Palestine.

The statement mentioned large asset managers like BlackRock and weapons manufacturers Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and General Electric.

What these students are doing is that they are actually taking seriously all of the discourse of the university, Makdisi said, referring to UC Berkeleys brand as a legacy defender of civil rights. They are reckoning with a past of slavery and injustice and genocide. And theyre taking those lessons, they are taking the discourse of the university literally.

Sitting beneath the ionic columns of the Sproul building was graduate student Malak Afaneh, the co-president of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine. A friend approached and delivered her graduation regalia. She gazed for a long while at the silk hood embroidered with the name of her Arabic association and with the text By the Grace of the Almighty.

After graduation, she will work at a law firm that does class-action civil rights employment litigation.

Pro-Palestinian students on this campus experience numerous amounts of repression, censorship, silence, threats of disciplinary and criminal proceedings, said Afaneh. And in my case, it escalated to physical violence.

On April 9, Afaneh protested with her student group at a dinner in the home of law school dean Erwin Chemerinsky, which ended in a confrontation with the dean and his wife. As she prepares to graduate in May, she sees a future for herself doing legal work and eventually transitioning into academia.

I think that people with the most privilege and economic power and professional power refused to make a statement, while others with much less, including students like here, are able to, Afaneh said, referring to what she saw as the university holding back on speaking out against the violence in Palestine.

Makdisi also said he was disturbed by what he saw as craven testimony by university presidents in Congressional hearings. He said university administrations condemned the violence of Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7, but theyve said nothing, not even a word, about the destruction of every single university in Gaza. Educators have been killed. Students have been murdered.

He was also concerned that administrations are framing Arab students as dangerous and doxxing them. Doxxing is a form of cyberbullying in which personal information about a person is shared with the public, making them vulnerable to harassment.

Theyre being framed by what they are not, he said of the protesters. They are being framed in extraordinary ways thats incredibly hostile to what theyre actually advocating, which is justice and equality.

What did he think of the universitys role in the balance between free speech and safety?

Well, the safety for whom? The three students that have been shot in this country have been Palestinian schools in Vermont. Right? A student at Stanford was run over. There was a Palestinian boy who was stabbed to death in Chicago. The doxxing is overwhelmingly Palestinian of allies, including Jewish students who are out there, he said.

Born in Palestine, Afanehs family moved to Massachusetts one month after Sept. 11, 2001. She remembers her mother feeling a lot of pressure to assimilate to the narrative of a good Muslim.

What that means is that you are someone that is palatable to American standards, that you put your head down and you work in the hopes that you can make something for your family, she said. Because of her efforts, I had the privilege of then being able to go on to institutions like Berkeley Law, right, and be able to speak my mind.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Ukraine aid bill clears the US Senate and ends of months of bitter deadlock

Joe Biden vowed to begin sending Ukraine new weapons as soon as this week after the US Congress passed a $61 billion aid package after months of bitter deadlock.

The US president promised significant support  including more air defences  to Kyiv, where the supply of vital ammunition has significantly dwindled as it struggles to fend off advancing Russian forces.

I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week, said Mr Biden.

The bills passage through both houses of Congress ends a deadlock between the White House and Republicans on Capitol Hill, who opposed additional spending on the war and argued it should be spent on domestic programmes.

The legislation passed in the Democrat-controlled Senate with overwhelming support, with 79 votes in favour to 18 against.

Joe Biden, pictured returning from a campaign trip on Tuesday, hailed the passing of the bill - AP

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said he was grateful to the US Senate.

This vote reinforces Americas role as a beacon of democracy and the leader of the free world, Mr Zelensky said in a statement shared on social media.

I am also grateful to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and recognise that the historical significance of this bill extends beyond politics.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, signalled the passing of the bill to the waiting press pack - GETTY IMAGES

He added: Ukraines long-range capabilities, artillery, and air defence are critical tools for restoring just peace sooner.

The bill cleared its highest hurdle, the House, on Saturday after an unusual agreement between the Republican House Speaker, Mike Johnson, and congressional Democrats.

It passed with a significant majority, but without the support of 112 Republicans. Several have called for Mr Johnsons resignation over his decision to work with the opposing party.

Republicans have called for Speaker Mike Johnson to quit after he worked with the Democrats on the bill - EPA

Speaking after the vote, Mr Johnson said: Ukrainians desperately need lethal aid right now.

We cannot allow Vladimir Putin to roll through another country and take it. These are very serious matters with global implications.

The Senate also passed a separate bill, approved as part of the same package, that will force the Chinese owner of TikTok to sell the platform or face a ban from US app stores.

The funding for Ukraine means Mr Biden has a budget to spend using the Presidential Drawdown Authority, a power that allows him to reallocate existing military supplies to Ukraine.

Once he signs the bill, a new $1bn tranche of lethal aid is expected to be sent within days from US stockpiles in Europe to the Ukrainian front lines.

The package includes an array of ammunition, including air defence munitions and large amounts of artillery rounds that are much in demand by Ukrainian forces, as well as armoured vehicles and other weapons.

Weapons of Ukraine

Your essential guide

Read more

The impasse between Mr Biden and Congress began in October, when he proposed a massive Ukraine supplemental designed to continue US funding for the war until the presidential election in November.

With the support of Donald Trump, some Republicans argued that the government should instead focus on domestic priorities, including the security of the US border, and called for the war to be brought to a negotiated conclusion.

Mr Biden has said that history is watching US politicians and that the American government should continue to support Ukraine to help it reclaim territory lost to the Russian invasion in February 2022.

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Ukraine looks to stop the bleeding as US readies more aid

Ukraine will soon receive much-needed relief to stabilize the front lines of their war with Russia after the United States Congress cleared billions of dollars in new weapons. But Kyiv still faces a daunting battle this year to achieve critical war aims.

The immediate effect of the U.S. package will be to help defend Ukrainian cities and defensive positions on the front lines, as artillery and air defenses have dwindled since the last U.S. shipments in December. The Biden administration is readying 155 mm artillery shells, air defense munitions and anti-tank munitions in an initial $1 billion package, according to Reuters.

But more ambitious goals, such as retaking territory in a renewed counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces, may not happen this year, analysts say.

Becca Wasser, a senior fellow for the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, said the incoming aid package is significant but will not magically solve all of Ukraines problems, especially because additional timely U.S. assistance is not guaranteed.

Theres a choice that Ukrainian leaders need to make, which is: Are they going to try and break some of the deadlock and push for an offensive, or are they going to focus on holding the lines that they currently have? she said, noting a counteroffensive could consume resources fast.

Considering ways in which they can leverage the current aid package and those also provided by European partners to last longer I think is probably a sound way forward, she added.

Kyiv breathed a sigh of relief after the House passed the aid over the weekend following months of delays. Russian forces have been taking advantage of the delay on the battlefield, making incremental gains across the 600-mile eastern front and putting Ukrainian troops on the back foot.

The $95 billion U.S. package, which will also fund Israel, Taiwan and other allies, cleared the Senate on Tuesday night and is expected to be swiftly signed into law by President Biden, whose administration has signaled it can move within days on getting Ukraine weapons, some of which are already in Europe.

For Ukraines security needs, the package passed by the House includes more than $23 billion to replenish U.S. weapons stocks, which will allow Washington to send existing supplies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address Sunday that advisers were working to ensure the package will deliver exactly what our warriors at the front are waiting for.

This strength must be the one capable of truly changing the situation on the front lines, he said. Front-line air defense is just as important as protection for our cities and villages. Our long-range capabilities, artillery, and ability to expand our area of control are all important.

Zelensky added in a Monday video that he had spoken with Biden and was seeking three critical priorities: air defense munitions, long-range strike capabilities and artillery. He said Ukraine would for the first time receive the best versions of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which can strike targets up to 190 miles away.

The aid will certainly give Ukraine a desperately needed boost on the battlefield. The last available U.S. funds dried up at the end of 2023. Russian forces used the opportunity to pummel Ukrainian cities  exhausting their air defense munitions  and push ahead on the battlefield.

CIA Director Bill Burns warned last week that without more aid, Ukraine was facing a potential defeat by the end of the year.

Russian forces took the city of Avdiivka in February and are inching toward seizing the town of Chasiv Yar, a strategic point because it could pave the way for more gains in the eastern Donetsk region.

John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), said in a Monday press call that Chasiv Yar is militarily important as a door to other nearby cities and could give Russian forces a high ground for artillery.

Hardie explained Ukrainian units are struggling with a shortage of men and ammunition, and the problem has become particularly acute with a lack of 155 mm artillery shells.

This U.S. aid is really coming in the nick of time, at a moment when Ukraine is starting to crack on the battlefield a little bit, he said. And I think they really need U.S. supplies, especially to backfill artillery units.

Bradley Bowman, senior director of the FDDs Center on Military and Political Power, added in the call that the delay of U.S. aid has been costly on the battlefield.

Weve seen the unnecessary loss of Ukrainian lives, he said.

Russia is trying to hurt Ukraine as much as possible before more weapons arrive.

The Institute for the Study of War said in a Monday assessment that Russian forces are likely using the brief window before U.S. aid arrives to strike at Kharkiv, a city Moscow appears to have set its eyes on.

Russia is also pushing northwest of Avdiivka, but more U.S. aid is likely to blunt the impact of Russian movement there and toward Kharkiv, researchers assessed.

Still, Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines military intelligence chief, told BBC last week that Russian forces could create a major problem for Ukraine in mid-May to early June.

A rather difficult situation awaits us in the near future, he said. But it is not catastrophic.

While stabilizing the front is an important goal, Ukraines ultimate objective is to retake eastern Ukraine from Russia, an effort that failed last year when Kyiv launched a highly anticipated summer counteroffensive that could not get past Russian lines.

With more aid, Ukraine may be able to start preparing for another counteroffensive but is unlikely to be in a position to launch one this year, experts say.

Analysts say Ukraine should work on holding the lines and preparing for a counteroffensive next year, including through training and mobilizing desperately needed forces. Ukraine has been unwilling to enforce a mass mobilization of some 500,000 troops, likely because of the unpopularity of such a move.

Bowman, from FDD, said Ukraine should focus on avoiding the loss of major cities this year.

I really view this [current package] as stopping the momentum of Russian tactical offenses this year, and then building some of the momentum for offensive operations next year, he said. I will be shocked if Ukraine has the ability to put together any sort of operational, strategic-level offensive this year.

While Congress finally moved to pass Ukraine more aid, a majority of House Republicans voted against the bill, foreshadowing the uphill battle facing future Ukraine aid packages. The lift could become even heavier depending on how U.S. presidential and congressional elections turn out this year.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science at Syracuse University, said that besides the far-right lawmakers in the House who unequivocally oppose funding Ukraine, other Republicans who voted against the last bill are more persuadable on the issue.

Theres a space to be persuaded that its in our best interest to do this, he said. I dont see us abandoning Ukraine and just walking away.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) changed his tune on the issue, at first demanding Ukraine aid be tied to securing the U.S.-Mexico border before moving the package for Kyiv last week despite threats from the far right to remove him. Johnson said he heeded the intelligence briefings about the threat from Russia.

I dont think he wanted to be the leader of a Congress that did not provide aid when it was needed, Reeher said of Johnson. Both for reasons of history and what his legacy will be and also, just the politics of this [because ] it wouldnt reflect well.

Brock Bierman, a visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, said the new package will likely get Ukraine through the remainder of the year. If the Ukrainians continue to struggle on the battlefield, he said that could further complicate the debate on Capitol Hill.

The Ukrainians showing that they have the ability to create victory and take back parts of Ukraine that had been recaptured or even occupied by the Russians, is going to be an important ingredient to why the Congress supports Ukraine, he said.

But Bierman said the majority of Americans support Kyiv and understand the importance of defending a sovereign nation and democracy. I think at the end of the day, we will continue to support Ukraine.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has acknowledged that the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost some territory in the east, including Avdiivka, due to the delay in approving aid to Ukraine.

Source: Jake Sullivan during a briefing at the White House on 24 April; European Pravda

Quote: "The consequences of the delay have been felt in Ukraine. Over the past six months, Ukraine has had to ration ammunition. That has resulted in the loss of some territory in the east, including the city of Avdiivka."

Details: Commenting on the approval of supplementary funding for US allies, including Ukraine, Sullivan acknowledged that the process had taken "too long".

He added that today's US$1 billion military aid package "is great news for Ukraine", but that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are still under severe pressure on the battlefield.

"It is possible Russia could make additional tactical gains in the coming weeks," Sullivan said, citing in particular Russian attempts at an offensive at the cost of significant losses in the town of Chasiv Yar and settlements west of Avdiivka.

"The fact is, it is going to take some time for us to dig out of the hole that was created by six months of delay before Congress passed the supplemental," the White House official concluded.

Background:

On 24 April, US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that provides for about US$61 billion of additional military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help for other US allies.

Immediately afterwards, the US announced a US$1 billion military aid package for Ukraine.

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Ukraine paid homage to Ukrainian writers who died during the countrys war with Russia by referencing Taylor Swifts newest album, The Tortured Poets Department.

The Tortured Poets Department (@Ukraines Version), the country posted on its account on the social media platform X Tuesday.

The post featured the names of Ukrainian writers Victoria Amelina, Maksym Kryvtsov and Volodymyr Vakulenko, all who were killed during Ukraines current war with Russia.

Amelina died due to injuries from a Russian missile attack in eastern Ukraine last summer, PEN America said, according to the Associated Press (AP). She was a novelist, childrens author and even won the UNESCO City of Literature Prize and the European Union Prize for Literature for one of her books.

Kryvtsov, a poet, was killed in action as a soldier in his countrys war against Russia in January, according to the AP. His 2023 book Poems from the Loophole mostly featured poetry that focused on the brutal reality as a result of the war.

Vakulenko, a childrens author, was taken from his home by Russian paramilitaries in spring 2022, according to NPR. He was later found in a mass grave near his village by Ukrainian authorities, with DNA tests confirming that it was him.

Swifts eleventh studio album, The Tortured Poets Department was released last Friday. The album focuses on topics including love, loss and life in the spotlight.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On 24 April, Ukraine and Portugal's representatives began working on a draft bilateral security agreement and agreed on a schedule for further negotiations.

Source: European Pravda; Office of the President

Details: Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President, represented the Ukrainian group at the first round of negotiations.

In addition to the security agreement, the parties discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland and Portugal's role in implementing the Ukrainian Peace Formula and "involving the countries of the Global South in this process".

Background:

In July 2023, the leaders of the Group of Seven, together with Ukraine, adopted a declaration that became the basis for bilateral security agreements. It is supposed to guarantee long-term support for Ukraine until it joins NATO.

To date, Ukraine has signed bilateral security agreements with nine countries; the latest is Latvia. An agreement with Norway is also expected to be signed.

The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians believe that adopting bilateral security agreements helps Kyiv resist full-scale Russian aggression.

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The U.S. has already provided long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

President Biden in February directed officials to supply the longer-range versions of the ATACMS, which have been long requested by Ukraine to strike at Russian targets deep behind enemy lines.

These ATACMS were first provided in a $300 million package announced on March 12 and arrived in Ukraine in April, the Pentagon official said.

We did not announce that we were providing Ukraine with this new capability at the time in order to maintain operational security for Ukraine at their request, they wrote in an email.

Ukraine has already used the ATACMS to bomb a Russian airfield in Crimea and a Russian-occupied region of eastern Ukraine, according to The Associated Press.

The news comes the same day Biden signed into law a national security package that includes roughly $61 billion for Ukraine. The Biden administration also announced an additional $1 billion package for Kyiv on Wednesday.

The Biden administration previously supplied Ukraine with older versions of ATACMS, but the best version of the weapon system can strike targets up to 190 miles away  making them highly valuable to strike at Russian logistical hubs or strategic military points.

ATACMS have long been on the wish list for Ukraine, even as they have gotten similar long-range artillery from European partners, including Storm Shadow missiles from the U.K.

Congress pushed the Biden administration to include the long-range versions in previous weapons packages, but the secret shipments already sent to Ukraine appear to have eluded even lawmakers in Congress who have called for the ATACMS.

The Pentagon spokesperson said that until recently, the administration was unable to provide long-range ATACMS to Ukraine because of readiness concerns.

But behind the scenes, the administration has been working relentlessly to address these concerns, the spokesperson said. We have new ATACMS coming off the production line and being transferred into military stocks, and, as a result, we were able to move forward with this provision of ATACMS while also maintaining the current readiness of our armed forces.

The spokesperson added that Biden directed his team to provide the ATACMS after North Korea supplied ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine and while Russian forces continued to pummel Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

The ATACMS will help Ukraine deny Russia safe haven anywhere in occupied Ukrainian territory, the spokesperson explained. Together with the significant aid package the president approved today, they will provide an important boost to Ukraine, which has been on the defensive for months.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ralf Brandstatter, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen and Head of China Business, speaks at a press conference. VW announced its targets for the Chinese market in the run-up to the motor show in China. Johannes Neudecker/dpa

Leaders of German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) are expecting the next two years in the highly competitive Chinese car market to be difficult, but don't fear challenges from rival Chinese carmakers in the European market.

Chinese carmakers will eventually need to invest in European production plants to build vehicles locally instead of shipping huge numbers of finished vehicles by ocean, Ralf Brandstatter, head of VW's China business, said on Wednesday in Beijing ahead of a major auto show in the Chinese capital.

That would also put Chinese competitors on more equal footing with European rivals because of higher labour and energy costs in Europe, Brandstatter said.

"Sending a huge amount of ships of cars from China to Europe, this will not be a long lasting model I think," he said. "They have to compete in the same environment as we are competing."

Major Chinese brands such as the electric car giant BYD and the state-owned Saic Group are currently using a fleet of cargo ships to export their vehicles worldwide. The first deliveries to Germany have already occurred.

Chinese vehicles have not flooded the European market, as some feared, but Chinese brands are gaining a foothold with consumers.

In China, consumers have been impressed with Chinese electric vehicle brands, which offer favourable prices and competitive technology.

Volkswagen, which invested heavily in the Chinese market, has not yet been able to keep up with BYD or the US electric car manufacturer Tesla.

"I am not afraid of competition from Chinese brands in Europe," Volkswagen's chief executive, Oliver Blume, said on Wednesday.

Blume said he'd rather see a "fair deal" for all automakers as opposed to punitive tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles, which may result from the European Union's ongoing anti-subsidy investigation.

Brandstatter predicted a difficult next two years for automakers in the Chinese market as fierce competition drives down prices and pushes some companies out of business.

"In April, we saw another round of price reductions coming, so this fierce competition will hold on for the next few years," Brandstatter said.

Many manufacturers of purely electric cars have significantly damaged their profit margins in recent years, he said, "so this leads to a consolidation of the market."

He suggested that companies with lower sales volumes, below 100,000 or 150,000 vehicles per year, would not survive the coming competition.

According to Brandstatter, Volkswagen plans to prepare for fierce price competition over the next two years and finance the development of its e-car business in China with sales of combustion-engine vehicles, which are still going well.

Story continues

"This means for us two heavy years because we will not make each volume for any price," Brandstatter said.

He added that the company may have to accept lower sales figures in order to maintain pricing, which will likely mean losing market share in the short term.

Volkswagen plans to be back on a par with the competition in China in terms of costs and technology beginning in 2026 for entry-level compact cars, he said.

The costs of the vehicle platforms developed for China are to be reduced by 40%, he said.

By 2030, the Volkswagen Group, which also includes brands such as Audi and Porsche as well as Volkswagen, aims to have sold around 4 million vehicles in China, with half of all cars sold electrically powered.

According to VW, this would correspond to a market share of 15%.
As Ukraine waits for US military aid, Russia makes further advances in the east

As the US prepares to transfer significant military aid to Ukraine following the Senate passing funding legislation worth $61 billion, reports from eastern Ukraine continue to highlight Kyivs sliding fortunes on the battlefield.

The village of Ocheretyne remains a clear focus for Russian forces, with DeepState  a Ukrainian monitoring group  showing almost daily Russian advances westward along a stretch of high ground.

The terrain is of central importance for Ukraines defensive line along this part of the front and has been a main target for Russian forces since they captured the industrial town of Avdiivka  about 16 kilometers (10 miles) away  in February.

Biden signs $95.3 billion foreign aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed the Ukraine aid bill into law on Wednesday after it passed with wide bipartisan support in the Senate, so we can quickly send weapons and equipment to Ukraine to meet their urgent battlefield needs.

Ukraine has said for months it urgently needs vital munitions, including air defense and artillery ammunition.

A worker prepares 155 mm caliber shells for shipment at the packaging area of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania on April 16, 2024. - Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines have spoken of being badly outgunned by Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently said the ratio was 10 to one in Russias favor.

Russia advancing on strategic eastern town

The latest frontline mapping from DeepState shows the center of Ocheretyne, including the railway station, in Russian hands, with Ukraine also losing ground in the neighboring village of Novobakhmutivka, immediately to the south.

A Ukrainian military blogger, Bohdan Myroshnykov, wrote, In Novobakhmutivka, the enemy made progress in the village, advancing up to 400 meters in depth. Previously, they controlled only the south-eastern part of the village, but now they control almost 3/4 of the village.

Taking a straight line south, the next two villages - Berdychi and Semenivka  are also seeing Russian troops try to push forward, reports suggest.

DeepState says an effort to advance further west along the ridge line from Ocheretyne was prevented by a successful Ukrainian counterattack by the 100th brigade but makes clear that Ukraines armed forces need US military aid to arrive in country as soon as possible.

The forces are not equal, the [Russian] b******s outnumber the [Ukrainian] defence forces in infantry. This is not to mention the [aerial guided bombs] KABs, artillery and equipment, the monitoring site says.

An officer with Ukraines Eastern Command  who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak on the record  told CNN last week that if Russian forces succeeded in gaining and holding Ocheretyne, it could bring vital Ukrainian logistics routes, linking three key military hubs  Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk and Velyka Novosilka  under Russian fire control.

Meanwhile, around Chasiv Yar, about 40 kilometers to the north, both Ukrainian and Russian reports suggest Ukraine has succeeded in stopping Russian advances, at least for the moment.

Ukrainian service members fire a L119 howitzer towards Russian troops, in Donetsk region, Ukraine April 21, 2024. - Oleksandr Ratushniak/Reuters

In the Chasiv Yar direction, the offensive of the Russian forces stalled on the eastern outskirts, a Russian military blogger, Wargonzo, reports, though fierce fighting continues, the site adds.

Ukraines DeepState appears to concur, highlighting successes for Kyivs forces in the nearby village of Ivanivske, while also pointing to continued Russian build-up in the city of Bakhmut, just a few kilometers to the east.

[Ukraines] 92nd Brigade managed to regain control over some positions south of Ivanivske. The enemy is mainly conducting infantry attacks; no significant changes have been recorded. The enemy continues to gather up reserves of personnel and equipment for temporary deployment in Bakhmut, the site says.

Ukraines army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has said he believes Vladimir Putin has ordered the capture of Chasiv Yar by May 9, the day Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

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Key developments on April 24:

Biden signs $61 billion aid bill for Ukraine

Pentagon ready to send $1 billion in weapons to Kyiv

State Department confirms US began secretly providing Ukraine long-range ATACMS in March

Sources: SBU drone attack destroys 26,000 cubic meters of Russian fuel in Smolensk Oblast

Ombudsman: Children in occupied Ukraine 'forced to make trench candles.'

U.S. President Joe Biden announced during a briefing on April 24 he had signed the foreign aid bill containing close to $61 billion for Ukraine into law, marking the final step of the legislative process.

"It gives vital support to America's partners so they can defend themselves from threats to their sovereignty," Biden said, adding he would order to send weapons to Kyiv in the next few hours.

After months of political infighting and a deteriorating situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the crucial foreign aid package on April 20, which includes $60.84 billion for Ukraine.

The House voted on three separate bills on April 20 granting aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, which is intended to address Chinese aggression in the region. In addition to aiding Ukraine, the bills include $26.4 billion to aid Israel and $8.1 billion to be spent on Indo-Pacific security.

A fourth bill on national security priorities catered to Republican goals, including sanctions on Iran, the potential transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and a measure that could lead to a ban on TikTok.

The Senate then overwhelmingly approved the bill on April 23, with 79 votes in favor and 18 against.

Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder said that the flow of U.S. military assistance could resume within days following Biden's signature.

"Thanks to organizations like the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and plus our efforts with international allies and partners, we have created a very robust logistics network to enable the delivery of aid into Ukraine," Ryder said.

The new tranche of aid will stem from Biden's presidential drawdown authority (PDA), which takes military equipment from existing stockpiles, meaning that potential procurement-related delays will be limited.

Some of the U.S. military aid for Kyiv is already reportedly in Germany and Poland, cutting down the time needed for the weapons and equipment to reach the front line.

Other pieces derived from the $61 billion package may take more time, as they may need to be sent from the U.S. or other locations. Some potential items of military aid will also need to be purchased or even manufactured, which will take even longer.

Pentagon ready to send $1 billion in weapons to Kyiv

The Pentagon announced on April 24 that it is ready to move forward with sending $1 billion of weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Kyiv now that President Joe Biden has signed a $95 billion aid package that includes more aid for Ukraine.

Biden signed the foreign aid bill into law on April 24, which contains close to $61 billion for Ukraine, following months of delays and political infighting in Congress.

This is the first defense package Ukraine will receive under the signed aid bill. A previous one worth $300 million was announced by Washington on March 12.

The new package will include RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles for air defense, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, TOW missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems, and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

It will also include additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), artillery shells, precision aerial munitions, including high explosive and dual-purpose improved conventional munitions rounds (DPICM), and various other support equipment.

"This package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraine's ability to defend its front lines, protect its cities, and counter Russia's continued attacks," the Pentagon said in a statement.

State Department confirms US began secretly providing Ukraine long-range ATACMS missiles in March

The U.S. began this spring secretly providing Ukraine with long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) at President Joe Biden's direction, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel confirmed at a press briefing on April 24.

The statement was in response to a journalist's question about a Reuters report on April 24 that Washington had covertly shipped Kyiv long-range ATACMS missiles in recent weeks.

"He (Biden) quietly directed his National Security team to send ATACMS to Ukraine for use inside Ukrainian sovereign territory in February. They started moving as part of the military aid package we announced on March 12," Patel said. Ukraine received missiles in April, according to Patel.

Washington announced an aid package worth $300 million to Kyiv on March 12 while Congress debated further aid to Ukraine.

Biden instructed his team to secretly include the long-range ATACMS in the package for security reasons and "to maintain the element of surprise for Ukraine," Reuters reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official.

The U.S. first delivered mid-range older models of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine last fall, following months of deliberation. The older models have a range of 165 kilometers. Newer models of ATACMS have a maximum range of around 300 kilometers and their delivery to Ukraine was previously unknown to the public.

Kyiv has continued to press its Western allies for longer-range weapons, including the newer ATACMS, but partners have hesitated about delivering arms that could potentially be used to strike within Russian territory.

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The Pentagon also raised concerns that sending Ukraine the long-range missiles could damage the U.S.'s military readiness by depleting its own stockpiles, Reuters reported. The U.S. was able to address these concerns in January, leading to the ultimate decision to send them to Ukraine.

Russia's use of North Korean long-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine and attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, influenced Washington's decision to send Kyiv long-range missiles after all, Reuters reported.

It is unknown how many ATACMS were delivered to Ukraine. Kyiv launched some of the recently received missiles on April 17 against a Russian airfield in Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea, located about 165 kilometers from the front line, the U.S. official told Reuters.

Four Russian S-400 launchers, three radar stations, a command post for air defense operations, and air space surveillance equipment Fundament-M were destroyed in the attack on Dzhankoi, according to Ukraine's military intelligence.

Sources: SBU drone attack destroys 26,000 cubic meters of Russian fuel in Smolensk Oblast

Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attacked two oil depots in Russia's Smolensk Oblast overnight, destroying 26,000 cubic meters of fuel, sources in law enforcement agencies told the Kyiv Independent on April 24.

Russian media and officials reported drone attacks in Smolensk Oblast, as well as in Lipetsk and Voronezh oblasts overnight, reportedly targeting energy and industrial facilities.

Footage of what was purported to be a burning oil terminal in Yartsevo, Smolensk Oblast, began circulating on social media.

The Kyiv Independent's sources said that Russia's state-controlled company Rosneft "lost two storage and pumping bases for fuel and lubricants in Yartsevo and Razdorovo in Smolensk Oblast."

According to the sources, the operation was carried out by SBU drones.

Some 26,000 cubic meters of Russian fuel were purportedly stored there. After the powerful explosions, a large-scale fire and personnel evacuation began at the facilities, the sources said.

"The SBU continues to effectively destroy the military infrastructure and logistics that provide fuel to the Russian army in Ukraine. These objects are and will remain our completely legitimate goals," the sources said.

Vasily Anokhin, the Smolensk Oblast governor, claimed there were no casualties as a result of the strike and that emergency services are working on the spot.

"As a result of the enemy attack on fuel and energy facilities, fires broke out in the Smolensk and Yartsevo districts," Anokhin wrote on his Telegram channel.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone strikes aimed at damaging Russia's oil industry. A large-scale attack against Russian energy infrastructure on April 20 reportedly started a fire at a fuel storage tank in Smolensk Oblast.

Strikes against Russian energy targets have prompted criticism from U.S. officials, who have made it clear that Washington does not support Ukraine's attacks on oil refineries, citing fears that they could threaten the global energy market.

In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv has the right to use its own weapons with retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries.

Read also: Ukrainian drones hit one Russian oil refinery after another

Ombudsman: Children in occupied Ukraine 'forced to make trench candles'

Russian authorities in occupied Ukraine are forcing students to make trench candles as part of their curriculum, Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on April 23.

In a post on Facebook, Lubinets said the manual labor was being presented as a "public initiative" but said it was just one of many measures used to prepare students for "war against their homeland."

Ukrainian children in occupied territories face efforts to suppress their identity in "re-education camps" and Russian foster families, as well as training in military camps, Ukrainian officials have previously reported.

A trench candle is a small heating and cooking device made from a food can, strips of cardboard, and paraffin wax.

Lubinets said Russian authorities in the occupied territories had told education leaders that all students be taught how to make them.

"All actions of the enemy are aimed at erasing the identity of Ukrainian children," the ombudsman said.

"And the world community must react to such actions of the Russian Federation."

In February, Ukraine's National Resistance Center reported that Russia is establishing military camps for Ukrainian teenagers in the Russian-occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Teenagers will allegedly be taught firearms and engineering training. The center said this is "preparation for service in the Russian army."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's Defence Ministry has established a Coalition Support Office to ensure sustainable and systematic management of military assistance provided by partner countries.

Source: press service of Ukraine's Defence Ministry

Quote from Stanislav Haider, Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister: "The tasks of the Support Office are to ensure coordination and planning of work within the coalitions of capabilities, to ensure interaction between the coalitions, and to analyse the state of communications with partner countries."

Details: The Defence Ministry noted that the format of capacity-building coalitions was created in 2023 to ensure more effective assistance from partner countries.

To date, eight coalitions have been formed, including the Aircraft Capabilities Coalition and the Air and Missile Defence Coalition.

Quote: "Under the procedure, each of the eight declared coalitions is headed by a leader country, which brings other member states into it. Therefore, to date, dozens of NATO countries are involved in all the coalitions. In addition, countries such as Japan and Australia have already announced their intention to participate or are considering joining various coalitions.

The format of assistance to Ukraine will be modified in 2024 into what is known as Ramstein 2.0. This means that from now on, Ukraine's allies will provide their support mainly not on an individual basis but in a coalition format and in accordance with the prevailing needs.

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Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has confiscated the property belonging to Yevhen Balytskyi, the Russian-installed "head" of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, to his father and son.

Source: HACC press service

Quote: "On 23 April, the panel of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court partially satisfied the administrative claim brought by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine against the former lawmaker who chaired the occupying administration of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, as well as his father and son, who are collaborating with the aggressor country, and imposed a sanction on them under paragraph 1-1 of Article 4.1 of the Law of Ukraine On Sanctions."

Details: In particular, the HACC confiscated the following assets to the state revenue:

three flats, a residential building and two land plots in the city of Melitopol;

four cars;

five planes;

a homemade tourist boat;

funds in bank accounts;

shares in nine companies.

For reference: Balytskyi was a member of the Ukrainian parliament from 2012 to 2019 from the pro-Russian Party of Regions and the Opposition Bloc factions. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he turned collaborator and headed the Russian occupying administration of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, centred in Melitopol. Ukraine sentenced him in absentia to 15 years in prison.

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Ukraine's parliament has passed the government's draft law No. 11091, which provides for an increase in the number of employees of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine by 15,000.



Source: Verkhovna Rada (Ukraines Parliament), MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram



Details: Zhelezniak said that 327 MPs voted in favour.

According to the amendment, the total number of employees of the State Border Guard Service will be up to 75,000 within a year from the date of termination or cancellation of martial law, including up to 67,000 military personnel.

Background: The Ukrainian government submitted this draft law to the Verkhovna Rada on 18 March 2024. Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, said that current realities require the formation of combat units that will perform tasks on the front line.

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The Russian Federation uses sexual violence as a weapon against civilians and prisoners of war, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya said during a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on April 23.

Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office has recorded nearly 300 cases of sexual violence committed by Russian forces since the beginning of the full-scale war.

Kyslytsya addressed Russia's weaponization of sexual violence during the Security Council's annual open debate on the worldwide escalation of sexual violence in conflict zones.

Citing testimony from people released from Russian captivity, Kyslytsya said that over 50 percent of detainees suffered torture, rape, or other forms of sexual violence. He also mentioned the Prosecutor General's documented crimes, whose victimes include 188 women, 102 men, and 15 minors.

The recorded figures are likely an undercount, Kyslytsya said.

"Survivors cannot wait until the war is over," he said. "They need support and justice now."

Ukraine has launched a pilot program to provide emergency financial reparations to victims of sexual violence, Kyslytsya said. The program is supported by the Global Survivors Fund, which advocates for victims of conflict-related sexual assault.

The Russian Federation's representative said Kyslytsya's allegations were unverified and said the debate had become a platform for "political statements, outright lies and manipulation."

Kyslytsya said that Russia's war crimes were documented in reports from the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Read also: Opinion: Sexual violence is not a hidden war crime in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian emergency workers dealing with the aftermath of the Russian attack on Odesa on 24 April. Photo: Ukraines State Emergency Service (SES)

Russian forces attacked a storage facility for disabled vehicles in the city of Odesa on the morning of 24 April, leaving no military personnel injured.

Source: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South

Quote: "The Russian Federation has struck a storage facility for disabled vehicles in the city of Odesa.

The enemy is trying to locate military infrastructure in the rear.

However, no casualties were reported, and no Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel were present at the site of the attack."

Details: Defence Forces of Ukraine's South estimated the attack likely cost the Russians nearly US$10 million.

Background:

On the morning of 24 April, an air-raid warning was issued in some Ukrainian oblasts, and media reports indicated that explosions had been heard in Odesa.

Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, reported that Russia had launched a missile attack on Odesa, injuring a woman, 43.

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Ukrainian men aged 18-60 will not be able to obtain Ukrainian passports abroad

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (Ukrainian government) has banned the issuance of Ukrainian passports, either internal or for international travel, to Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60. From now on, they will only be able to obtain these documents at a territorial agency or territorial unit of the State Migration Service.

Source: decree by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Quote: "Male Ukrainian citizens aged 18-60 may obtain a[n internal] passport of a citizen of Ukraine or a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for travelling abroad at a territorial agency or territorial unit of the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

Such passports may not be sent to a separate unit or foreign diplomatic mission of Ukraine to be issued."

Details: These requirements do not, however, apply to Ukrainian men aged 18-60 who have the right to cross the border during martial law.

Ukraines Foreign Ministry noted that the state-owned passport service Document, which produces documents for Ukrainians, "is not part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs".

The ministry stressed that the Cabinet of Ministers' decree concerns changes to the issuance of passports issued by the State Migration Service of Ukraine further to applications received by the state-owned passport service Document, which is not part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the diplomatic or consular service. It is a separate state-owned company that is part of the management of the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

However, the consular service provided by the Foreign Ministry will remain unchanged.

Consular services are provided to Ukrainian citizens at embassies, consulates general and consulates of Ukraine.

Background:

On 11 April, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) adopted the law On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Certain Issues of Military Service, Mobilisation and Military Registration in second reading, which was signed by the president and published.

On 23 April, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed reports that consular services were being suspended for Ukrainian men who are liable for military service.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later stated that after the mobilisation law enters into force on 18 May 2024, "the process of accepting and reviewing applications for consular actions will continue with account of the new requirements arising from provisions of the law".

This article has been updated since publication.

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Ukraine thanks the US for billions in new military aid to help stop Russia's advance

Honour guards carry the coffin of Ukrainian army paramedic Nazarii Lavrovskyi, 31, killed in the war, during his funeral ceremony at Independence square in Kyiv, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Lavrovskyi, who served in the 244th battalion of the 112th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, was killed April 18 while helping to evacuate wounded troops from the frontline in the Kharkiv area of eastern Ukraine. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian officials on Wednesday expressed thanks for $61 billion in new U.S. military aid that threw Kyivs armed forces a lifeline in their more than two-year war with Russia, even though the supplies arent expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield.

The key now is speed, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on the social platform X, previously Twitter. He urged quick deployment of the hardware that Kyiv expects to receive in the coming weeks and months.

President Joe Biden signed into law the aid package on Wednesday.

Ukrainian troops are far outnumbered by Russian forces and have faced acute shortages of shells and air defense systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months, allowing the Kremlins forces to inch forward in parts of eastern Ukraine in what has largely become a war of attrition.

Also Wednesday, U.S. officials confirmed the United States last month secretly sent Ukraine a number of long-range missiles that Kyiv has urgently sought so that its forces can hit Russian forces well behind the front lines. Ukraine used them for the first time last week to strike an airfield in occupied Crimea, the officials said.

The Army Tactical Missile Systems, known as ATACMs, have a range of some 300 kilometers (190 miles). More are expected to be sent to Ukraine as part of the new U.S. aid package.

Earlier this month, Ukraine lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to bolster the size of the military. In another sign the country is trying to redress the balance of fighting forces, the government on Wednesday said it would not allow men between 18 and 60 who are deemed fit for miliary service to renew their passports from outside the country.

The Cabinet of Ministers said that Ukrainian men of conscription age will only be able to renew their passports inside Ukraine.

Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, mostly to neighboring European countries. The European Union's statistics agency, Eurostat, says 4.3 million Ukrainians are living in EU countries, 860,000 of them men 18 years of age or older.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, the Russian army extended its bombardment of the northeastern Kharkiv region, and Ukrainian long-range drones struck more fuel and energy facilities inside Russia.

Two Russian S-300 missiles hit Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, near the border with Russia, wounding six people, and another two hit the Kharkiv region's town of Zolochiv. No casualties were reported there, local officials said.

Another missile hit the southern city of Odesa, injuring one woman, Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov said.

Ukrainian drones, meanwhile, targeted Russian infrastructure, setting ablaze two energy facilities in the western Smolensk region. Regional head Vasily Anokhin said the attack struck civilian fuel and energy facilities but provided no details.

Russias defense ministry said that eight drones were shot down overnight in the Belgorod, Smolensk, Kursk and Voronezh regions.

___

Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
The United Nations is calling for an independent, effective and transparent  investigation into the discovery of mass graves at two major hospitals in Gaza following the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied medical complexes.

Earlier this week, the Palestinian Civil Defense said it had uncovered hundreds of bodies in a mass grave created by Israeli forces on the grounds of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Two weeks ago, a similar grave was discovered at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

While many of the bodies uncovered have been identified as Palestinians moved from temporary graves around the hospitals by the Israeli Defense Forces  who exhumed the corpses to conduct DNA testing  hundreds of Palestinians who were alive when Israeli forces raided the hospitals remain missing. Israeli forces claim they detained or killed several hundred Hamas militants sheltering the hospital, but in the face of accusations of extrajudicial killings taking place in the hospitals have not provided verification as to the identities of those killed in the raids.

Among the deceased were allegedly older people, women and wounded, while others were found tied with their hands  tied and stripped of their clothes, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said Tuesday. Victims had reportedly been buried deep in the ground and covered with waste.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said Tuesday that given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators.

Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat is a war crime, he said.

Given Israels control over the territory, the entry of international observers, international press, and humanitarian aid has been heavily restricted. Israel has repeatedly accused the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) of employing individuals involved in Hamas Oct. 7 attack against Israel, but has provided no evidence to back up the claim.

Following the murders of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers by Israeli forces in March, President Joe Biden cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. may scale back its support for Israeli military action in Gaza if Israel failed to implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.

While reports continue to emerge about Israeli forces disregard for civilians  including 18 children killed in an airstrike over the weekend  there is no concrete sign that the Biden administration will withhold aid to Israel, and Biden is now preparing to sign a massive foreign aid package containing $25.3 billion in aid to Israel.

When asked if he was aware of the discovery of the mass graves, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday that the Biden administration was inquiring about it with the government of Israel.

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General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra saw her compensation drop 4% last year compared with 2022, largely because GM did not hit its shareholder value targets to which part of her compensation is tied.

It means that for the first time in three years, Barra is no longer the highest-paid CEO of the Detroit Three automakers. That title goes to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

GM filed its annual executive compensation report Wednesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In it, GM reported that Barra had a total compensation of $27,847,405 million in 2023 for running the company and chairing the board of directors. That compared with $28,979,570 in 2022.

In a letter to shareholders included in the filing, GM's Compensation Committee Chair Wesley Bush said the results prove the executive compensation plan rewards performance. For example, GM overperformed in hitting such targets as revenue, cash flow, pretax profits and quality.

GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra announces General Motors moving its global headquarters to the newly completed Hudson's site, during a Bedrock news conference held at the Hudson's site in downtown Detroit on Monday, April 15, 2024.

"At the same time, the Company underperformed relative to its commitments on its transformation journey in 2023, particularly with EV production and AV technology," Bush wrote. "This was reflected in the Companys stock price, the value of the stock options held by executives, and also in the below-target payout of 74% for the Performance Share Units (PSUs) that vested this year."

As a result, Bush said GM would be changing the formula in its executive variable compensation structure to align more closely with the company's four strategic areas where it wants to grow: internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, software and services and autonomous vehicles.

Walking away from $17 million

Last year, GM's other top leaders, Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson and President Mark Reuss, both saw a boost in total compensation due to receiving more stock and option awards, according to the filing.

Mike Abbott, 51, left $17 million in stock awards on the table when he resigned from GM last month as its executive vice president of Software and Services. He cited health reasons for leaving the company, but by cutting short his tenure, he lost eligibility for those stock awards, a GM spokesman said. As a result, Abbott, who joined GM in May 2023, received $3.34 million in total compensation.

The ratio of the CEO's total compensation to the median of all employees' total compensation is 303-to-1, a disclosure required in the annual executive compensation report. The median annual total compensation of all GM employees last year, excluding the CEO, was $91,778, up from $80,034 in 2022.

Story continues

The Detroit Three CEO compensations

At Ford Motor Co., CEO Jim Farley received total compensation of $26,470,033 in 2023, the Free Press reported last month when Ford filed its annual report with the government. Farley's total compensation broke down as $1.7 million in salary, nearly $15.2 million in stock awards, nearly $2.8 million in incentive plan compensation, and the balance in other payments for items such as evaluation vehicles and life insurance/death benefit.

At Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat, it reported in February CEO Carlos Tavares had a total compensation of $39.5 million (36.5 million euros) in 2023, below his total compensation of $24.8 million (23.5 million euros) in 2022.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, pictured in a December file photo.

Tavares' total compensation is not what he was paid directly last year. The figure includes items in addition to his salary and any bonuses, such as retirement benefits. The company said his actual compensation, including "cash and vested equity awards," was $25.4 million (23.5 million euros).

Tavares had a $2.16 million (2 million euros) base salary, short-term incentive worth $6.26 million (5.8 million euros), long-term incentive valued at $28.3 million (26 million euros), post-retirement benefits valued at $2.1 million (1.95 million euros) and fringe benefits valued at $686,885 (634,697 euros).

The breakdown of Barra's pay

$2.1 million in salary

$14.6 million in stock awards

$4.9 million in option awards

$5.3 million in incentive plan compensation

$997,392 in other payments

In his letter, Bush wrote, "For 2024, we have held Ms. Barras target compensation at the same level as 2023 and 2022, respectively, reflecting the Committees view that her compensation is appropriately positioned. We also view Mr. Reuss target compensation as appropriately positioned and have held his 2024 target compensation at the 2023 level."

For the year, Barra received $389,005 in perquisites, which included personal travel, security, financial counseling, company vehicle programs and an executive physical that cost $4,331.

How GM's other leaders did

In GM's filing, it also listed the 2023 total compensation of other key GM officers:

President Mark Reuss : $17,966,292 up from $14,349,551 in 2022.

CFO Paul Jacobson : $11,123,924, up from $10,235,938 in 2022.

Executive Vice President of Legal Craig Glidden: $11,502,937 million, no previous year comparison.

Changes to compensation ahead

Bush wrote that GM aims to grow its gasoline vehicle business, EV sales, deliver software and services that create customer value and develop safe self-driving vehicle technology  while maintaining commitments to culture, safety and customer experience.

"With these priorities in mind, the Compensation Committee has made several key enhancements to our 2024 compensation plans that will drive execution and increase shareholder value by holding the management team and the broader workforce accountable for their performance against specific, near-term strategic goals," Bush wrote.

As the Free Press first reported in February, GM told its salaried workforce it was changing how it determines bonuses for salaried employees. Starting this year, the automaker will include the performance of EVs, software and services, and autonomous vehicle programs in the formula that determines white-collar workers' bonuses.

Bush said the committee is aligning those same metrics with top executives and going forward GM's new compensation plan is as follows:

Short-term performance measures will continue to link to GMs annual financial goals and critical milestones that GM needs to achieve in 2024. While adjusted pretax profits and cash flow will remain the primary financial performance measures, the plan will also incorporate specific performance measures connected to performance of gasoline vehicles, EVs, AV launches and software and services.

Long-term performance measures will continue to focus on creating lasting shareholder value and profitability and growing cash. New measures will include a performance measure mix of various cash flow and profit margin metrics to link leaders to GM's long-term transformation strategy and share price performance.

To remain competitive in acquiring talent, GM will now incorporate restricted stock units in lieu of stock options, which has become the more common practice. But GM is keeping the emphasis of its compensation tied to company performance.

More: Analysts: And just like that, the pressure on GM CEO Mary Barra to execute, just escalated

Contact Jamie L. LaReau: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. Read more on General Motors and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GM CEO Mary Barra's total compensation for 2023 down 4%
United Nations leaders demanded a clear, transparent and credible investigation Tuesday after mass graves containing the bodies of hundreds of men and women were discovered on the grounds of two major hospitals in Gaza that were previously under assault by the Israeli military.

The mass graves contained some people stripped naked with their hands tied, raising concerns over potential war crimes, the U.N. said, describing the bodies as buried deep in the ground and covered with waste.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters Tuesday that investigators must have complete access to the sites and ensured safety from the Israeli military.

Mass grave sites were discovered at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, with 283 bodies buried at the Nasser site alone. The Khan Younis burial site was constructed because Palestinian civilians could not perform burials due to ongoing military attacks by Israeli forces, the Palestinian Civil Defense said.

Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law, U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said Tuesday. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat (incapable of engaging in combat) is a war crime.

Turk said any investigation into the mass graves should be independent of the Israeli government given the prevailing climate of impunity, adding that he was horrified by the reports.

U.N. high commissioner for human rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani added that 30 bodies were discovered at the Al-Shifa Hospital site, including some bound and tied.

She added that there could be many more victims despite the claim by the Israeli Defense Forces to have killed 200 Palestinians during the Al-Shifa medical complex operation.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel called the reports of mass graves incredibly troubling and said the Biden administration has questioned the Israeli government about them.

The Israeli government said its forces previous exhumed bodies buried at the sites in search of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the conflict. The Israeli military besieged the hospitals for days earlier this year, claiming Hamas militants were inside, among civilians. The claims could not be independently verified.

It is unclear which body would conduct an investigation if authorized.

The Israeli military has again stepped up strikes on southern Gaza in recent days, as it hopes to push into the city of Rafah. A total of 34,000 Palestinians  two-thirds of them women and children  have been killed in the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Much of Gaza has now fallen into famine, and the Biden administration continues to pressure the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid into the territory as a humanitarian crisis deepens.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
One week after a committee of the UNC System Board of Governors took the first step to repeal diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts at North Carolinas public universities, the leader of the state Senate indicated lawmakers may be interested in doing the same for state government workplaces.

But there might not be enough time to do so in this legislative session, he said.

The University Governance committee of the Board of Governors voted unanimously last week to approve a policy that is likely to eliminate or alter DEI-related jobs and campus initiatives across the 17-campus UNC System. That move, which will likely be finalized after a full-board vote in May, comes as similar efforts are unfolding nationwide to target diversity-related efforts in higher education.

The state General Assemblys short session kicked off Wednesday. Speaking to reporters on the Senate floor after the opening session, Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said he thinks some members are interested in taking a look at pursuing additional measures regarding DEI. He noted that the Board of Governors actions pertain only to the UNC System, and said legislators could decide to extend the measures to other parts of state government.

There are examples of DEI  what I would consider overreach  in other parts of state government or other parts, whether the school systems or otherwise, Berger said. I think its something for us to look at.

Berger said it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will have enough runway to actually do something on the matter this session, which could wrap up as soon as July.

Republican House Speaker Tim Moore previously told reporters that lawmakers had discussed potential legislation on DEI in higher education, but indicated they would let the university system act on the matter first  which the Board of Governors did a week later. Moore also said at the time that anti-DEI legislation would likely require more conversation than lawmakers have time for in the short session.

What would lawmakers action on DEI include?

The policy under consideration by the Board of Governors repeals the UNC Systems existing policy and regulation on diversity and inclusion, which require each of the states 17 public campuses to employ diversity officers and work toward achieving diversity-related goals, among other requirements.

Those mandates are not included in the new proposal. The policy indicates that the jobs will likely be eliminated or altered in some way to comply with the proposed policy, with university chancellors being required to detail to the UNC System president reductions in force and spending that result from the cuts, and how the savings achieved could be redirected to initiatives related to student success and well-being.

Berger said Wednesday he believes lawmakers ought to take a look at legislation that involves eliminating the funding for positions that actually have, as their mission, to discriminate against North Carolinians.

Diversity and inclusion offices at the states universities  and the administrators who oversee them  generally have stated missions to support students from a variety of backgrounds. At UNC-Chapel Hill, for example, the university employs a chief diversity officer who oversees an Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which has a stated mission to celebrate all members of the Carolina community, to broaden our collective understanding, and foster a sense of belonging by uplifting diverse identities, cultures, experiences, and perspectives.

The North Carolina Office of State Human Resources website currently states, under a section dedicated to diversity and inclusion in state workplaces, that the state holds a philosophy that views diversity as central to the achievement of high performance. Elsewhere in state government, the Department of Health and Human Services employs an assistant secretary for diversity and inclusion and operates an Office of People, Culture and Belonging, which supports the recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse and inclusive workforce with the required skill sets, competencies, and expertise to provide services and programs to underserved communities and intervene to eliminate disparities.

Regarding other actions the legislature might take on DEI in state government, Berger said there are probably some other things that we would need to address as well, but did not cite specific examples.

Lawmakers last year approved a measure banning compelled speech in state government workplaces, which prohibits hiring managers from asking applicants to describe their personal or political beliefs as a condition of employment. That law also lists 13 concepts, mostly related to race and gender, that are banned from being taught or promoted in state workplaces, including public universities.

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UNC Greensboro Provost Debbie Storrs will step down from her role at the university at the end of the month as she fights stage-four breast cancer.

Chancellor Frank Gilliam announced Storrs departure in a campus message Wednesday, saying Storrs had authorized him to share that she will begin disability leave. Storrs will leave her posts as provost executive vice chancellor and will not return to the faculty, she said in a separate message.

Storrs began her role as the universitys provost in June 2021. She said in her message to campus that she was diagnosed with the disease in January 2022, noting that some at the university knew of the diagnosis as she continued to work while receiving treatment.

That she has continued to serve our community with her tireless drive  amid medical treatments and challenging side effects  underscores Provost Storrs indomitable courage, commitment, and spirit, Gilliam said. She is a visionary leader with a spine of steel. She has been the best person for the provosts key leadership role during this period of historic change for UNC Greensboro and higher education at large.

Storrs departure comes just months after the university completed an academic portfolio review that resulted in 20 academic programs being cut from the universitys offerings and drew criticism from faculty, students and staff. She faced separate faculty votes to censure her and express no confidence in her as a result of the review.

But both she and Gilliam stood by the review, and Storrs actions during the months-long process, in their messages Wednesday.

I want to make it abundantly clear that the decision was hers, and hers alone, Gilliam said. She has performed admirably and effectively in her role as provost. She has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and personal integrity.

Storrs said she is stepping away due to her diagnosis, noting that she would rather join the university community on the journey into the future if she was able.

Its been the professional honor of a lifetime to walk alongside you in support of our students today and plan for the generations to come, Storrs said.

Chancellor, provost stand by review as Storrs steps down

Throughout the roughly yearlong program review, Gilliam described the process as a necessary way to put the university on solid financial footing following undergraduate enrollment declines and a change to the UNC Systems funding model for its campuses.

During my time as provost, UNCG has continued to thrive and serve as a path of opportunity for our students and faculty. At the same time, we have experienced enrollment decline, budget reductions, and an uncertain future, and have deployed strategic methods to plan for the future, including an academic portfolio review, Storrs said Wednesday.

The program review launched protests and outcry from members of the university who consistently raised concerns about the process by which the review was conducted, saying it was not transparent and that they received mixed messaging about why the review is needed and the possible outcomes. One professor said the review was mismanaged by this administration at every stage of the process.

Storrs said Wednesday she handled her duties in the provost role, which included maintaining academic excellence; supporting faculty, staff, and students; and balancing our budget in an honest, fair, and transparent manner. She acknowledged that some decisions, including those that led to the discontinuation of academic programs, will make some angry.

Storrs said her actions throughout the review served as a lightning rod for criticism and backlash, pointing to the no-confidence vote as an example. But she said the pedestrian backlash was not constructive.

I understand that it can temporarily feel satisfying, even empowering, for some faculty members to stage rage, attack leadership, question integrity, and critique change when confronted with a decision not to their liking, Storrs said. However, after a year-long, inclusive, and transparent process in response to actual conditions, I have zero confidence in this impulse. Pedestrian oppositional behavior at the end of this stage of our thoughtful process offers no constructive and essential solutions for the future of UNCG.

Still, Storrs encouraged faculty to remain involved in university affairs and committed to their work.

The University is deeply fortunate to have a brilliant faculty and staff, and my heartfelt thanks go out to you for your effort and your support. UNCG needs you all to exert your voices, and demand, create, and welcome constructive and thoughtful dialogue committed to solving challenges, she said. I have full confidence that, with your commitment, UNCG will emerge emboldened and proud.

Gilliam announced Wednesday that Senior Vice Provost Alan Boyette would serve as acting provost, effective May 1, until the university names an interim appointment for the role. The university will launch a national search for a permanent provost in August using Isaacson, Miller, an executive search firm.

For her successor and for all of us, Provost Storrs established a model in her dedication to our students and the communities they represent, Gilliam said. The Board of Trustees, leadership team, and I are grateful for her voice of wisdom and calm  unfaltering in her integrity, unflappable in her resolve, incisive in her clarity.
UNCG Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Debbie Storrs. (Photo: UNCG)

UNC-Greensboro Provost Debbie Storrs announced she will step down Wednesday, citing the metastatic breast cancer with which she was diagnosed in 2022.

The disease is stage 4, with treatment that has been challenging given its significant side effects, Storrs wrote in a message to the campus community Wednesday. As such, I will be going on leave for disability effective at the months end. I wont be returning to my position as provost and executive vice chancellor, nor will I return to serve as a faculty member.

This is not a diagnosis one survives, Storrs wrote. But instead, it is about managing symptoms, slowing spread, and pursuing quality of life.

Storrs has served as provost and executive vice chancellor at UNCG since 2021, seeing the university through a rocky rebuilding period after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the university has weathered financial and enrollment headwinds, it has undergone a controversial reevaluation of its programs. Storrs oversaw a hotly debated process that led to a February announcement of 20 program cuts. Opposition to the process led the campus faculty Senate to censure Storrs and Chancellor Frank Gilliam and, last month, to pass a no confidence vote in Storrs leadership.

Storrs addressed that controversy in her message Wednesday, saying she understood that her decisions made some angry.

Expectedly, some faculty at UNCG followed suit as my decisions have served as a lightning rod for criticism and backlash  including the facultys recent no-confidence vote, Storrs wrote. I understand that it can temporarily feel satisfying, even empowering, for some faculty members to stage rage, attack leadership, question integrity, and critique change when confronted with a decision not to their liking. However, after a year-long, inclusive, and transparent process in response to actual conditions, I have zero confidence in this impulse. Pedestrian oppositional behavior at the end of this stage of our thoughtful process offers no constructive and essential solutions for the future of UNCG.

Her health struggles have given her new perspectives on life, Storrs wrote, but her view of the campus work mission and future remains the same.

I care deeply for UNCG and the entire community, especially the students and families who count on us to make the hard choices for the Universitys long-term viability and for future students, Storrs wrote.

Gilliam praised Storrs in an accompanying community message.

A photo of UNCG Chancellor Frank Gilliam.

UNCG Chancellor Frank Gilliam. (Photo: UNCG)

I couldnt have made a better hire, Gilliam wrote. And were a much better community for her many contributions. She has enabled us to make incredible strides.

That she has continued to serve our community with her tireless drive  amid medical treatments and challenging side effects  underscores Provost Storrs indomitable courage, commitment, and spirit, Gilliam wrote. She is a visionary leader with a spine of steel. She has been the best person for the provosts key leadership role during this period of historic change for UNC Greensboro and higher education at large.

Senior Vice Provost Alan Boyette will step in as acting provost starting May 1, Gilliam wrote, as the university prepares for a national search for Storrs permanent successor. That search  in partnership with search first Isaacson, Miller  will begin in August, Gilliam wrote.

Its been an honor for me to serve alongside Debbie, Gilliam wrote. Although Ill miss her as a colleague, Im grateful that shell remain in Greensboro, where we will continue to share our care with her and her family. She has not only our appreciation but also the communitys full support  today and always.

The post UNCG Provost steps down, citing health condition appeared first on NC Newsline.
Under the Dome: Welcome to the 2024 legislative session

Good morning, and welcome to your Under the Dome newsletter.

The General Assembly returns to Raleigh today for the 2024 legislative short session. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is also going to present his budget proposal to reporters this morning, an hour before the legislative session convenes at noon. Republicans have a supermajority in both chambers, but take the governors proposal into consideration when they pass a budget bill later this session.

House Speaker Tim Moore has said lawmakers intend to adjourn by July 1, but of course, anyone who has been around the Legislative Building knows that the intention to wrap things up by July doesnt mean that things will actually wrap up by July.

Lawmakers meet in committees today to consider two of Coopers nominations: Joey Hopkins, who has served as transportation secretary since last fall, and Todd Brown Sr., Coopers latest choice in his ongoing attempts to fill the North Carolina Business Court.

Watch a video about what to expect from the session here.

Heres what else is going on as lawmakers start their work, from T. Keung Hui and correspondent Stephanie Loder:.

Stare Rep. Rosa Gill speaks at the kickoff of the Educators for Biden-Harris event in Raleigh, N.C., on April 23, 2024. Behind her from left to right are parent Margaret Bilodeau, state Sen. Natalie Murdock, Wake County teacher Michelle Craig and Wake NCAE president Christina Spears.

GOP NOMINEES CALLED TRUMP LITE EXTREMISTS

North Carolina Democrats are trying to paint GOP gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson and state superintendent nominee Michele Morrow as Trump lite extremists.

Educators for Biden-Harris kicked off their efforts in Raleigh on Tuesday with a press conference promoting efforts to mobilize teachers to reelect the president and vice president. Speakers linked Robinson and Morrow to Donald Trump, accusing them of emulating the former presidents harmful policies and hurtful and divisive rhetoric.

Who do you want leading the nation? said state Sen. Natalie Murdock, a Democrat from Durham. Who do you want leading the state? Its definitely not extremism. Its definitely not divisiveness, definitely not these culture wars. When it comes to education, they want us to go back to the basics.

Speakers argued that a second term for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is needed to protect teachers union rights and funding for public education.

President Biden is fighting for educators to be paid what theyre worth, and he believes every child must have access to good education, said state Rep. Rosa Gill, a Democrat from Raleigh. While Trump has promised to gut public education in order to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy and well-connected.

 T. Keung Hui

FEDERAL JUDGE CITES RACIST ORIGINS

A nearly 150-year-old North Carolina law that criminalized voting for anyone with a felony conviction was struck down this week by a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs cited the laws racist origins when she ruled against it on Monday. The law, enacted in 1877, was enacted with discrimination in mind and disproportionately impacted Black voters, she ruled.

The ruling did not affect voter eligibility for anyone serving time for a felony conviction. They must complete their sentence to be eligible to vote.

Biggs decision may be appealed to a higher court.

Get the full story from Kyle Ingram here.

UNC System considers SAT, ACT test scores

Just when students thought they were safe from having to take standardized tests to get into college, it looks like the UNC System may reinstate the SAT/ACT requirement.

That means some students planning to head to North Carolina public universities will have to submit their standardized test scores along with their college application.

The Board of Governors will meet May 23 at the UNC System office in Raleigh.

Get the details on the new policy from Korie Dean here.

NC DAYCARE CENTERS CONSIDER CLOSING DOORS AS FUNDING RUNS OUT

A loss of $1.3 billion in federal COVID-19 aid in June could send many North Carolina families scrambling to find affordable daycare with as many as 1,500 child care centers potentially shutting their doors.

It will be up to Congress or state lawmakers whether to provide more money. Without the funding, child care advocates warn it could leave open tens of thousands of daycare slots depended on by working families.

Child advocates want a day of action on May 16 to let daycare centers close to allow employees to lobby state lawmakers in Raleigh.

Get the full story from T. Keung Hui here.

NC REVENUE FORECAST SHOWS EXTRA $1.4 BILLION

A new report predicts that North Carolina will have an extra $1.4 billion in revenue.

Salaries, retail sales and employment are higher than last year. Unemployment is down as well, making the states revenue forecast brighter than expected in 2023.

Republicans, who hold a supermajority in the General Assembly, write the budget and are taking credit for the surplus.

House Speaker Tim Moore said the revenue forecast shows that North Carolina is on the right track. He also said the report proves that the GOPs conservative approach has strengthened the economy and attracted businesses to the state.

Republicans plan to give new raises to state employees and teachers in this years budget, Moore said.

Get the full story from Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan here.

UNDER THE DOME: LIVE! DID YOU RSVP?

Join The N&O on April 30 for a special live recording of the Under the Dome politics podcast featuring Sen. Natalie Murdock (D-20) and Sen. Vickie Sawyer (R-37).

Heres what you need to know to join in:

Register at underthedomelive.eventbrite.com with code: domelive

The event starts at 5 p.m.

The podcast begins at 5:30 p.m.

Join us in the Daniels Auditorium at the N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh.

Thats all for today. Check your inbox tomorrow for more #ncpol news.

You can sign up to receive the Under the Dome newsletter at newsobserver.com/newsletters . Want your friends to get our email, too? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up here .

We want to know what you would like to see in the Under the Dome newsletter . Do you like highlights from the legislature? Political analysis? Do you have a question youd like The News & Observer team to answer? Tell us here. You can also email us at dome@newsobserver.com

Dont forget to follow our tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast for more developments.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The Urbana Police Department is asking for the publics help in locating a runaway teen.

Police said the 14-year-old, identified as Tiago Zumarraga-Mosquera, left his home on Country Squire Drive around 8:00 a.m. to run an errand. However, he never returned. The teens mother reported him missing to the Urbana Police that afternoon.

The mother did receive a message from Zumarraga-Mosquera on Facebook Messenger the following day at 6 p.m. He said he was in the Urbana-Champaign area, but refused to come home.

Champaign Police to protect students as SROs after 3-year pause

Authorities are actively working to locate Zumarraga-Mosquera and are asking for help from the public. He is described as a 601, 160-pound Latino with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing khaki shorts and a khaki hooded sweatshirt.

Urbana Police said Zumarraga-Mosquera may also have a red rolling suitcase and white backpack. He is an Ecuadorian refugee who primarily speaks Spanish, with limited English.

Photo provided by the Urbana Police Department.

If anyone sees Zumarraga-Mosquera, they are urged to call 911 and share his whereabouts. Otherwise, those with any additional information are asked to call the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320. Arrangements can be made for information to be shared privately.

Tips can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 217-373-

8477, submitting online at 373tips.com, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The Defense Department announced a $1 billion package for Ukraine shortly after President Biden on Wednesday signed a national security supplemental into law, aiming to deliver critical artillery rounds and air defense munitions to Kyiv as its troops struggle with dwindling resources to defend against an encroaching Russian military.

The $1 billion price tag is much higher than previous packages that have generally totaled around a few hundred million dollars, in part because Congress delayed sending more aid to Ukraine for months after the last U.S. assistance dried up at the end of 2023. That made Ukraine more desperate for aid as ammunition ran low and Russia pressed forward on the battlefield, putting Ukrainian troops on the backfoot.

A key part of the new package is 155 mm artillery rounds and other mortar and artillery ammunition, along with RIM-7 and AIM-9M air defense munitions. Kyiv has made both a priority, with artillery a major part of covering Ukrainian troops on the ground and air defenses crucial to defending cities.

Wednesdays package includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor launchers, small arms ammunition like .50 caliber rounds and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.

And Ukraine will get Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Humvees and other logistical and tactical vehicles, along with anti-armor mines, demolition material and other spare parts and equipment.

Notably, the package does not include the long-range artillery weapon called the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which can strike targets up to 190 miles away. The Biden administration has provided older versions of the ATACMS but not a newer model.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this week that he called Biden and there was an agreement to provide ATACMS, but he did not provide greater details, including when they might be delivered.

After signing the $95 billion national security package into law, about $61 billion of which will go to supporting Ukraine, Biden said it was a good day for world peace.

Americans are going to send Ukraine the supplies they need to keep them in the fight, he said, promising to start sending equipment within hours. This package is literally an investment in not only Ukraines security but in Europes security, in our own security.

Zelensky expressed his thanks after the Senate cleared the package Tuesday night, just days after the House. On Wednesday, Zelensky said the key now is speed.

Every leader who does not waste time is a life saver, he wrote on social platform X. Every state that knows how to act quickly safeguards the rules-based world order.

Even with the new weapons package, Ukraine will face an uphill battle against a larger Russian military, which has seized the initiative amid the delay of U.S. assistance to hammer the Ukrainians across the 600-mile eastern front line and press forward in the Donetsk region.

But the weapons will help to stabilize the front, where Russian forces have taken at least one city and are threatening another strategic one in the eastern Donetsk region.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On 24 April, the US Department of Defense announced a US$1 billion package of military aid for Ukraine, the first since Congress approved supplementary funding to assist foreign allies.

Source: a statement by the US Department of Defense, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The latest package of military assistance is the 56th in a row that the US presidential administration has allocated through the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which entails the direct provision of military support from American army warehouses.

The package includes a variety of weapons, including RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles, Javelin anti-armour weapons and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 155-mm and 105-mm shells (including cluster shells), ammunition for HIMARS, 60-mm mortar rounds, anti-tank mines, Claymore anti-personnel mines and obstacle-clearing munitions.

The vehicles mentioned in the Pentagon statement are Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MRAP and Humvee armoured vehicles, logistics support vehicles, and tactical vehicles to tow and haul equipment.

The statement also mentions small arms and additional rounds of small arms ammunition specifically for countering drones, "precision aerial munitions," airfield support equipment, night vision devices, spare parts and other ancillary equipment.

"This package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraine's ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russia's continued attacks," the Pentagon said.

Background:

On 24 April, US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that will provide about US$61 billion in additional military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help to other US allies.

American media had reported that Ukraine's next package of US military aid after the bill was adopted might include long-range ATACMS missiles, and the weapons had been previously transferred to warehouses in Poland and Germany for faster shipment to Ukraine.

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The US Senate has passed a sweeping foreign aid package including $60 billion in military aid and economic support for Ukraine, sending it to the White House where President Joe Biden is expected to sign it.

Tuesdays bipartisan vote officially brings an end to a months-long struggle in the US Congress to pass additional support for Ukraine, which is grappling with a wave of Russian drone attacks on energy infrastructure and other targets while running short on ammunition.

The House passed the Ukraine assistance package in a bipartisan vote over the weekend, after House Speaker Mike Johnson bucked warnings from conservatives in his party and brought the measure to the floor.

The funding passed the Senate as part of a broader package that also includes aid for Israel and Taiwan, a measure to allow the transfer of seized Russian assets to Ukraine, and a bill that would force ByteDance to sell off TikTok. The vote was 79-18, a significant feat given divides within the Republican Party over Ukraine assistance and within the Democratic Party over aid to Israel.

During a press conference, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer credited bipartisanship with moving the bill across the finish line and singled out Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is among the most vocal Ukraine supporters in Washington.

Biden said in a statement following the vote that he plans to sign the bill into law and deliver a national address as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week.

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The Pentagon is expected to move quickly to rush artillery and air defense to Ukraine once the package has Bidens signature. We can move within days, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said last week. US officials told Reuters Tuesday that the administration is planning to source a $1 billion military aid package from the bill, which includes ammunition and other weapons that Ukraine can use immediately on the battlefield.

During a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, Biden said the US would quickly provide significant new security assistance packages to meet Ukraines urgent battlefield and air defense needs following the bills Senate passage, according to the White House.

The Ukraine package is similar to a measure passed by the Senate back in February, though it converts about $10 billion in economic aid to Ukraine into a loan  an idea first floated by former President Donald Trump. A majority of the $60 billion will go towards replenishing US weapons stocks. The bill also seeks to force Bidens hand on sending long-range missile systems known as ATACMS to Ukraine.

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The United States and Niger are discussing plans to withdraw American troops from the West African nation, ending more than a decade of U.S. military presence in the country.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed during Tuesday's press briefing that "discussions have begun between the United States and Niger for the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country."

"In the near future, the Department of Defense will provide a small delegation from the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command to participate in those discussions," Ryder added.

That delegation will arrive in the Nigerien capital of Niamey on Thursday "to initiate discussions on an orderly and responsible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger," Ryder said in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the U.S. "remains committed to countering violent extremist organizations in West Africa." U.S. officials "will conduct follow-up meetings in Niamey next week, to coordinate the withdrawal process in a transparent manner and with mutual respect." according to Ryder.

MORE: Africa at a crossroads as more democracies fall to military coups, experts say

PHOTO: Nigeriens gather to protest against the U.S. military presence, in Agadez, Niger on April 21, 2024. (Reuters)

The U.S. has yet to announce a timeline for when it will pull out the more than 1,000 military personnel stationed at an American drone base in the Sahara desert near the Nigerien city of Agadez. Videos circulating on social media over the weekend showed hundreds of people marching through the streets of Agadez to protest the U.S. military presence.

Niger's ruling military junta, which ousted the democratically elected government in July 2023, announced its decision last month to immediately revoke a 2012 military cooperation deal with the U.S. following contentious meetings between high-level officials on both sides in Niamey.

The American delegation had raised "concerns over Niger's potential relationships with Russia and Iran, as well as the status of U.S. forces in the country," according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

But the spokesperson for Niger's junta, Col. Amadou Abdramane, denounced what he called a "condescending attitude combined with the threat of reprisals by the head of the American delegation against the people of Niger." He accused the U.S. of failing to adhere to democratic protocol by trying to "deny the sovereign Nigerien people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism."

The development came just months after Nigers former colonizer, France, heeded the juntas demands and withdrew French troops from the country amid a shifting geopolitical landscape in Africa's arid Sahel region.

MORE: US orders partial departure of US embassy in Niger as political unrest escalates

PHOTO: In this April 16, 2018 file photo a U.S. and Niger flag are raised side by side at the base camp for air forces and other personnel supporting the construction of Niger Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger. (Carley Petesch/AP, FILE)

Niger has long been a key ally to the U.S., France and other Western nations in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel, south of the Sahara. But as Niger's military government moves to sever those ties, the country  and others in the region  has been increasingly turning to Russia to deal with security threats. Earlier this month, the initial deployment of some 100 officers from Russias newly established African Corps arrived in Niger.

The paramilitary unit, which is under direct supervision of the Russian Ministry of Defense and is believed to be rebranded from the infamous but now defunct Wagner Group, said they are there to "develop military cooperation between Russia and Niger" and will "train" Nigerien military personnel.

While testifying before Congress on March 7, the commander of the U.S. African Command, Gen. Michael Langley, warned of Russia's growing influence in the Sahel, saying "a number of countries are at the tipping point of actually being captured by the Russian Federation."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that "Russia reaffirms its commitment to helping African countries strengthen their sovereignty and security in all aspects and dimensions."

ABC News' Anne Flaherty and Matt Seyler contributed to this report.

US to withdraw troops from Niger after military deal revoked originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Hawaiian Holdings (HA) reported $645.57 million in revenue for the quarter ended March 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 5.4%. EPS of -$2.77 for the same period compares to -$2.17 a year ago.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $630.61 million, representing a surprise of +2.37%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of -0.73%, with the consensus EPS estimate being -$2.75.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Hawaiian Holdings performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Scheduled Operations - Passenger load factor (RPM/ASM) : 80.6% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 82.8%.

Operating Revenue- Other : $62.12 million compared to the $61.07 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of -3.1% year over year.

Operating Revenue- Passenger: $583.45 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $561.46 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +6.4%.

View all Key Company Metrics for Hawaiian Holdings here>>>



Shares of Hawaiian Holdings have returned -4.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -4.2% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (HA) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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US military aid alone won't be enough to defeat Russia  Ukraine's foreign minister

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has encouraged Western allies to increase weapons manufacturing to bolster aid for Ukraine, emphasising that renewed US military support is not enough to defeat Russia.

Source: The Guardian, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kuleba said Ukraine's allies should move from "expressing condolences and sympathy to Ukrainians and promising to help with recovery, to preventing loss of life and destruction of the country".

The foreign minister said the resumption of US military aid after months of delay in Congress would not be enough to fight off Russia: "No single package can stop the Russians. What will stop the Russians is a united front of all of Ukraine and all of its partners."

Kuleba also urged the West to increase weapons production, as Ukraine has done, since Russia currently produces ten times more weapons, while Kyiv faces a shortage of air defence systems.

Quote: "When I see what Russia achieved in building up its defence industrial base in two years of the war, and what the West has achieved I think something is wrong on the part of the West. The West has to realise the era of peace in Europe is over."

The minister said military industrial production by Ukraine's allies is expected to peak no sooner than late 2024.

In the same interview, Kuleba welcomed the decision by the US Congress to approve US$61 billion worth of additional funding for aid to Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a joint meeting at the same time to discuss further cooperation to support Ukraine.

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The US Senate has passed legislation that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok within a year or face a national ban, sending the measure to President Joe Bidens desk. He is expected to sign it.

The White House-backed legislation was approved as part of a broader national security package  combining Ukraine and Israel aid  that passed the House in a bipartisan vote over the weekend. Proponents of the TikTok measure say that the popular video apps Chinese ownership poses a national security threat.

Tuesdays Senate vote was 79-18.

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Under the measure, ByteDance would have up to 360 days to divest TikTok or face an effective ban within the US.

A TikTok spokesperson last week characterized the legislation as an assault on free speech, signaling a likely legal challenge on First Amendment grounds.

It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually, the spokesperson said.

Bloomberg reported earlier this week that TikToks head of public policy told employees in a memo that the company would move to the courts for a legal challenge once the measure is signed into law.

The legislation represents a rare bipartisan achievement in Congress, where there is intense scrutiny of the Chinese government among members of both parties.

An earlier version of the legislation introduced by the House China select committee leaders, Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher and Democratic Rep.Raja Krishnamoorthi, would have forced a sale within 180 days; the adjustment to the bill helped it gain support from a key Democratic senator, Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, who endorsed it last week.

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BALTIMORE  When the Francis Scott Key Bridge was inspected in May 2021, it earned high marks.

Its railings and guardrails met modern standards. Its foundations were stable and didnt show signs of erosion at the riverbed. The protection around its piers was functioning, the best grade in that category.

It wasnt, however, assessed for its ability to withstand a collision from a vessel.

A collision came, though. In the early hours of March 26, a massive cargo ship  much larger than the average ship when the bridge was built in 1976  crashed into one of the bridges vital supports. The impact sent those railings, guardrails and roughly 50,000 tons of steel and concrete tumbling into the Patapsco River. The catastrophe killed six men fixing potholes on the bridge, launched arduous efforts to clean up what could be the costliest maritime accident ever and prompted an already litigious fight over who will foot the bill. The National Transportation and Safety Board is investigating the incident with a focus on the ships electrical system and the FBI is conducting a criminal probe.

Bridge inspections are typically completed by the bridge owner or one of its contractors, then the owner provides the data to the federal government. The Key Bridges 2021 inspection is the most recent included in the Federal Highway Administrations National Bridge Inventory.

Although protection from a ship strike is considered when any bridge is constructed today, there are no federal statutes, regulations or policies that require existing bridges be evaluated for the possibility of a vessel collision. Whether to do so is left to the judgment of each bridges owner, the Federal Highway Administration told The Baltimore Sun.

Some bridge owners elsewhere  including ones in California, Delaware and New York  say they already do that.

Asked whether the Key Bridge or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge were ever evaluated for vessel collision, the bridges owner, the Maryland Transportation Authority, offered a statement instead of an answer: Our asset management program continually prioritizes asset needs based on age, condition, criticality and risk. We will continue to evaluate the condition of bridges as well as their risks as part of our well-established nationally recognized programs.

The authority said that with the Key Bridge incident in mind, there has been a renewed focus on pier protection of its bridges and it will consider any recommendations made by the NTSB.

But that agencys final report could take up to two years. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told members of Congress earlier this month that evaluating pier protection is something that bridge owners can do now.

Theres still action that needs to occur to look, frankly, at how shipping has changed over the years, how transportation has changed in our waterways, the types of vessels that we are seeing, the types of container ships that we are seeing, the volume of traffic, and looking at bridge designs, she said.

If I were a state and the Department of Transportation, thats what I would be looking at now  are these bridges protected for the types of traffic that is going through now? Homendy told a Senate committee.

Key Bridge collapse four weeks later | PHOTOS

Bridge collapse due to vessel collision is rare and it took a nightmarish scenario to bring about disaster in Baltimore. The Dali, a cargo ship the size of the Eiffel Tower, appeared to lose power at the most inopportune moment, causing an unthinkable calamity.

Only, it wasnt entirely unthinkable to some. In 2016, Michael A. Knott, a Moffat & Nichol engineer with expertise in bridge strikes, presented to a group of engineers in Baltimore on the topic of Ship & Barge Collisions with Highway Bridges. Referencing 35 instances of major bridge collapses worldwide since 1960, Knott explained that vessels run into trouble for several reasons, including engine or steering failure.

Accidents do happen, reads text from his slideshow. Its Only A Matter of Time.

A 70s bridge in 2024

Knott, who presented to Marylands section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, wasnt specifically referencing the Key Bridge (although his slideshow did note a 1980 incident in which a much smaller ship hit the bridge). But bridges with piers in navigable waterways are at risk of collision, even if its to a small degree. For decades, the Key Bridge and its southern counterpart, the Bay Bridge, had avoided disaster despite thousands of ocean liners passing under them annually.

As long as everything goes as planned, there is no damage done. But things go wrong. In 2022, a Maryland pilot onboard the Ever Forward was distracted by his cellphone and the cargo ship missed a turn in a 50-foot deep channel, running aground in the bay. And at least 42 vessels have experienced propulsion, steering or power problems in Maryland waters since the start of 2021, according to a Sun analysis of U.S. Coast Guard reports.

When a vessel goes astray, its up to safety precautions, like fenders that protect piers or tugboats that steady cargo ships, to prevent catastrophe.

Tugboats have not been required to assist ships under the Key Bridge. And although the bridges pier abutment protection received high marks during its 2021 inspection, that rating determined merely the condition of the protective system  not its strength. Its similar to inspecting an original Ford Fiesta; despite not having an airbag, its existing safety features could be in working condition, even if theyd be considered inadequate for todays world.

The Key Bridge had four small concrete dolphins  artificial islands meant to deflect vessels from bridge supports  along its channel as buffers for its two biggest support columns. They paled in comparison to protective systems of modern bridges. Auburn University engineer Andrzej Nowak likened them to kids toys.

Still, the Key Bridges pier protection received the same score (in place; functioning) as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, heralded as one of the most protected American bridges.

Whether or not a fortified system could have withstood the gigantic force generated by the 984-foot, 248-million pound behemoth traveling 8 mph is debated by engineers. When asked if Tampas Sunshine Skyway  which was knocked down in 1980, then rebuilt with significant protections  could have withstood the Dalis strike, the Florida Department of Transportation said it would be unable to make a comparison, given the multiple factors.

Because it makes shipping more cost-effective, container ships have grown and grown in recent decades. Since the Key Bridge was built 48 years ago, cargo ships have more than quadrupled in tonnage, experts say. Without increased safety measures, the Key Bridge brought 1970s protective equipment to a 2020s catastrophe.

And ships keep growing. In Savannah, Georgia, the state is spending $189 million to increase the height of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge to welcome even bigger ships to its port. That bridge is currently 185 feet tall, about the same size as the Bay Bridge and the Key Bridge before its collapse, but its center span will be raised 20 feet.

Nobody anticipated the size of ships that we have today, former Maryland Transportation Secretary James Ports said. They probably wouldve constructed a very different bridge had they been able to have a crystal ball.

Ill-equipped for strike

Bridges that carry U.S. highways  as well as many state roads  are required to follow a code detailed in thousands of pages of guidelines from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), which has an entire section on vessel collision. But that wasnt the case when many bridges were built; the guidebook added those specifications in the 1990s.

The Key Bridge was designed to the standards at the time it was constructed in the early 1970s, which pre-dates any formal AASHTO guidance on vessel collision, said Jason Hastings, the vice chair of AASHTOs Committee on Bridges and Structures, in a statement to The Sun. There have been significant changes in design specifications since that time, so a new bridge constructed today would be designed with different consideration given to vessel collision.

For existing bridges, its up to their owners to assess their ability to withstand vessel strikes. San Franciscos Golden Gate Bridge, for example, has not undergone a vessel collision analysis because of the extensive tower protections already in place, according to a Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District spokesperson. A spokesperson for the California Department of Transportation, which maintains many other bridges in the state, said it evaluates bridges for numerous potential threats, including rigorous and strict seismic standards that are very similar to  and in some cases more powerful than  vessel collisions.

Existing bridges can be retrofitted, in some instances. Engineers evaluated the Delaware Memorial Bridges fender protection system, which dates to the 1950s and 1960s, and determined that additional protective measures were a priority, a Delaware River and Bay Authority spokesperson said. The authority began a $95 million project in 2023 to reinforce the Wilmington bridge by adding eight dolphins.

In Canada, the Lions Gate Bridge and Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing, both in Vancouver, are being retrofitted to strengthen their resilience in the extremely unlikely event of vessel impact, according to the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

There is continual re-evaluation of New York Citys bridges and anti-collision infrastructure was upgraded on some in 2008, 2021 and 2023, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesperson Aaron Donovan. All of the authoritys bridges have been evaluated based on the current AASHTO Guide Specifications for Vessel Collision Design of Highway Bridges, and either found to be in compliance or are currently being upgraded to meet or exceed the standard, he said in a statement.

Whether or not existing bridges should be evaluated for vessel strikes is a complex and controversial issue, according to Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a Texas A&M University professor of maritime business administration whose research focuses on transportation and economics.

A key factor is money. Its expensive to analyze bridges and to boost their protections.

But Nowak, chair of Auburns civil and environmental engineering department, said that extra attention should be given to bridges deemed vital  like the Key Bridge.

The Baltimore bridge, as important as it is, should be inspected for [the] possibility of vessel collision, he said.

Measures were taken to reinforce both the Key Bridge and the Bay Bridge in recent decades, but they focused upon intentional threats  like truck bombs  rather than the numerous cargo ships that regularly pass peacefully under the bridges, said Ports, the former state transportation secretary.

After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as attempts to blow up airplanes with bombs, authorities prepared for potential acts of terror. While commercial planes were hijacked Sept. 11 and crashed into buildings, officials believed a bombing was more likely than the seizure of a cargo ship to ram the bridge.

An accident, too, was hardly considered, simply because it happened so rarely.

Ports, who was deputy secretary of the transportation department in the mid-2000s, said the intel at that time wasnt a ship hitting a piling and knocking it down.

It just wasnt, he said. It was all about bombs being attached to the bridge, whether it be near the base or above. So that was the focus.

A precedent-setting disaster

Just a few days before its crash, the Port of Baltimore-bound Dali passed under the Key Bridge without incident, one of roughly 3,600 such transits a year.

But, as Knott noted in his 2016 presentation, a variety of problems can cause calamity: a pilot error, bad weather or a mechanical failure. There are 250 minor incidents of a vessel hitting a bridge each year in the U.S., his research found.

In Maryland, local pilots  equipped with knowledge of the waterways  navigate each cargo ship through the channel to transit the bridge.

Doing so is usually a layup, said James Mercante, president of New Yorks Board of Commissioners of Pilots and head of the admiralty department at the litigation firm Gallo Vitucci Klar. But when a pilot loses the ability to guide the ship due to a malfunction, its akin to a runaway train.

The Dali appeared like a Christmas tree being plugged out and plugged back in, said Mercante, based on video hed seen of the disaster. Theres not much a pilot can do other than drop an anchor.

The two pilots aboard, one of them an apprentice, did drop anchor, but could not prevent the collision.

Neither the Association of Maryland Pilots nor the states Board of Pilots, which issues licenses, has released their names. They are among 69 licensed pilots in the state. The pilots remain licensed as the incident is being investigated, according to a Maryland Department of Labor spokesperson.

The federal government has pledged to rebuild the Key Bridge, which is expected to be better protected than the original, perhaps with fortified piers or longer spans that could create more space between the piers and leave extra room for any errant ships. Other protections could be added, too: dolphins, fenders and gravel islands around supports that could force ships to run aground rather than reach a support.

Oftentimes, it takes a disaster to create change. When the Sunshine Skyway was knocked over in Tampa in 1980, it prompted new AASHTO guidelines. When a bridge in New York failed due in 1987 to the erosion of soil around its base, called scour, it altered how bridges were inspected. When a Minnesota bridge fell into the Mississippi River in 2007, it focused international attention upon the durability of bridges.

This was unprecedented, Nowak said. I think the Baltimore bridge will now set precedents.

Baltimore Sun reporter Darcy Costello contributed to this article.

_____
The US secretly sent long-range ATACMS to Ukraine  and Kyiv used them

The Biden administration last month secretly shipped long-range missiles to Ukraine for the first time in the two-year war  and Kyiv has already used the weapon twice to strike deep behind Russian lines.

In March, the U.S. quietly approved the transfer of a number of Army Tactical Missile Systems with a range of nearly 200 miles, said a senior Biden administration official and two U.S. officials, allowing President Volodymyr Zelenskyys forces to put at risk more Russian targets inside Ukrainian sovereign territory.

The administration will include additional long-range ATACMS in a new $1 billion package of military aid President Joe Biden approved on Wednesday, one of the U.S. officials said.

The provision of the long-range version of the ATACMS ends a lengthy drama in which Ukraine clamored for years to receive the weapon, driving a wedge between Washington and Kyiv. The U.S. quietly sent the medium-range version of the missile in October, but Ukraine continued to press for a weapon that would allow it to strike farther behind Russias lines.

Ukrainian forces have used the long-range missiles twice, first against a Russian military base in Crimea and more recently against Russian forces east of Berdyansk near the Sea of Azov, the senior administration official said.

The U.S. on Wednesday announced a new $1 billion package of weapons that will quickly be transferred to Ukraine now that Biden has signed off on the long-delayed foreign aid bill that passed the Senate this week. Among other weapons, the tranche will include Stinger anti-aircraft missiles for air defense; 155mm artillery rounds; Bradley Fighting Vehicles; Javelin anti-tank systems; and Claymore anti-personnel munitions, according to a Pentagon press release.



POLITICO first reported in March that the U.S. was sending Ukraine a second round of a different version of ATACMS, one that travels 100 miles and carries warheads containing hundreds of cluster bombs. The senior administration official, who like others was granted anonymity to detail a sensitive decision, said the March shipment also included the long-range version, and that the missiles arrived in Ukraine this month.

Russian military bloggers posted images of a strike on the Dhzankoy airbase last week and speculated that Ukraine used ATACMS.

The U.S. was initially reluctant to send ATACMS  even under sustained domestic and international pressure  due to stockpile concerns and fear of escalating the war. But Russias increasingly brutal tactics and more American production of the long-range version convinced Biden to authorize the transfer.

The Biden administration warned Russia that attacking Ukraines energy grid and using North Korean-provided missiles would lead the U.S. to reconsider sending ATACMS to Ukraine. Those strikes continued, leading top officials  national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown  to unanimously recommend the weapons transfer.

The Biden administration believes providing ATACMS can give Ukraine some new momentum in the two-year war, forcing Russia to move back critical command and control nodes and other high-value targets such as aviation assets, said the second U.S. official.

The long-range strategic missiles will also allow Ukraine to hold key parts of Crimea at risk, the official said. That includes the Kerch Bridge connecting occupied Crimea to Russia, as well as ports and naval facilities in the peninsula from which Russias Black Sea Fleet operates.

The official acknowledged that Ukraine is still in a tough fight, and that Russia continues to throw manpower and resources at the battlefield.

Theres no silver bullet weapon thats going to change the character of the battlefield, the official said, but: Ukraine's got something in their toolkit that they can use at a time in place of their choosing, that creates impact, that gives them an advantage.

Biden approved the ATACMS decision in mid-February, the official said, but had to wait for the funding battle over the supplemental to play out in Congress. The House finally green-lighted more than $61 billion in Ukraine funding on Saturday and the Senate followed suit Tuesday, sending it to Bidens desk for his signature on Wednesday.

In early March, however, Pentagon officials alerted colleagues that cost savings on other weapons contracts and humming production lines allowed the U.S. to deliver long-range ATACMS before the supplementals passage. The weapons were then secretly sent as part of a $300 million tranche of military aid announced in March.

Biden last year approved sending the medium-range version of the missile but was still reluctant to send the long-range type Ukraine wanted. The U.S. secretly shipped the medium-range weapon, called Anti-Personnel/Anti-Material, and Ukraine used it for the first time last fall.

But now having long-range ATACMS in its arsenal allows Ukraine to threaten Russian assets inside the whole of Crimea as well as the Black Sea Fleet. The transfer could also boost morale among Ukrainian troops increasingly fearful that they have lost the advantage in the fight.

The House Ukraine bill approved on Saturday called on the Biden administration to send long-range ATACMS to Ukraine as soon as practicable.

The U.S. shipment follows a similar move by the U.K., which first sent its long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine in May 2023, giving Kyiv the ability to hit targets up to 155 miles away. The weapon, which is launched from Ukrainian fighter planes, has allowed Ukraine to precisely target ammunition dumps, bridges and other critical infrastructure deep inside Russian-occupied Crimea.

The U.K. announced its largest Ukraine aid package to date this week, which induces 1,600 missiles, including more Storm Shadows. France has also sent its SCALP missile, which has a similar range.

Now that three allies have sent their longer-range missiles to Ukraine, it adds more pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to send his long-range Taurus missile. His government so far has refused to do so, yet the move has significant support in the German parliament.

Last year, Germany also refused to send its Leopard tanks to Ukraine until the U.S. agreed to send Abrams tanks. Scholz eventually agreed to send the tanks once Biden announced that several dozen Abrams would be sent.

Paul McLeary contributed to this report.
The long-range version of the ATACMS can hit targets up to 190 miles away

The US secretly sent long-range ballistic missiles to Ukraine for the first time and they have already been used against Russian forces, officials said Wednesday.

American officials confirmed on Wednesday that Kyiv had already been sent long-range ATACMS as part of a $300m (241m) shipment which was signed off by Joe Biden, the US president, in March.

Ukraine is said to have already used the missiles to target a Russian airfield in Crimea last week and strike forces located near a port city in the south east.

The agreement was so secretive that lawmakers have been putting pressure on Mr Biden to supply the missiles without realising they had already been sent and used in the field.

ATACMS have a range of roughly 300km or 190 miles, meaning Kyiv can now hit targets further inside Crimea and Russian logistics in the occupied territories while staying out of range of returning fire.

Unlike cruise missiles that Ukraine already has in its arsenal, such as the Storm Shadows sent from Britain, ATACMS can accelerate to three times the speed of sound, making them difficult for air defence systems to intercept.

Kyiv has consistently put Washington under pressure to supply the missiles. However, Mr Biden has proved reluctant fearing the move could provoke Russia and cause the war to escalate.

After months of resistance from Right-wing Republicans, the US Congress passed a foreign aid bill this week that included $61bn of funding earmarked for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Joe Biden said he would send over an initial $1bn support package in the next few hours, including shoulder-fired Stinger surface-to-air missiles, 155-millimetre shells, Javelin anti-tank missiles and cluster munitions.

The US is providing more long range Atacms in the new military aid package, however officials would not provide the exact number of missiles given last month or the number that would be sent as part of the next shipment.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, confirmed that ATACMS were part of the package, which he praised as the exact types of weapons that our warriors require.

Grateful to Biden

He said on a video uploaded to social media: I am grateful to President Biden, the US Congress and all Americans who realise the need to take the wind out of Putins sails, not to submit to him, as only then will there be fewer threats to freedom.

Mr Biden said the $1bn package would prevent Russia from conquering Ukraine and attacking a Nato member state, which would drag the US into a war.

Its going to make America safer. Its going to make the world safer. And it continues Americas leadership in the world, and everyone knows it, he said on Thursday.

In the next few hours  literally, the few hours  were going to begin sending in equipment to Ukraine for air defence; munitions for artillery, for rocket systems; and armoured vehicles.

He also hit out at MAGA Republicans in Congress for blocking the aid while Ukraine has been running out of artillery shells and ammunition.

Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker, eventually allowed a vote to come to the floor of the House of Representatives last week.

In October, the US sent mid-range ATACMs, which can travel about 100 miles, to Ukraine.

One official said Mr Biden had acted after Russia had acquired long-range ballistic missiles from North Korea. The administration is said to have warned Moscow that it would provide the same capability to Kyiv if it did so.

The weapons were apparently used early last week to strike an airfield in Dzhankoi, a city on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014.

They were also said to have been used in an overnight strike on Russian troops east of the occupied city of Berdyansk. How precisely they were used and in what number is unclear.

Adm Christopher Grady, vice chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that long-range weapons were being provided to help take out Russian logistics and troop concentrations behind the front line.

He declined to identify what specific weapons were being provided but said they will be very disruptive if used properly, and Im confident they will be.

I think the time is right, and the boss [Mr Biden] made the decision the time is right to provide these based on where the fight is right now, he said on Wednesday.

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Manhattan Associates (MANH) reported $254.55 million in revenue for the quarter ended March 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 15.2%. EPS of $1.03 for the same period compares to $0.80 a year ago.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $243.32 million, representing a surprise of +4.62%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +18.39%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.87.

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Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Manhattan Associates performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Revenue- Cloud subscriptions : $78.03 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $75.29 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +36.4%.

Revenue- Maintenance : $34.97 million compared to the $32.51 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of -1.9% year over year.

Revenue- Hardware : $6.55 million compared to the $5.87 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of -1.1% year over year.

Revenue- Services : $132.20 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $128.13 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +13.8%.

Revenue- Software license: $2.81 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $1.50 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -47.5%.

View all Key Company Metrics for Manhattan Associates here>>>



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The US secretly slipped ATACMS to Ukraine with more to come, putting high-value Russian targets in danger

US lawmakers have finally cleared the way for Ukraine to receive additional security assistance.

Officials say as part of the influx in weaponry, Ukraine will receive a fresh batch of ATACMS.

Kyiv used these long-range missiles to batter Russian helicopters in multiple strikes last year.

The US is slated to send Ukraine more of the powerful long-range tactical ballistic missiles that Kyiv's forces have used to devastate Russian airfields in strikes deep behind the front lines.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday cleared the last obstacle for Ukraine to receive additional aid, including MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems, also known as ATACMS, as part of a crucial influx of military aid to the country.

Ukraine secretly received a shipment of ATACMS earlier this year and recently used them in long-range strikes, according to multiple reports, and US lawmakers have suggested that more of the deadly missiles could be on their way to Kyiv within a matter of days.

Ukraine has previously demonstrated it could effectively target Russia's high-value assets in the rear with ATACMS, which experts say presents a significant dilemma for Moscow. More such missiles could allow Kyiv to continue this trend.

"This is going to cause the Russians to change a lot of their strategy and tactics," Dan Rice, a former US Army artillery officer, told Business Insider.

In this handout image released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is fired during a joint training between the United States and South Korea, on October 05, 2022 at an undisclosed location. T South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images

Throughout the war, Ukraine has routinely pressed Washington to provide ATACMS so it could hit high-value Russian targets deep behind enemy lines. After secretly obtaining a small number of the missiles from the US, Kyiv eventually debuted them last fall by striking two Russian airfields in occupied areas of eastern Ukraine.

Kyiv used the M39 ATACMS variant in those attacks. A highly lethal cluster missile with a range of around 100 miles, the M39 is packed with 950 anti-personnel and anti-materiel M74 bomblets, which are released mid-flight and dispersed over a large area, giving the weapon the ability to cause significant damage.

The two strikes destroyed more than a dozen Russian helicopters, assets critical to Moscow's operations, as well as an air-defense missile launcher, vehicles, and ammunition depots, according to Western intelligence. After the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that ATACMS had "proven themselves."

Since last fall, there has not been any public confirmation from Kyiv or Washington of additional Ukrainian strikes involving the missiles.

But on Wednesday, The New York Times and Reuters reported that the Biden administration had secretly shipped long-range ATACMS variants to Ukraine earlier this month as part of a $300 million security assistance package announced in March. Kyiv then immediately used the missiles to strike a Russian military airfield in the occupied Crimean peninsula last week, US officials told the outlets.

A still from a video shared by the Ukrainian military of ATACMS in use. General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces/Screengrab via X

Over the weekend, House lawmakers passed legislation that requires the transfer of additional ATACMS to Ukraine as part of a crucial $61 billion aid package for the war-torn country that has spent months in limbo.

With this legislation having finally cleared its toughest hurdle, Sen. Mark Werner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that he hoped ATACMS would be in transit by the end of this week.

And after speaking with Biden on Monday, Zelenskyy said, with regards to an agreement on ATACMS, that "all the details have been finalized."

It is unclear exactly which ATACMS variants Ukraine will receive going forward. Beyond the 100-mile-range M39, the US has two other versions that can both travel up to 190 miles; one ATACMS variant scatters some 300 little bomblets, while the other has a unitary warhead.

Ukraine has repeatedly pressed Washington for the longest-range versions of the missile, which were reportedly used in last week's strikes in Crimea. It's unclear if Kyiv used the cluster missile variant or the one with a unitary warhead in the attack to hammer Russian air-defense systems and radar stations.

A M142 HIMARS launcher with armored cab stands in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on May 18, 2023. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

All of the ATACMS can be fired from Ukraine's existing inventory of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, but different ATACMS variants could be used to go after different targets, said Rice, who previously served as a special advisor to Ukrainian military leadership.

The cluster variants, which are known as area weapons, can be used to target large troop concentrations  exposed or in trenches  while also destroying fuel, ammunition, and armored vehicles kept in the immediate vicinity.

The unitary warheads, on the other hand, can be used to go after targets like bridges, command and control facilities, supply depots, or well-protected bunkers because they release one large explosion instead of dispersing submunitions over a broader area.

"Having the combination just makes these HIMARS launchers more lethal [and] puts more pressure on the Russians in all of the areas within 300 kilometers of the front lines," Rice, a longtime advocate for sending various cluster munitions to Ukraine and now the President of American University Kyiv, said.

Regardless of the variant, the arrival of additional ATACMS will likely compel Moscow to change its strategy and tactics. Experts previously assessed that Russia's military leadership will have to balance how to protect and relocate vulnerable assets that are within range of the missiles without actually reducing their combat value.

In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, an ATACMS missile is fired during a joint military drill between US and South Korea at an undisclosed location in South Korea on Oct. 5, 2022. South Korea Defense Ministry via AP

Rice said the anticipated arrival of more ATACMS could force the Russians to push its supply depots, command and control nodes, and attack helicopters even farther from the front lines. By doing this, he added, Ukraine is going to make it "very difficult" for Moscow to wage war against Kyiv's forces.

The passage of additional funding for Ukraine this week comes at a critical time for Kyiv's forces, who have been facing an increasingly grim outlook on the battlefield as they run low on much-needed artillery ammunition and air-defense munitions.

Russia, meanwhile, has made notable advances over the past few months. US, Ukrainian, and Western officials, as well as war experts, have warned that without additional security assistance from Washington, Kyiv may continue to lose ground.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters at a Tuesday briefing that with the passage of the Ukraine aid package, the US can at last "surge life-saving security assistance" to Kyiv "as quickly as possible."

"Much more to follow in the days ahead," he added, "but needless to say we understand the importance and the urgency and are doing everything we can to be poised to respond quickly."

Gunners from 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire at a Russian position in the Kharkiv region on April 21, 2024. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

After Biden signed the legislation into law on Wednesday, the Pentagon immediately announced a $1 billion security assistance package for Ukraine. While the statement did not specifically mention ATACMS, it said the package contains "additional ammunition" for the HIMARS, which could include ATACMS.

This massive military aid package also includes air-defense interceptors, artillery ammunition, armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons, and other lethal equipment.

If Russian President Vladimir Putin "triumphs in Ukraine, the next move of Russian forces could very well be a direct attack on a NATO ally," Biden said on Wednesday. "That's why we're supporting  and surging support now to  Ukraine, to stop Putin from drawing the United States into war in Europe and in the future."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- The Senate passed a long-delayed $95 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine and other besieged US allies, clearing the way for resumed arms shipments to Kyiv within days.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Defense Department is prepared to swiftly move artillery shells and air defense munitions as part of an initial $1 billion tranche of new aid, US officials said. President Joe Biden is expected to quickly sign the assistance package and the US can tap supplies already in Europe to expedite the help.

Painful shortages in weapons, along with a dire need for more air defense systems, have pushed Ukraines fighting forces close to a breaking point, raising the risk of a Russian breakthrough more than two years after the invasion began.

Biden, in a statement shortly after the vote, said he planned to sign the legislation on Wednesday as soon as it reaches my desk  and address the American public.

Read More: TikTok Ban-or-Divest Bill Set to Be Signed by Biden Into Law

The popular TikTok social media app also faces a US ban under the legislation unless Bytedance Ltd divests within 360 days, a provision the China-based corporate parent says it will fight in US courts.

The 79-18 Senate vote on Tuesday night ended a congressional impasse over aid Biden requested six months ago, a delay that has highlighted growing isolationism in the Republican Party and undermined the credibility of US global strategic commitments.

Better late than never, said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who backed the assistance package. We dont have to give up on Ukraine, and were not going to.

Read More: Senate Sends Aid Package With Iran Oil Sanctions to Biden

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a post on X that Tonight, we make Vladimir Putin regret the day he questioned Americas resolve.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, on X, expressed gratitude to Schumer, McConnell and the Senate.

Senate approval of the package was a foregone conclusion after the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 311 to 112 bipartisan vote. Speaker Mike Johnson pressed forward with legislation even though a majority of lawmakers in his own Republican party opposed it.

The $61 billion for Ukraine includes $13 billion to replenish US stockpiles for weapons already provided and $14 billion for US-made defense systems to be given to Ukraine. It also has $7 billion for US military operations in the region. The bills $9.5 billion in economic assistance to Ukraine comes in the form of a loan that the president can fully forgive after the next election.

Read More: US House Passes $95 Billion to Aid Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan

The loan idea was first floated by Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, and was a key tweak to the legislation made by House GOP leaders.

That bill also includes aid for Israel and Taiwan. It allows the confiscation of Russian dollar assets to help fund assistance to Ukraine.

(Updates with Schumer, Zelenskiy posts, starting in eighth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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The United States has secretly provided Ukrainian armed forces with long-range ballistic missiles which have already been used to strike targets deep within Russian territory, according to US officials.

The delivery of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) was authorised by President Joe Biden last month as part of a $300m arms package, and Kyiv has begun putting them to use in recent days, by hitting a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week as well as Russian forces in another occupied area overnight.

More of the US-made missiles will be provided as part of an arms and aid package which Mr Biden said would be dispatched within hours after he signed a $95bn national security appropriations bill.

The presidents national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Mr Biden put his signature to a very substantial drawdown package after he signed the long-awaited legislation at the White House on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the Senate voted to approve it by a margin of 78 votes in favour and 18 against. The vote in the upper chamber ended a months-long standoff fueled by isolationist Republican opposition.

Mr Sullivan said it would include urgently needed artillery and ammunition for the HIMARS rocket system, as well as more armoured vehicles, Javelins, Stingers, and air defence interceptors, among other things, all of which were going to start moving immediately to make up for lost time at this critical moment.

He also confirmed that a significant number of ATACMS missiles had been dispatched on orders from Mr Biden in February for use inside Ukraine sovereign territory and said the decision to allow Ukrainian forces the use of those advanced missiles was in part a response to Russia acquiring and using North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

What we have seen from the Russians is their willingness to accept long range missiles from other countries, specifically North Korea. They have used those in the battlefield. they have used them to attack Ukrainian civilians as well. So from our perspective ... being able to step up and provide our own capabilities to Ukraine as partners of ours have ... we think its appropriate to do at this moment. We think it is a good capability in this phase of the conflict for Ukraine, he added.

Hours earlier, Mr Biden addressed reporters from the White House State Dining Room just after hed signed the legislation. He said the approval of the defence aid package was a good day for America ... a good day for Europe, and for world peace, for real.

This is consequential, he said, adding that law hed just signed would make America safer and make the world safer while continuing American leadership in the world.

It gives vital support to Americas partners ... so they can defend themselves against threats to their sovereignty, and the lives and freedom of their citizens.

He also called the new spending law an investment in our own security, because when our allies are stronger ... we are stronger.

Im grateful. Were all grateful to all those in Congress, Democrats, Republicans, independents who voted for this bill. Its path to my desk ... was a difficult path. It should have been easier and should have gotten there sooner. But in the end we did it ... we rose to the moment came together, and we got it done, he said.

The legislation also includes funds for humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Reporters shouted questions specifically about Gaza at the president, but he elected not to answer them.

Mr Biden also ignored questions about TikTok, which faces being banned in the United States after the Senate passed a bill forcing it to either sell or shut down in the country.

The presidents signature on the supplemental spending legislation for Ukraine put an end to a months-long blockade staged by Republicans in Congress who had threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his post if he allowed a vote on any bills that might to fund Ukrainian defence needs.

It provides roughly $61bn for Ukraine and replenishing American weapons stockpiles that have been drawn down to provide ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces over the last year. The bill also provides $9bn in forgivable loans for economic assistance to Kyiv.

For Israel and Gaza, there is a combined $26bn now appropriated, including $4bn for Israels missile defence systems and another $9bn intended for humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The president said the law hed signed would significantly increases humanitarian assistance we're sending to the innocent people of Gaza who are suffering badly and suffering consequences for what Hamas started.

We're going to immediately secure that aid ... including food, medical supplies, clean water, and Israel must make sure all this aid reaches the Palestinians in Gaza without delay, he continued, adding that everything we do is guided by the ultimate goal of bringing this hostages home, securing a ceasefire and setting the conditions for an enduring peace.

Mr Biden thanked Mr Johnson, along with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for pushing the bill through their respective chambers.

They dont always agree. But when it matters most. They stepped up and did the right thing ... sincerely history will remember this time, he said, adding later that the two major parties had come together time and time again ... on the critical issues over the last three years.

When it came time to stand with Ukraine and Israel and help the people of Gaza, we did that as well. At the end of the day, most of us  whether we're Democrats, Republicans or independents  believe that America must stand up for what is right. We don't walk away from our allies, we stand with them. We don't let tyrants [prevail] when we oppose them. We don't really watch global events unfold; we shape them. That's what it means to be the indispensable nation... to be the world's superpower and the world's leading democracy, he said.

The president added that the votes to approve the bill in the House and Senate made clear that there is a bipartisan consensus for that kind of American leadership on the world stage.

That's exactly what we'll continue to deliver, he said.
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The US Supreme Court appeared divided Wednesday on whether Idahos near-total abortion ban can be enforced in the case of medical emergencies, in a challenge brought by the Biden administration that has major implications for emergency rooms across the country.

The Justice Department sued Idaho over the ban, arguing that a federal law aimed at protecting patients requires doctors to perform abortions to stabilize the health of emergency room patients whose lives are at risk  before a patient is on her deathbed.

As arguments were heard in court, justices seemed broadly split along ideological and possibly gender lines, The New York Times reported.

Lawyers for the state of Idaho argue that the ban carries exceptions when the life of the mother is in danger, and that making it broader would turn hospitals into abortion enclaves.

US Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar argued that Idahos ban meant that: Doctors have to shut their eyes to everything except death.

Whereas under [the federal law in question], youre supposed to be thinking about things like, Is she about to lose her fertility? Is her uterus going to become incredibly scarred because of the bleeding? Is she about to undergo the possibility of kidney failure? Prelogar said.

The court is set to rule on the case by the end of June.

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Law pushes Idaho women out of state for lifesaving care

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Idahos abortion ban, which the Supreme Court allowed to go into effect as the legal case played out, is pushing women to travel out of the state to receive emergency medical care in some cases aimed at saving their lives.

Women whose conditions would generally be treated via abortion are now being flown out of state for medical attention since [Idaho] doctors must wait until they are close to death to provide abortions within the bounds of state law, The Associated Press reported.

Doctors in Idaho are now wary of providing care that could later be called into question by suspicious prosecutors, the Biden administration told the court. Many have left the state. One doctor told CNN that these professionals felt like they could not practice the standard of care in Idaho anymore and that they were put into an ethical and moral dilemma as to how to help a woman who is in crisis.

Justice Barrett becomes unlikely ally as liberals grill Idaho

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Its unclear how the conservative-majority court will rule, though Justice Amy Coney Barrett seemed skeptical of Idahos arguments. Barrett, a conservative justice who helped overturn , notably asked the states acting solicitor general at one point, Why are you here? The Biden administration would need two votes from the courts conservative bloc to win the case; Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts have emerged as key votes.

A Washington Post reporter noted that Biden administration officials and public health experts were texting him during the hearing cheering Barrett for her apparent skepticism of Idahos case, and her sometimes blunt questions to the states lawyer.

Justices ask whether Congress could force hospitals hand via funding

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The case focuses in part on whether the government can pull Medicare funding from hospitals that refuse to provide emergency abortions, and several justices asked whether Congress could leverage federal funding to force hospitals to provide care.

Barrett asked whether a future administration could withhold funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming surgeries or other transgender medical care. Could the federal government essentially regulate the practice of medicine in the state through the spending clause? Justice Neil Gorsuch asked. Prelogar said, essentially, yes.

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US troops thwart drone attack in Iraq, the first in months

U.S. troops on Monday shot down two drones outside a base in Iraq, the first time American forces have been targeted by Iranian-backed proxies in the region since February, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday.

On April 22, Iran malign militia groups conducted two unsuccessful attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters, adding that these are the first attacks on facilities hosting U.S. service members since Feb. 4.

Ryder said the U.S. has called in the Iraqi government to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria against attacks from these groups.

Should such incidents continue, Ryder said, We will not hesitate to defend our forces as we have done in the past.

The two one-way drones targeted Al-Asad air base in the western Iraqi province of Anbar, multiple outlets have reported.

Mondays episode also comes a day after rockets were fired from northern Iraq toward U.S. forces stationed in Rumalyn in northeastern Syria on Sunday, Ryder said.

A coalition aircraft destroyed the rocket system that was firing at the base, which Ryder on Monday described as an act of self-defense and a failed rocket attack.

The U.S. military, however, has not categorized the rocket firings as an attack, as it is unknown if it was specifically targeting U.S. forces.

As I understand it, in this particular case, you had a truck with rockets on it that was shooting rockets all over the place, some type of malfunction, Ryder said.

U.S. forces had experienced a lull in attacks in the Middle East since early February, when Washington launched retaliatory airstrikes against 85 targets in Iraq and Syria tied to Iranian-funded militias and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Before that, U.S. forces in the region endured near-daily rocket and drone strikes since mid-October, after American ally Israel began a brutal air campaign against the Hamas militia group in the Gaza Strip.

About 2,500 U.S. troops are currently based in Iraq, while another 900 are in Syria to advise and train partner forces and conduct counterterrorism operations against lingering Islamic State pockets in the countries.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mattel (MAT) reported $809.5 million in revenue for the quarter ended March 2024, representing a year-over-year decline of 0.6%. EPS of -$0.05 for the same period compares to -$0.24 a year ago.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $837.62 million, representing a surprise of -3.36%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +58.33%, with the consensus EPS estimate being -$0.12.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Mattel performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Worldwide Gross Billings by Top 3 Power Brands- Barbie : $177.50 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $183.28 million.

Worldwide Gross Billings by Top 3 Power Brands- Fisher-Price : $93.40 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $117.71 million.

Worldwide Gross Billings by Top 3 Power Brands- Hot Wheels: $258.10 million versus $258.97 million estimated by two analysts on average.

View all Key Company Metrics for Mattel here>>>



Shares of Mattel have returned -3.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -4.2% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), indicating that it could underperform the broader market in the near term.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  USS George Washington (CVN 73) will depart from Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of Southern Seas 2024, where it will relieve USS Ronald Reagan as the forward-deployed naval forces (FDNF) aircraft carrier.

This will be the second time USS George Washington has served as the FDNF aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered carrier forward-deployed to Japan.

Team Warfighter is ready to go, said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. Not only for the adventure that awaits in South America, but ready to serve as the nations forward-deployed naval forces carrier in Yokosuka.

The carrier completed a midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding in May 2023.

New reports show how Navy Commanders dealt with string of 2022 suicides

A Navy spokesperson said nine sailors died by suicide during the six years that the carrier was docked at Newport News Shipbuilding.

According to the Navy, increased mental health measures for sailors have been implemented.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The USS George Washington aircraft carrier will leave Hampton Roads Thursday as it deploys to South America en route to its new homeport of Yokosuka, Japan.

The Washington is deploying for the first time in nearly a decade as part of Southern Seas 2024. The carrier will operate alongside forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay over the next several months while it circumnavigates South America.

From South America, the Washington will head to San Diego before transiting to Japan, where it will be the forward-deployed carrier later this year. It will relieve the USS Ronald Reagan.

The Washington was previously homeported in Japan from 2008 to 2015, coming to Naval Station Norfolk in December 2015.

The bulk of the carriers time in the region was spent inoperable at Newport News Shipbuilding, where it was a fixture for more than six years. The carrier entered the shipyard in August 2017 for its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul. The process, which typically takes four years, was exacerbated by delays related to the pandemic.

Related Articles

During its time in the shipyard, there were nine suicides among the Washington crew, including three in one week in April 2022. The suicides among the Washington crew sparked a massive effort to change the way the Navy treats sailors experiencing mental health crises.

Since its redelivery to the Navy in May 2023, crew members have worked to qualify for deployment, including getting underway numerous times throughout the past year.

Team Warfighter is ready to go, said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of the Washington. Not only for the adventure that awaits in South America, but ready to serve as the nations forward-deployed naval forces carrier in Yokosuka.

Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com
LIVE UPDATES: More than 50 arrested during pro-Palestine protest at UT Austin

This story is being continually updated in a live blog toward the bottom of the article. Check back for updates.

AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Dozens of people were arrested at the University of Texas at Austins campus Wednesday as people gathered at a protest in support of Gaza.

KXAN reached out to law enforcement to learn just how many arrests were made, and the Travis County Sheriffs Office confirmed 57 people were booked into the Travis County Jail following the protest.

Some of those people started being released early Thursday morning, as more demonstrators gathered at the Travis County Jail to call for their release.

The Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Austin organized the Wednesday protest, directing students to walk out of class at 11:40 a.m. and occupy the lawn until past 7 p.m.

In the footsteps of our comrades at Columbia SJP, Rutgers-New Brunswick, Yale, and countless others across the nation, we will be establishing THE POPULAR UNIVERSITY FOR GAZA and demanding our administration divest from death, a PSC social media post said.

The protest follows days of tense encounters between students and police during protests on Ivy League campuses, shining a national spotlight on the cultural and political rifts on campuses and sparking debate about the appropriate limits to free assembly.

MORE: Pro-Palestinian protests sweep US college campuses following mass arrests at Columbia

The university sent a letter to the organizers Tuesday night telling them to cancel the event.

The University of Texas at Austin must first and foremost act to protect our educational mission, allowing the activities and operations that support our mission to proceed. At the same time, we are steadfast in our support of free speech. Our policies and rules help define the lines between these objectives and shape our response to planned protests. The Palestine Solidarity Committee student organizations event Popular University for Gaza, which is planned for tomorrow, has declared intent to violate our policies and rules, and disrupt our campus operations. Such disruptions are never allowed and are especially damaging while our students prepare for the end of the semester and final exams. For these reasons, this event may not proceed as planned. Simply put the University of Texas at Austin will not allow this campus to be taken and protesters to derail our mission in ways that groups affiliated with your national organizations have accomplished elsewhere. Please be advised that you are not permitted to hold your event on the University campus. Any attempt to do so will subject your organization and its attending members to discipline including suspension under the Institutional Rules. Individuals not affiliated with the University and attempting to attend this event will be directed to leave campus. Refusal to comply may result in arrest. Office of the Dean of Students

UT Austins Jewish student organization, Texas Hillel, accused Wednesdays protest of promoting a hateful agenda by coinciding with Passover.

The University has assured us there will be no tolerance for disruption or behaviors misaligned with University policy, a Hillel statement said.

KXAN is on campus to cover the days events, and KXANs Ryan Chandler, Monica Madden, Grace Reader, and Nabil Remadna were providing live updates on X.

This story is continually being updated in the live blog below.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

11:45 a.m.

Travis County Attorney Delia Garza released a statement regarding the arrests made related to the protest.

The Travis County Attorneys Office received several cases yesterday and throughout the evening as a result of yesterdays demonstration at the University of Texas. Legal concerns were raised by defense counsel. We individually reviewed each case that was presented and agreed there were deficiencies in the probable cause affidavits. The Court affirmed and ordered the release of those individuals. We will continue to individually review all cases presented to our office to determine whether prosecution is factually and legally appropriate. Travis County Attorney Delia Garza

9:50 a.m.

The Travis County Sheriffs Office confirmed to KXAN that 57 people were booked into the Travis County Jail following the Wednesday protests.

8:40 a.m.

The UT Faculty Council posted a message Thursday morning expressing disagreement with what they said was President Hartzells decision to invite DPS officers, armed and in riot gear, onto the Forty Acres to disrupt a non-violent protest.

The letter continued to say the council has been in touch with Hartzell and other members of administration to express their concern over the Universitys decision to escalate matters by inviting DPS onto campus during yesterdays protests. The council also said it asked Hartzell to lay out specific reasoning for that decision.

The council also expressed support for peaceful, non-disruptive protests on campus and said UTs campus should be a safe space for all manner of speechso long as they dont cross the line into hate speech, harassment, or threats.

The full statement is available online.

6:10 a.m.

Several people are waiting outside of the Travis County Jail Thursday morning as they anticipate some demonstrators who were detained during the protest on Wednesday to be released soon.

5:55 a.m.

Austin City Council Member for District 4, Chito Vela, posted a statement on X in response to UT President Jay Hartzells statement that was issued Wednesday night.

As a Texas Ex, Im extremely disappointed in the leadership of @JCHartzell, Vela said. @UTAustin has had vigorous and robust protests for decades without this type of police response. The disrespect of students constitutional rights is absolutely unacceptable.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

10 p.m.

A public defender told KXAN the number of arrests could be above 50. However, at this time, DPS is only reporting 34 arrests.

9:50 p.m.

KXANs Nabil Ramadna spoke with a local defense attorney about First Amendment rights after the UT protest in support of Gaza escalated to multiple arrests.

9:40 p.m.

Protesters in support of Gaza were still at the UT campus Wednesday night. However, Grace Reader said it had calmed down significantly. Still, dozens of people were seen on the lawn Wednesday night, and most law enforcement was gone.

9:30 p.m.

Texas DPS said as of 9 p.m., 34 arrests were made by law enforcement on the UT Austin campus.

9 p.m.

UT President Jay Hartzell released the following statement on Wednesday:

Dear UT community,

This has been a challenging day for many. We have witnessed much activity we normally do not experience on our campus, and there is understandably a lot of emotion surrounding these events. Today, our University held firm, enforcing our rules while protecting the Constitutional right to free speech. Peaceful protests within our rules are acceptable. Breaking our rules and policies and disrupting others ability to learn are not allowed. The group that led this protest stated it was going to violate Institutional Rules. Our rules matter, and they will be enforced. Our University will not be occupied. The protesters tried to deliver on their stated intent to occupy campus. People not affiliated with UT joined them, and many ignored University officials continual pleas for restraint and to immediately disperse. The University did as we said we would do in the face of prohibited actions. We were prepared, with the necessary support to maintain campus operations and ensure the safety, well-being and learning environment for our more than 50,000 students. We are grateful for the countless staff members and state and University law enforcement officers, as well as support personnel who exercised extraordinary restraint in the face of a difficult situation that is playing out at universities across the country. There is a way to exercise freedom of speech and civil discourse, and our Office of the Dean of Students has continued to offer ways to ensure protests can happen within the rules. The University of Texas will continue to take necessary steps so that all our University functions proceed without interruption.

Sincerely yours, Jay Hartzell, president

6:13 p.m.

People returned to the South Lawn, previously cleared by law enforcement.

There were about 90 officers in riot gear on this lawn about 10 minutes ago. Not 5 minutes after they left, the protestors returned.



Could be a long evening. pic.twitter.com/sTHde6EspD  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

Law enforcement had dispersed the crowds and they left South Lawn at @UTAustin and continued chanting around the corner. Now that the lawn has cleared, protestors are coming back. pic.twitter.com/CjFY4IDSDQ  Monica Madden (@themonicamadden) April 24, 2024

6:06 p.m.

Jewish counter-protesters told Nexstar reporter Monica Madden earlier in the day that they did not feel threatened or unsafe during the protest.

Dont have the video of it handy on my phone, but several Jewish counter-protestors I spoke to said they have not felt threatened or unsafe throughout the day.



They also expressed gratitude toward @UTAustin leaders and Gov. @GregAbbott_TX for showing public support of Israel.  Monica Madden (@themonicamadden) April 24, 2024

5:55 p.m.

The protest continues, per Nexstar reporter Ryan Chandler, but has been cleared from its originally planned area.

UTs main mall is cleared with about 90 officers standing guard, but protests continue just around the corner pic.twitter.com/a9BJzryWLa  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

5:47 p.m.

The Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors issued a statement condemning UT Austin President Jay Hartzell and other UT leaders.

There was no threat of violence, no plan to disrupt classes, no intimidation of the campus community, the statement reads, in part.

You can read the entire statement on X.

5:30 p.m.

Law enforcement has pushed protesters to outside Sutton Hall.

Police have pushed the protest to just outside of Sutton Hall.



Move! The horses will step on you. pic.twitter.com/Ec37G6dI8p  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 24, 2024

5:25 p.m.

Law enforcement officers, including mounted DPS troopers, advance on people gathered at the South Lawn.

Now, law enforcement advancing on protesters again. Several more detainments after this.



Troopers using horses to clear sidewalks. pic.twitter.com/zE8M4duTD1  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 24, 2024

Dispersal issue ordered. Its getting really messy. pic.twitter.com/Qns0dvAxTV  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 24, 2024

5:22 p.m.

U.S. Representative Greg Casar shared a 2019 social media post from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, in which Abbott signs a law protecting free speech on college campuses. Casar added, Free speech for me but not for thee.'

5:21 p.m.

UT Police Assistant Chief Ashley Griffin issued a dispersal order to those present. That statement was read over campus loudspeakers, Ryan Chandler reported.

I command you in the name of the People of the State of Texas to disperse, and if you do not, you shall be arrested for Violation of Penal Code Section 42.01 Disorderly Conduct, 42.02 Riot, 42.03 Obstructing a Highway or other passageway, the order reads.

(KXAN Photo/Grace Gates)

5:17 p.m.

The protest, with chanting and law enforcement detaining people, continues per KXAN reporter Grace Reader.

4:56 p.m.

In a statement, DPS said it was called to the UT Austin campus at the request of the University and at the direction of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in order to prevent any unlawful assembly and to support UT Police in maintaining the peace by arresting anyone engaging in any sort of criminal activity, including criminal trespass.

DPS said law enforcement has arrested more than 20 people.

4:34 p.m.

Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter commented on the law enforcement response to the protest, calling it shocking and unacceptable.

We must stand firmly for the rights of all Austinites to exercise their first amendment rights, he said, in part.

You can read his full statement online.

4:30 p.m.

KXANs Grace Reader describes speaking to a FOX 7 Austin photographer who was arrested (see 4:22 p.m.) as DPS troopers pushed protesters off the grass.

Per Reader, fewer people were at the protest as of 4:30 p.m. than earlier today and that there appeared to be more law enforcement than protesters at this point.

4:28 p.m.

The South Lawn at UT Austin has now been completely blocked off by law enforcement.

South lawn at @UTAustin now completely blocked off by state and local police. Students continue shouting off our campus pic.twitter.com/2beJlUjL8r  Monica Madden (@themonicamadden) April 24, 2024

4:24 p.m.

Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez commented on the protest, comparing this DPS response to its inaction during the Robb Elementary shooting.

DPS has pulled out all the stops to harass innocent college students, but wouldnt lift a finger to help the victims in the Uvalde massacre. This state is broken, he wrote on X.

4:22 p.m.

DPS troopers arrest a FOX 7 Austin photographer who identified himself to Nexstar. DPS claims the photographer purposely struck a trooper with his camera, which he denies. FOX 7 Austin confirms that the journalist works for them.

This has never happened to me, the photographer told KXAN.

Law enforcement have now arrested a @fox7austin photographer. pic.twitter.com/cbARqGC12G  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 24, 2024

An UT Austin student tells Nexstar that the police presence was a self-fulfilling prophecy that escalated the situation. According to an agenda of the event, the protest would have held a student movement teach-in at 4 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. study break and a 7 p.m. art workshop.

Student protestor tells me police presence from the start made it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Says @UTAustin protestors had no intention of violence and wanted to exercise their 1A rights peacefully, but believes law enforcement in riot gear escalated situation to where its pic.twitter.com/2RJcXEnjsa  Monica Madden (@themonicamadden) April 24, 2024

4:21 p.m.

DPS troopers begin to clear the protest area.

Law enforcement have now largely cleared people off the grassy area at the South Mall. pic.twitter.com/bz5L8vUa9c  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 24, 2024

Troopers are now moving students out of the entire lawn area. Things are getting heated as protesters are not moving back. Some

Students are being detained. @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/cWuGrZy4Gl  Nabil Brent Remadna KXAN (@RemadnaKXAN) April 24, 2024

4:14 p.m.

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick commented on the protest at UT Austin. Thank you @TxDPS and @UTAustinPolice for shutting down the attempted takeover of the university by pro-Hamas protesters, he wrote, in part, on X.

4:12 p.m.

People chant let him go as law enforcement takes a person into custody.

After a while without incident a protester was taken away. Students chanting let him go as he was taken away. @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/j9WfMJFcBA  Nabil Brent Remadna KXAN (@RemadnaKXAN) April 24, 2024

4:02 p.m.

DPS troopers with shields arrive at the protest area.

More DPS troopers just arrived. They are forming up on the north side of the area they have blocked off. Many have shields. @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/DWPipAXY3g  Nabil Brent Remadna KXAN (@RemadnaKXAN) April 24, 2024

4:01 p.m.

Nexstar reporter Monica Madden, reporting from the protest, says that the chanting has changed from pro-Palestine messages to off our campus, in response to the large DPS presence. Chanting also includes you dont scare us.

At this moment in time, many of the student protestors appear more angered by police presence on @UTAustin campus than the conflict in Israel-Gaza itself. Big shift in the chanting has primarily been to off our campus rather than previous pro-Palestine chanting. Keep pic.twitter.com/ENUYvjFq64  Monica Madden (@themonicamadden) April 24, 2024

3:51 p.m.

The UT Division of Student Affairs issued the following statement:

UT Austin does not tolerate disruptions of campus activities or operations like we have seen at other campuses. This is an important time in our semester with students finishing classes and studying for finals and we will act first and foremost to allow those critical functions to proceed without interruption.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also commented on the protest, calling for the protesters to be jailed.

Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled, he wrote, in part, on X.

3:40 p.m.

A large number of DPS vehicles were seen traveling to Austin from Houston on I-35, per a picture sent to KXAN. Sources tell KXAN that the additional resources were requested for the UT Austin protest.

NEW: Sources tell @KXAN_News Texas DPS sent state troopers from Houston to Austin to handle the UT protest.



A long line of them heading towards the city:@hueyjayd pic.twitter.com/51wnM7F5MP  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

3:37 p.m.

Austin Council Member Mackenzie Kelly issued the following statement:

A statement by Austin Council member Mackenzie Kelly about the UT Austin Protest: Every student at UT deserves to feel safe. And while I strongly support the First Amendment, protests that seek to scare, threaten, and intimidate Jewish Austinites solely on the basis of their religious ethnicity is abhorrent. I want to thank UT PD, APD, and DPS for securing the campus for all students and UT employees.

3:34 p.m.

Nabil Remadna said mounted units are arriving. He said the protest is peaceful and chanting is picking up.

More from the protest at the University of Texas in support of Palestine. Mounted units just arrived. Still peaceful, but chanting is picking up. @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/URTv1Hzdfw  Nabil Brent Remadna KXAN (@RemadnaKXAN) April 24, 2024

3:33 p.m.

The Austin Police Department tells KXAN that it is assisting UT Police with the transport of arrested people from the UT Austin campus, after UT Police asked for aid.

3:29 p.m.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz commented on the protest on social media, calling it antisemitic.

These nationwide antisemitic protests are disgraceful. They do not represent Texas or the views of Texans. No Jewish student should ever have their safety threatened. Cruz wrote, in part, on X.

3:29 p.m.

Mounted DPS troopers ride horses into the protest area, per KXAN reporter Grace Reader.

Mounted patrol just made their way to the grass area in the middle of protesters. pic.twitter.com/MQlVr7vPbA  Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 24, 2024

3:20 p.m.

KXAN reporter Nabil Ramadna, who is at the scene at the South Mall on campus, said there is a very large gathering of people chanting.

A very large gathering continues on the South Mall at the University of Texas. While some students have been detained at this point there is a lot of chanting. Stick with @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/6e2EAKWJWr  Nabil Brent Remadna KXAN (@RemadnaKXAN) April 24, 2024

3:16 p.m.

Austin Council Member Vanessa Fuentes responded to the protest, calling the law enforcement presence on campus a needless escalation.

We deserve an explanation for why such extreme actions are being taken to suppress the voices of seemingly peaceful protestors. Do better, UT, Fuentes said, in part, on X.

2:48 p.m.

Ryan Chandler, who is at the scene, said there were at least 10 people detained.

2:28 p.m.

DPS says protesters presence on campus is considered criminal trespassing and anyone who doesnt leave will be detained.

DPS announces their presence is criminal trespass and anyone who doesnt leave will be arrested. This is on the main lawn on Texas flagship public university pic.twitter.com/0HZ1AW9PBf  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

2:20 p.m.

Police attempt to push the crowd back and detain at least one person in the process.

Police attempt to push the crowd, arresting one.



This is happening directly under the UT Tower. Went here for 4 years, never saw anything like this. pic.twitter.com/EaYBphtTzh  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

2:15 p.m.

The protest has tripled in size within the last two hours. Protesters were moved off of the South Lawn, but people are setting up tents.

This protest has at least tripled in size in the last two hours. The university banned them from protesting on this South Lawn, but they are setting up tents. Law enforcement having a hard time breaking it up. pic.twitter.com/KVqRDJL2Qh  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

2:09 p.m.

Austin Council Member Zo Qadri issues a statement about the protest:

1:56 p.m.

Ryan Chandler, who is at the scene, says it has gotten exponentially more violent and out of control since DPS troopers began dispersing the crowd. At least five people have been detained at this point.

This has gotten exponentially more violent and out of control since DPS began dispersing protestors. At least 5 arrested now. Watch: pic.twitter.com/7k737dYdJh  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

1:51 p.m.

UT Police post on social media that there is police activity near the South Mall and ask people to avoid the area.

1:24 p.m.

DPS confirms at least four people have been detained.

1:14 p.m.

People at the protest and DPS stand off on the main drag of campus.

UT Austin right now. Protesters and DPS in a standoff on the main drag of campus pic.twitter.com/OipxvXDbWC  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

1:13 p.m.

Ryan Chandler reports from the scene that campus is chaos, and DPS troopers have started forcefully dispersing protesters, detaining at least one person.

12:32 p.m.

DPS gives protesters a two-minute warning to disperse.

12:30 p.m.

Police have pushed those gathered to protest to the corner of campus by the Brazos garage, moving them away from their intended meeting location of South Lawn.

12:20 p.m.

DPS appears to be preparing to disperse crowds with many troopers dressed in riot gear.

DPS appears to be prepping to disperse with a heavy, heavy showing of DPS troopers prepped in riot gear. pic.twitter.com/xJ1jZlNRjy  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

12:09 p.m.

A heavy presence of DPS bikers, mounted patrol, and UTPD work to keep protesters from their intended destination of the South Lawn.

Heavy presence of DPS bikers, mounted, and UTPD keeping the protesters from their intended destination of South Lawn pic.twitter.com/C8kS69Elp6  Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024

11:54 a.m.

Protesters start gathering on campus. University Police and Department of Public Safety Troopers begin walling off protesters intended gathering area on the South Lawn, not letting others in.

Protesters start gathering on campus in support of Gaza. University Police and Department of Public Safety Troopers begin walling off protesters intended gathering area, not letting others in. April 24, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Ryan Chandler)

Protesters start gathering on campus in support of Gaza. University Police and Department of Public Safety Troopers begin walling off protesters intended gathering area, not letting others in. April 24, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Ryan Chandler)

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Utah leaders gearing up to fight new BLM conservation rule in the courts and Congress

A section of Comb Ridge in Bears Ears National Monument is pictured on May 9, 2018. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch)

From members of Utahs congressional delegation to the states governor and attorney general, elected officials in the Beehive State are voicing their opposition to a new rule from the Bureau of Land Management, vowing to fight it in both Congress and the courts.

The BLM last week finalized its Public Lands Rule, which allows parcels of public land to be leased for conservation, similar to how the agency currently leases land for mineral extraction, energy development, recreation or grazing.

The rule would allow for a restoration lease, intended for groups or individuals to improve habitats and restore or conserve land  and a mitigation lease, aimed at offsetting existing development and projects on BLM land.

It was widely celebrated by environmental groups, including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, which in a statement said the rule will keep conservation front of mind.

For too long, the BLM has allowed extractive industries to have their way with our public lands. Thats led to degraded landscapes across the West and the decline of iconic species, like the greater sage-grouse. This rule gives the BLM the tools it needs to right these wrongs and start improving the health of our public lands, said Kate Groetzinger, communications manager for the Center for Western Priorities.

But in Utah, Republicans argued the rule would lock up land, excluding traditional uses like grazing or commercial guiding. According to a statement from the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the rule will negatively impact the 22.8 million acres of BLM land in Utah.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, in a statement last week, said he looked forward to working with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes to fight the rule in federal court.

The added layers of red tape and federal bureaucracy embedded in the BLMs Public Lands Rule create new roadblocks to conservation work. The health of Utahs lands and wildlife will suffer as a result. This Rule is contrary to the bedrock principle of multiple-use in the BLMs governing law, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Cox said.

That was the sentiment from Republican Reps. John Curtis, Celeste Maloy and Blake Moore on Monday during a Federal Lands Subcommittee field hearing  part of the House Committee on Natural Resources  in Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane.

The rule favors wealthy individuals and environmental groups by creating a new, convoluted leasing system that will allow them to lock up lands that belong to all Utahns, said Curtis, who recently sponsored a bill that would permanently repeal the Public Lands Rule.

That bill, the Western Economy Security Today Act, passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee but has yet to receive a full vote from lawmakers.

Curtis argued that any new public lands leasing option should come from Congress, not the BLM, or what he called the will of one person.

His bill would promote true conservation, Curtis said, rooted in local input rather than preservationist policies handed down by the Biden administration.

Let us know what you think...

Moore, who said the rule doesnt really solve the problem, asked Washington County Commissioner Adam Snow whether the policy helps or hinders grazing on public land. Snow called the rule an absolute hindrance.

In this county alone, we have massive amounts of land set aside, said Snow. Conservation is important, nothing to take away from that. But, its balancing multiple uses, and to elevate the conservation rule to say that conservation is at the same level  that only hinders grazing.

The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance on Monday called the hearing partisan and out of touch with local and national support for protecting public lands.

Keeping conservation front and center is particularly important in places like Washington County and across Southwest Utah that are seeing both significant growth and the impacts of climate change such as prolonged drought and diminishing water supplies, said Travis Hammill, the groups Washington D.C. director.

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The post Utah leaders gearing up to fight new BLM conservation rule in the courts and Congress appeared first on Utah News Dispatch.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The University of Texas at El Pasos (UTEP) College of Education is hosting an education job fair open to UTEP students, alumni and members of the community with education experience and credentials, or anyone interested in education.

The job fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, April 26 at the Don Haskins Center, UTEP campus.

Attendees will be able to connect with hiring managers and employers from over 30 organizations based in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, according to UTEP.

Additionally, attendees are encouraged to wear business professional attire, be equipped with plenty of resumes and be prepared for on-spot interviews.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Va. Gov Glenn Youngkin heads to Europe for his third international trade mission

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will head to Europe as a part of his international trade mission at the end of April.

This will be Youngkins third international trade mission as governor.

Virginia Gov. Youngkin to meet with Taiwans president on first overseas trade mission

From April 28 through May 3, Youngkin will meet with President Stubb of Finland, as well as various other government officials, strategic business associations, company executives and global industry leaders throughout Germany, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland.

This economic development trade mission with strong European partners will build on business relations, our shared priorities and highlight the Commonwealths capabilities. Virginias strong workforce, incredible business environment, robust transportation system and world-class education institutions make the Commonwealth uniquely positioned to attract businesses around the globe. Germany, Denmark, Finland and Switzerland represent critical markets that will advance economic growth and prosperity in Virginia. In strengthening these relationships, we are not only reaffirming our commitment to economic development in the Commonwealth but also strengthening the spirit of Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin

During his visit to Europe, Youngkin hopes to further strengthen economic and cultural connections throughout Virginia, which is already home to over 900 foreign-owned business establishments.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Vacations that ended tragically for travelers inside and outside of the US

Vacations that ended tragically for travelers inside and outside of the US

Weekly, Americans take off of work to take a break from life's responsibilities and travel the country and the world.

Unfortunately, some individuals never made it home from their getaway. After arriving at a tropical destination for a relaxing vacation, tragedy has unfortunately struck for various friends, families and couples who were visiting parts of the world.

These are the stories of eight travelers whose bodies were found during their vacations.

These crimes happened while travelers were on vacation.

THE ROLE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN SOLVING TRUE CRIME CASES

Susan Jacques was one member of a group of high school students traveling from Connecticut to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for spring break in April 1986.

Jacques was 18 at the time she disappeared one night from her motel, and her body was found three days later, about 35 miles away, floating in a canal west of Delray Beach, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

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When she was found, her body was fully clothed, and she was wearing expensive jewelry. A year later, the Sun-Sentinel reported that her death was still unsolved. Today, it appears the murder is still a mystery to police.

In November 2021, during Thanksgiving weekend, Sativa Transue traveled to Mexico with her boyfriend, Taylor Allen.

She was reportedly found "beaten to a bloody pulp" the day after they arrived. Her body was found by a maid in her hotel room.

On a crowdfunding webpage Sativa's sister Mykayla Bolieu set up, Bolieu wrote that she was contacted by Sativa the day before Sativa died, saying Sativa and Allen had gotten into an argument.

4 SHOCKING TRUE CRIME MYSTERIES THROUGHOUT HISTORY FROM THE ZODIAC KILLER TO THE BLACK DAHLIA

"Her boyfriend and her at some point had gotten into an altercation and stitches were needed for Sativa. She couldnt recall what happened," Bolieu wrote.

Allen was arrested for femicide by Mexican authorities, according to the Transue family. Transue was 26 years old when she was killed on vacation with her boyfriend and her death was ruled a homicide.

It is believed that Allen remains in prison in Mexico.

Mark Kilroy from Austin, Texas, was killed in March 1989 on a spring break trip to Matamoros, Mexico, he took while a student at University of Texas at Austin.

During his junior year of college studying pre-med, he went on a trip with a group of friends. On the trip, he was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in a sacrifice ritual by a Mexican cult.

His body was found in April 1989.

""It was a Mexican drug smuggling satanic cult, and they were looking for a white spring breaker that particular night, and Mark was at the wrong place at the wrong time," Ryan Fenley, Kilroy's friend, told Fox 7 Austin in March. "They took him to a ranch right outside of Matamoros, which is owned by a cartel, and pretty much slaughtered him."

Several books, including one written by his father, Jim Kilroy, titled "Sacrifice: The Tragic Cult Murder of Mark Kilroy in Matamoros: A Father's Determination to Turn Evil Into Good", have been written about Mark's death.

A second book about his death is titled "Hell Ranch: The Nightmare Tale of Voodoo, Drugs, and Death in Matamoros".

On July 18, 2021, Texas firefighter Elijah Snow was celebrating his 10-year anniversary with his wife Jamie in Cancun, Mexico.

He didn't return to his hotel room, alarming his wife and prompting her to call the Mexican police. The next day, he was found stuffed in a small window at another hotel.

Snow was last seen on the hotel's video footage taking the stairs versus the elevator.

Officials in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo said he died of mechanical asphyxiation after being trapped in the window in a bathroom, according to NBC News. Randy Elledge, Snow's father-in-law, and the Snow family's attorney obtained photos from the crime scene showing he had been beaten over a large portion of his body. Cash from his wallet was also allegedly missing.

Photos of Snow's body were later released.

In 2022, Snow's wife filed a lawsuit against the resort and a local travel agency who helped the couple book the trip.

Nathaniel Holmes and his girlfriend, Cynthia Ann Day, were a Maryland couple traveling to the Dominican Republic in late May 2019. The pair were found dead in the room of their resort by a staff member in June 2019 after reportedly suffering respiratory failure. Autopsy reports showed the couple suffered internal bleeding, including in their pancreases, and pulmonary edema.

There were a number of other tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic the same summer the couple was found.

GO HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL

Monica Beresford-Redman's naked body was found dumped in a sewage tank at a hotel in Mexico in April 2010 after her husband reported her missing.

Her husband, Bruce Beresford-Redman, a former "Survivor" producer, was arrested after her body was recovered two days after her disappearance, on April 8, in a sewer at the Moon Palace resort.

Beresford-Redman was convicted of beating and strangling his wife 2015. He was released from prison after serving 7 years of a twelve-year sentence in 2019, NBC Los Angeles reported. He returned to California in the summer of 2020 to live with his mother and two children. The kids were 5 and 3 at the time of their mother's death.

The bodies of Abby Lutz and John Heathco were discovered by housekeepers on June 13, 2023, at the Rancho Pescadero hotel in El Pescadero, according to KABC.

Lutz was 28 and Heathco was 41 at the time of their deaths.

Local police, at the time, believed the couple died from inhaling toxic gas. The autopsies revealed they died of "intoxication by an undetermined substance," according to prosecutors in Mexicos Baja California Sur state.

Lutz's stepsister, Gabrielle Slate, said the couple complained of food poisoning before they passed. The hotel temporarily closed on June 18 pending an ongoing investigation following the couple's deaths.

Prosecutors believed the two had been dead for 11 to 12 hours before their bodies were discovered by the housekeepers and said there was no sign of violence. They were dead by the time paramedics arrived.

An elderly British couple were found dead on L'Esterre Paradise Beach on March 9, 2024 on the Island of Carriacou, the Royal Grenada Police Force said in a statement.

David, 76, and Rosaline Foster, 77, died while vacationing in the Caribbean.

Police found David lying in the sand, and he was pronounced dead there by a doctor. Rosaline was rushed to Princess Royal Hospital, examined and pronounced dead.

An older couple was suspected to have drowned while in the Caribbean for vacation.

Local reports pointed to drowning as a possible reason for the couple's death. They believed David had a heart attack and Rosaline drowned trying to save him, but the exact details are unknown.

Police launched an investigation into the couple's deaths, but details of it are presently unknown.





Original article source: Vacations that ended tragically for travelers inside and outside of the US
VBFD: Light the Night in Red to honor fallen firefighters this May

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD) is asking residents to Light the Night in Red for National Fallen Firefighters Week May 1-5.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, founded in 1992, aims to lead a nationwide effort to remember the firefighters who died in the line of duty.

VBFD Captain Matthew Chevy R. Chiaverotti, who passed away following a battle with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, also known as occupational cancer for firefighters, April 17, 2023, will be honored, along with 226 firefighters who died in the line of duty this past year.

Celebration of Life Service held for fallen Virginia Beach firefighter

Residents and businesses across Virginia Beach are encouraged to illuminate their homes and buildings with a red light the week of May 1-5 to show support for the fallen firefighters.

Local facilities and landmarks participating can be found below:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center  717 General Booth Blvd.

Virginia Beach Convention Center Tower  1000 19th St.

Virginia Beach Municipal Center, Building 30  2508 Princess Anne Rd.

Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center  927 Birdneck Rd.

VBFD Fire Station 10, Woodstock  5656 Providence Rd.

More information on Light the Night can be found on their website here.

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Kern County jury on Tuesday acquitted one man and found another guilty of involuntary manslaughter instead of murder in the death of a Ridgecrest man in 2022.

Both men had faced life terms in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.

Brian Coykendall, 34, was convicted of the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter.

His co-defendant, Erwin Moore Jr., 30, was acquitted and expected to be released from custody Tuesday evening.

They were accused of killing Matthew Ian Peterson on March 4, 2022. Peterson, 43, was severely beaten and shot once in the back of the head.

Deputy Public Defender T. Alan Rogers, Coykendalls attorney, said the maximum his client faces is four years in prison.

Hes relieved the nightmare is over, Rogers said.

Rogers said his argument from the beginning was that Coykendall acted either in self-defense or imperfect self-defense against someone with a record of violence who had previously threatened him. Peterson was a convicted felon.

The attorney noted Coykendall is a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

(The Kern County Public Defenders Office) has always been willing to stand by veterans, even as they face the most serious charges and consequences, Rogers said.

Moore knew all along this would be the outcome, his attorney, Mark Anthony Raimondo, said Tuesday evening.

He was keeping our spirits up, Raimondo said. The best evidence we had was Mr. Moore and his unbelievable quality of life.

Moore, also a U.S. Marine, rushed to Ridgecrest to help longtime friend Coykendall after receiving a strange phone call, Raimondo said. Knowing about his PTSD, Moore believed his friend was experiencing a crisis incident, he said.

He had no idea what he was getting into, Raimondo said.

The attorney said he accompanied Moore to a meeting with prosecutors two years ago in which Moore told them exactly what happened. No deal was offered.

Moore went through two years of hell sitting in Lerdo Jail and waiting for trial, Raimondo said. Now he can start getting his life back in order, the attorney said.

Justice is still alive in Kern County, thanks to our jurors, he said.

Prosecutor Christine Antonios said homicide cases are often challenging because one side is no longer alive to tell their story.

Investigations detail as much as possible in the quest for truth, but ultimately, it is the sole province of the jury to determine if charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt, she said. The jury completed their duty, and we respect their ultimate verdict.

Peterson and Coykendall were once friends. But after Peterson went to jail, Coykendall started dating his girlfriend.

Antonios said at trial Coykendall hatched a plan to kill Peterson if he returned to Ridgecrest. The evidence, she said, suggested Coykendall and Moore had an agreement in which Moore  who lives outside the county  would drive to Ridgecrest and assist Coykendall in the slaying.

Peterson was killed minutes after Moore arrived, she said. When Petersons body was found shortly after, his hands were bound behind his back. Surveillance video, while not showing what happened, captured his screams for help.

Raimondo told the jury what happened wasnt murder but a tragedy. He said a fight broke out between Coykendall and Peterson after Moore arrived, and when Moore tried to break it up a gun fell from his waistband.

There was a struggle over the gun, he said. It went off, and the round struck Peterson.

Moore is a good person, Raimondo said. After this experience, however, hes not sure Moore will help anyone ever again.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
FILE - This image provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York on Oct. 26, 2023 shows John Costanzo Jr. A federal judge sentenced the longtime U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent to four years in prison for leaking DEA intelligence to defense lawyers. Costanzo's sentence was announced Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Manhattan federal court months after he was found guilty of bribery and honest-services wire fraud. (U.S. Attorney's Office via AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  A federal judge Wednesday sentenced a longtime U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent to four years in prison for leaking DEA intelligence to defense lawyers in a $100,000 bribery scheme that prosecutors said jeopardized drug cases and the lives of confidential informants.

John Costanzo Jr. was found guilty last year of bribery and honest-services wire fraud, joining a growing list of DEA agents convicted of federal crimes. Another former DEA supervisor, Manny Recio, is scheduled to be sentenced next month in the same case.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Oetken, in handing down his sentence, noted that the 49-year-old Costanzo was especially culpable as a supervisor because he knew what he was doing was wrong.

Costanzo, addressing the judge before sentencing, expressed regret for his actions. This is my cross to bear, he said. I will try to find a silver lining in all of this.

Prosecutors urged the judge to sentence Costanzo to at least seven years behind bars, saying he abused the tradecraft he mastered as a narcotics investigator steeped in the world of money laundering. He worked in supervisory roles in Miami and later at DEA headquarters outside Washington, D.C.

Costanzo acted purely out of greed, prosecutors wrote in court papers. He used his network, connections and skills to hold himself above the law and make money for leaking law enforcement secrets, undermining everything he purported to stand for.

Much of the case turned on text messages and wiretapped phone calls between Costanzo and Recio, who remained close after Recio retired from DEA in 2018 and began working as a private investigator for Miami defense lawyers.

Prosecutors allege that attorneys David Macey and Luis Guerra bankrolled the bribery scheme and used the leaked information to approach new clients facing federal drug charges. Macey and Guerra have not been charged but prosecutors in January asked the court for permission to access normally privileged communications between Recio and the attorneys as part of what they described as an ongoing investigation.

The DEA did not respond to a request for comment. Costanzos sentencing came less than two weeks after a federal jury in Buffalo, New York, convicted another veteran DEA agent of obstruction of justice and lying to federal agents in a sprawling corruption case.

Over the course of a year, Recio repeatedly asked Costanzo to query names in a confidential DEA database to keep abreast of federal investigations that would interest his new employers. The two also discussed the timing of high-profile arrests and the exact date in 2019 when prosecutors planned to bring charges against businessman Alex Saab, a top criminal target in Venezuela and suspected bag man for the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro.

In exchange, prosecutors said, Recio secretly funneled bribes to Costanzo, including plane tickets and a $50,000 down payment on a condo in suburban Coral Gables.

The conspiracy relied on middlemen, including Costanzos father, himself a retired and decorated DEA agent who prosecutors said lied to the FBI. Prosecutors said Costanzo and Recio also used sham invoices and a company listing its address as a UPS store to disguise the bribe payments while deleting hundreds of messages and calls to a burner phone.

In requesting a sentence of probation, Costanzo obtained letters of support from several former colleagues, including three current DEA agents and supervisors who described him as a dedicated public servant, generous friend and expert in illicit finance.

Costanzo's attorney said his client's only ambition was to follow in the footsteps of his father, John Costanzo Sr., a retired DEA agent who served for years in Italy and who is now battling pancreatic cancer.

Not being present for his hero's waning days and final months would break John forever, defense lawyer Marc Mukasey argued in a pre-sentencing memo. That is a punishment he does not deserve.

Prosecutors, however, painted a less charitable view of the father-son relationship, pointing to the elder Costanzo's role as a conduit for a $50,000 bribe payment that was used to purchase a Miami townhouse.

Let this be a message to all public officials who are tempted to profit illegally from their service  there will be serious consequences, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said.

___

Mustian reported from Natchitoches, Louisiana, Goodman from Miami.
TOKYO (AP)  A team of experts from the U.N. nuclear agency inspected the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant Wednesday for a review of its discharge of treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific.

The International Atomic Energy Agency inspection was part of a four-day visit to Japan that started Tuesday, its second since the water discharge began last August despite strong protests from fishing groups and neighboring China, which has banned Japanese seafood. The IAEA team will issue a report later.

The Japanese government and the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, or TEPCO, say the discharges are diluted to better than international standards, and IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi said in March that they were being carried out safely.

During the site visit Wednesday, the plant suffered a temporary blackout when some underground digging apparently damaged an electrical cable in an area separate from the water discharge. The blackout halted the water discharges for several hours, but the IAEA was nonetheless able to complete its inspection, according to TEPCO.

One excavation worker suffered burns and had to be treated in hospital, but the plant's cooling systems were unaffected and the water discharge resumed safely Wednesday evening, TEPCO said.

The IAEA did not immediately comment on the blackout.

A 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima plants power supply and reactor cooling functions, triggering meltdowns of three reactors and causing large amounts of radioactive wastewater to accumulate. After more than a decade of cleanup work, the plant began discharging the water after treating it and diluting it with seawater on Aug. 24, starting a process thats expected to take decades.

After Wednesdays plant visit, the IAEA team members are expected to have more discussion in Tokyo through Friday. Data and samples collected from the Fukushima plant will be corroborated at IAEA labs and independent third-party labs from China, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States, and will be released in a report later.

This independent, objective and science-based approach will help build confidence to the people in Japan and beyond, mission leader Gustavo Caruso, director of safety and security coordination at IAEA, said at a meeting Tuesday with Japanese officials.

The team includes independent international experts from 10 countries  Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, France, Russia, South Korea, the United States and Vietnam.

Japans government and TEPCO note that the treated water is filtered and diluted by large amounts of seawater. Results of monitoring of seawater and marine life samples near the plant show concentrations of tritium, the only inseparable radioactive material, are far below recommended limits, they say.

Story continues

Fishing groups worry about a negative reputation from the release, and neighboring China has not been convinced of the safety. China banned all imports of Japanese seafood immediately after the release began.

The plant has released about 31,200 tons of the treated water in four batches. The ongoing fifth batch of 7,800-ton release lasts through May 7.

Wednesdays cable damage and blackout was a latest in a series of incidents at the plant in recent months. In October, two workers were hospitalized after being splashed with radioactive liquid while cleaning a water treatment system, though they had no health problems from the exposure. In February, some contaminated water leaked at another facility on the plant due to human error.
US to decide by late May if Boeing violated prosecution deal, sources say

FILE PHOTO: Family members attend as Boeing's Muilenburg testifies before Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on grounded 737 MAX on Capitol Hill in Washington

FILE PHOTO: Family members attend as Boeing's Muilenburg testifies before Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on grounded 737 MAX on Capitol Hill in Washington

By Mike Spector and David Shepardson

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Justice Department officials plan to decide as soon as late May whether Boeing violated an agreement that shielded the planemaker from criminal prosecution over fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, people familiar with the matter said.

Government officials revealed the timeline during five hours of meetings on Wednesday in which families of the victims of the two Boeing 737 MAX crashes pressed U.S. officials to criminally prosecute the planemaker.

The families have argued that Boeing violated a 2021 deal with prosecutors to overhaul its compliance program following the crashes, which killed 346 people.

Federal prosecutors had agreed to ask a judge to dismiss a criminal charge against Boeing so long as it complied with the deal's terms over a three-year period.

But during a Jan. 5 Alaska Airlines flight, just two days before the 2021 agreement expired, a panel blew off a new Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet.

The agreement gives U.S. officials six months from the deal's Jan. 7 expiration -- or until July 7 -- to decide whether to prosecute Boeing on a charge that the company conspired to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration or pursue other alternatives to dismissing the case.

Paul Cassell, a lawyer for the families, said on Wednesday that the Justice Department plans to give Boeing and the families at least 30 days notice of its decision ahead of the deadline, which would mean a decision by early June.

"We certainly hope they do the right thing and continue to pursue this case," Cassell said, adding that government lawyers declined to answer specific questions about the review. "If we hear the Justice Department is moving to drop the charges, we will fight that aggressively."

Justice Department officials are now weighing that incident as part of a broader probe into whether Boeing violated the deal, known as a deferred prosecution agreement, or DPA, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Naoise Connolly Ryan, whose husband, Mick Ryan, was killed in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX crash, said the deal with Boeing was a "miscarriage of justice" in 2021.

"We don't want a third crash," Ryan said. "We're hoping the Department of Justice will do the right thing now and not dismiss the charges against Boeing."

A government official at the Wednesday meeting said the Justice Department will likely decide by the end of May if it believes there was a breach or not, two sources told Reuters.

Family members argue an independent monitor is needed to ensure Boeing's compliance with the agreement. Boeing's deal had no such requirement, unlike some past agreements with other companies.

Boeing did not comment on Wednesday, while the Justice Department declined comment.

In January 2021, Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion to resolve a criminal investigation into the company's conduct surrounding the crashes. The U.S. planemaker agreed to compensate victims' relatives and overhaul its compliance practices as part of the deal with prosecutors.

In an earlier April meeting with family members' lawyers, Justice Department officials said they were looking at circumstances outlined in the 2021 deal that could put Boeing in breach of the agreement, such as the company's committing a felony or misleading U.S. officials, one of the people familiar with the matter said.

(Reporting by Mike Spector in New York and David Shepardson in Washington; Additional reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal and Chris Prentice in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Marguerita Choy and Leslie Adler)
"Village that no longer exists": photographers show video from bombed Krynky on Kherson Oblast's left bank  video

Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberovs, Ukrainian photographers, have shared footage of the damaged village of Krynky on the left bank of Kherson Oblast, where the Ukrainian military holds a bridgehead against the Russians.

Source: Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberovs on Instagram

Quote: "Krynky. A settlement in Ukraine's south, on the left bank of Kherson Oblast. A village that no longer exists.

Cruel and terrible hell. The weak can't survive there. Endless KABs (glide bombs  ed.), artillery, and FPV [drones]. The fire does not go out for a minute. Every day, the enemy storms the settlement in tiny groups, actually walking over their fellow soldiers' corpses."

    . :     pic.twitter.com/uPcApN4BBJ     (@ukrpravda_news) April 24, 2024

Background:

The Ukrainian military occasionally releases video footage showing Russian forces and their equipment being destroyed by Ukrainian marines in the area of the village of Krynky.

The Ukrainian army was able to capture positions in Krynky in October 2023. Since then, Russian forces have been attempting to drive Ukrainian soldiers out of the area on a daily basis, as reported by the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

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Angry farmers in a once-lush Mexican state target avocado orchards that suck up too much water

A man shows a pump removed from an unlicensed water intake as his group of residents, farmworkers and small-scale farmers from Villa Madero dismantle illegal water taps in the mountains of Villa Madero, Mexico, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. As a drought in Mexico drags on, angry subsistence farmers have begun taking direct action on thirsty avocado orchards and berry fields of commercial farms that are drying up streams in the mountains west of Mexico City. (AP Photo/Armando Solis)

VILLA MADERO, Mexico (AP)  As a drought in Mexico drags on, angry subsistence farmers have begun taking direct action on thirsty avocado orchards and berry fields of commercial farms that are drying up streams in the mountains west of Mexico City.

Rivers and even whole lakes are disappearing in the once green and lush state of Michoacan, as the drought combines with a surge in the use of water for the countrys lucrative export crops, led by avocados.

In recent days, subsistence farmers and activists from the Michoacan town of Villa Madero organized teams to go into the mountains and rip out illegal water pumps and breach unlicensed irrigation holding ponds.

A potential conflict looms with avocado growers  who are often sponsored by, or pay protection money to, drug cartels.

Last week, dozens of residents, farmworkers and small-scale farmers from Villa Madero hiked up into the hills to tear out irrigation equipment using mountain springs to water avocado orchards carved out of the pine-covered hills.

The week before, another group went up with picks and shovels and breached the walls of an illegal containment pond that sucked up water from a spring that had supplied local residents for hundreds of years.

In the last 10 years, the streams, the springs, the rivers have been drying up and the water has been captured, mainly to be used for avocados and berries, said local activist Julio Santoyo, one of the organizers of the effort. There are hamlets in the lower part of the township that no longer have water.

Santoyo estimated that about 850 of the plastic-lined, earthen containment ponds have sprung up in the hills around Villa Madero, usually soon after planters have illegally logged or burned the native pine forest. Pines help the soil retain water, while avocado trees deplete it.

Francisco Gomez Cortes said residents of his hamlet, El Sauz, had been asking the landowner for 15 years to allow the spring to flow downhill to their community.

After a year in which Mexico received only about half its normal rainfall, residents became desperate, and last week they worked up the courage to hike up the hill and rip out pumps and hoses for the avocado orchard.

We don't have enough water for human consumption, Gomez Cortes said.

Its sad. Its sad to walk down these trails that are now dry, when they once had trees and springs, he said. They havent even left any water for the (forest) animals that nest along the banks.

In a sign of how seriously the local government is taking the potential threat, the group was accompanied by the mayor of Villa Madero, who blamed outsiders for the problem.

There are people who aren't from this town, who come to our township and are invading us, Mayor Froylan Alcauter Ibarra said. They are taking water away from the people who live downhill, and they don't realize these are the poorest people.

Residents say they don't want to deny water entirely to the orchards and have proposed an agreement to give landowners 20% of the water from local streams, if they allow the remaining 80% to keep flowing. They say they haven't gotten any response yet.

Drug cartels often make money from illegal logging and extorting money from avocado growers in Michoacan. The activists around Villa Madero have suffered threats, kidnappings and beatings in the past.

We are running a serious risk of them killing us for protesting, Gomez Cortes said. Out of necessity, we are doing what the government should be doing.

The government has long done little to limit the growers and combat deforestation and water takeovers. But it does seem to have developed a sudden interest in preventing the looming conflict.

In March, activists organized a meeting nearby at Patzcuaro Lake to demand authorities do something about the fast-declining water levels. Patzcuaro is a shallow but extensive lake in Michoacan with a beautiful colonial town on its shores and an island of fishermen perched in the middle.

The fishermen of Janitzio island with their shallow boats and hooped, figure-eight nets were made famous by photographers and filmmakers in the 1940s and 50s as a symbol of Mexico's folk traditions. The town of Patzcuaro draws hundreds of thousands of tourists.

But due to the drought, deforestation, sediment buildup and the increased water demands from avocado and berry growers, Patzcuaro lake has been reduced to about half its size. You can now reach the Janitzio island by wading, and activist Juan Manuel Valenzuela estimates that 90% of the boats that used to fish and ferry tourists around are now out of service.

Nearby Lake Cuitzeo, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Mexico, is now nearly dried up.

We cannot allow them to extinguish our lakes, Valenzuela said. It would be a tragedy for Michoacan.

Alejandro Mendez, Michoacan's state environment secretary, acknowledges that the problem has gotten out of hand. So scarce has water become in the once-lushly forested lake areas that orchard owners often send tanker trucks to suck thousands of gallons from the lake to water their groves.

As many as 100 trucks could be seen taking water from the lake, Mendez said of the situation in March.

So about a week ago, the state police began patrolling the lake shore and detaining any truck drivers they saw extracting water. And Mendez said the state has begun monitoring agricultural holding ponds to see if any are getting refilled from the lake.

While Lake Patzcuaro has grown and shrunk in the past, this time it may be terminal; farmers are starting to pasture livestock and plant crops on the lake bed.

It will be difficult, because the humans and the livestock will survive, barely, but the animals and the plants will be gone  that will all be dried up and gone, Gomez Cortes said.

___

AP writer Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.

I noticed the colorful drawings first.

They were printed onto pieces of canvas that hung on a long fence. They carried messages like Rebuild together and Be happy, alongside drawings of rainbows, flowers and trees.

These were the images that welcomed me and others at Religion News Associations annual conference to the site of the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history.

On Oct. 27, 2018, a man entered a building used by three different Jewish communities and opened fire, killing 11 people and injuring others.

In this photo from Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, visitors walk through the screens displaying artwork from school students surrounding the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. | Keith Srakocic

The juxtaposition between cheerful drawings and horrific memories is intentional. Those who oversee the site of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting told us the images serve as reminders of the good and kind acts that came in response to the shooters acts of death and destruction. They were sent in by schoolchildren who wanted to do what they could to help.

Throughout the morning we spent with people affected by the shooting, the same message came up again and again: You must remember the good, as well as the bad.

You must celebrate the kindness and compassion in the world, even as you call out the evil.

You cant forget how those 11 men and women died, but you also cant forget how they lived.

Today, the site of the 2018 shooting is being transformed into a unique kind of community center. It will host worship services, as well as lectures on antisemitism and the beauty of Jewish life.

It will serve as a reminder of whats possible when we pull together instead of pulling apart.

And until construction is complete, those drawings will hang from the fence outside, calling us to remember not just what happened on Oct. 27, 2018, but also what happened next.

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USC canceled its valedictorians remarks. Does that promote public safety  or hurt free speech?

Term of the week: Matzo

Matzo is thin, unleavened bread that plays a special role in Jews Passover festivities. Made of just flour and water, its baked before it rises, which means it looks more like a cracker than a loaf.

To be kosher for the Passover holiday, which begins Monday evening, the dough has to be prepared and cooked all within 18 minutes, according to The Associated Press.

By eating matzo, the modern Jewish community commemorates the experience of Jews who fled Egypt during the Exodus story. Those men, women and children were in such a rush that they couldnt bake normal bread.

The Jewish speaker on a panel about religion and food at last weekends conference described how special matzo is to him despite being essentially tasteless. It symbolizes Gods care for the community, he said.

What Im reading...

Becoming a parent means reckoning with everything you wont be able to protect your children from. But in the midst of the unexpected heartbreaks and anxiety, you can choose to create moments of immense joy. Parents cannot shield their children from the worlds cruelty or our failures, but we can try to counter those things. We can provide moments that may become positive recollections to sit alongside harsher ones, writes Esau McCaulley for The New York Times.

This fall, Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit is going to get serious about limiting screen time. First-year students, who are on the path to becoming priests, will be asked to be more intentional about their relationship with technology and to spend more time socializing with others and in prayer than buried in their phones, according to Catholic News Agency.

My colleague Jennifer Graham wrote a beautiful profile of writer Nancy French earlier this month. The story explores Frenchs new memoir, her battle with cancer and her place in the unfolding story of evangelical Christianity.

Odds and ends

I was honored to bring home a second-place award from the RNA conference that recognized my efforts to analyze and explain faith-related Supreme Court cases and policy moves. Here are the three stories that were part of my winning entry:
Want to donate money, food, books, clothes or time? Check out Baton Rouge charities

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  There are several charities and organizations across the Baton Rouge area that each put their own twist on how they serve their communities.

Each charity in the capital city has its own effective ways of raising money to raise awareness among people of all ages in the area. Residents of Baton Rouge can volunteer or donate to their favorite nonprofit organization to help someone in need.

Check out some of these charities that are based in Baton Rouge and learn what each brings to the table to the community.

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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation has been a voice for Louisianas wildlife and natural resources for over 80 years. According to the federations website, LWF focuses on conserving Louisianas natural resources by putting an emphasis on wildlife and their habitats.

Manners of the Hear puts a focus on educating children, encouraging families and engaging communities. The mission of Manners of the Heart is to rewaken respect in our society for the next generation.

Volunteer Health Corps of Baton Rouge strives to serve in a volunteer environment as an incentive to mold partnerships between the private medical community and the public health sector.

The Life of A Single Mom is a non-profit organization based out of the capital city. The organization offers the following services including helping churches/nonprofits launch groups, connecting moms to groups in their community and offer more than 175 life skills classes online.

Friends of Cantera Inc. in Baton Rouge focuses on supporting the programs of Cantera in Nicaragua. According to the organizations LinkedIn page, Friends of Cantera Inc. is recognized as a philanthropic, nonprofit organization by the IRS.

Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge has been serving communities for over a century. According to the charitys website, the organization responds to the needs of the homeless, families, adults with disabilities, veterans, children and the elderly.

Alzheimers Services of the Capital Area, Inc. serves Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee and St. Helena parishes. The organization offers education and support programs for those who are affected by Alzheimers.

Baton Rouge Youth Coalition Inc., according to its Facebook page, helps under-sourced teens enter, excel in and graduate from college to earn career-track jobs.

The Iris Domestic Violence Center strives to end domestic violence through its service to victims of family violence. The charity also aims to educate the public on family violence, according to the organizations website.

The Face to Face Enrichment Center currently has four locations in the southeast, including in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Metairie and Houston. The organization focuses on serving the youth, young adults, and women, according to its website.

The Salvation Army in Baton Rouge focuses on areas including recovery, youth programs and social services. Click here to make a donation to The Salvation Army Greater Baton Rouge.

One True Vine Outreach Ministries Inc. focuses on youth leadership, womens outreach and international mission outreach and education.

Noahs Ranch Inc. provides all the essentials of home life in the areas of parental guidance, nourishment, love, stability, protection, belonging, healing group therapy, individual counseling and recreational therapy, according to the website.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundations mission is to enhance and encourage public enjoyment and use of the wildlife and fisheries resources in the state of Louisiana, according to their website.

Junior Achievement of Greater Baton Rouge offers the following programs: All About Cars, Business Communications, Career Speakers Series, Company Program, Economics and Entrepreneurial Mindset.

Louisiana Association of the Deaf offers the following established funds including youth, apparel, book drive, toy drive, office renovations and emergency disaster. LAD is a nonprofit organization for the deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing citizens.

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The Arc of Louisiana strives to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to their website. It is located at 600 Colonial Drive.

Marys House of Bread is a food pantry and thrift store site in the capital city. Distribution times take place at the venue on Tuesday and Thursday. Food distributions are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and thrift is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge is an ecumenical, nonprofit housing ministry that builds and renovates houses in partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge community, according to their website.

The Cajun Navy Foundation has been helping neighbors in need across the state of Louisiana. The organization has taken part in search and rescue, hurricane and disaster response and debris clearing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
A number of new rules could soon go into effect in Washington County parks, including a ban on marijuana and THC products.

A public hearing on the proposed new rules was held Tuesday. The county board is expected to approve the new parks ordinance next month.

Under the proposed new ordinance, it would be unlawful to vaporize, smoke, serve, possess, display, or consume cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edible, artificially derived cannabinoids, or hemp-derived consumer products in county parks.

With the state legislation that came through, it was necessary to update our ordinance regarding cannabis products, said Parks Director Alex McKinney.

Minnesota in 2023 became the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older.

Alcoholic beverages are banned in county parks unless otherwise authorized by use permit, and it is unlawful for anyone to be under the influence to the point of intoxication, or loss of motor skills or consciousness, or other factors that may injure the party or adversely affect other park or conservation area visitors.

It also is unlawful to use tobacco within 100 feet of any beach or playground, inside any park building or structure, and in other locations as designated by the director. Under the proposed new ordinance, it also would be unlawful to use any form of tobacco or electronic cigarette product within 100 feet of any fishing pier in a county park, McKinney said.

The proposed new ordinance also would allow for additional future restrictions on tobacco use, as directed by the county board, McKinney said. That means that in the future, if the county board decides to go tobacco-free in the parks, we would be able to make that change right away without updating the entire ordinance, he said.

E-bikes OK

Also under the proposed ordinance, e-bikes and e-scooters with motors smaller than 1,000 watts will be allowed on roads and designated trails in county parks. Operators, however, must use them in a prudent and careful manner and stay as close as practicable to the right-hand side of the authorized trail or roadway as conditions permit, according to the ordinance.

Foraging for mushrooms, berries, nuts, seeds and oil also will be allowed in county parks under the new ordinance for park users with a permit. Foraging activities must be for personal use and in designated areas, McKinney said, and impacts caused by foraging must be able to be naturally restored.

The permits will be free, but park users must obtain one to demonstrate that they understand the areas where they are allowed to forage and what they are allowed to forage for, he said.

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The new parks ordinance also allows for flexibility regarding pets at campgrounds in county parks. The proposed ordinance does not currently allow pets in county campgrounds, but if the county board decides in the future to allow them, the board would be able to make that change immediately without having to update the entire ordinance, he said.

Commissioner Michelle Clasen said she hopes the county board decides to allow dogs to stay overnight at county campgrounds in the future.

We have a designated equine campground at Lake Elmo Park Reserve that allows horses overnight, she said. I would love a designated area for dogs as well.

County officials are reviewing the staff costs involved in having dogs at county campgrounds, she said.
(Getty Images)

Washington motorists will gain access this summer to new state rebates  up to $9,000 in some cases  to help cover the cost of leasing or purchasing electric vehicles.

Gov. Jay Inslee and state Department of Commerce Director Mike Fong provided details Tuesday about the program, which will be available at auto dealerships beginning in August. Swapping gasoline-powered vehicles for electric ones is a key priority with the states Democratic-led efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and slow climate change.

While the number of EVs in the state has nearly doubled over the past two years, many are fancier models and the cars tend to be heavily concentrated in the Seattle area. Inslee said the new program is meant to help democratize the emerging automotive technology.

Single Washington residents earning up to $45,180 annually or a family of four with income up to $93,600, will be eligible for a rebate of up to $9,000 for a new electric vehicle lease of three years or more. Theyd also qualify for up to $5,000 for a new EV purchase or two-year lease. Used electric vehicles are eligible for a $2,500 rebate on purchases and leases.

How the program could work

The Department of Commerce provided the example below for how the rebate program could play out for someone looking to lease a vehicle.

A dealer is advertising a three-year lease at $239 per month with $1,999 due at signing  for a total lease cost of $10,364. For a qualifying customer, the $9,000 state rebate brings the lease cost down to $1,364. The dealer applies a $500 lease fee, $200 documentation fee, and collects state and local transit, title and registration fees of $734.

The final lease totals $2,798, or $78 per month over the 36-month agreement.

What were trying to do is to make these vehicles accessible to as many people as humanly possible, Inslee said. You can wake up every morning and say, Im not gonna have to buy a gallon of gasoline, that makes people really, really happy.

Fong described the program as a first-in-the-nation model. His agency said in a press release that the state rebates, combined with federal and automaker incentives, could make monthly lease payments on at least four EV models less than $100 for qualifying consumers.

In March, there were about 181,400 electric vehicles registered in Washington, including plug-in hybrids, according to Department of Licensing data. Thats up from around 94,000 in March 2022. Despite the growth, EVs remain a small share of the roughly 8 million vehicles registered in Washington.

State figures also show just over half of the EVs registered are in King County and around 40% are Teslas. Tesla prices its least expensive car, the Model 3, at about $39,000.

EV prices have been coming down. But estimates updated in January from Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book still pegged the average cost for a new electric vehicle at around $55,353, whereas the overall average price for new cars at that time was around $47,401.

Local listings in western Washington show new Chevy Bolts available for around $27,000 or to lease for $400 to $500 a month. Nissan Leafs sell in the $30,000 price range. The starting price for a new, gasoline-powered Toyota Carolla is around $22,000.

The federal government already provides tax credits up to $7,500 for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

But these incentives are only available when purchasing vehicles that meet certain requirements for where they were built and where the materials in their batteries came from. There are also income eligibility guidelines with the federal program. The federal credit can also be factored into lease prices without the same restrictions on vehicle models.

Funding for the Washington initiative is from the states general fund. It is not coming out of revenue from carbon auctions under the Climate Commitment Act.

Commerce announced about $85 million of spending in February for nearly 5,000 new electric vehicle charging stations. Gaps between charging sites remain a concern for EV drivers, especially in more rural and outlying areas. Some EV owners have also struggled with their vehicles in colder weather, which can sap batteries.

The post Washington electric vehicle rebates up to $9,000 available beginning in August appeared first on Washington State Standard.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A woman from Clark County, Wash. filed a lawsuit against the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, claiming she suffered severe injuries after driving over a pothole on Southwest Capitol Highway.

The lawsuit, filed on April 19, alleges the city, county, and agency failed to maintain the roadway or notify drivers about the pothole, and is seeking more than $3.6 million in damages.

The incident occurred in April 2022 as she was driving northbound on SW Capitol Highway between Alfred and Huber streets when she hit the pothole, according to court documents, adding the pothole was not visible to oncoming traffic until drivers were directly over it.

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Driving over the pothole, she was abruptly and forcefully lifted out of the seat of her car and hit her head, causing her to suffer severe and permanent injuries, the lawsuit states.

According to court documents, the woman suffered several injuries including a concussion, traumatic brain injury, tinnitus, torn rotator cuff, cuts, and bruises.

She also suffered emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression because of the incident, the lawsuit claims.

The City Attorneys Office, Multnomah County, and ODOT declined to comment on the lawsuit.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Two heroic Connecticut barbers came to the rescue last week after a child almost ran into busy East Hartford traffic.

According to police, Osvaldo Lugo and Rafael Santana of Looks Sharp Barbershop were cutting customers hair when they saw a child running in the street.

The barber shop is located on the corner of Brown and Main, which is usually a busy spot with traffic from Pratt Whitney, Coca-Cola facilities, and an on-ramp to I-84.

This corner right here is busy and dangerous; its not a corner that a toddler should be on. This weekend, there was an accident here, Lugo said.

When Lugo and Santana saw the child running toward the intersection, they quickly ran outside. One of them was able to grab the child just feet from traffic. You can see that brave rescue in the video below.

One of the barbers posted about the experience on Instagram.

This was a scary experience, Im still a little shaken up! he said in an Instagram post.

It took Lugo a few minutes to find the parents. He said the mother was at a bus stop and didnt realize her child was gone.

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Mom lost track for one quick second; it happens. Its happened to me before. The structure of this building in the bus stop you can hardly see, so she was shocked and embarrassed at the same time but also thankful.

Despite his heroic actions, Lugo humbly insists he was in the right place at the right time.

I didnt think about it. I just ran out the door, said Lugo. Thankfully, I was there in time to get her.

East Hartford police said theyre grateful for everyday heroes like these two men.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing in South Africa after one of its wheels came off shortly after takeoff.

Dramatic footage showed smoke engulfing the aircraft after a loud bang can be heard when the tyre explodes. The plane then continues to screech down the runway before coming to a halt.

The FlySafair flight had only just got off the ground to begin the two-hour journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Sunday before ground staff ordered it back when they spotted damage to the aircrafts undercarriage.

Upon being notified, the pilots made a low pass over the runway so engineers could inspect the damage from the ground, where they noticed that one of the four rear wheels had been clipped during the takeoff.

A photograph underneath the plane shows the damage to the tyre

One of the wheels came off entirely

At that point, the plane was forced to land.

No one was injured during the incident and all passengers were safely evacuated.

It was the latest incident involving a Boeing aircraft, and came just a month after a similar incident where a United Airlines flight lost a wheel as it was departing San Francisco.

Boeing declined to comment on the FlySafair incident, telling The New York Post that the airline maintains its own fleet.

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(Bloomberg) -- International Business Machines Corp. dropped the most intraday in three years after weak consulting unit sales disappointed investors and overshadowed the companys acquisition of software firm HashiCorp Inc.

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The deal is another move by Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna to turn the legacy tech hardware company into one focused on high-growth software and services. Big Blue has made other acquisitions in this area, such as Apptio for $4.6 billion last year, and divested managed infrastructure, weather and health businesses.

But investors have been focused on the potential for slippage in IBMs consulting division, which is its second-largest business. That units revenue was $5.2 billion in the period ended March 31, unchanged from the quarter a year earlier, the company said Wednesday in a statement. Total first-quarter sales gained 1% to $14.5 billion. IBM also reiterated its previous outlook of $12 billion in free cash flow for the fiscal year ending in December.

The shares plunged 9.4% to $166.75 at 12:48 p.m. Thursday in New York, after earlier declining as much as 10%, the biggest intraday fall since January 2021. The stock had jumped 13% this year through Wednesdays close.

Separately Wednesday, IBM announced it has agreed to buy HashiCorp, which sells software that helps companies manage their cloud-computing operations, for an enterprise value of $6.4 billion. The acquisition is IBMs largest since buying software firm Red Hat in 2019 for $31.8 billion.

HashiCorp has a proven track record of enabling clients to manage the complexity of todays infrastructure and application sprawl, Krishna said in the statement. Combining IBMs portfolio and expertise with HashiCorps capabilities and talent will create a comprehensive hybrid cloud platform designed for the AI era.

Read More: IBM Acquires Software Maker HashiCorp in $6.4 Billion Deal

With the HashiCorp acquisition, IBM will run the Red Hat playbook by pushing the product to its global catalog of customers, Chief Financial Officer Jim Kavanaugh said in an interview. The deal will boost earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization within the first year, he added, and sees HashiCorps free cash flow margin climbing to 30% to 40% as a part of IBM.

Story continues

IBM has eclipsed $1 billion in bookings for AI-focused products and consulting since mid-2023, Krishna said in the statement. That figure is roughly two-thirds consulting, and will mostly be recognized as revenue in 2025, Kavanaugh added.

The consulting results reflect a weak IT spending climate, wrote Anurag Rana, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Kavanaugh said that clients continue to tighten their spending owing to an uncertain economic environment.

Red Hat posted sales growth of 9%, another comparatively slow period for a business that once regularly jumped more than 20% each quarter. Profit, excluding some items, was $1.68 a share.

HashiCorp posted a sales gain of 22% to $583 million in its most recent fiscal year, which ended in January. The company has struggled recently due to a mix of sales execution and slowing cloud migrations, wrote Jason Ader, an analyst at William Blair. As part of IBM, HashiCorp could benefit from a more standardized sales approach and better ability to bundle tools to drive up the value of paid subscriptions, he wrote.

(Updates with trading in the first and fourth paragraphs.)

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(LA PLATA COUNTY, Colo.)  Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recently helped rescue two yearling mountain lions that had become trapped in a spillway at Vallecito Reservoir and could have drowned if not for the watchful eye of a reservoir employee.

According to CPW, on Friday, April 19, Pine River Irrigation District (PRID) Dam Tender Mike Canterbury was about to release water from the reservoir down into the spillway when he noticed two young mountain lions. Canterbury called CPW, and Wildlife Officer Ty Smith responded.

CPW said the young mountain lions possibly became trapped due to the high walls of the spillway.

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

As the water release likely would have drowned the two young mountain lions, CPW said PRID Superintendent Ken Beck and Dam Tender Canterbury spotting the mountain lions and delaying the release gave the youngsters a second chance. PRID also opened the hydroelectric plant property to allow CPW a chance to rescue the mountain lions.

CPW rescues yearling mountain lions from spillway

CPW rescues yearling mountain lions from spillway

CPW said Wildlife Officer Smith wasnt sure if he would need to dart the mountain lions or if they would possibly come out another way, so with rope in hand, he inched out onto a retaining wall and dangled the rope to see if the mountain lion cubs would grab onto it. To his surprise, one of them did!

CPW said the first mountain lion held onto the rope all the way to the top of the spillway barrier and took off into the woods.

Watch the incredible video of the rescue below:

The second mountain lion was more hesitant to trust wildlife officers and refused to grab onto the rope. It unfortunately ran down the spillway all the way to where the Los Pinos River continues below the dam. There it once again became trapped, since it refused to swim through the water to reach the bank.

Hoping to avoid darting the animal, CPW said Smith climbed down a ladder into the spillway, in search of an alternative way to free the mountain lion.

After a brief standoff, Officer Smith was able to get the lion interested in the rope, CPW said.

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Courtesy: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

CPW staff were able to successfully rescue the second mountain lion by using a catch pole and pulling it over the concrete wall. The lion was released from the catch pole, and after a few minutes of catching its breath beneath a nearby truck, it also ran off in the direction of its sibling.

We thank Beck and Canterbury for delaying the dam release and reporting this to give CPW a chance to rescue them, CPW said, praising the compassionate actions of the two PRID workers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO)  It started out as a normal Saturday night for Ronald May.

He had just gone to the casino in Terre Haute, and was pulling into his driveway when he noticed a red truck behind him.

He got out of his car and looked at the man, later identified as Dustin Roecker, 35, before Roecker began to speed right at him.

He just looked at me, then all of a sudden, he let out this battle cry yell and just floored the gas, May said.

Wild video shows man shooting at naked attacker in truck

May broke down what happened from his perspective.

The only choice I had was to try and jump up over the vehicle. I took a step back and stepped on the seal of my door, and I used that as leverage to get higher, absorbed the hit from the truck and landed on the hood, he said. As I was going through the air, I was definitely reaching for my pistol that was in my pocket.

Despite breaking two bones in his lower leg, May fired off several shots into the truck to protect himself.

I had no idea if he was still coming at me or whats going on, May said. I can tell you this is the first time I ever used my pistol and the only reason I did that is because I had no other choice to do what I did.

There would be no further altercation. Roecker ran from the scene naked and ended up stealing a nearby vehicle and initiating a pursuit with Indiana State Police. He was later caught, and airlifted to a hospital for gunshot wounds while May and the female passenger in his car were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Roecker was charged with attempted murder, auto theft, criminal recklessness, and resisting law enforcement.

It wasnt until later that May watched the footage of the incident, which he called a surreal experience.

Watching the video, like you said, its nothing you would expect in real life. This only happens in the movies, he said. You just dont believe it.

His focus is now on his recovery  which will take months  but May said he is thankful for the support he has around him in his home and around the community.

A lot of people have reached out with support, its been almost overwhelming at times for sure. Been getting a lot of requests and friendships, everyones been trying to reach out. Just trying to get around the house has been a chore, Im not used to that, he said.

Most importantly, hes happy that it wasnt any worse on Saturday.

Very grateful to be alive because I know that couldve turned out so much worse, May said. Im thankful I still exercise and I had the strength to jump, and that I had the reflexes to do what I did or it couldve been so much worse.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Watchdog CEO confronts anti-Israel protesters at Columbia: 'Which is your favorite terrorist group?'

Watchdog CEO confronts anti-Israel protesters at Columbia: 'Which is your favorite terrorist group?'

FIRST ON FOX: A watchdog organization with a focus on higher education released footage exposing the chaos occurring at the epicenter of the anti-Israel protests plaguing one of America's most prestigious Ivy League universities.

Adam Guillette, president of Accuracy in Media, went to the Columbia University campus in New York City to speak with the people behind the anti-Israel protests that have erupted at the school, filming his encounters in a video shared with Fox News Digital.

Guillette, who is Jewish, confronted several individuals at the protest but did not receive a warm welcome when he asked them questions about Hamas, the safety of Jewish students, and why they were protesting Israel.

One person said students are not being threatened on the campus, despite the Morningside main campus switching to hybrid or remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester due to safety concerns.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS

The president of Accuracy in Media spoke with anti-Israeli protesters at Columbia University, including one person who flipped him off.

When asked who their favorite terrorist group was, one activist said, "IDF," which stands for the Israel Defense Forces, the military of Israel.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Others cursed at Guillette or told him to "shut up" when asked if Hamas should remain in charge of "Palestine." Another person flipped off Guillette and told him to "f--- off."

DEMOCRATIC REP GOTTHEIMER SAYS HE WOULD BE WORRIED TO SEND CHILDREN TO COLUMBIA AFTER VISITING PROTESTS

The footage also captured a crowd that was reciting a chant comparing the New York City Police Department to the KKK.

Anti-Israel agitators set up an encampment on the Columbia University campus in New York City on April 22, 2024.

When asked what the best way to deal with Hamas would be, one person said "to dissolve the Israeli state."

The watchdog group also brought "moving trucks" to the protest that called for Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign as she faces calls from Congress to step down.

Anti-Israel agitators demonstrate outside the Columbia University campus in New York City on April 18, 2024.

"[Columbia University President] Minouche Shafik has failed time and again to protect Jewish students on campus and hold antisemitic students and faculty accountable," Guillette said in a statement to Fox News Digital last week.

"During Wednesdays hearing, Shafik made a number of empty promises and insincere statements about the state of antisemitism on Columbias campus," he continued. "Just one day later, radical antisemites continued to terrorize Jewish students on campus and spew their hateful ideology. The last 48 hours have made it abundantly clear that Shafik is not fit to serve as Columbia President."

The cameraman filming for Accuracy in Media was reportedly assaulted while filming the agitators, according to the video.

"One thing that is abundantly clear is that this campus is out of control," Guillete said in the video. "These are radicals, they need to be held accountable."

More than 100 anti-Israel protesters were arrested at New York University on Monday as similar protests have erupted on college campuses across the country.





Original article source: Watchdog CEO confronts anti-Israel protesters at Columbia: 'Which is your favorite terrorist group?'
Water quality has improved dramatically in the Chicago River. But how safe is swimming?

When organizers announced their plans for an open swim in the Chicago River in September, residents across the city raised their eyebrows.

The days when the river was a dumping ground for the largest slaughterhouse in the world are long past. And, sewage that once flowed directly into the river is now funneled through wastewater treatment plants first. But when powerful storms hit the city, sewage and stormwater runoff spill into local waterways raising bacteria levels.

Caitlin Jonassen, a lifelong Chicagoan, said she would not even consider swimming in the river. Last year, she said she was getting in a kayak near the end of the swims planned course when she fell in.

Not only was it freezing, and I was extremely grossed out by the masses of who knows what floating close by, but I actually broke out in a horrible rash all over that took a couple of days to clear, Jonassen said. It was a pretty horrific experience. As a Chicago native, I wish the river could be cleaned up enough where I would trust swimming in it, but for now its extremely far away from that for me.

Still, swimming in the river, which has improved dramatically over the past few decades, can be done safely, according to many experts.

A lot of people think about the Chicago River as being super gross, super polluted, Elsa Anderson, an assistant professor of environmental science at Northwestern University, said. And at one point in time, that was true. But with the Clean Water Act in the early 1970s, its not.

Anderson said scientists have been able to measure the rivers improvement by looking at the vast increase in fish and plant species. The river has become a thriving wetland, according to Anderson.

Since the announcement of the race three weeks ago, more than 1,100 swimmers have applied to compete, said organizer Doug McConnell, who emphasized that safety is a priority. McConnell is still working on getting approval from the city.

McConnell, who has swum the English Channel, Manhattan Island and Tampa Bay, said participants will be heavily screened and carefully selected.

We are going to make sure the people that actually go into the water are really qualified, McConnell said. These are people who have swum the English Channel, swum Amsterdam, or done other urban swims and know what theyre getting themselves into.

How long ago it rained

Though the river may be improving, organized swimming hasnt been authorized in more than a century.

Timothy Hoellein, an aquatic ecologist at Loyola University Chicago who studies urban ecosystems, said thats because heavy rains and a large urban population can contribute to dangerous conditions.

Chicago has a combined sewer system, which means stormwater runoff and sewage flow through the same pipes. That waste is decontaminated at a wastewater treatment plant, which removes disease-causing organisms before they enter the river.

But, intense downpours can overwhelm the system and cause overflows that send untreated runoff and human waste directly into the river.

According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, sewage was discharged into the Chicago River because of heavy rains a handful of times last summer.

So much rain fell over the July 1 weekend that waste and runoff poured out of nearly a dozen overflow pipes across Cook County, from Evanston to Westchester, many for hours at a time. MWRD had to open the locks near Navy Pier to relieve pressure on the system, allowing more than 1.1 billion gallons of waste to flow into Lake Michigan.

Costly Deep Tunnel flooding project cant handle Chicago areas severe storms fueled by climate change

Theres been really, really major changes in how we manage our drinking water, and our wastewater and our environmental footprint as it relates to the river, Hoellein said. But when theres been one of these combined sewer overflows, theres more potential for disease-causing organisms and microbes in the water.

As long as everything in the river has gone through a wastewater treatment plant, Hoellein added, its safe to swim.

Whether Id get in depends on how long ago it rained very hard, Hollein said. A couple of days or a week or so after, I think it would probably would be OK. But if youre talking like right after a big rainfall or right after a plant overflow, I would not (get in).

Monitoring bacteria levels

MWRD records and regularly publishes the amount of fecal coliform in the river.

Drinking or coming into contact with elevated levels of this type of bacteria may cause an upset stomach, vomiting, fever or diarrhea. It can also cause serious conditions or death in vulnerable populations such as children, older people and those with weak immune systems.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the maximum safe level of fecal coliform in freshwater is 500 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of water. In 2023, MWRD reported an average of 1,536 cfu per 100 ml at Wells Street  where swimmers will be  down from a 2022 average of 5,290 cfu per 100 ml.

McConnell said the threat of a combined sewer overflow was front of mind in planning the event. The group picked September, Chicagos driest month, and chose the downtown section of the river purposely to avoid contaminants.

Hoellein said water in the downtown strip of the Chicago River water primarily flows from the lake. Somewhere like the North Shore Channel is far more likely to see raw sewage, he said.

Still, McConnell said his nonprofit A Long Swim, which is putting on the event, will monitor water safety up until the day of the swim using data from MWRD and H2NOW Chicago, a water quality monitoring system in the Chicago River that updates every 15 minutes. In the event of a combined sewage overflow, he said, the event will be canceled.

We will monitor bacteria levels in the water, just like they do bacteria levels at Oak Street Beach, or, you know, at the indoor pools of health clubs, McConnell said.

Laura Kochevar, who is from the Chicago area, said she kayaks in the river every couple of weeks. She said shes increasingly seen birds, fish and turtles on her trips, and she applied to swim in Septembers event.

They have a lot of safety measures in place, and Im very comfortable, she said. People just have The Jungle by Upton Sinclair in mind, but thats from 1905. That image of a meatpacking plant is just cemented in their mind, and thats not the case any longer.

A final step

A Long Swim is inviting 500 participants to swim 2.4 miles from the Clark Street Bridge through a loop course between State Street and Wolf Point. The event will support ALS research at Northwestern University and has long been a dream for McConnell, a Chicago-area native who lost his dad to ALS.

We wanted it to be in Chicago, because were from here, Northwestern is here, and weve got this fabulous resource in the form of the Chicago River, McConnell said. Its really the whole reason Chicago is here in the first place.

While McConnell said he has been in touch with the U.S. Coast Guard, he hasnt received approval or the appropriate permits from the city  despite opening applications for the race.

Ald. Bill Conway, 34th, whose ward is where the swim would take place, said he was surprised to learn the event had been planned without collaboration with his office or the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

At a Cultural Affairs meeting earlier this month, Conway asked city officials about the event and was told it had not yet been permitted.

Moving forward, its important that they coordinate closely with DCASE and area alders to obtain the appropriate permits and ensure this event can be done safely for both participants and residents in our community, Conway said.

McConnell said A Long Swim is working toward getting city approval and is hopeful the event will proceed as planned.

Were working with the Coast Guard, who is coordinating with the city, he said. We want to make sure we have the most successful and safe event possible.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG)  Wawa is coming to Fairhope, and the stores grand opening is Thursday.

Alabama has bought the Foley Beach Express Bridge  heres what that means for drivers

Wawa, a convenience store chain with locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington, D.C., offers fresh food service with hoagies, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, specialty beverages, a dinner menu, soups, sides, and snacks, a news release said.

Wawa will open its first Alabama convenience store in Fairhope, with more planned in the region. (Photo courtesy of Wawa; used with permission.)

The grand opening of the Fairhope location, which officials say is the first of three Wawa stores to come to the Mobile and Baldwin markets before the end of the summer, will happen at 10 a.m. on April 25 at 18968 Greeno Road.

Officials said the grand opening will feature hundreds of customers, local officials, first responders, and community partners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an event of historic proportions to mark this milestone in Wawa and Alabama history.

UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled for two missing children

Highlights of the event will include the following, according to a press release:

The first 250 customers at the grand opening event will receive T-shirts

The new store team will burst through a breakaway banner

A Wawa Parade of the Ages will showcase the milestones of Wawas history

Wawa President Brian Schaller will be at the event, discussing the expected local and community impact of the expansion

Local officials will also speak about the significance of the grand opening

A representative from Prodisee Pantry will speak about their partnership with the store and Wawas commitment to donating a portion of hoagie sales of its first store opening in Fairhope (up to $5,000) through the Lending a Helping Hoagie signature Wawa program

A Hoagie for Heroes Hoagie Building Competition is scheduled between local first responders. Teams face off in a battle of bravery, skill and hoagie-building expertise to benefit charities of their choice, the news release said. Wawa will donate $1,000 to each teams selected charity.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)  An inmate at the Washington County, Tennessee Detention Center (WCDC) has been charged with attempted second-degree murder after she reportedly attacked a corrections officer in a housing unit on Wednesday morning.

According to a social media post by the Washington County Sheriffs Office (WCSO), Patricia Nunley, 44, of Bristol, Tennessee, was charged in connection to the alleged attack.

The WCSO reports an officer was in the process of moving Nunley from one housing unit to another in the jail Wednesday morning when Nunley began cursing at the officer and attempting to strike her in the face.

Northeast Tenn. law enforcement supports bill to increase penalty for assaulting officers

The officer deployed her department-issued chemical agent to subdue the suspect at which point Nunley struck the officer in the face, used her arm to choke the officer and continued to hit the officer, the sheriffs office stated.

During the encounter, other inmates in the unit attempted to pull Nunley off of the officer, and the pair fell to the ground. The WCSO said as the officer tried to use her radio to call for help, Nunley reportedly took the radios cord, wrapped it around the officers neck and attempted to strangle her.

Two inmates were able to pull Nunleys hands away and free the officer. After this, the WCSO said detention officers entered the unit and separated all parties. The officer who was assaulted was transported to an area medical facility for treatment, the sheriffs office said.

Nunley was charged with attempted second-degree murder as a result of the attack. The WCSO said she was initially incarcerated for failure to appear on a court date related to a misdemeanor false activation of a fire alarm charge. The WCSO said her bond was set at $50,000 and her next court appearance is April 25.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Maritime archaeologists Johan Ronnby (left) and Rolf Warming diving near the stern of the Gribshunden wreck. The ship sank in 1495 and was rediscovered in the 1970s. .

Underwater archaeologists in Sweden have determined that a chest in the wreck of a 15th-century warship held tools to make lead shots for early handguns. The finding hints at key changes in naval battles at the time.

The chest is in the wreck of the Gribshunden ("Griffin hound"), a Danish royal "floating castle" that sank in 1495 at an anchorage in southern Sweden after a fire attributed to the mishandling of gunpowder.

The discovery could shed new light on the fate of the vessel, according to Rolf Warming , a maritime archaeologist and doctoral student at Stockholm University. Warming co-authored a new report on the weapons chest and other new finds from the Gribshunden wreck with Johan Ronnby , a maritime archaeologist and professor at Sodertorn University in Sweden. The wreck was discovered by recreational divers in the 1970s, and Ronnby has studied it since 2013.

The discovery also hints at an early development in naval warfare from ramming and engaging in hand-to-hand combat  the tactics used since ancient times  to attacking enemy ships at a distance with gunfire, Warming said. But he stressed that it took more than a century for the development to become widespread.

"This is very much at the beginning of what we call the 'military revolution at sea,'" Warming told Live Science. "The tactics and technology for that were only fulfilled in the second half of the 17th century."

Related: 30 incredible sunken wrecks from WWI and WWII

Weapons chest

Warming and Ronnby used photogrammetry, a technique that involves digitally stitching together photos, to create a precise, virtual 3D model of the weapons chest . The chest is still underwater at the wreck site in coastal islands near the Swedish town of Ronneby, but Warming hopes it will be recovered soon. Conserving its contents will be a lengthy process, he said.

Based on what can be seen in the top layer of the chest, it contained several differently sized molds for the ball-shaped lead shots used in early handguns, plates of lead to be melted down for the molds, and cylinders that appear to have been canisters for gunpowder.

We see a decayed wooden chest with golden-looking artifacts on the top.

The researchers identified the chest as a "zeuglade," a type of tool chest that was used to make ammunition and which contemporary illustrations show on battlefields of the time.

They think the chest belonged to a company of German-speaking mercenaries on the ship when it sank; and a shirt of chain-mail armor, made of brass in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg in the early 1400s, was found elsewhere on the wreck, Warming said.

A scuba diver looking at the shipwreck.

The cylinders in the zeuglade are similar to those known to have stored gunpowder, he said. But it wasn't clear if any powder they held was also used in the ship's many swivel guns, nor whether their mishandling led to the fire and explosion on the vessel  a possibility that was later suggested.

Diplomatic mission

The Gribshunden was the flagship of the Danish king Hans (or John), who was going to the Swedish town of Kalmar when the vessel sank. Hans and his retinue were not on board at the time.

Gold-colored chainmail against a white background.

Kalmar had been the site of a 14th-century agreement to unite Denmark, Norway and Sweden under a single monarch, known as the Kalmar Union. But it had fallen into abeyance, and in 1495, Hans had been trying to persuade Sweden to rejoin the union, with Hans as its ruler.

One of the chainmail rings had a

Learning more about the fire that sank the Gribshunden might help resolve lingering questions about it, Warming said. He noted that the ship's diplomatic mission meant there were probably fewer soldiers on board than its full complement in times of war.

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Warming and Ronnby also found evidence of "elevated combat platforms" built above the bow and stern of the Gribshunden. The soldiers would have used these platforms during naval battles, perhaps to bombard their enemies with crossbows and firearms.

Such platforms were the origin of the shipboard term "fo'csle," meaning "forecastle," Warming said; and the Gribshunden one of the earliest ships where these platforms had been built into the hull, rather than being added after the ship's construction.

Editor's note: Updated at 9:40 a.m. EDT on April 24 to note that Danish king Hans was going to the town of Kalmar when the vessel sank, not returning from it as was previously stated. Also, that the Gribshunden was one of the earliest ships with a forecastle, not the earliest.
US weapons on way to Ukraine within hours, pledges Joe Biden

155mm shells coming off the production line at the Scranton US army ammunition plant in Pennsylvania - CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Joe Biden has promised to send weapons and ammunition to the front lines in Ukraine within hours in the first delivery since the approval of a $61 billion military aid package for Kyiv.

On Wednesday night, the White House unveiled the first tranche of support, including Himars rockets, air defence missiles and artillery ammunition, after President Biden signed the aid package into law.

It said it would surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraines ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russias continued attacks.

Supporters of Ukraine celebrated in Washington DC after the passage of the military aid package, seen as vital in turning the tide of war - KEVIN DIETSCH/GETTY IMAGES

I am making sure that the shipments start right away. In the next few hours we are going to begin sending equipment to Ukraine, for air defence munitions, for artillery, for rocket systems and armoured vehicles, President Biden said.

Ukraine has suffered a series of battlefield setbacks in recent months because of shortages of artillery shells and air defence interceptor missiles, partially fuelled by delays to US aid because of a stalemate in the House of Representatives.

Air defence missiles

Washington pledged to support Kyivs forces with both Rim-7 and Aim-9m air-defence missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft systems to help fight back against Russias long-range aerial bombardments.

It also promised an unspecified number of 155mm artillery shells, including some with Dpicm cluster warheads, to support Howitzer units on the frontline.

Ukrainian, US and Nato officials had previously warned that Kyivs troops have all been forced to make life-or-death decisions on when to target advancing Russians because of shell hunger.

Analysts have claimed Russian firepower outnumbers Ukraine five to one, with that number growing in areas of the battlefield.

Kyiv has 15 different types of 155mm howitzers that have been donated by its Western allies.

155mm M864 cluster shell

The guns have been working overtime in a war that has largely been dominated by artillery fire.

This has resulted in shortages of the 155mm shells and the barrels, which eventually succumb to usage, amongst Ukraines artillery units.

Of the US donations, Matthew Savill, the military sciences director of the defence and security think tank Rusi, said: Its unlikely this will create immediate parity with the Russian volume of fire, but it will help close the gap.

He added: The Pentagon has already said that some items readied for donation but awaiting approval have been positioned so as to minimise delivery time, almost certainly including 155mm shells.

Mr Savill suggested the US military support was unlikely to be enough to help Kyiv regain the initiative on the battlefield, but would stabilise the situation and allow it to rebuild.

Joe Biden speaks to reporters on Wednesday after signing the bill providing military aid for Ukraine - RON SACHS/POOL VIA CNP/INSTAR IMAGES

The main point is that this funding can probably only help stabilise the Ukrainian position for this year and begin preparations for operations in 2025, he said.

The boost to morale and more ammunition to strengthen their defences are necessary pre-conditions for the hard work to begin reconstituting Ukrainian combat forces and  critically  collective training to build a force that stands a chance of making progress next year.

Predictability of funding through 2024 and into 2025 will help the Ukrainians plan the defence this year, especially if European supplies of ammunition also come through, but further planning and funds will be required for 2025, and we have a US election between now and then.

Vehicles

Alongside artillery and air-defence munitions, the aid package will include American Bradley and Mrap armoured fighting vehicles.

The vehicles were first delivered to Kyiv ahead of its summer counter-offensive, but they have since been used by Ukrainian forces in skirmishes against advancing Russian troops and tanks.

A promise of Himars rockets will also come as a boost to help Ukraines efforts to degrade Russian logistics, such as fuel and ammunition depots, deep behind enemy lines.

Meanwhile, Javelin and other types of pledged anti-tank weapons will assist Ukraine in blunting a series of Russian pushes across the front lines.

Aircraft

In a further boost to Ukraine, the White Houses announcement lists unspecified airfield support equipment that could be in preparation for the arrival of F-16 fighter jets in the country.

But there was no mention of deliveries of the American-made Patriot air-defence batteries or their missiles.

America has not set out whether it will donate more missiles, but part of the military aid is expected to be used to convince European allies to hand over their Pac-2 missiles to speed up delivery.

Some $7.3 billion is allocated to cover the costs of US operations in Europe, while another $13 billion is earmarked to replenish US stockpiles.

Ukraine is calling for up to seven Patriot batteries to help it protect its major cities. In recent weeks, Kyivs European allies  Germany aside  have failed to make any significant pledges towards the goal, leaving the US to meet its needs.

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.
Welcome to Wash Al: Car crashes through Washougal sign

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Traffic slowed in Washougal Wednesday morning after a car left a roundabout and ran through the Washougal sign, authorities said.

According to Washington State Patrol trooper Will Finn, the car was traveling east when it struck the sign in the roundabout.

The driver, a 56-year-old man from Stevenson, WA, was impaired at the time of the crash authorities said.

A car left a Washougal, WA roundabout crashing through a sign and landing on its side (KOIN)

A car left a Washougal, WA roundabout crashing through a sign and landing on its side (KOIN)

A car left a Washougal, WA roundabout crashing through a sign and landing on its side (KOIN)

The driver and passenger were trapped in the car and needed to be rescued by aid workers and officials said neither of them were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

They were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Stay tuned with KOIN 6 as we bring you updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Former Douglas Anderson School of the Arts teacher Jeffrey Clayton has pleaded guilty to four charges stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct with students.

Those charges include two counts of offenses against students by authority figures; indecent, lewd or lascivious touching of minors; and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

The guilty plea comes more than a year after he was arrested based on accusations by a Douglas Anderson student, who told police hed kissed her on multiple occasions and sent her inappropriate text messages.

Detectives arranged a phone call between Clayton and the student, in which he made multiple incriminating statements.

RELATED: Jeffrey Clayton: Former Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student pleads guilty

Clayton could face anywhere between three and 40 years in prison, which will be decided during the sentencing phase.

There were definitely signs, former Douglas Anderson student Shyla Jenkins said.

Jenkins graduated from the school in 2002 and had Clayton as a teacher.

RELATED: State senator calls out current superintendent for issues at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

Shes been calling for change since learning of Claytons arrest last year.

Jenkins told Action News Jax she hopes the judge sends a message loud and clear when deciding his sentence.

Were just hopeful, and people that Ive talked to, people that have been following this or been a victim of this, you know, that the judge wont be lenient and that hell get the max sentence, Jenkins said.

RELATED: Victim interview details former Douglas Anderson teachers alleged inappropriate touching

Since Claytons arrest last year, three other Douglas Anderson teachers have been removed from the classroom.

Another teacher, Chris Allen-Black, was arrested in Orange County in February for indecent exposure while staying at a resort on Disney property.

It took the district six weeks to remove Allen-Black from the classroom and inform parents of the situation after learning of his arrest.

RELATED: Is this true? Jail calls of former Douglas Anderson teacher accused of lewd conduct with student

Students are really at risk in the classroom as we speak, State Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) said.

Yarborough sent a letter to the district demanding answers about the situation at Douglas Anderson, and even ccd Gov. Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.

RELATED: DCPS learned of Douglas Anderson teachers arrest 6 weeks before removing him from the classroom

Enough is enough and we need to know whats happening, Yarborough said.

Jenkins said she hopes with higher-level officials beginning to take notice, the district will be forced to become more transparent, and perhaps, improve conditions at the school.

And really what were fighting for is to save this school, change the culture and really bring back why this school is important, Jenkins said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Action News Jax reached out to Duval County Public Schools, the Florida Department of Education, and the Governors Office for comment on Yarboroughs letter.

DCPS sent the following response:

We have received the Senators letter. Dr. Kriznar is preparing a comprehensive plan to address the situation at Douglas Anderson. In addition to addressing the situation at DA, the plan will include safeguards for students in schools throughout the district. This plan will be announced and implemented prior to the conclusion of her service as superintendent.

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Yarborough issued a statement following the response provided by the district Wednesday:

For DCPS and the Citys Office of General Counsel to delay the release of the taxpayer-funded investigation report related to the 2023 scandal suggests more wrongdoing is being hidden. Parents are demanding answers and our students deserve better. Where is the transparency? Todays news does not cure the ongoing pattern of inappropriate sexual issues at the school. Ignoring years worth of symptoms brought us to what happened today and it is only one part. Waiting until after hiring another new Superintendent or until after this years School Board elections to release the investigation report will only make matters worse, said Yarborough. The District and City have an opportunity right now to start dealing with the chronic problems. Will they choose to do so or look the other way is the question. Also, it is unknown whether the district responded to the federal lawsuit filed 11/11/23 by a former DA student.

We are still waiting to hear back from the Florida Department of Education and DeSantis office.

Claytons sentencing is set for June 14.

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.
Heavy lift specialist Mammoet is innovating with zero-emission lifting and transport on site to help its customers reduce their carbon footprint of projects.

If you ask me what my main vision is, I want us to redefine the construction site - at least at small scale initially - where we have electric or hydrogen cars, electric cranes, electric trucks, and have all this equipment cross-link and charge each other, says Mammoet Head of Sustainability Mathias Hoogstra.

An energy hub or energy balancing system would know where to direct power efficiently during a project. Equipment with the lowest energy would be fed by the equipment with the highest, or when required powered by additional external sources like hydrogen or bio-fuel generators. So, by design, we focus on exchanging energy as efficiently as possible and becoming zero-emission on site.

Sustainability vital

As the leader in heavy lifting and transportation, Mammoet sees sustainability as an important factor in the future of its industry. But given the huge loads it deals with; electrifying fleets of cranes and self-propelled trailers has for years felt like a pipe dream.

Thanks to recent developments, the company can now credibly offer a whole project solution without tailpipe emissions  using equipment that it has already introduced to the market. The sustainable revolution is gathering pace in heavy industry, with large rewards on offer for those nimble enough to adapt.

Hoogstra continues: You see now, in government legislation but also in the tendering process, solutions that are adhering to zero emissions score more points. In the past this was the case, but the delta is becoming more and more significant in the value chain.

I wouldnt say the whole flood wave is already there, but the first change is starting. If you want to be a leader in the market, in my opinion, you must ensure that you are leading this whole transition and are at the forefront for your customers.

Specific needs

Rafael Martinez, Sales Manager for the civil sector at Mammoet, has noticed the requirement for sustainable heavy lifting and transport growing over a number of years.

Low or zero-emission conditions are becoming more common these days, says Martinez.

There are sometimes very specific needs to drive down the carbon impact of projects, originated by local particularities or restrictions by public entities, like projects within congested urban environments, or environmentally protected areas. In Europe, this is something we are already seeing for tunnels.

Martinez is clear that the point has been reached where there is no turning back, and this is something that all companies must implement to succeed.

It can go faster in some sectors and countries, slower in others. Ultimately, we are all on this trajectory and all businesses must adapt and prepare. From a public opinion perspective, no-one will be able to sell the need for more diesel-powered machines on-site. It is starting to become more important, and in certain cases it becomes key. In fact, projects that generate significant carbon emissions find it more and more difficult to secure funding from large financial institutions.

Towards zero emissions on site

Mammoet has been investing in ways to make its equipment less diesel-reliant, to give its customers greater choice when it comes to alternative power sources and help those customers to realize benefits such as smoother permitting procedures and a lower cost of borrowing.

This has led to the scenario where, using existing equipment such as the electric SPMT transporter and the SK series of cranes, Mammoet can now offer a tailpipe emissions-free solution that could serve the entire site lifting and transport scope of a project.

Its a vision that, just a few years ago, would have seemed impossible, considering the long working hours required of Mammoet equipment.

I would say we are proving ourselves now, says Hoogstra.

We were developing for specific markets; and from this we are now seeing that we can combine different solutions to make a whole project more sustainable, whatever the demand is. For example, we can now execute the marshalling and pre-assembly scopes of an offshore wind farm emissions-free.

Our focus in the civil sector is to make sure that the movements of large items, such as viaducts and bridges, can be carried out with zero emissions using hydraulics that are powered by electricity. We installed a tunnel section recently in Belgium, of 850 tonnes, and did it fully electric. So, we can do it and can scale up fast to make sure we can do more.

Electric heavy transport

Mammoets Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) play a key part in many of its heavy lifting projects. Therefore, it made sense to look at how to electrify this key piece of equipment and offer a net zero heavy transport solution.

Mammoet consulted with a trusted supplier to make an existing diesel power pack fully electric, and the first ePPU (electric Power Pack Unit) prototype was tested in Mammoets yard in Schiedam, the Netherlands.

When comparing capabilities, there is no significant difference between electric and diesel powered SPMTs. Both offer an industry-standard 40 tonnes per axle line.

The power packs are the same size and fit in the same position on the transporters. They also operate in the same way, driving the hydraulics and powertrain.

In terms of charging, the pack can go from 0 to 100% in approximately five and a half hours, meaning it can charge overnight and be ready for action the next day  no significant change from the current scenario, where transporters generally lie idle at night.

Circular economy

Innovations like the ePPU are helping to breathe new life into existing Mammoet equipment.

Niek Bezuijen, Global Sustainability Advisor at Mammoet, says: We nominated an old power pack to upgrade, which didnt work as efficiently anymore. From a sustainability perspective, we thought: why dont we retrofit it and make it electric because this results in a tailpipe zero-emission solution, and less waste?

By reusing this equipment, we avoid the carbon impact of discarding it, the production cycle needed to create an all-new electric replacement, and  of course  the diesel emissions that the former equipment would have emitted when used.

The goal of Mammoets work is to offer its customer a range of options for lowering the carbon impact of projects. So, it is looking into zero-emission operations, of all kinds.

A hydrogen power feasibility test was carried out by skidding a single electrical transformer. The hydraulic system uses a hydrogen generator to perform the skidding operation. This solution emits only water vapour.

For practical reasons it is more favourable to do the operation electrically, via the grid, or with a battery, said Bezuijen. In remote areas, it is often still possible to bring a battery pack, because jacking and skidding at the lower tonnages doesnt require much energy  this is what we discovered with the test using hydrogen, in fact.

We performed the same test with the battery, and to put an electrical transformer in place we only used seven kilowatt-hours (kWh). To put that into perspective, a Tesla has around 60 or 70kWh of battery, so we only used 10% of that.

Net zero heavy lifting

Electric-powered cranes have been a focus for Mammoet for some time. It has engineered zero-emission offshore wind and onshore wind cranes, and the SK series of cranes has been a staple of its fleet for over a decade. The SK range is notable among ring cranes in that its hydraulics run from an electric motor, powered by a generator.

The SKs are great for construction projects that require a ring crane to be on site for a long period of time. But what about projects needing faster and shorter crane mobilisation?

To address this challenge, Mammoet recently developed a 100t mobile crane that boasts a fully electric cab.

This LTM 1095 crane was four years old, says Bezuijen. We decided to do a retrofit and use it as an opportunity to learn more about the electrification of our equipment. We also wanted to push the market for these types of cranes towards zero emission.

The upper carrier (the cab) is fully electric. It has a 105kWh battery inside, so we can run basically a normal working day with it. We conducted some tests a couple of months ago and the crane is now ready to operate.

The cranes pre-existing engine was actually still in good condition, so we were able to use it to breathe new life into another crane in the fleet whose drivetrain was approaching end-of-life, and again reduce waste.

Offsetting cost through energy efficiency

In terms of green energy adoption, one of the biggest barriers for these technologies is budget.

This is something that Mammoet is mindful of and has considered in its vision for sustainability. Through innovation, it wants to support heavy industry to find energy savings to offset the potential costs of going green.

Hoogstra believes the transition to electric, hydrogen and biofuel powered equipment - and a change in mindset - hold the answer: In previous years, we were looking to reduce usage of diesel on site. Now, we are taking a step further to monitor energy usage in an electric power environment and actively steer on efficient execution.

We are conducting tests with our range of electric equipment to determine typical power usage per shift. This will help our customers to put appropriate and cost-effective electricity infrastructure in place, best suited to the project at hand.

The only step remaining is to put these plans into action, says Hoogstra: We are looking forward to speeding up the whole process based on the needs of our customers. As such, we are looking for participants among our customer base that want to work with us and take these steps together.--TradeArabia News Service
Key Insights

Significant control over Sheffield Resources by individual investors implies that the general public has more power to influence management and governance-related decisions

40% of the business is held by the top 23 shareholders

14% of Sheffield Resources is held by insiders

Every investor in Sheffield Resources Limited (ASX:SFX) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 60% to be precise, is individual investors. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Private companies, on the other hand, account for 16% of the company's stockholders.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Sheffield Resources.

View our latest analysis for Sheffield Resources

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Sheffield Resources?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

Sheffield Resources already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Sheffield Resources' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Sheffield Resources is not owned by hedge funds. Hebei Yanshan Iron and Steel Group Co., Ltd. is currently the largest shareholder, with 9.9% of shares outstanding. With 6.4% and 5.8% of the shares outstanding respectively, BlackRock, Inc. and Walter Yovich are the second and third largest shareholders.

A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 23 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. We're not picking up on any analyst coverage of the stock at the moment, so the company is unlikely to be widely held.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of Sheffield Resources

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

It seems insiders own a significant proportion of Sheffield Resources Limited. Insiders own AU$31m worth of shares in the AU$222m company. It is great to see insiders so invested in the business. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying recently.

General Public Ownership

The general public -- including retail investors -- own 60% of Sheffield Resources. This size of ownership gives investors from the general public some collective power. They can and probably do influence decisions on executive compensation, dividend policies and proposed business acquisitions.

Private Company Ownership

Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 16%, of the company's shares. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Sheffield Resources .

If you would prefer check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, backed by strong financial data.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
West Nile virus cases jumped nearly 1,000% in Sacramento County last year. Heres why

West Nile virus cases rose 980% in Sacramento County in a one-year period after record-breaking storms drenched California in 2023, triggering local officials to request residents to practice mosquito mitigation as the insects this year threaten another intense season.

Two people died and 54 people contracted the West Nile Virus last year in Sacramento County, according to the California Department of Public Health. In 2022, the county recorded one death and five cases, the data show.

West Nile virus killed seven people last year across the four-county region of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer and Yolo  making 2023 the deadliest year for the disease in the past decade, state health data show.

The viral infections recorded last year in Sacramento, Yolo and El Dorado counties were also the highest going back to at least 2013, according to CDPH data. In Yolo County, the virus infected 45 people and killed three last year, up from three cases and zero deaths in 2022, according to CDPH. One person also died last year from West Nile virus in each of Placer and El Dorado counties.

It was a very, very bad year for West Nile virus last year, said Gary Goodman, the executive director of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, during Tuesdays Sacramento County Board of Supervisors meeting. We attribute that to the fact that we had so much water and so many new sources that we  had to deal with.

State water officials recorded one of the deepest snowpacks in Californias history last year after a series of atmospheric rivers buffeted the golden state.

Statewide, 428 people contracted West Nile virus in 2023, nearly double the case total recorded in 2022, according to the districts data.

But there may have been 12,000 to 30,000 statewide cases last year because the disease is severely under-reported, Goodman said.

Placer County saw six cases in 2023, up from two cases each of 2020, 2021 and 2022, according to the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. Placer County reported 35 instances in 2005, the districts data show.

El Dorado County experienced three viral infections in 2023 and zero in 2022, according to CDPH data.

Goodman said residents may not believe the virus is serious, but it can leave long-lasting, debilitating effects or result in death. Serious symptoms include encephalitis, blindness and paralysis.

CDPH found more than 50% of West Nile virus patients experienced symptoms one year after blood suckers deposited the virus, he said.

The control district sets about 100 mosquito traps daily to catch insects and test them for the endemic disease, Goodman said. It also breeds about 4,000 pounds of mosquitofish, which eat larvae in waters, he said.

But its difficult for district officials to peer into residents backyard to spot pools of water in which female blood suckers can lay their eggs, Goodman said. Any item  from large pools to small tire swings  holding water for about seven days can attract breeding mosquitoes, he said.

Residents are asked to dump water collected in their backyards frequently.

That would make a big  difference for their neighbors specifically, he said.

West Nile virus originates in birds and is transmitted by mosquitoes who suck their blood and release the virus into humans, Goodman said.

He asked residents to report dead birds or other concerns by calling 1-800-429-1022 or on www.fightthebite.net.
Amber Alert murder victim was part of child rape case against suspect, police say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Following a pursuit that ended with a suspected killer taking his own life, West Richland, Wash. police held a press conference Wednesday morning to share more details in the Elias Huizar double-murder and kidnapping case.

The multi-state manhunt began Monday afternoon after a shooting at William Wiley Elementary School in West Richland left Huizars ex-wife Amber Marie Rodriguez dead, after which police said Huizar killed the underage mother of his 1-year-old son, kidnapped the boy, and fled.

Welcome to Wash Al: Car crashes through Washougal sign

During the conference, officials revealed Rodriguez was a para-educator at the elementary school at the time of her death, and the 17-year-old girl, Angelica Santos, was shot and killed in a local residence. It is not clear which murder happened first, and autopsies are still pending.

Officials also announced that the teenager was the victim in the pending charges against Huizar for third-degree rape in 2022. The incident, according to court records, led to the birth of the child that was kidnapped on April 22, 2024.

Santos reportedly had a protective order against Huizar at the time of her death.

After multiple reported sightings throughout the day, Oregon State Police spotted Huizar driving south on Interstate 5 late Tuesday afternoon.

Contractor sues Intel claiming chemical exposure led to loss of smell, taste

After a short chase, police say Huizar crashed his car near Eugene before shooting and killing himself. His son was found unharmed.

The full press conference can be viewed in the video player below:

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
White House explains why US sent Ukraine ATACMS missiles back in March

Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to the US President, has confirmed media reports that Ukraine has already received ATACMS missiles and explained why the weapons were handed over back in March.

Source: Jake Sullivan during a briefing at the White House on 24 April, European Pravda reports

Quote: "That shipment started moving in March as part of the PDA [a mechanism that allows the US president to transfer weapons from army stockpiles  ed.] that the president authorised on 12 March, and those missiles have arrived in Ukraine."

Details: Sullivan said that in February, US President Joe Biden ordered that Ukraine be provided with "a significant number of ATACMS missiles for use inside Ukraines sovereign territory".

Biden's adviser noted that Washington made the decision on ATACMS after Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine and began massive attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Sullivan also reiterated that the main reason for not providing Ukraine with ATACMS had been "because of readiness concerns" [US combat readiness  ed.], but these were overcome by ordering a significant batch of the missiles from the manufacturers.

"And as a result, we can move forward with providing ATACMS while also sustaining the readiness of US forces," he concluded.

Background:

Reports in the US media said, citing sources, that Ukraine received ATACMS as part of a previous US$300 million military aid package announced in March, and has used them at least twice against Russian targets in temporarily occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

As reported on 24 April, US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that provides for about US$61 billion in additional military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help for other US allies.

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Getty Images photo of voters in line.

Ohio a few years ago was stripped by political scientists of the title bellwether state.

That was a perilous mistake. It assumes that elections and politics are what matter  not Ohio. There is something darker at play: Ohio remains the bellwether for Americas mood, the mood is anxiety, and left unchecked anxiety can abandon democracy  or even smash it.

Ohio is well down that road, and there is reason to believe that there are equally anxious pockets growing across the country.

The failure to recognize this angst, and respect it, is no different from racism, or sexism. The highly educated, comfortably paid academics, political scientists and pundits  the self-actualized who pay homage to diversity, equity and inclusion for race, gender, heritage and disabilities  fail to respect a diagnosable mental health issue, anxiety.

Even Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman, who says he is perplexed by Americas seemingly irrational economic perspective, posed the question, Whats the matter with Ohio? in a recent New York Times column. He checked off facts and logic to try to understand the reasons Ohioans vote and act as they do, but he did it without one critical step, which is to listen to people talk.

Talk, in Ohio, oozes anxiety.

But first, lets back up. Whats a bellwether? Its the predictor. From 1896 to 2016, the majority of Ohioans voted for the presidential winner on all but two occasions. Thus, the old saying was, As Ohio goes, so goes the nation.

So for decades, political writers parachuted into the state at election time, visiting this and that Ohio diner in search of real people who would talk honestly about their feelings  because Ohioans mattered. There was statistical evidence to back it up. Ohio, until a few years ago, was basically average. The state reflected America on many quality-of-life measures, like income, education and life expectancy.

But then came Donald Trumps 2020 national loss despite his resounding 8-point victory in Ohio. Curious political analysts reviewed Ohios quality-of-life statistics and declared that 2020 was not a blip. The states household income had fallen 16 percent below the national rate, life expectancy declined while nationally it grew, Ohio routinely ranked in the top five for the opioid-overdose death rate and the state had fallen behind in college education.

It was only days after the election that political scientists and journalists yanked the bellwether title.

However, Ohios slide into economic and mental despair is a caricature for islands of anxiety in such places as Newark, Waterloo, Buffalo, Birmingham, St. Louis, and Los Angeles.

An understanding of Ohio can shed light on Donald Trumps continued resonance as he beats a drum for retribution and autocracy.

Consider the life of manufacturing workers across America. They can identify with Ohios once robust auto, steel, tire and glass plants where American Dream jobs were displaced by automation. There are places in the South and Northeast and even the Pacific Coast that resemble the vast stretches of Ohios Mahoning, Cuyahoga and Miami valleys, where Google Earth imagery reveals the ghosts of abandoned railroad yards and footprints of dismantled factories.

Nearly one of every three Ohio goods-producing jobs has been lost since 2000  the backbone of the states century of success. Ohios median household income peaked in 2000. Some major urban counties, already economically ravaged at the turn of the century, lost in excess of 15% in yearly income since then. Economic and social depression followed, accompanied by an overdose crisis so deadly that Ohios life expectancy declined while the nation improved.

Now comes the second shoe.

At two recent community conversations in an upscale Cleveland suburb, where the discussion topic was trust, and who to trust, the threat of AI swept the room. There were real stories of AI taking jobs from young journalists, veteran lawyers, civil engineers, logistical experts and more.

And if that werent enough, they feared the power of AI to deceive people who already are distressed.

As an Ohio journalist for five decades who has relied on focus groups, community conversations and citizen juries, I can attest that these are raw feelings of people who increasingly feel unheard and disrespected. Hearing their reasons helps explain whats happening in Ohio  not whats the matter with Ohio.

Anxiety is a disorder that can come from trauma  like loss of financial security and health benefits. Anxiety can manifest itself in panic, phobias and diminished capacity to act in ones best interest. In fact, Krugman raised that very question: Why do Ohioans seemingly vote and act against their best interests?

Consider what Ohioans have done in recent years:

 Ohioans are significantly over-represented in the list of people charged or convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, ranking fourth among the states for arrests as a percent of population.

 A meeting of paramilitary groups, including some who would later be charged in the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, was held in an upscale suburb of Ohios capital city.

 The White male supremacist in the Charlottesville Unite the Right event who drove through a crowd killing and injuring counter protestors was from Ohio.

 The only violence following the FBI raid on Donald Trumps Florida home was an armed Ohio man who attempted to enter FBI offices in Cincinnati, ending in a shoot-out.

 And in religion, the split in the United Methodist Church was profound in Ohio, which had the highest number of defections in the Midwest. According to a Methodist study, the secessionist congregations opposed the big-tent welcoming policy of leadership and leaned into Christian nationalism.

Smashing government and institutions is now in Ohios water. Elected officials are freed to dismantle democracy:

 In exchange for $61 million in bribes, a gaggle of Republican and corporate leaders orchestrated a $1.3 billion utility-rate increase in 2019  on people already struggling economically. Though the House Speaker and former party chief are in prison, two of the accused committed suicide and two others await trial, state leaders have not changed course. Ohioans still pay an estimated $500,000 daily in higher electric rates due to gross public corruption.

 The state withheld critical information that could have saved hundreds from opioid overdoses. Amidst rumors that overdose deaths were increasing in 2021, Gov. Mike DeWine shut down access to death data as he prepared for his 2022 reelection campaign. Those numbers had been used for several years by journalists to explore efficacy of intervention programs in their communities, but for DeWines 2022 reelection bid, no one knew whether the overdose epidemic was under control. It wasnt. The overall deaths increased by 300 in 2021. Open government was gone.

 Then there was the outright disregard for the rule of law. DeWine and the supermajority Republican legislature gave themselves less than two months in 2021 to redraw legislative districts in compliance with a new anti-gerrymandering constitutional amendment passed overwhelmingly by Ohioans. The state supreme court determined that the hastily drawn maps were in violation of the constitution. DeWine and the redistricting commission defied the court and did not draw compliant districts.

 To no ones surprise, then, Ohioans in 2022 elected another legislative GOP supermajority from egregiously gerrymandered and unconstitutional districts  and reelected a governor who was withholding death records.

 Next was the dismantling of public education. In 2023, the unconstitutionally gerrymandered super-majority stripped the elected state board of education of its power and transferred the states biggest function  public education  into DeWines office. This was in direct opposition to a long-ago state referendum that established an independent department of education overseen by an elected state board.

 As for the state supreme court, which had ruled that the legislative districts were unconstitutional, DeWine and the GOP had a plan for retribution. They changed the judicial election process from nonpartisan to partisan and then poured money into the Republican ticket, and won. The new court  which includes DeWines son  approved the latest legislative maps.

 And, Ohio is the home of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, who would have overthrown the 2020 election, Congressman Jim Jordan, who participated in a key White House meeting with Trump in the lead-up to Jan. 6, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who said he would have changed the 2020 election process  on Jan. 6, 2021.

If an authoritarian government isnt enough, there are a few statistics about violence that add to the gloom: In the last 20 years, Ohios homicide rate more than doubled. In 2000, it ranked 27th among the states and the homicide rate was lower than the nations. By 2021, Ohio was 16th and homicides per 100,000 people were 37% higher than the U.S. rate.

In 2019, Ohio ranked 10th in the nation for hate crimes per million people. In 2021, it rose to seventh. And despite decades of scientific evidence, Ohioans are more likely to smoke and less likely to eat their vegetables.

Not much is working for Ohioans. And just like everything else in America, the squad of national pundits  college-educated and employed and reliant on facts  is deaf to the entirely different and equally important set of facts that explain anxiety.

So, they still conjecture that the next criminal case against Trump will make a difference  or maybe it wont because his supporters are in a cult. Or maybe this is a rural problem. Or a white male problem.

Those experts, the pundits, need to do more than visit a diner or consult the data. They need to be in dialogue, over time, with groups of people who share stories. See that a growing number of Americans  even the employed and college educated  are fearful for themselves and their children. Theyre tired of hearing bad news, fearful of AI, losing hope, and if no one is going to respect their feelings, let alone help, then, well maybe smashing it all provides an opportunity for a fresh start.

Listening was an attribute of my former employer, the Akron Beacon Journal. A Pulitzer-Prize winning newspaper, we utilized a variety of community engagement events to inform our coverage.

In 25 years of our dialogues designed by Alice Rodgers, a preeminent social researcher, a question was always posed at the end of a long discussion: What can you do to cause positive change? Participants invariably said they should express their thoughts to elected representatives on the local city council, in the state legislature and Congress.

But something noteworthy happened when she asked the question in 2007. Ohio already was in steep decline ahead of the nations Great Recession. Focus-group participants expressed deep concern about the financial security of their families. One highly educated executive was visibly shaken as he talked about how his self-worth was at stake.

And when they were asked the closing question, What might you do? they said they probably should contact elected representatives to express their concerns, then wondered aloud: Does that work anymore?

The turning point came after the Great Recession. In 2012, in 25 unique Beacon Journal focus groups exploring growing incivility and outright anger, participants invariably concluded at the end of each session that contacting elected representatives was of no value. Politicians dont care, dont listen, and instead manipulate. Moreover, in a statewide poll and in the focus groups, Ohioans blamed the news media for creating the R-vs-D tension, failure to represent community complexity, and failing to respect the real-life despair across the region.

So in 2016, after Hillary Clinton pilloried Trump supporters as a basket of deplorables, signs appeared in front yards across Ohio: Deplorable and proud of it. Ohio voted overwhelmingly against Clinton and overwhelmingly for an opponent who wanted to lock her up, punch a few people and was pointing to news media as the enemy. He validated their anxiety.

Nearly eight years later, Ohios and Americas anxiety level grows. As politicians and journalists visit the nations diners, the anxiety is manipulated or extracted rather than respected. Resentment turns into a blind fury and a willingness to dismantle constitutional democracy.

Historian Yuval Noah Harari a few years ago used a disturbing title for a new class of people that would emerge perhaps by 2033: The useless class. The people who already fall into that category are the workers displaced by automation. Soon, the long-relegated will be joined by the educated white-collar workers whose jobs are eliminated by artificial intelligence.

The newspaper dialogues showed emerging concern in 2007, and conversations today show AI to be a looming threat to once-happy homes in nice suburbs.

Many Ohioans are willing to overlook Trumps sexual assault of a woman and description of World War II soldiers killed in action as suckers and losers. Theyre okay with tyranny and retribution. Emerson College polls of Ohioans in November, February and March suggest that the state is leaning even more heavily to Trump than in 2020.

Is Ohio an anomaly, or a bellwether? The New York Times recently documented growth of registered Republican voters across the country  but not registered Democrats  suggesting that the anxiety and anger is spreading.

Is America doomed to violent revenge?

There is a hopeful answer. Something good always came out of those community dialogues: People found common ground and actionable solutions, and journalists often observed, I didnt know people could get along so well.

In the Your Voice Ohio media collaborative across the state in 2015-2020, there was an interesting finding. In Warren and Dayton  Ohio cities that have been in economic decline the longest  people were more likely to conclude that no one was coming to help. From that conclusion arose an idea that they should redefine happiness and create their own sustainability  not by tearing down, but by finding new ways to build each other up.

Moreover, when leaders and journalists sat as equals with citizens in earnest dialogue, what followed were long-term solutions, high-fives, hugs and a little hope. Imagine that in the parking lot of a diner in Ohio.

Doug Oplinger is a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist who worked at the Akron Beacon Journal for 46 years, serving the last 10 as managing editor. He managed newsroom collaboratives in the Your Voice Ohio project, was a Kettering Foundation fellow, and now works with a variety of organizations convening community-journalist conversations across the country. He can be reached at oplingerdoug@gmail.com

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The post For whom the bellwether tolls: Is Ohio an omen? appeared first on Ohio Capital Journal.
FILE - U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., stands for a portrait overlooking the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Monday, April 8, 2024. An election later this month in Pittsburgh and some of its suburbs is emerging as an early test of whether Israels war with Gaza poses political threats to progressive Democrats in Congress who have criticized the war. Lee is facing a primary challenge from Bhavini Patel. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  In her primary victory Tuesday in Pennsylvanias 12th Congressional District, first-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Summer Lee not only far outperformed her lone challenger across the District, but she was also on track to far surpass her own win in the primary two years ago.

The Associated Press called the race for Lee at 9:21 p.m. ET, when she led Edgewood Borough Councilmember Bhavini Patel, 59% to 41%, with more than half of the vote reporting.

Lee was ahead in both vote-rich Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, and in Westmoreland County, where she was trounced in the 2022 primary. At the time the race was called, Lee was also ahead in both counties among votes cast by mail as well as those cast on Election Day. Two years ago in Allegheny, Lee lost decisively among votes cast by mail but managed to carry the county overall on the strength of her performance among Election Day votes.

The 12th District votes reliably Democratic in general elections, but the ongoing protests over the Israel-Hamas war have placed the primary contest in a national spotlight. Lee has accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza and was an early proponent of a cease-fire. She was also supportive of a campaign to vote uncommitted in Democratic presidential primaries to send a message to President Joe Biden over the war.

Lee narrowly defeated attorney Steve Irwin in the 2022 Democratic primary, 41.9% to 41.0%. She led Irwin in Allegheny County by less than 5,000 votes, a margin of about 4.5 percentage points. Irwin dominated in Westmoreland County, with 56% of the vote compared to 24% for Lee. But Westmoreland makes up only about 10% of the vote in the 12th District.

Lees victory Tuesday as well as her 2022 primary victory were both powered by her strong performance in Pittsburgh, where she was far ahead of Patel, 62% to 38%, at the time the AP called the winner. Two years ago, Lee bested Irwin in Pittsburgh, 54% to 31%.

Lee will face Republican James Hayes in November. She defeated her Republican opponent in 2022, 56% to 44%. Voters in the 12th District gave Democrat Hillary Clinton 57% of the vote in the 2016 presidential election and President Joe Biden 59% of the vote in 2020.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking a retrial after being ordered by a jury to pay $2.5 million in lost wages to a former DPS trooper who became sick from toxic burn pit exposure during his Army Reserve unit's deployment to Iraq in 2007 and 2008.

The former trooper, Le Roy Torres, an Army Reserve captain from the Coastal Bend community of Robstown, won the judgment in a unanimous decision by a Nueces County jury Sept. 30 after a protracted court battle over whether the DPS was obligated to reemploy him in a role that accommodated his service-related illness.

The Texas attorney general's office on April 17, however, filed a motion with the Nueces County Court-at-Law asking for a retrial and listing several reasons for why it contends the jury's decision was wrongfully reached and that "justice will not be properly served unless a new trial is granted." The attorney general's office represents the DPS in the lawsuit.

Le Roy and Rosie Torres sit at their kitchen table in Robstown, where they began their nonprofit veterans organization, Burn Pits 360. After a legal fight that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, Le Roy Torres won a lawsuit in which a jury ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to pay $2.5 million in lost wages to the DPS trooper. But the DPS is now seeking a retrial in that suit.

Torres' lawyer, Stephen Jeffrey Chapman of Corpus Christi, told the American-Statesman in an email that no response to the state's motion is needed unless the court sets a hearing on the matter. A hearing has not yet been set.

The retrial motion asserts that Torres  who along with his wife, Rosie, have become national leaders in the successful effort to classify as service-related any illnesses associated with exposure to toxic burn pits used to incinerate tons of military waste during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars  is not entitled to compensation for the loss of his job as a DPS highway patrol officer.

And even if he had been reinstated in a role at the DPS that accommodated his physical limitations caused by a nonreversible respiratory system ailment, his wages would have been far less than those he would have earned as a law enforcement officer.

More: How a former Amy Reservist and his wife 'changed course of history' for sick, injured veterans

"The court erroneously awarded (Torres) lost wages based on his commissioned Trooper position instead of the position for which he requested to be placed as an accommodation, namely, a non-commissioned driver license examiner position in DPS Drivers License office, which without dispute pays less or substantially less than a commissioned Trooper position," the motion states. "Hence, the award of lost wages set forth in the Modified Final Judgment was manifestly too large."

The attorney general's motion also argues that during Torres' effort to be reemployed with less strenuous duties, he resigned from the DPS while taking leave. Torres spent much of his time after returning from the war seeking a diagnosis and treatment for his illness, which was later determined to be constrictive bronchiolitis, a life-threatening lung disease.

Le Roy Torres holds a photograph of himself from 2008 during his tour as an Army Reserve captain in Iraq, where he was exposed to toxic burn pits.

The motion also said that Torres was called a "war hero" by his legal team at trial even though he was not a combat soldier, which "unfairly tipped the scales in his favor" in jurors' minds.

More: What are burn pits? How toxic blazes endangered Iraq, Afghanistan military veterans

Torres was stationed at Iraq's Joint Base Balad, one of the largest war zone U.S. installations, during his one-year deployment when he first noticed his respiratory symptoms. Because burn pit exposure was not a recognized cause for service-related illness by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the time, he and his wife formed an organization called Burn Pits 360, which reached out to other suffering former service members to call attention to their cause.

It took more than a dozen years, but their advocacy finally helped lead to the 2022 passage by Congress of the PACT Act, which set in place a process for veterans to obtain government benefits for burn pit-related illnesses.

At the same time, the Torres' effort to bring the lawsuit against the DPS was thwarted until the U.S. Supreme Court last year ruled that the legal action could go forward, leading up to the $2.5 million judgment.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ex-Texas trooper, war veteran won $2.5M judgement. DPS wants retrial.
Why are so few Haitian refugees arriving by boat in Florida? DeSantis has a theory  and claims credit

Gov. Ron DeSantis offered a theory Wednesday about why boats carrying Haitian refugees arent arriving on Floridas shores, even as the Caribbean nations capital is largely ruled by violent gangs.

The reason, DeSantis said, is people who might want to leave Haiti dont try because they know if theyre found on the open water theyll be sent back.

DeSantis took a measure of credit for that policy and what he said is the result as he pointed to the interdiction last week of a boat off the South Florida coast.

Its the Biden administration, which DeSantis criticized later in the same answer, that has maintained the U.S. government policy of returning people interdicted on the open water to the country where they originated.

Later on Wednesday, DeSantis office announced the state has evacuated a total of 722 Americans from Haiti. The operation began on March 20, after turmoil in the country made it difficult to get around the capital and disrupted commercial air service.

DeSantis offered his assessment of about the lack of refugees arriving via sea when he offered a long response to an unrelated question at an event in the Gulf coast town of Redington Shores.

You look at what weve done by holding people accountable trying to come to this country, our state, illegally. We just interdicted like another 40 Haitians illegally coming, and there were human smugglers on the boat, DeSantis said.

We stopped them, theyre not on the shores of Florida. They got stopped and they got sent back. And so people now, and I think one of the reasons you havent seen an influx of vessels from Haiti since youve had everything really go  I mean its, its always been problematic but  south even more in the last couple of months, is because people know why would you want to get in some boat chart for the Florida Keys knowing youre gonna get stopped, turned around and sent back to where you came from? he said. Its not worth it. Its not worth doing.

On Friday, Miami-Dade Police stopped a 60-foot yacht near the South Florida coast and found what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said were approximately 30 migrants of Haitian nationality and two alleged human smugglers. FWC, a state agency whose law enforcement officers participated in the interdiction, said the migrants were turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for repatriation.

In March, the Coast Guard repatriated 65 migrants to Haiti. Theyd been found near the Bahamas.

DeSantis said the policy of sending people back to their country of origin should be in place at the southern U.S. Border.

If that was the attitude for our southern border, wed be much better off because people would know its probably not a smart idea to pay some coyote six grand to get me to the border if all thats gonna be happening is Im gonna be sent back anyways, DeSantis said.

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Warning about a possible surge of Haitian migrants arriving by sea, DeSantis in March deployed mobilization of Florida personnel and equipment to supplement the federal response from the Coast Guard and other agencies.

Democratic Haitian-American leaders dismissed the deployment of state forces offshore as a meaningless political move.

Ronald Surin, a former vice president of the Haitian Lawyers Association and president of the Haitian American Democratic Club of Broward County, has said that people in Haiti do not pay any attention to what the governor of Florida does before they leave on a boat.

One question, many answers

DeSantis brought up Haitian migration as part of his response to a reporters question about whether hed re-suspend Andrew Warren if hes elected again this year as Hillsborough County state attorney. When DeSantis was running for reelection in 2022, he suspended Warren, alleging he wasnt fully enforcing all state laws, something Warren denied.

DeSantis didnt say what hed do if Warren wins in November, instead offering a proverb. If ifs and buts were candy and nuts (then) every day would be Christmas, he said. I think its all gonna work out.

His answer was just short of eight minutes, in a style similar to that of his nemesis, former President Donald Trump, who is well known for jumping from topic to topic.

DeSantis went through more than a dozen different topics, including property crime and prosecutors, squatters, Florida being the best state for law and order, spring break in Miami Beach, defunding the police, Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, protests in favor of Palestinians and Hamas in 2024, and treatment of Jewish students on some college campuses.

Administrators at universities like Columbia and Yale are weak. Theyre scared and they wont do anything. On retail theft, DeSantis said: You should be able to go to the pharmacy and be able to grab deodorant off the shelf without that being behind plexiglass.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Post.news.
Why are so few Haitian refugees arriving by boat in Florida? DeSantis has a theory  and claims credit

MIAMI  Gov. Ron DeSantis offered a theory Wednesday about why boats carrying Haitian refugees arent arriving on Floridas shores, even as the Caribbean nations capital is largely ruled by violent gangs.

The reason, DeSantis said, is people who might want to leave Haiti dont try because they know if theyre found on the open water theyll be sent back.

DeSantis took a measure of credit for that policy and what he said is the result as he pointed to the interdiction last week of a boat off the South Florida coast.

Its the Biden administration, which DeSantis criticized later in the same answer, that has maintained the U.S. government policy of returning people interdicted on the open water to the country where they originated.

Later on Wednesday, DeSantis office announced the state has evacuated a total of 722 Americans from Haiti. The operation began on March 20, after turmoil in the country made it difficult to get around the capital and disrupted commercial air service.

DeSantis offered his assessment of about the lack of refugees arriving via sea when he offered a long response to an unrelated question at an event in the Gulf coast town of Redington Shores.

You look at what weve done by holding people accountable trying to come to this country, our state, illegally. We just interdicted like another 40 Haitians illegally coming, and there were human smugglers on the boat, DeSantis said.

We stopped them, theyre not on the shores of Florida. They got stopped and they got sent back. And so people now, and I think one of the reasons you havent seen an influx of vessels from Haiti since youve had everything really go  I mean its, its always been problematic but  south even more in the last couple of months, is because people know why would you want to get in some boat chart for the Florida Keys knowing youre gonna get stopped, turned around and sent back to where you came from? he said. Its not worth it. Its not worth doing.

On Friday, Miami-Dade Police stopped a 60-foot yacht near the South Florida coast and found what the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said were approximately 30 migrants of Haitian nationality and two alleged human smugglers. FWC, a state agency whose law enforcement officers participated in the interdiction, said the migrants were turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for repatriation.

In March, the Coast Guard repatriated 65 migrants to Haiti. Theyd been found near the Bahamas.

DeSantis said the policy of sending people back to their country of origin should be in place at the southern U.S. Border.

If that was the attitude for our southern border, wed be much better off because people would know its probably not a smart idea to pay some coyote six grand to get me to the border if all thats gonna be happening is Im gonna be sent back anyways, DeSantis said.

One question, many answers

DeSantis brought up Haitian migration as part of his response to a reporters question about whether hed re-suspend Andrew Warren if hes elected again this year as Hillsborough County state attorney. When DeSantis was running for reelection in 2022, he suspended Warren, alleging he wasnt fully enforcing all state laws, something Warren denied.

DeSantis didnt say what hed do if Warren wins in November, instead offering a proverb. If ifs and buts were candy and nuts (then) every day would be Christmas, he said. I think its all gonna work out.

His answer was just short of eight minutes, in a style similar to that of his nemesis, former President Donald Trump, who is well known for jumping from topic to topic.

DeSantis went through more than a dozen different topics, including property crime and prosecutors, squatters, Florida being the best state for law and order, spring break in Miami Beach, defunding the police, Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, protests in favor of Palestinians and Hamas in 2024, and treatment of Jewish students on some college campuses.

Administrators at universities like Columbia and Yale are weak. Theyre scared and they wont do anything. On retail theft, DeSantis said: You should be able to go to the pharmacy and be able to grab deodorant off the shelf without that being behind plexiglass.

______
The battle for the House will be determined by a smaller number of races than it has in at least the past two decades.

There are roughly 30 truly competitive seats, split about evenly between Democratic and Republican-held districts, according to a POLITICO analysis based on fundraising data, candidate recruitment and interviews with a dozen party strategists, incumbents and challengers.

And with just over six months until Election Day, neither Democrats nor Republicans have a clear edge in the fight for control of the chamber. Anyone expecting either party to emerge from 2024 with a significant and easier-to-govern majority should think again.

Both sides know that it's gonna be an incredibly close election, said Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, a former House GOP campaign chair. Post-redistricting and with all the polarization in the country, both sides have a pretty high floor. Both sides have a pretty low ceiling. So I don't think we'll see majorities in the 240s and 50s.

The smaller battlefield is partially a product of redistricting  not only the remaps before the 2022 midterms, but a handful since that have reduced the number of seats in play even further.

Democrats have sharpened a financial edge: many incumbents and candidates outraised their GOP rivals during the first three months of 2024. And Republicans are defending 16 districts President Joe Biden won in 2020. But thorny primaries, recruitment fumbles, Bidens unpopularity and strong GOP incumbents muddle Democrats chances in a handful of those targets.

Republicans fixed some of the candidate quality problems that plagued them in the midterms and are zeroing in on five Democrats seats then-President Donald Trump won in 2020. But the GOP has its own complicated primaries, and at least one controversial retread candidate also obscures their path. Retirements by popular Democratic incumbents in Michigan and Virginia offer additional top-tier offensive opportunities, but much of the House battlefield lies in New York and California, two Democratic bastions that could turn bluer in a presidential election year.



Both parties started off the cycle with lofty target lists. The National Republican Congressional Committee named 37 Democratic-held districts, while the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee identified 31 GOP incumbents. But recruitment and fundraising have significantly whittled down the map.

Five states have new congressional maps since the midterms, with the GOP gaining a very modest edge. Republicans picked up three new seats in North Carolina, but those gains were muted by the creation of Democratic-leaning seats in Alabama, New York and Louisiana, where the map could change yet again depending on the outcome of continuing litigation.

Democrats remap in New York did not go as far as their initial gerrymander that the courts struck down last cycle. But it buoyed their chances in a couple of seats, especially Rep. Brandon Williams' (R-N.Y.) in Central New York.

This map for the decade is totally different than the map of the last two decades, said Dan Conston, president of the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with House Speaker Mike Johnson. There are so few true swing seats, and that likely means we are locked into pretty narrow majorities or minorities all the way until 2032.

A big advantage Democrats do have is money. They emerged from the first quarter of the year in a strong financial position over Republicans, who are still reeling from the loss of their chief fundraiser, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.



In the 30 most competitive House districts identified by POLITICO, Democrats outraised Republicans in all but four contests over the first three months of 2024. Fifteen Democratic candidates and incumbents raised more than $1 million in that period, while only one Republican did.

Democratic challengers, many of whom are making their second runs after failed 2022 bids, posted especially strong fundraising. For example, Mondaire Jones and Josh Riley in New York; Adam Gray, George Whitesides, Rudy Salas and Will Rollins in California; and Kirsten Engel in Arizona all raised more than $1 million last quarter. None of the GOP incumbents they are trying to defeat crossed the seven-figure mark.

Several endangered GOP incumbents were outraised by a more than 2-to-1 margin, a list that included one of the most vulnerable Republicans anywhere, freshman GOP Rep. Anthony DEsposito of New York. He collected less than $262,000 over the first three months of the year.

I think the fact that I outraised DEsposito by more than double this quarter shows that my campaign is gaining momentum, and were building our donor base, said Laura Gillen, DEspositos likely Democratic opponent, who raised $560,000 for the western Long Island seat. But DEsposito still has a cash-on-hand advantage that we have to close.

The most endangered Democratic incumbents are the five who hold districts Trump won in 2020, and they were among those who raised the most. Four of them raised more than $1 million: Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) and Mary Peltola (D-Alaska). The fifth, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), still raised nearly three-quarters of a million dollars.

Republicans scored a coup when they talked Kapturs failed 2022 challenger, J.R. Majewski, out of a rematch just before the withdrawal deadline. But their odds in the other districts may not have improved since the midterms.

In Washington state, Joe Kent, a far-right Republican with ties to white nationalists, appears poised to face Gluesenkamp Perez in the general election again. House Republicans have struggled to win ranked-choice elections in Alaska and Maine, where Peltola and Golden, respectively, both won in 2022 despite falling short of a majority in the initial round of voting.

Democratic strategists maintain they have a wider path to 218, in part because there are only five Trump-district Democrats  but 16 Biden-district Republicans. Some in the party liken their position to the reverse of the map they had in 2020. In the last presidential election year, they had 30 incumbents in districts Trump won four years earlier; they lost nine of those seats that cycle.

Democrats have momentum, and are on track to win back the House, said Mike Smith, president of the Democratic-aligned House Majority PAC. Our path back to the majority runs through Democratic leaning districts. For Republicans to hold on, they have to basically run the table on every competitive race.



But Democrats will not be able to mount a serious challenge in all of those Biden-won districts. They stand little chance of ousting the moderate and popular Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). And few strategists believe they can knock out Rep. Young Kim in Orange County, California, this cycle. In a Biden-won seat in Virginia Beach, Democrats preferred candidate has lagged in fundraising compared with GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans. And in Oregon, some Democrats are trying to block their 2022 candidate from again securing the nomination. Their chances of beating Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer could depend on the primary results.

Republican Reps. Michelle Steel of California and Tom Kean of New Jersey also hold Biden districts, but they are in the two most expensive media markets in the country, New York City and Los Angeles. Other targets in both states will be far more appealing for Democratic groups.

Republicans have brushed aside concerns about playing in deep-blue turf, noting their wins there in 2022 when Democrats abortion-centric arguments appeared to fall flat because the states already have strong protections for abortion rights.

I'm excited about California and New York, said Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the NRCC. I think we're gonna pick up seats in both states.



Despite the rush of Republican retirements, all of the GOPs swing-seat members are running again. Democrats do have open seats to worry about, however. The departures of Reps. Dan Kildee of Michigan, Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who is running for Senate, left three swingy districts without strong incumbents. Privately, GOP operatives admit that Slotkins cross-partisan appeal was difficult to overcome in her Lansing-area swing district that she won by 5 points in 2022. They like their odds much better with her gone. An April poll of the district commissioned by the Congressional Leadership Fund found Republican Tom Barrett leading Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr., 41 percent to 35 percent, with 25 percent undecided. Trump (46 percent) and Biden (44 percent) are neck and neck in the district, the GOP poll showed.

While Democrats have benefited from the higher turnout that accompanies presidential election years, the Trump-era political realignment of both parties coalitions now means that Republicans are increasingly reliant on lower-propensity voters. That could boost the GOPs chances in a place like Kildees mid-Michigan district, where Trump is more popular than other Republicans.

Other seats that make up the core of the battlefield: those held by Reps. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), Don Davis (D-N.C.), Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.) and Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio).

But few GOP operatives think they seriously contest a large chunk of the districts on their initial target lists, including ones in Nevada, west Michigan, Cincinnati, Rhode Island and suburban Seattle. Similarly, Democrats will struggle to flip some of their offensive targets, especially the Colorado seat that Rep. Lauren Boebert vacated, as well as seats in Florida and Texas that got more favorable to Republicans in redistricting.

Democrats have a lead  but only slightly  in the cash-on-hand race in the most competitive seats. Nearly two dozen Democratic candidates and incumbents in the 30 most competitive House races had at least $1 million in the bank at the end of March, while 17 Republicans did.

The battle for the House looks like a jump ball.

Madison Fernandez contributed to this report.
BEL AIRE, Kan. (KSNW)  When the Integra Technologies semi-conductor CHIP plant was announced in 2023, it was met with fanfare and an announcement from the Kansas governor that the plant would bring in up to 2,500 jobs.

As of Tuesday, the plant is still on hold.

Its my understanding that federal CHIPS money is needed to make this plant a reality, said Bel Aire Mayor Jim Benage. Definitely would be a game changer for Bel Aire.

Benage says Integra is still waiting on CHIPS funding. CHIPS funding is the federal program called CHIPS for America Act. Its meant to strengthen supply chains and provide good-paying jobs here in the United States.

KSN reached out to Integra, the employee-owned company, for comment on when CHIPS funding from the federal government could be secured. They responded with the following statement:

Thank you for your interest. CHIPS for America funding applicants are not able to provide any public updates on the process. We look forward to responding to general questions about Integra that are not related to CHIPS during the application process. Thank you for understanding.

Microchipping dogs and cats could become mandatory in Wichita

Benage says the plan is still moving forward. And federal CHIPS monies are being allocated in other states. So, the waiting continues for now.

I think that the reason its taking longer is this is a smaller project compared to a lot of others. And so theyre (federal government) just trying to get the bigger projects out of the way, said Benage. But this is an important one because this is the largest company of its type that does this assembly and testing.

Integra does what is called OSAT semiconductor manufacturing and testing. Integras CEO, Brett Robinson, has publicly said it will work with Wichita State University and even high schools in the area to find a talent pool when the plant is built.

KSN reached out to WSU for a statement on what is happening with the build phase of the Integra plant.

WSU spokesperson Lainie Mazzullo-Hart sent a statement that says, WSU is in conversations with Integra to develop programs to meet their needs and identify says to collaborate between our research and their industry sector.

KSN also reached out to Sedgwick County commissioners.

Commissioner Jim Howell told KSN CHIPS funding is still not announced for the Wichita area Integra project.

From what I hear, we have to sit and wait and be patient with the government and the federal government and see when they make a decision that this is the right project for this area, said Benage.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
On the back of the announced closures of six Wichita schools, community members peppered district leaders with questions this week on proposals that could result in revamped school facilities in the coming years.

The Wichita school district held the meetings this week to collect feedback on a possible series of bond issues proposed to rebuild and renovate schools. Consultants with Ohio-based firm Woolpert, which was hired by the district to work on the facility master plan, gave presentations covering four different options, which range from major investments in 27 new or renovated buildings, to focusing on deferred maintenance.

All four proposals include consolidating multiple USD 259 schools, which officials say is different than closing in that low-attendance schools would be moved together into one building.

The school board is expected to receive a final recommendation in June, which will also include dollar amounts on the proposals.

Audience members who attended Tuesdays meetings voiced their distrust with the district following the closure announcement in early March. The closures will affect elementary and middle schools.

They will take place at the end of this school year and are in response to a $42 million budget deficit. Closing the facilities will save $16.2 million, officials estimate. The move was approved with a 5-2 board vote and will affect 2,213 students and 322 employees.

Shana Balton, a math teacher at Pleasant Valley Middle School, attended Tuesdays meeting at West High School. She said the conversation was about 60 percent productive, but she wasnt ready to commit to supporting a series of bond issues yet.

I work for the district. Im a teacher for the district, and even I want more transparency with the board and how money is being used, Balton said.

She said she would like to see a line-by-line accounting of district finances before she makes up her mind. The recent decision to close the six schools left a bad impression on her.

You even had a board member, Melody McCray-Miller, who even asked the board, can we please discuss this before we shut the six schools down? Because the math aint mathing. Things arent adding up, Balton said.

Questions asked during the comment period during one of the community meetings Tuesday centered around impacts to the neighborhood, transportation concerns and more. One audience member shared concerns that problems would occur if siblings would have to attend schools farther apart due to possible consolidation.

To that, David Sturtz with Woolpert said they would ensure there would not be a school desert left as a result.

Parent Cyndy Coss, who attended Tuesdays meeting at North High School, said while she didnt know enough to support any of the options yet, she hoped no matter what, the district would take a close look.

I would love to see these people go through the list of schools that are supposed to close and say, You know what, this is a gorgeous school that you just spent millions on. Why are we closing it instead of this school that is falling apart? Coss said.

Lisha Watts, who attended Tuesdays meeting at North High, shared how her childs current school will shut down at the end of the year. Her main concern is how constant changes could affect his educational experience.

Hes six, so a lot of the benefits of having a new school wont affect him, Watts said. Hes just stuck in the mess of, your school is closing down, this is what were going to do. Hes stuck in the mess of it all.

Watts said she was overall impressed with the conversation with the consultants, but was still left with questions.

I liked what he had to say I like how honest he was with us, she said. Because our mistrust is not with him, our mistrust is with the board of education.

What are the four master plan proposals?

Woolpert consultants reviewed the following four proposals at four public board of education meetings Monday and Tuesday. The meetings were held at Alvin Morris Administrative Center, Brooks Middle School, West High School and North High School.

Option 1:

Completely rebuild 17 schools

Renovate eight schools

Expand two schools

Maintain 38 schools

Consolidate 18 schools

Option 2:

Completely rebuild 10 schools

Renovate 10 schools

Expand three schools

Maintain 42 schools

Consolidate 18 schools

Option 3:

Completely rebuild three schools

Renovate three schools

Maintain 58 schools

Consolidate 19 schools

Option 4

Maintain 64 schools

Consolidate 19 schools

Reporter Matthew Kelly contributed to this article.
The widow of a Texas man who spent years aiding Russias war against Ukraine only to apparently get murdered by Russian troops is now appealing directly to Vladimir Putin to find his mutilated remains.

Lyudmila Bentley, the wife of Dallas native turned Putin fanboy Russell Bentley, appeared in a new video Wednesday in which she speaks in front of a flag of the Donetsk Peoples Republic, the unrecognized territory in eastern Ukraine where Bentley first joined forces with Russian proxies back in 2014.

Bentley, who obtained Russian citizenship in 2020 and had been working closely with Kremlin-controlled media, was abducted earlier this month by Russian troops and later reported dead by local officials and the battalion with which hed fought. RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan also confirmed his death, without providing details on how he died. Unconfirmed reports circulated among Russian military bloggers suggested Bentley had suffered a gruesome death at the hands of Russian troops who mistook him for a spy.

His wife says she hasnt yet seen his remains, or even proof of his death.

I know that his remains have been seen. But then Im told that there are no remains. How is that? Lyudmila Bentley said in a video shared on Telegram.

She is asking the Russian president to do something to punish those who killed her husbandand to help her retrieve whats left of his body.

Everyone knows that as soon as you appeal directly to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, then all problems get solved, she said. Thats why I want to appeal to the president of the Russian Federation with a request to provide maximum assistance to find my husband, either alive, if its possible, or to give me his remains so that I can bury him.

Its more than hell, she said of his death and the murky circumstances around it. I beg you please, help.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Woman dies in fire started by person she helped, family says. Careful who you trust

A Texas homeowner was killed in a fire intentionally started by a woman she was allowing to live with her, according to investigators.

When firefighters and police responded to the La Porte home on Monday, April 22, it was engulfed by fire, KHOU reported. Connie Fortune, who was in her early 70s, was asleep when the blaze erupted at 7 a.m., trapping her inside, officials said.

Neighbors tried to bust open a window to get to her but were unable to get through, the station reported. Firefighters also couldnt reach Fortune, and she died inside the burning house.

Connie Fortunes home in La Porte, Texas.

A neighbor reported seeing 34-year-old Sarah Leanne Flores around the time the fire began, and when investigators spoke with her, she admitted to purposefully igniting the blaze, the La Porte Police Department said in an email to McClatchy News.

However, Flores did not provide a motive, police said.

Fortune allowed people to stay at her house as live-in workers, police said, and Flores was one such person. She did landscaping work, police added.

There was also a caregiver living at the home who ran outside to escape the fire, according to the department.

Fortune ran a local food pantry and worked with Alcoholics Anonymous for years in honor of her late husband, Fortunes son, Tony Felscher, told KTRK. She often took in people trying to get clean from substance abuse and addiction, but Fortunes relationship with Flores became increasingly tense as a result of alleged methamphetamine use on the part of Flores  and she didnt want her at the home any more.

I cant believe my mothers kindness was the thing that got her killed, Felscher said.

It is heart-wrenching, but it is the lesson to be learned right now, friend Lorie Falkenroth told the station. Be careful who you trust.

Court records show Flores was arrested the day of the fire on a charge of murder.

The La Porte Fire Marshals Office is investigating and may soon present arson charges against Flores to the district attorneys office, according to police.

La Porte is a roughly 25-mile drive southeast of downtown Houston.

Boy wakes to find parents, 3 siblings dead in murder-suicide, OK cops say. A massacre

Missing woman found dead in vacant building, family says. Drove past her every day

Cop accused of raping baby girl tried blaming dog for her injuries, PA officials say

18-year-old clinging to vehicle falls and dies during game of tag, Ohio police say
(KRON)On Sunday, the Redwood City Police Department shared details of a lengthy police chase that involved a stolen tow truck, the ramming of multiple police vehicles, and the burglary of a private residence, among several other details.

Police arrested Laura Kettel, 35, of Monterrey, last Friday in connection to the chase.

Benicia school teacher charged with sexual acts on students after similar arrest in Napa

At around 6 p.m. on Friday, RCPD officers responded to calls of a woman stealing a tow truck from Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Redwood City. A short time later, an RCPD officer located the tow truck parked at a Jack in the Box in San Carlos, police said.

While attempting to conduct a traffic stop on the tow truck, Kettle proceeded to ram both the officers cars, causing major damage, RCPD said. The officer who was rammed was injured and later taken to a local hospital, police said.

The tow truck then fled southward towards Highway 101, traveling 80-90 miles an hour, police said. The California Highway Patrol and the Menlo Park Police Department responded to requests to take over the pursuit, police said.

As Menlo Park PD caught up with the tow truck on Highway 101, Kettle veered across the roadway, colliding with another motorist before continuing to flee, police said. Police said the driver of the car hit by Kettel was uninjured.

CHP located the tow truck on State Route 85 shortly after Kettel hit the victim on Highway 101, police said. As CHP overtook the tow truck, the driver [Kettel] immediately braked, and CHP unit collided into it, disabling the patrol vehicle, police said.

According to RCPD, Kettle then drove back to Redwood City and parked the tow truck on Silver Hill Road, where she reportedly burglarized a residence with a nanny and children inside the home, police said.

After burglarizing the home, Kettle again fled in the tow truck. Police said the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office attempted to deploy spike strips, but Kettel was also able to evade the spikes and flee the scene, police said.

For her final stop, Kettle was seen parking near Planet Fitness in Redwood City. As Kettel left the tow truck parked in the lot, police said Kettel entered Planet Fitness and assaulted her boyfriend, who was an employee at the gym, police said.

While attempting to detain Kettel, police deployed a canine unit that bit Kettel on her hip, police said. Kettel then stopped resisting and was taken into custody and treated at San Mateo County Hospital for her hip and leg injuries.

Kettel was later determined to be out on bail from a domestic violence case last week and was also arrested for another residential burglary four days ago in Redwood City, police said.

Police booked Kettel into the Maguire Correctional Facility for a variety of charges, including felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon, failure to yield, vehicle theft, residential burglary, domestic violence, resisting arrest and committing a felony while out on bail, police said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Woman rolls down window for closeup photo of bear, gets bitten

A 72-year-old Scottish woman touring in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania on Monday suffered non-life-threatening injuries to her arm while attempting to get a closeup photo of a brown bear.

Moira Gallacher was traveling with her friend Charmian Widdowson when they spotted two brown bears alongside the road. They stopped, and the bears approached the vehicle.

We were in the car and we were going to take a picture, Gallacher told Observator News via the Scottish Daily Express. And the bear came up to the window.

The bear raised up on its hind legs, leaned into the car and bit down on Gallachers arm through the window she had opened to get the photo; Widdowson immediately stepped on the gas and fled the scene, making way to a nearby hospital, according to the Daily Mail.

Scottish tourist mauled by bear through car window in Romania. https://t.co/M0AI6538VQ pic.twitter.com/nL9SFzgGkS  STV News (@STVNews) April 23, 2024

Gallacher told the Scottish Daily Express that the Marks and Spencer jacket she was wearing probably saved her life.

The mummy bear was hungry, and thought my friend was going to be lunch, Widdowson told the Scottish Daily Express. She was wearing a thick Marks and Spencer jacket and the poor bear got more jacket than arm.

Gallacher, who lost her phone in the encounter, told STV news, Im a very lucky woman.

The extent of her injuries was not reported, only that her arm is sore. She was expected to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.

More from the Scottish Daily Express:

Romania is home to Europes largest population of European brown bears. They are the largest terrestrial carnivores in Central Europe, reaching towering sizes of just over 7ft (2.2m) and weighing up to 350kg. They are incredibly fast and can run at speeds of 30mph as well as being excellent climbers. Romania is home to an estimated 8,000 brown bears which is Europes largest population in the wild. Most reside in the Carpathian Mountains and over the past seven years, 14 people have been killed and more than 150 attacked by the animals.

Story originally appeared on For The Win
The woman who was attacked by a transient and later died from stab wounds to her neck was identified by a family member Tuesday.

The unprovoked attack occurred early Monday morning as the victim was on a Los Angeles Metro subway train from North Hollywood headed toward Union Station.

After being stabbed in the throat with two small kitchen knives, the woman got off the train at the Universal City B Line Station while bleeding profusely, the Los Angeles Police Department stated following the incident Monday.

Mirna Soza is seen in an image provided by a family member.

Police investigate a stabbing at the Metro Station in Studio City on April 22, 2024. (KTLA)

The Los Angeles Police Department arrested 45-year-old Elliot Tramel Nowden for the random stabbing and murder of a woman on a Metro B Line train approaching the Universal City stop. The incident occurred on April 22, 2024. (KTLA)

Police tape at the scene of a stabbing that left one woman dead at the Studio City Metro stop. The Los Angeles Police Department says it appears to be an unprovoked stabbing. The suspect was arrested on April 22, 2024. (KTLA)

Police tape at the scene of a stabbing that left one woman dead at the Studio City Metro stop. The Los Angeles Police Department says it appears to be an unprovoked stabbing. The suspect was arrested on April 22, 2024. (KTLA)

The woman was assisted by security personnel before eventually being taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

On Tuesday, a family member identified the victim as Mirna Soza, a 66-year-old security guard who was on her way home from an overnight shift at a restaurant when she was fatally attacked.

While authorities have yet to officially identify the victim, a GoFundMe has been organized to help the family lay Soza to rest.

The suspect in the attack, identified by police as Elliot Tramel Nowden, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held on $2 million bail, authorities said.

Investigators said Nowden exited the subway at the same station as Soza and fled before being caught a short time later near Ventura Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.

Nowden, who is 45 years old and described by police as homeless, has been in trouble for harassing and attacking Metro passengers in the past.

In July 2019, Nowden was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon while on probation for attacking another passenger earlier that year, the Police Department said Tuesday.

We did recover a live firearm: Southern California school put on lockdown

Nowden was sentenced in December 2019 to four years in state prison but continued to frequent Metro stations after his release.

Nowden was arrested several more times this year, including in February when he was arrested for an assault at the same Red Line station, police said.

Authorities say Nowden and the victim did not know each other and believe there are other victims who have been assaulted.

Soza is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren. Her family said her son lives in Los Angeles and her two daughters live in Nicaragua.

Her daughters said she was working hard to save up money so she could eventually move back to Nicaragua to be with her friends and family.

Anyone with additional information that may further aid in the investigation was asked to contact Operations Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives at 818-374-9550. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 877-527-3247.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go directly to lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the P3 Tips mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Woman who went missing during hike near Angeles National Forest found dead, authorities say

The trail to Timber Mountain in the Mt. Baldy area in 2020. (Mary Forgione / Los Angeles Times)

A woman who went missing during a hike near the Angeles National Forest was found dead on Monday, a day after she was reported missing.

Julia Li, 21,was last seen near Bailey Canyon Park in Sierra Madre at 4 p.m. Sunday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Li's mother reported her missing after they were separated during a hike and Li didn't meet her at their car at the agreed-upon time, according to KTLA-TV.

Early Monday morning, the Sheriff's Department sent out an alert for Li, describing her as being 5 feet 2 and 110 pounds. Later that day, her body was found by the sheriff's search and rescue personnel, the Sheriff's Department said.

The L.A. County coroner's office listed Li's cause of death as blunt trauma. The Sheriff's Department said foul play is not suspected at this time.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A hippo with the Woodland Park Zoo is scheduled to be euthanized as she continues to decline in health following a cancer diagnosis.

Last month, after a dental procedure, a biopsy of a swelling in her cheek revealed a diagnosis of fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer.

Veterinarians and her care teams monitoring her health since the procedure have seen a decline in her quality of life, including decreased mobility, unsteadiness, and difficulty getting out of her pool.

Tim Storms, director of animal health at the zoo, believes her decline is irreversible.

A euthanasia decision is always very difficult, but we feel strongly that now is the best time to intervene to prevent her from declining to the point where her bad days outnumber her good days, Storms said.

Water Lily, 45, will be euthanized next week.

Everyone who worked with Lily realized how special she was. For those she trusted, you got the privilege of knowing all her favorite things. The best spot to scratch her under her chin, her ear wiggles she would give as she surfaced in the pool when she heard you call her, and how she would always ask for a treat when she saw you even if it was just lettuce, lead animal keeper Lauren Sutherland-Cook said. But if it was something extra good, like a watermelon, she would suck every last bit of juice that spilled out of it. She touched the lives of every keeper who had the joy of working with her.

Born in 1978 at the Houston Zoo, Lily moved to the Woodland Park Zoo in October 1979, where she has shared her habitat with Lupe since 2003.

The zoo is also preparing for Lupes future without Lily and looking at options to move her to another zoo, where she can enjoy the company of other hippos.

Members of the community who wish to see her may visit and say farewell to Water Lily through Sunday, April 28. She will be out in her pool and outdoor habitat over the coming days.
Saddened by the recent passing of former Florida Senator and Gov. Bob Graham, a man of intellect, integrity, and a true love of our state, I want to share a side of him that many may not know.

In 1977-80, I directed a three-year Title VII federal grant at Florida International University that provided Spanish total immersion experiences to different homogeneous groups of school district administrators, teachers, religious leaders, and government officials. Each group consisted of about 20 professionals who would attend a two-week program of Spanish language and Hispanic culture immersion.

Former Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL), co-chairman of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling, testifies on Capitol Hill on March 16, 2011 in Washington, DC. The commission issued its report shortly before the one year anniversary of the Gulf Oil Spill on April 20, 2010.

Bob Graham was running for governor of Florida in 1979 for the first time, and he chose this experience as one of his now famous workdays. We gave each participant Spanish names, so he became Robertico, and none were allowed to speak English throughout the day, role-playing the part of children learning Spanish as their native language. The main purpose of the grant was not only learning some Spanish, but walking in the shoes of the newly arrived immigrant children attending a school where their native language was not spoken.

Robertico did very well; he could even have basic conversations in Spanish with Mauricio (Merritt Stierheim) and Margarita (Margaret Kempel). I role played their mama, and each day was dedicated to the culture of a different Hispanic/Latin American country, including learning a song and dance from each country; a field trip to Little Havana was a highlight as well.

It is widely known that Bob Graham did not ever lose an election, and that is trueexcept for the election for presidente de la clase of that Spanish immersion course (Margarita won). He never let me forget it! At the end of that experience, Bob, then a member of the Florida Senate, told me he would help me advocate on behalf of bilingual and multicultural education in our state. I helped run his campaign for governor at FIU, and the rest is history.

In the early 1980s, my colleague Dr. Susan Angulo and I received another grant to travel statewide and hold intensive workshops for school administrators to assist them with setting up English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) and maybe even bilingual programs for the thousands of newly arrived immigrants arriving all over Florida. We needed an endorsement from someone important who was in our corner. I called Bob, and he agreed to narrate and be on camera for a video that would introduce our workshop: Bilingual education in Florida: A Perspective was the result. We could not have asked for a better introduction.

Then, in the first decade of the new millennium, when I was serving as board member of the Florida Humanities Council, I asked Robertico to head a panel on The Future of Florida. He again obliged, and he gave a prescient analysis of where our state was heading, and what we as citizens could do to assure a bright future.

After that, we kept in touch throughout the years. I enjoyed the Christmas postcards with pictures of the entire Graham family, but my favorite by far was when he would still call me his mama, embarrassingly in front of people, who had no idea why he would do such a thing. I will miss him terribly.

Norma Martin Goonen

Dr. Norma Martin Goonen is an associate professor at Florida International University in Miami, Florida.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: The world has lost a good one in the death of Bob Graham
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Koninklijke BAM Groep fair value estimate is 5.07

Current share price of 3.99 suggests Koninklijke BAM Groep is potentially 21% undervalued

Peers of Koninklijke BAM Groep are currently trading on average at a 88% premium

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Koninklijke BAM Groep nv (AMS:BAMNB) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. 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 Koninklijke BAM Groep

The Model

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. 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) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 86.5m 81.7m 78.8m 76.9m 75.9m 75.3m 75.1m 75.1m 75.3m 75.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Est @ -5.51% Est @ -3.63% Est @ -2.31% Est @ -1.39% Est @ -0.75% Est @ -0.29% Est @ 0.02% Est @ 0.24% Est @ 0.40% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.1% 81.5 72.6 66.0 60.8 56.5 52.8 49.7 46.8 44.2 41.9

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 573m

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 (0.8%) 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 6.1%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 76m (1 + 0.8%)  (6.1% 0.8%) = 1.4b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 1.4b ( 1 + 6.1%)10= 792m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 1.4b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 4.0, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 21% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. 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 Koninklijke BAM Groep 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 6.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.158. 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 Koninklijke BAM Groep

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Construction market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by cash flow.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Koninklijke BAM Groep, there are three relevant items you should further research:

Risks: To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Koninklijke BAM Groep (including 1 which is a bit unpleasant) . Future Earnings: How does BAMNB's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Dutch 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.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 UTC APRIL 24,2024 Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, speaks at a press conference in London, ahead of the launch of 'The State of the World's Human Rights', its annual report on the global human rights situation, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The report will be published on Wednesday April 24, covering 155 countries and including regional and global analyses, it provides the most comprehensive overview of human rights trends and developments in the world today. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON (AP)  The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.

The human rights organization said the most powerful governments, including the United States, Russia and China, have led a global disregard for international rules and values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with civilians in conflicts paying the highest price.

Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary general, said the level of violation of international order witnessed in the past year was unprecedented.

Israels flagrant disregard for international law is compounded by the failures of its allies to stop the indescribable civilian bloodshed meted out in Gaza," she said. Many of those allies were the very architects of that post-World War Two system of law.

The report highlighted the United States' failures to denounce rights violations committed by Israel and its use of veto power to paralyze the U.N. Security Council on a cease-fire resolution in Gaza, as well as Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine. It also pointed to China's arming of military forces in Myanmar and the way Beijing has shielded itself from scrutiny over its treatment of the Uyghur minority.

We have here three very large countries, superpowers in many ways, sitting on the Security Council that have emptied out the Security Council of its potentials, and that have emptied out international law of its ability to protect people, she told The Associated Press in London.

The report, which detailed Amnesty's assessment of human rights in 155 countries, underlined an increasing backlash against women's rights and gender equality in 2023.

It cited the brutal suppression of women's protests in Iran, the Taliban's decrees aimed at erasing women from public life in Afghanistan, and legal restrictions on abortion in the U.S. and Poland, among others.

The rights organization also warned about the threat of new technologies if left unchecked, saying the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and mass surveillance tools could be deployed to stoke conflict, encroach on rights and freedoms and sow discord in a landmark election year.

Unregulated tech advances can be weaponized to discriminate, disinform and divide, Callamard said.

___

Associated Press videojournalist Kwiyeon Ha contributed to this report.
Almost four out of every 10 people in the United States live in a place where air pollution is considered bad enough to put their health at risk, the American Lung Association warned in its latest "State of the Air" report released on Wednesday. That proportion of people  about 39% of the population  had risen sharply since earlier rounds of pollutant data were analyzed for the annual report last year, and the trends were especially pronounced in certain parts of the country.

This year's air quality report was based on pollution data collected in 2020, 2021 and 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency. The American Lung Association, a charity organization focused on improving lung health and addressing lung disease,has released "State of the Air" reports annually since 2000.

The new report's findings show that roughly 131 million Americans were breathing unhealthy air during the three-year monitoring period. That number had jumped by almost 10% since the lung association issued its "State of the Air" report in 2023, when data showed 11.7 million fewer people had been regularly exposed to toxic and potentially deadly pollutants. Echoing longstanding concerns from experts and advocates across the board, the newest findings highlight a disproportionate environmental threat to people of color.

Air quality monitoring

Since the Clean Air Act was signed into law in 1970, emissions of the six most common air pollutants have fallen by 78%, according to the EPA. But experts warn that climate change has made air quality harder to manage in spite of policies designed to protect it, especially as growing sections of the country grapple with soaring temperatures, longstanding drought and unprecedented wildfires.

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

"High ozone days and spikes in particle pollution related to extreme heat, drought and wildfires are putting millions of people at risk and adding challenges to the work that states and cities are doing across the nation to clean up air pollution," the report's authors wrote.

Two groups of pollutants were examined: fine particles, which are emitted directly into the air from combustion and some chemical reactions, and ozone, which is usually produced when other air pollutants react with sunlight in the atmosphere. For fine particles, the pollution trends were broken down into short-term and long-term patterns.

The American Lung Association ranked U.S. cities with the worst air quality based on daily particle pollution, annual particle pollution and ozone between 2020 and 2022. The report assigned many cities a failing grade when repeatedly poor readings on the Air Quality Index pushed an area outside the bounds of accepted general health standards.

Worst cities for particle pollution

Exposure to particulate matter in the air can potentially cause or exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular problems, according to health officials. Across the country, researchers marked a continued climb over that three-year period in days where particle pollution was considered "very unhealthy" or "hazardous," compared with years that were monitored previously. Between 2020 and 2022, there were 135 days marked "very unhealthy" and 79 marked "hazardous," with areas of concern spread across 58 counties housing some 32 million in 10 different states.

Our latest #StateoftheAir report is out, and the findings are eye-opening. Deadly particle pollution is on the rise, hitting its worst levels in years. https://t.co/8BT4oMShdb pic.twitter.com/PFf4OTQOd2  American Lung Association (@LungAssociation) April 24, 2024

Using an updated baseline standard adopted by the EPA for national air quality, this year's report showed more than 90 million people were living 119 counties that received failing grades for year-round particle pollution levels.

At the top of the list of worst U.S. cities for daily and year-round particle pollution was Bakersfield, California, which received the same ranking in last year's "State of the Air" report. Bakersfield, an industrial city known for agriculture, mining and oil refineries, has been ranked worst for year-round particle pollution five years in a row.

According to the report, after Bakersfield, the worst cities for year-round particle pollution between 2020 and 2022 were:

Visalia, CaliforniaFresno-Madera-Hanford, CaliforniaEugene-Springfield, OregonSan Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CaliforniaLos Angeles-Long Beach, CaliforniaSacramento-Roseville, CaliforniaMedford-Grants Pass, OregonPhoenix-Mesa, ArizonaFairbanks, Alaska

Cities affected by drought and wildfires were most prevalent on both lists of daily and year-round particle pollution, with eight in California, and two each in Nevada, Oregon and Washington. But even cities where wildfire smoke and drought were less of an issue still suffered from poor air quality, like Pittsburgh, which ranked 19th on the list of cities with the particle pollution year-round and received failing grades for daily particle pollution and ozone as well.

"In the 25 years that the American Lung Association has been doing our 'State of the Air' report, we have seen incredible improvement in our nation's air quality," Kevin Stewart, the environmental health director at the American Lung Association, told CBS Pittsburgh. "Unfortunately, more than 131 million people still live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution, and the Pittsburgh Metro Area is listed as one of the worst places for particle pollution."

Other cities where particle pollution severely depleted air quality include Indianapolis, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Augusta, Georgia, and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Worst cities for ozone

Although ozone in the upper atmosphere protects Earth, high levels of the gas farther down can be harmful to human health and the environment. Experts have noted in particular that inhaling unhealthy concentrations of ozone in the air can cause a range of breathing problems and even weaken the lungs against infection.

The American Lung Association's annual reports have plotted a more optimistic, downward trend in ozone concentration nationwide in the last 20 years, as environmental controls forced a transition "away from coal-fired power pants, the dirtiest fossil fuel, and towards clean renewable sources of energy," the latest report said. But it still showed about 100 million people across 26 states living in places where ozone levels received a failing grade for air quality. The report again noted that extreme heat, lack of precipitation and wildfires associated with climate change, largely across western states, have undermined attempts to cut back on emissions.

The view of downtown Los Angeles skyline is obscured by smoke, ash and smog as seen from the Griffith Observatory Monday, Sept. 14, 2020. / Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Los Angeles  infamous for its smog, which is mainly composed of ozone  ranked as the worst city for ozone pollution in the country, as it has on all but one "State of the Air" report. After Los Angeles, the most polluted cities for ozone were:

Visalia, CaliforniaBakersfield, CaliforniaFresno-Madera-Hanford, CaliforniaPhoenix-Mesa, ArizonaDenver-Aurora, ColoradoSacramento-Roseville, CaliforniaSan Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CaliforniaSalt Lake City-Provo-Orem, UtahHouston-The Woodlands, Texas

Of the 25 worst metropolitan areas for ozone pollution, 10 were in California, and others in just six states  Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah  held 12 more spots. Only three cities in the eastern U.S. made the list, which were New York, Chicago and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Eric Church talks new Nashville bar and residency

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Cicada noise causes South Carolina residents to call sheriff
Yermak: 'I can tell you for sure  there will be more Patriots'

More Patriot air defense systems are on their way to Ukraine "for sure," Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said on April 24.

Ukraine is facing a shortage of air defense systems amid an uptick in Russian attacks on population centers and energy infrastructure.

Speaking on national television, Yermak said Kyiv was "talking with many partners, primarily the U.S." about securing more of the badly needed systems and referred to recent news of German efforts to convince Washington to send more.

"I can tell you for sure  there will be more Patriots. For us, the secondary issue is where they will get to us from, the main thing is they will get here, and they get here as soon as possible, because this is about protecting our cities, protecting our people," he said.

"I am sure we will hear good news soon," Yermak added.

U.S.-made Patriots are highly effective at intercepting Russia's ballistic and cruise missiles. Berlin is reportedly pressuring NATO and European allies to send their systems to Kyiv rather than keeping them unused.

Germany said on April 13 that it would provide Ukraine with one more Patriot air defense system to fend off increased Russian attacks. The new pledge will bring the total number of Patriots supplied to Ukraine by Germany to three.

The German allocation of three Patriots would constitute a quarter of the country's arsenal, a far larger proportion than that of the U.S., wrote Bloomberg.

Read also: US Senate passes $61 billion in aid to Ukraine

Elsewhere, Greece is preparing to give Ukraine at least one Patriot air defense system, the Greek media outlet Pronews reported on April 22, citing government sources.

The news follows a story by the Financial Times (FT) on April 22, in which official sources said that Greece and Spain were under specific pressure from the EU to provide additional air defense systems to Ukraine.

Escalating Russian strikes and resulting civilian casualties underscore Ukraine's dire need for additional air defenses, and while the potential passing of the U.S. aid bill should alleviate some of the need, President Volodymyr Zelensky told an online session of the NATO-Ukraine Council on April 19 that European countries can still do more.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine needs 25 Patriots to protect the country from Russian attacks.

Kyiv is also pushing Washington for the joint production of Patriot air defense systems, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova said in an interview with European Pravda on April 23.

Read also: Ambassador: Ukraine in talks to set up joint production of Patriot systems

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Yolo County Sheriffs Office is seeking the publics help to identify a man found dead near railroad tracks in a West Sacramento neighborhood earlier this month.

The man in his 70s was found April 16 near a grassy trail abutting Yolo and Mikon streets wearing a red, short-sleeved polo shirt and cutoff jeans. He only carried a receipt from a downtown Sacramento Taco Bell and wore a white metal bracelet around his left wrist, the Yolo County Sheriffs Office said.

Its unclear if the coroner has identified the cause and manner of death. A call to the Yolo County Sheriffs Office was not immediately returned.

The man is described as 5 feet and 108 pounds with brown eyes and short gray hair, deputies said.

Anyone with information about the man is asked to call the Sheriffs Office at 530-668-5280.
YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  York County officials are warning against door-to-door solicitors who might be trying to take advantage of residents who suffered damage in Saturdays powerful storms that swept through the area.

Rock Hill community surrounds southside neighbors recovering from hail storm

York County Government has concerns about some contractors going door to door with business cards, trying to solicit your business following the storm, York County officials said Wednesday.

Several houses were a near-total loss after a strong storm packing a powerful punch with strong winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall moved in.

We encourage all property owners to work with reputable businesses who are licensed and insured in South Carolina, York County City officials said in the written message Wednesday. Look at customer reviews, check BBB ratings, compare estimates from multiple companies, and ask for estimates in writing.

While no tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service, the storm caused outages and forced schools in Rock Hill to revert to eLearning for two days.

Officials also stated that anybody that needs help can contact the city at 803-250-3679.

Hundreds of houses suffered minor damage while 17 homes suffered major damage, officials said.

Nationwide also announced Wednesday that it would open up a drive-up claims center in Rock Hill for vehicle hail damage estimates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is criticizing Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) visit to Columbia University, arguing hes only exacerbating divisions by showing up to speak with Jewish students.

I think politicizing this and bringing the entourage to put a spotlight on this is only adding to the division, Hochul told reporters, per Politico. A Speaker worth the title should really be trying to heal people and not divide them, so I dont think it adds to anything.

Hochul said Johnson would be better off taking up the bipartisan border security bill that, she said, would help deal with the ongoing situation involving migrants in the state of New York.

It seems to me theres a lot more responsibilities and crises to be dealt with in Washington, Hochul said. Id encourage the Speaker to go back and perhaps take up the migrant bill, the bill to deal with closing the borders, so we can deal with the real crisis that New York has.

Republicans have been blasting the presidents of several elite East Coast schools for months over their handling of protests and the protection of Jewish students.

New Yorks House delegation this week called for the resignation of Columbias president.

Protests on the schools campus have led Columbia to cancel in-person classes through the rest of the school term.

Speaker Johnson is going to speak to students at Columbia University because Governor Hochul and other officials in New York have completely failed in their duty to protect Jewish students and combat the rise of antisemitism in their party, a spokesperson from the speakers office said in a statement. We wish it werent necessary.

 Updated at 4:32 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ST. CHARLES, Mo.  A new article from the New York Times addresses how St. Charles and other U.S. cities aim to combat concerns around expired temporary license tags.

New York Times reporter Michael Corkery published an article on April 19 titled Fake Tags Add to Real Chaos on American Roads.

St. Charles mayor Dan Borgmeyer told the New York Times that there is a real breakdown in automotive law and order, when it comes to expired temp tags. His office reportedly received more than 4,000 complaints over expired temp tags last year.

According to the New York Times, Some of the thousands of photos that the St. Charles mayor received from residents were forwarded to the police. Many cars were just passing through, but when the cars of St. Charles residents were identified, officers went to many of the home addresses associated with a temporary tag and issued a ticket.

Last August, according to FOX 2 reports, Borgmeyer launched a program in which he encouraged people to take photos of cars with expired temp tags on St. Charles streets and send those photos to his office. He says this push has been better than expected, at least in enforcement around expired temp tags.

Are you still earning enough to be middle class? Check these new tables

Around that time, the state of Missouri approved a new law that allows auto dealers to collect the sales tax at the point of purchase, and send that money to the state. However, officials say it could take up to two years to implement the law, so temp tags arent a thing of the past just yet.

Concerns around expired temp tags have mounted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago. During the pandemics peak, the state of Missouri waived certain vehicle registration requirements. Some area drivers say the result was a logjam of vehicles in Missouri, particularly the St. Louis area, with expired tags.

Until the new law fully takes effect, when you buy a car in Missouri, you receive a set of temp tags, with the expectation being that youll go to a Department of Revenue office or the DMV within the next 30 days to pay the sales tax and receive your license plates. However, some drivers may opt to ride with expired temp tags because the sales tax is too expensive to pay at one time.

For instance, a car that costs $10,000 in the city could cost around $1,000 in sales tax. Compare that to a $100 or $200 ticket for driving with expired temp tags, some people may choose to take their chances with expired tags.

Borgmeyer says the program aims to reduce how many people drive with temp tags around St. Charles and offer stronger enforcement on violations.

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Daily News

The New York Times credits Borgmeyer for at least one instance in which he reportedly took action.

One day, he pulled up behind a car with expired temporary plates and snapped a picture with his phone, the article reads. The driver rolled down his window and extended his middle finger. Mr. Borgmeyer sent the photo to the police, but by the time officers followed up, the driver had already started the process of obtaining a proper license plate.

In addition to St. Charles, the New York Times also reported on efforts to combat temp tags in Portland, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Young dolphin found dead riddled with bullets, officials say. Search is on for killer

A young bottlenose dolphin was found shot dead on a Louisiana beach, with bullets lodged in its heart, officials say.

The search is on for the killer.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put out a call for information April 23, offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to a criminal conviction or civil penalty.

A citizen first reported the stranded dolphin on West Maes Beach on March 13, NOAA said in a news release.

The dolphin, a juvenile, had injuries consistent with being shot with a firearm, authorities said.

The Audubon Aquarium Rescue took the dolphin to New Orleans to conduct a necropsy to determine the cause of death. The necropsy found bullets lodged in the dolphins heart, brain and spinal cord.

The animal appeared to have died from the trauma, which occurred at or near the time of death, officials said.

Its illegal to harm, harass or feed wild dolphins under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAAs law enforcement agency is seeking information that leads to the identification and prosecution of the person responsible.

Harming a dolphin carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail or a $100,000 civil penalty.

Bottlenose dolphins are found in warm and temperate waters around the world. The animals can live up to 60 years and reach 13 feet in length, according to NOAA. While theyre not classified as endangered, they face hazards such as fishing gear and harassment from humans.

Maes Beach is in western Louisiana, about a 15-mile drive from the Texas border.

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Sea creature puts on rare show for California tour boat and beachgoers. What a day!

Rare photos capture spectacular behavior of ocean giants in Australia. See them race
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police have identified the victim in a Monday deadly shooting as a 13-year-old boy.

The shooting was reported just after 4 p.m. near E. 27th Street and Quincy Avenue.

When officers arrived on scene they found 13-year-old Trevion Stewart suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

This is the fourth shooting involving a child within the last month in Kansas City.

Douglas County crash leaves one dead

On April 10, someone fired shots a ta home near E. 33rd Street and Flora Avenue, shooting Kourtney Freeman inside. She died about a month before turning 12.

Last week, a 5-year-old boy died in what police are calling an accidental shooting. A day later a little boy was shot while riding his bicycle outside his home.

KCPD Chief Stacy Graves addressed the rise in violence recently at the Board of Police Commissioners meeting.

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No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information that can help with any of these recent incidents can call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Zaluzhnyi to start new ambassador to UK role 'in a matter of weeks'

Former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi will start his new role as Ukraine's ambassador to the U.K. in "a matter of weeks," presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on April 24.

Speaking to KYIV24, Podolyak said some "logistical issues" still had to be resolved before Zaluzhnyi could take up his new position.

"As far as I understand, everything has been officially clarified," Podolyak said, adding: "He will officially be an ambassador, I mean in terms of the agrement (an agreement to receive a member of a diplomatic mission - edit.) and protocol procedures through the Foreign Ministry."

Zaluzhnyi lost his job as the commander-in-chief on Feb. 8 when President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Oleksandr Syrskyi in his place, following months of speculation about a rift in Ukraine's leadership. Zaluzhnyi had led the country's military since July 2021.

Zaluzhnyi's dismissal followed multiple stories by Ukrainian and foreign media outlets, citing anonymous sources in the government, that Zelensky was set to fire the chief commander.

The decision sparked an emotional public debate, as Zaluzhnyi is widely popular with both the military and the population due to his role in leading the resistance against Russia.

Shortly before officially announcing the dismissal, Zelensky thanked Zaluzhnyi for his service in a Telegram post, adding that the ex-chief commander would remain a "part of the team."

Read also: Poll: Trust in Zelensky fell after Zaluzhnyi dismissal

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Invesco (NYSE:IVZ) First Quarter 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$1.48b (up 4.0% from 1Q 2023).

Net income: US$141.5m (down 2.4% from 1Q 2023).

Profit margin: 9.6% (in line with 1Q 2023).

EPS: US$0.31 (down from US$0.32 in 1Q 2023).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Invesco Revenues and Earnings Miss Expectations

Revenue missed analyst estimates by 2.8%. Earnings per share (EPS) also missed analyst estimates by 20%.

Looking ahead, revenue is expected to decline by 8.2% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, while revenues in the Capital Markets industry in the US are expected to grow by 6.8%.

Performance of the American Capital Markets industry.

The company's shares are down 4.3% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Invesco 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.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 24 that Russia is preparing to disrupt a global peace summit set to take place in Switzerland in June.

The Swiss government confirmed earlier this month that it would host the global peace summit on Russia's war against Ukraine 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 the steps that must be taken to restore Ukraine's sovereignty.

We have precise intelligence information, specific data that Russia not only wants to disrupt the peace summit, but also has a specific plan how to do it, how to reduce the number of participating countries, how to act to ensure that there is no peace for even longer," Zelensky said during a meeting with heads of foreign missions and international organizations.

Kyiv will share Russia's plans with diplomats and intelligence agencies of allied countries, according to Zelensky.

"And together we must counteract this, we must work in unity for a just peace, he said.

Ukraine's peace plan envisages withdrawing all Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine, the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the release of all prisoners of war and deportees, preventing ecocide in Ukraine, and punishing those responsible for war crimes.

Neither Kyiv nor Bern has disclosed which countries would be among the summit participants.

Bloomberg reported, citing its unnamed sources, that Switzerland planned to host the peace summit in June, with 80-100 countries invited to attend.

Zelensky ruled out Russia's participation in the event, as it continues to attack Ukraine on a daily basis.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said that Moscow has to be at a peace summit "sooner or later," even if it does not attend its first meeting.

Read also: Macron: France to participate in global peace summit in June

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Zelensky says Ukraine is receiving the 'support we need' from the US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) receives US President Joe Biden at the Presidential Palace ahead of their meeting. Biden said fresh military aid will begin flowing to Ukraine "in the next few hours" after he signed into law a bill that provides for billions of dollars in new spending to support Ukraine's fight against Russian forces. -/Ukrainian Presidency/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his relief at the desperately needed military aid package announced by US President Joe Biden.

"Regardless of what anyone says, we are gaining the support we need to continue protecting lives from Russian attacks," Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"I am grateful to President Biden, Congress, and all Americans who recognize that we must cut the ground under [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's feet rather than obeying him, as this is the only way to truly reduce threats to freedom. Together, we can ensure this."

Following the approval of the long-stalled Ukraine aid by Congress, President Joe Biden had announced a first tranche worth around $1 billion. He said military equipment - including air defence munitions, artillery and armoured vehicles - would begin arriving in Ukraine within "hours."
Zelensky on US aid: 'We will do everything to compensate for the 6 months that have passed in debate and doubt'

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his April 24 evening address that Ukraine "will do everything" to compensate for the six months that passed while the country waited for the U.S. to pass further assistance for Kyiv.

After months of political infighting and a deteriorating situation on the battlefield in Ukraine, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the crucial foreign aid package on April 20, which includes $60.84 billion for Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden first requested Congress approve the aid last October.

Biden on April 24 signed the foreign aid bill containing nearly $61 billion for Ukraine into law, marking the final step of the legislative process.

Zelensky thanked Biden, Congress, and all the Americans who support Ukraine in its defense against the Russian full-scale invasion.

"Now, we will do everything to compensate for the six months that have passed in debate and doubt," the president said.

Zelensky stressed that Kyiv and its allies have to turn everything Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin have done to Ukraine during this period against them.

"All his (Putin's) actions at the front, all his attacks on our energy sector and infrastructure, all his terror against our cities and villages  all this should mobilize us, everyone in the world who really values life, to put more pressure on Russia."

The president also noted that Ukraine and the U.S. are trying to send this latest military package "as quickly as possible" to supply the Ukrainian forces with ATACMS, artillery, anti-tank weapons, HIMARS munitions, as well as air defense systems and other equipment.

As Biden signed the foreign aid bill, the Pentagon said it was ready to move forward with sending $1 billion of weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Kyiv.

Read also: What Ukraine lost while waiting for the US aid bill to pass

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Zelenskyy says Russia wants to disrupt Peace Summit in Switzerland and has detailed plan

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukrainian intelligence has information about Russia wanting to disrupt the upcoming Peace Summit, which is to be held in Switzerland on 15-16 June.

Source: Zelenskyy during a meeting with representatives of partner states and international organisations working in Ukraine

Quote: "We have accurate information from intelligence, and it is exact data, that Russia not only wants to disrupt the Peace Summit but also has a specific plan to do so: how to reduce the participation of countries and how to act so that there is no peace for even longer. And together we must counteract this, and we must work in unity for a just peace."

Details: Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and its partners are equally interested in forcing Russia to peace and respect for international law: "The world majority is capable of ensuring this. The Global Peace Summit in Switzerland gives all of us a real chance for a just peace and the restoration of the effectiveness of international law."

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Zelenskyy thanks senators, Americans and Biden for approval of Ukraine aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to the approval of assistance for Ukraine in the US Senate on Wednesday morning (24 April) and expressed gratitude to the US Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, all Americans and US President Joe Biden.

Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I am grateful to the US Senate for today's approval of vital assistance to Ukraine.

My gratitude extends to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their strong leadership in moving this bipartisan legislation forward and to all US Senators from both parties who supported it."

Details: The Ukrainian president noted that this vote bolsters the role of the US as a beacon of democracy and leader of the free world.

Zelenskyy further expressed his gratitude to all Americans who continue to support Ukraine and realise that the historical significance of this bill transcends politics.

The Ukrainian president stressed that he also values President Biden's support and looks forward to the bill's swift signing and the delivery of the next military aid package, "which will be in line with the determination I always feel in our negotiations".

Background: On Tuesday (23 April), the US Senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of a US$95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

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Zelenskyy on US aid for Ukraine: We will compensate for six months lost in debates

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, reacting to the package of legislation to help Ukraine signed by US President Joe Biden on Wednesday, 24 April, has said that Ukraine will have to compensate for the last six months of debates and turn Vladimir Putins plans against him.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address

Quote: "Now we will do everything to compensate for the six months that have passed in debate and doubt. We must turn what the Russian occupier has managed to do over this time and what Putin is planning now against him.

All his actions at the front, all his attacks on our energy sector and infrastructure, all his terror against our cities and villages  all this should mobilise us, everyone in the world who really values life, to put more pressure on Russia. It is very important to implement all of our agreements with President Biden one hundred percent. Thank you, America!"

Details: Zelenskyy added that the Ukrainian side has been actively cooperating with the American partners on all levels to operatively "fill this package" supplied by the US with the armament that Ukrainian troops really need. "From ATACMS and artillery, anti-tank weapons and HIMARS munitions to the necessary air defence systems and vehicles," Zelenskyy stated.

"I am grateful to President Biden, the U.S. Congress, and all Americans who realise the need to take the wind out of Putin's sails, not to submit to him, as only then will there truly be fewer threats to freedom. Together we can make this happen," Zelenskyy said.

Background:

US President Joe Biden signed legislation enacted by Congress that offers about US$61 billion in new military and economic aid to Ukraine, as well as help to other US allies.

US President Joe Biden announced that the first batch of aid to Ukraine under the newly signed supplemental funding law will be sent "in the next few hours" and listed what will be included in the package.

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The Belarusian Defence Ministry has claimed that Belarus is developing laser weapons.

Source: Telegram channel of Belarusian Defence Ministry, citing Colonel Viktor Tumar, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus for Scientific Work, at a military-scientific conference in Minsk

Quote: "We strive to have only our own, Belarusian. We are now one of the leaders in electronic warfare, developing radar systems for detecting various objects.

We also have developments in laser weapons. We are moving directly to weapons based on new physical principles."

Background:

Nations around the world have been racing to develop laser weapons powerful enough to melt steel.

In August 2023, China announced it had found a way to create a laser weapon that could fire indefinitely. If true, this will give the country a lead in technology development.

In December, the US Air Force and Navy asked Raytheon defence contractor to design, build and test systems that would "ignite" adversary electronic components using energy explosions.

In January 2024, the UK government announced the first successful test of laser technology against air targets.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps suggested that samples of the latest laser weapons being developed in the UK could be provided to Ukraine to strengthen its air defence at the prototype stage. However, this will likely happen no sooner than in a few years.

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The three astronauts of China's Shenzhou 18 mission were revealed on April 24, 2024, the day before their planned launch to the Tiangong space station.

China has unveiled its latest three-person crew set to embark on a six-month-long mission to low Earth orbit.

Shenzhou 18 is poised to launch on a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan spaceport in northwest China on Thursday (April 25) and head to Chinas Tiangong space station . The mission's crew were revealed at a press conference at Jiuquan on Wednesday (April 24), also Chinas national space day, by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Shenzhou 18 will be commanded by Ye Guangfu, 43, who was part of the Shenzhou 13 mission in 2021-2022. He is joined by fighter pilots Li Cong, born in October 1989, and Li Guangsu, born in July 1987, who will be making their first flights to space.

Related: China rolls out rocket for next astronaut mission to Tiangong space station (photos)

Launch is set for 8:59 a.m. EDT on April 25 (1259 GMT, or 8:59 p.m. Beijing time); you can watch it here at Space.com. The three astronauts are expected to reach Tiangong around seven hours later.

There, they will join up with the three Shenzhou 17 astronauts who will hand over control of the space station in an official ceremony days later. The Shenzhou 17 crew will then prepare to return to Earth in their own spacecraft, having spent six months in orbit.

The incoming crew have a range of tasks ahead of them, including extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks .

RELATED STORIES:

 China moving at 'breathtaking speed' in final frontier, Space Force says

 China plans to put astronauts on the moon before 2030

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"The Shenzhou 18 astronauts will carry out six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module and implement two to three extravehicular activities," Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA, said during Wednesday's press conference.

"During the extravehicular activities, the astronauts will install space debris protection reinforcements for extravehicular piping, cables and critical equipment, and carry out extravehicular inspections, as appropriate, to further safeguard the safety of the space station," he said.

Shenzhou 18 will be the seventh crew to visit Tiangong, which China began constructing in 2021. China plans to keep the station constantly occupied and operational for at least a decade and is even planning to expand the orbital outpost with more modules.
Two side by side images. at left, a closeup of a lunar crater. at right, a view of the moon against the blackness of space.

Earth's "quasi-moon" was likely blasted away from the actual moon relatively recently in the solar system's history, a new study suggests.

Kamo'oalewa, a 131- to 328-foot-wide (40 to 100 meters) near-Earth object (NEO), was liberated by an asteroid impact between 1 million and 10 million years ago, a smashup that created the moon's 13.7-mile-wide (22 kilometers) Giordano Bruno crater, according to the research.

Kamo'oalewa, or "469219 Kamooalewa" as it is officially designated, was discovered in 2016 by the Pan-STARRS 1 asteroid survey telescope on Haleakala, Hawaii, as part of NASA's planetary defense effort to discover space rocks that could possibly hit our planet.

Kamo'oalewa, which means "an oscillating celestial object" in Hawaiian, was later found to orbit the sun in synchronization with Earth and is spinning extremely fast for an asteroid. These puzzling characteristics led scientists to investigate the quasi-moon's origins. In 2021, research revealed that Kamo'oalewa's composition is similar to rocks recovered from the moon, hinting at its lunar origin. The question was, Where exactly on the moon did it come from?

Related: A 'quasi-moon' asteroid companion of Earth may actually be a moon relic

"Our major findings are that Kamooaelewa originated from the moon, and not from the asteroid belt, contrary to the majority of asteroids belonging to the NEO population," Patrick Michel, team member and senior researcher at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France's state research agency, told Space.com.

"Like detectives, we used all known information regarding this Kamooalewa and the lunar surface to derive a scenario for the origin of this object, starting from the impact that produced the Giordano Bruno crater," Michel said.

Recreating a 'cosmic crime scene' on the moon

The team connected Kamooalewa with the Giordano Bruno crater by working like crime scene investigators. They used a computer model to mimic the type of impact that would have produced a space rock like this quasi-moon.

That meant factoring in things like the size and velocity distributions of the resulting ejecta and their dynamical evolution. This reconstruction demonstrated that some ejecta would eventually get into an orbital 1:1 resonance with Earth, with the same dynamical properties as Kamooalewa.

"Our results tell us that Kamooalewa is very likely to be a fragment from the lunar surface for which we have a direct relation to a known crater if our scenario is correct," Michel said.

"Usually, the best we can do is to determine the source region in the asteroid belt of a NEO, knowing its current orbit. A region is usually very wide in these kinds of estimates, such as the inner or outer asteroid belt," he added. "Here, we identified a very specific body and location where this object comes from, which is very exciting."

closeup black and white photo of a lunar crater

Michel explained that Kamooalewas orbit is not stable, leading the team to link it to a crater that is not too old, possibly with an age between one and 10 million years.

"Then we also needed the crater to be not too large, so that an intact fragment of the size of Kamooaelewa can be produced," he continued. "The best candidate was then Giordano Bruno, which matches both constraints."

The team's impact modeling also gave them an idea of the size of the space projectile that would have created the nearly 14-mile-wide lunar crater and its quasi-moon ejecta. They estimated that the asteroid that struck the moon must have had a width of around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to carve out the Giordano Bruno crater and liberate Kamooalewa.

If an asteroid of such a size were to hit Earth, it would release roughly the same amount of energy as the detonation of a one-million-megaton bomb.

Related: How we could deflect killer asteroids away from Earth

illustration showing the moon and a small asteroid in the foreground, with a small, distant earth in the background

The findings also have ramifications for our understanding of the NEO population around Earth, implying that a larger proportion of these bodies than suspected could have been created by impacts on the moon or upon other solar system bodies.

"Although the majority of NEOs come from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, a small portion can originate from the moon or other locations," Michel said. "When there is something unusual and when a lunar origin seems possible, then we now know that we can check whether a fragment from the moon can lead to the orbit of the considered object and possibly identify the crater where it comes from, closing the loop."

artist's illustration showing a spacecraft approaching an asteroid

Michel added that the discovery that Giordano Bruno crater and the NEO Kamooalewa are likely linked is a stark reminder that, even in this later, calmer epoch of the solar system's 4.6-billion-year history, impacts by massive space rocks happen.

This stresses the importance of planetary defense projects such as NASA's recent Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which studied the effectiveness of diverting an asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

"Impacts occur in the inner solar system, but while traces are erased on Earth, they are not erased on the moon. Thus, our natural satellite contains the record of the impact history in Earths environment over the last 4 billion years," Michel said. "This is the reason why some of us are highly involved in planetary defense, the NASA DART mission that performed the first asteroid deflection test and the European Space Agency Hera mission, for which I serve as principal investigator, that will measure DART impact outcome in detail."

RELATED STORIES:

 Asteroid Apophis will swing past Earth in 2029  could a space rock collision make it hit us?

 NASA's DART mission hammered its target asteroid into a new shape. Here's how

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Michel concedes that the team's results are only provisional. Thus, while they have offered a strong link between Kamooalewa and the moon, it will take further investigation of the asteroid to confirm this connection.

"The next most exciting study of Kamooalewa will be offered by the Chinese Tiawen-2 mission that should launch in 2025 to sample the surface of the asteroid and return the samples to Earth for laboratory analysis," he said. "This is a very challenging mission, as nobody has ever visited such a small object that rotates over itself in only 28 minutes before.

"The analysis of samples will, for the first time, tell us what [are] the physical and thermodynamical state of a fragment of this size extracted from the lunar surface by an impact, which is something we cannot determine in our impact model."

The team's research was published on Friday (April 19) in the journal Nature Astronomy.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  TikTok could face a nationwide ban after the U.S. Senate passed a bill late Tuesday night, April 23, forcing the apps parent company to sell or face a ban.

Now, it all falls into the hands of President Biden, who has said he supports the bill and is expected to sign it.

The move comes after both Democrats and Republicans in the House passed a series of funding bills that would provide billions of dollars in foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as forcing TikToks Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the platform.

Now, this is drawing concerns for content creators across the U.S., including in the Borderland, where one local business owner has used the app to make, or in this case, increase her profits.

Isca Zeledon, owner of the Mexican Candy Lady shop in El Paso, started the business back in 2018, selling Mexican snacks from her home. She says she made the switch to an in-person store in 2022 after people found out she lived in El Paso and her business started gaining more popularity.

However, construction started in front of her shop in January 2023, affecting her traffic.

I was having a hard time with people coming into the store because of the construction and online just wasnt cutting it anymore. So, I decided to give TikTok Shop (a feature in the app) a chance and within two or three weeks, it exploded, she said.

Zeledon said in four months her sales increased by 80%, and her followers on TikTok increased from 100,000 to 260,000 after she opened TikTok Shop on her Mexican Candy Lady account.

TikTok has been an ongoing concern for bipartisan lawmakers and the FBI for a wide array of reasons, one being that it is owned by a China-based company, posing national security concerns in the U.S.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, said: Many of us believe that it is important that we protect the interests of the U.S., and along those lines means protecting us against malign actors.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, also raised concerns over the app posing a possible national security risk.

Every national security expert, intelligence, and military, will tell you that this is a spy balloon in your phone, McCaul told a Nexstar sister station.

Now, with the Senates vote Tuesday vote, Zeledon said she is worried about the future of her business.

I am a little scared. Only thing I can do is sell as much as I can, save money, and move on to the next viral app, she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EV maker Polestar debuts its first phone, and it's rather impressive

What you need to know

Swedish EV maker Polestar has debuted its first smartphone amid a slowdown in its vehicle market.

The Polestar Phone has arrived exclusively for the Chinese market with a 6.7-inch display, a triple camera array, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.

Polestar missed its projected 60,000 target for vehicles in Q4 2023 and the company is reportedly preparing to cut 450 jobs.

Swedish EV (electric vehicle) maker Polestar has debuted its first smartphone aimed at the Chinese market.

According to Bloomberg, Polestar debuted the new phone at an event in Beijing, China, ahead of an auto show it plans to attend. The move appears to be part of a technological shift between automakers and smartphone OEMs.

Polestar states that its device is the culmination of work between its team in Gothenburg, Sweden, and China's smartphone manufacturer, Xingji Meizu Group.

Xingji Meizu's chief executive officer, Shen Ziyu, noted that the move was something of a "defensive measure due to Huawei and Xiaomi starting to make cars" and that the phone is the result of a shift as the "auto industry incorporates more intelligent technologies and consumer electronics."

The Swedish company states its "Polestar Phone" is its first "AI-designed flagship phone" for Chinese consumers. The device features a 6.7-inch display with a 21:9 aspect ratio and an 1250 nits of peak brightness. Powering the device is Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.

The device's AI features include image generation, image search, and text summaries.

The contents inside the Polestar Phone box.

On the back, the Polestar Phone provides a vertical triple camera setup. Consumers will discover a 50MP primary lens with OIS (optical image stabilization), a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. The front contains a 32MP punch-hole selfie lens.

A 5,050mAh battery will keep the lights on throughout the day, with support for 50W Super Wireless charging. Additionally, consumers can pack up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage in the Polestar Phone.

Elsewhere, the company teases a strong marriage between the phone and its EVs. Polestar has equipped the device with software developed based on Meizu's "Flyme Auto." Polestar states this will create a "seamless interconnection between mobile phones and cars."

Moreover, this pairing allows messages, calls, music, and videos to be displayed on a Polestar vehicle's dashboard while driving. The device's "Polestar Link" functionality lets users utilize their phone as a UWB digital car key.

The Polestar Phone starts at 7,388 yuan in China, which is roughly $1,019.

The Polestar Phone being used as a digital car key.

Polestar's entrance into the smartphone space may seem odd; however, other Chinese makers like Nio Inc. have done the same. More importantly, smartphone OEMs like Huawei and Xiaomi have gone the opposite way, entering the EV industry with their own cars. Similarly, Waymo, owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet, operates an array of self-driving cars.

Polestar reported in January that its EV sales have hit a slump. Polestar missed its 60,000 vehicle sales projection as it tallied 54,000 by the end of Q4 2023.

Additionally, the publication notes that Polestar is cutting 450 people to help cover its losses.
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - German email service Tuta Mail has complained to European Union tech regulators about what it described as a sudden drop in Google search results on the day the bloc's new tech rules kicked in.

The European Commission last month launched investigations into Alphabet unit Google, Apple and Meta Platforms over potential breaches of the new Digital Markets Act (DMA), with Google's case partly focused on whether search results discriminate against third-party services.

Tuta Mail, which says it is the second-largest encrypted email service in the world with more than 10 million users, filed a complaint to the DMA taskforce on Tuesday.

"At the beginning of March 2024 Google suddenly stopped displaying our website for thousands of keywords, limiting search traffic to our site in large part to so-called 'branded traffic' only," the company said in its complaint seen by Reuters.

"This means people were no longer finding our encrypted email provider when searching for 'encrypted email', but only when explicitly searching for 'Tuta' or 'Tutanota'," it said.

Tuta Mail CEO Matthias Pfau said he does not understand why his company's ranking fell on the day the DMA became active.

"Obviously Google changed something in its search algorithms, but we do not know what they changed or why," he told Reuters in an interview.

"We have tried to get in contact with Google to discuss this issue, but have received radio silence."

Google said it does not unfairly promote its own products. Tech experts said websites can lose Google ranking due to algorithm changes.

"Search ranking updates absolutely do not aim to preference Google products, or any other particular website. The email provider in question is easily accessible globally on Search," a spokesperson said.

"We appreciate the feedback and will look into how we can ensure Search continues to return the most helpful, relevant results."

The Commission declined to provide details.

"The Commission monitors compliance of gatekeepers with obligations, including in the context of on-going proceedings. We cannot comment on specific concerns being raised with us," a spokesperson said.

Pfau said the impact on Tuta Mail has been dramatic.

"After removing most branded keywords, we see that our total impressions per month (30 days) dropped by 88.47%. Google took away about 90% of our visibility online," he said.

"We want the DMA taskforce to include our data in their investigation on whether Google is complying with the DMA," he said.

The DMA obliges Big Tech to give rivals and users more choice, such as by allowing competing services to function with theirs while a list of prohibitions means they can't treat their services more favourably in ranking than rivals.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
With NASA's return to the moon with Artemis 3 tentatively scheduled to touch down at the lunar south pole sometime in 2026, gamers can get into character as astronauts embarking on an expedition to our lone satellite via a new Fortnite-built simulation packed with real-life details.

The insanely popular free-to-play Fortnite video game franchise and cross-platform sensation was first introduced by Epic Games back in 2017 and has taken on a life of its own with millions of players scattered across the globe engaged in its three main gaming modes: Fortnite Battle Royale, Fortnite: Save the World, and the limitless sandbox playground of Fortnite Creative.

Now in a partnership between Epic Games, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Hassell, Fortnite followers can travel to the moon's south sole region in "Lunar Horizons" where their goals will be to actively gather water and Helium-3 to finish the construction of the permanent ESA Lunar Habitat.

Related: Upcoming space games: Homeworld 3, Space Marine 2, Star Wars Outlaws & more

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Here's the official description:

"'Lunar Horizons' is an immersive, 3D reimagination of a future international lunar mission to the moon's south pole. As a player, you must collect resources to build up the Hassell Lunar Habitat as you learn more about the wonders of space exploration. Work side by side with RASSOR, an advanced robot to collect resources throughout the lunar landscape. Lunar Horizons isn't all about winning, take a moment to talk to the astronauts and interact with Info Points around the lunar landscape to learn more about this real-life planned mission and space!"

Team Fortnite collaborated closely with the international architecture and design firm Hassell and ESA, as both cooperating organizations delivered CAD (Computer Aided Design) digital models of the prospective lunar habitat and unmanned lunar lander to integrate into the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) to create this dynamic and educational "Lunar Horizons" experience. ESA astronauts even play-tested "Lunar Horizons" to test the in-game cooperation.

four people in blue flight suits laugh and smile as they play a computer game on four separate laptops

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"We learned a lot about space science throughout the development of this experience, such as how you cant actually see the stars from the moon's surface, how big a problem lunar dust is, and how some areas at the lunar south pole have been dark for billions of years," the Fortnite team explains on their developers blog.

Players can access this engaging new Fortnite experience by employing code 3207-0960-6428 or by searching for "Lunar Horizons" in the in-game Discover tab.
WASHINGTON  Last night, Congress took the extraordinary step of passing legislation to force TikToks Beijing-based parent company to sell it, or face an effective ban in the United States.

The policy agitated many of the apps young users, who showed up on Capitol Hill  alongside actual lobbyists  to push lawmakers to reject it.

But for some of those lawmakers, the debate was even closer to home as they grappled with questions from their kids and grandchildren.

Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said his four teenagers use it, which is something Im not proud of or comfortable with, per se.

They actually get a fair amount of consumer value out of it in terms of interaction with their friends, social interaction, knowing whats happening, which cant be undervalued if youre a teenager, he said.

But I try and explain to them thats separate and apart from the national security considerations that were having to weigh. They understand that.

Sen Todd Young (R-IN) speaks to reporters during a vote in the Senate Chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 25, 2024 in Washington, DC.

When the subject first came up in Congress, Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., recalled his 12-year-old granddaughter texting him: Grandpa, can you vote for TikTok to not get banned?

He assured her they would take more time to look at the Houses proposal.

Reassuring (or not) young people

Weeks later, the vast majority of lawmakers in both parties and both chambers of Congress supported the measure, arguing TikToks parent company poses a national security risk.

Informed by Biden administration intelligence briefings, they have raised concerns about the possibility of the Chinese government spying on Americans and spreading propaganda through the app.

President Joe Biden has said hell sign the legislation, which is tucked into a $95 billion foreign aid package to support Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Biden and the bills proponents in Congress argue that it is not a ban, but would force TikToks Beijing-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to a company that has more reliable data privacy rules.

That hasnt been very reassuring for many of the young people that make up TikToks 170 million American users, including influencers who have publicly slammed lawmakers for supporting the bill.

But members who spoke with USA TODAY said their family members understood when they explained the risks.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) walks to the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol on April 23, 2024 in Washington, DC.

They dont want TikTok to go away, said Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, who has around two dozen grandchildren.

But what I tell them is its not going to go away, its just going to get owned by an American company. Theyre pleased as punch.

'Oh, that's cool'

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., quipped last month that hes spent hundreds on Drunk Elephant skincare products for his teenage daughter because of viral videos on the app  so if he wanted to ban TikTok, he would have done it at home.

She doesnt follow it as closely anymore because TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew took the advice to just chill out and not blast messages to 170 million people, Fetterman said, referencing a flood of calls lawmakers received last month when TikTok prompted users to contact congressional offices.

I said, this is going to pass and no one is trying to ban TikTok, Fetterman said Tuesday. You dont have to worry about these things. Shes like, oh, thats cool.

Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, departs from the office of Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) at the Russell Senate Office Building on March 14, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said TikToks early push to get users involved led one young woman to leave a voicemail at his office saying: Ill shoot you and find you and cut you into pieces.

He said hes had discussions about the app with young people in his life, including that young woman and her parents.

Theres a lot of misinformation going on here, he said.

Were not shutting down TikTok. TikTok creates too much value to think that it would just disappear. What were talking about is ownership governance. When I explain that to young people they look at me like I have a horn growing out of my head, but their parents understand  and thats good enough for me.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok pressure campaign hit close to home for some lawmakers
Japan's lunar lander still powers away 3 months later. What to know about SLIM mission

The first lunar lander that Japan has ever sent to the moon continues to hum away on the surface, far outlasting its odds for survival more than three months since it touched down.

An image the spacecraft managed to beam back to Earth on Tuesday serves as a vital indication that the device remains powered on despite enduring three dark, frigid lunar night cycles. The nation's space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA,) shared the image Wednesday on social media.

To say it's unexpected for the probe to survive for so long after landing Jan. 20 might be an understatement.

You may remember when the U.S. recently sent it's own commercially-built lander to the moon in February? That spacecraft barely made it a week before it was expected to begin powering down.

Here's more about JAXA's lunar mission and how its lander's longevity compares to the United States' own craft.

Daichi Hirnao, associate senior researcher at JAXA's Space Exploration Innovation Hub Center, explains an image on Jan. 25 of the lunar surface taken and transmitted from the private company's lunar module for the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission. After landing on the Moon on Jan. 20, first moon lander continues to survive.

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What to know about JAXA's SLIM mission

When Japan's probe landed on the moon in January, it made the nation the fifth to get an uncrewed craft to the lunar surface, joining India, the U.S., Russia/Soviet Union and China.

Japan's earlier attempt in April 2023 failed after a lander designed by a Japanese company crashed into the moon's surface.

But the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) was never intended to survive one lunar night, let alone three  especially after it was nearly upside down when it hit the surface. When the surface of the moon is not exposed to the sun, a so-called lunar night ushers in both darkness and freezing conditions as temperatures can dip to up to minus 280 degrees Fahrenheit.

The craft wasn't designed to endure such harsh conditions, yet somehow it has.

JAXA said on the social media platform X that SLIMs key capabilities remain functional after it started up again and communicated with the agency's ground control center.

SLIM is tasked with testing Japans pinpoint landing technology and collecting geological data and images, the Associated Press reported. Scientists are hoping to find clues about the moon's origins by comparing the compositions of moon rocks with those from Earth.

NASA signs agreement with Japan on lunar exploration

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Masahito Moriyama, Japans minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, hold signed copies of an agreement between the United States and Japan to cooperate on future crewed moon missions.

The news of Japan's continued lunar lander success comes in the same month that the nation signed a historic agreement with the United States about how the two countries will cooperate on future moon missions.

Under the agreement, Japan will design, develop, and operate a pressurized rover for both crewed and uncrewed missions to explore the moon. NASA, meanwhile, will facilitate the launch and delivery of the rover to the moon along with two additional lunar missions with Japanese astronauts.

An enclosed and pressurized rover would enable astronauts to travel farther by serving as a mobile habitat and laboratory, NASA said. The craft will be intended to accommodate two astronauts for up to 30 days as they traverse the area near the moon's unexplored south polar region, where water ice is thought to be abundant.

The quest for the stars is led by nations that explore the cosmos openly, in peace, and together," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a 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."

Odysseus, first private U.S. lander, shut down after a week

NASA has big plans in the years ahead for lunar exploration.

For the United States, American astronauts have not set foot on the moon since the last Apollo mission in 1972. NASA's Artemis program hopes to return the nation back to the lunar surface in order to establish a base of operations ahead of crewed trips to Mars.

But Artemis has been mired in delays and controversy as elected officials and other aeronautics experts have expressed concerns about the scope and cost of the ambitious program.

Before any humans can return to the moon, NASA needed to make sure an American probe could make it to the lunar surface to pave the way for their arrival.

Those hopes were initially dashed in January, one day before Japan's SLIM landed, when an uncrewed craft designed by Pittsburgh-based aerospace company Astrobotic encountered a slew of issues. The Peregrine lander never made it to the moon, but a second chance for the U.S. came a month later.

Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lunar lander's sends out its farewell transmission, which was Feb. 22 and received Thursday, a week later, before its power was depleted. The image shows the crescent Earth in the background viewed from the lunar surface.

The Odysseus lander designed by Houston-based Intuitive Machines had a sideways landing of its own on Feb. 22, but still made it to the surface and transmitted back data.

NASA, which was the primary customer for the mission, paid a hefty sum to have a payload of scientific instruments included aboard the lander to collect data that will help the agency prepare for future lunar missions.

Within a week of landing near the south pole, Odysseus was on the verge of powering down for good. In its final update on March 23, Intuitive Machines determined that Odysseus' power was depleted and the craft had "permanently faded after cementing its legacy into history as the first commercial lunar lander to land on the moon."

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Japan's first moon lander has survived 3 months. What's next for SLIM?
Japan's Moon Lander Keeps Waking Up After It Was Supposed to Die

I'm Still Alive

Japan's first Moon lander refuses to die.

The spacecraft  dubbed Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)  has sent back yet another image three months after it landed upside down on the lunar surface.

That means it has survived a third lunar night, just over two Earth weeks of freezing temperatures and complete darkness, surprising teams back on the ground. After all, it was not designed to survive even a single lunar night  an astonishing feat of engineering that's paying dividends.

https://twitter.com/SLIM_JAXA/status/1782956426752848056

Hot and Cold

The lander reached the lunar surface on January 20. While it technically survived the hellish journey in one piece, it landed on its nose, with its solar panels pointing in a less-than-ideal direction.

At first, the team at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) worried it would soon have to be shut down for good due to its solar cells being unable to generate power.

Just over two months later, JAXA confirmed that the lander was still alive and transmitting signals following two bitterly cold lunar nights.

And miraculously, SLIM is still kicking.

"Last night (the night of April 23), we were able to successfully communicate with SLIM which had started up again, and confirmed that SLIM had survived for the third time," an update by the agency's SLIM on X reads, as translated by Google.

A black-and-white photo shows the surrounding area, a hilly and desolate surface, dotted with rocks.

The team at JAXA is now carefully monitoring the lander's condition and is hoping to identify areas where the extreme temperature fluctuations may have deteriorated it.

In short, it's a tremendous feat that comes after several failed attempts to land on the lunar surface, including US-based space company Astrobotic's Peregrine One, which burned up in the Earth's atmosphere after failing to reach the Moon just days before SLIM's landing.

Space startup Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander similarly landed on its side after touching down in February, marking the first US landing in more than 50 years.

However, the lander went dormant a week later  and seemingly hasn't made a peep ever since.

More on SLIM: Japanese Moon Lander Dying After Touching Down on Lunar Surface
LONDON  A California-based startup wants to launch a constellation of orbiting mirrors, which will beam sunlight to solar power plants to boost renewable electricity production after dark. A prototype light-reflecting satellite could make its way to orbit next year.

Ben Nowack, the founder and CEO of Reflect Orbital, introduced the company's plans at the International Conference on Energy from Space, held here last week.

Reflect Orbital envisions a constellation of 57 small satellites orbiting Earth in a formation in sun-synchronous polar orbit, at an altitude of 370 miles (600 kilometers). In that orbit, the satellites would circle the planet from pole to pole while the planet rotates underneath them. The satellites would fly over each spot on Earth at the same time of the day, making two passes per 24 hours. Combined, the 57 satellites would provide an additional 30 minutes of sunshine to the power plants, at the time when energy is most needed, Nowack said.

"The problem is that solar energy is not available when we actually want it," Nowack said at the conference. "The more solar farms we build, the less people actually want it during the day. It would be really great if we could get some solar energy before the sun rises and after sunset, because then you could actually charge higher prices and make a lot more money. And we think that reflector-based technologies can solve this problem."

Related: Space-based solar power may be one step closer to reality, thanks to this key test (video)

The cost of solar panels has dropped by 90% over the past 15 years, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency , and their efficiency continues to increase, thanks to advances in photovoltaic technology. Thanks to that, solar power is now the cheapest form of electricity that has ever been available to humankind, according to Carbon Brief .

But the intermittent nature of solar energy generation is a problem that experts are still struggling to solve. On cloudy days, solar power plants are less productive than when the sky is clear. At night, solar energy generation stops completely. Battery systems and other renewables could make up for some of that shortfall, but so far nuclear and coal- and gas-fired power plants are needed as a backup.

"It's very easy to replace the first 1% of the energy grid with renewables," said Nowack. "It's very hard to replace the last 1%. That is the energy that you need on a day that is not windy but rainy."

Reflect Orbital's satellites will weigh only 35 pounds (16 kilograms) each and will be fitted with mylar mirrors 33 feet by 33 feet (9.9 by 9.9 meters) in size that deploy in orbit. Mylar is a plastic material used in space blankets, insulators and packaging. The mirrors are engineered to concentrate light into a tight beam that could be steered and focused based on the demand by solar farm operators.

"We want to make it as easy as possible  like, log into a website, tell us your GPS coordinates and we get you some sunlight after dark," said Nowack.

He added that the mirrors are designed to prevent light pollution.

Related: Japanese satellite will beam solar power to Earth in 2025

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"If you are around 10 kilometers [6 miles] from the edge of a solar farm site, you're not going to see any light at all if you look up straight into the sky," said Nowack. "You may see some sort of glowing light, like there is some construction going on, if you look in the direction of the solar farm."

Last summer, Reflect Orbital tested its mirror on a hot air balloon floating 1.7 miles (3 km) above a solar farm. The company was able to generate "500 watts of energy per square meter" (11 square feet) of solar panel, which is about "half the brightness of the sun," according to Nowack. The company has secured funding to fly its first test satellite in space next year.

Other teams are studying orbiting mirror concepts to boost solar power generation. For instance, the University of Glasgow in Scotland is leading a European research project called SOLSPACE, which also examines the possibility of placing satellites fitted with thin reflecting panels into orbit to direct sunlight toward large solar farms at the beginning and end of each day, when demand for electricity is highest.

Russia experimented with orbital mirrors in the 1990s with its Znamya project. The Znamya 2 mission launched in 1992 and deployed a mirror in orbit that briefly flashed a beam of light toward Earth that traversed Europe from southern France to western Russia. The satellite fell back into Earth's atmosphere after only a few hours.

Orbiting mirrors, however, have their opponents. Speaking at the London conference, Andrew Williams of the European Southern Observatory warned that orbiting reflectors, unless designed with care, could shine more brightly than the brightest stars and exacerbate the satellite light pollution problem that astronomers are already facing.

After the launch of the first few batches of SpaceX's Starlink satellites in 2019, astronomers realized that these low-orbiting spacecraft can interfere with astronomical observations, leaving trails in images. SpaceX , Williams said, has since managed to partially eliminate the problem by altering the satellites' surface to reduce the amount of light they reflect.
Japans beloved Shinkansen trains are getting another upgrade.

From 2026, some trains on the Tokaido line  the countrys busiest line, as it connects Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka  will have private rooms with doors in the upper class section.

According to a release from Japan Rail, the rooms are being added in order to meet the diversifying needs of customers due to changes in lifestyles and work styles. A range of potential reasons for booking the rooms include businesspeople who want to hold meetings online, customers who value privacy, and customers who want to relax without worrying about their surroundings.

In addition to private space, these rooms will have Wi-Fi (useful for those Zoom calls), air-conditioning, reclining seats and adjustable lighting.

There will be two rooms per train when the new models roll out. Not every high-speed train on the Tokaido line will have them available.

This photo illustration shows what the private rooms will look like. - Japan Railways

They will be located in the green cars, which are the first-class, more expensive cars on Shinkansen trains. Travelers who have purchased a JR Rail pass will still need to pay extra to use the private rooms.

The Tokaido line was Japans first-ever high speed rail line, making its debut in 1964. To this day, it is the most actively used line in the country, with multiple departures per hour. These trains can reach speeds of 285 km/hr (177 mph).

Pricing and reservation information is not yet available.

Japans high-speed trains have long been popular with locals and visitors alike. However, they have been through periods of change since their initial launch.

Last year, news that snack service on the Tokyo - Osaka line would end was met with mixed opinions online.

And their famously on-time schedule met with a rare exception earlier this month when a snake found on an Osaka-bound bullet train caused the Shinkansns departure to be delayed by a whopping 17 minutes.

Editors Note: CNNs Junko Ogura contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
NASA has added another country to its growing list of international partners committed to responsible moon exploration.

On Friday (April 19), Slovenia signed NASA's Artemis Accords , becoming the 39th country to affirm their cooperation in future space endeavors to the moon and beyond.

"NASA welcomes Slovenia to the Artemis Accords," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement . "Today, the partnership between the United States and Slovenia crosses a new frontier. We live in a golden era of exploring the stars. That era will be written by nations that explore the cosmos openly, responsibly, and in peace."

Related: Cooperation on the moon: Are the Artemis Accords enough?

The Accords establish key principles for guiding peaceful and responsible space exploration, in line with the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. By reinforcing the commitment to scientific discovery, innovation and sustainability, the Accords set a standard for future missions, including NASA's Artemis program , which aims to send astronauts back to the moon for the first time since Apollo 17, in 1972.

Friday's signing took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Offices. The Accords were signed by Matevz Frangez, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sport, on behalf of Slovenia, which is the third European country to sign the Accords in less than a week, following closely behind Switzerland and Sweden on April 15 and 16, respectively.

"Slovenia joins the principles, values, and rules on the peaceful use of space as a common good of humanity," Frangez said in the statement.

Rebecca Bresnik, Associate General Counsel for International and Space Law, along with her husband, Randy Bresnik , who is a NASA astronaut of Slovenian descent, Jamie L. Harpootlian, the United States ambassador to Slovenia, and Iztok Mirosic, the Slovenian Ambassador to the U.S., were also present for the signing.

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"We are delighted to welcome Slovenia to the Artemis Accords family," Harpootlian said in the statement. "We recognize Slovenia as a rising leader in space. We look forward to taking our collaborations with Slovenia on science, technology, and innovation to new frontiers."

The Artemis Accords were first established in 2020 by NASA and the U.S. State Department, alongside seven supporting countries. The list of signatory nations committed to cooperative space exploration has been growing ever since, with Belgium, Greece and Uruguay having signed earlier this year.
ORLANDO, Fla.  SpaceX sent up the 30th launch from the Space Coast for the year on Tuesday evening, a mission that also featured the companys 300th successful booster recovery.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 of SpaceXs Starlink internet satellites blasted off at 6:17 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Space Launch Complex 40.

The first-stage booster set a milestone of the 300th time a Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy booster made a successful recovery landing, and the 270th time SpaceX has reflown a booster.

This particular booster made its ninth trip to space, a resume that includes one human spaceflight, Crew-6. It made its latest recovery landing downrange on the droneship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean.

The companys first successful booster recovery came in December 2015, and it has not had a failed booster landing since February 2021.

The current record holder for flights flew 11 days ago making its 20th trip off the launch pad.

SpaceX has been responsible for all but two of the launches this year from either Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral with United Launch Alliance having launched the other two.

SpaceX could knock out more launches before the end of the month, putting the Space Coast on pace to hit more than 90 by the end of the year, but the rate of launches by SpaceX is also set to pick up for the remainder of the year with some turnaround times at the Capes SLC-40 coming in less than three days.

That could amp up frequency so the Space Coast could surpass 100 launches before the end of the year, with the majority coming from SpaceX. It hosted 72 launches in 2023.

More launches from ULA are on tap as well, though, including the May 6 launch atop an Atlas V rocket of the Boeing CST-100 Starliner with a pair of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.

ULA is also preparing for the second launch ever of its new Vulcan Centaur rocket, which recently received its second Blue Origin BE-4 engine and is just waiting on the payload, Sierra Spaces Dream Chaser spacecraft, to make its way to the Space Coast.

Blue Origin has its own rocket it wants to launch this year as well, with New Glenn making its debut as early as September, according to SLD 45s range manifest.

-------
Questions swirl over the future of TikTok. Who could own it? How will the platform operate?

TikTok on Wednesday faced a formidable threat to its business, with a new law signed by President Biden that could dramatically change the way the popular video app operates.

TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced scrutiny from U.S. government officials over how it handles the data of its users here as well as its ties to China. The new law would require ByteDance, a tech company founded in China in 2012, to sell TikTok or the app will be banned in the U.S.

Read more: The Biden administration's threat to ban TikTok: Here's what you should know

In a statement, TikTok said it has invested billions of dollars to protect the data of its U.S. users and that a ban would "devastate seven million businesses and silence 170 million Americans."

The social media app, which has a large presence in Culver City, is a key platform for influencers, musicians and Hollywood talent.

"This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court," TikTok said in a statement. "We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail."

Now that Congress has voted to ban TikTok, how soon could a sale occur?

The law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok's U.S. operations in 180 days or face a ban. If the Biden administration grants an extension, ByteDance could have a year to sell.

This isn't the first time the app has faced such a threat. The company confronted a similar fate four years ago when the Trump administration banned it in the U.S.

TikTok sued the federal government, arguing that a ban would violate free speech. Ultimately, the order was blocked by two federal courts, which ruled the administration had exceeded its authority.

"It's obviously a disappointing moment, but it does not need to be a defining one," TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew said in a video posted Wednesday on X. "It's actually ironic because the freedom of expression on TikTok reflects the same American values that make the United States a beacon of freedom."

Any sale of TikTok would also need the approval of the Chinese government.

Read more: The Biden administration's threat to ban TikTok: Here's what you should know

How valuable is TikTok and who might buy it?

The most valuable aspect of TikTok is its algorithm, which surfaces videos that aim to consistently attract the attention of its users in the U.S.

"TikToks ability to serve up relevant and entertaining content to its users is unparalleled in the social media world," Jasmine Enberg, a principal analyst with insights provider eMarketer, said in a statement.

Enberg noted that U.S. users spend 54 minutes on TikTok each day, compared with 35 minutes a day on Instagram's app.

If ByteDance sells TikTok with its algorithm  which is unlikely  the platform would be worth $100 billion. Without the algorithm, TikTok would have a valuation of $30 billion to $40 billion, said Daniel Ives, a managing director with Wedbush Securities.

Read more: The Biden administration might ban TikTok. These Latinx small-business owners are worried

The most likely bidders? Computer software giants Microsoft and Oracle, analysts said.

"This would be a major strategic asset that would enable these tech stalwarts to have a massive consumer platform," Ives said. "Data is gold, and TikTok would be like finding a gold mine for a tech stalwart."

Microsoft declined to comment. Oracle did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Microsoft in August 2020 had explored taking control of TikTok in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia, which would have helped the company expand its presence in social media. But in September 2020 Microsoft said that ByteDance had rejected its offer.

Instead, then-President Trump outlined a framework of a deal in 2020 that involved Oracle and Walmart, in which Oracle would host TikToks U.S. user data and TikTok would have a commercial partnership with Walmart. That transaction never materialized.

Other investors have also shown interest. Former Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin, who heads Liberty Strategic Capital, in March said he is assembling an investor group to bid for TikTok, telling CNBC, This should be owned by U.S. businesses."

TikTok will attract interest from other private equity players as well, Ives said.

Read more: L.A.-based social video platform Triller acquired by Hong Kong company

What about Triller?

Triller, an L.A.-based social media company that attracted a lot of influencers to its app in 2020, had previously attempted to acquire TikTok with Centricus Asset Management.

But that deal was never consummated and Triller experienced its own legal issues. Earlier this month, Hong Kong financial services company AGBA Group Holding Ltd. said it planned to acquire Triller in a reverse merger.

"Triller is reviewing all options at this time to secure its position as the leading social video platform in the U.S.," Triller Chief Executive Bobby Sarnevesht said in a statement.

Read more: News publishers' alliance calls on feds to investigate Google for limiting California links

Could Google or Meta acquire TikTok?

That's unlikely. Google, which owns YouTube, and Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, are already big leaders in the digital advertising and social media space and could face significant antitrust concerns if they were to attempt to buy TikTok.

Both tech giants also already have their own competing products to TikTok and stand to benefit if the video app were to go away, or if influencers were to encourage their massive audiences to follow them on other platforms.

"The clock is already ticking, and any potential buyer must have deep pockets and a strong stomach," Enberg of eMarketer said. "While many would want to get their hands on TikToks coveted algorithm, most of those who could afford to buy the app wouldnt be able to clear antitrust hurdles."

Read more: The U.S. might ban TikTok. Record labels are cutting ties. What's music's Plan B?

So what would a ban mean for the creator economy in L.A.?

Los Angeles is ground zero for TikTok content creation in the U.S., with huge numbers of full-time creators calling the city home and droves of influencers regularly flying in from around the world to film videos and attend industry events.

Communities and mini economies have formed around TikTok influencers, who employ talent managers, agents, stylists and personal assistants, and start their own businesses related to their fandom.

Many creators have become overnight sensations and near-instant millionaires, banding together to rent mega-mansions and spending lavishly on cars, clothes and products  and encouraging their huge follower bases to do the same.

They have enormous influence on trends and purchasing decisions. Take, for example, Erewhon: After TikTokkers made its Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie a thing, thousands of consumers poured into the luxury grocery chains stores to buy the $19 pink drink.

The amount of money creators are spending on travel, on products, on creating brands  theres just so much thats tied to this app, said Michelle York, 40, a lifestyle and beauty creator from Moorpark, Calif.

With 203,000 followers on TikTok, she quit her job as an executive at an insurance and technology firm last month after discovering that she was earning more money from the app. If TikTok is banned, the blowback I think will be astronomical, York said. And also the financial losses.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
With a landslide of support in the House, its clear that TikTok is facing its biggest existential threat in the US.

With a landslide of support in the House, its clear that TikTok is facing its biggest existential threat in the US. Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

The House of Representatives passed a bill that would require TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the social media platform or face a total ban in the United States. The Senate passed it less than a week later. Joe Biden signed it a day after the Senate voted yes.

TikTok is facing its biggest existential threat yet in the US. The app was banned in Montana last year, but courts found that prohibition unconstitutional, and it never went into effect.

Heres what you need to know about the bill, how likely TikTok is to be banned, and what that means for the platforms 170 million US users.

Related: House votes to force TikTok owner ByteDance to divest or face US ban

Is the US really trying to ban TikTok, and why?

The bill that passed in the House on Wednesday is the latest salvo in an ongoing political battle over the platform, which exploded in popularity after its emergence in 2017. It quickly surpassed Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube in downloads in 2018 and reported a 45% increase in monthly active users between July 2020 and July 2022.

The platforms meteoric rise alarmed some lawmakers, who believe that TikToks China-based parent company could collect sensitive user data and censor content that goes against the Chinese government.

TikTok has repeatedly stated it has not and would not share US user data with the Chinese government, but lawmakers concerns were exacerbated by news investigations that showed China-based employees at ByteDance had accessed non-public data about US TikTok users.

TikTok has argued that US user data is not held in China but in Singapore and in the US, where it is routed through cloud infrastructure operated by Oracle, an American company. In 2023, TikTok opened a data center in Ireland where it handles EU citizen data.

These measures have not been sufficient for many US lawmakers, and in March 2023 the TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, was called before Congress, where he faced more than five hours of intensive questioning about these and other practices. Lawmakers asked Chew about his own nationality, accusing him of fealty to China. He is, in fact, Singaporean.

Various efforts to police TikTok and how it engages with US user data have been floated in Congress in the past year, culminating in the bill passed on Wednesday.

Is this bill really a TikTok ban?

Under the new bill, ByteDance would have 165 days to divest from TikTok, meaning it would have to sell the social media platform to a company not based in China. If it did not, app stores including the Apple App Store and Google Play would be legally barred from hosting TikTok or providing web-hosting services to ByteDance-controlled applications.

Authors of the bill have argued it does not constitute a ban, as it gives ByteDance the opportunity to sell TikTok and avoid being blocked in the US.

TikTok could live on and people could do whatever they want on it provided there is that separation, said Representative Mike Gallagher, the Republican chair of the House select China committee. It is not a ban  think of this as a surgery designed to remove the tumor and thereby save the patient in the process.

TikTok has argued otherwise, stating it is not clear whether China would approve a sale or that it could even complete a sale within six months.

This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States, the company said after the committee vote. The government is attempting to strip 170 million Americans of their constitutional right to free expression. This will damage millions of businesses, deny artists an audience, and destroy the livelihoods of countless creators across the country.

How did we get here?

TikTok has faced a number of bans and attempted bans in recent years, starting with an executive order by Donald Trump in 2020, which was ultimately blocked by courts on first amendment grounds. Trump has since reversed his stance, now opposing a ban on TikTok. Joe Biden, by contrast, has said he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Montana attempted to impose a statewide ban on the app in 2023, but the law was struck down by a federal judge over first amendment violations. The app was banned on government-issued phones in the US in 2022, and as of 2023 at least 34 other states have banned TikTok from government devices. At least 50 universities in the US have also banned TikTok from on-campus wifi and university-owned computers.

The treasury-led Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in March 2023 demanded ByteDance sell its TikTok shares or face the possibility of the app being banned, Reuters reported, but no action has been taken.

TikTok was banned in India in 2020 after a wave of dangerous challenges led to the deaths of some users. The ban had a marked effect on competition in India, handing a significant market to YouTubes Shorts and Instagram Reels, direct competitors of TikTok. The app is not available in China itself, where Douyin, a separate app from parent company ByteDance with firmer moderation, is widely used.

How would a ban on TikTok be enforced?

Due to the decentralized nature of the internet, enforcing a ban would be complex. The bill passed by the House would penalize app stores daily for making TikTok available for download, but for users who already have the app on their phones, it would be difficult to stop individual use.

Internet service providers could also be forced to block IP addresses associated with TikTok, but such practices can be easily evaded on computer browsers by using a VPN, or virtual private network, which re-routes computer connections to other locations.

To fully limit access to TikTok, the US government would have to employ methods used by countries like Iran and China, which structure their internet in a way that makes content restrictions more easily enforceable.

Who supports the potential TikTok ban?

While Trump  who started the war on TikTok in 2020  has reversed his stance on the potential ban, most Republican lawmakers have expressed support of it. The Biden administration has also backed the bill, with the press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, saying the administration wants to see this bill get done so it can get to the presidents desk. Bidens campaign joined TikTok last month.

Despite Trumps opposition to the bill, many Republicans are pushing forward with the effort to ban TikTok or force its sale to an American company.

Well, hes wrong. And by the way, he had his own executive orders and his own actions he was doing, and now  hes suddenly flipped around on that, said the representative Chip Roy, a Texas Republican and member of the far-right Freedom caucus. I mean, its not the first or last time that Ill disagree with the former president. The TikTok issue is pretty straightforward.

Who opposes the TikTok bill?

TikTok has vocally opposed the legislation, urging the Senate not to pass it. We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7m small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service, Alex Haurek, the TikTok spokesperson, said following Wednesdays vote.

Within the House, 50 Democrats and 15 Republicans voted against the bill, including the Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who cited her experiences of being banned from social media. House Democrats including Maxwell Frost of Florida and Delia Ramirez of Illinois joined TikTok creators outside the Capitol following the vote to express opposition to the bill.

Some Senate Democrats have already publicly opposed the bill, citing freedom of speech concerns, and suggested measures that would address concerns of foreign influence across social media without targeting TikTok specifically. We need curbs on social media, but we need those curbs to apply across the board, Senator Elizabeth Warren said. The Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, issued a neutral statement regarding the next steps in the Senate, stating it will review the legislation when it comes over from the House.

Freedom of speech and civil rights advocacy groups have vehemently opposed a ban, stating that such legislation could have a profound impact on the internet at large. They have argued that TikToks data practices, while problematic, are not substantially different from those of US-based tech firms.

TikTok isnt perfect, but banning it is the wrong solution, said Jenna Ruddock, policy counsel at the media advocacy group Free Press. Like all popular platforms, including those that Meta and Google own, TikTok collects too much data on its users. But unilaterally dismantling spaces for free expression limits peoples access to information and cuts off avenues for creators to build community.

What will happen to TikTok next?

The bill still faces an uphill battle to become law. While Biden has confirmed he would sign it, it still has to pass a Senate vote. Its unclear when that vote would take place, but TikTok is likely to increase its lobbying efforts on the Hill as it moves forward, with CEO Shou Zi Chew heading to Congress on Wednesday to speak with senators.

Even if the bill were to pass, it is likely to face similar challenges on the grounds of free speech that prevented similar legislation  like that from Trump in 2020 and the Montana ban of 2023  from moving forward.
VW's new ID Code concept represents a strategic shift in China

Volkswagen will attempt to grow its share of the electric car market in China by accelerating development through localised R&D and a range of partnerships with domestic tech firms.

The German giant has a strong position in China's car market: the Volkswagen Group sold 3.23 million cars in the country last year, of which the Volkswagen brand accounted for 2.2 million. But the vast majority of those sales were of combustion-powered cars, and while it dominates that market, it is a comparatively small player in Chinas EV market.

Volkswagen sold around 155,000 EVs in China last year, compared with 1.3 million for BYD, a difference that has helped the Chinese firm  which sold 2.5 million cars in total  overhaul the German giant as the countrys best-selling car brand in 2023.

Thats a significant moment, given Volkswagen has long regarded China as something of a second home. It was the first foreign car firm to enter the market when private car ownership was allowed in the 1980s, and this year marks 40 years in the market.

Volkswagen has developed mobility in China: we were the first and we are deeply rooted in Chinese society, says Volkswagen Cars China boss Stefan Mecha, who is also the sales chief for the VW Group in the region. We are almost considered a local brand, and we have huge history. But history only helps so much. We need to develop the brand further and reinvent ourselves.

The challenge is to grow its meagre EV sales in China while also protecting its dominant position in the ICE market. What we are striving for is to bring intelligent connected vehicles to all our customers in China, says Mecha. Volkswagen as a peoples brand applies even more in China and, for us, it's extremely important that these intelligent connected vehicles will be brought to a broader audience.

The firms plan to achieve this is built around the pillars of in China, for China. That will include the launch of a new ID UX sub-brand aimed at affluent younger customers in Chinas main cities, a partnership with fast-rising start-up Xpeng and greater collaboration with other local tech firms.

Volkswagen will launch more than 30 new cars in China by 2030, including 16 EVs, four plug-in hybrids and 12 ICE cars. As seen by the new ID Code concept, Mecha says the firm will move towards more design-oriented and technology-oriented brand DNA.

Those new models will include the ID Code, and the first ID UX model, which will be called the ID Unyx. It will be built on the existing MEB platform by Volkswagen Anhui (the new name for a joint venture with Chinese firm JAC), and will essentially be a rebadged version of the Cupra Tavascan.

The firm has developed a new Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC), headed by former tech chief Thomas Ulbrich. Based in Hefei, Anhui, the centre will employ around 3000 people and will be tasked with developing a new China-only China Main Platform (CMP).

Mecha calls localised development the next level of Volkswagens plan and says the new CMP is really aimed at the main [mass-market] segment in China, which accounts for around 50% of the volume here. Development will be fast too: Mecha keeps referring to working at China speed, to highlight the accelerated development times.

But he also notes that in China, you need to have leading-edge technology that is relevant to the market, which is why weve moved to a team up to speed up approach. We dont want to do everything on our own. We want to become immersed in the ecosystem and work with capable tech companies to develop our technology faster for the Chinese market."

The key partnership is with Chinese EV start-up Xpeng, which will collaborate with Volkswagen on developing at least two new cars on a new shared EE platform. It's a great help when two companies work together that are relentlessly working on their partnership approach, and both company can learn from each other, says Mecha. Xpeng as a start-up is more pragmatic and quicker, with not so many committees. We have a very solid engineering process, and we bring very good ideas to the table.

Mecha says the Volkswagen is also working with Xpeng on a new Chinese Electronic Architecture (CEA) core computing system, which will be used in the CMP and other vehicles.

The new CEA system will, Mecha claims, have features you need for the Chinese ecosystem and form the best-performing platform in the market. That's a big leap ahead, and very important on the technology side.

Mecha notes that not only does China has a local ecosystem of software, with the likes of Tencent and WeChat instead of Western apps (Google is not relevant in China), but the way technology is used in cars is also hugely different. The key difference is you manage the car predominantly through speech control, and that needs to be developed into the electronic architecture, he says.

But he also notes the importance of an on-screen avatar: A little Pacman or whatever, it depends on the brand, that talks to you and controls the HMI [human-machine interface]. This is required by Chinese customers.

The CMP platform and architecture will feed into wider Volkswagen efforts to lower the production costs of EVs and their batteries, which Mecha says is very important because the market is very competitive. But while it wants a competitive cost position, Mecha says that in the middle of a China EV price war, the aim with ID UX and other cars is a clear strategy of value over volume. We are not chasing the last number whatever it takes. We need to stay calm.

The ID UX brand that Volkswagen Anhui will run is aimed at younger customers  but it wont strictly be an entry-level model. Mecha says: In China, you have a huge growing middle class, and you find these customers predominantly in 'tier one' like Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu. They have higher purchase power and are much more demanding, and they want more tech and edgier cars.

And, of course, Volkswagen absolutely wont be giving up on its combustion-engined cars in China: they still drive the business there. The firm will launch a new Passat-based saloon and an extended Tiguan L Pro in China this year, but they will be reworked with far greater levels of interior tech than their European equivalents: Mecha promises high levels of driver assistance systems and pillar-to-pillar really big screens.

Mecha adds: We have this stronghold with ICE cars, where we are number one in the market with more than 50% market share. It's very important we have the business, because the current situation in the EV segment is extremely competitive, and from a margin perspective, the price war is very challenging. We are happy we have this backbone, and it's very important for our transformation.

This change of approach is a big departure for Volkswagen, which has long dominated in China by importing the technology and producing it locally. But as Chinese firms entering the European market have found, the increasing divergence in technology means the global car is no longer a working concept. Volkswagens challenge is to utilise its partnerships and production base to move at the pace of its start-up EV rivals.

Mecha insists the firm is up to the task, noting that the VCTC is set to be producing cars on the CMP architecture in a few years, with five ID UX models also lined up. What we will do here is bespoke to China, and we will make cars that are relevant, he says. Can Volkswagen do 'China speed'? Yes, we can.

]]>
A row of Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV cars sit in the lot at Car Pros Kia Hyundai in Renton. Washington state will launch an electric car rebate program this summer in an effort to make EVs more affordable for low-income residents. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)
uk prison

One of Britains Big Four accountancy firms is hiring former prisoners as part of the Governments push to cut reoffending rates.

KPMG UK has emerged as the first white-collar business to take on ex-offenders after joining a new scheme led by the Ministry of Justice.

Underpinning the initiative is a push by the Government to get more companies recruiting former convicts amid an overcrowding crisis at British prisons.

The professional services giant has already recruited its first group of former prisoners, who have joined a range of positions, including its technology department.

It is now working with the Ministry of Justice to encourage other major businesses to join the recruitment drive.

A current KPMG employee and ex-offender described the auditors programme as a lifeline.

He said: It was rejection after rejection, businesses never looked beyond my criminal record. It felt quite belittling because no ones looking at your skills and experience  that generates a lot of anger and frustration, it was very tempting to give up.

According to the Ministry of Justice, prison leavers in full-time employment are 10pc less likely to re-offend after theyve been released.

Research also found that more than 90pc of surveyed businesses who employ former prisoners describe them as being motivated, trustworthy and having good attendance, the department added.

Prisoners and probation minster Edward Argar said the initiative was making British streets safer - Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street

Ed Argar, prisoners and probation minister, said: Were helping prisoners kick-start law-abiding lives, which makes our streets safer and provides businesses with the staff they need to boost the British economy.

The announcement comes after KPMG UK recently opened a Redemption Roasters cafe, a coffee chain which offers jobs and barista training to current and former offenders, at its London headquarters.

Jon Holt, chief executive of KPMG UK, said: Our longstanding focus on social mobility is about giving everyone  regardless of their background  the chance to succeed. I believe reformed prison leavers should be no exception.

The new recruitment campaign follows the Governments existing efforts to help convicts find jobs after being released.

The Government previously launched the New Futures Network, a specialist employment team within the HM Prison and Probation Service, which now works with UK business leaders to help offenders gain the skills, qualifications and training to reenter the workforce.

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Tesla stock rose Tuesday afternoon following the company's first-quarter earnings release. JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng; BI

Tesla reported first-quarter earnings on Tuesday.

Elon Musk talked Tesla's plans for a robotaxi and cheaper EVs.

Shares rallied 10% in after-hours trading as investors shrugged off falling profits.

Tesla reported first-quarter earnings on Tuesday after the closing bell.

The electric-vehicle maker posted first-quarter earnings-per-share that fell short of consensus forecasts, but exceeded estimates for gross margin. Tesla also said it will accelerate production of new models of low-cost vehicles.

Tesla stock climbed more than 10% in volatile late trading shortly after the results. The stock rose 1.8% on Tuesday trading, and but has struggled so far in 2024, falling 42% year-to-date through the close.

During the earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk talked about Tesla's plans to unveil its Robotaxi later this year and the company's efforts to accelerate production of a more affordable line up of EVs.

Teslas shares are still up as the call ends

The stock is up more than 10% in after-hours trading as the call draws to a close.

Tesla's head of investor relations, Martin Viecha, announces his departure

Viecha says he's leaving the company after seven years in the role at Tesla.

He's the third executive to depart Tesla in the past week. Drew Baglino, Tesla's senior vice president of powertrain and electrical engineering, announced last week that he'd left the company. Rohan Patel, Tesla's vice president of public policy and business development, also left the company last week.

Musk says battery costs are falling

The number of orders for EV batteries from competing automakers has dropped, Musk says, adding that it seems Tesla's battery suppliers have excess capacity.

Musk says analysts should drive the latest FSD update

Musk says he strongly recommends that anyone who is thinking about the company's stock should test out the latest updates to the Full Self-Driving software.

"It is impossible to understand Tesla if you haven't done this," Musk says.

Musk takes a question about Tesla's price cuts

Christian Marquardt - Pool/Getty Images

Musk says he thinks Tesla can stay cash-flow positive even with the potential of future price cuts.

"If you have a great product at a great price, the sales will be excellent," Musk says, adding that the company plans to keep making its cars and prices more competitive.

Analyst asks what 'sacrifices' Tesla is making with recent layoffs

Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja says the cuts will make Tesla more resilient.

"Any tree that grows needs pruning," Taneja says.

Musk says the company needs to reorganize for a new phase of growth.

Story continues

"We're not giving up anything that significant that I'm aware of," Musk says.

Analyst asks if Musk is spread too thin and if he'll still be around in 3 years

Musk says he rarely takes a day off, and Tesla represents the majority of his work.

"I make sure Tesla is very prosperous," Musk says.

Musk says Tesla is in conversations with one major automaker regarding FSD licensing

Tesla has worked with automakers like Ford and GM to license its Supercharger technology in the past.

VP of vehicle engineering Lars Moravy dodges question on timeline of $25,000 EV

Moravy sticks to earlier remarks when asked directly about the cheaper model and its timeline, giving no specifics on a date or price.

Elon takes a question about FSD regulatory approval

Tesla's self-driving features Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are still in beta testing. Niall Carson - PA Images via Getty Images

"It's helpful that other autonomous car companies have been cutting a path through the regulatory jungle," Musk says.

Musk says he doesn't think there will be "significant regulatory barriers" to Tesla's Full Self-Driving software being approved for use more widely. The driver-assist software currently requires a licensed driver to monitor it.

Eventually, there will be 10 million Tesla robotaxis around the world, he says.

We're already onto questions

Individual investors will kick off things like usual, with the company taking questions from an online form where shareholders can upvote questions to the top of the queue.

CFO addresses layoffs

CFO Vaibhav Taneja says that the company's 10% reduction in overall headcount will save it "in excess of $1 billion on an annual run rate basis."

The earnings call kicks off

Musk, CFO Vaibhav Taneja, and Tesla's head of investor relations Martin Viecha are here to discuss the results.

Tesla takes a dig at hybrid cars

Elon Musk has dismissed hybrid cars in the past. Omar Marques via Getty Images

"Global EV sales continue to be under pressure as many carmakers prioritize hybrids over EVs," the company says in its earnings release. "While positive for our regulatory credits business, we prefer the industry to continue pushing EV adoption, which is in-line with our mission."

Musk has dismissed the wildly popular, and often more affordable segment, in the past. In 2022, he called it a "phase," saying on X that it's "Time to move on from hybrid cars."

Read full story

Tesla says its moving up production plans for cheaper EVs

Earlier in April, Reuters reported that Tesla had killed plans for a $25,000 car. Musk said the news service was lying. John Keeble/Getty Images

"We have updated our future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025," Tesla's earning release says.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Tesla had canned plans for its $25,000 electric car. "Reuters is lying (again)," Musk wrote on X in response.

Tesla gives a preview of its ride-hailing service

Tesla gives a preview of its new ride-hailing service, in renderings shown in its quarterly update. Tesla

The company is showing off the interface for an eventual ride-hailing service that would be accessible through the Tesla app. The interface shows that customers would be able to summon a car and control the temperature in the vehicle using the app, much like Uber.

Musk said earlier this month that Tesla plans to unveil its new robotaxi in August.

Read full story

Tesla stock climbs 6% in volatile after-hours trading after company says it will accelerate the launch of 'more affordable' models

Tesla stock spikes after Q1 earnings. Markets Insider

"We have updated our future vehicle line-up to accelerate the launch of new models ahead of our previously communicated start of production in the second half of 2025. These new vehicles, including more affordable models, will utilize aspects of the next generation platform as well as aspects of our current platforms, and will be able to be produced on the same manufacturing lines as our current vehicle line-up."  Tesla shareholder deck

Tesla misses 1st-quarter EPS and revenue estimates, beats on gross margin.

Getty/David Butow

1st quarter

Gross margin: 17.4% vs. 19.3% y/y, estimate 16.5%

Adjusted EPS: $0.45 vs. $0.85 y/y, estimate $0.52

Revenue: $21.30 billion, -8.7% y/y, estimate $22.3 billion

Negative free cash flow: $2.53 billion vs. positive $441 million y/y, estimate positive $653.6 million

Capital expenditure $2.77 billion, +34% y/y, estimate $2.39 billion

Operating income $1.17 billion, -56% y/y, estimate $1.53 billion

Source: Bloomberg data

Barclays says Tesla is 'facing an investment thesis pivot.'

Barclays said in a note last week it expected Tesla's earnings call to be a negative catalyst for the stock as investors came to terms with the company's potential strategic redirection away from a low-cost Model 2.

"Facing an investment thesis pivot and a sea of uncertainty, this Tesla call is extra highly anticipated," a Barclays analyst, Dan Levy, said. "Expect negative catalyst."

Levy said he thought Tesla's closely watched first-quarter gross margins would be below consensus estimates on Wall Street.

Barclays rates Tesla at "neutral," with a $180 price target.

Bank of America says 'results matter, but growth factors may matter more.'

Justin Sullivan

Bank of America said Tesla's headwinds are well known and are likely fully reflected in the stock price. That will make the company's commentary around the current state of EV demand and its future growth plans all the more important.

They think that could be setting up the stock for a positive reaction.

"Despite near term pressures, the unveiling of future growth drives has the potential to support the stock," Bank of America said. "Results matter, but growth factors may matter more."

While the bank doesn't expect Tesla to make any big product announcements during its earnings call, it could provide some hints on the highly anticipated Robotaxi event which is scheduled for August 8. Tesla could also reiterate its intention to launch a low-cost Model 2 in 2025 or 2026, which would likely be met with a positive price reaction in the stock.

Bank of America rates Tesla at "Neutral" with a $220 price target.

Wedbush says Tesla's upcoming earnings report is 'a moment of truth' for the company.

Analyst Dan Ives said the current environment for Tesla is reminiscent of the challenges and uncertainty the company faced in 2015, 2018, and 2020, but it could result in a loss of long-term shareholders.

"This time is clearly a bit different as for the first time many long time Tesla believers are giving up on the story and throwing in the white towel," Ives said.

Ives said it is crucial that Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirms that a low-cost Model 2 is still on the company's product road map, and said that first-quarter results will likely take a backseat to any updates to the company's long-term vision.

Wedbush rates Tesla at "Outperform" with a $300 price target.

JPMorgan says Tesla's recent layoffs suggest the company's long-term growth prospects are dwindling.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Tesla's recent layoffs suggest the company's long-term growth prospects are dwindling, according to a recent note from JPMorgan.

">10% global layoff undermines hypergrowth narrative and should further dispel notion big 1Q delivery miss was somehow supply-driven," JPMorgan said.

Instead, Tesla's big first-quarter delivery miss was likely driven by a concerning decline in demand for electric vehicles, according to the note.

And the company's premium valuation is at substantial risk if growth is stuttering.

JPMorgan rates Tesla at "Underweight" with a $115 price target.

Tesla's consensus first-quarter adjusted EPS estimate is $0.52.

1st quarter

Adjusted EPS estimate: $0.52

EPS estimate: $0.41

Automotive gross margin estimate: 17.6%

Revenue estimate: $22.3 billion

Free cash flow estimate: $651.7 million

Gross margin estimate: 16.5%

Capital expenditure estimate: $2.4 billion

Cash and cash equivalents estimate: $23.24 billion

2nd quarter

Automotive gross margin estimate: 17.9%

Full-year 2024

Deliveries estimate: 1.94 million

Automotive gross margin estimate: 17.9%

Capital expenditure estimate: $9.91 billion

Source: Bloomberg data

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A direct flight between Budapest and Xian, the capital of Shaanxi Province, will start operating in the summer, bringing the number of big Chinese cities travellers can reach with direct flights from Budapest to six, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, Peter Szijjarto, announced during a visit to Beijing.

Xian, an inland province in north-western China, has a population of around 13 million, the minister noted. Direct Budapest flights already operate between Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Ningbo, and another connecting the capital with Guangzhou will launch in June.



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Currently there are some 6,000 billion forints (EUR 15.2bn) worth of Chinese investment projects under way in Hungary, creating 25,000 jobs, the foreign ministry quoted Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, as saying in Beijing.

The minister had talks with Chinas former trade minister and head of the financial and economic committee of the National Peoples Congress, Zhong Shan, and reported good news that Chinas economy grew by over 5 percent last year and maintained the same rate of growth in the first quarter of this year.



Szijjarto said this was good news for Hungary, too, since apart from the German economy, it is now Chinas that has the biggest impact on the output of the Hungarian economy  the better off the Chinese economy, the better off the Hungarian economy, he said.



Szijjarto said Hungary has now become the primary European destination of Chinese corporate investments. Currently  plants worth 6,000 billion forints are being built in Hungary, he said. Once those factories are built  they will provide 25,000 jobs ensuring a secure livelihood to Hungarian families  and ensuring cutting-edge technologies in Hungary, the minister added.



Szijjarto said those projects focused on the car industry, in which Chinese companies were now global market leaders, therefore those companies are welcome to bring their plants to Hungary as their primary destination in Europe.



Szijjarto called it another piece of good news that annual bilateral trade last year exceeded 10 billion dollars, adding that this was likely to be repeated this year too.



Not only are large Chinese companies coming to Hungary in increasing numbers, he said, but Hungarian companies finding more and more business in China.



For example, he mentioned an MVM subsidiary producing cooling systems for power plants, which had been awarded contracts worth several ten millions of dollars, and was providing the cooling systems for several plants under construction in China.



Szijjarto said he was scheduled to meet the heads of several large companies. Hopefully those negotiations will yield further jobs in Hungary, he said.



The minister said he will meet his Chinese counterpart on Wednesday, with regard to the fact that the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.



Cooperation between China and Hungary has yielded a lot of benefits to both countries in recent years and the opportunities offer good hopes for the future, he said.



Szijjarto: 'Revolution' in Electromobility in Automotive Industry to Define Global Economy's Next Decade



An electromobility revolution taking place in the automotive industry will have a big impact on the global economy in the coming years and decades, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Tuesday.



China clearly has a leading role in that, evidenced by the increasing success of sales of EVs made by Chinese companies on European markets, he said on Facebook.



Thanks to its close economic and investment cooperation with China, Hungary belongs among the global frontrunners of the technological transformation in the world, he said.



Szijjarto said he visited the headquarters of one of Chinas largest vehicle makers, Great Wall Motors, in Baoding.



The result of the work of thousands of development engineers is visible: a constant renewal of the top technology makes the company one of the most successful players in the Asian and global markets, the minister said.



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Police in Hungary and Slovakia have arrested Slovak arms dealers who sent weapons to Sweden, Spain, and South Africa, Hungarian law enforcement said on Tuesday, describing the final phase of a multiyear operation.

The case dates back to discoveries investigators made between 2014 and 2016, when almost 600 decommissioned or small-caliber weapons registered in the name of four Slovak men were uncovered and an international operation was mounted to capture them.



Then in July last year Hungarian, Slovak and Austrian police raided a warehouse in Rajka, in north-western Hungary, seizing firearms, ammunition, silencers and explosives, according to a statement on police.hu.



Also, various weapons were found in the house belonging to Dusan S, a Slovakian man resident in Rajka, the crime gangs suspected chief.



He and his wife had a Slovakian weapons licence for several weapons, but not a European or Hungarian one. In addition, 19 unlicenced and illegally converted weapons were found in his home, the statement said.



In January last year Hungarian and Slovak prosecutors set up a joint investigative team under the aegis of Eurojust and with the cooperation of Europol.



Several arrests were made, and the Gyor unit of the Hungarian investigation bureau (KR NNI) continued to pursue its weapons-related investigation based on information gleaned from the detainees.



The KR NNI detectives managed to discover that weapons from the cache of around 600 reached Sweden, Spain and South Africa, and all of them were linked to crimes, the statement said.



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A rebel with a cause to a fencing champion or a possessed student, Kim Tae Ri is perhaps one of the most versatile actors on screens. Her screen presence apart is the sheer ease with which she gets under the skin of her characters. On her 34 th birthday we take a look at 5 of Kim Tae Ris amazing performances.

Mr Sunshine

A drama which can be best described as a masterpiece Mr. Sunshine stars Lee Byung Hun as Eugene Choi and Kim Tae Ri as Go Ae Shin. Eugene Choi was born a slave and fled to the United States. Years later he returns home as a Captain of the Marine Corps. He has conflicted feelings for the country, which he feels abandoned him, but is also driven to protect it. Ae Shin is a Joseon noblewoman, who is also a rebel against the authorities. The two fall in love despite their starkly different backgrounds and ideologies. Kim Tae Ris Ae Shib is one of the strongest female characters in Dramaland, and she is unforgettable in her portrayal.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Twenty-Five, Twenty-One

Na Hee Do (Kim Tae Ri) is a feisty fencer who dreams of playing for her country, defeating her arch-rival, and experiencing true love and heartbreak. She meets an earnest and determined young man Baek Yi Jin (Nam Joo Hyuk). The two become best friends, they are each others biggest support and eventually feelings develop. But when their dreams, and aspirations clash with their relationship, its time to make some decisions. A coming-of-age and bittersweet drama, Twenty-Five, Twenty-One had viewers invested in Hee Do and Yi Jins journey.

Where To Watch: Netflix

Revenant

Kim Tae Ri is Goo San Young, a part-time worker by day and a civil service exam student by night. She takes life on with determination despite her harsh reality. But one day, after receiving an object that should not have been accepted, she gradually becomes consumed by an evil spirit.

Where To Watch Disney Plus Hotstar

The Handmaiden

The first Korean film to win a BAFTA, The Handmaiden is based on the novel Fingersmith. A riveting story of a Japanese

heiress who has inherited a fortune and a handmaiden hired by a man who wishes to steal her wealth. Kim Tae Ri plays the orphaned Sook Hee who becomes a pawn in the deceitful game.

Space Sweepers

Set in the year 2092, this sci-fi film follows the crew of a space junk collector ship called The Victory. When they find a humanoid robot named Dorothy which is also a weapon of mass destruction, they get involved in a dangerous business deal.

Kim Tae Ri plays the tough Captain Jang.

Where To Watch: Netflix
Within the last month, the iconic Dow Jones Industrial Average, broad-based S&P 500, and innovation-powered Nasdaq Composite all ascended to fresh highs. While there have been pockets of strength in a variety of sectors and industries, the "Magnificent Seven" have been widely credited with lifting these major stock indexes to record levels.

Put simply, the Magnificent Seven are seven of the largest and most influential publicly traded businesses in the country. These seven juggernauts are (listed in descending order by market cap):

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL)(NASDAQ: GOOG)

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META)

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA)

All seven of these companies have crushed the benchmark S&P 500 in the return column over the trailing decade. This outperformance is a big reason why investors -- and members of Congress -- have flocked to these businesses.

Image source: Getty Images.

Investors (and members of Congress) have historically flocked to the Magnificent Seven

More importantly, the Magnificent Seven are leaders or critical players in their respective industries:

Microsoft's Windows remains the undisputed leader in global desktop operating systems, while Azure is No. 2 in worldwide cloud infrastructure service spend.

Apple's iPhone accounts for more than half of all U.S. smartphone market share.

Alphabet's Google was responsible for a 91% share of global internet search in March, while wholly owned streaming service YouTube is the second most-visited social site on the planet.

Nvidia's A100 and H100 graphics processing units (GPUs) make up a 90% (or greater) share of GPUs deployed in high-compute data centers.

Amazon's e-commerce marketplace is No. 1 globally in online retail market share. Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services is the worldwide No. 1 in cloud infrastructure service spend.

Meta Platforms owns the most sought-after social media real estate, with Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and its other apps collectively attracting almost 4 billion monthly active users.

Tesla is North America's leading producer of electric vehicles (EVs), and is the only pure-play EV maker to have achieved recurring profits.

Despite these well-defined competitive advantages, the "Congressional Trading 2023" report from Unusual Whales shows that select lawmakers on Capitol Hill have sent three Magnificent Seven stocks to the chopping block.

Magnificent Seven stock No. 1 Congress is selling: Nvidia

Although Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and her venture capitalist husband have made a small fortune purchasing call options in the infrastructure backbone of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, when it comes to the purchasing and selling of common shares, members of Congress were decidedly sellers of Nvidia stock in 2023. Collectively, $1.76 million shares were sold by lawmakers last year.

Story continues

The biggest seller of all, according to data from Capitol Trades, has been House Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA). Between May 5, 2023 and Aug. 14, 2023, five sell orders were executed for Meuser, ranging from just $1,000 to $15,000, up to a sell order of $250,000 to $500,000.

Aside from simple profit-taking, there are three key reasons shares of Nvidia may be headed notably lower.

To start with, every next-big-thing investment trend since the advent of the internet 30 years ago has worked its way through an early innings bubble. Investors have a tendency to overestimate the uptake and adoption of new innovations, and AI is unlikely to be the exception to this unwritten rule.

Secondly, Nvidia has the potential to cannibalize its own pricing power in the coming quarters. The scarcity of its in-demand GPUs drove the price of its A100 and H100 chips into the stratosphere last year. As Nvidia brings more production to market, and new competitors enter the space, GPU scarcity will decline. In turn, Nvidia's gross margin should retrace.

The third issue, which I believe is Nvidia's biggest hurdle, is that its top four customers (Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Alphabet) are all developing in-house GPUs of their own. These Magnificent Seven components account for roughly 40% of Nvidia's sales, and we're probably witnessing a peak in orders from these industry titans.

Image source: Getty Images.

Magnificent Seven stock No. 2 Congress is selling: Microsoft

The second Magnificent Seven stock that members of Congress have been steady sellers of is the largest publicly traded company, Microsoft. Though Microsoft is listed on Unusual Whales' heatmap as one of the most-purchased stocks in 2023 ($1.97 million shares bought by lawmakers), members of Congress collectively sold $11.61 million shares. That's a net of $9.64 million worth of Microsoft shares that were sold last year.

Whereas Nvidia had one notable seller, a number of lawmakers couldn't stop selling shares of Microsoft:

House Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) dumped between $1 million and $5 million in shares on Jan. 4, 2023.

House Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) sold between $250,000 and $500,000 in shares on both March 1, 2023 and Aug. 30, 2023.

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) shed $250,000 to $500,000 worth of Microsoft stock on June 20, 2023.

House Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) sold multiple rounds of Microsoft stock that commonly ranged between five-and-six figures throughout 2023.

The likeliest reason for this selling is simple profit-taking. Shares of the company gained 57% last year, with the company's investments in AI fueling its ascent.

Another reason lawmakers may have headed for the exit is Microsoft's valuation. Although Microsoft is an absolute cash cow, it ended April 19 at a multiple of nearly 32 times forward-year earnings. For some context, this is about a 10% premium to Microsoft's forward-year earnings multiple over the trailing five-year period.

Similar to Nvidia, members of Congress might be concerned about a bubble brewing in the AI space. Microsoft has aggressively invested in OpenAI, the company behind popular chatbot ChatGPT, and has been incorporating generative AI solutions into Azure. If history rhymes, once more, and the AI bubble bursts, some of Microsoft's valuation premium may be wiped away.

Magnificent Seven Stock No. 3 Congress is selling: Meta Platforms

The third Magnificent Seven stock that members of Congress can't stop selling is social media maven Meta Platforms. Though Meta doesn't appear on Unusual Whales' heatmap of congressional buying activity, it was one of the most-actively sold communication services providers in 2023, with aggregate selling of $2.6 million.

The culprit for the lion's share of this selling activity in Meta is Michael McCaul, Congress' second most-active stock trader (1,826 trades completed in 2023). In addition to dumping shares of Microsoft on numerous occasions, McCaul sold shares of Meta 16 times last year, based on data provided by Capitol Trades.

As with Nvidia and Microsoft, profit-taking is a logical reason why lawmakers headed for the exit in 2023. Meta was one of the top-performing megacap stocks last year, with its AI ties clearly providing a boost.

Another catalyst that may have encouraged members of Congress to pare down their stakes in Meta is the growing likelihood of a U.S. recession. Select predictive indicators and money-based metrics suggest a downturn in the U.S. economy may not be far off. Meta generated close to 98% of its revenue from advertising in 2023, and businesses aren't shy about reducing their ad spending when trouble arises. Although recessions are short-lived, they could hit Meta harder than other Magnificent Seven components.

The final factor that may be behind Congress' selling of Meta stock is the increasingly competitive social media landscape. The continued popularity of TikTok serves as formidable competition and could result in weaker ad-pricing power for Facebook, the top social media platform in the world.

For what it's worth, I believe McCaul has made a big mistake parting with his shares of Meta Platforms.

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Meet the 3 "Magnificent Seven" Stocks Members of Congress Can't Stop Selling was originally published by The Motley Fool
NEW DELHI: In yet another tragedy for the ruling BJP, its sitting Member of Parliament from Hathras Rajveer Diler died on Wednesday due to a heart attack. According to reports, Diler passed away while undergoing treatment at the Varun Hospital in Aligarh. Rajveer Diler was rushed to the Varun Hospital on Ramghat Road for treatment after he complained of severe chest pain in the evening. He was declared dead upon reaching the hospital. Rajveer Singh Diler's mortal remains were later brought to his residence on the ITI Road. The sudden demise of the sitting BJP MP triggered a shockwave throughout the district. Diler's untimely death is a significant political loss for his party - the BJP.

Several top BJP leaders have expressed grief over his death.

2nd Tragedy For BJP In A Week

After Moradabad, this is the second major blow for the BJP within a week. BJP candidate Kunwar Suresh Singh from Moradabad passed away on the first phase of voting last Saturday

Rajveer Diler won the 2019 Lok Sabha election on the BJP ticket and became a Member of Parliament. However, Diler was not given the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha polls this time. BJP has fielded Anoop Balmiki from the Hathras Lok Sabha seat.

Rajveer Diler, 65, was elected as a legislator from the Iglas assembly seat in 2017. However, he resigned to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Diler won the Hathras seat with a margin of 260,208 votes. He polled 684,299 votes with a vote share of 59.00 per cent and defeated his SP rival Ramji Lal Suman, who got 424,091 votes (36.83 per cent). His father, Kishan Lal Diler, has also served as a Member of Parliament from Hathras.

Rajveer Diler was known for his clean image - the main reason behind his nomination as a BJP candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. While family members and close relatives are grieving over Rajveer Diler's death, his supporters and political leaders have also started gathering at his residence to offer condolences.

Earlier this week, BJP candidate Kunwar Suresh Singh from Muradabad passed away due to a sudden cardiac arrest at AIIMS Delhi after a brief illness. Suresh Singh was not very active during the election campaigning, but he had reached his Lok Sabha seat on polling day and cast his vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, state BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over his demise.
New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sought eight more weeks to finalise the survey of Bholshala complex in Madhya Pradeshs Dhar district. The ASI submitted an application before the Indore bench of the MP High Court saying that it requires additional time to determine the characteristics of the exposed portions of the structures within the disputed premises.

In its application, the ASI mentioned that it is currently conducting a comprehensive survey of the complex and its surroundings using advanced scientific equipment. It added that the team is documenting the entire monument in detail.

As per the filled application, ASI stated, "On close examination of the monument, it is observed that later filling in the entrance porch is hiding the original features of the structure, and its removal is to be done very carefully, without causing any damage to the original structure, which is a slow and time-taking process," reported PTI quoting the application.

The high court has set April 29 as the next hearing date for the Bhojshala dispute case, and ASI's new request is expected to be addressed on the same day. Earlier, on March 11, the court instructed the ASI to conduct a "scientific survey" of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex within six weeks. Following this directive, the ASI began surveying the questioned complex on March 22.

Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ancient, 11th century monument safeguarded by the ASI, as a shrine devoted to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), whereas Muslims refer to it as Kamal Maula Mosque.

Under an agreement established by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus conduct worship ceremonies at Bhojshala on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer prayers there on Fridays.
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the BJP-led Narendra Modi government over not conducting the caste census and said that ensuring justice for the people of India is his life's mission. Addressing the Samajik Nyay Sammelan, the Congress leader alleged that those who call themselves deshbakt are scared of the X-ray of caste census. During his speech, the Gandhi scion assured that no force can stop it if his party wins the elections. The Congress leader said ensuring social justice for the people of India and conducting the caste census is his life's mission. He also pledged to ensure justice for the 90 per cent of the population against whom injustice has been done.

As soon as our government is formed, the first thing that would be done is caste census, Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul also alleged that the Modi government transferred crores of rupees to a few billionaires and said that the Congress manifesto talks about returning a small amount of that money to the people who are at the bottom of the pyramid of income and wealth distribution. " There is mention of x-ray (caste census) and income inequality created by Modi ji. The Congress will return a small amount of money to 90% of the people of the country from the Rs 16 lakh crore given to the 22 people by Narendra Modi," he said.

The Congress MP from Kerala's Wayanad claimed that there is no one from the Other Backward Classes community in India's rich people's list. "Prime Minister Modi has been saying for ten years that he is an OBC but when I talked about caste census, Modi said that there is no caste. If there is no caste how are you OBC? Then he said that in India there are only two castes poor and rich. All right if you agree that there are rich and poor people in India, then bring out the lists of poor and rich in India. Then you will find OBCs and Dalits, Adivasis in poor people's list, and see no Dalits, Adivasis and backwards in the rich list," he said.

Speaking on the Caste census at the Social justice conclave in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said, "...After 70 years, it is an important step, we should assess what is the situation now and what direction we need to take. We will implement this."

#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at an event, says, "Caste census is not politics for me, it is my life's mission, and I will not leave it. No power can stop the caste census. As soon as the Congress government comes, we will first conduct caste census. This is my pic.twitter.com/gkkBummL7Z  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

He also said that PM Modi has panicked over the promises made by the Congress parry in its manifesto. "So did you like the Congress manifesto? You must have seen that the PM has panicked. It is a revolutionary manifesto," he added.

Rahul Gandhi made these remarks in response to Prime Minister Modi's criticism that the Congress manifesto smacks of appeasement and that if it came to power, it would redistribute people's wealth and also give reservations to Muslims from the quota for SC, ST, and OCB communities.

Rahul added, "They say I'm not serious, I'm not interested in politics. Land Acquisition Bill, MNREGA, Niyamgiri, Bhatta Parsaul are not serious. When people talk about the larger population they call us non-serious. When you don't have the loudspeaker in hand, everything you say is non-serious," he said.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Monday said that the "faith" and "vote bank" have influenced the policy of India in the past however changes have occurred in the policymaking today. He underlined that during the initial years of independence, certain decisions made by India's policymakers ended up causing problems for the country in the long run.

Speaking at 'Foreign Policy The India Way: From Diffidence To Confidence' in Hyderabad, Telangana on Tuesday, Jaishankar said, "When we say an era of diffidence, it is not just an era of diffidence, it's an era where we don't have clarity, our nationalities. We somewhere, mixed a certain ideological outlook...what could be our contribution to the world."

"We also do many things for the world but that cannot be at the cost of our national interest. That's why 'India First', 'Bharat First' and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' are two sides of the same coin, but we should never allow Bharat First to be compromised," he added.

Giving the example of India's relationship with Israel, the EAM pointed out India didn't have an embassy in Israel till 1992 and no Prime Minister visited the country before PM Modi. He further opined that how "vote bank" influenced India's policy.

"Just think of a country like Israel. People say everybody is the same, we should not bring faith in any discussion. Israel became independent in 1948. From 1948 to 1992, we chose not to have an ambassador and an embassy in Israel. Why? From 1992, we had an embassy. From 1992 till 2017, when Narendra Modi went to Israel, no prime minister of India ever visited Israel. Think about it and then tell me that faith does not influence our policy. Is this not vote bank?" Jaishankar further asserted.

#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: At the forum for Nationalist Thinkers- Hyderabad Chapter 'Foreign Policy The India Way: From Diffidence To Confidence', EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "Just think of a country like Israel... Israel became independent in 1948. From 1948 to 1992, we chose pic.twitter.com/qzPppBmOUt  ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2024

Emphasising the importance of abrogation of Article 370, Jaishankar said that the Indian leadership had created a "vote bank lobby" that kept the special provision intact in the erstwhile state. He also emphasised that it was a 'temporary' provision and had to be ended.

"Please understand the importance of what we did with the abrogation of Article 370. We have corrected an enormous mistake, we made in 1947. We created a lobby, we created a vote bank lobby, we created a Kashmiri lobby, some people were arbitraging," the Foreign Minister said.

"I would show to everybody in the Western press one page of the Constitution called temporary provision. You know the meaning of the word temporary, it comes to an end. There is nobody as blind as someone who doesn't want to see," he added.

He criticised India for signing the Nehru-Liaquat Pact with Pakistan in 1950 despite seeing the violent fervours of partition three years back.

Speaking on the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act, without naming it, he said that after the number of Hindus, Sikhs and other minorities plummeted since partition, India is trying to give citizenship to those people who have nowhere else to go.

"Partition has happened, you can see the violence that has happened and yet we agree with Pakistan that you will treat your minorities well and I will treat my minorities well. If they had treated the minorities well, there would have been no partition. He went to partition with the mindset of not treating the minority well," Jaishankar said.

"See the result, look at the dramatic decrease in the number of minorities. We had finally the situation, that you have minorities in your neighbourhood...whose only logical place to go is India. And yet when we do something very logical, we are correcting a mistake we made 75 years ago...I am giving people rights, I am not taking away people's rights...I am telling people who have nowhere else to go that please come here and I will try my best to fast-track to do whatever I can to help them," he further added.

He further said that today there is a change in the mindset of India's policymaking which is making the country act, think, behave and stand very differently than before.

"You can see how much vichaardhara (ideology) shapes thinking and when we speak about diffidence to confidence...it is a different mindset. It is the change in the mindset today that is making us act, think, behave, stand very differently," he added.
Amravati: Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and called him a fake Shiv Sena president who didn't attend the 'Pran Pratistha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Amaravati, the BJP leader claimed that Uddhav Thackeray didn't attend the Ayodhya temple ceremony despite being invited by the temple trust due to fear of Sonia Gandhi.

The Home Minister told the crowd that people like Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi have disrespected Lord Ram by not attending the Pran Pratistha ceremony despite getting prior invitations. "Uddhav Thackeray, who claims to be the president of Shivsena, this fake president of Shivsena didn't attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' due to fear of Sonia Gandhi even after him being invited... 'Rahul Baba' too received the invitation but didn't attend the 'Pran Pratishtha'. These people by not attending the 'Pran Pratishtha' have humiliated lord Ram," Shah said.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | In a public meeting in Amravati, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Uddhav Thackeray, who claims to be the president of Shiv Sena, this fake president of Shiv Sena didn't attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' due to fear of Sonia Gandhi even after him being pic.twitter.com/nLXud2rCi3  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

Seeking their support once again, Shah urged the voters to vote for the BJP to make Narendra Modi the prime minister of India for a third term, for peace, stability and development. "Your vote is going to free this country from terrorism and naxalism... In the fight between those who want Ram Rajya and those who want the rule of a family, your every vote is going for Ram Rajya," Shah appealed to the voters.

INDI Alliance Has Been Exposed: Shah

Earlier during an election rally in Kerala's Alappuzha for BJP candidate Sobha Surendran, Shah took a dig at the 'INDI Alliance'. He said that the 'INDI Alliance' has been exposed and the fight between Communists and Congress is fake. They come together on one stage in Delhi but in Kerala, they fight against each other.

"This so-called 'INDI alliance' has been exposed. The two partners of the 'INDI Alliance' - Communists and Congress - come together on one stage in Delhi but in Kerala and Bengal they fight against each other. Their fight is fake... 'ilu-ilu' is going on between the Congress and Communist," Shah said.

"There are three pavilions in the state of Kerala one is of Communist, second is of Congress and Muslim League and third is of NDA. The Communist is finished off in the entire world and so is in the country; Congress is over in the nation, and the coming time is of BJP...Should a ban on PFI continue or not? The Congress and Communist party take the support of PFI...," the Union Minister further said.

Shah also accused Congress of alleged involvement in the mining scam and said, "Congress and Communist leaders are involved in the black sand mining scam. In many scams, the involvement of CM's family members and his office has come to light. However, the Communist Party which speaks about transparency is not ready to speak a single word on its CM..."

The Home Minster further said the Lok Sabha polls this time is to make Narendra Modi the PM for a third time and to free Kerala from violence. All 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala will vote in a single phase on April 26. Counting will be held on June 4.

Notably, the campaigning for the second phase of elections will end on April 24. As many as 89 constituencies spread across 13 states will go to polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26.
NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough, gangster Ravi Kana, who is also notorious as Noida's biggest scrap mafia and steel smuggling kingpin, has been arrested along with his girlfriend Kajal Jha in Thailand. According to reports, Kana and his girlfriend were arrested days after the Noida Police gave crucial information about them to the authorities in Thailand.

A red corner notice was also issued against Kana earlier in January. Ravi Kana alias Ravindra Nagar is a gangster from western Uttar Pradesh and is wanted in multiple cases by the Noida Police.

He operates a 16-member gang which is involved in the illegal procurement and sale of rebar and scrap material. According to reports, Kana has been charged with the stringent Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act after a case was registered against him in Greater Noida on January 2.

From Scrap Dealer To Millionaire

Kana, who began as a metal scrap dealer, eventually became a millionaire after forming a gang to illegally acquire and sell scrap material after extorting businesses in the Delhi-NCR region. Ravi Kana and his gang members have been charged with several cases of kidnapping and theft.

At least half a dozen members of the Ravi Kana gang are already behind bars and the Noida Police have sealed several scrap godowns belonging to the gangster. Noida Police recently attached assets worth more than Rs 120 crore belonging to Kana and his associates.

Who Is Kajal Jha?

In January this year, the Noida Police raided and sealed a Rs 100-crore South Delhi bungalow gifted by the gangster to his girlfriend Kajal Jha. Interestingly, Kajal Jha, the girlfriend and partner of Ravi Kana, first came in contact with him regarding a job. however, she later joined his gang and became his girlfriend. According to the Noida Police, Kajal Jha used to handle the books related to the gangster's benami properties.
New Delhi: In the wake of reports of rising temperature in several parts of the country ahead of second phase of Lok Sabha Elections, Election Commission of India (ECI) convened with India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, earlier this week. During the meeting several crucial decisions were made regarding the mitigation of the looming risk of heatwave over the phase 2 elections.

Weather Forecast For Regions Going To Polls

IMD assured the Election Commission that there are no significant worries regarding heatwaves during the second phase of the General Elections slated for April 26. According to IMD's predictions, the 13 States/UTs participating in this phase can expect typical weather conditions.

During the second phase of voting, all 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu and Kashmir are set to cast their votes.

As per IMDs recent forecast, Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely to prevail in some pockets over Gangetic West Bengal and in isolated pockets over Odisha; heatwave conditions in isolated pockets over Uttar Pradesh, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, Telangana and interior Karnataka.

Whereas, Hot and humid weather is expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe, informed IMD.

ECIs Preparedness

- A special team made up of people from ECI, IMD, NDMA, and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will check how hot weather and humidity might affect voting five days before each election day. They'll act if there are issues.

- The Election Commission has told the Health Ministry to give advice to local health officials on how to get ready for hot weather during voting.

- ECI will check with state election officials to make sure polling stations have what they need, like shade, water, fans, and other basics.

- IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities will be carried out amongst the public for precautionary measures. To ensure that people know what to do and not to do in order to stay safe from the heat when they go to vote.

- Keeping in view the seriousness of the matter, The Election Commission already gave instructions to state election officials regarding "Prevention of Heat Wave Impact" and make sure polling stations have what they need to handle hot weather.
People in Coastal Karnataka have decided to choose the None of The Above (NOTA) option in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to the prolonged denial of justice in Soujanya Gowda's brutal rape and murder in Dharmasthala over a decade ago. Despite tireless advocacy by her family, led by Kusumavati Gowda and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, justice remains elusive. Timarodi demanded justice not only for Soujanya but also for other victims of heinous crimes associated with the Dharmasthala Temple.

Recent events, like the acquittal of a wrongly accused person and revelations of institutional complicity, have reignited public outrage. Political leaders have ignored demands for accountability and closure, alleged the family.

Kusumavati, the victim's mother, said, "My daughter was gang-raped and brutally murdered, with mud filled in her vagina. I have been crying for justice for the last 12 years. When no party or party leaders are ready to speak on the injustice done to my daughter, why should I vote for any party? I am voting NOTA. I need justice." Girish Mattennavar, an activist claimed that no party is taking rape cases seriously. He said that voting for the NOTA is an attempt to awaken sleeping political parties in Karnataka towards justice.

Hundreds of voters in Coastal Karnataka have vowed to reject any political establishment that neglects justice and human life sanctity. Even after a decade, the people continue to demand justice for Soujanya. As Coastal Karnataka prepares to vote, the call for justice echoes louder, reflecting a community united in seeking truth and accountability.
KISHANGANJ: In a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIMIM chief Asaduddun Owaisi on Wednesday accused the former of running a hate-filled campaign against the Muslims - the biggest minority community of India. Addressing a rally in Bihar's Kishenganj, the AIMIM leader said the Prime Minister would be "solely responsible if a riot breaks out in the country tomorrow". Attacking the Prime Minister over his "Modi Ki Guarantee" remark, the Hyderabad AIMIM MP said that his only "guarantee is the guarantee of hatred towards Muslims".

"Modi Ki Ek Hi Guarantee - Musalmanon Se Nafrat Ki Guarantee. He has been doing this since 2002. There are 17 crore Muslims in the country, it is the biggest minority community. He is the PM of the 140 crore people of the country...Hurting them (Muslims) like this, hating them like this! If a riot breaks out in the country tomorrow, Narendra Modi would be responsible for it," Owaisi said.

#WATCH | Kishanganj, Bihar: AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi says, "Modi ki ek hi guarantee - Musalmanon se nafrat ki guarantee. He has been doing this since 2002. There are 17 crore Muslims in the country, it is the biggest minority community. He is the PM of the 140 crore pic.twitter.com/k21KWIN1Mg  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

Owaisi's scathing attack on PM Modi came days after PM Modi alleged that if the Congress is voted to power, it would distribute the country's wealth to "those who have more children". "The Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it and then distribute that property. They will distribute it to whom - Manmohan Singh's government had said that Muslims have the first right to the country's assets," Prime Minister Modi said during a rally in Banswara on Sunday.

"Earlier, when their (Congress) government was in power, they had said that Muslims have the first right to the country's assets. This means to whom will this property be distributed? It will be distributed among those who have more children. "It will distributed to the infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to the infiltrators? Do you approve of this?" the PM asked the gathering.

PM Modi's remarks evoked a strong response from the Congress party, which said its manifesto made no such promise. Hitting out at PM Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the Prime Minister's level of lies has fallen so much that, out of fear, he now wants to divert the attention from the core issues. His Congress colleague and senior party leader Pawan Khera challenged the Prime Minister to show if the word Hindu or Muslim was written anywhere in the party's election manifesto.

Meanwhile, Owaisi's BJP rival and party's Hyderabad Lok Sabha candidate Madhavi Latha slammed the AIMIM leader for poisoning the minds of the Muslims and running a hate campaign against the Modi government. "Asaduddin Owaisi is leading his community towards destruction. PM Narendra Modi has brought about so many schemes, and tell me which scheme has Hindu-Muslim written on it?... People like Akbaruddin Owaisi and Asaduddin Owaisi are poisoning people's minds. When they along with Congress say they will give everything to the Muslims, where will 120 crore Hindus go?" she said.
Thiruvananthapuram: Amid a bitter political firestorm over Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax and redistribution of wealth, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday defended the former and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was playing all sorts of games just to win the elections. Responding to PM Modi's speech that the main Opposition party plans to tax inheritance passed down from parents to their children, Kharge said it was utterly baseless and his party never promised anything like that in its manifesto.

Correction | Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "...There is a constitution, we dont have any intention. Why are you putting his ideas in our mouths? Just for votes, he (PM Modi) is playing all these games..." pic.twitter.com/Rmt842d14t  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

In response to PM Modi's 'mangalsutra jibe', the Congress veteran reminded that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had donated her jewellery in the 1962 India-China war. The Congress president also questioned if such sacrifices have been made by Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

"What sacrifice has any leader of the BJP-RSS ever made for the nation? They did not even participate in the National Movement. For elections, Modi ji is lying to the people that their Mangalsutra shall not be safe. Congress governed this country for 55 years. Has that even happened once? Indira Gandhi donated her jewellery in the 1962 War. Pandit Motilal Nehru and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru donated their home to the freedom movement as Anand Bhawan in Allahabad. Our leaders have lived and sacrificed their life and blood for the nation," Kharge said in a post on X.

What sacrifice has any leader of the BJP-RSS ever done for the nation? They did not even participate in the National Movement.



For elections, Modi ji is lying to the people that their Mangalsutra shall not be safe.



Congress governed this country for 55 years. Has that even pic.twitter.com/gSX1AMzTZy  Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 24, 2024

The comments from Kharge came after PM Modi last week alleged Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children". The PM said that those who left Congress these days have pointed towards the party's manifesto and said that the party has gone into "grasp of urban Naxals."

Referring to reports about Congress's intention to redistribute wealth if elected to power, the Prime Minister said the party would conduct a survey and they would not even let Mangalsutra remain with women and "will go to this extent."

"When they (Congress) were in government, they said that Muslims have the first right over India's resources. So, they will distribute this wealth (property and gold) among those having more children, among illegal immigrants...this Urban Naxal thinking won't even spare your Mangalsutra," the PM said.

Prime Minister Modi made these remarks while addressing a poll rally at Chhattisgarh's Surguja during which he alleged that the Congress's "dangerous intentions are coming out in the open".

Referring to Sam Pitroda, the PM said, "The advisor of the prince of the Congress royal family had earlier said that the middle class should be taxed more. Now they have gone further ahead. Now Congress is saying that it will impose an Inheritance Tax and tax the inheritance received by people from their parents."

PM Modi in another rally said that his speech had created panic in the entire Congress and INDIA bloc. "When I came to Rajasthan the day before yesterday, I had presented some truths before the country in my 90-second speech. This has created panic in the entire Congress and INDI alliance. I had put the truth before the country that Congress is hatching a deep conspiracy to snatch your property and distribute it to its special people. I exposed their vote bank and appeasement politics. After all, why is Congress so afraid of the truth?" the Prime Minister said.

It may be noted that Pitroda, who is the head of the overseas wing of Congress, has courted a controversy over his remarks about inheritance tax in the US in an interview with the news agency ANI. While targeting the Prime Minister over his allegations that the Congress plans to redistribute the nation's wealth and that will take property and jewellery if it comes to power, Pitroda said the Congress's manifesto is well-drafted and accused the BJP of making up stories.
Roshn Group, the PIF-owned giga project and Saudi Arabias leading real estate developer, on Wednesday launched Aldanah, its sixth integrated community, second in the Eastern Province and first in Dhahran.

Covering over 1.7 million sq m, Aldanah will add more than 2,500 world-class homes to the housing stock of the economic hub of Greater Dammam and will eventually be home to nearly 10,000 inhabitants.

Aldanah is strategically located in the heart of Greater Dammam, at the confluence of Dammam, Dhahran, and Al Khobar, next to King Abdulaziz Road and just 20 minutes from King Fahd International Airport.

The project will feature thoughtfully placed amenities that provide residents with the convenience that has become Roshn's signature, with a city experience centre, a district mall, three neighborhood retail centres, a primary healthcare centre, mosques, and six schools dotted throughout walkable neighbourhoods, a statement said.

Aldanahs design language will leverage the rich cultural heritage of the region, creating a daily dialogue between past, present, and future by combining traditional motifs with modern materials and techniques. The range of residences will offer an eclectic choice of homes for every family, with duplexes and villas configured specifically for Roshns latest community.

In alignment with Roshn's overarching philosophy and dedication to sustainability and enhancing the quality of life, Aldanah homes will benefit from exemplary energy conservation, with modern insulation as a result of ultra-low U-value concrete, 250-litre solar water heaters, and maximally efficient air-conditioning that combine to deliver energy saving significantly above the mandated Saudi Building Code, the statement said.

Close to 10 per cent of Aldanahs total footprint will be dedicated to urban green space, accompanied by shaded Living Streets with native trees and shrubs, encouraging residents to connect with nature. Aldanah will also incorporate cycle lanes and mobility hubs, providing residents with micro-mobility options, including e-bikes and e-scooters, reducing the need for traditional vehicles. - TradeArabia News Service
Microsoft (MSFT) shares rose on Friday after it reported its fiscal third quarter earnings, beating analysts' estimates on the top and bottom lines on the strength of its cloud computing business.

Microsoft Copilot and Copilot stack are orchestrating a new era of AI transformation, driving better business outcomes across every role and industry," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement.

Microsoft said on Thursday that its AI services contributed 7 percentage points of growth to its Azure and other cloud services revenue. That's up from 6 percentage points in Q2, and 3 points in Q1. Microsoft first broke out its AI percentage contributions to Azure in Q4 last year, saying it added 1 percentage point to Azure revenue at the time.

The company also said it anticipates Q4 revenue of between $63.5 billion and $64.5 billion, just a head of analysts' expectations of $64.7 billion.

Microsoft CFO Amy Hood said during the company's earnings call that the tech giant is seeing near term AI demand outstrip available capacity.

Shares of Microsoft were up about 2% on Friday.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks during a keynote address at CES 2024. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller via Getty Images)

Microsoft reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.94 on revenue of $61.9 billion. Wall Street was anticipating EPS of $2.83 on revenue of $60.88 billion, according to analysts estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Microsoft's overall commercial cloud revenue came in at $35.1 billion, ahead of Wall Street estimates of $33.93 billion. On a segment bases, Microsoft saw Productivity and Business Processes revenue of $19.57 billion, beating expectations of $19.54 billion. Intelligent Cloud and More Personal Computing revenue came in at $26.71 billion and $15.58 billion, respectively. That was better than the $26.25 billion and $15.07 billion analysts expected, respectively.

The revenue beat in More Personal Computing was driven by 11% growth in Windows OEM sales to PC manufacturers and 62% growth in Xbox content and services sales, with 61% attributable to the net impact of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Shares of Microsoft are up more than 10% year to date, behind rivals such as Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) and Amazon (AMZN), which are up 15% and 22%, respectively. Over the last 12 months, Microsofts shares have climbed 32%, though Amazon has jumped 67%, while Google is up 47%.

The three companies are battling it out to see which can offer the most comprehensive AI solutions to enterprise customers and customers, whether that means making heavy investments in third-party firms like OpenAI and Anthropic or reorganizing their internal teams like Google.

Story continues

Microsofts AI ambitions got a healthy boost on Tuesday when it announced that Coca-Cola (KO) signed a five-year, $1.1 billion agreement to use the software giants Azure cloud services and AI technology.

Through our long-term partnership, we have made significant progress to accelerate system-wide AI transformation across The Coca-Cola Company and its network of independent bottlers worldwide, Microsoft executive vice president and chief commercial officer Judson Althoff said in a statement.

Subscribe to the Yahoo Finance Tech newsletter. (Yahoo Finance)

Microsoft has unleashed a torrent of new AI features and services for its enterprise and productivity apps and consumer platforms ever since it first debuted its revamped version of Bing and its AI chatbot in February 2023.

In March, Microsoft announced that it hired DeepMind AI and Inflection AI co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, fellow Inflection AI co-founder Karen Simonyan, as well as a number of the companys staff members. Suleyman is taking up a new post at Microsoft as CEO of the Microsoft AI division.

In February, Microsoft announced a multiyear partnership with French AI startup Mistral that would allow Microsoft to offer the companys models on its Azure platform.

Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.

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
With the debate around caste census, inheritance tax and wealth distribution gaining momentum, Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh today dropped another bombshell against the Congress. Addressing a rally in Vishakhapatnam, Rajnath Singh claimed that the Sachar Committee formed by the Congress government recommended a religion-based census in the armed forces in 2006.

"The Congress, in its manifesto, has also hinted at a reservation for religious minorities if they are elected. If they introduce reservations for religious minorities and extend the idea to the armed forces, it wouldn't bode well for the country's unity and integrity of the country," said Rajnath Singh.

         2006    ,                                  -        : RM  Rajnathsingh_in (@RajnathSingh_in) April 24, 2024

Rajnath Singh's statement came amid the furore over Rahul Gandhi's wealth distribution promise made in Hyderabad. Singh claimed that Congress when it was in power, tried to create a division in the country's armed forces by recommending a 'religious census'. "At that time, BJP was in opposition and we opposed the Sachchar Committee report with full force. But this is the real face of Congress. It wants to divide every institution and every system of this country. It wants to divide the country into Hindus and Muslims. BJP has always strongly opposed this," said Singh.

The BJP leader further alleged that the Congress was trying to introduce a 'religion-based reservation' through the back door and is resorting to appeasement politics.

"The Congress, through its manifesto, was subtly trying to bring back the idea of reservation on grounds of religion into the political and electoral discourse. However, PM Modi exposed their face because of which he is facing such brickbats from the Congress," Singh claimed.

Rajnath Singh also reminded people of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that minorities, especially Muslims, have the first right to the country's resources.

"From 2004 to 2014, the Congress government made five attempts to introduce Muslim reservation but the Supreme Court and the laws of land prevented them from advancing their agenda," said the BJP leader.

Hitting out at the ruling YSRCP, Rajnath Singh said, "Land grabbing is being done by YSRCP. This land grabbing will stop only when NDA forms the government here. Despite being a national party, we have agreed to become a junior partner in Andhra Pradesh because we want to free Andhra Pradesh from the misrule and corruption of YSRCP."

Land grabbing is being done by YSRCP. This land grabbing will stop only when NDA forms the government here. Despite being a national party, we have agreed to become a junior partner in Andhra Pradesh because we want to free Andhra Pradesh from the misrule and corruption of YSRCP: RM

While the BJP has gone all gun-blazing against the Congress over wealth distribution and inheritance tax, the reservation to Muslims has also become the saffron party's another poll issue against Congress.
New Delhi: A statement made by Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has landed the Congress party in hot waters, igniting controversy amidst BJP allegations that Congress is scheming wealth redistribution. Pitroda referenced the United States' inheritance tax as a potential model to improve wealth distribution policies in India.

Following the remark, Congress has distanced itself from his statement with Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh, labelling it as Pitrodas personal views. The Oversees chairman came out in support of Rameshs remark. He expressed regret that the remarks were manipulated "to divert attention from the lies PM is spreading about the Congress manifesto."

The comment of Pitroda sent the Congress party on the backfoot, as the party has been relentlessly quashing all the claims of inclusion of wealth redistribution in its election manifesto.

#WATCH | Chicago, US: Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda says, "...In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has $100 million worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. That's an pic.twitter.com/DTJrseebFk  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

What Pitroda Said About Wealth Redistribution?

In an interview with news agency ANI, Pitroda suggested a US-like inheritance tax. He said, "In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and, when he dies, he can only transfer probably 45% to his children, 55% is grabbed by the government. He added that this law sounds fair and interesting to me.

Backing up Congress's "wealth redistribution" poll promise, Pitroda said, When we talk about redistributing wealth, we are talking about new policies and new programmes that are in the interest of the people and not in the interest of the super-rich only." Expressing his concerns, he highlighted that it is a policy issue.

It is unfortunate that what I said as an individual on inheritance tax in the US is twisted by Godi media to divert attention from what lies PM is spreading about Congress manifesto. PMs comments Mangal Sutra & gold snatching is simply unreal.  Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) April 24, 2024

Congress Distances Itself

Jairam Ramesh separated Pitrodas comments from the Congress's ideology, saying that it is democracy and a person is free to express his views.

In a post on X in Hindi, he wrote, Pitroda ji openly expresses his views on the issues that he feels necessary to speak about. In a democracy, a person is certainly free to express his views, discuss them, and debate them. But this does not mean that Pitroda ji's views always reflect the position of the Indian National Congress. At times, his views differ.

He further said that the comments are being exaggerated and portrayed in an altered context intentionally to redirect focus from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's malicious and hate-filled election campaign, which is based only on lies.

           , ,                        



                Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 24, 2024

BJPs Response

The head of the BJP's IT Cell, Amit Malviya, thrashed the Congress party following Sam Pitroda's views on wealth redistribution, stating that "Congress has decided to destroy India."

In a post on X, Amit Malviya said, "Congress has decided to destroy India. Now, Sam Pitroda advocates a 50 percent inheritance tax for wealth redistribution. This means 50 percent of whatever we build, with all our hard work and enterprise, will be taken away. 50 percent, besides all the tax we pay, which too will go up if Congress prevails."
New Delhi: A plea has been lodged with the Supreme Court requesting for a court-monitored investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into suspected exchanges of favors between political entities, corporations, and officials of investigative bodies through electoral bond donations. The apex court's five-judge constitution bench invalidated the Centres electoral bonds program for anonymous political funding on February 15.

The request, submitted by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, has sought direction from the authorities to investigate the source of funding of "shell companies and loss-making companies to various political parties, made public through electoral bond data.

It asks the authorities to reclaim the funds from political parties if they were given as part of "quid pro quo arrangements especially if it's discovered that the money was obtained illegally.

Following a top court order, the State Bank of India, the designated vendor of electoral bonds, provided the data to the Election Commission, which subsequently released it to the public. The electoral bonds initiative, introduced by the government on January 2, 2018, was presented as a substitute for cash donations to political parties, aiming to enhance transparency in political funding.

The electoral bonds scheme, which was notified by the government on January 2, 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of its efforts to bring transparency in political funding.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to declare its verdict on Wednesday regarding several petitions requesting complete cross-verification of votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) using the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The VVPAT serves as an autonomous method for voters to verify if their votes have been accurately recorded. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will pronounce the specific instructions on the plea in which order was reserved by the apex court on April 18.

During the hearing the top court pointed out the importance of voters trust in the electoral system and their satisfaction. The SC told petitioners seeking direction to go back to using ballot papers, not to suspect the efficacy of EVMs and appreciate if the Election Commission does good work.

During the nearly two-day hearing, the bench discussed with senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas for about an hour to grasp the operation of EVMs. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the Election Commission, asserted that EVMs are standalone devices invulnerable to tampering, although he acknowledged the potential for human error.

On April 16, the SC depreciated the criticism of EVMs and calls for going back to ballot papers, saying the electoral process in India is a "humongous task" and attempts should not be made to "bring down the system", reported PTI.

The NGO 'Association for Democratic Reforms' (ADR) sought the court to change a decision made by the election commission in 2017. This decision was about replacing see-through glass on voting machines with opaque glass. With the new glass, a voter can only see their vote slip when a light is on for seven seconds.

The ADR has requested that the number of votes recorded by EVMs matches the votes that have been reliably recorded as cast. They also want to ensure that voters can confirm through the VVPAT slip that their vote, as seen on the paper slip, has been counted as recorded.

At present, VVPAT slips from five randomly chosen EVMs in each Assembly segment undergo verification.
SRINAGAR: Hundreds of supporters were seen dancing and raising slogans at the historic Lal Chowk on Wednesday as election fever grips voters in Srinagar. After decades, the streets of Srinagar witnessed campaigning by mainstream political parties. The electoral battle shifted from Anantnag to the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency, from the historic clock tower to the district electoral office as supporters were seen raising slogans and dancing in support of their respective candidates.

While PDP and Apni Party candidates filed their nominations in Srinagar today, the National Conference candidate will file his papers tomorrow. The Srinagar Parliamentary constituency is likely to witness a triangular contest between the National Conference candidate Aaga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi (prominent Shia leader), PDP candidate Wahid Para and Apni Party candidate Ashraf Mir.

While Wahid Para and Ashraf Mir filed their nomination papers in Srinagar today, National Conference's Aaga Ruhulla will file his nomination papers tomorrow. PDP leader Wahid Rehman Para was accompanied by hundreds of his supporters and several senior leaders in a show of strength while filing his nomination.

Para hails from Pulwama, which is now a part of the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency. Para led a massive roadshow to display his strength. Wahid Para's rally reached the historic Lal Chowk where hundreds of supporters raised slogans in his support.

Interestingly, the slogans raised by his supporters were quite different than those raised in all previous election campaigns Omar banoge: Naa bhai Naa, Farooq banoge: Naa bhai Naa - NC banoge: Naa bhai Naa, BJP banoge: Naa bhai Naa, Congress Bnoge: Naa Bhai Naa, Mufti banoge haan bhai haan

Speaking exclusively to Zee News, Whid Para said that he expects people to come out in large numbers and vote in favour of PDP to strengthen the hands of Mehbooba Mufti so that they can raise the voice of the people and youth in Parliament. He said that the PDP is vocal on every issue and is confident that they will sweep the polls.

The second rally was led by former minister Altaf Bukhari who has floated the Apni Party. Apni Party, which came into existence after the abrogation of Article 370, has fielded many former ministers and legislators as its candidates in Anantnag and Srinagar, while in Baramulla they are supporting Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the prestigious Srinagar Parliamentary seat was won by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah in 2019. This time, Farooq Abdullah has decided not to contest the Lok Sabha polls citing health reasons.
New Delhi: The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has released a preliminary notice announcing the availability of 81 positions spanning various categories. These roles encompass Fisheries Extension Officer, Assistant Research Officer, Fishery Supervisor, and others within the WB Junior Fishery Services Grade II. The application window for these vacancies opened on April 22 and is set to close on May 13. Interested candidates can submit their applications via the official WBPSC website at psc.wb.gov.in.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Educational Qualification: Detailed educational prerequisites for Fisheries Extension Officer, Assistant Research Officer, Fishery Supervisor, and other positions will be outlined in the official notification PDF. Applicants are required to possess a Bachelors degree in a relevant field from an accredited university. Specific qualifications may vary depending on the position.

2. Language Proficiency: Candidates may be required to demonstrate proficiency in Bengali, unless Nepali is their mother tongue.

3. Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens or hold lawful permanent residency status.

4. Additional Criteria: Other criteria such as physical standards, prior experience, or specific skills pertinent to the job role may also be considered.

5. Age Limit: Candidates applying for WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024 must fall within the age bracket of 18 to 40 years. Age relaxations may be provided by the government for candidates belonging to reserved categories.

NUMBER OF POSTS

 UR: 32 posts

 OBC A: 8 posts

 OBC B: 5 posts

 SC: 16 posts

 ST: 5 posts

 PwBD: 6 posts

 EWS: 8 posts

 MSP: 1 post

BPSC ARO RECRUITMENT 2024: APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP 1. Visit the official website of the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) at wbpsc.gov.in.

STEP 2. Locate and click on the WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024 link displayed on the homepage.

STEP 3. Complete the application form by providing the necessary information and ensuring all required documents are attached.

STEP 4. If you have paid the application fee offline, submit the form accordingly.

STEP 5. Remember to retain a printout of your WBPSC ARO application for future reference.

For WBPSC ARO Recruitment 2024, the application fee varies depending on the candidate's category, as outlined in the official notification. General category applicants are required to pay Rs 110 as the application fee, while candidates from the SC/ST/PWD categories in West Bengal are exempt from this fee. The deadline for application submission is May 13, and candidates may pay the exam fee offline by May 14.
Jailed chief of 'Waris Punjab De' and pro-Khalistani leader Amrit Pal Singh may contest in the Lok Sabha elections, if various media reports are to be believed. According to reports, he is set to contest from the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Punjab. Currently lodged in the Dibrugarh jail of Assam, Amritpal Singh is facing stringent charges including the National Security Act (NSA). He was arrested by Punjab Police and was shifted to Assam over security concerns.

As per the report by The Indian Express, Amrit Pal Singh's lawyer, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, has confirmed his candidacy. Khalsa claimed that Amrit Pal will contest the election as an independent candidate. He stated that he met Amrit Pal in Dibrugarh today (April 24) and during the meeting, Amrit Pal confirmed that he is ready to contest from the Khadoor Sahib constituency. As per reports, a mainstream party is considering extending support to Amrit Pal. However, Amrit Pal Singh's mother, Balvinder Kaur, informed the media that his wife recently met him and didn't reveal any such details.

Amrit Pal Singh gained attention last year in February when his supporters besieged the Ajnala police station in Amritsar. Lovepreet Toofan, a close aide of Singh, was arrested in a case related to kidnapping and assault. On February 16, a person named Veerendra Singh filed a case against Amrit Pal and some of his associates. Following this case, the police arrested Lovepreet Singh alias Toofan from Gurdaspur. Amrit Pal, alarmed by this arrest, began openly threatening the administration. He issued an ultimatum to the police that if his associate was not released, he would besiege the police station with his supporters.

It was February 23, 2023 when thousands of Amrit Pal Singh's supporters gathered in Ajnala armed with guns, swords, and lathis. All of them protested against the arrest of Amrit Pal's close associate Lovepreet Toofan on charges of assaulting police officers. Several policemen were injured during the confrontation in which they broke the jail to free Toofan.
Media release on the Annual General Meeting of Mikron Holding AG BIEL, Switzerland - (NewMediaWire) - April 24, 2024 - At the Annual General Meeting held in Biel on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the shareholders of Mikron Holding AG approved all proposals put forward by the Board of Directors and agreed the relocation of Mikron Holding AG's registered office from Biel (Canton of Berne) to Boudry (Canton of Neuchtel). The Board of Directors' proposal for a distribution per share of CHF 0.50 (CHF 0.25 per share from retained earnings and CHF 0.25 per share tax-free from capital contributions reserves) was also approved. The members of the Board of Directors Paul Zumbhl, Andreas Casutt, Hans-Michael Hauser, Alexandra Bendler and Hans-Christian Schneider were re-elected for a one-year term of office. Paul Zumbhl was confirmed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Brief profile of the Mikron Group The Mikron Group develops, produces and markets very precise, productive and adaptable automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools. Rooted in the Swiss culture of innovation, Mikron is a global partner to companies in the pharmaceutical, medtech, consumer goods, automotive, and general engineering industries. The Mikron Group enables its customers to increase quality and industrial productivity. The Group has over 100 years of experience, state-of-the-art technologies and a global service. The two business segments Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining Solutions are based in Switzerland (Boudry and Agno). Additional production sites are located in the USA, Germany, Singapore, China and Lithuania. Mikron Holding AG shares are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange (MIKN). The Mikron Group employs a total workforce of around 1,550. Contact Mikron Switzerland AG, Philippe Wirth, CFO Mikron Group, phone +41 91 610 63 54, ir.mma@mikron.com Download Media release Media release (pdf) Investor Relations Calendar July 19, 2024, 7 a.m. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR, semiannual results 2024 Mikron(R) is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland). Mikron Holding AG | Mhlebrcke 2 | 2502 Biel | Schweiz | T+41 32 321 72 00 | F +41 32 321 72 01 | www.mikron.com
DataHorizzon Research

The mobile offshore drilling unit market size was valued at USD 5.1 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a market size of USD 9.9 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.6%.

Fort Collins, Colorado, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



The growing demand for oil and gas drives the need for mobile offshore drilling units.

The increasing demand for oil and gas and the depletion of onshore and shallow-water reserves have driven the need for mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) to explore and exploit deep-water and ultra-deepwater resources. Several factors, including technological advancements in offshore drilling, the discovery of new offshore oil and gas fields, and the growing global demand for energy fuel this trend.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), global offshore oil production will increase significantly in the coming years, reaching 11.7 million daily barrels by 2040. This growth is driven by the exploration and development of deep-water and ultra-deepwater reserves that require specialized equipment and expertise, such as MODUs, to access and extract.

The discovery of new offshore oil and gas fields, particularly in regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and West Africa, has fueled the demand for MODUs. These regions are known for their abundant offshore resources and have attracted significant investment from oil and gas companies seeking to tap into these reserves. For example, Brazil's state-owned oil and gas giant Petrobras has announced plans to install 11 offshore production units in the pre-salt layer offshore Brazil by 2027. This ambitious plan aims to increase production capacity to 2.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day, further highlighting the importance of MODUs in unlocking offshore reserves.

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Segmentation Overview:

The mobile offshore drilling unit market has been segmented into type, drilling location, and region.

The ultra-deepwater segment is projected to attain a significant market share.

The ultra-deepwater segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The depletion of shallow water reserves and the increasing demand for oil and gas have compelled exploration and production companies to venture into ultra-deepwater regions.

The jackup rig is the leading segment owing to their flexibility and versatility.

Based on the market segmentation by type, the jackup rig segment held the largest market share in the mobile offshore drilling unit market in 2023. Jackup rigs are widely used for shallow-water drilling operations due to their cost-effectiveness, operational flexibility, and ability to operate in water depths of up to 400 feet.

Story continues

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Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Market Report Highlights:

The mobile offshore drilling unit market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.6% by 2032.

The technological advancements in the oil and gas industry propel the industry's growth.

North America is the leading region and continues to expand in the forecast period, attributed to increase in oil exploration activities.

Some prominent players in the mobile offshore drilling unit market report include Transocean Ltd., Valaris plc, Noble Corporation, Maersk Drilling, Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., Seadrill Limited, Shelf Drilling, Ltd., COSL Drilling Europe AS, Borr Drilling Limited, Odfjell Drilling Ltd., Saipem S.p.A., and Stena Drilling Ltd.

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Total Revenue: Reached $9.93 billion in Q1 2024, up from $8.15 billion in Q1 2023, surpassing the estimated $9.44 billion.

GAAP Net Income: Reported at $301 million, falling short of the estimated $331.31 million.

Adjusted Net Income: Achieved $334 million, slightly above the estimated $331.31 million.

GAAP EPS: Recorded at $5.17 per diluted share, below the estimated $5.59.

Adjusted EPS: Reported at $5.73 per diluted share, exceeding the estimated $5.59.

Premium Revenue: Grew to approximately $9.5 billion, a 21% increase year-over-year, driven by new contract wins and acquisitions.

Medical Care Ratio (MCR): Stood at 88.5%, reflecting effective cost management and changes in member mix.

Molina Healthcare Inc (NYSE:MOH) released its 8-K filing on April 24, 2024, detailing its financial results for the first quarter of 2024. The company reported a GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $5.17 and an adjusted EPS of $5.73, surpassing the estimated EPS of $5.59. Although the GAAP net income of $301 million fell slightly below the estimated $331.31 million, the adjusted net income reached $334 million. Total revenue for the quarter stood at $9.931 billion, significantly higher than the estimated $9.440 billion, driven by a 21% year-over-year increase in premium revenue which totaled $9.504 billion.

Molina Healthcare Inc (MOH) Q1 2024 Earnings: Adjusted EPS Exceeds Expectations Amid Revenue Surge

About Molina Healthcare Inc

Molina Healthcare Inc, a Fortune 500 company, specializes in providing managed healthcare services under government-funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, as well as through state insurance marketplaces. Operating primarily through its Medicaid segment, the company has continued to expand its services and footprint, achieving significant revenue growth.

Operational Highlights and Financial Metrics

The first quarter saw Molina Healthcare grow its membership by 9% year-over-year, reaching approximately 5.7 million members. This growth contributed to the substantial increase in premium revenue. However, the Medical Care Ratio (MCR) increased slightly to 88.5% from 87.1% in the previous year, reflecting changes in member mix and ongoing medical cost management. The General and Administrative (G&A) expense ratio remained stable at 7.2%, with an adjusted G&A ratio of 7.1%.

The balance sheet shows a decrease in cash and investments at the parent company level, from $742 million as of December 31, 2023, to $194 million as of March 31, 2024. This reduction is primarily attributed to timing differences in government receivables and payables which also influenced the operating cash flow, noted at $214 million compared to $916 million in the prior year's corresponding quarter.

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2024 Outlook and Management Commentary

Molina Healthcare reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance, expecting premium revenue of approximately $38 billion and adjusted earnings of at least $23.50 per diluted share, indicating a 13% growth over 2023. President and CEO Joseph Zubretsky expressed satisfaction with the quarter's performance, highlighting strong financial and operational metrics that align with the company's long-term targets.

"We are very pleased with our first quarter performance," said Joseph Zubretsky, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We delivered strong financial performance supported by excellent operating metrics across our business, while sustaining profitable growth consistent with our long-term targets."

Despite the robust quarter, the company remains cautious about potential earnings headwinds in the latter half of the year due to possible contract losses in Virginia and Florida.

Conclusion

Molina Healthcare's first quarter of 2024 illustrates a company that is effectively managing growth and operational efficiencies. With adjusted earnings surpassing expectations and a strong revenue performance, MOH continues to demonstrate its capability to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry. Investors and stakeholders may look forward to the rest of the year with cautious optimism, considering the company's reaffirmed guidance and strategic initiatives.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Molina Healthcare Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

If ever there was a way to distract from Teslas lackluster corporate results on Tuesday, it was this: CEO Elon Musk declared during the companys earnings call that he hopes to sell sentient humanoid robots by the end of next year.

Before then, the robots known as Optimus will likely be used at Teslas factories sometime this year, he said. I think Optimus will be more valuable than everything else [at Tesla] combined, Musk boasted. If youve got a sentient humanoid that is able to navigate reality and do tasksthere is no meaningful limit to the size of the economy.

Tesla is currently worth roughly half a trillion dollars.

Before the dawn of its not-yet-proven humanoid robot era, Tesla faces big financial issues in the short term. During the first quarter of the year, its profits tanked 55 percentto $1.1 billionthe company announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, its revenue sank 9 percent, to $21.3 billion. Earlier this month, the carmaker announced that it would lay off 10 percent of its staff in an effort to shore up its finances.

Investors evidently thought the companys results would be even worse on Tuesday, as Teslas stock rose more than 10 percent in after-hours trading.

Tesla waved away its struggles, writing in a press release that many obstaclesfrom conflict in the Red Sea to an arson attack on its factory in Berlinhad been out of the companys control. But it hasnt helped that Musk has also alienated some left-leaning buyers with his nonstop antics on X. Tesla said Tuesday that it would change some of its strategies, like moving up the release of new car models.

When Did Katy Perry Become Elon Musks Go-To PR Shill?

On the earnings call, Musk pressed the case for electric vehicles despite industry headwinds, arguing that gas-powered cars without autonomous capabilities will one day be viewed the same way horse-drawn carriages are today.

He also detailed Teslas plans to launch an army of robotaxis; within a decade, he forecasted, the company will have tens of millions of vehicles in operation that it may be able to utilize to that end. Its worth noting, however, that Musk has previously made outlandish predictions about company timelines that did not pan out.

The billionaire insists that he is fully focused on the carmaker, despite the headaches at X. Considering his proposed pay package, investors will need to believe him.

This month, the company said it will ask shareholders to vote on Musks unprecedented compensation agreement, which is worth about $50 billion. The pay package was previously approved, but a Delaware judge tossed it out earlier this year, saying stockholders werent sufficiently informed about the unfathomable sum of money bestowed on him.

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Its not clear whether the new proposal will survive legal challenges. In the interim, Musk is working to reincorporate Tesla in Texas, away from the prying hands of the Delaware Chancery Court.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The chairman of computer software company Oracle announced the company will be moving its world headquarters to Nashville.

Oracle has been headquartered in Austin, Texas since 2020, but the company is slated to open a new, large campus along the Cumberland River as part of the reimagined East Bank development.

Construction still has not started on the project.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

We want to be in a community where our people want to live. Nashville is a fabulous place to live. Its a great place to raise a family. Its got a unique and vibrant culture, said Oracle chairman and co-founder Larry Ellison from the Oracle Health Summit in Nashville.

No other information was released.

Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell took to social media to express his excitement to the announcement.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also wrote on X, Welcome home, @Oracle! Were proud this trusted company has picked the Volunteer State as its new world headquarters. Great news for job creation & economic growth across TN.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

No other information was released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Reported Net Revenue: $18,250 million, showing a growth of 2.3% year-over-year, exceeding estimates of $18,079.35 million.

Net Income Attributable to PepsiCo: $2,042 million, slightly below the estimated $2,093.55 million.

Earnings Per Share (EPS): Reported at $1.48, falling short of the estimated $1.52.

Core EPS: $1.61, indicating a core constant currency EPS change of 7% year-over-year.

Organic Revenue Growth: Reported at 2.7%, aligning with the company's guidance of at least 4% growth for 2024.

Dividend Increase: Announced a 7% annualized dividend increase starting June 2024, marking the 52nd consecutive annual increase.

2024 Financial Outlook: Reaffirmed, expecting at least 8% core constant currency EPS growth and total cash returns to shareholders of approximately $8.2 billion.

PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ:PEP) disclosed its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 on April 23, 2024, revealing a performance that aligned closely with analyst projections on earnings per share while surpassing revenue expectations. The detailed financial outcomes can be explored in PepsiCo's 8-K filing.

PepsiCo Inc (PEP) Q1 2024 Earnings: Aligns with Analyst EPS Projections, Revenue Exceeds Expectations

PepsiCo, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, is known for its diverse portfolio including popular brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Lay's, Cheetos, and Doritos. The company holds a significant share of the global snacks and beverages market, with about 55% of its revenue coming from convenience foods and the remainder from beverages. PepsiCo's manufacturing and distribution operations are primarily based in the U.S., although international markets account for 40% of total sales and a third of operating profits.

Q1 2024 Financial Highlights

For Q1 2024, PepsiCo reported a net revenue of $18,250 million, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous year and surpassing the estimated $18,079.35 million. This growth was achieved despite a slight negative impact of 0.5% from foreign exchange fluctuations. The company's earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $1.48, aligning with the estimated $1.52, and represented a 6% increase year-over-year.

Operational and Regional Performance

PepsiCo's performance this quarter reflected robust operational execution across its diverse geographical landscape. Notably, the Latin America and Europe segments showed significant revenue growth, with increases of 16% and 3%, respectively. However, Quaker Foods North America faced a substantial 24% decline in net revenue, primarily due to a voluntary recall affecting certain products.

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Strategic Initiatives and Forward Outlook

Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized the company's agility and the sequential improvement in volume trends. Despite challenges like the Quaker Foods recall, the company managed to grow net revenue and operating profit margin. Looking ahead, PepsiCo expects to achieve at least 4% organic revenue growth and an 8% increase in core constant currency EPS for 2024. The company also plans to continue its focus on productivity initiatives and investments in brand and capability enhancements under its pep+ program.

Financial Stability and Shareholder Returns

PepsiCo's commitment to shareholder returns remains strong, with a projected total cash return of approximately $8.2 billion for 2024, including $7.2 billion in dividends and $1.0 billion in share repurchases. This approach underscores the company's stable financial footing and confidence in sustained business growth.

Conclusion

Overall, PepsiCo's first-quarter results for 2024 demonstrate a resilient business model capable of navigating market volatility and generating steady growth. The alignment of EPS with analyst estimates and the surpassing of revenue expectations reflect the company's effective management and strategic planning. Investors and stakeholders can likely anticipate continued robust performance as the company remains focused on innovation, market expansion, and operational efficiency.

For further details on PepsiCo's financial performance and strategic initiatives, please refer to the full earnings report and supplementary materials provided by the company.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from PepsiCo Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Vulcan Energy Resources Limited's (ASX:VUL) 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 do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing.

See our latest analysis for Vulcan Energy Resources

Vulcan Energy Resources Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Non-Executive Deputy Chairman of the Board Gavin Rezos for AU$135k worth of shares, at about AU$3.67 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$3.03 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price.

While Vulcan Energy Resources insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. Their average price was about AU$3.28. These transactions suggest that insiders have considered the current price attractive. 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!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Vulcan Energy Resources Insiders Bought Stock Recently

There was some insider buying at Vulcan Energy Resources over the last quarter. Independent Non-Executive Director Josephine Bush bought AU$29k worth of shares in that time. We like it when there are only buyers, and no sellers. But the amount invested in the last three months isn't enough for us too put much weight on it, as a single factor.

Insider Ownership

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 26% of Vulcan Energy Resources shares, worth about AU$133m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

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So What Does This Data Suggest About Vulcan Energy Resources Insiders?

Our data shows a little insider buying, but no selling, in the last three months. Overall the buying isn't worth writing home about. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. It would be great to see more insider buying, but overall it seems like Vulcan Energy Resources insiders are reasonably well aligned (owning significant chunk of the company's shares) and optimistic for the future. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. Be aware that Vulcan Energy Resources is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 1 of those is concerning...

Of course Vulcan Energy Resources may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Port Canaveral saw just under 800,000 cruise passengers move on and off its ships in March as part of a record year that keeps topping expectations.

That set a one-month record for the port with an average of nearly 25,600 people a day around 93 cruise ship calls. March is traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for the port with its spring break traffic.

It also marked the halfway point of the fiscal year that began in October 2023. Six months in, the port has seen 3.9 million passenger movements from 479 ship calls.

The industry itself is very, very strong right now, said Port CEO Capt. John Murray at the port commission meeting on Wednesday. Theres a lot of expansion plans. The companies are starting to reorder ships again after the pandemic.

NCL details new dining on Canaveral-bound Norwegian Aqua

That includes more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been sending its new vessels to Port Canaveral as they debut including next years Norwegian Aqua.

So a lot of great things, a lot of great things, a lot of enthusiasm and I can say that the industry is 110% of what it was prior to the pandemic, Murray said. They are back and booming right now. So were fortunate to be taking advantage of that here at the port.

Operating revenue for the year is already at $98 million, which is $3.6 million above budget. It also means the record projection of $187 million in operating revenue through the end of the fiscal year in September is likely to get surpassed as well.

Ship capacity is determined to be at 100% if each stateroom is occupied by two passengers, so ships sailing with families, for instance, will push capacity above 100% and in turn increase revenue for the port from the cruise lines as well as add to an uptick in parking charges.

Royal Caribbean to send massive Utopia of the Seas to Port Canaveral

One of the big drivers has been the addition of a second Oasis-class vessel by Royal Caribbean so that the port hosts two of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Allure of the Seas joined Wonder of the Seas last fall to begin short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas, and will continue that until the debut of Royals new Utopia of the Seas this summer. Since arriving, it has added more than 650,000 passenger movements to the ports growing tally.

The port has been home port to 13 ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises, and is set to welcome its first ships from both Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises this fall.

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Port Canaveral plots timeline to take over marina for new cruise terminal

Right now it has six cruise terminals, but is beginning the work to eventually build a seventh later this decade. During an interview earlier in April at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Murray said the key to growth for the port will be a shift in how the port gives access to each terminal, such as how it plans to operate its seventh terminal.

Its going to be multiuser. Its not going to be a single-use facility. Thats going to be how our concept of operations would be going forward, Murray said. The only way youre going to get good utilization of a terminal is if you can put multiple brands in there and not have it dedicated to just one user.

Thats how it runs several of its terminals now including Disney Cruise Line at Cruise Terminal 8 and Carnival Cruise Line at its newest terminal, Cruise Terminal 3.

If theyve got seven days a week at one terminal and theyre only using three, maybe four days, thats not high utilization, Murray said. Yet, its a facility that weve got blocked out that were not getting any benefit from it for the investment weve made.

He notes Cruise Terminal 10, which gets used by three brands, gets used six days a week.

Murray said with newer and bigger ships on order from all the major lines, the demand is just going to continue to spike for parking space at Floridas big three ports.

I think the point now for all of the major brands is finding somewhere to operate, Murray said. Because theres only Miami  we all know how full Miami is; Everglades  its got limited capacity or opportunity for growth; and we have more land, but you know, its not all going to get committed to the cruise industry.

So the question is, how do we allow more opportunities for the cruise lines to operate? This is one  get high utilization out of the terminal.
DENVER (KDVR)  A property tax proposal will be introduced soon in the Colorado legislature, and its already drawing some opposition.

The new proposal is 83 pages long. The sponsor of the measure said it meets the goal of long-term property tax reform, while opponents argue the bill proposes lots of changes with little time left for lawmakers to make adjustments, as the session ends in a little more than two weeks.

Reintroduced wolf found dead in Larimer County

We have 15 days left in session, said Michael Fields, a FOX31 political analyst and CEO of the conservative think tank Advance Colorado. Its an 83-page bill, and I think people want simplicity at this point. They want to cut and cap property taxes. You can do that in a one-page bill.

Fields is used to running ballot initiatives, specifically those dealing with taxes. He said the new proposal to bring down property taxes this year does not meet the level of relief Coloradans need right now.

People want to simply cap how much property taxes can go up this year. They dont think government should be growing faster than their wages, they want to cut some of this huge increase they just saw this past year. Again, these are things you can do in a one-page bill. We do it in our measure, Fields said, referring to a tax proposal he backs. So ultimately, I think the legislature is playing a lot of games with this, trying to make everybody happy but really trying to get and keep as much revenue as they can, knowing that people are upset with this.

Coloradans to see competing property tax relief efforts

One of the ballot initiatives Fields is backing, Initiative 50, would cap property tax revenues at 4%. State Sen. Chris Hansen believes that solution is wrong for Colorado.

Its very easy to say, hey, heres a property tax reduction for everybody. But they dont have anything to say about how wed actually cover the expenses or public services that people depend on, Hansen said of the initiative, which has already qualified to be on the ballot.

Instead of supporting that proposal, Hansen is bringing the 83-page bill he said comes from recommendations agreed upon by most state property tax commission members.

Concealed carry permit measure heads to Colorado governors desk

The proposal would reduce the assessment rate from 7% to 6.35% for residents. It would reimburse school districts through a backfill mechanism that Hansen said would come from reserve funding, but opponents said nothing is stopping lawmakers from using surplus dollars meant to be refunded under the Taxpayers Bill of Rights  a concept voters have already proven to be unpopular.

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Weve talked to thousands of people about all the concepts that are in this bill. We did meetings all over the state, talking to citizens, local elected officials, county commissioners, assessors, county treasurers, et cetera, getting their feedback on how we can improve the property tax system in the state. And this bill is a result of thousands of those conversations. So I understand, not everyone is going to love the package, Hansen said.

Hansen said the bill will be introduced next week after the property tax commission meets on Friday. Several commission members have indicated concerns with the proposal as it is currently drafted.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
UK-based Artech Lighting has launched its new Dubai office, further supporting its activities within the region, creating a number of new jobs to serve its growing clientele.

The move marks a significant milestone for the company, solidifying Artechs position as a premier lighting solutions provider, with the new office serving as a hub to support current opportunities and secure additional projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Artech is collaborating with Core Emirates, a long-established business in the region, with extensive representation across the Gulf, to leverage its expertise and resources, enhancing client services.

Tailored lighting solutions

The partnership enables Artech to nurture and build on strong relationships within the regions business community and deliver tailored lighting solutions to meet customer requirements.

The new Dubai HQ will help us cement our foundations in the Middle East, a region in which were already delivering a great deal of work, said managing director of Artech Lighting, Stuart Hylton.

Dubai feels like a second home, and weve delivered some outstanding projects in recent years to the Middle East, such as Amazon offices and Public Investment Fund HQ in Riyadh and Dubai World Trade Centre. I think a base there will further strengthen relationships with customers and boost the service we offer.

The office will also enable Artech to strengthen ties with Acoulite, its trusted partner in the GCC fit-out sector.

String of success stories

The UAE expansion is the latest in the string of success stories for the business following new hires in London and Scotland and a number of high-profile project wins, including Nissan showrooms across the Middle East, Decathlon stores and a significant retrofit project for Manchester Airports Group.

Stuart said: The demand for our products continues to rise, so it feels like the perfect time for us to be expanding into markets we know and understand, to support our growth.

The expansion isnt just about physical presence, it highlights our dedication to the UAE market. Were really looking forward to collaborating with our partners and clients in the Middle East and were excited for our future there.

Lee Hewitt, managing partner at Core Emirates, said: We have significant opportunities with current clients and Stuart and I have known each other for a number of years, so I think this partnership will be really beneficial to all involved.

Im really looking forward to developing the brand further within the region, focusing on supporting exisiting opportunities, while also creating new ones with our current and prospective clients.

Based in Durham City, Artech is a true UK manufacturer, with all products designed developed and manufactured in-house to exacting UK standards, making the products extremely attractive in overseas markets.--TradeArabia News Service
Karol Serewis/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Tesla is set to report first-quarter earnings results after the market close on Tuesday.

The earnings report comes amid a sharp stock decline for Tesla, with shares down 43% year to date.

Detailed below is what four Wall Street firms expect from Tesla's upcoming earnings report.

Tesla has a lot to prove when it reports its first-quarter earnings results after the market close on Tuesday.

The company has been hammered by a barrage of negative news over the past month.

From a big first-quarter delivery miss, to a recall of 4,000 Cybertrucks, to a potential big shift away from a low-cost Model 2 toward a robo-taxi, Tesla CEO Elon Musk will have to calm the nerve of investors who have experienced painful volatility in recent weeks.

Tesla stock hit a new 52-week low on Monday at $138.80. The stock is down 43% year to date and off 66% from its record high, reached in November 2021.

Here's what Wall Street expects from Tesla when it reports its first-quarter earnings results on Tuesday.

Barclays: 'Facing an investment thesis pivot'

Barclays said in a note last week it expected Tesla's earnings call to be a negative catalyst for the stock as investors came to terms with the company's potential strategic redirection away from a low-cost Model 2.

"Facing an investment thesis pivot and a sea of uncertainty, this Tesla call is extra highly anticipated," a Barclays analyst, Dan Levy, said. "Expect negative catalyst."

Levy said he thought Tesla's closely watched first-quarter gross margins would be below consensus estimates on Wall Street.

"Moreover, we expect little commentary from Tesla to dissuade investors that near-term fundamentals remain weak," Levy said. "FCF may be negative, marking the first quarter since 1Q20 of negative FCF. There could be some shock factor to this result."

Finally, Levy said that while investor questions on the call would be largely focused on Tesla's long-term strategy, "these questions may be unanswered."

Barclays rates Tesla at "neutral," with a $180 price target.

Bank of America: 'Results matter, but growth factors may matter more'

Bank of America said Tesla's headwinds were well known and likely fully reflected in the stock price. That will make the company's commentary about the state of electric-vehicle demand and its growth plans all the more important.

That could set the stock up for a positive price reaction, a recent note from the bank said.

"Despite near term pressures, the unveiling of future growth drives has the potential to support the stock," Bank of America said. "Results matter, but growth factors may matter more."

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While the bank doesn't expect Tesla to make any big product announcements during its earnings call, it could provide some hints on the highly anticipated robo-taxi event scheduled for August 8. Tesla could also reiterate its intention to launch a low-cost Model 2 in 2025 or 2026, which would likely be met with a positive price reaction in the stock.

Bank of America rates Tesla at "neutral," with a $220 price target.

Wedbush: 'A rip the band-aid off quarter'

The Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said Tesla's upcoming earnings report was "a moment of truth" for the company, according to a recent note.

Ives said the environment for Tesla was reminiscent of the challenges and uncertainty the company faced in 2015, 2018, and 2020, but it could result in a loss of long-term shareholders.

"This time is clearly a bit different as for the first time many long time Tesla believers are giving up on the story and throwing in the white towel," Ives said.

It's crucial, Ives said, for Musk to confirm that a low-cost Model 2 is still on the company's product road map. He added that first-quarter results would likely take a back seat to any updates on the company's long-term vision.

"While we and the Street are expecting a rip the band-aid off quarter and a softer outlook, Musk needs to do 5 things on the conference call to start to change the narrative in the Tesla story," Ives said. "If Musk is flippant again and there is no adult in the room on this conference call with no answers then darker days are ahead."

You can read more about those five things Ives said Tesla must do on the earnings call here.

Wedbush rates Tesla at "outperform," with a $300 price target.

JPMorgan: '>10% global layoff undermines hypergrowth narrative'

Tesla's recent layoffs suggest the company's long-term growth prospects are dwindling, a recent note from JPMorgan said.

The bank said: ">10% global layoff undermines hypergrowth narrative and should further dispel notion big 1Q delivery miss was somehow supply-driven."

Instead, Tesla's big first-quarter delivery miss was likely driven by a concerning decline in demand for electric vehicles, the note said.

And the company's premium valuation is at substantial risk if growth is stuttering.

"Despite Tesla shares falling -61% from the all-time high reached in November 2021, its market capitalization is still equivalent to the combined $593 billion valuation of the world's two largest automakers, Toyota and Volkswagen, plus General Motors and Ford, despite those automakers collectively delivering over 30 million vehicles in 2023 vs. Tesla less than 2 million," JPMorgan said. "Clearly, valuation remains extremely demanding."

JPMorgan rates Tesla at "underweight," with a $115 price target.

Read the original article on Business Insider
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the permanent loss of capital.' When we think about how risky a company is, we always like to look at its use of debt, since debt overload can lead to ruin. Importantly, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) does carry debt. But is this debt a concern to shareholders?

When Is Debt A Problem?

Debt is a tool to help businesses grow, but if a business is incapable of paying off its lenders, then it exists at their mercy. If things get really bad, the lenders can take control of the business. While that is not too common, we often do see indebted companies permanently diluting shareholders because lenders force them to raise capital at a distressed price. Having said that, the most common situation is where a company manages its debt reasonably well - and to its own advantage. The first step when considering a company's debt levels is to consider its cash and debt together.

Check out our latest analysis for Royal Caribbean Cruises

How Much Debt Does Royal Caribbean Cruises Carry?

The image below, which you can click on for greater detail, shows that Royal Caribbean Cruises had debt of US$21.1b at the end of December 2023, a reduction from US$23.0b over a year. However, it also had US$498.0m in cash, and so its net debt is US$20.6b.

How Healthy Is Royal Caribbean Cruises' Balance Sheet?

According to the last reported balance sheet, Royal Caribbean Cruises had liabilities of US$9.40b due within 12 months, and liabilities of US$20.8b due beyond 12 months. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of US$498.0m as well as receivables valued at US$405.0m due within 12 months. So its liabilities outweigh the sum of its cash and (near-term) receivables by US$29.3b.

This is a mountain of leverage even relative to its gargantuan market capitalization of US$35.2b. Should its lenders demand that it shore up the balance sheet, shareholders would likely face severe dilution.

In order to size up a company's debt relative to its earnings, we calculate its net debt divided by its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) divided by its interest expense (its interest cover). The advantage of this approach is that we take into account both the absolute quantum of debt (with net debt to EBITDA) and the actual interest expenses associated with that debt (with its interest cover ratio).

While we wouldn't worry about Royal Caribbean Cruises's net debt to EBITDA ratio of 4.7, we think its super-low interest cover of 2.1 times is a sign of high leverage. So shareholders should probably be aware that interest expenses appear to have really impacted the business lately. However, the silver lining was that Royal Caribbean Cruises achieved a positive EBIT of US$2.9b in the last twelve months, an improvement on the prior year's loss. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But ultimately the future profitability of the business will decide if Royal Caribbean Cruises can strengthen its balance sheet over time. So if you want to see what the professionals think, you might find this free report on analyst profit forecasts to be interesting.

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Finally, a business needs free cash flow to pay off debt; accounting profits just don't cut it. So it's worth checking how much of the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) is backed by free cash flow. In the last year, Royal Caribbean Cruises's free cash flow amounted to 20% of its EBIT, less than we'd expect. That weak cash conversion makes it more difficult to handle indebtedness.

Our View

To be frank both Royal Caribbean Cruises's net debt to EBITDA and its track record of covering its interest expense with its EBIT make us rather uncomfortable with its debt levels. But at least its EBIT growth rate is not so bad. Looking at the bigger picture, it seems clear to us that Royal Caribbean Cruises's use of debt is creating risks for the company. If everything goes well that may pay off but the downside of this debt is a greater risk of permanent losses. When analysing debt levels, the balance sheet is the obvious place to start. But ultimately, every company can contain risks that exist outside of the balance sheet. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Royal Caribbean Cruises (including 1 which is concerning) .

When all is said and done, sometimes its easier to focus on companies that don't even need debt. Readers can access a list of growth stocks with zero net debt 100% free, right now.

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.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 24, 2024 / Rush Rare Metals Corp. (CSE:RSH) ("Rush" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has added three new and highly prospective areas totalling 1,398 acres to the Copper Mountain Project (hereinafter "Copper Mountain" or the "Property"), which areas now join the original area subject to an earn-in agreement with Myriad Uranium Corp. (hereinafter "Myriad"). More details surrounding these new areas are provided below.

On October 18, 2023, Rush signed a property option agreement with Myriad pursuant to which Myriad has the option (the "Option") to earn up to a 75% interest in and to Rush's Copper Mountain Project, now covering approximately 4,200 acres near Riverton, Wyoming. To earn its 75% interest, Myriad must make expenditures on the Property and make share payments to Rush, and in addition Rush will retain a favourable split on early production (see previous Rush news release dated October 20, 2023 for full details).

Rush and Myriad have been conducting a comprehensive review of a cache of recently found historical documents indicating tens of millions of dollars in previous exploration work conducted at Copper Mountain, much of it by Union Pacific prior to 1980. The review is ongoing, but Myriad released an interim update referenced in a Rush news release dated November 1, 2023. The newly discovered documents include historical resource estimates, mining feasibility studies, geological reports, mining plans, drill logs, and a wealth of other highly useful data. This data has, in turn, provided enormous benefit to Myriad, allowing them to focus efforts on areas previously acknowledged to have the highest grades of uranium and to conduct advanced investigation into new areas that might otherwise have been considered as purely greenfield.

Also based on this data cache, additional areas around Copper Mountain, deemed by previous operators such as Union Pacific to be prospective based on drilling and other exploration work, have been identified by Myriad and Rush and, in turn, added to the Property area. The three most recently added areas are as follows:

The Midnight claim area, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 798 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 1 below and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 15, 2024.

The historic Bonanza and Kermac/Day uranium mines, secured by way of staking new claims, adding 280 acres to the Copper Mountain claim area as shown in Figure 2 below, and as further described in Myriad's news release of April 19, 2024.

Additional key grounds expanding control around the Canning area, secured by executing a 20-year mining lease, adding a further 320 acres as shown in Figure 3 below, and as described in Myriad's new release of April 22, 2024.

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Figure 1. Addition of the Midnight Claim Area



Figure 2. Addition of the Bonanza and Kermac/Day Claim Area



Figure 3. Addition of Diamond X Claim Area

These newest areas are added to the Knob claims, also recently staked by Rush, and as described in the Company's news release of February 27, 2024. The Copper Mountain claim area is now comprised of 4,206 acres and contains a variety of former uranium mines and historical occurrences, including Allard, Mint, Gem, Canning, Fuller, Hesitation and the Arrowhead Mine, and now including Midnight, Knob and the Bonanza and Kermac/Day mines.

A map showing the whole claim area as it stands today is shown below in Figure 4.



Figure 4. Full Copper Mountain Claim Area

Rush CEO Peter Smith commented, "the significance of these new areas cannot be over-stated. Midnight was highlighted as a significant uranium prospect on historical maps. The Canning area is now expanded so that all historically significant areas of it are fully within our control. Bonanza and Kermac/Day were previous uranium producing mines. We've secured these new zones based on reports and data generated by millions spent by Union Pacific and others exploring Copper Mountain, decades ago. Now that there is tremendous pressure to ramp up domestic production of uranium again, we have these invaluable blueprints', in the form of historical data, to guide our ongoing expansion efforts. Myriad has done a tremendous job analyzing all this data and determining where all the best prospects are to add to our already massive potential at Copper Mountain."

Mr. Smith recently (in early April) visited Copper Mountain and produced a site-tour video, which can be viewed by clicking here, or by visiting our website's media page.

Rush's earn-in partner Myriad has produced an excellent project overview video for Copper Mountain, which can be viewed by clicking here.

About the Company

Rush currently has 100% ownership in two projects - the aforementioned Copper Mountain Property in Wyoming (subject to the earn-in agreement with Myriad described above), and a niobium prospect in Quebec called Boxi.

BOXI

Boxi is a road accessible property comprised of over 8,000 hectares a short distance from Mont Laurier. Boxi was formerly held by Areva S.A. (now Orano), which held the property based on early samples returning very high values for uranium. Note that this early work for Orano was also conducted by Resources Maxima, the company currently assisting Rush with exploration. Orano dropped the property following the Fukushima incident in 2013, and uranium mining was subsequently suspended in Quebec under a temporary moratorium still in place today. Rush originally acquired the property from Resources Maxima (who picked up the original core clams after they were dropped by Orano) on the strength of niobium values in samples taken in 2011.

Niobium is categorized as a critical mineral in Canada and is used to make strong, light weight and corrosion resistant steel, superconductors, and various other highly topical products. There are only three niobium mines of any significance in the world, two of them in Brazil, and the third, the Niobec Mine, just 350km from Boxi in Quebec. At Niobec, mining occurs at between 90 and 450 meters, and niobium grades are between 0.4 and 0.5% (based on previous disclosures made by Niobec's operator).

For more information about upcoming plans for the Boxi property, as well as exploration progress to date, please refer to our news release from April 2, 2024.

About Rush Rare Metals Corp.

Rush Rare Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on its Boxi Property located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Rush also owns the Copper Mountain Project located in Wyoming, USA, which it has optioned to Myriad Uranium Corp. For further information, please refer to Rush's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or contact Rush by email at psmith@rushraremetals.com or by telephone at 778.999.7030, or refer to Rush's website at www.rushraremetals.com.

Rush Contacts:

Peter Smith

Chief Executive Officer

psmith@rushraremetals.com

###

Mineralization hosted on adjacent or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

SOURCE: Rush Rare Metals Corp.





View the original press release on accesswire.com




The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on approving spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) from Franklin Templeton, initially anticipated for May, to a new deadline of June 11.

The SEC also delayed the deadline for the agencys decision on Grayscales spot Ethereum ETF application to June 23.

Meanwhile, the SEC is soliciting public feedback on a revised ETF proposal from BlackRock, which now includes a cash redemption model, a change from the original direct Ethereum exchange mechanism.

BlackRocks proposal, initially submitted in November 2023, has been revised to better align with the SECs regulatory framework, mirroring the cash redemption feature of previously approved Bitcoin ETFs.

The SEC has maintained a cautious approach to cryptocurrency ETFs despite approving spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier in the year.

The Bitcoin ETFs, approved in January, have since provided investors a regulated trading vehicle for the cryptocurrency and have experienced a cumulative total net inflow of US$12.42 billion.

The potential approval of Ethereum ETFs would provide investors with access to the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, marking another step toward the integration of digital assets into conventional investment portfolios.
Business migration out of Downtown Jackson has been well documented over the last decade.

That trend was highlighted last week when the managers of the Pinnacle Building announced that the 16-year-old structure was only 30% occupied as it tries to bounce back from a host of law firms leaving for the suburbs.

However, Regions Plaza in downtown, the tallest building between Shreveport and Birmingham along the I-20 corridor, is experiencing a surge of sorts, and ownership is bullish on the future of the building.

While leaders of the ownership team with Hertz Investment Group are working to increase occupancy of the historic, 22-floor, 350,000 square foot building, they note that occupancy is at its highest point in 10 years at 65%.

In 2018, Regions Plaza was down to just 56% occupancy. But since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, business has made a comeback.

Some of its biggest tenants include Foreman, Watkins Krutz law firm, Gibbs Travis law firm, the Mississippi Center for Justice as well as the billing department for Baptist Healthcare.

The Regions building, seen on Tuesday, April 23, is located in Downtown Jackson and has a 65% occupancy rate.

Getting back on track: Once jewel of downtown, this Jackson building has new owners and hopes to get back on track

Bucking the trend: New cafe bucks trend, opens in Downtown Jackson. See what it offers

Foreman, Watkins, Krutz actually takes up about three complete floors of the building recently extended its lease until 2027.

"Business is good. Actually, we just leased the entire 17th floor to the (Mississippi) Attorney General's office," said Sam Cox of Pinpoint Realty. "When that is complete, that will take the occupancy rate to 69%. So, we feel like we are headed the right direction."

The attorney general's office struck a deal for an emergency lease for 8,300 square feet on the third floor after flooding from a leak in the Sillers Building forced them out. Now, the A.G.'s office will be moving to the 17th floor and occupying 15,000 square feet on a lease for 10 years.

The Regions building, seen on Tuesday, is located in Downtown Jackson and is the largest on the I-20 corridor from Shreveport to Birmingham.

"People might think that a lot of these private law firms are leaving downtown for the suburbs, and some people do, and that is a national trend," Cox said. "But government has been a reliable tenant for us to rely on recently. But the proof is in the pudding. The occupancy rate is higher than it has been in the last decade."

Cox said that the highest occupancy rate the building ever had was likely around 90% around 2009, although he didn't have specific numbers.

The biggest place building officials would like to see improvement is on the retail side on the ground floor. Chick-fil-A and Subway have been a staple for years, but many others left during COVID and never came back. The florist, which had been in the building for many years, recently left after a death in the family.

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Both Pinpoint Realty and Hertz Investment Group said that while there was a lot of anxiety among tenants during the multiple crises of the last two years in Jackson, much of that has been smoothed over.

Another tenant is Capitol Police. While Capitol Police is building its own headquarters, it has assured Regions officials it will continue to have a presence there. Hertz gave Capital Police a free one-year lease in the interim.

"We feel like it was one of the best investments we ever made," said Ann Fry, Hertz property manager of Regions Plaza. "They come and go, 24-7. It makes everyone in the downtown area feel safer."

Cox echoed Fry's sentiments and said that tenants in the building feel safer.

"The feedback we have gotten is that the amount of vagrants in the area are less, and the tenants feel safer," Cox said. "I think (Capitol Police) presence is kind of a ripple effect, the more they are around, the more people are willing to be downtown and everywhere they service in the Jackson area."

Both Cox and Fry said that while they are comfortable with the downtown setting and have positive news to tell both from a occupancy standpoint and a safety standpoint, they do understand there is still a stigma associated with downtown.

"There is only so much you can do about people's perceptions," Cox said. "People always want to bring up crime and water, which is low hanging fruit and a lack of restaurants."

Fry said the lack of restaurants is a real issue that needs to dealt with, but that she is confident with other issues, like the water, which had been in the news the last several years.

"The big law firms tell us that their young partners wish there were more amenities, like restaurants, which we are always trying to attract," Fry said. "But let me say this, water was a huge issue, but I think Ted Henifin and his crew have done a great job."

She went on to say that Hertz has installed a new domestic water pump that can get water to the top of Regions Plaza as long as city water has baseline pressure.

"When the water goes down, we can't cool, we can't flush toilets, we can't do anything," she said. "It's huge for us, but we don't hear those concerns anymore. Both water and crime have been put on the sidelines, honestly."

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: Jackson MS Regions Plaza occupancy rates on the rise
Melvin Harrison checks on intermodal container chassis trailers he is stacking for shipment at Stoughton Trailers in Stoughton. Stoughton Trailers prevailed in their complaint that China was selling trailers in the United States for below their actual cost.

This is part one of a five-part series.

EVANSVILLE  Standing alone on the floor of the once-humming Stoughton Trailers factory, company president Bob Wahlin assessed his mothballed machinery.

Nearly all the lights were off in the 330,000-square-foot plant, located on the eastern edge of town, just off U.S. Highway 14 between Madison and Janesville. It was, Wahlin said, "pretty depressing."

.

Then his iPhone flashed with a news alert.

A coalition of U.S. trailer manufacturers, including Stoughton, had prevailed in their complaint that Chinese companies were selling trailer chassis in the United States for below the actual cost of making them, a trade violation known as dumping, that unfairly harms competitors.

Soon, import tariffs of more than 200% would be levied on those Chinese trailers, which are used to haul ocean-cargo containers on American highways. Sales would swing back to the U.S. manufacturers, supporting thousands of jobs in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Alabama and Texas.

Stoughton Trailers would hire hundreds of assemblers, welders and supervisors in Rock and Dane counties where the company, with nine centers including the one in Evansville, is a major employer and the nation's fourth largest semitrailer manufacturer.

"This is a family-owned business. We live in the communities, we work here, and we've grown up with the people who work here," Wahlin said.

The April 2021 ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission became a seminal moment in a business trend called "reshoring," which is the return of work from overseas to a company's home country. The reasons could include trade wars and tariffs. In some cases, companies have moved production back after taking it overseas; in other cases  like Stoughton Trailers  they've resurrected it after crushing losses to foreign competitors.

Stoughton Trailers is a great example of American grit and determination in the face of Chinas economic warfare, said then-U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Allouez, in northeast Wisconsin.

In the nearly 45 years since industrial employment peaked in the United States, manufacturers have struggled to regain their prominence. Now, they have some wind at their back.

With the exception of the COVID-19 period, U.S. manufacturing jobs have risen steadily from 2010 through early 2024. As of February, the manufacturing sector accounted for about 13 million American workers, a gain of more than 1.5 million from February 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Much of the increase has come from less work leaving for China and more foreign investment coming into the United States. Over about the last two years, the U.S. has attracted 24% of global foreign direct investment, according to UBS Investment Research. During the pandemic, shortages of everything from appliances to automobiles exposed the fragility of global supply chains and sparked interest in making things closer to home.

Workers install the roof on a 53-foot dry van trailer at Stoughton Trailers in Stoughton.

The U.S. is now attracting capital at a rate not seen since the 1990s, prior to China joining the World Trade Organization, UBS said last summer.

Manufacturing is at a watershed moment in American history, said Harry Moser, president and founder of the Reshoring Initiative, a nonprofit that promotes U.S. manufacturing.

It's difficult to overstate the importance of the phenomenon to Wisconsin, where manufacturing and agriculture, especially food processing, are critical drivers of the economy. The state is second only to Indiana in the highest concentration of manufacturing employment, around 480,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The government doesn't track reshoring; however, business firms Deloitte, UBS, and Bank of America have followed the activity. Corporate reshoring announcements were up nearly 300% in late 2022 compared with three years earlier, according to a UBS analyst note in early 2023.

Kearney, a management consulting firm founded in Chicago nearly a century ago, weighed in with a 2023 survey of U.S. chief executive officers showing 96% were, at minimum, evaluating the potential to reshore.

We finally seem to be heading toward a sustained reshoring movement, said Omar Troncoso, a partner in the firms consumer and retail practice.

The key word is "sustained." Manufacturers say one of their biggest worries is that a shortage of skilled workers threatens to undermine growth, and although they are loathe to engage in politics, they acknowledge that immigration has to be part of the solution.

Global supply chains worked in normal times. These are not normal times.

For decades, global manufacturing has been synonymous with low-cost countries and supply chains connecting continents. It worked well and was very profitable for many years, said William J. Holstein, an author and former editor-in-chief of Chief Executive magazine, aimed at business leaders.

The mantra of CEOs has been to manage their businesses, some of which have a majority of sales outside the United States, in a way that conforms with the regulations of each country where they operate. But they genuinely believed they had no special obligation to the United States or its national security, according to Holstein.

That philosophy "is now under assault," he said. The pandemic revealed that global just-in-time supply chains weren't reliable. Natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts have shown the systems are not always functional or secure.

Moreover, the world has become more unstable. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's war in Gaza have disrupted global trade, and rising tension in China about its economy and, particularly, its relationship with Taiwan, have raised the specter of severe upheaval.

Critically important products are at risk. China's overwhelming control of the manufacturing of antibiotics, electric vehicle batteries and many electronics is troubling for the United States.

"American CEOs are in a historic jam at the moment," Holstein said. "The ones who led us down this path of globalization are waking up and discovering the underlying philosophy has some trouble."

On April 3, the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years rattled confidence in the supply of semiconductor microchips, essential for everything from home electronics to military weapons. Taiwan accounts for more than 60% of the microchip supplies worldwide, and 90% of the advanced chips used in smartphones and high-performance computing.

When the tremors began, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company halted production and evacuated personnel from plants. The company later said its buildings weren't damaged, but just those initial reports raised concerns with technology companies. The Taiwanese firm is the worlds largest chipmaker for customers like Apple, Qualcomm and Sony.

This photo taken by Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan's east. At least one person was feared dead and nearly 60 injured on April 3 by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan that damaged dozens of buildings and prompted tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted.

The deadly quake, estimated at a magnitude of 7.4, collapsed buildings and left others leaning precariously. Within hours, aftershocks rolled across the island. Had it struck elsewhere or more forcefully, the global impact on supply chains could have been felt for months.

Taiwan is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area considerably prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.

The quake underscored the urgent need for the U.S. to reshore microchip manufacturing, said Peter Guinto, vice president of government affairs for Resilinc, a Milpitas, Calif., supply-chain services company.

We dont know where the next epicenter will be, but if its in a place where semiconductor manufacturing is prominent, it could potentially be very damaging for the supply chain, Guinto said.

A worker handles chemically-bonded sand cores made that are used to produce the internal parts of castings for a commercial truck rotors Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Waupaca Foundry in Waupaca, Wis. The foundry has seen an increase in business from companies seeking to lessen their reliance on parts made in China and India.

Buckets, bikes, and dishwashers come home

At Waupaca Foundry, in central Wisconsin, a tractor bucket has come to symbolize the appeal of reshoring.

Wisconsin ranks fifth among states in the number of foundries. Waupaca Foundry is North America's largest supplier of iron castings for products such as engines, brake rotors, and factory machines. It melts 9,500 tons of metal a day and has benefited from reshored work across various industries.

One of the company's customers is Amerequip, a manufacturer of landscaping and agriculture equipment based in Kiel, a small northeast Wisconsin city once known for having a wooden shoes factory.

In 2020, Amerequip sought help from Waupaca in fabricating a backhoe bucket for a John Deere compact tractor. It had to be rugged and visually appealing to consumers, and Amerequip did not want it to use hard-to-obtain bucket teeth from China.

The two companies completed the task in 18 months. Their cast-iron bucket, now made in Wisconsin and Indiana, was the American Foundry Societys 2022 Casting of the Year.

It will inspire others, one of the judges noted.

U.S. foundries have benefited from companies seeking reliable sources of metal-cast products, many also driven by high overseas shipping costs and worries about U.S.-China relations.

"It's been a net positive for us the last several years," said Alex Lawton, CEO of Lawton Standard, a 145-year-old foundry in De Pere. "For every part where someone has tried to save money on overseas, we've seen several parts come back."

Yet some foundry operators remain wary of customers that left them for China years ago and now want to come back. Those customers would leave again, they fear, if the winds changed.

I tell them we would require a seven-year commitment to keeping their work in the States, and for a portion of those people, that pretty much ended the conversation, said Taylor Pearson, president of Washburn Iron Works in northern Wisconsin. Were not a Band-Aid to fix the mess they've put themselves in.

Reshoring has been accompanied by other trends such as factory automation and the growth of foreign-owned companies. Expansions have come from companies like Milwaukee Tool, which is owned by Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries, and GE Appliances, which is part of China-based Haier Group.

A work moves a steering column support for a John Deere tractor before automated grinding work is done Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Waupaca Foundry in Waupaca, Wis. The foundry has seen an increase in business from companies seeking to lessen their reliance on parts made in China and India.

Milwaukee Tool said in May 2022 it would add 1,000 jobs over three years in southeast Wisconsin. The hiring would be part of a $206 million investment in power-tool technologies used in the skilled trades.

Less than a year earlier, in October 2021, GE Appliances announced a $450 million investment in Louisville, Kentucky, where it has the largest factory of its kind in the nation. Over five years, the company had already spent more than $1.3 billion on U.S. manufacturing and distribution operations, creating around 3,000 jobs, most of those in Kentucky.

Tariffs of up to 50% on foreign-made washing machines, imposed in 2018 and which expired in early 2023, boosted U.S. appliance making as GE and Korean manufacturers Samsung and LG opened or expanded plants in Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. State tax credits provided a further assist.

An aerial shot of GE Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky.

GE Appliances continues to bring manufacturing back to the United States, creating jobs and economic growth. We want zero distance between us and the millions of families across America we serve with our products," Kevin Nolan, company president and CEO, said in a statement.

Proximity also was important for Guardian Bikes, which pulled its production out of China  a rarity given that children's bicycles are nearly all made in Asia. The Austin, Texas, company says it's now focused on assembling products at a highly automated plant it opened in 2022 in Seymour, Indiana.

The "status quo in kids' bikes is broken," said Guardian co-founder and CEO Brian Riley. "The pandemic exposed to the average consumer what experts already know  a China-dependent supply chain is fragile and unsustainable."

Riley founded the company after witnessing a family member endure a painful recovery from an over-the-handlebar fall caused by over-applying the front brake. He set out to create a braking system that would prevent such accidents and found a market with parents seeking a safer, better bicycle for their children.

"There hasn't been innovation in this space in decades," Riley said.

Guardian's sales have surpassed $33 million since it made a pitch for funding on the television show Shark Tank in 2017. That's when billionaire Mark Cuban, an Indiana native, became one of its investors.

Reshoring has complemented manufacturing in some of Wisconsin's legacy industries.

In 2018, Komatsu Mining closed a factory in China and brought the work to Milwaukee, where mining machines have been made for more than a century, and where the company already had a significant manufacturing presence.

A large electric mining shovel highlights the entryway at Komatsu during the opening ceremony for its new $285 million-dollar campus in Milwaukees Harbor District on East Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee on Monday. Komatsus new headquarters include a 180,000-square-foot office building and a 430,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Komatsu builds some of the worlds largest mobile land machines. Its biggest mining shovel weighs nearly 4 million pounds and has a bucket the size of a two-car garage. In front of the company's mining equipment headquarters in Milwaukee's Harbor District, there's a 60-foot-tall electric mining shovel and 850,000-pound truck on display.

The Chinese plant the company closed made gears and components for mining shovels used for excavating iron ore, copper, and other commodities. We felt it was more important to be doing that work here, said Komatsu Surface Mining President John Koetz.

Most of Komatsu's mining trucks are made in Peoria, Illinois. But the company reshored some production of trucks, used for mining, construction and quarry work, from Japan to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the work was previously done.

About 20 minutes from the factory there's a Volkswagen plant that employs more than 5,500 people at an average annual salary of $60,000.

"We're really starting to see a resurgence in manufacturing here," said Walt Nichols, general manager of the Komatsu factory in Chattanooga.

Much of reshoring involves small businesses

While major manufacturers grab the most attention, much of the reshoring movement has been with smaller businesses.

As a student at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Danica Lause knitted hats by hand. One of them, by mistake, had a hole in the back that turned out to be useful for popping out a ponytail. It became the inspiration for her company, Peekaboos Ponytail Hats.

After college, Lause worked for a chemical company and traveled much of the week. She made hats in her east side Milwaukee apartment on weekends and knitted some on flights to California.

Danica Lause wears one of the hats she designed. Through automation and innovation, Lause has successfully moved all of her Peekaboos Ponytail Hats production from China to Germantown. Her hats are designed with holes for ponytails.

As sales grew, Lause needed a manufacturer. But affordable help wasnt available to mass produce hand-knitted hats in the U.S., and there wasnt yet a machine capable of handling the Peekaboos design.

Lause tried using knitters in South America and Europe, but it didnt work out. She finally found people to make the hats in China, and that lasted about three years.

The quality, however, was inconsistent. Hats would vary in size, and some werent good enough to ship to customers. Lause said she couldnt be certain the knitters in China received a fair wage and were treated well by the contractor she used. That made her uncomfortable.

They would send me photos and videos, but it never really felt right, she said.

Lause sought to gain more control over production.

The reason I got into this was I liked making things, and if I was going to put something out into the world, I wanted to know that integrity was behind it, she said.

Lause was told again and again that the process was too difficult to automate. Instead of giving up, she and an engineer from a knitting-machine company in New Jersey spent nearly two years searching for a solution. The one-ton 3-D knitting machine and software they developed cost $80,000 and could handle the hats patented ponytail feature as if it was knitted by hand.

Now, Lause, a self-described recovering perfectionist, has three of the machines in a Germantown shop where she and a handful of employees produce the hats sold on the companys website.

I felt like the luckiest girl for being able to have this in my four walls, to make this product at the level of integrity I wanted and needed, she said.

For Wisconsin housewares company, a mix of sources works

Other, larger companies, have found a hybrid model of reshoring works for them  bringing some products home, leaving some abroad.

Around 20 years ago, Metal Ware Corp., the Wisconsin-based maker of the legendary Nesco Roaster and other household goods, closed its factory in Algoma and moved the work to China.

Many companies across the state and nation went down a similar path. With low-cost labor and subsidized industries, China seemed unstoppable in its quest to become the factory of the world. Manufacturers in the U.S. were at a huge disadvantage, Metal Ware owner Wes Drumm told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2003.

For cost reasons, the Nesco Roaster continues to be made in China. However, century-old Metal Ware has returned other manufacturing to northeast Wisconsin.

Injection press operator Yang Xiong stacks NESCO food and jerky dehydrators Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at The Metal Ware Corp. in Two Rivers, Wis. The appliance uses electrical parts made in China that are assembled and mated with parts made in Two Rivers. The privately held company, which became famous for its NESCO roasters that are now made in China, has been shifting some manufacturing of other products back to the city on Lake Michigan.

Were probably the main company around here thats reshored. It feels extremely good because I grew up in this community...went away for years, and when I first came back, everything had left, said CEO Rick Carey.

The question now is to what degree consumers are willing to pay for made-in-America goods.

The Boy Scouts of America dropped Metal Ware as the manufacturer of its camping cookware kit and instead sent the work to China. Metal Ware made the kit for many years and said it never had a complaint.

"I was absolutely flabbergasted," Carey said. "If the Boy Scouts of America don't assign the value to an American-made product, how can we expect any consumer to?"

China is still the factory of the world. But this is an opening.

With all the reshoring taking place with U.S. companies large and small, China is still considered the factory of the world  a title it's not likely to relinquish. And some U.S. companies are still moving work there, or at the least, aren't pulling it back.

However, U.S. new investment in China during the first half of 2023 was down 31% from 2022, according to Grace Wang, an economics professor at Marquette University. Also, China has lost work to Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, and other low-cost countries.

Chinese manufacturers face significant new challenges, including rising wages.

"In 2023, the average manufacturing wage in China was more than three times that in Vietnam. These wage differentials suggest China is gradually losing its competitive advantage in industries that rely on labor-intensive processes, such as household items or sporting goods. As a result, countries like Vietnam are becoming more attractive for foreign investment in such industries," Wang said.

Stacked and completed intermodal container chassis trailers are prepped for pick up Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Stoughton Trailers in Stoughton, Wis. A Chinese competitor of Stoughton Trailers illegally flooded the United States with products at below-market prices, for less than what Stoughton paid for the raw materials. In 2021, Stoughton and its American peers prevailed in their trade dispute with China when the federal government cleared the way for more than 220% in import duties on Chinese-made trailers.

Just as Americans struggled when factories left their communities years ago, many young people in China cannot find work.

"Given the labor market situation, factory closures can have quite a negative impact on workers. The loss of income is, of course, the most visible impact. However, the result of factory shutdowns can be more profound, especially in an environment with a relatively high unemployment rate," Wang said.

Reshoring could be enduring if the economics allow for it, but that's far from certain.

Past attempts failed in favor of global trade and competitive advantages, UBS Investment Research said in its 2023 Made in America report. "Any potential resurgence of American manufacturing will take years and face labor constraints, alongside other challenges such as the often-lengthy process of regulatory review."

Bob Wahlin, CEO and president of Stoughton Trailers in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Nationwide, a skills gap is a threat to reshoring. Unabated, its expected to leave around 1.9 million jobs unfilled by 2033, according to Deloitte Consulting and The Manufacturing Institute.

The largest barrier to having a stronger workforce is recruiting enough trainees.

A massive shift in resources is needed from liberal arts college degrees to engineering and apprentice programs, says Moser with Reshoring Initiative. Aggressive action is needed now to increase the quantity and productivity of our workforce, he said.

Stoughton Trailers, again, will be a company to watch. In Evansville, it produced a steady stream of intermodal trailer chassis until the early 2000s when Chinese manufacturers entered the market, said Wahlin, the company president.

That part of our business went down to zero, he said, adding the Evansville plant was closed for several years until it could start making other products. The chassis line was shut down and a bunch of equipment was collecting dust in a dark factory. It was heartbreaking for the business and the community. A lot of people lost their jobs.

Ultimately, three Chinese companies controlled more than 86% of the world's supply of intermodal chassis, and those same companies built more than 95% of the containers those trailers hauled, according to a report from U.S. Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel in 2020.

One Chinese manufacturer in particular was selling heavily subsidized trailers for less than the cost of the steel in the frame, the coalition of U.S. companies claimed in their trade violation complaint. Our primary foreign competitor has long been one of Chinas prized state-owned enterprises, Wahlin said.

The Chinese manufacturers  and, notably, some in the U.S. transportation industry  viewed the dispute much differently. They said coalition members had only themselves to blame for not responding to changes in the marketplace, and for not investing in new designs and factory automation.

Some U.S. freight handlers said the Chinese were a more reliable source of intermodal chassis.

When our members try to purchase chassis from the (five U.S.) companies, they often fail to deliver, the Harbor Trucking Association said in a U.S. International Trade Commission hearing.

Track Intermodal, based in Princeton, New Jersey, agreed.

We do not import chassis from China and elsewhere because they are cheaper as a result of dumping or subsidies. We import because we have to. We have no choice, testified Val Thomas Noel, the company's chief operating officer.

Some have argued that the cost of the tariffs, in higher chassis prices, will eventually be borne by American consumers in higher prices for products that travel by truck, which is nearly everything. The countervailing duty and anti-dumping order, plus another tariff already in place, more than tripled the price of a $12,000 Chinese chassis.

Workers finish constructing an intermodal container chassis trailer Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Stoughton Trailers in Stoughton, Wis. A Chinese competitor of Stoughton Trailers illegally flooded the United States with products at below-market prices, for less than what Stoughton paid for the raw materials. In 2021, Stoughton and its American peers prevailed in their trade dispute with China when the federal government cleared the way for more than 220% in import duties on Chinese-made trailers.

After the ruling, Stoughton Trailers grabbed market share and ramped up production. So many new hires were needed, it recruited hundreds of people from Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Puerto Rico for jobs with a starting wage of around $20 an hour.

The company, now with more than 1,600 employees, opened a factory in Waco, Texas, and is building a new headquarters on the corner of Highway 51 and County Road B in the City of Stoughton, replacing the headquarters it's had in an old industrial building since 1966.

The trade-dispute ruling is subject to review in 2026, at which time the tariffs on Chinese-made trailers could be dismissed.

We have this time to rebuild that business, Wahlin said. Its our responsibility to be sure were ready to compete globally."

.

The Bringing It Home series was created with the support of the Pulitzer Center and the Richard C. Longworth Media Fellowship. The Center champions the power of stories to make complex issues relevant and inspire action. The Longworth Fellowship, which was awarded to reporter Rick Barrett and photojournalist Mark Hoffman, is devoted to bringing global issues to Midwestern readers. Neither the Pulitzer Center nor Longworth played a role in the reporting, editing or presentation of the series.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Manufacturing companies are bringing work back to the U.S. from Asia
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate voted by a wide margin late Tuesday in favor of legislation that would ban TikTok in the United States if its owner, the Chinese tech firm ByteDance, fails to divest the popular short video app over the next nine months to a year.

Driven by widespread worries among U.S. lawmakers that China could access Americans' data or surveil them with the app, the bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday and U.S. President Joe Biden has said he will sign it into law on Wednesday.

"For years we've allowed the Chinese Communist party to control one of the most popular apps in America that was dangerously shortsighted," said Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee. "A new law is going to require its Chinese owner to sell the app. This is a good move for America."

Asked about the Senate's vote, the Chinese foreign ministry referred on Wednesday to comments the ministry made in March when the House of Representatives passed a similar bill.

At the time, the ministry criticized the legislation, arguing "though the U.S. has never found any evidence of TikTok posing a threat to the U.S.'s national security, it has never stopped going after TikTok."

The four-year battle over TikTok, which is used by 170 million people in the United States, is just one front in a war over the internet and technology between Washington and Beijing. Last week, Apple said Beijing had ordered it to remove Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China over Chinese national security concerns.

TikTok is set to challenge the bill on First Amendment grounds and TikTok users are also expected to again take legal action. A U.S. judge in Montana in November blocked a state ban on TikTok, citing free speech grounds.

The American Civil Liberties Union said banning or requiring divestiture of TikTok would "set an alarming global precedent for excessive government control over social media platforms. ...If the United States now bans a foreign-owned platform, that will invite copycat measures by other countries."

TikTok, which says it has not shared and would not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government, did not immediately comment but has told employees it would quickly go to court to try to block the legislation.

"This is the beginning, not the end of this long process," TikTok told staff on Saturday in an email seen by Reuters.

The Senate voted 79 to 18 in favor of the bill, which was attached to a measure to provide $95 billion in mostly military aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The TikTok divestment directive won fast-track approval after being introduced just weeks ago.

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In 2020, then-President Donald Trump was blocked by the courts in his bid to block TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat, a unit of Tencent, in the United States.

However, the new legislation is likely to give the Biden administration a stronger legal footing to ban TikTok if ByteDance fails to divest the app, experts say.

If ByteDance failed to divest TikTok, app stores operated by Apple, Alphabet's Google and others could not legally offer TikTok or provide web hosting services to ByteDance-controlled applications or TikTok's website.

The bill would also give the White House new tools to ban or force the sale of other foreign-owned apps it deems to be security threats.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said he was concerned the bill "provides broad authority that could be abused by a future administration to violate Americans First Amendment rights."

Once the bill is signed into law, ByteDance will have 270 days to divest TikTok's U.S. operations with a possible three-month extension if there are signs a deal is progressing.

Democratic Senator Ed Markey said it would be hard, if not impossible, for ByteDance to divest by early 2025, adding that a sale would be one of the most complicated and expensive transactions in history, requiring months if not years of due diligence.

"We should be very clear about the likely outcome of this law. It's really just a TikTok ban," he said. "Censorship is not who we are as a people. We should not downplay or deny this trade-off."

The bill could also be an issue in the November presidential campaign, with Republican presidential candidate Trump urging young voters to consider a possible TikTok ban.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by Cynthia Osterman, Edwina Gibbs and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
PeopleImages / Getty Images

Have you just bought a new house? If so, you might want to plan a shopping trip to Costco to stock up on some things you dont have  or to update the ones you do.

Find Out: 6 Best Expensive-Looking Things You Can Buy at Big Lots

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Whether youre a new homeowner or a repeat buyer, Costco has a lot to offer when it comes to home improvement supplies, home safety equipment and everyday home goods.

But whats the number one thing you should buy at Costco when moving into a new house? GOBankingRates spoke with Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews.com. Heres what she suggested  and some runner-up items to add to your shopping list.

Sponsored: Credit card debt keeping you up at night? Find out if you can reduce your debt with these 3 steps

Runner-Up: Kirkland Signature Batteries

Youre going to need batteries for the various electronics youve got at home, and theres no better place than Costco to stock up.

Moving into a new home is a good excuse to swap out batteries in the devices that require them  after all, youre starting fresh, said Ramhold.

There are a number of different kinds of batteries at Costco, from Kirkland Signature AA batteries in a 48-count package for $15.99 to a variety of Duracell batteries including AAA, AA, 9V, D, C and even lithium coin batteries.

Check your devices to see what you need and grab a few packages the next time youre at the warehouse club. But dont keep your shopping limited to in-person runs  you might be able to score some great deals online, too.

Read Next: The Single Best Deal for Your Money at BJs Wholesale Club in April

Runner-Up: Home Storage Solutions

When it comes to home storage solutions, every homeowners needs are different. Fortunately, Costco has a large selection of these items, many of which are available at reasonable prices.

[Home storage solutions] will be helpful for organization but also as you realize what you do and dont have room for and what kinds of longer-term storage solutions you may need to tuck things away in your new attic, closets or basement, said Ramhold.

Costco has a number of options available from shelves to no-slip hangers to heavy-duty storage bins, so you should be able to fulfill at least some of your storage needs (if not all) with a trip to Costco.

But which ones should you look at specifically? Ramhold had a few suggestions:

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There are plenty of other options too, including laundry sorting stations, rolling garment racks, and more, she continued. So, its worth browsing online and in-store to see what kinds of solutions you like.

Runner-Up: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Every new home needs working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Even if the house you move into already has these, that doesnt mean theyre necessarily in good condition.

You can find 2- and 3-packs of these items at Costco, and while your new home may have some from previous owners, its a good idea to consider starting fresh with these, said Ramhold. Prices will vary, but the 3-packs are generally around $99.99.

For example, this three-pack of First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms costs $99.99. Its wireless and interconnected, meaning theyll all sound off when one does  thus alerting you to any issues more quickly. They also have a voice alert indicating where the potential danger is coming from.

But what about if you dont need carbon monoxide detectors?

If youre only worried about smoke alarms, you can pick up 4-packs of those for less (around $69.99), said Ramhold. But be sure you only need smoke detection first before making your purchase.

Winner: Fire Extinguishers

If you could only choose one Costco item to buy, Ramhold suggested the home fire safety items. In particular, she suggested fire extinguishers, though she also advised getting new smoke alarms.

These are going to be some of the most important investments you can make in your new home early on, and having this layer of security will make your transition period much smoother and remove some of the stress of moving, she said.

When it comes to fire extinguishers, Costco has several options to choose from, including the First Alert rechargeable fire extinguisher home kit. This kit includes three extinguishers and costs $69.99.

You can use them at home, or you can place them in the garage or on a boat. Whichever you choose, youll be safer for it.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Single Best Thing To Buy at Costco If Youre Moving Into a New House
Saudi Arabia's Fakeeh Care Group, one of the largest private hospital groups in the kingdom, has said it planned to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) through the sale of a 21.47% stake in existing and new shares.

The family-owned business, with hospitals in Jeddah and Riyadh, will offer 30 million new shares and 19.8 million existing shares to investors, it said in a statement.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) had announced its approval of the companys application for registering its share capital and the Offering of 49.8 million Ordinary Shares (21.47%) by way of the issuance of 30 million new Ordinary Shares and the sale of 19.8 million current Ordinary Shares (8.53%) by the Companys Selling Shareholders. The Offering price will be determined at the end of a book building process.

Offer Shares

The Offer Shares will be offered for subscription to individual and institutional investors, including institutional investors outside the US in accordance with Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933G, as amended.

The companys 2,000,000 Treasury Shares, representing 0.86% of the company's post-increase capital, have been allocated to a new Employee Share Programme, which aims to provide incentives to the Group's key employees to attract and retain them in order to achieve the Groups objectives and strategy.

Alrajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank, Arab National Bank, SAB, Alinma Bank and Bank Aljazira have been appointed as Receiving Agents for retail investors.

Expanding market

Dr Mazen Soliman Fakeeh, President of Fakeeh Care Group, said: Since 1978, Fakeeh Care Group has been providing its patients with high-quality integrated healthcare that is accessible, personalised, and compassionate. Against the backdrop of Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 and an expanding market for private healthcare, we are investing in the growth of Fakeeh Care to bring our experience and expertise to more people across the kingdom.

We have a clear strategy to reinforce our market leading position in Jeddah and expand our presence in key cities such as Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah and NEOM. Our IPO is an opportunity for investors to participate in Saudi Arabias economic success through one of its leading and rapidly growing healthcare brands.

Fakeeh Care Group is one of Saudi Arabias premier integrated providers of high-quality healthcare

FCG offers 4 hospitals (including NEOM Hospital through an operating model) with 900 doctors, 835 beds, 374 examination rooms, 190 ICU beds, and 40 operating theatres.

5 medical centres

FCG boasts 5 medical centres (including NEOM Advanced Medical Centre through an operating model) with 220 doctors, complemented by a range of integrated healthcare services to meet everyday health needs.

FCGs Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences (FCMS) is a cornerstone of learning and innovation in this field and is based in the Companys Jeddah hospital. It has 1,800 students enrolled as of September 2023G. FCMS also offers more than 20 residency and fellowship programmes.

For the last three years, DSFH Jeddah has been ranked as Saudi Arabia's best private hospital by Newsweek Magazine, affirming the quality of care and patient experience.

Strong finances

Fakeeh Care Group has a strong financial and growth profile with net revenues growing by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% during 2020G-2023G to reach SR2.3 billion ($610 million).

EBITDA for FY2023G amounted to SR526 million, increasing by 1.9% year on year. Adjusted EBITDA (excluding the Riyadh hospital) reached SR639 million, up 20.3% year on year, with a 28.3% margin.

Net profit for FY2023G was SR232 million. Adjusted net profit (excluding the Riyadh hospital) for FY 2023G was SR414 million, up 15.3% year on year, with a robust 18.3% profit margin.--TradeArabia News Service
By Hyunjoo Jin and Akash Sriram

(Reuters) -Tesla said on Tuesday it would introduce "new models" by early 2025 using its current platforms and production lines as it retreated from more ambitious plans to produce an all-new model that had been expected to cost $25,000.

The talk of new offerings on a faster timeline sent Tesla shares soaring in after-hours trading, a much-needed boost, after months of decline during which Tesla has struggled with fierce competition and falling sales. The gains came despite Tesla releasing first-quarter results that missed Wall Street expectations.

Chief Executive Elon Musk declined to provide details of the new vehicles but said they would include more-affordable models that would start production by early 2025. That's just before the target Musk previously set for launching the all-new low-cost model widely known as the Model 2.

Reuters exclusively reported on April 5 that Tesla had scrapped plans for the Model 2, which investors had expected to drive Tesla's growth into a mass-market automaker. Musk initially reacted to that story with a post on his social platform X saying "Reuters is lying," without pointing out any inaccuracies.

On Tuesday, neither Tesla nor Musk directly addressed the Reuters report.

Instead, they discussed unidentified new models that appeared to be different products, without saying how many, what type or providing their target prices.

The new models would be built on Tesla's current manufacturing lines and use "aspects" of its current platform and a next-generation platform, Tesla said. It cautioned that this plan may "result in achieving less cost reduction than previously expected," suggesting that the vehicles may cost consumers more than the Model 2's anticipated $25,000 price.

The automaker said its plan for new models would let it better control capital expenditures during "uncertain times."

Tesla engineering chief Lars Moravy said the company would avoid the risk of investing in a "revolutionary" manufacturing process. Musk has said previously the all-new affordable car would be a test bed for manufacturing innovation.

Moravy said Tesla's work on the next-generation affordable car is "transferable" to the vehicles the automaker now aims to release early next year.

"That engineering work, we're not trying to just throw it away," Moravy said. "We're going to take it and utilize it."

Musk declined to answer an analyst's question about whether the new vehicles would be all-new models, or tweaks to existing vehicles.

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"I think we've said all we will on that front," Musk said.

One observer took Tesla's comments on new models as a confirmation that it had halted plans for the Model 2.

"It seems clear that the new vehicle platform has indeed been shelved for now," said Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst at Guidehouse Insights. "The next gen vehicle was supposed to use fundamentally different production processes from current models. With no desire to spend billions on new production facilities or retool existing factories, it seems like we will see Tesla continue to build the current products."

Currently, Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y, with starting prices of around $40,000, are its only volume sellers.

ROBOTAXIS ON THE AIRBNB, UBER MODEL

Tesla also mentioned a "purpose-built robotaxi product" that it planned to build with a "revolutionary" manufacturing process, without offering a timeline for its release. The April 5 Reuters story reported that Tesla planned to continue developing a self-driving robotaxi on the same platform it had been developing for the Model 2.

Musk devoted much of the call with analysts to outlining ambitious visions for diversifying Tesla's business into artificial intelligence, humanoid robots and operating a fleet of millions of autonomous vehicles - all based on software and hardware products the automaker has not yet fully developed.

Tesla "should be thought of as an AI robotics company," not a car maker, Musk said.

The statement implies a substantial change in Tesla's fundamentals. More than 80% of Tesla's revenue in the first quarter came from selling electric cars.

Musk said Tesla's self-driving vehicle fleet will be "like a combination of Airbnb and Uber." Some vehicles will be owned and operated by Tesla, others will be vehicles owned by individuals but rented out on Tesla's network.

The comments echoed a presentation from Musk in 2019, when he said a "robotaxi network" would be operating by 2020.

The 12.5% rise of Tesla shares in extended trading added about $57 billion to Tesla's market capitalization, recovering some losses from a plunge of more than 40% so far this year.

'SHOW-ME STOCK'

Tesla's plan for more affordable cars pleased investors despite its weak quarterly results after the bell. But some remained skeptical.

"Sounds promising, but Tesla is becoming more of a show-me stock based on how many delays we've seen in previous roll outs," said Jay Woods, chief global strategist at Freedom Capital Markets. "If they can deliver, then this is a great development."

The more modest strategy could also save Tesla substantial investments in a redesigned car and new production lines to build it. Tesla's decision to tap the brakes on adding manufacturing capacity mirrors similar decisions at General Motors and Ford Motor in response to slowing growth in EV demand in the United States and intensifying competition from Chinese EV makers in the world's largest auto market.

"Global EV sales continue to be under pressure as many carmakers prioritize hybrids over EVs," Tesla warned.

Tesla's quarterly revenue fell for the first time since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hampered production and deliveries.

The company on Tuesday reported revenue of $21.3 billion for the three months ended March, compared with $23.33 billion a year earlier. Analysts on average had estimated $22.15 billion, according to LSEG data.

Tesla's average revenue per vehicle delivered in the quarter fell by nearly 5% from a year ago to $44,926 a vehicle, reflecting the impact of repeated price cuts.

Net profit in the first quarter stood at $1.13 billion, compared with $2.51 billion, a year earlier.

Tesla began the second quarter announcing it will lay off more than 10% of its global workforce and slash vehicle prices in major markets such as the United States, China and Europe.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru and Hyunjoo Jin in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Noel Randewich in Oakland, California, Joe White in Detroit and Abhirup Roy in San Francisco; Editing by Brian Thevenot, Peter Henderson and Christopher Cushing)
The popular burger chain Whataburger is already eyeing a third location in Charlotte.

Whataburger has submitted an application for a conceptual meeting to build a restaurant at 5018 Sunset Road in north Charlotte, a new city permit filing shows.

ORDER UP: Charlottes first Whataburger location is one step closer to reality.

The Texas-based chains project would be a full scrape and rebuild for the construction of a 2,816-square-foot restaurant with double lane drive-thru and parking, according to the April 18 application.

The former Circle K site is close to other burger chains, with Hardees next door and McDonalds across the street.

When asked about its latest expansion, Whataburger spokesman Victor Trevino said Tuesday he had no details to share.

Trevino provided a similar response last month after Charlottes first Whataburger plan moved forward following city zoning officials approval of the chains Land Development Construction Plan at 12809 Albemarle Road. The proposed drive-thru restaurant is in the Clear Creek Crossings development, which will be anchored by a Publix grocery store.

And in September 2022, Whataburger filed plans to build a restaurant in a former bank at 5301 South Blvd.

The company has not disclosed plans for opening dates yet for its store.

Whataburger expanding in the Carolinas

Whataburger does not have any restaurants in North Carolina or South Carolina yet. However, since BDT Capital purchased the company in 2019, Whataburger has been rapidly expanding.

In North Carolina, Whataburger last month confirmed plans for three restaurants in Raleigh, Durham and Cary, The News & Observer reported.

In South Carolina, Whataburger is planning to open nine stores this year, The State newspaper in Columbia reported this month. The first store will debut this summer at Woodruff Road in Greenville County, with five more openings through the fall.

What about Whataburger?

Whataburger started in 1950 as a roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas.

After founder Harmon Dobson died in 1967, his wife Grace took over the company. In 2005 when she died, Whataburger had 600 stores.

Chicago-based investment firm BDT Capital purchased Whataburger five years ago and began expanding. Whataburger now has 1,000 restaurants in 14 states.

What about What-A-Burger?

Whataburger is not to be confused with the What-A-Burger restaurants in Concord, Kannapolis and Mooresville. They arent part of the Texas-based chain.

What-A-Burger, founded by E.L. Eb Bost and C.W. Bost, opened in 1956.

Reporting was contributed by Heidi Finley.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Brian Wheeler, a local entrepreneur who achieved legendary status thanks to his incredibly popular taco chain, heard sad news about the restaurant he opened in 1995: The first Tijuana Flats -- at 7608 University Blvd. -- was permanently shuttered.

On April 19, Orlando Business Journal reported that AUA Private Equity sold the company to Mississippi-based Flatheads LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed 11 stores  including the companys original Winter Park spot.

Wheeler sold Tijuana Flats to AUA Private Equity Partners LLC in 2015, and no longer has any involvement in its operations. Still, nostalgia set in when he learned the University Blvd. eatery wouldnt open its doors again.

SEE: 9 of Floridas most dangerous animals

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

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(Bloomberg) -- For TikTok, the clock has started running in its existential fight to avoid a US ban.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Legislation requiring the social media apps Chinese owners to divest sailed through Congress, capped by Senate passage late Tuesday as part of a larger foreign-aid package. President Joe Biden signed into law Wednesday, beginning a 270-day countdown for a sale or a US prohibition of the popular video-sharing platform.

TikTok and Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. have vowed to do all they can to stop the measure. Theyve argued it infringes the free-speech rights of the apps 170 million monthly US users and plan to file suits to void the law or at least delay its enforcement.

We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail, TikTok said Wednesday in a post on X.

Read More: TikTok Says Law Is on Its Side as It Readies to Fight US Ban

Bidens signature culminated years of scrutiny in Washington, where regulators and lawmakers from both parties have voiced increased concern that TikToks Chinese ownership poses a risk to US national security. Proponents of the bill claim that Chinas government uses TikTok as a propaganda tool and could demand that ByteDance share US users data  allegations the company and officials in Beijing have denied.

With the legal battle set to unfold, TikToks US users face a wave of uncertainty about a place to express themselves via video, make money as influencers or sell wares on TikTok Shop. If implemented, a TikTok ban would risk disrupting a critical channel for engaging with younger audiences and building brand visibility, said Damian Rollison, director of market insights at SOCi.

TikToks unique format has allowed businesses to showcase products and services creatively, leveraging trends and user-generated content to connect with potential customers, Rollison said.

TikTok has invoked economic arguments against the law, saying content creators and merchants who make a living from posting videos and selling goods would be hurt financially. While many US lawmakers who backed the newly passed federal bill think it would survive court review, some rights groups say the First Amendment will be a more difficult hurdle to clear.

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The US government can say that a foreign company cant do business in the US  its just more difficult when the foreign business is a communications system that US users use to communicate with each other, David Greene, civil liberties director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in an interview. That just has different legal issues.

When Montana passed a law in 2023 that would outlaw TikTok in the state, the company and a group of content creators sued in separate requests, saying the state measure violated free expression rights under the US Constitutions First Amendment. The company funded the users lawsuit, according to the New York Times. The judge reviewing the case blocked the ban before it could go into effect.

ByteDance sees a TikTok divestiture as a last resort, according to people familiar with the matter. TikToks parent expects it can get a restraining order on the legislation, then wage a legal battle that could last more than a year, Bloomberg has reported.

Well continue to fight, Michael Beckerman, TikToks head of public policy for the Americas, said in a memo to US staff this past week. This is the beginning, not the end of this long process.

If TikTok cant slow enforcement through the legal system, another chance of avoiding a separation may lie with a new administration. Bidens signing the bill on Wednesday puts the divestiture deadline to Jan. 19  a day before the next presidential inauguration.

Under the bill, Biden has the option to extend that deadline by an additional 90 days if he sees progress toward a sale. That would push a possible ban well into the next presidential term.

Bidens opponent in the November election, Donald Trump, has recently come out against a TikTok ban, saying it could boost rival Meta Platforms Inc.  which previously suspended Trump from its platforms. For Trump, that marked a reversal from his decision while president to ban the app via a 2020 executive order that was later voided by federal courts.

The political sensitivities of targeting a social media platform popular with younger users during a US election year were not lost on the bills supporters.

This is not an effort to take your voice away, Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat and chairman of the Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday before the vote. To young Americans, I want to say, we hear your concern. We hope that TikTok will continue under new ownership.

Passage marks a significant setback in Washington for ByteDance, which spent $2.7 million in the first quarter on federal lobbying efforts after shelling out a record $8.7 million last year, according to congressional filings. TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Chew made personal appeals on Capitol Hill in an unsuccessful bid to stifle the legislation.

Meanwhile, the company spent more than $2 billion on shielding sensitive US user data, with help from Texas-based Oracle Corp., to try to show that its platform is safe.

With the app back in regulatory and legal limbo, many TikTok users arent fleeing just yet. But those who make money on the app are reviewing their options.

Educational Insights, which owns the popular Kanoodle puzzle game, has been using TikTok videos for several years to market its products. The company was among the first merchants to join TikTok Shop as part of an early test before it officially went live.

At the moment we are definitely monitoring closely, said Alyssa Weiss, Educational Insights senior marketing manager. We will be ready to pivot should the need arise, but for now, we are still actively rolling out our TikTok plans.

--With assistance from Anna Edgerton, Spencer Soper and Sana Pashankar.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
By Noele Illien

BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) - UBS executives on Wednesday told shareholders that the bank has major concerns about the Swiss government's recently announced plan to hit the country's largest lender with tougher capital requirements.

The government laid out plans two weeks ago for how to police banks deemed "too big to fail" to shield the country from a repeat of the collapse of Credit Suisse, which UBS acquired in a rescue arranged by the authorities and backed by the state. "We are seriously concerned about some of the discussions related to additional capital requirements," UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher said at the bank's annual general meeting in Basel.

"Additional capital is the wrong remedy."

UBS might need to find $15 billion to $25 billion in additional capital to comply with proposed new requirements, according to the finance ministry.

Kelleher said Credit Suisse had failed not because of insufficient capital requirements, noting that they had been on the rise for global banks since the 2007-2009 financial crisis, making them more resilient.

"Effective loss-absorbing capacity has increased around 20 times since the global financial crisis of 2008," he said. "At our firm, it now exceeds $200 billion."

UBS's takeover of its long-term rival Credit Suisse stirred fears that the enlarged bank, with a balance sheet roughly double the nation's annual economic output, could upend the Swiss economy if it ran into trouble.

Shares in Zurich-based UBS traded down by more than 2% on Wednesday afternoon, underperforming European peers.

The Credit Suisse rescue prompted the government to craft a plan aimed at making the banking system more robust and to prevent a possible UBS collapse, although a long legislative process is still pending.

Despite this prospect of tougher capital rules, Kelleher said UBS remained committed to distributing cash to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases.

"UBS is not too big to fail," he said, calling it one of the "best-capitalized" banks in Europe.

The chairman said UBS aimed for total capital returns to exceed pre-acquisition levels by 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti said the merger of the two banks' Swiss entities should occur before the end of the third quarter, and that difficult decisions still lay ahead during the Credit Suisse integration.

"Despite our efforts to lessen the impact, in the short to medium term we will need to part ways with some colleagues," Ermotti said after a weekend media report said the bank was planning five rounds of lay-offs in the coming months.

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Ermotti's 14.4 million Swiss franc ($15.75 million) pay for nine months of 2023, which made him the highest-paid banker in Europe, was heavily criticized by a number of shareholders.

"As a CS investor, I do feel pretty lousy," shareholder Guido Roethlisberger told the annual gathering.

Credit Suisse's rescue, arranged under emergency legislation, bypassed the bank's shareholders, and all but wiped them out, prompting calls for compensation from some groups.

Still, the compensation awarded to Ermotti and senior management was approved by a large majority of votes cast.

Kelleher defended the CEO's pay.

"He arguably has the toughest job in the financial services industry globally, and he has delivered," Kelleher said.

(Reporting by Noele Ilien, writing by Andrey Sychev; Editing by Dave Graham and Tomasz Janowski)
United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) First Quarter 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$12.6m (down 15% from 1Q 2023).

Net income: US$4.16m (down 32% from 1Q 2023).

Profit margin: 33% (down from 41% in 1Q 2023). The decrease in margin was driven by lower revenue.

EPS: US$0.24 (down from US$0.36 in 1Q 2023).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

United Security Bancshares shares are up 4.6% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

You should learn about the 1 warning sign we've spotted with United Security Bancshares.

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.
Rick Wilking/Reuters

The US debt is pushing the country toward a financial crisis, Leon Cooperman said.

He criticized the Fed for its abrupt monetary policy shift after keeping rates low for over a decade.

He's said that markets are overvalued and investors should expect a steep decline.

Mounting national debt is pushing the US toward a financial crisis, billionaire investor Leon Cooperman said this week.

The Omega Family Office CEO said that too little has been done since the 2010 Simpson-Bowles Commission, which was formed under President Barack Obama and proposed a series of long-term strategies to slash the national debt.

"I think we have a system of leadership in this country that's evolved to a leadership crisis," he told CNBC on Tuesday. "Deficits matter, and I think we're headed into a financial crisis in this country."

Cooperman said he gave the Federal Reserve a "low grade" in terms of how abruptly it shifted its monetary policy approach from holding rates at near zero for over a decade to raising rates by over 500 basis points in about a year.

"Now they're talking about cutting rates, and the Fed is too restrictive. There's no sign that I could tell from the economy and the market that the Fed is restrictive," he said, adding that there's a lot of speculation going on that has sent the stock market to record highs.

The billionaire investor has been consistently bearish. He said in February that the stock market seemed too richly valued and would eventually go down this year.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader, has announced plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion to ramp up its global transformer manufacturing capacity by 2027 to keep pace with the growing demand and support the long-term plans and electrification efforts.

These investments will gradually expand the companys global transformer capacity by 2027 and are in addition to the $3 billion already announced to progress on the electrification of the energy system driven by the energy transition, said the company in a statement.

These will help accelerate global demand, address long-term customer investments and create over 4,000 jobs, it stated.

"The demand for transformers and electrical equipment has grown at an unprecedented scale, and we are investing to address our customers' mid- and long-term needs. We are developing our global footprint and capacity and progressing in digitalization and technology to deliver even more sustainable and reliable solutions," remarked Bruno Melles, the Managing Director of the Transformers Business at Hitachi Energy, during the company's flagship customer event, Energy & Transformers Days in Rome, Italy.

Today, the company is also announcing an investment of around $180 million in a new state-of-the-art transformer factory in the Vaasa region, Finland.

This top-notch 30,000-sq-m campus will be a testament to Hitachi Energy's dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship, stated Melles.

The investments complement Hitachi Energy's broader growth efforts, which include the recently announced larger than $30 million expansion in Bad Honnef, Germany. Leveraging the companys global footprint, additional investments will follow in Europe, the Americas, and Asia to meet the growing demand for power and distribution transformers.

Hitachi Energys transformer facility expansions include the ongoing project in South Boston, Virginia, US, and other recently completed projects at Jefferson City, Missouri, US, and Dos Quebradas, Colombia.

In addition, the company has inaugurated new cutting-edge factories in Chongqing, China, and Hanoi, Vietnam, together with a new transformer service center in Welshpool, Australia.

"Our global investments, including the new transformer campus in Finland, underline our commitment to co-create with our utility and industry customers and partners the path to accelerate the energy transition," noted Melles.

"By strategically leveraging our global footprint, technology, and the expertise of our teams, we are not only poised to meet the global demand for sustainable energy solutions but also to drive the innovation necessary for a carbon-neutral future,he added.-TradeArabia News Service
TOKYO, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viettel Technology Investment Company, Viettel Software , announced its participation in the Japan IT Week Spring 2024 exhibition held at Tokyo Big Sight from April 24 to 26.

Many customers are interested in Viettel Software's IT outsourcing services.

Japan IT Week Spring Show 2024 is the largest information technology (IT) exhibition in Japan, attracting over 55,000 visitors and featuring the participation of 900 exhibitors, including leading companies in the IT field from around the world. Viettel Software's first-time presence at the exhibition marks a significant milestone, opening up new opportunities to showcase capabilities and build credibility within the global technology community, especially in Japan, the largest market for software export in Vietnam.

As a leading provider of software outsourcing services (IT Outsourcing), Viettel Software is poised to impress Japanese experts with its cutting-edge products and solutions across Telecommunications, Enterprise Management, and Finance domains:

SMOS (Sale Management & Operation System): A system for managing business operations.

OSS (Operation Support System): A system for managing operations and supporting services, successfully deployed in managing the telecommunications network operations for VTNet and Viettel's overseas networks.

Super App/Portal: Highlighted by the My Viettel application serving over 60 million Viettel subscribers.

E-wallet: Experience in building, upgrading, and deploying core wallet and ecosystem products integrated on platforms such as Viettel Money (payment, lending, insurance purchase), eMoney Cambodia, Mytel Myanmar...

EAS (Enterprise Administration System): Business operations that cannot be handled on other SAP/core ERP systems will be processed on the EAS system.

CRM (Customer Relation Management): Customer relationship management software successfully deployed at 400 Viettel Store outlets nationwide.

In the first entry into Japan, Viettel Software confidently brings its strengths in multinational IT and telecommunications infrastructure, top IT human resources from Vietnam, to win over customers in Tokyo and the international market as a whole. "We plan to open an office in Japan in 2024, aiming to enhance cooperation and mutual development between Vietnam and Japan in the field of Information Technology" stated Mr. Nguyen Dich Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of Viettel Software.

About Viettel Group

Viettel Group is the number one brand in Vietnam, operating in 11 countries and territories. The provision of Digital Services & Information Technology Solutions is one of Viettel's spearhead sectors. To date, Viettel's digital service products within its ecosystem have served nearly 500,000 businesses in Vietnam.

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About Viettel Software

Established in 2020, Viettel Software complements Viettel Group's information technology service and product ecosystem, towards the pioneering mission of creating a digital society in Vietnam. Viettel Software continuously expands its research in mastering technology, developing software, and digital services through the intellect, knowledge, and creativity of over 1,000 talented IT experts. Additionally, it accelerates the adoption of the latest technologies such as AI, Blockchain, IoT, and Big Data to create high-value products and services for society, embodying the vision of "Innovation for humanity."

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/viettel-software-participates-for-the-first-time-in-japans-largest-it-exhibition-302125624.html

SOURCE Viettel Software
Warren Buffett Is Averaging Over $2.7 Million Per Day From This Dividend Stock - Should You Load Up?

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Legendary investor Warren Buffett, through his holding company Berkshire Hathaway, has built an impressive portfolio of stocks over the years. One of his most significant holdings is Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC), which, according to the latest 13F filing, accounts for 1,032,852,006 shares.

With a forward dividend rate of $0.96 per share, Berkshire Hathaway is set to receive a staggering $991,537,925.76 in annual dividend income from Bank of America alone. This averages out to approximately $2,709,120 per day in 2024.

Buffetts stake in the second largest bank in the U.S. dates back to 2007, and his firm now owns an impressive 13.08% of the company. In fact, Bank of America is Berkshire Hathaways second-largest holding, making up approximately 10% of its portfolio. The only stock that surpasses it is Apple Inc., which accounts for just over 50% of the firms portfolio. Berkshire Hathaway owns 905,560,000 shares of Apple, which has a forward annual dividend payout of $0.96 per share, translating to a total annual dividend income of $869,337,600.00 from the tech giant.

Recent analyst ratings for Bank of America have been positive, with Wolfe Research, BMO Capital, and Oppenheimer releasing their reports on April 19, 2024, April 18, 2024, and April 17, 2024, respectively. The average price target from these three analysts stands at $41.33, implying a potential upside of 7.79% for the stock.

While Buffetts success and his companys substantial stake in Bank of America may tempt investors to follow suit, its important to remember that not all of Buffetts investments are suitable for everyone. Here are a few reasons why:

Different Risk Tolerance: Buffetts investment strategy is based on his unique risk tolerance and long-term outlook. Individual investors may have different risk profiles and investment horizons, which may not align with Buffetts approach.

Portfolio Diversification: Berkshire Hathaways portfolio is highly concentrated, with just two stocks (Apple and Bank of America) making up over 60% of its holdings. This level of concentration may not be appropriate for most individual investors who require a more diversified portfolio to manage risk.

Timing: Buffetts investments are often made at opportune times, such as during market downturns or when a company is undervalued. Trying to mimic his moves without the same level of market insight and timing could lead to suboptimal results.

Resources: Berkshire Hathaway has access to vast resources, including a team of analysts and a substantial cash reserve, which allows the company to make large, strategic investments. Individual investors may not have the same resources at their disposal.

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Unique Opportunities: Some of Buffetts investments, such as the preferred shares with warrants he received during the financial crisis, are not available to the average investor.

In conclusion, while Warren Buffetts investment in Bank of America is undoubtedly impressive, with the company set to receive over $2.7 million per day in dividend income, individual investors should carefully consider their own investment goals, risk tolerance, and resources before attempting to mimic his moves. As with any investment decision, its essential to conduct thorough research and consult with a financial advisor to determine whether a particular stock aligns with your personal financial objectives.

An 8% Income Play Well Suited For The Yield-Hungry Investor

Cityfunds has introduced an exclusive opportunity for accredited investors to secure an impressive 7%  8% APY by capitalizing on the growing $32.6 trillion home equity market. The Cityfunds Yield fund provides quarterly distributions and is backed by a diversified portfolio of real estate assets, ensuring stable and robust cash flow with a commitment to safety and high returns.

Why the Yield Fund Stands Out

Cityfunds Yield fund targets an 8% annual payout with a guaranteed floor of 7%, significantly higher than many traditional investment options. The fund is backed by collateralized real estate loans and home-equity agreement-backed notes. With a redemption option post a 12-month lock-up and a five-year term, this fund not only offers excellent income potential but also provides the flexibility sophisticated investors seek.

Check out the Yield fund.

Cityfunds Available to Non-Accredited Investors

While the Yield fund caters exclusively to accredited investors, Cityfunds offers a variety of other investment opportunities available to all. Whether youre looking to invest in Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles or one of several other growing markets, each Cityfund is designed to provide investors access to diversified home equity investments across the nations top cities. This approach spreads your investment across multiple properties, enhancing portfolio stability and minimizing risk.



Check out the cities you can invest in today.

This article Warren Buffett Is Averaging Over $2.7 Million Per Day From This Dividend Stock - Should You Load Up? originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Shelly Stein (Photo: Business Wire)

Chester Brandes (Photo: Business Wire)

WES BRANDS Portfolio (Photo: Business Wire)

Chester Brandes, Jonathan Bonchick, and Johnny Manuel Join WES

DALLAS, April 24, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WES BRANDS, a leading spirits incubator, proudly announces the appointment of Chester Brandes, Jonathan Bonchick, and Johnny Manuel to its advisory board. The announcement follows early successes in Canada, Mexico, and Australia and the recent addition of Aspen Vodka to the WES portfolio. The appointments underscore WES Brands' commitment to expanding its global presence.

Chester Brandes, a spirits industry executive with over 40 years of experience, brings a rich history of leadership roles across key global markets. His track record includes being President & CEO at Sobieski Vodka, Finlandia Vodka Worldwide, and launching Stoli Vodka at Monsieur Henri Wines (PepsiCo). His leadership highlights Chester's extensive expertise in the vodka category and the rapid expansion and strategic positioning of Finlandia and Sobieski Vodkas internationally.

Jonathan Bonchick is the Vice President of Spirits & Wine at Duty-Free Americas, a powerhouse player in super-premium spirits retailing, operating over 250 stores in the United States and internationally at major airports, seaports, and borders. Mr. Bonchick brings a wealth of industry knowledge and insights into duty-free operations, drawing from his tenure at Duty-Free Americas and UETA Inc. of Panama, Innovative Liquors LLC, and Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide.

Johnny Manuel most recently served as Director of Sales for Brown Forman in the U.S. and Canada. During his tenure, he oversaw a remarkable surge in North American portfolio sales, which soared by $410 million from 2012 to 2022, including an impressive 27% growth in the U.S. market alone. Mr. Manuel will assist the team at WES in optimizing sales strategy, driving revenue growth, and building strategic partnerships.

"I am honored to join the WES Brands' advisory board, focusing on charting new territories for the company's brands," remarks Brandes on his appointment. "The global landscape presents tremendous opportunities for the company's portfolio."

Shelly Stein, the former President of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, and the Chairman of the WES Brands' Advisory Board, said, "The appointment of these gentlemen could not have come at a better time. Given our recent traction in key international markets, I believe their knowledge and contacts will be put to great use."

About WES Brands

Founded in 2021, WES Brands develops, markets, and sells innovative brands in the beverage alcohol category. The entrepreneurial and employee-owned company pairs high-potential brands in expanding categories with brand partners to drive awareness. The portfolio currently includes Aspen Vodka, Flecha Azul Tequila, Fraser & Thompson Whiskey and BSB Whiskey, with new innovations to come. Do you think you have what it takes to join the team? Learn more at www.WESBrandsLLC.com.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424254733/en/

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT: KLG Public Relations | wesbrands@klgpr.com
Key Insights

The considerable ownership by sovereign wealth funds in Duopharma Biotech Berhad indicates that they collectively have a greater say in management and business strategy

The largest shareholder of the company is Permodalan Nasional Berhad with a 51% stake

Institutions own 19% of Duopharma Biotech Berhad

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Duopharma Biotech Berhad (KLSE:DPHARMA), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 51% to be precise, is sovereign wealth funds. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

And individual investors on the other hand have a 28% ownership in the company.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Duopharma Biotech Berhad.

Check out our latest analysis for Duopharma Biotech Berhad

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Duopharma Biotech Berhad?

Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing.

Duopharma Biotech Berhad already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Duopharma Biotech Berhad's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Duopharma Biotech Berhad is not owned by hedge funds. The company's largest shareholder is Permodalan Nasional Berhad, with ownership of 51%. This implies that they have majority interest control of the future of the company. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 8.6% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 1.9% by the third-largest shareholder.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

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Insider Ownership Of Duopharma Biotech Berhad

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Duopharma Biotech Berhad. We do note, however, it is possible insiders have an indirect interest through a private company or other corporate structure. It appears that the board holds about RM3.1m worth of stock. This compares to a market capitalization of RM1.1b. Many investors in smaller companies prefer to see the board more heavily invested. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 28% stake in Duopharma Biotech Berhad. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Duopharma Biotech Berhad (1 is a bit unpleasant) that you should be aware of.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Broadband communications specialist Calix (NYSE: CALX) likely felt that investors were hanging up on its stock Tuesday. The company published its first-quarter results, and while there were numerous developments to like, investors weren't cheered by what management saw in their crystal ball. As a result, the stock's price fell by more than 5% on a day when the S&P 500 index was well in positive territory with a 1.2% increase.

A pair of quarterly declines

Calix's first-quarter results showed that the company suffered a decline in revenue; it slid by nearly 10% to slightly over $226 million for the period. Compounding this, it didn't reach the average analyst estimate, which was $228 million and change.

As for the bottom line, Calix saw a more pronounced tumble in non-GAAP (adjusted) net income. This came in at $14.4 million, well under the almost $21.5 million of the year-ago quarter. On the bright side, however, the $0.21 per share narrowly beat the consensus analyst estimate of $0.20.

In a letter to shareholders, CEO Michael Weening and CFO Cory Sindelar attributed the revenue and profitability drops to factors such as mid- and large-sized customers pausing buys "while they reevaluate their near-term purchase and build decisions."

Second-quarter guidance didn't meet the consensus figures

Compounding that, Calix proffered guidance that came in below prognosticator expectations. For its second quarter, the company believes it will post $197 million to $203 million in revenue, and post headline net income of $0.03 to $0.09 per share.

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A man who had been wanted in Caroline County for more than a year on a probation violation was apprehended in Stafford on Monday with the help of several citizens, police said.

Stafford Sheriffs spokesman Ryan Wilbur said Deputy C.C. Crossett was on Courage Lane about 8:22 p.m. for an unrelated matter when he noticed a man sleeping behind the wheel of a running Chevrolet. Suspecting the man was intoxicated, Crossett awakened him.

Wilbur said the driver admitted to drinking beer and that his license was revoked due to a prior alcohol-related incident. He did not mention that he was wanted, but the deputy quickly figured that out while checking police databases.

When Crossett told the driver to get out of the vehicle, the driver instead accelerated down Courage Lane. Crossett followed him while notifying other nearby deputies to cut off possible escape routes.

The driver got out of the vehicle on Harmony Court and ran with Crossett running behind him. Before Crossett could catch the fleeing suspect, several citizens apprehended the suspect and held him until the deputy could get him handcuffed.

Jordan Alexander Perrin, 30, of Ruther Glen, was charged with DUI (4th offense), driving with a revoked license (3rd offense), eluding police and obstruction of justice. He was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
To support Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha, local owner-operators of McDonald's Great Plains Business Unit have launched their Happy Meals for the House fundraiser.

At more than 80 McDonalds restaurants across Nebraska and Western Iowa, 10% of Happy Meal sales between April 22-26 will be donated to RMHC-Omaha.

Through this fundraiser, Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha will be able to provide continued support for families while their sick children receive care at local hospitals.
Well-known Fremont area business owner and Republican party official Roxie Kracl said she decided to seek election as the District 15 senate representative to the Nebraska Legislature for several reasons, the most important of which is to represent the states business community and help create policies that let businesses thrive.

Kracl, who is the co-owner of the downtown Fremont bar and restaurant L.A. Fireproof Door Co. and a longtime employee of Credit Bureau Services, is one of five candidates for the District 15 senate seat that is being vacated by Sen. Lynne Walz, who is being forced to retire due to term limits.

This is my first time (seeking office) and it was really because of, I just felt like bills that were on the priority bill list that I felt were very un-consumer friendly and business unfriendly, Kracl said of what prompted her to seek election.

(Legislators) were looking at some landlord bills that I felt like would number one, impact the landlord, and in the end, consumers would not be able to find a place to live because of the bills that they were producing saying landlords couldnt evict (tenants) during the school year, Kracl said. (If it had passed) they wouldnt be able to evict anybody with school age children from August to May. I just felt like that would impact, you know, families tremendously in Nebraska. Landlords probably would raise the rent to justify for that or just not rent to families. And we already have an affordable housing crisis going on.

Having young families not having very, you know, a lot of options on places to live, I think would just have hurt it even more, Kracl added.

That legislation  LB 175  officially died in the recently ended 2024 Nebraska legislative session after opponents to the legislation filibustered it.

As for her other main priorities in seeking to represent District 15 in Lincoln, Kracl said she has a business-friendly approach to advocacy that she said would focus on helping Nebraska businesses succeed by removing barriers.

Having worked for Credit Bureau Services for 34 years has given her a wealth of insight and information about the business world and how government regulation and laws can affect it.

A lot of bills I do pay attention to because it affects our clients. Between health care bills, you know, tenant, landlord bills, that kind of thing ... Ive always been paying attention to them and going to the Capitol to lobby for certain bills. Im very involved in our national association (American Collectors Association), going to Washington D.C., that type of thing, Kracl said.

I would like to look at business bills that I feel like ... a lot of our regulations and legislation that they pass, that creates more barriers for Nebraska businesses that increases our everyday costs. So, I would like to eliminate some of those barriers, she said. I think by doing that, we will generate more, more revenues coming into our state by businesses being able to do business more freely and easy, which would hopefully, you know, benefit the consumer by keeping prices down for their dollars to go farther.

She said she also advocates for retaining the states young people who she hopes dont leave the Cornhusker state, and instead can be convinced to remain here with housing, jobs and quality of life development that creates an environment they want to be a part of.

My other concern is workforce development. All of us as business owners are struggling finding qualified staff, wanting to keep our kids here home in Fremont. College students going to Midland, you know, being able to attract them to stay here, she said. I dont know if (people) are familiar with the Northeast Economic Development program that they got going on in Norfolk and Wayne. Norfolk has put up housing to attract Wayne State College students to come to Norfolk do internships, theyre creating an environment downtown thats attractive to young people that want to stay in Norfolk, start a family and plant their roots there. I would just like to see that being done in more communities.

Kracl has been involved with the Dodge County Republican Party for about 20 years, and she is the prior county chairperson. She relocated to Fremont in 1982 from her hometown of Lexington, Nebraska, because her father worked at the former Hormel beef facility.

She has four children, including Riley Kracl, a Fremont firefighter; Katie, who works for the state Department of Health and Human Services; Blake, who manages the family bar L.A. Fireproof Door Co.; and Colby, who works for the state Department of Economic Development. The family also owns a farm, which is managed by son Riley.

Kracl said she believes voters should choose her over other candidates because she is up to speed on the issues and a staunch Republican.

I have been a Republican my entire life and, Ive been very active in the party. I worked with the Dodge County GOP, serving as the chairperson for about 15 years. I was a national delegate to the national presidential convention for the last three presidential elections. And so just not always very active in the party, Kracl said.

The Nebraska primary election is Tuesday, May 14. With the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Kracl is running against four other candidates  Dave Wordekemper, of Fremont; Anthony D. Hanson, also of Fremont; Scott Thomas, another Fremont resident; and Peter Mayberry, of Valley.
The second Gulf Metrology Forum in Dubai discussed the role of metrology in enhancing industrial capabilities and supporting sustainability.

Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in cooperation with the Gulf Association for Metrology (European Union Laboratory Association (EUROLAB) and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) represented by the Emirates Metrology Institute, the forum saw the participation of more than 200 local and international officials and experts. The two-day forum was held under the theme of Metrology for Sustainability.

It comprised a series of panel discussions and technical presentations addressing the latest developments in the field. Discussions aimed to raise awareness of metrologys importance in supporting quality infrastructure in the industrial and technological sector, as well as fostering innovation to enhance product competitiveness.

Training programmes

The forum highlighted the need to support emerging national metrology institutes in GCC states to enable them to expand their capabilities. The forum also stressed the need for training programmes, scholarships for metrology specialists and greater cooperation between education providers and metrology institutes.

This is in addition to the need to increase youth participation in metrology to support long-term sustainability, as well as boosting community awareness of metrology to enhance its role in various sectors.

The UAE's hosting of the global forum reinforces its achievements in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index (QI4SD) launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the International Network on Quality Infrastructure (INet QI) for the year 2022, where the country ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 11th globally.

The competitive international index serves as an effective tool for comparing the efficiency of quality infrastructure globally to achieve sustainable economic development, which reflects the UAEs advanced capabilities.

Developments and trends

On the first day, participants discussed the latest developments and trends in metrology, such as digital transformation programs, and its key role in removing barriers to international trade, strengthening the national economy and protecting the rights of parties to trade.

Moreover, how metrology contributes to the development of quality infrastructure, as well as local, regional and international strategies. The event emphasised the importance of metrology in the industrial, healthcare, energy and environmental sectors, in addition to the importance of enhancing cooperation between metrology specialists and supporting innovation to develop new methodologies.

Supporting Efficiency and Sustainability

During the event, Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: The forum provides a unique opportunity to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the fields of metrology. It also enhances integrated efforts to explore innovative solutions and technologies that support the performance, efficiency and sustainability of the industrial and manufacturing sector.

He added: Accurate metrology results are a key pillar contributing to promoting of sustainable industries, which is why the ministry focuses on coordination and cooperation with regional and international partners to enhance quality infrastructure, standards and technical legislation, as well as conformity and accreditation systems and programmes. He noted: The UAE's quality infrastructure plays a key role in enhancing confidence in products, improving production efficiency, and supporting sustainability, innovation, as well as research and development efforts, in line with a strategic national vision to enhance UAE industrial sector output and implement international best practices.

A platform for collaboration

Saud bin Nasser Al Khusaibi, Chairman of the GCC Standardisation Organisation (GSO), stressed the importance of the forum as a platform for cooperation and innovation, as it provides an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and best practices in standardisation to promote sustainable practices, create positive change, and achieve a more sustainable future.

He noted that standards play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability across various sectors, including industry, healthcare, environmental and clean energy production, as accurate measurements are crucial to ensure efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Supporting Innovation

Saeed Mohammed Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Emirates Metrology Institute, part of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, said: The forum highlighted the importance of metrology in the industrial, healthcare, energy and environmental sectors, encouraging cooperation between organisations and supporting innovation to develop new measurement techniques that meet the evolving needs of sectors.

He added: The forum was an opportunity for organisations and specialists from the UAE and around the world to connect and exchange experiences. It has contributed to enhancing the role of metrology in supporting sustainable development, innovation and economic progress in the UAE and the Gulf region.

The forum comprised sessions on the role of metrology in shaping a sustainable future, with the participation of Dr Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT, Dr Anna Cypionka, International Liaison and Director of the Communication Department at the Bureau International des Poids et. Mesures (BIPM), Dr Martin J. T. Milton, Deputy Director of BIPM, Paul Dixon, Assistant Director of the International Bureau of Legal Metrology (OIML), and Professor Frank Hartig, President of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO).

Two MoUs

The forum saw the signing of two MoUs, under which GULFMET will collaborate with IMEKO through the exchange of knowledge and expertise, facilitating research in the field of metrology, and enhancing cooperation between specialists and experts.

The technical cooperation agreement between GULFMET and European Union Laboratory Association (EUROLAB) focuses on cooperation among both regions main technical committees, in line with the UAE and GULFMETs commitment to sharing expertise and knowledge with these organisations to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial sector.

The role of youth

Within the framework of empowering youth in the metrology sector, given their pivotal in driving innovation and shaping the future of the field, the forum comprised a discussion which served as a platform for emerging professionals to share their views and experience.

In addition, they discussed challenges and opportunities in light of the rapid developments in the field in line with the BIPM Young Metrologists 2050+ initiative. The forum was supported by international and regional metrology organisations, represented through the participation of BIPM and OIML directors, the president of IMEKO, the Secretary-General of GSO, the President of EUROLAB, and directors of national standardisation bodies from across the GCC, in addition to the UNIDO.--TradeArabia News Service
Early in-person voting for Nebraskas May 14 primary election began Monday, April 15, and county election offices began mailing early voting ballots to those who requested them on April 8. Whether voting in person or requesting an early ballot, voters for the first time had to comply with the states new voter ID requirements, which Gov. Jim Pillen signed into law last June.

The law requires voters to show a photo ID, such as a drivers license, before voting in person. Those requesting an early ballot, and those voting in counties that conduct elections only by mail, must provide their drivers license numberor the number from another acceptable form of IDor a photocopy of the ID with their ballot request form and ballot return envelope.

Local election officials expect a few calls from voters who are unsure of the ID requirements, and there will likely be more as election day approaches.

The main thing voters who plan to vote in person early, or at the polls on May 14, need to remember is to bring their drivers license or other form of approved photo ID.

Voters who forget their ID can vote provisionally, then must return to the clerks office within a week to show their ID so their ballot can be counted.

If voting by mail, voters must write their ID number on their ballot return envelope or enclose a photocopy of their ID. That number will be checked against the number on file with the voters registration, as well as the voters signature. If there is a discrepancy, voters have a week to correct it.

Nebraskans can use any of the following IDs to vote: Nebraska drivers license or state ID; Nebraska college or university ID (public or private); Nebraska political subdivision ID (state/county/city/public school ID); passport, military or tribal ID; or hospital, assisted living facility, nursing home or any other skilled care facility record.

According to research conducted by the Nebraska Secretary of States office, more than 97 percent of Nebraskans have either a Nebraska drivers license or a Nebraska state ID. Either can be used to vote under the voter ID law.

People can get a free state ID for voting purposes from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. If the person was born in Nebraska and needs a free certified copy of their Nebraska birth certificate to get a free state ID, they can contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. A birth certificate is not a valid form of voter ID.

But in order to vote in the primary or the general election, you have to be registered.

If a citizen has not registered before, is a new resident of Nebraska, or needs to update their registration, there are several convenient ways to do it.

Prospective voters can register in person or by mail at their county election office, In Burt County, thats the county clerks office. Registration also is available online through the Secretary of States online voter registration system, NEReg2Vote. The system is very accessible and widely used. A drivers license or state ID required to complete the process. The Department of Motor Vehicles offices will also register citizens online when they are updating their drivers license.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has confirmed that one of the 10 gray wolves reintroduced in Colorado was found dead last week in Larimer County, likely of natural causes, although that needs to be confirmed.
House Democrats have introduced a bill they say will increase protections for law enforcement members who report the misconduct of their peers. However, opponents say bill sponsors never consulted public safety organizations, and it singles out the "law enforcement" profession for possible prosecution.
Before "forever chemicals" leach into the groundwater and pose a health risk, they sit in soils  where they can be washed out or otherwise treated before they reach an aquifer.

"If we want to address the long-term problem, we really need to figure out how to remove the PFAS from the soil or prevent the chemical from leaching," said Christopher Higgins, civil and environmental engineering professor at the Colorado School of Mines. PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which do not break down easily, hence the nickname "forever chemicals." The chemicals can cause a range of health problems at high levels in humans.

Researchers from the Colorado School of Mines and Clarkson University expect to compare nine different strategies for removing firefighting foam from the soils at the Schriever Space Force Base to help inform how soils at other sites could be treated in the future.

The Department of Defense granted the Colorado School of Mines project $3.5 million over two years. The military has a widespread problem with forever chemical contamination with up to 651 potentially contaminated sites at the end of 2019.

The region has put in systems to remove PFAS from local groundwater, in areas such as Fountain and the Widefield Water and Sanitation District where military firefighting foam caused contamination. But technology to remove them from soils as part of prevention is not as advanced.

Sites where firefighting foam containing forever chemicals were sprayed directly on the soil, such as Schriever, tend to have higher concentrations of contamination, making it a good site for the work.

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Colorado School of Mines researchers hope to start work on soils in barrels at Schriever next summer and expect to test six technologies, Higgins said, including five that are already commercially available.

One strategy, sold by TerraTherm, relies on both heat and vacuum applied to the soil at the same time. As the soil is heated up, contaminated vapors are collected and treated. Once the water boils off, the soil's temperature can rise between 250 and 350 degrees Celsius to treat forever chemicals, according to the company's website.

The Clarkson University team will evaluate three technologies, including ball milling, which destroys forever chemicals by grinding them with metal balls in a moving container, according to a news release.

Higgins expects the side-by-side comparisons of different treatment options to help inform PFAS cleanup globally. The research project is expected to take about two years, with some early results available about a year from now.

The DOD started the first full-scale soil washing project to remove forever chemicals in North America in August, according to a news release. The $27.6 million project at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska will treat 130,000 cubic yards of soil in a water-based process that captures forever chemicals in granular activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filters, the statement said.
The next step for a proposal to regulate the towing industry more strictly is the state Senate.

On Wednesday, the House approved House Bill 1051 through a mostly party-line 45-16 vote.

Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, whose car was towed last year, will sponsor the bill in the Senate.

The work of the Transportation Legislative Review Committee from last fall, House Bill 1051 is the result of attention paid to what some described as predatory towing that lawmakers thought they fixed in 2022.

Small business owners, apartment owners, and homeowners' association representatives are raising concerns that the bill's intent to require property owners to pay for most tows will result in "towing anarchy" and could drive up the costs of affordable and low-income housing.

The issue caught fire last summer when Gonzales found her car had been towed, believing it was illegal.

She said she went to Wyatt's Towing to get her car and learned the law she sponsored in 2022, which banned nonconsensual tows and required towing operators to provide payment plans, was not being followed. She made payment arrangements, but she said her money was refunded the next day.

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HB 1051 sponsor Rep. Andrew Boesenecker has said that tens of thousands of cars are towed from private property by tow truck operators. He said the price to recover a vehicle is out of reach for many consumers and creates an unnecessary financial burden.

Large, non-consensual tow operators continue to engage in predatory practices to the detriment of those who can least afford a non-consensual tow, the Fort Collins Democrat said.

In addition, he added, investors have combined parking lot management, towing and vehicle removal, auction houses, and car dealerships into a single integrated entity, making them judges, jurors, and executioners with the power to sell a car at their discretion. Boesenecker said it's not a best practice in the industry.

The Public Utilities Commission regulates towing companies. Under HB 1051, the PUC would put into place rules by Sept. 1, 2025, to bar towing carriers from patrolling or monitoring a property to enforce parking restrictions. Towing carriers must also obtain documented permission, using a PUC-designed form, from a property owner for each vehicle tow within 24 hours of the tow.

Improper tows would require the carrier to return the vehicle to its original location within 48 hours of the tow, an amendment made to the bill on Tuesday. Violations are considered a deceptive trade practice. The bill also extends the sunset for PUC's regulations of the industry to 2030; it was set to expire next year.

HB 1051 drew opposition from apartment and commercial building owners but was largely supported by the towing industry association.
Investment in artificial intelligence (AI) in Bahrain will not only expand job opportunities but also elevates salaries, Ahmed Al Hujairy, CEO of ThinkSmart Training and Development Centre, has said.

Speaking at the "Impact of Robotics on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals" event held at the Gulf Hotel and organised by Dr Wassan Awad in collaboration with IEEE SSIT Bahrain Branch and the College of Information Technology at Ahlia University, Al Hujairy underscored the projections outlined in a UN report. This report anticipates a surge in investments dedicated to AI research and studies, expecting the figure to soar to $25.7 billion by 2030.

Such forecasts affirm the global momentum towards technology adoption and investment in AI, signalling a shift in organisational paradigms from viewing generative AI merely as a standalone technology to integrating it as a pivotal component of developmental strategies across various sectors. This integration is poised to unlock additional training and employment prospects for graduates across diverse disciplines.

Pivotal role

Al Hujairy highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reshaping various industries, emphasising its pivotal role in addressing global challenges, creating opportunities for students and professionals, and empowering their future careers.

Al Hujairy said: "Artificial intelligence is not merely technological progress; it is a catalyst for positive change. At ThinkSmart, we believe in the imperative to equip the next generation of young leaders with the knowledge and skills to leverage artificial intelligence in achieving sustainable development goals and advancing towards a better future for nations, individuals, and societies."

Artificial Intelligence Academy

Al Hujairy added: "At ThinkSmart, we dedicate our efforts to train and enhance young talents, ensuring they possess the essential skills to thrive in the field of artificial intelligence. We are committed to launching initiatives that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, offering practical training and professional certificate programmes. Among these initiatives is the "Artificial Intelligence Academy", aimed at empowering individuals and institutions with AI technologies and tools, fostering skill development in this crucial field. Aligned with our mission to cultivate a highly skilled Bahraini workforce prepared to tackle future challenges, these endeavors represent our steadfast commitment to excellence."

The event examined the latest developments and innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence, shedding light on their profound impact across various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

It delved into the intricate applications of these cutting-edge technologies in building sustainable infrastructure and facilitating access to essential services. With a resolute focus on bolstering sectoral sustainability, increasing productivity, and optimising resource management, the event underscored the pivotal role of these advancements in achieving global sustainable development goals.--TradeArabia News Service
The Pueblo man accused of causing the death of Fountain police Officer Julian Becerra last year will go to trial next month.

Devon Bobian, 32, is the final person awaiting the end of their case among the three individuals arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident that led to the death of Becerra.

Bobian, Anthony Vallejos and Daniesha Pacheco were arrested in February 2023 after stealing a car and leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a chase throughout El Paso County, according to previous Gazette reporting. Eventually the driver, alleged to be Bobian, lost control on a bridge, crashed, and all three defendants attempted to flee on foot. The affidavit for Bobian's arrest states that, while attempting to apprehend the trio, Becerra fell off the bridge about 40 feet.

Bobian appeared in court on Wednesday for a pretrial readiness hearing where both the prosecution and defense announced they were ready for trial. As a result, Bobian will appear in court on May 6, for the first day of his trial, which is expected to last two weeks, according to Judge Chad Miller.

Bobian is the only person facing charges directly related to the death of Becerra. Bobian has pleaded not guilty to eight charges for his involvement, including a second-degree murder charge, as the prosecution alleges it was Bobian's actions that led to the death of Becerra.

The two co-defendants in the case have already been sentenced, with the pair each receiving plea deals from prosecutors.

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Last year, Vallejos was sentenced to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, a Class 3 felony, for his involvement in the incident.

Earlier this year, Pacheco was sentenced to eight years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to an amended count of aggravated robbery with a violent crime sentence enhancer.

At Bobian's preliminary hearing earlier this year law enforcement witnesses called by the prosecution claimed that Bobian's decision to jump on the hood of Becerra's car and "step toward" the officer is what led to Becerra's fatal fall.

Court records show Bobian in March pleaded guilty to weapon possession by a previous offender in two different criminal cases in Pueblo County, each charge landing him 18 months in the DOC. Bobian's sentence in the two Pueblo County criminal cases remains active.

Bobian had previously been living at the Bent County Correctional Facility to serve his 18-month prison sentence, but he will stay at the El Paso County jail until the end of his trial next month.
Even as officials of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife insist the recent killing of a calf by wolf is not their fault, the relationship with ranchers has soured to the point private landowners have begun considering to restrict state access to their properties, potentially jeopardizing programs that rely on the latter's help.

Notably, private landowners play a significant role in the state's conservation work. Indeed, the state's private land program says without that support, "modern-day Colorado's remarkable wildlife abundance  and equally rich hunting and fishing opportunities  simply would not exist."

That support is now in jeopardy.

Last week, as CPW officials maintained they were just trying to do their jobs, a letter from the Yuma County Cattlemens Association said ranchers will be less likely to help Colorado Parks and Wildlife and open land to the public because of how the wolf reintroduction transpired.

One or more of the wolves released in Grand County in December  which came from wolf packs in Oregon with a history of killing livestock  killed a calf near Kremmling on April 2. It was the first kill by one of the December wolves, although the predators from Wyoming who moved into Jackson County have already killed at least 16 livestock, sheep, and working dogs.

Commissioner Marie Haskett of Meeker addressed the wolf kill and CPWs involvement during an April 5 commission meeting. "It's been quiet, but depredation has begun," she said. "I would like to ask people not to blame CPW for the wolf depredations. What we did was mandated (by law)."

Haskett said the wolf introduction was the people's will, adding, We need everybody to work with us, so please remember that. And don't hold it against CPW. It was just something that we had to do by law."

CPW Director Jeff Davis echoed Haskett, saying, "CPW is just implementing the law" Folks, he said, tend to see the agency as "doing this to them."

Erin Karney, executive vice president for the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, isn't buying that argument.

Karney said the state agency decided which wolves would be brought to Colorado, including animals that came from packs with a history of killing livestock. As an agency, officials must take responsibility for releasing the wolves, Karney said, adding the officials know wolves are apex predators - that's animals atop the food chain with no natural predators.

Hence, Karney argued, it's not reasonable for agency officials to claim they aren't responsible.

During the April 2 hearing, Davis claimed that wildlife staff have attempted to minimize the conflicts, adding that the agency stands with ranchers "in their anger and their fear."

Davis, at times, became emotional when he spoke.

"It's so hard for me to hear what our staff are going through, being threatened, to be alienated in your own community because you're doing your job," he said.

To his staff, Davis said the executive management team has their backs. They would be there to pick one another up, learn from it, move forward, and adapt, he said.

Davis did not mention that ranchers and their allies have been asking the agency for months for a definition of "chronic depredation" that would allow ranchers who lose livestock to wolves to be able to use lethal methods to manage it.

So far, the agency's response is to suggest nonlethal methods that ranchers say don't work.

Don Gittleson, a rancher from Jackson County, told lawmakers a few days ago that it's cheaper to lose a cow to a wolf than to pay for those nonlethal methods.

While CPW officials said they are not to blame for what has transpired since the wolves were reintroduced in Colorado, state ranchers have argued that is not entirely true.

Davis and his staff told the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee last fall they would do everything possible not to bring problem wolves to Colorado.

In fact, the state of Oregon reported that half of the 10 wolves sent to Colorado came from packs that attacked livestock eight times in 2023 alone. Two of those attacks took place last May, killing one five-week-old calf and injuring two four-to-six-week-old calves.

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As ranchers prepare for calving season, which will continue from March through June, Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges nonlethal options for dealing with problem wolves.

The agency has also pledged to hire range riders to patrol ranches.

However, with 1,800 square miles and 70 ranches in Grand County, questions have surfaced about whether those range riders would be in the same part of the county as the wolves and if the agency is notifying ranchers when wolves are nearby.

The agency's black eye isn't only about wolves.

Lawmakers have sharply criticized the agency over its failure to communicate plans with ranchers and continued delay in coming up with a definition of "chronic depredation."

On April 3, the agency advocated for a bill to add rare plants and invertebrates to species that may be studied and conserved during a hearing before the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The bill is part of the "Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act."

House Bill 1117 won a 4-3 party-line vote from the committee, which sent it on to the appropriations committee, along with a nearly $1 million state cost.

The success of such a program will rely heavily on the agency's relationships with private landowners, including ranchers.

The state's private land program notes how private landowners "partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on a myriad of research efforts through providing access, information sharing, and even financial contributions for research including studying population dynamics in species from mountain lions to elk."

Such a partnership could eventually include invertebrates.

But given the soured relationship that occurred through the wolf restoration, programs reliant on private landowner partnerships could now be in jeopardy.

The letter from the Yuma County Cattlemen's Association said across the state, landowners, including ranchers, "have opened our gates to CPW and members of the public who respectfully enjoy the use of our lands, be it for hunting, bird watching, recreation, and even star gazing."

That's changing, the letter said, adding, "Private gates are being locked to CPW, making cooperation and management of wildlife incredibly difficult."

The cattlemen's group had demanded in February that the agency come up with a definition of chronic depredation within a week and stop denying help to ranchers, such as Gittleson, who have pleaded for the state to take action on wolves killing livestock.

Failure to define chronic depredation "will not only be another in a string of violations of trust but a significant disappointment," the group said.

"We have all enjoyed working relationships with CPW in the past and would like to continue that relationship. Still, the failure to provide a proposed definition of chronic depredation would prompt our membership to support our fellow livestock producers most affected by these failures and lock our gates to CPW and the public, as well," the group added.

The private land program boasts two million acres of private land that have been open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other activities.

Karney said Eastern Plains ranchers have been on the verge of potentially shutting the gates to wildlife officers, but that the development with the wolves and appointments to the wildlife commission that included animal rights activists have become the last straw.

"It's not just about wolves," Karney told Colorado Politics. "It's affecting everything that happened throughout the agency."

A spokesman for CPW told Colorado Politics Monday that wildlife staffers are working on the definition of chronic depredation. It will go through the state's regulatory process and will most likely be heard by the commission in June or July, the agency said.
Colorado Republicans are accusing Democratic leaders of censorship, saying the latter have provided them with a list of words they are prohibited from using during floor debates.

More specifically, Republicans claimed they were told not to say specific words, including "illegal alien," during debates on immigration.

House Democratic leaders could not be immediately reached for comment.

It's the latest battle to erupt at the state Capitol over speech  or, more specifically, over words that the majority party deems offensive. In the past few months, Democrats and Republicans also clashed over using a transgender person's birth name, which activists refer to as "deadnaming."

And just a few weeks ago, a group filed a federal lawsuit against Democratic lawmakers, alleging they suppressed  during public hearings  the free speech of those opposed to a measure that would provide a specific avenue for transgender individuals convicted of felonies to legally change their name.

On Saturday, Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, spoke of his own experience as an immigrant, labeling himself as an "illegal alien," during a discussion on House Bill 1280, which seeks to create a grant program for organizations to provide services for immigrants.

During the debate, Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, who served as the debate chair, intervened and informed him that members are not allowed to use that term, even when referring to their own personal experiences. Brown, instead, suggested using other terms, such "undocumented immigrant," arguing that calling a person "illegal" can be hurtful and offensive.

Weinberg's colleague, Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Hudson, faced a similar rebuke for using the term "illegal immigrants." Rep. Anthony Hartsook, R- Parker, also drew the gavel over what the majority believed to be an insinuation that the presence of immigrants unlawfully staying in the country could lead to a terrorist attack similar to September 11.

The illegal immigration crisis on the southern border has been spilling over into America's interior cities, notably in Denver, Chicago and New York. Recently, Denver officials traveled to the Mexico border to tell shelter providers in El Paso, Texas that the city will no longer have an open arms policy toward immigrants who arrive in Colorado's most populous jurisdiction after illegally crossing the border.

The city has been considering major cuts to its public safety budget and other places in an effort to contain the fiscal toll of the crisis. Over the past 16 months, Denver has cared for more than 41,000 immigrants at a cost of roughly $68 million. And although the state and federal government have reimbursed Denver about $14.5 million, city taxpayers have assumed the bulk of these costs.

Like their counterparts at the state Capitol, Denver officials prefers a specific word to describe the immigrants: "newcomers."

On Monday, Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, said Republicans were "shut down" when using certain words, even though media organizations have used them or they are found in federal statutes.

"We are provided by House leadership a list of words that are offensive to the majority around illegal immigration," Pugliese said.

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"Today, we stand together to say that the minority being silenced and censored in this chamber is against the values we hold dear as Americans and as Coloradans," she said. "This isn't the first time we've been up here advocating for our voices to be heard."

Pugliese acknowledged that illegal immigration is a touchy subject but argued that having difficult conversations is part of their duty as legislators.

"The voters of Colorado want us to have these uncomfortable conversations," she said."

She noted a statewide poll earlier this month, which showed illegal immigration to be the paramount issue for Colorado voters. Roughly two in three view the unprecedented influx as a major problem lawmakers should address. Homelessness hit the No. 2 spot.

"The founding of this country was based on hard conversations. Free speech is free speech for all of us in this chamber," she said.

It's not the first time that Democrats have been accused of curtailing someone's speech around controversial subjects.

Earlier this month, the Institute for Free Speech filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of Gays Against Groomers and the Rocky Mountain Womens Network to prohibit Colorado lawmakers from enforcing speaker restrictions against using misgendering and deadnaming language when referring to transgender individuals.

"Misgendering" refers to assigning the wrong gender to someone and "deadnaming" means using an individuals birth name, rather than the name the person adopted as part of the gender transition.

The lawsuit claimed that lawmakers prevented two people from speaking during House and Senate Judiciary committee meetings in January and March because they had used a male pronoun for a transgender woman, the complaint said.

Portions of one person's testimony  the complaint added  were scrubbed from the official audio recording of the Senate hearing.

Created in 2022, Gays Against Groomers is a nonprofit organization comprised of gays against the sexualization, indoctrination and medicalization of children, according to the groups Instagram page. The organization is known for campaigning against "gender-affirming care"  which includes social, psychological or medical interventions for transgender individuals, such as hormone therapy and surgical procedures  for minors and criticizing Drag Queen Story Hour events.

House Bill 1280 will most likely be read for a third time later this week.

Reporter Nico Brambila has contributed to this article.
Fountain Valley residents are seeing the levels of forever chemicals in their blood drop over time, although the level of one substance remains high compared to people across the nation, results of recent studies show.

Researcher Anne Starling, with the Colorado School of Public Health, presented the findings during a virtual meeting Tuesday that focused on early results from a multi-site forever chemical study with more than 1,000 participants from the Fountain Valley.

Residents in Fountain, Security-Widefield and surrounding areas drank water contaminated with forever chemicals from firefighting foams used on Peterson Space Force Base for years. All the communities are now treating the ground water for the chemicals. However, the exposure lead to elevated levels of the substances in their blood that can cause long-term health effects such as an increase in cholesterol levels, kidney and testicular cancers, among many other effects.

Forever chemical is a blanket term for thousands of chemicals that remain in the environment and human bodies and do not break down. Americans are exposed to them in fast-food packaging and nonstick cookware.

The large multi-site study includes participants from California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Fountain Valley boasted the second highest number of enrollees of all the sites with 1,066. Pennsylvania led the way with 1,342 enrollees.

"This community really made a strong contribution to the power and impact of this national study," Starling said.

The study seeks to determine the connections between forever chemical exposure and health effects such as liver damage, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and obesity. It will also study forever chemical effects in children such as learning and behavioral issues.

The analysis to determine those connections is just getting underway and will be forthcoming over the next two years, she said.

"The real work as far as I am concerned is the analysis," she said.

However she was able to share some broad results comparing recent sampling of Fountain Valley residents from earlier, smaller samples taken in 2018 and 2019. While the samples included different groups of people, the trend was clear.

"The median level is going down which is exactly what you would expect following exposure ceasing from the water source," Starling said. Researchers are seeing a 40% decline in median exposure.

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However, levels of PFHxS remain higher than the national levels, she said. PFHxS is a substance associated with firefighting foam.

While the human body cannot break down the chemicals, humans excrete forever chemicals slowly through urine and blood, Starling said. Women in the Fountain Valley overall have a lower level of forever chemicals likely because the chemicals are leaving their body through their menstrual cycles and pregnancy, she said.

Study participates have also received letters with their personal levels of forever chemicals that can inform their health care.

Starling explained residents should add up the levels of PFAS in bold in their letter; that total can help guide screenings clinicians should offer.

Those with totals between 2 nanograms per milliliter and 20 nanograms per milliliter have a potential for adverse effects, especially in sensitive populations. Those with totals above 20 nanograms per milliliter have increased risk of adverse health effects, the presentation said.

More details about those guidelines can be found at bit.ly/NASEM-PFAS.

To limit exposure to forever chemicals, residents can use stainless steel or cast iron pots and pains and avoid eating fast food because forever chemicals are used in the packaging, the presentation said.

A second online community meeting is set for 6:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday. Residents can stream the presentation and ask question during the meeting on Zoom at https://ucdenver.zoom.us/j/93678053215.

More information about the study can be found at co-scope.org.
The Colorado Springs City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to rezone about 5 acres of land in northern Colorado Springs to build the city's latest fire station.

Since 2021, the Fire Department has planned to build its Fire Station 24 at the intersection of New Life Drive and Interquest Parkway, east of Pikes Peak State College's Rampart Range Campus.

The planned one-story, approximately 12,000-square-foot facility will cost $7 million to $10 million to build, fire officials previously estimated when the Planning Commission in mid-March considered the rezoning request.

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Fire Station 24 will provide service to a growing part of town, Kenny Rankin, the city's facility administrator, said Tuesday. Fire Department representatives said previously the area already sees between 700 to 750 calls for service a year and they expect call volumes to increase as development continues in the vicinity.

Rankin said the facility will fill about a 6-mile gap in the Fire Department's geographical service area between its two nearest fire stations, Station 19 near Research Parkway and Chapel Hills Drive, and Station 22 located off Voyager Parkway and across from Spectrum Loop.

Fire Station 24 will be located about 4.2 miles from Fire Station 22 and about 3.6 miles from Station 19, Rankin said. It will also improve emergency response times in the area.
Two Fountain police dogs will receive potentially life-saving protective vests in the coming weeks, thanks to local donations through a national nonprofit, according to a news release from the department.

Moody and Goose, Fountains four-legged officers, will be equipped with bullet- and stab-protective vests from Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that provides protective vests to law enforcement dogs across the country.

Jonathan Allamani of Colorado Springs sponsored Gooses donated vest, which will be embroidered with the phrase Honoring those who served and sacrificed," officials said.

A donation from Mindy King of Fountain sponsored Moodys vest, which will read In memory of Jinx, El Paso County SO, EOW 4/11/22.

Jinx, a K-9 for the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, was killed in the line of duty April 11 during a shooting incident in Manitou Springs. A suspect was also killed in the gunfire exchange.

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Sadly, Jinxs vest didnt save him, but the vest is still a critical piece of protective equipment, said Fountain police spokeswoman Lisa Schneider.

Vested Interest in K9s has provided nearly 4,700 vests, at a total value of $6.9 million, to four-legged officers in all 50 states, according to the news release. Certified, active police dogs 20 months of age or older are eligible for the program, which is made possible by private and corporate donations.

Goose and Moody should receive their vests within eight to 10 weeks, officials said.
Seven months after her remains were found in a shallow grave south of Moffat, Suzanne Morphews autopsy report is finished, investigative sources confirmed.

The autopsy took longer than usual because forensic testing had to be completed, a source said, who asked not to be identified because they're not authorized to speak publicly.

The FBI training and research center in Quantico, Virginia consulted on the testing, sources said. The autopsy report was not immediately available to the public. Autopsies are public records.

A call to Chaffee County Coroner Jeff Graff, where Morphew's remains were last known to be stored, was not immediately returned.

The Denver Gazette has requested a copy of the autopsy report.

Sources said that the actual autopsy was done by the El Paso County Coroner's office.

Suzanne Morphew, 49, was reported missing on Mother's Day, May 10, 2020. Her husband, Barry Morphew, was the last known person to see her alive, an arrest document stated. Though he was originally charged in the case, those charges were dropped in April of 2022.

Morphew's remains were found scattered in a dry, high-desert field south of the town of Moffat on Sept. 22.

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The discovery of her remains in Saguache, a bordering county to where she was originally thought to be located, brings in a new law enforcement body  namely the Saguache County Sheriff's Office.

After she went missing, thousands of people turned out to look for her on horseback, on foot and in the streams and rivers. No one thought to look south of town where her remains were found by a Colorado Bureau of Investigation team who stumbled across her bones while they were looking for the remains of a different victim.

Barry Morphew was arrested nearly a year after his wife disappeared, May 5, 2021, on suspicion of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence in her disappearance.

The following September, after a four-day August preliminary hearing, Colorado 11th Judicial District Judge Patrick Murphy ruled there was enough probable cause to take the case to trial. After a five-month COVID-riddled jail stay, Morphew was released on $500,000 cash-only bail and walked into the arms of his adult daughters to await trial.

The case was dismissed without prejudice just nine days before the trial was to begin in April 2022. Without prejudice means that prosecutors can re-file charges. There is a question as to where the case would be tried if that happens. The 19th Judicial District, run by District Attorney Linda Stanley, may relinquish the case to the 12th Judicial District, which is based in Alamosa and run by District Attorney Anne Kelley.

Mallory and Macy Morphew reportedly still support him. Barry Morphew and Morphew's daughters will be having a celebration of life for Suzanne Morphew on May 4 at Trinity Baptist Church in Westfield, Indiana.

Morphew maintains his innocence in the case. He has moved from Colorado to Indiana, where he and Suzanne first met when she was in high school and he was in college.
Al Ojaimi Industrial Group, a pioneer in the electrical manufacturing sector, has entered into a new joint venture with REPL International, the REPL Industry Company factory in Riyadh, a report said.

This strategic initiative, it said, is set to enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's industrial capabilities in alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Gazette said.

Founded in 1976, REPL International has established itself as a leading global manufacturer of cable accessories for the power and telecommunications industries, providing high-quality Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink, and Pre-moulded cable accessories.

The Riyadh factory marks REPL's latest expansion, both globally and regionally, emphasising the company's commitment to supporting strategic industries and contributing to the national economy.

The new REPL factory, with an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 termination and cable joints (with plans for future expansion), aims to serve both the local market and regional customers. This expansion is expected to increase national exports and contribute to the national gross product, further enhancing the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts.

Over the years, Al Ojaimi Industrial Group has demonstrated remarkable growth, expanding from a modest workforce of 30 in 1997 to over 5,000 employees today.

The group's diverse portfolio includes major brands such as Matco, Swanco, ECB, Saudi Taihan, Masarat United Cable Company, and the newly established TransM and NEP.

These companies have significantly contributed to both the regional and global markets, exporting to countries within the GCC and beyond, including Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, Jordan, and Poland.

The launch of the REPL factory is part of Al Ojaimi Empower House's ongoing commitment to sustainable manufacturing. The group is dedicated to exploring new frontiers in green technology, aiming to enhance regional self-sufficiency while protecting the environment for future generations.

With the establishment of the REPL factory, we are not just expanding our manufacturing capabilities; we are also reinforcing our commitment to the economic vision of Saudi Arabia," Al Ojaimi Industrial Group said.

"This factory is a step forward in our continuous effort to innovate and lead in the electrical manufacturing industry, ensuring we meet the growing demands of our customers locally and globally.

The REPL factory is poised to become a cornerstone of the industrial landscape in Riyadh, setting new standards in manufacturing excellence and sustainability.
Changsha Library creates accessible reading environment for visually impaired group

Xinhua) 09:28, April 24, 2024

This photo taken on April 23, 2024 shows a view of the audio reading competition for visually impaired people at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

A visually impaired student reads a book with a visual aid device at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, April 23, 2024. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Yao Shenglong, a staff member of Changsha Library, makes braille materials for visually impaired people at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, April 23, 2024. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Yao Shenglong (R), a staff member of Changsha Library, assists a visually impaired student to adjust the visual assistive device at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, April 23, 2024. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

A visually impaired person reads a braille book with fingertips at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, April 23, 2024. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Visually impaired students search for audio books at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, April 23, 2024. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Visually impaired students listen to a book with a smart voice reader at Changsha Library in Changsha, central China's Hunan province, April 23, 2024. In recent years, Changsha Library has created an accessible reading environment for the visually impaired. The specially designed reading room has more than 10,000 volumes of braille books and journals, over 1,000 audio books and more than 300 accessible movies. Additionally, the library has equipped with reading devices for the visually impaired, such as screen reading software, braille printers and visual aids. The library has also organized cultural activities to bring the joy of reading to the visually impaired group. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the worlds largest alliance of independent hotel brands, which this year marks its 20th anniversary, is expanding its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA Discovery, to include luxury serviced apartments in London, Edinburgh and Dubai with Cheval Collection.

Once integrated later this year, Cheval Collection will offer the 26 million members of GHA Discovery benefits such as member rates and room upgrades, along with the ability to earn and spend Discovery Dollars (D$)  a transparent rewards currency that is spent like cash.

Each Cheval Collection residence brings a unique personality, offering apartments for any length of stay, from brief business trips to extended holidays.

Cheval Collection opened its first property in 1981, in Knightsbridge, London and currently owns and operates a portfolio of more than 800 apartments across nine locations in central London, three in Edinburgh and one in Dubai, all of which are well appointed within key neighbourhoods.

With an ambitious pipeline for future growth, Cheval Collection remains dedicated to providing its guests with superior service at all its destinations worldwide.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Cheval Collection to our alliance, marking our first venture into serviced apartments, said Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA.

Travellers are seeking larger accommodation options, and now they can enjoy recognition and rewards across a greater selection of properties and destinations, including Edinburgh, which we are excited to add.

Mohammed Alawadhi, Managing Director of Cheval Collection, said: Guests increasingly expect a loyalty programme as part of their stay and, as we expand around the world, Global Hotel Alliance offers the potential to raise our profile, while also gaining valued guest feedback.

Gha Discovery is the only loyalty scheme run by hotels, for hotels, encouraging direct bookings as well as providing additional marketing support and access to new markets. Our goal is to recognise and reward the loyalty of our guests and GHA Discovery, with its proven track record, is the most appropriate fit.  TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, in its preliminary traffic statistics for March 2024, said it welcomed more than 1.4 million guests onboard and saw its passenger load factor average out at 84% across the month.

In March 2024, we saw a 43% year-on-year growth in customer numbers as we continue our growth strategy, said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

Our year-to-date (YTD) passenger figures at 4.3 million are 41% higher than at YTD March 2023.

Our latest seasonal expansion in routes and frequencies has boosted Etihad's weekly flights by 34%, rising from 642 in 2023 to 866 in the peak June-July 2024 season, expanding our network and improving global connectivity.

We continued to announce further growth to our network, including unveiling Al Qassim as our fourth destination in Saudi Arabia, and further frequences on our European network. These include double-daily flights to Frankfurt and Rome, offering morning and afternoon departures, strengthening our operations with convenient schedules.  TradeArabia News Service
North Iowa residents have another delicious option for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Mason City. Victorino's Italian Cafe has opened in the former Pies and More location at Willowbrook Mall.

Victorino's serves breakfast and lunch each day from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. when the menu changes over to Italian specialty pastas and entrees.

It's another in a long line of business opened by Luis Victorino and his family. He got his start in Mason City operating the Mr. Taco food truck. Eventually, he opened a brick-and-mortar Mr. Taco in Southbridge Mall. He followed that up with a short-lived torta and dessert restaurant, also in Southbridge's food court.

He owns the Happy Donkey on Federal Plaza and Lulu's Lounge on South Federal Avenue. Both restaurants serve Mexican favorites and specialty drinks.

"This is fun, trying something new," said Victorino. "I have been working in Mason City and Northwood since I came here to Iowa and now I am making breakfast, which I haven't done before. I worked for a few weeks with a friend in his restaurant to learn about making breakfast, and now I am ready to serve it to all of you."

Victorino's daughter, Dali Cansino, is no stranger to working with family. During the summer months, she runs the Sweet Rescue Ice Cream truck seen cruising Mason City neighborhoods. On Wednesday morning, she was taking orders and delivering pancakes and eggs to diners.

Kayla and Mariah Evans stopped in for breakfast on the restaurant's first day. The Evanses are friends with Sarah Yezek, another server at Victorino's.

"Sarah made a post on Facebook, and we decided to try it out," Mariah Evans said. They brought along Winter, 2, and August, not quite 1 year old. Kayla Evans was enjoying eggs Benedict, while Mariah had pancake with teddy bear ears.

Prices for breakfast and lunch run from $4 to $12. The affordable options are classic American fare like eggs and toast or a breakfast burger. Salads, sandwiches and appetizers round out the lunch menu.

Dinner service features dishes with seafood and chicken and baked pastas. Classic fare such as spaghetti with meatballs and chicken alfredo is priced around $12, and the most expensive meal on the menu clocks in at just $19.95.

The cozy, 11-table restaurant offers a limited bar with beer, wine and a few mixed drinks. The north dining area offers a space for gatherings of up to 16 people.

Victorino's Italian Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. The cafe is located at 1631 Fourth St. S.W. in Willowbrook Mall.
Long tables draped in colorful cloths line the floor of the gymnasium.

Scattered about the tables are hundreds of bronze bells ranging in size from tiny ones weighing a few ounces to 15-pound monstrosities.

As the conductor raises her arms, gloved hands lift the bells to stand at attention like soldiers until their cue drops.

On April 26-27 about 184 handbell ringers from 18 church and community choirs in Montana, Washington and Idaho will descend on Helena for the 41st Annual Big Sky Handbell Festival.

The two-day festival includes a free public concert on Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Helena High School gymnasium.

If you go ... What: 41st Annual Big Sky Handbell Festival Concert When: Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. Where: Helena High School Gymnasium, 1300 Billings Ave. Cost: Free Contact: 509-434-6963 Info: handbellmusicians.org/events

Its a wild experience, said Lilly Olson, festival host and director of the Bells of Covenant Choir in Helena. Ear protection would not be a bad idea because its loud but its really cool to watch. Because bell playing is such a physical experience, the motion of watching bell players is a really beautiful experience as an audience member.

As a director, I watch it all the time, but then you multiply that by 18 choirs and its just sort of like overwhelming and really cool, Olson continued.

According to Tomi Kent, the president of the Big Sky Handbell Musicians, the event first developed in Butte. There was a small group of handbell players who concocted the idea of getting multiple choirs together to play. The group later incorporated in 2015 to better organize the event and streamline the financing for it.

While the festival location rotates from year to year, Kent shared that the last time the festival was held in Helena was in 2015. Olson was asked about a year ago to host the 2024 event in Helena.

I think it was a mix of excited and nervous, said Olson of being asked to host the festival. You sorta have a sense of how much behind-the-scenes work that there must be to put this on. In some ways it is just as complicated as I thought it would be, but in some ways even more so.

But despite the challenge of tackling the large to-do list for the event, Olson is excited to welcome so many ringers to Helena for the festival.

Its an opportunity to welcome everyone to the festival in your backyard and be able to show them around so they get to see the sights and experience your city, the culture and food, and all the quirky things that Helena has to offer, said Olson.

This years festival begins on Friday afternoon with a director seminar led by guest clinician and conductor Sandra Eithun.

Eithun leads the handbell programs at Holy Family Conservatory of Music in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and the Valley Troubadours of Appleton, Wisconsin. As both a composer and arranger, Eithun has over 600 handbell pieces in publication as well as several sacred keyboard books and teaching collections. Her compositions have been featured in concerts by noted groups including The Raleigh Ringers and The Bells on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

While Olson said she has taken part in several of the director seminars during past festivals, she anticipates this years will be very hands on. From learning how to better direct and rehearse bell choirs to marking music and teaching ringers to quickly memorize their music, it stands to be a learning experience for all in attendance.

Following the directors seminar on Friday, all 184 ringers and their carefully packed bells move into the Helena High gym for a full day of rehearsals leading up to the evening concert.

The shift for the ringers going from a typical rehearsal with a dozen or so other ringers to a room packed with nearly 200 will be an experience to say the least.

You spend the first hour saying, What an awesome sound; Ive never heard this before, said Kent. It just heightens the thrill of the quality music we are using to just have it happening all around you by 150 more people than youre used to playing with.

Olson shared that some choirs own and bring with them large bass bells that play the lowest notes.

Its a good time if you get placed in front of a choir that has one of those because you just feel the rumble; it feels great, said Olson. You dont really hear the sound; you just feel it in your body. Those are really, really fun.

Kent said there is a real art to playing handbells.

The actual ringing of bells is a very physical one, said Kent. I often say this feels like a dance. You have to coordinate all of your body to do all the moves to actually make the sounds.

Olson said that in a single bell choir, each member is typically only responsible for one or two notes.

What I really like about ringing is that every single person is responsible for a note or two, but its not supposed to sound like its a bunch of people playing, Olson said. "Its kinda supposed to be one sound but these people are waiting for the exact moment to make their note so that it sounds like continuous flow.

But some ringers, like Norma Smith, a member of the Bells of Covenant choir with Olson, have the skills to play upward of six bells. She utilizes a challenging technique called four in hand where she holds two bells in each hand but at different angles.

Im kinda blessed because I have large hands, Smith said. When I put my hand up against someone elses theyre always amazed at how long my fingers are. I can hold bells easier that most people can.

In a normal bell choir setting, there is enormous pressure on each individual ringer to nail the timing of their note perfectly because they are the only one playing it.

Youre responsible for that note at that time, said Olson. If youre not there, it doesnt happen. Its high stakes but its a really fun thing to participate in.

But in the festival setting where 18 choirs converge, each ringer potentially has 17 other counterpart ringers playing their note alongside them.

Whats really cool is that if you make a mistake, no one notices because theres so many people, joked Smith. Its actually quiet relieving and takes the pressure off.

Of the nearly 10 pieces the bell choir will play during their public concert on Saturday, Olson shared that Eithun composed or arranged nearly half of them.

Its a good lineup and I really enjoy all the pieces, said Olson. There are some that are more challenging tonally or have musical elements that are more difficult to achieve and count and so its challenging based on which notes are all playing at same time.

I am really enjoying everything that is written by Sandra, said Kent. She is very special and has such great arrangements, great musicality.

Smith shared that festival participants maintain a special tradition of how they commence and end the event each year.

Every year when we start the festival the youngest ringer comes out and rings the highest bell, and at the end of the festival the oldest person rings us out with one of low bells, Smith said. Thats a tradition.

In the span of only about 24 hours, the ringers will have come, played and completed another festival. The impact of the moments shared, however, will be long lasting.

You definitely have sore forearms by the end of it, Olson joked. Theres lots of swinging metal around especially when youre used to playing for one and a half hours once a week and then all of a sudden, youre doing it for like 12 hours.

I look forward to seeing people who only come together once a year, said Kent. Its kinda a reunion. Choirs attend sometimes just as a retreat for themselves.

As the 184 ringers make final preparations to carefully transport their cases of brass to Helena, theyd encourage everyone to come and share in the experience of hearing a gym full of bells and celebrate 41 years of ringing under the Big Sky.

Its a unique and enjoyable experience, said Smith of the concert. Its not what you think its going to be. It sounds kinda dorky, but its filled with unique and pleasing sounds. You are, as a listener, surprised at all the different sounds a bell can make.

Its an awesome, one-of-a-kind sound that only comes around to Helena maybe once every 10 years, said Kent.

Its a ton of fun and its just loud as blazes but in a really awesome way, said Olson. Its worth the experience. Its like nothing youve ever heard.
Etihad Airways said it will start flying its A380 double-decker to Paris, CDG from November 1, 2024. The French capital becomes the third major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience, after London and New York.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris is the perfect destination for our iconic A380 aircraft. This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering award-winning comfort and service across all cabin classes.

"The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi  Paris route enriches both leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad's commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Our state-of-the-art cabins and bespoke amenities ensure that business travellers can work, relax, and arrive refreshed. Features like The Lobby lounge and Business Studios create an ideal environment for productivity and comfort.

By enhancing the travel experience with greater connectivity and luxury, we make business trips more accessible and enjoyable, connecting travellers to Abu Dhabis dynamic economy and rich cultural landscape with the premium service Etihad is known for."

The A380 brings a special touch to air travel. Economy passengers enjoy a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihads innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows.

On the upper deck, Business Studios feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and WiFi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience.

First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a big ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room.

At the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world's only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service.

Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an a la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.
"La Chimera" (PG-13)

At the Myrna Loy

Grade: B+

Filmed in Tuscany, La Chimera escorts us on a leisurely walk around Italy  on the beaches, in the pubs and among old graves.

Arthur, an Englishman just released from prison, is an Italian graverobber. He has left behind his days as an archeological scholar to search for the legendary burial tombs of Tuscany. Art dealers may pay good money for new antiquities.

Arthur has a knack with a dowser, a divining stick that leads him to hidden graves. He and his motley collection of friends combine chutzpah with shovels to search for buried treasure. Ideally, theyd like to find antiquities to rival King Tuts fortune, but theyll settle for any bit of bling.

Nothing legal about this venture, of course, which means the carefree gang members are often outrunning the local Polizia.

When hes not dowsing for dollars, Arthur is searching for love  from yesteryear and today. He returns to his lost loves home, hoping Beniamina will return. We suspect shes gone forever, but even death will not stop our lonely man in a white suit from pursuing her  a beautiful ghost would be quite welcome.

Meanwhile, Italia, a former maid and single mom who is very much alive, takes a liking to Arthur and wins at least a portion of his heart. We suspect a part of his soul will be forever reserved for the return of Beniamina.

Director Alice Rohrwacher tells this dreamlike tale whimsically, often allowing memories to push aside digging, drinking and loving. We arent always certain whether were in a dream or in a bar, but that ambiguity is the point, really.

La Chimera has its root in Greek mythology, a fire-breathing monster  part lion, part goat, part dragon/serpent. The term has evolved to refer to an unrealizable dream.

Arthur is clearly on a quest for his chimera. His stick leads him to exciting discoveries. Meanwhile his heart is leading him to new  and old - places, too.

La Chimera starts very slowly  tediously, actually  as our ex-con hero reenters his old life. The script doesnt find a pulse for a half-hour or so. But we perk up when sparks fly between Arthur and Italia. Finally, the digging begins with cops in fast pursuit.

Along the way Rohrwacher inserts visions and flashbacks both to confuse and intrigue us.

While I enjoyed wandering around Tuscany with my shovel at the ready, I wished the seamstress had not waited so long to start knitting. And, to be honest, I found Arthur (Josh OConnor) sullen and forgettable through most of the journey.

The women, on the other hand, were, well, Italian! Italia (Carol Duarte) in the flesh and Beniamina in the mist are wonderful. And the one and only Isabella Rossellini (daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini) is fabulous as the mother of Arthurs missing love, Beniamina. Italias children are authentic, delightful.

The ladies supply more than enough spice to make the pasta appetizing so, in the end, I embraced my guided trip to Italy.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.  The group gathered inside the conference room, mostly women, fell silent as the audio recording began to play.

The male voice, clearly agitated, railed against what he thought had been fraud that cost former President Donald Trump reelection four years ago.

Youre gonna pay for it, said the man, filling his message with expletives and suggesting his targets throat be slashed with a knife. We will  take you out. Your family, your life."

The call was directed at one of their own, a city clerk who oversaw elections in 2020 in her suburban Detroit community. The former clerk, Tina Barton, played the recording of the call she had received to an audience that included several dozen local election clerks and a few law enforcement officials who had gathered recently inside an office building conference room in northern Michigan.

I want you to understand this voicemail is the same type of thing that were seeing across the country, and it can find you anywhere you are  small community, large community, Michigan, Arizona. It can find you, said Barton, who was overseeing elections in Rochester Hills when she received the voicemail a week after the 2020 presidential election.

The recent gathering in Traverse City, a picturesque community on the shores of Lake Michigan in a county that has twice voted for Trump, was part of a national effort to train local election workers on how they can respond to threats and work with law enforcement to counter them.

As the nation barrels toward another highly charged presidential election, the threats to election offices that have been an alarming consequence of Trump's false claims about his 2020 loss loom as a perilous wildcard for thousands of local government workers who will oversee the indispensable infrastructure of the nations democracy this fall. The constant threats and harassment have contributed to an exodus of election officials across the country.

Barton left her job in Rochester Hills shortly after the 2020 election and later became part of the newly formed Committee for Safe and Secure Elections. Since joining, she has given nearly 100 presentations throughout the country.

Earlier this month, The Associated Press was granted rare access inside the committees training session in Traverse City and allowed to observe the scenarios election workers are likely to face this year and the discussions about how they and law enforcement can prepare for them.

None of these scenarios are sensational. They are all things that have already happened in some way, shape or form across the country, Barton tells the group. To say, Oh, that could never happen. These things are already happening.

Bartons partner in the training is Justin Smith, the former sheriff in Larimer County, Colorado, who signed up after retiring last year and hearing directly from local election officials about the onslaught of threats they have faced since 2020.

During the training, Smith often speaks directly to the police officers and sheriffs deputies in the room, explaining the role they play in elections and how the environment has changed since 2020. In past years, election officials were likely to deal with issues on their own, such as protesters or unruly citizens looking to promote their candidates at polling places.

Its not that simple anymore, Smith tells the group. We need to be at the table and be part of the solution.

To election officials, he explains how law enforcement has historically sought to keep its distance from anything to do with elections, mindful of First Amendment concerns and not wanting to interfere with anyones right to vote.

Barton guides the election officials through various scenarios and encourages them to think through their responses, when it makes sense to alert law enforcement and when to consider releasing information to the public.

I know theres been some, maybe disgruntlement across the country from some election officials that feel that they havent gotten the response from law enforcement that they thought law enforcement should give, Barton tells the election officials. So these conversations help us understand what they can actually do in those scenarios and what they cant do.

She said election offices might deal with everything from threatening emails and phone calls to an AI-generated robocall sent to poll workers telling them to stay home on Election Day. One of the scenarios Barton presents to the group mirrors events that unfolded in the days immediately after elections last fall, when local election offices in a handful of states received letters in the mail that contained fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, whose office helped sponsor and coordinate the Traverse City training, said its imperative for law enforcement and election officials to work together to ensure a smooth election in November.

Benson said her office has been providing grants to election offices to help them boost security. The federal government also is engaged in the effort. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will assess the physical security of local election offices and has written guidance for workers on how to de-escalate tense situations.

Michael D. Shea, the sheriff in Grand Traverse County, said he was surprised at how vulnerable election officials can be because of the requirements associated with their job. He said it was understandable to have some concerns about elections, particularly with the use of technology in parts of the voting process, but said he trusted experts and his local election officials.

The goal is a safe, secure, fair election, said Shea, who attended the training. And we intend to make that happen.

In 2024, 180 state legislators are facing term limits. Here's everything you need to know about which states will be most impacted In 2024, 180 state legislators are facing term limits. Here's everything you need to know about which states will be most impacted Democratic and Republican term-limited incumbents Term-limited state legislators by year
The whole ugly Friday is recounted in Brower's book, "Killdozer: The True Story of the Colorado Bulldozer Rampage," and it's the subject of a 2020 documentary, now available on Netflix, called "Tread." A ton of videos of that day, too, are available online, many of them containing archival news footage of the rampage.

Heemeyer, behind the controls of his steel-and-concrete reinforced killdozer, began his attack on the town and his enemies at about 3 p.m., bursting through a wall of the secret shop where he constructed his monstrosity.

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First, he flattened a couple buildings at a close-by concrete batch plant that he had complained about to the town council. And then, with what seemed to be a clear plan, he got even with others on his list. By the time he was finished, he had demolished 13 buildings, including the town hall and the library within it, the police station, the home of the ex-mayor, a bank, numerous vehicles, the newspaper where Brower worked and the local hardware store.

During the rampage, law enforcement tried to stop Heemeyer and his dozer with volleys of gunfire. Nothing worked. Heemeyer, with powerful rifles mounted inside the tank, shot at police and at least one of his rival business owners. He aimed his guns at propane tanks and fired, apparently trying to set off a major explosion (with what could have been a great loss of life). He plowed down buildings with people still in them. Others gathered in the streets to watch the odd spectacle.

Brower was in the newspaper offices that afternoon when Heemeyer came by, sending the walls tumbling and Brower running into the street.

"Right from the start, the day of the rampage, and I was running for my life from my building that he was destroying ... I knew, right away, I said, 'I'm on the wrong side of this story,'" says Brower, who had been covering Heemeyer's interactions with the town government for years and had met with him to hear out his beef against the paper.

"There was a woman talking on the local radio station as Marv was going through town ... she was sitting there saying, 'Marv is just a gentle giant, he's a teddy bear of a guy, he would only hurt people who hurt him ... ' It's just galling."

The wrecking spree went on for some 90 minutes, but miraculously  despite the machine's meme-made name and Heemeyer's best if ultimately inept efforts  no one was killed. No one, that is, except Heemeyer, who took his own life not long after his not-quite-lethal weapon bogged down in the middle of razing Gambles hardware store. "The idea somehow that Marv didn't want to hurt anybody is absolutely absurd," Brower says. "He just failed."

After hours of trying to get into the stalled-out dozer, police finally cut through a steel door and pulled out Heemeyer's body in the darkened morning hours of June 5. Heemeyer was 52 years old.

"Had they not meddled in my business," Heemeyer pronounced in his pre-rampage manifesto, "this whole thing would have turned out completely different."

" " A destroyed Xcel energy truck is stuck into the Mountain Parks Electric building after Marvin Heemeyer's rampage with an armored bulldozer. Hyoung Chang/Denver Post via Getty Images
Who is North Carolinas most famous person?

If you go by who got featured in a front-page article last week in The New York Times, the answer is easy.

Virginia Foxx.

Who is Foxx? She is a U.S. Congressional representative from North Carolina who is chair of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce.

She and her committee led investigations and held hearings in December that were critical of the handling by several universities of antisemitism on campuses. Those hearings led to the resignations of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania.

On April 16, Times journalist Anemona Hartocollis wrote that Foxxs drubbings are part of a campaign by Republicans against what they view as double standards within elite education establishments  practices that they say favor some groups over others, and equity over meritocracy. Others see it as partisan attack.

On the same day, Foxx and her committee focused on Columbia University. In her opening statement, she wrote, Since October 7th, this Committee and the nation have watched in horror as so many of our college campuses, particularly the most expensive, so-called elite schools, have erupted into hotbeds of antisemitism and hate. Columbia University is one of the worst of those hotbeds and we have seen far too little, far too late done to counter that and protect students and staff. Columbia stands guilty of gross negligence at best and at worst has become a platform for those supporting terrorism and violence against the Jewish people

That a taxpayer funded institution would become a forum for the promotion of terrorism raises serious questions. Moreover, Columbia administrators have repeatedly failed in their duty to protect Jewish students from this hateful, retrograde form of discrimination. Dont take my word for it. In February, Columbia undergraduate Eden Yadegar told the Committee, It is impossible to exist as a Jewish student at Columbia without running face first into antisemitism every single day. Jew-hatred is so deeply embedded into campus culture, that it has become casual and palatable among students and faculty and neglected by administrators.

The day after Foxxs remarks, Columbias campus exploded with pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

But it was not her tough talk about elite universities that got Foxx and North Carolina to the Times front page. Rather it was Foxxs compelling life story and the beauty of the mountains where she lives that got the attention of Hartocollis. Foxx was born in New York City, but in 1950 her family moved to Avery County in western North Carolina. They lived in the isolated mountains in a house without running water or electricity. There was no outhouse, so, as she told Hartocollis, we went to the woods.

Her father was a painter and a paperhanger; her mother worked odd jobs.

Somehow, Foxx pushed through high school, taking a janitors job her senior year. She married Tom Foxx, had a daughter, and working all the way, after seven years earned a bachelors degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Then she earned a masters in sociology from Chapel Hill, and a doctorate in education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Meanwhile she and Tom started Grandfather Mountain Nursery and Landscaping, and some of my friends bought their Christmas trees from them.

She became an assistant dean at Appalachian State and then president of Mayland Community College in northwest North Carolina. Although she started poor, hard work made her and Tom millionaires.

After serving in the North Carolina Senate from 1995 to 2005, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Foxx took Hartocollis to her home, a house on a hill with spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain.

Hartocolliss front page description of the beauty of these North Carolina mountains and Foxxs tenaciousness, toughness, and grit made Virginia Foxx, at least for a day, North Carolinas most famous person.
Members of the Cabarrus chapter of Down Home North Carolina, a statewide nonprofit working to uplift and empower poor and working-class citizens in rural counties, are working to shine a spotlight on a topic that affects people throughout the county: the rapid increase in housing prices.

As part of One New Fund, Many New Homes, the name of the 2024 project, the Cabarrus chapter is working not only to raise awareness about the rising prices of apartments and homes in the area, but to call on the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners to help alleviate the issue.

The group is asking the county commission to allocate $5 million, or roughly 1% of the total budget, into a new revolving-door fund for affordable housing. The fund would grant low-interest loans to nonprofit housing organizations, including WeBuild Concord and Habitat for Humanity, for the development of new affordable housing options for residents.

There is a housing crisis in Cabarrus County, Jasmine Lewter, regional director of the Cabarrus chapter, told the Independent Tribune, noting that Cabarrus ranks 5th out of the 100 counties in North Carolina for the highest number of evictions, slightly worse than in 2023, when Cabarrus was ranked 6th. The rent that is being charged for these new developments, its not affordable to the people who have lived here, do live here and are native to this community.

The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Concord, for example, is $1,374, according to data from Zillow, about 12% higher than across North Carolina, where the median rent is $1,227, and on par with Charlotte, which has a median rent of $1,388.

We want to make Cabarrus County a place where people want to stay and not a place where theyre forced to leave because they cant afford to live here, Lewter added.

The group earlier this year canvassed neighborhoods in Concord and Kannapolis to better understand the issues most impacting residents. Lewter mentioned recently conversing with residents in the Logan Community who talked about their rent increasing $100 each year without any improvements to their living conditions.

After debating several options during its March chapter meeting, members coalesced around affordable housing as its campaign for this year.

The Cabarrus chapter is a diverse group, comprised of around 50 dues-paying members of all backgrounds, with ages ranging from 17 to 74. We learn from each other, said member Nancy Hoffarth.

The group recently began circulating a petition to request the county commissioners create the revolving-door fund for affordable housing. A total of 70 people have signed as of April 23; the goal is to garner 1,000 signatures before mid-June, when the county commissioners approve the 2024-25 budget.

The Cabarrus chapter of Down Home has had success achieving tangible results in the past, including last years Evict Less, House More campaign.

The idea of creating a revolving fund to help with affordable housing development was first brought to the attention of Down Home members about a year ago by Dr. Patrick Graham, chief executive director of WeBuild Concord.

Whats great about the concept (of a revolving fund) is it will renew itself and you will have several projects done with the same dollar, Graham said.

Graham is appreciative that the Cabarrus chapter is advocating for the establishment of the fund. Its great that they want to take this on, he said.

Due to the groups dedication and persistence, including speaking during public comments at County Commission meetings, key changes were enacted in the fiscal 2024 budget to the Emergency Assistance program, which provides financial assistance to individuals who have recently suffered a documented crisis, such as being evicted.

These included increasing the maximum amount families can receive from $500 to $1,000; removing restrictions that landlords have to be registered with the county as local vendors; and letting unused funds roll into the next fiscal year.

As part of the groups advocacy last year, I think we realized that evictions are downstream, Hoffarth said. But thats not the cause. We just had to go upstream ... and the cause is that housing, whether its buying a home or renting a home, has just increased exponentially.

Member Alice Gamble said she dislikes the term affordable housing because it implies that there is some universal standard that is acceptable to all residents of the community.

If youre in a low-income area, those peoples salaries are nothing like people who live around the country club, Gamble said. Its hard for them, especially if they have children, to pay rent for $1,500.

Several of the Cabarrus chapter members spoke during the April 15 Board of Commissioners meeting, where they formally introduced the 2024 campaign to the commissioners.

People here cannot afford to stay in their homes because there are not enough affordable homes, Lewter told the commissioners during public comment, calling the situation truly dire.

We at Down Home do believe that we have a solution that fits into your budget and we hope you are willing to work with us again to build a better and healthier Cabarrus County, Lewter continued.

The group has contacted each commissioner and hopes to have conversations with them going forward.

For more information about Down Home North Carolina or how to volunteer with the Cabarrus chapter, people can contact Lewter at jasmine@downhomenc.org.
A state-level actor, suspected to be from Russia and known as APT28 or Forest Blizzard, has been using malware known as GooseEgg to exploit a vulnerability within the Windows Print Spooler service.

A patch for this flaw, CVE-2022-38028, was issued back in October 2022 when it was under active exploitation. It was reported to Microsoft at that time by the NSA.

Microsoft issued an advisory about this, but has made no mention of the fact that it is under exploitation.

Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at security firm Tenable, said in an FAQ that CVE-2022-38028 was an elevation of privilege vulnerability used as part of post-compromise activity.

"In this instance, malware called GooseEgg was used to exploit this flaw to elevate privileges, which could enable attackers to install additional malware like a backdoor or they could use these elevated privileges to perform lateral movement through the network to discover other systems that hold more sensitive information," he said.

In response to a query as to the extent of the attacks, given that a patch had been issued in October 2022, Narang said: "Based on publicly available information, it appears that exploitation of CVE-2022-38028 has been linked to the Russia-based threat actor known as APT28 or Forest Blizzard.

"Attacks conducted by APT groups such as APT28 are targeted in nature because their goals are often more rooted in espionage/intelligence gathering, whereas ransomware groups are purely financially motivated.

"We do not have any other indications that CVE-2022-38028 has been exploited by other threat actors at this time.

"Organisations that have yet to apply the available patches for Print Spooler flaws like CVE-2022-38028 and PrintNightmare related vulnerabilities (CVE-2021-34527, CVE-2021-1675) should do so as soon as possible to thwart possible future exploitation by APT28 or other threat actors."

Asked what was notable about a nation-backed APT using a known vulnerability, Narang said historically APT groups were often linked to the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities that they often developed or purchased from exploit developers.

"However, weve seen a trend where APT groups will utilise publicly available exploits for known vulnerabilities because the unfortunate fact is unpatched vulnerabilities remain prevalent across many organisations," he added.

"These publicly available exploits cost nothing to procure and are often plug and play for ease of use."
COMPANY NEWS: Aqua Security, the pioneer in cloud native security, today revealed new research that shows how credentials, API tokens, and passkeys  collectively referred to as secrets  from organizations around the globe were exposed for years. By scanning the most popular 100 organisations on Github, which collectively includes more than 50,000 publicly accessible repositories, Aqua researchers found active secrets from open source organizations and enterprises such as Cisco and Mozilla providing access to sensitive data and software. The exposed secrets could lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
There's no record of Edmund Burke -- the great Irish-born British statesman and father of modern conservatism -- actually saying what is often attributed to him: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." But it does capture his worldview well enough.

It also captures a renewed, possibly short-lived triumph of courage and wisdom in the Republican Party.

Amid threats to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for allowing a vote on aid to Ukraine, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, captured the party's own divide between the good and the rest in colorful terms last weekend. "It's my absolute honor to be in Congress," he said, "but I serve with some real scumbags."

Gonzales was taking aim at Reps. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Bob Good, R-Va., but he could have included quite a few others.

For the last few years, congressional Republicans have been split into factions that are not ideological in the traditional sense. Pick nearly any standard domestic policy issue -- abortion, gun rights, taxes, immigration -- and you won't see much evidence of the schism. Even (public) support for former President Donald Trump doesn't delineate the divide.

No, the difference is largely over tactics, rhetoric and psychology. One faction, comprising an overwhelming majority of the House GOP caucus, is interested in accomplishing the possible. The other is more interested in aiming for the impossible and then complaining about falling short.

Of course, members of the latter group don't admit to the impossibility of their goals. That would ruin the con. They insist that with enough willpower, particularly among their leaders, they could impose their will on the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House. They make that case on television, on social media and in floor speeches. And when they inevitably fail, they whine that they were "betrayed" by Republican quislings who collaborated with the Democrats, all while raising money off the notion that they're courageous warriors who are willing to lose on principle.

The success of their shtick has depended on a number of factors. One is that the Republicans' narrow House majority empowers the fringe.

To become speaker last year, Kevin McCarthy agreed to a change in the rules that makes it possible for a single representative to move to "vacate the chair" -- that is, trigger a vote on whether to depose the speaker. That's what happened last year after McCarthy avoided a default on the national debt, kept the government open and committed other alleged outrages.

Gaetz and seven other Republicans, representing less than 2% of the country, were enough to oust McCarthy against the wishes of 95% of the Republican caucus, with Democrats uniformly hewing to the bipartisan tradition of refusing to support a speaker of the opposite party. In other words, the Republican firebrands, who think the worst sin imaginable is to work with Democrats, voted with Democrats to oust their leader.

McCarthy's successor, Johnson, brought four bills to the House floor last weekend -- three to provide vital military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, and one to force a Chinese company to sell TikTok or cease operating in the United States. The bills passed overwhelmingly, with all but the Ukraine bill winning a majority of Republicans' votes.

Now Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., want to oust Johnson for his "betrayal" -- not of the caucus, country or Congress but of the tiny fringe faction that thinks it should call the shots.

They'll probably fail, for several reasons. First, few Republicans -- including some who oppose Johnson -- want to be seen following the lead of the House's most notorious cranks and bigots. Second, Trump doesn't want the Republican caucus to turn into an embarrassing circular firing squad while he is running for president. (It's remarkable that Trump is worried that other Republicans will make him look bad.) Third, Democrats have signaled they will help Johnson keep his job after he courageously did the right thing. And finally, no one appears to want Johnson's job who could also get the job.

The most important development for the party in all of this is that the rest of the caucus has realized that going along with the arsonists -- all of whom have safe seats and would be happy to throw their bombs from the House minority -- amounts to politically suicidal appeasement.

"The majority of the majority -- the vast majority of the majority -- is sick and tired of these high school antics," said Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis. He also noted that "the only way to stop a bully is to push back hard."

One can only hope that realization sticks.
A stray goat in Lincoln  while not unheard of  isn't very common, either.

By Animal Control Officer Nick Finelli's count, the goat found Monday on the 1100 block of Middleton Lane was the third since November 2022.

"Seems like we get one about once a year," said Finelli, who has been on the job for about 12 years.

Unlike the previous two goats Animal Control took into custody, this one  a nameless female  didn't try to run for it.

"She was very friendly," Finelli said. "She walked up wanting to be petted. ... There were no fireworks at all."

A leash was used and the goat walked with the officer to the vehicle. It was brought to the Capital Humane Society, where it will stay until its owners are found or until it can be adopted  after 72 hours.

Lincoln city ordinance calls for at least one acre of land for a goat to be owned within city limits, Finelli said.

"You would (also) have to have a permit with the city for a large animal to actually have a goat," he said.

And so the waiting has commenced.

As far as wrangling animals goes, this one would never be considered the G.O.A.T., or one that inspires wild stories, Finelli said.

That honor  at least in his tenure  goes to the small caiman, a type of alligator, that was found abandoned in the basement of a house after the inhabitants had been evicted.

"They had it in a baby pool," Finelli said. "It was about 4 feet long from head to tail, so yeah, that was a lot of fun."

It was eventually delivered to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Top Journal Star photos for April 2024
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen tabbed a new deputy communications director this month, marking the latest addition to the first-term governor's communications office.

Pillen's office hired Allan Urlis, who previously worked for Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services, within the last week, said Laura Strimple, Pillen's communications director.

Urlis  who spent 12 years working as a self-employed communications consultant as part of a decades-long career in media relations in Iowa prior to joining HHS in June 2023  replaces Jacy Schafer on the team tasked with interacting with the press on Pillen's behalf.

Schafer, who left Pillen's office in March after working there for nine months, accepted a job as the communications director for U.S. Rep. Kevin Armstrong's run for governor of North Dakota, Schafer's home state, she confirmed in an email.

When she was hired to Pillen's staff in March 2023, Schafer replaced the void left by John Gage, who served as the governor's communications adviser when Pillen first took office in January 2023.

Gage, who had served as the deputy campaign manager and communications director for Pillen's gubernatorial campaign, left the governor's staff in June to work as the principal assistant to the director of the Department of Environment and Energy, a spokesperson for that state agency said.

Three months later, Gage was named the Nebraska state director for the grassroots conservative group Americans For Prosperity. He did not respond to a message Wednesday seeking comment on his departure from Pillen's staff.

Strimple is the only member of Pillen's initial communications staff who still works in his office nearly 16 months after he was sworn in.

The former chief of staff for Nebraska's Department of Correctional Services, Strimple has worked in state government since 2012, when she joined the Secretary of State's office following a 14-year career in TV news.

Top Journal Star photos for April 2024
Interim UW-La Crosse chancellor Betsy Morgan has moved to fire former chancellor Joe Gow from his tenured faculty position at the university.

Morgan has levied several allegations she says warrant stripping Gow of his tenured position. Gow requested a public hearing from the UW-L Faculty Senate to challenge the charges. A hearing could be scheduled before May 6.

Gow served as UW-L chancellor from 2007 to 2023. He was fired in December by the UW Board of Regents for producing and posting online pornography. He was set to retire as chancellor at the end of the 2023-24 academic year and planned to transition into a tenured teaching role in the communications department at UW-L.

Morgan issued three charges against Gow on April 16: unethical conduct, violation of the interim chancellors work directive to cooperate with the investigation and violation of information technology use policies.

The first charge of unethical conduct relates to the adult content he created and published with his wife and other pornography stars. Gow and his wife, Carmen Wilson, starred in and created several pornographic videos and books since 2018. They published the content under pseudonyms on Amazon and social media sites.

The second charge of non-cooperation in the investigation comes from the fallout of his initial termination. Gow said he was contacted by a law firm hired by the university but chose not to speak with them in person while he did not have his own attorney. He added he requested to provide written responses via email, but the law firm did not accept those terms.

According to Gow, the third charge alleges his misuse of university computers as chancellor. Gow maintained that his adult content was made on his own time and with personal devices.

The videos and books that my wife and I made, we did that on vacation on our own time with our own money. I dont think you should be fired from a faculty position for what you do on your own time, Gow said.

As the subject of the hearing, Gow can choose whether the hearing is open to the public or closed. He elected for a public hearing.

As of April 16, UW-Ls faculty senate hearing committee has 20 days to host a hearing or request more time. If the committee does not request more time, the hearing could happen by May 6.

The full investigation report from Morgan has not been made public. The report will be opened and examined when the public hearing takes place.

Firing a tenured faculty member can be difficult. To fire Gow, UW-L administration must prove that Gow did not exercise his rights and privileges of academic freedom as they are generally understood in the academic community.

If the charges against Gow hold, he will lose his tenured teaching position and pension fund.
Universities of Wisconsin officials announced Tuesday that UW-Platteville will vacate its Richland County campus on July 1, an unexpected move that local officials say creates a potential economic crisis for the county.

It was very shocking to say the least, Richland County Administrator Candace Pesch said Wednesday. We feel as though the county has held up their end of the bargain by creating this campus, creating these buildings, being a partner to the UW system over the years, and we feel as though there is very little concern for the overall impact that it is truly going to have on our county.

The decision comes after UW system President Jay Rothman in late 2022 announced the campus would end in-person instruction due to declining enrollment.

After the announcement, UW system officials and local leaders embarked on a monthslong effort to negotiate a plan for the campuss facilities, which are owned by Richland County, including efforts to reduce UW systems footprint and presence on campus.

But in a letter sent Tuesday to the Richland County Board of Supervisors, Jeff Buhrandt, vice president of university relations for the Universities of Wisconsin, said UW-Platteville has no other option but to completely vacate the campus by July 1.

While we are disappointed that we were unable to find a path forward, we also know this change can provide significant new opportunities in Richland County, Buhrandt wrote in the letter.

Buhrandt said the system will cover the cost of utilities and provide limited custodial support and maintenance for the buildings and grounds through the end of June.

Extremely disheartening

Former Richland County Sup. Linda Gentes, who was the countys education committee chair, said the decision is devastating, financially.

I dont know if you realize how many millions of dollars we have put into these buildings, Gentes said. Its extremely disheartening.

In a statement, Pesch accused UW system of shirking their responsibilities.

Richland County, which had previously relied on the contractual relationship between the parties, is now facing a potential economic crisis due to the Universities decision, Pesch continued. The County Board of Supervisors will consult further with partners and counsel to determine and evaluate all available options going forward.

In the letter, Buhrandt pointed to legislation signed last month by Gov. Tony Evers that provides up to $2 million to communities affected by branch campus closures. The law specifically names Richland County as the first in line to receive funds, followed by other counties impacted by closures.

It is our understanding that Richland County would be eligible for these funds which can be used to redevelop the campus facilities to better serve the community, Burhandt said, adding that the potential state funds represents the full consideration of the costs expressed by county officials.

The bill would have initially required communities to provide a 20% match in local funds in order to secure state funding, but Evers used his partial veto power to remove the provision when he signed it into law.

Lease agreement

Pesch contended that at no time during the crafting of that measure did the Legislature indicate that those grant funds would absolve the UW system of its obligations to counties affected by branch campus closures. The county also still has a 75-year lease agreement with the UW Board of Regents that isnt set to expire until 2042.

Our position is the lease remains valid, said Richland Countys attorney Mike Windle.

UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch did not say how the latest development impacts the countys lease, but said in an email the decision to vacate the campus comes after about two years of discussion with Richland County elected, community, and business leaders without a resolution.

Pesch said the county is working with a firm to evaluate the condition of all campus buildings, an evaluation that needs to be completed before officials can begin formal agreements with potential partners.

We dont know what we dont know when it comes to the buildings, Pesch said. We dont know how viable they are, what repairs are necessary  so we cant necessarily make plans for or even advertise them out to anyone if we dont understand what were dealing with and we cant be transparent about their condition.

Campus closures

UW-Platteville at Richland kicked off the trend of closing UW system branch campuses in November 2022, due to declining enrollment that left the school with just 60 students that year, a 90% reduction from 2014, when enrollment was 567 students.

The UW system has since announced the closure of its Washington County campus in West Bend and its Fond du Lac campus, while UW-Green Bay decided to end in-person classes at its Marinette campus. Last month, the system announced plans to close UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha in spring 2025, making it the fifth two-year branch campus to close in the last 18 months due to shifting demographics and budgetary constraints.

Last week, the Sauk County Board approved $390,000 in funding for UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County in maintenance funding each of the next two years in an effort to keep that campus open.

The funding would cover UW-Plattevilles projected deficit for the Baraboo campus for the 2024-25 school year. It comes a year after university chancellors were told by Rothman to devise a plan for keeping two-year campuses open.

This gives us a year, year and a half to work out a plan (for the Baraboo campus), County Board Chair Tim McCumber said.
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

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South Korea's Constitutional Court has begun hearing a case that accuses the government of failing to protect 200 people by not dealing with climate change.

The case, which began Tuesday in Seoul, includes many young environmental activists and children.

The people bringing the legal action, or the plaintiffs, said the case was Asia's first climate-related case. It includes four petitions by children and babies among others dating from 2020. There is also a petition from a fetus at the time the case was brought to court, nicknamed Woodpecker.

Lee Jongseok said climate lawsuits are getting popular around the world and are gaining public interest. Lee is the president of the court, which is one of the highest in South Korea.

"The court recognizes the importance and public interest of this case and will make efforts to ensure that deliberations are conducted thoroughly," he said.

Earlier this month, Europe's human rights court ruled on another climate-related case. The court found the Swiss government had violated its citizens' rights by not doing enough to combat climate change. Courts in Australia, Brazil and Peru are also hearing similar cases.

The plaintiffs said in a statement that South Koreas climate plans are not enough to keep the worlds average temperature increase within 1.5 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial levels. The governments failure violates fundamental rights," the statement said.

Climate scientists say if the average world temperature rises more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, there will be results that cannot be changed. These scientists say large ice sheets will melt and ocean currents will stop.

Burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, results in carbon emissions. These warm gases are being blamed for the warming of the land and sea. South Korea's economy depends on fossil fuels for growth. However, South Korea has sought to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Government lawyers told the court that the government was doing everything possible to reduce carbon emissions and not violate the basic rights of its people. They added that the government did not discriminate against young people, and there could be changes to yearly goals on carbon reduction.

Several activists said the government's answer was disappointing.

A group of young people, including Woodpecker, who is now one year old, gathered outside the court. Some criticized what they called the government's inaction on climate change.

"Carbon emission reduction keeps getting pushed back as if it is homework that can be done later," said the babys mother, Lee Donghyun. "But that burden will be what our children have to bear eventually."

The mother of one eight-year-old plaintiff said her children live in fear of the effects of climate change.

"Because there's a mountain behind our house, the kids say our house can get hit by a landslide. And who knows? That can happen," she said.

Last year, South Korea lowered its 2030 targets for greenhouse gas reductions. But it kept its national goal of cutting emissions by 40 percent of 2018 levels, calling the move a reasonable change.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by Reuters.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

petition  n. a request that is signed by citizens who are asking that the government take action on an issue

deliberation  n. careful and thoughtful consideration

thorough  adj. complete

fundamental  n. something that serves as the basis for other things

emissions  n.(pl.) gases released by a process

carbon neutral  adj. neither adding nor taking away carbon

burden  v. a heavy weight or responsibility
LINCOLN  The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers who missed the April tax-filing deadline to file a tax return as soon as they can.

The IRS offers different resources to help those who may be unable to pay their tax bill in total. Those who missed the deadline to file but owe taxes should file quickly to minimize penalties and interest.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that payments are still due by the April 15 deadline, even if they requested an extension of time to file a tax return. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

File and pay quickly

Taxpayers who still owe taxes should file their tax return and pay any taxes owed quickly to reduce penalties and interest. Until the balance is paid in full, interest and penalties accrue on taxes owed.

Even if a taxpayer cant afford to immediately pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. This reduces interest and penalties on the outstanding amount and may help avoid a possible late-filing penalty.

There are options for taxpayers who owe the IRS but cannot afford to pay. For more information see the penalties page on irs.gov.

Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other important requirements, including paying or arranging to pay any tax due. For more information, see the first-time penalty abatement page on irs.gov.

Pay electronically

A quick, easy way for individuals to pay taxes owed securely is through IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card or digital wallet, or their IRS Online Account. Taxpayers may also apply online for a payment plan (including an installment agreement).

Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System and Direct Pay allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. Find more payment options on irs.gov/payments.

Some taxpayers automatically qualify for extra time to file and pay taxes due without penalties and interest, including:

Taxpayers in certain disaster areas. Theres no need for these taxpayers to submit an extension; extra time is granted automatically due to the disaster. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on the IRS website.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic two-month extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.

Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces Tax Guide.

Those serving in combat zones have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.

Owed a refund?

Taxpayers who choose not to file a return because they dont earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits. Some examples are the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Taxpayers sometimes fail to file a tax return and claim a refund for these credits and others for which they may be eligible.

Theres no penalty for filing after the April 15 deadline if a refund is due. However, taxpayers due a refund should still consider filing as soon as possible. Every year, the IRS estimates that there are nearly a million taxpayers potentially due refund money who failed to file prior year tax returns.

For taxpayers who didnt file a 2020 tax return, time is running out to claim those refunds. The deadline to file 2020 returns is May 17, 2024.

Taxpayers still needing to file for tax year 2023 are encouraged to use electronic filing options including IRS Free File, which is available on irs.gov through Oct. 20 to prepare and file 2023 tax returns electronically.

Taxpayers can track their refund using the Wheres My Refund? tool on irs.gov, IRS2Go or by calling the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. To use the tool, taxpayers need the primary Social Security number on the tax return, the filing status and the expected refund amount. The refund status information updates once daily, usually overnight, so theres no need to check more frequently.

Selecting a trusted tax professional

Taxpayers who still need to file a return may wish to consult a tax preparer. The IRS has resources to help taxpayers choose a tax professional.

Tools like the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications allows taxpayers to find tax return preparers who have completed IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program or who hold a professional credential recognized by the IRS.

Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Taxpayers have fundamental rights under the law that protect them when interacting with the IRS. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights divides them in 10 categories. IRS Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer, reiterates these rights along with the agencys obligation to protect them.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said yesterday that the recent reports in Europe about Chinese spying are all hyping up with an aim to smear and suppress China.

Beijing urges the relevant parties to stop spreading disinformation about Chinas spy threat and stop political manipulation and malicious smears against China, he added.

Yesterday, a man who works for a German far-right lawmaker in the European Parliament has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China, authorities said. The detention came less than 24 hours after three people were arrested for spying for China in a separate German case.

The suspect was arrested Monday in the eastern German city of Dresden, federal prosecutors said in a statement. They said that he has worked for a German lawmaker in the European Unions legislature since 2019.

The German national is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and of repeatedly passing on information on negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament in January. Prosecutors allege that he also snooped on Chinese dissidents in Germany.

Prosecutors didnt identify the lawmaker for whom he works, but Maximilian Krah of the far-right Alternative for Germany, who is his partys top candidate in the European Parliament election in early June, said in a statement that he found out about the arrest of employee Jian Guo from the press yesterday.

I do not have further information, Krah said. He added that spying activity for a foreign state is a serious allegation which, if proven, would lead to the employees immediate dismissal.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the spying allegations were extremely serious.

If it is confirmed that there was spying for Chinese intelligence from inside the European Parliament, then that is an attack from inside on European democracy, Faeser said in a statement.

Anyone who employs such a staff member also carries responsibility, she added. This case must be cleared up precisely.  All the connections and background must be illuminated.

News of the arrest came a day after three Germans suspected of spying for China and arranging to transfer information on technology with potential military uses were arrested in a separate case.

Also on Monday, British prosecutors said a former researcher working in the U.K. Parliament and another man were charged with spying for China. MDT/AP
The 6th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries  Macau (Forum Macau) came to a close yesterday with the Conference of Entrepreneurs.

This Conference, held on the sidelines of the main Ministerial Conference aimed at exploring different opportunities for bilateral relations and business between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (PLP).

Themed Promoting the New Trends of Digital Transformation and Sharing the New Opportunities Presented by Green Development, the conference gathered several local guests among leaders and representatives from governments, trade promotion organizations, chambers of commerce, and enterprises from mainland, the nine PLP, as well as from the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

As the theme suggests, the conference was mostly discussions and presentations to assist companies in taking opportunities in both digital transformation and green development.

At the conference, and after the opening speeches from the Vice Minister of Commerce of China, Guo Tingting, and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, there was a signing ceremony several protocols of cooperation, followed by the first of two seminars.

The first seminar, titled Acceleration of Digital Transformation, Providing New Dynamics to the Development of Industries, was moderated by Xu Jinli, Representative of the Presidency of the Business Federation of China and PLP and Head of the Bilateral Cooperation Department of the China International Chamber of Commerce. This seminar involved debates about the integration of digital technology in traditional industries.

The second seminar, titled Promoting the Green Economy for a Future Sustainable Development, was moderated by the deputy secretary-general of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and PLP  Macau, Xie Ying, and addressed the topics of green economy and sustainable development.

The session closed with business matchmaking sessions aimed at helping companies from various regions explore opportunities such as the 1+4 industries and promote cooperation between Chinese and PLP enterprises with a focus on bringing opportunities for Macaus economy in the bid for its diversification.

The Conference of Entrepreneurs was jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and was co-organized by the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and PLP. Macau was also supported by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angola (CCIA), the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), the Cape Verde TradeInvest, the Guinea Investment Promotion Agency, the Chamber of Commerce of Equatorial Guinea, the Mozambique Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX), the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP), the Commerce and Investment Promotion Agency (APCI) of Sao Tome, the TradeInvest Timor-Leste, and the China-PLP Federation of Entrepreneurs. The conference was held at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex.

Guo Tingting invites companies to use Macauis Platform

In her opening speech at the Conference of Entrepreneurs, the Vice Minister of Commerce of China, Guo Tingting, called on the companies from the PLP to use Macau as a platform to reach the mainland markets, whilst also reinforcing an invitation made the day before by the vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, Li Hongzhong, that invited the same companies to partake in the major exhibitions and fairs in China.

Macau has become an invaluable bridge linking China to the PLP. We will continue to support Macau in playing its role well as a focal point between China and the PLP. Therefore, we invite companies from all parties to increase their participation in the Chinese market. China is willing, together with the participating countries, to improve the construction of the Macau platform, and also to improve the business environment of the Chinese market to welcome more investments from the PLP, she said, adding, We will actively encourage the PLP companies to participate in exhibitions and conferences of relevance, such as the International Exhibition of Importation of China, among others, to promote the participation of the PLP companies in the Chinese market.

Lei Wai Nong pointed the way to Hengqin

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong pointed out the existing opportunities in the cooperation zone in Hengqin, calling on PLP companies to join in new developments expected in this area.

Macaus strategy of adequate economic diversification will also provide more opportunities for Chinese and Lusophone companies. The new model of synergistic development will be even more prominent. We welcome local companies as well as those from the PLP to join the development and cooperation in Macau and Hengqin, he said, adding, We hope that the elites of both parties will explore new ways of synergistic cooperation to promote the continuous cultivation and modernization of supply and industrial chains through technological innovation, contributing to the development of high-quality economic and commercial cooperation.
The government is planning to enhance its campus crisis management plan where the system will assess students situations and offer counseling services to them when needed, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) has announced.

This comes after a case of an unattended student who remained at a fast-food restaurant overnight.

After a concerning social media post surfaced showing a junior high school student alone at a fast-food restaurant late at night, authorities quickly mobilized to address the situation and ensure the students wellbeing.

According to Wong Ka Ki, the DSEDJ deputy director, the relevant student was promptly followed up by the school and student counselors. Wong emphasized that the authorities have a robust campus crisis management mechanism in place and, upon learning of the incident, they immediately launched a campus liaison network with relevant departments to understand the situation and provide counseling services as needed.

The official said that the mechanism ensures that the authorities are aware of such incidents and can provide counseling services and necessary follow-up for the students involved.

Wong clarified that, contrary to earlier reports, the student had not been missing from the residential care home for several days. Rather, the student only failed to return to the home on the day in question. Wong stated that, according to the established protocols, the home notifies the security police and other departments if a resident does not return within a certain period.

The Judiciary Police, who initially investigated the case, has reiterated that their role is to investigate and prevent criminal cases. They will only intervene if the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) and the DSEDJ suspect any criminal offenses.

The IAS, which has been providing temporary care, counseling, and other services to the student, has urged the students parents to fulfill their responsibilities. However, the bureau did not specify further measures or whether the care home would be investigated.

Authorities have assured the public that student safety is their top priority and that the coordination and handling of this case complied with the current procedures in place. Staff Reporter
Former President Donald Trump faces serious charges in two separate cases over whether he attempted to subvert the Constitution by overturning the results of a fair election and illegally remain in power.

Yet its a New York case centered on payments to silence an adult film actress that might provide the only legal reckoning this year on whether he tried to undermine a pillar of American democracy.

Trump is charged in the so-called hush money case with trying to falsify business records, but it was hard to tell that as the trial opened this week.

Lead prosecutor Matthew Colangelo wasted little time during opening statements tying the case to Trumps campaigning during his first run for the presidency. He said the payments made to Stormy Daniels amounted to a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election.

Whether the jury accepts that connection will be pivotal for Trumps fate. The presumptive nominee faces charges related to falsifying business records that would typically be misdemeanors unless the alleged act could be tied to another crime. Prosecutors were able to charge them as felonies because they allege that the false records were part of an effort to cover up state and federal election law violations  though thats still not the type of direct election interference that Trump is charged with elsewhere.

Trump himself has referred to the New York trial and the three other criminal cases against him as a form of election interference, suggesting without evidence that theyre part of a Democratic plan to undermine his campaign to return to the White House.

He faces a four-count federal indictment in Washington, D.C., in connection with his actions in the run-up to the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He and others were charged in Georgia with violating the states anti-racketeering law by scheming to illegally overturn his 2020 loss to Joe Biden. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him in those cases and a fourth charging him with mishandling classified documents.

All the other cases are tied up in appeals that are expected to delay any trials until after the November election. If that happens, the New York case will stand as the only legal test during the campaign of whether Trump attempted to illegally manipulate an election  and the case isnt even about the election results he tried to overthrow.

On Monday, Trumps attorney quickly moved to undercut the idea that a case in which the charges center on record-keeping could seriously be considered an effort to illegally undermine an election.

I have a spoiler alert: Theres nothing wrong with trying to influence an election. Its called democracy, said his attorney, Todd Blanche. They put something sinister on this idea, as if its a crime. Youll learn its not.

Some legal experts monitoring the cases against Trump said they were skeptical of connecting the payments to a form of election interference. Doing so also runs the risk of diminishing the gravity of the other charges in the public mind.

Richard Painter, a University of Minnesota Law School professor and former associate White House counsel during the George W. Bush administration, said he believed the facts of the case met the evidence needed to determine whether a felony had been committed that violated campaign law, but added, The election interference part, I have a little bit of trouble on this.

Richard Hasen, a UCLA law school professor, said the New York case does not compare to the other election-related charges Trump faces.

We can draw a fairly bright line between attempting to change vote totals to flip a presidential election and failing to disclose embarrassing information on a government form, he wrote in a recent Los Angeles Times column.

When (Manhattan District Attorney) Alvin Bragg calls it an election interference case, thats more of a public relations strategy, said Paul Butler, a Georgetown University law professor and former federal prosecutor. I think there was concern that people were looking at the other prosecutions and they werent discussing the Manhattan case.

Declaring the case a hush money trial made it seem less important than the others and so theyve styled it  as a case about election interference. But again, what hes charged with is falsifying business records.

Trump has denied having a sexual encounter with Daniels and his lawyers argue that the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses.

The key question in the prosecutions argument is why were the business records falsified, said Chris Edelson, an American University assistant professor of government. Their allegation is that Trump was preventing voters from making an informed decision in the election.

Its an argument he believes prosecutors can make. I think that the prosecutors will have to explain this to the jury. I dont think its impossible to do, he said.

The New York trial revolves around allegations of a $130,000 payment that Michael Cohen, Trumps former lawyer and personal fixer, made to Daniels to prevent her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump from becoming public in the final days of the 2016 race. GARY FIELDS, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP
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Wednesday, April 24, 2024  edition no. 4469
The mother of a 20-month-old girl who was killed two years ago testified Tuesday that her then-boyfriend, who is charged with the toddlers death, had become so unpredictable in his behavior that she was afraid of him and tried hard to avoid setting him off.

The womans testimony came during the first day of what is scheduled to be a two-week trial for Marshawn D. Giles, 25, who faces 15 felony and misdemeanor charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, related to the April 25, 2022, death of the girl and other incidents in the 12 days leading up to it.

In her opening statement Tuesday, Deputy District Attorney Andrea Raymond told the jury that the girl died after Giles had punched the girl, threw her into a bathroom and then picked her up again and swung her, striking her head on the porcelain edge of a toilet.

A criminal complaint states the girl died from blunt force injuries to her head, including multiple skull fractures.

Giles has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, so the trial is being held in two phases. At the end of the first, the jury will determine whether Giles is guilty of some or all of the crimes he is charged with. If he is found guilty, the jury will hear evidence about his mental state at the time during a second trial phase and decide whether he was insane at the time.

The woman who testified Tuesday is not being named by the Wisconsin State Journal, nor are members of her family, because she is also alleged to be a victim of sexual assault during the same incident in which her daughter died. Giles is charged with second-degree sexual assault of the woman, and is also charged with first-degree sexual assault of the toddler.

Raymond said an autopsy found evidence the toddler had been sexually assaulted.

The womans testimony Tuesday did not reach the events of the night that her daughter died. She will be back on the witness stand Wednesday morning.

She left off on Tuesday telling jurors about carrying out a bizarre task for Giles the night of April 23, 2022. That night, Giles gathered a seemingly random array of items belonging to the woman and her three children, including pillows, a bath towel, dog toys and a picture of Marilyn Monroe and put them all into a cage used to crate a dog in a home.

Giles then had the woman drag the cage a block away from her Schroeder Road apartment and set it where a makeshift memorial had been erected for a recent homicide victim.

I just didnt understand the reasoning behind any of this, the woman testified. I was very confused, I guess, at that point.

But she said she felt as though Giles left her no choice but to do it.

I was scared for my life, she said. I felt like if I didnt do what he said it would be worse for me.

Giles showed up soon, she said, and fired two gunshots into a lamp post that was near the memorial, which also frightened her.

The woman said she had known Giles since they were both teenagers, but she got reacquainted with him in January 2022. By late February or early March, she said, he had started moving himself into her apartment, bringing with him other members of his family to stay at times. She said he didnt have a job but had an idea for a clothing business that never went anywhere.

The abuse she suffered from Giles often centered around where her children went to school, food, money and where and when she went anywhere, she testified.

On April 13, 2022, while looking through Giles phone, she testified, she found texts and photos of another woman and confronted him. He responded by punching her repeatedly. More violent incidents would follow in the days after, until the woman reached a point on April 23, at 4:30 a.m., stranded on the South Side because Giles had taken her vehicle, keys and purse, when she called 911 and got a ride to a hospital. A few hours earlier that morning, she testified, Giles had beaten her badly and strangled her at his mothers home, where they had gone for reasons still not clear to the woman.

But she declined to give police or medical personnel Giles name, so no further investigation was done. She testified she was afraid of what he would do if she had given police his name.

Michael Covey, one of Giles attorneys, said in his opening statement that he and co-counsel Andrea Winder would not concede anything during the trial but also would not contest any facts. The jurys job, he said, was to give Giles a fair trial.

Covey set the stage for the insanity phase of the trial by describing Giles change in behavior as sudden and unexpected, seeing spirits and talking to dead people. When he was arrested by a tactical team after attacking the toddler, Covey said, Giles was unintelligible and incoherent.

One officer will say it sounded like he was talking to somebody else, someone who wasnt there, Covey said, also calling Giles behavior absolutely bizarre.
A young whooping crane took an unlikely route home this week thanks to a conspiracy that involved a costumed researcher, green grapes and alert bird watchers concerned about the cranes safety amid the heavy traffic of suburban Chicago.

Within hours, bird 16-23, hatched at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, was back home Tuesday in the much more bird-friendly environment of Horicon Marsh, where it learned to fly last fall.

The female crane had spent its winter in west central Indiana but at some point during this springs migration north became separated from its group of four other cranes. Online bird forums lit up Tuesday in the Chicago area about the whooping cranes presence, which ultimately drew the attention of the International Crane Foundation.

The bird, referred to as Animal during its days at ICF, was first spotted along the Lake Michigan shoreline and then a short time later flew inland to the northern suburb of Wilmette, where it was spotted walking across a residential street.

The crane is one of just 850 whooping cranes in North America and one of only 75 in the Eastern Migratory Population.

The ICF could have left the bird alone, hoping it would depart and make its way to Horicon on its own. But because of concerns about the birds safety in the urban environment, and considering the relatively short drive from Baraboo, the decision was made to try to capture the whooping crane and give it a ride back to Wisconsin, according to Anne Lacy, director of the ICFs Eastern Flyway Programs in North America.

We had to weigh all of the odds, Lacy said Wednesday. This is a young bird. Its obviously already lost and its close enough that its a day trip for us to come down.

Founded in 1973, the ICF is headquartered on a sprawling 240-acre campus that includes exhibits of cranes from around the world, including a pair of whooping cranes, one of the rarest birds in the world. The ICF was instrumental in helping re-establish whooping cranes in the eastern U.S. The work, which began in 2001 and partnered with wildlife organizations and government agencies, included rearing young cranes with handlers dressed in crane costumes and migrations led by ultralight aircrafts.

That history was critical to Tuesdays successful mission in Illinois.

Crane puppet calms whooper

Armed with a baggie of green grapes  a favorite snack of cranes  and a costume with a whooping crane puppet head, Hillary Thompson, who has helped rear whooping cranes for over a decade, made the drive to Wilmette with ICF North American fellow Alicia Ward.

Thompson donned the costume, slowly approached the bird and began using the beak of the puppet head to toss grapes toward the wayward crane. Crowds were kept away, dog walkers were detoured and lawn maintenance was momentarily halted with the help of Illinois wildlife officials. As Thompson inched closer, the crane recognized the puppet head from its days at ICF, which allowed Thompson to eventually reach out and slowly wrap her arms around the young crane.

The costume disguises the human form and she recognized the puppet head. It was something she recognized and was not freaked out about it, Lacy said. By being calm and slow, Hillary was able to approach her. You cant rush it, because then the bird might flip out, and that could lead to a hurt bird. And so, by doing it calm and slow, she was able to get it in hand.

Once secured, a hood was placed over the cranes head to keep it calm. A nearby veterinarian also examined the bird and signed off on a certificate of health to bring the bird back into Wisconsin. The bird was ultimately put in a cardboard box from U-Haul, placed in an ICF van and driven to Horicon Marsh, where it was released as dusk approached.

Getting to witness the rescue of a lost and seemingly exhausted young, federally-endangered whooping crane from a residential front-yard in Wilmette today was beyond incredible, said Scott Judd, who photographed the cranes capture and is a member of the Chicago Ornithological Society. A truly memorable afternoon in Wilmette.

The crane, which previously had an identification tag on its upper left leg, now also has a white GPS unit with a solar charger attached to its upper right leg, which will allow ICF researchers to keep close tabs on the bird for around three years. Its yet to be seen whether the crane will remain in the 32,000-acre cattail marsh or move on to another location.

It could have gone wrong in so, so many ways, but it didnt. And a lot of it was luck, Lacy said. A lot of people came together to help, including the birding community that is infatuated with whooping cranes. It takes a village to save a crane. Were just so grateful that people are aware of this.

GALLERY: International Crane Foundation opens renovated site May 1
Louisianan Mike Johnson became House speaker by accident, when eight renegade Republicans voted with the Democrats to eject the unfortunate Kevin McCarthy from the chair in October. After a number of more senior members failed to win enough support, the booby prize went to Johnson.

Johnson has been an exceptionally weak speaker, and not just due to the narrowness of his majority. He gave in to the right-wing mob to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on fake charges, and he jumped to obey Donald Trumps reckless command to scuttle the Senates hard fought bipartisan measure on immigration reform. The amount of actual legislation passed by this Congress on behalf of the country is a record low.

But on Saturday, Johnson did right by America and right for the world in bringing to the floor several bills to provide desperately needed military aid to democratic allies in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan under attack from the nasties of the globe: Russia, Iran and China.

Each aid package only passed thanks to Democratic votes, as isolationist cranks in the GOP said no to all three measures.

To their credit, every Democrat backed the $8 billion for Taiwan and not a single Democrat voted against the $61 billion for Ukraine, as the pro-Putin caucus captured the party of Ronald Reagan with a majority of the Republicans saying no to Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he tries to fend off the Russians.

There is also a shamefully anti-Israel claque on the left of the Democratic Party (including New Yorkers Nydia Velazquez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman) that rejected the $26 billion for Israel, which is fighting Hamas terrorists in Gaza and Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

But overall, large majorities were for standing with our friends overseas under siege by Moscow, Tehran (and its Hamas and Hezbollah buds) and Beijing.

That all the bills relied on the Democrats and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is a slight against Johnson in his partys conference. He now has three crazies calling for him to resign or be tossed. First in line is nutjob Marjorie Taylor Greene, who filed a motion to vacate the chair. Joining her was Thomas Massie and Paul Gosar, a pair of Grade-A kooks.

Johnson had 218 on his side for the Saturday roll calls compared with Jeffries having 213, but that GOP total immediately dropped by one when Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin resigned right afterward. Gallagher was one of only three Republicans to vote against the terribly wrong impeachment of Mayorkas.

And next week is a special election in Buffalo, which should add one more Democrat, so the balance will be 217 to 214, making the Three Stooges of Greene, Massie and Gosar as kingmakers.

If far-right Republicans try another coup to topple another speaker, the Democrats will need to save Johnson. That will further weaken him within his own party and strengthen the GOPs outer fringe, but the center can hold.

Johnsons political career may not last past this year, but his short tenure will be remembered for when America came to the aid of Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. And thats a lot more important than the fortunes of a congressman who no one had ever heard before October.
Another Filipino statesman left the world as former senator Rene Saguisag passed away on Wednesday (April 24) at age 84, his family announced.

Rene Saguisag was a dedicated public servant, and his tireless endeavors as a human rights advocate, senator, and writer stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, truth and democracy, lawyer Rebo Saguisag, his son, posted on Facebook.

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We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends, and countless supporters. He passed away knowing that he was much loved and respected, Rebo added in the family statement.

Saguisag was born on August 14, 1939 in Mauban, Quezon. According to his profile on the Senate website, he held different odd jobs from 1959 to 1962 before embarking on a stellar career as human rights lawyer.

He was elected senator in 1987 and would serve until 1992. During this period, he worked as chairman of the Senate committee on ethics and privilege and ad hoc committee on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

In a statement, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri joined the nation in mourning the passing of Saguisag, whom he described as a man of true honor, dignity, and integrity.

Saguisag leaves behind a legacy of service and excellence that continues to be a benchmark for many young lawyers and public servants, according to Zubiri.

He may have just served one term in the Senate, but his entire life was devoted to pursuing justice and fairness for every Filipino, particularly through such initiatives as the Free Legal Assistance Group, said Zubiri.

As a member of the Senate, Zubiri said Saguisag co-authored laws that up to now uphold the highest standards in the public service.

Among these legislations were the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713) and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (R.A. 6770).

While leaving an indelible mark as a true statesman, he also emulated and lived out the principle that those who have less in life should have more in law, Zubiri noted.

The Saguisag family appealed for privacy as they grieve the passing of their patriarch.

We will soon announce details of the service honoring his life, and we look forward to the opportunity to gather and pay tribute to a life lived with integrity and purpose. Papa/Lolo has passed on, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just world, Rebo said.
The World Bank has halted funding for a tourism initiative in Tanzania, following pressure from a U.S.-based human rights organization. This move comes after years of advocacy by the Oakland Institute, which has criticized the project, known as REGROW, for causing harm to local

communities.

Despite already disbursing $100 million for the project since its inception in 2017, the World Banks decision to suspend further financing took effect on April 18th. The Oakland Institute has highlighted instances of rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and sexual assaults, linked to the expansion of Ruaha National Park, a focal point of the REGROW project.

The World Bank, in response, has stated its commitment to environmental and social standards, announcing a suspension of disbursements until it can ensure compliance with these standards. Anuradha Mittal, the executive director of the Oakland Institute, sees the suspension as a victory for marginalized communities in Tanzania, signaling an end to impunity for rights abuses perpetrated in the name of tourism development. However, Tanzanian authorities have yet to comment on the matter.

The Oakland Institute has also documented instances of violence and coercion by government agencies, including the illegal seizure and auctioning of cattle, which has inflicted severe economic hardship on herders and farmers. These issues underscore broader concerns about the impact of tourism-driven development efforts on local communities across Tanzania, with reports of similar abuses in other regions of the country, such as the forced eviction of the Maasai from their grazing lands in the Loliondo area.
The UNs migration agency reports that a boat carrying asylum seekers capsized off the Djibouti coast, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and 28 individuals still unaccounted for. This incident occurred on Monday night, marking another tragedy on the perilous migration route from Africa to the Middle East. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the event as a tragedy, highlighting the presence of children among the passengers.

Yvonne Ndege, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed the deaths, including children and an infant, without providing further details. According to Ethiopias ambassador to Djibouti, the boat was transporting Ethiopians from Yemen and capsized off Godoria in northeastern Djibouti, with 33 survivors, including one woman.

This incident follows another boat sinking on April 8, where the IOM reported 38 fatalities and six individuals still missing. Each year, tens of thousands of African asylum seekers embark on a dangerous journey across the Red Sea to Yemen, seeking refuge, escaping conflict, or pursuing better opportunities. This route poses numerous threats, including starvation, health risks, and exploitation by traffickers.

The IOM noted a rising trend in attempted crossings, with Ethiopians comprising the majority of arrivals in Yemen from Djibouti or Somalia. Ethiopia, facing internal conflicts and drought, has a significant portion of its population dependent on food aid. The Gulf of Aden crossing from Djibouti to Yemen claimed the lives of at least 698 people, including women and children, according to the IOMs Missing Migrants Project in February.
Five migrants, including a child, lost their lives in an attempt to cross the English Channel from France to Britain in an overcrowded small boat on Tuesday. This tragedy occurred shortly after Britain passed legislation to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, aiming to dissuade such perilous journeys. The fatal incident unfolded as a boat carrying 112 people embarked on the crossing, leading to panic among passengers not far from the shore.

Rescuers managed to save 49 individuals, with four requiring hospital treatment, while the French coast guard continued searching for survivors. According to local prefect Jacques Billant, the victims included a seven-year-old girl, a woman, and three men, who tragically perished when the boats engine failed near the coast, causing some passengers to fall into the water.

Despite rescue efforts, 58 people opted to remain on board, determined to reach Britain. Departing from Wimereux, approximately 32 km southwest of Calais, the boat was just one among thousands of similar crossings attempted this year, as migrants risk their lives on makeshift vessels to reach British shores.

In response to the escalating crisis, Britain passed legislation allowing the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the move as a compassionate effort to prevent exploitation by human smugglers, although critics argue it lacks humanity. The first deportation flights are expected to commence in the coming weeks, pending legal challenges.

The mayor of Wimereux pointed fingers at Britain for its role in the situation, emphasizing the allure of employment opportunities in the country. Despite previous legal setbacks, the British government remains determined to implement its deportation scheme, despite skepticism from rights groups and activists who assert that deterrence policies are ineffective in addressing the root causes of migration.
Sierra Leone expressed, on Tuesday in Rabat, its willingness to fully engage in the initiatives spearheaded by King Mohammed VI for West Africa.

This position was expressed in a Joint Communique issued following discussions between visiting Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

In this Joint Communique, Kabba notably praised the leadership of King Mohammed VI and his far-sighted vision about the consolidation of South-South cooperation and solidarity to address challenges and promote regional initiatives that advance stability and socio-economic development in the service of African peoples.

The Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister also welcomed Moroccos commendable contribution to the promotion of peace and sustainable development in the sub-region since the establishment of the Mano River Union.

Kabba further applauded the enlightened royal initiative, within the framework of the Atlantic African States process, aimed at strengthening cooperation by making the Atlantic African space a geostrategic framework for intra-African cooperation and the promotion of stability and prosperity.

He also praised the opportunity provided by the royal initiative to facilitate access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean, which will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region and ensure stability and prosperity in Africa.

Regarding the Sahara issue, the Sierra Leonean official reiterated his countrys full support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, which remains the only credible, serious, and realistic solution to this dispute, expressing support for the process led by the United Nations to achieve a realistic, practical, and sustainable settlement.

He recalled his countrys firm support for Moroccos territorial integrity, as evidenced by Sierra Leones opening of a consulate in Dakhla in 2021 and its participation in the Ministerial Conference in support of the autonomy initiative under Moroccan sovereignty held by the Kingdom and the United States, the joint communique said.

Furthermore, both parties emphasized the role of the Morocco-Nigeria Gas Pipeline project, which is expected to boost the economic integration of the region and benefit all concerned nations, including Sierra Leone, by unlocking their industrial potential and reducing their energy deficit.

At the bilateral level, the two parties expressed their full commitment to consolidate, and widen the scope of their cooperation, and their willingness to conclude a new generation cooperation roadmap for the 2024-2026 period.

Sierra Leone welcomed the cooperation actions undertaken within the framework of the 2021-2023 cooperation roadmap in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, health, renewable energy, and tourism and the two sides vowed to explore new horizons to unleash vast potential in economic, social, and cultural realms.

Bourita and Kabba also celebrated the strong bonds of brotherhood, solidarity, support, and understanding between the Moroccan and Sierra Leonean peoples, the mutual esteem between King Mohammed VI and President Julius Maada Bio, as well as the shared desire to make Morocco-Sierra Leone partnership an exceptional model of intra-African cooperation, based on values of solidarity, exchange, and sharing.

Likewise, both parties acknowledged the accomplishments and expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the third joint commission held on April 28, 2023, in Dakhla, which reinforced the ambitions of both countries to make further progress and strengthen the bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation.

Furthermore, the joint communique highlighted the two countries shared ambitions and objectives for the reinforcement of their joint action towards an effective partnership, serving progress, development, well-being, and above all, the realization of the common aspirations of two nations.

On the other hand, Bourita extended his best wishes to Sierra Leone for its new mandate as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2024-2025. He emphasized that Morocco remains committed to working together with Sierra Leone to develop a common vision for international peace and security, and for peaceful solutions to international and regional disputes.
Small cities become popular tourist destinations

People's Daily Online) 09:56, April 24, 2024

Since the beginning of this year, tourism markets in multiple regions across China have been thriving. In addition to traditional well-known tourist destinations, small cities like Tianshui and Quanzhou have been attracting throngs of tourists with their local characteristics.

The rapid tourism growth in small cities has become a new highlight for domestic travel.

Aerial photo shows tourists crowding around at the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin)

Records from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday that ended on April 6, the number of tourists received by Tai'an, Zibo, Tianshui, Kaifeng, and Jingdezhen all increased by more than 50 percent.

Compared to previously popular destinations that were mostly well-known tourist cities or big metropolises, some distinctive small cities have been attracting greater attention.

The choices of destinations by tourists have become more diverse as they have sought unique and differentiated experiences. Against such a background, a local delicacy, an event, or a scenario in small cities may draw massive crowds of tourists.

Following last year's popularity of Zibo's barbecue and Liuzhou's luosifen, or river snail rice noodles, Tianshui malatang, an iconic dish of hot pot, has spiced up tourism in the previously little-known northwestern city this year.

Data from online travel service provider Qunar shows that the search volume for Tianshui on the platform since Feb. 26 had skyrocketed 2,000 percent year on year. During the Qingming Festival holiday, hotel bookings in the city had increased 12 times.

Visitors pose for photos in the National Archaeological Site Park of Sui-Tang Luoyang City in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. (Photo/Li Weichao)

Data from Tujia, an online platform for booking B&B hotels, shows that as of April 6, the booking volume for B&B hotels in Tianshui, Datong, and Zibo had increased 18.8 times, 18.5 times, and 14.5 times year on year, respectively. Cities like Jinzhou, Hanzhong, Xuzhou, Xuancheng, Jingdezhen, Dandong, and Yanbian also had experienced a significant growth in B&B bookings.

Embarking on a unique journey in small cities has become an increasingly popular choice among tourists. During the Qingming Festival holiday, flight bookings to destinations like Zhanjiang, Mangshi, Zhoushan, Yanji, Nyingchi, Yiwu, Shangrao, Enshi, Jingdezhen, and Nanyang had more than tripled from the same period last year, data from Qunar shows.

Many small Chinese cities that experience a tourism boom boast a unique cultural charm.

In Luoyang city, Hanfu, a type of traditional Chinese garment, has been attracting flocks of visitors. Records from e-commerce service platforms Meituan and Dazhong Dianping show that since April, the volume of tourism consumption orders in Luoyang saw a month-on-month increase of 130 percent, making it among the top 10 tourism destinations nationwide. The search volume for "Hanfu" in Luoyang ranked second in the country, with searches for "men's Hanfu" surged by 550 percent year on year.

In Quanzhou, donning Xunpu flowery headwear, a signature of "Xunpu Women Customs" that was listed as a national intangible heritage, while visiting the city has become the most popular tourism experience for tourists from across the country.

Tourists watch a local marionette show in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

An increasing number of small cities have unleashed new dynamism for cultural and tourism consumption, showcasing new development trends in the cultural and tourism industry.

These cities boast time-honored cultural and tourism resources, as well as unique and charming cultural and tourism products, explained Feng Ling, a professor from the School of Tourism Sciences at Beijing International Studies University.

In recent years, many cities have rolled out quality cultural and tourism products that have become more popular. The rise of Hanfu fever and a museum craze has also demonstrated the appeal of outstanding traditional culture, as tourists have been willing to pay for related cultural and tourism products. An important factor for the booming tourism in these cities has been a sound cycle between supply and demand in the sector.

Feng believes that more small cities rich in cultural resources will become popular tourist destinations.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
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EPOC X Electrode Montage (adapted from Williams et al., 2023). Credit: Frontiers in Neuroergonomics (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1340732

As people age, their brains do, too. But if a brain ages prematurely, there is potential for age-related diseases such as mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or Parkinson's disease. If "brain age" could be easily calculated, then premature brain aging could be addressed before serious health problems occur.

Researchers from Drexel University's Creativity Research Lab have developed an artificial intelligence technique that can effectively estimate an individual's brain age based on electroencephalogram (EEG) brain scans. The technology could help to make early, regular screening for degenerative brain diseases more accessible. The work is published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroergonomics.

Led by John Kounios, Ph.D., professor in Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences and Creativity Research Lab director, the research team used a type of artificial intelligence called machine learning to estimate an individual's brain age similar to the way one might guess another person's age based on their physical appearance.

"When you meet someone for the first time, you might try to estimate his or her age: Is their hair gray? Do they have wrinkles?" said Kounios. "When you learn how old they really are, you might be surprised at how young or old they look for their age and judge that they are aging more quickly or more slowly than expected."

Currently, machine-learning algorithms can learn from MRI images of healthy people's brains what features can predict the age of an individual's brain. By feeding many MRIs of healthy brains into a machine-learning algorithm along with the chronological ages of each of those brains, the algorithm can learn how to estimate the age of an individual's brain based on his or her MRI. Using this framework, Kounios and his colleagues developed the method for using EEGs instead of MRIs.

Credit: Drexel University

This can be thought of as a measure of general brain health, according to Kounios. If a brain looks younger than the brains of other healthy people of the same age, then there is no cause for concern. But if a brain looks older than the brains of similarly aged healthy peers, there could be premature brain aginga "brain-age gap." Kounios explained that this kind of brain-age gap can be caused by a history of diseases, toxins, bad nutrition, and/or injuries, and can make a person vulnerable to age-related neurological disorders.

Despite brain-age estimates being a critical health marker, they have not been widely used in health care.

"Brain MRIs are expensive, and until now, brain-age estimation has been done only in neuroscience research laboratories," said Kounios. "But my colleagues and I have developed a machine-learning technology to estimate a person's brain age using a low-cost EEG system."

Electroencephalography, or EEG, is a recording of a person's brain waves. It's a less expensive and less invasive procedure than an MRIthe patient simply wears a headset for a few minutes. So, a machine learning program that can estimate brain age using EEG scans, rather than MRIs, could be a more accessible screening tool for brain health, according to Kounios.

"It can be used as a relatively inexpensive way to screen large numbers of people for vulnerability to age-related. And because of its low cost, a person can be screened at regular intervals to check for changes over time," Kounios said. "This can help to test the effectiveness of medications and other interventions. And healthy people could use this technique to test the effects of lifestyle changes as part of an overall strategy for optimizing brain performance."

Drexel University has licensed this brain-age estimation technology to Canadian health care company DiagnaMed Holdings for incorporation into a new digital health platform.

In addition to Kounios, Fengqing Zhang, Ph.D., and Yongtaek Oh, Ph.D., of Drexel University, and Jessica Fleck, Ph.D., of Stockton University contributed to this research.

More information: John Kounios et al, Brain-age estimation with a low-cost EEG-headset: effectiveness and implications for large-scale screening and brain optimization, Frontiers in Neuroergonomics (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1340732
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have identified Australian regions with high rates of cardiac arrest and low rates of CPR, prompting calls for targeted education campaigns to improve awareness about avoiding and treating heart issues.

The Monash University-led project identified Australian regions with high incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and low rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The research is published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Cardiac arrestwhen the heart stops beatingis not a heart attack. Heart attacks can cause cardiac arrest, but not all cardiac arrests are related to heart attacks.

Australia has about 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with only 12% of patients treated by ambulance surviving to hospital discharge and/or 30 days.

Senior author Professor Janet Bray, from Monash University's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and Curtin University's Prehospital, Resuscitation and Emergency Care Research Unit, said cardiac arrest survival depended on a series of interventions known as the Chain of Survival.

"Early bystander CPR is one of the most important of these interventions," Professor Bray said. "Survival is doubled when cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is given by bystanders."

The retrospective, observational study used data from the Aus-ROC Australian and New Zealand OHCA Registry to map OHCA by local government area (LGA) from 2017 to 2019. It applied mathematical models and mapping techniques to estimate incidence and bystander CPR ability rates for witnessed events in each LGA.

High-risk LGAs were those with an incidence rate greater than its state or territory's 75th percentile and a bystander CPR rate less than the state or territory's 25th percentile. A total of 62,579 OHCA cases attended by ambulance across 543 LGAs nationwide were included.

Sixty high-risk LGAs with a total population of 1.17 million were identified, mainly in New South Wales. They were typically in regional and remote areas, except for two in Adelaide and two in Perth.

Nationally, the OHCA incidence rate across LGAs ranged from 58.5 to 198.3 per 100,000 people, while bystander CPR rates ranged from 45% to 75%.

Professor Bray said the results showed that OHCA incidence and bystander CPR rates varied markedly across Australian LGAs, making targeted education campaigns in areas of high risk crucial.

Earlier Aus-ROC research with Ambulance Victoria found that Victorian regions with high rates of OHCA had populations with higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors such as being older, lower socioeconomic status and education levels, and higher smoking rates.

OHCA incidence fell during the Heart Foundation's Warning Signs campaign for heart attacks, which suggests that when people act quickly when having heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain, they can avert having a cardiac arrest.

"Whereas regions with higher bystander CPR had higher rates of CPR training," Professor Bray said. "Ambulance Victoria and the Heart Foundation have since provided community education in these regions in their Heart Safe Community initiative. What this whole body of work shows us is that we can improve OHCA outcomes with public education and we can now target public education in areas with the greatest need across the whole of Australia.

"Many of the high-risk regions are in regional and remote areas. We are currently completing research in NSW to explore community-based approaches which are best suited to improving OHCA outcomes in regional communities, and a pilot in Victoria teaching high school students how to save a life."

While similar analysis has been conducted on regional OHCA variations across Queensland and Victoria, this is the first study to apply these methods across all Australian states and territories.

Organizations involved included Monash University, Curtin University, Queensland University of Technology, Auckland University of Technology, Queensland Ambulance Service, St John Western Australia, NSW Ambulance, Ambulance Victoria, SA Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance NT, ACT Ambulance, and Ambulance Tasmania.

More information: Tan Doan et al, Identifying areas of Australia with high out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidence and low bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates: A retrospective, observational study, PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301176 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Concerns about the common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness are key to determining whether adults in Germany and the UK choose to get vaccinated against the virus, according to new research being presented at this year's ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April).

In contrast, timing of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines and their type have little influence on people's willingness to get vaccinated in both countries.

The survey and discrete choice experiment involved 1,000 adults (500 from Germany and 500 from the UK, with 250 who were fully vaccinated and 250 who were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but were not up to date on their vaccine in each country. These "vaccine-hesitant" people included 230/250 participants from the UK who were partially vaccinated, and 20 who were unvaccinated, respectively; and 226/250 from Germany who were partially vaccinated, and 24 who were unvaccinated, respectively. Fully vaccinated was defined as participants who believed they were fully vaccinated, having received the initial primary series and additional COVID-19 booster doses. Un/partially vaccinated consisted of those who did not receive all primary series or booster doses available to them.

The study by Professor Jeffrey Lazarus from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health in Spain and international colleagues offers important insights into the drivers of behavior that might boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake, especially in those who are vaccine-hesitant.

"With vaccination fatigue growing alongside vaccine disinformation and hesitancy, our research suggests that educating the public about the benefits of vaccines, with messaging focusing largely on vaccine safety and efficacy, will get more people to roll up their sleeves," says Professor Lazarus. "What's more, a better understanding of the importance of the perceptions of possible vaccine side effects will be essential to developing more appropriate messaging to reduce vaccine hesitancy."

Despite medical evidence of the importance and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, some of the public is hesitant and/or opposed to COVID-19 vaccination. Understanding the public's preferences for different COVID-19 vaccines and drivers of vaccine hesitancy is critical for implementing effective strategies to increase vaccine uptake.

To identify the most important factors when choosing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the researchers first conducted an online survey of 1,000 adults in Germany (average age 47 years; 50% women) and the UK (average age 50 years; 49% women) between July and August 2023, to find out their preferences and experiences with SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 vaccines.

Participants were recruited using a specialist patient recruitment agency called Global Perspectives (GP). GP identified eligible participants through their panel databases, as well as through support groups, word of mouth, internet advertising, email blasts, and social media. Recruitment messages were used to support this process. The sample was stratified by country, vaccination status, and disease risk status.

Then the study went a step further to examine which of six attributes of a COVID-19 vaccine were the most important in making a decision to be vaccinated or notvaccine type (mRNA or protein), level of protection against COVID infection, level of protection against severe COVID-19 disease, chance of experiencing common side effects (i.e., reactogenicity events), risk of serious side effects (i.e., myocarditis/pericarditis), or joint and separate administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

This was done by giving each participant an illustrative choice task in which they viewed 11 unique vaccine profiles with a different combination of the six vaccine attributes. Participants were asked to choose between two different vaccine profiles at a time, and to pick which vaccine they would choose if there were only those two vaccine options, or they could select that they would prefer neither of the two options. Using this approach, researchers were able to understand the relative importance of each attribute to each participant.

In the baseline survey that asked participants how they felt about different attributes individually, 59% of German and 46% of UK respondents reported being moderately to extremely worried about COVID-19. More than three-quarters of those surveyed in both countries considered that being able to choose a COVID-19 vaccine to be moderately to extremely important. Additionally, around two-thirds of German and around half (45%) of UK participants reported that they were moderately to extremely worried about serious vaccine side effects.

The survey results differed substantially between the vaccinated and unvaccinated/partially vaccinated groups (based on ranking moderately to severely combined)while concerns about COVID-19 were higher in the vaccinated group, having a choice of vaccine, vaccine type and concerns of side effects were all rated higher in the unvaccinated/partially vaccinated groups, with the trend followed in both countries.

However, when these attributes were put together in a combined profile in the discrete choice experiment (i.e., when considered together with efficacy, side effects, timing, etc.), the results showed that the most important considerations when deciding whether to be vaccinated in respondents from both countries were vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection and severe disease, followed by common side effects.

Interestingly, the relative importance of common side effects was nearly 10% higher among Germany participants than their UK counterparts, while the importance of serious side effects was less than half as important as common side effects in both countries.

The researchers' next steps involve examining the rate at which participants experience common side effects and the impact on individuals' activities.

The authors note several limitations, including that the study used self-reported/stated preferences that might not always match preferences/decision-making in real-world situations.

More information: Poster abstract P0344 at the ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID).

Provided by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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Lisa Pisano looks at photos of her dog after her surgeries at NYU Langone Health in New York on Monday, April 22, 2024. Doctors transplanted a pig kidney into Pisano, who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also included a fix for her failing heart. Credit: AP Photo/Shelby Lum

Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.

Lisa Pisano's combination of heart and kidney failure left her too sick to qualify for a traditional transplant, and out of options. Then doctors at NYU Langone Health devised a novel one-two punch: Implant a mechanical pump to keep her heart beating and days later transplant a kidney from a genetically modified pig.

Pisano is recovering well, the NYU team announced Wednesday. She's only the second patient ever to receive a pig kidneyfollowing a landmark transplant last month at Massachusetts General Hospitaland the latest in a string of attempts to make animal-to-human transplantation a reality.

This week, the 54-year-old grasped a walker and took her first few steps.

"I was at the end of my rope," Pisano told The Associated Press. "I just took a chance. And you know, worst case scenario, if it didn't work for me, it might have worked for someone else and it could have helped the next person."

Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute, recounted cheers in the operating room as the organ immediately started making urine.

"It's been transformative," Montgomery said of the experiment's early results.

But "we're not off the hook yet," cautioned Dr. Nader Moazami, the NYU cardiac surgeon who implanted the heart pump.

"With this surgery I get to see my wife smile again," Pisano's husband Todd said Wednesday.

In this photo provided by NYU Langone Health, surgeons operate on Lisa Pisano at the hospital in New York on April 12, 2024. Doctors transplanted a pig kidney into Pisano, who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also included a fix for her failing heart. Credit: Joe Carrotta/NYU Langone Health via AP

Other transplant experts are closely watching how the patient fares.

"I have to congratulate them," said Dr. Tatsuo Kawai of Mass General, who noted that his own pig kidney patient was healthier overall going into his operation than NYU's patient. "When the heart function is bad, it's really difficult to do a kidney transplant."

The pig organ quest

More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. transplant waiting list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting. In hopes of filling the shortage of donated organs, several biotech companies are genetically modifying pigs so their organs are more humanlike, less likely to be destroyed by people's immune system.

NYU and other research teams have temporarily transplanted pig kidneys and hearts into brain-dead bodies, with promising results. Then the University of Maryland transplanted pig hearts into two men who were out of other options, and both died within months.

Mass General's pig kidney transplant last month raised new hopes. Kawai said Richard "Rick" Slayman experienced an early rejection scare but bounced back enough to go home earlier this month and still is faring well five weeks post-transplant. A recent biopsy showed no further problems.

A complex case at NYU

Pisano is the first woman to receive a pig organand unlike with prior xenotransplant experiments, both her heart and kidneys had failed. She went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated before the experimental surgeries. She'd gotten too weak to even play with her grandchildren. "I was miserable," the Cookstown, New Jersey, woman said.

A failed heart made her ineligible for a traditional kidney transplant. But while on dialysis, she didn't qualify for a heart pump, called a left ventricular assist device or LVAD, either.

"It's like being in a maze and you can't find a way out," Montgomery explaineduntil the surgeons decided to pair a heart pump with a pig kidney.

In this photo provided by NYU Langone Health, a gene-edited pig kidney with thymus is removed from its transport container to be prepared for transplantation at the hospital in New York on April 12, 2024. Doctors transplanted a pig kidney into a patient, who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also included a fix for her failing heart. Credit: Joe Carrotta/NYU Langone Health via AP

Two surgeries in eight days

With emergency permission from the Food and Drug Administration, Montgomery chose an organ from a pig genetically engineered by United Therapeutics Corp. so its cells don't produce a particular sugar that's foreign to the human body and triggers immediate organ rejection.

Plus a tweak: The donor pig's thymus gland, which trains the immune system, was attached to the donated kidney in hopes that it would help Pisano's body tolerate the new organ.

Surgeons implanted the LVAD to power Pisano's heart on April 4, and transplanted the pig kidney on April 12. There's no way to predict her long-term outcome but she's shown no sign of organ rejection so far, Montgomery said. And in adjusting the LVAD to work with her new kidney, Moazami said doctors already have learned lessons that could help future care of heart-and-kidney patients.

Special "compassionate use" experiments teach doctors a lot but it will take rigorous studies to prove if xenotransplants really work. What happens with Pisano and Mass General's kidney recipient will undoubtedly influence FDA's decision to allow such trials. United Therapeutics said it hopes to begin one next year.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Brussels has launched a wave of investigations against China in the past few months.

The European Union on Wednesday announced a probe into China's medical devices market, prompting an immediate accusation from Beijing that the bloc was engaging in "protectionism".

Brussels suspects China is favoring its own suppliers for the procurement of medical devices. The EU's official administrative journal, announcing the probe, set out ways that could be happening, including through a "Buy China" policy.

The EU also has concerns that China may have restricted imports and imposed conditions "leading to abnormally low bids that cannot be sustained by profit-oriented companies," the notice in the journal said.

In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said the investigation would "damage the EU's image".

"All the outside world sees is it (the EU) gradually moving towards protectionism," said the spokesman, Wang Wenbin, calling on Brussels to "stop using any excuse to groundlessly suppress and restrict Chinese business".

China's medical devices market is the second largest after the United States, worth around 135 billion euros in 2022 ($145 billion), according to a 2023 report by China-focused think tank MERICS.

The EU probe is the first under the bloc's International Procurement Instrument which seeks to promote reciprocity in access to international public procurement markets.

"The... restrictive measures and practices put at a significant and systemic disadvantage (European) Union economic operators, goods and services as they systematically favor the procurement of domestic products to the detriment of imported ones," the official journal said.

If the investigation finds unfair behavior by China, the EU can limit Chinese companies' access to the 27-nation bloc's public procurement market.

The journal said the investigation would conclude within nine months, although the European Commission can extend this by five months.

Beijing is "invited to submit its views and to provide relevant information" and can hold consultations with the European Commissionthe EU's trade authority"to eliminate or remedy the alleged measures and practices," the text said.

Brussels wanted to "achieve a level playing field in our procurement markets for producers of medical devices, on both sides," EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said.

"Regrettably, our repeated discussions with China on this trade irritant have been fruitless," he added.

Slew of probes

The EU has launched a wave of investigations targeting China over the past few months, particularly into green tech subsidies.

The EU provoked Beijing's ire in April after announcing an investigation into Chinese wind turbine suppliers.

Other probes have focused on Chinese subsidies for solar panels, electric cars and trains as Brussels seeks to move away from reliance on cheaper Chinese technology.

On Tuesday, the commission announced surprise raids on the EU offices of an unidentified company that makes and sells "security equipment" as part of a probe into foreign subsidies.

The Chinese chamber of commerce in the EU denounced the raids in the Netherlands and Poland against a Chinese company.

The EU has also adopted laws that often have China in their sights.

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved a ban on products made using forced labor. Supporters hope it will be used to block goods from China's Xinjiang region where the Uyghur Muslim minority is said to endure many rights abuses.

The latest investigation was announced after German authorities arrested an aide to a far-right German MEP, Maximilian Krah, on suspicion of spying for China.

 2024 AFP
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A team of researchers from The University of Manchester has spent the last 18 months examining how faith spaces in Greater Manchester support different groups of older people within their communities.

Greater Manchester has a growing older population which is becoming increasingly culturally diverse. The city region also faces high levels of inequality around health, income and access to neighborhood services.

In this context, faith spaces provide much needed support as well as places for social connection. However, they are rarely acknowledged for the work they do, are mostly self-funded, and rely on mainly older volunteers to deliver their services.

Researchers from the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG) spoke to a wide range of partners including local authority public health and neighborhood officers, third sector organizations, faith-based and interfaith networks, and diverse groups representing older people from across Greater Manchester. A range of participants contributed to the data including faith leaders or representatives of faith communities, as well as older people who are regular users of faith spaces.

Their research found that faith spaces provide spiritual well-being, belonging and a sense of community by serving as "social connectors," and that they provide practical and emotional support across gender and social class.

The faith spaces in this study also supported a wider range of benefits beyond that of spiritual well-being, both for those who identified with a faith community, and by those who did not. Some participants from the White British community who visited an Anglican church told the researchers that they did not think of themselves as people of faith, but the space was important for social purposes. Beth, a White woman in her 70s, said "I'm a humanist so I don't come here for the service, but to have a cup of tea with people."

The activities provided by the faith spaces were not restricted to indoor meetingsa group of women started going for walks in a local park as part of an informal initiative by a lay leader from the Muslim community who participated in the research.

One of the women taking part was Rayhana, a 72-year-old Muslim woman, who had found herself "stuck at home" without a network of other Asian women after retiring from her busy life working as a teacher and looking after her children on her own.

"It made a big difference in my life because I used to sit at home depressed not going anywhere," she said. "But now I come out with these people, and we enjoy that.

"I feel like a human being again before I was just sitting like a statue at home. Now even if I don't come here, I just try to go round the block, round my house, let's walk. It did make a big change, and now I sleep fully as well because I walk, I talk to people."

The research uncovered high inequality across different neighborhoods, as well as social isolation among groups and individuals within the older population. Such experiences are reflected in the provision of various services by faith spaces, these often targeting recent migrants, those experiencing isolation and/or financial hardship, and people undergoing challenging life transitions such as bereavement, divorce, health problems and relocation.

The experts are calling for a more strategic involvement of faith-based groups in public health and age-friendly agendas. Taking into consideration the existing support happening in faith spaces and the opportunities for that work to be expanded, they suggest that policymakers should explore how to enhance the role of faith spaces in contributing to promoting health and well-being in the community, and provide support to enhance the social function of faith spaces, both for existing users and members of the wider community.

They also appeal for recognition of the role of faith spaces in supporting isolated/newly arrived groups to the community and their potential to connect older people to age-friendly initiatives, as well as support for faith spaces to access funding and the broadening of the age-friendly framework to embrace spiritual participation and cultural diversity.
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Social isolation has been linked to faster cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia, although the biological mechanisms of this association are not well understood.

Now a new clinical trial by a team including investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that conversational interactionsa core component of human connectionscan stimulate different brain functions among socially isolated older adults, even when the interactions are Internet-based. The results are published in The Gerontologist.

The research comes at an important time, as earlier last year the United States Surgeon General released a Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection.

"We initiated the first proof of concept behavioral intervention study in 2010, nearly a decade prior to the COVID-19 pandemic drawing attention to the detrimental effects of social isolation on our overall health. Over the past 15 years, we have conducted a series of intervention trials, hypothesizing that stimulation from engaging conversations could enhance our brain reserve and resiliency. The findings published here are the results from the most recently completed intervention trial," explained lead author Hiroko H. Dodge, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the trials.

Dr. Dodge serves as the Director of Research Analytics at the recently inaugurated Interdisciplinary Brain Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a faculty member of the Harvard Medical School.

The 186-participant phase 2 randomized trial, called I-CONECT, used the internet and webcams to allow for conversational interactions between trained interviewers and socially isolated individuals aged 75 years and older who had normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment.

Investigators rotated conversation partners assigned to each participant to enhance the novelty of the experience, provided user-friendly devices allowing participants without any internet/webcam experience to easily engage in video-based conversations, and encouraged conversations with standardized daily themes and picture prompts.

Thirty-minute conversations were conducted four times per week for six months and then twice per week for an additional six months. A control group of similar individuals did not participate in such conversations, but both the intervention and control groups received weekly 10-minute telephone check-ins.

After the initial six-month period, the intervention group had a higher global cognitive test score compared with the control group with a large effect size among those with mild cognitive impairment. Also, intervention group participants with normal cognition had scores indicating higher language-based executive function.

At the end of final six-month period, intervention group participants with mild cognitive impairment had test scores indicating better memory-related brain function than those in the control group. Measures of emotional well-being improved in both control and intervention groups, suggesting that emotion can be boosted by brief weekly telephone calls while improving cognitive function requires frequent conversational engagement.

Also, brain imaging tests showed that the intervention group had increased connectivity within the dorsal attention networka region important for the maintenance of visuospatial attentionrelative to the control group, although this finding must be interpreted carefully because of the limited number of participants assessed due to COVID-19related research restrictions.

Upon requests from former trial participants asking to continuously have conversations, Dodge and her colleagues have established a non-profit organization, the I-CONNECT Foundation. The Foundation has been providing social interactions to isolated older individuals in the community free of charge, using the same materials used in the trial.

"Our next goal is to extend these activities to reach more isolated individuals in need, as well as to delve into the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of social interactions on our brain functions," said Dodge. "Providing frequent stimulating conversational interactions via the internet could be an effective home-based dementia risk-reduction strategy against social isolation and cognitive decline. We plan to extend this therapy to geriatric outpatient populations, for which we are currently fundraising, and also examine its effectiveness for mild to moderate depressive symptoms."

The team is also exploring the possibility of providing conversational interactions via chatbotan artificial intelligencetrained robot that provides stimulating conversations as a cost-effective intervention. "We are aware that human contacts are critically important for our emotional well-being, but for cognitive stimulations, chatbots might work as effectively as humans, which we are currently investigating," said Dodge.

More information: Hiroko H Dodge et al, Internet-Based Conversational Engagement Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (I-CONECT) Among Socially Isolated Adults 75+ Years Old With Normal Cognition or Mild Cognitive Impairment: Topline Results, The Gerontologist (2023). DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad147 Journal information: The Gerontologist
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Public health experts are calling for a ban on alcohol industry funded education programs in UK universities and schools, which they say normalize drinking and downplay the long term health risks of alcohol.

They include an industry-backed "freshers' week survival guide" for university students and a theater based educational program in schools funded by Diageo, one of the world's biggest alcoholic beverage companies, reports an investigation by The BMJ.

The call follows a successful campaign in Ireland that has led to educational programs funded by the alcohol industry being removed from schools.

But in the UK, universities continue to welcome initiatives funded by Drinkawarea charity funded by major alcohol producers and retailers, venues and restaurant groupsintended to educate students about "responsible" drinking skills.

In universities, for example, Drinkaware materials are distributed to students, including a free cup to measure alcohol units and a wheel with the number of units and calories in popular drinks, while a "freshers' week survival guide," advises students to eat carbohydrates or protein before going out and drink plenty of water.

Drinkaware claimed "the cup and wheel help people understand how much they are drinking." It added that it had quoted directly from the chief medical officer's guidelines and that the stated aim of the guidelines is to inform people but not to stop them drinking alcohol, "as it is considered a normal activity."

But Mark Petticrew at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said this focuses on the short term effects of getting drunk. "Food has no relevance to the longer term harms of alcohol, including cardiovascular disease, cancers and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders," he argues.

May van Schalkwyk at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine added that the material selectively quotes from the chief medical officer's advice.

The Department for Education said that universities are private institutions and the government has no remit to review materials distributed to students in England.

In Wales, universities were given a toolkit to assess whether they are keeping students safe from alcohol created by the Welsh government, NUS Wales, and Drinkaware.

But Mark Petticrew criticized the toolkit as "misinformation" given it omits any information about the risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, injury, and death associated with alcohol. "The framing of the entire document is to preserve the industry reputation and not about protecting young people at universities from harm," he says.

Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, described its work in UK universities as "a pragmatic and worthwhile contribution to reducing alcohol related harm across the UK."

She said, "We work with the grain of public opinion and treat people like adults capable of making informed choices. While some may not like it, alcohol is a part of our society and there is currently no public desire to change that. We make no apologies for delivering a range of activities which support our charitable objectives and organizational purpose."

In the absence of a specific ban, as in Ireland, industry related alcohol education charities have also been active in schools, providing information to pupils as young as 9, the investigation finds.

There is a concern in the public health community that these industry backed programs are poorly evaluated, says John Holmes, professor of alcohol policy at the University of Sheffield. Well designed and effective programs have a role to play.

"Alongside that, we need other measures such as reducing the affordability of alcohol, reducing its availability, and better restriction of alcohol marketing," he says.

More information: Big alcohol: Universities and schools urged to throw out industry-funded public health advice, The BMJ (2024). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q851 Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ)
This new smartwatch from TechLife is the device of choice for any hobby and lifestyle EVERYONE HAS different hobbies and lifestyles. Whether...
A Helena native, Carroll College graduate and aspiring family medicine clinician visited Kenya to gain experience in her field and see a different perspective on medical privilege.

Jenna Starke, 26, visited the African country as a part of the "Global Health Clinical Elective" through the University of Washington's WWAMI medical program.

Her two-month visit had its positive and negative moments, but overall Starke said she was grateful for the experience and the program.

While in Kenya, she rotated through the Naivasha County Referral Hospital, a government-funded hospital, working in medicine wards, pediatric wards, labor and delivery, a tuberculosis clinic and its HIV clinic.

One of the positive moments she remembered while in the hospital was the welcoming clinicians and patients because she wanted to know them and they wanted to know her.

She said unfortunately death is normal due to a lack of resources, so clinicians became used to it.

Although, the negative moment during her trip was death, she experienced different diseases that are not common in the United States.

Starke said outside of the medical practices, she was able to have fun on her weekends off by exploring western Kenya.

She learned about the culture in the communities along with making chipati, an unleavened flatbread commonly eaten in Kenya.

She played rugby, went on hikes and safaris, went camping and explored national parks.

This was her fourth global health experience since entering the medical field. She had been to Mongolia, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador prior to Kenya.

This was her last rotation in medical school since she will graduate in May and begin her residency in Greeley, Colorado, pursuing full-spectrum family medicine.

Starke said she gained more of an understanding of underserved medical communities in the world and has researched ways to decolonize medicine by empowering local clinicians so those communities do not have to rely on clinicians from privileged areas of the world.

She realized she wanted to be in family medicine because she knew it was a more engaging field in medicine on a personal level.

She has always enjoyed getting to know people's stories and said that is what most of medicine is about.

She recalled was a positive moment that influenced her to pursue family medicine even more.

Starke said about two years ago she was helping a patient when her preceptor came in and spent about an hour speaking and listening to the patient, who complained about abdominal pain.

The doctor and Starke figured out the patient had internal family issues that could have added to the abdominal pain and Starke said, "family medicine is for me."

She said she hopes to be the type of clinician that is there for her patients, not just on a medical level, but on a personal level.

Most of her medical training was done in Montana and she plans on coming back to the state to help underserved communities because she feels a sense of home here.
Father Patrick Beretta and Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Shea will host a Mass to Honor All Butte Working People at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the Granite Mountain Memorial.

May 1 is labour day in many countries and is regarded as International Workers Day. In 1955, the Catholic Church dedicated May 1 to Saint Joseph the Worker  the patron saint of craftsmen, engineers and workers, among others.

The Mass at the Granite Memorial will honor all Butte Workers past and present and celebrate their extraordinary contributions to the rich Butte culture and economic vibrancy.

The Granite Mountain Memorial honors the 168 miners who were killed when fire raced through the Granite Mountain and Spectacular mines on June 8, 2017. It is the most deadly disaster in underground hard-rock mining in U.S. history.
Montanans of all stripes seem to agree on at least two things: They care deeply about conservation and public lands, and life here is getting worse.

Those were two key findings of the 2024 Montana Statewide Survey conducted by the University of Montana's Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative. The initiative has conducted the poll every two years since 2014, making this year's the sixth biennial iteration. This year's results were released Tuesday.

"(T)he deep connection that we have to public lands and the shared recognition of our states natural beauty is still there," Rick Graetz, a UM Honors College professor who oversees the initiative, said of consistent themes over the decade of polling. Specifically regarding access to federal public lands, "nothing has changed in these 10 years; its gotten stronger if anything."

However, he noted, Montanans are increasingly "overwhelmed" with population growth in the state, even in places "out on the prairie."

Survey results showed that both the profound appreciation for public lands and natural environment  and a pervasive feeling of worsening quality of life  were widespread across the state's normally gaping political divide.

The poll was conducted by New Bridge Strategy, whose other work includes polling and research for Republicans, and by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), which does the same for Democrats. Pollsters gathered responses from 500 Montana voters across the state March 2328.

"We make sure  we proportionally allocate responses throughout the state," Lori Weigel of New Bridge Strategy said, "so that we make sure were really reflective of all Montanans."

And across the state, Montanans reported things are getting worse.

Sixty-two-percent of respondents said quality of life in their area was worse than five years ago. Thirty-one-percent said it was about the same. Only 6% said quality of life had improved.

Those figures presented an even bleaker picture than the 2022 survey, which showed 55% of people thought life had gotten worse, 36% thought it was about the same and 7% thought things were better.

"While the results were also disproportionate then, that margin has grown in the past two years," said Dave Metz, of FM3. The feeling of a backslide also cut across partisan lines.

Asked about specific concerns, Montanans overwhelmingly pegged sprawling development and drought as leading problems. Ninety-percent of respondents said drought was a serious concern, with 60% saying it was an extreme or very serious problem. Similarly, 90% said development spreading to former ranches or other open space was a serious concern, with 59% calling it extreme or very serious.

The "changing character of the state," low snowpack and crowding of more people at outdoor recreation sites were also top concerns, with a respective 84%, 78% and 78% of respondents saying those things were serious issues.

Those high levels of concern also marked an increase from 2022 poll results. The share of respondents who thought the "changing character of the state" was an extreme or very serious concern jumped from 45% in 2022 to 57% this year. Similarly, extreme or very serious concern over sprawling development jumped from 52% to 59%.

Respondents also reported they believed their communities were growing too fast, with 57% statewide feeling that way. Thirty-three-percent said the rate of growth in their community was about right, and only 9% said it was too slow.

Missoula, Butte and Bozeman led the state for places where respondents said their community was growing too fast: 69% in both Butte and Bozeman, and 66% in Missoula.

Great Falls, however, was an outlier. Only 23% of people around Great Falls felt it was growing too fast; 54% felt the rate of growth was about right, and 19% said it was too slow.

"The numbers, again, show a lot of concern about the rate of growth," Metz said. "The only place where the public is not as animated about this issue is around Great Falls."

Respondents also worried about more people in the outdoor spaces where they recreate, with 52% reporting they've changed when or where they recreate because of crowding or more people. Thirty-five-percent said they changed their habits because of changes in the climate, such as wildfires, less snow or less water.

Nonetheless, Montanans' visitation of federal public lands is nearly universal and continues to rise.

This year's survey found that 95% of Montanans visited federal public lands  such as national forests, parks, monuments or grasslands, or Bureau of Land Management lands  in the past year. That's a jump from 89% in 2018. About half of respondents visited such lands more than 10 times in the past year.

New Bridge Strategy and FM3 also conduct the annual Conservation in the West Poll in conjunction with Colorado College. Now in its 14th year, that poll examines beliefs and attitudes toward conservation issues and policies in eight intermountain Western states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The separate UM survey examines similar topics specifically in Montana, a state that regularly leads the seven others in usage of and appreciation for public lands and natural habitat.

Metz said Montana's figures for usage of federal public lands are some of the highest in the nation. They also track with Conservation in the West data showing Montana as a leader in the West for the share of its population that hunts and fishes.

"That actual walking the walk instead of just talking the talk is really a Montana trait," Weigel said.

This year's UM poll also showed Montana's long-standing appreciation of those lands remained strong, with 83% of respondents saying federal public lands in the state help the economy. That's about level with 82% who said the same in 2018. The share of people who thought such lands hurt the economy increased just 1% in those six years to 4%. And 12% thought such lands had no impact on the economy, the same as in 2018.

Conservation issues also remained important as Montana voters head to the polls. Forty-seven-percent said conservation issues were a "primary factor" when deciding whom to vote for; another 36% said conservation was somewhat important and one of several factors they consider. Those figures have remained about the same since 2014.

"Its also remarkable  the degree to which that sentiment is non-partisan," Metz commented. Survey results showed that 71% of Republicans, 84% of independents and 98% of Democrats said conservation was important to them when choosing whom to vote for.

Even in a state bitterly divided over hot-button topics like abortion and LGBTQ+ themes in library books, Montanans from across the political spectrum seemed to agree on many specific conservation and public lands policies and proposals.

Seventy-three-percent of respondents said they want the U.S. Forest Service to have a public approval process for new hardrock mining around the Smith River headwaters, with half of respondents saying they strongly support it.

"Support cuts across party lines," Weigel said, "it cuts across regions of the state, its really everyone."

Similarly, 70% of respondents said they support the BLM's new conservation rule that makes land restoration and conservation as high a priority for the agency as things like mining, oil and gas drilling, grazing, logging and recreation.

"This is one, again, that we saw cutting across party lines," Weigel said, "with nearly two-thirds of Republicans, 64%, and going up to 86% of Democrats."

There was also bipartisan support for the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Act, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat. The bill is currently awaiting a hearing before the full Senate after passing a committee last fall during its fourth trial through Congress without being passed. It would designate about 79,000 acres of western Montana as new wilderness while opening other areas to logging and recreation.

Overall, 85% of respondents said they support the bill, with 52% saying they strongly support it. That's a slight increase from 83% overall support and 48% strong support in 2022. Only 14% said they oppose the bill, and barely half of that group (8% overall) strongly oppose the bill.

Support for the BCSA included 82% of Republicans, 82% of independents and 94% of Democrats.

However, Graetz noted in a prepared statement about the poll, "some of the proposals we've tested for a decade are still languishing in Congress. Given the growing concerns over growth and development, it is time for more lawmakers to embrace conservation efforts that preserve some of Montana's natural beauty and heritage and involve local communities."
An Arkansas pipe manufacturer is seeking more than $15 million from a company that wants to build a carbon dioxide pipeline system in Iowa amid delays of their agreement, according to a lawsuit filed this week.

The lawsuit filed by Welspun Tubular says Summit Carbon Solutions commissioned the company to produce about 785 miles of pipe, starting in May 2023, at a total cost of about $183 million.

But Summits project  a 2,500-mile pipeline network in five states  has taken longer to get potential approval than the company initially anticipated. It now says construction might begin early next year.

A purchase agreement between the two companies allowed Summit to delay pipe production for up to six months until November 2023, according to the lawsuit complaint filed in state court in Delaware, where Welspun is incorporated.

Welspun was able to further delay the start of production to early 2024 by manufacturing pipe for others, to which Summit agreed, court records show.

But when Welspun notified Summit that it planned to proceed with production in February, Summit sought to delay again, according to the lawsuit.

Summit asked to discuss the status of the project, and those discussions revealed that the project was dramatically off-schedule, the lawsuit says.

In February, Summit canceled the agreement, according to the lawsuit. Welspun claims that entitles it to a $15 million cancellation charge and partial reimbursement for materials it obtained to manufacture the pipe.

Summit disagrees that it owes the money and hopes to find a compromise.

Our current dispute with Welspun Tubular revolves around timing issues related to pipe delivery, the company said in a prepared statement. Were committed to resolving this matter swiftly, and our intention to collaborate with Welspun remains unchanged.

Summits $8.5 billion pipeline system would transport captured carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to North Dakota for underground sequestration.

The Iowa Utilities Board is poised to decide whether to issue the company a hazardous liquid pipeline permit.

State regulators in North and South Dakota rejected the companys initial pipeline routes. North Dakota is reconsidering a revised plan, and Summit has said it intends to file a new permit request in South Dakota.

Fastest-growing jobs in Iowa Fastest-growing jobs in Iowa #50. Physician assistants #49. Butchers and meat cutters #48. Occupational health and safety specialists #47. Electrical engineers #46. Medical secretaries and administrative assistants #45. Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers, except coil winders, tapers, and finishers #44. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers #43. Food servers, nonrestaurant #42. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters #41. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers #40. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers #39. Data scientists #38. Bakers #37. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education #36. Computer programmers #35. Production workers, all other #34. Mechanical engineers #33. Medical records specialists #32. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers #31. Family medicine physicians #30. Property, real estate, and community association managers #29. Social and human service assistants #28. Civil engineering technologists and technicians #27. Business operations specialists, all other #26. Library technicians #25. Postsecondary teachers, all other #24. First-line supervisors of personal service workers #23. Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders #22. Bus drivers, transit and intercity #21. Sales managers #20. Project management specialists #19. Waiters and waitresses #18. Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators #17. Food service managers #16. Bus drivers, school #15. Civil engineers #14. Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders #13. Logisticians #12. Financial and investment analysts #11. Installation, maintenance, and repair workers, all other #10. Chefs and head cooks #9. Emergency medical technicians #8. Dishwashers #7. Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic #6. Self-enrichment teachers #5. Office and administrative support workers, all other #4. Computer occupations, all other #3. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers #2. Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other #1. Food processing workers, all other
The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, has officially launched the Enough Campaign by World Vision Kenya, a project aimed at boosting food sufficiency at the household level and ensuring every learning institution is supplementing learners nutrition through a feeding program.

This program, among others, will benefit over 4 million Kenyan learners who have been at risk of dropping out of school and missing a lifetime opportunity to change their lives.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair, World Vision Kenya, outlined the organizations commitment to eliminating hunger and malnutrition by contributing directly to food and nutrition security for 1.9 million children and 1.5 million adults in 2023.

World Vision Kenya has implemented integrated health programs in 21 counties to improve the survival and protection of children under five years, as well as protect adolescents and mothers from infections and diseases in Kenya.

Ann Wangombe, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender Affairs, noted that the majority of agriculture in Kenya is dominated by women, showing that despite the key role women play in nutrition at the household level, they are still disproportionately affected by hunger.

By addressing existing gender inequality will help reduce the risk faced by women and empower them to further.

Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary, Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, praised the launch of the Enough Campaign as a systemic solution to the hidden hunger and nutritional epidemic that have affected children in the nation.

The State Department is further implementing a pilot program aimed at improving the nutrition profile of children in their first 1,000 days across five counties through a cash transfer program.

Mama Rachel Ruto further urged all Kenyans and organizations of goodwill to work with the Government to eliminate extreme hunger and malnutrition citing The Enough Campaign as a bold and ambitious commitment towards a food sufficient Kenya.

Other leaders present at the launch included Halaqe Wako, the Deputy Whip of the Majority Party in the National Assembly; Babu Katelo, Director Administration, State Department for Crops Development; Lilian Dodzo, Regional Leader of World Vision East Africa; and Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya.
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The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a warning to Public Service Vehicles(PSVs)offering courier services without government licensing.

In a statement released Tuesday, CA Director General David Mugonyi noted that the authority facilitates domestic and cross-border e-commerce activities by licensing national and international courier providers.

The CA Director General warned of fines and jail terms for courier service providers failing to obtain necessary approvals from the State agency in accordance with the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

It has come to the attention of the Authority that a number of unauthorised Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Saccos and e-commerce players are offering courier services without obtaining the requisite license from the Authority, Mr. Mugonyi stated.

Pursuant to Section 49 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, any person found contravening these provisions commits an offence and shall be subject to penalties upon conviction. Such penalties include a fine not exceeding Kes.300,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.

Mr. Mugonyi further urged Kenyans to only use courier operators with appropriate licensing for services and to demand relevant compliance certifications when unsure.

The CA boss emphasized that by doing so, they ensure the security of their packages and proper compensation in case of loss or damage.

He also highlighted that a register of all licensed courier providers, along with their market structure and administration framework, is accessible on the authoritys website at: https://www.ca.go.ke/licensee-register.

Members of the public are therefore advised to engage the services of licensed postal and courier operators to ensure the safety of their items and mitigate other risks associated with engaging unauthorized service providers. The public is further encouraged to verify the validity of courier service providers by demanding to view a valid compliance certificate issued by Authority, Mugonyi said.

By patronising duly authorised operators, consumers benefit from security of prescribed complaints resolution and compensation mechanisms, ensuring a secure and reliable service experience.
ST. HELENA  Neighbors know it as a bucolic vineyard in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

California wants it to be Housing Opportunity Site No. 10.

That disconnect is at the crux of a dispute that boiled over at the April 2 Planning Commission meeting before reaching the St. Helena City Council on Tuesday.

The council voted 4-1 to rezone the 4.4-acre Quaglia property at 1933 Spring St. from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential.

City officials say the change is necessary due to unprecedented pressure from the state to rezone land for higher-density housing, especially on the west side of town, which has historically had less affordable housing than the east side.

The state rescinded its approval of St. Helenas Housing Element on March 26, leaving the city vulnerable to litigation, the loss of state funds, and the builders remedy, in which developers can exceed local development standards.

Rezoning the vineyard, at least for now, seems to be the only way to get back into the states good graces.

The council directed staff to look for alternatives once the state recertifies the Housing Element. If the city finds another site to provide the high-density housing the state wants, the city might be able to rezone the Quaglia property back to Medium Density. A planned development overlay might be another option.

The risks are great enough that I think we need to move forward and get our Housing Element recertified  so we are not vulnerable to bad development happening throughout the city, City Councilmember Anna Chouteau said. Then lets work with all of these engaged community members who want that site to stay Medium Density.

Neighbors say High Density zoning would invite high-density, multi-story residential development. Some even say theyve lost trust in city government over the matter, especially what they see as a lack of notification.

There's absolutely no trust between most of the residents I talk to and the  people who are being paid to serve them, said neighbor Maxine Angell.

However, city officials say removing the Quaglia vineyard from the list of housing opportunity sites at this stage would put the city at risk of being sued by nonprofits that have already sued dozens of California cities for not having certified Housing Elements. It would also require St. Helena to restart the long process of securing state approval for its Housing Element.

The city had listed the Quaglia vineyard as a housing opportunity site in its previous two Housing Elements. It hasnt been developed though, so this time the state is upping the ante by requiring the city to rezone it.

A few alternatives proposed by neighbors and planning commissioners havent borne fruit. Rezoning the old St. Helena Catholic School site instead of the vineyard isnt feasible because its too small and the property owner, the Diocese of Santa Rosa, isnt interested in developing housing there.

Councilmember Patrick Kenealy cast the councils only dissenting vote. He said hed rather hold off on the rezoning until the city gets written confirmation that the state's Department of Housing and Community Development will work with the city on alternatives.

The local citizens who we represent have a problem imposed on the from the state from afar, Kenealy said. We havent done a good job protecting them so far, and I think we have to fight a little bit longer before we roll over.

However, Mayor Paul Dohring said further delays would expose the housing element to more scrutiny.

It wont be days or weeks  it will be years, potentially, he said.

Dohring noted California's heavy-handed approach to local housing policy. Vice Mayor Eric Hall said no force short of Gov. Gavin Newsom could relieve the pressure on communities like St. Helena to develop housing.

Hes looking specifically at communities like us with our demographics, with our history of no development, Hall said.

As for neighbors' complaints about public notification, City Manager Anil Comelo said that while the city wasnt legally required to notify neighbors during the Housing Element process, in retrospect the city should have contacted the neighbors.

Dohring apologized for not drilling down  and asking more questions about the site when the Housing Element was being drafted during the pandemic. The focus group that advised the city on that process had been told the property owners were interested in developing it. One of the owners, Mike Quaglia, says that wasn't accurate.

The city did notify neighbors leading up to the rezoning hearing in front of the Planning Commission. That hearing was postponed from March 5 to April 2 because of what staff called a glitch in the notification process.

On Tuesday the council called for a special study session on housing.

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Seven Associates of Teenager Who Stabbed Assyrian Bishop Arrested

Senior Parish Priest Fr. Isaac Royel, left, and Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during the 2023 Holy Resurrection Feast services, in Sydney, Australia. Emmanuel said following the stabbing that he forgives the attacker. ( Good Shepherd Church) (VOA) -- Seven teenagers in Australia have been arrested in a sweeping anti-terrorism operation in the wake of last week's stabbing attack of a bishop in Sydney.

New South Wales Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told reporters Wednesday that more than 400 federal, state and local authorities were involved in the operation. He said the suspects, who are between 15 to 17 years old, were associates of the 16-year-old boy charged in the April 15 attack on Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a service that was streamed live online.

Emmanuel was seriously injured in the attack. The suspect has been charged with committing a terrorist act.

Hudson said their surveillance of the group showed they believed in a religiously motivated violent ideology, and posed an imminent threat to the community that law enforcement would not be able to prevent, calling it an "unacceptable risk."

He said five other teenagers were detained in the raids and are under questioning.

Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barret said the investigation had not uncovered any evidence of specific targets or a specific time for an attack.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organization, the nation's main domestic spy agency, was also involved in the investigation.
SACRAMENTO  Nearly a half-million health workers who stand to benefit from Californias nation-leading $25-an-hour minimum wage law could be in for a rude awakening if hospitals and other health care providers follow through on potential cuts to hours and benefits.

A medical industry challenge to a new minimum wage ordinance in one Southern California city suggests layoffs and reductions in hours and benefits, including cuts to premium pay and vacation time, could be one result of a state law set to begin phasing in in June. However, some experts are skeptical of that possibility.

The California Hospital Association brought a partly successful legal challenge to Inglewoods $25 minimum wage ordinance, which barred employers from taking those sorts of steps to offset their higher costs.

Layoffs, reductions in premium pay rates, reductions in non-wage benefits, reductions in hours, and increased charges are consequences of an employer having less money to spend  which will necessarily be the case given the significant increase in spending on wages due to the minimum wage, the association said in its lawsuit. Additional examples include reducing health coverage and charging for parking or work-related equipment.

Inglewood voters approved the ordinance in November 2022, nearly a year before California legislators enacted a $25 minimum wage for health workers. Those statewide higher wages are to be phased in starting in June under Californias first-in-the-nation law, but Gov. Gavin Newsom has since said they are too expensive as the state faces a deficit estimated between $38 billion and $73 billion. Its unclear if lawmakers will agree to a delay or take other steps to reduce the cost.

U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer agreed with the hospital industry in a March 11 tentative ruling when he shot down the portion of Inglewoods ordinance banning layoffs and clawbacks by employers, while allowing the rest of the ordinance to remain in effect. He gave the sides time to object to his preliminary decision, though none did.

The California Hospital Association represents more than 400 hospitals and was a key backer of the states carefully crafted compromise law, which notably contains none of the employee safeguards included in the Inglewood ordinance.

Spokesperson Jan Emerson-Shea said the association doesnt know how providers will react once the state law takes effect. We dont have any insights, she said.

The challenge for any health care organization is figuring out how to pay for the higher wages, said Joanne Spetz, director of the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at UC San Francisco. Since labor costs are the largest part of any health care organizations costs, its hard to figure out how to reduce spending without looking at labor costs.

Providers can try to increase revenues by bargaining for higher reimbursements from commercial insurers, she said. Public hospitals, nursing homes and community clinics get most of their money through Medi-Cal, the states Medicaid program.

Providers could reduce the services they offer, pare back charity care, and cut or delay capital investments, Spetz said. In the long term, she expects some combination of spending cuts and revenue increases.

Both the state law and local ordinance cover far more than doctors and nurses, with a definition of health worker that includes janitors, housekeepers, groundskeepers, security guards, food service workers, laundry workers and clerical staff.

The most recent estimate by the Health Care Program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center is that as many as 426,000 health workers would make an average of $6,400 extra in the laws first year, a 19% average pay bump mainly benefiting lower-income workers of color and women. State finance officials project that well over 500,000 workers will benefit.

Researchers didnt include layoffs and other potential staffing and benefit reductions when they projected the state laws costs and benefits, said Laurel Lucia, the programs director. But she pointed to initial projections by hospitals, doctors, and business and taxpayer groups that the wage hike would cost $8 billion annually, thereby imperiling services and resulting in higher premiums and higher costs for state and local governments.

It seems like a contradiction to say this laws going to cost billions of dollars while at the same time saying its going to reduce workers total compensation, said Lucia, who projects a far lower price tag.

She added that state finance officials had anticipated that Medi-Cal reimbursements would reflect the increased labor costs, while Medicare would eventually at least partially compensate for the higher labor costs.

Michael Reich, chair of the Center on Wage and Employment Dynamics at UC Berkeleys Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, and affiliated economist Justin Wiltshire recently argued that Californias new $20 minimum wage law for fast-food workers wont result in mass layoffs and price increases, as some have predicted.

Health care is much different than fast food, Reich acknowledged, but he argued for much the same positive result.

A higher minimum wage will make it easier and cheaper for hospitals to recruit and retain these workers. The cost savings, and the productivity benefits of more experienced workers, could offset much of the labor cost increase, Reich said.

The hospital association filed its lawsuit against Inglewoods ordinance in July, while it was still opposing early versions of the statewide minimum wage legislation. Among many other provisions, the statewide law put on hold an initiative to cap hospital executives salaries in Los Angeles.

The hospital associations legal challenge referenced in part layoffs and reduced working hours imposed by Centinela Hospital Medical Center after Inglewoods ordinance took effect.

But Centinela said the reduction was entirely unrelated to the ordinance and that all staff were offered alternate positions, which many accepted.

Centinela Hospital also has since added many more jobs in new clinical positions above minimum wage scale, the hospital said in a statement.

Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, the prime backer of both the local ordinance and the statewide law, sued the hospital in April 2023 alleging that it cut workers hours to offset the higher minimum wage. The case is still pending.

The union did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

In a court filing, however, the union and city of Inglewood said similar employer restrictions in previous minimum wage laws have survived.

The ordinance merely sets the backdrop for collective bargaining negotiations, and does not bar employers from locking out employees or hiring replacement workers during a strike. Employers can still lay off workers or reduce their hours, they said, so long as they dont do so to fund the higher minimum wage.

But Fischer agreed with the hospital association that layoffs and reductions in employees total compensation packages are obvious responses by an employer to rising compensation costs.

Restricting employers options would violate federal labor relations rules, he said.

The minimum wage an employer has to pay its employees will invariably affect the total amount of compensation it is able or willing to pay, he wrote. This will then invariably affect the number of employees it can retain and the number of hours those employees will be scheduled to work.
The Genocide of Assyrians, Greeks and Armenians in Turkey

The Armenian Genocide, the systematic mass murder and expulsion of 1.5 million ethnic Armenians carried out in Turkey and adjoining regions by the Ottoman government between 1914 and 1923, is commemorated on April 24th every year.

The Armenian Genocide was an atrocity that occurred within the context of a wider religious cleansing across Asia Minor that lasted 10 years and included Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. They were all Christians who were also subjects of the Ottoman Empire.

The religious cleansing was actually the first in modern times, and it fit the pattern of genocides that would follow in the century ahead.

It is worth noting that the Nazis in the following decades were transfixed by the events that occurred in Turkey in those nightmarish years of mass killings and deadly deportations--and saw in them a pattern that they could emulate for their own twisted ends.

The Armenians, in many ways, bore the brunt of the slaughter, but ethnic Greeks and Assyrians were also massacred in similar ways--and for the same reason: They were scapegoats in a crumbling empire that saw Christians as a dangerous and potentially treasonous population inside the country.

There was a strong nationalistic impulse to create a "Turkey for the Turks," and that meant a homogeneous population based on "Turkishness" and the Muslim faith.

The persecution of Armenians began in 1914

Initially, it was just a campaign of boycotting Armenian businesses and shops. But within months, it culminated in acts of violence and the murder of key Armenian politicians and persons of importance. By April 15, 1915, almost 25,000 Armenians were slain in the province of Van.

On April 24, 1915, the Ottomans arrested 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople and sent them to Chankri and Ayash, where they were later murdered.

On the same day, the editors and staff of Azadamart, the leading Armenian newspaper of Constantinople, were arrested, to be executed on June 15th in Diyarbekir, where they had been taken and imprisoned.

The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople and Zohrab, an Armenian deputy in the Ottoman Parliament, petitioned the Turkish authorities on behalf of the arrested Armenians of Constantinople. The answer was that the government was dissolving the Armenian political organizations.

Within nine months, more than 600,000 Armenians were massacred. Of those who were deported during that time, more than 400,000 died of the brutalities and privations of the southward march into Mesopotamia, raising the number of victims to one million. This became known to the rest of the world outside Turkey as the Armenian Genocide.

In addition, 200,000 Armenians were forcibly converted to Islam to give Armenia a new Turkish sense of identity and strip Armenians of their historical past as the first Christian state in the world.

On August 30, 1922, Armenians who were living in Smyrna were victims of yet more Turkish atrocities. The "Smyrna Disaster" of 1922, which was aimed at Christian Greeks who were living in the seaside city, involved thousands of Armenians as well. Turkish soldiers and civilians set all the Greek and Armenian neighborhoods on fire, forcing Greeks and Armenians to flee to the harbor, where thousands were killed or drowned.

On April 24, 1919, prominent figures of the Armenian community who had survived the atrocities held a commemoration ceremony at the St. Trinity Armenian church in Istanbul. Following its initial commemoration in 1919, the date became the annual day of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide.

Yet, somehow, ever since the horrific events of 1915, Turkey has methodically denied the fact that the Armenian genocide occurred. Despite Turkish denials, the genocide has been unanimously verified by the International Association of Genocide Scholars, and become internationally recognized with the intention of upholding moral responsibility above political purposes.

The Armenian Genocide was officially recognized by US President Biden on April 24, 2021 in an official declaration. It ended a consistent policy of non-recognition that guided Biden's predecessors.

"Each year on this day, we remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring," the American President said.
UPDATE: MAY 6, 2024 This event has been canceled. Emory's 179th Commencement has been relocated to the Gas South District, an indoor facility in Duluth, Georgia. For more information, please visit the Commencement website and read a message from Emory President Gregory L. Fenves.

Class of 2024, now is your time to live in the moment and enjoy the events leading up to Commencement.

Golden Globe award-winning actor Tyler James Williams has been named the keynote speaker for Emorys 2024 Class Day Crossover, a program celebrating students receiving bachelors degrees from Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Goizueta Business School, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and the Emory School of Medicine (Medical Imaging Program).

Held on Thursday, May 9, from 6-11 p.m., the evening begins in the Emory Student Center (ESC) with food, music and camaraderie.

Following the Senior Reception, the Class Day Program begins in the ESC Multipurpose Room, kicking off Commencement Weekend. The program will feature senior awards, a final Coke Toast and student-selected Class Day speaker Tyler James Williams.

After the program, when the sun sets over Emorys campus, students are invited to take part in a treasured tradition: the Candlelight Crossover. Students will receive candles and walk as a class from the ESC to McDonough Field while alumni, faculty and staff line the path and cheer, symbolizing the moment the Class of 2024 changes from students to alumni. Following the crossover, end the night with a glow party on McDonough Field featuring refreshments, including alcohol for those 21 and over, student DJs and senior class photo opportunities. Last years graduating class took more than 11,000 photos in the selfie-museum style photo environments.

Williams, the speaker for the Class Day program, is the 2023 Golden Globe winner for best supporting actor in a musical, comedy or drama for his role of Gregory Eddie in the award-winning series Abbott Elementary.

He frequently appears in both movies and television shows, from the critically acclaimed film The United States vs. Billie Holiday alongside Andra Day to a starring role in the Sundance-winning feature Dear White People. He has starred in CBS Criminal Minds, ABCs Whiskey Cavalier and AMCs The Walking Dead.

Perhaps most notably, Williams was discovered at the age of five for the lead role in Everybody Hates Chris, which he starred in for four seasons.

Tyler James Williams, whose career has been multifaceted to include acting, music and advocacy for education and youth empowerment, makes him an excellent choice for Class Day speaker, says Zeaven Hoxie, a senior studying music with a concentration in vocal performance and neuroscience and a member of the student speaker selection committee for Class Day Crossover. His advocacy for these causes makes him an approachable and motivating figure for students as they embark on their next chapter, be it academic or professional.

We watched him as a young actor on programs like Everybody Hates Chris and now see him in the award-winning show Abbott Elementary, Hoxie continues. His career not only serves as a source of inspiration, but also prompts introspective questions, like what challenges he faced along the way, or how we, as Emory seniors embarking on new phases, can apply insights given to us by an individual whose influence is not only well-established but also widely recognized across our generation.

Class Day program speakers are selected by a group of graduating students. Previous speakers include Kal Penn, Scott Kelly, Chelsea Handler, Adam Richman, Kenneth Cole, Mia Farrow, Peyton Manning, Ben & Jerry, Bill Nye and Chipper Jones.

Recognition of outstanding graduating students

In conjunction with the food and festivities during the Class Day Program, which is open to all undergraduate seniors, several senior awards will be presented.

The Boisfeuillet Jones Medals honor students selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance and potential to become a change agent in their chosen profession and society at large.

Presented to an administrator or staff member, the Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award recipient is selected by seniors for service as a role model and friend to the Class of 2024, for participation in the Emory community beyond their professional duty and who is deemed worthy of special recognition.

The Knights of Emory Spirit Awards recognize two outstanding seniors who have made great contributions to the university and promote Emory spirit with passion and selflessness.

An invitation for Emory alumni, faculty, staff and community

Celebrating the Class of 2024 isnt limited to graduating students. All members of the Emory community play an important role in helping students reach this milestone. Emory alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to light the path around the Student Center Plaza and Asbury Circle to cheer on graduates during the Candlelight Crossover.

Candles will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to sport their Emory gear, bring signs and cheer on the students. Before Crossover activities, alumni and community members are invited to enjoy a reception with Emory giveaways, wine, beer and hors doeuvres from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Emory Student Center Commons, second floor.

Participation is essential to building on Emorys tradition and culture of support, and thus is strongly encouraged for all who work with and/or support Emory students; please register to attend.
China to launch Shenzhou XVIII crewed spaceship on April 25

This undated photo shows Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu (C), Li Cong (R) and Li Guangsu who will carry out the Shenzhou XVIII spaceflight mission. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Shenzhou XVIII spacecraft carrying three astronauts atop a Long March 2F carrier rocket will be launched at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 8:59 pm on Thursday, spokesman of the mission announced on Wednesday.

The crew members will be Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, with Ye as the mission commander. Ye was also a crew member of Shenzhou XIII. And it will be Li Cong and Li Guangsu's first space flight, Lin Xiqiang, spokesman of the mission, said at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center during a news conference.

The main objectives for the mission include orbit handover with Shenzhou XVII crew and carrying out a series of experiments and missions during their stay of six months, Lin said.

He added that the Shenzhou XVIII crew members plan to return to the Dongfeng landing site in late October.

The Shenzhou XVII astronauts will return to the Dongfeng landing site on April 30.

China will intensify research and promote the participation of foreign astronauts and space tourists in space station flights.

Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, the three Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission, meet the press on Wednesday. [Photo by Wang Jiangbo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Rend Lake College students, from left, Derek Sample, Cooper Hemby and Maggie Stacey, celebrate receiving Provost Scholarships with SIU Provost Sheryl A. Tucker (fifth from left) and other university officials. (Photo provided)

SIU Carbondale awards 2024 Provosts Scholarships to community college students

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Twelve high achieving community college students from Illinois have received Southern Illinois University Carbondales 2024 Provosts Scholarships, which cover tuition and mandatory fees for two years.

SIU Carbondale Provost Sheryl Tucker and other university officials paid surprise visits last week to present SIUs most prestigious transfer student award and congratulate seven of the students from three local community colleges: Shawnee Community College, John A. Logan College and Rend Lake College. The remaining five scholarship recipients learned of their awards during a Zoom session on April 18.

Sheryl A. Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the scholarship fits well with the Imagine 2030 strategic plan and its pillar of student success.

It is a pleasure to award these scholarships and welcome these bright, hard-working students to the Saluki family, she said. They have imagined their roles in making the world a better place, and then they strive to make their vision a reality, even when it means defying the odds.

One-hundred-fifty-three community college students competed in the selection process. Selected students demonstrate high academic achievement, have a strong record of leadership in their communities and participate in numerous extracurricular activities. The award is renewable, contingent upon the students maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA.

The students, by hometown, are:

Anna: Hayley Davis, Shawnee Community College, management.

Aurora: Isidro Pina, Waubonsee Community College, automotive technology.

Carbondale: Emily Fulk, John A. Logan College, journalism.

Johnston City: Cara Cullum, John A. Logan College, elementary education.

Mount Vernon: Cooper Hemby, Rend Lake College, accounting.

Percy: Kody Behnken, John A. Logan College, electrical engineering.

Pocahontas: Joseph Vonbokel, Kaskaskia College, agricultural systems and education.

Sesser: Derek Sample, Rend Lake College, agricultural systems and education (teacher education program).

Sesser: Maggie Stacey, Rend Lake College, hospitality, tourism, and event management.

Tunnel Hill: Alexis Goddard, Southeastern Illinois College, mathematics (teacher education program).

West Frankfort: Kile Britten, John A. Logan College, radiologic sciences.

West Frankfort: Autumn Ridlen, John A. Logan College, nursing.

SIU Carbondale offers various scholarships to transfer students. For more information on the universitys scholarships and financial aid, contact Amber Rivers, associate director of scholarships in the Financial Aid Office, at scholarships@siu.edu or 618-453-4628.
PRNewswire Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], April 24: Clayfin Technologies, a leading provider of innovative Digital Customer Experience solutions for Banks and Financial institutions, and Jana Small Finance Bank, one of India's leading small finance bank in India, proudly announced their partnership's recognition as 'Regional Winners: Asia' at the IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024. Their exceptional collaboration was honoured for the innovative 'Omnichannel Digital Banking Solution for Retail and Corporate Customers'. The recognition is a testament to Jana Small Finance Bank's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences across digital platforms. Clayfin's omnichannel Digital Banking Solution offers a comprehensive 360-degree view to Jana SFB's customers, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility across mobile and internet banking platforms. Nikhil Gokhale, Director - Research & Digital Properties at IBS Intelligence, extended congratulations to Jana Small Finance Bank and Clayfin for their achievement as the 'Regional Winners: Asia' at the Digital Banking Awards 2024. Clayfin's Omnichannel Digital Banking Solution at Jana SFB led to significant improvements in productivity, efficiency, and cost savings, highlighting their leadership in digital transformation. Ashish Saxena, Chief Information and Digital Officer of Jana Small Finance Bank, said, "We are honoured to receive this recognition at the IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024. This award strengthens our commitment to provide digital experiences to our customers. This win motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in digital banking, ensuring value for our customers." Thanking IBS Intelligence and Jana Bank, Rajesh BLN, CEO of Clayfin, added, "Clayfin's Omnichannel Digital Banking Solution has seamlessly integrated with Jana Bank's vision of providing convenient digital experience to customers. Today, this solution ensures easy digital transactions, providing a unique experience for Bank's customers. We are excited about the new services on the platform and are committed to further enhancing the Bank's digital footprint, contributing to the growth of their business." About IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024 IBS Intelligence (IBSi) is the world's only pure-play Financial Technology focused research, advisory, and news analysis firm, with a 30-year track record and clients globally. The IBSi Digital Banking Awards 2024 seek to identify and honour the most innovative and impactful technology implementation projects that help banks and FinTechs reach their clients via digital channels. The fourth edition of the Digital Banking Awards evaluated 60+ installations across multiple geographies. About Jana Small Finance Bank Jana Small Finance Bank, a scheduled commercial bank, is the 4th largest Small Finance Bank in India with an experience of over 16 years in lending and serving 12 million customers. The Bank was launched in March 2018, is a solid combination of a digital institution and national presence across 22 states and 2 union territories, spread across 808 branches. About Clayfin Clayfin is a leading provider of Digital Customer Experience solutions for Banks and Financial institutions. Clayfin enables Banks and financial institutions to nurture and grow close ties with their customers by providing a seamless omnichannel experience delivered at any digital point of interaction that the customer prefers. Clayfin works across geographies, and currently supports 75+ implementations across 25+ financial institutions. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2394840/Clayfin_Jana_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Taipei [Taiwan], April 24: AI is sweeping the globe, transforming industries and spurring enterprises to adopt AI in business. As companies gear up to seize this incredible opportunity of rapid business growth, upgrading their IT infrastructure is the first step. At COMPUTEX 2024, QSAN will unveil state-of-the-art solutions to assist enterprises in the AI era. Unparalleled Performance All NVMe Flash ArrayThe next-generation XCubeFAS 5226 is now delivering extremely fast performance. It features low latency, high throughput, and robust IOPs to accelerate demanding workloads for the upcoming AI era. Innovative Container PlatformThe KubeSwift series is an innovative appliance that empowers SMBs with CaaS (Container as a Service) capabilities. This all-in-one solution streamlines containerized application deployment, management, and scaling, providing a robust foundation for modern IT infrastructures. High Scalability Enterprise Unified StorageAs artificial intelligence continues to advance, the value of data will grow exponentially, driving the need for expanded storage capacity. XCubeNXT is an enterprise unified storage system with PB-level scalability, high availability, and multi-functional connectivity. It aims to prepare for storing massive amounts of material generated by AI. Register for QSAN Tech Talk QSAN will host tech talks to provide insights into storage technology and the future. Professionals will have in-depth discussions on topics such as AI applications, storage technology trends, market analysis, and prediction. Register for tech talk for more forecasts. Make an Appointment with a QSAN Expert Consultant Tailor-made storage consulting will also be available at COMPUTEX 2024. For the best chance of accelerating your business, make an appointment with a QSAN expert. QSAN at 2024 COMPUTEX Information Event Date: June 4 ~ 7, 2024Event Time: (GMT+8) 9:30 AM ~ 05:30 PMBooth No.: M1435a (AI Computing & System Integration)Location: 4F, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1)Address: No.1, Jingmao 2nd Rd., Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan QSAN Showroom for Tech Talk and Expert Consultant Event Date: June 4 ~ 7, 2024Event Time: (GMT+8) 10:00 AM ~ 05:30 PMLocation: QSAN ShowRoomAddress: No. 2, Ln. 1, Fukang St., Nangang District, Taipei City 115, Taiwan For more information, please visit: www.QSAN.com Media ContactsEmail: press@qsan.comAddress: 4F., No.103, RuiHu Street, NeiHu District, Taipei, Taiwan11494Phone: +886-2-7720-2118 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Recognising market demand, the Moscow City Tourism Committee organized a conference for representatives of the Indian MICE industry, to introduce them to the tourism strengths of the Russian capital. MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, and is a type of tourism in which large groups, usually plan things well in advance. The event took place on April 19 in Delhi and brought together over 100 participants from MICE agencies of both countries, corporate customers, representatives of the travel industry in Moscow, Aeroflot and the Indian branches of Sberbank. Business tourism is one of the most promising directions for Moscow. In 2023, the capital was visited by 3.7 million business tourists - 7 per cent more than in 2022. And India remains one of the leaders among visitors from non-CIS countries in terms of the number of business travellers. "The Russian capital as a centre of business tourism and corporate events is already an established and a strong brand in the international arena," commented Anastasia Popova, Deputy General Director for International and Industry Cooperation of Project Office for the Development of Tourism and Hospitality in Moscow. "Now our task is to demonstrate to our Indian partners all the possibilities of organizing high-value MICE events in Moscow in combination with already proven tourist programs," said Popova. At the Shaping MICE Future Conference, industry experts from Russia and India pronounced statements and speeches on the future of MICE events in these two countries, a presentation of the MICE potential of Moscow was showcased, and an analytical report on the state of the outbound MICE market in India was presented to the visitors. During the panel discussion, participants assessed the current status and interaction peculiarities with the MICE market in India and developed recommendations for the MICE industry in Moscow during the general brainstorming session. Representatives of the Indian MICE industry participated in B2B negotiations to find new cross-partners in the Moscow business environment and among representatives of the hospitality industry. Representatives of the MICE industry took part in the event from Moscow. Among them were DMC (Grand Rus, Academservice, Headed Goose, Satguru Travel, Isba Rus, Hug the Bear, Mellenium Group) as well as representatives of other partners interested in the development of MICE cooperation between Russia and India: Global transfers provider i'way and hotels Edge Seligerskaya and Edge Vinogradovo Moscow by Rotana. "In 2024, we have witnessed a significant surge (more than quadruple) in the demand for transfers by Russians visiting India, both for business and leisure purposes. Muscovites are leading the trend, with 80 per cent of transfer bookings originating from the capital since the beginning of the year. Additionally, we observe a growing interest from Indian tourism agencies in exploring Russia, resulting in a substantial increase in our collaboration," commented Dmitriy Saraykin, co-founder of Global Transfer Provider i'way. The Shaping MICE Future conference allowed the Moscow City Tourism Committee to form a pool of MICE industry representatives in Moscow to prioritize incoming requests for events and clarify India's requirements for business and corporate events to build mutually effective work. Indian colleagues received up-to-date information about Moscow as a safe and attractive MICE destination and were able to find potential partners among representatives of the MICE industry of the Russian capital and were able to present the MICE market in India. "The event served as a remarkable platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the tourism industry. The event provided us with invaluable opportunities to engage with key stakeholders from the tourism department, as well as tour operators and service providers. The insights gained during the event underscored the Moscow City Tourism Committee's keen interest in the Indian outbound market, and we are optimistic about the promising prospects for Moscow as a destination, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. We firmly believe that with concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, Moscow has the potential to emerge as a top-choice destination for Indian tourists," said Mudit Mathur, director of Tours Delite India, representing Academ Service - Russia in India. The conference also assessed the solutions to foreign demand for non-standard venues and elements in MICE programs, such as museums, parks, theaters and others. Holding MICE events at offbeat locations, such as the State Historical Museum, the Moscow Planetarium and Khudozhestvenny Cinema, is becoming popular. This helps to attract conference organizers and creates a unique experience for the participants. Working in this format, many visitors who come to Moscow on a business trip want to return with their families and spend time as regular tourists. (ANI)
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, this project marks a significant milestone for Preity as she returns to the silver screen after a hiatus.

The 'Veer Zaara' actor gave fans a delightful sneak peek into the film's production with a series of behind-the-scenes photos shared on social media.

Expressing her excitement, Preity posted snapshots from the film set, offering fans a glimpse into the world of 'Lahore 1947'.

Sharing a photo of the film's clapperboard, Preity captioned it with a simple yet powerful statement, "On set for Lahore 1947."

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6HPW_oLXmm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Another image featured the actress sharing a candid moment with director Rajkumar Santoshi, hinting at the camaraderie behind the scenes.

The announcement of Preity Zinta's return to Bollywood has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among her fans. Eagerly anticipating her comeback, fans flooded social media with expressions of joy and anticipation.

From labeling her as the "queen" of Bollywood to expressing their eagerness to witness her on the big screen again, fans have been vocal about their excitement in the comments section.

'Lahore 1947', produced under Aamir Khan's banner, marks a significant collaboration between Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan's Productions.

The film was officially announced last October, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline.

Adding to the anticipation, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal has also joined the cast of 'Lahore 1947' in a pivotal role.

The movie will also feature Sunny Deol sharing screen space with his elder son Karan Deol. (ANI)
While we might have roofs over our heads and ACs to cool us down to prevent us from the scorching heat, our animals roaming the streets won't really have that luxury. In order to help strays this summer, actor Jackie Shroff on Wednesday urged all to provide bowls of water for birds and animals. In his Instagram post, Shroff delivered a poignant message, stating, "Aaj ki special advice - paani peena nahi bhoolna, aur paani rakhna mat bhoolna! Together, let's make a splash of compassion." Collaborating with his NGO 'Ped Lagao Bhidu,' Shroff amplified the message across his social media platforms, emphasizing the need to help the voiceless from the heat. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6IsNOfyIL7/?hl=en Meanwhile, on the work front, Shroff will be seen as Captain Khanna in the film 'Two Zero One Four.' Speaking about the film, he earlier said, "Working on Two Zero One Four has been an exhilarating experience. The film's storyline is both riveting and timely, and I am eager for audiences to witness the intense drama and suspense it has to offer." He added, "The film follows the story of Captain Khanna, a retired army officer drawn back into the world of espionage when tasked with interrogating a notorious Pakistani terrorist. What begins as a routine mission soon escalates into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as Khanna uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy involving both Indian and foreign intelligence agencies." (ANI)
Actor Ashish Vidyarthi shared his shooting experience in the series 'Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond', also featuring Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana and Prasanna. Directed by Santosh Singh, the series promises to unravel untold stories behind a major defensive operation, shedding light on the amalgamation of traditional and contemporary warfare tactics. He said, "It was an honor to work on this Ranneeti. The interesting part of the character in this series was the detailing. It's about the detailing of events that go behind the scenes. I got goosebumps when I was shooting for this series, and I'm truly thankful to the whole team for making this series possible." The series is based on real-life events and what happened behind the scenes of a major defensive operation. "In 'Ranneeti', we have shown the actions taken, and we're really close to showing what actually happened in the field. There are lots of things the public didn't see from the Pulwama and Balakot incidents, so there's a lot of detail you'll see in this series. With our project, we have shown that there are certain people behind the scenes who played a vital role," added the ace actor. Ashish is popularly known for his negative roles in several hit Bollywood films such as 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai,' 'Bichhoo', 'Haseena Maan Jayegi,' 'Bhai,' 'Baazi,' and many more. He was also seen in Arjun Kapoor and Tabu's film 'Kuttey' and in the web series 'Trial by Fire'. Scheduled for release on April 25 on JioCinema, 'Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond' is poised to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances. The series is produced by Sunjoy Waddhwa and Comall Sunjay W from Sphereorigins Multivision Private Limited. (ANI)
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah claimed that Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party (PDP) has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as its 'C team'. Abdullah's statement comes after BJP leader Mushtaq Bukhari notably urged members of the Pahari community to vote for Mehbooba Mufti in the ongoing Lok Sabha election. Referring to this, the NC leader said, "If we have to defeat the BJP here, and the powers spreading poison in the whole country, then people should look at INDIA alliance leaders on all five seats of J-K. All others are connected to the BJP in some way. Be it the 'A' or 'B' team that meets Tarun Chugh sahib or PDP. I am assuming that now Mehbooba Mufti will put pressure on the BJP to get Mushtaq Bukhari's statement changed. PDP has joined BJP as its 'C' team." When asked about sitting BJP Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal who dropped as a candidate from the constituency in this election, Abdullah said that they will try to field such a candidate from the National Conference-Congress so that BJP has no chance of winning the seat. "The right candidate should be fielded by Congress (on the Ladakh seat) as we are fighting together on the Ladakh seat. We will try to field such a candidate from National Conference-Congress so that BJP has no chance of winning the seat," he said. BJP on Tuesday announced Tashi Gyalson, a former party general secretary of the Ladakh unit, as its candidate from the Ladakh constituency replacing its current MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal from the Lok Sabha seat. Tashi Gyalson is a councillor from the Lingshed constituency and in 2020 was elected as chairman and chief executive councillor of the 6th Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, (LAHDC), Leh. He joined the BJP after the BJP-PDP coalition government in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir collapsed. He was then a member of the PDP. Polling in Udhampur was held on April 19 (Phase 1), while Jammu, Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar, and Baramulla will poll on April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20 respectively. In 2019, polling for the Lok Sabha was held for six seats in Jammu and Kashmir. However, following the abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in the split of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories--Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, there is no longer a separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh. In the 2019 elections, the BJP won three seats while the National Conference won the remaining three. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
The Police have also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh on the information of the terrorist while releasing a poster of his likeness.

The brother of a Territorial Army official, namely Mohammad Razaq was shot dead by the terrorists in the aftermath of a TA official getting slip from their clutches in the Kunda Top village.

A case has also been registered under sections 302, 120b, 121a, 122, 458 IPC; 7/27 IAA and 13,15,16 UAPA at Thanamandi police station of Rajouri.

The police informed that during investigations credible evidence was obtained, that identified one "foreign terrorist" with code name Abu Hamza.

The police and security forces deployed in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch are working in close synergy to neutralise this group and dismantle their support ecosystem.

Meanwhile, security forces have been put on high alert in Rajouri following the killing of Razaq on Monday. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday took a jibe at BJP after it won its first seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unopposed from Surat. She alleged that the BJP is working to finish off democracy and compared it with the "Russian style of democracy." "One thing we have been saying repeatedly this is the work to finish off democracy; it is called Russian style of democracy," said Chaturvedi. Drawing parallels with recent elections in Russia where opposition voices have been stifled, she pointed out the absence of any significant challengers to President Vladimir Putin, alleging that dissenters face imprisonment or worse. "This is Putin's style of democracy where the opposition is vanished completely. A few days ago there were elections in Russia, and there was no one standing against him because whoever opposes him, lands up in jail, gets the punishment of 'Kaala Pani' and dies and he becomes President after receiving 85 per cent votes. PM Modi is trying to adopt the same model," she added. Chaturvedi pointed out the rejection of the main Congress candidate and the subsequent withdrawal of all independent candidates in the Surat Lok Sabha constituency. She argued that such actions undermine the fundamental principles of democracy. "In Surat, the main candidate of the Congress party was rejected, then the substitute candidate was also rejected and all independent candidates withdrew the forms...This will be their democracy, without casting votes, BJP people get elected and PM Modi will keep the government," she said. The election officer, on Sunday, cancelled the nomination papers of the Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani from Surat Lok Sabha constituency over alleged "fake signatures of people who signed as witnesses." While cancelling the nomination, the Collector wrote in the order that the signatures of the people who have signed as witnesses in the nomination form of Congress candidate Nilesh Kumbhani and his dummy candidate Suresh Padshala are fake. Following this, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected 'unopposed' from the Surat Lok Sabha constituency after all other candidates in the fray including independents and candidates from smaller parties also withdrew their nomination papers on the last day. The party now remains with no opposition candidate in the battle for the Lok Sabha seat. All 26 seats of Gujarat will go to the polls in a single phase on May 7. (ANI)
Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Tuesday defended former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks made in December 2006 that the minorities, particularly Muslim minorities, should have first claim on the country's resources. He said, "Certainly this is what Manmohan Singh had said that the people standing in the last line are the most backward people of the country and of course, Muslims are the most backwards in this country." Alvi further defended Manmohan Singh and said that he did not say that Muslims must be given first right to resources in the country. He had said that the most backward people have the first rights. The Congress leader stated, "I don't see any objection in this. Why does the Prime Minister have any objection when their government is giving a free ration to 80 crore people? Is it not their first right? If not, then why is he giving them a ration?" Earlier on Sunday, while addressing a public event in Rajasthan's Banswara, Prime Minister Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said, "Their Mangalsutra, the question is not of the cost of gold in it, it is linked to her dreams of her life. You are talking of snatching it in your manifesto...will distribute gold and redistribute. When it was their government, they had said that Muslims have the first right over the country's wealth. Who will you distribute after collecting the wealth, distribute it to those who have more children, and distribute it to infiltrators." The PM further stated, "Will the money of your hard labour be given to infiltrators, is this acceptable to you? Congress manifesto is saying that they will calculate the gold of mothers, and sisters and then redistribute the wealth to those whom the Manmohan Singh government had said that the first right to resources is of Muslims. Brothers, sisters, this thinking of urban Naxals, my mothers, sisters, they will not allow even your Mangalsutra to remain in your possession, they will go to this extent." (ANI)
He clarified that no further development will be made to privatise the steel plant.

"We will see ways to strengthen the plant. It isn't the decision of any party, it was decided by the union government to stop the steel plant privatisation," he said.

Ramesh alleged that Kadapa MP Avinash Reddy killed the late former CM Raja Sekhar Reddy's brother Vivekananda Reddy on the instructions of CM YS Jagan Reddy.

"Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has collected all evidence of Vivekananda Reddy's murder case. CM Reddy knows everything about the murder of Vivekananda Reddy. More than 2 lakh supporters of Avinash Reddy were there (Kurnool) when the CBI came to arrest Avinash Reddy. Later he got bail. But I am sure that CBI will arrest him very soon," Ramesh added.

Ramesh also said that he met Tollywood superstar and former union minister Chiranjeevi.

"I thank Chiranjeevi and Jansena chief Pawan Kalyan for extending their support," he said.

After 2104, Chiranjeevi faded out from politics and focused on movies. Later, in a video, Chiranjeevi requested the people of Anakaplli to vote for BJP Lok Sabha candidate CM Ramesh.

Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha seats. The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh will be simultaneously held on May 13.

In the 2019 Assembly elections, the YSRCP won with a thumping majority of 151 seats, while the TDP was confined to 23 seats. In the Lok Sabha polls, the YSRCP won 22 seats, while the TDP could only win three seats. (ANI)
Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday held an election rally in Alappuzha for BJP candidate Sobha Surendran. Taking a dig at 'INDI Alliance', Amit Shah said that 'INDI Alliance' has been exposed and the fight between Communists and Congress is fake. They come together on one stage in Delhi but in Kerala, they fight against each other. "This so-called 'INDI alliance' has been exposed. The two partners of the 'INDI Alliance' - Communists and Congress - come together on one stage in Delhi but in Kerala and Bengal they fight against each other. Their fight is fake... 'ilu-ilu' is going on between the Congress and Communist," Shah said. "There are three pavilions in the state of Kerala one is of Communist, second is of Congress and Muslim League and third is of NDA. The Communist is finished off in the entire world and so is in the country; Congress is over in the nation, and the coming time is of BJP...Should a ban on PFI continue or not? The Congress and Communist party take the support of PFI...," the Union Minister further said. Hitting out at Congress over its alleged involvement in the mining scam, Amit Shah said, "Congress and Communist leaders are involved in the black sand mining scam. In many scams, the involvement of CM's family members and his office has come to light. However, the Communist Party which speaks about transparency is not ready to speak a single word on its CM..." The Home Minster further said the Lok Sabha polls this time is to make Modi the PM for a third time and to free Kerala from violence. "This election is for making India become number 1 in agriculture, technology and manufacturing... This election is for making a violence-free Kerala. This is the time of the BJP," Shah said. "All the surveys are showing that the entire Kerala is ready to move ahead with PM Modi. Kerala's farmers and fishermen are also ready to move ahead with PM Modi," he said. All 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala will vote in a single phase on April 26. Counting will be held on June 4. Notably, the campaigning for the second phase of elections will end on April 24. As many as 89 constituencies spread across 13 states will go to polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 26. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi slammed actor-turned politican Kangana Ranaut for "comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lord Vishnu", saying that Kangana is ignorant and befooling the people. Ranaut is the BJP's candidate from the Mandi Parliamentary Constituency for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "I don't want to make personal attacks, people should see the democracy. We don't have any objections for Kangana ji getting awards in her profession. She is comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji with Lord Vishnu or Lord Ram and saying that India got independence after 2014 (When Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister). She is ignorant and befooling people," said the Congress leader," Negi told ANI. "If we listen to this (her statements) without saying anything, we shall also be considered (fools). People are not going to tolerate," Negi said. He claimed that the Congress manfiesto talks about the economic justice. "The Congress manifesto is liked by people and the BJP is jealous of it. We are talking about Economic justice. PM Modi says 80 crore people get free ration and they are dependent on it, it indicates that India is below Pakistan and Bangladesh (in terms of food security)," the minister said. Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut held a roadshow in Barmer, Rajasthan today. Speaking to ANI, she said, "We have organised a huge roadshow in support of BJP candidate from Barmer, Kailash Choudhary. You can see the enthusiasm of people here. There is only one slogan 'Har Har Modi, Har Ghar Modi'..." The Mandi Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on June 1, in the seventh phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Himachal Pradesh has four Lok Sabha seats: Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra. The BJP had won all four seats in 2019. The elections to the four Lok Sabha seats of Himachal Pradesh and by-polls to the six assembly constituencies that fell vacant with the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs will be held on June 1. (ANI)
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Wednesday denied the charge that there is a threat to the Constitution and accused the Congress of misleading the people. She also expressed confidence that the BJP will win all the 25 seats in the Rajasthan in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In an interview with ANI, Kumari said, "I don't understand why they (Congress) want to get people's properties investigated. What is their intention behind this? It is clearly visible that there is some kind of conspiracy in it and their intentions are not clear." "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has clearly said that neither reservation will be removed nor there is any threat to the Constitution. I don't think anyone need to say anything more than this," Kumari assured. She apprehended that the Congress will without any doubt tinker with the Constitution (In case the party is voted to power after the 2024 general elections) "Congress has no issues, no agenda, and that is why they are saying wrong things and trying to mislead people. I feel that these (Congress) people will definitely tamper with the Constitution...,"Diya Kumari said. She also highlighted the achivements of the BJP government in the last ten years and hailed the leadership of the PM Modi. "...The work that Modi ji has done in these 10 years, the changes that he has brought in our country, the public has seen it, the public has felt it...many such important decisions have been taken. All this has happened because of the willpower of the Modi government, after seeing all this the public knows who is taking them forward and securing the future of our country...," Kumari added. She also questioned who is there PM candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "BJP will win all 25 seats of Rajasthan by a huge margin. People have faith in Modi's guarantee and work. For the first time, our country has got such a visionary leader. I want to ask them (Congress) who is their PM candidate?...," Kumari told ANI Voting for Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan is being held in two phases. Polling for 12 seats was held in the first phase on April 19 and voting for the remaining 13 seats will be contested in the second phase on April 26.The counting and results will be declared on June 4. In 2019, the BJP registered a sweeping victory, winning 24 out of 25 seats. Rashtriya Loktrantrik Party's Hanuman Beniwal also won a seat. The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories was held on Friday with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has accused former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jairam Thakur of "playing politics" over the Palampur stabbing incident. This is a very unfortunate incident. We should collectively oppose such acts," he said. Lashing out at Jairam Thakur, he said, "He is trying to play politics in this as well. It is good that he visited the victim's family. But he must refrain from politicising the issue." He added that this is not the culture of our state. "We do not support or encourage violence. Himachal Pradesh is Devbhoomi. We said we would sponsor the victim's treatment and stand with the family. Doing politics in this matter is wrong," he added. Earlier on Monday, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Rajneesh Kimta alleged that the BJP candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency, Kangana Ranaut, and her party are trying to politicise the issue of the attack on a college student in Palampur. A college girl was stabbed with a sharp-edged weapon by a youth at a local bus stand in Palampur under Kangra district on Saturday. The youth tried to kill the girl but a few alert passengers and passers-by overpowered the attacker and handed him over to the police. The girl suffered deep wounds on her body and head and was shifted to Tanda Medical College (TMC) in critical condition. From there she was later shifted to PGI and is currently said to be out of danger. The crowd at the spot thrashed the accused and handed him over to police after which police registered a FIR against him under relevant sections. According to the police, the accused and victim are known to each other and the accused was pressurizing the victim for marriage. (ANI)
The Supreme Court has directed the Himachal Pradesh govt to reconsider the entire aspect of the grant of Child Care Leave to mothers, including making special provisions consistent with the objects and purpose of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act) to mothers who are bringing up children with special needs and forms the committee to look into all aspects of the matter. The court direction came as it noted that "the provision of Child Care Leave to women sub- serves the significant constitutional object of ensuring that women are not deprived of their due participation as members of the work force." Otherwise, in the absence of a provision for the grant of Child Care Leave, a mother may well be constrained to leave the work force, remarked made by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and also comprising justices JB Pardiwala on April 23 when it passed the direction. The detailed order was made available on April 24. The top court held that the participation of women in the work force is not a matter of privilege, but a constitutional entitlement protected by Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution; besides Article 19(1)(g). The top court further acknowledged that the State as a model employer cannot be oblivious to the special concerns which arise in the case of women who are part of the work force. "The provision of Child Care Leave to women sub- serves the significant constitutional object of ensuring that women are not deprived of their due participation as members of the work force. Otherwise, in the absence of a provision for the grant of Child Care Leave, a mother may well be constrained to leave the work force," the court said. "This consideration applies a fortiori in the case of a mother who has a child with special needs. Such a case is exemplified in the case of the petitioner herself. We are conscious of the fact that the petition does trench on certain aspects of policy. Equally, the policies of the State have to be consistent and must be synchronise with constitutional protections and safeguards." "In this view of the matter, we are of the view that the State of Himachal Pradesh must be directed to reconsider the entire aspect of the grant of Child Care Leave to mothers, including making special provisions consistent with the objects and purpose of the RPWD Act to mothers who are bringing up children with special needs," the order copy said. Accordingly, the top court further directed that a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary of the State of Himachal Pradesh be constituted to look into all aspects of the matter. The apex court also made it clear that the Committee shall consist of the State Commissioner appointed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act); Secretary in the Women and Child Development Department; and Secretary in the Social Welfare Department. The court also made a request that the committee shall engage with the Secretaries in the Department of Women and Child Development, the Social Welfare Department (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities) of the Union Government. The court directed the committee shall place the report before the competent authority so that a considered policy decision is taken expeditiously. The report of the Committee shall be prepared by 31 July 2024 and submitted to this Court as well. The court also impleaded the Union of India as a party to these proceedings and requested Aishwarya Bhati, Additional Solicitor General to assist the Court in the matter. "In the meantime, pending further orders, the application by the petitioner for the grant of special leave under Rule 32 of the CCS (Leave) Rules shall be favorably considered by the competent authorities," the court said and listed the proceedings on August 5 2024. Previously Himachal Pradesh High Court has declined to give any relief to the petitioner on the ground that Rule 43C has been deleted in the year 2012 but now apex Court has directed the State Government to again look into the aspect for granting CCL to female employees. The court was a hearing plea by Shalini Dharmani, an Assistant Professor. Senior Advocate Suryanarayan Singh along with advocate on record Pragati Neekhra represented the petition. Her petition was filed in HP High Court by advocate Susheel Gautam. According to the petition, her son, who is fourteen years old, suffers from a rare genetic disorder, Osteogenesis Imperfecta and has undergone several surgeries since birth. He requires continuous treatment and surgical intervention to survive and lead a normal life. Due to the treatment of her son, the petitioner has exhausted all her sanctioned leave. Rule 43-C of the Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules 1 1972, provides for the grant of Child Care Leave. According to an Office Memorandum dated 3 March 2010, the Union Governmentresolved to permit Child Care Leave for women employees with differently abled children up to the age of twenty-two years (instead and in place of eighteen years) subject to the conditions stipulated by the government in this regard from time to time. The petitioner claimed that she was informed by the Principal of the Government College on November 16 2018 that since the State of Himachal Pradesh has not adopted provisions for Child Care Leave, such leave cannot be sanctioned to her. The petitioner approached the HP High Court but her plea was dismissed by the High Court on April 23 2021. Aggrieved by the High Court order, she moved the Supreme Court and challenged the decision. The top court on April 23 acknowledged that the petition raises a serious matter of concern, whereby the petitioner has relied on the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. (ANI)
Hitting out at the INDIA bloc, which has formed alliance against the BJP in several states for the Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi on Wednesday said there are some media reports that there is a discussion in the opposition alliance of 'one year one PM' formula and alleged that they are busy "auctioning the PM post". Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi launched a strong attack on Congress and accused the opposition party of "killing the values of social justice" in the name of secularism. He alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka had tried to snatch the reservation for backward classes by categorising the entire Muslim community as OBCs. PM Modi has earlier taken a jibe at the INDIA alliance over not having a clear choice of the name of prime ministerial candidate, saying people want to know whom they will hand over the country for the next five years. At the rally in Betul, he said there have been some media reports that there is a "discussion going on in the INDI alliance that they are making a 'one year one PM' formula". "That means one PM in one year, second PM in the second year, third PM in the third year, fourth PM in the fourth year, fifth PM in the fifth year...They are also busy auctioning the Prime Minister's chair," he said. He said the world will ridicule India for any such arrangement and the country's esteem will be affected. INDIA bloc has not projected its PM face for the 2024 general elections. Sources said that the top rung involved in seat negotiations are also discussing possible arithmetic for power sharing for the top post in the country if the INDIA alliance were to emerge victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. According to sources privy to the negotiations, who requested anonymity, a formula for "one year each" as Prime Minister for the top leaders of the political parties, according to the number of Lok Sabha seats their respective parties win, is being worked out. INDIA alliance seat share talks have been unsuccessful in some states including West Bengal. Friction has also been seen in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat where two coalition members are contesting against each other - Rahul Gandhi from Congress and Annie Raja from the Communist Party of India. However, sources said these are pre-poll frictions would be ironed out in the event the INDIA alliance getting victorious in Lok Sabha polls. In his speech at Betul, PM Modi accused the Congress of "hating" Dalits, backward classes and tribals. "The dangerous hidden agenda of Congress has now been exposed. Congress, which does vote bank politics in the name of secularism, has also killed the basic spirit of social justice. Now it has become clear how much the Congress party hates Dalits, backward classes and tribals," he said. "When the Congress government was formed at the Centre, they first introduced religion-based reservation in Andhra Pradesh. But then Congress was not completely successful in its plans. Congress still wants to play that game. To snatch away the share of reservation that OBCs get in Karnataka from the OBC quota, Congress made all the Muslims of the state OBC. This action of Congress is a warning signal for the OBC community of the entire country," he added. PM Modi also referred to remarks of Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy that Congress will protect four per cent reservation for Muslims. "A few days ago Telangana CM said that he will provide reservation to the Muslims. Congress can go to any extent to make their vote bank happy," he said. PM Modi said that the constitution does not provide for religion-based reservation and accused the Congress of working against the work done by BR Ambedkar. He alleged that Congress has a "hidden agenda" and wants to take away reservation for SC, STs and OBCs and give it to its "special vote bank". PM Modi also alleged that Congress has started preparations to strengthen its vote bank by snatching away the property of the people of the country. "If someone has more than one car, motorcycle, one house, then Congress says that they will make such a law that the Congress government will take it away...They will bring such a law that you can keep only one house," he said. PM Modi had alleged at an election rally in Banswara in Rajasthan that the Congress wants to take away the gold and property of people and distribute it among "those having more children". He said that those who left Congress these days have pointed towards the party's manifesto and said that the party has gone into "grasp of urban Naxals." Referring to reports about Congress's intention to redistribute wealth if elected to power, the Prime Minister said the party would conduct a survey and they would not even let Mangalsutra remain with women and "will go to this extent." PM Modi has been making sharp attacks on the Congress in his election rallies. Talking about the work done by his government in the past 10 years, PM Modi sought the blessings of the people. He said people's support for the BJP had helped in the construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "It is the vote that has guaranteed the country's rapid development in the last 10 years. Your one vote made India the 5th largest economy in the world. We were at number 11 in the world and in such a short time we reached number 5...It happened because of your vote, this is the power of your vote. Your one vote made India proud in foreign countries, your one vote stunned the enemy who was eyeing us from the border and it is your one vote that installed Ram Lalla in the grand temple in Ayodhya after 500 years," PM Modi said. "I need your blessings, this is my biggest asset. The public is the form of God and when the public blesses, the blessings are the blessings of God himself. These days the only way to give blessings is to press the button on the lotus symbol," he added. Voting for Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh will be conducted in four phases, with the next three phases of voting scheduled for April 26, May 7 and May 13. Madhya Pradesh has a total of 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, making it the sixth-largest state in terms of members it sends to the Lower House. The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and union territories was held on April 19 with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. (ANI)
Stating that India's policy in the past was influenced by "faith" and "vote bank", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that a change has taken place in the policymaking today. He further said that many decisions that were made in the initial years after independence created problems for the country later. Jaishankar was speaking at 'Foreign Policy The India Way: From Diffidence To Confidence' in Hyderabad, Telangana on Tuesday. Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, "When we say an era of diffidence, it is not just an era of diffidence, it's an era where we don't have clarity, our nationalities. We somewhere, mixed a certain ideological outlook...what could be our contribution to the world." "We also do many things for the world but that cannot be at the cost of our national interest. That's why 'India First', 'Bharat First' and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' are two sides of the same coin, but we should never allow Bharat First to be compromised," he added. Giving the example of India's relationship with Israel, the EAM pointed out India didn't have an embassy in Israel till 1992 and no Prime Minister visited the country before PM Modi. He further opined that how "vote bank" influenced India's policy. "Just think of a country like Israel. People say everybody is the same, we should not bring faith in any discussion. Israel became independent in 1948. From 1948 to 1992, we chose not to have an ambassador and an embassy in Israel. Why? From 1992, we had an embassy. From 1992 till 2017, when Narendra Modi went to Israel, no prime minister of India ever visited Israel. Think about it and then tell me that faith does not influence our policy. Is this not vote bank?" Jaishankar further asserted. Emphasising the importance of abrogation of Article 370, Jaishankar said that the Indian leadership had created a "vote bank lobby" that kept the special provision intact in the erstwhile state. He also emphasised that it was a 'temporary' provision and had to be ended. "Please understand the importance of what we did with the abrogation of Article 370. We have corrected an enormous mistake, we made in 1947. We created a lobby, we created a vote bank lobby, we created a Kashmiri lobby, some people were arbitraging," the Foreign Minister said. "I would show to everybody in the Western press one page of the Constitution called temporary provision. You know the meaning of the word temporary, it comes to an end. There is nobody as blind as someone who doesn't want to see," he added. He criticised India for signing the Nehru-Liaquat Pact with Pakistan in 1950 despite seeing the violent fervours of partition three years back. Speaking on the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act, without naming it, he said that after the number of Hindus, Sikhs and other minorities plummeted since partition, India is trying to give citizenship to those people who have nowhere else to go. "Partition has happened, you can see the violence that has happened and yet we agree with Pakistan that you will treat your minorities well and I will treat my minorities well. If they had treated the minorities well, there would have been no partition. He went to partition with the mindset of not treating the minority well," Jaishankar said. "See the result, look at the dramatic decrease in the number of minorities. We had finally the situation, that you have minorities in your neighbourhood...whose only logical place to go is India. And yet when we do something very logical, we are correcting a mistake we made 75 years ago...I am giving people rights, I am not taking away people's rights...I am telling people who have nowhere else to go that please come here and I will try my best to fast-track to do whatever I can to help them," he further added. He further said that today there is a change in the mindset of India's policymaking which is making the country act, think, behave and stand very differently than before. "You can see how much vichaardhara (ideology) shapes thinking and when we speak about diffidence to confidence...it is a different mindset. It is the change in the mindset today that is making us act, think, behave, stand very differently," he added. (ANI)
Five asylum seekers died while crossing the English Channel from France to Britain in an overcrowded small boat on Tuesday, reported Al Jazeera. This come just hours after the UK government approved a bill to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda. The boat carrying 112 people set out from Wimereux, about 32km (20 miles) southwest of the French port of Calais, to cross one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. However, rescuers picked up 49 people, and four were taken to hospital, but others stayed on the boat and continued their journey to Britain. Local prefect Jacques Billant said, "A tragedy occurred on a boat overloaded with migrants early this morning. We deplore the deaths of five people, a seven-year-old girl, a woman and three men." "The engine stopped a few hundred metres away from the shore, and several people fell into the water," Billant added. The French coastguard said that 58 people stayed on board and it was still searching for any other survivors, Al Jazeera reported. "They did not want to be rescued. They managed to restart the engine and headed towards Britain," Billant said. Reportedly, over 6,000 people have arrived in Britain this year on small, overloaded boats that risk being lashed by waves as they try to reach British shores. The UK government has been trying for two years to get approval for a divisive policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, and finally, on Tuesday, the UK parliament passed legislation overnight to allow the deportations, according to Al Jazeera. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that he expected the first flights to take off in 10 to 12 weeks, giving time for further legal challenges from charities, campaigners and unions. Sunak further said that the government was acting out of compassion, wanting to prevent people smugglers from pushing vulnerable people out to sea. "They are packing more and more people into these unseaworthy dinghies. You've seen an enormous increase in the numbers over the past few years," he said. "This is what tragically happens." Under the Rwanda scheme, people who have arrived in Britain in an irregular way after January 1, 2022, will be sent to Rwanda, about 6,400km (4,000 miles) away, Al Jazeera reported. More than 50,000 people have arrived since that date, according to official figures. However, the United Nations refugee agency and the Council of Europe called on the UK on Tuesday to rethink its plans over fears that the bill could damage international cooperation on tackling the global migration crisis. (ANI)
A recently emerged video sheds light on the case of Asma, a young girl from Karachi who went missing only to reappear in Rahim Yar Khan, purportedly signing a marriage contract, ARY News reported. In the video obtained by ARY News, Asma, an eighth-grade student hailing from Karachi's Abbas Town, can be seen signing the marriage contract in what appears to be a simple ceremony. According to the Nikkah Khawan (Qazi), the girl willingly consented to the marriage, despite lacking a national identity card (NIC) or B-form. He stated that Asma claimed to be 19 years old and asserted that she was entering into the marriage of her own free will, as reported by ARY News. The Nikkah Khawan further mentioned, "I suggested the girl return to her home. She accused her mother of attempting to marry her off to an older man." He clarified that he had no further contact with either the girl or her husband following the Nikkah ceremony. The marriage was solemnised at the Nikkah Khawan's residence, with the girl affirming she was 19 years old. Notably, the ID card number of the girl was left unfilled on the Nikkah Nama. Meanwhile, in Karachi, authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged 'forced' marriage, following a case of abduction filed at the Sachal Police Station. The case took a surprising turn with reports emerging of Asma's purported 'forced marriage' in Rahim Yar Khan. According to Karachi police authorities, Asma declared herself to be 19 years old in the marriage certificate issued in Rahim Yar Khan. However, Asma's mother contends that her daughter's actual age ranges between 14 and 15 years old. The mother revealed that the man allegedly responsible for luring her daughter into marriage prohibits any direct communication between them, neither in person nor over the phone, ARY News reported. (ANI)
The two sides exchanged views on developments in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation relating to nuclear, chemical and biological domains, outer spacesecurity, non-proliferation issues, conventional weapons and export control, the MEA also said.

The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Japanese delegation was led by Katsuro Kitagawa, Director General for Disarmament, Non-proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the press release added. (ANI)
The teaching and non-teaching staff of Balochistan University held a march on different roads of Pakistan's Quetta and staged a sit-in protest over non-payment of their salary for the past four months, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. The protesting faculty and other staff members raised questions about why funds were not being released when funds for all other departments were always released, according to Dawn report. The protesting faculty and other staff members urged the Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and members of his parliamentary committee to fulfil their promises by releasing the funds. Earlier this month, hundreds of teachers and staff members of Balochistan University held a sit-in in front of the Balochistan Assembly, Dawn reported. After staging the sit-in, they marched on the main roads of Quetta over the non-payment of their salaries for the past four months. The protesters said that the non-payment of salaries had caused great financial difficulties for them. They assembled in the university and then took out a rally, which passed through the main Sariab Road, Jinnah Road, Zarghoon Road and then reached Quetta, according to Dawn report. Teachers, along with members of staff of the Balochistan University, set up a camp outside the assembly gate to block the entry of individuals into the premises. However, people used alternative gates to enter the provincial assembly. Members of the assembly informed Balochistan Assembly speaker retired captain Abdul Khaliq Achakzai about the protest. The speaker formed a five-member committee, including Mir Saddiq Umrani, Mir Ali Madad Jattak, Rehmat Saleh Baloch, Agha Umar Ahmedzai and Wali Muhammad Nourzai to listen to the demands of the protesters, according to Dawn report. The committee held talks with the joint action committee leaders. Informing the committee about their grievances, the protesters said that university employees, including teaching staff, have not received salaries, which caused financial difficulties. The committee assured the joint action committee that issues relating to their salaries and pensions would be resolved at the earliest. They said that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has already approved a grant for universities to resolve financial crises, Dawn reported. The teachers were informed that the funds will be disbursed in the coming days. (ANI)
Various lawyers' bodies have approached the Supreme Court (SC) seeking the constitution of a full court to hear the alleged interference in judicial matters by intelligence agencies, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. Balochistan Bar Council and Balochistan High Court Bar have filed multiple pleas, seeking the apex court's guidelines to stop such incidents in the future. In the petitions, the lawyers' bodies requested the court for annulment of the one-man commission formed by the government to investigate the allegations to ensure that those who interfere in judicial matters are strictly punished, according to Geo News report. The development comes as a seven-member SC bench is set to resume the hearing in the suo motu case on the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges' letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) complaints regarding interference in judicial affairs by intelligence agencies on April 29. Notably, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges, comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Babar Sattar, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, Justice Tariq Mahmood Jehangiri, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Justice Saman Rifat Imtiaz have requested Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa to convene the Judicial Convention to consider the matter of interference of intelligence in the judicial matters or intimidation of judges in a manner that undermined the independence of the judiciary. The bench is headed by Qazi Faez Isa and includes six other judges - Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, according to Geo News report. The court had taken suo motu notice of the judges' letter under Article 183 (3) of the Constitution after former chief justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani recused himself from heading the one-man commission constituted by the government to carry out investigations into the allegations over intelligence interference in judicial matters. Earlier this month, Justice Afridi, who was also part of the apex court bench, recused himself from the suo motu case taken up by the apex court. He said that the matters raised in the Islamabad High Court should be considered as per the SJC's code of conduct, according to Geo News report. During the first hearing of the case on April 3, Isa stated that the Supreme Court will not tolerate any interference in judicial affairs and is taking the letter by Islamabad High Court judges "very seriously". He also indicated that the suo moto case might be heard by a full court in the future. (ANI)
Pakistan's Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has issued a recent statement, expressing concern over the increasing incidents of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The organization further stated that the situation has reached a critical point, despite assurances from the administration. https://twitter.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1783060473186803794 In its statement, the BYC stated that enforced disappearance cases are at a critical point, and the administration's response of offering false promises to peaceful protestors is unacceptable. We outright reject these hollow assurances and demand the immediate release of the loved ones of protestors." The statement of the BYC informed that two sit-ins have been organized in Kech and Turbat against the incidents enforced in the area. According to the statement, a student Naeem Rehmat, enrolled in the BA at the University of Turbat, was in his second semester when he forcibly disappeared on March 17, 2022. It has been over two years, and his whereabouts remain unknown, disrupting his education and causing deep distress to his family. The victim's family since then has organized several demonstrations and yet Rehmat has not been released, On 10th April 2024, the Day of Eid, his family staged a sit-in (Dharna) at the main route of CPEC in Shapuk, Kech. The sit-in protest then concluded when the Deputy Commissioner of Kech assured them of Naeem's safe release within five days. However, Naeem's whereabouts remain unknown, prompting his family to once again stage a sit-in at the CPEC Route in Shapuk. Meanwhile, a sit-in Dharna continues in Turbat, led by the family of Uzair Baloch and Nawaz Baloch. Uzair, son of Haji Shambay, serves as a lecturer at Buleda Degree College and resides in Jusak, Turbat. He was forcibly disappeared by officials from his hometown on April 18, 2024. Similarly, Nawaz Baloch, a resident of Buleda Bit, also forcibly disappeared on the same night during a raid by security forces. The Baloch Nation not to remain silent when their loved ones are forcibly disappeared; instead, they must resist it. Together, we can fight against this oppression. Together, we can continue our struggle until the end of the Baloch Genocide. (ANI)
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday participated in the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Russian Security Council's Secretary. During the meeting, he called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent transborder planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia stated, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval spoke at the luncheon meeting of BRICS NSAs hosted by the Secretary of the Russian Federation's Security Council and called for closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism and concrete actions to prevent trans-border planning, funding and execution of terrorist acts." NSA Doval also participated at the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg. "NSA Shri Ajit Doval is participating at the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg on 24 April," the Indian Embassy in Russia posted on X. On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters, Ajit Doval held a bilateral meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung and spoke about the current situation in Myanmar and India-funded infrastructure projects in Myanmar. The two sides also discussed recent developments along the India-Myanmar border, including issues related to security, refugees, development projects, etc." Taking to X, the Indian Embassy in Russia stated, "On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, NSA Shri Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung and talked about the current situation in Myanmar and India-funded infrastructure projects in Myanmar. They also discussed recent developments along the India-Myanmar border, including issues related to security, refugees, development projects, etc." During his intervention at the plenary session on Ensuring Information Security in the Polycentric World, NSA Ajit Doval underscored India's policy to use digital technology for inclusive economic development and called for international cooperation for an open, stable, secure, reliable and inclusive framework for ensuring information security. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Russia stated, "In his intervention at the plenary session on Ensuring Information Security in the Polycentric World, NSA Shri Ajit Doval underscored India's policy to use digital technology for inclusive economic development and calls for international cooperation for an open, stable, secure, reliable and inclusive framework for ensuring information security." "Roadmap for such cooperation should include: All stakeholders from Governments to Private Sector, Academia, Technical Communities and Civil Society; Regular institutional dialogues to help develop common understanding on critical issues; Capacity building of like-minded nations through training, education, awareness programs and development of security standards for emerging technologies; and Creation of Mechanisms for cooperation at domestic and international levels. NSA emphasized that India shall continue cooperation for countering misuse of information and communication technologies by terrorists and criminals, as also for countering terror funding. In that context, the UN Convention on cybercrime will be an important initiative at the international level," it added (ANI) .
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on Wednesday visited the manufacturing unit of global pharmaceutical company Bilthoven Biologicals at Utrecht, Netherlands. Further, the Union Health Secretary met with CEO Juergen Kwik and CEO of Poonawalla Science Park (PSP) at Bilthoven Jef De Clercq on EU pandemic preparedness partnership and collaboration on production of vaccines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a Press release. "She also met the senior management and was briefed on the various manufacturing units of the facility. A detailed presentation was made on their future manufacturing plans. Bilthoven Biologicals BV Co manufactures pharmaceutical products such as vaccines for polio, diphtheria-tetanus-polio, and tetanus along with bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG)," the press release added. The bioengineering and vaccine production firm Bilthoven Biologicals was purchased by Serum India Ltd., in 2012. This has strengthened its capacity of producing vaccines and also provided it with a valuable manufacturing base in Europe. Recently Serum and Bharat Biotech have announced collaboration for enhanced production of OPV. Bharat Biotech will collaborate with Netherlands-based Bilthoven Biologicals BV, a wholly-owned arm of Serum Institute of India. According to a press release, an agreement has been signed under which Bharat Biotech will procure drug substances for manufacturing oral polio vaccines to be supplied within India and globally. This will contribute to supply security of oral polio vaccines. With this partnership, the capacity of BBIL to manufacture Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) has increased to 500 million doses every year. Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) of the Union Health Ministry is one of the key interventions for protection of children from life threatening conditions by providing vaccination, including vaccine against polio. India has been certified free of Polio in March 2014. However, to maintain the polio-free status, polio vaccine is given to children as part of the high quality national and sub-national polio rounds across the country. A sustained supply of OPV is essential for keeping India polio free. The partnership between BBIL and Serum will contribute to providing a sustained supply of OPV in the country. (ANI)
A concert featuring Chinese classical and folk music performed on traditional instruments and vocals resounded at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Tuesday, bringing the 15th United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day celebrations to culmination.



Two renowned artists, Mo Juanjuan and Zhang Zhiming from central China's Hunan Province, presented classical folk songs in praise of the mountains, rivers and plants. Their performances, a feast combining linguistic and cultural beauty with classical music, drew nearly 400 guests from around the world at the UN meeting hall.

Alessandra Vellucci, director of the UN information service in Geneva, spoke highly of the concert for its outstanding musical and vocal performances.

Titled "A Panorama of Hunan Province -- A Concert of Traditional Chinese Instruments in Celebration of the UN Chinese Language Day Programme," the event was jointly organized by the permanent mission of China to the UN office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, the UN office in Geneva and China Media Group.

Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the UN in Geneva, said the event was not just about commemorating Chinese Language Day, but also honoring the history and experiences of the Chinese people. The occasion is meant to celebrate the shared humanity and heritage, she said, highlighting the significance of unity, diversity, and solidarity in fostering global understanding and cooperation.

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the UN office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, emphasized that the Chinese character for "person" is composed of two strokes symbolizing mutual reliance and support, illustrating the interdependence among people. He noted that in today's globalized world, characterized by diverse cultures, ethnicities and social structures, people from different nations have come together to create a community with a common destiny.

AIireza Jeyrani Hokmabad, minister counsellor of the permanent mission of Iran in Geneva, said the event was thoroughly enjoyable and was a good introduction of China's rich culture.

Claire Battistelli, a French intern at the UN Office at Geneva, said it was her first-ever experience attending a concert of traditional Chinese instruments. The music was delightful, and it was a fantastic way to learn about the Chinese culture, she said.

As a centerpiece decoration at the venue, a mascot named "Cangbao" drew the crowd. The image is inspired by a turtle and whose name is derived from Cang Jie, a legendary ancient Chinese man believed to be the inventor of Chinese characters.

The mascot features many elements of traditional Chinese culture, including the oracle bone script, the traditional Chinese conical hat, and the traditional brush for writing and painting.

The UN's Language Days, created in 2010, celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and promote the equal use of the organization's six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The Israel Embassy in India has rejected reports that a mass grave was discovered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. It further said that the grave was dug by the people of Gaza a few months ago. The Israel Embassy in India has called any attempt to blame Israel for burying civilians in mass graves "false." In a post on X, the Israel Embassy in India stated, "Misinformation is circulating regarding a mass grave that was discovered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. The grave in question was dug -- by Gazans -- a few months ago. This fact is corroborated by social media videos posted by Gazans at the time of the burial, as seen in the video below. Any attempt to blame Israel for burying civilians in mass graves is categorically false and merely an example of a disinformation campaign aimed at delegitimizing Israel." Israel Embassy in India's statement comes after Gaza Civil Defense workers said that a mass grave with more than 300 bodies was discovered at a hospital in Khan Yunis following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area earlier this month, CNN reported. Speaking to CNN, Colonel Yamen Abu Suleiman, Director of Civil Defence in Khan Yunis said 35 bodies were discovered at the Nasser Medical Complex on Tuesday, taking the tally to 310. Suleiman said that some 73 bodies had been discovered on Monday. Suleiman claimed that some of the bodies were discovered with hands and feet tied, "and there were signs of field executions. We do not know if they were buried alive or executed. Most of the bodies are decomposed." On Tuesday, The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) called any "claim that the IDF buried Palestinian bodies baseless and unfounded," CNN reported. The IDF said, "During the IDF's operation in the area of Nasser Hospital, in accordance to the effort to locate hostages and missing persons, corpses buried by Palestinians in the area of Nasser Hospital were examined. The examination was conducted in a careful manner and exclusively in places where intelligence indicated the possible presence of hostages." The IDF stated, "The examination was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased. Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place." Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for an "independent, effective and transparent investigation" into the discovery of mass graves at two hospital complexes in Gaza after Israeli troops besieged and raided them earlier this year, according to CNN report. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated he was "horrified" to see the scenes reported at the Nasser and Al-Shifa complexes. On Tuesday, Turk said, "Given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators." He said, "Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat is a war crime." (ANI)
The US has announced a new USD 1 billion package for Ukraine shortly after President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed a national security supplemental into law, aiming to deliver critical artillery rounds and air defence munitions to Kyiv as "they defend their country and their freedom against Russia's aggression". US Defence Department released a press release on Wednesday, stating that today, following the passage of the national security supplemental which the President just signed into law, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced significant new security assistance to urgently meet Ukraine's critical security and defence needs. This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-sixth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021. "This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package has an estimated value of USD 1 billion and includes capabilities to support Ukraine's most urgent requirements, including air defence interceptors, artillery rounds, armoured vehicles, and anti-tank weapons," the release added. A key part of the new package is 155 mm artillery rounds and other mortar and artillery ammunition, along with RIM-7 and AIM-9M air defence munitions. There was some other important ammunition as well which included 50 caliber, Unmanned Aerial Systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, etc. Further, the release added that "this package will surge munitions, weapons, and equipment forward to support Ukraine's ability to defend its frontlines, protect its cities, and counter Russia's continued attacks. With the bipartisan support of Congress, Ukraine can count on strong and resolute US leadership to provide consistent security assistance support together with some 50 Allies and partners to ensure its brave defenders receive the critical capabilities needed to fight Russian aggression." Following this Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his thanks after the Senate cleared the package Tuesday night. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, "President Biden signed into law today the support package approved by Congress, which includes Ukraine aid. We completed this half-year path. Regardless of what anyone says, we are gaining the support we need to continue protecting lives from Russian attacks. Over the past few days, we have already been actively working with our American friends on all levels to include the exact types of weapons that our warriors require in this package. It totals $1 billion and includes exactly what we discussed with President Biden during our call. I am grateful to President Biden, Congress, and all Americans who recognize that we must cut the ground under Putin's feet rather than obeying him, as this is the only way to truly reduce threats to freedom. Together, we can ensure this." (ANI)
2 die after eating CWD-infected meat: What to know about 'zombie deer disease'

Researchers reported the death of two hunters who ate venison infected with chronic wasting disease or "zombie deer disease," raising questions about whether the disease may be transmissible to humans.

Chronic wasting disease is a progressive, fatal prion disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and many other tissues of farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, and moose.

CWD earned the nickname zombie deer disease for associated symptoms including weight loss, lack of coordination, stumbling, listlessness, weight loss, drooling and lack of fear of people.

According to previous reporting by USA TODAY, scientists and health officials have been concerned that CWD could eventually adapt to infect humans as mad cow disease did in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. In 2022, scientists in Canada published a study suggesting a risk of CWD transmission to humans.

Here's what to know about the case, and whether you should be worried about CWD.

More: 13 more CWD cases found in NC: What to know about 'zombie deer disease'

2 men die after eating CWD-infected venison

A study published on neurology.org said that in 2022, a 72-year-old man with a history of consuming meat from a CWD-infected deer population presented with rapid-onset confusion and aggression, USA TODAY reported. His friend, who had also eaten venison from the same deer population, recently died of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a human prion disease. The researchers said this raises concerns about a potential link between chronic wasting disease and human prion disease.

Researchers didn't reveal where the two men were located, but highest concentration of CWD-infected deer have been found in Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Wyoming according to CDC and US. Geological Survey reports.

Prevalence of 'zombie deer' disease grows in US.

What is 'zombie deer disease'? What are prion diseases?

The CDC states that CWD is a prion disease or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Other TSEs include bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease in cattle and scrapie in sheep and goats.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says the following can spread CWD:

Live deer, including newborn fawns

Whole deer carcasses

Anything containing brain, spinal cord, nerves or lymph nodes

Body fluids

They have also asked N.C. residents to avoid placing out food for wildlife, as the regular gathering of deer to feeding locations can increase the risk of CWD transmission.

Learn more about CWD Regulations in N.C. here.

Where has chronic wasting disease been detected?

USA TODAY reported that CWD has continued to spread over the years, and was found most recently in Indiana. The disease was detected in April in a male white-tailed deer in the northeastern part of the state, which borders part of Michigan, where CWD had been detected earlier, according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

The U.S. Geological Survey updated its tracking of chronic wasting disease on April 19 to include 33 states (adding Indiana), as well as four Canadian provinces and four other countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden and South Korea).

As for N.C., there have been 24 total cases recorded since the disease was first detected in Yadkin County in 2021. This includes 13 new cases announced since July 1, 2023.

A map shows areas with positive detections of chronic wasting disease in North America as of April 2024.

CWD surveillance in NC

The N.C. Wildlife Resourced Commission announced April 23 counties that are in CWD surveillance areas.

Primary surveillance areas:

Cumberland

Stokes

Surry

Wilkes

Yadkin

Secondary surveillance areas:

Alexander

Alleghany

Ashe

Bladen

Davie

Forsyth

Guilford

Harnett

Hoke

Iredell

Robeson

Rockingham

Sampson

The news release also noted that any hunter who harvests a cervid within following dates and counties is required to submit a sample for testing to the Wildlife Recources Commission not later than two weeks following the harvest:

November 23-25, 2024: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties.

November 16-23, 2024: Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, and Sampson counties.

More: 'Zombie deer disease' cases are rising in the US. Can the disease spread to humans?

Is CWD possible in humans? What is the human equivalent of CWD?

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which appears as rapidly presenting dementia, is often called the human form of mad cow disease. CJD is rare but fatal. The UK NHS lists possible symptoms including loss of intellect and memory, changes in personality, loss of balance and coordination, slurred speech, vision problems and blindness, abnormal jerking movements and progressive loss of brain function and mobility. CJD usually causes fatality within a year of the symptoms onset.

Researchers including Dr. Sabine Gilch, Ph.D., associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Prion Disease Research at UCVM, believe that the neurology.org study presents some unsettling evidence that CWD infection in humans may be a possibility.

This is the first study to show that the barrier for CWD prions to infect humans is not absolute and that there is an actual risk that it can transmit to humans, Gilch said in an article from the University of Calgary.

The CDC also states that it is important to keep the agents of all known prion diseases from entering the human food chain.

Mike Snider, USA Today, contributed to this article.

Iris Seaton is the trending news 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: CWD: Can humans catch zombie deer disease, chronic wasting disease?
Leon Cooperman, a billionaire Columbia donor, weighed in on the crisis on the university's campus.

He called the student protesters ignorant but expressed his support for the school's president.

Unlike the megadonor Robert Kraft, Cooperman said he's not pulling his donations.

The Wall Street titan Leon Cooperman is the latest billionaire to weigh in on student protests over Israel's war in Gaza.

But unlike the megadonor Robert Kraft, Cooperman said he'd continue to give to Columbia even as he trashed student demonstrators.

During a CNBC interview on Tuesday, Cooperman, a Columbia University donor, was asked about the demonstrations on the school's campus, which have grown heated over the past week and resulted in more than 100 arrests.

"Many of the college kids have shit for brains," he said, doubling down on comments he made last year and adding that the students were "ignorant."

(He apologized for his language during the interview, saying: "I grew up in the Bronx when it was more of an accepted terminology.")

"They are advocating for the destruction of Israel," he said. "Israel is the only reliable ally the United States has in the Middle East, the only democracy in the Middle East."

Cooperman also said Israel was the only country in the Middle East that "allows gays and lesbians to practice what they want to practice." While LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination in many countries, some nations in the region  including Cyprus, Jordan, and Turkey  have not criminalized same-sex activity.

Cooperman blamed part of the unrest on people unaffiliated with Columbia who "are getting access to the school and creating this hoopla."

He added that he believed Columbia's president, Nemat "Minouche" Shafik, and leadership were "trying to do the right things."

Shafik appeared before Congress last week and took a strong stance against antisemitism, denouncing a professor who voiced support for Hamas and another who called the October 7 terror attacks "awesome."

The same day as her remarks on Capitol Hill, a coalition of student groups  Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace  set up "Gaza Solidarity Encampments" on Columbia's campus, protesting the war in Gaza, which has claimed thousands of civilian lives, and demanding the university divest financially from Israel.

The groups say the protests were peaceful and within their rights.

When the students would not move as requested, Shafik requested the New York City Police Department break up the protest, which led to the arrest of more than 100 protesters. Columbia and Barnard College suspended students involved with the protest.

That move sparked increased tensions, with separate, antisemitic demonstrators taking to the area surrounding the campus, according to videos posted on social media. Jewish leaders at the school allege that Jewish students have been targeted with hateful rhetoric by demonstrators.

On Monday, Columbia announced classes would be held virtually, and the campus has been closed to the public.

Cooperman, who attended Columbia Business School, donated $25 million to the school in 2012 and has said he's donated closer to $50 million in total.

"I try to give money to those schools that have made a difference to me in my lifetime. I don't think it's right, but I probably couldn't have gotten into Wall Street from Hunter College, where I got my undergraduate degree," he said. "I got an MBA from Columbia, and the very next day, I joined Goldman Sachs."

He said he would continue to give to the school but earmark his gifts to stay within the business school.

Kraft, the billionaire owner of the Patriots and another Columbia alumnus, announced he would be pulling all donations to the school "until corrective action is taken."

He did not specify what he meant by "corrective action." Kraft said he'd continue to support the school's Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, which is named after him.

Representatives for Cooperman and Kraft did not respond to requests for comment before publication.

The conversation around giving and the relationship between billionaire donors and universities has been reignited in recent weeks following protests at Columbia, Yale, and New York University.

After the October 7 attacks, tensions on college campuses erupted, prompting megadonors to criticize the responses of various university administrators. At Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, billionaires including Apollo CEO Marc Rowan, the Estee Lauder heir Ronald Lauder, and the former Victoria's Secret owner Les Wexner pulled funding.

Eventually, the presidents of the schools, Claudine Gay and Liz Magill, respectively, stepped down.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Californias Latino lawmakers choose priority bills for 2024. Here are their top issues

Californias Latino Caucus gathered Tuesday morning to announce its legislative priorities for 2024  highlighting a package of bills which concentrates on the states undocumented immigrants.

The caucus, consisting of 35 members, is influential in the Legislature and has championed a series of wins over the last decade, including laws to allow residents to apply for drivers licenses regardless of immigration status and expand Medi-Cal access.

This year, members voted to prioritize bills that will further strengthen the social safety net for undocumented residents while keeping in mind a projected budget deficit of up to $73 billion. However, some of these measures likely face an uphill battle as the state seeks to close the deficit without cutting programs that are already providing services to Californians.

Were really about preserving what we have fought for in previous budget cycles, said Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside and chair of the caucus. That preservation is so critical.

Several Latino lawmakers spoke at a press conference Tuesday to present the 16 priority measures, many of which are continued efforts from recent years. Newer priority bills center around education and farmworker issues.

Among the repeat priorities is Assembly Bill 4, authored by Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno. The measure continues a push to extend health care coverage to more undocumented residents by broadening income eligibility.

Earlier this year, California officially opened its Medi-Cal eligibility to all undocumented age groups. However, many low-income undocumented residents remain ineligible because coverage is based on income relative to the federal poverty level.

As of 2024, the Medi-Cal income cap for one person is roughly $20,000.

Thats barely enough money for most people to keep a roof over their head and food on their tables, let alone to deal with rising health care costs, Arambula said.

Another priority bill hoping to have better luck this year is AB 311, authored by Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles. The bill would expand food assistance benefits to all undocumented immigrants.

Last year, lawmakers postponed the bill with an acknowledgment that a full expansion would not be funded. Older undocumented residents are expected to become eligible for food benefits in 2025.

People go hungry, and we cant wait a number of years, Santiago said.

Sen. Monique Limon will be on her fourth effort to pass a law documenting the diversity of gubernatorial appointments.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed the three past Limon bills. Each one would have required the governors office to issue annual reports on the demographic information of appointees to state boards and commissions.

In his most recent veto message, Newsom said the demographic information required by the bill would not necessarily accurately reflect the diversity of appointees.

Our continued work on this bill is not about placing blame on any one entity, Limon said of her latest bill, Senate Bill 782. Rather, its about showing the reality that the data presents. A reality that were not able to fix if we cannot see.

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, center, the first Latina to serve as the states chief justice, is recognized as an honoree during the Latino Spirit Awards on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the state Capitol in downtown Sacramento. Every year, the California Latino Legislative Caucus presents the Latino Spirit Award honor to prominent Latinos in various fields.

Caucus prioritizes education

Many of the caucus newest priorities this year will focus on education, ranging from children as young as five to young adults in their early 20s.

Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park, led the presentation of education legislation with SB 1056. The measure would mandate California parents to send their children to one year of kindergarten before they attend first grade. If passed, the legislation would take effect in the 2026-27 school year.

Assemblyman David Alvarez, D-San Diego, and Cervantes also presented legislation that would open up historic opportunities for undocumented students at California universities and colleges.

Alvarezs legislation, AB 2586, would direct the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges systems to open up employment to undocumented students without legal work permits.

Cervantes bill, deemed a constitutional amendment, is focused solely on the UC system as it has greater autonomy due to its public trust status.

ACA 20 is the only vehicle in the legislature this session that would impose real meaningful requirements on the UC to provide these opportunities to undocumented students, Cervantes said.

The two pieces of legislation come months after the UC Board of Regents backed away from a commitment to find a pathway to hire undocumented students without legal work permits.

Caucus follows up on farmworker housing investigation

One of the final priority bills presented this year could affect more than 7,000 farmworkers and family members who live at the states migrant centers. Arambulas AB 2240 would result in California keeping its 24 migrant farmworker housing complexes open year-round.

The centers currently operate for only about six months, during the height of the agricultural work season. The complexes then close and remain vacant for months.

Last year, a Sacramento Bee investigation found many farmworkers mostly migrate because they cannot find places to live once they lose their affordable housing, and their childrens education suffers from the constant moves.

This will help to create stability and to support our farmworker community, Arambula said.
A review board at the National Institutes of Health is conducting an internal investigation of a study about Havana Syndrome that did not find brain damage in patients, following complaints from participants and questions from Congress about newly reported information suggesting Russia might be behind directed energy attacks against U.S. officials.

The research, conducted between June 2018 and November 2022, examined former and active U.S. officials injured in mysterious incidents around the world associated with a cluster of symptoms known as Havana Syndrome. U.S. officials earlier suspected Russia was the culprit, but in March of 2023 the U.S. intelligence community released an assessment concluding that it was unlikely that a foreign adversary was behind a global campaign of attacks against the U.S.

Earlier papers published by teams of doctors treating some of these patients soon after they started feeling sick found they had injuries in the brain and inner-ear damage.

However, the NIH researchers said that they could find no evidence of brain injury after studying the patients MRIs and blood work, results they published in two articles in the Journal of the American Medical Association in March.

That didnt settle the debate about the anomalous health incidents, the governments term for Havana Syndrome. Scientists involved in other research projects about Havana Syndrome immediately questioned those results, pointing to flaws in the new studys methodology and sample of patients.

Some participants also accused NIH officials and researchers involved in the study of bias, misreporting the data about brain injuries under pressure from the CIA and improperly sharing confidential medical information, according to a formal complaint sent to the NIH and its Institutional Review Board before the results went public. The complaint, first reported by the Miami Herald, also said patients were coerced into taking part in the study and were told they couldnt get treatment elsewhere if they refused.

The NIH Institutes went ahead with the publication of the articles, but last week Nicole Grant, chair of the Institutional Review Board, emailed participants to acknowledge the complaint and ask them to fill out a form with more information.

We have received a complaint about a study conducted by our researchers, Grant wrote. We would like to learn if you have any concerns.

The questions included in the form ask participants if they felt pressured about joining or remaining in the study; if they were led to believe that participation was required to be able to receive medical care at another medical facility, and if they believed that medical information collected during the study that would identify them was shared with others without their permission.

Were you ever told or given the impression that your symptoms would not be accurately recorded by the NIH staff who were evaluating you? another question asked participants.

The form also asks the patients to clarify whether NIH staff or personnel from other government agencies were involved in these alleged incidents and provide the names of the NIH staff involved.

The NIH did not immediately reply to a Herald request for comment Wednesday.

Victims of Havana Syndrome told the Herald they saw the publication of the study  two weeks before the scheduled broadcast of a CBS 60 minutes segment with information about potential Russian involvement in the incidents  as part of a government effort to contain the fallout.

In the CBS report aired on March 31, the former lead investigator of Havana Syndrome at the Pentagon said Russia was behind the attacks on U.S. officials. A detailed investigation in The Insider, a Russian exile media outlet that partnered with 60 Minutes and the German magazine Der Spiegel, used geolocation cell and travel data to link members of a secret Russian military unit to some of these Havana Syndrome incidents in Europe.

Soon after, the Senate Intelligence Committee asked U.S. intelligence agencies about that information. On April 12 a bipartisan group of senators led by Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH and Susan Collins, R-ME, who introduced the Havana Act, a law securing payments to Havana Syndrome victims that passed in 2021, wrote to President Joe Biden requesting an intelligence briefing and calling for a renewed assessment by the U.S. government of the incidents in light of the new information.

Despite our efforts to provide support to affected individuals and advanced legislation to ensure that an interagency response was in place to get to the root cause behind these incidents, we are frustrated this phenomenon is left unresolved, the senators wrote. They urged Biden to renew efforts to identify the cause behind the directed energy attacks and request that the administration initiate a review of the March 2023 Intelligence Community Assessment of the anomalous health incidents.

Neither the media reports nor the calls from Congress have so far moved the U.S. governments position in support of the assessment, concluding the incidents are not attacks by a foreign adversary.

According to a source who was aware of the message, William Burns, the CIA director, told the agencys workforce in an internal memo on April 15 that the agency stood by the March 2023 assessment.
Are Democrats right that Republicans are to blame for low state funding for UW System?

Bascom Hill is shown Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at the UW-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Outside reports released earlier this month showed warning signs for the financial viability of the University of Wisconsin Systems universities and signaled future cuts to the states public campuses.

Around the same time, state Rep. Greta Neubauer took to X (formerly Twitter) to attach the blame to Republican lawmakers. Neubauer is a Democrat from Racine and leads her party in the Assembly.

The GOP has failed to invest in our campuses, making WI fall to 42nd in the nation in state support, said a graphic attached to Neubauers tweet, which was posted April 11, 2024.

Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) speaks during a news conference by Assembly Democrats Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Capitol in Madison, Wis.

After the reports came out, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers also called on Republicans to approve more funding. He also blamed Republicans for waging war on the system for over a decade.

As more of the states universities face layoffs and branch campus closures, we decided to look into how the university system has been funded in recent years.

Heres what we found.

Wisconsin does rank near the bottom of states in funding public universities

Before we get into the weeds of how the UW System is funded, lets take a look at the second half of Neubauers claim: that Wisconsin ranks 42nd in state funding of universities.

Neubauer is referencing a national State Higher Education Finance report released in May 2023.

Based on 2022 data from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, Wisconsin ranked 42nd for public funding for four-year colleges.

Only New Hampshire, Arizona, Vermont, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Oregon and West Virginia provided less state funding.

Interestingly, the report showed Wisconsins two-year, technical college system was funded fourth best in the country.

In other words, Wisconsin had the third largest gap in state funding between technical colleges and public universities. Tech colleges received about $14,000 per student, versus $6,200 per student at UW campuses.

An April 2023 report from the closer-to-home Wisconsin Policy Forum painted the same picture by pulling from the 2021 data.

The report found that the University of Wisconsin System ranked 43rd nationally for per-student funding in 2021. The technical college system, in contrast, was ranked fifth best.

As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported at the time, technical colleges receive support from local property taxes, while the UW System only receives money from the state.

If the two systems were combined, Wisconsins overall public funding for higher education would fall near the middle, and actually above the national average.

But Neubauer is clearly talking about the UW Systems poorer rankings. Lets look closer at that funding and what role Republicans have in it.

Analysis shows difference in what system requested versus what Republicans approved

PolitiFact Wisconsin reached out to Neubauers office for more specifics to back up Neubauers claim that Republicans have failed to invest in UW.

Her communications director, Sidney Litke, shared a memo from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau that compares how much funding the UW System has asked for, versus what the budget-writing committee approved.

For context: Republicans have controlled that Joint Finance Committee since 2011. They often scrap Evers budget, which he shapes using agency requests, and write their own version of the budget.

So, while Evers is a Democrat, Republicans essentially have control of determining funding for the public university system in the state budget.

In 2023-25, the system requested about $293 million in state general purpose revenue, and Republicans approved about $41.4 million. Thats a difference of about $252 million, the analysis shows.

There were two budgets that had more of a difference: In 2011-13, there was a $418 million difference between what UW requested and the committee approved, and a $339 million difference in 2015-17.

Some years were much less, including a $12 million difference in 2017-19.

If youre getting lost in the numbers, this basically means Neubauers office is showing that Republicans have often approved much less funding than the UW System has asked for.

We should note that even Evers has pared down the full amount the UW System asks for in his budget proposal. That was the case in this latest budget cycle.

But for the purposes of this fact-check, its a good indicator to look at.

Percentage of state funding in UW budget has gone down steadily

Another chart in the memo shows that the portion of the UW Systems budget that comes from state funding has gone down in the last 10 years.

In the last four years, that percentage has been around 18%. In 2016-17, it was the lowest at 16.8%. In 2011-12, it was at 17.9%.

In the early 2000s, state funding made up around 25% of UWs budget. In the early 1990s, it made up as much as 50%.

Its been a fairly steady decline since then, a trend that appears to transcend what party was in charge of determining that funding.

But in general, the chart shows that Republicans are approving state funding that makes up a smaller part of the UW Systems overall budget.

Republicans did lift the tuition freeze, which UW said would help finances

While Republicans have been responsible for crafting the budget over the past decade, theres still factors that affect the systems finances that they arent solely responsible for.

Take the now-defunct freeze on in-state tuition, which the system had asked to be lifted because it threatened campuses financial stability.

Republican lawmakers began that freeze in 2013-14, and removed the freeze in 2021.

In his first two budget proposals, Evers supported continuing the freeze but asked Republicans for funding to offset the money lost by not increasing tuition. The budget he signed in 2019 preserved the freeze.

Bottom line: By lifting the tuition freeze, Republicans may have helped the system manage its finances in some way. Evers could have crafted a line-item veto to remove it, so he effectively kept the freeze going.

But Neubauer is specifically talking about investments of state money, and the tuition freeze is only one piece of the larger picture.

Mostly True

Our ruling

Neubauer said the GOP has failed to invest in our campuses, making WI fall to 42nd in the nation in state support.

Two reports show that the second part of her claim is correct: Wisconsin has ranked around 42nd or 43rd in funding its four-year, public universities.

The first part of her claim, that Republicans are to blame, is supported by a memo that shows Republicans have approved less funding than the system requested since they started controlling the budget process.

That decline in funding has been happening steadily since about the 1980s, but has reached its lowest point under the current Republican majority.

And while Republicans lifted a tuition freeze in 2021  something the system said would help its finances  thats a small factor, and something both parties played a role in keeping around, including Evers.

With those caveats in mind, we rate her claim Mostly True.

Sources

X, Representative Greta Neubauer, April 11, 2024.

Gov. Tony Evers, Gov. Evers to Ask Legislature to Approve Largest Increase in State Support for UW System in Over Two Decades, April 12, 2024.

State Higher Education Finance (SHEF) Report, Public Higher Education Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Enrollment by Sector and State, FY 2019-2022, May 2023.

Wisconsin Policy Forum, Higher Education Funding Stabilizes Overall but Enrollment still Falling, April 2023.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin funds UW System and technical colleges differently: One ranks 43rd nationally, the other ranks 5th, April 20, 2023.

Email exchange, Sidney Litke, communications director for Rep. Greta Neubauer, April 17 and 18, 2024.

Legislative Fiscal Bureau, UW System Budget GPR as a Percentage of Total Funding and Agency Requested versus Amounts Provided under Select Budget Acts, April 17, 2024.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5 takeaways from Gov. Evers' budget for college students and campuses, May 24, 2023.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, What to know about UW's 10-year tuition freeze and what's ahead for Wisconsin college students, Aug. 11, 2022.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Tuition, student loan debt and 'worthless' degrees: Where Tony Evers and Tim Michels stand on higher education, Oct. 26, 2022.

Department of Administration, Evers Veto Message for 2019-21 Budget, July 3, 2019.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Democrats blame Republicans for low UW System funding. Are they right?
How did Mississippi counties do on the 2024 air pollution report? Find out here

When it comes to air quality, Jackson ranked 29th worst in the nation for a second consecutive year, according to the American Lung Association's 2024 "State of the Air" report.

Jackson's air pollution resulted in the city receiving a failing grade for the 2024 report, and the Jackson metro area's year-round particle pollution is the second worst in the Southeast, which is worse than the city fared in the 2023 report, which ranked Jackson 118th worst.

However, Jackson is among the nation's cleanest cities when it comes to ozone pollution rankings, which center on each county's average number of unhealthy days; Hinds County had 0 unhealthy days, earning an A rating.

That rating matches the A rating from the previous year's report.

The sun sets in the sky above Laurel in this file photo from 2021.

The report

The annual State of the Air report measures air pollution in U.S. counties. This year's report, the 25th edition, utilized data from 2020-2022.

Two main factors of the report center on ozone pollution and particle pollution.

Ozone pollution, also known as "smog," affects the largest number of Americans per year compared to other air pollutants.

"Ozone is a powerful oxidant like household bleach," said Calandra Davis, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. "It can kill living cells on contact. So, when we're exposed to these high ozone layers, depending on our overall health, we might experience different symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness."

Particle pollution refers to different solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air which can be harmful when inhaled.

Both ozone and particle pollution can lead to detrimental effects to the human body, including the development of asthma, heart attacks, strokes, impaired cognitive functioning late in life and preterm births.

Particle pollution can lead to lung cancer.

More than 131 million Americans  nearly four in 10 people  live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.

In total 43.9 million Americans live in counties which received failing air pollution grades, according to recently updated standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Who is affected?

Historically, the State of the Air reports have found people of color are disproportionately affected by air pollution. Subsequently, communities of color are more vulnerable to chronic conditions including asthma, heart disease and diabetes.

This year's report showed similar findings; a person of color in the U.S. is more than twice as likely to live in a county with a failing air pollution grade.

These disparities most likely boil down to an imbalance of resources.

"Certain communities are having to play catch up, because they've already been left behind for numerous reasons," Davis said.

Allergy season in full swing: Spring allergies in Mississippi: What to expect this year, according to experts

More counties in Mississippi

The following results are based on particle pollution in each respective county from 2020-2022.

Counties in Mississippi that received a failing grade:

Hinds County

Forrest County

Harrison County

Counties in Mississippi that received a passing grade:

Bolivar County

DeSoto County

Hancock County

Jackson County

Education news: IHL welcomes new president, retires four trustees. Learn more about new president

What can you do?

Now that you have the facts, what can you do with the information?

Davis, born and reared in Mississippi, said the state still has a long way to go in order to get air pollution levels down.

Davis suggested several steps to take on the individual level. Those steps include walking, carpooling or biking to a destination instead of taking individual cars. Davis also suggested avoiding burning materials outdoors.

"All of these things don't just protect you," Davis said. "They help protect the neighbors the live next to you."

The largest changes can come at a structural level. Davis and others are calling on the EPA to create stronger national limits on ozone pollution.

Davis encouraged readers to consider signing a petition, found on the American Lung Association's website, supporting stricter limits across the nation.

Got a news tip? Contact Mary Boyte at mboyte@jackson.gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Hinds, Forrest MS counties receive failing air pollution grade
A worker installs solar energy panels on a roof. (Getty Images)

Tribal and rural areas in and around North Dakota and South Dakota are set to benefit from about $260 million in federal grants for solar energy projects.

A five-state, 14-tribe coalition was awarded $135.6 million for solar projects, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday. A Washington, D.C.-based green bank, meanwhile, pulled in another $125 million for tribal and rural projects across North Dakota and South Dakota.

The news about the EPAs Solar for All program came on Earth Day.

The money comes from the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, created through the Biden administrations Infrastructure Reinvestment and Jobs Act of 2021 and administered by EPA. The Solar for All program represents $7 billion of the $27 billion.

South Dakota and North Dakota were among six states that didnt apply for any of the Solar for All funding on the government level.

President Joe Biden appeared Monday in Vermont to herald his administrations green investments and its creation of programs like the American Climate Corps, a workforce-training initiative focused on conservation.

Solar for All, Biden said, is a big deal that will put solar panels on the rooftops of people whod otherwise be unable to afford them.

This program means that 900,000 households  900,000  will have solar on their rooftops for the first time, and soon, Biden said. Millions of families will save over $400 a year on utility bills.

Tribal coalition collects $135.6 million

The Northern Plains Tribal Coalition is led by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota and includes the South Dakota-based Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate and the Flandreau Santee, Standing Rock, Oglala and Rosebud Sioux tribes.

That coalitions grant funding will be managed by Indigenized Energy, a nonprofit firm founded by Standing Rock member Cody Two Bears in the wake of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Two Bears said Monday that the group will work with tribes to not only install solar energy, but to operate and maintain the systems when the grant money dries up.

The lack of interest and input from North Dakota and South Dakota on the Solar for All grants wasnt surprising to Two Bears, he said. The grant award for the tribal coalition signals that tribes have an opportunity to act as leaders in the climate sphere, regardless of what state governments do  or dont  when grants for action are made available by the federal government.

Two Bears sees solar energy as a path to job creation and skills training, as well as an opportunity to bolster sovereignty and independence.

It just gives us the opportunity in these tribal communities to lead the way in renewables, to show what is possible, Two Bears said.

In the absence of state government leadership on climate in parts of the West and Midwest, Two Bears said, we definitely need more examples of how renewable energy can be really impactful to our economies.

Garret Renville, chair of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, said the coalitions work shows how intergovernmental collaboration can serve a wider population.

Every tribal nation has different energy needs, geographies, landscapes and cultures, Renville said, but through this collaboration, we will work side-by-side with tribes to develop solar projects that meet the distinct needs of each and every one.

As tribal leaders, it is our responsibility to prioritize the health and well being of our people and planet, he said.

Fred Fox, representing the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, said the grants will allow for the installation of rooftop solar on 8,500 homes, with priorities for veterans, tribal elders and families with children.

That works out to roughly 300 residents of each tribe, Fox said.

More funding for the Dakotas

The other group awarded one of the 60 Solar for All grants is called the Coalition for Green Capital, a green bank nonprofit that uses public dollars to spur private investment in renewable energy through financing.

Green banks, according to the coalitions website, care about deploying clean energy rather than maximizing profit.

That group was awarded $125 million to work on rooftop solar projects in the rural and tribal areas of both Dakotas.

The Washington, D.C.-based coalition will use the funds to facilitate grant, tax, and low interest lending to develop solar units for multi-family dwellings, according to the listing of Solar for All awardees, with priority given to low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Its the second major federal award of 2024 for the coalition, which was founded in 2009 by Clinton-era Federal Communications Commission Chair Reed Hundt.

On April 4, the EPA announced a $5 billion award for the group, meant to help shepherd local and regional organizations that aim to start their own green bank. That award came from a different pot of federal climate money, the National Clean Investment Fund.

In its press release on the newly awarded grant, the coalition says it has more than $30 billion of demand for its award funds and believes that private-sector investors are prepared to add more than twice that to the projects jump-started by public capital.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com. Follow South Dakota Searchlight on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Federal solar power grants include $260 million for North Dakota tribes, rural areas appeared first on North Dakota Monitor.
LGBT+ pride flags. (Susan J. Demas/Michigan Advance)

An Indiana gay rights group on Wednesday called for primary election voters pulling Republican ballots to leave the race for governor blank in an electoral boycott.

Indiana Equality dubbed all six Hoosiers running for the GOP nomination pro-discrimination candidates in a news release.

If any of these Republican candidates for Governor get elected, they will weaken Indianas economic future by rejecting the Hoosier Hospitality welcoming values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Executive Director G. David Caudill said.

Indiana Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Early voting has begun.

The candidates are U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, former Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) leader Eric Doden, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, former Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers, former Attorney General Curtis Hill and conservative activist Jamie Reitenour.

Equality Indiana, which bills itself as a nonprofit working for LGBT+ legal rights and against discrimination, criticized the candidates stances against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Each of them are extremists with anti-DEI positions, meaning they are self-proclaimed pro-discrimination candidates, Caudill said.

Caudill recommended that any Hoosier  especially LGBTQIA+ Hoosiers and allies  pulling a Republican ballot for the primary boycott the gubernatorial question.

Still, the organization invited the candidates to meet and obtain truthful information on why diversity initiatives matter to LGBT+ residents.

And, Caudill said the group would extend our nonpartisan hand out to whichever candidate wins the Republican nomination  along with every state- and federal-level Hoosier nominee  with an invitation for dialogue.

By understanding and supporting these initiatives, Indiana leaders will make Indiana a more welcoming state to its citizens, businesses, visitors, and workers, thus leading to a stronger, competitive economic future for ALL Hoosiers, Caudill concluded.

Its not the only election change Hoosier organizations have promoted in recent weeks.

Bipartisan group ReCenter Indiana put up billboard and social media advertisements encouraging Democrats to pull Republican primary election ballots and vote for a more moderate gubernatorial candidate. The move drew pushback from across the political spectrum.

The post Gay rights group calls for gubernatorial primary vote boycott appeared first on Indiana Capital Chronicle.
The poster for the 14th Beijing International Film Festival is revealed on March 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

For the first time in history, the Beijing International Film Festival has introduced an AIGC (artificial intelligence-generated content) Short Film Unit, showcasing the application and innovation of AI technology within the film industry while also exploring how AI challenges and reshapes traditional cinematic storytelling.



Co-organized by the School of Animation and Digital Arts of the Communication University of China, the core activities of this unit include a forum for creators within the AIGC environment, a screening of outstanding entries from the inaugural BJIFF AIGC Short Film Competition, along with an awards ceremony.

Tang Junshu, the principal of this unit and a teacher at CUC, noted that participants from various backgrounds have taken part in this section. There are full-time AIGC artists, educators and students from academia, directors and screenwriters from the film industry, and even technical professionals from technology companies.

According to her, the younger generation has been at the forefront of AIGC creation. About half of the participants in this competition are in their 20s, with the youngest member at 11 years old and the oldest at 60.

The competition is the highlight of the event. The organizing committee received 430 submissions from across the globe, including entries from the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Japan, Malaysia, and other countries and regions. These submissions varied in duration, spanning from one to 18 minutes. Among them, 23 entries made it to the final round of judging.

Tang explained that the judging criteria for the AIGC section are more complex than those for typical short film competitions. The judges not only consider traditional elements like thematic expression, artistic impact, and the use of audiovisual language, but also the proportion of AI application, AI technical difficulty, workflow, and more.

"The main challenges for AIGC works currently lie in the smoothness of the shots, consistency in character portrayal, and the establishment of a unique visual style," she said. "The works that have made it to the finals have achieved a considerable level in these areas."

One such work is To Dear Me by AIGC artist Chen Liufang. It tells the coming-of-age story of a girl burdened with the pain from her dysfunctional family and her personality flaws. She longs for and seeks love, and ultimately learns to love herself. Lasting five minutes and 30 seconds, this short film took Chen's team nearly three months to complete.

The film is based on CUC student Yan Xiaoxuan's original idea and video project. Team member and director Tong Hua began by shooting live-action scenes. AI was then used to transform the footage into animated videos.

Chen explained that they used real actors because it helps make the AI-generated content more consistent and stable. "Currently, AI creation is like a roll of the dice, with outcomes being random each time. Using live-action footage as a basis for AIGC offers much greater control compared to generating videos from images and texts."

Chen also mentioned that AI isn't yet very good at making characters act realistically, and filming real people allows for precise control over characters' facial expressions and movements. "Can AI learn to perform on its own in the future? I view it with optimism and anticipation, but it will require a lot of training," she said.

Visual aesthetics is another crucial element of an AI-generated short film, which cost a significant amount of time and effort for Chen and her team.

They dedicated over a month to training AI models specifically for this film, experimenting with different styles using Stable Diffusion's SDXL model. After much exploration, they decided on one style dominated by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso's blue hues, combined with oil painting techniques and pointillism effects.

This isn't Chen's first competition or AI-generated work. With each project, Chen delves deeper into exploring AI's applications, trying to achieve different goals.

In her first AIGC work, Love's Last Song, for example, she experimented with a full AI-driven production process, using various AI software for scripting, visuals, modeling, animation, music, and voice-over.

Her second project, The Songs of Distant Earth, based on the novel of the same name by British sci-fi writer Arthur Charles Clarke, explored the workflow process of creating a trailer with AI, resulting in a two-minute animation short film in just 20 hours.

This time, To Dear Me marks Chen's first attempt at a complete AIGC narrative, moving beyond a mere assembly of fragmented shots to telling a story with both artistic value and coherence.

"I believe the measure of excellence for judging an AIGC short film is whether you can appreciate and be moved by it, even without the elements of AI," Chen said.

Every step of Chen's progress keeps reminding her not to rely too much on established creative paths or fixed ways of thinking.

"This is what AI demands from today's creators," Chen said. "We need to soak up new information and skills like a sponge."

She pointed out that the good thing about AI is that the industry is open, and AIGC creators are willing to share their experiences with one another. There are also plenty of learning materials available online, which allowed Chen to acquire almost all of her AI skills through self-study. "AIGC creators believe in the power of sharing. We want to build a richer creative ecosystem," she said.

Tang is also amazed by the rapid pace of AI development. "You might wake up every day to find the world has changed, with new advancements in the industry. This poses new challenges for training talent in AI creation," she said. "While in the past, designers primarily focused on their technical skills, now anyone can bring their concepts to life with AI tools, making creativity humanity's most important asset."

Sha Dan, the deputy director of the BJIFF Screening Department and a renowned film curator, summarized the relationship between AI and humans today as "a love-hate dynamic".

"The rise of AI is like the boy who cried wolf. If we don't actively engage, there's a chance that AI could replace us in the future. But instead of fearing it, we should 'dance with the wolf', grow with it, and let AI assist us in our creative endeavors," he said.

"Film festivals are particularly interesting. Here, you can find old movies, modern works, and even VR (virtual reality) and AIGC animations that speculate about the future. It's like stepping into a time tunnel where yesterday, today, and tomorrow converge."
South Dakota and Mississippi are the only states that have a full state sales tax rate on groceries, but that could change in November.

Circulators of a petition to repeal the state sales tax on groceries said they planned to turn in enough signatures Wednesday to the South Dakota Secretary of States Office to place the measure on the Nov. 5 ballot. The office must still verify that enough of the signatures are from registered South Dakota voters.

The ballot initiative would repeal the state sales tax on anything sold for human consumption, except alcoholic beverages and prepared food. It does not prohibit cities from taxing groceries. Currently, the state has a 4.2% sales and use tax, and cities can tack on an additional 2% tax.

The state sales tax rate was 4.5% before state legislators reduced it during the 2023 legislative session. Legislators included a sunset clause to make the tax reduction expire in 2027, in part out of caution in case voters approve the grocery tax repeal. The reduction in the sales tax rate was estimated to cost the state more than $100 million in annual revenue, and the grocery tax repeal would cost an estimated $124 million in annual revenue.

Governor Kristi Noem meets Suzane Jones while she shops for groceries at Sunshine Foods on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, in Sioux Falls.

Republican Gov. Kristi Noem promised to repeal the state food sales tax during her reelection campaign in 2022 and backed an unsuccessful bill during the 2023 legislative session to eliminate the tax. But Noem pulled her support for the potential ballot question last year. The commissioner of the state Bureau of Finance and Management told South Dakota News Watch that the ballot measure would prevent the state from taxing tobacco and medical marijuana.

Other Republican leaders, such as Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck, have spoken out against the initiative, saying it  along with the 2023 tax cut still in effect  could lead to a budget train wreck. Most recently, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken spoke out against the measure during his State of the City address, according to The Dakota Scout.

Polling by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy in 2023 found 60.6% of surveyed registered voters support eliminating the state sales tax on groceries.

TakeItBack, the organization spearheading the ballot initiative campaign, said it collected over 25,000 petition signatures from registered voters. Just over 17,500 are required to put the initiative on the ballot.

Rick Weiland, executive director of Dakotans 4 Health, speaks about the proposed abortion ballot initiative with reporters in Pierre on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Rick Weiland, a Democrat, is co-founder of TakeItBack and also leads Dakotans for Health, which was the organization leading the petition circulation effort alongside a petition to restore abortion rights (the abortion-rights petition has not yet been submitted).

Removing the states sales tax on groceries is a crucial step towards addressing food insecurity and promoting economic fairness in our state, Weiland said in a news release.

The South Dakota State Federation of Labor AFL-CIO endorsed the ballot initiative Wednesday. The organization represents 195 unions in the state and 7,000 union members.

Our low-income working families are struggling, with some spending up to 30% of their household income to feed their families, said B.J. Motley, the organizations president. This inequality is unacceptable, and we stand ready to partner with TakeItBack to address this pressing issue.

All ballot-question petitions must be filed by May 7. Several other citizen-initiated petitions are circulating, including a measure to switch the state from political-party primary elections to open primaries. The Legislature has already exercised its right to place two measures on the ballot: one would replace references to male officeholders in the state constitution with neutral language, and the other would ask voters to lift a prohibition against work requirements for Medicaid expansion enrollees.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Group filing petition signatures to put grocery tax repeal on ballot
Gun advocates are urging Republicans in the supermajority to adopt permitless or constitutional concealed carry of handguns in North Carolina. (Photo of gun training by George Frey/Getty Images)

Members of Grass Roots North Carolina will be lobbying lawmakers on the opening day to pass constitutional carry for North Carolina. The gun rights group has been working behind the scenes, collecting signatures and on Wednesday will deliver a hand truck with thousands of petitions to Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger urging him to support a proposal to enshrine the freedom to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.

In the last legislative session, lawmakers repealed North Carolinas longstanding pistol purchase permit requirement and were quick to override Governors Roy Coopers veto of Senate Bill 41.

House Speaker Tim Moore holds a copy of a bill in which the Governor's veto was overridden by the General Assembly

House Speaker Tim Moore shared on social media in 2023 the override of Governor Coopers veto of SB 41, legislation repealing the pistol purchase permit requirement. (Photo: Tim Moores Twitter/X account.)

House Speaker Tim Moore, who is running for Congress, shared a picture of the override on social media and said the legislatures actions preserved the Second Amendment rights of North Carolinians by repealing an outdated system.

Now in the short session, gun advocates are urging Republicans to use their supermajority to go a step further and adopt permitless or constitutional concealed carry of handguns.

Last year, Berger told Raleighs News & Observer that after disposing of the pistol purchase permitting issue, he didnt know if there was any need for us to delve into additional issues dealing with guns and peoples Second Amendment rights.

The bill allowing constitutional concealed carry was removed from the calendar before a floor vote and returned to committee.

More than 6,000 people have signed a petition urging lawmakers to give prompt consideration to House Bill 189 the Freedom to Carry NC Act. The legislation as written would allow citizens who are at least 18 years old to carry concealed handguns in the state of North Carolina without a permit, after completing an approved firearms safety and training course.

A copy of the online petition reminds legislative leaders that Second Amendment voters were in large part responsible for wins in the 2022 elections which gave Republicans the supermajorities needed to override a veto by Governor Roy Cooper.

GRNC notes that 29 states have passed some form of constitutional concealed carry. They are hopeful North Carolina becomes the 30th state.

Currently, open carry is legal in North Carolina without a permit.

Session after session Red Flag bills stall

On the other end of the political spectrum, lawmakers can expect renewed pressure to tighten peoples access to guns. Student demonstrators urged lawmakers last session to give a fair hearing to bills that would allow for extreme risk protection orders  also known as red flag legislation.

This followed a fatal shooting of a faculty member (Zijie Yan) on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus by a graduate student. Tailei Qi was charged first-degree murder and misdemeanor possession of a firearm on educational property. Authorities say Qi suffered from untreated mental illness. The ordeal prompted an hours-long lockdown and manhunt on the Chapel Hill campus before Qi was taken into custody.

Extreme risk protection laws allow family members or law enforcement to petition a court for an order for the temporary removal of guns from a dangerous situation, reducing the risk of suicide or a mass shooting.

Despite multiple bills over multiple sessions, red flag laws have yet to receive a single hearing in the Republican-controlled legislature.

Conservative lawmakers also failed to hear legislation last year that would make it unlawful to leave a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is locked and the firearm is secured with a trigger lock or other safety device. In Durham, 60% of the firearms stolen by juveniles came from unlocked cars, according to a recent WRAL-TV documentary.

With few restrictions passing at the state level, the Wake County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution in March directing the countys school superintendent and staff to regularly and consistently provide families with information and resources on the importance of secure gun storage.

North Carolina chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action will hold a Thursday press conference with Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) and Senator Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) to advocate for increased gun safety measures.

Another state, another approach

The debate over the freedom to carry concealed firearms in North Carolina comes as Tennessee lawmakers approved legislation this week that will allow schoolteachers who have had training to carry firearms on school grounds. Critics say the bill will not make schools any safer.

Approval of the Tennessee bill came 13 months after a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville. Three staff members and three 9-year-old children were fatally shot in the ordeal.

Legislation allowing teachers in the Volunteer State to carry concealed guns now heads to the desk of Republican Governor Bill Lee.

Read more about that controversial bill in the Tennessee Lookout.

college student demonstrate for gun safety

North Carolina college students held a demonstration during the 2023 session urging lawmakers to tighten gun laws. (Photo: Clayton Henkel)

The post Gun rights group calls on lawmakers to further loosen state firearm regulation appeared first on NC Newsline.
TikTok Faces Potential U.S. Ban As Joe Biden Signs National Security Bill; CEO Vows Court Fight And Says Facts And The Constitution Are On Our Side

UPDATE: President Joe Biden signed a massive national security bill that requires that ByteDance divest TikTok or face a ban on app stores as soon as nine months from now.

Biden gave remarks after signing the bill, highlighting the $95 billion outlay for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

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He did not mention the provision on TikTok, the popular social media platform that has raised concerns that the Chinese government would get access to user information.

In a video posted on X/Twitter, TikTok CEO Shou Chew said that the new law was obviously a disappointing moment, but it does not need to be a defining one.

Rest assured, we are not going anywhere, he said, adding that they would challenge the law in the courts.

The facts and the Constitution are on side, and we expect to prevail again, he said.

ByteDance has nine months to sell TikTok or face a ban, but the president can also extend that timeframe by three more months.

NBC News reported that Bidens presidential campaign plans to continue using the app, despite the new law. The president himself appeared in a social media video tied to Super Bowl Sunday.

TikTok response to potential ban. https://t.co/dl0hEkaYqb  Ted Johnson (@tedstew) April 24, 2024

PREVIOUSLY: The Senate passed legislation that will force ByteDance to divest TikTok of face a ban on app stores.

The TikTok restrictions were part of a $95 billion national security package that includes aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

President Joe Biden plans to sign the bill.

The vote was 79-18.

In a statement, Biden said, I will sign this bill into law and address the American people as soon as it reaches my desk tomorrow so we can begin sending weapons and equipment to Ukraine this week. The need is urgent: for Ukraine, facing unrelenting bombardment from Russia; for Israel, which just faced unprecedented attacks from Iran; for refugees and those impacted by conflicts and natural disasters around the world, including in Gaza, Sudan, and Haiti; and for our partners seeking security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

TikTok has suggested that it would challenge the legislation in court, as it has waged a lobbying campaign focused on the notion that the potential ban would take away free speech rights of the platforms creators.

But lawmakers have focused on TikToks Chinese parent company, ByteDance, and the potential for the Beijing government to demand user data.

In an interview today with NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government and so when Americans stop and think about how do they feel about the power, the access, the capability, the control that TikTok has, they need to be thinking about it in terms of how do they feel about that same power, access, capability, control in the hands of TikToks parent in Chinese government, and ultimately in the Chinese intelligence service.

PREVIOUSLY, April 27: The fate of TikTok in the United States is even more uncertain as the House today voted on a package that requires that parent ByteDance divest its popular social media platform or face a ban on app stores.

Lawmakers passed the bill 360-58, part of a series of votes to break a six-month standoff over a $95 billion aid package to Ukraine as well as to Israel and to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. House members overwhelming passed the additional funding to those countries and regions, including $60.8 billion to Ukraine. That part of the legislative package passed the House 311-112.

The TikTok portion of the legislative package revises previous legislation by extending the time by which Chinese-owned ByteDance could sell the platform. A previous bill that cleared the House earlier this year gave ByteDance less than six months to do so.

The potential TikTok ban was part of a bill that included a long list of national security priorities, including the authorization of the sale of Russian assets and mandatory sanctions of Hamas.

The Senate is expected to take up the package of bills, including Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan aid, next week, perhaps as soon as Tuesday. The package also includes humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Prospects appear to be good for passage, and it is unclear what TikTok will do next, and whether it or users would challenge the legislation on First Amendment grounds. The company said in a statement earlier this week, It is unfortunate that the House of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign and humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans, devastate 7 million businesses, and shutter a platform that contributes $24 billion to the U.S. economy, annually.

But revisions to the previous legislation helped convince a key lawmaker, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), to support the new legislation. She said in a statement that extending the divestment period is necessary to ensure there is enough time for a new buyer to get a deal done.

TikTok has 170 million users in the United States. Lawmakers have warned of the prospect of the Chinese government getting access to users data. TikTok has denied such a scenario, while emphasizing the fact that ByteDances investors include American investment entities.

The $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine has been held up since last year, as a group of hard-right Republicans oppose further funding of the countrys war with Russia. In February, the Senate passed a $95 billion national security package that included aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, but has languished in the House as Speaker Mike Johnson faced a revolt from members of the Republican caucus. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), an opponent of the Ukraine aid, has filed a motion to vacate Johnson from the speakers chair, but she has not yet forced a vote on his removal.

Greene told CNNs Manu Raju said that she was not moving forward yet on whether to remove Johnson, and instead wanted lawmakers to go back home during a recess next week to hear from their constituents.

This is the sellout of America today, she said, cursing once on air as she talked to Raju and other reporters live from the steps of the Capitol.

Johnson did scold Democrats for waving mini-Ukrainian flags on the floor after that portion of the aid package passed, but told reporters of the overall national security package, If we turn our backs now, the consequences could be devastating.

Make no mistake, this is not a blank check like the Senate supplemental bill was, he said.

Still, a majority of the Republican caucus voted against additional aid to Ukraine, with 101 GOP members voting yes and 112 voting no. All 210 Democrats present voted for it.

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More than 3 billion people are currently banned from using TikTok

Countries where TikTok is either banned (black), partially banned (red) or unavailable (grey) in April 2024 (The Independent)

TikTok is facing the prospect of being banned or unavailable for nearly half the worlds population after the US moved to outlaw the app.

The sell-or-divest bill, which is expected to be signed into law by US President Joe Biden, could see TikTok completely blocked in the country within the next year.

It comes four years after India issued a total ban of the China-owned app, with Iran, Senegal, Nepal, Afghanistan and Somalia also preventing their citizens from using the app. The app is also unavailable in China, meaning more than 3 billion people around the world are unable to access TikTok.

Several other regions and countries have also enacted partial bans on government or military devices, including the UK, EU, Canada and Australia.

Despite the bans, TikTok has still succeeded in becoming one of the most popular apps in the world, passing 2 billion active users in 2024.

The national bans focus on either state censorship or fears surrounding national security.

Lawmakers in the US fear TikToks parent company ByteDance could share user data with the Chinese government, while others claim the apps algorithm could be used to spread propaganda and misinformation.

TikTok said in a statement that a ban in the US would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans.

Data from analytics firm Appfigures reveals that TikTok was the second most popular app in the US last year in terms of downloads, topped only by the shopping app Temu.

Its popularity mostly comes from younger generations, with figures from Statista showing that more than 70 per cent of TikTok users globally are under 35. Fewer than 7 per cent are over 55. The average age of a representative in the US Congress is 58, while the average age of a senator in 2024 is 64.

A survey from Pew Research Centre also revealed that younger people trust the app more than older users, with more than 30 per cent of US TikTok users between the ages of 18 and 29 using it as a regular news source, compared to just 3 per cent of over-65s.

TikTok has said it will challenge any attempt to ban the app in the US.

Michael Beckerman, who heads the companys public policy team, wrote to staff this week that the latest bill was the beginning, not the end, of this long process.
The US Senate on Tuesday evening finally sent a three-pronged aid package with military assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to President Joe Bidens desk, ending months of delays that administration officials and top brass were increasingly blaming for Ukrainian battlefield casualties.

Senators voted 79-18 for the aid package in largely bipartisan fashion, with conservatives having mounted their opposition to the Ukraine portion of the bill similar to fellow Republicans in the US House of Representatives. The legislation  which also includes a ride-along bill that addresses a potential ban of Chinese-owned TikTok  pased late in the evening on Tuesday with 15 Republican Senators and three members of the Senate Democratic caucus voting against it.

America will never shrink from its responsibility as a leader on the world stage, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, said ahead of the bills passage on Tuesday.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell  an ardent supporter of Ukraine who pushed back against more nationalist forces in his party, including former president Donald Trump  stressed the necessity of Americas role in the world in a floor speech flanked by Democrats and Republicans.

History will record that even as allies and partners may have worried about the depth of our resolve, even as Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran grew more convinced that our influence had run its course, and even as loud voices here at home insisted on abandoning the responsibilities of leadership  America stepped up. And the Senate held firm.

President Biden said he would sign the legislation immediately.

Supporters of Ukraine rally outside the US Capitol after the Senate passed a foreign aid bill to help Kyiv defend against the Russian invasion (Getty Images)

Tonight, a bipartisan majority in the Senate joined the House to answer historys call at this critical inflection point, he said in a statement. Congress has passed my legislation to strengthen our national security and send a message to the world about the power of American leadership: we stand resolutely for democracy and freedom, and against tyranny and oppression.

The Senate originally approved this aid package in February. Months of disagreement between the Republican majority in the lower chamber and their minority in the Senate led to the upper chamber trying and failing to address border security and the asylum process via legislation, while the House went on to separate the legislation into several pieces and restructure the Ukraine portion around a loan system. All the while, experts warned that Ukraine was running out of capacity to defend itself against Russias missile and drone onslaught, part of the brutal Russian invasion of its neighbour that began in February 2022.

Senator Mitt Romney, a centrist Republican strongly supportive of the aid to Ukraine and Israel, addressed the delays caused by his party on Tuesday after a question from The Independent ahead of the final vote.

Things don't move quickly, he said of the congressional legislative process. And in a democracy like ours, and the rules of our buildings, respective House and Senate, make things slow, but the right answer was reached with a resounding affirmative vote.

Democrat Chris Murphy blamed the delays squarely on Mr Trumps reported opposition to any further funding to Ukraine. Mr Trump has not officially outlined his stance on whether the US would continue military assistance under his watch, but Hungarys prime minister has claimed that the ex-president told him privately that such aid would end.

You know, we've got this big stinky problem of Donald Trump's hostility to Ukraine and his fealty to Vladimir Putin, Mr Murphy told The Independent on Tuesday. But we're showing that there is still massive bipartisan support for Ukraine that should, you know, put a little wind behind the sails of the folks that are on the ground.

Whats in the full foreign aid package passed by the House:

Three pieces of legislation that were part of the national security supplemental passed by the Senate, as well as one piece of sidecar legislation dealing with Russia/Iran sanctions, passed the House on Saturday. Combined, they will provide tens of billions of dollars in security and military assistance to US allies in three regions.

Ukraine

The Ukraine portion of the bill is the largest. $60.8bn is earmarked for Ukraine in the bills passed on Saturday, with much being targeted to resupply vital air defences for the Ukrainian military. A Republican amendment to strip all non-defence spending from the bill failed.

Of the defence spending in the bill, $23bn is set aside to replenish US stockpiles drawn down by the effort to supply Ukraine, while another $11bn would support current US operations in eastern Europe. Nearly $14bn was targeted to help Ukraine purchase advanced weapon and defence systems.

A relatively smaller amount, $26m, was supplied to provide oversight efforts to ensure that US contributions to Ukraine are being disbursed correctly and fairly.

But Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said the new legislation will have more consensus, noting how the legislation now has a loan aspect to Ukraine aid and that the bill freezes Russian assets and directs them to Ukraine.

This is the best outcome we could hope for is to start seizing Russian assets, he told The Independent. That wasnt in the Senate bill. Making part of it a loan gets Trump on board, which makes it more sustainable. Bad night for Putin.

Israel

Much of the $26.38bn Israel bill is centred around restocking Israeli munitions required for its defences as well as the siege of Gaza, where Israel is attempting to wipe out Hamas militants. $4bn is included for resupplying the Iron Dome defensive grid, and $1.2bn is included for the so-called Iron Beam, a ground-based laser system used to take out drones and missiles.

$3.5bn is set aside to help Israel procure weapon systems, while nearly $7bn is marked for restocking US supplies and funding operations in the region.

But some Democrats expressed disappointment at not being able to have amendments to hold Israel accountable as its military campaign in Gaza after the October 7 attack has led to 34,000 deaths. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont had proposed amendments to restore funding to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and require Israel not receive unfettered assistance.

I think its beyond belief that, on an issue where the majority of the American people dont want to continue to support Netanyahus war machine slaughter of women and children in Gaza, that we couldnt even get an amendment to deal with that, he toldThe Independent earlier in the day.

Mr Sanderss colleague from Vermont Senator Peter Welch, who supports a ceasefire in Gaza, said that the Senate needed to vote.

I would have preferred that we have separate votes on each of the items like the House did, he said, but added that he thought Mr Biden was concerned about reducing civilian casualties.

Indo-Pacific

One last segment of the foreign aid package deals with Taiwan and other US allies in the Indo-Pacific region such as the Philippines. This smaller ($8.12bn) bill sets aside $3.3bn for the construction of submarine port infrastructure around the Indo-Pacific and includes roughly $4bn in assistance to Taiwan and regional military partners of the US. Just over a half billion is also provided to directly strengthen US military assets in the region.

In addition, the bill would require ByteDance, the parent company that owns the video app TikTok, to either divest or face a ban in the United States.

At the same time, many senators expressed frustration that the bill came after six months of delays only to be passed nearly unchanged from the original requests to fund support for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific.

Anytime you delay, then you discount the impact that the money can have, Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, told The Independent, even though the US will send more than $60bn to Ukraine. But it wasn't near as efficient as if we just kept the supply chains going.

All the while, demonstrators holding Ukrainian flags stayed outside into the end of the night until after the vote.
Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday

Former President Donald Trump boards his plane at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, following an arraignment in Washington, D.C. federal court on Aug. 3, 2023. Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony criminal charges during his arraignment this afternoon after being indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election (Win McNamee/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Thursday over former President Donald Trumps pursuit of absolute immunity from criminal charges alleging that he schemed and knowingly fed lies to subvert the 2020 presidential election, eventually leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

In the final argument of this term, the justices must consider whether Trump can be tried on criminal charges, and depending on the timing of their decision, whether a trial can move forward before Novembers presidential election.

The former president and presumed 2024 Republican presidential nominee is seeking immunity from charges that include conspiracy to defraud the United States for spreading prolific lies about election fraud, working with co-conspirators to develop fake electors in seven states and pressuring his vice president, Mike Pence, to alter election results using the slates of fake electors.

Oral arguments are at 10 a.m. Eastern in the Supreme Court chamber Thursday, and audio will be live-streamed on the Supreme Court website. Audio and a transcript also will be available later on the site.

Heres a guide to the complicated path from Trumps false election fraud claims that inflamed his supporters to his immunity claim reaching the nations highest court this week:

When was Trump charged?

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump on Aug. 1, 2023.

The 45-page indictment outlined four felony criminal charges against the former president as a result of an investigation of his actions following the November 2020 presidential election. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the U.S., they include:

Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding

Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding

Conspiracy against rights

Trumps pervasive and destabilizing lies about his 2020 presidential election loss to Democrat Joe Biden targeted a bedrock function of the United States federal government: the nations process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of a presidential election, prosecutors wrote.

The indictment details Trumps alleged schemes with co-conspirators to falsify election results in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The indictment also describes a steady pressure campaign to enlist Pence to alter the outcome during his ceremonial role in certifying presidential election results during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, prior to Inauguration Day.

Among the multiple phone calls and conversations detailed in the indictment is Trumps outreach to Pence on both Christmas and New Years Day to send holiday greetings, during which he berated the vice president as too honest for refusing to join the scheme.

Why hasnt the case gone to trial?

Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith said upon the indictments release that he would seek a speedy trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The case began to move, and Trump pleaded not guilty on Aug. 3, 2023 at his arraignment before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya.

District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who waived Trumps appearance at the first hearing on Aug. 28, 2023, set jury selection to begin on March 4 despite protests from Trumps lawyers who asked to delay the trial until January 2026.

However, March has come and gone, and proceedings have been on hold as Trump and his legal team steadily marched his immunity challenge to the high court and hopscotched between the several other criminal and civil cases against him.

Trump, who is currently on trial for criminal charges in New York, will not attend Thursdays Supreme Court arguments. The state judge has mandated Trump to be in the Manhattan courtroom every day throughout the proceedings.

Trumps motion to dismiss his federal election interference case, which he filed in October 2023 and based on the argument of presidential immunity, was denied by Chutkan in early December.

Trump appealed the ruling on Dec. 7, 2023, and Smith quickly asked the Supreme Court justices to leapfrog the appellate court and promptly rule on the question of presidential immunity. The justices denied Smiths request.

On Jan. 9, a three-judge panel  made up of one former President George W. Bush appointee and two Biden picks  grilled Trumps lawyer over claims that former and sitting presidents should be immune from criminal prosecution.

The oral arguments notably featured a line of questioning from Judge Florence Y. Pan on whether a president could order SEAL Team Six to assassinate a political rival with impunity.

In early February, the federal appeals court turned down Trumps immunity argument.

The former president then asked the Supreme Court to pause his federal trial while he requested a hearing before a full panel of appeals judges.

But the justices decided on Feb. 28 that they would be the final arbiters and scheduled arguments for the last week of the term.

Trumps federal trial would meanwhile remain on hold.

What do the critics say about the delay?

Critics contend that Trumps quest for immunity has been an exercise in delaying his trial until after the November 2024 presidential election.

Its much more about that than this underlying immunity claim, said Tom Joscelyn, senior fellow at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University and former senior staff member on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now, weve had to delay the federal trial for a couple of months because theyre taking up this claim, Joscelyn told States Newsroom, as he lambasted the legal community for having these navel-gazing arguments for hours on end over stuff that is obviously nonsense.

Theres no way a president, current or former president, can be immune from charges that stem from that president seeking to overturn the will of the American people in a democratically held election, and thats what these charges are all about, said Joscelyn, one of the principal authors of the select committees Jan. 6 report. Nothing is more unconstitutional.

Former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was vice chair of the Jan. 6 select committee, published an op-ed in the New York Times Monday urging the justices to swiftly rule on the immunity question.

If delay prevents this Trump case from being tried this year, the public may never hear critical and historic evidence developed before the grand jury, and our system may never hold the man most responsible for Jan. 6 to account, the Wyoming Republican wrote.

What arguments will Supreme Court justices hear?

Trump and supporters of the presidential immunity argument paint a doomsday picture of a hamstrung executive office should the justices decide that a president can be held criminally accountable.

The former president maintains that the framers of the U.S. Constitution intended a strong executive to face virtually no liability from the judicial branch, and that a 234-year unbroken tradition of not prosecuting presidents bolsters his case.

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, Trumps attorneys wrote in March.

They wrote later in the brief: Even if some level of Presidential malfeasance, not present in this case at all, were to escape punishment, that risk is inherent in the Constitutions design.

Trumps lawyers argue that the only exception that makes a president vulnerable to criminal prosecution is if he or she is first impeached and convicted.

The former president was impeached by the U.S. House twice  the second time for inciting an insurrection on Jan. 6. He was acquitted by the U.S. Senate on both occasions.

In his response, special counsel Smith characterized Trumps arguments as radical and akin to the monarchy rule that the U.S. broke away from at its birth.

If petitioner were correct that the former President has permanent immunity from federal criminal prosecution except after his impeachment and Senate conviction  which has never happened  it would upset the separation of powers and usher in a regime that would have been anathema to the Framers, Smith wrote.

Impeachment, Smith wrote, is a political remedy and not intended to provide accountability under the ordinary course of the law.

History also illustrates that presidents have presumed they must follow the law, the special counsel argued.

Following the Watergate scandal, former President Richard Nixons acceptance of a pardon implied his and President Fords recognition that a former President was subject to prosecution, Smith wrote.

Who is weighing in on the case?

The case has attracted nearly 50 friend-of-the-court filings, otherwise known as amici briefs.

Like supporters of the immunity argument, opponents similarly envision a bleak future for the presidency, and the nation, if the ruling doesnt go their way.

Twenty-six former U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, lawmakers and others, who were either elected Republicans or served during GOP administrations, warned of terrifying possibilities that would endanger the nations hallmark peaceful transfers of power.

Under former President Trumps view of absolute immunity, future first-term Presidents would be encouraged to violate federal criminal statutes by employing the military and armed federal agents to remain in power, they wrote.

Several retired four-star generals also argued that absolute immunity for a commander-in-chief would result in irreparably harming the trust fundamental to civil-military relations if he or she ordered generals to direct troops unlawfully.

Immunizing the Commander-in-Chief from criminal prosecution, as Petitioner argues for here, would fly in the face of that duty, creating the likelihood that service members will be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between following their Commander-in-Chief and obeying the laws enacted by Congress, the generals wrote.

Filings in support of the former president insist the criminal charges against Trump are partisan and warn of opening the proverbial floodgates of politically motivated cases against presidents if immunity is not granted.

Several state attorneys general accused the Department of Justice of timing the case with Trumps 2024 presidential run.

The lengthy delay in bringing charges  followed by an unexplained rush to take him to trial, gives credence to the concern that factional interests can drive criminal investigations and prosecutions of the President for his official acts, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall wrote in a brief co-signed by 17 other Republican attorneys general.

They include: Ashley Moody of Florida, Raul R. Labrador of Idaho, Theodore E. Rokita of Indiana, Brenna Bird of Iowa, Kris Kobach of Kansas, Liz Murrill of Louisiana, Lynn Fitch of Mississippi, Andrew Bailey of Missouri, Austin Knudsen of Montana, Michael T. Hilgers of Nebraska, Drew Wrigley of North Dakota, Gentner Drummond of Oklahoma, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Marty J. Jackley of South Dakota, Ken Paxton of Texas, Sean D. Reyes of Utah and Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican and chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, contends that the Constitution already dictates a process of accountability for the president through impeachment.

The fact that the Senate acquitted Trump over his actions surrounding Jan. 6, 2021, should have ended the matter, Daines and the NRSC wrote.

Not every impeachment inquiry will result in the punishment that a Presidents political opponents believe he deserves, but that is not a reason for prosecutors and the courts to go hunting for an alternative.

The post Trumps claims of presidential immunity to be probed at U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday appeared first on Missouri Independent.